Woman Convicted for Voter Fraud Scheme

A federal jury in Sioux City, Iowa, convicted an Iowa woman today for a voter fraud scheme during the Iowa 2020 primary and general elections.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kim Phuong Taylor, 49, of Sioux City, perpetrated a scheme to fraudulently generate votes for her husband in the primary election for Iowas 4th U.S. Congressional District in June 2020. After Taylors husband lost in the primary, he ran for Woodbury County Supervisor in the 2020 general election and Taylor again engaged in ballot fraud, causing absentee ballots to be fraudulently requested and cast. Taylor submitted or caused others to submit dozens of voter registrations, absentee ballot request forms, and absentee ballots containing false information. Taylor completed and signed voter forms without voters permission and told others that they could sign on behalf of relatives who were not present.

The jury convicted Taylor of 26 counts of providing false information in registering and voting, three counts of fraudulent registration, and 23 counts of fraudulent voting. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBIs Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office, and Acting Inspector in Charge Brad Mahs of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division made the announcement.

The FBI Omaha Field Office and USPIS Denver Division investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and Lauren M. Castaldi of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons for the Northern District of Iowa are prosecuting the case.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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Estonian authorities continue their preparations to close the border between Estonia and Russia in the city of Narva, establishing additional barriers on the bridge, on 24 November.

Source: European Pravda with reference to ERR

Details: The first concrete pyramids appeared on the bridge in Narva on the evening of 16 November, after 19 citizens of Somalia and Syria arrived at the eastern border of Estonia and tried to enter the country without legal grounds.

Earlier the police and border guards in the county of Ida-Virumaa, which includes Narva, said that they were preparing for the possible closure of the border checkpoint.

Quote: "We are closely monitoring what is happening at the border, because Russia is carrying out migration pressure against Estonia and Finland, sending people who do not have the right to enter the European Union to our border. Since last week, several large groups have tried to enter Estonia," they added.

The barriers are also being prepared due to the fact that the Russian checkpoint in Ivangorod on the border with Estonia will be closed for reconstruction starting 1 February.

The Estonian government said earlier that they were ready to close the border with Russia after Finland, but so far there had been no good reason.

Finnish border guards previously reported that in recent months, an exceptionally large number of people without entry documents had tried to enter Finland through checkpoints on the southeastern border.

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Charles Michel, European Council President, will arrive in Budapest on Monday for bilateral talks with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban as part of efforts to prepare for a European Council meeting.

Source: Ecaterina Casinge, spokesperson for the European Council president, on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda

"On Monday, European Council President Charles Michel will be travelling to Hungary for a bilateral meeting with PM Viktor Orban in preparation of the European Council."

On Monday, @eucopresident @CharlesMichel will be travelling to Hungary for a bilateral meeting with @PM_ViktorOrban in preparation of the European Council.  Ecaterina Casinge (@ecasinge) November 23, 2023

Background:

The visit follows Orban's recent letter to Michel, in which the Hungarian prime minister vowed to block all EU aid to Ukraine and the country's future accession to the EU unless EU leaders agree to revise their entire support strategy for Kyiv.

EU leaders will address these issues during a 14-15 December summit.

The Hungarian government has also initiated domestic "consultations" with the population, focused on support for Ukraine's EU membership.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Europe should not be afraid of working with China because of competition, foreign minister Wang Yi said at a press briefing on Friday with his French counterpart in Beijing.

"China's position is clear, we will adhere to our support of Europe's strategic autonomy," Wang said when asked about China's view of its relationship with Europe.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna was visiting the Chinese capital, and earlier met Premier Li Qiang with whom she discussed a broad range of topics including rebalancing France's economic relationship with the world's second largest economy.

China, facing trade issues with the European Union, has also been called out for its non-transparent laws on foreign businesses operating in the country.

"We will listen to the voices of European businesses, earnestly solve problems of foreign investors in China," Wang said.

European officials have repeatedly vowed to reduce economic dependence on China in critical sectors.

"Of course there will be competition in cooperation, but we should not be afraid of cooperation because of competition. The biggest risk we need to get rid of is the uncertainty brought by broad politicisation," Wang said, adding that the dependency most in need of reduction is protectionism.

Wang said China maintains normal friendly relations with all countries including Iran and Russia, as well as France.

We believe that as long as China and Europe join hands, there will be no camp confrontation, there will be no world divisions and there will be no new Cold War," he said.

Wang also said he hopes to deepen traditional exchanges with France in civil nuclear and aerospace and explore emerging areas such as education and scientific research.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen, Ethan Wang and Bernard Orr; editing by Christina Fincher)
Amsterdam-Rotterdam-London, the fastest-growing of Eurostars intercity routes, is to close for around six months, Dutch Railways (NS) has announced.

Eurostar trains will run empty on the route between June 2024 and January 2025, picking up London-bound travellers on arrival in Brussels.

Eurostar says passengers will still be able to travel outbound from London to both Dutch cities.

Refurbishment of Centraal station in the Dutch capital is responsible for the closure. There will not be sufficient space to handle London-bound passengers at the station, given the more intensive post-Brexit formalities.

For several months negotiations have been going on between NS, Eurostar, the Dutch infrastructure provider ProRail and the Dutch government.

An NS statement read: Unfortunately, we have had to conclude that despite all efforts, there will be a period in which there will be no direct train to London from Amsterdam. That period is expected to be six months (approximately June 2024January 2025).

That is very disappointing because we have worked hard in recent years to make the Eurostar to London an attractive alternative to the plane. It is a particularly difficult puzzle to solve. If there had been a simple solution, all parties would have seized it with both hands. Unfortunately, after various investigations, that simple solution appears not to exist.

We have jointly chosen to take a step back in the second half of 2024 and not run a Eurostar directly to London for a while.

The new, large terminal will be ready from January 2025 and we will have the opportunity to allow many more travel;ers to travel directly from Amsterdam to London. In this way we make Eurostar an even more attractive alternative to the plane for many more travellers.

Until that happens, passengers from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London will need to change trains in Brussels.

Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar Group, said: Eurostar has always aimed to find a solution that would have the least possible impact on customers, the environment and its business. We acknowledge that a final decision has been made.

We are pleased that the discussions have shortened the gap in services between Amsterdam and London from 12 to six months and we continue to work on reducing the inconvenience for passengers, local residents and the economy of Amsterdam and surrounding areas.

|t is very important that all the parties involved are responsible and supportive of each other to meet the deadlines.

Our focus must now turn to how we can offer the best experience and journey connections for Eurostar customers in this period. As part of this work, we will still run services directly between London and Amsterdam one way as a minimum.
The sixth season and final season of The Crown portrays the heartbreaking moment Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind Princess Dianas casket during their mothers funeral procession.

The historical drama returns to Netflix on 16 November with the first four episodes of season six, followed by the final six episodes on 14 December. The last season of The Crown is set between the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, and features Princess Dianas final moments before her untimely death in 1997.

The late Princess of Wales (played by Elizabeth Debicki) died age 36, following a high-speed car crash in a Paris tunnel. The fatal car crash also took the lives of her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed (played by Khalid Abdalla), and their chauffeur Henri Paul. The accident shocked the world and led to an outpouring of public grief, as many royal fans turned their attention to the British royal family - especially Dianas sons, William and Harry.

Prince William and Prince Harry were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, when they lost their mother. For Dianas funeral on 6 September 1997, the young royals were instructed to walk behind their mothers casket. William and Harry joined the funeral procession at St Jamess Palace alongside their father, the then-Prince of Wales; Dianas brother, Earl Spencer; and their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, until the cortege arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Nearly 26 years later, the decision to allow the young boys to take part in the funeral procession has remained controversial. Earl Spencer previously told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that it was a very bizarre and cruel thing for Dianas two sons to be asked to walk behind her body, and suggested he was lied to about the boys desire to take part in the procession.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was reportedly very concerned for his grandsons well-being and was initially against the idea of them walking in the funeral procession. We were all talking about how William and Harry should be involved and suddenly came Prince Philips voice, a former government relations director told The Evening Standard, recalling a conference call with the duke ahead of the funeral. We hadnt heard from him before, but he was really anguished. Its about the boys, he cried. Theyve lost their mother.

(AFP via Getty Images)

The duke is then said to have turned to William and Harry at dinner the night before the funeral, telling them: Ill walk if you walk.

Although many members of the royal family and British aristocracy have opened up about the devastating funeral, which was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, the ones whose voices matter the most are none other than Dianas sons: William and Harry.

Heres everything William and Harry have said about Princess Dianas funeral.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about the lasting effects his mothers funeral had on his mental health. Back in 2017 - long before Prince Harry shared many details about Dianas death in his best-selling memoir, Spare - he maintained that no child shouldve been asked to do what he and his brother did that day.

My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television, he told Newsweek. I dont think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I dont think it would happen today.

Harry opened up about the trauma of Dianas funeral in the Apple TV+ docu-series, The Me You Cant See. Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry revealed that he had struggled with sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world.

When my mum was taken away from me at the age of 12, just before my 13th birthday, I didnt want the life, Harry recalled. Sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world

Harry then shared with Winfrey what he remembers most from that day. For me, the thing I remember the most was the sound of the horses hooves going along the mall, red brick road, he said. The duke revealed that he felt like he was outside of his body and just doing what was expected of him at the time, saying: It was like I was outside of my body and just walking along, doing what was expected of me, showing one-tenth of the emotion everybody else was showing.

Speaking about the public outpouring of grief for the late Princess of Wales, he said: I was like, this is my mum. You never even met her.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Harry later claimed in his memoir Spare, which was released in January 2023, that his father didnt hug him and he felt like a politician as he greeted members of the public in the wake of her death. However, he recalled turning to his older brother for strength during the devastating procession. I remember feeling numb. I remember clenching my fists. I remember keeping a little piece of Willy in the corner of my eye because it gave me strength, he wrote.

Being the older brother and heir to the British throne, Prince William has a different recollection of his mothers funeral than Harry. Much like Harry, William admitted that he felt completely numb following his mothers death. In a BBC documentary marking the 20th anniversary of Dianas passing, the now-Prince of Wales said that walking behind his mothers casket was one of the hardest things Ive ever done.

He recalled how his 15-year-old self used his long fringe as a safety blanket during the very long, lonely walk to Westminster Abbey. I felt if I looked at the floor and my hair came down over my face, no one could see me, William said.

When an alternative plan was suggested to have just William walk alone behind the casket, Harry objected - saying he didnt want his older brother to go through the heartbreaking moment on his own. It didnt seem right that Willy would have such a hard time without me, Harry wrote in Spare.

However, the heir to the British throne noted that it ultimately was the royal familys duty to take part in the service. William told the BBC: It wasnt an easy decision and it was a sort of collective family decision to do that. There is that balance between duty and family and thats what we had to do.

The balance, he added, was between me being Prince William and having to do my bit, versus the private William who just wanted to go into a room and cry, whod lost his mother.

Much has changed since the passing of Princess Diana in 1997. William and Harry, once united by grief, are now farther apart than ever before - both in their relationship and geographically, as the Duke of Sussex now lives in the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.

Following Prince Philips death in April 2021, the feuding brothers were reunited when they walked the funeral procession behind their grandfathers casket. However, this time was different, as William reportedly requested that another member of the royal family walk between him and Harry. They were separated by Princess Annes son and their cousin, Peter Phillips.

But just one year later, the brothers were reunited again for their grandmothers funeral procession in September 2022. William and Harry stood side by side despite their long-running rift, reminding fellow mourners of their mothers funeral procession 25 years earlier.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - Lawyers for former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao are urging a U.S. judge to reject the Justice Department's request to bar him from returning to his home in the United Arab Emirates until he is sentenced for violating anti-money laundering requirements.

Zhao's lawyers in a Thursday filing asked U.S. District Judge Richard Jones in Seattle not to reverse bail conditions set by a magistrate judge on Tuesday that would allow him to leave the U.S. while awaiting sentencing.

Zhao, a citizen of the UAE and Canada, stepped down as CEO of Binance on Tuesday after pleading guilty to willfully causing the global cryptocurrency exchange to fail to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program.

U.S. authorities said Binance broke U.S. anti-money laundering and sanctions laws and failed to report more than 100,000 suspicious transactions with organizations the U.S. described as terrorist groups including Hamas, al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The company as part of a plea deal agreed to pay more than $4.3 billion. Zhao has agreed to pay a $150 million penalty to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and prosecutors in a Wednesday filing said he faces up to 18 months in prison.

The Justice Department has asked Jones by Monday to reverse a decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida to allow Zhao to return home to the UAE ahead of his Feb. 23 sentencing after he agreed to release him on a $175 million bail bond.

The government said it may be unable to secure his return if he chooses not to come back to the U.S. for sentencing, given that it has no extradition treaty with the UAE and Zhao is a multi-billionaire with significant assets.

But Zhao's lawyers argued that the former CEO had demonstrated he was not a flight risk by agreeing to a "substantial" bail package and by voluntarily coming to the U.S. to accept responsibility for his actions.

Allowing Zhao to return to the UAE would allow him to take care of his partner and three children and prepare them for his sentencing, defense lawyers argued.

The Justice Department responded in a brief on Friday that its decision at Tuesday's hearing to recommend Zhao remain free before sentencing was "exceptional" and was only because it believed the risk of flight he posed could be "managed" by restricting his travel.

"In the vast majority of cases, a multi-billionaire defendant who has pleaded guilty, faces possible prison time, and lives in a country that does not extradite its citizens to the United States would be detained," Justice Department lawyers said.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Marguerita Choy and Daniel Wallis)
Johannesburg  Imprisoned former Paralympic gold medalist and Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was granted parole on Friday, but the South African parole board said the decision would not take effect until Jan. 5. The board made its decision on the Olympic runner's fate more than 10 years after he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013.

The board had been expected to consider his conduct and disciplinary record in prison, his participation in educational or other training courses, his mental and physical state, whether they believed he was likely to relapse into crime and the risk he poses to the public.

South Africa's national Department of Correctional Services said in a statement that the parole made its decision, "having assessed Mr. Pistorius' profile and other material submitted for the purposes of parole consideration," and noted that he was a "first time offender with a positive support system."

Steenkamp's mother June did not address the parole board directly Friday, but a representative read out a family impact statement in which June said: "Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly, with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof. Nobody can claim to have remorse if they're not able to engage fully with the truth."

The Department of Correctional Services said the athlete would "complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires."

Social workers inspected his uncle Arno Pistorius' property in Pretoria earlier this year, which is where he'll serve out the remainder of his sentence under the parole conditions. The terms of parole vary in South Africa but can include an electronic tag to monitor movements and a ban on making money from media interviews about the individual's incarceration.

The televised 2014 trial had viewers around the world glued to the courtroom video feed as prosecutors argued that the athlete, known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, had deliberately shot his girlfriend through a locked bathroom door. Pistorius maintained throughout that it was a terrible accident and that he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder.

He was ultimately convicted of murder after prosecutors successfully appealed an initial conviction for culpable homicide, a lesser charge comparable to manslaughter in the U.S. He was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison in 2017, which took into account time he'd already served behind bars during the appeal process.

The double amputee, who turned 37 on Wednesday, lost his first bid for parole in March when the Department of Correctional service said he had not completed the minimum detention period to be eligible for parole. Inmates in South Africa must serve half their sentence to be eligible. Authorities decided in March that half of Pistorius' sentence would be measured from his last conviction, but the Constitutional Court overturned that ruling last month, saying the date must be determined from the first day an inmate begins serving time in prison.

Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Pistorius has been serving his sentence at Atteridgeville Prison, west of Pretoria.

The year before he killed his model girlfriend, Pistorius was a star of the London Olympics, achieving global recognition for being the first double amputee to run against able-bodied sprinters.

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Military and humanitarian supplies are the only kinds of cargo allowed to pass through blocked checkpoints on the Polish border, This was a condition written in the permit for the continued strike of Polish hauliers.

Source: Serhii Derkach, Ukraines Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, on the air of Ukrainska Pravda talk show

Quote: "All cargoes, except for military and humanitarian supplies, are blocked. However, while military aid is allowed through, there is another problem: empty trucks returning after transporting humanitarian and military cargo are not allowed to pass.

They [protesters  ed.] also do not allow dangerous cargoes to pass through, such as fuel and petrol tank trucks. These hauliers were granted permission to go on with their strike under these conditions. But we see a lot of cases when humanitarian cargo is not allowed through, dangerous cargo is not allowed through at all, they are in the general queue."

Details: According to Derkach, an average of one car per hour crosses the border.

So far, 20 drivers have filled out an evacuation form. They will be taken by buses to Ukraine and then returned to their vehicles.

Derkach also said that among the hauliers blocking Ukrainian trucks are those who want to enter the Ukrainian market after being banned from operating in Russia and Belarus.

Quote: "As they said at one of the meetings, they are carriers who live close to the border and have been working for the markets of Belarus and Russia all along."

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At first sight, the nearly four acres of farmland in this rural hamlet in northeast Haiti resembles more of a desert than a thriving agricultural experiment. The soil is brown and barren, battered by a lack of water and neglect.

But walk further inland and the seemingly lifeless terrain soon turns green: Cabbages and pumpkins rise out of the ground, papayas hang from trees and workers plant rows of hot peppers in the freshly plowed dirt as a generator hisses in the background.

A year ago, such a lush landscape was unimaginable for Fransik Moncher, a farmer and father of seven who couldnt even grow fiery habanero peppers because they quickly died.

All that changed the day a group of entrepreneurs decided to take a gamble to launch a socioeconomic experiment with the goal of answering a simple, but daunting question: What if a Haitian farmer, like Moncher, had everything he needed to be a successful grower?

That farmer who has the land, how do you get him to upgrade his way of production  and how do we recuperate that cost? said Maxwell Marcelin, one of the entrepreneurs.

From left to right: Geoffrey Handal, farmer Fransik Moncher and Maxwell Marcelin. Handal and Marcelin, who formed the company AGRILOG, are working with farmers like Moncher in northern Haiti to help them improve techniques for growing peppers and other produce.

The quest for the answers has birthed an unusual partnership among four Port-au-Prince-based friends and entrepreneurs, and local farmers and agronomists in northern Haiti. Together, they are pushing locally grown peppers and sweet potatoes while also aiding farmers like Moncher in transforming their sun-scorched land, restoring hope in the only livelihood theyve known: agriculture.

Though 75% of Haitis population lives in rural areas, the country cant feed itself. Nearly half of the population, 4.9 million people, are experiencing acute hunger, according to the United Nations. The blame, the U.N. says, can be placed on a number of factors, including poor irrigation systems, lack of capital, political instability and the intensifying gang violence that has spread beyond the capital of Port-au-Prince to rural areas.

In areas where gangs are not occupying farmland or distribution routes, small-scale farmers are fighting to grow crops with limited or no government support. Crops fail due to increasingly frequent and severe droughts and tropical storms, and higher-than-average temperatures.

None of it makes for a hopeful scenario where agriculture can once more become the driving economic force in the countryside.

Everybody is locked into the idea that it cant be done, said Geoffrey Handal, the accounting and logistics expert in the friends group, who challenges such pessimism. We have all of the qualified agronomists, we have all of the techniques needed, we have all of the land, we have all of the water, we have everything.

While Haitis capital is overrun by gangs, in the north entrepreneurs and farmers are trying to focus on its economic potential. Peppers like these growing in a field in Paulette, Haiti are being grown for both the local and export markets.

Handal and Marcelin launched their experiment with Moncher, and also invested in cultivating hot peppers and sweet potatoes about 30 miles to the east of Cap-Haitien in Paulette, a rural village once known for its old sisal plantations. Theyve dubbed their socioeconomic lab Ayiti Demen  The Haiti of Tomorrow.

Total despair

When Marcelin first arrived at Monchers farm in Limonade, the northeast city that is part of the Marihaboux Plain, he believed, like the farmer, that the land was unworkable.

It was total despair, Marcelin said, as a group of workers dig a hole on a dirt mound to plant habanero pepper trees. He said every time he tried to plant, there was no rain and he would lose his harvest.

Refusing to accept that the expansive plot was a wasteland, Marcelin and Handal began to think about how they could help. Moncher not only needed seeds, but also financing. But most importantly, he needed a steady supply of water so he wouldnt have to depend on rains.

Thats the basis of agriculture. Otherwise its like youre playing the lottery waiting for rain, Marcelin said.

Farmers in Haiti have always struggled to make a living off their crops. But with help from a group of fellow Haitians, they are hoping to see their fortunes turn.

In Haiti, crops failed not just because of too little or too much rainfall, but also due to a lack of access to irrigation, even when water is available.

Just across the border 45 minutes away in the Dominican Republic farmers are successful, Marcelin said, so the issue is not the availability of water.

The only thing is there is no investment on our side of the border to bring the water to the producers, he said.

(This is why farmers in the region have been constructing a controversial canal off the nearby Massacre River, which divides Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in hopes of exploiting the potential of the once-lush Marihaboux Plain.)

Armed with a study showing that there was indeed water under Monchers arid land, the group sprang into action. Magalie Dresse, a well-known designer who works with women artisans, helped with financing. Handal, who is also experimenting with producing a bank of high-quality seedlings, provided the seeds. And Marcelin crunched the numbers. With a background in management economics, he wanted to show Moncher that he could have a successful harvest and rely on it for income to feed his family.

We provided him with a well, a submersible pump, a generator a propane one because there is no gas, Marcelin said. He has the support of one of our agronomists to help him on what to do and what not to do. We plowed his field.

Maxwell Marcelin, left, and Geoffrey Handal visit an agriculture field in Paulette, Haiti, where they are growing peppers and sweet potatoes for the local and export market.

The contributions have not gone unnoticed. Since January, Moncher has grown more than 2,000 pounds of habanero peppers in addition to other fruits and vegetables.

They backed me up, he said, flashing a smile and standing upright in his field. I could not have accomplished this on my own. I could not have dug a well because I dont have the means to do that.

Whereas before he saw despair, he now sees hope.

My children are starting to eat and I am beginning to make some money. If they tell me they are hungry, I can come here, grab two or three papayas and sell them to find money to buy food, Moncher said.

The groups initial investment of about 480,000 gourdes  about $3,600  is expected to bring Moncher about $7,000 in sales, which he will make from selling his habanero peppers to AGRILOG/Ets JB Vital, S.A., the company that Marcelin and Handal use to export peppers to Miami.

A group of young entrepreneurs from Port-au-Prince is helping farmers in northern Haiti grow peppers. This variety, known as Piman Bouk, is among the peppers being developed in Paulette, Haiti.

This is someone weve taken out of poverty when we gave him this opportunity, Marcelin said.

Because we invested in Fransik, he adds, walking through the papaya trees, weve created an oasis.

From coffee to sweet potatoes

Growing up in a poverty-stricken Haiti as a member of a well-off family, Handal knew he was blessed, a feeling hes wanted to share with others.

Ive always felt like every Haitian should have it and we should show the world this is how we live, he said.

For 200 years, the Handal family exported coffee, once among the islands most lucrative cash crops. But deforestation, natural disasters and the increasing need for coffee to be grown at higher elevations due to warming temperatures led to a rapid decline in coffee production. In 2008, Handal said the family was shipping 33 cargo containers of coffee beans each season.

A year later, before the devastating 2010 earthquake further decimated production, the family shipped only two containers because we couldnt find any coffee.

Farmers in Haiti have always struggled to make a living off their crops. But with help from a group of fellow Haitians, they are hoping to see their fortunes turn.

Handel said that an investigation into the demise of Haitis coffee market led him to conclude that the family needed to invest in agricultural production. But more than a decade went by before he revisited the idea of exports, spending most of the time working in the familys shipping business in Port-au-Prince.

I realized the only two things we could export here would be, first of all, textiles and second, agriculture, he said. He decided on the agriculture route as a way to boost his export volume. It was purely a logistic play to see what could I do to get containers full of agriculture products out of Haiti.

Then he met Marcelin, who pitched him on growing peppers and sweet potatoes, and helping farmers boost their harvest.

The Dominican Republic is the same size, same economy as Haiti and there is no reason why we cant reach that level of GDP, Handal said. If we do this right, if we invest properly in Haiti in 20 years, we can have 10% GDP growth every year. With that measure, this is how billionaires get made. This is how you create a real economy.

Maxwell Marcelin and his wife, Kalinda Magloire, who focuses on producing clean-cooking stoves, are among four friends from Port-au-Prince now working with farmers in north Haiti to help them find better techniques to grow crops.

Marcelin said he became interested in agriculture through the work of his wife, Kalinda Magloire. She is the founder of a clean cooking social enterprise known as SWITCH, which encourages Haitians to move away from charcoal in favor of propane.

One of the effects of Haitis declining agricultural sector is that when farmers cant cultivate their land, they turn to cutting their trees down for charcoal production, which gives them about $400 every two years. For farmers to stop cutting trees to survive, said Marcelin, they need a path to production to get replace that revenue.

Cutting down the trees is the easiest choice today because he doesnt have money to invest, so he just lets the trees grow and then every two years, he sells them, he said. But if he had the financing, the know-how and access to market, he would have an alternative.

When we were presenting clean cooking as an alternative, the question we were always presented with was, What about the farmer who lives off charcoal?  Marcelin adds. This is why we started thinking about agriculture.

Bringing back the Scotch bonnet, saving the Bouk

About 17 miles to the east of Limonade along National Highway 6 in the rural community of Paulette is the for-profit side of Marcelin and Handals vision. Together with the Peasant Movement for the Development of Paulette they are growing sweet potato and several varieties of pepper, including the high-in-demand Piman Bouk, whose first shipment arrived in Miami in April.

Despite the demand for Bouk, it is hard to find, said Handal, who has built a nursery to provide high quality pepper seeds.

Today, even if a farmer wants to go plant Bouk, he wont find quality seeds to do it, Handal said.

The entrepreneurs also want to bring back production of the Caribbean Scotch bonnet, a variety of chili pepper. According to local lore, the Scotch bonnet, popular in Jamaica, was bountiful around Cap-Haitien before the Haitian revolution but soon disappeared after Haiti won its independence from France in 1804.

The two are also working on exporting sweet potato, which for now is being sold on the local market as they continue to improve the yield for export to Europe with the help of agronomists from Honduras, who have expertise in growing the vegetable.

Geoffrey Handal is among four friends from Port-au-Prince, Haiti who have come together to launch a socioeconomic lab focused on helping farmers in northern Haiti access expertise and new techniques to grow crops.

To make the agricultural project work, the duo invested in a drip irrigation system, similar to whats used in the Dominican Republic, and fertilizer. They also brought onboard interns from the nearby University of Limonade to assist and to learn.

The financial model, which Handal came up with, calls for the Paulette farmers to get 30% of sales.

At the end of the day, when you look at the investment, it comes up to 50-50 in terms of profits, Marcelin said. In Paulette, its a Fransik Moncher magnified. We created jobs but the profit sharing is for the whole organization.... Everyone who is in the ecosystem is making money.

A group of young entrepreneurs from Port-au-Prince are working with farmers in northern Haiti to help them grow various varieties of peppers including habanero.

Handal also sees another important result.

For me as long as the community is involved, thats all you need, he said.

The two also focus on finding creative ways to get around problems. After some of the habaneros and Piman Bouk ripened before they could be shipped out, Marcelin and Handal decided to go into the pepper sauce business.

A group of young entrepreneurs from Port-au-Prince are helping farmers in northern Haiti grow peppers. This variety known as Piman Bouk, is among the peppers being developed in Paulette, Haiti. l 2023 by the company AGRILOG.

With their next harvest less than 30 days away, they are hoping the sweet potatoes will be ready so they can be shipped out. If not, they will just continue to sell it locally.

The effort is a bet that this country will not die, which is a bit of a leap of faith these days. But if its not going to die, its going to grow at some point, Handal said. And thats why we invest.
As Black Friday shoppers bustled about Crabtree Valley Mall, reports began to circulate about a possible shooting at the mall. But is this true?

Heres what we know:

Were shots fired at the mall?

No, according to the watch commander for the Raleigh Police Department, no shots were fired at Crabtree Vallley Mall. Officers on the scene confirmed that no shots were fired and no one was injured.

This is not the first time false gun shots have been reported at Crabtree Valley Mall. In August 2022, police responded to reports of gunshots one evening but after evacuating the mall, found no evidence of shots fired.

What happened?

According to the watch commander, pro-Palestinian protesters made their way to the food court and began calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Police said the protesters used bullhorns and were shouting before knocking over a table, triggering panic .at the mall. Likely, the watch commander said, shoppers mistook the sound of the table being knocked over for gunshots.

Shoppers began running to take cover. The mall was sent into a partial lockdown while police investigated.

The protesters were eventually ushered out by police without incident.

When will the mall reopen?

Operations ceased only temporarily while police investigated the incident. The mall is currently open.
Mostly false

A new ad from the National Republican Senatorial Committee claims U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin voted to send hundreds of millions of dollars to Iran that was then used to financially back radical groups including Hamas, a militant group in Gaza designated as a terror group by the United States.

The ad, released on Nov. 8, 2023, comes on the heels of Hamas Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Baldwin voted to send hundreds of millions to Iran, the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism, bankrolling radicals like Hezbollah and Hamas, a voiceover narrates in the ad.

There are two agreements to consider when examining whether this claim about Baldwin is true.

Lets examine both.

U.S. agreement to release $6 billion in Iranian funds and free American prisoners

First, the ad references the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which brought scrutiny to a U.S. agreement with Iran made in August. The deal, made by President Joe Biden, secured freedom for five U.S. citizens detained in Iran in exchange for allowing the country to access $6 billion of its own funds.

The funds were not taxpayer dollars but rather Iranian oil revenue frozen in a South Korean bank. The money has been frozen since 2019, when former President Donald Trump imposed a ban on Iranian oil exports and sanctions on its banking sector.

But the money never made it to Iran, and Baldwin never voted on the agreement.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin speaks at the roundtable discussion on the Wisconsin Biotech Hub application following the tour of the Rockwell Automation's Rockwell Automation's automation and materials sciences labs Wednesday.

The $6 billion was transferred out of South Korea when U.S. hostages were returned in mid-September. The money was transferred to Qatar, a Middle East nation that sits across the Persian Gulf from Iran, not Iran itself.

However, the Biden administration and Qatar agreed to hold the money in Qatars central bank and prevent Iran from accessing it, officials announced Oct. 12, days after the initial attack.

Notably, Baldwin was one of the first U.S. senators to urge the Biden administration refreeze the money after the Hamas attacks on Israel. She joined a bipartisan group of 13 senators in an Oct. 13 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Even if Iran had received the money, the deal required Iran to only use it for humanitarian items, such as medicine and food.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in September there are strict Treasury Department safeguards in place to ensure the money is spent on humanitarian goods, despite warnings from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi that Iran would spend the money however it saw fit.

Still, critics of the deal argue the money is fungible. Put simply, that means Iran could spend its existing money on allowed goods but turn around and use those goods for an illegitimate purpose.

Foreign policy analysts previously told PolitiFact National fungibility is a legitimate concern in this case.

However, Andrew Kydd, a University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor, added a caveat to fungibility.This still frees up their budget constraint to spend other money on other things, Kydd wrote in an email to us. But by this logic anyone who buys something at Walmart is supporting the Chinese nuclear arsenal.

Again, though, the $6 billion released in August has not made it to Iran.

2015 Iran nuclear agreement

In 2015, Baldwin voted with Democrats against a Republican effort to block Democratic former President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran. Republicans failed to get the 60 votes needed to block the deal, which lifted U.S. sanctions on Iran in exchange for limiting Irans nuclear capabilities.

The 2015 agreement didnt send money to Iran but rather freed up Iranian assets previously frozen under sanctions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told lawmakers in July 2015 that Iran would gain access to an estimated $56 billion under the deal, though other estimates from Iranian officials placed that number lower.

Republican former President Donald Trump later pulled out of the deal in 2018.

Tammy Baldwin may not like being held accountable, but she cant hide from her record of voting to send millions of dollars to the worlds leading sponsor of terror groups like Hamas, NRSC spokesman Tate Mitchell told us in an email.

But did the freed funds go to Hamas and Hezbollah? That part is less clear.

It is true that Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and Iran is a longtime sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, as the ad claims. The U.S. State Department cited Iran as the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism in a 2017 report, a fact mentioned in the ad.

The department did not identify any specific nation as the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism in a similar 2021 report.

The ad also uses visual and audio editing to suggest the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks are tied to Iran, which is currently a disputed claim.

Its possible Iran could have helped Hamas orchestrate the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, though Iran has denied involvement. Unnamed Hamas and Hezbollah sources told The Wall Street Journal in October the group received direct support from Iran to conduct its attack, and the paper reported Iranian security officials helped plan and execute the assault.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN on Oct. 8, 2023 the U.S. hasnt seen definitive proof of Iranian involvement, though he added Hamas wouldn't be around in the way that it is without the support that it's received from Iran over the years.

It is technically possible some of the funds received from the 2015 nuclear deal may have gone to state-sponsored terrorism, as top U.S. government officials at the time admitted they couldnt fully stop Iran from doing so.

However, we could not find concrete evidence directly tying funds received from the 2015 nuclear deal to money Iran gave to Hezbollah or Hamas. That means its difficult to connect Baldwins vote directly to bankrolling radicals  though, as we mentioned above, fungibility may apply.

Furthermore, since this money did not come from the U.S. but instead consisted of unlocked Iranian funds, its misleading to say Baldwin voted to send the money. She voted to defend a deal that would give Iran access to its own funds in exchange for more oversight over Irans nuclear operations.

Our ruling

An ad from the NRSC claimed Baldwin voted to send hundreds of millions to Iran, the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism, bankrolling radicals like Hezbollah and Hamas.

While Baldwin voted for the Iran nuclear deal in 2015 and an agreement to return U.S. prisoners held by Iran in August 2023, both agreements unfroze Iranian funds held in foreign banks due to sanctions.

And, in the case of the 2023 deal, the funds were stalled via an Oct. 12 agreement with Qatar, meaning Iran has not yet accessed the $6 billion unfrozen in August.

Some of the money freed in 2015 may have allowed Iran to provide funding for terrorist groups, but theres not enough concrete evidence to say the money freed in the agreement directly went to terror groups, and the money was actually freed as part of a deal to limit Irans nuclear capabilities. Still, theres no foolproof guarantee.

Therefore, Baldwin did vote to approve an agreement that freed hundreds of millions of Iranian funds for the nation, a leading sponsor of terrorism. But the idea that the money was directly sent to Hamas or Hezbollah lacks concrete proof.

We rate this claim Mostly False.

Sources

National Republican Senatorial Committee, advertisement, Nov. 8, 2023

The New York Times, U.S. Reaches Deal With Iran to Free Americans for Jailed Iranians and Funds, Aug. 10, 2023

PolitiFact, The US freed $6 billion in Iranian money. Did it help fund Hamas attack on Israel?, Oct. 9, 2023

ABC News, US, Qatar agree to prevent Iran from tapping previously frozen $6 billion fund, Oct. 9, 2023

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sen. Tammy Baldwin joins calls for Biden to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets following Hamas attack on Israel, Oct. 11, 2023

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, press release, Oct. 13, 2023

U.S. State Department, press briefing, Sept. 12, 2023

114th Congress, Roll Call Vote No. 267, Sept. 17, 2015

CSPAN, Iranian Nuclear Agreement testimony, July 23, 2015

PolitiFact, Donald Trump says Iran got $150 billion and $1.8 billion in cash. That's Half True, April 27, 2018

The New York Times, Trump Abandons Iran Nuclear Deal He Long Scorned, May 8, 2018

U.S. State Department, Country Reports on Terrorism, 2017

U.S. State Department, Country Reports on Terrorism, 2021

BBC, Did Iran support plan for attack on Israel?, Oct. 9, 2023

The Wall Street Journal, Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks, Oct. 8, 2023

CNN, State of the Union, Oct. 8, 2023CBS News, John Kerry: Some Iran sanctions relief likely to go to terrorists, Jan. 21, 2016

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Claim that Baldwin voted to send millions to Iran that funded Hamas, Hezbollah is Mostly False
Claim:

An October 2023 clip by Fox News showed a staged scene in which an actor played a Hamas militant being captured by Israeli army soldiers.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

The footage used in the video clip is authentic  that is, it was not the result of digital manipulation and it indeed aired on Fox News  but additional footage posted by reputable news outlets demonstrates that the sequence of events in the clip is out of order, hence the encounter it purported to depict was misrepresented.

The protracted, often bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which exploded into a hot war on Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant Palestinian group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel and Israel retaliated by bombarding the Gaza Strip, dates back to the early 20th century. It began when British authorities facilitated the mass immigration of Jews to Palestine to establish a Jewish homeland, which ultimately led to the forcible displacement of Palestinian Arabs by Zionist military forces to make way for the modern state of Israel. In the current Israel-Hamas war, more than 11,000 people, the vast majority of them Palestinians, had been killed as of Nov. 10, and the internet is rife with war-related misinformation, which Snopes is dedicated to countering with facts and context. You can help. Read our latest fact checks about the ongoing conflict. Submit questionable rumors youve encountered. Become a Snopes Member to support our work. We welcome your participation and feedback.

In late November 2023, video footage that originally aired on Fox News allegedly showing the capture and stripping of a Hamas fighter by Israeli military forces faced accusations by numerous pro-Palestinian voices on social media that it was "staged."

A Fox Channel reporter caught Israeli soldiers "arresting" a supposed Palestinian terrorist, even stripping him. The camera cut when the guy stood up on his own and put his clothes back on  turns out it was staged.

watch until the end -#Khamas #IsraelisGenocidalState #AIPAC pic.twitter.com/hu40BJVLuA    (@mohammedalomar1) November 23, 2023

As presented by these social media accounts, the footage shows Fox News reporter Trey Yingst following Israeli soldiers as they fire weapons and appear to capture a man  someone who, according to Fox News, was a Hamas fighter. Taken in the days following the Hamas attack on Israels Tribe of Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023, the video shows Israeli soldiers escorting the man after blindfolding him and stripping him of his clothing. At the very end of the clip comes a still shot in which the soldiers can be seen gesturing in the direction of the camera, appearing to tell the journalists to move away, while the man puts on his pants back on.

One post on X claimed, A Fox Channel reporter caught Israeli soldiers "arresting" a supposed Palestinian terrorist, even stripping him. The camera cut when the guy stood up on his own and put his clothes back on  turns out it was staged.

It was to that moment (when the man appeared to put on his pants) that proponents of the claim that the footage was "staged" pointed. According to their theory, the recorded footage wasn't a real depiction of events  rather, it employed actors, soldiers, journalists and heavily edited footage, they claim, to try to mislead audiences into thinking the Israel army efficiently captured a Hamas fighter when they had not.

While the in-question video is authentic  that is, it was not the result of digital editing and it indeed aired on Fox News  there is no evidence that the encounter was staged. We reached out to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Fox News for more information about the incident and the man. We requested unedited footage of the incident captured by Fox News, which directed us to an Instagram post by Yingst, showing raw footage of the man taking his clothes off just before being taken into custody. We found that multiple news outlets covered the same incident with the same man, showing that he was not putting his clothes on after being apprehended as the above post claims, but was made to strip, blindfolded by the soldiers, and taken away. As such we rate the claim that the video was staged as False.

We also asked the IDF for more information about the man, and the reasoning behind him getting dressed again. We will update if and when we learn more.

Snopes accessed the footage aired by Fox News via archived clips and Mediaite. After Fox News broadcasted it on Oct. 12, 2023, the clip was shown by Sky News Australia.

However, the footage that aired on Fox News (and other media outlets after that) had been edited and cut. Without access to the same footage unedited, there was no way to independently confirm that such an interaction was or was not staged. In the Fox News footage, the moment with the pants appeared to occur after the man was blindfolded and being led away, hence the confusion.

In the original clips, before introducing the footage in question on Fox News, Yingst said, We saw where authorities were collecting burned body parts underneath a bus. Also in the distance you could see where campsites were set up, and as we were walking through this area, it was very clear something went terribly wrong, and I want you to take a look.

The footage then shows Yingst running toward the chaos. We just heard a gunshot and theyre yelling at people to get out of the area [...] You can see these soldiers  Get down, get down! Lay down flat! Lay down. Lay down totally flat, he says to his camera crew as they all lie on the ground and while gunshots can be heard in the background.

The footage cuts to soldiers running, Yingst describing the two gunshots, and an Israeli soldier telling Yingst, Go back right now. The footage cuts to the soldiers leading a blindfolded man stripped down to his underwear, then cuts to Yingst before cutting to a brief clip of the man with his pants down to his feet.

Very tense right now as the soldiers appear to be arresting a Palestinian man. They have him in handcuffs right now, and theyve blindfolded him, and they are taking him away. You can see here, theyre leading him away. Theyve blindfolded this man, and it appears they have captured yet another militant who entered from the Gaza Strip, and it gives you a sense of how unpredictable all of this is. They dont know where people are hiding. And they could still be in the tree lines here near to the Gaza border, Yingst said.

He also said he spoke to an Israeli military commander who claimed the captured man was a Palestinian militant who either crossed the border from Gaza or had been hiding in the area since the Oct. 7 attack on the Tribe of Nova music festival.

Yingst later wrote on Instagram in a post with raw footage of the event, "Theres a post about our reporting circulating online regarding this clip from October 12th, claiming the man is a crisis actor. Heres the entire raw video. You can see the man who was arrested take his clothes off, before he is taken into custody. The truth is important."

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz9Qi0qL2k_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Sky News' coverage from a different angle showed the man taking off the same pants before getting on the ground. Sky News reported, "Once he is undressed, he is forced to the floor, blindfolded, and his hands bound." The man is then led away. CBS News footage showed the same man in an earlier part of the encounter taking his white T-shirt off.

Sources:

Beaumont, Peter. Israel Exonerates Itself over Gaza Beach Killings of Four Children Last Year. The Guardian, 11 June 2015. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/11/israel-clears-military-gaza-beach-children. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Berman, Lazar. At Least 40 Babies Killed: Foreign Reporters Taken to Massacre Site in Kfar Aza. Times of Israel, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-takes-foreign-journalists-to-see-massacre-site-in-kfar-aza/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

"Fox News Reporter Captures Attempted Ambush amid Visiting Site of Israel Music Festival Massacre." Sky News Australia, Oct. 12, 2023. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIraRTTpErk. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Heer, Jeet. "Israels Ludicrous Propaganda Wins Over the Only Audience That Counts." 17 Nov. 2023. www.thenation.com, https://www.thenation.com/article/world/israel-gaza-propaganda-biden/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Ibrahim, Nur. Are Pics of Milk Cartons Showing Children Taken Hostage by Hamas Real? Snopes, 26 Oct. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/israel-photos-babies-hamas-milk-cartons/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Israels Troubling Response to Shireen Abu Aklehs Killing. Time, 13 May 2022, https://time.com/6176045/israel-response-shireen-abu-akleh-killing/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Lay Down Flat! Fox News Trey Yingst Dodges Bullets, Shows Hamas Militant Captured, Blindfolded By IDF. Mediaite, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.mediaite.com/news/lay-down-flat-fox-news-trey-yingst-dodges-bullets-shows-hamas-militant-captured-blindfolded-by-idf/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

What to Know about the Deadly Hamas Attack on an Israeli Music Festival. Al Jazeera, Oct. 10, 2023. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/what-to-know-about-deadly-hamas-attack-on-the-israeli-music-festival. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.

Updates:

Nov. 27, 2023: The story rating was amended from "Unproven" to "False" after we received more information from Fox News.
Claim:

Video shows IDF soldiers demolishing the Palestinian Legislative Council Building in Gaza, days after capturing it.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

While IDF soldiers were photographed inside the Legislative Council Building on Nov. 13, 2023, the video that went viral on Nov. 15 claiming to show its destruction is of a different building in Gaza. It is unclear at the time of this reporting if the actual Palestinian Legislative Council Building in Gaza has actually been destroyed.

The protracted, often bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which broke out into hot war on Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant Palestinian group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel and Israel retaliated by bombarding the Gaza Strip, dates back to the early 20th century when British authorities facilitated the mass immigration of Jews to Palestine, and ultimately the forcible displacement of Palestinian Arabs by Zionist militias, to establish a Jewish homeland there. In the current Israel-Hamas war, more than 10,000 civilians, the vast majority of them Palestinians, have been killed since Oct. 7. The internet is rife with war-related misinformation, which Snopes, as always, is dedicated to countering with facts and context. You can help. Read our latest fact checks about the ongoing conflict. Submit questionable rumors youve encountered. Become a Snopes Member to support our work. We welcome your participation and feedback.

In November 2023, as the Israel-Hamas war raged on, social media users shared a video they claimed showed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers demolishing the official building from which Hamas' legislative body rules over the Gaza Strip.

This video has been the primary evidence put forth for the claim that the IDF demolished the Legislative Council Building. The only problem is that the demolished building was not the legislative building  the video was filmed some four miles from it.

Shortly after the video had gone viral, online sleuths geolocated the video to a location in Northeast Gaza  a region named Juhar al-Dik that had been devastated by the IDF during the 2014 war between Israel and Gaza:

The Legislative Council Building at issue is not located in this now largely uninhabited region, but is instead located in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. It looks nothing like the building in the viral video, and is shown here, shot from Aljondy Almajhool Park across the street from its entrance, in a user uploaded photo on Google maps:

(Google/Chavez Ghassan)

Images that went viral on Nov. 11, 2023, apparently shot from this same park, show IDF soldiers posing in front of that building:

On Nov. 13, Times of Israel reported that IDF soldiers had entered the building, and shared an image from social media of IDF soldiers in the main hall of that building:

On Nov. 14, the IDF announced they had captured several buildings that were key to Hamas' power, as reported by the Times of Israel:

The military said that troops of its 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade captured several Hamas governmental sites in the Gaza City neighborhoods of Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal. Among the locations captured by the troops were the Hamas parliament, the government complex, and the police headquarters.

The video that went viral on April 15 that purports to show the destruction of the above building, however, was taken over four miles away and appears to have no link to the government building:

Snopes has not identified any reporting confirming the destruction of the actual parliamentary building that does not cite as a source the video shown in the viral tweet. As a result, Snopes does not know what condition the Legislative Council Building is actually in as of this writing on Nov. 16. The Rimal district has seen heavy bombardment in the 2023 conflict.

Because the video in question shows the destruction of an unrelated building in Juhar al-Dik, however, the claim is False.

Sources:

Fabian, Emanuel. IDF Says It Has Captured Hamas Parliament, Government Seat and Police HQ. Times of Israel, 14 Nov. 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-proclaims-it-has-captured-hamas-parliament-government-seat-and-police-hq/.

Breaking the Silence  Testimony  Check It out, Theres Nothing at All Left of Juhar al-Dik. Breaking the Silence, https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies/database/456701. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.

Fabian, Emanuel. Gallant: Hamas Has Lost Control in Gaza; Gunmen Who Fired from Hospital Entrance Killed. Times of Israel, 13 Nov. 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/gallant-hamas-has-lost-control-in-gaza-troops-kill-gunmen-who-fired-from-hospital/.

IDF Soldiers Selfie, behind Them Is the Building of Palestine Legislative Assembly in Gaza. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/aldin_aba/status/1723380637799772254. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.

Israeli Military Forces Raid Juhor Ad-Dik Area In The Eastern Gaza Strip - Islamic World News. 30 Oct. 2023, https://english.iswnews.com/31469/israeli-military-forces-raid-juhor-ad-dik-area-in-the-eastern-gaza-strip/.

The Hamas Parliament Building Was Demolished. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1724814029355405462. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The family of a girl who, at age 11, was held at gunpoint by Grand Rapids police, handcuffed and placed in a cruiser, is suing the city for an incident they claim left the child with trauma for the remainder of her short lifetime.

The federal lawsuit was filed on Wednesday  three years after Honestie Hodges died of complications from COVID-19 at the age of 14.

The lawsuit lists as defendants the city of Grand Rapids, former police chief David Rahinsky and three police officers.

Honestie had a legitimate fear that she would be shot and killed, the lawsuit claims.

Honesties name became well-known in Grand Rapids in December of 2017 after she was stopped and detained by Grand Rapids police outside her home. The girl, her mother and another relative were headed to the store when they were confronted by police with guns drawn.

Family, commissioner outraged after girl cuffed by GRPD

Officers had been looking for a woman involved in a domestic assault.

Honestie, who was crying, was put in handcuffs for two minutes and placed in a police cruiser without handcuffs for 10 minutes, police have said.

Allegations in the lawsuit include unreasonable search and seizure, excessive force, assault and battery, false imprisonment and failure to train and supervise officers.

Due to actions and inactions by the defendants, Honestie Hodges suffered serious mental anguish, anxiety, emotional distress, a sense of outrage, loss of social pleasure and enjoyment and death, the lawsuit claims.

The chain of events unfolded the evening of Dec. 6, 2017. Grand Rapids police had been searching for a 40-year-old woman in connection with a stabbing.

Honestie Hodges, an 11-year-old and African American, did not in any way fit the description of the GRPDs suspect, who was an adult Caucasian woman, the lawsuit states. Honestie was cooperative and responsive to the officers, even though terrified by the circumstances.

The girl was nervous, afraid and deathly fearful for her safety and also the well-being of her family, according to the 33-page lawsuit.

GRPD chief nauseated by screams of girl cuffed by officers

There was a community outcry when news of the incident spread. At a news conference, Rahinsky, who was chief at the time but has since retired, said the girls tearful reaction makes my stomach turn; it makes me physically nauseous.

Bodycam footage shows police handcuffing the girl as an officer repeatedly tells the crying girl shes not being arrested.

The police department said an internal investigation of the incident found the officers didnt violate department policy.

In March of 2018, the police department adopted what it called the Honestie Policy, which calls for using the least restrictive option when dealing with youths.

The lawsuit seeks in excess of $75,000 as well as damages under the wrongful death act.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Harvey Owen

The mother of one of the teenagers killed in the Snowdonia car crash has said the fact Harvey will always be 17 is unbearable to think of in her first public tribute to her son.

Harvey Owen was found dead alongside his three friends Wilf Fitchett, Hugo Morris and Jevon Hirst, all from Shrewsbury, near Garreg, North Wales, on Tuesday.

In a statement shared by North Wales Police, his mother Crystal said: Laid back, charismatic, cheeky, a boy not of his time, he always thought outside the box, he was creative and funny.

A boy that preferred to be outside and active. He was the most gentle soul, always feeling empathy for people and seeing the good in everyone.

(Clockwise from top left) Wilf Fitchett, Jevon Hirst, Hugo Morris and Harvey Owen lost their lives in North Wales

The close-knit group had been planning a camping trip in Snowdonia National Park last weekend, and were due to return home on Monday morning.

They were last seen at midday on Sunday and are thought to have been travelling north on the A4085 near the village of Garreg when they crashed. Their silver Ford Fiesta was discovered upside down and partially submerged on Tuesday after a widespread search.

Ms Owen said: The fact that Harvey will always be 17 is unbearable to think of and even harder to accept. Please hold your loved ones tight, all the minor things we worry about are irrelevant, life is so short and can be so cruel.

Ive lost my boy, the boy I absolutely adored, and I cant accept that I wont be able to hold him again or tell him I love him again.

Flowers were placed at the site of the crash on Thursday, with one bouquet held down with a small stone in the ditch where the boys car was found.

Mrs Owen described her son as perfect when he came into the world and he will go out that way, and added that he was and will forever be a son we can be proud of.

There is never a time to lose a child, but this feels so much more gut-wrenching as he was literally thriving in life and had everything to live for, she said.

Speaking about Harveys relationship with his family, she said: From the moment Harvey was born, he was special, a truly longed for baby who made me feel so complete and a much-wanted sibling for Yasmin.

The bond between them was something every parent would dream of. He idolised his big sister and spent his whole life looking up to her and copying everything she ever did, down to his quirky, sometimes questionable fashion sense and even his feminist views.

Harvey grew up to be family-orientated. He had two younger sisters, Sophia and Olivia, who he absolutely adored and who idolised him, their big brother. He was never too old for a hug.

Dough and Oil, where Harvey had been working for two years, also closed on Wednesday following his death. His mother spoke about his recently developed passion for working with bread and said that he dreamed of one day having his own bread shop and cafe.

Quirky, a trendsetter, loving, pure and hilarious, he was so dopey at times it was annoying but he was so loveable it was hard to stay mad at him for long, she said.

Investigations into what happened to the four friends in Snowdonia are ongoing. Police investigating their deaths have appealed for dashcam footage from the 48 hours before they were found.

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.
California elections watchdogs have fined a former Orange County assemblyman $100,000 for using campaign funds to cover myriad personal costs  including family vacations, his children's cellphone bills and $2,400 worth of clothing  in violation of state law.

The decision this month from the Fair Political Practices Commission concluded a four-year-long investigation into the expenses of William Brough, a Republican who served three terms in the California Assembly representing the Dana Point area. The FPPC, which oversees candidates and campaign finances, found multiple discrepancies in the reports from Broughs 2018 and 2020 campaign committees.

Brough used a total of $17,303 in campaign funds for personal expenses and failed multiple record-keeping requirements, even as his campaign treasurer warned him about violations, according to the FPPC's report.

I need all of your receipts ASAP  youve gone mad with the [credit] card use and I have one silly receipt for every ten expenses, treasurer JenEve Slater wrote to Brough in 2018, the FPPC investigation found.

Read more: I still have nightmares: Four women accuse O.C. assemblyman of misconduct

The unusually large FPPC fine is the latest allegation of misconduct against Brough, who was accused of sexual harassment by four women in 2019, prompting Orange County Republicans to call for him to not run for reelection. Brough said in a phone interview with The Times Tuesday that he is no longer in electoral politics, though he works as a political consultant and lobbyist.

In the case of the FPPC's campaign finance investigation, Brough initially agreed to a payment plan for a $47,000 penalty. But after making a payment of $7,500 in April, according to the filing, he stopped making payments. Brough said he stopped making payments in order to enter into a settlement with the FPPC and make the investigation stop.

It went on and on for four years, he said. I just wanted to go on with my life.

The commission responded by more than doubling the penalty amount, levying the maximum fine for the charges. In a public meeting last week recommending Broughs fine, FPPC chairman Richard Miadich increased the fine from a recommended $90,000 to $100,000 and made the unusual motion to direct staff to make this a priority matter for collections purposes and to pursue any and all means at your disposal to ensure we recover the full measure of this default.

The FPPC filing said Brough failed to complete proper expense records for more than 140 meals, ranging in prices from $100 to $3,738 for a total of more than $53,000.

Brough also spent campaign money on personal trips, including a stay at a tony hotel in Boston and a Red Sox game. Brough said the Boston trip was a stop on his way to Ireland for a legislative trip and questioned why he was being punished for paying for it with campaign funds.

The FPPC said I couldnt have done it because it wasnt part of the itinerary of the Irish Caucus trip, Brough said Tuesday. But if I was with a colleague and we were in Boston and I went out to dinner with a colleague, I couldve absolutely used the campaign money.

Another international trip brought Brough to the Netherlands for an Internet Marketing Assn. conference. After attending a two-hour conference, which ended with tastings at a local bar, Brough spent several days touring the area, according to the documents.

Investigation revealed that Brough was visiting the region with his wife, for her birthday  and he asked the IMA if he could stop by  while he was in the area, the FPPC document said.

In another instance, the FPPC reported that Brough used campaign funds to purchase a $1,300 custom cigar humidor, a custom bourbon barrel bar cabinet, a portable ice maker and a compact refrigerator, which he listed as office expenses but then took home when he left the Assembly.

The FPPC investigation began in 2019, after conservative political consultant Aaron Park filed a complaint, alleging that the politician had used campaign funds to pay for a trip to Boston with his family to attend a Red Sox game, as well as other extravagant spending.

Park told The Times on Tuesday that he had initially helped Brough get elected but soon came to change his mind about the assemblyman once he heard allegations about campaign finance impropriety as well as sexual assault allegations.

Read more: Assemblyman William Brough loses committee assignments after sexual misconduct investigation

Brough was stripped of his committee assignments in the Legislature in 2020, after a state investigation found that he had made unwanted advances on several women, including an Orange County supervisor.

Park began digging into Broughs financial history and, after 20 hours of research, filed a complaint with the FPPC.

Im seeing stuff on his social media like the Red Sox game that he went to, and it corresponds to campaign expenditures and stuff like that out of his controlled accounts, Park said. Im going, theres no way in hell thats a campaign expense.

A political watchdog, Park said he has filed many complaints to the FPPC over the years, but this by far was the largest penalty Ive ever seen.

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.
With family and friends home for the holidays, its easy to loosen up and let an underage family member enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two.

Or perhaps youre home from college and looking to enjoy a couple of drinks with high school friends in the comfort of someones home.

Regardless of the situation, have you ever wondered about the legality behind parents who let their teenagers drink with them or in their house?

Can Idaho minors legally drink?

It turns out it is entirely legal in Idaho for a minor, aged younger than 21, to possess alcohol under their parents or guardians permission and under their supervision while in a private residence, but it is still illegal to consume it. The law also states that minors possessing alcohol with a parent or guardian are limited to beer and wine.

But it would be illegal to extend that courtesy to their childs friends. Only with a parent or legal guardians permission and supervision is underage alcohol possession allowed in Idaho.

This is outlined by state law, and failing to abide by them is considered a misdemeanor.

Idaho also has a zero-tolerance policy on minors possessing or even being under the influence of alcohol in public, according to the Alcohol Policy Information System, a government-run tool for alcohol research and information.

Idaho is also one of just five states that do not offer exemptions for minors drinking alcohol for religious, medicinal or research purposes. The other four states are Alabama, Arkansas, New Hampshire and West Virginia.

Penalties for underage drinking in Idaho

While it may be safe for minors to possess beer and wine with their parents, Idaho is still one of the strictest states for underage alcohol consumption. For example, Idahos neighbor, Washington, makes exceptions for medicinal purposes, religious context and viticulture education and research.

The Evergreen State lets underage viticulture students  those studying grapevine cultivation  taste wine for educational purposes.

Outside of whats allowed by law, a first-time offender will receive an infraction, which in Idaho entails a fine of up to $300 but does not constitute a crime or criminal record.

A second violation will result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail. A third or more offense is punishable by up to $3,000 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.
With family and friends home for the holidays, its easy to loosen up and let an underage family member enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. Or perhaps youre home from college and looking to enjoy a couple of drinks with high school friends in the comfort of someones home.

Regardless of the situation, have you ever wondered about the legality behind parents who let their teenagers drink with them or in their house?

When WA minors can legally drink

Turns out, it is entirely legal in Washington state for a minor, aged younger than 21, to drink alcohol under their parent or guardians permission and supervision.

But it would be illegal to extend that courtesy to their childs friends. Only with a parent or legal guardians permission and supervision is underage alcohol consumption allowed in Washington state, so if a group of teenagers is drinking, all of their parents need to consent and observe.

This is outlined by state law, and failing to abide by them is considered a gross misdemeanor.

Unless with parental supervision, it is also illegal for a minor to be in public, including in a car in public, after clearly having consumed alcohol. To be in violation of this code, the minors breath must smell like liquor and either be near a container of alcohol or obviously under the influence, shown through speech or behavior.

Legal exceptions:

Liquor for medicinal purposes from a parent, guardian, physician or dentist

Religious context, when minimal amount is consumed

Specific permitted exceptions, like scientific research

Can underage viticulture students drink in WA?

Washington state law also allows underage viticulture and related students to taste wine, but not drink it, for educational purposes. The student must be at least 18, and tasting must be monitored by faculty.

That said, Washington state offers legal protection for minors at medical facilities who experience alcohol poisoning, or bring in another minor experiencing alcohol poisoning. Youth cannot be charged for underage consumption based on information gathered from the medical visit.
Northern US states are preparing for an influx of feral super pigs from Canada where their numbers are out of control - Mark Felix/Bloomberg

The US is facing the threat of an invasion of feral super pigs from Canada, experts have warned.

Described as the most invasive animal on the planet, by Saskatchewan professor Ryan Brook, the hog population is soaring.

According to a 2019 study, the number of hogs  a cross between a farmyard pig and wild boar  is increasing at the rate of nine per cent a year.

The porcine invasion comes at a time when the US is already struggling to contain feral swine elsewhere in the country with a domestic population estimated at six million across 35 states.

Wild pigs are ecological train wrecks. They are prolific breeders, making them an extremely successful invasive species, said researcher Ruth Aschim.

Wild pigs can cause soil erosion, degrade water quality, destroy crops, and prey on small mammals, amphibians and birds.

Problem began when wild boars were imported from Europe

The problem originated when wild boars were imported from Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Some were imported to diversify livestock, others as game for hunters.

But demand for wild boar for food never took off and in the early years of the 21st century, farmers cut down their fences and allowed the hogs to roam at will.

By 2017 they had expanded territory across Canada, with the majority in Saskatchewan.

Sows can have a dozen piglets each per year

Prolific breeders  sows can have a dozen piglets each per year  the super pigs spreading south eat almost anything and they trample over farmland leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

They are estimated to cause $2.5 billion damage to US crops a year. They are also aggressive, in 2019, a Texas woman was killed by wild pigs.

Northern US states are already taking action. Minnesota announced what it described as a proactive review earlier this month on how to tackle the problem.

Montana has set up a squeal on pigs hotline, urging the public to report sightings of the animals which can carry more than 30 diseases and parasites.

Early detection and rapid response are the keys to success. Eradicating small populations and minimising the impacts of these invasive species are important to protect the economy and natural resources of the region, the public was told.

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.
Colorful sticky notes lined a glass wall in a central gathering area at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Skokie. Each bore the name of an Israeli soldier who was known to a student, their friend or a relative.

At Universal School in Bridgeview, Amira Daoud was soliciting ideas from her students at the Islamic school for new decor for the wall outside her classroom. Fall leaves, the middle school students suggested, but the leaves would be in the colors of the Palestinian flag and would include messages to the children of Gaza.

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The walls at each school carry tangible signs of a war thousands of miles away that has become a constant presence in the lives of many Chicago-area students. At some Jewish and Islamic schools the war plays a central part in students school days, as they seek deeper understanding of a complex, long-running conflict, navigate fear and worry about family members in Gaza or Israel.

Theres so much racism going on and segregation, said Ayelet Appel, a senior at Ida Crown, later adding: The world was progressing, so why are we going back now?

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The names of more than 400 family members fighting for the Israeli army are written on Post-it notes at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Skokie on Oct. 27, 2023. The notes serve as a reminder to students to pray for the family members fighting in the Israel-Hamas war. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The conflict has loomed large at Ida Crown and Universal since the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, sparking a war between Israel and Hamas that has devastated much of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas kidnapped an estimated 240 people, killed some 1,200 others and shattered Israels sense of security in its attack. Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, and women and children have consistently made up about two-thirds of those killed in the health ministrys reports.

Some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried in rubble. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north of Gaza, where services and communication largely broke down earlier this month.

Violence also erupted in the West Bank, and attacks by Israeli settlers in the occupied territory have surged at an unprecedented rate, according to the United Nations.

A four-day cease-fire was expected to begin Friday, a day later than originally announced. Hamas was to release 50 hostages in stages in exchange for what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Those released first were expected to be women and minors.

Before the cease-fire, the death toll of the war reached Illinois. Six-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume, a Palestinian American boy, was stabbed to death in unincorporated Plainfield Township, and his mother seriously injured. Prosecutors said the boys landlord became heavily interested in the war after regularly listening to conservative talk radio, and stabbed the mother and son.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 36 People attend a candlelight vigil for Wadea al-Fayoume in Oak Brook on Oct. 22, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

The rhythm of the days at Ida Crown and Universal illustrates some of the ways Jewish and Islamic students are grappling with the war and the fallout at home in Chicago.

The Tribune was unable to visit Universal because, teacher Deanna Othman said, the school is seeking to protect students after a neighboring school received a threatening hate letter, and amid concerns about media representation and the possibility of becoming a target. But the paper spoke with two teachers and a student at the school by phone.

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The school day at Universal begins with morning prayers over the loudspeaker. Since the onset of the war, they have included prayers for Gaza, for the safety of those living there, that they have food and to take away their pain.

Students have raised money for humanitarian causes in Gaza through bake sales and a fundraiser allowing students who donate to show up at school out of uniform. Teachers have run into their students at some of the frequent, high-profile rallies, protests and other actions in Chicago supporting Palestinians in Gaza and calling for a cease-fire, including a recent major rally that blocked DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Students arrive at school wearing kaffiyehs, black and white kerchiefs that can be a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, or shirts over their uniforms expressing support for Palestinians or with the colors of the Palestinian flag.

Across Illinois large Muslim community, the toll of the war has hit home. The state has more Muslims per capita than any other state in the U.S., and Palestinians are believed to make up about 60% of the Arab American population in metro Chicago. Some were among the thousands who attended a large rally in Washington, D.C., calling for a cease-fire, and many are experiencing overwhelming grief as the war has progressed and relatives are killed or missing in Gaza.

A child runs with a Palestine flag during a rally calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago on Nov. 18, 2023. Teachers at Universal School have run into their students at some of the high-profile rallies, protests and other actions in Chicago supporting Palestinians in Gaza. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

At Universal, Reena, a senior, has been trying to balance showing up at school each day with fear for her aunts, uncles, cousins and family home in Gaza. Her family watches the news constantly and spends most of their time trying to get in touch with the family they left behind, who they are able to contact only intermittently when there is enough electricity in Gaza to send messages. They often dont know where, exactly, their family is.

Reena is caught between wanting to stay home all day watching the news and waiting for a message from family, and wanting to go to school and live her life.

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Probably the hardest part is just showing up every day and trying to put on a front that everything is OK, when one second you could have a family and the next second you dont, she said.

Navigating the scale of mourning in the community has been difficult, she said. But students have come together, sharing articles and comfort. Not every student has family in the region, but all of them feel affected.

Reena and her family requested she be identified only by her first name to protect her identity.

Its definitely not easy, because this is a war, she said. Theres a lot of feelings going around. Theres a lot of thoughts going around. Lots of preconceived notions, lots of everything. So its definitely difficult navigating life when a part of your identity might be accepted by people, it might not be. Or might be targeted, or it might not be. Im sure the same goes for someone who identifies as an Israeli or a Jew.

Daoud, who teaches seventh grade math and science, said the war has come up often in her classes. Many of her students know she is active in the organization American Muslims for Palestine and began asking questions about Gaza and the war, and what it meant that Israel imposed a siege on Gaza, severely limiting food, medicine, water and other basic supplies.

So Daoud decided to dedicate one of her science classes to a lesson about the history and geography of Gaza and why Palestinians are crammed into the small, densely populated stretch of land. When Daoud asked her students to reflect on the lesson, she learned one of them had an aunt and cousins in Gaza.

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I think it was actually more calming for (my students) because they understood (the conflict), she said. And I think part of the worry beforehand was maybe not understanding why this was happening.

Deanna Othman stands inside the womens prayer area at the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview on Nov. 22, 2023. Othman is a high school English teacher at Universal School. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Othman, a high school English teacher, found it hasnt been hard to integrate current events into her AP English literature class. They were already doing a unit on colonialism and exile on Oct. 7, reading poets and authors of various ethnicities who wrote about feeling detached from their homeland. The concepts already were relevant to her students, Othman said, then she saw them play out in real time in the media as she found representations of Muslims, Palestinians and the war frustrating, inaccurate, Islamophobic and dangerous.

The killing of Wadea al-Fayoume was one example of the consequences of inaccurate and Islamophobic media, she said. Her students were shaken and afraid. Some attended the funeral at a mosque near the school.

How dangerous it is to be misrepresented, she said. Hateful language leads to hateful actions.

Oday al-Fayoume, right, the father of Wadea al-Fayoume, rubs his face while Wadeas uncle, Yousef Hannon, speaks at the Muslim Community Center on Oct. 15, 2023, about the stabbing death of 6-year-old Wadea. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Othman taught a session about media literacy for students. Other seminars for high school students have focused on the war, including spoken-word performances.

Its a constant presence in our school, she said. I cant even say that theres a particular time or period that it comes up in. Its pretty much, for me, our entire day. Our entire existence for most of our staff and our students.

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Othman, who is also involved in the group American Muslims for Palestine, has family in Gaza, and her four children visited over the summer. It has been difficult for her and her students to concentrate on assignments and curriculum as the war has unfolded, and she has apologized to her students for needing longer than usual to return graded assignments, she said.

Counselors check in with students they know are connected to the war, and students have space to take a rest if they need a minute of quiet to compose themselves. Counselors notify teachers about students who might need extra time for assignments, or who are struggling with the war but dont want to discuss it, or who are trying to help parents who are struggling with the news, she said.

Mourners pray during a community vigil for Wadea al-Fayoume at the Prairie Activity and Recreation Center in Plainfield on Oct. 17, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Daoud and Othman both expressed concerns about media representation of the war, and Daoud worries for other students. There is comfort at Universal in knowing students and teachers are surrounded by others also pulling for Gaza and Palestinians, she said, but she worries that Muslim and Palestinian students at public schools might not have the ability to express support as freely.

We feel that our victimhood is constantly questioned, and that we have to kind of be the perfect victims in order for the world to understand what were going through and what our situation is like, Othman said.

At Ida Crown, students and the dean, Rabbi Leonard Matanky, were also concerned about representation in media. One of many events the school has held since Oct. 7 included inviting a school alumnus who leads a media watchdog group focused on coverage of Israel to speak.

Students have written letters to Israeli soldiers and students, and an alumnus who is in the army spoke to students via videoconference. History classes have been dedicated to learning about the history of the conflict, and students have raised money for Israel and emailed government officials.

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Rabbi Leonard A. Matanky, right, leads a discussion group on Oct. 27, 2023, with students at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Skokie about the Israel-Hamas war. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The school has also taken students to pro-Israel rallies, including a mid-November March for Israel in Washington attended by an estimated tens of thousands of supporters. A group of seniors attended a Chicago City Council meeting where aldermen approved a symbolic resolution backing Israel. The meeting became emotional and often unruly as the council was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, and the chamber was eventually cleared.

Some of the students who attended said it was a scary encounter. The students said they were taken to a separate space while the room was cleared and found the wait terrifying. Some of the angst at the meeting felt directed at them.

Noa Gavant said it brought her to tears, and Jordana Zwelling said it put her studies of the Holocaust into a new light.

Its kind of hard to understand how someone could hate someone for just being a Jew, she said. And then we got to City Hall, and kind of like, I understood it. I was like, wow, theres really just a strong sense of hatred just because of your religion, and it has nothing to do with your character as a person.

Views in the Jewish community have differed in the aftermath of Oct. 7, as pro-Israel rallies have attracted tens of thousands of supporters and others, including some in Chicago, have attracted Jewish protesters expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

Skokie police Officer Jon Mendoza sits in his vehicle and monitors activity as students head in for the school day at Ida Crown Jewish Academy on Oct. 27, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Ida Crown seeks to educate students about Israel and give students an opportunity to express their solidarity, Matanky said. Nearly everyone in the school has a relative in Israel, and most students spend a gap year there after graduating.

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Students said they get frequent updates from friends who live in Israel. They have brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles there. Millo Benmelech was very, very nervous for his family.

In December, Matanky plans to take a group of seniors to Israel for several weeks to volunteer in the country. Some students said it felt like their duty, a place they needed to be, even if some felt nervous.

Its personal, Matanky said.

In late October, Matanky led a discussion among several seniors about the conflict. Intertwining articles, texts and teachings from the Torah, they discussed language they viewed as politically charged and the threat they perceived from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and which they viewed as wanting to wipe out a Jewish state.

Students gather for morning prayer at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Skokie on Oct. 27, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The students also grappled with the idea of moral equivalency, and the ethical dilemma and pain posed by killing moral, righteous and innocent Palestinians while the Israeli military fights Hamas.

All the while, Matanky sought to instill pride in Israel in the students.

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Israel is a safe haven, said one of the students, Adam Katz, and students worried about the threat of losing that. It was a home for Benjy Baronofskys great-grandparents, who moved to Israel after surviving the Holocaust, he said.

That really just shows the importance of Israel to us as Jews, he said. Its the one place where we know were safe; where we know well be accepted.

Amid fear for their families and friends in Israel, the students wondered what a conversation with Palestinian students might be like. It would be difficult in a heated environment, but it might be necessary, some said.

Palestinians who live here, who also have family that is being affected by it, we probably share a lot of the same things, Appel said. Like worrying about your family and seeing all these different things in the media and being conflicted, not knowing what to believe and what not to believe. We probably have a lot of similarities. We just have that differing belief of the solution.

The Associated Press contributed.

sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com
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.

I am on my way to see my home my family that is under the rubble, Mahmoud Moharram, a displaced Palestinian, said as he walked with a group of residents hoping to return to northern Gaza while the lull in fighting holds.

We want to get our relatives, our children, Moharram, who, along with countless Palestinians, evacuated his home in the north amid Israels military campaign, told CNN.

We left them. We want to go home, he added.

The long-awaited Friday truce between Israel and Hamas has provided thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with a moments respite from nearly seven weeks of fighting. The sound of overhead military drones on Friday quietened for the first time since October 7  the day Hamas brutally assaulted Israeli cities, killing more than 1,200 people in the largest such attack on Israel since the countrys founding in 1948.

The strikes on Gaza may have paused, but residents are still faced with destroyed homes, missing loved ones and aid that is only slowly trickling in.

Many are using the lull in fighting to try to travel back north, despite the Israeli military warning against this.

Shortly before the truce was due to come into effect, Israel was eager to remind Palestinians in Gaza that this was only a temporary lull in fighting and did not signify an end to the war.

The war is not over yet, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a video posted on X on Friday. The cessation of hostilities for humanitarian purposes is temporary.

Adraee also warned Gazans against heading back north, saying that part of the territory is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move toward it.

Flyers in Arabic were also dropped across southern Gaza on Friday morning, bearing similar information and instructions.

But many Gazans say they need to use this pause in fighting to return home, where memories, belongings, money, clothes and even some of their loved ones remain  dead or alive.

We want to bury them

These are our homes, (where we left) our money, our things, our belongings, said Asaad Agha, a displaced Palestinian from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

Our children died, we havent been able to bury them, Agha told CNN. We want to bury them. We have martyrs tossed all over the streets.

Palestinians trying to go back north were, however, blocked by Israeli forces, residents and a journalist told CNN.

What truce are they talking about when tanks are firing at us all morning? said Abo Mohamed al-Fayoumi, sitting next to some blankets and a white plastic bag that he said held all his belongings.

We dont feel any truce, we dont feel safe, al-Fayoumi said.

In videos shared on social media, people were seen running away amid the sound of gunfire, presumed to be Israeli, on Salah al-Din Street. A journalist told CNN that Israeli tanks were seen and that gunfire could be heard on the same street, the main highway running north to south through the strip.

A Palestinian woman cries in anguish following Israeli strikes on Rafah, Gaza, on November 20, 2023. - Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images

In response to CNNs questions about whether people attempting to travel north were fired at, the IDF said it is stationed along the designated operational lines of the pause in accordance with the provisions of the agreed upon framework.

The IDF earlier called on residents to use the time provided by the truce to stock up on needs and arrange affairs instead of traveling to the north. The only movement allowed in the north would be for residents evacuating southward, the IDF said.

It is unclear how many of the 1.1 million people populating Gazas north before the evacuation remain there. United States Special Envoy David Satterfield earlier this month said between 350,000 and 400,000 were still in the north.

More than 1.7 million of the territorys population of 2 million are internally displaced, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

Aid trickles in

As the brief truce holds, aid is being brought into the territory while it still can be.

At least 90 out of 200 aid trucks containing food, water, relief and medical supplies have so far entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Friday, an Egyptian official at the border told CNN.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said Friday that its teams had received two ambulances and 85 trucks from its Egyptian counterpart.

A relative tries to salvage some personal items from the home of a Palestinian family a day after it was hit by Israeli bombardment, killing the mother and two of her children, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 19. - Said Khatib/AFP/Getty Images

Much-needed fuel is also on its way into the territory, with at least seven fuel trucks having so far crossed from Egypt into Gaza, according to a journalist working for CNN on the ground.

Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said in a statement that four fuel tankers and four tankers carrying cooking gas provided by the Israeli government had also crossed into Gaza through Rafah on Friday morning.

Homes, shelters and hospitals have been left without electricity in recent days and weeks, as the territory ran out of fuel needed to power generators.

The arriving aid is being distributed by UNRWA.

Palestinians on Friday called for a safe corridor that would allow them to cross north, gather their belongings, bury their dead and then return south.

If they could just establish a crossing corridor for us, to go to our homes and come back, said Agha.

More than 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry there.

Our people are gone. There is no one left, Moharram said.

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The Finnish government's proposals for changes to the draft budget for 2024 also include more spending on assistance to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Finnish government

Details: In particular, the Finnish government proposes to increase the upper limit on defence spending for the period 2024-2028 by almost EUR 96 million to cover the purchase of the 19th military assistance package for Ukraine.

For 2024, the allocation will increase by EUR 20.7 million.

Moreover, in the context of preparing a reconstruction plan for Ukraine, the Finnish government has identified financial solutions to facilitate the participation of Finnish companies in reconstruction, for which it is requesting an increase of EUR 25 million in spending on investment and loans in Ukraine.

At the same time, the draft budget amendments propose to authorise the state to provide a guarantee of compensation for losses to cover 80% of the investment cost, up to a maximum of EUR 20 million.

The government also asks the parliament to empower the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to compensate for credit losses on export guarantees issued to promote exports and investment in Ukraine, up to EUR 50 million.

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ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A firetruck assisting an incident on I-85 was struck by a passing vehicle early Friday morning, Rowan County Emergency Services said.

A truck with the South Salisbury Fire Department and Rowan Rescue was hit by a passing vehicle that did not slow down or move over while the emergency trucks were responding to an initial incident near Salisbury, Rowan EMS said.

We are thankful to be able to say that none of our personnel were injured this morning after a truck from South Salisbury FD and Rowan Rescue were hit by a third vehicle not involved in the initial incident to which these trucks were responding.

It is unclear at this time if there were any fatalities in the wreck. Queen City News has reached out to North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Salisbury Fire, Rowan County Emergency Services, and will provide any updates once they come into the newsroom.

Even while all responders were dealing with what was now two accidents, cars still tried to find ways to get through quickly and avoid directions being given. This is not ok. Doing this is just as dangerous as drinking or texting while driving. Please do your part to make sure our next post is not to report the injury or death of a first responder being hit while trying to care for others.

This is a developing story ; check back for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The first 13 Israeli hostages, accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross, are leaving the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing Point.

Source: The Times of Israel

Details: First, the hostages were released to the Red Cross and underwent a brief medical examination, and now they are expected to be taken to Israel.

Hamas militants also released 12 Thai hostages abducted during the 7 October attack.

On 24 November, a four-day truce began between Israel and Hamas militants. In this time, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel must release around 150.

Background:

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday at 07:00, and the first group of 13 Israeli hostages will be released at 16:00.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that intense fighting in the Middle East would last at least two months after the temporary truce.

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It took weeks of secret negotiations involving U.S., Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials, the heads of the CIA and the Mossad, and the personal intervention of President Joe Biden to convince a reluctant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a four-day cease-fire that is expected to free 50 hostages from Hamas.

The negotiations, while ultimately successful, revealed the vast challenges that remain in freeing all of the roughly 240 captives seized during the group's Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

Throughout the talks, Hamas officials maintained that they had taken captive only about 70 Israeli soldiers and 50 women and children, according to a diplomat in the region with knowledge of the negotiations.

Hamas officials said the whereabouts of as many as 100 other captives are unknown but they are pursuing leads. The group claimed that "some Israelis were kidnapped by individual Palestinian gangs or smugglers," according to the diplomat.

The final agreement  the outlines of which had been on the table for weeks  wouldnt have been accepted by Netanyahu without enormous pressure from Biden, according to a senior Israeli government official.

This deal was a Biden deal, not a Netanyahu deal, the official said.

Follow live updates on the Israel-Hamas war

Israelis whose relatives are being held hostage in Gaza demonstrate in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on Oct. 26, 2023. (Mostafa Alkharouf / Anadolu via Reuters)

Getting to work immediately

American and Qatari efforts to secure the release of hostages began hours after the deadly Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people and was the worst terrorist attack in Israels history.

The diplomat said Hamas leaders were stunned by the success of the operation. They said it was a chaotic situation, a lot of people went in, said the diplomat, referring to Palestinians streaming into southern Israel after Hamas fighters breached a border fence in roughly 30 places.

At the same time, Israeli officials, horrified by Hamas killings of hundreds of civilians, said they were not willing to entertain in any way a conversation with Hamas, said the diplomat, adding, there was zero trust between to the two parties.

A Biden administration official later described the negotiations as an extremely excruciating five-week process.

As Israeli airstrikes in Gaza intensified, U.S. officials called for pauses in the fighting so food and aid could be delivered. They later called for the creation of humanitarian corridors so Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza could move south, officials said.

At the same time, representatives from Qatar, the oil-rich Arab nation where many of Hamas political leaders are based, again tried to broker talks.

Netanyahu, who was focused on destroying Hamas, put David Barnea, the head of the Mossad, Israels foreign intelligence service, in charge of negotiations.

The Israelis wanted the starting point for talks to be the immediate release of all hostages, a demand that Yahya Sinwar, the hard-line leader of Hamas in Gaza, was bound to refuse, Moty Cristal, a veteran Israeli hostage negotiator, told NBC News.

He has to have some hostages to use as human shields for himself, Cristal said of Sinwar.

So the Israelis began negotiating, via U.S., Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, the release of captured women and children, Cristal said.

In Washington, National Security Council officials told Brett McGurk, the White Houses Middle East coordinator, and Joshua Geltzer, the National Security Councils top lawyer, to secretly participate in the talks.

On Oct. 13, Biden had an agonizing conversation via Zoom with the families of Americans who were thought to be hostages. A week later, a potential model for releasing captives emerged. On Oct. 20, two U.S. hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter, Natalie, were freed.

Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 20, 2023. (Govt. of Israel via AP)

As Israeli bombing continued, the rising Palestinian death toll slowed talks. More than 14,000 people, including 5,000 children, have been killed in Gaza, according to the enclaves Hamas-controlled health department.

The dynamic on the ground affected the talks, said the diplomat. Every time there was a big death toll.

Israels requirement that Hamas provide identifying information and proof of life for the hostages also slowed negotiations. So did Hamas demand that more trucks carrying aid and fuel be allowed to enter Gaza.

The real breakthrough

The diplomat said discussions finally began to move forward when Israeli ground forces gained firm control of much of northern Gaza.

The real breakthrough happened when the north started to become more controlled by the Israelis, the diplomat said. They became more flexible.

Biden also remained deeply involved, speaking repeatedly with Netanyahu and the Qataris, and receiving sometimes hourly updates from aides, U.S. and Israeli administration officials said.

As an agreement began to take shape, CIA Director William Burns met in Qatar with the Mossads Barnea and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the countrys prime minister and foreign minister, on Nov. 9.

Several last-minute issues nearly derailed the talks, according to the diplomat in the region and Israeli officials. Hamas demanded that Israel release Palestinian prisoners, that more aid trucks be allowed into Gaza and that Israeli drone surveillance flights end.

Surveillance was one of the obstacles, the diplomat said. It was a deal-breaker for Hamas.

Eventually, compromises were reached. The two sides agreed that Israel would release 150 Palestinian prisoners, hundreds of aid trucks would enter Gaza and that no drone flights would occur for six hours a day.

When presented the final terms of the agreement, Netanyahu rebuffed a Hamas request for a five-day cease-fire, insisting on four. Just a couple of days ago Biden came with the final deal saying a five-day pause and Netanyahu said four days, a senior Israeli government official told NBC News.

After Hamas agreed to a four-day ceasefire, it seemed that a deal had finally been reached.

A final hurdle

A final obstacle emerged in Jerusalem, where right-wing Israeli politicians opposed the four-day cease-fire, saying it would benefit Hamas militarily.

A debate erupted in the last three or four days (about) what is Israels No. 1 priority, Cristal recalled. Whether it is the release of the hostages or continuing to dismantle Hamas military and governing capabilities.

After a seven-hour debate on Tuesday, a majority of Israels Cabinet members voted in favor of the agreement. On Wednesday, Qatari officials announced that a deal had been struck.

The diplomat with knowledge of the talks said they hoped the cease-fire and prisoner exchange would serve as confidence-building measures. Israel officials have said that for every 10 additional hostages released, the truce can be extended by a day.

The first release will break the mistrust, said the diplomat. Well start with the first group, then the second group and then the third group.

Enormous challenges remain, particularly around Hamas claim that it does not have control over as many as 100 of the roughly 240 hostages.

Nadav Eyal, a prominent Israeli columnist and commentator, said that many Israelis believe the destruction of Hamas must be the countrys primary goal. An October poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 45% opposed prisoner swaps, while 40% supported them.

What people in the U.S. should know is Israelis dont see this deal at all as a gate for a long-lasting cease-fire because the aim is to eliminate the military force of Hamas, Eyal said. Its a consensus in Israel, and its not going to go away after the four days of the pause or truce.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Five people died in a Thanksgiving Day fire in Athens County, Ohio, state fire officials said.

Fire crews from the Athens County area responded to the 11547 Rainbow Lake Road area in Athens County on Thursday morning, an Ohio State Fire Marshal spokesperson said. The responders discovered two mobile homes engulfed in flames, and a separate outbuilding also damaged by the fire.

While extinguishing the fire, five occupants were found deceased in the homes. A single occupant was able to escape and was taken to a local hospital.

The structures were consumed by fire and heavily damaged.

Investigators have not identified the names of the victims, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Ohio Fire Marshal, the Athens County Sheriff's Office and the Athens County Coroner.

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Five killed in Thanksgiving Day fire in Ohio
In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court ushered in a new era of gun regulation when it struck down New Yorks century-old concealed carry law. The Bruen decision paved the way for the right to carry a concealed firearm in public to become the law of the land.

Debates around right-to-carry pit the argument that a good guy with a gun can prevent crimes against concerns about an increased threat of gun violence, with research generally supporting the latter. But new research I co-authored found that right-to-carry is dangerous for other reasons.

In 1979, nearly all U.S. states either prohibited the concealed carry of firearms, or required anyone who wished to carry a concealed firearm to be evaluated before obtaining a license. But by 2000, over half of the states had passed so-called shall-issue laws, which mandate that authorities grant a concealed-carry permit to virtually any individual who applies. By the time Bruen arrived before the Supreme Court last year, only six states did not have a near-universal right-to-carry system in place.

Like most researchers, we found that right-to-carry increases violent crime, especially in large cities. But our findings were novel because we probed the mechanisms behind this increase. It wasnt simply a matter of people with right-to-carry permits committing more violent crimes. Rather, we identified two particular causes of increased crime: declines in police effectiveness and increases in gun thefts.

To investigate right-to-carrys impact on police effectiveness, we studied the police clearance of violent crimesthe number of violent crimes for which police were able to identify a perpetrator. We found that right-to-carry caused a 10% total reduction in police clearance in the U.S. cities where it was adopted. Nationwideusing the FBIs 2019 estimate that 1 million violent crimes take place annually in the U.S., of which about half are cleared by policethis could add up to an extra 50,000 crimes going unsolved every year.

There are a number of reasons for this decline in police effectiveness. As my co-author John Donohue has outlined in previous work, the most straightforward is that right-to-carry takes a toll on police time and resources, whether because of the need to investigate accidental shootings or simply to process permits. Additionally, in constrast to the logic of the good guy with a gun, the intervention of bystanders with firearms during crimesparticularly those poorly trained in firearms safetycan make it more difficult for police to catch criminals.

Another concerning possibility is that right-to-carry makes police more fearful of the people in their community. This could cause police officers to shy away from investigating suspicious behavior. Or it could make officers more likely to escalate their use of force.

Right-to-carry increases violent crime is by creating more opportunities for firearm theft, inadvertently causing permit-holding gunowners to provide firearms to criminals. Reports from police agencies suggest that firearm theft, particularly from motor vehicles, is a large and growing problem nationally. A 2017 survey from Harvard University estimated that there are 400,000 firearm thefts in the U.S. every yearmore stolen guns than are even in civilian hands in Ireland or Japan. We found that right-to-carry may increase gun theft by a staggering 50% in large cities.

Much of the public attention on right-to-carry has focused on the deliberate actions of permit-holding gun owners: whether they commit many crimes, and whether they stop many crimes from being committed. In fact, they do neither. Instead, as our research shows, the unintentional actions of concealed carry permit holders may be fueling violent crime by providing a flow of firearms ripe for theft and weakening law enforcements ability to apprehend criminals. The good guys can unwittingly end up helping the bad guys.

So, now, its up to lawmakers across the country to enact pragmatic policies to curb the worst public safety impacts of a permissive gun-carrying culture.

Teaching responsible gun ownership may be the most feasible reform that goes the furthest to promote public safety. Research suggests that making firearm safety training a requirement of receiving a concealed carry permit has been effective at ameliorating some of the rise in violent crime. While there is no conclusive explanation for why these trainings reduce crime, it is quite plausible that gun-carriers who undergo training are more careful with how they store and use their firearms, resulting in fewer firearm thefts and accidental discharges.

Safety training is no panacea to gun violence. But if the good guys with guns know how to safely store firearms and when to fire them, they have the best chance of promoting public safety.

Samuel Cai is a JD candidate at Yale Law School and former research fellow at Stanford Law School.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'Good guy with a gun' flawed logicRight-to-carry laws increase firearm theft
When the expert committee at the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf was working on de-Russifying the word thank you after the start of the full-scale war, there was the suggestion to leave it be, Tetiana Kryvko, the societys deputy head, tells the Kyiv Independent.

Before Russias full-scale invasion, Ukrainians who use sign language would have thanked one another with the Russian sign, a gesture that resembles taking ones hat off and bowing.

But we (Ukrainians) should not bow in front of anyone, she both says and signs. Kryvko, who has been deaf since the age of five, uses vocal and sign language.

So we got rid of it, and now use the (international) sign for thank you, which is signed by taking your dominant hand to your chin and moving it slightly down and towards the person you are talking to.

As Kryvko explains, she stops to make the sign for de-Russification a second time, this time more slowly: her thumb glides across her lower lip, joining her index finger to make the Russian letter R before making a flicking motion with her fingers.

She chuckles, knowing perfectly well that for Ukrainians, theres a certain enjoyment in flicking away Russia as if it were a bug or a piece of lint.

De-Russification, a process of removing Russian and Soviet cultural, linguistic, and societal influence or symbols in favor of the national identity, has been ongoing in Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russias full-scale invasion has rapidly accelerated this phenomenon.

During the Soviet era, Ukrainian Sign Language was practically done away with as signs and fingerspelling were replaced with Russian ones.

Kryvko, whose organization represents around 38,000 Ukrainians, says that more and more people who use sign language in Ukraine have been looking to dispose of Russian signs and fingerspelling since the start of the war.

Today, the deaf community in Ukraine wants nothing to do with the Russian language. As a result, many either avoid (signing in Russian) entirely or in part, Kryvko says in her office in downtown Kyiv.

The societys response to the war isnt just about the language. Between air raid sirens, explosions, and important announcements by officials, those who cannot hear or speak have at times found themselves in incredibly precarious situations and lacking government support.

The international sign language for thank you in motion. (Illustration: Karolina Gulshani)

The sounds of war

In the early days of the full-scale invasion in Sumy, a northeastern city that Russian forces have attempted to capture since day one, a group of around 30 people walked one after another along an unlit footpath.

"Halt!" called armed Ukrainian soldiers from the bushes. They didnt know the group included people who couldnt hear them.

Olesia Kovtun, who heads the Regional Society for the Deaf in Sumy Oblast, heard the order and explained to Ukrainian soldiers that they were on their way to a bomb shelter.

No one knows what could have happened if there weren't hearing people nearby. (Later), I had a feeling that they might have opened fire. They were armed. These were the first days of the invasion, Kovtun told the Kyiv Independent.

When a shower of Russian missiles and artillery barrages fell on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, deaf Ukrainians were in an information vacuum, Kryvko said. People watched the president saying something, but they didn't know what exactly.

The Society for the Deafs work involves protecting the legal rights of the deaf and mute community in Ukraine. Kryvko and her colleagues hoped that President Volodymyr Zelenskys office would provide sign language interpretation independently.

"Unfortunately, this didn't happen. So, we decided to translate the president's addresses and important information that comes out ourselves," according to Kryvko.

Now, the societys website and social media are full of videos where President Zelensky speaks alongside sign language interpreters.

Kryvko says every deaf and mute Ukrainian knows words like air raid alert, bomb shelter, explosions, Shahed kamikaze drone, cluster munitions, and artillery  previously known by a narrow group of trained interpreters.

Telegram channels established during the initial phase of the full-scale invasion have also since adapted to help deaf Ukrainians receive air raid notifications.

Nonetheless, Kryvko regrets that the government hasnt done more for the deaf and mute community to inform them of the dangers that exist, like what to do during an air raid alert or if an explosion occurs nearby.

The state should be responsible for the lives and health of people regardless of their health and hearing condition. However, it is unwilling to do so and shifts everything onto the shoulders of an NGO, said Kryvko.

But an NGO is not the State Emergency Service.

Read also: Ukrainians with disabilities endure disproportionate impact of Russias war

Sign Language Commission

As the war goes on, Ukraines deaf and mute community continues to develop Ukrainian Sign Language, campaigning for national sign language.

According to World Atlas, 41 countries recognize sign language as one of their official languages. Most of them, 26, are in Europe. Ukraine is not on the list.

People who use sign language have created several Telegram groups to discuss Ukrainian Sign Language, exchanging ideas on Ukrainian equivalents for Russian words.

The society took this one step further, developing an expert commission of Ukrainian sign language to eradicate Russianisms and other Russian influences in sign language.

Commissioner Natalia Adaniuk, a fourth-generation deaf person, remembers the Soviet-era schools for learning sign language. Two-thirds of the schools back then taught children to use Russian Sign Language, she said via Olena Butenko, a Ukrainian Sign Language interpreter.

The Soviet period was devastating for both the Ukrainian vocal and sign languages. As the Soviet regime conducted linguicide, a linguistic genocide that involved making Ukrainian words sound similar to Russian, so too did it pursue a silent purge of Ukrainian Sign Language.

Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin scorned sign language and dismissed deaf people as anomalous abnormal people. In his article Marxism and Problems of Linguistics, Stalin falsely claimed that sign language is not a real language or even surrogate of the language.

(The Soviets) forcibly taught deaf people only in Russian, Adaniuk told the Kyiv Independent.

In a push for national status for Ukrainian Sign Language, the societys expert commission constantly reconstructs historical signs, develops new signs and fingerspelling, creates entirely new ones, or adopts international gestures, as they did with the word thank you.

We are trying to get rid of all sign characters that have even a hint of Russianism, said Adaniuk.

______________________________________________________

Note from the author:

Hello, this is Alexander Khrebet, who wrote this story for you.

I hope you found it insightful and interesting to read how Ukraines deaf community is actively decolonizing Ukrainian sign language, reclaiming their linguistic heritage, examining sign language for any vestiges of colonial power forms.

The Kyiv Independent is helping to keep the world informed about Ukraine, but we also need help from every one of you  to support Ukrainian wartime journalism by becoming our supporter.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A state appeals court this week put on hold an administrative law judges ruling that backed Tampa and Orlando bars in a dispute about whether dogs should be allowed in the establishments.

A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 order Monday, granted a request to stay the June 15 ruling by Administrative Law Judge Lynne Quimby-Pennock.

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The order did not explain the courts reasoning, but the majority was made up of Judges Rachel Nordby and Adam Tanenbaum, while Judge Susan Kelsey dissented.

The Department of Health took the case to the Tallahassee-based appeals court after Quimby-Pennock ruled that the department had not properly revised a rule to prevent Pups Pub Tampa and Pups Pub Orlando from allowing customers to bring pets to the dog-friendly bars.

Read: Police to begin enforcement of new traffic signs in school zones near Longwood Elementary

The case centered on sanitation certificates that county health departments, which are overseen by the state Department of Health, issue to establishments.

Pups Pub Tampa, for example, was issued a sanitation certificate in December 2020, with an agreement that it would not serve food.

Read: 6th annual Fusion Fest returns to Downtown Orlando

Also, the pub took steps such as installing a gate to keep dogs out of the drink-service area. But in June 2022, the Tampa bar was cited for a violation related to having dogs in the business.

The Orlando bar, meanwhile, received a sanitation certificate and opened in July 2022 but was cited for a violation less than a month later, according to Quimby-Pennocks ruling.

Read: Erratic driver collides with 2 homes, mailboxes after rollover crash in Ocala, police say

Quimby-Pennock said the Department of Health did not properly go through a process to adopt a rule that would keep dogs out of the bars.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A Dublin man told members of an anti-immigration WhatsApp group to unleash violent attack 'that gets on the news'

Hours after a lone knifeman plunged his weapon into three young schoolchildren on the streets of Dublin, a call to arms was made.

A small but vocal minority took to social media to instigate the worst night of rioting the Irish capital has witnessed in decades.

Their fury was stoked by unsubstantiated online reports that the man who attacked the children was from Algeria.

The chilling aim of the riots for one so-called patriot: kill all foreigners.

At seven oclock, be in town. Everybody bally [balaclava] up, towel up, and any f---ing gypo, foreigner, anyone, just kill them. Just f---ing kill them. Lets get this on the f---ing news, a Dublin man said in a voice message to an anti-immigration WhatsApp group titled Enough is enough.

Over the next few hours on Thursday evening, chaos unfolded.

Riot police were attacked, vehicles set on fire and shops looted along one of Dublins most famous thoroughfares, OConnell Street.

In one video clip, a group of young men wearing balaclavas and branded tracksuits entered a McDonalds and emerged moments later declaring they had stolen one of the restaurants charity boxes, used to collect money for a childrens hospital in the city.

Irelands oldest department store, Arnotts on Henry Street, was also attacked, with a gang breaking in and ransacking its shelves shortly after it had closed.

Shoplifters laughed and shouted as they carried mannequins out of the 180-year-old establishment.

The stores chief executive said on Friday the scenes had left his staff, some of whom were reportedly still in the store at the time, shaken.

A FootLocker outlet on OConnell Street was looted and remained closed yesterday, after some of its stock was stolen and its front windows were smashed.

The violent anti-immigration rioters quickly turned their ire on police, one of whom was seriously injured.

A lone, unarmed policeman was filmed being encircled and tackled by a group of young men on OConnell Bridge.

At one point, a young man set alight a cardboard box, throwing it inside an unoccupied, parked police car, as onlookers cheered and the vehicle caught fire. Rioters fired flares and fireworks at police officers, several of whom were injured, one seriously.

As the night unfolded, images resembling a war zone emerged, as a tram and double-decker bus were set alight in the city centre.

The driver of the bus, who is from Mauritius but has lived in the country for 15 years, told Irish media that rioters had stopped the bus at traffic lights and started banging on the windscreen, telling him: Get out of the bus or we will kill you.

The rioting appeared to be well planned. Protesters told each other to spread out to make it harder for police to stop the rampage.

They cant control us all. Lets have little groups splintering off, doing what we have to do, said the man on the Whatsapp group.

Lets show the f---ing media that we are not a pushover and that no more foreigners are allowed into this poxy country. Enough is enough. This is it, the straw that broke the camels back. You touch our f---ing kids and these are the repercussions.

On X, people were urged to flood the centre of Dublin to vent their fury at the attack on the schoolchildren.

Get the train, get the bus, but most importantly, get to Dublin and stand with your fellow Irish people, one person wrote.

Such was the extent of the violence, the Rotunda, a maternity hospital on Parnell Street, near the scene of Thursdays stabbing, was forced to tell patients not to travel there unless necessary.

Protesters fury came even before the police had revealed the motivation of the attacker or his ethnicity. They clashed with police, yelling get them out, get the f--- out in apparent reference to migrants.

The hashtag #enoughisenough was trending on social media, with one man writing: I think Ireland has had a gutful of diversity and cultural enrichment which has led to the attempted murder of three young girls in the heart of Dublin.

The National Party, a tiny, far-Right, anti-immigration party which has no MPs in parliament, put out a message on X in which men were ordered to man up to make Ireland safe for women and children.

The message, which was viewed more than 22,000 times, said: Are you happy to sit and watch Irish children stabbed or will you man up and fight back?

The violence unfolded on the streets of the city as a reaction to the stabbing attack in which a man attacked three young children with a knife as they came out of their school in the heart of Dublin in the early afternoon.

One witness described the scene as absolute bedlam.

Another said: The kids were out walking. All of a sudden, one of them fell to the ground, then another fell to the ground, then another falls to the ground. Then this guy started running past.

Police initially said there was no political or terrorist motivation to the attack, but at a later briefing, the commissioner of police said that could not be ruled out.

There is speculation that the man may have suffered a psychotic episode. He is not believed to have a link to the school.

Drew Harris, the police commissioner, described the rioting as disgraceful and called the protesters a complete lunatic faction driven by far-Right ideology.

We have seen a group of people who take literally a thimble full of facts and make a bathtub of hateful assumptions and then conduct themselves in a way which is riotous and disruptive to our society, he added.

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Former Chicago Tribune food critic Phil Vettel is seen at the Purple Pig in 2018. Vettel will receive the Culinary Excellence Award, the highest honor of the Banchets. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

The Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence are set to return in 2024 and finalists in 12 categories were announced this month, with a former Chicago Tribune food critic among those to be honored.

The awards took a gap year in 2023 with hopes of relaunching the program to better serve the Chicago hospitality industry. The program is partnering with Chicago Chefs Cook, a nonprofit working to unite Chicagos culinary community and provide humanitarian relief locally and around the world, according to a news release.

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At the January awards ceremony, Phil Vettel will receive the Culinary Excellence Award, the highest honor of the Banchets. Vettel worked as a food critic for the Chicago Tribune for over 30 years and was with the paper for 41 years total.

Phil wrote about Chicagos culinary community for more than 30 years, launching the careers of many people on this list, said awards organizer Michael Muser, who is also the co-owner of Ever. Night after night, he was out eating, always operating with integrity and generosity.

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Vettel said in an email Wednesday this years finalists represent Chicagos dining scene in its diverse glory.

I dont think any other awards program understands Chicago so thoroughly, Vettel said in the email. Being recognized by this group is an unexpected and humbling honor.

The finalists for Restaurant of the Year are Kyoten, Jeong, Galit and Daisies. For Best New Restaurant, the finalists are Indienne, Valhalla, Warlord and Obelix.

Chef of the Year finalists are Paul Fehribach of Big Jones; Genie Kwon and Tim Flores of Kasama; Stephen Gillanders of S.K.Y., Valhalla and Apolonia; and Paul Virant of Vie, Vistro Prime and Gaijin. The finalists for Rising Chef of the Year are Margaret Pak of Thattu; Trevor Fleming, Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton of Warlord; Christian Hunter of Atelier; and Damarr Brown of Virtue.

The 2024 finalists for Pastry Chef of the Year are Tatum Sinclair of S.K.Y., Valhalla and Apolonia; Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies; Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten of Loba Pastry; and Erin Kobler of Sepia and Proxi.

The Jean Banchet Awards started in 2002 to recognize Chicagos local culinary talent. The awards are named after chef Jean Banchet, the face behind Le Francais in Wheeling. Banchet is considered to be the citys first celebrity chef and he helped elevate Chicagos dining reputation in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2016, Muser convinced the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to host the awards as a stand-alone event after winners were previously announced during the Grand Chefs Gala, a fundraiser organized by the foundations Greater Illinois chapter. Over the years, the event grew to be bigger and better, Muser said in 2022.

Other categories and finalists are:

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Bar of the Year  Meadowlark, Cherry Circle Room, Best Intentions and Scofflaw.

Sommelier of the Year  Daniel Bennett of Sushi-San, Alex Cuper of El Che Steakhouse & Bar, Amber Pike of Andros Taverna, and Christian Shaum of Bazaar Meat.

Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year  Pompette, Boeufhaus, Torchio Pasta Bar and Daisys Po-Boy and Tavern.

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Heritage Restaurant of the Year  Boonies Filipino Restaurant, Rubis on 18th, Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food and Thalaivas Indian Kitchen.

Best Counter Service  Omarcitos Latin Cafe, Loaf Lounge, Flour Power and JTs Genuine Sandwich Shop.

Best Hospitality  Bronzeville Winery, Dear Margaret, Smyth and DeNuccis.

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Best Restaurant Design  Fioretta, The Omakase Room at Sushi-San, Bistro Monadnock and Warlord.

The Virtue Leadership Development Program will be the awards charity beneficiary. Started by Virtue restaurants Erick Williams, who was the 2022 Jean Banchet Chef of the Year, the program trains young adults of color about the restaurant industry.

The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 28, 2024, at Venue SIX10 downtown. Tickets go on sale in December.

sahmad@chicagotribune.com
Former Obama administration official Stuart Seldowitz pleaded not guilty Thursday to hate crime and stalking charges, court records show, after he was accused of harassing the operator of a New York City food cart with racist and Islamophobic language.

Seldowitz previously worked in the State Department and was a national security adviser under former President Obama. He was arrested Wednesday on two counts of stalking as a hate crime and an additional count of aggravated harassment.

Videos circulated on social media earlier this week showing Seldowitz yelling at a food cart worker using Islamophobic language and references to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Some videos appear to be taken on different days.

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You support killing little children, Seldowitz says to the vendor in one video. The vendor retorts, You kill children, not me.

Seldowitz replies, If we killed 4,000 Palestinian children, you know what? It wasnt enough.

In another video, he appears to threaten the vendor with a reference to Egypts intelligence agency, the Mukhabarat, before making derogatory comments about Islam and the Prophet Mohammad.

Mukhabarat in Egypt will get your parents, Seldowitz said. Does your father like his fingernails? Theyll take them out one by one.

Seldowitz was released after the not guilty plea, according to court records.

The Hill has reached out to his attorney for comment.

Seldowitz later apologized for his actions in an interview with City & State on Tuesday.

I regret the whole thing happened and Im sorry, he said. But you know, in the heat of the moment, I said things that probably I shouldnt have said.

Rates of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim violence and harassment have dramatically increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza early last month.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said the organization has received 1,283 reports of harassment and violence as of this month, an unprecedented 216 percent increase over last year.

The Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric that have been used to both justify violence against Palestinians in Gaza and silence supporters of Palestinian human rights here in America has contributed to this unprecedented surge in bigotry, CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said in a statement.

Attacks and harassment against Jewish people have also increased since the Hamas militant groups Oct. 7 attack on Israel. New York Police Department data released this month found a 214 percent increase in antisemitic attacks in October over the month prior.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Bhargav Acharya

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Jailed South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was granted parole on Friday more than 10 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and will be released on Jan. 5, authorities said.

Pistorius - known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs - shot the 29-year-old model and law graduate through a bathroom door on Valentine's Day in 2013, and later repeatedly told courts he had mistaken her for an intruder.

The Steenkamps' family lawyer said on Friday they were not surprised by the parole decision, issued after Pistorius had completed a set portion of his sentence.

But in the run-up to Friday's hearing, Reeva Steenkamp's mother June released a statement saying she was not convinced Pistorius had been rehabilitated.

"Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof," her statement read.

She said she had forgiven him "long ago as I knew most certainly that I would not be able to survive if I had to cling to my anger".

Pistorius was initially jailed for five years in 2014 for culpable homicide by a high court and later released to serve out his sentence under house arrest.

But the Supreme Court of Appeal in late 2015 found him guilty of the more serious charge of murder after an appeal by prosecutors.

He was jailed for six years in 2016, less than half the 15-year minimum term sought by prosecutors.

In 2017, the Supreme Court more than doubled his sentence to 13 years and five months, saying the six-year jail term was "shockingly lenient".

"Mr Pistorius will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires," the Department of Correctional Services said on Friday.

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, would have to continue with anger management therapy as a condition of his parole, the Steenkamp family's lawyer Tania Koen said.

Pistorius's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for a comment.

Several factors are typically taken into account by a parole board, including the nature of the crime, the possibility of reoffending, conduct in prison, physical and mental wellbeing and potential threats a prisoner may face if released.

Pistorius was denied parole in March after it was ruled that he had not completed the minimum detention period required to be considered for parole.

However, the Constitutional Court said in October that Pistorius had served half of his sentence by March 21, which meant he was eligible, after his sentence was backdated to July 2016 instead of November 2017.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya, additional reporting by Tannur Anders, Anait Miridzhanian and Catherine Schenck; Editing by Nick Macfie, Toby Chopra and Andrew Heavens)
The former staffer who accused former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) of groping her in 2021 filed a suit against the former governor under the Adult Survivors Act this week.

Brittany Commisso claimed the governor groped her in 2020 and then retaliated against her when she later refused to perform sex acts and reported him for sexual harassment.

Cuomo resigned from office in 2021 after nearly a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and he faced a potential impeachment probe. He has denied all allegations against him.

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Commisso recalled the 2020 groping incident in a CBS interview in 2021. She said Cuomo shut the door to a room in the Governors Mansion and put his hand up my blouse and cupped my breast over my bra.

I exactly remember looking down, seeing his hand, which is a large hand, thinking to myself, Oh, my God. This is happening, she said. It happened so quick, he didnt say anything. When I stopped it, he just pulled away and walked away.

Prosecutors investigated Commissos claims in 2022 but declined to pursue charges against the former governor. Charges filed against Cuomo over the incident were dismissed.

While we found the complainant in this case cooperative and credible, after review of all the available evidence we have concluded that we cannot meet our burden at trial, District Attorney David Soares said.

Cuomos attorney, Rita Glavin, vehemently denied the allegations Friday and vowed to fight them in court.

Ms. Commissos claims are provably false, which is why the Albany County District Attorney dismissed the case two years ago after a thorough investigation, she said in a statement to The Hill. Ms. Commissos transparent attempt at a cash grab will fail. We look forward to seeing her in court.

The New York Adult Survivors Act allows victims of sexual assault and harassment to sue their alleged abusers in civil court with no statute of limitations. The act, passed in 2022, paved the way for cases against Bill Cosby, former President Trump, Sean Diddy Combs and other notable figures.

More than 2,500 lawsuits have been filed so far under the law, which created a yearlong suspension of the usual time limit to sue over an alleged sexual assault. That suspension ends Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
From left to right: Two-year-old Azriel Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez and five-year-old Andres Hernandez smile after the boys were officially adopted, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact.

Melissa and Daniel Hernandez held their three sons as they stood before family and friends, vowing to commit to them and provide the children with a loving, nurturing and stable home.

It's something the couple has already provided for the brothers, Andres, 5, Azriel, 2 and Elijah, 1, when they came into the Hernandez's lives a year ago.

But on Nov. 17, the couple completed the adoption process along with 16 other families for National Adoption Day, organized locally by Saint Francis Ministries at Lubbock Impact.

A family gives their testimony for adoption, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact.

"We have these large events not only to get the word out there that adoption is something that you can do, but also we just enjoy getting all the families together and creating joy and making the day just magical," said Aimee Paquette, the Adoption Resource Exchange Coordinator at Saint Francis Ministries.

She said the event is also aimed at underscoring the need for foster families.

In Texas, more than 4,600 children are in state care waiting to be adopted. About 360 of those children are in the Panhandle region, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Paquette said locally, there are 34 children in the foster care system waiting for adoptive families.

Judge Phillip Hays gives a proclamation during National Adoption Day, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact.

District Judge Phillip Hays with the 99th District Court in Lubbock presided over half of the final adoption hearings that day.

He said he looks forward to presiding over adoption hearings.

"It's a great opportunity to be involved in something like this and to put families together," he said. "Because most of the time, our jobs as judges is tearing families apart, pulling them apart in divorce and then child custody issues and things like that. So it's really a privilege to be able to come and create families and put them together and these are families that are created out of love, out of want, out of desire and out of a blessing that they share on the child, the child shares on the parents."

He said typically, children who enter the foster care system are pulled from their families because of neglect or abuse and foster families become a safe haven for these children as courts determine whether to return them to their biological parents.

"So you have foster families that are willing to step up and take those kids and be responsible for them for their safety for their wellbeing for their happiness and sometimes that foster family is able to move into become the adoptive family," he said.

Melissa Hernandez said she and her husband have been married for eight years. However, when they decided to start a family, they struggled to have children of their own.

She said their options came down to in vitro fertilization treatments or adopting. They chose to become foster-to-adopt parents and started the process two years ago.

"We went with fostering to adopt because we know that there's so many kids that need homes," she said.

Melissa described the process as a "rollercoaster" of emotions.

Their first foster child they took in was eventually placed with another family member.

"That broke our hearts," she said. "And we were like, oh, we were too devastated and we're like, 'I don't know if we can continue to do this.'"

Then in December, the couple were asked to take in three brothers and they opened their hearts one more time.

"We were like, 'You know what? This is going to be it. This is going to be for us,'" she said. "This is going to be our little family. So we went from a family of two to a family of five. "

One-year-old Elijah Hernandez picks out a book after being adopted with his two other brothers, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact.

Melissa described the last year as a nail-biter, not knowing if the family they've been dreaming of will become a reality.

"Luckily for us we got the gift of three little boys," she said.

Lynsie Sanchez advises people thinking about becoming foster parents to come into it with an open mind.

"You are going to get attached to these kids," she said. "We always say that if you're not attached, then you're doing it wrong."

Stuffed animals sit in pews during Adoption Day, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact. Each child was able to pick out a book and stuffed animal after they were officially adopted.

Lynsie and her partner, Kendra, have been foster parents for about eight years.

"We're a same-sex couple so we just weighed out all of our options and fostering is just a beautiful thing," she said. "There's so many kids that need homes so we thought let's do it through fostering."

On National Adoption Day, the Sanchez's finalized the adoption of their fourth and youngest child, 2-year-old Emerson, who is the biological brother of their two older sons, Easton, 6 and Elijah, 4.

Their first adopted child, 7-year-old Callie, came into their lives as a newborn.

"This is actually our first time doing the adoption in National Adoption Month and it's lovely," she said. "It's so much fun, the environment's great just getting to share with everybody, sharing it with everybody is really really a blessing."

Lynsie said since becoming foster parents they've taken in 30 children, many of whom either returned to their parents or were adopted by relatives.

She said as foster parents she sees it as their job to provide a loving home for children until they find a permanent home.

"They've got a home for the time that they were with us, we loved them, we nurtured them, we cared for them and hopefully we left some kind of imprint on their hearts before they went home," she said.

Patricia Price said she became a foster parent about five years ago and mainly took in children between 4 to 10 years old.

"My happiest point in my life was when I was raising my boys," she said. "And so I had a void for so long I felt like having kids and being there for them you know? I just feel like if someone has a heart to adopt it's rewarding."

On National Adoption Day, she adopted her first child, 3-year-old Hudson, who she took in when he was a baby being treated in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Three-year-old Hudson Price picks out a stuffed animal after he is adopted, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Lubbock Impact. Price spent over 1,000 days in foster care before his adoption.

"That night I got him and right away I knew I was in trouble," she said. "I just fell in love with him that night. I just fell in love with him and I didn't want to give him up."

Insurance issues and the boy's medical treatments delayed the adoption process but with the help of her family she was able to complete the process.

"He needed us and we needed him," she said.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: National Adoption Day celebrated in Lubbock with 22 children adopted
There are 3700 trucks waiting to enter and exit the border

Four border crossings between Ukraine and Poland remain blocked by striking Polish truckers, with some 3,700 Ukrainian trucks stranded on both sides, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko told NV on Nov. 24.

The Yahodyn-Dorohusk, the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne and the Krakovets-Korchova border crossings have been blocked for more than two weeks, with nearly 2,300 vehicles lining up across them, including 860 at the Krakovets-Korchova checkpoint alone.

Read also: Some 2,800 trucks stuck at Ukrainian border due to Polish trucker strike

Ukrainian cargo traffic through the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint is currently restricted between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. since Nov. 23 and is expected to continue until Nov. 26, Polish Border Guard Service says. About 1400 trucks are waiting there to cross the border.

Read also: Slovak carriers initiate blockade at border checkpoint, stranding 300 trucks

"The trucks are moving, but extremely slowly; especially at Yahodyn, where only 150 trucks a day pass in both directions, compared to 1,500 before the blockade," Demchenko said.

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
Republican presidential hopefuls are rallying their campaigns ahead of the fourth debate after the requirements for participation were tightened.

On Nov 3, the Republican National Committee (RNC) announced that candidates would need to meet more stringent polling requirements to appear at the event in Alabama.

It comes after Mike Pence became the first major candidate to drop out of the race, leaving Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis as the two main challengers to Donald Trump.

At the third debate in October, Nikki Haley ruffled feathers by calling Vivek Ramaswamy scum over his comment on her daughters use of TikTok.

Mr Trump has refused to back down over his refusal to attend the events, having hosted rival speeches and interviews at the same time as the last two debates in a bid to sway audience attention.

When is the fourth Republican debate?

The next debate will take place on Dec 6 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Alabama has remained a Republican stronghold since 1980 and is expected to remain the same in next years election.

Where to watch the debate

NewsNation, The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM and the Washington Free Beacon will host the event.

It will also be livestreamed on Rumble, a video-sharing platform popular with some conservatives.

Fox News debate moderator Megyn Kelly - JIM LO SCALZO

Who is attending?

The RNC has tightened its qualifying requirements for the debate even further this time around, in a move which could oust two candidates from the stage.

Candidates are now required to receive six per cent support in at least two national polls, or both six per cent in one national poll and six per cent in one statewide poll in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina or Nevada.

They will also need at least 80,000 unique donors, and 200 donors from each of 20 or more states and territories, the RNC stipulated.

For the third debate, candidates were only required to register at least four per cent in two national polls or in one national poll and one early-state poll, and they only needed 70,000 unique donors, 200 of which must come from 20 or more states each.

While there are seven candidates still in the race, it is likely that under the new regulations only four of the candidates have a chance of qualifying for the event.

Ms Haley and Mr DeSantis are both expected to appear, while Mr Ramaswamy appears to be on the verge of making the cut.

Although he easily meets the qualifications, Donald Trump maintains that he will not be attending any of the debates.

Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey and Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, appears to be at risk of failing to meet the requirements.

What is Trump doing instead?

Mr Trump has so far refused to attend any of the Republican debates and has instead hosted rival events including interviews and campaign rallies.

The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, the former president wrote on Truth Social in August. I will therefore not be doing the debates.

For the third debate, Mr Trump held a rally in Hialeah, South Florida while during the second, he skipped the event deliver a speech in front of union workers in Detroit.

When the first took place he released a pre-recorded interview with conservative commentator and former Fox anchor Tucker Carlson.

What issues will the candidates be quizzed on?

Its not clear exactly what questions will be asked, but during the last debate foreign policy remained front and centre of the conversation as candidates discussed the implications of Israels war against Hamas.

The Megyn Kelly Show host Megyn Kelly, newsanchor Elizabeth Vargas, and Washington Free Beacon editor in chief Eliana Johnson are slated to moderate the event.

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) -- Foxconn Technology Groups billionaire founder Terry Gou has quit the race to become Taiwans next president.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Gou said he had decided to set aside his political ambitions for the greater good of Taiwan and expressed his hope one of the opposition candidates could beat the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Januarys election, according to a statement from his campaign Friday.

Those who achieve great things can disregard praise or criticism. Terry Gou may be forgotten by the people, but for the future of the Republic of China, I choose to sacrifice myself for the greater good, he said in the statement, refer to Taiwans official name. This is my utmost dedication to my homeland.

The decision brings to an end Gous years-long pursuit of Taiwans most-powerful job  at least for now. The businessman has made no secret of his political ambitions since first flirting with the idea of a presidential run in 2019. His platform of pursuing peace talks with China and acting as a key intermediary between Washington and Beijing had failed to excite voters.

Gous goal of becoming Taiwans president has faced several obstacles. His campaign faces a probe in Taiwan on suspicion of offering cash payments in exchange for signatures.

That comes on top of Beijings surprise investigation into Foxconn, the company Gou founded in 1974, reigniting concern he could be susceptible to pressure from China if he won. The probe came after Gou said he would not bow to Chinese threats.

Gous decision comes just hours before the deadline to formally register for the election on Friday. Taiwans main opposition parties have launched rival bids for the presidency after talks over a potential alliance imploded Thursday.

The Kuomintangs Hou Yu-ih named TV presenter Jaw Shaw-kong as his vice presidential running mate Friday morning, and filed formal papers to run in the Jan. 13 election. The Taiwan Peoples Partys Ko Wen-je also filed, selecting lawmaker Wu Hsin-ying as his running mate.

They are running against the Democratic Progressive Partys candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te.

(Updated with confirmation of Terrys withdrawal.)

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By Juliette Jabkhiro

PARIS (Reuters) - Former President Nicolas Sarkozy told a Paris appeals court on Friday he was innocent of any wrongdoing, as he tried to overturn a 2021 conviction for illegal campaign financing.

Sarkozy was handed a one-year prison sentence in September 2021, though that was suspended while he launched his appeal.

"I forcefully contest any criminal liability," said Sarkozy, who remains an influential figure among French conservatives, despite a string of trials and investigations.

"I deny having ever been aware of any fraud," he told the judges. "What matters to me is the truth. I have failed to convince so far. I want the truth."

The former president, in office from 2007 to 2012, has always denied the accusations that his conservative party Les Republicains, then known as the UMP, worked with public relations firm Bygmalion to hide the true cost of his re-election bid.

Sarkozy put the blame on some members of his campaign team: "I didn't choose any supplier, I didn't sign any quotation, any invoice," he told the judges on Friday, speaking loudly with agitated hand gestures.

France sets strict limits on campaign spending. Prosecutors allege that the firm invoiced UMP rather than the campaign. They say Sarkozy spent 42.8 million euros on his 2012 campaign, almost double the permitted amount.

(Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Caricature of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur de Rochambeau (1725-1807). "Count de Rochambeau, French general of the land forces in America reviewing the French troops". Etching. Public Domain.

Anyone else listen to "Guns and Ships" every time they have to get hyped for a run or a workout? Or, like, just has to get out of bed?

Look, the author is a father with a toddler, now. It takes a lot of hype even to brush my teeth.

But that song, while a fun introduction to the Franco contribution to the Revolutionary War, actually way undersells how important French spite was to the American Revolution . About 10,000 French troops and dozens of ships fought directly with American forces in the War for Independence. And tens of thousands more fought in campaigns around the world to tie up British forces.

And, to be fair, to embarrass the British. The French military played an essential role in the American Revolution, but it did so mostly to show the world's largest middle finger to Great Britain, which had beat France like a drum in the French and Indian War.

France watched the slow development of an American rebellion in the 1770s with cautious optimism. While it wanted a chance for revenge after the 1763 Treaty of Paris, it couldn't pick a fight with Great Britain too soon or it risked a second drubbing with no gain.

French military in the American Revolution

When it did feel ready, it still asked the Americans to prove they were ready for a real fight with Britain.

In 1774, Patriots went to France to inquire about potential support. After the Declaration of Independence, France quickly organized secret shipments of gunpowder, weapons, and other materiel , but it stopped short of sending official trainers, troops, or ships. And it opened discussions with Spain on creating an alliance against Britain.

After the American victory at Saratoga, though, and the surrender of British Gen. John Burgoyne, France decided to jump in officially. It abandoned negotiations with the Spanish for their help and just backed America with official recognition, treaties, and 4,000 troops and 16 ships.

This first French military force brought needed professional soldiers into the American Revolution, swelling Gen. George Washington's ranks. And the ships ferried men and supplies . But relations between Washington and his French counterpart, Charles d'Estaing, were tense. d'Estaing saw Washington as beneath him and the American soldiers as an unwashed mass.

Still, his troops and ships tied up British forces and assisted in failed campaigns against the British at Newport, Rhode Island in 1778 and Savannah, Georgia in 1779. After the crushing defeat at Savannah, d'Estaing exited stage left.

But France sent a larger Expedition Particuliere to America.

The French Expedition Particuliere and comte de Rochambeau

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, saw his mission to America as important and the professional officer carefully built a friendly relationship with Washington . And their forces did some great work together. It was this part of the French military that had the greatest impact on the American Revolution.

The French officer aggressively commanded his own forces but always within the strategic plan of Washington. Comte de Rochambeau, despite being a decorated and experienced military officer in his own right, happily subordinated himself to the local commander he supported.

His forces did struggle a few times. In the spring of 1781, his ships were blockaded in Rhode Island by the British, and comte de Rochambeau was forced to march his troops overland to continue fighting.

But then word came that the French fleet was able to get out to sea, and the British army under Marquess Charles Cornwallis was penned up at Yorktown and requesting resupply and reinforcements.

Washington wanted to continue an attack against British forces in New York, but comte de Rochambeau convinced him that an overland assault against Yorktown, if coupled with a successful French naval engagement off the coast, would allow the Continentals to capture the massive British force there.

The bulk of British forces in the colonies could be captured.

If you're not yet imagining the opening bars of "Guns and Ships," please start now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOb8-C6jw0M

Washington and comte de Rochambeau sent word to the fleet and began their march. They could not know whether the fleet would learn the new plan, but they prepared to attack anyway.

The American victory

Of course, most history buffs know what happened next. The French fleet fought a blockbuster battle off the coast. British and French ships pummeled each other for literally days, ending in...a stalemate. Tactically, the naval battle was a draw.

But the British fleet withdrew.

So, strategically, Cornwallis found himself cut off from resupply, reinforcement, or evacuation. And the combined forces under Washington and comte de Rochambeau successfully forced his surrender in 1781.

But Cornwallis claimed he was ill and sent a subordinate to surrender in his place . Because he was a loser.

The war didn't end just because Cornwallis went home with his tail between his legs. Oddly enough, the arguably final battle of the Revolution took place two years later. Off the coast of India. Between British and French ships.

With nary a Continental in sight.

The French contributions to the Revolution, ironically, led to a bankruptcy of the French crown, common discontent in France, and the French Revolution.

Logan Nye was an Army journalist and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Now, hes a freelance writer and live-streamer. In addition to covering military and conflict news at We Are The Mighty, he has an upcoming military literacy channel on Twitch.tv/logannyewrites.
The 6th China-France high-level dialogue on people-to-people exchange at Peking University in Beijing

The 6th China-France high-level dialogue on people-to-people exchange at Peking University in Beijing

By Laurie Chen and John Irish

BEIJING/PARIS (Reuters) -Europe should not be afraid of working with China because of competition, and the two sides should work together to enhance the reliability and stability of economic and trade relations, foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

European officials have repeatedly vowed to reduce economic dependencies on China in critical sectors - otherwise known as "de-risking" - in the face of what the G7 calls China's "economic coercion".

"China's position is clear. We will adhere to our support of Europe's strategic autonomy," Wang said when asked about China's view of its relationship with Europe at a press briefing with his French counterpart in Beijing.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna was visiting the Chinese capital, and earlier met Premier Li Qiang with whom she discussed a broad range of topics including rebalancing France's economic relationship with the world's second-largest economy.

Colonna said France was committed to dialogue with China, affirming ties after a European Union anti-subsidy probe backed by Paris into Chinese-made electric vehicles was blasted as "protectionist" by Beijing.

Her trip is centred on encouraging exchanges between citizens of both countries such as students and tourists, threatened to be overshadowed by the trade issues.

"We are really committed to dialogue with China," Colonna told Li, adding that she was "honoured" and happy to see him after their Paris meeting in June.

Wang said the differing demands of competition and cooperation need not clash.

"Of course there will be competition in cooperation, but we should not be afraid of cooperation because of competition. The biggest risk we need to get rid of is the uncertainty brought by broad politicisation," Wang said, adding that the dependency most in need of reduction is protectionism.

"At present, exchanges between China's business circles are resuming in an all-round way and heating up rapidly. We will listen to the voices of the European business community, earnestly solve the problems of investors in China," Wang said in the press briefing with his counterpart.

Both foreign ministers agreed to cooperate on a number of fronts.

"With China, we are working to find answers to global climate, biodiversity and debt challenges," Colonna wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Wang said he hopes to deepen exchanges with France in civil nuclear and aerospace, and explore emerging areas such as education and scientific research.

The Chinese premier, in his meeting with Colonna earlier, also took an upbeat stance on broader bilateral ties.

"Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and (French) President (Emmanuel) Macron, the relationship between China and France has been developing better and better in all aspects since this year," Li said.

"Next year will be the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and both of us are sustaining our efforts in the hope that the 60th year would see a big development and a big breakthrough."

CHINA-EU SUMMIT LOOMS

Colonna's trip precedes a visit by the European Commission and Council presidents, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, to Beijing in early December for the first in-person summit with President Xi Jinping in four years, after China-EU relations nosedived during the pandemic.

Macron, who met with Xi in China earlier this year, has argued the EU should stop being naive and demand a level playing field with countries like China, and had been pushing the European Commission behind the scenes to launch the probe.

China is France's third-largest trade partner, but French and other European firms are concerned about China's vast trade imbalance with the EU, its opaque legislation on cross-border data transfers and cheap Chinese EVs flooding the European market, threatening domestic carmakers.

France is also concerned about Chinese attempts to force French cosmetics companies to share manufacturing secrets with Chinese parties.

France is China's top source of cosmetics and wine imports, according to China's customs agency, with French luxury titans such as LMVH particularly dependent on Chinese consumers. The lack of a strong rebound in luxury demand following China's post-pandemic re-opening has spooked investors.

Xi insisted China welcomes investment from French firms in a telephone call on Monday with Macron, who urged fair treatment for foreign companies in China.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen and John Irish; Additional reporting by Dominique Patton, Judy Hua and Ryan Woo; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Miral Fahmy and Hugh Lawson)
Happy Thanksgiving, Chicago! Lets revisit the quintessential movie for today.

In the 1987 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy) are two very different businessmen trying to make their way from New York to Chicago only to be diverted to Wichita, Kan., from where they have a series of adventures that bring them closer together.

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[ Want to drive past the Home Alone house? Or the church? A tour of 12 filming locations around Chicago. ]

The script was written by John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and more) who frequently based his plots in Chicago and the suburbs. This story was inspired by a real experience. Hughes, previously an advertising copywriter for Leo Burnett, attempted the same trip but was spectacularly diverted to a variety of cities around the United States.

Many of the movies Hughes wrote were also filmed here.

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I like California but my fear has always been that if I lived there for a couple of years, I would wind up writing screenplays about writers who cant write screenplays anymore. Hughes told the Tribune while filming Sixteen Candles in Evanston in 1983. Its far better for me to be working here, near the places where I grew up, and with the people Ive known all my life.

[ Op-ed: Why John Hughes films are such a part of our familys holiday season ]

Why else do we still love Planes? No remake  yet.

And its the perfect appetizer for two modern Christmas classics, which were also created by Hughes  National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989) and Home Alone (1990).

Chicago history | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

Rebecca De Mornay and Tom Cruise on a Chicago train in "Risky Business," in 1983. (Warner Brothers)

Hughes spent a good chunk of the 1980s here writing screenplays, and producing and directing movies.

Even the extras are better here, he said in 1983. Theyre not so jaded, they havent done it 20 times before; so Ive been getting really natural performances. ... When you go on location in Chicago, even the onlookers are thrilled.

It harkened back to a different time in the city.

Between 1907 and 1918 Chicago was the center of the nations film industry. The studios eventually deserted the city for California, blaming it on the weather.

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Then, under Mayor Richard J. Daley, filming a movie about Chicago in Chicago was forbidden.

During his 20 years in office, Daley thwarted almost every attempt to make major motion pictures here. He suspected, with good reason, that the cinema would depict Chicago as a town ruled by gangsters.

In 1976, Daley died, and the fledgling Illinois Film Office, whipped along by its first director, Lucy Salenger, a former television producer, began to aggressively market Illinois as a movie location. Daleys successors at City Hall, who recognized the economic potential, supported that effort.

When the major film studios began trickling into town, they brought with them almost everything and everybody they would need to accomplish their purpose-from lights to cameras, from assistant electricians to major stars. Early on, however, local officials of the Teamsters union and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees persuaded studio production heads that they could find willing and relatively inexpensive crews already here and eager to pitch in.

Call it Hollywood-by-the-Lake.

The filmmakers liked what they saw and returned in ever-increasing numbers. Studios filmed seven pictures or television movies here during 1976, six in 1977, eight in 1979. In 1986, 24 major productions were filmed wholly or in part in Illinois, plus 26 individual, hour-long episodes for both the Jack and Mike and Crime Story television series.

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[ Risky Business at 40: Tom Cruises Chicago-made movie has even more to say now  about inequality, about the North Shore ]

By 1987, the studios longer brought in all their help though local movie production fell off because of a threatened nationwide directors strike in June and because several projects were diverted to Canada, where the U.S. dollar bought more. Even so, local filmmaking the year Planes, Trains and Automobiles was released generated more than $30 million and provided 15,000 temporary jobs, estimated Suzy Kellett, then the director of the Illinois Film Office. With a staff of eight and an annual budget of $650,000, the Film Office claimed to produce more revenue per dollar spent than any other state agency except the lottery.







John Candy and Steve Martin in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," directed by John Hughes in 1987. (Paramount Pictures)

Ironically, the film about trying to get home to Chicago couldnt film here.

Do to the lack of the fluffy stuff  which plays a big role in the film  production was moved to New York.

A few scenes, however, were shot locally. Remember the duo carrying Griffiths trunk in the middle of street and stopping before Pages two-story brick Colonial? That was shot in Kenilworth. And the motel that Griffith backs his rental car into? Thats in Gurnee.







Del Griffith, right and portrayed by John Candy, reprimands a cab driver who punched Neal Page, lying on the ground and portrayed by Steve Martin, in the John Hughes film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." (Paramount Pictures Corp. )

Its Candys first really good character and performance on screen. Martin is funny as usual, Siskel wrote.

In 2000, Roger Ebert called it the only movie our family watches as a custom, most every Thanksgiving. (He also gave it 3.5 stars.)

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[ Take a look back at Gene Siskels memorable movie reviews for the Chicago Tribune ]

Critic Johanna Steinmetz, who gave the film 3 stars, found the plot to be a refreshing take from Hughes.

Sure, its hinted, these men have personal problems. But Planes, Trains and Automobiles doesnt give its adults the Hughes teen treatment of probing the psyche to explain behavior, she wrote in 1987. It just chronicles the behavior, tidies up a bit with explanations at the end and lets us draw our own conclusions.







Bachelors played by Steve Guttenberg, from left, Tom Selleck and Ted Danson in "Three Men and a Baby." (Buena Vista Pictures)

Three Men and a Baby topped Hughess film in the rankings of top-grossing movies for the Chicago area during its opening weekend.

Other films out at the same time included, Fatal Attraction, Nuts, The Running Man, Flowers in the Attic, and Less Than Zero.







Director John Hughes in a 1984 photo. (AP)

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Hughes died of a heart attack while walking in Manhattan on Aug. 6, 2009. He was 59.

Since then, his movies have been observed with a more critical eye  especially by Molly Ringwald, who came of age starring in locally filmed Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.

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Yet for those who are nostalgic, Hughess films provide a journey back in time. Take our 10-question quiz to test how well you recognize the homes, businesses, schools and other buildings depicted in Hughess films.







Want more vintage Chicago?

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Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com.
After the first upside-down signs were spotted a few days ago in south-west France, they are now cropping up across the country - Magali Delporte

Thousands of road signs identifying villages across rural France have been turned upside down by young farmers protesting against EU regulations and government diktats.

Driving through rural Dordogne, motorists would be forgiven for wanting to have their eyes tested: sign after sign has been unscrewed and turned around.

After the first upside-down signs were spotted a few days ago in Tarn, south-west France, they are now cropping up across the country.

In many cases, stickers have been added with the French words: Cest le monde a lenvers.

The literal translation is the worlds turned upside down but the expression means: What is the world coming to?

On their long list of grievances are calls for an end to the pile-up of the norms they are forced to respect from the French government, as well as fury that foreign imports do not have to respect the strict rules imposed on them by Paris.

The farmers are also unhappy with an EU obligation to leave 4 per cent of all their land fallow under the Common Agricultural Policy.

They accuse the French government of not applying the EGAlim law, which is supposed to create a fair balance between producers and supermarkets, and promote healthier food.

The signs initially perplexed residents, mayors and gendarmes, two of whom were seen photographing the upside-down place names as the Telegraph drove past in northern Dordogne.

Then Jeunes Agriculteurs (JA), the young farmers union, announced that no, the sky was not falling on French heads, and that they were behind the stunt.

'Today we cant go into a field without writing everything down,' said Christophe Lapierre, 52, a French farmer who rears Limousin cattle - Magali Delporte

French farmers are renowned for their radical protests: on Friday, union activists dumped a ton of manure in front of McDonalds and Burger King outlets in the Haute-Saone, south-east France, because they felt not enough French beef was being used in the fast food restaurants.

It is, they say, a high-profile, humorous and peaceful way of raising awareness about their predicament.

Weve already overturned 800 [signs] in the Dordogne and by the weekend every departement in France will be affected. That means probably 40,000 signs, said Clement Courteix, the vice president of the Dordognes JA union.

The 28-year old slowly drove his huge green John Deere tractor across a muddy field, planting wheat seed as he went, before coming to a halt.

These will one day be flour for millions of baguettes. But Im stopping for now. Its too wet and muddy, he said.

Among the fifth generation of farmers to plough these fields, Clement took over from his father in 2014 and has more than 600 acres of land on which he grows wheat, maize, sunflowers, rapeseed, barley and soya.

He also has 12,000 organic egg-laying hens producing four million eggs per year.

We have no idea what the food situation will be like with all these conflicts that we could have either in the Middle East or in Ukraine, he said.

And rather than work towards food sovereignty, we are forced to leave 4 per cent of our land alone. So thats 4 per cent less food and revenue.

While the unionists are for now sticking to their tongue-in-cheek protest, if there is no movement, they plan to ride to Paris on tractors next week - Magali Delporte

Older fellow farmers down the road were equally supportive.

Christophe Lapierre, 52, who rears Limousin cattle and has more than 850 acres of land  half for cereal, half for pastures  said: Norms, norms, norms. We are policed on all sides. Today we cant go into a field without writing everything down. We try and respect all these laws but its hard to keep up.

With Jacques Chirac it was much better. He loved farmers. [Nicolas] Sarkozy was the worst  he never left the city. [Emmanuel] Macrons not much cop either.

Mr Courteix claimed that Frances rules on the use of products are constantly changing compared to our EU colleagues and even more so compared to those elsewhere. When we open our toolbox every morning, there are fewer and fewer left to protect our plants, to help our animals.

He asked: We know that there are some are problematic and are perhaps responsible for certain pollution but if we remove them, what do we replace them with?.

Young farmers were particularly irked with a European proposal to cut pesticide use by half by 2030 and a total ban in sensitive areas such as parks.

On Wednesday, however, the full European Parliament shot down, in a 299-to-207 vote, the recommendation.

Marie Toussaint, a French MEP with the Left-wing Greens grouping, said on social media that the Right and the extreme-Right torpedoed adoption of the pesticide regulation.

But Peter Liese, a German MEP with the centre-Right European Peoples Party (EPP), said: Today is a good day for farmers.

The EPP and other Right-leaning groups are keen to have farmers onside for the polls, creating tensions about the commissions drive to put the bloc on the path to a carbon-neutral, sustainable future.

Clement Courteix says "we've already overturned around 800 (signs) in the Dordogne - Magali Delporte

Plan to ride to Paris

Europes powerful agricultural lobby has come out against legislative measures crimping production.

A key biodiversity bill aimed at rewilding EU land and water habitats, which was initially approved earlier this month, was watered down from the original text presented by the commission.

Christiane Lambert, the head of French farmers umbrella body the FNSEA, said of the rejected pesticide bill: At last, the European Parliament recognises that the pesticide regulation was poorly calibrated, unrealistic, unfinanced.

Farmers political clout in the EU came to the fore this week in the Netherlands after the populist politician Geert Wilders shock election victory.

Among smaller parties, the Farmer-Citizen Movement  or BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB)  said that it would be willing to govern with Mr Wilders, who is struggling to forge a coalition.

Caroline van der Plas, the leader of the BBB, arrived for the talks in style, riding in a green tractor.

The BBBs seven seats in the lower house of parliament wouldnt be needed for a majority there, but it holds a large number of seats in the senate, which has the power to block legislation.

As well as restricting immigration, a hard-Right coalition would soften plans to reduce livestock and fertiliser use, which are strongly opposed by farmers.

While French unionists are for now sticking to their tongue-in-cheek protest, if there is no movement, they plan to ride to Paris on tractors next week to raise the pressure.

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A few months ago, my baby daughter started the transition from exclusively breastfeeding to beginning to eat solid foods. Like many other parents, I am experiencing the range of emotions  excitement, wonder, curiosity  that comes with a child reaching this milestone.

But I am also feeling fear.

Breastfeeding takes a lot of time and effort, but one of its many benefits is that the product itself is free. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are expensive  and with food prices still running high thanks to inflation, they can be out of reach for parents like me in the San Joaquin Valley with limited income. The idea of being unable to afford the healthy foods my daughter and I need is a scary but very real thought for me.

Fortunately, we have a lifeline: the supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as WIC. For nearly 50 years, WIC has provided millions of pregnant women, new moms and young children with essential health and nutrition benefits. But a lack of funding means that some women and families who need WIC may not be able to get it  especially whenever theres a government shutdown.. My message to Congress is simple: Make sure WIC is always there for anyone who needs it.

I joined WIC when I was two months pregnant. As any parent can attest, life changes dramatically when you become pregnant, and even more so when your first child is born. But WIC has been a constant for me since the day I joined.

At the time, I wasnt a healthy eater, and I wasnt sure what steps I needed to take to make sure I had a healthy pregnancy. WIC counselors always answer my questions and point me in the right direction. As my daughter achieves all the different milestones that come during a childs critically important first year of life, I consider WIC counselors to be an important part of our team.

My daughter and I are among the more than 900,000 residents of California who participate in WIC; in fact, WIC serves more than 40% of all babies born in our state. The average family income for California WIC participants is less than $20,000, so we need the support  its especially important here in Fresno County, where 14% of residents are food insecure. But our state depends on it, too: WICs total economic impact in California was more than $1 billion in 2022 alone.

Madonna and child painting by Italian painter Carlo Dolci.

In addition to its remarkable economic impacts, WIC drives significant health impacts as well. WIC lowers the risk of infant mortality, reduces poverty and food insecurity, and strengthens brain development of children. Obesity rates for 2-to-4 year olds on WIC in California declined from 18.4% in 2010 to 17% in 2020. By any objective measure, WIC is simply incredible.

Yet as they debate the federal budget, some members of Congress are threatening to underfund the program by hundreds of millions of dollars. If WIC isnt fully funded, state WIC agencies may be forced to put otherwise eligible individuals or families on wait lists, which hasnt happened in decades. Without WIC, it would be even harder for California families in need to handle the rent increases and heating payments that are coming this winter, and the high food and gas prices were dealing with daily.

There are many ways to make WIC even stronger than it is now. Congress can increase funding for WIC and maintain the higher fruit and vegetable benefit that so many of us have relied on over the past few years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture can make the food package even healthier and make it easier for people to spend benefits online. But cutting benefits would be a huge mistake. No mother or child will benefit from failing to fund WIC, but many will be hurt.

My daughter will reach many more milestones in the coming months and years: walking, talking, eating new foods and going to school. Its my job to keep her healthy and safe as she grows up, but its a job I cant do alone. I need WIC; millions of other families do, too. And that means we need Congress to step up and protect a program that does so much for so many in Fresno, throughout California and across our country.

Janet Ortigoza is a Fresno resident who participates in WIC.
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Good evening. BBC staff have accused the corporation of double standards after they were told not to attend a march against anti-Semitism this weekend.



Elsewhere, the damage caused by the Dublin riots has been estimated at tens of millions, Leo Varadkar has said as the first suspected rioters appeared in court.

BBC bans Jewish staff from marching against anti-Semitism

BBC staff have accused the corporation of double standards after they were told not to attend a march against anti-Semitism this weekend. Staff working in current affairs and factual journalism who have sought permission to go to the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism march in London have been referred to impartiality rules.

No other country would prosecute someone trying to save lives, says Met chief as crash officer cleared

The decision to prosecute an armed officer who crashed while racing to the scene of a terrorist attack has been described as appalling by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. Sir Mark Rowley said no other country in the world would haul one of its most highly trained officers before the courts for bravely trying to preserve life.

Dublin riots damage to cost ten of millions

The damage caused by the Dublin riots has been estimated at tens of millions, Leo Varadkar has said as the first suspected rioters appeared in court. The cars destroyed, the trams and buses damaged, we dont have a figure on that yet, but it is likely to be in the tens of millions, not millions, the Irish Taoiseach said, adding that affected businesses will receive government support.

Evening Briefing: Todays essential headlines

Prince Harry | The Duke of Sussex is ready to put the bitter feud with his family behind him and move on but the Duchess of Sussex refuses to have anything to do with them, a new book has claimed.

Battle Lines Podcast | Torn between hope and fear, Israel waits for Hamas to release hostages

In this episode of Battle Lines, Middle East Correspondent Natalia Vasilyeva looks at the highly anticipated hostage release and temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, after weeks of bloody fighting. Foreign Reporter Verity Bowman also discusses the dire public health situation in Gaza as disease stalks the streets.

Comment and analysis

World news: Fat, bearded and a smoker: Oscar Pistorius

South Africas disgraced Olympian Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole and will be released from jail on January 5. The amputee blade runner, who won six Paralympic gold medals and reached the semi-finals of the 200m sprint at the 2012 London Olympics, was told he could walk free after serving nine years for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.

Feature of the day

I fell in love with a superstar surgeon who turned out to be a conman

Benita Alexander thought Paolo Macchiarinis pioneering surgery was going to change the world. Then his patients started dying....

Business news: Thousands of HSBC customers face blackout Friday on Black Friday

HSBC is scrambling to fix a digital outage that has left thousands of UK customers unable to access banking services on Black Friday. The bank has apologised to customers and said it is working to restore mobile and online banking as a matter of urgency. More than 4,000 outages were reported on the tracking website Downdetector on Friday morning, as a glitch meant customers could not authorise online card purchases via the app.



Live business news: Madness descends on Oxford Street as HMV store reopens

Editors choice

Sport briefing: Todays essential headlines

Sign up to our free Sport Briefing Newsletter to receive the latest sporting news, direct to your inbox every weekday morning.

Three things for you

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts and smart speakers.

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An agent of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) implicated in orchestrating missile attacks on Vinnytsia has been handed a 15-year prison sentence, the Ukraines SBU security service reported on Nov. 24.

The culprit, a 30-year-old local resident, actively assisted Russia in preparing air strikes on Vinnytsia back in June. He was apprehended by SBU operatives while executing his Russian orders.

Read also: Burned 7-year-old survivor of Russian missile attack on Vinnytsia returns home

The perpetrators activities included covertly traversing the streets of Vinnytsia over several weeks, documenting the locations of Defense Forces bases and routes of movement, said the SBU. This reconnaissance aimed to identify areas with the highest concentration of Ukrainian military equipment.

Read also: Russia uses kamikaze drones in overnight attack  Kharkiv Oblast hit, drones from SE intercepted

The agent also conducted surveillance of the territory around critical industrial facilities, assessing their level of protection and technical condition. The gathered intelligence was deemed crucial for Russias planned targeted missile and drone strikes on the city.

Read also: Ukraines SBU accuses Hero of Russia of war crimes in Bucha

The information collected was intended to guide missile and drone strikes by Russia, the SBU said.

During the search, the perpetrators mobile phone, which he used for covert photo documentation and correspondence with the enemy, was seized.

The court has found the individual guilty of high treason committed during a state of war.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday thanked his Mexican counterparts for their efforts to combat drug trafficking, after officers arrested suspected cartel security chief Nestor Isidro Perez Salas.

Shortly after the apprehension of El Nini, I spoke with Mexican Attorney General Gertz to thank him for the extraordinary efforts of the Mexican authorities who made the arrest, and to whom we are all grateful for their courage, Garland said in a statement.

The attorney general confirmed that Perez Salas  known as El Nini  was captured.

Best Black Friday Deals

Garland also reiterated the Biden administrations aggressive approach to disrupting and dismantling the Sinaloa drug cartel  pointing to an announcement earlier this month of charges against 23 members of the cartel.

The Justice Department is grateful to our Mexican counterparts for their work in that effort, Garland said, adding we remain committed to doing everything in our power to dismantle the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for death and devastation in both the United States and Mexico.

El Ninis arrest comes about two months after the son of infamous Mexican cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was extradited to the U.S. to face trafficking charges. Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Chicago court.

Garland said he also thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for that arrest.

The Justice Department is now waiting for El Nini to be extradicted to the U.S. to face his charges, the attorney general noted.

Until his apprehension, El Nini led security operations for the Chapitos, he said, referring to a wing of the famed Sinaloa drug cartel. And we allege that he and his security forces murdered, tortured, and kidnapped rivals, witnesses, and others who opposed the Chapitos.

We are now seeking El Ninis swift extradition from Mexico to face justice here in the United States, the attorney general added.

President Biden also showed gratitude to the Mexican government for its capture of cartel leaders.

These arrests are testament to the commitment between the United States and Mexico to secure our communities against violence, counter the cartels, and end the scourge of illicit fentanyl that is hurting so many families, Biden said in his statement.

We will continue working as strong partners to do everything possible to hold criminals accountable for jeopardizing public health and safety in our two countries, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
While supportive of President Biden's re-election, California Governor Gavin Newsom appears poised to be the next big name for Democrats. Justin Sullivan/Getty Image; Found Image Holdings/Corbis via Getty Images; Nina Riggio/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images; Bronte Wittpenn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/Insider

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has denied that he plans to run for president in 2024.

While supportive of President Biden's reelection, Newsom is poised to be the next big-name Democrat.

Here's a look at the career moves that made Newsom become the Democrats' candidate-in-waiting.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is poised to become the next golden boy of the Democratic party.

Though he has denied plans to run for president in 2024, instead throwing his support behind a reelection campaign for President Joe Biden, Newsom's career trajectory points to a campaign for the country's highest elected office in his future.

In recent years, Newsom has squared off against high-profile critics like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and positioned himself as a national voice on immigration and gun safety. And, despite attempts from critics to push him from the spotlight with recall votes, his star has continued to rise.

Here's a look at the multimillionaire restaurateur's political career, from his early years serving in the Board of Supervisors to his terms as mayor of San Francisco  and eventually Governor of California.

Representatives for Newsom's office did not respond to a request for comment from Insider about what the Governor regards as highlights from his career.

The son of a judge, Newsom took an early interest in politics

Gavin Newsom at the opening of the PlumpJack wine shop on Oct. 29, 1992. Steve Castillo/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Born in 1967 to William Newsom, a California Superior Court judge, and Tessa Thomas (nee Menzies), a waitress and paralegal, Newsom had political exposure from his early years. He pursued a degree in political science from Santa Clara University in 1989, after which he created the PlumpJack Group winery with family friend Gordon Getty, billionaire oil tycoon heir, as an investor.

He became the youngest ever member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom motivates volunteers at a campaign rally after Secretary of State Kevin Shelley endorsed Newsom for mayor in San Francisco on November 8, 2003. Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Newsom became the youngest ever member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors when he was appointed in 1997 by then-Mayor Willie Brown  after hosting a fundraising event for Brown at his PlumpJack Cafe's private dining room.

Though his career in public service had just begun, in 1998 Newsom told a reporter he wanted to be president of the United States.

And served as Mayor of San Francisco, the youngest ever elected, for two terms.

San Francisco Mayor-elect Gavin Newsom kisses a supporter as he walks through Chinatown the day after he was elected to office December 10, 2003 in San Francisco, California. Newsom defeated Green Party candidate Matt Gonzalez in a run-off election to replace outgoing mayor Willie Brown. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Newsom served as Mayor of San Francisco from 2004-2011, campaigning on a business-friendly centrist platform. The self-described "social liberal" and "fiscal watchdog" had support in his campaigns from established Democratic Party figures such as Bill Clinton, and Al Gore.

As Mayor, Newsom championed LGBTQ+ rights and environmental initiatives

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gestures during a media conference at City Hall on August 12, 2004 in San Francisco, California. Newsom spoke about the ruling by the California Supreme Court which invalidated same-sex marriages. David Paul Morris/Getty Images

In 2004, Newsom urged the city clerk to issue same-sex couples marriage licenses in violation of a state law that had passed several years prior. He also joined striking union hotel workers on the picket line.

His Democratic star power began to rise

US President Barack Obama chats with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom after stepping off Air Force One May 25, 2010 upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Newsom, as San Francisco's mayor, became a key player in major Democratic political campaigns, from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.

Newsom became Lieutenant Governor of California in 2011 after a failed 2009 bid to become Governor.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom speaks on Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Newsom suspended his campaign for Governor in October 2009, filing paperwork to become the state's Lieutenant Governor just months later in February 2010. He assumed the position in 2011, serving for two terms under Governor Jerry Brown.

Newsom became Governor of the Golden State in 2019.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom wave to supporters during election night event on November 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Newsom defeated Republican Gubernatorial candidate John Cox. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

As Newsom had already had his sights set on the Governor's office before, his run to fill Brown's seat came as no surprise. He began fundraising in 2015 for the 2018 election, which he won in a landslide against Republican challenger John H. Cox, and was sworn into office in 2019.

Critics tried unsuccessfully to recall him from office.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on during a news conference with California attorney General Xavier Becerra at the California State Capitol on August 16, 2019 in Sacramento, California. California attorney genera Xavier Becerra and California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the State of California is suing the Trump administration challenging the legality of a new "public charge" rule that would make it difficult for immigrants to obtain green cards who receive public assistance like food stamps and Medicaid. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Newsom faced harsh criticism from his political opponents regarding his pledge to keep California a "sanctuary state" for immigrants, as well as his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw businesses across the state close down while Newsom was spotted dining with lobbyists at the elite Napa Valley restaurant The French Laundry.

While a recall attempt eventually made the ballot, in a move Newsom compared to attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, it received just 38 percent of the vote and failed.

DeSantis has become one of Newsom's chief political rivals

Governor of California Gavin Newsom speaks onstage during Vox Media's 2022 Code Conference - Day 2 on September 07, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vox Media

As Newsom has more consistently positioned himself as a national voice of authority on issues from immigration to abortion, he has developed a high-profile feud with the Governor of Florida. DeSantis has mocked Newsom's obvious political aspirations, calling Newsom's delay in launching a presidential campaign bid against Biden "pussyfooting around."

Newsom has likewise taken shots at the GOP Governor, calling DeSantis a "small, pathetic man," and floating kidnapping charges against him after immigrants from Florida were "dumped" in California.

Though Newsom's presidential aspirations are clear, he's said for now it's "time to move on" and support Biden's reelection.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on February 01, 2023 in Sacramento, California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Rob Bonta, state Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) and other state leaders announced SB2 - a new gun safety legislation that would establish stricter standards for Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits to carry a firearm in public. The bill designates "sensitive areas," like bars, amusement parks and child daycare centers where guns would not be allowed. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Newsom's will-he-or-won't-he relationship with a presidential campaign has garnered headlines for years, with the California Governor consistently teasing the idea. This year, though, he says it's "time to move on" from the speculation and rumors, and support Biden's re-election. But when Biden clears the office, Democrats have Newsom waiting in the wings.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Met Police are to clarify which protest phrases might break the law when chanted or displayed at pro-Palestinian marches.

The force will hand out leaflets at Saturday's march in central London detailing language which is "likely to land you in jail".

It is is the first time the Met has tried to give clarity on what language is unacceptable.

Organisers say at least 100,000 people could turn out for Saturday's march.

The Met has previously been criticised over its handling of the pro-Palestinian protests - which have been held weekly since 14 October - with ministers calling for the force to take a tougher line on those deemed to be expressing extremist views.

The force is also planning to position Arabic-speaking officers on the march, backed up in its central control room with lawyers to advise on whether specific phrases break the law.

Some 1,500 officers will be on the streets on Saturday with instructions to protect war memorials following criticism that police have not stopped protesters climbing on them.

In a briefing to reporters, the Met's Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan stressed the force's new approach of directly telling protesters about the limits to what they can say or write on placards.

"We will not tolerate anyone who celebrates acts of terrorism such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people," he said.

He said police would act "decisively and quickly" and "intervene immediately" if there were chants of "jihad", though he also said context was important.

Damage to poppy wreaths would not be tolerated, and police will specifically protect the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner after criticism that protesters who climbed on it last week were not arrested.

Mr Adelekan said there were potential offences of criminal damage and disorderly behaviour for people who climbed statues but the power of arrest lay with individual officers.

The Met is also under pressure to stop breakaway protests, especially attempts to sit in at railway stations after the main protests have finished.

Last week, a sit-in protest was held at London's Waterloo station.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been held each week in London and other parts of the UK since 14 October, a week after Hamas's unprecedented cross-border attacks in Israel killed 1,200 people and saw about 240 taken hostage.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory campaign, and the UN has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory.

For the first time since the war began, the Islamist group Hizb-Ut-Tahrir has given the police notice of a separate protest at the Israeli Embassy in Kensington.

Hizb ut-Tahrir's status has been a subject of political controversy for decades.

Former prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron both promised to ban the group, whose stated aim is the re-establishment of an Islamic caliphate, before abandoning the proposals,

Mr Adelekan said the Hizb-Ut-Tahrir protest would be subject to strict requirements that it should begin at 13:00 GMT and disperse at 15:30.

The main pro-Palestinian march in London on 21 October attracted up to 100,000 people

He dismissed suggestions from Jewish people that it was not safe to enter central London during pro-Palestinian protests, saying that the 1,500 officers were being deployed to ensure safety.

On Sunday the first major pro-Jewish march will take place with 45,000 expected by the organisers, the Campaign Against Antisemitism.

The Met has intelligence that right-wing activist Tommy Robinson is due to attend as a "reporter". Protest organisers have made clear he is not welcome.

"Mutual aid" officers from other police forces will again support operations in London this weekend. "Our officers just need a break", Mr Adelekan said.

More on Israel-Gaza war
D.C. resident Mohammed Salah Arafat on the rooftop of his apartment complex in Washington, on Nov. 22, 2023. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times)

Like many people around the world with families in the Gaza Strip who are anxious for news of their loved ones, wondering if they are still alive, whether they are hungry or hurt, Reem Alfranji is also consumed with guilt.

Even drinking a glass of water  a simple act at her home in Jordan, but a luxury for those trapped in the besieged enclave, like her mother  makes her feel guilty, Alfranji said. Every time I drink this water, I feel I wish I could pass one cup for my mom, she said.

The people of Gaza have been living for weeks under constant bombardment, cut off from supplies of food, water and medicine. Communications are also frequently disrupted, so those living outside the territory can find out about their families there only through sporadic text messages with WhatsApp or phone calls. They are desperate for any signs their loved ones are alive. Some say they barely sleep. Others barely eat.

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Many grew up in Gaza and know what it is like to run from an airstrike, or how shattered glass turns into shrapnel. And while they know they cant stop the bombardments, some said they wished they were there with their families, knowing how much they are suffering.

More than 12,000 people  including about 5,000 children  have been killed in Gaza as of Nov. 22, according to the health ministry in the enclave. Israel launched its military campaign against Gaza in response to terrorist attacks by Hamas, the group that runs the enclave, on Oct. 7. Israel says that about 1,200 people were killed and 240 hostages abducted in those attacks.

Israel, aided by Egypt, has restricted food, water, medicine and fuel to the strip, although some aid and fuel has trickled in. Almost all residents are banned from leaving.

Some hope of a respite came Wednesday when the Israeli government and Hamas announced an agreement to pause the fighting for at least four days to allow for 50 of the hostages in Gaza to be released.

In the meantime, however, civilians have been getting sick from dirty water, dying in hospitals that cannot treat them, and living off scraps of bread  if they can find any.

Here I am, having whatever I want, said Mohammed Salah Arafat, a Washington, D.C., resident with a brother still in Gaza. When it comes to food, when it comes to freedom, when it comes to rights, when it comes to freedom of movement, the feeling of guilt is killing me, said Arafat, 30, who left Gaza in 2018.

Faress, Arafats brother, had been volunteering as a nurse at Gazas Shifa Hospital, which has run out of the basic supplies it needs to treat patients and ceased to function, according to the World Health Organization.

He had been subsisting on a can of beans a day that he heated by dipping a cotton ball in alcohol and lighting it on fire, Arafat said. When the beans ran out, he survived off an electrolyte solution the hospital normally gave to patients. Arafat said his brother had left the hospital, which was raided by Israeli forces last week.

I cried almost every single day since the beginning of the war, until two weeks ago. I became numb, emotionless, but I dont know how to suppress how sad I am anymore, Arafat said.

Iman Ayman, a 29-year-old living in England, can barely stop herself from crying when she recounts how her sister gave birth in a Gaza hospital without painkillers.

Her sister was pregnant when the war broke out, Ayman said, and had just finished decorating the babys room. Shed been studying to be an oncologist, Ayman said.

On Oct. 17, her sisters water broke, and she needed to get to a hospital, Ayman said. But the roads were filled with rubble, and the cars had no fuel. So her sister walked nearly an hour with her mother and her brother by her side, only to wait 18 hours for a bed when they finally reached a hospital.

Aymans brother waited in a blood-spattered hallway, she said. He told her he shut his eyes so he wouldnt have to see the dead bodies and body parts that medical workers carried in.

Ayman, who did not want to give her siblings names, for fear they could be targeted by Israeli forces, said her sister had needed an episiotomy  a surgical incision to help remove her child.

The doctors cut into her while she screamed.

They had to take my mother outside of the room, Ayman said. The doctors didnt want my mom to see this.

Ayman and Alfranji have both lived in Gaza. Both women have numerous family members there, including Alfranjis parents, whose home was destroyed early in the war. They have been living in her uncles house in the south of Gaza, along with her brother, his wife and dozens of other relatives.

Explosions at night have terrified Alfranjis father, who has Alzheimers.

My mom says sometimes hes doing fine, and he cant really understand whats happening around him, but sometimes he gets really scared because of the voices and the sounds, Alfranji said. In the one room, four or five people sleep all together, so he finds one of my cousins, and he puts the blanket on her, and he tells my mother, This is your daughter, this is Reem, so please keep her warm.

Another relative began suffering from kidney failure in the first few days of the airstrikes. He tried Al-Quds Hospital, but it had no room. He tried Shifa but was also turned away. Two days later, he was dead.

Alfranji said the family felt lucky they could bury his body, because even graves are hard to find. She has stopped starting her text messages with How are you?

Were waiting our turn to die  everyone in Gaza says that, Alfranji said.

Mohammed Al Abadla said he hears the same thing from people he knows.

Al Abadla lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he spends his days glued to the news because its often the only way to figure out if his parents are alive. Have more aid trucks gone in? Is there clean water? Has their neighborhood been bombed?

Its very difficult, of course, seeing these images and videos and knowing that your family is not safe, he said.

Al Abadla lived in Gaza as a teenager and into his early 20s. His sister, her husband and their 2-year-old child still live there, along with other family and friends.

In early November, a friend texted him to say his wife and two children had been killed in an airstrike. Its hard to know how to respond to these updates, he said.

Im just telling them to stay strong, he said. May they rest in peace.

WhatsApp is the only way Al Abadla and many other people have been able to communicate with their families, but even those messages are sporadic. Sometimes he hasnt heard from his parents for more than a day.

And so he sits, glued to the news, lucky if he gets two hours of sleep because fear keeps him awake at night. He thinks his mother and father have been surviving off dried fruit, like figs and dates, but he doesnt know for sure. When he does get through, he doesnt offer help because he knows he cant. They know it, too, but they dont want him worrying. They tell him theyre doing fine. He knows it isnt true.

Theyre not any different from any other parents. They care about us, their children, to be good, to be happy, he said. Theyre just telling us, Dont worry about us. Whatever is happening is happening. This is our destiny.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Protesters stormed the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan on Thursday to call attention to the Gaza War, forcing marchers, floats and balloons to veer from their path as activists glued themselves to the pavement on the parade route.

Demonstrators jumped the barricades at Sixth Ave. near W. 45th St. in an attempt to block the festive cavalcade around 10 a.m. Some demonstrators glued their hands to the asphalt, making it more challenging for police trying to round them up.

The demonstration forced some of the parades 26 floats, 32 balloons, and 8,000 participants to navigate around the protesters as cops struggled to remove them from the street.

As the floats and marching bands maneuvered around them, the protesters  clad in white jumpsuits emblazoned with the words colonialism, militarism and ethnic cleansing  poured fake blood on each other and the roadway, videos show.

Some held up a banner reading Liberation for Palestine and planet.

Another dozen protesters rushed the parade route and unfurled a banner that read Genocide then genocide now, and chanted Free Palestine, video shared by the group Writers Against the War on Gaza shows.

Cops hauled the protesters off the parade route and took an unknown number into custody. Police Department spokesmen couldnt say later Thursday how many were in custody, or what charges were brought against them, if any.

Off the parade route on Thursday, protesters opposed to the Gaza War vandalized the New York Public Librarys main branch on Fifth Ave. near W. 42nd St., leaving red handprints and the words Free Palestine scrawled on columns there.

Another protest organized by the group Within Our Lifetime swelled to hundreds at Madison Square Park before marching, video shared online showed.

Protesters later marched through Midtown, stopping to chant outside The New York Times building on Eighth Ave. at W. 41st St. before heading east on W. 42nd St. and massing in Times Square.

This years Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade was the 97th since its debut 1924  the parade was suspended for several years during World War II.

Seven new balloons were among the 32 balloons that floated over the parade route on Thursday. The newcomers included Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat and Chugs from Cool Cats NFTs, Kung Fu Pandas Po, and Leo from Netflixs eponymous animated comedy.

The list of performers who signed on to entertain the estimated 3 million spectators who lined the parade route included Cher, Chicago, Amanda Shaw, En Vogue, Jabari Banks, Enhypen, and Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors.

-------
A woman carries her cat as Palestinians return to their homes in the Gaza Strip after a four-day Israel-Hamas truce takes effect (Mahmud HAMS)

With children and pets in their arms and their belongings loaded onto donkey carts or car roofs

thousands of displaced Gazans headed home Friday as a four-day Israel-Hamas truce began.

The din of war was replaced by the horns of traffic jams and sirens of ambulances making their way through crowds emerging from hospitals and schools where they had taken refuge.

For nearly seven weeks, Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip had been relentless.

But on Friday morning, no more shots were heard in Khan Yunis, in the south of the Palestinian territory.

Hayat al-Muammar was among those hurrying to take advantage of the truce deal, under which hostages seized from Israel will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

"I'm going home," said the 50-year-old, who had been sheltering in a school.

"We fled the death, destruction and everything," she told AFP.

"I still don't understand what happened to us -- why did they do this to us?" she asked.

The lives of Gazans have been turned upside down since militant group Hamas, which rules the Palestinian territory, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.

Israeli authorities say around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 240 taken hostage in the cross-border raids.

Weeks of sustained Israeli bombardment in response has killed nearly 15,000 people, around two thirds of them women and children, Gaza's Hamas government says.

Some 1.7 million of the territory's 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced, and more than half of homes damaged or destroyed, the United Nations says.

- 'War not over' -

A multitude of men, women and children travelled on foot, carts or tuk-tuks with the few belongings they had taken with them when the war started.

One woman carried her cat in her arms through the streets.

Large parts of Gaza have been flattened by thousands of air strikes, and the territory faces shortages of food, water and fuel.

Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people in the south not to head back to the north, which it has previously told Palestinians to leave for their safety.

"The war is not over yet," they read. "Returning to the north is forbidden and very dangerous!!!"

Even so, Ghadi Salamat was considering going back from the south.

"We're fed up of being here. It's no life. We hope that we can return to Gaza City, even if it's to set up a tent in the rubble," he said.

Abu Qussai, however, had no intention of returning.

"It's a ghost town. When we left, there was already nothing but rubble," he said.

"Why would I go there? To see my destroyed house? To see the bodies of my dead cousins? To be cold outside?" he asked.

Khaled al-Halabi said he would like to see his home in northern Gaza but did not plan to risk the journey back.

At least with the truce "we will finally breathe after 48 days", he said, welcoming the arrival of aid trucks from neighbouring Egypt.

Raed Saqer, who took refuge in Rafah, said he hoped the promises of increased aid would come true.

"We needed this truce to treat the wounded, so that people could recover a little, because people displaced from the north are experiencing an unspeakable tragedy," he said.

"We hope it's the first step towards a definitive ceasefire," he added.

az-yh/sbh-dr/dv
A car burns as Irish policemen stand at the scene of an attack in Dublin city center, Nov. 23, 2023. (Brian Lawless/AP)

LONDON  Protests broke out in central Dublin on Thursday evening after Irish police said a 5-year-old girl was receiving emergency medical treatment following an attack that involved a knife. A woman and two other children were injured.

Irish police said they werent treating the case as terror-related, and that a man in his 50s, who was also hospitalized with serious injuries, is a person of interest.

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Police said they have a definite line of inquiry and that they werent looking for anyone else in connection with the violence outside a school in the heart of Dublin soon after 1:30 p.m.

In the early evening, protesters fired flares and fireworks at the police cordon in Dublin around the scene of the incident. Police armed with shields fended off violent demonstrators attempting to kick and punch them. Many of those attacking the police had their faces covered.

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A number of police vehicles and a tram were damaged during the disorder in the city center. A bus and car were also on fire on the citys OConnell Bridge.

The scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city center cannot and will not be tolerated, said Justice Minister Helen McEntee. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Earlier, Superintendent Liam Geraghty said at a media briefing that preliminary indications are that a man attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

He said that police believe that it was a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

Geraghty confirmed earlier witness reports that a knife was used in the attack, but he couldnt provide more details on the nature of the injuries. He also confirmed that witnesses sought to disarm the man as soon as they saw what was going on.

My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves, Geraghty said.

He said that the woman, who is in her 30s, suffered serious injuries, while the two other children, a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, sustained less serious injuries. The boy has been discharged from a hospital, he added.
George Clooney is one of America's most iconic Hollywood stars. The Kentucky native has won two Academy Awards and branched out from acting to also producing. With his fame, Clooney is a spokesperson for brands including Fiat, Nespresso, and Omega. He famously wears an Omega Speedster chronograph which is prominently featured in the 2010 Italian film The American. Clooney also uses his fame to promote charitable causes including the Red Cross and relief for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Combining the two, Clooney sold the watch off his wrist to raise funds for a veterans charity.

Home For Our Troops builds houses tailored for wounded veterans (HFOT)

Home For Our Troops is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They build and donate "specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives." Started in 2004, nearly 90% of HFOT's spending has gone directly to veterans program services. HFOT has built over 360 specially adapted homes across the nation. They have an "A" rating from Charity Watch and 4 stars from Charity Navigator, their highest possible rating.

Clooney and his watch. (HFOT via eBay)

Earlier this month, HFOT held its 7th Annual Veterans Day Celebrity Auction to raise funds for its mission. Headlining the auction was Clooney's personal Omega Seamaster Professional 300 M Chronometer Watch . Reference number 2254.50.00, the discontinued model features classic sword hands and a wave dial made famous by its blue counterpart worn by Pierce Brosnan during his time as James Bond. While a 2254.50.00 sells for between $2,000-3,000 depending on its condition, Clooney's watch went for $12,200.

Aniston's autograph inside the Fendi bag (HFOT via eBay)

In addition to Clooney's personal watch, over 100 other celebrity items and experiences were up for bid. A Fendi Peekaboo ISeeU leather bag autographed by Jennifer Aniston went for $9,100 as a lunch for two with Paul Rudd and Jake Tapper in Manhattan went for $13,200. All of the proceeds from the charity auction will benefit HFOT.
A man who was already in custody is facing new charges after officials accused him of assaulting a young girl.

Glynn County police officials said on Nov. 14, authorities began investigating a string of sexual assaults on an 11-year-old girl.

After examining evidence, authorities charged 36-year-old Frank Lavell Gibson in connection to the assaults.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Authorities did not specify the relationship between Gibson and the victim.

Gibson had been in custody at the Glynn County Detention Center since June when he was charged with possession or transport of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, possession of Schedule 1 controlled substance and felony tampering with evidence, according to inmate records.

His previous charges are unrelated to the sexual assault charges.

TRENDING STORIES:

Authorities charged Gibson with two counts of statutory rape, three counts of child molestation, aggravated child molestation and one count of computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation prevention.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Investigator Ethan Varnedoe at 912-554-7561.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
A 52-year-old Peachtree City, Georgia man was found dead Tuesday, on top of the Pet Smart in Beaufort.

As first reported by the Island News, a maintenance worker found Bobby Ostrander, dead on the roof of the Pet Smart at Cross Creek Shopping Center, 322 Robert Smalls Parkway, according to Ross Vezin, spokesperson for the Beaufort / Port Royal Fire Department, who responded to the scene. The fire department responds to all medical calls in Beaufort and Port Royal.

Ostrander was working on the buildings HVAC at the time of his death. Beaufort County Coroners Office ruled it as a natural death, said Coroner David Ott. He died around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday and was found shortly after at around 3:30 p.m. when emergency services were called.

The Beaufort Police Department confirmed the Island News that they are investigating the death. A spokesperson for the department was not able to be reached by phone Friday morning for updates.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
A Georgia woman said a reward points mishap led her to accidentally pay $7,000 for a sandwich.

Vera Conner said she'd ordered a $7.54 Italian footlong, but also mistakenly left a $7,105 tip.

She said she likely filled out the tip amount while entering her phone number for loyalty points.

A woman in College Park, Georgia, accidentally paid more than $7,000 for a Subway sandwich that would have normally cost her less than $8.

Vera Conner told NBC News that she ordered her weekly footlong, an Italian Sub with salami, pepperoni, and ham, at the local Subway on October 23.

The meal would have cost $7.54, but Conner realized days later that she'd somehow also left a $7,105.44 tip using her Bank of America credit card.

"When I looked at my receipt, I was like, oh, my God!" she told NBC. "I thought this number looks familiar. It was the last six numbers of my phone number. Who would leave a tip like that?"

Conner said she was likely entering her phone number into Subway's payment screen to get rewards points when she accidentally filled in the amount for a tip.

"I must have been keying it in the pad, and the screen changed," Conner told ABC affiliate WSB-TV.

Conner told the outlet that when she disputed the charge with Bank of America, her claim was denied.

She added that she returned to the Subway shop for help with the issue, but that a manager said her bank would have to resolve the payment for her.

Conner has spent over a month trying to obtain a chargeback from Bank of America, and she was finally issued a temporary credit for the massive tip on Monday, NBC reported.

Bank of America said Conner's dispute was initially rejected because she'd asked to refund the entire purchase  sandwich and tip included  when she should only get a chargeback for the tip, per NBC.

A Subway spokesperson told WSB-TV that it was aware Conner had disputed the charge.

Separately, a Bank of America spokesperson told Today, which reported on Conner's case on Wednesday, that Subway would refund the tip.

"We asked Subway to refund the money to the client, and we're pleased they have agreed to do so," the spokesperson said.

Subway and Bank of America did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Insider
The previously promised Patriot air defense system will be delivered by Germany this winter, said Germany's Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jaeger, in an interview with Ukrinform on Nov. 24.

The system was originally pledged by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Oct. 5, but he did not give a timeline for when it would be delivered.

Jaeger also discussed a variety of other subjects in the interview.

He mentioned that the flow of Ukrainian refugees to Germany has largely stopped, with around 800 Ukrainians arriving in Germany per month. In total, about 1 million Ukrainians are currently living in Germany, including some 200,000 children who go to German schools and learn the language.

Despite reports that aid for Ukrainians in Germany might decrease, Jaeger said that "people from Ukraine can count on the fact that they will continue to receive adequate support in Germany."

Amid concerns from Europe that increasingly Ukraine-skeptic parties are winning elections, such as in Slovakia and more recently in the Netherlands, Jaeger acknowledged that there is a segment of the electorate that is opposed to continued support for Ukraine.

However, he said that it totals perhaps a fifth of voters, compared to 80% who approve of Germany's commitment to Ukraine.

Germany is ready to support Ukraine until victory, he said, and also "wholeheartedly supports Ukraine's accession to the EU."

"I hope that my term of office will be enough not only to achieve victory, but also to really go with Ukraine a significant part of the way to Brussels," Jaeger added.

Read also: From F-16s to frozen assets - how Dutch far-rights win could impact Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Black Friday strike in Germany affects five out of Amazon's 20 logistic sites in the country (Ina FASSBENDER)

Union Verdi called on workers at online retail giant Amazon in Germany to go on strike on the annual "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza, in their battle for better working conditions.

The industrial action began in the night to Friday, and affects five out of Amazon's 20 logistic sites in Germany including Leipzig, Rheinberg, and Dortmund.

Amazon in a statement shrugged off the impact on the strike during the busy shopping season.

"Clients can count on reliable and punctual deliveries as usual," it said, adding that workers already benefit from "fair wage and good additional benefits".

Starting wages are at 14 euros ($15.30) and up per hour, the company said, above Germany's minimum wage of 12 euros.

It added that more than half of its employees have been working for the group for more than five years.

But Verdi is pushing for the company to recognise the regional collective agreements of the retail and mail order sector.

"Only collective agreements offer workers binding protection from arbitrary company policies," said Silke Zimmer, who heads the union's retail sector.

"The workers at Amazon have renamed Black Friday as Make Amazon Pay Day," she added.

Held the day after Thanksgiving, "Black Friday" is increasingly copied in Europe and beyond, with stores offering deep discounts to kick off the holiday gift-giving season.

hmn/sea/lth
Ukrainian soldiers pass a bus burning after a Russian drone hit it near Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region - Shandyba Mykyta/ap

Germany and the US will put pressure on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia by scaling back weapons deliveries in what would be a major blow to Kyivs hopes of victory, German media reported on Friday.

Bild, a German tabloid, reported what it described as a secret German-American plan to force Ukraines hand on opening peace talks, citing sources in the German government.

Under the plan, Washington and Berlin would supply Ukraine with sufficient weapons and armour to hold the current front line, but not enough to retake occupied territory.

They hope to push Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, towards the negotiating table with Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader.

Zelensky should realise that it cant go on like this, a German government source told Bild, referring to Ukraines stalled counter-offensive against Russian in the east. He needs to, of his own free will, turn to face his nation and explain that there is a need to negotiate.

German government sources also told Bild that the White House shared Germanys view on the need to shift the focus from weapons deliveries to negotiations.

There was no response to the report from the White House as of Friday night. Washington has repeatedly vowed to support Ukraines efforts to expel Russian troops.

Bild noted that, as the largest providers of armour and defence to Ukrainian forces, a request from Germany and the US would have to be taken seriously by Mr Zelensky.

Germanys government did not immediately respond to the Bild report, which will frustrate officials in Kyiv as they continue to strive for a full military victory over Russia, including the recapture of occupied territory.

Bild also suggested that there is a rift in the German government between Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, and Boris Pistorius, his defence minister. The latter played no part in drawing up the plan to give Ukraine just enough [arms] not to go under and would even support delivering powerful Taurus missiles to Ukraine, sources said.

Since Scholz took office, the defence ministry has been under the thumb of the federal chancellors office. Many decisions are made there, an anonymous defence official told Bild, in what seemed to be an attempt to distance the minister from the alleged German-American plan.

The Telegraph understands, that beyond Germany, there are concerns in Nato nations that Ukraines counter-offensive was over-hyped and that there is a desire to manage future expectations about the next stage of the war.

Mr Scholzs rival CDU party also reacted with alarm to the plan, which it said was evidence that the chancellor had no intention of helping Ukraine to win the war, even though it is an existential conflict.

It becomes ever more clear that the chancellor does not believe in a Ukrainian victory and does not want one at all, said Roderich Kiesewetter, a CDU Bundestag member.

Robert Fico, the Slovak premier, has said the Ukraine war risks lasting until 2030 if peace talks are not started. The populist Left-winger won Septembers general election, pledging during the campaign to discontinue the military aid given to Ukraine by previous governments.

This conflict is frozen, it is in a state wherein it may last until 2029 or 2030, Mr Fico said. It is better to lead talks for 10 years in peace or with suspended combat operations than to go to the negotiations table after 10 years without any result, only to find out that we have another 500,000 or 600,000 dead.

In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, campaigned in the elections on a promise to halt arms shipments to Ukraine.

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.
Kyiv is set to receive another Patriot missile defense system from Germany, which will be deployed during the winter to help protect the country's energy infrastructure against potential Russian attacks, German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Eger said in an interview with Ukrinform on Nov. 24.

Read also: Missile defense coalition announced, U.S. affirms unwavering support at latest Ramstein meeting

"I have already mentioned our support for air defense. In addition to the IRIS-T systems, another Patriot system from Germany will be deployed here in the winter," Eger said, adding that Ukraine has done everything possible to prepare for the cold weather, but the situation in the winter can be "very difficult."

Germany will deliver two more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine, Eger announced on Nov. 11. There are already three IRIS-T systems in Ukraine, and the number is expected to increase to five by the end of the year. Eger believes that this increase in air defense capabilities will significantly improve the safety of Ukrainian cities against potential Russian missile attacks.

Read also: Germany announces second Ukraine military aid package in two days

NV

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Germany extended residence permits for refugees from Ukraine who fled the war and received protection status until March 4, 2025, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) announced in a press release on Nov. 24.

The Federal Council (Bundesrat) approved the ordinance on the same day.

Read also: Germany announces second Ukraine military aid package in two days

This means refugees do not need to apply for a renewal of their residence status or schedule appointments with immigration authorities.

The German government announced on Oct. 2 a decision to significantly reduce the funds allocated to the refugee reception and integration, compared to 2023.

Read also: Why Poland opposes Ukraine-Germany rapprochement  interview

A new program called Burgergeld has been in effect in Germany since July 1, aimed at helping people who find it difficult to find their place in the labor market.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Germany plans to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defence system in the upcoming winter.

Source: German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger in an interview with news agency Ukrinform

Quote: "The situation in the winter may become rather challenging. Ukraine has done its best to prepare for this scenario, and we have assisted with the preparations.

I have already mentioned our air defence support. Apart from the aforementioned IRIS-T systems, Germany will send another Patriot system there [to Ukraine] this winter," the diplomat said.

Details: Back in October, the German defence ministry stated that it would send an additional Patriot system and IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, although no deadline for their delivery had been revealed.

In mid-November, Jaeger said Germany would supply two more IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Learn more: Europe will stretch from Lisbon to Luhansk  Ukraine will be in, Russia out: Interview with German ambassador to Ukraine

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Three men were charged Thursday with several felonies following an armed robbery at a liquor store in Midlothian, according to authorities.

The men were arrested after a report of a robbery in progress at Emporium Liquor, 3900 147th St. on Wednesday morning. The stores manager, Anuj Soni, said the men forced an employee into a backroom at gunpoint before confronting the stores clerk.

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Customers also told police that the intruders forced them at gunpoint to lie on the floor of the liquor store.

The men were identified as Gentree McElroy, 53, of south suburban Hometown, Lourenzie Conner, 52, of Chicago, and Michael D. Lewis, 35, of Chicago, according to Midlothian police Chief Daniel Delaney.

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All three men face felony aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery charges, while McElroy was also charged for violating his parole and possession of a controlled substance. Conner was also charged with aggravated fleeing a peace officer.

[ DON'T MISS: Three arrested after armed robbery attempt at Midlothian liquor store ]

When police arrived at the scene Wednesday, Delaney said, they found two men leaving the store, one carrying merchandise and another wearing a ski mask. One of the men fled in a van, and was arrested in Chicago.

The other man ran back inside the store, and alongside a third robber armed with a handgun, and they barricaded themselves inside a beer cooler, Delaney said. Police called in the South Suburban Emergency Response Team. Both suspects surrendered after a lengthy negotiation, Delaney said.

The response team is made up of officers from 34 police departments across the south suburbs.

The three men have yet to appear before a judge at the Markham Courthouse for a detention hearing.

rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
PARIS  Germany will provide Ukraine with an additional four IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems as part of a military aid package worth more than 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), the German Defence Ministry said in a statement Thursday. The systems will be supplied from 2025.

The package also includes drones and drone-defense systems, demining vehicles, satellite communications, electronic warfare equipment, directional anti-tank mines and artillery shells, aimed at addressing acute needs of the Ukrainian armed forces, according to the ministry.

Northrop pushes Battle Command tool to a missile-defense hungry Europe

Germany has become the biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine behind the U.S., after initial reluctance to provide arms. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius earlier this month confirmed plans to boost the countrys military support for Ukraine, in response to media reports the government is seeking to double the aid to 8 billion in 2024.

IRIS-T systems and a second Patriot tracking radar handed over in October will reach Ukraine this year, once Ukrainian personnel have completed their training, the ministry said.

Pistorius announced the support on Nov. 22 in a video conference with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the 17th meeting in the so-called Ramstein format, and said Germany will stand with Ukraine now and for the long term, according to the ministry.

In addition to short-term aid, the contact group discussed the long-term capability development of the Ukrainian armed forces. Germany and France will lead a capability coalition, bringing together more than 20 countries to establish the Capability Coalition Ground Based Air Defense, the ministry said.

Germany will also support other future capability coalitions, and further steps would be discussed at the next meeting on this topic, expected to take place in Berlin in December.

The German government stands ready make a significant contribution to modernizing and upgrading the Ukrainian armed forces, according to the statement.

The Ukrainian armed forces must be made so strong that they can defeat Russian aggression today and deter any attempt at a further attack tomorrow, the ministry said.

Pistorius pointed out during the support meeting that Germany has made an enormous contribution since the start of the war, with Ukraine massively strengthened in the area of air defense through the delivery of Patriot and IRIS-T systems, as well as almost 50 Gepard anti-aircraft guns.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in September urged allies to dig deep and provide more air defense systems for Ukraine, to help the country fend of barrages of Russian missiles.
In a year where apparel, typical Christmas gifts and travel are all more expensive, perhaps the greatest gift of all comes in the form of experiences that can be had in ones own backyard, metaphorically speaking.

With 175 outdoor destinations to choose from, Florida State Parks present myriad opportunities for the whole family to get outside and get some fresh air. Giving the gift of an individual or family annual pass means an entire year of daytime park access without paying admission fees (except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where standard admission applies).

Now through Jan. 13, 2024, annual pass prices are reduced by 50 percent, thanks to the Great Outdoors Initiative, which encourages Floridians to explore the states natural resources. Individual passes are $30, plus tax, while family passes, which provide day-use park entry for up to eight people entering as a group, cost $60, plus tax. These are available both online and at all park ranger stations during regular business hours.

As manatee season gets into full swing, Blue Spring State Park is a prime place to visit for viewing the Sunshine States sea cows as they congregate in the 72-degree spring waters for warmth. De Leon Springs provides make-your-own pancakes inside a historic sugar mill building and boat tours.

Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont provides a natural theme park with miles of trails to explore, cabins, paddling, fishing, swimming, glamping and more. Head up to Silver Springs State Park near Ocala to take a trip on glass-bottomed boats, a tourism experience that dates back to the 1870s. Paddling and hiking are also available within the park.

For overnight visits, where standard camping fees still apply, head to one of 57 parks with camping, 52 of which have amenities for RV campers. Beginning in 2024, Florida residents can get a head start by booking campsites 11 months in advance, versus 10 months in advance for out-of-state visitors.

More information: floridastateparks.org

The gift of cinema

Enzian Theater is beloved locally as Central Floridas destination for indie films, classics, special releases and the annual Florida Film Festival, which will run from April 12-21, 2024.

For the opening night of next years festival, Enzian promises the premiere of a new movie that is sure to set the world on fire, followed by a party at the Winter Park Events Centers Tiedtke Amphitheater and Belvedere. For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, tickets for the festivals opening night film and party will be discounted.

The regular price for the opening night film and party is $150 at the Enzian, $115 discounted, or $125 for the showing at Regal Winter Park and party, $90 discounted. The party-only ticket is $100 normally or $65 during this sale. Festival passes will go on sale Dec. 23.

During the theaters normal programming schedule, explore Music Mondays, Cult Classics, Freaky Fridays, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, Uncomfortable Brunch, upcoming Christmas movies and some new releases.

Aside from Florida Film Festival passes and tickets, Enzian gift ideas include branded apparel and stickers, an evening for two packages with admission and $15 to spend ($40), a pre-paid regular film admission ticket ($12.50), E-bucks (sold in increments of $5) and the gift of a membership (starting at $60).

More information: enzian.org

Naughty and nice sweets

Gideons Bakehouse, which started in the East End Market in 2016 with a few hundred dollars and a dream, has since ballooned into a winning concept that captures the imagination of cookie enthusiasts far and wide. Tourists and locals alike can now find the cookies in a Disney Springs location as well.

The bakerys main draw is its nearly half-pound cookies (limit seven per person in store), which come in varieties such as cookies and cream, peanut butter crunch, banana bread chocolate chip and triple chocolate. In celebrating Thanksgiving and seasonal tastes, Gideons currently offers a limited-time pumpkin bread chocolate crumb cookie.

Starting Black Friday through Dec. 31, shoppers with sweet tooths can take home the Kris Kringle Cookie, which is a white chocolate coffee bean cookie with coconut, caramel and notes of vanilla bean topped with magical sugar crystals.

Those who enjoy the darker side of the holidays or feel naughty can savor Cookie Vom Krampus, a deeply rich mega Chocolate Cookie infused with the icy cool of a frozen heart and covered in dreadfully delicious Andes Mint.

In addition to its creative cookies ($6-$6.50 each), Gideons offers giant cake slices (and full cakes) and Gideons bites, plus limited-edition candles and shirts. Online preorders are available for local pickup at the East End Market location, which helps with larger orders and cakes or next-day pickup with no minimums.

Gideons encourages patrons to stop in early in the day as select varieties sell out. Its also worth noting that to ensure freshness and quality control, the bakehouse does not offer shipping.

The Disney Springs location proves to be congested with long waits, so locals will benefit from ordering ahead or stopping in the East End Market on a quiet weekday to have the best chance at getting preferred flavors.

More information: gideonsbakehouse.com

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
Givens Highland Farms has completed work on one expansion project and is working to complete another by spring.

BLACK MOUNTAIN - Givens Highland Farms has completed a portion of an expansion project that has been two years in the making.

The continuing care retirement community sits on 85 acres and, prior to the expansion, had 259 independent living homes. When completed, the expansion project will see more than 60 new homes. The Brookside building added 30 new homes and Vista Ridge will add 36 new homes when construction is completed in the spring.

In a news release announcing the completion of Brookside, Executive Director of Givens Highland Farms Ken Kramer said he was excited about the expansion.

Our expansion with the Brookside homes provides another welcoming place for older adults to call home, Kramer said in the release. Its an environment that encourages interests, passions and fosters friendships for a vibrant and thriving lifestyle.

Josue Molina, director of sales and marketing for Givens Communities, told Black Mountain News the Brookside expansion was completed Oct. 31 and residents started moving in Nov. 1. As of Nov. 15, 19 residents have moved into the new homes.

Molina said that, along with the homes, the Brookside expansion also saw the building of a new dining area and multipurpose space. He said a new amenity space will also be added.

In addition to these expansions, residents at Givens Highland Farms also have access to a library, lifelong learning classrooms and hiking trails around the property.

Molina said the Vista Ridge expansion should be completed with residents moving in by spring of next year. Givens Highland Farms will soon be accepting nonbinding agreements for the Vista Ridge homes.

According to the news release, Givens Highland Farms is able to accept these nonbinding agreements due to an approval by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the entity that oversees continuing care retirement communities like Givens Highland Farms.

Molina said these expansions are part of the master planning process that Givens Highland Farms undertook in 2021.

Givens Highland Farms is part of the Asheville-based nonprofit Givens Communities, a group of four senior living communities.

Givens Highlands Farms was started in 1971 by Chet Prentice and local Black Mountain leaders, then known as Highland Farms Health Care Center, with 60 beds.

Givens Highland Farms was acquired by Givens Estates in 2012.

Givens Estates houses 1,500 adults across Western North Carolina.

Molina told Black Mountain News that Givens Communities and other communities like it in the industry are experiencing an increase in interest.

Were seeing a lot of interest with out industry for continuing care retirement communities, Molina said. Both of them have really strong waitlists with folks wanting to move into the community. Some are planning for the future, but others are really eager and moving in now. There is definitely a need to provide housing and those services for folks.

Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kmonk@blackmountainnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Givens Highland Farms expanding with two new living facilities
Google DeepMind has developed a machine learning algorithm that it claims can predict the weather more accurately than current forecasting methods that use supercomputers.

Google's model, dubbed GraphCast, generated a more accurate 10-day forecast than the High Resolution Forecast (HRES) system run by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)  making predictions in minutes rather than hours. Google DeepMind brands HRES the current gold standard weather simulation system.

GraphCast, which can run on a desktop computer, outperformed the ECMWF on more than 99% of weather variables in 90% of the 1,300 test regions, according to findings published Nov. 14 in the journal Science .

But researchers say it is not flawless because results are generated in a black box  meaning the AI cannot explain how it found a pattern or show its workings  and that it should be used to complement rather than replace established tools.

Related: Is climate change making the weather worse?

Forecasting today relies on plugging data into complex physical models and using supercomputers to run simulations. The accuracy of these predictions relies on granular details within the models, and they are energy-intensive and expensive to run.

But machine learning weather models can operate more cheaply because they need less computing power and work faster. For the new AI model, researchers trained GraphCast on 38 years' worth of global Earth weather readings up to 2017. The algorithm established patterns between variables such as air pressure, temperature, wind and humidity that not even the researchers understood.

After this training, the model extrapolated forecasts from global weather estimates made in 2018 to make 10-day forecasts in less than a minute. Running GraphCast alongside the ECMWF's high-resolution forecast, which uses more conventional physical models to make predictions, the scientists found that GraphCast gave more accurate predictions on more than 90% of the 12,000 data points used.

GraphCast can also predict extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold spells and tropical storms, and when Earth's upper atmospheric layers were removed to leave only the lowest level of the atmosphere, the troposphere, where weather events that impact humans are prominent, the accuracy shot up to more than 99%.

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"In September, a live version of our publicly available GraphCast model, deployed on the ECMWF website, accurately predicted about nine days in advance that Hurricane Lee would make landfall in Nova Scotia," Remi Lam, a research engineer at DeepMind, wrote in a statement. "By contrast, traditional forecasts had greater variability in where and when landfall would occur, and only locked in on Nova Scotia about six days in advance."

Despite the model's impressive performance, scientists don't see it supplanting currently used tools anytime soon. Regular forecasts are still needed to verify and set the starting data for any prediction, and as machine learning algorithms produce results they cannot explain, they can be prone to errors or "hallucinations."

Instead, AI models could complement other forecast methods and generate faster predictions, the researchers said. They can also help scientists see shifts in climate patterns over time and get a clearer view of the bigger picture.

"Pioneering the use of AI in weather forecasting will benefit billions of people in their everyday lives. But our wider research is not just about anticipating weather  it's about understanding the broader patterns of our climate," Lam wrote. "By developing new tools and accelerating research, we hope AI can empower the global community to tackle our greatest environmental challenges."
Wisconsin Republican legislators passed legislation making it illegal for parents (and medical professionals) to provide health care for their transgender children, Bill bans minor gender treatment, Sept. 29 (Gov. Tony Evers said he will veto the measure).

They say theyre doing it to protect kids. But if they really wanted to protect our youth, theyd address the leading cause of death among American children  gun violence. Instead, the GOP supports and passes legislation to allow people to buy as many guns as they want, including assault weapons. At the same time, many Republicans have supported anti-vaccine bills based on their belief that only parents, and not the government, should manage the health care of their children.

This blatant hypocrisy is enough to give any parent whiplash.

More: Wisconsin Supreme Court hearing offers hope for restoring fair election maps

Of course, Wisconsin Republican legislators also want politicians to decide what women can and cant do with their own bodies, as well as to determine what teachers can and cant teach in their classrooms, or regulate which books kids are allowed to read in our schools. And of course, theyve rigged our maps in order to decide which politicians will represent us.

What I want to know from Republicans is this: Are the only rights and freedoms we supposedly have in Wisconsin the ones you decide we can have?

Jill J. Morin, Wauwatosa

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Instead of transgender bans, GOP should address gun violence deaths
Great-grandmothers and a two-year-old child were among the 24 hostages released by Hamas on Friday in the first wave of a multi-day deal.

Their release is part of a high-stakes agreement to free those kidnapped on Oct 7 by the terror group in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The first of the hostages to be freed by Hamas after 49 days in captivity included 13 Israelis - including four children - as well as 10 Thai nationals and one Filipino.

More hostages are expected to be released in the coming days as part of a deal, including on Saturday.

Danielle and Amelia Aloni

Ages: 44 and five

Daniela and Emilia Aloni

Single mother Danielle Aloni pleaded with Benjamin Netanyahu to free all of us in a chilling hostage video released last month by Hamas.

Ms Aloni and her five-year-old daughter were kidnapped while they were visiting her twin sister Sharon Cunio in kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 Oct.

The family - including Mrs Cunios husband, David, and their three-year-old daughters, Emma and Julia - had initially been hiding in a bomb shelter, but they were forced to flee when terrorists set fire to their home.

Ms Alonis family had not had any confirmation they were alive until Hamas shared a video that showed Ms Aloni sitting on plastic chairs between two other hostages.

In the 76-second clip she said: Let their citizens go, let their prisoners go. Free us. Free all of us. Let us return to our families now.

Doron Katz-Asher, Raz Asher and Aviv Asher

Ages: 34, four, two

Aviv, right, and Raz Asher Katz

Yoni Asher only found out his wife and two small daughters had been abducted when he saw a video of them being loaded on to a pickup truck with other hostages by terrorists.

Doron Katz-Asher and the girls were kidnapped by Hamas while visiting her mother when terrorists stormed kibbutz Nir Or.

They had been hiding in the sealed room with Mrs Katz-Ashers mother, Efrat Katz, and her partner, Gadi Moses.

Mr Asher, who described his daughters as his flowers, said his wife had messaged him saying she heard terrorists entering the house and gunfire. Mr Moses left the room and was taken by the terrorists.

Mr Asher later traced his wifes phone to a location in Gaza, before finding a video of his family being driven away. He later found out his mother-in-law had been killed.

I am happy I received my family back, its allowed to feel joy and its allowed to shed a tear. Thats a human thing, Mr Asher said after his wife and children were freed on Friday.

But I am not celebrating, I will not celebrate until the last of the hostages returns home.

Adina Moshe

Age: 72

Ainda Moshe

Ainda Moshe watched terrorists shoot her husband David dead before they pulled her through the window of her homes safe room to abduct her.

She had been holding the handle of the door of the sealed room they had been hiding in to try to keep terrorists out. But Hamas terrorists shot at the window repeatedly until they got in. They then murdered Mrs Moshes husband.

Mrs Moshe was then dragged through the window and later footage showed her sitting in a red T-shirt next in between two terrorists.

Mrs Moshe had always said if terrorists came into her house she would make coffee and put out some cookies.

Ruthi Munder, Keren Munder and Ohad Munder

Ages: 78, 54 and nine

Keren Munder and her son Ohad

Three generations of the Munder family had been spending the Simchat Torah holiday together in kibbutz Nir Oz when they woke up to the sound of explosions and sirens.

Ms Munder sent a message to her partner Avi at 7.24am saying she had heard gunshots and thought terrorists had infiltrated the kibbutz.

She, her son Ohad and her parents Ruthi and Avraham were hiding in the shelter and had only been leaving to use the lavatory. All four of them were kidnapped by Hamas. Ohad turned nine while in captivity in Gaza.

Roni Haviv, a relative of Ohad, said she was looking forward to giving the nine-year-old his favourite toy.

Im waiting to see Ohad and cant wait to give him his Rubiks Cube, which I know he really loved and he probably missed it so much and thats the first thing he takes everywhere he goes, she told Reuters.

Hannah Perry

Age: 79

Hannah Perry

Hannah Perry was on the phone to her daughter Ayelet Svatitzky, 46, when terrorists stormed her home.

Mrs Svatitzky could hear the gunmen shouting orders before the phone line went dead.

Seconds later she received pictures of elderly mother and brother with the terrorists alongside the message: Hamas.

The pictures showed Mrs Perry sitting with her son, Nadav Popplewell, 51, in her living room in kibbutz Nirim, under armed guard.

Mrs Perrys other son, Roi, was shot dead behind his house in another neighbourhood.

Mrs Perry, who has diabetes, had immigrated to Israel from South Africa in the 1960s.

Hanna Katzir

Age: 77

Hannah Katzir

Hanna Katzir, a mother of three and grandmother of six, was abducted from her home in the kibbutz she had helped start.

Her husband of 55 years, Avraham Katzir, was murdered by Hamas during the 7 Oct attack.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad had several days ago claimed Mrs Katzir was killed in an Israeli attack.

Islamic Jihad said on a Telegram Mrs Katzir had died. They wrote the group had wanted to release her but the enemy was stalling and this led to her death.

Yaffa Ader

Age: 85

Yaffa Ader

Yaffa Aders family discovered she had been abducted from her home when video of her wrapped in a pink blanket, surrounded by armed terrorists, emerged.

They had feared the great grandmother, who was described by her granddaughter as the glue of the family, didnt have access to her medication for blood pressure or chronic pain.

Mrs Aders grandson Tamir, 38, was also was also captured by Hamas after he attempted to defend the kibbutz as part of the Nir Oz emergency squad.

She was really the glue of our family. She loved her life, her granddaughter Adva Adar said. She liked good food and she liked good wine. She was very young-minded.

Margalit Mozes

Age: 78

Margalit Moses

Cancer patient Margalit Moses was kidnapped from her home on kibbutz Nir Oz.

Her family said she has health problems that require almost constant medical care.

A nature lover and adventurer, Mrs Moses loves to travel. Last year she visited Norway and this winter had planned to travel to Mozambique.

Thai captives

Thai authorities confirmed early on Saturday that 10 Thais and one Filipino were released, sharing three photos of the group receiving health checkups at the Shamir Medical Center in Beer Yaakov.

The images show 10 men in khaki jackets alongside one woman, who had been taken hostage when Hamas attacked on October 7.

A group of 10 men and a woman who had been taken hostage

The group will stay in hospital for at least 48 hours

The southeast Asians had been agricultural workers close to the border with Gaza  some 30,000 Thais work in Israel, able to earn far higher salaries than they would at home under an agreement between the two countries.

This group will stay in the hospital for at least 48 hours, while RTE will make all the necessary arrangements for their travel back to Thailand and their families as soon as possible, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

We sincerely hope that the remaining hostages will be treated humanely and released safely as soon as possible.

The statement added that authorities had not known that four of the 10 hostages released were being held, meaning 30 Thais nationals were taken in total  up from the 26 previously confirmed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to raise the contentious issue of the Parthenon Marbles during his visit to the UK early next week, in an attempt to resolve a centuries-long feud over the historical artifacts.

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Mitsotakis is due to discuss the contested sculptures during meetings taking place early next week with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, people familiar with the matter said, as sticking points remain in the negotiations over returning them to Athens.

The Greek premiers trip will be mainly focused on promoting the national economy, which recently regained the investment-grade status that it lost 13 years ago and is growing faster than most of its European peers. He will also speak to investors on Monday at a conference organized by Morgan Stanley and the Athens Stock Exchange.

Londons British Museum and Greeces Acropolis Museum have been trying to broker an agreement that would see the artifacts  known to many in the UK as the Elgin Marbles  sent to Athens, from where they were removed in the early 19th century. Proposals mooted so far have included a long-term exchange that would send some of the marbles to Greece on rotation in exchange for other historical objects that would be loaned to the UK in return, or a multi-year partnership that could be easily renewed.

The British Museum hopes to find an arrangement that could get around a UK law prohibiting museums from disposing of objects abroad, at the same time as satisfying Greek demands to reunify the artifacts with those on display in Athens. One person involved in the discussions on the UK side said there had been some recent progress since they stalled at the beginning of the year, though noted that differences remained.

A spokesperson for the British Museum said in an emailed statement: Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are ongoing and constructive. We believe that this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum.

Greece wont accept any deal that implies continued British ownership of the marbles, and does not expect an immediate breakthrough, a Greek government official said, playing down suggestions that a solution is imminent and asking, like UK officials, not to be named when discussing sensitive negotiations.

The UK foreign office and the Greek government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Any agreement would settle a dispute thats plagued Anglo-Greek relations since the founding of modern Greece in 1832. The sculptures were taken from the Acropolis in Athens in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, who was Britains ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the turn of the century.

The British Museum argues the marbles were removed with approval of the legal authorities of the day in Athens, then under Ottoman rule, and that they were saved from loss and damage, which had befallen more than half of the Parthenons sculptures before 1800.

Along with Mitsotakiss reelection this summer, the appointment of former UK premier David Cameron last week as Sunaks new foreign secretary inserted a fresh dynamic into the talks. Cameron is a close friend of British Museum chair George Osborne, who served as his chancellor of the exchequer between 2010 and 2016, leading to optimism among some working on the deal. However, as prime minister, Cameron himself declined to negotiate on the matter, telling the House of Commons in 2011 that he did not want Britain to lose its marbles.

Osborne said in a speech earlier this month that he hoped he could reach an agreement with Greece that was practical, pragmatic and rational, again sparking speculation that a deal could be possible.

The fact that Mitsotakis intends to raise the marbles with Starmer as well as Sunak may yet suggest that he thinks talks will need to continue through the next UK election, which must be held by the end of January 2025. Starmer is on course to succeed Sunak as prime minister with his Labour Party leading the governing Conservatives by around 20 points in opinion polls.

There is a growing consensus across the political parties that a win win arrangement can be reached on the Parthenon Sculptures, said Josh Lambkin, a spokesperson for the Parthenon Project, which is seeking a deal on the sculptures.

(Updates with British Museums position in 10th paragraph.)

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On a rainy and windy Tuesday afternoon, members of the Popejoy and Kline families were loading up cars from the Popejoy's Birch road garage with totes full of donated food.

Catherine Kline said this food drive used to be held at her Greektown Pizza Restaurant until donations and packaging over took the shop. This is the second year organizers had to move to a garage to hold all the donations.

"From 3 to 7, (volunteers) will come in multiple vehicles and have a list of how many they will pick up," she said. "Then they go out and distribute them."

This is the fourth year that members of the Greektown Pizza Restaurant held a food drive to help feed local families. A simple drive that fed only 20 families when organizers started now has turned into a small operation feeding more than 100 families in Lebanon and the surrounding communities.

"We want to give back to the community," Hannah Popejoy said. "At Greektown, we see a lot of the fortunate people coming in and getting to eat with us. But we want to give back to during the holidays, and so we rally with our community to give back to those who need it most."

Volunteers from Greektown Pizza received enough donations from the Lebanon community during the fourth annual food drive to feed 100 families in need. "We all came together, and this is what a community can do." Greektown co-owner Thomas Kline said.

Packages donated from the drive include everything most families would need for a Thanksgiving meal, including turkey. Organizers also provide enough items for extra meals, breakfast items, snack stuffs and personal care items.

Organizers said they donate hundred and hundreds of items with the help of community members and organizations, which they estimated to be at least $5,000.

"We try to feed a family of four to six," Greektown co-owner Thomas Kline said about the items donated. "Breakfast, lunch, dinner, deodorants, laundry detergent, dish soap, toothpaste and toothbrush."

When Greektown volunteers started their food drive, they partnered with Calvary Chapel Lebanon to find needy families. Recently, organizers also partnered with the One Luv Outreach in Reading to serve 80 families.

Greektown organizers have partnered with various organizations and families to get donations, including Southwest Elementary, Pin Up Hair Salon and Harding Elementary. Besides food donations, organizers also took cash donations that they used for various items.

"We utilized Greektown's Facebook, my customer base and I just hound, and hound and hound," Catherine Kline said. "Four years in a row the community has done all this."

Organizers would then bring donations to the Popejoys' garage, where it would be sorted and organized for families. On Nov. 20 and Nov. 21. the food was picked up to be distributed to the families.

Gavin Popejoy helps carry out food donations to volunteer drivers on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Over 100 families will be receiving food and other items because of the Greektown Pizza donation drive.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 1.7 million residents in the state say food insecurity is a daily part of life. People facing hunger in Pennsylvania are estimated to need more than $785 million per year to meet their food needs, according to Feeding America.

Across Lebanon County, 27% of households have at least one person employed, yet struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing, utilities, food, child care and health care, according to the Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE, report. ALICE records household incomes that exceed the federal poverty level but are not high enough to pay for basic needs.

Catherine Kline said it's amazing what residents are willing to do during their food drive to help give a little back this holiday season.

"We would post 'OK guys, we need 15 more bags of cereal' and then someone would show up 'I got your 15 bags of cereal,'" she said. "So that was amazing this year, to see people just whacking stuff off the list left and right to get that item completed for all the boxes."

The outpouring of support in the community to help feed more than 100 families is a positive blessing, according to Thomas Kline. Greektown organizers would continuously receive items like turkeys and cereal from residents willing to put whatever pennies they had to helping a family who can't afford it another meal.

"There's a lot of people that really stepped up to make sure that Lebanon is not known for the 5% of bad stuff," he said. "We all came together, and this is what a community can do."

Those looking to see the Popejoy and Kline families' efforts in this year's food drive, or looking for information to donate to next year's drive, can visit the Greektown Pizza Restaurant Facebook page at facebook.com/GreektownPizza.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth.

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This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Greektown Pizza volunteers donate food to feed 100 needy families
A river in Brazil was recently granted legal personhood, giving it specific rights like maintaining its natural flow and having the forest around it protected.

The Laje River is vital to the Oro Waram, a subgroup of the Wari people who reside in the Western Amazon. However, deforestation  largely due to the expansion of soybean agriculture  threatens the Oro Waram and the river.

In a move that is growing in popularity across the globe, the municipality of Guajara-Mirim passed a law that designated the river (known as Komi Memem locally) and its tributaries as living entities with rights. It is the first river in the Brazilian Amazon to attain personhood status.

There are many generations to come, so the elders protect the water, local councilmen and the laws proponent Francisco Oro Waram told the Associated Press. We dont pollute it or cut the trees that surround it. It is a living being for us.

The Wari people lived independently until the early 1960s, and their population quickly declined due to disease after contact with outsiders.

Though the groups population has boomed since then, its people now occupy less than a third of their original land, and that territory is threatened by the expansion of soy agriculture. This pesticide-dependent crop pollutes the waterways. Last February the river turned red, which Oro Waram said scared him.

Clearing of land for soy fields is also leading to deforestation. The Wari have even faced invasions from land-robbers who block them from accessing their fishing grounds.

Though this is the first river in Brazil to be granted legal personhood, a number of rivers and other natural features across the globe have attained the same status. In 2017, the Whanganui River in New Zealand received personhood status. In 2022, Mar Menor, a lagoon in Spain, legally became a person.

This is all part of a growing movement that seeks to give nature legal rights, which helps give immediate protection from impending environmental damage. In many cases  like in New Zealand and Brazil  these legal statutes directly protect the territories and way of life for local indigenous groups like the Wari and Maori.

Protecting nature also ensures that it is able to deliver vital ecosystem services (the benefits people obtain from nature). Examples of ecosystem services include clean drinking water and trees that help stave off the effects of planet-warming pollution. Safeguarding bodies of water, forests, and other lands also protects vital habitat for wildlife.

So much better than corporations having personhood like it is here in the US, one person tweeted in response to APs story.

Another added, Can we confer personhood on the planet?

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Gulf Coast State College ranked amongst one of the best.

PANAMA CITY  Gulf Coast State College has been recognized as one of the best colleges for military veterans, according to rankings from Military Times.

According to a press release from Gulf Coast State College, hundreds of colleges and universities were surveyed nationwide on their policies related to military and veteran students, academic outcomes, and military-supportive cultures, among other factors.

Gulf Coast State College's military program was ranked in the Top 5 percent of all colleges and universities.

Gulf Coast State College wants to take care of our veterans by any means necessary.

Gulf Coast State College President Glen McDonald was happy with the recognition.

"We are very proud of (our ranking)," said McDonald. "We want to do everything we can to support those who have served our country. We do anything we can for active-duty military veterans."

Gulf Coast State College's "Thanks-A-Million" campaign is one of the school's brightest military programs. This program has been in place for five years and has raised over $1 million to support military veterans beyond their academic needs. The money for this program was raised locally in Bay County.

"I believe we live in one of the most military friendly communities in the United States," said McDonald. "This is Northwest Florida's culture: to do everything we can to support the military. The culture is what drives us to do what we do."

Although ranked in the Top 5 percent, the college also has big plans moving forward to possibly improve that ranking.

Previous coverage: Glen McDonald takes over as president of Gulf Coast State College in Panama City

Gulf Coast plans to open a military and veterans facility. It will partner with a sponsor to help with the title of the building.

This facility will be designed for veterans or active-duty members to connect with each other. As of right now, the development process for this building is not fully formed, but the college has plans for it to be developed soon.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Gulf Coast State College military program ranked among best in the U.S
Chicago police on Thursday issued a community alert connected to a string of armed robberies on the citys West and Southwest sides during the early hours of Thanksgiving morning.

In each of the dozen robberies, two to four men approached victims while brandishing black handguns or a long gun and demand their property, according to officials. It was not immediately clear whether all 12 robberies were related.

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The robberies began at 7:20 a.m. on the Lower West Side neighborhood, the first occurring on the 2300 block of West 21st Street, and the next took place only five minutes later and less than a mile away on the 2000 block of West 23rd Street.

Five minutes after that, another robbery took place on the 1700 block of West Cermak Road . About an hour later, another robbery occurred on the 1900 block of Cermak Road.

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At 7:47 a.m., a robbery occurred south of the Lower West Side neighborhood on the 3700 block of South Wolcott Avenue in McKinley Park. Police said that just eight minutes later, armed robbers targeted someone on the 4900 block of South Paulina Street in the New City neighborhood.

Another robbery occurred at 8 a.m. on the 4700 block of South Hermitage Avenue in New City, less than half a mile north from the previous robbery.

Within a span of 13 minutes beginning at 8:07 a.m., five more robberies took place: two in Gage Park, one in New City, another one in Gage Park and a final one in Chicago Lawn:

5800 block of South Sacramento Avenue at 8:07 a.m.

5000 block of South Fairfield Avenue at 8:08 a.m.

4700 block of South Honore Street at 8:10 a.m.

5200 block of South Rockwell Street at 8:15 a.m.

5900 block of South Mozart Street at 8:20 a.m.

Police are asking neighborhood residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. If approached by one or more assailants, remain calm and remember any of the suspects unique physical characteristics, but never pursue them, police advised.

The suspects fled the scenes in a blue four-door sedan, possibly a Hyundai or Toyota. Police described the men as being between 17 and 25 years old, and said they were all wearing dark clothing and ski masks.

adperez@chicagotribune.com
Federal courts in Maryland and Oregon struck down two gun control laws this week as the impact of a Supreme Court ruling last year that expanded the rights of gun owners continues to spread.

A three-judge panel in the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled against a ten-year-old law in Maryland which required people to acquire a license to purchase a handgun.

Two of the judges voted in favour of nullifying the law. Former president Donald Trump nominated Judge Julius Richardson, who wrote for the majority, together with former president George W Bush-nominated Judge G Steven Agee.

The rulings demonstrate the potential for a rollback of similar gun control laws across the country on the basis of the Supreme Court ruling.

Last year, the US Supreme Court ruled for the first time that the US Constitution protected an individuals right to carry a handgun in public to defend themselves. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc v Bruen in his majority opinion that the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with the Nations historical tradition.

Under the Supreme Courts new burden-shifting test for these claims, Marylands law thus fails, and we must enjoin its enforcement, Judge Richardson wrote in his ruling. Maryland passed the law in 2013 in the wake of the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

A district court had previously disagreed with the claims from the plaintiffs that the law violated the Second Amendment of the US Constitution before the Supreme Court decision last year.

Maryland has identified no other traditions that could serve as a historical analogue, nor has it presented any other evidence that the challenged law is consistent with this Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation, Judge Richardson wrote. So it has not met its burden under Bruen, and its law cannot survive Plaintiffs Second Amendment challenge.

Similarly, in Oregon, a judge ruled on Tuesday that a gun control law that voters passed violated the state constitution, the Associated Press reported. The law banned high-capacity magazines and required people to undergo a criminal background check and complete a gun safety training course to purchase a firearm.

Voters approved of the new law after the Bruen case. But gun owners filed a suit saying it violated Oregons constitution.

We hope the Attorney Generals office will realize that the ill-conceived and unconstitutional ballot measure should not be defended, Tyler Smith, one of the plaintiffs, told the AP in an email.
CLEVELAND, Texas - Firefighters had to take cover when gunfire erupted as they battled a house fire near Cleveland on Friday morning, officials say.

The Cleveland Fire Department was called to a house on County Road 3313 around 3 a.m. and found the two-story home engulfed in flames.

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio!

Firefighters battle a fire at a home in Liberty County.

They requested assistance from the East Montgomery County Fire Department, the North Montgomery County Fire Department, Plum Gove Fire Department and Tarkington Fire Department.

While they were battling the fire, officials say a fight broke out between civilians, and gunfire erupted.

Firefighters took cover where they could. No injuries were reported.

SUGGESTED: 2 firefighters, civilian taken to hospital after Houston apartment fire

The Liberty County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene, but the shooter was not located.

Firefighters remained at the scene until dawn putting out hot spots.
Beware of terrorists bearing gifts. Compassionate goals and unrelenting war make for a complex mix. While freeing Hamass October 7 victims is laudable, there are right and wrong ways to do so. There are costs as well as benefits. Here, Hamas has won a significant victory. Whether the deal sets a definitively negative precedent for Israel remains unclear, but it casts doubt on whether it will attain its legitimate goal of eliminating Hamass terrorist threat.

The agreement is fatally defective in many ways, even if it proceeded flawlessly (which it has not). Hamas is set to release 50 terror victims, and Israel will release 150 accused or convicted criminals, a ratio the reverse of what we should consider civilised. Equating innocent victims with law-breakers is morally appalling. One fifteen-year-old child Israel listed for possible release was convicted of attempted murder for stabbing a neighbor. Many are male teenagers. You can guess why. A critical argument for this deal now is removing hostages from danger, but it does nothing for those left behind.

The releases are occurring over four days, during which Israeli military activity is pausing operations. Undoubtedly, Israel will use the pause to prepare the next phase of hostilities, rotating and resupplying troops and the like. But Hamas terrorists are the real beneficiaries of a cessation of hostilities. They have been pounded by air, and hunted down inside and under Gaza in their extraordinary tunnel networks. Israels military campaign is just in its opening phases, but Hamas has been significantly damaged.

Why let up now? Hamas will use the pause to extricate its terrorists from a difficult position, exfiltrate assets and personnel into Egypt and Israel through undiscovered tunnels, and prepare southern Gaza for the next Israeli offensive. How many chances for faster advances or more surprise attacks will Israel lose due to this pause? How many more Israeli soldiers will die because of Hamass opportunity to set additional traps and further entrench itself?

If Hamas chooses to release more hostages, the pause will be extended one day for each ten hostages. What conceivable justification is there to allow your enemy to unilaterally determine the length of the pause? And what if technical difficulties mean only six hostages are released; does Hamas still get another day of respite? Israel will unfairly bear the onus of resuming hostilities, adding leverage to Hamas propaganda efforts to erase its own October 7 barbarity.

Inexplicably, both Jerusalem and Washington are suspending overhead surveillance of Gaza for six hours a day during the pause. This concession may be more significant than the pause itself because it denies Israel information about Hamass activities. Israel has agreed to be eyeless in Gaza during these terrorist-friendly time windows.

The White House boasts that the deal means a massive surge of humanitarian relief into Gaza, but without adequate assurances the relief will go to those in need. When Herbert Hoover launched Americas first major international relief effort in World War I, he insisted on two conditions: aid must go only to non-combatants, and the donors must distribute or closely monitor its distribution. We have no idea how much will fall into Hamass hands, enabling more terrorism.

Israels critical military problem is the opportunities it will miss by halting in mid-stream its increasingly successful assault. Hamass strategy is to take any pause, however short, and whatever its rationale, and stretch it into a permanent ceasefire. That may not happen on the first try, but the pressure on Israel to succumb will grow.

Israels critical political risk is seeing its determination to eliminate Hamas undermined. Even chancier is the strength of US backing, which is already weakening. Bidens initially robust rhetorical support for Israel has cooled, and his resolve shrinks daily under the assault of the Democratic partys pro-Palestinian Left-wing. His problems will grow more acute as the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds.

The benefits of freeing hostages are visible now. The much larger costs are on their way.

John Bolton is a former US national security adviser

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.
Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages Friday in the first exchange of prisoners with Israel that will take place over the next four days.

The first group of hostages are now in Israel and headed home under protection from Israeli soldiers, according to military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

The hostages were first released into Egypt and then transferred to hospitals in Israel for treatment of injuries, but none were serious, according to Adraee.

The hostages, who were transferred from Gaza by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are expected to meet with their families soon if they have not already.

The 13 Israelis were freed along with 12 Thai hostages. There were conflicting reports on whether 24 hostages were released or 25 hostages, as Thailands prime minister said 12 Thai citizens were released but other reports indicated 10 Thai nationals were released and one Filipino citizen.

As part of the deal, Israel also released 39 Palestinian prisoners on Friday, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari.

By the end of the four-day truce, Hamas has reportedly agreed to free a total of 50 hostages who were taken captive during a deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

Israeli officials are expected to release 150 Palestinian prisoners.

The ICRC said in a release that emergency workers are assisting with the transfer of hostages in Gaza and Palestinians held in the West Bank.

The ICRC will also assist with the delivery of emergency aid into Gaza, including medical supplies and fuel to help keep operations running at hospitals across the coastal strip.

The temporary truce was mediated by Qatar and was the result of intense negotiations between Egypt, the U.S., Hamas and Israel.

Israel and Hamas are expected to resume fighting once the truce ends as Israeli officials have vowed to eradicate the Palestinian militant group.

Here is the list of the names of the Israeli hostages freed by Hamas, along with their ages, according to Israels office of the prime minister.

Doron Katz-Asher, (34)

Raz Asher (4)

Aviv Asher (2)

Danielle Aloni (45)

Emilia Aloni (5)

Ruth Munder (78)

Keren Munder (54)

Ohad Munder (9)

Adina Moshe (72)

Chana Katzir (76)

Margalit Mozes (77)

Chana Peri (79)

Yaffa Adar (85)

Updated: 4:08 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023, in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Joe Biden turned 81 years old on Monday.

It's a milestone for Biden, but it also prompted fresh concerns about his age.

Here's happens if a sitting president dies while running for reelection?

US President Joe Biden turned 81 years old on Monday.

It's a milestone for Biden, but his age has been a thorny issue for the president, with recent polling showing voters are concerned about his age ahead of a tough reelection campaign next year.

And it raises another obvious question: what happens if a sitting president dies while running for reelection?

Well, in the immediate aftermath, we would get President Kamala Harris  who would be the first female president and just its second Black president.

The US has a clear presidential order of succession outlined in the Constitution and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, saying that if the president dies, the vice president takes over.

From an electoral standpoint, Harris would also replace Biden as a Democratic presidential candidate. But his death would almost certainly open the door for other Democrats to jump into the 2024 race.

There's no national deadline to file to run for president of the United States. Instead, filing deadlines vary depending on the state and party.

Many states' deadlines have already passed, however, meaning that state election officials would need to adjust them to allow new candidates to enter the race.

If the president died during primary season  which ends in mid-June  some states may postpone their scheduled primaries.

There's some precedent for this; at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than a dozen states postponed their primaries or expanded vote-by-mail options.

And if a sitting president died after the primaries but before their party's convention, the other presidential candidates would have to make a case to every state delegation at the convention for why they should be the party's nominee.

Finally, if a president died after securing their party's nomination but before Election Day, both the Democratic and Republican parties have guidelines in place for selecting an alternate.

In both cases, the parties' rules and bylaws state that they would have the power to vote on another nominee.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Borodavkin is a police officer from Luhansk Oblast. In his line of work, Dmytro has not only killed Russian occupiers, he has also had to dig graves for civilians killed in the war and bury them. He says the hardest thing is reporting the deaths of soldiers.

Source: National Police of Ukraine

Details: In 2014, Dmytro witnessed a militant groups attempts to take over the building of the Main Directorate of Police in the city of Luhansk. He was an active participant in the resistance movement against the occupying authorities.

Back then, when he was working in the State Traffic Police in the settlement of Lutuhyne, Dmytro decided to take a hardware-software system, which the militants of the so-called "Luhansk Peoples Republic" wanted to use to print fake documents, to the city of Kharkiv.

Dmytro has often come under Russian fire. He has been injured, but always refused to go to hospital

all photos: National Police of Ukraine

In February 2022, Dmytro and his colleagues took out all the weapons [stored in the police department  ed.] as well so as not to let the Russians get hold of them. He then returned to the city of Lysychansk as a part of a combined unit.

"On top of being police officers, my colleagues and I became guards for our repair workers who maintained the power grids during attacks, and for volunteers delivering medicine. When there was no one left in the city, we organised refuse collections, cleaned the streets, buried citizens [who had been killed in the attacks  ed.]; sometimes we even had to dig the graves ourselves," Dmytro recalls.

Dmytro has delivered fuel to Lysychansk many times. Even after the police had to relocate to the city of Bakhmut, Dmytro continued delivering much-needed basic essentials to an outpost in Luhansk Oblast for as long as he could.

Dmytro delivered much-needed basic essentials to an outpost in Luhansk Oblast for as long as he could

The police officer has often come under Russian fire and has been injured, but always refused to go to hospital.

Dmytro has had to report the deaths of soldiers. He says this was the hardest part of his work.

"A dead soldier was brought in. I had to describe the state of his body. He had no papers, only a phone. Suddenly I saw a message from his daughter come up on the screen: Hello, Daddy. At that moment my heart was torn to pieces."

The policeman is fighting against the Russians together with his son

When the full-scale Russian invasion started, Dmytro had to take his wife and parents to a safer location.

"The war has made me realise that whats always important in a persons life is reliable support. For me, thats my family. So for their sake, I am ready to fight for our future," Dmytro says.

Dmytro has two sons who, just like their father, both want to protect what is dear to them against all odds.

His elder son joined the army as a volunteer and is serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The other one is studying at university, and he plans to join the military as well.

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Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People faction who led the Ukrainian delegation at "peace" talks with the Russians in Belarus and Turkiye in 2022, said that the Russian delegation promised Kyiv peace in exchange for refusing to join NATO, but the Ukrainians did not believe them.

Source: Davyd Arakhamiia in an interview with Nataliia Moseichuk

Details: Journalist Moseichuk noted that at a meeting with an African delegation, Vladimir Putin showed a supposedly ready-made draft peace agreement with Ukraine agreed during the negotiations in Belarus, which was allegedly initiated in Istanbul (Turkiye).

According to Putin, there were 18 articles in the so-called agreement On the Permanent Neutrality of Ukraine and Security Guarantees, where "everything is spelled out, from military equipment to personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," and allegedly the document was signed by the head of the Ukrainian delegation.

Arakhamiia stressed: "For some reason, Putin did not publish this document. Why do you think? If he had such a document, he would have made it public."

Quote: "They really hoped almost to the last moment that they would force us to sign such an agreement so that we would take neutrality. It was the most important thing for them. They were prepared to end the war if we agreed to,  as Finland once did,  neutrality, and committed that we would not join NATO.

In fact, this was the key point. Everything else was simply rhetoric and political seasoning about denazification, the Russian-speaking population and blah-blah-blah."

When asked why Ukraine did not agree to this point, Arakhamia replied that there was no confidence in the Russians, because they were ready to promise anything.

Quote: "First, in order to agree to this point, it is necessary to change the Constitution. Our path to NATO is written in the Constitution.

Secondly, there was no confidence in the Russians that they would do it. This could only be done if there were security guarantees. We could not sign something, step away, everyone would relax there, and then they would [invade] even more prepared  because they have, in fact, gone in unprepared for such a resistance. Therefore, we could only explore this route when there is absolute certainty that this will not happen again. There is no such certainty.

Moreover, when we returned from Istanbul, Boris Johnson came to Kyiv and said that we would not sign anything with them at all, and let's just fight."

Details: At the same time, Arakhamiia denied that the Ukrainian delegation was ready to sign such a document, and that Johnson forced Kyivs hand.

According to Arakhamiia, the delegation did not even have the legal right to sign anything  this could only theoretically happen at a meeting of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin.

Arakhamiia added that Western partners knew about the negotiations and saw drafts of documents, but did not attempt to make a decision for Ukraine, but rather gave advice.

"They actually advised us not to go into ephemeral security guarantees [with the Russians  ed.], which could not have been given at that time at all," said Arakhamiia, who headed the negotiating delegation.

In his opinion, the delegation achieved the priority tasks "by 8 points out of 10," because the Russians still "left" (retreated from Kyiv), and then everything turned into a purely military direction.

Arakhamiia admitted that there was a moment when he believed in the possibility of encirclement of the capital.

Background: After Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine tried to negotiate peace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly called on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to discuss all pressing issues during a personal meeting, which Putin ignored. In the end, Zelenskyy stated that Putin's statements about wanting peace were not sincere, and approved the decision of the National Security Council on the impossibility of conducting negotiations with him.

Read more on the topic: From Zelenskyy's "surrender" to Putin's surrender: how the negotiations with Russia are going

Read more on the topic: Before and after the counteroffensive: Are there perspectives in peace negotiations with Russia?

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If we were more grateful, how could we potentially change?

Researchers have studied the science of gratitude to determine how being grateful impacts us. Turns out, gratitude makes us happier.

What are the benefits of gratitude?

Harvard Health Publishing released an article last year which said that positive psychology research demonstrated that people who regularly give thanks are happier, but there are other benefits as well. Gratitude can lead to better health, an increased ability to deal with adversity and more positive relationships.

Harvard isnt the only one that has observed this.

Writing for Greater Good Magazine, a pair of Indiana University professors wrote that counting your blessings can mitigate depression. Their research found that even though the benefits of gratitude (such as experiencing fewer negative emotions) can take some time to experience, gratitude can change our brains.

Licensed mental health counselor Kelly Maynard wrote for the University of Rochester Medical Centers Behavioral Health Partners blog, Research has found that those who practice gratitude tend to have fewer aches and pains, better sleep, a decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone) and improved cardiac functioning. She also noted that gratitude can impact our relationships by increasing our empathy.

Last year, Holly Richardson wrote for Deseret News that gratitude can make people less materialistic and make us more giving.

By becoming more giving, our happiness increases in other ways, too. Family researchers Brad Wilcox, Hal Boyd (executive editor of Deseret National) and Wendy Wang wrote in an opinion article for The New York Times, Individual happiness is more likely to be found not by directly pursuing it but by embracing social institutions that call on us to focus first on the welfare of others.

Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former heart surgeon, said that after experiencing many hardships, including the death of a spouse, the death of a child and watching hospital patients die despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he discovered that gratitude has a healing power.

Catholic leader Pope Francis likewise noted the power of gratitude.

Vatican News reported that when speaking to a general audience, Pope Francis said, If we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope.

How to become a more grateful person

Developing an attitude of gratitude isnt as simple as flicking a switch. There are some practices that can help you develop gratitude such as keeping a gratitude journal or donating your time, talent and money.

Related

One way to become a more grateful person is to change your perspective.

According to the University of Minnesota, becoming more grateful might require more than just adding new behaviors. They suggest putting yourself in someone elses shoes and trying to find any blind spots that you may have.

Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini said that quitting social media can also help you feel more grateful. By quitting social media and spending more time on real relationships, gratitude can increase. If quitting social media is impossible, taking a break might help you to reconnect with other people in your life and feel more grateful.

Deliberately saying thank you more often, trying to see the best in others and finding things to be grateful for can help make you a more grateful person overall.

Research referenced by Greater Good Magazine found that some mental roadblocks to gratitude include a propensity towards materialism. By becoming less materialistic, we can become more grateful.

Becoming more grateful can positively impact our life outcomes.
Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world (Steve Parsons/PA)

Heathrow has accused the government of stalling on securing a greener future for aviation.

The west London airport urged ministers to legislate for a scheme which will provide more financial certainty to companies which could produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK.

In September, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced plans to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism by the end of 2026.

SAF is made from sustainable sources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil, meaning it uses 70% less carbon than traditional jet fuel. It is seen as vital to reduce the aviation industrys carbon emissions but is currently several times more expensive to produce.

Heathrow runs a scheme through which it provides SAF to airlines and covers around half of the extra cost.

It announced on Thursday it will make 71 million available to carriers through the programme in 2024, aiming for 2.5% of fuel used at the airport to be SAF, up from a target of 1.5 per cent this year.

The US has introduced a tax credit scheme to lure investors in SAF production.

Under the DfTs SAF mandate, at least 10 per cent of the fuel used by airlines in the UK must be made from sustainable feedstocks by 2030. Without UK SAF production, airlines will rely heavily on imports to adhere to the mandate.

Heathrow director of carbon Matt Gorman said: Sustainable aviation fuels are a proven reality  they have already powered hundreds of thousands of flights and we will soon show we can fly the Atlantic fossil fuel free.

Heathrows first of its kind incentive scheme has seen SAF use at the airport ramp up in recent years.

Now, the government needs to capitalise on this strong demand and legislate for a revenue certainty mechanism to enable a homegrown SAF industry, before it is too late for the UK to benefit from jobs, growth and energy security this would bring.

A DfT spokesman said: Our sustainable aviation fuel programme is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and our mandate will provide strong incentives for the industry to help drive further demand for SAF in the UK.

We remain committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism by 2026, and are currently on track with our consultation.

Last week the DfT awarded a total of 53 million to nine projects in the latest round of the Advanced Fuels Fund competition to develop SAF.

SAF can currently be used in jet engines to a maximum blend of 50 per cent with kerosene without the need for any modifications.

Virgin Atlantic will become the first major airline to operate a transatlantic flight using 100 per cent SAF on 28 November. The flight will operate from London Heathrow to New York JFK.

Earlier this week, Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted the UK is on track to meet its target of having at least five commercial SAF plants in construction by 2025. It said the government has invested significant amounts of public money into developing SAF, and is not complacent.
Over the years, scientists have managed to unveil the existence of quite a few intriguing particles, pushing the entire field of physics forward with each discovery. There's the "God Particle" for instance, aka the Higgs Boson that grants all other particles their masses. There's also the so-called "Oh My God!" particle, an unimaginably energetic cosmic ray.

But now we have a new particle in town. It's named the "sun goddess" particle  and is fittingly extraordinary.

This particle has an energy level one million times greater than what can be generated in even humanitys most powerful particle accelerators; it appears to have fallen to Earth in a shower of other, less energetic particles. Like the "Oh My God!" particle, these bits come from faraway regions of space and are known as cosmic rays . The particle has been dubbed "Amaterasu" after Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of the sun and the universe in Japanese mythology, whose name means "shining in heaven."

And just as its mythological namesake is shrouded in mystery, so too is the Amaterasu particle. Its discoverers, including Osaka Metropolitan University researcher Toshihiro Fujii, dont know where the particle came from or indeed what it is. They also still aren't sure what kind of violent and powerful process could have given rise to something as energetic as Amaterasu.

"This is the most energetic charged particle ever detected by the Telescope Array experiment," Fujii told Space.com.

The hope is that, just as Amaterasu is credited with the creation of Japan according to the Shinto tradition, the Amaterasu particle can help create an entirely new branch of high-energy astrophysics.

Related: High-energy cosmic rays may originate within the Milky Way galaxy

The "Oh My Goddess!" particle

High-energy cosmic rays are extremely rare to begin with, but Fujii said the Amaterasu particle has an energy level not seen in a staggering 30 years of cosmic ray detections.

In fact, when the researchers spotted Amaterasu with the Telescope Array experiment  involving 507 detectors spread across 270 square miles (699 square kilometers) of the high desert of Millard County, Utah they initially thought the detection must be some kind of mistake.

"I thought it would be my mistake or bug, and then after checking the details of the event, I was excited to find it was not an error," Fujii said.

First spotted by the Telescope Array experiment on May 27, 2021, the Amaterasu particle exhibits an energy of 224 exa-electron volts (EeV). For contest, one EeV is equivalent to 10 electron volts. This puts Amaterasu on a similar energy level to the most energetic cosmic ray ever discovered  yes, that's the "Oh My God!" particle, which was detected in Oct. 1991 by the Flys Eye camera in Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The latter had an energy of 320 EeV.

"The Amaterasu particle should be an important messenger from the universe about extremely energetic phenomena, but we need to disentangle the origin of this mysterious particle," Fujii explained.

Related Stories:

 Record-breaking 'BOAT' gamma-ray burst managed to disturb Earth's atmosphere

 Famous Higgs boson behaves just as expected, 'most comprehensive studies' confirm

 These supermassive black hole jets may pelt Earth with 'ghost particles'

There isnt an astrophysical object, or any cosmic event for that matter, in the direction from which the sun goddess particle appears to have come from. That's why scientists are pretty unclear on what led to its creation. But, while the origins of the Amaterasu particle may be currently unknown, Fujii does have some avenues of investigation to follow up on. Importantly, some of these ideas could extend beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the best outline we have of the universes particle zoo and how each of those particles interact with one another.

"One possibility is the particle has been accelerated by extremely energetic phenomena, such as a gamma-ray burst or a jet from a feeding supermassive black hole at the center of active galactic nuclei," Fujii said. "Another possibility is creation in an exotic scenario such as the decay of super heavy dark matter  a new particle, from unknown physics beyond the Standard Model."

The team has been hunting cosmic rays with the Telescope Array experiment in Utah since 2008, and will now continue to do so with a fourfold improved sensitivity of the newly upgraded project. They also expect other next-generation observatories to get in on the cosmic-ray action to help scientists embark on a more detailed investigation of the Amaterasu particle.

"I am personally excited to have found a new mystery in science to solve," Fujii concluded.

The teams research will be published on Nov. 24 in the journal Science.
Steven Rogers, right, greets friends at a performance by the D.J.A.M. World Music Quartet at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist on Nov. 14, 2023, in Evanston. Rogers, who lives near the church, purchased the property in 2022 and plans to host stage performances and other community events at the church, which is still used by the original congregation. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Evanston resident Steven Rogers penned the 2021 book A Letter to My White Friends and Colleagues: What You Can Do Right Now to Help the Black Community. Released on the one-year anniversary of George Floyds killing, it offered practical guidance on how to improve Black and white racial relations, including white people sharing generational wealth thats been denied to the Black community by governmental policies such as slavery, segregation and redlining. He also asked that Black people use their money to support Black-owned ventures in an effort to help their own.

Now Rogers, an Englewood native, is doing just that as the new owner of Evanstons Second Church of Christ, Scientist. Rogers purchased the property at 2715 Hurd Ave. in December 2022 after learning about the history of the land on which the churchs parking lot sat.

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Donovan Mixon, left, performs with the D.J.A.M. World Music Quartet at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist building in Evanston on Nov. 14, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

As reported by news outlets including WGN and Bloomberg, the Sutton family of Evanston had their home uprooted in 1929 from 2931 Bauer Place, and were moved to a predominantly Black area of town, the 5th Ward. The Suttons story was not an anomaly; other Black families from the block were displaced to the same area. Rogers heard the story and thought, Theres a crime committed on this property against Black people, and set out to buy from the church the parking lot, where the Sutton home once sat.

According to Rogers, the lot wasnt going to be sold without the church itself, so he bought both for $1 million. (That was after plans for a for-profit school/day care met resistance from neighbors and fell through.)

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I bought it because the idea of putting land back in the hands of Black ownership was something that I wanted to do, Rogers said. Also, I wanted to somehow pay homage to the Black families that were forced to move. This was a story about Black people losing wealth as a result of that. That community is one where average homes range from about $700,000 to $1.4 million. Houses were moved, but if those homes stayed there, think about the value that property would have increased and what would have gone to the heirs over time. Its a story of Black people losing land, Black people losing value.

That value has been seen time and again in studies highlighting the racial wealth gap. Patterns of financial stability and wealth accumulation can have 40-, 50-, or 100-year reverberations: Opportunities our grandparents (or great-grandparents) were given or denied can be felt in the present, not just in the form of inheritances (or lack thereof), but in all the manifestations of resources bestowed upon the younger generations. Thus, wealth reflects not just differences in current opportunities, but also differences in opportunities in the past that continue to reverberate and shape the present, said the University of Illinois at Chicagos Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy report Chicagos Racial Wealth Gap: Legacies of the Past, Challenges in the Present, Uncertain Futures.

A former senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, Rogers plans to offer the church free of charge as a venue that celebrates Black culture.

I want to make the church an asset to the Black community in Evanston, in Chicago, and the Black national community, Rogers said. I love the arts. I want to host choirs from historically Black colleges when they make their annual tours throughout the country. Id like to have guest speakers, prominent speakers in the Black community, book clubs  anything that has to do with art and the Black community.

Five parking spots behind the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in Evanston display the street address numbers of five homes from the 1920s that were once located at the site and owned by Black families. A real estate developer forced the homeowners out to make way for new homes for white residents, and decades later the spot became a parking lot for the church, completed in 1947. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

He said hes receptive to hearing ideas from the Black community  that means being amenable to reunions, back-to-school events, Black dance organizations, youth organizations, anything that has to do with uplifting, improving or helping the Black community. Rogers said he has put in a new electrical system, a new stage and central air for the auditorium, and new blacktop for the parking lot.

If you go to the parking lot, you see spaces that have numbers in front of them  those five spaces that have numbers, are the addresses of the Black families who were forced to move, Rogers said. Im gonna continue to do things in that parking lot in homage to those Black families. Im going to put their names on the spaces as well.

Rogers is inviting people to reach out to him through his website, stevensrogers.com, to book the space. So far, the Fisk University Choir performed in the space in October. The choir has ties to Evanstons Sherman United Methodist Church, but moved the event to Second Church of Christ, Scientist due to seating capacity.

They just rocked the house, Rogers, a longtime HBCU supporter, said. The windows were literally sweating.

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Donovan Mixon, onstage at left, performs with the D.J.A.M. World Music Quartet at the Second Church of Christ, Scientist on Nov. 14, 2023, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

On Nov. 14, the Second Church of Christ, Scientist hosted Evanston musician Donovan Mixon and the D.J.A.M. World Music Quartet. Mixon holds regular free concerts from his garage during the warmer months, where folks can pull up a chair and listen in the alley. Now, the music can continue during the colder months due to Rogers church. The denomination is still renting out the church for its members as well, Rogers said. He said hes reaching out to choirs of other HBCUs to help connect with local alumni groups to coordinate possible performances at the church.

Rogers, who has said being wronged gets healed partially by some kind of financial compensation, is looking forward to remaining devoted to uplifting the Black community and being a good Chicagoland person.

The next concert at the church is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Donovan Mixon will perform with saxophonist James Perkins, trumpeter Phil Perkins, bassist Jim Cox and drummer Jeff Stitely.

drockett@chicagotribune.com
HMV owner Doug Putman, pictured with Holly the dog, said reopening the Oxford Street store had been "a long time coming"

HMV's flagship record store has been reopened by pop band Madness on Oxford Street following a four-year hiatus.

The century-old music chain closed its main London branch in 2019 after going into administration. It was then taken over by Sunrise Records.

The company said its return was due to a "dramatic turnaround", with HMV returning to profit in 2022.

Owner Doug Putman said the reopening would lead to HMV "once again becoming a mainstay on the UK High Street".

The store at 363 Oxford Street opened its doors to the public at 11:30 GMT.

It had first appeared on London's iconic shopping street in 1921.

Mr Putman said the reopening had "been a long time coming".

"The team has spent a lot of time on this... countless hours," he told BBC Radio London.

Fans met members of Madness as the London pop band reopened the Oxford Street HMV store

The store has a dedicated floor for vinyl records and CDs

"In 2019 I wasn't able to take on the store when I took on the chain, so this is our first time coming back at Oxford Street since I've owned it.

"I walked here as a customer in 2015 when I first visited London and I just kept thinking 'man, I don't know who owns this, but this is pretty amazing'.

"And now to be here and to be a part of it is just unbelievable."

He said the store has a floor dedicated to a live stage, with individual floors for vinyl, pop culture and DVDs.

Belinda Powell said she was upset when the HMV store closed

Belinda Powell, 37, said she was at the store for its Friday opening "because it's such an iconic venue".

"When I heard it was closing down I was really upset," she told BBC Radio London.

Scott Peters travelled from Birmingham for the store opening

Scott Peters, 32, said he came down to London from Birmingham to see Madness open the store - and will return home for work later today.

"It's nice to see people buying physical, instead of streaming," he added.

London-based singer Baby Queen, who is originally from South Africa, was at the event signing posters.

Baby Queen was signing posters for the opening

Over the years, the store had burned to the ground and was rebuilt; it became an air raid shelter in World War Two and in 1962 became the location for the Beatles recording said to launch their career - an acetate disc of Hello Little Girl and Till There was You.

Artists as varied as Edward Elgar, Dolly Parton and Goldie Lookin Chain had appeared there since its original opening.

Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for planning, said he was excited to welcome the store back to its "historic home", replacing one of the street's "largest American candy stores".

Over the years, the store had seen many changes - back in November 1955, customers would listen to the latest record releases in listening booths

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  For many, the end-of-year holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, the holidays can be a difficult and complicated time.

There are several free and 24-hour support lines, like 988, for those dealing with mental health issues or the general holiday blues. The challenge is making sure people know these resources exist.

Chris Bouneff, the executive director of the Oregon Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), helped pass legislation to secure stable funding for the suicide-and-crisis lifeline which answered 53,000 calls, texts and chats in its first year.

We were falling behind year after year and then the pandemic hit and spared nobody, Bouneff said. So, you have really a higher tide coming forward of people with depression, anxiety, or other symptoms.

988 is the state-wide mobile crisis support system answered around-the-clock by Lines For Life and Northwest Human Services.

Theyre doing good work at our call centers here in Oregon, because vastly more than 90% of the calls that come in, theyre able to handle the situation just over the phone, so theyre able to de-escalate, connect to resources, he told KOIN 6 News. 988 is doing what its intended to do and doing it very well.

While data from the CDC shows the highest rates of suicide occur in spring and summer, a 2014 NAMI survey found 64% of people with mental illness said the holidays make their conditions worse. Another survey showed 66% experienced loneliness and 57% felt pressure to meet unrealistic expectations.

Sometimes during the holidays people retract. So they may be suffering, but theyre not really ready to reach out, Bouneff said. And its often after the holidays that an organization like mine gets inundated, because youve made it through the holiday season, all the hoopla, and suddenly life is back to normal and you realize youve been suffering during the holidays.

There are other factors at play, too, he said.

We wake up when its dark, we come home from work when its dark, the temperatures cooling off. You just have a lot of different things in motion. Even this year in Portland, you have a strike going on and routines completely disrupted. And so you add all that together and its a time where people may suffer greater than they would say in the spring or summer.

Thats why NAMI is committed to investing in resources that are immediate and effective, from 988 to the Oregon Youth Line, Reach Out Oregon and more.

With 988 still being new, the system is set up to route numbers to support based on their area code. But if you have an out-of-state number you simply have to ask for an Oregon representative.

If youre in crisis  a parent, a teen, whoever  Bouneff said there are people with lived experience who are ready to answer the line and help.

You dont have to do this alone. There are others there available to help you. People just need to take that step to reach out, which often can be a hard step when youre suffering. But please reach out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
One of the first things 96-year-old Barbara Hogan did when she got her first paycheck from working at First National Bank of Hollywood in 1946 was go to the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel.

They had beautiful shops out there, and I bought a pair of shoes. I thought I was somebody, she said with a chuckle. Hogan is a native of Hollywood, Florida, who now lives in Tennessee close to her daughter. Still, the memories of what she once called home remain close.

The Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel has seen better days in its nearly 100 years: The behemoth property sprawled along Ocean Drive in Hollywood was once considered the largest economic engine of Broward County and played a pivotal role in World War II, Clive Taylor, president of the Hollywood Historical Society, said.

The Tobin family that owned it kind of switched their business model and made it a convention hotel, Taylor said. So anything that ever happened in this area that was important or of any kind of significance that needed the right backdrop or meeting space, it happened at the Hollywood Beach Hotel.

Undated photo shows beachgoers behind the Hollywood Beach Resort.

Now, the first floor of the property where Ocean Walk mall once thrived is empty and cordoned off by caution tape and an orange safety fence, the hotel registration area is empty and while the concrete facade still stands, the exterior is in disarray.

The little bit of life it had was a security guard saying the building was closed, even as the automatic doors opened and a pool was filled with water. Attempts to give the relic a facelift havent been successful, and the most recent effort has its current owners tied up in court

And as the city and its oldest piece of prime real estate near a century in existence, it begs the question: Why hasnt it been redeveloped and what should become of the once-thriving epicenter for the city and the county?

The complication is that within this acreage over the years has been as many as several thousand property interests in the form of timeshares, Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Jorge Camejo told the Miami Herald. That complication has led to several starts and stops in development plans.

Longtime residents and visitors who remember the hotels stature want to see it restored. I think that it would be amazing if they could find a way to renovate it and do something with the structure, said Mike Lewis, 44, whose family frequented Hollywood when his grandparents owned a home in the area.

I think that that hotel is so polarizing for so many people because it just sits there and it is the beacon of old Florida, he said.

Undated photo of the Hollywood Beach Resort.

A grand history

Known as The Grand Lady, the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel was built in 1925 at the behest of the citys founder, Joseph Wesley Young, and consisted of 500 rooms and the worlds largest solarium at the time.

The hotel, which now sits in the citys historic overlay district, played a pivotal role in World War II, serving as the United States Naval Indoctrination and Training School. After the war, the hotel was refurbished and reopened under new management.

Undated photo of the U.S. Naval Training School at the Hollywood Beach Resort during World War II.

Taylor described a hotel once home to significant meetings, weddings, and parties and welcoming to Jewish residents in South Florida at a time when many hotel postcards blatantly said restricted clientele. The founder of Miami Beach, Carl Fisher, restricted his hotels to non-Jews.

When Port Everglades was forming in its very early stages, they would have meetings and conferences at the hotel because they didnt have a facility like this in Fort Lauderdale, Taylor said, noting the hotels presence is to Broward what the Biltmore Hotel meant to Miami-Dade County and what the Breakers Hotel meant to Palm Beach County.

I call them The Three Musketeers and then theyre all still standing, as fate would have it, but were not sure about this one.

The commonality between Hollywoods Grand Lady and the Gables Biltmore is striking: Both were built in the 1920s and were considered the Grand Dame hotel properties in their heyday. The structures were also utilized during World War II and as time went by languished into a state of disrepair. The Breakers in Palm Beach experienced a similar fate and was ultimately restored.

Unlike its counterparts, which have had their exteriors restored and interiors modernized, the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel remains a shell of itself.

Two weekends ago, Dave Noell, 81, took what he called his farewell tour in Hollywood, where he lived from 1949 until 1977. I have great memories of it, he said of the hotel. I used to go there a lot. People from up north would come to visit and wed take them there with all the shops. It was a place that we always took for granted, I guess.

Its had a nice history with the service personnel during the war. Its quite the lady, he said. Id hate to see it taken down or whatever theyre going to try and do with it.

The Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel was the home of Florida Bible College for many years. The date of this photo is not known.

Thwarted development attempts

Since its heyday, the hotel has seen many lives: It was once the home of Florida Bible College, the site of a movie theater and later a mall, and eventually became timeshare-operated condos.

With the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Taylor said some timeshare owners began facing the grim reality that theyre in a 100-year-old building thats not been well maintained, and its probably going to be looking at major assessments.

This kind of convinced people that were strong holdouts, it might be time to sell because their condos werent worth as much as what the assessments were going to be, he said.

Camejo said with the parking garage and the building now owned by two separate entities, the property will likely become easier to develop. Were down basically to two individual property interests as opposed to several thousand as we had previous, he said, adding there is optimism around the property because fewer controlling interests are attached to it.

But that matter is still complicated. According to a lawsuit filed Nov. 30, 2022, Florida-based real estate development and equity firm Equishares, Inc., sued New York-based real estate firm The Chetrit Group, alleging Chetrit attempted to cut Equishares out of a deal to develop the hotel, which sits between a string of hotels and condos along Ocean Drive.

Back view of the historic Hollywood Beach Resort, that is also known as the Grand Lady, that was declared unsafe by the city of Hollywood on May 6, forcing all guests to be vacated. Located at 101 N. Ocean Drive, the hotel was built in 1925 by Joseph Young, Hollywoods founder. This photo is from May 30, 2023.

The lawsuit claims Equishares identified the property as the potential site for development as early as 2018 and brought The Chetrit Group into the deal in 2019. But as negotiations were being completed to buy the properties, the lawsuit alleges The Chetrit Group began purchasing the timeshares and condominium units inside the hotel in an effort to retain controlling interest in the homeowners association and eventually dissolve it without notifying Equishares.

Camejo said no plans have been submitted to the city to develop the property.

Attorneys representing Equishare declined to comment citing pending litigation. Allen Levine, who represents The Chetrit Group, said the lawsuit had no merit, and his clients are continuing with development plans.

My client is working to determine what the next steps are, he said, adding the litigation process is not affecting that.

Vintage postcard of the Hollywood Beach resort.

Restore or demolish?

But as the hotels future is uncertain, Hollywood natives and occasional visitors wonder what will become of it. No plans for development have been submitted to the city, but some surmise the structure may be torn down to make way for high-rises.

Longtime Hollywood resident Jonas Caufield, 55, said he believes it would be cost prohibitive to renovate the hotel, as many would want, because of the age of the building. Youre talking probably millions and millions of dollars to try to bring the building back to its former glory. He instead suggested maybe a park that would benefit the community or a low-rise development

But no more condos or apartments. I mean, this place is just saturated already, he said.

Lewis said while he would like to see the building preserved, hes led to believe that that structure must be rotting from the core, echoing similar concerns about the collapse in Surfside. But Id be really sad if they demolished it.

The building has a code violation for its failure to comply with the Broward County building code and inspection program, according to the city. Some individual units inside the structure also have code violations, the city said. A 50-year recertification was conducted on the building in 2022 and indicated that the building needed structural and electrical repairs, according to the recertification report.

Taylor said he wouldnt be surprised if the hotel was demolished and the front recreated or incorporated into a new building. We feel like it would be a shame to lose the structure when other cities get to have their grand dame hotels, he said.

The structure, Taylor said, is one of the most important buildings left standing that Young built after the Park View Hotel and the First National Bank of Hollywood were demolished. The Great Southern was torn down in 2020 but rebuilt to mimic the originals exterior and with a more modern interior.

This hotel is the last Mohican from Joseph Young Companies that he built, he said.

Camejo said there has been conversation about the importance of paying tribute to the existing building. The site itself is probably the most important piece of real estate in Hollywood, he said. Its a landmark property.

Another change that would need to happen includes removing the loop that leads drivers along Hollywood Boulevard and onto Ocean Drive, where the front lawn of the property once sat. Camejo said there have been conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation to change the intersection.

And with the Hollywood CRA set to sunset in 2027, Camejo said its important to have a plan approved by the city commission so that the level of CRAs participation can be determined. Money generated from the CRA goes toward funding projects in the citys downtown and beach areas.

That building and that site should become economically relevant, again, he said. We can and should be able to do way better than what we have, architecturally, aesthetically, economically. All boxes need to be checked off.

As for Hogan: Id like to see it go back to what it was when I was in high school, she said. It was so beautiful  it had the beautiful shops downstairs and wonderful restaurants.

Front view of the he historic Hollywood Beach Resort, that is also known as the Grand Lady, that was declared unsafe by the City of Hollywood on May 6, forcing all guests to be vacated due to unsafe conditions. Located at 101 N. Ocean Dr. The hotel was opened in 1926 by Joseph Young, the city of Hollywood founder, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
When Luke kicked out the window of a police car in 2019, it led to what he described as a wake-up call.

He had lost his housing after his partner at the time moved out, leaving him unable to meet the rent on his own, and was then living in Santa Margarita Community Park.

That was the first thing that got me into (Alcoholics Anonymous), Luke said. When you kick out a cop car while youre drunk in public, they take that kind of seriously.

By the time Luke lost his housing in 2019, he had already accumulated around 20 drunk in public charges, and doesnt remember much from the years of heavy drinking.

Since that incident, Luke  a San Luis Obispo County resident who asked not to be identified by his real name due to privacy concerns  has worked to turn his life around, completing alcohol abuse counseling, getting a new job and, most importantly, completing his journey through San Luis Obispo Countys housing pipeline, from homelessness to independent living.

Luke said that journey was never easy, and is full of instances of people and organizations being willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

My story is about people giving me a second chances, third chances, Luke said.

Luke, an Arroyo Grande resident who recently moved into a permanent home using a housing choice voucher, moved into his apartment after around three years of working through San Luis Obispo Countys housing system.

Pandemic, alcohol addiction made shelter scarce while homeless

Luke has lived in San Luis Obispo County for nearly 20 years, initially moving to the area from San Bernardino to attend Cal Poly.

He graduated in 2007 with a degree in agriculture, but didnt find a job in his field. He instead opted for a series of short-term jobs in schools, churches, hotels, an employment agency, groundskeeping and custodial work.

For several years, he said, this approach worked, and kept his life relatively stable.

All the while, though, he started drinking more, and despite two years of sobriety between 2013 and 2015, the problem continued to grow, he said.

Luke said becoming homeless just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most stressful, challenging times of his life, during which he fell deeper into alcoholism.

Though life was quiet during lockdown  when San Luis Obispos streets were emptied of their usual crowds save for the citys homeless population  it wasnt easy, as there were no opportunities to panhandle, and formerly accessible restrooms suddenly locked their doors.

If I wanted to be in San Luis Obispo, there was a broken water fountain at Emerson Park, but there was also a porta-potty, Luke said. There was a good drinking fountain at Mitchell Park, so you had to choose: If youre going to sleep in one or the other, youre going to have bathroom access or drinking fountain access. They didnt have both.

In 2020, he stayed at the El Camino Homeless Organizations Atascadero shelter and 40 Prado Homeless Services Center, but issues related to his addiction forced both organizations to kick him out.

I had some struggles my first time (at ECHO)  self inflicted  and had to be let go from that program, but they were kind enough to give me another chance to be able to once again be a resident of ECHO, Luke said. Im still probably 86ed from Prado.

Being 86ed from a shelter means being asked to leave and not return.

Luke returned to ECHOs Atascadero shelter in December 2020, where he began to work with a case manager as part of the shelters 90-day program, which uses intensive case management and a reserved bed to help move homeless clients toward housing.

As it happened, 90 days was almost exactly what he needed.

A row of plants soak up sunlight in an Arroyo Grande apartment that now houses Luke, a formerly homeless resident who spent the past three years working his way through San Luis Obispo Countys housing system.

What is life in a permanent supportive housing project like?

While staying at the Atascadero shelter, Lukes case manager did a lot of footwork to get him approved for the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo Countys Homekey complex in Paso Robles, which started admitting its first residents in early 2021.

The complex provides permanent supportive housing units for homeless individuals and families by using project-based vouchers that limit rent to 30% of the households monthly income.

Luke was among the first batch of residents to move into the complex in March 2021.

Finding and holding employment  which Luke said was nearly impossible while homeless during the pandemic  suddenly became an option again, along with working on his sobriety and establishing a sense of security.

I was actually giving ECHO cash money to hold onto for me, he said, so that when this (housing opportunity) opened, I actually had cash saying, Yeah, look, Luke has a job, Luke has money, Luke can pay rent.

Thats not to say living at the Homekey complex was easy, he said.

Luke said during his stay, he was required to change rooms multiple times and wasnt allowed to move his own belongings, which caused damage to several of his possessions.

At the time, the complex was still undergoing intensive construction as more rooms were refit into studio apartments and shelter spaces, causing disruptions and internet outages, he said.

Hours for AA meetings  Lukes preferred way of dealing with his alcohol abuse disorder  were also inflexible, and rarely aligned with his work schedule, which challenged his sobriety, he said.

Luke said he observed drug and alcohol use in and around the complex at times, which often triggered his sobriety.

Thats complaining about other people who have addiction issues, and I thank God that God showed me grace, and Im not struggling with that right now, Luke said. Im not different than those people, but it was hard for those people who wanted to be sober.

Luke said he frequently butted heads with the complexs management, often over the scheduling of meetings, delays in distributing promised housing choice vouchers and lapses in communication.

By the end of his stay, it was clear that while a roof over his head that he could return to each day was a significant improvement from time on the streets and in shelters, living at the Homekey complex was never going to be a good permanent solution for his housing needs, Luke said.

For some people, its perfect  maybe they dont aspire to get a job, a career or retirement savings  maybe theyre at a point in their life where they just need a roof over their head and security, Luke said. For me, it was always going to be a stepping stone. I wasnt going to stagnate there and die.

Luke, an Arroyo Grande resident who recently moved into a permanent home using a housing choice voucher, holds one of the pieces of artwork in his home he kept from before he became homeless in 2019.

Struggle with sobriety delays permanent housing

Luke ultimately stayed at the Homekey complex for more than two years as he looked toward his next steps.

In July 2022, he received a housing choice voucher through HASLO, which limits his rent to 30% of his income so long as his landlord accepts the voucher.

However, Luke would have to wait more than a year to put the voucher to use. Just a month after receiving the voucher, he crashed and burned, relapsing while visiting the California Mid-State Fair.

Luke said he spent the next 10 days in a helpless condition, falling deeper into alcohol abuse, until a close friend took him in and nursed him back to health  help Luke said saved his life.

Credit for the people at Paso Homekey  they knew I was struggling, and they recognized that recovery is a process, Luke said. That was one of the things that I appreciated the most  they didnt kick me out when I was struggling.

When he was sober and mentally competent again, Luke said he started looking for a place to use his voucher while trying to prevent another relapse from happening, which meant not making major changes to his housing situation for the next year.

Luke said that strategy worked; since his last relapse in the summer of 2022, he has maintained 15 months of sobriety.

Luke, an Arroyo Grande resident who recently moved into a permanent home using a housing choice voucher, cuts onions for a meal in his new home.

Where is Luke now?

Eventually, Luke got the chance to use his housing choice voucher, settling into an apartment in Arroyo Grande in August this year.

Luke said even with his new job, where he makes minimum wage, he would not have been able to afford his rent without the voucher, which requires him to pay 30% of his income, or $796, as rent each month.

Since being matched to a place of his own by a HASLO case worker, Luke said hes begun to recover the daily skills and routines he lost while homeless.

With a full kitchen at his disposal and the freedom to pick his meals and ingredients, Luke said hes lost around 20 pounds in the three months hes lived in his apartment  not because of malnutrition, but because the quality and nutritional content of his food is better than he could have hoped for at a shelter.

The apartment gets plenty of light, and has a small balcony, allowing Luke to finally grow plants in earnest again. Some have been with him since he started living at the Homekey complex.

A devout Christian, Luke has decorated his apartment with reminders of his faith, including depictions of Saint Michael, the saint associated with protection from evil and temptation.

Luke, an Arroyo Grande resident who recently moved into a permanent home using a housing choice voucher, reaches for a statue of Saint Michael.

He said he credits his faith for keeping him resilient against his worst impulses, and for connecting him to organizations such as AA, ECHO and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, through which hes given talks to law enforcement officers as part of their drug and alcohol training.

God did for me what I couldnt do for myself, Luke said. Otherwise, Id still be drinking, because Im an alcoholic; left to my best ideas, I drink. God took away that desire, and part of it was people showing me that I was worth more than just dying out on the streets.

As hes settled in, hes begun to add items and decorations hes accumulated in his post-homelessness life, such as a flask engraved with the words Not today, Satan, made by the friend who saved his life during his last relapse.

Every time he moved up to the next level of housing, the amount of choice he had in his daily life grew  and so did the amount of gratitude he felt, Luke said.

With every step, I got more freedom, he said.
Natalia Mitchell, holds up a program memorializing her son, Morris Mitchell, who was shot to death in March 2022, in Washington, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Though it's no longer the homicide capital of the United States, the nation's capital is witnessing a multiyear spike in the number of homicides but solving far fewer of them.

And for families of the victims, the issue of unsolved killings cuts deep.

Asiyah Timimi's husband, Aqueel, was stabbed in a dispute in January 2021 and died several days later. You just dont feel safe until theyre caught, Timimi said. "I could be walking past the person that killed my husband.

Natalia Mitchell wants justice for her son Morris, who was fatally shot in March 2022, and closure for herself. A successful arrest of her sons killer, she said, doesnt bring Morris back, but it would help.

The percentage of homicides that are solved by the Metropolitan Police Department has declined sharply in 2023, leaving the city on track to record its lowest so-called clearance rate" or "closure rate in more than 15 years.

As of Nov. 13, only 75 of the 244 homicides committed this year have been solved by police. Factoring in the 33 prior-year homicides cleared thus far in 2023, the overall closure rate stands at around 45%. That would be the lowest rate dating back at least to 2007, according to statistics provided by the MPD.

Nationally, the average clearance rate tends to hover between 50% and 60%, said Rick Rosenfeld, a professor of criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

A low closure rate, particularly on homicides, can erode police morale and community trust in the police and lessen the public cooperation between citizens and police that is vital for many investigations, said Christopher Herrmann, an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former crime analyst supervisor with the New York Police Department.

That whole process can kind of spiral down, where the community doesnt trust the police that much anymore or theres a lack of faith," he said. "Theres much less cooperation between the community and the police. And once the police see a lack of cooperation from the community, some of them will kind of throw their hands up in the air and say, Why should we care when no one in the community wants to help?'

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lyndsey Appiah acknowledged that closure represents "some sense of justice for victims.

In addition, she said, The surety of consequence is a deterrent to crime. So its important that we are, as quickly as possible, closing cases and solving cases.

The drop in homicide closures is just part of a complicated public safety crisis facing the nation's capital. Appiah, in testimony to the House Judiciary Committee this year, flatly acknowledged the scope of the problem.

Oxford defines a crisis as a time of intense difficulty, trouble or danger, she testified. So I would say there is a crisis.

Homicides in Washington are up 33% this year over last year. Violent crimes involving juveniles also are rising steadily, as are carjackings, with a U.S. congressman and a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates among the recent victims.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Appiah cited police staffing issues and difficulties with crime scene analysis among the potential factors impacting the clearance rate.

Its at around 3,300 officers this year -- down from 3,800 in 2020.

The MPD is at around 3,300 officers this year, down from 3,800 officers since 2020  a decrease of 500 over three years. Police union officials have publicly blamed the D.C. Council for what they say are anti-police policies that have driven away officers and stifled recruiting efforts. The mayor, however, wants to get the number of officers up to 4,000.

D.C.s crime lab, the Department of Forensic Science, also lost its accreditation in spring 2021 over allegations of flaws in its analysis. Appiah said the lab hopes to regain its accreditation early next year; in the meantime, the city is outsourcing its crime scene analysis, a process that consumes time and money, she said.

Appiah said that 10 months into the year is too soon to judge the success of homicide investigations that can take months or years. And, in fairness, the MPD just arrested a man in late October for a killing that took place in 2009. In cases like that, the arrest counts as part of this year's clearance rate.

But with just a few weeks left in the year, it would take a remarkable run of successful arrests to prevent 2023 from having the lowest homicide clearance rate in more than 15 years.

The impact of these unsolved killings can have a corrosive effect in multiple directions.

It devastates the Black family, and it can devastate the police department, said Ronald Moten, a community activist who, in his youth, spent time in federal prison on drug charges. It always gives the family some sense of relief if theres a closure. It doesnt help you heal by itself, but its part of the healing process.

Motens half-brother was slain in 1991, during the period when homicides in D.C. regularly exceeded 400 per year. The case was never solved.

It hurts because you feel like somebodys gotten away with killing your child with no consequences," Moten said. Thats painful. You want closure, and you want somebody to be held accountable.

Preventing that negative cycle from becoming entrenched is one of the citys top priorities. To close cases, police need residents to help uproot violent criminals from their communities, said Appiah, the deputy mayor.

We need their help. And they need to trust that if they come forward with information and help us, that it will move towards accountability, she said. If they provide us tips on someone engaged in a shooting and then that person is just back in the community, they will not trust MPD in the same way. ... We need the community to help us close cases, and then we need the rest of the system to work to help keep them safe.

Timimi, whose son Khalil was shot outside of Washington in neighboring Prince Georges County in Maryland about six weeks after her husband was stabbed, now cares for her paralyzed son and runs a charitable organization teaching modern life skills to urban youths.

She said she fears a return to the days when Washington routinely led the nation in per-capita killings. Two of her former neighbors have lost children to gun violence in recent years, and in 2021 her godson was caught in a crossfire and killed while he was home from college because of the national COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

In the 80s and 90s, I remember going to a funeral every week, she said. And when its unsolved, you just feel like theyve forgotten you.

____

Follow Khalil at https://twitter.com/ashrafkhalil.
Before coming to Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) spent years taking up lawsuits in defense of Christian speech and activities in public elementary schools and universities.

Johnson, who was a relatively unknown Louisiana congressman before being elected House speaker last month, previously spent eight years as senior attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom, an evangelical legal group focused on dismantling LGBTQ+ rights and outlawing abortion. It was in his role there that Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, took up case after case aimed at chipping away at the separation of church and state.

Whats alarming about this pattern in his background is that it raises questions about whether the House speaker  the person second in line to the U.S. presidency  disputes the first freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment in the Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.

In 2004, Johnson was the lead attorney for Stockwell Place Elementary when the Bossier Parish public school got sued for pushing Christianity on its students.

A set of Jewish parents sued the school after learning it was holding prayer sessions, teaching Christian songs in class and promoting a teacher-led prayer group called Stallions for Christ that met during recess. The Jewish parents, who had two children at the school, also cited a teacher with a Christian cross on the classroom door, a Nativity scene in the school library and a graduation program featuring Christian songs and a student-led prayer, and religious speeches delivered by two local sheriffs deputies.

In their lawsuit, which you can read here, the parents claim their children were ridiculed and bullied by other kids for not participating in the religious songs. They raised concerns with the principal, who allegedly responded by defending the schools Nativity scene and religious songs, and told the parents to deal with it. The parents also complained to the school superintendent, who allegedly defended the teacher-led prayer group because this is the way things are done in the South and welcome to the Bible Belt.

Johnson spoke about the lawsuit at his church, the Airline Drive Church of Christ in Shreveport, before taking on the case. He warned the congregation what was at stake with cases like the Jewish family suing to keep Christian activities out of a public school.

The ultimate goal of the enemy is silencing the gospel, said Johnson, according to an April 2004 story in the Shreveport Times about the lawsuit. This is spiritual warfare.

Heres the article in the the Shreveport Times from April 2004:

"The ultimate goal of the enemy is silencing the gospel, Johnson said in 2004 amid a lawsuit involving a Jewish family suing a public school for engaging students in Christian speech and activities.

The Louisiana Republican also told church attendees, some of whom were reportedly nodding and wearing I support Stockwell Place T-shirts, that if we dont (win), theyre going to shut down all private religion expression.

Johnsons comments at church came a week after he wrote an opinion piece in the Shreveport Times calling the Jewish familys lawsuit the latest example of the radical lefts desperate efforts to silence all public expression of religious faith.

Heres Johnsons article:

Johnson said in 2004 that a Jewish family suing a public school for engaging in Christian speech and activities was

Johnson said in 2004 that a Jewish family suing a public school for engaging in Christian speech and activities was "the latest example of the radical lefts desperate efforts to silence all public expression of religious faith.

Johnson spokesperson Taylor Haulsee on Tuesday disputed that the House speaker was referring to the Jewish family as the enemy in the 2004 lawsuit.

You are mischaracterizing his remark, he said in a statement. Johnson was referring to any coordinated attempt to impede religious expression that is protected under the Constitution, not any single family.

Haulsee also emphasized that the first bill Johnson brought to the House floor as speaker was a resolution condemning Hamas and standing with Israel.

The lawsuit was settled in August 2005 with a consent order clarifying the types of religious expression allowed in public schools. But most of the case had been dismissed months earlier because the family moved out of state.

On or about December 28, 2004, the McBride family moved to Missouri to escape the harassment and threats Tyler and Kelsey were enduring at Stockwell Place Elementary, reads a March 2005 amendment to the lawsuit.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which was not officially a party to the case, said at the time that the Jewish family likely would have won their case had they not moved away.

The ACLU believes (the complaints) were meritorious and had the plaintiffs remained in the state, they would have been found meritorious, Joe Cook, then the executive director of the ACLUs Louisiana affiliate, told the Shreveport Times when the case was settled.

Before coming to Congress, Johnson spent a lot of time defending religious speech and activities in public schools, specifically Christianity.

Before coming to Congress, Johnson spent a lot of time defending religious speech and activities in public schools, specifically Christianity.

In another case in 2006, Johnson represented parents suing the Katy Independent School District in Texas for allegedly trying to ban religious expression and acknowledgement of the Christian religion. The parents argued that the school district violated their First Amendment rights by preventing them from speaking about their religious beliefs and distributing religious items or literature to classmates on school grounds.

This lawsuit was dismissed in 2010 with prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs cant refile the same claim again in this court. The school did have to pay Johnsons attorney fees, though.

The House speaker twice represented teenagers, in 2007 and in 2008, who were denied public school transportation to a Just for Jesus religious event.

In 2007, Johnson represented a high school student in a civil rights action lawsuit after her school refused to provide a bus for her club, called the One Way Club, to attend a Just for Jesus event. The student claimed that the school provided other clubs with transportation for fields trips and that it wasnt fair to not provide a bus for the religious event. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed because the student found her own ride to the event.

A year later, Johnson represented a middle school student who sued her school for not providing a bus to the same event. This student, who was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, claimed that she was denied school transportation to the Just for Jesus event because she and others in her club talked about their religious beliefs.

School officials claimed the real issue was safety concerns, because there was a shooting near the Just for Jesus event the year before, and some students had been injured and fearful. The school officials suggested the organizers of the event hold it during non-school hours or on the weekend. As a compromise, school officials offered to give students excused absences if they went to the event on their own during the school day.

The judge in the case ruled that the school worked in good faith with the student by offering an excused absence and rejected Johnsons argument that the student demonstrated a substantial threat of irreparable injury. The student voluntarily ended her suit shortly afterward.

It is repugnant to Sonnier that he ... must obtain governmental permission to talk to a student about his Christian faith.Johnson defending a traveling evangelist's right to preach on a public university campus.

Johnson also led lawsuits in defense of religious speech on the campuses of public universities. In 2008, he lost a case involving a traveling evangelist who sued Southeastern Louisiana University after a school police officer told him he had to move to a free speech zone on campus to deliver his remarks and get his speech pre-approved.

As they stood there, the evangelist, Jeremy Sonnier, began engaging with a student about religion, at which point the officer warned he would be arrested if he didnt move.

Sonniers legal argument, led by Johnson, was that the universitys speech policy was unduly burdensome and based on religious grounds.

It is repugnant to Sonnier that he, as an individual citizen, must obtain governmental permission to talk to a student about his Christian faith, reads the legal document, presumably written by Johnson.

A passage from a lawsuit led by Johnson in 2008 in defense of a traveling evangelist.

A passage from a lawsuit led by Johnson in 2008 in defense of a traveling evangelist.

A federal judge ultimately dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Sonnier cant refile the same claim again in the court.

In another lawsuit in 2003, Johnson represented a student at Texas Tech University who accused the school of violating his First Amendment rights by requiring him to get his speech pre-approved in order to speak on campus in a spot that was not in the free speech area gazebo. The student was challenging a school policy that barred students from engaging in speech that might intimidate or humiliate another person on campus.

The university initially denied a permit to the student to deliver remarks outside of the designated area expressing his religious view that homosexuality is a sinful, immoral and unhealthy lifestyle, and passing out literature citing Scripture. But the student was ultimately given permission to do this if he moved across the street.

In 2008, Johnson was the lead attorney for the Tangipahoa Parish school board in Louisiana when it got sued for opening its meetings with prayers and requiring they be delivered by eligible members of the clergy in the parish.

The plaintiff took issue with the school board bringing religion into its meetings at all and with the denial of his wifes request to give an invocation at a meeting because she was a non-denominational Christian.

Plaintiff finds equally objectionable the non-secular manner in which the Board meetings are conducted, reads the plaintiffs legal filing. The Board meetings are an integral part of Tangipahoa Parish public school system, requiring the Board to refrain from injecting religion into them. By commencing the meetings with a prayer, the Board is conveying its endorsement of religion.

The lawsuit was dismissed in 2010 after the parties reached a compromise.

Asked Tuesday if Johnson fundamentally disagrees with the separation of church and state, his office pointed to comments that he made last week on CNBC, when he claimed that Americans misunderstand the concept.

When the Founders set this system up, they wanted a vibrant expression of faith in the public square because they believed that a general moral consensus and virtue was necessary, Johnson said in the TV interview. The separation of church and state is a misnomer. People misunderstand it.

He claimed that Thomas Jefferson meant something entirely different from what we think it means when he coined the phrase.

What he was explaining is they did not want the government to encroach upon the church, not that they didnt want principles of faith to have influence on our public life, Johnson said. Its exactly the opposite.

He never actually said, though, if he disagrees with the separation of church and state.

An abject danger to our democracy.Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Rachel Laser, the president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said she has grave concerns about Johnsons claims.

Any public official  let alone the speaker of the House and second in line to be president  who claims America is a Christian nation and discredits church-state separation is an abject danger to our democracy, she said.

Laser said Johnson is repeating the myth that Christian nationalists typically use to deny that church-state separation is foundational to democracy.

Church-state separation is baked into the Constitution, from Article VIs prohibition on religious tests for public office to the First Amendments religious freedom protections. Our freedoms, equality and democracy rest on that wall of separation. Without it, America would not be America.

Related...
The train left from Kyiv via Kharkiv to Izyum

The first voyage of Ukraines Food Train embarked on Nov. 23, bringing traditional American Thanksgiving dishes like baked turkey and pumpkin pie to the people of the frontline town of Izyum.

A cooperation between the Ukrainian state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which fully funded the train's construction and operation, the first trip saw the train travel from Kyiv through Kharkiv to Izyum.



Read also: Ukrainian state railway companys financial plan for 2024 sees $350m loss ahead

"I plan to ride the Food Train in December and offer food to all Ukrainians along the frontline. It will be a victory," said Howard Buffett, son of billionaire U.S. investor Warren Buffett.

The traditional American holiday has a special meaning these days, said UZs Board Chairman Yevhen Lyashchenko, thanking the entire democratic world for supporting Ukraine.

"Together with the Howard Buffett Foundation, we are launching this unique train today. The food cooked in it will be delivered as a token of gratitude to those who help our defenders every day in the frontline regions: employees of the State Emergency Service, police, doctors, railway workers, volunteers," said Oleksandr Kubrakov, who serves as Ukraines Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration.

mtu.gov.ua

The Food Train, capable of producing approximately 10,000 meals per day, consists of 6 cars:

A generator car (~400 kW + own gas station for autonomous operation)

A refrigerator car with a freezer for food storage

A car with a cold kitchen for pre-processing of products

A car with a hot kitchen for the preparation of the final dishes

A car for train staff with shower and washing machine

A baggage car with 27,000 liters of water with filtration and pumping stations.

Read also: Ukrzaliznytsia to Europe: Opportunities for Ukrainians to travel to European countries

The train can operate autonomously for 5-7 days and its equipment allows it to prepare complete full-course meals: soups, cereals, salads, meats, etc. Special thermoboxes installed inside the train make it easy to transport ready-made portioned food containers from the train kitchen to the end consumer.

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 woman was shot in the stomach in Wisconsin after a hunter mistook her dog for a deer (WCAX)

A woman was shot in the stomach in Wisconsin after a hunter mistook her dog for a deer, according to a Department of Natural Resources official.

The 47-year-old woman was out walking her dog on Monday morning on the second day of the gun-deer season when she wandered onto private property, DNR Hunter Education Administrator Lt Mike Weber said.

Suddenly, she was shot in the abdomen by a 62-year-old disabled hunter.

The hunter told the DNR he had opened fire because he thought her dog was an antlerless deer.

The woman was flown via MedFlight to an area hospital where she is still being treated for the gunshot wound.

Mr Weber said that the man was disabled, with Wisconsin offering opportunities for people with disabilities to hunt from their vehicles.

At a press conference, the DNR official urged hunters to wear blaze orange and fluorescent pink when in the woods so that they are easily noticable to others.

Non-hunters should also consider wearing those highly visible colours as well during gun-deer season, he said.

The incident isnt the first time an accidental shooting has occurred during this years hunting season.

Earlier this month, a man was accidentally shot while hunting in the neighbouring state of Minnesota. Officials said that the mans hunting partner had been checking to see if his firearm was unloaded, when he accidentally fired a round into the victims leg. Luckily, the victim survived.

Meanwhile, two hunters have also died in Iowa since October, including a 53-year-old man who was struck by a single rifle shot while hunting coyotes with friends.

The second victim was a 26-year-old man who was shot in the face by someone in his party while hunting waterfowl in the Bays Branch Wildlife Area.

This comes after a tragic incident in 2020, when a nine-year-old girl and her father were shot dead on New Years Day in South Carolina after they were mistaken for deer during a hunting trip.
By Johannes Birkebaek

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Icelandic authorities said on Friday they were still on alert for a volcanic eruption in the southwest Reykjanes peninsula, although the odds were falling after a drop in seismic activity.

Iceland has been living with a high risk of an eruption since seismic activity and underground lava flows increased in the region near the capital Reykjavik in late October.

The Metrological Office said in a statement that an eruption in or near the evacuated town of Grindavik was now seen as less likely and that volcanic magma is most likely to rise in the area between Hagafell and Sylingarfell.

"Seismic activity continues to decrease," it said, adding that "the likelihood of eruption decreases over time".

Five ministers from the Icelandic parliament visited Grindavik on Friday, where evacuated residents have been allowed back since Thursday to pick up more personal belongings.

But it will be months before they all are able to move back to Grindavik due to infrastructure damage, Icelandic media RUV quoted public safety director Vidir Reynisson as saying.

As a result of a decrease in activity since the start of the week, the risk level related to earthquakes in Grindavik was lowered from emergency to danger level on Thursday, Iceland's civil defence authority said in a statement.

(Reporting by Johannes Birkebaek; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Sticker Shock

I am proud to announce that the annual event partnering the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition and the Renaissance High School National Honor Society was completed on Oct. 23. The Sticker Shock sources high school volunteers to label liquor store bags with stickers reminding customers to not provide alcohol to minors. In my position as the youth sector representative, I have the unique opportunity to connect the high school community with prevention efforts. This event in its entirety has demonstrated the group initiative and drive for a better community.

Prevention work maintains informed community members. The work done at Sticker Shock will benefit the health of our local community. In the past 30 days, 87% of youth age 12-18 chose not to ride with a driver using alcohol or marijuana (Idaho Office of Drug Policy). With continuous prevention efforts, statistics and education can be better.

Enforcing drinking age keeps youth safe and smart, reinforcing brighter futures. I urge the community to get involved in volunteer and educational opportunities and share experiences with community members. Access to newsletters and involvement opportunities can be found on the MADC website.

Sydney Nate, Boise

Grain reserve

Tell me how this ends with no food reserves. What if the U.S. experiences prolonged droughts, crops suffer pest and pathogens, or Americas dependence on imported fertilizers falters.

To combat climate change, the USDA Conservation Reserve Program is promoting locking up another nine million acres reaching almost 30 million acres, paying landowners not to produce. Browse the USDA site and discover the USDA has sustainable farming goals. Why not sustainably utilize, where appropriate, this ground? Good for business, universities and creating public trust.

China has a strategic grain reserve. The U.S. has none. Russia is the worlds top exporter of wheat and fertilizer. Ukraines grain exports have fallen.

The U.S. and the Soviets developed offensive biowarfare research programs focused on agriculture. Open borders make covert biowarfare and the torching of vast acreages likely. What about 911 hybrid nonstate actors?

Read Weaponizing Wheat, winner of the 2023 Secretary of Defense National Security Essay Competition. A Palouse Wheat Country native authored the winning essay.

Please contact our politicians regarding food security promptly. Tell them to promptly institute a substantial federal food reserve, starting with the easiest part  grain.

Gerald E. Weitz, Viola

Taxes

Our national debt has been growing in part due to war, the Great Recession and the pandemic. Republicans think cutting back on health care, Social Security and defense will put things right. It is important that the government keep a close eye on these expenditures to make sure they are reasonable. No one needs the $1,000 toilet, a prescription should not cost $3,000 a pill. However, the overwhelming reason for the deficit is that less taxes are being collected. The Bush tax cuts, their bi-partisan extensions, and the Trump tax cuts have cost $10 trillion since their creation and are responsible for 57% of the increase in the debt ratio since then. Take away the one-time costs for responding to Covid-19 and the Great Recession, and those tax cuts are responsible for 90% of the increase in the debt ratio. The wealthiest are not paying taxes. Donald Trump paid $0 in income tax in 2020. The biggest and most profitable U.S. corporations have found ways to shelter their profits. Lets let the tax breaks for the wealthy expire. Lets close the loopholes. Give the IRS the additional funds it needs to crack down on these cheaters.

Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian

Wildlife

Please be aware of our elk and deer migration during mating season crossing highways. We have seen larger numbers of animals killed on Idaho roads this year than ever before. Watch for them on the edge of roadways or moving along in numbers. They can become panicked and jump right out in front of a car in a split second when blinded by the headlights of approaching vehicles. These beautiful creatures are part of Idahos lovely scenery, and we need to take care of them. We would like to preserve the wildlife that we do have here in our lovely state for many years to come. Please look carefully and slow your vehicle when approaching them. Thank you.

Teresa Schmitt, Payette Idaho

Family caregivers

As National Family Caregiver Month is reaching a close, it seems appropriate in the month of November to share my gratitude to all of my fellow family caregivers wherever you may be. The support and resilience that you show toward your loved one, during the long hours and hard work you put in is recognized. Whether you care for a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse or a friend, I know it isnt easy and not always rewarding. I want to remind all family caregivers to care for themselves, as well, especially during this holiday season. A depleted cup cannot nourish. Add to your cup daily, even for just 10 minutes. Ask for help when you need it. To the medical profession and those in social services, please remember the caregivers when developing treatment plans and determining what needs to be done at home. Are your plans in line with what caregivers can provide? Lastly, with the passing of Rosalyn Carter, lets be mindful of her words: There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.

Stephanie Hoffman, Boise

Guns

Do guns kill people or is it just a matter of the heart as Mike Johnson, the new Speaker of the House, suggests in an interview with Sean Hannity?

At the end of the day, the problem is the human heart, its not guns, its not the weapons. . .

How many innocent children and adults will be gunned down just by a matter of the heart?

Mary Feeny, Boise
Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx addresses the Chicago City Club at Maggianos Banquets on April 25, 2023. In her speech, Foxx announced she will not run for re-election next year. (Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune)

Of all the names that might be on the ballot next year running for Cook County states attorney, one that will assuredly not be is Kim Foxx.

Yet the political shadow of the outgoing states attorney will loom large over the March primary election as potential successors will be measured up against Foxxs roles as both an unabashed leader in the national progressive prosecution movement and a frequent focus of barbs about Chicago crime.

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So far, three candidates have announced campaigns to replace Foxx, though that list might grow throughout the next week as hopefuls must begin turning in petitions to be placed on the ballot.

Theres no doubt Foxxs policies during her two terms in office  unwinding wrongful convictions, emphasizing mitigation and rehabilitation rather than high conviction rates alone, a shift from prosecuting lower-level and nonviolent crimes, and staunch support of the statewide elimination of cash bail  will become major issues on the trail.

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Though one has received backing from Foxx mentor Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, both Democrats in the race began their legal careers in the states attorneys office and are campaigning for a more balanced approach to prosecutions and progressivism. Still, both also say they will keep in place many of Foxxs policies, such as community courts and first-time offender diversion.

While neither is seeking the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, both Democrats have spoken about resetting relations with the Chicago Police Department as well as the need to boost morale in the office after months of attrition.

The two tout different strengths.

After spending nearly her entire career in and around the courtroom as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and judge, Eileen ONeill Burke argues her breadth of experience makes her the right fit to oversee an office of more than 1,400.

Clayton Harris III, who is backed by Preckwinkle and the Cook County Democratic Party, argues his management skills from multiple stints across Illinois government and his time in policing policy and in academia make him the best choice.

The race also has attracted one declared Republican, former Chicago alderman and attorney Bob Fioretti, who has described Foxxs tenure as a disaster that turned the office into a social service agency instead of the prosecuting arm of the people.

ONeill Burke: Quietly competent

Eileen O'Neill Burke, a candidate for Cook County state's attorney, speaks with Manny's Deli customers Bill Kindra, facing away from the camera, and Randall Mayne, at the Chicago restaurant on Sept. 27, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Of the two Democrats running for the office, ONeill Burke puts a stronger emphasis on getting violent crime under control.

Raised in a family of cops  her father, grandfather and great-grandfather were police officers  ONeill Burke said in a late September interview she knew when pursuing her degree at the Chicago-Kent College of Law that she wanted to focus on criminal law. Its there she met her husband, attorney John Burke, now a partner at Ice Miller.

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ONeill Burke joined the states attorneys office in 1991 and stayed for a decade. She handled heavier juvenile cases and took them through investigation, trial and sentencing, also working in appeals and felony review. After having twins, her third and fourth children, she moved to criminal defense and eventually started her own practice. The change, she said, helped balance her viewpoints and better inform her decision-making as a judge.

In 2008, she ran for a judicial position in Cook County Circuit Court and handled an array of assignments, bouncing from civil court to criminal court, preliminary hearings and the law division. In 2016, she ran unopposed for the states 1st District Appellate Court in Cook County, where she remained until stepping down this summer.

A big believer in the recently passed but controversial SAFE-T Act reforms to bail practices, ONeill Burke said she would plan to ask for detention and jail time in cases where defendants  including first-time offenders  were in possession of automatic weapons or guns with an extended magazine or bump stock.

For accused juveniles, she said she would move to mandate after-school activities such as job training or trade school so they are busy until 10 oclock at night.

She said she would request detention for those charged with armed robberies, carjackings or violent crimes on the CTA.

I have four children. My hearts in my throat every time theyre taking the CTA. Thats not right, she said.

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She also signaled she would end Foxxs early policy not to prosecute certain shoplifting offenses as felonies unless the value of the stolen goods is over $1,000. Its not appropriate to say were not going to enforce the law as it is written, she said. The deterrence for crime is not the severity of punishment. Its the certainty of a consequence. People have to be held accountable.

ONeill Burke also pledged to bring a twofold approach to the office: a felony prosecution bureau for the hard chargers who want to be trial attorneys and a restorative justice bureau that would handle nonviolent cases such as juvenile, drug and mental health-related cases, with a focus on actually getting people back on track.

This approach, she said, would be key to attracting a range of attorneys who want to chart careers as public defenders, in public interest advocacy law or in trial law.

The office struggled with prosecutor churn after the pandemic, though numbers have improved. As of mid-October, the office had 90 vacant assistant states attorney positions out of a budgeted 797.

Whats pushing that attrition? ONeill says overwork from too-heavy caseloads and smaller teams working each case, a sentiment Foxx has agreed with.

During her October budget hearing, Foxx noted she requested fewer attorneys  783  and shifted funding to hire more paralegals and administrative staff members to ease the burden of paperwork and data entry. Through Nov. 1, criminal and special prosecutors had the highest caseload: 334 per attorney, according to Foxxs office, while civil attorneys each had 101 new cases this year and juvenile attorneys had 76.

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Of Foxxs national status, ONeill Burke said she planned to be the opposite: Kim became very much an icon. She has a beautiful back story. She is an articulate speaker and she became a nationwide icon. Im not gonna be an icon.

Government is supposed to keep our citizens safe. And were not doing that now. If we can get our crime rates down, and people want to pay attention, thats great, ONeill Burke said. Im gonna be quietly competent in this office. Thats where I want to go with it.

Harris: Safety and justice

Clayton Harris III, a candidate for Cook County state's attorney, talks to visitors during Apple Fest in Lincoln Square on Sept. 30, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

A military brat, Clayton Harris III initially studied aerospace technology at Middle Tennessee State University. His early resume included a stint at the Pentagon working on ballistic missile defense before pursuing a law degree at Howard University.

His initial goal was to become a lawyer helping adjudicate international outer space disputes. He ended up much closer to the ground. In 1998, between his second and third year of law school, he interned as a clerk at the states attorneys office, and then became an assistant states attorney in 1999. He stayed with the office for less than four years, but during that time worked on criminal appeals, traffic, preliminary hearings and narcotics special prosecutions.

The same reason he left is the one that brings him back, he said: It was taxing to just see Black men coming through the system constantly. Period. Just Black men.

One day I was standing in arraignments at 26th Street, and the defendant was Clayton Harris. I mean, it was just surreal, he said.

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In another incident, a police officer was asked to identify a suspect during trial.

He never turned, he just says, Yeah, the African American male to my left, standing about 6 feet tall. Hes about 180 pounds. Baldheaded with a goatee. And I was like, Well, you just described me. And he looked at me and said, Oh, and IDOC jumpsuit, Harris recalled. It just stirred something in me.

When given an opportunity to work in intergovernmental affairs in Mayor Richard M. Daleys office in 2003, Harris took it. He organized for more stringent assault weapons laws and better criminal sexual assault laws before becoming general counsel at the Chicago Department of Transportation in 2005. He then became chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he oversaw the 2006 reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, at the time the biggest road rehab in Chicagos history.

From there, Harris became deputy chief of staff for infrastructure in Gov. Rod Blagojevichs administration, right before the collapse.

The day Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris (no relation), were arrested, Harris recalled getting a strange text message on his way into work at the Thompson Center that morning, Is it true? And then he got an odd look from a state trooper in the building. Federal agents had swarmed the governors offices. Harris recalls gathering employees in a conference room, setting up workstations and asking at least one person to stop crying.

I was like, You werent arrested. You havent done anything wrong. Youve got to do your job. Thats how I became chief of staff, he recalls. The chaos continued, however, including an incident in which he said he was directed by Blagojevich to fire the entire legal department. He didnt.

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Harris doesnt highlight his work for Blagojevich on campaign materials.

That omission is because people will take it and run with it under a very specific narrative, Harris said, adding he was not close to the former governor, never contributed to his campaign funds and didnt work on his political campaigns.

Really, my role was keeping the state operating, he said.

After Gov. Pat Quinn cleaned house of Blagojevich-affiliated officials at the state, Harris went to work in intergovernmental affairs at the construction firm CH2M Hill, later was the executive director of the Illinois International Port District and then moved to ride-share company Lyft, where he worked for two years in intergovernmental relations.

That work included increasing access to rides in disenfranchised communities and launching discussions about getting partial benefits for independent contractors, he said.

Harris also began lecturing at the University of Chicago in 2009, teaching Process and Policy in City and State Government and Policing in America: Black, White and Blue.

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Harris said he would continue Foxxs programs to divert first-time and nonviolent offenders, and also keep community courts. But he also would seek to regularly highlight special prosecutions of organized crime, gun offenses and carjackings, he said.

I think its important to tell our story so that people know that their states attorney is ensuring that they are safe, he said. My platform is very simple: safety and justice. But safety doesnt necessarily mean just going out and arresting everyone and certainly doesnt mean everyone goes to jail because theyve been arrested. So it is holding everyone accountable, but its how we hold them accountable.

Hed also work to bridge gaps in the relationship between the office and law enforcement.

He said he has already met with the FOP to discuss changing the narrative that the states attorney is not prosecuting the cases that the police are bringing forward.

Fioretti: Ive got your back

Former Ald. Bob Fioretti answers a reporters questions after announcing his candidacy for Cook County states attorney at the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago on Nov. 8, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Bob Fioretti faces an uphill battle. Not only have voters rejected his candidacies for mayor of Chicago, Cook County Board president and states attorney since he left the City Council in 2015, no Republican has won the race since Jack OMalley in 1992, and no Republicans currently hold countywide office.

Fioretti is a graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Law and a partner at the firm Roth Fioretti, where he has focused on civil litigation.

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Even so, Fioretti, a former Democrat and founding member of the City Councils progressive caucus, said he believes persistent worries about crime and its impact on the citys reputation as a business and tourism hub will win over voters from both parties.

To the experienced prosecutors who have left in frustration, come back. I will extend an offer to reinstate you at the same grade and level as if you had never left, he said at his campaign launch earlier this month. To the police officers out there, Ive got your back.

He sees no difference between Foxx and the two Democratic candidates.

They want to keep the same system and they have nothing to offer, he said.

Its unclear whether Fioretti will be the only name on Republican primary ballots.

Former state lawmaker Jim Durkin, who led the Republican minority in the Illinois House for nearly a decade before stepping down in January, has said he is still mulling a bid.

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aquig@chicagotribune.com
DEKALB, Ill. - An Illinois man is accused of sexually abusing a young girl, who he is related to, for over five years.

Thomas Lenker, 39, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a child.

On Nov. 6, the mother of an 11-year-old girl contacted the DeKalb Police Department, stating that her daughter had been sexually assaulted.

The mother said the offender was Lenker, who is the victim's father.

According to the mother, the assault occurred on April 7 during visitation with Lenker.

While investigating, the department determined that Lenker allegedly forced his daughter to perform sexual acts.

Additionally, police say he had performed similar sexual acts with his daughter several other times, with the earliest incident allegedly occurring when she was six years old.
New Zealand's incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon (C) has formed a three-party coalition government with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters (L) and ACT leader David Seymour (R) (Marty MELVILLE)

New Zealand's incoming conservative prime minister unveiled an unusual coalition government Friday, with a pair of long-time political adversaries set to take turns as deputy prime minister over the next three years.

Nearly six weeks after voters ended the six-year reign of the centre-left Labour government, new prime minister Christopher Luxon and his National Party have stitched together a three-way coalition with the conservative ACT party and populist New Zealand First.

The role of deputy prime minister will change hands halfway through the government's three-year term, with New Zealand First's Winston Peters holding the position first before passing the baton to ACT leader David Seymour.

It could prove to be a volatile mix, with Peters, 78, and Seymour, 40, having shown a willingness to trade barbs in the past.

Earlier this year, Seymour described Peters as "the least trustworthy person in New Zealand politics".

The pair had another famous spat on social media in 2020, culminating in Peters telling Seymour: "I reckon you'd last 10 seconds in the ring with me".

But on Friday, they were eager to put their old animosities to bed, with Peters, who will also serve as foreign minister, saying the two had "shaken hands" and were learning to trust each other.

Luxon, 53, was keen to hose down suggestions of friction between the two, saying the government would be "using the talents of both of these leaders".

"We've done something historic. We actually have three parties in a coalition government," he told reporters at parliament.

"The fact that they have 18 months each is important. I'm looking forward to working with both of them."

Luxon's National Party will be the biggest partner in the coalition, having won 48 of 123 seats at last month's general election.

The former airline executive will be sworn in Monday, with the new parliament to first sit on December 5.

Political veteran Peters was deputy to previous prime minister Jacinda Ardern as part of a coalition government formed with Labour in 2017.

ryj/sft/cwl
An ex-chairman of the National Highways Authority of India warned that "building a tunnel through a mountain is perilous", but dangers were multiplied when such large-scale projects are poorly carried out (Arun SANKAR)

India's aggressive infrastructure push into the ecologically fragile Himalayan mountains has been given a "wake-up call" by the collapse of a road tunnel that trapped 41 men, environmental experts say.

The partial cave-in of the under-construction Silkyara road tunnel in northern Uttarakhand state nearly two weeks ago -- with the desperate men still awaiting rescue on Friday -- was only the latest disaster in the geologically unstable region.

Added to that are the challenges caused by rising global temperatures unleashing a cascade of extreme weather that scientists warn will get worse.

"The scale and extent of the infrastructure development needs a complete rethink," Shripad Dharmadhikary, an environmental researcher and veteran activist, told AFP.

India's monsoon rains mean flooding is common, but major infrastructure projects in the mountains -- including hydroelectric dams, railways and roads -- are being built in areas hit ever harder by storm surges and landslides.

"It is one thing to build roads for local connectivity," Dharmadhikary said.

"But roads for big hydropower projects are much wider, increasing vulnerability and risk... Scale makes a big difference."

- 'Risks ignored' -

Raghav Chandra, ex-chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), warned Friday that "building a tunnel through a mountain is perilous", but dangers were multiplied when such large-scale projects are poorly carried out.

"The accident is a wake-up call about the perils of undertaking massive construction projects in the fragile Himalayan range, which is under threat from intense human activity and the vagaries of the climate crisis," Chandra wrote in the Hindustan Times, alongside another top ex-NHAI official, BS Singla.

The Himalayas -- the world's highest mountain range, with peaks driven upwards by colliding continental plates -- is one of the globe's most seismically active regions, with earthquakes common.

Scientists say glaciers in the Himalayas are melting faster than ever due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters.

Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Himalayan regions were struggling with rapidly melting glaciers, warning on a visit to neighbouring Nepal that the "rooftops of the world are caving in".

The Silkyara tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's infrastructure project aimed at cutting travel times between some of the most popular Hindu temples in the country.

The 4.5-kilometre (2.7-mile) passage is meant to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest sites.

For Modi, leader of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the grand projects help burnish his appeal, with elections due next year.

But India's projects are also focused on improving access to strategic areas bordering rival China.

New Delhi has been wary of Beijing's growing military assertiveness and their 3,500-kilometre shared frontier has been a perennial source of tension.

"Tunnelling helps to reduce travel time and plays a strategic role by enabling quicker passage of defence armaments and military troops," Chandra and Singla added.

"But, with the growing urgency to speed up construction, the manifold risks and challenges involved... are often ignored."

- 'Course correction' -

After the Silkyara collapse, the NHAI said it would assess all 29 under-construction tunnels to "ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards".

Arnold Dix, president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, pointed out the advantages of building tunnels.

"The environmental footprint of a tunnel is likely to be less than the environmental footprint of a much larger and more complex road," Dix told AFP at the Silkyara tunnel site, where he is helping rescue efforts.

Campaigners say that while development is needed, the breakneck pace is causing problems, including a surge of unregulated building development replacing the forests that helped keep hillsides stable.

"This decade... the Himalayas have been tunnelled, blasted, cut, gouged, turned to rubble and concretised as never before," environmental campaigner Priyadarshini Patel wrote in the Times of India this week.

"The development model in this young, fragile mountain range has been disastrous and needs course correction," added Patel, head of Ganga Ahvaan, a community group working to protect the Himalayas and the watershed of the Ganges river.

"Mega-projects are not what the Himalayas are about, culturally or geologically".

bur-pjm/leg
Whenever Sandra Morgan approaches an intersection as the light shifts from green to yellow, she said she feels a touch of pride.

Im reminded of my unique family heritage and my grandfathers contribution to public safety, Morgan told CNN.

Its been 100 years since Garrett Morgan, Sandras grandfather, patented the three-position traffic signal. Morgan said shes proud of her familys legacy and is often struck by the fact that her grandfathers invention has saved an untold number of lives.

But the origin of Morgans traffic signal, she said, was sparked by a tragedy.

Bringing traffic to a standstill

Before Garrett Morgans invention was patented in 1923, traffic signals were manually operated by officers with only two instructions  stop and go.

The roads were congested with horse-drawn carriages, streetcars, automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians, according to Rebekah Oakes, a US Patent and Trademark historian.

A lot of people were brand new drivers, she said. So, there was lot of chaos on the roads and not a lot of standardization and signals.

Without an interval between stop and go, traffic patterns didnt have time to adjust to changing signals. Crashes happened frequently and were often fatal.

Because of the chaos and the novelty of the vehicles, there was a very high likelihood for accidents to occur, Oakes said.

Morgan himself witnessed a terrible collision between a horse-drawn buggy and a vehicle at a busy Ohio intersection, which Oakes said was unfortunately common at the time.

My Uncle John (John Morgan) and my dad (Garrett Morgan Jr.) were actually in the car with my grandfather, and they saw the accident, Sandra Morgan said.

But that accident, she added, sparked Morgans life-saving idea: add a caution signal in between stop and go.

An advertising sheet for the Morgan Safety System, a traffic signal system circa 1923. - Western Reserve Historical Society

On November 20th, 1923, the US Patent Office granted Morgan a patent for his improved traffic signal invention.

His patent for a mechanical traffic signal contained an intermediate step between stop and go that cleared the intersection, Oakes said. Today, we know it as the caution light or yellow light.

Morgans original design was a T-shaped pole with three arms that controlled the flow of traffic through an intersection. Oakes said the intermediate, or caution signal occurred when all three arms were raised upright, indicating that traffic should halt in all directions.

Morgans design could also be adjusted to traffic density. At night, or during low traffic periods, the Morgan signal could be positioned in a half-mast posture, alerting approaching motorists to proceed through the intersection with caution, according to the US Department of Transportation.

General Motors purchased Morgans patent for the traffic signal in 1923 for $40,000  equivalent to more than $700,000 today.

At the time, Oakes said electricity was starting to be integrated into city infrastructures and General Motors was interested in purchasing rights to multiple patents of different traffic signals.

They took the idea from Morgans patent for that intermediate signal to clear the intersection and added it to the electric traffic signals, Oakes said.

A century later, there are more than 300,000 signalized intersections across the US, according to Steve Kuciemba, CEO of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Garrett Morgan saw a problem, came up with a solution, and 100 years later we are all still using some variation of his original invention, Kuciemba said.

Portrait of Garrett A. Morgan, circa 1875. - Fotosearch/Archive Photos/Getty Images

The Black Edison

Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky, in 1877 to parents who were formerly enslaved. He attended a segregated school for colored children and excelled in his classes, according to his granddaughter.

Essentially in terms of formal education, he had a 6th grade education, Sandra Morgan said. (But) he was always seeking information.

As a teenager, Garret Morgan moved to Cincinnati to find work and hired a tutor to continue his education. He later moved to Cleveland where he began working in the textile industry and met his wife, Mary.

By 1909, Morgan owned a successful repair shop in Cleveland where he fixed and sold sewing machines, and a tailor shop where he made suits, dresses, and coats.

He also founded the Cleveland Call in 1919, a local newspaper for the citys Black residents  which would later merge with the Cleveland Post to become the Call and Post, one of the most successful Black newspapers in the state.

Despite juggling multiple jobs, his granddaughter said Morgan always maintained a passion for inventing, along with his entrepreneurial spirit.

And in time, Morgan would coin a new nickname.

He called himself a Black Edison, his granddaughter said.

An advertising pamphlet for national safety hood and smoke protector circa. 1914. - Western Reserve Historical Society

The Lake Erie explosion

In 1912, Morgan created a safety hood, which made it easier and safer to breathe in toxic or smoke-filled environments. The design was the precursor to todays gas mask.

Two years later, Morgan received two patents for the inventions. This design went on to win first prize at the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation.

But despite his success as a businessman and inventor, Sandra Morgan said her grandfather was still subjected to pervasive racism and discrimination, adding that the racial climate prompted Morgan to shift his business strategy when it came to marketing the breathing device.

Morgan intentionally tried to obscure his race when advertising the product and relied on White business partners to stand in as the inventor when he performed public demonstrations of the hood, Oakes said.

But in 1916, his ruse was exposed after a tragic natural gas explosion at Lake Erie trapped a working crew underground, according to Oakes.

Photograph of Garrett Morgan bringing ashore body that he rescued from Lake Erie, 5 miles out from shore after a crib explosion that killed 32 men. - Western Reserve Historical Society

The Cleveland Police Department contacted Morgan and asked him to bring his safety hoods to the scene and he teamed up with other volunteers to lead a rescue attempt.

Twenty total died in the incident and eight people were rescued, Oakes said.

While the explosion gained national attention, so did Morgans real identity. When word got out about the rescue and his role in it, it revealed that Garrett Morgan was a Black man, Oakes said.

Customers actually ended up canceling their orders for the safety hood. Even though the incident obviously revealed how important and successful his invention was.

Still, Morgans safety hood went on to be adopted by fire stations across the country and is the predecessor for the gas masks used in World War I.

Portrait of Sandra Morgan. - Bob Christy/Kent State University

Saving countless lives

Although prototypes of the safety hood and traffic signal were in her childhood home, Sandra Morgan said she never had the chance to personally know her grandfather. The inventor died when she was only a year old in 1963.

Shortly before his death, the US government issued Garrett Morgan a citation for his improved traffic signal. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

From an early age, I understood he had created these items, although not necessarily understanding how dramatically important they were, she said. That would come a little bit later.

Sandras father, Garrett Morgan Jr., made sure to teach her about her grandfathers legacy.

Today, Sandra vows to ensure that legacy isnt forgotten.

Ive really worked hard to make sure that Garrett Morgan is included in the social studies portion of the school curriculum in the state of Ohio, she said.

Oakes agreed that the inventors legacy should be preserved.

He (was) not only looking to invent for the sake of inventing, or to commercialize and make money, although thats certainly part of his goal, Oakes said. Hes also trying to make his community a better place.

While the traffic signal has evolved over the years, Sandra Morgan said shes proud her grandfathers innovation continues to have an impact today.

The principles behind it are the same as they have been for the past 100 years. It has made a huge difference in the way the traffic flows, not only in this country but around the world, Morgan said.

It has saved countless lives.

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The recent death of Frank Borman, commander of Nasas Apollo 8 mission in 1968, has focused attention on that incredible first voyage to the Moon.

It took place eight months before Apollo 11, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the lunar surface for the first time. However, the impact of Apollo 8's "Earthrise" picture  the sight of the Earth from the moon  now seems even greater than that of the first landing.

For many years, the story behind the famous Earthrise photo, was that the crew were caught off-guard by the blue orb rising from behind the Moon. But even if they were preoccupied, the astronauts knew it was coming.

Another unforgettable event during the mission was a reading by the crew from the Book of Genesis, broadcast to the world at Christmas. Detailed research I've conducted in NASA's archives has revealed more clearly how much planning lay behind these dramatic moments. The famous Earthrise picture, a wonky snap taken in a hurry, was improvised, but it had been anticipated.

Earthrise restored

After entering lunar orbit, they nearly missed seeing the Earth. Only on the fourth orbit, when the capsule flipped round 180 degrees to point forwards, did they notice it. Borman confirmed to me that at that moment they were "taken by surprise  too busy with lunar observation on the first three orbits."

But the Apollo program's director of photography, Dick Underwood, was anxious to set the wider record straight. He explained: "Hours were spent with the lunar crews, including the Apollo 8 crew, in briefing on exactly how to set up the camera, which film to use  these briefings were most comprehensive."

Related: How to photograph the moon with a camera

Astronauts in suits hold up a photo of the earth over the moon

RELATED STORIES:

 Apollo 8: Everything you need to know

 Earth Day at 50: How Apollo 8's 'Earthrise' photo helped spark the first celebration

 Watch the Apollo 8 Crew Recount Their Historic Moon Mission in This Epic NASA Video

There were, however, battles within NASA about what images the astronauts should focus on, with the management insisting on shots of lunar geology and potential landing sites. Dick Underwood explained: "I argued hard for a shot of Earthrise, and we had impressed upon the astronauts that we definitely wanted it."

Borman was joined on the mission by two other astronauts: Jim Lovell, who was the command module pilot, and Bill Anders, who had the title of lunar module pilot. NASA had intended for Apollo 8 to test the lunar module, but it was behind schedule so the mission didn't take one.

At the pre-launch press conference, Borman had looked forward to getting "

good views of the Earth from the moon" and Lovell to seeing "the Earth set and the Earth rise."

The official mission plan directed the astronauts to take photos of Earth, but only as the lowest priority. When the key moment came, the astronauts were indeed taken by surprise, but not for long.

Anders was at a side window taking photos of craters using a camera with black and white film when he saw the Earth rise from behind the moon. "Look at that picture over there! Here's the Earth coming up," Anders exclaimed.

A black and white image of Earth rising over the moon

Anders quickly took a sharp shot of the Earth emerging above the lunar horizon. Then he and Lovell argued briefly over who should have the color film camera, while Borman tried to calm them down.

It was Anders who took the blurry, hastily framed, overexposed color shot of Earthrise, later dubbed the image of the century. But in the other camera was a much better shot, long ignored because it was in black and white.

That first mono image was spot-on. A restored "Earthrise" photo, recently colored by experts using the later shots as a reference, conveys the stunning sight beheld by the astronauts.

This shot, revealing the Earth as a majestic but fragile oasis. As Lovell mused: "The loneliness out here is awe-inspiring  it makes us realize what you have back on Earth." For Borman too it was "intensely emotional  We said nothing to each other, but maybe we shared another thought I had: This must be what God sees."

The Genesis reading

In 1968, as now, space travel was viewed as a scientific and technological domain. But the mission was also sent by one of the worlds most strongly Christianised countries, and the crew was not about to leave its cultural background behind.

It was a point of pride at Nasa that, whereas Soviet cosmonauts were tightly monitored and controlled, their own astronauts were free to speak their minds. Extraordinary as it now seems, they were left to decide for themselves what to say in their historic live broadcast from lunar orbit.

Borman knew that he had to come up with something special for the Christmas broadcast. A few weeks beforehand, he was told by a press officer: "We figure more people will be listening to your voice (during the broadcast) than that of any man in history. So we want you to say something appropriate."

While Neil Armstrong's "one small step message was carefully considered inside NASA, no one in the agency knew in advance what Borman would say.

With only two minutes left before radio contact was lost as the spacecraft passed behind the moon, Anders said: "The crew of Apollo 8 have a message that we would like to send to you."

He then read from the Book of Genesis: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the Earth; and the Earth was without form and void." He continued: "God said, Let there be light, and there was light."

Lovell and Borman took over to read the next verses, and Borman signed off: "Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you  all of you on the good Earth."

As Apollo 8 dipped out of radio contact, the world was left to absorb the impact. "For those moments I felt the presence of creation and the creator," NASA's chief flight director Gene Kranz later recalled. Tears were on my cheeks."

Somehow Borman and his colleagues found the perfect words to convey their experience. But Borman had thought about the assignment carefully, asking a publicist friend to help out with the text.

This was Simon Bourgin, science policy officer at the US Information Agency. Bourgin in turn asked a journalist, Joe Laitin, who mentioned the task to his wife, Christine.

She looked in the Old Testament and suggested: Why dont you begin at the beginning? She recognized the primeval power of the creation story in the first book of Genesis, with its evocative description of the Earth.

Borman immediately recognized that this was just right, and had it typed up. He had superbly vindicated NASA's trust in him.

While inspiration and a degree of freedom were involved in the Earthrise photo and Genesis reading, behind their execution lay careful planning and professionalism.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have always denied working with Scobie

Omid Scobies latest offering on the Royal family promises to reveal moments it should be ashamed of and to shine a light on unsolved mysteries.

Extracts of Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchys Fight for Survival, published in Paris Match, include a series of revelations and allegations about everyone from Harry and Meghan to Princess Anne.

Scobie, 42, has also given an interview to the French magazine.

Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment on his many allegations, some of them highly controversial and potentially defamatory, but has not ruled out doing so in the future.

Harry and Meghan have denied any links to Endgame, rejecting any suggestion that they are affiliated to Scobie.

And lets get this nonsense out the way - #ENDGAME is about the current state of the British Royal Family. Its not Harry and Meghans book, Im not Megs pal, the Sussexes have nothing to do with it, their story is a small part of a much bigger one you can read in 12 days.  Omid Scobie (@scobie) November 16, 2023

Below, we take a look at nine of the most significant allegations from the latest extracts.

Meghan wont dive back into royal soap opera

Although Harry appears keen to reconcile with his family, Meghan has moved on and has no interest in building bridges, the books reveals.

At the Queens funeral last September, the Duchess of Sussex felt ignored by all the members of the Firm and has no desire to return to England, where she had never felt at home.

Scobie suggests that her son Archies fourth birthday, which fell on May 6, the same day as the Coronation, was simply used as an excuse for Meghan not to travel.

In his interview with Paris Match, Scobie said: Meghan has made it clear that she never wants to be involved in the British monarchy again.

He suggested that, contrary to reports, Meghan did not want to pursue a career in US politics.

I dont think shes interested, he said. Working in the philanthropic field offers more freedom.

William and Harry

The brothers are said to be 'at an impasse' - DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Scobie claims Prince William is disappointed by his brothers life choices and confirms that since the publication of Spare, he has had no personal contact with him.

He told the magazine: William is very angry with his brother, especially since the release of Spare.

Its true that today, the two brothers are at an impasse but isnt that true of many families?

Tomorrow, they could become the best friends in the world again, without us understanding why.

Scobie said that reconciliation would only be possible if the brothers could shed their anger and jealousy.

William should also recognise his share of responsibility in the departure of Meghan and Harry, he added.

Prince William cold, and impatient to be King

The heir to the throne is portrayed in Endgame as a cold, ruthless figure who cannot wait to ascend the throne.

Scobie claims he has a terrible temper that he manages to keep under wraps in public, describing him as reserved on the pitch, but unpredictable off it.

When something doesnt suit him, his anger immediately escalates, he told Paris Match.

While Charles leads with his head and his heart, William is colder, the book alleges. He wants the job done and he has no problem with casualties along the way.

Scobie suggests the Prince of Wales is happy to move on from the past and is only interested in his future as monarch.

The Prince of Wales is eager to ascend the throne, he writes, A real impatience is created around him.

Prince William is said to be buoyed by his popularity with the public, to the extent that he is sometimes more concerned about his own image than that of the institution.

The author claims that when the Prince founded the Earthshot awards, the King would have liked to have been included in the project, or at the very least thanked for paving the way.

However, William acted as if Charles passion did not exist, he says.

The Prince also played a key role in the downfall of his uncle, the Duke of York, at the height of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Scobie suggests it was William who was able to convince his grandmother, Elizabeth II, to punish her favourite son, while Charles could not bring himself to hurt his brother.

[He] was in tears because he was afraid for Andrews mental health, Scobie writes.

Princess of Wales saw Meghan as a rival

The sisters-in-law are said to have a complicated relationship - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The Princess considered her future sister-in-law a rival from the moment she appeared on the scene in 2016, according to Scobie.

He quotes a source close to the royals as saying: She spent more time speaking about Meghan than to Meghan.

Each time that she heard about Meghan, Kate shook with giggles.

Scobie suggests that the Princess is lazy but also, calm and sure of herself.

The book alleges that the Waleses allowed their staff to circulate negative rumours about the Sussexes, claiming that the media war was far from over.

Restricted to harmless exchanges

The King is said to have warned members of the Royal family not to trust Harry following the publication of his memoir, Spare.

When his younger son flew to London to attend a High Court hearing in March, the King ignored his request for a meeting, according to Endgame.

Instead, he ordered an assistant to tell him he was busy.

Similarly, when Harry contacted his father, the King appeared cautious in his approach, sources close to him suggest.

He wanted to limit their discussion to a harmless exchange, the book states. As far as Harry was concerned, the message that circulated in the family was not to confide in him everyone took it very seriously.

Regardless, the Sussexes do keep the King up to date by sending him pictures of their children and sources close to them have recently suggested that the father-son relationship might have turned a corner.

Harry ready to put feud behind him

The Duke and Duchess are said to have different takes on reconciling with the Royal family - AP Photo/Peter Dejong

The Duke of Sussex is ready to put the bitter feud with his family behind him and move on but Meghan has refused to have anything to do with them, Scobie claims.

He quotes the Duke as saying: Im ready to forget. Get an apology or explanation? At this point, who cares, right? By comparison, he says the Duchess, 42, has moved on and would not be extending any such olive branch.

Meghan refuses to dive back into the soap opera, he writes, according to translations of extracts published in Paris Match magazine.

The Dukes apparent change of heart concerning his family comes 11 months after he demanded accountability as a precursor to any chance of reconciliation.

When his memoir, Spare, was published in January, he made it clear that he believed they owed him an apology and said the ball was in their court.

He also demanded they apologise to Meghan, addressing them directly when he said: Because you know what you did, and I now know why you did it.

Scobie acknowledges that, despite his threats, Harry has failed to find common ground with his family but says he has come to accept that the current stalemate might never be broken, especially with his brother who flatly refuses to speak to him.

Princess Anne and Frogmore

The Princess Royal is said to take a firm approach against the Sussexes - Paul Marriott

The Kings formidable sister, the Princess Royal, 73, is portrayed as the chief architect of the decision to evict Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage, their Windsor home.

Princess Anne is described in the book as being at the forefront of the supporters of the firm approach taken against the Sussexes.

She is said to have persuaded Charles to withdraw the use of Frogmore Cottage from the couple, Scobie claims.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh, 59, is described as the only member of the family who felt uneasy about his nephew and was concerned about his mental health.

The Sussexes team received a letter from Sir Michael John Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, who stated that as the Duke and Duchess were no longer working members of the Royal family and lived abroad they should return the keys to Frogmore Cottage, the use of which was a wedding gift from Elizabeth II.

Harry is said to have pleaded with his father: You dont want to see your grandchildren anymore?

Meanwhile, Scobie describes the ultimately unsuccessful plan to offer the property to the scandal-hit Duke of York, the true pariah of the clan, as incomprehensible.

Late Queen almost perfect but King has faults

In his interview with the magazine, Scobie noted that when he started writing his book, Elizabeth II was still alive.

He said that after the Diamond Jubilee, it felt like a good time to take stock of the monarchy, claiming that there was often not enough focus on perspective.

Today, I think we can ask all the questions about this institution, he said.

During the lifetime of Elizabeth II, we did not necessarily dare. Certainly because we respected her too much.

Scobie admits that in many ways, he believes the King has done a good job, particularly on the international stage.

But he said the monarch had also proved incapable of uniting and reuniting his own clan.

I think for 70 years we were spoiled with the Queen because she was close to perfection, he added. Charles is just a human being, with his faults.

Scobie claimed many within the royal institution doubt the Kings ability to modernise and are impatient to see the Prince of Wales crowned.

This feeling of excitement around William, I never felt it around Charles, he added.

Scobies struggles after Finding Freedom

Scobie suggests that he was punished after the publication of Finding Freedom in August 2020.

I found that my relationships, my contacts, everything was put to the test, he says.

William even kept me away from his engagements for several months, thinking I was Harrys emissary there have been times when I havent been able to work properly because of the repercussions of this book.

Scobie said that wild rumours were circulated to try to discredit his work, including the false claim that he was paid a salary by the Sussexes.

I am not their friend and never have been, he 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.
FREEHOLD - The first Monmouth County Free Expungement Clinic will be hosted Thursday in Asbury Park, offering free legal advice for those who may be eligible to have their record expunged, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Friday.

Several agencies are partnering to host the inaugural clinic -scheduled for November 30 at St. Stephens AME Zion Church - with members of the prosecutors office, the public defenders office, private attorneys and representatives of other local agencies collaborating to organize and support the event, Santiago said.

"An expungement is the removal, sealing, impounding or isolation of all records pertaining to an eligible individual that are kept on file within any court, detention or correctional facility, or law enforcement or criminal justice agency," according to the prosecutor. "A court-ordered expungement can remove information about an eligible individuals arrest, all court proceedings related to their case, a criminal or juvenile conviction (or convictions), and the outcome of their case, including the sentence."

Flyer for the Monmouth County Free Expungement Clinic on November 30 in Asbury Park.

Santiago is encouraging anyone who may be interested to attend the clinic and learn more about the expungement process.

Regardless of which side of the courtroom we appear on, there is no denying that the expungement process as it exists in New Jersey is an invaluable tool that is too seldom leveraged by individuals who managed to turn their lives around after finding themselves involved with the criminal justice system, he said.

Monmouth Countys Deputy Public Defender Van W. Lane said he "unconditionally supports" the effort.

"The collateral consequences of conviction devastate the hope, potential and dreams of hundreds of Monmouth County residents daily," Lane said. "This clinic is an answer to the carnage exacted upon the aspirations of too many of our residents."

More: NJ Office of Homeland Security warns residents to watch for physical and cyber threats

The clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, under the leadership of Reverend Quavon Newton and located at 1001 Springwood Avenue in Asbury Park, Santiago said. During that time, members of the local community can walk in and meet with volunteer attorneys, with the goal of helping eligible individuals with the filing of expungement petitions the same day.

Asbury Park Mayor and Co-Chair of the Greater Asbury Park Community Development Initiative John Moor said this event could be an important one.

As the Mayor of a city ripe with development, the City Council and I have made it a priority to make sure that those working to beautify Asbury Park includes our residents," he said. Oftentimes, criminal convictions can, unfortunately, be an impediment to our mission."

Partner organizations supporting the clinic include the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Community Affairs & Resource Center, Monmouth County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County, South Jersey Legal Services, New Jersey Reentry Corporation, Asbury Park Housing Authority, Asbury Park Police Department, and the Greater Asbury Park Community Development Initiative, according to Santiago.

Jenna Calderon covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Free expungement clinic to be held Thursday in Asbury Park
The "super pigs" are already spreading out of control in parts of Canada. Shutterstock

An invasive species of Canadian wild hogs is threatening to spread into the US.

According to the AP, the pigs are exceptionally hard to eradicate.

They're a crossbreed of American and Eurasian hogs  resulting in a sort of "super pig".

Residents of the northern US may soon have to worry more about what was a once-ridiculed concept: warding off feral hogs.

According to the AP, an expanding population of Canadian "super pigs"  a species of wild boar that is exceptionally hard to eradicate, the outlet says  are threatening to spread into states like Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

The pigs are currently roaming around Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the Canadian provinces directly north of the US. According to the outlet, the boars are typically crossbred, resulting in a hog with the survival skills of a wild Eurasian hog and the size and fertility of domestic pigs  thus becoming a sort of "super pig".

Free-roaming super swine may seem trivial  hence the 2019 "feral hogs" Twitter spectacle  but the species poses a serious problem, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Legit question for rural Americans - How do I kill the 30-50 feral hogs that run into my yard within 3-5 mins while my small kids play?  Willie McNabb  (@WillieMcNabb) August 4, 2019

"Feral swine cause major damage to property, agriculture (crops and livestock), native species and ecosystems, and cultural and historic resources," the USDA's website states.

Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, told the AP that this new iteration of pigs is "the most invasive animal on the planet" and "an ecological train wreck." Because of their quick reproduction and survival skills, Brook said that even if 65% of their population was killed each year, it would still increase.

In turn, states bordering Canada are starting to prepare for a potential incursion. Montana, he said, has placed a ban on "raising and transporting" the pigs within the state.

Build the wall A population of hard-to-eradicate super pigs in Canada is threatening to invade the US (from @AP) https://t.co/vs4GWA6xQN  John Lorinc (@JohnLorinc) November 23, 2023

According to the USDA, pigs aren't native to the country and were introduced to the US in the 1500s.

Now, feral hogs have been found in 35 states, and have an estimated population of 6 million, the site states. Southern states see more of the species, but hogs have been spotted in northern states as well. They're sometimes seen in North Dakota, but are "quickly killed off," AP reports.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A school district in Iowa has issued an apology after sending an email blast containing a quote of the day attributed to Heinrich Himmler, a leader of the Nazi Party mostly known as the architect of the Holocaust. "Here's todays Respect Quote of the day: My honor is my loyalty, read a line in the email sent out earlier this week. Indianola Community School District Superintendent Ted Ihns later said that a school staffer did not realize that the quote was from a highly inappropriate source. He further wrote in a statement to concerned parents: I first want to apologize for the oversight. While it was completely unintentional, I understand that some of those who saw the quote and realized the source were offended. Again, we are very sorry for this mistake. Moving forward, we will implement a new process for our Respect Quote of the Day to be sure that we are double-checking all sources and ensuring the quotes are appropriate for our students.

Read it at CBS-affiliate KCCI

Read more at The Daily Beast.
It was a genocide many of the worlds leaders tried to ignore. In spring 1994, under the cover of war, Hutu extremists in Rwanda began eradicating the neighboring Tutsi population, killing upward of 800,000 civilians and forcing around two million to flee the country. At the outset of this murderous 100-day campaign, the United Nations discouraged international involvement, labeling it an internal conflict, but as it became clear to the Western public what was occurring, many countries sent aid. That summer, President Bill Clinton, who had dragged his feet despite the local U.S. Embassy warning of impending massacres, finally asked Congress for $320 million in relief; and Yossi Sarid, Israels minister of environmental protection, arrived in Rwanda with a medical aid delegation to assist survivors. Sarids gesture, however, was all for show, according to journalist Antony Loewenstein, because both before and during the genocide, even after much of the world enacted an embargo, the Israeli government had sent weapons to Hutu forcesUzi submachine guns and Galil assault rifles, grenades and ammunition, in several shipments worth millions of dollars.

This wasnt the first time, nor was it the last, that Israeli weapons and tech fell into malevolent hands. In his searing account, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, Loewenstein examines Israels modern war exports to Augusto Pinochets fascist junta in Chile, the repressive Shah of Iran, the Guatemalan genocide (where the countrys right wing called openly for the Palestinianization of Indigenous Mayans), and, more recently, authoritarian regimes in Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Hungary, India, and Azerbaijan, which earlier this year ethnically cleansed thousands of Armenians from its southwest.

As of 2022, the United States controlled an estimated 40 percent of the worlds weapons exportsnearly five times more than any other nationbut Israel, a desert country smaller than Massachusetts, also ranks among the worlds top 10 weapons exporters, in recent years boasting record increases in its market share, worth billions in sales. Israel is almost unique among self-described democracies in not calling out or sanctioning atrocities worldwide, Loewenstein observes. It sells to practically anyone, and has an unnerving sales pitch: Its gear is battle-tested, field-provenassembled for use in the blockade on Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank and then sold around the world. Promotional tapes sometimes even use real-life video from drone strikes on military targets. Andrew Feinstein, an expert on the illicit arms industry, who determined one such film showed a number of Palestinian children being murdered from above, said, No other arms-producing country would dare show actual footage like that.

When Loewensteins book was published earlier this year it received little coverage, but it has found new life amid the ongoing war. (The publisher, Verso, has made it free to download.) Because the situation in the Levant has changed so rapidly, some of The Palestine Laboratory is suddenly a touch out of date. (For instance, Loewenstein cites a 2021 Israeli poll saying most Jewish citizens do not overly worry about solving the conflict with the Palestinians.) Most of it, however, is dizzyingly prescient. In the West, Loewenstein argues, Israel is understood as a thriving if beleaguered democracy, allied with the United States against extremism, but look beyond the rhetoric and instead youll see a belligerent ethnostate with a vested interest in arming and training other belligerent ethnostatesa dark symbiosis upheld in the name of geopolitical necessity and economic interests.

Our friends can kill and maim with impunity, Loewenstein writes, referring to friends of the U.S. and the U.K.: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel. On November 21, a hostage exchange agreement paused the Israeli siege of Gaza for at least four days, but the wars end is far from visible. As people across the globe report feeling the world is becoming more dangerous, modern warfare industries have grown right along with the number of nativist governments, not to mention the refugees they spurn. Beyond its own project of so-called Palestinian containment, Israel considers its role arming the worlds autocrats and border agencies and producing spyware key to its continued existence, just as the technology itself helps other states achieve their own definitions of securityhowever bloodyin an ever destabilizing world.





How to summarize nearly a century of Zionist and Palestinian bloodshed and peacekeepingof industrialization and expulsion, the birth of a rules-based international order, war, occupation, the dot-com boom? Loewenstein begins with his own story: He grew up in a liberal Zionist community in Melbournehis grandparents had fled the Nazis in 1939, arriving in Australia as refugeesbut he grew uncomfortable with both the explicit racism against Palestinians that I heard and knee-jerk support for all Israeli actions. This discomfort led him to the Israel beat, so to speak, which he has covered, living in Israel on and off, for more than a decade. It made sense to view Israel as a safe haven in case of future strife for the Jewish people, he remembers thinking, but one mans safety was anothers death knell.

Its either the civil rights in some country or Israels right to exist, said Eli Pinko, the former head of Israels Defense Export Control Agency, in 2021. I would like to see each of you face this dilemma and say: No, we will champion human rights in the other country. Under this ethos, the Israeli economy quickly abandoned oranges for hand grenades, as one critic memorably quipped. After the Six-Day War in 1967, when the 19-year-old nation launched a preemptive strike on its neighborstaking over the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heightsa new era in Israeli politics began. The actions set the country, Loewenstein says, on a military path that has never stopped, though, to be fair, Israel wasnt the only one. Just six years before, Dwight Eisenhower had warned of the dangers of an American military-industrial complex in his farewell address. It would be a mistake to consider that clunky term as merely representing a national problem. Instead, these two complexes, American and Israeli, developed interdependently within a broader system.

Arm in arm with them was South Africa. Some pundits bristle when critics compare modern Israel to the old apartheid state, arguing that the particulars are different. Whats undeniable, however, is that in the 1970s Israel cemented a military and security agreement with South Africa that endured secretly for decades. Anton Liel, the head of Israels foreign ministry desk in South Africa in the 1980s, wrote recently that Israel created the South African Arms industry and, in turn, South Africa helped finance Israels technology: When we were developing things together we usually gave the know-how and they gave the money. This partnership enabled Israel to develop its nuclear arsenal, Loewenstein says; it became the only country in the region with its own nuclear arms. (Despite pleas from nonproliferation groups, the U.S. lets Turkey hold around 50 of its nukes, within spitting distance of Russia and Iran.)

Israel was the last nation in the world with strong ties to the apartheid regime. An old South African government yearbook explained what bonded the two countries above all else: Both are situated in a predominantly hostile world inhabited by dark peoples. Decades later, caught on a hot mic, Netanyahu echoed the sentiment in a meeting with far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban: Europe ends in Israel. East of Israel, theres no more Europe.

In the same conversation, Netanyahu admonished the European Union, Israels greatest economic partner, for placing milquetoast conditions on trade to incentivize peace talks with Palestiniansconditions that hadnt stalled the EUs increased reliance on Israeli border technology but were nonetheless, to Netanyahu, a slap in the face. Indeed, for whatever pearl clutching may exist among some European politicians about how Israel treats Palestinians, the EU had little trouble justifying the use of Israels border tech against migration from Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan. More recently, countries like Germany have boosted their weapons sales to Israel to support its war effort. Palestinians were the guinea pigs for Israeli technology and surveillance, Loewenstein argues, and the EU viewed these containment tools as an achievement to be copied in its own territory.





So has the U.S. Today, Israeli surveillance tools on our border with Mexico (and Guatemalas border with Honduras) are used to choke out migration from Latin America. Indeed, post-9/11, Israel became a kind of North Star for many U.S. policies. In late November 2001, the CIA drafted a memo on the Israeli example as a possible basis for arguing torture was necessary. It was also among the 20-plus countries that helped transport war on terror detainees to CIA black sites.

That said, the relationship between the two countries is more contentious than many realize. Leaks from the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden illustrate this: In the 2000s, for instance, at around the same time the NSA was sending the Israeli government private emails and phone calls from Palestinian and Arab Americansleading relatives who lived in occupied Palestine to potentially become targets, as Loewenstein writesother documents show that agents believed our alliance was a constant challenge, arguably tilted heavily in favor of Israeli security concerns. Given the U.S. security states fervor after 9/11, this state of affairs stung. Nevertheless, the report continues, the survival of the state of Israel is a paramount goal of US Middle East policy.



Additional top-secret documents listed Israel as the third most aggressive intelligence service against the US (emphasis mine), grouped in with China, Iran, Russia, and reflecting growing U.S. concern with Israels cyberwarfare capabilitiesand that trust issues plague the two agencies relationship. To this day, we continue to exclude our so-called greatest ally from the Five Eyes alliance between the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K., an intelligence-sharing compact Loewenstein calls the most secretive and intrusive in the worldperhaps for good reason.



In November 2021, the Biden administration took a rare step by blacklisting two Israeli surveillance firms, the NSO Group and Candiru, that have deep ties to the Israeli state. NSO in particular, and its spyware, Pegasus, which can remotely and covertly harvest essentially everything on your phone, had fallen into hot water upon being traced back to the brutal assassination of Jamal Khashoggi (the Saudis purchased Pegasus with the approval of Israeli authorities in 2017) and the persecution of journalists and human rights activists around the world. While Bidens move was welcome, Loewenstein remarks, the likely reason behind it was that an Israeli company was encroaching on American technological supremacy. Ironically, NSO recently hired a new lobbyist in Washington: Stewart Baker, a former general counsel of the NSA.



If you know where to look, the alliance between our two countries appears deeply strained despite claims to the contrary, and yet a certain harmony remains. The Palestine Laboratory is an invaluable primer on how the West enables Israels occupation and weapons sales, how Israel enables the Wests border-fortifying spree, and the careful policing requiredboth discursive and literalto maintain this balance, where no one but our enemies are deemed hostile and our friends get away with brutality practically unscathed. (Loewenstein shows too how Israeli surveillance companies meticulously track social media, pressuring companies like Facebook to censor keywords like resistance and martyr.)



The worst-case scenario, Loewenstein writes in his conclusion, is ethnic cleansing against occupied Palestinians, or population transfer, forcible expulsion under the guise of national security. Today, were witnessing exactly that, with (at the time of writing) more than 11,000 killed in Gaza and an ongoing evacuation of its northern region ordered by Israel. On Wednesday, after reaching a brief truce with Hamas, Netanyahu told reporters it was nonsense talk that the fighting would stop after hostages were returned, emphasizing that this was merely one of many stages of the war. In mid-November, in what we might consider an addendum to his book, Loewenstein appeared on Democracy Now! to discuss the ongoing war. Israel is already, as we speak  live-testing new weapons in Gaza, he said, likely referring to a new laser- and GPS-guided mortar bomb called Iron Sting, manufactured by the Israeli firm Elbit Systemsthe same company that, with government approval, helped militarize the U.S.Mexico border, armed Myanmars military junta even after its violent coup, and supported Azerbaijans ethnic cleansing with state-of-the-art drones.

Our friends, to put it simply, have been busy.


Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman in 2016. The Oswego Village Board will vote Tuesday on an honorary street name designation to honor Garman, who grew up in Oswego and retired from the bench last year. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

Oswego Village Board members Tuesday will vote on a resolution to designate Garfield Street in the village in honor of retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman.

The Oswego Historic Preservation Commission submitted an application for an honorary street designation in the judges honor to recognize her accomplishments.

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Garman was born in Aurora and grew up in Oswego. She lived on Garfield Street, village officials said in a report to trustees.

She graduated from Oswego High School and was the valedictorian of her class in 1961. She then studied economics at the University of Illinois and law at University of Iowa College of Law.

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She began her career at the Vermillion County Legal Aid Society and advanced at a time when women were not prominent in the law profession, village officials said.

Despite hostility toward women in the profession, Justice Garman was appointed as an associate judge - and the first female judge - in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, village officials said in the report. After 12 years in 1986, she was elected circuit judge and was the first woman to hold the position. In 1995 she was appointed, and eventually elected, to the Fourth District Appellate Court and was once again the first female justice. In 2001, Justice Garman was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court. She served on the court from 2001 to 2022, serving as chief justice from 2013 to 2016.

Village staff has recommended the honorary street sign be placed at the corner of Garfield and Ashland streets, in close proximity to her childhood home.

According to the application for the honorary street name, Garman expressed interest in a career in law. However, her undergraduate advisor steered her away from enrolling in a dual degree program in law and commerce, suggesting that as a young women, she might not be admitted to the law school portion of the program.

Garman went on to major in economics at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1965 with highest honors, officials said.

Garman then became one of eight women in her class at University of Iowa College of Law.

She recalls some professors being overtly hostile to women law students, remarking that they were taking up spaces that belonged to men who would need to support their families, or accusing the women of attending law school only to meet a future husband, according to the application.

After struggling to find a law position due to her gender, Garman accepted a position with the Vermillion County Legal Aid Society, the application states. She was encouraged by several judges and colleagues to apply for an open associate judge position.

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When she was appointed associate judge, she became the first female judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit - the first time, but not the last, that she would break new ground, according to the application.

During her time at the Illinois Supreme Court, she proposed the establishment of a special committee on child custody issues to place priority on cases involving the custody, adoption, abuse and neglect of children, according to the application.

Garman retired from the Illinois Supreme Court in 2022.

Oswego in October approved a new policy for honorary street names in the village. The honorary street name signs will not change the official street names or addresses, village officials said.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
A van carrying Palestinian detainees arrives at the Israeli military prison, Ofer, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

A total of 39 Palestinian detainees have been released from Israeli prisons in exchange for a group of hostages held by Hamas.

The deal - mediated by Qatar - includes a four-day pause in the fighting.

They are accused of a range of offences, from throwing stones to attempted murder. Some were convicted while others were awaiting trial.

The group of 24 women and 15 teenage boys was released across the Beituniya checkpoint in the occupied West Bank.

They will then be allowed to return home, according to Israel's prison service.

The detainees were chosen from a list of 300 women and minors compiled by Israel.

Less than a quarter of those on the list have been convicted - the vast majority are being held on remand while awaiting trial. Most of those listed are teenage boys - 40% of them under the age of 18. There is also one teenage girl and 32 women.

Earlier, the road by Beituniya checkpoint, near Ramallah, was sharp with the smell of tear gas. Groups of Palestinian men and boys faced the Israeli army lining up on the road ahead.

The army fired rubber bullets and tear gas towards the crowd, to push them back.

Some of the young people gathered threw stones and tear gas canisters back towards the troops.

"It's a sign of hope for Palestinians and Israelis that the ceasefire will continue and the killing will stop," Mohammed Khatib, who was in the crowd, told the BBC.

Upon the prisoners' release, the bus that transported them inched its way through a sea of jubilant Palestinian supporters.

Through the windows, some of the prisoners could be seen dancing, one wrapped in a Palestinian flag. Outside, mobile phones were raised to the glass amid ululations and shouts of welcome and "God is great".

Palestinians were pictured waving flags in the street after their release from Ofeh prison

A few in the crowd waved Hamas flags, but others spoke of Palestinian unity, a small moment of victory in the midst of a gruelling war.

For Israel, the released prisoners are a security threat; for the Palestinians gathered here to greet them, they are victims of Israel's occupation - and their release is a symbol.

Thirteen Israeli hostages were released by Hamas under the truce deal. It was confirmed on Friday that they had arrived back in Israel.

The Thai prime minister says that a group of Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza were also released - separate from the Qatar-mediated truce deal.

Map of Beituniya

Israel and Hamas reached a deal earlier this week to release 50 of the hostages held in Gaza during four-day pause in fighting.

The agreement should see a total of 150 Palestinians held in Israeli jails released and a significant increase in humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza. Some 60 lorries carrying medical supplies, fuel and food entered from Egypt on Friday.

Hamas took more than 200 hostages during a cross-border attack on southern Israel on 7 October in which 1,200 people were killed.

Human rights organisations say the number of Palestinians held without charge in Israeli jails has shot up since the 7 October attacks.

There are now thought to be more than 6,000 Palestinians held by Israel on security grounds - many still awaiting trial.

Almost every Palestinian family in the West Bank is thought to have had a relative detained by Israel at some point in the past - often in jails inside Israel, making it difficult or impossible for their relatives to visit.
24 November 2023, Palestinian Territories, Rafah: Red Cross vehicles, believed to be carrying hostages abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7th attack on Israel, arrive at the Rafah border, amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in the southern Gaza Strip

After almost seven weeks of being held captive, the first group of Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas, after a four-day truce came into effect in Gaza this morning. The 13 hostages are all women and children; they have also all been officially identified. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed this evening that all the released hostages were now back in Israel.

https://twitter.com/BarakRavid/status/1728095664779796910 https://twitter.com/RozRothstein/status/1728098495029211225?s=20

The freed hostages had been taken in ambulances from Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, to the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Here they were handed over to aid workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross. At the same time, their families were being brought to different hospitals in Israel where they would be reunited with them.

https://twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1728099505419989484 https://twitter.com/NTarnopolsky/status/1728112040449872085?s=20 https://twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1728081305357668409

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said that the Israeli ex-hostages were flown home from Egypt under military guard, Reuters reports . The IAF published photos of one of its CH-53 Yasur helicopters having been prepared for the mission, with dolls, colorful throw rugs, and personal hygiene kits already arranged on the bench-type seats in its cabin.

https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1728000887207977364

There are some other interesting announcements from the IAF about the makeup of the helicopter crew, which included a commando squad, as well as doctors and liaison officers. The liaison officers were trained in communication and counseling and were apparently the first to make contact with the ex-hostages.

Once the helicopter touched down in Israel, the former hostages received any emergency medical treatment that they needed, before being forwarded to different hospitals there, to be reunited with their families. Specialist psychological care will be provided for any of those individuals who may have been sexually assaulted.

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant described the release of the first hostages as an important first step. In a post on social media, he said Israel would continue and do everything necessary to bring the remaining hostages home.

https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1728099312679240018

Under the planned four-day truce, Hamas says it will release 50 of the roughly 240 people it is holding, after they were captured during the militants assault on Israel on October 7 .

In addition to the Israeli former hostages, around 12 Thai nationals have also been released from a total of at least 26 being held. Reuters reports that the Thai nationals  all men  were freed as part of a separate deal negotiated by Hamas with Qatar and Egypt, although the Thai government also met representatives from Hamas in Tehran last month . The released Thai nationals were also expected to be taken to hospitals in Israel.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, said:

It has been confirmed by the Security Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that there are 12 Thai hostages already released. Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in another hour. They should know their names and details. Please stay tuned.

https://twitter.com/Thavisin/status/1728049204369711300

Based on statements from the Israeli government, Thai nationals make up the biggest group of foreign people killed or missing in the Hamas attacks, mainly due to them being employed in large numbers in the countrys agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, in another post on X, Majed Al Ansari, Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson, wrote that as well as 13 Israeli citizens, 10 Thais, and one citizen from the Philippines had been released from Gaza. He said that a total of 24 civilians were received by the International Red Cross in Egypt. This suggests that only 10 Thai citizens were actually released, with Prime Minister Thavisin presumably repeating the estimated figure that Reuters reported .

https://twitter.com/majedalansari/status/1728079775355281874

At the same time, Israel has committed to setting 150 Palestinian prisoners free. Thirty-nine of these prisoners were in the process of being released today, comprising 24 women and 15 teenagers . Of those women, some are said to have been convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, while the teenagers include some reportedly imprisoned for offenses such as throwing stones.

In the photo and video below, International Red Cross vehicles are seen arriving at Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank to transport the 39 Palestinians.

https://twitter.com/AvitalLeibovich/status/1728024436756942979 https://twitter.com/Beltrew/status/1728104907927089336

Also today, aid trucks began to enter the Gaza Strip from Egypt, carrying supplies from Egyptian organizations. The vehicles entered Gaza around 90 minutes after the truce began at 7:00 am local time.

https://twitter.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1727964931172045038

Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, has said that he is committed to the four-day truce as long as Israel also adheres to it.

Israeli military officials continue to warn that their campaign against Hamas is far from finished. In a social media message posted in Arabic to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesman, warned that The war is not over yet.

https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1727913944843448464

Immediately prior to the beginning of the ceasefire, there were reports of an IDF assault on the Indonesian hospital in Gaza. Until recently, this was the last facility of its kind still operating in northern Gaza and had also come under previous attack .

Israeli military officials have previously claimed that an entrance to a Hamas tunnel is located close to the Indonesian hospital and that missiles have been launched into Israel from nearby.

In this mornings apparent IDF raid on the hospital, it was reported that one woman was killed, and three other people wounded. Citing Dr. Munir al-Bursh, the director general of the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported that a further three people were arrested at the hospital, which has now been forced to cease operations.

https://twitter.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1728047641995485185

One apparent effect of the ceasefire is the movement of Palestinians northward, back to their homes, after previously evacuating in the face of the IDF assault on Gaza. Reuters reports that the IDF continues to drop leaflets warning these Palestinians not to return to what it states is still a dangerous war zone.

Reuters today described the situation in the southern town of Khan Younis, where thousands of displaced families from northern Gaza have taken refuge. Here, hundreds of people are said to be on the move, among them Ahmad Wael, who told the news agency :

I am now very happy, I feel at ease. I am going back to my home, our hearts are rested, especially since there is a four-day official ceasefire, better than returning to live in tents. I am very tired from sitting there, without any food or water. There [at home] we can live, we drink tea, make bread using fire, and the oven.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1728056754997510325?s=20

According to the Associated Press, some of those Palestinians headed north have been killed or injured by the IDF, although whether this occurred before or after the ceasefire came into effect is not immediately clear.

An AP journalist said they saw the bodies of two Palestinians shot and killed by the IDF, as well as another 11 individuals who were wounded, at a hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah, southern Gaza. The injured had been shot in the legs, the account says.

Witnesses said Israeli troops were opening fire on people trying to head north, although this cannot be independently confirmed.

As to why the civilians are on the move at this point, Sofian Abu Amer, who had earlier fled Gaza City, told AP: We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/1728058123502416361

Ahead of the ceasefire in Gaza, Iraq and Syria have both seen more attacks on U.S. forces. Citing an unnamed U.S. military official, Reuters reports that U.S. and international forces were attacked at two different sites in northeastern Syria yesterday. Multiple rockets and a one-way attack drone were used, but there were no casualties or damage to infrastructure, the official said.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, multiple one-way drones were launched at Al-Asad Air Base, west of Baghdad, while another drone was launched at a U.S. base near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq. There were also unconfirmed reports of a ground assault on Al-Asad Air Base by insurgents.

https://twitter.com/AsaadHannaa/status/1727753562774511637

Responsibility for the attacks in Iraq yesterday was claimed by the self-styled Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a name that appears to be a catch-all for several Iraqi armed groups that are aligned with Iran.

On Wednesday, the U.S. military launched an airstrike on another Iran-backed group, known as Kataeb Hezbollah, south of Baghdad. That group said that eight of its members were killed in that attack, which was prosecuted by a U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship .

Clearly, it seems the ceasefire will not affect operations by Iran-affiliated groups allied with Hamas elsewhere in the Middle East. In a statement on social media, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, pointed to the efforts of different militant groups in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, and praised them for their support.

https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/1727763876505080068?s=20

A striking video has emerged in the aftermath of the capture of the Galaxy Leader, a Bahamian-flagged vehicle carrier by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. You can read all about that incident, which involved a helicopter-borne raid, in our previous reporting . The newly emerged footage shows some of the rebels dancing on the vessel after its capture. The Galaxy Leader was taken to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah, where it remains now, with its crew being held by the rebels.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1727727605619503573?s=12

This is a developing story. We will update it when there is more news to report about the Israel-Hamas war.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
A four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday in Gaza as part of an agreement that Qatar helped broker. Twenty-four hostages were freed, including 13 Israeli citizens, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen, Qatar said. Israel released 33 Palestinian prisoners later in the day.

With the truce deal comes increased shipments of fuel and supplies into Gaza  though still only enough to dent the needs of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, according to aid groups. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce.

More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza after a dayslong pause in its casualty report, which it attributed to the health systems collapse in northern Gaza making it impossible to provide a detailed count.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will press ahead with the war after the cease-fire expires. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.

Currently:

 A four-day truce begins, setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages.

 Families of hostages not slated for release from Gaza during current truce face enduring nightmare.

 Palestinians in Gaza seeking refuge from war find their world is shrinking.

 Hezbollah fires rockets at north Israel after an airstrike kills 5 of the groups senior fighters.

 Thousands led by Cubas president march in solidarity with Palestinians.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.

Heres whats happening in the war:33 PALESTINIANS FREED FROM WEST BANK PRISON

RAMALLAH, West Bank  A Palestinian official said Friday that 33 Palestinians have been released by Israel from a West Bank prison.

Their release came shortly after Hamas released 24 hostages who had been held captive in Gaza for weeks, including 13 Israelis, 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines. It was the first stage in a swap under a four-day cease-fire deal.NETANYAHU: COMMITTED TO RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES

TEL AVIV  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday welcomed the release of hostages taken in Hamas Oct. 7 raid into Israel, including 13 Israeli citizens, but said his government is committed to the return of all hostages.

About 240 people were taken in the attack.

Netanyahu described each of the hostages released as a four-day cease-fire began as a world of their own.

He said getting back all the hostages is one of the goals of the war and we are committed to achieving all of the goals of the war.ISRAELIS FIRE TEAR GAS AT CROWD AWAITING PALESTINIANS RELEASE

OUTSIDE OFER PRISON, West Bank  Israeli security forces fired volleys of tear gas Friday at thousands of Palestinians from all over the West Bank excitedly awaiting the release of 39 Palestinians in exchange for the hostages released by Hamas from Gaza.

Crowds have been waiting for hours outside Israels Ofer Prison in the West Bank, where the Palestinians are expected to emerge at any moment.

Shortly after some raucous boys surged through the crowds with Hamas flags, Israeli forces unleashed tear gas, sending families bolting in the opposite direction, screaming, coughing and covering their watery, bloodshot eyes with their shirts.MILITARY: HOSTAGES FREED FRIDAY ARE BACK IN ISRAEL

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says the hostages released by Hamas as part of a cease-fire deal have returned to Israel.

In a statement Friday, it said the hostages have undergone an initial medical check inside Israeli territory.

Qatar said a total of 24 hostages were freed  including 13 Israelis.QATAR CONFIRMS RELEASE OF 24 HOSTAGES AFTER 7 WEEKS HELD IN GAZA

DOHA, Qatar  Qatars Foreign Ministry has confirmed the release of 24 hostages after seven weeks of captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen, said Majed al-Ansari, the ministrys spokesman. Qatar was a key mediator in the hostage release.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which delivered the hostages from Gaza into Egypt, also confirmed the release.

The hostages, women and children, were undergoing medical checks before they were to be transferred to Israel. They are to be taken to Israeli hospitals and reunited with their families. Theyre the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began Friday.

Israel is to release 39 Palestinian prisoners later Friday, the first of a total of 150 Palestinian prisoners to be freed under the cease-fire.ISRAEL SUMMONS AMBASSADORS OVER REMARKS BY SPAIN, BELGIUM LEADERS

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  The Israeli government has summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium after remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo Friday criticizing the bombing of civilians in Gaza and urging recognition for a Palestinian state.

Speaking at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza, Sanchez said the time has come for the international community and the European Union to recognize the State of Palestine, and warned that if it did not, Spain might do so on its own.

He said it would better if the EU did it together, but if this is not the case  Spain will take their own decisions.

He was speaking at end of a two-day visit to Israel, Palestinian Territories and Egypt with de Croo.

Israel has the right to defend itself but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case, Sanchez said. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.RED CROSS HELPING REUNITE HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS

GENEVA  The Red Cross says it has begun a multi-day operation to reunite hostages and detainees on both sides of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

The groups announcement came as Israeli media reported the Hamas militant group on Friday released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal. The deal calls for 50 hostages to be freed over a four-day truce, with Israel to free 150 Palestinians in prison.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says it will also be ferrying in medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza.HEAD OF U.S. AID AGENCY CALLS FOR SPEED-UP OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA

WASHINGTON  The lead U.S. development agency is urging a rapid ramping-up of humanitarian assistance to battered Gaza for the long term, calling it urgent and imperative.

Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, made the call in a statement Thursday, as a carefully negotiated cease-fire and hostage release began in the Gaza Strip.

With 1.7 million people in Gaza internally displaced and virtually all of the 2.3 million people there needing aid, the scale of humanitarian needs in Gaza is staggering, Power wrote.

It is both urgent and imperative that lasting mechanisms be put in place to significantly accelerate the pace of sustained aid into Gaza, Power wrote.BREAK IN WAR EXTENDS TO IRAN-BACKED MILITIAS  FOR NOW

BAGHDAD  Iranian-backed militias that have launched dozens of rocket and drone attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks held their fire on Friday, the first day of the a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The lull came after an escalation this week in which U.S. warplanes killed multiple militants from the powerful Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the first use of short-range ballistic missiles against U.S. forces at Al-Asad Air Base.

Milita spokesman Jaafar al-Husseini said his group is not necessarily observing the truce  which only officially pertains to Gaza  but is monitoring the behavior of the United States and will act accordingly.

Kataib Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militant groups under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began striking U.S. facilities Oct. 17 and have since launched more than 60 attacks in Iraq and Syria. The militant groups have said they are retaliating against the U.S. for its support of the Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 surprise attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis.

Likewise, in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israeli forces throughout the Israel-Hamas war, a cautious calm prevailed Friday. Some of the more than 55,000 Lebanese displaced by the fighting began returning to inspect their houses and businesses in border towns.ISRAELI MEDIA SAY HAMAS HAS FREED 13 ISRAELI HOSTAGES

JERUSALEM  Israeli media say the Hamas militant group has released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal Friday, including 13 Israelis who have been held in the Gaza Strip for nearly seven weeks.

The media cited Israeli security officials.

Twelve Thai nationals were also released, according to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Under a deal negotiated by Qatar, 50 hostages are set to be freed during a four-day truce.

Israel is set to free 150 Palestinians over the next four days as part of the deal. Thirty-nine prisoners are to be freed Friday.THOUSANDS OF ISRAELIS GATHER TO RECEIVE NEWS OF HOSTAGE RELEASE

JERUSALEM  Thousands of Israelis gathered in what has been dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Friday evening, singing songs to welcome the Jewish Sabbath and watching newscasts on large screens as they waited to receive news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages slated to be freed.

My emotions are mixed, Shelli Shem Tov, the mother of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov, told Israelis Channel 12 at the square. Im excited for the families that are going to hug their loved ones, Im jealous, and Im sad, mostly sad, that Omer is not coming home yet.THAILAND SAYS 12 THAI NATIONALS HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM GAZA

BANGKOK  Twelve Thai nationals were released from Gaza on Friday, Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

It said the 12 hostages have passed through the Rafah crossing and are on the way to Israels Hatzerim air base, and will then be taken to a hospital.

The ministry says 39 Thai citizens were killed in Hamas Oct. 7 attack in Israel and 26 were taken hostage.

Egypts state information service said the 12 Thais is in addition to 13 Israeli captives who are to be freed Friday.ISRAELI SECURITY FORCES FIRE TEAR GAS AT PALESTINIANS WAITING TO GREET PRISONERS

BEITOUNIA, West Bank  Israeli security forces fired tear gas at a crowd of Palestinians gathered to greet prisoners who were to be released from Israeli jails as part of a truce between Israel and Hamas, AP journalists in the West Bank witnessed.

Tear gas was fired to push away crowds from the vicinity of Ofer prison, from where the prisoners were to be released later on Friday.ISRAELS FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS IT WILL RESUME WAR AFTER TRUCE ENDS

JERUSALEM  Israels foreign minister said Friday that Israel will resume the war against Hamas after a temporary cease-fire ends.

A truce in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday, setting the stage for the release of 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The releases are to take place in stages over four days.

The truce could be extended by a day for each additional release of 10 more hostages  an arrangement that could translate into a longer cease-fire. In all, militants from Hamas and other groups kidnapped about 240 people in their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Israeli leaders have pledged that the war will resume.

Israel will continue its war on Hamas and we will not stop until we achieve our two main goals, overthrowing the rule of Hamas and returning all the abductees back to us, safe and sound, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Friday as he toured Israels ravaged border areas with his counterparts from Portugal and Slovenia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have made similar pledges.PALESTINIAN AUTHORITIES RELEASE LIST OF 39 PRISONERS EXPECTED TO BE FREED FRIDAY

JERUSALEM  Palestinian authorities have released a list of 39 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released on Friday, including 24 women and 15 teenage boys, in exchange for 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, said the 39 detainees from the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem will be delivered to the International Committee of the Red Cross at Israels Ofer Prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Most of the 15 Palestinian teenagers to be released Friday were arrested over incitement and stone-throwing, as well as the broadly defined charge of supporting terrorism. The 24 women include some convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to yearslong prison terms for attacks against Israeli security forces.

In all, 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be freed during the four-day truce.

Israel currently holds 7,200 Palestinians charged with or convicted of security offenses, the Prisoners Club said.

It said about 2,000 Palestinians were arrested since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered the war.FRANCE CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES, INCLUDING 8 FRENCH CITIZENS, AND A LASTING TRUCE

BEIJING  French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called Friday for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, including eight French citizens, and a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas.

It is essential that international law is applied there (in Gaza) as elsewhere, Colonna said during a trip to Beijing. All states have the right to defend themselves, but we must cooperate so that terrorism is contained.

She called for a durable truce so that the wounded can be treated, and humanitarian aid can arrive and ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The eight French hostages in Gaza include three children. The French president, foreign minister and defense minister have traveled to the region in recent weeks to push for their release and a long-term peace.

Forty French citizens were killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, and two French citizens have been killed in attacks on Gaza, according to the Foreign Ministry. France has sent flights and warships to bring humanitarian aid for Gaza.ISRAELI FORCES KILL A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN THE WEST BANK

JERUSALEM  Israeli forces shot and killed a 12-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said Friday, as violence surges in the territory under the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The boy was killed Thursday in the village of Beita near the flashpoint city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the officials said.

The Israeli military said Palestinians threw stones when soldiers entered the village and that troops responded with live fire. The military said it was looking into the circumstances of the boys death.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began seven weeks ago, the West Bank has seen one of the deadliest periods in at least two decades. Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 229 Palestinians, including 52 children and minors under the age of 18, in arrest raids and violent confrontations, according to U.N. figures.ISRAELI TROOPS FIRE AT PALESTINIANS ATTEMPTING RETURN TO NORTHERN GAZA, KILLING TWO

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli troops fatally shot two Palestinians and wounded 11 others as they headed toward the main combat zone in northern Gaza despite warnings by the Israeli army to stay put.

An Associated Press journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah in the southern half of Gaza. The injured had been shot in the legs.

Fridays shooting came hours after the Israeli military warned hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge in southern Gaza not to attempt to return to their homes in the northern half of the territory, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

The military had dropped leaflets on southern Gaza saying that returning to northern Gaza is prohibited and dangerous.

Since a four-day truce went into effect Friday morning, hundreds of Palestinians were seen trying to head to northern Gaza.

Witnesses said Israeli troops are opening fire on people trying to head north.

Sofian Abu Amer, who had fled Gaza City, said he decided to risk heading north to check on his home.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.EVERYONE IN RETURN FOR EVERYONE, PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD LEADER SAYS

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said Friday that Israeli soldiers among the 240 hostages held by militant groups in Gaza will only be released in exchange for all the Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Islamic Jihad is reportedly holding about 40 of the hostages who were captured by Hamas and other militant groups during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Over the next four days, 50 hostages are to be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with both sides releasing women and children first.

In a televised speech on the first day of what is meant to be a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war, Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh said that the enemys military prisoners will not be released without the freedom of our prisoners and this is linked to the end of the aggression. He said that Israel would be forced to eventually reach a deal of everyone in return for everyone.

It was not immediately clear how many of the hostages held in Gaza are currently serving in the military and whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.MUCH-NEEDED FUEL AND COOKING GAS TANKERS ENTER GAZA

JERUSALEM  Israel announced that four tankers with fuel and four tankers with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip on Friday, the first day of what is meant to be a four-day cease-fire.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce. This would be roughly twice the amount permitted previously, but still only a small portion of Gazas daily needs, estimated at more than 1 million liters (264,000 gallons).

For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of any fuel to Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes. United Nations aid agencies pushed back against such claims, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS IT HAS DESTROYED TUNNELS UNDER SHIFA HOSPITAL

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Friday it has destroyed stretches of tunnels and a number of tunnel shafts in the area of Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest.

On Wednesday, Israel showed a tunnel and rooms that military officials said were a major Hamas hideout beneath Shifa. Hamas and hospital staff deny Israeli allegations that Shifa was used as a militant command center.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel mapped out Shifa Hospital and plans to destroy all terror infrastructure it has found.FOUR-DAY TRUCE BEGINS IN GAZA

A temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

The halt in fighting began at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days. During the truce, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in their deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In turn, Israel is to free three Palestinian prisoners for each released hostage. The releases are to take place in stages over the next four days.

The truce deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

About 1,200 people were killed by Hamas attackers in Israel on Oct. 7. Israel responded with a massive air and ground offensive that has devastated large swaths of Gaza and killed at least 13,300 Palestinians.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna, are among the hostages, said that she had been informed their names were not on the list (GIL COHEN-MAGEN)

After 48 days of gunfire and bombardment that claimed thousands of lives, a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on Friday with hostages set to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The pause triggered a mass movement of thousands of Gazans who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment begun after unprecedented attacks on October 7 by Hamas militants.

"I'm going home," Omar Jibrin, 16, told AFP after he emerged from a hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip where he and eight family members had sought refuge.

In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza where many Palestinians fled, a cacophony of car horns and ambulance sirens has replaced the sound of war.

For Khaled al-Halabi, the truce is "a chance to breathe" after nearly seven weeks of war that began when Hamas broke through Gaza's militarised border to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

Halabi had taken refuge in Rafah but is from Gaza City in the north, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

Israel's retaliatory air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

Mediator Qatar said the first group of 13 hostages released would be women and children.

They would be freed "by 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) at the latest", according to a Hamas official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.

- Hopes for longer-term -

Gazans have struggled to survive with shortages of water and other essentials. Trucks carrying more aid, including fuel, gas, and food, began moving into Gaza from the Rafah crossing with Egypt shortly after the truce began at 7:00 am.

Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, expressed hope in Geneva that the pause "leads to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond."

He repeated the need for access across Gaza, especially in the north "where the damage and the humanitarian needs are the greatest."

The agreement came after weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Over the four days, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinians prisoners are expected to be released.

According to the UN, 1.7 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced by the fighting.

Now, thousands of them are trying to get home.

In Khan Yunis, they loaded belongings onto carts, strapped them to car roofs, or slung bags over their shoulders, crowding streets to return to their homes from temporary shelters.

Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people that the war is not over and it is "very dangerous" to return north, the focus of Israel's military campaign.

But Abd el-Salam Matar, in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, said he wanted to go back to Gaza City.

"I hope I can reach it," he said. "We don't know if our homes still stand, but we hope."

The truce was also a chance for some Palestinians to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

In the morning, a few apparent gunshots could be heard and dark plumes of smoke rose periodically over northern Gaza, an AFPTV livecam showed, but the truce appeared to be holding in the afternoon.

Further north, on the Lebanon-Israel border, calm also returned after regular deadly exchanges of fire, primarily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. The Lebanese movement, like Hamas, is backed by Iran.

- Carefully prepared -

Ziv Agmon, legal adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, told reporters the hostages will be received individually or in groups by the International Committee of the Red Cross, taken across the border and handed to the Israeli army.

From El-Arish, in the Sinai, they would be flown to Israel, an Egyptian security source said.

The Israeli soldiers are being carefully prepared to receive potentially deeply traumatised women and children.

After medical examinations, the former captives will be able to telephone family members before reunions later at Israeli medical facilities, Agmon added.

AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 hostages.

At least 35 of those seized were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time.

Hamas earlier released four women and Israeli forces rescued another. Two other captives, including a woman soldier, were found dead by Israeli troops in Gaza.

Netanyahu's office said it had received "a first list of names" of those due to be released and been in contact with the families.

Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna are among the hostages, posted on social media platform X that she had been informed their names were not included.

"This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return," she wrote.

Ahead of the release, relatives and supporters of the captives gathered at a plaza in Tel Aviv adorned with their photos, stuffed toys, and a long table set up as if for a banquet, each chair bearing the label "hostage."

Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will also be freed on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said.

The Palestinian Authority's prisoner commission published a list of named Palestinian inmates -- 24 women and 15 children -- who could be released in exchange for the initial hostages.

The agreement entailed a "complete ceasefire with no attacks from the air or the ground" and the skies clear of drones to "allow for the hostage release to happen in a safe environment", Ansari said.

Palestinian prisoners will be freed from three jails in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then taken to the Ofer military camp on buses, an Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

burs-it/dr
By Bassam Masoud and Janis Laizans

GAZA/ISRAEL-GAZA BORDER (Reuters) -Hamas fighters released 24 hostages on Friday during the first day of the war's first truce, including Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers, after guns fell silent across the Gaza Strip for the first time in seven weeks.

The hostages were transferred out of Gaza and handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing, accompanied by eight staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a four-car convoy, the ICRC said.

Qatar, which acted as mediator for the truce deal, said 13 Israelis had been released, some with dual nationality, plus 10 Thais and a Filipino. Thirty-nine Palestinian women and children detainees were released from Israeli jails.

"We have just completed the return of the first batch of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each and every one of them is a world in itself," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "But I stress to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel: We are committed to returning all our hostages."

The Israeli hostages released included four children accompanied by four family members, and five other elderly women.

Corinne Moshe, daughter-in-law of 72-year-old Adina Moshe, said her husband and his siblings were waiting at a hospital to be reunited with their mother. "I miss her very, very much, I want her to be back already. I want to have dinner with her and the entire family again," she said.

MEDICAL CHECKS FOR RELEASED HOSTAGES

The Israeli military said the released hostages underwent a medical assessment inside Israeli territory before being taken to hospitals to be reunited with their families.

Under the terms of the four-day Israel-Hamas truce, 50 women and children hostages are to be released in return for 150 Palestinian women and children among thousands of detainees in Israeli jails. Israel says the truce could be extended if more hostages are released at a rate of 10 per day.

Those released on Friday were exchanged for 24 jailed Palestinian women and 15 teenagers. In at least three cases, before the prisoners were released, Israeli police raided their families' homes in Jerusalem, witnesses said. Police declined to comment.

A source briefed on the negotiations said the release of the Thai workers, who were all men, was unrelated to the truce talks and followed a separate track mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

Thai and Filipino farm workers employed in southern Israel were among around 240 hostages taken to Gaza by gunmen when Hamas fighters launched a killing spree on Oct. 7.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on social media that 12 Thai workers had been freed, two more than the figure given by the Qataris. No reason for the discrepancy was given.

GAZANS VENTURE OUT

U.S. President Joe Biden said there was a real chance of extending the truce and that the pause in fighting was a critical opportunity to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said four of those released held German nationality.

"The ceasefire must last as long as possible now to ensure the people of Gaza receive vital goods like medicine, food, water and aid," she added.

Earlier on Friday, combat between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters halted for the first time in seven weeks.

No big bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks were reported, although Hamas and Israel both accused each other of sporadic shootings and other violations. Both said the war would resume on full throttle as soon as the truce was over.

In Khan Younis in southern Gaza, people ventured out of homes and shelters into a landscape of buildings reduced to rubble. Displaced families carried belongings in plastic bags, hoping to return at least temporarily to the homes they had abandoned.

"I am now very happy, I feel at ease. I am going back to my home, our hearts are rested," said Ahmad Wael, smiling as he walked carrying a mattress balanced on his head. "I am very tired of sitting without any food or water. There (at home) we can live, we drink tea, make bread."

Columns of Israeli tanks rolled away from the Gaza Strip's northern end in the morning, while aid trucks entered from Egypt at the southern end.

The U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) said 137 trucks of goods were offloaded in Gaza on Friday, the biggest humanitarian convoy received since Oct. 7.

Hamas confirmed all hostilities from its forces would cease. But Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, said in a video message that this was a "temporary truce" and called for an "escalation of the confrontation ... on all resistance fronts", including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant spoke similarly: "This will be a short pause, at the conclusion of which the war (and) fighting will continue with great might and will generate pressure for the return of more hostages."

According to Israeli tallies, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and seized about 240 hostages when they burst across the border fence into southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Since then, Israel has rained bombs on the Hamas-ruled enclave, killing some 14,000 Gazans, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes, including most people in the northern half of the enclave.

Residents said the Israelis had dropped leaflets warning people not to travel back to the north, and have fired over the heads of some people trying to get back into Gaza City, which Israel ordered evacuated and has pulverised in its ground assault.

James Elder, spokesperson for the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF, said from southern Gaza that the agency was pleading for the truce to be made permanent.

"We cannot in all decent conscience go from a four or five day pause into killing of children again."

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Angus MacSwan, Hugh Lawson and Peter Graff; Editing by Jon Boyle and Grant McCool)
A four-day ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has begun at the scheduled time of 7am, to be followed by the release of 13 women and children under a Qatar-brokered truce.

The first of at least 50 hostages held in Gaza since Hamass brutal-incursion on 7 October will be released via Egypt on Friday, nine hours after the beginning of the humanitarian pause in Gaza, Qatars foreign ministry said.

Increased aid for Palestinians will also start to enter Gaza as soon as possible", Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari added. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would also be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage.

The first batch of civilians to be released from Gaza will be around 4pm of the same day. They will be 13 in number, all women, and children and those hostages of the same families will be put together in the same batch, he added.

Sirens sounded in two Israeli villages just minutes after the truce came into force, but there was no immediate confirmation of any rocket attacks.

Key Points

Four-day Gaza ceasefire begins

Displaced Palestinians return to their ravaged homes

At least 50 hostages to be freed from Gaza during four-day ceasefire

Israel could extend ceasefire by a day for release of every 10 hostages

US and Qatar-brokered deal follows gut-wrenching talks

Deal to free Palestinian children from Israeli prisons not yet finalised

Israel will free nearly 40 Palestinian prisoners today, top official says

09:10 , Andy Gregory

Israel will release 39 Palestinian prisoners on Friday, Palestines commissioner for prisoners has said.

Some 24 women and 15 teenage boys  all of them from either the occupied West Bank or Jerusalem  will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross at Israels Ofer military jail around 4pm local time, Qadura Fares told Reuters.

After the Red Cross receives the [Palestinian] prisoners, the ones from Jerusalem will go to Jerusalem and the ones from the West Bank will gather in Betunia municipal council where their families will be waiting, Mr Fares told Reuters.

His US teenage son wont be among the freed Hamas hostages: Hopefully he is alive

08:52 , Andy Gregory

As millions of Americans gather together for turkey and pumpkin pie, one New York family is desperately missing their 19-year-old son, who is still being held hostage by Hamas.

Today is Thanksgiving. As Americans we have an empty seat at the table  you do not want to live in my universe, his father Ruby Chen told The Independent.

His son Itay Chen was captured by the militant group during the deadly attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 civilians in Israel. Earlier this week a major diplomatic and humanitarian breakthrough was reached, with 50 women and children hostages expected to be released by Hamas on Friday morning. Part of the deal is a four day ceasefire to allow the removal of the hostages, and rare respite for Palestinain civilians barely surviving under ferocious Israeli bombardment of the besieged strip.

Teenage Itay  who was a member of the Israeli military stationed near Gaza  is not expected to be freed yet.

Bel Trew and Mike Bedigan have the full report:

An empty seat at Thanksgiving. Families of Hamas hostages pray for their safe return

Reports of Israeli gunfire' in Gaza

08:31 , Andy Gregory

A Palestinian journalist reports that Israeli forces have allegedly opened fire at Palestinians in central Gaza, less than three hours after the humanitarian pause began.

Breaking: Israeli forces open fire towards Palestinians truing to return to their homes east of Maghazi in central #Gaza, around two and a half hours after the pause went into effect



Im standing on the rooftop of our house of refuge & I can hear Israeli gun machines on the east  Maha Hussaini (@MahaGaza) November 24, 2023

The Independent is seeking further information.

Eight tankers of fuel and cooking gas enter Gaza via Rafah, says IDF

08:21 , Andy Gregory

Four tankers of fuel and four tankers of cooking gas have been transferred to UN humanitarian groups in southern Gaza via the Rafah crossing this morning, the IDF has said.

The aid was approved by Israel as part of the pause and the framework for the release of the hostages overseen by the US, Qatar and Egypt, the Israeli military said.

Israel warns Palestinians against returning home: War has not ended

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has warned thousands of displaced Palestinians against returning to their homes in the north of Gaza during the four-day ceasefire.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to seek refuge in southern Gaza due to Israels incessant bombardment of the northern part of the Strip.

Arabic-language leaflets dropped Friday over southern Gaza said that the war has not ended yet and people should remain in place.

Returning to the north is prohibited and very dangerous, the leaflets said. Your fate and the fate of your families is in your hands. We have warned you.

Palestinians who had taken refuge in temporary shelters return to their homes in eastern Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip (AFP via Getty Images)

Israel publishes list of 300 mostly teenage prisoners eligible for release

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Israels justice ministry has published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offences.

A four-day Qatar-brokered ceasefire began on Friday at 7am, which is set to be followed by the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants.

The first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed on Friday afternoon, Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson said.

During the four-day period Hamas pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages, while Israel is expected to free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides will release women and children first, the Qatari official said.

There is a provision in the deal for more groups of hostages and prisoners to be exchanged in subsequent days, but this would be dependent on the ceasefire holding.

How the hostage deal was finalised?

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The negotiations hardly ran smoothly. But in the end, persistence paid off.

Six weeks ago, not long after Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis and took scores of others hostage in a surprise assault, the government of Qatar quietly reached out to the US to discuss how to release those who had been taken captive by the militant group.

But the mission demanded extreme sensitivity. It was so secret that US officials established a communications cell to reach Hamas directly, and kept those negotiations tightly guarded throughout the US government. Only a handful of people were aware of the talks, according to a senior White House official.

For weeks through the cell, which allowed the small circle of negotiators to speak regularly without additional bureaucracy, US and Israeli officials would scramble to put together a deal that would release dozens of hostages held by Hamas.

The White House saw that as the only realistic way to halt the bloody combat that has devastated the region for more than six weeks.

The US continuously pushed Hamas, with Qatar and Egypt acting as critical intermediaries.

More here.

How the hostage deal came about: Negotiations stumbled, but persistence finally won out

Rocket alarms sound in Gaza border towns just after ceasefire

06:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Israeli military sounded sirens in two villages near the Gaza Strip on Friday, warning of possible rocket attacks from the Hamas-ruled region just 15 minutes after a four-day truce came into force.

There was no confirmation of a rocket launch, which would be the first violation of the Qatar-brokered truce.

Rocket alarms were also sounded in two border villages just two hours prior to the commencement of the truce, Times of Israel reported.

Live: View of Rafah crossing as Israel and Hamas agree to four-day ceasefire

06:44 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Israeli troops arrest Al-Shifa hospital director

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The director of Gazas largest hospital and several other medical personnel were reportedly arrested by Israeli forces on Thursday.

Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa, was arrested as he evacuated patients to the south of the conflict-torn strip, AFP reported citing his colleague.

The Israeli forces said the director was being questioned over evidence that Hamas militants used Al-Shifa as an alleged command and control centre.

The military raided the hospital last week.Doctor Mohammad Abu Salmiya was arrested along with several other senior doctors, said Khalid Abu Samra, a chief of department at the hospital.

One other doctor and two nurses had been detained by the Israeli forces, a Gaza health ministry official told AFP.

The Hamas said it strongly denounces the arrest of Dr Salmiya and his colleagues, calling on the International Committee of the Red Cross and other organisations to press for their immediate release.

IDF destroys Hamas tunnel before truce

06:21 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) says it has completed its operational preparations according to the combat lines of the pause.

Earlier today, IDF troops destroyed a route of underground tunnels and a number of tunnel shafts discovered in the area of the Al-Shifa Hospital.

Over the last day and night, IDF troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea continued to strike terror targets, operate in different areas to locate suspicious structures and engage with terrorists, the IDF officials said on Friday.

Videos showed some IDF tanks crossing the border from Gaza into Israel on Friday morning, though the extent to which Israels forces will withdraw from positions in Gaza for the duration of the ceasefire remains unclear.

Bel Trew reports from Tel Aviv.

Displaced Palestinians return to their ravaged homes

06:06 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A displaced Palestinian man, who fled his house due to Israeli strikes, carries his belongings as he makes his way back to his home, in Khan Younis (REUTERS)

Palestinians carrying belongings walk next to a destroyed car, during a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis (REUTERS)

Palestinians walk on a street during a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis (REUTERS)

Commander of Hamass naval forces killed, IDF says

06:00 , Alexander Butler

Amar Abu Jalalah was killed along with another member of the Hamas naval forces, the IDF said in a statement.

It said Jalalah was a senior operative in Hamass naval forces and was involved in directing several terror attacks by sea that were thwarted.

Over 100 Russians evacuated from Gaza

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

More than 100 Russian nationals were airlifted by a special aircraft from conflict-torn Gaza, the Russian emergencies ministry said on Friday.

At least 101 Russian nationals had been taken from Gaza to Egypt in the past 24 hours, bringing to more than 750 the total number of Russian evacuees, the ministry said on Telegram.

The group flew home aboard a chartered Ilyushin-76 aircraft, it added.

More than 650 had been flown to Russia, including more than 300 children.

Gaza ceasefire begins

05:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has begun at the scheduled time of 7am, with the pause in fighting due to be followed by the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas militants.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said both sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed on Friday afternoon.

He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, Mr al-Ansari said.

The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence, he told reporters on Thursday.

Up to 27 people killed in strike on UN school in Jabalia refugee camp, Gazan health ministry claims

05:01 , Alexander Butler

The health ministry in Gaza said 27 Palestinians have been killed in a strike on a school affiliated with the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

At least 27 people were killed and 93 wounded in the strike, AFP reported that a Palestinian doctor said.

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

David Cameron will meet with Palestinian leaders to discuss how Britain can help alleviate the crisis in Gaza after the announcement of a truce in the war between Israel and Hamas.

The foreign secretary earlier held talks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president Isaac Herzog as it was confirmed a four-day ceasefire will begin on Friday morning.

Lord Cameron will continue his visit to the region on Friday, meeting with Palestinian leaders to focus on how the UK can help respond to the crisis in Gaza.

Tomorrow, in meetings with Palestinian leaders and aid agencies, he will focus on how UK efforts can help alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the foreign office said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

We are working towards a long-term political solution to this crisis.

Hamas to release 23 Thai hostages unconditionally after Iran-mediated talks

04:01 , Alexander Butler

Hamas is set to release 23 Thai hostages it is holding in Gaza without any conditions, according to a report by the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news site.

The release of Thai hostages would not be connected to the deal reached by Israel and Hamas over the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, the outlet said.

The announcement comes after Iran-mediated talks between the Palestinian militant group and the Thai government, it said.

Israel increased bombardment of Gaza ahead of truce

03:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Israeli forces intensified strikes from air, land and sea across Gaza between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon ahead of the scheduled truce, the UN said.

Many casualties have been reported, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

About 200 patients and medical staff were awaiting evacuation at the Indonesian hospital in North Gaza, it said, adding that the hospital was surrounded by Israeli forces.

Three children, including an infant in an incubator died in Kamal Odwan hospital in North Gazas Jabalia on Wednesday due to the lack of electricity, the UN report added.

Cuban president leads countrys march for Palestine

03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Thousands of people in Cuba led by president Miguel Diaz-Canel marched along Havanas iconic boardwalk in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Wearing a black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, Mr Diaz-Canel on Thursday was accompanied by prime minister Manuel Marrero and foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez.

The marchers walked for 2km, passing in front of the US Embassy. Palestinian medical students who were in Cuba as part of a cooperation program joined the rally.

Today we are supporting the Palestinian people, supporting all those people who feel the pain of having lost a family member, a loved one due to this massacre, Yanquiel Cardoso, a physical culture specialist who participated told Associated Press.

We are asking for a ceasefire ... and for Palestine to be free.

Many young people had posters with the phrase Free Palestine with crude photographs of children injured by bombs or flags identifying both Cubans and Palestinians.

Cuba Israel Palestine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

His US teenage son wont be among the freed Hamas hostages

03:05 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

As millions of Americans gather together for turkey and pumpkin pie, one New York family is desperately missing their 19-year-old son, who is still being held hostage by Hamas.

Today is Thanksgiving. As Americans we have an empty seat at the table  you do not want to live in my universe, his father Ruby Chen told The Independent.

His son Itay Chen was captured by the militant group during the deadly attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 civilians in Israel.

Bel Trew and Mike Bedigan report.

An empty seat at Thanksgiving. Families of Hamas hostages pray for their safe return

WHO chief joins chorus of voices calling for temporary truce to become permanent ceasefire

03:01 , Alexander Butler

The chief of the World Health Organisation has joined the chorus of Arab leaders and Palestinian groups calling for the temporary truce agreed between Israel and Hamas overnight to be turned into a permanent ceasefire.

In a statement on X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he welcomed the announcement from the early hours of this morning but that it was not enough to end the suffering of civilians.

Efforts to free the remaining hostages must continue, and I reiterate that those still in captivity must receive any needed medical care, he said.

We continue to call for all hostages to be released. We also continue to call for a ceasefire so that civilians in Gaza can receive sustained, safe and scaled up support for recovery.

We welcome the announcement of the Israel-Hamas agreement for 50 Israeli hostages to be released. My thoughts are with the families, some of whom my @WHO colleagues and I met with in recent weeks.



We also welcome the 4-day pause in fighting that will allow more aid to be safely  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 22, 2023

Only Hamas's total surrender can stop war resuming after truce, says Israeli minister

02:01 , Alexander Butler

Hamas is trying to extort Israel and hostages should be released without a price, Israels economy minister Nir Barkat told Sky News.

Asked about the number of Palestinian deaths, which the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says has surpassed 13,000, Mr Barkat says: No, Im sorry, Im not willing to listen to this game theory. It is not about game theory, not numbers.

It is very simple. We will go after all of Hamas. And we will do the best we can not to hurt innocent people, but they use them as shelter.

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

01:01 , Alexander Butler

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza set to begin on Friday will allow for the release of 50 hostages, the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid, and a brief respite from the relentless bombardment of the densely populated territory for more than two million civilians.

But what happens when it ends?

The short answer is that the war will continue, and it may be even bloodier than before. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it bluntly on Wednesday during a live address about the hostage deal. The war continues, he said. We continue until we have achieved complete victory.

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

Benjamin Netanyahu vows Gaza war will continue after ceasefire

00:01 , Alexander Butler

Families of hostages, and Palestinians trapped in besieged Gaza wait anxiously for the start of a long-awaited truce and exchange of captives, in the first breakthrough in a bloody seven-week war, The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports.

At least 50 women and children captured by militants are expected to be gradually released over a four day period in exchange for a halt in fighting and the release of 150 Palestinian women and children jailed in Israel.

Hamas said hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid  including fuel  would be allowed to enter Gaza.

Netanyahu vows Gaza war will continue after ceasefire as hostages face anxious wait

Dogs are eating corpses on the streets of Gaza: Qatari official describes unparalleled destruction

Thursday 23 November 2023 23:00 , Alexander Butler

The level of death and destruction in Gaza is unparalleled, Qatars foreign ministry has said, warning that while Fridays truce is a vital step towards peace, no amount of aid is going to be enough, The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports.

Dr Majed Al-Ansari, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson, urged the international community to negotiate the unfettered flow of supplies into the Strip, on the eve of the first temporary ceasefire, which Doha was integral in pushing through.

Under the terms of the deal, during a four-day pause in fighting, Hamas militants will free 50 Israeli women and children hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and teenagers in Israeli prisons.

Dogs are eating corpses on the streets of Gaza, says Qatari official

Biden has fingers crossed for release of hostages

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:00 , Alexander Butler

President Joe Biden delivered pumpkin pies to firefighters on Thursday to celebrate the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and expressed hope about a pending hostage release in the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Biden, who is vacationing with his family on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket, has spent part of his time here speaking to foreign leaders about the war.

He told reporters at the fire station that he would not give an update on the hostages until Friday, but said he was keeping his fingers crossed that a 3-year-old American girl would be among those released first.

Mother-of-two longs for return of daughters abducted by Hamas

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:10 , Alexander Butler

The mother of two Israeli children abducted by Hamas has said she is going through an incredibly difficult time after finding out her daughters will not be released under Fridays hostage exchange.

Mother-of-two Mayaan Zin, whose daughters Dafna, 15, and Ela, eight, were abducted by Hamas on 7 October, said she longs for their return but was relieved for other families.

Ive been informed that Dafna and Ela are not on the list of the 13 hostages to be released tomorrow. This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return. Im relieved for the other families and hopeful for the release of all the hostages, she said on X.

I've been informed that Dafna and Ela are not on the list of the 13 hostages to be released tomorrow. This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return.



I'm relieved for the other families and hopeful for the release of all the hostages.  Maayan Zin (@ZinMaayan1007) November 23, 2023

Gaza ceasefire: 13 Israeli hostages to be freed as four-day truce begins

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:10 , Alexander Butler

Thirteen Israeli hostages will be released from Gaza on Friday at the start of a four-day truce that Qatar called a catalyst for long-term peace and a glimmer of light at the end of tunnel, The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports.

Under the terms of the breakthrough deal, brokered by Doha and Washington, Hamas militants will free 50 women and children they abducted in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and teenagers from Israeli prisons.

The agreement, secured after weeks of fraught negotiations, also allows for the pause in hostilities to be extended daily provided more hostages are released.

Gaza ceasefire: 13 Israeli hostages to be freed as four-day truce begins

Watch: Pro-Palestine protesters dragged away after disrupting Macy's Thanksgiving parade

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:00 , Alexander Butler

Watch: David Cameron meets Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel-Hamas truce announced

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:00 , Alexander Butler

The US hostages that wont be released in Hamas prisoner swap

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:00 , Alexander Butler

As many as 50 hostages taken by Hamas could return to their families beginning on Friday in a prisoner swap deal that, along with an initial four-day ceasefire, represents the biggest diplomatic and humanitarian breakthrough in a conflict that has claimed over 15,000 lives in Israel and Gaza over the past month and a half.

But for Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a Hebrew University of Jerusalem history professor, the wait for his hoped-for reunion is set to go on. His son Sagui, 35, was kidnapped from the Nir Oz kibbutz during the brutal 7 October attacks.

The prisoner swap, which is expected to formally begin on Friday, is slated to involve only women and children being released from Gaza, followed by the staggered release of 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails.

The US hostages that wont be released in Hamas prisoner swap

Watch live: Israeli children protest for safe return of Hamas hostages

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:00 , Alexander Butler

Watch live: Israeli children protest for safe return of Hamas hostages

Hamas confirms ceasefire

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:00 , Alexander Butler

The armed wing of Hamas, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, has confirmed that the four-day pause in fighting will begin at 7am.

In a statement it said all military actions by al-Qassam Brigades and Israeli forces would cease during the four-day halt in fighting.

200 aid trucks to deliver supplies daily during ceasefire, says Hamas

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:05 , Alexander Butler

Up to 200 aid trucks will deliver relief and medical supplies to all areas of the Gaza Strip daily during the four-day ceasefire, Hamas said.

The militant group added that an additional four trucks will deliver fuel and cooking gas every day of the truce to the enclave.

Three Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, will be released for every one Zionist prisoner, it said in a statement.

Within four days, 50 Zionist prisoners, women and children under the age of 19, will be released.

Israel confirms list of hostage release names

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:53 , Bel Trew

Israel has confirmed a preliminary list of the names of hostages set to be released under a Qatar-brokered ceasefire tomorrow.

Israel confirms that a preliminary list of names has been received. The appointed officials are checking the details of the list and are in contact with the families, the prime ministers spokesperson said.

Up to 13 women and children are expected to be released at 4pm on Friday following the beginning of a four-day ceasefire at 7am.

Israel and Hamas truce will start at 7am, says Qatar

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:25 , Alexander Butler

The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin at 7am tomorrow, Qatars foreign ministry has announced.

Speaking at a news conference in Doha, a ministry spokesman said the first group of hostages will be handed over at 4pm.

Dr Majed al Ansari said the first group will be made up of 13 people and families will be given priority. The beginning of the pause will be at 7am Friday 24 November, and it will last as agreed for four days, he said.

The first batch of civilians to be released from Gaza will be around 4pm of the same day. They will be 13 in number, all women, and children and those hostages of the same families will be put together in the same batch.

Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs @majedalansari: The humanitarian pause in Gaza will begin at 7 am on Friday November 24#MOFAQatar  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 23, 2023

Hezbollah fires 50 rockets at Israel after five senior fighters killed

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:08 , Alexander Butler

Hezbollah has fired more than 50 rockets at military posts in northern Israel after five of its senior fighters were killed.

The Lebanese militant group sent waves of rockets over the border in one of its most intense bombardments since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted last month.

In a series of statements, the Iran-backed group said the volleys it fired toward Israeli posts included 48 Katyusha rockets that were directed at an army base in Beit Zeitem

David Cameron meets Israeli prime minister

Thursday 23 November 2023 13:56 , Alexander Butler

The UK foreign secretary David Cameron has met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel was hoping to get hostages out of Gaza, but warned it wasnt without its challenges and it must eradicate Hamas first.

We have to, we hope to get this first tranche out. And then were committed to getting everyone out. Well continue with our war aims, namely to eradicate Hamas, because Hamas has already promised that they will do this again and again and again, he said.

Lord Cameron responded by saying the UK stood with the people of Israel but added it was important to talk about a humanitarian pause.

I think its an opportunity to crucially get hostages out and to get aid into Gaza. Theres never an excuse for this sort of hostage taking.

All the hostages should be released.I hope everyone whos responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage, he said.

Lord Cameron and Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands (EPA)

Lord Cameron and Benjamin Netanyahu (EPA)

Director of Al-Shifa Hospital arrested, IDF says

Thursday 23 November 2023 13:37 , Bel Trew

The director of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza has been arrested and taken in for questioning by the ISA, the Israel Defence Forces said.

The director of the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip was apprehended and transferred for ISA questioning following evidence showing that the Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as a Hamas command and control center, the IDF said.

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari added: Now, the irrefutable truth of Hamas exploitation of hospitals in Gaza is on full display to the world. I want to make it clear that Israel is at war with Hamas. We are not at war with the people of Gaza.

British hostages in Gaza a priority as David Cameron visits Israel, No10

Thursday 23 November 2023 13:12 , Archie Mitchell

David Cameron is in Israel meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders and pushing for the release of British hostages in Gaza.

The government believes there are three British hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

And, as foreign secretary Lord Cameron meets with leaders in the region, the prime ministers spokesman said securing the release of the hostages is a priority.

The spokesperson said: That is something we will continue to be pushing for. It is a priority for us working with regional partners.

Securing the release of hostages is a priority, Lord Camerons spokesperson said (REUTERS)

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

Thursday 23 November 2023 11:46 , Tom Watling

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza set to begin on Friday will allow for the release of 50 hostages, the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid, and a brief respite from the relentless bombardment of the densely populated territory for more than two million civilians.

But what happens when it ends?

The short answer is that the war will continue, and it may be even bloodier than before. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it bluntly on Wednesday during a live address about the hostage deal. The war continues, he said. We continue until we have achieved complete victory.

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

Spain in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza in 'the very short term'

Thursday 23 November 2023 11:00 , Tom Watling

Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday said his country is in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the very short term.

Our position with regards to Palestine and the Palestinian people is clear. We are in favour of a Palestinian State. In the very short term, what is truly urgent is for a humanitarian ceasefire to happen, Mr Albares said in an interview with Spanish radio station RNE.

The existence of a Palestinian state will be the best guarantee for peace in the Middle East, ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Israel and the West Bank on Thursday.

He reiterated that Spain is ready to hold a peace conference on the conflict.

More than 13,000 people have died in Gaza, officials say as they resume detailed count

Thursday 23 November 2023 10:29 , Tom Watling

The director of the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza says it has resumed its detailed count of casualties from the Israel-Hamas war, and has documented more than 13,000 deaths.The Health Ministry had stopped updating its figures on 11 November after the breakdown of access and communication in northern Gaza, where Israeli ground troops are battling Palestinian militants.The latest count is based on updated figures from hospitals in the south and 11 November figures from the northern hospitals. The real toll is likely higher.The Health Ministry says another 6,000 people have been reported missing, and are feared buried under the rubble.

Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip, on the outskirts of Gaza City, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press All rights reserved)

Anxious families wait to see if loved ones will be among those freed

Thursday 23 November 2023 09:45 , Namita Singh

Relatives of the Israeli hostages are worried about the fragility of the agreement, while others fear not everyone will come home, writes Kim Sengupta:

Anxious families wait to see if loved ones are among 50 freed in Gaza hostage deal

Gaza is worlds most dangerous place for children - Unicef

Thursday 23 November 2023 09:30 , Namita Singh

The Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child, the head of the United Nations childrens agency Unicef says.

Executive Director Catherine Russell told the UN Security Council that more than 5,300 Palestinian children had reportedly been killed since 7 October, when Palestinian militants of Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking hostages, most of them civilians.

Israel has focused its retaliation against Hamas in Gaza, a territory of 2.3 million people.

How Joe Biden and a secret cell of aides worked to arrange a Gaza ceasefire

Thursday 23 November 2023 09:15 , Namita Singh

How Joe Biden and a secret cell of aides worked to arrange a Gaza ceasefire

Children will be traumatised after capture, says psychologist

Thursday 23 November 2023 09:00 , Namita Singh

Dozens of Israeli children held hostage by the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza for more than six weeks face a difficult return when they return home under a prisoner swap agreement, doctors and child psychology specialists said.

At least 50 hostages, most of them children, are expected to be returned under a deal which includes a four-day pause in the fighting in Gaza and the return of around 150 Palestinian prisoners.

They will probably show signs of post-trauma, which means that some of them will be very fidgety, very frightened, some may be very angry, said Dr Daphna Dollberg, clinical and developmental psychologist at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo.

Watch: IDF says Israel still at war despite suspension of hostilities for hostage release

Thursday 23 November 2023 08:45 , Namita Singh

Lord Cameron in Israel following truce announcement with Israel

Thursday 23 November 2023 08:27 , Namita Singh

Foreign secretary Lord Cameron is visiting Israel following the announcement of a truce in the war with Hamas.

The former prime minister arrived in Israel amid uncertainty about when the pause in the fighting will begin.

The agreement for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza appears to have hit a last-minute snag.

(REUTERS)

A senior Israeli official said it would not take effect before Friday, a day later than originally expected.

The deal will see the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, with Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed by Tel Aviv.

The lull in the fighting is also expected to clear the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to ease the suffering of citizens who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it takes on Hamas in response to the 7 October atrocities.

In pictures: David Cameron reaches Israel

Thursday 23 November 2023 08:18 , Namita Singh

British foreign secretary David Cameron and Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen visit Kibbutz Beeri following the 7 October deadly attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas (Reuters)

(Reuters)

(Reuters)

Israel-Hamas truce deal for hostage release hits last-minute snag

Thursday 23 November 2023 08:11 , Namita Singh

An agreement for a four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of dozens of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel appeared to have hit a last-minute snag when a senior Israeli official said it would not take effect until Friday, a day later than originally announced.

The diplomatic breakthrough promised some relief for the over 1.7 million Palestinians who have fled their homes under weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones captured during Hamas 7 October attack that triggered the war.

This picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing after an Israeli strike as flares are also dropped over north Gaza on 22 November 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced the delay late on Wednesday, without providing a reason. Israeli media reported that some final details were still being worked out.

The Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, which played a key role in mediating with Hamas, said early Thursday that a new time for the agreement to go into force would be announced in the coming hours. It was originally set to begin today at 10am . The US and Egypt also helped negotiate the deal.

Israel says attacked over 300 Hamas targets over the last day

Thursday 23 November 2023 07:02 , Namita Singh

Israel said its forces carried out aerial strikes on over 300 Hamas targets over the past day. The claims could not be independently verified.

In Israel, sirens warning of incoming rocket fire from Gaza blared in communities near the border with the enclave, the military said. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

No let up in Israels attack on Gaza amid truce deal

Thursday 23 November 2023 07:02 , Namita Singh

Israeli aircraft and artillery struck Gazas southern city of Khan Younis in at least two waves and 15 people were killed, reported Palestinian media. This comes amid efforts to broker a ceasefire deal to secure release of hostages and let in humanitarian aid.

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on 23 November 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Attacks were also reported in several other parts of Gaza, including the Jabalia and Nuseirat camps.

Announcement on start of truce could come in few hours - Qatar

Thursday 23 November 2023 06:25 , Namita Singh

An Egyptian security source said mediators had sought a start time of 10am today.

Speaking in the morning, Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari said an announcement on the beginning of the truce could come in the next few hours. Qatar has been mediating in the negotiations on the truce.

The negotiations on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly, Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement released by the prime ministers office.

The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday, it said.

Maryland hate crime commission member suspended for anti-Israel social media posts

Thursday 23 November 2023 05:40 , Namita Singh

Marylands attorney general suspended a member of the states new commission aimed at addressing hate crimes this week after she posted on social media criticizing Israels actions in Gaza.

Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a news release on Tuesday that his office recently learned about the personal social media posts of Zainab Chaudry, director of the Maryland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention is required to include a representative of CAIR along with other advocacy organizations. It was created by state lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session and began meeting last month. Mr Brown has the authority to appoint its members as chair of the commission.

Report:

Maryland hate crime commission member suspended for anti-Israel social media posts

Humanitarians want more aid for Gaza, access to hostages under Israel-Hamas truce. And more time

Thursday 23 November 2023 05:26 , Namita Singh

International aid groups say they are ready to deliver thousands of truckloads of food, water and other supplies to besieged Gaza if a temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war takes hold as hoped on Thursday.

Some hailed an important first step, but many said on Wednesday that a four-day truce isnt enough to meet overwhelming needs after seven weeks of fighting have displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now living in miserable conditions.

More here:

Humanitarians want more aid for Gaza, access to hostages under Israel-Hamas truce. And more time

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:57 , Namita Singh

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza set to begin on Friday will allow for the release of 50 hostages, the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid, and a brief respite from the relentless bombardment of the densely populated territory for more than two million civilians.

But what happens when it ends?

The short answer is that the war will continue, and it may be even bloodier than before. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it bluntly on Wednesday during a live address about the hostage deal. The war continues, he said. We continue until we have achieved complete victory.

More in this report:

What happens when the Gaza ceasefire ends?

Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad flees Gaza

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:56 , Namita Singh

Plestia Alaqad, a Palestinian journalist whose dispatches from Gaza have provided a rare glimpse of the war to millions of social media followers around the world, has fled Gaza amid Israels ongoing bombardments and military siege.

I traveled yesterday and this was literally one of the hardest decisions that I took, she wrote in the caption under an Instagram video on Wednesday. I hope this nightmare ends and Ill be back in Gaza soon.

She made the decision to leave for the safety of her family, fearing that her reporting and role as a journalist could put her familys life in danger, she said.

My colleague Alex Woodward has more:

Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad flees Gaza: I hope this nightmare ends

Optimistic that release will begin on Friday: White House

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:55 , Namita Singh

The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israels national security adviser and the US said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday.

Israel and Hamas agreed early on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days, to let in humanitarian aid and free at least 50 hostages held by militants in the enclave in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel.

The starting time of the truce and release of hostages captured by Hamas during its 7 October attack on Israel has yet to be officially announced. An Egyptian security source said mediators had sought a start time of 10am on Thursday.

White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson said final logistical details for the release were being worked out. That is on track and we are hopeful that implementation will begin on Friday morning, Ms Watson said.

Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israels hit list after last months deadly attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:23 , Namita Singh

The mastermind of the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the worst Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed in generations is a secretive figure, feared on both sides of the battle lines.

Since Hamas fighters carried out the deadliest attack on Israel in decades, Israeli officials have vowed to crush the Palestinian militant group and its enigmatic leader in Gaza.

Report:

Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel's hit list after last month's deadly attack

Anxious families wait to see who will be freed in Gaza hostage deal

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:22 , Namita Singh

There is relief that moves are being made to bring those being held captive back, writes our World Affairs Editor Kim Sengupta. But some relatives are worried about the fragility of the agreement, while others fear not everyone will come home.

Anxious families wait to see if loved ones are among 50 freed in Gaza hostage deal

Israel unveils what it claims is a major militant hideout beneath Al Shifa Hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:22 , Namita Singh

Israeli military officials have shown a group of international journalists a small living quarters they found in a tunnel underneath Al Shifa Hospital, claiming that the space had been used by Hamas militants.

Israel unveils what it claims is a major Hamas militant hideout beneath Gaza City's Shifa Hospital

How the hostage deal came about

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:08 , Namita Singh

The negotiations hardly ran smoothly. But in the end, persistence paid off.

Six weeks ago, not long after Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis and took scores of others hostage in a surprise assault, the government of Qatar quietly reached out to the United States to discuss how to release those who had been taken captive by the militant group.

But the mission demanded extreme sensitivity. It was so secret that US officials established a communications cell to reach Hamas directly, and kept those negotiations tightly guarded throughout the US government. Only a handful of people were aware of the talks, according to a senior White House official.

For weeks through the cell, which allowed the small circle of negotiators to speak regularly without additional bureaucracy, US and Israeli officials would scramble to put together a deal that would release dozens of hostages held by Hamas.

Report:

How the hostage deal came about: Negotiations stumbled, but persistence finally won out

Netanyahu vows Gaza war will continue after ceasefire

Thursday 23 November 2023 04:04 , Namita Singh

Families of hostages, and Palestinians trapped in besieged Gaza wait anxiously for the start of a long-awaited truce and exchange of captives, in the first breakthrough in a bloody seven-week war.

At least 50 women and children captured by militants are expected to be gradually released over a four-day period in exchange for a halt in fighting and the release of 150 Palestinian women and children jailed in Israel.

Hamas said hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid  including fuel  would be allowed to enter Gaza. Israeli diplomatic sources told The Independent the ceasefire could be extended by a day for every additional 10 or so additional hostages released. In exchange, there will also be more Palestinians released.

Our chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports:

Netanyahu vows Gaza war will continue after ceasefire as hostages face anxious wait

NYC halal food truck vendor terrified by former Obama advisers racial abuse

Thursday 23 November 2023 03:57 , Namita Singh

Mohamed Hussein told The Independent that Stuart Seldowitzs insults about his Islamic faith and threats against his family in Egypt were entirely unprovoked.

Report:

Food truck vendor says he is terrified over former Obama advisers racial abuse
Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners Friday as part of the first round of exchanges with Hamas, which had earlier freed hostages from Israel, Thailand and the Philippines.

The Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which mediated the negotiations on the deal to release detainees, has confirmed the 39 Palestinian prisoners were released Friday.

The Palestinians were sent home at around the same time as the 24 hostages held by Hamas crossed into Egypt and then into Israel on Friday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which is transferring both Israeli and Palestinian prisoners and hostages, said so far 33 Palestinian detainees from the Israeli-run Ofer Prison have arrived in Ramallah, the de facto capitol of the West Bank.

The exchange Friday is the first part of what is expected to be the release of a total of 50 hostages held by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jail over four days.

Over that period, there will also be a temporary pause in the fighting and the flow of more humanitarian aid into besieged Gaza.

The Palestinian prisoners freed Friday were women and children, which Hamas had asked to be released in the first batch. Videos circulating on social media have shown some of the prisoners being greeted by family, friends and supporters.

Hamas in turn has released 13 Israeli citizens, 10 Thai and one Filipino, according to Qatar and Israeli authorities.

The hostages held by Hamas were safely transferred to Israel and inspected at hospitals without any serious injuries, according to Israel, and they are returning home to their families.

Hamas kidnapped around 240 hostages when it launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis.

Israel has faced immense pressure at home to find a way to bring the hostages home and the deal was worked out over weeks of intense negotiations, with the help of the U.S. and Egypt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (L) and his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo (R) visit the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, accompanied by Egyptian International Cooperation Minister Rania al-Mashat (STR)

The Israeli foreign ministry on Friday summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium for a "harsh rebuke" over comments by the two countries' leaders about the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Spain's foreign ministry swiftly riposted by calling in the Israeli ambassador to explain her government's "false and unacceptable" allegations against the Spanish prime minister.

Visiting the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Friday, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the Israeli "operation needs to respect international humanitarian law" and denounced the destruction in the Gaza Strip as "unacceptable".

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed his views, saying the "indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians" in the Palestinian territory was "completely unacceptable".

Both leaders called for a permanent ceasefire in the war-battered territory.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen "gave the order to summon the ambassadors of these countries for a harsh rebuke", his office said in a statement, accusing the two leaders of supporting "terrorism".

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he "strongly" condemned the comments by the European leaders.

The statement released by his office blamed them for not placing "total responsibility on Hamas for the crimes against humanity it perpetrated: massacring Israeli citizens and using Palestinians as human shields".

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told public television he had called in the Israeli ambassador to lodge a formal protest against the Israeli government's allegations.

The tit-for-tat moves came on the first day of a four-day truce between Israel and the Palestinian militants in Gaza following nearly seven weeks of relentless war.

Hamas broke through Gaza's militarised border with Israel on October 7 to kill about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has vowed to "crush" Hamas in response and unleashed a withering military campaign that Gaza's Hamas government says has killed nearly 15,000 people in the coastal territory.

On Friday, Hamas handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza a total of 24 hostages -- 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino -- according to Qatar, which mediated the truce agreement.

In exchange, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

burs-sbh-tpe/kir/jsa
Actor Jamie Foxx denied allegations Thursday, a day after he was sued over a purported 2015 sexual assault.

A lawsuit against the Oscar winner was filed Wednesday in New York Supreme Court claiming Foxx assaulted the victim at upscale restaurant and lounge Catch NYC & Roof in Manhattans Meatpacking District.

A statement released on behalf of the 55-year-old said the incidentnever happened.

The alleged incident never happened. In 2020, this individual filed a nearly identical lawsuit in Brooklyn. That case was dismissed shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for Foxx said Thursday. The claims are no more viable today than they were then. We are confident they will be dismissed again. And once they are, Mr. Foxx intends to pursue a claim for malicious prosecution against this person and her attorneys for re-filing this frivolous action.

The suit claims that shortly after meeting and asking for a photograph, Foxx dragged the victim by the arm to a secluded area of the rooftop lounge and placed both of his hands on Plaintiffs waist, moved them under Plaintiffs crop top and began rubbing her breasts.

Foxx proceeded to slide his hands into Plaintiffs pants and put his fingers on and in Plaintiffs vagina and anus, the lawsuit alleges.

The victim is identified in court documents only as Jane Doe

The suit also blames the restaurant for the incident, because staff had knowledge of Foxxs propensities for aggressive behavior towards females, the potential for unwanted sexual touching and his bad disposition when consuming excessive alcohol, the suit claims.

The lawsuit is the latest filed in New York in the days leading up to the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, including  among others  ones filed against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Guns N Roses frontman Axl Rose, and two separate lawsuits against Sean Diddy Combs, one of which was quickly settled.
[Source]

An enormous trove of 100,000 ancient coins were recently discovered in Maebashi, a city in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, with archaeologists estimating some of them to be over 2,000 years old.

Discovery: The coins, stacked together in 1,060 bundles, were unearthed at a construction site for a new factory in the citys Sojamachi district, according to The Asahi Shimbun. Local officials said they were found in an area measuring 60 centimeters by 1 meter, with each bundle containing about 100 coins.

The coins were subsequently featured in an exhibit. "I was surprised because I had never seen so many buried coins," a visitor in her 70s said, as per NHK.

Analysis: At least 334 coins have been analyzed. Archaeologists identified 44 different coins from the sample.

Trending on NextShark: S. Korean lawmaker proposes imposing fines on video game hackers

The oldest one was believed to be a Ban Liang coin from 175 BCE. Ban Liang coins were the first minted in unified China during the Western Han Dynasty between 220 BCE to 9 CE. Meanwhile, the most recent coins were from 1265, a year within the Kamakura Period (1185 to 1333). This suggests the coins were buried during the period.

What experts are saying: Archaeologists believe the coins were buried due to a looming war. The site of discovery was reportedly close to the homes of important figures in medieval Japan.

Ethan Segal, an associate professor of history at Michigan State University, told Live Science that other coin hoards have been found across Japan. "Caches of buried coins, mostly from Japan's medieval period  13th through 16th centuries  have been found in many locations around the archipelago," he said.

Trending on NextShark: China hails 'good old friend' Henry Kissinger, who visited country over 100 times

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A century ago, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago expanded its facilities to more rural areas, and established a camp along Hastings Lake. Now, 100 years later, the Hastings Lake YMCA is still standing, and celebrating its hundredth anniversary at its Lindenhurst facility.

The milestone anniversary was celebrated with a birthday party, held at the YMCA, on Nov. 20. The party, which was attended by staff and YMCA members, featured photos from the duration of the YMCAs history on display, a ribbon cutting, and of course, a celebratory cake.

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Additionally, the Hastings Lake YMCA also sold commemorative T-shirts and sweatshirts to raise funds to send children to camp. Rhonda Hoekenga, the Youth Development Director at the Hastings Lake YMCA, said that the branch raised around $1,000 from the sales, which is enough to send a child to camp for approximately three weeks.

Hastings Lake YMCA Youth Development Director Rhonda Hoekenga cuts a ribbon at the event on Nov. 20. (Erin Yarnell/Pioneer Press)

The Hastings Lake YMCA was first built to service as a camp in 1923, as part of an expansion into more rural areas. The site was one of four camps built during the decade. Hoekenga said that the Hastings Lake location served as an away camp for the Irving Park YMCA.

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They had people from Irving Park coming up here because it was such a rural area at the time, Hoekenga said.

The camps history was on display at the party through photographs from its early years, as well as letters that were written by campers.

During the party, Hoekenga and representatives from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago spoke about the sites history, as well as their hopes for its future.

Im so grateful that the Hastings Lake YMCA has been here for, what I hope, is a couple hundred more years, said Dorri McWhorter, the president and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

YMCA of Metro Chicago President and CEO Dorri McWhorter speaks at the event on Nov. 20. (Erin Yarnall/Pioneer Press)

McWhorter attributed much of the sites success to the local community, who have supported the Hastings Lake YMCA for a century.

I think that what we have in this community is amazing, and I want to see it go to infinity and beyond, McWhorter said. It takes two pieces: it takes an incredible team, and incredible members, so together thats what makes this such a great community.

Hoekenga agreed that the community is what has helped contribute to the longevity of the YMCA branch, especially its longtime members and staff.

The dedication of the same people being here for so many years, that keeps it a tight group, Hoekenga said. Also our members, a lot of them are 20-, 30-year-long members. That closeness and community helps it to continue to run.

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One of the sites longtime members, Edward Jurgaitis, attended the party, and helped to hold the ribbon during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

They taught my children, and my grandkids, how to swim over here, said Edward Jurgaitis, a member of Hastings Lake YMCA for more than 50 years. Jurgaitis is one of the branchs longest-standing members. He said that he first joined the YMCA in Waukegan as a child, but when he moved to the area, switched over to Hastings Lake.

A cake at the Hastings Lake YMCA's birthday party on Nov. 20. (Erin Yarnall/Pioneer Press)

Jurgaitis said that theres a simple reason why he has maintained his membership for half of a century: the branchs pool.

I like swimming, Jurgaitis, who goes into the YMCA five times a week, said. My kids were just starting to learn how to swim [50 years ago], so we signed up here, and weve been a member ever since.

Jurgaitis was impressed with the longevity of the YMCA, and how much the branch has evolved since he first signed up for a membership.

I didnt believe that it was here that long, Jurgaitis said. When I first came out here, there was no building. I think there was a pool, but there was no building or anything.

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Now, the Hastings Lake branch has a main building, with an indoor pool, locker rooms and exercise equipment, as well as several cabins, where classes like yoga and tai chi are taught, and other outdoor facilities.

While the YMCAs staff and members have had fun imagining what the potential next century may bring, theyve also enjoyed reflecting on the past 100 years, and how they have made an impact on the community.

Its been very important, Jurgaitis said. I cant imagine what my physical health would be if it wasnt for the [Hastings Lake YMCA]. Its been a big help.
In the pantheon of questionable excuses, needing to spend more time with my family reigns supreme.

Its the default setting, the easiest explanation to give for a fork in the road better left unexplained.

For example, five years ago former Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa stunned school board members by leaving his job after just 2  years, and a month after getting a raise.

He did it to take a high-paying, less stressful job with a local publishing company.

This opportunity will allow me to spend the last part of my career impacting education at the national level while affording me more time to commit to my family, Avossa wrote in his resignation letter.

More: Indian Creek Village Florida is Billionaire Bunker, home to Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, Ivanka and ...

More: 'Billionaire Bunker' Florida home listed at $85 million. Jeff Bezos got it for $79 million

Former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy performed a master class in the family excuse when the basketball team, expected to be a championship squad, got off to a bad start under his leadership. Van Gundy was pushed aside after just 21 games of the 2005 season.

Ive got a 14-year-old daughter and it started to hit me when I started thinking about her birthday, which was last month, Van Gundy said as he announced his departure from the struggling team.

Ive got four more years left with her. Four. And then shell be off to college and Im just not willing to sacrifice any more of those four years.

Two years later, Van Gundy began a five-season head-coaching stint with the Orlando Magic.

If only people were as refreshingly candid as Andrew Mason, the former chief executive of Groupon, who wrote this memo 10 years ago:

After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, Ive decided that Id like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding  I was fired today.

The latest high-functioning executive experiencing sudden family pangs is Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and the worlds third-richest person.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced that he is moving from Seattle to Miami to be closer to his parents.

Bezos announced this month that he was moving from his Seattle home, where he has lived for nearly 30 years, to spend more time with his parents.

They recently moved back to Miami, the place we lived when I was younger, he wrote on Instagram. I want to be close to my parents.

This is an inverted more-time-with-family excuse. Usually, its to spend more time with your kids. Bezos is pining to spend more time with his parents. Thats a new wrinkle.

Now, Im not completely heartless. I do think that there may be some genuine family men out there, but in the case of Bezos, I suspect there may be another factor involved.

Bezos interest in moving from Washington state to Florida coincides with Washingtons passage of a new state capital gains tax aimed at collecting billions of dollars from a small number of the states richest people.

Bezos sold about $15.7 billion of his Amazon stock before this law went into effect  a savings of nearly $1.1 billion in wealth tax he would have owed to the state of Washington, according to the Tax Foundation, a non-partisan educational and tax policy research organization.

The states economists projected that the wealth tax would raise about $3.2 billion a year once implemented, the Tax Foundation reported.

This estimate included assumptions that some share of high-net-worth households would move to avoid the tax, but a Bezos move is going to be particularly hard for the state to stomach.

Based on his current net worth, which is mostly in publicly reported ownership of Amazon shares, Bezos would have been on the hook for about $1.44 billion a year under the proposed wealth tax  a full 45 percent of the projected total.

Frank Cerabino

More: Cerabino: Florida's CFO Jimmy Patronis proposes state to pay Trump's legal fees

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So, while Bezos pines to be closer to his parents in Florida, the key measure of distance for him may be how far away he is from Washingtons new state tax on billionaires.

Fortunately for him, his riches will be safe in Florida, which only expects its oligarchs to donate heavily to political campaigns and shadowy dark-money groups.

Speaking of political campaigns, I suspect that were just months away from Gov. Ron DeSantis having an epiphany.

Could Florida Gov. Ron Desantis, who, according to polls, is lagging far behind Donald Trump in their campaign to be president, take a cue from Jeff Bezos soon?

As his floundering campaign stumbles to its inevitable conclusion, we can fully expect that DeSantis will announce some second thoughts about his presidential ambitions.

In the end, hell probably say, he decided it wasnt worth it because he needs to spend more time with his family.

Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the Gannett Newspapers chain.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Amazon's Jeff Bezos says Florida move to spend more time with family.
Ghislaine Maxwell is facing a lawsuit from a woman who claims that she and Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused her for years more than three decades ago.

In a complaint filed in New York on Wednesday, Elizabeth Stein alleges that after she met Maxwell at Henri Bendel department store around 1994 she began a long, abusive relationship with the couple that resulted in her having an abortion.

In addition to Maxwell, the executors of Epsteins estate are named as defendants in the suit.

Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a series of sexual offences. Epstein was awaiting trial when he died in his New York prison cell, apparently by suicide, in 2019.

The filing comes on the heels of the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, a one-year lookback window for survivors of sexual assault to file civil claims that would be barred by New York statute of limitations. The deadline to file claims is Friday.

Elizabeth Stein, left, and Sarah Ransome, alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, outside federal court in New York in 2022 (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

According to the lawsuit, Maxwell first met Ms Stein, then-21, at Henri Bendel, where she was employed as a shop assistant. Ms Stein said the woman informed her that one of her friends was closely connected to Les Wexner, the stores owner.

Maxwell asked her to help her as she picked out items. She then made several purchases and asked that Ms Stein personally deliver them to the St Regis, a Manhattan hotel.

When Ms Stein arrived at the hotel, she found the couple sitting at the bar.

The pair invited her to join them for a drink. Soon after, a concierge informed the couple that their room was ready. They asked Ms Stein to bring the items up to their accommodation, the lawsuit states.

Though Ms Stein thought the request was odd, she completed the task, fearing that not doing so could compromise her job.

The couple then invited Ms Stein to join them in their room. She did.

The three then began to have a long conversation. After a while, Epstein went to the bathroom, court records allege, and Maxwell followed him.

The two came out wearing bathrobes, according to the suit. The couple continued speaking to Ms Stein  however, this time asking about her sex life, the suit states, including whether she was in a relationship.

The shop assistant told them that she had a boyfriend.

Later in the interaction, the couple began kissing. They asked Ms Stein if she had ever been in a threesome, according to the documents. She replied that she had not.

In response, the pair asked Ms Stein to join them. She reluctantly agreed, the suit states. The three subsequently began to engage in sexual contact until Ms Stein asked them to stop.

When her request was ignored, she told the couple that her boyfriend was on his way to her home and she needed to leave.

Epstein then handed her a tip, according to the court documents. Ms Stein proceeded to leave the hotel.

This was the start of a three-year nightmare for Plaintiff, during which Maxwell and Epstein stalked Plaintiff, sexually abused her and trafficked her to their friends for more sexual abuse, the complaint states.

Ms Stein began frequently seeing Maxwell and Epstein in New York. Around 1995, the couple invited her on a trip to Florida. She accepted. When Ms Stein returned home following the trip, she discovered she was pregnant, the suit states.

Maxwell encouraged her to have an abortion, which she did, according to the suit. Ms Stein said that the pregnancy came from a sexual assault that occurred when she was in Florida.

The Independent has reached out to Maxwells attorney for comment. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee. Shes been convicted of conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, conspiracy to transport minors to participate in illegal sex acts, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts, sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking of a minor.

The lawsuit did not specify a dollar amount being sought by Ms Stein, stating that monetary damages would be determined at trial.
New Jersey mall evacuated after bomb threat on Black Friday

A New Jersey mall was briefly evacuated Friday after someone called in a bomb threat on the busiest shopping day of the year.

New Jersey State Police said the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, N.J., received a bomb threat around 7:13 a.m. local time and police quickly ordered an evacuation of the building out of an abundance of caution.

Police said bomb and K-9 units swept the mall but did not find any explosive devices.

The mall has been deemed safe and American Dream will be returning to normal operations, state police said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said there is no imminent threat to shoppers at this time but police were on alert.

We will remain vigilant to ensure everyone stays safe this holiday season, Murphy wrote on X.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A week and a half ago, 300,000 people marched in Washington, DC for Israel and  it was argued by several of the rallys speakers  against Jewish fragility. The weeks following the October 7 massacre in Israel had prompted many American Jews to appeal for gentile help by appealing to their own helplessness. A community rabbi spoke for two minutes on television about how afraid and pained his congregants felt about a protest by some local antisemites. A rabbi at a college in the northeast gave an equally anxious quote to a news website about an upcoming Students for Justice in Palestine rally.

The sentiments of these rabbis are not exceptional  they are expressed on social media by laymen everywhere. Even some who rightly urge their fellow Jews to be strong and resolute first say how traumatised they are.

A competition of grievances is not good for the Jews, as many Jews are learning from their sometime allies on the political left. Jews can be beaten, kidnapped, raped, beheaded, and burned alive in their homes, and so long as the pogromists are Palestinians, the assault will be excused or justified by many claiming to speak for the wretched of the earth.

A different way of thinking about suffering as a Jew was offered by Odessa-born Zionist Vladimir Jabotinsky, who spent his life fighting both the ideal and the fact of Jewish vulnerability. Jabotinsky summarised his thoughts in the poetic introduction to his Russian translation of Chaim Bialiks Hebrew poem The City of Slaughter, written after the Kishinev pogrom of 1903.

Jabotinsky commends the lyrical skill with which Bialik depicts the assault  the worst of its kind in many years  that killed forty-nine Jews. Jabotinsky then speaks to the humiliation of the survivors (who Bialik had unforgettably described as hiding in fear while their brethren were publicly tortured)  Israel, will you not listen?/There is no support or aid from strangers/There is no shame like the shame of trembling/And surrendering to the whip/To the demeaned, bent and bowed:/Throw away scorn, and once more blossom.

Jabotinsky is making the strategic case for Jewish courage. If Jews are afraid and weak, they will keep getting beaten up. Servility neglects our basic duties of self-respect and self-preservation. Jabotinsky was not blaming Jews for their awful predicament  he was telling them to do something about it, instead of petitioning others to do something about it for them.

The main solution of Jabotinsky and the other political Zionists to Jewish oppression was Jewish self-defense, now embodied in a Jewish military protecting a Jewish state. We have just had a bloody reminder that such protection is imperfect. The best militaries are only human. What deserves everyones veneration right now is the spirit that on October 7 motivated ordinary Jews, once again under attack, to defend themselves. The citizens of southern Israel did not cower and they did not tremble. They did what they could to protect one another until the Israeli Defense Forces arrived.

Unlike in Jabotinskys day, Diaspora Jews now mostly live in countries that protect their Jewish citizens. The United States, Great Britain, and France have functioning police forces. They are governed not by the Romanovs but by mostly-decent liberals elected by broadly pro-Jewish populations. These great blessings do not relieve Jews of the duty to look after themselves. Jew-hatred is getting more common and more violent in America, and publicly declaring weakness and terror is the opposite of helpful.

There are Diaspora Jews adapting the Jabotinskyite way to countries that are, again, much friendlier to Jews than the Russian empire c. 1903. Orthodox Jews in my home state of Maryland are learning how to shoot. Their example should be followed everywhere possible, and the Jewish purposes of such gatherings ought to be loudly advertised. Many entrances to American synagogues are guarded by armed police  if legally permissible, armed congregants might join these officers outside, so would-be attackers learn that Jews are never easy targets. Jewish youth groups might begin to offer self-defense training to their members, where possible in public. Jewish day schools can do likewise in their physical education classes.

Communities that lack the relevant institutions ought to establish them, so that Jewish boys and girls can grow up with earned confidence.

The point of these efforts, and of making them well-known, is to dissuade those who want to violently tread on the Jews from trying. The psychological basis of Jewish self-defense is Jewish bravery, and the more publicly it is displayed, the more enemies of the Jews it will deter. Those who mean Jews harm not let up on us because we remind them that eighty years ago our relatives were killed in Auschwitz. They will let up on us when going after us becomes useless  when it doesnt even make us afraid.

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New Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has spent the last couple years on the House Armed Services Committee, experience that will influence his handling of the upcoming fight with the Senate over the annual Defense spending bill.

While Johnsons unique perspective may help in moving forward the immense, $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the must-pass legislation faces a series of hurdles and a wide chasm with the Senate. The current House bill contains a series of GOP-backed culture war provisions, which Johnson has supported, that are dead on arrival in the upper chamber.

Still, lawmakers this week expressed optimism over the bills chances, including two senior members of the House Armed Services Committee.

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I just talked to [Johnson] about 30 minutes ago. Hes committed to make sure we get the NDAA done, Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) told attendees at a Politico defense event Tuesday.

Wittman, the chair of the committees Tactical Air and Land Forces panel, said the new Speaker understands what he has to balance there in the interest of the GOP, as well as what has to be done to get the NDAA through the House and the Senate.

And Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the Armed Services seapower subcommittee, said the Speaker has the muscle memory of voting for bipartisan NDAAs.

Im hopeful, anyway, that that is gonna stick with him and make sure that we continue the winning streak for NDAA, Courtney added, referring to the fact the bill has passed annually for 61 consecutive years.

Johnson, who was a lawyer before joining the House in 2017, has served on the House Armed Services Committee since 2021, sitting on the readiness and seapower subcommittees

While in Congress, he voted for the final passage for every NDAA, including voting to override then-President Trumps veto of the legislation for fiscal 2021  an issue that arose over its rule to remove Confederate names from military bases.

But the task of overseeing a final version of the bill to send to President Bidens desk is far from simple.

The Houses version of the NDAA, miles apart from the Senates, is packed with provisions restricting the Pentagons abortion travel policy, cutting medical care for transgender troops and ending various diversity programs.

Johnson, who in the past has sought wins on social issues that affect service members, must help craft a compromise bill that satisfies both the Republican-led House that pushed forward such culture war provisions and the Democrat-controlled Senate that has balked at their inclusion in the legislation.

Among the most controversial items is a rule that would block the Pentagons new policy that covers travel costs for military members who seek abortions out of state from where they are based, a proposal that the conservative Johnson co-sponsored.

The Speaker also joined Republican colleagues in opposing Ukraine aid, voting in favor of amendments to the NDAA that would have struck Ukraine funding from the legislation, amendments that did not pass.

Insertions that did make their way into the bill include one that bars funding for surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender troops and others that limit Pentagon programs aimed at diversity, equality and inclusion  efforts Johnson also supported.

Such provisions turned the normally bipartisan annual affair into a near-party-line vote when Republicans passed the House version of the bill earlier this year.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in July that many of the items the House GOP included in their legislation had little chance of being included in a final version.

They are throwing on the floor partisan legislation that has no chance of passing. The contrast is glaring, Schumer said at the time.

A final bill will need to be nailed down by the time members leave for Christmas, giving lawmakers a little more than a month to hash out their differences. Informal talks have been going on for months, though the Senate has yet to vote to formally enter negotiations with the House.

Provisions related to abortion and other culture issues are already expected to be watered down, tilting the bill in the Senates direction.

This week, Wittman said that House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) plans to make sure House and Senate lawmakers in charge of negotiating a final bill are broken up into smaller groups to talk about some of the thornier issues to make sure were able to work through those.

Another big help is that Johnson does not appear to be duty-bound to those on the GOPs far right, making him easier to work with than his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), according to House Armed Services Committee ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.).

One thing that Mike Johnson understands is he doesnt just have to appease those 30 or 35 members who are the most extreme right wing of his caucus, said Smith, who also spoke at the defense event Tuesday. He has to govern effectively for the American people. That means working with a wide variety of people.

For his part, Johnson has pledged to pass a House-Senate compromise NDAA before years end.

In a letter to Republicans released ahead of his election to speaker in October, Johnson mapped out an ambitious legislative schedule that includes passing the bill in December.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A judge in Nevada rejected a proposed 2024 ballot initiative that sought to enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in the states constitution.

Siding with a newly established PAC  the Coalition for Parents and Children PAC  which filed a lawsuit last month to block the petition, District Judge James T. Russell deemed the proposed ballot initiative to be too broad, embracing a multitude of subjects that amount to logrolling.

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This is probably the clearest case I have seen that I think there is a violation of the single subject rule, Russell said, according to local outlet KOLO News, which first reported the ruling.

Ive seen a lot of them over the years and in respect to this particular matter, there are too many subjects, the judge added. Not all of which are functionally related to each other.

His ruling follows a petition that was filed Sept. 14 by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights  an abortion-rights political action committee.

If passed by voters, the initiative would have added a new section to Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution, ensuring every individual has a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which entails the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including, without limitation, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, vasectomy, tubal ligation, abortion, abortion care, management of a miscarriage and infertility care.

Russell, according to reports from The Las Vegas Review Journal, also argued that the implications of the question were unclear. He further stressed that funding would also be required to create a panel to determine if a health provider carried out an abortion according to the appropriate standards of care.

Reproductive-rights advocates within the swing state have vowed to continue in their efforts, with Nevadans for Reproductive Rights planning to appeal the decision.

Nevadans overwhelmingly support putting reproductive rights into our state constitution, and voters should be aware that anti-abortion advocates still have plenty of state government allies who are willing to help them undermine reproductive freedom, Lindsey Harmon, president of the abortion-rights PAC, said in a statement, adding that the group would not let one judges misguided ruling deter us from giving Nevadans the opportunity to vote to permanently protect their reproductive rights in the Nevada Constitution.

In the event that the Nevada Supreme Court reverses the decision, petition supporters would need to obtain more than 100,000 signatures by July 8 in order to qualify the measure for the 2024 ballot.

If passed, Nevada could join the likes of Ohio, which earlier this month became the seventh state to protect abortion access via ballot.

Currently, abortion up to 24 weeks remains legal in Nevada following a 1990 referendum vote that codified abortion protections into state law by also putting those rights in the state constitution.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries, while two other children and two adults had lesser injuries (PAUL FAITH)

A Brazilian delivery driver and a young French chef were among the "heroes" Ireland saluted Friday for subduing a knife-wielding assailant suspected of attacking children outside a Dublin school.

"They are the real Irish heroes, whatever their nationality -- Irish, Brazilian, Italian," Ireland Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said of Thursday's attack, which was followed by an anti-immigrant riot by right-wing youths.

A five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.

Two other children and two adults -- a woman and the suspected perpetrator -- were taken to hospital with lesser injuries.

Caio Benicio, a Brazilian driver for the Deliveroo takeaway app, used his helmet to stop the attacker as he allegedly stabbed three children and a woman.

Benicio, a 43-year old father of two from Rio de Janeiro, said he was riding past the Parnell Square scene of the attack when he saw what looked like a fight.

"I just pulled up my motorcycle and I saw him stabbing her many times in the chest," the former restaurant owner told the Irish Daily Mirror.

He took off his helmet and started hitting the attacker.

"I hit him in the head and he fell on the ground," Benicio added.

"After that I hit him a couple of times and then after that people came and started to kick him."

- 'You just act' -

"When you see a little kid, five years old, with a man with a knife, you just act," Benicio said.

Benicio was aided in disarming the attacker by a trainee chef from France, who has been in Dublin on an internship at the Spitalfields restaurant since October.

The 17-year-old student, who suffered minor injuries to his hand and face, received a congratulatory phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

"The president called him to congratulate him and thank him for this act of bravery that saved lives and made us all proud," the presidential office told AFP.

The restaurant where he works also paid tribute on Instagram.

"This is our own 17-year-old super hero..." the restaurant wrote, alongside his picture.

"He noticed something happening as he passed by and selflessly jumped in to stop the attacker and managed to wrestle the knife off him," it added.

Rumours on social media about the nationality of the assailant, who police only described as a man in his fifties, fuelled tension.

A mob -- described as made up of right-wing youths -- later broke through the police cordon around the attack area in north central Dublin and went on the rampage.

Multiple police officers were injured, 34 people arrested and several cars torched by the time calm was restored around midnight.

Benicio, who moved to Ireland so that he could support his family after his restaurant burned down, said the riot that erupted "doesn't make sense".

"They are protesting about foreign people -- about immigrants -- I am an immigrant."

srg/jwp/jj/gv/rox
"Gracias, Kathy" best expresses an evening honoring Central American Medical Outreach founder Kathryn Tschiegg on Thursday at The Connection Conference and Event Center in Wooster.

In addition to in-person tributes, multiple people to whom Tschiegg has brought medical resources and educational and cultural opportunities to Santa Rosa, Honduras, for three decades expressed their appreciation on a video shown at the conclusion of the event.

As a person who doesn't seek attention, Tschiegg said she was given no choice about being paid a tribute. CAMO Vice President Ruth Brown insisted she needed recognition.

Tschiegg didn't think more than 40 people would show up, but was happy to be wrong. More than 170 well-wishers and supporters were in attendance at the Nov. 16 gala.

"It's my baby," Kathryn Tschiegg said about CAMO and the idea of retiring, asking rhetorically, does anyone stop caring for their children just because they have grown up?

Brown, also a nurse, spent part of her growing up years in Honduras and connected with Tschiegg in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch 25 years ago, when she asked, "How can I help?"

Speaking before the event on the enormity of Tschiegg's work with CAMO, Brown said, "It's just phenomenal. It's a 30-year milestone for CAMO."

"People are here from all over the world," including Laura Nunex Flores, former ambassador to the United States from Honduras, and Ana Castro, sister of the president of Honduras.

'This is a big deal," Brown said.

More: Wooster Community Hospital donates to Central American Medical Outreach

Laura Nunex Flores, the sister of Honduran President Dr. Ana Castro, spoke highly, with the help of a translator, of Kathryn Tschiegg.

Also on hand with testimonial proclamations were three mayors  Anibal Erazo Alvarado of Santa Rosa, David Handwerk of Orrville and Robert Breneman of Wooster.

CAMO started with a duffel bag in Tschiegg's living room, collecting hospital supplies

It was not a retirement party because Tschiegg has no intention of retiring.

"Thirty years and going strong," said Tschiegg in a pre-event interview in which she recalled starting the organization with a duffel bag in her living room, collecting hospital supplies from her nursing work in the United States. They would have gone to waste; instead she shared them with the Santa Rosa community.

While she could possibly reduce her CAMO hours some time in the future, she would not at any point give up her mission.

"It's my baby," she said, asking rhetorically, does anyone stop caring for their children just because they have grown up?

During her stint as a Peace Corps nurse assigned to Santa Rosa, the death of 31 babies in one month because of the lack of resources was a big part of Tschiegg's motivation to devote her life to saving the lives of others.

"The need was so absolutely great," said Tscheigg, who has written a book called "Hope for the Forgotten: My Unlikely Journey."

What made it even more unlikely is the system of care developed by Tschiegg. Rather than a one-and-done clinic with no follow-up, CAMO features the "counterpart" approach  finding a gap in care and developing a permanent program for a long-term sustainable model engaging Honduran professionals as partners.

An example is the establishment of an eye clinic with the assistance of Dr. John Thomas of Wooster. It is now the largest ophthalmology facility in Central America.

Honduran opthamoligist Marco Robles talks about how CAMO as helped Honduran people.

Honduran ophthalmologist Marco Pablo Robles recalled "so many eye needs," with nobody taking care of them.

"Just one lady" began the turn-around, according to Robles, who said that's not all Tschiegg did.

Making a difference in the areas of health, culture, community outreach and domestic violence, Tschiegg "inspired the city to be whatever the city wanted to be," calling the transformation "something remarkable."

Brent DeVore, president emeritus of Otterbein University, said he has served on about 27 nonprofit boards over the years. CAMO "is at the top of what they deliver" for the investment made, he said.

David DeVore, president emeritus of Otterbein University has served on more than 25 nonprofit boards, and said CAMO "is at the top of what they deliver" for the investment.

Programs supported solely by donations

Ninety-seven cents out of every dollar goes for programming, DeVore said.

It's all done through donations  no fees, he said.

There is a sliding scale for those able to contribute, but that is a very small number, said supporter Nancy Nikiforow.

"It's mind-boggling," DeVore said.

"This is such a great honor," said Tschiegg in a speech following a reception and dinner.

She noted about 25 people in her family were present, including her 93-year-old mother, who still volunteers for CAMO.

While Tschiegg was alone in her efforts for the first couple of years, she acknowledged all those who have come alongside her since then.

Looking out at the faces in the crowd, she said, "I see the blessings you have brought me."

People came along at just the right time to fill a need

She has always sought the guidance of God, noting just the right people came along at just the right time to fill a need - even plastic surgery for ears cut off in acts of violence against Honduran men.

Time after time, volunteer after volunteer made a phone call about helping her; she didn't call them.

"I believe those are divine-driven," Tschiegg said.

"She would be the first to tell you she didn't do all this alone," said emcee Cari DeSantis earlier in the evening, talking about the thousands and thousands of people who have benefited from Tschiegg's work.

About 170 people attended a dinner to honor Central American Medical Outreach founder Kathryn Tschiegg for the humanitarian work she has in Santa Rose, Honduras, over the past 30 years.

One little dream can grow and become something great

In her speech, surgeon Mary Boylan praised "how one little dream can grow and become something so great."

Tschiegg "had an idea and brought us all along," Boylan said.

While Tschiegg's Spanish may have frequently been her own version of the language, "her heart always spoke for her," said supporter Juan Carlos Elvir.

She embraced as partners in her mission the local people in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, DeSantis said.

"They were people who had been forgotten by the rest of the world," DeSantis said.

Between 2021 and 2022, 93,126 medical services were performed; 9,492 boxes of medical supplies and of 550 pieces of medical equipment were donated.

"It has been a wonderful journey," Tschiegg said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Tschiegg lauded for CAMO's 30 years helping to heal Honduran city
US Attorney General Merrick Garland has called for the swift extradition of Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, described by the Justice Department as a lead assassin for the Sinaloa Cartel, after his arrest in Mexico.

Perez Salas is one of the Sinaloa Cartels lead sicarios, or assassins, according to a news release from the Department of Justice. Known as Nini, Perez Salas was captured by the Mexican National Guard on Wednesday in Culiacan, Sinaloa, according to Mexican officials.

CNN has reached out to the Mexican Attorney Generals Office for more details about the arrest but did not immediately receive a response. It is not clear if Perez Salas has an attorney.

In February 2021, Perez Salas was charged in the United States with cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and witness retaliation. The US State Department offered a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to his arrest.

The State Department said Perez Salas worked directly with Oscar Noe Medina Gonzalez, a subordinate of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, one of the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who was sentenced to prison in the US in 2019.

The State Department also said Perez Salas was responsible for the security apparatus of Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is accused of being one of the commanders of the Ninis cell, described as a particularly violent group of security personnel for Los Chapitos.

President Joe Biden praised Mexican security forces for Perez Salas arrest on Wednesday.

On November 22, Mexican security forces captured Nestor Isidro Perez Salas (El Nini), the notorious head of security for the Chapitos wing of the Sinaloa Cartel. For nearly three years, El Nini has been one of Mexicos and the United States most wanted criminals, indicted by the United States for his roles in perpetrating violence and illicit fentanyl trafficking into the United States, and both our countries are safer with him behind bars and facing justice for his crimes, the president said in a statement.

Biden heralded the US-Mexico partnership to secure our communities against violence, counter the cartels, and end the scourge of illicit fentanyl days after the US secured an agreement with China regarding the source materials used to make fentanyl.

Biden expressed his gratitude to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the Mexican Army and special forces.

I want to thank President Lopez Obrador and the Mexican Army and special forces for effectively capturing El Nini, and express our appreciation for the brave men and women of Mexican security forces who undertook this successful operation to apprehend him, he said.

In response, Lopez Obrador thanked the American president.

We thank him for the mention, the recognition, he said Friday.

He also stressed the importance of alleviating the pandemic of fentanyl consumption in the US.

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CSX announced Thursday afternoon that residents could return home after a chemical fire from a train derailment forced many to evacuate outside of Livingston, Ky., ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.



The fire is completely out, CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker said in an email, The Associated Press reported. He added that officials reviewed the air monitoring data and decided it was safe to let the residents come home.

The CSX train derailed, spilled chemicals and caught fire around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near the remote town that has a population of about 200 people. The railroad company offered hotel rooms and Thanksgiving meals for those who were displaced, according to AP.

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The fire was likely due to the two cars that carried molten sulfur. Two other cars were carrying magnesium hydroxide, but CSX said in a statement they likely werent breached in the derailment. The other cars had non-hazardous materials.

Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can harm the respiratory system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

While Tucker said the air quality measurements indicated it was safe for residents to return to the area, the results of the tests have not been released.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D), who declared a state of emergency after the derailment, thanked first responders for their work to extinguish the fire.

Thank you to the first responders who worked hard to put out the fire at the train derailment site in Rockcastle County, he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

While there is still work to be done, we are thankful for the good news that our families in Livingston are able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving at home, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Anthony Ray Hinton, freed after serving 30 years on Alabama death row for murders he didnt commit, greets audience members after telling his story at the Purdue University Northwest Sinai Forum in Westville on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didnt commit, is pushing for an end to capital punishment.

Why is that we cannot understand that there have been 196 persons exonerated on death row and we still have a death row? he asked the audience Sunday at Purdue University Northwests Sinai Forum.

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I truly believe that we spend too much time hating instead of loving, Hinton said.

Anthony Ray Hinton, freed after serving 30 years on Alabama death row for murders he didnt commit, speaks at the Purdue University Northwest Sinai Forum in Westville on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

It costs Alabama $2 million to execute a prisoner compared to $100,000 to keep them in prison the rest of their lives, he said.

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It is challenging and it is hard for me to try and beat the pavement and try to get people to understand that states with death row are no safer than states without it, he said.

Its time somebody told you the truth. The politicians dont care about you. They just want you to keep putting them in office, Hinton said. I believe its time young people pick up the torch. Its time we start electing them.

Hintons arrest and trial

The truth is the state of Alabama did not make an honest mistake, Hinton said.

He was mowing his mothers lawn in Birmingham, Alabama, in July 1985 when he was arrested. Two fast-food restaurants were robbed and the managers shot.

As he was being arrested, Hinton told the officers his mother had a gun in the house for killing snakes but it hadnt been fired in 25 years.

Hinton had an alibi. He was working at a warehouse 15 miles away at the time of the crime. But that didnt matter. A manager who was shot but not seriously wounded identified Hinton from a photo lineup.

Your alibi checks out, but he said we have decided to charge you with first degree capital murder, a detective told him.

I truly believe you havent committed the crime, one of the white detectives said, adding, Why dont you take this rap for one of your home boys who committed the crime?

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Hinton said a detective told him, I dont care whether you did or didnt, but I am going to make sure youre found guilty of it.

Hintons trial included a white prosecutor, a white judge and all all-white jury.

After Hinton was pronounced guilty, he heard prosecutor say that the right black man wasnt convicted, but at least they got a black man off the streets.

Anthony Ray Hinton signs a copy of his book, The Sun Does Shine, for Gloria Thode at the Purdue University Northwest Sinai Forum in Westville on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

Life in prison

Hinton didnt speak to anyone in prison for three years, he said. He was in a dark place.

Ever since I was 4 years old, my mother taught me to believe in God, he said. I wanted to know what I did so bad in life that God allowed me to be convicted of a crime I didnt commit.

I was angry with God. And as a human factor, I have the right to be angry with God, Hinton said. My mother had taught me compassion. My mother had told me no matter what a man does in life, that man deserves compassion.

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Hinton was still locked up but found a mental escape.

I closed my eyes as tight as I could close them, he said, and dreamed visiting Queen Elizabeth at her palace. She offered him a cup of tea. Mr. Hinton, will you come back? the dream queen asked. And I told the queen I would love to come back.

Thats when he realized he could leave death row any time he wanted, by using his mind.

Help finally arrives

During his sixth year in prison, a guard told him he had an unexpected visitor. Get dressed and go see who it is, the guard told him.

The visitor was a Boston lawyer.

He looked at me and said, Im going to do my best in trying to get you home, Hinton said. The lawyer offered to get Hinton out on lifetime parole. Hinton refused. If the state of Alabama is hellbent on executing me for a crime I didnt commit, so be it.

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I looked at the lawyer and said, I need a lawyer who believes in me, Hinton said. Always stand up for what you believe in.

When Hinton heard of attorney Bryan Stevenson and his Equal Justice Initiative arguing against the death penalty, Hinton wrote him a letter. You probably get letters all the time from men saying they are innocent, but I am truly innocent, Hinton wrote.

Three months later, Stevenson replied he would look into it. Eight months letter, he visited.

I need you to hire a white man, and I need this man to be from the South, Hinton said. Even if the expert testimony came from the best white woman in the country, her word is no good on the witness stand in the state of Alabama.

Here I am, on death row fighting for my life, and now Ive got to worry about what race a person has to be, what gender, to get a person help, Hinton said. I need this southern white man to be the best of the best, but above all of that, I need this southern white man to just tell the truth.

Three months later, Stevenson had found three of the worlds renowned experts on firearms  one from Virginia, two from Texas. Until Hintons case, they had only testified for the prosecution.

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All three said the bullets used in the two murders did not even come close to being able to match the snake-killing gun Hintons mother owned.

Hinton criticized Alabama Attorney General William Pryor for saying, The only problem with this case is the man has been executed and we havent executed him yet.

Pryor didnt want to take an hour to review the case, Hinton said. I sat on Alabama death row for 16 years because my life was not worth one hour.

Taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court was risky. If he lost the appeal, an execution date would be set. In 2014, the high court ordered a new trial.

When the prosecution told the judge they couldnt find the gun, the judge gave them 60 days to produce it. Then they said they couldnt find the bullets. We found out they were testing the gun as well as the bullets, Hinton said.

The prosecutions expert said the bullets didnt match the way they did 30 years ago. They realized they could no longer tell that lie, Hinton said, and dropped charges against him.

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Anthony Ray Hinton, freed after serving 30 years on Alabama death row for murders he didnt commit, poses with Willie T. Donald, who was exonerated in 2016 for a 1992 Gary murder he didnt commit, on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

Life after prison

For the first time in 30 years, I heard the words, Youre going home, Hinton said.

I forgave the men who did this to me, Hinton said. I forgave them not so much so they could sleep well at night. I forgave them so I could sleep well at night.

He didnt hear words of conciliation from his accusers.

Every day, I struggle with who am I. You all can see the outside. You cannot see the scars on the inside, a tearful Hinton said. No one has said, Mr. Hinton, Im sorry.

Wheres my justice? When do I get justice?

What would be justice? No one has had the decency to say, Its OK Mr. Hinton, were going to help you try and get back on your feet.

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Hinton was introduced by Purdue University Northwest Professor Nicky Jackson, who heads the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance. Jacksons organization has helped not only free wrongfully convicted individuals but also help them get jobs, housing and other assistance after being released from prison.

I notice people say youre free now, but I want you to know Ill never be free again until the day I die, Hinton said.

I live in the house I was kidnapped from, he said. When a car pulls up behind him, he wonders if its the police coming for him.

Free men do not look over their shoulders. Free men do not look at the door to see if its being kicked down, he said.

Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Residents of a Kentucky town that was evacuated en masse after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed have now been told they can safely return home.

On the evening before Thanksgiving, residents in the small, remote town of Livingston in Kentucky were told to leave their homes after 16 cars on a 40-car CSX train derailed that afternoon.

Two of the cars were carrying molten sulphur and caught fire, releasing sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county and an evacuation order was issued. Meanwhile, the US Route 25 was closed in both directions through Thursday.

After spending the Thanksgiving holiday eating a dinner supplied by the rail company in a local middle school and a church  and spending the night in the school hall or locals hotels  the roughly 200 residents of the town were able to return home.

CSX made the announcement on Thursday afternoon after the rail company and emergency officials spent hours putting out the fire.

Special air monitoring equipment was then used to determine that the area was safe for residents to return home.

Mr Beshear confirmed on X that the residents could spend the remainder of the holiday back in their houses.

Thank you to the first responders who worked hard to put out the fire at the train derailment site in Rockcastle County, he wrote.

While there is still work to be done, we are thankful for the good news that our families in Livingston are able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving at home.

An outreach centre has been opened in a local gymnasium to help families back into their homes.

From Sunday, CSX will also be reimbursing residents for any wage losses and out-of-pocket expenses caused by the incident  and will still be supplying food and lodging as needed.

Livingston residents were evacuated to a local middle school (WTVQ via AP)

Residents had previously spoken of their disappointment that they had to leave their homes for the holidays.

Linda Todd told WYMT she was in the middle of preparing her Thanksgiving feast for the next day when she was told to leave immediately by a local official.

I was freaking out because I said, We are cooking, we got turkeys in the ovens. We cant leave. They were like, You have to go, it is a bad situation. You have to go, she said.

Evelyn Gray, another resident, said she was instantly impacted by the toxic chemical when an official opened her back door to tell her to evacuate.

As soon as he opened the back door to come in, the chemical hit me, and I had a real bad asthma attack, Ms Gray told WTVQ-TV.

Sulphur dioxide can harm the human respiratory system, making breathing difficult and damaging the lungs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. People with asthma, particularly children, can be very sensitive to exposure.

Work crews are still clearing up the molten sulphur from the ground and shifting the derailed cars to restore the area completely.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, CSX said in its latest statement.
More than 71 people have died as ongoing floods continue to wreak havoc across Kenya and East Africa

At least seven people are feared dead after they were swept away by a flooded river in south-eastern Kenya.

A local chief said they were sitting on a log in the middle of the river as they tried to cross when the floodwaters rose and took them away.

The group was returning to their homes in Makueni County after meeting First Lady Rachel Ruto in Nairobi.

Kenya, as well as neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia, are grappling with their worst flooding in recent history.

Witnesses told local media that several people had been left stranded after the Muooni River flooded following several hours of intense rain, but the group resolved to attempt crossing it anyway on Thursday evening.

"They were sitting on a log floating in the middle of the river after being overwhelmed by the raging waters as they tried to cross," the area chief Norman Musyoki told privately owned Daily Nation newspaper.

"A sudden swelling of the river swept them away as a crowd of witnesses looked on helplessly."

He said that authorities were trying to determine the exact number in the group, but witness accounts say at least seven were swept away.

Rescue and recovery efforts by local authorities and the Kenya Red Cross are currently under way.

Ongoing heavy rains and flooding - which are linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon - have killed at least 71 people and displaced more than 150,000 in Kenya, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

El Nino is caused by the Pacific Ocean warming and is linked to flooding, cyclones, drought, and wildfires.

Thirty-three out of 47 counties have been affected, but Makueni is one of the most affected.

Despite the widespread devastation, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday said that the national government would not fund flood-response efforts.

The floods have killed more than 130 people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, according to the aid agency Oxfam.

Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un heralded a new era of space power Thursday after his government reportedly launched a spy satellite earlier in the week.

North Korea reportedly launched the satellite, known as the Malligyong-1, Tuesday night, according to state-run news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). According to the state-run Pyongyang Times, the North Korean leader held a celebration of the launch Thursday.

At the celebration, Kim said the launch has had propelled the country into a new era of space power, KCNA said, according to the BBC.

Best Black Friday Deals

On Tuesday, the White House said strongly condemns the possible satellite launch. It also said that the launch violated United Nations (U.N.) Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

The president and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with our allies and partners, the Biden administration said in a statement. We urge all countries to condemn this launch and call on [North Korea] to come to the table for serious negotiations.

The launch came after two failed attempts back in May and August. Kim also reportedly watched the launch himself.

South Korea also suspended a no-fly zone agreement with its northern neighbor in the wake of the launch. The zone was near the demilitarized border between the two countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a call with South Koreas and Japans foreign ministers on the North Korean launch Friday, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

They stressed the need for the international community, including all members of the UN Security Council, to come together to prevent [North Korea]s procurement activities and stem the flow of revenue supporting its unlawful [weapons of mass destruction] and ballistic missile programs, Millers statement read.

The Secretary also reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitments to the defense of the [South Korea] and Japan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Police officers stand near on Parnell Street East near the scene of a knife attack in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday. A man has been detained after allegedly five people, among them three children, near a school in central Dublin, police said. Photo by Mostafa Darwish/EPA-EFE

Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Police in Dublin are bracing for more rioting on Friday after an outburst of destruction and violence was sparked by a knife attack outside of a school.

A rash of rioting broke out overnight among what Ireland's police chief called a "hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology." Their outrage has been reportedly sparked by the belief that the knife-wielding man who attacked children outside of a school on Thursday is a naturalized Irish citizen.

Police chief Drew Harris said the rioters have come to "hateful assumptions" that are stoked by false claims circulating online describing the suspect as a foreign national.

At least 32 people have been arrested for offenses related to the riot, including theft. Shop windows were destroyed and vehicles were set ablaze during the riot.

"Yesterday we experienced two terrible attacks -- the first was an attack on innocent children; the second was an attack on our society and the rule of law," said Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

Three children and a schoolworker were injured in the knife attack outside of a primary school in Parnell Square East on Thursday afternoon. At least one child, a 5-year-old girl, was seriously injured, as was the school worker, a woman in her 30s.

Caio Benicio, a 43-year-old Brazilian delivery driver, intervened and stopped the attacker by hitting him with his motorcycle helmet before holding him down. Other passers-by flocked to the scene and began kicking the man, who is described as being in his 40s or 50s.

"There are protests against immigrants and I am immigrant and I was there, right there to protect Irish people," Benicio said.
What to know about the Make Amazon Pay strike campaign

Thousands of Amazon workers and supporters worldwide staged protests Friday and planned more for Cyber Monday to demand the worlds largest retailer improve worker conditions, lessen its carbon footprint and pay more in taxes.

The Make Amazon Pay campaign isnt anticipated to get in the way of Black Friday shopping, but seeks to send a message to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and company leadership.

Heres what you need to know:

Its billed as the largest Amazon strike day ever

More than 80 labor and climate organizations are supporting protest and strike efforts at Amazon facilities worldwide, according to the groups involved.

Organizers said strikes and protests would take place in more than 30 countries Friday.

An organizer with GMB Union, a U.K.-based labor union, described the effort as the largest day of industrial disruption in Amazons thirty-year history.

The effort garnered support from more than 400 lawmakers from 38 countries for a protest in 2020, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and former U.K. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Protests and walkouts span multiple continents

While much of Europe will see protests Friday, workers at an Amazon facility in Joliet, Ill., pledged to also walk out in solidarity with the effort. There was also a planned strike of Teamsters members in Palmdale, Calif., organizers said.

Supporters also planned protests at Amazon facilities in Massachusetts, Georgia and Illinois. Outside the U.S., organizers planned protest action in Japan, India and throughout Europe, including Germany, France, Spain and the U.K.

Hundreds of workers were striking Friday at warehouses in Coventry, U.K., and in multiple German cities, Reuters reported.

It is the fourth year of the campaign

This year marks the fourth consecutive annual protest for Make Amazon Pay, launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as Amazon saw record profits with an increase in online shopping.

The 2022 effort focused on 30 countries, specifically 18 warehouses in France and Germany, according to organizers UNI Global Union and Progressive International.

While there were also protests in the U.S. and worldwide, last years campaign was much smaller than what organizers planned for Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2023.

This day of action grows every year because the movement to hold Amazon accountable keeps getting bigger and stronger, Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, said in a statement.

Workers know that it doesnt matter what country youre in or what your job title is, we are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas, and a voice on the job, Hoffman added.

Protesters demand worker benefits, climate action

The global protest movement is aimed at encouraging Amazon to improve its working conditions, including increased pay, more adequate breaks and benefits, as well as additional sick leave.

The same issues are at the center of labor fights with Amazon in the U.S., after multiple Amazon warehouses faced union votes in the last two years. The companys Staten Island, N.Y., warehouse is currently the only unionized facility in the U.S. after a vote in April 2022.

Protesters also demand that the company replace part-time employment with full-time jobs, stop anti-union efforts and bargain with negotiating workers in good faith.

The effort also hopes to encourage Amazon to further commit to lowering its carbon footprint and pay more in taxes to countries it operates in, protesters said.

Amazon defends employee pay, benefits

Amazon has pushed back on the claims promoted by protesters, saying the vast majority of these allegations are false or misinformed.

The fact is Amazon has created millions of good jobs, while helping create and support hundreds of thousands of small businesses around the world. We offer great pay and benefits for our employees, Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said in a statement to The Hill, with great career opportunities, and provide a modern and safe working environment for all.

We continue to invest in the countries and communities where we operate, and were proud to be the worlds largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, Paradis added. Thats part of our drive to be net zero carbon by 2040, with billions already invested in packaging reduction, clean energy and electric vehicles.

Brad Dress contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Air Force Reserve major and Florida businessman David J. Stuckenberg is entering a crowded race to become the next Republican presidential nominee  less than two months ahead of the Iowa Caucuses.

Stuckenberg, 42, has been in Iowa after announcing his candidacy Nov. 9 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he told attendees the country could sink further into decline and be scooped up by a tyrannical power or voters could choose a leader who can offer unity, stability and new ideas to fight for the countrys future.

Here's what to know about presidential newcomer Stuckenberg.

What is David Stuckenberg's election platform?

Stuckenberg, who believes the American economy has been "decimated by taxes," told the Des Moines Register he wants to cut taxes by 33% across the board to "reinvigorate" the economy.

He also wants to eliminate inheritance tax, a state tax paid when a person receives money or property from the estate of a deceased person, according to his campaign website. Six states impose an inheritance tax, according to the Tax Foundation. Iowa will phase out its inheritance tax by 2025.

Stuckenberg says he wants to shut down the northern and southern borders by his third day in office using National Guard troops and then implement a registration system for undocumented immigrants to understand who is in the U.S. and their "situation." The information will be used to determine "who stays and who returns home," he told the Register.

Dad David Stuckenberg talks with his eleven year old son Ethan after his speech. David Stuckenberg of Florida declares his candidacy for President in Plymouth with his family and minister by his side on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Those who are dangerous to the U.S. or have criminal backgrounds, for example, would be sent home, he said. Those whose lives are at risk should be granted the ability to stay.

National security is also a priority for Stuckenberg, who sees the U.S.'s heavy reliance on outsourcing its manufacturing as a large issue.

"I think as we shift our national security enterprise, we have to first look towards bringing back our manufacturing and industrial base to the United States," he said. "That means reinvigorating small towns and communities across states like Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and other areas that were once the defense industrial centers."

Who is David J. Stuckenberg?

Stuckenberg was born in California, grew up in Oklahoma and Missouri and lives in Tampa. During his time in the Air Force, Stuckenberg flew more than 150 combat missions, according to a news release.

He is the founder and chairman of the American Leadership and Policy Foundation, a nonprofit think tank based in Kansas City. Stuckenberg and his wife, Shannon, co-founded the startup Genesis Systems, which created a device called WaterCube that purports to generate between 1,000 and 2,000 gallons of water a day from the air.

Stuckenberg describes himself as a humanitarian, which derives from his Christian faith. He and his wife have five children ages 6 to 18.

He holds a doctoral degree in international security from Kings College in London, a master's degree in politics from George Washington University and a bachelor's in technology from the University of Central Missouri.

David Stuckenberg of Florida declares his candidacy for President in Plymouth with his family and minister by his side on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Why is David Stuckenberg running for president  and why did he wait until November to announce his candidacy?

Asked what led him to decide to run for president, Stuckenberg says voters are looking for a "dark horse, a white knight" who can "do the right things" and represent the "right ideas."

Stuckenberg says despite announcing his candidacy late in the year, the "race is wide open."

"I would tell you that it is never too late to do the right thing. And I think when we look at the polling right now that looked at the front runner, 60%  and some polls 75%, those voters are willing to change their mind if they had a different choice, if they had a different candidate," he told the Register, citing a survey conducted by Harvard CAPS-Harris which noted more than 60% of Trump primary voters said there's "at least some chance" they'd support a different candidate.

According to an October Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll, nearly two-thirds of those who name former President Donald Trump as their first choice say their mind is made up (63%), while over one-third (37%) say they could still be persuaded to switch their choice.

More: See how all 9 GOP presidential candidates perform with likely caucusgoers in new Iowa Poll

Stuckenberg, who says his presidency would be about unity and transparency for the American people, adds that his extensive military experience and international security strategy background set him apart from his opponents.

"And so I was in a Bob Evans restaurant last night, here in Florida, and I was speaking to a group of folks off of a charter bus, and the experience is always the same. It's one of elation and just being thrilled that there's somebody who is grounded and who is stable, willing to step out," he said. "I've never held a political office. I'm one of us. And I think that's what the founders intended."

What is David Stuckenberg's Iowa strategy?

Stuckenberg, who has not participated in any of the televised debates, enters a crowded field with eight candidates  and a clear favorite.

Trump holds a 27 percentage-point lead in the latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are locked in a battle for second place, both at 16%.

Stuckenberg says his campaign is looking to run an insurgent strategy, in part by finding opportunities to make inroads with voters where his opponents are running into obstacles.

Candidate David Stuckenberg surrounded by his family takes a few questions. David Stuckenberg of Florida declares his candidacy for President in Plymouth with his family and minister by his side on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Stuckenberg says his goal is to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties to meet "face to face" with people and hear their concerns. So far, he says he's visited 32 counties.

Stuckenberg says many of the candidates have fallen out because they've been the "wrong person for our time," and believes that his message of reviving the nation will resonate with voters.

"And so that's that's the flavor of this," he said of his campaign. "It's not hateful. It's not divisive. It's one that says we have an extraordinary thing. We live in one of the greatest nations in the world. And we have to have the right kind of character to bring us back together on our common ground."

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Who is Republican presidential candidate David J . Stuckenberg?
[Source]

The Seoul High Court has ordered the Japanese government to pay 200 million won ($153,300) in compensation to each of the 16 women who were among those kept as sex slaves in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

Landmark decision: Known colloquially as "comfort women," the group of victims filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government in 2016, seeking compensation as well as acknowledgment and redress for the pain and suffering endured during their wartime ordeal. In 2021, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the case, citing sovereign immunity.

With its landmark ruling on Nov. 23. the appeals court overturned the lower court decision, asserting that Japan's wartime actions violated international treaties and criminal law, reported the Japan Times. In rejecting the concept of sovereign immunity, the high court argued that a perpetrator country is not immune when its citizens suffer illegal acts within their own borders.

Historical context: The court's decision reflects a broader effort to address historical injustices and acknowledges the widespread impact of wartime sexual exploitation. Over 200,000 women and girls, many of whom were Korean, were forced into prostitution to serve Japanese soldiers during World War II. This systemic abuse extended beyond Korea, affecting women from mainland China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Trending on NextShark: S. Korean lawmaker proposes imposing fines on video game hackers

Compensation for victims: Lee Yong Soo, a 95-year-old activist and the only surviving plaintiff, expressed gratitude for the compensation order, noting that she wished to share the verdict with victims who had already passed away.

"I'm grateful. I'm really grateful," she was quoted as saying.

Japan's protest: The ruling comes amid recent diplomatic efforts to improve South Korea-Japan relations. In response to the ruling, Japan swiftly lodged a protest, with Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa terming it "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable."

Trending on NextShark: China hails 'good old friend' Henry Kissinger, who visited country over 100 times

Japan contends that issues related to its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula were resolved under a 1965 bilateral agreement and a 2015 accord, asserting finality to the comfort women issue. While the high court acknowledged Japan's argument as a potential point of contention, it noted it was not considered due to the Japanese government's non-participation in the case.

Japan ignored a similar ruling for a different lawsuit in January 2021, in which the Seoul Central District Court also ordered it to pay compensation to former comfort women.

Trending on NextShark: Man wanted for attempted burglaries of Vietnamese temples in San Diego

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Friday that NATO's desire to have a military analogue of the Schengen Zone in Europe to allow the alliance's armed forces to move around freely to counter Russia had ratcheted up tensions and was a cause for concern.

The chief of NATO's logistics command JSEC, Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, told Reuters in an interview published on Thursday that he would like to see such a zone.

He said he was worried that too much red tape across Europe was hindering troop movements, a problem he said could cause major delays if a conflict with Russia were to erupt.

NATO is actively supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia and Kyiv hopes one day to join the alliance. However NATO itself is not at war with Russia, a situation which U.S. President Joe Biden and other Western leaders say they want to avoid given Moscow's vast nuclear arsenal.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would respond if 'the military Schengen' proposal became a reality.

"The alliance has always regarded our country as a so-called notional enemy. Now it openly considers our country to be an obvious adversary. This (statement) is nothing more than about fuelling tensions in Europe which has consequences," Peskov told reporters.

He said talk of building a 'military Schengen' showed once again that Europe was unwilling to listen to Moscow's legitimate concerns and was ready to boost its own security at Russia's expense.

"It is NATO that is constantly moving its military infrastructure towards our border. We are not moving towards NATO infrastructure. NATO is moving towards us. And this cannot but cause concern and cannot but lead to retaliatory measures to ensure our own security," said Peskov.

Since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO has expanded some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) eastwards, taking in former Warsaw Pact countries including Poland and the Baltic nations and multiplying the length of the alliance's eastern flank to some 4,000 kilometres in total.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who fatally shot two Black Lives Matter protesters in Wisconsin in 2020, has now gone broke, according to his lawyer.

Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, died after Mr Rittenhouse, then 17 years old, fired a semi-automatic AR-15-style assault rifle at them during a night of unrest in Kenosha, as hundreds gathered to protest the police shooting of Black man Jacob Blake.

Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, was also shot but survived.

After the shootings, Mr Rittenhouse was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, and two charges of first-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Mr Rittenhouse, now 20, argued he fired in self-defence after each of the men attacked him.

In 2021, a jury acquitted him of all charges.

Since then, Mr Rittenhouse has made regular appearances in right-wing media and recently announced the release of his new book, titled Acquitted, which he describes as a story of survival, resilience, and justice.

But, despite his infamy, Mr Rittenhouses lawyer has revealed the 20-year-old has lost all his money since his acquittal.

Kyle Rittenhouse has gone broke since his acquittal, according to his lawyer (2021, Sean Krajacic, Kenosha News, All rights reserved)

He is working, he is trying to support himself. Everybody thinks that Kyle got so much money from this. Whatever money he did get is gone, lawyer Mark Richards told Court TV.

Hes living, I dont want to say paycheck to paycheck, but hes living to support himself. Obviously, as his lawyer and somebody who I want to do well, I hope he does re-engage in his studies.

But right now he is working full-time, he is living a law-abiding life and he is doing something that he enjoys.

Mr Rittenhouse has previously been open about his financial situation, appearing on Fox News to plead for donations to his legal fund.

Despite being acquitted in criminal court, the 20-year-old is currently facing a lawsuit filed by John Huber, the father of Anthony Huber.

Mr Huber filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr Rittenhouse, Kenosha city officials and its police force accusing them of violating his sons constitutional rights.

Mr Rittenhouse has raised $250,000 in donations for a legal defence fund to fight the lawsuit.

The estate of Joseph Rosenbaum also filed a wrongful death suit against Mr Rittenhouse in August of this year for compensatory and punitive damages.

Mr Rittenhouses trial and acquittal were divisive, with prosecutors portraying him as a wannabe soldier who had gone looking for trouble, while his supporters regarded him as a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness.

Controversy has continued to surround the 20-year-old in the aftermath of the trial, as he has slammed the media and officials including President Joe Biden and campaigned for gun rights.

Earlier this year, he joined gun rights activists in opposing a Texas state House bill that sought to raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21, in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting a year earlier.

Meanwhile, in July, he filed papers with the Texas secretary of states office to establish The Kyle Rittenhouse Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to protect human and civil rights secured by law, including an individuals inalienable right to bear arms and ensure the Second Amendment is preserved through education and legal assistance.
Michael Tuchin, right, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in June at the group's annual policy summit. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

Los Angeles police have launched an investigation into a protest Thursday at the Brentwood home of the president of a pro-Israeli lobbying group, with footage on social media showing protesters igniting smoke devices in the street and spattering fake blood on the property.

The incident, which police are investigating as a possible hate crime, is the latest in Los Angeles after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, prompting Israel to bombard and invade Gaza, the Palestinian enclave that Hamas controls.

The crisis has roiled Los Angeles, home to large populations of Jews and Palestinians. On Nov. 1, Canter's Deli, an iconic Jewish restaurant in the Fairfax District, was defaced with antisemitic messages spray-painted below a mural depicting the history of Jews in Los Angeles.

Read more: Antisemitic graffiti at Canter's Deli investigated as possible hate crime

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded Thursday morning to the 11900 block of Foxboro Drive, where a group of protesters was causing a "disturbance," according to a statement posted on X. Police made no arrests at the scene, but were investigating the incident as suspected vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon and a hate crime.

The statement did not name the owner of the home that was targeted. Officer Melissa Ohana, an LAPD spokeswoman, said the department doesn't identify victims of crimes.

But in a post on X, Mayor Karen Bass appeared to identify the victim as Michael Tuchin, a Los Angeles attorney and president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.

"Ive spoken with Michael Tuchin and Chief [Michel] Moore about yesterdays disturbing incident," Bass wrote. "Hate and violence will not be tolerated in our City. LAPD will continue to work with city and business leaders to keep Angelenos safe."

Bass later removed Tuchin's name from the post, saying it was "for the safety of those involved."

Read more: First group of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas released, Israeli media and officials say

Tuchin didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

A video posted by the People's City Council  Los Angeles showed a group of people standing outside a home that the organization identified as Tuchin's, holding a banner that read, "F your holiday baby killer." A red liquid had been poured on the driveway. Small white bundles were scattered on the driveway and front lawn.

Footage posted by Sam Yebri, a former City Council candidate, showed smoke billowing in the street as people yelled and a siren droned.

Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department, said a person contacted the department at 10:37 a.m. about an unspecified incident in the 11900 block of Foxboro Drive. During the call, it was determined that the police and not the Fire Department should respond, Humphrey said. No fire units were dispatched to the scene.

The People's City Council  Los Angeles also participated in a march of hundreds of protesters supporting the Palestinians through the Grove on Black Friday, disrupting holiday shoppers before stopping traffic on Fairfax Avenue outside the mall.

Hundreds of supporters of Palestine march through the Grove on Friday, disrupting holiday shopping before shutting down traffic on Fairfax Avenue. The protest, which lasted more than two hours, was largely peaceful. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

The protest, dubbed Shut It Down for Palestine, was largely peaceful despite the angry shouts and chants for a cease-fire to the war. Police stood between a small group of Israel supporters and the protesting crowd, which waved Palestinian flags and chanted, Free the people. Free the land."

Some shoppers nodded in support, while others looked bewildered as the protesters walked under a suspended Santa and his reindeer and around the malls Christmas tree.

Meanwhile across town in Glendale, a group of about 30 pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered on Central Avenue outside the Galleria and Americana shopping centers.

No shopping until Palestine is free, one person shouted through a megaphone. The mall is closed today.

Protesters in both locations said the demonstrations, which lasted more than two hours, had been organized in part by the Palestinian Youth Movement. The ANSWER Coalition, whose acronym stands for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, also helped organize the actions locally.

The LAPD declared a citywide tactical alert Friday "to ensure sufficient resources to address any incident that may arise as a result of today's protest," according to a message posted on X.

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.
You are here: Arts

The ongoing 46th Kuwait International Book Fair held in the country's Hawalli Governorate has seen the participation of 486 publishing houses from 29 countries and regions, the official Kuwait News Agency reported.

The book fair, which kicked off on Wednesday and will run until Dec. 2, is being held in three halls, covering an area of 18,000 square meters.

The China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) also participated in the fair.

During his visit to CICC's booth, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei said Kuwaiti readers are very fond of coming here to purchase Chinese books, which introduce Chinese tradition and culture in Arabic and English.

Textbooks for learning Chinese were also on display during the event.

The book fair is sponsored by Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and organized by Kuwait's Ministry of Information, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics made a surprise visit to Ukraine on 24 November.

Source: European Pravda

The visit was not announced in advance, and the Latvian president only mentioned it this evening.

Today, I welcomed Latvia's President @EdgarsRinkevics.



I appreciate his visit not only to Kyiv but also to Yahidne in the Cehrnihiv region, where he witnessed firsthand the consequences of the Russian occupation in 2022.



Russian atrocities in Yahidne serve as a stark pic.twitter.com/veMUgPZ5Y4  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 24, 2023

Rinkevics said he had visited several facilities in Chernihiv Oblast which have been rebuilt with the help of Latvian funds, met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and discussed bilateral relations and support from the EU and NATO.

Quote: "Latvia is and always will be a staunch supporter and friend of Ukraine in its fight for freedom."

During my Ukraine trip I visited reconstruction projects financed by Latvia in Chernihivska region, met President @ZelenskyyUa discussed further bilateral and EU/NATO assistance. Latvia is and always will be staunch supporter and friend of Ukraine in its fight for freedom pic.twitter.com/JMN6yyU8fj  Edgars Rinkevics (@edgarsrinkevics) November 24, 2023

Background:

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte also arrived on a visit to Ukraine on 24 November.

Earlier, Rinkevics said that EU and NATO countries must increase their defence industry capacities in order to produce the amount of weapons needed for themselves and for Ukraine.

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Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics arrived in Ukraine on Nov. 24, visiting Kyiv and the site of Russian atrocities in Chernihiv Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.

Zelensky welcomed his Latvian counterpart in Ukraine's capital, thanking Rinkevics's homeland for "taking a principled stance in favor of Ukraine's full-fledged EU membership."

"Ukraine's place is in the European Union. It has achieved significant progress in implementing reforms despite active hostilities and struggles against the Russian aggressor," Rinkevics said.

Ukraine became an EU membership candidate in June last year and now hopes for a positive decision on the start of accession talks by the end of 2023.

"President Rinkevics reiterated Latvia's firm and unwavering support for Ukraine, including military aid," Zelensky wrote on social media, adding he and Rinkevics discussed continued military aid for Kyiv.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

Rinkevics' trip to Ukraine included a visit to the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv Oblast, which was briefly occupied by Russian forces in early 2022.

Latvia's head of state visited a local school where Russian troops held residents hostage in inhumane conditions for almost a month.

The Baltic country is involved in Chernihiv Oblast's reconstruction efforts, contributing more than $5.5 million this year.

The prime minister of Latvia's neighbor Lithuania, Ingrida Simonyte, arrived in Kyiv earlier on Nov. 24.

Read also: Belarus Weekly: Poland deploys a tank battalion near its border with Belarus

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MERIDIAN, Miss.  A Mississippi sheriff's deputy was shot and wounded Friday as officers exchanged gunfire with a possible suspect in a killing that occurred hours earlier, the state Department of Public Safety said.

The person who shot the Lauderdale County deputy was arrested, and the deputy was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening, the department said in a statement.

The department did not release names.

Coroner Clayton Cobler told WTOK-TV that one person died after being shot several times late Thursday or early Friday at a home in Meridian.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is examining the shooting of the deputy, as it does with all shootings involving law enforcement officers in the state.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS deputy wounded in exchange of gunfire with possible suspect in killing
A sign is displayed Saturday, March 17, 2023, during a rally and walk to the Capitol by Oklahoma Providers for Privacy to remove mental health from the Health Information Exchange mandate.

Just days after an Oklahoma County judge heard arguments in a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and its health information exchange, the judge dismissed three of the plaintiffs' claims but kept the case alive for trial in February.

In October the states largest police union and four physicians filed a lawsuit in Oklahoma County asking the district court to declare the Oklahoma Health Care Authoritys health information exchange unconstitutional. The lawsuit also sought a temporary injunction to stop the transfer of any medical information until a court can decide the fate of the information exchange.

What to know about the ruling

On Nov. 21, District Judge Anthony Bonner shot down three of the plaintiffs' arguments but offered the plaintiffs an additional 20 days to amend their petition for the third claim.

In his ruling, Bonner dismissed the claim that the health information exchange statute violated the Oklahoma Constitution. He said that was because all health care providers that registered an exemption would be granted one and because health care providers can opt out of accepting Medicaid and Medicare.

Medical providers are not compelled to participate in the HIE directly or indirectly," the judge wrote.

Bonner also ruled the fee levied against those medical providers who joined the exchange was not a tax. This court finds that the subscription and connection fee is not a tax with the intention of revenue raising purposes, but is assessed primarily for regulatory purposes, the judge wrote.

In addition, Bonner dismissed the police union  as a whole  as plaintiffs in the case. Bonner wrote that the FOP failed to credibly allege a realistic threat where there is actual or imminent injury.

More: Is Oklahoma's health information exchange an invasion of privacy? A look at the arguments in a lawsuit

As such, based on the averment in the petition, plaintiff FOP has failed to demonstrate standing, the judge wrote. However, Bonner did give the organization the opportunity to amend its petition to name individual officers as plaintiffs.

Robert McCampbell, the attorney representing the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, said the state was pleased by the judge's ruling.

We are obviously pleased that we were successful on the three motions we filed, and we will look forward to addressing the remaining issues in the next hearing in this case," McCampbell said.

Bob Burke, an attorney for the plaintiffs, called the ruling a good news/bad news thing.

It wasnt unexpected on those two issues, Burke said. What is really good is the judge allowed five issues to go forwarded and those five will be presented in a trial. We look forward to presenting witnesses who will back up our claims that HIE is an invasion of privacy of the highest order.

The case has been set for a Feb. 12 trial.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma health information rechange lawsuit going to trial
ATLANTA - Traffic crashes resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people in Georgia on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Troopers responded around 6 p.m. to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 111 in south Georgia where a gray Ram pick-up truck collided with a white Ford van. Nine people were inside the van at the time, of which five were killed. The four other passengers were taken by helicopter to a trauma center in Thomasville and in Tallahassee, Florida. The driver of the Ram truck was severely injured and taken by helicopter to the hospital.

Thanksgiving Holiday Period Traffic Fatality Count is 8 as of 6pm Post 12, Thomasville (5). #gatrooper #gamccd  Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) November 23, 2023

Authorities will release the names of the victims once family members have been notified.

Troopers based at Post 15 in Perry responded to a fatal crash in which a person died. GSP has not yet released further details on that wreck.

Thanksgiving Holiday Period Traffic Fatality Count is 3 as of 8 am. Post 15, Perry (1), Henry County P.D. (1), and Columbus P.D. (1). #gatrooper #gamccd  Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) November 23, 2023

In Henry County, police also responded to a fatal crash on Thanksgiving morning.

A person was killed in a wreck in Columbus. Local police were handling the investigation.

Thanksgiving Holiday Period Traffic Fatality Count is 14 as of 12 am. Post 24, Newnan (1), Post 1, Griffin (1), Post 23, Brunswick (1), Post 21, Sylvania (1), and Post 20, Dublin (2). #gatrooper #gamccd  Georgia Department of Public Safety (@ga_dps) November 24, 2023

Officials say there have also been deadly wrecks in Newton, Griffin, Brunswick, Sylvania, and Dublin.
Lebanon City Police are looking for residents' help in identifying individuals involved in a shooting on East Cumberland Street Wednesday evening.

On Nov. 22, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of East Cumberland Street for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, they located a male who was struck by gunfire.

"Officers on scene rendered medical attention to the male until EMS arrived," police said in a release Friday. "The male was transported to a Dauphin County Medical Center where he is in stable condition."

Police said they believe that this was not a random act of gunfire and that the victim was targeted. As of Friday, police had not identified the victim involved in the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lebanon City Police Department at (717) 272-6611 or Crime Stoppers at (717) 270-9800.

This investigation is ongoing. Please check back with the Lebanon Daily News for updates.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon, Pa. [olice are investigating an E. Cumberland St. shooting
A sculpture honouring a British-Nigerian man who drowned after being chased by police has been officially unveiled in Leeds.

David Oluwale died in the River Aire in the city centre on 18 April 1969.

Hibiscus Rising, a colourful flower sculpture standing 31ft (9.5m) tall, has been installed on Meadow Lane, near where Mr Oluwale entered the water.

"I wanted something to unite the community of Leeds and bring people together," artist Yinka Shonibare said.

Two officers were jailed after Mr Oluwale's death - it was the first successful prosecution of British police officers for involvement in the death of a black person, according to Leeds Civic Trust.

The project has been a collaboration between The David Oluwale Memorial Association, Leeds 2023 and Leeds City Council.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the council's deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: "It's so important to remember a city's history and I think that means remembering the fantastic parts, but also the darker periods.

"Ultimately it was racism that killed David and acknowledging that part of our history is really important as we look to the future.

"It's something so significant for the city and I hope the people of Leeds treasure it for years."

The sculpture sits in the centre of a new public seating area.

Mr Shonibare, who created the artwork to remember Mr Oluwale, told the BBC: "I chose the symbol of the hibiscus as I saw the flower everywhere when I was growing up in Nigeria and it reminds me of happier times.

"I didn't want his legacy to be about sad things, I thought it is better for him to be remembered in a nice way."

He added: "I wanted something to unite the community of Leeds and bring people together."

Leeds 2023 - a year-long celebration of the city and its culture - is holding a day of free Hibiscus Rising-themed events on Saturday at the nearby Tetley.

Abigail Scott Paul, Leeds 2023's director of external relations, said the sculpture gave her "goosebumps" when she first saw it.

"I think it will become a permanent piece of art that will attract people from all over the country to come and visit," she said.

"We're really lucky to have an artist of the calibre of Yinka Shonibare to decide to work in this city, I think it's going to have a massive impact.

"Hibiscus Rising comes from a very tragic story of the city, but it's one that now provides hope for the future."

Who was David Oluwale?

David Oluwale migrated from Nigeria to the UK in August 1949, hiding on a cargo ship destined for Hull.

He spent his final two years homeless in Leeds city centre, where he was routinely mentally and physically abused by two police officers.

In the early hours of 18 April 1969, he was chased on to a bridge over the River Aire, and his body was found in the water two weeks later.

Two officers were later jailed for a series of assaults, but justice and civil rights campaigners said their trial presented a deliberately negative portrait of Mr Oluwale as a "social nuisance".

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, police said

Three children have been taken to hospital after being attacked by a dog.

Police were called to West Grange Road, in Belle Isle, Leeds, at about 08:00 GMT after receiving reports of a German Shepherd-type dog on the loose.

Two girls, aged 11 and 15, and a boy, 12, were injured by the animal. None of the injuries are life threatening, West Yorkshire Police said.

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, a police spokesperson added.

Officers said the 11-year-old girl was bitten on her forearm, while the boy suffered puncture wounds to his leg and grazes on his hands from falling.

The teenager suffered an injury to her tooth after being pulled over by the dog.

Officers were called to reports of an aggressive dog on the loose in West Grange Road on Friday

Police said the dog had been "acting aggressively towards people" and it was later seized at a nearby address.

Officers investigating the incident have asked anyone with information to contact officers.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
'Left to die': Police search for Texas woman who left dog tied to dumpster

Police in Humble, Texas are searching for a woman caught on video leaving a dog tied to a dumpster and left to die.

WARNING: Images contain graphic content.

According to a post on Facebook by the Humble Police Department, the woman, who is being accused of felony animal cruelty, is seen tying up a dog to a dumpster with a piece of orange cord around his neck.

Officials say the dog is then seen struggling against the woman.

The video shows the rest of the gruesome abuse as the dog struggles, becomes unconscious, and is dead within two minutes.

DOG THROWN OUT OF SUV IN FRONT OF ANIMAL SHELTER FOUND DAYS LATER, CHARGES FILED

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Humble Police are searching for the suspect accused of leaving a dog to die.

The suspect is still seen in the video after the male puppy stops twitching and dies.

Police say the dog was young, anywhere between six and eight months old, a pitbull mix dog, with a tan and white coat.

ARIZONA WOMAN ARRESTED FOR KEEPING DOZENS OF DOGS IN SQUALOR, OTHERS DEAD IN FREEZER

Dog seen tied to a dumpster in Texas and left to die. Police are searching for a suspect.

Officers are describing the suspect as a Black woman, wearing gray sweatpants, a pink sweatshirt, white hat, and white slides for shoes.

Police in Texas are searching for the woman who left a dog to die by tying it to a dumpster.

Police are asking anyone with information on this suspect to contact the City of Humble Police Department about case number 23-005744.





Original article source: 'Left to die': Police search for Texas woman who left dog tied to dumpster
Turkules, a local West Orange rebel and hero, has finally been captured after being on the run from state officials for over a month.

The West Orange community has been left heartbroken after the arrest of its self-appointed mascot, which had brought the town together.

Named by a local man, Turkules had taken up residence in West Orange over the summer after claiming a small patch of grass next to a busy road. Turkules was determined to let the locals know they had a new neighbor. Standing at 3 feet tall, with a wingspan of more than a yard and and intimidating, cherry red wattle, Turkules bravely defended his post.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Environmental Protection released a statement saying that after weeks' long efforts, Turkules had been captured and relocated to Wharton State Forest, 85 miles south.

But apparently, this may not be the last that West Orange will see of Turkules. According to locals, Turkules had previously been captured by state officials then relocated, only to return to the town.

More: Who are those faces on banners in Toms River? Learn why these veterans were honored

A survivor in his own right, its no wonder Turkules had rebellion running through his wings.

The fearless bird was known for standing in the middle of the road, refusing to let drivers pass, pecking at their tires and flapping his wings, often causing mile-long traffic jams.

But the locals seemed to be inspired by the birds never-ending resistance, rather than bothered.

Turkules quickly became a local celebrity, with residents regularly posting about him on Facebook and Instagram. Videos and photographs of Turkules facing off with dozens of cars, all on his own, quickly became a growing trend in West Orange.

Turkules kept state wildlife officials running in circles for over a month, only adding to his already growing popularity amongst the locals. Everyone loves to root for an underdog.

His ability to fly longer distances than officials anticipated from a wild turkey proved to be a challenge. One particular failed mission involved officials shooting Turkules with a tranquilizing dart. Although the dart fully struck Turkules, he seemed unaffected.

He was able to evade capture and spent several weeks walking around his patch of grass with a blue and orange dart hanging from his breast  a message to the state of New Jersey of his perseverance, and a possible warning too. Mess with the turkey, and you get the gobble.

Wild turkeys are native to North America, and they had nearly gone extinct in the early 1900s from overhunting, given that they find themselves at the top of the Thanksgiving Day menu. Conservation efforts have proved helpful, and now wild turkeys boast a population of 7 million nationwide - 20,000 of them currently residing in New Jersey.

Turkules farewell

The West Orange community is celebrating a farewell to Turkules Saturday, when local businesses will be donating a portion of sales to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Patrons are encouraged to wear the Turkules merchandising thats selling online.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Turkules, captured after being fugitive for over a month
The First Youth Peking Opera Performers Convention has been airing on TV and online since Nov 9, offering a chance for young audiences to get closer to this revered traditional art form and understand its artistry.

Featuring around a hundred young opera performers, the program, produced by China Media Group, is broadcast on CCTV opera channel as well as on online platforms like CCTV's official website.

Leveraging new technologies like 5G, 4K and AI, the opera gathering has brought Peking Opera from traditional theaters to both small and big screens, serving as a platform for the new generation of Peking Opera practitioners to display and exchange their talents.

Li Jia, a young performer from the Jingju Theatre Company of Beijing, expressed in the program her commitment to carry on the legacy of her grandmother and mother in Peking Opera art. She said that her dedication to this art form began after she was "deeply moved by their commitment to Peking Opera as a career and their rigor towards stage art".

As young performers demonstrate their passion for traditional artistry at this opera gathering and showcase results of their years of dedicated practice on stage, seeds brimming with passion and potential for this age-old art are taking root and sprouting in the artistic ground of Peking Opera.

Using primarily Beijing dialect, Peking Opera is a performance art incorporating singing, reciting, acting and martial arts. It was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

The Peking Opera gathering also invites veteran performers and experts to introduce various elements used in Peking Opera, such as other local operas, traditional costumes and the evolution of props, showcasing the mutual influence and intertwining of traditional art since ancient times.
Patience Oyeniran was given an interim ban at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday

A care provider has been banned from employing foreign nationals following allegations of "exploitation".

Concerns had been raised over the exploitation of workers at Leicestershire-based Panashe Care Home Services.

An interim banning order was granted against manager Patience Oyeniran at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The service has been rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) was granted a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) against 60-year-old Ms Oyeniran of Colby Road, Thurmaston, Leicester.

A spokesperson for GLAA said STROs are an "invaluable tool" in restricting the activities of individuals who may commit a slavery or trafficking offence.

It follows an inspection by the CQC in 2022, which cancelled Panashe's registration after the service was ranked "inadequate".

CQC inspectors found there were not enough staff to provide care that people required.

Overseas staff were scheduled to provide unrealistic hours of care, which meant inspectors were not always assured people were receiving the care and support they required.

Leicestershire County Council terminated its contract with Ms Panashe and the company no longer provides care packages in the county.

UK Visas and Immigration also revoked Ms Oyeniran's licence to recruit workers from overseas.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
Former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima after she left the Muntinlupa City courthouse on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Credit - Aaron FavilaAP

Leila de Lima is no longer in prison. And Rodrigo Duterte, the man she holds responsible for her incarceration, is no longer President. It feels like the end of an era for the Philippinesor perhaps the start of a new one.

Were tied now, de Lima told TIME in Tagalog on Thursday from her home in Manila, in her first exclusive interview with international media since the 64-year-old was released last week after nearly seven years of detention at Camp Crame in Metro Manila.

A lot has changed since 2016, when both de Lima and Duterte were elected in national elections.

Duterte was a popular, no-holds-barred maverick who vowed to kill all drug users and peddlers in what would be the bloodiest campaign the country has seen. De Limawho started her career as a lawyer before being appointed by Dutertes predecessors as chair of the Human Rights Commission and then secretary of the Justice Departmentwas a freshman senator who quickly established herself as the leading voice against Dutertes war on drugs.

Theyd been at odds before, when de Lima as human rights commissioner probed then-Mayor Dutertes alleged death squads in Davao City. But their discord took a highly publicized, national turn in August 2016, when Duterte vowed to destroy de Lima. She thinks shes the conscience of the country, he said.

Philippine opposition Sen. Leila De Lima talks to the media after addressing students at St. Scholasticas College during a forum on her crusade to investigate the killings in President Rodrigo Dutertes anti-drug crackdown, in Manila, Oct. 6, 2016. Bullit MarquezAP

Soon de Lima was vilified for an exposed romantic affair with her driver; then she was implicated in a prison drug-trade scheme, ultimately resulting in her surrendering to police in February 2017 on drug trafficking charges that she vehemently denies.

De Lima, who was named to the 2017 TIME100 list of most influential people for speaking truth to power, knows she was being made into an example of what it meant to go against Duterte. If something like that is done to somebody like that, a public figure, she says, anybody can be in the same boat.

As years passed, and de Lima languished in detention, key witnesses recanted statements that had been used to persecute herseveral saying they were pressured to falsify testimony. De Lima tried to run for senator again in 2022, this time from her cell, but failed. In the last two years, however, her charges have begun to be dropped. Now, only one remains, and after repeatedly applying, de Lima was finally granted bail on Nov. 13.

Duterte, meanwhile, has left politics to a relatively quieter existence. Hes been the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity since 2021, though with hardly any progress to show.

But de Lima isnt content to move on so quietly. In a wide-ranging conversation about her life in prison, her thoughts about the country she left behind and the one shes reentering, and her future plans, the former senator is just as brazen and determined as she was seven years ago to hold Duterte and his accomplices to account. They wanted to break me. So why should I now give them the pleasure or the satisfaction of seeing my spirit broken?

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

In your first press conference since your release from prison, you said that you only had choice words for Rodrigo Duterte. In particular, you said, God forgive him and God bless him. Youve also previously said that you cant forgive him just yet. Now that the dust has sort of settled a bit, can you still not forgive him?

Not yet. Thats why I said, God forgive him. Because God is all-forgiving. He can forgive everyone. I leave it to God to forgive him at this point.

Ive been praying for the grace to forgive him. At this point, I cannot, because he has really done so much to destroy my character, my reputation, my life. He has practically ruined my life. Its immeasurable.

In legal parlance, its incapable of pecuniary estimationthe damage that was done to me in almost seven years of detention: the lost opportunities, the lost milestones in my life, in my family and personal life. Depriving me of the full opportunity to serve the full term of my mandate as a duly elected senator of the republic.

Thats not easy to forget, not easy to forgive. Maybe someday, yes, but not yet. So, God, just forgive him, but not me at this point.

Do you have any message today for the people of the Philippines?

I hope that they have learned lessons in doing social experiments with a leader like Duterte. That was a social experimentthe populismand look at the costs that it has caused, that it has resulted to our society, the malaise that it has created, the destruction, the co-optation of institutions.

I hope lessons have been learned, so that that phase of our countrys history would not happen again. They should now be more discerning and be wary about quick-fix solutions to the countrys problems.

Its been six years and eight monthsto be exactsince you were first arrested. Besides the leadership change in the Philippines, what else do you feel has changed in the country?

Its how social media has been abused. Because social media is supposed to benefit us. Social media has good objectives. But weve seen the abuses, how its been exploited for criminal ends, for a lot of disinformation. And a great part of my persecution was the massive disinformation, the demonization through social media, through fake news, through the trolls. That is the malaise of social media, and it must really be seen as a great threat to democracy.

Moments after the court granted your bail, you also told the public, I want to thank the BBM [ Bongbong Marcos President Ferdinand Marcos

Well, directly? Definitely not. Im sure of that. I would have known if there was any direct interference from Malacanang Palace. Maybe indirectly, in the sense that weve seen the respect for the independence of the judiciary. Thats why I couldnt help thanking the Marcos administration for that. Because that is what the judiciary needed.

All the judiciary needed was to fulfill its mandate. And delivering justice is just to leave it alone, to respect its independence. The reason for its existence is its independence. So because of that, then we can say that that is the positive role this administration had in my release, but only indirectly.

Do you have any message today for Marcos Jr.?

He just has to be really consistent with his respect for the rule of law, for the independence of the judiciary. Because I do believe that he has shown it. He has upheld the independence of the judiciary insofar as my cases are concerned. And look at the results. It has yielded very positive results. He just has to do more also to further strengthen the independence of the judiciary and also to uphold the rule of law. Because peoples faith in the justice system will be greatly restored if he does that.

Hours after you were released from jail, you also said, and I quote, Theres got to be a day of reckoning, although Im not yet focused on that at this point. But theres got to be a day of reckoning. What do you mean by a reckoning? What do you think needs to happen and to whom?

A day of reckoning is for Duterte to be jailed for his sinsnot only against me, but against the thousands of victims of his sham war on drugs.

Yes, he has wronged me tremendously. He has to face proper charges for that. But he also has to face the investigation by the International Criminal Court since nobody is investigating him here in Philippine jurisdiction. That is his primary accountabilitywith the ICC.

In fact, between that case and the possible cases that I can file against him for ordering or instigating my prosecution, my priority is the ICC investigation. Ive been announcing that Im willing to assist in any way I can. Particularly with my experience and my expertise, since I have been investigating him since way, way back. As far as feasible, if I can pursue both, then I would. But if its not possible, then pursuing my own cases against him can probably take a backseat, and I have to prioritize helping to build a case against Duterte so he can be held accountable and ultimately be jailed for his sins against the people.

You also said at the same time that youre not yet focused on that at this point. What are your plans for the immediate and long-term future?

My immediate plans are to go back to private law practice and also to teaching law. I used to teach at the College of Law (at San Beda University). I missed that, so I wish to teach again. And then law practice, even if its just limited, because I have to earn a living now. Its practically zero, my finances. Im in dire financial need, since 2022 when I was no longer a member of the Senate. Im not into any kind of business. My resources, my savings have practically been depleted. So I have to earn a living, and my way is to practice law once again. So those are my immediate plans.

Now, long-termI dont know. Ive been asked many times whether I intend to go back to politics. It all depends on the circumstances. Right now, its far from my mind. Im not sure if the environment would be right, would be ideal for me to enter politics. Its not easy to enter politics these days, especially if you do not have resources or the kind of popularity that the majority of the voters would look for. So Ill play it by ear, but right now, no plans.

Did you feel that you lost support because of your incarceration? Do you think thats why you lost your 2022 senatorial bid?

Yes, I think that was a factor. Because, you know, people would think, Oh, shell be constrained to fulfill her tasks, her duties, just like she was already constrained during her first term. They would think that way, because I was able to fulfill my task as senator fully for only eight months, because I was jailed after that. I could only partly discharge my duties then. I could not personally attend sessions, I could not participate in deliberations, I could not vote. There were significant constraints or limitations on the fulfillment of my duties as a senator.

So people may have thought that it would just be a waste of their votes to consider me, because I will not be given the chance anyway to fulfill my mandate fully and effectively. Maybe they thought that theres little chance of me being released, back then.

And also because of the massive demonization. I do believe that a lot of people believed those lies about me, that I was involved in the illegal drug trade. That was a factor, I think. Although, I noticed that gradually, that impression had toned down, and fewer people had that belief about my guilt in the charges against me.

Youve previously told us here at TIME, in your early days in Camp Crame, that youd prepared for detention psychologically. Would you say that you were adequately prepared for the indefinite detention you ended up facing?

I think yes. Because I survived it.

Its always tough to be in jail. No one would say its easy to be in jail. But I survived it because I had the right mindset. I had the right attitude.

I think that Im able to deal with all kinds of situations, including life in detention because of how my father reared me. You know my father always said, you have to be prepared both for the fortunes and misfortunes.

And also because of my deep faith in God and deep faith in our justice system. I knew that it is through the justice system that I would attain justice and vindication. I cannot falter in my faith in the justice systemeven if it has loopholes or weaknesses, especially in terms of the delays, which are intolerable, but Im able to survive that.

Ive read that you didnt eat food being served at the custodial center, and only relied on deliveries from family. Did you distrust the Philippine National Police? Did you think someone would want you dead?

That was the advice of my friendsfor security reasons. You know, Ive adopted this mantra, because I read a book with that title: Dont Trust, Dont Fear, Dont Beg. I adopted that. Dont trust. Dont fear. Dont beg.

Nobody ever mistreated or disrespected me there. I never noticed anyone who was hostile to me. They treated me with professionalism. But trust? I was very conscious of that, never ever to trust anyone there. Not a fellow detainee. Not a custodial officer. I could simply not trust anyone.

Now that youre free, are you worried at all about your safety?

Yes. Knowing Duterte, his murderous, his propensity for violence? He is not beyond that. And people have been advising me to take extra precautions.

Have you ever considered just stopping the fight, given the harrowing ordeal youve had to go through?

No, not at all. Never.

You see, why was I in jail? Because theyre trying to silence me. Theyre trying to break my spirit. They wanted to silence me because of my advocacies, because I was pushing back. I was a threat to them because of my fierce opposition to the way they were waging the war on drugs. Its totally, absolutely unacceptable to methe extrajudicial killings. Especially that they were just targeting poor alleged drug personalities, pushers, users. Just the street drug pushers and never the big-time drug lords. So I pushed back. And they wanted me silenced. They wanted to break me. So why should I now give them the pleasure or the satisfaction of seeing my spirit broken?

It never crossed my mind to surrender. And I know that because Im sure of my innocence, that one day I will be vindicated. One day, the truth will be out. People will know that Im truly innocent.

While you were in jail, the opposition force in the country has dwindled in numbers in both Houses of Congress. Do you think your detention has had a chilling effect on the Philippine opposition?

Oh, definitely. I was made the poster girl for that. Because I was formerly chairperson of the Commission of Human Rightsthis was an important institutionI was formerly the Secretary of Justiceagain, a very important positionand I was elected a senator. And if something like that is done to somebody like that, a public figure, anybody can be in the same boat. Something like that can also be done to anybody else. So it created such a chilling effect.

Since the regime change, Dutertes allies in the current government say that your bail approval and the quashing of two of the three cases against you are a testament to the Philippine judiciarys insulation and independence. Theyre saying that that is enough reason to stop any inquests into the previous governments war on drugswhich the ICC is doing. Do you agree?

Yes and no. What happened to my cases is a positive development. It shows that the Philippine justice system can work effectively. But insofar as the ICC case is concerned, it has to be differentiated.

The difference is that no local investigation is being done about the atrocities committed under Dutertes war on drugs. Duterte himself is not being investigated, his chief enforcer Bato dela Rosa, who is now a senator, is also not being investigated, and all other high level officials who may be involved or may be responsible for those extrajudicial killings. The only subjects of the ongoing investigations, as the Justice Department has claimed, are low-level perpetrators. Thats why the ICC has to intervene: because they see that the domestic systems of accountability, insofar as those killings are concerned, are not working.

Now, in my case, finally, and a few other cases, like, for example, the tax evasion cases against Maria Ressa, which have been dismissed also, thats a positive development because the independence of the judiciary is being respected. If only there were also ongoing investigations of Duterte and other high level officials, then the ICC would not be minded to intervene. Thats the difference. Theres no real inconsistency there, no real conflict of arguments.

Duterte was recently subpoenaed to answer to charges of threatening a sitting congressperson. Do you believe that Duterte is still above the law?

Hes starting to be not above the law. Hes starting to lose his invincibility. And thats good. He has lost his immunity from suit, his shield from that, and I hope it doesnt stop there.

Duterte does not have a political post anymore, and you as well. You now are both civilians. How does that feel?

Tabla na kami. (Were tied now.)

I have a fairer chance now of getting back at the injustice that hes foisted upon me. Because again, he has lost his invincibility, his power. Although he still has this capacity to create trouble, but to a much lesser degree.

So mas may laban na ako (I have a better shot) so to speak sa kanya (at him).

But even when he was still in power, Ive never shown him any fear. Because why should I fear him when Im in the right?

If Duterte was standing before you, physically, right now, what would you say to him?

[laughs] Its a very difficult question. Right now, in front of me?

Yes.

Now, look at me. What do you see now? Have you succeeded? Is it all worth it?

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Modesto Junior College has named four finalists in its search for a full-time president.

Its the second time this year the community college has attempted to hire someone for the position.

Modesto Junior College has the highest CEO turnover rate out of all 116 community colleges in California.

If a president is chosen from the list of finalists, he or she will be the 18th person appointed to fill the colleges top administrative spot since 2000  including interim presidents.

MJC also has had turnover recently among other top administrators.

The Board of Trustees is aware of the turnover and has been looking for possible solutions, Yosemite Community College District Chancellor Henry Yong told The Modesto Bee. The board is exploring various ideas, but the solution would likely be multifaceted and it may include a combination of future compensation, benefits and other potential employment incentives.

The YCCD board, which governs MJC and Columbia College, is having difficulty finding a suitable person to fill that position.

A community member sent a question to Bee Curious, a series in which Modesto Bee journalists answer reader questions, asking why and what standards are being applied to the search.

Here are the colleges presidential finalists, and what the process to find them has been like:

Modesto Junior College has not had a permanent president since Santanu Bandyopadhyay was fired in December after 18 months in the position.

How long has Modesto Junior College been searching for next president?

Following former Modesto Junior College President Santanu Bandyopadhyays termination in December, longtime MJC professor Chad Redwing stepped in to lead the college on an interim basis.

Since Redwing served as interim president, he was not eligible for the permanent position.

The district conducted a search for the new leader during the schools spring semester, which gathered interest from 21 qualified applicants, Yong said.

Three finalists were chosen by the YCCD Board of Trustees, but the board ultimately decided none were right for the job.

This semester, the districts search collected 19 qualified applicants, four of which are still in the running.

Yong said he wanted to give the community a more prominent role in the selection of the next MJC president, and added more community members to the search committees to reach that goal.

It is hoped that these additional opportunities of community participation, at both the first and final levels, will enable the community to have a greater sense of being stakeholders in the college and district, and being part of the solution of finding a high-quality educational leader who will hopefully stay for the long-term, Yong said.

Who are finalists for community college president?

The YCCD search committee interviewed nine semifinalists, narrowing the list to four finalists.

The 17-person semifinal search committee received current and comprehensive equal employment opportunity training from California Labor Solutions CEO Shawn Larry, Yong said.

This (was) to ensure that all members of the committee, including those from the community, would receive the same high-quality EEO training, Yong said.

The four finalists in the search for the next Modesto Junior College president, according to a news release from the district, are:

Brian Sanders

Dr. Brian Sanders is one of four finalists in the search for the next Modesto Junior College president.

Brian Sanders is the interim vice president for instruction at MJC and has served in teaching and administrative roles in the district for nearly 30 years. He began as a math instructor and later became dean of the Science, Math and Engineering Division before serving as vice president for instruction at Columbia College.

John al-Amin

Dr. John al-Amin is one of four finalists in the search for the next Modesto Junior College president.

John al-Amin is the vice chancellor for finance and administration at City College of San Francisco. He has also worked in the California State University and University of California systems in roles related to instruction, student services and administrative services.

Lilia Chavez

Lilia Chavez is the vice president of student services at Merritt College in Oakland, and said she is committed to collaborating with underrepresented, underprepared and underserved communities. She also worked at San Francisco State University and spent more than 10 years as a college teacher.

Lisa Cooper Wilkins

Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins is one of four finalists in the search for the next Modesto Junior College president.

Lisa Cooper Wilkins is the vice chancellor of student affairs at City College of San Francisco. Her previous positions include assistant superintendent/vice president of student services at Delta College in Stockton, dean of academic affairs at Community College of Philadelphia, assistant vice president for diversity and community engagement at University of Pacific and interim assistant provost at UOP.

Public can question MJC president finalists at forum

The four finalists will come to Modesto on Monday for interviews with the finalist search committee and to participate in public forums, YCCDs news release said.

Members of the community are invited to attend the forums, which will be held in the YCCD Board Room, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. A livestream will be available on the districts YouTube channel.

The finalists will have an opportunity to make opening statements, speak briefly on a topic of their choice and answer questions from the audience, Yong said.

The audience can submit written input on the finalists to the chancellor, he said.

Heres what time each finalists forum will be on Monday:

Lilia Chavez: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

Lisa Cooper Wilkins: 10:25 to 11:25 a.m.

John al-Amin: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Brian Sanders: 3:25 to 4:25 p.m.

After final interviews and reviews of the input received at the public forums, the chancellor will submit a candidate to the board for consideration and approval. That could take place at the boards Dec. 13 meeting, according to a timeline on the districts website.

The new president could start Jan. 1.

Its a lengthy process, Yong said. Our hope is certainly that the next president would establish roots in the area, become part of the community, actively engage with the community and build partnerships with the community.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
SIR  Are Britains staggering legal immigration numbers (Net migration to UK hits record high, report, telegraph.co.uk, November 23) a result of deliberate  but covert  government policy, or just sheer incompetence?



It would be useful to know before the general election. Either way, it does not look good for the Conservatives.



James Thacker

Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire

SIR  Ever since Gordon Browns bigoted woman moment in 2010, many people have voted Conservative because the party continued to promise lower immigration. Now we know that this was a lie.



One more vote that the Tories can count out at the next election.



Alistair Bishop

Northwood, Middlesex

SIR  When David Cameron was prime minister, he promised to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands. Rishi Sunak says he will get the level down to what he inherited  around 500,000.



If we really need these migrants to work in social care and the NHS, let the case be made openly. If not, we need action rather than words. Making commitments that are repeatedly broken suggests the Tories are either impotent or dishonest.



John Hicks

Manchester

SIR  How do the record-high net migration numbers square with the slogan Take back control, touted by Brexiteers during the EU referendum?



Steve Higgins

Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire

SIR  There is also the question of illegal immigration, which is a vital issue to many people.



The Prime Minister has said that he would be prepared to revisit international relationships if there were human rights challenges once Parliament had passed emergency legislation. But we already know, from past experience, that lawyers will exploit any loophole in new laws to prevent deportations.



This wait and see approach has already caused considerable delay, and people are wondering whether the Government wants to end illegal immigration at all  or whether, through gross incompetence, it is simply unable to control our borders.

Either way, if the boats have not been stopped before the next election, people will vote accordingly.



Malcolm Symonds

Ashtead, Surrey

SIR  It is simply impossible to arrest illegal immigration so long as Britain remains subject to the European Convention on Human Rights. Any immigration policy that fails to address this issue will fail.



Lord Renwick of Clifton

London W1

Treasury tinkering

SIR  Government has been made too complicated, meaning there are too many public-sector workers dragging down growth. If processes and regulations were cut, fewer people would be required, savings would be made and taxes could be reduced.



According to the Treasury, the tinkering in the Autumn Statement equates to the biggest tax cut since the 1980s (report, November 23). In the real world, millions more people will be paying more in tax.



This highlights the complexity and absurdity of the tax code. It is time to adopt a fixed tax regime where everyone pays the same rate of tax on income, savings, purchases and investments. Only two decisions are needed: what the rate of tax will be and when people start paying it. If working this out is beyond the mandarins of the Treasury, maybe AI can help.



Roger Gentry

Weavering, Kent

SIR  As usual, it is the hardworking middle-earners trying to save who will bear the brunt of political shenanigans  and it wont improve under Labour (Millions of workers to be dragged into 40pc tax band, report, November 23).



I always vote, given the battle for women to have that right  but why bother when I feel caught between the devil and the deep blue sea?



Lindsay Martin

Parkham, Devon



Riskier roads

SIR  Following the tragic deaths of four young men in Snowdonia (report, November 23), I wonder if we should pay more attention to the risks arising from the poor condition of our roads.



Driving at night on country roads is becoming more dangerous. Bends are often not marked adequately. Cats eyes and white lines are not present in many places, and potholes are not repaired. Modern vehicles often have less effective headlights.



The Government should attend to this  and not let the anti-motorist movement interfere.



David Boyd

Hertford



Christmas mail

SIR  My wifes birthday was on November 14. By then she had received one small parcel in the post. On November 21 I went to the sorting office to investigate. I was handed a pile of mail, including six birthday cards. Some items appeared to have been posted two weeks previously.



In yesterdays Telegraph there was a Royal Mail advertisement telling us it would be harsh not to send Christmas cards in the post this year. Judging by its performance, I fear we may have missed the last posting date to ensure delivery by Christmas.



John Newbury

Warminster, Wiltshire

SIR  Near me, the Scouts are offering a card delivery service at a cost of 25p per card. They have post boxes in three stores and a pub, and will deliver from December 17. What a splendid idea.



Stefan Reynolds

Elstead, Surrey



Achievements to date

SIR  Years ago, when I was involved in recruitment, I received a handwritten CV (Letters, November 23). Over eight pages of A4, it described the applicants accomplishments in minute detail, ending with the phrase, and I am, to some extent, ambidextrous. I almost wanted to invite him for an interview.



Lynda Cox

Southampton



Debate in schools

SIR  Part of the purpose of education is to prepare young people to navigate the world and the impact it will have on them. Governments could do more to give schools practical guidance on some of these issues, including on understanding rhetoric (Letters, November 20).



Many young people do not know how to argue their case when faced with views that differ from their own. Freedom of speech, dialogue and debate are notions that universities appear to have replaced with no-platforming, disinviting speakers, trigger warnings and safe spaces. The tools of reason and debate should therefore be an integral part of our educational system at an earlier stage.



Every school should have a debating club and take part in inter-school debating contests, with a national final and prizes. We owe it to our children to ensure they are better prepared.



Doug Clark

Currie, Midlothian

SIR  Nick Timothy (Comment, November 20) is quite right: young people today are often treated like another species simply because they voice their displeasure with the financial hardships they face and the policies of this Government, including on climate change.



They want what we all want  a decent job, their own home and the chance to have a family  yet are dismissed as snowflakes. So whatever sweeteners they are offered, I think it is far too little, far too late.



Judith A Daniels

Cobholm, Norfolk



Drummers progress

SIR  Visiting friends in Germany, we were dismayed to find that they had bought Sebastian, their small son, a drum kit (Letters, November 23), which he played incessantly. We hoped that he would outgrow his passion.



A couple of years later we stayed in their new house, which  as with so many German homes at the time  had a large cellar that seemed to have been built in case of nuclear attack. It provided the perfect soundproofed room for drum practice, and their son spent all his time there, emerging only for meals and school.



Sebastian, now in his forties and happily married with two children, is a professional drummer and music teacher. He travels the world with a top German rock band. Perhaps we should have had a different attitude during those early visits.



William T Nuttall

Rossendale, Lancashire



How to use your winter fuel allowance for good

Warming by the Fire by Matfre Ermengaut, a 14th-century Franciscan friar - Bridgeman

SIR  I am a pensioner in grateful receipt of the annual winter fuel payment (Letters, November 22), of which I am in no immediate need. So I distribute it to a variety of charities who can make better use of it.



If the payment were abolished I would be no worse off, but several charities would be.



Susan Dale

Congleton, Cheshire

SIR  My wife and I recently received letters confirming our winter fuel allowance. This was soon followed by an envelope sent first class by the Department for Work and Pensions, headed Articles for the Blind. Inside was a customised CD, addressed personally to my wife, that contained a recorded audio message repeating details of her fuel allowance.



We have been married for 44 years and as far as I am aware, my wifes eyesight remains excellent. How many others have received similar packages?



Geoff Pringle

Long Sutton, Somerset

SIR  It just requires a simple, free phone call (to a number available online) to pause or cancel your winter fuel payment if you feel you do not require it.



Elaine Hicks

Groomsport, Co Down



The misery of travelling by train with luggage

SIR  Nick Eckfords idea of placing train luggage into a separate carriage (Letters, November 22) would just result in delays and longer journey times, as there would be extended halts at stations while passengers went to find their bags.



I recently travelled to London from Edinburgh on a Lumo train of only five carriages, instead of the usual LNER trains with eight. Luggage was piled up in the aisles, near the exit doors, and wedged under seated passengers knees.



The attendants then removed any cases that were blocking walkways and stacked them, roof high, in the lavatories  thus knocking all bar one out of action for the four-hour journey. Not a pleasant trip.



I tried to complain to Lumo, but have received nothing more than a seemingly automated reply.



John Tilsiter

Radlett, Hertfordshire

SIR  Designers of the new rolling stock have failed to provide enough suitable luggage space. Did they try lifting a 20 kg suitcase on to an overhead shelf without dropping it on an unsuspecting passenger below?



Chris Ainsworth

Stetchworth, Suffolk

SIR  In the late 1940s and early 1950s my family always travelled light. Our trunk was collected by the railway company a day before we travelled, and awaited us on arrival.



Ann Pledger

Danbury, Essex



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Demonstrators at the California Democratic Party Convention in Sacramento on Nov. 18 call for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. (Lezlie Sterling / Associated Press)

To the editor: I attended the California Democratic Party Convention in Sacramento last weekend and was shocked by the willful refusal of state party officials to acknowledge the war in the Gaza Strip. ("Democrats are split on Israel and the race for Feinsteins Senate seat, as 2024 looms," Nov. 19)

They carefully crafted a gathering where there was no discussion about a cease-fire until their zombie convention was interrupted by a vocal chorus demanding an immediate end to the careless slaughter of innocent civilians who have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

State party Chairman Rusty Hicks presided over that cowardly debacle and should resign for his incompetence. Reps. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) and Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) were simply diminished by their own moral cowardice to address the killing.

Until the Democrats confront the moral urgency of this sorrowful crisis, they too will find there is nowhere to hide. Moral cowardice is what stands in the way of party unity, not dissent within the ranks.

Jordan Vannini, Pasadena

..

To the editor: Your article states, "Israels deadly invasion of Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas Oct. 7 attack dominated the convention."

To assert that Israel entered Gaza after an "attack" misrepresents the Hamas pogrom that inflicted rape, sexual torture, dismemberment and burning of the living that ended lives of 1,200 civilians, and made 240 others Hamas' captives. It is this massacre and these abductions that forced Israel into this war.

The article also states, "In 2018, the California Democratic Party sent a clear message when members voted to back then-state lawmaker Kevin de Leon over [then-Sen. Dianne] Feinstein."

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) may have earned the most delegate votes at the convention, but this story omits that despite party backing, money and "clear" messaging, De Leon lost to Feinstein in 2018.

The party bubble doesnt always reflect the preferences of mainstream voters, who right now have Lee in last place among the top three Democrats in the race.

Jo Perry, Studio City

..

To the editor: The subject of Israel has never been a consensus builder, but the current war has made finding a middle ground impossible.

Yes, Israel has the right to exist. Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself. The brutality that Hamas showed to innocent Israelis was sickening and appalling.

"An eye for an eye" is one thing, but the recent events in Gaza are nothing short of collateral damage on steroids. Many Hamas fighters have been eliminated, but at what cost?

The scorched-earth approach has moved the needle not for Hamas, which is a terrorist organization, but rather for Israel, which may soon find itself with only one ally  the United States.

As long as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the fringe right govern Israel, there may never be peace in that area. Hamas needs to be gone, but Netanyahu needs to stop this massacre of Palestinians.

Homer Alba, Glendale

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Simonyte, has arrived on a visit to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing Simonyte on Twitter (X).

Simonyte said that first she honoured the memory of Ukrainian defenders who died in the war started by Russia. The official posted the relevant photos.

Quote: "At my first stop in Ukrainian Kyiv today, I paid respects to men and women who sacrificed their lives defending the most fundamental rights of a nation: to exist and to live in freedom. They gave their lives to also defend all of us," Simonyte said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the only way to achieve lasting and just peace is by helping Ukraine win as soon as possible, regain its full territorial integrity, serve international justice, and rebuild stronger.

Background:

Earlier, on the 10th anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, Simonyte stressed that the EU family is incomplete without Ukraine.

Reportedly, a new military aid package containing 3 million 7.6251 mm rounds, remote detonation systems and winter equipment arrived in Ukraine from Lithuania.

On 17 November, the Ministry of Defence of Lithuania announced the supply of a new military aid package for Ukraine.

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The hotel enjoys wonderful views over the Loch and the surrounding Cowal Hills (The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa)

In a nutshell: Fine food and relaxation in a wonderfully serene part of the world

The neighbourhood

Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa sits waterside on the banks of Scotlands longest sea loch in the western region of Argyll and Bute. Situated a 65-mile drive from Glasgow, this picturesque route skirts Loch Lomond before taking the meandering A83 through the dramatic Arrochar Alps mountain range.

Big skies, wide open space and the undeniably peaceful feeling of being beside this Atlantic Ocean inlet make this special part of the world the ideal sanctuary for those seeking some R&R. While the hotel benefits from feeling very much away from things, its actually only a 10-minute walk from the small town of Inverary with its gothic 18th-century castle and excellent walking trails (hike to Dun Na Cuaiche for a breathtaking view). Dont leave without a pint of local ale in The George Hotel.

Read more about UK travel:

The vibe

Interiors mix classic Highland touches with general Scottish style, from tartan carpets to historic features (The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa)

Think Highlands hunting lodge with a warm Scottish welcome. Built in 1856, this historic building was known as Admiralty House during World War II, when it became the only place outside London to be used as a wartime cabinet office, with visitors to the building including King George VI, Winston Churchill and General De Gaulle. It found a second lease of life in 1945 when it was transformed into a hotel. Traditional gold-framed portraits of Scottish nobility, tartan carpets and tweed furnished seats in colours inspired by the surrounding natural environment are very much the aesthetic, although a 2019 refurbishment to rooms and a brand new spa has introduced a more contemporary feel to proceedings, with marble tables and plush furnishings.

Bed and bath

There are 68 rooms, ranging from Petite Doubles to one of four suites in the hotels oldest wing; Glen Ord and Lagavulin both have feature windows with stellar views across the loch. Vintage touches include rotary telephones and vintage DAB radios, while welcome trays include Tunnocks tea cakes, mineral water, coffee and a selection of teas courtesy of The Wee Tea Company. White subway-tiled bathrooms contain rainfall showers, while suites include freestanding bathtubs and his and hers sinks. Sustainable locally made toiletries are provided courtesy of The Highland Soap Company, while fluffy bathrobes and soft slippers come as standard for elevated lounging.

My Shackleton bed was blissfully comfortable, with quality mitre linen keeping me cosy throughout the night.

The hotel boasts 68 rooms (The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa)

Food and drink

Kick things off with a wee dram in the cosy Loch View bar. In addition to cocktails, spirits and wine, theres a good selection of local beers and an impressive selection of whisky. Squishy leather sofas, marble tables and a fireplace make this the perfect place for a tipple with a view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the loch.

Cladach Mor Bistro is an AA rosette awarded restaurant with a focus on Scotlands excellent produce and with Loch Fyne internationally renowned for the quality of its seafood, its the ideal place to dive in. Produce is sourced locally (but of course), with a dream selection of seafood and meat, meaning its not the best option for vegetarians and vegans. Langoustines were succulent and bouncy, scallops tender and lemon sole delicious. The venison was also an absolute treat and beautifully cooked. Staff were knowledgeable and warm.

Public areas

The Shore Spa opened in 2022 (The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa)

Significant cash has been splashed at the hotels new Shore Spa, and its largely been a successful investment. The indoor 15 metre pool includes aqua jets to obliterate any persistent muscular knots, while a steam room invites you to sweat it out. Step outside to switch it up in the barrel sauna, before rinsing in the drench shower and hopping into the hot tub with views across the loch. Therapists at the adjacent Inverary Spa, which offers a good selection of treatments, including facials, massages and scrubs, are experienced and professional, and use award-winning natural ishga skincare products made from Scottish seaweed. In addition to the bar and restaurant area, theres also a games room, with board games to entertain all ages, and an under-stairs snug to escape to with a book.

Nuts and bolts

Room count: 68

Freebies: Tea, coffee and sweet treats in bedrooms.

Wifi: Free wifi is available to all guests throughout the hotel.

Extra charges: None.

Disability access: The hotel has an access level and a lift to guest bedrooms across three floors. All public areas are accessible. The Cladach Mor Bistro restaurant, Loch View bar, private rooms and spa are all on the ground floor. The original/older part of the building does not have lift access, however.

Pet policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all guestrooms, reception area, Loch View lounge bar and the hotel grounds. Dogs staying overnight are subject to a 20 charge per evening; no charge for service dogs.

Bottom line

Best thing: Friendly service and those loch views.

Worst thing: The hot tub was not especially hot during my stay.

Perfect for: A relaxing weekend break.

Not right for: Stag and hen dos.

Instagram from: The hot tub.

Read more of our UK hotel reviews:
FILE PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Phillips files paperwork to put his name on the ballot in Concord

(Reuters) - U.S. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, a long-shot challenger to President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination, on Friday said he would not run for reelection.

The 54-year-old millionaire businessman and three-term congressman last month said he would run against Biden, seizing on the president's lackluster approval ratings and voter wariness over his age.

"It's time to pass the torch, it's time for change, and our best days are yet to come," Phillips said in a post on the X social media platform. The post linked to an interview in the Minnesota Star Tribune paper, in which he explained his move.

Phillips, who first won his seat in 2018 and won reelection in 2020 and 2022, said it would be "unproductive and uncomfortable" to run again, given his nomination bid.

Democrats, he said, were "sleepwalking into an unmitigated disaster next November," with polls showing Biden trailing Republican front runner Donald Trump in some key states.

Phillips is unlikely to affect Biden's chance of securing the party's nomination, given the incumbent's deep resources, official party support and reshaping of the party's nominating contest calendar to help fend off any early challengers.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Russia is barred from most of the world's major air shows, such as those in Paris and Farnborough.

But it showed off its military aircraft and a new missile at this month's Dubai Air Show.

Russia's presence was kept quiet and its displays were off to the side.

The Dubai Airshow, which took place in mid-November, was set against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions around the globe.

The Israeli defense companies IAI and Rafael left their stands empty in the exhibition hall, but there were also unexpected appearances.

Russian aircraft on display  including the Ka-52 helicopter, which is being used in the Ukraine war  were not included on the air show's aircraft list, and the country's chalet was uniquely labeled on pre-show maps as simply "Pavilion." Although the indoor stand for Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, was listed.

Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Russia has been barred from most air shows, such as the leading shows in Paris and Farnborough.

So, the Dubai Airshow gave Business Insider the rare chance to see some Russian military aircraft, missiles, and model spacecraft in person.

Russia was largely sidelined at the Dubai Airshow, with its pavilion and aircraft at the very end of the kilometer-long site.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

This differed from past shows in Dubai, Reuters reported. Russian arms companies were exhibiting inside this pavilion, whereas other firms such as Lockheed Martin had stands in the main exhibition hall.

The display included these scale models of Angara rockets and, on the left, the engines that power them.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

A failed Russian rocket stage crashed to Earth in an uncontrolled reentry into the atmosphere over the Pacific

The Russian Knights, the air force's aerobatics team that uses Su-30 jets, took part in the flying-display program.

REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

China's August 1st Aerobatics Team, India's Tejas jet, Pakistan's JF17, and the American F16 were among the other fighter jets that flew in Dubai.

Indoors, Roscosmos had an elaborate exhibition stand.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Situated in the front row, it neighbored the host nation's space agency and was near Boeing and EDGE, the Emirati defense company.

There was also a 1:5 model of an Elektro-L weather satellite on top of a Fregat-SB upper stage.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The Ka-32A, a heavy multipurpose helicopter, was on display. Other models can be used for police operations, but this version is set up for fighting fires.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The company exhibiting the aircraft, Russian Helicopters, and its parent company, the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, have been sanctioned by the US and European Union.

Also on show was the Ka-32A, a heavy multipurpose helicopter. Other models can be used for police operations, but this version is set up for fighting fires.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

This Mi-171A3 is an offshore helicopter that can be used in search-and-rescue missions.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The Mi-17 is one of the helicopters used by both Russia and Ukraine. Sometimes, they are equipped with guns, but the militaries also use them for transport.

The military equipment was away in the corner, starting with these missiles. The smaller one at the front is a short-range missile named the RVV-MD2, making its first international appearance.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The RVV-MD2 is an air-to-air missile, meaning it's typically used in dogfights, and is designed for the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet.

Where's the Su-57? The war in Ukraine is what fifth-generation fighter jets were made for, but Russia's Felon has largely been missing in action

In the middle is the RVV-BD, a long-range air-to-air missile capable of traveling at Mach 5. The largest is a stealth cruise missile called the Kh-69.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It was especially interesting to see the Ka-52 attack helicopter, which is nicknamed the Alligator or sometimes "Putin's Vulture."

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Ka-52s have been used more than any other attack helicopter by Russia in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The two-seat chopper is highly maneuverable and is armed with anti-tank missiles and a 30mm automatic gun.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Source: Airforce Technology

Rostec said it was the first time in 30 years that an aircraft "in this class" has been displayed overseas.

Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ukraine says it downed 2 Ka-52 attack helicopters, which Russia calls the world's best, in a single morning

The updated version of the Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter was also attention-grabbing. It's designed to move cargo and personnel.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

This was the first international trade show appearance for the Il-76MD90A, Breaking Defense reported.

Like many planes designed in the Soviet era, the Il-76 has glass at the bottom of the nose to give navigators a good view.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Rostec said it was the first time in 30 years that an aircraft "in this class" had been displayed overseas.

The Ilyushin Il-76MD90A military airlifter made its first appearance at an international trade show. Pete Syme/Business Insider

Source: Aviation Week

Ukraine destroyed two Ilyushin Il-76s and seriously damaged another two during a drone attack on the Pskov air base in August.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Ukraine's spy chief reveals how Russia's Il-76 airlift planes were targeted and destroyed in an attack launched from inside its own territory

Read the original article on Business Insider
Lord Cameron said the UK must act as a friend, a neighbour and the best possible partner - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Britain needs closer ties with the European Union and should work more closely with Brussels on international and defence policy, David Cameron has said.

The Foreign Secretary called the bloc a friend, a neighbour and partner as he hailed support for Ukraine as an example of cooperation between the Government and Brussels.

But Lord Cameron faced an immediate backlash from some Conservative MPs, who warned him not to reignite the debate around Brexit after he led the unsuccessful Remain campaign in 2016.

In his first full interview since his unexpected return to front-line politics last week, Lord Cameron insisted the UK must act as a friend, a neighbour and the best possible partner.

When you look at the engagement in Ukraine, that probably is the best example of how its worked, he told BBC News.

Theres no doubt that Britain is the leading European power in helping Ukraine. I heard that over and over again from the president downwards. But were doing that in partnership with our European colleagues. So I think we can make friend, neighbour and partner work, and Im determined to do so.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Tory MPs who backed Brexit were dismayed by the remarks. Richard Drax, a member of the defence select committee, said: You might want to remind Lord Cameron that we left the EU  no ifs or buts  and were doing very well, thank you.

I hope that Lord Camerons comments are not in any way reigniting the Brexit debate, because that would be entirely wrong.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who submitted a letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak last week, said: Weve surely got to deliver policies which speak to these new Conservative voters from the 2019 election, and rhetoric like this is not going to win us a majority.

Sir Michael Fabricant, the MP for Lichfield, said: His statement simply reinforces the concerns of those voters who think David Cameron hasnt moved on from the referendum.

Elsewhere in the interview, Lord Cameron defended his pro-China policy while in Downing Street, in which he aspired to a golden era of trade between the two countries.

When I became prime minister, the greatest need was for Britain to grow again, trade again, with exports to help our businesses around the world, he said.

Reaffirming his support for the Governments realistic, hard-headed policy towards Xi Jinpings regime, he added: Engaging China is one part of the approach we need to take, not least because China is a fifth of humanity.

Were not going to solve challenges like climate change unless we engage, and hopefully I can be a part of that.

Lord Cameron condemned the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists as completely appalling, but went on to warn the Israeli government that civilian casualties in Gaza have been too high as a result of the military response.

Reflecting on his visit to Israel earlier this week, he said: When I met the Israeli president, prime minister and others, I stressed over and over again that they must abide by international humanitarian law, that the number of casualties [is] too high and they have to have that at the top of their minds.

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 4th Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony in the coastal city of Quanzhou, east China's Fujian province, on Nov. 22, 2019. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The 5th Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival is set to take place in Quanzhou, Fujian province, from Dec 8 to 13, Liu Linshuang, head of the city's publicity department, announced on Thursday in Beijing.



This year's festival is divided into five main sections and 12 activities, and will bring together 52 cultural groups, as well as experts and participants from 43 countries and regions.

Nearly 800 artworks will be on display at the international fine arts exhibition, exploring the historical and cultural significance of the Belt and Road Initiative from various perspectives and countries.

The international art development symposium will host 80 Chinese and international guests, creating a global platform for artistic dialogue and exchange. Discussions will focus on the historical inheritance and contemporary expression of Maritime Silk Road culture and art.

Also part of the festival, the Nanyin conference will be attended by 13 associations from China and foreign countries including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Nanyin is a musical performing art central to the culture of the people of southern Fujian, and to those of Fujian origin overseas.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Quanzhou, Yokohama, and Gwangju being designated as the joint Culture Cities of East Asia. Via performances and youth art exhibitions, the three cities aim to use culture as a bridge to enhance the cultural identities and inclusiveness of people in China, Japan, and South Korea, especially among the younger generation.

An intangible cultural heritage exhibition will display projects from China and countries along the Maritime Silk Road, while the fine carving art exhibition will display over 300 artworks from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

An international puppet show will feature puppet and shadow play groups from 11 countries, including Turkiye, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Iran, along with 12 representative puppet groups from China.

Launched in 2014, the comprehensive international art festival dedicated to the Maritime Silk Road is held every two years in Quanzhou. Over the course of the past four editions, it has become a significant platform for cultural exchange and cooperation.
David Cameron says his six years as prime minister "was a good apprenticeship" for being foreign secretary

Lord Cameron has defended his pro-China policy as prime minister, insisting that it is still right to "engage" with Beijing.

In his first full interview since becoming foreign secretary, Lord Cameron said China is key to solving big issues like climate change.

The comments risk angering Tory MPs, some of whom China has sanctioned.

But he told the BBC he supported the government's current "realistic, hard-headed policy" towards China.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Lord Cameron also denied he had become foreign secretary because he was bored.

"Being prime minister for six years was a good apprenticeship for being foreign secretary," he said.

Lord Cameron has been criticised for his close involvement with Chinese investment in recent years.

He has given speeches praising a port development in Sri Lanka owned ultimately by a Chinese state company.

He tried to set up a 1bn China-Investment fund. And he met senior Chinese figures on visits to Beijing.

This has raised fears among some MPs that Lord Cameron could seek to soften the government's attitude towards China.

'Wolf warrior diplomacy'

But he told the BBC the world had changed since he was prime minister.

"China has become much more aggressive, much more assertive, over the Uighurs, over Hong Kong, the 'wolf warrior' diplomacy," he said.

"And so that's why security and protection is such an important part of our policy.

"We also need to align more carefully with our allies to make sure we can counter any malign threats coming from China. So, it is a realistic hard headed policy."

But he defended his previous policy in Downing Street that sought a new "golden era" in Sino-UK relations.

He said: "When I became prime minister, the greatest need was for Britain to grow again, trade again, with exports to help our businesses around the world.

"I loaded up planes, I took them to India, I took them to China, I took them to Africa to get the economy moving again."

And the government, he said, should still deal with Beijing today.

"Engaging China is one part of the approach we need to take," he said.

"Not least, because China is a fifth of humanity. We're not going to solve challenges like climate change, unless we engage.

"And hopefully I can be a part of that."

David Cameron took Chinese President Xi Jinping to a pub near Chequers as part of his push for a 2golden era" of Chinese relations.

Lord Cameron also risked angering pro-Brexit Tory MPs by saying Britain should engage more closely with the European Union on foreign, defence and security policy.

He said Britain had decided not to be a member of the EU but had to be "a friend, a neighbour and the best possible partner" and the UK had to make that work.

"When you look at the engagement in Ukraine, that probably is the best example of how it's worked," he said.

"There's no doubt that Britain is the leading European power in helping Ukraine.

"I heard that over and over again from the president downwards. But we're doing that in partnership with our European colleagues.

"So, I think we can make friend, neighbour and partner work. And I'm determined to do so."

Supporting Sunak

Even in his first few days back in office, Lord Cameron has been a strong advocate for boosting Britain's international development policy.

But he suggested he would not push for a return to the target of spending 0.7% of national income on foreign aid.

"I took this job accepting collective Cabinet responsibility," he said.

Lord Cameron gave his "100% support" to the government's Rwanda migration policy, saying "we have to do what it takes to break the model of the people smugglers".

He said: "What I'm absolutely ready to do is to support the government's policy and 100% because we have got to stop the boats.

"And I don't say this glibly. I know that there's nothing more destructive to a country's immigration system and immigration policy than large scale, very visible illegal migration.

"And that is what we have. That's what we got to stop.

"Now the number of small boat crossings is down by a third. But we have to do whatever it takes to break the model of the people's workers."

Asked if he was willing to countenance pulling Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights, he ignored the question and said: "I'm very happy to say I 100% support the government policy and whatever it takes."
Im a CelebrityGet Me Out Of Here! contestants were left red in the face after controversial politician Nigel Farage bared it all while taking a bath in the middle of camp.

In scenes aired on Thursday night (23 November), Farage ran himself a nice hot bath but did not warn his campmates that he would be putting on a display in their open-plan camp with the bathtub placed at a height.

EastEnders star Danielle Harold walked past and caught sight of his bare bottom as he got out of the tub and said to herself: Thats a sight for sore eyes.

The actor then bumped into This Morning presenter Josie Gibson and said: I just saw something I never thought Id see: Nigels bare a***.

This brought back memories for Gibson who caught a sighting of Farages bare behind during the first day of the competition.

I see it on the first day! Considering hes nearly 60 it aint too bad, Gibson said.

Harold replied, commenting on the politicians physique: He looks good doesnt he? Nice little bum.

Then, in a confessional moment in the Bush Telegraph, Harold said: It was the weirdest feeling seeing Nigel Farages a*** first thing in the morning.

Nigel Farage taking a bath on Im a Celeb (ITV)

Standing together Gibson and Harold said in sync: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No its Nigel Farages a***!

Harold, doing her best impression of Sir David Attenboroughs Planet Earth voiceover, said: Here we have Nigel Farage, politician, in his natural habitat.

Gibson joined in with the impression: Long gone are the days of Brexit. He now just dwindles in the bush.

Meanwhile, Im a Celebrity viewers have been similarly shocked to see Farages behind.

Some asked the more subtle questions: Why is Nigel Farages a*** on my screen again?

Nigel Farage competing in Im a Celeb Bushtucker Trial (ITV/Shutterstock)

Didnt have #danielleharold saying #NigelFarage has a nice a*** in my 2023 bingo card, another Twitter/X user remarked.

Another made a joke about Farages unpopularity following his Brexit campaign: This is NOT what we meant when we said we wanted to see the back of Nigel Farage.

Farages appearance on the reality TV competition has been the subject of vibrant debate on social media with #BoycottImACelebrity trending on Twitter/X.

After the 2023 launch episode, viewing figures showed a huge loss of two million viewers on last year.

Viewers are attributing the dip to the inclusion of controversial ex-politician Farage. Since the GB News host was revealed to be appearing on this years series, long-time fans of the show announced plans to boycott it, and the ratings dip has been branded the Farage effect.

Farage is known for espousing right-wing views on subjects ranging from immigration and the gender pay gap, and over the years, has been accused of inciting xenophobia.

During his past five days in the Australian jungle, fellow campmates have tried to confront Farage about his political views, specifically his stance on immigration.

On Monday nights episode, First Dates star Fred Sirieix told Farage that he thought his Brexit campaign as Ukip leader was shameful.

Sirieix criticised Farage for a poster he launched in 2016 depicting a line of refugees trying to reach Europe under the headline Breaking Point.

It was about demonising migrants, Sirieix told Farage, adding: I thought it was disgraceful what you did, Nigel.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday nights episode (22 Novemeber), YouTube star Nella Rose, 26, confronted Farage over his views on immigration and accused him of wanting people like her gone from the UK.

Lets get everything out in the open. All the tea is coming out now apparently youre anti-immigrants? asked Rose.

Farage defended himself: You can disagree with somebody, but to chuck around accusations the way theyve been chucked around is grossly unfair. Anti-immigrant, right? No, no, all Ive said is we cannot go on with the numbers coming to Britain that are coming.

Im one of the numbers? Rose said. Those immigrants that are coming in, I came in. What is so wrong about immigrants?

Farage said: Listen. Since 2000, the British population has increased by 10 million. 10 million.

Rose asked whether that was a good thing and Farage replied: Unless you want a GP appointment

Rose replied: Im stopping you getting a GP appointment? Youre not getting an appointment because the NHS is lacking funding. I bet you anything if every single immigrant or from immigrant descent was to leave the UK, all your doctors, go most of your doctors are Asian right? Most of your nurses are African women, right?

You want us gone, thats all I understood.

Im a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! airs Sunday to Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 9.30pm on ITV.
Malaysian opposition leader and former premier Muhyiddin Yassin speaks during an interview at Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysia's former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Friday he would step down next year as president of his party, raising questions over who will lead the Malay-dominated opposition alliance.

Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, has served as the Bersatu party's president since its formation in 2016, and he chairs the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition bloc.

A conservative Islamist party is a key component in the opposition alliance, and if Muhyiddin were to relinquish the chair it could rob the PN of one of the few leaders with broad appeal.

Bridget Welsh, political analyst at University of Nottingham Malaysia, said Bersatu would lose the "pull factor" it had during recent elections, and Muhyiddin's departure could lead to infighting.

Having performed well in last year's general election, the PN made further inroads among the country's majority ethnic-Malay Muslims during regional polls in August.

While Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's progressive, multi-ethnic alliance appeals to the country's minorities and urban Malays, the PN, led by Muhyiddin, has garnered support from more traditional Malays and young voters.

Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-faith country with ethnic-Malay Muslims accounting for over 60% of the population while ethnic Indians and Chinese form sizeable minorities.

Muhyiddin told his party on Friday that he would not run for party president during internal leadership elections next year.

"The time for me to pass on the party leadership to a new team of leaders has arrived," he said in a speech to Bersatu's annual party meeting.

Party's secretary-general, Hamzah Zainuddin, was likely to emerge as the next Bersatu president, according to Welsh.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Man arrested for alleged vandalism of police cruiser, fighting officers in Mercer County

A man has been arrested after allegedly damaging a police cruiser and fighting police officers Thursday evening, according to Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey.

>> Were being forced; Employees unhappy as Walmart reopens days after mass shooting for Black Friday

Dwight Bonapart II, 41, of Lima was arrested for vandalism, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest related to an incident that took place on the 12000 block of Dutton Road, Mendon in Union Township.

At 5:46 p.m., Mercer County dispatchers received a call from OnStar, who said one of their members had called in through his black 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.

The caller was telling the OnStar employee about an elaborate scheme, that he heard gunshots, and that he thought his friends were being killed, Grey said.

Deputies responded and found Bonapart sitting in his truck.

As he exited his vehicle, he allegedly made comments suggesting the nearby homeowners were inside and in danger, Grey said.

Deputies noticed multiple loaded firearms on the ground outside and inside the truck.

>> 1 dead after shooting at Springfield bar

Officers from the Celina Police Department and Rockford Police Department responded to the scene to assist, Grey said.

Bonapart was detained for his own safety and the safety of the officers, Grey said.

As he was being detained, Bonapart allegedly resisted and became combative.

He allegedly head-butted one of the Celina officers and kicked another, Grey said.

Bonapart had a dog with him who had allegedly bitten multiple officers as they were detaining him.

The dog was uninjured and remained on scene as the Dog Warden would respond.

>> Troopers respond to shots fired incident on I-75

Bonapart was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Jail.

While headed to the jail, Bonapart allegedly damaged the cruisers driver-side door to the point that it was unable to properly close.

Other officers remained on scene and determined the comments made about the residents being in danger were not true, and the homeowners were safe, Grey said.

No officers or deputies needed medical treatment, and the Mercer County Prosecutors Office will determine if any additional charges are needed.
(WHTM)  One person is dead and two others are injured after a crash in Franklin County on Wednesday night.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the crash happened just after 10:30 p.m. on Wayne Road in Guilford Township.

Police say the crash happened after a Honda Civic which was traveling north in the northbound lanes crossed over into the southbound lanes and hit a southbound Jeep Renegade head-on.

The driver, identified as Logan Gilbert, 18, of Chambersburg, of the Honda Civic was extricated and flown to York Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

One passenger in the Honda Civic and the driver of the Jeep Renegade were also injured in the crash.

According to the York County Coroner, a toxicology was obtained.

This is a developing story. Stay updated on the latest from abc27 News

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Manatee County deputies are searching for a missing and endangered man.

Juan Ramon Paz, 34, was last seen at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday in the 3900 block of 3rd Avenue Drive East in Palmetto, deputies said.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and khaki pants. Paz is 57 and 150 pounds, according to deputies.

Paz drives a black 2019 Mitsubishi with Florida license plate 46BZJP.

His friends believe he may be a danger to himself, according to deputies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(Photo/Screen shot of parade from X, formerly Twitter)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe takes claim as the tribe that welcomed the Pilgrims to North America centuries ago. For the second year in a row, the tribes People of First Light float was in the Macys Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.

The parade provides an enourmous amount of exposure for the tribes important history. The New York Police Department estimates yesterdays crowd along the parade route in Manhattan was close to three million. Nearly 25 million watched the parade on NBC.

While the message of the descendants of those who greeted the Pilgrims should be a big deal, it was secondary to the story of a tribal citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe waving a Palestinian flag in front of the NBCs cameras as the float passed Macys flagship store in Manhattan.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe attempted to distance itself from the unidentified tribal citizen who waved the flag in the back row of other tribal citizens who displayed the tribe's flag with smiles. The Tribe said in a statement released on Thanksgiving:

"It's unfortunate that we are not focused on the beautiful display of our culture and history at the Macys Day Parade but rather on the actions of an individual tribal citizen. We want to make it very clear that the Tribe takes no stance on the conflicts overseas. Our Tribal Nation remains focused on the issues we face on our ancestral homeland. While we cannot speak for an individual's actions, his actions were not a Tribal decision. Our governing tribal body, along with the other tribal citizens on the float, were not involved with his actions."

Tensions have grown in communities around the world after the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack left more than 1,400 innocent Israeli men, women, children and foreign tourists dead. Isreal has retaliated with attacks in Gaza. As of yesterday, more than 13,000 people have been killed by Israel in Gaza, the Associated Press reported.

A call made by Native News Online to Wampanoag tribal leaders has not been returned by press time.

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Help us ensure that the celebration of Native Heritage never stops by donating here.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
In what backers call a significant stride toward ending the HIV epidemic, the Massachusetts Senate passed and sent to the House a bill enabling pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer PrEP, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, a safe and effective medication that reduces the risk of HIV transmission by close to 100%.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, permits pharmacists to dispense a 60-day supply of PrEP without the need for a prescription, with an added requirement for pharmacists to link customers to primary care providers for ongoing medication and monitoring.

Senate President Karen E. Spilka emphasized the critical role of preventative health care.

Increasing access to health care

PrEP is a true example of how preventative health care saves lives, said Spilka. By allowing pharmacists to prescribe PrEP in Massachusetts, we are expanding equitable access to health care by breaking down another barrier that our residents  and especially our LGBTQ+ community  face when they act to protect themselves from HIV.

"If someone suddenly realizes they are at risk for HIV and think PrEP would benefit them, they don't have to wait for that first appointment, said Dan Gates, president and CEO of the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. The new legislation "removes that waiting period, Gates, photographed Nov. 15 in Provincetown, said.

PrEP is nearly 100% effective in halting the spread of HIV transmissions, with the CDC estimating about 25,000 people in Massachusetts who are at high risk and only 36.5% of those prescribed PrEP.

PrEP can help narrow these gaps, Cyr said.

"With greater access, we can help narrow the gap in PrEP utilization we see between LGBTQ and people of color, he said.

This issue primarily affects members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly males, who make up 54% of new HIV infection diagnoses from 2018 to 2020. Additionally, individuals using injection drugs are also affected, accounting for 32% of deaths related to HIV infections in 2020.

Dan Gates, the president and CEO of the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, explained the importance of swift access to PrEP.

"If someone suddenly realizes they are at risk for HIV and think PrEP would benefit them, they don't have to wait for that first appointment, said Gates. This bill removes that waiting period.

The AIDS Support Group has offices in Provincetown, Hyannis, East Falmouth and Vineyard Haven.

Legislation enacted in 13 other states

The legislation would enable pharmacists to prescribe medication to patients who have tested negative for HIV within seven days, who do not show symptoms of acute HIV infection and are not taking conflicting medications. Each patient can receive a 60-day supply of PrEP once every two years.

If enacted, Massachusetts will join 13 other states, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Virginia, that allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP. The legislation has widespread support from public health leaders and experts across the commonwealth.

Ben Klein, the senior director of litigation and HIV law at GLAD, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, applauded legislative action to expand PrEP access in the commonwealth.

California became the first state in the country to pass a bill authorizing pharmacy access, said Klein. Its time for Massachusetts to join this effort  Massachusetts should be adopting better policies in the era of PrEP.

The fight against HIV has a rich history on Cape Cod, particularly in communities such as Provincetown. The town played a key role in the early years of the HIV crisis.

State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro

"Provincetown was one of the few communities that treated people living with HIV with dignity, at a time when society had turned its back on those affected by AIDS, Cyr said.

Despite its efficacy, PrEP faces several challenges, including being underutilized.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that one-third of the individuals who require PrEP in Massachusetts are currently using it. Klein explained how this connects to racial disparities.

In Massachusetts, only about one-third of all those for whom PrEP is indicated are currently using it, and the racial disparities in access, particularly among Black and Latinx communities, are especially shocking, said Klein.

Nationally just 13% of eligible Black individuals currently have access to this effective and potentially life-saving preventative, Klein said.

The financial barrier to access to PrEP is the focus of a separate piece of legislation.

Clara Cho is a reporter with the Boston University Statehouse Program.

The Cape Cod Times is providing this coverage for free as a public service. Please take a moment to support local journalism by subscribing to the Times.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Mass. Senate approves bill that expands access to PrEP anti-HIV pills
The Russian occupiers have destroyed 14 memorials to victims of the Holodomor in Ukraine [a man-made famine organised by the Soviet government  ed.] in Ivanivka hromada in the Henichesk district, Kherson Oblast [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.] .

Source: Kherson media outlet Most (Bridge) with reference to reports from the occupying administration of Ivanivka hromada

Details: The occupying administration of Ivanivka hromada posted a photograph showing an act of vandalism. The vandals faces had been hidden in advance, so it is not known exactly who destroyed the memorials.

In the post, the Russians refer to the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as a "so-called" famine and list adverse weather conditions, poor harvests and Soviet economic and agrarian policies as the reasons why millions of Ukrainians starved to death.

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

The Russian occupiers remove Holodomor memorials in Kherson Oblast.

Photo by Russian-controlled administration, posted by MOST

Previously: In 2022, Russian occupiers demolished Ukrainian memorials in the settlement of Hornostaivka. During the occupation of the city of Kherson, they destroyed a plaque commemorating Ruslan Storcheus, the first commander of the Kherson Battalion, who was killed in 2014.

Reference: The Holodomor of 1932-1933 has been recognised by many countries as an act of genocide of the Ukrainian people which the Soviet authorities organised by confiscating harvests from villagers and creating an artificial mass famine in Ukraine.

The confiscation of the grain harvest and all other food products from villagers by the Soviet authorities in 1932-1933 led to millions of deaths. Between 4 and 10.5 million Ukrainians are estimated to have died as a result of the Holodomor.

What is more, the Soviet government had significant grain stocks in reserve which were exported during the Holodomor. It also banned people from exiting the Ukrainian Soviet Republic and refused to accept foreign aid for the starving people.

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If you had asked 10 people at the Miami Herald to describe Alberto Bert Franquizs job, you would have received 10 different answers  and at least one would have been he makes magic happen.

Colleagues were shocked and saddened to learn that Bert passed away suddenly on Oct. 30 due to complications from a surgery. He was 55.

Berts official title was interactive products manager. But, in reality, the 25-year veteran of the newsroom wore many hats on any given day. Bert was among the Herald staffers who won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the Surfside condominium collapse. He was the force behind the online platform featuring the Heralds annual Silver Knights Award winners. He built  and constantly rebuilt  the Heralds COVID-19 trackers. He presented election night results and Munch Madness brackets of South Floridians favorite restaurants. He tracked disinformation.

He maintained the Heralds servers and kept important databases alive. And when anything broke on the website, the advice was always, Call Bert, he will find a way to make it work. And he almost always did.

There was nothing Bert couldnt do, said one of his former managers at the Herald, Eddie Alvarez, who is now a vice president at McClatchy. No matter how harebrained the idea or tight the deadline, he would always figure out a way to get it done.

Bert was many different things to the people who loved him: a loyal friend, a good son and caregiver to his mother, a master at Wordle and a Jeopardy whiz, to name a few.

To his Herald family, Bert will be remembered as a self-effacing, low-key genius with a generous spirit. As another colleague put it recently, Bert was brilliant, sardonic, and better at everything than he wanted people to know.

Apparently, he had always been that way.

Bert grew up in the Miami area, attending Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Monsignor Edward Pace High School. The way Bert told it, he found his way into journalism while working as a manager at the video arcade, Fun-O-Rama  a job that followed several unsuccessful attempts at college majors in engineering, business and computer studies.

Between making minor fixes to the games, scraping gum off the carpet, unjamming tokens, I had considerable free time. So every morning, I brought a copy of the Miami Herald to work and would read it front to back, Bert once wrote in an email to his Herald colleagues.

When he decided to get serious about school again, Bert majored in print journalism at Florida International University and graduated in 2001. He worked on the student paper, the Beacon, where he discovered a distaste for interviewing politicians and met some of the Herald editors, such as the late Mike McQueen, who became his student advisor.

Albert Bert Franquiz (right) celebrating the Miami Heralds 2022 Pulitzer Prize with colleagues Amy Reyes and Eddie Alvarez.

Bert started at the Herald in the online news department, fixing typos and adding photos to articles that automatically published to the website each night. Over the years, he played a silent role in almost every major project the Herald produced  from the whimsical to hard-hitting news. Bert was quick to learn new tools, making him an invaluable member of the Herald team.

He was the type of person that if you threw something at him on a Friday and he said that he didnt have the skills to do it, he would surprise you on the following Monday with a prototype, said Alex Fuentes, former vice president of interactive and marketing.

Bert earned the nickname Sunshine from a former manager, Fuentes said. And, he added, he truly was.

Bert is survived by his mother, Carmen Perez, and his brother, Antonio Franquiz.

Services will be held on Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in South Miami.
China's State Council has approved a work plan to support Beijing in deepening the construction of the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening up the Services Sector, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

The work plan proposes over 170 pilot tasks in areas such as deepening reform and opening-up in key sectors of the services industry, exploring rules and regulations for emerging business forms, and optimizing institutional trade and investment arrangements.

The ministry will work with relevant government departments to strengthen guidance and coordination, carry out supervision and evaluation work, and ensure that the work plan's reform and opening-up measures are implemented.
Nina Huyshe said she now carries a panic alarm in case she is approached by Scatchard

Women say they feel unsafe as a convicted sex offender - wanted over a death a month ago - has still not been found.

Richard Scatchard, 70, from Minehead, went missing last month following the death of his partner at his home.

Minehead resident Nina Huyshe said it had "always been a relatively safe town" but people now "just don't feel that safe any more".

Avon and Somerset Police said it was "absolutely focused" on finding him.

Kelly Faiers, 61, from Weston-super-Mare was found "critically ill" before dying in Minehead on 15 October.

Scatchard is wanted on a recall to prison and police say there have been more than 90 sightings of him in the area.

A spokesperson for the force said while they understood local concerns, Scatchard posed more of a risk to women he had already built relationships with.

But Ms Huyshe, who runs a local Facebook group, said she saw daily posts about people's concerns regarding him.

"The main concern is that they open and close businesses within the town and with the nights drawing in, they're walking to and from in the dark, not knowing who's around," she said.

"They want to know where he is, they want him to hand himself in.

"A lot of people are now carrying personal attack alarms, so should someone approach them they can whip it out because they just don't feel safe."

Wanted for questioning

Avon and Somerset Police previously said Ms Faiers and Scatchard went to The Duke of Wellington pub in Minehead for a drink on 14 October.

Early the next morning, Scatchard called the ambulance service to Blenheim Road.

Ms Faiers was pronounced dead by medics at the house and police were called.

The following afternoon, officers wanted to ask Scatchard more questions and went to the house but found it empty. He was last seen on CCTV in Watchet on 16 October.

Sally Turner is taking extra safety precautions

Sally Turner, manager at Minehead's Information Centre, said she and her friends were taking extra precautions.

"Me and my friends would be silly if we weren't extra vigilant, because it's a very rare event," she said.

"I'm letting my family and friends know where I'm going and when I'll be home."

Use of dating apps

Det Supt Lisa Simpson, from Avon and Somerset Police, said officers were concerned Scatchard might approach women using dating apps.

"His previous behaviour, along with information we have gathered since his disappearance, makes us anxious that he may have formed a new relationship with one or more women and that he presents a serious risk to their safety.

"Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes," she said.

She added: "This is not about a sexual offender springing on women in the hours of darkness.

"I understand why people are scared, I really want to reassure them that this is not what Mr Scatchard is likely to do.

"At the moment, the focus is trying to find him."

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MINNEAPOLIS  Rep. Dean Phillips, who serves Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection to Congress.

Phillips, 54, announced in late October that he would be making a run for the presidency, challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. He launched his campaign in New Hampshire, citing a need for a new generation of Democrats to lead.

"My journey to public service began the morning after the 2016 election, when I faced the reality that democracy requires participation  not observation," Phillips said on Friday. "Seven years have passed, each presenting historic opportunities to practice a brand of optimistic politics that repairs relationships and improves people's lives. We have met those moments, and after three terms it is time to pass the torch."

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips, whos running against President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination, will **not** seek re-election for his #MN03, even if bid for White House fails pic.twitter.com/QA5ECXAFrg  Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) November 24, 2023

"To my colleagues in Congress: serving with you has been the honor of a lifetime - particularly during some of the darkest days in our nation's history," Phillips said. "To my amazing community, the most engaged in the entire nation, you have made this the most joyful job I've ever had. I always say that representation begins with listening, and your diverse and respectful voices represent the very best of America."

RELATED: Biden's Minnesota trip serves as a show of political force against primary challenger Dean Phillips

There were early signs that Phillips would make a run, but things moved quickly once he stepped down from his role as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Caucus at the start of October, saying his opinions of the 2024 race were "incongruent with the majority of [his] caucus."

He's been on the record criticizing the older members of Congress, and called for term limits after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze during a news conference during summer. The late Sen. Dianne Feinstein was in the midst of being hospitalized after she fell in her home.

Even before putting pen to paper in New Hampshire, Phillips, 54, sat down with CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa in an exclusive interview for "CBS Mornings."

"I think President Biden has done a spectacular job for our country," Phillips said. "But it's not about the past. This is an election about the future."

Major primary challengers emerged for the 3rd District seat after Phillips announced his presidential run. What was historically a GOP territory in the western suburbs of Minneapolis has leaned comfortably Democratic since Phillips won the position in 2018.

MORE: Rep. Dean Phillips' presidential campaign means 3rd District race is suddenly interesting

After Phillips said he would not be seeking reelection, Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said he appreciated "Dean's service and his 100% voting record supporting President Biden's historic record of accomplishments."

Martin added that "there are a number of talented DFLers who would be great representatives for Minnesota's third district and who understand the importance of reelecting President Biden and keeping this seat in DFL hands. I'm confident we will have a strong and loyal nominee for the DFL Party at the conclusion of the process."

Who is Dean Phillips?

Phillips was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and currently resides in Wayzata. He is the father to two adult daughters from his previous marriage, and has been married to his current wife, Annalise, since 2019.

Before his political career, Phillips was the heir to his stepfather's Phillips Distilling Company empire, which holds major vodka and schnapps brands. He was once the company's president, but also ran the gelato maker Talenti.

The gelato truck was a centerpiece of his first House campaign in 2018, when he unseated five-term Republican Erik Paulsen. It was the first time in nearly six decades that a Republican didn't carry that district.

Though the area  which encompasses Bloomington, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park, and Anoka  is now more Democratic-leaning, Phillips has taken a more moderate approach, and is a member of the centrist Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress.

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U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) has announced that he wont seek reelection, with the decision coming a month after he shared plans to challenge Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Its time to pass the torch, its time for change, and our best days are yet to come! he said in a social media post on Friday.

A spokesperson confirmed that he is continuing his presidential campaign. The 54-year-old was first elected to Congress in 2018 and is in his third term, which will end in January 2025.

Phillips has expressed great admiration for Biden, 80, but has argued that hes too old for a second term.

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) holds a rally outside of the New Hampshire Statehouse on October 27 after handing over his declaration of candidacy for president.

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) holds a rally outside of the New Hampshire Statehouse on October 27 after handing over his declaration of candidacy for president.

Hes a president of great competence and success, I admire the heck out of President Biden, Phillips told Politico in February. And if he were 15-20 years younger it would be a no-brainer to nominate him, but considering his age its absurd were not promoting competition but trying to extinguish it.

Phillips has cited polls that show former President Donald Trump leading Biden.

Phillips is a long-shot candidate himself, with him significantly trailing behind Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. Fellow Democratic primary challenger Marianne Williamson was two points ahead of Phillips in a recent Real Clear Politics poll.

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was among those thanking Phillips for his years in public office in response to his news on Friday, while also pledging support to Biden.

We appreciate Deans service and his 100% voting record supporting President Bidens historic record of accomplishments, said DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin in a statement.

There are a number of talented DFLers who would be great representatives for Minnesotas third district and who understand the importance of reelecting President Biden and keeping this seat in DFL hands. Im confident we will have a strong and loyal nominee for the DFL Party at the conclusion of the process.

Phillips has faced criticism in recent days after telling The Atlantic that hes heard people who know Vice President Kamala Harris say that shes not the right person for office.

She is not well prepared, doesnt have the right disposition and the right competencies to execute that office, he said, while later adding in his interview that he has personally not seen those deficiencies.

He later issued an apology, saying he shouldnt have referenced other peoples opinions.

Related...
The United States has dispelled any speculation about having to choose between Ukraine and Israel, Illarion Pavlyuk, spokesperson for the Ukraines Defense Ministry, said during a debriefing of the 17th Ramstein format meeting on Nov. 23.

It is crucial that yesterday our key partner, the United States, namely Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, effectively dispelled any speculation about the U.S. supposedly having to choose between Israel and Ukraine, he said.

During online negotiations, a very clear statement was made twice that there can be no choice, Pavlyuk noted.

The U.S. stands by Israel, but at the same time is fully committed to all its obligations to support Ukraine, he added.

Read also:

Private statements indicated not only deep support but also an excellent understanding by partners of why they support Ukraine. There is an understanding that this support is needed not only for Ukraine but also for the civilized world and their countries as well, Pavlyuk said.

The defense department heads of over 50 countries participated in the 17th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues within the Ramstein format, Ukraines Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 22.

Read also: Blinken hopes to convince Congress to approve Ukraine aid package

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, before the start of Ramstein, emphasized that the United States, together with its allies, will continue to support Ukraine.

A coalition for the development of missile defense in Ukraine was formed at the 17th meeting of the Contact Group, with Germany and France leading the effort, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

In October, the White House requested nearly $106 billion from the U.S. Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and other priority areas. However, Congress split the project into two packages.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. has sufficient capabilities to simultaneously support Ukraine in the war against Russia and Israel in the war against Hamas.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Nov. 15 to support a bill for the extension of temporary government funding to prevent a possible shutdown without additional aid to Israel or Ukraine.

It was revealed on Nov. 19 that the U.S. Congress will vote on a $61 billion support package for Ukraine only in conjunction with measures to strengthen the U.S.-Mexican border. The bill could be approved by Christmas.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A 31-year-old Modesto man, Omar Meza, was found guilty on Wednesday of the 2018 murder of Luis Alberto Diaz-Lopez, 26, near Tunitas Creek.

Prosecutors with the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office said Meza had a woman drive Diaz-Lopez and himself to the coast with the intent to rob him. The group parked at a pullout south of the Tunitas Creek bridge. Both men got out of the car, where Meza shot and killed Diaz-Lopez, the Half Moon Bay Review previously reported.

Meza was arrested by San Mateo County Sheriffs deputies in 2020. Authorities believed the killing to be gang-related.

At one point in his trial, Diaz-Lopezs brother and an associate jumped over the courts railing and beat Meza during the questioning of a witness on the stand. The two men were arrested, and Meza was said to have not sustained any injuries during the confrontation, the San Mateo Daily Journal reported in Dec. 2021.

A jury found Meza guilty on one count of first-degree murder with special circumstances and felony robbery with a firearm  since Meza took jewelry and other belongings after he killed Diaz-Lopez.

The jury deadlocked 8-4 on a murder for robbery charge. Meza is set to be sentenced on Nov. 29 and is facing prior felony violations as well.
The mother of a student at North Crowley Ninth Grade Campus says a teacher pulled out two of her sons dreadlocks while trying to take off his hat. Now, shes seeking an apology from the teacher and answers from the school district.

Jessica Scroggins, the mother of Crowley Independent School District freshman Bremon Scroggins, said an altercation erupted between her son and a teacher after he was instructed to take off his beanie, according to a Facebook post by the mother. When Bremon Scroggins didnt immediately comply with the teachers request, the teacher took off the beanie himself but pulled Scroggins hair out in the process, leaving a bald spot in the middle of his head, his mother alleges.

I want this man to be arrested. He need(s) to be removed from North Crowley, Jessica Scroggins said in the Nov. 14 Facebook post. Im still waiting on answers. As a mother I deserve answers. My son deserve(s) an apology. 

The Nov. 9 incident was first reported by KXAS-TV. On Facebook, Jessica Scroggins said she has filed a police report, but its unclear if it was with the city police department or districts police department. She also has contacted the NAACP, and has obtained an attorney, she said.

She was unavailable for further comment as of Friday afternoon.

Crowley ISD officials said in a statement that the teacher is on administrative leave as they investigate the incident involving the removal of a students hat.

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Due to the investigation, we cannot release the teachers name or the students name. We will handle this situation in accordance with district policy, district officials said Friday. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority in Crowley ISD, and we are committed to providing a learning environment where all students can thrive.
SARAJEVO (Reuters) - A court in Montenegro said on Friday it had approved the extradition of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Do Kwon, leaving a minister to decide if he will be handed over to South Korea or the United States, which both want him.

Do Kwon, who is charged in the U.S. with a multibillion-dollar fraud, and his ally were sentenced in June to four months in prison for using forged passports.

Police said after arresting them they had found doctored Costa Rican passports, a separate set of Belgian passports, laptop computers and other devices in their luggage.

At a hearing in May, the defendants denied the charges pressed by the Montenegrin prosecutor. Kwon's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment when the U.S. charges were announced, but a spokesperson for the company he founded, Terraform Labs, said in July it would fight the "misguided and deeply flawed" U.S. allegations.

The High Court in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica said on Friday Do Kwon had agreed to be extradited to South Korea under an abbreviated procedure but that the justice minister would have the final say as multiple states have requested his handover.

The decision will be made after Do Kwon completes serving his prison sentence for document forgery, the court said.

Do Kwons lawyer in Podgorica was not immediately available to comment.

A South Korean national, Kwon is the former CEO of South Korea-based Terraform Labs, the company behind the stablecoin TerraUSD that collapsed in May 2022, roiling cryptocurrency markets.

He was detained in late March along with Han Chang-joon, Terraform Labs' former finance officer, as they tried to board a flight to Dubai from Podgorica.

Following Kwon's arrest, the U.S. District Court in Manhattan made public an eight-count indictment against him for securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and conspiracy.

In late May, a Montenegrin court scrapped a bail of 800,000 euros for the pair, saying it could not be taken as a solid guarantee, nor their promise they would not run away once released from detention.

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic Editing by Mark Potter)
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions includes cleaning up California cow burps. The White House just allocated millions for it.

Two Biden administration grants are sending $21.4 million to California Dairies and $22.8 million to the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) for feed additives to reduce methane in cow belches. They also offer carbon credits to encourage farmers to participate in climate-focused changes.

Livestock are responsible for about 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. They also account for half of Californias methane emissions. Contrary to common belief, belching produces more methane than farting as cows digest..

That cow can take waste, turn it into one of the most nutritional products, said Melvin Medeiros, a DFA farmer, and then being able to throw an additive on to lower those emissions on that cow, I think thats just a win-win for everybody.

Dairy cooperatives in California, the nations largest producer of milk, butter and certain cheeses., have been working with state and federal officials for years on reducing emissions through manure and methane capture projects.

California Dairies is a cooperative with about 300 farms that co-own their processing facilities. DFA has 190 farms in California.

California set a goal of a 40% reduction from 2013 methane levels in the dairy industry by 2030. Some projects capture methane to create renewable electricity and fuels to power homes, vehicles and equipment.

DFA in 2020 pledged to try to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030. Overall, the U.S. dairy industry is aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

New Zealand and European countries have been using feed additives to try to reduce methane emissions. The additive California Dairies and DFA want to use, Bovaer, is awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, but the groups hope that it will receive clearance early in 2024.

Both use Athian as their carbon crediting platform, which would offer benefits to farmers making changes on both the manure and digestive methane.

When they decrease the enteric methane on their farm, and that comes from our belching, theyll be able to place the carbon credits they generate on a carbon platform for purchase, said DFAs Jackie Klippenstein. So theyll be able to continue to fund the good work on their farm by receiving benefits for the environmental side effects that theyre creating.

Darrin Monteiro, vice president of sustainability for California Dairies, said that with this grant, they hope to reduce emissions by 300,000 cubic tons per year. The feed additive aims to cut methane released in the enteric belching process by 30%.

If we can get 300,000 metric tons of carbon reduced, itll be a huge win, Monteiro said, and hopefully demonstrate a system for the rest of the country to adopt in reducing methane.

Importantly, the program for the cooperatives farmers is voluntary, he said.

What were noticing on a global scale is farmers are reacting much more aggressively to the climate when theres a voluntary approach, Monteiro said. And that voluntary approach hopefully provides a menu of options.

The White House grants were part of more than $1 billion announced in Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding to improve conservation and climate-smart agriculture efforts. The effort is in line with President Joe Bidens broader climate agenda and goal to help rural families stay in agriculture.

Reducing emissions is one way to ensure that the farm land is available for the next generation, and ranchers like Medeiros are in.

Medeiros, who sits on DFAs Western board, has changed the way his Laton, Calif., dairy farm operates overtime to reduce emissions. He is a second-generation dairy farmer whose family has been in the business for 54 years.

Medeiros parents immigrated to California from the Azore Islands. They worked on dairy farms, saving money to get their first herd of cows. His father was killed in an accident with a bull when Medeiros, the youngest of three kids, was nine, leaving his 35-year-old mother who spoke little English to fulfill that dream of building a dairy.

Two years later, she did. Medeiros is grateful for his parents sacrifices, making it all the more important for him to continue passing down to his sons. All three work in the dairy industry.

Our ultimate goal is to pass that ranch on to the next generation because the ranch gave us a better life, gave us the opportunity, Medeiros said. And you always want to leave it in better shape than when you receive it.
More than 30 people were arrested after pro-Palestinian demonstrators jumped police barricades and glued themselves to the street Thursday morning, interrupting the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, police say.

Of the 34 arrests, 30 demonstrators were issued a criminal summons for trespassing, and four people were arrested for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing governmental administration, according to the NYPD.

The protest broke out at Sixth Avenue and W. 45th Street at 10 a.m., around 90 minutes after the parade began, but there was no significant disruption to the parade, police said.

Earlier on Thursday, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden called into the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast on NBC, where they urged unity.

Asked about his message given divisions in the country, Biden said: We have to come together. You know, we can have different political views but we have one view. And the one view is that we are the finest, the greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that. We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together.

Since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel and Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, large crowds of people have organized and gathered at rallies across the US, to chant and march, expressing frustration, sadness and solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis over the war between Israel and Hamas.

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Javier Milei is quickly toning down his aggressive rhetoric toward Argentinas largest trading partners, raising the prospect that his administration may not be so disruptive for international affairs after all.

Most Read from Bloomberg

After calling the Chinese government an assassin during an August interview with Bloomberg News and saying he wouldnt keep relations with Brazil or countries led by communists if elected, Milei sounded surprisingly cordial in comments made just a few days after his landslide Nov. 19 win.

He sent well-wishes to the Chinese people in a social media post Wednesday, thanking President Xi Jinping for a letter in which he congratulated the Argentine leader for his victory. The letter also served for China to remind Milei that relations between Beijing and Buenos Aires were always based on mutual respect, with tangible benefits for both sides.

Also on Wednesday he told a local TV that Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would be welcome to attend his Dec. 10 inauguration. And he even patched differences with Pope Francis, an Argentine he once described as the devils man on earth. When receiving a call from the Vatican on Tuesday, Milei invited His Holiness to visit Argentina soon.

Read More: Lula Gives Milei the Cold Shoulder on Bet Hell Need Brazil

The about-face is the latest sign yet that the foul-mouthed libertarian who swept to power with radical promises to fix Argentinas problems may be adopting a more pragmatic approach, at least in foreign policy, as he prepares to take office.

It was inevitable, Argentina simply cant afford to alienate its most important trading partners, said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Wilson Centers Latin America Program. It seems clear that Milei is following the advice of his more pragmatic advisers when it comes to foreign policy, including former President Mauricio Macri.

Argentinas total trade with China and Brazil reached $55 billion last year, almost three times as much its commerce with the US, its third-largest trading partner.

Read More: Mileis Economic Team Led by Former Head of Macris Central Bank

Diana Mondino, Mileis incoming foreign minister, said during a TV interview Wednesday that the president-elect had never proposed breaking relations with China or Brazil, blaming the media and the opposition for taking his comments out of context.

Theres no breaking or changing or freezing relations, she said in that interview. There can never be.

Mondino, an economist and close adviser to Milei throughout the campaign, added that Lula will of course be invited to the inauguration. Why wouldnt he come?

One issue complicating a potential visit by Lula is the expected presence of his political adversary Jair Bolsonaro in the ceremony. The former Brazilian president is friends with Milei and, while calling him after his election victory, gladly accepted a personal invitation to attend his inauguration in Buenos Aires.

From the US, Milei received a congratulatory call from President Joe Biden, who wont be able to come to Buenos Aires due to previously scheduled commitments, according to Mondino. But on Thursday Mileis office said he also spoke by phone with Donald Trump, who confirmed his presence in the inauguration.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Visitors learn about the integrated solution for hydrogen energy production, storage, transportation and application during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 2023 China Marine Economy Expo kicked off on Thursday in south China's Shenzhen Municipality, showcasing China's latest achievements, cutting-edge science and technology, and international cooperation in the marine industry.



On the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing," the three-day expo will attract the offline participation of 658 enterprises, institutions and organizations in the marine field from 16 countries and regions, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 60 percent.

Covering a record area of 112,500 square meters, this year's expo also displays innovative application scenarios and new technologies and products in sectors such as ocean engineering and marine electronic information.

The expo will also hold more than 20 professional forums, during which more than 200 global guests from the arenas of politics, academia and business will hold offline discussions on marine science and technology, marine industry, ports and shipping, marine civilization, ocean governance, and other topics.

Signe Brudeset, Norwegian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, attended the expo's opening ceremony. She said that China is one of Norway's largest trading partners in Asia, and the expo provides a good platform for many Norwegian companies to contact their Chinese counterparts and enhance exchanges and cooperation, to promote bilateral trade between Norway and China.
Fire at the Chagino substation in Moscow on November 24

A fire broke out at the Chagino power substations transformer building in southeastern Moscow early on Nov. 24, sending thick smoke into the area, the Russian Mash Telegram channel reported.

The 200-square-meter fire in the 20-meter-high building is making the flame difficult to extinguish.

Read also: Moscow mayor claims drone was intercepted over Russian capital

An explosion at a power substation in the town of Lytkarino near Moscow was reported overnight on Nov. 23.

Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle on approach to Moscow, claimed the citys mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, on Nov. 19.

Read also: Video captures drone attack on Russian military unit in Dzhankoy, temporarily occupied Crimea

The Russians reported a drone attack on Kolomna, Moscow Oblast on Nov. 11. Media reported damage to the buildings of the Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, which produces Kinzhal ballistic missiles, and Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles.

Russian authorities typically claim to shoot down or disable all incoming drones, though there is ample evidence that many reach their intended targets. Ukraine usually denies being behind the attacks, but drones of known Ukrainian design are regularly photographed and videoed in the skies over Russia.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A progressive poll found most voters dont believe state legislatures have the right to ban abortion or gender-affirming care.

The Data For Progress think tank surveyed more than 1,200 voters nationwide and found most people believe decisions on those personal health decisions should be guided by medical professionals, not elected lawmakers.

But the key finding was that 55 percent of voters believe state lawmakers should not be allowed to implement full bans on abortion and gender-affirming medical care, and place criminal penalties on physicians who provide this care. By comparison, just 34 percent believe those restrictions do fall under the purview of politicians.

Pollsters report a margin of error of 3 percent. Likely voters were surveyed between Nov. 9 and 11.

Related: Americans Dont Want Politicians Focusing on Transgender Issues, Survey Finds

Theres a significant difference in opinion based on political party. About 53 percent of Republicans feel legislatures should be allowed to restrict access to abortion or transgender health care, while 34 percent consider the topics out of bounds. Meanwhile, about 76 percent of Democrats feel those decisions fall outside the scope of state lawmakers work.

But among the critical set of independent voters polled, a majority, or 56 percent, feel the legislatures shouldnt have the power to regulate care, and just 29 percent felt they should.

Data For Progress leaders say this shows what elections in 2022 and 2022 already hinted at, that voters are not on board with conservative plans to regulate womens bodies or trans teenagers identities.

State bans on gender-affirming medical care, like state bans on abortion, threaten public health and personal freedom, Rob Todaro, Data for Progress communications director, said in a release. Democrats must address this crisis by defending bodily autonomy and the right of families to make decisions about their medical care, without interference from politicians. The ongoing success of reproductive rights  and failure of anti-trans attacks  at the ballot box should give them the political courage to do so.

Yet according to the latest tracking by the Human Rights Campaign, 22 states now have laws in place restricting gender-affirming care for minors. That affects more than 35 percent of trans youth.

Additionally, transgender issues don't feature prominently in most Americans political priorities, according to an online survey from the 19th of more than 20,000 adults conducted in late August. Just 17 percent believed politicians should focus on restricting gender-affirming care, while 33 percent thought they should protect transgender individuals.

As far as abortion, The New York Times reports 21 states have implemented some level of abortion restrictions not allowed before the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
A Mississippi family has finally funeralized and buried in a proper grave their loved one, a man who had been killed by an off-duty Jackson police officer and buried in a paupers field without notifying the family.

Civil rights leaders, activists, and politicians attended the homegoing, calling for someone to take accountability for his death and seeking justice for the grieving family.

Bettersten Wade, mother of Dexter Wade, was supported by hundreds, including her granddaughters, as she laid her son to rest.

Bettersten Wade holds a photo of her son, Dexter Wade. (Photo: Facebook/Better Than I Was Yesterday)

The 37-year-old mysteriously went missing in March 2023. However, months later, it was discovered not only was he struck and killed by a Jackson police officers car as Wade was trying to cross Interstate 55 on foot, but his remains were laid to rest in grave No. 672 at the Hinds County Jails penal farm without anyone contacting his next of kin.

Now, with his body exhumed and placed under the care of the family, Dexter Wade was finally given a funeral of honor.

In addition to the family, civil rights lawyers Ben Crump and Dennis Sweet attended the event on Monday, Nov. 20, at New Horizon Church International. They have been supporting Bettersten Wade over the past few months, assisting in the exhumation of his body and organizing an independent autopsy.

The autopsy reportedly revealed a state ID card on Dexter Wades body, suggesting that law enforcement had information to contact his loved ones but opted not to do so.

Officiating the ceremony was Rev. Al Sharpton, who gave a warm eulogy that focused on the gaping hole left in the family because of Wades death. He noted how his two daughters would grow up without a father and stressed the importance of holding the city of Jackson and Hinds County accountable for this loss.

Sharpton said that in all of his years fighting against police-involved violence against Black people, he never heard one like this.

His life mattered to his mama, to his daughters, and were going to make it matter all over this country, the preacher/ activist said, according to NBC News.

Also in attendance and listening to his scalding reprimand were politicians such as Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson City Council member Kenneth Stokes, and Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, who had questions about the case.

Who was investigating? Mississippis sole Black congressman, Thompson, asked. Were any policies violated? To my knowledge, none of this information has been made available.

While the city and the county are pointing at each other for answers, Owens said his office is working with city and county authorities on a full review of the case.

Stokes did not share what his plans were but publicly apologized on behalf of the City Council on Sunday, Nov. 19, and reiterated the apology during the homegoing service.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba mentioned that the police department, acknowledging a flawed communication system, did not intend to harm the family. Police Chief Joseph Wade stated that he implemented the police departments inaugural policy on death notifications. However, neither the mayor nor the police department has specified the accountability measures for the off-duty officer directly involved in Dexter Wades death.

Unfortunately, Wades anonymous burial is not just a one-off for Jackson. It was discovered in October 2023 that homicide victim Marrio Terrell Moore, 40, was also buried in the same paupers field without his family being notified of his death.

Actually, according to police records, both Dexter Wade and Moore  who was found beaten to death on a Jackson street in February of this year  were buried on the same day, July 14, and in the same place by the same law enforcement agency.

Mississippi law states coroners shall make reasonable efforts to notify members of the decedents family, if the body remains unclaimed after five days, authorities have the right to bury the deceased. In both cases, authorities say they tried to reach out to the families but were unsuccessful, which led to the burials.

In Moores case, his relative worked in the local sheriffs office, and he was not contacted. In Dexter Wades case, his familys attorney plans to see them in court  requesting that the Justice Department steps in and investigate.

It just doesnt pass the smell test, Crump said. Thats why people all over America are talking about what happened to Dexter Wade in Jackson, Mississippi.
Mozambican forces have been battling an insurgency in the north

Mozambique's parliament has approved a draft law increasing compulsory military service from two to five years for general service and up to six for special forces.

It is intended to help the army retain more soldiers and be more professional.

Neighbouring countries have sent troops to help Mozambique tackle an Islamist insurgency in the north.

The authorities hope longer military service would remove the need for foreign support against the jihadists.

The new law may still face amendments and must be assented to by the president to become law.

Mozambicans have to register with the armed forces when they reach 18.

However, not everyone ends up joining, as people can seek exemption on health or other grounds.

The new law makes the armed forces responsible for sending conscription summonses upon authorisation by the defence minister.

It imposes criminal liability for people who disobey summonses and fines for companies that prevent workers from joining.

The extension of military service was passed by lawmakers from the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), which has a parliamentary majority, supported by a smaller opposition party, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM).

The main opposition party, the ex-rebel Renamo movement which has been boycotting parliamentary sessions to protest against the outcome of recent municipal elections, did not vote.

Defence Minister Cristovao Chume on Thursday said the military needed to be modern and more professional to be able to face challenges against national security and sovereignty.

"Our country is currently facing threats of a hybrid and diffuse nature, with connections to transnational organised crime. To combat them, they require greater professionalisation," Mr Chume told parliament.

"We will have better soldiers. Currently, they train for a year, are deployed to the field of counter-terrorism operations and only stay there for six months, then leave.

"With this law, we will allow more and place more experienced people to fight terrorism," he said.

On Wednesday, President Filipe Nyusi told a defence forces forum that the country's military must be prepared to work without foreign support.

Troops from Rwanda and the southern African bloc Sadc have been conducting joint operations to fight the insurgency by groups linked to Islamic State since 2021.

However, the country still experiences sporadic attacks.

Mozambique also faces other national security threats include piracy, sea pollution, illegal fishing and the trafficking of drugs and people.

The six-year insurgency has claimed the lives of at least 4,000 people and displaced nearly one million others from the northern Cabo Delgado province.

It has stalled operations to develop and tap the country's vast natural gas deposits, which were discovered in Cabo Delgado in 2010.

There have been mixed reactions to the bill - some have noted that it will allow the government and the conscripts time to plan better, as many of the conscripts are demobilised at the end of the two years and go home without anything to do.

Some however have expressed concern that the extended military service might delay young adults entering the job market.

Some 110,000 personnel currently work for the Mozambican armed forces. It is not clear to what extent the longer military service will increase their numbers.
The driver of a tractor trailer died Friday after his truck was hit from behind by a car, flipped over and crashed into an unoccupied trailer parked at a construction site on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale.

When the truck struck the trailer, it became engulfed in flames, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, which said hours later that the driver still had not been identified.

The accident happened shortly before 6:30 a.m. near exit 23 when the driver of a 2021 Nissan Altima collided with the right back of the trucks trailer, FHP Lt. India Miranda said. Investigators were still working Friday afternoon to determine what led the 39-year-old Pompano Beach woman driving the Altima to hit the truck, according to the FHP.

The impact caused the truck driver to lose control of his vehicle, which crashed over a concrete barrier before flipping over and entering into the construction site, Miranda said.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Garrett Pingol said the truck driver was declared dead at the scene, and paramedics took another person to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. That persons condition was not immediately available.

It was not immediately known if the person taken to the hospital was the Nissan driver, who police had not yet named by Friday afternoon.

Cars are stopped along I-95 in Broward County Friday morning, Nov. 24, 2023, after a tractor crash involving several vehicles.

Northbound traffic was blocked from about exit 25 to the Griffin Road exit, Exit 23 into Friday afternoon.

This is still an on-going investigation, Miranda said.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause lesions, rashes, and fevers.

Michigan health officials reported a cluster of syphilis infections in the eye.

Ocular syphilis is typically rare and occurs in only 1% of patients.

Multiple women developed syphilis in their eyes after sexual interactions with one infected man, leading to speculation about a new strain of the bacteria, health officials reported.

From March to July of 2022, health officials in Michigan investigated a cluster of ocular syphilis cases connected to a single man, according to a report published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report."

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that occurs in several stages, each with its own symptoms, according to the CDC.

Throughout the four stages, signs of the infection could include sores on and around the genitals, rashes, fever, weight loss, and, eventually, issues with mental function and muscle movements, per the CDC.

Ocular syphilis usually includes pain in the eyes, and changes in vision, including potential blindness, per the CDC.

While ocular syphilis isn't new, it is rare. It only occurs in about one percent of syphilis infections, per ArsTechnica, and usually in only in cases that are late stage, in people older than 65, in HIV-positive people, or those who inject drugs.

All five of the women in this cluster, though, were between 40 and 60 years old, had early-stage infections, and said they did not inject any drugs, per ArsTechnica.

The man who was initially infected showed no signs of vision issues and had early-stage latent syphilis without symptoms, according to the report.

Because of the cluster, researchers think the women and their partner may have contracted a particular strain of syphilis that is more likely to cause infection in the eyes and brain, per the report.

Health officials in Michigan couldn't identify the strain, since the patients lacked lesions that could be used for genetic testing, per ArsTechnica.

According to recent data from the CDC, there has been an almost 75% increase in syphilis cases since 2017 in the United States.

The best way to prevent the spread of an STD, per the CDC, is to communicate with sexual partners, get tested for potential diseases, and seek treatment if infected.

Read the original article on Insider
Throughout history, the concept of light has been integral to numerous cultures and religions, and a number of churches in Pennsylvania are now reportedly harnessing the sun to demonstrate their devotion.

According to Karen Hendricks of StateImpact Pennsylvania, the Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Harrisburg will reportedly save $10,000 annually by switching to solar power, which provides 90% of its energy.

Everyone is convinced about the cost savings  it wasnt seen as a political issue, Rev. Richard Geib told Hendricks, adding that taking steps to take care of the planet is a positive expression of our faith.

Akron Mennonite Church is saving almost $1,000 each month after using its own funds to add as many solar panels as possible.

If we are responding to disasters, why wouldnt we try to prevent disasters? Pastor Rachel Nolt said, per Hendricks.  Its part of our understanding that, as people of faith, as Christians, it is our calling, our duty and expectation that we are to care for the Earth.

Hendricks noted that more than 100 churches in Pennsylvania are members of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL), a nonprofit aimed at empowering people to take meaningful action to protect the environment.

Churches are massive holders of land and resources  some of the biggest land-holding or asset-holding groups in the world, PA IPL executive director Katie Ruth told Hendricks while highlighting their importance in transitioning away from dirty energy like oil and gas, which have been linked to health concerns such as asthma and disrupted the habitat of numerous creatures.

Solar power, on the other hand, is good for the planet because it doesnt release any pollution or heat-trapping gases, and it keeps getting more affordable and accessible. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency obtained by the United Nations, the industry also created 4.3 million jobs alone in 2021.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church, another congregation in Pennsylvania that has started utilizing solar, hopes its experience could create a ripple effect of positive change, per Hendricks.

We realize one tiny church in the center of rural Pennsylvania isnt going to solve the climate crisis, but if we can help 100 other churches   congregational council leader Maggie Chappen said.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Charges are still pending against a Munster man who brought a holstered handgun to a polling place on Election Day and allegedly gestured to it during a verbal altercation with another voter, while experts and party officials are concerned that incidents of voter intimidation can hamper wider participation in the electoral process.

Three days after the incident, police submitted a request for felony charges of bringing a weapon on school grounds against one individual, a two-time failed Republican candidate for Munster Town Council, in the wake of a verbal altercation where the holstered weapon was shown on Nov. 7 outside James B. Eads Elementary School. Misdemeanor charges of intimidation also are being sought against a second individual for his part in the altercation.

A spokesperson for Prosecutor Bernie Carter said the office has received the referral for charges from Munster police and the in-take prosecutors are processing the case.

The ramifications of an incident of perceived voter intimidation can have a ripple effect through the community, according to Purdue Northwest Professor Yu Ouyang, associate professor of political science. He said that, in the strictest sense, actual voter intimidation report numbers are fairly rare.

As in the Munster case, initial charges relate to carrying a weapon on school grounds, not voter intimidation, despite the allegations the man with the gun was calling voters who identified as Democrats outside the polling place names, including Communists, Marxists and pedophiles.

Ouyang said concern is not with documented confirmed cases of voter intimidation, but more the impact of the news of incidents such as the situation on Election Day in Munster that can impact future political participation, Ouyang said.

Many voters are skeptical to participate as is. When you hears stories of such incidents occurring it puts an added layer.

Thankfully, Im not hearing many instances of these. Despite it being a fairly rare occurrence, they still matter quite a bit. The most important part is how the local party leaders respond to this. There should be zero tolerance in cases of voter intimidation, especially when the one involved was working for a party on Election Day, Ouyang said.

The responses by candidates and the party really sort of drive how this will go in the future. Anything short of a very strong response against such behavior is tacitly approval and it is not what we want to see, he said.

This does not directly connect with this particular incident on school grounds as there are already laws against guns on school property.

If we are not talking about a church or schools used as a polling place, it becomes a concern with potential voters see someone carry a firearm ... it feels like intimidation, Ouyang said.

In an attempt to stave off potential incidents that potentially could arise at polling places in the wake of the legislatures 2022 passage of permitless concealed carry, State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, introduced his own legislation seeking to ban weapons in all polling places.

That measure was assigned to the committee on corrections and criminal law, where it did not receive a hearing. Randolph plans to reintroduce the legislation this short session.

Its an immediate issue. Now I will be able to bring to them a current example and shoe them the importance of doing it, Randolph said.

Guns at polling places frighten people, especially senior citizens, he said. For many there are already enough issues getting to a polling place.

It defies common sense, Randolph said.

Randy Niemeyer, chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee, said the county party does not sanction volunteers or tell them necessarily to bring their weapons anywhere. He said a responsible gun owner always knows it is illegal to carry on school grounds, Niemeyer said.

We do not condone that type of behavior at any time. We will not stand for that behavior. Its indescribable how bad this is, Niemeyer said.

Volunteers outside polling places can attempt to engage voters to support a candidate or party but when a voter indicates they are not interested, should simply leave the individual alone, he said, as there is no room for harassment.

Niemeyer said the alleged behavior on Election Day goes against the partys brand.

Lets engage voters in a productive manner and not get in altercations, Niemeyer said.

Still, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and there needs to be time to allow the legal system to work, he continued.

Once the charges have worked their way through the judicial process, Niemeyer said they will consider whether there will be party consequences. If the charges result in a felony conviction, the man would be unable to hold office in Indiana.

We dont welcome felons in our party. We are looking for ambitious, smart, law-abiding citizens who will make the sacrifices, Niemeyer said.

Jim Wieser, chairman of Lake Countys Democratic Party, said the potential for polling place intimidation and violence has concerned him and other leaders in the party since the 2020 election. The denial of the legitimacy of that election and the resulting disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric have created an atmosphere where people are using vile language and demeaning average voters. The trend has been encouraged throughout Lake County, he said.

Tuesday was particularly vindictive and almost out of control in Munster, Wieser said. People were verbally accosted at polling places.

Those identifying as Democrat were accused of being a communist or a Marxist or a pedophile, he said.

What does that give rise to? he asked. When you have a state that allows carrying a weapon and you dont have to have a permit to acquire one, it just creates the atmosphere for something terrible to happen. This incident is a specific reflection of that. I thank God it didnt go farther than it did.

Its horrifying for people who are exercising their right to vote  a basic fundamental principle of democracy  to have to be subjected to that, to observe that or be aware of that, Wieser said.

The potential for violence like this may cause people to reconsider whether they want to go to their polling place, Wieser said, comparing it to an individual saying they do not want to go to a nightclub out of fear in the aftermath of mass shootings.

Its so beyond what I can even comprehend given all the years Ive been involved in government and politics. Its not how it used to be. Thats why I have so much admiration for poll workers. In the face of all that they are still willing to do their jobs, Wieser said.

We wont have a system if this continues and it ramps up, Wieser said.

Its hard to believe knowing the nature of the town of Munster and knowing the vast majority of the people are law abiding citizens, for this to happen in that community having been instigated by a few. Its a really, sad, sad day for Lake County and a sad day certainly for Munster, Wieser said.

That language, all the vitriol, emanates from the Republican Party. Its unfortunate but true. Thats the case. They need to look inside themselves and say we need to do something about this, Wieser said.

cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com
SOUTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The son of the Colleton County court clerk involved in the Alex Murdaugh case has been charged with wiretapping, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced this week.

Former Colleton County information technology director Jeffrey Colton Hill, 34, was charged Tuesday and then booked at the detention center, SLED officials said.

The investigation is being conducted by a Public Integrity Unit, which SLED says investigates issues ranging from public corruption cases to use-of-force cases to officer-involved shootings. The unit consists of senior level investigators as well as attorneys that work with various law enforcement agencies.

SLED arrests son of Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill

The wiretapping occurred on July 20th in Walterboro while Hill was employed and intercepted phone communications between victims who have not been identified yet, according to court documents.

The wiretapping was confirmed via an IP address assigned to Hills computer, records stated. Both victims were unaware the call was being recorded or listend in on.

Hill is the son of Colleton County Court Clerk Rebecca Hill, who was recently accused of jury tampering by convicted murderer Alex Murdaughs lawyers.

Alex Murdaugh files motion for new trial in murders of wife, son

Murdaugh officially filed a motion for a new trial in the murders of his wife and son last month.

It is unclear if the wiretapping charges against Mr. Hill are related to the Murdaugh case and this remains an active investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Amelia Aloni, aged 6, was one of the hostages taken by Hamas. She was released on Friday alongside her mother, Danielle

Saturday marks seven weeks since the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists on civilians in southern Israel. Around 1,200 were killed and at least 247 were taken hostage, including around 40 children. On Friday 13 Israelis, including four children, and a group of Thai nationals, who were farm workers, were released by the terrorists.

The freeing of the hostages is not because of a change of heart by Hamas, but part of a deal involving the temporary cessation of hostilities, the admittance of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

So far, Israels operation against Hamas in Gaza has been a success. Much of the terrorists extensive network of tunnels has been destroyed, and their northern Gaza headquarters has been captured.

While Western governments have rightly been broadly supportive of Israel  albeit this backing coming with perhaps excessive hand-wringing and soul searching  the same cannot be said for large sections of the Left in the UK, continental Europe, and indeed the United States.

Too many have been all too ready to excuse Hamass attacks in the name of sympathy for the Palestinian people. Regardless of rights and wrongs of past actions in the region, nothing could ever justify the brutal murder of civilians or the kidnapping of children and the elderly. The youngest hostage is 10 months old, the oldest 85.

Politicians from the Labour Left, the SNP and the Green Party demanded Israel cease fire even before the IDF had crossed into Gaza. Would any country other than Israel be urged to show magnanimity under similar circumstances?

The fact that children are being released by Hamas will remind the world who instigated the current conflict and who has perpetrated war crimes. The kidnapping of non-combatants, and especially children, is an unambiguous war crime. Yet Londons pro-Palestinian marchers have only shown opprobrium against Israel.

While humanitarian aid making its way into Gaza is welcome, there is growing concern that it is Hamas which stands to benefit the most from the pause in hostilities. As John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, writes in these pages, Hamas has been offered a lifeline enabling it to buy time.

After the agreed release of the first 50 hostages, the pause will be extended by 24 hours for every further 10 hostages released  time that may allow Hamas terrorists the chance to regroup and plan future attacks. This risks prolonging the conflict and Western nations must be unequivocal in stating that Israel remains justified in defending itself so long as the Hamas threat remains.

This Sunday there will be a rather different march in London than those witnessed on recent Saturdays. The March Against Anti-Semitism will see many tens of thousands of non-Jews demonstrate their solidarity with Britains Jewish community, who have come under shameful attack in recent weeks. Its message will be one of hope, not hate.

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.
Themed "finance empowers sustainable innovation, investment advances inclusive growth", the Chengdu Finance Week opened on Nov. 19 at the Chengdu Hi-technology Industrial Development Zone in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.



The event, which will last till the end of December, aims to further enhance Chengdu's influence in the Chengdu-Chongqing city cluster, promote the construction of Chengdu into a financial center in the western region of China, and improve financial services along the Belt and Road Initiative through exchanges among experts, researchers, officials and professionals of the financial circle of the world.

Representatives from government departments, financial institutions, financial organizations, and research institutions from Luxembourg, Germany, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Hungary and other countries attended the opening ceremony of the event.

At the opening ceremony of the event, Chengdu announced the launching of a series of new financial institutions in the city, including a cross-border investment and financing digital platform, an exchange Chengdu service center and Chengdu international economic cooperation promotional center.

In recent years, Chengdu has made remarkable achievements in promoting the construction of a financial center in western China. From January to September this year, the added value of Chengdu's financial industry reached 197.4 billion yuan ($27.64 billion), accounting for 12.3% of the city's GDP. In the latest City of London Global Financial Center Index, Chengdu ranks 44th among global financial centers and 6th in China.

Up to now, Chengdu High-technology Industrial Development Zone has gathered nearly 1,500 domestic and foreign financial institutions and established two national-level financial technology business incubators.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea has concluded that Russian support likely enabled North Korea to put a spy satellite into orbit for the first time this week, and will know whether it is functioning properly by early next week, officials said Thursday.

The launch has deepened regional animosities, with both Koreas threatening to breach a past reconciliation deal and taking hostile actions along their heavily armed border.

Putin calls for closer Russia-China cooperation on military satellites

After two launch failures earlier this year, North Korea said it successfully placed its Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Tuesday night. South Koreas military has confirmed that the satellite entered orbit, but said it needs several more days to verify whether it is working properly.

In a closed-door briefing, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers on Thursday that Russian assistance was likely the main reason the launch was successful, according to lawmakers who attended the meeting.

FILE - In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands before their talk at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the city of Blagoveshchensk in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads:

The National Intelligence Service cited Russian President Vladimir Putins earlier mention of a promise to support North Koreas satellite program. It said it also obtained intelligence that North Korea had sent Russia the design and other data for its new Chollima-1 rocket used in the two previous failed launches. The intelligence showed that Russia returned its analysis of the North Korean data, according to lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum, who attended the NIS briefing.

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told a separate parliamentary committee meeting Thursday that Russia appears to have been providing technological assistance for North Koreas satellite program.

Technical assistance

The same satellite and rocket were used in all three launches. The two earlier attempts in May and August failed due to technical problems with the rocket.

There has been speculation that Russia is providing technological support for North Koreas satellite and other programs since leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet Putin and visit key technology and military sites in September. The Kim-Putin summit was held at Russias main space launch center.

Asked whether Russia would help North Korea build and launch satellites, Putin told Russian state media at the time that thats why we have come here. The (North Korean) leader shows keen interest in rocket technology. Theyre trying to develop space, too, Putin said.

The U.S., South Korea and Japan accuse North Korea of obtaining high-tech Russian military technologies in return for supplying conventional arms for Russias war in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea have denied the alleged deal.

North Korea said its Malligyong-1 satellite will begin its official mission on Dec. 1. But it said the satellite has already transmitted images of military facilities in the U.S. territory of Guam and that Kim saw them. North Korea hasnt released the images.

Many foreign experts are skeptical about the satellites ability to take high-resolution images and whether it is militarily meaningful. After recovering debris from the first failed launch attempt, South Koreas military said the satellite wasnt sophisticated enough to perform military reconnaissance.

High-resolution images

Defense Minister Shin said he worries that Russia could help North Korea produce higher-resolution satellite photos.

Shin said South Korean, U.S. and Japanese authorities will be able to determine whether the satellite is functioning normally as early as this weekend or early next week.

South Korea, the U.S. and Japan strongly condemned the satellite launch, saying North Korea is using it to improve its missile technology as well as acquire a space-based surveillance system.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is moored pier side at Naval Base Guam on May 15, 2020. (MC3 Conner D. Blake/Navy)

U.N. Security Council resolutions ban any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as disguised tests of long-range missile technology. North Korea says it has a sovereign right to launch spy satellites to cope with what it calls U.S.-led military threats. It says spy satellites would allow it to better monitor its rivals moves and enhance the precision-strike capability of its nuclear-capable missiles.

In response to the satellite launch, South Korea said it has partially suspended a 2018 agreement to reduce tensions with North Korea and will resume flying surveillance aircraft and drones along their border.

North Koreas Defense Ministry slammed the South Korean decision on Thursday, saying it will deploy more powerful weapons at the border in a tit-for-tat measure. It said it wont be bound by the 2018 deal any longer and will reverse all the steps it has taken to ease front-line military tensions under it.

South Koreas military replied that it would strongly punish North Korea if it acts provocatively.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, but the launch likely failed. It was North Koreas first known weapons launch in more than two months.

Kim has publicly vowed to acquire spy satellites and other high-tech weapons systems. Since last year, North Korea has test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles in an effort to expand its nuclear arsenal. Experts say Kim ultimately wants to use his enlarged arsenal to wrest greater concessions from the United States if they resume diplomacy.
Business Insider asked three nail professionals about trends that are in and out this winter.

Denim blues and earthy tones seem to be growing in popularity for the season.

Multicolored nails and festive designs are being replaced by more simple and sophisticated looks.

Business Insider asked three nail artists which trends are in and out this winter.

Here's what the experts said.

Earthy tones are the perfect accessory to your winter wardrobe.

Nails with earthy colors are going to be popular this winter. Huan N. Phan/Shutterstock

Earth-toned polish is going to be all the rage this winter, according to Hayley Dang, nail artist at Bellacures .

The rich colors can resemble a change in season and complement winter outfits.

"Deep blues, forest greens, and espresso browns are just some of the cozy tones we've seen floating around the nail space, and we are living for it," the nail artist said.

Aura nails are going to be everywhere.

Aura nails are great by themselves or with accents like jewels or chrome. Tigra09/Shutterstock

Aura nails continue to trend but with a new twist, according to celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce.

The design's outer-to-inner gradient is becoming popular with an added edgy design detail overtop, such as chrome.

"This trend is all over the place right now, and I'm obsessed," she told BI. "And, it gives a cool factor that's not too intense."

Denim-blue shades are all the rage.

Denim-blue nails are rising in popularity. Tigra09/Shutterstock

Denim shades of blue became popular for nails after Taylor Swift was seen wearing a dark-blue polish, according to Hannah Lee, manicurist and content creator.

"This shade is perfect if you're going for a more moody winter aesthetic," she told BI.

Red nails continue to trend all over social media.

Classic red nails will continue to be popular. Vesnaandjic/Getty Images

Bright-red polish will never go out of style, according to Dang.

"This vibrant red hue has been all over socials," the nail artist said. "It embodies confidence, sophistication, and is the perfect statement piece to your winter wardrobe."

Velvet nails offer an eye-catching look.

Velvet nails will continue to be the rage this winter. Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images

Velvet nails were a huge hit last season and will be sticking around for the rest of the year, according to Lee.

Although the design doesn't include velvet, it mimics the popular fabric with lots of sparkles.

"It's hard to not love velvet nails, which are created by using magnetic polish and a magnet to activate the eye-catching look," the manicurist told BI.

Chrome French manicures are here to stay.

French tips with a chrome color remain popular in the winter. Huan N. Phan/Shutterstock

Boyce recommended using a chrome powder on French manicures instead of a classic white.

"The chrome French is my favorite go-to nail art," the celebrity manicurist said. "This style is in, and it's here to stay."

Pearl and gem embellishments can add extra shine to your nails.

Instead of using sparkly polish, you can opt for gems and pearls. RoGina Montgomery/Getty Images

The holiday season is a great time to add extra sparkle to your nails, according to Dang.

Instead of using glitter polish, she recommended opting for pearl and glitter gems, which can quickly elevate a manicure.

"Whether you want to do these studded embellishments in a minimalistic or a maximalist way, it is an easy way to upgrade your manis this season," the nail artist said.

On the other hand, multicolored nails are a dying trend.

Nails that don't match are declining in popularity. Huan N. Phan/Shutterstock

Multicolored nail designs are not as popular as they used to be, according to Lee.

"I love a good Skittle, multicolored manicure, but I'm not seeing as many as I usually would," the manicurist told BI.

She said fully matching sets seem to be winning people over with a cleaner look.

Glitter ombre is falling out of favor.

Glitter ombre is moving away from the spotlight. Nittaya Saternram/Shutterstock

Glitter ombre is also losing popularity, according to Dang.

"The look is a bit outdated in comparison to the latest trends," she told BI.

Lee recommended opting for velvet nails instead.

Half-moon nails are no longer trending.

Half-moon nails won't be as popular as they have been in the past. zaphoto/Shutterstock

Half-moon nail designs come and go, and this season they're out, according to Lee.

"Negative space and two-toned looks aren't everyone's cup of tea," the manicurist told BI.

White nails are being replaced by richer shades.

White nails are being swapped out for richer tones. Huan N. Phan/Shutterstock

Say goodbye to white nails for now, according to Lee.

"This year, it looks like rich shades will be taking over to fit the cozy and moody aesthetic," she told BI.

Over-the-top Christmas designs are being swapped for simple styles.

Your holiday nails don't have to be super obvious. Huan N. Phan/Shutterstock

Textured sweater prints and plaid nail art were trending last winter, according to Dang, but people are leaving those designs behind.

"Opposed to opting for overly festive nail looks, clients are choosing to go for a more minimalistic style that's in line with the clean girl aesthetic," she told BI.

Matte nails can easily chip, leading people to opt for glossy paints.

Matte-finished nails are no longer that popular. Tigra09/Shutterstock

Matte nails have officially lost their momentum, according to Dang.

"Clients are moving back toward an overall gloss, and the perks of that are less chipping and a longer-lasting nail look," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
(KRON)  The Napa Police Department is warning residents of scam calls that are impersonating its detectives and spoofing the non-emergency phone number.

One resident reported that they received a phone call from someone identifying themselves as Detective Bill Hernandez of Napa PD, police said. The scammer added that they were also from Homeland Security and asked questions about the residents credit cards and purchases.

Family of 4 hospitalized on Thanksgiving after car veers off I-580 in Livermore

The call appeared to come from Napa PDs non-emergency number, (707)-257-9223, but police said it was being spoofed. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

If there is a question about who is calling, Napa PD wrote in a Facebook post, please hang up and dial our non-emergency number. The department said not to hit redial or give any information over the phone.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
First and foremost my heart and prayers goes out to the innocent victim that was seriously hurt by reckless criminals that have no regard for human life. Our first priority is always to protect our citizens and keep our community safe. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of the details that were reported yesterday. It is not the policy of the Nassau County Sheriffs Office to initiate a vehicle pursuit just for a property crime or for retail theft due to the inherent danger to the public. Yesterday it was reported that the Nassau County Sheriffs Office initiated a vehicle pursuit for a retail theft that resulted in a traffic crash injuring one of our citizens. Yesterday afternoon one of our deputies spotted a crime in progress at the Kohls Department store in Yulee and thats when our deputy made contact with the suspects. When our deputy made contact with the suspects as they were fleeing the retail store, the suspects placed their vehicle in reverse and slammed into the front of our deputys patrol vehicle. Our deputy quickly exited the vehicle to try and apprehend these suspects. Our deputy attempted to make a peaceful apprehension but the suspects intentionally attempted to strike our deputy with their vehicle. Again these criminals showed a blatant disregard for human life by trying to seriously harm, or worse, kill one of our deputies on the same day that we lost Eric Oliver back in 2016. This action of aggravated assault on a LEO is a forcible felony and ultimately led the the initiation of the vehicle pursuit. The suspects put citizens in danger as they drove recklessly down State Road 200 before crossing the median and colliding with the victims vehicle. Again, it is very upsetting that someone else got hurt and it weighs heavy on my heart to know that this innocent bystander is in the hospital instead of being with their family this Thanksgiving because of the actions of these heartless criminals. Three of the four suspects are receiving medical treatment and will be booked when they are released. We have arrested Jacorey Devon Haney for Retail Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor with other more serious charges pending. His mugshot is attached to this message. The other suspects involved in this case Antonio Williams, Brishea Glover, and Larysa Martin (all from Jacksonville with prior criminal history) are facing additional charges of Aggravated Assault on a LEO and Aggravated Fleeing. This is still an active investigation and more charges are pending. The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting the vehicle crash part of the investigation and we will release more information when we are able to do so. I was raised in Nassau County. My children were raised in Nassau County and now my grandchildren are being raised here and I want to continue to keep our county safe from thug criminals who break the law and cause harm to our wonderful community.

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper
The Kremlin criticized on Nov. 24 a NATO official's proposition for a military analog for the Schengen Area in Europe, issuing threats in response, the Russian state news agency TASS reported.

NATO's logistics command chief urged members on Nov. 23 to remove the red tape hindering troop movements across Europe, as it would impair a swift response in a potential conflict with Russia.

"We are running out of time. What we don't get done in peacetime won't be ready in case of a crisis or a war," the logistics chief, Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, told Reuters, stressing that allied militaries should be able to move freely between member states.

Russia called the statement an "instigation of tension in Europe" and a possible threat to its security.

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"Europe does not wish to heed our concerns, and Europe pushes aside the invariable principle of indivisible security, which means that they talk about their security to the detriment of ours," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

The spokesperson accused NATO of "moving towards" Russia and threatened with possible "countermeasures to ensure our (Russian) security."

Tensions between Moscow and NATO spiked following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting even formally neutral states like Finland or Sweden to seek membership in the alliance over security concerns.

Russia has repeatedly labeled NATO as a threat to its own security and uses Kyiv's Euro-Atlantic aspirations as one of the justifications for its aggression.

Read also: Historian Serhii Plokhy: The better we prepare for the long war, the sooner it will end

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right party PVV, or Party for Freedom, talks to the media after a meeting with speaker of the House Vera Bergkamp, two days after Wilders won the most votes in a general election, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  A senator from the Netherlands' Party for Freedom was appointed Friday to investigate possible governing coalitions after the far-right party's election victory, while the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it would support a center-right administration in parliament but not join the next government.

The Party for Freedom, or PVV, led by veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, won 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house, indicating a seismic shift to the right for the Netherlands. Rutte's Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy won 24 seats, 10 fewer than in the previous election, according to a near complete count of Wednesday's votes.

After a meeting of party leaders at the parliament, PVV Senator Gom van Strien was appointed to investigate possible coalitions. Newly elected lawmakers will debate his findings on Dec. 6.

Van Strien said that he would begin meetings with party leaders on Monday.

Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, the new leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, tweeted that after losing 10 seats in the election, the longtime ruling party would make possible and constructively support a center-right Cabinet with good policies, but wouldn't join a government.

Wilders called the decision, which was announced before formal coalition talks had begun, extremely disappointing.

The election result and appointment of Van Strien pave the way for Wilders to take the lead in forming a new coalition and potentially to succeed Rutte as prime minister. However, he will likely have to convince potential coalition partners that he would tone down some of his anti-Islam policies.

His party's election platform states that the Netherlands is not an Islamic country. No Islamic schools, Qurans and mosques.

Speaking Friday at a meeting of far-right leaders in Portugal, Marine Le Pen of France called Wilders' win a vote of conscience that attests for the defeat of those that have been in power for the past 30 years.

One potential coalition partner for Wilders is the recently formed New Social Contract party, or NSC, which won 20 seats. The party's centrist leader, Pieter Omtzigt, said he couldn't accept unconstitutional policies.

Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution outlaws discrimination on grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.

In an election-night victory speech, Wilders pledged not to push any policies that would breach Dutch law or the constitution.

His foreign policy also has raised concern among the Netherlands' allies, Dutch caretaker Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Friday.

Wilders' election program says we will not send our money and defense equipment such as F-16s to Ukraine.

I hope and expect that the support will remain, Ollongren told reporters in The Hague. She said she had received concerned calls about the issue since the election.

The caretaker administration led by Rutte will remain in office until a new coalition is formed.

In August, Rutte said that the Netherlands and Denmark would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help the fight against Russia's invading forces. An international training hub for F-16 pilots including from Ukraine was opened earlier this month in Romania.

Rutte tweeted Friday that he had held one of his regular calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Netherlands stands with the people of Ukraine and supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, Rutte said.
The Netherlands' far-right party PVV, led by Geert Wilders, seen here, is investigating possible governing coalitions after winning the election. Credit - Peter DejongAP

THE HAGUE, Netherlands  A senator from the Netherlands' Party for Freedom was appointed Friday to investigate possible governing coalitions after the far-right party's election victory, while the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it would support a center-right administration in parliament but not join the next government.

The Party for Freedom, or PVV, led by veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, won 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house, indicating a seismic shift to the right for the Netherlands. Rutte's Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy won 24 seats, 10 fewer than in the previous election, according to a near complete count of Wednesday's votes.

After a meeting of party leaders at the parliament, PVV Senator Gom van Strien was appointed to investigate possible coalitions. Newly elected lawmakers will debate his findings on Dec. 6.

Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, the new leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, tweeted that after losing 10 seats in the election, the longtime ruling party would make possible and constructively support a center-right Cabinet with good policies, but wouldn't join a government.

Wilders called the decision, which was announced before formal coalition talks had begun, extremely disappointing.

The election result and appointment of Van Strien pave the way for Wilders to take the lead in forming a new coalition and potentially to succeed Rutte as prime minister. However, he will likely have to convince potential coalition partners that he would tone down some of his anti-Islam policies.

His party's election platform states that the Netherlands is not an Islamic country. No Islamic schools, Qurans and mosques.

One potential coalition partner for Wilders is the recently formed New Social Contract party, or NSC, which won 20 seats. The party's centrist leader, Pieter Omtzigt, said he couldn't accept unconstitutional policies.

Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution outlaws discrimination on grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.

In an election-night victory speech, Wilders pledged not to push any policies that would breach Dutch law or the constitution.

His foreign policy also has raised concern among the Netherlands' allies, Dutch caretaker Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Friday.

Wilders' election program says we will not send our money and defense equipment such as F-16s to Ukraine.

I hope and expect that the support will remain, Ollongren told reporters in The Hague. She said she had received concerned calls about the issue since the election.

The caretaker administration led by Rutte will remain in office until a new coalition is formed.

In August, Rutte said that the Netherlands and Denmark would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help the fight against Russia's invading forces. An international training hub for F-16 pilots including from Ukraine was opened earlier this month in Romania.

Rutte tweeted Friday that he had held one of his regular calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Netherlands stands with the people of Ukraine and supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, Rutte said.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  From parachuting into a Golden Girls scene wearing a chicken costume to having his skull crushed by a mobster in Casino  Carl Ciarfalio has an acting and stuntman catalog 45 years long. Now, he watches from the other side of the screen, mostly paralyzed.

Decades of fight scenes, motorcycle collisions, and other blunt force trauma to his body left the 70-year-old Nevadan with a battered and bruised spine. However, medical attention was not sought out until after his union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), dropped nearly 12,000 of its senior performers from its health plan in 2020.

The union cited financial woes from the onset of COVID-19 for the drastic cut in benefits. He then enrolled with Medicare.

You could knock the crap out of me, but you couldnt hurt me, Ciarfalio said from his Henderson bed Wednesday morning, referencing his toughness that prevented him from seeking medical care earlier. Had the Screen Actors Guild not taken my insurance away, I would have gotten better care faster.

Stuntman Carl Ciarfalio told 8 News Now reporter Ryan Matthey that decades of stunt work took a toll on his body. (KLAS)

That care came too late. His spine already developed lumbar stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back, according to Johns Hopkins. A hematoma was also pressing against his spine.

At the direction of his doctor, he says a spine stimulator was surgically inserted into his back that eventually caused horrific spasms. When that stimulator was removed in 2022, he lost feeling from his chest down.

I went in walking, and I came out like this, Ciarfalio said, pointing to the bottom half of his body. My nerves got fried, and they may or may not come back.

Then came the strike; an attempt from SAG-AFTRA to protect its members from advancing technology and low financial compensation for performing. But for him, it meant the small amount of producing and stunt coordination work he was pursuing was unavailable for nearly four months.

It made a tough job tougher, Ciarfalio said.

Even now, despite a tentative agreement between the union and major movie studios announced earlier this month, he and thousands of other members may be waiting a month or longer before seeing new opportunities.

Kim Spurgeon, director of the Nevada Film Office, says getting back to work is not so easy, as Hollywood typically kind of takes a hiatus around the holidays. A tough blow to endure as she says two major productions planned to shoot stateside were cut or otherwise pushed back because of the limitations during the strike.

We did lose some work during that time, Spurgeon said inside her City of Las Vegas office Wednesday morning. The timing is a little weird, in that were entering a time where the studio system typically doesnt do a lot of work.

New work will likely not be available until the new year in Nevada, she says. Commercial work, she acknowledges, is usually available year-round in Las Vegas and has supported several Nevada-based members throughout the strike.

In the meantime, the hope is that Hollywood is lining up their talent for new productions.

And as soon as those are greenlit, theyre going to be going after the crew members, Spurgeon said, describing this as a competition for the best behind-the-scenes workers against those living in California.

Until that work comes, Spurgeon says local production staff will continue to bear the effects of nearly four months of no work.

When you dont work, you dont pay into your pension. You dont pay into your healthcare, and thats a very big problem for those who need to maintain that coverage through their union work, Spurgeon said, adding that the film office is prepared to connect incoming productions with these local workers.

As for Ciarfalio, hes just one of thousands in Hollywood 2.0 awaiting someone to call action once again.

Just because my bodys done, doesnt mean my brain doesnt work, Ciarfalio said, as oxygen flowing in and out of his breathing machine filled the empty space of his bedroom.

Ciarfalios wife and the North Hollywood-based nonprofit, Stuntmens Association Foundation, have been fundraising to send the 70-year-old to a neurorecovery center in Clark County. The GoFundMe campaign says there is no coverage available to send him here.

Carls greatest wish is to be mobile and experience life once again, the campaign reads, in part. To achieve that, we humbly request your help.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Clemence Mtenga should have graduated from university this week, instead his body is being flown home from Israel to his grieving family in Tanzania.

It remains unclear how he died but the 22-year-old agriculture student was killed following the 7 October attacks when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip.

His body is being repatriated to Dar es Salaam on Friday and then taken to his hometown in Rombo district near Kilimanjaro for the funeral.

His family told BBC News he will finally be laid to rest in a ceremony on Tuesday attended by family and friends.

Mr Mtenga had travelled to Israel as part of a study programme, arriving just one month before the attack.

This week he was awarded his degree from the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania.

One of his classmates attending the graduation ceremony, Cleopatra Mluge, told the BBC that Mr Mtenga "was like a leader because he was humble and always ready to assist and advise friends".

Another classmate, Irene Chaboma, remembered him as "a hard worker in class and one of the best performing students. May his soul rest in peace."

It is estimated that around 1,200 people were killed during the Hamas attack with gunmen taking about 240 hostages, among them several people from overseas.

Israel initially said that Mr Mtenga and fellow Tanzanian Joshua Loitu Mollel were among those hostage. However, Mr Mtenga is not one of the two hostages whose bodies have been recovered from Gaza, so it remains unclear where and how he died.

Israel has responded to the Hamas attacks with repeated air strikes on Gaza and launched a ground offensive. At least 13,300 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The two sides have since agreed a four day pause in fighting.

The two Tanzanians were living in Israel as part of an agricultural internship programme. They were expected to stay in the country for a further 11 months. Approximately 260 Tanzanians study agriculture in Israel.

Clemence Mtenga was due to have been among those graduating on Thursday

Revocatus Kimario, the head of Sugeco, which ran the university's internship programme said: "For us, Clemence is a hero because he went abroad to look for skills to transform and develop agriculture in his own country. We pray for his family."

Fellow student on the internship programme, Ezekiel Kitiku, has chosen to remain in Israel. He told the BBC that Mr Mtenga had been living at Kibbutz Nir Oz and had been due to work at a local dairy farm in the afternoon when it was attacked by Hamas gunmen.

Mr Kitiku paid tribute to his friend, remembering him as a fitness enthusiast.

"My friend was the one who liked to work out, so it was our daily routine in the evening to work out together," he told the BBC.

"We would go to the gym and we go on the bikes together. He was a very good friend to me."

"We spent so much time together," he added. "We cooked together and always spent our evenings together talking about our day. For him to leave suddenly is very painful."

The last time Mr Kitiku heard from Mr Mtenga was on the day of the attack before he lost mobile phone contact. He said his Christian faith is helping him, "and I believe I will meet him again one day".

Additional reporting from Eagan Salla in Morogoro.

More on Israel-Gaza war
The recent UN independent assessment on Afghanistan, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2679 (2023), has proposed a three-pronged initiative, focusing on building confidence through addressing the basic needs of the people of Afghanistan, attention to regional and global security and stability, and a roadmap for political engagement to reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

It has also proposed a multilayer UN mechanism in support of this initiative. As a welcome recommendation, the assessment envisages a more active and structured role for the UN in coordinating the now-fragmented international response to the situation in Afghanistan.

Given the Councils expectation to see a forward looking assessment, the analysis doesnt cover what has gone wrong in the past. It simply identifies key current issues and proposes concurrent moves in the above three areas, calling for further engagement with the Taliban administration.

A quick review of the Talibans behaviour since their inception in 1994 would have easily shown that at least a few recommendations of the assessment are pipedreams. If anything, they may work in favour of the Taliban and assist the growth of the terror it brings.

In its analysis and identification of issues, the assessment portrays the Taliban as helping make Afghanistan and ignores their invention and evolution as part of regional and global geopolitical games.

It vaguely refers to their opponents as stakeholders without acknowledging the thousands of men and women who have sacrificed their lives, have been wounded or have been imprisoned or forcefully removed from their homes in the struggle to free the country from the Taliban tyranny since August 2021.

The assessment asserts that neither the international community, nor the vast majority of Afghans, wish to see renewed armed conflict in Afghanistan. In doing so, it assumes that Afghanistan is currently in a post-conflict state and avoids making any reference to the armed national resistance actively taking place against the Taliban. It also fails to acknowledge that the people of Afghanistan are entitled to resort to all possible means to exercise their right to self-determination.

The assessment does not say enough about major Taliban war crimes and crimes against humanity, including gender apartheid; and is silent about their use and abuse of international aid, national revenue, and resources. It accepts the militancy of the Taliban and has no proposal for their disarmament.

The assessment is right that the status quo of international engagement is not working. But in its proposed new method of engagement hasnt learned from previous efforts and ignores the political realities.

A concurrent three pronged-strategy, without conditionality and pressure on the Taliban, has the risk of the Talban taking advantage of economic and security engagements, as well as passage of quality time, to further strengthen their military and ideological grip over the country, and delay political engagement, as they have been doing in the past three decades, in particular during and after the failed Doha talks.

Requests for a robust and healthy Afghan economy, cooperation on areas such as security, counter-narcotics and regional connectivity, and genuine fight against radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism, need legitimacy in governance more than anything else.

The assessments call for economic dialogue and eventual coordination with the Taliban authorities financial and security bodies, with no conditionality and pressure and without addressing the use and abuse of aid by the Taliban and their butchery of people, is completely premature and a recipe for disaster and mistrust.

Responding to the assessment, the Taliban through a letter to the UN, has already welcomed further engagement and has seen the proposed support to the national economy as a pathway to the recognition of their regime. They have flatly rejected the proposed intra-Afghan dialogue and see no need for it at all.

The assessments call for gradually resuming diplomatic engagement inside Afghanistan is also disappointing. Such a move would further embolden the Taliban and reduce the international communitys leverage to a new low.

It claims that security conditions have improved inside Afghanistan, easing travel and transport and economic predation by armed actors have sharply reduced. It forgets that the key armed actor  the Taliban  have taken the entire country and its more than 40 million population hostage.

We welcome the assessments noting of persistent presence of terrorist groups and individuals inside Afghanistan such as Al-Qaeda and their relations with the Taliban, and the fact that measures taken by the Taliban against them has not been satisfactory to concerned member states.

A requirement for a serious and genuine implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), however, is missing from the assessment.

The call for reviewing and updating relevant provisions of the UN 1988 Sanctions list pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) is welcoming, provided that such a review is conducted with the intent to ensure strict enforcement of the sanctions regime. This is one of the few leverages of the international community.

In the face of what has been happening since August 2021, the revision of the entire sanctions regime is long overdue. The update must strengthen its monitoring and depoliticization, making it more targeted on the Talibans assets, travels, and arms.

In the past two years, prominent figures of the Taliban have been instrumental in numerous violations of human rights. Their names must be added to the sanctions list.

The assessment rightly identifies inclusive governance as key demand of many Afghan stakeholders and of the international community but finding its remedy in Afghan traditions of consultations and dialogue, such as the formation of a constitutional jirga, would be contested by many for two reasons.

First, the Taliban have abolished the 2004 Constitution, hence holding a constitutional jirga is impossible. Second, part of the problem is the historic imposition of jirga as a fair consultative body.

Jirgas have historically failed to bring sustainable solutions to the political crisis. Despite having the loya jirga defined in the 2004 Constitution, no constitutional jirga has ever been held in Afghanistan. Almost all jirgas have served the interests of the rulers who have held them.

Chances are that in the current climate, any jirga formed under the Taliban rule will be handpicked and will serve their interests.

Over the past two decades, the people of Afghanistan proved that they are well-receptive to modern and decent methods of political participation, such as transitional authority, free elections, and referendum.

They do not deserve being offered inferior alternatives in the name of tradition, which would only serve to whitewash and normalize the Talibans tyrannical rule.

The first step of upholding the obligations of the State of Afghanistan, forming an inclusive government and enabling normalisation starts with at least the creation of an equilibrium between the Taliban and their opponents, through internal and external conditionality and pressure.

This is what the proposed UN mechanism of support should be focused on, not further unconditional engagement with the Taliban.

Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal served as Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations from 2015 to 2019.
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. [Photo/Xinhua]

China on Friday published a document titled "Vision and Actions for High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Brighter Prospects for the Next Decade."

The document was formulated by the Office of the Leading Group for Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

It presents the vision and measures for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the next decade, on the basis of summarizing BRI achievements and experience over the past decade, Xu Jianping, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Friday.

Over the past 10 years, the BRI has developed into a popular international public good and a cooperation platform that adds new growth drivers to the global economy, with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations participating in it, Xu said.

Data shows that from 2013 to October 2023, total imports and exports between China and participating countries surpassed 21 trillion U.S. dollars, and China's direct investment in BRI partner countries topped 270 billion dollars, according to Xu.

"The prospects of jointly building the BRI are tremendously bright," Xu said.

According to the document, in the next decade, all parties will be encouraged to strive toward equal cooperation and mutual benefit, propelling Belt and Road cooperation into a new phase characterized by high-quality development.

The document specified five objectives, namely building a smoother and more efficient connectivity network, ensuring comprehensive and practical cooperation to reach new levels, elevating the sense of gain and fulfillment for the peoples of all participating countries, establishing a new system to support China's open economy at a more advanced stage, and popularizing the vision of a global community of shared future.

Policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, people-to-people ties and cooperation in new fields are the key areas and directions for Belt and Road cooperation in the next decade, according to the document.

Guo Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the press conference that one of the major moves for the next stage would be building closer ties with BRI partners on infrastructure connectivity.

Together with other parties, China will take part in the building of a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct road transportation and the trans-Caspian international transport corridor, according to Guo.
A Grindavik couple have refused to return to their home deeming it not safe enough to raise their new baby after the 5.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the Icelandic fishing town.

Gujon and his wife Ayca EriAkin, who had their first child on Wednesday, said they had decided not to go back to Grindavik despite setting up their family home there.

Gujon, a rock musician born and raised in the harbour town told The Independent: While I fully understand people that intend to go back whenever possible and I do feel a strong urge to do so myself, we want to find a stable home for us and our newborn child.

Its clear that even though things would settle for now and people could go back, the same situation can arise essentially any time.

He added: We were really looking forward to raising our child there, as in other aspects its an incredibly child-friendly town.

It has been quite stressful indeed, especially for my wife, as we were in the last stretch of pregnancy and had prepared our home.

Now things are very uncertain, but we do have a roof over our head for now and have decided to fully focus on our child as we slowly start looking towards the future.

I think I will miss the community for sure, as well as the short distances between everything we needed.

Questo impressionante video proviene da #Grindavik, la citta piu vicina all'intensa sequenza sismica in corso in queste ore in Islanda. I piani di evacuazione sono gia pronti ma non sono ancora in atto. Li le scosse vengono avvertite praticamente in modo continuo. pic.twitter.com/EYx0RCUWpG  Il Mondo dei Terremoti (@mondoterremoti) November 10, 2023

He shared a video taken from his parents home at the time of the 5.2 magnitude tremor, adding: You can really hear the powers of the earth there.

He said his new son will always be a Grindvikingur even if he is not raised there.

Of course he will be in his heart, its inevitable no matter what happens.

(Getty Images)

It came as the Independent became one of the first journalists allowed back into the town since the earthquake opened up a chasm in the middle of the harbour town.

Childrens toys were left abandoned and playgrounds were split in two by the earthquake.

Icelandic authorities are now considering a plan to pump water on to lava in the event of a volcanic eruption.

Viir Reynisson, Icelands head of civil protection and emergency management, said on Wednesday authorities and European experts would assess the possibility of using high volume pumping to cool down the lava to protect Grindavik and the Svartsengi geothermal plant, the main supplier of electricity and water to 30,000 residents on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Two people died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canadaborder crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.

The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted into a fireball just before midday, according to witnesses.

Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.

The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.

Within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.

The fatal explosion briefly threw Thanksgiving travel plans into chaos, as borders were closed and travel routes suspended.

Smoke billows from Niagara Falls border crossing at Rainbow Bridge (Reuters)

What happened?

At 11.50am ET, the Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a traffic event, according to an incident alert from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition.

Witness Mike Guenther told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV that he had been walking on the bridge when he saw a speeding car approach the border checkpoint, hit a fence and go airborne before exploding.

Another witness told reporters that he had seen the vehicle catch fire, before seeing black smoke and flames.

Ambulances arrived soon afterward to find the vehicle completely burned out. Two individuals travelling in the car died, officials said.

Thanksgiving travel impacted

The incident came at a time of heightened fears of a possible terror attack. Ms Hochul issued a warning days earlier that officials had detected increased chatter of a possible terror attack in the state due to unrest in the Middle East.

The White House said in a statement that President Biden was closely following developments. US Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the unfolding situation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the scene.

Mr Trudeau said officials in Canada were taking this extraordinary seriously.

This is obviously a very serious situation in Niagara Falls, Mr Trudeau told the Canadian Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

The FBIs Buffalo field office said in a statement it was leading the local, state and federal response until it determined there were no threats of terrorism. It then handed the investigation to the Niagara Falls Police Department.

Debris is scattered about inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing (AP)

Officials closed four US-Canada border crossings in New York: the Rainbow Bridge, Peace Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

Amtrak also temporarily suspended cross-border services between New York and Canada.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo said it would close until after Thanksgiving out of an abundance of caution.

International departures and arrivals were paused at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. It was reopened several hours later.

Travellers arriving at the airport were warned to expect additional screenings, while vehicles would undergo extra security checks.

The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports are fully operational. We advise travelers to give themselves time for these extra precautions in addition to holiday travel, the agency said on X.

Three of the four bridge crossings were reopened on Wednesday afternoon, with only the Rainbow Bridge still closed. It reopened on Thursday afternoon.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said security would be stepped up across the area.

Who were the two people killed in the blast?

Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.

The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.

Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husbands father.

The Villanis own Guis Lumber, a business with eight locations across western New York.

In a statement to CBC, the business wrote: We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.

All bridges between New York state and Canada were closed after the explosion. Three were reopened hours later (Getty Images)

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, owned and operated by The Seneca Nation, did not confirm if the car that crashed was present at their location but said they were cooperating with law enforcement, in a statement provided to The Independent.

We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred, the Seneca Nation said.

Reportedly, the couples car was speeding in a Bentley when the car rammed into the crossing.

Devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones in the upstate New York community of Grand Island have spoken out paying tribute to the Villannis.

The couples friend Chuck Meyer told WGRZ of his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, he told the local outlet on Thursday.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.

What caused the crash?

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

Niagara Falls Police Chief John Faso, said 3D scanners were also being used to help create a digital crash scene to help discover the cause of the incident.

They take it to the scene, it scans the scene and reproduces a 3D image for them to work on of the entire scene, Mr Faso told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.

Incident at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls (via REUTERS)

On Thursday, the Niagara Falls Police Department  which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism  carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an accident just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack, Ms Hochul said.

She added: Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I wont call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life  but at this time: no known terrorism activity.

The FBIs Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that no terrorism nexus was identified.

The bureau said it had turned the investigation over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

Ariana Baio, Rachel Sharp and Kelly Rissman contributed to this report.
Jimmy Savile's Highland home was first targeted in 2012, shortly after the broadcaster's offending came to light.

Tucked into a hillside on a bend of the A82 in Glen Coe sits an old white cottage.

The little house is dwarfed by its neighbour across the road, the towering Three Sisters ridges of the 1,150m (3,773ft) mountain Biden nam Bian.

Its name, Allt-na-Reigh, roughly translates from its mangled Gaelic as "burn of the slope", a reference to the stream that rushes close by and down under a bridge on the A82.

But Allt-na-Reigh is in a sorry state having become a target for attacks on the memory of its dead former owner - Jimmy Savile.

The cottage has been repeatedly vandalised since the paedophile TV presenter died in his Leeds flat in 2011, and his years of exploiting hundreds of people, mostly vulnerable young women, came to light.

The Dame Janet Smith review, published in 2016, identified 72 victims of Savile in connection with his work at the BBC, including eight who were raped.

Graffiti covers the walls of the cottage in Glen Coe, the windows are smashed and a bicycle wheel has been thrown on to the roof.

The roof itself is damaged with tiles having been deliberately ripped off it.

Food wrappers and empty drinks cans litter the grassy bank below the house.

Windows are smahed and graffitti covers the walls of the cottage in Glen Coe

Savile owned the cottage for about 13 years, and there are many who are angry his short association has put at risk the positive impacts the place has had over a much longer period of time.

There are now plans to tear down the cottage and replace it with a new family home.

Under the proposals, outbuildings would be redeveloped and named Hamish House in honour of another former resident - legendary Scottish mountaineer Dr Hamish MacInnes.

But there are others who believe Allt-na-Reigh should quietly vanish and the site left to go wild.

Photographer, film-maker and long-time mountaineer John Cleare first came across the cottage in 1952.

He says for a long time it was a quaint and well-known landmark - a symbol suggesting that "at last youd reached Glen Coe".

"I was a schoolboy on a motorbike from Surrey," says John of the first time he set eyes on the place.

"This was the promised land."

Hamish MacInnes in his workshop in Glen Coe in a picture taken by John Cleare in 1968

John later became close friends with Dr Hamish MacInnes.

Hamish, who died in November 2020 aged 90, climbed the Matterhorn in the Alps when he was just 16, formed mountain rescue teams, invented ice axes and a rescue stretcher and wrote extensively about Scotland's mountains.

John photographed his friend in his workshop at Allt-na-Reigh for a magazine article in 1968.

"I have only good vibes of the place. I knew nothing of the Savile era," says John.

He adds: "Like so many such places, it may make a better memory than a tainted ruin."

Glencoe-born Davy Gunn remembers a time when Allt-na-Reigh was a family home on a working croft, a small farm with a few cows.

He says it also served as a roadman's cottage with its occupant keeping the nearby road safe for travellers.

Davy says there were similar properties that once dotted the glen.

Davy Gunn pictured working in ski rescue at Glencoe Mountain snowsports centre

Davy served as a volunteer in Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team alongside Hamish.

He describes his old friend as a generous man with a dry sense of humour, but who could appear dour to those who did not know him.

Davy says Hamish would have been uncomfortable with the idea of a house being named after him.

"Hamish wouldn't want a museum or a plaque. His legacy was in his writing and mountaineering achievement," he says.

"Naming something after him is the antithesis of who he was."

Davy also says Hamish's story should be kept separate from the planning application, and he blames the media for stirring up anger around Savile's ownership of the cottage.

"The papers call it 'Savile's lair', but he didn't live there all that much and when he did he usually slept in a van outside the cottage.

"The women in the area didn't like him (Savile). He kept to himself."

Davy adds: "The best thing to do is just to flatten the site."

Mick Tighe, another of Hamish's friends, agrees that the old cottage should go

Former marine commando and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team member Mick Tighe, sees the damage to the cottage as senseless acts of vandalism.

"What does that do to Savile? He's dead," says Mick, who was part of a close circle of friends who helped Hamish with his creation of lifesaving mountain equipment.

The retired mountain guide believes it was unlikely Savile carried out offences in the cottage.

"There are some pretty fierce characters in Glen Coe," he says.

"If they had ever got a whiff of him doing anything wrong they would probably have topped him."

But Mick is in agreement with the idea that the cottage should go due to the unwanted attention it attracts today.

"Raze and rewild," he says, quoting a comment made by friend Claire MacLeod, of volunteer group Friends of Nevis.

Hamish in a picture taken by his friend, former Glencoe MRT volunteer Davy Gunn

Rob Taylor worked as an apprentice to Hamish in the late 1960s and remained close friends with the mountaineer.

Rob believes Hamish fell out of love with Allt-na-Reigh in the 1970s after rebuilding it following a fire started by a knocked over paraffin lamp.

"Hamish never lived at the cottage except sporadically after it was rebuilt - he felt the A82 had become far too busy and noisy," he says.

Rob adds: "Hamish was deeply troubled and saddened by the whole Savile affair - I think the sight of the cottage for Hamish became a lasting reminder to his incredible evil.

"But one must keep in mind here - that the cottage had been sold on several times by the time Saville bought it. He did not buy it from Hamish."

Rob says Hamish only once mentioned what he thought should happen to the place.

"Knock it down and remove the stain from the landscape," says Rob.

"Thats what he said and thats what he would have wanted."
New York police have identified the two victims who died in an explosion on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls this week.

The Niagara Falls Police Department said in a release that a husband and wife were killed in the explosion: 53-year-old Kurt Villani and 53-year-old Monica Villani, both of Grand Island, N.Y.

Police said the Wednesday explosion is still under investigation and they did not have any other details to share.

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Local authorities are undertaking the investigation as a traffic incident after the FBI wrapped up its case, concluding the incident did not involve terrorism.

The Rainbow Bridge connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., into Niagara Falls, Ontario, and is a major border crossing for the U.S. and Canada.

The car raced through an intersection and after hitting a median careened into a border crossing booth, where it exploded.

While the incident raised fears of a terror attack, the FBI said there were no explosive materials at the scene and no evidence of a connection to terrorist groups.

The crash prompted the closure of the bridge and other U.S.-Canada crossings from Ontario to New York, but they have since reopened.

New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said she was grateful for police working to keep New Yorkers safe during the busiest travel time of the year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The tussle with influencers is just one sphere where the conservative religious sensibilities of north Nigeria are being tested by new trends (Kola Sulaimon)

Tiktoker Murja Kunya once ran afoul of sharia police in Nigeria's northwest city of Kano, where "hisbah" units enforce Islamic law that runs alongside common law.

Earlier this year, the units detained Kunya and other influencers for racy media posts and parodies the agency deemed indecent.

But now the morality police are trying a softer approach to curb online celebrities like 24-year-old Kunya who they see as a moral risk in Nigeria's majority Muslim north.

The tussle with influencers is just one sphere where the conservative religious sensibilities of north Nigeria are being tested by new trends.

Earlier this month, the Hisbah invited Kunya and dozens of influencers for a meeting to "sensitise them on the negative effects of immoral content", Abba Sufi, Hisbah's director-general told AFP.

Kunya, who has one million followers on Tiktok, attended the meeting in the hijab head scarf commonly used by women across the north.

That contrasted sharply with the less modest videos, some replete with obscenities, she posted and that earned her Hisbah's wrath.

"The meeting with Murja Kunya and other Tiktokers is a change in Hisbah strategy in dealing with the immoral online content," Sufi said.

"It is better to show compassion and care to someone you want to reform instead of vilifying and stigmatising them."

Kunya declined to speak to AFP on the Hisbah meeting. Other influencers have also not commented.

But on Sunday, Kunya launched a Tiktok tirade against the Hisbah.

"Now that you don't know what to do you are resorting to preaching? You should stop wasting your saliva," she said. "I'm not interested in your preaching."

- Carrot and stick -

The Hisbah dismiss criticism they violate freedom of expression by targeting influencers. The agency says it is just carrying out its mandate to protect society.

Abdallah Uba Adamu, a professor of anthropology and popular culture at Kano's Bayero University, said for the Hisbah the carrot and stick approach alone had not curbed influencers.

"The dialogue approach is a very good," he said. "They can use the stick, they can use the carrot, but it can never prevent people from doing what they think they want to do in order to survive, because they rely on this for survival."

For influencers, the meeting was likely seen as another way to get more followers, part of their online theatre, he said. And also why most had not commented.

"What do you want them to say? That they were invited by Islamic authorities and they they didn't like it?"

- Crackdowns -

Kano is one 12 predominantly Muslim states in north Nigeria where sharia courts operate in parallel to the civil and criminal law.

The hisbah enforces sharia by periodic crackdowns on what it considers immoral acts, including raids on brothels and beer parlours or wedding parties where men and women mingle.

Kano, Nigeria's second largest city, is home to a burgeoning Kannywood film industry, which produces movies in the Hausa language spoken across parts of West Africa.

Kano also has hundreds of studios which churn out songs by local artists like Gwanja which dwell on love, marriage and money.

Kannywood has already been under close watch by Muslim clerics and officials who believed it promoted un-Islamic foreign values, prompting authorities to create a censorship board.

But the increasing number of Kannywood skits and songs online prompted the board to extend its authority to social media.

Kunya was among 10 local celebrities a Sharia court in the city ordered arrested and investigated for immoral conduct on social media seen capable of corrupting the youth.

Lawyers filed a suit for their prosecution for singing and dancing online, generating furore in the city and condemnation from hardline clerics.

Police arrested Kunya in January in a hotel while preparing for her much-publicised birthday party.

In March, she was sentenced to three weeks of community service by the sharia court which ordered her to work as a janitor in Kano's largest medical facility.

Sufi said they had a private discussion with Kunya at the meeting where he showed her the implication of the "obscene and immoral" videos.

According to Sufi, the state government was also ready to assist influencers by paying for education or startup money for new businesses.

Muhsin Ibrahim, a Nigerian who teaches Hausa, culture and film at the Institute of African Studies, University of Cologne, said it was too early to tell whether the new approach would impact influencers like Kunya.

"Many people thought she would stop or reduce some of her transgressive acts after the previous court sentence," he said.

"She did not."

abu/pma/cw/ach
CHICAGO  Helmut Jahns State of Illinois Center is the most cerebral, the most abstract, yet easily the most spectacular building ever constructed in the Loop, Tribune architecture critic Paul Gapp wrote when it opened in 1985.

A year later, it would be featured prominently in Running Scared, the 1986 buddy cop action comedy starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. The movies climax takes place in the atrium, and it is a cinematic love letter to the buildings soaring rotunda with its pale blue and salmon colored interiors that Gapp called no less than breathtaking. Even the spiraling mosaic tile floor is memorable.

Those distinctive design elements may not survive the upcoming gut rehab. Last year, the state sold the building (renamed the James R. Thompson Center in 1993) to Google, which plans to demo the interiors and revamp the space in the coming months.

Much as I hate the idea of changing the buildings idiosyncratic look, few who worked there liked the open plan layout, which created all kinds of issues including wonky temperature control. Neglect hasnt helped things either.

But as Gapp wrote: In a city where architects so long worshipped the 90-degree angle and black curtain walls, the centers asymmetry and multicolored skin appear as almost impudent nose-thumbing at the past. For decades its functioned as a visual palate cleanser to the more traditional-minded buildings around it.

If youre feeling nostalgic and want to wander around this gorgeous, modernist space one last time before its obliterated, the building is open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays thanks to the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which has an exhibit there through the end of the year.

Or, you can revisit Running Scared, which is streaming for free (with ads) on Freevee.

Crystal and Hines star as streetwise police detectives more adept at trading quips than nabbing bad guys. But dont tell them (or the screenwriters) that. Their worldview: Everybodys a scumbag except for them, thanks to Chicagos hard-boiled everything. Their easygoing banter is just this side of smug, and you realize their light way with the material is a talent thats been missing on screen lately. Its striking to encounter it on a rewatch.

Their captain is fed up with them (of course) so he tells them to take some time off. Crystal slaps the desk: No! We got too much going on!

You know, their captain replies, its a very bad sign when a cop thinks that Chicago will fall apart without them.

So theyre off to Key West, where they hook up with a succession of beautiful women and decide to retire and open a bar under those sunny skies instead. Back in Chicago, they give their 30-day notice. Show me another career where they let you shoot people! their captain says incredulously. Its meant to be a funny line, but, wow, talk about hitting close to the truth.

Before they hang up their badges, they have one last bust to make. Their target is an elusive, suit-wearing, Mercedes-driving kingpin played by Jimmy Smits, and the final showdown takes place inside the Thompson Center. Director Peter Hyams doubled as the films cinematographer and he has a real eye for capturing the buildings unique qualities and dimensions. Even the exposed, glass-walled elevators play an important plot point.

The movie makes the most of its wintry Chicago setting. Its cold, naturally. Snow is everywhere. Their Florida fantasy makes sense.

But more importantly, the film looks like it was shot in Chicago, which sounds obvious, but isnt always the case depending on whats filming here. (A good chunk was shot on a soundstage in Los Angeles, with location work in Key West and Chicago.) Theres a car chase that takes place on the L tracks. In another scene, you can glimpse the old 666 Lounge in the background, located at 666 S. State St. We also see a church with a large sign reading Christ died for our sins. What we dont see is that, in real life, these buildings were literally right next to each other  in conversation with one another, really  which is such a hilarious detail and a missed opportunity by Hyams.

But its the films use of the Thompson Center that stands out in the way it shows off those glorious interiors.

Why so much color, Gapp wondered back in 1985? Some view Jahns personal and rather peculiar palette as better suited to Acapulco or Miami Beach than to Chicago. Jahn replies that he is trying to make brightly optimistic architecture. Too many people, he says, have stopped believing in the future.

Jahn wasnt wrong, then or now.


This article was originally published in Stateline.

Jaqueline Yalda, who has been a campus police officer at El Paso Community College in Texas for a decade, sought a promotion earlier this year. But first, the department required her to complete a college-level course in criminal justice.

It had been many years since Yalda had taken any college classes. And at age 38, she felt a little intimidated.

But, a few weeks later, Yalda had earned an A in Introduction to Criminal Justice and was promoted to sergeant. Now, shes eyeing moving up to lieutenant, which will require finishing her full associate degree.

Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now.

Her secret? Taking the course at El Paso Community College through a competency-based education program, which let her move through an online course at her own pace. She finished in four weeks, faster than the eight allowed, and said professors responded quickly online when she had questions.

This was my first time taking a CBE course, Yalda said in a phone interview from the police headquarters on the Valle Verde campus. After taking it, Im definitely going to consider taking the other courses I need. At first, I was scared because I never worked on the [remote teaching platform] before. Once I took the orientation  I thought, Wow, this is really easy and convenient.

Supporters see the spread of competency-based education as a boon to working adults and other nontraditional students who want additional training and credentials to advance their careers. But critics, including some professors, say its a poor substitute for traditional learning.

While a few colleges around the country have used competency-based education for some courses, California is set to become the first state to coordinate competency-based programs across eight community college campuses using state-backed curricula. More states may seek to follow that example, according to Amber Garrison Duncan, executive vice president of the Competency-Based Education Network, a nonprofit group formed to evaluate and promote such programs.

Unlike typical college classes, competency-based education doesnt require students to attend classroom lectures. And unlike asynchronous online courses, in which students log in and watch recorded online lectures over a semester, students in competency-based courses complete coursework at their own pace.

Grades are based on projects, papers or exams that students complete when they feel ready to prove they have mastered the material.

The courses are different from those offered by private, for-profit online universities, in that they cost about the same as a regular public community college course and often use life learning or a particular skillset as a prerequisite rather than class standing as, say, a sophomore. Students who already have mastered the information included in a class can simply skip the hours of instruction and compete the assessment for that class.

Garrison Duncan said in an interview that at the groups conference this month, there was interest from every flavor of institution, from community colleges to four-year institutions, and from theology to welding. Its a movement in which we see gaining traction in different fields and disciplines.

Still, experts see some skepticism among instructors who thrive on personal relationships with their students.

Many instructors do see the value of offering that kind of flexibility for our students. We appreciate that flexibility in our personal and professional lives, too, said Flower Darby, associate director of the University of Missouris Teaching for Learning Center, a professional development organization, during an online conference sponsored by the Chronicle of Higher Education in September.

But, she added, many professors also feel a loss of connection with students. And, quite frankly, I think thats what brings a lot of us our joy in our teaching  that fizz, that buzz, that connection with our students, Darby said. So, the real question is  how can we cultivate those connections?

State models

Of the eight California colleges participating in the pilot program, seven have received accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, said Melissa Vallarin, spokesperson for the California community college system chancellor, Sonya Christian. At least one competency-based program will start in the spring.

Courses over the group of campuses will include early childhood education, business administration, kinesiology and wellness, technology, automotive tech and culinary arts, Vallarin said in an email.

The programs are designed to reach working adults, older, and underserved students, she wrote.

The biggest hurdle, she said, was getting accreditation for the courses, which sometimes rely on knowledge that students have gleaned outside traditional learning settings, such as from job experience, rather than traditional evaluation methods such as class hours, student achievement, or evaluation of in-person teacher skills.

Duncan, of the Competency-Based Education Network, said states have embraced the programs partially to address worker shortages in fields such as health care, education and certain trades requiring specialized skills.

You are seeing states step up and start to support more of this activity than they have in the past, she said in a phone interview. I think theres a lot of pressure to increase access. Programs based on time [in class] are still difficult for students who are juggling families and work.

Some states have taken first steps toward offering competency-based courses in their community colleges. California and Texas have funded grant programs and provided seed money for the courses as the colleges prepare materials and seek accreditation. At least six Texas community colleges offer CBE courses, said Myshie Pagel, dean of education and career and technical education at El Paso Community College.

Kentucky last year issued a planning guide for community and technical colleges considering implementing competency-based courses. Salt Lake Community College in Utah offers 19 competency-based courses, and at least one Massachusetts community college offers competency-based courses in early childhood education.

Some four-year state schools also allow students to earn degrees through competency-based courses. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for example, offers an associate of arts and sciences, and bachelors degrees in information science and technology, diagnostic imaging, nursing and health sciences.

Faculty concerns

A survey published in July of El Paso Community College students involved in competency-based education found that most took only three to four weeks to complete a course. Almost 60% plan to enroll in more CBE courses, the survey found, while a little less than a quarter of students said the format was not a good fit.

Faculty who completed the survey praised the training they got for conducting the competency-based courses, but they recommended more training and technical resources to create materials and record lectures.

Pagel, at El Paso Community College, said keeping faculty in the loop about course design was key to getting their buy-in, along with compensating them the same as they would for teaching an in-person class worth three credit hours.

Its the students that save their time, not the faculty, she said, because teachers must be available to answer questions, meet virtually with students and hold regular office hours, just like any other faculty. They also participated in designing the courses, Pagel said.

On the faculty side, what you are really able to do, is for those students who just get it, you can move them through, she said. For those students who are struggling, it gives the faculty member more time to spend more time with those students.

But faculty at one of the California colleges slated for the pilot program expressed concerns about the shift. In a resolution passed in August, the Madera Community Colleges faculty senate raised fears that CBE courses could exacerbate rather than ease inequities among students by relegating poorer students to CBE programs. The resolution asserted that professors hadnt been kept aware of the colleges plans.

At the Senate meeting Aug. 25, English professor Jeffrey Ragan said the competency model could lead to lower pay for faculty, despite the experience at colleges such as El Paso Community, where faculty pay was unchanged by the new model. According to minutes from the meeting, Ragan noted that faculty are currently paid by the number of lecture-hours worked and said the competency model would upend that.

We would have to log our work and it would be subject to low caps. In other words, we would be selling ourselves cheaply, he said, according to the minutes. He also questioned how professors would be evaluated under the new model. Ragan could not be reached for comment for this article.

Kelle Parsons, senior researcher for the American Institute for Research, a nonprofit research and consulting group that has developed modeling tools for institutions interested in competency-based education, said its challenging to measure the programs success because CBE turns so many of the things we take for granted into a variable.

For example, Parsons said, colleges generally count on-time completion of a degree as four years for associate degrees and six years for bachelors degrees.

But in CBE, it might take shorter or longer, Parsons said in an interview. In our first earliest attempts to measure enrollment and retention, students were doing about as well as, and sometimes a little bit better than, students in traditional programs.

She said her organization expects more schools to launch similar courses, given that her group, which has expertise in competency programs, is fielding more inquiries lately. Based on the number of new institutions reaching out to us, we see interest from a new batch.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.
To date, 37 people have arrived in Bosnia from Gaza (ELVIS BARUKCIC)

More than three decades after Palestinian Samir El-Barawy and his new Bosnian bride fled to Gaza to escape bloody fighting in Yugoslavia, the couple has been forced out again by war.

The flight back to Bosnia from his home in northern Gaza was filled with peril, and their house was hit by an air strike just days after a Hamas onslaught across southern Israel triggered conflict anew.

"I left everything behind, but I'm alive", the 59-year-old Palestinian told AFP just days after arriving at a refugee centre in Bosnia's Salakovac.

El-Barawy said the strike on his home "was like an earthquake."

Following the attack, El-Barawy and more than a dozen family members decided to move south along bombed-out roads littered with the dead.

"We saw corpses along the road, dead people in cars. Dogs were roaming around the corpses. There was a very strong smell," said El-Barawy.

Israel says Hamas's October 7 attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with about 240 taken hostage.

Israel's retaliatory strikes and ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, according to the Hamas government in Gaza.

El-Barawy's return to Bosnia marks a dramatic change in fortunes for his family.

The Palestinian first arrived in Yugoslavia decades ago when the socialist federation welcomed students from around the world.

In 1991, he was studying in Sarajevo as war threatened to overrun Bosnia, following an outbreak in fighting first in Slovenia and then later Croatia.

"It's going to erupt here," said his wife's father as he encouraged them to leave.

The couple along with their infant daughter Dalila followed the advice and fled before Sarajevo was encircled by Serb forces in a years-long war that saw around 100,000 killed in Bosnia.

Despite perennial bouts of fighting amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the family prospered in Gaza.

El-Barawy ran a strawberry plantation just "500 metres from the Israeli border" and exported thousands of tonnes of fruit annually, including to European markets.

- 'Influx of corpses, wounded' -

But El-Barawy admits that the life they once enjoyed in Gaza was now gone forever.

"We decided never to go back there again. What's left of my life I want to live in peace. There is no more life there," he said.

To date, 37 people have arrived in Bosnia from Gaza.

The group is a part of a tiny trickle of foreign nationals and medical evacuees who have made it out of Gaza since war erupted.

Despite the devastation, Ahmed Shahin hopes to return to Gaza and his home in Jabaliya once the war ends.

The 55-year-old paediatrician studied medicine in Bosnia in the 1990s, where he was granted citizenship that paved the way for his evacuation from Gaza years later.

During the early days of the war in Gaza, he volunteered at the Indonesia hospital in the territory's hard-hit north, where supplies began to run low almost immediately.

"There were no medicines, operations were done without anaesthetic, amputations, and no water to wash or sterilise," he told AFP, saying at one point he performed a caesarean section to save a baby after the mother was wounded and later died of a head injury.

As the war ground on, "the influx of corpses and wounded intensified," he said.

Soon, he was no longer able to cope with the staggered loss of life and injuries.

Along with his wife, their three daughters, and teenage son, they fled south leaving behind the grave of another son who was killed by an air strike during an earlier conflict in 2014.

"The world is watching live the destruction of buildings full of children and women, watching the blood being spilt while it is still warm. And it does nothing," said Shahin through tears.

"It's not right."

rus/cbo/ds/jm/rox
A Nobel Prize winner is leading a Cambridge revolt over a rule that forces academics to retire at 67 despite being in the prime of their lives.

Prof Didier Queloz was among 120 academics who wrote to Cambridges vice-chancellor on Nov 7 demanding a mandatory retirement rule be scrapped before the end of the 2024 Easter term.

The 57-year-old, who won the Nobel Prize in 2019 for the first discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star, faces forced retirement in 10 years under the universitys Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) rule, which is set at 67.

The professors urged Prof Debbie Prentice to abolish the rule, saying it discriminates against senior academics who are at the top of their game.

The letter said the rule punishes successful senior academics and makes no business sense as it deprives Cambridge of world-leading professors who attract millions of pounds in grant funding.

As morally offensive as racism

EJRA creates a brain drain of academic talent from Cambridge as senior academics are forced to leave Cambridge for posts elsewhere if they want to stay active in research, the academics said.

EJRA directly causes stress and poor mental health among its top academics as they face being made unemployed at age 67 and are rendered ineffective from age 63 when they are not allowed to apply for grants.

It went on to say: We who feel proud of Cambridges academic excellence also feel ashamed that it blatantly discriminates in terms of ageism as this is as morally offensive as racism, sexism, ableism, etc. As such it is a reputational risk for Cambridge.

They demanded an end to the policy and the universitys scrutiny board has requested it be reviewed in 2024.

The university will now decide whether to have a vote on scrapping it altogether on Monday, the Telegraph understands.

Oxford and Cambridge are the only universities in Britain to operate an EJRA and have done so since 2011, when Britains default retirement age of 65 was abolished.

Oxfords EJRA is set at 69 and was increased from 68 in October, following a policy review in October 2022.

Policy could be unlawful

Four Oxford professors, sacked aged 68, had launched a discrimination claim under the Equality Act a month previously, with judges ruling in their favour in March 2023.

It is understood that Cambridge terminates between 30 and 35 members of staff who have reached the age of 67 every September, preventing many of them from applying for research grants or taking on new doctoral students in the preceding years.

The late Lord Igor Judge, former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, warned earlier in 2023 that the policy was potentially unlawful and could result in massive reputational damage for the university.

Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at Cambridge, was let go after he turned 67 in the most recent round of aged-based redundancies on Sept 30, despite still being in full flow.

There are those of us whose work is our mission, our function in life, our purpose. To cut somebody off in their prime at 67 in simple cruelty, he told the Telegraph, adding that the age isnt old nowadays.

I am determined to keep on working, he said. I must have produced a dozen research papers last year. I go to the gym occasionally, I dont smoke, I dont drink too much and I cycle a bit. I am still in full flow.

He said that he had been moved onto a two-year contract and now only worked at Cambridge for one day a week. He retained a post at the University of Edinburgh and worked as a business consultant the rest of the time.

Cambridges rules allow for academics to take flexible retirement at 67 and carry on working at reduced hours. Under exceptional circumstances, it may delay retirement under EJRA for some staff for a limited time.

Prof Anderson said Cambridge had hired a number of top mid-career people in their 50s who now find to their horror that a few years after joining the university they can no longer get research grants.

He added: Cambridge is a significantly less attractive place to work than UCL or Manchester.

Employment tribunal claims

When Cambridge introduced its EJRA policy in 2011 it said it would help the career progression of younger staff, promote innovation among the workforce and balance the distribution of posts between generations of academics, as well as help meet ethnic and gender diversity targets.

The policies have formed the basis of several employment tribunal claims.

In 2020, Prof Paul Ewart, former head of atomic and laser physics, won a 30,000 payout and was reinstated after he was dismissed by Oxford because of his age and his discrimination claim was upheld.

Lord Judge, the universitys former Commissary, who died in November, did not have the power to grant an application to review the rules brought by Prof Anderson in the summer, but said that the policy could result in wrongful dismissals.

Beyond injustice to individuals, the reputational damage [of a court ruling against the EJRA] would indeed be massive, he said.

A Cambridge spokesman said: The university has established a review group to consider whether its employer-justified retirement age should remain, be abolished or be updated, and the University Council will shortly receive an update on its work.

It is aware of the considerable interest that all staff, not just those who are approaching retirement, have on this matter and has been consulting widely.

The review group is aiming to complete this work in time for the 2024 cohort of retirees to know where they stand and the council will be considering the feasibility of this timetable later this term.

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.
DALLAS - While people shared food and fellowship with family and friends, there were hundreds of people who've come to North Texas fleeing persecution and political violence in their native countries, and they celebrated Thanksgiving in America, many for the first time.

A local non-profit is guiding the refugees to a new life in a new land.

Hugs and smiles greeted refugees and asylum seekers at Saint Matthew's Cathedral Episcopal Church in Dallas for the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving.

The meal was prepared for them.

"Me and my family, we are, for seven years, refugees in Turkey," Iranian refugee Justin Rahimi said. "After that, we came to the United States one and a half years ago."

They are welcomed to North Texas through the Gateway of Grace non-profit.

"Can you imagine being in a country and not having anyone, not knowing what's going on, and being alone during holidays," said Samira Page, founder and executive director of Gateway of Grace Ministries. "And this is a time where we can reach out and share the love that we have, the big Texan heart, with these people who don't have anybody to go and we are able to help them celebrate."

They were forced to leave their countries. Many assisted the U.S. military, and all have been vetted by government agencies.

This year offers greater challenges.

"One of the biggest needs that arose earlier this year was when Refugee Services of Texas closed and most organizations like us were scrambling to try to serve these families who literally were waiting for rental and healthcare," explained Dennis Page, with Gateway of Grace Ministries. "So that has kind of changed what we did in the latter part of the year."

Volunteers from area churches partner with Gateway of Grace, helping refugees learn English, with job searches, and childcare.

On Thursday, they served Thanksgiving meals.

"This is a wonderful event. Man, when we get a chance to show love to people who have been displaced from all across the world, and what a wonderful way to express whatever religious belief that you have, right? What a wonderful way to express that on a day that we call Thanksgiving here in America," True Lee Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Donald Parrish Jr. said.

Some of the help came from those who've been helped, like Awel Deng, a South Sudan refugee who is now an American citizen.

"It's important for me to give back because I was them, I was new to this country, I was finding my footing and my place and everything, and if feels like so nice to help people," Deng said.

For the hundreds of refugees, from eight different countries, their gratitude went beyond the Thanksgiving meal.

"We are so happy here. We are so happy and thank God for this, and now we have a family, we have a freedom, we have a church, and everything. Thank you so much," Rahimi said.

These families are not just thanksgiving, but thanksliving

Samira was a refugee as a child with her family 28 years ago.

She said the love, support, and grace shown by the church motivated her to start this ministry to refugees.
Biden and Xi meet at G-20 summit amid rising US-China tensions

closeVideo

Retired Army Lt. Col. Bob Maginnis shares his key takeaways from President Biden and China's Xi Jinping on Monday on 'Your World.'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Mondays meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which took place in the shadow of the G-20 economic conference in Indonesia, revealed troubling aspects of a coming new world order Chinese style and just how wrongheaded and weak Biden is when it comes to understanding the communist Chinese threat.

The first indication of a problem was the optics when the two presidents came face-to-face at the summit.

Biden was seen smiling with his hand extended as he anxiously walked toward his Chinese counterpart who by contrast appeared dour, almost dismissive of the American. The scene could be likened to that of a young subordinate who just saw his boss and hurried his pace to welcome him, while the boss looked down his nose at the young upstart.

BIDEN MEETS CHINA'S XI JINPING AT G-20 SUMMIT IN INDONESIA, RAISES US CONCERNS ABOUT TAIWAN, HONG KONG, PUTIN

Its safe to say that the scene revealed much about the two men and our emergent relations as global powers. Xi has just came from the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress which granted him an unprecedented third term as chairman, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since Chairman Mao Zedong. Xi intends to aggressively press toward his goal of world dominance and as he told the 20th Congress, "the East [China] is rising while the West [the U.S.] is declining."

U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

By comparison, Biden came to the Xi meeting weakened by the likely loss of his partys majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and a host of troubling issues at home including a deeply divided citizenry and a military arguably in decline.

Besides the optics at the summit, what Biden said at the post-meeting press conference on Monday evening demonstrates his priorities and failure to truly understand the Chinese leaderships intentions.

Biden claimed his conversations with President Xi were "open and candid" and his "intentions and priorities" were made clear to the dictator.

PUTIN TO SKIP INDONESIA G-20 SUMMIT DUE TO ASSASSINATION FEAR: REPORT

Further, he indicated that he told Xi that he "would defend American values, human rights and compete vigorously," and he promised the communist leader that Americas China policy hasnt changed regarding the issue of Taiwans status.

Video

Biden failed to mention whether he pressed the Chinese leader on important issues such as the regimes maligned economic behaviors like its failure to abide by trade agreements, its military aggression in the South China Sea, the supply of precursors used to make fentanyl which annually kills tens of thousands of Americans, the origins of COVID, the rampant stealing of our intellectual property, and whether it will dial back on its well-documented human rights violations.

The president allowed only four questions after his remarks at the press briefing. He was asked whether a Cold War with China is avoidable. "There need not be a new cold war" with China, said Biden. Rather, we are in "competition" with China. That response ignores the contrary history of "unrestricted warfare" China is waging against the West using all Chinese instruments of power such as economic, military, ideological, geopolitical and technological.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER

On the issue of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province, Biden said he does not anticipate "any imminent attempt on the part of China to invade Taiwan," even though two weeks ago President Xi vowed to "reunify" the mainland with Taiwan and he would "never promise to renounce the use of force."

Video

Biden said he "made it clear" to President Xi that our Taiwan policy "has not changed at all." Yet, on multiple occasions over the past two years, the president confused that policy by promising to defend Taiwan against any communist assault. Yet, Biden insisted that Xi "understood exactly what I was saying."

Perhaps most distressing is the presidents promise to set up more meetings with Chinese officials to discuss our differences. He took the same approach a year ago in June with Russias Vladimir Putin and that didnt end so well, ask the Ukrainians.

Russia President Vladimir Putin. (Alexander Demyanchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Unfortunately, President Biden is out of his element when dealing with tyrants like Putin and Xi. As former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said about Biden, he has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.

Unfortunately, when it comes to Bidens actions regarding China, we have good reason to be skeptical and arguably fearful.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS

Robert Maginnis is a retired U.S. Army officer and the author of "Alliance of Evil: Russia, China, the United States and a New Cold War." His latest book "Kings of the East: Chinas Plan to Eliminate America and Impose a Communist World Order," will be published in September.
A military aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs arrives at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK).



Since 2014, China and the ROK have completed 10 such repatriations in a row, thanks to a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

At around 11:30 a.m., a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of the fallen soldiers landed at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Shortly after the plane was welcomed with a water cannon salute, soldiers carrying the caskets of the fallen heroes slowly walked off the plane and a reception ceremony was held at the airport.

Following the placement of the caskets, which were covered by five-star red flags, representatives at the ceremony stood in solemn silence and bowed three times to the soldiers' remains.

The remains of 913 CPV martyrs were returned to China from the ROK between 2014 and 2022.

"It is due to their selfless dedication, fearlessness and sacrifice that we now have the peaceful and stable life we enjoy. It makes me understand even more the value of peace," said Qiu Yutong, a middle school student from Shenyang.

The Korean War broke out in June 1950, eight months after the People's Republic of China was founded. The flames of war soon reached the border river of Yalu and wreaked havoc in Dandong, then known as Andong, with buildings bombed and civilians killed.

At the request of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Chinese ground forces under the CPV entered the Korean Peninsula on Oct. 19, 1950, and fought the first battle on Oct. 25.

A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers from across the country joined the war that lasted almost three years, with more than 360,000 soldiers killed or injured.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the war.

While addressing the ceremony welcoming back the remains of CPV soldiers, Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin said that over the past 70-plus years, neither the motherland nor the people have forgotten the brave fallen heroes of the war.

Noting that the remains of 938 CPV soldiers have been repatriated over 10 consecutive years, Shen said the feats and names of these heroes will be remembered eternally.

Shen urged efforts to carry forward the great spirit of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, remain committed to peaceful development, and promote the building of community with a shared future for humanity.

On the way to the cemetery, the motorcade carrying the remains of the CPV martyrs drove past many residents who packed the street to take part in the solemn procession.

The CPV martyrs' remains will be buried at a cemetery in Shenyang, where a burial ceremony will be held on Friday.

"The martyrs dedicated everything to the motherland and the people. They deserve to be remembered," said Li Qingze, an interpreter who works at the cemetery.

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A military aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is honored with a water salute after landing at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Two J-20 stealth fighter jets escort a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs on Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A soldier stands beside the coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The convoy carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs passes the Shenyang Youth Street in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

People pay tribute to the coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are escorted to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A soldier escorts the coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Beginning next week, more residents across North Carolina will be able to get more health coverage through Medicaid, according to our news partners at WLOS in Asheville.

On December 1, 2023, half of those eligible for the states Medicaid expansion will automatically be enrolled.

WLOS says those who believe they qualify for the program will need to register on the states website next week.

ALSO READ: Gov. Cooper signs Medicaid expansion bill into law

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service Secretary, Kody Kinsley, spoke with WLOS, about the helpful tools on the states website to make sure you can enroll properly.

If you go there, again, Medicaide.NCDHHS.gov, youll be able to learn about the criteria, about the program, so you can be aware of what you need to do to apply, Kinsley said.

WLOS reports that the state is working with non-profits and other officials to get in contact with people across the state, providing information about eligibility and enrollment.

For instance, a family of three or four that is making $40,000 a year is going to be eligible now in a way that they werent before, Kinsley told WLOS.

The programs expansion offers full health insurance benefits for those who qualify between 19 and 64 years old, it also includes preventative care and prescription coverage.

Check out this list of Quick Facts below:

NCs Medicaid expansion begins Friday, December 1, 2023.

Adults between 19 and 64 earning up to $20,000/year as singles or families of three earning $34,000/year could be eligible.

Coverage with the plan will be comprehensive including primary care, hospital stays. maternity care, vision and hearing, dental/oral health, and more.

Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency visits, and more.

Current Medicaid program members will not see any coverage changes.

(WATCH BELOW: Expanded Medicaid to help more people access mental health medication)




















By Soo-hyang Choi

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country's recent launch of a spy satellite was an exercise of its right to self-defence, as Pyongyang celebrated the event as showing it could strike anywhere in the world, state media reported.

North Korea said on Tuesday it had placed its first spy satellite in orbit, drawing international condemnation for violating U.N. resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic missile programs.

Kim visited the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) to applaud space scientists and technicians, and said Tuesday's launch was an "eye-opening event" in the face of the "dangerous and aggressive" moves of the hostile forces, KCNA news agency reported.

"He said that the possession of reconnaissance satellite is a full-fledged exercise of the right to self-defense the DPRK armed forces can neither concede even a bit nor stop, even a moment," KCNA said, using the initials of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea hosted a reception to celebrate the launch on Thursday, where Premier Kim Tok Hun said the satellite would develop the North Korean military into "the world's best army possessed of capability for striking the whole world".

State media photographs showed Kim's family members joining the leader to celebrate the launch.

Kim's daughter sat next to him at the banquet wearing a T-shirt with NATA's logo, along with Kim's wife, his sister, rocket scientists and engineers, state media photographs showed.

This week's satellite launch was the North's third attempt this year after two failures and followed Kim's rare trip to Russia in September, during which President Vladimir Putin vowed to help Pyongyang build satellites.

South Korean officials said the latest launch most likely involved Russian technical assistance under a growing partnership that has seen Pyongyang supply Russia with millions of artillery shells.

Russia and North Korea have denied arms deals but have promised deeper cooperation.

South Korea has said that the North Korean satellite was believed to have entered orbit, but that it would take time to assess whether it was operating normally.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi, additional reporting by Ju-min Park, Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Peter May is the permanent secretary at the Department of Health

A senior civil servant has warned that any financial settlement arising from a return to power sharing would still not be enough to tackle the issues facing the health service.

Peter May is running the Department of Health in the absence of a minister.

The permanent secretary said that any extra money would be mostly consumed by "pay and overspend pressures".

The Stormont government collapsed in early 2022 due to the DUP's protest against post-Brexit trade rules.

Mr May was speaking at a conference on Friday for finance professionals working in the health service.

'Limits on what we can do'

"The reality is that in health and social care, we will never have enough money to do everything that we want," he said.

"The competing demands for extra funding cannot all be met, not now and not in the foreseeable future."

Delegates were told that priority areas for investment included waiting lists, workforce, social care, technology and the introduction of multi-disciplinary teams in primary care.

Mr May said: "There will inevitably be limits on what we can do. Choices will have to be made and priorities agreed.

"That's a central reason why we need political leadership, mature public debate and collective decision-making."

Speaking earlier in the year, Mr May said the health service is currently facing unfunded spending pressures of 472m, of which 375m relates to a staff pay claim matching NHS England.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  They rarely take breaks, never ask for a raise, and always show up on time.

They seem like the ideal workers, right? A Northern Virginia business is booming thanks to their dedication.

Cory Suter calls himself the chief shepherd. His job? Encouraging his flock of sheep to get to work.

Were definitely the quietest lawn care service on the East Coast, he said.

Suter launched his Fairfax County-based business, Lamb Mowers two years ago.

He believes he is one of only two sheep-based residential lawn care companies in the entire county. He said the other is in Georgia.

New Zealand targets cow burps to fight global warming

Suters sheep eat weeds and mow lawns. They like to eat the tips of grass.

Usually when they go to a yard, the first thing theyre going after is all the weeds in the yard because they love clover and dandelion onion, grass, Japanese stilt grass, he said. They like to have more herbaceous plants, tree seedlings and poison ivy. So theres a lot of things that the sheep eat and eat well.

Suter charges $195 for a 2-hour grazing appointment.

Dave Bone is renting the sheep to eat weeds in the front yard of his Fairfax home.

It is unique. It is unusual and I admit the first time I heard it, I said, really? Is this a working business you have? And he said, yeah, why dont you check it out? Bone commented as the sheep grazed in his yard.

The sheep are fenced in to prevent wandering. Suter said they offer an eco-friendly alternative for people who dont want to use gas-powered lawnmowers, or chemicals, to kill weeds.

Plus, he said, the animals put organic nutrients back into the soil.

Sheep pellets are 35 to 40% carbon and very nutrient rich. Thats a wonderful way to fertilize your yard and have a therapeutic experience with animals and your own space and the sheep love to eat the weeds out of the yard, Suter said.

Suter said hes already booked around 150 clients.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
With an onrush of Black Friday deals and an influx of shoppers, law enforcement in one Massachusetts town is asking people to steer clear.

Wrentham Police Chief Bill McGrath took to X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, shortly before 5:00 p.m. to make it clear that the wait to get into Wrentham Village Premium Outlets was several hours long.

IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE TO THE #WRENTHAMOUTLETS, DO NOT BOTHER. THEY WILL BE CLOSED BEFORE YOU CAN GET THROUGH TRAFFIC. WAITS EXCEED THREE HOURS. 495 AND SURROUNDING ROADS ARE JAMMED. TRY ANOTHER DAY, McGrath wrote.

STOP . IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE TO THE #WRENTHAMOUTLETS, DO NOT BOTHER. THEY WILL BE CLOSED BEFORE YOU CAN GET THROUGH TRAFFIC. WAITS EXCEED THREE HOURS. 495 AND SURROUNDING ROADS ARE JAMMED. TRY ANOTHER DAY. @WCVB @wbz @boston25 @NBC10Boston @7News @wvpremoutlets  Chief Bill McGrath (@ChiefMcgrath) November 24, 2023

Earlier this week, police announced that they would be instituting traffic restrictions around Wrentham Outlets by limiting traffic to 10 streets.

The shopping complex was already seeing foot traffic as early as 4:00 a.m. Friday morning as shoppers searched for Black Friday deals.

Big lines at Massachusetts stores as shoppers look to score Black Friday deals

Stores at the Village began welcoming shoppers at 6 a.m.

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
Check out your birth certificate and surely youll see a designation for sex. When you were born, a doctor or clinician assigned you the male or female label based on a look at your genitalia. In the U.S., this has been standard practice for more than a century.

But sex designation is not as simple as a glance and then a check of one box or another. Instead, the overwhelming evidence shows that sex is not binary. To put it another way, the terms male and female dont fully capture the complex biological, anatomical and chromosomal variations that occur in the human body.

Thats why calls are growing to remove sex designation from birth certificates, including a recent recommendation from the American Medical Association.

I am a professor of medicine who has worked extensively on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) issues. My co-author is a professor of gynecology who is deeply involved in the health of people who are trans and intersex.

Our research and clinical experience show that sex designation is not something to take for granted. For those who dont fit neatly into one of two categories  and there are millions  an inappropriate classification on a birth certificate can have consequences that last a lifetime.

The problems with sex designation

Variations in genital anatomy happen more frequently than you might think; they occur in 0.1 to 0.2% of births annually. In the U.S., thats about 4,000 to 8,000 babies each year.

Other sex traits dont necessarily help either. Doctors examining the reproductive organs can find people born with both a vagina and testes, and also those born without any gonads. And when evaluating an individuals estrogen and testosterone hormone levels, long defined as key determinants of female and male bodies, doctors find some people with vaginas still produce significant amounts of testosterone. Because of this, testosterone is not a great indicator for defining sex; higher amounts of testosterone do not necessarily make someone male.

Even karyotyping  a laboratory procedure used since the 1950s to evaluate an individuals number and type of chromosomes  doesnt tell the whole story. While we typically expect people to either have XX or XY pairs of sex chromosomes, many people have variations that do not fit either category. These include Turner syndrome, in which a person is born with a single X chromosome, and Kleinfelter syndrome, which occurs when a person is born with a combination of XXY chromosomes.

In short, human diversity has demonstrated that the binary categories of male and female are incomplete and inaccurate. Sex designation, rather than two sizes fit all, is on a spectrum. Up to 1.7% of the U.S. population  thats more than 5 million Americans  have an anatomy and physiology that present intersex traits.

Binary designations can be damaging

Those with intersex traits who are assigned at birth to be female or male can experience medical care that harms them, both physically and psychologically.

Sometimes physicians perform surgeries to align bodies into binary categories. For example, those born with a larger than typical clitoris may have it reduced in size. But some who have this childhood surgery suffer as adults from pain and difficulty having sex.

[Get The Conversations most important coronavirus headlines, weekly in a science newsletter]

Additionally, governments sometimes limit those with intersex traits from fully participating in society. For instance, in Australia, marriages have been annulled because governments have previously ruled that an intersex person  someone not seen to be 100% man or 100% woman  cannot be legally married.

Private entities often do the same. The International Olympics Committee uses cutoffs of hormone levels to determine who plays in womens sports. As a result, some athletes have been barred from participation.

And for those with a gender identity that differs from the sex designation on a government document, discrimination, harassment or violence can result.

State governments have begun to acknowledge sex diversity. Some let gender-diverse people change their designation on birth certificates, although there are restrictions. Medicine too is changing. For example, some pediatric centers have stopped performing surgeries on newborns with differences in sex development. Still, society at large has been much slower to move beyond the use of strictly binary categories.

As clinicians, we strive to be accurate. The evidence shows that using male and female as the only options on birth certificates is not consistent with scientific reality. Evidence shows that removing this designation will tell new parents that its not sex assignment thats most important at birth but rather the celebration of a healthy and happy baby.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Carl Streed Jr, Boston University and Frances Grimstad, Harvard University.

Read more:



Carl Streed receives funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association. He is affiliated with the US Professional Association for Transgender Health and the American Medical Association.

Frances Grimstad does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Laurie Hortons Kansas City kitchen looked like so many others on Thursday.

Roasters full of meat  turkey in one, ham in another  and a platoon of slow cookers loaded with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and assorted side dishes covered nearly every inch of the kitchen island.

Big ol pies and a platter of cookies loaded down a nearby sideboard. A bountiful feast for sure.

But her guests didnt linger long, nor watch any of the football games playing on the TV in the living room.

One stopped by for turkey and fixins before heading out to patrol the annual Country Club Plaza lighting ceremony. A police helicopter pilot stopped by, too, without the helicopter.

Officer Robert Erpelding, who started his day at 7 a.m., came by for a meal at the end of his shift with his wife and son before heading to his off-duty job.

Horton has served Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to KCPD officers working on those holidays for 25 years.

Right before the expected evening rush, she joked, pretty soon its going to look like a crime scene up in here, therell be so many cars up and down the street.

Laurie Horton typically feeds between 80 and 100 KCPD officers each Thanksgiving.

She generally feeds between 80 and 100 officers on any given Thanksgiving, depending upon how busy it is, Horton said.

And sometimes, like the to-go dish, we fill them up and send them back out because they just dont have the time to stay, which is heartbreaking.

Hardly anyone left without hugging her good-bye.

By Thursday afternoon, when she hustled around the kitchen in a black Police sweatshirt, Horton had been cooking for days. But she wouldnt have it any other way.

She works for the police department too, and these are her people  men and women she says would put themselves between her and danger without thinking twice and who do the same for the public every day.

Once, in a work meeting, an instructor went around the room and asked everyone about their families. When he asked Horton how many kids she has, a detective in the back of the room shouted: 1,200!

Around KCPD, shes known as Mama.

No more hot dogs

Theres a doorbell by the back door that leads into the kitchen, but no one rang it. People just walked in.

What stranger would dare wander into a room full of cops?

This holiday tradition began a couple of years before Horton took a job with the department.

Twenty-five years ago she and her husband, Kevin Horton, lived in Northeast Kansas City at a time when what she referred to as houses of ill repute drew so much traffic to the area it was like a parade, she said.

Neighbors got to know the officers of East Patrol Division as they worked on making the area safer, she said.

The first Thanksgiving when it was safe to sit outside, and not worry about anything, this squad car kept driving by and they were rubber-necking ... and my husband went up and said, Just pull it over and come on in and eat, Horton said.

Pretty soon two more officers showed up that day, and from those first three guests, It has just grown exponentially since then. We found out they were going to a convenience store and were eating hot dogs and thats all they had on Thanksgiving and Christmas, she said.

So we decided no, no, no.

Nice to come for a home-cooked meal

Erpelding, a Kansas City transplant, has been with the department for 18 years. Both his parents are deceased, so its nice to be able to come somewhere where you feel loved and appreciated and you feel like youre part of a family, he said.

Especially when you have to work. Youre tired and youre just trying to get through the day.

He estimated hes worked more than half the Thanksgivings that have come and gone during his tenure with the department.

Its very nice to come for a home-cooked meal and turkey and all the things you remember as a kid, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the turkey, the ham, the green bean casserole. Thats a big one, Erpelding said.

And then pie afterwards and youve completed your Thanksgiving meal instead of going to a QuikTrip and hoping that their kitchens open. You can have something other than just a rotisserie hot dog.

Erpelding works out of the Shoal Creek Patrol Division north of the river. Horton invites every officer on duty on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kitchen is open from 2 to 11 p.m.

Officer David Owens, who has been with KCPD four years, works out of East Patrol. He had the holiday off this year, but he and his wife brought food and helped Horton with the meal.

For me, first off, the food is amazing, Owens said. What I appreciate about what Laurie is doing here is really not about the food, but about the family, community.

Owens hails from Colorado and with family strewn about, he and his wife feel at home in this house, where the woman serving the meals is outspoken about how proud she is of her colleagues who patrol Kansas Citys streets, who she says have answered an honest-to-God calling and who she wants the public to get to know as fellow human beings.

Not to be, I wont be cheesy here, but not only is this a family, but these are family members I want to be around, Owens said.

I came from the United States Marine Corps. I came from doing defense contract work, and I will tell you that the four years Ive been on the streets have not been an easy time. This has not been an easy time in this profession.

What the men and women who come to this job and stay on this job do, it just blows my mind.

Horton is an administrative assistant in the Criminal Records Section, a job that has her talking to officers on the street quite often.

Owens laughed when he said that for the longest time he thought her first name was Mama.

And at Mamas house, everyone eats off the good china on Thanksgiving Day.
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

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No evidence that DNA sequence used in Pfizer shot leads to cancer and other health issues

CLAIM: Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine contains a DNA sequence called Simian Virus 40 that can cause health problems, including cancer.

THE FACTS: No evidence has been found to suggest DNA fragments used in the development of the coronavirus vaccine -- such as a portion of SV40s DNA sequence -- are causing health problems in people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. A recent congressional hearing r evived the baseless claim that coronavirus vaccines contain dangerous levels of monkey virus DNA. Following the hearing, social media users began sharing a post with information from The Epoch Times website that reported Congress was warned at the hearing about DNA fragments detected in the inoculation made by Pfizer and BioNTech. The post cites testimony from Dr. Robert Malone, who played a role in developing the messenger RNA, or mRNA, technology used in the vaccine, claiming the shot includes a DNA sequence called Simian Virus 40, or SV40. The sequence leaves behind residual DNA that could cause problems, reads one Instagram post. But the Nov. 13 hearing at the U.S. Capitol, which was held by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other vaccine critics in the House of Representatives, repeated long-debunked falsehoods about the contents of the shot and purported health risks like cancer. Government regulatory agencies and vaccine experts told The Associated Press that the Simian Virus itself isnt present in the vaccine, and theres no evidence anything contained in the vaccine could alter a persons DNA or lead to cancer and other illnesses. The European Medicines Agency, which regulates vaccines in European Union nations, explained that non-functional fragments of SV40s DNA sequence are used as starting material in producing the vaccine. But theyre mostly being broken down and removed in the manufacturing process. Trace amounts might remain at very low levels in the final product, the agency and others acknowledged, but they are well within established safety guidelines. EMA has seen no evidence of an association between mRNA vaccines and adverse events that could be linked to the presence of DNA material, nor are we aware of any scientific evidence showing that the very small amounts of residual DNA that may be present in vaccine batches could integrate into the DNA of vaccinated individuals, the Amsterdam-based agency wrote in an emailed statement. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates vaccines in the U.S., echoed the sentiment, saying no safety concerns about residual DNA in COVID vaccines have been identified, despite more than one billion shots being administered. The FDA stands behind its findings of quality, safety, and efficacy for the mRNA vaccines, the agency wrote, deferring further questions to Pfizer and other vaccine makers. Pfizer, in an emailed statement, stressed that the use of the SV40 sequence is common practice in developing vaccines, including the influenza and hepatitis shots that have been administered globally for decades. There is no evidence to support claims that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine contains plasmid DNA that could potentially impact a persons DNA or be a theoretical cancer risk, the company wrote, referring to DNA materials used to trigger an immune response during vaccine development. Spokespersons for The Epoch Times didnt respond to messages seeking comment.

-Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo in New York contributed this report.

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Newly released Jan. 6 footage does not show a federal agent flashing his badge while undercover

CLAIM: Security camera footage from Jan. 6, 2021, shows a federal agent disguised as a supporter of then-President Donald Trump during the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

THE FACTS: The man in the video is not a federal agent. It's Kevin James Lyons, a Chicago man who was sentenced in July to more than four years in federal prison for his role in the attack. Multiple images of Lyons at the Capitol, dressed as he is in the footage, appear in court documents. The false claim emerged after House Speaker Mike Johnson on Nov. 17 began releasing thousands of hours of footage from the Capitol insurrection. Social media users  including members of Congress  seized on a clip saying it proved that undercover federal agents participated in the riot. The video, which is 5 minutes and 31 seconds long, shows rioters and law enforcement personnel moving through a hallway in the Capitol. At 21 seconds into the video, a man appears from behind a column wearing a red Make America Great Again hat, a camouflage scarf covering most of his face, and a dark blue sweatshirt layered over a green sweatshirt. He walks toward the camera, flashing his palms at the 36-second mark with a small object in his right hand. And that ladies and gentlemen is a badge with a red hat and fully disguised, reads one post on X that shared a screenshot of the footage paused as Lyons is flashing his palms. But these claims play on enduring conspiracytheories about federal agents orchestrating the events of Jan. 6. Lyons was sentenced on July 14 to 51 months in federal prison for the part he played in the riot. Court documents include multiple images of Lyons inside the Capitol, dressed in the same outfit as in the security footage. For example, one shows Lyons recording himself in a mirror in the office of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In another, he sits in a car holding a framed photograph from Pelosis office, which shows her with the late Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights movement icon who died in July 2020. It is unclear exactly what Lyons is holding in his right hand when he flashes his palms. Lyons was convicted in April of six charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding. In addition to prison time, he was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol and complete 36 months of supervised release. Johnson on Friday publicly released about 90 hours of security footage from the Jan. 6 attack. An additional 44,000 hours is expected to be posted online over the next several months, the AP has reported.

- Associated Press reporter Melissa Goldin in New York contributed this report. ___

Video shows Israeli soldiers raising a flag over a Gaza school building, not a hospital

CLAIM: A video shows Israeli soldiers placing a flag atop Gazas Shifa Hospital.

THE FACTS: The video shows the soldiers raising the countrys flag over a United Nations-operated school in the city, not the hospital, a U.N. agency spokesperson confirmed. But posts online misrepresent the footage,,saying the video was taken at Gazas largest hospital, which became a focal point in the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas this month. In the video, three soldiers walk along a flat rooftop carrying a flagpole bearing the Israeli flag and its distinctive Star of David, along with another purple and white flag. The group, dressed in heavy military gear, silently affixes the pole to a short column along the edge of the roof before quickly walking away. They set up their flag on top of the Al Shifa Hospital To congratulate themselves on conquering a place filled with premature babies, injured kids and dead woman, the text on the brief clip reads. But the flag wasnt raised at Shifa Hospital  which Israel raided last week, claiming it hid a command center for Hamas  but at a school elsewhere in the city. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N.s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, confirmed in an email Tuesday that the building shown in the video houses one of its schools in the Hamas-controlled Gaza City. Indeed, at one point in the video, the three soldiers step over the letters UN written in large dark-colored capital letters on the rooftop floor. But Touma declined to say which of the more than 180 schools the agency operates in the Gaza Strip is shown in the video. She also said it was unclear when the flag was raised or whether or not its still there. This is what we have for now and we dont have more details, Touma wrote. Spokespersons for the Israeli government and military didnt respond to emails seeking comment. But the video appears to have been taken from the roof of a school building at the intersection of Tariq Ibn Ziyad and Al-Naser roads, which is located about one mile from the hospital. Satellite imagery on Google Earth shows the letters UN painted on the long flat roof of one building, and matches several distinctly-styled structures that are shown in the video surrounding the campus complex that includes at least four schools for boys. For example, at the beginning of the clip, a tower with a red roof and a tall antenna on top can be seen in the upper left of the clip. That matches a building a block away on the map. Another building in front of the soldiers as they plant the flag has a unique curved facade and window on the top level, which is also visible in the satellite image. Its unclear who first shared the video, but Israeli journalist Hallel Bitton Rosen shared a longer, clearer version of the footage on his social media accounts on Nov. 15. Rosen, who didnt respond to emails seeking comment, described the clip in a post written in Hebrew as showing soldiers from the Israeli militarys Givati Brigade raising a flag atop a school. The Givati Brigade is composed of infantry units and has a purple and white flag similar to the one flown along with the Israeli flag in the video.

- Philip Marcelo

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Video misrepresents Bidens departure from White House turkey pardon

CLAIM: A video clip shows President Joe Biden abruptly leaving this years Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House.

THE FACTS: In the full video of Mondays ceremony, Biden spends several minutes speaking and taking photos with guests after pardoning two turkeys in an address before hundreds of attendees. He can be seen waving to the crowd, plus giving a thumbs up and a salute, before leaving the event. But in the edited clip he leaves abruptly after the pardoning, turning away from the crowd and breaking into a light jog for a few moments before slowing to a walk as he makes his way to the White House. Two Marines standing in front of the door part to let him through and salute as he goes inside. Biden abruptly leaves his turkey pardon ceremony and half-jogs back inside, reads one post on X, formerly Twitter. In the full video from the ceremony, Biden makes a more prolonged departure from the South Lawn of the White House. Immediately after pardoning two turkeys, named Liberty and Bell, Biden can be seen speaking with Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and Jose Rojas, vice president of Jennie-O Turkey Store. Biden then speaks for several minutes with some of the hundreds of guests and p oses for photos. Finally, standing next to his granddaughter, Maisy Biden, the president waves to the crowd, giving a thumbs up and a salute, before making his exit. The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.

- Melissa Goldin

___

Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck

___

Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck
NEW YORK  Selene Sanchez wakes up early in the morning and kisses her 2-year-old son before dashing off to cleaning jobs across the city.

She travels to different houses, scrubbing floors and tidying up before heading home, to the emergency shelter where she lives. Sanchez, 30, makes it back by lunchtime, when she and her husband switch places. Then he goes off to work, while she stays with Beymar, their son.

Later in the day she heads out again to search for more work. Sometimes she gets lucky  a new job comes up, and she can work an hour or two, bringing home a few more dollars.

The massive influx of migrants to NYC has sparked a political and economic firestorm. Mayor Eric Adams last week announced sweeping cuts to police, schools and libraries to offset the growing cost of the crisis. Rallies in Queens and Staten Island have demanded shelter sites be moved.

New arrivals are caught up in the churn of a city that seems at times like its trying to push them out. The city government instated 60-day shelter stay limits and work permits are very difficult to obtain, with delays and long waiting periods.

But for Sanchez, and thousands of others, the challenges are part of a long journey they still believe will mean a better life for their families and are thankful for the opportunity. Sanchez came to New York after fleeing escalating gang violence that almost took her life in Ecuador. She is confident she made the right choice for her son.

I came to sweat, to work hard, to gain stability and help me and my family, Sanchez said.

More than 130,000 migrants have arrived in New York City in a recent wave of migrants that has put the city under strain and overwhelmed the local homeless shelter system. Around half who have come have left the city and state or found places to stay outside of the homeless shelter system. Still, there are over 65,000 new New Yorkers whove decided to build their lives here.

It is not easy.

Sanchez arrived in New York two months ago; she knows the trains better now and doesnt get lost wandering Midtown. She even jaywalks sometimes  not possible in her home country, Ecuador. She doesnt like the food at the shelter much, but shes figured out which delis offer the cheapest food.

I like New York, she said. But it is difficult. It is very difficult.

As winter approaches and many get the boot from their shelters, their lives may only get harder.

Its going to be, for some of them, their very first winter and very first Thanksgiving, said Brian Ourien, director of brand marketing and communications at The Bowery Mission, earlier this week. We want to be as welcoming as possible for those people.

A network of mutual aid groups, volunteers and nonprofits have stepped up to support migrants. The Bowery Mission hosted a massive Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the city without a Thanksgiving table  and this year, that includes migrants.

Theres a lot of politics involved in all of this so we try to keep it human, Ourien said, noting that The Bowery Mission was itself founded by immigrants. Its all about humanity. Its all about serving those who come to our door.

The city is overwhelmed, Ourien said. Who is going to help, who is going to be providing them coats? Its gonna be a pretty cold winter, who will be supporting them? Were trying to do all that.

Karelia Tovar arrived in New York just over a year ago, with her three kids, ages 16, 5 and 2. She hopes to build a long-term future in New York, and dreams that one day her family back home will join her and that she will eventually become an American citizen.

During that time, she has worked to create a more stable life for herself and her children. Its hard to see if its paying off yet, but she does find more consistent work now. In the face of pending eviction  shell be kicked out of The Row in a month  and difficulties finding under-the-table work, shes started to create more of a life for herself and her children.

I work now three days, sometimes four days a week, Tovar, 34, said. And I have enough to eat and for my childrens things. Im just waiting for my work permit, and I dont have it yet. I put the TPS application in, I do not know what happens with that, because they havent responded to it yet.

She likes to work and has juggled jobs in a kitchen, as a server and as a janitor.

Thank God, they give us plenty of food, Tovar, from Venezuela, said of the emergency shelter she lives in. Although we are very cold. But the staff are very friendly, very nice. I cant complain. And I even understand the (eviction) letter, because I understand that other people are coming and need the opportunities.

__________
Here's a recap of what occurred the week of Nov. 21 at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala:

State v. Edward Bernard Pinkey

Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Laura Hope and Debra Tuomey for the defense.

Charges: Attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Plea: No contest.

Edward Bernard Pinkney was fingerprinted at the Marion County Judicial Center on Nov. 21 after he was sentenced for shooting two women in 2020.

About the case: In 2020, Ocala police officials were told that Pinkney shot two women during a dispute. One woman was shot three times, all in the upper body, and the other was shot once in the leg, authorities said.

Pinkney left the scene and wasn't apprehended until several months later, when he turned himself in.

Sentence: In an agreement between the lawyers, Pinkney, 49, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He has 1,240 of credit for time already served while at the county jail awaiting resolution of this case.

What happened in court? Before sentencing, one victim stood at the podium and told the court that Pinkney could have killed her and taken her from her family. She told Pinkney he should have apologized. She still faces more surgeries. She said his sentence could've been stiffer.

Pinkney declined to address the court.

State v. Donghui Liao

Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

Hearing: At Liao's Nov. 21 arraignment, prosecutors said they have filed charges of traffic/posses 50 or more counterfeit credit cards and organized fraud $20,000 or more. At the same hearing, prosecutors said 54 charges of theft of a credit card were dropped and merged into the first count.

Represented by Jeremy Buckmaster, from the law firm Buckmaster & Ellzey, Liao, 32, will next appear in court early next year in front of Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon.

Where's Liao? The 32-year-old Dallas man remains locked up at the county jail. He is being held without bail. County Judge Tommy Thompson ordered the no-bail status because Liao is a flight risk and has similar charges in multiple states, according to court records.

Fraud: Target gift card scam lands man in Ocala jail facing multiple felony charges

About the case: Liao was arrested by Ocala police in October. Officials said he was seen on surveillance video in Target removing numerous gift cards and replacing them with fake gift cards. Liao's arrest report indicates he may have done similar things in other states including Ohio and Georgia.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: 20-year prison term for man who shot, injured two women
The remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

The burial ceremony began at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang at 10 a.m. as a military band began to play.

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen martyrs entered the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers with the national anthem playing in the background.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.

Over 70 years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army and civilians of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, eventually winning the war after arduous fight that lasted almost three years. More than 190,000 Chinese people sacrificed their lives.

Since 2014, the remains of 938 CPV soldiers have been repatriated and buried in China, an exercise that has lasted ten years.

"We have learned about the stories of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in our textbooks. I greatly admire the spirit of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for our country," said Chen Yanjun, a student from the Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School in Macao. "I will carry forward the aspirations of the martyrs and contribute to the development of our great motherland."

More than 300 representatives from central and local authorities, the military, descendants of the CPV martyrs, teachers and students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as teenage students from the mainland attended the ceremony.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) is searching for an inmate who unlawfully walked away from Clara Waters Community Corrections Center at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Inmate Douglas R. Fenton is serving a 13-year sentence for possession of a weapon after a felony conviction out of Tulsa County.

Fenton is described as a 511 white male with brown hair, hazel eyes and clover tattoos.

If you see Fenton or have information that could help locate him, call 911 and do not approach.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Ukraine has asked Poland to open additional checkpoints for the passage of empty cargo vehicles to alleviate Ukrainian and Polish truckers as the blockade continues, Interfax-Ukraine reported on Nov. 24, citing Deputy Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi.

"Currently, regarding the crossing (of the Ukrainian-Polish border), the idea of opening an additional point, at least one, and perhaps several, for the passage of empty vehicles is being discussed with the Polish side," Vysotskyi said on television on Nov. 23 following negotiations between Ukraine, Poland and the European Commission.

"This will speed up the movement of trucks in both directions, which will help Ukrainian and Polish carriers work better."

Polish haulers started blocking cargo vehicles at several border crossings with Ukraine on Nov. 6 to protest the liberalization of EU transport rules for Ukrainian trucks.

Four checkpoints have been blocked so far, and a fifth is being considered. Thousands of vehicles remain stranded at the crossings.

Ukraine is preparing to evacuate stranded drivers as weather conditions worsen. Two Ukrainian truckers have died while waiting at the border, likely of natural causes.

Read also: Trucker protests: Unraveling the standoff between Polish and Ukrainian haulers

Kyiv appealed to Warsaw to stop the blockade, citing health risks to the stranded drivers, as well as economic fallout and problems with humanitarian aid deliveries.

Vysotskyi noted that there are cases when humanitarian supplies are not allowed through.

"We are talking about a violation of basic international conventions regarding the free movement of critical goods," the official said.

Talks with the Polish side on the blockade are scheduled to take place on Nov. 25, according to Vysotskyi.

Polish truckers have complained that the high number of Ukrainian drivers entering Poland are hauling goods from Poland to other countries, undercutting local businesses that cannot match cheaper Ukrainian prices.

Ukrainian officials and industry representatives deny the accusations. The EU has warned the Polish government to ensure the end of the blockade.

A similar protest was launched by Slovak haulers at the Vysne Nemecke-Uzhhorod crossing earlier this week.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Studio West Dance Theatres The Nutcracker is a tradition not only for the audiences who see it each year, but also for professional dancers Cole McMason and Hannah Smith, who grew up in Olympia.

The production, opening Friday, Nov. 24, is a homecoming for the dancers, both of whom grew up dancing with the company and now dance with Ballet Tucson. This is McMason and Smiths third year returning to town to dance the lead roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy.

Its full circle, said Stephanie Wood-Ennett, co-director of Studio West.

The Tchaikovsky classic played a pivotal role in both McMasons and Smiths career decisions.

In fact, McMasons introduction to ballet was performing in the companys first Nutcracker in 2009, when he was 8 years old.

I only started dancing because of The Nutcracker,  he said. Studio West was looking for little boys for the party scene. My mom had heard about it from a friend, and she asked me if it was something I might want to do.

I was like, Oh, sure, I guess that could be fun.  It was, and he started taking lessons, which the studio offered free to boys whod been in that first production.

Since then, he has kept on dancing  with Studio West until he graduated from Charles Wright Academy in University Place in 2019, then in Seattle and finally in Tucson, where hes part of the corps de ballet.

Smiths first Nutcracker was in 2010, when she played one of Mother Gingers children. She was in every subsequent production until the pandemic halted live performances, but even in 2020, she danced the Sugar Plum Fairy role in Studio Wests Boundless, a collection of filmed performances.

 Nutcracker put the performing fire in me at a really young age, said Smith, who graduated from Olympia High School and South Puget Sound Community Colleges Running Start in 2021. Theres just something so special and unlike anything else about stepping out under the lights and being able to do what you love.

As much as she loved dance, Smith hadnt planned to pursue a ballet career. Then came the pandemic.

During my senior year of high school, I was actually planning on going to the University of Washington, she said. When COVID hit and I wasnt able to perform, I realized just how badly I needed to keep this part of my life going.

Now an apprentice at Ballet Tucson, she hasnt missed a Nutcracker since.

Smith and McMason are able to return to Olympia and perform as guest dancers because Studio West does its Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend, when Ballet Tucson is on a break. This is the one week that we could come and perform at home, McMason said.

It also proved to be good timing for one of Olympias two Nutcrackers, Wood-Ennett said. She had long been hesitant to move Studio Wests production to November but decided to give it a try in 2021.

We are loving having the ballet over Thanksgiving weekend, she said. Its super special.

McMason and Smith will dance in both 7 p.m. performances, Friday and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. At the other performances, Aidan Hodo, 16 and a junior at Capital High School, will play the Cavalier, and Katelyn Beaulieu, 18 and a senior at Black Hills High School, will dance the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Sharing the role of Clara are Kate Abbott, 15 and a sophomore at River Ridge High School, and Kabella Graves, 15 and a sophomore at Olympia. Hodo will share the role of Nutcracker with Jones Dillard-Disston, 14 and a freshman at Capital.

Studio West Dance Theatres The Nutcracker

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26; and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27.

Where: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia

Tickets: $18-$34

More information: https://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/studio-west-dance-theatre

Also: Claras Nutcracker Party, a pre-show celebration for children 3 and older, happens at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and noon Sunday, Nov. 26. Tickets are $16 for children, and accompanying adults are admitted free.
Oscar Pistorius, a former Paralympic gold medalist and Olympic runner from South Africa, was granted parole Friday, 10 years after he shot and killed his girlfriend in his home.

The runner will be released from prison Jan. 5 and begin five years of parole monitoring, South African officials said.

Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day 2013. Pistorius shot through a bathroom door, killing Steenkamp, whom he believed was an intruder, he claimed at trial.

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Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp fled to the bathroom to escape Pistorius, who shot her in a rage.

He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 13 years, five months in prison after years of appeals.

Conditions of the parole include a mandatory domestic violence course and staying inside the city of Pretoria, South Africa, without prior permission to leave. He will also have to perform community service.

Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility, Department of Corrections spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said, according to The Associated Press. What will happen is that Mr. Pistorius will be allocated a monitoring official. This official will work with him until his sentence expires.

A previous parole hearing in March was denied on procedural grounds. South African prisoners are eligible for parole once half their sentence has been served.

Steenkamps mother did not oppose the parole but said she believed that Pistorius had not been fully rehabilitated and was still lying about the killing.

I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar, June Steenkamp said in a statement. In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life.  I believe he knew it was Reeva.

The killing occurred just months after Pistorius became the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics, made famous for his carbon fiber running blades. A six-time gold medal winner in the Paralympics, Pistorius was one of the most well-known figures in running when he was arrested.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On vacation? In town to see your childhood pals? Or just need something fun to do during the long Thanksgiving Day weekend?

The Urge Miami Festival, a LGBTQ+ fave, kicks off 10 p.m. Friday with a party at M2 nightclub in Miami Beach. Organized by Spain-based promoter Matinee, the party will feature such DJs as Orel Sabag, Jerac and Ivan Gomez and rage until the wee hours. Guests are encouraged to wear all-white.

The festivities continue at 2 p.m. Saturday for the Royal Palm South Beach pool party, presented by Mexicos premiere party producer, ARENA. Expect plenty of splish-splash fun and gorgeous men in skimpy bikinis, promises the invite.

Later that night, throw it back to the 80s with a revival theme party at the recently remodeled MAD Live, in Wynwood. Try to find those Madonna-era rubber bracelets in the back of your drawer.

The Sunday Beach Party on the sands of South Beach, at 20th Street and Collins Avenue, will close out the epic weekend with a 1960s Mod vibe. Expect music, interactive activities, and fireworks (literally).

Our beach party is one of Americas biggest LGBTQ beach parties and attracts fans from all over the world, says Urge producer Hilton Wolman. It is an experience in itself!

Better grab a colada or two for that night when the closing party, headed up by Grammy winning DJ Roger Sanchez, circles back at M2. The theme is avant-garde, and guests are encouraged to arrive in yellow.

Info: Tickets from $250 at urgemiamifestival.com, where you can find a full schedule of events. A portion of proceeds benefit Miami Beach Pride.
BOUNTIFUL, Utah (ABC4)  A man was booked into jail for suspected manslaughter Friday after investigators say a gun went off in a Bountiful home, leaving a 20-year-old man dead.

The Bountiful Police Department said the deadly incident happened around 11:20 a.m. at a home on the 600 block of East Millcreek Way. Responding officers found Jacob Hess, of North Salt Lake, suffering from a single gunshot wound.

Dozens of crashes across Utah following blast of winter weather

While officers and first-responders tried to help Hess, he died at the scene.

Dylan Goodin, 21, of Bountiful, cooperated with police. He was treated for an injury to his hand before being released.

According to investigators, Goodin, Hess and another man in his 20s were handling a gun when it went off, with the bullet striking Hess. Later, officers searched the home, finding drugs.

Lt. Andrew Smith told reporters that Hess, Goodin and the other man were high school friends.

Goodin was booked into the Davis County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter, illegal gun possession and drug possession.

The shooting remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  One person is dead after a shooting involving a member of the Nye County Sheriffs Office, according to a Thursday news release.

According to officials from the Nye County Sheriffs Office, a member of the department was involved in a shooting. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:35 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of Basin Avenue and Dahlia Street, was the result of a call to the Sheriffs Office.

The suspect involved in the shooting was pronounced dead at an area hospital according to the Nye County Sheriffs Office officials, who went on to say that the identity of the suspect would not be released until the family was notified of the individuals death.

The identity of the employee involved in the shooting is scheduled for release on Monday.

No further information was given. The details of what led to the deadly shooting were not immediately available from Nye County Sheriffs Office officials, though further details were promised for a Monday news release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
(WHTM)  One person was injured on Wednesday night in a shooting in Lebanon city.

According to the Lebanon City Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 8 p.m. to the 500 block of E. Cumberland St for a reported shooting.

When they arrived, police found one man who had been shot. He was taken to Dauphin County Medical Center to be treated for his injuries and is in stable condition.

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Police do not believe that the incident was random. An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should contact the Lebanon City Police Department.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Lisa Larkins, 52, of Greece, N.Y., has been caring for her mom, Edith Onorati, 83, for 7 years. Larkins utilizes Trualta's web-based training to help with some unexpected challenges she faces while caregiving.

Lisa Larkins thought she was planning ahead.

She and her husband bought a ranch house in Greece, New York, seven years ago with an in-law suite for her parents. They moved in, and things were good.

Then, just as the pandemic hit, Larkins dads health started failing. He died in February 2021. And three months later, her mother was hospitalized with congestive heart failure.

I'm still going through the grief of having lost my dad, she said. "And I'm like, Oh my God, I'm losing my mother.

The years since have brought other health problems for her mother, including colon cancer  now in remission.

And then this year, she said, we got the diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

For anyone thrust into a caregiver role, it can feel like drowning, having to quickly get up to speed on medications, bills, legal paperwork, assess care options  the fit, the quality and the cost. And while there is a wealth of information and resources out there, there is no one-stop shop. Its often a road people are left to navigate, even chart, on their own.

It's a very difficult path to go down, Larkins said. And when you're already emotional, or sad, or nervous, frustrated. It makes it 10 times worse.

Lifespan of Greater Rochester has been a great help in adjusting her moms insurance and prescription drug coverage, getting her qualified for Medicaid. She signed up for financial assistance with UR Medicine and Rochester Regional Health. And for Moms Meals, which is covered by Medicaid.

But there have been challenges.

Lisa Larkins, 52, of Greece, N.Y., has been caring for her mom, Edith Onorati, 83, for 7 years. Larkins utilizes Trualta's web-based training to help with some unexpected challenges she faces while caregiving.

That is where an online resource called Trualta has helped  providing free web-based training, tips and other resources organized and searchable by condition, behavior or task.

Trualta is available in 32 states and has been used by more than 12,000 caregivers. That includes 2,000 New Yorkers since the program rolled out here in May 2022. Studies have found high rates of engagement and continued use, particularly for those caring for loved ones with dementia, with people reporting increased confidence with skills learned, and overall reduced burnout.

It is only as good as the local partners. In New York, that is the states Office for the Aging. And to date the number of local resources is limited. One area Larkins would like to see fleshed out is around respite care. But one of the greatest resources, touted by the organization and Larkins alike, are the virtual support groups.

Through talking with these people, week after week, you become friends with them. And I would say, well, my mom has this problem ... Oh, well, here's what we did. And here's what we bought. And here's a link to Amazon and you can get them cheaper. If you go through Medicaid. I'm like, whoa, whoa, let me take notes.

To me, the real-life experience versus trying to research on the internet was a lifesaver.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Online resources for caregivers: Trualta helps fill knowledge gaps
The state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Sept. 25, 2023. As Thanksgiving approaches, we should take time to be grateful even amid turmoil. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

International and national politics seem to have sunk to a scary level not endured since the frostiest days of the Cold War. Because your columnists have far more Thanksgivings behind them than ahead of them, we feel qualified to opine on how readers should feel this Thanksgiving weekend, amid such turmoil.

Americans respect for government institutions is at an all-time low. In their daily reports, the media reveal dysfunction, partisan hostility, incompetence and confusion, which further erodes confidence among citizens. Should Americans be consumed with anger and frustration, or is there reason to be grateful for our system of government, despite the current state of politics?

Pignanelli: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.  Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 B.C.

Most Americans should be grateful to live in a time of unprecedented prosperity with opportunities for better lifestyles and a thriving democracy. Unfortunately, too many incorrectly believe we are on the precipice of a dystopian future. All the screaming in the media ignores the lessons of history which document our nation was always a hotbed of controversy and nonetheless blossomed.

Following an acrimonious 1800 presidential election, Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in 1804. From then on, political divisiveness became a consistent feature of American government. The decades leading to the Civil War, and even after, were blemished with extreme polarization. But national animus was not just a 19th-century theme. The 1960s and 1970s contained assassinations, riots, crime waves, corruption and changing social mores. In fact, there is no time in the history of our country that was not subject to turmoil.

Yet, our republic not only survived  it also flourished. As usual, Americans are currently engaged in vigorous debates on numerous policy matters. We are enduring another huge societal and technological shift on par with the development of the printing press.

Thus, a small trip down memory lane must instill a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for a government and political structure that protects our liberties, obligations and lifestyles. Even those who dislike turkey have plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Related

Webb: Americas government, with its checks and balances and with power divided between the federal and state levels, was designed to maximize freedom and prevent tyranny. It was designed to be controlled by citizens, subject to basic constitutional principles asserting that freedom and foundational rights are inherent, endowed by God, not granted by a king or any government official.

Thus, we are blessed with a magnificent governmental framework. And we should be grateful for that. However, our government is only as good as its people  and the officials we elect. John Adams, a Founding Father and our second president, said: Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

I believe our governmental framework was inspired. But it is fallible, mortal men and women who execute its provisions and apply it in myriad ways to our everyday lives. It is easy for them to stray far beyond, or even abandon, foundational constitutional provisions. That has certainly happened and is happening today.

Therefore, we should express heartfelt gratitude for our form of government, while simultaneously committing to elect men and women who will work collaboratively, and with good will, to advance constitutional provisions ensuring maximum freedom and safety.

Many leaders of the Beehive State fall all over themselves praising the Utah Way. But is this just a charade to hide many problems or should Utahns be especially thankful for what we enjoy in this state?

Pignanelli: Right and left winger extremists condemn much in our state. Yet, their version of a utopia frightens most of us.

Regardless of unsubstantiated criticisms, a wonderful virtuous cycle is occurring. Utahns are grateful for what we enjoy, thereby driving a greater commitment to the virtues inherent to us (hard work, vision, collaboration, etc.). This dynamic leads to greater results for which we are thankful.

Webb: There is, no question, something special about Utah. The principles of limited government, low taxes, maximum freedom and disagreeing better (credit Gov. Spencer Cox) are working here.

We have our problems. Were by no means perfect. But if bickering and overbearing federal officials want to observe a laboratory of democracy that performs admirably, they should check out Utah.

What did your columnists especially identify in expressing gratitude at their Thanksgiving repast?

Pignanelli: I am grateful for my family, the opportunities they enjoy and the prospects available to them as Americans. Further, I am blessed because my grandparents immigrated to Utah, the greatest state in the country.

Webb: The older I get, the more important and meaningful family relationships become. More important than wealth or material possessions. More important than fame or recognition. There is something special about family. It is felt, innately, by essentially everyone, worldwide.

A grandmother in Ukraine, risking all to find her special needs grandson who was taken by Russian soldiers. A twin, separated at birth from his sibling, searching for decades to find the lost brother. Even dysfunctional families, grief stricken and united as they mourn the death of a family member. Millions of people worldwide, spending untold hours searching family trees to learn about their ancestors.

Family is the basic unit of society. But it is much more. It is something divine, something eternal.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a former journalist and a semiretired 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.
Campuses across the nation are debating what is and isnt free speech . CEOs and online trolls are canceling young people whose positions they consider hateful. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian faculty are taking sides. Students are hollering at administrators to do the same.

I am a lecturer in rhetoric at San Diego State University. Our biggest problem on campuses isnt apathy, equity or AI. Its that we arent teaching kids to grapple with complex ideas.

I dont just mean they lack the ability for analytical thinking or deep focus  though these are real and troubling issues  but that young people today do not know how to figure out what they think. They know how to summarize.

Dont blame the kids, or even social media. Their unnuanced arguments are a flaw of our education system. But the urgency of the Israel-Hamas conflict presents an opportunity to encourage young people to understand complex issues and articulate thoughtful positions on them.

In my class, I often introduce my students to F. Scott Fitzgeralds definition of intelligence : the ability to consider conflicting ideas and not lose your mind.

As a secular Jewish woman, I can be both broken-hearted over the 1,200 Israelis killed (and the 200-plus hostages who were being held) in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, and also grieve for the more than 13,000 Palestinians killed in Israels retaliation. As an analytical thinker, I must concede that I cannot understand a quality of pain that would cause members of Hamas to kidnap and assault young women , or storm houses and slaughter families  just like I cannot entirely fathom how generational trauma of the Holocaust can ignite thousands of Israelis to dehumanize their neighbors, bomb innocent civilians and cut off their access to basic human needs.

After drawing on reliable sources, cross-checking media and inviting diverse perspectives, I arrived at Team Human. I want Jewish people to have a safe place to call home, but I cannot be complicit if that creates an unsafe space for others.

Embracing the complexity changes the conversation. And opens it up. Most often, however, this begins in the uncomfortable place of listening.

Obviously, we cant allow hate speech or ignorance to proliferate on college campuses. Its important we understand the dangers of otherness in our rhetoric. But right now, when young people have strong opinions about a global issue, we should be careful not to instill in them a fear of speaking up.

Rather, we educators need to step up. We can challenge students to understand the multidimensionality of the conversation and to learn to apply these skills to issues in their lives.

We need to help them  and the rest of society  move beyond the binary. If we set up guidelines for people to feel safe, such as agreeing that calling out the Israeli government isnt automatically antisemitic, but saying we must rid Israel of Jews sure is hateful, we might begin to move beyond the black-and-white thinking that has poisoned domestic and international politics.

Thats not an easy task. I recently had to get past my biases and assumptions to teach one of my own students. She had written an essay  more of a rant  about why all Americans should side with Palestinians. Despite the sting of her words implying that for Palestinians to be free, Jews must leave Israel, my job was not to shut her down but to help her express her opinion clearly in a multidimensional way.

Instead of excoriating, failing or canceling her, I posed questions designed to help her think more deeply about her stance. I encouraged her to understand her biases and assumptions, add factual, peer-reviewed evidence and acknowledge the other side.

Educators can learn from our students passion and curiosity for the world and teach them how to digest complex global issues. Whats dangerous are the simplistic arguments  the one-dimensional ones we see all over social media that disregard years of turbulence and peace accords, or Hamas doctrine to end Israel, the dubious role of Britain in the post-World War II creation of Israel, the far-right leadership in Israel that citizens had been protesting for months leading up to the Oct. 7 attack and Israels decades-long oppression of Palestinians.

We know what happens when we begin to believe singular perspectives  we need look no further than the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Regardless of our personal perspectives, educators have to help young people understand complexities as campuses see a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Even simple things, such as noting differences between a Zionist and a Jew, or Hamas and a Palestinian. Just think if we taught students about the depth of trauma for Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Muslims.

Can we hear the outrage of youth and allow it to introduce more nuance into our own beliefs? Instead of canceling young people for having opinions, lets invite them to speak so we can listen. Conversations exposing different perspectives will be uncomfortable. But they also might move us beyond our biases before we get into one more turbulent American election cycle.

Michele Bigley is a San Diego-based educator and writer.

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.
As a child, I listened to my grandmothers stories of her childhood in Lydd (modern-day Lod, Israel). She told me of smelling the orange groves, learning the Byzantine hymns of the Orthodox Church in Greek and going to the beach in Yaffa. One day, she told me the key to the home she fled during the Nakba (Arabic for "catastrophe") in 1948 was still wrapped in a white cloth under her knitting kit.

My tata (Arabic for "grandmother") always told me she was one of the lucky few who made it into Jordan and established a life there. Yet her good fortune also bred guilt that her neighbors and friends were not as lucky.

Although I was born and raised in Northern California, I spent years in Jordan when I was younger. I have never forgotten my Palestinian heritage of dispossession.

Read more: Opinion: Why Palestinian Americans believe Rep. Rashida Tlaib spoke the truth

Like my tata, I feel guilty that I live far from the sounds of bombs and the smell of decaying corpses under rubble. I feel guilty that Im powerless to help. I feel guilty for enjoying running water, electricity and food: Growing up, my parents would tell us to finish our plates because a Palestinian child was starving in a refugee camp.

My parents raised me to respect different opinions and ensure those around me felt included. However, as a Palestinian Jordanian American, I have seldom felt my opinions were respected or that my experiences were included in the conversation.

On the morning of my first day of fourth grade  a sunny California day in 2007 that I will remember forever  my mother braided my long hair into two pigtails, and my tata helped me put on a beautiful gold necklace, inscribed with my name in Arabic, that my parents had bought for me.

I walked into class excited to catch up with friends and find my seat. But I was greeted with glares and whispers from my classmates and their parents. Later that day, a student told me we could not be friends because my necklace identified me as a terrorist. I never told my parents about this, but I took off the necklace, and it remains with my mothers jewelry collection to this day.

Read more: Opinion: I am nine months pregnant and living in Gaza. Will my baby first hear my voice or bombs?

When I tried to speak about my grandmothers stories in a college history class, a classmate told me my tata was a liar and her stories were nonsense. They told me that rather than fleeing for her safety, she simply left. Ive heard this Israeli narrative repeated many times in my 25 years.

These experiences taught me to keep quiet about my familys history for years. I still find myself in situations where I feel I must remain silent for my safety.

This isnt unusual in my community. Much of the racism, hatred and violence I have encountered has gone undocumented and disbelieved. I have felt that the life of a Palestinian or Arab American is worth less than the life of another. I have been told that the suffering of my family is not as significant as the suffering of others.

The reality is that I understand the pain of all those whose families have suffered because I, too, know that feeling. I know there is no monopoly on suffering.

I worry about explaining Palestine and what it means to be Palestinian to my children. Palestinians in the diaspora tell their children the stories of their ancestry because they wont hear them in school. Palestinians tell their children these stories to comfort them and prepare them for what they will encounter at school and beyond. My identity as a Palestinian American is so charged that when asked where my family was from, I learned to mumble the Middle East, trying to protect myself from what someone might do to me if they found out that I was Palestinian or Jordanian.

My silence came from a place of fear that speaking up could cost me a job or college admission because those in positions of power could not see the humanity I have tried to explain for years. My silence also comes from an identity that has been shaped by others who do not account for the true nature of Palestinians. It has been a burden to carry this identity in silence.

But the diaspora has arrived at a moment when our fear of speaking does not compare to the fear of innocent Palestinian lives being lost. Staying silent is no longer an option.

We must consider the humanity of a people who have been dehumanized for decades. I hope others will begin to truly listen and understand our displacement as Palestinians.

Christina Bouri is a research associate focusing on the Middle East at the Council on Foreign Relations.

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.
People across Ukraine and around the world will light candles tomorrow in memory of the millions of Ukrainians killed in the artificial famine engineered by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalins regime in the 1930s. Known to history as the Holodomor, this man-made famine remained hidden in the Soviet shadows for decades.

In recent years, a growing number of countries have finally recognized the famine as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian nation, but despite this growing international awareness, many have yet to grasp the chilling continuity between Stalins attempt to erase Ukraine and the genocidal objectives of todays Russian invasion. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin is merely the latest in a long line of Russian rulers who have sought to extinguish Ukrainian national identity.

Ukraines struggle against Russian imperialism dates back over 300 years. Its a tragic history marked by wave upon wave of subjugation, colonization, and Russification. Tsarist efforts to suppress Ukrainian identity could not prevent the rise of a Ukrainian national consciousness or stop Ukrainians from declaring independence amid the chaos that followed the 1917 Russian Revolution. After years of bitter fighting, the Bolsheviks were eventually able to crush Ukraines statehood bid and incorporate the country into the fledgling Soviet Union.

Despite this setback, the dream of an independent Ukraine lived on. By the time Stalin seized control of the Soviet Union in the late 1920s, he had come to regard the Ukrainian question as an existential threat to his own authoritarian empire. His response was characteristically savage. In addition to the Holodomor famine, Stalin ordered the methodical extermination of Ukraines national leadership. This led to the mass murder of Ukrainian politicians, clergy, academics, writers, artists, and anyone else deemed capable of leading resistance against the Soviet takeover.

Read also: Holodomor: Soviet Unions man-made famine in Ukraine

Raphael Lemkin, the man who first coined the term genocide, would later state that the Stalin regimes campaign to destroy the Ukrainian nation was the classic example of Soviet genocide.

Stalins genocide ultimately failed, but the Ukraine that emerged from the wreckage of the Soviet Union in 1991 was nevertheless a deeply traumatized and heavily Russified nation that remained very much under the Kremlins informal influence. However, a national healing process was now finally underway.

In the years following the fall of the Soviet Union, millions of Ukrainians slowly began to discover their own history for the first time. This fueled demands for a broader rejection of the imperial past and an end to Moscow-centric historical narratives that obliged Ukrainians to honor their executioners. And so it was that, like Stalin before him, Putin came to power at the turn of the millennium faced with a Ukrainian population intent on turning away from the legacy of the imperial past.

Throughout his reign, Putin has become increasingly obsessed with Ukraine. He has come to view Ukrainian independence as a symptom of Russias imperial decline, symbolizing the historical injustice of the Soviet collapse. As the emerging generation of post-independence Ukrainians have consolidated their statehood and embraced a European identity, Putins attempts to reverse this process have become increasingly extreme.

Putins hardline policies have frequently backfired, strengthening Ukraines resolve to reject a Russian reunion. In 2004, his attempt to install a Kremlin puppet as president of Ukraine sparked the pro-democracy Orange Revolution.

Ten years later, when millions of Ukrainians took to the streets once more during the EuroMaidan Revolution to defend their European choice, Putin responded by invading Crimea and eastern Ukraine. This, too, proved counterproductive, leading to an unprecedented decline in Russian influence throughout the 93% of Ukraine that remained beyond Kremlin control.

By the early 2020s, it was apparent that Putin was running out of options to prevent the eclipse of Russian dominance over Ukraine and the end of an era stretching back to the 17th century. This helps explain why the Russian dictator chose to unleash the largest European conflict since World War II.

Russias full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, was, in many ways, an act of desperation that reflected mounting panic within the Kremlin over the looming loss of Ukraine. For Putin and many other members of the Russian elite, independent Ukraines historic turn toward Europe brought back painful memories of the Soviet retreat from Eastern Europe in the final years of the Cold War. While the fall of the Berlin Wall led to the Soviet Unions disintegration, many saw Ukraines departure from the Kremlins orbit as a potential catalyst for a new phase in Russias imperial retreat.

Putin has long argued that Ukraine is historically illegitimate and is notorious for insisting Ukrainians are actually Russians (one people). Since the start of the full-scale invasion, his rhetoric toward Ukraine has become even more openly genocidal. Putin has declared entire Ukrainian provinces to be historically Russian lands. He has dismissed Ukraine as an artificial state that owes its existence to anti-Russian plots and Bolshevik blunders. In one particularly revealing episode in early 2023, he inspected a 17th-century map of Eastern Europe before commenting, No Ukraine ever existed in the history of mankind.

Read also: How Ukrainian identity evolved since the Revolution of Dignity

Like Stalins Soviet butchers almost a century earlier, Putins troops have systematically hunted down Ukrainian patriots and community leaders. In every region of Ukraine that has fallen under Russian occupation, the same pattern has emerged of mass arrests targeting local politicians, journalists, activists, and military veterans. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been tortured or summarily executed.

Millions more have been subjected to forced deportation, including large numbers of children who have been separated from their parents and exposed to anti-Ukrainian indoctrination. In areas under Kremlin control, the remaining population faces mounting pressure to accept Russian citizenship. Meanwhile, occupation administrations are methodically removing all symbols of Ukrainian statehood and traces of Ukrainian identity. The Russian army in Ukraine is arguably guilty of committing all five genocidal acts as defined by the UNs 1948 Genocide Convention.

Those who are currently calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine must take the genocidal nature of Russias invasion into account. Putin has made it perfectly clear that he intends to wipe Ukraine off the map of Europe. He views Ukraines very existence as an intolerable threat to Russia itself and is prepared to pay almost any price to remove this threat by extinguishing Ukrainian statehood. His hardline stance is entirely in line with centuries of Russian imperial policy.

Putin has demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice Russias international standing, along with the lives of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers, in pursuit of his messianic objectives. It is dangerously dishonest to suggest he can be appeased with the relatively small portion of Ukraine Russia currently occupies. In reality, Putin would use any pause in hostilities to rearm and regroup before launching the next stage of his criminal campaign to destroy Ukraine.

Ignoring this imperial agenda will not make it go away. Instead, it is time to acknowledge that todays invasion is not a conventional war with limited political goals; it is an attempt to complete Stalins unfinished genocide of the Ukrainian nation, and it will not end until Russia is defeated.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Ambulances wait by the helipad of Tel Aviv's Schneider medical centre for the arrival of some of the first batch of 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas in Gaza (FADEL SENNA)

An army of Israeli medics, child protection experts and trauma specialists were bracing Friday to receive 13 women and children released from Gaza after weeks of Hamas captivity.

Nearly seven weeks after more than 240 hostages were snatched from southern Israel by Hamas militants, a first batch of 13 hostages were handed over to Red Cross officials in Gaza, before they were delivered to Israeli custody, officials said.

While their identities were not immediately made public, millions of Israelis eagerly awaited news of their return on the first day of a four-day truce and hostage swap.

Authorities were also gearing up for the complex task of helping those released to come to terms with a nearly seven-week hostage ordeal that may have left them deeply traumatised.

Experts said many of the hostages would face further trauma on learning that their loved ones had been killed and their homes destroyed in the unprecedented October 7 assault in which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, according to an Israeli count.

"Some don't know that their significant others -- their families, husbands, parents, siblings -- have been murdered," top child protection expert Sarit Sarfatti told reporters ahead of the release.

"Some don't know that their entire community has been almost entirely annihilated. We will have to break the news to them very soon.

"This is something that cannot be delayed because we don't want them to find out through rumours."

Since the attacks, the deadliest in Israel's 75-year history, the Israeli military has vowed to "crush" Hamas and hit back with a blistering campaign of relentless bombardments, which Gaza's Hamas-led government says has killed nearly 15,000 people.

- Breaking bad news quickly -

As night fell, hundreds of journalists inside a government press centre in Tel Aviv peered up at a live feed from the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Once Israel received its hostages, it was due to release three times as many Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, all of them women and male teenagers, under the terms of the deal reached with Gaza's Hamas rulers.

At least 50 hostages are expected to be freed over the four-day truce, which began at 07:00 am (0500 GMT), in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

After passing through the Rafah crossing, the freed hostages were to be met by Israeli soldiers who would "identify them physically", then doctors would conduct a full physical examination, said Ziv Agmon, a lawyer attached to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

They would then be able to hold a first video call with family members, Agmon said.

After that, they would be flown to five major hospitals and medical facilities around Israel, where they would be physically reunited with their loved ones.

Experts said the hostages would be told on Friday about the deaths of loved ones.

"The IDF soldiers will not give children and their mothers that information, that will be done by health professionals and social workers at the hospitals today, unless they think this isn't the right time," said Sarfatti, the child protection expert.

- 'Life has changed dramatically' -

"In a state of trauma, people can react in very different ways, even people who have experienced the same thing. One may act out, one may withdraw," she said.

"Every reaction is legitimate and we have to help the child and the mother understand it."

Other specialists said it was crucial that the former hostages be carefully reintroduced to their normal environments.

"The biggest risk is to usher them into their previous life without doing it slowly and gently because it's overwhelming and some of them will shut down completely," said Dr Rony Berger, a senior clinical psychologist who specialises in helping survivors of disasters and mass casualty attacks to cope with trauma.

The first thing was to protect them from "the carnival" of their homecoming, he told AFP, saying they would be taken to a "secluded place with very few family members".

"Life has changed dramatically. It will take time for them to reconnect to their life before," he said, saying mourning would be a big part of their adjustment to the new reality.

"It's going to be very difficult for them. They don't have their kibbutz, they don't have their friends."

bur-hmw/slb/kir
Oscar Pistorius, pictured here running the Men's 400 at the London 2012 Summer Olympics on August 5, 2012, was granted parole Friday, a decade after being arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend model Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa. UPI/Terry Schmitt

Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The South African former paralympic champion, Oscar Pistorius, is to be freed from jail on parole after serving half of a 13-year sentence for the 2013 murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, the country's Justice Ministry said Friday.

The 37-year-old's release date from the Atteridgeville Correctional Center, just outside the capital Pretoria, has been set for Jan. 5, according to a department of corrections statement posted on X.

The Parole Board took the decision to allow Pistorius to complete his sentence under supervision in the community after taking into account all submissions regarding Pistorius' character and that he was a first-time offender.

Pistorius shot Steenkamp, 29, multiple times through the bathroom door of the Petoria apartment they shared on Valentine's Day in 2013, claiming he believed he was shooting an intruder.

His parole placement was not opposed by Reeva's mother, June Steenkamp, but in a letter to the parole board she questioned Pistorius' rehabilitation in prison and whether his "huge anger issues" had been addressed adequately.

Pistorius' use of high tech blade-like prosthetics was controversial with critics saying it gave him an unfair advantage over other para-athletes. File photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

Mrs. Steenkamp, who did attend the parole hearing in Pretoria, added that she would be "concerned for the safety of any woman" who encounters him on the outside.

Father, Barry Steenkamp, died in September with Mrs. Steenkamp saying grief at the way their daughter's life ended and the decade-long ordeal that followed had taken a huge toll.

An earlier application for parole back in March was refused with the board ruling Pistorius had not completed the period of minimum detention to qualify for early release.

At the time the board ruled he would not be eligible to re-apply until August 2024 but that was subsequently overruled by South Africa's Constitutional Court, paving the way for Friday's parole hearing.

The double amputee rose to worldwide prominence, albeit controversially, for his use of blade-like prosthetics that saw him become the first amputee to run in an Olympics, winning a gold medal in the men's 400-meter race at the London 2012 Games.

.
Oscar Pistorius, the disgraced South African Paralympian who murdered his girlfriend on Valentines Day 10 years ago, was granted parole at a hearing on Friday and will be released.

A double amputee sprinter known as the Blade Runner for his prosthetic legs, Pistorius, 37, was convicted of fatally shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door at his home in Pretoria in 2013.

Pistorius was told at a hearing in Pretoria, the administrative capital where he has been held, that he will be released on Jan. 5, 2024.

A model and law graduate, Steenkamp was 29. Tania Koen, a lawyer who has represented the Steenkamps throughout the parole process and Pistorius appeals, confirmed to NBC News that parole was granted.

South Africas Correctional Services Department said in a statement that the parole board had made its decision after assessing Pistorius profile and deciding that he had a positive support system. He may be subject to rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating him with society, the statement said.

Oscar Pistorius set for release after serving half of his sentence for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (Mike Hutchings / AFP via Getty Images file)

Pistorius had been denied parole at a hearing in March after a judge ruled that, despite expectations that parole would be granted, he had not served the minimum time needed to qualify. The judge in that hearing said he wouldnt be considered for parole until August 2024.

The 2014 trial attracted global attention as the details of Steenkamps death were beamed around the world. It immediately ended the career of Pistorius, then perhaps the worlds most high-profile disabled athlete, who made history by competing in an able-bodied field at the Olympics.

Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar and shot her in error. As a condition of the parole process, Pistorius met with Steenkamps father, Barry, in June 2022. Her family opposed his release because they reject Pistorius account of their daughters killing.

Steenkamps mother, June Steenkamp, said in a victim impact statement released by the court that she still did not believe Pistorius explanation.

My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbors to hear her. I do not know what gave rise to his choice to shoot through a closed door at somebody with hollow-point ammunition when I believe, he knew it was Reeva, she wrote.

June Steenkamp added that she was not attending the parole hearing Friday, as I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage, adding that she does not consider Pistorius to be rehabilitated.

Barry Steenkamp, Reevas father, died in September this year after suffering a stroke.

My dear Barry left this world utterly devastated by the thought that he had failed to protect his daughter and therefore in his role as father, as he perceived it, Steenkamp wrote.

As Pistorius has not yet served his full sentence of 13 years and five months, he will likely be forced to wear an electronic security tag and be banned from leaving Gauteng Province, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The Correctional Services Department's statement only said Pistorius would be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires.

Originally, Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors then appealed what they called a shockingly lenient punishment and the sentence was increased.

Born with a congenital condition that led to both his legs being amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old, Pistorius became a successful athlete, leading out the South African team at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Days later he would become the first double amputee to compete at the Olympics.

Those watching the 2014 trial heard that Pistorius had a gun with him all the time, including on his bedside table while he slept. He told the court that he lived in fear of a home invasion and said he had been followed, shot at and hijacked. When he shot Steenkamp, he had assumed it was a burglar, he said.

In the victim impact statement, June Steenkamp said that while Reeva may not have had a chance to follow her dreams, she leaves a rich legacy.

It has taken me 10 years to realize that Reeva appeared to have fulfilled her destiny during her life and more abundantly so in her tragic death, she wrote.

Reevas name and her demise continue to raise awareness around gender-based violence worldwide.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Pistorius is serving 13 years for murder, after killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.

Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is making another bid for early release from the South African prison where he is serving over 13 years for murdering his girlfriend.

Pistorius shot Reeva Steenkamp 10 years ago at his home in Pretoria in a killing that shocked the world, and was jailed for murder in 2016.

Ms Steenkamp's mother, June, is not opposing parole.

She however said she was not convinced that Pistorius was rehabilitated.

June Steenkamp is not attending the hearing at Atteridgeville prison, just outside Pretoria. She said she "simply cannot muster the energy to face [Pistorius] again at this stage".

Reeva Steenkamp's father Barry died in September and his "demise had opened the wounds in many ways caused by Reeva's death".

A victim impact statement from her is being read to the parole board.

She wrote that she doubted that Pistorius was rehabilitated because "rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly with the full truth of his crime and the consequences" and she did not feel that he had engaged "honestly with the full truth of his crime".

Reeva Steenkamp, who was 29 when she died, was a law graduate and successful model.

She was killed when Pistorius fired four shots with a pistol through the door of a toilet cubicle at his Pretoria home in the early hours of Valentine's Day in February 2013.

Pistorius, now 37, said at trial he thought an intruder was present in the house and that Ms Steenkamp was still in bed.

He was convicted of murder in 2015 at the Supreme Court of Appeal having initially been convicted of the lesser offence of culpable homicide.

The Supreme Court ruled that Pistorius's account of the night "varied substantially" and that he had "fired without having a rational or genuine fear that his life was in danger".

"I do not believe Oscar's version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar. In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbours to hear her," June Steenkamp wrote in her statement.

She said she was also concerned for the safety of women if his behaviour had not been addressed in prison.

It is unclear how long the parole board will take to make its decision, but it could be fast. In the event Pistorius is granted parole, a date will be set for his release.

Among other factors, the parole board will consider Pistorius's conviction, his conduct while in prison and the risk he poses to the public.

A first parole hearing for Pistorius in March collapsed when the authorities decided he had not completed the minimum detention period required to be released.

But last month, the Constitutional Court found that was a mistake, leading to Friday's hearing.

Pistorius's lower legs were amputated when he was less than a year old. He subsequently relied on prosthetics and became a world-renowned athlete known as the "blade runner".

He won multiple gold medals at the Paralympics. He also competed against non-disabled athletes at the London 2012 Olympics.

The murder of Reeva Steenkamp and subsequent criminal process dominated headlines around the world.

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Pistorius was one of the worlds most admired athletes when he shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp - LUCKY NXUMALO/AFP

Oscar Pistorius, the disgraced former Olympian and Paralympian known as the Blade Runner, will live in luxury in his uncles three-storey mansion after being granted early release on parole, a decade after murdering his girlfriend.

Prison authorities announced the double amputee sprinter would be freed early next year following a hearing at the Pretoria prison, where he was jailed for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

Family sources told The Telegraph that Pistorius would live with his uncle, Arnold, in an affluent Pretoria suburb after he is freed on January 5 2023.

Under early release conditions, the 37-year-old will not be able to leave the area without permission from the authorities. He will also have to attend an anger-management programme and another on violence against women, as well as conducting community service. His parole will end when the full term of his sentence expires on December 5 2029.

Singabakho Nxumalo, spokesman for the prisons service, said: It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility.

The parole decision came despite the panel hearing the victims mother say she was not convinced Pistorius had been rehabilitated.

June Steenkamp, aged 78, wrote to the parole board saying she would be afraid for the safety of women if he was released.

Pistoriuss parole approval marks the latest development in a case that enthralled and horrified South Africa, and produced a sensational trial which was closely watched around the world.

Pistorius was one of the worlds most admired athletes when he shot dead Ms Steenkamp.

Only months earlier he had been feted at Londons 2012 Olympics as the first amputee sprinter to compete against able-bodied athletes, running on custom carbon fibre blades.

In the early hours of Valentines Day 2013, he fired four shots through the closed toilet door in the bedroom of his Pretoria home, while Ms Steenkamp was inside.

Prosecutors alleged Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and television personality, was murdered while hiding after a heated row.

Pistorius, the only witness, claimed it was a terrible accident: he was unaware his girlfriend had got up to go to the lavatory and had mistaken her for a dangerous intruder behind the door.

Prosecutors claimed Ms Steenkamp was killed while she was hiding in the toilet after a heated row with Pistorius - AP

After a lengthy trial, in which he was first convicted of the lesser crime of culpable homicide, he was finally convicted of murder and jailed for 13 years and five months, taking into account time already served.

He became eligible for parole earlier this year after completing half his sentence.

Pistorius was raised by his uncle after his mother, Shiela, died in 2002. He returned to live in his uncles extensive Waterkloof home during his trial.

The leafy suburb contains some of Pretorias most prized property, as well as a number of diplomatic residences and a golf club.

Ms Steenkamps mother said she could not bring herself to attend the parole hearing with her daughters killer, but gave a victim impact statement saying she still did not believe Pistoriuss version of events.

She said: My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbours to hear her. I do not know what gave rise to his choice to shoot through a closed door four times at somebody with hollow-point ammunition when I believe he knew it was Reeva.

The statement added: At this time, I am not convinced that Oscar has been rehabilitated.

Reeva Steenkamp's mother June and father Barry, who died in September aged 80 - CHANNEL 5/PA

A family lawyer speaking after the decision said Pistoriuss parole had not been a surprise.

Tania Koen said Mrs Steenkamp, originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, was satisfied the parole board had considered her statement.

They imposed certain conditions on Oscars parole, which is that he must continue with anger management therapy, Ms Koen added.

Ms Steenkamps father Barry died in September having suffered ill health since his daughter was murdered.

Pistorius was born lacking a bone in each lower leg and the limbs were amputated below the knee before he was a year old.

He took up sprinting at high school after learning to walk on prostheses. After first becoming a champion Paralympian, he then made history by competing against able-bodied athletes.

His lawyers have portrayed him as a model prisoner, though in one incident he needed medical attention after an altercation over a telephone.

His father has said Pistorius has been holding Bible classes for fellow prisoners, while a criminologist who worked with him said he had been driving a tractor in a prison farm.

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Athletes compete at the 2023 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave Competition at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City on Aug. 26, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Utah lawmakers are taking more control over millions of tax dollars allocated for the states Olympic venues as a decision is nearing on whether Salt Lake City will host another Winter Games in 2030 or 2034.

Over the past six years, the Utah Legislature has appropriated more than $94 million to operate, maintain and renovate facilities from the 2002 Winter Games, a total thats expected to eventually exceed $140 million.

But $41.5 million of those tax dollars had not been distributed due to questions raised about oversight.

Neither the private nonprofit Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation making the funding requests nor the state Division of Facilities Construction and Management is coordinating all of the projects, which include some local government facilities.

Recently, members of the Executive Appropriations Committee voted unanimously to free up $33.5 million for projects at the state-built facilities controlled by the foundation that include the Utah Olympic Parks ski jumps and sliding track near Park City.

The state construction division was authorized to contract with the Olympic legacy foundation for the funds, and is expected to spell out performance measures and provide quarterly progress reports to the legislative leaders that serve on the committee.

Related

The oversight concerns were detailed in a memo from legislative staff distributed at the appropriations committee meeting on Nov. 14, that stated, there is confusion as to what organization is responsible for overseeing these dollars.

First circulated at a subcommittee meeting in October, the memo recommended the funding go to the existing Olympic venues grant fund and be used with guidance from the Legislatures new Olympic coordination committee.

The money thats been held up includes $1.1 million for ice rinks in Salt Lake and Weber counties that do not yet have finalized plans, all that remains unspent from the $22 million approved for Olympic facilities by the 2022 Legislature.

None of the $40 million set aside for Olympic facilities by this years Legislature had been doled out until the November meeting. The remaining $6.5 million is expected to go toward local government projects, including renovations at West Valley Citys Maverik Center.

No concern about funding

Colin Hilton, the Olympic legacy foundations president and CEO, told the Deseret News the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding that somehow (the foundation) would be overseeing how funds would go to other entities.

He said theres not an issue with how the foundation is using the tax dollars because weve got a tried and true process weve been doing since 2018 with the states construction division.

They visit our projects all the time, Hilton said. Theres no concern about funding thats been awarded. It was, how will these new funds be administered.

The appropriation committees action permits work already underway, including on a $14.7 million competition management building at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Wasatch Mountain State Park, to continue without waiting for the grant process.

Although the latest version of next sessions funding request adds up to another $41 million, he said that number is a little bit in flux at this point given uncertainty about when there might be another Winter Games in Utah.

Related

Salt Lake City is bidding to host the 2030 or 2034 Winter Games with a preference for the later date to avoid competing for domestic sponsors with the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The bid calls for reusing 2002 venues.

While Salt Lake City is the only contender for 2034, late bids for 2030 from Sweden, Switzerland and France are still being put together under the International Olympic Committees new, less formal selection process.

IOC leaders could decide which cities advance to contract negotiations for both 2030 and 2034 as soon as the end of November, with a final vote of the full membership coming some time next year.

A shotgun approach?

While there was no debate about the need for more oversight of the money before the November vote, members of the Legislatures Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee had plenty to say when the issue was raised in October.

It looks like we havent got a plan and really, a direction, one subcommittee member, Rep. Kay Christofferson, R-Lehi, said, questioning how funds were even approved without specifics. It seems like its just kind of a shotgun approach.

Christofferson said someone needs to be responsible for coordinating the funding, adding, If we need to upgrade the facilities, Im OK with that. I just feel like they kind of said, What can we get?

Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, agreed.

Theres been a lot of desire to bring the Olympics back here. Were about the only place in the world thats actually maintaining our facilities, Theres a couple that have this venue or that, but not the entirety, Harper said.

But although the state has been willing to spend tax dollars on the facilities, the state senator said there should be more details about how its being spent.

I think we need to maintain them, but we need to have accountability and transparency as to whats going on, Harper said. He said lawmakers may need to make some clarifications statutorily so we dont have this discussion next year, or 10 years down the road.

Another meeting of the Legislatures Olympic and Paralympic Coordination Committee will be scheduled before the start of the 2024 session in late January, the committees co-chairman, Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, told the Deseret News.

I think were all excited about the potential of having the Olympics come back. Weve had some really good news lately. But we do want to make sure that we safeguard state dollars, McKell said.

Still, he said there hasnt been a problem with how state funds have been used in the past.

We just need to have a process that the public sees, McKell said. I think weve been very transparent thus far, especially with our committee and during the legislative session. The Olympic legacy (foundation) has been before the Legislature many, many times.
Nicola Weideling, pictured with husband Kurt, died after a reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine in May 2021

Nicola Weideling, a senior manager at Oxford University, was putting on a brave face.

As she lay in her hospital bed, being treated for blood clots caused by the Covid vaccine developed by Oxford in conjunction with AstraZeneca, Nicola told her friends on social media not to worry about her.

Fun fact, she posted on Instagram. I am now a vaccine statistic! My neck pain and back pain over the last week or so was in fact masking ... a blood clot (or two, they are still doing scans) resulting from my AZ vaccine a few weeks ago 

But the good news is that I have a correct diagnosis and am in the right place to get better. God bless the NHS!! And everyone. I would still recommend the AZ vaccine. I am an anomaly! An absolute outlier statistically.

Two days after that post, Nicola suffered a catastrophic bleed on the brain that killed her.

Now, more than two years on, her grieving husband Kurt Weideling has called on Oxford University, which had employed his wife, to do the right thing and admit responsibility for her death at the age of 45. The university has received 143 million in royalties for its role in the development of the vaccine.

Mr Weideling, 54, said some of that money should now be distributed to the grieving families and victims suing AstraZeneca for deaths and serious injuries caused by the Covid jab.

The university has given a sizeable amount to its 13,000 staff in the form of a 1,000 bonus. Nicola, who was a senior marketing executive at Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the university, would have been entitled to it.

Except, of course, the vaccine killed her. A coroner ruled that she had died of a rare but recognised complication of the vaccination, known as Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis, or VITT.

A coroner ruled that Nicola Weideling had died from a complication caused by the vaccine

Realistically some of that 143 million should have gone to victims, said Mr Weideling. Some recognition for what happened would have been appropriate. That money should have been spent on the victims of VITT.

He shared his wifes final posts on Instagram with The Telegraph to show the kind of person she was  committed to doing the right thing and helping others. She was, he said, very very generous.

Nicola had her first jab on April 21 2021, at a time when the risk from blood clots was already known to AstraZeneca and to regulators, who had advised against its use for the under-30s, who would be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead. In May, that would be extended to the under-40s.

About a week or so after the jab, Nicola began to feel a pain in her neck. Her local GP in Winchester suggested it was a muscle spasm. But by May 8  a Saturday  her husband was becoming seriously worried.

Nicola had a really bad headache and some unusual bruises on her arms, said Mr Weideling, who at the time worked for the Health Research Authority, the body that oversees medical trials.

He was aware of the possible side effects  of blood clots with low blood platelets  that the AstraZeneca vaccine was said to be causing, and phoned 111 and then called for an ambulance.

Nicola was taken to hospital in Winchester, where she was diagnosed with VITT, and from there to Southampton General Hospital, with its specialist neurological unit.

On May 9, Nicola posted on Instagram of her fun fact diagnosis of blood clots. She remained upbeat. This morning I have been transferred to the neuro unit in Southampton where I will be filled with blood thinners and steroids to dissipate said clots and improve my platelet levels. Will be here at least a week. No visitors allowed.

She was still positive a day later. On May 10, she posted her highlights of the day, which included doctors removing one of the cannulas so no longer tethered by both arms (which has been a logistical nightmare).

The lowlights, she told her friends included: Discovered that coughing is really really bad. My drink went the wrong way this morning, causing me to cough, which resulted in an absolutely blinding headache all day (side effect of having a brain clot).

Further scans had uncovered a clot in my lung too. And suspected clot in my stomach (ultrasound tomorrow to confirm). BUT, current treatment will treat those too with no adjustment necessary.

Her conclusion, upbeat as always, was: So all in all, could be worse I suppose!

The next day, Nicola suffered a significant brain bleed from which she never recovered. She slipped into unconsciousness and never came to. Her husband agreed to switch off her life support machine on May 15, but only after he had signed off consent forms to donate his wifes heart and two kidneys to three other patients, whose lives he hopes have been saved.

I said my goodbyes on Saturday afternoon, said Mr Weideling, I was still in shock. The last thing I did for Nicola was ensure her wishes as an organ donor were fulfilled. For me that was finding a genuine ray of light in it all. There is comfort in that.

Oxford Universitys accounts for 2021/22 show that it received 143.1 million in royalties on the sale of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The university was then obliged to pass on 67 million to third parties for use of vaccine technology.

Oxford Universitys net surplus was 76.1 million. Then, in June 2022, it announced that every member of staff  about 13,000 in total  would receive a 1,000 one-off thank you bonus for working through the pandemic. Nicola would have received the cash.

Sources at Oxford said the one-off payment to staff was not related to the vaccine royalties received by the university. Any royalties made from the vaccine are reinvested back into medical research, said the source.

Oxford declined to comment. It said compensation for the vaccine was an issue for AstraZeneca and for the Government, which promised at the outset of the race to develop a Covid jab that it would underwrite any legal claims.

The adverse reaction is extremely rare, with VITT affecting about one in 50,000 people under the age of 50 who received the AZ jab.

AstraZeneca is being sued in the High Court by two VITT victims, cases it is strongly contesting. The drugs company denies any liability and insists the vaccine is not defective, as claimed in the legal actions.

It has been pointed out that the jab saved, according to one independent study, more than six million lives worldwide in more than 180 countries in its first year of rollout.

In a legal defence made public this week, AstraZeneca said the legal action was wrong in law and confused.

A further 40 legal cases against AstraZeneca are expected to be lodged in the High Court in December, including the case being brought by Mr Weideling.

More than two years on from his wifes death, he is trying to rebuild his life. He received a 120,000 payment from the Government under its Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme in recognition that the jab killed his wife, but the sum is not recompense for both the tragedy he has gone through and the lost earnings that contributed to their incomes.

A former officer in the Australian military, Mr Weideling understands the difficult decisions that need to be made in a crisis. He has no problem with the need to find a vaccine and roll it out quickly during the pandemic.

But what I cant get my head around is their denial that anything wrong has gone wrong  pretending it didnt happen and then absolving themselves of any responsibility, he said. The whole thing has been incredibly shocking. Its devastating.

Mr Weideling has since moved to Manchester, and tried to move on. But the couple had been together almost 25 years. I miss her every day, he said. I will never get over this.

Families bringing legal actions against AstraZeneca have launched a fundraising campaign to help to pay for the litigation, which can be found here.

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday he had an online meeting with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss the blockade of the Ukrainian border with some European Union (EU) countries.

Ukraine has outlined its proposals on the issue to the EU and is counting on the European Commission's help in resolving the problem, Shmyhal wrote on Facebook.

Ukraine is also rapidly developing alternative logistics routes for its exports and imports, Shmyhal said.

Since Nov. 6, Polish carriers have been staging protests at several checkpoints on the Ukrainian border, demanding the return of the permit regime for Ukrainian haulers crossing into the EU.

The protesters blocked roads near the crossing points, which resulted in large queues, with thousands of trucks being stalled at the border.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine sent an official note to the Polish Foreign Ministry demanding the urgent unblocking of the border after two Ukrainian truck drivers died in the queues.

On Nov. 21, Slovakian activists seeking the return of permits for Ukrainian drivers joined the protest, blocking a major border crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine.

The EU canceled permits for Ukrainian haulers last year.
Rap mogul Sean P Diddy Combs is being sued by a woman accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her when she was a student in 1991.

It is the second suit of its kind filed against Combs in the past week.

The lawsuit alleges that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted Joi Dickerson-Neal while she was visiting New York City in January 1991.

Combs is also accused of videotaping the alleged crime and sharing the footage with others in the music industry.

The sexual assault, and public exposure of it, caused her to suffer overwhelming feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, violation, and constant apprehension about who all viewed it, lawyers for Dickerson-Neal wrote in the complaint.

There has been a flurry of lawsuits against public figures in New York this week under the states Adult Survivors Act which is soon set to expire. The law allows such lawsuits to be filed in court even if the statute of limitations have run out.

Dickerson-Neal is seeking unspecified compensatory damages for mental and emotional injury, distress, pain and suffering and injury to her reputation, according to the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Combs said Dickerson-Neals story is made up and not credible, and that the rapper never assaulted her.

This is purely a money grab and nothing more, the spokesperson said.

Jonathan Goldhirsch, one of the plaintiffs lawyers, said: Our client has not been able to escape the continuing impact of the harm Combs caused her many years ago.

Through the Adult Survivors Act, she can avail herself to the courts to finally seek justice.

The complaint against Combs comes a week after he settled a lawsuit by his former girlfriend, R&B vocalist Cassandra Ventura, accusing the rapper of serial physical abuse, sexual slavery and rape. Combs had strongly denied all the allegations.

Combs, 54, founder of Bad Boy Records, is one of the most influential producers and executives in hip-hop.
Carnival UK, the British subsidiary of the worlds biggest cruise firm, has hit back at accusations that it plans to fire and rehire more than 900 staff in a bid to cut costs.

The companys brands include Cunard and P&O Cruises, and vessels such as Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Iona.

P&O Cruises is an entirely separate entity from P&O Ferries, which sacked 800 crew in 2022 and replaced them with workers from overseas on lower pay.

Nautilus International, the union which represents maritime professionals based in the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland, has been in negotiation with Carnival UK for the past 10 days. It said in a statement that on the evening of 22 November, the union was notified of an HR1. This is an official Insolvency Service form for employers who need to notify the government of potential redundancies.

The service says: You are required by law to notify us of a proposal to dismiss 20 or more employees as redundant at one establishment within a period of 90 days or less.

Nautilus International said Carnival had included the statement: Dismissal and re-engagement may be considered if agreement cannot be reached on new terms.

But the cruise firm hit back. A spokesperson said: You may have seen factually inaccurate and misleading media reports today which are causing us significant reputational harm. As such we are consulting with external lawyers and will take the strongest possible action.

We are categorically not making any redundancies and we will not dismiss and re-engage staff. In fact we have significantly increased our headcount across our fleet.

This is an annual pay review process with our maritime officers onboard our ships which will ensure alignment. This will empower our staff, deliver the right teams across our fleet and attract and retain talent to work on our ships.

The TUC posted on X: Remember how after the P&O scandal last year the Conservatives promised to clamp down on rogue bosses? Well...they didnt. And now its happening again.

Time to outlaw fire and rehire.

The message was reposted by Louise Haigh, the shadow transport secretary.

Later, the two organisations  Nautilus International and Carnival UK  issued a joint statement. It read: Both parties are committed to engaging in meaningful consultation in finding a way forward following the start of consultation on proposed contractual changes for 919 Maritime Professionals.

Carnival UK has reassured Nautilus International of there being no intent to undertake steps towards dismissal and re-engagement and has rescinded the HR1 form submitted to the insolvency service, whilst providing an update the relevant Bermudan authorities.

Both Nautilus International and Carnival UK are working cooperatively towards a negotiated settlement in the interest of all parties.
A painting stolen from a New York art gallery 60 years ago has been found 3,000 miles away in a Lancashire village.

Art conservationists are celebrating after Flower Market Madeline by Edouard Leon Cortes turned up in Mawdesley.

Art Recovery International was alerted to the painting when a Lancashire-based art dealer offered it up for sale online.

The painting was originally displayed in the Herbert Arnot Gallery.

It was one of 3,000 works stolen over a 12-year period in the 1950s and 1960s by the former gallery manager Louis Edelman.

Edelman was eventually arrested in Chicago by the FBI in the 1960s and convicted of transporting stolen artworks across state lines.

He was jailed for two years and given a $10,000 fine, but most of the paintings were never recovered.

Flower Market Madeline, which depicts a flower market in the style of other street artworks by the French artist, was bought in November 2022 by Carnes Fine Art from the Manchester based Capes Dunn auction house.

Bradley Carnes, director of Carnes Fine Art, said he paid more than 10,000 for the work and said he was shocked when Art Recovery International contacted him after he advertised it for sale on his website.

He said: "I always look for provenance, so gallery labels, certificates, receipts and so forth to make sure that the painting is actually genuine and not a fake, but you don't think about them being stolen.

"Initially I thought it was a scam, but through a quick Google search I found out the person contacting me was the head of Art Recovery International.

"From the outset, we got on really well and we just made sure that this painting got back to its rightful owner in New York."

Mr Carnes was eventually reimbursed for the painting.

Christopher Marinello, a lawyer and founder of Art Recovery International, spent several months unwinding the sale.

He found that the painting had been consigned to Capes Dunn in 2022 by a Cheshire estate who confirmed that it was acquired from the MacConnal-Mason Gallery in London.

Mr Marinello said: "We are very grateful to Bradley Carnes, Capes Dunn, and their vendor for releasing this stolen painting unconditionally to the Arnot Gallery.

"While in this instance we were able to convince many of the parties to reimburse the other, eventually there will be those who are out of luck.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of performing due diligence and authentication checks which would have uncovered this stolen painting decades earlier."

Mr Marinello urged anyone buying or selling paintings by Edouard-Leon Cortes to check with the Arnot Gallery for proper authentication.

"We have been recovering one or two pictures per year from this 60-year-old theft and we're never going to give up until every last one is returned," he said.

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Friends, families and neighbours gathered to witness the release of prisoners from Ofer prison in Israel - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP

Men chanting in celebration of Hamas clashed with Israeli forces on Friday as 39 Palestinian prisoners were released from jails.

Tear gas and live rounds were fired by Israel Defense Force (IDF) troops in Ramallah on the West Bank as friends, families and neighbours gathered to witness the release of prisoners from Ofer prison in Israel in the late afternoon.

As the bus of prisoners left Ofer, a crowd of hundreds began chanting the people want Hamas.

According to The New York Times, the driver revved the engine in celebration and a man holding two Hamas flags jumped on top of the bus.

The Palestinian prisoners  24 women and 15 teenage boys  were freed in exchange for the release of 13 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

During the next four days, 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 Israeli hostages are to be freed.

Trouble flared at about 6pm local time after a small group of men waving green Hamas flags started taunting Israeli troops.

There were some injuries. There were ambulances. They fired some live rounds and tear gas, a witness told the Telegraph.

Among those released on Friday was Marah Bakir, 23, who was one of the first prisoners Hamas and Israel agreed could be released during negotiations for the swap.

She has been imprisoned in Israel for eight years for attempted murder of a border guard when she was 15.

Marah Bakr (left), pictured with her mother, was one of the first prisoners Hamas and Israel agreed could be released - Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP

Bakir was filmed warmly embracing her mother during their reunion on Friday.

Malak Salman, 24, was also slated for release on Friday.

Her mother told The New York Times that while her family has been eagerly awaiting her release, they will not publicly celebrate in light of the current situation in Gaza.

Its an indescribable feeling and its great joy that only God is aware of, she said, but added: Its shame on us to celebrate while our people in Gaza are dying.

Qadura Fares, who heads an advocacy group for prisoners, said that 33 prisoners freed in the West Bank were handed to a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross while the remaining six were freed from a Jerusalem lock-up.

We were so happy, said Nagham Tanji, the older sister of Walaa Tanji, 26, who was arrested but not charged a year ago, along with two other girls, for allegedly planning an attack on an Israeli checkpoint.

My sisters and I could not wait for the sun to rise and for this day to come, she told The New York Times.

Rawan Abu Ziadeh, 29, was also set to be freed after serving more than eight years of her nine-year prison sentence for lightly wounding an Israeli soldier with a knife.

The wait has been very tough, said her older sister, Buthaina Abu Ziadeh, on Thursday.

When she comes out, I just want to hug her and hold her tight.

Tension thick in Israel and West Bank

Israeli prisons are heaving with Palestinian prisoners: in October alone, 2,000 Palestinians were detained in Israeli prisons and detention centres, many subjected to degrading treatment, according to their lawyers.

Detainees have had to resort to drinking foul, polluted water from taps in their cells, according to one prisoner quoted in Tribune magazine last week.

The tension was thick across Israel and the West Bank yesterday afternoon as the deadline for the prisoner release neared.

Families desperate to see their loved ones feared a last-minute hitch could hold up their release.

Politicians and diplomats wondered if the release of so many women and girls might heal wounds or inflame them.

The Israeli judicial system for Palestinians is harsh: military courts, which handle all cases involving Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, have a conviction rate of 99.74 per cent.

They treat 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, and consider 12 the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

In some cases, cell capacity has doubled from six to 12 prisoners to make room for the newly detailed.

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 photo provided by Hosein Owda dated Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 shows him with his wife, Wafa, and 1-year-old son Zein at the shelter in Khan Younis. The Owda family had arrived two days earlier to the shelter after they lost their apartment. They are now among 22,000 people sheltering at a UN center in Khan Younis, miles away from their home in Gaza city. (Hosein Owda via AP)

BEIRUT (AP)  Gaza has always been a small, crowded space with hardly any exits. Now the world for Palestinians there has shrunk to the size of whatever refuge they can find.

The strip is 25 miles (40 kilometers) long by some 7 miles (11 kilometers) wide. More than a month into the war, Israeli troops are spread throughout the northern third. More than 2 million people are now crammed into whats left.

Since mid-October, The Associated Press has followed four people trying to survive and communicate from that diminished world, using voice messages, video clips and the rare phone call. The sounds of explosions and drones pierce some of the nearly 80 recordings.

Israel says it is dismantling Hamas, the group that unleashed a surprise attack on Oct. 7 that killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Weeks of Israeli bombardment have killed more than 13,000 Palestinians, 70% of them women and children.

While most civilians could flee the combat zone in other wars like Ukraine, Palestinians in Gaza have no escape.

HOSEIN OWDA, U.N. WORKER

The Owdas spent two years and most of their savings to build a new apartment. Moving day was scheduled for Oct. 7.

That morning, Hosein Owda woke up to the sound of a barrage of rockets out of Gaza. His first thought was the move would have to be postponed.

His world fell apart with dizzying speed. The apartment was gone in one airstrike and one of his best friends killed in another.

A week into the war, some 15 family members crammed into two cars. Owda became one of thousands of newly displaced sheltering at a center in Khan Younis run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, that employs him.

There are 24 bathrooms for over 22,000 displaced, and no beds, mattresses or running water. Numbers in the shelter swelled. Tents cropped up. If you want to take a shower, this is a faraway dream.

Then on Oct. 29, Owda learned an Israeli strike had hit Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza City. Ten members of his family were killed.

Finding bodies was barely possible. Proper burials were out of the question. There was no time for grief.

We breathe, but other than that we have lost all other signs of life.

ASAAD ALAADIN, WRITER

Asaad Alaadin left his home near the border with Israel In the first days of the war.

A 33-year-old writer, Alaadin contributed to various publications, covering the arts and Gazas social and political dynamics. Now he was documenting the war.

When he was reunited with his extended family, the decision was to head south. And they would split up because, his mother said, if something happens someone survives and keeps going. They set out early Oct. 13.

His father went to central Gaza; one sister stayed in Gaza City. He, his mother and a sister headed to Rafah, the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. But their hosts asked him to leave. They feared Alaadins filming put them in danger.

When he moved in with his in-laws in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, they, too, asked him to stop working.

By Day 10, he and the in-laws were in a small apartment, focusing on finding water and securing fuel for the generator that keeps their phones charged. He fasted from sunrise to sunset, saving on food and building his resolve.

Communication blackouts shut out everything beyond the walls of his in-laws house.

When the internet came back 36 hours after the first Israeli-imposed blackout on Oct. 27, it was like the return of the soul to the body. He broke down in tears when he reached his family.

Communication is more important than food and drink.

SALEM ELRAYYES, JOURNALIST

Salem Elrayyes woke up to the screams of his 13-year-old daughter at the sound of outgoing rockets on Oct. 7. He hugged her and reached for his phone.

Elrayyes is an expert on Gazas urban landscape and how its growing population adapts to being hemmed in by the sea, Israel and Egypt, by building vertically: apartment towers are the answer to the Strips shrinking land.

From the rooftops of those towers, Elrayyes reported on events over the fence. Palestinian militants controlled several Israeli communities, including villages and towns of the ancestors of current residents of Gaza before Israels creation in 1948.

Could the territory be growing just a bit? Elrayyes wondered. When Israeli retaliation came, the opposite happened.

Deaths and displacement spiraled. Roads were blocked by rubble. Ambulances and journalists were unable to move.

Elrayyes and his wife evacuated from their apartment. She and the children went to temporary shelters in Khan Younis; his parents to central Gaza. He camped out at a hospital in Khan Younis, where he documented nearby bombings and the deluge of killed and wounded. He slept in his car.

Every day, he drove to see his kids and took another trip to Gaza City to check on their apartment. His last visit was Nov. 1.

The shrinking space began to fray Elrayyes nerves. Not only the physical space is tightening. My private space is eroding.

AYAH AL-WAKEEL, LAWYER

Ayah al-Wakeel was among those who refused to leave. The Gaza City lawyer campaigning for womens rights is used to uphill battles in a conservative society.

We will not leave, and we wont give them what they want, she said in a recording.

But on Oct. 19, in a series of frantic pre-dawn texts, she explained what changed her familys mind.

Her neighborhood was surrounded by what she called a ring of fire, describing successive airstrikes in one block. The barrage seemed designed to drive out anyone who dared stay, she said. She and her neighbors pulled her partially paralyzed father to safety.

Bombs seemed to be chasing them. Twice, her father asked them to leave him to die.

The family gathered at Shifa Hospital, where Israel claims Hamas built an underground headquarters. They evacuated to another hospital a few days later. A third evacuation to a third hospital followed.

On Nov. 4, she said they returned to Shifa hospital. She dreamed of a tall glass of water. Filthy bathrooms have kept her on two sips a day.

I want to collapse but I really dont have the energy for that.

On Nov. 7, she said neither Shifa nor going south seem safe. She texted a friend: I miss you, my love.

She has not been heard from since.
Paris Hilton poses at GQ's Men of the Year Party at Bar Marmont, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Paris Hilton had a Thanksgiving surprise to share: a daughter named London.

Hilton on Friday shared an Instagram photo of a pink baby outfit with London printed on the top.

Thankful for my baby girl, read the caption.

She followed with several Thanksgiving TikToks that further demystified the new arrival, including one in which she and husband Carter Reum chant big brother to their baby son Phoenix. London was welcomed via surrogate, Hiltons representative confirmed to The Associated Press on Friday.

Hilton has been open about her journey to motherhood, freezing eggs and surrogacy. On her podcast earlier this year, Hilton had said that she was excited for Phoenix to have a baby sister named London.

Its my favorite city and Ive always wanted to name my daughter London, Hilton said at the time. I had actually picked that name for a long time now, probably over 10 years. I always wanted London. I love that name for my daughter.

Hilton and Reum announced the arrival of Phoenix, also via surrogate, in January. The couple married in a lavish ceremony in November 2021.
Pflugerville EMT Kevin Burke helps train students Lance Bautista and Daron Jones on how to work in ambulance. The mobile learning lab is a new addition to the Fire and EMT academies, a partnership between the Pflugerville school district and Travis County ESD No. 2.

With the use of a decommissioned ambulance, Pflugerville high school students will be even more prepared to graduate with an EMT certification.

Since they were formed in 2019, more than 130 students have graduated from the fire and EMT academies, a partnership between the Pflugerville school district and Travis County ESD No. 2. Currently there are 19 students in the Fire Academy and 35 in the EMT Academy at Hendrickson High School. The school district and ESD No. 2, also known as the Pflugerville Fire Department, celebrated the launch of the ambulance on Nov. 7.

With the ambulance, students from both the fire and EMT academies will be able to practice CPR on a dummy, learn how to operate in a confined space and how to transfer a patient to and from the vehicle.

Shay Haude, an instructor for the EMT Academy, said the program prepares students who are looking for a future in medicine. Haude said that even if the students don't enter the medical field, they will still have the skills to save someone's life. Students in the EMT pathway complete 48 hours at a hospital and 24 hours doing ambulance ride-alongs.

Haude said that with a shortage of medical professionals, the academy also helps to fill gaps. According to federal officials, there are 440 "health professional shortage areas" in Texas, affecting nearly 7.5 million people. When considering mental health care professional shortage areas, that figure jumps to 15 million.

Haude said the new mobile lab also makes it easier for the district to show other schools what the program does, as they are able to drive the ambulance to other schools.

The ambulance will be stationed at Hendrickson High School to ensure easy access for students and instructors of the Fire/EMT Academy, officials said. The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation awarded the district $77,000 to pay for the decommissioned ambulance and equipment.

"The PCDC was excited to support our education partners and help put this program on the move so it can provide a realistic training program and literally roll it out at other campuses," Amy Madison, the development corporation's executive director, said in a new release. "Our grant further amplifies the commitment of our community partnership with the PfISD and ESD #2 to nurture the next generation of medical professionals."

Riley Lowe, a Hendrickson senior, said the program is a good fit for her because of her interest in medicine, and also because she wants to be able to help people during a traumatic experience. Lowe said that when her sister had a severe allergic reaction, the paramedic made them feel comfortable and protected. She said she wants to be able to do that for others.

She also said it is great to have the ability to graduate with a job in hand.

"I think it's a really good experience," Lowe said. "Especially in high school, you can just come out of (it) with a job."

Lance Bautista, a Hendrickson senior, said the academy is one of the best experiences he could ask for. There's no greater opportunity, he said, than being able to gain extensive medical knowledge as a high schooler.

Lowe and Bautista they both hope to work locally after they graduate in May. Both said that with the mobile lab, they are able to put what they learn in the classroom to the test. Lowe said gaining that experience will make them more comfortable when they do their ride-alongs.

"It's a lot more realistic, so I can get a feel for what I'm actually going to be doing," Bautista said. "This gives us so much knowledge that we wouldn't get by writing notes."

ESD #2 Fire Chief Nick Perkins said the academies also help to recruit people at a young age.

Perkins said about eight students who completed the academies have gone on to work at ESD No. 2.

"They (get) some really critical life skills that they carry for the rest of their lives," Perkins said. "This helps build a safer, better prepared and more resilient community. These programs help students see people who look like them, which furthermore contributes to recruitment into emergency services. This helps the Fire Department be more diverse and reflective of the community. "

Firefighter Matt Lopez climbs a ladder at the Pflugerville Fire Department's Station 1. Lopez has been working for the department for two years after graduating in 2020 from Hendrickson High School, where he completed both the Fire and EMT academies.

Firefighter Matt Lopez graduated from Hendrickson High School in 2020, having completed both the Fire and EMT academies. For the past two years, he has been working for ESD No. 2.

Lopez said the academies helped to set the foundation for what he would need for the real world and helped to better prepare him for paramedic school. Lopez applied to work at ESD 2 after graduation and then became a cadet. Lopez said he applied to paramedic school to enhance his skills.

Kaitlyn Mancia, a 2023 graduate of the academy and in the current cadet class for ESD No. 2, said the knowledge and experience she gained from the academy have given her a step up. She said she wants to work in Pflugerville to give back to the community.

"When you grow up somewhere that has given you everything, I just want to be able to give back to it," Mancia said. "I want to serve my community any way I can."

Pflugerville firefighter cadets Nicholas Nopper and Kaitlyn Mancia talk after a workout at Station 1. Mancia is an academy graduate and is in the current cadet class for ESD No. 2.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Partnership between PfISD, ESD 2 gives students medical expertise
The Michigan Department of Transportation plans to review updated traffic data and possibly reduce the size of some of the intersections envisioned in its Interstate 375 replacement project.

The efforts come as more voices raise concerns about whether the project as described to date would truly address issues that backers have given for supporting it, namely as a way to reconnect east-side neighborhoods with Detroits downtown and to somehow address the elimination of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley to highway building and urban renewal projects decades ago.

Some intersections, when including dual turn lanes, for instance, would be nine lanes across, although much of the design envisions three lanes in each direction.

A view of Interstate 375 through downtown Detroit on April 23, 2021. The Michigan Department of Transportation is working on plans to replace I-375 with a boulevard, but some residents say the size of the envisioned boulevard would be too wide to truly reconnect the east side and downtown.

Detroit Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway summed up the concerns of some critics in a memo posted on social media Nov. 15 when she wrote that to present and package a nine-lane highway as reconnecting is disingenuous, dangerous and unacceptable. For these reasons, I will vehemently oppose any proposed project that fails to properly reconnect and restore the community.

Project manager Jon Loree said much of the feedback that MDOT has received to date relates to concerns about the width of some intersections and, particularly from the business community, to how access would be maintained with major construction slated to happen between 2026 and 2028, but with some starting in 2025.

The east side has changed since the pandemic, Loree told the Free Press, and the traffic data dates to 2017, which predates the pandemic and the rise of remote work and changes in commuting behavior.

Loree said dual turn lanes, for instance, are more challenging for pedestrians, and the department would look for ways to mitigate and eliminate those, depending on the results of the new data gathering, which wont be available until February or March. Its one of the reasons the department opted not to hold one of its quarterly public meetings on the project in November as planned.

We really want to see the data and be able to make some of the determinations on that, he said. Its really hard to say this is what we can do without seeing the data.

Also planned, according to Loree, are more direct meetings with residents of various neighborhoods.

Getting out into the community a little more and meeting where the people are is what we want to do, he said.

The I-375 project has been in some form of discussion since at least 2013, and it has caught the attention of federal officials. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Detroit last year to announce a $105 million grant toward the project cost, which, including the reconfiguration of the I-75 interchange, was estimated at $425 million in August, according to Free Press reporting at the time. Officials have long noted the need to replace the aging infrastructure built decades ago and have showcased it as an opportunity to address some of the wrongs associated with the removal of neighborhoods and businesses that had been the heart of Detroits African American community.

At the news conference with the transportation secretary, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Ive been advocating for six years to fill in this ditch and knit this city back together. Detroits been divided by this freeway for nearly 70 years. The motivations in wiping out Paradise Valley and Black Bottom in the '50s were well known, but nobody could have imagined the pain that still lasts 70 years later.

More: I-375 construction decimated Detroit's Black communities. Now activists want repayment.

In response to a request for comment from the mayor for this article, spokesman John Roach provided a statement from Antoine Bryant, the citys point person with MDOT, who noted that the community has raised several important concerns, and I look forward to working with MDOT to help get those concerns addressed.

Bryan Boyer, a Lafayette Park resident since 2016 who runs an urban technology degree program at the University of Michigan, said the opportunity to remove a highway and create a place with a new urban fabric is a special opportunity and a great chance for Detroit to shine.

The current plans, however, reveal an approach focused on taking out a highway and putting in a road, he said.

I dont agree in calling this a project that reconnects communities. Its certainly not going to reconnect the east side to the downtown, he said, pointing to the number of lanes.

He questioned why the direct outreach effort would be happening at this stage and not at the beginning and whether whatever comes of that process could really make much of a difference in the final design.

Boyer used an example to make his point, saying it would be like two people deciding to have Italian food for dinner and one of them putting a pizza in the oven. The second person might point out that theyd decided on Italian, perhaps thinking of something like pasta, with the other person pointing out that, well, the pizza is already in the oven and offering to remove the mushrooms as a compromise.

Boyer, who sits on the local advisory committee for the project, noted that although he isnt African American, he questioned the meaningfulness of some of the suggestions for how to honor the areas history, which he framed as suggestions for historical markers and murals

Its hard to take it seriously, if thats your starting point, Boyer said.

More: I-375 project in Detroit could mean big changes  but some wonder who will benefit

Loree, the MDOT project manager, said that recognizing the history of the area is an important part of the project, noting opportunities that had been highlighted through the process for a business incubator, affordable housing and a heritage center.

Cynthia Johnson, a former state legislator from Detroit, is particularly skeptical of the project and the reasons that have been given for it, describing it as gentrification and saying residents are tired of being misled.

Its insulting that the businesses and homeowners  that lived in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, to live in those communities, to be decimated, and the same government tries to sell this idea to Black people were going to do something to make that wrong right, she said.

Black residents could do a lot with the money earmarked for this project and the land that is expected to be freed up with the conversion from an interstate, Johnson said, suggesting that the project would instead benefit the citys big developers.

This is not for us. Dont do us any favors. We dont need that kind of a favor, she said.

Melanie Markowicz, executive director of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, noted concerns from some in the business community. She said theres a lot of room for improvement in the project and process, although the plan to review new traffic studies is a start in the right direction.

We agree that the initial goals of the project to upgrade the aging infrastructure, increase safety for all users, improve connectivity between communities, and enable future development are in line with Greektowns vision for the future. However, we have grave concerns with the project as currently conceived regarding the current design, lack of clarity around construction mitigation, and the process thus far, according to a statement she provided.

The statement said the project would put the more than 1,900 patronage-based business jobs in Greektown, including 1,000 held by Detroit residents, at risk without proper mitigation measures.

The current design could also benefit from a reduction in lanes to improve connectivity and safety along the proposed boulevard. This project has the opportunity to reorient its current path to achieve positive outcomes for the community it is intended to serve and furthermore to be an example at the federal level of how we are doing things right in Michigan, the statement said.

Loree, the MDOT project manager, said the project does include more local connections that are not necessarily highlighted. He noted a new extension of East Montcalm Street and connections to the riverfront that dont exist now. Theres also a two-way cycle track to the east of the proposed road, which he said would work more like a city street than an MDOT trunk line. The department is not looking to shove freeway volumes of traffic onto the boulevard.

The project gives the department the opportunity to change the sharp curve that dumps I-375 traffic onto Jefferson Avenue so that it would be a safer connection and to make use of other surrounding streets. He noted that traffic coming into the city often travels from I-375 onto Jefferson in order to get to the central business district. The Lodge Freeway, for instance, might offer an alternative.

Loree, who noted that the plan is to maintain access for businesses and to make sure people know those businesses are open, said the department wants to get the project right, calling it transformative for the city.

Its still not perfect, and we still have a lot of work to do, he said. We look forward to collaborating  to make sure we put forward the best project for the city.

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MDOT to look at I-375 traffic counts as project lane width criticized
Russia has not yet delivered arms Armenia has already paid for, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, adding that discussions to solve the issue are underway, ArmenPress reported on Nov. 24.

One possible solution could be a deduction of Armenia's debt to Russia in the amount of the paid sum, the prime minister suggested.

Pashinyan provided no details on the arms or how much Yerevan paid for them.

A rift between Yerevan and Moscow has been growing as Russia did not prevent Azerbaijan's armed capture of Nagonko-Karabakh despite Russian peacekeepers' presence in the region.

In a comment for the Wall Street Journal, Pashinyan implied that Russia failed to live up to its commitments as an ally and that he sees no further use in the continued presence of Russian military bases in the country.

Armenia also refused to participate in a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led military coalition, held in Minsk on Nov. 23, attracting criticism from Belarusian and Russian leaders.

As worries grow that Baku may expand its aggression even to Armenian soil, the South Caucasian country has been looking further west for allies, securing military aid from France.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Yerevan's pro-Western steps, warning Pashinyan against "trying to sit on two chairs."

Read also: Russias peacekeeper act crumbles as Azerbaijan overwhelms Nagorno-Karabakh

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A four-day truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas officially began Friday, paving the way for both sides to release hostages and prisoners over the next few days.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the military had completed operations and preparations for a tactical pause and to receive the 50 hostages who will be released by Hamas over the coming days.

In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support, the IDF wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Israel and Hamas will exchange the hostages at several locations, and Israeli officials said they are prepared to quickly transfer them to hospitals in Israel, where their family members will meet them. Emergency medical equipment is also set up at the exchange sites for immediate aid if needed.

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The deal, brokered this week between Israel, Hamas, Qatar and the U.S., will also facilitate more humanitarian aid into besieged Gaza.

According to Israeli authorities, four tankers carrying fuel crossed Friday from Egypt into southern Gaza.

The fuel, which is critical to keep the power on in Gaza hospitals and other key facilities, was delivered to United Nations humanitarian groups, which will oversee the implementation of the aid to ensure it does not end up in Hamass hands.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, based in Ramallah, said on Facebook that humanitarian aid must flow to hospitals and include medical aid and fuel. They also asked for the ability to evacuate wounded people, but its not clear if Israel would assist with the effort.

Palestinian health officials have said more than 13,000 people in Gaza have died since the war began in early October.

After the exchange of hostages and the end of the four-day truce, fighting is expected to resume as Israel has vowed to completely destroy Hamas and take the fight further south, where Palestinians have fled the fighting.

Hamas holds some 240 hostages. As part of the deal to get 50 of the hostages back, Israel will release about 150 Palestinian prisoners.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Flash

After more than six weeks of bloody conflict, Israel and Hamas are poised to implement the first truce as part of a swap deal, under which Hamas will free some hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Under the deal reached on Wednesday under the mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S., a four-day humanitarian ceasefire will start at 07:00 am local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.

Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, said in a press statement that it would release about 13 hostages at 04:00 pm on Friday as the first stage of the deal.

Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza since 2007, will hand over the hostages to Egypt. In turn, Israel will release 150 Palestinians, including women and children, from the Israeli jails.

Israel is expected to stop all its military operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the four-day ceasefire. Meanwhile, at least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including four fuel trucks, will be allowed into the Gaza Strip, Hamas explained.

The ceasefire will also facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow the return of stranded Palestinians waiting in the Arish area, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed receiving an "initial list of names" of detainees set for release tomorrow.

The Israeli army said it was ready to implement the ceasefire, but warned Hamas that "even the slightest violation would result in a severe response."

The ceasefire was originally due to start on Thursday but was delayed as the two sides were finalizing the details of hostage release. Meanwhile, Israel continued its airstrikes on various areas of Gaza, resulting in more casualties and injuries.

Palestinian medical sources reported that 10 people were killed in Israeli shelling on a residential building in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City.

The Hamas-run health ministry said that six people, including three children, were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes targeting two houses in the Shouat area in Rafah, southern Gaza.

In the meantime, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, and the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, separately launched mortar shells at Israeli military positions inside and on the outskirts of Gaza.

The upcoming Israel-Hamas ceasefire will mark the first cessation of hostilities between both sides since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, during which 1,200 people were killed and over 200 hostages were taken to Gaza by Hamas militants. Israel retaliated by launching relentless airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, which have killed over 14,000 Palestinians so far.
Would you like Victoria to rate your portfolio? Email money@telegraph.co.uk with the subject line: Rate my portfolio. Please include a breakdown of your portfolio, your age and what your investing goals are. Full names will not be published.

Hi there,

Im in my early 30s, in full-time employment and saving 1,000 a month into my Aegon stocks and shares Isa (invested in The Quilter Investors Cirilium Blend Portfolios) which currently has 45,000 in it.

Im also saving 450 a month into my Aegon Sipp (invested in the Quilter Investors Cirilium Dynamic Blend Portfolio) and sacrificing 5pc of my income (215 a month) which is matched & doubled by my employer (430), into an Aegon workplace default fund.

I also have 9,000 of shares in Boston Scientific, which I purchased at a discount, also by salary sacrifice.

My main question comes from the fact that all my Aegon investments are managed by a financial adviser who charges 1pc on top of Aegons annual charge of 0.13pc and then an additional fund management charge of 0.85pc for the stocks and shares Isa, 0.74pc for the Sipp.

Of course, financial advisers offer value in terms of broader financial planning, and I was assuming that paying for managed investments would mean they outperform the market but Im not convinced this is the case.

I simply want to make regular contributions to a diversified fund (or a few diversified funds, if that would create a better spread) which bring compounding interest at market value over the long term, without losing money unnecessarily to costly ongoing charges.

I would very much welcome your suggestions.

Kind regards,

J

Victoria says:

Dear reader,

I think youve raised a critical question that will pique the interest of many investors, so thank you. Its something Im asked time and time again  whether it makes more sense to pay more for a financial adviser or do it yourself.

I have to declare an interest here as I work for interactive investor, a flat-fee provider of Isas and Sipps for DIY investors.

The most obvious reason to do it yourself, that youve already highlighted, is lower fees.

Currently youre paying total costs of 1.98pc a year for your Isa and 1.87pc for your Sipp. Thats a considerable sum given you can own a diversified multi-asset portfolio of passive funds to fit your risk profile for around 0.2pc in yearly management fees, before paying a platforms fee on top.

We charge a flat fee while most of our rivals charge percentages. Always do your own research on costs and come to a conclusion you are happy with. Cost is just one part of how you come to a decision but theres also customer service, investment choice, how good the website and app is, and so on.

Picking your own investments can feel scary, but there are lots of ready-made solutions on DIY investor platforms that have great track records, low fees, and invest in a similar way to your Quilter portfolio.

Taking a look at your investments, your Isa fund, Quilter Investors Cirilium Moderate Blend Portfolio, is about two-thirds invested in the stock market, has 12.5pc in alternatives (like property and commodities) and 10.5pc in bonds.

There is also a hefty 11.3pc in cash, so youre paying a fee to be out of the market. The building blocks of the portfolio are a mix of passive and actively managed funds.

The portfolio has returned 17.8pc since 2019. Meanwhile, global shares (as measured by the iShares Core MSCI World Ucits ETF), are up 43.7pc, according to data from FE Analytics.

Im making a slightly unfair comparison, as owning just equities is riskier than a basket of stocks, bonds and alternatives, blended together to reduce volatility. The right comparison, I believe, would be a 60/40 fund of stocks and bonds.

Two alternatives on DIY investor platforms spring to mind: Vanguard LifeStrategy 60pc Equity and BlackRock MyMap 5 (which has 65pc invested in shares). These funds have risen 12.3pc and 19.9pc since the launch of the Quilter fund. They charge 0.22pc and 0.17pc in annual fees.

Thats just looking at the fund performance. Given that you are also paying a 1pc adviser fee, your returns will be lower. While returns on your Quilter fund have not been too shabby, you can see that there are alternatives out there that you can access yourself if you chose to do so.

Think about how long you are investing your Isa for and whether you need to draw on the cash in under five years, which is considered relatively short term in the investment world.

If you are investing for the longer term, then you can take more risk. If not, then think about whether you can afford for your portfolio to be exposed to asset classes which can be volatile and whether you have a cash buffer to use in case of emergencies.

Your Sipp is invested in another Quilter fund, Cirilium Dynamic Blend Portfolio. This is a portfolio targeting higher growth, with 85pc invested in shares and just 3.3pc in cash. It has risen 27.7pc since August 2019.

Now, financial advisers offer a very valuable service, but for investors at the start of their saving journey, the solution, in my view, is pretty simple: keep costs low, dont be too conservative, maintain a diversified portfolio and stay invested, topping up your portfolio as much as you can.

If you were entering retirement, then managing your financial affairs can become more complicated and advisers can add a lot of value, particularly on tax.

You might very well be more than happy sticking entirely with something like the Vanguard LifeStrategy 60pc for a hands-off approach.

And while I think a multi-asset global diversified fund should still make up the lions share of your portfolio as a core holding, another reason for doing it yourself, if youre interested in markets and global trends, is that you can have some fun with some riskier satellite positions, only making up a small percentage of your overall portfolio.

You are still young and can therefore afford to take some risks if you feel comfortable.

As one idea to explore, Goldman Sachs just upgraded its outlook for Chinese stocks, forecasting gains for the MSCI China and CSI 300 of 12pc and 15pc respectively in 2024 underpinned by an expectation of strong earnings growth. Check out Fidelity China Special Situations.

I admit that theres an overwhelming amount of products, services, advisers and jargon out there in this industry so it can be hard to see the wood for the trees at times. But it doesnt have to be daunting  there is a clear path via DIY investing to maintaining a sense of security, keeping fees low and hopefully achieving long-term returns.

Victoria is head of investment at Interactive Investor. Her columns should not be taken as advice or as a personal recommendation, but as a starting point for readers to undertake their own further research

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A pedestrian struck by a car in South Linden is in critical condition, the second to be hospitalized in a hit-and-run in Columbus on Thanksgiving night.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, a male pedestrian was in the southbound lanes of Cleveland Avenue near East 11th Avenue when a 2005 Buick Rendezvous traveling southbound struck him, according to Columbus police. The driver fled the scene, but police said officers found the unattended car parked on East 19th Avenue near Cleveland Avenue, and the female driver provided a statement upon returning to the vehicle.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Medics transported the man to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, where he remained as of 5:45 a.m. Friday. Columbus polices Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the crash.

Just two hours earlier in southeast Columbus, another pedestrian was struck in a hit-and-run on Refugee Road and then run over by a passing vehicle. He was also hospitalized in critical condition.

Cleveland Avenue in South Linden has historically been a deadly road for pedestrians. Shortly before Halloween, an infant and 5-year-old died after being hit in a crosswalk near East 25th Avenue. They were with their sibling and mother, who survived the crash.

Residents told NBC4 in late October that poor street lighting, a lack of crosswalks and cars traveling at high speeds down the street create the perfect conditions for pedestrian injuries and deaths. The city has a Walk Safe on Cleveland program and told NBC4 at the time that more pedestrian safety measures will be added to the street.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Memorial to the victims of the Great Famine in Kyiv

The Legislative Assembly of the Atlantic Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) unanimously passed a bill on Nov. 24 recognizing the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people.

Proposed by MP Gordon McNeilly, the bill not only acknowledges the Holodomor as genocide, but also calls for the designation of the fourth Saturday of November as a provincial Memorial Day of the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide.

A Ukrainian Canadian Congress representative in PEI expressed her sincere gratitude for the introduction of the bill.

Read also:

Canada officially recognized the Holodomor as genocide against the Ukrainian people in 2008. With the recent passage of the bill in PEI, all ten Canadian provinces now acknowledge the Holodomor as genocide.

Read also: PACE recognizes Holodomor as genocide of Ukrainian people

The Ukraine-initiated Declaration commemorating the tragic 90th anniversary of the 1932-1933 Holodomor at the UN was signed by 55 UN Member States and the EU delegation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Nov. 23.

The attention to the Holodomor at the UN is growing, with a significant rise in signatures compared to a similar document in 2018.

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
Five years ago, while working on a high-profile case, the trial lawyer Don L Scott Jr received a call from a reporter. Hey, is it true that you had gone to prison? Scott remembers them asking. I said, It is, and if you want the entire story, before you print it, I hope that you will sit down and talk to me.

Related: Can a socialist ex-marine fill Joe Manchins seat in West Virginia?

On 10 January 2024, Scott will be sworn in as Virginias first Black speaker of the house in the commonwealths 400-year-plus history. His rise to the position started in 2018, when that reporter called him. Scott said that although he hadnt hidden his past before, its not something you put on your resume either. That call was a pivotal moment for him, empowering him to share his story widely, and helping him realize that he had the potential to be a politician.

After the story was published in the Virginian-Pilot, everyone knew his past, and Scott said he was then able to discuss it more freely, even as an attorney. He thinks the impetus behind the piece might have come from a politician who was concerned Scott would run against him, or from the opposing attorneys on the case, but at this point it doesnt matter.

They were thinking they were going to drop it on me to hurt me, but what they really did was free me up, he said. I got such positive feedback from my community and other folks that I knew that I said, Heck, Im free now. If I decide I want to run, I can run.

Eventually, Scott, whos 58, did run for election to the Virginia house of delegates  and won. Then he won again and again. In his new role as speaker of the house, Scott plans to help lead Virginia Democrats in following through on their campaign promises: namely, codifying Roe v Wade, banning assault weapons and increasing teacher pay.

There are people who are just like me

On 30 July 1619, Virginias house of burgesses, the colonial predecessor to the commonwealths current general assembly, met for the first time. About one month later, enslaved Africans were brought to the Virginia colony, marking what is considered to be the start of chattel slavery in the colonial US. In several interviews since his election as speaker, Scott has referenced the historic importance of his nomination: I know I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who built that capitol.

I know I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who built that capitol Don L Scott Jr

Scott was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in a small town by a single mother who hid the familys poverty so well that Scott didnt realize how much she struggled until he was an adult. He grew up with five siblings, including his elder sister, Jeta Lenoir, who taught him to read.

After his graduation from Texas A&M University, Scott enlisted in the US navy and served a few years before he was honorably discharged. He went on to obtain a law degree from Louisiana State University Law School, but in 1994, shortly after graduating, Scott was arrested on federal drug charges. He served seven years in prison. (Scott has said previously that he made a bad decision, but denies having ever handled any drugs.)

In Virginia, citizens voting rights are not immediately restored after their release from prison  that decision depends on the governor. For almost a decade after rejoining society, Scott was unable to vote. Once his rights were restored in 2013, he was able to finally sit for the bar exam and become a trial lawyer.

Don L Scott Jrs first campaign for the house of delegates in 2019 focused on criminal justice reform and alleviating poverty. Photograph: John C Clark/AP

During his time as a partner at the Breit Biniazan law firm, Scott joined various civic organizations, including his states chapter of the NAACP. He started paying closer attention to the difference between what people around him were experiencing and what he saw and heard in courtrooms as a lawyer. As a result, his first campaign for the house of delegates in 2019 focused on criminal justice reform and alleviating poverty.

I came in saying that there are some things that are wrong, that are unfair in our criminal justice system and need to be fixed, Scott said. I think people have a misconception about Black communities that are sometimes having tough times and issues with crime. They dont want to talk about poverty. They dont want to talk about all the causes of crime. They dont want to talk about mental health. They just want to say crime and look at the outcome.

Scotts lived experiences continue to inform how he sees the world. He intimately knows what it means to serve time and still be penalized after leaving prison. I had a nonviolent drug offense that I was sentenced to 10 years [in prison] for, he said. There are people who are just like me who are not voting and cant vote and are smarter than I am. [They] cant vote because theyre waiting on somebody like Governor [Glenn] Youngkin to restore their rights. I will be speaker with a felony, while other people who are just like me  will not be able to vote. Thats nuts.

As speaker, Scott plans to help mitigate voter disenfranchisement by taking away the governors right to determine whether formerly incarcerated people can vote again. He wants to change the states constitution so that people have an automatic restoration of rights after completing their sentences. Earlier this year, in a separate voter-rights issue, about 3,000 Virginians were purged from voter rolls in error, according to Youngkins administration.

Personally, this is important to me, that we take the restoration of rights away from the governor, Scott said. Of the purged voters, he continued: Youngkin abused that privilege that he has, that privilege that the people have bestowed on him. He used it arbitrarily and capriciously to deny the franchise  that sacred franchise  from people that he deemed unworthy to vote.

You have to deliver

Scott understands the historic nature of his impending leadership position. He also knows that his community and Virginians at large are expecting more than him to just be a face in power.

I came in saying that there are some things that are wrong, that are unfair in our criminal justice system and need to be fixed Don L Scott Jr

Recently, Scott said, he attended a breakfast meeting with a former governor who was energized by his nomination, but who told him that it was time for the real work to begin. He said, Now you have to go and be great. You have to be competent. You have to deliver. And thats what our community is looking for. Theyre not looking for symbolic wins any more, Scott recalled. Im the first Black speaker, but Im also a speaker who happens to be Black.

Democrats gained control of Virginias state legislature this year, as voters opposed Youngkins attempt to pass a strict abortion ban. In addition to codifying Roe v Wade, many of the Democrats who ran and won promised to raise the minimum wage, to ban assault weapons, to pass a responsible gun act and to raise teacher pay.

These are the promises that we made  These are not extreme ideas. I think everybody can agree that we need to do these things, and I think we will, Scott said.

But for the moment, he is taking time to soak it all in.

Im excited, he said. Its the dream of a lifetime. I feel embarrassed of how much Ive been blessed. I went to jail in 94; 2024 is 30 years and Ill be standing taking my oath. Thats a powerful testament to the power of faith, and the power of resilience.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released the name of the person who died in an exchange of gunfire with a U.S. Park Police officer on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

MPD said that the officer and the person, 30-year-old Turell Delonte Campbell, exchanged gunfire around 2:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of M St. NW.

The officer, who still was in the hospital Thursday night, was recovering from several gunshot wounds. Campbell, who was from Northeast, D.C., died at the hospital.

Prince William County police investigating cars shot at in Woodbridge

Officers said they recovered Campbells gun at the scene of the gunfire exchange.

MPD investigates all shootings in D.C. which involve any officer in any way, with its Internal Affairs Divisions Force Investigation Team conducting the investigation into this incident.

Anyone with any information should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A person was seriously injured Thursday evening after being hit by two vehicles in Columbus.

The person hit, only described as a male at this time, was walking in the eastbound lanes of a road in southeast Columbus when he was hit by an unknown vehicle shortly after 8 p.m., according to our news partners at WBNS in Columbus.

>> You gotta still get out; Shoppers return to Beavercreek Walmart after mass shooting

Police said he was walking outside the marked crosswalk.

While he was lying in the road, another vehicle ran over his legs, WBNS reported.

While the second vehicle involved stayed on the scene, the vehicle that initially hit the pedestrian did not stop.

>> Man arrested for alleged vandalism of police cruiser, fighting officers in Mercer County

The victim was taken to Columbus hospital in critical condition.

Police are still investigating the incident.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., meets with reporters ahead of a crucial vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at its current levels, a measure not heartily supported by the hard right wing of his party, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. | J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press

I met now-Speaker of the House Mike Johnson early on in his first term. He came to talk to a prayer group made up of young Capitol Hill staff that met once a month. He struck me as a forbearing and well-meaning man of sincere faith. I liked him.

Upon his election to the speakership, I learned I wasnt alone. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., one of the most centrist members of Congress, described Johnson as having a very humble spirit and being approachable and a man of decency. Indeed, Johnson was an early signer of the Civility Pledge, in which lawmakers signed up to disagree without being disagreeable. His speeches and style are far more Ronald Reagan than Donald Trump. A senior Hill staffer, who had predicted Johnson as speaker two weeks before he was even in the race, texted me saying, Hes nice. Thats his main qualification.

As someone who believes that the kind of mindless polarization that has taken root is toxic, I appreciate these qualities and think they have a far bigger effect on our politics than most realize. And this has concrete political consequences. They are certainly important given the fact that the trust deficit is what did in former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

On the other hand, Johnson was neck deep in the 2020 stop the steal efforts, the most pernicious and destructive domestic political event in my lifetime. And, at best, hes sent mixed signals on aid to Ukraine, the issue I consider likely the most important geopolitical event in recent history. In both cases, he was either pandering to the loudest parts of his base, or truly believed in some horrible ideas. While directionally agreeing with him on items like taxes and religious liberty, the former issues are significant black marks in my book, and I believe will be so in history.

In other words, the elevation of Johnson to the speakership filled me with mixed thoughts. And it raised a difficult topic: to what degree do we forgive political mistakes? How does one good act outweigh a bad act as part of a political career?

Its too early to evaluate Johnsons legacy. But it is helpful to think about how we, as a nation, evaluate our leaders.

Related

Conceptually, its useful to realize that all politicians, particularly in a democracy, do not have unlimited flexibility. A politician that repeatedly tells the majority of their voters that they are wrong will quickly become an ex-politician. And a legislator is in large part constrained by the opinions his colleagues deem viable. It is academic at best, and counterproductive at worst, to evaluate real-world politicians according to some pie-in-the-sky version of reality. Looking at the options they have available to them matters a lot more.

Of course, at a certain point, being unwilling to risk the wrath of voters renders a politician impotent. Conversely, making a real difference can be worth risking your career over. If you arent in this to make a difference, why hold office? Former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., lost her seat in Congress, but almost certainly had more of an impact serving on the January 6th Committee than she would have had by serving decades in Congress without controversy.

Historically, I think its safe to say Richard Nixon, while viewed as a consequential and perhaps even positive from a policy perspective, was never forgiven the string of lies, abuse of power and obstruction stemming from the Watergate scandal that led to his resignation. His partisans stuck with him for a long while, until they heard the tapes that most believed made Nixon out to be a cynical, calculating and crass politician. Polls taken years, even decades after his resignation, showed strong disapproval. Presidential historians are kinder, ranking him in the bottom half but nowhere near the worst, usually due to a positive take on his foreign policy.

Ronald Reagan, on the other hand is widely believed to be a very successful president. On top of ending stagflation and winning the Cold War, hes also the man that brought confidence back to America and ended the cynicism of the Nixon years and the incompetence of the Carter years, rebuilding public trust.

But Reagan excused, minimized and otherwise apologized for Nixons inexcusable acts in Watergate, even after Nixon had resigned. In spite of Reagan campaigning against deficits, the deficits exploded under his watch, a problem weve never fixed. And of course, the Iran-Contra scandal could not possibly be seen as anything but a huge fiasco, maybe not on par with Carters Iran-hostage crisis, but a significant flaw.

If you want another interesting historical example, think of the late Alabama Gov. George Wallace, D-Ala. Most know Wallace for his belligerent inauguration address in which he declared, Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever! and for attempting to physically block integration at the University of Alabama.

But what if I told you that, when he ran for his last term as governor in 1982, he won more than 90% of the Black vote?

One might chalk this up to the fact that, by 1982, Black Americans routinely voted overwhelmingly Democrat, and Wallace, his segregationist past aside, was still a Democrat. But he also won a third of the Black vote in a three-way primary that same year. It was more than reflexive. Wallaces campaign operative in charge of winning African American votes said that it was largely about forgiving and forgetting the past.

In 1972, Rep. Shirley Chisholm D-N.Y., an African American pioneer on the hard left, visited Wallace in the hospital after an assassination attempt that crippled him. Chisholm wished him well, also stressing she agreed with him on issues such as undue corporate influence. Wallaces daughter said Chisholms visit planted a seed of new beginnings in my fathers heart, and in the coming years, Wallace repudiated his former racism and openly embraced African Americans. Reports are that Chisholm and Wallace became genuine friends.

While critics said Wallaces change of heart was driven purely by politics, the late civil rights hero and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., disagreed, saying that when he met with Wallace in 1979 he was a changed man.

There may be no obvious pattern to the public perception of the political mistakes and scandals above. In fact, its not clear when a politician can truly be seen as forgiven, by the public, or even historians.

But there is a lesson in the chaos.

In McKay Coppins book Romney, a Reckoning, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is quoted as saying that what political leaders accomplish by virtue of their personal character is at least as great as what they accomplish by virtue of their policies. That gets at the core of it. Politics is a messy business and politicians act under constraints and make mistakes. The public, and even historians, accept this, particularly over time, provided they believe the politician has character and is genuinely trying.

Nixons policy successes are largely sidelined because his flaws are seen as going to his character. Reagans flaws are minimized because they are not seen as going to his. Those who forgive Wallace do so because they believe in a change in his disposition, while those who dont look at Wallaces early years of oppression and cynicism. Chisholm now earns the admiration even of those on the center-right, due in large part due to her humanity and consistency in her views, even when not politically convenient.

Try applying this framework to other controversial politicians from more recent years. Say, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, George Santos, Paul Ryan or Harry Reid. See where it comes out.

As far as Johnson goes, in my view, he has made mistakes, ones that some argue he knew were wrong. The question is, will the positive aspects of his character override them over time?

A return of character, or even simple respect, is at least as important as the policies or power games we get so involved in. It makes the difference between being one of the unforgiven, or those whose legacy is well remembered.

Cliff Smith is a lawyer and a former congressional staffer. He lives in Washington, D.C., where he works on national security related issues.
Anyone living in Miami Beach in the fall of 2020 had a front row seat to Phil Collins tawdry (second) split from his ex wife.

The legendary rocker got back together with Orianne Cevey whom he divorced in 2006 in a record $46 million plus settlement.

The exes reconciled 10 years later and things turned south quickly while they were living together at his North Bay Road mansion.

While Collins was out of the country, Cevey went and eloped with an escort/musician named Tom Bates and moved him into the $33 million palatial home.

The Genesis frontman then filed an eviction notice and it took months for Cevey and Bates to finally vacate to a home in Fort Lauderdale, which subsequently went into foreclosure. Cevey and Bates relationship also quickly soured, but thats a whole other story.

In January 2021, Collins flipped the fancy digs for $39.25M, but apparently didnt take all his belongings with him.

Because Cevey is now trying to cash in on the rock stars stuff. The jewelry designer is auctioning a treasure trove of her famous exs memorabilia with Kodner Gallery in Dania Beach.

Among the most valuable items is Collins Yamaha grand piano, worth between $50,000 and $100,000, Kodner estimates. Theres also a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox, which was apparently a wedding gift to the tumultuous couple, when they married in 1999.

It pains me to part with these cherished items, but I recently downsized homes and simply do not have room, Cevey told Page Six, adding she will be donating a large portion of proceeds to the exes Never Give Up Foundation.

Interested parties will also be able to bid on some of Ceveys designer duds, namely by Chanel. The Swiss native told Page Six that at one point in the early 2000s she had more than 500 pairs of shoes by the French fashion house.

I was Chanels number one client, she said.

Info: The auction is scheduled to take place starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 6; some things are already currently available for early bidding at Kodner.com; 954-925-2550.
ICC ruling on former Ivory Coast President Gbagbo and former Youth Minister Ble Goude in the Hague

By Neil Jerome Morales and Mikhail Flores

MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines is considering resuming membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) nearly five years after it withdrew over objections to a bid by the court to investigate a bloody anti-narcotics campaign, the president said on Friday.

"There is also a question, should we return under the fold of the ICC, so thats again under study. So well just keep looking at it and see what our options are," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr told reporters.

The Philippines withdrew from the international tribunal in 2019 after then President Rodrigo Duterte questioned its authority to investigate the campaign against illegal drugs in which thousands of people were killed.

Marcos said questions over jurisdiction and sovereignty were still "problems" for the Philippines.

"Now if we can solve these problems, then that would be something else, but those questions are fundamental," Marcos said.

The ICC this year rejected a Philippine appeal to stop investigating Duterte's drug war. Marcos said in March he would cut off contact with the court after the decision.

In July, appeals judges at the ICC cleared the way for an investigation into the killings, a ruling that families of victims and right groups hailed as another step towards justice.

While Philippine officials still insist the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over it, some lawmakers have urged the government to rethink its position.

The country's lower congress began hearings this week urging the government to cooperate with the ICC prosecutor in its probe, after opposition lawmakers cited Duterte's admission in a television program that he used intelligence funds to fund extrajudicial killings when he was mayor of Davao City in the southern Philippines.

The move did not sit well with Vice-President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, who said on Thursday allowing an ICC probe is "patently unconstitutional"Harry Roque, the elder Duterte's former presidential spokesperson, said even if the Philippines returns to the ICC, the drug war cannot be investigated since "temporal jurisdiction was lost in 2019".

It "doesn't matter to (the) Dutertes. Jurisdiction will be prospective," Roque said in a text message.

Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, said Marcos' comments indicate he is "veering away" from the previous government's policies.

"It will be seen by a lot of people as breaking away from their alliance," she said.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Robert Birsel and Kim Coghill)
Allies of President Biden are stepping up calls for Democrats to rally around the president following negative commentary and splits from inside the party over whether he should forgo reelection.

Former President Obamas senior adviser David Axelrod has been the most notable Democrat to cause a ruckus when he suggested earlier this month that Biden step aside and further advised that the president has a 50-50 shot of winning in 2024.

But some Democrats say comments like Axelrods arent helping especially as Biden continues to face poor polling numbers, encouraging the party to instead coalesce around the president to give him a boost.

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We gotta pipe down the moaning and groaning and all the whining. Theres too much of that, said former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), a onetime House Democratic Caucus chair. I think that leaches into the psyche of the voters as well. Thats got to stop and I think at that point, youll start to see Bidens numbers improve, certainly amongst Democrats, but I think voter-wide theyll start to improve.

Steve Elmendorf, deputy campaign manager for John Kerrys 2004 presidential run, said that there are clear challenges with Bidens reelection campaign but Democrats complaining doesnt help.

Im not like, oh everything they do is great over there. Obviously, they need to constantly refine the message and figure out what works and there are challenges with various groups of voters and they need to figure those out. But I dont think its helpful as a party for people to sort of run around publicly and complain.

The calls for Democrats to cut down on the negativity comes as Biden has been hit with a slew of bad polls in recent months. Former President Trumps lead over Biden is also growing in a hypothetical 2024 match-up, with Trump receiving 48 percent support compared to Bidens 41 percent, according to a Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey.

That followed a New York Times and Siena College poll earlier this month that found Trump leading Biden in critical battleground states. But some say Biden has plenty of time to make up for his shortfalls.

You have to be concerned, but you also have to take it with the understanding that a year of politics, especially in an election, is a lifetime, former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) said. Things just change dramatically over that time. We dont know what the next 12 months will entail. Is it concerning? Of course, but theres plenty of time for circumstances to change.

When asked if its frustrating when people within his own party say negative things or suggest the president should consider moving aside, Daschle, founder of the Daschle Group, said its not frustrating, its understandable.

Obviously, they have a point, he said. In spite of the debate that weve had now for several months about age and about options, I think we have to acknowledge that its absolutely critical that we come together and we be as cohesive as possible over the next 12 months. And I know thats not easy. But its essential if were going to succeed.

Democrats for months have questioned if Biden is too old to run for reelection or if he has the stamina and mental and physical capacity to do so. Senate Democrats are also now pushing back hard on criticism from within their own party, dismissing concerns about Bidens electability as counterproductive.

Hes running for reelection, people need to understand that and so as a party, everybody should figure out how do we get him reelected. Like, thats pretty simple. Im in the Jim Messina, David Plouffe school of, people need to stop bedwetting and focus on how to win, Elmendorf said.

Messina, Obamas 2012 campaign manager, has been an advocate for Biden on social media, posting on X this week, Polls a year out are about as good at predicting election results as a magic 8 ball would be. Plouffe, Obamas 2008 campaign manager, has long warned against Democrats bedwetting and worrying about political outcomes.

But then theres Axelrod, from Obama world, who said this week that Biden has a 50-50 shot of winning in 2024, adding, He thinks he can cheat nature here, and its really risky. He had earlier suggested Biden step aside, although he also touted that the Biden administration has done great things.

Axelrods suggestion that Biden consider stepping aside broke open some lingering tensions between the Biden and Obama teams, which Democrats say doesnt do them any favors. Theres also the matter of how different the current political environment is.

A lot of the people who comment on campaigns these days are sort of living in past campaigns. Were in a very different way in which campaigns are run, in which people communicate, in which money is raised and money is spent, Elmendorf said.

No offense to a lot of my friends whove worked on past campaigns, but I think a lot of them are probably  not as up to date and they probably dont have as much information, he added.

Bidens campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez has acknowledged that the general election will be very close as Biden aides lean into attacks on Trump, ramping up the offensive by rolling out daily memos that outline what a second term would mean for issues like the economy, abortion and immigration. Theyve also reiterated a notion Biden often touts: that hes the only candidate who can beat Trump. Theres also the matter of, if Biden steps down, who could possibly take his place.

Joe Biden has done it. Who would you put in his place? If David Axelrod says he has a 50-50 chance maybe, who has more than a 50-50 chance? Name the person, MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski said Tuesday. Someone name a name that we know has more than a 50-50. There isnt one.

Biden also faces some primary challengers, including Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips (D) and author Marianne Williamson. Meanwhile, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been polling with a high favorability in recent surveys, which some find problematic.

Im not like sanguine, or like, oh, Joe Bidens gonna win. I think were an extremely competitive, divided country. These third party people are very concerning, Elmendorf said, mentioning Green Party Ralph Naders impact in the 2000 election.

Yasmin Nelson, a senior policy adviser at Holland & Knight and former senior policy adviser to Vice President Harris when she served in the Senate, said despite the noise, Democrats have to stay focused on the ticket they have.

Biden-Harris is the ticket, and its not in Democrats best interest to entertain anything other than that. The campaign has a year to show voters the difference theyve made and the significant legislative success over the first term, amidst extreme odds, Nelson said. They have to remind voters of that fight daily and build the brand around that success.

Daschle also called for unity in the face of Bidens primary challengers and for Biden allies to stay engaged over the next year.

The only way we can ensure that we wont fail is if we stay as unified and as aggressively engaged as we possibly can. And that seems to me to be the simple truth that the sooner we all recognize and acknowledge the better, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Flash

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with a delegation led by Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of Japan's ruling coalition party Komeito, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation led by Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of Japan's ruling coalition party Komeito, in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that leaders of China and Japan met recently and conducted in-depth communication on strategic and directional issues in China-Japan relations.

Noting that the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and bring China-Japan relations back to the track of sound development, Wang expressed his hope that the Komeito Party will continue to make efforts for China-Japan friendship and cooperation.

Yamaguchi said that the Komeito Party has long been committed to improving Japan-China friendship and is willing to continue to make due efforts to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples and promote the development of Japan-China relations under the guidance of the principles set out in the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman with a history of financial crimes has pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from the Wyoming High School Bands booster club.

Crystal Gail Mulero, 41, entered a plea earlier this week in Kent County Circuit Court to embezzling funds while serving as the organizations president.

In exchange for her plea, a habitual offender charge will be dismissed, court officials said. The charge of embezzlement  $20,000 or more, but less than $50,000  is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Mulero is free on bond. She returns to court for sentencing in February.

Her most recent felony charge comes a year after she was discharged from state supervision for a 2020 attempted embezzlement conviction.

Wyoming band booster president accused of embezzlement

In that case, she and two co-workers at Five Below in Grandville were caught filling up shopping carts with merchandize and walking out without paying, according to court records. Mulero admitted that she stole more than $11,000 worth of merchandize from the store, court records show.

She was placed on probation and discharged in April 2022. Mulero was given access to Wyoming band booster funds while she was still on probation, court record show.

Mulero was president of the Wyoming Band Boosters and had access to its funds since approximately June 2021, court records show.

Defendant used approximately $35,800 of the band booster funds for her own personal use, a Wyoming police officer wrote in a probable cause affidavit.

The parent-led band boosters club functions as a nonprofit and is separate from Wyoming Public Schools.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Seattle police arrested a person on Thursday accused of shooting and injuring another person in Belltown.

Police posted about the arrest at 10:00 p.m.

They said the person shot was transported to Harborview Medical Center where they are in stable condition.

The shooting happened in the 2000 block of 1st Avenue around 6:20 p.m.

The alleged shooter is in custody.
A 24-year-old Kentucky man charged with murder in his home state removed his ankle monitor Wednesday morning and fled before being arrested in El Dorado, officials said.

Samuel Baker, who has been charged in a March 2021 fatal shooting, and 28-year-old Adriana Brown, who officials said fled with Baker, were arrested at a QuikTrip early Wednesday in west El Dorado.

At 3:51 a.m., a QuikTrip employee reported the two people had been in the parking lot in a running white Dodge Charger for a few hours. The vehicle, which had been registered in Illinois, was reported stolen, Chief Michael Holton said.

Both occupants were later taken into custody without incident but refused to give any information as to who they were, he said in an email.

They were taken to Butler County Jail where they were identified, he said on Friday, adding that they remained jailed, awaiting extradition to Kentucky.

The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office in Kentucky said Baker was awaiting trial at home, after a reduced bond, on an ankle monitor.

Baker removed his ankle monitoring device and left his home on Hwy 39, Somerset, KY in a 2017 red Chevrolet Corvette, the sheriffs office said in a Facebook post. It is believed, when Baker fled from the residence he also took a firearm with him. The Corvette has since been recovered in northern Pulaski County. Baker was not with the vehicle.

Baker was believed to be with Brown in a black Dodge Grand Caravan, the sheriffs office said.

He is believed to be armed and dangerous, the post says.

Baker, who has also been charged with burglary and possession of a gun by a felon, had a trial set for Dec. 4 in the killing of Robert Claunch, according to the Commonwealth Journal.

The shooting happened after Ronald Baker tried to make his son leave the home, the newspaper reported.

Ronald Baker reported that Claunch told Samuel Baker to leave, then Ronald Baker heard gunshots, the newspaper reported. When he returned to the kitchen, he found Claunch on the floor. Samuel Baker had fled the scene. Claunch died at the scene.
Pro-Palestinian supporters will be warned how to avoid breaking the law when chanting - Paul Grover

Police will hand out thousands of leaflets to pro-Palestinian marchers this weekend, warning them what phrases and slogans they are not allowed to use.

More than 100,000 people are expected to gather in central London on Saturday in the latest demonstration against Israels response to the Hamas terrorist attacks.

Previous marches have been marred by criminal behaviour, with some participants seen glorifying terrorism and showing support for Hamas.

But Scotland Yard has promised a swift and robust response to any forms of racism, anti-Semitism, incitement to violence or support for terrorism this weekend.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said Met officers would be lining the route of the march  which will travel from Park Lane to Whitehall  to remind people what offences would land them in the cells.

He said this would involve handing out leaflets which set out clearly the boundaries of what is unacceptable and illegal.

Anyone who is racist or incites hatred against any group should expect to be arrested, he said.

We will not tolerate promoting terrorism

Mr Adelekan also said anyone who was seen to show support for Hamas or any other banned organisation should expect to be arrested.

We will not tolerate anyone who promotes or celebrates acts of terrorism such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people, he said.

He urged anyone taking part in the march who witnessed any form of criminality to report it to any of the police officers along the route.

In a huge march officers cannot see everything that is going but others do. So if they do report it we will act as quickly as possible. You will see robust intervention from our officers in the event of any criminal activity this weekend.

Police will guard the Cenotaph

Scotland Yard will have trained spotters along the route as well as Arabic translators mingling among the marchers and in the operations room to look out for any criminal acts, including hate placards, banners and clothing.

Police officers will also guard a physical barrier around the Cenotaph in Whitehall and will protect other monuments along the route.

Police will keep guard at the Cenotaph during the protest march - Shutterstock

Mr Adelekan said: We will not tolerate criminal behaviour that disturbs the sanctity of these national monuments.

As well as the main march organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, there will be a static protest being held at the Egyptian embassy by Hizb ut-Tahrir at which several hundred people are expected.

The police leaflets, headlined Keep On The Right Side Of The Law, advise people on conducting a peaceful protest.

They state: To avoid ending up in our cells DONT use words or images:

That are racist or incite hatred against any faith.

That support Hamas or any other banned organisation, it is illegal under UK law to support such terrorist organisations.

That celebrate or promote acts of terrorism - such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people.

Warning not to use flares or fireworks

The leaflet also warns protesters not to use flares or fireworks or use words or behaviour that could be considered intimidating

Protesters are told not to deface or damage monuments or statues.

The first national march against anti-Semitism is due to take place on Sunday with with concern that it might be targeted by pro-Palestinian groups.

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-Right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Mr Adelekan said he was not welcome at the march and would be engaged with by officers.

Around 1,500 officers will be deployed for the protests with several hundred drafted in from other forces through mutual aid.

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Athens-Clarke police are investigating a recent violent gun battle between two men near Baxter Street that involved pistols and shotguns.

The shooting, in which no one was injured, but left four vehicles damaged, occurred about 2:30 p.m. Nov. 18, but the report was not released until Wednesday.

Witnesses told police that when the shooting began, there were children outside in view of the shooters.

Police said they recovered 16 9mm shell casings and four shotgun shells.

No one was willing to speak with officers at the scene, the responding officer noted in his report.

Guns: Police continue efforts to identify shooter of Athens teenager

However, police were able to obtain a video that shows a man exit a silver Lexus on Baxter Street and walk into the Rocksprings community carrying a shotgun, which the officer described as a shockwave. This type shotgun has a small pistol-grip type stock.

The man was wearing a black jacket, dark colored pants, white shirts, white shoes, and a black beanie or balaclava.

Soon after going onto Rocksprings Court, he and another man, who had been in a gray Honda Accord began shooting, police said. Two women in the Honda also exited and ran.

The man with the shotgun then ran back to his car and fled the area, police said.

The officers turned the evidence over to detectives.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: ACC police try to ID shooters in gunfire at Rocksprings Homes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon arent the only companies offering deals for Black Friday. In fact, many Portland-based businesses have discounts planned for the big shopping weekend ahead.

Shop Small PDX has a full list of locally-owned businesses. Along with that, here are other ways you can support Portland brand during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

Mt. Hood Skibowl to open Snow Tube Park for early-season tubing

When: Friday, Nov. 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227

Earlier this month, the founder of Ecliptic Brewing announced that he would sell the company to a new owner and close the North Portland brewpub. The Mothership Brewery officially closed on Nov. 18, but it temporarily reopens this Friday for an archive sale with beers dating back to 2014.

When: Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 26

Where: 712 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Sneaker and apparel store Drexlers is offering discounts all-weekend-long. Customers will receive a free hat with every pair of shoes and two free shirts with the purchase of a branded tee. The store will also have mystery boxes priced at $200, but worth $500.

When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Breakside Brewery is holding a Cellarbration in its Slabtown taproom to encourage people to shop small businesses. The event will feature arts vendors, candle-makers, home decor brands and more. One $20 ticket includes six pours from Breaksides vintage library and a limited-edition tasting glass.

When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m.  6 p.m.

Where: 2501 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

Need a unique card for family, friends, coworkers or significant others this holiday season? The self-proclaimed coolest card store in the world is celebrating Small Business Saturday with free champagne, cake, giveaways and other extra surprises  while supplies last.

Holiday blues? You dont have to suffer alone in Oregon

When: Through Sunday, Dec. 10

Where: Various locations

Win Big! Is an ongoing citywide event that rewards Portlanders for shopping from small businesses. A variety of coffee shops, retail stores and restaurants are participating in the campaign. Potential prizes include free Trail Blazers tickets and roundtrip airfare for two people.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  For Marquise Cross, his Thanksgiving tradition is to serve meals to the community. The past 3 years was from his food truck, but this year its his first with a restaurant of his own, Norma Jeans Soul Cuisine.

When youre in the community you should help take care of that community that you also try to profit from for your business, Cross told KOIN 6 News. Its always been a staple of my business to just give back wherever Im at.

Marquise Cross, the owner of Norma Jeans Soul Cuisine in Portland, November 23, 2023 (KOIN)

Its always been a family affair, too.

These places are serving up free Thanksgiving meals around Portland

Norma Jean is my grandmother. That was part of the dream. I wanted a restaurant in my old neighborhood under my grandmas name, he said. I got my aunt over there serving food. My children just arrived.

And this year, the organization Race Talks is helping to fund more meals.

Our goal through our work is always to bring people to the people over a meal, having a conversation, getting to know each other, said Dr. Shaina Maxey Pomerantz, the executive director of Race Talks.

Boulevard Taphouse

Boulevard Taphouse owner David Mosso held his annual Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, helping to feed 117 people. Its a family tradition.

My dad was a great person and he helped a lot of people, as well. We are happy to carry on the tradition, Mosso told KOIN 6 News. It will be my 5th year doing it and father did it for 20 years before this.

Its a group effort. His 10-year-old daughter Elena serves dinner and cleans off the tables.

We get to help out people in the community who dont have enough money or cant afford to have Thanksgiving, Elena said. It really warms my heart that people come here and we help them.

For some who arent with their family, coming to the Boulevard Taphouse makes them feel like home.

It felt like my place, the first time I came here, volunteer Patty Bryant said. So we come, we order out, we come here. Its just wonderful.

Bryant said she volunteers to give back to the community.

I love that we can help people that are less fortunate than us.

For the past 4 years, Mark Bidner has been coming to the Thanksgiving dinner.

Its a fun place to come and relax and listen to the music, Bidner said. Its just the joy of being around everybody and celebrating and just having a good dinner.

Union Gospel Mission

At Union Gospel Mission, theyve served holiday meals for nearly a century.

The Union Gospel Mission served about 1100 meals on Thanksgiving Day. November 23, 2023 (UGM)

We just want people to know theyre seen, theyre cared for, said Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Matt Stein. Its a chance to go above and beyond and also build relationships to what were doing down here in Portland.

The Union Gospel Mission served about 1100 meals on Thanksgiving Day. November 23, 2023 (UGM)

Cam Nelson was among those who came in on Thanksgiving.

I came to hang out here with my family on the streets and enjoy some Thanksgiving dinner, he said.

Finding the food is only as good as the people you share it with.

For me its about family and being thankful, you know, and being grateful for what we do have, Nelso said. It means a lot to me.

Marquise Cross and Matt Stein each helped feed hundreds, building community one bite at a time. Theyll both do it again on Christmas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Nigeria outlawed same-sex relationships back in 2014. But recent social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu

Tinubus Muslim-Muslim government has agreed to sign EU-ACP agreement to legalize LGBTQ in Nigeria because of desperation for legitimacy and acceptance, reads part of a thread published on X (formerly Twitter) on November 16, 2023.

A screenshot of the false post, taken on November 24, 2023

Tinubu was sworn in as Nigerian president after a disputed election in February. The countrys Supreme Court validated his victory in a unanimous decision on September 26, 2023, dismissing opposition parties appeals (archived here).

Roughly divided into the conservative Muslim majority north and a largely Christian south, same-sex marriages and amorous relationships are illegal (archived here) in Nigeria.

The agreement mentioned in the claim referred to a partnership agreement (archived here) between the European Union and its member states and members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Nigeria is a member of the OACPS.

Called the Samoa Agreement, it covers subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security, the European Council said. It is seen as a blueprint for strengthening bilateral relations and succeeds the Cotonou Agreement signed in June 2000 (archived here).

Similar posts on X, including here, claimed that the country was about to sign the agreement.

However, claims that Nigeria has signed the Samoa Agreement are false.

Nigeria still 'studying' agreement

After the claims began circulating, the Nigerian government publicly stated that it was yet to sign the agreement.

Relevant Nigerian stakeholders are currently studying the instrument with a view to ensuring that its provisions do not contravene Nigerias domestic legislation, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Francisca Omayuli on November 16, 2023 (archived here).

Important Update:

Nigeria has not signed the Samoa Agreement. Relevant Nigerian stakeholders are studying the instrument with a view to ensuring that its provisions do not contravene Nigerias domestic legislation.@NigeriaMFA@NigeriaGov@NGRPresidentpic.twitter.com/x8sQwY4Udy  Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) November 16, 2023

Section 12 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that no treaty between the Federation and any other country shall have the force of law to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted into law by the National Assembly (archived here).

Apart from Nigeria, about 19 African countries, nine Caribbean states and six in the Pacific are yet to sign the agreement (archived here).

Meanwhile, a list of the signatories sent to AFP Fact Check on November 20 by a spokesperson for the European Council, Maria Ruiz Nievas, does not include Nigeria.

The list shows that Nigerias West African neighbours Togo, Ghana  which also has anti-gay laws  and the Gambia have signed the agreement.

Fundamental freedoms

Although the agreement does not expressly promote or mention same-sex relationships, its Article 9 (archived here) states that participating countries must commit to "the promotion of universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination based on any ground including sex, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, disability, age, or other status".

A similar clause was in the Cotonou Agreement signed on June 23, 2000 (archived here). Nigeria was a signatory to that agreement (archived here).

Section 13(1) of the Cotonou Agreement said that parties to the agreement reaffirmed their "commitments in international law to ensure respect for human rights and to eliminate all forms of discrimination based particularly on origin, sex, race, language and religion".

The Nigerian Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act was signed into law in January 2014 when the Cotonou Agreement was still in effect (archived here).

LGBTQ+ clampdowns

In 2018, 47 men were arrested in a police raid in Lagos and charged under Nigerias anti-gay law. But a judge dismissed the governments suit against the men in 2020 (archived here).

In December 2022, Sharia police arrested 19 people in Kano in northwestern Nigeria for organising a gay wedding (archived here).

Last month, security officials arrested more than 70 people after accusing them of organising a gay wedding in northeastern Gombe state (archived here).

Gombe and Kano are among majority-Muslim northern states where Shariah law is in force alongside common law. Homosexuality is punishable by death under Shariah law, although the sentence has never been enforced.
The Prince of Wales and the Sussexes at an Anzac memorial service at Westminster Abbey in 2018 - Eddie Mulholland

The Duke of Sussex is ready to put the bitter feud with his family behind him and move on but the Duchess of Sussex refuses to have anything to do with them, a new book has claimed.

Author Omid Scobie alleged that Prince Harry, 39, had abandoned his demand for an apology from the Royal family for perceived slights that had blighted his life.

His new book, Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchys Fight for Survival, quotes the Duke as saying: Im ready to forget. Get an apology or explanation? At this point, who cares, right?

It comes after Prince Harry contacted his father, the King, when he turned 75 earlier this month and sent videos of his children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, singing happy birthday.

But Scobie claims that conversely, the Duchess of Sussex had moved on and would not be extending such olive branches.

Meghan, 42, refuses to dive back into the soap opera, he writes in extracts published in Paris Match magazine.

The book suggests that only Prince Edward was worried about the state of his nephews mental health and alleges that it was the Princess Royal who persuaded the King to evict the Sussexes from Frogmore Cottage, their home on the Windsor estate.

When the news came, in January, Prince Harry is said to have pleaded with the King: You dont want to see your grandchildren anymore?

Omid Scobie, author of Endgame

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales, 41, who has not spoken to the Duchess since 2019, had always considered her sister-in-law a rival, Scobie suggests.

She spent more time talking about Meghan  than with Meghan, a close friend is quoted as saying.

Every time she hears about Meghan, Kate shudders and giggles.

The book states that when Prince Harry did make contact, the King was cautious about speaking to his younger son.

He wanted to limit their discussion to a harmless exchange, it says. Concerning Harry, the message that circulated in the family was not to trust him everyone took it very seriously.

However, Scobie reserves much of his wrath for the Prince of Wales, whom he depicts as cold and hungry for power.

He says it was Prince William, 41, who orchestrated the downfall of his uncle, the Duke of York, at the height of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and who was able to convince his grandmother, Elizabeth II, of punishing her favourite son.

Meanwhile, the King could not bring himself to hurt his brother.

[He] was in tears because he was afraid for Andrews mental health, Scobie writes.

Charles leads with his head and his heart. William is colder. He wants the job done and he has no problem with casualties along the way.

Impatient to be king

The book claims that the Prince of Wales is impatient to become king. The Prince of Wales cant wait to ascend the throne, he says.

Scobies first book, Finding Freedom, co-written by Carolyn Durand, made sweeping personal revelations about the Sussexes private lives.

The Duchess was forced to admit during her High Court privacy claim against Associated Newspapers that she had authorised an aide to brief the authors for the book.

The author has warned that Endgame will reveal moments that the Royal family should be ashamed of and described himself as one of few journalists writing about the Royal family whose work was impartial and spin-free.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis political orbit is grappling with new uncertainty just seven weeks before the Iowa caucuses offer the first voter test of the Republican presidential field.

Chris Jankowski, the chief executive of the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down, abruptly resigned on Wednesday amid deep strategic disagreements and infighting within the group.

Never Back Downs main goal and sole focus has been to elect Governor Ron DeSantis as President, Jankowski said in a statement. Given the current environment it has become untenable for me to deliver on the shared goal and that goes well beyond a difference of strategic opinion.

While campaigns and super PACs are legally prohibited from coordinating, the shake-up at Never Back Down casts a shadow over the strategy and stability of a group that has played an outsized role in DeSantis national political efforts since he launched his presidential campaign.

Some Republicans said that the upheaval at Never Back Down was indicative of a larger problem within the governors political orbit. Despite entering the 2024 race six months ago as the Republican candidate best positioned to compete with Donald Trump for the GOP nomination, DeSantis has only fallen further behind the former president.

These kinds of shake-ups are symptoms of problems. Theyre not causes of problems, Keith Naughton, a veteran Republican strategist, said. Clearly DeSantis has plateaued a little bit. The question is how does he reset, or can he reset? I think this is just a sign of them trying to patch things up.

The ties between DeSantis political operation and the super PAC have been apparent for months.

The governors former state-level political committee transferred $82.5 million to Never Back Down in May  a move that was widely seen as DeSantis giving his blessing to the super PAC, which was formed early this year by former Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli, just three months before DeSantis launched his presidential campaign.

Over the past several months, the super PAC has organized a slew of events featuring DeSantis in key early-voting states, such as Iowa and New Hampshire, as part of a series of Never Back Down bus tours. It has trained and paid an army of workers to do voter outreach in key states.

The group has also helped reduce the financial pressure on DeSantis operation at times  it went on the airwaves with ads much earlier than the governors formal campaign and helped pay for DeSantis travel to super PAC-hosted events.

And when DeSantis campaign underwent a shake-up over the summer  laying off dozens of staffers and replacing his campaign manager  DeSantis brought David Polyansky, a longtime Republican operative who had been advising Never Back Down, onto his team as deputy campaign manager.

Some concerns

But some DeSantis allies have expressed concerns for months that the campaign had ceded too much control over message and strategy to the super PAC, noting that Never Back Downs involvement went far beyond the typical role of a super PAC.

Those concerns have caught the attention of some of the governors critics, as well.

I think theres a realization that what the super PAC has done hasnt really made a dent, said Rick Wilson, a former Republican consultant and a co-founder of the anti-Trump group, the Lincoln Project. They dont know how to effectively fight against Trump and the path for DeSantis isnt there. Its not a fun place to be at this point. Its not a happy place to be.

Tensions flared up last week at a strategy meeting held by Never Back Down, according to NBC News, which first reported the infighting.

Jeff Roe, the groups top strategist, and Scott Wagner, a board member with close ties to DeSantis, were wrangling about financial and operational strategy. The two nearly came to blows, NBC reported.

After the dispute, three close DeSantis allies launched a second super PAC, Fight Right Inc. The group registered with the Federal Election Commission on Nov. 16 and has reserved at least $919,000 in ads in Iowa since Monday, according to the media-tracking firm AdImpact.

A spokesperson for Never Back Down did not respond to the Miami Heralds request for comment. Andrew Romeo, the communications director for DeSantis campaign, welcomed the creation of Fight Right, saying that it adds to the work of groups like Never Back Down and widens DeSantis network of support.

We are excited to see even more backers stepping up to support Ron DeSantis candidacy, Romeo said. Weve already seen tremendous value in the support of groups like Never Back Down, and adding new allies to the mix to independently help spread the governors message will only strengthen our advantage in the important weeks and months ahead.

Kristin Davison, a longtime political strategist who has been working for Never Back Down, was tapped to replace Jankowski as the groups CEO, The New York Times reported.

In 2017, Davison served as the campaign manager for the gubernatorial campaign of Adam Putnam, who at the time was DeSantis chief rival. She has also worked with Sen. Marco Rubio and Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt.

While DeSantis remains in second place in Iowa ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses, some recent polls out of other early states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina show him slipping into third  even fourth  place, behind former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. A Washington Post/Monmouth University poll out of New Hampshire last week showed DeSantis running in fifth place there.
 Flash

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday.

The deal on a four-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza for a swap of at least 50 hostages kidnapped in Gaza and some 150 Palestinian detainees held in Israel, as well as for more humanitarian aid to enter the war-stricken Palestinian enclave, was initially agreed by the two warring parties on Wednesday and is due to take effect on Thursday.

However, in an announcement late Wednesday, Israel's National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi said the Qatari-mediated deal was postponed, while the Israeli strikes were going on overnight in Gaza.

An Israeli army spokesperson reported in a statement that heavy fighting continued in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, adding that more than 300 sites were struck over the past day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday afternoon that it had apprehended the director of Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmeia, accusing him of allowing Hamas to exploit the hospital as a command and control center.

On Israeli TV broadcasts, large clouds of black smoke were seen rising above northern Gaza.

The army re-issued a call for residents of Gaza City to evacuate southward. "We address the residents of Gaza City, especially in the neighborhoods of Jabalia and Shuja'iyya, to evacuate immediately for your own safety," the IDF wrote in Arabic on the social media platform X.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with commanders inside the Gaza Strip to assess the situation on the field. In video footage released by the army, Halevi was heard telling the commanders, "We are not ending the war. We will continue until we are victorious."

The conflict has led to massive destruction in Gaza, including whole neighborhoods razed by Israeli strikes, and the killing of at least 14,532 people, mostly civilians, according to official Palestinian figures. According to Israeli figures, about 1,200 people were killed, and about 240 others were held as hostages during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered the conflict.

Amid the persistent fighting, on Thursday afternoon, the mediator Qatar announced that the Gaza truce would officially take effect at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.

On the Lebanon front, Hezbollah said in a statement on Wednesday that its fighters fired 48 rockets at Israel, the largest salvo toward Israel since the beginning of its border clashes with Israel.

The rockets triggered air raid sirens throughout the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that about 35 rockets, in addition to several anti-tank missiles and mortars, were fired from Lebanon toward various locations in northern Israel.

An unspecified number of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system, according to the army.

No casualties have been reported but Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority said two anti-tank rockets hit two residential homes in the community of Kibbutz Manara.

Israeli artillery and aircraft struck the area from which the projectiles were fired, as stated by the army. The statement mentioned that one of the launchers was hit by the "Iron Sting," a dual guidance system utilizing both laser and GPS, which was introduced into combat within the past month.

According to figures released by Hezbollah, at least 85 militants have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the beginning of the escalation, while a Lebanese military source told Xinhua on Wednesday that a total of 115 people on the Lebanese side had been killed in clashes with Israel.
The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan was disrupted by pro-Palestine protesters Thursday who glued their hands to the asphalt in a bid to call attention to the ongoing bombing in Gaza.

Multiple protesters jumped the barricades and attempted to block the parade on Sixth Ave. near W. 45th St. about 10 a.m. Some glued their hands to the asphalt.

Floats, marching bands and the parades iconic balloons had to navigate around the protesters as cops moved in to make arrests.

Activists clad in white jumpsuits, some emblazoned with the words Colonialism, Militarism, and Ethnic Cleansing poured fake blood on one another and the roadway, videos posted online shows. Others held a banner reading Liberation for Palestine and planet.

Another dozen protestors rushed the parade route and unfurled a banner that read Genocide then genocide now, and chanted Free Palestine, video shared by the group Writers Against the War on Gaza shows.

Cops hauled the protestors off the parade route but police officials could not immediately say how many people were arrested.

Another protest organized by the group Within Our Lifetime swelled to hundreds at Madison Square Park before marching through Manhattan, video shared online showed.

Protesters later marched through Midtown, stopping to chant outside the New York Times building on Eighth Ave. before heading down W. 42nd St. and massing in Times Square.

Mayor Eric Adams, joined by top cop Edward Caban at a Wednesday press conference, said police have been on high alert because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

We are not going to tolerate any disruptions. Were very keen on that, Adams told outlet amNY at a separate event.

The parade was expected to feature 26 floats and 32 balloons.

Macys did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the protests.

-------
Sophie Levitt, a Jewish student at Arizona State University in Tempe, joined the campus chapter of Students for Justice for Palestine when she was a freshman, eager to broaden her worldview after what she describes as a sheltered upbringing in suburban Illinois.

I learned more about Palestine and how the movement for Palestinian freedom goes along with my own values, said Levitt, 21, who is now a junior majoring in justice studies and one of the chapters key organizers.

In recent weeks, Levitt watched as people across the country  advocacy groups and politicians and fellow student activists  excoriated Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a network of campus groups that are affiliated with a national wing but operate autonomously. In a court filing, the American Civil Liberties Union described the national wing as a coalition and networking group for SJPs and other like-minded groups on college campuses across the nation.

The criticism has been vehement. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused SJP activists of being in league with Hamas, and a state official ordered the deactivation of chapters at two state schools. Two leading Jewish advocacy organizations lambasted SJPs national steering committee for appearing to commend the Oct. 7 terror attacks. At least three colleges have restricted their local chapters activities.

University of Central Florida students rally in support of Palestine (Paul Hennesy / Anadolu via Getty Images)

The backlash to those moves has also been intense. Free speech advocates and civil liberties organizations argue that the crackdowns on SJP chapters in Florida amount to unconstitutional infringements on the First Amendment. Meanwhile, some rank-and-file SJP members say their activism has been wrongly punished and incorrectly conflated with the national committees rhetoric.

We dont meet with them, we dont really communicate with them, we dont get funds from them, said Malak Abuhashim, 21, a senior at Cornell University who has family in Gaza and is active in the campus SJP. Its not really that close of a relationship.

Its really concerning to see things like this happening, Abuhashim added, referring to the recent restrictions. We are simply asking for the liberation of all people in the land of Palestine.

The national committee did not respond to an email from NBC News with a list of questions. The committees members are anonymous, and the coalitions website directs members of the news media to a generic form for questions.

Heated rhetoric

In the days after the Oct. 7 terror attack, the national wing of SJP came under fierce scrutiny for a five-page toolkit document distributed to campus chapters. The document referred to the deadly assault as a historic win for the Palestinian resistance. The toolkit also suggested talking points for SJP chapters, such as: We as Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement.

The Anti-Defamation League, one of the most prominent Jewish advocacy groups in the U.S., lambasted SJP for having explicitly endorsed the actions of Hamas. The ADL and another Jewish rights group, the Brandeis Center, later called on nearly 200 college presidents to investigate their chapters.

DeSantis ordered Florida education officials to deactivate SJP chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, arguing that the toolkit constituted material support for a foreign terrorist organization  a felony. Brandeis University, which is not affiliated with the Brandeis Center, banned its chapter because, in its view, the national SJP openly supports Hamas, a terrorist organization.

Columbia University and George Washington University, meanwhile, suspended their chapters for the rest of the fall term because they purportedly broke campus policies around holding public events and demonstrations. (GWUs branch of SJP came under the spotlight after students projected slogans critical of the Israeli government on the wall of a library, such as Divestment From Zionist Genocide Now.)

The debate around SJP has grown heated partly because of concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia on campuses. In interviews, Jewish and Muslim students have described a growing sense of fear and anxiety. The ADL and the Council on American-Islamic Relations have both documented spikes in hate incidents targeting Jews and Muslims across the U.S.

Students For Justice In Palestine Holds Day Of Resistance Across The Nation (Michaal Nigro / Sipa USA via AP file)

The efforts to curb SJPs activities appear to have added to the firestorm. Columbia students protested over university administrators decision, which also put prohibitions on another group, Jewish Voice for Peace. The American Civil Liberties Union and the civil rights organization Palestine Legal filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of students at the University of Florida, alleging that the states deactivation order violated the U.S. Constitution.

In the lawsuit, the ACLU argues that Florida officials have not provided evidence or a basis for the material support for terrorism allegation. The civil liberties group states that the Supreme Court, in the 2010 decision Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project, found that independent political advocacy does not equal support of a terror group.

Independent political advocacy is not a fungible service akin to financial contributions, the ACLU wrote in the suit. It does not impart a skill that terrorist organizations may use to their benefit, and it does not directly displace costs so as to effectively subsidize a terrorist organizations illegal efforts.

Jonathan Friedman, a director at PEN America, a group that advocates for free expression, blasted the DeSantis order as part of a pattern from the Florida government, which he said is ready to cast aside free speech to silence students and censor campuses.

Friedman said he believes the SJP toolkit in question included abhorrent sentiments, but when university administrators or government officials believe students have made offensive statements or even supported hateful ideologies, it does not give them free license to abridge First Amendment rights.

Jeremy Redfern, a spokesman for DeSantis, did not immediately reply to two emails seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Guilt by association?

The ACLU argues that SJP members at the University of Florida are effectively being penalized because of the national steering committees rhetoric about Oct. 7  a sentiment echoed by students in other states.

We are not directly related to the national organization. We have our own missions and our own demands, said Levitt, the ASU student. We share the same name, but we dont necessarily endorse everything the national SJP puts out.

I think grouping every individual chapter with what the national organization has said does a disservice, Levitt added.

The first chapter of SJP was founded at the University of California, Berkeley, in the early 1990s, and associated groups have since spread across the country. SJP chapters are not uniform in their tactics, and some are more confrontational than others. The typical chapter holds protests, rallies and other campus events that are meant to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people.

Pro-Palestinian Rally Held On Columbia University Campus (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

However, a member of SJP at the University Florida who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were concerned about digital harassment said that many ground-level chapter members nonetheless agree with the national wings rhetoric and political goals. I dont think its accurate to say everyone involved in the SJP is denouncing the national coalitions language, the student said.

Indeed, the ADL has highlighted various radical comments from SJP chapters that echo the rhetoric used in the national toolkit, such as a statement from students at Hunter College that calls on institutions to stand up against the occupation and actively support the Al-Aqsa Flood initiative, the Arabic name for the Oct. 7 attack.

Gali Polichuk, 22, a senior studying sustainability at the University of Florida, said she is feeling increasingly on edge about rising antisemitism on campuses nationwide. She believes the local SJP has a right to protest the war, but she is frustrated that the groups rhetoric has fostered what she characterized as a hateful environment.

She was particularly disturbed when she heard a group of pro-Palestinian activists chanting resistance is justified, which she interpreted as a reference to Oct. 7. At the end of the day, its free speech, Polichuk said.

Brandeis Universitys decision to ban SJP is not unprecedented. Fordham University barred students from starting an SJP chapter in part because administrators believed the club would create polarization on campus and run contrary to the mission and values of the school, according to Palestine Legal.

The SJP restrictions at Columbia and George Washington University are more limited in scope: Columbias chapter is suspended for the rest of the fall term; GWUs chapter is suspended for three months.

Of course, not every SJP chapter clashes with educational administrators. The relationship between SJP members and university leaders at the University of Oregon, for example, has been fairly smooth, with no reported issues, said Maxwell Gullickson, a student at the Eugene campus who is involved in the group, which held a rally on the campus this month that drew little pushback.

It is noteworthy that, as of now, there havent been any indications from the university administration about attempts to shut down our chapter, Gullickson said in an email. In the event that such a situation arises, we are prepared to assess the circumstances and determine an appropriate course of action.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Pro-Palestine protesters demonstrated outside the home of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee president, lighting smoke bombs and accusing him of killing babies.

Demonstrators held the protest at AIPAC President Michael Tuchin's vacation home in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving.

"AIPAC spends tens of millions to control pro-genocide congress members," protest organizers wrote of Tuchin and AIPAC.

"F--- your holiday baby killer!" the group added.

AOC ACCUSES PRO-ISRAEL PAC OF BEING 'EXTREMIST ORGANIZATION THAT DESTABILIZES US DEMOCRACY'

American Israel Public Affairs Committee President Michael Tuchin introduces Secretary of State Antony Blinken before his address to the AIPAC Policy Summit at a hotel in Washington, D.C.

The demonstration was organized by People's City Council, a local leftist organization that describes itself as an "abolitionist, anti-capitalist & anti-imperialist collective amplifying the voice of the people through direct action, public ed + community space."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Smoke bombs were lit outside the residence, filling the area outside Tuchin's residence with a gray haze, according to video shared on X by the account Stop Antisemitism.

Protesters also spilled red paint around the area, symbolically accusing Tuchin of having "blood" on his hands.

HOSTAGE FAMILIES REBUKE JOURNALISTS' 'FALSE EQUIVALENCE' BETWEEN ISRAEL, HAMAS AT VATICAN PRESS CONFERENCE

AIPAC is a nonpartisan, pro-Israel political action committee (PAC) that lobbies for Israeli interests in Washington.

It is one of the most powerful foreign interest PACs in the country and has been sharply criticized by left-wing members of Congress.

"AIPAC endorsed scores of Jan 6th insurrectionists. They are no friend to American democracy," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Halloween this year.

A pro-Palestine demonstrator protests in front of the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles. The woman holds a sign with the words, "Say No To AIPAC! Stop Funding Israel!"

She continued, "They are one of the more racist and bigoted PACs in Congress as well, who disproportionately target members of color. They are an extremist organization that destabilizes U.S. democracy."

Rep. Ilhan Omar has been similarly outspoken against the organization.

The congresswoman previously called AIPAC a "right-wing Super PAC funded by millions of dollars in Dark Money spending."

Fox News' Houston Keen contributed to this report.





Original article source: Protesters target AIPAC president's home with 'baby killer' accusations, red paint
Landlord Neil Taylor said prices would have to rise

A landlord has said his pub would not be sustainable if government support for the hospitality industry had been axed by the chancellor during the Autumn Statement.

Neil Taylor from The Fox at Shipley, on the Staffordshire/Shropshire border, welcomed the 75% discount to business rates continuing until 2025.

He said the 30,000 annual bill was one of his major overheads, along with utility bills costing 5,000 a month.

The 75% business rates relief scheme was introduced in November 2022 to support businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.

In his Autumn Statement the Chancellor also announced a freeze on alcohol duty until August 2024.

But the Campaign for Real Ale group (Camra), described it as a "missed opportunity".

The organisation said the government should have cut taxes on draft beer and cider served in pubs instead of an across-the-board freeze on all alcohol duty.

'Prices will rise'

Landlord Neil Taylor said the chancellor had taken with one hand and given with the other.

He welcomed a freeze on alcohol duty and rates relief, but said prices would have to rise to pay for an increase in the minimum wage, known as the National Living Wage.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that it would rise by 1.04 to 11.44 per hour from April, and would apply to 21 and 22-year-olds for the first time.

Mr Taylor said: "We have a mixed skill set in this industry and people paid a lot more than the living wage expect you to keep a gap between their hourly rate and the living wage.

"There's only so much we can charge for a meal, but we have to pass the costs on."
This embedded content is not available in your region.

Police have identified the victims of a deadly car blast at a border crossing between the US and Canada.

Kurt Villani and his wife Monica Villani, both 53, died when their car became airborne and crashed on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.

They lived 10 miles (16km) south of the crash site in Grand Island, New York.

A US border agent was also injured in the incident on Wednesday, which prompted a large emergency response and the closure of four border crossings.

The security scare came on the eve of American Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul later ruled out terrorism.

The couple's family owns a chain of hardware and lumber stores in New York State.

In a statement released to CBC, the family said they were grateful for the "prayers, condolences and well wishes" they had received.

It is still unclear what caused the couple's vehicle to rapidly accelerate before it flew through the air and burst into flames.

The mayor of Niagara Falls in New York, Robert Restaino, told the New York Times on Thursday that the couple had been driving an older Bentley vehicle and were on their way to a concert in Canada, thought to be a Kiss show that was later cancelled due to illness in the band.

He added that police are investigating several possibilities behind the crash, including whether the car suffered a mechanical failure that caused it to accelerate.

The incident happened at around 11:30 local time (16:30 GMT) on Wednesday.

Gov Hochul said the car travelled at a "very high rate of speed", hurtling over an 8ft (2.4m) fence on the New York side of the border near a checkpoint.

The vehicle was "incinerated", she said, with nothing left but the engine. A registration plate was not even recovered.

The incident caused major traffic disruption on one of the busiest travel days of the year

The Rainbow Bridge, which connects motorists and pedestrians between Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Canada, was closed for two days following the incident.

Other bridges connecting the US and Canada nearby, the Peace, Queenston-Lewiston and Whirlpool Rapids Bridges, were temporarily closed but reopened on Wednesday evening.

The FBI took over the initial investigation, and later said it found "no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus".

The case was then handed over to the Niagara Falls Police Department in New York State which is handling it as a traffic investigation.

On Friday, police said that investigation was ongoing and gave no additional details.
Rapper Young Thug performs during the Grammy Awards in February 2019, in Los Angeles (Robyn Beck)

Opening statements in the long-awaited US gang conspiracy trial targeting rapper Young Thug are due next week -- and the prosecution controversially will be allowed to present rap lyrics as evidence.

Critics say the practice that's sparked controversy numerous times over past decades is a constitutional violation of expression that stifles creativity, taking slice-of-life lyrics out of context and criminalizing artists of color.

This time around the defense had sought to exclude lyrics from evidence, saying the use of verses could unfairly influence the jury.

But Atlanta Judge Ural Glanville ruled that 17 sets of lyrics could be admitted, and that additional verses could be presented if prosecutors can "lay the foundation" of how they connect to alleged real-life crimes.

The American Civil Liberties Union in the past has deemed prosecuting raps a violation of free speech, including in the trial of Christopher Bassett, an aspiring Tennessee rapper who was convicted of murder.

The ACLU contended in that case that the state's admission of a music video as evidence in the trial violated the first amendment protecting free speech, saying that both images and lyrics fall under its safeguards.

Young Thug, the 32-year-old rapper born Jeffery Williams, was one of 28 alleged street gang members originally swept up in a May 2022 racketeering indictment. Many of those defendants have since taken plea deals or will be tried separately.

The accusations included myriad predicate offenses that support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing and theft.

Prosecutors say Young Thug's record label is a front for a crime ring, arguing that the defendants belong to a branch of the Bloods street gang identified as Young Slime Life, or YSL.

But defense lawyers insist YSL -- Young Stoner Life Records, a hip-hop and trap label that Young Thug founded in 2016 -- is simply a music label and vague association of artists, not a gang.

- 'Fictional art form' -

During a recent motions hearing on the matter of allowing lyrics as evidence, the prosecution said "the question is not rap lyrics. The question is gang lyrics."

"These are party admissions," said prosecutor Mike Carlson. "They just happen to come in the form of lyrics."

But the defense countered that "rap is the only fictional art form treated this way."

"As soon as you put these lyrics in front of a jury the blinders drop," said Doug Weinstein, who represents the artist Yak Gotti.

Several studies attest to Weinstein's argument, including a 2016 paper published in the "Psychology, Public Policy, and Law" journal that found rap was evaluated "more negatively" than country or in a control group.

The findings, authors said, "highlight the possibility that rap lyrics could inappropriately impact jurors when admitted as evidence to prove guilt."

Erik Nielson, a University of Richmond professor and specialist on the subject, told AFP in an interview earlier this year that prosecuting rap lyrics "resides in a much longer tradition of punishing Black expression."

He noted that the explosion of social media has exacerbated the "troubling" trend of prosecuting rap by making "this music and these videos far more accessible to everyone."

Nielson could not comment directly on the YSL case as he will testify in it as an expert witness, but said that "we know that this issue of rap on trial is just one manifestation of a system that is hell-bent on locking up young men of color."

The scholar said he thinks prosecutors see lyrics as "insurance" that they will secure a conviction.

"If you have other evidence, don't use the rap lyrics," Nielson said.

"And if you don't have other evidence, don't bring the charges in the first place."

Monday's opening statements are slated to begin nearly 11 months after a painstaking jury selection process began, in the same courthouse where former president Donald Trump is also embroiled in a racketeering case.

The YSL trial could continue well into 2024: The prosecution filed a list of hundreds of potential witnesses.

The defense's list includes expert and character witnesses including family members as well as fellow rappers T.I. and Killer Mike.

mdo/bfm
Cruise ship companies are failing sexual assault victims, lawsuits seen by Business Insider show.

Experts told BI this is not a new issue, and that victims don't get much support.

A lack of law enforcement and scarcity of trained staff are part of the problem, they said.

In the early hours of February 9, 2023, the party at the Horizon Bar on the rear deck of the MSC Meraviglia was dying down.

Two women, however, approached the bartender and asked for one more drink, according to a lawsuit seen by Business Insider.

At first, the bartender, identified in the documents only as Ryan, told them that the bar was already closed  he was no longer serving alcohol.

But after some debate, Ryan changed his mind and motioned for one of the women to come to another bar in a "staff-only area" of the ship so that he could give her the promised drink.

What the lawsuit describes next was fast and violent  and in keeping with a growing number of passengers who say they were sexually assaulted at sea.

The bar was empty and as the woman stepped inside Ryan "overpowered" her and started "aggressively kissing her," the lawsuit said.

In a panic, the unnamed woman tried to fight back, but Ryan "forcefully pushed her to the ground" and "aggressively forced his penis into her mouth," it added. He then ejaculated "in her mouth, in her hair, on her face, on her legs and onto her clothing."

MSC Cruises denied all the allegations in court, and the case was dismissed without prejudice in September.

A spokesperson for the company said in a statement to Business Insider: "The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of assault against a passenger or crew member.

"Though we are unable to comment on an individual case, we have an uncompromising code of conduct for crew members and do not tolerate inappropriate behavior. We offer support to victims, comply with all regional requirements to report incidents to the appropriate authorities, and assist fully with their investigations."

The woman's lawyers did not respond to a request for comment from BI.

Guests on MSC Meraviglia gather by the pool as the sun sets and the ship prepares to take sail from Port Canaveral on Oct. 13, 2022. Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Sexual assault is rife on cruise ships

The case is one of 11 lawsuits reviewed by BI, which were filed between 2014 and 2023, and reveal the extent of sexual assault allegations on cruise ships.

While the lawsuits differ, they contain the same accusation: that cruise operators appear to be more interested in covering their tracks than protecting or helping victims.

Some also claimed the way their reports were handled indicated that security officials on cruise ships are often not trained sufficiently to deal with them.

Sexual assault has been the most reported crime aboard major cruise lines since at least 2015, according to data provided by the US Department of Transportation .

Between 2015 and 2022, there have been more than 450 reported allegations of sex crimes on cruise ships including on Carnival, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line, the data shows. Experts told BI that the number is likely much higher because victims are usually too scared or embarrassed to come forward.

Carnival, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line did not respond to requests for comment about the figures.

Cases are also difficult to track because there is no independent law enforcement that can investigate such crimes at sea.

While some of the victims are crew members, most of them are passengers, according to the data. A third of them are minors, a congressional report found in 2013.

In one incident from 2019, a woman on Carnival Valor alleges she was raped by one cruise ship employee in a cabin, while another crew member "watched and guarded" the door. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2021.

Another 2014 lawsuit claimed that a woman on MS Carnival Sensation was attacked by a group of male passengers who "forced their way into the stateroom, and physically and sexually attacked, assaulted and battered, and raped" her.

The woman and Carnival reached a confidential settlement agreement in 2021.

"They will do anything to keep victims quiet"

Ross Klein, a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland who tracks cruise crimes on his website CruiseJunkie.com. , told BI that companies want to cover up sexual assault allegations "as quickly as they can."

"They will do anything to keep victims quiet," he said. "They'll try to give freebies, they'll try to give a nicer cabin. They'll do what they can to make a person feel better."

The attempt to silence victims begins from the moment a report is made up until the courtroom  if victims even decide to take it that far, he added.

Cruise companies operating in and out of US ports are required to report crimes to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), as per the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act that was passed in 2010.

But under the law, the only type of sex crime that needs to be reported by companies is rape, and cruise ship operators often have the liberty to define whether or not a report can be classified as such, Klein said.

"Of course, they are very likely, in filling out that form for the FBI, to be consulting with their legal managers to be sure what they put down corresponds with what people on shore want them to put down," Klein told BI.

"So whether or not a passenger believes they've been sexually assaulted is immaterial. The cruise line makes that determination for them," he added.

Crime scene tape marks off the area near the Princess Cruises Grand Princess as it sits docked in the Port of Oakland in California, on March 10, 2020. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

In December 2018, a 21-year-old woman alleged she was raped by a crew member while traveling on the Carnival Miracle in the Caribbean Sea.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in court documents seen by BI, was leaving a late-night comedy show when she was stopped by a crew member on top of a flight of stairs. She was then pulled into a nearby storage closet and raped, it said.

After telling a friend what happened, she went to report the crime. The 21-year-old was questioned by security and had to give a video statement in which she identified the alleged perpetrator.

She was taken to a medical facility where she was provided with a rape kit.

But while going for the examination she was "subjected to numerous episodes of humiliation," the lawsuit said, because she had to walk through "dozens of passengers who were waiting to disembark the ship."

"They were ogling her as she passed through them in just a T-shirt as she was not provided any fresh clothes to wear," the lawsuit claimed.

The woman's lawyer later also told BuzzFeed News that Carnival did not preserve the rape kit, which means it could not have been used as evidence during litigation.

The woman eventually followed up with Carnival staff to see if the employee had been fired or if any disciplinary action was taken, according to the lawsuit.

"They did not respond," it added.

The company also refused to provide her with access to any CCTV footage showing her with the assailant, any witness statements that were completed at Carnival's request, and her video statement, the lawsuit alleged.

Carnival told the Washington Post last year that the alleged assailant was fired from the cruise line but that he was never charged.

Carnival was the defendant in the lawsuit, and in July 2022, the Miami-based federal court returned more than $10.2 million in favor of the passenger.

In a statement to BI, a Carnival spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on individual cases, but added: "While we recognize that even one incident is too many, allegations of major crimes on cruise ships are extremely rare."

"In the unlikely event of a reported incident, our ships are equipped with security, medical staff, and facilities to handle and investigate alleged sexual assaults and provide immediate victim care services," they added.

Carnival Conquest docked in Key West, Florida. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Poorly trained staff are part of the problem, Jim Walker , a maritime lawyer who has represented more than 2,500 cruise ship clients over the last 25 years, told BI.

Many fail to collect critical evidence for victims of sexual assaults on cruise ships, making it harder to prove anything, he said.

While most of the perpetrators are other cruise passengers, a number of them are also crew members.

Walker told BI that many of these companies also don't vet their crew members. When he sues cruise ship companies and obtains the perpetrator's employment files, he often finds that there is virtually no pre-employment investigation before hiring crew members, Walker said.

"The truth is, cruise companies don't know much about the employees they hire," he told BI. "They often rely on third parties to do that for them."

Walker also said that he has been part of cases where a crew member of one cruise company was fired, only to be hired by another major company several months later.

"Most crew members are hard-working and honest individuals," he said. "But the cruise lines have not come up with an effective system to weed out the very few who are criminals."

"I don't know how they sleep at night, I really don't"

Jamie Barnett, from the organization International Cruise Victims (ICV), told BI that the behavior of cruise companies makes victims feel "lost and very isolated."

"The companies have virtually silenced every victim that comes forward, which is why we don't hear much about this problem," she added. "And it's not going away anytime soon."

"I don't know how they sleep at night, I really don't," she said.

Barnett credited Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal for being one of the only lawmakers in Congress who is pushing to bring about tougher restrictions, including establishing a hotline for people who report crimes while on a cruise and making it compulsory for cruise ships to notify the FBI within four hours of an alleged incident.

But passing these laws will take time, and victims are left mostly alone in the meantime, she added.

Cruise companies, she said, "will fight tooth and nail before they would roll over and not do what they needed to do, to keep the public from knowing."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A publicly funded state university like ASU should be encouraging serious discussion of important issues, including the complicity of the United States in how Israel mistreats the Palestinian people.

That includes violations of Palestinians freedom and safety in the war Israel is waging in Gaza in the aftermath of Oct. 7.

Instead of fostering such dialogue, Arizona State University squandered an opportunity when it canceled a campus talk by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

Thats a shame. The Israel-Gaza war deserves a public discussion.

Israel has been a violent aggressor

Thanks to the brave journalists covering the Israel-Gaza war, more than 50 of whom have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, Americans are witnessing the terrible physical and psychological wounds being caused by the war that began folllowing Hamas attack on Israel.

Thousands of people in Israel, and millions of people in Gaza and in the West Bank are victims of the violence.

Israel has destroyed almost half of the homes in Gaza and has severely restricted the supply of clean water, food, shelter, electricity, sanitation and medical supplies for the people of Gaza.

No hospitals in Gaza are fully functioning. President Biden has described the initial bombing of Gaza by Israel as indiscriminate.

Palestinians living in the West Bank are also under attack as Israeli settler violence surges there.

According to the U.N., more than 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank so far this year. Israeli settlers murder Palestinians with impunity because the Israeli government rarely prosecutes Israeli settlers for attacking or killing Palestinians.

Tlaib is one of few calling for a ceasefire

Despite the objections of many U.S. presidents over several decades, Israel encourages the continuing confiscation of Palestinian lands and the construction of Jewish-only settlements on those confiscated lands in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem.

Yet the U.S. government gives Israel $3.8 billion in military aid each year with no restrictions on how it is used.

Palestinians understandably are fearful and they feel abandoned by the U.S. government and the American people as they struggle to survive Israeli aggression and expansion.

Its a humanitarian catastrophe and now two-thirds of Americans think Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll from Nov. 14.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib: Has every right to speak at ASU

The problem is that many members of the U.S. Congress are not listening to the voters who elected them. As of Nov. 19, only 40 members of Congress are calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian-American serving in the U.S. Congress.

She is a champion for the human rights of Americans, Palestinians and Israelis.

ASU shut down a chance for dialogue

After Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, she said, I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today, and every day. 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.

She has spoken out many times to condemn antisemitism.

The AZPal Network, a group of Arizona citizens committed to bringing together groups in the state that advocate for Palestinian human rights, worked with three ASU student groups during the past two months to organize a talk by Rep. Tlaib at the ASU main campus in Tempe on Nov. 17.

So many people wanted to hear Rep. Tlaib speak at ASU that registration for the event had to be closed.

The day before U.S. Rep. Tlaib was to give her talk, three conservative Arizona state legislators demanded that ASU cancel her talk at ASU. There was a campaign by other groups to demand that the event be canceled.

Then, in a late-night email, citing a violation of its policies and procedures, the ASU Office of General Council informed organizers that her talk could not take place on the ASU campus.

Rather than encourage a respectful exchange of ideas on its campus, ASU has created obstacles that prevent ASU student groups from inviting community members to hear members of Congress speak at the university.

The result is a loss for the students at ASU and for the wider metro Phoenix community. What a missed opportunity.

Michael Bradley is a retired elementary school teacher living in metro Phoenix. He volunteers as a coordinator of the AZPal Network, which advocates for Palestinian human rights. Reach him at miketbradley@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rep. Rashida Tlaib deserved to speak at ASU, not be shut down
It's the first time Lana Del Rey is headlining the festivals

Fred Again, Lana Del Rey and Catfish and the Bottlemen have been announced as headliners of next year's Reading and Leeds festivals.

Blink-182 and Liam Gallagher will also be rocking the main stages.

The festival will take place on 21 to 25 August, returning to Richfield Avenue, Reading, and Leeds' Bramham Park.

It will be the only time Lana, Fred Again and Blink-182 will play UK festival sets in 2024.

Festivalgoers will also have the chance to see Gerry Cinnamon, American DJ Skrillex, band Spiritbox, rapper Digga D and Mercury Prize nominee Raye.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Oasis' Definitely Maybe, Liam Gallagher will be playing the album in full.

"The most RnR [rock and roll] festivals we have left in the UK. Be there or be square LG x," the Oasis star posted online.

Fred Again played at Glastonbury in June 2023

For Fred Again, like many teenagers, he says it's "the first festival I ever went to".

Fans have expressed excitement about the return of indie rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen, who last headlined in 2021, but have "disappeared" for the last two years.

Melvin Benn, managing director of promoter Festival Republic, says it's "very rewarding" to see Catfish And The Bottlemen headlining the festival for a second time.

He also describes the 2023 edition as being "a hugely successful year for attendance".

At Leeds Festival 2023, more people were arrested for drug offences, compared to the previous year, as part of a police crackdown following the death of a teenager.

David Celino, 16, died after taking drugs at Leeds Festival in 2022.

Both Festival Republic and West Yorkshire Police have said safety planning for the 2024 festival had begun.

Tickets go on general sale on 30 November.

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House hunters may not be seeing every place on the market that fits their criteria. According to new research, buyers agents tend to turn up their noses at listings that dont offer the largest commissions.

It has long been suspected that some agents engage in steering  guiding their buyer-clients away from low-paying listings. And a new study  conducted by Jordan M. Barry from the University of Southern Californias Gould School of Law, John William Hatfield from the University of Texas at Austin and independent researcher Will Fried  indicates that the practice is alive and well in the housing ecosystem.

Steering not only hurts buyers, the authors maintain, but also sellers: Houses that offer buyer-agents a smaller share of the commission pie take longer to sell, if they sell at all.

The researchers say that steering is a key reason why (real estate) agent commissions have remained high in the internet era, even as commissions in other industries have plummeted. They call their study the first systematic, nationwide evidence that buyer-agents do, in fact, steer clients away from properties that offer low buyer-agent commissions.

Some may say its a conclusion in search of a theory, but the researchers believe otherwise. They based the study on the number of page views for individual listings on the Redfin website, and tested the hypothesis that the listings paying the least would receive fewer hits.

The study has nothing to do with the various class-action lawsuits filed against the National Association of Realtors and several large brokerage firms. The suits allege that NAR and the brokerages have conspired to require sellers to cover buyer-agents commissions, thereby forcing sellers to pay excessive fees. A jury has already sided with the plaintiffs in one such case in Missouri, and now the plaintiffs attorney is going after other brokerages.

The study is, however, another shot at the way home sales are normally handled. Let me get into the weeds here for a minute: Real estate is a classic collaborative business, in which agents working at cross purposes  one for the seller and one for the buyer  are paid only when the deal closes. Even though they serve competing sides, the two rivals share the same goal.

Sellers set the rate their agents will be paid, typically 5% to 6%. And that fee is shared with the buy-side agent, usually split in half. But this means that sellers are, in effect, setting the rate for the buy-side agent  who is negotiating against them to get the best deal for their client. Knowing that, some sellers and agents decide to lower the buy-side agents share.

After all, the thinking goes, that agent doesnt work for me, so why should I pay them so much?

Going further, the Consumer Federation of America has suggested each side should pay their own commissions, effectively giving buyers the opportunity to negotiate their own fees.

Now back to our original topic: Federal lawmakers and regulators have been concerned about steering for decades, but they have been unable to unearth hard evidence about the practice. A few years ago, though, the Department of Justice entered into an agreement with NAR that allowed portals like Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com to publicly display what share of the sales commission would be paid to the buy-side agent. And now that buy-side agents can see the commission they stand to earn, they have a strong incentive to direct their clients away from low-commission properties.

Therefore, the researchers say, sellers have little inducement to offer lower commissions, costing both them and their eventual buyers millions in sales commissions every year.

The findings are based on a review of about 265,000 listings in more than 30 of the countys largest markets. Since steering is difficult to observe directly, researchers looked at page views per listing. This is a significant innovation, Barry, Hatfield and Fried say. Page views measure how much attention particular properties garner, and can thus indicate how much steering is taking place.

What they discovered is sobering. They found that, all else being equal, low-commission listings attracted less attention. The lower the fee, the more agents who wanted nothing to do with it. Moreover, the researchers observed that listings with the lowest commissions took 33% longer to sell.

Even when the commission was just slightly below the going rate, selling took longer. Worse, there was a higher risk of a failed sale. In a typical market, they reported, our best estimate is that these lowest-commission properties face a 75% greater risk of not selling at all.

NAR, the trade group for the million-plus agents and brokers nationwide, has always maintained that its members do not engage in commission-based steering, largely because it would be directly opposed to their fiduciary responsibilities to their clients. But the researchers statistics paint a different picture. Even controlling for such variables as a homes asking price, location, size and age, they found that buy-side agents show less interest in houses with commissions lower than the prevailing rate.

Lew Sichelman has been covering real estate for more than 50 years. He is a regular contributor to numerous shelter magazines and housing and housing-finance industry publications. Readers can contact him at lsichelman@aol.com.
 Flash

Three New Zealand political parties announced on Friday the lineup for a new coalition government after weeks of negotiations.

The new coalition government of National Party, ACT New Zealand party and New Zealand First party will be stable, effective and will deliver for all New Zealanders, National's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said during the signing ceremony at the parliament.

NZ First's leader Winston Peters will be deputy prime minister for the first half of the three-year parliamentary term, and ACT's leader David Seymour will be deputy prime minister for the second half of the term.

Peters will be foreign minister and Seymour will be minister for regulation assessing the quality of new and existing regulations.

The 20-strong cabinet will have 14 National ministers, three ACT ministers and three NZ First ministers. National's Nicola Willis will be the finance minister.

The new government will be sworn in on Monday.

"Despite the challenging economic environment, New Zealanders can look forward to a better future because of the changes the new government will make," Luxon said after signing the deal to form the new coalition.

The incoming prime minister said the new government will ease the cost of living and deliver tax relief, restore law and order, and deliver better public services.

The National Party won the general election on Oct. 14, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office. However, with no party winning a majority of seats, the formation of a new government depended on the outcome of interparty negotiations to form a coalition government.

New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional voting system to elect its parliament. Under this system, the government is usually formed by two or more parliamentary political parties.
This article was originally published in CalMatters.

Pushing back against the surge of misinformation online, California will now require all K-12 students to learn media literacy skills  such as recognizing fake news and thinking critically about what they encounter on the internet.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last month signed Assembly Bill 873, which requires the state to add media literacy to curriculum frameworks for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies, rolling out gradually beginning next year. Instead of a stand-alone class, the topic will be woven into existing classes and lessons throughout the school year.

Ive seen the impact that misinformation has had in the real world  how it affects the way people vote, whether they accept the outcomes of elections, try to overthrow our democracy, said the bills sponsor, Assemblymember Marc Berman, a Democrat from Menlo Park. This is about making sure our young people have the skills they need to navigate this landscape.

Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now.

The new law comes amid rising public distrust in the media, especially among young people. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that adults under age 30 are nearly as likely to believe information on social media as they are from national news outlets. Overall, only 7% of adults have a great deal of trust in the media, according to a Gallup poll conducted last year.

Media literacy can help change that, advocates believe, by teaching students how to recognize reliable news sources and the crucial role that media plays in a democracy.

The increase in Holocaust denial, climate change denial, conspiracy theories getting a foothold, and now AI  all this shows how important media literacy is for our democracy right now, said Jennifer Ormsby, library services manager for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The 2016 election was a real eye-opener for everyone on the potential harms and dangers of fake news.

AB 873 passed nearly unanimously in the Legislature, underscoring the nonpartisan nature of the topic. Nationwide, Texas, New Jersey and Delaware have also passed strong media literacy laws, and more than a dozen other states are moving in that direction, according to Media Literacy Now, a nonprofit research organization that advocates for media literacy in K-12 schools.

Still, Californias law falls short of Media Literacy Nows recommendations. Californias approach doesnt include funding to train teachers, an advisory committee, input from librarians, surveys or a way to monitor the laws effectiveness.

Keeping the bill simple, though, was a way to help ensure its passage, Berman said. Those features can be implemented later, and he felt it was urgent to pass the law quickly so students can start receiving media literacy education as soon as possible. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, as the state begins updating its curriculum frameworks, although teachers are encouraged to teach media literacy now.

Bermans law builds on a previous effort in California to bring media literacy to K-12 classrooms. In 2018, Senate Bill 830 required the California Department of Education to provide media literacy resources  lesson plans, project ideas, background  to the states K-12 teachers. But it didnt make media literacy mandatory.

The new law also overlaps somewhat with Californias effort to bring computer science education to all students. The state hopes to expand computer science, which can include aspects of media literacy, to all students, possibly even requiring it to graduate from high school. Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 1251, which creates a commission to look at ways to recruit more computer science teachers to California classrooms. Berman is also sponsoring Assembly Bill 1054, which would require high schools to offer computer science classes. That bill is currently stalled in the Senate.

Understanding media, and creating it

Teachers dont need a state law to show students how to be smart media consumers, and some have been doing it for years. Merek Chang, a high school science teacher at Hacienda La Puente Unified in the City of Industry east of Los Angeles, said the pandemic was a wake-up call for him.

During remote learning, he gave students two articles on the origins of the coronavirus. One was an opinion piece from the New York Post, a tabloid, and the other was from a scientific journal. He asked students which they thought was accurate. More than 90% chose the Post piece.

It made me realize that we need to focus on the skills to understand content, as much as we focus on the content itself, Chang said.

He now incorporates media literacy in all aspects of his lesson plans. He relies on the Stanford History Education Group, which offers free media literacy resources for teachers, and took part in a KQED media literacy program for teachers.

In addition to teaching students how to evaluate online information, he shows them how to create their own media. Homework assignments include making TikTok-style videos on protein synthesis for mRNA vaccines, for example. Students then present their projects at home or at lunchtime events for families and the community.

The biggest impact, Ive noticed, is that students feel like their voice matters, Chang said. The work isnt just for a grade. They feel like theyre making a difference.

Ormsby, the Los Angeles County librarian, has also been promoting media literacy for years. Librarians generally have been on the forefront of media literacy education, and Californias new law refers to the Modern School Library Standards for media literacy guidelines.

Ormsby teaches concepts like lateral reading (comparing an online article with other sources to check for accuracy) and reverse imaging (searching online to trace a photo to its original source or checking if its been altered). She also provides lesson plans, resources and book recommendations such as True or False: A CIA analysts guide to spotting fake news and, for elementary students, Killer Underwear Invasion! How to spot fake news, disinformation & conspiracy theories.

Shes happy that the law passed, but would like to see librarians included in the rollout and the curriculum implemented immediately, not waiting until the frameworks are updated.

The gradual implementation of the law was deliberate, since schools are already grappling with so many other state mandates, said Alvin Lee, executive director of Generation Up, a student-led advocacy group that was among the bills sponsors. Hes hoping that local school boards decide to prioritize the issue on their own by funding training for teachers and moving immediately to get media literacy into classrooms.

Disinformation contributes to polarization, which were seeing happen all over the world, said Lee, a junior at Stanford who said its a top issue among his classmates. Media literacy can address that.

In San Francisco Unified, Ricardo Elizalde is a teacher on special assignment who trains elementary teachers in media literacy. His staff gave out 50 copies of Killer Underwear! for teachers to build activities around, and encourages students to make their own media, as well.

Elementary school is the perfect time to introduce the topic, he said.

We get all these media thrown at us from a young age, we have to learn to defend ourselves, Elizalde said. Media literacy is a basic part of being literate. If were just teaching kids how to read, and not think critically about what theyre reading, were doing them a disservice.
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By now you know that Gen Zers and millennials have different attitudes on skinny jeans and hair parts. But how do you zoom in?
The Dutch city of Tilburg breathed a collective sigh of relief Friday as a highly venomous green mamba thought to be on the loose was found safe and sound in its owner's house.

Tilburg has been on edge since Monday when the serpent's owner alerted police that "he was missing a snake."

Police issued a mugshot of the "very dangerous" two-metre-long (6.5-foot) coiled green mamba, warning people to stay indoors and under no circumstances to attempt to ensnare the snake.

The snake's fate has been national news in the Netherlands -- despite media competition from a historic election -- with herpetologists regularly quoted on TV and in papers.

Authorities deployed sniffer dogs and snake experts in vain for days, before the breakthrough on Friday: the mamba had slithered behind a plaster wall.

The snake was "alert and active", said biologist Freek Vonk, who helped with the search. "It was able to drink enough water and is in very good health."

Despite police reassurance that the cold-blooded snake was unlikely to slip out into the chilly Dutch winter air, many residents had barricaded themselves inside.

ric/jm
In the winter of 1983, I was 25 and working at The New York Times as an editor on the op-ed page. In those days the Times staff for editing outside daily commentary was tinyfour peopleand I was responsible for most of the pieces on domestic policy, then, as now, my principal professional interest. The pay was handsome ($110,000 in todays dollars), and I loved living in New York Citythen, as now, a powerful magnet for recent college graduates. It was a dream job, and my parents relished the bragging rights of having a son at the Gray Lady. But there was a better job, in Washington, D.C., working as an editor and writer at less than one-quarter the pay for a magazine most people had never heard of. I grabbed it.



The magazine was The Washington Monthly, and the editor in chief was Charles Peters, who died on Thanksgiving, a few weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Charlie was (per the late Russell Baker, the Pulitzer Prizewinning columnist and author) a great editor in an age thats not producing great editors, even though he never took pencil to a manuscript (because no one except his amanuensis, Carol Trueblood, could read his handwriting). Charlie talked instead, and exhorted, and, when he got really excited, jumped up and down pounding his right fist into his left hand, in a ritual that came to be mythologized by Monthly editors as the rain dance. He was a passionate idealist, a New Deal Democrat who believed that an activist federal government had done great things in the past and could do great things in the future. But it was very much in need of a Lorena Hickock, whom history remembers chiefly as Eleanor Roosevelts probable paramour, but whom Charlie remembered as Harry Hopkinss eyes and ears traveling the country and writing dispatches about the effects of the Great Depression and Roosevelts New Deal programs on ordinary Americans, later collected in the classic volume One Third of a Nation.

Hickock was one of many distinguished Washington Monthly writers who never actually wrote for the Monthly, in Hickocks case because she died before it was founded. By this I mean writers who approached the topic of government in much the same spirit of intellectual and emotional engagement that Charlie wanted in Monthly pieces. Another was Lytton Strachey (18801932), whose profile of Florence Nightingale in Eminent Victorians revealed that the lady with the lamp, far from being some ethereal saint, had been a ferocious bureaucratic infighter whod saved British lives by dragging its army, kicking and screaming, into modern methods of sanitation. Another was Robert Caro, whose The Power Broker demonstrated the extreme dangers of unaccountable public authorities that amass great power. I was astonished one day in 1984 or so when, walking into the Monthlys dingy offices on Connecticut Avenue, I encountered Caro, already a legend (the first volume of his Lyndon Johnson biography just recently published to ecstatic reviews), perched precariously atop a stack of cardboard boxes in what passed for our reception area (there was no receptionist), waiting uncomplainingly to meet Charlie for lunch. You work for a very interesting man, he told me.

As a young state representative in West Virginia, Charlie ran John F. Kennedys 1960 presidential campaign there. That brought him to Washington, where he joined the Peace Corpss extraordinary founding team, led by Sargent Shriver and including Jay Rockefeller, Harris Wofford, Bill Moyers, William Haddad, and Frank Mankiewicz. Shriver decided that the Peace Corps needed an internal department of evaluation to make sure its programs met the needs of host countries and, if they didnt, to fix them. Charlie quickly concluded that government employees were too circumspect to perform this task properly, so he started hiring professional journalists like Baker, Calvin Trillin, and Murray Kempton on a freelance basis. He quickly realized that all agencies of the federal government could be evaluated along the lines that Shriver had proposed, and in 1969 he created The Washington Monthly to do that.

At first Charlie ran the Monthly like a normal magazine, with professional salaries and name writers and all the other conventional accoutrements. That quickly sent the Monthly into Chapter 11. So, drawing on skills hed developed when, right out of Columbia, hed managed a shoestring theatrical troupe, Charlie cut expenses to the bone. Into the 1990s, and perhaps longer, he paid himself only $24,000 and his young editors, who came in for two-year stints near the start of their careers, $8,400. (Charlie thinks, Monthly editor Jonathan Alter told me when I applied for a job there, he may soon be able to pay in the five figures. It never happened.) Working for a pittance (living largely off his wife Beths less-than-grand salary as a schoolteacher) was the price Charlie paid to have the life he wanted, and he paid it gladly. Unlike most small magazines of opinion, the Monthly did not have a wealthy owner; instead, Charlie had a revolving group of small investors to whom he turned in times of need, none of them expecting any return, which was good because they ended up owning well in excess of 100 percent of the magazine. I should here mention that Charlies favorite movie was Mel Brookss The Producers, whose two main characters go to jail for using that same maneuver to sell shares in a Broadway show that becomes an accidental hit.

Nothing like that ever happened to the Monthly. It never acquired much of a circulation, even in Washington, where to this day a surprising number of government insiders have never heard of it (though not the better sort). But it caught the attention of candidate Jimmy Carter, who hired Monthly editor James Fallows as chief White House speechwriter. Its principal influence was within the journalism community, as Charlies employees infiltrated The New York Times, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and, yes, The New Republic, carrying with them an infectious fascination with the tools of American governance.

Charlie called his creed neoliberalism, which creates some retrospective confusion today because that same word is now used to describe the market fundamentalism embraced by President Ronald Reagan and the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, neither of whom the Monthly had much use for. Charlie was anything but a market fundamentalist. He respected what capitalism could do, and occasionally he found uses for it in meeting public policy ends, but he also believed, like his hero FDR, that business warranted strict regulation and more progressive taxation. He was wary of the public-private partnerships that came into vogue in the 1980s, and, for instance, he thought the quasi-privatization of the Post Office had been a terrible mistake; he wanted it restored to political control.

At one point while I was working for Charlie he penned a Neo-Liberals Manifesto for The Washington Post that declared common cause with Gary Hart, Bill Bradley, and Paul Tsongas and attempted to lay down a common set of policies. These have not aged well, and they did not reflect Charlies true strength, which was to free himself from preconceived ideas of all sorts and embrace FDRs spirit of pragmatic experimentation to serve the common good. He was repelled by President Ronald Reagans declaration that government is the problem and by President Bill Clintons subsequent fatuous echo, the era of big government is over. He saw government as a powerful tool to improve peoples lives, and he believed it was every citizens duty to pitch in and help. His final book, published when he was 90, was titled We Do Our Part, which was the slogan of FDRs National Recovery Administration.

Charlie was a fine writer; his best book, Five Days in Philadelphia, argued persuasively that the Republican convention of 1940, in bypassing the GOPs isolationist establishment and instead nominating Wendell Willkie, played a crucial role in Hitlers defeat. But he spoke most powerfully through the journalists he trained: Taylor Branch, biographer of Martin Luther King; Fallows and Nicholas Lemann at Texas Monthly and later The Atlantic (and, still later for Lemann, The New Yorker); Gregg Easterbrook at The Atlantic; Katherine Boo at The New Yorker; Paul Glastris, who succeeded Charlie as editor of the Monthly; Michael Kinsley, Walter Shapiro, Mickey Kaus, and myself at The New Republic; Jason DeParle, James Bennet, and Michelle Cottle at The New York Times; David Ignatius, foreign affairs columnist at The Washington Post; and too many others to name. No less robust is the Monthlys roster of former interns, including John Harris, co-founder of Politico; Ezra Klein, the influential columnist and podcaster for The New York Times; Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center; and Douglas Jehl, international editor of The Washington Post. Under Glastris, the Monthly continues to send journalists out into the world who are engrossed in the unglamorous nuts and bolts of legislating and regulating.

When Charlie retired from the Monthly editorship, he started a nonprofit called Understanding Government to fund Washington Monthlystyle investigations of government bureaucracy and how it could be made to work better. It performed good work for about 15 years before shutting its doors. One of Charlies frustrations, though, was that almost all those who applied for grants were academics rather than journalists. Charlie had no particular objection to funding academic studies, but he wanted the Monthlys journalistic approach to covering the federal government to go viral, as we say today. That never happened. The nooks and crannies of government that the Monthly covers get multipage investigations in the Post or the Times when things go egregiously wrong, and more routine coverage in the trade press and in Politico Pro, the trade arm of Politico, where I worked for several years as an editor. But there is still very little in betweenongoing critical coverage aimed at improving government performance at the ground level, pitched not to government professionals but to ordinary citizens who favor more effective governance. People today want to hate government, or to defend it unquestioningly. But in a properly working democracy, when we look at government were looking at ourselves. When we dont like what we see, its up to us to set it right. Thats what Charlie Peters taught me and many others.
Human rights defenders are preparing for the COP28 climate talks next week in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), amid fears of surveillance and even arrest by the host country's strict authorities.

The UAE, where protests are rarely allowed, has said environmental defenders will be able to "peacefully assemble" in designated areas at the UN climate conference - a vast complex in the middle of the desert in the suburbs of Dubai.

But these assurances, accompanied by the promise of "inclusive" negotiations, are not enough to reassure activists determined to raise issues related to human rights.

"We are deeply concerned about people being detained and arrested," said Asad Rehman, lead spokesperson for the Climate Justice Coalition, which is planning actions on the ground.

There are also more global concerns about the extent of surveillance, he told AFP adding: "We know the UAE has the technology to monitor digital communications."

The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms, bans unauthorised protests, outlaws homosexuality and prohibits criticism of rulers and speech that is deemed to create or encourage social unrest.

Defamation as well as verbal and written insults, whether published or made in private, are prosecutable by law.

The country's penal code also criminalises offending foreign states or jeopardising ties with them.

In 2020, a Jordanian resident in the country was sentenced to ten years in prison for criticizing the Jordanian royal family and government on Facebook, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

'The last human rights defender'

HRW and Amnesty International have accused the UAE of detaining at least 64 Emiratis for political reasons. Authorities accuse them of having links to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Detainees include Ahmed Mansoor, nicknamed "the last human rights defender" of the Emirates by activists.

Arrested in 2017, he was sentenced the following year to 10 years in prison for disseminating false information on social media and damaging the reputation of the state, under a law on cybercrime.

"The UAE has suppressed any kind of domestic civil society forming by imprisoning... Emiratis who have expressed even mild criticism," Devin Kenney, Amnesty's UAE researcher, told AFP.

"Not for the first time, a COP gathering is being held in a highly repressive state."

Not for the first time, a COP gathering is being held in a highly repressive state.

On the United Nations website dedicated to COP28, guidelines drawn up by the host country recall that local laws "prohibit the spread of disinformation, fake news or making defamatory statements verbally or on social media".

In a message tailored specifically to participants from the LGBTQ+ community, all visitors and residents are asked to respect the cultural and societal values of the country.

Another recommending that journalists not publish information that could directly or indirectly offend the regime in place or undermine national unity and social cohesion was published last month and then deleted.

It was an "old guide", whose "content is obsolete and is not relevant for the media" participating in the climate negotiations scheduled from November 30 to December 12, the Emirati COP28 team explained to AFP.

Activists plan to raise taboo subjects

Demonstrations, frequent during previous COPs, were authorized during the last UN climate conference in Egypt, where the authorities regularly crack down on demonstrations and detain activists.

This year, gatherings should be confined to the blue zone of COP28, a space managed by the UN and not local authorities.

No actions, no civil society events will take place outside the COP site due to security risks, says Asad Rehman of the Climate Justice Coalition.

Activists chant slogans during a demonstration calling for "climate justice" and a transition away from fossil fuels at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt's Red Sea resort. - MOHAMMED ABED/AFP

According to him, activists plan to denounce the treatment of migrant workers in the UAE, the detention of civil society actors, as well as the production of fossil fuels - all taboo subjects for the authorities.

We have been open with the COP28 presidency and the UN and they are well aware ... that one of our calls is that there will be no climate justice without human rights he said.

A Kenyan activist who has participated in three previous COPs, including the one in Egypt last year, added another layer of worry.

"The safety and security concerns I have right now as someone going to COP is that I am a trans girl and I would have to mask that," said the activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
The family farming company of a Republican candidate for the US Senate was found liable on Tuesday in a plot to fix the price of eggs.

Related: Pussy Riot founder protests Indianas ban on nearly all abortions

Rose Acre Farms, which claims to be the second-largest egg producer in the country and until September was chaired by John Rust  now running as a Senate candidate for Indiana  was accused in a civil suit of cutting supply to raise prices.

Food giants including Kraft, Kellog, General Mills and Nestle filed the suit in Illinois federal court, arguing that between 1999 and 2008 Rose Acre and other producers  Cal-Maine Foods, United Egg Producers and United States Egg Marketers  unlawfully agreed to and did engage in a conspiracy to control supply and artificially maintain and increase the price of eggs.

Jurors agreed, finding that the egg suppliers had exported eggs to cut supply in the US market, as well as limiting the number of hens, reducing flocks and killing chickens earlier than they usually did.

The food giants argued that, as companies which buy eggs, these moves hurt them by artificially driving up their costs.

The court will consider damages starting on 29 November.

Rust chaired the board of Rose Acre until September of this year, when his brother took over. His candidacy for Senate has met setbacks: his opponent, Congressman Jim Banks, was endorsed by the Indiana Republican party and, perhaps more important for GOP candidates, by ex-president Donald Trump.

Rust is also suing Indiana over a statute that could bar him from appearing on the ballot, as it stipulates that candidates must vote in two primaries for the party with which they are affiliated, or else have their candidacy approved by a county party chair. Rust did cast his ballot as a Republican during the 2016 primary, but voted in Democratic primaries from 2006 and 2012, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Banks seized on the jurys decision against his opponent. Todays verdict proves John Rust isnt just a conman pretending to be a Republican, he is a crook who exploits working-class Hoosiers across Indiana for his own financial gain, the Associated Press quoted Banks as saying. While Indiana families struggle to put food on the table, hes making it even harder to do that.
In what appears to be a last-ditch effort to undo a Democrat sweep of the Central Bucks school board race, 45 Republicans are seeking a recount in three of the five board seats that were on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The petitioners, three in each of the 15 polling places where recounts were requested, hail from Buckingham, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township and Plumstead and cited fraud or error when asking for a recount from the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on Nov. 20.

Those polling places make up the entirety of Central Bucks regions 1, 2 and 3, where Democrats Karen Smith, Heather Reynolds and Dana Foley respectively won against their Republican challengers, Dr. Steve Mass, board President Dana Hunter and Glenn Schloeffel.

Voters wait in line at Covenant Church, in Buckingham, during the General Election on Tuesday, Novemeber 7, 2023.

The petitions are similar to a widespread recount campaign that followed the 2022 midterm election, when then state Attorney General Josh Shapiro defeated state Sen. Doug Mastriano in the governors race.

Despite a landslide victory by Shapiro in 2022, Mastriano's supporters filed a deluge of recount petitions in multiple counties, including Bucks, within weeks of the election.

Those petitions offered no direct evidence of fraud, often using what appeared to be a template to assert a belief that there was fraud or error in the counting of the votes.

Residents angry over severance package: Outgoing GOP board gives Central Bucks superintendent $700k severance as public cries foul

State law allows voters to submit a recount petition along with a $50 deposit if they believe the results in their election district are incorrect or fraudulent.

The Central Bucks petitions seem to repeat last years effort. Several of the 45 petitioners also filed the same boilerplate challenge in 2022. The petitioners all attest that they believe fraud or error has occurred in the vote counting based on information that they consider to be reliable. The petitions also all contain the same incorrect reference to the election they are seeking a recount for.

On Page 5 of each filing, the three petitioners say they believe there was miscounting of said ballots for the Republican Primary in their respective school board regions.

What could happen next?

Its unclear exactly how or if the petitions will delay the swearing in of all five Democrat school board members at the Central Bucks reorganization meeting on Dec. 4.

As of Friday afternoon, there didnt seem to be any changes to the filings, or any hearing dates posted.

If last years attempt to recount votes is any indication, the petitions probably wont have much of an impact.

The nearly 40 recount petitions filed last year were all consolidated into one case that ended in March, about four months after the election. Oral arguments werent until February, a little less than a month after Gov. Shapiros inauguration.

CBSD, Pennridge getting new leadership: Here are the priorities for newly elected Democrats in Central Bucks and Pennridge

Like the 2022 petitions, the Central Bucks voters are also asking for a recount by hand, which was one of the specific reasons County Judge Richard O. Baldi denied the requests from last years election.

The Commonwealth Court has authored three opinions which deny the Petitioners right to dictate the method by which the recount is to be conducted. There is no absolute right to a recount by hand under the facts presented here, Judge Baldi wrote in March.

Theres also the issue of whether a recount is likely to overturn the results.

Smith and Foley each took 54% of the vote in Region 1 and Region 3, respectively, and Reynolds took 53% against Hunters 47% in Region 2.

That means the recount would need to find 500 votes for either Mass or Schloeffel and about 300 votes for Hunter to have any impact on the races.

Incoming board to investigate severance: Central Bucks incoming board to investigate 11th-hour superintendent severance deal

For context, Pennsylvania laws trigger an automatic recount in statewide races if the margin between two candidates is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast.

Local races dont have an automatic recount trigger, but if the same metric was applied in the Central Bucks challenges, then Republican and Democrat candidates would need to be within 25 to 30 votes of each other to trigger it.

Most recently, that recount law was set off in the 2022 Republican Primary race for Senator between celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO Dave McCormick.

The difference between the two in early results was less than 1,000 votes in Ozs favor and the recount found Oz won by 951 votes.

Recounts in general dont tend to overturn election results.

The nonprofit voting research group FairVote, of Maryland, analyzed 34 recounts for statewide races across the country between 2000 and 2022. Only three of those races resulted in a reversal.

The study notes a "recent trend of recounts in races with no realistic possibility of an outcome reversal reveal a flaw in the current recount statutes in many states."

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Central Bucks Republicans ask for recount in three of five seats
Barry Meier, whose book about OxyContin inspired the Netflix drama Painkiller, acknowledges that the drug is "valuable for treating severe pain caused by cancer or chronic health issues." The problem, he says, was that OxyContin's manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, "could only make billions from it by lying, by saying it was good for everyday, common pain."

Netflix's six-part miniseries highlights that second point, vividly portraying Purdue Pharma's reckless marketing of OxyContin. But it dismisses the caveat: that there are legitimate medical uses for this drug and other prescription opioids, which can make life bearable for patients who otherwise would suffer from excruciating pain.

Like the 2021 Hulu series Dopesick, Painkiller embraces an indiscriminate aversion to opioids. That attitude has inspired ham-handed restrictions on pain medication, which have helped drive drug-related deaths to record levels while leaving millions of patients to suffer needlessly.

The episodes are introduced by grieving parents who tell true stories about deadly addictions, some of which involve patients who received OxyContin prescriptions. But such dire outcomes are far from typical. A 2016 New England Journal of Medicine research review found that among patients who use opioids for chronic pain, "rates of carefully diagnosed addiction" averaged less than 8 percent. The authors concluded that "addiction occurs in only a small percentage of persons who are exposed to opioidseven among those with preexisting vulnerabilities." In 2021, a California judge similarly found that the evidence indicates an addiction rate "less than 5%."

Painkiller aims to stoke outrage at clueless doctors who carelessly prescribed OxyContin based on Purdue's hype. Yet the misconceptions the series reinforces have resulted in a different sort of outrage, reflected in the headline above a 2023 New York Times video: "They Live in Constant Pain, but Their Doctors Won't Help Them."

The post Review: <i>Painkiller</i> Falls for Drug War Misconceptions appeared first on Reason.com.
Protesters and rioters clashed with police officers and a police vehicle was set ablaze in Dublin on Thursday evening after a knife attack that injured five, including three children.

According to Irish media outlet RTE, rioters attacked gardai, officers of the state police force Garda, and set a garda vehicle on fire.

The bedlam unfolded on OConnell Street and Parnell Square East, according to the outlet. Rioters were reported to have thrown fireworks and bottles at the officers.

Fire burns as people gather near the location of a suspected stabbing that left several injured in Dublin on Thursday.

Authorities said more than 400 officers, including many in riot gear, were deployed to contain the unrest, which they blamed on "a small group of thugs."

A police cordon was established around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were on nearby Grafton Street. Rioters set off flares and fireworks, while others grabbed chairs and stools outside bars and restaurants.

Police vehicles and a tram were damaged amid the chaos. A bus and car were also set on fire on the city's O'Connell Bridge. Shop windows were smashed and a Foot Locker store was looted. All public transport in the city  trams and buses  was suspended.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The riots came hours after a knife attack outside a school in the heart of Dublin around 1:30 p.m. A 5-year-old girl was receiving emergency medical treatment in a hospital. A woman and two other children were also injured. A 6-year-old girl sustained less serious injuries, and a boy was discharged from a hospital, officials said.

TERROR SUSPECT ACCUSED IN TEACHER STABBING SWORE ALLEGIANCE TO ISIS BEFORE KNIFING, PROSECUTOR SAYS

Irish police said they weren't treating the case as terror-related, adding that a man in his 50s, who was also hospitalized with serious injuries, is a "person of interest." No further details about the man's identity were released by authorities.

Riot police stand guard next to a burning police vehicle near the scene of a suspected stabbing that left children injured in Dublin on Thursday.

Police said they have a "definite line of inquiry" and that they weren't looking for anyone else in connection with the violence outside the school.

"The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear, and a lot of the rumor and innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes," Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said at an evening press conference.

EX-KOSOVAR GUERILLA LEADERS JAILED ON WAR CRIME CHARGES ACCUSED OF WITNESS MANIPULATION

Harris derided the public disorder in the city as "disgraceful."

"I wish people would calm down, go home and allow us to actually conduct our duties and investigations properly," he said.

Riot police stand guard near a suspected stabbing that left several injured in Dublin on Thursday.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said at a media briefing that preliminary indications are that a man attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

People stand in front of riot police near the scene of a suspected stabbing that left several injured in Dublin on Thursday.

He said police believe it was "a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening."

GERMAN POLICE ARREST 2 MEN ACCUSED OF SMUGGLING OVER 200 MIGRANTS INTO EUROPE

He confirmed earlier witness reports that a knife was used in the attack, but he couldn't provide more details on the nature of the injuries. He also confirmed that witnesses sought to disarm the man as soon as they saw what was going on.

The scene in Dublin, where five people were injured, including three young children, on Parnell Square East shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

"My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage, and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves," Geraghty said.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that she was "deeply shocked" by the "appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman."

She said unrest in the city "will not be tolerated."

"A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc," she said.

"We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city center as Garda Siochana carry out their work. Attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely."





Original article source: Rioters clash with police, torch car after knife attack in Dublin
Riots broke out Thursday evening in Dublin after at least 100 people took to the streets and clashed with police after a knife attack at a school left three young children injured.

According to Irish police, a man in his 50s who was detained as a person of interest and sustained injuries, attacked several people at about 1:30 p.m. local time Thursday outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire, a school at Parnell Square East, in the north of Dublin city center.

A 5-year-old girl is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in a hospital due to critical injuries, according to reports. An adult woman in her 30s was also hospitalized. Two other children  one boy, 5, and one girl, 6  were treated for less severe injuries.

Best Black Friday Deals

Hours after the attack, the BBC reported that protests had broken out in an area near the school, as crowds of people  some of whom were masked and armed with metal bars  began to chant anti-immigration slogans, set police vehicles on fire, loot local stores and attack police officers.

More than 400 officers, equipped with riot shields and batons, were deployed to the scene in an effort to contain the disorder, which police attributed to a small group of thugs, The Associated Press reported.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence, Ireland police Commissioner Drew Harris said.

He urged people to remain calm and be mindful of misinformation ciruclating in the wake of the attack.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumor that is circulating on social media, Harris said, per reports from The Guardian.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumor and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes, he added.

The police said it was too early to assign a motive to the attack.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack  all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, Harris said during an evening press briefing.

His comments mark a contrast from earlier remarks made by Superintendent Liam Geraghty, who said the police were keeping an open mind about any potential motive but were satisfied there is no terrorist link.

The suspect has yet to be formally identified, though anti-immigrant groups claim he was a foreigner, The Guardian reported.

Several Irish politicians have responded publicly to both the attack and riots.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar offered his thoughts and prayers to the children injured as well as their families.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned those who took to the capitals streets.

The horrific attack today in Dublin city center was an appalling crime that has shocked us all. However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city center cannot and will not be tolerated, McEntee said. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Flash

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The first temporary humanitarian truce between Hamas and Israel entered into force at 7:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Friday in the Gaza Strip.

Confirming the truce agreement had taken effect, Diaa Rashwan, chairman of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), said in a statement that 130,000 liters of diesel and four trucks of gas from Egypt will enter the Gaza Strip daily.

Some 200 trucks, loaded with food, medicine and water, can enter daily for the first time since the start of the war on Oct. 7, he said.

Egypt will continue to receive wounded and injured children from Gaza for treatment in Egyptian hospitals, helping foreigners and dual nationals detained in the Gaza Strip travel to their own countries, the SIS's chairman said.

He added that the Egyptian side will also allow the entry of Palestinians stranded in the country into the Gaza Strip at their will.

The truce is scheduled to be followed by the release of 13 Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip at 4:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT).

Hamas and Israel reached an agreement earlier this week on a four-day cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Under the deal, at least 50 hostages, mainly children and women, would be freed for the release of about 150 women and teen Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Clashes have broken out in Dublin city centre between police and far-right protesters after five people, including three children were stabbed in an appalling attack on Thursday afternoon.

The suspected knife attack happened outside a primary school in the bustling Parnell Square East on the north side of the Irish capital shortly after 1.30pm.

A woman in her 30s and a man in his 50s remain in hospital with serious injuries while a five-year-old girl is receiving emergency medical treatment at a childrens hospital in Temple Street.

Another girl, aged six, is being treated for less serious injuries, while a six-year-old boy has been discharged.

A bus and car on fire in Dublins city centre after violent protests erupted following a stabbing attack (PA)

At a press conference, police confirmed that a man in his 50s, who is receiving treatment at hospital, has been identified as a person of interest. They are currently not searching for anyone else and confirmed they are satisfied that the attack is not terror-related.

On Thursday evening, riots broke out in the city centre with a number of Garda vehicles destroyed, while a tram and bus were set alight. Public transport was suspended while shop windows were smashed, with protesters blocking a bridge with construction signs.

Describing the clashes as disgraceful scenes, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology was behind the disorder.

Appealing for calm, Irish justice minister Helen McEntee said: The scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated.

Police officers tape off Parnell Square East shortly after the incident (Reuters)

A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

The clashes broke out a few hours after the knife attack, which happened outside to an Irish-medium primary school, Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire. Labour Party senator Marie Sherlock saying that children had been queuing for after-school care at the time of the attack.

A witness called Siobhan Kearney told Irish national broadcaster RTE that she saw a man attacking children with a stabbing motion before members of the public intervened and took a knife from him.

Follow live updates on this breaking incident by clicking dublin-attack-parnell-square-latest-b2452500.html">here

A woman told RTE that she saw a man attacking children before several people intervened (Reuters)

I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road, she said.

The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume.

People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Ms McEntee described the attack as appalling and said her thoughts were with the innocent children and the woman attacked.

She said: I have been briefed by the Garda commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior gardai.

Police have been trying to disperse the protesters (PA)

Pictures from the scene of the attack in Parnell Square East (PA)

This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice. However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.

Leo Varadkar, the prime minister, said: We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square. A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

Speaking at the scene, Sinn Fein party president Mary-Lou McDonald said children who witnessed what happened have been traumatised.

Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald said children witnessed the attack (PA)

She said: I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

I pray the injured make a full recovery. The community is stunned, stunned and horrified.

Pictures and video from the scene shared on social media show a heavy presence of emergency services.

A Garda spokesperson said: Five casualties have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin region. The casualties include an adult male, an adult female and three young children.

One child, a girl, has sustained serious injuries, the other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.

An Garda Siochana is in contact with parents of all three injured children.
Downing Street has insisted it is committed to pressing ahead with the smoking ban. It looks likely to become the only country in the world to introduce it - PETER DAZELEY/THE IMAGE BANK RF/THE IMAGE BANK RF

Rishi Sunak is facing fresh demands to axe his nanny state smoking ban after the flagship policy that it followed was torn up by the New Zealand government.

The Prime Minister announced a phased ban on cigarettes last month, with the age of sale rising by one year every year from 2027 onwards under the plans.

But Conservative MPs urged him to change course after New Zealands recently elected coalition government tore up the countrys own proposals to prohibit anyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco.

Christopher Luxon, the incoming prime minister, confirmed he would abolish legislation passed by Jacinda Ardern, one of his Left-wing predecessors, in December last year, shortly before Ms Arderns unexpected departure from politics.

While Downing Street insisted it was committed to pressing ahead with the smoking ban  which it now looks set to become the only country in the world to introduce  senior Tory backbenchers called on Mr Sunak to think again.

Seeing common sense

Philip Davies, the MP for Shipley, said: I commend the New Zealand government for seeing common sense, and I very much hope the UK Government will follow suit.

Are you really going to have a situation in 40 years time when someone is asking somebody who is 60 years old for their ID to make sure theyre 60 and not 61? The whole situation is absolute nonsense. I really hope the Government will reflect and quietly drop it.

Sir John Hayes, the chairman of the Common Sense Group of backbenchers on the Right of the party, said: I can see why its sensible to say that youve got to reach a certain age before you buy tobacco. The bit that doesnt make sense is if you raise it ad infinitum thereafter.

You cant have a tobacconist asking you for a birth certificate. This has got to be at the very least very seriously reconsidered, and New Zealand have come to that conclusion.

Christopher Luxon at the announcement of the new government in New Zealand on Friday - MARK COOTE/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK

Greg Smith, the MP for Buckingham, warned of a slippery slope, adding: Its not a priority for most people, and the natural conservative instinct is to let people decide what vices they choose to enjoy. Its a slippery slope once youve started banning things.

The Institute for Economic Affairs said the New Zealand decision proved the eccentric idea is doomed to fail, while the Taxpayers Alliance has branded Mr Sunaks crackdown an example of the rise of the nanny state.

When asked whether the Prime Minister would change his mind, a No 10 spokesman said: No. Our position remains unchanged, we are committed to that.

This is an important long-term decision and step to deliver a smoke-free generation which remains critically important.

Mr Sunak announced the smoke-free policy in his keynote speech at this years Conservative Party conference in Manchester, acknowledging at the time it would be unpopular in some quarters.

Anticipation of a rebellion

He confirmed Tory MPs will be free to vote against forthcoming legislation on the ban in anticipation of a rebellion in his own ranks.

Mr Sunak acknowledged the number of smokers in Britain had already fallen by two-thirds since the 1970s but claimed further action would represent the right thing for our kids.

For a Conservative, measures that restrict choice are never easy. I know not everyone in this hall will agree with me on this, he said.

But I have spent a long time weighing up this decision. Simply put: unlike all other legal products, there is no safe level of smoking. And what has ultimately swayed me is that none of us, not even those who smoke, want our children to grow up to be smokers.

Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, Mr Sunaks two direct predecessors, have publicly criticised the policy, with Mr Johnson urging the Government to stop telling people what to do.

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.
New Hampshires long reign as the nations premier presidential primary may be coming to an end.

For the first time since 1968, an incumbent Democratic president seeking reelection will not be on the ballot.

Lyndon Johnson performed poorly in that fateful year. Though his uncommitted slate finished first on March 12, the 42% garnered by anti-Vietnam War candidate Sen. Eugene McCarthy convinced Johnson to quit the race.

Douglas Rooks

He was the first incumbent president not to seek a second full term since Harry Truman in 1952; like Truman, Johnson was an accidental president.

Few imagine a similar fate for Joe Biden, who will also not appear on the ballot. The reason is quite different: Biden is committed to the Democratic National Committees calendar placing South Carolina first.

New Hampshires state law requiring it to be first, on Jan. 23, means Biden wont participate, though there will be an uncommitted line; South Carolina votes Feb. 3.

South Carolina was the launch pad for Biden in 2020, where he won big after trailing Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg in Iowa and a finishing a dismal fifth in New Hampshire.

That Novembers results  despite endless bleating by his predecessor, Biden won by seven million votes and the electoral vote by 306-232  crystallized what had been percolating among Democrats for years.

Iowa and New Hampshire are overwhelmingly white in a country whose electorate is far more diverse. People of color are now a substantial minority and, if long-range demographic projections come to pass, will someday outnumber those identifying as white  although the Censuss fine print shows that racial categories are largely a personal choice.

Democrats tried to give New Hampshire the heave-ho in 2012, but failed to figure out who would go first. Bidens commanding position ensured that this time it would happen.

Yet the reason New Hampshire is losing out goes beyond a restive political party. Its first in the nation mystique arose because it predicted the winner.

For two decades, no president was elected without winning New Hampshire.

The state was then solidly Republican, and from 1968-88, Republicans won five of six presidential elections.

That streak was good fortune for me, since in 1980 I became the very young editor of the weekly paper in Wolfeboro, N.H., then as now a notable GOP town, where Mitt Romney still hangs out.

Republicans had a powerhouse lineup. George H.W. Bush was coming off a surprise win in Iowa, and in a hall packed to the rafters the normally laconic candidate was on a roll.

Appearances can be deceiving. At the larger high school auditorium, Ronald Reagan gave his standard spiel  polished, reassuring to Republicans, with zingers for Democrats that back then had plausibility.

My favorite was Howard Baker, an able Senate leader too moderate to win a primary. Later, Baker spearheaded Reagans legislative program and became his chief of staff, while H.W. served as vice president, then president after winning New Hampshire in 1988.

It was a close-up introduction to politics at the highest levels thats stayed with me ever since.

The spell was broken in 1992 when Bill Clinton, already dogged by personal scandals, lost badly to Paul Tsongas but won the presidency.

Since then, Republican nominees have won New Hampshire, but it hasnt always worked for Democrats; Bernie Sanders bested Hillary Clinton in 2016. Bidens loss was the last straw.

Given national results, its hard to argue New Hampshire is representative, though truly no state is. Unless we finally move to regional primaries  still the best idea  well have this debate every four years.

Maine Democrats will have no regrets. The most famous moment of all New Hampshire primaries came when Ed Muskie, presumed 1972 Democratic frontrunner, unwisely confronted the boorish red-baiting publisher of the Manchester Union Leader, William Loeb, by holding a press conference outside the newspapers office.

Muskie, responding to a particularly vicious attack on his wife, stood amidst light precipitation. Reporters thought he was crying; Muskie claimed it was melting snow.

No matter; Muskies campaign, dogged by Richard Nixons dirty tricks and his inability to raise money or excite voters, was already in freefall. Though he won the primary, it wasnt big enough  and George McGovern became the nominee routed by Nixon.

To this day, many believe Muskie was the only candidate who could have beaten Nixon, and the perfidious and illegal campaign tactics Nixon kept employing eventually brought about his own demise. Watergate began not with the Watergate Hotel break-in, but much earlier, wielded against Muskie.

New Hampshire has always been a Republican show. In the 21st century, Democrats will pitch their tents elsewhere.

Douglas Rooks has been a Maine editor, columnist and reporter since 1984. His new book, Calm Command: U.S. Chief Justice Melville Fuller in His Times, 1888-1910, is available in bookstores and from Maine Authors Publishing. He welcomes comment at drooks@tds.net.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rooks: New Hampshire primary has seen better days
Rudy Giuliani is being sued by an ex-associate for $10,000, adding to the mountain of debt the former New York City mayor and Trump attorney is facing.

BST & Co. CPAs, LLP, an accounting firm based in Latham, NY is suing Mr Giuliani claiming that he had the company conduct an appraisal of his business interests while he separated from his wife, Judith Nathan, without paying them.

The suit states that Mr Giuliani had agreed to the amount before the services took place. He was given an invoice of the charges from the firm in February of 2020. The firm is also asking that the former mayor cover their attorneys fees, which amount to roughly $15,000.

Including interest, the firm now seeks to recover about $25,000.

Its not the only legal battle Mr Giuliani is currently dealing with. In September, his former attorney, Robert Costello, and his firm, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, sued him claiming that he only paid $214,000 of the $1.6m he owed him in legal fees.

They too, want Mr Giuliani to pay their attorneys fees and other costs associated with bringing the action forward.

In a written statement regarding the suit, Mr Giuliani said I cant express how personally hurt I am by what Bob Costello has done. Its a real shame when lawyers do things like this, and I will say is that their bill is way in excess to anything approaching legitimate fees.

In August, Mr Costello travelled to Mar-a-Lago, former president Donald Trumps Florida home, to try and convince him to cover Mr Giulianis legal fees, according to CNN. However, Mr Trump didnt appear to be interested in resolving his ex-confidantes troubles.

He did agree to stop by two of Mr Giulianis fundraisers, the outlet reported. Mr Trumps PAC, Save America, later paid $340,000 to Trustpoint, a data vendor.

Mr Giuliani has taken some measures to try and raise funds for his legal defence. He recently put his Manhattan apartment up for sale for $6.5m.

He dropped the price to $6.1m as the listing remains active.
For the actor Russell Tovey, David Robilliard is a name that more people should know.

The artist and poet made waves in the British art scene in the 1970s and 1980s with his daring and heartfelt creations, mixing hand-drawn sketches with written words; his wide-ranging themes included joy, sex, human connection and loss.

Sadly, Robilliards life and creative journey was cut short by Aids in 1988, aged 36.

Though Tovey is best known for his work on stage (The History Boys) and screen (Being Human, Years and Years), the Essex-born actor is also a passionate art collector.

Tovey spent two years making the new film Life is Excellent to highlight Robilliard, who he credits with transforming his creative life.

Ive never actually met David Robilliard, yet he remains one of the most important figures in my life, he told The Independent.

Hes played a significant role in shaping my understanding of queerness and has helped me understand the artist within. Thats what made me want to learn more about him through this passion project.

Russell Tovey holds photo of David Robilliard, who poses with prints of his poetry collection Invincible' (The Bishopsgate Library)

It was brilliant but hard work, very emotional in many ways.

Life is Excellent, named after a Robilliard piece, sees Tovey set forth on an unwavering mission to ensure the artists legacy is never forgotten. Tovey travels from Robilliards birthplace of Guernsey, to his later East London haunts, meeting his close friends, collaborators, and colleagues.

Some of Robilliards poems are read aloud by actors such as Susan Wokoma and Harry Trevaldwyn, as well as drag performer and artist Bimini Bon Boulash.

Watching the actor retrace the steps of Robilliard in his former studio, its easy to see just how much of an impact the artists life and early death has had on him. It could have been me if Id have been born 10 years earlier, Tovey says in the film.

And I feel like Im part of the lucky generation. I feel a responsibility to make sure people know who David Robilliard is, because we should put people back into history that disappeared.

Russell Tovey holds a photo of David Robilliard (The Bishopsgate Library)

As well as the film, Tovey has collaborated with WePresent on a three-day exhibition titled We Move in Circles.

The exhibition space in Bethnal Green will screen the documentary alongside a showcase of rare HIV/Aids activism T-shirts curated with PAST Magazine, entitled Say It with Your Chest: T-Shirts of Queer Protest and Rebellion.

Together, the documentary and exhibition programme highlights Toveys broader mission to raise awareness about the impact of the Aids crisis, educating viewers about the contributions made by queer British and American artists whose lives were tragically cut short by Aids.

As I said in the documentary, when an artist makes you miss them even though you dont know them, thats genius, Tovey explained. And I think David Robilliard is a genius.

There are so many geniuses that weve lost to Aids, and I feel a responsibility to help share as many of these stories as long as I have the opportunity to tell them, hopefully to a new audience who may not have previously been aware.

Life is Excellent is available to stream now. WePresent and Russell Tovey: We Move In Circles runs until Saturday 25 November at 133 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG.
Russia is strategically wearing down the Ukrainian Armed Forces along the entire front to pave the way for a new offensive, Ukraines former Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said in an interview with LIGA.net on Nov. 23.

Malyar emphasized the importance of recognizing this tactic and preparing for future developments. The intentional exhaustion by the Russian army serves a purpose beyond the current offensive.

Read also: Ukrainian MP on rumors about military personnel reshuffle  interview

Russians have been carrying out an offensive along five sectors since January 2023, but it is "variable."

"Why? To prevent us from withdrawing troops, ensuring a continuous strain on resources  both in terms of weaponry and personnel. This way, all the weapons provided to us in specific portions would be fully utilized," she said.

The goal of the Russians is to capture all of Ukraine, and they are not giving up on this goal, the former deputy head added.

Read also: Examining the claim of Ukraines 70,000 military deaths

"The Russian trait, not only in our war but also in other wars, is that they are inadequate in their self-assessment," she said.

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
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, the Chinese president. The Russian leader has become increasingly dependent on ties with China - Sergei Savostyanov/AFP via Getty Images

Moscow and Beijing have discussed building an underwater tunnel connecting mainland Russia and occupied Crimea, according to a report.

Ukraines security services intercepted communications between Russian and Chinese business executives. They were in early discussions about establishing a transport route that would be protected from attacks by Ukraine, the Washington Post reported.

The executives were said to have ties to Beijing and Moscow and reportedly held meetings in late October.

There are mounting Russian fears that the 11-mile road and rail bridge across the Kerch Strait, which has been successfully struck twice by Ukraine, remains vulnerable.

The state-owned Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has indicated it would be willing to take on the ambitious tunnel project, the emails intercepted by Ukraines SBU security service suggested.

The Kerch Bridge has been attacked by Ukraine during the conflict - AFP/ via Getty Images

One exchange, dated Oct 4, said the firm was ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region.

CRCC is an important element in Beijings Belt and Road Initiative to increase its global leverage through the construction and financing of transport and infrastructure projects.

The company has established substantial ties to Russia through projects including an extension of the Moscow subway system that was completed in 2021.

The discussions demonstrate how Russia, estranged from any Western partners, is growing increasingly dependent on China for support.

Chinese involvement in the proposed tunnel could yet be curtailed as Beijing has never recognised Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and may not allow its state-run firms to become entangled in the web of international sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Vladimir Putin visits the Crimean bridge in 2018 - Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

And while the construction of the underwater route is feasible, it would be almost impossible to complete while Russia and Ukraine are at war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly promised to recapture Crimea and insisted peace talks could not start until Russian forces left the area.

A recent spate of long-range strikes by Ukrainian forces have aimed at cutting off key logistical routes used to supply Russian troops from the occupied peninsula.

Thousands of construction workers and pieces of equipment would all be within range of Ukrainian forces if the tunnel project ever started.

If Russia is to hold on to Crimea, the underwater tunnel is seen as important given that Kyiv is likely to continue attacking the Kerch Bridge.

However, the project is seen as a longer-term investment to cement Russias control over the occupied peninsula.

The Kremlin has sanctioned similar infrastructure projects in occupied parts of Ukraine, with satellite images showing new sections of railway along the Sea of Azov coast, linking the territories to mainland Russia and Crimea.

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Russia claimed it had downed 13 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and three more over its southern Volgograd Oblast overnight on Nov. 24, Russian Defense Ministry reported. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the information.

There was no information on damages or casualties.

Volgograd Oblast, which hosts the Marinovka air base, is located around 300 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. The region borders Rostov Oblast in the southwest, Voronezh Oblast in the northwest, Saratov Oblast in the north, Astrakhan Oblast and the Republic of Kalmykia in the southeast.

Last week, a military base went up in flames after an explosion in Volgograd Oblast's town of Kotluban, local Telegram channels reported. The Defense Ministry didn't comment on the accident.

Russian officials have repeatedly accused Ukraine of cross-border incursions on Russia's border regions as well as launching drones toward Moscow. Kyiv rarely comments on attacks inside Russia.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

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Russian and Chinese businessmen with government ties secretly discussed plans in October to build an underwater tunnel connecting Russia with occupied Ukraine's Crimea and formed a "consortium" for this purpose, as reported by The Washington Post (WP).

Source: The Washington Post, citing intercepted emails provided to the newspaper by unnamed Ukrainian officials

Details: The newspaper says it has verified the authenticity of the messages, referring to company registration documents indicating that a Russo-Chinese consortium involving the individuals mentioned in the emails has been recently established in Crimea.

Quote: "The talks, which included meetings in late October, were triggered by mounting Russian concerns over the security of an 11-mile bridge across the Kerch Strait."

More details: Emails circulated among consortium officials over recent weeks referred to gatherings with Chinese delegates in Crimea. The Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) is described in one of them, dated 4 October, as "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region".

For reference: The CRCC is a state-owned company that has built many of China's most significant road and rail networks and has developed extensive ties with Russia in recent years through projects, including the expansion of the Moscow metro system completed in 2021. The company failed to respond to requests for comment.

Even more details: The head of the Russo-Chinese consortium based in the city of Sevastopol (Russian-occupied Crimea) refused to speak to the newspaper when asked about the tunnel project.

Vladimir Kalyuzhny, a Russian businessman listed as the consortium's CEO, rejected the question, then claimed that he would not provide any information to "hostile media" and abruptly ended the conversation.

His response contradicted how the proposal appeared in internal emails. In a message sent last month to a Russian official who is one of Crimea's main representatives in Moscow, Kalyuzhny said he had "a letter from our Chinese partners about the readiness of one of the largest companies in China, CRCC, to participate as a general contractor in the construction of a tunnel under the Kerch Strait".

The email in question went to Georgiy Muradov, who was identified as the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Crimea to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Muradov did not respond to a comment request.

Six of the nine founding directors of the consortium are not listed in the registration files. The emails also demonstrate China's efforts to maintain secrecy.

One of the emails highlights that CRCC would only participate under the condition of "strict provision of complete confidentiality" and that the company's name would be replaced with "another, unaffiliated legal entity" in any contracts. Another email mentions a Chinese bank ready to "convert its dollar funds into rubles for their transfer to Crimea to fund [consortium  WP] projects".

The emails also cite discussions between the consortium and a CRCC executive identified as Xu Huaxiang. This name matches a Chinese national listed as vice president and deputy general manager of the company's international division. Attempts to contact Huaxiang were unavailing.

"Given the risks of sanctions and sabotage, US officials and experts expressed surprise that CRCC would risk involvement," the WP reported.

Experts on major international transport projects suggest that it is technically feasible to construct a tunnel under the Kerch Strait and that China has the necessary experience and technology. However, they say it will be a considerable undertaking, comparable in scale to the Denmark-Germany tunnel, which has been under construction for eight years, is estimated to cost over US$8.7 billion and will be the longest in Europe when it is completed at the end of the decade.

Experts doubt that the Kerch tunnel will be completed in time to help Russia in its military efforts. Still, Moscow may see it as a long-term investment to ensure safe communication with Ukrainian territory that could be disputed for decades.

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Russian forces shelled eight communities in Sumy Oblast on Nov. 23, firing 18 times over the course of the day, the Sumy Oblast military administration reported.

At least 86 explosions were recorded over the past 24 hours, with Russian military targeting the communities of Krasnopillia, Bilopillia, Myropillia, Khotin, Yunakivka, Velyka Pysarivka, Shalyhyne, and Znob-Novhorodske.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.

The Russian military targeted the settlements with an onslaught of shelling, mortar, and grenade launcher attacks, while continuing to drop mines on the surrounding areas. In the Myropillia community, a Russian attack helicopter fired unguided missiles on the community.

The community of Krasnopillia, home to roughly 7,800 residents, experienced the most intense attacks, with 23 explosions recorded in the area. The town is located some 12 kilometers west of the Russia-Ukraine border.

Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements endure multiple attacks per day.

Read also: Charles Michel: I dont think this counteroffensive has failed

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The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, saying it is an important group of developing countries.

"We have taken this decision after having noted the BRICS proclaimed openness to inclusive multilateralism," the ministry's spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told a weekly media briefing on Thursday.

By joining the group, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalization of inclusive multilateralism, she said.

Pakistan enjoys friendly ties with most of the members of BRICS, as well as the newly invited group of countries, the spokesperson added.

"We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism," she said.

BRICS is a group of emerging economies that are currently membered by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

At the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa in August, Iran, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been invited to join the bloc, and their memberships would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Russia is throwing waves of men at a key city in scenes like a 'zombie movie', Ukrainian soldier says

Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery on Russian positions on the frontline in the city of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 27, 2023 amid Russia-Ukraine war. Anadolu

Russia is pushing hard to seize the Ukrainian city Avdiivka.

A Ukrainian drone operator likened it to a zombie movie, AFP reported.

Russian and Ukrainian forces are deadlocked across a broad front line.

Russia has been throwing waves of soldiers against the city of Avdiivka in scenes a Ukrainian soldier likened to a zombie movie, the AFP news agency reported.

Russia has tried to take the city, hoping to break the stalemate with Ukrainian forces in east Ukraine.

A Ukrainian drone operator who goes under the call sign "Trauma" told AFP that Russia initially attempted to encircle the city with armored vehicles in October.

"Columns of tanks and armored personnel carriers were advancing," the Ukrainian drone operator told the AFP.

"But they fell into minefields, were hit by drones and anti-tank missiles."

Then, Russia attacked Ukrainian positions head on using infantry units, the report said. They were repelled by Ukrainian forces using artillery, mortars, grenades, drones and cannons fired from US-supplied Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

The soldier told the AFP that Russian units advance overnight in units of five to seven then attack in the morning.

"Some die, others keep on coming. It's like a zombie movie," Trauma said.

The tactics used by Russia resemble those it used to seize control of Bakhmut, another strategically vital town close to the front line.

Russia threw waves of troops at Ukrainian positions, many of them convicts recruited into the Wagner mercenary group to launch attacks on Ukrainian positions.

The Wagner leader, Yevgenvy Prigozhin, who was killed in a mysterious plane explosion after leading a failed mutiny in June, described the situation as a "meat grinder."

Before his death, he said around 20,000 men had been killed in the attacks, and was fiercely critical of the Kremlin's military leaders over alleged failings in the Ukraine campaign.

For months, Ukrainian and Russian forces have been deadlocked in a front line stretching from east to south Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces seeking to make advances in the south, and Russian forces in Avdiivka.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Russian drone strike targeted an infrastructure site in the village of Oleksandrivka, Kharkiv Oblast, regional governor Oleh Synehubov reported on Telegram on Nov. 24.

Read also: Underground hospital that serves as a bomb shelter opens in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - photos

The Russians also shelled Kurylivka and Novosynove in the Kupyansk district, damaging five houses, a garage, and commercial buildings.

In Kozacha Lopan, four houses and economic buildings were damaged, though no casualties were reported.

Read also:

Air raid alerts were announced in several Ukrainian oblasts on the evening of Nov. 23 due to missile and kamikaze drone threats. Air defense forces were active in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, responding to reported drone threats in Zhytomyr Oblast.

Russian invaders also launched an overnight attack on Ukraine using three Shahed drones from the southeast, all of which were successfully shot down, Ukraines Air Force reported on Telegram on Nov. 24.

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
Russia has almost completely depleted its artillery stockpiles as it has been actively using old-style artillery for the last five months, former SBU Security Service officer Ivan Stupak told Newsweek on Nov. 23.

Stupak also advises the Ukrainian parliaments national security, defense and intelligence committee.

Read also: Slowing arms supplies could force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia, Lithuania warns

"It's not just a cliche, it's not Ukrainian propaganda. It's really a big problem for the Russians. They are using this artillery because they have no other options. Not late-Soviet era, but mid-50s and mid-60sD30 and the D20-type of towed artillery, with a maximum range of around 9 to 11 miles. It's a very short distance; it's nothing compared with the Archer from Sweden," he said, referring to the system donated to Ukraine by Stockholm which has a range of more than 30 miles.

Russian gunners proved more numerous and well-supplied than their Ukrainian enemies in the early stages of the conflict. But as Kyiv's arsenal has been bolstered by NATO partners, Russia's "god of war" has been somewhat muted.

Kyiv's claimed tally of Russian equipment losses demonstrates the enthusiasm with which Ukrainian artillery and drone teams have hunted Russian big guns, as well as multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) that perform a similar function at shorter ranges.

Read also: Russia carries out more than 150 air, artillery strikes over past 24 hours - General Staff

From September to November 2023, Ukraine says it has destroyed 2,272 artillery pieces, and another 167 MLRS. In the same period in 2022, the figure was 789 artillery pieces and 108 MLRS.

The Kremlin's problem is only becoming more pressing as advanced NATO munitions arrive in Ukraine. The summer-into-fall uptick in claimed destroyed Russian guns coincided with the arrival of cluster munitions, which spread hundreds of bomblets over a target area rather than relying on a single shell.

Now, HIMARS-fired cluster munition variants of the long-range MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systemknown as the ATACMSare also in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine's gunners have been assisted by increasingly sophisticated counter-battery radars, used to quickly locate firing Russian guns.

Ukrainians now have "fire superiority" over the Russians, as well as more advanced and effective weapons systems, Dan Rice, a former aide to Ukraine's commander-in-chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, told Newsweek.

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 state flag of Moldova flies outside the country's embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia views Moldova's decision to join EU sanctions against it as a hostile step aimed at destroying ties with Moscow and will retaliate, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Russian denunciation was issued in response to a vote in Moldova's parliament agreeing to abide by the punitive measures as part of measures to alter its legislation as required for its bid to join the European Union.

"We regard this as yet another hostile step by the Moldovan leadership, which is fully integrated into the anti-Russian campaign of the 'collective West'," the ministry said in a statement.

"Its aim is the complete destruction of Russian-Moldovan relations, which, through the fault of official Chisinau, are already in a very deplorable state."

Moscow would retaliate, the ministry said.

The 62 deputies of Moldovan President Maia Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity backed the legislation, ensuring its passage in the assembly in the capital Chisinau. Among its provisions are regulations concerning action to be taken against individuals and institutions subject to sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The legislation is also intended to guard against undue influence by business magnates or "oligarchs".

Members of the opposition Socialist Party refused to vote and called for the legislation to be referred to the Venice Commission - a body of the human rights watchdog Council of Europe, which advises on legislation and constitutional matters.

Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to oust her in a coup. Moscow denies the allegations and says Sandu is infusing anti-Russian sentiment in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania.

The European Commission this month recommended starting membership talks with Moldova and Ukraine, subject to endorsement from an EU summit in December

(Reporting by Reuters; Additional reporting by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Marguerita Choy)
A Russian airline gave customers about $1,100 each after it ditched a plane in a Siberian wheat field.

An investigation found the pilots were at fault, but Russia's aviation authority dismissed the findings.

The Airbus A320 is still stuck over two months later, and the carrier may "mothball" it for the winter.

After ditching an Airbus A320 in a wheat field in Siberia in September, Russian carrier Ural Airlines has so far handed out RUB15.8 million ($178,000) in compensation to 158 passengers, the press service of the airline, AlfaStrakhovanie, told the Russian news agency TASS.

People onboard the jet that day, none of whom were seriously injured in the accident, got 100,000 rubles each, or about $1,127.

The outlet further explained that there were "several passengers who have not contacted the airline" but noted they are "aware of this possibility."

Ural's payout comes two and a half months after the A320 ended up in the remote Russian wheat field. It was stranded there after its hydraulics systems failed and the pilots worried they might not have enough fuel to make it to the diversion airport.

Still, Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency determined earlier this month that the pilots were at fault for the accident, Aerotime Hub reported.

According to the outlet, several errors occurred, including miscalculating how much fuel the plane needed to divert and making the "unfounded decision" to ditch in a field.

But Russia's aviation authority has since dismissed the findings and called for a new investigation, citing "newly discovered circumstances," but did not provide specifics, per Aerotime Hub.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Ural is still working to get its plane home  a task that has proven even more difficult now that winter has come.

Workers inspecting the A320 jet in Siberia. Alexey Malgavko/Reuters

According to the Russian news outlet KP-Novosibirsk , the airline considered using the frozen ground to better take off but has since said it may "mothball" the jet for the winter.

"Today they say this, tomorrow they may say something else," Oleg Konyuk, the head of the Ubinsky district where the A320 is stranded, told the outlet on Wednesday. "They decide whether the plane can take off or not, whether it will be right or wrong."

Announcements from Ural's Russian-language Telegram channel said in October that the aircraft was in "good condition" and is likely to operate flights again, noting it would have to replace a few fan blades and complete safety inspections before taking off.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russian attacks since the morning of Nov. 23 in Kherson Oblast killed three people and injured 11, including 3 children, as well as damaging a children's library, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Nov. 24.

Russian forces used a variety of different weapons, including artillery, tanks, mortars, multiple-launch rocket systems, aircraft, and drones.

The children's library in Kherson received a direct hit, damaging the front of the building, but there were no casualties. Prokudin said it would be repaired.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements west of the Dnipro River in the fall 2022 counteroffensive.

Russian forces were pushed to the east of the river, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian dissident journalist warns no country  not even the US  is safe from fascism after Ukraine war

Russians march in the Victory Day military parade to celebrate 78 years since World War II. AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky

A Russian dissident journalist who suffered a suspected poison attack last year says no country is safe from fascism.

Elena Kostyuchenko said she never believed Russia would descend into full-on war.

"If I could send a letter in the past to myself, I would say: 'Be alarmed,'" she said.

A Russian opposition journalist who was forced to abandon her reporting in Ukraine soon after Russia invaded due to an assassination threat against her is warning other global citizens to be wary of the warning signs of fascism within their own countries before those warning signs turn to war.

"I honestly believe no country is immune from fascism," Elena Kostyuchenko told Insider.

The dissident journalist and gay rights advocate made a name for herself as the youngest ever staff member at Novaya Gazeta, the famed Russian independent newspaper known for its defiant investigative journalism amid an increasingly hostile Russian media landscape.

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Novaya was shuttered and Kostyuchenko was forced to flee Ukraine amid credible threats that a Chechen subdivision of Russia's internal military force had orders to capture and kill her near Mariupol.

More than a year later, Kostyuchenko is still seeking answers as to how her country descended into full-on war.

While promoting her new book "I Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country" last month, Kostyuchenko spoke to Insider about her journalism career; the suspected poisoning attack she suffered in Germany last fall, and the rise of fascism in Russia and beyond.

Her book, she told Insider, was an effort to track how the seeds of fascism in Russia flourished into a brutal war.

"Russia didn't become a fascist country on the 24th of February 2022," Kostyuchenko said. "It was going on long before that."

The country has a long and varied authoritarian history and President Vladimir Putin's two-decade regime has been marred by a litany of human rights abuses. But much of the world, including many Russian and Ukrainian citizens were still taken by surprise when Russian tanks rolled into Kyiv in February 2022.

Even as someone who professionally investigated Russia's numerous and noted injustices, Kostyuchenko said she never expected her country would start a war.

"I Love Russia" by Elena Kostyuchenko is out this week. Courtesy of Penguin Random House

"I was so sure that we are immune because for Christ's sake, we fought the fascists. My grandfather did," Kostyuchenko said. "We have whole movies telling us how fascism works, why it's so dangerous, and how it goes from a nice narrative to mass murders. I was totally sure we were immune."

She suggested a creeping nostalgia for the old Soviet days has bred fertile ground for a new wave of Russian fascism  not so dissimilar from American political slogans that harken back to the "good 'ol days."

The US was listed as a "backsliding democracy" for the first time in a 2021 report on the state of global democracy from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The annual report, which looked at the year 2020, found America had fallen victim to "authoritarian tendencies."

"With what's happening in the world, with this turn toward global authoritarianism and the tendencies you also have in your country, it's not safe," Kostyuchenko said, referencing the US.

She said her book is a handy guide not only for people looking to understand modern-day Russia and the war, but for anyone curious about how easy it is to "lose your country."

"If I could send a letter in the past to myself, I would say: "Be alarmed. Be alarmed. Don't be afraid to be hysterical. Be hysterical if you see your country is going into the darkness," Kostyuchenko told Insider.

Russia's defeat in Ukraine is vital, not only for Ukraine's survival, but for the state of the world, she said.

"If Russia, God forbid, wins in Ukraine  without even accounting for how many people would be killed  it would mean that fascism grew stronger and that a next war will follow," Kostyuchenko said.

"Fascism is an expansive ideology," she added. "You build fascism not just inside your country. No, it's expansive. And it means that a next war will follow and a next war will follow and it will be a nightmare"

Read the original article on Business Insider
FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 14, 2023. A Russian lawmaker and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin, Mironov has denied media allegations that he adopted a 2-year-old girl who was seized from a Ukrainian children's home and changed her name in Russia. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  A Russian lawmaker and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin has denied media allegations that he adopted a missing 2-year-old girl who was removed from a Ukrainian childrens home and changed her name in Russia.

Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia, asserted on social media that the Ukrainian security services and their Western partners concocted a fake report to discredit true Russian patriots like himself.

His statement, posted on X, followed the BBC and independent Russian news outlet Important Stories publishing an investigation Thursday that said Mironov adopted a child named Margarita Prokopenko who was allegedly taken to Moscow at the age of 10 months by the woman to whom he is now married.

Mironov accused the two news organizations of having only one goal  to discredit those who take an uncompromising patriotic position.

You are trying in vain, he wrote, adding that Russia would win its war in Ukraine.

The office of the Ukrainian parliament's human rights commissioner told The Associated Press it was looking into the news report.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the commissioner for childrens rights in Putin's office, accusing them of committing war crimes through their involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Bill Van Esveld, associate director of the Childrens Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said Friday that the agency could not independently confirm the BBC and Important Stories' findings. But he thinks the deportation of the girl to Russia, her adoption and her name change would be a black and white war crime."

The investigation by the BBC and Important Stories said Margarita was collected in August 2022 from a home for children needing specialized medical care or missing parents in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which was occupied by Russian soldiers at the time.

The news organizations identified a woman who had visited the baby in Kherson before a group of Russian men removed the child from the home as Inna Varlamova, 55, who later married Mironov. The investigation also cited a birth record created several months later that listed Mironov and Varlamova as the parents of child named Marina who was born Oct. 31, 2021  Margarita's birthday.

Ukrainian authorities have estimated that around 20,000 children were sent out of the country without their parents' knowledge or under false pretenses since Russia invaded in February 2022. A study by Yale University found 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.

The AP reported in Oct. 2022 that Russian officials deported Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, told them they werent wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship.

Vira Yastrebova, director of Eastern Human Rights Group, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization, said Russian authorities were increasingly placing children into Russian foster families for eventual adoption instead of temporary guardianship.

Because Russian law makes it very difficult to find information about adoptions, it is therefore easy to hide any information about the children, Yastrebova said.

The Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, maintained in September that Russia does not kidnap Ukrainian children but is saving them. Russia has said it will return children to their families once a parent or guardian requests it. But, because many Ukrainian families do not know where their children were taken, they are unable to make the requests.

Even when children are located, reuniting them with their families during the ongoing war often is a complicated process, involving a lot of paperwork and international border crossings. Pope Francis tasked his Ukraine peace envoy earlier this year with trying to get young Ukrainians returned to their country.

The transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia will affect them profoundly and have a lifelong impact, Van Esveld told the AP in a phone interview Friday.

They have no opportunity to go back to their community or country and their development, right to education and right to form their own identity without coercion is impacted, he said.

___

Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn contributed to this report.
A Russian artillery strike on the village of Dniprovske in Kherson Oblast on Nov. 24 killed a 50-year-old man and injured a 44-year-old woman, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Russian forces reportedly carried out the attack at around 4 p.m.

The man was killed in the street, and the woman was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds and blast injuries, the governor said.

No further details on the consequences of the attack were provided.

Dniprovske lies at the Dnipro River, around 10 kilometers west of Kherson.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements west of the Dnipro River in the fall 2022 counteroffensive.

Russian forces were pushed to the east of the river, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast over the past day resulted in three people killed and 11 injured, including three children, Prokudin reported early on Nov. 24.

Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation

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The Russians attacked Ukraine with two Kh-59 missiles and three Shahed attack drones on the night of 23-24 November.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 24 November

Quote: "The Russian occupiers launched another attack on Ukraine using two Kh-59 guided missiles and three Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs.

Air defence assets and personnel destroyed all the attack UAVs."

Details: Over the course of the past day, Ukraines Defence Forces had 64 combat clashes with Russian forces.

Russian forces carried out 2 missile strikes and 42 airstrikes and deployed multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) more than 53 times to attack the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian settlements.

In the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) Operational Strategic Group on the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces are maintaining their military presence in the border areas, conducting intense sabotage activities in order to prevent the redeployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened fronts. They are also increasing the density of minefields along the state border in Russias Belgorod Oblast.

In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Russian forces conducted assault operations near Synkivka with aircraft support, but Ukrainian soldiers repelled three attacks.

On the Lyman front, Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations.

On the Bakhmut front, the Russians carried out unsuccessful assault operations near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 Russian attacks there. Moreover, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing their assault operations south of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russians and consolidating their positions.

In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, Russian forces continue their attempts to encircle Avdiivka with aircraft support. Ukrainian soldiers are firmly holding the defence, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. Russian offensive operations to the east of Novokalynove, Avdiivka and Pervomaiske in Donetsk Oblast were unsuccessful. Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 20 attacks there.

On the Marinka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 14 Russian attacks near the settlements of Marinka, Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Shakhtarsk front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault operations to the south-west of Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault operations to the west of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Meanwhile, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing to conduct offensive operations on the Melitopol front, inflicting losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russian occupying forces and exhausting them along the entire frontline.

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River, conducting counter-battery operations and striking the Russian rear.

Ukraine's Air Force hit 11 areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated.

Ukraine's Rocket Forces and Artillery struck three clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, a command post, an ammunition storage point, an air defence system and four artillery pieces belonging to the Russians.

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Young Dylan Smith of New York honors a World War II veteran this Veterans Day

closeVideo

Boy scout Dylan Smith of Tarrytown, New York, honors Pearl Harbor veteran Armando "Chick" Galella in Sleepy Hollow, New York, on Friday, November 11, 2022  Veterans Day.

For one young man in Tarrytown, New York, honoring a local legend on Veterans Day was one of the most important things in his busy teen life.

Eighth-grader Dylan Smith, 13, is passionate about several things: learning, history, scouting, LEGOs  and honoring veterans.

"He is a leader and a doer, too," his mom, Laurie Smith, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview.

VETERANS DAY AND ITS HISTORY: 6 KEY FACTS TO KNOW

On Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, Dylan Smith took center stage as his Eagle Scout project  two benches honoring one very special veteran  were unveiled in front of the Sleepy Hollow Middle School in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

That veteran, Armando "Chick" Galella, who died on Sept. 29, 2021, at age 100, is a "legend" in the adjacent communities of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, said Laurie Smith.

Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient Armando "Chick" Galella and Dylan Smith pictured together before Galella's passing on Sept. 29, 2021. (Laurie Smith)

"All the children of the town knew him. He had this beautiful home in the middle of town and he was the grand marshal of every parade  you know, he's that guy," Laurie Smith added.

Chick Galella, local treasure

Galella was born in 1921. The Sleepy Hollow native enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, according to a veteran profile of him on the National WWII Museum website.

After training, he was assigned to the 443rd Signal Corps at Hickam Air Force Base  and lived through the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, the museum's site also noted.

VETERANS DAY IS NOT ALWAYS EASY FOR OUR HEROES  HERE'S WHAT TO SAY AND DO

Galella served for five years in the Pacific theater in some of WWIIs "bloodiest battles," the museum site said, including Guadalcanal, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

He received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and bravery in the Battle of Okinawa.

Armando "Chick" Galella during his military service days. (Family Handout)

When he left the service in 1945, Galella had "earned the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve"  battalion sergeant major  the museum's site also said.

Teen noticed how Galella honored others

Young Dylan Smith was always moved by the fact that Galella, who lost his best friend, John J. Horan, at Pearl Harbor, stayed close with Horan's family  and particularly with Horan's mother, said Smith.

So close were they that last year, just months before he passed, Galella had a Gold Star Mothers monument placed in Sleepy Hollow to honor Horan's mother, as well as all Gold Star Mothers.

"It was dedicated on Mothers Day," Smith said. "And all the Scouts were there." (See the photo, below.)

"Chick" Galella, World War II veteran, is shown in 2021 standing beside the Gold Star Mothers memorial  which he arranged in honor of his fallen best friend's mother and all Gold Star Mothers. (Mike Galella)

Young Dylan never forgot that significant gesture and what it meant.

Tributes for Galellas great-grandchildren

As part of his show of respect for Tarrytowns heralded veteran after his passing, Dylan Smith, in late September, presented Galellas great-grandchildren  Ellis, a fifth-grader, and Luke, a fourth-grader  with little LEGO figurines that look like Galella, said Laurie Smith.

VETERANS DAY: GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SACRIFICES, SAYS REV. FRANKLIN GRAHAM

"This is a passion of Dylans  starting back when he made tiny LEGO representations of his team of middle school teachers," she added.

Dylans dad, Mike Smith, is also a veteran. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving for 21 years, noted Smith. Dylan made a little LEGO person to honor his dad, as well. (See photo, below.)

Dylan Smith of New York created this LEGO piece to honor his own dad  who served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years. (Laurie Smith)

We have a "sea of tiny little historical figures" around the house, Smith said, laughing, as she shared that her son enjoys creating LEGO replicas of real people from history.

Memorial takes shape

After watching his hero honor Gold Star Mothers with a memorial, young Dylan Smith decided that he would  when the time came  honor Galella with a tangible symbol of appreciation for his service and his significance to the towns.

"No one expected Chick to go so soon, even though he was 100," said Smith. "He died of COVID," she added. "He probably could have made it to 104."

A LEGO version of real-life Pearl Harbor veteran Armando "Chick" Galella, as created by Boy Scouts of America life scout Dylan Smith of New York. (Alex Kent for Fox News Digital)

The memorial, consisting of two stone benches, is placed near the middle school.

"There's a big hill in front of the school where several years ago, Chick started a tradition of having the middle school children  and sometimes little kids, from the kindergarten next door  come and plant American flags all over the hill," said Smith.

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO INSPIRED THE NATION IN TWO WORLD WARS: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER SGT. ALVIN YORK

She added, "And it's beautiful, and really, really big."

Chick would "bring a folding chair and sit and oversee the whole thing," she added.

Armando "Chick" Galella, at age 97, is pictured saluting during an event on the USS Intrepid to mark the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 2018, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

After the unveiling on Nov. 11, others in the community will be able to come and sit where Chick once sat  and remember and reflect on lives dedicated to service and country.

The Eagle Scout project

Dylan Smith first got a concrete slab  and planned to order benches, with Tarrytown donating one and neighboring town Sleepy Hollow donating one as well.

Dylan Smith of New York, in his scouting uniform, salutes American flags commemorating U.S. veterans. (Laurie Smith )

Halfway through the process, said Smith, "the Sleepy Hollow Department of Public Works said, Oh, we have these old benches that used to line the street.'"

"Since they once lined the street, theres a good chance that Chick actually sat on them," she added.

VIRGINIA NAVY VETERAN SAYS ALL VETERANS DESERVE THANKS, NOT JUST THOSE WHO SAW BATTLE

Young Dylan also planted two cherry trees. "Those were Chick's favorite trees," Smith noted  and there is plaque in the veteran's honor as well.

"My father would be so touched by today's ceremonies," said Michael Galella.

So Dylan Smith is honoring a veteran and town legend while also completing an important step in his journey toward Eagle Scout.

"The Eagle Scout service project is the big, visible project" to earn the rank, his mom said.

BSA Life Scout Dylan Smith, 13, displays his merit badges in Sleepy Hollow, New York, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022. He completed his Eagle Scout service project, which is a memorial to World War II veteran and local legend Armando "Chick" Galella. (Alex Kent for Fox News Digital)

As her son quickly climbs the ladder to Eagle Scout, Laurie Smith said, "During COVID, when things were shut down, Dylan kept working on things. He didn't stop, and that's why he is at this point able to complete his big project for Eagle Scout."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Chick Galella's son, Michael Galella, is moved by the impression his dad left on people.

He said he didn't realize how his dad's talks throughout the community and his various projects  including "flags at the high school, the Gold Star Mother statue and talking to kids about Pearl Harbor"  would have "such meaning for such a young group of kids," he told Fox News Digital by email.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

It "obviously meant a lot to Dylan Smith, who spearheaded this dedication to my father at the high school," he said.

He added, "It is so beautiful and it's hard to comprehend that this dedication will hopefully withstand this place in time."

He also said, "My father would be so touched by today's ceremonies."

Deirdre Reilly is a senior editor in lifestyle with Fox News Digital.
 Flash

Afghanistan's Embassy in the Indian capital New Delhi has been closed permanently, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan said in a statement on Friday.

"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, effective from Nov. 23, 2023," the statement said.

In 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The Indian government does not recognize the Taliban government.

It had initially allowed the Afghan Embassy to continue functioning under Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and mission staff appointed by erstwhile President Ashraf Ghani to stay in place, issuing visas and handling trade matters.

In September, the ambassador and senior staff left for Europe and the United States to seek asylum, and the embassy said it was suspending operations.
Over the course of the past day, 68 clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces occurred at the front. The Russians launched 5 missile attacks and 17 airstrikes, carried out 27 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 24 November

Details: On the Kupiansk front, the Russians conducted assault operations near Synkivka, Petropavlivsk (Kharkiv Oblast) and Stelmakhivka (Luhansk Oblast), where Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled 13 attacks.

Russian forces did not undertake offensive operations on the Lyman and Shakhtarsk fronts.

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 10 attacks by Russian invaders near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Avdiivka front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful aircraft-supported offensive operations east of Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sieverne and Pervomaiske (Donetsk Oblast), where Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled more than 30 attacks.

On the Marinka front, Russian invaders, with the support of aircraft, conducted unsuccessful assault actions near Marinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), where Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled nine attacks.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Russians unsuccessfully tried to regain their lost position near Robotyne and Novopokrovka (Zaporizhzhia Oblast) five times.

Meanwhile, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue conducting an offensive operation on the Melitopol front and offensive (assault) actions on the Bakhmut front, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the occupying forces and exhausting the Russians along the contact line.

Quote: "The Defence Forces continue to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast. They continue to inflict fire on the enemy."

"During the day, the Air Force carried out nine strikes on the areas where enemy personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated.

Units of Rocket Forces and Artillery struck two areas where enemy personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, and one logistical centre."

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Reader question: How much are Appleton council members paid?

Answer: The Appleton Common Council has 15 members, and they each are paid $6,750 annually. They also receive a parking pass, currently valued at $40 a month, or $480 annually.

The council approved the salary in 2021, and it took effect in April 2023. It represented an 8.5% increase from the previous salary of $6,221.

April 2023 was chosen as the effective date of the new salary because that was the earliest the increase could be applied to all 15 aldermanic seats. State law requires the salary to be set before candidates can take out nomination papers for the positions.

In other words, council members aren't allowed to vote on their own salaries.

Earlier this month, council members debated at length whether to increase the aldermanic salary effective April 2025. After a series of votes (keep reading for details), the council didn't have sufficient support to change the salary, leaving it at $6,750, plus the parking pass.

RELATED: Appleton increases salaries for city attorney and mayor by 6% next year to restore parity

Chad Doran

Council approves a flurry of amendments

The city's Human Resources & Information Technology Committee recommended no change in aldermanic compensation for 2025.

Council member Chad Doran proposed an amendment to eliminate the parking pass as a benefit and replace it with a monthly stipend of $12. That effectively would have increased the salary to $6,894.

Council member Katie Van Zeeland said $12 a month wouldn't cover her costs of parking downtown to attend city meetings.

"I think it penalizes people for being here to do their job," Van Zeeland said. "I think we should not be worried about plugging meters or moving vehicles."

Watchdog Q&A: Duke Behnke answers your local government questions

During an hour-long debate, the council passed three successive amendments to the salary recommendation, deciding to:

Eliminate the parking pass and increase the monthly stipend to $20, raising the salary to $6,990. The vote was 8-6.

Eliminate the parking pass and increase the salary by another $500, making it $7,490. The vote was 8-6.

Eliminate the parking pass and stipend, making the salary $7,250. That's $20 more than the current compensation of $7,230 ($6,750 in salary plus $480 in parking passes). The vote was 8-5.

After the third amendment, the council voted 7-6 to eliminate the parking pass and approve the $7,250 salary.

Supermajority vote is needed to make salary change

After the meeting, officials realized a change to aldermanic salaries, in accordance with state statute 62.09(6)(a), requires a three-fourths majority of all members of the council, or 12 votes. Therefore, the 7-6 vote had failed to pass.

With that realization, the compensation package was reconsidered two weeks later. Doran again sought to eliminate the parking pass and add a $20 monthly stipend, raising the salary to $6,990.

"I think that's a fair compromise because it still allows for alders to have their cost of parking completely covered for the month and still comes at a savings to the city, which I think is a win for everyone," Doran said.

The amendment failed on a 4-9 vote.

The council then voted 13-0 to keep the salaries at $6,750, plus the parking pass.

Post-Crescent reporter Duke Behnke answers your questions about local government. Send questions to dbehnke@gannett.com or call him at 920-993-7176.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton common council salaries hold steady after much back-and-forth
The Salvation Army hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner event at the Phoenix Convention Center on Thursday, serving meals and offering basic services to thousands of families and individuals from across the Valley.

The Convention Center opened its doors to guests at 9:30 a.m., providing light refreshments along with entertainment such as live music, a football game screening, and children's activities in addition to meals. Free services were also available to the public, including haircuts, prayer and counseling, and referrals to various resources.

Maj. Gaylene Yardley and her husband, Maj. David Yardley, officers of the Salvation Army who have individually served more than 30 years for the organization, have been coordinating the annual holiday event for the community for the past seven years.

"It's a wonderful thing to serve the community and to see those who are coming in," said Gaylene Yardley, who projected a turnout of about 3,500 guests for the event. "This is a place for people to mingle, feel comfortable, be out of the elements, and just be able to form fellowship with each other."

"It's a place for everyone," David Yardley added. "It brings me joy. This is why I became a Salvation Army officer. It's to serve the community and to share love and share hope."

'I'm getting just as much out of (volunteering) as the guests are'

With more than 500 individuals contributing to the event, David Yardley went on to express his gratitude and appreciation toward the organization's various volunteers, who included plate servers, cleanup crew members, and security officials.

"They're giving up their Thanksgiving to serve others. We provide that opportunity (for them), and it's a great blessing," he said.

At the start of the dinner, guests enjoyed full table service as volunteers prepared, served and cleaned up plates, as well as engaging with guests and ensuring their satisfaction.

Sherri Gillett, a Valley resident and educator, has been volunteering for the annual Salvation Army holiday event alongside her family for the past 18 years.

"It's absolutely one of the most joyous things that I can do," she said.

Gillett added that community service was one of her top priorities, having served as a teacher and school principal for more than 30 years.

"Anytime that I can come down with my family and serve others, it's just awesome," Gillett said. "All the people that come here are special guests to us, and I just enjoy meeting everyone. It's a great way to start our day."

For Gillett, the event was also about making connections with guests.

"I just love to have conversation with all these people and find out where they're from," Gillett said. "I talk to people and learn their lives and learn their stories."

She went on to add the importance of making attendees feel welcome and invited.

"A lot of times, (guests) just like to have someone listen to them. That's awesome for us," she added.

Abby Parker, 7, works with her brother Max, 8, to decorate pumpkin pie as they volunteer with the Salvation Army while it hosts a Thanksgiving gathering with hundreds of volunteers and thousands of guests at the Phoenix Convention Center on Nov. 23, 2023.

Ron Alkins, originally from Texas, came out to volunteer and spend the holiday with his son, who has been volunteering for the Salvation Army for the past 10 years.

"I'm very excited," said Alkins, who was volunteering for the first time. "I'm having a really great time and enjoying every bit of it. I just want to help."

Alkins, who works in the medical field, went on to add how much he enjoys working with the general public.

"I enjoy talking to people. It makes you feel good," Alkins said. "Anything you can do to give back or do something that's out of your comfort zone brings you great joy."

Alkins, whose volunteer duties included greeting guests and serving plates, expressed his fulfillment in his role and doing what he could to assist.

"I'm getting just as much out of (volunteering) as the guests are," he added.

Fellow volunteer Joel Roberts, who was serving his second year with the organization, also voiced his contentment in getting to know guests.

"I just enjoy making connections," Roberts said. "Most people are very appreciative to be here."

Roberts went on to mention his plans to continue to volunteer, both inside and outside the Salvation Army.

"There are people in need everywhere," he said. "(Volunteering) is not limited to just an event or organization."

Help for Arizonans in need: 5 reasons to be thankful for Season for Sharing this year

First-time volunteers Lisa Bostdorff and Wendy Jacobson both said they gained new perspectives during their service at the event.

"I feel blessed to be a part of this. When I first saw all the people here, I couldn't help but cry," said Bostdorff, whose role was to ensure guests were lined up properly for their meals. "They're all so sweet and nice and appreciative," she added.

Jacobson, whose role was part of the tear-down crew, is a recent Arizona resident, having moved to the Valley at the end of June. Jacobson, a teacher, was looking for a way to become a part of her new community, she said.

"For me, it's a chance to come and do something that feels like you're giving back and saying, 'Thank you,' instead of just taking," Jacobson said.

'There's not a lot we can afford right now. You do what you can to feed and take care of your family'

Thanksgiving dinner, which was served at 11:30 a.m., included a spread of traditional holiday favorites such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. According to David Yardley, more than 4,000 meals were projected to be served, with 1,500 of them being delivered directly to those who are homebound.

Marisol Lopez, a Mesa resident, drove her and her family to the event in hopes of a warm meal and haircuts for her children.

"Times are tough," Lopez said. "There's not a lot we can afford right now. You do what you can to feed and take care of your family."

Lopez, whose husband was laid off from work back in February, was thankful for the Salvation Army's contributions to the community, with the event being her and her family's second year in attendance.

"There's a lot of folks right now who can't pay the bills, can't feed their kids," Lopez said. "It's expensive just to buy dinner. We're just glad we can come here to feed our family and let them have fun for a while."

Volunteer Sarah Minsterman hands out toiletries with the Salvation Army as it hosts a Thanksgiving gathering for thousands of guests at the Phoenix Convention Center on Nov. 23, 2023.

Before the event's conclusion at 1:30 p.m., guests were sent off with to-go meals and hygiene kits, which included a variety of essential items and products. As people started walking out after finishing their meals, many approached volunteers to wish them a happy Thanksgiving.

The Salvation Army will host another community dinner on Christmas Day. Those interested in volunteering can learn more at Volunteer Opportunities  The Salvation Army USA Western Territory.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Salvation Army serves Thanksgiving meal to thousands in Phoenix
The San Juan County Sheriff wrote a letter to the community on Wednesday about a sentencing that happened on Tuesday in a controlled substance homicide case.

As a San Juan County resident, as an advocate for public safety, and as your Sheriff, it is with a heavy heart and genuine frustration with our judicial system that I am addressing everyone with an update, said Sheriff Eric Peter. The process has been ongoing for the past 15 months and involves the tragic death of a youth in our community.

Sheriff Peter said the defendant in the case had pleaded guilty and that the sentencing range in Washington for the crime is 51 to 68 months. However, the judge decided to go outside of the guidelines and gave a sentence of 34 months with eight months credit for time served and one year of community custody after being released.

Sheriff Peter added that because the offense is non-violent in Washington, theres a possibility the defendant could get a reduction of up to 1/3 of their sentence.

The defendant could end up serving less than two years for the death of another young person in our community, he said.

The sheriff added that the defendant provided the fentanyl that killed the person and refused to tell police where he got it.

A family has lost their child and a sibling. This family, as well as too many other families, have lost their loved ones, and while there is nothing that can bring their loved ones back, our judicial system should be doing more to hold the convicted persons accountable, provide justice to the victims and their families, and prevent more deaths in our communities. This sentence is an insult to the victim, to their family, and to our entire community, said Sheriff Peter.

He continues that he has been in law enforcement for over 28 years and his extreme frustration and disappointment with our judicial system is greater than its ever been.

He also said that Washington ranks last in number of officers per thousand residents.

He continued, This is not about what side you are on, liberal or conservative, or law enforcement or non-law enforcement. This is about saving lives, holding people accountable, and giving victims and their families the respect and attention, they deserve. I am the first to admit that nobody and no organization is perfect, including law enforcement; however, regardless of how well intended some of the changes in the law may be, more and more people are being victims of crimes and more and more people are dying.

He ended the letter by saying residents should communicate to lawmakers their opinions.

Our community deserves better, he said.
France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy (R) arrives at the Paris court for questioning during the appeal trial in the so-called Bygmalion case (Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT)

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday "vigorously" denied any wrongdoing as he appealed a one-year jail sentence for illegal campaign financing.

Sarkozy has faced a litany of legal problems since his sole term in office between 2007 and 2012 and has been charged separately with corruption, bribery, influence-peddling and breaking campaign financing laws.

"I vigorously deny any criminal responsibility," the 68-year-old said at the Paris Court of Appeal.

"I deny, and I hope to demonstrate it, that I ever had any knowledge of fraud, that I ever asked for fraud or even benefited from fraud," he said at the start of questioning.

The trial began on November 8.

In the so-called "Bygmalion affair", the former head of state was sentenced to one year in prison in September 2021 on charges that his right-wing party, then known as the UMP, worked with a public relations firm to hide the true cost of his 2012 re-election bid.

Sarkozy accused the firm, Bygmalion, of having enriched itself behind his back.

Sarkozy said he could never have imagined that "there was a system of false invoices." He dismissed the allegations against him as "lies."

As his questioning progressed, Sarkozy, who revelled in the nickname of the "hyper-president", became more animated, nodding and shrugging his shoulders.

He said he did not have the feeling that "I was treated like the Sun King," in reference to France's long-serving monarch Louis XIV. "What is this fable?" he asked.

The former head of Bygmalion, Guy Alves, insists that Sarkozy was the "sole beneficiary" of the system of false invoices.

Prosecutors said Sarkozy spent nearly 43 million euros on his 2012 campaign, almost double the permitted amount of 22.5 million euros.

"If I didn't ask for anything, if I didn't know about it, where's the intentional offence?" Sarkozy said pugnaciously.

"I want the truth," he added.

In October, Sarkozy was charged in a separate witness tampering case relating to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential win.

Despite his legal woes, Sarkozy is a hugely influential figure on the French right, courted by politicians and writing books that are major publishing events.

In his latest work, Sarkozy said he would like his protege and current Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to succeed Emmanuel Macron as French president, noting his "evident qualities".

Sarkozy has also maintained a relationship with Macron and French media have said the pair have dined together on numerous occasions to talk politics.

edy-abb-as/sjw/imm
Built in 1925 by Arthur and Theodora Ahrends, the parents of longtime Journal Star reporter Theo Jean Kenyon, the home at 1805 N. Prospect Road is now an Airbnb.

PEORIA  Theo Jean Kenyon would likely be pleased to see her familys mementos on the walls of her childhood home now that its owned by someone else.

A lifelong resident of central Illinois who worked as a reporter at the Journal Star for 66 years, Kenyon held on to her childhood home for her entire life, even though she lived most of her adult life in the East Peoria home designed by her husband, architect Les Kenyon. When Theo Jean Kenyon died at the age of 99 in 2021, the home at 1805 N. Prospect Road was still filled with her parents' possessions.

Victoria Metz, who today co-owns the house with Jon Hopkins, saw the property for the first time while picking up a side table advertised on Facebook Marketplace.

"I'm a lover of all antiques and old homes, and I asked if I could look around. Everything in the house was older. So I roped Jon into it - I said, 'We have to save this house. I'm in love with it,'" said Metz.

More: Elegant architecture and a ghost: 7 Peoria properties will be part of annual holiday tour

A World War I nurse's uniform hanging in the closet and the fact that the home is close to the hospitals inspired the idea of making it into an Airbnb for traveling nurses. The pair asked to buy the uniform, and when they took possession of the home in December 2022, they were given a few old photos of the home, artifacts which are now seen by everyone who stays there.

This was Theo Jean's mothers World War I uniform, and its just in great shape, said Hopkins while standing in the foyer beside a blue dress and matching cap folded and framed behind glass. Old photographs of the home hang on the staircase wall - in one, a toddler and a man in a straw boater hat stand near a newly constructed brick foundation.

Im guessing thats Theo Jean Kenyon as a baby, with her father," said Hopkins.

An old home gets a second life as an Airbnb

Photos of 1805 N. Prospect Rd. when it was being built are on display for Airbnb guests.

Hopkins has experience with flipping properties and being a landlord, but this is the first time either he or Metz have owned an Airbnb.

Tori was the one who did all the designs of the property, so I cant take credit for that, said Hopkins. Ive done real estate stuff since 2009 - I've done quite a few flips, so I had some guys that could do different parts of the work. It worked out well.

Built in 1925, the Dutch Colonial-style home had been well cared for, but needed extensive updates. The electrical and plumbing systems were completely redone, and the kitchen and second-floor bath modernized. Renovations were done with care to maintain the homes original design.

"I wanted to try to keep the house as it was as much as possible," said Metz.

More: Knoxville Avenue castles: 2 renowned Peoria homes have a lot in common. Here's the history

A half bath on the main floor was added in a former closet, and the original cupboards were preserved as the kitchen was updated.

We cut off part of the cabinet to add a dishwasher, said Hopkins.

The home has a classic layout, with the front foyer opening onto the living and dining rooms. There are original hardwood floors throughout the house, and one wall of the living room holds a built-in bench and display cabinets built from oak. A pair of French doors can be opened in the summer, filling the lower level with fresh air and providing access to a porch. Upstairs are two bedrooms, two small sitting areas and a bathroom large enough to dance in.

As an Airbnb, the home has been fairly popular, said Hopkins. People from all over the county have visited, and several have said they enjoyed learning the history of the home.

Want to see what it looks like? The home is one of seven properties on this years Peoria Historical Society Holiday Homes Tour. Tickets are $20 in advance at 309tix.com or by calling the Peoria Historical Society at (309) 674-1921. Tickets will be $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free with adult admission.

More: 'I'm stronger': Cancer has given Peoria artist a new appreciation for life

Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Vintage Peoria home becomes Airbnb, on holiday homes tour
We have all witnessed the turmoil that can occur in the comments sections of our social media platforms. Close-minded remarks, hurtful rhetoric and disgraceful carnage happen between strangers, friends and even co-workers.

But, as an educator, I refuse to simply shake my head and put the blame on society. Instead, I have made it my focus to teach my students to listen with intent, reply with relevant facts and discern biases. As an overwhelmed educator, this task seemed daunting at first. I teach biology; how would I bring debate into the classroom?

First, I looked at my science standards. Where did I see a spot for something with a little controversy? In my case, I decided to look at the issue of the wolf population at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. At face value, we see a typical story about wolves and their dwindling population. I showed students the videos, we discussed the progression of the issues, and they read several articles about what had happened (MLive, APnews, MTU). The students indicated that they understood the content. They were feeling a connection to the animals and were starting to form an opinion. I knew I could stop there and move on to the next content. However, I wanted to spark a little debate to further the connection.

I wanted students to dig in deeper and choose a stance. So, I posed the question: Are humans responsible for fixing the wolf population issue? Should taxpayer money be spent rehabilitating the wolf population on Isle Royale? This divided the class almost in half. Half the students thought that nature should take its course. Half thought it was up to humans to protect the animals. At this point, I could have let the students debate/duke it out over their stances. However, that wouldnt be focusing on my goal of promoting constructive debate. To keep behavior standards high, I set the expectations beforehand. This included raising our hand, voice level that was loud enough for the class to hear, and sentence frames on how to disagree respectfully (I appreciate your viewpoint; I see it like ____. According to the text, _____. Thank you for sharing; my view is that ____). Keeping behavior structures and expectations high, I opened the floor to discussion, questions and statements. Students pulled information from their notes. Students listened with intent. The primal need to be correct was coursing through them. They were connecting to content in a way I hadnt seen before.

This shift from simply reading and moving on to being passionate sparked something new in my educator soul. I saw how students could make a point without being disrespectful. They could listen with intent. They could see different sides and even change their stance. Kids can possess these skills, even though some adults behind their screens do not. As educators, we know that life skills are necessary. Given the social and political climate of our world, we now need to make sure that the ability to have healthy and meaningful conversations is taught as a skill.

So, dear educator, how can you make a topic you teach into a healthy debate? Do you dive right in and look at the social and racial injustices happening worldwide? Do you start small and look at something local? Or maybe you just try to look at perspectives in the book youre reading in class? However you choose, make an effort to teach the skills that we may not have been taught. Make an effort to show students its OK to have different opinions. Its OK to feel passionate about something. Most importantly, its not OK to belittle or diminish others ideas when theyre not aligned with your own.

Hopefully, with a shift in this mindset, they can be the future we all need.

Kati Begen is a high school biology educator and credential coach in Fresno. She has earned a multiple-subject credential, a single-subject credential and a masters degree in teaching. She is currently working on her doctorate in curriculum and assessment at Southern Wesleyan University. She wrote this for EdSource.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'I saw students make a point without being disrespectful.' Embrace debate.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) identified a Russian commander, Aleksandr Dosyagaev, who gave order orders to kill at least four Ukrainian civilians in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, in March 2022, the SBU said on Nov. 24.

Lieutenant Colonel Dosyagaev, a commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 104th Regiment of the 76th Airborne Assault Division of the Russian Airborne Forces, was deployed in Bucha at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The officer was later awarded the "Hero of Russia" medal for his service in Ukraine, the SBU said.

While stationed in Bucha, Dosyagaev ordered the troops in his command to engage in punitive actions against the local population, which were aimed at preventing any possible resistance, as well as intimidating residents.

In one such punitive action, Dosyagaev ordered his troops to shoot and kill four civilians as they passed by.

Bucha, a small city near Kyiv, was occupied by Russian troops shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. After it was liberated, mass graves were discovered, and thousands of war crimes were documented, including the murder of hundreds of civilians.

Dosyagaev is being investigated for violating the laws of war and murder.

The Ukrainian army's strategic communications unit said in May 2022 that Dosyagaev had been killed in action while fighting in Ukraine.

The SBU acknowledged, however, that information about his possible death was being confirmed, but even if true, it would not hinder the investigation.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Ukrainian man was sentenced to 12 years in prison following an investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for spying for the Russian military in Donetsk Oblast, the SBU announced on Nov. 24.

The man tried to identify the locations of Ukrainian troop concentrations, military bases, headquarters, and weapons and munitions depots, which he then shared with Russian forces operating in the area.

The alleged spy lived in Sloviansk, in the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast, about 25 kilometers from the front line .

The SBU said that he sent these coordinates by voice messages through liaisons, likely in hopes that he could hide his involvement in spying for Russia.

Following an investigation, the SBU arrested the man and found the phone he used to message his Russian contacts.

The SBU turned over the details of the investigation to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, which charged the man with "providing assistance to the armed forces of the aggressor state."

His 12-year sentence was shorter than some of the other prison terms that have been issued in similar cases.

In some cases, Ukrainians found spying for Russia during the full-scale invasion have been charged with treason, which can carry a life sentence if convicted.

A Ukrainian woman was sentenced to life in prison in October for providing the Russian military with photographs of strategic sites in Ukraine, including domestic defense industry factories.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Fifty years ago, 17-year-old Stewart Russell Buchanan stabbed his Fort Mill neighbor to death. After five decades in prison, court documents show Buchanan wants the court system to let him out. Or at least, consider his young age at the time of the crime.

Aileen Boone, 43, was stabbed 22 times and found dead outside her house on May 18, 1973, according to police and court records. Buchanan, whom court records say took the hallucinogenic LSD and drank alcohol before the killing, was arrested the same day.

Hes been in prison ever since.

In September 1973, Buchanan pleaded guilty to murder, which, under the law at the time, had a mandatory sentence of 10 years to life.

Buchanan has been denied parole at least 18 times. At age 67, though, he still is seeking it.

His lawyers say he deserves parole because of his age at the time of the crime, and his rehabilitation.

Buchanan was a juvenile at the time of the crime and guilty plea. In court documents, Buchanans lawyers say he deserves a parole hearing based on his juvenile status from five decades ago.

Lawyers for South Carolinas parole board disagree, saying the parole boards decisions to deny parole are legal.

So far, the S.C. Administrative Law Court and the S.C. Court of Appeals have upheld the boards decision to deny Buchanans release.

However, justices from the court of appeals wrote they had concerns about the parole process for inmates -- such as Buchanan -- who were juveniles when convicted. The appeals court suggested South Carolina lawmakers may have to review parole rules for juveniles.

The S.C. Supreme Court appears to be poised to hear the case. Buchanans lawyers were given an extension of time last week to ask the high court to hear the case, according to a public record order from the Supreme Court.

Stewart Russell Buchanans case

Buchanan pleaded guilty to murder in York County criminal court in September 1973 and was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison, court records state. The sentencing sheet for the teen at the time, 50 years old and still in the court file, says the sentence was rendered, with recommendation for mercy.

The legal fight that continues five decades later and is likely headed for the S.C. Supreme Court, is about whether the state parole board should give Buchanan a hearing that focuses on his juvenile status at the time of Boones murder.

In court papers, Buchanans lawyers say he has been rehabilitated through programs -- like those aimed at life after incarceration and drug and alcohol treatment -- and deserves to be paroled.

Buchanan appealed the parole boards denials first to the administrative law court, then to the court of appeals.

His lawyers argue in court documents that because Buchanan was 17, a juvenile, at the time of the crime, the parole board should consider how old he was then. Because of Buchanans age in 1973, and US court decisions about juvenile sentencing that have happened since then, Buchanans lawyers claim he deserves a parole hearing tailored to his age at the time he committed the crime.

The state of South Carolina has a different take, though. Lawyers for the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services stated in court documents Buchanan has had legitimate parole hearings and parole has been denied. Also, the courts have no jurisdiction to tell the parole board who to set free, state lawyers argue.

The S.C. Court of Appeals in October ruled in favor of the parole board. But the court said it was constrained by law. The appeals court wrote in its approval that it has concerns about the process that might take changing the law to enact any reform.

Under the current system, it appears no passage of time served or showing of rehabilitation... can change his fate before this Board, the appeals court stated. The prospect of parole, including meaningful parole hearings, incentivizes good conduct while imprisoned and encourages participation in rehabilitative programs, which reduces recidivism rates.

The killing of Aileen Boone

Buchanan was a troubled teen in Fort Mill in the early 1970s, according to court records.

Around the time of Boones murder, Buchanan began using methamphetamine and LSD, and had stopped attending auto mechanics classes at York Technical College, records show.

The night Boone was stabbed, Buchanan took several hits of LSD and drank excessively, court documents state.

According to appeals court records,:

On May 18, 1973, Buchanan broke into the victims home in the early morning hours. The victim, Buchanans neighbor, awoke and fled the house. Buchanan stabbed her to death in the front yard.

Buchanan was 17 in September 1973, when he pleaded guilty to murder. Under the law at the time, that plea had a mandatory sentence of 10 years to life.

Prison rehabilitation

According to court documents, Buchanans lawyers say that in the five decades since Boones murder, Buchanan has been rehabilitated and completed several programs, including business and vocational courses.

Documents show Buchanan has been part of prison programs aimed at life after incarceration, completed drug and alcohol treatment, and done what has been available to him for rehabilitation and to show that he is a candidate for parole.

A forensic psychologist examined Buchanan before a 2018 parole hearing and concluded Buchanan, did not represent a significant risk for future violent acts, according to the appeals court opinion.

Buchanan is represented by lawyers from Justice 360 in Columbia, records show.

Lawyers for Buchanan declined to discuss specifics of the case for this story.

Parole denied each time

In at least 15 of Buchanans parole denials, the board stated parole was denied for three main reasons: the nature and seriousness of the crime, violence in the crime, and use of a deadly weapon.

In a 2018 parole hearing, three pastors, Buchanans lawyer and a person affiliated with a post-prison release program appeared on his behalf, documents show.

The parole board made a verbal decision to deny parole less than a minute after the hearing, Buchanans lawyers stated in documents.

The S.C Parole Board is made up of seven members. There is a representative from each of the states seven congressional districts on the board.

Court documents from Buchanans lawyers claim the process is inefficient because it does not require the Board to consider his youth and rehabilitation. Many jurisdictions have judicially or legislatively required parole boards to specifically consider the hallmark features of youth in considering parole of juvenile offenders..

South Carolinas position

Lawyers for the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon state in court documents that the parole boards decisions to deny Buchanan parole are legal.

The parole board is the only body under state law that can grant parole.

There were 71 signatures of people opposed to Buchanan receiving parole at a 2018 parole hearing, according to the appeals court decision. The decision does not name those people.

Parole is a privilege, not a right, the state argues in court documents. Buchanan is clearly frustrated with the boards repeated refusal to grant him parole, lawyers for South Carolina stated in documents.

In court documents, lawyers for the state say the parole board considers a variety of factors as required by law.

State lawyers wrote:

The board must carefully consider the record of the prisoner before, during, and after imprisonment, and no such prisoner may be paroled until it appears to the satisfaction of the board: That the prisoner has shown a disposition to reform; that in the future he will probably obey the law and lead a correct life; that by his conduct he has merited a lessening of the rigors of his imprisonment; that the interest of society will not be impaired thereby; and that suitable employment has been secured for him.

Buchanan remains eligible for parole, state lawyers argue. But only the parole board can grant that, not any court despite Buchanan asking the courts to review the decision, state lawyers argue.

He therefore is asking for what this court cannot give him; the guarantee or right to parole, or the usurping of the Boards authority by this court granting him parole, state lawyers wrote.

A spokesperson for the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services said in an email to The Herald the agency cannot comment on the case until the opinion is final.

Appeals court decision

The S.C. Court of Appeals, in a decision last month, affirmed the parole board decision. That decision backed a S.C. Administrative Law Court (ALC) decision that said the parole board has the right to deny parole.

We agree with the ALC that neither the United States Supreme Court nor our supreme court requires specific parole criteria to be considered in determining whether to grant parole, and the Boards denial of parole did not constitute cruel and/or unusual punishment under either Constitution, the appeals court wrote.

But the appeals court wrote that it had concerns about the process and made its ruling because it was constrained to affirm.

We reluctantly affirm the ALCs finding that the Board followed the proper procedure when it denied Buchanan parole... the appeals court stated. Although the Board has complied with the minimal requirements necessary for this to satisfy the standard our supreme court articulated in Cooper, we are sympathetic to Buchanans argument that it appears inmates who offended while juveniles are not given meaningful review regarding parole. Our role is one that is limited to operating within the framework set by statutory law and by our supreme courts precedents. It may well be good policy for the Legislature to review and/or revise the parole system to assure the factors of youth are a part of considering parole in these cases rather than permitting the seemingly perfunctory review now standardly given, but that is the Legislatures decision, not ours.

The appeals court also stated that it has concerns about juveniles who are imprisoned for violent crimes not having a legitimate chance to be paroled due to the nature of their crimes.

We are concerned regarding the perfunctory manner in which Buchanans request for parole was denied, the appeals court wrote. Although Buchanan and other juveniles similarly situated are technically eligible for parole, the continuing denial of parole based on the same factors, all unchangeable and related to their offenses, gives no guidance to these inmates about what can be done to improve their chances of parole and is very nearly equivalent to being ineligible for parole.

The appeals court wrote: There appears to be no disputenonethat he has been an exemplary inmate and demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and a low risk for recidivism.

South Carolina law professor following Buchanans case

The appeals court ruling likely means the S.C. Supreme Court will accept to hear the case, said Madalyn Wasilczuk, a law professor at the University of South Carolina with experience concerning the prosecution and detention of children. Wasilczuk runs the law school juvenile justice clinic.

She said she attended the appeals court oral arguments earlier this year and has followed Buchanans case and another that concerns juvenile sentences and parole.

Wasilczuk said the appeals court decision stating it was constrained to affirm the lower court ruling shows the appeals court believed the law was followed, but the appeals court had concerns about the parole process, especially for juveniles.

She said prisoners such as Buchanan have no other way to demonstrate rehabilitation if the parole board mainly uses the criteria inherent in the crime of murder: The crime is serious, a weapon was used, and there was violence.

The concern is that if the parole board uses just the violent crime with a weapon measure to deny parole, he has almost no chance at parole, she said.

The denial is for reasons he can never change, she said.

In the Buchanan case, he has demonstrated factors that should weigh in his favor for parole, Wasilczuk said. Those factors include rehabilitation, and his age at the time of the offense.

What happens now?

No date has been set for the S.C. Supreme Court to accept and hear the case. Buchanans lawyers have until Nov. 27 to file a petition asking the states highest court to hear the case, the Supreme Court order for extension shows.

If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it is unclear when it would happen. If it is heard, decisions from the court can take months.

Buchanan, 67, remains at Perry prison in Greenville County, the S.C. Department of Corrections website shows.

His next parole hearing is scheduled for 2025, according to spokesperson Anita Dantzler with the S.C. Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sought to calm fears about the repercussions from last weeks ruling by the nations top court, pledging that his government will fix the budget turmoil the judgment unleashed.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a video statement published Friday in Berlin, Scholz promised that financial aid to ease the burden from high energy prices was not under threat and said the court judgment left the door open for such emergency assistance to continue.

The government wont be diverted from initiatives including addressing the wider fallout from Russias war on Ukraine, maintaining support for Kyiv and modernizing and greening Europes biggest economy, he added.

All of these goals are and remain right, he said. We will continue to follow all of these goals.

Scholz and senior officials from Germanys three-party governing alliance have been holding emergency talks to determine the full implications of the shock Constitutional Court judgment since it was delivered on Nov. 15.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner froze almost all new federal spending for this year and will present a revised 2023 finance plan next week that will include a suspension of a limit on net new borrowing for the fourth straight year.

The court ruling called into question Germanys use of special off-budget funds and Lindner has been forced to retroactively account for about 42 billion ($46 billion) of new debt earmarked to ease the burden of high electricity and gas prices on households and companies.

The government has yet to decide how it will deal with the potential impact on next years finance plan, which was supposed to go to parliament next week but has now been delayed indefinitely. Any action it takes to overhaul the special funds potentially opens it up to more legal challenges.

In his video message, Scholz insisted that the ruling coalition will not put off making the necessary decisions, and said its already working to ensure that the federal government and the Bundestag take all the decisions required for the 2024 budget quickly.

Scholz came under pressure Friday to resolve the situation from European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, who said the budget chaos is an issue for us.

We have to forecast, we have to anticipate what fiscal space countries will have, what policies they will deploy and what is the likely economic result, Lagarde said in Frankfurt.

Not to understand yet where Germanys budget will be next year is not helping us to do our projections, she added. I hope that solutions will be found.

Read More: Germany Must Be Able to Run Budget Deficits, Ifos Fuest Says

Lindner pledged Friday that there will be solutions and echoed Scholzs message that the government is sticking to its broader goals.

For certain goals we now have to find other ways and we are making the effort, he said at the presentation of a new coin in Berlin. We need to clear the ship and then set course again.

In another setback for the government on Friday, the upper house of parliament refused to sign off on a law pushed by Lindner designed to foster competitiveness and promote investment in climate friendly technologies. An agreement must now be sought in a joint mediation committee of both houses of parliament.

Lindners ministry also announced that Werner Gatzer, a long-serving deputy finance minister responsible for budget planning, will leave at the end of the year and be replaced by Wolf Reuter, the current director general and chief economist.

--With assistance from Kamil Kowalcze, Michael Nienaber, Sonja Wind and Alexander Weber.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A local school board member in Tuolumne Countysoutheast of Sacramento, Californiamade a series of chilling threats that mentioned killing children, according to new court filings. The Modesto Bee reports that Jason Vassar, a 50-year-old elementary school board member, espoused racist comments and claimed to be the Messiah. The man, whom the local sheriffs office has detained for a mental evaluation, according to the paper, now faces the Belleview Elementary School District board seeking to remove him over his online conduct. I was kind of shocked to read in Revelations that I was going to be executioner for God and kill your children, Vassar wrote in one post, according to The Bee.

Read it at The Modesto Bee

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Icy Hot

The planet Mercury seems like a place inhospitable to life, with surface temperatures reaching a blistering 800 degrees Fahrenheit due to its extremely close proximity to the Sun.

But new research suggests that there are regions on the Solar System's smallest planet that may have the right conditions for biological life to survive.

Scientists at the Planetary Science Institute (PSI) in Arizona say they've found evidence of salt glaciers on the planet's surface, regions that are similar to extremely harsh and salt-rich environments on Earth where life still finds a way to exist.

"Specific salt compounds on Earth create habitable niches even in some of the harshest environments where they occur, such as the arid Atacama Desert in Chile," said Alexis Rodriguez, PSI scientist, and lead author of a new paper published in the Planetary Science Journal, in a statement. "This line of thinking leads us to ponder the possibility of subsurface areas on Mercury that might be more hospitable than its harsh surface."

Mystery Planet

NASA's Mercury probe Messenger revealed that the planet contained volatile compounds  such as sodium, potassium, sulfur and chlorine  which scientists previously thought were stripped away a long time ago due to the proximity of the Sun and the planet's lack of an atmosphere.

The researchers focused their study on two areas of the planet, an impact crater named Raditladi, and a region in the north pole called Borealis Chaos.

From studying these regions, the researchers concluded that a considerable amount of these volatile compounds are found in underground glacier-like forms that get uncovered when an asteroid hits the planet's surface.

The scientists suggest that these layers of salt were originally formed in the planet's distance past when volcanoes would send out water vapors containing sodium, which would condense into temporary pools of water. The Sun would then evaporate the water away, leaving behind sodium which built up in layers over billions of years.

These layers could contain evidence of life, the team proposes, much like the harsh salt pools on our planet which can harbor microbial life.

Beyond these volatile compounds and salt glaciers, more mysteries may be uncovered soon. Scientists are eager for the probe BepiColombo, a joint-European and Japanese effort, to make its way to the planet in 2025 and start gathering data.

More on Mercury: Space Probe Takes Stunning Close Up Images of Mercury
Chief Constable Jo Farrell was picked up at Edinburghs Waverley station after finding there were train cancellations

Scotlands new police chief has apologised after forcing an on-duty officer to give her a taxpayer-funded taxi ride to her home in England.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell arranged for a car to take her from Edinburgh to her home in Northumberland last month after Storm Babet caused widespread cancellation to train services.

An officer was taken away from other duties to take his new boss on the 120-mile journey, meaning they were out of action during their shift for around six hours.

The Scottish Sun also reported that she was accompanied by a senior male colleague from Durham Constabulary, the force she previously led, who was dropped off at his home in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

The incident was said to have happened on the evening of Oct 20, only 11 days after she started work as Police Scotlands chief constable.

It is understood she was picked up at Edinburghs Waverley station after finding there were widespread train cancellations. She is living in the city while she looks for a permanent home in Scotland.

Error of judgment

Ms Farrell, 55, said: I requested my office to arrange for a car to drive me home to the Northumberland area after work.

I was unable to complete the journey by train as services had been cancelled and my own police vehicle was unavailable. I have apologised for this error of judgment.

The force recently warned it could be forced to shed 2,000 jobs and close 30 stations thanks to SNP funding cuts.

It refused to rule out expanding the controversial pilot in the north east of Scotland, whereby some crimes are not investigated because of a lack of resources.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory justice spokesman, said: This is a concerning start to the new chiefs tenure and while her apology is welcome, it is important that the [Scottish Police Authority] establishes the full facts of this incident.

Hard-working frontline officers who put themselves in danger every day are already feeling the impact of SNP cuts, and expect the chief to lead by example.

A Police Scotland insider told the Scottish Daily Mail: A lot of ordinary cops will think she has shown some cheek given the scale of cuts police are facing  this isnt the time to be taking a taxpayer-funded taxi ride.

A spokesman for the Scottish Police Authority, the forces watchdog, said: The authority is aware the chief constable used a police vehicle following the cancellation of a scheduled train journey.

The chair has discussed this with the chief constable who has apologised. The authority considers the matter closed.

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(Reuters) - Sean "Diddy" Combs has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a university student in 1991 in a lawsuit filed in a New York court on Thursday, the second suit of its kind filed against the hip hop mogul in the past week.

The complaint against Combs was among a flurry of lawsuits filed this week against public figures under New York state's Adult Survivors Act, ahead of the expiry of a special one-year window for such complaints. The law allows such lawsuits to be filed in court even if the statute of limitations have run out.

The lawsuit alleges Combs intentionally drugged and sexually assaulted Joi Dickerson-Neal, who was a Syracuse University student visiting New York City at the time of the alleged incident in January 1991.

Combs is also accused of videotaping the alleged crime and distributing the tape to others in the music industry.

"The sexual assault, and public exposure of it, caused her to suffer overwhelming feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, violation, and constant apprehension about who all viewed it," lawyers for Dickerson-Neal wrote in the complaint.

Dickerson-Neal is seeking unspecified compensatory damages for mental and emotional injury, distress, pain and suffering and injury to her reputation, according to the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Combs said Dickerson-Neal's story is "made up and not credible," and that the rapper never assaulted her.

"This is purely a money grab and nothing more," the spokesperson said in an email.

The complaint against Combs comes a week after he settled a lawsuit by his former girlfriend, R&B vocalist Cassandra Ventura, accusing the rapper of serial physical abuse, sexual slavery and rape. Combs had strongly denied all the allegations.

Combs, 54, founder of Bad Boy Records, is one of the most influential producers and executives in hip-hop, as well as the impresario of his own Sean John clothing line.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Sean Diddy Combs has been hit with a new lawsuit by a woman who alleges he drugged and sexually assaulted her while she was a college student in 1991.

The complaint, filed on Thursday at the New York Supreme Court, claims that the woman was a victim of revenge porn after the rap mogul recorded her during the alleged incident.

It comes one week after Mr Combs was accused of rape and repeated physical abuse by his ex-partner, R&B singer Cassie.

Both cases have been filed under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act (ASA), which provides survivors a one-year window to pursue civil litigation regardless of when the abuse occurred. The act is due to expire on Friday.

The most recent suit filed against Mr Combs centres on an alleged interaction between him and Joi Dickerson-Neal on January 3 1991, when she was a student at Syracuse University. Ms Dickerson-Neals identity was confirmed to US outlets by her representatives.

According to the filing, obtained by multiple US outlets, Ms Dickerson-Neal said she went to dinner reluctantly with Mr Combs at a restaurant in Harlem in New York City and that he later intentionally drugged her, leaving her unable to stand or walk.

They then drove to a music studio. When Ms Dickerson-Neal could not exit the car, Mr Combs allegedly took her to a place he was staying to sexually assault her, the suit stated.

Sean Diddy Combs (AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Dickerson-Neal recalled feeling humiliated and hurt, yet she could not escape the assault, and because she had been allegedly drugged, she said she lacked the physical ability or mental capacity to fend Combs off, the documents stated.

According to US outlets, the complaint also alleges Ms Dickerson-Neal was the victim of "revenge porn," accusing Mr Combs of recording the alleged sexual assault.

It added that the alleged incident had led to Ms Dickerson-Neal being hospitalised for severe depression and suicidal ideation, and later dropping out of college.

As Combs success and wealth rose quickly, she tried to block his existence out, the complaint read, per US outlets. Seeking accountability from Combs under the law is one more step in that journey.

Bad Boy Records and Combs Enterprises are also reportedly listed as defendants in the suit.

In a statement which referred to the ASA, shared withThe Independent, a spokesperson for Mr Combs said: This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head.

Ms Dickersons 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr Combs never assaulted her, and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more.

Last week, the music moguls former partner Cassie, real name Cassandra Ventura, filed a separate suit alleging that Mr 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.

The pair reportedly ended their relationship in 2018 after 10 years together.

The new lawsuit comes one week after Mr Combs was accused of rape and repeated physical abuse by his ex-partner, R&B singer Cassie (Getty Images)

In a statement shared with The Independent, Ms Ventura said: 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 to Ms Venturas claims, a lawyer for Mr Combs, Ben Brafman, told The Independent: 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.
HOPKINTON  Interim Fire Chief Gary Daugherty and six other firefighters  five from Hopkinton  were honored this week for their efforts in fighting a two-alarm fire on Hayward Street early on Easter morning during the 34th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards.

Daugherty, who was deputy fire chief at the time of the fire, along with Hopkinton fire Lt. John Sheridan and Hopkinton firefighters Jim Gosselin, Maxwell Hoadley, Douglas R. Lewis III and Jarrod Taranto, as well as Ashland fire Lt. Tony Duca, were presented with the Governor's Citation for Meritorious Conduct during the ceremony Tuesday at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

"That night, our firefighters faced numerous challenges upon arrival," Daugherty said in a prepared statement. "Only through our training, teamwork and support from our mutual aid departments were we able to make this happen."

A fire official sorts through some items after a fatal fire early back in April at 69 Hayward St. in Hopkinton.

'No working smoke alarms': Authorities say second victim in Hopkinton fire has died

Gov. Maura Healey and State Fire Marshal Marshal Davine, along with Secretary of Public Safety and Secretary Terrence Reidy, led Tuesday's awards ceremony, which honored 130 firefighters from 22 departments throughout the state.

It was 1:12 a.m. on April 9 when the Hopkinton Fire Department began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire and possible explosion at 69 Hayward St.

Firefighters find two residents inside the home

According to Hopkinton fire officials, Ladder 1 and Engine 2 arrived to find fire showing from a 1.5-story home, with live power lines down in the front yard. A bystander reported there were two people still inside.

Firefighters stretched a hose line through a side yard and began applying water, while Sheridan called for a second alarm. Daugherty then arrived at the scene and joined Sheridan in forcing entry and making "an aggressive interior search of the home." The two men located a resident on the floor near a bathroom, and carried the resident from the home to awaiting EMS crews.

Hopkinton firefighters stand on stage in Mechanics Hall in Worcester with Gov. Maura Healey as WCVB New's Doug Meehan reads a citation about their actions. From left are Jim Gosselin, Jarrod Taranto, interim Fire Chief Gary Daugherty, Lt. John Sheridan, Maxwell Hoadley and Douglas R. Lewis III.

'It's my hometown': Hopkinton Fire Chief William Miller to take Bellingham job

Daugherty and Sheridan then went back inside the home, searching down a smoke-filled hallway to find a second victim on the floor in a rear bedroom. Duca, who had responded as mutual aid, met Sheridan and Daugherty inside the home and helped carry the second resident out.

Both residents, later identified as Judith and Seldon MacNeill, eventually died of their injuries. A dog also died in the blaze. But fire officials say each had a chance at survival due to the actions and teamwork of the firefighters involved.

"Everyone who responded played a pivotal role," said Daugherty. "I also want to thank the paramedics who treated and transported the patients."

Firefighters noted there were no working smoke alarms at the home.

Each year, the Firefighter of the Year Awards recognize acts of bravery, heroism and service that are truly remarkable  even by the remarkable standards set by Massachusetts firefighters, said Healey, in a statement. From structure fires to rushing waters, this years recipients defied grave danger to protect lives and preserve property. Its an honor to celebrate them as individuals and teams. They represent the very finest in a tradition of helping others in times of danger and crisis.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Hopkinton, Ashland firefighters honored response to fatal house fire
A persistent shoplifter has been banned from entering any Co-op store in Nottinghamshire after admitting to stealing coffee and packs of meat.

Samantha Clay, 38, was given a two-year criminal behaviour order at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 17 November.

It also bans her from going to Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.

Clay, of Conway Road, Carlton, Nottinghamshire, was also handed a six-month community order, including a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Police said Clay was given the order after pleading guilty to stealing coffee and packs of chicken and bacon from the Co-op in Westdale Lane West, Gedling, on 19 and 23 October.

PCSO Allan Cooke, From Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Clay is a serial shoplifter whose persistent offending has had a significant detrimental impact on the businesses she targeted.

"Quite frankly, they should not have to put up with this sort of behaviour."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
Visitors browse at a holiday market at Casa Larga Vineyards in Perinton.

Festive holiday markets, which usually highlight local businesses and artisans, are a longtime tradition in Rochester. The Rochester Public Market, for example, has held its annual Holidays at the Market for the past 26 years.

There seem to be more and more of these events every year, including the uber-festive ROC Holiday Village, which kicks off Dec. 1. You can now find markets held indoors and outdoors, during the day and in the evening.

Holiday Craft & Wine Marketplace: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25 at Casa Larga Vineyards, 2287 Turk Hill Road in Perinton. The winery's annual holiday marketplace will take place on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Local vendors will be set up throughout its roomy event space and its wines will be available for sale. It will be collecting non-perishable items to benefit the Perinton Food Shelf.

Sip, Shop, Eats & Beats: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at The Charleston House restaurant, 120 East Ave. Shop with local vendors and enjoy food and libations from the Southern menu at The Charleston House. Free admission.

Holiday Market at Point of the Bluff: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23 at Point of the Bluff Vineyards, 10489 County Road 76 in Hammondsport. Taste award-winning wines, indulge in festive foods and shop small in the winery's decorated pavilion.

Roc Holiday Village in downtown Rochester, NY was busy Dec. 16, 2022, with people browsing the shops and taking advantage of the free ice skating.

ROC Holiday Village: Wednesdays through Sundays from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Park downtown. Among the festivities will be an outdoor shopping village and an indoor mini makers market with hand-crafted goods. Lots of food and drink will be available. Find information online at rocholidayvillage.com.

Little Button Craft will be hosting its annual Handmade Holiday Festival in the South Wedge.

Handmade Holiday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at St. Boniface Church, 330 Gregory St., and The Historic German House, 315 Gregory St., both in the South Wedge. Little Button Craft will host this event, which features 75 local vendors. It coincides with the neighborhood's holiday festival, called Its a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge, which features holiday themed games, carolers, food trucks and craft vendors. The event centers around Star Alley Park at 662 South Ave.

Indigenous Winter Arts Market: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Seneca Art & Culture Center at the Ganondagan State Historic Site, 7000 County Road 41 in Victor. The juried Hodinohso:ni Art Show will feature 49 artists and the artwork will be for sale. Six of the artists featured in the show will be set up to sell additional merchandise. The event is free and open to the public.

Blue Barn Cidery will hold its holiday market in its events space, called Pomona.

The Holiday Market at Blue Barn Cidery will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 at Pomona, the wedding and events space at Blue Barn Cidery. 918 Manitou Road, Hilton. Different vendors will be featured each day. There is no admission fee, but donations will be collected to benefit Trees for Troops. Blue Barn Cidery will be open for food and drink; no eating or drinking will be allowed in Pomona.

Holidays at the Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, as well as 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Rochester Public Market. Dozens of holiday-focused vendors will offer fresh-cut trees and wreaths; holiday decorations; specialty foods and beverage products; hand crafted gifts and more. Holiday lights, festive music and horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa add to the festivities. cityofrochester.gov/holidaysatmarket/

Secondhand Wonderland: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University, 4245 East Ave. The Op Shop hosts this event, which focuses on sustainability and vintage style. Find home decor, jewelry, collectibles and holiday fashion.

ROC Made Holiday 2023: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Arbor Venues Port of Rochester location, 1000 N. River St. Free admittance and parking; main entrance is along the riverside. More than 35 handmade creatives, full bar, coffee bar, fundraising raffle, selfie spots and more. rocmadegoods.com.

Themata, The Market at the Armory, will feature high-quality and ethically made products.

Themata Night Markets: Themata, the Market at the Armory, will hold holiday markets on three consecutive Thursday evenings. They will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at the Culver Road Armory, 145 Culver Road, in the event space next door to Fleet Feet. The markets will feature artisans, designers and artists that sell high-quality, ethically made products. A wine and beer bar will be hosted by Avvino. Admission and parking are free.

Wintercraft: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Flower City Arts Center, 713 Monroe Ave. Shop from 30 local artists and explore its historic firehouse while making art. Activities for the whole family.

Brockport Winter Market: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 around downtown Brockport. 25 crafters and artisans will sell their wares on village streets and in Brockport businesses. Santa Claus will be at the Brockport Welcome Center, 11 Water Street, and live music will be performed on the streets. Food and drink will be available in village establishments. More information on Facebook.

Book Fair and Holiday Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Allendale Columbia, 519 Allens Creek Road in Pittsford. It will include products from crafts artisans, Lift Bridge Book shop and multilevel marketing companies. Admission is free.

Viciously Crafty Holiday Makers Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 among five businesses on Russell and Elton Streets in the Neighborhood of the Arts. Makers will be at Stacy K Floral, Scratch Bakeshop, The Fleurish Co, Frequency Wellness Space and Gallery Salon. Admission is free.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Holy Childhood, 100 Groton Parkway. Fundraiser for Holy Childhood. More than 90 vendors will be on hand, including Special Touch Bakery selling baked goods.

Holiday Bazaar: A curated art market will be held at The Yards Collective, 50-52 Rochester Public Market. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17. In addition, an evening sip and shop night market will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14, coinciding with the evening Holidays at the Market at the Rochester Public Market.

A Very Merry FLXmas Holiday Market: 10 am. to 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, 623 Lerch Road, Geneva. Mini "villages" will be set up throughout the grounds for indoor and outdoor shopping with more than 70 artisans. Wine, beer, and cider tastings as well as food trucks. Carolers and a caricature artist will be on hand.

Merrymaking Holiday Makers Market: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at New York Kitchen, 800 S. Main St., Canandaigua. Shop more than 20 local makers, craft beverage producers and more. A Laughing Gull Chocolates hot cocoa bar and Zugibe Vineyards mulled wine station will be on hand. The cafe will serve brunch and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the tasting room will be open with wine, beer, cider, spirits and zero-proof options. Free admission.

Did we miss your holiday market? Send complete information (name, day, time, place, hours, cost and a brief description) to tracys@gannett.com by 3 p.m. Dec. 1.

This story may be updated. Check online at DemocratandChronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 19 holiday markets in Rochester NY to check out this season
(Bloomberg) -- The first truce since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted last month went into effect on Friday morning.

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The deal came after weeks of complex and delicate talks brokered by Qatar, the US and Egypt. The halt in fighting in Gaza is intended to last for four days. Hamas, an Iran-backed militant group, is meant to return 50 of the almost 240 hostages it captured from Israel, while the Israelis will release 150 jailed Palestinians and allow more aid into Gaza.

All 200 in both groups are expected to be women and people under the age of 19. Qatar has said Hamas will free the first group of 13 hostages around 4 p.m. local time. Israeli media has said 39 Palestinians will be let out of prison on Friday.

As the cease-fire came into effect, streets in the southern Gaza Strip  where Israel has urged civilians to evacuate to as its troops concentrate on the north  were filled with people emerging from shelters, some carrying belongings, footage on Al Jazeera showed. In the city of Khan Younis, cars crowded the streets and blared their horns.

Pause in Israel-Hamas War Has Started and Is Holding: TOPLive

Israeli strikes from air, land and sea intensified ahead of the cease-fire, the United Nations said. There were ground battles with Palestinian armed groups in the north and many casualties have been reported, it said.

Shortly before the pause in hostilities, the Israeli army warned people in Gaza to stay in southern areas. In recent weeks hundreds of thousands have fled their homes in the north, which Israel says is Hamass center of gravity.

Understanding the Roots of the Israel-Hamas War: QuickTake

Meanwhile, trucks of humanitarian aid started entering southern Gaza from Egypt, a statement from the Hamas-run border crossing authority said. It is the same crossing where hostages are expected to cross after Hamas releases them.

The start of the truce was delayed by a day as the sides held last-minute negotiations via Qatar following an initial agreement in the early hours of Wednesday.

Its going to be a very fragile few days, Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said to Bloomberg Television on Friday. Were going to have to see how things develop, if both sides adhere to the agreement.

The pause marks the first major lull in fighting since the conflict began on Oct. 7. That day, Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, attacked southern Israeli communities and army bases from Gaza, killing 1,200 people as well as taking the hostages.

Israel responded with a massive bombardment of the Gaza Strip, a densely-packed Mediterranean enclave with around 2.3 million inhabitants. It also launched a ground offensive on the northern part in late October. Almost 15,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that after the truce ends on Tuesday, Israel will carry on the war until Hamas is destroyed.

The war is not over yet, an Israeli military spokesman said on Friday morning. The humanitarian pause is temporary.

US President Joe Biden has hailed the deal as a step toward eventually seeing all the hostages freed and getting more food and medicine into Gaza to ease what the United Nations says is a humanitarian disaster.

Three American citizens are thought to be among the 50 hostages being released in the first stage of the deal.

A second stage could see the pause in fighting extended another day for every 10 additional hostages released.

Only four hostages, including two US citizens, have been released so far, while Israeli troops freed another.

Theres really been a shift in the last couple of weeks in Israel, said Zonszein. The hostages were, kind of, an afterthought in the very beginning. Youve suddenly seen the political leadership talking about hostage releases as being just as significant as destroying Hamas, she said.

Of the 40 children abducted, most are female and they include a 10-month-old infant, a three-year-old whose parents were killed on Oct. 7 and some with life-threatening food allergies and autism, said Hagai Levine of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which was set up to represent the families.

How the Israel-Hamas War Differs From Previous Conflicts

Ahead of the pause, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman called for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. After a call with UK Secretary of Defense Grant Shapps, he said: I stressed the need to end military operations, protect civilians and allow unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.

Iran welcomed the truce and warned the war should not be restarted.

If the Israeli regime continues the war after this stage of the truce, the conditions in the region will become more tense and the reactions will spread, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said.

Irans Crown Jewel Has Much to Lose From Total War With Israel

Iran also backs Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon and has exchanged regular cross-border fire with Israel since the conflict started. But so far Hezbollah has refrained from a full-on assault against Israel.

Biden spoke to Netanyahu on Thursday and emphasized the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank during the cease-fire in Gaza. The prime minister made no concrete commitments, according to Israels Channel 13.

--With assistance from Antony Sguazzin, Dana Khraiche, Sam Dagher, Fadwa Hodali and Fares Akram.

(Updates with comments on hostages and fragility of the truce.)

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OVERTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing Overton County man.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said 77-year-old Ronnie Lee Sapp was last seen wearing a green sweatshirt, blue jeans, and green shoes in Monterey on Thanksgiving Day.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Sapp may be driving a silver 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck with TN tag 003BHNL and may be heading to Florida. He also has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without help, according to investigators.

The TBI said there is no known direction of travel.

Sapp is 6 feet tall and weighs 201 pounds; he has grey hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Overton County Sheriffs Office at 931-823-5635 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Sir Keir says he enjoys listening to classical music 'quite intensely' to unwind - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Sir Keir Starmer has chosen the European Unions official anthem as the song he believes sums up the Labour Party.

The leader of the opposition picked Ode to Joy, the final movement of Beethovens 9th symphony, which he described as incredibly powerful.

Ode to Joy was adopted by the EU as its official anthem two decades ago and the song became a favourite of Remain activists, whose campaign resulted in it reaching the top of the iTunes chart on the eve of Britains departure from the bloc in 2020.

Asked by Classic FM: What piece of classical music sums up the Labour Party?, Sir Keir replied: One of the pieces Ive got is Beethovens 9th Symphony, the choral Ode to Joy.

Youve got the orchestra, youve got the voices, youve got this big combination. This is very sort of Labour. Youre getting everybody, Beethovens getting everybody onto the stage for this. I talk about a national mission for the next Labour government. This is a sense of something. It has got a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic.

And so for me, thats been hardwired in me for a long, long time. So I would go with that. There are many others that I could associate with the Labour Party, but its that sense of moving forward to a better place, is incredibly powerful.

Sir Keir went on to say Ode to Joy was obviously used when the [Berlin] Wall came down, or shortly afterwards.

There was a huge concert, and this was the sort of lead music of the wall has come down, theres a brighter future that we are going confidently towards and so it meant something for the world, but for me in my twenties starting out on my journey it brought those together in the most powerful way and Ive always loved it.

Sir Keir was Labours Brexit secretary in the shadow cabinet led by Jeremy Corbyn, and the party campaigned in 2019 to hold a confirmatory second referendum on EU membership.

Sir Kier: 'Youre getting everybody, Beethovens getting everybody onto the stage for this'

As leader he has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the bloc but insisted on the need for a closer trading relationship with Brussels.

Senior Conservative politicians rounded on Sir Keir in the wake of his comments. Matt Vickers, the deputy chairman of the Conservatives, said: It should come as no surprise that Sir Keir is dancing to Brussels tune.

Sir Keir spent years trying to block Brexit and overturn the largest democratic vote in this countrys history. Clearly, he still cant get over his obsession.

Labour will do everything they can to lead us back into the EU. Only the Conservatives can be trusted to protect the will of the people.

Lord Frost, the Conservative peer who was Boris Johnsons Brexit negotiator, added: Beethovens 9th Symphony, with Schillers Ode to Joy, is one of the most sublime, uplifting, and profound works of the human spirit.

It is a huge pity that the final movements main theme has been appropriated by the bureaucratic monstrosity of the European Union.

Of course one must suspect Starmer of making a pro-EU political point, but I dont think the rest of us should be led to feel we cant appreciate the music for political reasons.

Pathetique Symphony

David Jones, a former cabinet minister, added: Id say Labour is more a Pathetique Symphony with a tone-deaf conductor.

Elsewhere in the interview, Sir Keir added that he enjoyed listening to classical music quite intensely at home to unwind from the day-to-day stresses of leading Labour.

Its different emotions at different times, so sometimes its the powerful symphonies that can be very uplifting, he said.

These days, its more likely to be the end of a really hard day in Parliament, a sort of quiet piano sonata, but just something that removes you. I find that when I listen to classical music, I can have it on in the background, but that isnt my preferred way of listening to it.

A source close to Sir Keir said it is well-documented that he is a fan of Beethoven.

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The decision to prosecute an armed officer who crashed while racing to the scene of a terrorist attack in London has been described as appalling by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Sir Mark Rowley said no other country in the world would haul one of its most highly trained officers before the courts for bravely trying to preserve life, calling for the system of accountability to be urgently reviewed.

His comments came after a jury at Southwark Crown Court cleared Pc Paul Fisher of dangerous driving following a six-day trial.

The 46-year-old firearms officer had been responding to a stabbing spree by terrorist Sudesh Amman in Streatham, south London, in February 2020 when he lost control of his unmarked BMW X5 and hit two other cars and a wall.

Pc Paul Fisher was responding to the stabbing spree when he lost control of his unmarked BMW X5 and hit two other cars and a wall

It took almost four years for the case to come to court, but Mr Fisher was cleared by a jury after five hours of deliberations.

Amman, who was under surveillance by counter-terrorism police, stabbed two members of the public with a knife he grabbed from a hardware store. Little over a minute later, he was shot dead by armed undercover officers.

Mr Fisher had been on a surveillance operation with two other armed officers at the time of the crash, in which two members of the public suffered minor injuries.

While he admitted letting people down with the split-second error, he vehemently denied dangerous driving. Kevin Baumber, his barrister, said: The last thing intended was any kind of harm at all. Not all collisions are crimes.

In a statement issued after the verdict, Sir Mark said: If an officer makes honest mistakes under the most immense pressure while rushing to a live terrorist incident, it cannot be right this is dealt with by a criminal trial nearly four years later. Thats why the treatment of this brave officer by the systems of accountability is appalling.

No other country in the world would haul one of its most highly trained officers before a court for responding to one of the most serious incidents we can deal with and doing their utmost to preserve life.

The driving errors made by Pc Fisher were made under the most intense pressure while trying to protect members of the public from a terrorist. The right answer would have been a rapid review of this incident, warnings, re-training and testing. Instead, there have been almost four years of stress.

I routinely hear from officers who avoid pursuits or indeed even being trained because they know their split-second, pressured decisions will be unpicked over many years. This case further undermines the confidence of all officers using their powers to keep the public safe.

The system has to change. The alternative is colleagues becoming more scared of an imbalanced and disproportionate system than they are of facing terrorists and criminals intent on attacking communities.

Armed officers at the scene of the Streatham attack in 2020 - Metropolitan Police

Sir Mark said that officers fully expect to be held accountable for their actions, but they need to know the system holding them to account will be swift, fair, competent, and recognise the split-second decisions made every single day. The current set-up clearly fails those tests.

He said he was very grateful the Home Office and Attorney General are conducting a thorough review to find a more appropriate balance for accountability. We will continue to support their officials in any way possible through this process.

Following the verdict, Ken Marsh, the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: Frankly this case should never have got to court.

Its perverse that a police officer doing the job the public would expect  namely courageously heading towards the danger of a terrorist attack  could find themselves in the dock with their career on the line.

Lets remember our colleagues put their lives in danger that day to protect the public. It is what we do. The public will rightly be appalled that brave police officers responding to a terrorist attack can be treated in such a manner.

We must do better, or we risk a society where police officers will be left questioning whether they should head towards that danger. That potential hesitation  caused by the hindsight brigade  will cost lives.

That cant be right. We now ask that Pc Paul Fisher is allowed to carry on his career and do the job the public expect of him.

A CPS spokesman said: The CPS does not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence  we make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider.

In this case, we decided it was appropriate for a court to consider one charge of dangerous driving. The jury found the defendant not guilty and we respect its verdict.

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The situation on the Polish-Ukrainian border remains challenging, with four checkpoints currently blocked and around 3,700 trucks queuing to enter Ukraine.

Source: Colonel Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Guard Service (SBGS), in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The colonel noted that the blockade participants had extended their efforts to the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint on Thursday, 23 November.

The SBGS had obtained this information from its Polish colleagues and had previously received a letter indicating that the blockade would take place from 23 to 26 November, mainly during the daytime, from 10:00 to 21:00 Kyiv time.

Therefore, Polish border guards informed Ukraine's SBGS on the evening of 23 November that the blockade had been lifted, and the truck traffic in this area resumed.

The Poles resumed blocking this area after 10:00 on Friday, 24 November.

As of the morning, the queue at the border crossing point towards Ukraine from Poland totalled around 1,400 trucks, based on data from the Polish authorities.

Meanwhile, Demchenko noted: "The SBGS does not rule out that the number of trucks in all areas may be higher.

The colonel also added that truck traffic on the border with Slovakia is not currently blocked.

Quote: "The traffic intensity remains the same following the short-term blockade on the border with Slovakia. However, the freight traffic has grown due to the actions taken on the Polish territory. The queue stands at about 400 trucks (there were no queues in this location until 6 November)."

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has reiterated during a visit to Prague that he does not support the supply of weapons to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression and advocates negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

Source: Robert Fico at a press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, which was broadcast by Czech television, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala admitted that Prague and Bratislava take different approaches to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but said that Slovakias actions at the European level will be very important.

Quote from Fiala: "It is important for us that the Slovak government and the prime minister support the common European policy at the European level. There are no signs that this is not the case."

In turn, Fico said that he would discuss humanitarian aid with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal by phone, but reiterated that no military aid would be provided. Nor does he see any need to visit Ukraine at present.

Fico said his government considers the "conflict" - Russias full-scale war against Ukraine - to be "frozen", does not believe the policy of sanctions against Russia is effective, and advocates a "cessation of the hostilities in Ukraine" and the start of negotiations.

At the same time, he stressed that there has been no change in Slovakia's position as far as values are concerned: "We have no disputes with regard to values. We have stated very clearly that the use of Russian military force is a violation of international law."

After being appointed Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico confirmed that he would not support military assistance to Ukraine. He also opposes EU sanctions against Russia and wants to block Ukraine's accession to NATO.

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Slovak premier Robert Fico said Friday that the Ukraine war risks lasting until 2030 if peace talks are not started.

The populist left-winger won September's general election, pledging during the campaign to discontinue the military aid given to Ukraine by previous governments.

"This conflict is frozen, it is in a state wherein it may last until 2029 or 2030," Fico told reporters in Prague after meeting his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala.

"It is better to lead talks for 10 years in peace or with suspended combat operations than to go to the negotiations table after 10 years without any result, only to find out that we have another 500 or 600 thousand dead," he added.

Fico's three-party cabinet comprising far-right ministers has already blocked a 40.3-million-euro ($44-million) military aid package to Ukraine planned by the previous administration.

The Czech Republic and Slovakia both accepted thousands of Ukrainian war refugees, but have now split over whether to continue military aid.

"I am convinced it still makes sense because Ukraine needs our help for its courageous struggle," said the Czech Republic's Fiala.

Fico insisted that while his country would not provide Ukraine with further military aid, it would not object to others offering it.

"If the Czech Republic or any other country in the world or Europe decides to provide Ukraine with military aid, we won't condemn anyone."

The recent Slovak election campaign was marred by disinformation largely focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

frj/mmp/gv/imm
(Bloomberg) -- Slovenias government approved a tax on banks and higher levies on companies to help fund reconstruction projects following the countrys worst natural disaster in at least three decades.

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The Alpine state of 2.1 million people was hit by severe floods in August that destroyed businesses, homes and infrastructure, while leaving at least seven people dead. Rebuilding efforts, which could cost up to 10 billion ($10.9 billion) or some 18% of Slovenias annual economic output, are straining public finances, adding pressure on the government.

The new legislation, which requires parliamentary approval, aims to impose a 0.2% tax on total banking assets. The measure, which is seen raising about 100 million annually, brings Slovenia into a growing camp of European Union member states seeking to plug budget gaps through special taxes on banks that have been posting record profits.

The government also aims to boost the corporate tax rate to 22% from 19%.

Both measures are to be levied for the next five years, with estimated revenues of about 1.5 billion through 2029, Finance Minister Klemen Bostjancic told reporters in Ljubljana. Still, the main financial source for next year and beyond will be borrowing by the state, he said.

Prime Minister Robert Golob has seen his governments ratings plummet to the lowest levels since taking power last year amid accusations of meddling in police work, a failed cabinet reshuffle, infighting in his ruling party and voter dismay over the coalitions failure to push reforms.

(Adds finance minister comment, estimate of tax revenues in fifth paragraph.)

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Connecticuts cannabis legalization came with opportunity for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs to get funding for community efforts. Those funds are starting to come in.

On Tuesday, the CT Cannabis Social Equity Council and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut formally gave out $1 million in grants to causes based in Norwich, New London, and Willimantic.

This is part of a pilot program from the Social Equity Council, where $6 million was divided evenly between six grant making entities from impacted communities, which will help the Social Equity Council further distribute funds from the cannabis industry, Social Equity Council Director Ginne-Rae Clay said.

Theres never going to be enough money to restore our communities, so were going to do our best with what we have to make an impact on these communities, Clay said.

Social Equity Council Director Ginne-Rae Clay spoke to organizations in Norwich, New London and Willimantic on Tuesday about how the Social Equity Council is developing a plan to distribute funds from the cannabis industry.

Funds for youth education, recreation, arts, re-entry and reintegration programs

Specifically, the funding will be put toward youth education, recreation, arts, and re-entry and reintegration programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, according to a release from both organizations.

The Social Equity Council is also providing people who are or were from disproportionately impacted areas training to work or operate cannabis businesses, Clay said.

There will also be community conversations starting in January, where the Social Equity Council will get to hear how funds can be best used in communities in eastern Connecticut, Clay said.

Were gathering feedback and ideas from (distressed and impacted areas) residents and stakeholders to see where the most needs are, she said.

To help get further ideas on how to spend the money, Clay is also encouraging people to complete the Social Equity Councils community reinvestment survey, which will ask people about if people or families were affect, how they may have been effected, what zip codes people are from, and what youd like to see funds used for in your community, Clay said.

This feedback and results of the first pilot program will help the Social Equity Council develop a larger plan to disperse a large amount of money: $34 million. This money came from conversion fees for medical dispensaries to change to adult use facilities. The Social Equity Council wants this money distributed as quickly as possible, Clay said.

These funds do us and do the community no good by holding back, she said.

Castle Church Pastor Adam Bowles talks about the impact a grant from the Social Equity Council and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut will have on the church's community efforts.

Norwich recipients

One of the Norwich recipients is Castle Church, which received $50,000, will use its money for Next Day Mercy program, and for workshops that will pair students with mentoring opportunities, Pastor Adam Bowles said.

All the recipients of the grant were good choices, Bowles said.

What strikes me about the list is that people are in it for the long run, he said.

Another Norwich recipient is Sankofa Education and Leadership. Its $40,000 will be put toward an arts program for youth who may be affected due to living in an impacted area, or having family impacted by the War on Drugs. There will also be programs to address youth violence, as the gang violence problem in Norwich and New London is a direct result from the War on Drugs, Vice Chair Shiela Hayes said.

Hayes, soon to be a Norwich City Council member, also said the city should watch how these funds are distributed and consider it for its own efforts. The city will also have its own money coming directly from cannabis sales in the city, Hayes said.

Shiela Hayes talks about the impact that funds from the Social Equity Council's pilot program will have on efforts by the NAACP of Connecticut and by Sankofa Education and Leadership.

City neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs

Downtown, Greeneville and Thamesville are the areas of the city deemed disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, Hayes said.

We know it, and we lived it in the 70s, 80s, and beyond, she said. Many of those same areas are our distressed areas.

Going forward, its important to see communities lifted up, and see what training, skill-building, and youth opportunities are needed to keep things moving forward, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut President and CEO Maryam Elahi.

Hopefully we will be able to grow this and really mak a difference in our community, she said.

The full list of Tuesdays recipients is below, as written in the Social Equity Council and Community Foundations announcement.

Alliance for Living- $75,000: Peer navigators to support New London participants and link them to resources.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT- $20,000: Support one-to-one youth mentoring in Willimantic/Windham.

Castle Church- $50,000: Use art, design and entrepreneurship to foster unity among young people in Norwich and inspire them to use their own gifts to create their future.

Community Level Up- $50,000: Mentoring and youth development for New London youth.

Connecticut Legal Services- $40,000: Outreach and direct legal services regarding housing, education, substance and/or employment benefits to residents of New London, Norwich and Willimantic/Windham.

Connecticut Pardon Team- $5,000: Assist seniors aged 55+ from New London, Norwich and Willimantic/Windham to apply for an absolute pardon.

Eastern Connecticut State University Center for Community Engagement- $65,000: Expand a mentoring and tutoring support program in Windham Public Schools.

Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut- $30,000: Theater and filmmaking program for middle and high school students from New London and Norwich.

Madonna Place- $80,000: Expand Fatherhood Initiative to support fathers who have been incarcerated.

NAACP of Connecticut- $75,000: To connect justice-involved residents of New London, Norwich and Willimantic/Windham with quality jobs through the One Million Jobs Campaign.

New London Homeless Hospitality- $85,000: Provie flexible financial assistance to those recently released from prison.

New London Youth Affairs- $50,000: Expand youth employment and training opportunities for teens age 14 and 15.

Norwich Youth and Family Services- $25,000: New rugby program for Norwich high school-aged boys.

Perception Programs- $100,000: Comprehensive case management and recovery housing.

Project Imo- $50,000: Development, leadership and employment skills for high-risk Willimantic/Windham youth.

Public Library of New London- $25,000: Youth enrichment programs for positive youth development.

Sankofa Education and Leadership- $40,000: Arts program with social and environmental justice focus for New London and Norwich youth.

S.T.E.P.S.- $35,000: Expansion of enrichment activities to provide programs on weekends for young women and their families.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: $1 million given to Eastern CT organizations in pilot program
Conflict-weary Somalia on Friday became the eighth member of the East African Community (EAC) in a move hailed as a milestone for the troubled Horn of Africa country.

Somalia's population of 17 million will boost the EAC's market to more than 300 million people as the bloc seeks to expand free trade across the region.

Its admission was announced at an EAC summit in the Tanzanian town of Arusha, and it joins Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Analysts said while it would be an economic boost for Somalia and its neighbours, it could pose security challenges for the EAC.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Friday's announcement as a "new chapter" in the history of Somalia, which has long been blighted by conflict, political turmoil and climate disasters.

"This moment is not just a culmination of aspiration but a beacon of hope for a future replete with possibilities and opportunities," he told the summit.

The Arusha-headquartered EAC was founded in 2000 and works to encourage trade by removing customs duties between member states and allowing free movement of citizens. It established a common market in 2010.

Somalia boasts the longest coastline of a mainland African country at over 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) and its membership will give the EAC access to the Arabian peninsula.

Only two other members -- Kenya and Tanzania -- have access to the sea.

The UN mission in Somalia said on X, formerly Twitter, it was "another milestone in Somalia's return to its rightful place in the international community and engagement with its neighbours".

The African Union mission in Somalia (ATMIS) also hailed it as "historic" and a new step towards regional integration and socio-economic development.

- 'Pivotal leap' -

Excluding Somalia, EAC countries cover 4.8 million square kilometres (1.8 million square miles) of land and had a combined gross domestic product of $305 billion, according to the bloc's website.

Total EAC trade was $78.75 billion in 2022, it said.

But the admission of Somalia could cause security jitters for the bloc as the country is struggling to put down a deadly insurgency by the Islamist militant Al-Shabaab group.

After making significant progress, Somalia's offensive against the Al-Qaeda-linked group has stalled for months and raised concerns about the government's capacity to crush the 16-year insurrection.

EAC members Kenya and Uganda contribute troops to an African Union force which was first deployed to Somalia in 2007 to crush Al-Shabaab.

In November last year, the EAC also sent troops into the restive east of the DR Congo, which had joined the bloc last year, after the resurgence of the M23 rebel group.

Mogadishu-based think tank the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies said the accession of Somalia -- which has been seeking to join the bloc since 2012 -- was a "pivotal leap" in the EAC's expansion across East Africa.

But it said in a report ahead of the summit that Somalia's "poor track record in governance, human rights and the rule of law" could hinder its smooth integration.

The country has also been embroiled in disputes with its neighbours -- Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya -- sometimes leading to a breakdown in diplomatic relations.

However, it has taken steps in recent years to repair regional ties.

bur-txw/imm
Somalia's economy has been devastated by many years of war

Somalia has joined the East African Community (EAC) in a move intended to boost economic growth in the country following three decades of war.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said joining the regional trade bloc was a "beacon of hope" for Somalia.

He said it offered "hope for a future of opportunities and prosperity".

Somalia has been wracked by conflict since 1991 and many parts of the country are controlled by jihadist group al-Shabab.

Some of its neighbours have sent troops to help fight the Islamist group, which is affiliated to al-Qaeda.

The decision to admit Somalia was made after a meeting of heads of member states in Arusha, Tanzania.

Somalia's integration into the EAC is a huge step for the Horn of Africa nation, but it did not come easy.

Months of lobbying to join the regional bloc were met by serious questions and hesitation by some member states.

EAC citizens can move freely within member states, so some fear that it could be easier for al-Shabab fighters to move around the region.

To be admitted into the EAC, new countries are supposed to show that they adhere to the principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and social justice.

Last year, Somalia was ranked the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International.

So some argued that Somalia was not ready to join the bloc.

Negotiations between the EAC and Somalia began in August hosted by the Kenyan government.

President Hassan assured the EAC that his country was working tirelessly to address the issues, with the support of member states.

He went on a charm offensive, pointing to his country's 3,000km coastline which would link the region to the Arabian Peninsula, a vibrant economic zone and Somalia's marine economy like fishing.

This offer seems to have been too good for the EAC countries to turn down.

Friday's announcement has prompted mixed reactions.

Those in support said on X, formerly Twitter, that the admission was long overdue adding that the region will benefit significantly.

Others said more time should have been taken, arguing that the EAC might inherit some of Somalia's challenges.

The bloc is aiming to expand its market size as it hopes to integrate all countries in the Horn of Africa.

Earlier this year, EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki hinted that Djibouti and Ethiopia would also join the bloc.

The Democratic Republic of Congo joined in March last year.

Somalia becomes the eighth member of the EAC after Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

More BBC stories from Somalia:
Tim Potter and his team have won three awards in three months

Tim Potter Family Butchers in Wellington, Somerset, is celebrating after picking up the prestigious title of 'Best Butcher in England'.

The team won the accolade at the Englands Business Awards 2023, which were held in Birmingham on Sunday 19 November.

The family-owned business has also been crowned 'Best in Somerset' and 'Best in the South West' in the last three months.

Tim runs the shop on Fore Street with his wife Pamela along with his son Chris and daughter Katie.

Tim Potter Family Butcher has won more than 30 awards since opening in 1995

Tim Potter said: "We've done a very good job. As a family-owned business our customers come first, and I've got a very good crew around me."

"My daughter Katie has been very successful too and my son Chris came to work for me straight from school - he makes all the sausages and burgers."

"We won numerous gold awards in 2015 and we actually won the best sausage in Britain, so that was good as well."

A family firm

Katie Potter, left, runs the shop's delicatessen, which opened in 2019

Tim's daughter Katie Potter is a previous winner of the 'Rising Star Award' at the Women in Meat Awards 2020.

This year Katie was nominated in the Catering Butcher Category.

Katie said: "I didn't win this year unfortunately but I did very well to get to the final eight, which was very good. The competition is tough".
Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole, 10 years after he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, by shooting her through a door at his home in South Africa. Credit - Themba HadebeAP

PRETORIA, South Africa  Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was granted parole Friday, 10 years after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world. He will be released from prison on Jan. 5, but will be constantly monitored by parole officials for five years until his sentence expires, the Department of Corrections said.

Pistorius' parole will come with other conditions, Department of Corrections spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said outside of the prison where Pistorius has been incarcerated in the South African capital, Pretoria.

Pistorius will not be allowed to leave the area of Pretoria where he is set to live without permission from authorities. He will also attend a program to deal with anger issues and another program on violence against women. He will have to perform community service.

More From TIME

Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility, Nxumalo said. What will happen is that Mr. Pistorius will be allocated a monitoring official. This official will work with him until his sentence expires.

Nxumalo said the monitoring official would need to be notified of any major events in Pistorius' life, including if he wants to move house or get a job.

We have to be informed of each and every activity, Nxumalo said.

Pistorius will not wear a monitoring bracelet as that is not part of South African parole procedure, Nxumalo said. Pistorius' sentence will expire on Dec. 5, 2029.

The decision to grant parole was made at a hearing at the prison earlier Friday.

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, has been in jail since late 2014 for the Valentines Day 2013 killing of model Reeva Steenkamp, although he was released for a period of house arrest in 2015 while one of the numerous appeals in his case was heard. He was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half of their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has done.

Pistorius was at the height of his fame and one of the worlds most admired athletes when he killed Steenkamp. He shot her multiple times in the bathroom of his Pretoria villa in the predawn hours with his licensed 9mm pistol.

Pistorius' parole hearing was his second in the space of eight months. He was wrongly ruled ineligible for early release at a first hearing in March. That was due to an error made by an appeals court over when the sentence officially started.

Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Steenkamp. That conviction was overturned and he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. They also appealed against an initial sentence of six years for murder, and Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Pistorius testified at his murder trial that he killed Steenkamp by mistake when he fired four times through the door thinking she was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom in the middle of the night. Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and reality TV star, had fled to the toilet cubicle during a late-night argument and Pistorius killed her in a rage.

Pistorius was eventually convicted of murder on a legal principle known as dolus eventualis, which means he acted with extreme recklessness and should have known that whoever was behind the door would likely be killed. It's comparable to third-degree murder.

Steenkamps father, Barry Steenkamp, died in September. Her mother, June Steenkamp, did not oppose Pistorius parole, but said in a statement before the hearing that she did not believe Pistorius had been fully rehabilitated and was still lying about the killing.

Rob Matthews, a South African man whose 21-year-old daughter was murdered in 2004 and who became a Steenkamp family friend, read out June Steenkamp's statement. She said she was not opposing Pistorius' parole and didnt attend the hearing because I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.

Nevertheless, I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar, June Steenkamp said in the statement. In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life. ... I believe he knew it was Reeva."

While out on parole, Pistorius is expected to live at his uncle's luxurious mansion in a wealthy Pretoria suburb, where he stayed during his murder trial.

Pistorius was first sent to Pretorias central prison, a notorious apartheid-era jail. He was moved to the citys Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in 2016 and is set to be released from there in a little over a month, when the world will get its first public sight of him in nearly a decade.

There have been only occasional glimpses of Pistorius life behind bars. His father has said he has been holding bible classes for fellow prisoners, while a criminologist who worked with him said he had been driving a tractor at a part of the prison where vegetables are grown.

Pistorius' lawyers have said he has been a model prisoner. There have been flashes of trouble, though, including an altercation Pistorius had with another inmate over a prison telephone that left him requiring medical treatment.

Pistorius killed Steenkamp just months after he had become the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics. He was also a multiple Paralympic sprinting champion and one of sport's most marketable figures, having overcome the amputation of both his legs below the knee as a baby to run on specially designed carbon-fiber blades. He was known as the Blade Runner.

At his sensational trial, prosecutors argued there was another side to Pistorius' life that involved guns and angry confrontations with others. Pistorius was also found guilty of a second charge of recklessly firing a gun in a restaurant.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Jung Yoo-jung was arrested when the taxi driver reported her 'blood-soaked' rucksack - BUSAN POLICE

A woman obsessed with crime shows and novels has been jailed for life in South Korea for murdering a stranger out of curiosity.

Jung Yoo-jung, 23, was fixated on the idea of trying out a murder, a court heard.

She chose her victim by using a phone app to find an English language teacher, the BBC reported.

Police said Jung, an unemployed loner who lived with her grandfather, had been searching for someone to kill for several months.

Posing as the mother of a high school student who needed English lessons, she contacted the 26-year-old teacher who lived in the south-eastern city of Busan.

Wearing a school uniform she had bought online, Jung went to the tutors house.

Once inside she carried out a frenzied attack, stabbing her victim more than 100 times before dismembering the womans body.

Taking a taxi, she dumped some of the body parts, which had been packed into a suitcase, in remote parkland.

The driver then contacted the police and told them about a passenger with blood-soaked luggage.

Prosecutors wanted death penalty

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for the gruesome murder, which sent shockwaves around South Korea.

Police said Jung had spent months researching online how to kill somebody and dispose of the body.

In an attempt to commit the perfect crime, she kept the victims mobile phone, ID card and wallet, hoping to fool the authorities that the woman had disappeared.

But Jung failed to take into account the presence of CCTV cameras that caught her entering and leaving the victims home.

Jung, who confessed to the crime in June, said she suffered from hallucinations.

However, the court ruled the crime had been carefully planned and carried out, and it is difficult to accept her claim of mental and physical disorder.

On Friday, the judge in Busan District Court said the killing had spread fear in society that one can become a victim for no reason and incited a general distrust among the community.

Although the death penalty remains legal in South Korea, the last execution took place in 1997.

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By Minwoo Park and Daewoung Kim

HWASEONG, South Korea (Reuters) - As South Korea moves to ban eating dog meat, many of those involved in the centuries-old controversial practice are fighting to keep it legal.

The farmers who breed the dogs, and the owners of eateries that serve the meat, have held protests in front of parliament to demand the government and ruling People Power Party scrap plans to pass a bill this year to enforce a ban.

They say banning dog meat would decimate their livelihoods, and also limit the options available to diners by taking off the menu a dish that in the Korean peninsula has traditionally been consumed to beat the summer heat, but which today is only eaten by some older people.

"If I have to close down, with the financial condition I'm in, there really is no answer to what I can do," said Lee Kyeong-sig, who runs a farm outside Seoul raising up to 1,100 dogs. "I've been in this for 12 years and it is so sudden."

A Gallup Korea poll last year showed almost two-thirds of respondents opposed eating dog meat, with only 8% saying they had eaten dog within the past year, down from 27% in 2015.

Despite its declining popularity and opposition from animal rights activists, previous attempts to ban dog meat have failed because of industry protests.

This time, the government has said the proposed ban would give the industry a three-year grace period to transition out of the trade, as well as provide the maximum possible financial support for those affected.

With the backing of the public, and bipartisan support in parliament, there are signs that the ban could soon become law.

TIME FOR CHANGE

The agriculture ministry declined to give details about the size of the industry, but the Korean Association of Edible Dogs, says far more farms and restaurants than those cited by the government will be affected.

The association said 3,500 farms raising 1.5 million dogs and 3,000 restaurants will have to shut down, almost twice the numbers stated by officials.

Nam Sung-gue who has run a restaurant selling dog meat boshintang, or "restoring" soup, for the past 30 years, said the ban was unfair, even though his business is fast declining.

"If they try to ban the food that people have eaten for a long time, that is a wrong kind of law, a law that takes away the freedom to choose what we eat," he said.

Many opponents of the ban blame it on First Lady Kim Keon Hee, a vocal critic of dog meat consumption who along with her husband President Yoon Suk Yeol has six dogs.

Asked about Kim's influence, an official at the president's office said: "Both in the country and abroad there is support and consensus, as well as from the opposition party."

An Byung-gil, member of parliament for the ruling party who is the main sponsor of the bill, also said the time was ripe for change. "Even though something may be part of tradition, what needs to be changed has to be changed," he said.

(Reporting by Minwoo Park, Daewoung Kim and Soo-hyang Choi; Writing by Jack Kim; editing by Miral Fahmy)
Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Friday, November 24, 2023

 How Ukraine lost its south: NV examines reasons for Russias rapid seizure of territory

At the beginning of the war, the Armed Forces of Ukraine simply could not successfully defend the south, and the foundations of this painful failure had been laid since 2014.





 Petulant Polish truckers shut down 4th border crossing with UA, second trucker dies while waiting

Polish truckers continue to put lives at risk as they escalated their weeks-long blockades of the Ukrainian border by adding Ukraines busiest border crossing to its blockade list, the State Border Guard Service reported on Telegram on Nov. 23.





 Ukraine war photos dominate Time's Best of 2023 list

American magazine Time published its Top 100 Photos of 2023 on Nov. 21, and several photos from Ukraine were among the most powerful photos of the year.





 Argentinas new President proposes hosting Latin American Summit on Russias war on Ukraine

Newly elected President of Argentina, Javier Milei, suggested hosting a summit in Latin America to address Russia's war against Ukraine during a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.





 EU gives Hungary 900M to unblock 18B aid package for Ukraine

The European Union executive approved the allocation of 900 million euros ($982 million) in advance payments to Hungary as part of the previously frozen share of the country's recovery fund, Reuters reported on Nov. 23.





 Ukraine draws Bosnia for EURO 2024 playoff, while fans wanted Wales for revenge

The Ukrainian national team discovered on Nov. 23 who it will face in the EURO 2024 qualification playoff semi-final.





 Zelenskyy vows to remove Russia from Ukrainian skies in 2024

Ukraine will remove Russia from its skies in 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Nov. 23.





 Leader of Russian party adopts 10-month-old forcibly deported from Kherson

The head of the Fair Russia  For Truth party, Sergey Mironov, and his wife "adopted" a ten-month-old girl deported from Ukraine, subsequently changing her name, BBC reported.





 Russian aggression is the greatest threat to Europe  Austrian Foreign Minister

Russian aggression against Ukraine is the greatest immediate threat to Europe, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said at a joint press conference with his Slovakian counterpart on Nov. 22, stressing the need for unity within the European Union, Ukrinform reported.





 Ferrexpo top manager on justice in Ukraine, ore exports, and investment  interview

Ferrexpo is the only company with main assets in Ukraine, whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Swiss Ferrexpo AG, which is owned by Ferrexpo PLC (London), is the shareholder of Ukrainian mining plants in Poltava Oblast. Its shares are owned by dozens of minority shareholders around the world.

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
Cardinal Juan Jose Omella has called for a review of an inquiry that claims 0.6 per cent of Spains adult population has been assaulted by clergy - AITOR MARTIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Spains Catholic Church will compensate victims of sexual abuse even in cases that have not been concluded because the offending priest has died.

In cases where there is no sentence, we will also pay if the perpetrator is deceased or if there is a civil statute of limitations, Francisco Garcia Magan, secretary general of the Spanish Bishops Conference, told a press conference.

It will have to be examined on a case-by-case basis. And if that moral conclusion is reached, then there will be that moral reparation, Bishop Garcia Magan added after announcing that Spanish bishops had unanimously approved an integral plan to compensate victims.

The Church had until now refused to compensate victims in cases where the abuser had died, a frequent occurrence.

It is grappling with a scandal following a landmark media investigation in 2021 that unearthed widespread abuse by priests in Spain. It follows other sexual abuse scandals involving the Catholic Church in countries including the United States, Ireland and France.

In October, Spains first independent inquiry into the issue estimated that more than 200,000 minors had been sexually abused in the country of around 39 million people by Roman Catholic clergy since 1940.

Catholic Church leaders said they were aware of 1,125 cases of sexual abuse - AITOR MARTIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The report did not give a specific figure, but said a poll of over 8,000 people found some 0.6 per cent of Spains adult population had suffered sexual abuse by members of the clergy when they were children.

The percentage rises to 1.13 per cent  or over 400,000 people  when including abuse by lay members, according to the results of the inquiry, which was led by Spains national ombudsman.

In a message posted to social media after the reports publication, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, president of the Episcopal Conference, said the Church was aware of 1,125 cases of sexual abuse.

Cardinal Omella on Monday rejected the dubious reliability of the results of the independent inquiry and called for an exhaustive and impartial examination of the data that was used for what he called malicious purposes.

The independent commission recommended the creation of a state compensation fund for victims, an idea supported by Pedro Sanchez, a socialist prime minister.

But Spains Catholic Church has ruled out taking part in such a fund if it is set up exclusively to compensate victims of clerical abuse, and not all minors who are victims of sexual abuse in any setting.

To do so would be discrimination, said Cardinal Omella.

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(Reuters) -Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday denounced on a visit to the Gaza Strip border what he called the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, drawing an angry response from Israel which said the remarks gave terrorism a boost.

While at the Egyptian-controlled Rafah crossing with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Sanchez also called for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza "to reverse the catastrophic situation that the people of the Strip are going through."

"The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable," he said.

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in a statement accused Sanchez and De Croo of "false claims" that "give terrorism a boost" and said he had summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium to explain the comments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, saying the two European leaders had failed to spotlight what he called crimes against humanity committed by Palestinian militants of Hamas.

Hamas fighters burst into Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7 in an attack Israel says killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel has bombarded Gaza and sent in troops and tanks in retaliation, killing about 14,000 Gazans, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly condemns the remarks made by the Belgian and Spanish prime ministers for not placing the full responsibility of the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred our citizens and who use the Palestinians as human shields," a statement by Netanyahu's office said.

The two European premiers have strongly condemned the attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, but have also been the most vocal EU leaders on the need for a ceasefire and respect for human rights in Gaza.

Hamas denies the allegation that it uses civilians as human shields.

Shortly after Netanyahu's comments, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a video statement that "the accusations of the Israeli government are false and unacceptable. We categorically reject them".

Later on Friday evening, Albares said on state television that he had summoned the Israeli ambassador in Madrid to explain the Israeli government's accusations.

The exchanges occurred shortly before Hamas freed 24 hostages on the first day of the war's first truce, including Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers.

On Thursday, Sanchez met Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Israel Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Sanchez floated the idea of an international peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to forge a viable Palestinian state.

The Belgian and Spanish media travelling with the two European leaders reported that their staff were "surprised" with Israel's reaction, as they saw the comments made on Friday as aligned with the message delivered the day before to Netanyahu.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Belen Carreno in Madrid, Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem, Andrew Gray in Brussels; Writing by Emma Pinedo and Charlie Devereux, Editing by William Maclean and Grant McCool)
Has a company treated you unfairly? Our Consumer Champion is available to help. For how to contact her click here.

Dear Katie,

A couple of years ago I signed up for a British Airways American Express credit card after reading that the perks were really generous if you spend over 10,000, which I do. I am a father of three, and travelling with them can be very expensive.

However, for the past couple of years I have been using the card and spending above the 10,000 a year limit for receiving perks, but not receiving any companion vouchers or Avios points.

I complained repeatedly to American Express, which advised that Avios and companion vouchers were in fact being credited.

I was told that I should check with British Airways, but it in turn told me I should check with American Express, therefore sending me round in a loop.

Finally, a few months ago, I snapped and wouldnt let it go. I had to find out what had happened to my points and vouchers.

It turned out they had been credited to my eight-year-old sons British Airways householder account, which is linked to mine.

American Express apologised and accepted the blame, awarding me 500 Avios as compensation. I was seriously unimpressed with this.

I had wanted to spend the points and companion vouchers for this years summer holiday, and as a result of not having them, I ended up overpaying instead of saving.

American Express told me to contact British Airways and ask for my companion vouchers to be restored to my account.

But British Airways said it was unfortunately not possible to restore the companion vouchers to my account, meaning they would have to stay in my sons, even though he cant spend them. This seemed mind-blowingly incompetent.

I spend up to 40,000 on that American Express card every year to build up the vouchers and Avios, purely so we can save on our family holiday. I need a better resolution than this.

HK, via email

Dear reader,

After spending a six-figure sum via this British Airways American Express credit card over the three years since you took it out in 2020, you were incredibly frustrated to be passed around the houses like this.

Yours is a confusing case which stems from the fact that you mistakenly provided your sons British Airways Executive Club account number, rather than your own, when you first signed up for the card in 2020.

This meant that your Avios points and companion vouchers, which effectively give you a two-for-one deal on Avios points you spend, went straight to his account.

Although you were able to access and spend the 96,000 Avios points sitting in your sons account due to it being part of your British Airways household account, it wouldnt have made sense to spend them without using the companion vouchers, which effectively gave you two plane seats for the price of one.

By the time you were able to access these they had nearly expired and you had already been on your family summer holiday for the year.

As the companion vouchers were issued to your son, instead of you, they could only be used on flights on which he was travelling, meaning you couldnt even use them for a last-minute break with your wife instead.

So unless British Airways and American Express took action, they were going to go to waste.

Happily, I was able to bash their heads together and get the expiry dates on your two companion vouchers extended so you can use them, along with your Avios points, for your family holiday next year.

In addition, Ive had all your points and vouchers moved into your British Airways account, which is where everything you accrue from now on will go, too.

Clearly, this is something that should have happened immediately when you complained. But perhaps British Airways and American Express were too busy pointing the finger at each other to fix the issue.

Youre delighted this is now resolved, and youre looking forward to a significant discount on your next family holiday next summer, possibly to Asia or the US, you say. Wherever you go, I hope youll have a fabulous time.

An American Express spokesman said: We appreciate the card members patience as we worked with British Airways to resolve this highly unusual case.

A British Airways spokesman said: Were sorry for our customers experience and have worked with American Express to help resolve the issue.

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An outbreak of respiratory illnesses in China has sparked alarm, but the sudden rise in sickness is not related to a new virus, according to Chinese health authorities. Instead, the rash of illnesses is being driven by familiar pathogens, including flu, RSV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (which causes pneumonia) and, of course, COVID-19. Many of the cases involve children and are currently overwhelming hospitals.

On Nov. 22, the World Health Organization asked China for data on the diseases, which it received Thursday, according to Reuters. So far, the data suggests that theres nothing out of the ordinary, but both the WHO and China have been criticized in the past for not being entirely transparent about the COVID-19 outbreak nearly four years ago. According to Newsweek, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, said that the outbreak raises serious questions.

It's time to abandon COVID deception and delays as transparent and timely information saves lives," Emanuel said. Bruce Thompson, head of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, told Reuters "At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it may be a new variant of COVID." He added, "One thing to note is that we can be reassured that the surveillance processes are working, which is a very good thing."
To give back and attract young artists and educators from around the world Stetson University will host its first International Chamber Music Festival.

The two-week festival will bring middle and high school students to train with Stetson School of Music faculty and educators from Cornell, Harvard and other top universities.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

During the festival, young artists will take lessons, master classes and take part in public performances on the DeLand campus. Students will stay in Stetsons residence halls as well as enjoying a day of fun at Walt Disney World.

As one of the nations finest undergraduate-only schools of music, Stetson provides an extraordinary setting for an International Chamber Music Festival, said Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. Our world-class faculty uphold the highest standards of musical excellence and provide a supportive environment for young artists to realize their passions and dreams.

Read: Going to have to hit the streets: Eatonvilles new police chief reveals his plans for department

The festival builds on Stetsons tradition of hosting summer camps for talented young musicians.

Traditionally, those camps have focused on single instruments, such as clarinet or brass. This is the first time that the School of Music will host a chamber music festival, according to a news release.

Read: Spending slowdown expected this Black Friday weekend

The festival builds on Stetsons tradition of hosting summer camps for talented young musicians. Traditionally, those camps have focused on single instruments, such as clarinet or brass.

The two-week summer festival is set for July 13 to 27, 2024 and will become an annual summer event.

Read: Report: Floridas nursing shortage rebounding after pandemic

For more information on the festival, CLICK HERE.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Shooting a scene in Conquest, a sci-fi series that the director Carl Erik Rinsch sold to Netflix. (Santiago Cerini via The New York Times)

Near the height of the streaming boom in 2018, a half-dozen studios and video platforms lined up to woo a little-known filmmaker named Carl Erik Rinsch. He had directed only one movie, 47 Ronin. It was a commercial and critical dud, and Rinschs tussles with its producers had raised eyebrows.

But demand for new content was intense. Amid the feeding frenzy, the project that Rinsch was pitching  a science-fiction series about artificial humans  became a hot property.

After a competitive auction, Rinsch and his representatives reached an informal eight-figure agreement with Amazon. But before they had a chance to put it in writing, Netflix swooped in. Cindy Holland, the companys vice president of original content at the time, dangled millions of dollars more, as well as something studios rarely gave directors: final cut.

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Netflix won the deal  and would soon come to regret it. The company burned more than $55 million on Rinschs show but never received a single finished episode.

Soon after he signed the contract, Rinschs behavior grew erratic, according to members of the shows cast and crew, texts and emails reviewed by The New York Times, and court filings in a divorce case brought by his wife. He claimed to have discovered COVID-19s secret transmission mechanism and to be able to predict lightning strikes. He gambled a large chunk of the money from Netflix on the stock market and cryptocurrencies. He spent millions of dollars on a fleet of Rolls-Royces, furniture and designer clothing.

Rinsch and Netflix are now locked in a confidential arbitration proceeding initiated by Rinsch, who claims the company breached their contract and owes him at least $14 million in damages. Netflix has denied owing Rinsch anything and has called his demands a shakedown.

Rinsch declined to respond to a detailed list of questions. In a recent Instagram post, he said he did not cooperate with the Times because he expected the article to be inaccurate.

Thomas Cherian, a spokesperson for Netflix, said the company had provided substantial funding and other support to Rinschs series, but after a lot of time and effort, it became clear that Mr. Rinsch was never going to complete the project he agreed to make, and so we wrote the project off.

By all accounts, Rinsch, 46, is a talented filmmaker. After attending Brown University, he joined Ridley Scotts production company, making commercials and apprenticing under the acclaimed director.

There was talk that Rinsch would direct a prequel to Alien, Scotts 1979 sci-fi classic, for his feature film debut. Instead, Universal Studios hired him to direct 47 Ronin, a big-budget action movie starring Keanu Reeves. When the film was released in 2013, it bombed. Universal had to write off a large portion of its $175 million budget.

Rinsch went back to making commercials. On the side, he and his wife, Gabriela Roses Bentancor, began working on a passion project: a sci-fi TV series about a genius who invents a humanlike species called the Organic Intelligent. Rinsch called the show White Horse.

At first, Rinsch financed the production with his own money and hired mostly European actors and crew members, which reduced costs and avoided Hollywood union rules. To keep the project going, Rinsch secured an investment from production company 30West. But when Rinsch missed a deadline, 30West threatened to take possession of the project. Reeves came to his rescue by investing in the show and becoming a producer alongside Roses.

With the money Reeves contributed, Rinsch finished editing six short episodes ranging from four to 10 minutes. He used them to pitch the big streaming companies on a 13-episode, 120-minute first season.

Rinschs pitch attracted interest from Amazon, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Apple and YouTube. Amazon looked set to win the bidding. But Netflix snatched the project away at the last minute, convinced it had the potential to become a sci-fi franchise as successful as Stranger Things.

The company agreed to pay $61.2 million in several installments for the rights to the series, which it renamed Conquest, according to a November 2018 term sheet reviewed by the Times. The deal included two unusual clauses: Netflix gave Rinsch final cut. And it assured Rinsch and Roses that they would remain locked for life to all subsequent seasons and spinoffs.

Rinsch now had to deliver. Shooting of the remaining episodes of Conquest got underway in Sao Paulo, and then in Montevideo, Uruguay, and in Budapest, Hungary.

In Sao Paulo, the local film industry union dispatched a representative to the set after receiving a complaint that Rinsch was mistreating the team with shouts, cursing and excessive irritation, according to a letter the union sent Netflixs local production partner. Netflix was informed of the issue and addressed it with Rinsch, a person familiar with the matter said.

In Budapest, Rinsch went days without sleep and accused his wife of plotting to have him assassinated, two people who witnessed the outburst said.

Roses later said in a court filing in her divorce case that Rinschs behavior had started to change even before the overseas shoots. On several occasions, he had thrown things at her and twice punched holes in a wall.

Rinsch has said he was diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and took medications for both. Roses and some crew members worried about his use of Vyvanse, an amphetamine that is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. When overused, the drug can have serious side effects, including mania, delirium and even psychosis, according to psychiatrists.

In March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic was reaching U.S. shores, Rinsch asked Netflix to send him more money. Rinsch had missed several production milestones and was toggling between two versions of the script, a shorter one that matched the original 13-episode plan and one twice as long that would have required greenlighting a second season.

Netflix initially resisted Rinschs demand, but it relented when he claimed the whole production risked collapsing without an immediate cash injection.

Netflix wired Rinschs production company $11 million, bringing its total outlay to more than $55 million.

Rinsch transferred $10.5 million of the $11 million to his personal brokerage account and, using options, placed risky bets on the stock market, according to copies of his bank and brokerage statements included in the divorce case. Rinsch lost $5.9 million in a matter of weeks.

In September 2020, Netflix shook up its management team. Holland and another executive involved with Rinschs contract would leave the company.

On March 18, 2021, a Netflix business affairs executive, Rochelle Gerson, informed Rinsch by email that Netflix had decided to stop funding Conquest. She told him that he was free to shop it elsewhere but that any acquirer would have to reimburse Netflix for what it had spent.

Rinsch sent angry emails to Gerson and a Netflix lawyer, accusing them of breaching his contract.

Rinsch had begun using what remained of the $11 million that Netflix had wired his production company to place bets on crypto. Unlike his stock market investments, this one paid off: When he liquidated his dogecoin positions in May 2021, he had a balance of nearly $27 million.

Rinsch then went on a spending spree. He bought five Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari, and millions of dollars worth of high-end furniture and designer clothing. The tab came to $8.7 million, according to a forensic accountant hired by Roses.

Her legal team suspected that the purchases were designed to hide Rinschs crypto winnings.

Rinsch responded in a deposition that the cars and furniture were props for Conquest and that he had paid for them with Netflixs production money. But in his arbitration case with Netflix, he took a different position: In confidential filings reviewed by the Times, he argued that the money was contractually his and that Netflix owed him several more payments totaling more than $14 million.

Netflix disagrees. In a motion it filed in July, the company said the payments were contingent on Rinschs hitting various production milestones, which it contends he never did. The case went to a hearing before an arbitrator this month. A ruling is expected soon.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
An armed policeman who crashed while racing to the scene of a terrorist stabbing attack in south London has been cleared of dangerous driving.

PC Paul Fisher, 46, made a "split-second error" when he lost control of a Met Police unmarked BMW X5 while on the way to the attack in Streatham, his trial at Southwark Crown Court heard.

His vehicle ran into the back of a taxi before hitting another car and a wall.

The former Royal Marine had reached speeds of more than 80mph (129km/h).

PC Fisher admitted he "let people down" but denied dangerous driving. Three people sustained minor injuries in the crash.

The police car did not have its blue lights on at the time because they had accidentally been switched off by one of the occupants, the jury heard.

Along with two other armed officers, who were his passengers, PC Fisher was responding to a stabbing spree by recently released prisoner Sudesh Amman, on 2 February 2020.

Sudesh Amman was suspected of having "extremist views" and was under surveillance at the time of the stabbings

Amman, 20, had grabbed a large kitchen knife from a hardware store on Streatham High Road and stabbed two members of the public at random. Both survived.

Little over a minute later, he was shot dead after pivoting to charge at two undercover police officers.

Defending PC Fisher, barrister Kevin Baumber said: "The last thing [he] intended was any kind of harm at all. Not all collisions are crimes."

'Seconds make a difference'

The officer described the moment he found out Amman had begun stabbing people as "pandemonium".

In a statement given to the Met Police, PC Fisher, who joined the force in 2010, said he had believed Amman might be wearing a suicide vest and wanted to get to the scene quickly.

He continued: "The radio operator said 'he's stabbing people'.

"I had to use my driving skills to the maximum of my ability to literally save lives. I believed he would continue to stab people... seconds can make a difference."

During the trial, PC Fisher said of the crash: "It was my mistake, I failed that day. I let people down and I can only apologise for that."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Anyone who reads through Washingtons state Constitution or, more efficiently, does a keyword search, wont find the phrase legislative privilege.

Anyone, that is, except state lawmakers who crave secrecy and two Thurston County judges willing to squint.

Legislators have collaborated to manufacture a right to keep the public in the dark about legislative affairs that will diminish the peoples ability to hold elected officials accountable.

We can only hope the state Supreme Court has better sense and commitment to reading the plain language of the law.

Lawmakers invoked legislative privilege this year so they could deny requests for records related to the legislative process. Good government advocates sued, but the courts sided with lawmakers.

If readers take only one thing away from this editorial, let it be this: Washingtons lawmakers are choosing secrecy.

Even if legislative privilege exists, theres nothing in the Constitution or state law that compels lawmakers to use it. Its their choice.

They could just as easily choose transparency and uphold the intent of the voter-adopted Public Records Act, but they dont.

Lawmakers choose secrecy because they dont want the public to know when they coordinate with special interests, introduce model legislation written by partisan organizations, negotiate a tax increase by email or complain about each other and their constituents in a text message.

If the public cant find out, theres no chance voters will get upset and vote for someone else.

Theres also far less chance that watchdogs will discover corruption, incompetence and deception that might disqualify someone from public trust.

This is just the latest in a years-long legislative effort to hide records from the public. In 2018, lawmakers passed a bill to exempt themselves from the Public Records Act.

Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed it after public outcry, much to lawmakers consternation. A year later, the state Supreme Court ruled that individual lawmakers are in fact subject to the Public Records Act.

Now theyve come up with legislative privilege. They base their claim in Article II, Section 17 of the state Constitution, which reads, Freedom of Debate. No member of the Legislature shall be liable in any civil action or criminal prosecution whatever, for words spoken in debate.

Its a reasonable provision that allows unfettered legislative debates. The U.S. Constitution has a similar clause.

But notice that Article II, Section 17 mentions neither written records nor legislative privilege.

Lawmakers conjured up that part, and two judges in Thurston County declared their fantasy legal, first in October and then on Nov. 17.

These werent narrow rulings. Joan Mell, the attorney who represented the plaintiffs in the more-recent case, warned that lawmakers might now be able to sweep a lot of records under the rug.

Its gone. Its all in the black hole, all sucked into the ether where elected officials can do as they please and you cant find out about it, Mell said after the decision. Its really far-reaching. I think that the court ignored my plea not to kill democracy.

It bears repeating that this is all a choice. Lawmakers choose to keep you in the dark. Remember their hypocrisy the next time they complain about some big company not being transparent.

The Washington Coalition for Open Government or one of the other plaintiffs almost certainly will appeal.

When the case lands before the Supreme Court, justices should issue a clear, definitive ruling that legislative privilege is fiction and lawmakers must be transparent like every other part of government. Democracy flourishes only if voters can see what their government does.
Editors note: This article was first published on July 11, 2023.

The wreckage site of a World War II U.S. Navy escort carrier was identified July 10, 2023, by the Naval History and Heritage Commands Underwater Archaeology branch, bringing a semblance of closure to the crew of a ship that dipped beneath the waves 78 years ago.

The USS Ommaney Bay (CVE 79) was transiting the Sulu Sea near the Philippines on the evening of Jan. 4, 1945, when it came under attack by a twin-engine aircraft flown by a Japanese kamikaze pilot.

The ships skipper, Capt. Howard L. Young, had just opted to install extra guards on deck as an extra precautionary measure against such attacks  but the effort proved futile.

The incoming aircraft, which no sailors spotted until it was too late, slammed into the Casablanca-class escort carriers starboard side, erupting its two attached bombs and igniting a conflagration on the ships flight deck, where a slew of aircraft that had not yet been degassed were assembled.

The second bomb exploded close to the starboard side after rupturing the fire main on the second deck and passing through the hanger deck, the NHHC release stated.

Smoke billows from the Ommaney Bay. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

Other ships rushed to pull alongside the Big O and assist with the fires but were quickly beaten back by the searing heat. As the gasoline- and bomb-fueled inferno spread, an even more dire issue arose  the ships torpedo warheads could explode.

At 5:45 p.m., 45 minutes after the plane tore into the carrier, the order to scuttle the Ommaney Bay was issued by Vice Adm. Jesse B. Oldendorf to the adjacent Fletcher-class destroyer USS Burns.

Joe Cooper, a sailor aboard the Ommaney Bay, recalled desperately awaiting rescue in the water after abandoning ship.

There was sharks. Looked like men were climbing on each others shoulders to get out of the water, Cooper told the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas. I remembered from Guadalcanal, we saw a submarines periscope. We fired a torpedo. I run back there and saw oil slicks. It was a cargo ship and sunk it. It was our first submarine. Id seen men get pulled under by sharks and ate up at Guadalcanal. After Guadalcanal, they told us, If you ever hit the water, dont kick or nothing, because the sharks will come after you.

In the water, I stayed still and a few sharks just went by me. No ships came to support us because the light carrier Princeton had been damaged when it went alongside the Birmingham when it was bombed, so they stayed away from us. So they let us burn.

Around 8 p.m. the USS Burns fired a single torpedo at the unsalvageable escort carrier, sending the hulking, broiling ship below the surface for good. Of her 800-strong crew, 95 were lost.

A crew working alongside NHHC personnel located the ship using a combination of survey information provided by the Sea Scan Survey team and video footage provided by the DPT Scuba dive team, according to the release. This information was correlated with location data for the wreck site gathered in 2019.

Ommaney Bay is the final resting place of American Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country, retired admiral and NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox said in a release announcing the location of the wreckage. This discovery allows the families of those lost some amount of closure and gives us all another chance to remember and honor their service to our nation.
INDIANAPOLIS.  The Indiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Indiana General Assembly in a case that stemmed from a Ball State University student's lawsuit concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suit  filed by Keller J. Mellowitz, in Marion Superior Court 1, in May 2020  accused Ball State and its board of trustees of "breach of contract and unjust enrichment" over their decisions to cancel in-person classes and close campus facilities in 2020 due to the pandemic.

After the suit was filed, the Indiana General Assembly enacted a law banning class action lawsuits against colleges and universities under such circumstances related to COVID.

A Marion County judge told Mellowitz to refile his lawsuit without inclusion of "class allegations."

However, after Mellowitz appealed that ruling, the Indiana Court of Appeals in October 2022 determined the 2021 law concerning class-action suits was in conflict with a long-standing Indiana trial rule.

It ordered that Mellowitz's case be returned to the Marion County court for "further proceedings consistent with that decision."

In a 5-0 decision on Wednesday, however, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled the 2021 law against class action suits tied to COVID-19 did not violate constitutional separation of powers.

The justices said Mellowitz did not have a right to sue on behalf of other students, but noted he could still pursue his "individual claims" against Ball State.

In his 2020 suit, Mellowitz said he was enrolled at Ball State for the spring 2020 semester when the university "sent students home, cancelled in-person classes and closed campus facilities as a result of COVID-19," the appeals court later reported in a summary.

Mellowitz noted he had been required to pay "numerous fees" to enroll at Ball State, including "in-person tuition, student services fees, university technology fees, student health fees, and student transportation fees."

A campus spokesperson said in 2020 that reimbursing tuition due to COVID changes was not being considered.

"We have decided not to refund tuition because, through our prompt and effective transition to remote learning and other alternative teaching and learning activities, our faculty and staff enabled our students to complete their courses and continue making satisfactory progress toward earning their degrees," then-spokesman Kathy Wolf said.

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: Court rules in favor of law that blocked class action suit against BSU
By Yimou Lee and Sarah Wu

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's opposition parties, which seek closer China ties, registered separate presidential candidates on Friday after a dramatic split, potentially easing the way for the ruling party, which has defied Beijing's pressure, to stay in power.

The Jan. 13 election is taking place as China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, steps up military and political pressure to force the island to accept its sovereignty claims.

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and much smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP), both campaigning to forge better ties with China, had agreed to work together against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but made no progress on plans for a united presidential ticket.

China, which has framed the election as a choice between "peace and war", believes the DPP and its presidential candidates are dangerous separatists and has rebuffed offers of talks.

Late Thursday, the KMT walked out of last-ditch talks with the TPP held in front of reporters in a hotel conference room and shown live on television, after failing to reach agreement.

The talks were brokered by the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, Terry Gou, who had been running as an independent candidate.

In one of the most dramatic moments, the KMT's presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, read a private text message from TPP candidate Ko Wen-je in which Ko said Gou needed to "find a reason" to drop out of the presidential race.

Hou and Ko both announced their running mates on Friday morning - Hou choosing the fiery media personality Jaw Shaw-kong, while Ko from the much smaller TPP selected one of its lawmakers, Cynthia Wu, whose family is a major shareholder of conglomerate Shin Kong Group.

Gou, who was widely expected to withdraw from the race to be president after the opposition talks collapsed, confirmed he was doing so just three hours before the deadline to register his candidacy with the election commission.

'STABILITY TO TAIWAN STRAIT'

Hou, introducing Jaw, pledged to bring "stability to the Taiwan Strait and safety to Taiwan, which will assure the entire world".

By contrast with the chaos in the opposition camp, a united DPP has been charging ahead in its election campaign, registering its presidential and vice presidential candidates on Tuesday.

Huang Kwei-bo, a professor of diplomacy at Taipei's National Chengchi University and a former KMT deputy secretary general, said the opposition would hope for "favourable changes" such as internal DPP scandals before election day they can seize on.

"There will be a big uphill battle for the two opposition parties," he told Reuters.

The DPP's Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's vice president, has consistently led in the polls.

His campaign team on Friday called on the opposition to "quickly submit detailed policies" so the election can "return to normality".

Speaking at an election event late Thursday, Lai talked about his team's busy schedule, discussing policy with voters and the media, and poured scorn on the opposition's disunity.

"Should we dare to hand over the business of running the country to these people?" Lai said. "Of course this is not OK."

But he said he was not resting on his laurels despite the opposition's disunity, mentioning the 11 events he had attended that day.

"Is this getting elected while lying down?" Lai added, referring to previous comments by opposition politicians that their failure to unite would ensure Lai's easy victory.

Taiwan's stock market mostly brushed off the impact of the ongoing political drama, though travel-related plays dropped on concerns that relations with China would not improve and Chinese tourists would not return to Taiwan.

The tourism and hospitality sub-index closed down 3.2% on Friday, compared to a flat benchmark index.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Sarah Wu; Writing and additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Roger Tung; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Gerry Doyle)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Black Friday was in full swing at the Citrus Park mall, though it was not the chaos of Black Fridays past.

Im hoping theres a crowd coming, Drew Humphrey said. I just want to see a giant Black Friday crowd, but thats pretty much it.

Drew Humphrey was first in line at the Best Buy on Friday, arriving around 5:30 a.m. before the doors opened at 6 a.m.

I was actually really close to buying what Im going to buy today online, Humphrey explained. But I just thought to myself, Hey, lets go for the experience.'

By the time the Best Buy doors opened, there were around 30 people waiting.

Ive always like, had the passion to want to do it, I just never could, because either my parents were sleeping and they didnt want to do it, Humphrey said. Or I had friends that wanted to do it, but they backed out because they were too tired.

Humphrey did end up getting the computer monitor he was hoping for.

I just want to experience how it looks like, said Shekhr Saseendran, another Best Buy shopper. Ive heard a lot about, Okay, there will be a lot of crowds, itll be a lot of deals. I just wanted to see how it looks like.

Saseendran was hoping to get a laptop for his son, and his shopping was orderly too.

What were seeing is that guests still have a tradition where they love to shop in-store for Black Friday, said Target Store Director Jordan Gary. They also like to shop at home, so were offering guests multiple options to shop how they like.

Tech and toys are expected to be the most popular items and heavily discounted along with clothes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
As Ted Ellis takes the helm of Florida State Universitys Civil Rights Institute as its inaugural full-time director, he already sees the kind of mark he wishes to leave on the campus community  despite disagreement over diversity, equity and inclusion policies, or DEI.

Ted Ellis is the director of FSU's Civil Rights Institute.

I get to impact 40,000-plus students at FSU in this space with the institute, and I'm just getting started," said Ellis, a New Orleans native, renowned artist and former chemist.

The Civil Rights Institute, housed within the universitys College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, was founded by siblings Doby and Fred Flowers in 2018. Both are FSU alumni and civil-rights advocates.

FSU's College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is housed in the Bellamy building on campus.

More on the Civil Rights Institute: Siblings' vision: Civil Rights Institute at Florida State University holds inaugural event Thursday

"It's almost like a miracle that this is coming into fruition after all these years of hard work," Fred Flowers, a longtime Tallahassee attorney, told the Tallahassee Democrat. "We're at the beginning stages of a new era."

Doby Flowers added that she thinks the institute will be an "instrument to bring people together and move better policies."

The institute was created to curate museum exhibits, hold speaker events and build library collections that focus on civil rights and social change.

It's a lot that has to be done in this space, but goal is to have the students engaged in understanding the history of the civil rights  gaining past knowledge, present knowledge and advancing that forward, Ellis said.

Ellis graduated from Dillard University in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and worked as an environmental chemist for several years before earning a master's degree in museum studies from the Southern University at New Orleans in 2019 and became a chemist.

As a professional artist, his work features portraits of civil rights icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks  showcased in the halls of Congress  and he owns T. Ellis Fine Art, a business that specializes in selling original African American fine art.

He says he has a love for art and a passion for history, culture, equity and justice.

When we talk about cultural activism and advocacy, that's what I do with my paint, and I have been doing it for a very long time, Ellis said. Speaking to the importance of African American history is valuable.

With the controversy of Floridas law that dismantles diversity, equity and inclusion programs from public colleges and universities, DEI-related activities and programs on college campuses across the state have been functioning with uncertainty.

More: Florida universities were told to prioritize diversity plans. Now, DeSantis aims to gut them

But Ellis assured that the anti-DEI law is not a bump in the road for the institutes existence on campus: When you deal in history and primary source evidence, you don't have that issue, he said, and thats the position that the Civil Rights Institute is in.

He added, Language around programs change all the time because of who's writing the policies. But when you look at history  the importance of the Constitution, for example  it's about justice and equity for every citizen in the United States, so there's accountability in that space.

One of Elliss overall missions for the institute is drawing heavy student engagement to share information about what is legislatively centered around civil rights. He plans on holding a symposium through the institute, where faculty members will hold discussions about civil rights.

Ellis also hopes for the symposium initiative to later become a major platform where other institutions across the nation can partner with FSU through the Civil Rights Institute.

This institution is here to serve the students and get us to understand that we have to be better human beings, Ellis said, and that's my responsibility  no matter how sensitive it is around the history of civil rights.

Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, says Ellis is the perfect person to take on the director role.

Although the university announced the appointment in October, Ellis started his position over the summer as a result of a national search that was conducted in the spring.

I was immediately impressed by his intellect, passion and artistic talent, as well as his unwavering commitment to celebrating and advancing Civil Rights in the United States, Chapin said.

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is a university leader in celebrating the diversity of people and ideas, Chapin added, and the institute "has found fertile university soil within which it can blossom.

The institute's annual operating budget is $250,000 for the next three years, according to Ellis, and additional targeted funds will come from grants, fundraisers and financial distributions through donors.

What's next: An event called "The Journey to Justice" will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday in the FSU College of Medicine's auditorium, 1115 W. Call St., where individuals can meet Ellis as he further discusses his vision. The event is free and open to the public.

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Civil Rights Institute gets its first director: Ted Ellis
Thailands prime minister said 12 Thai hostages have been released from Gaza and are safely in Israels custody in what appears to be the first exchange of prisoners since a four-day truce began Friday.

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Friday morning in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he confirmed with his Ministry of Foreign Affairs the release of the 12 hostages and that embassy officials were en route to pick them up.

Thailands Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said there are still more Thai hostages being held by Hamas.

I sincerely hope there will be more hostages released soon including the innocent Thais waiting to return home, the foreign minister wrote on X.

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to the temporary pause in fighting to facilitate the release of hostages and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The hostages include people with nationalities from around the world, including U.S. citizens.

Hamas is set to release 50 hostages over the next four days and Israel in exchange will free 150 Palestinians from prison.

The truce officially began Friday, and Israeli authorities have said preparations are in order to quickly transfer hostages to hospitals and to treat them on-site if needed.

Fuel trucks also began entering Gaza to help the coastal enclave keep the power on at hospitals and other critical sites.

The hostages are expected to be released over the period of the truce, and once the four days are up, fighting is expected to resume.

The New Arab, a London-based Arab news outlet, reported that 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for the Thai prisoners.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Thailand plans to tap Chinese social-media influencers and companies like Huawei Technologies Co. and Alipay to promote the country as a tourist haven in an effort to more than double the number of travelers from its largest source of visitors before the pandemic.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will invite creators on ByteDance Ltd.s Douyin platform to produce travel content and invite media and travel agents to tour the country to attract prospective travelers, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, a deputy governor, said at a briefing in Bangkok.

Attracting Chinese travelers is the key to tourism-reliant Thailands ambitious target of luring 40 million visitors next year and generating 3.1 trillion baht ($87 billion) in revenue. The country  popular for its nightlife and beaches  aims to more than double its tally of Chinese visitors to 8.2 million in 2024 from about 3.5 million this year, Chattan said.

While a visa-waiver unveiled in September for Chinese nationals helped bolster arrivals during the Mid-autumn festival holidays, the killing last month of a Chinese tourist in a Bangkok shopping-mall shooting dented confidence, according to Thai officials. Most Chinese travelers headed to Hong Kong and Macau in the first half of this year, with Japan and Vietnam also remaining popular, Chattan said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday signed an agreement with Fliggy, a popular Chinese travel platform owned by Alibaba Group, to jointly promote the country as safe to visit. It will also roll out promotions with Huawei, Meituan, Spring Airlines and Sina News, Chattan said.

Thailands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has identified tourism as a quick win to accelerate the nations economic growth with the sector accounting for about 12% of gross domestic product and nearly a fifth of jobs. The government has also temporarily waived visas for travelers from Russia, Kazakhstan, India and Taiwan, and ordered airlines to add more routes while streamlining airport operations to reduce waiting times for visitors.

Arrivals of Chinese nationals are seen increasing next year as airlines add more flights and domestic economic conditions improve, Chattan said, adding travelers were also expected to stay longer and spend more.

Chinese were already Thailands largest group of tourists before the pandemic. They accounted for more than a quarter of the 40 million visitors in 2019 but have tallied only about 3 million so far this year.

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Thatchers have brewed cider in Somerset since 1904

A judge has been invited to take a "taste test" of rival cider drinks in a High Court trade mark dispute.

Somerset brewer Thatchers is suing German discount retailer Aldi for infringing the trade mark of its Cloudy Lemon Cider.

The family firm accuses Aldi of gaining an unfair advantage by copying the product for its Taurus cider "in both taste and appearance".

Aldi lawyers denied it was "riding on the coat-tails" of Thatchers.

The trial began in London on Thursday.

The brewer has made cider from Myrtle Farm in Somerset since 1904.

The German retailer lost a trade mark trial against Marks & Spencer earlier this year

Thatchers' Cloudy Lemon Cider was released in February 2020, and Aldi's Taurus brand in May 2022.

Lawyers for Thatchers argued the branding for Taurus drink was "likely to misrepresent to consumers some commercial connection to Thatchers".

Martin Howe KC, representing the West Country brewer, invited Judge Mellissa Clarke to a "blind taste test".

"We suggest that such a test should be conducted as a blind test, so that the court is not swayed by any descriptions provided by either party," he said.

Mr Howe said the Thatchers product was developed through extensive market analysis, feedback and testing, and that the company had spent 3m on marketing between 2020 and 2022.

The barrister said Aldi had achieved "extraordinarily high" sales of its Taurus product after a "lack both of development investment, or marketing spend".

He said this "can only have been achieved by reason of Thatcher's investment in the Thatchers Product".

'Dismiss the claim'

The German retailer denies infringement and "passing off" its product as one appearing to be from the family-run brewer.

In written arguments, Stephanie Wickenden, for Aldi, said the court should "dismiss the claim in its entirety".

She said: "The Aldi product is well distinguishable from the Thatchers product by reasons of its different brand name and logo.

"There are key differences in the stylisations of lemons and their leaves, and the words 'cloudy', 'lemon' and 'cider' are in a different order."

Ms Wickenden added the "core of the distinctiveness" of the Thatchers trade mark was the brand name, with other aspects being "descriptive or at most anodyne".

Aldi lost a court battle with Marks and Spencer in February this year, after being accused of copying its light-up Christmas gin bottles.

The trial continues, with a ruling expected at a later date.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
(WHTM)  Thanksgiving has come and gone and it is now the final weekend of November. If youre looking to do something festive, get in some holiday shopping or just get out of the house, here is abc27s list of recommendations of things to do from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26.

Harrisburg area

Christmas market at SoMa  Small businesses in Harrisburg will gather for the first-ever SoMa Christmas market this Saturday, November 25. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on South 3rd

Elf 20th anniversary  The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is hosting showings of the movie Elf this holiday season in honor of the movies 20th anniversary. Showings will begin this weekend and take place throughout December. Head to the Centers website to find out more.

Lancaster area

Mayors Tree Lighting  Lancaster City will have its Mayors Tree Lighting event this Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Penn Square. To see a list of street closures, click here.

Small Business Saturday  A number of Lancaster City businesses will be open for Small Business Saturday. For a list, head to the citys website.

City of Lancaster announces schedule of holiday events

York area

Small Business Saturday  A number of businesses in downtown York are participating in Small Business Saturday this weekend. Click here to see which ones.

Hanover Santa Parade The borough of Hanover will hold its Community Santa Parade and Bike Decorating Contest on Friday, November 24 at the Hanover Santa Cabin. More information is available at www.hanoverpasantacabin.com.

Holiday parades in Central Pennsylvania, 2023

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Hershey area

Small Business Saturday  Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will host a Small Business Saturday event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to the events Facebook page for a list of participating vendors.

Chicago  The musical Chicago is being presented at the Hershey Theatre this weekend with showtimes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster and more information can be found on the Hershey Theatres website.

Mechanicsburg area

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting  Mechanicsburgs annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held this Friday at 5:15 p.m. The event will be located in downtown Mechanicsburg at the corner of Market and Main Streets and will feature music, caroling and hot cocoa.

LIST: Tree lightings around Central Pennsylvania

Carlisle area

Holiday Craft and Fine Art Show  The Carlisle Expo Center will host its Holiday Craft and Fine Art Show this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free admission and parking and guests will be able to shop from local vendors and purchase concessions.

Gettysburg area

2023 Holiday Makers Market  The 2023 Holiday Makers Market is coming to the Aspire Hotel in Gettysburg this weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature holiday shopping, craft vendors and photos with Santa. Head to the events website to learn more.

Sunday Funday Christmas Bazaar  Creekside Farm Market and KCsCreations in East Berlin will host their Sunday Funday Christmas Bazaar this Sunday at 240 Markle Run Road. The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and admission will be free, Visitors will be able to shop from local food and craft vendors and there will be two story times for children.

Full list: 2023 holiday markets and craft fairs in Central Pennsylvania

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Comedian Tiffany Haddish was arrested on suspicion of DUI on Friday morning after being found asleep at the wheel by police in Beverly Hills, California.

Haddish was taken into custody after police received a call about a car stopped in the middle of Beverly Drive about 5:45 a.m., according to reports from TMZ.

According to the site, the vehicles engine was running and the driver could be seen slumped over the wheel. No accidents were reported.

Photos published by TMZ showed the Girls Trip star being put into the back of a police cruiser while in handcuffs.

HuffPost has reached out to Haddishs camp for comment.

Tiffany Haddish was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday, the morning after performing at The Laugh Factory's Thanksgiving comedy show.

Tiffany Haddish was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday, the morning after performing at The Laugh Factory's Thanksgiving comedy show.

On Thursday night, Haddish performed at West Hollywoods The Laugh Factory for its 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast.

Haddish was previously arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Jan. 14, 2022, near Atlanta.

Police in Peachtree City, Georgia, found Haddish driving into a neighborhood after getting a call about someone asleep at the wheel.

She was booked on charges of DUI and improper stopping on a roadway; her trial is set for December.

She addressed her arrest while guest hosting The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 13, 2022, telling audience members, Yes, I did get charged with a DUI, which stand for Dumb Unfortunate Incidents.

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

Related...
Stand-up comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish entertains guests at Laugh Factory Hollywood, during its free Thanksgiving meal Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP)  Tiffany Haddish was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said.

The actor and comedian was detained after Beverly Hills police received a call about 5:45 a.m. Police said she appeared to be found slumped over the wheel of the vehicle while the car engine was still running.

Haddish, an Emmy and Grammy winner, performed at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles on Thursday night. It was the comedy clubs 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast for the community.

A representative for Haddish did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Last year, Haddish was arrested on suspicion of DUI in suburban Atlanta.

Haddish has starred in the films including the comedy Girls Trip, Night School, Like a Boss and The Kitchen. She wrote the New York Times best seller The Last Black Unicorn, which earned a Grammy nomination.

In 2018, Haddish won an Emmy for her appearance on Saturday Night Live and a Grammy in 2021 for her special "Black Mitzvah.
The first group of hostages taken captive by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel were released from Gaza hours after the four-day cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas took effect Friday morning, officials said. More than three dozen Palestinians jailed in Israel were also released as part of the deal.

Thirteen Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas on Friday, the head of Israel's government press office confirmed to CBS News just after 5 p.m. local time. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reported that Red Cross trucks appearing to carry freed Israeli hostages crossed the Gaza border into Egypt around 6 p.m. local time.

Released hostages in Israel. / Credit: IDF Spokesperson, courtesy of the families

Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesman Dr. Majed Al-Ansari said on social media that in total, 24 hostages had been released. That includes the 13 Israeli hostages, 10 Thai hostages and one Filipino hostage.

The Israeli Defense Forces said on social media just before 7 p.m. local time that the released hostages were on Israeli soil and had undergone initial medical assessments. IDF members accompanied the released hostages to hospitals where they will be reunited with their families. The IDF also shared a video of a bus carrying the freed hostages entering Israel.

     : pic.twitter.com/V0usYRtIke      - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) November 24, 2023

"We just completed the return of the first of our hostages: children, their mothers and additional women," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday. "Each of them is an entire world. But I emphasize to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel: we are committed to returning all the hostages. This is one of the aims of the war and we are committed to achieving all the aims of the war."

CBS News contributor Robert Berger said the release had gone "smoothly."

"It (was) a very dramatic moment and it seems to be unfolding as planned," Berger said.

The released Israelis ranged in age from 2 to 85 and included several mothers and four children, the Israeli government said.

Released Israeli hostages. / Credit: IDF Spokesperson, courtesy of the families

Netanyahu's office said in a Friday evening statement that Israeli intelligence had received a list of a second group of hostages due to be released Saturday "in continuation" of the cease-fire agreement. Those hostages' families have been notified, the prime minister's office said.

The 10 Thai nationals were released around 4 p.m. local time. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on social media that Thai embassy officials were going to pick up the released hostages. The chairman of Egypt's State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, said the release of the Thai nationals came after "intensive Egyptian efforts."

Al-Ansari said the freeing of these hostages happened "as part of ongoing mediation, outside the framework of the agreement of the Humanitarian Pause" brokered by Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., Israel and Hamas.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that it had "began carrying out a multi-day operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian detainees to the West Bank."

A Red Cross vehicle, as part of a convoy believed to be carrying hostages abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack on Israel, arrives at the Rafah border, amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, as seen from southern Gaza Strip November 24, 2023. / Credit: IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA / REUTERS

Al-Ansari also said that 39 Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli jails were released Friday, "upholding the commitment of the first day of the agreement."

Thousands gathered Friday in the occupied West Bank village of Beitunia to greet the freed Palestinian prisoners, 24 women and 15 teen boys.

Israel Prison Service Commissioner Katy Perry went to Israel's Damon prison to meet with its guards ahead of their release.

"This is our mission, for the sake of returning the kidnapped people home, and we will do it to the best of our abilities," Perry said in a statement.

The Red Cross oversaw the transfer of the prisoners, first to the West Bank's Ofer Prison, and then to Beitunia.

Israeli forces gathered outside Ofer Prison ahead of the exchange, where some Palestinians threw stones at Israeli soldiers. Cameras showed one Palestinian who was shot in the leg before being rushed into an ambulance. The Associated Press reported that journalists from their agency saw Palestinians waiting to greet the released prisoners had tear gas fired at them by the IDF.

The releases are part of a deal that calls for Hamas to free at least 50 hostages and Israel to release 150 Palestinians from its prisons. Israel's military sounded alarms in several villages near Gaza just minutes after the short-term truce began Friday morning, warning of possible incoming rocket fire, but there was no immediate word of ongoing violence between Israeli forces and Hamas, leaving hope that the first hostage releases under the deal would still go forward later Friday.

The cease-fire got underway at 7 a.m. local time, which is midnight on the U.S. East Coast. The Israeli military did not make any official announcement at that time but said in a statement less than two hours later that it had "completed its operational preparations according to the combat lines of the pause."

Released Israeli hostages. / Credit: IDF Spokesperson, courtesy of the families

A spokesperson stressed in a social media post just minutes after 7 a.m. local time that the suspension of hostilities was temporary, and "the war is not over yet."

President Biden said Friday that he expected more hostages will be released Saturday, "and more the day after, and more the day after that."

"It's only a start, but so far it's gone well," Mr. Biden said of Friday's hostage release, adding that "in the next hour or so we'll know what the second wave of releases are."



The U.S. does not know when the Americans held hostage would be released or all of their conditions, Mr. Biden said.

"We don't know what the list of all the hostages are and when they'll be released, but we know the numbers that are going to be released," he said. "It is my hope and expectation it will be soon."

Mr. Biden said he thought "the chances are real" for the temporary pause in the fighting to be extended and that he remains in contact with the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Israel "to make sure this stays on track and every aspect of the deal is implemented."

When asked if he trusts Hamas to uphold its end of the deal, Mr. Biden said, "I don't trust Hamas to do anything right. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure."

Mr. Biden also acknowledged the trauma that the hostages have been though.

"All these hostages have been through a terrible ordeal, and this is the beginning of a long journey of healing for them," he said. "The teddy bears waiting to greet those children at the hospital are a stark reminder of the trauma these children have been through, and at such a very young age."

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee warned that the northern Gaza Strip remained "a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move around" there, adding that people in the decimated Palestinian territory "must remain in the humanitarian zone in the south of the Strip" and only move toward that area on one designated road, adding that "the movement of residents from the south of the Strip to the north will not be allowed in any way."

Displaced Palestinians leave to try to return to their homes, passing by a house destroyed in an earlier Israeli airstrike, during a short-term cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, Nov. 24, 2023, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. / Credit: MOHAMMED SALEM/REUTERS

Israeli troops open fire as displaced Palestinians try to go home

CBS News producer Marwan al-Ghoul saw Israeli forces opened fire Friday on Palestinians who decided to risk heading back to their homes in northern Gaza despite leaflets dropped by the IDF warning them against it. Al-Ghoul said thousands of displaced civilians left the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis to head back north, but when they reached a crossover point in central Gaza, they encountered a line of Israeli tanks and were fired on by Israeli forces.

Israel's military told CBS News it was looking into reports that several people were injured in the encounter.

Al-Ghoul said between 4,000 and 5,000 people had set off from Khan Younis, and some of them told CBS News they felt hopeless as nowhere in the Gaza Strip felt safe, and they just wanted to get back home.

Video shot by CBS News showed panicked civilians running back away from the Israeli forces at the crossing point as machinegun fire was heard.

Hostage releases expected to continue through the weekend

Under the terms of the deal brokered earlier this week with the help of the U.S., Egypt and Qatar, 50 hostages  all women and children who were kidnapped by Hamas militants during their Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel  will be freed in batches over four days.

They are among an estimated 240 captives who are still believed to be held in Gaza. Three American hostages are expected to be among those 50, per a senior Biden administration official.

In exchange for the hostages, the Israeli military agreed to the four-day pause in the war. The Israeli government said in a statement Tuesday that the release of "every 10 additional hostages" on top of those 50 "will result in one additional day in the pause."

Prior to Friday, only four Hamas hostages had been released, two Americans and two Israelis.

"Of course, our aim is for this deal to end with a lasting truce," said Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, at a news conference Thursday. "Right now, of course, the confines of this deal are these four days that are subject to a second phase, and following phases of expanding the pause through the formula of getting more hostages out, and therefore getting more time for the parties. We are hoping that momentum will carry, and that we would find this would open the door for further and more deep negotiations towards an end to this violence."

     .        " - " ',   118 (" ").         . pic.twitter.com/E6BGOB0da1  Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) November 24, 2023

In a message shared on social media, Israel's air force showed photos of a military transport plane ready to ferry the freed hostages, with empty seats holding ear covers, some for adults and others for children, to shield them from the noise of the aircraft.

"Today is the beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel," the air force said in its post, calling it a "great privilege" to be in helping in "the important task of returning the abductees home."

When asked by reporters Thursday whether the youngest American hostage, Abigail Mor Idan  whose fourth birthday is Friday  would soon be released, Mr. Biden responded: "fingers crossed." Both of Idan's parents were gunned down by Hamas.

At kibbutz Nir Oz, Noam and Lior Peri knew their 79-year-old father Chaim would not be among the first hostages released.



"It is really hard to think how he's coping, how he's dealing with those, probably days and nights that he doesn't even know where he is, what time is it," Noam told CBS News.

"I have huge faith that I will see him again," Lior added.

Al Ansari said he expected the release of Palestinian prisoners to follow closely after that of the Gaza hostages. According to Palestinian prisoner rights' groups, there are an estimated 7,000 Palestinians currently jailed in Israel, including over 200 Palestinian children and about 75 women, with dozens arrested in the past few weeks alone.

Samaher Aouad's daughter, Norhan, is on Israel's list of jailed Palestinians who might be freed as part of the deal. Norhan was arrested at age 15 for the attempted stabbing of an Israeli soldier nine years ago.



"The Israeli occupation stole her childhood and that's what I feel sad about," Aouwad told CBS News. "No one can replace her childhood."

Aid trucks started moving into Gaza within a couple hours of the cease-fire taking effect, through southern Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt. The Reuters news agency had a live camera position at the Rafah crossing that showed trucks carrying fuel moving through the border gate into Gaza. Israeli officials said on social media that 200 trucks carrying water, food, medical supplies and shelter equipment entered the Gaza Strip Friday morning. Four trucks of fuel and four tanks of cooking gas also entered the territory.

Today, the largest shipment of humanitarian aid since the beginning of the war is being delivered into the Gaza Strip. 200 trucks carrying water, food, medical supplies, and shelter equipment, as well as 4 trucks of fuel and 4 tanks of cooking gas, entered Gaza via Rafah crossing pic.twitter.com/bVyz5bFDkG  COGAT (@cogatonline) November 24, 2023

Diaa Rashwan, chairman of Egypt's State Information Service, said in a statement early Friday morning that about 34,000 gallons of fuel would enter Gaza every day during the cease-fire, along with about 200 trucks carrying food, medicine and water.

"The need is so great, that no matter how much aid you are going to bring in, there will be certainly more need for aid," Al-Ansari said in Qatar.

The fighting in Gaza has been unrelenting since Hamas launched its bloody terror attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians, according to Israeli officials.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says almost 15,000 people have since been killed in Gaza by Israel's retaliatory ground incursion and airstrikes, and the U.N. estimates that 1.7 million of the enclave's roughly 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced from their homes.

 Imtiaz Tyab, Margaret Brennan, Khaled Wassef, Holly Williams, Lilia Luciano, Jordan Freiman and Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.

White House aids in Hamas hostage negotiations

Louisiana man who's beaten the odds against glioblastoma has something new to be thankful for

Ex-Obama official charged with hate crime in alleged harassment of halal food cart worker
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken holds a joint news conference with South Korean foreign minister in Seoul

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan held a call on Friday to discuss North Korea's recent launch of a spy satellite which they strongly condemned, the U.S. State Department said on Friday.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko "strongly condemned the (Nov. 21) launch for its destabilizing effect on the region," the State Department said in a statement.

North Korea said on Tuesday it had placed its first spy satellite in orbit, drawing international condemnation for violating U.N. resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic missile programs. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the launch was an exercise of the right to self-defence.

This week's satellite launch was North Korea's third attempt this year after two failures and followed Kim's rare trip to Russia in September, during which President Vladimir Putin vowed to help Pyongyang build satellites.

South Korean officials said the latest launch most likely involved Russian technical assistance under a growing partnership that has seen Pyongyang supply Russia with millions of artillery shells.

Russia and North Korea have denied arms deals but have promised deeper cooperation.

In their call on Friday, the top diplomats of Tokyo, Washington and Seoul said the international community needed to "come together to prevent (North Korea's) procurement activities and stem the flow of revenue supporting its unlawful WMD (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missile programs," according to the State Department.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
The rains are set to see harvest volume come in some three to four times down on last year (Sia KAMBOU)

"Thirty years I've been in cocoa -- and this is the worst season yet," said Siaka Sylla as he contemplated an almost empty warehouse at his cooperative in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer of the bean.

Following exceptionally heavy rain, this year's overall harvest of cocoa, used to manufacture chocolate, is set to be very low. The crop is harvested twice annually -- October to March for the main crop and a May to August mid-crop.

On a hot November morning, a squad of trucks arrived from the plantations to drop off a few dozen bags of beans at the Scappen cooperative in the village of Hermankono, near the central southern town of Divo, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the economic capital Abidjan.

"It's rained too much this year. Usually at this time, trucks are queueing up to unload. Here, we have barely 200 bags whereas we could stock 10 times as many," complained Sylla, chairman of the cooperative grouping some 1,500 planters.

He expects harvest volume to drop some three to four times on last year's.

A look in the fields nearby suggests that fear is well-founded. And

Analysts confirm as much.

"Traders are worried about another short production year and these feelings have been enhanced by El Nino that could threaten West Africa crops with hot and dry weather later this year," said Jack Scoville of Price Futures Group.

The analyst warned of "tight supplies" amid "more reports of reduced arrivals in Ivory Coast and Ghana," the number two global producer.

By a dirt track which only motorbikes could thread their way along, Bamoussa Coulibaly collected a few rare yellow-red pods from the many cocoa trees.

July was a particularly rainy month in Ivory Coast's south, just as the cocoa plants were flowering. As a result, "the flowers fell," the farm worker said as he explained his meagre harvest.

Of those cocoa pods which resisted, some rotted anyway in the excessive humidity.

- Rainfall soars -

Some areas have seen rainfall this year between 20 and even 40 percent above the 1991-2020 norm, according to data from national meteorological service Sodexam.

To blossom fully, cocoa needs a subtle alternation between sunshine and rain.

A few kilometres from Hermankono, in the bush near N'Douci, Monique Koffi Amenan waded through a marshy field resulting from weeks of rainfall which caused the neighbouring river to burst its banks.

"This year, what we've harvested won't even fill one bag, instead of the usual two. The rain has rotted the cocoa," explained the planter in her 40s who has spent a decade working the area with her husband.

"We'd forecast a 20 percent drop on last year and our forecasts are confirmed. With the heavy rains, many pods have rotted," Yves Brahima Kone, who heads Ivorian regulator the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC), told AFP.

- Prices soar too -

With a 40 percent share of global supply, Ivory Coast is the world's top producer ahead of neighbouring Ghana, whose production has recently suffered from cocoa swollen shoot virus disease, as well as illegal mining on some cocoa farms.

Anticipating a poor crop, Ivory Coast suspended export contracts -- some two-thirds of produce usually goes to the EU bloc -- back in July.

As a result of that move, cocoa prices have soared on commodity markets beyond $4,000 a tonne in New York, a level not seen in more than four decades, since 1978.

It was a similar story in London, with a tonne fetching 3,478 on November 10, a post-1989 record and up 70 percent on January.

The situation threatens to remain critical with the resurgence of the El Nino climate phenomenon threatening western Africa.

"This is proof that climate change is hitting developing countries hardest," said Ivorian economist Seraphin Prao.

Even ahead of expected further El Nino woe next year, producers are already fretting over their short-term financial health.

In Ivory Coast, the government sets cocoa prices. At 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram (1.50 euros, $1.70) it is higher this year than in recent seasons, but low volumes will eat into many producer families' revenues.

Cocoa provides a wage for around one in five Ivorians -- some six million people -- according to the World Bank.

"My children are school age -- but if cocoa doesn't deliver, how shall we manage?" Amenan worried.

"In a liberalised system, farmers would be winners in the current context, as cocoa (prices) reach record levels. In Cameroon, for example, where the price is not set by the state, a kilo of cocoa sells for twice as much," said economist Prao.

Back at the Hermankono cooperative, Siaka Sylla is pinning his hopes on a better intermediate harvest next April.

"But that won't make up for our losses," he said.

pid/stb/cw/acc/ach
Richard Tice said the Home Office is not fit for purpose. It needs to be, frankly, just put in the bin - Jeff Gilbert

The Home Office should be abolished and replaced by a new department because of its failings on immigration, Richard Tice has said.

Mr Tice, the Reform UK leader, accused the Government of betraying the British public on immigration after figures published on Thursday showed net migration hit a record high of 745,000 in the year to December 2022  three times the highest levels recorded before Brexit.

He noted pledges by successive home secretaries to reduce immigration and called for a new department focused on ending illegal migration and curbing the number of legal arrivals.

Speaking to The Telegraphs Politics newsletter as he took questions from subscribers, Mr Tice said: We need a whole new Department of Immigration. The Home Office is not fit for purpose. It needs to be, frankly, just put in the bin.

Just start again with a new Department of Immigration, staffed by people who believe in the cause of sovereign independence. That is critical.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4s Today programme earlier on Friday, Mr Tice said the Conservatives had betrayed the British public on immigration.

The British people have completely lost trust in this Government, who have totally and utterly betrayed what they promised us with Brexit: to take back control of our borders.

Elsewhere in his Telegraph interview, Mr Tice urged ministers to declare immigration a security threat and repeated his calls to leave the European Convention on Human Rights in order to make the Rwanda deportation policy work.

We have to have a difficult conversation that far too many of these people coming illegally actually do not have good intent, he said.

Im afraid to say some of them are foot soldiers for drug gangs, money laundering for illegal activity, for illegal working, and many of them do not share our culture They just want to exploit and manipulate our generosity, and so we should declare a national security threat.

Mr Tice doubled down on his promise to field a Reform UK candidate in every seat at the next general election, expected to be held next year.

Refusing to stand aside for the Conservatives as the Brexit Party did in key marginal seats in 2019, he insisted the Tories must pay the price at the ballot box, even if it were to result in a Labour government.

You cannot reward failure with more incumbency  you have to hold people to account, he said. Theyve failed, theyve let the country down, theyve broken the nation. And they have to be punished, and they have to be punished severely for what theyve done to us all. Its as simple as that.

Trans guidance for head teachers, expected to be published in the coming weeks, will make it clear that sports teams and lavatories must be single-sex, but children are to be allowed to change their gender identity at school as long as their parents are made aware.

Mr Tice said he would go further and ban social transitioning altogether, adding: I believe that this gender questioning, and debate about social transition of children at primary schools and secondary schools, I think its not only confusing, I think it causes anxiety.

Its therefore a clear breach of safeguarding. Under my leadership, it would be banned immediately by the end of the week, and any teacher or head teacher that carried out teaching any of this gender ideology would be fined.

After a number of climate targets were delayed or diluted in September, Mr Tice also called on Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, to abolish every remaining net zero pledge, saying: Net zero is the greatest single act of financial self-harm that people in Westminster have ever imposed on the British people.

Its a catastrophe, its going to impoverish us all, its sending our jobs and our money abroad. Anybody who thinks that if you get to net zero youre going to stop climate change is a naive, misinformed fool.

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 total of 650,000 men of conscription age have left Ukraine for European countries since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, says the Austrian tabloid Exxpress, citing Eurostat data.

Source: Austrian tabloid Exxpress; BBC Ukraine

Details: Eurostat claims that there are 650,000 male Ukrainian refugees of conscription age in 27 EU member states, as well as in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that about 6.3 million people have left Ukraine since the start of the war, most of them women and children.

A BBC Ukraine analysis of Eurostat data indicates that 4.2 million people currently have official temporary protection status in the EU. 18.3% (768,000) of them are men aged 18 to 64.

At the same time, the Exxpress obtained data specifically for the age group of 1860-year-olds.

Only those who left Ukraine by 24 February 2022 can obtain this status.

"However, the tabloid and statistics do not specify the number of men who left legally as fathers of three children, group II persons with disabilities or other categories of individuals eligible to do so. In addition, they don't separately mention men who could have travelled to the EU from the territories occupied by Russia," the journalists noted.

The German Interior Ministry has reported that exactly 221,571 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have arrived in Germany since 24 February 2022. A total of 189,484 of them are still there today, the tabloid noted.

These figures only cover those who are officially registered. The German Interior Ministry believes that another 100,000 are not registered and stay in the country illegally.

The situation is similar in Austria, where at least 14,000 Ukrainian men have reportedly travelled there with forged documents or using the "services" of smugglers.

Background:

In August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that thousands of people had travelled abroad with the help of bribes and dubious military medical board decisions and that bribe-takers would be brought to justice.

The BBC, citing data from the border services of countries bordering Ukraine, reported that about 20,000 men of conscription age have illegally left Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion to avoid being drafted into the army. These figures were provided by the border services of the countries bordering Ukraine. Another 21,000 men were reportedly detained while trying to flee abroad.

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A village council deputy in Kherson Oblast and member of the now-banned pro-Russian Party of Regions who sided with invading Russian troops during the occupation of the area was detained, Ukraines SBU security service reported via Telegram on Nov. 24.

The detainee welcomed columns of Russian troops entering his village at the beginning of the war and was one of the first to offer his "assistance" to the enemy, disclosing the locations of resistance members, their families, and his own pro-Ukrainian father, who was later tortured into collaboration.

Read also: Traitor Tsaryov shot twice in claimed assassination attempt in Crimea, relatives confirm

The traitor was appointed to the occupation administration and was responsible for distributing "humanitarian aid" from Russia to Moscows local supporters. He also repeatedly participated in looting and abduction of people who resisted the invasion.

Read also: SBU eliminates traitor in Russian city  NV sources

The man now faces life imprisonment.

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
Billions of people currently use WhatsApp to chat on mobile, and with good reasons. The app is packed with features, offers end-to-end encryption for users, and provides a rich experience on multiple platforms .

If you've invested a lot of your messaging time into WhatsApp, then you're not going to want to leave behind those chats when you upgrade to a new handset. Thankfully, WhatsApp has you well covered here, and the migration process isnt difficult.

There's even provision for making the typically difficult jump from Android to iOS or vice versa. The process of moving chats is different in each case, but no matter which devices are involved, it won't take more than a few minutes.

Android to Android

WhatsApp can restore messages from a Google Drive backup. Credit: WhatsApp/David Nield.

You shouldn't have much trouble restoring your WhatsApp messages on a new Android phone if your old phone is an Android device too. On your old phone, first make sure everything is backed up to Google Drive: Tap the three dots (top right), then Settings and Chats, then Chat backup. Hopefully you wont need this backup, but youll be glad to have it if something goes terribly wrong.

Then, install WhatsApp on your new phone. Once you've signed in with your existing phone number, the app should recognize you have chats on another device that you might want to move over. Tap Transfer from the old device when you see the prompt to do this, follow the instructions, and you'll get a QR code on screen.

You then need to go back to WhatsApp on your old phone, which will be ready to scan the QR code on your new phone. Once youve scanned it, accept the invitation to link the devices together, and you'll see a progress bar on screen. When you see the confirmation that the transfer is complete, tap Done and you're ready to go on your new phone.

You don't have to use this direct transfer method, but it does mean your chats don't need to go to Google Drive and back. You can also restore a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive: This option automatically appears if you install (or reinstall) WhatsApp on an Android device, and log in with a phone number associated with an existing backup. Just tap Restore to bring your chats back.

iOS to iOS

There's a direct iPhone-to-iPhone option, no iCloud required. Credit: WhatsApp/David Nield

As with Android-to-Android transfers, you don't necessarily need a chat backup if you're jumping from one iPhone to another, but we'd recommend that you set one up anyway. On your old iPhone, open WhatsApp and choose Settings, Chats, and Chat Backup. Backups on iOS make use of Apple's iCloud storage service.

Go back to the Chats screen, then choose Transfer Chats to iPhone and Start, and a QR code is shown on screen. Now you can turn your attention to your new iPhone, where you should install the WhatsApp app and set it up using your existing phone number. When that number is recognized, you'll be prompted to carry on with the chat transfer process you've already initiated, so tap Continue to accept.

Scan the QR code that pops up on your old iPhone using your new iPhone. That gives WhatsApp all the information it needs to beam your conversations between devices, and you'll see a progress bar shown on screen while this happens. When the transfer is complete, tap Next to carry on using WhatsApp on your new iPhone.

Should that not work as intended, you can restore a WhatsApp backup on iOS instead. The restore option only appears when you first install WhatsApp though (so you might need to uninstall and reinstall it): When you've registered your existing phone number, select the Restore Chat History message that appears on screen.

Android to iOS

The Move to iOS app includes a WhatsApp option. Credit: Apple

If you're going from Android to iOS, then the only way to move your WhatsApp chats over is to use the Move to iOS app for Android. It takes care of transferring data across a whole range of apps, including WhatsAppit can also move across all of your Google contacts and calendars as well, for example.

Load up the Move to iOS app and just follow the instructions on screenyou'll need to enter the code displayed on your new iPhone to confirm that you want to link the devices. The important screen is the transfer data screen, where you want to make sure that the WhatsApp option is selected, alongside any other types of data you need to move across.

The Move to iOS app will take care of signing you out on Android, and when you get the confirmation that the data has been sent over, you can go ahead and install and open up WhatsApp for iOS. As long as you log in using the same phone number you've been using, you should see a prompt to finish the transfer of conversations.

There's no way to restore WhatsApp messages from a Google Drive backup (on Android) to WhatsApp on an iPhonethe Move to iOS app is the only option. You can, if you want, export individual chats from Android to an email archive (via Chats, Chat history, and Export chat in Settings), and start fresh on the iPhone.

iOS to Android

Android can copy data over from iOS, via a cable. Credit: Google

If you're heading the other way, from an iPhone to an Android device, compatibility issues still create hurdles. WhatsApp on Android can't read WhatsApp backups in iCloud, so you can't simply sign in on a new phone and restore a backup. You can export chats to email (Chats then Export Chat in Settings), but again these can't be restored on an iPhone.

What you can do is use the more general iOS-to-Android transfer solution that Google has built into Android, which covers a host of apps, including WhatsApp. However, you must do this when you start up your new Android phone for the first time, during the initial setupthere's no option to do it later.

As you go through the initial setup process, connecting to Wi-Fi and so on, you'll see a prompt to copy data from another phone: Make sure you choose Next here and not Don't copy. Follow the instructions on screen, making sure WhatsApp is selected as one of the entries in the Apps section (it should be by default).

You'll then need to connect your two phones with a cable: USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to Lightning. The transfer utility will then take care of the process of moving all your apps and conversations over, though you'll still need to log in using your existing phone number when you open WhatsApp on Android for the first time.
Justin Trudeau is blaming the MAGA movement and Republican ideology for eroding support for Ukraine.

The Canadian prime minister used a press conference with visiting European leaders to connect a gambit by his Conservative rivals in Ottawa to hard-right rhetoric in the United States and Europe, which he said is starting to parrot Russian disinformation and misinformation and propaganda.

Canada is home to 1.4 million Ukrainian Canadians and boasts the second-largest Ukrainian diaspora after Russia. Until now, politicians of all stripes have been united behind Ukraine.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party turned heads in Parliament earlier this week when they voted as a bloc against legislation that would update the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. The bill passed anyway with the aid of Bloc Quebecois and NDP MPs for study at the committee level.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the new deal when he met with Trudeau in Ottawa this fall. Ukraine asked Canada to fast-track the modernized legislation to help lure investments to rebuild the war-torn country.

In a surprise move, Conservatives voted against legislation that would enact those changes. The party claimed that the new trade deal with Ukraine would impose Canadas controversial carbon tax which Poilievre has vowed to kill.

No such wording actually exists in the document. In fact, the Eastern European country has had its own carbon mechanism since 2011.

Ukrainian officials were taken aback by the sudden politicization of a trade deal first championed by former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Trudeau called the Conservatives opposition to the deal frankly absurd.

During Fridays press briefing he called out what he described as a bigger trend behind the Conservatives twist  using the moment to tie his political foes to Trumpian influences.

The real story is the rise of a right-wing American, MAGA influence thinking that has made Canadian Conservatives, who used to be among the strongest defenders of Ukraine  turn their backs on something Ukraine needs in its hour of need, Trudeau told reporters in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Support for Ukraine has evolved into a crisis in Washington, with calls from congressional members to pump the brakes on U.S. aid to the country. The position, most evident among a hardline group of Republicans, reflects former President Donald Trumps America First ethos on foreign policy and hostility to foreign aid.

Trudeau was hosting European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the Atlantic harbor city for a two-day leaders summit at which a new EU-Canada green alliance was formally announced.

Von der Leyen also confirmed that the European Union will formally join Canadas global carbon pricing challenge to get all countries on board with emissions trading or a tax to lower emissions.

The rising cost of living has made the Trudeau governments climate policies  especially its carbon tax  a lightning rod for partisan derision. A wave of growing support for Poilievre has been partly fueled by Conservative calls to axe the tax.

While Poilievre has stumped around the country, railing on the tax, he does not acknowledge the federal government rebates that Canadians receive to offset the carbon tax, which was designed to incentivize a dip in fossil fuel use and the adoption of greener energy alternatives.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his domestic political rival, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, was turning his back on Ukraine under the influence of Donald Trump, Reuters reported on Nov. 24.

Trudeau, elected for Canada's Liberal Party, criticized the Conservatives for voting against a bill to implement a free-trade agreement with Ukraine.

All 109 Conservative lawmakers in the House of Commons voted against the bill that gathered unanimous support from other parties in a preliminary vote on Nov. 21.

"I've actually boasted  that it's not a political debate in Canada: all parties in Canada stand with Ukraine," Trudeau said at the Canada-EU Summit in St. John's.

"So it is particularly troubling to see  that suddenly the Conservative Party of Canada would choose not to stand with Ukraine in something that they need."

Poilievre, whose party is leading in the polls ahead of the 2025 elections, said he did not support the bill because it would force Ukraine to adopt a carbon tax. According to the bill, the two countries should "promote" carbon pricing and mitigation.

The Conservative leader insists his party supports Ukraine, as well as free trade with Ukraine.

"I really think it speaks to how pathologically obsessed Trudeau is with the carbon tax that, while the knife is at the throat of Ukrainians, he would use that to impose his carbon tax ideology on those poor people," Poilievre told reporters on Nov. 22.

"The last thing they need is a carbon tax when they're trying to rebuild from war and from this illegal invasion by Russia."

The standing prime minister voiced skepticism of Poilievre's justification.

"To see the Conservative Party of Canada decide not to support Ukraine with something they need with the absurd excuse that it's because Ukraine is going to put a price on pollution, is ridiculous," Trudeau commented.

The prime minister believes that the Conservative Party, traditionally one of Ukraine's most resolute defenders, was changing its stances under the influence of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Former president and the Republican Party's polls favorite, Trump has criticized the level of support Washington throws behind Kyiv. His allies in Congress have also been stalling further funding for Ukraine.

Worries about the unity of the pro-Kyiv coalition grow as several parties skeptical of Ukraine aid secured electoral victories in recent weeks, namely in the Netherlands and Slovakia.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ST. LOUIS  Were taking a look back at some of the biggest cases in the St. Louis area. The execution of this nationally-known killer is one of the most infamous.

Joseph Paul Franklin, an American neo-Nazi, terrorist, and serial killer, carried out a spree of murders from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Born in 1950 in Alabama, he met his end at the correctional center in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

Originally named James Clayton Vaughn Jr., Franklin later changed his name to honor his personal heroes: Paul Joseph Goebbels, a Nazi, and Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin, the eldest of three siblings, faced a troubled upbringing. His father, a World War II veteran and butcher, abandoned the family when Franklin was eight. One of Franklins siblings claimed that when his father did come to visit, he frequently experienced physical abuse at his hands. Additionally, Franklins mother, known for her strict parenting, was also alleged to have administered physical discipline.

Blaming his upbringing, Franklin later attributed his descent into mass murder and serial killing to a lack of maturity and an inability to distinguish right from wrong.

During his school years, Franklin developed an interest in Nazism. He held memberships in the National Socialist White Peoples Party and the Ku Klux Klan.

Franklin claimed in an interview with FOX2s Tom ONeal that the Nazi literature he read as a teenager, specifically Adolf Hitlers influential words in Mein Kampf, was the source of his hatred for Jews and African Americans.

Crime Timeline:

1977:

July 29: Firebombed Beth Shalom Synagogue in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

August 7: Shot and killed an interracial couple in a parking lot in Madison, Wisconsin.

October 8: Attacked Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel synagogue in St. Louis, Missouri, killing one and injuring others.

1978:

March 6: Attempted to assassinate Larry Flynt in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

July 29: Hid near a Pizza Hut in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and shot and killed a black man.

1979:

July 12: Fatally shot Taco Bell manager Harold McIver in Doraville, Georgia.

October 21: Killed a black man and his white wife in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1980:

May 29: Confessed to shooting civil rights activist Vernon Jordan in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

June 8: Killed two cousins in Cincinnati, Ohio, while waiting for an interracial couple.

June 15: Shot and killed a black man and a white woman in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

June 25: Used a pistol to kill two hitchhikers in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

August 20: Killed two black men near Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

After the Utah killings, Franklin was arrested in Kentucky for outstanding warrants. The FBI, noting his racist tattoos and reliance on blood bank donations for cash, traced him to Lakeland, Florida, and apprehended him on October 28, 1980.

Over the next two decades, Franklin faced the legal consequences of the United States, being convicted of numerous murders, assaults, and other crimes at both the state and federal levels.

Confessions:

His sentences included life imprisonment and death penalties in multiple states. In 1994, while serving consecutive life sentences in the federal penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, Franklin made a startling confession to the Richmond Heights synagogue murder.

Claiming a dream had compelled him, Franklin confessed to the killing of Gerald Gordon. Fear of retribution for assaulting a guard at Marion also motivated his confession. While resulting in a death penalty for Franklin, the confession led to his transfer to the prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

On November 11, 2013, Franklin was executed in Missouri for the 1977 murder of a man in front of a synagogue in St. Louis.

The crime that put Franklin on Missouris death row was the murder of Gerald Gordon. On October 8, 1977, Franklin strategically placed 10-inch nails into a telephone pole as a makeshift gun rest for his hunting rifle. As around 200 guests departed from a bar mitzvah, Franklin pulled the trigger, murdering Gordon in front of his wife and three children.

Franklin also admitted to shooting Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler Magazine, expressing his displeasure with the magazines depiction of interracial couples in sexual situations. Despite his confession, Franklin was never brought to trial for the shooting, which left Flynt paralyzed.

In 1980, Franklin was acquitted of shooting and injuring Vernon Jordan, the head of the Urban League at the time. However, Franklin later confessed to the crime.

Franklin was executed at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri, on November 20, 2013. The execution commenced at 6:07 a.m. CST, and he was officially pronounced dead at 6:17 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Turkules the wild turkeys reign over a New Jersey town has come to an end (Change.org)

A wild turkeys brief reign over a New Jersey town has now come to an end.

Turkules, who was named after a local man, became a local sensation after it settled in West Orange, 25 miles west of New York City, over the summer.

Since making itself at home, Turkules has been known to cause mile-long traffic jams in the area.

Photos and videos posted online by residents show the wild turkey standing in the middle of a road, preventing cars from passing by, and fearlessly pecking at tyres.

Despite its antics, the bird grew so popular that locals organised a petition to pardon Turkules for his antics, and this week, residents held a Hometown Hero event in Turkules honor, where businesses donated a portion of profits to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

But the event turned out to be Turkules last in the New Jersey town after the states department of environmental protection announced that the wild turkey had been captured after a weeks-long effort.

Turkules has now been relocated almost 85 miles away to Wharton state forest, with local residents left devastated.

Ill miss him a lot. Ill miss the daily reports on his sightings, I look forward to getting updates about him every day, one resident told The Guardian.

With everything being so tense in the world, political-wise and all that stuff, he came around, and he was the one thing that could just bring the whole town together.

No one was arguing about politics, no ones talking about conflicts that are going on: it was just everyone who just wanted to know if this turkey was still around and was still alive.

He was just our little uniter. The one thing that makes us smile, the thing that everyone could agree on, they added.

State officials previously attempted to capture Turkules by shooting the bird with a tranquilliser dart. Although the dart struck the bird, it had zero impact, and Turkules continued to walk around the town for weeks with a blue and orange dart hanging from his breast  something locals described as badass.

In fact this only added to its celebrity status as locals were awed by its fearless attitude towards traffic and disregard for authority.

Aaron Guikema, the New Jersey state director for the Department of Agricultures wildlife services program, told The Guardian Turkules was particularly difficult to capture because he tended to fly more than the average wild turkey.

Turkules has been known to cause mile-long traffic jams in the area (Turkules via Fcaebook)

According to reports, the famous wild turkey was captured and relocated earlier this year, only to return to the town.

Turkules resilience means locals do not think they have seen the last of the bird.

He is a gangster. He will make his way back. He always does, one resident said.

Wild turkeys have seen a resurgence across the US, thanks to conservation laws. There are now believed to be around seven million wild turkeys across the country, with an estimated 20,000 in New Jersey.

Typically, around half a dozen wild turkeys are removed from the state each year for interfering with traffic or causing other disruptions.

In 2019, more than two dozen wild turkeys invaded a New Jersey town ahead of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, in 2021, there were several sightings of turkeys on university campuses across the US, including the University of Minnesota, as well as Boston University and the University of California.

Wild turkeys can be spotted in every state except Alaska.
Ten Thai and one Filipino hostage taken hostage by Hamas have been released from Gaza.

At least 25 Thai nationals were among roughly 240 people taken hostage when Hamas attacked seven weeks ago, while 39 Thais have been killed in the conflict so far.

Most of those caught up in the war were agricultural workers from rural regions, who travelled to Israel to earn money for their relatives back home.

On Friday, many of these families had their first glimmer of hope for weeks after it was revealed that the ordeal was over for 11 of the hostages  who left Gaza via the Rafah Border Crossing before travelling to Israel, where they were processed at the Hatzerim Air Force Base.

It has been confirmed by the security department and the ministry of foreign affairs that there are 12 Thai hostages already released, Strettha Thavisin, Thailands prime minister,wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The figures were later revised to 10 Thais and one Filipino.

Srettha Thavisin said half the Thai nationals held hostage in Gaza had been released - Carlos Barria/Reuters

In a statement issued late on Friday night in Bangkok, the Thai Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) added that it was not yet clear who had been released. Some 4,000 miles away, families at home are eagerly awaiting details.

I am so excited with the news and the family chat group is very excited with the news, Wanida Ma-arsa told the Telegraph from Udon Thani province in northeastern Thailand. Her husband Anucha Angkaew  a 28-year-old also known as Art  had been working on an avocado farm in Reim for two years when Hamas attacked.

I am so happy, this is the best sign I [have] got in the past two months, Ms Ma-arsa said on Friday night. Even if Art is not in the 12 people released, my hope has fully regained.

She added that she called and woke up the wife of another hostage, Komkrit Chombua, so they could listen to the updates coming through together, but is yet to speak directly to the Thai government.

Thailand has been lobbying hard for the release of the Thai hostages, stressing that they are innocent and not part of the wider conflict. In recent weeks, government representatives have met officials in Qatar, Egypt and Iran. Malaysia, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has been a vocal supporter of Palestine, has also assisted Thai efforts.

According to Reuters, a source briefed on the negotiations said the release of the Thais was unrelated to the truce negotiations and followed a separate track of talks with Hamas mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

Prior to the war, 30,000 Thai workers were employed as agricultural workers in Israel, including around 5,000 close to the Gaza border. More than 8,600 Thai workers have been voluntarily repatriated since the war broke out.

The vast majority had travelled to the Middle East from rural regions keen to earn a better living for their families  Thai workers are paid a minimum wage of 5,300 shekels a month (1,500) under an agreement with the Israeli government, six or seven times more than they earn at home.

This is why Mr Angkaew had travelled from Kutchap district to Israel, his wife told the Telegraph. He had wanted to build a better life for his family and build a new house for his wife and child  which was 80 per cent done when Hamas attacked.

The seven weeks since his kidnapping have been very difficult, said Ms Ma-arsa. She has spotted him in only one photo released by Hamas  her of her husband, wearing a blue jumper alongside other hostages, had a gun pointed at him.

Its been very difficult, I cant give up but I dont feel the hope is 100 per cent, Ms Ma-arsa. I have to keep myself busy, so each day can pass.

According to the MFA, the 12 Thai hostages will be taken to Hatzerim Air Force Base and then transferred to Shamir Medical Center, where they will be met by Embassy officials.

They are required to be under medical supervision for a period of 48 hours, without access to outsiders, the statement said. The Royal Thai Government expresses its thanks to all from whom it sought assistance in securing the release of these first hostages, namely the Governments of Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, and the ICRC.

It is our deep hope that all remaining hostages will be taken care of, and will be safely released at the earliest opportunity, the MFA added.

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 picture speaks for itself: What on god's green earth is that? It's like someone made CatDog out of a couple 1950s sedans , and then stretched it out for laughs. Such a strange contraption could only have an equally odd origin, and the "Blue Goose" as it's known does indeed. It also has a mysterious fate, but one thing's for sure: It was just a little too fast.

The Blue Goose was built in Plaster City, California near the middle of its southern border by a company called U.S. Gypsum . Its title is self-explanatory; it mined and processed gypsum, the stuff drywall is made of. As you'd expect of a large-scale quarrying and manufacturing business, it had its own dedicated railway, and that's the sky the Blue Goose was meant to fly.

Chrysler-based "Blue Goose" railcar built by USG. USG

The narrow-gauge line (with rails closer together than usual) connected USG's Plaster City processing plant to a quarry in the Fish Mountains some 25 miles away. This comes via a comment on Just A Car Guy from Steve Bogdan, former curator of the Imperial Valley Transportation Museum, and one of the best sources for info on the Blue Goose.

In addition to the gypsum, Bogdan said, USG had to ship quarry crews to and from the site, in something that'd shelter them from the desert heat and sandstorms. Because narrow-gauge lines aren't widely used though, there probably wasn't any off-the-shelf equipment that'd do the job. So, USG took matters into its own hands.

At some point in the mid-1950s according to a Reddit post, USG got a hold of two 1953 Chrysler New Yorker Club Coupes and joined them at their rears, extending their bodies for additional space. The resulting behemoth came in at 38 feet long, 6,000 pounds empty, and had controls at both ends so it wouldn't need to turn around. The Blue Goose could achieve a top speed of 40 mph using a single, centrally mounted 160-horsepower engine whose origin has been lost to time. It might've been the then-new 331 cubic-inch (5.4-liter) Hemi V8, though that made a greater 180 horsepower according to Over Drive Magazine . We just don't know.

https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWheels/comments/b0mn6k/the_blue_goose_or_plaster_city_limo_was_a/

As for the Blue Goose name, we don't know for sure where that came from either. Apocryphally, it was inspired by the similar narrow-gauge, automobile-based Galloping Goose railcars dirt-cheap substitutes for trains that kept the Denver & Rio Grande Western alive through the Great Depression.

Not much about its service life survives either, though the Blue Goose is suggested to have flown its last flight by 1970. There are a couple reasons for this: One source says it was just too worn out to be useful, while another gives a more exciting reason.

"My brother and I rode in the Blue Goose many timesour dad, Don Haskell, was the Quarry Superintendent for U.S. Gypsum back when it was built," reads a comment from one Carol Haskell on a USG Facebook post. "It was really fast and hard to keep on the narrow-gauge rails so the company decided it could be dangerous. People came from all over to see it and our dad was very proud of his project."

The "Blue Goose" coupled to what appears to be a manned speeder. Unknown, via Just A Car Guy

What happened from there is most mysterious of all, because various sources assert one of two wildly differing fates: Either it was scrapped , or it exists today in private preservation. The scrapping story is given the most detail in the Reddit post above, which says that unspecified "records" indicate the vehicle was to be donated in 1970 to the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association . Supposedly, the Blue Goose was destroyed before this could happen.

"I was told that it was donated to a railroad group in California years ago, but wasn't able to find it so I believe it was scrapped," said Carol Haskell.

However, a happier ending seems more likely. Instead of meeting the crusher, the museum curator cited above said in 2010 that the Blue Goose was "acquired by the owner of the trucking company that hauled the finished sheetrock from the mill. About 12 years ago the vehicle was donated back to the company."

The Blue Goose on blocks at a USG facility. Unknown, via Antique Automobile Club of America

If the Blue Goose has gone to roost, there's no obvious sign of it in Google's satellite photos of Plaster City, or in photos taken from the road along the plant. USG also didn't respond to our inquiry by time of publication.

Whether the Blue Goose still exists isn't that important though, as it's clearly not accessible to the general public even if it's still around. It's even less likely that it'd still run and could still carry passengers. But the fact that it's captivating us more than half a century since it last served anyone is proof its existence was worthwhile, because it's still bringing wonder into our lives todaymuch like the turkeys we're all diving into this week. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com
(FOX40.COM)  Two men were injured in shootings in Stockton early Friday morning, the Stockton Police Department said.

In the first shooting, the victim was near South El Dorado Street and East Second Street around 1 a.m. when he was shot.

9 people, including 2 kids, hurt in two-vehicle crash in Carmichael

The suspects also stole the mans property.

Police said the man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The second shooting occurred just before 3 a.m. on West Lane.

The victim was in a parking lot when he was shot by two suspects.

Police said the man was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Lebanese security forces stand guard the U.S. embassy as people protest after hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a blast at Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza that Israeli and Palestinian officials blamed on each other, in Beirut,

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The U.S. embassy in Lebanon on Friday said there had been 12 hours of calm along the Blue Line marking the border with Israel, where daily exchanges of fire had been taking place between armed group Hezbollah and Israel.

"Twelve hours of calm on the Blue Line have given us all hope and renewed energy to build a better tomorrow for Lebanon," the embassy said on X.

Residents told Reuters that the frontier had been quiet since just before 0700 local time on Friday morning, apart from a small spray of fire from the Israeli side.

It followed a temporary truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hezbollah's ally Hamas in Gaza.

The truce did not formally extend to Lebanon, but Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the Shi'ite Amal Movement which is allied to Hezbollah, told reporters on Thursday that "what will happen in Gaza will happen in Lebanon."

"If there is a disruption (to the truce) in Gaza, there will be a disruption in Lebanon, given that what is happening in the south is for the sake of Gaza," Berri said.

A total of 87 Hezbollah fighters have killed since violence broke out along the border following Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, including seven in neighbouring Syria.

More than a dozen Lebanese civilians, including children and journalists, have also been killed in Israeli shelling on southern Lebanon.

The exchanges of fire had been ramping up in the days leading up to the Hamas-Israel truce.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alistair Bell)
President Biden declared a state of emergency in the U.S. Virgin islands' St. Croix, seen here, after results pointed to worrying levels of lead in the territory's water. Credit - The Washington Post via Getty Images

President Biden declared a state of emergency in the U.S. Virgin islands after St. Croix, the largest island in the territory, reported elevated levels of lead and copper in its water supply. Polluted water was first reported to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on Oct. 13, after the EPA and the University of the Virgin Islands collaborated to collect drinking water samples in late Sept.

The EPA analyzed some of these samples for metals and found that of the 108 samples taken, 38 had more than 15 lead parts per billion, which means that water systems are required by law to take action. Multiple samples also had copper levels, which were above the health standard of 1300 parts per billion.

Health officials have said St. Croix residents in affected areas should not brush their teeth with the water or drink it. They can, however, use the water for bathing purposes. The Water and Power Authority previously distributed vouchers for water to St. Croix residents. TIME has reached out to the authority board to determine if more water vouchers will be distributed.

Controversy over sample collection

Some experts are concerned that the way samples were collected led to a misleading assessment of lead levels in the water. Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech professor of civil and environmental engineering who helped identify the high lead levels in Flint, Michigan, said that he suspected the data was not sampled correctly.

It looks very, very unusual.So unusual that I really don't believe it's legitimate sampling, Edwards told TIME. It looks more like what I've seen when people make a mistake.

In general, when lead is found in peoples homes, it's considered to be the shared responsibility of both the homeowner and the water company, since the homeowner is responsible for ensuring that their pipes are not leaking lead into water. Utility companies often focus on proving that water is free of lead before it enters peoples private property to avoid liability, according to Edwards. Sometimes, this leads many utility companies to test for water outside of peoples homes instead of inside of peoples homes, he says.

My guess is they went out to the water meter, which is at the property line,and unscrewed something to get a sample. They expected that to show there was no lead so they could say, see there's no lead before the property line, says Edwards.

However, when water is collected from a water meter, it can lead to chunks of lead-brass contaminating the sample. Anyone who has experience knows that this will create a sample with high lead that means nothing, says Edwards.

He believes that the response to these data samples, such as Biden declaring a state of emergency, is indicative of the pendulum swinging to the other extreme in the aftermath of the Flint, Michigan water scandal. During that crisis, officials reportedly covered up results indicating that lead levels were high in the citys water supply. In the case of the Virgin Islands, he thinks officials have done the opposite and sounded the alarm without robust enough data.

They ran around and declared a Federal emergency, and they told the AP reporter that their only data was these crazy samples, says Edwards.

How are residents of St. Croix being assisted?

The Biden administration will be directing federal assistance to help provide water, filters, and other technical assistance to those living in affected areas. It has appointed Lai Sun Lee, a principal advisor to the Department of Homeland Security, to coordinate the recovery effort for St. Croix, home to some 40,000 people.

FEMA, the federal emergency management agency, has pre-deployed some individuals to the islands to help determine what the needs of the residents are. In the meantime, officials have instructed residents to stop using tap water. Residents can either rely on bottled water or collect rainwater through cisterns as an alternative.

To date, the Territory has provided more than 1,200 water vouchers to eligible residents in affected communities, which they can claim at several pre-established vendors on-island. Eligible residents should contact WAPA directly if they have not yet received a voucher. Jaclyn Rothenberg, FEMA Director of Public Affairs said in a statement to TIME.

The territory has also tested more than 350 children, aged 0-6, for lead and there have been no confirmed positive results. FEMA will continue to work closely with the territory and our federal partners to identify and address any unmet needs.

Local and federal officials are currently analyzing additional test results after conducting more detailed testing. An official report with the results of the second round of tests is expected to be available in mid-December.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
British health authorities are closely monitoring a mysterious outbreak of respiratory diseases in China.

High numbers of undiagnosed pneumonia-like infections in children were reported earlier this week in several Chinese hospitals.

Doctors noted a rise in respiratory infections in Beijing, Liaoning and other major cities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) asked the Chinese authorities for further data this week as part of an official request.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention denied reports on Thursday that hospitals had been overwhelmed and said the cases were not resulting from unusual or novel pathogens.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday the data indicated the surge in respiratory cases was likely attributed to Chinese society having its first winter season since coming out of a protracted lockdown.

UKHSA said the increase in respiratory diseases was caused by pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid-19.

The UK experienced a similar uptick in seasonal virus infections in 2022 as a result of an immunity debt caused by several years of suppressed viral circulation which was a side-effect of Covid restrictions.

Dame Jenny Harries, the chief executive of UKHSA, said: The WHO has received an official response from China following its request for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.

We need to keep an open mind about the cause of any increased reporting of clusters of disease including of this illness in Chinese children.

UKHSA is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to work with international partners to assess the emerging information as it becomes available.

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.
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss", Ukrainian soldiers pass by a volunteer bus burning after a Russian drone hit it near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (Shandyba Mykyta, Ukrainian 10th Mountain Assault Brigade "Edelweiss" via AP)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukraine launched one of the biggest drone attacks on the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula since the full-scale war that started with Russia's invasion 21 months ago, Russian officials said Friday. They did not mention any casualties or damage.

At the same time, Ukrainian officials reported that the Kremlins forces escalated their weekslong and costly attempt to storm Avdiivka, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine.

The stepped-up efforts came as both sides are keen to show they are not deadlocked as the fighting approaches 2024. Neither side has gained much ground despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in June, and analysts predict the war will be a long one.

With winter weather setting in, bringing snow and freezing temperatures to the battlefield, Ukraine and Russia are looking to take ground that could provide platforms for future advances.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russian-occupied part of southern Ukraine's Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Crimea early Friday. He claimed that dozens of drones were shot down over the province and the northern part of Crimea.

Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world considered illegal, and has used it as a staging and supply point during the war.

The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 13 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and three more over southern Russias Volgograd region.

Ukrainian officials did not comment on the Russian reports.

It was not possible to independently verify either side's battlefield claims.

Russia has been trying to capture Avdiivka since Oct. 10, using heavy bombardments and reportedly taking heavy losses. The city is wrecked, and the battle has become reminiscent of the fight over the eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut, which was largely destroyed during nine months of fighting before Russian troops eventually captured it.

Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy. Avdiivkas location grants Ukrainian forces artillery advantages over the city and could serve as a springboard for them to liberate Donetsk.

After intense artillery and aerial bombardments, Russian troops attacked the heavily fortified city from an additional direction and spread along the line of contact whereas before they attacked in columns, Vitalii Barabash, the head of Avdiivkas military administration, said Friday.

The city is enduring up to 40 bombardments daily, he said.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
SUDBURY  Tania Vitvitsky was not born in Ukraine, the country she considers her native home.

Her family was displaced from Western Ukraine during World War II; Vitvitsky was born at a displaced person's camp in Austria.

"I was born in the French zone of Austria, to Ukrainian parents who were citizens of Poland, due to Poland having control over parts of Western Ukraine before the war," she explained.

Some family members were not fortunate enough to even get to the camp. Her maternal grandfather, who was an agronomist, was shot and killed by invading Russian forces.

Tania Vitvisky shows a chaplain patch made in Ukrainian while at her home in Sudbury, Nov. 21, 2023.

'87 air bombs on populated areas': 'Massive strike' hits Ukrainian port cities Odesa, Kherson

"My grandfather and my aunt are buried in a mass grave in Ukraine," Vitvitsky said. "When the Russians began taking over, they started killing off people who had some sort of education, because they had no use for them. My grandfather was part of cooperative movement, and the communists had no interest in cooperatives, so my grandfather and my grandmother's sister were marched 400 kilometers and shot."

Vitvitsky and her family would eventually board a U.S. Merchant Marine ship, which was used after the war to transport displaced people. Her family crossed the Atlantic in 1949, when she was 3, and settled in Philadelphia.

Annual trips to Ukraine since 1991

Now 77, Vitvitsky has returned to Ukraine each year since 1991. For many years, she worked for a nonprofit that delivered English language books to the far reaches of the globe, including Ukraine, but also places such as Rwanda and Vietnam.

But when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, sparking Europe's largest military conflict since World War II, Vitvitsky shifted her advocacy to charities that were aiding the Ukrainian war effort.

Destroyed Russian armaments are put on display for the public to see in Kyiv.

Vitvitsky returned on Nov. 14 from a two-month trip to Ukraine, stopping at various spots to contribute to the fight for the country's independence.

"I'm back in Ukraine this year because, unfortunately, the same tragic history that my family went through is happening again," she said.

Vitvitsky helped Ukrainian nonprofits get donations from the United States, helping families that were displaced by violence in the country and assisting women who were victimized by the war, including sexual assault survivors.

Tania Vitvisky shows an air raid app on her phone that she used during her most recent trip to Ukraine.

Slava Ukrayini: Local communities gather to protest war, support Ukraine

"I've been working with two different groups  the Ukrainian Education Platform, which promotes educational efforts for displaced and impacted families from the war, and Eleos-Ukraine, which works on connecting nonprofits in Ukraine with resources," she said.

Expresses sadness over 'normalization' of war

Vitvitsky said one thing that stands out in Ukraine is how normalized the realities of war have become. As an example, classrooms were set up in subway stations and other underground bunkers, given the frequency of potential attacks.

An app on Vitvitsky phone alerts her of potential air raids.

"I was about to go and visit a children's program, and right as I got there, the air raid drill goes off," she said. "So they have to go to a shelter, and they sit there for hours. The teachers try to do something, but can you imagine if this happened every other day? You can see that the kids are already used to this  they think it is normal and it isn't."

Tania Vitvitsky, center at rear, sits in a makeshift classroom with students in a bomb shelter underneath a monastery in Lviv, Ukraine.

As the war continues, residents have stepped up. That includes diaspora like Vitvitsky, who along with other active Ukrainian-Americans, are working to help displaced families and advocate for supporting the war effort. Senior citizens knit winter clothing and cook for soldiers stationed near their homes. Vitvitsky's nephew, Yuri, a professional oboist in the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra, is serving in the territorial defense force, in Odesa.

Still, life persists in Ukraine. Vitvitsky noted that when she visited earlier this year, she noticed people were still out living their best, active lives despite the violence that threatens them.

"If you walk around Kyiv, it's a lively place," she said. "There are festivals, there was a book fair, they are living their lives. Last year when I was there, there were constant air raids. This time it was much more peaceful, at least in Western Ukraine. In other parts there is still constant fighting."

Calls for more aid, assistance for Ukraine

Vitvitsky, who serves as the chair of the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee, as well as a member of the Sudbury Housing Authority, is advocating for more support from the U.S. In coming weeks, she's meeting with representatives from both U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey to discuss her recent visit to Ukraine and the kind of support the country needs.

These flags are placed in the center of Kyiv, Ukraine, in memoriam of each individual who has died in the war against Russia. At center is a flag commemorating Pete Reed, a U.S. Marine from Wrentham who was killed in February.

Vitvitsky said despite recent budget agreements in Congress that offer no additional aid to Ukraine, she said the Biden administration will need to provide more in order for Ukraine to remain independent.

"What is the point of talking about international rule of law, when a bigger country can just invade its smaller neighbor for pure reasons of imperialism?" Vitvitsky asked. "I think there will be funding for Ukraine. I don't see how the Biden administration can drop it."

These family photos of Tania Vitvisky are kept at her home in Sudbury, Nov. 21, 2023. The top photo shows Vitvisky at age 3 in 1949 aboard the USS General Sturgis Merchant Marine Ship. The lower photo shows family members, including her maternal grandparents, in Chortkiv, Ukraine, in 1939.

'Barbaric military actions': Mayor Sisitsky has a message for Framingham's sister city in Russia

Even with increased support  and with it, potential Ukrainian victory  Vitvitsky remains concerned about the war's long-term impact. Just as her family was forced to flee during World War II, she's concerned about the 16 million Ukrainians who were displaced by this war.

"The discouraging part is thinking about how many people have fled, and how many of them are never going to return," Vitvitsky said. "Do they have anything to even return to? Many of these people have literally nothing to go back to. How is that going to be resolved?"

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Sudbury woman fights for Ukrainian independence from Russian attack
Under the eRobota program, the Ukrainian government has invested 5 billion hryvnias ($139 million USD) in the development of small and medium-sized businesses, the Reintegration Ministry reported on Nov. 23.

Grants issued under the eRobota program for the development of small and medium-sized businesses amount to UAH 5 billion. These grants are intended for the initiation or expansion of ones own business, contributing to the creation of nearly 35 thousand new job opportunities.

Read also: Ukraines wartime economy continues to adapt and recover  GDP grows by 2.4% in Q1  Economy Minister

Approximately 9,000 individuals have already benefited from this opportunity since the launch of eRobota in July 2022. The breakdown of grants issued since the programs inception includes:

8,013 microgrants totaling 1.9 billion hryvnias ($53 million) under the Own Business program

487 grants amounting to 2.5 billion hryvnias ($70 million) for the development of processing enterprises

133 grants totaling 555 million hryvnias ($15.4 million) for horticulture and greenhouse farming development

120 grants amounting to 45 million hryvnias (1.25 million) for veterans and their family members

Read also: Digital Transformation Ministry unveils $3,000 empowerment grants for women in business

The eRobota program provides financial support to both existing entrepreneurs and individuals with no business experience. Applications can be submitted through the Diia portal.

Specifically, under the Own Business program, Ukrainians can receive state financial support in the form of microgrants ranging from UAH 50,000 ($1,400) to UAH 250,000 ($7,000). The eRobota program offers grants in three categories:

For the development or establishment of ones own business.

For processing enterprises.

For the creation or development of personal greenhouses or orchards.

The funds can be utilized for equipment purchase or leasing, procurement of raw materials and supplies, and renting premises. A mandatory condition for fund allocation is the creation of 1-2 job positions.

Read also: Ukrainian PM lists Ukraines main economic achievements in 2022

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
Kyiv is preparing to evacuate Ukrainian truckers who have been stuck in the border blockade orchestrated by Polish truckers, Deputy Infrastructure Minister Serhii Derkach said on Nov. 23.

Conditions have continued to worsen for the truckers as the weather gets colder, and "we have run out of time to compromise," said Derkach.

He also shared a form that truckers could fill out if they wished to be evacuated.

Earlier on Nov. 23, a Ukrainian trucker died while waiting at the border. Polish authorities said that the man had likely died of natural causes, but the matter was still being investigated. The trucker had reportedly been waiting at the border for more than three days.

He was the second to die during the blockade- another trucker died on Nov. 12, also most likely of natural causes.

The Ukrainian Embassy in Poland appealed to the Polish government to end the blockade after the second trucker's death, stressing that it was threatening people's lives.

The deaths and disruption associated with the blockade that has now stretched into its third week have piled up, coupled with news of an accompanying blockade by Slovak truckers on the border with Slovakia.

Polish truckers started blocking three border crossing points on Nov. 6 in protest of the liberalization of EU transport rules for Ukrainian trucks, causing huge lines on both sides of the border.

Polish truckers complain that the high number of Ukrainian drivers entering Poland are hauling goods from Poland to other countries, undercutting local businesses that cannot match cheaper Ukrainian prices.

Ukrainian officials and industry representatives deny the accusations. The EU has warned the Polish government to ensure the end of the blockade.

Although the protesting Polish truckers said that the blockade would only apply to non-essential goods, Ukrinform reported on Nov. 20 that trucks carrying humanitarian aid or fuel and other essential goods had been on standby at the border for days.

Four checkpoints have been blocked so far, and a fifth is being considered.

Negotiations have so far yet to bring an end to the situation.

Read also: Trucker protests: Unraveling the standoff between Polish and Ukrainian haulers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's President Zelenskiy, Moldova's President Sandu and President of the European Council Michel attend a joint press conference in Kyiv

(Reuters) - Ukraine is drawing up reforms to its programme for mobilising troops as the war with Russia rages on with no end in sight, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday.

Kyiv does not disclose its troop losses or the workings of its mobilisation programme which has been under way since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskiy said he had ordered senior officials to draft proposals.

"The plan will be worked out and all the answers will be there - next week I will see this plan," he told a news conference.

Zelenskiy did not reveal details of the reforms. He said issues at military medical commissions and recruitment centres would be addressed.

Ukraine is facing increasing pressure on its recruitment effort as it fights a larger Russian army.

Recruitment offices have been occasionally rocked by scandals involving graft or heavy-handed recruitment tactics.

Earlier this week, several Ukrainian lawmakers said they had been preparing a multifaceted legal bill to improve the mobilisation process.

In August, Zelenskiy dismissed all the heads of Ukraine's regional army recruitment centres as numerous cases of corruption and involvement in draft evasion were reported.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian trucks are parked near the Poland-Ukraine border, near the village of Korczowa

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian trucks are parked near the Poland-Ukraine border, near the village of Korczowa

By Pavel Polityuk and Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's top truckers union said on Friday its hopes of a rapid end to Polish trucker protests at the border were fading, as Kyiv prepared to evacuate its hauliers stranded in Poland.

Two Ukrainian drivers have died and thousands of trucks have been stuck for days in the winter cold as Polish truckers have blocked the roads to four crossings on the border, a key route for Ukrainian trade during Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Frankly speaking, the more we talk to them the less hope we have," Leonid Kostiuchenko, president of the Ukrainian Association of International Carriers, said in an interview on national television.

"I spoke to the leader of the protesters and his attitude is that we will block for such a long time that you will... celebrate New Year in a queue. I don't understand this humour."

The Polish truckers say they are losing out to Ukrainian companies who offer a cheaper rate and are now transporting goods within the European Union, and not just back and forth to Ukraine.

They launched their blockade on Nov. 6, protesting that Ukrainian truckers are exempt from requiring permits to cross the Polish border, a policy change put in place during the war.

The Polish protests coincide with concerns in Ukraine that the European Union may not agree next month to launch formal accession talks for it to join the 27-member bloc, a key objective for Kyiv.

If the protests drag on for weeks longer, the disruption to trade could affect Ukraine's fragile, wartime economy.

The price of motor vehicle gas (LPG), which is widely used to fuel cars, has already surged 30% due to the protests, one fuel analyst said this week.

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Some 3,000 Ukrainian haulers are backed up at the border on the Polish side waiting to cross at four checkpoints, Kostiuchenko said.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Serhiy Derkach said late on Thursday that Ukrainian truckers were suffering in bitter, sub-zero temperatures and that there were no food supplies, basic sanitary conditions or ambulances at the scene.

"For our part, we have started collecting data for the evacuation of our drivers. We have already run out of time to agree on compromises," Derkach wrote on Facebook.

However he added that "local authorities" in Poland had authorised the protests to continue.

"Therefore, we will evacuate everyone who expresses such a desire, and we are distributing evacuation forms to drivers and carriers," he said.

The truckers union says two Ukrainian truckers have died in their vehicles since the beginning of the blockade. The exact cause of their deaths is unknown, though Polish media have cited police as saying one of them was not connected to the protests.

(Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) fully removed three Greek shipping companies from the international sponsors of war list after they stopped shipping Russian oil, the NAZK announced on Nov. 24.

Thenamaris Ships Management Inc., Minerva Marine, and TMS Tankers Ltd ceased transporting Russian oil in recent weeks amid tightening U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported on Nov. 23.

"The National Agency is open to cooperation with international business and is ready to consult on the steps necessary to de-list each individual company," the NAZK said in its statement.

The agency originally included Thenamaris Ships Management Inc., Minerva Marine, and TMS Tankers Ltd, as well as two other Greek companies, on the war sponsors list in the summer of 2022.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us

The firms were transporting Russian oil, thus contributing to Russia's revenue amid the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"Russia has always used energy, particularly oil, as a weapon. This still allows Russia to influence other countries, even despite the sanctions imposed on it," NAZK head Oleksandr Novikov said.

Ukraine temporarily suspended the five Greek companies' listing as war sponsors on Sept. 29 to win Greece's support for the future EU sanctions package against Russia. The Hungarian OTP Bank was also suspended from the list so that Hungary would unblock $530 million in EU military aid for Kyiv.

The U.S. and the EU sought to curtail Moscow's oil profits by imposing a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian seaborne crude. As Russia largely managed to avoid this limit and traded its oil above the $60 threshold, the West moved to sanction the cap violators.

The EU's upcoming sanctions package is reportedly meant to include stricter controls on companies shipping Russian oil to prevent violations of the $60 limit.

Read also: Investigation: Czech parts make their way to Russian military helicopters despite sanctions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian soldiers pass by a volunteer bus burning after a Russian drone strike near Bakhmut in Donetsk - Shandyba Mykyta

A Ukrainian collaborator has been arrested for handing his own father over to Russian soldiers for torture, the countrys SBU secret service has said.

The SBU said the former elected official, who has not been named, gave occupying forces the names and addresses of a string of partisans in Ukraines southern Kherson region  including his parents details.

The father, a patriot, was taken to a local Russian torture chamber, and subjected to numerous forms of torture in an attempt to persuade him to cooperate, the SBU said.



It said the former official faces life in prison if convicted on charges of high treason and collaboration.

The events are said to have occurred shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.



Ukraine has opened more than 6,600 criminal cases against individuals for collaboration and other conflict-related crimes since the start of the war, the United Nations said last week.

03:05 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following todays blog. We will be back with all the latest developments in Ukraine on Monday.

03:04 PM GMT

Todays headlines

A Ukrainian who collaborated with the Russian occupation was assassinated inside Russia by the SBU

A Ukrainian was imprisoned for 12 years after spying for Russia

Ukrainian long-range strikes are causing mass casualties for Russia, the MoD said

Russia and China have discussed building underwater tunnel to Crimea, a report claimed

A Russian cluster bomb attack killed three civilians in Kherson

Ukraine identified a commander who ordered civilian killings

03:03 PM GMT

Pictured: Ukrainian police evacuate elderly woman

Ukrainian policemen carry an elderly woman out of Toretsk village in Donetsk - Ukrainian National Police

The woman is carried into a waiting ambulance - Ukrainian National Police

02:51 PM GMT

Russia: We will retaliate against Moldova for joining EU sanctions

Russia has vowed to retaliate against Moldova for joining European Union sanctions against it.

We regard this as yet another hostile step by the Moldovan leadership, which is fully integrated into the anti-Russian campaign of the collective West, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Its aim is the complete destruction of Russian-Moldovan relations, which, through the fault of official Chisinau, are already in a very deplorable state.

02:36 PM GMT

West has a 'dangerous' monopoly on AI, says Putin

Vladimir Putin has accused the West of having a dangerous monopoly over artificial intelligence (AI).

He said Western software was biased and that Russia needed to create its own rival chatbots and processors.

The monopolistic domination of such foreign creations in Russia is unacceptable, dangerous and inadmissible, he said at an AI conference in Moscow, urging Russia to be ahead of the curve.

They do not take into account Russian culture, and sometimes simply ignore and cancel it, he added.

01:30 PM GMT

Ukraine identifies commander who ordered Bucha killings

Ukraine has identified a Russian commander who gave orders to kill at least four Ukrainian civilians in Bucha in March 2022.

The SBU secret service said Lieutenant Colonel Dosyagaev, a commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 104th Regiment of the 76th Airborne Assault Division of the Russian Airborne Forces, was later awarded the Hero of Russia medal for his service in Ukraine.

Bucha, north of Kyiv, was occupied by Russia shortly after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Mass graves have been found in the city after Russian soldiers murdered hundreds of civilians there.

The Ukrainian army said in May 2022 that Lt Col Dosyagaev had been killed in action. But the SBU said it was yet to confirm this and even if true, its investigation would proceed.

12:29 PM GMT

Germany to deliver Patriot anti-air missiles this winter

Germany will deliver Patriot anti-air missiles this winter, its ambassador to Ukraine has said.

Martin Jaegar told Ukraines state press agency the delivery is intended to alleviate the very difficult winter the country is facing.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz originally pledged to deliver the surface-to-air missile system in October but did not specify a timeline.

Russia is expected to launch a major bombardment of Ukraines energy grid this winter, just as it did last year.

11:37 AM GMT

Kremlin condemns Nato for plotting military Schengen zone

The Kremlin has condemned Nato after the alliances logistics chief backed introducing a military Schengen zone to make troop movements easier.

Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, who leads Natos logistics command, told Reuters on Thursday that the not having the zone would bog down soldiers in the event of a future war with Russia.

The alliance has always regarded our country as a so-called notional enemy, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Now it openly considers our country to be an obvious adversary. This is nothing more than about fuelling tensions in Europe which has consequences.

11:02 AM GMT

Russian cluster bomb attack kills three civilians in Kherson

Three Ukrainian civilians have reportedly been killed in a Russian cluster bomb attack on the southern city of Kherson.

Five others were wounded and 60 buildings damaged during the daylight attack in the citys Chornobayivka suburb on Thursday, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said.

It is preliminarily known that the shelling was carried out with cluster munitions, said Andriy Yermark, Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff.

Cluster munitions  a type of bomb that opens in the air and releases smaller bomblets across a wide area  are used by both Russia and Ukraine, the latter having received them as military aid from the United States.

Critics say the weapons litter the ground and harm and kill many more civilians than combatants.

Kherson was retaken by Ukrainian soldiers last year but Russian forces remain entrenched just miles away, across the Dnipro river.

The Ukrainian army last week said it had gained multiple bridgeheads on the left bank of the river.

10:29 AM GMT

Russia and China discuss building 'underwater tunnel' to Crimea

Russia and China have secretly discussed building an underwater tunnel between occupied Crimea and the Russian mainland, the Washington Post has reported.

The newspaper said the Ukrainian secret service has intercepted messages between companies in the two countries about the potential project.

It is believed that the talks were triggered by Russian fears of new Ukrainian strikes on the Kerch bridge, which links Crimea to mainland Russia.

The project would cost at least 4bn ($5bn), an engineer told the newspaper.

09:50 AM GMT

In pictures: Ukrainian operations

Ukrainian artillery fires on Russian positions in the direction of Bakhmut in Donetsk - Diego Herrera Carcedo

Ukrainian soldiers man a German Flakpanzer Gepard, self-propelled anti-aircraft gun - Kostya Liberov

09:15 AM GMT

Ukrainian long-range strikes causing 'mass casualties', says MoD

Long-range Ukrainian missile strikes are causing mass casualties among Russian soldiers, Britains Ministry of Defence has said.

In its latest intelligence briefing, the MoD said Ukraines ability to strike deep behind enemy lines was creating an acute dilemma for Russia commanders.

They must balance the best practice of keeping the troops dispersed, and less vulnerable to strikes, and the day-to-day requirement to gather units together to conduct administration and to maintain morale, it added.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  24 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/GD8RvW24UF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/TnJ3VXei3r  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 24, 2023

08:34 AM GMT

Putin exploiting war in Gaza to undermine Wests Ukraine support

Vladimir Putin is exploiting the war between Israel and Hamas to undermine Western support for Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War think tank said the Russian president has changed his rhetoric on the war in Gaza to a much more anti-Israel position.

It added that Putin is now attempting to push the supposed hypocrisy of Western condemnations of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by highlighting its support for Israel.

The Russian president referred on Wednesday to what he called the extermination of the civilian population of Palestine.

He has previously claimed that the conflict will distract from the provision of Western military aid to Ukraine, the ISW said.

08:10 AM GMT

Ukrainian imprisoned for 12 years after spying for Russia

A Ukrainian has been imprisoned for 12 years after spying for the Russian army in Donetsk, Ukraines secret service has said.

The man, who has not been named, identified troop movements, bases and weapons depots in Ukrainian-controlled territory and shared these with Russian forces.

He sent the information on his mobile phone using voice messages.

Some Ukrainians have been given life sentences for spying for the Russians during the war.

08:01 AM GMT

Russia downs 16 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russian forces shot down 16 Ukrainian drones overnight as they flew over occupied Crimea and Russias south-western Volgograd region, its defence ministry has said.

It said 13 of those were operating over Crimea as Ukraine appears to continue to ramp up its operations over the occupied peninsula.

Ukraine said it downed three Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones overnight.

It said Russia also launched two air missiles but did not say if they had shot them down.

07:55 AM GMT

Ukraine seizes assets of MP arrested for Biden corruption conspiracy

A Ukrainian court has ruled to seize the assets of an MP who is accused of working with Russian intelligence to find links between the Biden family and corruption.

Oleksandr Dubinskyi has been charged with treason and is said to have worked at the behest of Russian intelligence when they aligned with efforts by Rudolph W. Giuliani to tie the Biden family to corruption in Ukraine in 2019.

A Kyiv court has now said assets belonging to Mr Dubinskyi and his family should be seized, which includes 23 apartments, 15 cars, eight plots of land and two houses.

He is a member of Volodymyr Zelenskys Servant of the People party.

07:50 AM GMT

Ukrainian secret service assassinates collaborator on Russian territory

A Ukrainian who collaborated with the Russian occupation has been assassinated inside Russia by the secret service, reports have claimed.

Ukraines state news agency said Oleksandr Slisarenko died in hospital after his car was blown up in the Russian city of Belgorod on 16 November.

Mr Slisarenko is a former employee of Ukraines interior ministry who was deputy head of Russias occupation in Kharkiv and also fought for Russian proxy forces in Luhansk.

On Thursday, president Volodymyr Zelensky said he received a report from the SBUs chief Vasyl Maliuk on new results in countering enemy operations and collaborators.

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(Bloomberg) -- A senior Ukrainian official accused Polish authorities of inaction as blockades staged by protesting truckers at the border cause traffic chaos in which two drivers have died.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Thousands of vehicles have piled up in lines stretching as far as 40 kilometers (25 miles) as drivers wait in freezing temperatures to cross the border into Ukraine. Ukraines deputy infrastructure minister, Serhiy Derkach, said the government in Warsaw has stood by as local authorities help the demonstrators, while deliveries of humanitarian aid get snarled.

This is the reaction of the current government  they say they dont support protest, but they dont to anything about it, Derkach said in an interview on Friday. Its an inhumane situation.

A second Ukrainian driver died on Thursday in the standoff, which has escalated as drivers from Poland and other eastern European Union states decry what they call unfair competition from haulers across the border. Theyre demanding that restrictions on the movement of cargo trucks out of Ukraine should be re-imposed after the bloc loosened rules in response to Russias invasion.

Poland signaled that Ukraine was to blame. Kyiv has refused to acquiesce to demands by Polish drivers to ease the passage of trucks returning from Ukraine, Deputy Infrastructure Minister Rafal Weber told Bloomberg. He said hes been in contact with demonstrators to resolve the dispute.

The deadlock adds to simmering tensions between Ukraine and Poland even after Warsaws staunch support for Kyiv in its military effort against the Kremlin. Polands decision to ban Ukrainian grain imports this year, a response to plunging prices, triggered a volley of accusations between the two governments.

Very Dire

Derkach said three of four crossings for trucks with cargo are now blocked. Polish drivers have refused a compromise solution to add extra lines for empty trucks, he said. The only solution is cutting off entry to Ukrainians, he added.

While military hardware is getting through the blockades, Ukraine says humanitarian aid shipments are being disrupted, which can hinder the war effort. Kyiv called on the European Union to help resolve the crisis, sending a letter to the European Commission asking for a monitoring group to be set up on the border.

Ukraines envoy to Poland, who confirmed the death of the second driver, responded to the fatality with a demand to Polish authorities to help lift the blockade. Ambassador Vasyl Zvarych urged the government to take action to allay a blockade thats a threat to peoples lives and health, according to a statement on Facebook Thursday.

Trucks are lined up along roads through sparsely populated areas, with many drivers having had no shower for weeks and difficult access to groceries and simple amenities.

If a person needs to walk three kilometers to a toilet, we believe its not healthy in freezing temperatures, Derkach said.

The commission in Brussels called the standoff very dire. It will seek to facilitate talks between Poland, Ukraine and the protesters, a spokesman for the blocs executive arm, Adalbert Jahnz, said.

Slovak truckers are weighing whether to join the blockade. The Slovak Haulers Union said its seeking to cooperate with its Hungarian counterpart on joint action on their border with Ukraine, it said in a statement Thursday. A meeting will be held Saturday.

--With assistance from Olesia Safronova, Daniel Hornak and Lyubov Pronina.

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Ukraines SBU security service has officially charged Lt. Col. Alexander Dosyagayev, a decorated Russian officer with the Hero of Russia title, with committing war crimes in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, when the town was under Russian occupation in early 2022.

Dosyagayev stands accused of committing war crimes on Ukrainian soil, specifically involving the fatal shooting of civilians during the occupation of Bucha in March 2022.

Read also: After Bucha and Irpin, Imagine what Russia would do to Lviv  says Ukrainian warrior urging unity

Serving as the commander of the 2nd battalion of the 104th regiment of the 76th Airborne Assault Division, he actively participated in cleansing and filtration operations, the SBU said in a Telegram message on Nov. 24.

The Russian officer allegedly ordered invaders to open fire on four peaceful residents along the road, resulting in the deaths of a local resident and three volunteers passing by in a car, all succumbing to gunshot wounds.

Read also: SBU uncovers another draft evasion scheme in Odesa, two organizers arrested, face 9 years in prison

Following the liberation of Kyiv Oblast, Russias top military-political leadership honored Dosyagayev with the Order for Courage and the esteemed Hero of Russia title.

Read also: SBU eliminates traitor in Russian city  NV sources

He faces charges of violating the laws and customs of war, coupled with intentional murder.

The SBU said that they are currently verifying information surrounding Dosyagayevs reported death, asserting that his death is not a reason to halt the investigation or to refrain from identifying all accomplices and perpetrators of the crime.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraine has independently established a grain corridor in the Black Sea, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, said during a briefing at the representation of the European Commission in Vienna on Nov. 23.

Ukraine, without an agreement with Turkey, the UN, or Russia, has secured a Black Sea grain corridor on its own, stated Stefanishyna, quoted by Ukrinform news agency.

You probably know that Ukraine has ensured the grain corridor in the Black Sea on its own, not thanks to an agreement between Turkey, the UN, and Russia.

So, we provided the grain corridor ourselves, and the grain vessels are now liberated, said Stefanishyna, adding that the United Kingdom has established a special insurance fund to ensure the corridors operation.

Read also:

Stefanishyna announced progress in advancing Ukraines Peace Formula on the international level, with some countries individually contributing to the development of the Formula.

For example, China has already stated that nuclear security is where they can make every effort to avoid any destabilization.

So, we are gradually moving forward. Essentially, Ukraine has taken a big step in this direction, said Stefanishyna.

It was reported on Nov. 13 that 100 vessels passed through the temporary grain corridor in the Black Sea.

The Ukrainian Navy on Aug. 10 announced new temporary routes for the movement of civilian vessels to and from Black Sea ports after the cessation of the grain agreement involving the UN, Turkey, and Russia in July.

Read also: EU foreign ministers to meet in Kyiv  report

Russia could attack civilian ships carrying Ukrainian grain by placing sea mines at approaches to Ukrainian Black Sea ports, UK intelligence stated on Oct. 5.

The government declared on Oct. 26 that the temporary corridor for the movement of civilian vessels to and from the ports of Odesa continues to operate, refuting information about its suspension.

Russian occupiers in Crimea have been transferring ships of the Black Sea Fleet to the port of Novorossiysk for several months after systematic attacks on Russian military ships, Ukrainian intelligence reported.

Russia is gradually losing control over the Black Sea and retreating to the eastern part of the waters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Nov. 2.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Reconstruction is preparing to evacuate drivers from blocked border crossings on the Polish border.

Source: Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, on Facebook

Quote: "We have started gathering data to evacuate our drivers. We are running out of time to agree on compromises.

Now our drivers suffer in below-zero temperatures from the actions of several people who blocked the border with the consent of the local authorities.

We have raised issues several times at the working and official levels regarding food, the rotation of ambulances, fire engines, and proper sanitary conditions  all this is missing. Instead, we continue to see messages about the approval of the continuation of the protest by the local authorities."

Details: Derkach noted that Ukraine will take away all drivers who express their desire to leave. The ministry has also posted a form to be filled out for evacuation.

The representative of the ministry added that over the past three weeks, the issue of the blockade has been raised at all possible levels, with dozens of letters, and meetings: "We have proposed a number of compromises, the Polish government and the European Commission know them. But it is possible to agree on something only when there is a desire to negotiate, and not only the desire to block the border".

In addition, the Ukrainian Ministry of Reconstruction initiated creating a monitoring group for the European Union at the border: "We suggest that European counterparts officially record the situation that occurs in front of checkpoints."

Derkach added that an official letter with such a proposal has been sent, and the ministry is already waiting for a response.

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Key updates on Nov. 24:

Defense Ministry: $4.8 billion to be allocated for shells, missiles in 2024

Latvian president arrives in Ukraine on official visit

German ambassador: New Patriot air defense system to arrive in Ukraine this winter

Washington Post: Russian, Chinese companies discuss possible underwater Crimean tunnel project

Zelensky asks military to present new mobilization plan

SBU: Ukrainian man sentenced to 12 years in prison for spying for Russian military

The Ukrainian government will earmark Hr 175 billion ($4.8 billion) for the purchase of shells and missiles as part of the country's 2024 defense budget, said Deputy Defense Minister Yurii Dzhyhyr on Nov. 24.

Dzhyhyr also said that another Hr 80 billion ($2.2 billion) will go towards the purchase of military equipment. Another top priority is to repair damaged military equipment, as well as purchase spare parts, he added.

As much as possible, the Ukrainian government will try to make purchases from domestic suppliers.

"According to our estimates, more than Hr 190 billion ($5.2 billion) from the funds that will be contracted next year will remain with domestic producer(s)," Dzhyhyr said.

The delivery of shells from the U.S. has dropped in recent months as the stability of continued aid from Ukraine's largest supplier of military aid increasingly comes into question.

Hopes that Ukraine's European allies may be able to fill in the gaps in shell provisions were also likely proving to be overly optimistic, as Bloomberg reported on Nov. 10 that the EU pledge to deliver one million shells to Ukraine by March 2024 was behind its target.

At the same time, Russia has dramatically increased the size of its military budget for 2024 and has reportedly received over one million shells from North Korea.

Read also: Flicking away Russia: Ukrainians de-Russify sign language

Latvian president arrives in Ukraine on official visit



Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics arrived in Ukraine on Nov. 24, visiting Kyiv and the site of Russian atrocities in Chernihiv Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.

Zelensky welcomed his Latvian counterpart in Ukraine's capital, thanking Rinkevics's homeland for "taking a principled stance in favor of Ukraine's full-fledged EU membership."

"Ukraine's place is in the European Union. It has achieved significant progress in implementing reforms despite active hostilities and struggles against the Russian aggressor," Rinkevics said.

Ukraine became an EU membership candidate in June last year and now hopes for a positive decision on the start of accession talks by the end of 2023.

"President Rinkevics reiterated Latvia's firm and unwavering support for Ukraine, including military aid," Zelensky wrote on social media, adding he and Rinkevics discussed continued military aid for Kyiv.

Rinkevics' trip to Ukraine included a visit to the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv Oblast, which was briefly occupied by Russian forces in early 2022.

Latvia's head of state visited a local school where Russian troops held residents hostage in inhumane conditions for almost a month.

The Baltic country is involved in Chernihiv Oblast's reconstruction efforts, contributing more than $5.5 million this year.

The prime minister of Latvia's neighbor Lithuania, Ingrida Simonyte, arrived in Kyiv earlier on Nov. 24.

Read also: Charles Michel: I dont think this counteroffensive has failed

German ambassador: New Patriot air defense system to arrive in Ukraine this winter



The previously promised Patriot air defense system will be delivered by Germany this winter, said Germany's Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jaeger, in an interview with Ukrinform on Nov. 24.

The system was originally pledged by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Oct. 5, but he did not give a timeline for when it would be delivered.

Jaeger also discussed a variety of other subjects in the interview.

He mentioned that the flow of Ukrainian refugees to Germany has largely stopped, with around 800 Ukrainians arriving in Germany per month. In total, about 1 million Ukrainians are currently living in Germany, including some 200,000 children who go to German schools and learn the language.

Despite reports that aid for Ukrainians in Germany might decrease, Jaeger said that "people from Ukraine can count on the fact that they will continue to receive adequate support in Germany."

Amid concerns from Europe that increasingly Ukraine-skeptic parties are winning elections, such as in Slovakia and more recently in the Netherlands, Jaeger acknowledged that there is a segment of the electorate that is opposed to continued support for Ukraine.

However, he said that it totals perhaps a fifth of voters, compared to 80% who approve of Germany's commitment to Ukraine.

Germany is ready to support Ukraine until victory, he said, and also "wholeheartedly supports Ukraine's accession to the EU."

"I hope that my term of office will be enough not only to achieve victory, but also to really go with Ukraine a significant part of the way to Brussels," Jaeger added.

Read also: How Ukrainian identity evolved since the Revolution of Dignity

Washington Post: Russian, Chinese companies discuss possible underwater Crimean tunnel project



Russian and Chinese state-connected business executives have reportedly begun discussing the possibility of constructing an underwater tunnel across the Crimean Strait amidst fears that Ukrainian forces will continue striking the Kerch Bridge, the Washington Post reported on Nov. 24, citing unnamed sources from Ukraine's intelligence service.

The sources shared the intercepted emails to the Washington Post to allegedly expose the project and potential Chinese involvement. The emails were corroborated by information that the Washington Post separately acquired.

Neither Chinese officials nor representatives of the Chinese and Russian companies supposedly involved responded to requests for comment, the Washington Post said.

Among the revelations from the leaked emails were communications between executives from Chinese and Russian companies that said meetings on the proposed project have allegedly already occurred.

One such email notes that the state-owned Chinese Railway Construction Corporation, CRCC, was "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region.

The nature of the emails reflects the lengths to which China is attempting to maintain secrecy about the proposed project, with several intercepted communications saying that the CRCC's name be hidden from all documents and that it would only participate with a strict provision of complete confidentiality."

Nonetheless, U.S. officials whom the Washington Post spoke to were surprised that China would potentially be willing to even consider being involved in such a risky project.

Beyond the likelihood of sanctions being leveled at any company participating in the tunnel project, it would also face the threat of strikes from the Ukrainian military. The illegally constructed Kerch Bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia has already been struck on more than one occasion.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) took credit for an attack on the bridge on July 17 that damaged sections of the road.

An underwater tunnel would be less susceptible to attack and thus would provide a more durable connection.

The proposal to create an underwater tunnel, if true, illustrates the extent of Russian security concerns about the bridge.

The project would cost at least $5 billion, an engineer told the Washington Post, and several years to complete. More advanced construction methods involving dredging ships would be difficult to use due to security reasons. The project would also require the constant protection of the Russian military.

The length of the project shows that Russia is likely considering that Ukrainian threats to Crimea will likely exist for the foreseeable future. Even if started immediately, the tunnel would be unlikely to contribute to Russia's war effort anytime soon.

Read also: 10 years later: EuroMaidan activists who went on to fight Russian invasion

Zelensky asks military to present new mobilization plan



President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to present a new mobilization plan by next week, the president said on Nov. 24, RBC Ukraine reported.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Zelensky said he listened to reports on mobilization challenges and options for their solution at today's meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Some of the issues have already been resolved, he added.

"I would like people to understand the entire action plan, where we are going, what the challenges are," the president said.

Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel on Nov. 24 that the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief meeting addressed "mobilization and demobilization, rotations in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," and "issues regarding conscripts who were called to service before the start of the full-scale invasion."

Special attention was also paid to the work of medical military commissions and military enlistment offices, the president added.

Both of these bodies have been rocked by corruption scandals in the past months, leading to Zelensky's dismissal of all regional heads of enlistment offices.

The Defense Ministry and military leadership have seen further personnel changes since Umerov replaced his predecessor, Oleksii Reznikov, in early September.

Medical Forces commander Tetiana Ostashchenko was fired on Nov. 19 following repeated appeals from medics and volunteers. In a more surprising move, Zelensky also replaced Special Operations Forces commander Viktor Khorenko on Nov. 4.

SBU: Ukrainian man sentenced to 12 years in prison for spying for Russian military



A Ukrainian man was sentenced to 12 years in prison following an investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for spying for the Russian military in Donetsk Oblast, the SBU announced on Nov. 24.

The man tried to identify the locations of Ukrainian troop concentrations, military bases, headquarters, and weapons and munitions depots, which he then shared with Russian forces operating in the area.

The alleged spy lived in Sloviansk, in the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast, about 25 kilometers from the front line .

The SBU said that he sent these coordinates by voice messages through liaisons, likely in hopes that he could hide his involvement in spying for Russia.

Following an investigation, the SBU arrested the man and found the phone he used to message his Russian contacts.

The SBU turned over the details of the investigation to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, which charged the man with "providing assistance to the armed forces of the aggressor state."

His 12-year sentence was shorter than some of the other prison terms that have been issued in similar cases.

In some cases, Ukrainians found spying for Russia during the full-scale invasion have been charged with treason, which can carry a life sentence if convicted.

A Ukrainian woman was sentenced to life in prison in October for providing the Russian military with photographs of strategic sites in Ukraine, including domestic defense industry factories.

Read also: Investigation: Czech parts make their way to Russian military helicopters despite sanctions

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Ukraine's Security Service counterintelligence officers have detained a member of a village council in Kherson Oblast for siding with the Russians during the occupation of the oblast.

Source: Artem Dekhtiarenko, spokesperson for the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU); Zhytomyr Oblast Prosecutors Office

Quote: "The perpetrator (a 38-year-old member of the Stanislav Village Council) served as a member of the outlawed [Russian-backed  ed.] Party of Regions, and had welcomed convoys of Russian forces entering the hromada early in the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine (in March 2022) [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

He was one of the first to propose his 'assistance' to the invaders in the war against Ukraine during the occupation of the oblast. For this purpose, he massively informed the aggressor of the locations of resistance movement members and their families.

His father, a pro-Ukrainian figure who opposed Russia's armed aggression, was one of the first people the traitor had turned in."

Details: The Ukrainian special service reported that the patriotic father had been taken to a local Russian torture chamber. There he was subjected to multiple tortures aimed at persuading him to collaborate with the Russians.

Furthermore, the traitorous member of the local council joined the occupying administration established on the territory of the hromada chaired by Volodymyr Saldo, Russian-appointed sham "head" of Kherson Oblast.

As part of this sham authority, the defendant was in charge of distributing "humanitarian aid" from Russia to supporters of the Kremlin regime.

Additionally, the investigation found that the traitor repeatedly participated in pillaging the residences of local residents and abducting people, resisting the Russians and their henchmen.

Besides, the defendant, on his initiative, stood guard with arms in his hands at Russian checkpoints and lodged the Russian soldiers in the houses of citizens who had moved to the Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Once the village was liberated, the traitor remained on the hromada's territory, seeking to "lay low" and thus avoid justice.

As a result of complex measures, SSU officers established the traitor's whereabouts and detained him.

In the course of searches, the SSU seized the following items:

a Russian passport, which he obtained in June 2022;

a membership card for the banned Party of Regions;

Russian propaganda symbols and other material evidence of illegal activity.

Based on the evidence collected by the SSU, the detainee was served with a notice of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

Art. 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law);

Article 111-1.2 (collaborationism).

The traitor was remanded in custody as a measure of restraint. The offender faces life imprisonment.

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In 2024, the capabilities of Ukraine's defence industry will increase by 6 times compared to the current year, but this is still not enough to meet the needs of the Armed Forces.

Source: Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, during a joint meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Umierov that included Ukrainian defence industry manufacturers

Quote: "Our defence industry has done a good job this year. Despite the attacks, staff shortages, and insufficient workload. Compared to the previous year, 2022, the capabilities have more than tripled. And next year, our domestic capabilities will increase by another 6 times compared to 2023. However, we are still far from meeting the needs of the Defence Forces with domestic production," Kamyshin said.

According to the minister, Ukraine remains dependent on external supplies from its partners, but the president's task is to increase production capacity further and buy everything they can produce from domestic manufacturers.

The Ministry of Defence also outlined its approach to the formation of requirements for 2024 and the contracting procedure.

Quote: "The position of the Ministry of Defence is constructive and understandable  the funds currently available in the budget are enough to contract about half of the capacity of the domestic market next year. There are also transitional contracts and the need to purchase certain nomenclature abroad," the report says.

The meeting was attended by more than 30 major private producers, key associations, and state-owned plants, which identified a number of current problems in the industry, including simplification of procedures, affordable loans, and more.

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The Presidents Office may soon lose two senior officials, Ukrainian MP and First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) Finance Committee, Yaroslav Zheleznyak, said in an interview with NV Radio on Nov. 22.

NV: The deputy head of the Presidents Office, Rostyslav Shurma, gave another interview recently. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is investigating his brothers business. In general, it turns out that he really likes to give interviews.

Zheleznyak: That doesnt help him.

NV: And in every interview, he reveals some new, previously unknown things about himself, fragments of his biography. For example, journalists asked him about the whereabouts of his brother, whose business is under Russian occupation. And NABU is investigating the company receiving state subsidies. It turned out that his brother had left Ukraine and hadnt returned since the beginning of the war. I think this is a very poignant moment.

Zheleznyak: And also find out if his brother bought an apartment in Cyprus. Or, not taking advantage of such a purchase, did he not get Cyprus residency, for which he established another shell company. A very odd coincidence, to say the least. We followed it up with investigative journalists.

Read also: Deputy Head of Presidents Office Shurma on systemic corruption  interview

Doesnt he, for example, currently have licenses for mining diamonds in Africa? There are many things to investigate there. Or anything is being built in Hungary. Theyre now building a residential house instead of the stadium in the city of Zaporizhzhya, namely the company of [Shurmas] brother and two women who were selling notebooks in the city of Mariupol before the occupation. Didnt the size of his venture fund increase from UAH 400 million ($11 million) to UAH 1.3 billion ($36 million)? We could ask many questions.

I understand that journalists wanted [to ask more questions]. But Rostyslav behaved so bravely that he decided to interrupt the interview and continue to tell his fantasies on economic recovery.

NV: Yes, he categorically didnt want to talk about his brother. It turns out that this brother is now abroad. This is a matter of public interest.

Zheleznyak: Its actually an interesting point. Together with nine of my fellow MPs, I appealed to NABU, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), and the SBU security service. The SBU is generally reluctant to engage on this. We havent been able to bring them to court for a month so that they finally open cases. Namely the SBU, because its about the occupied territories where the solar power plants are. They worked, and we know that. We can see on satellite images how they were disassembled and assembled. The SBU isnt interested in this: who are these wonderful people in the occupied territories who did this?

But there was another moment in the interview. Few people have noticed it, but its very interesting. There was some committee on energy, and Rostyslav handed out orders there. And as we can see from the interview of the head of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities, he directly confirmed that they had held such a meeting where he received orders from the deputy of the Presidents Office, who manages the energy sector.

Read also: Top official Tatarovs case against NABU returns to court

If this is true, this is an action in conditions of a direct conflict of interest. And here, to put it mildly, its already necessary to understand whether this is only a conflict of interests or an obvious abuse of power.

By the way, I immediately submitted a request to see the exact list of his official duties and responsibilities. Im sure the Presidents Office will, as usual, hide them. But this is a problem.

I think well forget soon about such a character as Mr. Shurma. At least in the position of deputy head of the Presidents Office. I dont think hell be able to hold on to this position for long with such a background of corruption.

NV: Why do you think so? There is another deputy head with a no less colorful background, Oleh Tatarov. Why do you think that Rostyslav Shurma will not stay long? Tatarov has been sitting [in the Presidents Office] for many years and nothing happened, because hes useful.

Zheleznyak: I think well soon lose Tatarov as well.

NV: Why? Why are you so confident? It seems theyre very happy with him. They say things pleasing to Zelenskyy, champion initiatives the president likes. Why should they be fired?

Zheleznyak: Because 63% of our budget isnt filled by the president, or Yermak, not Tatarov, and not even Shurma. Its filled by our international partners who would very much hate to end up in a situation where their taxpayers money is being stolen. And its quite clear who is responsible for corruption in our country.

Read also: Former anti-graft agency chief on Ukraines anti-corruption system  interview

And if we have such slipups on reconstruction, and obvious things like... Last Friday, Tatarov tried to hack the law on the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). It took an hour and a half to put everyone in their place and make the committee re-vote.

Now, this week, hes trying to hack the reform of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU). Hell also fail. I immediately say that hell be shot down in flames and everything will end as it should.

Our international partners put up with this story for about the first two years of the war because [there were] slightly different challenges. And now, especially when the money in exchange for reforms formula is starting to work, explain to me, why do they have to put up with these two characters? And why do they have to ask the opinion of even the head of the Presidents Office or the president, why are these people so useful?

Okay, if theyre useful, let them find $41 billion (as far as I understand, Rostyslav and his brother are already approaching some part of this amount), and donate it to the National Bank of Ukraine. Well put it in reserves instead of international partners. If not (and I have a feeling this will be the case), then, sorry, their opinion isnt relevant.

NV: You mentioned SAPO. Last week, the lawmakers tried to strengthen SAPOs dependence. And there is a ready government bill, but they tried to rush their own bill, which in no way strengthens SAPO.

Zheleznyak: This is my favorite story right now. Tatarov, together with the committee, spent three months preparing the interception plan for this bill. They prepared, postponed, hid the text, got together. They were told: Guys, it wont work, really, dont even try. They voted on their text.

An hour and a half later, the president brought them together and asked: Whos the author of this wonderful idea? The lawmakers turned to Tatarov. Tatarov says: Im not involved in this. And he ratted everyone out. Three hours later, the committee obediently voted on the correct bill. This is the money in exchange for reforms formula in action.

Now theyre trying to do the same with the ESB reform.

NV: That is, first they try to rush their own bill. If it works, they rush it, and if they see that it doesnt work, then they do what theyre supposed to, right?

Zheleznyak: They do bad things in public, then they get it in the neck. Then they eat up something bad in public and do good things.

Read also: Shurma and Tatarov may soon leave Presidents Office  Ukrainian MP

I can immediately predict what will happen with [Ukrainian MP Andriy] Lozovoys amendments to the bill. Its obvious. There are intelligent people there... Sorry, but the only one among them who was significantly intellectually different was [notorious MP Maksym] Buzhanskyi who said: Im in favor of the government bill as a whole. Why? Because he perfectly understands that we strengthen the bill with amendments before the second reading. And thats why its better to cut what is there than to fight for the ephemeral. And he even said it from the rostrum. And this is a smart move, even if youre an opponent of the idea.

And its interesting what Tatarov tried to do. Okay, he ratted his allied MPs out. Next time theyll know whom to look out for.

NV: Tatarov attended an online meeting of the law enforcement committee. He should have said one thesis that the Presidents Office supports the government bill on SAPOs independence. But he didnt say that.

Zheleznyak: I reiterate they spent three months preparing this interception plan. It was destroyed in an hour and a half. He ratted all the lawmakers out at the meeting in the Presidents Office.

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Newly appointed Head of the Ukraine's State Security Service Maliuk looks on during a parliament session in Kyiv

(Reuters) - A Ukrainian sea drone attack on Russia's Crimean bridge in July had "overturned" naval operations and forced Moscow to resort to ferries to move weaponry, the head of Ukraine's main intelligence agency said in a video broadcast on Friday.

Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said the second of two major attacks in August had seriously disrupted operations on the 19-km (12-mile) bridge, Europe's longest, and dented the notion of Russian invincibility.

"We have practically overturned the philosophy of naval operations," Maliuk said in the first of a series of televised documentaries entitled "SBU, the Special Operations of Victory."

"We have destroyed the myth of Russian invincibility. The country is a fake. The bridge is doomed. Plenty of surprises lie ahead and not just the Crimean bridge."

Maliuk outlined how the attack, endorsed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, involved five "Sea Baby" seaborne drones -- remotely controlled from Kyiv, 1000 km (600 miles) to the north.

Video clips showed a fiery explosion on the bridge and technicians cheering the outcome in a control room.

The documentary said reports submitted by agents showed that six of eight supporting structures were destroyed and two damaged and Russian forces switched to ferries to supply their troops with weapons.

Russia said the July attack killed two people on the bridge linking the Crimean peninsula with the Russian mainland by road and rail. Traffic has since been operating on the bridge, though Russian officials say repair work is still proceeding.

The bridge was completed amid great fanfare in 2018, four years after Moscow annexed the peninsula, proclaiming it Russian territory forever.

The attack on the bridge is one of a number of Ukrainian offensive actions in the Black Sea, including a missile assault on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol in September.

Zelenskiy said this month that Ukraine has seized the initiative from Russia in the Black Sea and, thanks to the use of naval drones, forced Russia's naval fleet and warships to pull back.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Josie Kao)
Ukrainian defenders have killed around 700 Russian troops and destroyed a Buk-M1 air defence missile system in the operational zone of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational and Strategic Grouping of Ukrainian Forces (OSGF) over the past 24 hours.

Source: Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Tavriia OSGF, on Telegram

Quote: "A Buk-M1 air defence missile system was destroyed. The total enemy losses in the operational zone within the Tavriia OSGF reached about 700 troops for the second day in a row.

Occupying forces delivered 16 airstrikes on the Tavriia front, engaged in 43 combat skirmishes and launched 762 artillery strikes."

Details: Tarnavskyi noted that Ukrainian forces are standing firm on the defensive on the Avdiivka front, with total Russian losses in the area amounting to 675 soldiers.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian army destroyed 22 pieces of military equipment, specifically, 2 tanks, 8 armoured combat vehicles, 3 artillery systems, 1 air defence system, 1 UAV, and 7 motor vehicles. A further 37 pieces of Russian weaponry were damaged.

An offensive operation is also underway on the Melitopol front.

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FILE - Vials of single doses of the Jynneos vaccine for monkeypox are seen from a cooler at a vaccinations site on Aug. 29, 2022, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The World Health Organization said it has confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in Congo for the first time during the country's biggest-ever outbreak, in a worrying development African scientists warn could make it more difficult to stop the disease. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  The World Health Organization said it has confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in Congo for the first time as the country experiences its biggest-ever outbreak, a worrying development that African scientists warn could make it more difficult to stop the disease.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the U.N. health agency said a resident of Belgium traveled to Congo in March and tested positive for mpox, or monkeypox, shortly afterward. WHO said the individual identified himself as a man who has sexual relations with other men and that he had gone to several underground clubs for gay and bisexual men.

Among his sexual contacts, five later tested positive for mpox, WHO said.

This is the first definitive proof of sexual transmission of monkeypox in Africa, Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who sits on several WHO advisory groups, said. The idea that this kind of transmission could not be happening here has now been debunked."

Mpox has been endemic in parts of central and west Africa for decades, where it mostly jumped into humans from infected rodents and caused limited outbreaks. Last year, epidemics triggered mainly by sex among gay and bisexual men in Europe hit more than 100 countries. WHO declared the outbreak as a global emergency, and it has caused about 91,000 cases to date.

WHO noted there were dozens of discrete clubs in Congo where men have sex with other men, including members who travel to other parts of Africa and Europe. The agency described the recent mpox outbreak as unusual and said it highlighted the risk the disease could spread widely among sexual networks.

WHO added that the mpox outbreak this year in Congo, which has infected more than 12,500 people and killed about 580, also marked the first time the disease has been identified in the capital of Kinshasa and in the conflict-ridden province of South Kivu. Those figures are roughly double the mpox toll in 2020, making it Congo's biggest-ever outbreak, WHO said.

Virologist Tomori said that even those figures were likely an underestimate and had implications for the rest of Africa, given the continent's often patchy disease surveillance.

What's happening in Congo is probably happening in other parts of Africa, he said. Sexual transmission of monkeypox is likely established here, but (gay) communities are hiding it because of the draconian (anti-LGBTQ+) laws in several countries, he added.

He warned that driving people at risk for the virus underground would make the disease harder to curb.

The mpox virus causes fever, chills, rash and lesions on the face or genitals. Most people recover within several weeks without requiring hospitalization.

WHO said the risk of mpox spreading to other countries in Africa and globally appears to be significant," adding that there could be potentially more severe consequences than the worldwide epidemic last year.

Tomori lamented that while the mpox outbreaks in Europe and North America prompted mass immunization campaigns among affected populations, no such plans were being proposed for Africa.

Despite the thousands of cases in Congo, no vaccines have arrived, he noted. Even after mpox epidemics subsided in the West, few shots or treatments were made available for Africa.

We have been saying for years in Africa that monkeypox is a problem," he said. Now that sexual transmission has been confirmed here, this should be a signal to everyone to take it much more seriously.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Artist Theodore de Bry made engravings depicting the contact between French colonists and the Native Americans who lived in what would become Jacksonville. His work was said to be based on lost paintings by Jacques Le Moyne, a French artist who was on the expedition to colonize Fort Caroline. The engravings have been influential for centuries, but archaeologists now consider them highly unreliable, and perhaps entirely fanciful.

A linguist and a historian have been working to bring back to life the Timucua language, which they say has likely not been spoken in more than 200 years.

Unrelated to any other known language, Timucua, which was cataloged in Spanish archives, was the first indigenous language to be put into writing in what's now the United States.

It was once spoken by the indigenous people who lived in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, in kingdoms that spread from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

About 25 years ago, University of Florida linguist George Aaron Broadwell began building an online Timucua dictionary, with the help of other academics, generations of UF students and computer programs that look for patterns in the language.

It's now up to 147,000 words, most of them found in Spanish documents, many of them religious in nature and originally translated from Spanish into Timucua.

The main translators, Broadwell believes, were members of the coastal-dwelling people found in what's now Jacksonville, and other Timucua across the peninsula  not the Spanish missionaries who were long given credit for the work.

Letters from the past

There are also two surviving 17th-century letters of protest written by Timucua leaders to Spanish authorities, fascinating letters in which the Natives' voices ring through the centuries.

One was written in the Timucua language in 1651, and it petitions the Spanish authorities to improve the working conditions of the Timucua who labor on a Spanish farm.

It reads, in part: "In this village of Asile, now there are hardly any people. And when the people work, they repeatedly work without clothes or mercy. And so the laborers work for you and struggle and suffer torments and are exhausted for no purpose. And they are tormented and they dont want to work. And I too dont want them to end up exhausted for nothing."

George Aaron Broadwell, a University of Florida linguist who has compiled a dictionary of the Timucua language, poses with a reconstructed Timucua bowl.

Broadwell translated the letters with Alejandra Dubcovsky, a historian at the University of California, Riverside who specializes in Spanish Florida. She's worked with Broadwell since 2012 and has learned Timucua as a way, she says, to better understand the people who spoke it.

"It shows how theyre confronting the incredible repression of colonial oppression in their writing," Dubcovsky said about the 1651 letter. "It shows the level of sophistication and intellectual engagement that we dont have in these other sources.

For Broadwell, who specializes in the languages of the indigenous peoples of the Southeast, learning the language is a way of honoring those who lived in the area.

"I think we owe the original inhabitants of the land the respect of trying to understand their lives and their history," he said. "To read the language of Native people about their own treatment and political situation is really important and powerful."

An indigenous history: UNF profs to tell the story of Northeast Florida's Mocama people

It has been a herculean effort to document the language, since no one has spoken in hundreds of years. Luckily, the Spanish who settled the area in the 1560s after driving out French colonists at Fort Caroline were meticulous record keepers.

They also were intent on converting the Timucua to Catholicism, so there are numerous religious works showing Spanish on one side, Timucua on the other. Those were invaluable in recreating the language, as were the two letters found in the archives that were actually written in Timucua.

Want to read and speak Timucua?

Through his translation work, Broadwell said he understands that the language has a whole system of marking respect for other people; verbs change and there are special suffixes on nouns

"Its a subtle and kind of beautiful thing," he said.

The translators also found clues in the language to how the Timucua looked at gender. It's known that they had a third gender role that was not exclusively male or female.

Timucua only has a single word, spouse, and no word for husband or wife, or for he or she," Broadwell said. "A lot of things that are very gendered in the Spanish version turn out to be gender-neutral in the Timucua version.

Mark Woods: Among the things I didn't learn in school  the value of 'revisionist history'

Dubcovsky praised the decades of work done by her colleague Broadwell.

"What he has done is truly extraordinary," she said. "He has created this database of every single Timucua word, put in programs to try to figure it out. He has completely pieced the language apart and pieced it back together, so we can figure out how the language works."

Alejandra Dubcovsky, a historian who's been working to translate the language of the Timucua people who were indigenous to North Florida.

What that means is monumental, she said. "He has given us the tools to be able to read a language that is not spoken anymore.

The resources are there: Along with the online dictionary, there is also an online Timucuan language resource guide at hebuano.wordpress.com. It has lessons, a vocabulary (on numbers, animals, colors, etc.) and tips on how to read Timucua.

For decades, the conventional wisdom is that the Timucua died out, victims of slavery, disease, warfare and destruction. Now, though, scholars believe that their descendants are alive today, having escaped the threats they faced by joining other indigenous nations.

Today, for example, both the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma and the Seminole Nation in Florida claim the Timucua as ancestors.

Broadwell thinks that perhaps some people will want to gain at least a passing familiarity with a language spoken widely in the area, long before and after Europeans arrived.

The language hasnt been spoken in about 200 years," Broadwell said. "But we do think there are descendants of the Timucua who are interested in learning some phrases, and a lot of people might be interested in learning to read Timucua."

It's rewarding work, he said. When you learn another language, you get access into the way other peoples minds work. Its given me a lot of compassion and insight into the first people of this region.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: The language spoken by the Timucua of Florida still lives on
While outwardly expressing full support for Ukraine, behind closed doors in Berlin and Washington plans are being hatched to force Ukraine into talks with Russia to freeze the war on its current front lines, German newspaper BILD said in a report published on Nov. 24.

Lithuanias Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned of this yesterday, Bloomberg reported.

Read also: Zelenskyys advisor on talks with Russia and presidents bad mood  interview

The German federal government has now set itself the main goal of putting Ukraine in a strategically good negotiating position, BILD said.

The country should negotiate with (Russian dictator) Vladimir Putin's regime about its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The White House and the Chancellery are coordinating on this, government sources told BILD.

Neither German Chancellor Olaf Scholz nor U.S. President Joe Biden want to directly call on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to bargain on the future status of the Russian-occupied territories at the negotiating table, BILD said.

Read also: Frozen war frees Russia to rearm, threaten NATO within 6 years, German military analysts warn

Instead, both countries  as Ukraine's largest arms suppliers  have decided to force the government in Kyiv into talks with Putin's regime by restricting the quality and quantity of their arms deliveries. They can do this because no other Western country supports Ukraine nearly as much as Germany and the United States, BILD said.

Zelenskyy should come to the realization that things cannot go on like this, a German government insider told BILD.

He should address his nation of his own free will and explain that negotiations need to be carried out.

If constricting weapons supplies fail to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table, Washington and Berlin have a Plan B, a source in the German government told BILD.

What Berlin and Washington are striving for as an alternative to negotiations is a frozen conflict, without agreement between the conflicting parties, the source said.

That would mean that even if Zelensky and Putin dont (want to) talk to each other, the line of contact would solidify and become closed  a new quasi-border between Ukraine and Russia.

Read also: Ukraine and Germany begin negotiating security guarantees

Its like Minsk, only without Minsk, said the insider sarcastically, referring to the fragile and ineffectual peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia concluded in 2014.

German CDU party MP Roderich Kiesewetter, a former Bundeswehr (German armed forces) General Staff officer, agrees that this might be among the plans of the United States and Germany.

Its becoming increasingly obvious that the Chancellery does not believe in a Ukrainian victory and does not want it at all, Kiesewetter told BILD.

The arms package that Pistorius brought to Ukraine is not an expression of the goal of Ukraine must win. Rather, it symbolizes that there is so little support that Ukraine is being pushed into negotiations, a 'Minsk 3.'

But according to military expert and ECFR researcher Gustav Gressel, Washington and Berlins plans will not work.

Its a misconception in the West that if you put more pressure on Zelenskyy to sit down at the negotiating table, serious negotiations will then take place, Gressel told BILD.

Putin doesn't want to negotiate, he wants to win this war."

Read also: Slowing arms supplies could force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia, Lithuania warns

"By keeping Ukraine weak, we invite Putin to continue to believe in his victory and work on it. Only when Ukraine gets on the winning track will Russia become willing to negotiate. But Ukraine hasnt been able to do that, and delayed, non-existent and far too small arms deliveries are part of this problem."

When contacted by BILD for the story, the German Federal Chancellery denied that Germany was pursuing its own goals with its support for Ukraine.

It is clear to the Federal Government: It is up to Ukraine to determine the military and political goals in its defensive fight against Russian aggression, a chancellery spokesman told BILD.

Germany stands firmly on Ukraines side. We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary to defend itself against Russian aggression. It is about defending sovereignty and territorial integrity and therefore the survival of Ukraine. Were in constant and close communication with our international partners.

Kiesewetter is not buying it, according to BILD. Regarding the federal government, he told BILD: Were deliberately not delivering what Ukraine needs to liberate occupied territory, such as Taurus or other Leopard 2 battle tanks, but are limiting ourselves to the defense of a rump 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 US says it has identified the remains of a World War Two tank commander who was killed fighting in Germany in November 1944.

Lt Gene F Walker was battling Nazi forces near the German-Belgian border when his M4 Sherman was struck by an anti-tank round.

His crew escaped the blast, but were prevented from recovering his body by heavy fighting.

But almost 79 years later, US military researchers have identified the tanker.

Lt Walker, who hailed from the state of Indiana and was 27 when he died, had been fighting with the 3rd Armored Division at the time of his death. Under the command of Gen Omar Bradley, the division was helping to spearhead the incursion into the German heartland from Belgium.

The young tanker died as US forces pushed forward and was killed on impact after an anti-tank munition struck his vehicle near the town of Hucheln.

"The hit caused a fire and is believed to have killed Walker instantaneously," the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), an organisation tasked with identifying missing war dead, said.

"The surviving crew bailed out of the tank, but when they regrouped later were unable to remove Walker from the tank due to heavy fighting," it added.

In April 1945 the US War Department issued a presumptive finding of death for Lt Walker.

The young commander left behind a wife, Mary, and a baby daughter named Anne, who he never got to meet after joining the army in 1942, according to an obituary written at the time of his death.

After the war ended, the American Graves Registration Command was tasked with recovering missing US military personnel in Europe. Despite conducting investigations in the Hucheln area in 1948 - where they interviewed two locals - the agency found no reports of deceased US military members in the area.

It appears Lt Walker's remains were actually removed from a burned-out tank in Hucheln in December 1944. He was then buried at the Henri-Chapelle US Military Cemetery in Hombourg, Belgium.

His name was recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery.

But in 2021 his remains were exhumed and sent to a DPAA lab for analysis after a researcher found evidence that they may have belonged to Lt Walker.

"To identify Walker's remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)," the agency said.

The former tank commander will be reburied in San Diego in early 2024. A rosette will be placed next to his name at the Wall of the Missing in the Netherlands to indicate he has been found.

Since its formation in 1973, the DPAA has accounted for some 1,543 missing US servicemen. But government figures indicate that more than 72,000 troops who fought in World War Two remain missing.

In November, researchers managed to identify the remains of 2nd Lt Gilbert Haldeen Myers, an US Army Air Force Pilot killed in 1943 when his bomber was shot down over Sicily.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti this week emphasized the militarys focus on the Indo-Pacific during a weeklong visit to the region, which followed a high-profile meeting between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this month.

Speaking to reporters during a trip to South Korea, Franchetti  the first female Navy admiral  said the U.S. was prepared to defeat China if needed when asked about Beijings military buildup in the South China Sea.

On her first trip to the Indo-Pacific since being confirmed by the Senate earlier this month, Franchetti echoed familiar refrains that the U.S. was committed to working with allies in the Indo-Pacific to ensure the region is free and secure.

Best Black Friday Deals

Even as Washington is engulfed in crises in Europe and the Middle East, Franchetti said the foremost priority for the U.S. is the Indo-Pacific.

No matter what is happening around the world, the United States Navy continues to deploy and operate forward here in the Indo-Pacific, she said. Today our Navys role has never been more important or consequential.

Our Navy is Americas away team, Franchetti added. We operate forward with allies and partners on, under, and above the sea, and in the same space and the same domains as potential adversaries every single day.

China already has the largest navy in the world and is rapidly growing its nuclear arsenal as Washington fears a potential conflict over Taiwan, a self-governing island nation that Beijing has vowed to reunify with.

At the same time, American and allied forces are navigating the waters and skies of the Indo-Pacific amid increased tensions and run-ins with Chinese forces.

The Pentagon has accused China of engaging in 180 risky and coercive flight maneuvers around the South China Sea, while U.S. allies like the Philippines say Beijing is harassing them in the maritime domain.

Biden and Xi held a rare meeting this month that experts said put the U.S. and China on a more manageable footing, including by restoring high-level military communications, though it did not ease the the tensions across the Indo-Pacific.

Franchetti said the Biden-Xi agreement to restore military channels was vital.

Its incredibly important to maintain open lines of communication between our two militaries, she said. Its essential to avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to a crisis or a conflict.

China has also built up artificial island bases across the South China Sea, a disputed body of water it claims sovereignty over, flouting international rules.

The U.S. has recently held military drills with Japan and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region and this week held a major air and naval patrol with the Philippines.

China has accused the U.S. of raising tensions in the region with provocative military drills. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing this week that American forces must not hurt Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Franchetti said the U.S. is building its alliances up, as Washington this year cemented an agreement with the Philippines to build more bases on the archipelago.

The U.S. also created the AUKUS deal with Australia and the U.K. aimed at providing Canberra with more nuclear-powered submarines, which Franchetti said is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance military capabilities.

We see historic momentum in the alliance, Franchetti said. And Im looking forward to further exploring opportunities to strengthen the bilateral operations and planning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Chinese navy, currently the biggest in the world by count of warships, just keeps growing. Meanwhile the US Navy  the worlds second most numerous fleet  is struggling to grow at all, to say nothing of getting bigger fast enough to keep pace with the Chinese fleet.

And theres one major reason why. The USN spent 15 years pouring billions of dollars into buying, though seldom deploying, a numerous class of fast, shallow-water warships that it has now decided are too fragile, too unreliable and too lightly armed for a major war.

Today the US Navy is decommissioning barely-used Littoral Combat Ships as fast as the newest vessels in the class, having been paid for years ago, belatedly come into service. Its the military-industrial equivalent of treading water.

But American fleet leaders know they have a problem. They know they must find some way to make the majority of the $500-million-apiece LCSs useful in a major war. If the ships are actually useful, the fleet might be able to justify keeping them for their full 25-year planned service lives instead of prematurely sending them to the breakers.

Retaining a couple of dozen LCSs through the 2030s and 2040s should help the fleet jumpstart its long-stalled plan to grow from todays 290 front-line warships to 350 ships in two decades or so. The Chinese navy would still have more ships, overall, but the American navy might take comfort in the likelihood that its own ships would be bigger and more heavily-armed, on average.

The LCS program originated in the 1990s and began spending real money, and building ships, in the early 2000s  an era where land warfare dominated Pentagon planning. The idea was to equip the US fleet with 50 or more vessels that could move fast in shallow, near-shore littorals. Their weaponry would be light; in the place of heavy missile batteries, theyd have drones.

American naval leaders bizarrely chose to pay two different companies  Lockheed Martin and Austal USA  to each build their totally different LCS designs, both around 400 feet long. The Lockheed design, based on a huge luxury yacht, had a single hull. The Austal design was a three-hull trimaran.

Both LCS types turned out to be more expensive and more complex than the US Navy anticipated. And the Lockheed version also suffered serious problems with its complex engines. Perhaps more seriously, fleet leaders soon regretted their decision to omit heavy weaponry from the lightweight vessels.

Unlike a destroyer or cruiser, an LCS cannot fire long-range missiles at enemy ships or ground forces; it cant shoot down incoming enemy missiles from a hundred miles away. An LCS depends on other, better-equipped ships for protection from a high-tech foe.

In a major war with China, the LCSs would be a costly liability. So it came as no surprise when, starting around a decade ago, the US Navy first cut back on the number of LCSs it planned to buy, and also began decommissioning the oldest ships in the class  even though none were more than 15 years old. Thats young by naval standards.

Today the LCS class numbers 35 ships either in commission or under construction. Nine have already decommissioned, or should do so next year. While the class shrinks, some admirals and captains are doing their best to make the remaining ships work.

Theyre adding containerized anti-ship missiles and air-defense missiles, organizing better maintenance and support practices and developing new tactics that could see some LCSs sail independently at the forward edge of larger fleet formations, sticking close to shore in order to hide from enemy forces.

The Austal-built trimarans, which have proved more reliable than the Lockheed-built monohull LCSs, benefit the most from these developments. And its these ships the US Navy is pushing forward into the western Pacific, where a naval war with China is a real possibility.

Admiral Sam Paparo, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, set a goal of deploying at least six LCSs into the western Pacific at the same time by 2025. His sailors achieved the goal two years early. Thats a Herculean effort, Paparo told reporters in early November.

Around the same time, the US Navy was wrapping up a major test that added the fleets best multi-role missile  the Standard Missile 6  to a trimaran LCS by packing the missile into a metal box and bolting it to the ships large helicopter deck. Cued by radar, an SM-6 can hit ships, aircraft, missiles and even targets on land from a distance of at least 130 miles.

The improvised SM-6 armament is inefficient. US Navy destroyers fire SM-6s from vertical cells that take up minimal deck space; thats why a destroyer might carry nearly 100 missiles like the SM-6. An LCS might be able to carry just a few SM-6s before the missiles, which are stored horizontally before theyre fired, make it impossible for the ship to launch and land its helicopter.

Which might be why American fleet leaders arent committing to a sweeping rearmament of the trimarans. Instead, the SM-6 test will inform continued testing, evaluation and integration of containerized weapons systems on afloat platforms, the US Navy stated.

The test is at least evidence that the US Navy is serious about doing something to make its dozens of LCSs useful in a major war. If the effort fails, the American fleet might decide to cut its losses, decommission the under-armed ships despite many of them being practically brand new  and accept that the cuts prevent the fleet from growing for several years.

Meanwhile the Chinese navy is growing by a dozen or so ships a year.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Proud Utah beer-drinkers have something new to celebrate this long holiday weekend  the first Utah Pint Day.

The inaugural event, which starts Friday and runs through Sunday, is the work of the Utah Brewers Guild. (Sunday also happens to be Small Brewery Sunday).

Thanksgiving storm impacts Utah into Black Friday; weather alerts posted

Those who show up at the more than 20 participating breweries have the opportunity to get a limited-edition pint glass.

This years theme is Welcome to Brewtiful Utah. The idea, the guild says, is to celebrate the beauty, creativity, and craft that define our beloved state.

The breweries participating in Utah Pint Day are all over, from the Wasatch Front to Vernal, Moab and St. George.

The artwork on the Pint Day glass was designed by Delaney Stevens, of Third Sun Productions in Salt Lake City. Depicted on the 16-ounce Willi Becher glass are iconic Utah symbols, such as the Delicate Arch, Sego lilies and bees.

As for the cost, thatll depend on the brewery. Pricing and related promotions are determined by each participating location, the guild says.

Pint Day also exists in other states with strong brewing cultures, such as Colorado, Ohio and Minnesota. While some also fall on Black Friday, not all do. Other pint days also tend to last just one day, not an entire weekend.

Below is a full list of breweries participating in Utah Pint Day:

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
In this photo taken from security video, a light colored vehicle, top left, travels toward the Rainbow Bridge customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of a U.S.-Canada bridge in Niagara Falls Wednesday, leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of four border crossings in the area, authorities said. (Customs Border Protection via AP)

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP)  The two people killed when their luxury car crashed into a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls and exploded in a fiery wreck were identified Friday as a western New York husband and wife whose family owns a lumber business and several hardware stores in the Buffalo area.

The investigation into what caused the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur to race through an intersection, hit a low median and become airborne Wednesday continued, with investigators looking at whether medical or mechanical issues may have contributed, Niagara Falls Police Chief John Faso told local media.

The car slammed into a row of security booths at the Rainbow Bridge and burst into flames.

Police identified the couple as Kurt P. Villani and Monica Villani, both 53, of Grand Island, a suburb on the Niagara River between Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Online business records and the company website indicate the victims family owns Guis Lumber and seven Ace Hardware locations in western New York, his family operating the business since the mid-1980s.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes," the families and the lumber company said in a joint statement released by the Erie County Sheriffs Office on Friday. At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing.

The wreck prompted widespread concern on both sides of the border, as video and images of what appeared to be the aftermath of an explosion began to circulate online and officials closed the bridge and three other nearby crossings. Authorities investigated for several hours before the FBI's Buffalo office said it found no signs of a terror attack and turned the case over to local police as a traffic investigation.

The president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce said Friday that the couple's support for their community was well known.

They gave from their heart, so they didnt make a big deal about it, Eric Fiebelkorn said.

Mike Billoni was with Niagara Frontier Publications in 2014 when he photographed Kurt P. Villani and his son, Kurt Jr., as they dropped off a load of turkeys for a local food drive.

The Villanis were carrying on an annual tradition of donating 250 turkeys begun six years earlier by the older Villanis parents, Kurt and Gail Villani, Billoni wrote in a news story at the time.

It was such a wonderful gesture to see the philanthropy of the father passed on to the son, who then passed it down to his son, Billoni recalled Friday. It was unclear whether the tradition continued.

The eldest Villani died last year, leaving a void in the close-knit business community that has now grown with the loss of the son, Fiebelkorn said.

The Niagara Falls Police Department has said the crash investigation will take time given the complexity.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has described it as surreal and said the vehicle was basically incinerated with nothing left but the engine and a scattering of charred debris.

You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI? Hochul, a Democrat, said at a news conference Wednesday. Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire.

About 6,000 vehicles cross the Rainbow Bridge each day, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administrations National Bridge Inventory. The short, steel bridge offers scenic views of Niagara Falls.
A Vinnytsia resident was sentenced to 15 years in prison for passing information to Russia and aiding strikes on the city, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Nov. 24.

The man was found guilty of treason on account of providing Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) with information on local military and civilian infrastructure.

The prosecutors pointed to a period between May and June 2023 when the sentenced resident spied on a local defense company's facility. He also reportedly scanned WiFi networks and cell towers near military facilities using specialized software.

The FSB collected the intelligence to aid Russian forces in preparing strikes against the city.

The man was detained by law enforcement officers while surveilling the defense company.

He pleaded not guilty during the trial proceedings.

While not the most common target of Russian attacks, Vinnytsia Oblast in central-western Ukraine has suffered several destructive strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion.

A resident of Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, was sentenced to 12 years in prison earlier on Nov. 24 for spying on the Ukrainian military for Russia.

Read also: SBU: Ukrainian man sentenced to 12 years in prison for spying for Russian military

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Violent clashes broke out between police and far-right protesters in the central part of Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday after a knife attack in the capital city earlier in the day left three children and two adults injured.

Irish police said they arrested 34 people after the riots. Speaking during a press conference Friday, Garda (police) Commissioner Drew Harris said police could not have anticipated that the stabbings would have triggered such disorder.

Harris told journalists that a 5-year-old child remains in a very serious condition and a female teacher is in a serious condition.

These are scenes that we have not seen in decades. But what is clear is that people have been radicalized through social media, he said. On Thursday, Harris described the rioters as a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology.

Video on social media earlier Thursday appeared to show a group of men clashing violently with officers in Dublin and setting a police car on fire. A man could also be seen in the footage holding a sign reading, Irish Lives Matter. Some protesters can be heard on video chanting anti-immigrant slogans, including: Get them out.

People stand in front of riot police, near the scene of a suspected stabbing that left few children injured in Dublin, Ireland. - Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

The clashes came after a man in his 50s was detained by police after he allegedly stabbed several people, including the girl who is receiving emergency treatment. Police have not revealed the nationality of the suspect. The incident took place in Parnell Square, in the citys center, according to police.

The Irish police said they werent considering terrorism as a motive for the violence.

Speaking Friday, the police chief detailed the extent of the huge destruction caused by what he said was a riotous mob, with video showing rioters looting shops including one of Dublins major department stores.

According to Harris, four buses and one tram were destroyed and 11 police vehicles damaged. Thirteen shops in the city center were also seriously damaged, according to the police chief. One police officer was seriously injured in the clashes, Harris said.

A large number of rioters also tried to smash through the police cordon and disrupt the crime scene, he said.

A large police presence will be deployed in Dublin city center on Friday, with Harris encouraging shoppers and workers to come into the city as normal.

We cannot allow the city to be given over to the thugs, the looters and the arsonists, the police chief said.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was shocked by the knife attack, according to a statement on X. Similarly, Irelands deputy prime minister said he was deeply shocked by the serious incident in Dublin.

In a statement on X shortly after the incident, Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald said the violent attack has sent shock and horror throughout the community.

Irelands Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the protesters as thugs and criminals who were using this appalling attack to sow division and wreak havoc in the city.

CNNs Sugam Pokharel and Amy Croffey contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
FRANCIS CREEK  Santa and his sleigh will make a stop at Wagners Country Restaurant again this year, and he hopes youll be the one who brings the toys.

The Jolly Old Man will visit the diner, 106 S. Packer Drive in Francis Creek, Dec. 16 for a special breakfast. He will meet with children and customers, and also collect toys to donate to Childrens Wisconsin hospital in Milwaukee.

Cant fit the breakfast into your holiday schedule? You can drop off new donated toys through Dec. 31.

Customers contributed hundreds of toys for sick children at the hospital last year, so co-owners and sisters Haley and Elizabeth Wagner decided to do another drive this year.

Manitowoc Streetwise

They hosted their first drive last holiday season after Haleys 6-year-old son, Evan Whittaker, spent more than a month at Childrens in fall 2022.

We are just so grateful for everything theyve done, Elizabeth said.

Evan was your typical, active and adventurous boy attending first grade.

Evan Whittaker in the hallway at Children's Wisconsin

Then, a viral infection led him to a hospital emergency room in Green Bay. Doctors said he needed a blood transfusion and he was in the last stages of kidney failure.

Little Evan was given a stuffed teddy bear and told to take care of Stuffie as an ambulance rushed him to Childrens in Milwaukee.

'Paris of America': Manitowoc dubbed 'Paris of America' by late night talk show host John Oliver

He was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder  HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. HUS affects about 1 out of 2 million people in the U.S. and affects the kidneys and blood-clotting system.

Evan Whittaker at Children's Wisconsin with his stuffie.

The hospital began kidney dialysis. Doctors told the family Evan might need a new kidney. They gave him a new medication through an IV and his kidneys are functioning now. HUV gives him extremely high blood pressure and hes on two medications to keep it under control.

The little boy spent about a month in the hospital, coming home right before Thanksgiving in 2022.

While a patient at the hospital, Evan received a new toy after every procedure or needle and IV puncture.

We couldnt believe all the toys he was given, Elizabeth said. It took us two trips to get it all home.

Evan Whittaker with his new toys at Children's Wisconsin

Evan asked his mom where all the toys came from.

We explained to him that they were donated, and he wanted to donate toys, his aunt said. We said we could do a toy drive.

Donations of new toys, DVDS and batteries can be taken to Wagners. The restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 6-11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Manitowoc coffee shop marks 20 years: Jenn's Java in Manitowoc marks 20 years of coffee, community and connection

Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X (Twitter) @PGPattiZarling.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Wagner's Country Restaurant in Manitowoc County collects toys for kids
Digital trade new engine for joint growth

08:18, November 24, 2023 By Xu Wei and Fan Feifei ( China Daily

Visitors inspect an industrial robot at the Global Digital Trade Expo, which opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Thursday. LIN YUNLONG/FOR CHINA DAILY

President hails Hangzhou expo, says China providing opportunities for world

President Xi Jinping has encouraged various parties to make full use of the Global Digital Trade Expo to seek cooperation, common development and shared benefits, in order to build digital trade into a new engine for joint development and inject new impetus into world economic growth.

In a congratulatory letter to the second Global Digital Trade Expo, which opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Thursday, Xi noted that booming global digital trade has become a new highlight of international trade.

He said China has actively aligned itself with high-standard international economic and trade rules, established and improved its digital trade governance systems, and promoted the reform and innovation of digital trade in recent years.

By doing so, China has been providing new opportunities for the world with its new development, he added.

Vice-President Han Zheng, who attended the opening ceremony of the expo and read the letter from Xi, said China regards digital trade as one of the three pillars supporting the building of a strong trading nation, alongside trade in goods and trade in services.

China is willing to work with other nations to create an open, inclusive, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for the development of the digital economy, and to collectively promote the high-quality and sustainable development of global digital trade, he said.

Beijing will continue to accelerate its digital transformation and the development of cross-border e-commerce, promote the construction of digital infrastructure, establish a pilot zone for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, and work with Belt and Road partners to build a large e-commerce market, he added.

The Hangzhou expo, with the theme of "Digital Trade, Global Access", attracted more than 800 companies, with nearly 15,000 professional buyers having registered for the event, including over 1,700 overseas buyers.

Mathias Cormann, secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, said, "About a quarter of all trade today is digital, and digital trade is growing at a much faster pace than nondigital trade."

Digitalization has been and continues to be a strong engine for global trade, helping enterprises reach new consumers worldwide, and fostering the development of innovative new goods and services, he added.

Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, said: "Digital trade has become the main driving force of economic growth, job creation, social inclusiveness and sustainable development. China has made remarkable achievements in digital trade and emerged as a global powerhouse in this area."

He added that China has also played a pivotal role in promoting digital trade worldwide.

Zhang noted that China's fast-growing investments in digital trade infrastructure and technologies in various regions, including Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, have had a transformative impact on local economies, bridging the digital divide and fostering digital connectivity, and enhancing their participation in the global digital marketplace.

"As the digital landscape continues to expand, it is crucial to create an international framework that ensures consistent, fair and predictable national policies on cross-border digital transactions," he said.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday, China's import and export of digitally-delivered service trade rose 3.4 percent year-on-year to $372.71 billion in 2022, reaching a new record high.

In addition, the import and export scale of the country's cross-border e-commerce reached 2.11 trillion yuan ($296.2 billion) last year, up 9.8 percent year-on-year. E-commerce exports stood at 1.55 trillion yuan, an increase of 11.7 percent over the previous year.

Ding Lei, CEO of Chinese internet company NetEase, emphasized the significance of digital trade in bolstering global economic development, saying that Chinese enterprises should speed up digital transformation, thoroughly and rapidly, on all fronts.

The number of Chinese sellers who offer products abroad through Amazon's overseas marketplaces has seen steady growth, said Cindy Tai, vice-president of Amazon and head of Amazon Global Selling Asia. She added that the recovery of consumption and online shopping demand from overseas consumers has brought enormous business opportunities to China's cross-border e-commerce sector.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Residents had to evacuate their Waltham home through a cloud of smoke on Thanksgiving after a large fire broke out Thursday afternoon.

The three-alarm blaze tore through a multi-story home on Moody Street, and fortunately, everyone was able to make it out of the home safely.

A total of 15 people were ultimately displaced, Waltham fire officials told Boston 25 News.

The back of the building was left severely charred by the flames.

Michaela Kohler told Boston 25 News that she heard a loud pop and looked out her window to see a raging blaze near the top of the building.

#WATCH: One neighbor heard a loud pop while on her couch, and captured this outside her window.



The massive blaze on Walthams Moody St. seriously damaged at least four homes.



Hearing everyone is out safely. Were on scene waiting for more details @boston25 pic.twitter.com/rdrpS3wsGU  Daniel Coates (@danielcoates_25) November 24, 2023

Waltham and neighboring fire departments worked to extinguish flames that damaged at least four area homes.

Residents told Boston 25 reporter Daniel Coates that they had to escape through heavy smoke as they rushed out their doors.

Although nobody inside was hurt, one firefighter was injured during the process and was treated on the scene.

#NOW: Crews battling a third-alarm fire on Walthams Moody St. The backside of the home is completely charred.



Multiple neighboring homes look to be seriously damaged as well.



Residents tell me they escaped through heavy smoke outside their doors. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/LUGlo1EgxD  Daniel Coates (@danielcoates_25) November 23, 2023

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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
Russian and Chinese state-connected business executives have reportedly begun discussing the possibility of constructing an underwater tunnel across the Crimean Strait amidst fears that Ukrainian forces will continue striking the Kerch Bridge, The Washington Post reported on Nov. 24, citing unnamed sources from Ukraine's intelligence service.

The sources shared the intercepted emails to The Washington Post to allegedly expose the project and the potential Chinese involvement. The emails were corroborated by information that The Washington Post separately acquired.

Neither Chinese officials nor representatives of the Chinese and Russian companies supposedly involved responded to requests for comment, The Washington Post said.

Among the revelations from the leaked emails were communications between executives from Chinese and Russian companies that said meetings on the proposed project have allegedly already occurred.

One such email notes that the state-owned Chinese Railway Construction Corporation, CRCC, was "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region.

The nature of the emails reflects the lengths to which China is attempting to maintain secrecy about the proposed project, with several intercepted communications saying that the CRCC's name be hidden from all documents and that it would only participate with a strict provision of complete confidentiality."

Nonetheless, U.S. officials whom The Washington Post spoke to were surprised that China would potentially be willing to even consider being involved in such a risky project.

Beyond the likelihood of sanctions being leveled at any company participating in the tunnel project, it would also face the threat of strikes from the Ukrainian military. The illegally constructed Kerch Bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia has already been struck on more than one occasion.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) took credit for an attack on the bridge on July 17 that damaged sections of the road.

An underwater tunnel would be less susceptible to attack and thus would provide a more durable connection.

The proposal to create an underwater tunnel, if true, illustrates the extent of Russian security concerns about the bridge.

The project would cost at least $5 billion, an engineer told The Washington Post, and several years to complete. More advanced construction methods involving dredging ships would be difficult to use due to security reasons. The project would also require the constant protection of the Russian military.

The length of the project shows that Russia is likely considering that Ukrainian threats to Crimea will likely exist for the foreseeable future. Even if started immediately, the tunnel would be unlikely to contribute to Russia's war effort anytime soon.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
It is estimated that around four million women were pushed into financial hardship from the pension change - Jenny Matthews/Getty

Millions of women born in the 1950s fighting to win back lost state pension payments are on the brink of defeat, after years of campaigning and hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on legal fees.

Until 2010, women were entitled to receive the state pension from the age of 60. The Government announced in 1995 that this would gradually increase to the age of 65 to bring it in line with men. Both ages now rise in tandem.

However, the Women Against State Pension Inequality, or Waspi, campaign group has, since 2015, argued women born in the 1950s, who were most affected by the change to when they could claim the state pension, were not given enough notice or detail.

It is estimated that around four million women were pushed into financial hardship as their retirement plans were knocked off course.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, the government watchdog, found in 2021 that the Department for Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration.

It has been reported that the ombudsman nevertheless plans to refer the case to Parliament.

A leaked memo on the journalist David Henckes blog suggests the ombudsman will ask Parliament to identify a solution.

If the decision goes to Parliament, it is unlikely that the majority of MPs will break with the DWPs view on the matter and vote for compensation, experts have warned.

Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and now partner at the consultancy LCP, said the cost of compensating Waspi women would be enormous.

Parliament is sovereign and can do what it likes, but there is a lot of respect for the ombudsmans reports.

However it is unlikely that when Parliament does receive the full report, it decides to spend billions on compensation.

It means the efforts of thousands of women, as well as thousands of pounds crowdfunded for legal campaigns, could be wasted.

To date, almost 10,000 people have donated 151,000 to the Waspi campaign group to fund a claim at the High Court for a judicial review of the ombudsmans report.

More than 900 people have donated 16,000 to progress a group class action against the DWP via CEDAWinLaw, the successor body to the separate Back To 60 campaign group.

The Back To 60 group was renowned for its campaign tactics, including a flash mob dance performance opposite the House of Lords, projecting images on to Parliament and the Bank of England.

A nightmare

June Lambert, a 68-year-old from Northamptonshire, believes she is owed more than 50,000 in state pension payments from the Government.

I have donated to legal campaigns as I feel very strongly about it, she said.

I started work when I was 15 and worked through till I was 60. I only realised a couple of months before I turned 60 that I would have to wait another six years before I was eligible for the state pension. But I had to finish work then as my husband had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and prostate cancer, so I became his only and full-time carer.

I gave up working and had to rely on my savings and carers allowance. He passed away in 2019 and I have just been living on my savings since. Its been a nightmare.

Baroness Ros Altmann, a former pensions minister, said she would like to see a recognition of the hardship that women were put through because of the maladministration of state pension age increases.

Pensions campaigner Ros Altmann: We need to see a recognition of the hardship that women have been put through - Jonathan Brady/PA

I am one of the women affected myself, however I do not believe I deserve any compensation because I agreed with the idea of equalising state pension age between men and women, she said. However, the manner in which this was done  and then particularly the second increase  caused significant problems for many and I do believe in some recognition that this has caused women some real hardship.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman found in 2021 that the Department for Work and Pensions had failed to provide clear communication around state pension ages. However, it has never formally published any recommendations for redress.

It was expected to publish the second stage of its investigation by the end of March this year, but was delayed indefinitely after a legal challenge to its original draft.

The final report is expected to be published early next year, however the High Court ruled in 2019 that the Government was right to correct historic direct discrimination against men and underlined that the ombudsman cannot reimburse lost pensions.

Angela Madden, the chair of the Waspi group, said: Waspi continues to work with sample complainants to ensure the PHSO takes full account of all the impacts on those affected. Our campaigning and legal challenges have ensured women are heard and we will continue that work in the closing months of this investigation.

A PHSO spokesman said it had shared its provisional views with complainants and DWP, and would consider any responses it received before making final decisions.

We are confident that we have carried out a fair and impartial investigation. As an independent ombudsman, our duty is to provide the right outcome for all involved and make sure justice is achieved. The cooperative approach we have taken will provide the quickest route to remedy for those affected.

A spokesman for DWP said: We do not comment on leaks and it would be inappropriate to do so while the ombudsmans investigation is ongoing.

The Government decided over 25 years ago that it was going to make the state pension age the same for men and women.

Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have supported the actions of the DWP, under successive governments dating back to 1995, and the Supreme Court refused the claimants permission to appeal.

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Traveling on a cruise ship can be cheaper than replicating the itinerary with flights and hotels.

But small fees can quickly increase the cost of your vacation at sea.

Watch out for these six fees and one sneaky trick that could have you spending more.

If you're not careful, you could easily blow past the base fare of your cruise vacation .

Compared to recreating a cruise itinerary with airfare and hotels, booking a vacation at sea could be an economical vacation option. After all, the ticket includes accommodations, access to the pool deck, food, and entertainment.

But on top of the price to sail, you could find yourself dishing out more cash than you initially anticipated. And it's not just for the fun excursions at port: Expect to pay up for comforts like WiFi, nice restaurants, and booze.

If you're new to cruises, these are the six fees to watch out for and one sneaky psychological trick that could get you to spend more, especially if you're traveling on a new ship filled with attractive and expensive amenities .

1. Flights

Airfare to a European cruise could be more expensive than the cruise itself. Holland America Line

Budgeting for the cost of flights is an obvious must-do when planning a vacation. But for travelers interested in taking a European cruise, Patrick Scholes, an analyst at Truist Securities, suggests booking airfare before the cruise. If not, your flight could be more expensive than the sailing itself.

Let's look at an example: From May 10 to 12, Royal Caribbean says its Anthem of the Seas will sail two nights roundtrip from Southampton, England to Le Havre, France starting at $366 per person. But roundtrip flights can easily match or exceed that price, more than doubling the cost of the entire trip.

2. WiFi

If you want to work remotely on a cruise ship, you could pay upwards of $40 a day. Brittany Chang/Insider

Spending days without internet connectivity may seem impossible to some travelers. And cruise lines know that  WiFi on ships can range from about $10 to well over $20.

With Carnival, the ability to browse social media sites like Instagram and Facebook starts at $12.75 a day. But for people who want access to all of the internet, it'll be $17 a day. And this still doesn't include streaming or video calls, which is an additional $1.70 daily.

With Norwegian Cruise Line, be ready to pay $30 a day for one device. Again, this doesn't include streaming, which is an additional $10 daily.

3. Specialty dining

Some cruise lines offer speciality dining packages for travelers who want to splurge several times throughout the sailing. Brittany Chang/Insider

Cruise fares generally include access to venues like the buffet and the main dining room. But if you want to splurge on a sushi or steakhouse dinner, you'll have to pay up.

For example, a teppanyaki dinner at Royal Caribbean's Izumi restaurant starts at $46 per person. But if you plan to hit at least three specialty restaurants during your cruise, you're better off buying the unlimited or three, four, or five-restaurant package starting at $75 per person for three venues.

4. Alcohol

Beverage packages can cost travelers over $100 a day. Brittany Chang/Insider

Be prepared to pay for the luxury of sunbathing on the pool deck with a pina colada in hand. Many major cruise lines sell beverage packages for soda and alcohol drinkers.

With Carnival, this starts at $60 a day  not including the 18% service charge  for spirits, sodas, and caffeine under $20 each with a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages daily. With Norwegian , the Premium Plus beverage package is $138 daily plus gratuity.

5. Onboard activities

Go-karting on the Norwegian Prima costs $15 per person. Brittany Chang/Insider

Everyone knows excursions at port cost extra money to book. But on the ship itself, there are plenty of fun activities that could quietly drain your wallet as well.

From robotic rides to fancy spas to water parks at sea , several new cruise ships are decked out with enticing amenities. And of course, guests may have to pay to access some of them.

On the Norwegian Prima, it's $29 for one hour of unlimited play in the VR arcade . To go-kart, it'll be $15 per person.

6. Gratuity

Some cruise lines have been increasing their daily gratuity rate. Brittany Chang/Insider

On cruise lines like luxury newcomer Explora Journeys , gratuity is included in the base fare. But with lines like Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian , daily gratuity payments have been increasing. On the latter, this daily tip rate was increased from $20 to $25 in 2023 for passengers staying in the most expensive suites.

Increasing daily gratuities  while some companies like Norwegian have cut back on housekeeping services  serves as an automatic pay boost for the crew, helping cruise lines attract more workers, Scholes told Business Insider in early 2023.

7. Pre-booking activities before the cruise

If you pre-book some onboard activities, you could end up splurging more on your cruise. Brittany Chang/Insider

Cruise lines have been making a "huge effort" to pre-book onboard activities, Robin Farley, a leisure analyst at UBS, told Business Insider. While not a specific fee, customers who tend to do this could find themselves splurging more during their vacation.

In the second quarter of 2023, about two-thirds of Royal Caribbean Group's travelers reserved some "onboard activities" before the vacation, "translating into incremental spend once on board," Jason Liberty, the cruise giant's CEO, told investors in a call in July.

Travelers tend to book their vacations at sea  and additional packages  six to nine months in advance. So when it's finally time to travel and those initial costs have been paid off, some end up boarding the cruise ready to spend as if they hadn't already, Scholes told Business Insider in early 2023. But as long as you're keeping a close eye on how much you've been spending, this probably won't be an issue.

Read the original article on Insider
A video of Texas State Rep. James Talarico using biblical scripture to tear down conservative Christian arguments is going viral on social media, and it is glorious to watch.

This past summer, Texas Republicans tried to pass Senate Bill 1515, which would have required the Ten Commandments to be displayed prominently in every public school classroom in the state. The bill was an attempt by conservative Christian Republicans to inject religion into schools, but Talarico wasnt going to take this lying down. Instead, he used their religious text against them.

After passing the Texas State Senate, the House Public Education Committee was considering the bill at a May meeting, where Republican Candy Nobel  who sponsored the bill  argued that This legislation will bring back this historic tradition of recognizing Americas foundational heritage in both our education and our judicial system, reported the Texas Scorecard .

In a viral video of the meeting posted to his TikTok account, Talarico stood up for LGBTQ+ rights and calmly explained why, as a Christian, he feels the bill is not only unconstitutional, its not only un-American, I think it is also deeply un-Christian.

After quoting from the Bible, the Democratic lawmaker said, A religion that has to force people to put up a poster to prove its legitimacy is a dead religion, and its not one I want to be a part of. Its not one I am a part of.

Talarico then brings up that this bill seems to go against Republicans desire to get parental consent for everything. Every time on this committee that we try to teach students values like empathy or kindness, were told we cant because thats the parents role, he said. Every time on this committee that we try to teach basic sex education to keep our kids safe, were told thats the parents role, but now youre putting religious commandments  literal commandments  in our classroom, and youre saying thats the states role. Why is that not the parents role?

This question left Nobel silent and searching for words before finally saying, Thats really an interesting rabbit trail that youve gone on with that.

Later, Talarico asks Nobel, Do you believe schools are for education and not indoctrination? to which Nobel answers, Absolutely. Then Talarico brings his arguments home, saying, I guess what Im trying to figure out is why is having a rainbow in a classroom is indoctrination and not having the Ten Commandments in a classroom.

The stunning video already has 5.8 million views and 1 million likes on TikTok and is now gaining traction on Threads. But this isnt the only time the Austin representative has stood up for the rights of Texas students; hes also fought against unfair school voucher programs, book bans, and even for having Narcan available in schools.

Although it's unclear whether or not Talarico's arguments were a factor in the outcome of the legislation, the time for Ten Commandments legislation expired before the bill could receive a vote and won't be instituted in Texas public schools, the New York Times reported.

Conservative Christians continue their quest to shove their religious beliefs down everyones throat, but with lawmakers like Talarico out there, we may have a chance of keeping them out of our schools.
Congress is increasingly on edge.

Before the Thanksgiving break, there were two heated confrontations in one day in the House.

It was not the first time this year that a lawmaker had to be talked down from violence.

"Schoolhouse Rock" never featured a song about fights on Capitol Hill. If anything is clear in this Congress, though, it's that Mr. Bill better watch his back.

In a jarring series of events right before the Thanksgiving break, lawmakers got closer than ever to exchanging outright blows, either with each other or, in one case, a witness at a hearing. If you believe one House Republican's side of the story, one blow has already been landed.

Heated drama is not new at the Capitol, of course. Lawmakers have yelled at each other on their respective floors and during hearings many times. John Boehner, the former speaker of the House, claimed that Rep. Don Young, a fellow Republican, held a 10-inch knife to his neck during a heated exchange when they were in Congress.

This moment feels different, though. Mistrust still remains from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and many pundits believe former President Donald Trump's rhetoric has made political violence more acceptable.

It's why the historian who wrote the book on how the Capitol descended into violence in the run-up to the Civil War is more than a little worried. Historically, political violence begets more violence.

"The fact that we're seeing this sort of thing happen twice in one day is a reminder that we don't necessarily live in a time of normal politics," Joanne Freeman, a professor of history at Yale and the author of "The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War," told Politico.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, flexes after a confrontation on the House floor. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Here are some of the craziest moments so far:

Rep. Mike Rogers lunges at Rep. Matt Gaetz

Background: One of the first near-violent moments occurred just as lawmakers kicked off the new Congress in January. The first major duty the House must complete is electing a speaker. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was in line to claim the top job after the GOP narrowly won control of the House after a weaker-than-expected performance in the 2022 midterms.

Rep. Richard Hudson restrains Rep. Mike Rogers after arguing with Rep. Matt Gaetz as House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy walks away. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

But not everyone was a McCarthy fan. Gaetz, a Florida Republican, helped lead the charge to deny McCarthy the gavel for several days. After 14 votes, Rogers, the House Armed Services Committee chair, had had enough.

What happened: Rogers, whose committee Gaetz serves on, lunged at the Florida Republican. Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Republican, had to restrain Rogers.

"'I won't forget this!" Rogers, of Alabama, could be heard shouting on the House floor.

Aftermath: The photo of Rogers being held back by his colleague is one of the indelible images of the January chaos. He later apologized for "briefly" losing his temper. McCarthy ended up winning the speakership on the 15th ballot.

Background: Greene, a Georgia Republican, reportedly confronted Boebert, a Colorado Republican, in a Capitol bathroom during McCarthy's struggle to win the speaker gavel. Tensions between the two came to a head over competing efforts to impeach President Joe Biden.

What happened: Greene called Boebert a "little bitch" on the House floor, The Daily Beast reported. Greene also accused Boebert of stealing the language Greene used in her resolution to impeach President Joe Biden. Greene later confirmed the animosity, telling Semafor, "She has genuinely been a nasty little bitch to me." When asked about the situation, Boebert told CNN: "I'm not in middle school."

Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Lauren Boebert of Colorado attend a House hearing. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The aftermath: Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, told The Daily Beast "a fistfight could break out at any moment" between the two. Days after the confrontation, the House Freedom Caucus, a group of far-right lawmakers, kicked Greene out of the group. Her ouster was as much about her closeness to then-Speaker McCarthy as the drama with Boebert, but their bickering did not help Greene's case. Months later, Greene lashed out at Boebert again, bringing up reports of Boebert getting frisky with her date during a performance of the "Beetlejuice" musical.

The background: Mullin and Sean M. O'Brien, the president of the Teamsters union, had been trading barbs in person and online for months. Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, has been a critic of the union, while O'Brien has taken shots at Mullin's business background. Channeling Elon Musk, Mullin, who is a former MMA fighter, challenged O'Brien to a cage match for charity. After finding O'Brien's response insufficient, Mullin saw an opportunity to up the ante during a Senate HELP committee hearing.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) challenges Teamsters leader Sean OBrien to a physical fight, standing up midway through a Senate HELP Committee hearing.



Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) repeatedly attempts to break them up: Youre a United States senator. pic.twitter.com/E4U624cDsS  The Recount (@therecount) November 14, 2023

What happened: Mullin confronted O'Brien during a November hearing.

Mullin, reading from one of O'Brien's tweets about him: "Quit the tough guy act in these Senate hearings. You know where to find me any place, anytime cowboy." Mullin: Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here. O'Brien: OK, that's fine. Perfect. Mullin: You want to do it now? O'Brien: I would love to do it right now. Mullin: Well, stand your butt up then. O'Brien: You stand your butt up.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who leads the committee, tried to intervene by repeatedly banging his gavel as the two continued to egg each other on. "You're a United States senator," Sanders exclaimed to Mullin, as the Oklahoman rose out of his seat.

The aftermath: Mullin's speaking time ran out, but not before Sanders had to remind him multiple times that his questions should be about economic issues, "not about physical confrontations."

"We're not here to talk about fights," Sanders said.

Mullin, perhaps unsurprisingly, later used the confrontation in fundraising efforts.

Burchett claims McCarthy elbowed him in the back

Background: Burchett, the Republican who predicted two of his colleagues would come to blows, encountered McCarthy in a Capitol hallway on the same day Mullin and O'Brien faced off. Burchett was one of the eight Republicans who joined Democrats to force McCarthy's historic ouster. After his vote, Burchett told CNN that McCarthy had mocked his faith when he told the then-speaker that he was praying over his decision. McCarthy denied that, but he made clear there's no love lost between him and the eight members who crossed him.

Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill:



While talking to @RepTimBurchett after the GOP conference meeting, former @SpeakerMcCarthy walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued...  Claudia Grisales (@cgrisales) November 14, 2023

What happened: Burchett was talking to NPR's Claudia Grisales when McCarthy ran into him from behind. Grisales said Burchett "stumbled" then yelled: "Why'd you elbow me in the back, Kevin?! Hey, Kevin, you got any guts?!"

The aftermath: McCarthy told CNN he did not purposely run into Burchett, saying the hallway is too narrow. In later comments to reporters, he added, "If I hit somebody, they would know it. If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground."

Correction: November 27, 2023  An earlier version of this story included a misspelling of Rep. Matt Gaetz's last name.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The protracted, often bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which exploded into a hot war on Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant Palestinian group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel and Israel retaliated by bombarding the Gaza Strip, dates back to the early 20th century. It began when British authorities facilitated the mass immigration of Jews to Palestine to establish a Jewish homeland, which ultimately led to the forcible displacement of Palestinian Arabs by Zionist military forces to make way for the modern state of Israel. In the current Israel-Hamas war, more than 11,000 people, the vast majority of them Palestinians, had been killed as of Nov. 10, and the internet is rife with war-related misinformation, which Snopes is dedicated to countering with facts and context. You can help. Read our latest fact checks about the ongoing conflict. Submit questionable rumors youve encountered. Become a Snopes Member to support our work. We welcome your participation and feedback.

Amidst Israel's continued bombardment of Gaza during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a number of November 2023 social media posts drew attention to Israeli control over water accessibility for Palestinians in the West Bank.

A Reddit post claimed that according to a 2011 United Nations (U.N.) report, [A] Palestinian living in the West bank doesn't have the right to collect rainwater or build a well on HIS LAND because rain water is an 'Israeli property'. An X post claimed, Rainwater is the property of 'Israel'. Palestinians are forbidden from gathering rainwater and appeared to quote a U.N. report as well.

Rainwater is the property of 'Israel'.



Palestinians are forbidden from gathering rainwater.



Source: a UN report: 'according to Israeli military orders in effect in the area, rain is the property of the Israeli authorities and thus Palestinians are forbidden from gathering rain pic.twitter.com/XrRt6xadyp  David Miller (@Tracking_Power) November 19, 2023

We also received questions from readers, asking if Palestinians were indeed forbidden by Israeli authorities from gathering rainwater for domestic and agricultural needs.

The above claims were taken from a real report by independent human rights organizations submitted to a U.N. body in 2011, which found that Palestinians in the West Bank were not able to gather rainwater for their needs. Titled, Israels violations of human rights regarding water and sanitation in the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territories] the report is considered a non-U.N. document, however. It was written by the Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene group (EWASH), a coalition of almost 30 organizations working in the water and sanitation sector in the occupied Palestinian territory, and Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organization in the West Bank. It was submitted in September 2011 to the U.N. Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), a body of independent experts in the U.N.

The report referred to a specific Israeli military order in 2009 that stated rainwater was the property of Israel (emphasis ours):

[...] in July 2009, Israeli military forces issued stop-work and/or demolition orders on cisterns being constructed in the village of Tuwani, even though the villagers of Tuwani faced a severe water shortage on account of the drought, increasingly stringent Israeli restrictions on movement necessary to gather tankered water, and attacks on water resources and infrastructure by Israeli settlers. If constructed, these cisterns would have significantly eased the water crisis for the people of Tuwani. However, according to Israeli military orders in effect in the area, rain is the property of the Israeli authorities and thus Palestinians are forbidden from gathering rain water for domestic or agricultural needs. In 2010, Israel approved the construction of a filling point in the village of Tuwani that alleviated the problem of water availability in the village even though the capacity of the filling point was significantly below the capacity requested by humanitarian agencies (less than 1/4th) in order to serve surrounding villages, which are considered as the cluster of communities most at risk of water scarcity in the West Bank.

The findings of the above report echo another finding from a 2017 Amnesty International report titled, The Occupation of Water. Per the report, in 1967 Israeli military authorities consolidated complete power over all water resources and water-related infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territories. Military Order 158 required that all Palestinians get a permit from the Israeli military before constructing any new water installation. Since then, any extraction of water and water infrastructure development has had to go through Israel, which has resulted in devastating consequences for the Palestinians there, according to Amnesty.

The Amnesty report also stated (emphasis ours):

[The Palestinians] are unable to drill new water wells, install pumps or deepen existing wells, in addition to being denied access to the Jordan River and fresh water springs. Israel even controls the collection of rain water throughout most of the West Bank, and rainwater harvesting cisterns owned by Palestinian communities are often destroyed by the Israeli army. As a result, some 180 Palestinian communities in rural areas in the occupied West Bank have no access to running water, according to [humanitarian agency] OCHA. Even in towns and villages which are connected to the water network, the taps often run dry.

A 2016 Al Jazeera English report found that Palestinian villages in the West Bank received water supplies for only two hours in a week. While Israel implemented a policy of water cuts each summer, it had reached a higher peak that year. Israeli officials, however, said the authorities provided equal amounts of water in Israel and Palestinian territories.

Deeb Abdelghafour, the Palestinian Water Authoritys (PWA) director of the water resources department, told Al Jazeera, We have been facing shortages for decades, and the reason is not natural, but man-made  meaning the Israeli occupation and Israeli control over water resources in the Palestinian territories.

Israeli authorities have long argued that they have fulfilled their obligations under the Oslo accords. Israels coordinator of government activities in the territories told Al Jazeera that it provided 64 million cubic meters of water to the Palestinians annually, even though it is only obliged to provide 30 million under the accords  referring to the landmark 1993 agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

A 1995 Interim Agreement under the accords gave Israel continued control over water sources for Palestinian territories, but stipulated that such a status would be in effect for five years, after which the two groups would have final-status negotiations. Those talks never took place, and the agreement remains in effect, even though, as Israeli human rights organization BTselem pointed out in a May 2023 report: the Palestinian population has grown by about 75%, yet the amount of water Israel allows the Palestinians to extract [remains] the same.

BTselems report found that in order to make up for the shortage, the Palestinian Authority was forced to buy more water from Israel at several times the cost and could not transport water between regions in the Palestinian territories. The report stated (emphasis ours):

Moreover, clauses addressing the distribution of water completely ignore the division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C in other articles of the Interim Agreement. Israel retained all powers in Area C, which covers about 60% of the West Bank, and Palestinians need its consent  given sparingly  for virtually anything: every new drilling, every water grid that connects neighboring Palestinian communities, and every wastewater treatment facility, which inevitably have to be built far from residential neighborhoods, must pass through Area C. This policy has led to sharp differences in daily per capita water consumption among Palestinian communities. While the agreement allows Israel to export water from inside the country to West Bank settlements, it precludes the Palestinian Authority from transporting water from one part of the West Bank to another. This creates an absurd situation, as the Palestinian Water Authority produces water at a negligible cost in the Qalqiliyah, Tulkarm and Jericho Districts but cannot deliver it to other Palestinian communities, sometimes mere miles away, due to Israels refusal. The resulting discrepancies in water consumption among the various Palestinian districts are staggering: in 2020, daily per capita water consumption in Bethlehem and Hebron Districts was 51 liters, while in Qalqiliyah District it was almost three times greater  141 liters.

A 2012 paper by Haim Gvirtzman, a professor at the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University and a member of the Israel Water Authority Council, argued that there was almost no difference between the per capita water consumption of Israelis and Palestinians. Refuting many claims from Palestinian authorities, the paper stated:

[...] while Israel has ensured that nearly all Palestinian villages and towns are connected to running water, the Palestinians have violated their part of the agreement by refusing to build sewage treatment plants (despite available international financing). Moreover, the Palestinians have drilled hundreds of unlicensed wells and set up unauthorized connections to Israeli water supply pipelines. [...] the Palestinians should be working to pay individually for their water consumption, to prevent leaks in domestic pipelines, to implement conservative irrigation techniques, and to reuse sewage water for irrigation. The fact that they have taken none of these steps and have not adopted any sustainable development practices precludes their demands for additional water from Israel.

According to the United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, since 2021 Israel demolished nearly 160 unauthorized Palestinian reservoirs, sewage networks and wells across the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and the rate of demolitions were quickening. Local Palestinian villages have seen their farms dry up with farmers leaving for northern towns with more water supplies, or finding jobs in flourishing farms on Israeli settlements.

Israeli settlements along the West Bank  considered illegal under international law  tell a different story. An August 2023 Associated Press report found the settlements to be like an oasis where, Wildflowers burst through the soil. Farmed fish swim in neat rows of ponds. Children splash in community pools.

Journalist Amira Hass noted in Israeli publication Haaretz in 2014 that the Interim Agreement impacted water access in Gaza, arguing that it forced the region to rely only on the aquifer within its borders. The agreement did not account for population growth, resulting in overpumping from neighboring regions including Israel, leading to seawater and sewage penetrating the aquifer, making more than 90 percent of potable water there undrinkable. A Washington Post report on water supplies during the 2023 war found that there had been no natural surface water in Gaza since the early 2000s. The enclave had to depend on Israels National Water Carrier to supplement its groundwater sources, which the PWA purchased. In 2021, however, only 6% of Gaza's water came from Israel.

Since the outbreak of the war in 2023, Israel imposed what Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called "catastrophic" cuts to water supplies in Gaza. In late October, Israeli officials reopened a water pipeline into Gaza, arguing there was no shortage of food and water in the besieged territory.

While the Israeli military order controlling the Palestinian collection of rainwater was reported on more than a decade ago, the overall status of Israeli control of Palestinian water supplies continues unabated.

Sources:

As Israeli Settlements Thrive, Palestinian Taps Run Dry. The Water Crisis Reflects a Broader Battle. AP News, 17 Aug. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/water-climate-change-drought-occupation-israel-palestinians-30cb8949bdb45cf90ed14b6b992b5b42. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Black, Ian. Water under the Bridge: How the Oslo Agreement Robbed the Palestinians. The Guardian, 4 Feb. 2013. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/on-the-middle-east/2013/feb/04/israel-palestinians-water-arafat-abbas. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Bollack, Eloise. Palestinian Villages Get Two Hours of Water a Week. Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/24/palestinian-villages-get-two-hours-of-water-a-week. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Gvirtzman, Haim. The Israeli-Palestinian Water Conflict: An Israeli Perspective. The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Jan. 2012, besacenter.org/the-israeli-palestinian-water-conflict-an-israeli-perspective-3-2/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Hung out to Dry: How the Oslo Accords Entrenched Israels Control over Palestinian Water. Middle East Eye, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/oslo-accords-palestine-israel-entrenched-control-water. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

"Israels Settlements Have No Legal Validity, Constitute Flagrant Violation of International Law, Security Council Reaffirms." 2016, UN Press. https://press.un.org/en/2016/sc12657.doc.htm. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Israels Violations of Human Rights Regarding Water and Sanitation in the OPT - Report by Al-Haq and EWASH to CESCR - Non-Un Document. Question of Palestine, https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-195880/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Newman, Alexandra and Rachel Wilson, Mark Oliver. Gazas Limited Water Access, Mapped. CNN, 18 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/18/middleeast/gaza-water-access-supply-mapped-dg/index.html. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Parched: Israels Policy of Water Deprivation in the West Bank. BTselem, May 2023, www.btselem.org/publications/202305_parched. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

PerryCook, Taija. Timeline: The Oct. 7 Hamas Attack and Israels Retaliatory War on Gaza. Snopes, 20 Nov. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/articles/465623/oct-7-hamas-attack-and-israeli-retaliation/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

The Israeli Watergate Scandal: The Facts About Palestinian Water. Haaretz. Haaretz, https://www.haaretz.com/2014-02-16/ty-article/the-israeli-water-gate-scandal/0000017f-f0a9-df98-a5ff-f3ad9bf20000. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

The Occupation of Water. Amnesty International, 29 Nov. 2017, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2017/11/the-occupation-of-water/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Why the Gaza Water Crisis Is Decades in the Making. New Scientist, https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398073-why-the-gaza-water-crisis-is-decades-in-the-making/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

Wolfe, Daniel. Water Is Running out in Gaza. It Will Mean More Deaths. Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/gaza-israel-water-crisis/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.
The installation of Mike Johnson as the new House speaker and his shepherding of a stopgap funding bill has helped move Congress forward.

But make no mistake about it: Historians for decades to come will mark Oct. 3 as a low point in American political history  the day that the House of Representatives decapitated itself.

Its an act for which the Democratic leadership in the House has artfully eluded public accountability, raising the risk that the wrong lessons will be learned.

Speaker chaos could cost us real money

Consequences are arriving.

On Nov. 9, Moodys Investor Services, the last major ratings agency to maintain a AAA (i.e., top) rating for U.S. Treasury debt, formally raised the prospect of a downgrade.

Moodys cited the first ouster of a House speaker in U.S. history, prolonged inability of Congress to select a new House speaker, and increased threats of another partial government shutdown ... The issuers susceptibility to political event risk has materially changed.

Even slightly reduced confidence in the safety of Treasury debt held by the public, exceeding $26 trillion and rising rapidly, could increase taxpayers interest costs by tens of billions of dollars annually.

Interest payments already consume 19% of the U.S. federal budget.

The House had never jumped off this cliff

The significance of the speakers ouster extends far beyond a potential debt downgrade.

For the president and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, there exist well-understood and sensible lines of succession.

For the speaker of the House, by design and current practice the most powerful person in the legislative branch, the line of succession is so oddly constructed  it is the secret choice of the sitting speaker himself or herself  that the successor cannot credibly serve as anything but a placeholder.

The vote on Oct. 3 was, thus, completely unlike the usual choice between alternative candidates for speaker. The proposal was to remove the speaker with no successor apparent, to try to run the House without a speaker  in effect leaving 330 million people without a functioning government.

Through 235 years of wars, economic crises, constitutional disputes, periods of intense partisanship and occasionally corrupt speakers, the House had never jumped off this cliff.

Democrats were complicit in the ouster

Democratic-leaning commentators have spun the ouster to a point of absurdity.

One New York Times columnist wrote: A tiny gaggle of eight Republicans, mostly hard-right extremists, took down Kevin McCarthy.

No. A tiny gaggle of eight cannot force any outcome on 435 members of the House. Voting to cast the speaker aside were eight rebellious Republicans and 208 Democrats.

Rep. Biggs makes Arizona a pariah: Over House speaker fiasco

Left alone, the Republican caucus, despite its sharp internal divisions, was ready to dismiss Rep. Matt Gaetzs assault on governance by the overwhelming margin that common sense demanded.

The Democrats, reluctant to vote for the oppositions speaker, needed only to leave town or vote present. (Increasing Democratic absences from four to 10 would have been sufficient to keep the House running.)

They could have weakened the far-right

But the Democratic caucus, apparently consumed by the partisan pleasure of tossing a grenade into the Republican caucus, and the momentary delights of felling a speaker they disliked, marched in denial behind Rep. Gaetzs extreme and nihilistic trumpet.

And the far-right forces, empowered by the Democrats, eventually installed a speaker much farther outside the political mainstream than the one the Democrats dethroned.

And Moodys, the most resolute defender of U.S. financial soundness, acknowledged the depth of the decline into partisan paralysis and dysfunctional governance.

In retrospect, the House Democrats could have preempted the dramatic vote on Oct. 3 by assuring McCarthy, after the reviled bargain that gave Gaetz authority to move unilaterally to remove the speaker, that they were uninterested in playing Gaetzs game and would not support any such solo motions.

This would have been criticized as a gift to McCarthy, but it would have weakened the far-right and perhaps left the Democrats in a better place today.

This should never happen again

But the wisdom of sometimes making a concession becomes heresy amid increasingly fervid partisan wrangling. This myopic wrangling is dispiriting to millions of us who live outside the Washington Beltway and especially to the growing millions of us who have left the formal parties.

As an elected official in Tucson for more than 10 years, I learned this: after all the rhetorical spinning, finger-pointing and posturing, the vote is what counts.

The vote is the legal anchor that survives long after the rhetoric and passions of the hour. The vote should be a moment of supreme clarity, of appreciation for the actual consequences of the solemn duty of an elected official.

On Oct. 3, the House made history by voting to decapitate itself. It should not happen again.

Mark Stegeman teaches economics at University of Arizona's Eller College of Management. He served on the governing board of the Tucson Unified School District for more more than 10 years. Reach him at markwstegeman@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: House speaker ouster will cost us, and Democrats deserve some blame
Wetzels Pretzels opened its fourth location in the Sacramento area this week.

The pretzel franchises newest spot is located at 414 K St. in downtown Sacramento. It occupies a 2,000-square-foot outdoor space at the Downtown Commons entertainment and shopping complex, also known as DoCo.

I wanted to take the brand to another high-profile area, and DoCo was an obvious choice, Ben Elias, owner of the Wetzels downtown Sacramento location, said in a news release on Tuesday.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Where is new Wetzels Pretzels in Sacramento?

The new Wetzels Pretzels is located next to Macys on the main plaza level.

Its one of a handful of businesses to open at DoCo since November 2022.

They include Toms Watch Bar, ItSugar Candy Store, and Phenom streetwear and sneaker store.

Popular Sacramento coffee chain World Travelers Coffee Roasters posted photos to its Instagram account in early October showing the progress its made on its new DoCo location.

However, the new coffee shop had yet to confirm an official opening date as of Wednesday.

Wetzels Pretzels is open at 414 K St. in downtown Sacramento.

What is on the menu at Wetzels Pretzels?

Popular Southern California-based brand Wetzels Pretzels has more than 400 locations in the United States and Canada.

The chain is known for its assortment of sweet and savory pretzels, with prices ranging from $3.89 to $6.59.

Frozen and fresh lemonade is also available, along with frozen granita and fountain drinks. Drinks start at $1.69 and can go up to $4.19.

Wetzels Pretzels is open at 414 K St. in downtown Sacramento.

Are there other locations in the Sacramento-area?

Here are three other Sacramento area Wetzels Pretzels locations:

755 Riverpoint Court Space, West Sacramento

1689 Arden Way, Arden Arcade (located in the Arden Fair mall)

1151 Galleria Blvd., Roseville

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.
Michigan will change the way its public schools evaluate teachers, under a pair of bills signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week.

Senate Bills 395 and 396 reduce the weight of student performance on standardized tests when evaluating teachers, as well as eliminate the usage of teacher evaluations in making decisions to grant tenure to, promote or retain teachers, although the bills contain language allowing for a teacher's dismissal for repeated poor evaluations.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laughs at a students comment while visiting a first-grade classroom at Forest Park Elementary in Eastpointe on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Proponents of the new evaluation system say it will eliminate unfair evaluation standards that didn't do much to actually promote student growth. There are critics of the plan, however, who say it will make it hard to remove poorly performing teachers moving forward.

The current standards unfairly evaluate non-tested subject teachers, like art and music teachers, said Senate Bill 395 sponsor state Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia. Polehanki, during an Oct. 10 committee hearing. She also said teachers, regardless of actual effectiveness, can produce some metric of student growth, which she described as a poor thing to weigh 40% of an evaluation on.

Todays bills take important steps to further cut unnecessary red tape and reduce government bureaucracy in schools to ensure that educators can spend more time teaching students the fundamentals they need to succeed," Whitmer said in a statement. "We must continue to find ways to boost student outcomes so that every child has an opportunity to succeed.

Current law, for which the framework was largely put in place in 2011, places 40% of teachers evaluations on students' performance on standardized tests. Under the new law, starting in the 2024-25 school year, a district could not place more than 20% of its evaluation on students' performance in standardized tests, with the district and the local bargaining unit having to determine the exact percentage.

Under Senate Bill 395, teachers would be evaluated "using multiple rating categories that take into account student growth and assessment data or student learning objectives metrics. Student growth, assessment data, and student learning objectives must be measured using metrics agreed upon through collective bargaining, if applicable."

The current evaluation system has four categories: highly effective, effective, minimally effective and ineffective. The new plan reduces the category number to three: effective, developing and needing support. A teacher or administrator who is categorized as needing support for three consecutive year-end evaluations would have to be dismissed.

Teachers who receive three consecutive "effective" evaluations would only have to be evaluated every three years. Polehanki said this will allow administrators to focus more on the teachers who need additional support.

Critics of the bills, however, say they make it too hard to remove an underperforming teacher. Weve created a world where its so hard, frankly, to fire a bad teacher, said state Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, during committee testimony. Both bills passed along party lines in the Senate and House.

Something to chew on: New law will change how some foods are taxed

Teacher unions, including the Michigan Education Association, have voiced support for the bills. So have the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and Michigan Association of School Boards.

Oakland Schools, the intermediate school district for Oakland County, opposed the bills, according to the House Fiscal Agency. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free market think tank based in Midland, and the Great Lakes Justice Center, a conservative legal organization, also opposed the legislation.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) @arpanlobo.

Become a subscriber today.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan teacher evaluations to change under Whitmer-signed bills
Why D.B. Cooper should have checked the weather before his infamous hijack heist

SEATTLE -- Friday marks 52 years since one of the most infamous cases and unsolved mysteries in the FBI's archives: The heist and legendary jump from a hijacked plane by the man simply known as "D.B. Cooper."

To this day, the case remains unsolved, and many questions remain: Did Cooper survive the jump into the rugged terrain of southwestern Washington? Is he still alive today? Did he ultimately get away with it?

But one thing is for sure: By planning his heist for late November, he couldn't have picked a worse time of year in the Pacific Northwest to attempt his daring plan.

According to the FBI, Cooper used cash to buy a one-way ticket on Northwest Orient Airlines from Portland to Seattle on Nov. 24, 1971.

Wearing a business suit, he ordered a drink as the flight awaited takeoff, then shortly after passed a note to the flight attendant stating he had a bomb in his briefcase and wanted her to sit with him.

He then opened his briefcase to show a mess of wires and colored sticks and told her to take a note to the captain demanding four parachutes and $200,000 in $20 bills.

The flight landed in Seattle, and Cooper exchanged the 36 passengers for the money and parachutes, the FBI said. But several crew members remained on board, and Cooper ordered them to fly to Mexico City.

But as the plane passed somewhere between Mt. Rainier and northern Portland, Cooper ordered that the pilot open the aircraft's rear door. Cooper then took a parachute, the money and jumped out the back into the dark and rainy night, never to be heard from again, and the legend was born.

The FBI chased hundreds of people in an investigation that went for decades but never could solve the mystery. The case received attention again last year when Eric Ulis, known for his History Channel and Discovery Channel investigations on Cooper's case, held a press conference stating that Cooper's black tie left on the plane contained important clues that pointed to a worker at a metal manufacturing company in Pittsburgh. He added the worker fit Cooper's description and frequently traveled to the Pacific Northwest for business. That person died in 2002 and his son said he doesn't believe his father was D.B. Cooper.

D.B. COOPER EXPERT: NEW EVIDENCE POINTS TO PERSON OF INTEREST IN UNSOLVED CASE

But agents say it's highly likely Cooper was not an experienced paratrooper and didn't survive the jump.

(Original Caption) The badly decomposed $20 dollar bills were shown to newsmen after check of their serial numbers showed that they were identical to the bills given to hijacker D.B. Cooper on November 24, 1971. The money was found by Brian Ingram, 8, who was searching for firewood while on a family outing with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dwayne Ingram of Vancouver, Washington. The money was found on the north shore of the Columbia River, partially buried in the sand.

"No experienced parachutist would have jumped in the pitch-black night, in the rain, with a 200-mile-an-hour wind in his face, wearing loafers and a trench coat. It was simply too risky," Special Agent Larry Carr wrote in a 2007 case update. "He also missed that his reserve chute was only for training and had been sewn shut  something a skilled skydiver would have checked."

The FBI says the theory was given an added boost in 1980 when a young boy found a rotting package full of $20 bills ($5,800 in all) that matched the ransom money serial numbers.

The night of Nov. 24 was pretty typical, weather-wise, for the region, which is to say it was cold and wet. The FBI says Cooper jumped sometime after 8 p.m. -- long after sunset -- and there were thick clouds at 5,000 feet that would have obscured the ground and where he was heading.

But in all likelihood, he ended up somewhere in the hilly or even mountainous terrain of southwestern Washington in the middle of an extended rain and snowstorm.

We don't know what the elevation was where Cooper landed, but weather data from Stampede Pass, which sits in the central Washington Cascades at 3,500 feet, and likely about 100-150 miles north of where Cooper ended up, registered steady snowfall on the 24th and for four days after. There was just 1 inch of snow on the ground there when dawn broke on the 24th, but by the 29th, there were 27 inches of snow with temperatures hovering in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees through the period.

The FBI had focused on an area of lower terrain around Lake Merwin, though even that region had hills that stretched up as high as 2,000-2,500 feet in elevation. If the winds carried him farther east, the elevation rapidly increases.

And data from Portland suggests the heavy precipitation did extend into southern Washington and northern Oregon. It was raining there that night of the hijacking, and over 1.50 inches of additional rain fell in Portland in the two days after, suggesting very stormy conditions in the mountains and foothills too.

If Cooper ended up in the higher elevations, he fell into a snowstorm; if he lucked into lower elevations, it was still pouring rain.

And remember, Cooper was only wearing regular shoes and a business suit  hardly survival gear for a jump into the middle of nowhere where freezing temperatures and rugged terrain await. He was likely soaked from the jump with little-to-no prospects of warmth, fire, or shelter amid consistent rainfall and/or snowfall.

But if he still somehow managed to escape the mountains and live the rest of his life in secrecy, it's not only one of the greatest heists of all time but one of the better survival stories.

If he didn't, it's a cautionary tale to check on the weather before heading outdoors.

If Cooper had bothered to check the weather before his daring heist  or even waited another hour to jump  he could have found more tranquil conditions.





Original article source: Why D.B. Cooper should have checked the weather before his infamous hijack heist
Amid the unprecedented regional and global reaction to the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, it is easy to forget that the use of hostages as a tool of terror, diplomacy and/or warfare is not without precedent. And, in a week in which Qatari-led negotiations between Israel and Hamas have finally started to bear fruit, the long history of hostage-taking appears to contain some uncomfortable truths for today.

Until the 18th century, hostages were principally used as a gentlemanly  and sometimes mutually beneficial  way of providing surety for an international agreement. In the fourth century BC, Amyntas III, grandfather of Alexander the Great, bought Macedonias peace by lending his young son Philip to Illyria. Philip spent another three years as a teenaged hostage in Thebes, where he gained the military knowledge to conquer much of Greece after his return to Macedonia.

The Han dynasty maintained order in second century BC China through a similar process of chih-tzu or hostage sons, as did the Romans from the Second Punic War onwards. Polybius, the ancient Greek historian, Theodoric, the King of the Ostrogoths, Vlad the Impaler and Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the last shogunate in Japan, all spent some of their childhoods in captivity in order to guarantee the cooperation of their relatives. King John II of France was so mortified when his hostaged son escaped English custody during the Hundred Years War that he offered himself up in his place.

The last major treaty to be negotiated in this way was Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, whereby Britain guaranteed its commitment to leave Cape Breton by sending two nobles into French captivity until it had done so. Lord Cathcart and the Earl of Sussex ended up enjoying themselves so much in Paris that they stayed another two months after their release.

Of course, not all historical outcomes were so benign. When the hostages held by Charlemagne failed to ensure the compliance of the pagan Saxons, he massacred 4,500 of them in October 782. Similarly, when Richard I felt that Saladin had failed to fulfil the terms of the surrender of Acre in 1191, he killed 2,700 Muslim hostages. On his return from the Third Crusade, Richard was taken hostage himself and ransomed by the Holy Roman Emperor for an enormous sum.

By the 19th century, a kings ransom was considerably cheaper and wars had spread into the wider civilian population. The American Civil War saw the Confederates raid Maryland and Pennsylvania in order to take civilian hostages for a prisoner swap. During the Franco-Prussian War, Germans put high-profile French citizens on trains to stop them being targeted, a practice briefly copied by Field Marshal Lord Roberts during the Second Boer War, until he was reprimanded in parliament.

Despite being specifically outlawed by the Geneva Convention in 1949, indiscriminate hostage-taking became widespread in the latter half of the 20th century, especially as terrorist groups grew more powerful. There were almost 4,000 transnational hostage incidents in the 50 years after 1968.

Saddam Hussein, then Iraqi leader, parades British six-year-old hostage Stuart Lockwood on TV - AFP via Getty

As Hamas will no doubt be aware, many of these crises ended badly for the hostage takers. Saddam Husseins gamble of parading Western families on television following his invasion of Kuwait in 1990 led to a backlash at the United Nations and the First Gulf War. Most of the Palestinians involved in the attacks at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich ended up killed over the next two decades by the Israelis  as, more immediately, did the Palestinians who hijacked an aeroplane leaving Tel Aviv in June 1976 and flew it to Entebbe in Uganda (the only Israeli fatality was the commando Yonatan Netanyahu, the current Prime Ministers brother).

Israeli defence minister Shimon Peres (left) and Major Dan Shomron (second left) after Operation Entebbe, where Israeli paratroopers successfully rescued 100 hostages held in Uganda, 1976 - Hulton Archive/Keystone

Yet even failed hostage attempts garner widespread publicity. In 1958 Cuban rebels lost Western sympathy for their cause when they kidnapped 19 American and Canadian civilians  and still managed to overthrow Batista the following year. The Iranian hostage crisis in November 1979 might have fallen short of its primary goal of putting pressure on Jimmy Carter to extradite the Shah, but it contributed to President Carters downfall a year later and gave the Soviet Union the opportunity to invade Afghanistan.

Even more worryingly from an Israeli point of view, many hostage-takers in the last 60 years have achieved their strategic objectives. In 1967 the Chinese extracted concessions in Hong Kong from the British government after detaining dozens of British citizens. Successful aircraft hijackings in the 1970s spawned a wave of imitators. And the return in 2011 of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured five years earlier, was secured with the corresponding release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including the current Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar. A similar asymmetry appears to inform current negotiations, whereby three Palestinians will be released for each Israeli hostage.

An installation in Tel Aviv shows pictures of hostages kidnapped by Hamas gunmen on October 7 - Reuters/Ronen Zvulun

The brutal historical truth, therefore, is that taking hostages is a gamble that often pays off  which is presumably why it continues to happen. And while the so-called suppression model of responding with overwhelming force was largely effective in Entebbe in 1976, at the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980 and at the Japanese Embassy in Lima in 1997, it was disastrous in Munich in 1972, a Moscow theatre in 2002 and the Beslan school siege in 2004.

No stranger to using overwhelming force itself, the Israeli government is responding to the hostage crisis in much the same way as Abraham in Genesis Chapter 14. When his nephew Lot was taken hostage by four warring kings, Abraham took a trained force of 318 men, attacked and routed his captors and recovered Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.

But facing an enemy that is considerably more sophisticated than King Chedorlaomer and a world that is far better informed than that of 1913 BC, Israel has no choice but to supplement its military efforts with negotiation.

In an increasingly democratic, globalised and media-driven age, the life of an individual citizen has come to hold as much moral worth  and strategic value  as that of a mediaeval prince.

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The blue and the gray, or, The Civil War as seen by a boy : a story of patriotism and adventure in our war for the Union. Annie Randall. Public Domain.

In 1863, the Civil War was reaching its height and both sides were losing thousands of men they couldnt afford to lose. Their recruits not only fell in battle, they succumbed to disease, malnutrition, and above all, desertion. President Abraham Lincoln was struggling to keep what was left of the Union together, but he was stuck between the Armys demand for more soldiers and politicians complaining about an unpopular draft.

Lincoln began looking for new recruits wherever he could find them. This included former slaves, free Black men, and even Confederate prisoners. Disillusioned with the Confederacys version of democracy and ready to get out of Union prisoner-of-war camps, hundreds of rebel prisoners were more than ready to swear allegiance to the United States and help end the Civil War.

Six regiments of the U.S. Volunteer Infantry would earn their nickname,  Galvanized Yankees  during the Civil War. They came from a number of POW camps, including Rock Island, Illinois, Point Lookout, Maryland, Alton, and Camps Douglas, Chase, and Morton in Ohio and Indiana. They stood guard over the Oregon Trail in Nebraska, and kept an eye on intercontinental telegraph lines. They were sent to Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to guard civilians building roads. Scouting and wagon train escorting were part of their regular duties.

One of the regiments stands out above all others. The 1st U.S. Volunteer Infantry Regiment was recruited from Point Lookout Prison Camp in Maryland. Six companies would spend the last two years of the war in Wisconsin, the Dakota Territory and Upper Missouri regions, protecting civilians from hostile Native tribes and fending off vicious tribal attacks while fighting scurvy and the harsh winter climate.

After being recruited in April 1864, the former rebels were sent to Virginia and North Carolina to work provost marshal duties. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant decided to send the men away from the captured southern territory and into Wisconsin and Missouri. The six companies sent to Missouri eventually marched to Fort Rice in the Dakota Territory, where the Yellowstone River meets the Missouri River, where they completed a new fort in the middle of winter.

The winter was harsh, killing 29 men and inflicting freezing wounds on the Southerners. When Spring came it brought with it a declaration of war from the Yanktonai and Lakota Sioux tribes. It turns out the fort had been built on the Natives hunting grounds. With more settlers pouring in every month, the tribes felt their way of life was threatened. They raided livestock, attacked work details and randomly shot at the soldiers. The soldiers tried to keep the peace but eight of them were killed in action. Union Army retaliatory attacks didnt help the situation.

Gen. Alfred Sully led a party toward Devils Lake (in what is today Wisconsin) in pursuit of the hostile Natives. Less than a week after his Indian Expedition left Fort Rice, a force of 500 Lakotas, Cheyennes, and Upper Yanktonai attacked the fort from the opposite direction. It may not have been the pitched Civil War battles featuring tens of thousands of soldiers, but the Galvanized Yankees were fighting for their lives all the same.

Gen. Alfred Sully/public domain

The warriors attacked the fort from three sides. Though surprised, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Infantry managed to get inside the fort and man its swivel guns, which gave them a circular view of the battlefield. These field guns were also pushed out of every opening, rapidly firing into the swarming Natives. Despite the technological advantages, the warriors managed to get close enough to fight hand-to-hand.

In the end, an estimated 20 warriors died with one U.S. Volunteer killed. They chased the Natives for another ten miles to ensure the raid was over. It was far from the last one. The raids continued well after the !st U.S.V.I. regiment was drummed out of the service in July 1865. As the former rebels returned home, they could be proud they kept the Missouri open while protecting traders, steamboats and Indian Agents when no one else could.
Looking for a wintry escape this holiday season while still staying in Texas? After a searing summer, visit the Texas city holding the distinction of coldest in the state.

Texas has notoriously mild winters, and this year is no exception. Near-normal seasonal mean temperatures are most likely for North Texas this winter and South Texas has equal chances for below-, near- or above-average seasonal mean temperatures, according to NOAAs U.S. Winter Outlook by the Climate Prediction Center  a division of the National Weather Service.

Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Stacker identified the coldest city in every state. While the Lone Star State does not get particularly cold, Amarillo was found to be the city that is typically colder than the rest, based on 30-year average temperatures.

Although parts of Texas get incredibly hot, Amarillo, located in the northwestern part of the state, is fairly temperate, the Stacker report reads.

The Texas city was ranked 172nd coldest in the country, out of a national dataset of 266 cities. The average annual temperature in Amarillo is 57 degrees. As for the Texas Panhandle citys average daily minimum and maximum temperatures, they can get as low as 44 degrees and as high as 71 degrees.

While youre enjoying a reprieve from the Texas heat, you can walk through the Route 66 Historic District, a popular tourist destination where you can find antique stores, art galleries, restaurants and bars. If youre looking to marvel at nature, you can head to Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S. after the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Spotters saw Hamas carrying out combat drills, training in hostage-taking and unusual activity by the fence - Hatem Ali/AP

Macho Israeli commanders ignored female spotters who raised the alarm that Hamas was plotting a major terror attack ahead of Oct 7, a leading Israeli newspaper has revealed.

According to Haaretz, sexist male officers ignored warnings from the young surveillance soldiers, whose mission is to closely watch camera footage to spot potential threats.

In a separate report, the Financial Times also found that low-ranking soldiers had seen evidence of Hamas training in hostage-taking and sent the warning up the chain of command. No action was taken, sources told the newspaper.

The spotters tried to warn their bosses that they had seen ample evidence of Hamas planning a huge attack, including combat drills, drone flights and suspicious activity near the border fence. They observed Hamas operatives learning how to shell tanks.

But the warnings were reportedly ignored, apparently because of sexist attitudes in the army towards the spotter units, which are overwhelmingly staffed by female soldiers.

[They are] young women and young women commanders, one spotter interviewed by Haaretz, who asked to remain anonymous, said. Theres no doubt that if men had been sitting at those screens, things would look different.

One female spotter said they noticed that Hamas seemed to be conducting briefings and placing Nukhba units  Hamas special forces  near the border in the buildup to the attack.

They passed on that information to senior commanders, but it was not clear whether any further action was taken.

We reported that it was a briefing by senior [Hamas] officials who we could not recognise. But until today, its not clear what [the IDF] did with that information, said the spotter.

The Haaretz report also alleges that, on the morning of the Oct 7 massacre, Israeli security chiefs had some indications that an attack was imminent but did not share them with the spotters.

A spotter who gave her name as Yaara said about three hours notice would have been enough time to warn them of the attack. Instead, they were caught unaware by the onslaught and many spotters were massacred at their posts.

Nobody thought to tell us, she said. The IDF left us like sitting ducks on a range. The fighters at least had weapons and died as heroes. The spotters who had been abandoned by the army were simply slaughtered, without any opportunity to defend themselves.

Haaretz said it had also interviewed spotters a year ago for a story about their role, and even then the female soldiers had raised concerns that their intelligence reports were not taken seriously by their superiors.

The Telegraph approached the IDF for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

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CHICAGO - Two men were shot in two different alleys in Woodlawn within 30 minutes of each other Friday morning.

Police say a 44-year-old man was shot by a known offender in an alley off Eberhart Avenue near 67th Street at 3:51 a.m.

Shortly after, at 4:21 a.m., a 72-year-old man was shot in the elbow in an alley off Eberhart Avenue near 64th Street.

Both victims were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in stable condition.

No arrests have been made in either incident. Area One detectives are investigating.
For the fourth year in a row, Amazon workers launched international strikes against the online retailer during Black Friday in hopes of disrupting one of the biggest days for holiday shopping.

Protests and strikes kicked off in more than 30 countries as workers demanded changes in wages, taxes, the right to unionize and environmental sustainability, according to the Make Amazon Pay campaign organizer UNI Global Union, a worldwide federation of service industry unions.

Workers know that it doesnt matter what country youre in or what your job title is, we are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas, and a voice on the job, Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, said in a statement.

Protesters gather Friday at Amazon's London headquarters to protest wages and working conditions.

Protesters gather Friday at Amazon's London headquarters to protest wages and working conditions.

In addition to public protests, worker strikes were planned at locations in the United States, Britain, Spain, Italy and Germany on Friday, according to UNI Global Union.

Though Black Friday shopping originated in the U.S., the strikes appeared to be much larger in Europe.

Strikes of more than 200 people at a warehouse in England and about 250 workers at a warehouse in Germany were planned, and a one-hour strike was called for all warehouses in Spain, according to Reuters.

Workers at Amazon distribution centers in Europe participated in a strike Friday to voice protests about working conditions and wages.

Workers at Amazon distribution centers in Europe participated in a strike Friday to voice protests about working conditions and wages.

In the U.S., UNI Global Union reported one strike in Palmdale, California, where Amazon drivers have been on strike since June. The Palmdale strike began after Amazon firing dozens of drivers who had successfully formed a union and negotiated a contract with Amazons delivery service partner.

A walkout was also scheduled for Friday in Joliet, Illinois. Workers there have repeatedly protested low pay and poor working conditions.

An Amazon spokesperson called the protesters concerns about poor worker pay, safety issues and environmental injustice false or misinformed.

Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers picket at the company's Palmdale, California, warehouse and delivery center in July.

Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers picket at the company's Palmdale, California, warehouse and delivery center in July.

The fact is Amazon has created millions of good jobs, while helping create and support hundreds of thousands of small businesses around the world. We offer great pay and benefits for our employees, with great career opportunities, and provide a modern and safe working environment for all, Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said in an email.

Paradis also reiterated Amazons goal to be net zero carbon by 2040.

The company has said it will reach this goal of balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal by having fully electric vehicles, renewable-energy-powered facilities and sustainable packaging materials, and using carbon sequestration, which is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions.

Related...
Ah, super glue  the greatest-of-all-time fast-acting adhesive for all of your stuck-together needs.

Chances are, you have a tube of this in that kitchen drawer, you know, the one with all the takeout menus, rubber bands and random keys to who knows what doors (you should probably clean that out by the way), because its an undeniable necessity.

But before it occupied space in our junk drawers, and our hearts, it was accidentally developed for the U.S. military.

Too sticky for Army weapons

In 1942, companies across the country were looking to support the war effort, including the Eastman Kodak Company. One if its inventors, Dr. Harry Wesley Coover, accidentally created a new compound while attempting to make clear plastic gun sights for Allied soldiers.

The compound, cyanoacrylate, was incredibly durable but way too sticky to use. (Imagine getting Krazy Glue anywhere near your eye. No thanks!) So Coover and his team abandoned the substance, not wanting to get stuck, literally or figuratively, on it.

Over a decade later, Coover, who would become known as Mr. Super Glue, rediscovered the adhesive compound while researching heat-resistant polymers for jet canopies. Cyanoacrylate adhesives required no heat or pressure to stick items together and hold them permanently. Thus, in 1956, the patent for Alcohol-Catalyzed Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Compositions/Superglue was born. Hows that for a name?

Coover and the Eastman team took the patent and repackaged it for commercial sale as Eastman 910  which was later changed to Super Glue. This name stuck and still is used for a number of similarly adhesive products today.

A savior for soldiers in sticky situations

Even though the glue was discovered during World War II, military doctors during the Vietnam War capitalized on the products adhesive properties to save lives.

Many soldiers suffered injuries off-base, often bleeding out before getting proper care. Thanks to Coovers invention, medics were able to spray super glue directly on skin to stop bleeding until the patient could make it to a hospital for treatment.

This was very powerful. Thats something Im very proud of  the number of lives that were saved, Coover said in an interview with the Kingsport Times-News.

At this time, the chemical was not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration because it had the potential to cause skin irritation. A derivative from the same chemical (2-octyl-cyanoacrylate) was approved in 1998 and functioned as a liquid bandage. Marketed under the names Dermabond and Traumaseal, these products pose less danger of irritation and bacterial infection and are available for civilian use.

So the next time you break your moms favorite vase and need to glue it back together, give thanks to Mr. Super Glue for finding something that was too sticky for the Army to use.
A23a, the world's biggest iceberg, is on the move 37 years after it broke off from Antarctica.

The iceberg, which covers about 1,500 square miles, is set to enter the Atlantic Ocean.

Scientists will keep a close eye on it as it could threaten wildlife near South Georgia Island.

The world's biggest iceberg, covering about 1,500 square miles, is on the move.

The 1,312 ft-feet-tall iceberg is now drifting and is set to leave the Weddell Sea, where it has been grounded since the 1980s, the BBC reported Friday

A23a was once part of the Filchner ice shelf and was home to many research stations throughout the 20th century, including the Soviet Union's research station Druzhnaya 1.

But in 1986, when the ice shelf collapsed, it was cut adrift, changing Antarctica's coastline forever.

Since then, it had remained attached to the Weddell sea floor, but by August 2022 the iceberg's tether had melted away and A23a started its current voyage across the Weddell Sea.

"It was grounded since 1986 but eventually it was going to decrease sufficiently to lose grip and start moving," Andrew Fleming, a remote sensing expert from the British Antarctic Survey, told the BBC.

Terra/Modis imagery shows the path of A23a from August 20, 2023, to November 23, 2023. NASA Worldview

A23a lost its title of world's biggest iceberg in May 2021, but jumped ahead once again in October 2022, when the previous record-holder, A76, broke into three pieces, per the Guinness World Records website.

The iceberg has now past the Larsen ice shelf and is entering the treacherous South Atlantic.

As it floats toward South Georgia Island, this city-sized mass of ice is likely to follow the fate of numerous icebergs before it  slowly melting into the waters around it.

But on its way through the Atlantic Ocean, the A23a could offer some challenges.

The risk when massive icebergs move into this "iceberg alley" is that they get stuck in the shallow waters near South Georgia Island, which is home to seal pups and penguin chicks, the BBC reported.

A gentoo penguin with a newborn chick South Georgia. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If that happens, it could cut the animals off from the ocean, which is their source of food.

Still, there could be some good news. Scientists now know that icebergs can carry minerals scrapped from the ocean floor.

These can be dispersed as the icebergs melt into the ocean, providing nutrients for local wildlife, the BBC reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The trial of Atlanta-based rapper Young Thug is set to begin in Georgia, nearly 11 months after jury selection first began.

The chart-topping artist, along with several others, is accused of violent crimes and racketeering as part an alleged criminal street gang named YSL.

Jury selection for the trial began in January, but faced numerous challenges  from getting the defendants housed in different jails to court each day to dealing with contraband in the courtroom and  wildly  the arrests of a defence attorney and a courtroom deputy.

The saga in the courtroom has led to lengthy delays in the trial, which is expected to last months, getting under way.

Finally, opening statements are scheduled to begin on Monday 27 November.

Heres what you need to know.

Who is Young Thug?

Born in 1991 as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, Young Thug is an Atlanta-born rapper. He also goes by the name Slime.

After starting his career at the age of 19, he signed with Gucci Manes record label, and went on to become one of the most influential artists on the contemporary hip-hop and trap music scene.

His first two albums So Much Fun, in 2019, and Punk, in 2021, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, as did his 2021 joint compilation album with Gunna, Slime Language 2.

Young Thug has also featured in multiple collaborations that have earned him several number one hits.

These include guest spots on Camila Cabellos Havana in 2018, Travis Scott and MIAs Franchise in 2020 and Drake and Futures Way 2 Sexy in 2021, all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

He also co-wrote the hit song This Is America with Childish Gambino, real name Donald Glover, which became the first hip-hop track to win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

Rapper Young Thug, real name Jeffrey Lamar Williams (2021 Invision)

Young Thug is also noted for his style, with a 2016 GQ article describing him as a leader of the psychedelic fashion movement of rap hippies.

He is unapproachable. He radiates volatility. I cant even imagine him making actual, on-purpose eye contact with another human, the article states.

What is YSL?

It depends who you ask.

YSL is Young Thugs own record label  Young Slime Life. Artists on his record label are considered part of the Slime Family, and a compilation album, Slime Language 2, rose to number one on the US charts in April 2021.

Its artists include Gunna and Lil Keed, though several contemporary artists, including Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Lil Baby, and Travis Scott have also expressed allegiance to YSL without being contractually signed.

However, according to prosecutors, YSL is actually a criminal street gang, which started out in the Cleveland Avenue area of Atlanta and claims affiliation to the national Bloods gang.

According to a sprawling 88-page indictment, the members of YSL use a variety of identifiers including colours, clothing, tattoos, and hand signs to show their allegiance to the group.

The most predominant colours used by members of YSL are red for Bloods and green for Slime.

Defence attorneys meanwhile insist that YSL is just a music label.

What are the charges against YSL members?

The YSL members named in the indictment are charged with conspiracy to violate Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The act is similar to its federal counterpart, which is used to convict large-scale organisations such as the mafia.

According to the indictment, associates of YSL conspired to associate together and with others for the common purposes of illegally obtaining money and property through a pattern of racketeering activity.

It claims that YSL members were involved in murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, drug dealing, carjacking, and witness intimidation.

Other activities include the posting of messages, images, videos and songs, demonstrating allegiance to the enterprise and willingness to engage in violence on its behalf.

Prosecutors claim they can show that some of the groups lyrics are related to crimes that they are accused of committing.

The indictment portrays Young Thug as the leader of the gang (2022 Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Through these activities and more the gang aimed to preserve, protect, and enhance the reputation, power and territory of the enterprise, prosecutors said.

Where does Young Thug fit in?

The indictment portrays Young Thug as the leader of the criminal gang, which was responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings and carjackings.

Prosecutors say the rapper also used his music and social media posts to promote the gang,

He is also alleged to have committed multiple crimes that he has not been charged with.

While he is not being charged for such overt acts, they lend credence to the allegation that the group of defendants were together engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

Brian Steel, Young Thugs lawyer, told The New York Times: Mr Williams came from an incredibly horrible upbringing, and he has conducted himself throughout his life in a way that is just to marvel at. Hes committed no crime whatsoever.

How long has Young Thug been behind bars?

Young Thug has been in prison since his arrest in May 2022.

Earlier this month, a jury was finally selected after almost one year  with over 2,000 people having been summoned to possibly serve.

Now, opening statements in the trial are set to begin on 27 November.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the trial could end up being the longest in Georgias history.

Has the case been controversial?

The use of lyrics from rappers associated with YSL and Young Thug in the case has been an ongoing point of contention.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville ruled that he would allow prosecutors to introduce 17 sets of lyrics, as long as they can show that the lyrics are related to crimes that the rapper and other defendants are accused of committing.

Defence attorneys had asked the judge to exclude them, arguing the lyrics are constitutionally protected speech and would be unfairly prejudicial.

Drake is among those in the music industry who has expressed support for YSL (Getty Images)

The question is not rap lyrics. The question is gang lyrics, prosecutor Mike Carlson said, during a pre-trial hearing. These are party admissions. They happen to come in the form of lyrics.

Mr Carlson had argued that First Amendment speech protections do not apply because the defendants are not being prosecuted for their lyrics. Instead, he said, the lyrics refer to the criminal act or the criminal intent related to the charges.

Another prosecutor, Simone Hylton, also separated the lyrics into three categories: those that prove the existence of YSL as an enterprise, those that show the gangs behaviour and actions, and those that show that Young Thug is a leader of the gang.

How has the music industry reacted to the trial?

Several big names in the music industry have expressed support for YSL and hit out at prosecutors efforts to use their own lyrics against them.

Canadian superstar Drake referenced the case in the track Sticky on his new album Honestly, Nevermind.

Somebodys getting paid and/Free Big Slime out the cage, Drake says in the song.

Killer Mike of rap group Run The Jewels previously told ABC News: Hip hop is not respected as an art because Black people in this country are not recognised as full human beings.

If we allow the courts to prosecute these men based on characters they created and stories of pretend that they tell in rhyme then next, theyll be at your door.
President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to present a new mobilization plan by next week, the president said on Nov. 24, RBC Ukraine reported.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Zelensky said he listened to reports on mobilization challenges and options for their solution at today's meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Some of the issues have already been resolved, he added.

"I would like people to understand the entire action plan, where we are going, what the challenges are," the president said.

Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel on Nov. 24 that the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief meeting addressed "mobilization and demobilization, rotations in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," and "issues regarding conscripts who were called to service before the start of the full-scale invasion."

Special attention was also paid to the work of medical military commissions and military enlistment offices, the president added.

Both of these bodies have been rocked by corruption scandals in the past months, leading to Zelensky's dismissal of all regional heads of enlistment offices.

The Defense Ministry and military leadership have seen further personnel changes since Umerov replaced his predecessor, Oleksii Reznikov, in early September.

Medical Forces commander Tetiana Ostashchenko was fired on Nov. 19 following repeated appeals from medics and volunteers. In a more surprising move, Zelensky also replaced Special Operations Forces commander Viktor Khorenko on Nov. 4.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has chaired a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff at which some "challenging issues" were discussed.

Source: the Ukrainian president on social media

Details: Zelenskyy said Fridays meeting had tackled some challenging issues: mobilisation, demobilisation, territorial recruitment centres, military medical boards, rotation and conscripts.

The president heard briefings by Rustem Umierov, Defence Minister; Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Serhii Shaptala, Chief of the General Staff; Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health; Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs; Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister; Oleksii Sukhachov, Director of the State Bureau of Investigation; and Oleksandr Pavliuk, First Deputy Defence Minister.

"I instructed their agencies to prepare comprehensive solutions," Zelenskyy concluded.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is soon to leave office, have had a telephone conversation to discuss future support for Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing tweets from Zelenskyy and Rutte

Details: Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Rutte about efforts to preserve unity in Europe and the importance of continued military and financial support for Ukraine.

"In this regard, the Netherlands' recent decision to provide Ukraine with an additional 2 billion for 2024 is the best signal to other partners. I am grateful to the Netherlands for all of its assistance, as well as for its support of Ukraine's Peace Formula and the humanitarian initiative Grain From Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

Mark Rutte, for his part, noted that they had talked about the current situation and the approaching winter, and that the Netherlands stood in solidarity with Ukrainians and supported Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

Background:

The Netherlands Freedom Party, led by Geert Wilders, who does not support further supplies of arms to Ukraine, won a landslide victory in recent elections.

Mark Rutte will be staying on as Prime Minister temporarily until a new government is formed following the 22 November elections, which may be a lengthy process.

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Bangkok: Expressing his delight over the scheduled consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 next year, Swami Vigyanananand, founder and global chairman of World Hindu Foundation (WHF) and chief organiser of World Hindu Congress, on Friday said the ceremony will be telecast live in Bangkok and Hindus from across the globe will converge at the event, engaging in kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitation.

The World Hindu Congress which takes place every four years, is being hosted currently in the Thai capital. Organised by the World Hindu Foundation, the event opened on Friday and will culminate on November 26.

Speaking to ANI, Swami Vigyanananand said, We have ordered prasad (food offered to the deity) from Ayodhya. A replica of the Ayodhya temple has been built here. We have also brought an image of the birthplace of Ram Lalla from Ayodhya. Copies of the image will be shared with all the delegates (attending the conference). The festive ambience in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple should be spread across the world.

Across the globe, wherever there is a Hindu temple or a thriving Hindu community, all the followers of our faith will participate in kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitation at a specified time on January 22, next year. The devotees can catch the consecration live from Ayodhya on giant screens across the globe and also take part in a havan, puja and recitation wherever they are. We will experience this grand event together. Hindus worldwide will create a festive ambience in their own special ways and all religious people will immerse in celebrations, Swami Vigyanananand added.

The World Hindu Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on art and culture. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

The mission of the World Hindu Congress is to enhance the identity and prestige of Hindus in todays world. This can only be achieved by focusing on key areas such as the economy, education, media, and politics, which are fundamental to the progress of any society. By strengthening these areas, we can strengthen society as a whole, the chief organizer of the World Hindu Congress told ANI.

#WATCH | Addressing the World Hindu Congress 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, Some months back, the World Muslim Councils Secretary General, he came to Bharat and in his speeches there, he said that if we want harmony in the world, Bharat is a must. pic.twitter.com/jhAHTyZVJ3  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023



The theme for the World Hindu Congress this year is Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah, which translates to dharma, the abode of victory.

Sharing further details of the World Hindu Congress, Swami Vigyanananand said, In the past, individual efforts were made, but there was no collective focus on core areas. Over the past ten to twelve years, we have provided a direction to the Hindu community, and simultaneously, the World Hindu Congress began focusing on education, academics, media, and politics. Our first priority is the youth.

A decade ago, the relevance of the word Hindu appeared to have diminished. It started with Sindhu, then came the Hindu land, followed by Hindustan, Indian, and finally India. We have reversed this decline. Now, everyone in the world is proudly proclaiming their Hindu identity. Many heads of state are proudly identifying themselves as Hindus. This is the most significant change and we regard it as our success. The second thing you must have noticed is that we have been present since the beginning. As per our terms of reference, we do not use the word India. We are not against it but we do not use the word. We identify ourselves with Bharat instead. Bharat has now become the mainstream. This is our success, the impact of our efforts, Swami Vigyanananand added.

#WATCH | Addressing the World Hindu Congress 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, The world is one family and we will make everybody Arya that is cultureTo acquire possession of all means of material happiness, people try to fight and dominate each pic.twitter.com/na8KZRulbU  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023



A Hindu nation will only succeed if its economy is strong. Only a strong economy can lead to a strong defence, and only a strong defence can lead to strong diplomacy and political skills. Only then can we have strong academics or education, the chief organiser of the World Hindu Congress noted.

Earlier, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, said, along with other saffron outfits, it will extend invitations to as many as 10 crore families across two lakh villages to an event by Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, ahead of the scheduled consecration of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya next year.

The programme is scheduled to be held from January 1 to 15, just ahead of the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, next year.

The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram temple between 12 noon and 12.45 pm on January 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Ram Mandir next year.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also been invited by members of Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust to the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22, next year.

The foundation stone for the construction of the Ram Temple was laid by PM Modi on August 5, 2020.
When newly-sworn-in Council Bluffs Police Chief Matt Davis first visited the city during the interview process, he was immediately struck by the tight knit sense of community he felt while taking an impromptu tour.

It left a very positive impression on me  just the culture of the community and the department  and it kind of got its hooks in me, Davis told The Nonpareil on Wednesday. Once the mayor had made the offer, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to live in and serve this community.

Davis comes to the Council Bluffs Police Department after more than 25 years with the Illinois State Police, where he steadily worked his way up from trooper to investigator to first deputy director, the highest ranking sworn officer in the agency.

A Chicago native, Davis served in and around his hometown as well as East St. Louis and various points in between. As a member of the state police leadership, he worked out of the state capital, Springfield, but he missed working more closely with smaller, local communities.

Some of my most rewarding experiences in my law enforcement career that I kind of took the most personal satisfaction and professional satisfaction was when I was In a community, Davis said. I had the opportunity to do that in the metro St. Louis area, working very closely with our local law enforcement partners on their traffic safety issues, violent crime issues, property crime issues, the whole spectrum, and, as I started to prepare for the next chapter of my professional career, I wanted to get back to that.

As he settles into his new position, Davis is looking forward to familiarizing himself not only with the city but members of the community as well.

The burden of being an outsider is you don't have the historical knowledge, the relationship, the constituency, but I also see that as an opportunity, because it gives me a chance to come in, build relationships, meet the community, earn the trust and respect of the community, of the officers, the employees, here at the department, Davis said. That's kind of priority No. 1 to get out and listen, do a lot more listening than speaking.

Davis started building those relationships even before he was sworn in. He attended the citys Winterfest celebration Friday night and Centro Latinos first community Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday.

Getting out and meeting with community leaders, but also just being visible and introducing yourself and speaking to people, Davis said. What I found is the best way to do community engagement is to go to the community, not expect them to come to you. To be seen, to be visible  when theres problems, theyll have a face, theyll have a name, and theyll have a place to go to address issues.

Davis had a great opportunity to meet the men and women who work at the department on Thursday. He served a Thanksgiving lunch to all three shifts, starting with the 2 a.m. shift Thursday morning.

With his second priority, Davis faces a much more difficult task.

Recruiting and retaining officers, he said. Before you can execute on any law enforcement or safety mission, you need the men and women to do it.

Davis acknowledged the problem law enforcement agencies across the country have had in recruiting new officers over the past few years, including the Illinois State Police.

One of the consoling things, if you will, when I go around and deal with my peers across the country, is we're all kind of dealing with the same problem, Davis said. So it was kind of reassuring to know it wasn't just you, wasn't just your agency.

Davis plans to take an aggressive, proactive approach" to recruiting.

I think the approach that I found successful with recruiting is really trying to, on an individual level, target candidates, whether its in person or via social media, and demonstrate to potential candidates the value of a career of service, and showing people that the culture that exists at the department is a positive culture, one where they can grow, where they can be proud of the work that they do and be proud members of the community, he said.

Davis also touched on law enforcements role in helping people who are dealing with homelessness, which continues to be an issue in Council Bluffs. He plans to develop a strong relationship with the citys nonprofit organizations that work in that area.

I think it's real important for law enforcement to develop the right policy perspective in dealing with homeless populations and to ensure that the officers are aware of all of the services that are available in the region, Davis said. When law enforcement has very productive and good partnerships with the social service providers, we can make good referrals. We can develop good collaborative strategies.

In Illinois, Davis had an opportunity to develop and nurture best practices and policies about homelessness on a statewide level that he hopes to bring to Council Bluffs.

It's not a magic silver bullet, you know, magic solution," he said. "But, if you develop the right philosophy, if you prioritize housing first, and treating our most vulnerable citizens with care and respect, we can hope to get positive outcomes where we can."
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the diplomat with the thick glasses and gravelly voice who dominated foreign policy as the United States extricated itself from Vietnam and broke down barriers with China, died Wednesday, his consulting firm said. He was 100.
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The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, highlighted, from Rabat Thursday, Moroccos role in the success of the inter-Libyan dialogue, particularly through the Kingdoms commitment to the electoral process in this country.

We are delighted with the results achieved thanks to Moroccos support and we hope that the Kingdom will continue to support this political process, especially as we are in the process of implementing the organic laws of elections and related agreements, Bathily, who is also the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), said at a joint press briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.

He noted that monitoring the implementation of these laws in a country plagued by tensions and conflicts like Libya necessarily requires reaching agreements based on good faith between political stakeholders.

In this regard, Bathily stressed the need to reach consensual solutions as quickly as possible, given that the current situation cannot continue any longer and involves major risks.

Despite a regional context marked by tensions, the Libyan people and the international community aspire to promote peace in this country, the UN official underlined, highlighting the repercussions of this tension on security in the region and the world, given the geostrategic position of Libya.

Bourita, on his part, underlined that Morocco continues to support the UN efforts to settle the institutional crisis in Libya.

He said the instructions of King Mohammed VI are clear in supporting all the efforts of the UN Special Representative aimed at getting Libya out of this institutional crisis that it has been facing for several years.

Morocco still considers that holding elections remains the most appropriate solution to the institutional crisis, affirming that these elections should constitute the starting point of a new phase in this brotherly country, focused on stability, legitimacy and meeting the needs of the Libyan people, the Moroccan official said.

There is now a legal framework thanks to the meetings held in Bouznika which resulted in the promulgation of electoral laws, which were not in place when the elections were announced on December 24, 2021, Bourita said, adding that this legal framework, although not ideal, remains the best possible option for holding these elections.

The minister also recalled that the Kingdom, which hosted several meetings between the Libyan parties, has continuously endeavored to bring together their points of view without interfering in their internal affairs.

Today, the Kingdom is willing to support the momentum that Mr. Bathily wishes to launch in order to enrich the existing legal framework through institutional political compromises, he said, adding that the implementation of these compromises will make it possible to launch the phase of organizing the elections.

He reiterated that Morocco constantly stresses that the Libyan crisis settlement will not come from outside, but from the Libyans themselves, which has earned the Kingdom credibility with the Libyan parties.

The Kingdom is ready to support Mr. Bathily in the advancement of the political process in Libya, the minister underlined, expressing hope that the relevant ideas could materialize into initiatives, then into compromises and solutions which would lead to holding the elections.

Following intensive consultations with a broad range of Libyan stakeholders as part of his efforts to advance the political process, Abdoulaye Bathily has extended invitations to key Libyan institutional stakeholders to attend a meeting in the coming period to reach a settlement on the politically contested issues pertaining to the implementation of the electoral process. To this end, the SRSG has requested the institutional stakeholders to designate representatives to participate in a preparatory meeting, UNSMIL said in a press release made public Thursday.

At this preparatory meeting, the designated representatives of the Presidential Council, House of Representatives, High Council of State, Government of National Unity and the General Command of the Libyan National Army will discuss the date, venue, and agenda of the meeting of their Principals. They will also identify the outstanding issues that need to be resolved to enable the High National Elections Commission to commence the implementation of the electoral laws issued by the House of Representatives (HoR).

For the first time since elections failed to proceed on 24 December 2021, Libya now has in place a constitutional and legal framework for the elections to move, in good faith, to the next stage in order to achieve our shared goal to deliver free, transparent and inclusive elections for the Libyan people, SRSG Bathily was quoted in the press release as saying.
Niger authorities outlawed a protest by a civil society group that was slated for November 25 to demand the liberation of ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum and the return of the rule of law and democracy in the West African country, governed since July 26 by a junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.

The protest, organized by Le Front pour une Citoyennete Responsable, was to take place at la place de la concertation, in capital Niamey.

Niamey authorities banned the demonstration on the ground of security issues, infiltration, and public order risks.

Bazoum, in power since 2021, was removed on July 26 and placed along his family under house arrest. Since then, the new authorities have prohibited any pro-Bazoum demonstration.

On August 13, security forces dispersed a protest in favor of the deposed president. The organizers and several other people were rounded.

Early October the Court of Niamey ordered the immediate release of Salem Mohamed, son of Bazoum, arguing that Salem is a victim of assault and manifestly unlawful disturbance.

Bazoums defense team filed in early September 2023 a lawsuit against the junta before the ECOWAS regional Court and the UN Human Rights Council for his unlawful detention.
Senegal and Guinea Bissau set up a 26-member joint committee to iron out by 2025 the lingering border issues between the two countries.

It is a joint committee of twenty-six members that must carry out what is called reaffirmation of our borders, said Vice-Admiral Ibrahima Wade, Chairman of Senegals National Border Management Commission.

This commission will be able to initiate and implement joint actions for the peaceful settlement of disputes, the strengthening of peace, security, () of our border areas for a successful integration and cohabitation of our peoples, he added.

Both countries have been tangled in a border dispute created by former colonial powers namely France for Senegal and Portugal for Guinea Bissau.

The two former colonial powers reportedly set up, 120 years ago, a joint committee that reached an agreement on the lay of the borders.

For Ibrahima Wade, documentary research has enabled the establishment of border areas.

This will make the border a controlled area, managed by the authorities of both states for the benefit of the local populations involved in fishing, agriculture and trade, he stressed.

Jorge Antonio Dacruz Almeida, Guinea-Bissau Minister for Territorial Administration and Local Development welcomed the creation of the committee to settle border issue between the two countries in line with the African Union orientations.
Egypt and Bahrain Thursday inked 13 memorandum of understanding for bilateral cooperation and agreed on 15 initiatives, in many areas, as part of moves to boost cooperation between the two countries.

The deals signing took place during the first meeting of the Egyptian-Bahraini governmental committee for trade, economic, scientific, and technological cooperation, headed by Egyptian and Bahraini Ministers of Finance Mohamed Maait and Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

For the agreements to be effective, both countries also adopted a list of its working order in a way that ensures their achievement.

The deals seek to increase trade opportunities, overcome obstacles hindering access to the markets, foster cooperation between business communities to promote the internal trade movement, complete the procedures of Mutual Recognition for the Certified Economic Operator program, and deepen cooperation in direct investment in strategic and vital sectors. The deals also provide for offering investment opportunities in industrial sectors to private sector companies in the two countries.

The two sides also discussed the establishment of an Egyptian trade center in Bahrain.
The Ivorian government indicated Thursday that former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro is free to return home but it is up to the justice to decide over the destiny of former rebel leader, condemned to life imprisonment in absentia for plotting and attempting to remove the administration of President Alassan Ouattara in 2019.

Soro this month announced he was ending his nearly five-year exile outside the continent. The rebel turned politician fled his country in 2019 after his plane was banned from landing.

The justice issued subsequently an international arrest warrant against him.

Soro visited this week Burkina Faso few days after paying another visit to General Abdourahamane Tiani, the new strongman of Niger.

Both countries have been having sour ties with Cote dIvoire.

Amadou Coulibaly, Ivorian Minister of Communication and spokesperson for the government said the former Premier is free to return to his country.

Guillaume Soro can return whenever he wants, indeed, the country is open, he said following a cabinet meeting.

The application of the sentences to which Mr. Soro has been sentenced will be handled by the judicial administration of our country, he added.

It is the judicial administration that decides when to execute a decision that it has freely taken.
Britains Minister of State for Trade policy Greg Hands has affirmed that the Department for Business & Trade regularly engages businesses and the Moroccan government to promote and support bilateral trade and green investment.

Responding at the House of Commons to a question by Conservative MP Ben Everitt on what steps London is taking to encourage bilateral trade between the UK and Morocco, the minister said that the UK-Morocco Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2021, facilitates this trading relationship.

The Agreement requires both parties to undertake a review of all agriculture and fisheries tariffs within three years of its entry into force in 2021. This review was launched on 16 November 2023.

Following conclusion of the review, Rabat and London will examine granting further liberalization on agriculture products on a regular basis.

Trade between the United Kingdom and Morocco was worth 3.4 billion in four quarters up to the end of Q2 2023, up 661 million compared to the same period of the previous year.

In February 2023, the 2nd Association Council was held, when Ministers discussed how best to increase bilateral trade and investment.
Moroccos competition council issued a fine of 1.8 billion dirhams or 180 million dollars against nine fuel supply, distribution, and storage companies for their failure to respect fair competition standards in the county.

The council did not unveil the name of the nine companies in its statement but said it had reached an agreement with them and their professional lobby group so that they can pay the fine collectively.

The council had issued a report in October 2022 revealing a set of dysfunctions in the fuel distribution market in Morocco, notably price fixing between the largest companies in the country.

It also showed the oligopolistic nature of the diesel distribution market with three companies dominating the market share and setting prices that do not reflect the reality of prices in the international market.

the council noted that fuel companies in Morocco proceed to immediate hikes whenever there is an increase in the international market but in the opposite case, they take time to sell stored fuel before reducing prices.

The report added that profit margins remained the same for the period 2018-2021 under study, with Winxo being the most profitable and Afriquia the least.

The council warned that private operators failed to ensure fuel storage enough to cover 2 months of Moroccan market needs as stipulated by the law, adding that stockpiles sometimes fell to less than 20 days.

The report deplored that fuel companies missed the chance of cheap oil between 2018 and 2021 to build up stockpiles and reduce Moroccos import bill.

The council recommended an updated legislative framework conducive to free competition while ensuring the strategic interest of Morocco and its energy security.

It also urged the government to take action to facilitate access to the fuel market whether in terms of imports, storage, or distribution.
The Nourish Foundation has an initiative called Nourish, AL to help food insecure families in the Auburn-Opelika community.

Nourish, AL is a hunger initiative that delivers an average of 30 pounds of locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables to food insecure families in the community each week. The mission is to deliver weekly produce boxes to food insecure families as an integral part of their nutrition plan developed at Nourish Wellness.

Limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in our community is an incredibly important factor in addressing adverse health outcomes for children and families with limited resources, Administrative Coordinator Mackenzie Wood said. ... Food insecurity contributes to higher obesity rates and inhibits adherence to healthy lifestyles for children and families in our community.

According to Alabama Public Health, 1 out of 4 children are facing food insecurity or lack of regular access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. Alabama is the fifth poorest state in the nation for household food insecurity.

The hunger initiative Nourish, AL was created through a partnership between Beth Hornsby of Hornsby Farms and Dr. Katie Wolter, a pediatrician. Since November 2016, community volunteers have been delivering produce boxes every Friday that contain an average of 15 to 20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Our vision behind these weekly baskets is not only to provide physical nourishment to families in need but also to build relationships, provide hope and nourish their whole selves, the organization stated on their website.

Nourish, AL also provides school supplies for each child in these families to begin the school year with the items they need.

During the holidays, families receive turkeys and hams in addition to their weekly produce items. Each child in these families also receives gifts through the Nourish, AL holiday gift drive.

The foundation has its Nourish Wellness initiative, which serves as a multidisciplinary approach for the prevention and treatment lifestyle illnesses. Children and families that participate in Nourish Wellness are considered food insecure have the opportunity to receive the weekly delivery of fresh produce boxes through Nourish, AL.

In order to fund the foundation, co-founder Katie Wolter started a regenerative cut flower farm, Nourish Blooms, to grow and sell local cut flowers.

For more information, please visit www.nourishfoundation.com.
In the days leading up the Iron Bowl, Operation Iron Ruck began drawing attention to the growing mental health needs of veterans in the U.S.

Members of the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association and Auburn Student Veterans Association began the 151-mile march from Tuscaloosa to Auburn on Wednesday and will continue until Saturday. Its meant to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention in the state and across the country.

For the players, the Iron Bowl is about sportsmanship. For the fans, its about fellowship and cheering for their team, Veterans Resource Center Director Puck Esposito said. For my fellow veterans and myself, its about an opportunity to fulfill our responsibility to our fellow men and women in uniform.

The marchers have been carrying 22-pound rucksacks, filled with donated items, along with 22 nameless dog tags to honor the 22 veterans that die by suicide each day.

The march started on Wednesday at the Walk of Champions in Tuscaloosa and included carrying a game ball to Jordan-Hare Stadium. The marchers arrived in Auburn on Friday night and will take a ceremonial 3-mile march to join the players at Tiger Walk on Saturday. The donated items in the rucksacks will be given to organizations that support veterans and their families.

The event, which was started in 2018, has continued to grow and according to an Auburn University news release. This will be the biggest Operation Iron Ruck ever.

Iron Ruck takes a village. It takes a lot of people to get this thing off the ground, but theres a reason we do it year after year, OIR Coordinator Clayton Buchanan said. Iron Ruck is bigger than me, its bigger than all of us.

In addition to the march, OIR hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for all participants, and the organization is currently looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can find volunteer opportunities through the Operation Iron Ruck website.

There are still monetary and physical donation opportunities through OIR, with a list of desired items and donation link available on the website.

In addition to raising awareness and providing support to veterans in need, the event can provide a sense of community for those involved, whether they are volunteers or marchers.

Once youve done it, you realize how much you needed it, Buchanan said.

Earlier this month, the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs and its State Commissioner Kent Davis announced their commitment to supporting the cause by assisting with the collection of donations. Davis and his team opened up offices throughout the state as donation drop-off locations, and held press conferences highlighting the work that the student veterans associations were doing.

Davis recognizes the importance of campaigns like Iron Ruck and what they do to help veterans in the state and elsewhere.

Suicide prevention is a serious topic and a sad one, but its one we all need to talk about because it will take everyones involvement to overcome this issue, Davis said. Campaigns like Iron Ruck have a significant impact in Alabama and far beyond getting the word out.

According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 143 veterans in Alabama died by suicide in 2021, exceeding the national average and the civilian average.

There is a link to various veterans resources on the OIR website, including the veterans crisis line, which offers 24/7 confidential support and the Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition.

If you are a man or woman who has served this country, and it feels like the walls are closing in, Ive been there and I know how you feel. Keep pushing, Auburn Student Veterans Association President Drew Lufkin said. We are your family, and the Auburn Family takes care of each other.

PHOTOS: Operation Iron Ruck 2022
I know she has always talked about wanting a daughter and naming her London. I'm happy she has her family now.



However, I really hope she continues to heal and doesn't have too much contact with her parents. There is something deeply fucked about that family and I believe she is better off without them.

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Even in her memoir she made it sound like they still have close relationships. Just wild to me.

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Wild right?! Like you didn't tell your family you were gonna have a child be born until he was born...that isn't normal! Paris doesn't want to admit but the things she revealed in that book about the dynamics of her family? Baaaabyyyy hell no.

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Does she actually wear blue contacts btw? This is something Ive always read, that she has brown eyes and always wears blue contacts, but surely no one would keep that up for 2 decades?

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i think they're like... dark green/brown

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Its just such a bizarre thing to do lmao. I wonder how long it took her husband to notice.

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She had blue eyes in her childhood.

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Their first one is so odd looking. I wonder if they used a different surrogate to prevent that from happening again.

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what is this comment

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1. Do you even know how surrogacy works?

2. The baby looks fine. He'll probably just have a high forehead when it grows up. Maybe not even that.

3. You're saying these things about a baby.

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He has a precious face

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To be fair to the baby, who I have not seen a single photograph of, Id be making a lot of derisive faces too if I was Paris Hiltons infant and not yet verbally acquainted with the English language to express my displeasure.

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(idk how her kids look like btw I just wanted to use that gif) (idk how her kids look like btw I just wanted to use that gif)

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He looks like a baby he just has a megamind sized head in some pictures

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He looks fine to me. Idg why people keep saying this.







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WHAAAATT? LMAO





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Uhn i have some news for you about genetics

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this is giving Rose Weissman saying a baby has too big of a forehead

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surrogates/gestational carriers just carry the baby, they don't provide the egg as well. So you either mean egg donor or are just confused.

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thatsthats a child? the fuck is this comment?

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Her husband has a giant head

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racist trash box

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Seriously reading the comments wishing her well is so bizarre she has shown who she is a million times, a racist/homophobic/antisemitic garbage human who only cares about herself

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She absolutely didn't deserve the abuse she got at that shitty school, and she is also not a great person in many ways. Both can be true!!

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For me, wishing somebody continues to heal isn't excusing their awful behavior. She went through very bad things. I hope she can heal and be ok bc it's whats best for her children. But her bigotry is not forgotten by me.

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Plus her husband's a deadbeat dad.

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SERIOUSLY? when the fuck did paris get her redemption arc? shes still shit and always has been.

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fuck her and her husband.

hope the surrogate is alright and her recovery is easy.

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Blessings to the kids. She sucks, and comes from a long line of people who suck. The fact that she's managed to rehab her image as well as she has speaks to how money can really buy anything.

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She just attached herself to the right missions partly.



There's three camps. One is people that always still wanted to like her even through all the bigotry. Much like TSwift's bf having his past exposed and somebody literally commenting 'Just apologize so we can move on'. And that's all it takes for them bc they just wanna enjoy somebody no matter what and not care of they hurt people.



The second camp feel nervous and scared to speak against an abuse survivor. They also feel bad criticizing a woman who was part of the young women who were very mistreated in the early 2000s. They feel like they are doing what media and society did back then. So they let the past be the past.



The third sees the things she's done,isn't for it but recognizes the machine behind her and how it is what it is. It's less parasocial and they enjoy Paris Hilton as a character/pop culture relic but don't get too caught her in her being a person anymore. She's like a cartoon. They don't take her seriously at all.



So that's why she has been able to rehab her image imo. She hit back at the right time and then had valid convictions and campaigns to soften her past.

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Oh hurray, more rich people using surrogates 

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After getting older Im starting to understand the surrogate problem. You use the body of another woman for the birth of your child. Even if you pay for it. Celebrities do it because they dont want to endure the process.

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Husband needs to change his name to fit with the scheme imo

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Hope the new baby does not get harrassed online like the first one. They shouldnt even post pics. Congratz.

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I've noticed she barely posts pics of the baby for that reason, compared to how she used to tote her little chihuahua around in matchy costumes all the time. The only time she shows her son's pic any more she has a big hat on his head.

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Thats great. If I was famous and had a kid I would never post pics. People are cruel.

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My first born will be named Boston, Boston Evans.

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Not Worcester? Its soooo classy

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No love for Mattapan? SO UNIQUE

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Boston Dodger Evans.

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I heard the name "Britten" for a girl recently. Like Britain. I don't even knoooow! London made me think of that though haha. I think I prefer London.

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My sister grew up with a friend named Britten! True story, her half brother is a chef on movie sets and he met Joshua Jackson on the set of mighty ducks and then hired him for Dawsons creek, and she and her brothers got to be extras on an episode lol

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That's actually really cool! Jealous of a Britten tbh haha

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Illegalize surrogacy

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What do you have against non-heteronormative couples/singles who want a child that is theirs genetically?

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Surrogacy is unethical and exploitative and should be illegal everywhere. Nobody is entitled to a biological child and that doesn't change because the people who have enough money to rent some woman's body happen to be gay. The commodification of women's bodies is never going to be a good thing.

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So I assume this is a different surrogate? The whole thing is so creepy.

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Agreed. There's something deeply unsettling about rich people paying women to have their babies. I'm currently reading a book and there's a 'Breeder' use-caste and, uh, this sounds a bit like that tbh

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Its strange that they want to have a child but its beneath of them to birth them.

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what book is this? It sounds interesting!

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Nk Jemisin?? If so, sooo good

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Russian media reports citing official Eurostat statistics report that India has become the European Unions second-largest supplier of refined petroleum products in 2023, second only to Saudi Arabia.

The EU imported 7.9 million tons of refined petroleum products from India between January and September this year, according to RIA Novosti calculations, a figure that is more than double year-on-year, and a triple the volumes from 2021. According to the report, this years refined petroleum products volume catapulted India from sixth place in 2022 to first place in 2023, with France, the Netherlands and Italy the three largest importers, followed by Croatia, Latvia, Romania and Germany. India, Asias second-largest oil refiner after China, imports some 40% of the crude it refines from Russia, with volumes having increased exponentially due to a discount on Russia crude as a result of Western sanctions. Russian crude continues to make its way into European markets in other ways, as well. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Bulgarias Black Sea Neftochim Burgas refinery imported over 4.95 million tons of Russian crude in the first 10 months of this year.

Bulgaria was granted an exemption from the EUs Russian oil embargo implemented in late 2022 in order to ensure sufficient domestic supply. However, Russian oil is being refined and sold into other European markets.

According to CREA, Bulgaria is the fourth-largest importer of Russian seaborne crude, after India, China and Turkey.

According to Eurostat, natural gas, petroleum oil, nickel, iran, steel and fertilizers account for two-thirds of extra-EU imports (transactions with all countries outside the EU) from Russia. Further, the official statistics agency notes that between Q3 2021 and Q3 2023, Russias share in extra-EU imports of natural gas decreased by 27%.

Extra-EU imports of petroleum oil saw a 25% decrease in Russian share.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Europes weaker natural gas demand in the autumn is now rising amid lower-than-usual temperatures in most areas and freezing weather expected to last until early December.

The forecast for many countries, including Europes largest economy and natural gas user, Germany, has been updated to expect colder temperatures this weekend and next week, according to forecasts from Maxar Technologies cited by Bloomberg.

On Friday, the front-month Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, were slightly down by 0.7% to $50.76 (46.50 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) as of 11:32 a.m. GMT. Gas prices rose in the previous days as heating demand increased.

But the market isnt as nervous as it was last year, mostly due to the still ample inventories at EU gas storage sites. As of November 22, EU storage was 98.4% full, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe.

Europes gas prices started rising last week as the market began to focus on winter supply risks. Natural gas traders are already weighing the potential risks to European gas supply this winter, with weather the biggest unknown for traders, suppliers, and governments.

In early November, traders began withdrawing natural gas from Europes record-high inventories as the weather turned colder and heating demand rose.

For now, record-high inventories and steady LNG inflows are giving Europe confidence that last years energy crisis will not repeat itself.

However, the calmness in the market could turn into volatile turbulence again if fresh supply concerns emerge and if this winter is really cold in Europe and/or Asia.

Governments and markets should be anything but complacent as risks of tighter markets and soaring prices remain, analysts and forecasters say. No one can predict how cold this winter in the northern hemisphere will be. Last winter was mercifully warmer than usual in Europe just as the continent was scrambling to import higher LNG volumes despite spiking prices to replace the lost Russian pipeline gas supply.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The oil markets have been extremely volatile over the past couple of weeks, with wide price swings in either direction on no significant news and despite supportive fundamentalsright up until the OPEC+ meeting delay, where fear of cartel disorder trumped all, sending oil spiraling downwards. But what was happening right up to that point was interesting. Front-month Brent settled at USD 80.37/bbl on 20 November after trading across a range of over $6/bbl from $76.60-82.90/bbl intra-week. Prices fell by $6/bbl intra-week and then rebounded by $6/bbl without any particularly significant flow of news.

Up until Wednesday this week, when OPEC+ postponed its planned November 26 meeting until November 30 over output quota disagreements, the markets were being propelled primarily by large swings in macro-based sentiment, as well as changes in speculative positioning to the downside.

According to Standard Chartered, speculative positioning in crude oil moved further to the short side over the past week (prior to the OPEC meeting delay). Long positions across the four main Brent and WTI contracts fell 8.6 million barrels w/w to a five-month low of 447.7 mb, while short positions increased 11.2 mb to 220.7 mb. Money-manager long-short ratios followed a similar pattern, with the ratio for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) WTI contract falling below 1.9 in the latest positioning data, having been above 10 as recently as five weeks ago. StanCharts proprietary money-manager crude oil positioning index fell 6.7 w/w to a four-month low of -73.3.

This choppy trading is likely to prevent a real dilemma for OPEC+ ministers when they finally meet on 30 November to discuss policy and oil market conditions moving into 2024. This will compound its internal dilemma over oil output quotes, which is now a battle between the OPEC giants and African nations Angola, Nigeria and Congo. Related: Greek Shippers Halt Russian Crude Transports Amid U.S. Sanctions Push

At its last policy meeting in June, OPEC+ reached a broad deal to limit supply into 2024 while Saudi Arabia has since extended its voluntary production cut of 1 million bpd until the end of 2023. According to StanChart, the main agenda for OPEC+ over the next few meetings, when considering policy for the next quarter and beyond, will be about rebalancing the weight of market adjustment. OPEC pumped 27.90 mb/d of crude in October, a y/y fall of 1.66 mb/d; Iranian output climbed 558 kb/d, Libyan output fell 23 kb/d while Venezuelan output climbed 70 kb/d higher. Overall, the y/y fall for the 10 OPEC members with OPEC+ production targets totaled 2.26 mb/d.

As expected, Saudi Arabia has borne the lions share of the cuts, with its output lower by1.87 mb/d y/y; good for 83% of the output fall for OPEC members with targets.

StanChart says the key question for 2024 will be how much the targets for other OPEC

members will be reduced after Saudi Arabias voluntary cuts are unwound. StanChart has argued that the other OPEC members with targets might not lower their current targets at all since oil prices are well-supported by strong fundamentals and strong sentiment (not accounting for the blip in prices due to the meetings delay, which happened after Standard Chartered released its report).

The bank has forecast an average 2024 call on OPEC crude oil of 29.3 mb/d, 1.4 mb/d higher than October 2023 output, arguing that this will leave scope for voluntary cuts to be phased out quickly. Call on OPEC is a term that refers to an estimate of the crude oil production volume required of OPEC countries to balance the global supply and demand for crude oil.

StanCharts estimate is pretty close to the OPEC Secretariats which has predicted and even

higher forecast call on OPEC of 29.9 mb/d, or 2 mb/d above current output. The IEA puts the 2024 call on OPEC at 28.4 mb/d while the EIA has forecast it will clock in at

27.7 mb/d.

StanChart has predicted that OPEC is likely to defer consideration of the largest part of the

rebalancing question into 2024 due to the mixed signals the oil markets have been sending lately.

Extreme Demand Pessimism Could Trigger Rally

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Last week, StanChart predicted that the ongoing extreme demand pessimism in the oil market could prove to be unfounded and trigger a big oil price rally similar to the undershoot in prices that laid the ground for the May rally that extended to over USD 25/bbl.

Notably, Indias oil demand remains strong, increasing by 211 kb/d in October to 5.004 million barrels per day (mb/d). Diesel demand has been particularly robust, rising 9.3% y/y to 1.88 mb/d, while gasoline demand was up 4.8% y/y to 861kb/d. StanCharts proprietary demand model has forecast global oil demand growth will stay above 1.5 mb/d in November, December and January, while 2024 growth is likely to clock in at 1.5 mb/d.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Oil and commodity producers as well as heavy consumers frequently employ a variety of hedging strategies to protect themselves against market fluctuations. Oil producers typically use a short hedge to lock in oil prices during times of falling crude prices, if they believe prices are likely to go even lower in the future. The reverse usually happens when oil prices are rising with producers hedging only lightly in order to benefit from higher prices.

Last year, the vast majority of oil and gas producers ditched most of their hedges as both commodities soared to record highs amid the global energy crisis following Russias war in Ukraine. Oil markets have been far less generous in the current year, with oil prices having undergone a 40% correction from their June 2022 peak. But U.S. producers are not convinced theres much downside to oil prices, if current hedging activity is any indication.

According to Standard Chartered, the U.S. oil hedge book volumes rose 15.5% q/q in the third quarter, but hedge volume remained 62% below 2020 levels during the infamous oil price crash. StanChart has revealed that U.S. independent producers have hedged just 16.5% of 2024 output, with the average 2024 swap at $70.31 per barrel (bbl) in WTI terms while the average two-way collar has a floor of $64.94/bbl and a ceiling of $86.58/bbl.

Meanwhile, the natural gas hedge book fell 4.2% q/q to a seven-year low, with 32.9% of 2024 output currently hedged with an average swap price of $3.42 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) and an average two-way collar with a floor of $3.36/mmBtu and a ceiling of $5.19/mmBtu.

Increased M&A Will Not Affect Hedging Liquidity

StanChart notes that the sharp decline in oil and gas hedged volumes in recent years has triggered fears that hedged volumes could fall even lower and take an even heavier toll on market liquidity. Its a valid concern regarding the growing merger mania in the U.S. Shale Patch.

In early October, the Wall Street Journal reported that Exxon Mobil Corp.(NYSE:XOM) is planning a takeover of fellow shale operator Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD) in a giant $60B deal. Exxon held preliminary, informal talks with Pioneer earlier in the year about a possible acquisition and also discussed a potential tie-up with at least one other company as it seeks to expand its already formidable operations in the U.S. shale patch. Related: China Cuts Back on Venezuela Oil Purchases After U.S. Sanctions Relief

A merger with Pioneer would be Exxon's largest M&A deal since its purchase of Mobil in 1999. Pioneer is the Permian Basins second-largest producer by oil production, and an entity formed by the company and Exxon would make Exxon the largest producer in the Permian with production potential of ~1.2 million boe/day, overtaking current leader Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY).

The deal came a few months after Exxon announced it had agreed in July to buy Denbury Resources (NYSE:DEN) for almost $5 billion in all-stock deal. Exxon closed the Denbury deal in early November.

A few weeks later, Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) entered into a definitive agreement with Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Hess in an all-stock transaction valued at $53 billion, or $171 per share.

Meanwhile, WSJ has reported that ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is fishing for potential deals in the shale patch, adding that smaller producers are increasingly signaling a willingness to be bought if the price is right. To wit, CrownRock, one of the Permians biggest private producers, has hired bankers to advise it on a potential deal with an asking price of $10 billion to $15 billion,

Thankfully, StanChart says its analysis shows that hedging liquidity is not likely to be adversely affected by the increasing speed of consolidations.

Source: Standard Chartered Research

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In the figure above, StanChart shows hedging volumes held by companies that have joined the two US majors, or which have pending transactions, separately. StanChart notes that,

In the case of one grouping, hedge volumes became insignificant two years ago as a result of consolidation and also due to changes in hedging strategy. Volumes hedged by companies in the other grouping constituted 15% of the publicly listed hedge book in Q1-2023, a significant volume but more than fully offset by the increase in hedging by other companies over the past quarter.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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When Bloomberg surveyed analysts last week about their expectations for further OPEC+ production cuts ahead of the originally planned November 26 meeting, only one analyst was expecting an extension of existing cuts. By Friday, with the OPEC+ meeting delayed four days, Bloomberg says around half says they see new measures in store to tighten markets.

When OPEC+ gathers on November 30, around 50% of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg predicted that the expanded cartel would extend existing ~1-million-barrel-per-day cuts into 2024. Six analysts predicted that there would be additional curbs on top of this for all cartel members, and a further two analysts forecast that, once again, it would just be Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The survey comes as OPEC+ wrangles internally over output cuts, with African nations Angola, Nigeria and Congo not keen to see their targets reduced despite their diminishing capacity.

Earlier on Friday, Reuters reported that OPEC+ had made progress in talks with its African producers for 2024 quotes. Back in June, Angola, Nigeria and Congo were forced to accept lower output quotes for next year, and the upcoming meeting was expected to make them commit to additional cuts, with Saudi Arabia expressing discontent over the fact that it shoulders the bulk of the market-tightening burden.

Analysts surveyed by both Reuters and Bloomberg seem confident that an agreement will be reached among OPEC+ members when they meet on November 30. One source told Reuters he was 99% confident a deal would be reached, while two others noted that a compromise was close. Analysts surveyed by both suggested that the recent plunge in oil prices to $80 and weak oil demand expected, as usual, in the first-quarter of the New Year, set the stage for more potential output cuts, not merely an extension.

According to Bloomberg, OPEC+ delegates have primarily sent signals that we would be just be looking at an extension of existing supply cuts into 2024; however, RBC Capital Markets, JP Morgan & Chase and Pierre Andurand are not ruling out the possibility of additional curbs by the cartel.

Commerzbank AG analyst Carsten Fritsch told Bloomberg that if the Saudis simply extended voluntary cuts, the price would likely fall somewhat in the short term.

Brent crude oil was trading at $82.04 on Friday at 11:41 ET, up 0.51%, while WTI was trading at $76.93, down 0.22%.

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By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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A massive mistake made by a Finnish energy company could see locals getting paid to use electricitybut only theoretically.

The bizarre situation arose, after an electricity supplier, Kinect Energy, accidentally offered to sell an amount of electricity it could not produce.

This plunged local electricity prices deep below zero, reaching a negative 203 euros per megawatt-hour, Bloomberg reported.

The company offered to sell close to 5,800 MW of electricity an hour for delivery today, which was a lot more than it could physically secure.

Slightly simplified, you can say that they sold something they didnt have, and buyers bought something that doesnt exist, said the head of power system operation at Swedens grid operator, Svenska Kraftnat, as quoted by Bloomberg.

The company that made the mistake blamed it on an internal system error.

We are working with other market parties to solve this extreme situation, Kinect Energy said in a filing.

Electricity prices on the Nord Pool market meanwhile continued to plunge, with the Finnish price reaching a negative 500 euros per megawatt-hour at midnight last night.

The countrys grid operator said it would make intraday electricity purchases to ensure the stability of the system and balancing supply with demand.

Business Insider recalls that earlier this year there was a similar situation in Finland, when overproduction of hydropower caused electricity prices to fall below zero. Consumers did not get paid for using electricity then, the report notes.

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Market participants have been requested to resubmit positions on the intraday market to bring back into production the generation capacity that was withdrawn from the market due to the incorrect price, Fingrid, the countrys grid operator, said in a statement.

In addition Fingrid shall take all necessary measures to balance production and consumption and safeguard security of supply, the grid operator said.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Libyas oil minister has accused international oil companies operating in the country of taking advantage of the political instability in the country to delay their development plans.

"Most of the IOCs have committed to specific projects and up till now they have unfortunately not acted as they should act," Mohamed Oun told S&P Platts in an interview.

Earlier this year, Libyas National Oil Corporation issued a statement saying that oil majors including BP and Italys Eni had lifted the force majeure declared on their Libyan operations, effectively returning to the country.

At the time, the National Oil Corporation said the international companies had notified it of their intentions to resume their contractual obligations with the Libyan state oil company. Now, however, the oil minister is accusing the same companies of trying to exploit the security problems of Libya to negotiate better contractual terms and are in no hurry to resume oil and gas production.

Late last year Libya called on the supermajors to return to its oil and gas field. Then, earlier this year, Libya prepared to launch its first oil and gas tender in 17 years as the situation improved enough to allow it to boost oil production to some 1.2 million bpd and keep it there for much of the year.

The tender will be held in 2024 and should help Libya move closer to its target of 2 million bpd in daily oil output by 2026. According to the African Energy Chamber, Libyas maximum production capacity is 1.8 million bpd by 2024 but Tripoli insists it can boost this to 3 million bpd in two to three years.

Libya is currently producing some 1.24 million bpd, according to the National Oil Corporation. So far this year, production has hovered around 1.2 million barrels daily with interruptions due to protests and field blockades rarer than in previous years.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The OPEC+ group has made progress in talks with its African producers over their oil output quotas next year, three OPEC+ sources told Reuters on Friday, after the alliance had to postpone this weekends meeting over the spat.

On Wednesday, OPEC said that the OPEC+ meeting scheduled for this weekend would be postponed to November 30, which sent oil prices tumbling over fears of disagreements in the group about the next move in its oil production policy.

OPECs African members Angola and Nigeria have reportedly asked to have a higher production ceiling next year, after taking a cut in their quotas at the June 2023 meeting of OPEC+ as they had consistently failed to pump to their quotas.

Angola, Congo and Nigeria were forced to commit to lower oil production in 2024, and the originally scheduled November 26 meeting could potentially have pressured them to make further production cuts, as the Saudis express discontent over compliance with the deal as it shoulders the bulk of the burden, according to reports this week.

Before the announcement of a delay in the meeting, which will be held online next week, most analysts had expected that OPECs top producer, Saudi Arabia, would extend its voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) into 2024, considering the latest slide in oil prices to $80 and the typically weak period for oil demand in the first quarter of every year. Market talk was also intensifying that OPEC+ could announce a deeper cut.

OPEC+ will likely reach an agreement at the meeting next week, one of Reuters sources said on Friday, feeling with 99% of confidence there would be a deal.

Two other sources told Reuters that the group was close to reaching a compromise with the African producers on the levels of their crude oil production next year.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Brazils state oil and gas major Petrobras has budgeted $102 billion for the next five years, with the bulk of the sum to be spent on a boost in oil and gas exploration.

The five-year investment plan is a 31% increase on Petrobrass budget for the previous five years, Reuters noted in a report on the companys new strategic plan.

"We increased Petrobras' total investments responsibly, focusing on capital discipline and commitment to keeping debt under control," the companys chief executive, Jean-Paul Prates, said.

Earlier this year, the chief financial officer of the company said that Petrobras could increase its investment budget for 2024 to 2028 by 10% over the previous five-year period, to $85 billion.

The additional boost suggests the company has an upbeat outlook for oil and gas demand over the next five years. At the same time, CFO Sergio Caetano Leite also said at the time that a substantial portion of the total would be spent on low-carbon projects.

In its latest version, the bulk of the spendingat 72% of the totalwould go towards oil and gas exploration and production. Petrobras aims to boost its average daily output from 2.8 million barrels of oil equivalent to 3.2 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2028.

Low-carbon investments are also set to increase, to $11.5 billion, which would be twice the sum envisaged in the previous version of the next five-year budget. The money will be spent on decarbonization projects within the company as well as on low-carbon energy production projects.

The money to be spent on such initiatives is set to increase gradually over the next five years. In 2024, these will account for 6% of its spending but will expand to 16% by the end of the five-year period.

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Petrobras also plans to spend $17 billion on refining, transportation, and commercialization, Reuters reported.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has become an attractive destination for Russian business after the invasion of Ukraine, has increased checks and enforced stricter banking rules on Russian companies amid rising U.S. pressure on the UAE to help clamp down on sanctions evasion.

Russian companies, which initially enjoyed easy money transfers and business dealings in the UAE, especially in Dubai, are now facing tougher rules and the need for more documents and proofs, entrepreneurs and consultants have recently told Bloomberg.

The UAE is looking to come off the so-called grey list for financial crimes of the Financial Act Task Force (FATF). Therefore, the Gulf state is unwilling to be linked with risks related to sanctions, including the Western sanctions on Russian businesses, money transfers, and the energy industry.

The banking for Russian firms in the UAE has become more difficult, and the number of rejections from UAE banks have increased, according to Bloombergs sources.

The clampdown on Russian firms in the UAE comes as the West is considering toughening up the sanction enforcement on evaders of the price cap on Russian oil, almost none of which now trades below the ceiling of $60 per barrel.

Last month, the United States took a tougher stance on the sanctions against Russia and sanctioned two vessels for violating the price cap.

Just last week, the U.S. imposed sanctions on three maritime companies based in the UAE and three vessels owned by the companies for shipping Russian oil sold above the price cap.

This week, Reuters reported that three major Greek shipping firms had halted transport of Russian crude due to the heightened risk of facing U.S. sanctions.

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Greek shippers Minerva Marine, TMS Tankers, and Thenamaris have stopped carrying Russian oil to customers in the Middle East, Asia, Turkey, Africa, and South America, Reuters reported, citing trade sources and shipping data.

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One of the biggest oil exporters in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, is set to increase from 2024 the exports of its flagship Murban crude grade as the UAE will see its production quota in the OPEC+ deal increased, traders have told Reuters.

Refinery maintenance in the UAE in early 2024 is also set to release more Murban barrels for exports, according to the traders and Reuters data.

The higher availability of Murban next year is weighing down on the crude grades spot prices and will further raise the global supply of light sweet crudes. The volume of other similar grades from Brazil and the United States is also set to increase amid record-high U.S. crude oil production and rising output from Brazil.

Due to the higher expected Murban volumes on the global market next year, the spot premium for Abu Dhabis flagship crude grade loading in January 2024 fell this week to the lowest in six months.

According to Reuters data, the spot premium of Murban over the Dubai benchmark was as low as $1.40 per barrel on Thursday.

The UAE could raise its oil output next year as it has won a higher quota under the OPEC+ agreement.

The UAE, OPECs third-biggest producer after Saudi Arabia and Iraq, said in the summer that it would not join the Saudis in making voluntary production cuts.

The UAE has argued for years that it should be allowed to pump more than its current OPEC+ quota as it is raising its production capacity.

At the June meeting, the UAE got a huge concession from OPEC+ in the form of an upward revision of its quota that will take its production up by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 3.219 million bpd for 2024.

A rise in the UAEs oil production next year doesnt necessarily mean that the OPEC+ group would be pumping moresome members such as Angola are underperforming compared to their already lowered quotas.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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In 1892, Rev. A.W. Clark had a vision.

Seeing many kids who were living on the streets in Omaha, the Calvary Baptist Church pastor felt a calling to help them. In one instance, according to a May 17, 2017, column by former World-Herald columnist Michael Kelly marking the institutes 125th anniversary, Clark found a 7-year-old huddled in a doorway  barefoot, dirty and hungry  in a tavern-lined riverfront area known as Ram Cat Alley.

With the support of his wife, Anna, Clark left his job and in 1892 started what would become known as the Child Saving Institute near 18th Street and St. Marys Avenue.

There are probably very few people that I could point to that are a better depiction of servant leadership than Rev. Clark, current President and CEO Jaymes Sime recently told The World-Herald.

What started as essentially a place where children could participate in after-school activities morphed into Omahas first free kindergarten program. By the early 20th century, CSI expanded into health care by offering medical services for children.

Through 131 years, CSI has been a model of consistency. It has remained operational through two world wars, the Great Depression and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the institute is moving into a new era marked by an expansion and a renovation of its current facility located at 46th and Dodge Streets. The $46 million project, which broke ground last month, is expected to be completed by October 2025. It will double the institutes current size from about 50,000 square feet to about 104,000 square feet and add more services for children.

The Child Saving Institutes expansion is the latest in what started as a mission to raise awareness about the challenges facing children in and beyond Omaha.

Child saving  was really a movement, Sime said. It was a national movement to say, We need systems to support and protect our children.

Particularly, Sime said, CSI sought to fill in gaps for childrens services.

One prominent example occurred in the early 1900s. With CSI already established as a place where children could take part in structured activities and in an early form of day care, Clark and other organization leaders advocated for a special hospital to be built that would be dedicated to the care of children.

The impetus for CSI leaders advocating for such a hospital came from their work with kids who had medical problems, including suffering from malnourishment or disease or both, Sime said. He added that the organization trained nurses to help care for the children.

A lot of the kids we had been serving had medical complexities, Sime said. There wasnt a childrens hospital in the early 1900s so we were able to kind of fill that void.

As the CSI continued to grow by serving more children each year, the need for more space became increasingly apparent. In particular, 1909 proved to be a big year for the still relatively young institute.

That year, in response to Clarks demand for more space, one of Omahas wealthiest and most prominent citizens, George Joslyn, issued a fundraising challenge: If the CSI could raise $50,000, Joslyn would give $25,000 to help the institute find a new location.

Although Sime said philanthropy wasnt as commonplace then as it was today, Clark proved to be a prolific fundraiser and the effort was successful. Sime noted that 2,000 people contributed toward that $50,000 goal. Donations ranged from 25 cents to $5.

This doesnt happen without resources. At the end of the day, Rev. Clark was able to compel people to invest in a mission, Sime said.

Also in 1909, the Child Saving Institute began conversations with University of Nebraska regents to have the institute in close proximity to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. While negotiations didnt pan out then, that proximity is evident today as UNMC and CSI are within walking distance of each other in midtown Omaha.

The rave reviews continued to pour in during the following decade for CSI.

On Feb. 22, 1914, The World-Herald reported that Ernest Coulter, a New York City lawyer and a leading figure in what would become Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, declared CSI as a remarkable institution when he visited Omaha.

It is complete in every detail  and I was agreeably surprised at what I saw, he said. The management and facilities are perfect and the surroundings ideal for the noble work they are organized to carry out.

Two years later, in the Feb. 8, 1916, issue of The World-Herald, the New York City-based Russell Sage Foundation, which was established in 1907 by philanthropist Margaret Olivia Slocum Stage to advocate for the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States, lauded CSIs record on reducing infant mortality. Sime said the Child Saving Institute managed to reduce the infant mortality rate to one to three kids out of 100.

Hastings Hart, the director of the Russell Stage Foundations child helping development at the time, wrote that many institutions in CSIs class had infant mortality rates ranging from 25% to 60% or 70%.

Your record is one of the most remarkable things in the United States, Hart wrote.

The institute took on plenty of risk with the children, Sime said.

We were taking kids  some of them who were on deaths doorstep  and rehabbing them back to health. Then, we were finding permanent homes for them, Sime said.

The Child Saving Institute would one-up itself in 1927. Out of 250 children cared for, the organization reported zero deaths.

A transition for CSI came when the leadership changed to Alice Scott in 1931. Scott would remain superintendent of the institute through perhaps the two biggest periods in the 20th century: the Great Depression and World War II.

Like many people and institutions during the Depression, CSI struggled, and Clark was no longer around to wield his fundraising prowess.

When Rev. Clark stepped away from the mission, it struggled financially because he was such a compelling figure locally, Sime said.

But faith intervened.

Thanks to the institutes association with the National Benevolent Association, which ended about 70 years later in 2002, the share of CSIs budget rose from 5% to 50%. Sime said the association went so far as to start a Potato Car to ship potatoes from western Nebraska so CSI could feed children in Omaha.

The faith community stepped up at a time when the resources werent there, Sime said.

Another period of notable growth for the CSI came in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1971, the institute started what it claims is Nebraskas first infant child care center. That same year, it also moved to its fourth location near 40th and Cass Streets.

The institute would be on the move again a dozen years later. In 1983, the organization bought and moved into its current building. The previous year, it also started its Homes for Black Children adoption program.

Chief Operating Officer Lisa Blunt highlighted the institutes central role in finding families for adopted children, as well as helping those adopted connect with their biological parents as adults, through various programs.

One current program started by CSI in 2005 is the Nebraska Heart Gallery. The Nebraska Heart Gallery seeks to place older children up for adoption with families.

We have a real responsibility as a community to find families for those kids, said Blunt, who has been working at the Child Saving Institute for 25 years.

As the challenges and obstacles facing children ever evolve, Sime said the Child Saving Institute is prepared to adapt and continue to serve the community.

Thats what we do every single day, he said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023
PORTLAND, Ore.  Oregon's first-in-the-nation law that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs in favor of an emphasis on addiction treatment is facing strong headwinds in the progressive state after an explosion of public drug use fueled by the proliferation of fentanyl and a surge in deaths from opioids, including those of children.

The inability for people to live their day-to-day life without encountering open-air drug use is so pressing on urban folks minds, said John Horvick, vice president of polling firm DHM Research. That has very much changed peoples perspective about what they think Measure 110 is.

When the law was approved by 58% of Oregon voters three years ago, supporters championed Measure 110 as a revolutionary approach that would transform addiction by minimizing penalties for drug use and investing instead in recovery.

But even top Democratic lawmakers who backed the law, which will likely dominate the upcoming legislative session, say they're now open to revisiting it after the biggest increase in synthetic opioid deaths among states that have reported their numbers.

The cycle of addiction and homelessness spurred by fentanyl is most visible in Portland, where it's not unusual to see people shooting up in broad daylight on busy city streets.

Everythings on the table, said Democratic state Sen. Kate Lieber, co-chair of a new joint legislative committee created to tackle addiction. We have got to do something to make sure that we have safer streets and that were saving lives.

Measure 110 directed the states cannabis tax revenue toward drug addiction treatment services while decriminalizing the possession of so-called personal use amounts of illicit drugs. Possession of under a gram of heroin, for example, is only subject to a ticket and a maximum fine of $100.

Those caught with small amounts of drugs can have the citation dismissed by calling a 24-hour hotline to complete an addiction screening within 45 days, but those who dont do a screening are not penalized for failing to pay the fine. In the first year after the law took effect in February 2021, only 1% of people who received citations for possession sought help via the hotline, state auditors found.

Critics of the law say that doesnt create an incentive to seek treatment.

Republican lawmakers have urged Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek to call a special session to address the issue before the Legislature reconvenes in February. They have proposed harsher sanctions for possession and other drug-related offenses, such as mandatory treatment and easing restrictions on placing people under the influence on holds in facilities such as hospitals if they pose a danger to themselves or others.

Treatment should be a requirement, not a suggestion, a group of Republican state representatives said in a letter to Kotek.

Law enforcement officials who testified before the new legislative committee on addiction have proposed re-establishing drug possession as a class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail or a $6,250 fine.

We dont believe a return to incarceration is the answer, but restoring a (class A) misdemeanor for possession with diversion opportunities is critically important, Jason Edmiston, chief of police in the small, rural city of Hermiston in northeast Oregon, told the committee.

However, data shows decades of criminalizing possession hasnt deterred people from using drugs. In 2022, nearly 25 million Americans, roughly 8% of the population, reported using illicit drugs other than marijuana in the previous year, according to the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Some lawmakers have suggested focusing on criminalizing public drug use rather than possession. Alex Kreit, assistant professor of law at Northern Kentucky University and director of its Center on Addiction Law and Policy, said such an approach could help curb visible drug use on city streets but wouldn't address what's largely seen as the root cause: homelessness.

There are states that don't have decriminalization that have these same difficult problems with public health and public order and just quality-of-life issues related to large-scale homeless populations in downtown areas," he said, mentioning California as an example.

Backers of Oregons approach say decriminalization isnt necessarily to blame, as many other states with stricter drug laws have also reported increases in fentanyl deaths.

But estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show, among the states reporting data, Oregon had the highest increase in synthetic opioid overdose fatalities when comparing 2019 and the 12-month period ending June 30, a 13-fold surge from 84 deaths to more than 1,100.

Among the next highest was neighboring Washington state, which saw its estimated synthetic opioid overdose deaths increase seven-fold when comparing those same time periods, CDC data shows.

Nationally, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl roughly doubled over that time span. Roughly two-thirds of all deadly overdoses in the U.S. in the 12 months ending June 30 involved synthetic opioids, federal data shows.

How access to naloxone medication like Narcanused to reverse opioid overdosesvaries in each state How access to naloxone medication like Narcanused to reverse opioid overdosesvaries in each state Naloxone access by state #1. Alabama #2. Alaska #4. Arkansas #6. Colorado #7. Connecticut #8. Delaware #9. Florida #10. Georgia #11. Hawaii #12. Idaho #13. Illinois #14. Indiana #16. Kansas #17. Kentucky #20. Maryland #22. Michigan #24. Mississippi #25. Missouri #26. Montana #27. Nebraska #28. Nevada #30. New Jersey #31. New Mexico #32. New York #33. North Carolina #34. North Dakota #35. Ohio #36. Oklahoma #37. Oregon #38. Pennsylvania #39. Rhode Island #40. South Carolina #41. South Dakota #42. Tennessee #44. Utah #45. Vermont #47. Washington #48. Washington DC #49. West Virginia #50. Wisconsin #51. Wyoming
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was set to begin Friday morning, Qatar said after a daylong delay extended the agony for those hoping for some relief from the deal, which is to bring the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The diplomatic breakthrough promised some relief for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

The cease-fire was originally set to begin Thursday morning, but it appeared to hit a snag the night before when Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced a one-day delay without providing a reason.

On Thursday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari announced the cease-fire will start at 7 a.m. local time Friday (5 a.m. GMT.)

He said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed Friday afternoon. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, al-Ansari said. The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence," he told reporters.

Israeli airstrikes continued Thursday. In the afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.

One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble.

It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead, he said, bursting into tears.

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since Nov. 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health system's collapse in the north.

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

The truce agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Air-raid sirens sounded across northern Israel on Thursday as Hezbollah said it fired 48 Katyusha rockets from southern Lebanon. The barrage came after an Israeli strike killed five Hezbollah fighters, including the son of the head of the groups parliamentary bloc.

The Israeli military said it was striking the sources of the launches. Israel and Hezbollah, which fought a monthlong war in 2006, have repeatedly traded fire across the border since the war in Gaza broke out.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

The Israeli military said combat operations would continue until it was ordered to hold fire, and chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said troops would remain in place during the truce. Israeli forces hold much of northern Gaza, where they say they have dismantled tunnels and much of Hamas infrastructure there.

The military said it has surrounded the Jabaliya refugee camp and called on any residents inside to evacuate Thursday. The military has said it is pursuing Hamas fighters in Jabaliya, a dense urban district adjacent to Gaza City that been heavily bombarded for weeks.

The military said Thursday it detained the director of Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmia, for questioning over his involvement in what it called extensive Hamas activities in the hospital. Gazas Health Ministry condemned Abu Selmias arrest and called on international bodies to intervene.

For Hamas, the cease-fire would provide an opportunity to regroup after weeks of apparently heavy losses. Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar, who is believed to be alive and in hiding in Gaza, is likely to claim the release of Palestinian prisoners as a major achievement and declare victory if the war ends.

Misinformation about Israel-Hamas war floods social media; here are the facts Claim: Black flag calls Muslims to action Claim: Kim Jong Un blames Biden for war Claim: Turkish president threatens to intervene Claim: Israel confirms it bombed hospital Claim: Qatars emir threatens to cut off worlds natural gas supply Claim: BBC reports Ukraine provided weapons to Hamas Claim: Video shows actor in fake blood for propaganda Claim: Hamas fighters storm sports field to attack Israelis Claim: Putin warns US to stay away from war
TWO HARBORS, Minn.  Perched high on rugged cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse dominates the shoreline. Visitors from across the country make the 113-year-old beacon one of the most-photographed lighthouses in the country.

The most spectacular view, many say, is from Pebble Beach, reachable only by a steep, winding forest trail that snakes its way to the rocky shore. The view is the reward for the effort it takes to reach the beach, but for visitors with mobility challenges, it could be inaccessible.

Ive lived here for 43 of my years and I did not know where all these photographers were getting those things, said Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and accessibility educator who lives in Two Harbors.

No longer. Since August, the park has provided an all-terrain chair with tanklike treads to people with disabilities, opening this vista to everyone. Its part of a multifaceted statewide push to expand access to the outdoors.

Minnesota is not alone.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to make outdoor recreation more accessible, said Mike Passo, executive director of American Trails, which supports the development of trails and greenways. Passo said other states including California, Michigan, Vermont and Wisconsin also have made significant strides.

In Minnesota, such efforts got a significant boost earlier this year when legislators funded the Department of Natural Resources $149.9 million Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative.

Major pieces include $34.5 million for more accessible recreational equipment and revitalized trails in parks and on public lands and $9.5 million to modernize facilities such as campgrounds and lodges, many of which date to the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration.

Udenberg was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 7 and began using a wheelchair at 8. Her access to the best beaches vanished. Although she supplemented her manual chair with a power unit, trails like those at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park were too steep.

It (her powered chair) would get down, but thered be no way of getting back, she said.

Minnesota, which has the nations second-oldest state park system, purchased track chairs for five state parks in 2022 and expanded the program to 13 parks, including Split Rock, this year. They span from the rugged northeastern shoreline, home to moose and wolves, to Blue Mounds on the states southwestern prairie, where the trails offer the chance to spot grazing bison.

At Split Rock, which attracts more than half a million visitors annually, officials tested the chair on the parks terrain, documenting routes that would fit the chairs range. Steep climbs drain the battery more than flat terrain, so park employees mapped out suggested routes to tackle in the 2,200-acre park. There is no charge to use the chair.

In the first 35 days of the program, the chair was reserved 22 days, said Ward Wallin, park supervisor at Split Rock.

People are using it, theyre posting on Facebook and other social media outlets, and I think pretty soon its going to be really, really packed, said Wallin, who added that park officials plan to test the chair for winter use.

The chairs range in cost from $14,000 to about $20,000, according to Adam Henning, marketing manager at Action Manufacturing, which manufactures the chairs used in Minnesota parks. Michigan (13 locations) and Georgia (10 locations) also were early adopters and have chairs in multiple locations, he said.

A lot of state parks have taken notice, he said.

Michigan has taken a different approach, primarily relying on private money to pay for track chairs in its state parks. The Department of Natural Resources website lists more than a dozen parks and recreation areas with a total of 18 chairs in place or coming soon. It also includes something the Minnesota site does not: a donation button.

Wisconsins Open the Outdoors program offers wide-ranging opportunities, from beach-capable chairs to cross-country sit skis, but the state is taking a measured approach to track chairs. User needs vary, said Nick Zouski, accessibility coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and a chair designed for an urban park might not work for a hunting area. Also, money is limited.

Iowa also has budget concerns and is exploring outside funding options for chairs, according to Sherry Arntzen, bureau chief for parks, forests and preserves with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In the meantime, the agency has made gains in providing modified kayak launching areas. A current priority is auditing and updating facilities, including historic structures nearly 100 years old, to improve their accessibility.

If theres things that were not providing that we should be, were identifying now so then we can put that plan together to make those additional modifications as needed, because just like other park systems, youve got a gamut on the age of some of your infrastructure, Arntzen said.

Some state parks also offer chairs that bring visitors onto beaches or even into the water. In several Massachusetts state parks, for example, visitors can use four-wheeled sunbathing chairs on the beach, or three-wheeled floating chairs in the ocean.

The track chair project drew Minnesotas major news outlets to state parks, putting a media spotlight on the states accessibility program. While advocates commended the commitment, the praise came with a caution.

There still is a lot of work to be done, said Erika Rivers, executive director of Wilderness Inquiry, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that promotes access to the outdoors for all. Rivers emphasized that investing in accessibility ultimately benefits everyone.

We are all temporarily able-bodied, she said.

13 outdoorsy wheelchair-accessible experiences in Colorado Garden of the Gods Seven Falls Mineral Belt Trail Rifle Falls Great Sand Dunes National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Park's National Sports Center for the Disabled Wilderness on Wheels Pikes Peak Highway Boulder Creek Path
LONDON  King Charles III honored the K-pop band Blackpink this week for their work in raising awareness about climate change, as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged closer cooperation between their two countries on technology and defense.

On the second day of Yoons three-day state visit to London, Charles made Blackpink members Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim and Lalisa Manoban honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire.

Bandmate Roseanne (Rose) Park also received an MBE, though hers came without the honorary qualifier because she has dual citizenship in New Zealand, one of the 14 countries where the U.K. monarch is head of state.

The honors were presented during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in recognition of Blackpinks role in promoting the work of the COP26 summit on climate change two years ago in Glasgow, Scotland. The awards are part of Britains honors system, which recognizes outstanding service to the nation and the wider world.

Charles had lauded the K-pop girl group on Tuesday during a state banquet in honor of Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee "for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience.

I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars, Charles said at the banquet.

The Korean president is being treated to royal and diplomatic pomp on the visit, which the U.K. government hopes will help cement an  Indo-Pacific tilt  in its foreign and trade policy.

Yoon met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the British leader's 10 Downing St. residence for talks focused on trade, technology and defense.

To coincide with the visit, U.K. and Korean officials launched talks on an upgraded free trade agreement to replace their current deal, which largely replicates the arrangements the U.K. had before it left the European Union.

The leaders also signed an agreement dubbed the Downing Street Accord pledging closer cooperation on defense and technology, including artificial intelligence. Britain hosted the first international AI Safety Summit this month, and South Korea intends to hold a follow-up event next year.

The two countries also agreed joint naval patrols to curb smuggling and to enforce U.N. sanctions imposed on North Korea to curb its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Your state visit underlies the deep partnership and friendship between our two countries and the signing of the Downing Street Accord today strengthens that friendship," Sunak told the Korean leader.

Yoon has not commented directly on North Korea's launch of a spy satellite on Tuesday. or its suspected failed missile test on Wednesday, both of which took place while he was in London.

In a speech to both houses of Britain's Parliament on Tuesday, Yoon said Britain and South Korea would work together on geopolitical risks like the war in Ukraine, the Israel and Hamas conflict, and the North Korean nuclear threats.

"Korea stands united with the United Kingdom and the international community to fight against illegal aggression and provocations," he said.
BLOOMINGTON  A 15-year-old boy was arrested this week on weapons charges after a report of shots fired on the city's west side, police said Friday.

The incident, which took place Wednesday, is the third reported shooting involving a juvenile in Bloomington this week. A 16-year-old boy was shot in each of the other incidents, one on Monday and one Thursday.

Bloomington police said Friday that there was no immediate indication that the events were related.

In a statement, police said the 15-year-old's arrest came after officers were dispatched at 6:19 p.m. Wednesday to the 900 block of West Front Street to investigate. They made contact with the boy, who matched the description of the suspect and was found to have concealed ammunition and an unserialized firearm, the statement said.

He was arrested on preliminary charges of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm ammunition.

No injuries were reported.

"I commend the officers on their quick response which led to the removal of a firearm from a juvenile's possession," Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said in a statement. "Gun violence has no place in our community and it is going to take a collaborative effort to put an end to it.

"Thank you to the callers who notified our emergency dispatchers of the incident in a timely manner."

Circumstances are still being investigated, police said. Anyone with information should contact Detective Weston Gresham at 309-434-2570 or wgresham@cityblm.org.

Earlier youth shootings

Police said Friday that the 16-year-old boy who was shot in the throat on Thanksgiving morning was still in critical condition.

The boy was airlifted to a hospital in Peoria and had been listed in critical condition. The shooting took place shortly before 11 a.m. in the 400 block of Valley View Circle, police previously said.

On Monday night, officers were dispatched shortly before 11:30 p.m. to the 900 block of Wright Street, where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said.

He was said to be recovering after first responders applied first aid and transported him to a local hospital.

How to help

Anyone with information about either of the Bloomington shootings that hospitalized two 16-year-old boys should contact Detective Jordan Downing at 309-434-2587 or Jdowning@cityblm.org.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit at 309-454-2963 or at CIAU@cityblm.org.

Text messages can also be sent to 847411 with the word BPDTIPS, a space, and the tip information.

The US surpasses 160 mass shootings in 2023. Here's every event mapped The US surpasses 100 mass shootings in 2023here's every event mapped Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space
BLOOMINGTON  Carole Hillard's memories of Black Friday shopping include trips to storied local retailers like Livingston's and Roland's that once drew thousands to downtown Bloomington each holiday season.

Her daughter, Vicki Gnagey, remembers when the family would wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to take advantage of post-Thanksgiving toy deals.

These days, Black Friday looks different for everyone. The rise of online retail and ever-earlier sales have fundamentally changed what was once celebrated as a single day of frenzied commerce to kick off the Christmas season.

Over the years, the holiday also changed for Hillard's family, who began to treat the experience as more of a social tradition. Four generations of her family continued the annual ritual this year, meeting at Von Maur on Friday with plans for a morning of shopping and lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.

"I'm glad that my kids have enjoyed it and they want to come, and my daughter-in-law came over from Champaign this morning so she could go with us," said Hillard, of LeRoy. "It's a thing in our family."

The 86-year-old matriarch also upheld a previous family tradition of wearing a Christmas sweater to the gathering.

Gnagey said neither of her children live in the area so although the Black Friday tradition is still fun, it doesn't feel the same if they're not there. However, Gnagey's daughter, Abby Bohall, and granddaughter, Miriam, came into town from Colorado to be with family over Thanksgiving.

"All the ladies like shopping," Gnagey said. "Of course, you couldn't get the men dragged here."

Alexandria Wolf, store manager at Von Maur, said the store just celebrated 34 years in the community and staff are very fortunate to have such an established reputation in the area.

The business' longevity combined with its offers of free shipping and gift wrapping for any occasion have benefitted Von Maur during the Black Friday weekend, she added.

"Just for us, the biggest (thing) is just we try and make it easy for people," Wolf said. "Like I said, they can come in and we'll ship everything for the, we'll wrap everything for them (and) it's a one stop shop especially being in a department store setting where we have a department for everybody."

The Shoppes at College Hills were not the only locations families visited to make Black Friday memories.

At Eastland Mall, one such group was easy to spot: Morgan Stout of Normal and six of her family members wore custom T-shirts that said "Family" and "Thankful for my Tribe."

Stout, of Normal, said her Black Friday memories go back to childhood, when the family shopped everywhere from Target to smaller, locally owned businesses. The tradition usually consisted of lunch or some visits to coffee shops.

"Then we eventually go over to my grandma's house; we'll show everybody all our gifts and what we bought," Stout said. "There's some things we didn't need, but it's always fun just to spend the money and hang out with your family."

But according Stout's mother, the whole experience was about making memories.

Many of Eastland Mall's vendors are in the midst of their Black Friday and holiday deals.

Tricia Hill, manager of Rudolph and Me, a pop-up shop connected with Extreme Wireless that sells ornaments customized by staff members, said it is good to see people coming to mall for these seasonal offerings.

"Finally, there's people here," Hill said.
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.

100 years ago

Nov. 24, 1923: A letter from Elizabeth Stevenson, who is visiting New York, tells of the Town Hall appearance of Bloomington's Lyell Barber. "All good Bloomingtonians would have swelled with pride last night had they stepped into the Town Hall to hear the shouts of 'bravo' and 'encore' to Lyell Barber, who accompanied Marguerite D'Al-varez, contralto.

75 years ago

Nov. 24, 1948: The Brokaw hospital medical staff has pledged to raise $100,000 from staff members for the hospital's building fund campaign. It designated that the funds were to be applied to the construction of the first floor of the new patient wing.

50 years ago

Nov. 24, 1973: You won't need a flashlight to find your way into stores at night for your Christmas shopping, but the energy crisis will be evident for the next four weeks. Reports from Downtown Merchants Association and the Eastland Association indicate merchants are taking steps to cut back on the outside Christmas lighting.

25 years ago

Nov. 24, 1998: Growers at the Illinois Commodity Conference in Springfield were excited about the prospect of a new diesel fuel that they say could ultimately cushion them from effects of low grain prices when exports slump. The fuel, which is being tested by Archer Daniels Mdiland Co. in Decatur, is made up of 80% diesel, 15% corn-based ethanol and 5% emulsifier.
MATTOON  Near the water of Lake Paradise, a local commercial painter has created a tribute to a father and son who both served on the high seas with the U.S. Navy.

Accent Pro Painting owner Brian Drake of Mattoon has painted a Quonset shed on the Taylor family farm in the Navy colors of blue and gold in honor of veterans Wallace Taylor and his son, Zach. He also has affixed two plaques detailing their service records to this structure, along with ship's bells.

Drake said he learned about the Navy history of these two men and got the idea for saluting them after being hired by Wallace Taylor's other son, Jason, to paint the house and the more than 107-year-old barn on his family's farm on the west side of Lake Paradise.

"Once I showed (Jason Taylor) the idea, he just let me run with it. I had to pay respect to the veterans," said Drake, who is a U.S. Army veteran and served in Operation Desert Storm. The painter added that he completed this as a surprise in time for Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

To complete the plaques, Drake quizzed Zach Taylor about the service records for him and his father during a phone call. Zach Taylor, who served in the Navy from 1983-2013 and retired as a captain, said he just thought Drake had a general interest in their service and did not realize what he had planned for the shed.

"I am glad. I didn't know he was doing that. That was a nice surprise," Zach Taylor said of first seeing the shed decked out in Navy colors.

The family's ties to the Navy began with Wallace Taylor serving from 1951-1954 and becoming a veteran of the Korean War. The ships he served on included the USS Endicott, a destroyer that was directly engaged in operations in Korea. He said the USS Endicott remains his favorite of the three ships on which he served.

"You fall in love with your first ship and the rest are just ships," Wallace Taylor said.

After being discharged from the Navy as a petty officer third class, Taylor earned a teaching degree from Illinois State University in Normal and then began his career in education. That career eventually led to him joining the English faculty at Lake Land College when this then new community college opened for classes in fall 1967.

Newly relocated to Mattoon, the English instructor purchased a farmhouse and accompanying land on the west side of Lake Paradise as a home for him and his family. Wallace Taylor said they had some history of farming within their family history, but it still took him a little while to "realize the significance" of the work involved with having a small farm of their own.

His two sons pitched in with helping on the farm. Zach Taylor said while his brother, Jason, was interested in working the farm while pursuing a career in law enforcement, he had his mind set on joining the Navy.

"I wanted to fly, so I picked the Navy," Zach Taylor said, adding that he achieved his goal by becoming a helicopter pilot.

Zach Taylor said his favorite ship on which he served was the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, which was his first ship. While serving on the Saratoga, he said his father and brother got to join him on a Tiger Cruise in the late 1980s for the crew's family members from Spain back to the United States.

Wallace Taylor, who retired from Lake Land in 1989, said he stayed connected with the Navy after Zach suggested that he become an instructor with the Navy's Program for Afloat College Education (PACE) continuing education initiative for sailors and Marines at sea. He said this work gave him the opportunity to travel the world, visiting destinations such as Australia and Bahrain.

Following his retirement from the Navy in 2013, Zach Taylor said he has been able to keep on flying as a commercial air pilot for Boeing Triple 777 airliners transporting service members.

"It was the best experience that ever happened to me," Zach Taylor of his Naval service and fulfilling his dream of flying. "I have been flying ever since."

Close Justin Hunt, at center, directors the Mattoon High School band during a Veterans Day performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Justin Hunt, at center, directors the Mattoon High School band during a Veterans Day performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. The Mattoon High School JROTC battalion marches during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Black Tiger Honor Guard member Larry Cowell, at right, presents a pair of boots representing a fallen military service member to fellow guard member John Hensley Jr. during the group's Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus ride on the back of a golf cart during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. Mattoon High School JROTC cadets Zoie Winnett, Jeffery Thomas, Cody Carpenter and Alex Whitaker change out a worn U.S. flag for a new one during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Riders dressed as U.S. Army calvary soldiers ride in the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. Members of the Mattoon High School marching band's color guard wave their flags during a performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Mattoon High School JROTC cadet Zoie Winnett presents a certificate to Bob Mathias as he and other veterans are honored during a ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Members of a Black Tiger Honor Guard march through the Mattoon Moose Lodge banquet room after placing flags in front of the stage during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon. The Mattoon Middle School band marches during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Members of the Mattoon American Legion and VFW lead the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Black Tiger Honor Guard members John Hensley Jr., at left, and Matt Kreeb honor fallen military service members during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Members of the Mattoon VFW Auxiliary and other community members observe the Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday at Peterson Park. Black Tiger Honor Guard member Larry Creviston of Springfield unfurls a Coast Guard flag with the help of Mattoon High School JROTC Cadet Zoie Winnett during a Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Transport Services owner Joh England drives a semitruck and tanker trailer decorated to celebrate U.S. military service members during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tom Burcham of Mattoon rides his custom-built, three-wheeled motorcycle during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. U.S. Army veteran Cheryl Shutt of Mattoon speaks during the Veterans Day ceremony that the Mattoon American Legion and VFW posts held Saturday morning at Peterson Park. Photos: Mattoon community commemorates Veterans Day 2023 The community marked Veterans Day 2023 on Saturday with a parade, ceremonies at Peterson Park and the Mattoon Moose Lodge, and performances by the Mattoon High School marching band. Justin Hunt, at center, directors the Mattoon High School band during a Veterans Day performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Justin Hunt, at center, directors the Mattoon High School band during a Veterans Day performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. The Mattoon High School JROTC battalion marches during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Black Tiger Honor Guard member Larry Cowell, at right, presents a pair of boots representing a fallen military service member to fellow guard member John Hensley Jr. during the group's Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus ride on the back of a golf cart during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. Mattoon High School JROTC cadets Zoie Winnett, Jeffery Thomas, Cody Carpenter and Alex Whitaker change out a worn U.S. flag for a new one during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Riders dressed as U.S. Army calvary soldiers ride in the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. Members of the Mattoon High School marching band's color guard wave their flags during a performance Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Mattoon High School JROTC cadet Zoie Winnett presents a certificate to Bob Mathias as he and other veterans are honored during a ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Members of a Black Tiger Honor Guard march through the Mattoon Moose Lodge banquet room after placing flags in front of the stage during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon. The Mattoon Middle School band marches during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Members of the Mattoon American Legion and VFW lead the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue. Black Tiger Honor Guard members John Hensley Jr., at left, and Matt Kreeb honor fallen military service members during a Veterans Day ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Members of the Mattoon VFW Auxiliary and other community members observe the Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday at Peterson Park. Black Tiger Honor Guard member Larry Creviston of Springfield unfurls a Coast Guard flag with the help of Mattoon High School JROTC Cadet Zoie Winnett during a Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday at the Mattoon Moose Lodge. Transport Services owner Joh England drives a semitruck and tanker trailer decorated to celebrate U.S. military service members during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tom Burcham of Mattoon rides his custom-built, three-wheeled motorcycle during the Veterans Day parade Saturday morning on Broadway Avenue in Mattoon. U.S. Army veteran Cheryl Shutt of Mattoon speaks during the Veterans Day ceremony that the Mattoon American Legion and VFW posts held Saturday morning at Peterson Park.
CHICAGO  With COVID-19 hospitalization back on the rise in Illinois, state public health officials are asking residents to double down on protecting themselves against seasonal illness.

Twenty Illinois counties are now at a medium level for hospitalization related to COVID-19, with a 17% increase in hospital COVID-19 cases since last week. Flu and RSV infections are also rising in hospitals, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

During the holiday season, staying healthy means washing hands often, keeping rooms ventilated and asking guests to cover coughs, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the release.

IDPH also asks residents to skip holiday gatherings if they have symptoms of respiratory infections, Vohra said. Residents can sign up online for four free COVID-19 tests, masks and other free personal protective equipment.

The department is also calling on health care centers to enforce masking policies this holiday season.

Omicron strains of COVID-19 are currently the most common, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The CDC also reports a nationwide rise in RSV, with low vaccine rates but high hospitalization rates among children and older adults.

The CDC operates a free COVID-19 vaccine program for people without insurance. Children and teens under 19 can receive other free vaccines if they are uninsured, or if they are Indigenous or Native Alaskan.

However, with current shortages of RSV vaccines for children, pregnant people should seek a vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks to pass along antibodies, according to IDPH.
As we started to see what failure lockdowns and remote learning did to our kids, I predicted that as soon as there was a slight turn around, the DEI departments would stand up and cheer that  equity works! My prediction was correct.

In the Nov. 15 Unit 5 Board meeting DEI Director Kristal Shelvin takes credit  the greatest amounts of (academic) growth was from the groups that started lower.

Is DEI responsible for that or could it be that when kids must show up for class, they all get better grades? And groups that start lower have greater opportunity to step up.

She said  by disaggregating subgroups the district notices trends

Equity is all about dividing students into collective identity groups. Somehow that magically makes things better. Dont ask for specifics though, she doesnt have any that are outside of what is normally done in education.

DEI after all is badly in need of justification. The board and administration desperately want DEI to succeed because they are up to their necks investing in equity too.

By the way, how much does DEI add to Unit 5s operating costs? Anyone?

The board members are on board. Kelly Pyle says  This really helps give us a roadmap.

Yes, the roadmap is - never lock down schools again!

According to Stan Gozur  The growth were seeing (in academic achievement) just didnt happen. I would say it did just happen. It just happens naturally when kids go to school instead of staying at home in front of a computer.

Dont use shutdown recovery to justify spending more money on an unproven hoax called identity equity. Dont use shutdown recovery to take more radical next steps in the equity ideology. Dont confuse shutdown recovery with success.

David Heisner, Bloomington
Atik Mohammed has condemned the absence of the Ministers of Finance in Parliament during the crucial 2024 budget debate.



The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is currently overseas on an assignment and it was expected of his deputies to appear before the august House to discuss the budget.



NDC Member of Parliament for Tamale South and former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu on the floor of the House, expressed deep concerns about the failure of the Minister nor his deputies to aid the debate.



Mr. Speaker, I note that you announced at the commencement of public business, you want us to commence on the budget today. Mr. Speaker, as I look, I have not seen the Minister of Finance. The Ministry of Finance has another Minister of State and probably two other deputy Ministers. Mr. Speaker, budget oversight is our most important oversight function as Parliament and budget oversight means a lot for the Ghanaian people, he said.



The former PNC General Secretary, Atik Mohammed questioned why the Ministers refused to go to Parliament since its an opportunity for them to break the budget down to the understanding of Ghanaians.



Its not right and it tells you how, you know our leaders, they need to up their game, he blasted them during Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show.



He described the budget as the most important document in the life of any government, explaining that he expected the deputy Ministers to be in Parliament in the stead of the Finance Minister who is on an international assignment.



It is the most important document in the life of any government because it shows how much money to get and how to expend itBudget is just an estimate of your expected revenue; I mean an estimate of your revenue and your expenditure, he stated.



He advised the Ministers to take their job seriously knowing their responsibility to Ghanaians.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) - Ghana on Friday, 24th November, 2023 conferred an honorary fellowship on Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.



At a brief ceremony at the GNAT Hall, the conferment according to President of the institute, Dr. Edward Kwapong, was in recognition of the sterling leadership of the Minister during his time as Minister for Education, helping the institute attain its charter status in 2020 through the passage of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana Bill.

The bill was assented to by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on August 13, 2020, hence the coming into force of the CIHRM Act, Act 1020.



Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh was a phenomenal leader who showed a sense of responsibility at all times. He was articulate, firm and showed leadership when it mattered most. The CIHRM is so proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and is proud to confer this fellowship on him, Dr. Kwapong remarked.



He continued; I wouldnt do justice to the organizers of this event, if I fail to say a few words about the Honourable Minister in whose honour this event has been organized, having worked to him through the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations for a period and having observed his achievements and exploits in the two ministries over the past few years.



If I was asked to describe him in one sentence, I would say that he is a man with a colossus of a brain. A true Matthew with a good memory and who pays attention to detail. A gift of God or a gift of Yaweh, according to Hebrew mythology



On his part, Dr. Matthew Opoku expressed appreciation to the almighty God who, to him, has been his source of strength as a public official.

He said he was humbled by the conferment as it encourages him to do more as a public official and also recounted his experiences as Minister for Energy



I am really honoured to be here today and appreciate this conferment. I am really grateful, he said.



Dr. Prempeh has been touted as the most decorated Minister of the Akufo-Addo Administration having been honoured by the University of Education, UPSA and the University of Cape Coast all in recognition of his outstanding leadership as Minister for Education.

He was recently named by the EDMAT Foundation as the most dynamic Minister of the Nana Addo government.





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
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A few members of the Zoomarine Italia penguin colony. Unique ventral dot patterns are visible on each penguin's chest. Photo: Cristina Pilenga. Credit: Animal Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.10.005

A team of psychologists and animal behaviorists from the University of Turin, the University of Oulu, and Zoomarine Italia, Torvaianica-Pomezia, has found evidence indicating that the unique assortment of black dots that decorate the mostly all-white fronts of African penguins may serve as a means for allowing the penguins to tell one another apart.

In their paper published in the journal Animal Behavior, the group describes a simple experiment they conducted with a colony of African penguins living at a marine park.

African penguins, as their name suggests, are a species of penguin that live on the shores of southern Africa. They are known to be especially social with one another, leading scientists to study their behavior as a possible precursor to more advanced behaviors such as those that are seen in primates.

One such study, for example, found that they are capable of vocal accommodation, where members of a group learn to speak more like others of their kind, with a different dialect, when exposed to them.

In this new study, the researchers have found evidence that suggests the unique patterns of black dots on their otherwise white fronts allow the penguins to recognize one another.

As a rule, penguins tend to look a lot alikea rule that applies to African penguins as well. Thus, scientists have wondered how they tell one another apart. In this new effort, the research team heard that workers at Zoomarine Italia, a marine park in Italy, are able to keep track of which penguin is which by memorizing the arrangement of black dots on their fronts. Intrigued, the researchers wondered if that is how the penguins do it too.

To find out, they set up a very simple experiment. It involved building a small enclosure with plywood walls, just tall enough to prevent a penguin from seeing over. They then placed cameras on either end of the enclosure and life-size pictures of two penguins on one far wall. They then enticed a single penguin into entering the enclosure. One of the pictures that had been hung was the mate of the one that had been allowed in.

The researchers recorded the behavior of the penguin as it peered at one picture, then the other back and forth. Next, they repeated the same exercise but this time, both of the pictures were of the test penguin's matebut one had its dots digitally removed. The exercise was then repeated once more, this time where one picture was of the mate, and the other picture was of another penguin that was not the mateboth with dots removed.

After running the experiment with multiple penguins, the researchers studied the video. In so doing, they found that the test penguin stared more at its mate in the first exercise and at the image of its mate with the dots in the second. But on the third exercise, it stared equally at both pictures, apparently unable to tell which was its mate.

 2023 Science X Network
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Are the CEOs of the world right in predicting that workers will be back in the office full-time by 2026? Not according to UNSW Sydney researcher Iva Durakovic.

In October KPMG released a report stating that 64 percent of global CEOs predict a complete return to in-office working by 2026. The CEOs cited linking raises and promotions with office attendance in their desire to return to "business as usual."

"Business leaders who think this way are really misunderstanding what being at work means for today's workers," says Iva Durakovic, researcher in workplace design, whose recent papers "Supporting Social-Capital in an Omni-Channel Workforce" and "Togetherness and (work)Place" have looked at effective hybrid working spaces and tools, and at the significance of a workplace in establishing belonging and a professional identity.

"Long before the COVID-19 lockdowns proved that there was a lot of work that could be done effectively without being in an office, workers were seeking autonomy over how, where and when they worked," says Durakovic.

"WFH during lockdowns only amplified this, so the persistent demand of employees for more flexibility really should not be a surprise.

"Technology has enabled this flexibility, and for many professions there are tools and resources to connect effectively to work without physically being present."

The "Togetherness and (work)place" research paper reported "technology, human connection, and flexibility of choosing where to work as the top enablers of productivity in 2020." This trend continued post the pandemic with an "ever-increasing importance placed on flexibility, choice, and connection."

Why the call to come back to work?

"The question then becomes, 'Why are you forcing your people to be together?,'" says Durakovic. "If the team comes together and they're engaged and actively reaping the benefits of face-to-face interaction, then it makes sense that people are in the office. But simply doing what can be done elsewhere, doesn't make sense," says Durakovic.

In mandating people back, organizations are not only risking an erosion of trust that the pandemic years and extended remote working have built but so much more in their culture. Trust underpins everything, our sense of autonomy, value to our teams, sense of cohesion, community and not to mention motivation and well-being.

"It comes down to flipping the question: it's not about where and when we're going to be working. It's about how we're doing the tasks that we need to do and then thinking about where that happens and when that happens."

Durakovic's research has captured similar sentiments to those commonly reported about the reaction of people when companies mandate a return to the office. There is a reluctance to return, to give up benefits like fewer hours and dollars spent commuting, easier access to childcare (rarely found in CBDs), more time with family when people are able to organize their work hours and location flexibly, increased time opportunities for exercise, not to mention the ability to perform more focused work and well-being benefits of being able to more effectively manage the juggles of life and work.

"It's interesting," says Durakovic, "that the CEOs surveyed have an impression that people will be more effective if they are in the office. They might turn up, but it's certainly not going to do wonders for your culture or your turnover rates. Forcing presenteeism on people is not going to have a positive outcome for anyone. Not for them, and not for the business."

Drivers of change

What workers want from their workplace is changing and companies need to embrace that rather than try to recreate what has worked in the past. "There has been a move away from workers being attracted to companies that offer super-experiences, think amazing work campuses with free food and other perks, and incentives, towards looking for values alignment and engagement. People are looking for purposefulness and meaning in their work, and to work for companies that take their social responsibilities seriously," says Durakovic.

In fact, says Durakovic, "some companies are revamping their office spaces to make them more appealing to their workforce, but they're still finding people are not coming back as often as they'd hoped, which points to other factors organizations may not be addressing. One is an understanding of their employees' different demographics and drivers of preference for remote work, the other is culture and an honest review of the physical environments too."

But, that's not to say that place is not important. "We, as humans, have a natural disposition towards attachment and belonging which ultimately fuels our intrinsic motivations. In the workplace, these experiences manifest through mechanisms of person-environment fit; that is, our sense of comfort in the environment (physical and cultural) and feelings of being needed, important to other people, valued and aligned," explains Durakovic.

"It could be that some companies are trying to make sense of their real-estate investments by seeking to mandate a return to their offices. But this will not solve the corporate real estate crisis, nor meaningfully re-activate CBDs," says Durakovic.

"There is a huge opportunity, if not responsibility, to start to dramatically re-think building assets and diversify. Research is showing that the cities least hit by economic downturn and emptying of urban cores were those that had a more balanced mix of retail, office, residential and other amenities. Not to mention the potential positive environmental impact that ideas of the 15-minute city and benefits of technology could offer."

What works for workers

For the Supporting Social-Capital in an Omni-Channel Workforce study, Durakovic conducted a series of observations, interviews and measurements capturing real time data on the physical, operational and behavioral aspects of Mirvac's Adaptive Workplace Pilot.

The research sought to understand the types of spaces and tools most effective in supporting seamless hybrid work, and their impact on emotive dimensions of social capital (e.g., sense of belonging, community, attachment to the workplace). Located in their Sydney CBD office, Mirvac and their design partners created an experimental work floor through which cohorts of teams from different business units rotated over a period of six months.

From a physical perspective, the findingsalso reported by Mirvac in The Adaptive Workplace: Insight Reporthighlighted that responsive and dynamic environments were the most effective for hybrid teams. The design allowed for various levels of "hackability" (i.e., user adjustability of spatial configuration) throughout different zones across the floor.

There was a preference for areas whole teams could occupy with minimal equipment (i.e., desk monitors) on a central "team table" which acted both as an anchor in the space, but also enabled good visibility across the area for impromptu interactions.

These centralized group tables were supplemented with individual mobile desks enabling configurations that could be adapted to suit the size of the team, their preferences and the type of project task. Good zoningcreating different spaces for different types of workproved critical in allowing competing activities to take place without noise levels problems.

Interestingly the clarity of work purpose in the physical environment and dedicated space for the team created deeper purposeful connection and belonging.

"The future of work will continue to include hybrid work, because that's what workers want, and it's also what works for companies," says Durakovic. "Hybrid working is a skill that our research suggests we improve over time.

Global research is also finding hybrid WFH increases average productivity by 5%, and the trend is increasing as companies and employees get better at it. It allows for diverse teams, which boost innovation, because it means people who were previously excluded from in-office only work paradigms can re-engage. This includes people with caring responsibilities, disability, neurodiversity or those who live in remote locations."

It will also mean that our cities evolve, adapt, and engage with communities to create more meaningful places adding social value and hopefully becoming more sustainable and livable as they do.
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Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels

A new report has highlighted how a decline in local and community media is producing a growing trend of "media deserts" across Europe that is undermining local democracy and inclusivity.

For centuries local news has played a key political role in safeguarding local democracy through their reporting and holding local politicians and authorities to account. They have also been instrumental to a region's social and cultural development, disseminating information that helps to foster community cohesion, build local identity, and even preserve local history. But local and community media are now experiencing a series of challenges that threaten their existence.

In her report, "Local and Community Media in Europe," Agnes Gulyas, Professor in Media and Communications at Canterbury Christ Church University, has identified the key issues facing local and community media in Europe, and offers policymakers recommendations to help support the industry.

Professor Gulyas said, "Local and community media have essential roles in a functioning democracy and in fostering inclusive communities. Over the past two decades, however, these sectors have encountered significant challenges due to digital transformation and economic downturns that have hindered their capacity to fulfill their political and social functions.

"One of the implications of the declining legacy local news media sector is the emergence of local news deserts as a result of the closures of local news outlets and/or declining local content. This has the potential to cause sever disruption to our local democracies and cohesion of communities."

Of the issues facing regional media, the main cause for concern was financial sustainability. Local and community media are more vulnerable financially, especially during economic downturns, such as the 2018 financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the advent of the digital-era and reduction in reliance on print has seen two key areas of income decline dramatically over the last 20 years for the industry: print sales and advertising.

Print circulation has plummeted and advertising has shifted to online platforms. Although online audience figures have grown for local news outlets, the majority of readers are not prepared to pay for access to the news online.

There are also concerns about working conditions for local journalists. Although similar to those of national journalists, including job insecurity and work pressures, evidence shows that across the EU local journalists often face more precarious conditions and increased risks to their safety and well-being.

Recommendations made by the report for local and regional authorities include:

Initiatives to gather comprehensive data about local and community media that will provide a foundation for evidence-based policy-making and a better understanding of the subnational media landscape.

Subsidy and support systems.

Enhancing political independence and diversity of media outlets.

Establish a comprehensive legislative framework and support system to empower community and non-profit local media organizations.

Improved working conditions for local journalists.

Address the issue of local news deserts.

A second report, which Professor Gulyas contributed to, was presented at the 45th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities last month. This report, "Local and regional media: watchdogs of democracy, guardians of community cohesion," looks at the similar issues of declining local and community media across different countries in Europe.

In its adopted Resolution, the Congress encouraged local and regional authorities to take action to support regional media and called on governments of EU States to develop media policies taking into account the information needs of local communities, with particular attention to rural and disadvantaged communities which are at increased risk of becoming local media deserts.

Furthermore, the Congress committed to supporting the Council of Europe's campaign on the Safety of Journalists "Journalists Matter" and asked member States to consider local and regional media in their campaign activities.

More information: Report: Local and Community Media in Europe
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Model of enhancer priming through cell fate transitions. Credit: Life Science Alliance (2023). DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302363

University of Birmingham researchers are working to understand how cells are prompted to develop into different cell types, vital for performing different functions within the body. In this study published in Life Science Alliance, researchers were looking at the differentiation of early cell types, known as embryonic stem cells, into blood.

This study builds on work from a previous Nature Communications publication earlier this year, where the team led by Professor Constanze Bonifer and Professor Jean Baptiste Cazier, developed a new test that functionally identifies all regions in the genome that are responsible for activating genes during the early stages of blood cell development, called enhancers.

More recently, they have studied the activity of these DNA elements in detail and found that many of them are already activated way before the start of gene expression, a process called "chromatin priming." Chromatin is a mixture of DNA and proteins, where the proteins are responsible for packaging the DNA into a unit capable of fitting inside a cell nucleus. Chromatin can be referred to as either "open" or "closed."

This recent study has identified regulatory elements that exist in open chromatin before the onset of expression of their linked gene. Essentially, at each step of development, the next step is already being anticipated.

"Chromatin priming and the precise timing of the activation of enhancer elements driving gene expression at the right time and in the right cell type is at the very heart of all coordinated, synchronized cell differentiation processes that create fully developed multicellular organisms," says Bonifer.

The study used gene editing to take out one of these priming elements and showed that they play a very early role in the instruction booklet for cell development. Without them the process stalls before it starts. Moreover, they also found that outside signals can program the activity of priming elements, thus setting specific developmental pathways in motion.

Professor Jean-Baptiste Cazier, from the Institute of Cancer and Genomics, the University of Birmingham said, "Our priming element resource adds an additional dimension to our ability to interrogate the fine details of hematopoietic specification from embryonic stem cells and model blood cell development in vitro and in silico."

Cell development is a complex process with many steps and scientists have been working to understand the details of these processes for many years. Understanding how these complex processes work will give us a better understanding of when things go wrong, the knock-on effect that can cause, and may even shed light on how to target treatments at these malfunctioning processes to alleviate disease.

More information: Alexander Maytum et al, Chromatin priming elements direct tissue-specific gene activity before hematopoietic specification, Life Science Alliance (2023). DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302363 B. Edginton-White et al, A genome-wide relay of signalling-responsive enhancers drives hematopoietic specification, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35910-9 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The hot-fire test at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana 'simulated a complete launch sequence'

The European Space Agency's Ariane 6 rocket has successfully completed a dress rehearsal, test-firing its engine in preparation for a maiden voyage scheduled for 2024.

The final results of Thursday's ignition test, which involved firing up the Vulcain 2.1 engine and running it for more than seven minutes, will not be released until November 30, pending a full analysis.

But manufacturer ArianeGroup already called the rehearsal "successfully completed".

The hot-fire test at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana "simulated a complete launch sequence and thus validated the entire flight phase of Ariane 6's core stage," it said in a statement.

ArianeGroup CEO Martin Sion praised the team for the "real industrial feat", but added that "a few additional tests", notably fault tolerance, were needed before the rocket was ready for launch.

Pier Domenico Resta, head of engineering for the Ariane launch system, told AFP that the "fundamental question will be determining whether we need to repeat the test".

The launch at around 5:30 pm Kourou-time (2030 GMT) on Thursday was a few minutes behind schedule due to a "slight" anomaly which was fixed by the teams at the site, the ESA said.

The test had initially been planned for October 3, but was postponed due to a problem with the hydraulics in the thrust vector control system of the main engine.

Ariane 6's first launch had initially been planned for 2020, but was delayed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and technical problems.

The rocket's workhorse predecessor, the Ariane 5, blasted off for the last time in July after 27 years of launches.

With the smaller Vega C grounded following a launch failure in December and Russia withdrawing space cooperation in response to sanctions over Moscow's war in Ukraine, the ESA has been left without an independent way to blast missions into space until it can get the Ariane 6 ready.

The launcher market, meanwhile, has been increasingly dominated by billionaire Elon Musk's US firm SpaceX.

"This test is a key milestone that comes after years of design, planning, preparation, construction and hard work by some of Europe's very best space engineers," said Josef Aschbacher, director general of the ESA.

"We are back on track to re-establish Europe's autonomous access to space."

 2023 AFP
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The tidal wetland-dykeland landscape of the iconic Bay of Fundy, as seen from Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Credit: Elson Ian Nyl Galang

The tidal wetlands and dykelands of the inner Bay of Fundy are recognized as critical ecosystems in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as they provide essential benefits to both human and non-human communities.

These ecosystems are habitats for biodiversity; protect, businesses and residences from coastal flooding; and, have cultural values for Indigenous communities and Acadian heritage among many others. However, they are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, making their management more complex and uncertain in the future.

A new report by NSERC ResNet, a Canadian project that studies ways to better manage these ecosystems for sustainability and resilience, explored how the tidal wetland-dykeland ecosystems could unfold by 2072.

The report is a synthesis of a visioning workshop that was held from Nov. 1 to 2 by NSERC ResNet, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University and McGill University. The workshop brought together 18 key decision-makers in research, government and civil societies in Nova Scotia who are doing projects on these ecosystems.

The report provides four "storylines" or alternate environmental futures for these ecosystems in a 50-year timeline if reactive or proactive climate actions are taken, while also looking at what kind of values are prioritized in decision-making. These storylines explored not only the future ecological implications, but also tightly linked social, cultural and policy aspects:

Eternal Optimists: A future where long-term benefits are ensured for all interest groups and future generations in the ecosystems through cross-organizational collaborations for nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change

Dykelands of Bay Street: A future where entrepreneurs and the private sector drive credit-based innovations and financial mechanisms, such as carbon credits, for nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change

No One Left Behind but the Kids: A future where equitable access tobenefits from the ecosystems for all interest groups becomes the policy priority, but is only sustainable for the short term due to lack of collaboration for climate change adaptation

At least the Fish are Happy: A future where corporate or large-industry interests and demands of the benefits from the ecosystems drive how the ecosystems are used, causing eventual declines of the ecosystems' ecological conditions and plausibly abandonment of lands along the Bay of Fundy

A list of all research outputs by the group can be found on NSERC ResNet's website.

Through the report and these studies, Dalhousie University's researchers hope to contribute knowledge and develop lasting partnerships for a more sustainable and resilient future of the tidal wetlands and dykelands of the Bay of Fundy.

More information: Envisioning environmental futures for the tidal wetlands and dykelands of the Bay of Fundy. Workshop report. NSERC ResNet. escholarship.mcgill.ca/concern  /n009w7676?locale=en
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Researchers Jonathan Moore (Simon Fraser University) and Mark Connor (Taku River Tlingit First Nation Fisheries) on the banks of the Tulsequah River, a location of emerging salmon habitat and mining claims, BC, Canada. Credit: Chris Sergeant

A study led by Simon Fraser University researchers finds that mining companies are staking claims on future salmon habitats as glaciers retreat.

In the ice-covered transboundary region shared by northern B.C. and Alaska, glacier retreat is creating thousands of kilometers of new rivers that salmon are finding. These emerging rivers represent future habitats for salmon but mining companies are also looking to these areas for the next gold mine.

A new study published in Science maps out these emerging land use conflicts and identifies policy blind spots as well as key opportunities for the stewardship of these nascent habitats.

The paper discovered that of the 114 subwatersheds in the transboundary region with future salmon habitat, 25 had more than 50% of future salmon habitat near a mining claim. In addition, more than half of future salmon habitat in Canada has either medium or high mineral potential, an indicator of future potential mining pressure.

The paper was a collaboration among researchers from SFU, Gitanyow First Nation Hereditary Chiefs, the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station, and Taku River Tlingit First Nation.

"Climate change and other human activities are harming salmon populations in much of their range. Yet in some locations of northern B.C. and Alaska, glacier retreat is creating hotspots of opportunity for salmon, but also of mining pressure. This is an emerging environmental issue," says SFU professor Jonathan Moore, the study's lead author and head of the Salmon Watersheds Lab.

This study builds on previous work by Moore and Kara Pitman, a research scientist at SFU. "Previously, we mapped where and when future salmon habitat would be created with glacier retreat. This builds on that work, and is the first time that we have assessed where mining claims or mineral potential overlap with future salmon habitats," says Pitman.

B.C. mining policy in reform

The Mineral Tenure Act is the B.C. policy that allows mining companies to stake claims on lands with minimal government oversight and without consultation with First Nations. The B.C. Supreme Court recently ruled that the Mineral Tenure Act violated the duty to consult with First Nations rightsholders, and ordered the Province to modernize the Act in the next year and a half.

An abandoned mine on the banks of the Tulsequah River, BC, Canada. Credit: Chris Miller

"These changes can't come soon enough," says Tara Marsden, with Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, a study co-author. "The Mineral Tenure Act not only violates Indigenous rights but also undermines stewardship of ecosystems for future generations."

Environmental policies for climate resilience

The paper also illuminates a broad global challengeas climate change is rapidly transforming the world, environmental policies may struggle to keep pace. For example, risk assessments and habitat protections by current environmental laws generally focus on the current values of ecosystems, but not their future values.

"Climate change is transforming ecosystems around the world," says Moore. "Even as there is urgent need to take global action on climate change, this paper also reveals the need to look carefully at environmental laws and make sure that they not only protect habitats of today, but also the habitats of tomorrow."

Indigenous-led stewardship of changing watersheds

The region is also at the forefront for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Different First Nations are advancing Indigenous Protected Areas and land-use plans that are forward-looking, incorporating climate change and holistic perspectives into environmental stewardship.

Marsden noted, "Our Ayookxw, our Gitanyow laws, speak to our obligations to future generations. We are seeing changes in our Lax'yip, our territories, and we are taking action to protect our ecosystems even as they change. Our policies consider climate change, and our new Indigenous Protected Area is in response to salmon finding new habitats as glaciers retreat."

The paper speaks to the broad opportunity for proactive conservation that advances Indigenous rights.

"With our land-use plans and protections, we are not saying no to industry everywhere, we are saying let's do this is a good way," says Marsden. "This is a globally relevant opportunity to get a lot rightIndigenous rights, meaningful protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, and climate resilience."

More information: Jonathan W. Moore et al, Mining stakes claim on salmon futures as glaciers retreat, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adj4911 Journal information: Science
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Unusually heavy rains have slammed cocoa output in Ivory Coast, the world's top global producer.

"Thirty years I've been in cocoaand this is the worst season yet," said Siaka Sylla as he contemplated an almost empty warehouse at his cooperative in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer of the bean.

Following exceptionally heavy rain, this year's overall harvest of cocoa, used to manufacture chocolate, is set to be very low. The crop is harvested twice annuallyOctober to March for the main crop and a May to August mid-crop.

On a hot November morning, a squad of trucks arrived from the plantations to drop off a few dozen bags of beans at the Scappen cooperative in the village of Hermankono, near the central southern town of Divo, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the economic capital Abidjan.

"It's rained too much this year. Usually at this time, trucks are queueing up to unload. Here, we have barely 200 bags whereas we could stock 10 times as many," complained Sylla, chairman of the cooperative grouping some 1,500 planters.

He expects harvest volume to drop some three to four times on last year's.

A look in the fields nearby suggests that fear is well-founded. And Analysts confirm as much.

"Traders are worried about another short production year and these feelings have been enhanced by El Nino that could threaten West Africa crops with hot and dry weather later this year," said Jack Scoville of Price Futures Group.

The analyst warned of "tight supplies" amid "more reports of reduced arrivals in Ivory Coast and Ghana," the number two global producer.

The rains are set to see harvest volume come in some three to four times down on last year.

By a dirt track which only motorbikes could thread their way along, Bamoussa Coulibaly collected a few rare yellow-red pods from the many cocoa trees.

July was a particularly rainy month in Ivory Coast's south, just as the cocoa plants were flowering. As a result, "the flowers fell," the farm worker said as he explained his meager harvest.

Of those cocoa pods which resisted, some rotted anyway in the excessive humidity.

Rainfall soars

Some areas have seen rainfall this year between 20 and even 40 percent above the 1991-2020 norm, according to data from national meteorological service Sodexam.

To blossom fully, cocoa needs a subtle alternation between sunshine and rain.

A few kilometers from Hermankono, in the bush near N'Douci, Monique Koffi Amenan waded through a marshy field resulting from weeks of rainfall which caused the neighboring river to burst its banks.

"This year, what we've harvested won't even fill one bag, instead of the usual two. The rain has rotted the cocoa," explained the planter in her 40s who has spent a decade working the area with her husband.

"We'd forecast a 20 percent drop on last year and our forecasts are confirmed. With the heavy rains, many pods have rotted," Yves Brahima Kone, who heads Ivorian regulator the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC), told AFP.

Workers pile sacks of cocoa beans at the warehouse of Hermankono cooperative.

Prices soar too

With a 40 percent share of global supply, Ivory Coast is the world's top producer ahead of neighboring Ghana, whose production has recently suffered from cocoa swollen shoot virus disease, as well as illegal mining on some cocoa farms.

Anticipating a poor crop, Ivory Coast suspended export contractssome two-thirds of produce usually goes to the EU blocback in July.

As a result of that move, cocoa prices have soared on commodity markets beyond $4,000 a ton in New York, a level not seen in more than four decades, since 1978.

It was a similar story in London, with a ton fetching 3,478 on November 10, a post-1989 record and up 70 percent on January.

The situation threatens to remain critical with the resurgence of the El Nino climate phenomenon threatening western Africa.

"This is proof that climate change is hitting developing countries hardest," said Ivorian economist Seraphin Prao.

Even ahead of expected further El Nino woe next year, producers are already fretting over their short-term financial health.

The World Bank says the commodity provides income for around one in five Ivorians.

In Ivory Coast, the government sets cocoa prices. At 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram (1.50 euros, $1.70) it is higher this year than in recent seasons, but low volumes will eat into many producer families' revenues.

Cocoa provides a wage for around one in five Ivorianssome six million peopleaccording to the World Bank.

"My children are school agebut if cocoa doesn't deliver, how shall we manage?" Amenan worried.

"In a liberalized system, farmers would be winners in the current context, as cocoa (prices) reach record levels. In Cameroon, for example, where the price is not set by the state, a kilo of cocoa sells for twice as much," said economist Prao.

Back at the Hermankono cooperative, Siaka Sylla is pinning his hopes on a better intermediate harvest next April.

"But that won't make up for our losses," he said.

 2023 AFP
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Bleaching card scores from CoralWatch coral health chart for each species. (A) Proportion of M. elongata colonies in each bleaching state. (B) Proportion of M. atlantica colonies in each bleaching state. (C) Bleached (left) and recovering (right) P. dichotoma with arrows indicating bleaching card score; colony heights, ~30 cm. (D) Proportion of P. dichotoma colonies in each bleaching state. Colony color was matched to a CoralWatch coral health chart with lighter colors indicating increased bleaching from white (totally bleached) to dark brown (not bleached). Credit: Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6788

Scleractinian corals, or hard corals, have been disappearing globally over the past four decades, a result of climate change, pollution, unsustainable coastal development and overfishing. However, some Caribbean octocorals, or soft corals, are not meeting the same fate.

During a two-year survey of soft corals in the Florida Keys, Mary Alice Coffroth, professor emerita of geology at the University at Buffalo, along with a small team of UB researchers, identified three species of octocorals that have survived heat waves. While the coral animal itself may be heat tolerant, Coffroth said that her team concluded that the symbiotic algae inside the coral serve as a protector of sorts.

"The resistance and resilience of Caribbean octocorals offers clues for the future of coral reefs," Coffroth said.

A recent paper outlining their research, "What makes a winner? Symbiont and host dynamics determine Caribbean octocoral resilience to bleaching," was published on Nov. 22 in Science Advances.

Coffroth is the lead author on the study she conducted between 2015 and 2017 with graduate student Louis Buccella, undergraduates Katherine Eaton and Alyssa Gooding and technician Harleena Franklin. Howard Lasker, professor emeritus in the departments of Environment and Sustainability and Geology, also contributed to the study.

Algae helps corals survive heat waves

Both hard and soft coral depend on a nutritional symbiosis with single-celled algae living within their tissues. Warmer waters can cause the symbiosis to break down, resulting in a loss of the algal symbionts, which turns the corals white, a phenomenon known as bleaching.

"Bleaching can lead to coral death," said Coffroth, who has studied coral reefs in the Florida Keys since 1998, including a more recent study in 202021. "It's unclear if the algae leave or are ejected from the coral.

"In this study, we examined possible mechanisms that contribute to the heightened resistance and resilience of three octocoral species in the face of the recurring marine heat waves leading to bleaching events," Coffroth said, noting that this is the first study that follows both symbiont genetic makeup and density in Caribbean octocorals before, during and after a major heat wave.

By and large, Caribbean octocorals harbor symbionts within the genus Breviolum, she said. And this symbiont is helping to make the octocoral better able to handle the rising heat.

"The Breviolum densities declined during the heat waves but recovered quickly," she explained. "Octocoral mortality was low compared to their scleractinian relatives."

2014 El Nino prompted research

When Coffroth saw bleached corals during the 2014 El Nino and knew that a similar event was predicted for the following summer, she applied for a Rapid Response Research (RAPID) grant from the National Science Foundation. She was awarded $56,305 and with her master's student, Buccella, conducted the study in the Keys, following the fate of the octocorals and their symbionts for 28 months.

She and other members of the team made trips to the Keys Marine Lab at the Florida Institute of Oceanography to study the octocorals in the spring and fall of 2015 and 2016 and spring and summer of 2017, recording coral coloration and taking samples to study density of the symbionts and their genetic identity.

"We knew it was critical to follow individual colonies across an event with long-term monitoring of both host and symbiont responses," she said, "and to examine the response at least at the level of symbiont species, if not the genotype, to identify potentially resilient species."

Climate change moving faster than coral evolution

Although the study began almost a decade ago, Coffroth said the findings are extremely relevant because they mirror what is happening right now, with the continuing warming of ocean waters, increased storms and major bleaching events across the globe.

"There is evidence that corals are withstanding higher temperatures now than they did in the 1960s," she said. "That signals evolution, but the problem is that climate change is moving too fast, faster than evolution."

In addition to their beautiful aesthetics, coral reefs provide many benefits to the planet and its inhabitants, including barriers to coastal regions that are susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms; habitat for large fish such as grouper and snapper; a tourist destination for snorkeling, fishing and diving; and a source for bioactive compounds used in drugs to treat inflammation and certain kinds of cancer.

"If you a see picture of coral reefs when I started diving in the 1970s and compare it with one now, it makes you want to cry," she said. "The change is just amazing."

While she noted that this study has some important observations, further study is needed to better understand what is happening to the ecosystem.

"I'm seeing species bleach that have never bleached before but also ones showing more resilience," she said. "There is a lot of variation within both the animal and symbiont genera. We need to understand the variation."

The hope is to continue research into coral reef relationships and the durability of the symbiotic algae while also taking steps to halt the damage to the environment by human action, such as overfishing and the burning of fossil fuels.

"We can't stop global warming," Coffroth said. "But the hope is that we can slow it down."

More information: Mary Alice Coffroth et al, What makes a winner? Symbiont and host dynamics determine Caribbean octocoral resilience to bleaching, Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6788 Journal information: Science Advances
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A study published in the International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies has looked at the dynamics of student peers helping each other with their educational needs.

Peer mentoring and collaborative learning are highlighted but the research shows a worrying phenomenon whereby a high-performing student becomes resentful of a fellow student to whom they give assistance when that student then outperforms them and achieves higher grades. Such resentment might well scupper efforts to encourage peer mentoring and collaborative learning and must be taken into consideration when developing educational programs to facilitate such approaches to study.

Shih Yung Chou, Niyati Kataria, Shainell Joseph, and Charles Ramser of the Dillard College of Business Administration at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S., conducted a qualitative study of 113 undergraduate students enrolled on a business program. They explored the students' motivations behind peer assistance and the interplay between assistance and resentment, and the impact these had on subsequent student behavior.

Peer helping, a form of studentstudent interaction where knowledge is shared voluntarily to aid every student's understanding of the course materials, is widely recognized as having a broadly positive impact in education. However, the new study, using a grounded theory approach to analyze qualitative data, sheds light on the putative emotional fallout of peer assistance that, for some students, might have negative effects on some students and so hinder future collaboration.

The team identified various reasons as to why students might help their peers: a sense of moral obligation, mastery of course material, or simple requests from their fellow students for help. There is a critical pivot point around which the student helper may feel aggrieved and resentful of the successes of the student they help, however. Such resentment is triggered by factors such as a perceived lack of effort from their peer or an imbalance in the give-and-take dynamic. This can significantly influence the helper's future behavior in this context, making it less likely that they will agree to helping any of their peers in the future.

The researchers suggest that educators and educational policymakers need to address the emotional and interpersonal aspects of peer assistance so that collaboration among students can be sustained. There is a need to maximize the mutual benefits of collaborative learning, while minimizing potential problems that can arise.

More information: Shih Yung Chou et al, I shouldn't have helped you! When and why the student helper resents helping the peer: a qualitative inquiry, International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (2023). DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2023.134847

Provided by Inderscience
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Do you like cod, shrimp, salmon, crab or pollock (also known as fish sticks)? Of course you do. Do you shop at Walmart, Costco, Kroger or Albertsons for fish? Who doesn't? Do you eat at one of the more than 400,000 restaurants supplied by food distributor Sysco? Almost certainly.

If so, you've likely been served or sold seafood caught by Indonesian forced-labor victims on Chinese vessels or processed in China by Uyghurs, a cultural, racial and religious minority that faces systematic repression. Some 79% of the seafood sold in the United States is imported, according to the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. China alone supplies nearly 10% of American seafood imports.

Chinese-owned and -flagged ships are the largest distant-water fishing fleet in the world. This fleet includes an estimated 6,500 ships, and they fish in every ocean. To put this fleet in context, neither Japan nor the U.S. has more than 1,000 such ships.

Some of these distant-water vessels remain at sea for as long as two years, transferring their catches to other ships to be brought to port. The living and working conditions for the workers trapped on board are often dreadful, with inadequate medical treatment, poor nutrition and relentless, dangerous work day and night.

A well-managed and abundant ocean could feed a billion people a healthful seafood meal every day, forever. Over-fishing, especially by big industrial fleets, is destroying that abundancecollapsing a wild food resource essential to the health and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people along coastlines around the world.

A four-year investigation of industrial distant-water fishing by the Outlaw Ocean Project, published this week in the Los Angeles Times, uncovered evidence of human rights abuses and violent and deadly conditions. These conditions, tolerated in an industry that gets food to American tables, demands immediate action.

There are several policy changes that would alter the practices of the world's fishing fleets and affect the abundance of our oceans.

For example, the World Trade Organization should stop allowing countries to subsidize the over-fishing of our oceans. These harmful subsidies promote over-fishing by enabling fleets to fish longer, harder and farther than would otherwise be economically feasible. The United States should deny countries access to the American market unless imported seafood is accompanied with documentation to demonstrate that it was sourced entirely free of forced labor.

Another important change would be for the United States to extend mandatory disclosure of country-of-origin labeling for seafood beyond grocery stores to restaurants, small markets and cafeterias. All countries whose vessels fish on the high seas or in foreign waters should be required to publish data on which vessels are authorized to fish what, where and when, and tracking of these vessels should be made publicly available.

While changes in international regulations can be more difficult, improvements in U.S. seafood rules could be adopted more swiftly. For instance, President Biden could mandate that all seafood sold in the U.S. be subject to boat-to-plate traceability, ensuring that it is safe, legally caught, responsibly sourced and properly labeled.

In the meantime, American consumers will have to be more selective about the seafood they purchase. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide can help steer buyers to environmentally sustainable options, such as those that are well managed and caught or farmed responsibly.

The best choices tend to be locally caught or farmed U.S. fish and shellfish. Making informed decisions about the seafood you're buying may seem like a small step, but even this can make a big difference.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Rekohu/Chatham Island Moriori c.1910. Credit: W Rerwick, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When is a language extinct and when is it merely dormant? There are certainly languages that have passed over that line, and many remain threatened today. But what of those in the twilight zonecan we revive them, and what would that look like?

Languages that no longer have native speakersthat is, no one who learned it as a childare often considered "dead." And yet it's not quite as clear cut as that.

Take the Moriori language from the Chatham Islands, for example. Ta re Moriori has no native speakers, with the last having died in the early 20th century. But it also has a relatively rich historical record, and is similar in many ways to te reo Maori.

This has inspired a project at the University of Auckland, in collaboration with the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, which looks after the interests of Moriori people in New Zealand and around the world.

Our work will involve transcribing, translating and trying to fully understand all the existing texts. This will give us insights into the grammatical properties of the language, with the end goal being to produce a language grammar.

The project is still in its infancy, but it raises the intriguing possibility that in the future we might hear small children speaking ta re Moriori as their first language.

Learning from old texts

The Moriori inhabit Rekohu, or the Chatham Islands, some 800 kilometers off the east coast of New Zealand. They've been there for at least 600 years, and have a unique culture and language.

Europeans arrived in the 1800s, followed by two Maori tribes from Aotearoa New Zealand. Disease carried by the former, and enslavement and murder practiced by the latter saw a rapid decline of the Moriori populationand their language.

By 1862, there were only 101 Moriori alive, from a high of around 2,000 before colonization. The last native speaker died only 40 years later.

Given how relatively recent this was, Moriori is an ideal testing ground for the possibility of reviving a language. Unlike many Australian Aboriginal languages which no longer have native speakers, ta re Moriori has been preserved in various forms.

This includes a small dictionary written by a resident magistrate in 1889; a set of short stories compiled by the magistrate's clerk Alexander Shand, with the help of his primary Moriori consultant Hirawanu Tapu; and an 1862 petition from the Moriori to the New Zealand governor, requesting support for Moriori land claims.

Moriori's closest linguistic relative is te reo Maori, with many grammatical and lexical similarities. But there are also significant differences. For example, Moriori has 15 ways of saying "the," a pattern not seen in any other Polynesian language.

So translating and analyzing the existing texts should give us a fairly detailed understanding of how the language was spoken, including a sizeable lexicon and a grammar.

Other languages have been revived

It may seem ambitious to revive a language, but it has been done before. The Wampanoag language from Massachusetts in the United States lost its last speaker in the 1890s, around the same time Moriori did.

But there was a significant archive of written literature built up prior to that, including government records and religious texts.

In the 1990s, Jessie Little Doe Baird, a member of the Wampanoag community, started analyzing Wampanoag texts written before the 1890s, including a bible from 1663. She was then able to construct a dictionary and grammar.

From these, members of the community started relearning the languageand teaching it. By 2014, there were 50 children taking classes, many of them now considered to be fluent native speakers.

Filling in the gaps

Sometimes, the term "sleeping language" is a better way to describe one that is not currently being passed from generation to generation. The revived language will inevitably be slightly different from the original one. Every speaker of a language makes "native speaker judgements" which aren't taught, but are inherently known.

A simple example from English would be the relative order in which we use adjectives: size comes before color (little brown dog), whereas the opposite sounds a bit weird (brown little dog).

Unless our Moriori texts have specific examples of "stacked" adjectives, we have no way of finding out the correct ordering. So this piece of knowledge would be lost.

There are thousands of these little rules that our brains unconsciously absorb when learning a language as a child. And there is no way any analysis of old texts could figure them all out.

But new speakers would fill in the gaps. If adults were to learn the Moriori language from the texts, they could acquire a large number of words and grammatical structures, although the gaps would still exist. A child learning "new" Moriori from the adults would then fill in the gaps instinctivelymost likely from other languages they hear, such as Maori or English.

So, ta re Moriori cannot be said to be dead or extinct, because there is a real possibility it can be heard again. Even now, Moriori words, phrases and songs are used around the Chatham Islands by Moriori themselves. Better to call it sleepingand hope we can wake it one day.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Scatterplot matrix of benefitsbiomass, tree species richness and livelihoodsof 314 forest commons. Biomass and tree species richness are log-transformed. Spearmans rho for bivariate correlations shows weak associations for biomasstree species richness ( = 0.1989; Prob > |t| = 0.0004) and livelihoodstree species richness ( = 0.2268; Prob > |t| = 0.0001) pairs. There is no relationship between biomass and livelihoods ( = 0.0246; Prob > |t| = 0.6641). Credit: Nature Climate Change (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01863-6

A new study published Nov. 23 in Nature Climate Change reveals that forests formally managed by Indigenous and local communities have improved outcomes for carbon, biodiversity and livelihoods, simultaneously addressing three goals sought by global proposals for "nature-based solutions" that will be discussed at COP28 in Dubai.

Led by Harry Fischer from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the research team sheds light on a solution for addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Using data collected through the International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) research network, Fischer and his co-authors compared 314 forest patches used and managed by local people in 15 tropical countries. Their goal was to identify what the best examples had in common. For each site they analyzed tree species richness (a proxy for biodiversity), carbon sequestered in above-ground biomass, and rural livelihood contributions.

Policies aimed at conserving forests and restoring degraded and deforested lands include proposals for nature-based solutions that can mitigate climate change and ambitious targets for a global expansion of protected areas.

Such policies frequently target rural tropical landscapes, but many forests in these contexts also have a substantial human presence, including an estimated 1.8 billion people that live on lands needed to sustain key biodiversity goals globally. In these contexts, forest are integral to rural livelihoods, incomes and well-being, and they often play a critical role in helping households respond to climate change stressors.

Interestingly, the researchers did not find positive associations with another common forest restoration strategy: tree planting.

"This is likely because rural and Indigenous peoples often rely significantly on forests for their well-being," Fischer said. "They use forests for food, income, and culture, and many have been managing local forests sustainably for a very long time.

"Compared to government officials, they often have better knowledge of local contexts, and they are better able to devise locally appropriate use rules. Policies that give local people power over forest management help to ensure that they have the opportunity to do what they already do well."

The authors of the new paper stress their work does not prove cause and that diverse socioeconomic and policy factors matter.

"But when we see this association across a sample of forests in 15 tropical countries in South America, Africa and Asia, it is powerful. Something is happening there," Fischer said. "Our findings suggest that governance reforms can play a significant role in supporting both human and environmental goals in forested rural landscapes of the Global South."

"As global investments in restoration grow, one of the best things we can do is to ensure that Indigenous and local communities have formal rights and substantive influence on management decisions," Fischer said. "General calls for 'participation' in project planning are not enough. There is a need for more empowered local governance, and a substantive role for communities in formulating management rules."

More information: Harry W. Fischer et al, Community forest governance and synergies among carbon, biodiversity and livelihoods, Nature Climate Change (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01863-6 Journal information: Nature Climate Change

Provided by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
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TurtleSAT is an app developed by the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program. Sightings logged by Citizen Scientists (left) produce real-time data management tools, such as road mortality hotpspots (right). Credit: 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program

Australian freshwater turtles support healthy wetlands and rivers. Yet one in three turtle species is threatened with extinction. And there is still much we don't know about them.

In a special issue of the journal Austral Ecology, 55 authors present the latest research on Australian freshwater turtles.

Along with other biologists, we have contributed to a series of research papers to inform ecology and conservation of freshwater turtles.

Our research reveals some fresh insights into turtle behavior, survey methods and conservation strategies.

Spy wear and other turtle tech

In one study researchers compared data from underwater video cameras to traditional trapping surveys and achieved similar results. They detected 83 turtles from 52 hours of footage and identified all species in the study area.

Overall, baited remote underwater videos proved to be a "useful, time effective, non-invasive technique to collect relative abundance and species richness estimates for freshwater turtles".

Another study provided the first vision of a wild saw-shelled turtle attempting to court a mate. The male sought affection from the female turtle by waving his feet and pressing his nose into her face.

Meanwhile, a different male was observed trying to mount a larger male. This was the first case of same-sex mounting seen in this species.

We are continuing to unravel curious turtle behavior known as nocturnal basking. During the day, many reptiles regulate their body temperature by sunning themselves. But some freshwater turtles (and crocodiles) also emerge from the water and bask on logs at night.

To find out why, scientists in Queensland measured the preferred temperature of Krefft's river turtles and watched them bask more when the water was hot. So it seems they do this to stay cool in hot weather.

Over in desert country, we recaptured Cooper Creek turtles after two decades. While we were there, the site became surrounded with floodwaterthis provided a rare opportunity to find turtles moving onto the floodplain to find food.

We also found lots of baby turtles. This is in contrast to most places around Australia, which have ongoing problems with foxes eating turtle nests.

Conservation success stories

Foxes target freshwater turtle nests across Australia, reducing breeding success. Researchers are experimenting with measures to protect nests from predators.

In the New England Tablelands, temporary electric fences served to protect turtle nests from foxes over three breeding spring-summer seasons from 2019 to 2022. But in the Murray River, plastic mesh over individual nests only protected some of them.

Nest protection supports conservation of the endangered Mary River turtle. Over 22 years, more than 100 members of the local community in the Mary River Catchment have led initiatives to protect Mary River turtles. Working with communities has dual benefitsfor research and for the people involved, who enjoy connecting to nature.

These collaborations have helped improve river management, informing delivery of water for the environment and improving the quality of river habitats for turtles.

November is Turtle Month for the 1 Million turtles campaign, a national citizen science program bringing together scientists and the community, to support freshwater turtle conservation initiatives.

Through the free TurtleSAT app, people can do more than just report turtle sightings. They can actively contribute to data-driven turtle management.

The app provides real-time data visualization. The program website also provides education, helping citizen scientists protect nests, establish predator-free turtle sanctuaries, engage in national experiments, and deepen their understanding of turtles and wetlands.

With more than 18,000 records logged, 1,200 turtles saved from road hazards and 500 nests protected, this initiative is crucial in light of the growing threats faced by freshwater turtle species.

Challenges and solutions

Of Australia's 25 freshwater turtle species, 12 are so poorly known their national conservation status could not be assessed during this 2022 review. Many of these lesser-known species occur in northern Australia.

Of the 15 species or subspecies assessed, we recommended listing a higher level of threat for eight. This included western saw-shelled turtles, which were recently uplisted from vulnerable to endangered.

Threats include habitat loss, being eaten by foxes or feral pigs, disease, fire, and moving species into new areas where they breed with existing turtle species. To manage these threats, we need to move beyond engagement to an integrated approach, where conservation advice is co-determined by First Nations people who are closely involved in implementing recovery plans and action plans.

There is immense value in establishing long-term studies to track these long-lived species. And technology continues to provide new opportunities to learn more.

Future conservation and management will require working with communities to learn more about turtles and protect them. If one million people each save one turtle, collectively we will have made a big difference.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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

Women at the top executive level of large European corporations earn an average of 1.2 million euros less per year than their male colleagues. Top executive pay also depends on whether an executive function is perceived as "typically masculine" or "typically feminine."

These are the findings of a study conducted by the University of Tubingen, the University of Paderborn and the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts that was recently published in The International Journal of Human Resource Management.

The study analyzed 84 companiesincluding 16 German oneslisted on the Euro Stoxx 50 and/or the Stoxx Europe 50. The two indices list the largest European companies in and outside the eurozone. The average total remuneration for male top executives in the companies surveyed is 4 million euros per year, compared to just 2.8 million euros for female top executives.

In their search for the causes of the gender pay gap at top executive level, the researchers discovered various effects. "Women are comparatively often in charge of an executive function that is perceived as 'more feminine' and that is less well paid on average," says Kerstin Pull, Professor of Human Resource Management & Organization at the University of Tubingen.

Executive functions that are perceived as "more feminine" include, for example, human resources and corporate communications. By contrast, executive functions such as IT are considered "masculine." Executive functions perceived as "feminine" are paid less and are more frequently held by women.

The researchers conducted a survey as part of the study to determine to what degree an executive function is perceived as "masculine." The survey shows that stereotypical perceptions are very pronounced in society and that they correlate with actual executive pay. The more a function is perceived as "typically masculine," the higher the pay for the top executive who holds it. However, women do not earn higher pay even if they hold a "typically masculine" functionthis privilege is reserved for men.

"Women in 'masculine' functions are not perceived as suitable candidates for the respective job. Their clear pay disadvantage is surprising because women are in fact desperately sought after for executive positions," says Martin Schneider, Professor of Personnel Management at Paderborn University.

"All corporations are committed to equal opportunities and are increasingly appointing women to top executive positions. The fact that gender stereotypes have such a significant influence on the pay of top executives has so far been overlooked," says Professor Anja Iseke from the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts. "Top executives' tasks are very similar across executive functionsall of them have to think strategically and communicate within the company in the same way."

The team of authors examined and ruled out several other possible causes for the differences in pay. For example, top executives' "human capital"or their qualificationsdoes not explain the differences, as female top executives in European companies are not less qualified than men. This was shown by an analysis of LinkedIn profiles and company annual reports.

The team of authors suspects that pay differences may have negative effects on the development of companies. "The willingness to cooperate at top executive level will certainly be lower when there are large pay differences. That can't be good for the company," says Sarah Diederich from the University of Tubingen. The researchers' recommendation is therefore to equalize pay between executive functions and individual executives.

The study sheds light on top executive pay in corporationsan important area in gender pay gap research. The importance of the research itself was underlined this year by the awarding of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics to economist Claudia Goldin from Harvard University. Goldin is only the third woman to become a Nobel Laureate for Economics.

More information: Sarah Diederich et al, Role (in-)congruity and the Catch 22 for female executives: how stereotyping contributes to the gender pay gap at top executive level, The International Journal of Human Resource Management (2023). DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2023.2273331
By Alpha Abu

Leaders of Government and the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) have on Tuesday 21st November taken practical steps in actualising a key resolution both acceded to in their brokered dialogue last month, following the launch by President Julius Maada Bio of a tri-partite Committee that will review Sierra Leones electoral systems.

Named Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review the grouping comprises representatives of Government and the APC as well as partners drawn from the international community, civil society, and the media.

President Bio told the well-attended State House gathering that included senior officials of the APC led by Dr. Samura MW Kamara, US Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, other foreign diplomats, development partners, the security sector, Civil society, and the media that the constituted committee was indeed an important step to building systems, collectively working together, addressing the issues that affect our people and the democratic processes, and more importantly, institutionalizing dialogue in our body-politic.

He said the countrys democracy might not have matured as could have been desired yet it is a growing democracy. According to the President with the support of their partners, they can dialogue and build congeniality rather than protecting self-interests and achieve vain laurels.

The President recognised the efforts played by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion to facilitate the dialogue with the support of development partners. As President, I am delighted that the three-way committee we are unveiling today is a home-grown initiative drafted in my address to the Sixth Parliament 25 of August this year.

He said he made that pronouncement with a firm belief that systems and institutional development as well as inter-party consensus-building can resolve the bottlenecks and impasses in the countrys socio-economic environment.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in his statement expressed hope that the committee will form the basis of evaluating the electoral architecture of Sierra Leone and creating an inclusive and informed roadmap to electoral reforms.

Former APC Presidential Candidate in the 2018 and 2023 polls, Dr. Samura Kamara in his address registered his partys commitment to work towards achieving the committees objectives and hoped that systemic vulnerabilities associated with the electoral processes will be addressed. He described the initiative as the most peaceful stakeholder out of court settlement ever.

Chief Minister in the Office of the President, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said the whole dialogue preceding the establishment of the committee was a true depiction of the African spirit of give and take and that at the end all won. He said both sides displayed a sense of national belonging during the mediation process and he was of the view that a reset button has been put in motion with an eye to the future as manifested in the resolve to get the committee up and running.

UN Resident Co-ordinator, Babatunde Ahonsi in his address said they look forward to full implementation of the agreement between the government and APC. He also spoke about the return of people displaced due to political violence to their communities, the release of individuals as agreed by both government and opposition and the isolation of any individual who continues to incite violence and hate speech, fundamental principles agreed on at the close of deliberations in October.

Following the outcome of the June 24 elections which saw incumbent President Julius Maada Bio re-elected, senior officials of the APC raised concerns over what they alleged were irregularities in the conduct of the polls on the part of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). The APC then decided to stay away from any form of governance at both Council and Parliamentary levels, in protest.

It took the intervention of the Commonwealth, African Union, and Economic Community of West African States that brokered a threeday mediated dialogue in Freetown from 16th-18th October 2023, to get APC and SLPP to reach an agreement to end the political stalemate.

Members of Parliament, Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councillors of the main opposition have since taken up duty after being sworn into office, bringing to a close a deadlock that lasted some four months. On the 24th of October President Bio addressed the nation, promising to set up a body that will comprehensively address electoral concerns and ensure reforms.

Copyright  2023 Politico (22/11/23)
By Prince J Musa in Kenema

As part of his official tour of Sierra Leone, United States Ambassador, Bryan David Hunt has assured Stakeholders in Kenema of his unwavering support for President Julius Maada Bios Feed Salone project.

In his address at the District Council Hall on the 20th November, 2023 Ambassador Hunt referred to the Eastern region as a critical part of Sierra Leone considering its economic viability in terms of Agriculture and Mineral Resources.

He said that part of Sierra Leone is key for the economic development of the country.

He spoke about the significance of democracy in the country and recalled how the government and the opposition were able to resolve the political impasse that led to the opposition going to Parliament and Councils.

He assured of the U.S. Embassys commitment to consolidate the peace of the country through dialogue and would expect all Sierra Leoneans to work together with transparency to help develop the country. He commended President Bio for what he said was his ambition to get the country to become a bread basket in the next five years and improve energy.

Ambassador Hunt affirmed the Embassys commitment to all projects related to agriculture which is the governments flagship initiative and urged Sierra Leoneans to work in line with the Presidents development trajectory so that the country will once again export rice as it used to be many years ago.

He noted that democracy is key for national development and unity, and called on all Sierra Leoneans to see reasons to restructure their democracy by talking to one another and settling internal problems.

Resident Minister East, Jusu Gbessay Jaka Ngobeh thanked the Ambassador for the visit which he said was the first by a US envoy that he was hosting.

The minister praised the Ambassador for helping to bridge the political divide that existed between the government and the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC).

He assured the Ambassador that the government would do all it could to ensure all recommendations agreed upon in the dialogue were implemented.

I am convinced that your presence in Sierra Leone will help to mitigate some of the challenges in our country, he said. He encouraged the people to be united.

The Provincial Security Coordinator East, Office of National Security (ONS) Mustapha Bornie told the gathering that the region is one of the most peaceful and that the election was violence-free as no major incidence was recorded which paved the way for more women participation in the governance system.

He assured that they will continue to do their best to ensure that the region remains quiet and violence-free. He requested that the Ambassador assist in facilitating more training for the security sector to enhance professional standards.

Copyright  2023 Politico (22/11/23)
By Saio Marrah

The fifth witness in the ongoing audit tribunal set up to investigate the alleged misconduct of Sierra Leones suspended Auditor General, Lara Taylor- Pearce and her deputy Tamba Momoh has said that Momoh was seen working for a private auditing company during official working time.

Led in evidence by Lawyer Ahmed J. Bockarie, Augustin Siaka who works as credit and marketing officer for Apex Banks three community outfits in Kamakwie, Karene District in northern Sierra Leone told the tribunal that even though the bank has its internal auditing unit, there was also an external auditing company, LKG which was being contracted by Apex Bank to audit its 17 community banks.

According to him, the auditing exercises were being conducted by a team of auditors led by Tamba Momoh, who the witness said personally informed him that he (Tamba Momoh) was employed by Audit Service Sierra Leone. The witness further noted that documents also showed that Momoh was working for Audit Service Sierra Leone by then.

The witness said Momoh signed and received money on behalf of LKG on three occasions in his presence and added that Momoh and his team usually went to the Kamakwie community during official working days. According to him, Momoh would mostly spend two to three days conducting the auditing exercise with the bank picking up their accommodation bills.

Under cross-examination, the witness said that Momoh would normally lead an auditing team of three men and that before the commencement of the auditing exercise, the team would hold a meeting with the senior management of the bank, of which the witness said he was a part. He noted that the auditing exercises were conducted between the year 2019 and 2020.

The witness also told the tribunal that the address of LKG auditing company was in the United Kingdom with a local contact number in Sierra Leone and an email account.

According to the witness, Momoh is a member of the company because he always signs for the company while issuing receipts.

Responding to lead defence lawyer Pa Momoh Fofanah, who represents Tamba Momoh on the name of Patrick Jusu being listed on the document, the witness insisted that he did not know another partner. He said he knew Deputy Auditor General Tamba Momoh, who he said always collected money and led the auditing team on behalf of the company.

According to Pa Momoh Fofanah: the witness is saying that my client signed on the document, but the document shows someone else Asked to describe Momoh the witness said Momoh is fair in complexion, but that description was refuted by the defence.

The witness however admitted that he could not tell if Momohs name was in one of the documents used during the auditing process at the Kamakwie branch and that he had not seen any document prepared by Tamba Momoh.

He also agreed that he could not tell whether Momoh signed any document but cited a letter from Apex head office informing the staff at the Kamakwie branch that Momoh and his team were on their way for the auditing process.

Copyright  2023 Politico (22/11/23)
ATLANTIC CITY  As the need for Thanksgiving dinners rises, local Chef Andre Murphy and his team are committed to meeting the demand.

He does it through Racing to Feed, a campaign to feed hundreds in need that started locally and now has reached North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts.

This time of the year, its more intense, Murphy said from a stop on the feeding tour at Inlet Towers on North New Hampshire Avenue. A lot of people need the meals.

Murphy leads Healing for the Soul, a nonprofit he said has fed more than 21,000 people, 13,000 of whom are seniors, since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

The city stop was one of several lined up this week for the team. They started the Thanksgiving feeding initiative Saturday in Asheville, North Carolina.

We went through 750 meals in like two hours, Murphy said of the North Carolina visit.

Beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday, a handful of Inlet Towers residents were outside the buildings community room door, as Murphy and volunteers placed bagged Thanksgiving dinners along two tables, setting up a grab-and-go operation. The meals were prepared Wednesday.

Inside the bags were Thanksgiving staples, like cornbread, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, with a choice between turkey and ham.

Pleasantville chef to feed community in South Jersey this holiday season A local nonprofit that has fed more than 21,000 people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 will host a number of local feedings this month.

Several dozen bags were ready for pickup by 2 p.m. Most vanished within 45 minutes.

Raymond Stone, an eight-year Inlet Towers resident, chose a bag with turkey, his favorite. The dinner was his second from Murphy.

He (Murphy) helps the community, said Stone, 65. People always need to get something to eat. Hes a good guy.

Murphy and his team dont act alone. Theyve partnered with an array of sponsors, including AtlantiCare, Virtua Health and Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union. The out-of-state expansion also led to a sponsorship from the NBAs Charlotte Hornets.

In North Carolina, former WNBA player Rhonda Mapp partnered with the nonprofit for the stop in Asheville, her hometown.

Before Thursday, the team stopped Wednesday at the Village at St. Peters senior housing complex in Pleasantville.

The feeding tour is slated to stop in Egg Harbor City at the teachers union hall on Philadelphia Avenue on Sunday.

Its a blessing, Murphy said. Not a lot of people will serve on Thanksgiving. Wherever a need is, were there.

Pleasantville chef on a mission to feed PLEASANTVILLE  Chef Andre Murphy has been driven by his faith to feed the community since t

By Thanksgiving last year, the nonprofit had fed about 15,000 people over roughly 18 months, hosting about 160 events in South Jersey.

The idea was born several years ago from a homemade chicken and potato stew recipe Murphy wanted to share with the community, he said, doing so through a local church.

Murphys passion for helping people has spread.

Rather than heading north to New York City to spend Thanksgiving with her family and friends, Patricia Nellom, an Inlet Towers resident, felt the need to stay home and feed her neighbors.

She often volunteers when similar events come to the Towers, she said. She helped bring the meals inside and handed them out.

Seeing people living in the building in need fuels her volunteerism.

I felt like they could use my help here, said Nellom, 72. Its about the people in that building that live here and whats best for them. We need them to understand that were not doing this for fun. Were doing this because we care.

GALLERY: Chef Murphy's Chicken n' Potatoes Community Feeding Tour III Holiday Feast
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Councilman: Contracts benefit local economy

ATLANTIC CITY  The city is doing a good job contracting with local businesses, according to an analysis by at-large Councilman Bruce Weekes.

Weekes gave his report on contracting from January to October this year during Tuesdays City Council meeting.

Since January ... we have voted on $25 million in contracts, Weekes said.

Of the $25 million, $21 million went to New Jersey companies and $4.5 million went to Atlantic City companies, Weekes said.

The 86 companies that won contracts were from 55 municipalities in New Jersey and seven states, he said.

There is a general perception that the lions share of city government contracting is not kept within the local economy, Weekes said. My analysis dispels many myths.

Only Lawrence Township had a higher percentage of contracting dollars than Atlantic City, Weekes said, and that was because of a single $5.8 million contract to Benecard Services, which is a prescription benefit administrator.

In general, Weekes said, the companies we do business with for larger amounts are closer to home.

Flood water fix accused of trashing lagoon, polluting inlet ATLANTIC CITY  In the lagoon outside of Fishermans Park, trash piles up in the corners for

Minority-owned businesses, which include women-owned businesses, got 10.2% of contracts worth $2.5 million, Weekes said.

Thats better than what I expected, he said.

Of the minority-owned businesses getting contracts, 66% were based in Atlantic City, he said.

Toys for Kids

Sgt. Greg DiPiano of the Atlantic City Police Department is president of Atlantic Countys Toys for Kids program, which he has worked with for decades.

He was honored by council Tuesday.

You are a longtime hero to this community, said 2nd Ward Councilwoman LaToya Dunston. For my 15-plus years with the drill team (A.C. X-Clusive), you always reached out and made sure kids always had toys. Not just for the drill team, but for the whole community.

DiPiano said he will probably retire from heading the organization in three years, when he will have been president for 41 years.

To donate toys to the program, see the list of drop box locations around the county at toysforkidsprogram.org/drop-box-locations.

Uptown pump

Council President Aaron Sporty Randolph reported Tuesday that the pump to remove flood waters from the Baltic Avenue canal is working again.

Randolph said city engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe and the Public Works Department headed by Crystal Lewis have been working on it.

The pump in Fishermans Park in the Inlet was introduced to the city to great acclaim in 2019 but has repeatedly failed and required more work.

We will continue to have meetings so the pump will continue to work, Randolph said.

African American Chamber of Commerce

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has an office in the old Carnegie Library in Atlantic City, where it is providing services locally, said Gene Bouie, executive director of the chambers Training and Development Institute.

The chamber was established on Juneteenth in 2007, Bouie said, and of 7,000 chambers of commerce across the nation is the only African American chamber to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Were like best in class, Bouie said, thanking Mayor Marty Small Sr. for giving the chamber space at the city-owned building on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from which to operate.

Two weeks ago nine Atlantic City residents completed our security officer training and are now licensed by the state to be security officers, Bouie said. Thats a pretty good start.

For more information on job training and other services, email tdi@aaccnj.com or visit aaccnj.com.
The Central Railway has disclosed plans for crucial pre-non-interlocking and non-interlocking work, including military yard interlocking and automatic signalling work, scheduled to take place between Khadki and Shivajinagar on the Lonavala line. This maintenance is slated from November 22 to November 26, 2023.

In light of these essential works, several Mail-Express trains operating on the Mumbai-Pune route will be cancelled, while others will be rerouted onto alternative tracks.

On November 25, 2023, notable cancellations include Train No. 12123 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Pune Deccan Queen Express and CSMT-Pune Sinhagad Express. Following suit on December 26, 2023, CSMT-Pune Intercity Express, CSMT-Pune Deccan Express, and CSMT-Kolhapur Koyna Express will also face cancellations.

Passengers are also advised to expect delays for certain trains. On Saturday, Train No. 11302 Bangalore  CSMT Udyan Express will encounter a delay of 2 hours and 40 minutes on the Solapur section. Train No. 16506 Bangalore-Gandhidham Express will be delayed by an hour on the Pune-Satara section. On Sunday, train number 22159 CSMT-Chennai Express is anticipated to be delayed by 2.5 hours on the Mumbai section.

Travelers are urged to plan accordingly, stay informed about revised schedules, and anticipate diversions during the stipulated period of infrastructure maintenance.
This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" during a promotional event in Kathmandu, Nepal. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- A promotional event was held in the Nepali capital on Thursday for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China."

Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, told the event that he found "a visionary outlook of building socialism in China in a very innovative and constructive way" by reading previous volumes of the book.

In the books, readers could find "real socio-political and philosophical answers" to questions related to China's rapid development and transformation, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song voiced his belief that the release of the new volume of the book in Nepal will help Nepali people enhance their understanding of why the Communist Party of China has been successful, and deepen their understanding of China's path, governance and principles, thus further promoting the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

The event was hosted by China's Foreign Languages Press and the China International Book Trading Corporation. 

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song addresses a promotional event for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 23, 2023. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
Dine and drink

Nothing warms up a cool fall night like the sweet boozy taste of a barrel-aged beer. This weekend Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, 1209 4th Ave., Moline, will feature some of the rarest and most celebrated barrel-aged beers around.

During the final three days of the Hibeernation Barrel Aged Beer Spectacle, beer fans can come to the taproom between 3 and 11:30 p.m. and try these unique finds.

Pollyanna Brewing Company: Orenda, Volume 3, a Belgian-style tripel brewed with 100% reverse osmosis water to remove impurities, Belgian pilsner malts, Belgian candi sugar, French strisslespalt hops and house Belgian yeast.

3 Floyds Brewing: Cocomungo, a devastating imperial stout that was aged for over a year in Willet bourbon barrels and brewed with toasted coconut and maple syrup.

Triptych Brewing: Dearest Anna, a barrel-aged imperial stout conditioned with Intelligentsia coffee and Tahitian vanilla.

Surly Brewing Company: Seventeen, as the story goes, a Prohibition-era secret society of cocktail enthusiasts formed in Paris, the alleged birthplace of the boulevardier and the inspiration for Seventeen. This 2023 anniversary beer blends a strong red ale and a wee heavy, aged in Tattersall Bitter Orange Liqueur barrels and 10-Year Henry McKenna Bourbon barrels, echoing the boulevardier's timeless flavor profile.

New Holland Brewing Co.: Dragon's Milk Reserve, Oatmeal Cookie, with oatmeal cookie carefully aged with cinnamon, oats, brown sugar, raisins and Madagascar vanilla extract.

Unpossible Mead: Not Your Typical Karen, features chocolate, blueberry and vanilla aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/PourBrosQC for more information.

Just for fun

The Putnam Museum and Science Center will host a new featured exhibit, "Tails from Tales: Storybook Beasts!," through May 28.

The exhibit brings the nostalgia of favorite childhood stories to life with animals from the Putnam's collection. Some of the stories include, "The Mitten," by Jan Brett; "The Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling; and "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile," by Bernard Waber.

A reading nook with copies of books will allow visitors to relax and read an old childhood favorite or discover a new favorite book.

Nineteen local artists have also created works of art that are inspired by great storybooks, old and new, with the artwork displayed throughout the duration of the exhibit.

Included with general admission to the museum, which is $12 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, including hours, visit www.putnam.org.

On a date

Coming to the Quad-Cities from Old Town, Florida, get ready to experience the wild, weird and wonderful world of Hellzapoppin on Wednesday at The Rust Belt in East Moline.

Hellzapoppin Holiday Hullabaloo Circus Sideshow with St. October is a show for adults 18 years and older featuring a mix of circus acts, heart-stopping thrills and a parade of human curiosities and oddities that will leave the audience questioning reality.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://therustbeltqc.com/events/hellzapoppin-holiday-hullabaloo-circus-sideshow.

With the family

Get ready to witness a holiday classic like never before when Countryside Community Theatre presents "A Charlie Brown Christmas" this weekend.

Based on the 1965 TV special, starring none other than the lovable gang from the iconic "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles Schulz. Prepare to join Charlie Brown as he hilariously takes on the role of director for the school Christmas pageant.

The theatre is partnering with the Lincoln Center in Davenport to present this show at the former Lincoln Elementary School, 318 E. 7th St.

Performances will take place at 3 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at https://ccteldridge.booktix.net.

In real time

The latest Life is Beautiful concert will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Raccoon Motel, 315 E. 2nd St., Davenport. Don't miss this night of music to help raise money the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley.

Local comedian Tori House will host the event, with comedy from improv group Bubble Pig starting things off. The concert will feature performances from Dynoride, Jerm Theory, The House Flies and King Supr3m3.

One-of-a-kind concert T-shirts will be for sale during the concert for $20, with $10 going to NAMI.

Admission is a free-will donation. Visit https://www.namigmv.org to learn more.
On Thanksgiving Day, two community meals brought people together. One is in its 53rd year. Another is in its first.

In Moline, hundreds of cars lined up in the parking lot of Moline's SouthPark Mall for a take-out Thanksgiving meal, a tradition Bob Vogelbaugh has helped organize for 53 years. Some arrived more than two hours early to get a spot near the front.

Vogelbaugh, better known as Mr. Thanksgiving, greeted everyone, weaving between rows of waiting cars to say hello, while wearing his signature red hat with turkeys on top.

From 4 to 6 p.m., cars of all shapes and sizes moved through the SouthPark Mall lot as volunteers asked drivers, "how many?" and then retrieved take-out boxes filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert. No questions asked.

Again this year, Hy-Vee prepared the food, expecting to serve more than 2,000 meals.

Volunteer and retired Moline High School Principal Bill Burrus has volunteered 19 years for Mr. Thanksgiving annual community dinner. He says, "If there's one thing I can do as a retired high school principal, it's form lines."

Albert Sanders, from Rock Island, used to volunteer when the meal was served in-person. It moved to a drive-thru format in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sanders still makes sure to come every year.

In Rock Island, Clock Inc., an LGBTQ+ community center in Rock Island, and the Quad-Cities chapter of Free Mom Hugs held its first Thanksgiving community meal.

Clock, Inc., holds an annual Christmas celebration. And when Free Mom Hugs Quad Cities leader Natasha Hoenig suggested they hold a Thanksgiving meal, too, Adam Peters, the director of Clock, Inc., said there was a lot of community interest.

"Just talking to people out in the community who said we don't have anywhere to go," Peters said. "The Christmas that we hold every single year is such  I could cry talking about it  seeing people gather here that don't have a place to go, and meeting new people and building community is just life-changing.

Peters said organizers provided turkey and ham and asked those signed up to come to bring a side or dessert to share. Peters expected between 60-70 people would come through Clock Inc.'s doors between noon and 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

One of those people was Lydia Balkovek, of East Moline.

"I don't have any blood family in the area, and this is my first Thanksgiving being out and on my own, so I was looking for a place it's going to be welcoming and not have to worry," Balkovek said.

Peters and Hoenig hope to continue a Thanksgiving meal each year to offer a space for people to gather.

"It's going to be a really lovely time for everyone to come together and feel safe and affirmed and in a place where it doesn't matter who you are, who you love; we welcome everyone," Peters said ahead of the meal.
Northeast Bettendorf is expected to have a brand-new Catholic school by fall 2025.

Located at Criswell Street and Hopewell Avenue, site work for the new St. Joan of Arc Catholic School began last month.

Part of the Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) system, the two-section (79,990-square-foot) K-8 school is set to feature:

STEM and Arts classrooms.

A student commons area with an attached chapel.

A high school-rated gymnasium.

A preschool and child care facility (with a separate drop-off area).

Administrative offices.

Playgrounds and parking.

With costs expected to total $44.2 million, Bray Architects and Russell Construction are leading the projects design and development.

An official groundbreaking is tentatively planned for early spring.

Upon opening, St. Joan of Arc will also effectively merge two SCCS parishes: Our Lady of Lourdes and St. John Vianney.

The cooperation amongst the two parishes has been really a cool thing to witness, said Andy Craig, co-chair of SCCS. It just shows that when two like-minded groups come together and are willing to sacrifice and work together, big things can happen.

Craig  also president of the Iowa Quad-Cities sole Catholic high school, Davenport Assumption  said talks of a new school began three to four years ago.

The conversation started with whether to remodel Lourdes or build a new school, he said. The biggest driving force for everyone involved was Where is the QC growing? Thats northeast Bettendorf  you want to build where the people are going to be.

Bettendorfs population is projected to grow up to 23% by 2035.

Of this influx, the Diocese of Davenport  which oversees SCCS and affiliated parishes  estimates an increase of 2,000 Catholic residents.

If we look at kindergarten through eighth grade, plus preschool and a day care  I would have a tough time not believing that we open (St. Joan of Arc), Day One, and its full, Craig said.

All SCCS schools  except Lourdes  are sprinkled throughout Davenport, another factor driving St. Joan of Arcs location, he said.

With the ESAs coming into play, I think weve seen more interest from non-parish subsidized families, Craig said. But, weve got one year of data  . Will that trend continue? I dont know.

If non-parish enrollment increases were to become a trend, he suspects it would happen across the board, not just at St. Joan of Arc.

Lourdes' student population is 75% parish subsidized and 25% non-parish subsidized.

Further in the future, a new church is also planned for the location, according to the project's website. While tentative long-term plans are to close and sell the former Lourdes and St. John Vianney sites, the focus right now lies on new school construction.

Thats the first thing we need to have happen. Then, well go from there and see where our next steps are, Craig said.

Along with school and parish representatives from Lourdes and St. John Vianney, Craig said stakeholders such as the Diocese of Davenport and community volunteers had a hand in the new schools planning process.

Its been a team effort, and thats been cool to see, he said. Were all pointing in the same direction  putting together a school that fits the needs of all the learners that are going to walk through that door.

Lynne Devaney, superintendent of schools for the Davenport Diocese, agrees.

Many hands make light work, she said. I have not been as involved in the last year or so  but, of course, all new building structures have been approved by the Diocese.

Deacon Frank Agnoli leads the projects design committee, Devaney said.

So there is some (Diocesean) oversight there, in terms of the actual design, she said. Andy (Craig) is the person who will ultimately have to supervise the principal who will steer the building and build a new St. Joan of Arc community.

To fund the project, SCCS and Diocesean leaders launched a capital campaign titled, One Faith  One Family  One Future.

The campaign has three fundraising goals  $15 million, $25 million and $35 million.

Were right around that $15 million goal, Craig said, adding theyre hoping for a big push by the end of December. Weve got a great group of people out there, kind of putting on a full-court press to continue raising funds.

Moving forward, he calls it an exciting time for Catholic education in the Quad-Cities.

We havent built a Catholic school in this area for 60 years, Craig said. Thats huge.

Particularly in an era where more and more Catholic schools are closing nationwide, he added.

Were talking about expanding, and (how to) build a facility thats set up for growth, Craig said. Thats a new conversation for us, and its an exciting conversation.

Photos: Assumption dancers perform solo routines at state competition (Oct. 28, 2023)
The federal government has released a new set of rules requiring nursing homes to disclose more information about their corporate ownership and management structure.

The proposed rules haves already been criticized by advocacy groups for not requiring more in the way of disclosure.

Nationally, many nursing homes are owned by groups of out-of-state investors who have formed limited liability corporations to operate each of their facilities. Unlike other types of corporations that publicly disclose the names of their officers, limited liability corporations typically dont disclose the names of the individuals behind them.

Some of the facility owners are directly affiliated with other for-profit vendors that sell their services  such as management, staffing and resident therapy  to the care facilities. Such relationships have long been criticized as undermining efforts to lower costs since they provide a financial incentive for owners to move more money from the taxpayer-supported care facilities into the coffers of their self-owned affiliates.

For example, over a three-year period, the nursing home chain Life Care Centers reported $1.2 billion in payments to various companies for management, staffing companies, insurance and therapy. All of those companies are owned or controlled by Life Care.

Earlier this year, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care reported that many care facilities payments to their for-profit affiliates greatly exceed the cost of the actual services provided by those affiliates. The organization noted that while the nursing home chain Pruitt Health reported to the government related-party costs of nearly $482 million over three years, it paid those same affiliates $570 million.

The new rule requires that Medicaid-funded nursing homes must disclose to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or state regulators the following information:

 The names and titles of each member of the facilitys governing body.

 The names and titles of each person who serves as an officer, director, member, partner, trustee or managing employee of the facility.

 The organizational structure of each so-called disclosable party of the facility, along with a description of the relationship those parties have to the facility and to each other. Disclosable parties are defined as individuals who lease or sublease property to the facility, or who own at least 5 percent of the real estate, as well as individuals who provide management or administrative services, clinical consulting services, or accounting and financial services to the care facility.

Although the rule requires the reporting of such information to regulators, the federal government has up to one year to make the information available to the public.

Timeliness and accuracy of data questioned

Because the newly reported data is to be turned over as part of a Medicaid-revalidation process that nursing homes go through every five years, advocates have complained that care facilities that recently went through that process wont have to report the required data until 2028. The advocates had asked CMS to require that the data be reported annually, rather every five years, to ensure it isnt long out of date by the time consumers can access it.

In response to those concerns, CMS has said that while it appreciates the suggestion, we are concerned about the burden on nursing homes if annual reporting was required. The agency points out that facilities will be required to voluntarily report any substantive changes in the data that is provided to regulators.

Others suggested that because the new data will be entirely self-reported, CMS should publicly disclose any supporting documentation that is collected to verify the accuracy of the information. The agency rejected that idea, saying only that such information is generally not made public and we do not intend to do so.

CMS also rejected calls for fines for failure to comply with the new disclosure requirements, arguing that it retains the power to shut off Medicaid money to a care facility under a variety of circumstances.

With regard to the new disclosure rules, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care said this week that CMS has taken a step in the right direction to begin to address the problem of the lack of transparency in nursing home ownership, but much more work needs to be done.

The industrys primary lobbying organization, the American Health Care Association, told McKnights Long-Term Care News that while it supports transparency, more paperwork reporting will not drive quality. This has become a distraction from the real issues that impact the majority of providers, like Medicaid underfunding and workforce shortages.

The AHCA said that it wants policymakers to prioritize investing in our caregivers and this chronically underfunded health care sector.

Private equity firms tied to resident deaths

According to the federal government, roughly 70 percent of all nursing homes nationwide are for-profit facilities  a figure that includes private equity companies, which make up roughly 11 percent of all nursing home owners. CMS acknowledges studies that show nursing facility quality has declined when facilities are taken over by private equity companies and similar entities.

One study by the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that that private equity ownership has increased the short-term mortality of Medicare patients by 10%  suggesting 20,150 lives have been lost due to private-equity ownership over a 12-year period.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reached similar conclusions, noting that private equity companies seek annual returns of 20% or more, which can result in increased pressure to generate short-term profits through staffing reductions and cuts in services and supplies.

In January 2023, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report that said CMS Care Compare website, created to provide consumers with detailed information on nursing homes, does not allow consumers to easily identify relationships and patterns related to quality across nursing homes under common ownership. For example, while owner names are listed, there is no way to easily identify what other nursing homes might have the same owner or to allow the consumer to examine quality or other patterns at nursing homes under common ownership.

The GAO called on CMS to provide on its website a user-friendly list of all nursing homes under common ownership, along with information on their quality ratings, (which) would allow consumers to observe patterns in quality across facilities with common ownership. CMS has yet to provide such lists to the public.

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On Black Friday this year, Dogma Grooming and Pet Needs was not running any eye-popping deals.

Store managers Jeffery Harper and Jennifer Heath-Dye say they have tried that. So this year, they were at home with their feet up, resting for what comes after: Small Business Saturday.

Its the first go-round for Harper and Heath-Dye, who say Black Friday was a bust for a small shop like theirs.

Any effort we were putting in, we were getting nothing out of, Heath-Dye said. So weve been trying a lot of new things.

Their hope? To pick up extra foot traffic when the stampedes recede from their big-box competitors like PetSmart, Petco, Walmart and Target. Select items that are 25% off will be identifiable by green stickers ordered for the occasion.

We just want to get some people in the door, Harper said.

Dogma, which sits at the western end of Carytown, is one of numerous stores preparing for Small Business Saturday, a recently christened marketing phenomenon dedicated to neighborhood businesses. Store owners in Richmond say its an important occasion, particularly as they fight to stay competitive with online retailers and superstores that can leverage lower prices to bring in new customers.

Heath-Dye said one of Dogmas main competitors is Chewy, an online, straight-to-your-door pet goods merchant. Dogma cannot compete on pricing for the same products.

Instead, the store differentiates itself by carrying specialty foods from makers that refuse to work with Chewy or are too small to be carried at scale. One example: a high-nutrient dog food called Fromm run by a fifth-generation farm in Wisconsin.

Similar strategies are on display at One Eyed Jacques, a single-location board and card game store a block down the street. Oddly enough, One Eyed Jacques does not carry the standard version of Monopoly. But the store does sell alternative Monopoly games, like the newly released Richmond Monopoly and a version inspired by South Park, the long-running animated TV series.

Store assistant manager Krysti Mucchia said the decision to differentiate was practically made for them by economics.

Stores like Walmart and Amazon can sell Monopoly on the shelf at the same price as we would buy it. They can get discounts that we cant get, Mucchia said. As a result, the store focuses on specialty items that are not typically found at bigger competitors.

Like Dogma, One Eyed Jacques will run sales to mark Small Business Saturday. Jacques will likely featured discounted Pokemon cards and role-playing game accessories, Mucchia said.

Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express, the national credit card company. It comes directly after Black Friday, the national retail event that kickstarts holiday shopping with substantial discounts. The latter is widely regarded as a day of frenzy and one that often brings shoppers into superstores to buy costly electronics and appliances.

Small Business Saturday has emerged as a counterpoint to Black Friday. It is vigorously supported by area trade groups like InUnison, formerly the Richmond Merchants Association. Nancy Thomas, the groups president and CEO, says shops in town merit even more time in the spotlight.

We believe Richmond businesses deserve an even longer celebration, Thomas said. We have all these great businesses; we need to brag about them for a whole week.

InUnison will seek to do that on Dec. 4 with the kickoff of Happier Place Week, a weeklong celebration for Richmond brick-and-mortar shops. The event will run through Dec. 8 and spotlight local businesses as well as feature gift card giveaways to member stores.

Thomas described small-business pockets as a defining attraction in Richmond, in line with the citys river and museums. They have succeeded in spite of the challenging landscape presented by big-box retailers, the shift to online shopping and other economic headwinds, Thomas explained.

All throughout the region, we have these pockets of small business, food, shopping. They keep you there all day. People love bringing family and friends to these pockets, to park and spend the day, Thomas said. Thats unique.

K McCarthy runs two womens clothing stores on Cary Street: The Phoenix and Ruby Boutique. She said that at times, she feels Richmonders do not take stock of how lucky we are.

Everywhere you go, you see a chain store, but here you have a vibrant community, McCarthy said. They dont really think about it.

McCarthys stores have existed on Cary Street since 1990, with Ruby opening in 2015. The store will close soon as she consolidates the two shops into one at The Phoenix. It features up-scale womenswear from across the world  a project that began with McCarthys travels to Southeast Asia and to Central and South America.

Retail is a challenge right now. But we have loyal customers that understand that, McCarthy said. Everybody in Richmond is lucky to have these kinds of stores.

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Six Richmond Public Schools are preparing to enter the second semester in January with a new no-phone policy, following mounting concerns about students safety and mental health.

Students will be required to lock up their cellphones in magnetic pouches at the beginning of each school day, and will be able to unlock the pouches to receive their phones at the end of each school day.

Educators are largely ecstatic. Cellphones  the quintessential classroom disruption  hinder students learning, teachers and other academic staff say. A survey sent to school staff at the six pilot schools found that 97% said student cellphone use is a problem, and 86% said they think the no-phone policy will help.

Students, perhaps not surprisingly, are mostly miffed.

Lets be honest here, after COVID, everyone was hooked to their phones because there was nothing else to do, one student said at a student advisory committee meeting. Phones are like crack to kids now.

Research corroborates that. Because school-age children had to take online classes from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in their use of cellphones, which led to the rise in cellphone addiction in adolescents. Studies show that cellphone and social media use among youth corresponds with increases in mental distress, self-injurious behavior and suicidal ideology.

The only other school division in the Richmond region to implement a no-phone policy is Hopewell City Public Schools. School leaders say its helping.

The Hanover and Henrico school divisions have rules that students are not supposed to be on their phones during class and at certain other times, but enforcement varies between schools and classrooms, and nothing physically stops students from accessing their phones. There has been no movement in these districts to push for use of phone pouches, according to spokespeople for the school divisions.

This fall, Charlottesville Public Schools effectively banned cellphone use by students, prompting pushback by some parents. Charlottesville Superintendent Royal Gurley has said students have an addiction to their phones.

The proposal from the Richmond Public Schools administration to launch the pilot program was part of a 15-part safety plan following the June 6 shooting death of an 18-year-old graduating student and his stepfather outside the Altria Theater after the Huguenot High School graduation.

The six Richmond schools to pilot the use of cellphone pouches are Dogwood, Martin Luther King Jr. and River City middle schools, as well as Huguenot, John Marshall and Open High schools.

The small pouches, produced by the company Yondr, are controlled by a magnet, which can only be unlocked by an unlocking base, which teachers and other administrators will control. Students are expected to keep the pouches  with their phones inside  with them during the school day.

The funding is from a U.S. Department of Education grant that provides short-term aid for local educational agencies that have experienced violent or traumatic incidents.

Students safety concerns

One of students top concerns with the looming policy is safety.

It gives me a certain sense of anxiety because I feel like it can become a safety hazard with the amount of violence  and especially gun violence  in the city of Richmond, said Tadreama McBride, a senior at Open High School, in an interview. We need to be able to be in contact with our parents or the authorities.

School administration will send letters to all parents and caregivers following the Thanksgiving break to explain how the pilot program will work. School leaders will also hold virtual information sessions to demonstrate the phone pouches and answer questions.

Earlier this year, a report from the United Nations recommended that smartphones be banned from schools to reduce classroom disruption. The U.N.s education, science and culture section said a ban would support students learning and protect youth from online bullying.

Alyhia Anderson, a 10th-grader at Franklin Military Academy, said in an interview that barring access to phones will not curb bullying.

Its not the phones, its the people, Anderson said. Theres going to be bullying regardless of where youre at or what (method) you have.

Kids are just mean, McBride said.

At the student advisory committee meeting earlier this month, several students proposed hypothetical scenarios in which they said they would need a phone.

What if I see an active shooter in the hallway and I dont have my phone to tell someone? What if theres a family emergency and my parents cant reach me? What if I had a panic attack in the bathroom?

My school is in a very dangerous environment, one student said during the meeting. If I, for one second, walk away from that school and my mom cannot contact me, her anxiety is going up.

One of the most common questions was: What happens when students do not comply and bypass the system?

School division leaders said consequences for noncompliance may vary by school and will be handled by building leaders.

Research from England found that dozens of high schools that enacted no cellphone policies saw large improvement in scores on high-stakes tests. The improvement was especially significant for the lowest-performing students, who saw an increase in scores more than twice as much as the average student, according to the 2016 study.

Educators concerns

Kevin Murray, a librarian at Huguenot High School, said he and other educators find phones to be a huge distraction for students.

The biggest blowback has been from parents, he said. But as a parent himself, he understands the safety concerns.

Especially in this age of school shootings, when a school goes into a shutdown for whatever reason, parents want to know how their kid is doing, he said.

Another concern from school personnel is the filming of school fights, which get posted to local social media accounts. A quick online search yields several social media fight pages dedicated to specific RPS schools.

The other problem is crowd control, Murray said. Because hundreds of kids have their phones out trying to videotape the fights, and that just adds fuel to the fire.

While some RPS students are floored at the idea of not having access to their phones during the day, its a growing trend across the U.S. and around the world.

The U.K.s Department of Education announced last month that it will soon ban the use of cellphones in schools.

A new law in Florida enacted a statewide cellphone ban for K-12 students in order to bar student cellphone use during class time and block students access to social media on district Wi-Fi.

Hopewell

In Hopewell, several instances of weapons being found on campus in 2021 created a tipping point for the community. A town hall event spurred a recommendation for the phone pouches.

Its just really changed the norm and the culture. Its been a lot easier for teachers to get students interacting when theyre in the classroom, said Jay McClain, deputy superintendent of Hopewell City Public Schools. In the cafeteria, it gets kids to actually start having conversations and talking with each other, rather than being on their phones all the time.

Before the implementation of the no-phone policy, cellphones had been used to set up fights between students and used to communicate with people outside of the school to let them on campus through a side door, McClain said.

The division found a significant decrease in fights last school year after schools began to implement the phone pouches, he said.

The pouches are not perfect, and some students will still find a way to get to a phone to record a fight occasionally, but it happens now on a much smaller scale, McClain said.

Down the road, there may be a time that we should wean off this to some degree, but this intervention has been really helpful as it has become such a hard nut to crack, he said. The goal in the long run is to teach everybody that self-management, but this was needed as sort of an interim intervention.

How cellphone use while driving has changed in America since 2004 How cellphone use while driving has changed in America since 2004 Cellphone behavior while driving has changed as technology has developed Fewer people are talking with the phones up to their ears More drivers are seen using cell phones while driving Headset use while driving remains less common
The Virginia General Assembly that meets in January will look radically different. Seventeen of the 40 state senators and 34 of the 100 members of the House of Delegates are newly elected.

The new members will bring fresh perspectives and more diversity to the chambers, which will have 31 African American lawmakers, seven of them in the Senate.

The Senate, where Democrats will have a 21-19 edge, faces a substantial loss in institutional knowledge, but its worth noting that some of the newly elected lawmakers are making return engagements. Eleven of the newly elected senators previously served in the House or the Senate.

Here is a brief introduction to Virginias 17 new state senators:

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Sen.-elect Lashrecse Aird

Party: Democrat

District 13: Parts of Henrico and Dinwiddie counties; all of Prince George County, Petersburg, Hopewell, Sussex County, Charles City County and Surry County

Profession: Chief of staff to the president at Richard Bland College of William & Mary, state delegate from 2016 to 2022

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Sen.-elect Emily Brewer

Party: Republican

District 17: All of Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, Brunswick County, Greensville County, Franklin and Emporia; parts of Portsmouth, Dinwiddie County and Chesapeake

Profession: Wine shop owner, state delegate since 2018

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Sen.-elect Jennifer Carroll Foy

Party: Democrat

District 33: Parts of Prince William and Fairfax counties

Profession: Lawyer, state delegate from 2018 to 2020; 2021 candidate for governor

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Sen.-elect Christie New Craig

Party: Republican

District 19: Parts of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach

Profession: Small-business owner; former sworn officer with the Chesapeake Sheriffs Office; chief of staff to then-Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake; former member of the Chesapeake School Board

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Sen.-elect Danny Diggs

Party: Republican

District 24: Part of Newport News; all of York County, Williamsburg and Poquoson; part of James City County

Profession: Former sheriff of York County and Poquoson

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Sen.-elect Tara Durant

Party: Republican

District 27: Parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, all of Fredericksburg

Profession: Former elementary school teacher, state delegate since 2022

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Sen.-elect Timmy French

Party: Republican

District 1: All of Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren and Clarke counties and Winchester

Profession: Farmer; co-owner of beef, poultry, dairy and row crop operations

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Sen.-elect Chris Head

Party: Republican

District 3: Parts of Roanoke, Augusta and Bedford counties; all of Botetourt County, Staunton, Rockbridge County, Waynesboro, Alleghany County, Buena Vista, Lexington, Craig County and Covington

Profession: Owner of a senior care business, state delegate since 2012

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Sen.-elect John McGuire

Party: Republican

District 10: Parts of Hanover and Louisa counties; all of Powhatan, Goochland, Fluvanna, Appomattox, Buckingham, Amelia and Cumberland counties; parts of Prince Edward and Henrico counties

Profession: Former Navy SEAL, owner of a fitness training business, motivational speaker, state delegate since 2018

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Sen.-elect Stella Pekarsky

Party: Democrat

District 36: Part of Fairfax County

Profession: Teacher, co-owner of an air charter company, member of the Fairfax County School Board

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Sen.-elect Russet Perry

Party: Democrat

District 31: Parts of Loudoun and Fauquier counties

Profession: Lawyer, former CIA officer, former Loudoun prosecutor

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Sen.-elect Danica Roem

Party: Democrat

District 30: Part of Prince William County, all of Manassas and Manassas Park

Profession: Former journalist, state delegate since 2018

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Sen.-elect Saddam Azlan Salim

Party: Democrat

District 37: Part of Fairfax County, all of Fairfax City and Falls Church

Profession: Financial consultant

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Sen.-elect Glen Sturtevant

Party: Republican

District 12: Part of Chesterfield County, all of Colonial Heights

Profession: Lawyer, former Richmond School Board member, state senator from 2016 to 2020

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Sen.-elect Suhas Subramanyam

Party: Democrat

District 32: Part of Loudoun County

Profession: Lawyer, former U.S. House legislative aide, former technology adviser to President Barack Obama, state delegate since 2020

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Sen.-elect Schuyler VanValkenburg

Party: Democrat

District 16: Part of Henrico County

Profession: History and U.S. government teacher at Glen Allen High School, state delegate since 2018

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Party: Democrat

District 21: Part of Norfolk

Profession: Owner of real estate firm, former Norfolk City Council member, state delegate since 2021
(Image: The Star)

Several economists have commented that the new Flexible Account, which is set to be implemented by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) next year, will likely be assigned a lower dividend rate as compared to Akaun 1 and 2. They are also of the opinion that less than 10% of the total sum of contribution should be allocated to the new account.

Chief economist at Bank Muamalat, Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that he believes the EPF Flexible Account will have a lower dividend because the funds in it will not be kept in place for a long period of time.

My sense is that the EPF has recognised the plight of our society in dealing with the economic shocks and the rise in cost of living. The withdrawal should serve as a stop-gap measure for particular members, as the last resort when faced with financial calamities, Dr Afzanizam commented, although he also acknowledged that further elaboration by the EPF is required.

(Image: The Malaysian Reserve)

Meanwhile, economist from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST), Dr Geoffrey Williams said that the EPF Flexible Account should at least offer a good rate of return to make it attractive for members, even if it may not necessarily be equal or higher than the dividend rate of Akaun 1 and 2. Otherwise, a Flexible Account without dividend will be no different from a regular current account.

The Akaun 3 (EPF Flexible Account) is a good idea to help people manage withdrawals without depleting their main retirement savings. However, no more than 10% of total savings should go to it, Dr Geoffrey further said, adding that the implementation of the EPF Flexible Account will likely lead to some changes in the features of Akaun 1 and 2 to prevent excessive withdrawals from them as well.

Overall, though, Dr Geoffrey believes that the EPF Flexible Account will help in improving members financial planning.

Economic analyst from the Putra Business School, Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, on the other hand, opined that the EPF Flexible Account is likely intended for depositors who have contributed more than RM10,000 to their accounts, instead of those with minimum contribution. He also believes that the amount of contribution to this new account should be tiered based on each members total contribution amount  instead of being set at a static percentage (as is the case with Akaun 1 and 2).

(Image: New Straits Times)

EPF Akaun 3 (EPF Flexible Account) will act as the emergency account, which will be the last resort to the member who face unanticipated cash problem, Dr Ahmed Razman further stated.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim  who is also Finance Minister  had announced the introduction of the EPF Flexible Account during the tabling of Budget 2024. Earlier this week, Deputy Finance Minister I, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan also revealed that the account is expected to be implemented in April 2024, with details being finalised at the moment.

(Source: New Straits Times)

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(Image: Focus Malaysia)

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has warned that the existing issue of insufficient retirement savings will be further worsened by the introduction of any new or additional pre-retirement Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals, regardless of whether it is targeted or open. It also stressed that such withdrawals are not practical long-term solutions to the increasing financial burden of the people.

The ministry further reiterated that a total of 6.3 million EPF members under the age of 55 have savings of less than RM10,000 in their accounts as of 30 September 2023. In comparison, 4.7 million members had less than RM10,000 EPF savings back in April 2020, before any Covid-19-related withdrawals were introduced.

With savings of less than RM10,000, members are expected to have retirement income of less than RM42 per month for a period of 20 years, MOF added, responding to enquiries if the government may allow more targeted EPF withdrawals in the future  given that there are some segments in the public that are requesting for it.

(Image: The Star/Glenn Guan)

Aside from that, the ministry also said that the government does not have plans to reintroduce the goods and services tax (GST) at the moment, taking into account the impact that it will have on the cost of living for the people. Therefore, the government is always monitoring the current economic situation and considering fiscal measures that are suitable for short-term and medium-term needs, it shared.

Finally, the ministry highlighted that Malaysias economy has improved enough that it is no longer in the recovery phase, with its gross domestic product (GDP) even surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Economic activities are picking up as many businesses are operating at full capacity and most workers have returned to work to generate income. This is evident as the number of active EPF members has also reached the highest level in history, namely 8.5 million as of September 2023, with an increase of 910,000 members, or 12% compared with 7.6 million recorded in September 2021, MOF noted.

(Source: Malay Mail)

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New $5 per person cruise ship tax proposed for Quintana Roo

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A new $5 tax is being proposed for all cruise ship passengers into Quintana Roo. During the states recent 2024 Fiscal Package meeting, the Congress of Quintana Roo proposed the creation of a new cruise ship tourist fee at a rate of $5 USD per person.

The additional tax would be paid at the time of cruise ship trip purchase and collected by cruise ship companies who would then forward the payments to the state.

The state seeks to obtain greater resources to allocate them to investment projects to improve the infrastructure of our state and to do so, it requires implementing new sources of income that will allow financing the expense that comes with the increase in visitors to the area, the approach details.

According to Article 51 of the Law of Rights of the State of Quintana Roo, of the money that enters the state coffers, 30 percent goes to the Trust for the Attention of Natural Disasters.

Quintana Roo is one of Mexicos states with the highest risk of hurricane impact during the Atlantic season which runs from June to November each year.

The Congress document also indicates that the new fee would compensate for the extinction of previous federal government trusts such as the Natural Disaster Fund Trust (Fonden).

The other 70 percent would be allocated to a new Trust for Tourism Infrastructure.

The $5 fee would be collected by cruise ship companies at the time of booking. Photo: Government Quintana Roo

(The contribution will allow the state) to obtain resources to strengthen the estates of those municipalities that receive cruise ships as well as provide immediate attention to people affected by natural disasters, or failing that, repair damage caused to the infrastructure by natural phenomena and finally face the growing tourist infrastructure, Congress detailed.

The document adds that although the number of cruise ship arrivals around the state decreased between January 1 and October 8, 2023, (1,576 in 2022 to 1,164 so far in 2023), the number of passengers increased from 4.1 million to almost 4.3 million.

If approved, the new Right to Cruise Passengers would come into force as of the first day of January 2025.
Cold wave sweeps across north China, yellow alert renewed

Xinhua) 08:19, November 24, 2023

A delivery man drives in snow in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- With plummeting temperatures and chilly winds, a new wave of cold weather has gripped north China, putting boilers into full operation and traffic police on emergency standby.

China's meteorological authorities renewed a yellow alert for cold weather Thursday morning, forecasting sharp drops in temperature and gales in some parts of the country.

Temperatures are expected to drop by 12 to 16 degrees Celsius in parts of China's northern, northeastern and eastern regions, according to the National Meteorological Center.

The Chinese capital Beijing experienced a plunge in temperature on Thursday, with strong winds expected to continue until 10 p.m., said Beijing's meteorological authorities.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Management on Wednesday called on all districts to prepare for safe operation and prompt emergency response for the heating supply during the cold wave.

Yin Bo, an official with the commission, said that all the city's heating suppliers have started 24-hour monitoring of heating facilities and increased home visits to conduct temperature checks.

Jilin Province in northeast China activated a level-IV emergency response to sleet, snow and cold weather on Tuesday. In the capital city Changchun, heating suppliers have implemented emergency measures and organized 10 emergency teams with 180 people on standby around the clock.

Many couriers in the province have been provided with gloves and quilts that can be mounted on scooters, as well as heating pads, according to the Jilin branch of online shopping platform Meituan, which said it will adjust delivery times and areas according to the weather.

The province has also limited the maximum speed on its section of the pivotal Beijing-Harbin Expressway and asked traffic police to increase patrols.

In Liaoning Province, also in northeast China, more than 3,000 emergency personnel, over 1,000 vehicles and 103 de-icing teams have been mobilized to ensure smooth traffic during the cold spell, according to the province's transport department.

On Wednesday, Hebei Province in north China also issued alerts for both the cold wave and strong winds. Vegetable production bases in Hebei have taken measures to minimize damage to ensure the stable production and supply of vegetables.

"The town government notified us in advance, so we greenhouse farmers have taken precautions," said Ren Fenglu, a farmer in the Hinggan League of Inner Mongolia, who was seen clearing snow at her greenhouses.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe weather, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Located in southwest Cambodia, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) has helped improve local people's lives and contributed to the kingdom's economic growth.

The SSEZ, a joint venture between Chinese and Cambodian companies, is a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The 11-square-km SSEZ currently houses 175 factories from China, Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia and other regions, generating some 30,000 local jobs.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Phasing out of Fonatur begins with Cancun, Cozumel land auction

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A total of 33 federal government plots of land in two Quintana Roo municipalities are up for grabs. The government is hoping to fetch around 830 million pesos for the land which will be distributed through social programs around the state.

The land being sold belongs to the National Tourism Promotion Fund (Fonatur) and is being sold off as the federal agency is being phased out. The undeveloped land being sold are in unprotected areas, which means they can be built upon.

In a press conference, Luis Alberto Bautista Cano, the New Projects and Inventories Manager for Fonatur, reported of the 33 plots, 13 are in Cancun and the rest on the island of Cozumel.

Luis Alberto Bautista Cano, blue shirt sitting down, leads the Thursday Fonatur press conference. Photo: November 23, 2023.

The government-owned land is being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Land that is not sold during the first round will be auctioned off in a second bidding before the end of the year.

In total, 373 lots belonging to the Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (Fonatur) are being auctioned off around Mexico. States other than Quintana Roo where Fonatur is selling land include Guerrero, Baja California Sur and Oaxaca.
United Airlines starting with 22 weekly U.S. flights into Tulum International

Tulum, Q.R.  United Airlines says it will offer nonstop flights between the United States and the soon-to-open Tulum International Airport. The airline will begin offering direct U.S. to Tulum flights starting March 31, 2024.

United announced that it will offer non-stop flights between the U.S. and the Tulum International Airport (TQO) with 22 weekly flights from Newark/New York, Houston and Chicago beginning March 31, 2024.

On May 23, United will add daily seasonal service from Los Angeles, resulting in up to five daily flights from Uniteds hubs to Tulum this upcoming summer.

Mexico continues to be a leading leisure destination and Tulum has quickly emerged as one of Mexicos most popular destinations for American travelers, the company said in a press release.

Tulum is at the top of a lot of travel lists  great beaches and restaurants, and a region featuring a rich history and spectacular natural beauty, said Patrick Quayle, Uniteds senior vice president of Network Planning and Alliances.

Our new direct flights help people get there faster than ever, giving them even more time to enjoy one of Mexicos most unique destinations.

This winter, United will be the largest airline between the U.S. and Riviera Maya region and will have the most flying to Cancun in its history.

United will offer more than 200 weekly flights from eight U.S. cities to Cancun during the winter peak, including flights on the airlines Boeing 777 widebody aircraft from Chicago, Denver and Houston. United will also continue to fly between Cozumel and Chicago, Denver and Houston, operating up to 11 weekly flights this winter.

The Tulum International Airport is located approximately 141 kilometers (81 miles) south of Cancun. Uniteds flights into Tulum International can be purchased now.

On Thursday, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama posted Great news! Connectivity continues to the new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport of Tulum with flights by United Airline from New York, Houston, Chicago starting March 31 and a seasonal one from Los Angeles, starting May 23, 2024.

We are just days away from the grand opening of this new gateway to our state, where we will receive more than 5.5 million passengers a year, bringing prosperity to the center and south of Quintana Roo.
Veracruz man arrested running from Playa del Carmen ATM machine with wallet of bank cards

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A man accused of stealing a bank clients card from an ATM machine was found in possession of 14 cards. The incident happened Thursday when Solidaridad officers were stopped by a citizen who said their card had been swiped from the ATM by a man while they were using it.

The man, who was pointed out to police, was seen running through the shopping mall parking lot but stopped and inspected after the allegation. During the physical inspection, police found the man in possession of a wallet with 14 different bank cards inside.

The man, identified as 53-year-old Javier N from Veracruz, was arrested from the Playa del Carmen shopping mall parking lot on 115th Avenue after being positively identified by the bank card victim.

In a statement, the Seguridad Publica y Transito of Solidaridad reported that Javier N is being investigated for bank card thefts at other institutions.
In June, Eugene and Chikita DeLoachs car was totaled in an accident. But it was something they just mentioned in passing, as that event was just one more thing on a list of unfortunate events that have happened to them lately.

The couple said they do fairly well financially when they are both working. Eugene, 53, is employed in the housekeeping department at a local hospital, and until August, Chikita, 47, had a job waiting tables in a restaurant. That month, she fell about 35 feet from her apartment window, injuring her spine. Her surgeon had to put her back together with screws.

I remember it vaguely, she said. I was inside, then I was outside, and I couldnt move my legs.

DeLoachs injury is classified as incomplete, meaning that the spinal cord wasnt totally severed, so the nerves may someday heal. But in the meantime, she said, although shes not in pain, she has no feeling from her chest to her waist, and her legs tingle all the time. She can walk a bit with a walker, but mainly relies on a wheelchair to get around.

Her injury meant that she could no longer work. Because DeLoach had no sick leave or savings to fall back on, the couple has had to rely on Eugenes income alone, and its not enough to meet their expenses.

Now its a bit of a struggle, she acknowledged.

An additional blow came on Oct. 1. Although she was working, DeLoach had been relying on Medicaid for her health care. The program paid her hospital, doctors and drug bills, as well as for durable goods such as the wheelchair, the walker, and a raised toilet seat. It also covered inpatient physical and occupational therapy and for home therapy once she was discharged. DeLoach was also told that when she transitioned to outpatient therapy, Medicaid would also pay for her transportation to her provider.

But with the phasing out of COVID-19 emergency funding for the Medicaid program, DeLoach found herself among the millions of Americans who are facing cuts to their benefits.

I had to re-apply, and my Medicaid is limited, she said. Not only is she no longer eligible for in-home therapy, she has no transportation to her outpatient program. Eugene must take off work to go home, get them both on a bus along with the wheelchair, and then take her home when shes finished. For that reason, she said, she chose a practice that was near his workplace, but its still not easy to go back and forth.

That month, the couple also fell behind on their rent. So they applied for a grant from Roanoke Area Ministries Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which is supported by The Roanoke Times Good Neighbors Fund. DeLoach said she had been to the charity once before in 2019, when her oldest son, who was 22 at the time, was murdered in Indiana and the family needed funds to get his body back to New Jersey, where he was buried.

DeLoach said her functioning is coming back slowly, and said she thought that with the grant, from RAM, they would be able to get their finances back in order. DeLoach said she tried contacting other charities, but they have no money left. RAM, on the other hand, allocates its funds so theres enough to go around the entire year. DeLoach is grateful for the way it worked out.

Well be in better shape now with the help we received today, she said.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.  The occupants of the fast-moving car that went airborne over an 8-foot fence and crashed and exploded at the American side of the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday appear to have stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino just before the crash that killed them, Niagara Falls Police Superintendent John Faso said.

The vehicle, a 2022 Bentley, approached the international crossing traveling at high speed down Niagara Street and hit a concrete barrier, launching it toward the customs plaza, Faso said Thursday.

The FBI late Wednesday said the investigation into the crash found no terrorism nexus. The case was turned over to Niagara Falls police as a traffic investigation, the agency said.

Investigators were still working to positively identify the occupants and notify next of kin, Niagara Falls police said.

The Rainbow Bridge remained closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic as of noon Thursday.

The identities of the vehicle owner and his wife, who was also in the vehicle, are known by the FBI, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said late Wednesday. The occupants were from Western New York, two law enforcement sources previously said.

It will take some time for the departments Crash Management Unit to complete the investigation, due to its complexity, Faso said.

The Seneca Nation, which owns the casino, in a written statement issued Thursday said it was cooperating with the police investigation.

We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred, the nation said in a statement released by a spokesperson.

The crash happened at 11:32 a.m. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and a busy day for travel.

After the crash, traffic was shut down on all four international crossings between Western New York and Canada. All but the Rainbow were reopened by about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

A customs officer injured in the incident was released from Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after treatment. Investigators found no evidence of any chemicals or substances that would cause an explosion.

A source with knowledge of the situation said the couple was traveling in a luxury vehicle and had purchased two tickets to a concert Wednesday night in Toronto.

Video from the scene showed a fire quickly spreading in the plaza and a huge plume of black smoke billowing into the sky. Other images that circulated on social media appeared to show charred remnants of a shattered vehicle strewn about the plaza.

Investigators were looking at the possibility that the driver had a medical incident, or there was a malfunction with the vehicle.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday of the incinerated vehicle, there is nothing left but the engine.

Hochul said the car was basically incinerated with nothing left but the engine and a scattering of charred debris, describing a video of the crash as surreal.

You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI?" she said at a news conference. "Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Close The Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls as law enforcement from multiple agencies assemble to investigate after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A heavily armed Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists in Niagara Falls away from the Rainbow Bridge after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. Both occupants of the car died. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Fire damage is visible at a structure in the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls, after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement agents block the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Eyewitness Rickie Wilson describes what he saw to members of the news media outside the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed into the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. State Police block traffic on Main Street in Niagara Falls near the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News) Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after an car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, N.Y. after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Aftermath after vehicle crashes, explodes at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls Two people died in a vehicle that exploded on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls late Wednesday morning, a federal law enforcement source said, prompting the closure of all four Niagara region bridges between the United States and Canada. The Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls as law enforcement from multiple agencies assemble to investigate after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A heavily armed Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists in Niagara Falls away from the Rainbow Bridge after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. Both occupants of the car died. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Fire damage is visible at a structure in the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls, after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement agents block the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Eyewitness Rickie Wilson describes what he saw to members of the news media outside the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed into the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. State Police block traffic on Main Street in Niagara Falls near the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News) Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after an car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, N.Y. after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
What does the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas look like?

A cease-fire to facilitate the release of dozens of people taken hostage during Hamas raid on Israel is expected to bring the first respite to war-weary Palestinians in Gaza and a glimmer of hope to the families of the captives
Dennis Beaver Practices law in Bakersfield and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@Gmail.com. Also, visit dennisbeaver.com.
FLORENCE, S.C.  A spokesman for the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division confirmed on Friday that the agency is investigating Palmetto Youth Academy, a former Florence charter school.

The investigation was started after Florence County Solicitor Ed Clements requested on Nov. 2 that the agency look into allegations of embezzlement, according to Director of Public Information Renee Wunderlich.

The day before, in a statement sent to the media and posted on social media, Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard OMalley called upon Clements to investigate the school and its director, Yvonne Brown-Burgess, for spending district dollars after the charter school was ordered to be closed.

The Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees, through their attorney, has filed all necessary civil actions through the courts and now it is time for a criminal investigation, OMalley said in the statement. It is time for the solicitor to stop delaying and immediately investigate Ms. Brown-Burgess.

OMalley also asked district taxpayers to call Clements and ask why an investigation was not already underway, and to call their local, county and state elected representatives about an investigation.

7Y1A5970.JPG Activists speak at a press conference on Nov. 7 in the parking lot across the street from the Florence 1 Schools administrative building on Ir

Florence 1 Schools and Palmetto Youth Academy are in a dispute that began when Palmetto Youth Academy appealed the school boards decision to not renew its charter for another 10 years.

The school has continued to operate despite having no charter, and the district has been using the appeal process as an opportunity to try to recover the money and property it gave the school in past years.

According to state law, the school should have closed and given its property back to the district when its charter expired. It requested to stay open during the appeal process, but the S.C. Administrative Law Court denied its request.

In a motion filed on Oct. 27, the district asked the court to force Palmetto Youth Academys leadership to come to a hearing and explain why they should not be held in contempt of court for violating a court order from Sept. 22 that blocked the school and its leadership from spending or transferring money or property.

Since that order, the school has continued to spend money and transfer property, according to John Edward Haas. He was assigned by the court as a third party to hold the money and property that both sides claim until the appeal is settled.

Haas supports the district in its motion, according to an affidavit he signed and that was submitted with the motion.

It is my opinion that Ms. Brown-Burgess has acted willfully to move funds and attempt to hide accounts from the receiver, and she continues to have possession and control of funds that the Court ordered turned over to the receiver, he said in the affidavit.

IMG_5684.JPG Yvonne Brown-Burgess, executive director and principal of Palmetto Youth Academy, testified on April 27 in favor of the renewal of Palmetto Yo

Despite the court ordering Palmetto Youth Academy and Brown-Burgess to work with Haas in taking control of the money, Haas said he has not received any of the documents he requested and was only able to take control of accounts he discovered through his own investigation by going to the banks directly.

After taking control of the accounts, Haas found that Palmetto Youth Academy had spent a considerable amount of money since its charter renewal request was denied. He also found evidence that the school was creating new accounts and moving large sums of money around, sometimes into personal savings accounts.

Brown-Burgess, who controlled the schools finances as its director, has directly transferred at least $314,000 to herself and $294,000 to employees and others affiliated with the school, he said. That amount does not include direct purchases made from the schools multiple bank accounts.

BLDG Florence One Schools (copy) A former Florence 1 Schools charter school is under investigation by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division for allegations of embezzlement, 

Palmetto Youth Academy previously owned 48 acres of land down the road from the school property, but it transferred that land to Prayer Tabernacle The Place of Refuge Church for $5 in September. The initial paperwork was complete before the Sept. 22 order blocking the school from transferring money or property, but a revision needed to be made to the paperwork, setting the official transfer date after the order, according to Haas.

Florence 1 Schools and Haas requested that the Administrative Law Court force the leadership of Palmetto Youth Academy to provide evidence for why the district should not take legal action against the school and those it transferred money and property to.

If school officials could not provide evidence, the district requested the ability to file actions against the school and affiliates to recover the transferred assets.

An activist group that has been calling for OMalleys resignation, along with the resignation of the districts Board of Trustees, said that OMalley was improperly using his position as superintendent by asking taxpayers to call for an investigation and for showing checks made out to Palmetto Youth Academy staff.

Members of the group, which is backed by the Racial Justice Network, spoke at a press conference on Nov. 7 and at the Nov. 9 school board meeting.

We stand with PYA, now Palmetto Promise Academy, Shelly Williams said at the press conference. We stand with the faculty, staff and students.

Williams called the comments made by OMalley, and the information he released to back his claims, an attack on the school and the community.

It creates an unnecessary divide for something that is already in court, she said.

James Williams, president of the Florence chapter of the Racial Justice Network, said at the press conference that he thinks OMalleys statements were meant to polarize white people against the school.

At the meeting, NAACP Florence Chapter President Jerry Keith said the chapter opposed OMalleys decision to publish court documents and other information about Palmetto Youth Academy.

It is the position of the branch that, in this situation, the justice system should be allowed to work. The act of sounding a dog whistle and using ones positional power to rally the crowd before justice can be served harkens back to lynching, he said. It is a weaponization of the office and abuse of power.

Get SCNOW.com for $1 for 26 weeks Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.scnow.com. Get the first 26 weeks for just $1. Click on the link: $1 for 13 weeks of SCNOW

The documents sent out by OMalley contained sensitive, personal information about those who work for or are affiliated with Palmetto Youth Academy, according to Keith and others who spoke at the press conference and board meeting.

Keith said that the release of documents could put the district in legal trouble, and that the Board of Trustees should reprimand OMalley and hold him accountable.

Board members did not respond to public comments about OMalleys communication during the meeting, nor did OMalley mention it during his report to the board.
Local actress Fann Wong shares three tips to a lasting relationship. (PHOTO:Instagram/fannaiaiwong) (Instagram/fannaiaiwong)

One of Singapores power celebrity couple is opening up on the secret to a successful marriage.

In a video released last week on the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, local actress Fann Wong dispensed some advice on a successful marriage.

After all, the 52-year-old has been in a 14-year marriage to fellow actor Christopher Lee and if their social media posts are any indication, their relationship is still going strong.

Sharing her thoughts on a marriage, Wong said, Love isnt easy. A marriage isnt done after the wedding. You need both parties to put in effort to manage and invest [in the relationship].

Independence as the key ingredient

As for the secret to having a successful marriage, Wong reckons that the most important thing is to be independent and be your own person first.

Even if you dont have a partner, you can still live life blissfully alone, she said.

Yet, she clarified that this doesnt mean you dont need someone, but rather, you need to have your own life with your own social circle without needing to rely on someone else.

Wong explained, If two such rich and complete individuals choose to be together, there will be no overreliance between them, no demands, no control, and they can nourish each other.

Maintaining personal charm and thoughtful gestures

The next thing to note is that no matter how long youve been with your spouse, you should never neglect your personal image.

Looking beautiful not only adds to the relationship, but feeling beautiful inside and out can also attract better things and people in life, she pointed out.

Finally, she advised people to continue sharing things about their life with their partner, and to not forget about the little things.

She said, When your other half is sharing, you have to respond seriously. This way, even if youve been together for a long time, youll not lose the desire to open up and share.

And, occasionally prepare some small romantic gestures or surprises for your partner. When celebrating certain events, dont forget to send a bouquet of flowers, or check out a restaurant together. When you add some fun to a plain and boring life, spending it together becomes more meaningful.

Story continues

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COLOMBO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will create electronic navigation charts (ENCs) that could generate around 200 million U.S. dollars annually from ships traversing near Sri Lankan waters, a state minister said on Friday.

State Minister for Defense Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon told the reporters there are plans to amend the national hydrology act. According to an agreement, the existing nautical charts are managed by the UK hydrographic office.

"Therefore, steps will be taken to hand over the responsibility of creating ENC to the navy in the future," he said.

He stressed the continual importance of ensuring national security, citing lessons learned from the Easter Sunday attack and emphasizing the obligation of the army to safeguard citizens regardless of race, religion, or caste.

The Easter terror attack by suicide bombers in April 2019 was one of the worst violent incidents recorded in Sri Lanka's history, with over 260 people killed in the blasts.

The state minister outlined plans to revitalize the national hydrological office to capitalize on the approximately 45,000 ships passing near Sri Lanka annually, and the creation of ENCs is essential to harness income potential from this maritime traffic. 
Burna Boy rose to international fame with his distinctive sound that blends Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and other musical genres (Afro Nation 2023)

Burna Boy has announced his impending comeback to the London stage as part of the I Told Them Tour.

He will be playing again at West Ham United's home the London Stadium, which has previously hosted performances by Beyonce, The Weeknd, and The Foo Fighters.

Burna Boy became the first African artist to headline a UK stadium with his sell-out show at the London Stadium in June 2023. Stormzy, Dave, and J Hus were among the Nigerian Afrobeats star's special guests.

The 32-year-old told NME: "London holds a special place in my heart, the energy and love from my fans here is unmatched.

"Im thrilled to be returning to the London Stadium after the incredible show we had earlier this year. Its always an honour to perform for my UK fans, and this time, were going bigger and better. Get ready, were about to make history once again!"

In addition to creating history in London, Burna Boy also sold out arenas in Paris, Arnhem, and New York City earlier this year. He is scheduled to return to these and other cities in 2024 as part of the I Told Them... Tour.

So when is his London Stadium concert in 2024 and how can you get tickets?

Here's everything you need to know about this and the artist himself:

When is Burna Boy's London Stadium concert?

Burna Boy will be performing on Saturday, June 29, 2024, along with his band The Outsiders.

Graham Gilmore, CEO of London Stadium, said: Following the phenomenal success of Burna Boys record-breaking 2023 show, we are delighted to welcome the artist back to London Stadium for 2024. It was a privilege to be the first stadium to host an African solo artist here in the UK and we look forward to another incredible show next year, to add to our amazing summer schedule for 2024.

How to get tickets for the Burna Boy concert

Tickets went on sale at 10am on November 24 via Ticketmaster and Burna Boy's website.

Prices start from 50 and go up to 130.

Who is Burna Boy?

His real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu and he was born on July 2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Key points about Burna Boy include:
When 17-year-old Madison Corzine applies for college scholarships, she shops in bulk. Its a strategy that has paid off for her big time.

I cast a wide net, said Corzine, whos from Fort Worth, Texas, and is a freshman at Spelman College in Atlanta.

Her efforts were rewarded with about $60,000 in scholarships, essentially giving her a free ride at her dream school where tuition, room and board and other fees at the historically Black college can run to about $50,000. Corzine also has money to bank for future tuition bills.

Corzine is majoring in political science, with the ultimate goal of going to an Ivy League law school and becoming a civil rights attorney. Because she earned college credits from some high school courses, she is on track to graduate from Spelman in three years  another way to minimize the undergraduate financial load.

Before her senior year of high school, Corzine and her mother came up with a plan to avoid debt and win scholarships, especially those that are renewable over four years. Her goal: Ten applications a week, which she said, translated up into the hundreds.

Ive talked to many students over the years about their college savings plans, but never anyone who took on such a lofty workload to find money.

Her mother told Madison her job was to go to school, and find scholarships to pay for school.

Its no surprise that she comes from a family of educators who have woven into her DNA the importance of a college education.

To stay organized, Corzine created a spreadsheet to monitor application deadlines, essay requirements, and other details. She wrote a series of scholarship essays covering seven different themes, such as community service or career aspirations, so she could repackage them with a tweak here or there.

She also filed the FAFSA  the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  and relied on websites such as Kaleidascope and ScholarshipAmerica, along with her college counselor to find scholarships that could be a match. Corzine targeted local, regional and national organizations and foundations, businesses, and the schools themselves.

Dont overlook scholarships close to home, she said, because theres often less competition and even a few hundred dollars can cover the costs of books, lab fees, and transportation.

Over the summer, Corzine won her biggest prize  the inaugural Michelle Obama Award for Memoir  in a national creative writing competition. The $10,000 scholarship is paid out over four years.

This being National Scholarship Month, it would be worthwhile for many current high school juniors and seniors to pay heed to Corzines blueprint for success. (To search for scholarships, check out resources such as Sallie Maes free Scholly website at https://myscholly.com/search/.) Others include Scholarships.com. and Fastweb.

One thing that struck me about Corzine was her resilience. After all, casting a wide net for money also came with rejection letters. Her advice to fellow students is to continue onward and to remember that the rejection isnt personal. Its best to take it as an opportunity to re-examine past applications and see what can be done better.

Given that about $100 million in scholarships go unclaimed each year, according to Sallie Mae, a little effort by your student could pay big dividends.

FAFSA update

The U.S. Department of Education continues to say the new FAFSA for 2024-2025 will be released in December, but no specific date has been announced. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is normally released Oct. 1, but the date was pushed back to December this time because of major changes in the application process.

A good sign: Federal officials have not gone to Capitol Hill asking for an extension. Education department officials couldnt be reached for comment.

5 ways high school students can earn college credit 5 ways high school students can earn college credit Advanced Placement classes International Baccalaureate program Dual enrollment College-Level Examination Program Summer school programs
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..

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This article originally appeared in Inc.

With Thanksgiving just past and our biggest shopping holiday of the year just around the corner, drumming up sales between now and Christmas can often be hugely challenging for small businesses. Not only can your more-moneyed competitors afford the door-buster sales that attract shoppers, but theyve got much bigger marketing budgets too. Therein lies the beauty of made-up holidays: Theres no competition.

When Angie Dudley first dreamed up the cake pop in 2007, few had heard of the cake-and-icing confection that balances atop a lollipop stick. Cupcakes were all the rage back then, says Dudley, who founded the dessert recipe website Bakerella.com around the same time. Naturally, she wanted to topple the sweet treats dominance. So, on Feb. 1, 2008, the Georgia-based baker posted an image of a cupcake-shape cake pop onto a popular cupcake enthusiasts site. Her icing-and-cake confections took off.

Later that year, she landed on the Martha Stewart show, and since then, she has published three cake pop cookbooks, one of which has been translated into 10 languages. It was viralbut it wasnt like what you see today. Word of mouth was really big, says Dudley, who came to celebrate National Cake Pop Day on Feb. 1. Im the one [who] created the craze, she says. I wanted to have some meaning behind the day.

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Still, you may think: Wait a tick, arent there already a gazillion holidays? And isnt it weirdpossibly off-puttingto just coin a new one?

Perhaps, but there is certainly precedence. The International House of Pancakes, better known as IHOP, typically celebrates National Pancake Day on Shrove Tuesday, which this year took place on March 4even though the breakfast staple has long been celebrated on Sept. 26. Next year, Shrove Tuesday is on Feb. 17that is the day after Presidents Day and three days after Valentines Day. The company plans to celebrate the hotcake on March 3 instead. Those are busy days for us already, says Kevin Mortensen, a spokesman for DineEquity, the owner of the pancake chain. Sometimes the calendar doesnt line up well.

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But thats not stopping people from claiming a free short stack. Since 2006, IHOP has raised more than $16 million for charities and has given away an estimated 26 million pancakes. National Pancake Day also happens to be one of IHOPs biggest sales days of the year, says Mortensen. It really has taken on a life of its own, he adds.

It hardly stops with pancakes. Besides the 11 federal holidays, Americans observe a long list of religious holidays, feasts, and anniversariesfrom Ramadan to Purim. Additionally, each state may have its own variety of local holidays, from Pascua Florida Day, which refers to spring and the Easter season, to Statehood Day in Hawaii.

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And you cant possibly forget the Hallmark Holidaysso named for the greeting-card company that popularized the practice of sending cards to loved ones on certain days of the year, like Mothers Day. There are approximately 23 of those.

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All told, Nationaldaycalendar.com recognizes 1,100 annual holidays, says Marlo Anderson, the founder of the Mandan, North Dakotabased national holiday tracker. He adds that his site doesnt even cover all of the holidays in existence. We research [each holiday] and if just six people post [about it] on Twitter, well pass, he says. We dont want to dilute the days we have on there with days that arent so recognizable.

Still, there is room for more. If you can make a case for why your day ought to be in existence and you can fork over $1,500 to $3,500the fee National Day Calendar charges for issuing a press release and a 13-by-19-inch framed proclamationAnderson is all ears. Just ask talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, who recently snagged her own national day, which also happens to be her birthday, Jan. 26.

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She had a compelling story, says Anderson. About one year ago, she posted something about National Cat Day saying the only thing wrong with this is that I should have my own national day. It just went crazy, he says. Hundreds of thousands of people wrote us.

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John-Bryan Hopkins from foodimentary.com suggests that, actually, its even easier than that to lasso your own day. And he should know. I am the guy who has created about 173 of the national food holidays we celebrate today, says the Birmingham, Alabamabased social media consultant who operates the hobby site. While many of the food holidays he tracksfrom National Indian Pudding Day (Nov. 13) to National Doughnut Day (first Friday of June)were already in existence, he wanted to fete at least one type of food, dish, or cuisine for each day of the year. So, he made some upincluding Frog Legs on Leap Day.

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To make up a holiday, Hopkins says its a matter of just putting it out there and doing some coordinated marketing around the day. If Im on Twitter and I have 850,000 followers and I get 100 or 150 retweets for a national day post, in the Google database, that day exists, says Hopkins. Next year, that day is that day.

The question is, how do you turn your holiday into a payday? For starters, consider teaming up, suggests Hopkins. If I were a little corner shop, I would probably work with other people and get everyone to agree to promote it, he says. It would be such a shame if you go through the trouble of creating a day that was only for your square block. I would rather the mom-and-pop shops get together.

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Thats the strategy behind Green Friday, says Ryan Fox, one of a consortium of marijuana business owners who are rallying behind rebranding the famed shopping holiday Black Friday. The idea is to promote giving the gift of newly legalized marijuana for the holidays.

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We have really high expectations, Fox, the owner of the Grass Station, in Denver, told Bloomberg. Now weve got the legal means for people to give marijuana as a gift, and thats never really been something that was feasible in the past.

To further confirm the power of fictional holidays, consider the success of Cyber Monday (the Monday following Thanksgiving) and Small Business Saturday (the Saturday following Thanksgiving). The latter was created by American Express in 2010 to gin up sales at the nations small businesses, and last year it attracted $5.7 billion worth of purchases at independent merchants, according to the financial services giant.

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Earlier this month, the Chinese e-commerce juggernaut Alibaba generated $9.3 billion in sales in one day after creating its own shopping holiday dubbed Singles Day. Hard to argue with the point of that holiday, which is for you to celebrate you by buying yourself a gift.

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Of course, coming up with your own national day can be tricky. After all, a small business is hardly in the same league as American Express and Alibaba. Anyone can attempt to start a day and if it catches on, great, says Anderson. But it takes a lot of years for this to catch on. Singles Day may be an exception to the rule.

Ultimately, you need to consider what your goals are, suggests Anderson. If youre trying to raise money for charity, for instance, it might make sense to host an event around the end of the year or during a month that holds some kind of significance for the charity or cause. The same goes for triggering sales, he adds.

For Bakerellas Dudley, National Cake Pop Day was a product of wanting to keep her community of cake pop aficionados interested and engaged with the dessert. Its something to have fun with on social media, she says. Ill post a photo on Facebook, Instagram, and maybe my site. Its a reminder for people to celebrate. And if they want to buy one of her cookbooks, toys, and line of cake pop baking tools, thats OK too, she adds.

See also: To Work or Not to Work Thanksgiving Weekend
For weeks weve been steadily targeted with an increasing number of deals, sales, and specialson social media and TV and in our inboxesall of which culminates in the ultimate retail barrage of offers on the fourth Friday in November, known (somewhat sinisterly) as Black Friday. Its here. The American holiday season of stuff is upon us. Its a craze. Its a culture. It even got South Park nominated for an Emmy in 2014.

But Black Friday has also reached beyond U.S. borders. In the past decade, reports of other countries adopting post-Thanksgiving shopping dealsusually without the Thanksgivinghave proliferated. So has the chaos associated with the shopping frenzy. In Brazil, hordes of people flooded malls in 2017 for Black Friday deals on TVs. In France, climate activists held Block Friday protests in 2019 to denounce the rampant consumerism of the day. (Work, consume and shut up, that is the message given to our youth, demonstrators who gathered outside a mall chanted.) And this year, Amazon workers around the world will stage strikes and protests for better working conditions to coincide with Black Friday for the third year in a row.

It may be a testament to the U.S. (and the strength of its cultural exports) that Black Friday has gone global. But it is e-commerce that has really brought the retail holiday to the rest of the world.

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A day of dealsa weekend, reallycan be an intoxicating thing. Adam Sneyd, an associate professor of political science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, said in an interview that when consumers feel like theyre getting a deal, and are excited about huge discounts on major purchases, theyre less likely to think about the global connections and environmental and social impacts associated with the purchase.

It reflects the triumph of possessive individualism, he said.

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This idea of American-style consumer culture holds outsized power. It is aspirational for people all over the world, he added.

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And if American patterns of consumerism around Black Friday (and its identical twin, Cyber Monday) are any indication, the rest of the world is in for a lot more deal fetishizing. Last year, American consumers spent a record $9.12 billion online shopping during Black Friday, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks sales on retailers websites. And a lot of that was accomplished with buy now, pay later services, which make it a lot easier for consumers to take on debt they cant afford. But it could go both ways: The global nature of e-commerce may mean that more and more Americans will be exposed to other countries big sales days. Singles Day, a huge sales event across Asia that starts on Nov. 11, is becoming more well known in Europe and the U.S., according to Kristin McGrath, editor of the Real Deal, a column on retail and shopping. Global consumers in sync with sales offered all over the world: Sounds terrifying!

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It doesnt come without consequences, Sneyd said, referring to consequences both personal and global. Another spooky statistic from last year came from the European Federation for Transport and Environment: During Black Friday in 2022, about 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide were released due to trucks transporting goods around Europe94 percent more CO2 than the average week.

Related From Slate There Is Only One Difference Between OK Mashed Potatoes and Shockingly Good Ones Read More

Still, the phenomenon of Black Friday (and other global shopping days) is very much here to stay, with the days having taken on a life of their own, in large part because of global consumer demand. At Plaza Lama, a home-goods and grocery store in the Dominican Republic, staff members wear black T-shirts that say Noviembre de Black Friday and push sales all November long. Mario Lama, the CEO of the Dominican superstore, recalled in an interview that they started hyping Black Friday in 2013 when the term was not widely used by other retailers in the country. (Many Dominicans were familiar with the idea because they had family in the States or because they knew people who would travel to the U.S. to capitalize on the deals.)

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Lama saw brands that he sold in his stores discounted heavily in the States, he recalled. We go, Hey, hey, we dont have those bargains!  he said. And from then on, we kept insisting that the brands start giving us a good deal, too. Initially, to avoid offering deals that would sell his products at a loss but remain competitive with the U.S., Lama said his superstore made deals with local banks, who offered Black Friday discounts if using a credit card for the transaction. Ultimately, Lama said that Black Friday just made sense to implement because the Dominican Republic has a big, big American influence.

We have probably 2 million Dominicans all over the U.S.New York, especially. But we also follow everything American, he said. So does everyone else.
The Wall Street Journal published a dispatch this week from West Africa, where militants affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group are increasingly using national park conservation areas as hideouts and engaging in violence against rangers.

The piece concerns activity in three large national parks that span the borders of Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso and are operated by a pan-African nongovernmental organization called African Parks. The group, whose holdings in the region include a 1,500-acre enclosure whose purpose is to breed West African cheetahs, says preventing terrorism is actually part of its mission.

It touts the economic benefits of the two national parks, hoping locals will be more inclined to protect the lands instead of poaching wildlife, cutting trees, grazing cattleor joining al Qaeda. Commerce and services help disrupt the chain of recruitment in communities, [African Parks employee Hughes] Akpona said.

In an aside, the WSJ mentions that African Parks sources of funding include the U.S. State Department. Which suggests a connection and a question: Does the American government believe that a cheetah-mating program in West Africa is a front in the War on Terror?

The link between natural preserves and extralegal militancy is actually well-studied. Wilderness areas are good hiding places, and the trafficking of endangered animals or their byproducts is a useful source of income for groups that operate outside the clean financial system. Says Elizabeth Shackelford of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, who served in Somalia and Kenya as a foreign service officer: African Parks has had a long-standing focus on the need to engage local communities and provide economic benefits in order to make conservation sustainable, and the underlying potential grievances that they are trying to manage are the same grievances that make communities susceptible to extremism and recruiting.

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Related From Slate China May Be Making the U.S. a Cuddly Offer It Cannot Refuse Read More

Theres also precedent for the U.S. spreading money around, in efforts to combat what it sees as global security threats, to entities that may not initially seem to be closely related to the threat at hand. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Central Intelligence Agency used front groups to support, of all things, literary magazines and writers programs. (The Paris Review and the vaunted Iowa Writers Workshop both had spook connections.) The idea, apparently, was that the U.S. would be a more potent rival to the USSR if it were respected culturallyand that promoting writers and intellectuals who werent so far left that they supported communism would marginalize the ones who were reds.

So, Slate put the question to the State Department: Is eradicating an extremist group that originated in the Middle East one of the reasons that the U.S. pays for national parks in West Africaand their cheetah sex parties? The answer, a spokesperson said, is that Our focus is on strengthening ranger capabilities for enforcement and investigations related to wildlife crime, as well as establishing an effective criminal justice response to poaching and transit of illicit wildlife activity. That said, according to State, Any ancillary counterterrorism benefits that accrue from our building capacity in this area is welcome.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice finished presenting its case in court that Googles efforts to secure an advantage in its search engine business violated federal antitrust law.

So concluded a grueling 10-week trial in federal district court in Washington, D.C., a saga full of bitter allegations of untoward Silicon Valley deal-making, high-profile executive testimonies, and troves of internal documentsand, weirdly, less attention than youd expect given that the United States is trying to give a speeding ticket to one of the most powerful companies in the world.

From the beginning, the trial was marred by complaints of courtroom secrecy: Judge Amit Mehta was largely deferential to requests for closed-door testimony and document redactions, though news organizations were eventually successful in lobbying for better transparency and access.

The judge may hold Google liable. He may order the company to be broken up, to change its business practices, or to pay severe civil penalties. Or he may not.

No matter what happens, the Google trial is a remainder of a crucial fact-finding function of litigation. Whatever the outcome, we now know way more about how Google works because the government put it on trial.

So what exactly did we learn?

The governments argument against Google hinged in large part on the deals it struck with phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to keep its search engine the default. That, prosecutors alleged, allowed Google to cement its status as a monopolist in search and gain an unfair advantage in the tangential market of search advertising.

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But the numbers behind those deals were a revelation: In 2021, Google made $146 billion in search advertising and gave a $26 billion cut to phone manufacturers and carriers in exchange for default status. Thats nearly 18 percent.

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In sworn testimony, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella divulged that he spent years trying to convince Apple executives to switch the default search engine on Safari from Google to Microsofts Bing. Everybody talks about the open web, but there is really the Google web, Nadella said.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai defended his company on the witness stand, saying its Apple deal was struck at a time of fierce competition between the two. (The companies compete directly when it comes to web browsers, cloud services, operating systems, laptops, and music streamingjust to name a few.)

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But, Apple alone takes home 36 percent of the search advertising revenue Google gets from the web browser Safari. And the Justice Department unveiled 2018 meeting notes showing Apple CEO Tim Cook declaring that hed like Apple to be deep, deep partners with Google. Our vision is that we work as if we are one company, Cook said. Meanwhile, Google lowered its revenue-sharing agreement on Android phones with Verizon from 20 percent to only 10 percent in 2020, though the carrier didnt bother to try and sell those rights to competitors such as Microsoft.

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Related From Slate You Might Have Noticed Something Strange With Google Read More

Prosecutors painted Google as a technology behemoth, unaccountable to regulators, competitors, or even customers: Googles vice president of advertising products admitted under oath that the company raises ad auction prices by as much as 5 percent to meet revenue targets without informing advertisers.

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In an internal company presentation, Google instructed its employees not to use anticompetitive lingo when discussing rivals and customers, we learned during the trial. Words such as crush, kill, hurt, block, lock-in, market, bundle, and tie were all frowned upon. Its just wrong to say that were dominant in or control any line of business, the presentation concluded. Pichai also refuted allegations that he routinely deleted internal messages to thwart investigators.

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This case isnt over. The parties will reconvene in a number of months to deliver closing arguments before Mehta weighs in. Appeals are likely no matter the outcome. If Google is found to have violated federal antitrust laws, the government will request a remedythe most drastic being a breakup of the company in a way thats meant to address the underlying abuse.

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Meanwhile, Google is already steeped in a separate antitrust fight with a rival company, Epic Games, over whether the internet giants app store policies are anticompetitive. (Epic previously sued Apple on similar grounds and lost.) And Google is gearing up for another antitrust battle with the Justice Department in early 2024 over its advertising stackthe technology that connects ad buyers and sellers throughout the open web.

Obviously, governments dont sue companies just to put private company information in the hands of the public. Nor should they.

But, in this case, federal prosecutors have brought a convincing case that Googlearguably the most powerful company on the internetabused one of its many monopolies. While monopolization cases are rare and notoriously difficult to win, the public has already won to some degree. At least we can see Google for what it really is.
Dropbox, Inc. and NVIDIA have announced a collaboration to enhance productivity for millions of Dropbox users through advanced AI technologies. This partnership marks a significant step in integrating personalized generative AI into everyday knowledge work, aiming to refine search accuracy, organization, and workflow simplification across cloud content.

Dropboxs AI Expansion with NVIDIAs Expertise

Dropbox plans to utilize NVIDIAs AI foundry, which includes NVIDIA AI Foundation Models, NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, and NVIDIA accelerated computing. This integration will significantly enhance Dropboxs latest AI-powered product experiences. Notable among these are Dropbox Dash, a universal search tool connecting apps, tools, and content, and Dropbox AI, which provides question-answering and summarization capabilities for large files.

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Revolutionizing Knowledge Work with AI

Drew Houston, co-founder and CEO of Dropbox, emphasizes the transformative potential of generative AI in addressing common challenges in organization, prioritization, and focus. He envisions AI as a tool to offload routine tasks, boost creativity, and enable more meaningful work. This partnership with NVIDIA is a strategic move to bring more personalized, AI-powered experiences to Dropbox customers.

NVIDIAs Role in Enterprise-Generative AI

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, highlights the expanding role of AI from cloud services to enterprise generative AI assistants, foreseeing a significant shift in the computing industry. NVIDIAs collaboration with Dropbox is set to provide customized generative AI applications, accelerating workflows for millions of Dropbox users.

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The Transformational Power of AI in Dropboxs Ecosystem

Dropbox has consistently integrated AI and machine learning into its core product to enhance efficiency and save time for its users. NVIDIAs flexible tools will enable Dropbox to introduce new AI-powered capabilities, enhancing the intelligence applied to customer content and workflows. Utilizing NVIDIA AI Foundation Models and the NVIDIA NeMo framework, Dropbox can customize and fine-tune large language models (LLMs), ensuring personalized, relevant information that upholds the security, privacy, and transparency standards Dropbox customers expect.

Dropbox also aims to boost production AI inference performance using NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, including NVIDIA Triton Inference Server and NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM.

The collaboration between Dropbox and NVIDIA is poised to redefine how knowledge work is conducted, leveraging AI to create a more efficient, organized, and creative working environment for millions of users worldwide.
Is your small business capitalizing on the Throwback Thursday  aka #TBT  phenomenon? If not, its time to join in the race to post nostalgic content to reach out to and strike a chord with followers.

What is Throwback Thursday?

Throwback Thursday, often abbreviated as #TBT, is a popular social media trend where individuals and organizations post nostalgic content from their past. Typically observed on Thursdays, this trend encourages sharing old photos, stories, and memories.

Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here

Throwback Thursday Ideas

If youre unsure how to execute a Throwback Thursday strategy, help is here, with the following 10 best Throwback Thursday ideas small businesses are successfully using to celebrate #TBT in 2018.

Share an Event You Hosted a Long Time Ago

Okay, so if youre a start-up this idea might not be applicable, but if your small business has been going for some time, use the #TBT trend to alert followers of your past events. If you have an image of a past event you are proud of, post the image  on a Thursday of course  with the #TBT hashtag and a brief description of the event.

Posting about past events can be an effective way to gauge interest in a forthcoming event you have by tying past and future events together.

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Tweet Old Business Cards

Another popular way to celebrate Throwback Thursday is to post an image of your old business cards. For maximum effect, post the old business card alongside your current business card. This will provide some subtle but effective marketing getting your business in front of anyone searching the #TBT hashtag.

Jessica Borg, a reporter at KHOU, the CBS affiliate in Houston, does just this on Twitter.

Post Baby Photos of Yourself or Employees

No one can resist looking at baby photos of colleagues or, better still, their boss! Generate interest on your social media feeds by posting Throwback Thursday pictures of you or your colleagues as babies or kids. Garner even greater interest in the posts by asking people to guess who the youngster is.

Highlight a Key Turning Point in Your Business

Share a story or a photo from a time when your business experienced a significant turning point. It could be a major contract you landed, a crucial hire, or even a significant challenge you overcame. This kind of post not only gives a glimpse into your companys history but also showcases your resilience and growth.

Showcase Retired Products or Services

If your business has been around for a while, chances are youve had products or services that are no longer available. Use Throwback Thursday to post about these retired offerings. This can stir nostalgia among long-time customers and also shows how your business has evolved over time.

Share Historical Industry Insights

Post about how your industry looked when your business started versus how it looks now. This can be an educational and engaging way to highlight industry progress and your businesss role in that evolution.

Celebrate Long-Time Employees

Put the spotlight on employees who have been with the company for many years. Share their pictures from when they first joined and now, along with a brief story about their journey in your company. This not only celebrates your team but also underscores your companys commitment to its employees.

Heres a throwback Thursday example on the news:

Throwback to Your First Website

Almost every business starts with a basic website that evolves over time. Share screenshots of your first website compared to your current one. This can be a fun and visually engaging way to show how much your online presence has grown and modernized.

Share Photos of Past Projects Representing Milestones

Show just how much your business has evolved and expanded over the years by posting a Throwback Thursday image of your first office or home office. It doesnt need to be from a bygone era, as a #TBT post from several years ago can be just as effective.

The social media savvy building company Sundt Construction does just this by tweeting an image of an unused warehouse they converted into new administrative offices for Habitat for Humanities five years ago.

Highlight Initial Workspaces : Share photos of where your business started, like a small office or a home setup.

: Share photos of where your business started, like a small office or a home setup. Showcase Key Projects Over the Years : Post images of significant projects that marked growth or success milestones.

: Post images of significant projects that marked growth or success milestones. Before and After Transformations : Share photos showing the transformation of workspaces or projects from their inception to completion.

: Share photos showing the transformation of workspaces or projects from their inception to completion. Celebrate Partnership Anniversaries : Include images from when you first partnered with other businesses or clients.

: Include images from when you first partnered with other businesses or clients. Acknowledge Major Business Changes : Post about significant changes, like moving to a bigger office or expanding your team.

: Post about significant changes, like moving to a bigger office or expanding your team. Share Historical Business Moments: Highlight moments in your business history that had a significant impact, like launching a breakthrough product or service.

Repost Old Ads on #TBT

Posting old ads is an incredibly easy and effective way for small businesses to celebrate Throwback Thursday and promote their brand to followers and prospects. Posting old ads that highlight how products have changed or advanced, or how much prices have changed, can be a great way to create nostalgia amongst followers.

Interject Customers into Your #ThrowbackThursday Campaign

As Hootsuite notes, your customers are what its all about, so celebrate them with a throwback to the customers of yesteryear.

Post images of your customers former involvement with your brand, such as using your services or products in past decades and pointing out just how far your products or services have come since then.

Recall a Fun and Relevant Fact About Your Business

No matter how long your business has been going, it has a history. Capitalize on the Throwback Thursday craze by posting a fun fact about your business, such as how many employees you started out with, or what significant thing happened in the year your business was founded.

Starbucks Coffee makes good use of Throwback Thursday by posting about the good old days  for example when it first opened its first Seattle coffee shop 43 years ago.

Post About Your First Logo

How far has your business logo come over the years? Generate intrigue and interest in your brand by posting images of your first logo alongside a #TBT hashtag. Use the post to show how more stylized and sophisticated your brand has become.

Publish Content About Your First Award

Which year did your business win its first award? Showcase your former awards and just how successful your business has been over the years by celebrating Throwback Thursday with some of these posts.

Veritas Tech APJ does just this, posting a photo of their Geo of the Year Award achievement.

Run a #TBT Contest

Generate maximum social media exposure on a Thursday by running a #TBT contest. Encourage followers to participate in your Throwback Thursday promotion by posting their own #TBT content and giving a freebie or prize to the followers who post the best #Throwback Thursday content.

Throwback Thursday Ideas Summary

Idea Description Share an Event Post past event images for engagement and history showcase. Tweet Old Business Cards Compare old and new business cards to highlight brand evolution. Post Baby Photos Share employee baby photos for fun engagement. Highlight a Key Turning Point Share milestones or major changes in your business. Showcase Retired Products Post about discontinued products or services. Share Historical Industry Insights Contrast past and present industry states. Celebrate Long-Time Employees Spotlight long-serving employees' journeys. Throwback to Your First Website Show first vs. current website for digital growth. Share Photos of Past Projects Post images of initial workspaces and major projects. Repost Old Ads on #TBT Share old ads to create nostalgia and brand awareness. Interject Customers Feature past customer interactions and relationships. Recall a Fun Fact Share interesting historical facts about your business. Post About First Logo Compare first and current logos to show brand development. Publish First Award Content Highlight the first award your business received. Run a #TBT Contest Encourage follower participation with a themed contest.
Susanna Mae Nevala, 81, of Hollywood, MD, passed away on November 18, 2023, at her home with her family at her side.



She was born on February 9, 1942, in Hollywood, MD to the late Levi and Mary (Newton) Dean and graduated high school from St. Mary's Academy in 1959.



On April 11, 1964, Sue married her beloved husband, Richard David "Dick" Nevala in Hollywood, MD. Together they celebrated over 59 wonderful years of marriage. She and Dick enjoyed travelling throughout the U.S. for many years by motorcycle and in their RV, visiting 47 of 50 states. They also enjoyed annual summer camping trips with their three granddaughters, international trips to the Holy Land, France and England, and cruising the high seas, Sue's favorite being the Canadian cruises. She loved spending the winter months with friends on the warm Gulf Coast of Texas.



For several years Sue bowled for Hollywood Exxon at Esperanza Lanes in the women's league. She was also a highly skilled seamstress and made countless beautiful quilts for her family, friends and all the graduating seniors at Faith Bible Church. She attended and served at SAYSF and Faith Bible Church across many ministries over the years, including in the nursery, Sunday school, and leading women's Bible studies. Sue was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a superb cook, hosting many family meals for holidays, celebrations, and every Sunday after church. Family favorites included her famous salsa recipe, various soups, fresh baked breads, and pork with sauerkraut.



She is survived by her husband, Dick; her sons, Troy Nevala and Brian Nevala (Leslie), all of Leonardtown, MD; sister, Lynn Lumpkins (Earl) of Leonardtown, MD; granddaughters: Rebekah Strong (Levi) of Picayune, MS, Emily VanFossen (Micah) of Athens, AL, and Rachel Hackney (Andrew) of Fredericksburg, VA; her great-grandchildren, Levi Strong, Jr. and Susanna Strong; and many extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Carol Nevala and siblings: Teddy Dean, Doris Knight, and Mary Snavely.



A Memorial Service will be officiated by Pastor Rob McNutt on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Church, 26325 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20653. Interment will be held at a later date at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD 20622.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Bible Church, Attention: Finance, 26325 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  The countrys defense chief on Friday called as absolute falsity China's claim that the Philippines is undermining regional stability by working with the United States in patrolling disputed waters, adding that Beijing should expect more similar moves in the future.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro responded to Chinas accusation that the country is stirring up trouble and supposedly violated a non-binding agreement on the conduct of states when it held patrols with the US in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) the past three days.

Sino bang nananakop? Sino bang kumukubkob sa South China Sea, sa West Philippine Sea, lalo na? [Who is occupying, who is blockading South China Sea, and especially West Philippine Sea?] Teodoro told reporters.

It is China. The Philippines is not stirring up trouble. This is the reverse of the truth, he said.

Chinas credibility when it comes to issues in the WPS, the Cabinet official added, is very, very low.

Teodoro said the Philippines is not sowing disturbance and is merely protecting its rights in the waters, in accordance with international law  something China purports to respect in words but unfortunately not in deeds.

In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano also said the patrols were conducted within 40 to 140 nautical miles from mainland Luzon and Palawan, which is well within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China's claim that our actions are allegedly stirring up trouble in the region is unfounded. We will continue to exercise our rights and fulfill our obligations to maintain peace and stability in the region in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Ano wrote.

Teodoro said Manila will hold more joint exercises in the WPS, noting that other countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Canada have expressed interest.

There will be several iterations of joint patrols, and this should not be an issue because it is within the rights of the Philippines There are plans along the way for this year, next year, and succeeding [years], he said.

No untoward incidents

Despite Chinas resistance, there had been no untoward incidents in the WPS during the joint patrols from Nov. 21 to 23, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Peoples Liberation Army Navy vessels shadowed Philippine vessels, but he said this was expected from Beijing, which had repeatedly attempted to intimidate other claimant countries in the area.

For us, we consider the joint maritime and air patrols between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) a success, he told the media. We are confident that we are now more able to operate with our ally, the United States.

Brawner also said contrary to China's claim, the defense partnership with US is a way for the two countries to promote rules-based international order.

In the conduct of these joint patrols, we have to follow the international rules and laws. So, we have done that. And by doing that, we are telling the world that this is possible, it is possible to operate within our exclusive economic zone without necessarily harassing other countries, he said.
Have fun with board games, help children in need, or go and fly a kite high. Here's what to do during the weekend of November 24-26.

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TRAVEL

A hike to the 'mini' Dolomites

On Sunday, the Trencin Centre for Family will organise a hike to Sulov Castle near the town of Bytca, north-western Slovalia. The ruins of the castle are located in the picturesque Sulov Rocks (Sulovske skaly), almost a miniature version of the famous Dolomites. The meeting point is the parking space at 10:00 near the village of Sulov. For more information, click here.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d22392.3667645305!2d18.56868780767246!3d49.167909918994184!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x47148aa62c3df283%3A0xc50791fa5cd98e91!2sParkovisko%20hradu%20S%C3%BA%C4%BEov!5e1!3m2!1ssk!2ssk!4v1700573300039!5m2!1ssk!2ssk

TIP: A Slovak village's biggest treasure has also attracted New Zealanders.

Christmas around the corner

We are five weeks away from the holidays. With November coming to an end, towns around Slovakia are about to open Christmas markets, many actually this weekend, with others joining in the following weeks. In addition to holding a market in the historic city centre, individual Bratislava boroughs will hold their own markets. So if you miss the lighting of the Christmas tree in Hlavne Namestie square on Friday evening, you can visit the market in Namestie Republiky square in Petrzalka to the witness lighting of the tree there. Ruzinov already opened their market on Wednesday.

As for the rest of Slovakia, Christmas market will open this weekend in Trnava, Presov, Zilina, Partizanske, and there will be a one-off event in Snina. For more information, click on individual towns. More towns such as Nitra, Trencin, Banska Bystrica and Kosice will join them at the beginning of December.

Christmas markets on the Main Square in Bratislava. (Source: TASR)

Iconic bedtime story house opens

Is there anything more Christmassy than fairy-tale-like events at a replica of an iconic house from a Slovak bedtime story? That's right, starting this Friday and Saturday and going on on a weekly basis until December 22, this event will allow children to see what is inside the iconic house near the town of Detva, central Slovakia, enjoy holiday decorations, hot tea and honey cakes, as well as creative workshops. For more information, click here.

TIP: Tatra Ice Cathedral pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

MISCELLANEOUS FUN

A day with board games

The autumn boardgaming event in Kosice is back for another edition. On Saturday, non-profit Hrad Hier (Castle of Games) will bring dozens of modern games to the Vymennik Vazecka venue in Kosice. Admission is free of charge and everybody is welcome, from child to senior. Really, if you have never played a modern board game before, forget your preconceived ideas you might have from playing Monopoly or Scrabble. If you have, then get ready for more new ones. For more information, click here.

(Source: TASR)

Help those in need

Unfortunately, not every child will be able to get a toy as a Christmas present, especially those in socially disadvantaged families and in orphanages. That is why three civic associations are organising a charity collection of toys and books in the Centro shopping centre in Nitra. If you happen to have some toys and books in good condition, meaning in a condition you would be happy with if received as a present, you can donate them throughout Saturday in the shopping centre. More details available here.

Fly your kite high

Although towns and, more notably, shopping centres are beginning to adopt Christmas decorations, it is still autumn. Meaning, there is always time to fly your kite. On Saturday afternoon, the Podunajske Biskupice borough in Bratislava will host Sarkaniada, an event dedicated to kite flying. In addition, you can expect a few contests. For more information, click here.

The history of Slovak pilots

Speaking of flying, the Imrich Winter Balneology Museum in Piestany, western Slovakia, is holding a plastic model exhibition dedicated to Slovak World War II pilots, showcasing the planes they flew in various theatres of the war, albeit in a much smaller scale. In total, you will see 170 detailed and expertly painted models. In addition, the exhibition also features artefacts such as pictures, parts of frames, masks and more. For more information, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 30 - On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Slovakia and Japan, a special concert of artists of both Slovak and Japanese origin with close ties to Nitra will be held in the town's synagogue at 18:00. Click here for more information.

December 1-2 - more towns open their traditional Christmas markets

December 2 - Winter Hobby Bratislava, an event for plastic models, Lego, miniature and model train collectors

BEFORE YOU GO

WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Don't miss an a hike to an unmarked hill above Bratislava's Raca, or a jam session at Kafe Scherz.

WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: There is a Slovak Queer Film festival, a Christmas swing dance party and more going on in the next few days.

WHAT TO LEARN: How communists banned celebrated climber from the Tatras, but failed to erase him completely.

WHAT TO READ: The Ukrainian who became a fundraiser, debunker and TV personality in Slovakia.

That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
Expo audit slams Sulik's Economy Ministry, good luck finding a cottage in northern Slovakia this New Year, and tips for activities over the weekend.

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Good evening. Here is the Friday, November 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Expo Dubai audit confirms money was squandered

Richard Sulik at the Slovak pavilion during Dubai Expo 2020. (Source: TASR)

The Supreme Audit Office has found that the Economy Ministry inefficiently spent a total of 634,000 from the state budget when preparing and running the Slovak pavilion at the EXPO 2020 Dubai event.

In addition, 400,000 that was spent on running a restaurant in the pavilion is the subject of legal proceedings. There were problems with the pavilion even before the event started.

The report will be submitted to parliament and the Government Audit Office. The case is also being dealt with by prosecutors.

The event took place from October 2021 until March 2022 and became known as a "trip for friends" for SaS leader Richard Sulik, who at the time served as economy minister. He denied any wrongdoing.

The total costs of the Slovak participation reached almost 11 million, which was paid from the state budget. According to the audit, the ministry did not set measurable goals and did not pay enough attention to budget planning either.

"The Economy Ministry was unable to demonstrate to the inspectors the frugality of the public funds spent," said the office's vice-president, Henrieta Crkonova.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

TRAVEL: Good luck finding a cottage for your New Year celebrations in Liptov. Only a handful of facilities have any space left.

Good luck finding a cottage for your New Year celebrations in Liptov. Only a handful of facilities have any space left. RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY: Check out our exclusive ranking of the largest law firms operating in Slovakia and their major deals .

Check out our exclusive ranking of the largest law firms operating in Slovakia and their major deals LABOUR LAW: We also rank the largest law firms operating in the labour relations sphere, and detail their major deals of the past year.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR FRIDAY

Restoring Petrzalka's original artworks

The restored painting in Petrzalka (Source: Ivana Vrablova, Petrzalka borough)

The Umenie v Petrzalke (Art in Petrzalka) community has successfully finished a second project to restore original artworks that were painted on blocks of flats in the largest borough of Bratislava soon after they were constructed, beginning in the 1970s.

Following the 2015 reconstruction of a painting entitled Mier (Peace), Umenie v Petrzalke has now restored the second of eight monumental paintings.

Read a selection of positive stories from Slovakia.

EVENTS IN BRATISLAVA AND SLOVAKIA

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Christmas decorations in Bratislava. (Source: BKIS Lucia Benedigova)

Towns all over Slovakia are currently opening their Christmas markets, with more to follow suit in the coming weeks. Find out here where the markets are being opened this weekend. In addition, get tips on other activities, including a board gaming event, and a suggested hike.

Or, if you're not feeling particularly Christmassy, be sure to check out our selection of events in Bratislava, where you can find a Cuban Night, a film festival and more.

IN OTHER NEWS

Had a presidential election taken place in November, Hlas chair Peter Pellegrini would have won with 40 percent of the vote , a survey carried out by the AKO polling agency on behalf of private station TV Joj has shown. However, he has yet to announce if he will run for the office. Ex-foreign affairs minister Ivan Korcok would have ended runner-up with 30.4 percent of votes. An earlier November poll by the Ipsos polling agency showed the former had the best chance of becoming Slovakia's next president. (TASR)

, a survey carried out by the AKO polling agency on behalf of private station TV Joj has shown. However, he has yet to announce if he will run for the office. Ex-foreign affairs minister Ivan Korcok would have ended runner-up with 30.4 percent of votes. An earlier November poll by the Ipsos polling agency showed the former had the best chance of becoming Slovakia's next president. (TASR) The convoy of trucks waiting to cross the Slovak-Ukrainian border at Vysne Nemecke-Uzhhorod is currently about 13 kilometres long , according to police. The crossing point has come under pressure following a blockade of four Polish-Ukrainian border crossing points in recent weeks. Polish hauliers are demanding that the EU reintroduce a permit system to limit the number of Ukrainian lorries entering the EU. Slovak hauliers have supported their initiative and on Saturday will decide whether to block the Slovak border crossing.

, according to police. The crossing point has come under pressure following a blockade of four Polish-Ukrainian border crossing points in recent weeks. Polish hauliers are demanding that the EU reintroduce a permit system to limit the number of Ukrainian lorries entering the EU. Slovak hauliers have supported their initiative and on Saturday will decide whether to block the Slovak border crossing. On Friday, Kia Slovakia manufactured its seven-millionth engine at its plant in Teplicka nad Vahom, Zilina Region , the company announced, adding that it was a 1.6-litre petrol aggregate that will be fitted to a plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sportage model. The company launched production in Slovakia in 2006. (TASR)

, the company announced, adding that it was a 1.6-litre petrol aggregate that will be fitted to a plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sportage model. The company launched production in Slovakia in 2006. (TASR) A total of 115 new professional soldiers took their military oath on the premises of the Haj Nicovo memorial in Liptovsky Mikulas , northern Slovakia on Friday. They were the last group among almost 1,100 new soldiers to join the ranks of the Slovak armed forces this year. (TASR)

, northern Slovakia on Friday. They were the last group among almost 1,100 new soldiers to join the ranks of the Slovak armed forces this year. (TASR) Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) is set to visit Prague on November 30. The president of the upper house of the Czech parliament, the senate, Milos Vystrcil, says that he wants to ask Pellegrini about the Slovak government's recent moves affecting the media and the police. (TASR)

Participants in the 10th edition of the Noc Vonku (Night Out) event, held by the Vagus civic association. The event aims to bring attention to the worsening situation of homeless people in Slovakia. (Source: TASR)

WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND

Throughout Saturday, cloud cover will change, with rain and snow falling in many places. Daytime temperatures of between -3C and 6C are expected. Sunday will be similar, with more snow expected in northern parts of Slovakia. Daily temperatures will be between -5C and 4C. (SHMU)

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P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231123/pro-palestinian-protesters-shut-down-macys-thanksgiving-parade-1115176925.html

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Shut Down Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Shut Down Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

A group of Pro-Palestinian protesters shut down the Macy's Thanksgiving parade on Thursday, blocking the floats for about 20 minutes.

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Pro-Palestinian protesters glued themselves to 6th Avenue in New York City on Thursday, temporarily blocking the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade's floats were reportedly stopped for about 20 minutes.The protesters, wearing white jumpsuits with words including colonialism, militarism, and ethnic cleansing.The protesters were calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and chanted slogans including Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israels crimes. Protesters also laid on the street while others poured fake blood on them.The New York Police Department says several of the protesters were taken into custody. The number of protesters who blocked the parade numbered around 30, but dozens more could be seen standing in the parade crowd holding Palestinian flags.US media reported that parade watchers heavily booed the protesters, but that is not apparent in videos of the event posted on social media. They show a mixed reaction from the crowd, followed by somewhat louder boos as the protesters are being carried away by police.After the parade concluded, at least 400 protesters also gathered inside Madison Square Park, before marching towards Macys in Herald Square, shutting down traffic, US media reported.Protest group Seven Circles Alliance took credit for the action.A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts also held up a Palestinian flag from a float during the parade.Israel has been bombing Gaza since a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 killed roughly 1,200 people according to the Israeli government. Twenty days later, Israel began a ground invasion of Gaza. At least 12,000 Palestinians, including more than 6,000 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and their ground operation.On Friday morning, a ceasefire lasting four days is scheduled to begin and will include a prisoner exchange.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/american-nurse-sheds-light-on-dire-state-of-ukrainian-army-1115181815.html

American Nurse Sheds Light on Dire State of Ukrainian Army

American Nurse Sheds Light on Dire State of Ukrainian Army

The situation on the front lines for the Ukrainian armed forces is indeed dire, especially in terms of human resources, so it is no "secret" that Kiev is "plugging holes" with foreign mercenaries.

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The Ukrainian army has recently suffered 'significant losses', Rebekah Maciorowski, a nurse from the United States who joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told Business Insider.Maciorowski also complained that Ukrainian soldiers often receive substandard medical supplies or have no first-aid kits at all.Ukrainian soldiers have already told Western media about the "mouse infestation" earlier this fall. The rodents are actively damaging wiring in the trenches, including attacking terminals for Starlink satellite internet.Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces since the beginning of November amounted to almost 14,000 soldiers. He stressed that the Russian armed forces continue to reduce the offensive potential of the Ukrainian army on all fronts.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/clashes-erupt-between-police-protesters-in-dublin-after-stabbing-outside-school---reports-1115177894.html

Clashes Erupt Between Police, Protesters in Dublin After Stabbing Outside School - Reports

Clashes Erupt Between Police, Protesters in Dublin After Stabbing Outside School - Reports

Violent clashes broke out between police and protesters in Dublin late on Thursday after a stabbing attack near a school left three children and a woman injured, Irish media reported.

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The stabbing occurred on Thursday afternoon in the city center. Police said a total of five people sustained injuries, including an adult male in his 50s who is "a person of interest in this investigation" and has been detained. Protesters charged at the police cordon around the scene of the attack and set a patrol car on fire, the Irish Independent newspaper reported, adding that law enforcers had called for calm and warned against misinformation concerning the incident. The report also said that protesters set several cars, trams and buses on fire along OConnell Street, on O'Connell Bridge and Parliament Street, as well as broke into and looted several stores. He also urged the rioters to calm down, go home and let the investigation take its course. The report also quoted Irish President Michael D. Higgins as saying that the attack on children was "horrific," and that the attack on the school is being "abused by groups with an agenda." Irish broadcaster RTE reported that the country's law enforcement completely closed O'Connell Street to the public and cordoned off roads leading to O'Connell Street.The broadcaster also reported that parts of Dublin's center were on fire and that all the city's bus services were suspended.Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin said Thursday that the city center "is now calm and returning to normal," adding that more than 400 law enforcement officers "remain on patrol in Dublin City Centre." The Irish Defense Forces on Thursday denied deploying its forces to the center of Dublin. The defense forces also called on residents "to be sensitive to the spreading of disinformation."

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/elon-musk-may-visit-israel-next-week---reports-1115183137.html

Elon Musk May Visit Israel Next Week - Reports

Elon Musk May Visit Israel Next Week - Reports

US billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk may visit Israel next week to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli broadcaster Channel Rainbow 12 reported on Friday.

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Musk may also visit the southern Israeli settlements on the border with the Gaza Strip, which were seriously hit during the attacks by Hamas on October 7, the broadcaster reported. Last week, Musk replied to a post on X, which claimed that Jewish communities were pushing hatred against White people, saying it was "the actual truth." Film companies Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, and Lionsgate suspended advertising on Musk's social network X due to his "anti-Semitic" comments. A similar decision was made by Walt Disney, as well as technology companies IBM and Apple. On Tuesday, Musk said that the network would donate all its income from the content related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip to Israeli hospitals and an international humanitarian organization providing medical assistance to Palestinians. On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing around 1,200 people and abducting over 200 others in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. On October 27, Israel launched a ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 14,800 people in the Gaza Strip.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/israeli-high-energy-air-defense-laser-weapon-reportedly-deployed-in-combat--1115195592.html

Israeli High-Energy Air Defense Laser Weapon Iron Beam Reportedly Deployed in Combat

Israeli High-Energy Air Defense Laser Weapon Iron Beam Reportedly Deployed in Combat

Israeli forces have successfully used a laser weapon system called the Iron Beam to intercept a rocket that was fired at Israel amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip sector, if the media reports that emerged this week are to be believed.

2023-11-24T19:03+0000

2023-11-24T19:03+0000

2023-11-25T05:51+0000

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Israeli forces have successfully used a laser weapon system called the Iron Beam to intercept a rocket that was fired at Israel amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip sector, if the media reports that emerged this week are to be believed.Made by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Beam is a high-power laser designed to intercept airborne targets at close range, with some outlets pointing out that the weapon was actually expected to be rolled out in 2025.Dr. Simon Tsipis, expert on national security, political science, and international relations, told Sputnik that the first use of the Iron Beam was against the rockets fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon.According to him, the Iron Beam is currently limited by its range. The laser is mainly used against targets that the Iron Dome air defense missile system cannot intercept, such as very small objects. Tsipis suggested that the Iron Beam is unlikely to be used against cruise or ballistic missiles. Israel already possesses other air defense systems capable of handling such threats, and the Iron Beam is intended to supplement these systems. Meanwhile, military analyst Alexander Mikhailov, argued that Iron Beam can hardly be called a unique weapon, seeing how all advanced military-industrial states currently work on combat laser weaponry development.He also remarked that, while the relatively short range and the ability to take down targets only during good weather currently limits the lasers usefulness, it does not mean that such weapons are completely useless, seeing how drones and other air-to-ground munitions nowadays are often way cheaper than guided air-to-ground missiles.That said, the analyst questioned the effectiveness of laser air defense systems, noting that it takes several seconds for the laser beam to focus on its target and destroy it, so it is unclear whether such a weapon could handle a massed rocket strike akin to those carried out by Hamas recently.As an add-on to the Israeli Iron Dome, it is effective, Mikhailov maintained, referring to the Iron Beam. But, again, only when the weather is clear and, say, one or two missiles are incoming, and not a swarm of drones or rockets from which the Iron Beam simply cannot protect, he added.

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Egypt in Contact With Israel, Hamas to Prevent Truce Violations - Reports

Egypt is in contact with Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas to prevent violations of the truce that went into effect on Friday morning, Egyptian broadcaster Al Qahera News reported, citing sources.

The four-day ceasefire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas began on Friday morning at 7 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT). So far, no violations have been reported by either side.

"Egypt is in contact with Israel and Hamas to consolidate the ceasefire agreement and prevent violations," the broadcaster quoted the sources as saying.

Earlier in the day, cargo trucks with humanitarian aid, the first since the truce began, arrived in the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing, the broadcaster reported, adding that a total of 200 cargo trucks were expected to enter the enclave on Friday.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas confirmed that they had agreed to a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with the cessation of all hostilities and the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was expected to be short-lived and would be followed by around two more months of fighting.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/netherlands-to-continue-supplying-f-35-parts-to-israel-despite-war-crime-risks---reports-1115178261.html

Netherlands to Continue Supplying F-35 Parts to Israel Despite War Crime Risks - Reports

Netherlands to Continue Supplying F-35 Parts to Israel Despite War Crime Risks - Reports

The Netherlands will continue to supply spare parts for Israel's F-35 fighter jets despite official warnings about possible violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.

2023-11-24T02:42+0000

2023-11-24T02:42+0000

2023-11-24T02:42+0000

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Dutch newspaper NRC reported earlier this month, citing government sources, that the Dutch government will continue to supply spare parts to Israel despite the ministry's lawyers warning that Israel could be violating the laws of war, as it has already used F-35s to bomb Gaza. NL Times cited the ministers as telling in the letter to the Dutch parliament that the Netherlands would continue to supply spare parts to Israel as there was no evidence that Israel's F-35s were involved in violations of humanitarian law. The ministers also said the transit of the United States' parts was necessary as Israel is also threatened by Iran, among other countries. The Dutch parliament was due to discuss the war in the Gaza Strip and the transit of spare parts for Israeli F-35 jets with ministers on Thursday afternoon, as some parties oppose their delivery, the report said. On Wednesday, Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas confirmed that they had agreed to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza, with the cessation of all hostilities and the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said that the truce would begin on Friday. On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing around 1,200 people and abducting over 200 others in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people in Israel and over 14,800 in the Gaza Strip.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/no-ammo-no-hope-how-ukraines-shell-shortage-and-manpower-deficit-may-change-conflict-1115190773.html

No Ammo, No Hope: How Ukraine's Shell Shortage and Manpower Deficit May Change Conflict

No Ammo, No Hope: How Ukraine's Shell Shortage and Manpower Deficit May Change Conflict

Ukraine has come face-to-face with the hard reality of a deficit of 155-mm caliber shells after the beginning of Israel's ground operation in the Gaza Strip. How long can Ukraine hold on?

2023-11-24T17:10+0000

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2023-11-24T17:10+0000

analysis

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joe biden

volodymyr zelensky

ukraine

kiev

russia

republican

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky complained to the Western press that deliveries of 155 mm caliber projectiles from NATO had decreased since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict."They really slowed down," the Ukrainian president said. "It's not like the US said: We don't give Ukraine any. No! It's just that everyone is fighting for [stockpiles] themselves."US publications cite Ukrainian officials as saying that the supply of artillery shells have recently plummeted by "by more than 30%". For their part US defense officials argue that the reduction in ammo deliveries has "absolutely nothing to do with what's happening in Gaza."Matviychuk explained that presently Russia uses approximately 25,000 to 50,000 shells of various calibers per day. The Ukrainians now respond with just 7,000-11,000 shells, per the expert. Instead, they have focused more on terrorist activities, they shoot at civilians. The retired colonel noted that while the Ukrainian military is still intensively shelling the residential areas of Donbass, their activity at the front has been steadily diminishing.Is the US Going to Continue Bankrolling the Proxy War in Ukraine?To complicate matters further, the Ukrainian funds previously allocated by Washington with congressional approval is already running relatively low. The latest US military aid package of $100 million, announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his recent visit to Kiev has come from the existing pot. Meanwhile, Republican congressmen are opposing a new $61 billion aid package for Ukraine requested by US President Joe Biden. The debate is continuing, but Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia warned the press that the Republican base would be "furious" if the House greenlights billions in aid for Kiev amid the domestic border security crisis. Per the recent polls, 59% of GOP respondents say the government is spending too much on Ukraine.Will Europe Supply More Ammo to Kiev?Last week, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius admitted that the EU is unlikely to hit its one-year target of sending a million artillery shells to Ukraine by next March. Meanwhile, the crux of the matter is that Ukraine has been burning through ammo faster than the US and its NATO allies could produce it."Now the warehouses are empty or there is a legal minimum that a particular state cannot give you. And this is not enough," Zelensky told the press last week in Kiev.According to Matviychuk, the drying-up of the EU military's stockpiles is only part of the problem: the Europeans have doubts about pouring more ammo and money into Ukraine."Now in the Netherlands, the new prime minister, who won the elections, has questioned the feasibility of supplying equipment and weapons [to Ukraine]," the expert said. "I think Europe itself is stuck in a rather interesting situation. There is no gas, or gas is very expensive, the economy has begun to crumble. Germans began to see the light, especially the eastern ones, that it appears that the Americans had simply deceived them. So, I think that as this conflict drags on, Europe will begin to distance itself from it, because charity begins at home. They need to solve their own problems, not the problems of Ukraine," he said.Similarly, Matviychuk doubts that Europe would focus its economy on producing shells and military equipment in the near future to meet Kiev's needs. Under these circumstances, Matviychuk believes that Russia has to wait. He is expecting some kind of a breakthrough, possible Ukraine's withdrawal from positions, or, probably, even peace talks initiated by Kiev.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231123/soldiers-going-crazy-ukraine-has-no-one-left-to-fight-because-of-desertion-1115159209.html

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the administration is studying whether the country should return to the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid the tribunal prosecutor's ongoing probe on the drug war killings.

"There's also a question should we return under the fold of the ICC. That is under study. We'll just keep looking at it and see what our options are," the chief executive told reporters on Friday.

This comes after lawmakers filed House resolutions calling on the government to cooperate with the ICC investigation into the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs.

Three resolutions have been filed so far by Reps. France Castro, Arlene Brosas, Raoul Daniel Manuel, Bienvenido Abante Jr., Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, and Edcel Lagman.

Marcos, however, said there are still issues in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty.

"If we can solve those problems then it will be something else. Medyo fundamental ang kwestyon na ganun (Those are fundamental). If you talk about the jurisdiction of ICC, especially since we have withdrawn from the Rome Statute a few years back, that brings into question if that is possible," he said.

READ: EXPLAINER: ICC and its authority

Marcos said it is "not right" that foreigners will dictate who Philippine authorities should investigate and arrest.

"Hindi naman siguro tama yun. Dapat Pilipino ang gumagawa niyan. May PNP (Philippine National Police), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), at DOJ (Department of Justice) tayo. Kaya nila ang trabahong yan. That is where the conflict is," he said.

[Translation: That's not right. Filipinos should do that. We have PNP, NBI, and DOJ. They can do that job. That is where the conflict is.]

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he will "seek out" the executive branch's position on the measures filed at the House of Representatives.

The Philippines withdrawal from ICC took effect in March 2019, a year after a case was filed against then-President Rodrigo Duterte for his administration's drug war.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/north-korea-says-satellite-launch-marked-new-era-of-space-power--1115181685.html

North Korea Says Satellite Launch Marked 'New Era of Space Power'

North Korea Says Satellite Launch Marked 'New Era of Space Power'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the successful launch of his country's domestic spy satellite, saying that it marked "a new era of a space power" coming to North Korea, the state-run news agency KCNA reported on Friday.

2023-11-24T08:49+0000

2023-11-24T08:49+0000

2023-11-24T08:49+0000

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korean central news agency (kcna)

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"He [Kim] said that our new-type carrier rocket, which was named Chollima shining in the history of the Korean revolution as a symbol of heroic pioneering and rapid development, rose up, foretelling a new era of a space power coming to the DPRK [North Korea]," the news agency reported. Kim made the statement on Thursday, when he and his daughter visited the North Korean National Aerospace Technology Administration to congratulate scientists and technicians engaged in the development and launch of the satellite, KCNA reported. The North Korean leader also noted that the satellite launch had contributed to modernizing the country's armed forces and its security goals. On Tuesday, North Korea successfully carried out the previously announced launch of its Malligyong-1 military reconnaissance satellite and announced plans to launch several more satellites in a "short span of time." Following the launch, South Korea partially suspended the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. In response, Pyongyang announced its decision to restore all military measures suspended under the 2018 inter-Korean military accord.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231122/north-korea-successfully-launches-spy-satellite--1115125226.html

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north korean leader kim jong un has praised the successful launch of his country's domestic spy satellite, saying that it marked "a new era of a space power" coming to north korea, the state-run news agency kcna reported on friday.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/nyc-mayor-adams-denies-sexual-assault-accusation-1115178095.html

NYC Mayor Adams Denies Sexual Assault Accusation

NYC Mayor Adams Denies Sexual Assault Accusation

Eric Adams was sworn in as Mayor of New York City last year after a landslide victory over his Republican opponent. A former police officer, he served as Brooklyn borough president from 2014 to 2021.

2023-11-24T03:21+0000

2023-11-24T03:21+0000

2023-11-24T03:21+0000

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams denied accusations that he sexually assaulted a colleague in 1993.The accusations come from a lawsuit filed in Manhattan on Wednesday night. It claims that Adams sexually assaulted the plaintiff in 1993 when both worked for the city government. Adams was a police officer at that time, according to US media.The lawsuit also lists the New York Police Departments transit bureau, the Guardians Association of the NYPD and three unknown entities as defendants. The three-page summons does not provide any details about the alleged assault.The summons accuses the defendants of sexual assault, battery and employment discrimination on the basis of the plaintiff's gender and sex, retaliation, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress[.] The lawsuit is seeking at least $5 million in damages.Under New York law, plaintiffs can file a summons to begin a legal lawsuit and then follow that up with a full complaint laying out the accusations. The lawsuit was filed under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, a law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 that opened a one-year window for sexual assault victims to sue their alleged abusers regardless if the assault occurred beyond the statute of limitations. That window closes on Thursday at midnight.More than 2,500 lawsuits have been filed using the Adult Survivors Act since the window opened. Several celebrities have been accused under the act recently, including Sean Combs, Jamie Foxx and Bill Cosby.Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Adams vehemently denied the accusations.The lawsuit comes at a difficult time for the largest city in the nations mayor, who had his electronic devices seized by the FBI last week as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal donations made to his campaign by the Turkish government.Adams, who has not been charged in that case, denies any wrongdoing. It appears to be unrelated to the sexual assault lawsuit.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/serbia-expects-10-airbus-h145-helicopters-by-fall-2024---president-vucic-1115179304.html

Serbia Expects 10 Airbus H145 Helicopters by Fall 2024 - President Vucic

Serbia Expects 10 Airbus H145 Helicopters by Fall 2024 - President Vucic

Serbia's authorities expect ten Airbus H145 helicopters to be supplied to the country by September 2024, President Aleksandar Vucic said.

2023-11-24T04:51+0000

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The Serbian head of state on Thursday inspected 11 Mi-35P helicopters purchased in Cyprus at the Batajnica military air base near Belgrade, as well as two Spanish CASA C-295 transport aircraft and H145 helicopters received earlier. Serbia has already acquired nine H145s in 2020  four for the police and five for the Armed Forces. The Serbian leader also said on Thursday that Belgrade had acquired 22 radar stations, something it has not done since the time of Yugoslavia.

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serbia's authorities expect ten airbus h145 helicopters to be supplied to the country by september 2024, president aleksandar vucic said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/south-korea-urges-us-to-boost-defense-cooperation-after-norths-satellite-launch-1115187331.html

South Korea Urges US to Boost Defense Cooperation After North's Satellite Launch

South Korea Urges US to Boost Defense Cooperation After North's Satellite Launch

South Korean navy chief Adm. Yang Yong-mo urged his US counterpart Adm. Lisa Franchetti on Friday to further enhance the countries' cooperation in defense amid alleged security threats posed by North Korea.

2023-11-24T11:47+0000

2023-11-24T11:47+0000

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Yang and Franchetti met for talks aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier at a naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers (199 miles) southeast of Seoul, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported. On Tuesday, North Korea successfully carried out the previously announced launch of its Malligyong-1 military reconnaissance satellite and announced plans to launch several more satellites in a "short span of time." Following the launch, South Korea partially suspended the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. In response, Pyongyang announced its decision to restore all military measures suspended under the 2018 inter-Korean military accord.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/train-derailment-in-kentucky-forces-residents-to-evacuate-homes-on-thanksgiving-1115177314.html

Train Derailment in Kentucky Forces Residents to Evacuate Homes on Thanksgiving

Train Derailment in Kentucky Forces Residents to Evacuate Homes on Thanksgiving

A train operated by CSX derailed in Livingston Kentucky on Wednesday night, forcing families to evacuate ahead of Thanksgiving.

2023-11-24T00:26+0000

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A CSX freight train carrying chemicals derailed and caught fire in Livingston, Kentucky Wednesday night, forcing residents to flee their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday.Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order on Thursday declaring a state of emergency.The train company has pledged to pay for hotel rooms, Thanksgiving meals and other expenses incurred by those forced to flee their homes.Crews worked through the night to put the fire out, working into Thursday afternoon. Late Thursday night, officials announced that the fire had been put out and families could return to their homes but earlier in the day, when Thanksgiving festivities typically begin, the fire was still burning.US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials say they tested the air quality in the surrounding areas on Wednesday night and saw an uptick in sulfur dioxide in the air, but that it decreased to acceptable levels after the fire was extinguished.Sulfur dioxide is released when molten sulfur is burned. According to the EPA, short-term exposure can cause difficulty breathing, especially among children and asthmatics. Chronic exposure can cause significant health problems.The accident also shut down Highway US 25 in both directions. Officials have not provided a timeline on when it will reopen.In February, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, and was eventually destroyed in a controlled explosion that released chemicals in the air and water. Six months later, residents were still complaining about health issues they believed to be related to the accident.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231124/watch-russian-troops-get-ready-for-winter-in-special-op-zone-1115184991.html

Watch Russian Troops Get Ready for Winter in Special Op Zone

Watch Russian Troops Get Ready for Winter in Special Op Zone

Having established their presence in the Krasny Liman area, the Russian troops are preparing for the winter ahead. The soldiers are actively setting up dugouts and construct stoves, essential for winter operations.

2023-11-24T16:30+0000

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The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of the Russian troops getting ready for a prolonged stay in winter conditions in the Krasny Liman area.The arrangements to gear up for winter are taking place while the Kiev regime's counteroffensive has turned out to be a disaster for Kiev regime, with Ukrainian losses amounting to over 90,000 servicemen. Despite receiving substantial military and financial assistance from its Western partners, Ukraine's counteroffensive has faced significant setbacks. Reports indicate that Russia's forces are not only holding their ground but also advancing, liberating more and more settlements in the process. This development is gradually changing the Western media's narrative, which initially hailed Ukraine's offensive capabilities. Now, the discourse is shifting towards acknowledging Kiev's losses and the growing need for negotiations. The narrative highlights the changing position of Western countries in relation to the conflict. Initially, after deep involvement, now there seems to be a shift in resource allocation. Recent reports indicate that the aid, which was once generously flowing into Ukraine, is now being redirected, with a notable portion being sent to Israel. This realignment implies a strategic change in priorities for these Western nations.

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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

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The Russian soldiers are settling down in the Krasny Liman region before winter The Russian soldiers are settling down in the Krasny Liman region before winter 2023-11-24T16:30+0000 true PT1M07S

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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

russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, winter is coming, krasny liman, krasnyy liman, krasnyy lyman, krasnyi lyman
An $8,000 Open Pace featuring A Major Omen and a $7,500 Filly and Mare Open Pace headed by stablemates Lucky Lil Lady and Prom Queen get the marqee treatment on Friday night at Cal Expo.

Eight races are on tap under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:45 p.m.

A Major Omen has been assigned the outside post in the Open Pace with owner/trainer Gerry Longo at the controls. The seven-year-old son of Art Major comes into this assignment having posed for pictures following 39 of his 145 lifetime trips to the post with more than $411,000 in his bank account and a 1:49.2 career standard that was established three years ago at the Meadowlands.

He will be joined in the cast by barnmate Hoo Nien with Mooney Svendsen guiding, Northbrook Ron and driver Luke Plano, Alilthundadownunda for trainer/driver Nick Roland, Itsonlyrocknroll in rein to Winter Asher-Stalbaum and Mystery Dragon with Jake Cutting at the controls.

In last weeks Distaff Open, Lucky Lil Lady and Prom Queen finished one-two for owner Robin Clements and trainer Quentin Schneider. Jesse Pacheco and James Kennedy will once again handle the pair, respectively.

Lucky Lil Lady showed the way early in that mile, gave up command past the half to her stablemate and then gamely re-rallied to get the job done by a head in 1:55.4 that evening in a strong mile for both performers.

Rounding out the field are Give Me This Dance, Crazy Cutie, Eyes Dont Lie and Divine Art.

Clements charges pull off a clean sweep

Last weeks Filly and Mare Open Pace proved to be a good one for owner Robin Clements, with Lucky Lil Lady and Prom Queen giving her a one-two finish.

Both distaffers take their lessons from Quentin Schneider with Jesse Pacheco guiding Lucky Lil Lady while James Kennedy was in the bike behind Prom Queen.

I purchased Lucky Lil Lady from Indiana last year because she wasnt Indiana staked and I was hoping there was a possible Open in her future here at Cal Expo, related Clements.

Lily had been racing really well at Running Aces and when the meet was over, she wouldnt be shipping for a few more weeks and I had her turned out at Harlan Nolts place in Wisconsin. She had a good turn out and shipped here extremely fresh.

Both 'Lily' and Prom Queen qualified really well and when Jake Cutting took another mare in the race, Quentin and I wanted a driver who would listen and decided on Jesse Pacheco.

Jesse did a great job and when Prom Queen pulled before the half, that worried me a bit, especially when both girls started to open up in a :27.1 third quarter. 'Lily' showed her class by digging in for the win.

Needless to say, I was extremely happy with them finishing one-two in the race.

Clements made sure to credit what she has tabbed Team QKS -- Kim and Quentin Schneider, Aaron Lehman and Ed Snider -- for their excellent work with these two mares.

(Cal Expo)
Jean Emerson, who had been involved in almost all aspects of harness racing for nearly half a century, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Seal Rock Healthcare Facility in Saco, Me. at the age of 93.

In addition to breeding, training and racing Standardbred horses, she was also the founder of the very successful harness racing publication Northeast Harness News.

Born Jean Boomer on May 9, 1930, in Lubec, Me., Emerson actually knew very little about Standardbreds until she reached adulthood. Her exposure to the sport came when, as a junior in high school, her father took her to the Blue Hill Fair.

Always a lover of horses, her interest grew after she married Chet Emerson and they moved to southern Maine. In addition to becoming actively involved in the sport, she was also raising three daughters and working as a teacher, having earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maine.

She retired from teaching in 1980. The Emersons began racing their horses in the late 1960s, and by 1970 they were owners of a breeding farm in Saco. Their homebreds raced throughout the New England circuit including Bangor, Lewiston, Rockingham, Suffolk, Foxboro, Scarborough and the fairs.

In 1985 they started racing at Pompano Park in Florida and continued to do so every winter. In 1973, having become aware of horsemens problems, Emerson became a charter member of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (MSBOA). She served as its secretary for the first five years during which time she worked with others on a position paper to be presented to the Maine legislature establishing the funding for what would become a successful state breeding and stakes racing program.

In order to make horsemen more aware of possible solutions to their problems, Emerson began publishing a monthly MSBOA newsletter. Because mailing the newsletter became expensive for the association, she decided to start a newspaper with advertising to cover costs.

Thus, came into being the Northeast Harness News, which for approximately the next fifteen years would keep New England horsemen and their families up to date about issues important to their livelihoods.

Working with limited funds and a small volunteer staff, Emerson created a publication that was well-read, insightful and entertaining. It was circulated not only in the Northeast but also in almost every other harness racing state.

She functioned as editor, publisher, staff reporter, photographer, advertising manager, layout artist and bookkeeper. Each winter the Emersons would drive to Florida and stop along the way to distribute copies of the paper at tracks and training centers.

Jean decided to cease publication only when she realized that computers and the Internet were becoming the most efficient way for horsemen to obtain current and relevant news.

A member of the United States Harness Writers Associations New England chapter from 1980 to 1995, Emerson transferred to the Florida Chapter for which she has served as secretary, vice president and president. She had taken a leading role in planning and promoting the chapters annual awards dinner, the funds from which enabled the chapter to provide scholarships to college students interested in harness racing journalism.

Emerson was also instrumental in the establishment of the Florida USHWA chapters Aime Choquette Sunshine Fund, which in times of need provides relief for Florida horsemen.

The Emersons 60-year marriage ended in December of 2010 when Chet passed away after a long battle with bone cancer. Jean has continued to be active in the sport, attending qualifying races, keeping abreast of new stock, encouraging and congratulating new drivers, discussing all aspects of horsemens issues and politics, be it racing and slots in Maine or the horsemens contract at the Isle Pompano Park.

She promoted the Florida Chapters awards dinner by selling tickets and ads in the backstretch at Pompano Park and at other training centers in the state.

A member of the New England Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Emerson was also honoured by the Florida Chapter of USHWA with its Allen J. Finkelson Award in 2004 for positive promotion of the sport, and its Delvin Miller Award in 2008 for good will and integrity. Emerson was also inducted into the Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fames Communicators Corner in 2010.

The Florida Chapter of USHWA best summarized her devotion to Standardbreds with its statement, Jean Emerson continued to promote the sport of harness racing to everyone she met as she had always celebrated the industry that had defined her life.

Jean is predeceased by her husband Chester W. Emerson, parents Earle L. Boomer and Edna R. Milligan, and brother Jay Boomer.

Jean is survived by daughter Janet A. Emerson of South Carolina, daughter Nancy L. Sullivan of Missouri, daughter Linda M. Emerson of Maine, sister Priscilla of North Carolina, grandson Robert B. Emerson of New Hampshire, grandson Jared M. Chapin, and grandson Jamie N. Chapin.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jean Emerson.

(USHWA Florida Chapter)
Scottsbluff Police arrested a local pastor on suspicion of embezzlement, according to information released Wednesday.

Joseph Schumacher Jr., 42, of Mitchell, who served as an associate pastor at the United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, has been arrested on charges of unauthorized use of a financial transaction device more that $5,000, a Class IIA felony, and theft by deception (more than $1,500, less than $5,000) a Class IV felony, the Scottsbluff Police Department said in a press release.

A search of online court records did not yield a formal complaint, but Scottsbluff Police released that an investigation began on Saturday, Nov. 18 after officers were dispatched to the Scottsbluff church regarding a possible embezzlement. Police made contact with an employee of the church, who alleged that Schumacher had stolen money from the church.

The United Methodist Church includes churches in Henry, Mitchell and Morrill. Officers were provided with bank statements showing numerous unauthorized ATM withdrawals, from the Mitchell Methodist Church account, totaling more than $8,000. Police allege Schumacher was the only person with access to the debit card.

Police allege a check for another $4,000 had also been written to Schumacher on behalf of the Mitchell Methodist Church to attend school, which he had not, but the check had reportedly been cashed.
Max Contreras is like any other toddler learning to walk, taking a few falls and bumps as he navigates putting one foot in front of the other. But Max didnt like any of the shoes his mom, Brenda Salcedo, put on the little tykes feet.

Desperate and seemingly out of options, she tried a last-ditch move: a pair of hand-made moccasins. To her surprise, Max embraced his new footwear  and she reconnected with an identity she had unintentionally left behind.

We tried walking toys. We tried little slippers for him. And he just didnt want to do it, said Salcedo, who is of Omaha tribal heritage. I thought, This better work this time. It did. He actually broke them in  that night.

Salcedo made the moccasins as part of a three-week class hosted by the Omaha-based nonprofit Bluebird Cultural Initiative.

The class, along with others at Bluebird, is an attempt at building community among urban Indigenous people. Its leaders want to heal generational trauma. And they want to revive fading Native traditions.

Weve lost that understanding of how to create those simple things that keep us connected, said Nicole Benegas, Bluebirds executive director. Were revitalizing those practices, creating a sense of community.

Community is central to Bluebirds mission. Founder Steve Tamayo, an artist and activist and Benegas father, created the nonprofit with the goal of rekindling tribal connections in Omaha, a majority white metro area nearly 90 miles from the nearest reservation.

The idea for the moccasin class, Benegas said, came from Society of Care, a Nebraska organization dedicated to helping Native American children and families cope with trauma.

With Benegas and Tamayo leading the way, about 40 students received a moccasin history lesson that touched on the differences between Plains moccasins and other regions as well as mens and womens styles. Then they learned how to draw patterns, cut and sew. Bluebird provided the materials, which varied to accommodate tribal beliefs  some students used deer hide while others used cowhide.

They then put the finished work to the test at Bluebirds Rock Your Mocs round dance earlier this month.

Jen Cruell, a Sicangu Lakota citizen, was among those rocking newly crafted moccasins. The class, she said, represented her first step toward reestablishing Indigenous connections.

My grandfather was a medicine man, she said. He spoke Lakota. He knew how to do beadwork, and he could make regalia. And he made me moccasins.

Cruell danced from about the time she was 9 months old to 16 years, she said. Typical teenage interests took her away from powwows, referred to as Wacipi by the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota.

The moccasin making reconnected her with her ancestors, Cruell said. It also rekindled her interest in dancing. She plans to soon take a class on how to make a ribbon skirt.

When I danced, I did traditional and fancy dancing, she said. At my age, I dont think I have the energy to be a fancy dancer again.

At Rock Your Mocs, a few dozen dancers, family and friends joined class participants as they danced in a circle to traditional music.

Little Max Salcedo even had his own introduction to traditional dance, though a few falls accompanied the lesson.

Making moccasins has helped Brenda Salcedo, Maxs mom, realize the importance of exposing her young children to Omaha culture and tradition.

Salcedo grew up attending powwows and ceremonies while living in the Walthill area of Thurston County. She lost that connection when her family moved to Omaha when she was still a child.

The class reenergized her desire to rebuild that connection. And it opened her eyes to a community she didnt realize existed.

I think one of the biggest things is the time and connection between peopleYou see young people helping each other, asking each other questions about technique on how to make their moccasins tighter, she said. Somehow it becomes a family affair. We have some who bring their children to class. Grandmas, with their daughters and grandchildren.

Classes can also help build a path to overcoming generations of trauma, Benegas said.

Bluebird partnered the moccasin class with a piece on sobriety and substance abuse prevention. Substance abuse is one barrier blocking Indigenous people from connecting with their culture, from being in our circle, Benegas said.

There are a lot more people coming here and wanting to come back to the circle, she said. Its been therapeutic for people coming out of substance abuse and addiction. Not just for them, but their family members. Weve had participants talk about raising their grandchildren because the parents are absent.

Bluebird Cultural Initiative grew from Tamayos activism with the Standing Rock protest of the Dakota Access pipeline in 2016 and 2017, according to Benegas. Tamayo, a Sicangu Lakota, taught traditional art to children while the adults protested.

Afterward, Tamayo decided to use his four decades of knowledge in traditional teachings and practices to launch Bluebird Cultural Initiative, Benegas said. He named it in honor of a grandfather whose last name was Bluebird.

Benegas joined her fathers efforts in 2021. It now boasts a staff of four full-time employees and is based at Yates Illuminates, the former Omaha elementary school thats been transformed into a community and cultural resource hub. About 20 people volunteer on a regular basis, Benegas said.

Bluebird also does community outreach, working with professional organizations, schools and colleges on subjects such as relationships and Two Spirit (the Native term for LGBTQ) understanding and support, Benegas said.

Classes are not limited to Indigenous people.

Andrew Hillmer, an area public school teacher who isnt Native American, said he routinely attends programs at Bluebird Cultural Initiative, including a drum group. He participated in the recent moccasin class.

I want to know people as contemporary people, not as stories that we were told, Hillmer said. I want to build personal relationships so I can better advocate for students, and be informed.

Little Max has nearly worn out his moccasins, Salcedo said. The mother of six plans a return visit to Bluebird to pick up material for moccasins for herself and two young daughters. Its another step linking her children to their Omaha tribal roots, and some added comfort for their feet.

For Benegas, seeing people like Salcedo and Cruell reconnect with their heritage shows that Bluebird has a role in the Omaha community.

We are here  to revitalize cultural traditions and practices in educating people, she said, so that we can energize our youth and young people to move forward.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  Senator Risa Hontiveros slammed China on Friday for accusing the Philippines of causing trouble by holding joint patrols with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.

Whos stirring up trouble? Whos harassing our vessels and preventing them from re-supplying our people on the BRP Sierra Madre. Its not us, so to now accuse us of what theyre doing thats like double gaslighting right there, she told CNN Philippines The Source.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command conducted tactical exercises in waters off Batanes and in the West Philippine Sea from Nov. 21 to 23. The maritime and aerial activities aim to enhance interoperability, foster cooperation between the long-time allies, and demonstrate "commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

China was unhappy with this, even accusing the Philippines of enlisting foreign forces to patrol the South China Sea and stirring up trouble in the region.

The Ministry of National Defense on Thursday said the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command Navy ship Yuncheng conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea since Nov. 21. During this period, Beijing said the Philippines enlisted foreign forces to patrol the South China Sea, stir up trouble, and hype up regional peace and stability, violating the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea."

Hontiveros emphasized that it is China which is causing trouble with its aggressive actions against Philippine vessels. In a recent incident, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon on Philippine supply boat M/L Kalayaan on Nov. 10 to force it to alter its course. The boat was part of a mission to deliver supplies to Filipino troops on a rusty navy ship grounded at Ayungin Shaol.

READ: Manila files diplomatic protest after China Coast Guard fires water cannon on PH vessel near Ayungin Shoal

Sino ba naman ang nagle-laser point ng sa ating mga tropa? Sino ba naman nagha-harras ng ating mangingisda (who points laser to our troops? Who are harassing our fishermen)? Who are dredging our Philippine seabed to create artificial islands within our exclusive economic zone, militarize them, and use them to claim that our territory is theirs? she asked.

Sen. Bato dela Rosa also told reporters that China was the ones starting the trouble while Philippine vessels only make sure supplies are able to reach Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre.

Hontiveros welcomed the joint patrols conducted with the US, adding more of these should be done with other allies.
A 51-year-old Omaha man will spend nearly 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of attempted enticement of a minor for the purpose of sexual relations.

A U.S. District Court judge in Omaha sentenced Wesley T. Vavra to 19 years and seven months in prison on Tuesday. There is no parole in the federal system.

Vavra was found guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. In the summer of 2022, Vavra communicated with someone on the Whisper social media app advertising open family play-dates. He arranged for a meeting on July 18 to engage in sexual acts.

Vavra thought he was communicating with a man who had an 8-year-old child, but the person was an undercover officer. He was arrested at the meeting location.

A search of Vavras phone found that he was also in contact with another law enforcement officer, who was posing as a 13-year-old girl.

This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Douglas Countys Sheriffs Office.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
EnergyUnited has announced a historic investment in classroom innovation. This year, EnergyUnited has awarded approximately $48,000 to 33 North Carolina teachers through the NC Bright Ideas Education Grant program.

We are thrilled to announce our 2023 NC Bright Ideas grant winners, said Debra Citta, program coordinator for EnergyUnited. As we strive to advance our vision of a brighter energy future, we understand that the realization of this vision will require several bright ideas from teachers, community leaders and cooperative team members. Thanks to the hard work and amazing ideas of these winners, I am confident we are on the right track.

Since 1994, EnergyUnited has awarded more than $1 million to local teachers through the Bright Ideas Education Grant program, while North Carolinas electric cooperatives collectively have awarded $15 million since the programs inception. Over this period, more than 14,200 projects have been funded and winning projects have impacted over 3.5 million North Carolina students.

Bright Ideas applications are collected each year from April through mid-September, and winning proposals are selected in a competitive evaluation process by a panel of volunteer judges. EnergyUnited will begin accepting applications for the next funding season on April 1, 2024.

Iredell teachers receiving the grants are:

Alicia Driver, The Brawley School, $916.25

Megan Collins, The Brawley School, $2,000

Allison Hughes, Union Grove Elementary, $1,760.90

Kelly Hill, Union Grove Elementary, $400

Amy Fuhrman, Agriculture & Science Early College, $600

Angela Hines, Statesville Christian School, $2,000

Anne Ellis, Statesville High, $1,500

Cortney Frasier, West Iredell Middle, $1,649.40

James Nelson, East Iredell Middle, $1,439.88

Kelly Cannon, Troutman Middle, $989

Lenae Scafidi, South Iredell High, $1,613

Ryne Cooper, West Iredell High, $1,985.55

Sara Webb, Lake Norman High, $888.26

Alexander teachers awarded the grants are:

Kristine Ford, Wittenburg Elementary, $1,500

Paige Jackson, Alexander Central High $1,727.46

Rachelle Cain, Alexander Early College, $2,000

Taylor Gallyon, East Alexander Middle, $2,000.
The temperatures might not have warranted wrapping up in a quilt but these quilts, in addition to providing warmth, were made to show love and respect.

On Nov. 16, Quilts of Valor were presented to four veterans at Richards Coffee Shop/Welcome Home Veterans and that presentation was preceded by one on Monday in which six veterans were given the hand-made quilts.

On Nov. 13, at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, the Mooresville Centerpiece Quilters Guild presented the quilts to James Michael McCrea, Michael Harriger, Robert Kerman, William Sondervon, Kelvyn Hall, and Paul Lyon.

Those receiving the quilts at Richards Coffee Shop/Welcome Home Veterans were Dan Creasy, Gary Ayers, Irvin Brawley and Tim Gerard.

All were nominated to receive the quilts, and those nominations came from friends and family members.

Sharon Bowman, Quilts of Valor group leader with the Grateful Quilters Mooresville, explained the history of QOV. The foundation, she said, was established some 20 years ago by Catherine Roberts, a quilter and Blue Star mother whose son was deployed to Iraq as a Humvee gunner. One night she had a dream where she saw her son and his fellow soldiers wrapped in quilts, being comforted from the ravages of war.

Roberts and a few fellow quilters started sewing in her living room and the first Quilt of Valor was awarded that year to a veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since that time, the mission of the QOV has expanded to include all active duty members and veterans from the armed forces from all conflicts.

Now there are QOV chapters in all 50 states, with the Grateful Quilters of Mooresville joining in four years ago. Since it was formed in February 2019, Grateful Quilters of Mooresville has presented 156 quilts to date.

She said the group has a simple reason for putting their sewing talents to work creating these one-of-a-kind quilts  to honor service members who have been touched by war.

Bowman said the quilts bring a three-part message to the recipients.

First, we honor you for your service in our armed forces, she said. We honor you for leaving all you hold dear to serve in time of peace or conflict. Thank you for your service. Our quilters know that freedom is not free. The cost of our freedom is the dedication of men and women like you, and this quilt says thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to lay down your life for our country. Finally, this quilt is meant to comfort you as you are forever in our thoughts and our hearts.

Prior to presenting the quilts at Richards, all four were called to the front of the room, and Bowman explained that it was hoped each would wrap the quilts around them, and take comfort in that warmth.

Creasy served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, and from March 1965 to March 1966, he was assigned to Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic specialist and door gunner.

Ayers also served in the Army as a Special Forces ranger from 1966 to 1970. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970, and he was on long range reconnaissance patrols, freeing POWS in Cambodia and Laos.

Brawley is another Army veteran, who served as a second lieutenant in the Army Transportation Group. From November 1968 to November 1969 he served in Vietnam in the Central Highlands with the 88th Transportation Company as a platoon leader. He was in several ambushes, receiving a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.

Gerard served in the Army from 1985 to 1992.He was assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Known as the Old Guard, the regiments mission is to supply funeral support at Arlington National Cemetery, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and ceremonial support to the Military District of Washington, D.C.

McCrea served in the Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969 and that service included a stint in Vietnam, where he was assigned to the DMZ and Da Nang.

Harriger served in the Navy aboard the USS Independence during the Vietnam era. He served from 1965 to 1967.

Kerman is also a Marine veteran, serving from 1966 to 1968. He served in Vietnam, where he was wounded on May 13, 1967. He received a Purple Heart.

Sondervan is also a Vietnam veteran, but also served in Germany and Korea during his two tours in the Army. Sondervan was in the Army from 1968-69 and from 1974 to 1994.He retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Hall served in the Army from 1974 to 1980 and served during the Vietnam era.

Lyon is a Navy veteran, serving from 1976 to 1999. He deployed twice to the Persian Gulf, as well as several deployments to the Mediterranean and Black seas and the Adriatic Sea twice. He retired in 1999 with the rank of E-8.

The four veterans presented the quilts at Richards expressed their appreciation for the quilts and for the love they represent.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

The US President has confirmed that airstrikes work conducted on IRGC positions in Iraq, Syria. Meanwhile, some experts believe that the U.S. will increase its influence in Syria in the wake of the war against Gaza.

Turkish intelligence neutralizes senior YPG member in N. Syria

The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) neutralized a senior member of the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in a cross-border operation in northern Syria, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Thursday.

Turkish authorities often use the term neutralize in their statements to imply the alleged terrorists have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

The neutralized YPG member Fahrettin Tolun, code-named Hayri Serhat, was wanted with a red notice from Interpol, Anadolu quoted anonymous intelligence sources as saying.

Tolun was in the Rmelan region of northern Syria and was allegedly responsible for supplying heavy weapons to the group, according to the sources.

The YPG member had been active in supplying heavy weapons to the YPG in Syria, Iran and Iraq since 1992, said the report.

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 the Turkish border with the neighboring country. The Turkish intelligence has also 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.



US President Confirms Airstrikes On IRGC Positions In Iraq, Syria

In a letter addressed to the House of Representatives and the Senate, President Joe Biden detailed recent US military actions against the Revolutionary Guard in Iraq and Syria.

The president highlighted the 66 attacks carried out by militia groups affiliated with the IRGC against US personnel and facilities in the region, causing injuries and placing lives at risk. The uptick followed the outbreak of the war in Gaza, in which the US quickly stated its backing of Israels right to defend itself following the Iran-backed invasion of October 7, the single most deadly day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Biden stated that on October 27, November 10, and November 14, Washington conducted targeted strikes against facilities in Syria used by the IRGC and its affiliated groups.

The strikes were taken to deter future attacks and were conducted in a manner designed to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes to protect and defend our personnel conducting military operations pursuant to the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, explained President Biden.

Iran has denied direct involvement in the Gaza conflict, but its proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, have initiated attacks against both Israel and US forces.

The attacks by Iran-affiliated groups have resulted in at least 62 US personnel sustaining minor injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

The Constitutional Process in Syria: How to Benefit from the Lebanese Experience?

Syrians for Truth and Justice organization, with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), facilitated and organized several dialogue sessions, under the title of (The Road Towards a New Syrian Constitution: How to Benefit from the Experiences of Other Countries?). The aim of these dialogue sessions was to inform a diverse group of Syrians about the experiences of four different countries, some of which appear to have succeeded, to a great extent, in properly addressing the issue of diversity and inclusion during their constitution-drafting process, and others whose experience were not as successful, if at all. In some of these experiences, the failure to comply with the fundamental principles of the rule of law was even a politically motivated deliberate step towards discriminately excluding certain groups and systematically depriving them of some of their fundamental rights not only as groups but also as individuals.

The idea of these dialogues came as a continuation of an earlier effort in the form of a series of meetings that started in 2020, under the title of (Syrian Voices for an Inclusive Constitution), which aimed at promoting a more inclusive constitutional drafting process and ensuring the fair and proper representation of marginalized groups, communities and minorities. Subsequently, a set of papers were published in that regard. These papers respectively focused on the following themes:

The Formation and Responsibilities of the Syrian Constitutional Committee

Syrias Diversity Must be Defended and Supported by Law

Transitional Justice and the Constitution Process in Syria

Governance and Judicial Systems and the Syrian Constitution

Socio-Ecological Justice and the Syrian Constitution

In the 2021 sessions, the target groups were distributed mainly in the northeastern and western regions of Syria, considering gender and ethnic diversity  women were involved alongside men, and Kurds alongside Arabs, Yazidis, Assyrians, Armenians, Syriacs and other different ethnic groups. Emphasis was placed on individuals who had not participated in any similar meetings on constitutionalism and the constitutional drafting process in Syria.

This paper addresses the Lebanese constitutional experience. It is the second in a series of four such reports, approaching Lebanon, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Read the Iraqi experience here).

In these papers such experiences will be introduced and some of their relevant aspects will be projected on the Syrian context. An objective comparison between each of these experiences and the Syrian on specific issues, will facilitate a better and more informed deliberation and consequently come up with more relevant recommendations as to how a more balanced and inclusive new Syrian constitution could ideally be drafted.

After several fruitful discussion sessions between participants and a few renowned academics and experts on the topic, Syrians for Truth and Justice has dedicated this paper to discussing the constitutional experience of Lebanon.

Gaza war to consolidate US foothold in Syria  Expert

The war in Gaza and the subsequent ongoing attacks against US forces in Syria will not compel the US army to withdraw, said Abdullah Hayek, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Near East Studies.

Hayek told North Press that these attacks will only solidify the US foothold, adding that the US will respond to any attacks to prevent Iran from exerting control over Syria through its militias.

The Middle East is experiencing security tensions following the escalation in the Gaza Strip, as US bases in Syria, Iraq, and at the Red Sea have been repeatedly targeted. The Pentagon has attributed these attacks to Iran-backed militias.

Hayek warned that if The Sons of Jazira and Euphrates Movement, a local militia in Syrias Deir ez-Zor fighting against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), evolves into a prominent Iranian militia, it could trigger a fresh wave of conflict and escalation in Syria.

In late August, areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in eastern Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, faced attacks from armed groups linked to the Syrian government and Iran. Prior to these incidents, documents emerged indicating a collaborative scheme involving Iran, Russia, and Syria with the objective of expelling the US from Syria.

US forces in Syria are deployed in several bases in the east and in al-Tanf base in the south as part of the mission to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS). They have been fighting alongside the SDF for years, and together they ended ISIS reign in Syria.

The Sons of Jazira and Euphrates Movement emerged immediately after the events in Deir ez-Zor. It is led by Ibrahim al-Hefl, a prominent figure from the al- Uqaydat tribe who gained recognition through mobilizing locals and advocating for fighting against the SDF.

In a previous statement in September, the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister of Syria, Faisal Mekdad, expressed his support for this movement, and said that it is a movement aimed at combating the SDF and the US occupation forces.

Hayek pointed out that Iran has a significant ambition to expand its influence in Syria through Sunni militias and armed groups, not just Shiite ones, who can fight and work in Irans favor. This has led to the formation of what is known as the Sons of the Jazira and Euphrates Movement.

Hayek further stated that since 2017, there has been a convergence of efforts between the Syrian government and various armed groups in eastern Syria to combat the SDF and target the US presence in the region with the support of Iran.

He noted that they have also actively sought to inflame regional and nationalist sentiments in the area, specifically against the US.

Hayek concluded that the security and political conditions in Syria are alarming, particularly if the threats posed by Iran and its militias against the US forces in the region escalate, as has been witnessed during the recent conflict in Gaza.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strongly worded warning against Israel's onslaught on Gaza, Al-Thawra reports.

Syria has issued a strong warning against the persisting Zionist approach characterized by acts of aggression and the commission of crimes within the region. Syria reaffirms its unwavering right to defend its sovereignty and independence, utilizing all means sanctioned by international law.

Continuing this aggressive Zionist approach, the Zionist adversary conducted an air assault around 15:30 on Wednesday afternoon, launching two missiles from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The targets were situated in the vicinity of the city of Damascus, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

The Ministry emphasized that the perpetuation of the Zionist entitys aggressive stance is a consequence of the international communitys failure to address its transgressions, including the brutal aggression it has unleashed for the past 47 days against the Palestinian population in Gaza, effectively transforming it into a burial ground for children.

Syria once again underscores that such heinous acts, which imperil the security and stability of the region, should not go unpunished for the Zionist entity.

The Ministry concluded by reiterating Syrias full entitlement to safeguard its sovereignty and independence through any means established by international law.

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.
ACIT Vs Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (ITAT Delhi)

ITAT Delhi held that benefit of deduction u/s. 80-IA of the Income Tax Act entitled as ground handling and cargo handling services are included within the scope of infrastructure facility.

Facts- The assessee company was incorporated on 20.04.2010 and is engaged primarily in the business of providing ground handling and cargo handling services at Indian airports. SATS Ltd., Singapore, and Air India Ltd. (AIL) entered into a joint venture agreement dated 16.04.2010 for setting up the joint venture company and providing ground & cargo handling services at Indian Airports.

The activities carried out by AIL or SATS through the AI-SATS (unincorporated JV) in relation to the ground handling services at Bangalore and Hyderabad airport and Cargo handling services and Bangalore Airports are stated to be carried out by the company since the transfer date. The assessee for rendering the ground & cargo handling services at Airport had claimed deduction u/s. 80IA of the Act, 1961.

AO show caused the assessee to explain how its business falls in the category of infrastructure facility u/s. 80IA because 80IA (4) only covers Airport and not cargo handling etc. AO observed that since the agreement is not directly with the Government of India, as required by Section 80-IA, and the agreement is with BIAL, so also benefit of Section 80IA shall not be eligible.

AO concluded that deduction u/s. 80IA of Rs. 23,90,03,420/- was disallowed. CIT(A) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee. Being aggrieved, revenue has preferred the present appeal.

Conclusion- Co-ordinate bench in the case of New Delhi vs Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal has held that the air cargo handling facility falls into the scope of infrastructure facility. In that case too AO was not satisfied with the deduction u/s. 80IA as it considered the Cargo Services rendered by the assessee company to be not covered for the benefit of Section 80IA of the Act.

Held that ground handling and cargo handling services provided by the assessee are covered within the meaning of the Explanation referred to Section 80-IA and assessee is entitled to claim the benefit of same.

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF ITAT DELHI

The Revenue has come in appeal against the order dated 15.07.2016 passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-I, New Delhi (hereinafter referred as learned First Appellate Authority or in short FAA), in Appeal no. 432/1415, for the assessment year 2011-12, arising out of the assessment order dated 30.01.2015 u/s 143(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred as the Act), passed by the Dy. Commissioner of Income-tax, Circle-2(1), New Delhi (hereinafter referred in short as Ld. AO).

2. Facts, in brief, are that assessee company was incorporated on 20.04.2010 and is engaged primarily in the business of providing ground handling and cargo handling services at Indian airports. As per the details available on the record, SATS Ltd., Singapore and Air India Ltd. (AIL) entered into a joint venture agreement dated 16.04.2010 for setting up the joint venture company and providing ground & cargo handling services (business division) at Indian Airports. Accordingly, SATS and AIL incorporated the assessee company on 20.04.2010 for the purpose of undertaking of the ground handling & cargo handling services at various Airports in India in accordance with the Cabinet approval. In accordance with the Joint Venture Agreement, the ground handling services and cargo handling services business carried out by AI-SATS (unincorporated JV) inclusive of all assets and liability was transferred to the newly established company on a slum exchange basis to the company. The business has been transferred from 1st August, 2010 (the transfer date) vide business transfer confirmation agreement (BTA Agreement) between AIL, SATS and the company executed on 30.03.2011. The activities carried out by AIL or SATS through the AI-SATS (unincorporated JV) in relation to the ground handling services at Bangalore and Hyderabad airport and Cargo handling services and Bangalore Airports are stated to be carried out by the company since the transfer date. The assessee for rendering the ground & cargo handling services at Airport had claimed deduction u/s 80IA of the Act, 1961.

3. The AO was not satisfied with its claim and show caused the assessee to explain as to how its business falls in the category of infrastructure facility u/s 80IA because 80IA (4) only covers Airport and not cargo handling etc. AO observed that since the agreement is not directly with the Government of India, as required by Section 80-IA, and the agreement is with BIAL, so also benefit of Section 80IA shall not be eligible.

4. On behalf of assessee, relying various judicial pronouncements, it was submitted that the Cargo handling falls in the definition of infrastructure facility and further with regard to the agreement with Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) it was submitted that BIAL has entered into a Concession Agreement with the Government of India (GOI) for developing, operating and maintaining the Bangalore airport. The GOI had granted BIAL the exclusive rights for development, operation, maintenance and management of the Bangalore airport. Further, the Concession Agreement authorizes BIAL to grant service provider rights to any person for carrying out the development and other activities originally entrusted on it. Accordingly, BIAL granted service provider rights for developing the cargo handling facility, providing cargo and ground handling services at the Bangalore airport to the JV partners by way of an agreement.

4.1 Subsequently in accordance with the Joint venture agreement, necessary Cabinet approval was communicated vide its press release dated 23rd February 2009 and upon receipt of approval from Foreign Investments Promotion Board on 31st March 2010, the business of providing cargo and ground handling services was succeeded by the assessee. The said business was effectively transferred from 1 August 2010 to the assessee. Consequently, all the rights granted by BAIL to JV Company were transferred to the assessee with effect from 1st August 2010. Since 1 August 2010, the assessee carries on business of operating and maintaining of air-cargo facility at Bengaluru air port in India in accordance with the rights provided by BIAL. Thus it was claimed that GOI has granted rights of development, operation etc, to BIAL by way of the Concession agreement and has also given the authority to BIAL to further grant such rights to any other person. It submitted that it would be difficult for GOI to enter into contract with each and every developer developing the relevant Airport facility. Accordingly, GOI has allowed BIAL to grant service provider rights to any person for carrying out the development and other activities entrusted on BIAL. Thus, the agreement with the assessee to grant the rights to perform the service of cargo and ground handling facility should be considered as an agreement with GOI via BIAL.

4.2 Further, pursuant to the concessional agreement, the assessee has been vested with all rights and obligations with respect to the cargo and ground handling operations from BIAL and is independently responsible for all activities carried on by them. Consequently, the assessee company who is assigned the right to develop, operate and maintain the air-cargo facility will be eligible to deduction under section 80-IA of the Act.

5. However, learned AO was not satisfied and concluded that the company had come into existence in violation of clause (i) to sub-section (3) of Section 80-IA and concluded that assessee company is nothing but reconstitution/ reconstruction of the joint venture which was already being carried out by Air India SATS Airport services (JV), in the capacity of an unincorporated joint venture, which was formed on 27.07,2006 and owned by Air India Ltd. and SATS Ltd., Singapore. Further, learned AO observed that assessee company has been formed by transfer of machine and plant previously used by joint venture and thus clause (i) of subsection (3) of Section 80-IA of the Act was violated.

5.1 Then, the learned AO concluded that the assessee company does not fulfill all the essential conditions of Sub-section (4) of Section 80-IA of the Act, as it is not a company registered in India or owned by consortium of such companies.

5.2 Learned AO also observed that since assessee company had not entered into agreement with Central Government for the eligible business, the case of assessee is not covered by conditions of Section 80-IA.

5.3 Learned AO concluded that ground handling and Cargo handling services at Airport are not covered in the activity of maintaining or developing, operating and maintaining Airport.

5.4 Learned AO also took note of the fact that erstwhile joint venture had not made any claim u/s 80-IA whose business was transferred to assessee company on going concern basis and in the relevant assessment year i.e. 2011-12 also the joint venture has shown income but no deduction u/s 80-IA has been claimed in respect of income shown for the part period 1.4.2010 to 31.7.2010. Accordingly, deduction u/s 80-IA of Rs. 23,90,03,420/- was disallowed.

6. Further, the learned AO examined the question of reconciliation of TDS for each head of expenses and with regard to concession fees, found that a sum of Rs. 11,65,38,217/- has been debited to P&L A/c for which assessee admitted that tax has been deducted at source on payment of Rs. 6,44,37,848/-. As with regard to remaining Rs. 5,21,00,369/-, assessee claimed that Rs. 1.39 crores arises in transaction with GMR, Hyderabad, for which TDS certificate Nil was filed. Assessee had claimed that remaining amount of Rs. 3.82 crores was of provisional nature FY 2010-11 which was reversed on September, 20, 2011 and actual bill expenses were booked and TDS is deducted thereon. Learned AO took it as an admission that no tax at source had been deducted while making provision of Rs. 3.82 crores in the year under consideration.

6.1 The assessee company relied on the accounting standard and accounting policy of the assessee company and submitted that amounts were not quantifiable, and determined on best estimate basis and provision were reversed when the actual bills were raised. However, learned AO did not accept the plea and disallowed Rs. 3.82 crores u/s 40(a)(ia) read with section 200 of the Act.

7. In appeal, before learned CIT(A) the assessee succeeded on both the counts, against which the Revenue is in appeal raising following grounds:

1. The Ld. CIT(A)has erred in law and on facts in directing the AO to allow deduction u/s 80IA of income Tax without appreciating the following factual position.

(i) The assessee company is a joint venture which was formed by Air India Ltd. and SATS Ltd., Singapore and thus it is nothing but a reconstitution/reconstitution of the same joint venture for carrying out the same business activity.

(ii) As per 80IA(4) clause (i) of the Act, the enterprise should be owned by a company registered in India where as the assessee company is formed by M/s Air India Ltd. an India Company and M/s SATS Ltd., a Singapore based company and thus one of the owner or participant of the consortium is not a company registered in India.

(iii) Deduction u/s 80IA is allowable for certain basic infrastructure facilities and not for providing utility services whereas assessee is engaged in the business of providing ground handling and cargo handling services at Indian Airport which activities are not covered within the meaning of explanation referred to section 80IA.

2. The Ld. CIT(A) erred in law and on facts in deleting addition of Rs. 3,82,00,000/ on account of disallowance u/s 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act.

3. The appellant craves leave for reserving the right to amend, modify, alter, add or forego any ground(s) of appeal at any time before or during the hearing of this appeal.

8. Heard and perused the records. The Ground-wise findings are as follows.

9. Ground no 1 with sub-grounds; After taking into consideration the material on record and the submissions, we are of the considered opinion that ground no. 1 along with its sub-grounds are based on common facts and can be conveniently disposed of together avoiding cost of repetition. At the outset learned Senior Counsel submitted that the issue with regard to provision of ground handling and Cargo handling services at Airport being covered under the activities of maintenance of Airport, is now a duly settled preposition of law and learned CIT(A) has rightly relied the judgment in the case of Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd. in ITA no. 1160/Bang/2012, which has been confirmed by Honble Karnataka High Court on 25.01.2021 vide ITA no. 186 of 2016.

9.1 Learned DR, however, resisted the same, submitting that the nature of activity of maintaining the Airport is one where technical facilities connected with the flying of aircrafts is concerned and ground activities like Cargo handling do not fall in the category of maintenance of Airport.

10. Further Ld. Sr. Counsel submitted that there is no requirement that the share holders of an Indian Company, as mentioned in Section 80-IA(4)(i)(a), should also be Indian companies. For this, reliance was placed on the judgment of Chennai Tribunal in the case of PSA Sical Terminals Ltd. vs. ACIT, ITA no. 1604 to 1607/Mds./2012 order dated 06.12.2012.

11. On the other hand, learned DR took the Bench across the assessment order pointing out how learned AO has examined every aspect meticulously to conclude that the assessee was incorporated in the manner that it is only an reorganized business set up. It was submitted that assessee company has not entered into direct agreement with the Government of India. He also pointed out that erstwhile joint venture was not claiming the exemption. It was submitted that learned CIT(A) has relied the Honble Karnataka High Court judgment without taking into consideration the facts were distinguishabl.

12. Now appreciating the aforesaid, the first and foremost thing to be decided is whether the cargo handling facility which includes storage, loading and unloading is an infrastructure facility for the purpose of Section 80-IA of the Act. This aspect is actually no more res-integra, before Tribunal and in fact in an order of Coordinate Bench, in which one of us (JM) was on the bench, vide ITA No. ITA No. 8301/Del/2019; Acit, Circle- 5(2), New Delhi vs Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal decided on 24 August, 2023, the issue has been considered and decided against the Revenue holding that air cargo handling facility fall into the scope of infrastructure facility. In that case too Ld. AO was not satisfied with the deduction u/s 80IA as it considered the Cargo Services rendered by the assessee company to be not covered for the benefit of Section 80IA of the Act. Ld. CIT(A) had deleted the disallowance of deduction u/s 80IA of the Act following finding in assessees own case in ITA no. 3376/Del/2017 order dated 18.02.2019 for A.Y. 2012-13. It will be appropriate to reproduce here in below the relevant findings of CIT(A) in that case, which were approved in co-ordinate Bench order;

6.1. The appellant has submitted that these contentions are supported by the decisions of the Hyderabad ITAT in the case of Ocean Sparkle Ltd Vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax 155 Taxman 133, and in the case of Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo P. Limited vs. DCIT at ITA No 421, 422 and 423/Hyd/2015 for AYS 2009-10 to 2011-12 and at ITA No 1094/Hyd/2016 for AY 2012-13, and of the Bangalore Tribunal in the case of ACIT vs. M/s Menzies Aviation Bobbe (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd., at ITA No 1160/Bang/2012. The Karnataka High Court in the case of Ms. Flemingo Dutyfree Shops P Ltd in W.P. No. 14215 of 2006 dated 19.12.2008 has considered the functions as well as various aspects relating to Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) for coming to the conclusion that BIAL is a statutory body. The Honble Court has held that providing duty free shops in the BIAL is in the nature of statutory functions/public functions for the convenience of the public. All the facilities provided by BIAL, be it a state, lessee, or entity, performs statutory functions in the Airport, The said decision has been followed by the Bangalore Tribunal in the case of Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd. (supra).

6.2 The facts of the appellants case are similar to that of Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd and Hyderabad Menzies Air Cargo P. Ltd which have entered into an agreement with BIAL and GHIAL respectively for Air Cargo facility at Bangalore and Hyderabad airport, Hence, respectfully following the decision of the Karnataka High Court in the case of Flemingo Dutyfree (supra) and the decision of the Bangalore Tribunal in the case of ACIT vs. M/s. Menzies Aviation Bobba (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd. (supra) which has held the agreement between that assessee and BIAL granting the assessee the concession to operate and maintain the cargo facility to be a valid agreement for the purposes of section 80IA(4), it is held that the appellant has entered into an agreement with a statutory body being DIAL for operation and maintenance of an Infrastructure facility i.e. cargo facility at Delhi Airport. Therefore the appellant has satisfied the condition laid down In section 80IA(4)(i)(b).

6.3 Besides, the appellant has taken permissions from the office of the Commissioner of Customs (Import & General) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enable it to carry on the business of operation and maintenance of the cargo facility at IGIA, New Delhi. As held by the Madras High Court in the case of CIT v A.L. Logistics (P) Ltd. 55 taxmann.com 283 such approvals obtained From the government authorities would be regarded as an agreement with the government for the purposes of section 801A(4)(i)(b). Considering the aforesaid legal position, I am of the view that the second condition of section 80IA(4) is satisfied in the appellants case and accordingly, the said contention of the appellant is upheld.

12.1 We are of the considered view that learned AO has fallen in error in considering Airport as a facility standing in isolation and giving a very restrictive interpretation to the scope of developing, operating and maintaining Airport. Airport is a facility for transportation of passengers or cargo or both at the same time. The passengers may also travel along with their baggage and cargo may be accompanied by people handling that cargo. Thus the facilities of Airport is not restrict to the fixed structure or equipment connected with the Aircrafts maintenance, their running, flying or landing alone. The functionality of the Airport arise from all the facilities which bring utility or add utility to the premises, convenience to passengers, crew, ground staff. Facilities like cargo handling, ground handling, announcement crew, security, check-in counter, baggage management facility, the Airport crew, airlines crew, aircraft crew facility etc. collectively and independently use the premises, the fixed structures, the equipments etc. The developing, operating and maintaining Airport, therefore, encompasses all these activities which are incidental or supplemental to the transportation of passengers or cargo or both together. These facilities of various kind may be provided by one company or different companies but in any way they operate in consortium and having interdependence. Learned AO has fallen in error in observing that different companies have developed the running of Banglore Airport and the assessee is merely providing utility services beyond the scope of Airport for the purpose of Section 80-IA. Thus, on the basis of aforesaid decision, the Bench is inclined to hold that ground handling and cargo handling services provided by the assessee are covered within the meaning of Explanation referred to Section 80-IA and assessee is entitled to claim the benefit of same.

12.2 Then the assessee has come into existence not by reconstitution or reconstruction of the joint venture of Air India Ltd. and SATS Ltd. Singapore on its own, rather it was at the initiation of the Government of India that the assessee came into existence and there is no rebuttal by way of any enquiry by Ld.AO, to the submissions of assessee that the Cabinet had given an approval of the establishment and functionality of assessee. The copy of letter dated 16th March, 2009 from the Ministry of Aviation, Government of India addressed to Chairman and Managing Director, Air India Ltd. is made available at page no. 112 and 113 of the paper book and same shows that on 23rd February, 2009 the Cabinet in its meeting had approved the setting off of joint venture of Air India with SATS for ground and cargo handling activities at Indian Airports. The letter describes as to how the workforce, assets and equipments shall be evaluated in the joint venture company. It specifically make a direction of getting the company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956. It was also provided that assets and equipments would be transferred to the joint venture company after approval of this ministry. We are of firm view that such approval of Cabinet by all means amounts to approval of incorporation of assessee under SPRHA and Ld. CIT(A) has duly taken cognizance of this letter to set aside the findings of the Ld. Assessing officer that there was absence of an agreement with the Central Government. There is no fault in the conclusion of ld. CIT(A) as the SPRHA entered into by BIAL with Air India and SATS, dated 16.05.2006, the copy of which is available in the paper book from page no. 114 to 191, specifically opens with the recitals that in pursuant to the concession agreement, the Government of India has granted BIAL the inclusive rights to carry out the development, design, financing, construction, commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of the Airport, in accordance with terms contained therein and that the concession agreement recognizes that BIAL may, subject to the concession agreement, grant service provider rights to any person for carrying out aforesaid activities on such terms and conditions as BIAL may determine are appropriate. Accordingly, on the basis of aforesaid tenders were invited for the cargo services. The SPRH agreement of AI and SATS with BIAL, at page no. 123 of the paper book has an important recital No. 1.3 which provides that in furtherance of agreement, the SPRH was under obligation to get incorporated a joint venture company under the Companies Act, 1956 and this recital further describe the liability of SPRH for subscription of shares by AI and SATS equally and that SPRH has right to transfer this agreement to the newly incorporated JVC by way of novation of agreement. This leaves no doubt in the mind of this bench that BIAL had delegated Authority from the Government of India to enter into SPRH agreement and the assessee is a natural child of this alliance. Ld. CIT(A) has not fallen in error in accepting that BIAL is statutory body as held by Honble Karnataka High Court in the case of M/s. Flemingo Duty-Free Shops P. ltd. Therefore, there was no substance in the allegation of Ld. AO that the basic condition provided in Section 80IA(iv)(i)(b) is not fulfilled. This was also the view of Banglore Tribunal in the case of M/s. Menzies Aviation (supra) as duly appreciated by ld. CIT(A).

12.3 Then it comes up that Ld. CIT(A) has duly appreciated the fact that Ld. AO had fallen in error in applying provision of Section 80IA(iii) with regard to allegation of the assessee company being a mere reconstitution and reconstruction of unincorporated JV by taking into consideration that the said provision is not applicable to the assessee company claiming benefit by way of infrastructural facility of the nature of Airport. Ld. CIT(A) has also duly appreciated the fact that assessee is company incorporated India and owns the infrastructural facility and Ld. AO has fallen in error in alleging violation of the condition of Section 80IA(iv)(i)(a). In this context, as relied by Ld. Sr. Counsel in the case of M/s. PSA Sical Terminals (supra), laying down that there is distinction between the company and the share holders, as in the case of that assessee also the company equity was subscribed by three companies and the Tribunal had considered the fact that being a registered company independently holding the assets was entitled to benefit u/s 80IA.

12.4 This also takes care of the allegation of the ld. AO that earlier joint venture was not taking the benefit of Section 80IA as that was for the reason that the earlier joint venture was not company incorporated Indian and was merely an Association of person which was not entitled for reduction u/s 80IA. Thus, we are determine the ground no. 1 along with sub-grounds against the appellant Revenue.

13. Ground No. 2: At outset we agree with the submission of Ld. Sr. Counsel that as ground no. 1 on deduction under section 80IA is decided in the assessees favour and it is held that the assessee is entitled to a deduction under section 80IA of the Act, then, any increase in the assessees income as a consequence of the disallowance would be offset, since the increased income would also be eligible for deduction under section 80IA. In this regard, the reliance is rightly place by him on CBDT circular no. 37/2016 wherein the CBDT has accepted the position that when there are specific disallowances in the assessment / appeal proceedings leading to enhanced business profits, the deduction under Chapter VI-A shall be admissible on such enhanced business profits. Accordingly, the issue raised in grounds of appeal no. 2 will be rendered wholly academic.

14. Still, for ending controversy for all purposes, it comes up that on merits Ld. Sr. Counsel has submitted that the concession fee was not debited in favour of BIAL unless invoice was raised after taking into consideration certain aspects regarding sale of scrap, parking fees, foreign exchange gain etc., which were uncertain and disputed. It was submitted that therefore on the basis of best estimate provision was made for concession fees. Creation of provision was necessary as actual turnover was more than projected turnover and liability had to be created as per mercantile system of accounting. In the year, provision of Rs. 3,82,00,000/-was reversed and expenses were booked as per the final invoice received in September, 2011 and taxes were duly deducted at source.

14.1 It was also submitted that infact in the present case, section 194C of the Act cannot have any application since no work has at all been carried out by BIAL for the assessee. If at all it is the assessee who has carried out work. BIAL has simply charged a concession fee as consideration for the rights it has granted the assessee by virtue of the SPRH agreement.

14.2 It is further submitted that in subsequent years, namely, assessment year 2012-13 and 2013-14, the said provision is disallowed only on the ground that it is a contingent liability. In other words, the issue about section 40(a)(ia) is not raised. The relevant extract of the assessment order for AY 2012-13 and AY 2013-14 were relied by Ld. Sr. Counsel. It was submitted that thereafter in subsequent assessment years, no disallowance of the provision is made. A copy of the assessment order for AY 2014-15 was relied in that context.

15. Learned DR, however, relied the findings of learned AO and relied the Banglore Bench order in case of IBM India (P) Ltd. V ITO(TDS) LTU, Bangalore (2015) 59 taxmann.com 107 and Delhi Bench order in ITA No 5347/Del/2012 Inter Globe Aviation Ltd V ACIt order dated 07/01/2019 to submit that the provision is made by present assessee under the specified head, provision is also made to on certain basis thereby ascertaining the amount. It is not the case of the assessee that it has made an ad hoc provision. The payee is identified. Therefore, according to Ld. DR, the tax is required to be deducted on the year-end provisions made by the assessee which are ascertained liabilities.

16. After giving thoughtful consideration to the matter on record and the contentions we are of the view that the credit contemplated in sub-section (2) of section 194C is one that enables the person who has carried out the work to make a claim for the sum. The provision of Rs.3,82,00,00,000/-, as made by assessee did not as such create a debt in favour of BIAL as the concession fee did not arise out of any contract performed by BIAL but was more in the form of royalty with uncertainty of actual amount due and therefore no income can be said to have accrued or arisen to BIAL.

16.1 Further, the methodology adopted for estimation of turnover / profits and subsequently creating the year-end provision and reversing the same in next financial year, remains the same in all subsequent years. Thus, given the fact that in AY 2014-15 the Department has now accepted that the disallowance is not required to be made under section 40(a)(ia) in respect of the year end provisions for concession fee, same sustains the claim of asseessee.

17. The reliance as placed by Ld. Sr. Counsel on the decision of the Honble Karnataka High Court in Toyota Kirloskar Motor (P.) Ltd. vs. ITO [2021] 128 com 266 also supports the case of assessee as therein year end provisions were made for expenses on estimate basis in respect of which bills were yet to be submitted. The provisions were reversed upon receipt of invoice and expenses were booked as per the invoices and taxes were deducted there from. The Honble High Court referred to the principle laid down in CIT v. Shoorji Vallabhdas & Co. 46 ITR 144 (SC) that if income does not result at all, there cannot be a levy of tax even though a book entry is made. Thus ground is determined against the appellant Revenue.

18. As a sequel to the aforesaid determination of the grounds against the appellant Revenue, the appeal is dismissed.

Order pronounced in open court on 01.11.2023.
The Association of Washington Business recently honored 10 state businesses, including the Port of Kalama, which earned an award Nov. 16 for growing the local and state economy with recent projects.

The ports 33,000-square-foot Mountain Timber Market opened Saturday and includes about a dozen businesses so far.

The port is also replacing a pedestrian bridge spanning the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, connecting West Frontage Road and North Hendrickson Drive. The 50-year-old bridge is not ADA compliant, while the new crossing would be in the same location and include stairs and elevators, according to the port.

The Port of Kalama set a new record for West Coast soybean exports in 2020, and supports more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, the association reports.

Finalists for the award included the insurance and retirement plan company Symetra, headquartered in Bellevue, and Eileen and Callies place, an organization that supports young women whove aged out of foster care based in Kent.
Negotiating teams from Oregons largest school district and its teachers union planned to be back in talks Friday aimed at ending the strike, now in its 24th calendar day, according to statements both sides issued late Wednesday.

A huge sticking point remains the role that parents should play in helping principals and union representatives find the best solution to elementary class sizes and middle and high school teachers student loads that exceed agreed upon thresholds.

If the sides dont come to an agreement by Sunday, the 43,000 affected students would miss a 12th day of school Monday. They last attended class on Halloween.

Both sides indicated Wednesday they are extremely motivated to reach a settlement. When the parties reach an agreement, it will need to be ratified by a vote of both union members and the school board.

My complete focus is on a path to settlement, Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla told union members in a video message late Wednesday. I will not stop ... until we settle a fair contract.

The school board, in its message issued late Wednesday, cast the union as less than fully engaged on the key differences still separating them. We know the language in this contract matters so that we can best serve our students, board members wrote. We urge (the Portland Association of Teachers) to respond to these remaining issues quickly, so we can get our children back into school on Monday.

The board scheduled behind-closed-doors discussions about the contract for mid-afternoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Still to be decided: the size of cost-of-living raises and how to handle oversized classes or teaching loads.

Union negotiators say a parent chosen by the district and another selected by the union should be part of a six-person class size committee available at each school to decide on how to address individual situations, such as a kindergarten assigned more than 24 students or a high school teacher with more than 160 students across six teaching periods. The committee would weigh in only if the principal, affected teacher and a representative from the union dont agree on a solution. If the committee subsequently cant agree on a solution, the parties could call for state mediation, the most recently released union proposal says.

Three school board members who have participated in the negotiating process say theyre opposed to involving parents in classroom-level decision-making but would welcome parent participation on schoolwide class size committees that would discuss how to approach big classes or heavy teaching loads at the school in general. Board members have repeatedly said they worry about running afoul of privacy laws if parents know too much about personal student information on a classroom level, though proposals from both sides would prohibit those committees from discussing federally protected student information.

Under the districts most recently released proposal, if the union is unhappy with the way a teaching overload is to be addressed, the union could escalate the issue to the superintendent, but there would be no option for mediation or other use of union grievance procedures.

The current proposals for both the union and district would maintain a 3% increase in base salary that teachers would receive for every student in their classroom, or in their caseload, that exceeds agreed upon thresholds. However, it appeared from the most recent proposals that the two sides were still negotiating those thresholds for certain educators, including school psychologist.

The district has proposed a reentry plan that would bring students back to school Monday and allow them to make up lost instructional time by delaying the start of winter break by a full week until Dec. 23, extending the school year by three days and reclaiming a holiday and scheduled teacher work days. However, the union, which represents the districts 3,500 teachers, has yet to agree to that plan, and the plan may have to be altered if the strike continues to drag on.

Meanwhile, the Bend Bulletin reported that the Bend La Pine school district and its teachers union are making progress toward a new contract for central Oregons largest district, with the union reporting a good working relationship with district negotiators.

Sarah Barclay, Bend Education Association president, said the full-day bargaining sessions have helped the bargaining teams develop a working relationship, necessary to build trust, the Bulletin reported.

Barclay wrote in a text message Tuesday, Over the next several sessions, the focus will return to the most pressing matters affecting educators and their classrooms  safety, preparation time, reasonable workload/caseload protections, and fair wages/benefits.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said she is considering filing a similar resolution in the Senate that calls for the cooperation of the Marcos administration with the International Criminal Courts (ICC) investigation into the bloody drug war.

Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source, Hontiveros said she is seriously considering filing the counterpart resolution of those filed by some House lawmakers regarding the investigation.

There are currently three resolutions filed in the lower chamber, including one that was co-authored by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. who is a member of the majority bloc. He told CNN Philippines this is not a personal attack against former President Rodrigo Duterte who was behind the controversial program against illegal drugs.

Hontiveros welcomed the resolutions in the House, adding she hopes this will create a more conducive environment so the Philippines can return as member of the ICC.

President Ferdinand Marcos earlier said the Philippines is ending its involvement with the ICC after the tribunal rejected the countrys request to suspend the investigation into the previous administration's war on drugs pending a ruling on Manila's main appeal against the resumption of the probe.

Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of ex-president Duterte, on Thursday told House lawmakers to respect Marcos decision. She also said that allowing the probe is not only patently unconstitutional but also belittles and degrades our legal institutions.

Senator Imee Marcos has also rejected calls to work with the ICC, saying the country should be ashamed to let foreign courts intervene when the Philippines justice system is working.

Theres no belittling or degrading at all, Hontiveros said. Theres nothing unconstitutional about being a member of the community of nations.

She also pointed out that the killings covered by the ICC probe happened years prior to ex-President Duterte withdrawing the Philippines as a member of the ICC, which took effect in 2019.

Hontiveros also believes it is more embarrassing to not accept the help from the international community in the face of tens of thousands of EJK (extra-judicial killing) victims.

Asked about the ICC probe resolution, Sen. Francis Tolentino said: Any resolution coming from Congress, even if its both Houses, would just be persuasive in nature.

ICC prosecutors estimate that around 12,000 to 30,000 were killed in the name of the drug war between July 2016 and March 2019, far from the previous government data at around 6,000 deaths.

President Marcos on Friday reiterated the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, but the government is looking into whether the country should return to the international court.
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Schematic showing the proposed process for image PUF generation and printing. Credit: Micromachines (2023). DOI: 10.3390/mi14091678

Receiving a bogus designer handbag or imitation Wagyu beef might infuriate a Cyber Monday consumer, but a knock-off respirator or a fake pacemaker could imperil them.

Virginia Tech researcher Emma Meno is developing a mobile app to empower buyers to ensure their purchases are legitimate. In a study published in Micromachines earlier this fall, Meno and a team of researchers described their work to date.

"Counterfeiters put things on the market that look like authorized medical devices or they intercept a legitimate transaction," said Meno, a research associate at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute. "A fake biodevice is a huge health risk, and the growing number of people who are affected by this is worrisome."

In the days leading up to Cyber Monday last year, law enforcement agencies took down almost 13,000 websites peddling phony luxury goods or pirated content. While there are steep legal ramifications for counterfeiting, they're only enforceable if someone gets caught.

"Unfortunately, it's easy for counterfeiters to evade detection: They can simply delete the website and create a new one," said Meno, who is also a Commonwealth Cyber Initiative researcher supported by the Innovation: Ideation to Commercialization program, which seeks to move research from the lab to the marketplace.

To counter the counterfeiters, Meno and her team are developing a first-of-its-kind verification tool tailored specifically for the end user. First, a seller stamps the item with a special label printed with biodegradable ink. When the purchase arrives, the buyer can use a mobile device to scan the stamp like they would a QR code and receive confirmation that the item received matches what was sent.

Initially, Meno's team is focusing on lower-risk areas such as luxury goods and working up to applications in the biomedical industriesbut sellers in all these areas stand to benefit from this type of end-user product.

"It's not only about a consumer's peace of mind," Meno said. "This is also a concern for industries who lose money or suffer brand defamation every time someone buys a knockoff."

The app development builds on a collaboration between Virginia Tech researchers and colleagues from Virginia Commonwealth University who developed and tested the biodegradable ink that could be affixed to something like Wagyu beef, the highly sought-after meat costing upward of $200 per pound. The labels act as a non-cloneable "fingerprint," and the team is currently working on how best to digitize them so they match to a single other key in a database, before being automatically deleted.

"If a user scans a certain label and it doesn't show up in the database, then it's likely a counterfeit," Meno said. "Someone in the middle may have intercepted it."

The mobile app aims to be able to defend against this type of attack and others as part of a larger effort to secure online transactions and protect businesses in cyberspace.

More information: Sayantan Pradhan et al, Deep-Learning-Based Digitization of Protein-Self-Assembly to Print Biodegradable Physically Unclonable Labels for Device Security, Micromachines (2023). DOI: 10.3390/mi14091678
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Nearly as quickly as he left, Sam Altman is back.

Following his abrupt and still largely unexplained firing from the influential artificial intelligence developer OpenAI on Friday, the 38-year-old technology entrepreneur will now return to the firm behind ChatGPT and other popular AI programs.

The once and future chief executive will answer to a different board of directors than the one that fired him late last week, the company wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding, "We are collaborating to figure out the details."

After a whirlwind week of boardroom intrigue, there's been a lot to take in.

Why did Sam Altman get fired?

It's still not entirely clear.

On Friday, the company published a blog titled "OpenAI announces leadership transition," in which it said Altman would be leaving after "a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications."

The boardwhich then included Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's chief scientist; Adam D'Angelo, chief executive of the Q&A platform Quora; Tasha McCauley, a tech executive; and Helen Toner, a director at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technologyno longer had "confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI," they wrote.

But details about what exactly Altmanone of the biggest names in the booming AI sector, and a fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area's startup ecosystemdid wrong have been scarce, prompting some to criticize OpenAI's board for creating an information vacuum.

After firing him, the board moved to replace Altman with an interim CEO: first chief technology officer Mira Murati and then Emmett Shear, former head of the Amazon-owned streaming platform Twitch. Shear said that he would commission an investigation into Altman's ouster but that it was not prompted by a "specific disagreement on safety."

Nevertheless, many have speculated that the issue was a dispute over how quicklyand safelythe company should be moving to develop increasingly powerful AI software. Shear has voiced concerns about AI development in the past. (Altman has acknowledged the technology's risks, too, but also pushed back against regulations.)

Altman's pursuit of outside funding to kick-start other AI ventures, including a semiconductor startup and an AI hardware startup, may have also been a point of tension.

What is OpenAI, anyway?

If you've noticed a sudden boom in artificial intelligence over the last year or two, it's in large part because of OpenAI.

In addition to doing a lot of research in the field, the firm has released two productsthe image generator DALL-E and the chatbot ChatGPTthat have gained widespread attention from the general public. Both fall into the field of "generative AI," or AI that ingests vast quantities of data and can then output nominally original media based on patterns it deciphers.

The result of these and other, competing software products has been a widespread boom in the use of AI for a variety of tasks including film-making, cover-letter writing and datingand, in some cases, a backlash over job displacement and other ramifications of mass automation.

So how did Altman wind up coming back?

After his sacking, Altman quickly lined up a landing at Microsoft, where he was set to lead an AI research team. The Redmond, Wash.-based tech giant has an ongoing relationship with OpenAI, agreeing earlier this year to invest $10 billion in ita bid to compete with other major players in the frothy AI market.

But many at OpenAI wanted Altman back. More than 700 of the firm's staffers signed a letter Monday calling on the board to resign and also reinstate the ex-executive. If their ultimatum was not met, they threatened to follow Altman to Microsoft, which had offered to hire them all.

Murati, the first interim CEO, had at one point reportedly been interested in re-hiring Altman. Those conversations continued under Shear, who Bloomberg reported Tuesday afternoon was talking with Altman, OpenAI investors and at least one member of the board about reinstating Altman as CEO or possibly the director of a transitional board.

By Tuesday evening, Altman was back on the inside as if the whole thing had never happened. He's set to be joined by a newly reconstituted board that will keep on D'Angelo, the Quora executive, and also include former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers.

Isn't all this chaos bad for business?

Almost certainly. The drama at one point knocked $48 billion off Microsoft's valuation, and briefly incited a scramble by competing AI firms to hire away Altman loyalists. The instability may also push some of OpenAI's enterprise customers to reconsider their reliance on the firm's software.

But that may be beside the point.

OpenAI is fairly unique in Silicon Valley because, although it does have some for-profit elements, those elements are subservient to a nonprofit structure. The board of directors that pushed Altman out represents a 501(c)(3) and holds as its mission the creation of general-use AI that will benefit mankind, not the generation of profit.

"Most boards are tasked with ensuring their CEOs are best serving the financial interests of the company," Times columnist Brian Merchant recently wrote of the unusual incentive structure. "OpenAI's board is tasked with ensuring their CEO is not being reckless with the development of artificial intelligence."

Nevertheless, OpenAI was recently in talks with investors that would have valued it at $86 billion.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Alaska Airlines Captain Bret Peyton looks at route options presented by Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) during a test of the software at Langley Research Center. The program connects to onboard systems and runs on a tablet called an Electronic Flight Bag. Credit: David Wing

Before airplanes even reach the runway, pilots must file a plan to inform air traffic controllers where they're going and the path they are going to take. When planes are in the air, however, that plan often changes. From turbulence causing passenger discomfort and additional fuel use to unexpected weather patterns blocking the original path, pilots have to think on the fly and inform air traffic controllers of any modifications to their routes.

In the past, these changes would have to happen suddenly and with little lead time. But as airplanes have become more digitally connected, the flying machines can take advantage of the additional data they receive, and a NASA-developed technology can help pilots find the best path every time.

NASA has explored methods to improve aircraft efficiency since its inception. Among the agency's most famous contributions are winglets, upturned vertical flanges at the ends of airplane wings that eliminate turbulence at the wingtip and significantly save fuel. Fuel efficiency is critical to future aircraft development, as it not only improves performance and the weight it can carry but also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

David Wing, principal researcher of air traffic management at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, develops advanced autonomy systems for aircraft, allowing operators to directly manage flight paths in crowded skies. He noticed some of the same technology used for safe routing could also optimize routes for flights already in the air. Allowing pilots to identify a better path as soon as it's available could save time and money.

"Air traffic control is there to keep the aircraft safely separated from other aircraft," said Wing. "So, the trick is, when you need to change your routing, what route do you ask for, and how much will it save you?"

Under Wing's lead, NASA developed Traffic-Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR), a piece of software pilots and ground operations teams can use to find better routes in transit. TASAR uses a genetic algorithm, a machine learning system that finds the optimal answer by pitting hundreds of route changes against each other and seeing which one comes out on top.

TASAR takes a map of the area and draws hundreds of lines radiating from the airplane. These lines represent potential routes the plane could take. The software whittles down every route it generates, avoiding ones that stray into no-fly zones or dangerous weather systems or get too close to other aircraft until it's found the most efficient route the airplane can take. Then, it's up to the pilot to take the computer's advice. Information is constantly updated using sensors on the airplane and connections to ground-based services, which TASAR takes into account.

"The algorithms had been tested and matured already for many years in our research, so they were in pretty good shape," Wing said. "But we had to connect this system to a real aircraft, which meant that we needed to be able to access data from the onboard avionics."

In this screenshot of the APiJET Digital Winglets software based on NASA technology, a route is plotted along navigational waypoints, presenting three options that would save fuel and time based on real-time information. Credit: APiJET LLC

On NASA test flights, the software worked perfectly, but for TASAR to break into more flights, commercial planes needed to be able to access large amounts of data. As it turned out, a solution was close at hand.

The company iJET originally built components that could keep planes connected to the latest information available on the ground, which often wasn't available in the sky. After developing better antennas, the company soon began working on a new integrated computer system for airplanes to collect data and stay connected to ground-based information sources. When looking for a "killer app" for the system, the company discovered TASAR.

"We saw that NASA was getting to the conclusion of this work, and we took a business decision to pick up the baton," said Rob Green, CEO of the company.

After being acquired by another company called Aviation Partners, the Seattle-based company was renamed APiJET in 2018 and became the first company to license TASAR from NASA. APiJET proceeded to tie the software to the in-flight computer system. The company's version of TASAR is called Digital Winglets, named after the NASA invention.

The app runs on electronic flight bags, computer devices approved for use in flight operations by the Federal Aviation Administration, most commonly Apple iPads. Green said there are no plans to integrate it directly into a cockpit instrument panel because updating an app is easier. In testing with Alaska Airlines, Green said the program saved 2% on fuel, working out to approximately 28,000 pounds of fuel per hundred flights.

"Two percent may not sound like much, but little savings can really add up at airline scale," Green said.

Several more airlines have tested the technology, and Frontier Airlines is currently field testing for a potential deployment of Digital Winglets across its fleet. APiJET still keeps in touch with the developers at NASA to further research TASAR's benefits and build out its commercial capabilities.

"Everybody that worked on TASAR at NASA should be really proud of their direct impact on fuel savings and carbon reduction," Green said. "It's a lot to wrap your head around, but it works."
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Googles new tune icon which replaces the padlock icon in Chromes address bar. Credit: Google Chromium, CC BY

Do you know what the padlock symbol in your internet browser's address bar means? If not, you're not alone. New research by my colleagues and I shows that only 5% of UK adults understand the padlock's significance. This is a threat to our online safety.

The padlock symbol on a web browser simply means that the data being sent between the web server and the user's computer is encrypted and cannot be read by others. But when we asked people what they thought it meant, we received an array of incorrect answers.

In our study, we asked a cross-section of 528 web users, aged between 18 and 86 years of age, a number of questions about the internet. Some 53% of them held a bachelor's degree or above and 22% had a college certificate, while the remainder had no further education.

One of our questions was, "On the Google Chrome browser bar, do you know what the padlock icon represents/means?"

Of the 463 who responded, 63% stated they knew, or thought they knew, what the padlock symbol on their web browser meant, but only 7% gave the correct meaning. Respondents gave us a range of incorrect interpretations, believing among other things that the padlock signified a secure web page or that the website is safe and doesn't contain any viruses or suspicious links. Others believed the symbol means a website is "trustworthy", is not harmful, or is a "genuine" website.

Not understanding symbols like the padlock icon, can pose problems to internet users. These include increased security risks and simply hindering effective use of the technology.

Our findings corroborate research by Google itself, who in September, replaced the padlock icon with a neutral symbol described as a "tune icon". In doing so, Google hopes to eradicate the misunderstandings that the padlock icon has afforded.

However, Google's update now raises the question as to whether other web browser companies will join forces to ensure their designs are uniform and intuitive across all platforms. The rise and fall of Netscape and the browser wars of the 1990s.

Web browser evolution

Without a doubt, the browser, which is our point of entry to the world wide web, comes with a lot of responsibility on the part of web companies. It's how we now visit web pages, so the browser has become an integral part of our daily lives.

It's intriguing to look back and trace the evolution of the web's design from the early 1990s to where we are today. Creating software that people wanted to use and found effective was at the heart of this evolution. The creation of functioning, satisfying, and most importantly, consistently designed user interfaces was an important goal in the 1990s. In fact, there was a drive in those early days to create web interface designs that were so consistent and intuitive that users would not need to think too much about how they work.

Nowadays, it's a different story because the challenge is centered on helping people to think before they interact online. In light of this, it seems bizarre that the design of the web browser in 2023 still affords uncertainty through its design. Worse still, it is inconsistently presented across its different providers.

It could be argued that this stems from the browser wars of the mid-1990s. That's when the likes of Microsoft and former software company, Netscape, tried to outdo each other with faster, better and more unique products. The race to be distinct meant there was inconsistency between products.

Internet safety

However, introducing distinct browser designs can lead to user confusion, misunderstanding and a false sense of security, especially when it is now widely known that such inconsistency can breed confusion, and from that, frustration and lack of use.

As an expert in human-computer interaction, it is alarming to me that some browser companies continue to disregard established guidelines for usability. In a world where web browsers open the doors to potentially greater societal risks than the offline world, it is crucial to establish a consistent approach for addressing these dangers.

As a minimum, we need web browser companies to join forces in a concerted effort to shield users, or at the very least, heighten their awareness regarding potential online risks. This should include formulating one unified design across the board that affords an enriched and safe user experience.

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

On Nov. 6, the co-working firm WeWork filed for bankruptcy. WeWork, founded by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey in 2010, had a simple business model: it signed long-term leases on urban buildings, fitting them out with modern work facilities. Then, it rented out desks, offices and meeting rooms to companies and freelancers seeking an easy-come, easy-go workplace.

WeWork was, in short, in the office subleasing business.

Yet Neumann promoted the firm as if it were a tech company, peppering his presentations with the buzzy language of Silicon Valley. He promised clients his offices would boost workers' social interaction, leading to untold innovations. The company even developed an online social network, WeWork Commons.

But the true "platform" for communication and collaboration, Neumann said, was the office space itself. He described WeWork as a "physical social network" offering "space as a service."

WeWork's collapse casts doubt on analogies between physical workspaces and computers that have proliferated in recent years. Is an officewhere people go to work in the morning, sit at desks and talk across conference tablesbest understood as a piece of digital infrastructure?

Digital daydreams

When Neumann cast offices as a form of information technology, he traded on an ideawildly popular in the 2010sthat the boundary between physical space and computers was dissolving.

Business leaders and tech journalists predicted a soon-to-be-pervasive "Internet of Things" (physical objects with embedded transmitters, so they can exchange data), the rise of "smart cities" (where municipal services are digitally monitored and optimized), and a new collective life in "augmented reality."

These ideas are all based in real technology, but were caught up in a vortex of accelerating hype around the time WeWork was founded.

Cybernetic architecture

There's a deeper history to predictions like this. In the 1960s, radical architects were enthralled by the rising field of computer science. They fantasized about buildings that would be as dynamic and responsive as a computer. These visions often had a countercultural tinge. For example, British architect Cedric Price designed a giant cultural centre whose rooms would rearrange themselves in real time with the help of a digital algorithm and a built-in crane.

Hungarian-French artist Nicolas Schoffer tried the idea at an urban scale, imagining a "cybernetic city" where citizens could alter their surroundings with the touch of a button.

And Japanese designer Kenzo Tange conceived buildings as giant communication apparatus with corridors serving as "information channels."

Office as platform

The digital pipe dreams that inspired these radical visions also filtered into the prosaic task of designing corporate offices. Earlier in the twentieth century, offices were thought of as, essentially, industrial buildings. They were factories for paperwork, with documents passing from one desk to another like a car part down an assembly line.

But during World War II, executives witnessed the military use giant mainframes for logistics and deciphering codes. Afterwards, many started thinking of an office filled with workers as a kind of computing infrastructure.

The influential West German consultant Eberhard Schnelle described an office as an "information processing facility, one in which information processing plays out between people and within people." To Schnelle, an office was like a programmable computer, with an algorithmic intelligence defined largely by its distinctive configuration of desks.

Amid the booming knowledge economy of the 1960s, CEOs loved the idea that they could improve office work just by freeing up the flow of communication. This theory inspired new office furniture like Herman Miller's Action Office line of desks, shelves and partitions.

Managers would constantly optimize the flow of information through the office by adjusting the layout of the modular desks, like a programmer feeding an updated algorithm into a mainframe.

That was the idea, anyway.

The fantasy that offices were as dynamic and frictionless as a computer program obscured the fact that real estate is stubbornly physical. As office buildings age, they need constant maintenance. Changing the interior is a messy undertaking. Even rearranging supposedly flexible desks and partitions may involve hundreds of specialized parts. And at the end of the day, there's no guarantee it will improve how people work.

The WeWork crash

Analogies between offices and computers faded during the recession of the 1970s. But they never really died outespecially in the San Francisco Bay Area, where digital networks found a surprising following among ex-hippies seeking alternative forms of community. When Neumann and McKelvey founded WeWork in 2010, few Silicon Valley investors stopped to question their analogy of an office to a social network.

Their enterprise rode a wave of enthusiasm for all things digital, and secured ever larger investments from tech venture capitalists. Yet, as analysts pointed out in retrospect, the business model of a tech firm never made sense for WeWork. A real estate company does not enjoy the same economies of scale or network effects as an online platform. Finally, in 2019, WeWork could no longer hide the fact that it was still losing money.

The company's bankruptcy brings this saga to a close. It also casts doubt on the idea that more communication and connectedness are always betteran article of faith derived from the flower-child utopianism of early Silicon Valley.

Conflating physical space and digital platforms flattens the richness of social interaction into the linear logic of an algorithm. WeWork promoted the virtues of socializing, but only with fellow white-collar millennialsand always with an entrepreneurial sense of self-promotion.

Imagining buildings and cities as digital platforms erodes a sense of place where one could have a palpable sense of belonging, with a legible relation to the public realm.

Predictions about the future of the office often hang on fantasies of an imminent work revolution that never actually takes place. If history is any guide, office design and online systems will keep evolving in parallel, as distinctand often complementarytechnologies for work. The office will remain a place, not a platform.

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

We are told that artificial intelligence and the automated decisions it enables will offer us improved public governance. Artificial intelligence will flexibly provide consistent and quick decisions, and considerable savings can be achieved thanks to automation.

According to Finland's national AI strategy, the public sector must be modernized to cope with the pressure caused by aging demographics. Automated decision-making is already used by organizations such as the Tax Administration and Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

However, efforts to digitalize public administration appear to overlook the perspective of ordinary citizens. In their study published in Big Data & Society, Associate Professor of Law Riikka Koulu and Postdoctoral Researcher Terhi Esko with her background in sociology combed through all the statements submitted during the drafting of general administrative legislation concerning automated decision-making. They were left with the impression of a legislative initiative carried out on administration's terms.

"We just wanted to see whether the citizen's perspective was present and how they were discussed as targets of automated decision-making. We concluded that the views of citizens were conspicuously absent," says Esko, summarizing the results.

The legislative initiative was based on the EU General Data Protection Regulation as well as the statements of Parliament's Constitutional Law Committee and the opinions of the supreme overseers of legality, according to which the automated procedures that various authorities had been using for several years lacked a legal basis. The researchers perceived a process that effectively aimed to ensure the continued use of previously adopted automated decision-making procedures. Hardly any critical discussion about the legislative initiative was heard.

For their study, the researchers examined the kinds of opinions and future visions of automated decision-making that the statements conveyed. Matters were mainly approached from the authorities' perspective, focusing on the nature of good governance and the benefits sought from digital administration and automation. The answers reflected the notion that citizens were not actually expected to understand the complex technology used in decision-making. Their role is primarily reduced to being the target of decision-making.

The forgotten but trusted citizen

The citizen, who is ignored at the law-drafting stage, is assigned great importance as a quality controller of information systems. Digitalization carries the risk of citizens becoming increasingly responsible, not only for safeguarding their own rights but also for ensuring that the system functions overall.

For example, users are increasingly asked for feedback on different systems and related problems. Many websites now offer a complaint form for reporting shortcomings in the site's accessibility. An easy way to submit a complaint is a positive development as such, but it may also lead to shortcomings not being detected if citizens do not actively report them.

The responsibility for lodging complaints about automated decision-making usually falls on the individuals who are personally affected by the decisions. However, if you do not understand how a decision concerning you has been made, how can you know when to complain about a decision?

"This raises the question about the skills and knowledge that people are assumed to possess," says Esko.

If our legal system works as it should, people complain about decisions that are wrong. This ensures that the materialized risks of digitalization are revealed and that problems can be addressed. However, as information systems become increasingly complex, there is a risk that fewer and fewer citizens complain about the systems and the decisions they make. This will render our legal system toothless.

Studies show that we tend to trust computerswe assume they make correct and objective decisions. This raises the question whether the threshold for complaining about, say, a tax decision will become higher if the decision is made by an algorithm.

Dare to question faith in digitalization

Finns have long held the conviction that we must seek a competitive edge by being innovative. Few have ventured to challenge this narrative or our technology policy.

"What if we didn't digitalize everything? This is a question that doesn't get much attention anywhere. There's no legal policy discussion in Finland about the limits of digitalization," says Koulu.

According to EU statistics, our society ranks first in Europe in the digitalization of public administration. This is naturally a fine achievement, but on the flip side, the one at the front of the pack is also the first one to meet any risks and problems.

"It means we can't copy best practices from other countries. In other words, other countries have not yet come across the problems we face. We're pretty blind to these risks."

Discussions about problems related to the accessibility of systems in digital administration easily give the impression that systems mainly cause challenges to seniors but not to young people, who have grown up with technology. The implication is that problems will be automatically resolved, as people who have been using digital devices since their childhood come to account for a larger share of the population.

However, the researchers caution against counting on young people being digital natives. Technical dexterity alone will not carry very far if the young user does not understand the underlying social system and does not know how to deal with the authorities.

"Digital skills are still treated as something different from civic skills. If you interact with digital administration, knowing how to use a computer isn't enough; you also have to understand how the authorities operate," says Koulu.

Rigid legislation may be a strength

In discussions about innovation and technology policy, Finnish legislation is often labeled as being an outdated impediment creating unnecessary obstacles to development. In these discussions, Estonia's enabling legislation is often cited as an example that Finland should also aim for.

Estonia's highly acclaimed agility is largely based on the country having reformed its legislation when it became independent and getting rid of statutes from the Soviet period.

"We have a constitutional tradition that is hundreds of years old, going back to the time of Swedish rule. The Finnish tradition may also be a protective factor, and I hope it can help challenge the idea that everything must be digitalised," says Koulu.

Finland's and Sweden's shared history and similar administrative structures lay the foundation for a joint FinnishSwedish project dealing with automated decision-making in public administration.

The ADM-Gov project (The Automated Administration: Governance of ADM in the Public Sector) seeks to determine how automated public decision-making can be implemented without compromising good public administration or citizens' fundamental rights and trust in public institutions. The project also involves comparisons between Finland and Sweden, for example, about the tensions caused by the EU's future AI regulation in both countries. The neighboring countries lend themselves excellently to comparisons: while they have solved many things in the same way, they also exhibit differences.

In Sweden, automated decision-making was made possible in public administration by simply adding a provision to the Administrative Procedure Act stating that decisions can be made automatically. The parallel reform that happened in Finland was much more extensive and included several new sections to acts. The Swedish approach was quickly found to be too simplistic and in need of repair. As part of the project, the researchers hope to find straightforward answers to how well the authorities have adopted Finland's new legislation in practice.

A new branch of research: Legal user interface research

When students need help applying for student financial aid, they no longer navigate to the nearest Kela office but to the Kela website. Our public administration has gone digital, and this means that people no longer interact with a public official but a technical user interface.

User interfaces have become a key element of our daily lives and practically a necessity. The user interface is the part of the information system visible to the user. It can be a chatbot, online portal or any IT solution that citizens use to handle matters with public administration.

Since user interfaces are designed by people, they cannot be neutral. Successful design solutions offer users information about their rights and obligations and provide a well-functioning channel that citizens can use to submit their matters for processing by the authorities. Weaker technical solutions may violate the law and good governance.

"We believe that user interfaces and their design should also be discussed as legal phenomena because they have a direct impact on how people exercise their rights. We're interested in learning what assumptions about users, both citizens and the authorities, are made in user interfaces, and what action they require people to take in order to contact the authorities," says Koulu, describing the bases of their research.

Koulu heads the DARE (Digital Administration Redesigned for Everyone) research project, which explores interaction between technological design and the law. The project applies methods from various fields: legal sciences, social sciences and computer science.

Among other things, the research project aims to determine how well the technical user interfaces used by the authorities really comply with the law. The project also seeks to create a foundation for a new branch of research: legal user interface research.

More information: Terhi Esko et al, Imaginaries of better administration: Renegotiating the relationship between citizens and digital public power, Big Data & Society (2023). DOI: 10.1177/20539517231164113
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

Salt batteries can store summer heat to be used in winter, but which salt works best for the purpose? On 19 December, Lian Blijlevens will defend her Ph.D. thesis on her research into salt for heat storage at Radboud University.

Although a growing number of roofs sport solar panels, these panels only convert light from the sun into electricity. The solar panels themselves are also heated by the sun, but this heat is now being lost. Blijlevens states, "The heat can be extracted by a solar boiler and used to heat your house or shower. However, in summer you always generate more solar heat than you use, and in winter you have less. So what we need is a way to preserve that heat."

Salt battery

Storing the summer heat for use in winter is a challenge, however. And the solution might take an unexpected form: salt. Not the salt you sprinkle over your egg, but another type of salt, such as strontium chloride.

"A salt battery contains salt hydrates, which are salts with water in the crystals. The battery recharges by heating the salt, which causes the water to go out of the crystals. When you need the heat, you add water vapor to the crystals and the heat is released again," says Blijlevens. This was already known, but what was not yet known is which salts are really suitable for use in homes.

Blijlevens and her colleagues from Eindhoven University of Technology assessed hundreds of salts on availability, safety, and compactness. The dozen or so salts that made it through the initial assessment were then tested in the lab for recyclability. Blijlevens states, "You don't want to have to replace the salt every year."

Heated scales

Blijlevens tested the salts using thermal analysis: the salt was placed on heated scales and the temperature was increased. "You can see the weight of the salt change, which shows that the water is evaporating out of it. If you then add water vapor again at a lower temperature, you can see how much water is being absorbed."

Strontium chloride turned out to be a promising candidate in this respect: it is not too expensive, heats up well, and remains stable without side effects. "Potassium carbonate, which is also used in salt batteries, is cheaper, but that salt also reacts to CO 2 . This makes the battery less effective in the long run," says Blijlevens. The search for the best salt continues.

But the future looks promising for salt batteries, Blijlevens believes. "If you want to heat a house this way, you need about 10 m3 of material, which corresponds to two to three wardrobes. You no longer need natural gas and you can use the heat you store in summer in winter. It's a great solution to a major problem."
In a groundbreaking move within the blockchain realm, BBVA Switzerland has entered into a strategic partnership with Metaco, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Metacos Harmonize platform. This alliance not only cements BBVAs status as a trailblazer in the integration of cryptocurrency offerings with traditional asset management but also signifies a broader industry trend of major banks embracing digital asset solutions and technologies.

A Pioneering Venture: BBVA Switzerland and Metaco Elevate Collaborative Efforts

The recent announcement, shared on LinkedIn, unveils a pivotal development for BBVA Switzerland, a Eurozone pioneer in merging cryptocurrency offerings with conventional asset management. The collaboration with Metaco, a leading blockchain solutions provider, signifies a notable chapter in BBVAs journey. The integration of Metacos state-of-the-art Harmonize platform into BBVAs robust infrastructure promises an expedited and enhanced provision of digital assets tailored for institutional clientele.

According to Alfonso Gomez, CEO of BBVA Switzerland, the partnership with Metaco, fully integrating their existing infrastructure within Avaloq, positions the bank at the forefront of the market, offering the most secure and compliant infrastructure. This strategic move underscores BBVAs commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of digital asset management.

Ripples Expanding Influence in Finance: A Ripple Effect

This development aligns with Ripples notable growth trajectory since September, marked by strategic partnerships within the banking and finance sectors. Ripples partnership with HSBC for advanced security token custody and its collaboration with the National Bank of Georgia for a groundbreaking CBDC project showcase the companys increasing influence in reshaping the financial landscape. The ongoing alliance with Palau, crafting a new PSC roadmap, further solidifies Ripples position as a key player in the realm of digital asset management.

From a blockchain experts perspective, the BBVA and Ripple partnership represents a pivotal shift in the financial sectors approach to digital assets. This collaboration goes beyond merely enhancing BBVAs digital services; it symbolizes a broader industry shift towards adopting cutting-edge technology in asset management. Essentially, it serves as a significant indicator of blockchains increasing integration into the fabric of mainstream financial operations.

The Strategic Implications of BBVA and Metacos Integration

The integration of Metacos Harmonize platform into BBVAs operations holds strategic significance. This platform, known for its state-of-the-art blockchain solutions, promises enhanced security and compliance, crucial factors in the evolving landscape of digital asset management. The partnership aims to provide institutional clients with a seamless and efficient avenue for navigating the complexities of digital assets within the established financial infrastructure.

As the financial industry witnesses this transformative collaboration, the broader implications are clear  major banks are acknowledging the value and potential of blockchain solutions. BBVA Switzerlands proactive stance in adopting Metacos technology reinforces the industry-wide trend of harnessing the power of blockchain for secure, compliant, and efficient digital asset management.

Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect in the Digital Asset Management Landscape

With Ripples expanding influence and BBVA Switzerlands forward-looking approach, the digital asset management landscape is poised for further evolution. As these partnerships unfold, the ripple effect extends beyond individual collaborations, shaping the future of how financial institutions engage with blockchain technology. The strategic alliances pave the way for a new era, where traditional banking seamlessly integrates with innovative blockchain solutions, reshaping the financial landscape for years to come.

In conclusion, BBVA Switzerlands collaboration with Metaco and the broader industry trend of major banks embracing digital asset solutions highlight a paradigm shift in the financial sector. This transformative journey, guided by cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, not only positions BBVA at the forefront of digital asset management but also contributes to the ongoing narrative of blockchains integration into mainstream financial operations.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted amnesty to current and former members of rebel groups who may have committed crimes "in pursuit of their political beliefs."

In a statement on Friday, Malacanang announced that the chief executive issued four proclamations granting amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Crimes covered by the general pardon include:

- Rebellion or insurrection;

- Conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection;

- Disloyalty of public officers or employees;

- Inciting to rebellion or insurrection;

- Sedition;

- Conspiracy to commit sedition and inciting to sedition;

- Illegal assembly, illegal association;

- Direct and indirect assault;

- Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person;

- Tumults and other disturbances of public order;

- Unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances;

- Alarms and scandals;

- Illegal possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives provided they were used to crimes of rebellion; and

- Common crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs

However, the proclamations do not cover crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, and terrorism, among others. The Palace likewise said genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights are not included.

It says this is part of the Marcos administration's "comprehensive peace initiatives."

The president also issued an executive order to amend Executive Order No. 125, series of 2021, or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission.

"In issuing the order, the President said that there is a need to amend and update the functions of the National Amnesty Commission to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under the new proclamations," Malacanang said.

Amnesty: Bridge toward healing vs. subject to interpretation

The amnesty announcement was met with support as well as questions from lawmakers and agencies.

In a statement, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict commended the signing of Proclamations 403, 404, 405,and 406, saying they will serve as the "bridge toward healing and reintegration" of the concerned individuals.

Senator Grace Poe said that with the amnesty, rebel groups in conflict will "no longer feel the sword hanging over their heads" for fear that they could be arrested or charged anytime.

On the other hand, Rep. Arlene Brosas said the amnesty still needs clarification, including clear definition of terms used by the proclamation.

Brosas specifically pointed out that open-ended terms such as "illegal assembly" and "front organizations" that are subject to the "interpretation" of the security forces. With this, it may impose the amnesty to wrong citizens, she added.

She also said that if the president really wants to achieve peace, it should first put an end to the state-perpetrated human rights violations, acquit the political prisoners, and remove the terrorist tags on the NDF, CPP, and NPA.

Napaka-ironic na nag-o-offer ang gobyerno ng amnesty gayong tumitindi ang militarization sa mga komunidad," Brosas argued. "Napakaraming kaso rin ng aerial bombings, forced/fake surrenderees, at kahit murder ng mga bata sa ilalim ng napakarahas na counter-insurgency operations ng gobyerno, she said.

[Translation: Its ironic how they are offering amnesty following the intensified militarization in our community. There are so many cases of aerial bombings, forced/fake surrenderees and murder of children under the government's counter-insurgency operations.]

Meanwhile, human rights group Karapatan said the government failed to recognize and address the social and economic roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines.

"Instead, its focus is on surrender, totally ignoring why persons have resorted to taking up arms in the first place," the group said in a statement. "It is a shallow and tangential approach that will guarantee not the end but the continuance of armed conflict."

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay, head of the Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns office, said rebel returnees will be provided with financial aid and other types of assistance. He added that the "compassion and care" of social workers will contribute greatly to the program.
A College Station man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly threatening to kill a police officer, according to the College Station Police Department.

Damichael Henson, 27, has been charged with retaliation, according to Brazos County Jail records.

Police were contacted at around 9 a.m. Wednesday after Henson allegedly violated a previous criminal trespass warning at the Walmart in College Station, officers said.

Henson was located walking south in the 1800 block of Brother Boulevard and was placed under arrest on seven minor outstanding warrants, according to police.

While being placed under arrest, officers said Henson threatened to assault and kill the responding officer by throwing him off a bridge.

Retaliation is a third-degree felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Henson is being held under a $10,100 bond, according to jail records.
A former College Station police officer was arrested on a second theft charge Nov. 18 for allegedly stealing from an inmate, according to Brazos County Jail records.

DeKedrick Keon Anderson, 23, has been charged with theft of property valued at between $100-$750 and was released on a $4,000 bond Nov. 18, according to jail records.

Theft as a public servant is a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

In July, Anderson was fired from the police department after being arrested for his first count of theft between $100-$750.

Following his first arrests, College Station Police Chief Bill Couch said, via a statement on X, that Andersons actions did not reflect those of the department.

We at the College Station Police Department are appalled and embarrassed by the actions of Anderson, Couch said in the statement. We understand that the actions of Anderson can erode the trust citizens hold for our department. Be assured that Anderson will be held accountable for his actions.  We will not tolerate this sort of behavior against our citizens nor will we allow the honest and hard-working men and women of our department to be overshadowed by his actions.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY reduced its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report) by 4.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,518 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 575 shares during the quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NYs holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group were worth $974,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of HIG. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 26,111,483 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,819,710,000 after acquiring an additional 1,338,402 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 24,739,482 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,724,094,000 after acquiring an additional 195,900 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,532,858 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $454,234,000 after acquiring an additional 74,997 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,723,491 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $398,841,000 after acquiring an additional 98,401 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,612,529 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $403,036,000 after acquiring an additional 307,231 shares during the last quarter. 90.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts:

The Hartford Financial Services Group Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE:HIG opened at $77.75 on Friday. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $64.25 and a 52-week high of $79.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.82. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $72.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a current ratio of 0.31.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Increases Dividend

The Hartford Financial Services Group ( NYSE:HIG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The insurance provider reported $2.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.95 by $0.34. The company had revenue of $6.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.17 billion. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 19.05% and a net margin of 9.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.44 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 8.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.42%. This is an increase from The Hartford Financial Services Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. The Hartford Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 23.32%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

HIG has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $76.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Raymond James upped their price target on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on The Hartford Financial Services Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a hold rating and a $85.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $77.00 price target on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $75.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Hartford Financial Services Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $85.43.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on HIG

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Stephanie C. Bush sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.74, for a total value of $363,700.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 10,063 shares in the company, valued at approximately $731,982.62. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders have sold 6,003 shares of company stock worth $436,159 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report).

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) warned the public against transacting with online scammers allegedly selling "lost luggage" from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The agency issued a statement on Thursday after a recent post on social media platform Facebook claimed that lost pieces of baggage at the airhub were up for sale.

MIAA said that, together with airline operators, they have "clear and established protocols in safekeeping and disposal of lost or left behind items."

"Selling these items online is certainly not one of them," it added.

MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co urged the public to protect themselves from fraudulent transactions.

"We appeal to everyone to be extremely careful and vigilant when browsing through the internet. Always exercise caution when engaging with online sellers. Do not be easy targets of scammers," Co said.
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More details have emerged about a malicious Telegram bot called Telekopye that's used by threat actors to pull off large-scale phishing scams.

"Telekopye can craft phishing websites, emails, SMS messages, and more," ESET security researcher Radek Jizba said in a new analysis.

The threat actors behind the operation  codenamed Neanderthals  are known to run the criminal enterprise as a legitimate company, spawning a hierarchical structure that encompasses different members who take on various roles.

Once aspiring Neanderthals are recruited via advertisements on underground forums, they are invited to join designated Telegram channels that are used for communicating with other Neanderthals and keeping track of transaction logs.

The ultimate goal of the operation is to pull off one of the three types of scams: seller, buyer, or refund.

In the case of the former, Neanderthals pose as sellers and try to lure unwary Mammoths into purchasing a non-existent item. Buyer scams entail the Neaderthals masquerading as buyers so as to dupe the Mammoths (i.e., merchants) into entering their financial details to part with their funds.

Other scenarios fall into a category called refund scams wherein Neaderthals trick the Mammoths a second time under the pretext of offering a refund, only to deduct the same amount of money again.

Singapore headquartered cybersecurity firm Group-IB previously told The Hacker News that the activity tracked as Telekopye is the same as Classiscam, which refers to a scam-as-a-service program that has netted the criminal actors $64.5 million in illicit profits since its emergence in 2019.

"For the Seller scam scenario, Neanderthals are advised to prepare additional photos of the item to be ready if Mammoths ask for additional details," Jizba noted. "If Neanderthals are using pictures they downloaded online, they are supposed to edit them to make image search more difficult."

Choosing a Mammoth for a buyer scam is a deliberate process that takes into account the victim's gender, age, experience in online marketplaces, rating, reviews, number of completed trades, and the type of items they are selling, indicating a preparatory stage that involves extensive market research.

Also utilized by Neanderthals are web scrapers to sift through online marketplace listings and pick an ideal Mammoth who is likely to fall for the bogus scheme.

Should a Mammoth prefer in-person payment and in-person delivery for sold goods, the Neanderthals claim "they are too far away or that they are leaving the city for a business trip for a few days," while simultaneously demonstrating heightened interest in the item to increase the likelihood of success of the scam.

Neanderthals have also been observed use VPNs, proxies, and TOR to stay anonymous, while also exploring real estate scams wherein they create bogus websites with apartment listings and entice Mammoths into paying for a reservation fee by clicking on a link that points to a phishing website.

"Neanderthals write to a legitimate owner of an apartment, pretending to be interested and ask for various details, such as additional pictures and what kind of neighbors the apartment has," Jizba said.

"The Neanderthals then take all this information and create their own listing on another website, offering the apartment for rent. They cut the expected market price by about 20%. The rest of the scenario is identical to the seller scam scenario."

The disclosure comes as Check Point detailed a rug pull scam that managed to pilfer nearly $1 million by luring unsuspecting victims into investing in fake tokens and executing simulated trades to create a veneer of legitimacy.

"Once the token had sufficiently lured in investors, the scammer executed the final move  withdrawal of liquidity from the token pool, leaving token purchasers with empty hands and depleted funds," the company said.
Russias TAIF eyes petrochemical plant investment in central Vietnam

By Minh Anh Fri, November 24, 2023 | 8:30 pm GMT+7

TAIF, a major petrochemicals and energy player in Russia, has shown interest in investing in a petrochemical plant in Vietnams central coastal province of Khanh Hoa.

If approved, such a project, to be located in the Van Phong Economic Zone, will help form an integrated industrial zone, comprised of a petrochemical plant, an LNG terminal and LNG-fired power plants.

The information was revealed at a meeting between TAIF, GS International Service and Investment JSC and the provincial government on Thursday.

TAIF and GS International Service and Investment JSC representatives meet with Khanh Hoas authorities on November 23, 2023. Photo courtesy of Khanh Hoa newspaper.

Speaking at the event, Khanh Hoa Chairman Nguyen Tan Tuan welcomed the two firms interest and turned a green light to the proposal to conduct studies for such a project.

Tuan also directed the Van Phong Economic Zone management board and other provincial agencies to support the two firms in the next steps.

Before the Thursday meeting, TAIF and GS International Service and Investment JSC on May 25 had met with authorities of Ninh Thuan central province to explore investment opportunities there. However, no further details were revealed later on.

Established in 1995 in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, TAIF majors in petrochemicals, energy, chemicals, seaports in Russia. It accounted for 64% and 28% of Russia's 2020 total output of rubbers and plastics, respectively.

According to Forbes, TAIF had total assets of $22 billion as of end-2020, ranking 13th in Russia.
CARBONDALE.  Former Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, a leading scholar on the American Civil War, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual discussion Dec. 5.

Faust will join John Shaw, institute director, to discuss her memoir, Necessary Trouble: Growing up at Midcentury.

The free, public discussion via Zoom is at 2 p.m.; registration is required. The conversation is part of the institutes Understanding Our New World discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register.

In her memoir, released in August 2023, Faust, who grew up in a privileged, conservative and segregated Virginia in the 1950s, discusses her coming of age during that time and her increasing political activism, which included participating in historic marches to support civil rights and oppose the Vietnam War.

Faust served as Harvard University president from 2007 to 2018 and is the Arthur Kingsley Porter University Research Professor in Harvards Department of History. She was the first woman to serve as that universitys president.

Drew Gilpin Faust has been among the leading educators and scholars in the United States for several decades. Her fascinating personal story unfolded against the backdrop of seismic political, cultural and social events in the United States, Shaw said. We are eager to learn more about her perspectives on the many changes that have transformed American life. We are also eager to hear how she combined high-level administrative work with world-class scholarship.

Faust was dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study from 2001 to 2007, after 25 years on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, including the Annenberg professor of history there. She is the author of six books and is a contributing writer for The Atlantic. Her 2008 book, This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War, describes the impact of the Civil Wars staggering death toll on the lives of 19th-century Americans. It won numerous awards and was a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist.

She received her bachelors degree in history from Bryn Mawr, and her masters and doctoral degrees in American civilization from the University of Pennsylvania.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Faust on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.

More information, a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.
CARBONDALE.  The Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Musics Wind Ensemble will present its final concert of the semester on Nov. 30 in Shryock Auditorium.

Comprising 37 students  both undergraduate and graduate music majors and non-music majors  the ensemble will present Time and Place. The free, public performance starts at 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Christopher Morehouse, professor in the School of Music, the wind ensemble will celebrate the 100th anniversary of French composer and conductor Darius Milhauds La Creation du monde  The Creation of the World  which premiered in 1923.

After first hearing jazz in London and the United States, Milhaud incorporated jazz elements into his ballet, Morehouse said.

The piece is composed for chamber winds and string quintet, with the alto saxophone replacing the viola part, he said. The music has become standard repertoire for both orchestras and bands.

The concert will also feature another standard in the wind repertoire, English composer Gustav Holsts only late period work for band, Hammersmith: Prelude and Scherzo.

The piece is based on Holsts love for the London borough of Hammersmith, where he worked at the St. Pauls Girls School for almost 30 years, Morehouse said. Although not program music, depicting a specific scene or image, in the Prelude, you can hear the slow meandering of the River Thames, while the Scherzo captures the busy, daily life of those living in the town.

Morehouse said the concert will open with Canadian composer John Estacios Frenergy, an amalgamation of the words frenetic and energy, and include American composer Charles Ives March No. 6, Here's to Good Old Yale, and Australian-born composer and arranger Percy Grainger's Shepherds Hey.
After 10 years as the site superintendent at Giant City State Park, Calvin Beckmann is taking a step up the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ladder. This week he assumed his new role of the IDNRs Chief of Parks.

Beckmann assumed the leadership at Giant City when the IDNR was still negotiating its way out of the financial crisis that rocked state budgets earlier in the century. The unassuming Beckmann downplayed his role in steering the park through tough times.

Its just about trying to keep things going and moving in an efficient manner, he said. We just kept the wheels on the bus.

At the same time, Beckmann acknowledged hell miss Giant City.

Absolutely, he said. Giant City is just one of those unique places. Its one of the premier sites in the state. It has a lot of history. In 2027 were going to celebrate our 100th anniversary. Im a little disappointed I wont be there for that.

It was a blast. It was a great job. It was always something different. When I started, Bill Reynolds (former site superintendent of Ferne Clyffe State Park), told me the park will dictate what will happen. Every day was a little different. That was one of the biggest challenges, trying to figure out what youre going to do today while planning ahead.

And, in typical fashion, Beckmann planned well into the future.

I made a list of ongoing projects, he said. I stopped at 49. I stopped there because I didnt want to go over 50. There are so many things going on. Giant City is just such high intensity. You have to be flexible and have 3-4 projects going at once and be able to jump back and forth.

There are two things I wanted to get done, an arena at the stables, and some things at the lodge Id love to do. The water tower  I wish we could have gotten that done. Thats the meat and potatoes of what we do. Its nothing flashy. Its what we need. Theres just never enough money and never time to get them done.

Beckmanns successor has not been selected. For the time being, park management will be handed over to his assistants Chris Fleming and Jill Fox. His advice to them is simple.

The big thing is, ask for help, he said. Let the volunteers and staff help you. Dont try to do it alone. If youre going to think youre going to come in and dictate how things are going to be done, as Bill Reynolds said, the park is going to dictate it. Dont get bogged down in the day to day.

As for himself, Beckmann will spend the next few months traveling the length and breadth of the state, familiarizing himself with the state facilities now under his control while gaining an understanding of how each site fits into IDNRs bigger picture.

The advantage is Ill be able to bring site level knowledge to Springfield, Beckmann said.
COLUMBIA  The historic South Carolina city of Charleston has elected its first Republican mayor since the Reconstruction Era.

William Cogswell, formerly a Republican state lawmaker, defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor John Tecklenburg by about 2 percentage points in Tuesday's runoff, according to the South Carolina Election Commission. Results posted online by the commission showed a 569-vote margin separating the the two candidates.

Cogswell, 48, had secured the most votes in the Nov. 7 general election but not a majority, meaning that he and Tecklenburg, an Orangeburg native, headed to Tuesday's runoff.

Charleston's municipal elections are technically nonpartisan. But Tecklenburg is a well-known figure in the state's Democratic politics, endorsing Joe Biden in South Carolina's pivotal 2020 presidential primary.

Cogswell, who served three terms as a Republican in the state House and describes himself as a moderate, earned endorsements from others within South Carolina's GOP political circles, including Sen Tim Scott.

Charleston last elected a Republican mayor in the 1870s, according to historical records from the city and other municipal areas. Republicans including state GOP Chairman Drew McKissick and U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, who served in the state House with Cogswell, celebrated the GOP win in social media posts and statements.

"We can confidently say that I'm going to be the next mayor," Cogswell said Tuesday night, as final results came in. "The people have spoken, and we're ready for a new direction ... a new direction that puts labels aside, so that we can find pragmatic solutions to our problems."

In a concession speech Tuesday night, Teckleburg called his eight years as mayor "the honor of my life" and asked his supporters to rally around the new mayor.

"I'd like to congratulate our new Mayor-Elect William Cogswell ... and I'd like to ask each and every Charlestonian, everybody out there, to give him your support," Tecklenburg said. "When Mayor Cogswell succeeds, Charleston succeeds, and that's something we're all in favor of."

The City of Charleston has become the second reliably blue area in South Carolina  where Republicans dominate congressional and statewide politics  to choose a Republican mayor in recent years. In 2021, Daniel Rickenmann, a longtime city council member backed by Republicans, was chosen as the mayor of South Carolina's capital city of Columbia.
Just three days before Thanksgiving, the Lanier & Burroughs law firm was busy distributing 310 turkeys to local non-profit organizations, churches and individuals in need.

Today marks our 10-year anniversary, at Lanier & Burroughs, of giving away turkeys, attorney Shane Burroughs said while standing in the parking lot of the law firm, located at 1325 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg.

Pre-registered local non-profits, churches and individuals arrived around 3 p.m. Monday to receive the frozen turkeys, given in partnership with Fogles Piggly Wiggly.

Were happy to do it and blessed that we have the opportunity to serve, Burroughs said.

Among the recipients was The Samaritan House, located at 1580 Middleton Street, in Orangeburg.

The Samaritan House, a homeless shelter, received about 30 turkeys.

The organizations board chairperson, Brenda Jamerson, talked about how much the event means to The Samaritan House.

This type of event, for The Samaritan House, means just how much less that we have to buy ourselves. We have space for 40 residents and this will help us to provide meals for them  not only at Thanksgiving time, but we have a freezer and were able to use the turkeys all during the year, Jamerson said.

So its a tremendous blessing that has been provided for our residents at Samaritan House, she said.

She noted that The Samaritan House currently has 38 residents, eight of whom are children.

Including the attorneys and staff, others who helped hand out turkeys were some of the attorneys children.

Im handing out turkeys to the amazing community of Orangeburg, South Carolina, said 16-year-old Morrison Burroughs.

It puts a good feeling in your stomach and you always want to give back to the community that gives so much to you, he said.

Bourne Burroughs said, Its really fun doing it.

Youre giving it to people that dont have turkeys and they can have one for Thanksgiving, the 8-year-old said.

McConnell Marshall, 14, said she enjoys handing out turkeys because it helps serve the community and because its fun giving back to the community.

Christopher Marshall, 12, said, Its just fun to help people that need help.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  Congress should look into possible legislation against the use of artificial intelligence in cyber crimes, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday.

AI is only a tool. Human beings using AI to get what they want, achieving what they want in violation of the law have to be punished, he said in a press conference.

Remulla said Congress should look into the kinds of specific offenses that will be charged against the people who use AI to do the same thing, to achieve the desired effect.

It's a very important and urgent thing for us to talk to Congress about legal reform in this regard, he said.

A number of sectors have tapped AI over the past year. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for foreign investors to fund the government's development of AI.

Asked how the DOJ is addressing the rise in cybercrime through advanced technology and AI, Remulla said the agency has been asking for more resources.

Probably today, we will be going again to Malacanang to look at the tools that we need to fight and defend against cybercrime and crimes committed with the use of mobile devices, he said.

These are very, very important programs that we have to acquire for the government but it can only be in the hands of the right people because these are very powerful tools we may need to fight all of these crimes, he added.

The Philippine National Police said cybercrime reports in Metro Manila more than doubled in the first half of 2023.

A lawmaker earlier called for the creation of an agency to monitor AI use in the workplace and for cybercrimes.
COLUMBIA -- State prosecutors on Nov. 14 delivered explosive testimony to a House committee tasked with reviewing how South Carolina picks its judges, giving detailed accounts of actual or perceived favoritism, misbehavior and poor judgment they have witnessed or heard about.

The examples, according to them, are shaking public trust in our judiciary  and show a system prone to abuse.

S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, who spoke first, described a civil case involving a lawyer-legislator that left a private industrial company on the hook for millions and millions of dollars.

According to Wilson, a municipal worker sued the company after taking one of their locally offered safety courses (which related to the employee's job) and suffering a work-site injury more than 15 years later. The city worker had no other apparent connection to the company.

Judicial reform testimony South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson testifies before a House committee tasked with reviewing how South Carolina picks its judges

The company CEO told Wilson that before an important legal hearing, a lawyer-legislator appeared and spoke with the presiding judge outside of the courthouse. The companys legal team was not present for the conversation. Once proceedings began, the CEO said they lost every single motion and claims that evidentiary rulings were never in their favor.

The CEO felt that the judge was influenced by the lawyer-legislator. Its a story he regularly tells business colleagues, said Wilson, and it's shaped the CEOs perception of South Carolina as a judicial hellhole.

Wilson advocated for reforms such as letting the governor appoint most, if not all, of the members on the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC). The commission, whose members are currently picked by three legislative leaders, is responsible for screening and nominating judicial candidates before they can be elected by the General Assembly.

In addition to balancing out the selection process, the change would introduce a central executive  the governor  into the equation, who would be accountable to all South Carolina voters for his appointments.

First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe went next and gave the most blistering remarks. He also gave names, a first for those testifying before the committee.

According to Pascoe:

After denying continuance (a move to delay proceedings) to then-JMSC member and former lawyer-lawmaker Peter McCoy in a legal case, former Judge Kristi Harrington faced reprisal by the JMSC. During her screening for re-election, she was ridiculed by a commissioner about her finances and student loans, read her Miranda rights as if to suggest she was in trouble, and faced other threats. Pascoe says the committee even manipulated then-head of the S.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel John Nichols to attend the hearing and sit in the front row to intimidate Harrington, a move led in part by JMSC leader and state Senator Luke Rankin.

Circuit Judge Daniel Coble recently ruled on the side of lawyer-legislator and JMSC member Todd Rutherford in a civil case about legal fees following a federal plutonium settlement. The ruling came two weeks before Coble appeared before the JMSC on Nov. 7 for his re-election screening. At a minimum, Pascoe says, the optics of the situation look horrible.

Pascoe, others want lawyers off screening panel Nine of South Carolina's 16 elected prosecutors, including the 1st Circuit's David Pascoe, are asking to remove all legislators who are lawyers from a committee that decides which judicial candidates are put before the General Assembly for election.

The JMSC process is rigged, said Pascoe. And it does not weed out bad judges, according to him, it berates, threatens, and intimidates many of the good ones until they drop out. That is not a system we should support.

Pascoe described a recent conversation with state senator and attorney Dick Harpootlian on the subject. Yes, Harpootlian told him, Lawyer-legislators get preferential treatment. Its not a secret.

Wilson and fellow state prosecutors made sure to clarify they are not attacking South Carolinas judiciary, including the many honest judges and attorneys that keep it running, but rather the rotten system that advantages lawyer-legislators and harms public trust.

The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC) is South Carolina's longest-serving free market research organization. SCPC was founded in 1986 by Thomas Roe as an independent, nonpartisan research organization to promote the principles of limited government, free market enterprise, and individual liberty and responsibility.
Leon Gaynes was the third persons to be shot in Layou in just over a month.

Three men from the Central Leeward community of Layou have been shot and killed in just over a month, igniting fear among residents there.





The latest killing took place last Saturday, November 18, when Leon Zacchaeus Gaymes of Texier Road, Layou, was shot and killed.





Reports are that around 8:00pm, Gaymes was shot at least six times, and died on his way to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).





According to a police report, "Mr. Gaymes allegedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds from an unknown masked assailant(s). He was sent to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.





The atmosphere in Layou was quite tense when THE VINCENTIAN visited on Sunday and according to one resident who spoke with THE VINCENTIAN on condition of anonymity, Gaymes death might have be in retaliation for the shooting death of Tambu Patrick, who was gunned down on Sunday, November 5.





"The police did lock up Leon but then release him, said the resident.





Patricks death followed that of Delarno Smokes Patrick, a 33-year-old construction worker at the Sandals Resorts in Buccamen. He was shot and killed at around 1:00am on Sunday, October 15, in Middle Street, Layou.





"I dont know if all the shootings are related but something need to be done to stop this craziness. When Smokes get killed people suspected that it was connected to an outside incident that took place in Buccument. But now the last killings in November down yah (in Layou) have people really concern, said another Layou resident on Sunday.





The shooting death of Leon Gaymes brought the homicide count to 48 for 2023, surpassing last years record by six.





From 48 to 49





And even before the sun could set on the passing of Leon Gaymes, news reached THE VINCENTIAN that the homicide account had increased to 49.





This, when Oneil Delicia, a 19-year-old unemployed of Georgetown succumbed to stab wounds at around 8:00pm last Tuesday.





He had been stabbed sometime between 6:30pm and 7:00pm that day by a 14-year-old, who was subsequently taken into police custody.





The incident is said to have taken place on Queen Street, in Georgetown.





Delicia was taken to the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre, in Georgetown, where he died.
St. Clair Jimmy Prince has been made to eat humble pie, it seems.

The residents of the Central Kingstown community of Redemption Sharpes have been promised their own health facility.





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement during a press briefing on November 20 at Cabinet Room.





The health facility will be constructed through funding sourced from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), which will also fund the construction of a polyclinic in Calliaqua and the reconstruction of the health facility in Paget Farm, Bequia.





As for the Redemption Sharpes facility, its location will be finalized in discussion between Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair Major Leacock, and Senator Benarva Browne, Minister of Urban Development.





Dr. Gonsalves recounted that professionals within the Ministry of Health did not support the construction of a clinic in Redemption Sharpes.





"They say it is easy for the people to come down to go to the Accident and Emergency at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and similarly there is a big clinic in Kingstown, Gonsalves said.





However, Gonsalves said that he was of the view that every community, and especially one that is of a significant size as Sharpes, ought to have the presence of a state facility.





The issue of a health facility in Sharpes came up in Parliament as recent as October 2022 when Leacock enquired about the services that will be offered at the MCMH once the Acute Referral Hospital was constructed at Arnos Vale.





In response to Leacocks concern, Health Minister and MP for Marriaqua - St Clair Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, stated that the MCMH will continue to offer health services to the residents of Central Kingstown.

As for a health facility for Redemption Sharpes, Prince was of the opinion that that matter had already been settled.





He went on to explain that based on the World Banks healthcare service classification and services scoping report which stated that health services are provided by health centres across nine districts, based on that report, on average, each health facility in the country was equipped to provide a service to an area with a population of 2,900 people, and that nobody is required to travel more than five kilometres to access health care.





According to Prince, the report further indicated that the state of the health care system in the country and generally, the health infrastructure and staffing available were adequate to provide health care to the people.





And in furthering the argument against a health facility for Redemption Sharpes, Prince said then that the residents of Central Kingstown had daily access to a district medical officer and clinics through the Kingstown Health Centre. This he said, was staffed by four registered nurses, a family nurse practitioner, one health nursing supervisor, diagnostic facilities, all located centrally at the MCMH and specialist outpatient services at the same facility.





Following on the Prime Ministers promise, Princes argument now becomes null and void.
Oswald Robinson, President of the SVGTU, addressing the annual solidarity rally during which he lambasted teachers for their poor turnout.

President of the St Vincent and Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU), Oswald Robinson has reprimand teachers for the poor turn out at their March and Rally on Friday 17.





Less than 100 teachers turned out to the event despite the schools being given half-day in support of the event.





"Some people think it hard to take one day off to stand with their union. Today we got a half day. How many teachers we have in the country, about 2,000. Where are they? The unions asked the authorities for half-day and the half-day was given and where are the teachers? We can do better than this. Too many excuses when the union calls but when we have our problem we call the union, said Robinson during the rally that took place on the compound of the Bishop College Kingstown.





The President asked rhetorically: "When the volcano erupted who responded? When government retired you, who stood up for you?





Robinson said that there are important issues on the table, such as pension reform, teaching appointments, a new collective bargaining agreement and the poor condition teachers faces, hence teachers need to support of the Union.





"Whatever function you have to perform in any organization, you have to be active. We cant be spectators and if it is not the time now, now is the time to be more active so we will be part of that essential ingredient to reap the success that we so desire, Robinson declared.





The March and Rally coincided with Teachers Solidarity Week which runs from November 11 to 17, under the theme: "The Significance of workers Active Participation: A Recipe for Success.





Lawyer for the SVGTU, Jomo Thomas, in his address, highlighted the importance of teachers and posited that they should be celebrated.





He recalled being a little boy when the teachers had their march in 1975.





"And I remembered there were hundreds of teachers and there were hundreds more of citizens who joined teachers in that very historic march. And as that march progressed from the Peace Memorial Hall down to the Market Square, that March was assaulted by the government of the day, St. Vincent Labour Party. . people were tear gas, one person was killed and several others injured in the melee, and from that November 14 on 1975, teachers have been marching and rallying to keep this event together and build the consciousness; and that is something that is critically important, said Thomas, adding that, "the march and rally is a tribute to the commitment and discipline of your organization and you should commit to keep this going.





The rally also received messages of solidarity from the Public Service Union, and Teachers Unions in Jamaica, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the Caribbean Union of Teachers.
Breya John, 2023 valedictorian of the University of the West Indies, UWI Global Campus, St. Vincent, emphasized the importance of maintaining excellence.

The importance of having the spirit of excellence and working as a unified force has been emphasised by Breya John, 2023 valedictorian of the University of the West Indies, UWI Global Campus, St. Vincent.





John who was the featured speaker at the Second Annual Special Awards, Honour Roll and Recognition Ceremony on Saturday 18th November, admitted that many tears were shed as challenges arose. She noted, however, that "the prize is worth the pain as she realized her ability to become a beacon of academic excellence.





Adopting the Guilds theme of "Maintaining Excellence - Thriving as One, John echoed the importance of professionalism, self-awareness, consistency and putting differences aside. The educator also highlighted the need for solid support systems, particularly when anxiety could set in.





She advised, "We are the leaders of tomorrow and if we cannot learn to build and leverage our networks now, what state will our nation be in the next 15 years down the road? Maintain excellence and thrive as one.





Delivering a message on behalf of the Chapter Chair of the Guild of Students, President Zilfa Joyette highlighted that learning was not just about lectures and assignments but about exploration, discipline, collaboration and personal goals.





Commending her Guild colleagues and UWI staff for their cooperation, Joyette highlighted that UWI Global Campus has 42 Sites in 17 territories, but SVG attained the highest number of Honour Role recipients in semesters 1 and 2.





She also revealed that this was not only for the Global Campus territories, but the overall campus sites of the University of the West Indies.





Officer-in-Charge of the University of the West Indies, UWI Global Campus, St. Vincent.





Camille Lakhram noted that the UWI marked its 75th anniversary with a series of yearlong activities.





She reinforced that with a student community thirsty for knowledge and advancement, there was a commitment to dedicated teaching with a home-grown but visionary approach to education and learning.





Lakhram revealed that this has propelled UWI into "The Times Higher Education World University Rankings and to the Caribbeans number one institution, as well as the worlds top one percent.





She admitted that while the journey has not been easy and there is always room for improvement, there continues to be programme offerings to support diverse interests. Lakrahm said this ensures students take their place not just in their individual islands or in the wider Caribbean but anywhere in the world.





The Officer-in-Charge commended the awardees and expressed gratitude to the Guild, staff and public at large for their support, as she described students as the universitys most valuable asset.





Minister of Education Curtis King also expressed pleasure with the excellent performance of Vincentian students. He noted that those who spend time learning about the past are always the best prepared for the future.





Minister King called for a more balanced analysis of the education system, as the negatives are often more highlighted than the positives.





He gave credit to educators and students believing that the successes where as a result of a unified effort.

He praised the Guild and staff at the UWI Global Campus for recognizing the students as about 1,000 tuition scholarships were given last year and over 1,400 in 2023, with a significant number attending the Global Campus.





Appreciation was given to staff at the UWI Global Campus Site Programme Officer in the Student Experience Unit Ronnie Daniel, Library Assistant Samantha Williams, Officer-in-Charge Camille Lakhram and retired Head of Site, Deborah Dalrymple.





The 282 Awardees on the Honour Role List for the First and Second Semesters of the 2022/2023 Academic year received certificates, as well as gift cards from Cariway.
The truce announced on Tuesday night is certainly the first step forward in the war that began on Oct. 7, following Hamas's bloody attacks on Israel. But it is far from being a ceasefire, with only the suspension of Israeli overflights of southern Gaza mentioned by Hamas, in addition to a six-hour respite granted in the skies over the northern part of the Strip. Israel also asserted that the war would continue afterwards, probably with a new degree of intensity, with some fearing that this pause would allow the Islamist group to reorganize. Faced with what appears to be a headlong rush, Mairav Zonszein, researcher at the International Crisis Group, answered questions from L'Orient-Le Jour.

It seems that Israel has no good way out of this crisis: Under pressure from its allies and from the families of hostages, but at the same time willing to eradicate Hamas completely from Gaza (as well as its political leaders around the world). Under which conditions could Israel put an end to the war? What victories does it need to claim?

I think that it has set out its objectives to destroy Hamas and return the hostages. I think that it's still determined to try to do that, and that as far as it's concerned, that's something that might take a long time but that would be the victory  nothing less than eradicating Hamas.

So return of the hostages, even completed with the soldiers included, would not be a victory enough?

As far as the way that the government, the leadership, [and] the War Cabinet are talking about it: No, they still have the objective of eradicating Hamas. Obviously. What that means exactly is not clear. But I assume for them it means that there will be no military capabilities whatsoever and that the leadership will either no longer be alive or no longer be in Gaza. They haven't specified exactly what that means. But for them, that would be the victory. It's not enough to just return the hostages. And then some people believe that those two [cant come] together. They don't have to be some sacrifices of one or the other.

What two elements cannot come together?

The hostages and the eradication.You could argue that it's like as we go forward, assuming this hostage deal goes through and we have a pause and then it does it again, it's possible that at some point, the choice for Israel will have to be getting the rest of the hostages or getting rid of Hamas. They won't be able to achieve both of those things at the same time.

With the stated intention to continue the war after a potential truce, Israel is going to be put under more pressure from the international community, risking to jeopardize its relationships with Arab states. Jordan [for example] has announced the mobilization of troops at its border and threatens to reassess some bilateral agreements. Is it a risk worth taking for Benjamin Netanyahu while the big winner of this crisis appears to be Iran so far?

I would argue with the assumption that there is a risk and that there is so much pressure, because I think that so far we've already been 45 days into this, almost 50 days into this, and there isn't enough or real pressure on Israel to stop. There hasn't been a call for a ceasefire. There's only been a call for a pause. And even that is difficult. That pause is mostly on Israel's terms in terms of the hostages. I mean, Hamas also has its demands, and Israel is making sacrifices. But the point is, there isn't that risk yet for Israel. It could be that further down the line we'll see that. But I don't think Jordan or the US or any of the Arab states I mean, the UAE totally hasn't done anything. There's no real threat that Israel has something to lose. So I don't see it. Nobody has put enough pressure on Israel.

The Israeli prime minister seems to have become the brake against military pushes for bigger actions and strikes. Is this more linked to US pressure or to his own political survival?

You mean that he's risk averse? That's his reputation. Even though, in the end, he has overseen many harsh wars, with Gaza. But I think it's probably a combination of those things. And I think he is primarily concerned with his legacy. If he can come out of this, and stay in power I think it's pretty clear that after this war is over, whenever that is, and however that looks, people will try to move their efforts to getting him out of there. So he seems to be interested in doing whatever will allow him to remain in power. But that doesn't mean that he isn't interested in a victory narrative of this war. The factors that go into the question of, let's say, a bigger escalation with Hezbollah, there's just too many other issues. It could launch like a regional war. So it's it's not just about Netanyahu. And I think the generals in his war cabinet are probably the ones kind of setting the tone for how that should happen. I don't really know exactly what his thinking is there.

The generals are setting the tone, you mean, that they are not also willing to escalate the situation more than in the Gaza Strip, so to speak?

They definitely focused more on Gaza. And that's been a general approach to deescalate in the South. But there were rumors that the defense minister tried to do some kind of preemptive strike on Lebanon in the very beginning. So I don't know if Netanyahu was the one to stop it or if it was other people in the cabinet. But I think what's mainly motivating Netanyahu is to try to get a very quick win, if he can, get to Sinwar quickly and try. I think part of the reason that they waited with the hostage deal was to see if they could get some kind of big victory in Gaza quickly. In some ways, that for him would be the best way to regain some of his popularity, I guess but other people think it's just about him making everything go a lot slower and a lot longer.

The day-after discussions have seen a discrepancy between the Israeli government and its Western allies, which are advocating for a revitalized PA to take over Gaza, with the two state solution in mind. Are there any acceptable options for Israel that could satisfy its partners globally?

Israel isn't playing that game. It's not interested in a two state solution. It's not interested in working with the Palestinian Authority in any way beyond what it's doing now in the West Bank. It's not only that Israel hasn't really thought about the day-after. It's that Israel is currently re-occupying, or further occupying. It was occupying from the outside, sort of, and now it's occupying from the inside. The reality on the ground is that Israel is already controlling much of Gaza and has moved the population down. And unless the international community, and the US specifically, really puts a lot of pressure and political weight into how this war continues, then what we're probably going to see is the continued pushing of the Gaza population into a smaller and smaller area. So, talking about the PA or talking about a two state solution is irrelevant because you basically have, just the destruction of Gaza and a disaster for people with nowhere to go, possibly a refugee crisis on Egypt's border. And so, all this talk of the day-after is a bit out of touch with the reality of today.

Okay. And there is no way that the US can force Israel to come at a table and negotiate this kind of peace process? Re-activation, so to speak?

I mean, it has the power, and it has the ability. But the question is how would it do that? And, it would really have to force certain processes on Israel that the Netanyahu government is simply not going to do. It would maybe require a change in the government in Israel, but it would also require that the US use as much of its leverage together, maybe with the Arab states and maybe with using the normalization with Saudi Arabia. It would really have to create a much bigger framework. I just think that right now the focus has to be on stopping Israel's actions in Gaza because there won't even be a Gaza left at this [rate] to negotiate for.
Cooperation between the city and the military allowed the port citys famed beaches to reopen this summer for the first time since the full-scale Russian invasion.

Yulia Klimenko visited Odesa in 2021 and again in late August this year, when she and her daughter came from their home in Dnipro for a holiday. The difference was dramatic.

Compared to past seasons, Odesa was deserted, she says, recalling the scanty crowds on Derybasivska Street, before the war typically thronged with people around the clock. This year she was able to snap photos of the city without people filling the scene.

But at the Lanzheron and Arkadia beaches, everything looked like peacetime, she says. A real resort! I understand that many Odesa residents have evacuated, and tourists are afraid to travel while the shelling of the port goes on. But we are not afraid!

Danger From the Sea

The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine reported that tourist tax revenues in Odesa fell by 80% in 2022, the year of Russias invasion. In 2021, the year before the war, the tourist tax  paid by hotel guests  contributed 26.8 million hryvnias ($735,000) to the city budget. That placed Odesa oblast (region) second nationwide, after the city of Kyiv, as a generator of the tax. The figure fell to just 5.4 million hryvnias last year.

And these figures do not reflect the full extent of the damage to the local economy. Besides the direct losses from the tourist tax, there are also indirect ones from the reduced number of visitors and lower hotel occupancy. Tourism agency figures for the first half of 2023 show the number of people engaged in the tourism business down by a third compared to 2021.

The sign warns against visiting the beach because of the danger from mines. Photo via Ukrainian Deminers Association.

For the Odesa oblast, with some 300 kilometers of coastline and a heavy reliance on tourism, the cost has been enormous.

Our main competitive advantage is the sea. The swimming pool doesnt mean as much as the sea, said Ilona Remyhaylo, the manager of the Palace Del Mar Hotel, a high-priced resort near the beach in Odesas tourist district.

The beaches of Odesa  major attractions for city dwellers and visitors  were closed after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The Black Sea was effectively sealed off. In the first days of the war, Odesa residents either stayed indoors or fled to safer areas. There was a high risk that enemy forces would reach and occupy the city.

When the situation stabilized, people gradually returned to the city and its beaches, only to be greeted by barbed wire and red signs warning, Beware of mines!

The mines that then and now pose a danger on the local beaches are of two kinds.

Ukraines military quickly laid mines at places on the coast where a Russian landing seemed possible. Because of the terrain, this could only be done on the eastern part of the Odesa coast. No one has been allowed near those areas, and it is unlikely that access will be opened before the end of the war.

The other kind of mine threat comes from sea mines placed by the Russians that later broke free and drifted, with some heading toward the coast.

The tourism industry in the oblast was severely affected by the closure of the seaside recreation centers. Many resort towns faced greater challenges than Odesa, which had other sources of income and attractions besides the beaches. Odesa also hosted many foreigners, such as journalists and staff of international organizations, who came to work on the recovery of the south of the country. Large hotels were able to operate, but small recreation centers or houses that were rented out struggled to find business. Some smaller hotels with swimming pools, previously for the use of guests only, began inviting the public to swim for a moderate fee. Others began to provide housing for people displaced from areas under fierce attack by Russian ground and air forces.

The coastal zone itself often became the target of enemy attacks, including the resort towns of Zatoka and Karolino-Bugaz. Some 20 kilometers up the coast, Odesa was not so badly affected, and the revival of the tourism industry began there.

For us it was quite risky to open our hotel, because its a holiday destination, just like most hotels in Odesa. When we reopened our doors in May and June [2023], we were taking certain risks, Remyhaylo said.

Risk of death or injury in a Russian attack is something Odesans, like most of Ukraine, have had to deal with for the better part of two years. Just this month, at least eight people were injured and the citys art museum damaged by Russian missile and drone strikes on 5 November. Three days later a Russian missile killed a civilian ships crew member in the port, Ukrainian officials said.

Floating Security Fences

City authorities initially hoped to open the beaches at the beginning of the 2023 summer season, but the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June forced a delay.

Despite fears, the bathing season opened in Odesa at the end of the summer. We saw that it brought benefits, said Roman Hrygoryshyn, then the deputy head of Odesas regional military administration, who helped formulate the plans to make the beaches safe for swimming.

Since August, lifeguards have been on the lookout for mines floating toward Odesas reopened beaches. This station is on Caleton Beach, a prime tourist attraction before the war. Photo via Odesa municipality press center.

We worked with the beach [business] tenants, and the tourist facility owners to ensure safe and enjoyable places for visitors, Hrygoryshyn, who before the war worked at the oblasts tourism authority, told a press conference.

Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion, and any plan to protect the beaches rested on full cooperation from the military. The keystones of the plan worked out by local authorities and the army were to send divers to inspect the sea floor and remove any hazards, and to erect nets to stop floating sea mines.

Yulia Klimenko and her daughter could not have taken their beach vacation before 7 August, when local authorities announced the successful reopening of parts of the Black Sea coast within the Odesa city limits.

Work to make the beaches safe for visitors took more than year.

We surveyed the territory and decided which beaches people could be allowed on, so people would have decent conditions for a safe time, Oleh Kiper, the governor of Odesa Oblast, said in August on the national news and Telegram.

Back to the Beach

This summer, six Odesa beaches reopened, although with significant limitations compared to before the invasion. Boat trips, once a favorite pastime, were prohibited. People were not allowed on the beaches during air raid alerts or during storms.

Odesa authorities fenced off the areas designated as safe for swimming with ordinary fishing nets. During the summer season, lifeguards patrolled the beaches on the lookout for floating mines. A smaller crew is monitoring the beaches this winter.

A net now protects Caleton Beach from floating sea mines. Photo via Odesa municipality press center.

[Air raid] shelters are nearby; we have nets for the mines, and the capability to disperse crowds in a dangerous situation, Kiper said.

Our goal is for there to be affordable recreation facilities along the entire coastline wherever possible. And for entrepreneurs who work in the field of tourism, this is an opportunity to support themselves and the economy of our country, the governor added, back in August.

The projects most visible safety feature are the lines of fishing nets offshore to stop any drifting Russian sea mines. But the risk that mines could float to unfenced stretches of the coast remains.

We cant count how many drifting mines there are in the sea, or know where they are. Their movement is not at all predictable, so we faced new challenges, says Serhiy Chutkyi, head of mine risk management at the Ukrainian Deminers Association. The association represents deminers, helps rehabilitate those injured in the line of duty, and advocates for public control of demining in Ukraine. The group acts as a consultant on the Odesa beach security project.

There were other fears for the safety of beach-goers. So far, though, concerns that pollutants released by the Kakhovka dam explosion might reach as far as Odesa have not been realized. Environmental services monitor the water quality and so far, no raised levels have been recorded.

Mines remain the main danger. Divers check the sea bottom off the beaches designated for swimming, although poor visibility can hamper their work. Everything depends on the state of the coastline.

No beach can reopen to the public without an underwater passport issued by the Odesa mayors office after divers have inspected the sea bottom and removed any potentially dangerous objects.

Can we be confident that these checks provide a 100% guarantee of safety? Of course not, Chutkyi says. Even if the coastline is checked, small mines can still turn up. They can be covered with sand; they can be moved by water currents.

Risk Reduced, Not Eliminated

The biggest sign that Odesas beach safety project is working, the demining association says, is that no one was injured on the beach in this years short tourist season (August and September). But the public should not be complacent, the deminers warn. Sea mines come in different varieties. Some get stuck on the sea bottom and remain active. Others have a self-destruct mechanism that sets them off after a certain time.

Signaling the continuing danger, a ship loaded with wheat was damaged in the Black Sea on 17 November in an incident Ukrainian authorities blamed on a floating sea mine. Some 40 sea mines  whether Russian or Ukrainian is difficult to say, as both countries use similar models  have been destroyed by Ukraines neighboring countries since the war began, The Maritime Executive wrote in March. Mines damaged beachfront buildings in Sychavka, a village just a short drive east of Odesa, in March and again in June this year.

Ukrainian military personnel defuse a sea mine. Operational Command South photo.

Local self-government bodies and law enforcement cannot stop everyone from visiting unsecured beaches, as individuals can take their chances and decide to ignore the warnings. At the same time, despite the risks, there is an understanding that people need places to relax, private entrepreneurs need to make money, and Odesas economy relies heavily on tourism.

Despite the first steps, it is too early to talk about the full restoration of resort life. The recreation sector depends not only on beaches. The tourism and hospitality sectors have been particularly hit by the midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, which forces many bars and restaurants to close early, and many tourist excursions have been cut back. However, even part-time employment helps businesses survive in difficult times, pay taxes, and provide jobs. The work is carried out with a view to the future. It is easier to adjust an already operating business than to build it from scratch.

Hanging over all the plans and hopes is the reality that it is impossible to make firm plans while the war rages on.

Next summer, we plan to open more than the six beaches we had this year. However, everything will depend on the security situation and how events will unfold, Hrygoryshyn, the former deputy head of Odesas regional military administration, told journalists earlier this year.

It is hard to make predictions for next summer, but we will make all the necessary preparations in advance, he said. We learned a lot from the experience we gained in the last month of summer, and we hope to use it for everyones benefit.



Odesa-based journalist Mariia Shevchuk has reported for several regional and national Ukrainian media outlets. Since February 2022 her focus has been on the wars effects on the civilian population.
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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a lower courts finding that a former chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is administratively liable for his unethical intervention in a 2008 case.

The high court on Friday said it denied Camilo Sabios petition for review, where he assailed the Court of Appeals (CA) ruling that he is guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Sabio was accused of attempting to influence the judicial discretion of his brother, then CA Justice Jose Sabio, Jr., in a case between the Manila Electric Company and the Government Service Insurance System.

Earlier, the Ombudsman said this was a flagrant disregard" of legal and ethical rules, while the CA affirmed Sabios liability, prompting him to seek relief from the SC.

The SC, however, also ruled that Sabio committed both offenses and tainted the image and integrity of the appellate arm of the judiciary, ultimately compromising the public trust that he had sworn to serve and preserve.

Since he is no longer a government official and cannot be slapped with the penalty of dismissal, the SC ordered that Sabio's civil service eligibility instead be cancelled and his retirement benefits be forfeited.

The new ruling also means that the 87-year-old former PCGG chairman is perpetually disqualified from re-employment in the government and barred from taking the civil service examinations.
Shrimp is a weeknight dinner superhero. It cooks quickly and is extremely versatile, yet feels like a treat every time I set it down on the dinner table. This classic recipe calls for ingredients you probably already have on hand, like butter, garlic, and lemon, which together create a saucy, Italian-leaning shrimp thats just begging to be at the center of your plate tonight. The best part: You need just five minutes to make it.

A fast and fancy shrimp dinner for any night of the week

Shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce is hard to compete with. This recipe is quick enough to pull off on a busy weeknight, but feels special enough for a Saturday night in, too. How you serve it is up to you. Toss it with pasta for a dish that very much resembles shrimp scampi; serve it over rice, orzo, or creamy polenta; or simply serve it straight-up in shallow bowls, with crusty bread close by to help soak up all the delicious sauce.

Recipe tips

This garlic butter shrimp couldnt be easier to pull together but a few tips ensure success:

Have all your ingredients ready to go. This recipe moves fast so having everything prepped and next to you by the stovetop keeps things from slowing down.

This recipe moves fast so having everything prepped and next to you by the stovetop keeps things from slowing down. Know when the shrimp is done. As soon as it curls and turns pink and opaque, its good to go.

As soon as it curls and turns pink and opaque, its good to go. Cut the recipe in half, if youd like. Like most seafood, this is really best enjoyed fresh. If youre a family of one or two, this recipe can easily be halved.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Serves 4

1 pound peeled and deveined uncooked medium shrimp

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season all over with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp and let cook undisturbed for 1 minute. Flip the shrimp and add the wine, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp are just opaque and the wine has reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

2. Remove the skillet from the heat, add the butter cubes, and stir until melted. Add the parsley and lemon juice, toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Recipe note: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Artist Paul Mirocha rarely encounters coyotes in his downtown Tucson neighborhood, but he saw one the morning he went to meet author Barbara Kingsolver to talk about the childrens book they were making together.

It felt like an omen, the accomplished illustrator said.

Mirocha has teamed with the award-winning author and her daughter, Lily, on a new educational picture book called Coyotes Wild Home.

The book follows a coyote and a pup and a girl and her grandfather as they wander through the same Appalachian forest in search of adventure.

The coyotes hunt and frolic, the humans fish and camp, and the reader learns about the important role these adaptable predators play across their growing range.

Some people consider coyotes a pest or a danger, Mirocha said, but they are just doing what is necessary to survive, just like us. The story is to accept that and respect them, he said.

Coyotes Wild Home is set for release on Nov. 28 through The Gryphon Press.

It is the first published book for Lily Kingsolver, an environmental educator in Florida, and the first childrens book for Barbara Kingsolver, the best-selling author who launched her career in Tucson and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction this year for her latest novel Demon Copperhead.

Mirocha has illustrated more than 40 books, including several other picture books for children.

He said he is probably best known locally as a long-time artist in residence at the universitys Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill and for the artwork he did for The Sonoran Desert: A Literary Field Guide, an acclaimed, genre-blending 2016 anthology by The University of Arizona Press.

His illustrations also have appeared in previous books by Kingsolver, including her 2002 essay collection Small Wonder and her 2000 novel Prodigal Summer, in which coyotes play a central role.

He said he and Kingsolver are old friends who first met in the 1980s when they both worked at the U of As Office of Arid Land Studies.

Back then, Mirocha said, she was earning a paycheck as a science writer and working on a novel at night while she figured out what she wanted to do next. That little side project turned out to be The Bean Trees, her first best-seller, set in Tucson.

Mirocha said Kingsolver tried her hand at childrens books in the past, but she scrapped them because she didnt like how they turned out. It was Lilys interest in the idea that convinced Kingsolver to sign on to the coyote book, he said.

She called and asked me to illustrate it. Of course, I couldnt say no, Mirocha said.

He said the deadlines for the picture book were intense. He had to produce 32 large spreads for the book in about 8 months, using a digital painting technique he has mastered. At some points I was doing a page or spread per week, he said.

Being an illustrator can be lonely, Mirocha said, but this project was just the opposite: It was a lively collaboration with a dear and loyal friend.

In an Instagram post about the project, Kingsolver said she and her daughter decided that after centuries of bad wolves and bears, predators needed better representation in childrens books.

She said Mirocha brought our best dreams to life.

The work began in September of last year when Kingsolver invited the artist to her home in southwestern Virginia to discuss the book and learn about its setting.

He was leaving his house in Armory Park to catch his early morning flight to the East Coast when the aforementioned coyote trotted across the road in front of him in an industrial area about two blocks from home.

I slowed down, and it turned to look at me briefly, then was gone, he said. Whenever I see a coyote, I see it as a communication somehow. I think, Something unexpected is going to happen, and its best not to judge it as good or bad.

During the week-long book-planning visit, Kingsolver and her husband, Steve Hopp, put Mirocha up in a cabin about a quarter of a mile from their house and introduced him to their lush, private hollow in the Appalachians. The forest locations in the book are based on real spots the author and her family know well.

I went to all these places and got really inspired. It was like going to scenes from a movie, Mirocha said. It was so different than the Sonoran Desert. It was just exploding with green. It was a totally new exploration.

The trip also served as a crash course in the botany of Appalachia. He made sketches and took tons of reference photos, as Kingsolver and Hopp acted as teachers and tour guides.

At one point, they picked native pawpaw fruit  sort of a cross between a banana and a mango that grows in eastern forests  and Kingsolver baked them into a pie.

They showed me all sorts of stuff, Mirocha said. In order to do the drawing, you need to learn the science behind it.

Early in the visit, he and Kingsolver sat together at her kitchen table  and Lily joined them over Zoom  so they could sketch out a storyboard for the entire book.

That was just indescribably fun, Mirocha said of the whole experience. It was really a treat to work with Barbara and Lily.
The dark-sky movement was practically invented here more than 50 years ago, but Tucson has never had a certified spot to highlight its efforts to curb light pollution.

Until now.

Saguaro National Park has officially been designated as an Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International, a Tucson-based group that advocates for the protection of clear, star-filled night skies around the globe.

The roughly 92,000-acre park bracketing Tucson is the first urban park in Arizona and just the ninth worldwide to be recognized for its efforts to preserve and promote natural darkness near populated areas.

We are excited to share our work to advance the preservation of Saguaro National Parks night skies, said Jeff Conn, acting superintendent of the park. We are delighted to provide visitors with opportunities to experience the wonder of starry nights.

According to DarkSky International, Saguaro earned the designation by eliminating or retrofitting old inefficient light fixtures and promoting appreciation for dark skies through its night-time programs.

Park staff and advocates have worked very hard to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment and raising awareness of the importance of natural darkness and best practices for outdoor lighting, said Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program manager for the nonprofit group.

Park Ranger Spencer Burke said Saguaro has been pursuing a dark-sky designation for several years now.

The parks latest application to DarkSky International is more than 100 pages long and includes a detailed review of night-time satellite images, on-the-ground light measurements and a complete lighting inventory.

You do really have to earn it, Burke said.

Close to half of Saguaros 187 outdoor light fixtures required retrofits to meet DarkSky standards. About 90% of that work is now done, and the rest is on track for completion within the next year.

To help with the certification process, Burke said, the park received financial donations, letters of support and other assistance from such partners as the Friends of Saguaro National Park, Sky Island Alliance, Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, the University of Arizona, Pima County and the city of Tucson.

Mayor Regina Romero and County Supervisors Chairwoman Adelita Grijalva hailed the dark-sky designation in a written statement announcing it.

Enjoying the beauty of the night sky is one of the ways Tucsonans engage with our natural beauty, Romero said. Minimizing light pollution honors our desert ecosystems and ensures that the Sonoran Desert remains one of the most unique places in the world.

Added Grijalva: Pima County, along with our Tohono Oodham neighbors, host one of the largest optical telescopes in the world. Supporting these research facilities is of utmost importance.

The city and the county have had light-control ordinances on the books since the early 1970s. Additional restrictions have been added and changes made over the years to reduce the communitys glare and protect the view for research telescopes at nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory, Mount Graham International Observatory, Mount Lemmon Observatory, Steward Observatory and Whipple Observatory.

In 1987, two local astronomers founded what was then called the International Dark-Sky Association to expand the fight against light pollution beyond Tucson.

According to the groups website, the indiscriminate use of artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change and block our view and connection to the universe.

The organization, since rebranded as DarkSky International, launched its International Dark Sky Places Program in 2001. The campaign encourages communities, parks and protected areas around the world to protect their night skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, effective lighting policies and public education.

Flagstaff was the first place to be recognized under the voluntary program. The list of Dark Sky Places now includes more than 200 locations around the world.

Saguaro is the 17th place in Arizona to be certified by the organization, joining a list that includes Chiricahua National Monument, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Petrified Forest National Park and Tumacacori National Historical Park.

Until now, the closest Dark Sky Place to Tucson was Oracle State Park.

DarkSky International created a new city-centric designation in 2018 to emphasize efforts to protect natural darkness near densely populated areas and draw attention to the role urban protected landscapes play in raising public awareness of light pollution.

New Mexicos Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7 miles south of downtown Albuquerque, was named as the first Urban Night Sky Place in 2019.

The new dark-sky designation will be noted on signs around Saguaro, and park officials are planning some kind of celebration for early next year.
At Bixby High School, students have at least 19 Advanced Placement courses available, including four physics options and three art classes.

Those AP classes can boost students grade-point average above a coveted 4.0 because in some districts, such as Bixby, the classes are worth 5 or even 6 points. Students can also earn college credit by scoring well on the final exam.

Bixby, a suburban high school with 2,000 students, is 9 miles from Liberty High School in Mounds, with a student count of 152. At Liberty, no AP classes are being taught. Principal Trina Evans said the school offers a few but didnt have any students sign up.

To meet a new state law requiring a minimum of four AP classes, Evans said theyll try to offer AP biology and history in person and a handful of other courses through an online platform.

I understand the desire and the wish for our students to have these opportunities, but whats challenging about it, in a school our size  offering four AP classes might not be what our student population needs, Evans said.

By the 2024-25 school year, all of Oklahomas 471 public high schools will be required to offer at least four AP courses.

Only a quarter of state high schools met that bar last school year, according to an Oklahoma Watch analysis of data from the College Board, which runs Advanced Placement.

Half didnt have any AP classes at all.

Schools with the most courses are in urban and suburban schools. Schools with few or no AP offerings are more likely to be in rural communities.

Those inequitable opportunities are what state Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, wanted to address with the law, which she proposed. It passed in 2020, giving school leaders several years to scale up their AP offerings. Baker, a former AP teacher, said she knows rural districts often struggle to hire enough AP teachers. She encourages those districts to use online programs to help fill those gaps.

Just because you live in a rural community, it should not eliminate you from having access to really great courses, especially if you want to take them, Baker said.

AP was created in the 1950s to provide an academic challenge to a small, elite group of high school students; the program expanded significantly starting in the 2000s to close achievement gaps and improve college readiness. Now the courses reach more than 2.6 million high school students nationwide.

The courses are more rigorous than a typical high school class and are on par with college-level work. But the most crucial difference is the end-of-course exam. Students who score 3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) can receive college credit for the class, depending on the college or university they attend.

To meet the new state requirement, schools can offer AP in a traditional classroom setting, partner with a nearby school district or technology center, or offer courses through an online provider.

Horizon, an online learning platform under the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, offered 11 AP courses last year, according to College Board data. It added three this year and will continue to expand next year, said Lisa Daniels, director of Horizon. Most are free for Oklahoma schools and include the coursework and teacher.

Its a struggle for rural schools to find teachers, Daniels said. Or they may only have one student (taking an AP class). Thats something we can handle.

Staffing is the biggest issue at the 275-student Morris High School, which has one AP class this year taught by the schools only AP-certified teacher, said Superintendent Chris Karch. Sixteen students enrolled in the AP World History class this year.

We dont have the staff for more, Karch said.

Morris, 45 miles south of Tulsa in eastern Oklahoma, will use an online platform to meet the minimum next year. Even so, students may need in-person support from a teacher, Karch said.

Some rural school leaders said they offer AP courses but students dont take them. Thats because many prefer concurrent enrollment, where earning college credit doesnt hinge on a single high-stakes test and instead is based on performance throughout the course.

State funding covers the cost of tuition for high school juniors and seniors taking concurrent college classes, up to a certain number of hours, and some districts cover the fees.

Students here can take college classes for free and know if they pass that class, theyre going to get college credit, said Doug Tolson, principal of Alex High School, 45 miles south of Oklahoma City.

In Tolsons 30 years at the district, very few students have chosen to take AP classes, he said.

Baker, the state representative, said the most important part is ensuring that students in all schools at least have the choice.

I dont want the argument to be, Look, our kids are behind; we shouldnt worry about advanced placement, Baker said. If a child is willing to put the effort in and the work to be able to be successful at something like this, weve got to be able to give them the opportunity.

Number of AP courses offered at Tulsa-area high schools Bartlesville: 20 Bishop Kelley: 35 Bixby: 19 Booker T. Washington: 32 Broken Arrow: 32 Cascia Hall: 23 Catoosa: 7 Central: 7 Charles Page: 11 Claremore: 15 Collinsville: 5 Dove Science Academy: 10 East Central: 25 Edison Preparatory: 19 Holland Hall: 6 Jenks: 47 KIPP: 9 Lincoln Christian: 6 McLain: 6 Memorial: 17 Metro Christian: 7 Mingo Valley Christian: 5 Owasso: 27 Sapulpa: 12 Skiatook: 6 TSAS: 5 Union: 29 Victory Christian: 8 Source: College Board

About Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
A new initiative led by Asialink and Climateworks Centre is opening pathways for Australian businesses to tap into green economy investment and trade opportunities in Vietnam, including renewable energy resources and sustainable development to support net-zero emissions.

Climateworks is an organization created through a partnership between Monash University, the Australian government, and the Myer Foundation, while Asialink was established in 1989 as a joint initiative of the Australian governments Commission for the Future and the Myer Foundation.

The Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was launched in early October to foster collaboration and development between the Australian and Vietnamese governments and businesses in the green economy.

The program includes the release of five briefing papers, along with a series of roundtable discussions and webinars over seven months to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of realizing the shared ambition of Vietnam and Australia toward the shift to a clean energy economy.

The program is set to culminate with a summit in Ho Chi Minh City next April.

The third briefing paper, which was released this week, shows that the potential to manufacture and export decarbonization technologies from Vietnam is vast.

Therefore, Australian companies should start to look for opportunities to participate in the era of decarbonization.

Leigh Howard, CEO of Asialink Business, unit of Asialink, said that the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program signifies its dedication to sustainable business partnerships, mutual growth, and a shared vision for a greener future.

This initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration, bridging two nations with a common goal of sustainability and economic prosperity. It's a testament to what can be achieved by combining our strengths and working toward a better future, Howard said.

Australia is committed to fostering green economy collaboration with Vietnam, said Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.

The Australian government announced an AUD$105 million (US$68.9 million) aid package in June 2023 for sustainable infrastructure planning and private investment in clean energy infrastructure in Vietnam.

Vietnam is becoming a more attractive destination for investment as it continues to focus on its long-term net zero target.

Its 2023 National Electricity Development Plan highlights the development of electricity sources and the expansion of transmission grids to cater to the nation's growing energy demands.

The latest briefing paper, The Supply Chain of Decarbonization Technologies in Vietnam, says the global demand for solar, wind, energy storage, semiconductors, and hydrogen is surging, heralding a new era of investment in decarbonization technologies.

The complex supply chain is core to producing clean energy, and is of critical importance in nurturing a green economy, with Vietnam emerging as a leader in the region, says Climateworks Centre Southeast Asia lead Trang Nguyen.

The briefing paper says work on policy adjustments and regulatory measures are making regional investment into Vietnam more attractive. The $15.5 billion Just Energy Transition Plan outlines the critical role of private investment.

Southeast Asia's journey to a sustainable future unveils significant collaborative potential for Australia and Vietnam. The Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program showcases the importance of knowledge-sharing, cultivating relationships, and equipping Australian businesses for these emerging opportunities, said Asialink CEO Martine Letts.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
South Korean food delivery Baemin will leave the Vietnamese market on December 8 this year, putting an end to its four-year operation in the country, due to an economic downturn and fierce competition in the sector.

Beamin said customers can still place orders on its app until December 7.

As the sands of time are running out, the firm advised its customers to use up their reward points and coupons.

Baemin will eternally be grateful for the love, favor, and support that you have given to Baemin during our journey of delivering food throughout Vietnam over the past four years," Baemin wrote in its announcement to its customers.

"Baemin is extremely happy and proud to accompany you in every tasty meal.

Baemin wishes you full of joy like a full stomach. Baemin loves you so much and will miss you a lot.

In another announcement to its partners, which are restaurants, the food delivery platform shared that the decision to withdraw from Vietnam was triggered by the global economic difficulties and the stiff competition in the Vietnamese market.

The enterprise is committed to fully paying its debts during the remaining time in Vietnam and returning advertising and marketing payments that other firms had made in advance for December.

The South Korean food delivery service entered the Vietnamese market in June 2019, beginning its operation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Over the past four years, Baemin has impressed local consumers with creative, cute, dynamic, and friendly advertising campaigns.

Besides ordering food, customers can experience other services on the Baemin app, such as buying groceries online.

Baemin is an online application operated by Woowa Brothers Vietnam, a member of a joint venture between Woowa Brothers, a leading food delivery company in South Korea, and Delivery Hero, a leading delivery platform in the world, providing services in more than 50 countries.

In September this year, the platform announced plans to scale down its Vietnam operations.

Earlier, Niklas Ostberg, co-founder and CEO of Delivery Hero, told Reuters that the companys prospects in Asia were optimistic, except in Vietnam, where he believed the business operation was unlikely to ever be profitable.

As of last year, Grab held 45 percent of the market share in the food delivery segment in Vietnam, followed by ShopeeFood with 41 percent and Baemin with 12 percent, according to market research firm Momentum Works.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Chinas spike in respiratory diseases due to immunity gap

08:24, November 24, 2023 By GT staff reporters ( Global Times

China's health authorities advised medical institutes to implement hierarchical medical diagnosis mechanisms to relieve medical pressure in major hospitals amidst a spike in respiratory diseases and pneumonia across the country, especially among children.

The National Health Commission (NHC) has been monitoring the diagnosis among vulnerable children during the high incidence of infectious diseases, for which, the NHC has guided local medical institutes to allocate resources properly and adopt a hierarchical medical diagnosis mechanism, an official from the NHC said during an interview with the Xinhua News Agency on Thursday.

The official advised that minors who have relatively mild symptoms should see doctors at local clinics or the pediatric department of general hospitals to avoid dense gatherings and long wait times at major hospitals.

Mycoplasma infection, influenza and adenovirus infection are among the common respiratory diseases currently prevalent in China. Recently, the number of patients infected with mycoplasma has been declining, but other respiratory viral infections such as influenza are on the rise, media reported, citing respiratory experts.

In the week of November 13-19, the positive rate of influenza virus detection continued to rise in the southern and northern provinces, with the A (H3N2) subtype predominating, followed by B (Victoria), according to the newest weekly report on Thursday from China's National Influenza Center.

"I brought my kid to Beijing Children's Hospital a few days ago. It was fully packed. There were 300 people in front of us waiting. We waited four hours until afternoon to see a doctor," Liu, a mother of a 4-year-old, told the Global Times.

The Liulitun Community Health Center in Beijing's Chaoyang district has brought in two general practitioners and two nurses from a pediatric hospital to increase their admission capacity and better cope with rising cases of mycoplasma infection. Roughly 100 children have been visiting the center every day recently.

The center told the Global Times that it has also set up a specific observation room for children, stocked up on medicine and increased examination categories to deal with the spike in cases.

The situation in Shanghai is similar. The Global Times learned from one hospital insider that major hospitals in Shanghai have been increasing pre-examination tests and medical scheduling, as well as enhancing internet-based outpatient services as part of their efforts to alleviate the pressure at hospitals and reduce wait times.

But the insider said that the number of patients at the fever outpatient and emergency department of major pediatric hospitals in Shanghai has started to decline after hitting a peak. Taking Shanghai Children's Medical Center as an example, compared with the peak in early November, the number of patients in both fever outpatient departments and emergency rooms has decreased by 40 percent, the insider said.

Wu Yufen, a deputy director of the Outpatient and Emergency Department at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, told the Global Times that starting from October, the detection rate of RNA positive for mycoplasma pneumoniae at her hospital has increased from around 20 percent to 50 percent. Since mid-November, there has been a downward trend in mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, and currently, the positive RNA rate is around 30 percent, Wu said.

Concerning mycoplasma pneumonia, Tong Zhaohui, director of the Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, said that it is a frequently seen respiratory illness which is prevalent in northern China during winter and autumn. Compared with previous years, this year has seen more infections among children under the age of3 years old, but the state of their illness has no obvious signs of worsening, Tong noted.

The global monitoring of mycoplasma infection rate has been at a low level in the past three years. Combined with mycoplasma pneumoniae, it has its own epidemic period, every 3-7 years a cyclical epidemic, which explains the prevalence of mycoplasma pneumonia among children this year, Tong noted.

Respiratory diseases among children in China has caught the attention of the World Health Organization, which on Wednesday requested China provide more detailed information on the increase of respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.

After three years of fighting against COVID-19, China's surveillance and monitoring for the prevalence of epidemics and general diseases has become more accurate and timely, Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert from Peking University First Hospital, told the Global Times.

"We shouldn't cast doubt on China's capability to monitor epidemic trends or respiratory diseases. More science studies will be needed to judge if there are any unknown reasons for these respiratory diseases.."

The prevalence of respiratory illnesses this winter seems more noticeable than previous years, one of the key reasons being the rise of an "immunity gap" resulting from decreased antibodies against these pathogens among the general public due to the protective precautions taken in the past three years, Wang explained.

Given the fact that the incidence of influenza is on the rise and may continue to increase, and there are many other types of pathogens in the respiratory tract, so it is necessary to use personal protection, respiratory experts warned. They said that a most effective and cost-effective way to prevent infectious diseases is vaccination, also the public is advised to maintain healthy and good personal hygiene habits.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
(CNN)  A truce between Israel and Hamas is due to come into effect at 7 a.m. local time (12 a.m. ET) on Friday, with civilian hostages held captive by militants expected to be released in the coming hours as part of a breakthrough diplomatic deal following an uneasy day-long delay.

An initial group of 13 women and children held in Gaza are expected to be freed later Friday, mediators in Qatar said the previous day. Thirty-nine Palestinian prisoners would also be released by Israel Friday as part of the deal, according to an Israeli official.

A pause in fighting, slated to last at least four days, would confirm the fragile diplomatic deal announced Wednesday is progressing as planned, marking the first sustained break in hostilities after nearly seven weeks of conflict  and the first expected large-scale release of hostages.

The truce between Israel and Hamas appeared to be taking effect, despite a barrage of Israeli artillery fire and sirens warning of rockets from Gaza in the minutes after it was due to begin.

CNN journalists in the southern Israel city of Sderot said the sounds of heavy weapons fire stopped around 7:18 a.m. local time (12:18 a.m. ET).

They heard what sounded like small arms fire inside Gaza about 20 minutes later, but artillery fire, airstrikes and rockets appear to have stopped.

The pause would also allow for a ramp-up in much needed humanitarian aid entering Gaza, where weeks of Israeli blockade, bombardment and ground invasion have fueled a dire humanitarian crisis.

A large convoy of aid trucks lined up at the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border was expected to move into the embattled, Hamas-controlled enclave immediately at the start of the pause, the United Nations said Thursday.

Israel declared war on Hamas following the militant groups bloody October 7 terror attack on its territory, in which more than 1,200 people were killed  the largest such attack on Israel since the countrys founding in 1948.

Militants are holding more than 200 people captive inside Gaza from mass abductions that day, according to figures from the Israeli military.

Under terms previously announced by Qatar, a total of 50 of those hostages, women and children, are expected to be freed over a four-day humanitarian pause in fighting.

The deal includes the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners during the same period, according to Israel, with the potential for an extension and more releases in the days after. Most of the prisoners concerned are male teenagers, along with some women, according to an Israeli government list of those who could be released.

The agreement followed mounting pressure on the Israeli government from the families of the hostages, who have demanded answers and action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It also comes amid growing international pressure for more humanitarian support for the people of Gaza.

The number of people killed in Gaza since October 7 now stands at 14,854, according to information from Hamas authorities in the Strip.

Israels defense minister said he expects the military operation against Hamas will continue forcefully after the truce.
World leaders will face a reckoning over humanity's failure to curb climate-heating emissions and polluting fossil fuels when they meet for UN climate talks next week, as the planet swelters in likely the hottest year in human history.

Pope Francis, King Charles III, political leaders, activists and lobbyists will be among the more than 70,000 visitors expected for the COP28 meeting in oil-rich United Arab Emirates, making it the largest UN climate change conference ever held.

Negotiators will grapple with a host of flashpoint issues, including the future of oil, gas and coal, as well as financial solidarity between rich polluters and poorer nations most vulnerable to accelerating climate impacts.

But the central focus will be a damning stocktaking of the world's limited progress on curbing global warming, which requires an official response to be crafted at the November 30 to December 12 talks.

Signals from leaders will come early, with about 140 heads of state and government due to speak during a two-day summit beginning on December 1.

The stakes have never been higher, with scientists warning that the Paris Agreement's safer 1.5 degree Celsius warming limit is slipping through humanity's fingers.

"The biggest wildcard is probably is there geopolitical space for climate cooperation?" said Alden Meyer of the think tank E3G, adding there was a "corrosive lack of trust" even before the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Global relations have soured in recent years over Russia's attack of Ukraine, a mounting debt crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, when developing countries struggled to access vaccines.

Campaigners have also raised concerns over the influence of fossil fuel interests at the talks, noting that COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber is both UAE climate envoy and head of state-owned oil firm ADNOC.

But they say the summit could also highlight the need to transition away from the energy sources responsible for the majority of human-caused emissions.

"I think it presents us with an opportunity, but also a great challenge, to ensure that fossil fuel phaseout is front and centre at this COP," said Mitzi Jonelle Tan of Fridays for Future Philippines.

'Out of road'

The 2015 Paris climate deal aimed to limit global warming to well below 2C since the pre-industrial era, and preferably to 1.5C.

There has been some progress.

The International Energy Agency this year forecast fossil fuel demand will peak by 2030 due to the "spectacular" growth of clean energy technologies and electric cars -- helped by policies in China, the United States and Europe, among others.

But recent research has exposed how far off track the world still is.

This week the UN Environment Programme said the world is heading for devastating warming up to 2.9C, even with countries' climate plans, calling on G20 polluters to move faster.

The IPCC climate panel says emissions need to fall 43 percent this decade to stay under the 1.5C limit, yet they continue to rise.

"Leaders can't kick the can any further," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "We're out of road."

Nearly 1.2C of warming is already triggering blistering heatwaves, massive wildfires, floods and ferocious storms.

This year is expected to be the warmest on record, while proxy data like tree rings and ice cores suggest those temperatures could also be unprecedented in the past more than 100,000 years.

In a stark reminder of the high stakes, Australia this month agreed a landmark deal with Tuvalu to offer sanctuary to the island nation's residents should their home be engulfed by rising seas, as expected this century.

The F-word

For decades, global climate negotiations largely avoided mentioning fossil fuels, until Glasgow's COP26 agreed to "phasedown" unfiltered coal power and the "phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies".

Since then, momentum has built.

"This year has presented us with pretty unprecedented consensus among governments and civil society that the phase out of fossil fuels -- and the phasing in of renewable energy -- is the key thing to tackle in this decade," said Catherine Abreu of Destination Zero.

Even the UAE's Jaber has said he believes the phasing down of fossil fuels is "inevitable".

He has proposed tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling the annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

But the key question is whether these targets are formalised in a negotiated text or shunted into flimsier voluntary pledges, Abreu said, adding that a flurry of side deals from the UAE was "quite worrying".

Finance for developing nations will also stir controversy at COP28.

Monitors say wealthy nations likely met their goal of providing $100 billion in annual climate finance to poorer countries last year -- but the achievement is two years late and insufficient to meet growing needs.

A hard-fought agreement on aspects of a "loss and damage" fund to help climate-vulnerable countries was also recently secured, although details remain contentious.

One positive signal came in a recent U.S.-China climate statement.

Meyer said this signalled a "shift" from Beijing on COP28's global stocktake response, having previously resisted the idea that countries should be pushed to increase emissions-cutting ambitions.

"The real question now is whether India and other big developing countries will change their stance," he said.
Vietnam is cooperating with Myanmar and several other countries to repatriate hundreds of Vietnamese citizens at a time when conflicts in the northern states of Myanmar have become increasingly complicated, foreign ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang told a press briefing on Thursday.

Nearly 700 Vietnamese are being sheltered safely, while Vietnamese authorities are in the process of contacting others for further information about their status.

Many teams managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working all day and night to bring Vietnamese citizens back to their homeland as soon as possible, Hang underlined.

Immediately after being notified of the conflicts in Myanmar in late October, the ministry promptly assigned the Vietnamese Embassy in the country to team up with relevant agencies to protect the Vietnamese citizens living and working there.

The Vietnamese side also requested support measures from local authorities to ensure security and safety for the Vietnamese citizens and create favorable conditions for them to leave the dangerous areas.

The ministry has been proactively working with authorities in China to ask for assistance in protecting the Vietnamese citizens.

The ministry will continue following the situation and keeping in contact with affected Vietnamese citizens who remain in shelters to take them home after a plan for repatriation is given the go-ahead.

The conflicts between ethnic minority forces and Myanmar's military junta started in October, mainly in the northern states which share borders with China.

Ethnic minority insurgent groups are said to have taken over some key trade routes connecting Myanmar and China since their fight began.

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A South Korean court has ruled that two flight attendants from a Vietnamese airline who were arrested in Incheon City in early September for allegedly smuggling over US$230,000 worth of synthetic marijuana are innocent at a first-instance trial, an official from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security said on Friday.

The two flight attendants have not been allowed to return to Vietnam, said Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Vien, head of the Investigation Police Department on Drug-related Crimes under the Ministry of Public Security.

In light of the case, the department has begun working with domestic air carriers to prevent their employees from being abused by drug criminals, Vien noted.

On September 6 this year, police in South Koreas Incheon City detained the two female flight attendants among the four members of a Vietnamese airlines crew.

The two flight attendants, both aged 20, were suspected to have hidden liquid synthetic marijuana inside cosmetic boxes in their baggage in order to transport them from Vietnam to Incheon International Airport in April.

The Incheon polices investigation showed that the suspects were paid 68,000-150,000 won ($52-115) for carrying the cosmetic boxes and were unaware of what was inside them.

Following the incident, a customs officer at Incheon International Airport told MBC News that they will strengthen baggage inspections for flight attendants from Vietnamese airlines.

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Vietnam ranks second among the top destinations for tourists from South Korea, according to the immigration agency of the South Korean Ministry of Justice.

More than 16.2 million South Korean tourists traveled abroad by air in January-September this year, surging 382.7 percent over the 3.36 million from the same period last year.

Vietnam welcomed the second-largest number of South Korean arrivals during that period, at nearly 2.6 million, following Japans 4.9 million arrivals.

Experts believe South Koreans appreciate Vietnams warm climate and low costs.

Da Nang, a tourist city in central Vietnam, was the top destination for South Korean travelers to Vietnam this year.

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Police in north-central Vietnams Ha Tinh Province on Wednesday stopped a delegation of 50 semi-trailer trucks used in a wedding procession ceremony and asked them to avoid honking.

The ceremony in Huong Son District drew public attention as it seemed to be a first to feature so many big trucks in Vietnam.

It also drew attention for the sheer amount of noise made by the truckers blowing their horns.

Traffic police officers stop the delegation to ask them not to honk while running in an urban area. Photo: H.A. / Tuoi Tre

A local traffic police officer said his team stopped the delegation and asked them to travel in the regulated lane and avoid honking.

Unsurprisingly, the groom is a semi-trailer truck driver who enlisted his colleagues to join him in the procession.

Traffic policemen require the bridal procession not to honk loudly and move in line.

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New charges levelled against environmental activists by WA Police have been linked to Four Corners footage, according to one of those arrested.

Three activists were charged on Wednesday in relation to a planned protest outside the Perth home of the Woodside chief executive, Meg ONeill, in August.

The Guardian reports Disrupt Burrup Hub campaigner Tahlia Stolarski, said police told her she had been arrested due to the release of the Four Corners footage.

The arrests, more than three months after the protest, follow ABC given a compulsory legal process to hand over raw footage.

The ABC has not confirmed it complied with the WA police order for the footage.

Disrupt Burrup Hub media adviser Jesse Noakes, one of the activists charged in relation to the planned protest in August, said last month that should the ABC surrender any Four Corners footage to WA police, if any of these people face legal liability or criminal prosecution that will be entirely on the ABC  I hope the ABC management appreciate the full implications of that.

An ABC spokesperson has said in a statement that like other media organisations, the ABC from time to time receives compulsory legal processes seeking access to material.
The Gilded Age S2 is coming soon to Paramount+.

The second sesason premiered in the USA on October 29.

Nearly a month later it is yet to screen on Paramount+ in Australia. According to their December highlights it is coming soon.

A spokesperson told TV Tonight, We will be announcing a date in the coming weeks.

It isnt clear why S2 has been delayed in Australia.

Australian networks have a history of complaining about piracy but where subscribers are paying a fee for premium content it is also very disappointing that content is not fast-tracked.
America must be mindful of her borders - Yahya Arhab/Shutterstock

The stunning victory of anti-Muslim Dutch politician Geert Wilders suggests that the nation of a proposed Muslim ban, temping down on immigration from Islamic countries, is no longer outside the realm of political discussion. This movement can only gain steam given the sometimes openly anti-Semitic protests by Muslims in support of the Hamas pogrom.

President Donald Trumps crude tactic of using immigration policy to stop the migration of anti-American terrorists and their supporters into the United States has already established a precedent of sorts. Trumps initial executive order included seven predominately Muslim nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen  and later was expanded in 2020 to include Venezuela and others.

Trumps ban was quickly dismissed by President Biden, but the drive against increasingly uncontrolled immigration is clearly gaining popular support, particularly in Europe. Left-of-center politicians like Biden are clueless about the political evolution taking place throughout the West. Rather than looking for ways to impose greater scrutiny over immigrations. Bidens only discussion of a ban has been aimed at sometimes violent nationalist Israeli settlers: looking at what is happening on campuses and the streets, hardly the biggest threat.

There are economic ramifications, of course, such as the cost of housing and caring for poor refugees forcing some cities, like New York, as well the UK to look for ways to send them elsewhere. But culture also plays a role. This has been made painfully clear during recent mass pro-Hamas demonstrations on college campuses, and on the streets of London, New York, and Paris. These protests were driven largely by Middle Eastern immigrants and students from the Middle East whose hatred of Israel and Jews in general has been incubated by universities.

Universities may need more tuition to pay their exploding bureaucracies but sovereign nations still have a choice on who to allow to reside or emigrate. We would be loath, rightfully, to allow white racists from South Africa, neo-Nazis, or operatives of North Korea into our countries.

Story continues

We already have to deal with citizens who share sometimes nasty views. Do we need to invite and nurture more people with hateful and violent attitudes?

The Muslim issue is a difficult one. Most are like all other immigrants seeking opportunity and an escape from repression. But some also condone Islamic leaders who share little love for a liberal pluralistic society. There have been open calls for attacks on Zionist aggressors by a Montreal Imam, Adil Charkaoui, similar in tone to Britains radical UK Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary.

Of course, any restriction would be attacked by both the left and open borders conservatives. But political leaders will have to acknowledge the massive pushback against uncontrolled immigration worldwide. In America the uncontrolled border plays straight into Donald Trumps re-election drive, and is boosting his popularity even among legal immigrants.

To be sure, immigration remains a necessity for Western societies, facing steep declines in birth rates and labour force shrinkage. Its clear that emigrants from developing countries are critical to providing labour in service industries. Roughly three quarters of Silicon Valleys tech workforce is made up by non-citizens, largely from India, Pakistan, the Middle East as well as East Asia.

But if immigration is to remain vibrant, it is critical to exclude those who embrace an ideology incompatible with the let live culture critical to the flourishing of multi-ethnic societies. Newcomers from places like Gaza are not likely to make ideal citizens of a secular, multi-cultural democracy.

Here in the West political radicalism has long had ties to immigrants, who often came from poor backgrounds. But only a relative handful abandoned basic ideals of a pluralistic democracy. But now belief in democracy and free speech seems to be weaker, both in Europe and America, among the young and educated.

Behind this movement lies a wider ideology  suggested by influential leftist intellectuals as Franz Fanon, Herbert Marcuse and Michel Foucault  that dismisses tolerance itself as intrinsically bourgeois and repressive. In this configuration, minorities, in this case Muslims, are justified in advocating the elimination of Jews due to by their belonging to a oppressed identity group, a policy among calculated to spark ever more ethnic turmoil. This is particular dangerous at a time when most European countries are becoming more multi-racial.

All this feeds anti-Muslim, and anti-immigrant, parties, as well as neo-fascist movements in countries like Germany. Rather than react with such discriminatory harshness, Western societies need to find ways to restrict those harboring anti-Western from arriving in the first place.

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Taipei/Hong Kong (CNN)  Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, withdrew from the race to become Taiwans next president on Friday, just hours before the deadline to formally register as a candidate.

I have never yielded in the battlefield of international business, Gou said in a statement, without providing a specific reason for the retreat. For the future of the Republic of China, choosing to yield is all the love I can give to my homeland, Gou added, referencing Taiwans official name.

In a separate Facebook post on Friday, Gous running mate Tammy Lai also confirmed that the pair would not appear on the ballot in 2024.

Taiwans presidential election is set to take place on January 13, 2024.

Gou, a self-made billionaire with limited political experience, threw his hat into the ring as an independent candidate in August and stepped down from Foxconns board. The septuagenarian previously stood for election in 2019.

Gous withdrawal came a day after his last-ditch efforts to organize a joint ticket between main opposition candidates, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan Peoples Party, dramatically collapsed on live television and the two registered to run separately on Friday morning. Gou and the opposition candidates shared the same goal of defeating the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, but he had consistently trailed far behind in the polls.

Gou founded Foxconn, established as Hon Hai Precision Industry in Taiwan, in 1974. Shortly after he announced his bid, Chinese state media reported that Foxconn was under investigation by authorities in China over land use and tax concerns.

The probe came weeks after Gou had stressed that he wouldnt be pressured by Beijing, despite his extensive business operations in the country.

If the Chinese Communist regime says, If you dont listen to me, we will confiscate Hon Hai [Foxconn]s property. I will say, Yes, please do it, Gou said at a press conference in Taipei in August.

Foxconn told CNN in a statement at the time that complying with the law was one of its basic principles, and that it would actively cooperate.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for an update on the matter on Friday.

In November, a Foxconn subsidiary in the central Chinese city of Wuhan was fined 20,000 yuan ($2,800) by a local tax authority for overstating its research and development expenses in 2021 and 2022, according to a notice published on the state-run National Center for Public Credit Information.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Billionaire Foxconn founder drops out of Taiwans presidential race"
HCM CITY  There remains ample room for cooperation between Viet Nam and Canada across multiple sectors, ranging from trade to investment, a HCM City official said.

Speaking at a seminar in the city, Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the municipal People's Committee, said Canada is a crucial gateway for Vietnamese businesses to access the expansive and promising North American market.

Canada is Viet Nams second-largest trading partner in the Americas, following the US, he added.

In the first 10 months, bilateral trade between the two nations reached US$5.2 billion, down 16.3 per cent year-on-year. However, this figure does not fully reflect the potential of both countries, according to Hoan.

Viet Nam is considered a gateway for Canada to Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, he added.

Viet Nam is also Canadas top trading partner in ASEAN and the sixth-largest trading partner in the Indian Ocean-Pacific.

As of July, Canada had 253 registered projects worth a total of $4.84 billion in Viet Nam, ranking 14th out of 140 countries and territories investing in the country.

In HCM City, Canada has 131 investment projects worth over $133 million, ranking 22nd out of 120 countries and territories investing in the city.

In the first 10 months of this year, Canada had 20 new investment projects worth $3.1 million in the city.

Nguyen Quang Trung, consul general of Viet Nam in Vancouver, Canada, said: There is great potential for Viet Nam and Canada to expand cooperation in several areas.

Both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and are currently in the process of reinitiating negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement this year.

Canadian investors have shown interest in sectors such as education, infrastructure, finance, and clean energy in Viet Nam.

Pham Hong Hai, vice chairman of Thien Viet Securities Company and former National Director of HSBC Bank, Canada, said Canada is an ideal partner due to its stable macroeconomic and political environment, advantageous geographic location, abundance of skilled labour, clear legal system, and lower corporate taxes compared to the US and the EU.

The event was organised by the HCM City Center for Trade Promotion and Investment (ITPC) and the Vietnam-Canada Business Association (VCBA).  VNS
HAI PHONG  The northern port city of Hai Phong has continued to be an attractive destination for foreign investors as it lured nearly US$3.1 billion in foreign investment over the past 10 months of this year, up 68 per cent year-on-year.

The city's 10-month foreign investment attraction was also 53 per cent higher than its yearly target, said Chief of the Office of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tu.

In September alone, the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA) granted licences to some foreign-invested projects with a combined investment capital of nearly $1.4 billion.

Among these projects included a $500 million hi-tech biodegradable material factory project being developed by Ecovane Co, a subsidiary of the South Korean SK Group in DEEP C Hai Phong I Industrial Zone; a BW ready-built factory worth $60 million; a $40-million auto parts manufacturing plant by Chinas CCTY Bearing Co and $30 million plant producing valve and plumbing accessories.

Besides newly-invested projects, HEZA also allowed Japan's Kyocera Document Solutions Inc to pour an additional $237.5 million into its machine and equipment manufacturing plant project, raising the projects total investment to $425 million.

To attract new investors, Hai Phong has pooled all possible resources to establish South Hai Phong Economic Zone and embarked on building new industrial zones as planned, the HEZA director Le Trung Kien said.

At the same time, it has also pumped investment into transportation infrastructure, and seaports, along with a system of standard and modern warehouses ready to meet the needs of investors, Kien said.

The city has been also upgrading the power grids to stably supply electricity for industrial parks and investors, expediting the completion of social housing infrastructure to ensure stable accommodations for workers, and accelerating digital transformation in service of the public and businesses.

"With concerted solutions and a commitment to create the best conditions for investors and businesses, Ha Phong pledges to become an ideal destination for them with all possible support for their most efficient operations," Kien said.

In the first half of this year, HEZA has contacted and worked with nearly 500 investors and businesses to provide information on the environment and preferential investment policies, regularly and actively supported enterprises in the process of deploying projects, production, and business activities, contributing to creating safe, friendly and attractive investment environment for investors.

To date, Hai Phong has lured over 1,000 foreign-invested projects valued at nearly $28 billion, including 708 projects, worth $38.1 billion, in industrial and economic zones.  VNS
LAO CAI  A conference to promote investment, trade and tourism among Ha Noi and the Northwest provinces took place in Lao Cai Province on Thursday afternoon.

The conference saw the participation of over 200 delegates, including leaders of the departments of industry and trade; departments of planning and investment; centres for investment, trade and tourism promotion of Lao Cai, Lai Chau, ien Bien, Hoa Binh, Son La and Yen Bai, and some others; besides representatives of business associations, businesses, investors, domestic and foreign distributors.

The event aimed to better introduce the investment and business environments of Ha Noi, Lao Cai and other provinces in the Northwest region, and their potential in investment, trade and tourism, said Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Promotion Agency Le Tu Luc.

It was also expected to support enterprises to advertise their products and seek cooperation opportunities, promoting the implementation of the Vietnamese people prioritise Vietnamese goods campaign, Luc said.

Luc added that the event also demonstrated the capital city's commitment to accompanying businesses in these provinces to accelerate the consumption of Vietnamese products in local and foreign markets with an attempt to speed up their socio-economic development and cement the relationships among Ha Noi and localities nationwide.

According to Luc, Ha Noi has always affirmed its leading position in attracting foreign investment as the city has been constantly improving the investment and business environment, actively reviewing administrative procedures, and simplifying and speeding up the time for businesses and investors to fulfil procedures.

At the same time, local authorities also held dialogues with businesses to remove obstacles in doing business in the city, besides investment and trade promotion activities in domestic and key international markets, he noted.

Statistics from the municipal Department of Planning and Investment revealed that Ha Noi attracted over US$2.6 billion worth of foreign investment over the past 10 months, ranking third in the country.

During the period, about 340 new projects were registered in the city with a total registered capital of $321 million. Foreign investors also increased their capital by $242 million during the period.

From January to October, the city welcomed 20.7 million tourists, up 34.4 per cent year-on-year. Of the sum, international arrivals hit 3.6 million, 3.5 times higher than the same period last year, while the remainder of 17.1 million was local visitors, up 19 per cent year-on-year.

The city earned revenue of VN76.3 trillion from tourism activities during the 10 months, surging 66.7 per cent over the same period last year.

For his part, Ha uc Binh, Director of the Centre for Industry Promotion and Trade Promotion of Lao Cai, said his province was considered a trade transit point on the Kunming-Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong- Quang Ninh Economic Corridor that connected Viet Nam and ASEAN countries with China's southwest localities.

Every year, a large amount of agricultural and seafood products were exported through Lao Cai International Border Gate.

Binh said Lao Cai Province was striving to become a centre that could facilitate economic relations among Viet Nam, and other ASEAN countries with the Southwest region of China with open mechanisms and preferential policies to attract investment, and promote trade and tourism.

Currently, the province is home to 28 valid foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of nearly $686 million. It has also 12 domestically-financed projects worth over VN5.66 trillion.

The province's trade turnover topped $1.76 billion over the past 10 months or equivalent to 35.2 per cent of the yearly target.

In terms of tourism, it received over 6.49 million visitors including 416,000 foreigners in the reviewed period, up 66 per cent year-on-year or 8 per cent higher than the yearly goal. Its tourism revenue also saw a strong growth of 45 per cent to over VN19.84 trillion.

During the conference, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were sealed among businesses and associations including an MoU inked between Lao Cai Business Association and the Ha Noi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises; an MoU signed between TraphacoSapa Co and Ha Noi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and an MoU inked between HanoiTourist Co and Lao Cai Business Association.

Business matching sessions to help participating businesses seek new co-operation opportunities were also held along with the event.

Meanwhile, an exhibition showcasing typical products from Ha Noi and some Northwest provinces such as OCOP goods, handicrafts and farm produce opened its doors on Thursday in Lao Cai City.

Covering 3,000sq.m, the expo also introduces the achievements, potential and investment environment of Ha Noi city and some localities in the Northwest region, and their tourism potential and products.

The event will run until Sunday.  VNS
HA NOI  An online workshop discussing measures to further promote the export of products to Africa and the Middle East was held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)s Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency on Thursday.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Minh Phuong, head of the West Asia  Africa Office under the MoIT 's Department of Asia  Africa Markets noted that Middle Eastern countries must import up to 80 per cent of food and foodstuffs, equivalent to US$40 billion each year, while African countries also import goods with similar value every year. Notably, the requirements for quality and product design of these markets are not too strict.

Truong Xuan Trung, who is in charge of the Vietnam Trade Office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said all Vietnamese goods can be exported to this market if they meet standards, noting that the UAE is also a regional and global transit centre, so there is potential to re-export goods from this market.

According to Trung, Viet Nam is the largest exporter of agricultural products to the UAE among ASEAN countries. In the first 10 months of 2023, Viet Nam's export of cashew nuts, rice, fruits and vegetables, and tea increased by 60 per cent, 30.9 per cent, 18 per cent and 15.4 per cent, respectively.

Notably, agricultural products exported to the UAE are not yet subject to taxes, therefore, Vietnamese goods, even without the geographical advantage, can still compete in this market, Trung noted.

Furthermore, the UAE is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), so Vietnamese goods exported to the UAE and re-exported to other GCC countries are not subject to double tax.

Nguyen Duy Hung from the Vietnam Trade Office in Egypt said agricultural products including tea, pepper, cashew nuts, coconut rice, coffee, and seafood are the main exports of Viet Nam to Egypt. However, these products are facing fierce competition from similar goods from other countries.

A representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Nigeria emphasised that as the most populous country in Africa and the fastest-growing consumer market in the world, Nigeria is a potential market for Vietnamese goods. The countrys consumption growth is predicted to surge by 150 per cent to $603 billion in 2030 from $240 billion in 2023. Nigeria is also forecast to be the world's largest rice importer in 2024 with a total volume of about 2.1 million tonnes.

Speakers advised domestic exporters to be cautious in trade transactions with partners in Africa and the Middle East, saying that the risk in payment is the most important issue to pay heed to.

Businesses should choose a safe payment method such as a letter of credit (L/C) to avoid fraud, they said.  VNS
THUA THIEN-HUE  Mangrove forests are a precious resource for local communities and a significant component of blue carbon ecosystems, making them a valuable asset in the context of sustainable carbon financing and climate change mitigation.

The important role of mangrove forest was shared at an international workshop: Leveraging Plural Values of Mangroves for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Goals, which was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Thua Thien Hue provincial Peoples Committee, with the participation of global experts, government officials, and local stakeholders.

The event created an opportunity for global south countries to learn good practices and share lessons and experiences relating to mangrove forest management, protection and development, the inclusion of mangroves in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and harnessing the potential of mangroves blue carbon by financing mangrove protection and restoration efforts.

Participants explored the multifaceted role of mangroves in environmental and community well-being during the two-day event.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quoc Tri emphasised the Vietnamese government's dedication to enhancing forest management policies. He highlighted the importance of improving the effectiveness and economic value of coastal mangrove forests in Viet Nam.

"The ministry will continue to direct specialised units to refine forestry policy mechanisms for governmental approval and develop technical guidelines. I urge coastal provinces to intensify forest protection and coastal afforestation efforts," he said.

Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Viet Nam Resident Representative, praised Viet Nam's leadership in mangrove conservation. She highlighted collaborative projects undertaken with MARD, including the planting and rehabilitating of over 4,000ha of mangrove forests, and an upcoming project financed by Canada to protect and generate an additional 600ha.

She also mentioned the collaboration under UNDP's Climate Promise, supported by the UK Government, to conduct carbon stock assessments across Viet Nam's 28 coastal provinces and identify sustainable financing pathways and the potential of high-integrity carbon markets under future implementation of the Paris Agreements Articles 6.2 and 6.4. by the province.

"The rapid loss of mangroves poses a severe threat to coastal resilience, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on these ecosystems for sustenance. The restoration of mangroves is not merely an environmental imperative; it is a moral obligation to future generations," she highlighted.

Alex White, Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the United Kingdom, said: "The UK recognises the importance of mangrove forests in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, and their valuable role in supporting climate resilient and nature positive green growth. Our collaboration with the UNDP on forests, land use and nature centres on understanding the benefits of these important ecosystems, and it is good to see examples of our joint work in Viet Nam.

Clea Paz-Rivera from UNDP underscored the global significance of mangroves in carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

Vu Tan Phuong from the Viet Nam Forest Certification Office (VFCO) presented the critical role of Viet Nam's forestry sector in carbon storage and emission reduction, the forestry development strategy, and GHG mitigation measures that align with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate targets.

He also shared the carbon market development plan that focuses on creating a legal framework and infrastructure for carbon trading, aiming to engage the private sector in low-carbon economy development and leverage business competitiveness.

Experts from Sri Lanka and Indonesia also provided insights on mangrove rehabilitation initiatives in their respective countries, emphasising the urgency of preserving these vital ecosystems in the face of global climate challenges.

Maitreyee Mukherjee, an expert from Singapore, analysed carbon markets, carbon taxes and Emission Trading Systems (ETS) and their potential role in sustainable forest management, highlighting the importance of carbon credits in global environmental strategies.

Singapore is the first ASEAN country to launch a progressive carbon tax in 2019, covering 80 per cent of national carbon emissions and providing an economy-wide price signal.

The Thua Thien Hue plain along the sea coast has many lagoons, such as Tam Giang, Thuy Tu and Lap An, where almost all the rivers of the province converge before flowing into the sea through the mouths of Thuan An and Tu Hien, or through the great lagoon of Lang Co.

The Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system, the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia, covers the districts of Phong ien, Quang ien, Huong Tra, Phu Vang and Phu Loc, and is well known for its biodiversity, with 21 endangered species and 921 water species, including rare fish and plants. It also supplies food and shelter to 73 migrating bird species. VNS
QUANG NAM  The inauguration of a monument honouring Portuguese missionary Francisco de Pina (1585-1625)  the founder of the modern writing system of the Romanised Vietnamese script  will be held in Guarda City, Portugal on Sunday.

Secretary of the Chu Quoc Ngu (national Romanised Vietnamese script) Foundation, Nguyen Bich Thuy said the copper-cast monument was made by artisans in the craft village of Phuoc Kieu in the central province of Quang Nam.

She said the symbol was being shipped to Guarda City for installation at the Eduardo Lourenco Library Park in Guarda City.

Thuy said work on the monument began on December 15th, 2020  the day that Francisco de Pina died in waters off Hoi An 395 years ago.

The upper part of the monument was designed based on a vessel Francisco de Pina used to travel Viet Nam in the 16th century, while the lower part was decorated with patterns of ong Son Culture bronze drums.

She said a delegation from the foundation, donors and overseas Vietnamese living in the European Union would participate in the monument inauguration ceremony.

According to Professor Nguyen ang Hung from University of Liege, in Belgium, the foundations members had two visits to Guarda City for the proposal of installing the monument honouring the founder of todays Romanised Vietnamese script.

Hung, who is President of the foundation, said the authority of Guarda City approved the proposal and the monument will be set up in the hometown of Francisco de Pina.

He said de Pina was born in Guarada, a remote area in the north of Portugal, and joined the Jesuit order at the age of 19. The Portuguese was then sent to Hoi An in 1617.

Hung said de Pina was the only western missionary who spoke Vietnamese fluently when he came to Hoi An, and he could preach to local people without an interpreter.

The priest then set up the first school at Thanh Chiem for teaching Vietnamese Romanised script and religious education in 1619, Hung said, adding the church and school was built in 1623.

Hung explained that the creation of the Romanised Vietnamese script helped many Vietnamese people learn to read and write more easily.

According to an old document, de Pina drowned in 1625 after a hurricane hit the sea off Hoi An when he and his assistants were on board a small boat bringing documents to a larger Portuguese vessel.

The central Quang Nam Province has been planning a restoration of the defunct Thanh Chiem Palace (1602-1883)  a cradle of the Romanised Vietnamese script in linkage with Francisco de Pina, and then his student French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes (1591-1660).

At a scientific workshop on the Romanised Vietnamese script, researchers said there were three tombs where missionary priests had been buried in the Andre Phu Yen churchs graveyard in ien Ban town.

Priest Joseph Nguyen Thanh Tung, who now manages Andre Phu Yen Church, said Jesuit priests were often laid to rest at the church when they passed away.

Priest Tung said while removing three ancient tombs at Church, workers found European designed wooden coffins and big bones that would indicate burial 400 years ago.

Some suspect that one of ancient tombs was the resting place of Francisco de Pina.

The old documents revealed priest Francisco de Pina had lived in the church for missionary work, and taught Romanised Vietnamese script at the nearby Thanh Chiem Palace, according to Priest Tung.

De Rhodes completed a Portuguese-Vietnamese-Latin dictionary that used material from de Pinas dictionary, which helped make it possible to translate Vietnamese into Russian, French, Italian and Japanese, Hung said.

He added the introduction of Romanised Vietnamese script was also contributed by the others from Europe as well.

In 2018, representatives of the foundation also set up a statue in honour of French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes at Isfahan, Iran. VNS
HONG KONG  Frigate 016-Quang Trung with a delegation of the Viet Nam Peoples Navy (VPN) on Friday arrived at the Stonecutters Island port, commencing a friendship visit to Hong Kong after attending the Peace and Friendship 2023 joint exercise in Chinas Guangdong Province.

It is the first time that China has invited foreign naval ships to visit Hong Kong since the region's return to the country in 1997, demonstrating China's goodwill and respect toward its relations with countries participating in the exercise, including Viet Nam. In addition to Viet Nam, the navies of Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand also visit Hong Kong this time.

Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation at port, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Navy Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei affirmed that China will create favourable conditions for the delegation to have a successful trip, contributing to the consolidation and enhancement of the sound relationship between the navies of Viet Nam and China.

While in Hong Kong, the delegation will tour the garrisons exhibition centre and take part in various cultural, sports, and culinary exchange activities.

The visit lasts until November 27.

Captain of Frigate 016-Quang Trung Lieutenant Vu Trong Tan told the Vietnam News Agency that the exercise provides an opportunity for the forces of the participating countries to engage in exchanges and military cooperation. It helps them strengthen mutual trust and understanding, and enhance their capabilities in counter-terrorism and maritime security maintenance within the region.  VNS
HA NOI  In the 3rd Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Viet Nam fully supported 220 out of 291 recommendations it received, increasing by 13 per cent from the 2nd Cycle.

That was the remark made by Ramla Khalidi in her role as UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Viet Nam, in the consultation workshop on the country's draft national report for the 4th Cycle on Friday.

She said the UPR process was not a one-time review event. It called for commitments to go beyond mere reporting and actively engage in implementing UPR recommendations.

The commitments include all international human rights obligations such as Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures, and those embedded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

She also said that in the 3rd Cycle, Viet Nam's 2019 National Master Plan played a key role in the implementation of accepted recommendations. She hoped the government would continue the good practice by creating a National Master Plan for the 4th Cycle.

"I look forward to seeing Viet Nam continuing to demonstrate its leadership in the protection and promotion of human rights both at home and at the global level," said Ramla Khalidi.

o Hung Viet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, said that over the past four years, Viet Nam had spared no effort in implementing the recommendations it received in the 3rd Cycle.

By October 2023, the country had fully implemented 209 out of the 241 recommendations (86.7 per cent). The implementation of 30 was ongoing whereas the remaining two required further consideration on timing for implementation.

He took the country's achievements in poverty reduction as an example to illustrate how well it had implemented the recommendations on poverty. One of the achievements was the recognition of Viet Nam as being among 25 countries to successfully halve their global multidimensional poverty index (MPI) within 15 years in the latest MPI update.

"In his visit to Viet Nam earlier this month, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development remarked that Viet Nam, despite being hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of global conflicts, had made great strides in multidimensional poverty reduction," said Viet.

Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Viet Nam, presented several comments on the national draft report.

The first comment was on its structure, which he recommended considering the grouping of the rights and issues according to the OHCHR guidelines to avoid gaps. He also recommended clearly linking the content of the recommendations with the achievements noted in the report.

Regarding its content, he said it could be useful to strengthen the linkages between results achieved and back them with solid data and evidence. References to reputable sources could be consolidated to support several statements of the progress made throughout the draft.

His next recommendation was that Viet Nam use the SDG framework to structure the recommendations along thematic areas and measure the progress according to the SDG indicators.

"Viet Nam can promote good practising standards in the development of the state report, and during its participation in the review session in Geneva in May next year," said Patrick Haverman.

He also said Viet Nam should consider the report as an opportunity to showcase its progress towards voluntary pledges as a council member and to explore the advances that had been made towards the 50 recommendations from the 3rd Cycle which were noted and not accepted.  VNS
OSLO  Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan had a meeting with Crown Prince of Norway Haakon Magnus in Oslo on Thursday (local time) as part of her ongoing visit to the northern European country.

Highlighting the growth of the Viet Nam-Norway relations in all fields, Vice President Xuan said that the two sides should maintain high-level visits to strengthen political trust and enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation.

She proposed that the two sides should build legal frameworks to create foundation for bilateral relations, while expanding collaboration in new areas such as culture, education-training, science-technology and people-to-people exchange, and strengthening coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

The Vietnamese Vice President said she hoped Norway would help speed up the negotiation for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and support Viet Nam to implement its commitment within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus recalled his strong impression when seeing the great changes in Viet Nam during a visit to the country in 2014, and said that Viet Nam is an important partner of Norway.

He showed concern about the impacts of climate change on the Mekong Delta and pledged that the Royal Family and the Government of Norway would continue to support Viet Nam in responding to climate change, promoting green transition and developing renewable energy.

The Crown Prince highly valued Viet Nams commitments made at international forums on green transition, especially the net-zero emission commitment by 2050. He pledged that Norway would cooperate with and support Viet Nam in realising these commitments.

On the occasion, Vice President Xuan extended President Vo Van Thuongs invitation to King Harald V to visit Viet Nam, and invited the Crown Prince and Princess to visit Viet Nam again in 2024.

The same day, Xuan held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss cooperation orientations and measures to bolster and deepen the friendship and partnership between Viet Nam and Norway.

The Norwegian PM said that the Vietnamese Vice Presidents visit reflected the strong commitment of the two countries to promoting bilateral ties. He said he was impressed by Viet Nams achievements in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those on poverty reduction and gender equality. PM Store congratulated Viet Nam on its election to the UN Human Rights Council for the second time, and expressed hope to cooperate closely in this field.

Xuan affirmed that Viet Nam highly valued the effective and precious support that the Government and people of Norway had given to Viet Nam over the years, helping Viet Nam promote socio-economic development and complete Millennium Development Goals.

The two sides agreed on the need to maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high level, and consider the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership framework in areas matching each others strengths and demands. They concurred to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums and in settling global challenges.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two sides noted the progress in bilateral trade and investment partnership, with Viet Nam becoming the second largest trade partner of Norway among ASEAN member countries.

The two sides agreed to support and encourage Norwegian businesses to increase investment in Viet Nam, and coordinate with each other in promoting the negotiation of the FTA between Viet Nam and the EFTA, thus opening up new economic cooperation opportunities between the two sides and benefiting enterprises of the two countries.

They vowed to strengthen collaboration within the JETP framework through support in finance, technology transfer, human resources development and institution-building experience sharing.

The Norwegian PM expressed his hope to form strategic cooperation mechanisms in specific areas such as green transition, circular economy and green economy.

The two leaders agreed on the necessity to expand cooperation in the fields of education-training, science-technology, social welfare, climate change, security, defence, and people-to-people exchange.

PM Store affirmed that the Norwegian Government would continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country.

Regarding international and regional issues, the two leaders agreed that the two sides would continue to work closely with each other at regional and international forums, especially the UN and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world on the basis of respect for international law and fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

Vice President Xuan conveyed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs invitation to PM Store to visit Viet Nam.

Also on Thursday, Vice President Xuan had a meeting with President of the Norwegian Parliament Masud Gharahkhani who hailed Viet Nams positive engagement in dealing with global challenges, especially those in climate change with the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Xuan proposed that the Norwegian Parliament support the establishment of legal frameworks facilitating bilateral cooperation in areas matching each others strengths and demands, such as green transition, climate change and circular economy.

The Vietnamese Vice President said she hoped Norway would help speed up the signing of an FTA between Viet Nam and the EFTA, and provide Viet Nam with financial resources and institution-building experience, and human resources training support to realise the countrys international commitments, especially those made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and within the JETP framework.

The Norwegian parliament leader agreed with Xuan on the need to beef up cooperation to optimise each others advantages and potential, saying that the Norwegian Parliament supported collaboration with Viet Nam in green transition and creates favourable conditions for Norwegian firms to strengthen partnerships with Vietnamese peers.

The legislatures of Viet Nam and Norway should strengthen the exchange of delegations and experience in building policies and laws to deal with challenges in socio-economic development in each country, he said.

On the occasion, Vice President Xuan conveyed an invitation from Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue to the Norwegian Parliament President to visit Viet Nam.

Earlier the same day, Vice President Xuan received Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery who underlined that Norway and Viet Nam shared the same commitment to promoting gender equality.

The minister expressed hope that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in this field and continue to effectively coordinate with each other in this area at multilateral forums, especially the UN. VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Transport (MoT) will continue to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to review and refine the draft Law on Roads and the draft Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order, ensuring consistency, avoiding duplication, and facilitating the application of laws.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang made this statement on Friday during parliamentary discussions on the matter.

During the debate, the majority of deputies agreed on the separation of the 2008 Road Traffic Law into two laws.

Road traffic order and safety will come under security, order, safety, and society; while the construction, development and management of road traffic infrastructure, transport management and road transport support services will belong to the economic and technical sector.

However, according to delegate Nguyen Hai Dung from Nam inh Province, there are still many difficulties in building these two laws, and it is necessary to make a clear distinction for the transition to one law or for coexistence between two laws.

Regarding the land fund allocated for road traffic infrastructure, transport minister Thang said that this regulation had been revised and supplemented to ensure feasibility.

The draft law adds provisions for special areas to ensure the land fund ratio according to general regulations, taking into account the need to preserve historic urban areas and urban areas in mountainous regions, border and island areas, and areas with challenging terrain.

Regarding the financial sources for investing in the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of road infrastructure, there is a suggestion to assess the necessity of supplementing tolls for the use of expressways in addition to the tolls for using roads through vehicles.

Thang said the ministry had undertaken a study on toll collection for expressways invested by the State, analysing and evaluating the impacts in cases of toll collection and non-toll collection for State-invested expressways.

To ensure the appropriateness between the fee level and the quality of services enjoyed by users, the draft law had included provisions based on the principle that people using higher-quality services would have to pay a higher fee. Users also have the right to choose parallel routes.

The fee levels would be determined for each expressway to ensure suitability for the operational conditions of each region and in line with the quality of services. This would ensure that the State receives returns from its investments to reinvest in infrastructure, including annual costs, and balances the interests of both the citizens and the State.

"At present, toll collection through vehicles only meets 35-40 per cent of the maintenance needs. Therefore, if the expressway system is constructed and completed without tolls, the maintenance budget will be significantly deficient, posing substantial challenges," the minister said.

Regarding the general regulations for expressways, Thang said that the draft law had stipulated that the investment in expressways must be comprehensive, including phased investment in expressways. Specific requirements for phased investment in expressways would be researched and regulated by the Ministry of Transport in the national standards for expressway design.

The minister also said that based on the practical experience of investing in transportation infrastructure, land clearance had consistently been a complex issue, leading to complaints, slow progress, and overinvestment.

Additionally, policies and compensation rates were frequently adjusted. Supplementary land clearance for expansion within a complex plan incurred significantly higher costs compared to a single clearance effort.

The head of the Transport Ministry emphasised that for expressways, it was essential to invest in a comprehensive system of access roads and side roads.

Learning from practical problems, in the Resolution on investment policies for a number of expressway projects, the National Assembly had stipulated that site clearance should be a one-time effort following a specific scale and plan.

In the field of road transportation, minister Thang said that according to the draft Law on Road, the application of software to support the connection of car transportation was not considered a transportation business activity.

Only when an organisation or an individual provides software services to support road transportation by car and engages in at least one of the vehicle management and driving stages, or makes decisions regarding transportation fares for the purpose of profit, would it be considered a transportation business activity.

On the same day, the National Assembly approved the Law on Telecommunications (revised).

The document sailed through the legislature with 473 yes votes, or 94.74 per cent of the NA deputies.

Earlier, legislators opined on the exemption and reduction of financial contributions by businesses to the Vietnam Public-Utility Telecommunication Service Fund, along with telecom resources, and telecom auctions.  VNS
OSLO  A joint press release on the talks between Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store has been released.

The joint press release said that at the invitation of the Norwegian Prime Minister, Vice President Xuan is paying an official visit to Norway from November 23-25. The visit reflects the strong commitment of both sides to enhance long-term friendship and multifaceted cooperation. Both sides affirmed their commitment to deepening political ties through high-level visits and strengthening existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

They discussed the possibility of establishing strategic cooperation in the fields of green energy transition and sustainable maritime economy, and expressed their wish to step up negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), thereby further promoting trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Underscoring the importance of cooperation within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), they showed interest in collaboration in fisheries, education, culture, science and technology, child protection, gender equality, as well as national defence and security.

They acknowledged that the Vietnamese community serves as a friendship and cooperation bridge in promoting the ties between the two countries' people.

On global and regional issues, they showed support for the settlement of disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with widely recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter.

Both sides agreed with the content of the visa exemption agreement for holders of Vietnamese and Norwegian diplomatic passports and affirmed their commitment to signing the agreement in the near future.

Welcoming the important developments in bilateral ties in recent years, they expressed their desire to continue strongly promoting and expanding this relationship. They were satisfied with the visit's outcomes, considering an important step in enhancing friendship and and cooperation between Viet Nam and Norway, said the joint press release.  VNS
HCM CITY  Two Vietnamese female flight attendants have been acquitted in a cannabis oil trafficking case in South Korea, according to Vietnamese police.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Vien, director of the Police Department for Drug-related Crimes (C04) under the Ministry of Public Security, confirmed that, the two crew members have been acquitted by the first-instance court.

However, he did not disclose the airline to which the crew members belong.

The court in Seoul dismissed the suspicion of smuggling marijuana oil hidden in cargo for the two flight attendants when the suspected drug courier was caught, according to Vien.

"The case is still in the process of appeal, and the two flight attendants have not been able to return to Viet Nam," he noted.

In early September, the attendants were arrested when bringing in a total of 300 million won (US$225,000) worth of liquid marijuana hidden in 50 cosmetics containers from Viet Nam to Incheon International Airport.

According to South Korean media, the two attendants are in their 20s and were facing charges of violating South Koreas Narcotics Control Act.

During the police investigation, they denied the charges, saying they did not know that they were carrying drugs and only delivered them after receiving an order from an acquaintance to bring cosmetics to South Korea.

In a related issue, in March, customs officers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City found 157 toothpaste tubes containing a total of 11.284kg of ketamine and MDMA in the luggage of four Vietnamese flight attendants.

The attendants admitted to transporting the drug-filled tubes for a fee of VN10 million, claiming they were unaware of the drugs inside. They were later released.

The police have instructed local airlines to advise employees about the possibility of being used by drug criminals for drug trafficking.

Vietnamese airlines are required to increase inspections of flight crews before and after flights and strictly adhere to regulations should any violations occur.  VNS
HA NOI  The Drug Crime Investigation Police Department (C04) under the Ministry of Public Security announced on Friday that it has smashed a cross-border drug production and trafficking ring and launched legal proceedings against seven suspects.

The ring was led by Liao Zhihuai, a 43-year-old Chinese national.

According to the agency, in early August 2023, the department was informed that two Taiwanese people intended to use fishing boats to transport drugs from Viet Nam to other countries for consumption via sea routes.

In early September, six suspects in the ring arrived in Viet Nam. They booked hotels, rented cars, hired translators, rented warehouses and bought 100 tonnes of cement to gather at a warehouse in Hong Bang District, the northern city of Hai Phong. Then, they left the country.

On September 20, two members of the ring entered Viet Nam. They moved to the warehouse in Hai Phong and directed the unloading of sacks containing drugs hidden in the warehouse.

Two days later, the agency in coordination with relevant agencies, including police of Ha Noi, Hai Phong, and Thai Binh, and the Viet Nam Immigration Department simultaneously arrested suspects involved in the case and searched the warehouse where a total of 750kg of ketamine was found. Liao was also taken into custody.

Expanding the investigation into the case, on September 24, the agency collaborated with Ha Tinh Police to arrest Pham Duy Khanh, a local resident, who was hired to transport sacks containing drugs to Viet Nam. The police seized 22 sacks containing 550kg of ketamine which was hidden in a fake gas tank and below the passenger seat, found after searching his car.

Liao told investigators that he and his accomplices set up a pharmaceutical company, then took advantage of it to buy precursors and chemicals to produce synthetic drugs. Finished drugs are transported to Viet Nam via road and gathered in Thai Binh, then brought to Hai Phong for export to third countries, he added.

The suspects' company was licensed to import 64 types of precursors, chemicals, and solvents with an amount of nearly 9,000 tons, worth more than US$5.7 million within a year, according to the investigators.

Further investigation into the case is underway.  VNS
by Thanh Nga

Uoc Le Village is a popular tourist destination not only due to its traditional craft of making pork paste but also because of the simple beauty of its ancient Vietnamese architectural works.

Located approximately 30km southwest of Ha Noi, in Tan Uoc Commune, Thanh Oai District, this village dates back 500 years. Its fame originates from the gio cha (pork paste) making profession that has been passed down through the generations.

According to the village elders, during the Mac Dynasty (1527-1592), a royal concubine from Uoc Le Village taught the villagers the art of making pork paste. This traditional craft became synonymous with Uoc Le Village, and its reputation spread throughout Vietnam and even beyond its borders.

However, the village's appeal extends beyond its renowned pork paste. It captivates tourists with its status as an ancient village that preserves the essence of Vietnamese culture. Within the village, visitors will find ancient village gates and several century-old houses.

Entering the village, visitors immediately encounter the ancient village gate. This unique and majestic architectural masterpiece shows the distinct sculptural art style of the Mac Dynasty. Situated behind a small curved bridge over a shallow moat, the gate is adorned with a pair of parallel sentences in Han (Chinese characters). These sentences express the villagers' desire for prosperous and successful business endeavours when venturing outside the village.

The village gate has an arched structure reminiscent of the roofs of ancient Vietnamese pagodas. It consists of two floors: the lower level features a plain brick wall and a wide archway, while the upper level houses a watchtower with a plate inscribed with the words 'Good customs to be followed.' These words were bestowed by the court in 1851, reflecting Uoc Le Village's history of taking care of the poor.

Surrounding the gate and the entire village is a small moat and dense bamboo hedges, typical of northern villages, serving as a protective barrier against potential thieves.

On the back of the gate, three words Thieu cao ai are inscribed. These words signify that the previous generations of the village have performed numerous virtuous deeds, ensuring prosperity for future generations. They also serve as a reminder to villagers to live ethically and engage in good deeds wherever they go, leaving behind a legacy of merit for their descendants.

Approximately 50m from the village gate lies the traditional ancient market, nestled in the shade of towering trees. The market's tile roofs, weathered by time, evoke a sense of nostalgia. According to the village elders, the market has existed since the construction of the main gate. The market operates for only two hours in the early morning, when traders bring their produce and sell it to the locals.

The village proudly retains its ancient and rustic characteristics, showcasing a typical northern countryside scene with banyan trees, communal wells, courtyards and ancient houses.

Local resident Trang Cong Tru said, "Currently, Uoc Le Village has around ten ancient houses, all preserving their original architecture from hundreds of years ago. The deeper you explore the village, the more ancient houses you will encounter. My own family's house, which is around 200 years old, has been passed down over generations."

Most of the ancient houses in the village feature five-pillar architecture, red-tiled roofs, and sculptural motifs emblematic of the imperial period's architectural style. The antiquity and longevity of these houses attract domestic film crews seeking authentic settings for their productions.

Nguyen Thi Huong, a 75-year-old resident of one of the oldest houses in the village, said: "The passage of time has given my house an ancient, moss-covered appearance, accompanied by signs of wear and tear. Although it has undergone repairs and restorations, my family strives to preserve its architectural features. This is a source of pride not only for my family but for the entire Uoc Le Village as well."

In addition to the numerous ancient houses, the village boasts six ancient wells dating back several hundred years. These wells are closely associated with religious structures within the village, such as communal houses and pagodas.

As we bid farewell to the village, the peaceful beauty, the refreshing air, and the timeless allure of the green bamboo, areca trees, walls, houses and gates remain etched in our memories forever. VNS
Despite many difficulties in export, there are still a number of products with export turnover growing at a very high level.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in the group of processed industrial goods, there are only a few key export products with high growth rates. Export turnover increased over the same period last year, such as Computers, electronic products, and components, up 0.7% (estimated at 47 billion USD); Means of transport and spare parts rose by 18.1% (estimated at 11.58 billion USD).

The Vietnam Electronic Business Association informed that more positive signals are appearing, thanks to customers in traditional markets releasing inventory.

With signs of a warming market, exports of computers and components will reach about 57 - 57.5 billion USD in 2023, an upsurge of more than 2 billion USD compared to 55.53 billion USD in 2022.

In the group of agricultural products, fruits, and vegetables stood out with an estimated export turnover of 700 million USD in October, a leap of 2.3 times compared to the same period in 2022, thereby soaring the total export turnover of fruits and vegetables in 10 months reached 4.9 billion USD, up 78.9% over the same period last year.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, China often has a high demand for dragon fruit at the end of the year. This is expected that dragon fruit exports will recover. Recently, coconuts were granted a "visa" to the US and along with negotiations to officially export coconut products to China, in the coming time, Vietnamese coconuts are expected to quickly become a billion-dollar commodity. These things contribute to increasing the export turnover of the entire fruit and vegetable industry in the coming up.

Ministries and branches continue to negotiate to open the market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables to potential markets, especially high-valued markets. Particularly for China, there is a protocol on products including Watermelon from a traditional export item to which signed protocol to standardize regulations; cold durian, chili, medicinal herbs, and citrus fruits. If the problems in exporting these products can be synchronously resolved, trade will be very favorable and the growth rate will be much greater.

Followed by rice. Although the volume of rice exports decreased by 1.8% in October, rice export turnover still increased by 27% over the same period last year thanks to rising export prices. Accumulated in 10 months, rice exports reached 7.1 million tons, a leap of 17% and rice export turnover reached 3.97 billion USD, a surge of 34.9% over the same period in 2022.

Implementing the National Trade Promotion Program, and promoting sustainable export of Vietnamese rice to China at the same time, the trade delegation of Vietnamese rice products in the Chinese market led by Mr. Tran Quoc Toan - Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department is the Head of the delegation with members who are officials from the Import-Export Department and the Trade Promotion Department - Ministry of Industry and Trade, with the participation of 19 rice export businesses completed the work program in Beijing city (China).

To consolidate and develop trade relations between the two countries in general and Vietnam-China rice trade in particular, especially for the Northern China market area, the Working Group proposed and achieved agreement. Assistance from state management agencies, associations, and agricultural, and food businesses, especially Chinese rice businesses strengthen trade support, establish information exchange channels, and timely coordination in resolving problems between businesses of the two countries, continuing to promote Vietnam's rice export activities to China in the coming time.

Besides, consider signing memorandums of understanding on promoting exports and trade promotion between the two countries. Supporting Vietnamese rice products to penetrate deeply into China's traditional retail market and e-commerce channels in the future, contributing to maintaining market share and increasing Vietnamese rice export turnover to China.

With positive and synchronous measures removing difficulties to support domestic production, promoting trade, and expanding export markets being strongly implemented, import and export activities continue to have positive results, regaining growth momentum in October 2023 after a slight downward trend last month.

Total import and export turnover of goods in October was estimated at 61.62 billion USD, up 4.1% over the previous month and up 5.6% over the same period last year. Overall for 10 months, total import and export turnover of goods is estimated at 557.95 billion USD, down 9.6% over the same period last year.
Da Nang is the only representative of Vietnam in the top Asia and ranked second in the list of 11 best places in Asia.

Conde Nast Traveler, the famous American travel magazine has just published a series of lists of must-have visiting destinations around the world in 2024. Da Nang is the only representative of Vietnam in the top Asia and ranked second on the list 11 best places in Asia that tourists should come to travel next year.

On November 15, the world's leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler announced a series of lists of the best destinations around the world to visit in 2024. On Asia's list, Da Nang is the only representative of Vietnam at the top, besides famous destinations such as Chinatown in Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu Valley (Nepal), Silk Road in Uzbekistan, Singapore, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, etc,...

To have a share in this list, Da Nang has overcome many strict criteria, especially the mark of a destination in 2024. This magazine commented: "After a period of gradually lifting travel restrictions and closing due to the pandemic, Asia has returned to welcoming tourists, brighter, bolder and more ambitious than ever. The continent wishes to remind international visitors of what they may be missing out on.

Da Nang is one of the most successful examples of Asia's post-Covid tourism recovery. In the first 9 months of 2023, Da Nang welcomed more than 1.6 million international visitors, exceeding the target set at the beginning of the year of welcoming 1.5 million. Many international flights have reopened from Da Nang airport, contributing to bringing more tourists to the city.

Son Tra Peninsula, located 20 minutes from the city center, is also a tourist attraction, which has the 17-storey, 67-meter-high Lady Buddha Statue as well as the endangered red-shanked douc langur living in the reserved nature. Some central region specialties such as Quang noodles are another feature of the journey to explore here. Hotel and resort developers have also taken notice of Da Nang's recent popularity.

Participants in voting for destinations are travel experts around the world. In addition to providing destination information, experts have to give convincing reasons why they need to visit this place. Asia took longer than other places to lift COVID-19 epidemic restrictions, but the tourism industry is considered to be recovering strongly
Vietnam is coming to terms with a great opportunity from shifting production trends to deeply participate in the global value chain and supply chain.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the advancement of the manufacturing and processing industry helped Vietnam become the world's new factory. Forecasts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) show that Vietnam will surpass the Philippines and Singapore to rank third in Southeast Asia in terms of economic scale with a GDP of more than 571 billion USD by 2025.

Capital flows into the manufacturing and processing industry increased.

Vietnam has truly become the world's rising manufacturing factory. Resolution 115/NQ-CP dated July 28, 2023, of the Government on solutions to promote the supporting industries' development with many new policies that are expected to create a strong stimulus for the processing industry, and manufacturing in the near future.

Giving a speech at the discussion "Sustainable supply chain: A new approach for businesses" taking place on November 16 within the framework of the Vietnam International Exhibition on Supporting Industries and Manufacturing Processing - VIMEXPO 2023, said Mr. Pham Thanh Tung - Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry and Trade said that foreign investors have tended to move into Vietnam recently.

" In 10 months of 2023, the total newly registered capital, adjustments and capital contributions, share purchases, and capital contributions of foreign investors reached more than 25 billion USD, an increase of 14.7% over the same period. More than 73% of capital flows flowed into the manufacturing and processing industry, an upsurge of 45% over the same period last year. New investment projects are concentrated in provinces and cities that focus on industry, aiming at global supply chains such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, etc... It can be said that Vietnam is currently a favorite destination for foreign investors. That will create conditions for Vietnam to participate in the global supply chain right at home. " - Mr. Pham Thanh Tung acknowledged.

Analyzing specifically, Mr. Pham Tuan Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry, said that in the development process, in Japan, and Korea... there are always large businesses and economic groups leading the development of other businesses. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed policies to support the formation of large manufacturing corporations in Vietnam.

However, this policy is not spread out but concentrated on fundamental, priority industries and sectors. This will be one of the important shifts in policy formulation to build an autonomous industry, helping Vietnam become the world's new factory, and an attractive investment destination for large global corporations to invest in Vietnam.

Businesses must be proactive.

Mr. Pham Tuan Anh acknowledged that with the consensus and determination of the Government, organizations, associations, and businesses, the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses will be strongly developed. Vietnam will gradually enhance its ability to participate in the global value chain, helping not only the supporting industry but also the processing and manufacturing industry develop rapidly.

At the seminar, speakers shared and discussed the topic of sustainable supply chains. Representatives of Toyota Vietnam Company gave a speech about Toyota Vietnam's efforts in developing a sustainable supply chain. In addition to providing assessments and comments on the Vietnamese automobile industry market, Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Deputy General Director of the Business Planning Department, Toyota Motor Vietnam Company also shared about the activities of Toyota Vietnam with efforts to develop supporting industries, contribute to environmental protection, along with efforts in policy dialogue with the Government, and propose ideas to develop a sustainable supply chain for supporting industries in Vietnam.

Commenting on current trends and requirements for suppliers, Ms. Do Quynh Chi, Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) stated that EU countries, the US, and soon Japan and Korea will follow the trend of reviewing human rights responsibilities. The leading enterprises are also currently conducting a comprehensive chain mapping, followed by determining the level of risk at levels and parts of the chain."

Regarding the trend of sustainable development and current requirements, he said that with a highly open economy and economic growth based on exports like today, Vietnamese industrial enterprises must be proactive. Actively improve management capacity, and technical qualifications and restructure production based on digital transformation, improving skills and human resource qualifications. Only then can we meet the strict requirements of multinational corporations in deeply participating in the global supply chain.

The representative of the Department of Industry also said that, in fact, the level of understanding and information grasp of a part of Vietnamese businesses, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, regarding responsible business is still limited. In particular, the concept of due diligence responsibility in the supply chain is still quite new in Vietnam.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Lien - Deputy Director of the Office of Employers of the Vietnam Confederation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) - said that gradually implementing the above things well will help businesses have the opportunity to attract investors, and interested customers, thereby increasing its position in a highly competitive context. This is also a big strength to help businesses develop more sustainably and long-term.
A wind turbine tower reportedly collapsed as it was being hoisted as part of the tower's installation. A total of five workers were working at the tower, with one person outside and four people inside.

One person is dead, one has been injured, and three people were rescued unharmed. The National Energy Bureau Xinjiang Supervision Office has issued an accident notice, and regional projects have been suspended.

The National Energy Bureau Xinjiang Supervision Office said that the accident was serious, and the consequences have been grave. The Chinese authorities are working with all stakeholders to address legal responsibilities to comply with regulations for the safety of those involved.

The project construction is now resumed, and one of the project's equipment supplier Windey Energy can start supplying total 84 units of its 7.X turbines including nacelle, hub and blade as scheduled.

Windey Energy Technology Group is a large listed enterprise in Zhejiang province, China. The group has already established a subsidiary named Hanoi Windey Operation and Maintenance Co., Ltd in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, Windey Energy Technology Group has supplied turbines for the 50MW onshore wind power project Tan Tan Nhat - Dak Glei in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.

Additionally, Windey Energy Technology Group also provides turbines for Ia Pech and Ia Pech 2 wind power plants in Ia Grai district, Gia Lai province with a total capacity of 100MW, and 50MW Win Energy Chinh Thang in Ninh Thuan province.

Localities pinning hopes on PDP8 to help beat the heat With clear evidence that Vietnams electricity structure is creaking under the current heat and grid overload, the Power Development Plan VIII contains the acute task of successfully implementing an equitable energy transition in association with smart grid construction and advanced power system management in line with a greener outlook.

Draft on new green power pricing structure expected in November The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is currently gathering data for a draft, expected in November, on the best approach to building a new pricing structure for solar and wind power.
At last weeks APEC Leaders Week organised in San Francisco, Vietnam suggested three key cooperation priorities for APEC. Specifically, it should boost cooperation in responding to climate change and green growth.

APEC Leaders Summit highlights cooperative power, Source:apec2023sf.org

APEC member states need to accelerate cooperation in goods trade and environmental services, green-biological-circular economy models, smart agriculture, just energy transition, and natural resources management, said Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition, APEC should take advantage of science and technology in service of inclusive and sustainable growth, it added.

APEC cooperation must be directed to supporting member economies to build digital infrastructure and labour, accessing and applying modern technology in industrial and agricultural production, fight against natural disasters, and educational and healthcare development.

What is more, APEC must take people as the centre of cooperation. APECs projects and activities need to contribute to constructing the just healthcare and educational systems, supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in expanding markets, and increasing the role of women in the society and economy.

Covering 21 economies making up 38 per cent of the global population, half of the worlds area, 61 per cent of GDP, and 47 per cent of global trade, APEC currently is home to nine strategic partners of Vietnam, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea; and five comprehensive partners such as the US, Canada, and Chile.

The APEC region is critical to the countrys security and development as it gathers 15 of the 30 strategic and comprehensive partners which are leading economic and trade partners of Vietnam.

Thirteen of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed or is negotiating are with 17 APEC members, and 17 out of 20 APEC member economies are Vietnams FTA partners. APEC contributes over 77 per cent of Vietnams trade, 81 per cent of the countrys foreign direct investment and over 85 per cent of the nations tourism turnover. APEC also accounts for 38 per cent of official development assistance in Vietnam.

Under APECs Bogor Goals, by 2020 all APEC member economies saw trade and investment liberalisation, through reduced trade barriers and the promotion of free flowing goods, services, and capital.

Funding from APEC economies into Vietnam has climbed remarkably, currently holding nearly 90 per cent of total foreign-invested projects, and $350 billion of total registered capital of $460 billion, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Nguyen Minh Hang - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs The decision to join APEC in 1998 was a strategic one in the countrys international economic integration, laying the foundation for global integration and contributing to the development of Vietnam as well as the wider region. Over the past 25 years, Vietnam has contributed actively, responsibly, and effectively to all areas of cooperation, leaving many important marks in the APEC process. Three outstanding marks can be emphasised. Firstly, Vietnam is one of the few economies that has twice been trusted and supported by members to host the APEC years in 2006 and 2017. Under the chairmanship of Vietnam, two APEC summits in Hanoi and the central city of Danang were both considered extremely successful, achieving important results with strategic significance for APEC as well as economic cooperation and linkages in the Asia-Pacific region. At APEC 2006, we made a major milestone with the Hanoi Action Programme aimed to implement the Bogor goals of trade and investment liberalisation. For the first time, APEC approved the idea of forming an Asia-Pacific free trade area, an overall orientation for APEC reform. In 2017, we proposed an initiative to build a new vision of APEC after 2020 and established the APEC Vision Group. This was an outcome demonstrating Vietnams long-term, comprehensive approach. It served as the foundation for APEC to pass the APEC Putrajaya Vision of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. Secondly, Vietnam is one of the most active members in proposing cooperative initiatives and projects, with nearly 150 projects. These cover many fields, from human resource development, promoting e-commerce, food security, and economic empowerment for women to rural and urban development, ocean waste, and response to climate change. These initiatives, on the one hand, promote APEC cooperation in accordance with the concerns and interests of members, while effectively serving Vietnams socioeconomic development goals. Thirdly, we have reaffirmed our role in promoting APEC cooperation programmes by assuming important positions in the forums mechanisms. Notable roles include the role of executive director of the APEC Secretariat, chair of the ASEAN group in APEC, and chair/vice chair of key committees and working groups of the forum. Vietnamese businesses also contribute and actively participate in the APEC Business Advisory Council and the APEC CEO Summit.

COP28 faces debate over controversy-mired carbon credits Controversial credits bought by corporations to offset their carbon emissions will be in the spotlight at UN climate talks next month.

Oil exec and climate champion? The man steering COP28 The Emirati oil boss preparing to take the helm of UN climate talks said he is stunned to hear that environmentalists suspect him of duplicity on climate change.

Targets to end fossil fuel at COP28 crucial: EU climate chief A demand for targets for the phase-out of fossil fuels in the final agreement of COP28 in Dubai is not frivolous but an urgent request backed by "crystal clear" science, Europe's climate commissioner told AFP on Tuesday.

COP28 turns attention to potent methane emissions Climate talks often revolve around reducing the most dangerous greenhouse gas CO2.
The first part of the competition ran from May 23 to September 9 after receiving more than 500 applications from across the country. Teams had to present their solutions and products, built around green and sustainable business models, while the organising committee selected the startups with the most potential. The ten best teams gathered in Ho Chi Minh City on November 24 for the final round of the contest.

Winning teams receive prizes with a total value of more than VND18 billion ($760,000). Winners also receive benefits to help them with market development, product promotion, communication, workspace support, exhibition display, and training.

The competition aims to connect domestic startups with the overseas Vietnamese community seeking innovative investment opportunities and has attracted thousands of startups, experts, investors, and investment funds from the technology sector in the past.

Speaking about the quality of the teams this year, Lam Quoc Thai, investment manager at VinaCapital Ventures and a semi-final judge, said, Teams that have reached the final 20 of the competition have all shown promise commercially and also in terms of their ability to create a positive social impact. We hope to have the opportunity to continue supporting many such startups in the future.

Will Klippgen, managing partner and co-founder at Cocoon Capital, and juror for the selection of the final 20 teams, said This year's competition demonstrates the diversity among participating startups. There are deep-tech startups and solutions targeting the industrial sector and state agencies, among many others."

Besides digital transformation platforms and services, there are also innovative solutions for new materials, bioplastics, degradable plastics, non-chemical disinfectants, and products related to energy storage and saving.

The names on the list of the final 10 teams at Techfest Vietnam 2023 are:

1. AIRX CARBON

2. BUYO

3. TOOTHLESS

4. PVA PRO

5. RARE COOLING

6. TRAINIZI

7. CENERGY

8. HUBTECH.ASIA

9. BEEKIDS

10. WESOLIFE

Techfest is the largest annual event for innovative startups in Vietnam, aiming to bring together experts and reputable startup support organisations at home and abroad to provide orientation for ecosystem development.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in coordination with various other government agencis and socio-political organisations within the startup ecosystem.

TECHFEST VIETNAM 2022 promotes startup ecosystem A seminar series on technology was held in Binh Duong over the weekend, looking at events related to national innovation.

Vietnam hosts TECHFEST in Australia for first time Vietnams Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Australias Monash University organised the first International TECHFEST in Melbourne on September 20, aiming to attract international resources to aid the development of Vietnams innovative startup ecosystem.
Not moving too fast

In August 2023, AkzoNobel, a supplier of paints and surface solutions, received an order from a large wood processing business. The factory needed a solution for surfaces with a metallic effect, water resistance, high durability, water-based raw materials, environmental friendliness, and, most importantly, minimal emissions for a high-end customer in the US.

Tee Loi Gan, South Asia technical service manager for Wood Finishes at AkzoNobel noted, This is a challenging requirement, and to meet it, AkzoNobels technical team had to research for months to find a solution for the customer.

According to Gan, apart from the high technical requirements, this order reflects the transformation of furniture companies in response to the green production trend. Furniture exports have long been associated with sustainability goals, specifically using legally sourced wood and avoiding harmful substances. However, the demand for sustainable consumption and increasingly strict controls from regulatory agencies are introducing new challenges to the industry.

Tee Loi Gan, South Asia technical service manager for Wood Finishes at AkzoNobel

The EUs overall climate ambition is to achieve neutrality by 2050. Therefore, products imported into the EU, including furniture, not only have to be produced from legally grown wood but also state the carbon footprint of their production process.

To Xuan Phuc, from the organisation Forest Trends commented, In addition to rising consumer demands for sustainability, these new standards pose many challenges for Vietnamese companies. There is still time, but without early preparation, the risk of losing a competitive advantage is very real.

A prominent example of losing a competitive edge is the sudden drop in orders for the garment and textile industry in favour of Bangladesh, a competitive rival. Some Vietnamese furniture manufacturers are taking this as a cautionary sign. However, their investment strategies and transformation approaches are cautious.

Dwayne Wood, CEO of Kaiser Vietnam, mentioned that since the beginning of their operations in Vietnam, Kaiser has strictly adhered to the countrys environmental regulations and import market requirements.

We pursue sustainable development targets, but we dont rush to be pioneers. We seek solutions to meet the markets current requirements without going too far to ensure our investments are optimised, he shared.

Green Partners, Green Processes

Wood stated that their factory has a suitable strategy to deal with the European Green Deal.

"Choosing like-minded partners is crucial, since furniture production requires companies to assemble an ecosystem of various suppliers. For paint, we chose AkzoNobel, a brand that guarantees the strictest green standards in the world," noted Wood.

According to the Kaiser executive, green suppliers will help companies ensure the greening of their entire furniture production process. Gan echoed this sentiment, stating that with a globally recognised brand like AkzoNobel, many furniture manufacturers automatically highlight its involvement to their customers as a guarantee of safety, environmental friendliness, and quality.

AkzoNobel currently has 4,000 scientists working to adapt to the global climate change challenges. They focus on testing and improving processes to minimise waste and conserve energy and other resources. As a result, the brand has set high green standards for its paint, providing premium, eco-friendly finishes and high-quality products. Its interior surface coatings are no exception to these standards.

The key is that we work closely with furniture manufacturers, provide training and guidance on usage, and improve performance to give them a competitive edge. Therefore, choosing a partner like AkzoNobel is an effective solution because it meets international certification requirements and provides technical support to achieve green production solutions, emphasised Gan.

The head of AkzoNobels interior paint division stated that compared to other countries like Singapore or Indonesia, the Vietnamese market has its unique dynamics. Furniture companies frequently require sample supplies quickly. Therefore, AkzoNobels technical team always needs to strive to meet these demands.

Thanks to suitable human resource development policies, AkzoNobel has a highly skilled technical team, with many members having over 20 years of experience. This advantage helps the company meet the constantly rising requirements of furniture manufacturing companies.

Gan predicted, In the future, with the specific commitments to sustainable development made at COP26, the Vietnamese governments policies will gradually move towards higher safety and environmental product standards. Furniture companies will need to be green, both in their exports and in the domestic market. Therefore, the requirements from furniture manufacturing companies will continue to rise even further.

AkzoNobel co-creates an exciting summer playground for children Dulux EasyClean from AkzoNobel held the Summer Playground - The Carefree Wall at AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon in Ho Chi Minh City on June 24. This is the second such offering after the summer playground at AEON Mall Binh Duong, providing children with the opportunity to play and create a fun space for themselves.

AkzoNobel awarded certificate for paint product AkzoNobel, a leading company in the paint and coatings industry, has been awarded a certification for one of its paint products.
The first five models from TVS are now available at all Minh Long Motor showrooms nationwide

Explaining the decision to enter the Vietnamese motorbike market at this time, J Thangarajan, president director of PT TVS Motor Co., said that the Vietnamese motorbike market has declined recently, but the company is still confident in joining the race.

"This is because consumers always expect new choices. With a diverse product line that integrates many new features, we can meet the expectations of Vietnamese customers," he added.

"Vietnam is on the rise, and mobility is a key driver of any economy. By launching our products in Vietnam, TVS Motor gets a chance to play a small part in charting the course of the Vietnamese economy. We will be unwavering in our commitment to ensure an exceptional ownership experience for our customers," said Thangarajan.

With prices ranging from VND26 to 36 million ($1,080 to $1,500), TVSs five models of scooters and underbone motorcycles are aimed at the Gen Z in Vietnam.

Entering the Vietnamese market is the company's second big step in the past two weeks, after announcing plans to enter the European market with a debut in France.

The company will take advantage of Minh Long Motors' extensive distribution network and in-depth market understanding to provide a number of high-class, two-wheeled vehicle models.

TVS Motor products are currently sold in more than 80 countries spanning Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Exports account for nearly 25 per cent of the company's business activities as of the first half of 2023  a testament to the firm's high quality, superior technology, and research and development capabilities.

TVS Motor Co. is one of the world's largest two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers. With four modern production facilities located in India and Indonesia, its products reach 80 markets worldwide.

The first five models are now available at all showrooms of Minh Long Motor nationwide.

Demand for motorbikes in Vietnam decreases by 10.9 per cent this year Vietnamese people's demand for motorbikes dropped 15.9 per cent in the first three quarters of this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New regulations on importing cars and motorcycles for non-commercial purposes The General Department of Taxation (GDT) recently requested tax departments in centrally-run cities and provinces to enhance tax administration for cars and motorcycles permitted to import or temporarily imported for non-commercial purposes.
With discussion around the topic of shaping the future of travel, Hotelbeds popular MarketHub Asia will bring 400 travel distributors from 16 source markets and 200 key clients from across the globe together in Bangkok.

This is the second time Hotelbeds has held their forum for the tourism and hotel industry in Thailand.

MarketHub Asia is an invitation-only event attended by key Hotelbeds partners from across Asia-Pacific and Middle East

Amari Watergate Bangkok will be the host venue and the event and will feature a dynamic series of interactive sessions, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to promote business growth and innovation.

Participants will hear valuable insights from travel industry leaders, as well as exchanges between a range of industry experts, helping to shape the future of travel in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Amari Watergate Bangkok is part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, an established hospitality management company with more than five decades of experience in the Southeast Asian hospitality industry.

MarketHub Asia showcases the value of bringing leaders from across the travel industry and beyond together to learn and uncover all the opportunities that lie ahead, said Carlos Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer of Hotelbeds.

We believe that with its strategic location in Bangkok, this event will provide a gateway for global travel professionals to tap into the potential of both the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets and explore business opportunities across the regions. MarketHubs return to Asia reflects the progress made in the travel sectors recovery and signifies renewed confidence in the future of tourism, he added.

The latest data from Hotelbeds shows that Thailand has experienced remarkable growth as a travel destination, with an impressive 180 per cent increase compared to this time last year. Among the top destinations chosen by travellers when visiting the country are Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, and Phuket.

This is supported by recent figures from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which indicate that the country has welcomed almost 12 million international tourists since the beginning of the year. SiteMinder, Meituan, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) found that Chinese travellers led the boom, with more than 1.3 million arrivals.

Previous editions of MarketHub, held in Amsterdam and Cancun earlier this year, were a resounding success, attracting industry professionals and thought leaders eager to collaborate, explore emerging trends, and showcase the industry's resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing environment.
Over the course of eight years in Vietnam, Mondelez Kinh Do has not only expanded its production and business activities but has also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

With a focus on contributing to society and adhering to sustainable development principles, the company has actively engaged in social responsibility initiatives, supported community-oriented projects, and fostered positive values within the community.

Mondelez Kinh Do implements a variety of community support initiatives

Since the beginning of 2023, Mondelez Kinh Do has collaborated with Foodbank Vietnam to provide over 27,000 boxes of assorted confectionery worth VND14 billion ($577,557), offering periodic support to more than 600 shelters, open houses, nursing centres, and for highland children and those facing challenging circumstances.

This outreach extends to supporting underprivileged patients in hospitals and contributing to various local community programmes, projects, and activities. It is estimated that over 132,000 individuals have benefited from these initiatives.

In collaboration with social organisations to spread the spirit of mutual support and solidarity widely, Mondelez Kinh Do staff took part in various meaningful volunteering activities like Blood Donation, Bep yeu thuong - Love Kitchen (preparing meals for people in difficulty, and Chao mua thu - Autumn's Congee in Hanoi, organised by Foodbank Vietnam.

Recently, over 50 volunteers from Mondelez Kinh Do joined forces to prepare more than 150 nutritious meals and distribute gifts to elderly residents at the Vinh Son nursing home in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, they collectively cooked over 1,000 porridge meals and distributed them to patients and their families facing difficult circumstances at the Thanh Nhan Hospital and Lung Hospital in Hanoi.

Mondelez Kinh Dos sustained efforts to support and collaborate with social organisations in Vietnam have played a pivotal role in delivering tangible value to the community

Anil Viswanathan, managing director of Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam said, "With the commitment to doing the right things, Mondelez Kinh Do has facilitated various social responsibility initiatives that foster positive values within the community. We are proud that through the collaboration with Foodbank Vietnam, thousands of underprivileged people have been supported by our impactful initiative. Mondelez Kinh Dos sustained efforts to support and collaborate with social organisations in Vietnam have played a pivotal role in delivering tangible value to the community."

We take pride in engaging our staff and social partners in meaningful social responsibility activities that contribute to the community, fostering a circular economy model, promoting environmental development, and aligning with the vision of building a sustainable business environment in Vietnam."

Recognising the impact of Mondelez Kinh Do's contributions, the company was honoured with the "Food Hero Awards 2023 - Honouring initiatives and efforts for real development in sustainable food."

This prestigious award, organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Food Transparency Association, Vietnam Food Bank, and Food Share, marks the first of its kind in Vietnam. It acknowledges Mondelez Kinh Do's outstanding efforts to positively impact the community, improve quality, transparency, and innovation in food, while also applauding its persistent commitment to reducing food waste and optimising the supply chain from production to final consumption.

Mondelez Kinh Do was honoured with the "Food Hero Awards 2023

Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam, a member of the world's largest snack company Mondelez International, stands out as one of the foremost food companies in Vietnam. Renowned for its confectionery brands such as Oreo, Ritz, Slide, Cadbury, and Toblerone, the company has aligned its mission with global sustainable development goals.

Mondelez Kinh Do is committed to supporting the social community and environmental awareness, and fostering mindful snacking and healthy consumption habits among consumers.

Mondelez Kinh Do launches solar energy projects In line with its target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam has announced solar energy projects for its Hung Yen and Binh Duong manufacturing centres, marking a bold step towards being a more sustainable food and beverage company. The projects are expected to reduce the CO2 equivalent of planting 7 million trees.

Mondelez Kinh Do inspires students to Go Green As one of the leading food and beverage companies in Vietnam, Mondelez Kinh Do is committed to playing a leading role in sustainable development efforts in the country through meaningful programmes.
Philippine residential fire kills 4 kids, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Hanoi  The Philippines authorities said four children, including an 11-month-old boy, died and two others were injured in a fire that occurred at a residential area in Cebu city in the central region on November 23.

The fire broke out at 5:51am (local time) and was stamped out after 20 minutes.

According to witnesses, the fire hit a house while the victims were sleeping on the second floor. The incident also injured two adults and burned down at least seven houses in the residential area.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Philippines sets ceiling on rice prices The Philippines has imposed ceilings on rice prices across the country amid an alarming increase in retail costs of the staple grain and reports of hoarding by traders.

Philippines seeks measures for cutting rice prices The Philippines is considering options other than a price ceiling to tackle high rice prices, the countrys National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has said.
At the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) and the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC). (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) and the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for 2023 - 2028 in Hanoi on November 22.

Accordingly, the two sides will support each other via humanitarian assistance in case of disasters, cooperate in international humanitarian aid, and work together to improve communities resilience to climate change.

They will hold healthcare training and experience sharing programmes, organise mutual visits and workshops to share experience in disaster prevention and response, and increase opinion exchanges between the VNRC and RCSC chapters of border provinces.

In addition, the two sides will encourage provincial chapters to hold exchanges, set up twin relations, sign cooperation agreements, and step up sharing experience in youth and voluntary activities.

Addressing the signing ceremony, VNRC President Bui Thi Hoa said that over the past years, the VNRC and RCSC have carried a number of bilateral cooperation activities and obtained important results. These include holding all-level mutual visits to learn experience from and support each other in case of disasters, coordinating in healthcare activities and disaster response in border provinces, providing training to improve Red Cross worker capacity, and help with sustainable forest development.

The VNRC called for the RCSCs support for the COVID-19 combat, she went on, noting that the Chinese side has also helped the VNRC implement the projects on improving communities resilience such as those on promoting communities response capacity, equipping them with first aid skills, improving water and hygienic conditions, and carrying out climate change response measures.

RCSC Vice President Ping Wang, who is in Vietnam to attend the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), expressed his hope that with the MoU signing, bilateral cooperation will develop more strongly in the time ahead.

Support provided to needy Vietnamese in Kiev The Vietnam Red Cross Society and the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine have provided cash support to 15 needy Vietnamese individuals and households in Kiev, who have been affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The event was a follow-up to a similar one hosted in Hanoi on October 18 as part of the framework to support the market development of innovative startups that was approved in Decision No.844/QD-TTg by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in May 2016 and implemented by the MoST.

The conference was attended by representatives of innovative startups, sci-tech enterprises, startup support organisations, universities, research institutes, IP service organisations, and other units under the MoST.

Discussions centred around the role of IP and industrial property information for innovative startups and sci-tech enterprises, proposals and recommendations on the effective use of industrial property information results, and tools for tapping into industrial property information to benefit startup activities.

Other topics were related to financial support policies from the National Technology Innovation Foundation Fund, support activities to enable the ecosystem to develop, and lessons from other countries to support innovative startups.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Can, from the VIPRI, said that the three most valuable forms of IP assets are customer databases (42 per cent), product technology (40 per cent), and research and development information (23 per cent)  based on a survey of 314 senior-level business managers in China, France, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States who work in consumer goods and retail, finance, energy, and natural resources.

IP assets play an important role for businesses. Those that own them generate an average revenue per person that is 20 per cent higher than those that do not, he noted.

At the event, experts also gave legal consultancy about IP to startups and sci-tech companies, and discussed issues related to finance, intellectual property valuations, and more.

Vietnam, RoK boost intellectual property cooperation The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPO) under the Ministry of Science and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) of the Republic of Korea (RoK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening intellectual property cooperation at a ceremony on June 22 in Hanoi.

Vietnamese firms get support to protect intellectual property abroad Registration for the protection of intellectual property rights of Vietnamese enterprises abroad is on the rise, contributing significantly to the process of entering foreign markets as well as promoting products.
Pollution is having a significant impact on the tourism industry, forcing businesses to quickly come up with appropriate strategies to achieve sustainable development.

Sarah Wang from the WTTC speaking at the Markethub conference

According to Sarah Wang from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector accounted for 8.1 per cent of the total emissions globally in 2019, and at one point increased to 9.8 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, the impact of the pandemic and changes in tourists travel preferences have made them more aware of the need to plan responsible trips, and this attitude is spreading that to businesses that provide tourism services.

The tourism industry is evolving and focussing on sustainability. We see a lot of investment in sustainable and green practices, Wang said.

Data from the technology platform Hotelbeds shows that 70 per cent of the travellers feel that they would like to be more eco-friendly, and 45 per cent of them consider that waste is the most important environmental issue.

Elena Perez, chief human resources officer of HBX Group, the umbrella organisation for several brands like Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, TravelStack, and Roiback, said that Hotelbeds has practical solutions to respond to tourism's emissions.

Luckily, were not a company that is responsible for large amounts of emissions. We have a plan to reduce them even further, which has been effective this year, she stated.

Hotelbeds has organised virtual events to share best practices from within the industry, and has some sound initiatives to raise awareness.

When we learned about a campaign to reduce single-use plastic from one of our partners, we did activities internally to drive the same thing, Perez said.

She added, "HBX Group planted around 12,000 trees in Thailand last year. We did the same in Mallorca, where they have space in the mountains to grow forest areas.

Sustainability is not a nice-to-have, it is a must, but it requires the effort and collaboration of all players in the sector, she commented.

The travel and tourism industry has made a strong recovery to pre-pandemic levels and is predicted to generate $10 trillion this year. It is set to become worth nearly $15 trillion in the next 10 years, according to data from WTTC.

New digital transformation initiatives for the tourism industry Vietnams first digital art space, SongLab, leverages state-of-the-art technology to create an innovative tourist experience. Spanning over 1,000 square metres, SongLab promises to bring visitors a unique experience when visiting the ancient capital of Hue.

MarketHub Asia kicks off in Thailand Hotelbeds' popular MarketHub is returning to Asia later this year to bring travel professionals from across the globe together in Bangkok from November 21-23, 2023.

Partnership to benefit 10,000 disadvantaged youth nationwide The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation on November 2 announced their continued partnership to support 10,000 disadvantaged youths across Vietnam.
Vietnam joins ballast water management convention, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Hanoi  The Government has agreed that Vietnam will join the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM).

A Government resolution to this effect was issued on November 23, under which the Ministry of Transport is assigned to coordinate with other relevant ministries, agencies and localities to put the convention in place.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will complete diplomatic procedures in line with regulations, according to Resolution No. 197/NQ-CP.

The convention, adopted in 2004, aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments, according to International Maritime Organisation.

Under the convention, all ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. All ships will also have to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate. The ballast water management standards will be phased in over a period of time. As an intermediate solution, ships should exchange ballast water mid-ocean. However, eventually most ships will need to install an on-board ballast water treatment system.

Vietnam steps up tobacco control The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control Fund under the Ministry of Health co-organised a conference in Hanoi on November 23 to promote the communications work in the fight against tobacco.
At the Markethub Asia conference organised by Hotelbeds at Amari Hotel Bangkok on November 22-22, chief commercial officer of Hotelbeds Carlos Munoz commented, Vietnam is one of our most important markets in Southeast Asia as it possesses many interesting features.

Carlos Munoz, chief commercial officer of Hotelbeds, speaking at the conference

According to Munoz, the needs and desires of customers from Vietnam on the Hotelbeds' booking platform are growing. An average 70 per cent of bookings are to travel for more than four days and stay in 4- or 5-star hotels.

"We see that more than two thirds of Vietnamese travellers book the higher-end, luxury products," he said.

Hotelbeds recently conducted some analysis on the rise of the high-spending middle class in Southeast Asia, and the results were very positive.

Munoz stated, The amount of investment thats going into Vietnam today, both foreign and domestic, is significant, and the number of international brands that are present in the market continues to grow.

The chief commercial officer highlighted that many customers on the platform, especially international travel companies, are choosing Vietnam to organise conferences and events.

"These travel agents want to look for different locations to develop market hubs, and Vietnam is always a great choice," said Munoz.

Furthermore, Hotelbeds has local sourcing colleagues based in Vietnam, who often contact local hoteliers, airlines, and travel agencies directly to market its website and platform.

Munoz's team in Vietnam often attends travel and hotel events in across the country to meet potential clients in key cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang.

Even though these events are not as big as the Markethub we hosted in Bangkok last week, our Vietnamese team works well with travel agencies, the hotel owners, airlines, and retail brands to introduce the Hotelbeds technology platform, he said.

According to Google Trend, Vietnam has been ranked 11th in the world in terms of tourist accommodation search volume since the beginning of 2023, and is one of only two Southeast Asian countries in the top tier.

According to research presented by the World Travel & Tourism Council at the Markethub Asia Conference, Vietnam ranks 20th in terms of the countries with the highest economic growth in the world, with an expected rate of 5.8 per cent next year  which is noticeably higher than the global average of 2.9 per cent. This countrys tourism industry therefore also enjoys many attractive development opportunities.

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country had greeted about 10 million international visitors by the end of October this year. The rapid recovery speed has become the driving force for the nations tourism industry to increase its target from serving 8 million international visitors in 2023 to 12-13 million.
The event marked a significant milestone for the application of cutting-edge technologies in Vietnam. The two-day event was held at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, with the aim of delving into how best to utilise AI and other smart solutions in business.

Le Quoc Vinh, chairman of Le Bros and vice chairman of CSMO, highlighted the timely and groundbreaking theme of this year's congress, emphasising the role of AI in revolutionising sales and marketing strategies. "Understanding AI is imperative for business leaders and entrepreneurs," said Vinh.

In an era dominated by technologies like ChatGPT and advanced language models, Vinh said, "There is near limitless potential for creative product development in communications, sales, and marketing, and victory will belong to those who utilise AI adeptly."

Hoang Nam Tien, vice chairman of the Board of FPT University, said, "AI is set to dominate the world, but there are still areas where it cannot replace human expertise, such as highly skilled professions or those requiring emotional intelligence and creativity."

Tien advocated for what he called 'hyper-personalisation' in customer engagement, noting the shift from broad customer segments to unique experiences for each individual.

This approach, however, poses significant financial challenges, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises, he added.

Tech sector expert Dao Trung Thanh, said, "AIs potential to enhance efficiency in areas such as marketing, content creation, consulting, and medicine is just the beginning. However, this field is evolving at lightning speed. Staying updated is not just advisable, it is crucial for anyone looking to leverage this technology effectively."

The conference focused on 12 key topics, including how AI is transforming sales and marketing, the collaboration between humans and AI in a new era of creativity, and the application of ChatGPT in content creation. Other topics that were covered include smart sales strategies, elevating businesses through exceptional customer experiences, business-to-business marketing, and strategies for recovery and growth.

Founded in 2016, VSMCamp and CSMOSummit have become Vietnam's largest annual 2-in-1 industry event. Each year, the event attracts over 1,500 participants from various backgrounds.

Germanys pioneering role in Industry 4.0 In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a promising destination for foreign investment, drawing the attention of investors from all corners of the globe. Among these investors, Germany has made significant strides in establishing a strong and mutually beneficial economic partnership with the country.

The future of banking: Unleashing AI Phillip L. Wright, COO of HSBC Vietnam, scrutinises the future of banking leveraged by the power of AI.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Just as they have for millions of years, sea turtles by the thousands made their labored crawl from the ocean to U.S. beaches to lay their eggs over the past several months. This year, record nesting was found in Florida and elsewhere despite growing concern about threats from climate change.

In Florida, preliminary state statistics show more than 133,840 loggerhead turtle nests, breaking a record set in 2016. Same for green turtles, where the estimate of at least 76,500 nests is well above the previous mark set in 2017.

High sea turtle nest numbers also have been reported in South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, although not all set records like Florida, where Justin Perrault, vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, said the number of nests is remarkable this year.

We had more nests than we had ever seen before on our local beaches, said Perrault, whose organization monitors Palm Beach County and broke a local record by 4,000 nests. That's quite a bit of nesting.

There are seven species of sea turtles: loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley and flatback. All are considered either endangered or threatened. They come ashore on summer nights, digging pits in the sand and depositing dozens of eggs before covering them up and returning to the sea. Florida beaches are one of the most important hatcheries for loggerheads in the world.

Only about one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings live to adulthood. They face myriad natural threats, including predators on land and in the ocean, disruptions to nests and failure to make it to the water after hatching. This year along one stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast where 75 nests had been counted, most were wiped out by the surge from Hurricane Idalia in August.

Unfortunately, the nests pre-Idalia were almost all lost due to the high tides and flooding on our barrier islands, said Carly Oakley, senior turtle conservation biologist at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Female turtles generally lay eggs in a three-year cycle, leading to up-and-down years of nests, she said. The nesting process is very exhausting and, in this break, females regain the energy to do the process again, Oakley said.

Climate change has added to those challenges, reducing beaches as sea levels rise and causing more powerful tropical storms. Hotter air, water and sand and changes in the ocean currents turtles use to migrate also lower the odds of surviving, according to Oceana, an international conservation group.

Sand temperatures play a major role in determining sea turtle sex. In general, warmer temperatures produce more female turtles, and sand temperatures are projected to increase dramatically around the world by 2100, according to researchers at Florida State University.

So the warmer the nest is, the more likely that nest is to produce females, Perrault said. Additionally, hatchlings that come out of warmer nests are much smaller and often slower.

A study led by FSU professor Mariana Fuentes that was published recently in the Global Change Biology journal found sea turtles will have to nest much later or much earlier than they currently do to cope with changing environmental conditions.

Even that may not be enough for every species, said Fuentes, who works in FSU's Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. Turtles have adapted to altered climates over millions of years, but today's rapid changes could happen too quickly for them to evolve, she said.

We have found that even if they do change the timing of their nesting, that's not going to be sufficient to maintain the temperatures of current nesting grounds, Fuentes said.

Sea turtle mothers already have to lumber out of the water to find a good spot to nest, which can be difficult in areas where humans have built seawalls. Some female turtles make several attempts, known as false crawls, before finding a suitable location.

Racoons, coyotes and other predators raid the nests and hatchlings, once they dig their way out, have to crawl to the sea before being snatched up by birds and other animals. Electric lights can disorient them, causing turtles to head the wrong way on the beach instead of following light from the moon and stars. And when the lucky ones finally start swimming, hungry fish await.

Michelle Pate, biologist at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said tens of thousands of hatchlings dont make it to the water, even as nest numbers trend higher across much of the Southeast.

If we can't get hatchlings to emerge and make it to the ocean, then an increase in nest numbers doesn't help, she said.

The increase in turtle nests this year conceals an ominous future for the animals, Perrault said.

Yes, were seeing record numbers, but our hatchling production may not be that great, he said. And so in the future, 20 to 30 years from now, and these things come back to nest, we may not be seeing these record numbers that were seeing now.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts has begun awarding grants to local agencies to set up temporary housing sites for homeless families as officials grapple with finding newly arriving migrants places to stay after hitting a state-imposed limit of 7,500 families in the states emergency homeless shelter system.

Catholic Charities Boston is the first organization to be awarded a grant to provide temporary rooms to extremely low-income families with children and pregnant individuals, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced this week.

The grant will pay for a site in the greater Boston area that opened on Tuesday evening and can accommodate up to 27 families, or about 81 people, as they wait to enter the states emergency shelter system, officials said.

Catholic Charities Boston will provide bedding, meals, staff, and security. The site is available to families eligible for the the states family shelter system but who could not be immediately placed in a shelter.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey announced the $5 million grant program earlier this month.

Sarah Bartley of the United Way said the agency has already received several other grant applications. The grants are meant to support community gathering spaces with restrooms and heat, such as places of worship, community centers, and school buildings, to provide safe space for families to find short-term, congregate shelter, meals and other basic necessities, she said.

The flexible program will remain in place through the winter and spring, officials said.

On Monday, the state began letting homeless families stay overnight in the state transportation building in Boston. The space in the office building is large enough to provide overnight shelter for up to 25 families with cots and limited amenities and will only be used in the evening and overnight hours, officials said.

The space will be available to families determined eligible for emergency assistance and is expected to operate for about two weeks until additional safety net shelter sites are operational.

The spike in demand is being driven in part by migrant families entering the state. About half of the current shelter caseload are new arrivals to Massachusetts, according to the Healey administration.

As of last Friday, there were 92 families on the states waiting list for emergency shelter.
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District will put a newly approved $150,000 grant for syphilis education toward efforts to slow the spread of the disease among young people.

The grant approved earlier this month is part of the Community Engagement to Strengthen Local Health Department Approaches to Decreasing Syphilis Project through the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

The local health district answered a national call for proposals for the competitive award a few months ago, district Director LaShonda Malrey-Horne said. Waco received grants alongside five other similarly sized local departments across the country to take part in a nine-month implementation project. The departments will work together and share best practices on ways they have found effective to fight syphilis, she said.

The grant will allow the health district to perform an intervention targeting mostly for young people between 20 and 35 years old, the group most often affected by syphilis. Malrey-Horne said the department will go directly to places where it might find its target demographic to increase education and access to testing and treatment, and increase its capacity to provide services.

Its really important for our community to understand and recognize that the prevention of STIs is one of the things that the public health district does thats very unique to public health  kind of a core public health function, Malrey-Horne said.

Malrey-Horne said McLennan County saw a 64% increase in syphilis infections between 2020 and 2022. However, the rise was not unique to the county, as the pandemic exacerbated the increase in syphilis rates in many areas, she said.

Clients who have tested positive are generally referred to follow-up appointments, but Malrey-Horne said disease intervention specialists, who notify sexual partners of those who have tested positive and refer them for testing and treatment, were disrupted. Clients are asked to disclose the names of people who they have been in contact with and could be at risk of syphilis, but throughout the pandemic it became more difficult to get in contact with patients for follow-up and testing.

Primary and secondary syphilis cases in Texas rose from 2,708 in 2020 to 3,865 cases in 2021, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported there were 50 cases of syphilis in McLennan County in 2020. For comparison, in 2003 the Tribune-Herald reported the health district was fighting an outbreak after it discovered 23 infectious cases by May of that year. There were only 11 reported cases in 2002.

The sexually transmitted disease is caused by bacterial infection that can cause significant health issues if left untreated, Malrey-Horne said. It is spread through direct person-to-person contact and is especially prevalent among men who have sex with men.

Syphilis is curable with antibiotic treatment, generally a few rounds of penicillin injection.

The CDC says the primary stage of syphilis can begin with a round, typically hard and painless sore at the location where syphilis entered the body. The sore, called a chancre, may heal on its own after three to six weeks, but without treatment the infection will progress to the secondary stage.

The secondary stage of syphilis can be characterized by a rash or sores in the mouth or genitals and a rough, reddish rash that does not itch on the palms and bottom of the feet. Other symptoms may be similar to a cold, with fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, head and muscle aches, extreme tiredness and hair loss.

The secondary stage will also subside without treatment, but the infection will linger and progress to the latent phase where there are no visible symptoms.

Most people will not develop tertiary syphilis, a fatal form that affects several organ systems which can appear 10 to 30 years after a person is infected.

Malrey-Horne said it is especially important for people who are pregnant to get tested for syphilis, as the infection can spread to unborn babies. Pregnant women who test positive for syphilis at the health district are immediately connected with a health care provider, she said.

Its really important for women who may be pregnant or become pregnant because congenital syphilis has some really bad effects on babies, she said.

Congenital syphilis may cause stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth. If babies who are born alive with syphilis are not treated immediately they may have seizures or developmental delays or eventually die.

Congenital syphilis cases have been rising in Texas for several years, with 52 recorded in 2015 and 680 in 2021, according to the CDC database.

Malrey-Horne suggests that anyone who is sexually active should get tested at least once a year, even if they do not notice symptoms.

The number one way to prevent the spread of syphilis is if you are abstaining from sex, she said.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District provides testing for a nominal fee, possibly at no cost based on income, with no appointment necessary, Malrey-Horne said.

The staff at the health district's Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic is typically able to see clients within 20 to 30 minutes for a rapid test. If someone tests positive they will take a blood test and have the sample sent to a lab for confirmation, she said.

The health district also has loads of free condoms for men and women, which can decrease the risk of transmitting diseases for people with multiple partners, Malrey-Horne said. Be empowered to ask to use protection, and have open and honest conversations with partners about their sexual health history, she said.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.  The occupants of the fast-moving car that went airborne over an 8-foot fence and crashed and exploded at the American side of the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday appear to have stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino just before the crash that killed them, Niagara Falls Police Superintendent John Faso said.

The vehicle, a 2022 Bentley, approached the international crossing traveling at high speed down Niagara Street and hit a concrete barrier, launching it toward the customs plaza, Faso said Thursday.

The FBI late Wednesday said the investigation into the crash found no terrorism nexus. The case was turned over to Niagara Falls police as a traffic investigation, the agency said.

Investigators were still working to positively identify the occupants and notify next of kin, Niagara Falls police said.

The Rainbow Bridge remained closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic as of noon Thursday.

The identities of the vehicle owner and his wife, who was also in the vehicle, are known by the FBI, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said late Wednesday. The occupants were from Western New York, two law enforcement sources previously said.

It will take some time for the departments Crash Management Unit to complete the investigation, due to its complexity, Faso said.

The Seneca Nation, which owns the casino, in a written statement issued Thursday said it was cooperating with the police investigation.

We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred, the nation said in a statement released by a spokesperson.

The crash happened at 11:32 a.m. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and a busy day for travel.

After the crash, traffic was shut down on all four international crossings between Western New York and Canada. All but the Rainbow were reopened by about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

A customs officer injured in the incident was released from Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after treatment. Investigators found no evidence of any chemicals or substances that would cause an explosion.

A source with knowledge of the situation said the couple was traveling in a luxury vehicle and had purchased two tickets to a concert Wednesday night in Toronto.

Video from the scene showed a fire quickly spreading in the plaza and a huge plume of black smoke billowing into the sky. Other images that circulated on social media appeared to show charred remnants of a shattered vehicle strewn about the plaza.

Investigators were looking at the possibility that the driver had a medical incident, or there was a malfunction with the vehicle.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday of the incinerated vehicle, there is nothing left but the engine.

Hochul said the car was basically incinerated with nothing left but the engine and a scattering of charred debris, describing a video of the crash as surreal.

You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI?" she said at a news conference. "Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Close The Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls as law enforcement from multiple agencies assemble to investigate after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A heavily armed Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists in Niagara Falls away from the Rainbow Bridge after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. Both occupants of the car died. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Fire damage is visible at a structure in the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls, after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement agents block the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. State Police block traffic on Main Street in Niagara Falls near the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News) Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after an car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, N.Y. after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Photos: Aftermath after vehicle crashes, explodes at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls Two people died in a vehicle that exploded on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls late Wednesday morning, a federal law enforcement source said, prompting the closure of all four Niagara region bridges between the United States and Canada. The Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls as law enforcement from multiple agencies assemble to investigate after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A heavily armed Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists in Niagara Falls away from the Rainbow Bridge after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. Both occupants of the car died. A view of the debris field inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza on Wednesday. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Fire damage is visible at a structure in the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. The customs plaza is closed at the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls, after a car crashed and exploded within the plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement barricade the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement agents block the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. State Police block traffic on Main Street in Niagara Falls near the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News) Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after an car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, N.Y. after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. A Niagara Falls Police officer directs tourists away from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded within the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Law enforcement officers park an armored vehicle at a barricade outside the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to Canada in Niagara Falls after a car crashed and exploded inside the customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.
Texas lawmakers are returning home for Thanksgiving as uncertainty looms over Gov. Greg Abbotts yearlong push for school vouchers, which the House rejected Friday in its most direct vote on the issue yet.

Both chambers quickly gaveled in and out Tuesday, announcing they would reconvene again Monday. But it is unclear what happens next at the Capitol after the House voted 84-63 on Friday to strip a voucher program out of a broad education bill.

Abbott responded to the defeat by promising to continue advancing school choice in the Texas Legislature and at the ballot box. He has not said whether he wants legislators to keep trying in the current special session  which still can go until Dec. 6  or whether he would call a fifth special session to push again for vouchers.

Texas parents deserve the freedom to choose the education path thats best for their child to succeed, Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze said in a statement for this story. Governor Abbott has made it clear that he will do whatever it takes  however long it takes  to deliver that freedom for all Texas families through school choice.

On Monday, Abbott began turning his attention to the primary season, announcing reelection endorsements for 58 House Republicans who opposed the amendment by state Rep. John Raney, R-Bryan, that removed vouchers from House Bill 1. Other allies of Abbott on the issue, like U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, have also signaled since Friday their focus is shifting to campaigns.

Voucher opponents in both parties hoped that Fridays vote was decisive enough to put an end to Abbotts crusade, which dates back to his 2022 reelection campaign. To drive home the message, anti-voucher state Rep. Four Price, R-Amarillo, led the House in passing a motion to prohibit any reconsideration of Raneys amendment.

Its time to shift the focus, Raney tweeted afterward.

Other House Republicans lamented Fridays outcome, especially because the amendments passage likely doomed the entire bill, which includes increased public school funding and teacher pay raises. Abbott had made clear he would veto the bill if it did not include the voucher provision.

I dont know whether the Governor will call us back for a 5th special session or not, state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, said in a Facebook post Sunday. Either way, I look forward to the next time I have the opportunity to provide much needed teacher pay raises, increased funding for our local schools, and parents with the opportunity to choose the system of education they believe is best for their child.

Prior to the amendment vote, Abbott raised the prospect he would summon lawmakers back for another special session if they removed the voucher provision. He said that even if the Senate accepted the change, he would just have to veto it and we would start all over again.

Wed be spending December here, maybe January here, maybe February here, Abbott said.

Yet Abbott has not repeated that threat since Friday, and both chamber leaders have stayed quiet on their plans for the rest of the special session. The Senates presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, issued a long statement Tuesday bashing the House and its leader, House Speaker Dade Phelan, for killing school choice, signaling he sees little hope for a revival of the proposal in the near future.

In its brief meeting Tuesday morning, the Senate referred two House proposals related to school safety to its Education Committee. But the committee did not immediately schedule hearings on the legislation, and it remains to be seen if the proposals will advance any further.

The Senate is set to return 12:30 p.m. Monday, while the House is slated to come back at 4 p.m. that day.

Even before HB 1 reached the floor, the House was struggling to consistently maintain quorum. By all appearances, lawmakers were starting to move on with their lives and uninterested in traveling to Austin unless they knew major legislation would be up for debate.

The fourth special session has also overlapped with the candidate filing period for the March primary, which started Nov. 11 and ends Dec. 11. Lawmakers are busy firming up their political plans as colleagues announce retirements and other elected offices become open.

Abbott has long suggested he would politically target GOP lawmakers who block his voucher crusade. The endorsements he announced Monday were seen as the first move in that direction.

Some of Abbotts fellow Republicans agree it is time for primary voters to have their say. State Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, said he wants to see a significant turnover in the House as a result of the Raney amendment.

Many of us are so resolute on this, that were going to break caucus rules, and were gonna support primary challengers, Toth said.

Brian Lopez and Zach Despart contributed reporting.
PRESS RELEASE

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the American Airpower Museum hosts the annual Dropping of the Roses Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony conducted by the Long Island Air Force Association (LIAFA). The American Airpower Museum (AAM) has provided space for this event each year ever since the Museum opened its doors in 2000. The event this year will begin at 10:20 am and end at 12:00 pm. December 7, 2023 is the 82nd Anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy Fleet based at Pearl Harbor.

Welcome remarks will be made by Col. (ret.) Bill Stratemeier, LIAFA. A solemn ceremony remembering all who served at Pearl Harbor will follow, including a special tribute to World War II veterans who will receive certificates from Long Island elected officials. In keeping with the Dropping of the Roses tradition began by Joseph Hydrusko in 1970, the blessing of 82 American Beauty Roses (including one extra white rose for 9-11) will commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The ceremony will include Color Guards from the Navy Reserves and local veterans organizations. A Chaplain will conduct a Blessing of the Roses, Taps will be played, and the roses presented to our pilot who will then depart AAMs ramp in a vintage military aircraft to drop the roses over New Yorks Statue of Liberty. The event is open to the public, with free admission between to the museum 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. After 12:00 pm the admission will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for kids 5 to 12. No tickets or pre-registration are necessary.

The American Airpower Museum cordially invites the News Media to attend and cover the event. News Media should contact Robert F. Salant at rsalant123@outlook.com to confirm their participation prior to the event.

The American Airpower Museum is an aviation museum located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviation at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY. The Museum maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of operational aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factorys history. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Educational Foundation Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
MASON CITY  The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of parental rights for a former Mason City mother whose 3-month-old baby starved to death in 2021.

Allyssa Marie Joyce, 30, also known as Allyssa Luke, recently of Plymouth, is charged with child endangerment causing death and child endangerment resulting in injury in connection with her twins who were found malnourished amid Iowa Department of Human Services involvement with the family.

The child was found unresponsive in a car seat and later died, according to one account.

Meanwhile, Joyce is blaming the state for the childs death. She has filed a civil suit against Department of Human Services, now known as Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and its contracted counseling agencies  Families First Counseling, Mid-Iowa Family Therapy and Lutheran Social Services  alleging negligence in caring for the infant.

Both cases remain pending in court.

The father, Scott Luke, who is currently serving prison time for assaulting Joyce, also has filed pro-se suits in the matter.

On Tuesday, the Iowa Court of Appeal released a ruling that backed a lower courts decision to revoke Joyces parental rights to her surviving children.

According to court records, the father assaulted the mother on Dec. 8, 2020, while she was pregnant. This caused her to go into labor and she gave birth to twins.

Human Services staff sought temporary removal of the children and they were adjudicated to be children in need of assistance under Iowa law.

They were placed with the mother and subject to Department of Human Services supervision under a plan the mother agreed to, according to the mothers lawsuit. Family members were ordered to participate in services.

In February 2021, one of the twins, a son identified as Abel Luke, died of malnutrition. The other twin, identified as B.L., was treated for severe malnutrition. The other children were found to be underweight and also hospitalized for nutritional needs, according to court records.

The remaining four children were removed from the mothers custody and placed with the Department of Human Services.

The mother participated in DHS services and got back together with the father. Visitation with the children was described as semi-supervised.

But, in April 2022, the father was arrested for again assaulting the mother, according to court records. The fathers rights were terminated in October 2022, according to court records.

Then in February 2023, authorities charged the mother with child endangerment in the 2021 death. She was released on bond in June pending trial.

Department of Human Services workers had concerns about the man the mother was living with, records state. Later that month, the man allegedly set fire to the house, court records state.

The termination trial for the mother was set for July 2023. A DHS case manager testified that the home was neither safe nor appropriate as it did not have floors in some places, and there were items piled up around the home.

A juvenile court judge terminated her rights.

The parents divorce was finalized in September 2023, and as part of the decree, the two will split Abels cremated remains.

The mothers lawsuit alleges the Department of Human Services and its contract providers negligently cared for Abel, failed to timely transfer him to a higher level of care, and failed to notify his doctor and family about changes in his condition.

The suit alleges the defendants failed to properly train staff and failed to properly monitor the child. The mother is also seeking damages for loss of consortium.

The fathers pro-se suit  which requests $61 million in damages  alleges the DHS reports from home visits found an odor of animal urine and feces on the floor. Once a 5 year old was seen playing cars on a lit stove top, the suit alleges.

Notably nothing was done to ensure any of my childrens safety until my child Abel Luke was found unresponsive in a car seat, the fathers suit states.

The father stated Abel was 5 pounds 3 ounces when he was born in December 2020. He was 5 pounds 7 ounces almost three months later when he was found unresponsive, according to the fathers lawsuit.

The fathers suit alleges the autopsy found marks on the childs skin from the car seat buckle, and police didnt located a single bottle in the home.

Attorneys for Families First and Lutheran Services responded in court records that the damages, in part, were caused by Joyces conduct, neglect and reckless behavior.

It was an illegal act committed by plaintiff which caused or contributed to the basis for plaintiffs claim, and plaintiff is thus barred from receiving any financial benefit from such an illegal act, attorneys for the agencies wrote in court records.

The criminal trial for Joyce is set for January in Cerro Gordo District Court in Mason City. The trial for her civil suit is set for June 2025.

Keeping your child safe from online dangers Keeping your child safe from online dangers
WATERLOO  As colder temperatures reach the Cedar Valley, Koats 4 Kids is gearing up to provide coats, scarves, gloves and other winter-weather gear to children from low-income families.

Founded by Julie Ehlers in 2012, Koats 4 Kids has provided nearly 21,000 winter gear items to students at 34 schools in Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Gilbertville, Hudson and Waterloo. This labor of love started when she heard students in the Waterloo Community Schools did not have adequate winter coats.

I heard there was a need for winter gear for our local kids. The first year we shared 180 coats, and its grown from there, Ehlers said. To date, the project has distributed 9,531 coats, 6,718 pairs of boots and 4,604 snow pants to children.

Ehlers said giving to Koats 4 Kids is easy.

Gifts of $30, $50, $70 or more will ensure that one kid or many kids will be warm this winter, she said.

A gift of $30 will allow a child to choose a new warm coat in their favorite color along with a hat, gloves and a scarf. A new coat, hat, gloves, scarf and a pair of boots can be purchased with a gift of $50. For $70, a child gets everything needed to play in the snow: coat, boots, snow pants, hat, gloves, scarf.

Groups can also participate by purchasing these new items and donating them to the effort.

As the need for donations has grown, Ehlers said, there are other ways for people in the community to help out, even if they do not have the means to give financially.

Koats 4 Kids currently has three thoughtful women that knit throughout the year to provide the beautiful hats and scarves for our kids. We would like to encourage other knitters in the community to make these items for our kids, she said.

Our community always prioritizes our kids well-being, so with the communitys support you will have an opportunity to have an impact on kids attending schools in Black Hawk County, Ehlers added.

To give to Koats 4 Kids, mail a donation to Waterloo Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1253, 50704 or go online to WlooCommunityFoundation.org under the Give Now tab. Learn more about the organization online at facebook.com/Koats4Kids.Waterloo.
WATERLOO  After leading the countys health department on an interim basis, Kaitlin Emrich is now officially in the top role.

Emrich, 38, is the new public health director at Black Hawk County Public Health. Previously, she served as deputy director from 2021 to 2022. She became the interim public health director after Nafissa Egbuonye departed in 2022.

She also worked for Linn County Public Health as an epidemiologist, assessment and health promotion manager and lead public information officer at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She received her masters degree in public health from the University of Iowa in 2009 and is a graduate of the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

When Emrich came to Black Hawk County at the end of 2021, COVID-19 vaccines had been available for almost a year. Six months after her arrival, the county stopped doing contact tracing, or identifying and managing people who had been exposed to someone with COVID.

Her main priorities as the deputy director were to communicate the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as well as how to safely return to pre-pandemic activities. In both Linn and Black Hawk counties, she said, shes proud of her work during the pandemic.

I think that we, as public health professionals  did a fantastic job of being available to our community (by) making information that was sometimes confusing or hard to find available, said Emrich. We care about our communities and we want the best for them.  We did our best to look out for the people that we serve.

She said challenges the department is facing are present throughout the public health sector across the country.

During her first year working in Black Hawk County, she saw a third of the departments workforce turn over but said that was consistent with national projections due to retirement and people leaving the business.

An Iowa specific challenge she is expecting to encounter is the merging of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Department of Human Services earlier this year, which resulted in the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Emrich said she and her peers are waiting until new recommendations are released and dont know what the exact changes will be. But she is ready to adapt.

Other changes at the state as well as the federal level include the amount of funding public health departments are receiving. Funding increased substantially several years ago due to COVID concerns but now she said it is back down to normal amounts.

At the height of the pandemic, Emrich helped write a federal grant for a Prevention for a Youth Violence program, which Linn Countys public health department was awarded. The effort underway with those funds focuses on classifying violence prevention as a public health issue. She hopes to do similar work in Black Hawk County.

Addressing violence, especially gun violence, can help people before they make adverse decisions, she said. Those decisions could result in determinants that may cause problems such as mental health issues, trauma and other decreases in overall well-being.

This goes hand-in-hand with Emrichs desire to focus on the idea of health equity in her new role.

What that means is that we value every person and their health. We want to improve those social conditions that can improve peoples health, she said, giving the examples of housing, transportation, access to care and employment. It also means that we work with different groups in very specific and sensitive ways to address the health issues that might affect them.

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WATERLOO  Billie Bailey has led the Grout Museum District through decades of growth and expansion in its facilities and programming.

Now, after more than 33 years as executive director and 43 years in museum work, Bailey is retiring. Her last day is Dec. 15  and shes ready.

Everyone told me youll know when its time to retire, and they were right. It feels like time. Im ready, said Bailey.

Ill miss being here, and Ill miss the people. Ive been fortunate to work with so many great people over the years. But Im looking forward to sleeping in, no meetings and spending time with my granddaughter.

There will be an open house from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the museums Mess Hall to celebrate Baileys 43 years of dedication and commitment to the District.

Her list of accomplishments is a lengthy one, including procuring funding and overseeing the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum addition and Voices of Iowa Oral History Project, and securing the votes of Waterloo residents to pass the Cultural and Scientific Facilities Levy.

We are recipients and caretakers of this communitys history and heritage, its tangible objects. Its an important job and not to be taken lightly, Bailey said.

Shes particularly proud of the $11 million 30,000-square-foot Veterans Museum, named for the five Sullivan brothers who died when the U.S.S. Juneau sank during World War II. The museum opened on Nov. 15, 2008, preserving the history of Iowans at war from the Civil War to the present.

There was some urgency, as well, Bailey said.

The goal was to preserve history. The World War II generation was leaving us at a rapid pace and this was our one chance to make a first impression. It had to be good. We opened it on or under budget and had national press coverage. The museum draws visitors from around the country.

Its still gratifying to read reviews and comments in the guest book. By and large, comments are positive and some visitors have said its as good as the Smithsonian. That makes us proud, Bailey explained.

Videos from the Voices of Iowa archive, one of the largest veteran collections of interviews conducted by a single institution in the nation, are meaningful and often used at veterans funerals. The collection has been expanded to include stories from Iowa farm families.

In 1990, Bailey oversaw a $1.5 million Grout Museum expansion that nearly doubled its size and offered three new exhibition halls, an activity room, a 200-seat conference center, gift shop and an elevator.

As director, she also has led the museum through the refurbishment and naming of the Norris Corson planetarium; establishing the Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium; and establishing and expanding the Grouts Museum School which began 25 years ago. The school provides programming and activities for every third-grade student in Black Hawk County, emphasizing Iowa history.

The Snowden House joined the Rensselaer Russell House Museum as historic jewels in the Grout Museum District. Bailey collaborated with Grout Historic Houses and Jim Aronson Interior Design to update the Snowden House, which is a popular gathering place for civic organizations as well as weddings and anniversary parties.

We have a supportive board willing to take advantage of opportunities, she said.

Bailey began working at the museum as its first intern in 1979.

I grew up on a dairy farm near Grinnell and we didnt take traditional family vacations. A lot of our family trips were climbing in the car and driving somewhere in Iowa to spend time at small museums, she said. But she never imagined herself actually running a museum.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be either a stewardess or a spy, she recalled, laughing.

After graduating from high school, she spent a year working at General Telephone before attending the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and preparing for a career as a high school history teacher. She interned at the UNI Museum before interning at the Grout.

Once I was here, I was hooked, Bailey said.

Co-directors Margo Dundon and Lois Whittemore became her mentors and hired her when she graduated from UNI in 1979 with a bachelors degree in history. Over the years, Bailey has worked in almost every museum department, including education, collections, exhibits and programming and served as volunteer coordinator, registrar, archivist and assistant director.

Ive done all the jobs except janitorial. And after Lois retired and Margo took over and then left for a position in Florida, I was named interim director. Later, she was named Grout Museum District director.

In 1985, Bailey was one of the founders of Resources Plus, a consortium of Black Hawk Countys cultural agencies. She was elected president of the Iowa Museum Association in 1991.

Bailey received the Iowa Museum Association Leadership Award in 2019, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the museum field.

Post-pandemic, museums across the nation continue struggling to find adequate funding and reach audiences. Another major challenge, Bailey said, is changing public perception.

Museums are seen as a nice thing to have  a want, not a need. I firmly believe museums and libraries, too, are needs in a community. But they arent perceived in that manner. I want people to understand the importance of history, the need to know history, she explained.

People need to learn about the history of their community, their state, region, country and the world. History requires reflection. Museums are where we go to reflect on the creative nature of humankind.

Grout Museum's Norris Corson Family Planetarium Planetarium 1 Planetarium 2 Planetarium 6 Planetarium 3 Planetarium 8 Planetarium 4 Planetarium 5 Planetarium 7
CEDAR FALLS  Some experiences leave an impression and last a lifetime.

When Janae Guay, 32, of Cedar Falls was younger, she had two older siblings who enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa. While visiting them, the music enthusiast remembers making a few stops at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

I really liked music. I played the piano and flute growing up, and I had heard some of the music and it was a fun environment, she said.

In 2010, the Marion native became a UNI student and remembers taking advantage of free student tickets to GBPAC shows. She also volunteered at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank at least once per month as part of Volunteer Tuesdays, an initiative she helped lead.

That was the start of something special. Guay, who graduated from UNI in 2013, is now a 20 Under 40 recipient, honored for both her extensive volunteer work and impressive career in finance and accounting.

Shes president of the Friends of the Gallagher Bluedorn. She still volunteers her time at Northeast Iowa Food Bank and brings others along for the experience.

Not only does she bring her own enthusiasm to the board, she is able to keep other board members excited and willing to volunteer for many activities, wrote Kelli McCarthy in nominating Guay.

She keeps multiple committees organized and on the right track for achieving the boards goals while at the same time working a full-time (plus) job of traveling and meetings. She is passionate about anything that she agrees to do, and everything turns to gold when she is involved.

The performing arts centers Kaleidoscope Series is one of Guays favorites to support. The program strives to provide children multiple performing arts opportunities they wouldnt normally get. That may be through a school field trip or for the Buck A Kid program.

If you volunteer at the plays, then you get to see the kids get bused, walk into Gallagher, and then they look up in awe as they come into lobby, she said.

Its the impact on the kids that also keeps her volunteering at the food bank.

One of my favorites is their backpack program, she said. Its knowing that so many kids in our community dont know what theyre going to eat on the weekend. I think that program is very important.

A particularly meaningful experience played a big role in her wanting to continue her work as a volunteer. While she was a college student, a man came to volunteer at the food bank despite having experienced a serious injury and trauma, leaving him disabled.

He still came and volunteered, said Guay, admiring his desire to give back to the community. That definitely shapes things for you.

Guay also volunteers through Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls. She spends time on Wednesdays helping facilitate middle school Bible study.

Her small group is comprised of six girls. But the churchs pride in welcoming and going above and beyond to form relationships has led her to take the role a step further.

I also will try to attend these girls own events outside of the small group. The point is so that they have an adult leader outside of their home that they know they can count on, Guay said.

She and her husband Rusty (as well as dog Charlie and cat Chrissy) also make a difference in the lives of kids in other ways. They previously were foster parents and now provide respite care in support of those families needing temporary child care.

When I think of the future of the Cedar Valley, I hope it is filled with s-heroes like Janae, someone who is committed to making sure our community is taken care of, wrote Angela Weekley of Waterloo in nominating Guay.

Guay earned accounting certifications and her masters in business administration from the University of Iowa in Iowa City after graduating from UNI. She has advanced at CPM Holdings Inc., after starting there in 2017 as an assistant controller of the business unit. She was promoted to controller of the business unit and later became an assistant controller at the corporate level.

She remembers the company being a sort of tech dinosaur when she first started, paying out a million dollars a week in paper checks. Finances are now handled 95% electronic.

And her passion for volunteering doesnt rest while shes at work. Shell bring her team along as a team building activity.

It gets everybody out of the work setting and you get to know people more; those small conversations that come up, and then youre serving your community together and that brings out a different perspective, she explained.
A common area in TaskUs Inc.s offices in New Braunfels. A San Antonio woman alleges in a federal lawsuit that the technology company fired her for complaints she made about a male colleague in the San Antonio office where she worked.

A San Antonio woman alleges in a federal lawsuit against TaskUs Inc. that the New Braunfels technology company fired her for complaints she made about a male colleague who engaged in sexual acts in the workplace.

Brittany Lee, who is Black, complained to supervisors and the companys human resources department about an unidentified white employee who sat at a work station adjacent to her and would masturbate, the lawsuit says.

We dont think that employees should be getting terminated when they bring to light extremely inappropriate conduct in the workplace, Scott Behren, one of Lees lawyers, said Friday.

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A TaskUs spokesperson disputed the allegations.

While we do not comment on pending litigation or personnel matters, we believe these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves, the spokesperson said in an email.

Instead of taking action against the male employee, TaskUs terminated Lee for pretextual reasons, her complaint says. The company cited lack of performance and not getting along with others as reasons for firing her, Behren said. But he added as far has he knows she never received any such warnings.

Lee says in the complaint she was the only Black person employed by TaskUs at the San Antonio location where she worked, while the male colleague was friendly with the supervisors.

BANK WORKERS SUE: Wells Fargo faces potential class-action lawsuit by Hispanic workers at San Antonio mortgage center

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She says her race and gender, in addition to the complaints she made about the employee and about discrimination, were factors in her termination. Shes suing for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race or gender.

Shes also suing for retaliation under Title VII, which makes it illegal for an employer to take negative action against a person who complains about discrimination.

The suit was filed Nov. 17 in U.S. District Court in San Antonio.

The complaint doesnt offer any details about what Lee did for TaskUs. She started work at the company in July 2019 and it fired her in June 2022, Behren said.

Lees petition says she dual-filed her charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, though the complaint doesnt say anything about the commissions investigation. The EEOC gave Lee a notice of a right to sue letter authorizing her to pursue litigation against TaskUs, Behren said.

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She seeks compensatory damages, including for past and future pay, mental anguish and loss of dignity. She also wants unspecified punitive damages.

About TaskUs

TaskUs is a provider of outsourced digital services, including customer support, content security, consulting and artificial intelligence operations. Its clients include several big-name tech companies including Netflix, Zoom, Uber and Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook.

TaskUs had about 47,000 employees in 13 countries at the end of September, down from about 49,500 at the end of last year. Nearly two-thirds of its workforce has been based in the Philippines.

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The company had about 3,300 workers in the U.S. as of Dec. 31, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of those workers were in New Braunfels, San Antonio and Harlingen, the Express-News previously reported.

TaskUs earlier this year trimmed its workforce as its largest clients laid off thousands of employees in Texas and across the United States. The cuts affected 186 employees at its Windcrest office. It had leased 77,000 square feet at Rackspace Technology Inc.s headquarters. But when Rackpace announced in October 2022 it was vacating the building and selling the real estate, it said it had been notified by TaskUs that it planned to move out.

More recently, an influx of new customers boosted TaskUs bottom line, though revenue has not fully recovered. It generated $29.4 million, or 30 cents a share, on $690.1 million in revenue in the first nine months of the year. That compares with earnings of $24.7 million, or 24 cents a share, on $718.3 million in revenue in the same period last year.
James Cox

Over 400 gardai are deployed on foot tonight attempting to restore order as a "lunatic, hooligan faction" caused chaos in Dublin city following a stabbing incident in which five people were injured.

A five-year-old girl is receiving emergency care in hospital following the knife attack, while two children and two adults are also being treated for injuries.

The Luas was set on fire near the Gresham Hotel, while a bus was set alight on O'Connell Street.

Fireworks were set off by rioters who also attacked gardai.

Specialist units were deployed as gardai worked to bring the situation under control. A number of shops were also looted.

The Garda Commissioner has condemned attacks on officers and Garda cars.

Drew Harris has appealed to everyone involved in the unrest to "go home" and for people not to listen to misinformation on social media.

Mr Harris said a complete lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in Dublin this evening.

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he told media during a press conference at Mountjoy Garda Station.

A Footlocker store that was looted on Mary Street in Dublin city centre.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.

In a statement, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: "The horrific attack today in Dublin city centre was an appalling crime that has shocked us all.

An Garda Siochana are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else regarding this crime. The perpetrator will be brought to justice.

However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated.

A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view.

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division.

An Garda Siochana at the scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured in an attack, including three young children. Violent scenes are unfolding close to the site of the attack in Dublin city centre as crowds of protesters gathered.

I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

I am meeting the Garda Commissioner this evening to discuss the policing plan in the city tonight.

Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.

President Michael D Higgins has expressed his sympathies for the children injured in the attack on Parnell Square East in Dublin City centre this evening.

A bus on fire on O'Connell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded following an attack on Parnell Square East where five people were injured, including three young children.

In a statement, he said that all of our thoughts are with each of the children and their families affected by todays horrific attack.

We are particularly thinking of the five-year-old girl and the member of staff caring for her who are both in serious condition in hospital, he said.

All of our prayers are with each of them for a full recovery.

The Gardai deserve all of our support in dealing with this incident.

This appalling incident is a matter for the Gardai and that it would be used or abused by groups with an agenda that attacks the principle of social inclusion is reprehensible and deserves condemnation by all those who believe in the rule of law and democracy. - Additional reporting from Press Association
A local councillor has called on the Minister for Transport to address the dressing test backlog as 716 people are currently waiting on driving tests in County Sligo.

South Sligo Cllr Dara Mulvey has said that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has 716 customers in Sligo who are awaiting an appointment to sit a driving test, which simply is not good enough.

This figure is not acceptable, particularly for many young people living in rural parts of Sligo who are wishing to obtain a full license, which can be a lifeline for them to gain independence for work or leisure through a full driving license," he said.

I am calling on the minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan to put a plan in place to tackle the backlog and to assist the excellent staff at the Sligo driving test centre, added Cllr Mulvey.
A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been identified in a commercial flock in Trempealeau County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working closely with animal health officials on a joint incident response, a press release says, and the affected premises will not move poultry products.

Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease, and birds from the flock will not enter the food system. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern. HPAI also does not pose a food safety risk; properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165F kills the virus.

Over the past weeks, many states have announced new cases of HPAI in domestic flocks. This fall and winter could be a critical time for virus transmission, so DATCP urges all poultry owners to implement strong biosecurity measures to protect their birds from the disease.

HPAI viruses are highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry. The disease can be spread by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals. Signs of HPAI include:

Sudden death without clinical signs.

Lack of energy or appetite.

Decrease in egg production; soft and misshapen eggs.

Purple discoloration of wattles, comb and legs.

Difficulty breathing.

Runny nose, coughing and sneezing.

Stumbling or falling down.

Diarrhea.

DATCP reminds Wisconsin poultry owners to register their premises. State law requires that all livestock owners register where their animals are kept. Registration helps animal health officials communicate with flock owners during disease outbreaks.

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, visit DATCPs HPAI webpage.
The Beaver Dam Unified School District Board of Education met on Monday to further discuss the future of three district facilities.

The board looked at the steps that have been taken including a current cost analyst for upgrading or rebuilding Beaver Dam Middle School along with Washington and Wilson Elementary schools.

Cost estimates for the projects were estimated at $62.3 to $71.6 million for middle school renovation and addition or $83.6 to $95.9 million for new middle school construction. According to a press release from Beaver Dam Superintendent Mark DiStefano, additional spaces to provide the community with recreational opportunities will also be explored as part of the middle school campus.

Washington Elementary Phase 1 renovation ranged from $5.9 to $6.8 million, with $18 to $20.7 million for Phase II renovation and additions, compared to $34.9 to $40.2 million for new elementary construction. Districtwide, improvements to site safety, playgrounds, community recreation space, drop-off/pick-up and site safety are suggested throughout, which would cost $5 to $7 million.

We are committed to keeping our community engaged and informed as we weigh facilities options, School Board President Chad Prieve said in a statement. (Mondays) workshop was one of many opportunities for our board to hear an update from district facilities partners as we work to shape the future of the Beaver Dam Unified School District.

Architects from PRA and construction manager CG Schmidt have worked with the district to complete facility assessments, walkthroughs and reports, hold interviews with building administration and district leadership, identified a potential middle school site and completed district land analysis, analyzed model school programming and comparison, completed a first round of staff engagement at the Middle School, Washington and Wilson, and streamlined communications and long-range planning.

Through recent feedback, Beaver Dam Middle School staff reported a need for middle school to high school programming alignment, staff support needs, safety and security updates and community space needs, DiStefano said. Washington and Wilson staff reported current strengths to be considered of the elementary school spaces as well as staff, student and family support needs as they pertain to facility planning and the final facility solution. Feedback was also sought on how the new space can support instruction, student experience, staff retention, safety and security, and community amenities. All staff insights will inform future facility planning.

In the coming months, the board will tour other newly constructed middle schools designed and constructed by PRA and CG Schmidt, and School Perceptions will be engaged to begin a survey development process in or around February. The community survey will be delivered to residents in the spring, and results will be reported to the board and community in May. As the district works to solidify options, the capital maintenance list will be incorporated into the project solutions.

For more information on the Beaver Dam Unified School District facility planning process, contact DiStefano at distefanom@bdusd.org or (920) 885-7300, ext. 1111.

Beaver Dam Middle School hosts fine arts night BDMS fine arts1.jpg BDMS fine arts2.jpg BDMS fine arts3.jpg BDMS fine arts4.jpg BDMS fine arts5.jpg BDMS fine arts6.jpg BDMS fine arts7.jpg BDMS fine arts8.jpg BDMS fine arts9.jpg BDMS fine arts10.jpg BDMS fine arts11.jpg
The Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department, through the Community Development Division, recently secured a Joint Effort Marketing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, amounting to $39,550 for its Destination Marketing Campaign.

Annually, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism allocates $1.13 million for the Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program. JEM serves as a valuable source of partnership funding for nonprofit Wisconsin organizations, enabling them to promote tourism within their region.

According to 2022 WI Department of Tourism data, Dodge County Tourism generated $93.2 million in direct visitor spending, contributing to total revenues of $9.3 million for Dodge County and the state.

The JEM grant will primarily be directed towards conducting research to identify the region's unique tourism assets and aligning visitor perceptions with current marketing efforts. This study will also help Dodge County pinpoint branding, marketing, and development prospects. The grant funds will be allocated to cover the research expenses associated with the study and to develop fresh brand positioning and messaging that enhances awareness and visitation.

Receiving this grant is a great step to discovering our county tourism brand, fostering unified messaging, and forming strong partnerships with local communities, Dodge County Administrator, Cameron Clapper said. It will be a catalyst for collaborative efforts to boost regional travel success, benefiting local economies and job opportunities.

Non-profit organizations can access JEM grant funds to promote Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state offers financial support for advertising and marketing expenses of a project for up to three years, facilitating its transition to self-sustainability. To learn more about the JEM Grant Program or to submit an application, organizations are encouraged to visit the Department of Tourism's website.
A Baraboo resident and Jamaican citizen was sentenced Tuesday to six and a half years in prison for distributing child pornography.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin Timothy O'Shea said Rajiiv Isree, 32, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson. Isree, who pled guilty to the charge on Aug. 7, is likely to be deported to Jamaica following his sentence, O'Shea said, adding that he would receive 10 years of extended supervision if he is not deported.

Isree was accused of sexual assault by a 15-year-old girl on July 2. A Lake Delton Police Department investigation found Isree filmed the encounter and sent the girl the video. Investigators found additional footage of sexual encounters with the girl on his phone.

Peterson told Isree that he took advantage of a vulnerable girl and that videotaping the encounters amplified the harm.
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A man walks past a billboard calling for the return of about 240 hostages who were abducted during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel. in Jerusalem on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Barry Keoghan as Oliver; Archie Madekwe as Farleigh in 'Saltburn' MGM/Amazon Studios/Courtesy of Prime

Here are the major films landing in theaters or on streaming this week:

'2023 British Arrows'

The return of the popular annual celebration of the best in British commercials.

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Unrated. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Dec. 8 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

'Aadhikesava'

Telugu-language action-drama from India.

Unrated. Opens Friday at Cinemark Tinseltown 290, Houston; AMC First Colony 24, Sugar Land.

'Deep Sea'

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Award-winning Mandarin-language animated family film from China about a girl who finds herself in a new world underneath the ocean.

Rated PG-13. Opens Friday at AMC Gulf Pointe 30, Houston.

'Dhruva Natchathiram Chapter 1: Yudda Kaandam'

Action-thriller from India in which a New York-based undercover agent has to find the missing leader of his team.

Unrated. Opens Friday at Cinemark Tinseltown 290, Houston; AMC Willowbrook 24, Houston; AMC First Colony 24, Sugar Land.

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'Dream Scenario'

Nicolas Cage in "Dream Scenario." A24/Handout

Nicolas Cage and Lily Bird star in a horror-comedy about a man whose life is upended when people he doesn't know start seeing him in their dreams.

Rated R. Opens Friday at Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra, Katy.

'Farewell My Concubine'

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Kaige Chen's Oscar-nominated 1992 epic set against the backdrop of a Peking opera school and some of the major events in Chinese history.

Rated R. Screens 2 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

'Genie'

Melissa McCarthy, Marc Maron and Allan Cumming star in a Christmas comedy about a dad who asks a genie to help him get his family back before the holiday.

Rated PG. Streaming on Peacock.

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'Good Burger 2'

Kenan Thompson, Lil Rel Howery and Carmen Electra star in a comedy that's a sequel to the 1997 cult hit "Good Burger."

Rated TV-PG. Streaming on Paramount+.

'Hatching'

Fantasy-horror film in which an aspiring young female gymnast, with an overly demanding mother, discovers a strange egg that results in the hatching of a strange creature that takes over her life. Part of the Finntastic: New Films from Finland series.

Unrated. Screens 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Rice Cinema, Houston.

'Kota Bommali PS'

Telugu-language drama from India about a police officer on the run after he has been framed.

Unrated. Opens Friday at AMC First Colony 24, Sugar Land.

'Leave the World Behind'

Myhala as Ruth, Mahershala Ali as G.H., Ethan Hawke as Clay and Julia Roberts as Amanda in 'Leave the World Behind' JoJo Whilden/NETFLIX

Writer/director Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot") returns with a thriller in which a family's dream getaway to a secluded luxury rental home turns into a nightmare when a cyberattack knocks out all technology and two strangers show up at the door. It has a great cast, including Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon and Myha'la Herrold (from the HBO series "Industry").

Rated R. Opens Friday at iPic Houston; begins streaming Dec. 8 on Netflix.

'Napoleon'

Director Ridley Scott (Gladiator," "Hannibal," "House of Gucci") tells the story of Napoleon and his wife, Josephine. Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Rupert Everett and Tahar Rahim star.

Rated R. Playing throughout Houston.

'The Naughty Nine'

Danny Glover stars in a family comedy in which children on Santa's naughty list scheme to get the gifts they think they deserve.

Unrated. Begins streaming Thursday on Disney+.

'Saltburn'

Emerald Fennell directed one of the most talked-about movies of 2020 with "Promising Young Woman," and her latest promises to be similarly newsworthy, as it's generated buzz for some shocking scenes. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin"), Jacob Elordi (Priscilla") and Rosamund Pike star in a thriller in which an Oxford student finds his visit to a wealthy friend's estate taking a very strange turn.

Rated R. Playing throughout Houston.

'Song of the South (Dat Rung Phuong Nam)'

Vietnamese-language war drama from Vietnam.

Unrated. Opens Friday at AMC Gulf Pointe 30, Houston; AMC Willowbrook 24, Houston; AMC Loews Fountains 18, Stafford; AMC First Colony 24, Sugar Land.

'The Velveteen Rabbit'

Helena Bonham Carter stars in this adaptation of Margery Williams' classic children's book.

Unrated. Streaming on Apple TV+.

'Water in Every Way'

End-of-semester films from Rice University students that focus on environmental issues.

Unrated. Screens 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at Rice Cinema, Houston.

'Wish'

Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine and Alan Tudyk are part of the voice cast in this animated Disney project about a young girl who gets more than she bargained for after wishing upon a star.


PEP11 Update

Perth, Nov 24, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) highlights the following information in relation to its 35.8% investee company, Advent Energy Ltd ("Advent").



As has previously been announced by the Company, Asset Energy Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Advent) ("Asset Energy") continues to progress the joint venture applications for variation and suspension of work program conditions and related extension of the PEP-11 permit with the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator ("NOPTA").



On 22 November 2023, the NSW Legislative Committee on Environment and Planning tabled its report into the Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill 2023, which was referred to the Committee on 29 June 2023. The Bill sought to amend three Acts to prohibit offshore activities in NSW including drilling for petroleum.



The inquiry investigated a range of issues, particularly whether the Bill raises any potential constitutional issues and unintended consequences, and its report sets out its findings and proposed recommendations.



The Committee heard from legal experts and has found that aspects of the proposed legislation may be constitutionally invalid and have unintended consequences. The report makes 10 findings and 2 recommendations. The Committee has accordingly recommended that the Bill not pass.



On 9 October 2023 NOPTA updated their website whereby the NEATS Public Portal Application Tracking has been updated to show Asset Energy's applications' status is now 'Under Assessment'. The Company understands that the next step in the application process is for the Joint Authority to make its decision on Asset Energy's applications.



Asset Energy is the Operator of PEP-11 with an 85% interest, the remaining 15% interest is held by Bounty Oil & Gas NL ( ASX:BUY ).



*To view THE Minerals Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/1T83F366





About BPH Energy Limited





BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes.

The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license.

BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise.

BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).

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Cover Images/Faye's Vision Celebrity

The famous sushi eatery chain, Nobu, owned by the 'Taxi Driver' actor is fighting back the sexual harassment lawsuit recently filed by a female employee.

Nov 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Robert De Niro's celebrity hotspot Nobu has fired back over the $500,000 sexual harassment case it is facing. A restaurant hostess who files a lawsuit against the "Taxi Driver" actor's chain over alleged sexual harassment from staff and patrons, was told she only has herself to blame, lawyers for the sushi eatery have blasted.

The 23-year-old woman - who is identified as Jane Doe - says in her lawsuit that she and other female workers were forced to dress in "skimpy clothes" and "brush off unwanted sexual advances from managers and patrons."

She adds she was repeatedly touched by a manager who is referred to as Marcus in the case.

Papers seen by DailyMail.com show the legal team for the restaurant say the hostess "approved, authorised, acquiesced, consented to, caused or ratified the conduct alleged in the complaint, to the extent any such conduct occurred."

The woman first filed her suit in September and is seeking $500,000 in damages - while a second female Nobu staffer, known only as Jane Doe 2 - is also seeking $500 million over similar claims.

Nobu, which is part-owned by "The Irishman" star De Niro, 80, is asking for the first case to be dismissed and for the hostess to pay the restaurant's legal bills, plus compensation.

It comes as the actor was caught in a court fight after being successfully sued for gender discrimination and sexual harassment by his former assistant. His company Canal Pictures was ordered to pay Graham Chase Robinson $1.2 million after she claimed he repeatedly verbally abused her and asked her for back-scratches, which she branded "creepy."

There are more than 50 Nobu restaurants around the world and its attorneys Kevin Wattles and Rachel Marko say the restaurant "generally denies" all of Jane Doe 1's allegations against it and says it is not liable for damages.

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In honor of Thanksgiving, the 42-year-old Simple Life' star takes to her Instagram account to make the surprise baby announcement, revealing the baby's girl and name.

Nov 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Paris Hilton is officially a mom of two. On Thanksgiving, the "Simple Life" star took to her Instagram account to make a surprise baby announcement, expressing gratitude for her daughter London.

In the Thursday, November 24 post, the 42-year-old blonde beauty shared a picture of an adorable pink baby outfit that had the name "London" on it. "Thankful for my baby girl," the hotel heiress wrote in the caption.

While it is unclear if the baby girl has been born, Paris had always envisioned naming her daughter London. "I'm really excited for Phoenix to have a baby sister one day-named London. It's my favorite city and I've always wanted to name my daughter London," the socialite shared 10 years ago. "I had actually picked that name for a long time now, probably over 10 years. I always wanted London. I love that name for my daughter."

The shocking revelation arrived almost a year after Paris and husband Carter Reum welcomed their son Phoenix via surrogate in January. She recently hit back at trolls who mocked the size of her baby son's head.

"(Eye roll and crying face emojis) there are some sick people in this world. (Sad face emoji) My angel is perfectly healthy. And yes, of course he has been to a doctor, he just has a large brain," the reality TV star commented on the clip after a TikToker created a video defending Paris and her son last month.

She went on to further address the matter on Instagram Stories. "Living life in the spotlight, comments are inevitable, but targeting my child, or anyone else's for that matter, is unacceptable," the "Paris in Love" star wrote at the time.

"This hurts my heart more deeply than words can describe. I've worked hard to cultivate an environment that is all about love, respect, and acceptance, and I expect the same in return," wrote the new mom.

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Cover Images/Faye's Vision TV

The 'CBS This Morning' co-anchor reveals in a new interview that her best friend and fellow TV personality tried to talk her out of getting the hip-hop mogul to do an interview with her.

Nov 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - It's not easy to score a sit-down with Jay-Z, and Gayle King learned it the hard way. The "CBS This Morning" co-anchor revealed in a new interview that his October sit-down with the hip-hop mogul also didn't happen.

"You know he doesn't like to do interviews and I was shameless," King spilled to Scott Evans of Access Hollywood. The TV personality added that she "just groveled [so much] that it became embarrassing."

Her best friend Oprah Winfrey also tried to talk her out of getting Jay-Z to do an interview with her.. "Even Oprah said, 'You are making a damn fool of yourself. Stop asking him. He doesn't want to do it," King shared, "But I couldn't let it go, because he never said no, no, no - he just kept delaying, delaying, delaying."

King's persistence and effort didn't betray her as she eventually managed to interview the husband of Beyonce Knowles. "I don't know why he said yes or why he changed his mind I'm just grateful that he did," King said.

During the interview, King notably asked the "4:44" artist about the viral "$500,000 or a dinner with Jay-Z debate." Putting it to rest, the rapper said, "You've gotta take the money. What I'mma say?"

Gayle then pointed out that having lunch with him will allow people to get the mogul's "wisdom" and with that, many believe that they could make much more than $500,000. "Because you got all that in the music for $10.99. That's a bad deal. I wouldn't tell you to cut a bad deal," Jay-Z insisted. "Take the $500,000, go buy some albums and listen to the albums. It's all there."

"If you piece it together and really listen to the music for the words, for what it is, it's all there. Everything that I said was going to happen, happened. Everything that I said I wanted to do, I've done, and there's the blueprint," the father of three added, referencing the title of his iconic 2001 album. "The 'Blueprint', literally, to me and my life and my journey is there already."

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Cover Images/Darla Khazei Celebrity

Around six months after taking some time away from Instagram, the leading man in 'Captain America: The First Avenger' shares a clip of him playing with a number of puppies.

Nov 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Chris Evans has returned to social media with a surprise for his fans. Around six months after taking some time away from Instagram, the leading man in "Captain America: The First Avenger" treated his devotees to a new adorable video.

On Wednesday, November 22, the 42-year-old Marvel actor uploaded a video of himself visiting Animal Haven, a nonprofit animal rescue in Manhattan that was established back in 1967. In the clip, he said, "I'm here today at Animal Heaven in New York City. We are gonna bring some Jinx goodies to some of the pups inside. There are literally thousands of dogs that are waiting to be adopted all across the country, just like my dog Dodger."

The clip went on to show Chris sitting on a sofa with his puppy Dodger before he was seen meeting Animal Heaven's executive director. He was later documented being approached by a disabled dog, which was walking with the help of wheels. While hugging the puppy, he exclaimed, "You got your wheels! Look at you, hi!" In the footage, he also played with a number of other puppies as he gave them several bags of treats.

For the fun visit, Chris, who married actress Alba Baptista a few months prior, looked stunning in a casual ensemble, consisting of a short-sleeved navy blue tee that came with gold "east side ink tattoo" graphics on its front side, a pair of long black jeans and black Nike sneakers with white soles. To complete the look, he put on a dark-colored Red Sox hat, a pair of clear glasses, a gold necklace and red as well as black bracelets.

Along with the footage, the "Captain America: Civil War" actor wrote in the caption of the post, "Hi everyone! I'm back [smiling face emoji] . I'm thankful for a LOT of things this year, but dogs are always high on the list. So glad to hear that these dogs got adopted, and that we were able to set them up with a year's worth of @thinkjinx food and treats." He then concluded, "Happy thanksgiving everyone!"

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Sofia Coppola claims she was caught off guard by Lisa Marie's negative reaction to Priscilla Presley biopic, insisting the resentment 'was something between the family.'

Nov 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Sofia Coppola felt "stunned" after receiving an angry email from Lisa Marie Presley just weeks before she started shooting "Priscilla". The director's new film is adapted from Priscilla Presley's 1985 book "Elvis and Me" which details her marriage to music legend Elvis Presley and the couple's daughter Lisa Marie got in touch with Sofia to express her distaste over the portrayal of her famous father which she called "shockingly vengeful."

Admitting she was blindsided by how upset Lisa Marie was because she was trying to be "sensitive," Sofia told Deadline.com, "I was really stunned to hear that, a couple of weeks before shooting."

"I felt like it was something between the family that I had no idea about. I felt like it was between them [Lisa Marie and her mother Priscilla]. And of course, I didn't want to do anything that was going to make anyone uncomfortable. The book had been out for decades by then."

"I was really surprised, and I wish she had a chance to see it because I don't think Elvis comes off badly. I admire him, and I wanted to show the private side, but it is Priscilla's story. I definitely was always meaning to be sensitive, and I wasn't trying to take him down in a way that she would be worried about."

When asked if Lisa Marie's words had prompted her to make changes to the film, Sofia replied, "No, because I had always wanted to be sensitive and really show how I interpreted Priscilla talking about him, which was not damning at all. I felt like I was really focused on bringing her story to light."

"I can understand that there's a business there, and a brand, but I just didn't expect to find myself  I would never want to intrude on a family. I was always planning to approach it with sensitivity, because that's just the way I do things."

Lisa Marie is believed to have slammed the project in two emails sent in September 2022 just four months before her death. In the emails, obtained by Variety, she wrote, "My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative."

"As his daughter, I don't read this and see any of my father in this character. I don't read this and see my mother's perspective of my father. I read this and see your shockingly vengeful and contemptuous perspective and I don't understand why?"

Lisa Marie - who died in January 2023 aged 54 - went on to vow she would speak out publicly against the film even though it was endorsed by her mother, who is credited as an executive producer. She added, "I will be forced to be in a position where I will have to openly say how I feel about the film and go against you, my mother and this film publicly."

According to the outlet the director replied by writing, "I hope that when you see the final film you will feel differently, and understand I'm taking great care in honouring your mother, while also presenting your father with sensitivity and complexity."

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Authored by Danish Malik, Co-founder & CEO, Boomlet Group.

In recent years, the surge of fake news has been a pressing global concern. The spread of misinformation threatens democracy, fosters societal polarisation, and even incites violence. As we step into 2023, the issue of fake news continues to evolve and persist. Reports indicate that over 40% of content shared on social media platforms is false. Oxford University research revealed that fake news is circulated 4x more frequently than content from credible sources across these platforms. Misinformation takes various forms, from low-quality clickbait articles to manipulated media like images and videos, deepfakes, and even satire.

Impact of Fake News on Brands

Fake news poses severe brand risks, damaging their reputation, competitiveness, and consumer trust. Fake news can harm businesses financially, but the more insidious consequence is the erosion of trust, leaving people uncertain about whom to rely on. Media marketers must stay vigilant, understanding various forms and sources of fake news and their impact on audiences, brands, and industries. Even established brands like Starbucks, Microsoft, PepsiCo, and New Balance have fallen prey to fake news.

Let's look at PepsiCo's case as an example. In the lead-up to the 2016 US presidential election, PepsiCo faced a significant blow. A false narrative circulated, claiming CEO Indra Nooyi urged Trump supporters to "Take Their Business Elsewhere," leading to a nearly 4% drop in the company's stock. In reality, during an interview at the New York Times Dealbook Conference, Nooyi expressed a call for unity, stating, I think we should mourn for those of us who supported the other side.

She emphasised the need to come together and move forward, even congratulating Trump on his victory. However, the Conservative Treehouse blog distorted her words with the sensationalist headline: "Massive Stewardship Fail  PepsiCo CEO Tells Trump Supporters to 'Take Their Business Elsewhere'." This fabricated quote was quickly seized upon by fake news sites, triggering calls for a boycott of all Pepsi brands with hashtags like #boycottPepsi and #Pepsiboycott.

How Brand Communicators Can Prevent Misinformation

Since the beginning of 2021, there have been over 8 million instances of misinformation online. Brand communicators have the potential to counter the negative impacts of viral misinformation by actively engaging in external conversations, establishing excellent feedback channels, and conducting research campaigns to evaluate ongoing initiatives. They can identify and address anomalies by venturing beyond their own spheres and observing audience behaviour. Regularly analysing these observations will empower them to tackle misinformation challenges surrounding their brands proactively, ultimately enhancing their communication strategies and brand image.

One more example of misinformation that rolled out on the internet was about the fast food giant McDonald's having contended with fake news long before the Trump era. Alistair Macrow, the Chief Marketing Officer, highlights the persistent spread of misinformation. He cites the rise of clickbait articles in the online advertising race as a contributing factor. Additionally, false stories tend to circulate more swiftly than the truth. This paradigm shift holds profound implications for McDonald's marketing approach, given that trust is paramount to its success.

With an impressive 44 consecutive quarters of growth, the company has taken strategic steps to combat misinformation. They have embraced transparency by opening operations to scrutiny, investing in TV advertising to combat misinformation, and actively engaging with YouTube influencers. They also allowed public access to their kitchens and suppliers, placing utmost transparency at the core of their marketing strategy.

Employees Can Secure Brand Image in the Havoc of Information Fidelity

Studies indicate that employees are often viewed as a trusted source of information about a brand, its products, and services. Despite only 3% of employees actively sharing content on social media about their company, these shares play a pivotal role, contributing to a substantial 30% surge in overall company engagement. Therefore, organisations and brands should harness their employees' authentic voices. Instead of relying solely on one-way corporate social media content, employee-generated word-of-mouth is persuasive and credible social proof for most brands. Moreover, word-of-mouth shapes a brand's image and influences buyer decisions.

TakeAways

Brands now recognise fake news as a business threat, not limited to politics. To combat it effectively in a post-truth world, they should improve advertising. Embracing independent voices, leveraging influencers, engaging employees as positive brand representatives, and prioritising relevance over disruption are key strategies to protect brand integrity.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced on Friday that the government is ready to help citizens in filing FIRs against social media platforms for violating IT rules if they are aggrieved by objectionable content, such as deepfakes.

Deepfakes are convincingly realistic videos created through the use of AI algorithms trained on online content. These videos, which are artificially generated, have sparked concerns due to their potential to be misleading, especially when targeting celebrities.

Chandrasekhar, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to IT rule violations, stated that social media platforms have been given a seven-day window to align their terms of use with the IT rules.

Chandrasekhar clarified that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will facilitate users in reporting IT rule violations and guide them in filing FIRs. He highlighted the implementation of Rule 7, where an appointed officer will establish a mechanism for users to register complaints related to deepfakes. Under the new directives, FIRs will be lodged against intermediaries, and if details of the content's origin are disclosed, the entity posting the content will face FIR as well. Referring to a specific case involving actor Rashmika Mandanna, the Delhi Police revealed progress in their investigation into a deepfake video. Technical analysis includes identifying IP addresses associated with the video and tracing the initial upload location on the internet.Expressing serious concern over the misuse of AI for creating deepfakes, the government has been proactive in addressing the issue. The IT ministry issued letters to social media platforms, reminding them of their responsibility to combat misinformation and deepfakes as per Indian law. In a recent meeting with social media platforms, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the need for concrete actions in detection, prevention, reporting mechanisms, and user awareness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also underscored the threat of deepfakes, labeling them a significant danger to the Indian system. He called for media involvement in educating the public about the potential chaos deepfakes could cause, and the government is preparing to introduce new regulations to tackle this emerging crisis.
A sign for a Buc-ee's convenience store in Terrell. Allison V. Smith for Washington Post via Getty Images

Want to know what makes a real lasting impression with Buc-ees fans? Just leave it to the beaver.

The Texas-based chain may be famous for its immaculate restrooms, legions of gas pumps and folksy food treats, but it just isnt Buc-ees without that bucktoothed mascot rearing his adorable head on just about every Buc-ee's brand T-shirt, plush toy, shot glass or other merch you can imagine.

So what makes this dam-building rodent so gosh-darn popular? Here are a few fun facts about the furry face of Buc-ees.

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He's a beaver. Not a squirrel. Not a chipmunk. A beaver.

The Buc-ee's mascot is indeed a beaver, though fans might forgive you for mistaking the mammal for the original cartoon versions of Rocky the Flying Squirrel or Alvin and the Chipmunks. Fun facts about real beavers: They actually have orange teeth, they slap their tails to warn of danger and they can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes.

Buc-ee's founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III, shown in 2019 at the Buc-ee's in Katy announcing the collaboration of Buc-ee's with the "Don't Mess With Texas" program. Craig Moseley/Staff photographer

The Buc-ee's brand was inspired by the founder's nickname, his dog and an old toothpaste ad.

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Buc-ees gets its name and logo from founder and CEO Arch Aplin III, a nod to his childhood nickname Beaver and to his beloved dog Buck, a Labrador retriever. Buc-ees also was inspired by Bucky Beaver, a cartoon mascot for Ipana toothpaste best known for singing the brusha, brusha, brusha jingle in 1950s commercials and in the sleepover scene in the classic movie, "Grease." When Aplin was a kid, a colleague of his fathers used to call him Bucky Beaver, according to Texas Monthly.

The beaver has been there since the beginning.

Trademark records show the Buc-ees beaver logo has been in service since July 1, 1982. That's several weeks before the first Buc-ees opened on July 28, 1982, in Lake Jackson. Aplin sketched the original logo design and then commissioned it to be finalized. It first appeared in a local newspaper announcing the store's opening.

One of the two beaver statues at the Buc-ee's in New Braunfels. The Texas-based chain has the statue at many of its locations. Rene Guzman / Staff

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A Buc-ees statue greets patrons at most locations.

The Buc-ees beaver doesnt just loom large on highway billboards. Many Buc-ees locations feature a metal statue of the mascot. The bronze beaver is the work of Texas sculptor Clint Howard, founder of Deep in the Heart Art Foundry, now known as Pyrology Foundry & Studio in Bastrop. Howard has made more than 30 Buc-ee's statues. The New Braunfels location even has two.

The former logo for Choke Canyon Bar-B-Q, before Buc-ee's successfully sued the San Antonio-based chain for trademark infringement. File image

Buc-ees is very protective of its trademark.

Buc-ees has filed several trademark lawsuits against competitors. In 2014, Buc-ees sued Texas convenience store Frio Beaver for a logo that also featured a beaver in a yellow circle with a black outline. The case settled out of court in December 2014, with B&B Grocery Inc. agreeing to stop using the Frio Beaver logo and mascot. Frio Beaver has since closed.

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In 2016, Buc-ees filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit against San Antonio-based Choke Canyon Bar-B-Q, claiming its grinning alligator logo looked too similar to the smiling beaver. Choke Canyon lost the federal lawsuit in May 2018 and changed its logo to a cowboy inside an orange circle.

Oh, and just late last year, Buc-ees filed a trademark lawsuit against a Houston-area gas station and convenience store chain called Bukys, alleging that owner Saarim Damani of Sugar Land unlawfully capitalized on Buc-ees success by using a similar name and lettering on his stores in El Campo and Rosenberg, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Thats one litigious beaver.

Buc-ee's locations are riddled with merchandise featuring the chain's beaver mascot. Kim Brent/The Enterprise If it's sold at Buc-ee's, chances are it has a Buc-ee's beaver logo. Kim Brent/The Enterprise

Buc-ees does not sell its products online.

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Hard to believe, but Buc-ees does not have its own online store. Even harder to believe, the company notes on its website there are other third-party resellers of Buc-ees products online, such as Amazon and Texas Snax.

Of course, you can always snag some Beaver Nuggets corn puff snacks and other Buc-ees brand goods straight from the brick-and-mortar source.

A recent roadie to the New Braunfels location up Interstate 35 found oodles of Buc-ee's beavers on boxers, soft coolers and other wares. And just in time for the holidays, you'll also find Buc-ee's Nutcrackers, patterned pajama onesies and plushies rocking Santa caps. There's even a 6-foot inflatable Buc-ee's Christmas beaver for the front yard.
Jennifer Lee has made a Wish, and sheas well as the rest of Disney Animationis ready for the world to see it.

WishDisneys latest animated filmwhich takes audiences on an adventure with the hopeful Asha as she battles the dastardly King Magnificoconnects the past to the present of the 100-year-old studio. However, it also looks towards Disney Animations future.

The filmwhich is in theaters on Wednesdaybrings together the hallmarks that has made Disney storytelling special for the last century: catchy songs, colorful characters and, of course, making wishes. However, this time a star isnt just something that characters wish upon.

We spoke with Leethe Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation and writer/executive producer of Wishabout the highly anticipated film and what its innovations mean for the future of Disney Animation. Oh, and we also touched on a little upcoming film that takes place in the frosty world of Arendelle.

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Beauty And The Beast to Frozen, Disney Animation has always pushed Disney forward for the last 100 years. How does Wish continue that tradition of innovation mixed with classic storytelling?

Walt Disney himself said we have to keep evolving our storytelling and always innovate. With Wish, we are looking to our incredible legacy of films for inspiration to create an original fairy tale with new characters and songs. Storytelling is what connects us all, and at Disney Animation we are all inspired by Walt and the artists of his day and what they created. And we honor that legacy with an incredible first-of-its-kind visual watercolor storybook CG look for this film made to be seen on the big screen.

Wish is blending 3-D animation with watercolor style that was seen in the earliest films from the studio.

We were inspired by the watercolor paintings of our earliest films from Snow White and Pinocchio brought to life through the innovations that weve been developing in-house, experimenting within our short films, like Paperman, Feast and the watercolor style of Far From The Tree. The combination of artistry and innovation has been with us since our earliest days, and the look of this film is something our production design team achieved so beautifully.

Youve worked on some of Disneys most beloved animated films. What make Wish special?

We really fell in love with each of these characters as we were creating the film, and absolutely loved the music Julia Michaels and her collaborator Ben Rice, were creating. Asha is such a special character. She begins the film in a good place  loving where she lives, feeling supported by her friends and family. But like so many people in their late teens, she learns the world around her is not perfect, and instead of turning a blind eye she confronts the wrong and inspires her whole community.

Its Disneys 100th anniversary, and Disney Animation has been there since the start. How does Wish celebrate Animations evolution over the last century?

Five years ago, my fellow Frozen director Chris Buck had placed one image from each of our studios films on a storyboard, and it was so inspiring to see how many of our films are about characters who wish upon a star. For Wish, we hope people will watch the film, and think of their own wishes and pursue them. After all, there is no greater power in the universe than someone with a true wish in their heart.

As we celebrate Disneys past with its 100th anniversary this year, lets chat about its future. Where do you want to take Disney Animation?

We are working on so many exciting new, original projects we hope to share soon as well as the continuations of stories from characters and worlds we love like Zootopia and Frozen. We have about ten projects currently in development, and each of them is so exciting.

You directed Frozen and Frozen 2, and this year is its 10th anniversary. Not to mention, the opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. Ten years later, what has made Frozen everlasting?

I believe its both the story of familial love with these two sisters, and the idea of love conquering fear. I recently visited World of Frozen, and it is awe-inspiring. You are a citizen of Arendelle the moment you walk into the land.

Is there anything you can tell us about Frozen 3?

Only what we have already shared, which is the team is hard at work, we are deeply excited about the story we are shaping together, and its so epic it may not fit into just one film.
News18 Kannada proudly announces Rising Karnataka an initiative aimed at fostering thought leadership and critical conversations within the state. The event will take place on November 25, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Conrad Bengaluru. Rising Karnataka promised to bring together eminent decision-makers, leaders, and orators to explore the potential of Karnataka.

Mentioned below are the key sessions and panels to be included at the event 

Karnataka Model  Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Sidhramaiah, will share insights about the state model, which will be followed by a detailed question and answer session.

Brand Bengaluru  The panel will consist of distinguished panelists that include Shri DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Actor Dr. Shivarajkumar & Mr. Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Karnataka State Vision Group & Founding Partner, Accel who will be discussing the essence of Brand Bengaluru

Kannada for the next 50 years - Featuring Raghu Dixit, Music Composer; Anand G, President, Banavasi Balaga; and Actor Daali Dhananjay this session will delve into the future of Kannada language and culture.

Women in the Development of the State  The panel consists of notable figures such as Ms. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister of Women and Child Development; Actress Ranjani Raghavan; and Amitha Prakash, Founder & Chairman, Airra Academy,who will be discussing the role of women in shaping Karnataka's future.

Faith & Spirituality in the Development of the State: Shri Shri Nirmalananda Swamiji from Adichunchanagiri Muttwill be seen providing insights on the spiritual dimension of Karnataka's development

Future Karnataka Panel: Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister of IT-BT, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj, Mr. Rohit MA , Co-Founder & Director, Cloudnine group of Hospitals and Mr Vivekananda H R, Co-Founder & CEO, Bounce will lead discussions on the future trajectory of Karnataka

News18 Kannada Rising Karnataka initiative has welcomed stakeholders such as KASSIA, the Retail Association of Karnataka, the Hotel Association of Karnataka, bureaucrats, and members of FKCCI.

Join News18 Kannada Rising Karnataka at Conrad Bengaluru on November 25 at 4 pm for a day of insightful conversations, innovation, and a glimpse into what the future holds for Karnataka.
Three years after Hurricane Sally wiped out a 200-foot section of the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier on the Alabama coast, the pier has closed for construction to repair hurricane damage and should reopen by the end of next summer, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Gulf State Park Pier was damaged by Hurricane Sally in September of 2020 just as it was about to reopen after a $2.4 million rebuild due to a hit from an earlier storm.

The 1,540-foot long pier had been the second longest on the Gulf of Mexico (the Navarre Beach pier is 1,545 feet), but Hurricane Sally collapsed a 200-foot section near the octagonal fishing area at the south end.

After a lengthy bid process to get Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, the $13.6 million job was awarded to MD Thomas Construction, which did the previous renovation.

The pier closed to the public on Nov. 12 and will remain closed throughout the construction, which should be completed in 2024. Its expected to take about eight months, with a target date of August for reopening.

Until then, the parking lot and the public restrooms will be closed. The pier area will not be available for beach access while its a construction zone.

The repair process may have taken longer than fishermen and tourists would have liked, said Lamar Pendergrass, operations supervisor for the South Region of the State Parks Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

When youre dealing with a government bureaucracy, things dont move as well as we would like, Pendergrass told Outdoor Alabama, the departments official publication. Were just proud to get this project started.

The construction company will use a barge in the pier area to facilitate construction.

While the pier is closed, park visitors can still get to the beach at Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point, Shell Beach and the Beach Pavilion, and Romar Beach access will open soon with improvements.

Rebuilding the pier will require removing the concrete pilings that collapsed and are underwater. The removal of debris is expected to take a couple of months, depending on the weather.

Some of the standing pilings will have to be repaired by divers.

Lighting equipment for the entire pier will have to be replaced.

Even though the pier was only open as a short section since Hurricane Sally, business was brisk.

Pendergrass said 34,100 fishing passes and 82,000 sightseeing passes were sold in 2023, even though the publicly open part of the pier was shorter than it had been.

Even with a shorter pier, the fishing was good, if different.

The anglers werent able to target some of the usual species, Pendergrass said. This season, I know that sheepshead was one of the primary fish we saw being caught out there.

Redfish, flounder and even some red snapper have been caught off the short pier, he said.

When the work is complete, the pier should be better than ever, said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

A trip to the Gulf is not complete without experiencing the sights from the pier, he said. When the work is completed, anglers and other park visitors will have full access to one of the premier fishing and sightseeing destinations on the Gulf Coast.
We are learning more about the night that Nick Hogan was arrested on suspicion of DUI last weekend in Clearwater, Florida.

The 33-year-old was at his famous father Hulk Hogans bar called Hogans Hangout, helping to judge a bikini contest that started at 10 p.m. Friday.

On the popular venues Instagram page, the wrestling legend, 70, invites women in the community to come out for the competition, which offered a $3,000 grand prize. In footage posted to TMZ, Nick can be seen at the bash, smiling while working the turntables.

Its unclear what time the video was taken, but hours later, Nick Hogan was behind bars.

According to an arrest affidavit from the Clearwater Police Department, at a little past 1 a.m. Saturday, officers conducted a traffic stop on Hogan, who was behind the wheel of a 2021 Dodge Ram, going 51 mph in a 40-mph zone.

The 33 year old (born Nicholas Bollea) did not immediately pull over, the report says. When the truck eventually came to a stop, cops noted he had bloodshot, glassy eyes and smelled of a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage.

After failing field sobriety tests, he was taken into custody, and bonded out for $500. This was the DJs second DUI arrest in Clearwater. In August 2007 at the age of 17, the Hogan Knows Best star was involved in a serious accident that left his friend, John Graziano, with a traumatic brain injury.

Hogan served eight months and was sentenced to five years probation; Grazianos family sued and the case was later settled for roughly $5 million.

You wont hear about Hogans next club gigs, unless youre already a follower. His account has been set to private.

2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Tiffany Haddish was arrested early Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence, Beverly Hills police said.

Authorities received a call about a vehicle blocking the road on Beverly Drive near Dayton Way around 5:45 a.m., the Beverly Hills Police Department said. Police said they found Haddish inside the car. She had performed just hours earlier at the Laugh Factory as part of a Thanksgiving event, according to media reports.

The comedian was in police custody Friday morning. Police said she would be released within several hours. No injuries were reported.

Last year, the Emmy and Grammy Award winner was arrested in Peachtree City, south of Atlanta, after police received a call about a driver who had allegedly fallen asleep at the wheel.

Haddish was detained and charged with driving under the influence. She later posted $1,666 bond and was released from the Fayette County Jail. She had reportedly been filming a movie in the Atlanta area at that time.

The actor has starred in several TV and film projects this year, including Disneys Haunted Mansion and the second season of Apple TV+s The Afterparty.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Big City Mountaineers, a Colorado nonprofit that has provided wilderness experiences for youth in the outdoors for more than 30 years, is expanding operations into Birmingham.

Through partnerships with local agencies, BCM plans to offer free hikes, camping experiences and overnight trips to Alabama students, ages 12 through 18. The program focuses on children and young adults from communities that have not been economically invested in the same way as other, wealthier, communities have been.

We do this because being outside is intrinsically valuable and we also do this because being outside helps individuals grow in really important ways, said David Taus, executive director of BCM.

BCM employees led 68 trips across the country and guided thousands of trail hours last year, according to a news release.

This expansion marks BCMs first full-fledged program in the southeastern United States. The organization plans to start operating in 2024 and will have a physical space in Birmingham for packing, storing, and organizing equipment for travel.

We are thrilled to bring our mission of providing transformative experiences for youth outdoors to such a vibrant community, Taus said in a news release. There is so much that makes sense about BCM coming to Birmingham, I am very much looking forward to partnering closely with local youth-serving agencies and providing access to outdoor experiences for youth who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.

The bright future that Alabama needs will only be possible when people of all backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of experiencing the outdoors. Introducing youth from underserved backgrounds to Alabamas stunning natural landscapes will create life-changing moments. And this is an investment in everyones future, said Scot Duncan, executive director of Alabama Audubon.
Representatives of the Clotilda Descendants Association are hopeful more descendants of the slave ships owner will come forward with artifacts, oral histories and historical documents following the groups historic meeting in early July with two great, great-granddaughters that aired Sunday on CBS 60 Minutes.

But so far, attempts by the Clotilda descendants and representatives for the estate of Joe Meaher and the widow of Robert Meaher have gone largely unanswered. Joe and Robert Meaher, both deceased, were two of three great-grandsons of Timothy Meaher, the wealthy financier of the Clotildas voyage from Benin, Africa to Mobile in 1860, with 110 slaves aboard.

The Clotilda slave ship brought the last known group of Africans into slavery to the U.S., long after transatlantic slaving voyages were outlawed. Africatown, the community the Clotilda survivors settled north of Mobile, is the only known surviving community founded by African slaves.

Jeremy Ellis, president of the Clotilda Descendants Association, told AL.com on Wednesday that its his understanding that the estate of Joe Meaher may have additional artifacts or resources that could shed a light on the descendants ancestors as well as perhaps, the overall Clotilda, Africatown story.

The group has attempted to meet with Heath Eckert, who could not be reached for comment. Eckert is described in the recently released book by freelance journalist and author Nick Tabor, Africatown: Americas Last Slave Ship and the Community it Created as a close friend and business partner to Joe Meaher. In 2006, Meaher asked that his property to be left with Eckert or to Eckerts descendants.

Ellis was joined by fellow Clotilda descendants Joycelyn Davis and Patricia Fraizer for a meeting - moderated by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes - with Helen and Meg Meaher, daughters of Gus Meaher who is the only great-grandson to Timothy Meaher that is alive. Thus far, Helen, an attorney, and Meg, an accountant, have been the only two Meaher descendants to meet with the Clotilda descendants.

We are not directing anything at Helen and Meg, and from my perspective, theyve been great partners, Ellis said. We wanted to commend their actions and continue with the partnership.

Ellis said the news release, issued on Tuesday, was more aimed at wanting to have conversations with Eckert and the widow of Robert Meaher, Patricia. Ellis is a sixth-generation descendant of Pollee and Rose Allen, both enslaved Africans on the Clotilda.

Helen and Meg Meaher, in a family statement, declined to comment about the Clotilda Descendants request. Meg Meaher, during the 60 Minutes segment, described her family as one with lots of layers and complexities, and some dysfunctions underscored by a lawsuit among family members that was resolved about a year ago.

The Meaher family statement to AL.com this week focused on the 60 Minutes program, which included a lengthy segment on their sit-down conversation Helen and Meg Meaher had with the Clotilda Descendants:

First and foremost, we want to acknowledge that the actions by our ancestor, Timothy Meaher, were evil and unforgivable and had consequences that have impacted generations of people. We also want to acknowledge that our family has been silent and distant for far too long.

We, the current generation of the Meaher family, are committed to ending the silence and narrowing the distance. We have been meeting with different community leaders and stakeholders for the past 18 months. These conversations are helping to guide the actions our family takes as we strive to be better partners in the community.

We did not seek media attention. We did take the opportunity to participate in an updated segment on Africatown with CBS 60 Minutes. There is much work to be done, and we are committed to continuing the dialogue, building relationships, and to listening and learning.

During the segment, Meg Meaher said that she and her sister found no artifacts that might have belonged to Clotilda survivors or be associated with the ships voyage.

Pat Frazier, during the segment, said, I cant believe there arent family relics. I want to believe people preserve things of some significance.

The only artifact presented during the segment was a cane, once owned by Burns Meaher, brother to Timothy Meaher, who enslaved Lottie Dennison, Pat Fraziers great-great grandmother.

The moment was emotional, with Cooper asking Fraizer how she felt touching the cane.

It makes me sad, said Frazier. It just really makes you remember the hardship.

Said Cooper, I can hear the sadness.

Tabors reporting for his book suggests there artifacts out there. According to Tabors account, Robert Meaher had been reportedly in discussions with the History Museum of Mobile about donating some artifacts from the Clotilda, including a pistol and an ornate drinking cup. The donations never occurred.

A more intriguing question, however, is what kinds of documents the family might possess and what they could reveal about the Clotilda story, according to a passage in Tabors book. They never throw anything away, said one person acquainted with the family.
Police in New York have identified the couple who were killed in a vehicle explosion at the New York-Canada border when their car crashed at the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday.

WIVB reports Niagara Falls police said Friday the victims are Grand Island residents Kurt P. Villani, and his wife, Monica Villani, both 53 years old. Video showed their car traveling at a high rate of speed before hitting a median, going airborne and hitting a structure near the U.S. border inspection booths before exploding and bursting into flames, killing both people.

According to WGRZ, Kurt and Monica Villani were members of the Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island and well-known in their community.

Its really shock and devastation and its just gut wrenching really, really. They were so loved, Mary Meyer told the Buffalo TV station. They were so generous and kind and always willing to help. You know, just plowing everybodys driveway for the love of it, you know what I mean? Just always willing to help and lend a hand. Always. always, always. They were just so very, kind wonderful people.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Niagara Falls police as a traffic investigation. The FBI said late Wednesday it concluded its own investigation after finding no evidence of a terrorist attack, and no explosive materials at the scene.

Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete, the Niagara Falls Police Department said on behalf of its Crash Management Unit. The City of Niagara Falls would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families as they deal with this tragedy.

In this image taken from security video, a light colored vehicle, top center, flies over a fence into the Rainbow Bridge customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of a U.S.-Canada bridge in Niagara Falls Wednesday, leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of four border crossings in the area, authorities said.Customs Border Protection via AP

Sources told CNN that investigators believe the couple planned to attend a KISS concert in Canada, but when it was canceled they went to the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino instead. The crash reportedly occurred after the pair left the casino in a Bentley.

The crash prompted Rainbow Bridge and three other bridges connecting Western New York and Ontario to close out of an abundance of caution. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received briefings, and Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Western New York to announce there were no signs of terrorism involved.

Hochul said the car was basically incinerated with nothing left but the engine and a scattering of charred debris.

You actually had to look at (the video) and say, was this generated by AI? Hochul said at a news conference. Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire.

WIVB reports one border patrol officer suffered minor injuries in the incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Three of the border crossings reopened Wednesday night. The Rainbow Bridge re-opened Thursday around 6:30 p.m.
Jonathan Buford has already made his own list, and probably checked it twice.

But its a good thing the nearly 52-year-old Hoover man is thorough this holiday season. Its his first foray as Santa Claus, complete with the traditional suit and bushy white beard.

Since this is my first year, I have been intentional about taking things slow and focusing on quality, said Buford, a resident of the Bluff Park neighborhood, hence the moniker, Santa on the Bluff.

It is very important to me to do the best that I can with each assignment and provide the best experience for people who meet Santa, he said.

Buford joins a growing nationwide booming business of Kris Kringles, a jolly group of mostly 60-plus-year-old men who have seen bookings surge since the pandemic. According to HireSanta.com, a Santa placement agency that conducted a nationwide survey of over 1,200 Santa Clauses, the percentage of people reaching out to their website to have a Santa at their event is up a whopping 168% over pre-pandemic levels, and 34.6% higher than last year.

Santa bookings, according to the website, are up 152% year over year.

Yes, its going to be a busy year, said Steve Rusk, past president with the Cotton State Santas, an Alabama-based affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IRBRS). The IRBRS is the worlds largest organization of professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses and supporting spouses.

Rusk, who goes by Santa Ruskie, has been booked solid with photo shoots and appearances at Sams Club stores since Halloween. He is booked solid through December, despite admitting to cutting back my season a little bit.

Rusk, of Mt. Olive, is also mentoring two new Santa Clauses including Buford.

Jon came to be about a year and a half ago and talked about wanting to do it, and then came back in January and he said, Im ready to do it, Rusk said. He went to a school or two and did just that. I asked him, How much work do you want?

Buford said he spent the first nine months of 2023 learning as much as he could, and that included a Santa-training one weekend in February and a Santa School he attended in Atlanta.

I have been welcomed into the Santa community and the more experienced Santas have been generous to share their knowledge, said Buford, who has taken jobs in Jefferson, Shelby, Bibb, Tuscaloosa and St. Clair counties so far, and who plans to stay within a 60-mile radius.

There is a lot of work to go around, according to HireSanta.com. There are over 1,739 jobs for full-season Santas, elves and other holiday entertainer jobs this year that are still currently open across the industry. Adding to the already high demand is a record number of small and medium-size businesses using Santa to associate their brands with Christmas, the website states.

And unlike in previous years, no one is worried about COVID-19. Three years ago, Santa and Mrs. Claus were relegated to doing mostly virtual visits. HireSanta anticipates virtual visit demand to be at or below 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Alan Patrick, the River Region Santa known as Santa Alan, said HireSanta and other placement agencies have reached out to him two or three times already this year about filling in for bookings. Last year, Patrick said he did not receive any inquiries from the groups.

In each case, I was already booked but was able to refer other local Santas, Patrick said. In speaking with other Alabama Santas, I would agree that there seem to be more requests this year than in the previous few.

Cotton State Santas have a strong membership of about 200 or so Santa and Mrs. Clauses, but the state isnt the Santa standard in the U.S. HireSanta, through its survey, lists at least 10 other states that are larger than Alabama as among the top states for having the most Santa Clauses. Texas is No. 1, where 15.1% of all Santas come from, followed by California with 7.5% at No. 2. Florida, Georgia, and Missouri are three Southern states that are within the Top 10.
How can something be so expensive? wondered Reesha Ahmed of Venus after receiving a bill for nearly $2,400 for standard prenatal blood tests. Nitashia Johnson/For KFF Health News

Reesha Ahmed was on cloud nine.

It was January, and Ahmed was at an OB-GYNs office near her home in Venus for her first prenatal checkup. After an ultrasound, getting anti-nausea medication and discussing her pregnancy care plan, she said, a nurse made a convenient suggestion: Head to the lab just down the hall for a standard panel of tests.

The lab was inside Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, which opened in December 2020 in a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb. The tax-exempt hospital is jointly operated by Texas Health Resources, a faith-based nonprofit health system, and AdventHealth, another religious nonprofit.

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Ahmed, just eight weeks pregnant, said the doctor told her everything about the visit was routine. Nothing really stood out, said Ahmed, 32. And, of course, theres just a lot of excitement, and so I really didnt think twice about anything.

Her blood tests checked for multiple sexually transmitted infections, her blood type and various hormones.

Within days, Ahmed began bleeding and her excitement turned to fear. A repeat ultrasound in early February showed no fetus.

My heart kind of fell apart at that moment because I knew exactly what that meant, she said. She had a miscarriage.

Then the bills came.

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The hospital charged $9,520.02 for the blood tests and pathology services. Her insurer, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, negotiated that down to $6,700.50 and then paid $4,310.38, leaving Ahmed with a lab bill of $2,390.12. Ahmed gets her insurance through her employer.

Ahmeds situation reveals how hospital-based labs often charge high prices for tests. Even when providers are in network, a patient can be on the hook for thousands of dollars for common blood tests that are far cheaper in other settings. Research shows that hospitals typically charge much more than physicians offices or independent commercial labs for the same tests.

The situation was particularly difficult for Ahmed because she had lost the pregnancy.

To come to terms with it mentally, emotionally, physically  dealing with the ramifications of the miscarriage  and then having to muster up the fighting strength to then start calling your insurance, and the billing department, the providers office, trying to fight back a bill that you dont feel like you were correctly sent? Its just, its a lot, she said.

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In Texas, the same lab tests were at least six times as expensive in a hospital as in a doctors office, according to research from the Health Care Cost Institute, a nonprofit that examines health spending.

The markup can be even higher depending on the test. HCCI data, based on 2019 prices, shows the median price for a complete blood count in Texas was $6.34 at an independent lab and $58.22 at a hospital. Texas Health charged Ahmed $206.69 for that test alone.

It is convenient to get your lab done right in the same building, said Jessica Chang, a senior researcher at HCCI, but many patients are not thinking about how highly marked up these lab tests are. Chang said she suspects many hospitals tack on their overhead costs when they bill insurance.

Anthem also charged Ahmed for at least four tests that most insurance plans would consider preventive care and therefore covered at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Acts requirements for covering preventive care, which includes aspects of prenatal care. Her EOBs, or explanation of benefits notices, show she paid out-of-pocket for a test identifying her Rh factor  which detects a protein on the surface of red blood cells  as well as for tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis.

Asked to review Ahmeds tests, Anthem spokesperson Emily Snooks wrote in an email to KFF Health News that the claims were submitted as diagnostic  not preventive  and were paid according to the benefits in the members health plan.

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There definitely shouldnt be out-of-pocket costs for those screenings, said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of Georgetown Universitys Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening pregnant patients for several infectious diseases that pose major risks during pregnancy.

Ina Park, a professor of family community medicine at the University of California-San Francisco and an expert on STIs, said the tests Ahmed received didnt raise red flags from a clinical perspective. Its really more what the actual lab charged based on what the tests actually cost, Park said. This is a really exorbitant price.

For example, Ahmed paid $71.86 in coinsurance for a hepatitis B test for which the hospital charged $418.55. The hospital charged $295.52 to screen for syphilis; her out-of-pocket cost was $50.74.

You just wonder, is the insurance company really negotiating with this provider as aggressively as they should to keep the reimbursement to a reasonable amount? Corlette said.

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Ahmed refused to pay the bills, and Texas Health sent the debt to collections.

When she tried to get answers about the costs, she said she was bounced between the doctors office and the hospital billing department. Ahmed submitted a complaint to the Texas Attorney Generals Office, which passed it to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She never heard back.

According to Ahmed, a hospital representative suggested her bloodwork might have been coded incorrectly and agreed the charges were really unusually high, Ahmed said, but she was told there was nothing the hospital could do to change it. The hospital did not comment on the reason behind the high charge. In a March 7 email, an AdventHealth employee told Ahmed the doctors office had no control over the hospitals billing.

Ahmed filed an appeal with Anthem, but it was denied. The company stated the claims were processed correctly under her benefits, which cover 80% of what the insurer agrees to pay for in-network lab services after she meets her deductible. Ahmed has a $1,400 deductible and a $4,600 out-of-pocket maximum for in-network providers.

We depend on health care providers to submit accurate billing information regarding what medical care was needed and delivered, Snooks said. Asked about reimbursements to the Texas Health lab, she added, the claim was reimbursed based on the laboratorys contract with the health plan.

After a KFF Health News reporter contacted Texas Health on Oct. 9, the hospital called Ahmed the next day and said it would zero out her bills and remove the charges from collections. Ahmed was relieved, like a giant burdens just been lifted off my shoulders.

Its just been fighting this for 10 months now, and its finally gone, she said.

Texas Health Resources and AdventHealth declined to respond to detailed questions about Ahmeds charges and the tests she was directed to obtain.

We are sorry Ms. Ahmed did not get clarity on her care with us. Our top priority is to provide our patients with safe, effective and medically appropriate care, Laura Shea, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in an emailed statement.

Ahmeds problem demonstrates the pitfalls of using a hospital lab for routine testing.

For standard bloodwork, its really hard to argue that theres a quality difference between independent labs and hospitals that would warrant higher prices, Chang said. That holds true for other services, too, such as imaging. Theres nothing special about the machines that hospitals use for a CT or MRI scan. Its the same machine.

Broadly, state and federal lawmakers are paying attention to this issue. Congress is considering legislation that would equalize payments for certain services regardless of whether they are provided in a hospital outpatient department or a doctors office, although not lab services. Hospitals have tried to fend off such a policy, known as site-neutral payments.

For example, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would require the same prices under Medicare for physician-administered drugs regardless of whether theyre given in a doctors office or an off-campus hospital outpatient department. That bill also would require labs to make public the prices they charge Medicare for tests.

Another bill, the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act, would ban hospitals from charging commercial health plans some facility fees  which they use to cover operating or administrative expenses.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Ohio and New York have limited providers ability to charge privately insured patients facility fees for certain services. Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland and New York require health facilities to disclose facility fees to patients before providing care; Florida instituted similar requirements for free-standing emergency departments.

Patients should keep copies of itemized bills and insurance statements. While not the only evidence, those documents can help patients avoid out-of-pocket costs for recommended preventive screenings.

For now, patients can proactively avoid such extreme bills: When your doctor says you need blood tests, ask that the requisition be sent to a commercial lab such as Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics that is in your network, and have the tests done there. If they cant do it electronically, ask for a paper requisition.

Dont always just go to the lab that your doctor recommends to you, Corlette said.
An Oneonta police officer wounded in a shooting earlier this week continues to recover but has a long road ahead.

The officer, whose name has not been released, underwent a second surgery on Wednesday and is facing at least one more surgery in the coming days, according to a statement from Police Chief Charles Clifton.

The officer was struck in the upper leg.

He looked better this morning than at any time since the injury, Clifton said in a Thanksgiving Day Facebook post. He was out of bed, sitting in a chair, and with the assistance of nurses had even stood up for the first time in three days. We are blessed and grateful for his progress.

Clifton thanked the surgeons and staff at UAB Hospital who worked hard to save him intact, and asked for continued prayers for all involved.

These types of incidents are very foreign to our community, Clifton said. Our officers are dealing with some mental scars that will last a lifetime and coping with this situation is very difficult.

Oneonta police were dispatched about 11 a.m. Monday to Sand Valley Road on a report of a suspicious person.

Authorities said a man  identified as 32-year-old John Joseph Hampton - was beating on the doors of homes in the neighborhood. One woman let the man use his phone.

Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon said no one in the neighborhood knew Hampton and authorities dont know why he was there. The sheriff said he appeared to be possibly homeless or at least temporarily displaced.

One of the residents called the Oneonta police chief on his cell phone, and he dispatched officers to the scene.

When police arrived, said Senior Alabama State Trooper Brandon Bailey, Hampton fled on foot before being tased and starting a fight with officers.

Hampton ran off into the woods where a brief standoff ensued. He then brandished a gun and shots were fired.

Hampton was pronounced dead on the scene.

Bailey said the investigation is ongoing by the State Bureau of Investigation. Once the probe is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Blount County District Attorneys Office.
Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was granted parole Friday, 10 years after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world. He will be released from prison on Jan. 5, but will be constantly monitored by parole officials for five years until his sentence expires, the Department of Corrections said.

Pistorius parole will come with other conditions, Department of Corrections spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said outside of the prison where Pistorius has been incarcerated in the South African capital, Pretoria.

Pistorius will not be allowed to leave the area of Pretoria where he is set to live without permission from authorities. He will also attend a program to deal with anger issues and another program on violence against women. He will have to perform community service.

Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility, Nxumalo said. What will happen is that Mr. Pistorius will be allocated a monitoring official. This official will work with him until his sentence expires.

Nxumalo said the monitoring official would need to be notified of any major events in Pistorius life, including if he wants to move house or get a job.

We have to be informed of each and every activity, Nxumalo said.

Pistorius will not wear a monitoring bracelet as that is not part of South African parole procedure, Nxumalo said. Pistorius sentence will expire on Dec. 5, 2029.

The decision to grant parole was made at a hearing at the prison earlier Friday.

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, has been in jail since late 2014 for the Valentines Day 2013 killing of model Reeva Steenkamp, although he was released for a period of house arrest in 2015 while one of the numerous appeals in his case was heard. He was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half of their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has done.

Pistorius was at the height of his fame and one of the worlds most admired athletes when he killed Steenkamp. He shot her multiple times in the bathroom of his Pretoria villa in the predawn hours with his licensed 9mm pistol.

Pistorius parole hearing was his second in the space of eight months. He was wrongly ruled ineligible for early release at a first hearing in March. That was due to an error made by an appeals court over when the sentence officially started.

Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Steenkamp. That conviction was overturned and he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. They also appealed against an initial sentence of six years for murder, and Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Pistorius testified at his murder trial that he killed Steenkamp by mistake when he fired four times through the door thinking she was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom in the middle of the night. Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and reality TV star, had fled to the toilet cubicle during a late-night argument and Pistorius killed her in a rage.

Pistorius was eventually convicted of murder on a legal principle known as dolus eventualis, which means he acted with extreme recklessness and should have known that whoever was behind the door would likely be killed. Its comparable to third-degree murder.

Steenkamps father, Barry Steenkamp, died in September. Her mother, June Steenkamp, did not oppose Pistorius parole, but said in a statement before the hearing that she did not believe Pistorius had been fully rehabilitated and was still lying about the killing.

Rob Matthews, a South African man whose 21-year-old daughter was murdered in 2004 and who became a Steenkamp family friend, read out June Steenkamps statement. She said she was not opposing Pistorius parole and didnt attend the hearing because I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.

Nevertheless, I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar, June Steenkamp said in the statement. In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life. ... I believe he knew it was Reeva.

While out on parole, Pistorius is expected to live at his uncles luxurious mansion in a wealthy Pretoria suburb, where he stayed during his murder trial.

Pistorius was first sent to Pretorias central prison, a notorious apartheid-era jail. He was moved to the citys Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in 2016 and is set to be released from there in a little over a month, when the world will get its first public sight of him in nearly a decade.

There have been only occasional glimpses of Pistorius life behind bars. His father has said he has been holding bible classes for fellow prisoners, while a criminologist who worked with him said he had been driving a tractor at a part of the prison where vegetables are grown.

Pistorius lawyers have said he has been a model prisoner. There have been flashes of trouble, though, including an altercation Pistorius had with another inmate over a prison telephone that left him requiring medical treatment.

Pistorius killed Steenkamp just months after he had become the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics. He was also a multiple Paralympic sprinting champion and one of sports most marketable figures, having overcome the amputation of both his legs below the knee as a baby to run on specially designed carbon-fiber blades. He was known as the Blade Runner.

At his sensational trial, prosecutors argued there was another side to Pistorius life that involved guns and angry confrontations with others. Pistorius was also found guilty of a second charge of recklessly firing a gun in a restaurant.
Drought conditions improved in some areas and became more entrenched in others in Alabama over the past week.

Thats according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which releases a look at drought conditions nationwide each week.

This weeks report for Alabama showed the worst-of-the-worst drought, called exceptional drought, holding tough in parts of north Alabama but backing off in others.

And parts of south Alabama that had been stuck in extreme drought for weeks improved a bit as well.

However, the majority of Alabama was still either in some stage of drought or on the verge of it -- and the forecast for next week likely wont lead to any improvements, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the latest Drought Monitor report:

* 4.79 percent of Alabama is in Level 4 of 4 (or exceptional) drought, down from 5.97 percent last week.

* 42.28 percent of Alabama is in Level 3 (or extreme) drought, down from 50.75 percent last week.

* 82.95 percent of the state is in Level 2 (or severe) drought, an increase from 80.27 percent last week.

* 98.64 percent of Alabama is in Level 1 (or moderate) drought, which is unchanged from last week.

Nearly all of the rest of the state is in Level 0 drought -- or on the verge or drought, according to the report.

Only 0.44 percent of Alabama is not considered to be in drought, which is unchanged from last week.

Alabama did get some rain in the past week. Here is the observed rainfall over the past seven days from the National Weather Service. Some of the driest spots in north Alabama got an estimated 2 to 3 inches:

Parts of Alabama got up to 3 inches of rain over the past seven days.NWS

It doesnt look like there will be a good chance for drought conditions to improve over the upcoming week.

The seven-day precipitation outlook from NOAAs Weather Prediction Center shows Alabama should expect an inch of rain -- or likely less -- over the next week.

Here is the precipitation outlook for the next seven days. It shows that most of Alabama should see some rain, but most places will get less than an inch.Weather Prediction Center

The next Drought Monitor report is scheduled to be released next Thursday.
An ex-US diplomat and adviser to former President Barack Obama was arrested Wednesday for hurling anti-Islamic remarks at halal vendors in Manhattan, cops said.

Police cuffed 30-year State Department employee Stuart Seldowitz, 66, on charges of harassment and stalking as a hate crime for spewing Islamophobic remarks to vendors on E. 83rd St. near Second Ave. on Nov. 7, cops said.

Videos posted to social media allegedly depicted the former diplomat laughing as he asked food vendors, Did you rape your daughter like Muhammad did? and If we killed 4,000 Palestinian kids, you know what? It wasnt enough.

Islam Moustafa, who along with partners Yasser Nawar and Ahmed Raki owns the Q Halal cart, said he initially believed their harasser was mentally disturbed.

It became more irritating when I learned hes an ex-Obama official adviser, said Moustafa.

Seldowtiz visited the E. 83rd St. food cart at least four times after the initial incident on Nov. 7, the food vendors say. During those visits, he harassed the carts workers, including 24-year-old Mohammed Hussain, according to Moustafa.

How could someone in that status stoop so low in conversation with a 24-year-old? Moustafa asked.

At one point while Hussain was prepping the cart, Seldowitz threatened to report him to his contacts in Egyptian intelligence, Moustafa said.

Everything is on the video, Moustafa said. Muhammad repeatedly begged him to leave, but the guy persisted.

Gotham Government Relations, a city-based lobbying firm that appointed Seldowitz as its Foreign Affairs chair, released a statement condemning the embattled former diplomat.

Gotham Government Relations has ended all affiliation with Stuart Seldowitz, the statement read. The video of his actions is vile, racist and beneath the dignity of the standards we practice at our firm.

In a biography now removed from the lobbying firms website, Seldowitz is described as a 30-year State Department veteran who worked as Acting Director for the National Security Council South Asia Directorate under the Obama Administration and as the three-time recipient of the State Departments Superior Honor Award.

Prior to his arrest, Seldowitz apologized on the political website City and State.

I regret the whole thing happened and Im sorry, Seldowitz said. But you know, in the heat of the moment, I said things that probably I shouldnt have said.

Moustafa applauded Seldowitzs arrest, saying he crossed the line between free speech and hate speech.

We need a good definition to separate freedom of speech from hate speech. What he said is too much for me, and Im glad the Hate Crime Unit arrested him for further investigation, said Moustafa.

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2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Just when you thought social media couldnt get dumber, Twitter is now X and people wont stop claiming that Garth Brooks is a serial killer over on the dumpster fire that is Elon Musks platform.

Yep. You read that right. The country music superstar is being called a serial killer over there. Its relentless and is clearly not based on anything that is factual.

Brooks has found himself in the middle of controversy lately for daring to suggest he might serve Bud Light in his new Nashville bar and having the gall to ask his fans to support refugees in the Ukraine, but this is clearly more serious and it apparently predates all of that.

So, how did we get here with Brooks mentions being flooded by the unfounded claims?

Well, according to multiple reports, it all began with comedian Tom Segura and Brooks 2018 concert tour announcement. At the end of the video, Brooks says, Lets get physical playing music, with a smile.

Segura then reportedly joked that Brooks looked like he has killed multiple people before. It has grown legs and taken off from there with a conspiracy that his tour dates coincide with multiple missing people reports even being added to the story.

That has led fans of Segura to show up in Brooks posts to ask, Where are the bodies, Garth?

Many people, it seems, are in on the joke.

But there are other people who genuinely and unbelievably seem to believe there are facts behind this and you will easily find people on Musks platform claiming Brooks is a serial killer.

You don't have to look hard on social media to find folks accusing Garth Brooks of being a serial killer.

Again, there are no facts  zero  that suggest Brooks has killed anyone.

Segura recently told comedian Theo Von on his podcast that Brooks has blocked him on Instagram over all of this.

It was probably overdue considering the beating the guy is taking over on social media around this one.

Again, there are no facts  zero, none, nada  that suggest Brooks is a serial killer.
Now that theyve seen the body cam footage, Jawan Dallas legal team is once again calling upon the Mobile Police Department to release the video and the names of the officers involved in the incident.

Its no secret why the Mobile Police Department doesnt want to release this video, the legal team said in a statement Friday. It shows their officers illegally accosting, assaulting and killing an unarmed innocent man while he begs for his life screaming I cant breathe. I dont want to be George Floyd. Of course they dont want the public to see that. But this isnt about what the Mobile Police Department wants. Its about justice.

The Dallas family is being represented by civil rights attorneys including Harry Daniels, John Burris, Ben Crump and Lee Merritt. They have taken on high profile civil rights cases representing Rodney King and the families of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Andrew Brown, Botham Jean, Tyre Nichols and Oscar Grant.

The Dallas family and lawyers had the opportunity to view the videos that show the events that occurred July 2 while police were responding to a 911 call about a potential burglary. This came after four-and-a-half months of the family pleading with the city to let them know what happened to their son.

This is one of the worst days of my life, Phil Williams, the father of Jawan Dallas, said at a press conference Wednesday after watching the video. Mobile Police Department, you straight murdered my son. You were not there to serve and protect him, you were there to destroy. You killed him.

Phil Williams, father of the late Jawan Dallas, speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. The conference was held after the attorney and family members of Jawan Dallas reviewed the footage of the police-worn body camera taken on July 2, 2023, when Dallas died following an altercation with police.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

The familys interpretation of the events in the footage stands in stark contrast to what the city claimed happened back in July.

The family and the familys attorney said eyewitnesses saw police beating Dallas, and they say the body cam footage corroborates that claim. Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said in July that the autopsy saw no evidence of any bruising, any contusion, or any evidence of blunt force trauma.

You tell me on the autopsy that it was accidental? Williams said at the press conference. No, You held him there  Yeah, of course he had a heart attack because you all caused a heart attack. Yeah, he had bleeding in his brain, because you all beat him upside his head.

The police officers involved in the incident were cleared of any wrongdoing by a grand jury, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced last week. The grand jury proceedings were what had been preventing the family from viewing the body cam footage due to secrecy rules.

Blackwood also said that Dallas initiated a struggle with police, which the familys attorney, Harry Daniels, called a damned lie.

The narrative Im giving is different from what they are giving, Daniels said at the press conference this week. Who do you believe? Who is telling the truth? The one thing that clears it up is to show the video. Its what should be considered and gives more transparency for police officers and makes the community safe.

AL.com has reached out to the city for comment regarding their plans with the video, but received no response at the time of publication.

Law enforcement agencies are not required under Alabama state law to release body cam footage to the public, meaning it is unlikely the general public or the press will be able to ever view the video.

The public has a right to see this video, Dallas lawyers said. The people deserve to know what kind of officers the Mobile Police Department are protecting, the kind of officers who would do this to an innocent man begging for his life. We all deserve to know because as long as they hide behind that badge, none of us are safe.










English News Crested ibis see growth in population, habitat area

Alwihda Info | Par pd - 24 Novembre 2023



In recent years, Shaanxi province has exported a total of 158 crested ibises to other countries, and helped establish more than 20 artificial populations. Among them, 14 crested ibises have been sent to Japan, South Korea, and other countries for the establishment of translocated populations or collaborative research. This not only promotes the conservation of the species, but also builds a bridge of friendly exchanges with the world.

By Gong Shijian, People's Daily The global population of the crested ibis has reached 11,000, according to statistics released by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. This has downgraded the conservation status of the species from critically endangered to endangered.



The habitat of these birds has gradually been restored from Yaojiagou, Yangxian County, northwest China's Shaanxi province, where they were initially discovered, to their historical distribution area in East Asia.



The population growth and the expanding habitat of the species make a remarkable ecological miracle that astonishes the world.



The crested ibis is dubbed as the "oriental gem." It was once widely distributed in China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East. However, the global population of the species drastically declined in the 20th century due to environmental changes and human interference, and the birds were once thought to be extinct.



Fortunately, Chinese experts rediscovered seven wild crested ibises in Yangxian county in 1981. Over the past 42 years, continuous conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in the global population of the species, from the original seven to more than 10,000 today.



"In the decade or so after the rediscovery of crested ibises, our research personnel and volunteers have been monitoring and protecting every nest around the clock," Zhang Yueming, senior engineer at the Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve, told People's Daily.



"Nowadays, we have shifted from protecting individual birds through constant surveillance to protecting the entire ecosystem," he added.



In addition to implementing in-situ conservation measures such as habitat restoration, population monitoring, and community co-management, conservation personnel have actively worked on artificial breeding techniques for crested ibis and explored the possibilities of reintroducing the birds into the wild.



The habitat area for wild crested ibises has expanded from less than 5 square kilometers when it was discovered to 16,000 square kilometers.



Through relentless efforts, Shaanxi province has successively fostered crested ibis populations that are able to support themselves after being reintroduced into the wild, and launched rewilding programs in Ningshan county of Ankang, Yaozhou district of Tongchuan, Qianyang county of Baoji, Zhouzhi county of Xi'an, Linwei district of Weinan and Lantian county of Xi'an.



As a result, crested ibises have crossed the Qinling Mountains and entered the Yellow River Basin from the Yangtze River Basin. Up to now, Shaanxi has reintroduced 560 crested ibises into the wild, increasing the population of wild crested ibises to over 6,600. The national population of crested ibises has reached over 9,800.



In recent years, Shaanxi province has exported a total of 158 crested ibises to other countries, and helped establish more than 20 artificial populations. Among them, 14 crested ibises have been sent to Japan, South Korea, and other countries for the establishment of translocated populations or collaborative research. This not only promotes the conservation of the species, but also builds a bridge of friendly exchanges with the world.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China voices to lead global AI governance A glimpse into express packaging box's carbon reduction journey in China Strengthening partnership the right choice for future of China-U.S. relations Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News To move China-U.S. relations on track of healthy, stable, sustainable development

Alwihda Info | Par pd - 20 Novembre 2023



A stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the common aspiration of the international community. Under the stewardship of the two presidents, the giant ship of China-U.S. relations has navigated hidden rocks and dangerous shoals.

By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate, San Francisco on Nov. 15, local time. It was a strategically significant and far-reaching meeting of the two heads of state.



Xi and Biden had an exchange of views on strategic and overarching issues critical to the direction of China-U.S. relations and on major issues affecting world peace and development.



Xi gave a comprehensive and authoritative presentation on China's position on stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relations, stressing the importance of making the right choice for history, finding the right way to get along and fostering a San Francisco vision for the relations.



The meeting is significant for enhancing trust, removing suspicion, managing differences and expanding cooperation between China and the United States. It is also significant for injecting certainty and stability into a world of turbulence and transformation.



China and the United States are the world's top two economies. Are China and the United States partners or rivals? Should they engage in mutually beneficial cooperation or antagonism and confrontation? This is a fundamental question on which disastrous mistakes must be avoided.



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.



For China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option, Xi noted, stressing it is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has unbearable consequences for both sides.



Major-country competition cannot solve the problems facing China and the United States or the world, he continued, noting that the world is big enough to accommodate both countries, and one country's success is an opportunity for the other.



China hopes that the two countries could be partners, perceiving and envisioning China-U.S. relations from the perspective of the future of humanity and Planet Earth. This fully demonstrated China's major country responsibility for history, people and the world.



The fundamental principles that China follows in handling China-U.S. relations are mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, which are the lessons learned from 50 years of China-U.S. relations and the conflicts between major countries in history. They should be the direction of joint efforts between the two countries.



Just as mutual respect is a basic code of behavior for individuals, it is fundamental for China-U.S. relations. The two countries' paths are different, but both are the choice by their peoples, and both lead to the realization of the common values of humanity. They should be both respected.



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.



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. Instead, it will be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing and prosperous United States.



Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in China's internal affairs. It should instead welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China.



Win-win cooperation is the trend of the times, and it is also an inherent property of China-U.S. relations.



China is pursuing high-quality development, and the United States is revitalizing its economy. There is plenty of room for their cooperation, and they are fully able to help each other succeed and achieve win-win outcomes. They should make the cooperation list longer and the pie of cooperation bigger.



Recently, the two countries have been actively implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali, Indonesia, creating conditions for fostering a San Francisco vision for the relations.



During his meeting with Biden this time in San Francisco, Xi said that China and the United States should jointly develop a right perception, jointly manage disagreements effectively, jointly advance mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and jointly promote people-to-people exchanges.



Through joint efforts in these five areas, five pillars can be put in place for China-U.S. relations to grow steadily and a new vision is fostered for China-U.S. relations going into the future.



The summit meeting reached more than 20 deliverables in such areas as political affairs and foreign policy, people-to-people exchange, global governance, and military and security.



On principles guiding the China-U.S. relations, the two presidents endorsed the efforts of their respective diplomatic teams to discuss principles related to China-U.S. relations since the Bali meeting and the common understandings arising from those discussions.



They stressed the importance of all countries treating each other with respect and finding a way to live alongside each other peacefully, and of maintaining open lines of communication, preventing conflict, upholding the United Nations Charter, cooperating in areas of shared interest, and responsibly managing competitive aspects of the relationship.



These seven points of common understanding are very important in that they provide a solid foundation for deeper discussions going forward. They are further proof of the broad common interests of China and the United States and the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. relations. They demonstrate that dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice for the two countries.



China and the United States are different in history, culture and social system, and how to deal with these differences is an important issue that both sides always need to address.



China is committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States. At the same time, China has legitimate interests that must be safeguarded, principles and positions that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed.



If the U.S. side is bent on encircling and containing China under the pretext of competition, China will firmly uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests.



The Taiwan question remains the most important and most sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. China urges the United States to honor the one-China principle, oppose "Taiwan independence," stop arming Taiwan, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and support China's peaceful reunification. China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable.



U.S. attempts to curb or suppress China on economy, trade and technology are creating risks instead of "de-risking." These misguided actions, and the ensuing uncertainty for China-U.S. relations, have become the biggest risk.



Stifling China's technological progress is nothing but a move to curb China's high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development. China will not accept that and such a move will not succeed.



China's development and growing strength, powered by strong internal drivers and its own inherent logic, will not be stopped by external forces. It is important that the U.S. side take China's concerns seriously, lift unilateral sanctions, and provide an equal, fair, and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese businesses.



A stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the common aspiration of the international community. Under the stewardship of the two presidents, the giant ship of China-U.S. relations has navigated hidden rocks and dangerous shoals.



The journey from Bali to San Francisco has not been an easy one. However, San Francisco should not be the finish line; it should be a new starting point. From San Francisco onward, the two sides should foster a new vision, further consolidate the foundation of their relations, build pillars for peaceful coexistence, and move their relationship in the direction of healthy, stable and sustainable development.



(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China voices to lead global AI governance A glimpse into express packaging box's carbon reduction journey in China Strengthening partnership the right choice for future of China-U.S. relations Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Commentary: McDonald's stake reacquisition reflects confidence in Chinese market

Xinhua) 08:44, November 24, 2023

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- McDonald's recently announced a decision to buy private equity firm Carlyle's entire 28 percent stake in its China business, which was sold by the burger chain in 2017.

The reacquisition, which will increase McDonald's holding to 48 percent, has shown its confidence in the Chinese consumer market. It also disproves some viewpoints suggesting a "Chinese market downturn" or foreign investment "fleeing China."

China is now McDonald's second-largest market with a total of 5,500 restaurants, while the burger giant plans to have over 10,000 outlets in China by 2028. "We believe there is no better time to simplify our structure, given the tremendous opportunity to capture increased demand and further benefit from our fastest-growing market's long-term potential," said McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski in a statement.

Behind McDonald's ambition is China's sustained momentum of post-COVID economic rebound and consumer demand recovery. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the business income recorded in the country's catering sector increased by 18.5 percent to 4.19 trillion yuan (588.4 billion U.S. dollars) in the first 10 months compared with the same period a year ago.

China's GDP grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023, according to the NBS. The International Monetary Fund projected China's GDP to grow by 5.4 percent in the whole year, reflecting a strong post-COVID recovery.

McDonald's saw its annual number of newly opened outlets in China increase from about 250 in 2017 to around 500 in 2022. Boosted by localization methods, such as the development of a WeChat app and promotions on social networks, McDonald's China business has realized systemwide sales growth of more than 30 percent since September 2019, according to the company.

China's high-standard opening up policy has boosted foreign investors' trust and confidence in its market.

Many large multinationals have been actively grasping opportunities generated by China's huge consumer market. Swire Coca-Cola Ltd. started the construction of a new plant with an investment of 2 billion yuan in Suzhou in September, saying that it will invest over 12 billion yuan in the Chinese mainland in the next decade. IKEA said in August that it would invest 6.3 billion yuan in the Chinese market over the next three years, while Tesla announced in April that it would build a new mega factory in Shanghai for the manufacture of its energy-storage product.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, a total of 41,947 new foreign-invested companies were established in China in the first 10 months of 2023, up 32.1 percent year on year.

Chinese authorities recently pledged that the country will continue to relax market access and provide a level playing field for foreign investors, with measures such as scrapping all restrictions for foreign investors entering the manufacturing industry.

The moves made by multinationals are in stark contrast to the hype of so-called "decoupling" or "de-risking" from China. They prove that the steadily recovering Chinese market remains a sought-after destination for global businesses.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Lucki Green holds a poster made for son Isaac Lowe's funeral in 2022. Isaac, 17, was slain in early September. Court records indicate an arrest in the killing. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

YouTube videos that allegedly featured bragging about the killing of a teenager in Houston last year and items stolen from the victim led police to arrest a San Antonio man in connection with the death, according to Harris County court records.

Eric Daniel Tizol, 18, was charged with capital murder Wednesday in the fatal shooting of Isaac Lowe, 17, in the 9300 block of Main in the early hours of Sept. 3, 2022.

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Lowe, who also was from San Antonio, was shot inside the parking garage of an apartment complex during an attempted robbery and then taken to a hospital by private vehicle, police said.

Tizol is accused of shooting Lowe in retaliation for a diss track Lowe recorded mocking Tizol and others, according to court documents.

Tizol, who police said is a gang member, then allegedly went on to record songs and post videos on YouTube about how Lowe was killed, according to court records.

Tizols videos also reportedly showed stolen items that were taken from Lowe, according to court records.

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Tizol was arrested Monday and charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun. He was charged with murder after being questioned by investigators, police said.

His bond was denied, according to court records. He was being held in the Harris County Jail and didnt have a defense attorney as of Wednesday night.
Prisoner exchange is not a new event in Jewish history. From the 1940s on, Israel exchanged Palestinian prisoners and POWs from Arab armies in exchange for Israeli soldiers and civilians taken captive during the war.

In the ancient world, in Numbers 21:1, Israel did not negotiate with the enemy but went to battle against her respective enemies in order to save prisoners.

A seminal case occurred in the early 13th century. Rabbi Meir of Rothenberg (12151293) was taken captive when he was 70 years old by Emperor Rudolf I, who demanded an exorbitant sum for the rabbis release. This act was done in peacetime, and the rabbis and leaders of the Jewish communities in that generation were the rabbis students. They were absolutely prepared to raise the sum necessary to free their teacher, even though it would spell financial disaster for the community.

Notwithstanding, the renowned rabbi would not permit the ransom to be paid, for he understood that such an act would only encourage the enemies of Israel to imprison other rabbis in the future and demand huge sums for their release.

Fast-forward, and Israel continually faces the intractable issue regarding Israeli hostages. Since its inception in 1988, Hamas is absolutely clear about its total opposition to Zionism and Israel. Hamas constantly celebrates the killing of Jews.

According to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, the rule is that in times of war one does not submit to any of the enemies demands. For as soon as one gives in to them, they will gain confidence and increase their efforts to strike again and again.

In fact, [a]ny concession is seen as a sign of weakness and merely leads to more attacks and more attempts to take hostages.

Whats more, as a result of [Israels] willingness to free large numbers of prisoners for one or two Israeli hostages, the terrorists ... figure that even if they do get caught, they most likely will be freed eventually in a prisoner exchange deal. It should also be noted that many of the terrorists who have been released by Israel in the past simply returned to their terrorist activities, murdering more Israelis. Therefore, as a result of our receiving one Israeli hostage, scores of other innocent Israelis have been murdered.

Presently, the chair of the Israeli Otzma Yehudit party has stated that that any such swap will bring us to disaster, pointing to the 2011 deal to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners  including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, thought to be the mastermind of the October 7 massacre [emphasis mine]  in exchange for captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

The Shalit prison exchange began on June 15, 2006 when Hamas, together with the Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees and the Jaysh al-Islam, carried out an assault on the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Israel, taking Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Corporal Gilad Shalit hostage in the process. The abductors threatened ... to execute Shalit if their demands were not met. In October 2009 Israel released twenty female prisoners in return for a sign of life of Shalit. Eventually, in October 2011, Israel and Hamas struck a deal to release Shalit in exchange for 1,027 prisoners, 454 of whom were described to have had blood on their hands.

And true to form, according to Al-Magor, an organization for Israeli terror victims, eighty percent of all terrorists released in the last three decades, either as a gesture of good faith to the Palestinians or as part of prisoner-exchange deals, have returned to terrorist activities. Israels intelligence agencies claim that forty-five percent of those released in previous prisoner-exchange deals returned to terrorist activity, and the former head of Mossad argues that the ... deal alone resulted in the murder of 231 Israelis by released prisoners.

Equally troubling is the fact that Qatar is playing negotiator in the recent negotiations concerning the Israeli hostages. That is like having the fox enter the chicken coop and asking to sit down for an amicable dinner.

Con Coughlin explains how Qatar is the Master Double Dealer.

The hundreds of millions of dollars the Qataris have given Hamas during the past decade have been instrumental in helping the terrorist group to develop the infrastructure that enabled it to carry out its murderous assault on Israel in the first place. Qatar would like the world to believe that it is acting as an honest broker with its efforts to secure the release of the Gaza captives. But the reality is that it deserves to be condemned by the West as a state that sponsors global terrorism, so long as it maintains its indefensible support for Hamas.

And the idea that Palestinians would act as civilized people has been quashed:

A public opinion poll published on November 14 showed that 75% of Palestinians support Hamass murder spree, including rape and beheadings, as opposed to only 13% who disapprove.

Surprisingly, the poll found that support for Hamas and its military operation is even higher in the West Bank, where Abbass Palestinian Authority is based, than in the Gaza Strip.

If such a large number of Palestinians in the West Bank support the murder of Israelis and Hamas, it is safe to assume that a new Palestinian state would be controlled by Hamas or another genocidal, antisemitic terror group.

Another, less surprising result of the poll is that 80% of the Palestinians reject both the one-state and two-state solutions, and instead demand all the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea  in short, the entire State of Israel within any borders.

The issue that is rarely mentioned is the role of the International Criminal Court. Where is the world court that should be arresting Hamas, Hezballah, and other jihadist terrorists who have brought murder, misery, and mayhem to the world at large? These terrorist groups have committed numerous crimes against humanity in addition to a myriad of war crimes.

Lieutenant Colonel (P) Stephen E. Schemenauer summed it up in 2016 when, in speaking of ISIS, he asserted that

[a]s the most lethal and well-funded terrorist group in the world, the Islamic State represents an unprecedented threat to international peace and security. Unfortunately, the international criminal justice system suffers from an institutional gap that allows the Islamic States members to operate with seeming impunity. [The Islamic States] violent extremist ideology, its terrorist acts, its continued gross systematic and widespread attacks directed against civilians, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, . . . its eradication of cultural heritage and trafficking of cultural property ... its recruitment and training of foreign terrorist fighters whose threat affects all regions and Member States ... constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security[.] Statement in United Nations (U.N.) Resolution 22491

In essence, the mechanisms typically relied upon to dispense justice in the international criminal arena are ill-equipped to handle the current threat, resulting in an institutional gap that must be filled. Meanwhile, the Islamic State continues to develop its network, build its resources, and conduct attacks with increasing frequency and lethality all over the world, and the death toll continues to mount.

Indifference, anti-Semitism, cowardice, and many self-serving financial deals result in a worldwide unraveling of law and order.

There is complete destruction of a valorous moral compass. After all, Hamass ally CAIR has operated with impunity in America for 30 years.

And the devil stands back and smiles. And the babies get beheaded. And the women get raped. And the mothers weep for their children who see horrors no one should encounter.

And the enemy gets a reprieve.

And some in the world wonder when the madness will end.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.

Image via Pexels.
There is a great word in Yiddish that sums up the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you or one of your family does something really great, something noteworthy, something memorable.

Nakhas. Accent on the first syllable.

It really is a great feeling. It is a sense of pride and accomplishment. You want to call friends, go crazy on social media, and send lots of selfies.

Your kid just got into med-school or your grandkid just won an Olympic Gold medal or your recipe book just made it to the Times bestseller list. Thats nakhas.

You cannot have enough Nakhas. When it comes from your kids or grandkids, its known as nakhas foon kinder -- pride and joy from children.

There are many jokes about Jews being proud about my son, the doctor.

Sadly, in Palestinian Arab society that pride is bestowed on my son, the martyr, and now, even, my son, the murderer.

Although I have lived and traveled extensively among Arabs, especially the Palestinians, learning several dialects of Arabic, I was astonished by a poll this week about the greatest source of pride for the Palestinians.

Most Palestinian Arabs get that warm and fuzzy feeling -- nakhas -- from the brutally successful terror attack of October 7, 2023. Ninety-seven percent. Yes, 97%.

Ninety-four percent were very proud. Three percent were somewhat proud. About two percent had reservations about their pride.

That is the finding of the latest poll done by Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD) in Ramallah.

It is a poll of Palestinian Arabs by Palestinian Arabs, and it asked directly, Considering the ongoing events, do you feel a sense of pride as a Palestinian?

In the West Bank, where the PLO has ruled for 30 years, 94.1 percent said they felt pride to a great extent in connection to the Hamas attack (which the poll called resistance). 4.1 percent said they felt proud so some extent. In other words, 98.2% of PLO-governed West Bankers were proud of the Hamas resistance.

In Gaza, where Hamas has ruled almost two decades, Palestinians were surer of their pride about murder rape and mayhem. The poll found 94.6% felt proud to a great extent, and 3.2% to some extent about the Hamas attack.

In other words, 97.8% of Gazans were proud of the attack that murdered 1,200 Israelis, including many babies, women, and elderly -- the vast majority unarmed civilians.

The pride question shows what Palestinians feel in their gut about murdering Israelis. Another question asks about supporting the attack itself, letting the respondent deal with the possibility that murdering Israelis may prove counterproductive to Palestinian interests.

When asked if they thought the attack was a good idea, or as the poll expressed it do you support the military operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance led by Hamas, the results were therefore more mixed.

In Gaza, 46.6% strongly support the attack and 17% somewhat support it. About 35% show various levels of reservation regarding the attack, apparently because of its devastating results in Gaza.

In the West Bank, where Palestinians have not felt anything like the power Israel has used in Gaza, about 83% support the operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance led by Hamas.

One clear take-away is that Palestinian Arabs do not love Palestinian Jews, i.e. Israelis. They take pride in the murder, dismemberment, and rape of Israelis.

Another lesson is that tough anti-terror policy sways views about the benefits (istifaada in Arabic) of terror. Sending bombs, not cement, affects even the harsh views of Gazas Arabs.

For them, 1948 was the Nakba -- the Calamity, the creation of the refugee problem. As they move southward, they know October 7, 2023 sparked the second Nakba.

As the Bible says (Proverbs 16:18), Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness of spirit before the fall.

Before the Allies conquered Germany, the Nazis foresaw a 1,000-year reign, but after Germany had been bombed into near-total destruction, Germans were not bragging about being Nazis. Of course, not all Germans were Nazis, but many lied about what they knew or did. That was 1945.

How lucky the Israelis of 2023 have such truthful neighbors as the Palestinians. Palestinian actions and comments show what they feel, and Israelis now know what the Palestinians feel. Lets stop pretending.

Proportional response and restraint by both parties are the standard comments by UN officials or U.S. diplomats who do not know the difference between Hamas and hummus.

Jimmy Carter once said Hamas leaders wanted peace. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pressed Israel to let Hamas run in the Gaza elections of 2006. Such foresight. That worked well. Why not try something similar?

Antony Blinken wants Israel to deliver Gaza to the same PLO, now led by Mahmoud Abbas, that broke all its accords with Israel and still pays bonuses to Hamas terrorists.

We can do better.

Dr. Michael Widlanski is the author of Battle for Our Minds: Western Elites and the Terror Threat (Threshold-Simon and Schuster, 2012), and Can Israel Survive A Palestinian State? (1990). He was strategic affairs advisor in Israel s Ministry of Public Security, editing captured PLO documents. Earlier he advised Israeli negotiation teams at the Madrid and Washington talks in 1991-92. Dr. Widlanski was a visiting professor at Washington University in St. Louis in 2007-8 and at the University of California, Irvine in 2014. He taught political communication for two decades at The Hebrew University and Bar Ilan University. Earlier he was a reporter at the New York Times and Cox Newspapers, war correspondent for Israeli Army Radio and Diplomatic Correspondent for Israel Television in English (IBA).

Image: Mary Madigan
One hot evening in May, 2009, at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad, while the acrid smell of burning trash pits hung in the air, I took an evening stroll. All of a sudden, the Embassys Big Voice loudspeakers came alive -- INCOMING! INCOMING! -- and I dove into a bomb shelter. As our little cluster of Embassy staffers crouched low, mouths open to reduce compression injury, our bodies shook with the rockets explosion nearby. We found out later that the Iranian-made rocket killed a DoD employee by blowing up his trailer just north of the Embassy.

Imagine how we and the family of those killed by Iranian rockets would have felt if we discovered that our President had just given Iran 10 billion dollars -- an act that any sane person knows would finance more rockets and terrorism. Well, this is what Biden just did, even as American soldiers in Iraq are being harmed by the drone attacks of Iranian-backed militias. Bidens duplicity is on full display.

Last week, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that the Biden Administration will waive Iranian sanctions to permit the release of $10 billion to Iran from Iraqi electricity sales. This was in addition to the $6 billion released this past September as a ransom for American hostages held by Iran. Mr. Miller assured us the money would be restricted so that Iran would only be able to buy food and humanitarian aid for its people. However, an astute reporter asked whether the $10 billion was fungible, meaning that Iran could shift money away from the designated services to fund terrorism. Miller denied it and said, They [Iran] choose to fund destabilizing activities first. They always have; as far as we can tell, they always will looking at this money, we see the benefit to allowing these funds to move again to restricted accounts where they can only benefit the Iranian people. This argument is delusional. He may as well have told us that giving Hamas water pipes was a peaceful way to support the Palestinian people, when in fact Hamas turns water pipes into missiles.

Could it be that President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are just naive, because they lack foreign policy experience?

Nope. With a quick Google search, anyone can verify that Biden has decades of foreign policy experience as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC). As for Secretary Blinken, his impressive resume includes Harvard University and a J.D. in Law from Columbia, along with nearly three decades of foreign policy experience, starting in 1994 as a member of the National Security Council. He also served as SFRC Staff Director, National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Deputy National Security Advisor, and Deputy Secretary of State, where he helped develop policy on Afghanistan and Irans nuclear weapons program. One would think that hed be superbly prepared to be Secretary of State.

Secretary Blinken, a supposed Afghanistan expert, claimed that Withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan meshes with the Biden administrations goal of focusing resources on China and the Covid-19 pandemic The terrorism threat has moved to other places This disastrous decision resulted in the death of 13 U.S. servicemen and thousands of Afghans who had helped the U.S. At the time, many Americans demanded that Blinken resign as Secretary of State, but these calls did not concern him, perhaps because he knew his Deep State connections via WestExec Advisors and Pine Island Capital Partners would protect him.

Blinken also rejected comparisons between the collapsing situation in Afghanistan and the chaotic American departure from Saigon in 1975. He said: "We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission, and that mission was to deal with the folks who attacked us on 9/11, and we have succeeded in that mission." Within days after Blinken claimed the mission was a success, the Afghan government fell and the same Taliban that gave cover to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda returned to power.

At this point the question we should be asking ourselves is: After all those decades of foreign policy experience, how could Biden and Blinken still keep getting it wrong?

During Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2010), [the] DoD assessed that at least 603 U.S. personnel deaths in Iraq were the result of Iran-backed militants, said Navy Cmdr. Sean Robertson. Those causalities resulted from rockets, mortars, RPGs, IEDs and other attacks.

As the architect of Americas policy toward Irans nuclear program, we can be sure that Blinken has an intimate knowledge of how the mullahs of Iran operate and how many Americans they have killed. Despite this, our highly educated but incompetent administration has financed Iran to the tune of tens of billions of dollars (including Obamas pallets of cash). These decisions continue to jeopardize our military, meaning that many more American troops are going to die from Iran-backed attacks. Our leaders should be ashamed of themselves as they dine in high society while American soldiers bleed in Iraq and Syria.

Its not just American soldiers who feel the impact. Bidens recent Washington Post op-ed stated: We stand firmly with the Israeli people as they defend themselves against Hamas. But how can Biden stand firmly with Israel while he is also giving billions of dollars to Iran, which supports 93% of Hamas military budget?

In other words, while Biden shakes Netanyahus right hand, Bidens left hand gives Ayatollah Khamenei a knife.

What can we Americans do in the face of such double-dealing? We can start by opposing the Biden Administrations exemption of itself from American anti-terrorism laws, such as its $10 billion Iranian sanction waiver.

More than that, the U.S. needs to rigorously enforce Irans existing sanctions. Any company that does business or buys Iranian oil must be excluded from commerce with America and its businesses.

The history of Bidens Administration tells us not to expect this kind of leadership, given its grotesque conflicts of interests. However, we can call on Congress to block Bidens pandering to Americas enemies, and hold Bidens gang in check until Republicans win the White House next November.

Hugh Iwanicki, is a former Foreign Service Officer and expert on Middle Eastern affairs. He is the author of Shock & Alarm, What it was Really like at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Hugh brings attention to the plight of persecuted Christians throughout the world, and can be reached at: iwanickih@yahoo.com.

Image: PickPik
Something evil is happening in Los Angeles based on the increasingly aggressive acts of its Jew-haters.

According to the Times of Israel:

US pro-Palestinian demonstrators have held a loud protest outside a vacation home of AIPAC president Michael Tuchin in Los Angeles, setting off smoke bombs and branding him a baby killer. They also spilled red paint outside the home, signifying blood, and chanted Fuck your holiday at the head of the pro-Israel lobby.

This is AIPAC president Michael Tuchin. @PplsCityCouncil is taking responsibility. pic.twitter.com/VbGQpg8w46  Ron Bassilian (@Ron4California) November 24, 2023

They did this outside the man's home in the nice Brentwood neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles just outside Beverly Hills.

Not his office. His home.

That sends an unmistakeable message: 'We are watching and we know where you live.'

That's pretty outrageous, given that this man has nothing to do with what is going on in Israel; neither the Hamas attack nor the Israel military response. He's a Jew and not an Israeli Jew, but an American Jewish lobbyist for Israeli interests in the U.S. and apparently a pretty effective one, given the rabid Jew-hate directed at his organization seen on Twitter.

Heard the term "all about the benjamins?" Anti-Semites are big on that one. In every attack I saw on Twitter naming AIPAC, it was "all about the benjamins" crap.

Rep. Ilhan Omar must be so proud.

So now freaks calling themselves the People's City Council, which sounds like an antifa-type organization with a new battery, have starting targeting AIPAC'S leader, Michael Tuchin, with smoke bombs and fake blood and graffiti in a mock terror attack, sort of like a mock execution. Notice that in the video, they are dressed in all-black with masks and pointy-headed caps, just like the Black September terrorists who attacked the 1972 Munich Olympics. I'm going to argue that that's not a coincidence.

It must be terrifying for those in the vicinity, including Tuchin and his family, given that these creeps have shown what they can and want to do.

Oh, they claim it's a peaceful protest, but this isn't peaceful, not when it targets someone's home. It's a threat, a starter-pack of a few crummy little acts to demonstrate that they are capable of worse acts and here is what they have in mind and they know where this man lives.

These protestors have already killed a man at a pro-Israel protest, claiming it was an accident. Now they are going after Jews in their homes.

Sound like this is going to get better?

Jewish people are very visible in that part of Los Angeles -- with many synagogues, many events, many kosher food outlets both groceries and restaurants, blue-and-white lights for the holidays, the occasional Israel flag waved, and in some areas, such as the south of Robertson, where I used to live, many people in Jewish-identifiable clothing. There has been an upswing in anti-Semitic attacks from graffiti sprayed on houses of worship to attacks on Jewish people for being Jews. The hate is scary and as Los Angeles slides into blue-city decline, seems to be getting worse. Now with this Israel war on terror happening, it's reaching untold heights.

And Jews aren't the only victims. The attack on the AIPAC chief follows from another attack in Brentwood three days ago against Vice President Kamala Harris, who may have been home in Brentwood herself for her Thanksgiving holiday, based on a photo she released.

According to the Westside Current, a local outlet and probably the only one that covered this:

BRENTWOOD - Pro-Palestinian protesters threw fake blood in front of a Brentwood home, then placed red handprints on the ground before Vice President Kamala Harris' arrival for a campaign fundraiser Monday. About two dozen protesters chanted "Free Palestine" and "Harris, Harris you can't hide you're committing genocide," blocked cars on the street and yelled "Shame on you" as people trickled into the home of attorneys Cliff Gilbert-Lurie and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie.

The Biden-Harris administration, for all its flaws, is at least nominally pro-Israel and thus, the topic of rage from these freaks. This earlier attack serves as an attempt to intimidate this easily-intimidated Biden-Harris administration into doing what Hamas wants or harm will come.

It was followed by the AIPAC attack and both occurred in the same neighborhood.

Obviously, there is some kind of leadership failure at the city and probably federal level that these groups targeting and attacking Jews have gotten so increasingly emboldened. Apparently nobody gets penalized for this activity, at least not enough to make them change their behavior, and the result is that now all Jews in Los Angeles are threatened in their homes.

They'd better put a stop to this now, because it's getting ugly out there for Jews. It looks like a prelude to a full-blown terror attack.

Image: Twitter screen shot
Founded in 1891, the Philadelphia Free Library is run by a Board of Trustees that does not operate under any mayoral control, but is allocated funds from the mayors budget. Also, the library has a fundraising arm, which is handled by a stand-alone 501(c)(3) Foundation, with its own board  dedicated to raising money for the library. There is a small crossover of the two boards. Some board members represent a whos who of local socialites, with long histories of philanthropy.

The library system is a behemoth, with 54 neighborhood locations. The mission statement of the library reads: To advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Its vision is to build an enlightened community devoted to life long learning. Anyone living in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is eligible for a free library card.

Against this august background, and over a century of enhancing education, it comes as a shock that on November 29, 2023, the library is hosting two outrageously overt anti-Semitic events. Do members of the board sanction these events, produced by librarians at the various locations? Clearly, they have been informed of the treacherous lies and a call to arms these events represent. Yet they have sat on their hands, despite repeated calls for these events to be canceled.

By way of clarification, November 29 is the date on which the United Nations (U.N.) agreed to the creation of the Modern State of Israel. Israel accepted its creation and the boundaries proffered. The U.N. offered Arabs a country on the same date, but they refused it.

Thus, the illusion of a two-state solution was dead on arrival. Yet for three quarters of a century, this failed solution has been falsely posited as The Solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

By way of further clarification, the U.N., in 1977, created an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and celebrates the day annually. The event always morphs into a barrage of hate against Israel, a huge distortion of history, and the repeated lies that Israel is an apartheid/racist entity and an occupier and oppressor of the Arab people. That the library board members sit idly by while the libraries and librarians facilitate hatred is mystifying.

For the past few years, some Philadelphia city government officials have attended functions standing in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians. It is interesting to note that Sheryl Parker, Philadelphias new mayor, has not attended these events.

On November 29, the Philadelphia Library is hosting, at two of its branches, activities in sync with celebrating the Solidarity of the Palestine People Day. One is being held at the Queen Memorial Library, where the children are taught about the fruits of Palestine and drawing pictures of the Palestinian Flag, using the correct colors. Brainwashing?

Not as benign-sounding is the event to be presented on the same day at the Cecile B. Moore branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: Watermelons and Kaffiyehs, where topics such as insurrection and resistance will be discussed.

These events come on the heels of the librarys longstanding policy of selling pro-Palestinian books to kids, presenting story hours equating Israel to oppressors, occupiers, thieves, and murderers. There is no concomitant discussion of Hamas butchery or books on Jewish history and religion. Keep in mind: this is a public institution facilitating the Palestinian world code of mayhem and murder.

These events are also being presented during an epic atmosphere of overt anti-Semitism.

Philadelphias city government is even worse. This year, the mayors office has moved its Day of Solidarity with Palestine festivities from City Hall to the awe-inspiring steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. These are the steps, made immortal, where Stallone, in the movie Rocky, raced up and raised his hands in jubilation. That association of hard work and eventual success with a band of butchers is sickening. Here we see the Muslim misappropriation of a classic American rags-to-riches odyssey in favor of a death cult celebrating rapes, beheadings, torture and burning of babies, and kidnapping.

And this deceit and alignment with butchers and murderers comes on the heels of the University of Pennsylvanias Palestine Writes weekend, held in late October. Billed as a cultural weekend of authors and poets, it quickly devolved into a Palestinian hate fest toward Israel. Coincidentally, this hate fest occurred a mere two weeks prior to the October 7 atrocities in Israel.

The violent Arab Street is now welcome in William Penns and Benjamin Franklins City of Brotherly Love. What a misnomer. The City of Philadelphia no longer has love for the Jewish people  unless incoming Mayor Parker reverses course.

Image via Raw Pixel.
Less than 24 hours ago I wrote a blog on the contents of Connor Sturgeons journal, which have just been released to the public by the Louisville Metro Police Department; what did his writings reveal? We learned that Sturgeon, like Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale, was driven to kill by the narrative sold by modern leftism, also known as the woke mind virus. Hales manifesto featured anti-white hatred, at one point even referencing white privilege, while Sturgeons journal contained anger over the climate disaster and his perceived laxity of current gun lawswhich is why he figured murdering upper class white people would be an impetus for change.

And like I concluded in that blog yesterday, When the woke (leftist) mind virus activates, the host becomes a killer. Well another story, one you probably didnt hear about, gives us another datum point to support the link between leftist ideology and psychotic murderous rampagesgiven the details and the lack of (known) murder (yet), its understandable why the mainstream media would stay far away from featuring it:

NEW



Reduxx has learned that a trans-identified male was arrested in Illinois after threatening to commit a school shooting and murder children.



Police say Jason "Alexia" Willie took inspiration from the Nashville shooting that left 6 dead in March.https://t.co/TmiUN0DdP2  REDUXX (@ReduxxMag) October 16, 2023

He is 47-year-old Jason Willie, a gay transgender Illinois man who bragged about being a pedophile, discussed his desire to commit a school shooting like Hale, and promised hed be raping the Christian daughters in the bathroom when the time for his revenge. As the article linked in the tweet above notes, Willie was acting on behalf of the transgender community in response to transphobic bullying.

Okay, so if were to believe him (and Hale, and every other violent trans maniac), then that means the entire trans left is a threat to the security and safety of others and we should treat it as suchwhich actually sounds entirely reasonable.

As the Reduxx report also noted, Willies social media posts referenced a we when speaking to the planned crimesin the Book of Mark, the reader is told of an exchange between Jesus and a man with an unclean spirit and when Jesus asks the unclean spirit, What is thy name? the spirit(s) answer, My name is Legion: for we are many [emphasis added]. Coincidence? I dont think so. Willie insisted again the we was in reference to the whole community, but again, I dont think so.

Lastly, we learn this:

According to Perry County court records, Willie has not yet entered a plea on his charge of resisting arrest, but Sheriff Howard explains that even if he is found guilty he will likely walk away with a fine. Its more or less going to end up going to be a hearing. Now with the state of Illinois having the SAFE-T Act, which went into effect on September 18, those types of crimes are no longer containable. You just bring [a suspect] in for booking, processing, and biometrics and then you release them with a court date and it is all handled by the courts from there on out.

This man is a ticking time bomb thanks to Democrat propaganda, and hes out on the street thanks to Democrat policies.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Doing what only the Palestinians (sic) and their equally hate-filled fellow travelers such as the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War, End Racism [sic!]) Coalition can do  enjoy destroying others enjoyment  these marginal people attempted to shut down the all-American, wholesome Macys Thanksgiving Parade in New York. One of their sympathetic, non-objective mouthpieces, Al Jazeera, disingenuously described their nefarious activities this way:

Pro-Palestine protesters pause Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Pro-Palestine demonstrators glued their hands to the street in the middle of the annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, temporarily halting the event. There were other instances of protests on the sidelines as well.

Pause. Hmmm.

The festive crowd of onlookers, including parents and children, eager to participate in the star-studded festive doings with cartoon characters waving from elaborate floats, marching bands, and more, were having none of this. Neither were New York officials.

Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the beloved Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday by gluing their hands to the middle of 6th Avenue and covering themselves in fake blood  before at least 400 demonstrators stormed Midtown at the end of the annual family spectacular. Several protesters  wearing white jumpsuits emblazoned with inflammatory slogans such as colonialism, ethnic cleansing and fascism  interrupted the floats and balloons just before 11 a.m., forcing the parade to be temporarily halted. They marched down 6th Avenue grasping a large sign reading, Liberation for Palestine and Planet and shouting anti-Israel slogans. ... Video shows at least one person crying out in pain as cops tried to move them and get them into handcuffs.

Awwww. Pain is the least punishment these deranged murderous imperialist colonialists should endure.

For they, and their fellow pro-slaughter barbarians, have equally destructive plans for today, Black Friday  the day inaugurating the Christmas shopping frenzy, which will optimistically culminate in a profitable year for retailers as displayed in their accountants black ink as opposed to red-ink losses. These fringe losers are planning more meaningless protests.

Organizers told Newsweek theyre rallying at commercial centers, refusing to shop at large corporate stores and attending virtual protests as hundreds of millions of Americans flock to retailers Friday.

Yeah, thats their usual senselessness!

Shoppers, do your part! Dont let them! As a President Barack Hussein Obama (D) adviser cleverly advised over 13 years ago, punch back twice as hard  literally if necessary, but also use reality and call in the police. The lawyers.

Because if you dont, remember President Donald J. Trump (R)s insight:

In the end, theyre not coming after me. Theyre coming after you  and Im just standing in their way.

Thats right! If you dont stop these murderous thugs now, as Israel is doing, you, yes you, the innocent parade-goer, the holiday shopper, will be next in line to be victimized by these fanatics.

You have been warned. Now act accordingly.

Image: JJBers via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Tragedy struck Ireland yesterday, and its no surprise to anyone paying attention.

The Irish are known for their fighting spirit. They've shed much blood to protect their beautiful island for near a millennium. They never once flinched or cowered.

How times change. Irelands in trouble. Its withering under a vicious strain of Progressivism and Open Borders. At the rate the Irish are going, it wont be long before their countrys unrecognizable. Who thought it was a good idea to flood Irish towns with the Third World? Certainly not the Irish, not counting the scoundrels in Leinster House. For those in the frontlines, tis a jarring disruption. Some call it an act of war. And after yesterdays events, its easy to see why.

Why no revolt, you ask? Wheres that famous fighting spirit? Oh, its there  and its growing  but as more speak out, the government looks to criminalize criticism. They look to criminalize discussion. Are they determined to sow chaos? To destroy Ireland? How could any rational thinker conclude otherwise?

Look at poor England. A hundred years ago, she ruled the planet. Now shes a laughingstock. Brexit was an absurdity. Leave? Remain? Who cares? Englands lost its soul either way  and it pains me to say that! Will Ireland follow her posh cousin to the depths of hell? If this preposterous experiment isnt stopped, Ireland may lead the charge.

I wrote Fearless Men, But Few to document the insanity. Why would a Canadian write a book on modern-day Ireland? It needed to be written. FMBF runs counter to the mainstream. FMBF tells it like it is. So do its characters.

In my lifetime, Ive watched Canada morph into a multicultural mishmash. Is that good? Is that bad? Is that unprecedented? Im so close to the storm that its difficult to comment  though that didnt stop me from trying in All Thy Sons. But were not talking about Canada.

Were talking about Ireland for the Irish. No one questions Japan for the Japanese, or Kenya for the Kenyans. Why should Ireland be different? Canada, America, Australia  one may argue theyre built by immigrants. Not Ireland. Ireland was built by the Irish for the Irish. Ive learned that such views are controversial. Heresy.

But how do the Irish feel? How do they really feel? Tune out the politicians. And the public broadcaster. Talk to the man on the street. Listen to whats in his heart. Youll not hear a warm embrace for the new ways. Nay, you might hear echoes of those who once walked the sacred land. Fierceness. Defiance. You might even hear shrieks of horror and bellows of rage. Ive heard them. Theyre everywhere.

Through the fictitious town of Castlegarry, FMBF examines the alarm and disbelief. It ponders the emerging tyranny that has citizens frozen in fear. Above all, it shows whats happening across the land to real people in real towns  how a way of life is being systematically destroyed.

FMBF is an angry book, and mostly one-sided. It takes the Irish side, can you believe it? The thesis is simple  which way Irish Man? Tradition or Globohomo steamroll? FMBF makes no prediction. The future of Ireland is in the hands of the Irish.

They say the ethnic Irish will be a minority in ten years. They say its inevitable. I wonder what they said a century ago to men like Pearse and Collins.

Is it too late to save Eire? A hardy band of patriots is giving it a mighty go. Men like Grand Torino, Critiqued, The Don, and the Irish Patriot. Aliases yes  truth-tellings become a dangerous game. Ah, but there are public figures, too, like Gemma and Justin. These folks are sticking their necks out. Theyre channeling yesterdays heroes.

Like FMBFs protagonist, theyve no idea what theyre up against. Or maybe they have. Either way, theres no denying their courage. If only Ireland had a few more of em.

K.M. Breakey is the author of Fearless Men, But Few and six other novels. He can be reached at km @ kmbreakey.com.

Image: Still Burning via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0.
As Ohio was celebrating the enshrinement of abortion into its state constitution, Pennsylvanias state Legislature went about trying to create its own abortion haven. The difference was that at the state house in Harrisburg, their vote flew under the radar, and just in time to welcome the Thanksgiving holiday.

On November 15, the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania state House passed house bill 117-86 (H.B. 1786), which would make the Keystone State a safe retreat for those seeking abortions that would be illegal in their native states.

The bill reads that Pennsylvania will have no authority over any person for any matter in a tribunal outside of this Commonwealth involving the provision or delivery of reproductive health care services, whether medical, surgical, counseling or referral, unless the service is also illegal within Pennsylvania. Abortion within the Keystone state is legal up to 24 weeks. Out-of-state expectant mothers now can abort surgically or chemically for the same amount of time without fear of any legal repercussions from their home state while in Pennsylvania.

Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro wasted no time once elected in proving his abortion bona fides when he established a pro-abort web page and telephone hotline on the taxpayers dime. In August, he canceled all state funding for Real Alternatives, which ran Pennsylvanias award-winning Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program, which funds pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies throughout the state. This much needed service has been a model of excellence for the rest of the country for the last three decades. The ripple effects of ending such a program beget standing ovations from Planned Parenthood, the most misnamed organization in the nation, and an increase in abortions across Pennsylvania.

That historic catchphrase from the 1980s, You have a friend in Pennsylvania, still rings true 40 years hence, but with a malicious twist. Your friend is a willing Pennsylvania abortionist. If Democrats have their way, Pennsylvania will be a sanctuary state for abortions.

However, it doesnt have to be that way.

The bill now advances to the Pennsylvania state Senate, which has a 28-22 Republican majority. Pundits believe that the bill should die in the Senate. Should is such an underplayed word, filled with overt expectation. As such, the bill is far from a foregone conclusion. Seemingly dismissed is how the bill passed the House by a 117-86 vote, with 17 Republicans, the alleged pro-life party, voting in favor.

The difference in the Senate is a mere six.

Of all the columns written over the last two decades, abortion has been the issue that leads all others. This is by no means a coincidence. Ever since Roe v. Wade was sent packing to historys ash heap, pro-abortion zealots have been on the march. They work overtime by providing pharmaceuticals, interstate travel, legal assistance, and political campaign financing to enshrine abortion within state constitutions.

The pro-life cause went from one fight at the Supreme Court to 50 in every state capital. The most prominent examples right now are the vote to enshrine abortion within the Ohio constitution and Virginia Democrats now proposing the same.

Roe v. Wade may be dead, but dont underestimate Americas penchant for abortion. Roes demise did not institute a pro-life America. Rather, it has emboldened a post-Christian United States hell-bent on doing just the opposite. Abortion is turning America pagan. All reasonable people know its a baby, and abortion is unconstitutional, as it violates a childs right to life.

The left refuses to address abortion as a moral issue. Leftists believe that choice allows them to compartmentalize their intent from their actions.

Today, believing that an unborn child is worth saving makes you a radical, while a 15-week ban makes you a reasonable moderate. Too many politicos run scared, fearing that if they defend the most innocent among us, they will lose elections. Perhaps not having a vote for 18 years parlays into the equation.

A Wall Street Journal poll shows that 55% support abortion at any time, for any reason. Such polls demoralize many pro-lifers after nearly half a century of work that sent Roe packing just 17 months ago.

Some inquire as to what they can do. Contact your state senator, and tell him to perform his own abortion on this immoral legislation by voting no.

Image: Rlibrandi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
The story of a legless mystery man known as Jerome who turned up one day in 1863 in Sandy Cove is well-known in Nova Scotia. He was found one morning, perhaps in September, by two fishermen on the beach by the Bay of Fundy sitting up against a large rock. He was suffering from cold and exposure. Within his arms reach were a tin of biscuits, a loaf of bread and a jug of water. Most notably, the man was missing both of his legs, amputated above the knees. Later inspection revealed the amputation was done by a skilled surgeon and the wounds, still fresh, were properly bandaged. It was evident a passing ship had abandoned the stranger on the beach.

The castaway was carried to the home of the Albright family in the village of Digby Neck, where he was covered in blankets and given hot drinks. It became apparent that the young man could not speak or understand any language that the villagers spoke, including English, French, Latin, Italian, and Spanish. The only thing he did was growl at visitors, although he did seemed to be fond of children.

The villagers began to call him Jerome, because when first questioned he had mumbled something that sounded like Jerome, and so that was what he became known as.

Jeromes presence in Sandy Cove became a subject of fervent speculation, sparking curiosity and whispers among the townsfolk, as they grappled with the question of who Jerome was and the mysterious circumstances that brought him to their shores. Perhaps Jerome was a sailor who had attempted a mutiny and was punished by amputation. However, his soft, callus-free hands suggested that Jerome was not habituated to manual labor. Another explanation that was put forward was that he was heir to a fortune and was gotten rid of to make way for someone else seeking his inheritance.

After staying with the Albrights for several weeks, Jerome was passed on to another family, with which he spent a couple of weeks before moving on to the next house. This way the entire village shared the expenses of keeping Jerome fed and clothed. Eventually, the mainly Baptist community of Digby Neck decided from his appearance that he must be a Catholic, and sent him to the neighboring French community of Meteghan, to the home of Jean Nicola. The government of Nova Scotia also voted a special stipend of two dollars a week to support Jerome. Jerome stayed in the Nicola home for seven years.

After the death of Julitte Nicola, her husband returned to Europe and Jerome went to stay with Dedier and Zabeth Comeau in Saint Alphonse de Clare, near Meteghan. The Comeaus used Jerome's relative fame to their advantage, charging admission fees to see the mystery man, living well on this and the government stipend. Jerome stayed with the Comeaus for more than forty years until his death on April 15, 1912. In the nearly fifty years he spent in Digby County, Jerome spoke very little. He neither read, nor wrote. When people came to visit him, he never looked up to them. Most of the time he looked toward the floor. When poised with a question, he made peculiar grumbling noises to show his annoyance. He was never seen to mark with a pen or pencil and never made an attempt to look at a book or any reading matter. He also refused to look at pictures. Jerome led an entirely idle life.

After his death, the tale of this mysterious man swiftly became intertwined with legend and lore, as locals passed down Jeromes story from generation to generation. Several books were written upon the case, and there is also a Canadian-origin French movie on Jerome released in 1994.

According to one theory, Jerome was an Italian who was employed by a lumber operator in the Chipman district in New Brunswick on the other side of the Bay of Fundy. In 1859, four years before he mysteriously appeared in Sandy Cove, in the middle of winter, the Italian was walking through the woods, possibly having lost his way, when he fell between the logs of a mill pond. Drenched and shivering, the Italian found shelter in a saw mill, where he slept. The next morning, he found his legs so terribly frozen that the local surgeon found it necessary to immediately amputate both limbs above the knee.

When the Italian came to his senses, he started shouting for his gamba, which is Italian for leg. Thus he became known as Gamby.

Gamby proved to be a burden for the people of Chipman, and it was rumored that a passing schooner captain was paid to take him away. The captain could possibly have just sailed to the opposite side of the bay to Nova Scotia, and dropped him off on the beach at Sandy Cove. This story explaining the possible origin of Jerome appeared in the 2008 book entitled Jerome: Solving the Mystery of Nova Scotia's Silent Castaway by local historian Fraser Mooney Jr. But Mooneys take on the story was criticized by some for perpetuating a fable that has no basis on fact.

In any event, Nova Scotia proved to be a welcoming haven for Jerome, ready to extend its hospitality and care to this fortuitous soul of destiny. The residents of Digby Neck, and later Meteghan, genuinely took care of him, and Jerome lived reasonably comfortably, albeit a bit morosepossibly the effects of post-traumatic stress disorderuntil his death.

In 2000 the village of Meteghan erected a memorial plaque dedicated to Jerome over a false grave, as it is not known with any real certainty where the castaway is actually buried.

References:

# Jerome Identified, Canadian Mysteries

# Fraser Mooney, Jerome: Solving the Mystery of Nova Scotia's Silent Castaway

# The legless castaway: one of Nova Scotia's most enduring puzzles, speculatively retold, Literary Review of Canada

# Jerome Dead And His Secret Dies With Him, Canadian Mysteries
A Blue Lacy, the Texas state dog, stands attentively against autumn foliage. mrod/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The winner of this year's National Dog Show may have been the Sealyham terrier, but a different dog has Texas's heart.

In 2005, the Lone Star State named the Blue Lacy its official state dog. Developed in the mid-19th century by the Lacy brothers of Texas Hill Country, the Blue Lacy is the only breed to have originated in the state, according to the legislation that gave it its official designation.

The Lacys moved from Kentucky to Texas in 1858, settling in Burnet County. The brothers  George, Erwin, Frank and Harry  are said to have used greyhound, scenthound and coyote stock to create the breed. The family bred cattle and hogs and needed a dog that could work them.

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For a hundred years, Blue Lacys were a common fixture on ranches in Texas. The breed herded cattle, hogs and chickens, also working as droving and hunting dogs. However, with the declining use of working dogs on ranches, Lacys almost disappeared before a dedicated effort to save them began in 1975.

By 2005, when the breed was designated an official state symbol, most Lacys were bred in Texas and sold to residents of the Lone Star State.
Today, society runs on smartphones, making it possible for people to access many useful mobile education apps. The way people obtain education has undergone a total transformation. Such apps provide a conducive platform for learning, which creates avenues enabling people to access and study even at home. This article discusses the 10 best education Android apps that every child and adult should be aware of.

1. Duolingo

The most famous program of language learning, Duolingo, offers more than thirty types of course materials. The app has a game-based model where learning is enjoyable, with users earning points and moving through levels. Bite-sized lessons, interactive activities, and real-time feedback make it a perfect choice for both beginning and advanced learners. Regardless of whether you desire to find out how to speak in Spanish, French, German, or any other language, Duolingo is here for you.

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There is also Duolingo ABC, which allows one to learn languages at an early age of three to seven years. It helps kids learn about letters, phonics, and simple words through games. Duolingo ABC uses vibrant cartoons, interactive tasks, and rewarding mechanisms that assist children in developing effective reading and writing abilities.

2. Khan Academy: One of the best education Android apps

It is a complete e-learning application comprising different topics such as mathematics, history, and science, among others. The app offers videos, drills, and tests to enable users to understand complicated ideas. In addition, Khan Academys material has been designed to suit students of different age groups and learning levels.

It also offers Khan Academy Kids, an interactive app with educational material for preschoolers from the age of two years upwards. This child education app deals with themes on math, reading, language acquisition, and social-emotional aspects. The activities Khan Academy Kids offers include story-telling, interactive games, as well as video clips that will capture the interest of young children and cultivate the joy of learning through play.

3. Photomath: One of the top education apps for Android

Some college students find math a difficult subject, and Photomath exists to assist them. Students facing difficulties in understanding math concepts cannot afford to miss this one. Users are able to access step-by-step solutions and explanations by simply pointing their cameras at a math problem. Photomath provides support on different math subjects, such as arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and many more. It is an effective learning and problem-solving instrument whereby learners understand key mathematics aspects better.

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4. Quizlet

Quizlet is one of the most popular and versatile educational Android apps, where users can make, swap, or learn different flashcards. Quizlet boasts of a large number of user-created content on different subjects, thereby serving numerous questions. The app provides different learning modes, including games and quizzes and therefore, students find studying interesting and effective because it is fun as well. In addition, users may create study teams and engage with fellow learners, making the entire process enjoyable. Quizlet will come in very handy when revising vocabulary words, historical dates, and even scientific formulas.

5. TED

TED is famous for its powerful, enlightening discussions that span almost every theme in existence. TED is among the top education apps that grant a chance to the users to listen to over ten thousand TED Talks by global thought leaders and experts from different fields. TED is a forum that presents ideas from science and technology, personal development, and even motivations that are bound to broaden your mind and raise some questions. Therefore, using a TED app allows you to stream these talks at any time or location and acquire information that is fun and straightforward.

6. Udemy

One of the most used online platforms for learning nowadays is called Udemy, where it is possible to take any course you choose about anything possible. Udemy also has an app that gives you the chance to access the courses via an Android tablet, offering you the freedom to study whenever. If you want to learn something new, gain more information, or take up a new hobby, Udemy offers a class thats perfect for you! The app provides an array of self-help lessons on different aspects, including web development, graphic design, photography, as well as personal finances.

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7. Coursera

Like Udemy, Coursera gives numerous online academic courses from first-class colleges and organizations around the globe. You can enroll for special courses, download video lectures on your mobile device, and get certifications through the Coursera app. Coursera provides the highest quality education at your disposal, irrespective of whether you love computer science, business, humanities, or any other discipline. It offers an organized and intense learning experience that suits self-motivated learners.

8. Google Classroom

Google Classroom is an app that makes work easier especially in classrooms where the teacher and student are involved. This is like a virtual classroom where teachers can post assignments, give comments, and interact with one another on discussions and other items of interest. Remote learning becomes more efficient and organized, with students able to access course material, submit assignments, and work with peers at their convenience. It smoothly works with other Google Apps, including Google Drive or Google Docs, among others, improving efficiency and cooperation. However, if you would prefer a more personalized approach to your assignment writing needs, you could always send your do my assignment for me request to academic experts from one of the leading services, such as CustomWritings, for high-quality assistance.

9. Wolfram Alpha

Wolfram Alpha is one of the top education apps for Android that uses an artificial intelligence-based computational knowledge system that provides answers, explanations, and other types of information on virtually any question. Through solving intricate numerical queries and guiding on varied topics, Wolfram Alpha is an ideal assistant to learners, researchers, and inquisitive individuals. The app is versatile in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, and many other subjects one can choose from.

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10. SoloLearn

SoloLearn is among the best Android apps for education that present coding lessons, which are both useful to the starters and the experts. SoloLearn will assist you in learning some of the popular programming languages like Python, Java, C++, HTML, CSS, etc. The use of interactivity in the app includes lesson activities, code challenges, and quizzes that provide users with an experience of learning by doing. Another great thing about SoloLearn is that it has a community of learners through which members can get answers to some questions they have regarding their projects or participate in coding discussions. SoloLearn remains an excellent app for anyone who wishes to begin a career in programming as well as those who would just like to learn more about coding.

Knowing the Best Android Apps for Learning Should Help You Conquer Your Academic Woes

The education world changes every day, and educational Android apps are making their mark in changing how we learn. These 10-mentioned educational apps provide numerous subjects, learning methods, and interactive facilities to meet diverse teaching demands. Apps such as Duolingo for language learning and Khan Academy or Udemy for more comprehensive courses make knowledge acquisition fun and easy. These applications may come in handy for those students who want to do well academically or any person trying to enhance his or her education. Therefore, feel free to check out the top 10 Android educational apps for improving your learning and unleashing your potential.
Smartphone accessory maker Dbrand has sued fellow accessory maker Casetify for ripping off its Teardown case designs. Dbrand allegeshas provided evidence supporting the allegationsthat Casetify stole its designs to create its Inside Out line of smartphone cases. The evidence provided by the company seemingly shows it is a blatant copy-and-paste job from Casetify.

Dbrand files lawsuit against Casetify for stealing Teardown designs

Dbrand launched its Teardown line of cases for smartphones in December 2019. It teamed up with popular YouTuber Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything, who is known for tearing apart brand-new phones to reveal their internals. The Teardown cases mock a teardown, featuring a print of the phones internal structure. These cases show the inside of the device on the outside. They look pretty cool and unique.

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Over the years, Dbrand and Zack have released Teardown cases for dozens of smartphonesAndroid and iPhones. Zack says he and the accessory maker go to extreme lengths to ensure that every Teardown skin is an accurate representation of whats actually on the inside of the device. This involves removing the back panel to expose the internals, scanning the phone in 2400 DPI resolution, and lots of editing work.

According to Zack, each skin requires around ten hours of editing before producing prototypes, making adjustments, and getting the design ready for mass production. The images below show what a devices internals look like in the initial scan and after Dbrand is done perfecting it. Its a lot of work that Casetify decided to just skip, based on whats shown here.

Dbrands skins have little easter eggs in them

But how did Dbrand or Zack find out that Casetify copied their work? After all, a phones internals would look the same even if did all the hard work by itself. Well, Dbrand and Zack make some creative adjustments to make the designs pop. If Casetify decided to be creative too, the designs shouldnt match 100-percent. If not, then the designs should still look a little different.

However, that isnt the biggest goof-up Casetify made. Dbrands Teardown skins feature little easter eggs for fans to find. If you have watched a few JerryRigEverything teardown videos, you have probably noticed that Zack uses the phrase glass is glass, and glass breaks on almost every single one of them. This phrase is printed on a ribbon on Dbrands Teardown case for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

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Of course, the phrase doesnt exist on the phones hardware. But Casetify is probably not aware, as the company seemingly didnt look inside the Samsung flagship to create its Inside Out case for it. Yet its case has the same phrase printed at the same location. This basically shows that the company copied Dbrands design. That is just one example of an easter egg Dbrands skins have.

Exhibit A: The phrase GLASS IS GLASS AND GLASS BREAKS. This is a catch-phrase coined by Teardown co-creator @ZacksJerryRig. This tagline does not exist on the internal hardware of any smartphone, yet somehow appears on @Casetifys products. (2/6) pic.twitter.com/UpB2u5zg3M  dbrand (@dbrand) November 23, 2023

Casetify copied pretty much everything

Other non-existent (on phones) things that Dbrand included on its Teardown cases and Casetify copied on its Inside Out cases include Dbrands founding date (11/11/11, i.e. November 11th, 2011), R0807 (a reference to Dbrands robots), the All-Seeing Eye symbol that Dbrand uses on its products, and 11.11Wh battery rating on the Pixel 7 Pro. The Google phone has 19.25Wh of battery capacity but Dbrand printed 11.11Wh to refer to its founding date.

Like with the rest of the design, Casetify didnt bother verifying it and simply printed what Drbands case showed. Unsurprisingly, the accessory maker now has a multi-million dollar lawsuit against it. Filed in a Toronto court this week, Dbrands lawsuit accused the firm of infringing upon its copyrighted works with 45 Inside Out cases (via Engadget). Dbrand is asking for unspecified punitive and exemplary damages.

We will let you know when we have more information about this case. Meanwhile, you can watch the video below where Zack goes into detail about how Casetify stole his and Dbrands work.
Google Maps is a powerful tool for discovering and exploring places. It covers a vast number of locations worldwide and provides detailed information about places, complete with user reviews and ratings. The company has a robust policy in place to ensure that these reviews are genuine and helpful to others. It recently detailed three ways it stops policy-violating content or fake reviews from surfacing on Maps.

Google details its measures to prevent fake reviews on Maps

According to Google, over 300 million people share their experiences about more than 250 million places around the world on Google Maps each year. The platform adds over 20 million reviews, photos, business hour updates, and other contributions from its users every day. The company relies on automated technologies and human experts to catch fake reviews before they are seen by others. This keeps the content authentic and reliable.

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However, the work doesnt end there. Google says it actively monitors user contributions on Maps to look for unusual patterns, which can be a sign of abuse. If its systems detect suspicious activity, the company acts quickly to prevent further abuse. The protective measures it uses may include taking down policy-violating content and temporarily disabling new contributions.

For example, earlier this year, Google noticed that a local bar in Missouri received an unusually high number of 1-star reviews. A sudden spike in poor ratings suggested abuse. To prevent further damage, the company temporarily disabled the rating function for the place. It also removed reviews that violated the Maps policies and investigated the accounts that left the ratings.

While Googles real-time abuse detection works for all places, it has a special policy for some places around sensitive events such as elections. The company says places like polling stations tend to receive off-topic and unhelpful contributions that dont reflect the actual experience of the location. To help avoid the spread of misinformation, it limits suggestions to edit phone numbers, addresses, and other factual information for voting sites around elections.

Police stations and prisons have special policies too

Police stations and prisons are places where people go without choice. Google noticed that user contributions for these types of places are consistently unhelpful, harmful, or off-topic. It protects such places with long-term measures, which include limiting contributions or blocking contributions altogether. Users are notified when they cant post a review.

If someone is looking to write a review for a prison on Google Maps, they may find a notification banner that says this functionality is turned off with a link to learn more about our policies, Google explained. While user contributions may be limited, Maps still offers other helpful and factual information about these places, including addresses, websites, and phone numbers. Google will continue to invest in proactive ways to keep user reviews and ratings on Maps helpful and reliable.
(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 24 - More than 12 million women in Italy, equal to almost 51%, between the ages of 18 and 84, have experienced physical or psychological violence at least once in their lifetime but only 5% have reported the incident, according to a study carried out by Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR) in 2022 and the results of which were published Friday.

Over 2.5 million women (10.1%) reported currently experiencing situations of psychological violence and 80,000 (0.3%) said they were currently suffering physical violence.

The victims of violence were mainly women under 60 years of age with a medium-high level of education, a job and an average income and who were married and living with their partner, according to the study.

Over half had children.

CNR said the data on gender-based violence in Italy provide "evidence of a particularly extensive and only partly visible phenomenon". (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 24 - Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini on Friday issued an injunction against a 24-hour public transport strike called by grassroots unions on Monday, limiting the stoppage to four hours from 9 am and 1 pm.

Salvini reportedly said that the right to strike is sacrosanct but that he is determined to reduce inconveniences for citizens as much as possible, particularly in the transport sector.

"I do not accept a 24-hour public transport stoppage because it would be chaos," said Salvini on Thursday.

"If (the unions) use common sense I will not intervene, but if they plan to bring the whole of Italy to a halt for 24 hours I will do everything the law allows me to do to prevent it from happening," he added.

The injunction is the latest episode in an ongoing row with unions over strikes in the transport sector.

Last week the minister issued an injunction limiting a one-day strike called by trade union confederations UIL and CGIL in protest against the government's 2024 budget bill 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 and opposition parties accused the government of attacking the right to strike and the watchdog of being compliant to the executive's demands. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 24 - Women must mobilise together against gender-based violence "without distinction on the basis of political orientation, religion or nationality", the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) said on Friday.

Only in this way will there be a "truthful representation of the violence suffered", added UCEI as Italy prepares to say 'no' to violence against women in demonstrations and other events for the International Day for the elimination of violence against women on Saturday.

"Let us fight together so that the violence perpetrated against women, including within the home against wives, daughters or sisters, is overcome," added UCEI.

The Community also recalled all the women who during the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel "suffered war crimes, who were raped as women, as Israelis, as Jews".

Separately, the president of the Jewish Community of Rome, Victor Fadlun, denounced the "complicit and deafening silence" over the violence suffered by Jewish women in Israel at the hands of Hamas.

"There is a whole world that in words takes sides and mobilises in favour of civil rights, but is silent and turns its gaze away from the rapes and tortures that have already been widely documented against Jewish women who were attacked, massacred and publicly exposed by Hamas terrorists," said Fadlun.

"On behalf of the entire Jewish Community of Rome, I add my voice to those who, on the International day for the elimination of violence against women, say a loud and strong No to any form of prevarication, abuse, persecution or, worse, gender-based violence and murder," he added.

Photo: President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), Noemi Di Segni. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 24 - Premier Giorgia Meloni said she was "very proud" of the work done on the revision of Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) after the European Commission signed it off on Friday.

"Today we have confirmation that we have done a job, of which the government can be very proud," said Meloni during a meeting at Palazzo Chigi on the budget law.

"We have done what we promised, we have gone into detail, we have checked the critical points and we have overcome them, we have made sure that all the money from the NRRP was spent on time, and therefore we have concentrated the resources on the growth and modernisation of the nation, and it seems to me that the result, on which few people were betting, says that it was not a bad choice," she added.

The government is making available "another 21 billion euro" for Italian "economic growth", in practice "a second budget'", continued Meloni, telling employers' associations that many of the measures aimed at growth, infrastructure, and support for production "have been set out in the revised NRRP" and not in the budget law.

These addition available resources are "the result of the reshaping of the plan with a view to improving efficiency", she added.

The government has come under fire from the business community for giving little space in its 2024 budget for investment and growth.

Meloni also reportedly said a number of "unfeasible or ineligible" projects have been modified and some projects of local authorities in particular, which risked not being completed on time, will be financed through the other European and domestic programmes instead of through the NRRP, which has "much more stringent" timelines, with a final deadline of 2026.

(ANSA).


With antisemitism and hate on the rise, the fight against bigotry takes on a renewed sense of urgency. Craig Ruttle, FRE / Associated Press Archie R. Wortham

Then they came for me  and there was no one left to speak for me. Pastor Martin Niemoller wrote these words after coming out of a Nazi death camp.

Mary Fisher shared this quote in a speech called A Whisper of AIDS at the 1992 Republican National Convention. When I was a speech professor with Alamo Colleges, I had my students read A Whisper of AIDS as I wanted them to understand that if we dont know history, we are destined to repeat it. I wanted to create awareness, to prepare them to speak up before something happens.

I dread it might be happening as I read about the resurgence of antisemitic sentiments. The comments have reminded me of Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford, both antisemites. And now Elon Musk?

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About 40 years ago, attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I had a new college roommate from Miami. Instead of a cross, he saw I was wearing a mezuza. He smiled in a way Ill never forget as he immediately felt a kindred spirit.

I wore it because it symbolized an affinity for his faith. I could see he was crestfallen when I told him I was not Jewish. But this man and I remain kindred spirits to this day. He, 18 years old and away from home for the first time, admitted to me, a Black man, something Im sure he didnt share openly to everyone. We both knew we had to be careful, knew on any day they might come for us.

I cast this story against the backdrop of a prevailing sentiment that saps and wounds us for no reason. Today, years after I shared a room with my Jewish brother, synagogues have been bombed, crosses burned and myriad vitriol comments made against Black people and Jews on social media.

How long will we give sanctuary to such hate? How can we attend church and refuse to acknowledge a collective responsibility that indifference to such hate is incongruent to a belief in God? How can we not love our neighbor as we love ourselves?

Its baffling, and as I recently wrote my college roommate, I am and will always be your brother, kindred believer, and trusted warrior in the fight against bigotry as long as there is breath in me.

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So, I worry. Not that we are better than this. I know we are. Not that we dont know the answer. I know we do. Not that things wont get better. I know they will. But I worry, when will they come for me?

We have fought and maintained a republic for more than 200 years. I believe there is enough fight in those who believe in freedom and justice for all. I believe we will fight to keep it.

The answer is at the ballot boxes, and the prevailing winds are blowing in directions that insist we get out and protect our country for our children.

Knowing we are the answer to challenges and division ensures us things will get better. Knowing we are the answer challenges us now to do the right thing, because if we dont, they will come. They will replace the patriots we are. Knowing we are the answer empowers us to stand together so our "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Artwork designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood for a French pianists record sleeve has been revealed following her death.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet is releasing a recording of Debussys Preludes on Decca Classics on Friday.

The 62-year-old pianist met fashion designer Dame Vivienne, who died in December last year aged 81, when she attended his concerts.

She first designed a suit for a BBC Proms performance in 2002 and went on to create other clothes for him.

The sleeve created by Dame Vivienne Westwood for a new classical album (Decca Classics/Vivienne Westwood/Jean-Yves Thibaudet)

Thibaudet said: At first I was completely star-struck by meeting such a legend of the fashion world, but we hit it off immediately.

She made lots of clothes for me, and every piece was a true work of art. In fact, thats how I think of her; not just as a couturier, but as a great artist.

The sleeve features a distinctive, colourful and highly decorated couture bodice with a photograph of Thibaudet tucked into a wide leather belt.

On the belt buckle is a robin, a motif used in Dame Viviennes design work.

Thibaudet said: I think its important to bring fashion like this into classical music, especially when were thinking of younger audiences who might think of classical music as alienating and outdated.

The Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame inductee had thought that Dame Vivienne had forgotten about making the artwork because she was always so busy.

He added: I stopped mentioning it. Then a short while ago, after a show of hers in Paris, I was waiting at the entrance to the party to give her a big hug, and offer congratulations, but when she arrived, the first thing she said was, How is the Debussy project going?. It was completely out of the blue.

I was thrilled when she came up with this design for the cover. Its so completely her, and something that I can share with my friends and fans all over the world.

I feel privileged that she offered me this beautiful design and privileged to have called her my friend.

The sleeve also includes a tribute from Thibaudet to Dame Vivienne in which he speaks about her creativity and their shared passion for artistry.

His last album was 2021s Carte Blanche, featuring solo piano pieces.

Thibaudets playing has featured on Wes Andersons 2021 comedy film The French Dispatch, 2005 period drama Pride And Prejudice, and 2007 war romance drama Atonement.

He has been nominated for Grammys for the recordings, Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 2 & 5 and Ravel: Complete Works For Piano.

He will perform his latest record during his upcoming 2024 tour which has a date in London on January 24 at the Barbican Centre.

Dame Vivienne arrived on the fashion scene in the 1970s, where her androgynous designs, slogan T-shirts and irreverent attitude towards the establishment broke boundaries.

A take on the corset, the mini-crini  a shortened version of the Victorian crinoline dress  and Carrie Bradshaws bridal dress in the 2008 Sex And The City movie are among her most famous designs.

Dame Viviennes funeral in February was attended by a host of celebrities including model Kate Moss, fashion designer Victoria Beckham and rapper Stormzy.
A BBC documentary is to offer a unique insight into the life of the King and the Queen and inner workings of the monarchy, taking viewers behind the scenes in the first year of Charless reign.

Camera crews were given exclusive access to the monarch and Camilla for Charles III: The Coronation Year, following them through landmark moments after the death of the late Queen, leading up to and during their crowning, and in the months afterwards.

The documentary follows the King in the first year of his reign (Hannah McKay/PA)

Narrated by actress Helena Bonham Carter, who played the late Queens sister Princess Margaret in The Crown, it will air in December as part of the BBCs Christmas output.

Documentary makers accompanied Charles and Camilla as they got to grips with the new roles as sovereign and consort, carried out their duties, and as Buckingham Palace planned and delivered the first coronation in 70 years.

A never-before-seen image released to accompany the announcement showed the King smiling in a suit and tie and wearing his golden Robe Royal over the top as he sat in the Coronation Chair during one of the secret dress rehearsals in Westminster Abbey for his crowning.

The BBC said the 90-minute programme features moments of great poignancy and humour and offers a unique perspective on the inner workings behind a defining moment which marks a new era in the history of the monarchy.

Members of the royal family have also contributed to the documentary, as have key players from the King and Queens Royal Household.

Queen Camilla meeting Helena Bonham Carter, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown and is narrating a behind the scenes documentary about the King and Camilla (Yui Mok/PA)

Simon Young, BBC head of history, factual commissioning, said: At the heart of this story is a man who is taking on the job that has always awaited him.

Everyone wants to know how he takes on that challenge.

This film captures a behind the scenes view of the King and his coronation the like of which has never been seen before.

The Kings first 12 months as monarch, after leading the nation in mourning for the late Queen, was filled with key royals events, from Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph, an incoming state visit by the South African President, his first Christmas broadcast, Royal Ascot, Garter Day and Trooping the Colour to a first overseas state visit to Germany.

And in May, the King, along with the Queen, was crowned in the abbey in a deeply religious ceremony, followed by a weekend of celebrations.

Charles III is crowned with St Edwards Crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury (Aaron Chown/PA)

It is not yet known whether the film will make any mention of the personal challenges the King faced in the months after his mothers death, with his son the Duke of Sussexs Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.

But the King has not made any statement on the fractured family relations in the past so it is thought unlikely.

Kate Phillips, BBC director of unscripted, described the access given to the documentary crew as extraordinary.

Its a real privilege to be given such extraordinary behind-the-scenes access to the first year of King Charless reign, she said.

It is a remarkable time in history and this documentary will offer a unique insight into King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the preparation and planning leading to their coronation, a momentous ceremony watched by millions around the world.

The film was made by Oxford Films for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Nicolas Kent, Oxford Films executive producer said: With this film we set out to tell the story of this historic year from the inside looking out, rather than from the outside looking in, and weve been lucky to get privileged access to do just that.
A senior Conservative minister has rejected suggestions that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning to engage in a George Osborne-style austerity drive.

Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I really dont see us going into any era of austerity.

He was speaking after think tanks such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Resolution Foundation pointed out that the Chancellor had in effect found 20 billion for tax cuts in the autumn statement by choosing not to protect some departments against the growing costs of inflation.

IFS director Paul Johnson told a briefing on Thursday that the Chancellor had pencilled in numbers that suggest he intends to reduce the size of the state to where it was before the Covid pandemic, in a move that was likely to require some sharp cuts in many areas of public spending.

George Osborne managed to get the size of the state back down after the financial crisis  that was painful, Mr Johnson said.

Doing it again will be more painful still.

Mr Osborne made his cuts after a decade of big spending increases. Mr Hunt, or his successor, will have no such luxury.

But Mr Stride said I dont think were heading into that at all, when asked on LBC whether Britain was headed for austerity mark two.

Mr Osborne, chancellor during David Camerons premiership, cut public spending during the coalition government years, and after the Tories won a majority in 2015, as he looked to reduce the UKs day-to-day spending budget deficit following the global financial crisis in 2008.

Theresa May, successor to Lord Cameron, who is now Foreign Secretary, announced an end to austerity policies in 2018.

Former chancellor George Osborne cut public spending during his time in office (Danny Lawson/PA)

Cabinet minister Mr Stride told GMB on Friday that tax breaks to businesses in this weeks fiscal event, along with future Civil Service productivity improvements, could help grow the economy and provide more money for public services.

He said: We have to look at productivity. Public services arent all about just constantly spending ever more money. It is about the outputs.

So John Glen (Cabinet Office minister), one of my very capable colleagues, and others across Government, are absolutely engaged in a mission to improve productivity across the public sector.

I believe it is the case that if we were to increase productivity by 0.5% for example, there wouldnt be any further pressure on increases in taxes.

So I think there is a huge amount we can do through productivity and investing in the long-term to get that growth going.
Former first minister Alex Salmond has said the Scottish Governments day of reckoning is coming as he launched legal action over the handling of harassment complaints against him.

The Court of Session confirmed to the PA news agency on Friday the case, Alex Salmond v Scottish ministers, had been called.

A statement from Mr Salmonds lawyer confirmed his successor Nicola Sturgeon and former permanent secretary Leslie Evans are named among those facing allegations of misfeasance.

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said she utterly refutes Mr Salmonds claims against her.

After the case was called, First Minister Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government will robustly defend itself.

In a statement released to the media, Mr Salmond said throughout the tawdry business, which has included a judicial review, a criminal trial and a Holyrood inquiry, he has done my talking in court or in front of Parliament, and will continue to do so.

Mr Salmond  who was first minister between 2007 and 2014  was investigated by the Scottish Government after two complaints from staff were made under a new complaints procedure which included former ministers.

The investigation was deemed by a judicial review to have been tainted with apparent bias after the Scottish Government conceded defeat and Mr Salmond was awarded 512,000 as a result.

He added: Despite Lord Pentlands findings in the Court of Session that the behaviour of the former permanent secretary and her officials was unlawful, unfair and tainted by apparent bias, despite the ongoing police and Crown Office inquiries into the criminal leaks and potential perjury at the criminal trial, despite the astonishing revelations of misfeasance contained in the eventual publication of the Governments own legal advice, and despite the specific findings of the parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of the former permanent secretary and the former first minister, not one single person has been held accountable.

With this court action, that evasion of responsibility ends.

Mr Salmond was subsequently cleared of 13 charges of sexual misconduct  including attempted rape  following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The case put forward this week by Mr Salmond, his lawyer said, includes allegations of the soliciting of false criminal complaints.

Nicola Sturgeon  once a close ally of Alex Salmond  is among those accused by him of misfeasance in the legal action (PA)

It follows a protracted Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Governments handling of the original two complaints, which called both Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon to give evidence.

During the inquiry, Mr Salmond condemned Ms Evans  Scotlands former top civil servant  accusing her of having a bias against him and calling for her resignation.

In March 2021  just days before he announced he was the leader of the fledgling Alba Party  Mr Salmond confirmed his intention to take legal action against Ms Evans.

The inquiry, which worsened an already sour relationship between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon  who had previously been close  found Ms Sturgeon misled MSPs in her evidence, but she was cleared of any breaches of the ministerial code.

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said: Nicola utterly refutes Salmonds claims, as she has always done.

She answered questions before a parliamentary committee for eight hours in 2021, and was also investigated and cleared by the independent adviser on the ministerial code.

Salmonds actions are a matter for him, and the conduct of the case is a matter for the Scottish Government.

The former first minister said he would delay the progression of the case  known as sisting  to allow police and Crown Office investigations to take place.

But he concluded: However, the calling of the action signals that the day of reckoning for the Scottish Governments record of misfeasance on this grand scale will inevitably come.

The former first minister is now the leader of the Alba Party (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Salmonds lawyer, Gordon Dangerfield, said the case accuses Government officials of conducting themselves improperly, in bad faith and beyond their powers, with the intention of injuring Mr Salmond.

He said: We aver that public officials decided at an early stage that Mr Salmond was to be found guilty of allegations against him, regardless of the actual facts.

As events snowballed, we aver that public officials then took part in the criminal leaking of confidential documents, the concealment of documents in defiance of court orders and a criminal warrant, the misleading of the court during judicial review proceedings, the soliciting of false criminal complaints, and ultimately the commission of perjury at a parliamentary inquiry.

All of this, we aver, was done for political reasons, and specifically to injure Mr Salmond.

The case also includes allegations the Scottish Government concealed documents relating to the issue, adding a major aim of Mr Salmond is to obtain disclosure of this vital evidence and to blow apart the Scottish Government cover-up which has gone on now for far too long.

Mr Yousaf was asked about the accusations during a press conference at the British-Irish Council in Dublin on Friday.

He initially refused to be drawn on the case, but added: Unsurprisingly to anyone listening or watching, the Scottish Government will defend its position robustly, but Ill say no more because thats a live case.
There is an ever-decreasing number of questions to be answered in negotiations between the UK Government and the DUP over post-Brexit trading concerns, Chris Heaton-Harris has said.

The Northern Ireland Secretary repeated his belief that the talks were in their final stages and there had to be an end to the process.

Meanwhile, Irelands premier Leo Varadkar said there is no deadline for the restoration of the Stormont Assembly, but he believed resurrecting it before Christmas would be the best outcome for everyone.

British and Irish politicians gathered in Dublin for a meeting of the British-Irish Council.

However, the Northern Ireland Assembly was not represented due to the ongoing powersharing stalemate.

The DUP has been blocking powersharing at Stormont for more than a year and a half in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol.

Ministers from the BIC administrations met today, hosted by the Government of Ireland, with discussions focussing on recent political developments and efforts underway to tackle child poverty and improve childrens wellbeing. pic.twitter.com/eX7ibaLi93  British-Irish Council (@BICSecretariat) November 24, 2023

The unionist party has been involved in negotiations with the Government about the Windsor Framework, which reformed the protocol and is seeking further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market.

Speaking to the media in Dublin, Mr Heaton-Harris said both sides are in the final stages of these talks and there is progress being made.

He added: The talks with the DUP are the gift that keeps on giving so maybe Christmas is something to talk about. I want to bring them to a conclusion as quickly as I possibly can but it is not just in my hands here.

We are genuinely making progress, there are genuine points that the DUP have raised, some I need to answer, some I believe have genuinely been answered.

But there will be an actual end to this process because it is not a limitless amount of questions that can be asked.

Mr Heaton-Harris said there was no sense of drift in the process and the negotiations were in a very different space than six months ago.

He added: However, these talks can only come to an end when both sides feel they are in a successful place to conclude.

I want to get the Executive up and running as soon as possible, if I could have been able to achieve that six months ago I promise you I would have.

He said Northern Ireland was diverging from the rest of the UK in health and education outcomes because of the lack of a Stormont Executive.

He added: There is an ever-decreasing list of questions that we are circling on.

Mr Varadkar said he was almost afraid to be optimistic because there had been a number of false dawns.

He added: I think it is fair to say the UK Government is working very hard with the DUP in particular, but also consulting other parties and us about mechanisms by which we could have the Assembly and Executive functioning again, we all want that to happen.

Theres a lot of issues happening in Northern Ireland which need to be dealt with, which require a devolved administration.

The Taoiseach added: There isnt a set deadline, and its not for me, nor would it be helpful for me, to try to impose any sort of deadline on when the talks will be completed.

But there are natural points in the process that are just there, for example, I think its around mid-January a decision would have to be made not to trigger elections.

So there will come a point where if talks arent successful, that decisions have to be made and legislation is then required in Westminster.

Id hope it doesnt get to that decision point, and if were able to get things on track in the next few weeks for Christmas, that would be the best outcome for everyone, I think.

Mr Varadkar added that it is important that devolved government is restored in a sustainable way, to avoid future collapses.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said all those at the British-Irish Council lamented the continued collapse of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

We are keen to ensure that the institutions are back up and running, delivering for people in Northern Ireland, and that theyre reconstituted on a sound and sustainable basis, he said.
Irelands police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has vowed.

Ms McEntee also responded to criticism of the violent scenes in the city centre on Thursday night that saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged, by insisting she would not resign.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city.

Garda are mounting a significant security operation in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the scenes, including securing the use of two water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Irelands Justice Minister Helen McEntee speaking to the media outside Government Buildings, Dublin (David Young/PA)

There were some arrests on Friday night following sporadic altercations on OConnell Street.

By 10pm there was no sign of a repeat of the level of disturbances of the previous evening.

Scores of officers were stationed outside the citys landmark GPO building and police barriers were erected outside the Irish Parliament building.

Government ministers met on Friday evening where they heard that legislation to facilitate the use of body-worn cameras by police officers will be fast-tracked.

Ms McEntee also told colleagues that gardai are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage as part of their investigation into Thursdays violence.

Speaking to the media, Ms McEntee said: What happened yesterday evening following this awful, tragic act was nothing but thuggery.

This was a group of individuals who used this horrendous event as an opportunity to wreak havoc in our city, to sow division in our city, they will be responded to with force and gardai responded in the most appropriate way.

They have restored order to this city will continue to do so.

The minister said she met with the senior Garda officers on Friday evening.

Police detain a man on OConnell Street in Dublin on Friday (David Young/PA)

She added: They have reassured me that every resource necessary to keep people safe in this city over the weekend is in place and will be in place as is needed and for as long as is needed.

Thirty-four people were arrested following Thursdays violence with the majority appearing in court on Friday.

Ms McEntee pledged that more arrests would follow and said she had no doubt people would be imprisoned following the unprecedented scenes of violence.

She also rejected calls from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald for her and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to resign.

Ms McEntee said: I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

If Sinn Fein wish to debate law and order, if Sinn Fein wish to debate how we can support the gardai, I have no problem in standing over Fine Gaels record of law and order, Fine Gaels record of supporting members of An Garda Siochana.

I do not believe Sinn Fein can stand over their record.

The clean-up continued on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street throughout Friday, with burned-out buses lifted away by cranes while broken glass and missiles were cleared.

Damage to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost tens of millions of euros to repair, Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said.

Mr Varadkar said an estimated 500 people were involved in the disorder and it was important to back the police force amid the riotous scenes.

Some 13 shops were significantly damaged or subjected to looting and 11 Garda cars were damaged.

Some Garda members were injured as 400 officers responded to the unrest.

Mrs McDonald called for resignations saying gardai lost control of the city to a mob fuelled by hate.

The people of Dublin have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and communities. The Gardai have my full support but given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, or the Garda Commissioner. @maryloumcdonald pic.twitter.com/lVeHrPgW4E  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) November 24, 2023

The Sinn Fein leader said there had been a an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing and that a problem leading to Thursdays riot had been building for months.

I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said. I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed, she said.

The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

The gardai have my full support but, given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

Asked about the scale of the damage, at a meeting of the British-Irish Council at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: We dont have a figure on it yet, but its likely to be in the tens of millions, rather than the millions.

He said there was a discussion with the Garda Commissioner on Thursday on whether to deploy the Irish military as the violence unfolded, but it was deemed that it wasnt warranted.

He added: Our advice is that it is safe to come into the city. The riots that occurred last night only occurred in a relatively small part of it, thankfully, and were contained within hours.

While some shops may not be open the vast majority are, and were saying to people it is safe to come into the city, and that there will be a heightened Garda presence.

A five-year-old girl injured in the knife attack remained in a critical condition in hospital on Friday while the female care assistant, in her 30s, was in a serious condition.

Debris is cleared from a burned out Luas and bus on OConnell Street (Brian Lawless/PA)

The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remained in hospital on Friday but the boy has been discharged.

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

Politicians and police have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

Mr Varadkar said Dublin had witnessed two terrible attacks on Thursday.

The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law, he said at Dublin Castle.

Each attack brought shame to our society and disgrace to those involved and incredible pain to those caught up in the violence.

Trams were among the things damaged in the violence (Brian Lawless/PA)

As Taoiseach, I want to say to a nation that is unsettled and afraid, this is not who we are, this is not where we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

He added: Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

A burned out Luas is removed from OConnell Street in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Harris said some officers had been injured, one seriously, as he blamed the disorder on far-right hooligans.

The PSNI confirmed two water cannons have been from Northern Ireland to Dublin to assist with policing any further public order situations.

A PSNI statement said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland has dispatched two water cannons in response to a mutual aid request from An Garda Siochana.

These will be solely operated by An Garda Siochana officers.
Lord David Cameron has warned Israel that its long-term security depends on the Palestinians also being able to live in peace and stability and security.

The Foreign Secretary made the remarks on the second day of his trip to the Middle East, where he has met both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

The former prime minister visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories on Friday, committing a further 30 million in aid for the people of Gaza.

It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the critical temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict but warned it was only the first step towards the release of all hostages.

Hamas has released the first batch of hostages under a ceasefire deal, including 13 Israelis who had been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago.

They are the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began on Friday.

The freed Israeli hostages included eight women  six in their 70s and 80s  and three children.

Israel confirmed later that it had released 39 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.

Lord Cameron, speaking amid the first significant halt in the fighting since the conflict began, warned Israel that it needed to look beyond the conflict and consider the need for Palestinians to live in stability too.

He told the BBC: Ultimately, there wont be long-term safety and security and stability for Israel unless there is long-term safety, security and stability for the Palestinian people.

And you have to start thinking about the future Youve got to paint a picture of actually the Palestinians living in peace, stability and security.

He also expressed deep concern about violence by settlers in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has met Israeli and Palestinian leaders (Dan Kitwood/PA)

Lord Cameron said: People are actually targeting and on occasion killing Palestinian civilians, its completely unacceptable and those people responsible for that, its not good enough just to arrest them, they need to be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned. These are crimes.

Mr Sunak earlier said the UK will work with partners in the Middle East to make sure that this deal sticks, as more life-saving humanitarian aid began entering Gaza as part of the agreement.

He told broadcasters: Weve consistently pushed for sustained humanitarian pauses so that we could get more aid into Gaza and get hostages out, so this is a very welcome development.

Its obviously the first step. We need to make sure everyone abides by the terms of the agreement and we want to see all hostages released, including protecting the safety of British nationals that are involved.

Mr Sunak thanked Qatar and Egypt for the intensive weeks-long diplomacy in helping to secure the deal.

The Prime Minister continued: Were continuing to work with all our partners in the region, whether thats America, Israel and Egypt and others to make sure that this deal sticks and we can continue to do what we want to support everyone in Gaza, get more aid in and to ensure the safety and release of all hostages.

Lord Cameron called the return of hostages a huge relief.

He said his thoughts were with those still waiting for their loved ones to come home.

Looking over the West Bank, @David_Cameron heard about the impact of settlement expansion and settler violence. Reports of Palestinian civilians being killed by settlers across the West Bank are appalling. Israel must prevent these acts of violence and hold those responsible to pic.twitter.com/umPK1mrXyd  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) November 24, 2023

Lord Camerons talks with Palestinian leaders were to focus on how UK efforts can help ease the suffering of Gazas citizens, who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

He was pictured looking over the West Bank with representatives from aid organisations, where he heard about Israeli settlement expansion and violence towards Palestinians.

Lord Cameron also met senior UN officials in Jerusalem, where he offered his condolences for the 108 UN workers killed during the current crisis, the department said.

He announced 30 million of new funding for aid such as shelter and medical provisions as a fourth British aircraft carrying 23 tonnes of critical supplies including blankets and sleeping mats landed in Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Boots is bringing the heat this Black Friday. (Boots / No7 / Yahoo Life UK)

This Black Friday, beauty and bargain hunters alike will be delighted to know that Boots has released a set of best-selling No7 products worth more than 120, for a very pocket-friendly 31.50.

The dreamy Beauty Collection from No7 features eight of the brands most popular products, every single one of them full-size, guaranteeing huge value for your money. Boots initially released this set for 35, but the price has dropped even further now, giving you more bang for your buck.

This means avid fans of the brand will be clamouring to add this gift set to their baskets, so you better be quick if you want one delivered to your doorstep.

From skincare heroes like the No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser (17.95), No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate (14.95), and No7 Restore & Renew MULTI ACTION Eye Cream (22.95), to beauty must-haves including No7's 4D Lift & Curl Mascara Black (15.95) and Lift & Luminate Primer (17.95), this gift set is perfect for Christmas.

To put things into perspective, if you were to purchase just two of the higher-priced items in this set, you would spend more than 31.50  which just proves the phenomenal value of this set.

This great value set would make a great Christmas gift for a No7 fan. (Boots / No7)

The set comes with eight full-size products. (Boots / No7)

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It includes products from No7s fastest selling product range of all time, the No7 Future Renew collection, which accumulated a 94,000-strong waitlist before it launched earlier this year.

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Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will meet with Palestinian leaders and commit a further 30 million in aid for people in Gaza following the announcement of a truce in the conflict in the Middle East.

The former prime minister is urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage after holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during a visit to Israel on Thursday.

On Friday he will be in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, meeting Palestinian leaders and agencies delivering aid in Gaza advocating adherence to the new agreement on all sides.

It was confirmed that the ceasefire will begin on Friday morning from 7am local time, with aid going in as soon as possible, according to Qatari officials.

The first set of civilians held captive by Hamas are expected to be freed at about 4pm on Friday local time, including 13 women and children.

Lord Cameron said: We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza.

I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and I can announce new 30 million of funding which will be spent on vital aid such as shelter and medical provisions.

It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.

The agreement for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza appeared to have hit a last-minute snag, with Lord Cameron telling Mr Netanyahu that he wanted all parties to the agreement to make it happen.

There are hopes that the lull in the fighting will clear the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to ease the suffering of citizens who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

A building collapses following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

Lord Cameron, who earlier visited Kibbutz Beeri, scene of some of the worst violence during the Hamas assault, said: There is never any excuse for this sort of hostage-taking.

All the hostages should be released, but I hope that everyone who is responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel would continue with the goals of the war and we will eradicate Hamas.

There is no hope for peace between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arab countries if we do not eradicate this murderous movement, which threatens the future of all of us, he told the Foreign Secretary.

The announcement of additional UK funding comes as the fourth British aircraft carrying humanitarian aid landed in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.

The RAF flight carried 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: The RAF continues to deliver on the UKs commitment to helping those in need by operating flights into the region to provide urgent humanitarian support which will save civilian lives.

The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.

Lord Camerons visit comes a day after he met counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries  including the Palestinian Authority  at Lancaster House in London to discuss the Middle East crisis.

Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as the secretary general of the League of Arab States, and the ambassador of Qatar, attended the event.

Lord Cameron said the group discussed how to use the planned pause in the Israel-Hamas fighting to consider how we can build a peaceful future which provides security for Israel but also peace and stability for the Palestinian people.
David Cameron has defended his pursuit of close ties with China as prime minister, as he insisted that engaging with Beijing today is necessary.

The former PM, who was appointed Foreign Secretary this month in a shock return to frontline politics, said that the Asian power had become much more aggressive, much more assertive since he left office in 2016.

As prime minister, Lord Cameron presided over the so-called golden era of relations between Britain and China, hosting a state visit for Chinese President Xi Jinping and welcoming investment from Beijing into the UK.

The years since have seen relations between the West and China deteriorate dramatically.

Former Prime Minister @David_Cameron becomes the new Secretary of State for @FCDOgovuk "It will be an honour to serve our country alongside our dedicated FCDO staff and provide the continued leadership and support that they deserve. pic.twitter.com/JoMVh7MaF2  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 14, 2023

In his first foreign policy speech as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak declared the golden era over and described the pursuit of closer economic ties over the previous decade as naive.

Some Tory MPs have pushed Mr Sunak to go further and brand China a threat, amid concerns about recent attempts  including a visit by ex-foreign secretary James Cleverly to Beijing  to reduce tensions.

Speaking to the BBC, Lord Cameron acknowledged that times had changed while defending the foreign policy of his period in office.

China has become much more aggressive, much more assertive, over the Uighurs, over Hong Kong, the wolf warrior diplomacy, he said.

And so thats why security and protection is such an important part of our policy.

We also need to align more carefully with our allies to make sure we can counter any malign threats coming from China. So, it is a realistic hard-headed policy.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron (Frank Augstein/PA)

He said: When I became prime minister, the greatest need was for Britain to grow again, trade again, with exports to help our businesses around the world.

I loaded up planes, I took them to India, I took them to China, I took them to Africa to get the economy moving again.

He said that engaging China is one part of the approach we need to take.

Not least, because China is a fifth of humanity. Were not going to solve challenges like climate change, unless we engage.

And hopefully I can be a part of that.

Lord Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the 2016 Brexit referendum, said that the UK had to be a friend, a neighbour and the best possible partner for the EU.

When you look at the engagement in Ukraine, that probably is the best example of how its worked, he said.

Theres no doubt that Britain is the leading European power in helping Ukraine.

The former prime minister also indicated that he would not push for an increase in the overseas aid budget to 0.7% of national income.

It was cut to 0.5% by Mr Sunak as chancellor in 2021.

I took this job accepting collective Cabinet responsibility, he said.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans recent firing and rehiring raises questions about whether OpenAI is sustainable. Can one organization, or one person, maintain the brain of a scientist, the drive of a capitalist and the cautious heart of a regulatory agency? Justin Sullivan, HO / TNS

One of the nice things about OpenAI is that it was built on distrust. It began as a nonprofit research lab because its founders didnt think artificial intelligence should be pioneered by commercial firms, which are driven overwhelmingly by the profit motive.

As it evolved, OpenAI turned into what you might call a fruitful contradiction: a for-profit company overseen by a nonprofit board with a corporate culture somewhere in between.

Many of the people at the company seem simultaneously motivated by the scientists desire to discover, the capitalists desire to ship product and the do-gooders desire to do this all safely.

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The events of the past week  Sam Altmans firing, all the drama, his rehiring  revolve around one central question: Is this fruitful contradiction sustainable?

Can one organization, or one person, maintain the brain of a scientist, the drive of a capitalist and the cautious heart of a regulatory agency? Or, as Charlie Warzel wrote in the Atlantic, will the money always win out?

Its important to remember that AI is quite different from other parts of the tech world. It is (or at least was) more academic. AI is a field that had a research lineage stretching back centuries. Even today, many of the giants of the field are primarily researchers, not entrepreneurs  people like Yann LeCun and Geoffrey Hinton, who won the Turing Award (the Nobel Prize of computing) together in 2018 and now disagree about where AI is taking us.

Its only in the last several years that academic researchers have been leaving the university aeries and flocking to industry. Researchers at places like Alphabet, the parent company of Google; Microsoft; OpenAI; and Meta, which owns Facebook, still communicate with one another by publishing research papers, the way professors do.

But the field also has the intensity and the audacity of the hottest of all startup sectors. While talking with AI researchers over the past year or so, I have often felt I was on one of those airport moving walkways going 3 mph, and they were on walkways going 4,000 mph. The researchers kept telling me that this phase of AIs history is so exhilarating precisely because nobody can predict what will happen next. The point of being an AI researcher is you should understand whats going on. Were constantly being surprised, Stanford doctoral candidate Rishi Bommasani said.

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The people in AI seem to be experiencing radically different brain states all at once. Ive found it incredibly hard to write about AI because it is literally unknowable whether this technology is leading us to heaven or hell, and so my attitude about it shifts with my mood.

Podcaster and Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist Lex Fridman, who has emerged as the father confessor of the tech world, expressed the rapid-fire range of emotions I encountered again and again: You sit back, both proud, like a parent, but almost like proud and scared that this thing will be much smarter than me. Like both pride and sadness, almost like a melancholy feeling, but ultimately joy.

When I visited the OpenAI headquarters in May, I found the culture quite impressive. Many of the people I interviewed had arrived when OpenAI was a nonprofit research lab, before the ChatGPT hullabaloo  when most of us had never heard of the company. My parents didnt really know what OpenAI did, said Joanne Jang, a product manager, and they were like, Youre leaving Google? Mark Chen, a researcher who was involved in creating the visual tool DALL-E 2, had a similar experience. Before ChatGPT, my mom would call me, like, every week, and shed be like, Hey, you know you can stop like bumming around and go work at Google or something. These people are not primarily driven by the money.

Even after GPT made headlines, being at OpenAI was like being in the eye of a hurricane. It just feels a lot calmer than the rest of the world, Jang said. From, like, the early days, it did feel more like a research lab, because mainly we were only hiring for researchers, said Elena Chatziathanasiadou, a recruiter. And then, as we grew, it started becoming apparent to everyone that progress would come from both engineering and research.

I didnt meet any tech bros there, or even people who had the kind of we are changing the world bravado I would probably have if I were pioneering this technology. Diane Yoon, whose job title is vice president of people, said, The word I would use for this workforce is earnest  earnestness.

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Usually, when I visit a tech company, as a journalist, I get to meet very few executives, and those I do interview are remorselessly on message. OpenAI just put out a sign-up sheet and had people come to talk to me.

I confess I have a history of going into these tech workplaces with a degree of defensive humanistic snobbery: These people may know code, I tell myself, but they probably dont know the literary and philosophical things that really matter.

I was humbled at OpenAI. Yoon grew up as a dancer and acting Shakespeare. Nick Ryder was a mathematician at the University of California, Berkeley, with an interest in something called finite differential convolutions before he became a researcher at OpenAI. Several people mentioned a colleague on the research side who studied physics as an undergrad, went to Juilliard for two years to study piano and then got a graduate degree in neuroscience. Others told me their original academic interests had been in philosophy of mind or philosophy of language or symbolic systems. Tyna Eloundou, a member of the companys technical staff, studied economic theory and worked at the Federal Reserve before coming to OpenAI.

As impressive as they all were, I remember telling myself, This isnt going to last. I thought there was too much money floating around. These people may be earnest researchers, but whether they know it or not, they are still in a race to put out products, generate revenue and be first.

It was also clear that the folks were torn over safety. On the one hand, safety was on everybodys mind. For example, I asked Marc Chen about his emotions the day DALL-E 2 was released. A lot of it was just this feeling of apprehension. Like, did we get the safety? On the other hand, everybody I spoke to was dedicated to OpenAIs core mission  to create a technology capable of artificial general intelligence, capable of matching or surpassing human intelligence across a broad range of tasks.

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AI is a field that has brilliant people painting wildly diverging but also persuasive portraits of where this is going. Venture capital investor Marc Andreessen emphasizes that it is going to change the world vastly for the better. Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus depicts an equally persuasive scenario about how all this could go wrong.

Nobody really knows who is right, but the researchers just keep plowing ahead. Their behavior reminds me of something Alan Turing wrote in 1950: We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.

I had hoped that OpenAI could navigate the tensions, though even then, there were worries. As Brad Lightcap, OpenAIs chief operating officer, said, The big thing is, is really just maintaining the culture and the mission orientation as we grow. The thing that actually keeps me up, if youre asking honestly, is, how do you maintain that focus at scale?
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has described the prosecution of an officer who crashed while driving to the scene of a terror attack as appalling.

Pc Paul Fisher, 46, made a split-second error when he lost control of his unmarked BMW X5 and ran into the back of a taxi drivers Toyota, before hitting a Ford Fiesta and a wall, en route to the scene of the stabbing spree carried out by terrorist Sudesh Amman in Streatham, south London, in February 2020.

The officer described the moment he found out the terrorist had begun stabbing people as pandemonium, and went to the scene at more than 80mph because he believed Amman might be wearing a suicide vest.

Prosecutors said Fishers extreme speed and risky manoeuvres amounted to dangerous driving, but he was cleared on Friday after five hours of jury deliberation at Southwark Crown Court, almost four years after being charged.

Speaking outside court after the verdict, Sir Mark said the case undermines the confidence of all officers using their powers to keep the public safe.

He added: Thank god for the common sense of British juries.

Paul Fisher is a firearms officer who was under the most unimaginable pressure.

He clearly made some mistakes on that drive, the right answer would have been some warnings within the organisation, some re-training, some re-testing to getting back to protecting the public.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said rigorous independent scrutiny is not a threat to policing.

Pc Fisher, a former Royal Marine, said he let people down but denied dangerous driving.

Giving evidence, he said: At no point did my colleagues turn around and say Paul youre driving too fast. I would have stopped.

He was responding, with two other armed officers in his vehicle, to the stabbing carried out by Amman in February 2020.

Aman, 20, grabbed a large kitchen knife from a hardware store on Streatham High Road in south London and stabbed two people at random.

The scene of the incident on Streatham High Road (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The officer was on a surveillance operation at the time of the crash, monitoring Amman after his release from jail 10 days earlier.

Fisher was waiting with other armed officers at a local police station while undercover units followed more closely.

Having been told over the radio that Amman had begun stabbing people, Pc Fisher began his journey from Gypsy Hill police station in Crystal Palace to Streatham High Road, about three miles away.

On-board camera footage showed Fisher driving at high speed as he overtook people and squeezed the BMW SUV through narrow gaps in the traffic.

The police car did not have its blue lights on at the time because they had accidentally been switched off by his passenger.

The vehicle, which did have its siren on, had been switched to arrival mode and only had flashing rear red lights displayed.

As Fisher went for another overtake at Streatham Common, his vehicle lost grip on a turn and he hit a taxi drivers Toyota.

He said: I remember braking for the bend but the vehicle seemed to drift.

I started emergency braking and steering to the right in an attempt to avoid the vehicle.

Defending Fisher, Kevin Baumber said: The last thing (he) intended was any kind of harm at all.

Not all collisions are crimes.

Police officers going to the scene of an emergency are exempt from certain driving laws, including following the speed limit, obeying traffic lights and keep left signs.

But prosecutor Ben Lloyd said that getting to the scene of the incident provided Fisher with no defence for dangerous driving.

The drivers of the two vehicles which Fishers car collided with, a man and a woman, were left with minor injuries.

The female officer in the back of the police car suffered a cut head and Fisher was bleeding from the ear after the crash.

Tom Whiting, IOPC acting director general said: The fundamental principle of policing by consent is a precious part of British society which we should celebrate.

Rigorous independent scrutiny is not a threat to policing, it is a protection and helps the police do their job by making sure they are getting things right and supporting them to fix it when things go wrong.

We know that accountability and scrutiny can feel deeply uncomfortable for the individuals and organisations involved, but if they are weakened, there is a real risk to public trust.

We welcome the Home Office review as it is an opportunity to make improvements to the system.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: There is no doubt that Pc Fisher was responding to a life-threatening incident in February 2020.

Prior to the crash, Pc Fisher was found to be driving at more than four times the speed limit.

This, along with other evidence, led us to passing a file to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service).

A CPS spokesman said: The CPS does not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, we make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider.

In this case, we decided it was appropriate for a court to consider one charge of dangerous driving. The jury found the defendant not guilty and we respect its verdict.
The Metropolitan Police have said it will be safe for Jewish people to come into London this weekend with both pro-Palestinian and antisemitism protests being held.

A 90-minute march organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism is due to take place in London on Sunday.

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, the Gold Commander in London this weekend, said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Another pro-Palestinian protest of around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall will also be held on Saturday, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.

MARCH AGAINST ANTISEMITISM This Sunday, will you stand shoulder to shoulder with British Jews? Join the march starting at 13:30 from the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL Route will be policed pic.twitter.com/Y65Or3DxIE  Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) November 22, 2023

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Adelekan said: We will put all the protection that we put around any march around that antisemitism march, and we are working very closely with the Jewish community.

Ive personally met the organisers, the Campaign Against Antisemitism, Ive had a number of conversations with them on how were going to keep them safe.

Mr Adelekan said chants using the word jihad were causing upset and concern in the Jewish community but were always contextual.

He added that officers would enter large crowds decisively and quickly to arrest those using the chant to incite violence, terrorism or antisemitism.

(PA Graphics)

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Mr Adelekan said he was not welcome at the march and would be engaged by officers.

Mr Robinson was seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.

Mr Adelekan added: What we cannot see and what we will not let happen is the kind of violence that happened on November 11.

We have got enough officers in order to make sure we prevent that from happening.

Around 1,500 officers will be deployed for the protests with several hundred drafted in from other forces through mutual aid.

Mr Adelekan said the forces use of retrospective facial recognition to identify criminals at the protests was improving all the time.

Leaflets will also be handed out to protesters by officers along the march to provide absolute clarity on what will be deemed an offence, he added.

The Cenotaph and several other monuments will again be guarded throughout the weekend.
A judge in a specialist court has approved a financial move proposed by Daily Mirror publisher Reach, weeks after the group announced job cuts.

Judge Sally Barber gave Reach the green light for a cancellation of its share premium account at an online hearing in the Insolvency and Companies Court on Friday.

A lawyer representing Reach outlined the proposal and Judge Barber said she was satisfied that there was no real likelihood of the company being unable to discharge debts when they fell due.

The company, which also owns the Express newspapers, the Daily Star and regional newspapers across the UK, including the Manchester Evening News, had recently advertised the proposal to shareholders.

Reach had said, in a notice published online, that the purpose of the reduction of capital was to give reasonable assurance that the company would be able to continue to make distributions to shareholders, as considered appropriate and in accordance with a dividend policy and commitments to the groups pension trustees.

The proposed reduction of capital will not involve any payment or return of capital to shareholders or any change in the companys dividend policy, the notice said.

The proposed reduction of capital would result in the cancellation of the balance standing to the credit of the companys share premium account (605.4 million) and the creation of distributable reserves of the same amount.

Earlier this month Reach announced the axing of about 450 jobs.

The company said the job losses came under plans to trim operating costs by 5%-6% in 2024.

Reach had previously announced two rounds of job cuts in January and March.

The group said the extra savings would help it invest in boosting its online offering.

In July Reach announced tumbling half-year profits after suffering a hit to digital sales from a move by Facebook to change the way it displays news content.

Reach reported underlying operating profits plunging by nearly a quarter, 23.5%, to 36.1 million, due to the knock to its revenues as well as soaring costs.

Statutory pre-tax profits fell to 6.7 million from 32 million a year ago.
Nissan will produce two new electric vehicle models at its Sunderland plant, supporting thousands of jobs in the UK, the Government has confirmed.

The Japanese carmakers new electric Qashqai and Juke models will be manufactured at the site.

Nissan is making a direct investment of up to 1.12 billion to produce the two models, the Government said.

This will enable wider investment in infrastructure projects and the supply chain  including the construction of a new gigafactory to make more batteries  to bring a total new investment today of up to 2 billion, it added.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: Nissans investment is a massive vote of confidence in the UKs automotive industry, which already contributes a massive 71 billion a year to our economy.

This venture will no doubt secure Sunderlands future as the UKs Silicon Valley for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.

Making the UK the best place to do business is at the heart of our economic plan.

We will continue to back businesses like Nissan to expand and grow their roots in the UK every step of the way as we make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.

The production line at Nissan, which has announced it will produce two new electric vehicle models at its Sunderland factory (Tom Wilkinson/PA)

Nissans EV36Zero project brings together electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy and battery production.

The companys president and chief executive Makoto Uchida said: Exciting, electric vehicles are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality.

With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for industry and for our customers.

The EV36Zero project puts our Sunderland plant, Britains biggest ever car factory, at the heart of our future vision.

It means our UK team will be designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicles of the future, driving us towards an all-electric future for Nissan in Europe.

The Government also announced it has awarded 15 million of funding to the Nissan Technical Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, to strengthen its technical expertise and boost the research and development of zero emission vehicle capability.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: Todays news is an enormous vote of confidence in the British economy, just days after we confirmed the most generous investment tax reliefs in the western world.

Nissan has a proud history in car manufacturing in Sunderland, and their continued commitment to the UK shows how our support for business is getting results  helping create thousands of jobs and solidifying Britains place as the worlds eighth largest manufacturer.

Jeremy Hunt speaking to Nissan employees (Ian Forsyth/PA)

In his autumn statement on Wednesday, Mr Hunt announced that a tax break allowing firms to cut their bills if they invest in new equipment will be made permanent.

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: The investment by Nissan in Sunderland shows once again that the Governments plan for the automotive sector is working.

The forthcoming advanced manufacturing plan will build on this deal and other recent big investment wins for the UK car industry, helping to support thousands of jobs and drive growth across the UK.

(PA Graphics)

The plan will set out how the Government will encourage manufacturers to invest in the UK.

Sunderland Centrals Labour MP, Julie Elliott, said the investment meant the city had a bright future.

She said: The decision by Nissan today is a great vote of confidence in the Sunderland plant.

I am glad that the plants strong reputation for green technology continues.
A group of 24 hostages  including 13 Israelis and a number of Thais  were released from the Gaza Strip on Friday, as a breakthrough deal between Israel and Hamas to pause fighting took hold after weeks of secretive diplomacy.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it transferred the hostages from Gaza to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Later, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the hostages underwent an initial medical assessment inside Israeli territory and soldiers would then accompany them to hospitals where they will be reunited with their families.

Among those named as being freed on a list released by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was Hanna Katzir, 76, whose death had been announced on Telegram on Tuesday by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group.

Doron Katz-Asher, 34, and her two young daughters, Raz, 4, and Aviv, 2, were also on the list, along with 6-year-old Amelia Aloni and her mother Daniel, 45. Ohad Munder-Zichri, who spent his 9th birthday in captivity, was also listed along with his mother Keren, 54, and grandmother Ruth, 78. Several other seniors were also on the list.

In exchange, Israel released 39 Palestinians it had been holding for a range of alleged offenses. The Red Cross said on X that it had facilitated the release of 33 detainees from Ofer prison to the city of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Qadura Fares, who heads an advocacy group for prisoners, told The Associated Press the remaining six were being freed from a Jerusalem lockup.

Ten Thai nationals and a Filipino citizen captured from Israel on Oct. 7 were also released by Hamas, Qatars foreign ministry said. Earlier in the day, Thailands prime minister had said in a post on social media that 12 Thais had been released. The reason for the discrepancy was not immediately clear.

In a televised address from Nantucket, Massachusetts, President Joe Biden thanked the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Israel, who helped broker the deal that is set to release at least 50 Hamas hostages in all. In return, Israel said it would free 150 Palestinian prisoners, mostly from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Biden said that he expects more hostages to be released and is hopeful that the Americans still being held would soon be freed. But he added that he did not "trust Hamas to do anything right.

I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure, he said, adding that he hoped the cease-fire could last more than four days.

Elsewhere, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Qatars chief negotiator in the cease-fire talks, also told NBC News that he was hopeful that at least four U.S. citizens, women and children, would be freed in the coming days.

Around 240 hostages are believed to have been taken on Oct. 7, and the fate of the hostages has been a central source of grief and turmoil in Israel. Their families have campaigned relentlessly to secure their release, including taking over a public square opposite the defense ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, and marching 40 miles from the city to the prime minister's office in Jerusalem.

Prior to this, only four hostages had been freed from Gaza, leaving in two pairs; Israel also freed one of its soldiers while conducting ground operations in the strip. Two others, including another soldier, were found dead.

Follow live updates here

In a video address after the hostages were released Friday, Netanyahu said his government was committed to the return of all our abductees, adding it was one of the goals of the war and we are committed to achieving all the goals of the war.

Meanwhile, the cease-fire planned for at least four days largely held, allowing hundreds of trucks carrying aid and some fuel into the densely populated enclave that has been besieged and bombarded for weeks since Hamas surprise terror attack on Oct. 7.

The deal offered some relief for the 2.3 million people living in the enclave with dwindling supplies.

Image: Israel Awaits Hostage Return On First Day Of Truce With Hamas (Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty Images)

Israel has been facing increasing global pressure over the fate of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The country has been conducting an intense bombardment and ground assault on the enclave, one that it says has been carefully targeted on Hamas but that has killed more than 14,500 people including some 5,000 children, according to the local health ministry.

On Friday, Palestinians appeared to take the opportunity to travel back to their homes to assess the damage. This, despite leaflets dropped by Israel warning them not to reenter the north, the main battleground of the war.

We are on our way to Khuzaa to see what happened to our home, one woman, Suhaila Abu Al-Jal, told NBC News as she walked among crowds through the destroyed buildings in Khan Younis. Khuzaa is a neighborhood to the east of the city, near the border with Israel.

We pray to God to give us patience, she said. Because we do not want this truce: We want it to last forever.

As Gaza descends further into a humanitarian disaster, the deal to pause the fighting was achieved after what one Biden administration official described as an extremely excruciating five-week process.

The U.S. president was directly involved in the negotiations and received hourly updates on the progress, the administration official said. Among the early sticking points, they said, were Israels requirement that Hamas provide identifying information and proof of life for the hostages and Hamas demand that fuel enter Gaza.

A senior White House administration official and a senior Middle East official said that the release of two Americans  Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter, Natalie  was viewed as a pilot case that proved the effectiveness of the system that had been put into place to create a potential pipeline for hostages to be released.

Also, Netanyahu needed some convincing.

Just a couple of days ago, Biden came with the final deal saying a five-day pause and Netanyahu said four days, a senior Israeli government official told NBC News. This deal was a Biden deal, not a Netanyahu deal.
Ukrainian authorities said three civilians were killed after shelling from Russian forces in a suburb of Kherson, Ukraine.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the deaths Thursday, saying the citys Chornobayivka suburb was a target of heavy shelling. Klymenko added that Russian forces used cluster munitions in their attack.

Cluster munitions are a type of explosive weapon that contains multiple explosive submunitions. The weapon is being used by Russia and Ukraine in the war. Ukraine received its cluster munitions as military aid from the U.S.

More than 60 residential and infrastructure buildings were damaged in the shelling attack, according to The Associated Press.

Five civilians were wounded in the bomb shelling, Klymenko added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys office also said Russian forces conducted attacks on other parts of the province with eight nighttime artillery barrages, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man in his apartment building and another civilian sustaining injuries.

The office also said two civilians were killed in the Donetsk region, located in the eastern part of the country, due to Russian shelling, the AP reported.

This comes as Russian state media reported TV journalist Boris Maksudov, who worked for Russian state television channel Russia 24, died after being wounded in a drone attack while reporting in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region.

Russias invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has killed thousands on both sides and displaced 6.3 million Ukrainian citizens.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A former adviser to Barack Obama has been arrested after he subjected a New York food vendor to a racist and Islamophobic rant.

Stuart Seldowitz, 64, was filmed telling a 24-year-old halal food seller that the killing 4,000 Palestinian children wasnt enough.

In clips shared to social media, Mr Seldowitz was also heard asking someone off-camera whether they raped their daughter like Muhammad did and saying: Muhammad, your prophet... He was a rapist.

Mr Seldowitz was the acting director of the National Security Council South Asia Directorate under Mr Obama, and was deputy director in the US State Departments Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs from 1999 to 2003.

He was arrested on Wednesday on preliminary charges of hate crime, stalking, second-degree aggravated harassment, stalking causing fear, and stalking at employment.

People are trying to divide us

His arrest comes as scores of New Yorkers flocked to support the Manhattan food vendor.

Jewish residents and US officials were among those who travelled across the city to buy lamb gyros and falafel over rice from the Upper East Side outlet on Wednesday afternoon.

As he struggled to keep up with the surge of orders, Moha Kamen, 35, who works on the food stand, said Mr Seldowitz had come for him one time at night.

The outpouring of support had left him and his colleagues feeling safe and supported.

He said: People love us here, they come to support us and were happy.

The outpouring of support had left Moha Kamen and his colleagues feeling 'safe and supported' - Anadolu

Pamela Wiznitzer, 38, lives opposite the food truck and ran outside immediately to comfort the owners after she saw the videos of Mr Seldowitz abusing them on social media.

Ms Wiznitzer, who describes herself as very Jewish, set up a table and eight chairs next to the halal truck, where she sat with her dog Ric for several hours.

She encouraged others to sit down with her as an opportunity for everyone to break bread at a time when people are trying to divide us.

She said on Tuesday Mr Kamen had told her: Youre Jewish, and you know, were Egyptian and we love each other.

The table was adorned with pumpkin decorations and note cards for people to write war reminders of love to Mr Kamen and his colleagues.

Meanwhile, Kapil Gupta, 49, travelled across New York with a colleague from the United States Mission to the UN to buy more than 30 wraps in a show of support.

He said he was horrified to learn that this gentleman here has been harassed by a person who had had a connection to the State Department professionally.

Mr Gupta said the worker had clearly gone off the rails and he wanted to show we dont support that [his views] in any way.

Mr Seldowitz has since apologised for the incident, saying on Tuesday evening: I regret the whole thing happened and Im sorry... In the heat of the moment, I said things that probably I shouldnt have said. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have raised the religious aspect.

He insisted he was not bigoted against Muslims, saying: I dont think Im an Islamophobic guy. Ive spoken up for equal treatment of Muslims on numerous occasions with numerous different people.

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.
Bleach TYBW Ichigo

Studio Pierrot and Tite Kubo shocked the anime world when it was announced that, after a decade of silence, Bleachs final manga arc would be adapted into an anime.

Announced as a four season  called cours in Japanese TV parlance  run, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War started airing in October 2022, ten years after the last episode of Bleach aired in Japan.

The second season of Thousand Year Blood War wrapped up almost two months ago, at the end of September 2023, and anyone whos watched it will no doubt be hungry for more. So when will Bleach TYBW Season 3 be released?

When Will Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Season 3 Be Released?

TV Tokyo, Studio Pierrot, and Aniplex confirmed upon the announcement of Thousand Year Blood War that the series would run for four seasons, so thankfully season 3 is simply a matter of when, and not a matter of if. Viz Media is handling the release outside of Japan, and thankfully if youre wanting to watch subbed it should air on the same day as it does in Japan.

Neither Viz nor TV Tokyo or Aniplex have announced when the next season of Bleach: TYWB will be released, but based on the timeframe between season 1 and season 2, we can make an educated guess that should be pretty close to what we actually see.

The first season of the anime started in October 2022 and ran until the end of December 2022. The second season picked up about 7 months later, in early July 2023, and finished up at the end of September of the same year.

With this in mind, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War season 3 will likely start in May or June 2024, and run for approximately two months, finishing up in late July or August.

Where Can I Watch Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War?

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is a bit of a weird one, because where you watch it will depend entirely on where you live despite the two services it appears on being owned by the same company.

In any case, if youre in the US, youll be able to watch Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War on Hulu, though that might change once Disney picks up the remaining third of the company from Comcast in early 2024  watch this space.

If youre outside of the US, except in Asia which has its own deal going on, new episodes of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War will be released weekly on Disney+. If past seasons are anything to go by, the English dub of the show wont be too far behind the Japanese subtitled version.
Editor's Note: For the latest news on the Israel-Hamas conflict, please see our live updates file here.

Hamas was preparing to release 14 Israeli hostages Saturday for 42 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to Egyptian officials, in an exchange that comes on the second day of a cease-fire that has allowed critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and given civilians their first respite after seven weeks of war.

On the first day of the four-day cease-fire, Hamas released 24 of the about 240 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war. The exchange also resulted in the release of 39 Palestinian women and children who were held in Israeli jails.

"Its only a start," Biden said in an address from Nantucket on Friday afternoon. "But so far its gone well."

He said the agreement was the result of "a lot of hard work," including diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. The four-day pause in fighting started at 7 a.m. local time, midnight EST. The deal calls for the release of a total of 50 hostages taken by Hamas and 150 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Both sides agreed to release women and children. Israel also agreed to extend the pause in fighting by one day for every 10 additional hostages Hamas releases.

"We expect more hostages to be released tomorrow" and the days following, Biden said. He said it wasn't clear when some of the Americans still in Hamas captivity would be released, but he expects it to happen.

The hostages released Friday included some 13 Israelis, 10 Thai nationals and one Filipino citizen, according to Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, one of the countries that served as a mediator in the agreement. The Israelis included children and women, including several elderly women. They underwent an initial medical assessment in Israeli territory and will be transported to Israeli hospitals, according to Israel's military.

The Schneider Childrens Medical Center said it was treating eight Israelis  four children and four women  and all appeared to be in good physical condition. The center said they were also receiving psychological treatment, adding that these are sensitive moments for the families.

The Palestinian prisoners released were 24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones.

The cease-fire comes more than six weeks after an estimated 240 people were captured and held hostage by Hamas after its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The temporary pause in fighting had been scheduled to begin Thursday but was delayed by what al-Ansari said were logistical issues, including verification of the hostage release list exchanged by Israel and Hamas officials.

On the first day of the truce, over 200 trucks of desperately needed supplies, including fuel, were delivered to Gaza. A respite from weeks of attacks was felt in the territory, and rocket fire from Hamas into Israel went silent as well.

Latest developments:

 Two Palestinians were killed Friday and 11 others were wounded as Israeli forces fired at people attempting to return to northern Gaza near a main combat zone despite Israel's warnings to stay put, the Associated Press reported.

 No U.S. citizens were in the first group of hostages released by Hamas on Friday, and Biden said he is not sure when they will, but remains hopeful Americans will be among the first 50 hostages released over four days. "We dont know when that will occur, but expect it to occur," Biden said.

 Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it has received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday. After Israel approves the names, a list of Palestinians in prison expected for release Saturday will be sent to Hamas, Haaretz reported.

Israeli security forces stand next to ambulances outside the helipad of Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel, in preparations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip on Friday.

Hostages to be freed: Inside the 'excruciating' work of a secret US cell that secured the release of 50 hostages

Don't return to north Gaza, Israel warns amid halt in fighting

Israel's military warned people not to return to their homes in the northern parts of Gaza as the temporary cease-fire got underway Friday.

"The war is not over yet. The humanitarian pause is temporary. The northern Gaza Strip is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move north," said Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, an Arabic language spokesman for Israel's Defense Forces.

In the days leading up to the pause, Israel's government has repeatedly said it sees the halt in fighting as a limited measure only to allow for the freeing of hostages. It has rejected calls for a comprehensive cease-fire.

About 1.7 million people, three-quarters of Gaza's population, have been displaced since Oct. 7.

Father of American hostage does not expect son to be released

As dozens of families await word on whether their loved ones will be released in the hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, American Jonathan Dekel-Chen, 60, is keeping his expectations low.

"It will not involve my son. I am as certain of that as one can be," he said in a brief phone interview.

Dekel-Chen's son, Sagui, 35, hasn't been heard from since Hamas invaded his home on Nir Oz kibbutz, in southern Israel, on Oct. 7. He lived there with his two daughters, ages 2 and 6, and his pregnant wife. They escaped.

Of the 50 hostages due to be released over four days beginning Friday, most if not all are expected to be women and children, according to Israel and Qatari officials.

"I will be overjoyed for those families who can be reunited with their loved ones," Dekel-Chen said.

He described his son, an entrepreneur whose "moonlighting gig is repurposing old buses for new uses," as "the son anyone would love to have. You can't meet him and not smile. He's endlessly positive. He's a builder. He's a creator. He's been that his entire life."

A man walks past a billboard calling for the return of about 240 hostages who were abducted during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel. in Jerusalem on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Palestinians waiting to hear news about their children

Palestinian teenager Samed Khaled Abu Khalaf, 17, could be one of several dozen Palestinians, mostly women and children, who could be released from an Israeli prison today, according to his family.

His father, Khaled, 51, said in a brief WhatsApp message Friday that his son was detained by Israel seven months ago. He said he doesn't know why his son was imprisoned.

"Today, God willing," he said.

The teenager's name appears on a list, reviewed by USA TODAY, of 300 Palestinians that Israel's justice ministry said are eligible to form part of a hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Information under his name says he was arrested in April for "damage to the security of the area."

The family lives in a village in the eastern part of the West Bank.

Palestinian prisoners rights group Addameer says that Israel has about 200 boys, most of them teenagers, in detention, as well as several teenage girls. International and Palestinian human rights organizations have long alleged that Israel mistreats its child detainees, whom it prosecutes in military courts and holds for indefinite periods of time. Israel says they are detained for suspected terror-related offenses.

Khaled Mahmoud Abu Khalaf says he is waiting to get a call from the International Committee of the Red Cross to hear whether his son will be freed. The group is helping to facilitate releases on both sides.

Marah Bakr (L) a Palestinian detained in Israeli prison for eight years and released on November 24, 2023, under a truce deal between Israel and Hamas in exchange for hostages held in Gaza, looks on as her mother Sawsan sits by her side in their home in east Jerusalem. After 48 days of gunfire and bombardment that claimed thousands of lives, the first hostages to be released under a truce deal between Israel and Hamas were handed over on November 24, both sides said, nearly seven weeks after they were seized.

United Nations chief describes worsening conditions in Gaza

A United Nations agency head described deteriorating conditions in Gaza on Friday following his second visit to the strip since the war began.

People are going to sleep holding their children tight while not knowing if they will wake up alive the following morning, said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA.

People were struggling to have one meal a day and many have not changed their clothes for more than a month, Lazzarini said. Skin diseases and diarrhea have increased exponentially, a consequence of unsanitary conditions worsened by rain. Most of the shops and pharmacies were closed, and some of the streets were eerily empty. Lazzarini said the strikes were constant, and at some points, whole buildings shook.

A vocational training center, once the organizations pride and joy, now resembled an overcrowded prison as 35,000 people took shelter, Lazzarini said. He noted 69 UNRWA shelters have been hit since the war began, some more than once and some directly. Half of them were not in the north.

Lazzarini called for a longstanding humanitarian cease-fire, reopening of commercial supply lines to revive the private sector and replenish empty markets, and expansion of humanitarian aid. He also warned against deepening polarizations the longer the war continued, and slimmer chances of a political solution.

How tiny Qatar became a big player in the hostage release

Qatar, a tiny Persian Gulf nation with an abundance of natural gas reserves and a desire for prestige on the world stage, has become a pivotal player in the fate of hostages held by Hamas.

Qatar has taken on the role of intermediary in negotiations aiming to secure the release of more than 200 hostages captured by Hamas in its attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Qatari mediators also helped broker a deal that has allowed for limited evacuations of foreign passport holders and some critically injured people from the Gaza Strip, which Israel has been pummeling with air strikes since the Hamas attack.

Its not the first time Qatar has played the role of international mediator.

Qatar helped negotiate the release earlier this year of four Ukrainian children held by Russia, which allowed them to return to their families. A close ally of the U.S., Qatar helped secure the release in 2014 of an American journalist, Peter Theo Curt, who had been held in Syria for two years.

More recently, Qatar played a key role in an agreement between the U.S. and Iran that led to the release in September of five Americans imprisoned in Iran. Iran had accused the Americans of being spies or working on behalf of the U.S. government.

Who are the Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners awaiting release?

Three Americans were among the hostages set for release including 3-year-old Avigail Edan, whose parents were killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, as well as two women, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal also included a provision for the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages in captivity.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 Palestinians eligible for release from prison, mainly teenagers arrested over the past year for relatively minor offenses such as throwing rocks. The youngest detainee on the list is 14. The list also includes about 40 women. The detainees are to be released to their homes in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza.

Contributing: Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel-Hamas temporary truce day 1 recap: More hostages to be freed
Colorado police arrested a person suspected of locking eight puppies and two kittens in the trunk of a car over the summer.

The Colorado Springs Police Department executed an arrest warrant Wednesday for the suspect, who has not been identified, for nine counts of aggravated animal cruelty and and ten counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, according to police records.

On Aug. 15, CSPD and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Regions Animal Law Enforcement responded to a call about dogs left inside the trunk of a car.

When they arrived, they could hear cries for help coming from inside the car, according to a Facebook post by the animal rescue organization. The owner opened the trunk, and what the officers found was "horrific."

Five of the eight puppies and both kittens were found dead. All the animals were severely underweight, with their bones showing through the skin. Two of the remaining puppies died after the rescue.

One puppy found in the car lived. She was named Griselda by the Humane Society and has since been adopted.

One of eight puppies and two kittens found in the trunk of a car in Colorado on Aug. 15, 2023. Griselda, as she was later named, was the only one who survived. The suspect has been arrested on several counts of animal cruelty. Griselda has since been adopted.

CSPD investigated the incident as animal cruelty before forwarding the case to the District Attorney's Office. The DA's office later issued an arrest warrant.

While conducting the arrest months later, officers saw a malnourished dog inside the same vehicle the puppies and kittens were found in. They also saw several malnourished dogs tied up in the back yard, records show.

Animal Law Enforcement also conducted a search warrant of the Colorado Springs residence where the primary suspect was arrested, and will later serve the suspect with 14 additional counts of animal cruelty, authorities said.

Seven adult dogs, 7 puppies and a turtle were removed from the residence as a result of the search.

More: Pet deer in Florida euthanized after attacking Palm Coast man, residents upset

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 8 puppies and 2 kittens found in Colorado car: Suspect arrested, survivor adopted.
The premise behind our recent San Antonio Forward series was to shift our collective focus south.

That for all the attention paid to the incredible growth along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin, there should be equal attention given to the greater South Texas region and our many connections to Northern Mexico.

That while San Antonio will benefit from the so-called Texas Triangle  the fast-growing mega-region of San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston  there is another region of equal importance to the Alamo Citys present and future. This would be the South Texas Triangle, comprising San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, a region that connects with Northern Mexico  in particular, the city of Monterrey.

Including Monterrey, the region is home to some 10 million people, and San Antonio is central to its economic competitiveness and spirit of innovation. It is a binational region and key to the trade that flows between the United States, Mexico and Canada. It is a landscape rich with opportunity and promise, but also one that faces long-standing challenges around infrastructure and pervasive inequality.

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For example, Port Laredo is the nations busiest inland port, frequently celebrated across the region. But as Maria Eugenia Calderon-Porter, assistant vice president at Texas A&M International University, noted in the San Antonio Forward series, it is also a port in desperate need of improved infrastructure.

While some 17,000 trucks pass through the port each day, the segment of the highway between Laredo and San Antonio has fewer than six lanes. Many I-35 segments to the north of San Antonio have six lanes. It is a disparity that needs to be addressed.

Similarly, Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow with Connect Humanity and co-chair of the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition, wrote that at a time when digital connection is vital to education and commerce, about 45% of households in the Rio Grande Valley lack a fixed internet subscription.

San Antonio is home to many of the civic institutions that could better unify the South Texas region to address longstanding educational disparities and also promote greater economic development. Jerry Lara/Staff photographer

That means they are cut off from online education, the possibility of remote work, telehealth and other forms of connection.

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It is little surprise then that the region, despite all its growth and demographic promise, also struggles with stark differences in opportunity and access to health care, as well as disparities in education levels between the Latino and white populations.

"Despite the important role Latinos have played in the region's population and job growth, they have extremely low socioeconomic status compared with whites," University of Texas at San Antonio demography professor Rogelio Saenz wrote. "For example, only 17% of Latinos 25 and older have a bachelors degree or higher, compared with 38.5% of whites."

It is one thing to write about issues, quite another to address them.

One clear policy priority from the series is for Bexar County's congressional delegation to address the pressing infrastructure needs along the I-35 corridor to ensure the region can sustain future trade levels and maintain economic competitiveness at a time of automation and increased use of artificial intelligence.

At the state level, voter approval of Proposition 8, which will create a $1.5 billion fund to improve broadband connections, is an opportunity to address the broadband deserts that are all too common in South Texas. How that happens will require coordination between state and local leaders.

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Addressing these challenges requires civic infrastructure. And the good news is it exists.

UTSA and Texas A&M University-San Antonio are Hispanic-serving institutions and are crucial to shifting education disparities in the region and creating a competitive workforce.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has partnered with other regional mayors to create the South Texas Mayors Alliance, which will be essential in creating regional civic partnerships that exist beyond any one elected official's time in office.

And the South Texas Business Partnership, formerly known as the South San Antonio Chamber, has broadened (wisely) its economic vision to serve the greater South Texas region. It's the South Texas Business Partnership that can connect businesses and potential talent.

The South Texas region can be a leader in developing clean energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and biosciences. It can also serve as a model for binational trade. There is no doubt the region will grow, but this is a unique moment for civic and business leaders to shape that growth.
PATERSON  For Jeremy Johnson, a recent trip to three city elementary schools was an opportunity to share his Lenape heritage in a place he calls his homelands.

Johnson and the other four members of a delegation from the Delaware Tribe of Indians performed a traditional tribal dance, told a folktale that predated European colonization of the area now known as New Jersey, and presented students with a slide show detailing the cultural symbols and history of the Lenape people.

Jeremy Johnson beats a drum while singing a traditional song during the Delaware Tribe of Indians' recent visitation to School No. 1 in Paterson.

It's important to share this so that we are remembered in our homelands, and its also a way to get our community members out to share what they know about our people, said Johnson, cultural education director for the Delaware Tribe of Indians.

Its something that needs to be carried on because we have been largely forgotten in our homelands, Johnson added. This program is a means for our people to remain attached to our homelands so that we still have a place here to come back to.

National Park Service partnered with Delaware Tribe, Paterson schools

Students and adults take part in a traditional Lenape dance called a Bean Dance during the Delaware Tribe of Indians' recent visit to Paterson's School No. 1.

The National Park Service partnered with the Delaware Tribe and the Paterson school district to make the program happen. Johnson and his group visited fourth graders at School 1, School 2 and School 28 last week.

The National Park Service is constantly improving the ways we tell the stories of this country, said Ilyse Goldman, a ranger at Great Falls National Historical Park. The Indigenous people of this land have not played as prominent a role, but were trying to correct that wrong now as an agency. Having a relationship with all of the federally recognized tribes of the Lenape is correcting the myths; its remembering that native people were and are here.

Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell, who attended the School 28 session, talked about the value of the program.

There are parts of American history that our children must become more familiar with in order to fully appreciate the rich traditions to be found here, Newell said. "The Lenape peoples words are all over New Jersey as names of towns, cities and streets whose origins have been lost to the general public, and this outreach is a great step in redressing that.

'Little Palestine': In Paterson, a community is united in grief

In the schools: Is a student recruitment program boosting enrollment in Paterson schools?

Delaware Tribe members traveled from Oklahoma

The Delaware Tribe members traveled to Paterson from their homes in Oklahoma. After many centuries of living on North Americas Eastern Seaboard, the Lenape were sent to Oklahoma in the 19th century as part of the American governments forced migration of Native Americans.

Members of the Delaware Tribe of Indian delegation and a National Parks Service ranger sit as they watch a presentation at School No. 1 in Paterson. The delegation members are, from left, Laura Maynor, Daniel Madden, Hope Hosey, and Shaunda Brooks.

Among those who made the trip was Johnsons mother, Laura Maynor.

Its very important to us to share what was done in the past and for people to know that the Lenape are still here; we are around, Maynor said. I love that my son has a passion for this. He knows a lot, which was learned from his great-grandmother, grandmother, and then me. Im very proud of him.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ: Delaware Tribe members share Lenape heritage
Organized labor ranks among Elon Musks least favorite things, right up alongside Wall Street short sellers and the mainstream media.

The worlds wealthiest man built Tesla into the industrys dominant automaker despite what he believes has been fierce opposition from all three. Yet it is his steadfast refusal to play ball with trade unions that is his biggest headache of late.

Only weeks after labor leader Shawn Fain threatened to raise working conditions at Tesla with the help of his United Auto Workers, Swedens own industrial union IF Metall is bringing the companys operations to a complete standstill in the Scandinavian country.

Its the first time that Teslas operations have been hit by a strike.

This is insane, the entrepreneur grumbled.

Sweden is a major destination for Tesla cars, vying with the Netherlands as the fourth-largest market for electric vehicles in the European Union after Germany and France. More than 90,000 EVs have been sold through October, according to the industry's own data.

This is insane  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 23, 2023

More importantly, Sweden punches way above its weight when it comes to EV adoption, where it is currently the undisputed EU leader.

Nearly 39% of all new cars sold in the Scandinavian country are fully electric, triple the overall adoption rate in the EU through the first ten months. It is by far the most popular powertrain choice among Swedes, with conventional gasoline-only cars only amounting to 52,000 during the first ten months.

Tradition of collective bargaining

Even though Stockholm enjoys a higher per capita number of tech startups valued at $1 billion-plus in Stockholm than almost anywhere else in the world, the country still has a long tradition of collective wage bargaining.

As a result, when Tesla refused to agree to a wage deal with 120 mechanics at seven different workshops, IF Metall declared a strike in late October.

This has since spiraled out of control as more unions have since joined in, including dockworkers that now refuse to unload imported Tesla cars arriving in ports and even workers from the state-owned postal service responsible for delivering license plates.

In the short term, Musk can ill-afford sales in a key market to dry up. Investors are becoming increasingly anxious that his company cannot maintain the breakneck speed of growth, to which they have long become accustomed.

On the other hand, giving in could have long-term implications as he has thus far refused to play ball with unions.

Any compromise in Sweden would likely only embolden labor leaders in the U.S. and Germany to increase the pressure.

Responding to Musk's frustration, Swedish parliamentarian Annika Strandhall corrected the centibillionaire.

This is the Swedish labor market model agreed on since almost a hundred years between employers and employees, she wrote. In Sweden all serious companies sign collective agreements.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Downing Street said the Prime Ministers crackdown on cigarettes remains unchanged after reports New Zealand will rescind its own anti-smoking laws.

Rishi Sunaks announcement at the Conservative Party conference last month that he would effectively outlaw smoking among younger generations, was seen as having been inspired by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Arderns government doing something similar.

But reports have suggested that the new coalition government in Wellington, to be led by the conservative National Party after it won 38% of the vote in Octobers election, will repeal legislation banning tobacco sales to people born after 2008.

There have been calls for Mr Sunak to follow suit and dump his own bid to phase out the smoking of tobacco.

Proposed legislation for England will make it an offence for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 to be sold tobacco products.

Smokers rights group Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest) said the policy treats future generations of adults like kids and it wont work.

Forest director Simon Clark said: Having stolen the idea from the previous New Zealand government, the prime minister should follow the example of the next New Zealand government and scrap this crazy plan.

It is a waste of parliamentary time when there are far more pressing issues that require the Governments attention before the next election.

No 10, however, said the anti-smoking proposals remained critically important.

Forest | UK Government urged to follow New Zealand and scrap tobacco sales ban The policy treats future generations like kids and it wont work. It will simply drive smokers into the hands of illegal traders and criminal gangs.https://t.co/Nu4XLhp8dL pic.twitter.com/0lKi6azzuH  Forest (@Forest_Smoking) November 24, 2023

Asked whether Mr Sunak would consider following Wellingtons lead, a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said: No, our position remains unchanged.

We are committed to that.

This is an important long-term decision and step to deliver a smoke-free generation which remains critically important.

The legal age for buying cigarettes and other tobacco products in England and Wales is 18, having been raised from 16 in 2007 by the previous Labour government.

A Government-commissioned report published in June 2022 found that, without urgent action, England would miss its 2030 smoke-free target by at least seven years.

Dr Javed Khan, who conducted the inquiry, put the annual cost to society of smoking at about 17 billion  2.4 billion to the NHS alone.
Ryan Tuerck on YouTube

The Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia are home to some of the most spectacular roads in all of North America. The twisting mountain passes make an ideal location for some touge action, particularly when a motorsport organizer helps shut down the roads. Hop onboard with Formula Drift pro Ryan Tuerck as he and his buddies take on the Drift Apalachia event in the modified Toyota Stout pickup they built for SEMA Show 2022.

Tuerck is no stranger to automotive absurdity on the internet. Even if you are not familiar with his racing endeavors, youve likely come across his Ferrari 458-powered Toyota 86 or Judd V-8-powered Toyota Supra builds. Going farther back to his old YouTube days will pull up a couple different hillclimb drift runs he's done, running up a New England hillclimb course and the infamous Maryhill Loops road in Washington state. This particular Stout build packs a ton of Formula Drift-grade hardware. The chassis is a custom chromoly tubeframe unit, which comes supported by a modified PoweredByMax suspension kit for Corvettes. The stock lump of an engine is also gone, replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine like you'd find in an MR-2 or Celica GT-Four. Of course this is a professional drifter we are talking about here, so the truck is making in the neighborhood of 650 hp. That power is routed out back via a six-speed sequential manual.

The event itself was organized by Drift Appalachia, which is a collaborative effort formed by Back Roads of Appalachia, Drift Indy and US Drift. The group claims that it ran the first legally sanctioned touge event in the United States, as Hagerty reported on hand from the side of a mountain road in rural Kentucky. It was no small feat to put together, per Hagerty:

Getting the state of Kentucky to agree to closing down U.S. Route 421 for drifting was a labyrinth of red tape. Fortunately, Drift Appalachia has Erik Hubbard as its secret bureaucracy buster. Hubbards nonprofit, Back Roads of Appalachia, is no stranger to organizing motorsports and motorcycle rallies in the Bluegrass State. The organizations goal is to drive small-town economic development in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia through motorsport tourism.

This West Virginia gathering stands as the group's second big event. There seems to be a decent level of talent on hand as well, with everyone diving right into the tandem runs without hesitation. Thats despite the fact that it was rather wet during the runs, a particularly scary encounter on the fast downhill sections. Tuercks skills are clear from the jump, reminding all of us what that gap to a professional driver looks like. Things dried out a bit for day two of the sliding, which brought all of the smoke you'd want on camera. Do yourself a favor and watch through the sideways shenanigans, which start at around 4:45 in the clip attached above.

It's remarkable that only now are we beginning to see legal street drifting events in the States. Interest in sliding cars isn't going away anytime soon. More events like these, with proper safety and organization, is what we need.

Ryan Tuerck on YouTube

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Jordan Sapp holds her newborn son Gardner, in her living room as she shares what her birthing process was like with her twins Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Jordan Sapp looked down at her newborn baby with tears in her eyes. It was a miracle her son was in her arms, but she never imagined she wouldn't be holding two.

Sapp, 31, and her twin babies survived a dangerous birth which doctors feared they wouldn't make it through.

But the relief and gratitude that the three made it through alive was quickly replaced with soul-crushing devastation when one of her babies unexpectedly died just a few hours later.

It was the first and last time she ever got to hold her baby girl. But the now-mother of four said, despite the traumatic turn, she feels extremely blessed.

"I have the rights to be sad, but I feel like I kind of don't," she said. Sapp said she is choosing to be positive, wanting to show people that good can still be found amid the worst tragedies.

Newborn baby, Gardner Sapp looks up to his mom as they sit in their living room Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

A medical miracle

Against all odds, Jordan at least got to meet both her daughter Goldie and her son Gardner in the antenatal care unit at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. It was a tumultuous pregnancy, but the journey began just like any other, with the excitement of bringing two new lives into the world.

After 17 weeks, Jordan's water broke, and she was put on bed rest. Contracting an infection is the No. 1 concern after a mother's water breaks too early, but Jordan stayed healthy the whole time  an outcome doctors cannot explain.

Without the fluid in the surrounding placenta, a baby can still survive because nutrients are provided through the umbilical cord, but the lungs run the risk of not properly developing, said William Dobak, one of Jordan's maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Roughly five weeks later, Jordan was admitted into the hospital where she stayed for seven weeks. That was the longest she had ever been away from her other kids.

Her husband, who she's been with since she was 16 years old, is a Panama City fisherman and was left with no choice but to come back from the Gulf to take care of their children while she was away.

She said the waiting and wondering when it would be time to meet her babies was slow torture as mothers around her came and went.

At 29 weeks, on Sept. 19, she finally went into labor, but both babies were breach. Doctors initially recommended a cesarean section because there's a high likelihood that one of their heads could get stuck, but Jordan was set on having the twins naturally.

Jordan Sapp holds her newborn son Gardner, in her living room as she shares what her birthing process was like with her twins Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

"You really had to be there to see the looks on people's faces," she said. "I feel everybody in that room just kind of experienced something different  I got my answered prayer."

The fact that Jordan stayed pregnant for as long as she did is very unusual, Dobak said. Most women who have their water break early go into labor a week later.

"There are many places that would have said there's no chance of survival," he said.

Twins are more susceptible to complications during the birthing process, especially when they are premature, he said. When they were monitoring the babies, he said they were more worried about Gardner's survival because premature boys typically do not do as well as girls.

So when Goldie died less than 24 hours after her birth from an infection, the doctors were surprised: "That her little boy survived and is doing well is by the grace of God," Dobak said.

Dobak himself is a father of twins. He said his heart broke for Jordan and her family when Goldie didn't make it. "You just feel terrible for them because, you know, they have to stay strong for their little kids at home," he said.

His wife had a few complications when pregnant with their twins, but nowhere near the same struggles that Sapp endured. "Jordan is incredible," Dobak said.

Heart split in two

She thought it impossible to feel two emotions at once, Jordan said, but she now knows what it's like to feel happy and sad at the same time.

Losing a child is an excruciating pain that will never go away, she said, but their family must go on. "I don't really think I have a choice," she said.

Although she lost her daughter, new son Gardner and her three other children, Jack, 8, Clarabella, 4, and Murphy, 2, keep her smiling.

Gardner spent two months in the neonatal intensive care unit before he was healthy enough to be released Nov. 13 for a bittersweet homecoming. Sapp visited every day, spending time with her miracle baby.

Jordan Sapp holds her newborn son Gardner, in her living room as she shares what her birthing process was like with her twins Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

The stay-at-home mom was happy to finally have all her kids under one roof and to begin her postpartum healing.

The older kids ask questions about their sister, and it's really hard to explain the concept of death to young kids, she said. Her daughter frequently asks when they can go to heaven to meet Goldie.

"Little innocent questions like that are like a knife in your heart," Jordan said.

Jordan Sapp stands with her newborn son Gardner, as she stands at GardnerOs twin sister, GoldieOs grave Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Alive in memory

Wanting to keep their family member close, the family chose to bury Goldie under an oak tree on their property in northeast Leon County. Creating the gravesite together as a family was essential to healing, Sapp said.

"I don't want my kids to see death as this terrible, negative, horrible thing," she said. "It is all those things, but it's not an ending. We don't believe that." The family attends Northwoods Church, where her husband's father is the pastor.

The kids will often play outside and talk to Goldie, or bring her little toys that they lay on the ground by her tombstone, Jordan said. They even will say goodbye to her whenever they leave the house, she said.

Over 200 people gathered in the Sapp family's yard Sept. 30 to honor the long life that Goldie never had a chance to live. At the end of the service, Jordan's oldest child Jack stood up, unprompted, with a letter to his sister in hand.

Dear Goldie, he said. I hope you have a great day in heaven, and I hope you grow up to be a strong girl. You'll always be our sister."

Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee mother finds strength after losing 1 twin baby after birth
DONPILA, Thailand  Ten Thai nationals were among the first hostages to be released during the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, raising a hope that will reverberate into this rural village in northeastern Thailand.

Anucha Angkaew is believed to have been abducted from the kibbutz where he was working in southern Israel, seven weeks ago. His family hopes that he is among the hostages released during the four-day truce in Gaza.

About two dozen of the estimated 240 hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are from Thailand, one of Israels biggest sources of migrant labor. Thailand also has among the highest death tolls in the conflict of any foreign country, with 39 of its citizens killed.

Earlier on Friday, the Thai Prime Minister announced that 12 Thai nationals were released. The foreign ministry of Qatar later confirmed that the number was ten. The reason for the discrepancy was not immediately clear, and the situation remains fluid.

I hope this is real news and Art is coming back to our family soon, Anuchas mother, Watsana Yojampa, said Wednesday after hearing about the Israel-Hamas agreement, referring to him by his nickname.

Anucha, 28, is believed to have been abducted on Oct. 7 when the avocado farm where he worked was stormed by terrorists from Hamas, part of a coordinated attack that Israel says killed 1,200 people. His family says he has been missing ever since.

Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that it welcomed the release of hostages as well as the four-day truce that Israel agreed to in exchange. It said Thailand fervently hopes that this momentum can be maintained so that the remaining hostages are released as soon as possible.

Hopes were raised by a report Thursday on the pan-Arab website Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, citing an unnamed Egyptian source, that the Thai hostages could be released in a deal brokered by Iran that is unrelated to the Israel-Hamas agreement.

Thai-Muslim politicians who have been in contact with Hamas since October said last week they had been assured that all Thai hostages would be released during any cease-fire.

Ambulances wait on a road during an Israeli ground operation in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. (Victor R. Caivano / AP)

Anuchas father, Pornchai Angkaew, said he never imagined this could happen to his son, who had been working at Israels Kibbutz Reim for almost two years. About 30,000 Thais work in Israel, mostly in agriculture, drawn by far higher wages than they could find in the poorer, rural areas of Thailand they come from.

Pornchai, 52, used the earnings his son sent home to build a house for Anucha, his wife and their 7-year-old daughter in Thailands Udon Thani province.

The house is nearly complete but Pornchai does not have the willpower to finish it, he said, describing his heart as in pieces.

He says his wife cant bring herself to visit the house at all, because it reminds her of Anucha.

When I see his photo, I want to cry, said Watsana, 45.

Anuchas daughter does not know her father is being held hostage, her grandparents say, but she suspects it.

I want to tell Hamas that my son did not do anything wrong, Pornchai said. My son went there to work to send money to support the family.

While families like Anuchas anxiously await news, others have already confirmed the worst.

Like Anucha, Kiattisak Patee, 35, was working as a farmhand at Kibbutz Reim near the Gaza border. His family worried about him when there were rocket attacks, which were not uncommon.

Kiattisak Patee, 35, was killed in the Hamas attack on Israel. (Courtesy Patee family)

He would call and let me know while he was in the bunker that he was hiding and I didnt need to worry, said his mother, Promma Yokee.

When she heard about the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, Promma said, my heart was broken. I kept calling my son and he didnt pick up the phone.

After weeks of uncertainty, his body arrived home early this month.

Kiattisak spent four and a half years working on a chicken farm, sending most of the money he earned back to his family in Thailand, in a village 50 miles from Anuchas. They used the funds to build a house and buy a tractor, which they showed NBC News.

He built everything, and he did not even get to touch them, said Promma, 54.

Kiattisaks family said he had planned to come home and work their rice farm so his parents could rest as they got older. His death has shattered their world.

Im very sad, so sad that I dont want to do anything, said his father, Khamsee Patee, 63.

Khamsee said he was so proud of his son, and had looked forward to his return.

But hes no longer here, he said. So I will just do what I can.
Keith Urban is sharing his thoughts on his wife Nicole Kidmans viral AMC commercial.

The country singer, 56, appeared on the Friday, November 24, episode of Criss Angels podcast Talking Junkies to discuss his music career, love of tattoos and relationship with Kidman, 56. During the conversation, the illusionist and host, 55, mentioned the advertisement in which Kidman, wearing a sparkly pinstriped suit, delivers a poetic monologue about the emotional significance of moviegoing.

The ad began playing in AMC theaters in 2021 and quickly became an internet sensation due to its over-the-top nature. Its since inspired countless parodies (SNL recreated it in 2022 with cast member Chloe Fineman starring as Kidman), TikTok videos and even Halloween costumes. One of the ads most memorable lines, Somehow heartbreak feels good in a place like this, has been echoed in nearly every corner of the internet.

Did you ever see that coming? Angel asked Urban about the cultural impact of the commercial.

Keith Urban Most Candid Quotes About His Battle With Alcoholism Wife Nicole Kidman Support

Navigating a new path. After a long struggle with alcoholism and three previous rehab stays, Keith Urban was able to embrace sobriety thanks to his familys tireless support. I dont talk a lot about [my sobriety] because I love my audience being able to just come and have a great time, the Somebody Like You []

I mean neither of us did, the Grammy winner replied. She did it because we love movies, she loves movies and it was hard times for the theaters.

AMC/YouTube

He explained that when AMC approached Kidman to do the commercial, it was a no-brainer for the actress. Never in a million years [was she] expecting that to be this cultural thing, Urban added. Its crazy.

Last year, the screenwriter behind the viral ad, Billy Ray, confirmed that moviegoers would be getting a sequel after Kidmans contract with AMC was extended for one year. In an August 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, Ray revealed that the actress asked him directly to write the ad.

When Nicole first asked me to do it, I was just doing it as a favor, he told the publication. I said I would do it for free just because Im a fan and a friend of hers.

Nicole Kidman Keith Urban A Timeline Their Relationship

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are both natives of the land down under, but the couple met and fell in love on the other side of the world. The Big Little Lies star and Urban first crossed paths at the GDay USA Gala  an event honoring Australians in Los Angeles  in 2005. Kidman []

His agent ultimately convinced him not to work for free and luckily so, given the success of the ad. Nobody saw this coming, Ray said. Nobody.

As for the second iteration of the ad heard round the world, Ray told Vanity Fair, Im very, very excited about it. All I can tell you about it is we are not dumb enough to fly in the face of the one weve already done and try to top it, he shared.

The screenwriter added that the sequel will have a a very, very different approach but still maintain a little bit of a wink to the original ad.

Ray also confirmed that Kidman will be featured in the new ad. Of course its with Nicole, he said. Im not doing it without Nicole.
By Alexander Cornwell

MANAMA (Reuters) - Bahrain has been walking a political tightrope since war erupted in Gaza as it seeks to ease public fury at a conflict that has killed thousands of Palestinians while preserving a deal with Israel that brought the Gulf state closer to the United States.

For tiny Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet, close U.S. relations are a vital bulwark against Iran, a vast Muslim Shi'ite nation across the Gulf that Manama has long blamed for stirring up its own majority Shi'ite population against Bahrain's Sunni monarchy.

The deal to normalise ties with Israel, signed in 2020 by Bahrain when Donald Trump was president, brought few business benefits to Bahrain, unlike those it offered United Arab Emirates, a regional commercial hub which signed at the same time. But the other strategic gains Bahrain secured are too valuable to jeopardise, sources and analysts said.

Six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Bahrain would not abandon its ties with Israel, even though parliament - a body that remains subservient to the monarchy - has made a strident statement suggesting Israel relations were in the freezer.

Bahrain is trying to preserve the relationship with Israel while also managing public opinion, one of the sources said.

Bahrain's government communications office did not respond to emailed questions on the status of relations with Israel.

"They can't abandon normalisation with Israel without endangering this whole strategic framework," said Kristin Smith Diwan, a researcher at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

She said the framework was not just about keeping close to the U.S. but also Bahrain's signing of the deal brought it closer to the wealthy UAE and offered a counterweight to the influence of Saudi Arabia, which has long bankrolled Bahrain whose oil resources long ago dwindled to almost nothing.

"Bahrains adoption of the Abraham Accords is as much about its relations with other countries as it is with Israel," she said, using the term for the normalisation deals Israel signed with Bahrain and the UAE.

Yet it requires a balancing act by Bahrain, as it seeks to keep the deal intact while reflecting its deep disagreement with Israel's fierce military campaign in Gaza, whether through criticism of Israel by the Bahraini crown prince at a security summit in Manama this month, parliament's statements or the government allowing public protests on the issue.

AMBIGUITY ABOUT ISRAEL

On Nov. 2, the elected parliament, which has no authority over foreign policy, issued an unusual statement saying the ambassadors of Israel and Bahrain had departed and economic ties had been cut.

"The Zionist entitys (Israel) ambassador has left from Bahrain, hopefully not to return," parliamentarian Mamdooh Al Saleh said in parliament in the days after the announcement.

The fact that the statement on diplomatic and economic ties came from the parliament, not the foreign ministry, stirred ambiguity about whether or not Bahrain had formally cut ties.

Israel responded that relations were stable and a subsequent statement by Bahrain's government only mentioned the envoys had already left without clarifying any reason. The Bahraini government made no mention of economic ties, which are modest.

The six sources familiar with the matter said parliament's announcement did not reflect government policy.

The sources said the public confusion over relations with Israel appeared to have eased pressure on the government in its efforts to balance domestic outrage and ties with Israel.

In Jerusalem, a senior Israeli official told Reuters the envoys would return "when the situation allows".

On the street, emotions are running high over Israel's assault on Gaza which began after fighters from the Palestinian group Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. More than 14,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

PROTEST RALLIES

Hundreds of Bahrainis have marched at rallies to show solidarity with Palestinians and protest at the kingdom's ties with Israel, demonstrating in a nation that has typically clamped down on any form of protest, particularly if it targets government policy.

"People are angry. The government needs to release the pressure," said Smith Diwan, referring to a decision by the authorities to allow citizens to stage weekly protests. She described apparent state tolerance of the protests as "jarring", reflecting a contrast with Bahrain's normally tight security.

The government came down hard on protests in 2011 when demonstrators, many from the Shi'ite majority, rose up to demand the downfall of Bahrain's monarchy in the Arab Spring. Bahrain partly blamed that unrest on Iran, an accusation Tehran denied.

Almost a decade later when Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords, worries about Iran again formed the security backdrop, with the Islamic Republic still seen by Gulf Arabs as an expansionist security threat to much of the Middle East.

Western officials said the accords reinforced Bahrain's U.S. ties, pointing to a defence pact signed this year.

Israel, largely cut off economically and politically for decades from its Middle East neighbours, saw the accords as a shift in regional dynamics and an opening for new trade ties.

"I've seen here clear signals from the Arab Gulf countries that they don't want to let go of what has been achieved in the last three years," Tobias Lindner, a German foreign office minister of state told Reuters at a summit this month in Manama.

"The government of the Kingdom of Bahrain is a staunch supporter of the Abraham Accords," he said.

The UAE, a regional power, also intends to maintain its relationship with Israel, which has yielded billions of dollars in trade and close security cooperation, sources have said.

In contrast, Bahrain-Israel trade remains modest, worth about $30 million since 2021, according to Israeli government data.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Manama, additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai, Ari Rabinovitch and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Editing by Michael Georgy, William Maclean)
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.

President Joe Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, will travel to Georgia next week to pay their respects to Rosalynn Carter.

On Wednesday, the White House confirmed that the president and first lady, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, will attend a tribute ceremony in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Rosalynn Carter will be honored in public events starting Monday morning in Sumter County, Georgia, with a family motorcade. The Tuesday ceremony will start at 11:30 a.m. and end around 2:30 p.m. local time, according to the Carter Center.

The former first lady was the wife of Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president. She died Sunday, just days after entering hospice care. She was 96 years old.

Biden ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff starting Saturday through Rosalynn Carter's burial in her hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Wednesday.

"Throughout her life as First Lady of Georgia and First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter exemplified hope, warmth, and a steadfast commitment to doing all she could to address many of our societys greatest needs. She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for all; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities," President Biden said in the proclamation.

The funeral service will be at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains and followed by the former first lady's private interment at the Carters' residence.

SEE MORE: Rosalynn Carter leaves legacy of mental health advocacy
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, left, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confer during a conference after an Operation Lone Star roundtable discussion at the Texas Department of Public Safety Weslaco Regional Office on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Weslaco, Texas. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP) Joel Martinez/Associated Press Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Gov. Greg Abbott, right, talk during a swearing in ceremony on the first day of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press

Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are backing opposing candidates in at least 11 Texas House primary races this spring  and both are motivated by political vendettas.

Abbott recently endorsed the 58 Texas House Republicans running for reelection who supported his priority school voucher plan, which would allocate state dollars to send children to private schools. The announcement came after the House last week voted yet again to quash the proposal during the fourth special legislative session of the year.

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Paxton, meanwhile, has endorsed a handful of candidates challenging incumbent House Republicans who voted to impeach him in May. The attorney general, defiant after his acquittal by the state Senate in September, has promised political retribution for anyone who aided the effort to remove him from office.

Political experts say their involvement in GOP primaries is unusual in its narrow focus, but both issues have become representative of broader divides within the Texas Republican Party. Endorsements alone are not enough to secure a win, they say, and it remains to be seen whether Abbott and Paxton back up their political threats with money and on-the-ground campaigning that can make the difference in tight elections.

The primary results may offer new insight into the pairs political prowess  and because their endorsements are so personal, the races may produce candidates who have a strong allegiance to one of them, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

Theres a chance that the infighting could result in loyalty to people instead of to policy, Rottinghaus said. Theyre no longer concerned about exactly whats on the menu. Theyre concerned about whos cooking the meal.

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The election is set for March 5. Among the major matchups is state Rep. Mano DeAyala of Houston, who has Abbotts support, versus Spring Branch Independent School District trustee John Perez, who has Paxtons backing. In nearby Fort Bend County, Abbott-endorsed state Rep. Jacey Jetton will face Paxtons preferred candidate, businessman Matt Morgan.

Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, said its not surprising that Abbotts and Paxtons endorsements conflict in some of the races because their involvement does not necessarily reflect any big difference in the candidates platforms.

That is odd in the extreme, to take one vote to drive your endorsements, no matter what the people who voted against you on that one issue have done over the course of their career, he said.

Jillson said the primaries will be a temperature test of the districts and incumbents sway there. In the case of private school vouchers, also known as education savings accounts, Republicans who opposed the measure said they worried it would negatively affect their constituents public schools. Abbott will try to convince their voters its actually the opposite.

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And Paxton is trying to fracture local Republican support, especially in Collin County, where hes lived during a two-decade political career. The entire House delegation there voted to impeach him.

In a primary, money and mobilization can go very far, said Rottinghaus. Turnout is low, and the people who cast ballots tend to be motivated by particular kinds of partisan information, he said.

An endorsement by itself likely wont be a difference-maker, Rottinghaus said, but active campaigning could push one candidate past the other. Tensions are particularly high in the Texas GOP right now, he said, and where Abbott has growing sway and a deep war chest, Paxtons impeachment survival has made him something of a celebrity in conservative circles.

The primaries will test the extent of their influence, especially as House Speaker Dade Phelan works to protect his GOP majority, Rottinghaus said. The Beaumont Republican spent millions last cycle to keep his allies in office  and he probably has the best track record of any of them in terms of getting his candidates over the finish line, he said.

Phelan has emerged as a face of the infighting within the Texas GOP, and Paxton has blamed him for the impeachment effort and the failed votes on school vouchers. The attorney general also has endorsed one of his primary opponents, David Covey.

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Its not clear yet whether Abbott also will go after the speaker. Phelan did not appear on the governors initial list of endorsements, and he did not take a vote on the voucher plan.

Abbott has not yet endorsed candidates going against the GOP lawmakers who opposed the education policy, but he has suggested thats on the table.

We will have everything teed up in a way where we will be giving voters in a primary a choice, Abbott said in September. They can choose someone who supports school choice or they can support someone who is against school choice. Theres an easy way to get it done and a hard way to get it done.

His campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Incumbents are always difficult to beat, the experts said. Still, the targeted Republicans know they may face a tougher-than-usual primary, Jillson said, and theyre moving yesterday, today and tomorrow, to be sure that theyre ready for that.

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Presumably, they have planted some roots in their district, and theyre out there moving around to the local commercial and business groups and Republican Party meetings. Theyre raising money, he said.

The race to the ballot box could get ugly, experts said. Regardless of the election outcome, the campaign trail fights may hurt the Texas GOP in the long run, Jillson said. Its not a very thoughtful majority that is clawing at itself, he said.

You need to work to hold your majority together, rather than trying to knock off members who oppose you on one or even a package of issues, Jillson said. And I think it would certainly buttress the Republican majority for whatever competition from the Democrats is going to come in future election cycles.

Next year likely wont be a very competitive one for Democrats, Jillson said, as the 2021 redistricting cycle took away most contested districts. But the minority party eventually could come to pose a real threat to Republicans in the near future.
A five-year-old girl who was among several people stabbed outside a school in Dublin remains in a critical condition, Garda (Irish police) have said.

Some 32 people have been charged in connection to riots that broke out in the capital following the knife attack, which happened near the Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire primary school on Thursday afternoon.

Irish police said on Friday they were continuing to investigate the circumstances of the stabbings.

A second girl, aged 6, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin. A boy, aged 5, was discharged from CHI Crumlin yesterday evening.

A woman in her 30s remains in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital, and a man in his 50s also remains in a serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin region.

Another man in his 50s has been arrested as police were said to be pursuing a definite line of inquiry.

Earlier, Leo Varadkar, Irelands prime minister, condemned the more than 500 people who took part in the rioting. Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves, he said.

Key Points

Girl, 5, critical as 32 charged over huge destruction riots

Rioters driven by hate not patriotism - Varadkar

People told to work from home after riots

Girl, five, among those injured in attack

Protesters fire flares and fireworks as violent scenes unfold

Police chief says protests driven by far-right ideology

Attack believed to be a standalone incident

Police give update on stabbing victims

14:03 , Tara Cobham

The five-year-old girl stabbed outside the school in Dublin remains in critical condition at CHI Temple Street, Garda has confirmed this afternoon.

The six-year-old girl, who was receiving medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin, has now been discharged from hospital and returned to the care of her family, said Irish police.

The adult woman, a nursery worker, aged in her 30s, is in a serious but stable condition in The Mater Hospital, added the force.

Meanwhile, the adult man, aged in his late 40s, is in a serious but stable condition in a hospital in the Dublin Region, said Garda. The force said he remains a person of interest in its inquiries as police continue to investigate the knife attack.

A five-year-old boy was previously discharged from hospital.

Fundraiser to buy hero Deliveroo driver a pint hits 300k

18:18 , Barney Davis

A fundraiser for a hero Deliveroo driver who stopped a knife attack in Dublin has reached nearly 300,000 as it encouraged supporters to buy the brave Brazillian a pint.

Caio Benicio, 43, was hailed as a hero for ending an assault on three children in Dublin after he jumped off his bike to hit the attacker over the head with his helmet.

The father-of-two told The Daily Mail that he acted by instinct after he drove past Parnell Square and saw what he thought was a normal fight.

Doctor passing stabbing on bike stopped to intubate girl, according to colleague

17:16 , Barney Davis

A nurse has asked people to think of a passing doctor who may have helped save the life of the Dublin stabbing victim.

The five-year-old girl stabbed outside the school in Dublin remains in critical condition at CHI Temple Street, Garda has confirmed this afternoon.

The six-year-old girl, who was receiving medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin, has now been discharged from hospital and returned to the care of her family, said Irish police.

Thanks Garrett. I've just donated to this go fund me & another to the deliveroo driver. Can I just also ask people to think of the Temple St Anaesthetic Consultant who was passing by on his bike and stopped to assist & intubated the little girl. Mr H another hero x  Shelledgemac (@shelledge) November 24, 2023

After a parent shared a GoFundMe for the care worker escorting the kids to afterschool, one nurse replied: Can I just also ask people to think Temple St Anaesthetic Consultant who was passing by on his bike and stopped to assist & intubated the little girl.

Intubation is a process where a healthcare provider inserts a tube through a persons mouth or nose, then down into their airway.

Chief suspect has had several credible threats on his life - police

16:16 , Barney Davis

The chief suspect in the horror stabbing in Dublin that sparked riots across the city is being protected by police in hospital.

There have been reports of credible threats to the individuals life, The Irish Times reports.

Meanwhile, the adult man, aged in his late 40s, is in a serious but stable condition in a hospital in the Dublin Region, said Garda.

The force said he remains a person of interest in its inquiries as police continue to investigate the knife attack.

Fireworks were thrown at police officers on Thursday (REUTERS)

Father hails care worker an absolute hero after protecting son from knifeman

16:09 , Tara Cobham

A father who says his six-year-old son was among the group of children targeted by a knifeman outside a Dublin school has hailed their care worker an absolute hero after she stepped in front of a knife for him and the other kids.

Writing on social media, Garrett Fitzgerald said: My six-year-old son was part of a group of junior and senior infants who were attacked yesterday as they walked to their after school on Parnell Square.

My sons care worker stepped in front of a knife for him and the other kids. She wrestled the guy long enough, to allow the other kids to run away and for help to arrive. Words fail me.

Shes an absolute hero.

He said a GoFundMe has been set up for her by a friend.

The woman, aged in her 30s, is in a serious but stable condition in The Mater Hospital.

Mr Fitzgerald added: She was one of many heroes yesterday, including passers-by who intervened, first responders and the children themselves.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those still in hospital and anyone who has been affected by this awful tragedy.

1/4 My 6 year old son was part of a group of junior and senior infants who were attacked yesterday as they walked to their after school on Parnell Square.  Garrett FitzGerald (@FitzgGer) November 24, 2023

Government will tighten anti-hate legislation, says Varadkar

15:30 , Tara Cobham

Leo Varadkar, Irelands prime minister, has said his government would take immediate steps to tighten anti-hate legislation he said was unfit for the social media age.

"As a country we need to reclaim Ireland. We need to take it away from the cowerers who hide behind masks and try to terrify us with their violence," Varadkar said in an emotional statement.

Reserve Gardai support enhanced policing operation in Dublin on Saturday

15:00 , Tara Cobham

Reserve Gardai are supporting the enhanced policing operation in Dublin city centre on Saturday, Irish police have said.

Reserve Gardai paraded for duty at Pearse Street this morning to support the enhanced policing operation in place in Dublin City Centre.



Dublin City Centre is open for business!



We continue to work with & support residents, businesses and everyone visiting the city this weekend pic.twitter.com/g5oLl6WazO  Garda Info (@gardainfo) November 25, 2023

Water cannon an available tactic for Irish police in Dublin

14:30 , Tara Cobham

Use of water cannon is an available tactic for Irish police in the event of further disturbances in Dublin later.

There were chaotic scenes on Thursday evening  which involved far-right elements  with Garda cars, buses and trams set alight, and shops looted and damaged after a knife attack on three children and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city.

Some 34 people were arrested during the scenes on the Irish capitals main thoroughfare OConnell Street, and Garda officers are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage from the night.

Rebecca Black reports:

Water cannon an available tactic for Irish police in Dublin

How the Dublin riots began

14:00 , Tara Cobham

Violent riots that broke out across Dublin city centre on Thursday evening flared after a knife attack on children and their care assistant outside a school earlier in the day.

Three young children and an adult woman and man were all injured in the stabbings outside the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East at approximately 1.30pm, an incident that immediately made headlines.

Garda (Irish police) said on Saturday that they are continuing to investigate the knife attack, which left a five-year-old girl in a critical condition and still fighting for her life in hospital on Saturday.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

Flares and fireworks at a crime scene: How the chaos in Dublin began

Legislation over use of body-worn cameras by police to be fast-tracked'

13:30 , Tara Cobham

Amid criticism of the Garda response to the riots, Government ministers met and heard that legislation to facilitate the use of body-worn cameras by police officers will be fast-tracked.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee also told colleagues that officers are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and vowed that further arrests would follow the 34 already made.

Some arrests on Friday evening

12:00 , Tara Cobham

There were a small number of arrests in Dublin city centre on Friday evening.

Gardai mounted a significant security operation around the OConnell Street thoroughfare to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes from the night before.

Police patrol central Dublin on Friday (AP)

Justice Minister rejects call from Sinn Fein leader to resign

11:30 , Tara Cobham

The Justice Minister rejected a call from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald for her and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to resign.

Helen McEntee said: If Sinn Fein wish to debate law and order, if Sinn Fein wish to debate how we can support the gardai, I have no problem in standing over Fine Gaels record of law and order, Fine Gaels record of supporting members of An Garda Siochana.

I do not believe Sinn Fein can stand over their record.

Mrs McDonald said there had been a an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing and that a problem leading to Thursdays riot had been building for months.

Ireland's Justice Minister Helen McEntee speaking to the media outside Government Buildings, Dublin, on Friday (PA)

Justice Minister insists Garda has resources to keep Dublin safe over weekend

11:00 , Tara Cobham

The Irish Justice Minister has insisted that the Garda has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend.

Helen McEntee said this included securing the use of two water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Members of the Garda Public Order Unit detain a man on Friday, following a riot in the aftermath of a school stabbing that left several children and adults injured, in Dublin, Ireland (REUTERS)

Irish Justice Minister vows further arrests will follow in wake of Dublin riots

10:30 , Tara Cobham

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee has vowed that further arrests would follow the 34 already made in the wake of the riots in Dublin.

Some 32 people have so far been charged in connection to the disorder that broke out in the capital following a knife attack that left five people injured, including a five-year-old girl who is still fighting for her life.

Fireworks were thrown at police officers in the riots in Dublin on Thursday (REUTERS)

Dublin City Centre is open for normal business, says Garda

09:15 , Tara Cobham

Dublin City Centre is open for normal business, Garda has said.

An enhanced policing plan was in place on Friday evening, said the force, after the violent riots that erupted in the Irish capital this week.

It comes as shoppers are expected to descend on high streets across the country for Black Friday weekend.

Dublin City Centre is open for normal business.



We have an enhanced policing plan in place this evening and look forward to seeing shoppers, match goers and all those that will be socialising in the city over the weekend ahead.#KeepingPeopleSafe pic.twitter.com/AUdC0IJaLX  Garda Info (@gardainfo) November 24, 2023

Conor McGregor reacts to Dublin riots after declaring Ireland is at war

08:31 , Tara Cobham

Conor McGregor has said he does not condone the riots in Dublin but insisted that a change must occur, after a knife attack left five people injured  including three children.

A five-year-old girl was left in critical condition after an attack in Dublin on Thursday (23 November), which led to violent protests in the Irish capital.

Former UFC champion McGregor was quick to criticise the governments reaction to the stabbing, having already been vocal this week after the sentencing of Jozef Puska, a 33-year-old Slovak who was jailed for life over the murder of 23-year-old Irish woman Ashling Murphy.

Alex Pattle, Combat Sports Correspondent reports:

Conor McGregor reacts to Dublin riots after declaring Ireland is at war

Irish police trawl through 6,000 hours of CCTV footage in Dublin riots probe

08:00 , Anuj Pant

Police in Ireland are trawling through 6,000 hours of CCTV footage as a major investigation into riots in Dublins city centre continues.

The violence in the Irish capital on Thursday  which involved far-right elements and saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged  flared after a knife attack on three children and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city.

Justice minister Helen McEntee also told colleagues that officers are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and vowed that further arrests would follow the 34 already made.

Ms McEntee also rejected a call from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald for her and Garda commissioner Drew Harris to resign.

Read more below.

Irish police trawl through 6,000 hours of CCTV footage in Dublin riots probe

Garda have all resources necessary to keep people safe following Dublin riots

07:00 , Holly Evans

Irelands police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has vowed.

Ms McEntee also responded to criticism of the violent scenes in the city centre on Thursday night that saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged, by insisting she would not resign.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city.

Read the full article here

Garda have all resources necessary to keep people safe following Dublin riots

Legislation for police to use body-worn cameras to be fast-tracked

06:00 , Holly Evans

Legislation allowing Garda officers to use body-worn cameras is to be fast-tracked, Irish ministers have been told.

Ministers met on Friday evening to discuss the response to violence which flared in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee told the meeting that Garda are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and further arrests are certain.

She also briefed that the Recordings Devices Bill will be fast-tracked and enacted in the near future, allowing body-worn cameras to come into use for gardai.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told ministers he had spoken with the principal of the Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire school, outside which three children and a woman were stabbed on Thursday, as well the manager of the Childrens Place Nursery and Montessori and representatives of the Dublin business community.

How the Dublin riots began

05:00 , Holly Evans

The riots that broke out across Dublin city centre on Thursday evening appear to have begun as a heated demonstration at the scene of a tragic incident that took place earlier in the day, Irish police have said.

Three young children and an adult woman and man were all injured in a knife attack outside the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East at approximately 1.30pm on Thursday lunchtime, an incident that immediately made headlines.

Two girls hurt in the attack are currently receiving treatment for serious injuries while a five-year-old boy has already been discharged from hospital. Both adults remain in care and are being treated for serious wounds.

Read the full article here

Flares and fireworks at a crime scene: How the chaos in Dublin began

Nobody could have anticipated Dublin violence, says Ireland police chief

04:00 , Holly Evans

Nobody could have anticipated Dublin violence, says Ireland police chief

Delivery driver who stopped attacker in Dublin recalls harrowing incident

03:00 , Holly Evans

Delivery driver who stopped attacker in Dublin recalls harrowing incident

Boris Johnson links Dublin race riots to immigration fears

02:00 , Holly Evans

Boris Johnson has labelled the violent scenes in Dublin race riots, and suggested that achingly liberal countries like Ireland now have concerns about the pace of immigration.

The former UK prime minister used his weekly Daily Mail column to drawn on the disorder in the Irish capital to make the case for the UK to take tougher action to curb net migration.

It comes after the latest data showed a record number of arrivals to the UK last year.

Read the full article here

Boris Johnson links Dublin race riots to immigration fears

Narrative of extremism must be challenged, Scottish First Minister says

01:00 , Holly Evans

The narrative of extremism must be challenged from wherever it emerges, Humza Yousaf has said.

The Scottish First Minister was speaking after rioting in Dublin, where he praised Irish police for running towards danger.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the scenes showed that elected politicians needed to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate.

Read the full article here

Narrative of extremism must be challenged, Scottish First Minister says

Conor McGregor reacts to Dublin riots after declaring Ireland is at war

00:00 , Holly Evans

Conor McGregor has said he does not condone the riots in Dublin but insisted that a change must occur, after a knife attack left five people injured  including three children.

A five-year-old girl was left in critical condition after an attack in Dublin on Thursday (23 November), which led to violent protests in the Irish capital.

Former UFC champion McGregor was quick to criticise the governments reaction to the stabbing, having already been vocal this week after the sentencing of Jozef Puska, a 33-year-old Slovak who was jailed for life over the murder of 23-year-old Irish woman Ashling Murphy.

Read the full article here

Conor McGregor reacts to Dublin riots after declaring Ireland is at war

I lived through the Syrian war  but now I feel unsafe in Dublin

Friday 24 November 2023 23:00 , Holly Evans

Of all days, my introvert brown-skinned, half-Palestinian, half-Syrian husband, who embraces working from home as a software engineer, is out in Dublin city centre for his work Christmas dinner. I kiss him goodbye before he takes the Luas train, oblivious to how our night is about to turn upside down.

Ive been following the news earlier in the day. Ive read about the horrific stabbing of kids and caretakers. As a mother of a six-year-old boy, I think of the mothers receiving the news of their worst nightmare. Why in the world would anyone commit such a terrible crime?

Read the full article from Suad Aldarra here

I lived through the Syrian war  but now I feel unsafe in Dublin

Garda police make a number of arrests on Friday evening

Friday 24 November 2023 22:00 , Holly Evans

Gardai made a number of arrests on OConnell Street in Dublin city centre on Friday night.

Police are mounting a significant security operation in the area following violence which flared in the aftermath of a stabbing attack on Thursday.

A number of people were taken away in police vans following sporadic altercations.

Fundraiser for hero driver raises twice as much as collection for children and carer

Friday 24 November 2023 20:55 , Jane Dalton

A fundraising effort for the motorbike food delivery driver who hit the knife attacker with his helmet has raised more than 210,000 so far.

The GoFundMe page was set up to buy Caio Benicio a pint.

As of 8.30pm on Friday it had raised 246,051, from more than 23,000 donations.

But a page to raise funds for the children and their care assistant attacked had raised only just over half that amount  129,951 (112,000) from just over 7,000 donations.

New arrests made in city centre

Friday 24 November 2023 20:26 , Jane Dalton

Gardai made a number of arrests in OConnell Street in Dublin city centre on Friday night.

Police are mounting a significant security operation in the area following violence which flared in the aftermath of a stabbing attack on Thursday.

A number of people were taken away in police vans following sporadic altercations.

(Getty Images)

Body cameras for police to be fast-tracked, minister says

Friday 24 November 2023 20:04 , Jane Dalton

Legislation allowing Garda officers to use body-worn cameras is to be fast-tracked, Irish ministers have been told.

As ministers met to discuss the response to the violence, Justice Minister Helen McEntee told the meeting that gardai were trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and further arrests were certain.

She also said the Recordings Devices Bill will be fast-tracked and enacted in the near future, allowing body-worn cameras to come into use for gardai.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told ministers he had spoken with the principal of the Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire school, outside which three children and a woman were stabbed on Thursday, as well the manager of the Childrens Place Nursery and Montessori and representatives of the Dublin business community.

Justice minister refuses to quit, insisting police have enough resources

Friday 24 November 2023 19:20 , Jane Dalton

Irelands police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has vowed.

She also responded to criticism of the violent scenes by insisting she would not resign.

Ms McEntee said: What happened yesterday evening following this awful, tragic act was nothing but thuggery.

This was a group of individuals who used this horrendous event as an opportunity to wreak havoc in our city, to sow division in our city, they will be responded to with force and gardai responded in the most appropriate way.

They have restored order to this city and will continue to do so.

The minister said she met senior Garda officers on Friday evening.

She added: They have reassured me that every resource necessary to keep people safe in this city over the weekend is in place and will be in place as is needed and for as long as is needed.

(PA)

Sinn Fein leader calls for police chief and justice minister to quit

Friday 24 November 2023 18:45 , Jane Dalton

Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald has called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Irelands justice minister Helen McEntee to resign.

The people of Dublin need to know that those in charge of government and the head of An Garda Siochana are capable of ensuring that it never happens again.

She added she had spoken to both and went on: They should resign, both of them... Im saying that we now need a change.

(Mary Lou McDonald)

Recap: How did the Dublin riots start?

Friday 24 November 2023 18:00 , Matt Mathers

The riots that broke out across Dublin city centre on Thursday evening appear to have begun as a heated demonstration at the scene of a tragic incident that took place earlier in the day, Irish police have said.

Three young children and an adult woman and man were all injured in a knife attack outside the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East at approximately 1.30pm on Thursday lunchtime, an incident that immediately made headlines.

Full report:

Flares and fireworks at a crime scene: How the chaos in Dublin began

Boris Johnson blames high immigration for Dublin race riots

Friday 24 November 2023 17:44 , Jane Dalton

Boris Johnson has suggested that high levels of immigration are to blame for the Dublin riots, as he used the eruption of violence to knock the EU.

In his latest column for the Mail, the former Tory prime minister said people will not accept demographic change at this kind of pace  even in the most achingly liberal of countries and capital cities.

Mr Johnson added: Look at what is happening in Dublin, where that lovely and happy city seems to have been engulfed by race riots.

He also claimed the electoral victory of far-right candidate Geert Wilders in the Netherlands showed that immigration was too high across Europe.

The people of Ireland and Holland, in my experience, are among the nicest, kindest, most generous in the world.

And yet there are plainly large numbers in both countries who are starting to worry that something has gone wrong, and that the EU system of free movement  a border-free Europe for the entire 450million-strong territory  has too many downsides.

(PA Archive)

Riot damage could cost tens of millions of euros, Leo Varadkar says

Friday 24 November 2023 17:30 , Matt Mathers

Damage done to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost in the tens of millions of euros, Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said, as he urged shoppers to go into the city centre.

Politicians have strongly criticised the violent scenes in Dublin that saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

David Young reports:

Riot damage could cost tens of millions of euros, Leo Varadkar says

Delivery driver who stopped attacker in Dublin recalls harrowing incident

Friday 24 November 2023 16:30 , Matt Mathers

A delivery driver who stopped a man attacking a girl in Dublin has said he is praying for her survival, Lucy Neeson reports.

Caio Benicio was on his motorbike working in Parnell Square East on Thursday when he saw what he first thought was a fight.

Mr Benicio said he saw the man grab a girl, take out a knife and attack her.

He said: When I saw the knife, I stopped my bike and I just acted by instinct.

He said he took his helmet off and hit the man in the head with it with all of my power.

I didnt even know there was more kids that were (hurt) at that time, he said.

I thought it was just one girl but afterwards I (found) out there are more people, more kids.

Sinn Fein leader has no confidence in justice minister or police commissioner

Friday 24 November 2023 16:00 , Matt Mathers

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she has no confidence in Irish justice minister Helen McEntee and the commissioner of Irelands police service Drew Harris.

Ms McDonald said there had been an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing and that a problem leading to Thursdays riot had been building for months.

In a statement, she said: I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said.

I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed.

The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

The gardai (Irish police) have my full support but, given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the justice minister, and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

Mary Lou McDonald in Dublin yesterday (PA)

Parnell Sqaure fully reopened after stabbings and riot

Friday 24 November 2023 15:45 , Matt Mathers

Parnell Sqaure has fully reopened following yesterdays stabbings and riot.

Dublin City Council said buses are now using OConnell Street although the northbound lane remains shut.

OConnell Bridge is now closed on both the north and south quays to allow the Luas repair works to take place.

This is likely to take two hours. Please avoid the area.

Parnell Square fully reopened and buses are now using OConnell Street Southbound. Northbound remains closed.  Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) November 24, 2023

McDonald: Unacceptable failure to keep people safe'

Friday 24 November 2023 15:30 , Matt Mathers

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said there had been an unacceptable failure to keep people safe on Thursday night.

Ms McDonald said a mob fuelled by hate had wreaked havoc on the city.

In a statement, she said: The cold truth and the reality that we must confront today is that the Gardai lost control of the centre of our capital city. A mob was allowed to shut down the centre of the city. Public transport locked down. People stranded in the city.

Members of the public, families and workers terrified in what was a threatening and volatile atmosphere. This was an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing.

The idea that this violence was unforeseeable is frankly nonsense. These hate-filled mobs have threatened and brought violence to our streets before.

This shouldnt have happened and, let me be very clear, it can never happen again.

Sinn Fein leader condemns barbaric knife attack and racist mob

Friday 24 November 2023 15:15 , Matt Mathers

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has condemned the barbaric knife attack that took place yesterday and the riot afterwards carried out by a racist mob.

Our community has been traumatised twice: by the barbaric knife attack on young children and their teacher, and then by marauding racist mobs who ran riot on our streets, she wrote on X.

 Our community does not feel safe - Has not felt safe for some time now. This must change.

Our community has been traumatised twice: by the barbaric knife attack on young children and their teacher, and then by marauding racist mobs who ran riot on our streets. Our community does not feel safe - Has not felt safe for some time now. This must change. #DublinRiots  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 24, 2023

Language important in immigration debate - NI secretary

Friday 24 November 2023 14:45 , Matt Mathers

Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said elected politicians needed to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate to combat the rise of far-right extremism.

Speaking in Dublin following riots in the city, Mr Heaton-Harris referred to the rise of the British National Party in England.

Asked if he was worried that similar scenes could occur in the UK, he said: I would like to think we wouldnt see that on any of our streets but actually we have in the past.

I dont think Im in a position to suggest nothing like that could happen in the future, or indeed suggest to the Irish as to how they could and should react to the pressures they have in this space.

Mr Heaton-Harris added: On the rise of the far right, it is up to democratically elected politicians to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate and we need to do that better.

We had in English politics the rise of the British National Party only a few years ago, they were elected to the European parliament, MEPs were elected to the European parliament in two regions of the United Kingdom.

We need to as a society have a proper debate about migration, immigration, what we need in skills and how we treat people and what pressures it brings to our domestic services.

These need to be articulated by mainstream politicians because if we dont articulate them then we do leave a vacuum for other people who might not be as benign as we are.

File photo: Chris Heaton-Harris (Left) (PA)

More than 32 people called before court

Friday 24 November 2023 14:15 , Matt Mathers

More than thirty people have been called before Dublin District Court on charges relating to serious public disorder in the city on Thursday.

Those arrested faced various charges including offences relating to the misuse of drugs, theft and public order.

One man was charged with being in possession of knives.

As part of a range of bail conditions in the cases, many of those charged were ordered to abide by a curfew of between 11pm and 6am and to stay away from the Dublin 1 and and Dublin 2 areas.

Others were asked to sign in at garda stations numerous times per week. Most were ordered to appear before the courts in the new year.

McGregor war comments condemned by deputy PM

Friday 24 November 2023 13:52 , Matt Mathers

Irelands deputy prime minister Michael Martin has condemned comments by UFC fighter Conor McGregor claiming the country was at war.

Speaking at a conference earlier, Martin said those types of comments were disgraceful.

Isolated voices like that and voices that essentially are inciting hate and a degree of, to some extent, incitement is unacceptable," he added.

Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said humanitarian workers have not been able to provide governments with the proof of life of any hostages believed to be held by Hamas, including nine-year-old Irish-Israeli Emily Hand (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Dublin wont be cowed violence - business group

Friday 24 November 2023 13:35 , Matt Mathers

A business lobby group has said Dublin would not be intimidated by violence as it issued a reminder to the public that shops in the city centre would be open as usual today.

Dublin Town, which represents 2,500 members. said the "city centre will not allow itself be cowed by the events of November 23".

CEO Richard Guiney said: "We need now to see the best of Dublin and Dubliners as businesses deal with the consequences of these events at what is a critical time for retail and hospitality".

"Our city has always been resilient and will remain so," he added.

Tens of millions of euro worth of damage caused in riots

Friday 24 November 2023 13:17 , Matt Mathers

The estimated cost of the damage caused in riots last night runs to tens of millions of euros, Leo Varadkar has said.

The Irish prime minister told a meeting of the British-Irish Council that help would be offered to the businesses affected.

Hotel windows and shops were smashed by the rioters, who also targeted public transport and the police.

(PA)

Flowers left near scene of stabbings

Friday 24 November 2023 13:57 , Matt Mathers

Flowers have been left near the site where yesterdays stabbings happened.

Three boquets could be seen next to a wall near Parnell Square, where a knifeman attacked several people.

A five-year-old girl stabbed during the attack remains in a critical condition, police said earlier.

Flowers left near the scene of yesterday's stabbing @rtenews pic.twitter.com/u5VUVSZrzp  Conor Hunt (@conorfhunt) November 24, 2023

ICYMI: Three young children and woman injured in knife attack outside Dublin school

Friday 24 November 2023 12:40 , Matt Mathers

Three young children have been injured, one seriously, following a knife attack outside a school in Dublin city centre.

A woman was also seriously injured in the incident on Parnell Square East in the north inner-city on Thursday afternoon.

Full report:

Three young children and woman injured in knife attack outside Dublin school

ICYMI: Police arrest 34 people after rioting in Dublin following school knife attack

Friday 24 November 2023 12:20 , Matt Mathers

Some 34 people have been arrested after huge destruction by a riotous mob in Dublin, the head of Irelands police force has said.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said one Garda officer received a serious injury, with numerous other members injured as missiles were thrown at them.

Police arrest 34 people after rioting in Dublin following school knife attack

Dublin riots: Looted shops, blockaded roads and burning cars in night of violence

Friday 24 November 2023 12:00 , Matt Mathers

Irish police have condemned rioting that broke out in Dublin city centre in the aftermath of a knife attack which left three young children and a woman injured, Oliver Browning reports.

Impromptu protests in the aftermath of Thursday afternoons attack outside a school on Parnell Square East in the north inner city spiralled into a night of violence and disorder as buses, trams and at least one Garda vehicle were burned.

A shop was also looted on one of Dublins most famous throughfares, OConnell Street.

There were clashes with riot police as some demonstrators let off flares and fireworks, while others flung chairs and stools grabbed from outside bars and restaurants.

Shortly before midnight, gardai said calm had been restored in the city.

Watch:

Looted shops, blockaded roads and burning cars in night of violence in Dublin

Union calls for show of solidary at 1pm on Monday

Friday 24 November 2023 11:36 , Matt Mathers

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a show of solidarity following yesterdays stabbings and riots.

The ICTU is calling on workers who are employed in the city centre to assemble outside the General Post Office at 1pm on Monday to denounce this violence and riotous behaviour in a solemn and respectful way.

It calls on employers to help facilitate the demonstrations following violence that had done significant damage across the capital.

(PA)

Real heroes

Friday 24 November 2023 11:00 , Matt Mathers

Leo Varadkar hailed those of multiple nationalities who intervened to stop the stabbing attack as it unfolded, describing them as real Irish heroes.

Yesterday evening, some people decided that the best way to respond to this terrible attack was to take to the streets of Dublin and try to terrify, intimidate, loot and destroy, the Irish prime minister told a press conference earlier.

Their first reaction to a five-year-old child being stabbed was to burn our city, attack its businesses and assault our gardai.

As a result of their actions, buses and trams were set on fire, innocent passers-by were intimidated and pregnant women in Rotunda Hospital were made to feel unsafe and in danger. These people claim to be defending Irish citizens, yet they put in danger the newest and most vulnerable and most innocent people.

Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves. These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped. They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

Varadkar: Being Irish is about more than beating your chest'

Friday 24 November 2023 10:50 , Matt Mathers

Leo Varadkar has said being Irish is about being more than beating your chest as he condemned those involved in last nights violence.

Being Irish means more than saluting the tricolour, beating your chest and pointing to where you were born, he said at a press conference earlier.

It means living up to the ideals represented by our flag. It means being true to our own history and it means acting with compassion for others.

Today I call on us all to remember who we really are because were better than this and its time we came together and reminded others who claim to speak for us about what our country really stand for.

(Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire)

Five-year-old girl remains in a critical condition - police

Friday 24 November 2023 10:36 , Matt Mathers

Irish police say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbings in Dublin city centre yesterday in which multiple people were injured.

The scene of the incident at Parnell Square East remains cordoned off and the road is closed to traffic and diversions are in place.

The five-year-old girl who was seriously injured during the incident remains in a critical condition in CHI Temple Street.

Another girl, aged 6, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin.

The boy, aged 5, was discharged from CHI Crumlin yesterday evening.

The adult female, aged in her 30s, remains in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital.

The adult male, aged in his 50s, also remains in a serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin region.

Police chief speaks at press conference earlier this morning (Sky News)

32 people charged in connection with riots

Friday 24 November 2023 10:26 , Matt Mathers

A total of 32 people have been charged so far in connection with riots last night in Dublin, Irish police have said.

Some 250 public order officers supported 400 police in responding to violence that rocked the city centre.

In an update on Friday morning, the Garda (Irish police) also said:

Seven (7) vehicles were damaged by fire including three (3) buses, three (3) Garda patrol cars and one (1) Luas tram.

Eight (8) other Garda vehicles were extensively damaged .

Thirteen (13) properties were attacked and substantially damaged.

A number of members of An Garda Siochana were injured; one (1) seriously injured member, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital

A burned out bus is removed from OConnell Street in Dublin (PA)

Nobody could have anticipated Dublin violence, says Ireland police chief

Friday 24 November 2023 10:15 , Matt Mathers

The huge destruction and rioting in Dublin could not have been anticipated, Ireland s police chief has said, Lucy Neeson reports.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris spoke at a press conference on Friday morning (24 November) after police officers were injured, shops were looted and vehicles set alight during riots the previous evening.

The riots followed a stabbing in Parnell Square in which three children and their teacher were injured.

A five-year-old girl is in critical condition, a six-year-old girl sustained head injuries and the teacher, a woman, is seriously ill.

A boy aged five has minor wounds and has been discharged from hospital.

Watch the clip here:

Nobody could have anticipated Dublin violence, says Ireland police chief

Well change law to help police make better use of CCTV evidence, Varadkar says

Friday 24 November 2023 10:02 , Matt Mathers

Irelands prime minister pledged to modernise laws against hatred in the coming weeks after 34 people were arrested for rioting in Dublin on Thursday night.

"We will pass new laws in the coming weeks to enable the Gardai (police) to make better use of the CCTV evidence they collected yesterday, and also we will modernise our laws against incitement to hatred and hatred in general," Leo Varadkar told a news conference on Friday.

"I think its now very obvious to anyone who might have doubted us that our incitement to hatred legislation is just not up to date. Its not up to date for the social media age. And we need that legislation through within a matter of weeks."

Varadkar: 500 involved in riots

Friday 24 November 2023 09:57 , Matt Mathers

Varadkar also pays tribute to the police for their efforts during last nights riots, saying he has full confidence in the Garda leadership.

He said he is working closely with the justice ministers to bring those responsible for the rioting to justice.

He tells reporters that around 500 people were involved in the riot and that 400 officers were dispatched to quell the violence.

Gardai at the scene in Dublin city centre (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Wire)

Irish PM: Violence stemmed from hate

Friday 24 November 2023 09:47 , Matt Mathers

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar is addressing the stabbings and riots in a press conference this morning in Dublin.

He says those who carried out the violence across the city last night had brought shame on Ireland.

"This is not who we are and not who we will ever be," he adds.

He said their first reaction to the stabbings was to burn out city. "They do not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped", he adds, saying that the violence stemmed instead from "hate".
Thousands of people have fled their homes because of the drought

More than 50 people have died in Ethiopia's northern Tigray and Amhara regions amid drought and an aid freeze, local officials have told the BBC.

The Horn of Africa has had five failed rainy seasons since 2019, according to the UN.

The US and UN suspended aid earlier this year after allegations of theft, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Tigray is recovering from a two-year civil war which ended a year ago, while a conflict has erupted in Amhara.

About 46 people died in the town of Yechila in Tigray, while six died in the neighbouring Amhara region of Wag Hemra, because of food shortages, the officials said.

Over 4,000 cattle have died because of severe drought.

As northern Ethiopia battles drought, the country's southern and eastern regions have been deluged by flash floods.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UN said that more than 370,000 people had fled their homes because of the floods.

At least 43 people have been killed by the flooding and landslides in the eastern Somali region.

During the war in Tigray, the region was cut off from humanitarian aid, leading to an unknown number of deaths. But it has been estimated that about 500,000 people may have died as a result of war, lack of medical supplies and hunger amid what were described as "famine-like conditions".

The conflict ended after the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a peace deal brokered by the African Union (AU).

After the conflict ended, there was a steady flow of aid until June, when the US and UN paused humanitarian assistance, staying it had been systematically stolen by corrupt officials.

The US says widespread food deliveries will be resumed in December after significant reforms had been made to ensure that the supplies reached those who needed it most.

Across East Africa, heavy rains and flash flooding have killed 130 people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia in recent weeks, according to the Associated Press.

The UN has described them as a "once-in-a-century event".

In a statement, Fati N'Zi-Hassane, Oxfam in Africa Director said, the region was "going from one disaster to the next as climatic shocks become more frequent and intense".

Somalia has been especially hit hard by the floods, after suffering from catastrophic droughts in recent years. The worst hit town is Beledweyne, where the Shabelle River burst its banks.

The El Nino phenomenon has greatly affected East Africa. It is caused by warming in the Pacific Ocean and is linked to flooding, cyclones, drought and wildfires.

Not all droughts or floods are due to climate change, but excess heat in the atmosphere is drawing more moisture out of the earth and making droughts worse, while a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely.

The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.

You may also be interested in:
Lee Yong-soo leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on April 21, 2021

A South Korean court has ordered Japan to compensate a group of women who were forced to work in military brothels during World War Two.

The 16 women, who were kept as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers, previously had their case dismissed.

They filed a lawsuit in 2016 but Seoul Central District Court dismissed it five years later, citing sovereign immunity.

The Seoul High Court have now overturned the ruling.

In a statement the court said it recognises South Korea's jurisdiction over the Japanese government because the women lived in the country and sought compensation for acts deemed "unlawful".

"It is reasonable to consider that there is a common international law which does not recognise state immunity for an illegal act... regardless of whether the act was a sovereign act".

Lee Yong-soo, a 95-year-old activist and victim was emotional as she thanked the court for the ruling.

As she left the courthouse she told reporters "I'm grateful. I'm really grateful".

She added that she wished she could tell all the victims who had already passed away about the verdict.

It's estimated that more than 200,000 women and girls were forced into prostitution to serve Japanese soldiers in World War Two.

Many of those kept in military brothels were Korean, others were from mainland China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa called the ruling "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable".

"Japan once again strongly urges the Republic of Korea to immediately take appropriate measures to remedy the status of its breaches of international law," she said.

Korean women and girls lined up against a wall with a Japanese soldier looking at them

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Kate Garraway has revealed husband Derek Draper is back in hospital as she shared an update on his health.

Draper, 56, needs full-time care after suffering serious complications after contracting Covid in 2020.

Appearing on Loose Women on Thursday (23 November), Garraway said: Hes actually back in the hospital at the moment, I havent talked about this, but not the horrific drama fortunately, because there have been lots of referrals and cancellations.

Hes gone back in for something that began last year that he needed the second part of.

So, its a positive hospital thing, but hopefully wont be in for too long.
Pep Guardiola is hopeful Erling Haaland will return for Manchester City against Liverpool after withdrawing from the Norway squad during the international break.

The striker missed Norways final Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday after picking up a knock to his ankle in the 2-0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands 72 hours earlier.

Although Norway insisted the injury was not serious, Haaland withdrew from the squad and returned to Manchester for treatment ahead of this weekends top-of-the-table clash.

Premier League leaders City host rivals Liverpool in Saturdays early kick-off, as Jurgen Klopps resurgent side look to spark another title race between the clubs this season.

Haalands two goals in the 4-4 draw at Chelsea before the international break took his Premier League tally to 13 goals in 12 games this season, and the striker will be key to Citys hopes with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined until after Christmas.

Hes trained with niggles yesterday, hopefully he can train today and we will see, Guardiola said.

We have a few problems, The same as many clubs. We will see in the training session and we will see tomorrow. At 6pm, I will know for sure which players I will have tomorrow. Always its plan A.

Saturdays clash between Manchester City and Liverpool is the latest instalment of the growing rivalry between the sides and could be the start of their latest title battle after Klopps changes over the summer.

I think we are all friends, Guardiola added. "We know each other quite well. Of course, the time goes forward Jurgen has been eight years at Liverpool and of course its not the same players since the start. He has rebuilt the team.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside and outside. But the idea is quite similar and always been our best rivals some seasons done well with injuries they have. Top club and team. Looking forward to it."
Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish in 2017. (Christina House / For The Times)

Tiffany Haddish has been released from police custody in Beverly Hills after being cited on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said Friday afternoon.

The actor was arrested early Friday morning after authorities received a call about a vehicle blocking the road on Beverly Drive near Dayton Way around 5:45 a.m., according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.

Police said they found Haddish inside the car. She had performed just hours earlier at the Laugh Factory as part of a Thanksgiving event, according to media reports.

No injuries were reported. Police said she is expected to appear in court in about 30 days.

Read more:A high-profile breakup and a DUI arrest? Tiffany Haddish can't help but laugh

It was the second time since early 2022 that Haddish had been in police custody. Last year, the Emmy and Grammy Award winner was arrested in Peachtree City, Ga., south of Atlanta, after police received a call about a driver who had allegedly fallen asleep at the wheel.

Haddish was detained and charged with driving under the influence in that case. She later posted $1,666 bond and was released from the Fayette County Jail. She had reportedly been filming a movie in the Atlanta area at that time.

The actor has starred in several TV and film projects this year, including Disney's "Haunted Mansion" and the second season of Apple TV+'s "The Afterparty."

Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Just in time for the big game between Ohio State and Michigan, an Ohio brewery is releasing a beer to poke fun at Michigan's sign-stealing scandal.

Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works will launch a Michigan version of its Stealing Signs Double Dry Hopped Hazy Pale Ale on Friday. The beer comes with an ABV of 6.5% and a can featuring Michigan colors and a likeness of Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Saucy Brew Works will release a limited "Stealing Signs" beer Friday at 11 a.m. to commemorate the Michigan sign-stealing scandal.

The beer dropped at 11 a.m. Friday and is an "extremely limited" run, the brewery said.

The Wolverines and Buckeyes face off Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

Customers can stop in and purchase 16 oz four packs of the beer while supplies last. Each customer is limited to two packs.

The release isn't the brewery's first sign-stealing beer. In 2020, the brewery mocked the Houston Astros with a similar brew after that team was involved in its own sign-stealing scandal.

All Saucy Brew Works locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio City and Pinecrest will carry the special-edition beer.

bagallion@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio brewery pokes fun at Michigan football with 'Stealing Signs' beer
At some point during Ronda Morrisons Thanksgiving dinner, after many succulent dishes prepared by family members have been eaten  including turkey, salmon, crab legs, greens, dressing, salads, fried corn and more  the spotlight will turn to a dessert Morrison purchased.

Not only will that sweet, juicy, classic dessert reflect her familys Louisiana roots, but it also represents Morrisons unquenchable need to create and support family members in ways that extend beyond her blood relatives.

I ordered a peach cobbler from someone from the community who came around to the shop the first time a couple of months ago selling baked goods, said the 61-year-old Morrison, who operates her familys business  House of Morrison Shoe Repair, 18933 Livernois, on Detroits Historic Avenue of Fashion. She comes by now every Saturday and I want to patronize that young girl because her pastries are good and if she keeps at it, she will probably end up with a bakery.

Morrison knows a thing or two about perseverance. House of Morrison Shoe Repair was established in 1954 by her late father, Theodore, and Morrison has worked at the business virtually her entire adult life, beginning in 1983. But even long before then, Morrison can recall an amazing time of her life while attending school for a half day at the old McKerrow Elementary, 4800 Collingwood, where she was regularly picked up at lunchtime by her father, who would bring Morrison to an earlier location of the familys business on Joy Road, just east of Grand River. Once there, the future shoe repair expert would wait for lunch to be served while she listened to the jazz music her dad played and took inventory of how the business operated.

Ronda Morrison of the House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois in Detroit inside her store on the Avenue of Fashion on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

On the morning of Nov. 14, describing her earliest connection to the family business brought a wide smile to Morrisons face. The smile often was accompanied by hearty laughter during Morrisons storytelling. However, the joy that Morrison chose to talk about even more centered around her thankfulness to be surrounded by fellow business neighbors that share a vision that House of Morrison has helped to shape on the Avenue of Fashion for more than 50 years.

In this business corridor, we share a vision of being successful and what we have figured out is that the best way for us all to be successful is to work together, said Morrison, who wants to make it known that her block, between Clarita and 7 Mile Road  home to businesses that offer an array of services including hair care, skin care, shoe care, optical care, clothing, art, pet supplies and an increasing variety of foods due to the recent presence of food trucks  is not just a part of the Avenue of Fashion, but a vibrant part.

And just as the famous fried corn prepared by Morrison for the family Thanksgiving feast contains a special ingredient  baking soda, to make it swell up and thicken up Louisiana style  Morrison also is known for a special go-to move that she has shared with any business owner on her block who is facing challenging circumstances.

Ronda Morrison of the House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois in Detroit works at adding masking tape to the side of the soles of boots before adding shoe polish to them inside her store on the Avenue of Fashion on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Where there is confusion, I always try to find a solution. And sometimes all you have to do is just give a big ole hug, explained Morrison, who pointed to stages during the pandemic and even before then, along with the longtime construction project on Livernois for the installation of a new streetscape, as times when her hugs were especially needed. That is whats needed sometimes  just shut out all of that conflict and confusion and bring it to a hug. I do that because I was hugged all of my life growing up.

One person who has witnessed Morrisons hugs up close is Sevyn Jones, owner of Skin Bar VII at 18951 Livernois.

Her (Morrisons) hugs are infectious, says the 43-year-old Jones, who received a gift from Morrison on the morning of Nov. 18 to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Jones business on the Avenue of Fashion. And if there is a problem, once that hug goes down, the problem is solved because the hug came from the Queen Mother.

Ronda Morrison of the House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois in Detroit works at adding black paint onto the buckle of a zipper for a customers shoe at her store on the Avenue of Fashion on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Jones, who told the Free Press in June 2022 that she was on a mission to activate her business block, says she receives never-ending motivation to carry out her mission from Morrison.

I feel that a lot of time people use the word mentor loosely, but the Queen Mother has demonstrated a long-term drive and spirit, along with a reality that hard work is required and that there are no shortcuts, said Jones, who launched a block club for her fellow businesses and recently received a Corridor Hero grant from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Detroit Means Business, which she says will be used for a window decorating contest to inject additional holiday spirit across the Avenue of Fashion.

As long as you do things the right way and stand on your truth, you will last the test of time," Jones said. "And the Queen Mother, along with Dixons (Barbershop, 18937 Livernois) have demonstrated that. I always tell the other businesses on the block that if we do something and those two businesses cant participate, we will take care of them. I was always taught to respect my elders, so no matter what, they will always be included and never forgotten.

(L to R) Claudia Helton, 67 and her sister Ronda Morrison of the House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois in Detroit talk about the work that needs to be done to a wallet purse for a customer at her store on the Avenue of Fashion on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Another person who should not be forgotten by anyone who respects the history of the Avenue of Fashion and what it represents today is Theodore Morrison, who will no doubt be talked about often during the Morrisons Thanksgiving feast.

We talk about dad every day, says Claudia Helton, who worked alongside Ronda Morrison on the morning of Nov. 18 and who like all the other children (Theodora, Terrell, the late Toni and Kimberly) of Theodore and Bernice Morrison have worked at the business at some point throughout their lives. He taught us that there is nothing too good for the customer and that you always give the customer the ultimate respect, and that concept has carried us through all different lines of life that we have been in.

(L to R) Jarelle James, 39 of Detroit and Ronda Morrison of the House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois in Detroit talk about the good job of refinishing and conditioning that she did on his wing tip shoes that he had just picked up at her store on the Avenue of Fashion on Saturday, November 8, 2023.

"We keep all of our ancestors very close to us and we have shared what we have learned, which has helped to create a spirit of community in the Avenue of Fashion.

Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and lifelong lover of Detroit culture in all of its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the citys neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at: stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Owner of House of Morrison Shoe Repair has worked there most of life
Pakistan has said the $830 (660) it was charging Afghan refugees to leave the country was a fine for arriving without a visa.

Pakistan announced a crackdown on undocumented foreigners and said about 1.7 million unregistered Afghans would be ousted if they do not leave by the 1 November deadline.

The order has forced mass migrations of Afghans, including children, women and the elderly, in freezing winter conditions that rights organisations say could prove deadly to vulnerable groups.

Thousands of Afghans have begun their arduous journey back home through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, facing some of the worst living conditions in the rugged border region amid paperwork delays.

Of the 1.7 million Afghans Pakistan hosted, more than half a million people fled Afghanistan in August 2021. Most of them also fled during the 1979-1989 Soviet War. Others came to Pakistan to escape Taliban rule during its takeover of power from 1996 to 2001.

Authorities in Pakistan have said that fines will depend upon how long they have stayed in the country with expired visas.

Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press briefing on Thursday that fines will be in conformity with our laws.

Pakistani police officials check the documents of people during search operation for undocumented immigrants in Karachi (EPA)

Pakistani laws, like the immigration laws in other countries including the United Kingdom, have fines and punishments for individuals who overstay their visas or are in violation of immigration laws, it said.

The reports of Pakistan charging a fee from migrants have been criticised by the UN and several Western diplomats, with some calling it unprecedented.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC) said they are advocating for the authorities to exempt refugees from these requirements.

Afghan refugee Shazia (2R), mother to three children, holds an infant while travelling on a truck to Jalalabad from a makeshift camp (AFP via Getty)

The government and people of Pakistan have a commendable, decades-long history of providing asylum and protection to Afghan refugees, this needs to continue, it told BBC.

Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), said the situation has caused anxiety among those leaving Pakistan.

Immigrants, mostly Afghans, line up as they wait for their turn to verify data at a counter of Pakistans National Database and Registration Authority in Karachi (AP)

The UNHCR is working with the government of Pakistan to resolve the issue of exit fines and overstay visa fees for refugees in the resettlement programme, he added.

It urged Pakistan to pause the deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees during the harsh winter season.

It comes as police executed door-to-door searches in refugee settlements to find those who have not left voluntarily.

The officers began the campaign from the port city of Karachi, where hundreds of thousands of Afghans live. And those remaining risk being forcefully expelled.

UNHCR is calling upon the government of Pakistan to halt these mass numbers of returns during this harsh season of winter because the cold in Afghanistan is really deadly and it can take lives, Mr Baloch told Reuters.

Were talking about desperate women, children and men being on the move, leaving Pakistan in droves, he said.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris chairs the National Space Council Meeting held last year at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greets members of the space industry during a 2022 visit to the NASA Vehicle Mockup Facility at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility to chair the 2022 National Space Council Meeting in at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer

Just days after President Joe Bidens campaign officially filed to be on the ballot in Texas next year, the White House is dispatching Vice President Kamala Harris to Houston on Monday to court Hispanic voters.

Harris is scheduled to attend an event in U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcias district to outline how the administrations agenda is helping the Hispanic community at a time when polls show those voters cooling on Biden.

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This visit emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the specific needs of the Latino population, said Garcia, a Democrat who has represented Houstons East End since 2018.

More than 75% of Garcias district is made up of Hispanic residents.

The visit is part of a broader, nationwide initiative that has White House officials and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus touring the nation to highlight their accomplishments with Hispanic voters. Recent stops in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico focused on veterans programs, first-time homebuyer initiatives and infrastructure spending under Biden and Harris. The event in Houston is expected to highlight health care programs, according to a news release put out by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

These events serve as a platform to connect with our communities, to listen to their concerns, and to let them know about the tools and resources available for success, said U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragan, a California Democrat who is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and will be part of Harris visit to Houston.

READ MORE: Trump touts Texas oil industry in Houston as he tries to woo donors

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The White House has not confirmed where and when the event will be in Houston, but the stops are typically invitation-only and not open to the general public.

Harris is no stranger to the Houston region. Besides making several appearances in Houston during the 2020 Democratic primary election, Harris last year attended the National Baptist Convention and held an event at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Harris also is expected to attend a campaign event with Garcia, who along with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is part of a national advisory committee for the Biden-Harris reelection campaign.

The Texas visit comes as Bidens polling numbers are dipping among all Democrats, but particularly with Hispanic voters who helped propel his 2020 win over former President Donald Trump.

According to exit polls for the 2020 election, Biden carried 70% of Hispanic voters nationwide. Many public polls this year show roughly 60% of Hispanic voters would support Biden in a potential rematch against Trump in 2024.

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In a Quinnipiac University poll of 1,574 people completed earlier this month, just 48% of Hispanic voters said they would vote for Biden over Trump. While it was 6 percentage points higher than Trumps percentage, it is far from the more than 40 percentage point advantage he held in 2020 over Trump.

Trump meanwhile has made two campaign stops in Texas over the last four weeks, including a stop in Houston to promote oil industry jobs and one near McAllen where he advocated tougher border policies and took jabs directly at Harris.

Trump said Harris and Biden are ignoring the border and havent seen the problems their policies have caused up close in Texas.

They are not doing their job, Trump said on Sunday with Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, by his side.



The two were in Hidalgo County, which went for Biden in the 2020 elections. But Trump made big inroads in that election cycle with the countys predominantly Hispanic population. In 2016, Trump won just 28% of the vote against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Four years later, he won 41% of the vote against Biden.

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Trump also won smaller counties along the Texas border like Zapata County, which hadnt voted for a Republican presidential candidate over a Democrat since the 1920s.
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Surprise! Paris Hilton and her husband Carter Reum have welcomed their second child, a baby daughter named London. Paris announced the news on Instagram, sharing a pink onesie with a pair of sunglasses and writing "Thankful for my baby girl."

Paris also posted several videos to TikTok, including one of her asking her son Phoenix "Are you the big brother today? Are you the big brother now? Are you gonna watch after your little sister?"

There's also this (warning: it's supremely cute):

She also confirmed on this TikTok that "My princess has arrived!!"

Paris and Carter welcomed Phoenix back in January, and celebrating his six month birthday over the summer, when Paris wrote "This Barbie is a Mom.  My baby boy Phoenix is 6 months old today. He is my world and makes my life feel so complete. Can't wait for all the magical memories we will create together! Mommy loves you so much angel baby"

She kept Phoenix's arrival a secret from most of her friends and family, and took a while to share photos with fans, explaining on her podcast Were just so excited to start our family and cant wait for you to see him, but for now we've just been keeping everything really private. No one knew, literally, until he was, like, over a week old. So it was really nice just to have that with Carter, (have) our own journey together." She added,I just feel that my life has been so public, and Ive never really had anything just be mine, she added. I just really felt that I wanted to have this journey with us only.

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By Yimou Lee and Sarah Wu

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's opposition parties, which seek closer ties with China, registered separate presidential candidates on Friday after splitting dramatically, easing the way for the ruling party, which champions the island's own identity, to stay in power.

The Jan. 13 election is taking place as China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, steps up military and political pressure to force the island to accept its sovereignty claims.

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and much smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP), both campaigning to forge better ties with China, had agreed to work together against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but made no progress on plans for a united presidential ticket.

China, which has framed the election as a choice between "peace and war", believes the DPP and its presidential candidates are dangerous separatists and has rebuffed offers of talks.

Late Thursday, the KMT walked out of last-ditch talks with the TPP held in front of reporters in a hotel conference room and shown live on television, after failing to reach agreement.

The talks were brokered by the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, Terry Gou, who is running as an independent candidate.

In one of the most dramatic moments, the KMT's presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, read a private text message from TPP candidate Ko Wen-je in which Ko said Gou needed to "find a reason" to drop out of the presidential race.

Hou and Ko both announced their running mates on Friday morning - Hou choosing the fiery media personality Jaw Shaw-kong, while Ko from the much smaller TPP selected one of its lawmakers, Cynthia Wu, whose family is a major shareholder of conglomerate Shing Kong Group.

Gou, who has trailed far behind in the polls, has not said whether he will also register ahead of a 0930 GMT deadline. His team did not respond to multiple requests for comment on his plans, and he is widely expected to drop out of the race.

Hou, introducing Jaw, pledged to bring "stability to the Taiwan Strait and safety to Taiwan, which will assure the entire world".

By contrast with the chaos in the opposition camp, a united DPP has been charging ahead in its election campaign, registering its presidential and vice presidential candidates on Tuesday.

The DPP's Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's vice president, has consistently led in the polls.

Speaking at a campaign event late Thursday, Lai talked about his team's busy schedule, discussing policy with voters and the media, and poured scorn on the opposition's disunity.

"Should we dare to hand over the business of running the country to these people?" Lai said. "Of course this is not OK."

But he said he was not resting on his laurels despite the opposition's disunity, mentioning the 11 events he had attended that day.

"Is this getting elected while lying down?" Lai added, referring to previous comments by opposition politicians that their failure to unite would ensure Lai's easy victory.

Taiwan's stock market mostly brushed off the impact of the ongoing political drama, though travel-related plays dropped on concerns that relations with China would not improve and Chinese tourists would not return to Taiwan.

The tourism and hospitality sub-index was down more than 2% on early Friday trade. The benchmark index was up 0.1%.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Sarah Wu; Writing and additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Roger Tung; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Gerry Doyle)
Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has been accused of sexual assault in a court filing submitted late on Wednesday.

The summons against Adams alleges that the plaintiff was sexually assaulted by Defendant Eric Adams in New York, New York in 1993 while they both worked for the City of New York.

It was filed under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York state law which provided a one-year look-back window for adult sexual misconduct accusers to file civil lawsuits that previously would have been barred due to the statute of limitations.

The window expires on 24 November.

The summons adds that the accusations concern sexual assault, battery and employment discrimination on the basis of Plaintiffs gender and sex, retaliation, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Asked about the allegation, a city hall spokesperson said: The mayor does not know who this person is. If they ever met, he doesnt recall it. But he would never do anything to physically harm another person and vigorously denies any such claim.

The three-page summons does not detail the alleged sexual assault. The Guardian is withholding the name of Adamss accuser as the allegation involves sexual assault.

The summons also names the New York City police departments transit bureau, and the New York City police department Guardians Association social organization, as defendants.

The accusers attorney, Megan Goddard, said: Goddard Law is thankful for the Adult Survivors Act, which has given so many women the opportunity to seek justice. We are immensely proud of our clients and all the women who are seeking justice under the ASA. We are also thankful that the legislature may be considering reopening the window because so many victims of sexual assault are only finding out about the ASA now.

The Messenger first reported the summons.

The summons comes as Adams, who was elected in 2021, faces scrutiny from the FBI, which is reportedly investigating his campaign. Its inquiry reportedly focuses on whether Adamss campaign unlawfully accepted money from the Turkish government in exchange for favors, such as pressuring the New York City fire department to speed up the opening of a Turkish consulate.

On 2 November, federal agents raided the home of Adamss top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, seizing electronic devices and documents. The FBI also reportedly searched a Turkish Airlines executives home, as well as Brooklyn construction company owned by Turkish immigrants; the executive and company had both fundraised for Adams.
Two people died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canadaborder crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.

The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted into a fireball just before midday, according to witnesses.

Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.

The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.

Within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.

The fatal explosion briefly threw Thanksgiving travel plans into chaos, as borders were closed and travel routes suspended.

Smoke billows from Niagara Falls border crossing at Rainbow Bridge (Reuters)

What happened?

At 11.50am ET, the Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a traffic event, according to an incident alert from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition.

Witness Mike Guenther told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV that he had been walking on the bridge when he saw a speeding car approach the border checkpoint, hit a fence and go airborne before exploding.

Another witness told reporters that he had seen the vehicle catch fire, before seeing black smoke and flames.

Ambulances arrived soon afterward to find the vehicle completely burned out. Two individuals travelling in the car died, officials said.

Thanksgiving travel impacted

The incident came at a time of heightened fears of a possible terror attack. Ms Hochul issued a warning days earlier that officials had detected increased chatter of a possible terror attack in the state due to unrest in the Middle East.

The White House said in a statement that President Biden was closely following developments. US Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the unfolding situation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the scene.

Mr Trudeau said officials in Canada were taking this extraordinary seriously.

This is obviously a very serious situation in Niagara Falls, Mr Trudeau told the Canadian Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

The FBIs Buffalo field office said in a statement it was leading the local, state and federal response until it determined there were no threats of terrorism. It then handed the investigation to the Niagara Falls Police Department.

Debris is scattered about inside the customs plaza at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing (AP)

Officials closed four US-Canada border crossings in New York: the Rainbow Bridge, Peace Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

Amtrak also temporarily suspended cross-border services between New York and Canada.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo said it would close until after Thanksgiving out of an abundance of caution.

International departures and arrivals were paused at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. It was reopened several hours later.

Travellers arriving at the airport were warned to expect additional screenings, while vehicles would undergo extra security checks.

The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports are fully operational. We advise travelers to give themselves time for these extra precautions in addition to holiday travel, the agency said on X.

Three of the four bridge crossings were reopened on Wednesday afternoon, with only the Rainbow Bridge still closed. It reopened on Thursday afternoon.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said security would be stepped up across the area.

Who were the two people killed in the blast?

Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.

The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.

Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husbands father.

All bridges between New York state and Canada were closed after the explosion. Three were reopened hours later (Getty Images)

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, owned and operated by The Seneca Nation, did not confirm if the car that crashed was present at their location but said they were cooperating with law enforcement, in a statement provided to The Independent.

We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred, the Seneca Nation said.

Reportedly, the couples car was speeding in a Bentley when the car rammed into the crossing.

Devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones in the upstate New York community of Grand Island have spoken out paying tribute to the Villannis.

The couples friend Chuck Meyer told WGRZ of his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, he told the local outlet on Thursday.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.

What caused the crash?

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

Incident at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls (via REUTERS)

On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department  which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism  carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an accident just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack, Ms Hochul said.

She added: Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I wont call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life  but at this time: no known terrorism activity.

The FBIs Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that no terrorism nexus was identified.

The bureau said it had turned the investigation over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

Ariana Baio, Rachel Sharp and Kelly Rissman contributed to this report.


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Here is a look at the probability for at least 1 inch of snow, according to the National Weather Service in Amarillo. The northern Panhandle has the highest chance of accumulating snow. NWS Amarillo

Meteorological winter does not start until Dec. 1, but part of Texas will get wintry weather early this weekend. Thats because light snow, freezing rain and sleet are expected Saturday in the northern Texas Panhandle for the first time this fall. While there wont be heavy accumulations, it could still lead to hazardous travel for those heading home after Thanksgiving.

Who will see snow?

Eight counties in the northern Texas Panhandle are under a winter weather advisory, including the cities of Dalhart, Spearman and Perryton, according to the National Weather Service. This region is the most likely to have hazardous winter weather. In the areas under the advisory, up to 2 inches of snow will be possible Saturday, but most areas will be closer to an inch.

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The National Weather Service have issued a winter weather advisory for the counties highlighted, including eight counties in the Texas Panhandle. NWS Amarillo

Areas to the south, including Hereford, Amarillo and Pampa, also could see a bit of snow, but accumulations are likely to stay around half an inch or less in these regions. Farther south, toward Plainview and Lubbock, temperatures will be a bit too warm for snow, but areas of light rain will be possible.

Light rain and drizzle also will be possible in other parts of the state, including San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas. However, temperatures will be much too warm for any threat of wintry weather.

When is the best chance?

Snow showers are expected to develop in New Mexico after 7 p.m. Friday night. As we head overnight and into the early hours Saturday, a few snow showers will move into the western Texas Panhandle between 1 and 3 a.m.

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Snow showers will start to become more widespread in the Texas Panhandle early Saturday morning, between 4 and 9 a.m. Pivotal Weather

Snow will become more widespread between 4 and 9 a.m., creating hazardous travel conditions for some. By the middle of the day, most of the wintry weather will move off to the east, but a few spotty snow showers will remain possible into the afternoon and evening.

A chance of ice, too

A few spots in the central and eastern Panhandle will see conditions more favorable for freezing rain and sleet, rather than snow. This is because there will be a warmer layer of air above the ground that is actually above freezing. In this layer, the precipitation melts into liquid rain before falling all the way down to the surface. On the ground, temperatures are expected to be slightly below freezing, in the upper 20s and low 30s, allowing the rain to freeze on contact.

Ice accumulations are expected to be very light, coming in at less than a tenth of an inch. However, even totals this low can cause hazardous travel.

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This is just the start
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on his reelection.

My warm congratulations to you on your reelection as President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain, the Armenian Prime Minister said in a letter addressed to Sanchez. I attach great importance to the continual development and strengthening of the multifaceted cooperation with Spain, which is based on mutual respect, trust and democratic values. Armenia is ready to take all necessary steps to utilize the significant potential for partnership and realize the existing projects in the bilateral agenda. I am sure that as a result of joint efforts the mutually-beneficial partnership between the two countries will further expand and strengthen both bilaterally and within the framework of Armenia-EU partnership, for the welfare of our countries and peoples. I wish robust health and all the best to you, and steady progress and prosperity to the friendly people of Spain, PM Pashinyan said in the letter.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hopes that Armenia and Saudi Arabia will soon establish diplomatic relations.

Weve had contacts with Saudi Arabia in the past [few] years, Pashinyan said at an online press conference when asked on relations with the country. Our foreign ministers have met twice, phone calls have taken place, contacts have taken place during various multilateral working discussions. I think the process is advancing, and I hope that Armenia and Saudi Arabia will soon establish diplomatic relations, which would be a very important and significant event, Pashinyan said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. During the upcoming talks with Azerbaijan, Armenia will try to get clarifications whether Azerbaijan agrees to sign a peace treaty on the basis of the three principles that have been agreed upon at the mediation of the EU, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

Pashinyan said that it is still unclear whether Azerbaijan agrees, reiterates to sign the peace agreement with Armenia on the basis of the three principles which were agreed upon during the Armenia-Azerbaijan summit in Brussels at the mediation of the EU, and recorded in the May 14 and July 15 statements by President of the European Council Charles Michel.

The three principles are: reciprocal recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty, based on the understanding that Armenias territory covers 29.800 km2 and Azerbaijans 86.600 km2; commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as a political framework for the delimitation of border; unblocking of regional connections under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries through which they pass.

Now, if we were to analyze the statements, its unclear, we cant definitely say that Azerbaijan is refusing to sign a peace treaty on the basis of these three principles, but we can neither definitely say that Azerbaijan is affirming its commitment to these three principles. Theres a need for clarifying these issues and nuances during negotiations, Pashinyan said.

A border delimitation commission meeting is to take place November 30 on the border.

Pashinyan said that despite Azerbaijan having announced that it recognizes the territorial integrity of Armenia, this requires specifics, on what exactly Baku means by saying territorial integrity of Armenia. The clarification of these issues is the main issue of the upcoming negotiations processes that we must try to solve, Pashinyan said.
Navigation systems spoofed over Middle East airspace

In response to recent incidents where the navigation systems of civilian aircraft were reportedly spoofed while flying over parts of the Middle East, the DGCA established an internal committee on October 4, 2023.

NEW DELHI: Given the rising reports of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in Middle Eastern airspace in recent times, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory circular addressing the issue. The circular pointed to the growing threats posed by GNSS jamming and spoofing, identifying specific geographical areas where these incidents have been observed and outlining their potential impact on both aircraft and groundbased systems.

This circular, released during a period of heightened uncertainty within the aviation industry due to new threats and reports of GNSS jamming and spoofing, offers much-needed guidance and clarity. It presents a practical roadmap and action plan to effectively address the threat of GNSS interference in airspace, stated DGCA officials.

In response to recent incidents where the navigation systems of civilian aircraft were reportedly spoofed while flying over parts of the Middle East, the DGCA established an internal committee on October 4, 2023. Since its formation, the committee has assessed the situation, raised awareness among operators, and engaged in discussions with leading global experts on the subject. The circular based on the committee's recommendations, incorporates best practices, recent developments, and guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to counter the emerging threat.

Applicable to all aircraft operators, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), and the Airport Authority of India, the circular delineates the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in monitoring and mitigating the threat in a coordinated manner.
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."

The inquiry is entrusted with finding out precisely how the virus spread and what the government of the time did or did not do.

Why not accept that trees can sing

When autumn winds blow through their leaves?

Mocking the silent buds of spring

This shedding oak constantly grieves.

Bachchoo, you know its just the air

Vibrating -- not a song or sigh.

Logic and science are so unfair,

Sentencing poetry to die

From Allowed-In Killjoy -- A History by Bachchoo

In the UK in 2021 alone 77,727 people died of the Covid-19 pandemic; in 2020 the number was 69,771 while in 2022 the figure was 46,000. These deaths would have been seen in, say a plague year in Britain (three of these raged in Shakespeares lifetime) as an act of God. Not today. A proportion of these excess deaths are certainly seen as the consequences of the stupidity of some in the population and, much more seriously, as failures of government policy.

Which government is now compelled to launch a public inquiry into the entire handling of the epidemic and the governments reaction or failure. The inquiry is entrusted with finding out precisely how the virus spread and what the government of the time did or did not do.

When Covid struck BoJo was the PM, Hedgie Sunoch was the chancellor of the exchequer, Dominic Cummings was chief adviser to BoJo and two scientific and epidemiologist experts, Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance, were recruited for day-to-day discussions and the formulation of policy. The advisory panel was called SAGE -- the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies -- and had perhaps 50 professors and medical experts doing their research and forwarding their results.

Now, after a period of criticism and examination in the media, including all manner of denials, the main one being vaccine-scepticism and even lunatic conspiracy theories about the anti-Covid vaccine being infused with mind control drugs to reduce human beings to robots in the service of Bill Gates, the inquiry is in progress. It is questioning the key policy makers.

The purpose of the inquiry is not to lay the blame for the deaths or misjudgments at anyones door. There can be no official recriminations, holding to account or bringing charges against anyone. The purported aim of the inquiry is to prepare for future pandemics by examining the handling of this one.

Even so, the witnesses to the inquiry have produced some damning statements against other players in the top team of handlers. The inquiry uses testimony from the witnesses, recorded and verbal recollections, diaries, WhatsApp and other media messages between members, etc.

As I hinted, gentle reader, two sensational remarks have been widely reported in the press.

The first was from Dominic Cummings, the senior adviser to Prime Minister Boris Pinocchio Johnson, whom BoJo subsequently dismissed and made a bitter and vengeful enemy of. Mr Cummings testified that Boris Johnson had, when the pandemic hit and the scientists suggested that the nation should be shut down and people isolated so as not to relay the contagion, argued against a lockdown in order to keep the economy active. He is supposed to have said let the bodies pile up in their thousands.

Now, he may have said this or he may not have. Another unsubstantiated anecdote alleges that BoJo claimed his favourite film character was the mayor in Jaws who refused to close the beaches and so allowed the sharks to kill more reckless swimmers and surfers. The truth is that BoJo did hesitate to impose the second lockdown during the epidemic and certainly was against the third. The bodies did, as noted in my first paragraph above, pile up in their thousands. BoJo is of course famous for his sense of choosing the most appropriate joke.

(Wonder what a giggle hes having over events from and in Gaza?)

The second outrageous statement following this first, comes from the diaries of Sir Patrick Vallance, disclosed to the inquiry. In October 2020, as a debate raged in the government about whether to have a second lockdown, Sir Patrick recorded that Dominic Cummings told Boris Johnson in the meeting: Rishi says just let people die and thats okay.

So, double hearsay -- and on the innocent-until-proven-guilty principle we mustnt think of Hedgie as the second horseman of the Apocalypse.

What is in the public domain is that Hedgie, when he was chancellor during the Covid-19 epidemic, announced a scheme called Eat Out to Help Out. Under this scheme, designed to save the hospitality and restaurant economy, the publics eating-out bills were subsidised by the government when they ate a meal at a restaurant.

Sir Patrick now says that this scheme was not discussed before it was activated. What he meant and means is that the reckless encouragement to step out and walk into the public environment of a restaurant caused the avoidable spread of the virus and, in his calculations, increased the number of subsequent Covid-19 deaths.

Eat out to Die out? Who cares -- we only paid half the bill that lovely Mr Sunoch paid the rest out of taxpayers money.

No surprise then that both BoJo and Hedgie say the economy suffered not because of 13 years of Tory financial f-ups but because of the Ukraine war and the inevitable Covid-19 lockdowns. There are headbangers in the Tory press who say that lockdowns were not necessary, and they point to Sweden where there were no lockdowns but proportionally fewer deaths through all through the Covid-19 pandemic. That could, of course, simply mean that the Swedish populace are socially responsible and dont swarm to rock concerts and religious melas.
The former justice minister, an opponent of Duterte, spent more than six years in prison on unproven charges of complicity with drug trafficking. In an interview with Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, she has harsh words for the former president. Duterte offering himself to be the opposition is pathetic. During his term in office, 427 human rights defenders were killed and thousands arrested and imprisoned, including De Lima.

Manila (AsiaNews)  Leila De Lima, 64, a former Minister of Justice of the Philippines, was released on 13 November after spending six years and eight months in "preventive detention" without concrete evidence that she received money from drug traffickers.

An opponent of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she spoke last night in her first interview since she was freed. "I do have a role, she said. And my role is to continue portraying myself as someone who has been wronged and someone who can continue to inspire others to do what is right, to do what is just, she said.

Maria Ressa, a Philippine journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Rappler, an independent news website, spoke with her. Although De Lima is not planning any political comeback, she is convinced that she has a new task to carry out for her country and herself.

"God forgive him," De Lima said about former President Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022), whom he holds directly responsible for her imprisonment.

Just a few days ago, Duterte said on TV that an opposition is essential to a democracy, adding that mistakes of the government should be called out so the administration will know about it.

Dutertes statement about the supposed importance of the opposition was inconsistent with how he treated dissenters during his term.

Duterte is now offering himself to be the opposition. Its pathetic, to me. Its a pathetic scene to me, De Lima said.

When he was president, progressive individuals were frequently red-tagged for standing up against the government, while some were either killed or detained.

From July 2016 to December 2021, 427 human rights defenders were killed while another 2,807 were arrested under Duterte's warrant, this according to 2021 data provided by human rights organisation Karapatan.

De Lima is a perfect example of how Duterte silenced his critics and how he viewed the opposition. The senator harshly criticised Duterte for his brutal war on drugs, which has killed nearly 30,000 people, according to estimates by several human rights groups.

In view of her opposition, De Lima was accused of enabling illegal drug trafficking inside New Bilibid Prison during her tenure as justice minister and of funding her run for senator in 2016 with drug money.

According to the former senator  and many international organisations  the charges were politically motivated.

After Duterte left office, many witnesses who had testified against De Lima changed their version of events, greatly weakening the accusations against her.

The anti-drug campaign has been scaled back after Ferdinand Marco Jr., son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was elected president last year.
Bianet released a report on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Almost 700 cases of violence have also been reported, with husbands, ex-husbands, or family members as the main perpetrators. In 165 cases, firearms were used, three women were burnt alive, and two were stoned to death. But the Turkish government pulled out of the Istanbul Convention.

Istanbul (AsiaNews)  In Turkey, men killed at least 289 women and committed acts of violence against 681 others in 324 days (1 January-21 November 2023), this according to a detailed report prepared by Bianet, a news agency that focuses on human rights.

The study was published today, eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which the United Nations established in 1999 to be observed on 25 November around the world.

In the past decade (1 January 2013-21 November 2023), at least 3,151 women were killed, almost one femicide per day (0.85).

According to news collected from local and national newspapers, news websites, agencies and advocacy groups, men killed at least 289 women in femicides in various Turkish provinces this year  13 were refugees fleeing war or violence in other countries, and 228 deaths were deemed "suspicious.

In addition to hundreds of homicides, 350 confirmed cases of ill-treatment were reported in 2023, 116 cases of abuse, 681 cases of violence (including domestic violence), and 16 rapes or sexual crimes, but in this case the figure is vastly underestimated.

Men also forced 335 women into prostitution, reducing them to a state of sexual slavery.

Over the past decade, the data show that 3,151 women were killed by men, 6,005 were victims of violence, 2,246 of abuse, 937 of rape; there were also 979 suspicious deaths, 2,372 cases of harassment, 3,622 of forced sex work, and 208 child murder.

In some cases, a single man was responsible for killing more than one woman. At least 105 killers were arrested, 78 were taken into custody and 67 committed suicide, following their arrest.

About 186 women were killed by husbands, ex-husbands, or boyfriends; 50 women were killed by family members such as their father, brother, or son; 17 women were killed by friends or co-workers, eight by in-laws, nine by neighbours. One woman was killed by an employee's son, four by relatives.

A firearm was used in 165 cases, sharp objects in 92, strangulation in 11  six women were beaten to death and five thrown from the balcony, three were burnt alive, two were stoned to death, and one was run over with a vehicle.

In 87 cases men killed because the women "wanted to break up or did not want to make peace"; in another 10, jealousy was the main motive, and in seven, economic necessity was the excuse.

One woman was killed because she was annoying; another one "because she didn't care for his mother"; one woman because she said she had pain, and four others because they were noisy.

It should be noted that on 1 July 2021, Turkey pulled out of the Istanbul Convention, the international treaty against violence against women signed in 2011 in the country's main business centre.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogans decision sparked outrage and was condemned by several advocacy groups and Western governments, including several allied countries.

The Convention commits its members to prevent and prosecute domestic violence, while promoting equality between the sexes and equal opportunities for men and women.
Today's news: for Beijing there are no 'new or unusual' pathogens causing the paediatric pneumonia epidemic. South Korean appeals court orders Japan to pay compensation to 16 'comfort women'. At least 20,000 Sri Lankan workers ready to leave for Israel in the agricultural and construction sectors. UN resolution against Iran for religious freedom violations, Tehran executes young pro-Masha Amini protester. Russian sturgeon market 40% occupied by illegal Chinese production.

GAZA - QATAR

The long-awaited four-day truce between Israel and Hamas came into force this morning, but both have declared that it will only be "temporary" and mortar shells and an air attack were heard moments before it began. Under the deal, brokered by Qatar, 13 Israeli hostages are expected to be released today, while a total of 50 will be freed over the course of four days. In contrast, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners. In the meantime, trucks loaded with medicines, fuel and food have entered Gaza from Egypt, with the delivery of 130 thousand liters of diesel fuel per day expected.

CHINA - HONG KONG

Beijing has not reported the presence of "unusual or new pathogens" that have caused an epidemic of pediatric pneumonia in the north of the country in recent weeks. This is what the World Health Organization underlined in a note, presenting the results of a report received from China which explains the outbreaks with the end of Covid-19 restrictions and the increased circulation of viruses and bacteria. Meanwhile in Hong Kong two superbugs are on the increase among patients, while healthcare leaders intend to use artificial intelligence against the excessive use of antibiotics.

SOUTH KOREA - JAPAN

A South Korean appeals court has ordered Japan to compensate 16 women forced to prostitute themselves in Japanese wartime brothels [comfort women], overturning a first-instance ruling that had dismissed the case. The protest from Tokyo was immediate, over a thorny issue left over from the colonial rule of the Rising Sun on the peninsula (1910-45), a topic that is still sensitive today.

MYANMAR

Over a thousand schools (out of a total of 1800) spread across 10 municipalities in western Myanmar have been abandoned by pupils due to the intensification of battles in Rakhine State between soldiers of the coup junta and Arakan militias. To date, "only" 650 institutions are operational. State media, controlled by the junta, define the closures as "fake news" even if they come from official channels.

SRI LANKA - ISRAEL

Despite the war, at least 20 thousand Sri Lankan workers are ready to leave for Israel in desperate search of (well) paid work. The sectors most in demand are agriculture and construction, especially in the large agri-food companies in the center and south of the country which so far have made use of the workforce of Thais (dozens seized by Hamas on 7 October) and Palestinians. Sri Lanka's Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment said it had received more than 10,000 applications.

IRAN - UN

Tehran secretly executed 21-year-old Milad Zohrevand, sentenced to death in connection with last year's anti-government protests over Mahsa Amini. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on human rights violations in Iran, including "continued and serious" limitations "on freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief". The text passed with 80 votes in favour, 29 against and 65 abstentions and mentions Christian victims of arbitrary arrests and detentions.

RUSSIA

According to data from the Single Control Register (Fgis), the domestic market for black sturgeon caviar is 40% occupied by illegal production from China, sold as Russian without passing safety checks. In 2023, infringements of up to almost 20 tons of illegal goods were detected. According to the president of the Caviar Union Aleksandr Novikov "it is only the tip of the iceberg".

KAZAKHSTAN

Presenting the new budget law, Astana illustrated the results that indicate the "transition to the new economic model" announced several times by President Kasym-Zomart Tokaev. It is based on transparency and credit and fiscal balance, stimulating local production and the export of secondary materials. Attracted .3 billion in foreign investment.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials notified holiday shoppers about counterfeit goods on Black Friday on November 24, especially with low prices that risk customer safety.

The officials warned shoppers that the counterfeit goods may result in significant losses for American businesses, workers, and customers.

US Officials Notify Shoppers About Counterfeit Goods

Federal authorities recently captured counterfeit handbags, backpacks, wallets, beanies, shoes, watches, and sunglasses decorated with logos from famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Fendi on November 22 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The counterfeit goods also included knockoff toys, bicycle helmets, makeup, iPhones, and fake Oscar statues. Francis Russo, the director of the CBP's New York field office, said that most goods were 70 and 80 percent from China and Hong Kong and noted that the goods impose a threat to the customers and the citizens because they are unsafe, and they fund criminal organizations, so they encourage customers not to buy counterfeit goods.

Marina Vitaz, an assistant special agent-in-charge of HSI, also warned shoppers to stay alert about the temptingly low deals. She said, "If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!"

The officials said that most customers were not unaware of the negative impact of counterfeit goods. The goods found could affect customer health and safety in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics.

They found fake prescription medicines sold online from other countries that may contain unregulated components that could result in heart disease or even death. They also noted that some knockoff toys that contain toxic substances or heavy metals may endanger toddlers.

Read Also: Astronaut Kellie Gerardi Wore Friendship Bracelet to Space Inspired by Taylor Swift

Rise of Counterfeit Goods Worldwide

US authorities confiscated over 25 million counterfeit goods, with more than 30 percent coming from New York customs yearly. The officials reported that the number of packages that entered the US through New York and New Jersey customers increased approximately 10-fold from 20 million in 2019 to 210 million in 2022, noting that 1 to 2% of the products could be fake.

The counterfeit goods could have an estimated retail value of over $2.98 billion. Countries like Thailand, Turkey, the Philippines, and India also have counterfeit goods.

Furthermore, the authorities said that the rise of counterfeit goods could drain billions of dollars from the global economy, which could divert revenue from legal businesses and job losses over time.

Federal authorities in New York reported that they seized over $1 billion of counterfeit designer products, recognized as the largest-ever confiscation of counterfeit goods in US history. Two men were charged with trafficking these goods from storage units in Manhattan.

The US government said the Chinese government is leading the world in creating counterfeit and pirated goods.

Related Article: Top Online Marketplaces With the Most Fake Products-Here's How to Spot Counterfeits





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The agreement between the Kuomintang and the new party of former mayor Ko Wen-je announced just a few days ago has evaporated. This outcome will favour current vice-president Lai Ching-te in the crucial 13 January vote. Foxconn tycoon Terry Gou, trailing in the polls and targeted by Beijing that wanted a united opposition front, dropped out of the race.

Taipei (AsiaNews) - The alliance announced just a few days ago between the two main opposition forces - the historic Kuomintang (today with pro-People's Republic of China positions) and the party of former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je - has disappeared when faced with the issue of the name of the common presidential candidate in the January 13 elections.

After a final tense confrontation between the leaders and Foxconn tycoon Terry Gou - which took place yesterday in a hotel and was broadcast live on Taiwanese TV - today, on the last available day, the two parties filed Hou Yu's separate candidacies. ih for the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je for the new Taiwan People's Party.

However, Terry Gou will not show up, having announced his candidacy months ago, proposing himself as a catalyst for the opposition to the Democratic Progressive Party which governed the island for eight years with President Tsai Ing-wen and which for the vote on 13 January the current vice-president Lai Ching-te nominates.

Gou - whose company is Apple's main supplier - presented himself as an independent candidate but never took off in the polls. He also had to deal with a tax investigation launched by Beijing last month against Foxconn. A move read by many analysts as a signal against his candidature by the People's Republic of China, which would have further divided the opposition in Taiwan. In the end, therefore, Terry Giu chose not to run and sent signals in favour of Ko Wen-je's race.

The alliance between the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party would have put the outcome of the January vote into strong question. Currently, the polls see Lai Ching-te in the lead with around 30% of the vote, followed by Ko Wen-je and Hou Yu-ih, both of whom are around 20%, while Terry Gou was given below the 10% mark. Now it will have to be seen how voters will reposition themselves when faced with the prospect of a three-way race.

But Lai Ching-te's margin is wide and he is given as favourite. Moreover, the whole affair of the agreement and its management may have weakened the image of Ko Wen-je, who presented himself as the alternative candidate to the two historical contenders, with the ambition of taking Taipei out of the increasingly heated clash between autonomists and pro-Beijing forces.

The agreement reached last week between the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party provided that the presidential candidate would be chosen on the basis of the results of some polls commissioned by various survey companies.

At the moment of truth - contrary to the trend noted previously - the response was in favor of the Kuomintang candidate, who had appeared to be in serious crisis throughout the electoral campaign. At that point the former mayor of Taipei called into question the methodology and the margin of error. Until the last confrontation yesterday, which was broadcast live on TV.
Police harshly cracked down against the unauthorised demonstration led by businessman Durga Pasai. By exploiting widespread poverty, the anti-system activist wants to restore a Hindu state to Protect the Nation, Nationalism, Religion and Culture. Deposed in 2008, the last king, Gyanendra, lives in the capital as an ordinary citizen.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Nepali police yesterday cracked down harshly against thousands of demonstrators during a rally in Kathmandu calling for the restoration of the monarchy abolished 15 years ago.

The Citizens Movement to Protect the Nation, Nationalism, Religion and Culture claims that the governments in place since the monarchy was abolished, as part of the agreement that ended the Maoist insurgency in 2008, have not kept their commitment to the development of one of the poorest countries in the world.

Yesterday protesters defied the police ban on demonstrations in the centre of the capital, and were subjected to the violent reaction of the police. About a dozen protesters were injured.

The movement for the return of the monarchy was inspired by Durga Pasai, a controversial entrepreneur known for his anti-system posts on Tik Tok, before Nepali authorities banned the video-hosting service on 13 November.

His stated goal is to restore the Hindu monarchy and state, in open opposition to the Maoists. He said that he would continue to fight for this goal and called for a general strike in the capital. Dozens of his supporters were also arrested today.

The 239-year-old monarchy was abolished in 2008 under the terms of an agreement that ended a Maoist insurgency, which killed 17,000 people between 1996 and 2006. In its stead, a federal republic was established.

Since then, the country has been plagued by political instability with more than 10 different administrations holding power; this has held back economic development, forcing millions of young Nepalis to seek work elsewhere, especially in Malaysia, South Korea, and the Middle East.

Former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who still goes by the name Prachanda ("Fierce"), is Nepals current prime minister, at the helm of a coalition with the centrist Nepali Congress party.

Gyanendra, Nepals last king, lives as an ordinary citizen with his family in Kathmandu.
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Genesis, Hyundais premium brand, joined the bandwagon of the SUV-coupe trend and unveiled the GV80 Coupe in late 2023 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Korean automaker Hyundai wanted to have a premium brand in its portfolio, and unlike Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, it created the Genesis from scratch. It didnt just re-badged its own products but developed new ones, such as the Genesis GV80 Coupe, an SUV with a sloped rear end that followed the ideas premiered by the BMW X6 back in 2008. The new product was unveiled as a concept in April 2023 at the New York Auto Show, and seven months later, the automaker brought the production version of it to the Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2025 model year.

Starting at the front, the GV80 Coupe shared its fascia with its non-coupe sibling but with a few enhancements. The crest grille sported a rhomboidal pattern with gloss black accents that adorned it. It was flanked by the signature twin-headlights design, where each headlamp featured an additional LED blade for the daytime running lights. Moving downward, the automaker placed a set of scoops on the lower part of the apron covered with a similar pattern as the main grille and sporting side vents to improve aerodynamics.

From its profile, the GV80 Coupe revealed its cab-rearward shape with a sloped-down roofline towards the back of the vehicle. On the front fenders, the automaker installed a twin-blade design theme that echoed the one from the twin headlights at the front. The black B- and C-posts enhanced the coupe look of the car, creating the image of a seamless window line from the A-pillars to the rearmost post. To create more headroom for the rear-seated passengers, Genesis designers started to slope down the roof just after the C-posts and incorporated a triangular window behind the rear doors. Finally, at the back, the twin taillights echoed the headlights, and the tailpipe trims resembled the pentagonal shape of the cars main grille.

Inside, the sporty-looking SUV greeted customers with a luxurious cabin. In front of the driver, the G80 Coupe featured a wide glass panel that concealed both the instrument display and the touchscreen for the infotainment system. Both front bucket seats were leather-wrapped and featured adjustable bolstered areas on the sides. The center console between them housed a wireless charger, and a crystal for the gear selector adorned the rotary dial. In the back, Genesis installed a split-folding bench seat profiled for two passengers where the outboard seats could be optioned with heating and ventilation.

Genesis installed a 3.5-liter V6, helped by an electric supercharger and two turbochargers, similar to the one installed in the GV90 that produced 409 hp (415 PS). It was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sent power in all corners as standard.
The mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) lump is incredibly rare relative to the nameplate's total production number. Offered only from 1968 through 1971, the HEMI found its way in only 2,003 Road Runners. That's just 1.1% of the vehicles built over four years.The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel RB is also a rare mill. It didn't become an option until 1969 and was also discontinued after the 1971 model year. It was ordered in only 3,473 cars or 2.1% of the total output. Not quite as scarce as the HEMI, but it's a classic you'd be hard-pressed to find in pristine condition.Well, this Lemon Twist 1970 Road Runner is not only one of those rare Six-Barrel Mopars but also a very special rig that served as a promotional car. It was built a couple of months before the Road Runner went into production, and, amazingly enough, it survived to get a rotisserie restoration and tell its story.While it may look like a regular 1970 Road Runner on the outside, this hardtop intermediate hides a few unique features here and there. For starters, the original door panels are marked "June 1969." This tells us that the vehicle rolled off the assembly line more than 60 days before Plymouth kickstarted regular Road Runner production.Pre-production cars like this weren't uncommon back in the day. Automakers usually built a few to test the assembly line and eliminate bugs from the production process. Some were also paraded at various events as promo cars, while some were given to the media for reviews. This one made it on a couple of TV commercials.And it lived a double life. Because while it now wears its factory-correct Lemon Twist color, Plymouth had it repainted Limelight for one of the ads.The whole story of the promo Road Runner remains unknown, but the vehicle emerged back into the light in 2003 when it was found somewhere in Arizona. It was in poor condition and had traces of Limelight still visible in certain areas. While it wasn't very rusty, the vinyl top was damaged, and it sat on replacement wheels.Exactly 20 years have passed since then, and the pre-production Road Runner shines like new thanks to a restoration completed in 2021. It now has a fresh black top and period-correct wheels and looks outstanding inside and out. The 390-horsepower 440-6 V8 is also as fresh as they get, and everything works as it should. Interestingly enough, it's one of only a few 1970 Road Runners with the bird decal on the driver's door.Speaking of birds, this Mopar comes with a massive Warner Bros. Road Runner head designed to fit into the Air Grabber. That's a cool way to display this iconic rig at car show events and goes with the "beep, beep!" horn, which Plymouth paid $10,000 to develop. That's about $85,000 in 2023!Hit the play button below for a full walkaround of this one-of-one beauty.
The folks at Q CARS rendered the yet-unconfirmed 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ in the form of a two-door electric sport utility vehicle. Instead of getting your hopes up for a zero-emission alternative to the short-wheelbase Ford Bronco two-door, bear in mind that nothing concrete is currently known about it.

EV

SUV

Photo: Toyota on YouTube

Back when Toyota unveiled the Land Cruiser 250 series, which continues to be advertised under the Land Cruiser Prado moniker in Australia and New Zealand, the Japanese automaker previewed an upcoming off-road vehicle with a smaller footprint. Said overlander also features a spare wheel out back, whereas the mid-sized Land Cruiser 250 does not.Originally believed to be revealed in the metal at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 earlier this month, the Land Cruiser FJ was further expected to drop under a different name, that being Land Hopper. Said moniker was trademarked in Japan back on August 8. Two months later, Toyota filed the Land Cruiser FJ nameplate with Japan's trademark and patent office.Be it Land Cruiser FJ or Land Hopper, the world's largest automobile manufacturer by volume is developing a small off-road sport utility vehicle. The peeps at Q CARS look forward to an, although that seems like wishful thinking. Toyota still doesn't have a proper EV platform and proper battery technology, hence the abysmally poor sales of the bZ4X and e-TNGA platform siblings Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra. They're joined by the China-exclusive bZ3, a sedan made by FAW Toyota.Regarding the upcoming model's name, Land Cruiser FJ sounds much better than Land Hopper. It also harks back to the FJ Cruiser from nearly two decades ago, a mid-sizewith rear-hinged rear doors and many underpinnings from the Land Cruiser Prado.Offered between the 2007 and 2014 model years in the United States, the FJ Cruiser soldiered on through 2022 in the Middle East and other markets. Available with either a manual or a torque-converter automatic, the FJ Cruiser featured a naturally-aspirated sixer.Originally gifted with VVT-i, the 4.0-liter V6 received Dual VVT-I for the 2009 model year. The FJ Cruiser packs 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet (367 Nm), whereas the all-new Land Cruiser 250 produces 326 hybridized ponies and 465 hybridized pound-feet (630 Nm) of torque. Built around a 2.4-liter turbo inline-four lump, the hybrid powertrain might be carried over to the FJ Cruiser's successor.Without hybrid assistance, said engine belts out a respectable 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm). Being a turbocharged four-cylinder mill, one could argue that it's not going to be as reliable as the 4.0-liter V6 of the FJ Cruiser. On the other hand, bear in mind that Toyota wouldn't have poured millions over millions of dollars into the research and development of this engine had it not been forced to do so by ever-stringent fuel economy and emission regulations.Alternatively referred to as Compact Cruiser after the namesake concept , the long-awaited heir apparent of the FJ Cruiser is certain to sell by the truckload. As to when this off-roader will go on sale, fingers crossed it's late 2024 to early 2025 for the 2025 model year.
Protesters in Dublin erupted into riots after the stabbing of five people, including three children on Thursday.

Law enforcement personnel have not yet ruled out any motive in the apparent attack, including whether or not it could be terror-related. Authorities ordered the suspension of public transport and patients were advised not to travel to a nearby maternity hospital unless it was absolutely necessary.

Dublin Riots

This is because there were clashes between riot police and anti-immigrant protesters who arrived at the scene of the crime beside the main thoroughfare of O'Connell Street. There was also a double-decker bus that was burned to the ground in front of the Daniel O'Connell status at the head of the street.

Additionally, the windows at a nearby Holiday Inn hotel and Mcdonald's restaurant were smashed while a footlocker store was looted. In a statement, Police Commissioner Drew Harris said that they saw some disgraceful scenes.

He noted that there was a completely lunatic, hooligan faction that was driven by far-right ideology which was engaged in serious violence. Harris' remarks came after he deployed 400 officers to restore public order in the area, as per Reuters.

This type of rioting was almost never seen in Dublin as there were no far-right parties or politicians elected to parliament. However, small anti-immigrant protests have grown in the region in the past year.

The government is now reviewing security around parliament after a recent protest led to lawmakers inside being trapped. Harris added that all lines of inquiry related to the attack remained open, contradicting a senior officer who previously said that police were already satisfied that the incident was not terror-related.

The police commissioner said that he would not be speculating any further with respect to a terrorist motive. He added that they have to keep an open mind as to why the incident occurred until they are sure what the motive was.

Officials revealed that a five-year-old girl was receiving emergency treatment after sustaining serious injuries in the stabbing incident. Another individual, a man in his late 40s, was also being treated for serious injuries. The latter was arrested by police who said that they are not looking for any other suspect in the case.

Read Also: Far-Right Leader Geert Wilders Wins Dutch Parliamentary Elections

Stabbing of 5 People, Including Children

An Ireland correspondent said that rioters have largely dispersed following the initial encounters. On the other hand, law enforcement officials in the city center said that the streets were "mainly calm," according to BBC.

Authorities noted that during the chaotic situation, a police cordon was established around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were on nearby Grafton Street. Some of the rioters were seen setting off flares and fireworks while others grabbed chairs and stools outside bars and restaurants.

Harris said that they were establishing the facts of the case but noted that they were still not clear. He noted that a lot of the rumors and innuendos were being spread for malevolent purposes. The police commissioner expressed his hopes that people would calm down, go home, and allow them to do their duties, said Fox News.

Related Article: Germany: Extensive Search of Properties Linked to Hamas Backers Conducted by Police

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Every brand out there is waiting for Black Friday to see orders pouring in or customers queuing in their stores. Every brand out there except for Dacia, though. The Romanian carmaker decided to shut down online sales this Black Friday and stay away from the shopping frenzy. "No big deal!" Dacia says.

Photo: Dacia

The move confirms Dacia's intentions of offering affordable cars not only a day per year, but every day all year. Besides, the brand has found out that consumers are starting to realize that part of the special discount day is a marketing gimmick.Instead of cashing in, Dacia will air a radio advert to announce the shutdown of the online sales, playing relaxing music to offer consumers a break away from the Black Friday madness and remind them they can buy budget cars every time they want.Dacia has always bragged about offering no-nonsense cars and the best value for money on the market. Now, their decision, which only targets the UK market, really makes sense. Dacia will completely shut down online sales and car configurator.New research commissioned by Dacia shows that nearly half of Brits (46 percent) decided to ignore Black Friday this year because they are either skeptical of the deals on offer or intend to be more cost-conscious with their spending.Furthermore, 3 in 4 Brits, the equivalent of 73 percent, are sure they would be able to get good value across the year if they look carefully for discounts, not only on the day everyone is hunting low prices. The study also shows that 3 in 5 Brits (64 percent) do consider themselves savvy shoppers, and 56 percent think they have good instincts when it comes to deals.There are consumers, though, who will still use the Black Friday to get some deals for Christmas presents this year.Black Friday is just a normal Friday for Dacia, Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for UK explains. "This is a way to put our money where our mouth is," he adds.Therefore, Dacia's online sales will be closed for the whole of Black Friday, from 00:00 to 23:59, and so will the configurator. So, everyone who wants to buy a Dacia online will have to delay the move until tomorrow, November 25.The most affordable car that Dacia currently sells in the UK is the Sandero, which starts at 13,795 pounds, the equivalent of $17,327 at the current exchange rates. The subcompact crossover variant, the Sandero Stepway , costs 15,295 pounds ($19,211)The Renault-owned Romanian car manufacturer also has Europes most affordable crossover in the lineup. The Dacia Duster starts at 17,295 pounds ($21,723). Back in July, the company reached an important milestone: 250,000 units sold in the UK. Dacia has never sold cars in the United States.
It's always great hearing about a new sedan joining the car world. It's even better when that vehicle is a Porsche. The Stuttgart-based brand officially introduced the all-new, third-generation Panamera. It might be time to reconsider buying a crossover SUV. Here's what's new.

kWh

Photo: Porsche

The V6 is still here!

Photo: Porsche

The latest and greatest

Photo: Porsche

A sedan with no identity crisis

SUV

Photo: Porsche

Porsche spent quite some time hyping up the latest iteration of the successful Panamera. We have seen it with little to no camo while testing procedures were on the way in several parts of the world. The iconic brand also uncovered the official cockpit design before the unveiling.No matter what Porsche was thinking, one thing's clear: the all-new Panamera is a comprehensive upgrade. The company didn't just update it inside and out; the automaker also gave it new brains and revised underpinnings.First things first, let's talk power. Porsche intends to offer four hybridized powertrains for the new Panamera. That would be similar to what the Cayenne lineup currently offers. We should at least see a Panamera E-Hybrid, a Panamera S E-Hybrid, and a Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid.For now, however, only the V8-powered sedan is available at launch. It comes with a revised mechanical beating heart, a new electric motor, and a 25.9-high-voltage energy storage unit. When combined, that solution should help the sedan develop up to 670 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque.Power is administered by an updated eight-speed PDK transmission that also houses the 187-hp electric motor. That implementation helped shave off around 11 pounds of weight and improved thermal efficiency because the electric drive unit is integrated into the oil circulation system. The marque promises that the layout also allows for better regenerative braking.Customers who desire a lighter Panamera can opt for the base rear-wheel-drive model or the Panamera 4. A 2.9-liter V6 sporting improved boost pressure, injection volume, and ignition timing powers both. The six-cylinder puts out 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the Panamera from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version is 0.3 seconds quicker to 60 mph. Both models can achieve a top speed of 168 and 169 mph, respectively.Porsche's suspension setup for the Panamera is widely regarded as being great. It's so good that even Bentley uses a variation of that three-chamber air springing layout. Now, the brand offers a two-chamber, two-vale air suspension with the Active Suspension Management system as standard.Rear-wheel steering is available, but E-Hybrid models can be equipped with the Active Ride suspension system, which encompasses new active shock absorbers linked to an electrically operated hydraulic pump. Porsche claims that Active Ride will come in handy when you're feeling ready for some spirited driving. It can keep the vehicle's body flat, even when braking or accelerating hastily.Besides that, the Turbo E-Hybrid also gets a distinctive look. It has a different lower rear fascia with painted diffuser elements and dark bronze tailpipes. The front end gets a Turbo-specific design, too. Customers can also tick the option box for center lock wheels.Porsche also upped the ante by introducing a plethora of useful connected features. The third-generation Panamera is smarter and can recognize your preferred settings via a QR code. Scan the infotainment screen with your phone, and the car will immediately know what to do.Porsche also implemented a dedicated app within Apple CarPlay, allowing the driver to control the most important vehicle functions. That also enables Siri to listen to your voice commands and adjust the climate control, seat massage, and ambient lighting.The new sedan comes as standard with LED Matrix headlamps, which is gracious of Porsche. But considering the $99,000 starting price sans freight for the rear-wheel drive Panamera, we'd say that addition was necessary. Going for the all-wheel-drive version adds $7,900 to the MSRP. Pricing for the 2024 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid was not revealed at launch.The automaker also improved the driver-assistance features. The vehicle's active speed assistant can work in tandem with traffic sign recognition. That allows the sedan's computer to automatically adjust the maximum speed possible based on what the posted limits say.Panamera customers who add the optional InnoDrive suite can also control the vehicle via their mobile phone while sitting outside. The Panamera can park itself without you sitting behind the steering wheel.Porsche recently announced that it's moving to a monochrome look for its Turbo models, further separating them from the lesser versions. So, be on the lookout when car spotting or speccing your dream four-door Porsche that's not anor crossover.The new Panamera measures 198.9 inches in length, 76.3 inches in width, and 56 inches in height. The window lines underscore the sedan character of the new Panamera, while the edges of the rear window sit flush with the body and contribute to a harmonious design. It's instantly recognizable.The Drive Mode button and the advanced driver-assistance system stalk are right where you already know they are. But you can now add the 10.9-inch passenger display, which can be of use to your traveling partner.Even though the third-generation Panamera feels more like an ample facelift than a brand-new iteration, the sedan remains special and looks better than ever. The marque polished the outside and made it a bit more attractive. The taillights now sport a slimmer design with that iconic light bar, and the adaptive rear spoiler that adds some drama to the car's acceleration remains in its place for the Turbo models. The headlights occupy more real estate in the front and immediately indicate that this is a very new Porsche. However, that sloped hood reminds us that the vehicle isn't just another four-door car but a weapon that can double as a friendly grocery-getter and a track monster. Plus, that Roma Gold paint job just looks... Delicious!All in all, the third-generation Panamera proves that Porsche remains a serious automaker, one that intends to satisfy its customers' needs with every novelty release. This car proves that you can confidently move forward without revolutionizing an already successful recipe.
SUV

Subaru is not as big as Toyota, Honda, or Nissan, but just like Mazda, it enjoys a significant following among automotive enthusiasts. Just recently, the 2023 J.D. Power Customer Loyalty study ranked the brand with top honors among Mass Market BrandOwners with a loyalty rate of more than 61%.That bodes well for the company's LA Auto Show release  the all-new 2025 Subaru Forster, rocking a sleeker and contemporary interior, new exterior styling, and advanced technology. "The sixth-generation SUV offers the most advanced features, modern design, and improved ride comfort in its history," said Subaru when it presented the new Forster in Los Angeles.But that's probably just the start of the refresh procedures across the Subaru Global Platform, which is now more challenging than ever before. Subaru still has three other crossovers on sale in America  the base Crosstrek, the iconic Outback, and the flagship Ascent . Obviously, they will not change to Crosstrek anytime soon because the third generation was introduced in 2022 for the 2024 model year. They will also not give us a new Outback because that one is only two years older than the Crosstrek.So, that leaves us with the Ascent mid-size crossover SUV with three rows of seats that succeeded the Tribeca nameplate in 2018. That makes it Subaru's oldest CUV across its North American roster  and a prime contender for the rumor mill's belief that it's next up for gaining an all-new iteration. The imaginative realm of digital car content creators even thought it could drop by the LA Auto Show before finding out it was the 2025 Forster taking the prime time, actually.But that hasn't stopped them from further portraying their visions about the upcoming next Ascent. PoloTo is a distinctively named automotive news video channel on YouTube - and they also share dreams of new models created with (some) assistance from AI software. The imagined, unofficial 2025 Subaru Ascent doesn't look like a traditional Subie  it's more like a Ford, if you ask us, at least from the front. But if you look at the rear POV, it's back to the usual Subaru business.So, do you think Subaru would completely change the face of its flagship CUV anytime soon? If not, no worries, because the resident pixel master used AI's help to devise a few alternate stylings for their hypothetical 2025 Ascent that closely cater to what Subaru fans perceive as the brand's current design. As for powertrains, we don't expect many changes  just maybe the addition of a Toyota hybrid unit alongside the Subaru boxer, of course.
If youre looking for an awesome deal this Black Friday on LEGO sets, especially those where the blocks eventually form vehicles with four wheels and a steering wheel, then you might want to hurry up and check out this selection.

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic Ferrari 488 GTE

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Photo: Amazon

Volkswagen T2 Camper Van

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic The Batman Batmobile

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Icons 'Back to the Future' Time Machine

Photo: Amazon

LEGO Technic Fast & Furious Dodge Charger

Photo: Amazon

Were showcasing nine sets with discounts ranging from $10 all the way to $156, and dont worry about not finding something that suits your style, because weve got you covered on that front too. From muscle cars to Italian exotics, famous movie cars and even a little something for all you camper van aficionados out there.Without further ado, lets kick things off with a Lamborghini set that would have otherwise cost you $450, which for most people is a lot of money to spend on a single toy.This is as hardcore as these sets get, and its aimed at adults (and car enthusiasts in general). Its a 1:8 scale model of the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, which would have otherwise cost you $449.99. Instead, this can be yours today for just $293.99 It will take you a while to put this Lime Green Lambo together (its a 3,696-piece set), but once you do, youll be sure to admire its 8-speed sequential gearbox, functional hood and trunk lid, detailed disc brakes, golden rims, and even its unique serial number plate.Our second LEGO Technic set depicts the amazing Ferrari 488 GTE in AF Corse #51 spec. Thats right, this is a trophy-winning race car with functional features such as the front and rear suspension, opening doors, moving pistons for the V8 engine, plus a working steering wheel.The price? Originally, this would have cost you $199.99, but since its Black Friday, Amazon will sell it to you for just $170 , straight up.This one is aimed at kids aged 9 and above, and while its not as complex as the aforementioned Lambo or Ferrari sets, its still pretty cool in and of itself, and a genuine bargain too at just $39.99 , as opposed to $49.99.Its got functional steering, opening hood, a V8 engine with moving pistons, and a dynamic color scheme which may or may not get you in the mood to watch a real-life race.The GT500 is a Mustang staple, and the S550-based variant is one of the most hardcore muscle cars ever created thanks to its hand-built 5.2-liter Predator V8 engine with its 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque.This LEGO Technic model isnt quite so powerful, but you still get a rugged-looking Mustang, with a pull-back function so you can chase after it around the house. As for the price, it only costs $35.99 This may not be a LEGO Technic product, but its still cool seeing as how it does a great job recreating an authentic camping experience, albeit in miniature.Its got a pop-up roof tent, two lounge chairs, and even a surfboard, plus a whole bunch of utilities inside  this is a surprisingly detailed set. Since its Black Friday, youll only have to spend $209.99 on it, instead of $224.99. Happy trails.Another semi-complex set, another awesome Lambo in the Huracan Tecnica, which in real life is a 631 horsepower monster, at home both on the racetrack as well as the open road.Instead of $49.99, this classic green Huracan will only set you back $39.99 , which isnt bad at all considering how its got a moving V10 engine, working steering and functional doors.The Batmobile from Matt Reeves The Batman movie may not be the most iconic iteration as far as this vehicle is concerned, but it might just be the most bad-ass. Seriously, whats scarier than a muscle car-based "vigilante mobile", with the worlds greatest detective behind the wheel?Theres a lot to like about this set, from the two light bricks, spinning flame, working steering, and functional doors and hood, all the way to the transparent 8-cylinder engine with its moving pistons. Instead of $99.99, this will cost you just $79.99 right now. But only if you hurry up.The DeLorean from Back to the Future requires no introduction, and you'll be glad to learn that there are three different versions of this LEGO Icons set. The first utilizes a lightning rod and a plutonium chamber, while version no. 2 is rocking Mr. Fusion and a hover conversion. Meanwhile, version no. 3 gets whitewall tires.In case you havent caught on, each version represents one of the three movies from this trilogy. This would have normally set you back $199.99, but since its Black Friday, you only need to spend $159.99 . Hey, if this thing actually works, maybe you can go back in time and buy it again at a discount. Just a thought.That custom 1970 Dodge Charger R/T from the Fast & Furious movie franchise is one of the most iconic cars driven by Vin Diesels character, Dominic Toretto.This LEGO Technic version is pretty iconic too, with its working suspension, moving pistons, and functional steering. You even get two nitro bottles in case you need some extra help in a straight line against those pesky Japanese imports. The price? Instead of $119.99, this will only set you back $95.99
15 years ago, I helped design Google Maps.



I still use it everyday.



Last week, the team dramatically changed the maps visual design.



I dont love it.



It feels colder, less accurate and less human.



But more importantly, they missed a key opportunity to pic.twitter.com/HMcpKiOEdr  Elizabeth Laraki (@elizlaraki) November 22, 2023

It's not a secret that users worldwide received the updated Google Maps look with mixed reactions. While some believe the new colors help better distinguish roads, eventually making navigation more straightforward, others call the interface update " an abomination ."Elizabeth Laraki, who in 2007 was one of the only two Google Maps designers, explained on X that the new design "feels colder, less accurate, and less human."The facelift is primarily centered around the new color palette, pushing Google Maps closer to Apple Maps from a map color perspective. The roads now use different shades of gray, while parks and forests appear with a mint green color on Google Maps. The water is no longer blue but teal.Google's purpose was to make everything you see on the map more readable, but for many users, Google Maps became more difficult to use. The interface feels like it's "computer generated," Laraki explained.The Google Maps interface problems don't come down to the new color palette exclusively.Laraki goes on to highlight the cluttered Google Maps interface, explaining that the interface contains 11 elements that obscure the maps, which, in her opinion, should be "sacred real estate" in such an application.The former Google Maps designer, who also worked on other popular Internet services, including Facebook and YouTube, proposes a simplified design that keeps only the search box and the bottom bar on the screen, removing everything else from the map. This way, Google Maps would put the map at the core of its experience, moving the most-used features to the bottom bar. The other features should be buried elsewhere in the application, Laraki explains.The former Google employee explains that in 2007, when the work on Google Maps was focused on new features, the application quickly became "a cluttered mess." The primary objective wasn't to make Google Maps easy to use but to integrate as many new features as possible "into any space we could find in the UI."Eventually, the user experience was dramatically impacted, so using the app was complicated and frustrating. "We had to rethink the app to be simple," she explains, emphasizing that it's time for Google to do the same thing with the existing version of Google Maps.Users seem to agree, as the post-update feedback calls for Google to simplify the application and focus on improvements that make using Google Maps more straightforward and convenient.I agree with these points, as Google Maps is all about maps, and the application could hide all the unnecessary items under a gesture or in the bottom bar. Until Google understands that focusing on the core capability of the app should be a priority, users will continue to search for alternatives , with Apple Maps likely to become a more intriguing solution.
When Bentley resurrected the Mulsanne nameplate in the late 2000s, it was so that it could replace the Arnage as the carmakers new flagship model. They really paraded it around too, with appearances at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

Photo: Bentley

It then went on to achieve immortality, becoming one of the most popular luxury cars in the world. I mean, once The Weeknd drops your name in one of his songs, you pretty much know youre the bomb.Also, lets not forget that this car was developed from scratch, rocking Bentleys 6.75-liter V8 engine, a new chassis, plus a new design language both inside and out. Later on, come 2016, an updated car was unveiled in Geneva, alongside an Extended Wheelbase variant featuring an extra 9.84 inches.The Mulsanne was in production for more than a decade, and the last ever bespoke vehicle produced was handcrafted at the carmakers factory in Crewe in 2020. It was an Extended Wheelbase model, and as it so happens, it was commissioned by, and built for, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.It is this exact Mulsanne that youre admiring right now, featuring a solid Barnato Green exterior with 21 wheels and chrome brightware, working alongside a Twine and Cumbrian hide cabin with Burr Walnut wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets. It also came with rear privacy curtains and the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inlaid into the door waistrails. Meanwhile, the front center armrests were removed to make room for a custom-sized tray for the Queens handbag.Before you freak out, no, the car isnt for sale  but rather it was just added to the carmakers Heritage Collection.Anyway, lets continue with the specs, because this is no regular Mulsanne, as you have surely already discerned. It also comes with concealed blue police lights, a siren, and a bullhorn, while a dedicated switch panel lies hidden beneath a walnut-veneered door behind the gear lever.Powering this luxury sedan is the previously mentioned twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 , with over 500 horsepower of royal muscle.This has now been retained as the third and final Mulsanne to grace Bentleys Heritage Collection, where it joins the second Mulsanne ever built (VIN 0002), and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed. This trio of Mulsannes belong to a collection that now holds 45 vehicles, from the oldest Bentley in the world (1919 3-liter EXP2) to the 2021 Continental GT Speed.Its also worth noting that when Bentley bid farewell to the Mulsanne in 2020, it did so by creating 30 final series production units formed by the bespoke 6.75 Edition by Mulliner, with the moniker obviously being derived from the 6.75-liter V8 engine, which was also retired.
We will consider the documents adopted as a result of the sessions of the CSTO statutory bodies and, taking into account the procedures existing within the CSTO framework, the issue of Armenias accession to them, Ani Badalian told the news program of Armenias Public Television late on Thursday.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and other Armenian officials refused to go to Minsk to participate in the November 22-23 sessions hosted by Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his government and attended by leaders and representatives of four other former Soviet countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to officials in Yerevan, Armenias absence from the summit was due to the CSTOs failure to respond to the security challenges facing the South Caucasus nation.

Armenia had appealed to the CSTO for military assistance in September 2022 following two-day deadly border clashes with Azerbaijan that Yerevan said stemmed from Bakus aggression against sovereign Armenian territory.

The Russia-led bloc stopped short of calling Azerbaijan the aggressor and effectively refused to back Armenia militarily, while agreeing to consider only sending an observation mission to the South Caucasus country.

Armenia later declined such a mission, saying that before it could be carried out the CSTO needed to give a clear political assessment of what Yerevan had described as Azerbaijans aggression and occupation of sovereign Armenian territory.

This weeks summit of the Russia-led defense bloc discussed urgent problems of international and regional security and made a number of decisions, including the approval of a new provision on the order of response of the CSTO to crisis situations and on the order of adoption and implementation of collective decisions on the use of forces.

The summit also approved the appointment of Russian Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov to the post of the head of the Joint Staff of the CSTO and a regulation on the joint press center of the CSTO.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Syarhey Aleynyk acknowledged before the leaders of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan gathered for the summit that Armenias absence meant the lack of a quorum, but he told journalists that all the decisions approved would be absolutely legitimate.

Aleynyk said he had discussed issues and mechanisms for approving decisions with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in a phone call. The Belarusian minister said that according to the CSTO rules, all decisions are made in consultation with all countries.

We agreed that after the summit, the secretary-general of the CSTO will visit Yerevan. And, of course, we will pass all the decisions that were finalized here as part of the conciliation commission to our Armenian partners. And we will count on them to join us, Aleynyk said.
Answering questions sent in by the public during a live TV broadcast, Pashinian referred to his meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that were held with the mediation of European Council President Charles Michel in May and July.

The Armenian premier reiterated the three principles, including mutual recognition of territorial integrity and borders, border delimitation based on a 1991 declaration signed by a dozen former Soviet republics, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, after the collapse of the USSR, and the sovereign jurisdictions of the states over transportation links passing through their territories.

Now we cannot say with certainty that Azerbaijan refuses to sign a peace agreement based on these three principles, but we cannot say with certainty that Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to these three principles either. There is a need to clarify these issues and nuances during the negotiations, Pashinian.

Azerbaijan appears to have avoided Western platforms for negotiations with Armenia after Azerbaijani forces recaptured the whole of Nagorno-Karabakh in a one-day military operation on September 19, causing more than 100,000 people, virtually the entire local Armenian population, to flee to Armenia.

Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the EUs October 5 summit in Granada, Spain, for talks mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Council President Charles Michel.

Pashinian had hoped that they would sign there a document laying out the main parameters of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. However, Aliyev withdrew from the talks at the last minute.

Baku cited Frances allegedly biased position against Azerbaijan as the reason for skipping those talks in Spain.

The Azerbaijani leader also appears to have canceled another meeting which the EUs Michel planned to host in Brussels in late October.

Most recently Azerbaijan refused to attend a meeting with Armenia at the level of foreign ministers in Washington after allegedly one-sided and biased remarks by a senior U.S. official made during a congressional hearing on Nagorno-Karabakh. That meeting had reportedly been scheduled to take place on November 20.

In doing so Azerbaijan recently offered to hold direct talks with Armenia, including at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

Pashinian reaffirmed today that a meeting of the two countries officials engaged in border delimitation and demarcation activities will be held at a yet undisclosed location along the state frontier on November 30.

He said that Yerevan will draw conclusions from those discussions as to whether Azerbaijan is ready for peace based on those principles or whether Azerbaijan rejects those principles.

We dont have that confidence until today, Pashinian said.

The Armenian leader did not say whether Yerevan also considers direct negotiations with Azerbaijan at the highest level.

On Thursday, Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safarian said that there are issues in negotiations where the presence of mediators is mandatory and plays a very important role.

For example, issues related to the rights of the population forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. The existence of international mechanisms is important here. There are also other issues where guarantees are important, the senior Armenian diplomat said.

Armenias former President Serzh Sarkisian, meanwhile, warned that Yerevan should not engage in direct talks with Baku. He said such a format will deadlock the negotiation process.

He also warned that a peace agreement foisted on Armenia will also amount to a surrender.

Sarkisian claimed that if Pashinian is going to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan the way as we see it now, it will make him a double capitulant after the surrender that the ex-president alleged Pashinian signed in 2020 to stop the war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Because unjust peace is a reason for a new war, Sarkisian said.

Pashinian and members of his political team routinely deny that the Russia-brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement with Azerbaijan amounted to a surrender. They, in turn, accuse Sarkisian and his predecessor Robert Kocharian of being the ones who paved the way for the military defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh by leaving a legacy of conflict and a corruption-stricken army and state to their government.
Andranik Kocharian, the head of the commission, said that, among other things, during his three-hour-long testimony Shahramanian also shed light on some of the events that followed Azerbaijans latest military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19-20 that led to the exodus of more than 100,000 Armenians, the regions virtually entire Armenian population, to Armenia.

Shahramanian, who was elected president by Nagorno-Karabakhs parliament on September 9, only ten days before Azerbaijans offensive, signed a decree on September 28 disbanding the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic from January 1, 2024, which he later hinted was done under pressure from Azerbaijan to allow a safe escape for the local ethnic Armenian population to Armenia.

Kocharian said that Shahramanian was also asked about he managed to safely reach Armenia on board a helicopter while Nagorno-Karabakhs eight former and current officials, including three former presidents, were arrested by Azerbaijan and now face grave charges in Baku.

Among the questions were also those about the fuel depot explosion on September 25 as a result of which hundreds of people were killed and injured.

Some realities were revealed to me that no one would have been entitled to receive information about on another platform, said the head of the commission that is due to complete its investigation on December 3.

Kocharian said that Shahramanians testimony will be reflected in the final conclusions of the commission to be presented in a report due next year.

Kocharian said that before completing its work the commission also expects to question one of Nagorno-Karabakhs former military commanders who was in charge of the Hadrut unit. He said that former Secretary of Nagorno-Karabakhs Security Council Samvel Babayan has himself expressed a desire to testify before the commission.

Kocharian said that there was a legal obstacle to questioning Jalal Harutiunian, who led the Nagorno-Karabakh defense army during most of the 2020 war, as he is now facing criminal charges as part of a war-related investigation.

Journalists did not have an opportunity to ask questions to Shahramanian, who had entered the investigative commission room unnoticed and almost unnoticed left after the meeting ended.
We will focus on the state interests of Armenia, and if we have made or havent made any decision at this moment, our benchmark is the state interest of Armenia, he said during a nearly nine-hour-long live question-and-answer TV broadcast.

At the moment, our records show that the CSTOs de-facto actions or inaction do not address its obligations towards the Republic of Armenia, that is, in this sense, the CSTOs actions are not in line with Armenias interests. And we raise this issue in a transparent way, Pashinian added.

The Pashinian government has long criticized the CSTO for its failure to respond to the security challenges facing Armenia.

Armenia had appealed to the CSTO for military assistance in September 2022 following two-day deadly border clashes with Azerbaijan that Yerevan said stemmed from Bakus aggression against sovereign Armenian territory.

The Russia-led bloc stopped short of calling Azerbaijan the aggressor and effectively refused to back Armenia militarily, while agreeing to consider only sending an observation mission to the South Caucasus country.

Armenia later declined such a mission, saying that before it could be carried out the CSTO needed to give a clear political assessment of what Yerevan had described as Azerbaijans aggression and occupation of sovereign Armenian territory.

Speculation about Armenias possible withdrawal from the CSTO was stoked by Pashinians most recent decision not to attend the organizations November 23 summit in Minsk, Belarus, which drew criticism from Moscow.

Political analyst Areg Kochinian said Pashinians step and his remarks on Friday were not yet withdrawal from the CSTO, but rather a preparation for it.

One should not overestimate this boycott like some do in the media, calling it an effective withdrawal from the CSTO. But, of course, this is essentially the way towards change, the way of preparation for making some qualitative changes in the security architecture of Armenia to quit the CSTO, the analyst said.
Israeli attacks continue in Gaza as truce postponed

Xinhua) 09:27, November 24, 2023

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday.

The deal on a four-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza for a swap of at least 50 hostages kidnapped in Gaza and some 150 Palestinian detainees held in Israel, as well as for more humanitarian aid to enter the war-stricken Palestinian enclave, was initially agreed by the two warring parties on Wednesday and is due to take effect on Thursday.

However, in an announcement late Wednesday, Israel's National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi said the Qatari-mediated deal was postponed, while the Israeli strikes were going on overnight in Gaza.

An Israeli army spokesperson reported in a statement that heavy fighting continued in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, adding that more than 300 sites were struck over the past day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday afternoon that it had apprehended the director of Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmeia, accusing him of allowing Hamas to exploit the hospital as a command and control center.

On Israeli TV broadcasts, large clouds of black smoke were seen rising above northern Gaza.

The army re-issued a call for residents of Gaza City to evacuate southward. "We address the residents of Gaza City, especially in the neighborhoods of Jabalia and Shuja'iyya, to evacuate immediately for your own safety," the IDF wrote in Arabic on the social media platform X.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with commanders inside the Gaza Strip to assess the situation on the field. In video footage released by the army, Halevi was heard telling the commanders, "We are not ending the war. We will continue until we are victorious."

The conflict has led to massive destruction in Gaza, including whole neighborhoods razed by Israeli strikes, and the killing of at least 14,532 people, mostly civilians, according to official Palestinian figures. According to Israeli figures, about 1,200 people were killed, and about 240 others were held as hostages during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered the conflict.

Amid the persistent fighting, on Thursday afternoon, the mediator Qatar announced that the Gaza truce would officially take effect at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.

On the Lebanon front, Hezbollah said in a statement on Wednesday that its fighters fired 48 rockets at Israel, the largest salvo toward Israel since the beginning of its border clashes with Israel.

The rockets triggered air raid sirens throughout the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that about 35 rockets, in addition to several anti-tank missiles and mortars, were fired from Lebanon toward various locations in northern Israel.

An unspecified number of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system, according to the army.

No casualties have been reported but Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority said two anti-tank rockets hit two residential homes in the community of Kibbutz Manara.

Israeli artillery and aircraft struck the area from which the projectiles were fired, as stated by the army. The statement mentioned that one of the launchers was hit by the "Iron Sting," a dual guidance system utilizing both laser and GPS, which was introduced into combat within the past month.

According to figures released by Hezbollah, at least 85 militants have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the beginning of the escalation, while a Lebanese military source told Xinhua on Wednesday that a total of 115 people on the Lebanese side had been killed in clashes with Israel.

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

A man conducts rescue work among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

People walk through the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
United States President Joe Biden thanked his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for the arrest of Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, the alleged security boss of the Sinaloa drug cartel.

In the statement that was released on Thursday, Biden said that Salas was indicted by the U.S. for his roles in "perpetrating violence and illicit fentanyl trafficking" into the nation. He added that both countries are safer with him in jail and facing justice for his supposed crimes.

Mexico Arrests Cartel Security Chief

The individual is also known by his nickname "El Nini" and was the head of security for the Chapitos wing of the Sinaloa Cartel. The cartel was initially founded in 1987 by now-convicted drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The arrest of the alleged cartel security chief follows the recent arrest and extradition of another Chapitos leader, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, earlier this year. Biden said that the developments were a testament to the commitment between the United States and Mexico in securing their communities, as per The Hill.

The Democratic leader said that the two nations are trying to protect their territories from violence and to counter the cartels as well as end the scourge of illicit fentanyl that is hurting many families.

The U.S. president said they would continue working as strong partners to hold criminals accountable for threatening public health and safety in the two nations. In September, one of El Chapo's sons, Guzman Lopez, pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other charges.

He was arrested by Mexican law enforcement personnel in January and was indicted on U.S. charges three months later. El Chapo was convicted in 2019 of running an international drug empire and smuggling operation. He is serving a life sentence without parole inside a Colorado supermax prison.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that shortly after the arrest of El Nini, he spoke with Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero to thank him for his extraordinary efforts. He added that they were continuing with efforts to have the cartel security chief extradited to the U.S. to face justice for his crimes, according to Reuters.

Read Also: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Accused of Sexually Assaulting Colleague 30 Years Ago

U.S. Seeks El Nini's Extradition

Salas was detained in Culiacan, the heartland of the Sinaloa Cartel, and was later taken to Mexico City. He allegedly led the "Ninis," which is a violent group of security personnel for the Guzman brothers, also known as "Los Chapitos."

U.S. investigators said that El Nini was one of the most feared hitmen for the Chapitos and he was responsible for kidnapping, torturing, and killing rival drug traffickers. At the time of his arrest, soldiers and members of the National Guard swooped down on the Colinas de Rivera neighborhood.

Local Mexican media outlets reported that the individual tried to flee law enforcement personnel by climbing onto the rooftop of a house. However, he seemingly gave up his attempts after shots were fired as a warning.

After his arrest, authorities deployed extra security in Culiacan to prevent any outbreaks of violence, including those that paralyzed the city after the first time that Lopez was arrested, said BBC.

Related Article: Police Arrest Stuart Seldowitz Over Hate Crime Charge After Former Obama Official Harassed Halal Cart Vendor

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24 November 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Ganjiyeva

In recent years, Azerbaijan has started to play a more active role in the world economy. At the heel of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the prices of natural gas hiked, and it triggered the rise of food products worldwide as well. As is known, the raw material of main fertilizers, such as urea, is natural gas. Soaring gas prices made fertilizers unavailable for many countries. Besides, reciprocal embargos imposed by Russia and the West on each other made the situation more drastic.

Thus, many countries have started to look for alternative suppliers and Azerbaijan has been one of the suppliers since 2019. So far, Azerbaijan has exported urea fertilizer to Turkiye, Brazil, India, Bulgaria, and so on. Recently, Pakistan has emerged with a rising interest in Azerbaijani-made urea fertilizer. Pakistan's local media outlets report that the country is holding negotiations on purchasing urea from Azerbaijan, Russia, and China as well as adding the country is facing a shortage of 200,000 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer due to the closure of local fertilizer-producing plants. Besides, the wheat sowing season increases the demand for urea fertilizer in the country.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, Global Business Alliance CEO Muhammad Asif Noor said in his statement that the SOCAR Carbamide plant in Azerbaijan meets 90 percent of the country's nitrogen fertilizer requirement and plays a critical role in the country's agricultural and non-oil export development. He noted that Azerbaijan has been successful in negotiating fertilizer deals with other countries such as Brazil, Turkiye, Moldova, Bulgaria, and India, which further demonstrates its potential to win the negotiations with Pakistan.

Moreover, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have expressed their commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship, as seen in their mutual support on various international issues and the completion of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Azerbaijan's desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in various fields, including petrochemicals, solar energy, and defense production, indicates a willingness to diversify and strengthen its economic and strategic ties. This positions Azerbaijan as the potential winner of these negotiations, Asif Noor said.

He pointed out that Pakistan's potential long-term engagement as a customer for Azerbaijan's carbamide fertilizer is influenced by several key factors. Firstly, the pressing shortage of urea fertilizers in Pakistan, amounting to 200,000 metric tons, stems from the closure of local plants and an escalated demand during the critical wheat sowing season in December and January. He added that the ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan, Russia, and China are dependent on Intergovernmental Agreements (G2G) and the implementation of a transparent price discovery system.

This highlights a commitment to a fair and competitive process in determining both the supply and pricing of fertilizers. Furthermore, Pakistan's strategic decision to diversify its sources of urea fertilizers by exploring alternatives like Azerbaijan indicates a broader strategy aimed at reducing reliance on a single supplier. This approach not only addresses the immediate shortage but also aligns with diplomatic efforts to establish beneficial relationships with various countries for consistent access to essential resources. The friendly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, as evidenced by their historical ties, mutual support, and strategic partnership, suggest the potential for a long-term and enduring partnership between the two countries. Both nations have expressed their commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship, as seen in their mutual support on various international issues and the completion of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement" the expert opined.

He also noted that currently, there is no great cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the field of agriculture. The purchase of urea fertilizer will be one of the first, and it is expected to be a good opportunity for cooperation.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 November 2023 19:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Becoming a global economic partner, Azerbaijan is already recognized as a state with economic and political influence on the Eurasian continent. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan also chairs the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and on this occasion the Summit of heads of state and government of the Member States of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) is being held in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.

SPECA is going to play an important role in developing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and fraternal Central Asian countries. Apart from SPECA member countries, the leaders of Georgia, Hungary and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council participated in the event as honorable guests on Azerbaijan's initiative.

Given that most SPECA member countries are dynamic countries in the world in terms of economy and they have achieved tremendous economic development for 30 years since gaining their independence, the participation of guests of honour could pave the road for evolving the Forum from regional to globally important event. So, Azerbaijan's initiative is worthy of appreciation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an opening speech and stressed the difficulties that the member countries had faced when SPECA was formed.

At the time of SPECAs inception, the Member States were taking their first steps as independent countries. We were facing a multitude of problems and challenges. In the last 25 years, we have overcome major challenges, strengthened our state sovereignty, become valuable members of the international community, and achieved rapid economic development, President Ilham Aliyev said.

To look through the history of member states retrospectively, one could see that the countries faced numerous problems such as demographic, economic, nuclear, territorial disputes, and so on in the 1990s along with gaining independence. However, all these problems could not have a negative impact on the newly independent states. On the contrary, many difficulties as a test made those countries step forward decisively and have a say in their geographical space. For example, Uzbekistan has become the center of machine building in the region, Kazakhstan got rid of nuclear bombs inherited from the USSR, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan became the energy hub, international transit routes such as One Belt One Road and Middle Corridor that pass through the region. Besides, demography increased, once-poor countries gradually turned into middle-income countries over the past three decades. Of course, all these achievements were gained, as the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, due to the strengthening of state sovereignty, becoming valuable members of the international community and political stabilities that set the scene for rapid economic development.

But unfortunately, the global powers are still trying to prevent it, the continuation of conflicts in some countries serves the interests of those forces. As for Azerbaijan, it remains unchanged in its position of peace.

Today, wars, conflicts and bloody clashes are raging in various regions across the globe, whereas, our countries enjoy peace, stability and security, with successful growth and development processes underway. This is a significant accomplishment and success of our states and peoples, the President added.

As for the forces and the countries that acted as tools of the said forces which intended to leave the member states in turmoil, in a nutshell, they failed. Today, in an unstable world, these forces go the extra mile to cooperate with SPECA countries to save the day. Regarding the countries that once acted as tools of these forces, they have lost their credibility. As the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said there are quite a few failed and dependent states worldwide trying to sit on two or more chairs, aiming to serve several patrons and eager to turn their countries into an arena of a standoff between bigger states. History itself gives these countries tough lessons, and surely they will not forget these lessons for centuries. Armenia is one of them, which almost lost its independence. However, SPECA countries have been managed to strengthen statehood and make the world reckon with them.

One of them is Azerbaijans neighbor, Armenia. Such countries cannot be viewed as truly independent. The foreign policy of these countries is not based on their peoples will, and their fate lies in the hands of foreign sponsors. Meanwhile, SPECA Member States are truly independent because they pursue independent foreign and domestic policies, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

Like other member countries, Azerbaijan achieved robust economic development by pursuing independent foreign and domestic policies. Azerbaijans GDP increased by four times, budget revenues grew by 30 times and foreign trade turnover by more than 10 times. In parallel with these economic developments, Azerbaijans direct foreign debt did not hike. On the other words, Azerbaijan gained all these achievements with its own resources. As the President Ilham Aliyev said currently Azerbaijans foreign debt currently accounts for 10 percent of its GDP.

In addition, Azerbaijan could enhance its foreign exchange reserves as well. As is known, currently some countries in the world, suffer from a shortage of foreign exchange reserves and it impacts negatively to their economy. However, due to the long-sighted political and economic measures Azerbaijan is safe from these risks.

Besides, Azerbaijan also has been able to reduce the poverty level has dropped from 50 to 5.5. percent.

We have succeeded in creating a favorable investment climate in our country. 310 billion USD have been invested in Azerbaijan in the last 20 years, nearly 200 billion USD of which is being invested in the non-oil sector of our economy. In recent years, Azerbaijan has invested billions of dollars in its transportation infrastructure, becoming one of Eurasias transportation and logistics hubs located along the East-West and North-South transportation corridors, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

In his address, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also touched on the invasion of 20 percent of Azerbaijans territories by Armenia in the 1990s and the liberation of these lands in 2020. He pointed out that Armenia had not only invaded its neighbors territories but also committed ethnical cleansing. He noted that Azerbaijan had conducted fruitless negotiations for 30 years.

In November 2020, the Azerbaijani people gained the brightest victory of our history. Azerbaijan defeated Armenia in the 44-day Patriotic War and put an end to occupation. We ourselves enforced the four UN Security Council resolutions of 1993 that had remained on paper for 27 years, the President added.

President Aliyev emphasized that Armenia did not comply with its obligations and did not withdraw its 15,000 servicemen from Azerbaijan. They continued terror activities and Azerbaijani military servicemen fell victim to their military provocations.

Azerbaijani President pointed out that to counter these threats and to eliminate the grey zone, Azerbaijan conducted an anti-terror operation in Garabagh on 19-20 September. The Azerbaijani President stressed that in just one day, Azerbaijan fully restored sovereignty over its entire territory.

Today, as a result of all this hard work, Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale projects in the Garabagh economic region. Azerbaijan has not benefited from the financial resources of any state or organization both in the acquisition of its sovereignty and in the construction of newly created cities in the region. All this is an indicator of the economy and political will of Azerbaijan, which is strengthening day by day.

At the end of his speech at the summit, the head of state drew attention to this issue. He informed the participants about the ongoing construction works in Garabagh and expressed his special thanks to the countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that have been of great support within the project.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

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24 November 2023 13:14 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The International Exhibition Centre of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in Urumqi hosted the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum "Year of Tourism 2023," Azernews reports.

The event involves over 300 leaders of tourism organisations, representatives of international organisations, government and business entities, tourism experts, and diplomats from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Algeria, Morocco, and Uzbekistan.

The ceremony was preceded by the presentation of an exhibition showcasing the tourism potential of different countries and various projects in the development of the tourism sector to the guests.

Welcoming remarks to the forum participants were delivered by the Chairman of the XUAR Government of China, Erkin Tunyaz, the Secretary-General of the SCO, Zhang Min, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, Janesh Kain, who briefed on the achievements of the SCO in the field of tourism and the attractiveness of the tourism sector in XUAR and shared future plans.

Azerbaijan is represented at the forum by employees of the State Tourism Agency and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in China.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, an active SCO dialogue partner, was one of the first countries to endorse China's "Belt and Road" program, greatly contributing to its execution with its economic and transportation logistics capacity.

Given the importance of tourism growth to the economy, it is worth noting that Azerbaijan's commercial turnover with SCO member countries climbed by 45.8 percent last year, surpassing $9 billion.

Last year, these countries accounted for 17 percent of Azerbaijan's foreign trade. SCO members have invested more than $12 bln in the economy of Azerbaijan.

The government put $3.2 bln into the economies of SCO members.

As a result, future tourist growth between Azerbaijan and the SCO will be a mutually beneficial partnership.

The SCO Forum "Year of Tourism 2023" is an initiative to promote tourism in the region and to encourage cooperation between the member countries. The forum aims to foster collaboration between the SCO member countries in the tourism industry, to share best practices, and to develop strategies for the development of the tourism sector.

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24 November 2023 14:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Asim Aliyev

A conference discussed the energy security of Britain and the countries of the Caspian basin, regional cooperation, and prospects for the development of the Mediterranean Corridor, which has recently become increasingly of strategic importance.

Azernews reports, citing Azertag, that the Caspian Policy Centre, operating in Washington, USA, jointly with the British International Institute for Strategic Studies organised a conference on Caspian energy security in London.

Addressing the event, the representative of the British Foreign Ministry, Tim Stern, said that next spring the UK will hold a conference on energy security, noting the important role of the Caspian basin countries both in the field of energy security and in the transition to alternative energy sources. He noted that the UK fully supports the development of the Middle Corridor.

The counsellor of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK, Gunel Salimova, informed about the contribution of our country to the regional and global conjuncture, including the activities of the Middle Corridor. Stating Azerbaijan's commitment to a balanced approach to the energy transition, G. Salimova also drew attention to infrastructure and alternative energy projects implemented in the territories liberated from occupation and called on international partners to support the reconstruction carried out by our country in Karabakh.

Director of the Caspian Policy Centre, Afgan Nifti emphased about the strategic importance of the Caspian Basin region, especially its role in the diversification of energy supply, and the work carried out in the field of energy transportation along the middle corridor.

The event, consisting of several panels, was also attended by the Ambassadors of Georgia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan to the UK, a representative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in this country, British diplomat David Moran, member of the Advisory Board of the Caspian Political Centre Eric Rudenshold, as well as experts from British political and academic circles. The speeches emphasized the coordinating role of Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of the international East-West and North-South transport corridors.

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24 November 2023 15:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Asim Aliyev

The Halal Expo exhibition, organised within the framework of the World Halal Summit in Istanbul with the support of the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMB), also demonstrates the products of halal food companies in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is presenting the meat and meat products of 4 companies at the Halal Expo in Istanbul. During the visit to Istanbul, the SMB delegation also took part in the World Halal Summit on the theme "Gateway to the global halal economy: unlocking potential," Azernews reports, citing SMB.

At summit, SMB chairman Orkhan Mamamdov noted that SMB is a leading force in the halal and services sectors. He also briefed summit participants about the support and services provided by SMB as well as the upcoming Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum, scheduled for 2024. It was noted that SMB is represented at the stand of the country at the halal summit regularly held in Tatarstan. This enables Azerbaijani SMBs operating in the field of the halal industry to promote their products and establish contacts with colleagues from other countries. An exhibition of halal products will be organised within the framework of the forum to be held in Baku next year.

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24 November 2023 15:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Asim Aliyev

The International Strategic Communications Summit StratCom 23 started its work in Istanbul on November 24. The summit is held under the auspices of the Communications Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration, Azernews reports.

This year's conference is dedicated to the theme global fight against hybrid threats: stability, security, and solidarity. Azerbaijan is represented by Javid Musayev, Head of the Communications Policy Sector of the Department for Work with Non-governmental Organizations and Communications of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Besides, J. Musayev will take part in the panel session New Dilemmas of Strategic Communications: Information Security and Transparency," which will take place on the second day of the event.

The event, which will last two days, will discuss this topic in nine panel sessions.

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24 November 2023 16:46 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"Western politicians dream of getting Azerbaijan's natural gas," the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, said during the groundbreaking ceremony of Soltanli village in the Jabrail district of Azerbaijan," Azernews reports.

"European leaders, who criticised the Hungarian prime minister for visiting Azerbaijan 13 years ago, are now eager to be photographed with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and hope for gas cooperation with the country," the minister said.

Referring to the reconstruction of the village, Szijjarto said Hungary is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of the Garabagh region and has always expressed support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty.

"For thirteen years, we have worked hard to establish a strong strategic partnership between Hungary and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is considered our trusted ally, and the Azerbaijani people are our friends," the Hungarian minister added.

It should be noted that a solemn ceremony laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village liberated from occupation took place on November 24.

The ceremony was attended by the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts of the East Zangazur Economic Region, Vahid Hajiyev, Labour and Social Protection Minister Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture Anar Guliyev, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, as well as villagers.

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24 November 2023 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture of Azerbaijan Anar Guliyev said at the foundation laying ceremony of Soltanli village of Jabrayil district that more than 5 thousand people will return to the Garabagh Economic region of Azerbaijan by the end of 2023, Azernews reports.

According to him, Soltanli village has become the fifth settlement in Jabrayil district where reconstruction works will be carried out.

The chairman of the committee mentioned that the process of developing master plans for the territories liberated from invasion is ongoing, and added that this year it is planned to complete master plans for about 80 settlements out of 100, which are planned to be restored until 2026.

It should be noted that on 24 November, a solemn ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village liberated from occupation took place.

The ceremony was attended by a Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts of East Zangazur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture Anar Guliyev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, as well as villagers.

Next year, work on the resettlement of Jabrail residents to their native land will begin. Currently, 33 houses for 712 flats are being built in Jabrail, next year it is planned to complete these works.

Special Representative Vahid Hajiyev told reporters at the groundbreaking ceremony for the village of Soltanli in Jabrail district:

"After the reconstruction and restoration works are fully completed, the resettlement of Jebrail residents to their native land will begin. Together with the government of friendly Hungary, the foundation of Soltanli village has already been laid. As it is known, during the 30-year occupation these territories were destroyed, including Jabrail district. Our Hungarian friends have already seen the condition of Soltanli village. By order of President Ilham Aliyev, reconstruction and construction works were started in East Zangazur and Garabagh immediately after the war. Large-scale reconstruction and restoration works are also being carried out in Jebrail. Khorovlu and Shukurbeyli villages are being rebuilt. In Jebrail, 33 houses for 712 flats are being built and it is planned that construction works will be completed next year," Hajiyev said.

Vahid Hajiyev noted that the issue of employment of residents of Soltanli village, the foundation of which was laid today, will also be solved. "Soltanli village has a strategic location. As is known, the main roads pass here - Goradiz-Jebrail-Zangilan motorway and Goradiz-Agbend railway. Besides, the "Araz Valley Economic Zone" is located here. Major investors have already started investing in it. Local residents can also be employed there, contribute to the development of the region," he said.

It should be noted that the official ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village in Jabrayil district took place today.

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24 November 2023 18:10 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The 7th meeting of the Joint Committee on visa regime facilitation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union was held in Baku on 23 November, according to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Azernews reports.

The meeting was attended by officials of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and other state institutions, as well as representatives of the General Directorate for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Union, employees of the European Union Delegation in Azerbaijan, as well as consuls of diplomatic missions of the European Union member states accredited in Azerbaijan.

The sides had a constructive and detailed discussion on the mechanisms of implementation of the simplifications arising from the provisions of the Agreement on Visa Facilitation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union, signed on 29 November 2013, and the prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan in this field.

Referring to the statistical indicators for 15 November 2022 and 2023, it was underlined that there is a significant increase in the number of mutual visits between the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union.

During the meeting, the difficulties faced by the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan in issuing visas to the diplomatic representations of the European Union Member States operating in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the mechanisms of their resolution were brought to the notice of the other side.

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24 November 2023 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A symposium of Turkic word architects has kicked off in Shusha.

The event was organized to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports.

Around 60 architects from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Hungary will hold discussions on restoration, conservation of historical architectural monuments and make presentations.

The forum participants will also focus on improvement of the historical environment

The two-day symposium will feature panel discussions on topics such as Issues, challenges and innovations in reserve management and community outreach, Regeneration policies and documents of historic cities, Legislation on the preservation of monuments and nature reserve cities, Economic and tourist opportunities and challenges of historical cities, Protection of the historical urban environment and its adaptation to modern requirements, etc.

The symposium will last until November 25.

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A Michigan Democratic Senate candidate and actor Hill Harper disclosed on Wednesday that he was approached with a lucrative offer to abandon his Senate campaign.

The proposal, allegedly amounting to $20 million, was intended to sway Harper to instead challenge Rep. Rashida Tlaib in a primary. This revelation has sparked significant intrigue and debate in political circles, as per New York Post.

Harper Rejects $20M Offer in Senate Race Against Tlaib

Harper, known for his role as Dr. Marcus Andrews in the ABC drama "The Good Doctor," publicly rejected this proposal in a social media post. "I didn't intend for a private phone call to turn public.

But now that it has, here's the truth," he wrote, asserting his refusal to be influenced by financial incentives. "One of AIPAC's biggest donors offered $20m if I dropped out of the U.S. Senate race to run against [Tlaib]. I said no. I won't be bossed, bullied, or bought," Harper's post stated emphatically.

The individual behind this offer is reported to be Linden Nelson, a Michigan businessman, as per Politico's coverage. The proposed funding included $10 million in bundled contributions directly to Harper's campaign and another $10 million in independent expenditures on his behalf. The extent of Nelson's donations to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) remains unclear.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, has recently been in the spotlight due to her comments criticizing the Israeli government's military actions against Hamas. Her stance led to a GOP-led resolution passed by the House earlier this month to censure her.

In an interview with CNN, Harper's campaign spokesperson, Karthik Ganapathy, identified Nelson as the donor behind the offer. Nelson's response to these allegations has not been forthcoming, as he did not immediately respond to outreach efforts for comments.

The campaign finance laws in the United States place strict limits on individual donations to candidates. However, bundling contributions within legal limits is permissible, according to CNN.

Read Also: Russian President Vladimir Putin Says He is Prepared for Peace Talks To Stop the 'Tragedy' of the War in Ukraine

Harper's Senate Campaign Faces Legal Scrutiny

Saurav Ghosh, a former Federal Election Commission enforcement lawyer, emphasized that wealthy donors and candidates cannot legally coordinate financing for independent groups that can spend unlimited sums on a candidate's behalf.

Harper's political journey has been marked by challenges. Despite being a first-time candidate and facing a competitive field for an open Senate seat, he has used this incident to amplify his campaign message and garner support. He is competing against candidates like Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who currently leads in fundraising.

This incident sheds light on the intense political dynamics surrounding Tlaib and the broader debates within the Democratic Party over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Tlaib's outspoken criticism of the Israeli government has drawn considerable attention and controversy, reflecting the deep divisions within the party on this issue.

Harper's stance in this situation demonstrates his commitment to political integrity, choosing to publicly reject a significant financial incentive that could have reshaped his political career.

This development is likely to influence the ongoing discussions about campaign financing, political integrity, and the influence of money in politics.

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how this revelation will impact Harper's Senate campaign, Tlaib's political future, and the broader discourse around campaign finance and political integrity in the United States, Politico reported.

Related Article: Far-Right Leader Geert Wilders Wins Dutch Parliamentary Elections

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In May 2015, the first season of Azerbaijan Fashion Week took place in Azerbaijan, marking the beginning of Fashion Weeks in the country.

This large-scale project has become the root cause of the fashion market emergence in the country in many ways. Over the years of its existence, Azerbaijan Fashion Week has retained its status as the main fashion event in Azerbaijan and has exactly become the platform that joins forces of those who are active in the field of fashion.

The project focuses on issues of position and promotion of national brands, and is a platform that brings together fashion designers, buyers, representatives of local and foreign media, and all professionals in this field.

This year, Azerbaijan Fashion Week will be organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture as part of the Creative Hub (Yaradc Hft), which will be held in Baku from November 29 to December 3. This massive event is aiming to attract foreign colleagues to support the popularization of national and regional brands, goods and services, stimulate the development of the fashion sector and improve the tools for solving existing problems in the field of fashion, design and culture in general.

Taking into account the rapid changes in the fashion world, within the framework of Azerbaijan Fashion Week there will be a presentation of the Azerbaijan Fashion Forward competition and a master class by the famous fashion designer Orhan Sultan for young fashion designers studying at universities and fashion schools operating in Azerbaijan. The event will take place on December 2 at 12:00 at the Creative Hub educational and incubation center.

Fashion Week will end with the 15th anniversary fashion show, which will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel on December 3 at 19:00. Not only designers from Azerbaijan, but also designers from the neighboring countries such as Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will present their collections on the catwalk.

As one of the most significant fashion events in Azerbaijan, the Fashion Week will bring together talented designers and will contribute to the further development of this industry in Azerbaijan.

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24 November 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In accordance with the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Fuzuli continues, Azernews reports.

Another group of former IDPs, consisting of 25 families or 72 people, left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh for Fuzuli on November 24.

The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Fuzuli residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Fuzuli has been provided for 283 families - 1000 people.

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24 November 2023 12:38 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

An anti-French protest action was held in the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea. The participants of the action against colonialism took the flag of Azerbaijan to the front rows, attaching it to the podium, Azernews reports.

The UN and New Caledonia flags were also raised in the action, which, according to media reports, was attended by up to 10,000 protesters.

The protesters chanted slogans against France's colonial policy and demanded independence.

Azerbaijan, as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, pays special attention to the fight against the neo-colonialism of France and exposes this country in the international arena.

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24 November 2023 15:06 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, is acquainted with the exhibition entitled "SPECA Exhibition: Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development," which opened in the Baku Expo Centre on November 24, Azernews reports.

The exhibition was organised on a special initiative of Azerbaijan within the framework of SPECA Week, the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev informed the high-level guests about the exhibition. It was reported that the exhibition, organised on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of SPECA, features stands from SPECA countries only. The stands exhibit samples of products of state enterprises and private companies from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All stands were set up by Azerbaijan in a uniform design format.

The President of Tajikistan familiarised himself with the products manufactured under the Made in Azerbaijan brand in the centre of the Azerbaijani national stand of the exhibition. It was noted that alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, canned products, confectionery, dried fruits, dairy products, and cosmetics produced by 33 companies of Azerbaijan, as well as handicrafts of ABAD craftsmen, are presented here.

It was reported that 88 types of defence products, including various types of firearms, close combat weapons, mortars, ammunition of various calibres, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc., produced in the institutions of the Ministry of Defence are on display here. Unlike previous exhibitions, this exhibition is the first to showcase the newly created large-calibre machine gun, "AN-12.7".

Then the President of Tajikistan familiarised himself with the national stands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, the distinguished guest left a note in the book of honoured guests.

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24 November 2023 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

The Summit of heads of state and government of the Member States of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia  SPECA has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the Summit.

President Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government participating in the Summit.

They posed together for a group photo.

The head of state addressed the Summit.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear heads of state and government,

Dear representatives of the international organizations,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I extend my sincere greetings to you and welcome our guests.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Currently, Azerbaijan holds the Chairmanship of SPECA. Multifaceted relations between our countries have developed successfully in the past 25 years, yet it is the first-ever Summit of the SPECA Member States. I express my gratitude to the heads of the Central Asian states for supporting Azerbaijans initiative on holding the Summit. Today, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan cooperate successfully across a number of multilateral platforms. Upon my invitation, the prime ministers of Georgia and Hungary and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council are attending the Summit as the guests of honor. I am confident that the Summit with such a composition will pave the way to a broader format of economic cooperation.

At the time of SPECAs inception, the Member States were taking their first steps as independent countries. We were facing a multitude of problems and challenges. In the last 25 years, we have overcome the major challenges, strengthened our state sovereignty, become valuable members of the international community and achieved rapid economic development. Another factor uniting our countries is the political stability. Without stability, no economic growth can be achieved. Today, wars, conflicts and bloody clashes are raging in various regions across the globe, whereas, our countries enjoy peace, stability and security, with successful growth and development processes underway. This is a significant accomplishment and success of our states and peoples.

There are quite a few failed and dependent states worldwide trying to sit on two or more chairs, aiming to serve several patrons and eager to turn their countries into an arena of a standoff between bigger states. One of them is Azerbaijans neighbor, Armenia. Such countries cannot be viewed as truly independent. The foreign policy of these countries is not based on their peoples will, and their fate lies in the hands of foreign sponsors. Meanwhile, SPECA Member States are truly independent because they pursue independent foreign and domestic policies.

We welcome the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the 25th anniversary of SPECA. The SPECA Trust Fund was established under the auspices of the UN. Azerbaijan will allocate 3.5 million US dollars to the Trust Fund.

The economic forum, held on the sidelines of the SPECA Week in Baku, will contribute to fostering business ties between our countries. The exhibition in the Baku Expo Center vividly portrays the development in our countries.

Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia are bound by centuries-long historical and cultural ties. Azerbaijan and Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural and geopolitical space, with increasing strategic significance. This September, I was invited for the first time to the Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, as the guest of honor. Once again, I express my gratitude for the invitation. I consider todays Summit as a logical follow-up to the Dushanbe meeting.

Azerbaijans robust economy enables the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. In the last 20 years, Azerbaijans GDP has grown by four times. Budget revenues have increased by 30 times and foreign trade turnover by more than 10 times.

Azerbaijans direct foreign debt currently accounts for 10 percent of its GDP. Foreign exchange reserves exceed our direct foreign debt by 10 times. The poverty level has dropped from 50 to 5.5. percent.

We have succeeded in creating a favorable investment climate in our country. 310 billion USD have been invested in Azerbaijan in the last 20 years, nearly 200 billion USD of which being invested in the non-oil sector of our economy.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has invested billions of dollars in its transportation infrastructure, becoming one of Eurasias transportation and logistics hubs located along the East-West and North-South transportation corridors.

Dear colleagues,

In the early years of our independence, nearly 20 percent of our internationally recognized territory was occupied by Armenia. As a result of Armenias policy of ethnic cleansing, over one million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their ancestral lands.

Almost 30-year-long negotiations yielded no results, as Armenia aimed to perpetuate the occupation. The statement by Armenias prime minister in the then-occupied city of Khankendi Karabakh is Armenia, full stop completely ruined the negotiations.

In November 2020, the Azerbaijani people gained the brightest victory of our history. Azerbaijan defeated Armenia in the 44-day Patriotic War and put an end to occupation. We ourselves enforced the four UN Security Council resolutions of 1993 that had remained on paper for 27 years.

Regrettably, even after that, Armenia failed to comply with its obligations. Around 15-thousand-strong military contingent of Armenias armed forces were left stationed in Azerbaijans sovereign territories. Our military servicemen fell victim to their military provocations.

To counter these threats and to eliminate the grey zone, we conducted an anti-terror operation in Karabakh on 19-20 September. In just one day, we fully restored sovereignty over our entire territory, including the town of Khojaly, where a genocide against our people had been committed in 1992. Azerbaijan eradicated aggressive separatism in its territory. I express my gratitude to all countries who have congratulated Azerbaijan on this historic victory.

Currently, the large-scale restoration and reconstruction works are being carried out across the liberated territories. We are building new cities and villages from scratch. As an initial step, we are planning to restore 100 residential settlements, including nine cities and eight settlements. Former internally displaced persons are returning to their ancestral lands under the Great Return Program. 140 thousand IDPs will return to their homes by the end of 2026.

A school for 960 students named after Mirzo Ulugbek which is Uzbekistans present to Azerbaijan, was inaugurated this August in the city of Fuzuli. A gift by Kazakhstan, a creativity center named after Kurmangazy, is under construction and will be unveiled next year in Fuzuli. Once again, I thank President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev for this brotherly support.

In conclusion, I am grateful to the heads of state and government for accepting my invitation and attending the Summit. I express my confidence that this Summit will give a new impetus to our relations.

x x x

Then, other heads of state and government, as well as heads of international organizations made a speech.

Noting that the Summit will create a good foundation for the further development of cooperation between the participating countries, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said:

- Distinguished heads of state, dear participants. First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to His Excellency Ilham Heydar oglu, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for organizing the SPECA Summit in the beautiful city of Baku, the pearl of the Caspian Sea. I would also like to say that I want to greet the heads of state of Central Asian countries and other guests participating in today's Summit.

This year marks the chairmanship of Azerbaijan in SPECA. I believe that the results achieved will create a good foundation for our cooperation in many areas, which will be continued on the basis of transparency, sincerity and mutual trust.

x x x

Thanking Azerbaijan for the successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov noted:

- Honorable President Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, honorable heads of delegations, dear ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for the traditional hospitality, active and successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), and excellent organization of our anniversary Summit.

x x x

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for having managed to achieve positive solutions to many issues during the chairmanship.

- His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

Dear ladies and gentlemen.

Dear colleagues.

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, my friend and brother Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who has made sure that this Summit is organized at the highest level. I want to congratulate brotherly Azerbaijan on its successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program.

I also want to note that you personally, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, were the author of at least two major breakthroughs in the direction of SPECA. First, for the first time in SPECA's 25-year history, you raised it to the level of the heads of state of participating countries. Secondly, the establishment of this Trust Fund had been pending for a long time, but you managed to achieve a positive solution to this issue during your chairmanship.

x x x

Touching upon the importance of the Summit for the member countries, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said:

- I also join the words of appreciation addressed to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev. As you know, the SPECA Summit is taking place today and I want to express our gratitude to him for the warm welcome.

We want to note that state-of-the-art trade and logistical centers and special economic zones are being established in border areas. From this perspective, we highly value the restoration of historical justice in the liberated districts of Azerbaijan under the leadership of Honorable Ilham Aliyev and would like to point to the incredible construction work Azerbaijan is implementing in those places. In fact, I am sure that positive and promising changes will open up new opportunities for the development of regional cooperation.

x x x

Expressing his gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for inviting him to participate in the Summit in Baku, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili noted:

- Dear Mr. President, dear Prime Ministers.

Dear Summit participants.

I am greeting my beloved Azerbaijan and SPECA.

It is a great honor for me to participate in this meeting as a guest of honor. First of all, I want to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the hospitality. Thank you very much. Thank you for inviting me to the beautiful city of Baku.

I want to congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of this organization. This organization is a great platform for sustainable development of the region.

Azerbaijan is our valuable neighbor and strategic partner. We are proud to state that wonderful relations have been developing at the highest level between our countries for centuries.

x x x

Congratulating President Ilham Aliyev for his personal efforts both in this region and in global politics, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban said:

- Dear Mr. President.

Dear colleagues.

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the kind invitation. Coming to the beautiful city of Baku is a very pleasant occurrence for me. I bring the warmest greetings from Hungary and want to congratulate you on reviving the SPECA initiative.

The friendship between Azerbaijan and Hungary is not only about gas. We are building a fraternal relationship. We are brotherly countries and very strong energy relations have recently been established between our countries.

We support this development initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. The trade turnover between our two countries has started to set records. We want to be more active in investment. The first natural gas from Azerbaijan has already reached Hungary.

In conclusion, President Aliyev, I would like to congratulate you once again for your personal efforts both in this region and in global politics. You are promoting the principles of mutual trust and respect in global politics. Hungary is ready to participate in the development of Central Asian economies in all forms. Thank you on behalf of Hungary.

x x x

Emphasizing that today's Summit is a platform that creates great opportunities for the economic development of the countries of the region, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khojamurad Geldimuradov said:

- First of all, I convey President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's greetings and wishes for the success of this event to all participants in the SPECA Summit and to President Ilham Aliyev.

I would like to sincerely congratulate all of you on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of SPECA. This is a rare platform, a platform that creates great opportunities for the economic development of states of the region.

x x x

Stressing the importance of this event in terms of discussing urgent issues to be resolved by SPECA member countries, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Tatiana Molcean said:

- Please allow me to express my gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan and especially to President Ilham Aliyev for the warm hospitality extended to us and for organizing this event  the Summit and SPECA week in general  at such a high level.

As you may know, after 25 years, SPECA is still gaining momentum by means of such events. As you know, a special resolution on SPECA was recently adopted at the session of the UN General Assembly in New York. I want to congratulate Azerbaijan and all other participants on such an important occasion.

The initiative has been voiced here to create the Trust Fund. We would also like this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. We are aware that there will be mainly voluntary transfers of funds here. We welcome Azerbaijan's decision to voluntarily allocate funds. We look forward to other partners following this example.

x x x

Thanking the Azerbaijani side for the high hospitality, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said:

- I want to express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. President Aliyev and the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting this remarkable Summit.

x x x

Noting that the Summit will give impetus to the strengthening of relations between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the countries of Central Asia, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said:

- Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion I would like to once again express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for inviting me here. I want to thank the Government and people of Azerbaijan for inviting me here. This step  the joint efforts of both sides  is aimed at strengthening the relations between countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and those of Central Asia.

x x x

Concluding the summit, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Thank you, dear friends.

Two draft documents to be adopted at the current Summit  the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor  have been discussed by delegations of the SPECA participating countries and agreement has been reached on the texts that can be considered acceptable to all parties.

Are there any further ideas on these documents?

Thank you.

Thus, in conclusion of the SPECA Baku Summit, the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor, are considered to have been adopted.

This concludes the Summit.

I would like to thank the heads of state and government and heads of international organizations for participating in the summit.

Thank you.

x x x

The Summit ended with the adoption of the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 November 2023 18:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Asim Aliev

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, answered questions from Armenian citizens and representatives of the Diaspora live. At the meeting, he informed about the shortcomings of the reform in water resources management, which can create a problem for the country, Azernews reports

The Armenian Prime Minister informed that there are serious problems in the water sector.

Although the level of water losses has decreased to some extent, currently it is 60-70 percent. Only 40 liters out of 100 liters of water released from any tank reach farmers. There are many reasons for this. The problem is primarily related to the breakdown of the irrigation system. There are also problems in terms of effective management.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that Armenia needs serious reforms in the field of water management. He noted that in the conditions of global climate change, water will gradually decrease. Without changes, the government will face serious problems.

According to the Prime Minister, the methods that used in agriculture for 25 years are not used in the modern world. He noted that 15 reservoirs are planned to be built in the country.

But there is only one company in Armenia that is engaged in their design. This company will not be able to fulfill the requirements set by the government. This is also a problem."

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 November 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rossiya airline is considering an opportunity of resuming flights to Indonesia, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"We are interested and working on the issue of resuming flights to Indonesia," he said.

Russian airlines can restart flights to Indonesia and begin flying to the Philippines, Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev said yesterday.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The World Bank presented a Country Report on climate change and development of Uzbekistan. In particular, the banks specialists estimated the potential of the republics green exports at $2 billion per year, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

The World Bank notes the governments inability to fully finance the green transition, since already in 2022 government spending exceeded 34% of GDP - higher than in many similar countries. If half of the investments in the green transition are carried out by the state, then Uzbekistans public debt ratio will exceed the permissible limit of 70% of GDP before 2050.

The international bank recommends improving the management of public expenditures and increasing their efficiency.

According to the report, it is necessary to strive to balance the state budget through measures to reduce ineffective spending - such as tax breaks and energy subsidies  and attract additional revenue.

The World Bank also proposes eliminating energy subsidies and introducing carbon pricing through the introduction of a carbon tax. As a result, this will stimulate private investment and create incentives for the transition to a green economy.

The implementation of the proposed measures could bring the budget of Uzbekistan up to 5% of GDP during the transition period.

Additional revenues could be used to provide subsidies to improve residential energy efficiency and finance low-carbon government programs.

The rejection of subsidies for gas, electricity and heating is motivated by the fact that in 2020 Uzbekistan was among the 25 countries in the world with the highest energy subsidies, allocating 6.6% of GDP to this. Moreover, gas and electricity prices are among the lowest in the world, creating obstacles to their efficient use and draining government finances.

Moreover, these subsidies limit the financial capacity of the Government of Uzbekistan to address other pressing priorities such as education and health, since in recent years the Government of Uzbekistan has been annually sending direct budget transfers of approximately US$1.0-1.5 billion to the energy sector. ", the report says.

The gradual increase in tariffs chosen by the Uzbek government will mitigate the decline in the level of well-being of the population and the increase in poverty.

In addition, the introduction of carbon pricing  a tax and tradable allowance  will increase the cost of activities that lead to emissions. At the same time, low-carbon alternatives will become more attractive  especially as emissions prices scale up.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Qatar's Power International Holding invests in the implementation of projects in Uzbekistan, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

The chairman of the Tourism Committee, Umid Shodiyev, met with the Qatari delegation led by the deputy board chairman of the company, Maurice Gattas. At the meeting, he provided information about tourism opportunities in the country.

The parties discussed the implementation of projects aimed at the development of tourism infrastructure in Uzbekistan.

The company wants to allocate funds for the construction of a railway for high-speed trains on the Tashkent-Samarkand route. In addition, there is a project to build a toll road in this direction.

The sides also discussed the issues of financing the construction of hotels in the historical cities of the country and the building of an international all-season theme park in the Tashkent region.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 November 2023 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

Pakistan has filed an official request to join the BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has told, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"Yes, I can confirm that Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, which we believe is an important grouping of developing countries," Baloch said.

In her words, Pakistan has friendly relations with the majority of BRICS members and countries that were recently invited to join the organization.

"We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalizing inclusive multilateralism," Baloch added.
North Korea's spy satellite launch is already in orbit, as recently claimed by the NoKor government. This announcement raises concerns in South Korea, Japan, as well as Western countries, such as the U.S.

However, Kim Jong Un defended the controversial surveillance technology against criticisms. He shared his comments when he visited the National Aerospace Technology Administration.

Here's what the North Korean president said about their advanced spy satellite.

North Korea's Spy Satellite Is For Self-Defense?

According to NBC News' latest report, North Korean President Kim Jong Un said that the spy satellite launch, which happened on Tuesday, Nov. 21, is an "eye-opening" effort.

He explained that this space event is critical in the face of the "dangerous and aggressive" actions of the hostile forces. KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) shared what the North Korean leader said.

Based on KCNA's report, the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) ruler have the right to have possession of a reconnaissance satellite since they are fully exercising their right to self-defense.

This just shows that despite the criticisms from different countries across the globe, North Korea will retain its strong stance that there's nothing wrong in launching its spy satellite.

The North Korean government even hosted a celebration on Thursday, Nov. 23. During the reception, Premier Kim Tok Hun shared his excitement, saying that the surveillance tech will help the NoKor military become the "world's best army possessed of capability for striking the whole world."

Read Also: North, South Korea Ditch Military Defense Deal After SoKor Suspends Border Agreement With NoKor

Why North Korea's Spy Satellite is Criticized

CNN World reported that North Korea's advanced spy satellite will give it a huge advantage when it comes to global surveillance.

Experts claimed that this spacecraft is capable of sending HD images of critical U.S. bases, as well as military facilities in South Korea and Japan.

With these photos, North Korea can effectively target the most critical infrastructures of its opponents.

Aside from this, the spy satellite is also believed to have the capability to guide North Korea's missiles to hit targets more accurately.

But, the main reason why North Korea's spy satellite is criticized is it is considered to be a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolution, which restricts DPRK from using ballistic missiles and other similar technologies.

Related Article: Russia Allegedly Helped North Korea's Spy Satellite, Which Is Now Reportedly in Orbit

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
24 November 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00)

The Krasnoyarsk Region plans to begin regular tourist flights to the North Pole via the Taymyr in 2024, deputy head of the governor's administration Yulia Filatova told, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

As yet, when tourists want to get to the North Pole, they get to the Spitsbergen Archipelago, and there they take an Antonov An-74 flight to the Barneo Ice Base, and further on onboard a Mil Mi-8 helicopter they eventually reach the North Pole. The new route via the Taimyr will be from the village of Khatanga.

"If everything goes well, and we are moving actively in this direction, then from next April these flights will be regular," the regional administration's representative said.

A hotel in Khatanga has been restored, the local airport's runway has been upgraded, and there is a new tour operator for such products, she continued adding the route's logistics had been determined. "The outstanding issues are the border control, the aircraft - since it will be a commercial product, and we as the state would not be selling it, tour operators will sell it," she said. One of the purposes of the test flight via the Taimyr to the North Pole earlier in the year was to check the infrastructures, she added.

Khatanga is one of the northernmost settlements in the region, where more than 2,000 people live. Air communication is the only year-round option to get to that settlement, and the navigation option is available for just one month - from late August to late September.
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This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is CJ Staff One of the latest legal battles over North Carolina's certificate-of-need regime involves a fight in Durham County between two of the region's major health care providers. At stake are 40 new hospital beds and two operating rooms.State regulators and lawyers representing UNC Health filed separate briefs this week with the state Court of Appeals. Both briefs defended the Department of Health and Human Services' September 2021 decision to award a certificate of need to UNC Health for a new 40-bed hospital with two operating rooms in southern Durham County.The CON is a government permission slip health care providers must secure before moving forward with new hospital beds, facilities, and major pieces of medical equipment.The state's decision favoring UNC Health came at the same time regulators rejected competing proposals to add 40 beds and two operating rooms to Duke Health's existing campus at Duke University Hospital.Duke Health challenged the decision. An administrative law judge upheld the state's ruling.wrote UNC Health's lawyers.The UNC Health brief noted Duke Health's current dominance of health care supply in Durham.UNC's winning proposal would beaccording to the brief.The state's brief emphasized that UNC Health's proposal was theandto the Duke Health plan. That was based on the proposed location and the fact that UNC Health would serve as a new provider in Durham.state lawyers wrote.Duke Health filed its opening brief in the case in June. It challenged both the regulators' decision and the administrative law judge's ruling.Duke lawyers argued.Lawyers for Duke Health will have a chance to respond to the latest arguments from state regulators and UNC Health before a three-judge Appeals Court panel considers the case.
The Irish have been fuming for some time over their "woke" government importing illegal alien migrants into the country. That furor came to a boil when an Algerian-born knifeman made a mass stabbing attack at an Irish school injuring one adult and several children, two seriously. The children were lined up outside their elementary school with a staff member. The staff member was seriously injured protecting the children, and a 5 year old girl is fighting for her life after emergency surgery.

The response was mass anti-migrant riots in the Irish capital of Dublin, with protesters shouting "Get Them Out" and "Ireland for the Irish", and carryiing Irish flags and signs saying "Irish lives matter." Several hotels housing illegal alien migrants were set on fire, along with police vehicles. The police were driven from the city center at one point, and there were rumors of the army being called in, but police reinforcements ultimately claimed back control.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12785095/Get-Furious-Dubliners-drive-police-City-Centre-five-people-including-three-children-stabbed-unverified-rumours-swirl-suspect-foreign-national.html

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2023/11/23/riots-erupt-dublin-immigrant-accused-mass-stabbing-attack-children/

https://rmx.news/crime/man-arrested-for-mass-stabbing-spree-outside-dublin-primary-school-3-children-and-a-woman-injured/

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/get-em-out-riots-erupt-in-dublin-after-school-attack-by-alleged-migrant/

https://rmx.news/ireland/irish-pm-doubles-down-on-support-for-mass-immigration-after-child-stabbings/

https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/11/24/algerian-migrant-stabs-children-in-ireland-irish-pm-says-government-is-too-white-n2166766

One Irish celebrity who has spoken out on this issue is MMA Champ Conor McGregor, who posted "We are not backing down. We are only warming up. There will be no backing down until real change is implemented for the safety of our nation. We are not losing any more of our women and children to sick and twisted people who should not even be in Ireland in the first place."

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/11/most-divisive-all-is-weak-man-mma-champ/

https://bigleaguepolitics.com/irish-mma-star-conor-mcgregor-calls-for-war-after-migrant-mass-stabbing-incident-in-ireland/

Meanwhile in the quaint French village of Crepol, a group of young Muslim knifemen waited outside the village hall where a party was going on and set upon those leaving, killing a 16-year old French teen and seriously wounding several others, while yelling Arabic slurs against white people, and openly shouting that they "came to kill white people". The Muslim youths arrived from a neighboring town and some of them have been arrested.

https://rmx.news/crime/we-came-to-kill-white-people-9-arrested-for-murder-of-french-teen-in-mass-stabbing-attack/
The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now underway on Friday (November 24) after it was delayed by a day due to discrepancies between the two parties.

The pause took effect at 07:00 local time (05:00 UTC) as agreed upon.

Around 13 Israeli women and children hostages would be liberated by 16:00 (14:00 UTC) Friday afternoon in exchange for around 39 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, if the 3:1 prisoner swap ratio would be strictly adhered to.

Additional aid was also expected to flow into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing in the south as part of the truce deal.

Reuters journalists also reported that Israeli tanks were moving away from the northern end of the Gaza Strip and aid trucks rolled in from Egypt.

No aircraft was also heard by the time the truce took effect.

Read Also: Qatar Says Truce to Begin 07:00 on Nov. 24 - At Least 3 Americans Included in Prisoner Swap

Israel, Hamas Say War Continues Despite Truce

Both sides have also indicated that it was a brief four-day truce at least and that the war would continue once the prisoner exchange had been completed.

Hamas confirmed that all hostilities from its fighters would cease in adherence to the truce, but Hamas militant spokesperson Abu Ubaida stressed that it was "temporary."

Israel also said the fighting would resume once all parts of the deal were fulfilled.

"This will be a short pause, at the conclusion of which the war (and) fighting will continue with great might and will generate pressure for the return of more hostages," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement.

While not yet a party to the conflict, Hezbollah was widely expected to halt its attacks to the north of Israel, the Associated Press added.

The Israeli military also told Palestinians via leaflets dropped from military planes not to try to return to homes in the northern part of Gaza, which it described as a "dangerous war zone."

Related Article: Families of Hamas Hostages Express Concern as Ceasefire in Gaza Delayed, Israel Continues Attacks

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Psychological thriller writer Sophie Hannah is bringing a first-of-its-kind production to Amazon Prime

When a murder mystery meets a musical, entertaining things happen. Thats the overarching impression of The Mystery of Mr E, the first ever film to combine the two genres.

Written by award-winning crime writer Sophie Hannah  whose books have been sold in 51 countries  and directed by Martyn Tott, the film is released tomorrow on Amazon Prime.

Meet John and George Danes, whose jobs as The Generalists see them undertake many strange tasks for all kinds of peculiar people. Theyre about to leave for their next job at Idlewyld House when a stranger arrives, saying, I am the murderer, before disappearing, leaving only his card.

The Danes arrive at their designated location enquiring about a murder, only to be told none has occurred... Until one of the house guests is found dead at the foot of the stairs.

Normally if youve seen the murderer and heard him say, Im the murderer, then everythings solved. But I wanted that to be the beginning of the mystery rather than the end of it, explains Sophie.

I was really excited about that. I thought that was actually quite typical of my kinds of plots in a way that I do. I like to start with something very unusual and weird where the reader goes like, What is going on? That kind of felt very in my wheelhouse.

Then the sort of comic absurdity and the musical element, those are all things I really love. Ive written comic fiction before. Before I started writing crime, I wrote three novels that were kind of black comedies really, and Ive always loved musicals.

Rather than feel outside her comfort zone, Sophie felt this was exactly where she was meant to be.

It was like a dream; everything just fell into place.

I have this brilliant friend of mine, Annette, who wrote the music to go with my lyrics and it really felt as though it was meant to be, almost like a sort of predestined thing. I dont necessarily believe in that, but it really did feel that way.

Peter and Clemency Landrigan (Martyn Spendlove and Anna Franklin)  Landrigan Entertainment Ltd

The Mystery of Mr E began as a musical which Sophie wrote for her childrens school but was soon being performed at literary festivals. When she was in a position to turn her stage production into a screen one, alongside independent filmmaker Martyn, Sophie jumped at it.

Normally what happens if a writer gets anything made for the screen, they sell the rights to a TV or film company, and then their ability to have a say in anything is really limited from that point on. But because Martyn and I decided to do it, and were friends apart from anything else, we were able to stick to a very clear vision; it is what we wanted it to be, explains Sophie.

I wanted it to be as close to the stage version as possible, and Martyn wanted to do that as well, but to also kind of optimise it so that it worked brilliantly for film.

There were bits where he explained that things had to be different because some things that work on the stage dont work in a film, but we just have these endless opportunities to talk about everything and agree everything, so both of us have ended up thinking, Yeah, this is exactly the movie we wanted to make, which is so rare.

Having watched the film, she was delighted that everything was even better than shed hoped.

At a time when quite a lot of movies are about yet another Marvel cartoon  not that theres anything wrong with those movies  but for ours to come out at this particular moment in time, it just really feels as though its the perfect time for such an unusual and very imaginative and quirky movie to come out, she says.

I can imagine people watching it and thinking, This is so different from everything else, and yet, at the same time, recognisably part of a very popular genre.

So, in terms of the sort of mystery genre element, I think anyone who enjoyed Knives Out would love it because it is basically a puzzle-based murder mystery with a country house and lots of weird suspects. And thats a very familiar and satisfying and popular formula, but our take on it is a very, very unusual one.

George and John Danes (James and Harry Knight)  Landrigan Entertainment Ltd

Detectives John and George are played by twins James and Harry Knight, chosen after starring in a Watford school production.

In the school version [they] played Devaux Russell and Mr E, says Sophie.

But when we were thinking about how to cast The Generalist, who in the stage version was one character, Martyn said, Well, what about James and Harry? Why dont we have twin detectives and call them The Generalists? It added a whole new interesting angle, not only to have twin detectives, but also to have them being so young.

But it adds, I think, a certain kind of aspect of surrealism almost. There are the two incredibly young men, twin brothers, who are already well established as The Generalists and live in this enormous, beautiful house  its just a bit surreal.

Like a lot of the elements of the movie, everything follows the internal logic thats been created, but its a very bizarre kind of logic.

Theres a French teacher at Oscars school who insists on pretending shes an American prosecutor, who keeps saying, Objection, your honour, because she doesnt want to be a teacher, she wants to be a blowhard Arizona prosecutor. So, there are all these kinds of very bizarre details. But everything makes sense within that slightly bizarre reality that were inhabiting.

Mr E close up (Kevin Dixon)  Landrigan Entertainment Lt

The film, which runs to 90 minutes, has been carefully trimmed and edited: Martyn said it cannot be a second too long. Its an exercise that Sophie, who writes a series of novels continuing Agatha Christies Hercule Poirots adventures, knows well.

The way I write, I always overwrite at first and then I always go and trim it down. My latest Poirot novel [Hercule Poirots Silent Night], the first draft was 120,000 words and the final draft was 85,000 words. I was able to cut 35,000 words and barely felt as though I was losing anything.

Sophie, known for her psychological thrillers, says its a genre of which she never gets bored.

The one thing I dont struggle with as a writer is ideas. Ive always got ideas for new and exciting plots that I want to write.

I definitely disagree with whoever it is that says there are only seven plots, because Ive got at least 10 waiting in the wings that havent been done before.

What really excites me is an intriguing story hook that I can then use to create a really unpredictable story where the reader just wont be able to get something. Hopefully when you watch the mystery, you [wont] guess until its all revealed.

Author and playwright Sophie Hannah

The Mystery of Mr E is available on Amazon Prime from November 25. Hercule Poirots Silent Night by Sophie Hannah is out now
A 40-year-old man who launched an unprovoked and racially motivated attack whilst armed with a vodka bottle was sentenced today.

Samuel Patterson, who appeared at Belfast Crown Court with 129 previous convictions, was handed a sentence of three years and two months by Judge Philip Gilpin.

The father-of-two, from Strathearn Park in the city, was told half his sentence will be served in prison followed by the same period on licence.

Patterson had attended a family wedding and was walking along East Bridge Street on the evening of November 28 last year when he approached a couple at a bus stop.

After asking them where he could get a taxi, the injured party, who is from Sweden, directed Patterson to the nearby Lanyon Place Train Station.

Read more Belfast taxi-driver accused of threatening passenger with imitation gun to stand trial

Patterson then asked the injured party where he was from. The victim told Patterson he was from Sweden, to which Patterson told him in an aggressive manner: You are a foreigner.

After Patterson came close, the injured party felt he was going to be attacked. He pushed Patterson and told him to stay away.

Patterson continued his aggressive behaviour and when the injured party said he was going to call the police, Patterson called him a tout and shouted racial slurs.

As he backed away, the injured party was then struck with a vodka bottle in the face by Patterson.

As he and his partner made their way to the train station where they obtained assistance from staff, Patterson got into a taxi.

Police were called and were able to stop the taxi and arrest Patterson, who was noted to be heavily intoxicated and in possession of an intact quarter bottle of vodka.

He told police he had been in a fight with a foreigner and at one point asked: Is the wee man all right?

The injured party was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he was treated for a 5cm wound to his left eye, which required stitches, as well as a fractured lower left eye socket.

Despite giving a no comment response during a police interview and a date being set for a trial, Patterson subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Crown barrister Robin Steer said Pattersons previous sustained offending  which included an assault on two men outside an east Belfast chip shop  was an aggravating factor.

Mr Steer added that the attack last November was unprovoked and racially motivated.

Defence barrister Richard McConkey acknowledged the slurs directed at the injured party and said they were not racist, but were instead very unpleasant comments made by a drunk man who was ranting like a lunatic.

Read more Former circus strongman jailed for historic sexual abuse of child

Mr McConkey raised Pattersons long-standing addiction to alcohol, which he said was the bane of his clients life and the root of his offending.

The barrister also accepted Pattersons criminal record was unattractive but said steps were now being taken to address his alcohol issues.

Telling Patterson, who attended the sentence hearing via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry, the custody threshold had been passed, Judge Gilpin imposed the sentence.
A Belfast taxi-driver is to stand trial accused of threatening a passenger with an imitation gun, a court ordered today.

Brian Stalford was recorded allegedly using the fake pistol to strike the man over a suspected drugs debt.

District Judge George Conner ruled that the 49-year-old has a case to answer based on dashcam footage of the incident.

He also refused a renewed application by the defendant to be released on bail.

Stalford, of Park Avenue in the city, is charged with possessing an imitation firearm, namely a handgun resembling a Desert Eagle self-loading pistol, with intent to cause fear of violence.

He faces further counts of common assault and making threats to kill during the same taxi journey.

Northern Ireland taxi driver pulls gun on terrified passenger over alleged drugs debt

The alleged offences were committed on a date unknown between March 1 and June 2 this year.

Detectives launched an investigation after the footage, believed to have neen recorded in Holywood, Co Down, appeared online and went viral.

The clip showed Stalford dressed in a fonaCAB uniform and pointing a suspected gun directly at his front seat passengers face, previous courts heard.

Read more Sacked taxi driver denied bail as court told he is East Belfast UVF enforcer

Prosecutors claimed it was related to a drugs enterprise and that the defendant issued a threat to take the mans head off.

Stalford then allegedly told him to works his debt off and stated: You are lucky Im not taking your f****** knees out.

At one point he struck the man in the face with the muzzle.

Stalford, who accepts being in the dashcam footage, was sacked by fonaCAB after the recording was sent to the firm.

Denying the charges, he claimed the incident had been a consensual planned prank involving a toy gun.

At Belfast Magistrates' Court today his lawyer argued that the assault and threats to kill charges should be dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Defence solicitor Mark Austin insisted there is no statement of complaint or precision about when the alleged offences were committed.

How could Mr Stalford ever accept there is a prima facie case for such a wide-ranging complaint when he cant meet his accusers? he asked.

Mr Austin also contended that the dashcam footage had been heavily edited and was obtained by police in bizarre circumstances now being investigated by the PSNIs anti-corruption department.

However, the judge held there was sufficient prima facie evidence for all three charges to proceed.

Stalford, who appeared remotely from HMP Maghaberry for the preliminary enquiry, confirmed that he understood the allegations but declined to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage.

Granting the prosecutions application for the case to proceed, Mr Conner confirmed that bail was again being denied.

He told Stalford: You will be returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed. That will be in custody.
The long-running terrorist trial involving dissident Colin Duffy reached a significant step today, almost a decade after a gun attack on police which prompted the charges.

Following a trial which commenced in March 2019, legal teams for Duffy (56) and co-accused Henry Fitzsimons (56) officially closed the defence cases on behalf of their clients at Belfast Crown Court.

A further hearing will be held in the new year after which Mr Justice OHara will prepare his judgement.

Duffy and Fitzsimons were charged with offences arising from a gun attack on a police convoy in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on December 5, 2013.

The following day, the security services secretly recorded a discussion, which took place in a park in Lurgan, about the shooting.

Police were provided with the audio from the recording and made a transcript of words which officers believed were spoken, which were attributed to the two accused.

Henry Fitzsimons

Both Duffy, with an address as HMP Maghaberry, and Fitzsimons, of Dunmore Mews in Belfast, were subsequently charged with  and denied  preparing and directing terrorism, and membership or professing to be members of the IRA.

Fitzsimons was also charged with attempting to murder police in the convoy on December 5, 2013, and possessing the two AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition used in the gun attack.

Duffy and Fitzsimons have denied all charges, with their defence teams branding the Crown case against the duo as circumstantial and flawed.

Read more Family ask for investigation into claims of loyalist paramilitary confession over 1976 murders of Co Antrim couple

Both men declined to give evidence at the lengthy trial which has been subject to several adjournments for reasons including the Covid-19 pandemic and legal applications.

However, the trial reached a significant step today when Fitzsimons barrister, Eilis McDermott KC, handed a final defence document to Mr Justice OHara.

She then said: I am in a position, Mr Lord, to close the case for Mr Fitzsimons.

The senior judge was addressed next by Mark Mulholland KC, who said: We are also in a position to close the case on behalf of Mr Duffy at this stage.

Mr Justice OHara requested written closing submissions from both the Crown and defence ahead of the next hearing, which will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024.

After this hearing, he said, I will prepare the judgement.
Sinn Fein has joined the SDLP and TUV in calling for a review of a law granting anonymity to anyone accused of sexual abuse for 25 years after their death.

The Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 was passed by MLAs before the collapse of Stormont.

While most victims of sexual offences had lifelong anonymity, the legislation extended that for 25 years after death.

But it also gave that same protection to alleged perpetrators who had not been charged.

This newspaper recently highlighted the story of a woman who claims she was assaulted by a cleric as vulnerable girl.

Neither she nor the alleged culprit can be named, and any details which could lead to his identification cannot be released.

Even if a news report does not name a suspect, it could still be a crime if it is judged likely to lead to the identification of an alleged abuser.

Read more Girl (5) in critical condition and two children treated in hospital following Dublin knife attack as cops rule out terrorist link

Sinn Fein said: Sinn Fein believes the interests and welfare of victims of sexual offences are paramount and must be protected in legislation.

It is important that legislation including the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act 2022 is monitored and improvements brought forward where necessary.

It is vital we see the appointment of a justice minister to deal with sensitive, complex issues.

It has been claimed MLAs were misled over the legislation, having been told on multiple occasions that granting the same protections to alleged abusers was only a recommendation in a report on improving the justice system, written by High Court Judge John Gillen.

While the Alliance Party has said it would be open to reviewing the impact and any concerns about unintended consequences, the SDLP and TUV leader Jim Allister have already called for an urgent review of the legislation.

The SDLP said: The SDLP will press an incoming Executive to urgently review this change to the law and establish how it could be amended.

Asked if he would be in favour of amending the legislation, Mr Allister replied: Absolutely. I spoke several times against the absurdity of much of this ill-conceived legislation and aspects of the Gillen reforms which prompted it. This exposes the folly of Naomi Longs legislation.

The DUP and UUP were contacted for comment.

*This article was altered on November 28 to change the phrase MLAs have claimed they were misled to It has been claimed MLAs were misled
Victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland take legal action, at the High Court in Belfast, against the British Government over their Legacy Act. Martina Dillon(centre), whose husband was shot dead in 1997 by loyalists, is one of the families brining the case. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Controversial new laws on dealing with the legacy of Northern Irelands Troubles are aimed at achieving a reset to the foundations of the Good Friday Agreement, the High Court heard today.

Counsel for the UK Government argued that the legislation was attempting to achieve reconciliation while preserving victims rights, rather than being all about protecting security force veterans from prosecution.

Tony McGleenan KC also claimed a series of challenges involved an unprecedented attempt to block a sovereign Act of Parliament.

He said: This court is being invited to engage in some of the most intrusive relief that it is possible to achieve in our legal system.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act offers a conditional amnesty to those accused of crimes during more than 30 years of sectarian violence.

It will also end future civil claims for compensation and inquests into conflict-related deaths not completed before the cut-off date of May 2024.

Victims organisations, political parties and the Irish Government are all fiercely opposed to the new law.

A series of challenges to the Act have been brought by some of those who either lost loved ones or were injured in the Troubles.

They claim the legislation is unconstitutional and breaches Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

But on day four of proceedings, Mr McGleenan insisted that little evidence was produced to back allegations that the intention was to shield former soldiers or police officers.

This legislation seeks to strike a balance between multiple public interests, it fundamentally seeks to give effect to the terms of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, he said.

Referring to the 1998 peace treaty, counsel stressed that it contained no references to retribution, prosecution or compensation.

Despite the aspirations of the Agreement, we have had a corpus of litigation in this jurisdiction for the last 20 years driven by those concepts, Mr McGleenan submitted.

In broad terms, what the Act seeks to do is reset to the founding concepts of the Belfast Agreement.

Preserve the rights of victims of course, but against the touchstone concept of reconciliation.

The Act itself is faithful to the Agreement. Indeed one might say it is the logical outworking of that Agreement given what has passed in the 25 years since it was signed.

Earlier in the case lawyers for some of the victims claimed the opposition would enable crowing and triumphal killers to glorify their crimes without remorse and still achieve immunity from prosecution.

But according to Mr McGleenan there were parallels with those convicted of heinous offences who benefited from the early release provisions 25 years ago.

In 1998 prisoners were able to walk out through the turnstiles of The Maze to liberty if they met the conditions, and they could do so if they wished in exactly the manner highlighted, he said.

These were individuals who engaged in activities that extinguished the lives of others, engaging Article 2, brutalised and tortured, engaging Article 3, all of the things complained about now were addressed by this Act of Parliament in 1998.

Disputing the validity of the legal challenges, Mr McGleenan argued: This court is being invited to dis-apply an Act of a sovereign parliament on grounds that have never before produced that result.

The case continues.
(Photo : HANNAH MCKAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales proceeds through the Royal Gallery during the State Opening of Parliament at the Houses of Parliament, in London, on May 10, 2022. The 96-year-old monarch, who usually presides over the pomp-filled event and reads out her government's legislative programme from a gilded throne in the House of Lords, will skip the annual showpiece on her doctors' advice.

King Charles III, has come under scrutiny for its alleged exploitation of funds derived from the assets of deceased individuals in the north-west of England.

The estate, managed by the monarch's hereditary estate, has reportedly amassed tens of millions of pounds over the past decade through a system rooted in feudal times, as per The Guardian.

King Charles III Profiting From Dead Citizens' Money

Under the archaic mechanism bona vacantia, the duchy collects financial assets from individuals who died without a will or identifiable next of kin.

After covering expenses, the estate has long maintained that these funds are directed towards charitable endeavors, including the Duchy of Lancaster Jubilee Trust, established in 2001. This trust purportedly focuses on preserving heritage assets for the public benefit.

However, an investigation by The Guardian, based on internal duchy documents, has raised concerns about redirecting these funds toward renovating commercial properties within the estate's portfolio, which are then rented out for profit.

The 2020 policy, codenamed SA9, ostensibly allows the use of bona vacantia for the "public good" to repair and protect duchy properties categorized as "heritage assets."

The expansive definition of heritage assets, as outlined in the policy, includes listed buildings and those in conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), or those deemed of "local historical importance" or particular scientific interest.

Insiders familiar with the duchy's expenditure reportedly view the funds collected from bona vacantia as a "slush fund" and "free money." The sources confirmed that these revenues were being utilized to refurbish various properties, including townhouses, holiday rentals, rural cottages, an old petrol station, and even barns facilitating partridge shoots in Yorkshire.

Notably, the funds have been allocated to projects ranging from converting farm buildings into commercial offices to purchasing log burners for properties owned by the king and managed by his estate. This practice aims to enhance the profitability of rental properties, indirectly benefiting the king, who received a 26 million annual payout from the duchy in his first year as monarch.

The 2020 policy acknowledges the potential for an "incidental" benefit to the king's private income resulting from this expenditure. It states that while the primary intention is to preserve and protect property fabric, any use of the privy purse (the king's private income) is secondary, according to Mail Online.

Read Also: Hamas Delays Hostage Swap With Israel-Reason Unknown

King Charles III Faces Bona Vacantia Funds Allegations

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Duchy of Lancaster emphasized that the bona vacantia funds are allocated among three charities established by the late Queen, including the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, the Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust, and Jubilee Trust.

The spokesperson maintained that these charities were created to ensure bona vacantia income no longer benefits the Privy Purse.

Upon ascending to the throne, the spokesperson reiterated that King Charles III reaffirmed that funds from bona vacantia should primarily support local communities, preserve land sustainability and biodiversity, and safeguard public and historic properties across the Duchy of Lancaster estates. This includes restoration and repair projects to protect these structures for future generations.

Despite these assertions, The Guardian's analysis raises questions about the transparency and ultimate purpose of the funds, especially considering the reported use for renovations that contribute to the profitability of rental properties and, by extension, the king's income.

Meanwhile, it's important to note that King Charles III inherited the Duchy of Lancaster from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022.

Although the royal couple owns multiple homes in Great Britain, they have primarily resided in Clarence House for nearly two decades. Plans to move to Buckingham Palace are reportedly in progress and contingent on the completion of renovations, Sky News reported.

Related Article: Warming Up? Harry and Meghan Call King Charles on UK Monarch's 75th Birthday

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Eagle-eyed shoppers were everywhere to be seen on the streets of Belfast today searching for Black Friday bargains.

Although the sales in recent years may not be as breath taking as they historically were, crowds still travelled to the capital to grab some discounts ahead of the festive period.

Julie Neil, 51, and her daughter, Holly, 16 normally dont brace the high street on Black Friday but this year they tried to grab as many deals as possible.

To be honest, Ive got today off to specifically come in to get the bargains, Im normally working, Julie said.

We are trying to get some Christmas shopping sorted today - so hopefully we can get something good.

John Fisher, 20, from Portaferry is a seasoned Black Friday shopper and was pleased with his bargain buys.

Ive done a wee bit already and Ill probably do a wee bit more, I got a Vans T-Shirt in JD for 15, he said.

He was impressed by the sales available on the high street.

I think there are a fair few bargains out there, you can get a good deal for your money, he said.

Ellie-May Street, 18, from Manchester is visiting Belfast and was amazed by the BPerfect Black Friday sale - they were selling some products with up to 90% discounts.

I got four makeup palettes from BPerfect for 12p, we are just going to look about to see if we can get any more deals, she said.

Like many others, Ellie-May is using the Black Friday deals to start her Christmas shopping.

Ive just started it today- I havent really thought much about it until today to be honest with you but I think Ill get sorted ok, she said.

David Larmour, 19 from Lisburn was more impressed by the Black Friday deals online than those available on the high street.

Ive been doing some shopping online today. I got a couple of good things off TK Maxx, they have 60% off at the minute, so it was handy enough to get. I got a few T-shirts and hoodies and things and then visited the Adidas store. It was good.

Read more Amazon workers walk out on Black Friday in long-running pay dispute

David doesnt normally go shopping on Black Friday but thought he would try to grab some discounts today.

I dont really do it but because Im working now and earning a bit of money I can go get the deals.

John McHenry, 19, from Ballycastle is a student in Belfast and wanted to take full advantage of the discounts today.

I came to get some Christmas presents for my ma, there were some good discounts in Zara so I got her something in there, he said.

Blazej Nowakowski, 24, from south Belfast wanted to support local businesses while shopping this Black Friday.

I went to that school of art shop by Ulster University and I got a hoodie, they have a nice discount which is good because its one of my favourite shops.
Forensic officers at the crash scene in 2014 where John Ireland died

Prosecutors have been urged to review a decision not to bring charges against a west Belfast man involved in a fatal motorbike crash after a coroner rules he was driving the vehicle.

John Ireland (20) suffered fatal head and neck injuries when the motorbike on which he was the pillion passenger hit a car on the Monagh Road in 2014.

His friend Aaron Stilges, who suffered leg injuries in the accident, left the scene and was driven to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment.

In police interviews Mr Stilges denied being the driver of the bike, claiming it was Mr Ireland who was driving at the time of the collision with the Vauxhall Astra.

Mr Stilges also gave evidence to the inquest, again claiming he was the pillion passenger at the time.

However, following three days of expert and witness evidence, coroner Anne-Louise Toal found that, on the balance of probability, Mr Ireland was the passenger and that Mr Stilges was the driver.

Forensic officers at the crash scene in 2014 where John Ireland died

Mr Irelands mother, Sally Ireland, said: We have campaigned for justice for John for nine years now.

Our requests for the prosecution of the person who we believe was responsible for the accident have been rejected twice by the Public Prosecution Service with no proper explanation.

We very much welcome the factual findings of the coroner today on how the accident occurred, which resulted in Johns death at the age of 20.

We now intend to ask the director of Public Prosecutions to reopen this case and consider prosecuting the person or persons responsible for the accident so that justice can take its course.

We would like to thank the coroner, Ms Toal, for her scrupulous and objective analysis of the evidence this week.

We would also like to thank our solicitor Patricia Coyle and barrister Patrick Taggart for helping us seek justice for John.

We will continue to pursue this. We hope that as a result of the coroners findings, due process will now take place.

Ms Toals ruling read: I find that on September 13, 2014, at around 6.45pm, the deceased was the pillion passenger on his Kawasaki motorbike travelling northwards on the Monagh Road in the direction of the Springfield Road.

I find that at the time of the collision the brakes on the motorcycle were ineffective [and] it impacted the offside of the car at the front at a speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour. The impact with the vehicle caused Mr Stilges and the deceased to be thrown over the motorcycle, with the deceased sustaining life-threatening injuries of which he died a short time later at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The coroner thanked the Ireland family who attended each day of the inquest.

She said: I want to give my own personal condolences to the Ireland family. I understand this has been a very difficult process.

The coroner noted the length of time the family had waited for the inquest and the dignified manner in which they conducted themselves.

Ireland family solicitor Patricia Coyle welcomed the finding.

Over the past nine years the Public Prosecution Service has twice decided not to prosecute the second person on the motorcycle in respect of the incident despite investigating police recommending prosecution, she said.

The coroner, Ms Toal, found today that John James Ireland was the pillion passenger on the motorcycle and not the driver.
Riot Garda deployed in Dublin after a night of violence following the stabbing of three children (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Water cannon is often used by police in Northern Ireland during disturbances.

Two PSNI water cannon are being sent from Northern Ireland to Dublin to assist with policing any further public order situations in the city over the weekend.

It follows a request from the gardai after a night of chaos in Dublin which left around 60 officers injured.

Rioting broke out across Dublin on Thursday evening after three children and a woman were injured in a knife attack in the city centre several hours earlier.

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital while the female care assistant, in her 30s, is in a serious condition.

The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remains in hospital but the boy has been discharged.

Damage to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost tens of millions of euros to repair, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Some 34 people were arrested with Mr Varadkar saying about 500 people were involved in the disturbances. Several shops, police vehicles, and forms of public transport were also destroyed.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed it had received a mutual aid request from An Garda Siochana in response to the rioting.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland has dispatched two water cannon in response to a Mutual Aid request from An Garda Siochana," they said.

Water cannon, which are devices typically operated from police vehicles and eject a powerful jet of water, typically used to disperse a crowd, have been frequently used in incidents of disturbances across Northern Ireland.

The PSNI also said the devices would be solely operated by An Garda Siochana officers.

A mutual aid request allows police to draw on other forces for support in terms of personnel and equipment. Typically the PSNI receives mutual aid requests during large international events such as a notable visit.

Read more As a veteran journalist I have witnessed a few riots, this was the worst of the worst

It comes as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said Irish justice minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris should resign.

Mr Harris formerly served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI.

Speaking to reporters on Friday near the scene of the knife attack, Ms McDonald said there had been an "unacceptable failure to keep people safe" on Thursday night.

She said she has "no confidence" in Ms McEntee and Mr Harris.

Responding, Ms McEntee said the police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend.

She rejected calls from the Sinn Fein president for her and Mr Harris to resign.

Ms McEntee said: I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

If Sinn Fein wish to debate law and order, if Sinn Fein wish to debate how we can support the gardai, I have no problem in standing over Fine Gaels record of law and order, Fine Gaels record of supporting members of An Garda Siochana.

I do not believe Sinn Fein can stand over their record.

Ms McDonald said there had been a "an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing" and that a problem leading to Thursday's riot had been "building for months".

"I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said, the Sinn Fein politician said.

"I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed.

"The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

"The gardai (Irish police) have my full support but, given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner."

She later added: "They should resign, both of them.

"We clearly now need a change in government, but also a change in leadership of An Garda Siochana."

Earlier, Mr Harris blamed the riots on a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology.

He said what unfolded was huge destruction from a riotous mob who were in effect responding, and trying to break into and disrupt the crime scene. Order was restored between 8.30pm and 9pm as we deployed more resources," he said.

An Garda Siochana responded to this entirely and in an extraordinary fashion. Members from across the country responded, returned to duty, public order units from all over Ireland responded to Dublin.

But we could not have anticipated that in response to a terrible crime, the stabbing of school children and their teacher, that this would be the response. In effect, those filled with hate and the hate directed towards An Garda Siochana, that they would attempt to storm through our cordon and disrupt a crime scene and then engage in violence, looting and disorder."

Meanwhile, asked about the scale of the damage, at a meeting of the British-Irish Council at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: We dont have a figure on it yet, but its likely to be in the tens of millions, rather than the millions.

He said there was a discussion with the Garda Commissioner on Thursday on whether to deploy the Irish military as the violence unfolded, but it was deemed that it wasnt warranted.

He added: Our advice is that it is safe to come into the city. The riots that occurred last night only occurred in a relatively small part of it, thankfully, and were contained within hours.

While some shops may not be open the vast majority are, and were saying to people it is safe to come into the city, and that there will be a heightened Garda presence.

Politicians and police have also hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

Caio Benicio is originally from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and arrived in the Republic of Ireland a year ago.

He described how he used his helmet to hit the man who had attacked three young children and the female creche worker.

A GoFundMe set up to thank Mr Benicio had raised more than 200,000 euros in the first 10 hours.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the DUP's position has not changed after former leader Peter Robinson said the party will not get everything it wants from the government.

The DUP has been engaged in talks with Downing Street aimed at securing further changes to the Windsor Framework.

Earlier this week, Mr Robinson said unionists have to recognise that we really have pushed this one, we have got a good deal  not everything that we wanted but the rest that we do want I think were in position to argue for it and to achieve it using the Assembly as our base for doing it.

But speaking to the BBC on Friday, Sir Jeffrey doubled down on the DUPs stance.

He told Good Morning Ulster: Peter is a very senior figure in unionism; many people comment on the current political situation and Peter outlined his view.

As far as the party is concerned, our position is unchanged. We are continuing in our negotiations with the government.

We have a clear objective, which is to restore Northern Irelands place within the UK and the internal market and we remain focused.

What Peter said is that in a negotiation you don't get everything you want. But, he was very clear that the DUP should be and is pushing for a deal that protects Northern Irelands ability to trade within the UK.

Asked if he agrees with Mr Robinson that the party wont get everything it wants, Sir Jeffrey added: I don't know the outcome yet because we haven't yet completed these negotiations, so you wouldn't expect me as the person leading the negotiations to predict what the outcome is going to be. Im not going to do that.

Im clear on our objectives. We will assess any outcome on these talks against those seven tests and that remains our position.

The DUP has been blocking powersharing at Stormont for more than a year and a half in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol.

The party has been involved in negotiations with the Government about the Windsor Framework, which reformed the protocol and is seeking further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said the talks are in their final phase.

But Sir Jeffrey has previously cautioned that there are still gaps between their negotiating positions and said he cannot be sure that powersharing at Stormont will return before the end of this year.

In the summer of 2021, he said his party would not support any deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol unless seven tests which he set out were passed.

These include ensuring no new regulatory borders develop between NI and the rest of the UK and avoiding any diversion of trade.

DUP MP Sammy Wilson has also disputed the contention that his party was close to a deal which would bring Stormont back.

He said: Peter knows and the public know we have set out certain objectives that we believe are necessary for the stability of the Assembly and the safety of the union and if those conditions are not met it is pointless going back into the Assembly.

You have to see the nature of the deal to decide whether it is a good deal or not.

The objectives we set out were to restore Northern Irelands place in the Union. We are a unionist party and you would expect us to do that.

He added: I certainly dont get the impression we are close he (Peter Robinson) must have different information than I have.
DUPs absence has done so much damage, Donaldson needs a lot to show for it but likelihood is he doesnt have much
Boris Johnson has labelled the violent scenes in Dublin race riots, and suggested that achingly liberal countries like Ireland now have concerns about the pace of immigration.

The former UK prime minister used his weekly Daily Mail column to drawn on the disorder in the Irish capital to make the case for the UK to take tougher action to curb net migration.

It comes after the latest data showed a record number of arrivals to the UK last year.

Mr Johnson also pointed to the electoral success of veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders in the Netherlands.

Writing in the newspaper, he said: People will not accept demographic change at this kind of pace  even in the most achingly liberal of countries and capital cities.

Look at what is happening in Dublin, where that lovely and happy city seems to have been engulfed by race riots.

The violent scenes in Dublin saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

Debris is cleared from a burned out Luas and bus on OConnell Street in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The clean-up was continuing on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street on Friday, with burned-out buses lifted away by cranes while broken glass and missiles were cleared.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city at about lunchtime on Thursday.

Mr Johnson continued: The people of Ireland and Holland, in my experience, are among the nicest, kindest, most generous in the world; and yet there are plainly large numbers in both countries who are starting to worry that something has gone wrong, and that the EU system of free movement  a border-free Europe for the entire 450 million-strong territory  has too many downsides.

Well, the whole point of Brexit is that we are no longer in the same legal subservience as Ireland and Holland.

We have the powers to sort it out, and to change our immigration rules  which is exactly why the British people voted to take back those powers in 2016. We can do it now.
Rioters who wreaked destruction during a night of violence in Dublin brought shame on Ireland, the countrys premier said, as he vowed to use the full force of the law against them.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the estimated 500 people responsible for the disorder as hate-filled, violence-loving cowards.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has blamed far right hooligans.

Thirty-four people were arrested in riots that saw buses and trams burned, shops looted and several Garda vehicles damaged.

Garda members were injured, one seriously, as 400 officers responded to the unrest.

The violence flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city of Dublin at about lunchtime on Thursday.

The clean-up in the aftermath of violent scenes in the city centre (Brian Lawless/PA)

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital while the female care assistant, in her 30s, is in a serious condition.

The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remains in hospital but the boy has been discharged.

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

Politicians and police have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

A clean-up operation was under way on Friday after the disorder, with burned-out Luas tram carriages lifted off the track by cranes and broken glass and missiles swept off the streets.

Mr Varadkar said Dublin had witnessed two terrible attacks on Thursday.

The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law, he said at Dublin Castle.

Each attack brought shame to our society and disgrace to those involved and incredible pain to those caught up in the violence.

As Taoiseach, I want to say to a nation that is unsettled and afraid, this is not who we are, this is not where we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

The unrest came after an attack in Parnell Square East (Brian Lawless/PA)

He added: Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

Mr Harris said one Garda officer received a serious injury, with numerous other members injured, as missiles were thrown at them.

He said 13 shops had been significantly damaged or subjected to looting and 11 Garda cars were damaged.

Thirty-two people are expected to appear in court in the city on Friday charged in connection with the violence.

Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said there was very strong legislation, including prison sentences of up to 12 years for a conviction for attacking gardai.

Ms McEntee described a very volatile situation and said there was a very strong gardai presence in Dublin as well as monitoring of online activity.
Former first minister Alex Salmond has launched legal action against the Scottish Government over its botched investigation of harassment complaints against him.

The Court of Session confirmed to the PA news agency on Friday the case, Alex Salmond v Scottish ministers, had been called.

The Herald reported the now-Alba Party leader has alleged misfeasance by civil servants and is seeking 3 million in damages and loss of earnings.

Scottish Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray would not be drawn on the case when asked during a visit on Friday.

Mr Salmond  who was first minister between 2007 and 2014  was investigated by the Scottish Government after two complaints from staff were made under a new complaints procedure which included former ministers.

The former first minister is now the leader of the Alba Party (Jane Barlow/PA)

The investigation was deemed by a judicial review to have been tainted with apparent bias after the Scottish Government conceded defeat and Mr Salmond was awarded 512,000 as a result.

He was subsequently cleared of 13 charges of sexual misconduct  including attempted rape  following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Then followed a protracted Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Governments handling of the original two complaints, which called both Mr Salmond and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon to give evidence.

During the inquiry, Mr Salmond attacked Scotlands former top civil servant  then permanent secretary Leslie Evans  accusing her of having a bias against him and calling for her resignation.

In March 2021  just days before he announced he was the leader of the fledgling Alba Party  Mr Salmond confirmed his intention to take legal action against Ms Evans.

The inquiry, which worsened an already sour relationship between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon  who had previously been close  found Ms Sturgeon misled MSPs in her evidence, but she was cleared of any breaches of the ministerial code.

Speaking to the PA news agency on Friday, Mr Gray said: Unfortunately, because this is now in a legal sphere, there is no further comment that I can make.

It would be inappropriate to comment on a live litigation.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has called for the release of all hostages (PA)

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will meet with Palestinian leaders and commit a further 30 million in aid for people in Gaza following the announcement of a truce in the conflict in the Middle East.

The former prime minister is urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage after holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during a visit to Israel on Thursday.

On Friday he will be in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, meeting Palestinian leaders and agencies delivering aid in Gaza advocating adherence to the new agreement on all sides.

It was confirmed that the ceasefire will begin on Friday morning from 7am local time, with aid going in as soon as possible, according to Qatari officials.

The first set of civilians held captive by Hamas are expected to be freed at about 4pm on Friday local time, including 13 women and children.

Lord Cameron said: We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza.

I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and I can announce new 30 million of funding which will be spent on vital aid such as shelter and medical provisions.

It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.

The agreement for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza appeared to have hit a last-minute snag, with Lord Cameron telling Mr Netanyahu that he wanted all parties to the agreement to make it happen.

There are hopes that the lull in the fighting will clear the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to ease the suffering of citizens who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

A building collapses following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

Lord Cameron, who earlier visited Kibbutz Beeri, scene of some of the worst violence during the Hamas assault, said: There is never any excuse for this sort of hostage-taking.

All the hostages should be released, but I hope that everyone who is responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel would continue with the goals of the war and we will eradicate Hamas.

There is no hope for peace between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arab countries if we do not eradicate this murderous movement, which threatens the future of all of us, he told the Foreign Secretary.

The announcement of additional UK funding comes as the fourth British aircraft carrying humanitarian aid landed in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.

The RAF flight carried 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: The RAF continues to deliver on the UKs commitment to helping those in need by operating flights into the region to provide urgent humanitarian support which will save civilian lives.

The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.

Lord Camerons visit comes a day after he met counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries  including the Palestinian Authority  at Lancaster House in London to discuss the Middle East crisis.

Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as the secretary general of the League of Arab States, and the ambassador of Qatar, attended the event.

Lord Cameron said the group discussed how to use the planned pause in the Israel-Hamas fighting to consider how we can build a peaceful future which provides security for Israel but also peace and stability for the Palestinian people.
A toddler has been reunited with his lost toy monkey after it embarked on a 600-mile railway adventure.

Network Rail said Kayna Tay, 43, and her three-year-old son misplaced the item  which he has had since birth  while changing carriages on the first leg of a journey from Oakham, East Midlands, to Bristol Temple Meads on Monday.

They realised what had happened as they arrived at Birmingham New Street to change trains.

Kayna Tay was delighted when her sons toy monkey was returned (Network Rail/PA)

Ms Tay and her distraught son went to the stations reception to report the lost monkey.

Customer service assistants Leon Allen and Vinny Murphy arranged for a search to take place, and the beloved item was found after the train terminated at Edinburgh Waverley.

The cuddly ape travelled back down to Birmingham New Street that same day.

While being stored overnight at the stations reception, staff adorned it in a tiny, hand-knitted jumper previously made as a Christmas decoration, featuring a sparkly double arrow rail logo.

The toy was put on a train to Bristol Temple Meads on Tuesday, from where Ms Tay collected it.

Network Rail said it clocked up an extra 619 miles on top of its planned trip, with journeys on CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway services.

Ms Tay said: My little boy was inconsolable when we realised wed lost Monkey on the train and we arrived at Birmingham New Street.

But the treatment we received from the customer services team there, who mounted a miracle mission to find the monkey again, was above and beyond what I could have expected.

I cant thank everyone involved enough, across all the train companies, for not only making my little boy smile again, but he loves Monkeys new jumper and is full of questions, fascinated by the adventure hes been on.

Mr Murphy said: It was heart-breaking to see Kaynas little lad so upset that hed left his best friend on the train, so it was the least we could do to get straight on the phone to try and track him down.

We couldnt have done this without the efforts of all the train crews.

Spotting a tiny Christmas jumper in our station reception for him to wear was then the icing on the cake.

Were so pleased we could have helped. Monkey is back home for cuddles where he belongs.

Network Rail did not disclose the name of the boy.
Israel has been using AI in the war against Hamas terrorists. IDF officials. This was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces' Military Intelligence Directorate in the first week of November after the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

IDF's military intelligence branch said that this is the first time they'll be using artificial intelligence and other new advanced tools in a war.

Will Israel's AI usage help reduce unwanted civilian casualties and collateral damage? Here's what experts said about this effort.

How Israel's AI Usage Can Reduce Unwanted Civilian Casualties

According to Fox News' latest report, Israel Defense Forces officials said that they started using artificial intelligence and ML (machine learning) to target Hamas terrorists and facilities more efficiently.

They began using AIs and MLs as many people across the globe criticize Israel for the unwanted civilian casualties and collateral damage in the Gaza Strip because of their attacks.

Mark Montgomery, a senior Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation fellow, said that although the duration of the Israel-Hamas war is still unknown, using AIs and MLs can definitely help.

"I can't predict how long the Gaza operation will take, but the IDF's use of AI and Machine Learning (ML) tools can certainly assist in the administratively burdensome targeting identification, evaluation, and assessment process," said Montgomery.

He added that just like the United States, the Israel Defense Forces is doing its best to avoid civilian casualties and reduce collateral damage. To do this, Israel is relying on artificial intelligence to enhance its targeting process against Hamas terrorists.

"AI tools should help in target identification efforts, expediting target review and approval," further stated Montgomery.

Read Also: Israel-Hamas War Update: Ceasefire Delayed as Families of Hostages Left To Hope

About Israel's AI Usage

The Los Angeles Times reported that the IDF employed an AI recommendation system, which can choose targets for aerial attacks.

Aside from this, a second system called "Fire Factory" is also being used. This additional model is developed to quickly organize ensuing raids.

IDF officials explained that its AI technologies rely on data about military-approved targets to prioritize and assign thousands of targets to aircraft; calculate munition loads; and propose bombardment schedules.

However, many experts are concerned about Israel's AI usage. Paul Scharre, the Center for a New American Security president, said that AI systems are "notoriously" brittle and ineffective when they are placed in situations different from their data training.

While this is true, other military experts said that the use of AI and ML tools can be beneficial in reducing unwanted deaths and damages.

Related Article: Are Israeli Lives More Valuable Than Palestinians? Israeli Government Spokesman Speechless in Interview

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
People react as they hear the news of the release of Israeli hostages (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Hamas has released 24 hostages who had been held captive in the Gaza Strip for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day ceasefire deal.

The freed hostages included 13 Israelis, 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines, according to Qatar.

The agreement opened the way for sorely needed aid to flow into Gaza for beleaguered residents. It was also a moment of hope for families in Israel and elsewhere worried about loved ones taken captive during the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the war.

The truce started on Friday morning, bringing Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians quiet for the first time after seven weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment, which has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and flattened vast stretches of residential areas.

Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

The freed Israeli hostages included eight women  six in their 70s and 80s  and three children.

Most of the Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Friday were said to be in good health after returning to Israel, the hospital receiving them announced.

A statement from Schneider Childrens hospital, where four women and four child hostages were released, said that doctors had conducted a preliminary examination and said they were all in good physical condition.

Their release was followed in the evening by the freeing of 24 Palestinian women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences like throwing stones.

But joy at the deal has been tempered, among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce will leave Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Doron Katz and her daughters, Aviv and Raz Asher, were three of the hostages released on Friday (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

Israel says the ceasefire could be extended if more hostages are released, but has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends.

That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

US President Joe Biden said on Friday that he believes putting conditions on military aid to Israel is a worthwhile thought, and he hopes the Gaza cease-fire will last longer than four days.

Speaking to reporters from Mr Biden said he was encouraged by the release of some of the hostages and hopes for more.

We expect more hostages to be released tomorrow, and more the day after, and more the day after that, he said.

After nightfall on Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, carrying the freed hostages, according to live footage on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV.

Israels Channel 13 showed an older woman exiting an ambulance alongside a young girl, then walking slowly into a building. An Egyptian medical team held another older womans arms as she walked.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis cheered as news of the release was announced. The Israeli military later confirmed that the hostages had returned to Israel and were undergoing medical checks before being moved to hospitals to be reunited with their families.

Channa Peri was held captive in Gaza for weeks (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

The Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which played a key role mediating with Hamas in the negotiations over the pause, said 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino had been freed, but the Thai prime minister said earlier that 12 Thai nationals were freed.

The plight of around 240 people taken captive during Hamass attack has been wrenching in Israel, raising anger among some families that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to bring them home.

Under the deal, at least 50 are to be released, though it is not clear if the Thai and Filipino captives will be included in that count.

Israel is to free 150 Palestinian prisoners, and said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

In the West Bank, thousands gathered near the Israeli militarys Ofer Prison, awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

An Israeli prison transport vehicle carries Palestinian prisoners released by the Israeli authorities from Ofer military prison (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

Israel holds many for months without charge in administrative detention. Most who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often do not follow due process, human rights groups say.

Palestinians say a longer ceasefire is needed to recover from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, but Fridays halt in fighting brought the uprooted population a moment to catch their breath after weeks of fleeing bombardment across the tiny coastal enclave and trying to find increasingly scarce food, water and other basic supplies.

After the truce began on Friday morning, an increased flow of aid began. Four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Since the war began, Israel has barred all imports into Gaza except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Daniel Aloni and her daughter Emilia were released on Friday (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running. Amid food shortages, UN officials had warned in recent weeks of potential starvation.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 litres of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than a million litres.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than a million living in UN schools converted into shelters.

To the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south, Israel issued a warning not to return. Northern Gaza has been the focus on Israels ground assault.

In leaflets dropped around the south, the Israeli military said it would block such attempts, saying the the war has not ended yet, but hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north on Friday.

Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Palestinians flee to northern Gaza (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began on October 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the ceasefire agreement but had been widely expected to halt its attacks.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, but hours before it came into effect, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant told troops the respite would be short and that the war would resume for at least two more months.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence.
Family and friends of Israeli hostages released by Hamas have celebrated the return of their relatives as the militant group released 24 people it had held for weeks in the Gaza Strip.

A crowd of Israelis gathered in a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to mark releases as part of a ceasefire swap deal.

The freed Israelis included nine women and four children aged nine and under. They were taken to hospitals in Israel to be reunited with their families.

Yaffa Adar, 85, was kidnapped from Nir Oz on October 7 (AP)

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking.

That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yael Adars 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remains in captivity. Both were kidnapped on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief, said Ms Adar.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother Keren Munder and grandmother Ruti Munder.

Keren Munder and her son Ohad (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to see his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

Meanwhile, more than three dozen Palestinian prisoners returned home to a heros welcome in the occupied West Bank after their release from Israeli prisons as part of the ceasefire deal.

The procession of freed prisoners, some accused of minor offences and others convicted over attacks, at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem drew massive crowds of Palestinians into a chanting, clapping, hand-waving, screaming frenzy.

Fifteen dazed young men, all in stained grey prison sweatsuits and looking exhausted, were carried through the streets on the shoulders of their teary-eyed fathers as fireworks lit up the night sky and patriotic Palestinian pop music blared.

Some of those released were draped in Palestinian flags, others in the green flags of Hamas. They flashed victory signs as they crowd-surfed.

Former prisoners are carried into the West Bank town of Beitunia (Nasser Nasser/AP)

I have no words, I have no words, said newly released 17-year-old Jamal Brahma to the hordes of jostling journalists and thousands of chanting Palestinians. Thank God.

Tears fell down his father Khalil Brahmas cheeks as he brought his son down from his shoulders and looked him in the eye for the first time in seven months. Israeli forces had arrested Jamal at his home in the Palestinian city of Jericho last spring and detained him without charge or trial.

I just want to be his father again, he said.

Although the atmosphere was festive in the town of Beitunia, near Israels Ofer Prison in the West Bank, people were on edge.

The Israeli government has ordered police to shut down celebrations over the release. Israeli security forces at one point unleashed tear gas canisters on the crowds, sending young men, old women and small children sprinting away as they wept and screamed in pain.

Marah Bakir (right) is welcomed to her family house in east Jerusalem after being released by Israeli authorities (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

The army is trying to take this moment away from us but they cant, Mays Foqaha said as she tumbled into the arms of her newly released 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher, from Nablus, who was arrested during a protest in September at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This is our day of victory.

The Palestinian detainees freed on Friday included 24 women, some of whom had been sentenced to years-long prison terms over attempted stabbings and other attacks on Israeli security forces. Others had been accused of incitement on social media.

There were also 15 male teenagers, most of them charged with stone-throwing and supporting terrorism, a broadly defined accusation that underscores Israels long-running crackdown on young Palestinian men as violence surges in occupied territory.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a UN worker whose 17-year-old son Iyas was last year placed in administrative detention without charges or trial and based on secret evidence.

But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.
A four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is under way, allowing aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began.

The first exchange on Friday afternoon involved swapping 39 Palestinian prisoners  24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences like throwing stones  for 13 Israeli hostages, Palestinian authorities said.

Just before that exchange was set to happen, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said 12 Thai nationals had been released. An Israeli source confirmed that the Thai captives had left Gaza and were en route to a hospital in Israel.

The deal offered some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas October 7 attack which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast swaths of Gaza, fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel, however, has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the ceasefire ends.

On Friday, it brought quiet after weeks in which Gaza saw heavy bombardment and artillery fire daily as well as street fighting as ground troops advanced through neighbourhoods in the north.

The last report of air raid sirens in Israeli towns near the territory came shortly after the truce took effect.

Not long after, four tankers with fuel and four with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israel said.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 litres of fuel per day during the truce  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than one million litres.

Israeli soldiers stand outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem ahead of the hostage/prisoner exchanges (Mahmoud Illean/AP/PA)

For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of fuel to Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes  though it has occasionally allowed small amounts in.

UN aid agencies pushed back against the claim, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe since fuel is required to run generators that power water treatment facilities, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to return to their homes in the territorys north, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

Even though Israel warned that it would block such attempts, hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north on Friday.

Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded. An Associated Press journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital.

During the ceasefire, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on October 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

A woman looks at photographs of hostages, mostly Israeli civilians who were abducted (Ariel Schalit/AP/PA)

Both sides agreed to release women and children first, in stages starting on Friday. Israel said the deal calls for the truce to be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

Early in the day, ambulances were seen arriving at the Hatzerim air base in southern Israel, preparing for the release.

Those freed will then be taken to hospitals for assessment and treatment, Israeli officials said.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

Hours before it came into effect, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as telling troops that their respite would be short and the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned of the need for climate action as he visited Antarctica ahead of the Cop28 talks.

We are witnessing an acceleration that is absolutely devastating, Mr Guterres said about the rate of ice melt in Antarctica, which is considered to be a sleeping giant.

The Antarctic is waking up and the world must wake up, he added.

Mr Guterres is on a three-day official visit to Antarctica and Chiles President Gabriel Boric joined him on an official visit to Chiles Eduardo Frei Air Force Base at King George Island on the continent.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric (left) and UN general-secretary Antonio Guterres chat before taking a flight to Antarctica (Jorge Saenz/AP/PA)

The UN chief was also scheduled to visit the Collins and Nelson glaciers by boat.

He said that Cop28  which begins on November 30 in Dubai  is an opportunity for nations to decide the phase-out of fossil fuels in an adequate timeframe in order to prevent the world from rising 1.5C (2.7F) above pre-industrial temperatures.

Mr Guterres said it also creates the opportunity for countries to commit to more renewable energy projects and improve energy efficiency of existing grids and technologies.

Warming air and ocean temperatures are causing Antarctic ice to melt.

The frozen continent plays a significant role in regulating Earths climate because it reflects sunlight away and drives major ocean currents.

Papua penguins walk at a Chilean military base in Antarctica (Jorge Saenz/AP/PA)

For years, scientists and environmentalists have kept an eye on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet as an important indicator of global warming.

A study published in Nature Climate Change last month said warming has increased to the point the ice sheet will now experience unavoidable melting regardless of how much the world reduces emissions of planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide.

Lead study author Kaitlin Naughten estimated that melting ice in Antarcticas most at-risk areas could raise global sea levels by about 1.8 metres (5.9ft) over the next few centuries.

Another study published in Science Advances, also last month, reported that nearly 50 Antarctic ice shelves have shrunk by at least 30% since 1997 and 28 of those have lost more than half their ice in that short period of time.
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%.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At the same time, anti-Israel protestors accused the New York Times of genocide, causing an unanticipated and intense turn of events in New York City on Thanksgiving Day.

In an organized rally termed 'Thankstaking for Gaza and Indigenous Resistance Everywhere,' protesters gathered outside the New York Times offices, accusing the newspaper of being complicit in what they labeled as genocide, as per Mail Online.

Pro-Palestinian Chaos at Times Square, Macy's Parade

Chants of 'Every time the media lies, a neighborhood in Gaza dies' and 'New York Times, you can't hide. We charge you with genocide,' echoed through Times Square.

Tourists were confronted with shouts of 'While you're shopping, bombs are dropping.' At least five protesters were detained by the NYPD near Bryant Park as the march dispersed.

Simultaneously, chaos ensued at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when approximately 30 pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted the event by reportedly gluing themselves to the pavement along the parade route.

Jumping barricades and running into the street, the protesters chanted, "No more nickels, not another dime, no more money for Israel's crimes" and "Free free Palestine." Holding Palestinian flags and signs reading "genocide then, genocide now," the protesters were taken into custody.

Video footage from various news outlets captured the disruption, showing protesters in white jumpsuits with words like "Capitalism," "Colonialism," and "Racism." The demonstration, taking place on Sixth Avenue through Midtown Manhattan, involved pouring a reddish liquid over protesters to symbolize blood.

The Seven Circles Alliance, a climate advocate coalition, claimed responsibility for the disruption, stating it aimed to protest "the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians." While the group could not be immediately reached for comment, their Instagram post indicated their stance on the conflict.

Protesters gluing themselves to the pavement and mimicking blood on the streets marked a dramatic scene that led to police intervention, according to ABC News.

Read Also: Al Shifa Hospital Director, Several Gazan Doctors Arrested by Israeli Troops: Report

NYPD Actions and Parade Turmoil

Law enforcement officers were seen removing protesters from the road and handcuffing them while the parade continued.

In a separate incident, a person on the float representing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe raised a Palestinian flag. However, the tribe clarified that it takes no stance on the overseas conflict, emphasizing that the individual's actions were not a tribal decision.

The NYPD confirmed the arrest of one person for pro-Palestinian graffiti and red paint splattered outside the New York Public Library's main branch during a march through Midtown.

The library's CEO, Stephen A. Schwarzman, known for supporting Israel, had the building vandalized.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, the New York City Police Department is confirming the total number of people arrested. Macy's still needs to respond to inquiries regarding the disruptions during the parade.

The unexpected turn of events on Thanksgiving Day highlights the deep-seated emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bringing global issues to the forefront on a traditionally celebratory occasion, USA Today reported.

Related Article: Hamas Delays Hostage Swap With Israel-Reason Unknown

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It was amazing and heartwarming to read about all the places in the Berkshires where the poor, the hungry and the just plain lonely could find a welcome and, importantly, free food.
Dalton Delan can be followed on Twitter @UnspinRoom. He has won Emmy, Peabody and duPont-Columbia awards for his work as a television producer.
Targets to enroll 1 million+ healthcare professionals worldwide

Mumbai-based startup Clirnet a digital health-tech platform for healthcare professionals (HCPs) used by over 40% of doctors in India, has announced a momentous milestone in its mission to empower HCPs worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare and promoting clinical experience sharing, Clirnet is extending its reach beyond borders to revolutionise healthcare practices on a global scale.

The company is expanding to the markets such as South-East Asia, Middle East, Africa, CIS, and Europe. This remarkable adoption rate is backed by a 200% annual growth in active users and a 35% increase in daily engagement metrics.

With this expansion, the company is targeting 1 million+ healthcare professionals worldwide. The platform activities led by eminent institutions and spanning a multitude of specialties, have garnered active participation from lakhs of HCPs, establishing Clirnet as a premier hub for knowledge dissemination and professional collaboration.

Clirnet's MedWiki platform, fueled by cutting-edge AI-driven technologies, represents a groundbreaking approach to the curation and distribution of UGC. This repository of knowledge features over 500,000 multimedia medical articles, becoming a cornerstone for doctors worldwide seeking concise, up-to-date, specialty-specific scientific discourse. Furthermore, an empirical study by esteemed researchers from IIM-Bangalore & HEC-Paris has substantiated Clirnets tangible impact on the clinical decision-making process for an overwhelming 89% of its doctor members.
An editor from Kashmir, Fahad Shah, who had been detained for nearly two years under India's sedition and anti-terror laws, has returned home after being granted bail.

Shah, the founding editor of The Kashmir Walla, an independent news outlet in Indian-administered Kashmir,faced charges related to publishing "anti-national content."

His arrest in February 2022 sparked concerns about declining press freedoms in the region. Critics argue that cases like Shah's underscore the tightening control of the Indian government on Kashmir since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision in 2019 to revoke the region's special status and reorganise it into two union territories under direct rule from New Delhi.

In its recent bail order, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh highlighted that the newly established Special Investigation Agency (SIA) lacked sufficient evidence against Fahad Shah. Specifically, the court pointed out the inadequacy of proof to substantiate charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a stringent anti-terrorism law.

Shah faced accusations of "glorifying terrorism" and "spreading fake news" for publishing an article by Abdul Aala Fazili, a pharmacy student at the University of Kashmir. Fazili's piece reportedly discussed the Indian "occupation" and advocated for freedom in the region. Both Shah and Fazili were arrested, Fazili remains in jail.
Unique in Africa, TBWA\South Africa has once again proven that they are collective of expert-led, top-drawer agencies are not only specialists in their respective sectors, but they are also at the pinnacle of their game.

TBWA\SA and Grid Worldwide have been pronounced winners at the Financial Mail AdFocus Awards, with TBWA\Hunt Lascaris and Magna Carta shortlisted in key categories.

TBWA\SA has once again been awarded the Agency Group of the Year award as well as the Africa Impact award and Grid Worldwide has clinched Medium Advertising Agency of the Year.

TBWA\Hunt Lascaris and Magna Carta were finalists in the Large Agency of the Year and Public Relations Agency of the Year categories, with TBWA\Durban shortlisted with its client Build it in the Partnership of the Year category.

As a collective, the TBWA groups investment in talent, which empowers agency leadership by giving them both autonomy and accountability, has helped the agencies attract, retain, and promote some of the very best talent in the industry. These awards reflect the fruits of their vision, diverse talent, creativity and ultimately, business savvy.

Group CEO Luca Gallarelli says 2023 has been a phenomenal year for TBWA\SA, which is reflected in the AdFocus accolades for the stellar work of the collectives agencies. We are immensely proud of the TBWA Groups work, which is our best in years. We have always endeavoured to be the best integrated agency on the continent.

Across Africa, we have retained our long-standing client MTN and are now also entrusted with more of the continents biggest and most prestigious clients.

The Africa Impact Award is testament to the groups powerful and effective work with MTN  which it helped reposition and relaunch in multiple geographies across the continent  Nissan and new client Absa.

In April 2023, the group added ABSAs Africa business to its client roster. We are now driving the brand across nine countries north of South Africa, which entrenches TBWA as Africas most connected agency network partnering with Africas biggest and most prestigious brands, adds Gallarelli.

Each year, we host our TBWA Africa Conference in a different location in Africa, bringing together 150 specialists from across the collective to share ideas, learn and align with each other.

TBWA\Hunt Lascaris not only landed the ABSA Africa business, but it also attracted new business from McDonalds, Windhoek Lager and Spotify.

Aside from new business, our agencies in South Africa enjoy some of the longest standing and healthiest relationships in the industry, which include Spar, Nissan, MTN, City Lodge, ABSA and South African Tourism.

Magna Carta has had a phenomenal two years, he says, which were capped off the end of last year with the acquisition of a top-drawer banking client such as Standard Bank and Windhoek Lager, while Grid Worldwide is at the top of its game: as this years AdFocus Medium Agency of the Year, Grid grows brands from the inside out by giving them meaning across platforms.

Grid Worldwide has expanded beyond brand design and advertising into brand experiences through the launch of 608, which is key to its heightened success.

This year, Grid announced the next phase in its own growth with the opening of a new office in Cape Town.

Gallarelli, who is this years AdFocus Awards Chairman, says Carl Willoughbys appointment as chief creative officer (CCO) has helped inject fresh new energy into TBWA.

Carl has helped lead the group on some of our most innovative and creative campaigns. As an advertising specialist in finance, alcohol, broadcast, motor and FMCG industries, Carl is a worthy successor to Pete Khoury, who left South Africa earlier this year to take up a position as CCO of adidas worldwide at TBWA\Neboko.

Willoughby, who also drove TBWA\Hunt Lascariss ground-breaking 'Stronger' mental health campaign for the Riky Rick Foundation, was ranked as the top executive creative director in South Africa in 2021 and helped lead Nissan to global creative recognition with the disruptive Nissan Shwii campaign.

The Financial Mail AdFocus Awards are unique as they recognise agencies and individuals, not just for their creative and marketing skills, but for their all-around business acumen.

TBWA was shortlisted in six categories: Two for TBWA\SA (Group of the Year and Africa Impact award), TBWA\Hunt Lascaris in Large Advertising Agency of the Year, Grid Worldwide for Medium Advertising Agency of the Year, TBWA\Hunt Lascaris Durban and Build it for Partnership of the Year, and Magna Carta for Public Relations Agency of the Year.
Walt Disney's "Wish"a new unique film combining 2D and 3D animationsis being criticized not only for its appearance but also for its villain song.

For the past few years, many movies created by Walt Disney Animation Studios have been popular because of their entertaining storylines and life lessons.

King Magnifico from #Wish was a unique character. I could tell that Chris Pine was having a blast voicing the bad guy. His character is one we havent seen in a while from Disney: a straightforward villain. Plus, his song (This is the Thanks I Get!?) is a banger. pic.twitter.com/ygLLRsGK8u  Av  (@MarioEmmet) November 19, 2023

Some individuals love the main characters, such as Mulan (from "Mulan"), Rapunzel (from "Tangled"), Merida (from "Brave"), etc., but, many fans also love the villains, such as Scar (from "The Lion King"), Ursula (from "Little Mermaid"), and Captain Hook (from "Peter Pan").

One of the best things people love about these villains is their songs. However, the new "Wish" villain's song doesn't seem to get the taste of fans.

Walt Disney's 'Wish' Villain Song Criticized

NBC News reported that the new "Wish" film is being criticized and one of the things people dislike about this Disney movie is its villain, King Magnifico.

Some complained that the character, which is voiced by Chris Pine, fell flat. They said that this is noticeable, especially when Magnifico is singing his song "This Is the Thanks I Get?!"

"Is he even the real villain?" said a netizen after hearing the song.

Another Disney fan questioned Walt Disney Animation Studios; asking the production house when will they release another cool and iconic villain in their upcoming movies.

Meanwhile, other people described the new "This Is the Thanks I Get?!" song as something that ChatGPT and other similar AI tools would write.

If you visit TikTok and search for the film or its villain song, you will notice that many TikTokers are disappointed with it. However, there are also others who said that some parts of the song are great.

You can watch their actual TikTok content below to see what they think about Magnifico and the "This Is the Thanks I Get?!" song.

Read Also: [VIRAL] FNAF Fans Mad About Leaked Movie Scene 'Together We are FNAF'-Is This Real or Just Fake?

'Wish' Makes Old Disney Villain Songs Popular Again

My fav character is King Magnifico, thinking that he didnt about the actual power of the forbidden magic book before he used, and unfortunately corrupted by it (its too sad that the spell on him cant be undo)



His origin story makes me sympathize with him very much #wish pic.twitter.com/1Ot5t9vxQj November 21, 2023

After hearing Magnifico's song, many fans posted older villain songs, such as "Hellfire," "Be Prepared," "Friends on the Other Side," "Mother Knows Best," and other iconic villain songs.

Does this mean that fans' standards for villain songs are too high? Disney experts said that for the past decades, Walt Disney Animation Studios has been setting a "high bar" when it comes to films, especially villain songs.

Because of this, fans expected that the "Wish" movie would have another villain that could touch their souls.

"You grow up in this culture of, like, Hades and Ursula and Maleficent and those sorts of villains ... and these new villains are introduced, they just don't do it for you," said Prof. Lindsay Hahn from the University of Buffalo.

However, this doesn't mean that people should treat the new Disney film like garbage. Some movie experts said that Disney is just giving what younger generations want.

This means that kids today have different perspectives compared to what older generations had when they were young. Besides, Magnifico already said that he only wants "a little bit of respect."

Related Article: 'Inside Out 2' Trailer Excites Fans as New Emotion Anxiety Arrives; Here's What Netizens Say

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Retail businesses are facing an all-out race to meet the demands of the upcoming Black Friday weekend (Friday, 24 November - Monday, 27 November) and festive season surge.

Joshua Shimkin, head of SME growth and marketing at Peach Payments. Image supplied

However, Joshua Shimkin, head of SME Growth and Marketing at online payment gateway Peach Payments, says that the run up to Black Friday also offers businesses a chance to test their strengths.

It is an opportunity to look into the performance of your website, customer service and logistics to identify possible issues in the run-up to the festive season, and even in readiness for the next trading year, he explains.

Focussing on the things that matter requires careful attention in the face of obstacles like loadshedding. Luckily, according to the 2023 South African Customer Experience report, consumers are forgiving of power-related service lapses. The report also indicates that shipping fees and available delivery time slots are becoming less of a barrier to online sales, as last-mile deliveries have improved.

So, what should businesses focus on instead?

Shimkin believes that paying attention to a few essential measures can ensure a positive overall experience. He offers the following checklist as a handy cheat sheet to avoid common peak-period pitfalls:

1. Website performance and security

Shimkin warns that sales can be lost due to passive factors such as a slow website or images that do not load.

Ensure that your overall website performance is optimised across browsers and devices. Also check whether your website hosts servers are performing optimally, and consider additional bandwidth for increased traffic demands, he says.

He cautions that because website security should be top of mind, the cheapest hosting solution is not always the best choice.

Professional website penetration testing can be a costly exercise, but at the very least, address website security concerns with your service provider, Shimkin advises.

If you are managing your own website, make sure that you have installed updates to your content management system and update passwords. Also, double check that information on your website is accurate and up to date. This should include prices, promotions or discounts your business offers during upcoming sales.

Make sure your payment gateway uses 3D Secure, a very secure protocol to process payments. And check with them if they have staff available to help you determine where you may have gaps, Shimkin says.

2. Marketing

Shimkin says business owners often do a lot of marketing in the lead-up to Black Friday, but are super busy on the day itself and forget to continue marketing.

Your focus on marketing activities may take a backseat on Black Friday itself - but thats exactly when consumers are looking for deals. So check that your Google Ads budget, for example, is sufficient to carry you through the weekend, suggests Shimkin. Make sure your existing customer base is aware of your specials by sending them communication about exclusive deals. Repeat customers shouldnt be ignored at this important time.

These admin functions can be easily delegated to allow you to pay attention to problem solving and team management, he suggests.

3. Emergency contacts

Things can and do go wrong on busy shopping days - from websites failing to stock issues to workplace injuries. How you deal with these can have a material impact on the success of your Black Friday.

Shimkin suggests business owners keep a curated emergency contact list at hand, preferably posted where everyone can access it. In addition to the more traditional police, security company, ambulance and fire department numbers, Shimkin says to expand the list with contacts you wouldnt normally have on an Emergency List.

Include key people - and their direct contact details - at your bank, point-of-sale equipment provider, Internet service provider, web hosting provider, courier company and your suppliers, Shimkin says.

Dont forget to check with suppliers beforehand if they have extra stock on hand of popular items. This way, you may be able to continue taking orders once youve run out of stock, with only minor shipping delays.

Also, make sure your payment gateway has dynamic failover capabilities so you wont have payment processing issues in your checkout, Shimkin advises.

4. Customer service

E-commerce success depends on effective distribution and delivery logistics, but thats not the only customer service issue to address. Make sure that you have enough staff on duty over the Black Friday weekend to answer questions and fulfil orders, Shimkin suggests.

We know that on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, South Africans tend to shop first thing in the morning, over lunchtime and just after supper, Shimkin says. Allocate staff to answer queries and process orders during those times. The rest of the day can then be used to pick, package and dispatch orders.

Also plan for incidentals, such as adequate packaging materials and waybills, to reduce delays.

The customer journey starts with a good browsing experience, progresses through a quick, secure checkout with adequate payment choices, and culminates in timely delivery. Check every part of that journey before Black Friday for the best results, Shimkin says.

As a final reminder, he says that the customers journey does not end after the sale is completed. Support should be ongoing: before, during and after the purchase. This is key to customer retention, and ultimately loyalty.

The change of pace Black Friday brings provides an ideal opportunity to identify what works in your business and what doesnt. Any improvements that can be implemented now will ensure more streamlined and efficient processes during the rest of the festive shopping season, Shimkin concludes.
As Black Friday is almost upon us, South Africans are gearing up to grab the best shopping deals available. And with a sea of specials everywhere they look, online reviews will play a vital role in their decision-making.

But have you ever wondered what psychological forces are behind these reviews influencing what consumers buy? Here are some ways reviews impact purchasing decisions and how your business can use this to your advantage.

1. Consumers read reviews for social validation

Over 90% of consumers say they use online reviews to influence what they buy. This inclination toward 'safety in numbers' often shapes shopping habits. And the bigger the risk or higher the price of the product or service, the more this rings true. In other words, the more opinions they want before buying.

Moreover, they consider the opinions of other consumers more valuable than influencer or celebrity endorsements, product descriptions or the marketing material you're putting out there.

Still, many businesses will invest a lot of money in product endorsements or marketing but often overlook using online reviews to promote their products or services.

2. Reviews help with risk mitigation

Our natural instinct is to avoid danger and play it safe. Its a survival mechanism that still influences how we make decisions today, including how we spend our hard-earned money.

But, in an online world rampant with scams, reviews act as a kind of safety net. They are real stories from real people and help consumers make decisions based on actual experiences. And, through avoiding risk, consumers get that sense of security we as humans crave.

"Having your Hellopeter metrics on your website is extremely important, says Alon Rom, CEO of South Africas top online review platform, Hellopeter. It instils considerable confidence in prospective customers when making purchasing decisions. Simply having reviews visible on your checkout page has led to a remarkable increase of approximately 25% in conversions.

3. Online reviews are considered trustworthy

When many reviewers agree on the best products or services, it holds significant sway for shoppers. This is because of social proof, a psychological phenomenon that makes us look to others' actions to determine what's right.

Online, a single person's opinion doesn't hold enough weight. Instead, consumers look for the collective voice. This is where review platforms like Hellopeter play a pivotal role. It provides a space where people with shared concerns offer their diverse perspectives. This is why its important for your business to have as many reviews as possible.

4. Writing reviews makes consumers feel empowered

You might wonder whats in it for your customers to take the time to write you a review? Well, writing reviews gives them the opportunity to make a difference, which makes them feel a sense of purpose. So, dont be afraid to ask for feedback. Consumers want to feel valued and that their voice matters.

"Online reviews empower both the consumer and the business. By actively managing your businesss online reputation, you can take control of your narrative, build social proof to give consumers the confidence to buy from you, and leverage the power of SEO to become more discoverable on search engines like Google," explains Rom.

5. Giving feedback helps shape their future experiences

Consumers understand that every action has a reaction, and this chain of events will ultimately improve their own shopping experience. So, by writing a review today, customers believe they might have an enhanced experience in the near future.

Its vitally important to acknowledge each and every review your business receives, says Rom. By actively replying to your reviews as soon as possible, you build trust in your brand and can mitigate any issues early on. Weve seen what a huge difference this makes to businesses once they implement a reputation management strategy thats proactive instead of reactive.

Leverage reviews during Black Friday

With reviews holding so much weight for consumers, businesses can't afford not to pay attention, particularly with the big shopping season upon us.

Regularly collecting new reviews and replying to these reviews are vital to your business's growth, and understanding how to use them can make all the difference when it comes to sales and customer service.

Start managing your online reputation

In a world saturated with choices, the power of reviews is undeniable. This Black Friday, let's collectively contribute to an informed and empowered shopping experience so both shoppers and businesses can benefit from reviews.

Hellopeter Business is currently offering a special deal, giving up to 30% off selected Hellopeter Business Plans plus free credits to the value of R12,000 and up.

Grab the deal here. T&Cs apply.
KLA, the exclusive partner for YouGov in the sub-Saharan region, is proud to unveil the latest findings of the third edition of the Quarterly Buzz. This insightful assessment delves into the top brands based on public perception, recorded on a daily basis over a three-month span. The inaugural Quarterly Buzz made its debut in January 2023.

The Quarterly Buzz employs the YouGov BrandIndex tool, a dynamic tool that is continuously measuring public perception across over 190 brands spanning seven sectors in South Africa. This tool tracks the top 10 performing brands across all sectors, highlighting the top five brands within each category.

Operating on a comprehensive set of 16 metrics across the marketing funnel, the BrandIndex tool's Buzz metric takes centre stage, lending its name to the Quarterly Buzz. This crucial metric specifically evaluates consumer perception, gauging whether individuals have encountered positive or negative information about a brand in the preceding two weeks. With performance scores ranging from +100 to -100, a net score emerges, offering a holistic view of a brand's performance relative to its competitors. These scores are collected over a three-month period, forming the basis for the Quarterly Buzz results, with the latest results being measured from 1 July-30 September 2023.

The top performing brands across all sectors in Q3 are:

In the latest Quarterly Buzz, the Food, Groceries, and Consumables sector maintains a strong presence in the top 10, with five of the top 10 brands from this sector. In the current landscape of the food and grocery sector, there is a noticeable decline in Buzz performance across various brands. This dip is attributed to the ongoing cost of living crisis, leaving South Africans financially strained and prompting them to make impactful choices in their daily lives, influencing their spending habits. Significant shifts are observed in various grocery categories, reflecting the broader economic challenges faced by consumers.

Takealot continues to lead the pack, but noteworthy declines are observed across nine metrics, particularly across consumer perception of the brand. New entrants KFC and Vodacom, rank 9th and 10th respectively, with marginal increases in the brands buzz from the previous quarter. FNB climbs the rankings, experiencing a significant uptick across eight metrics, including Buzz, showcasing improvements across the marketing funnel. However, Pick n Pay slips from second place to sixth in this quarter, facing a decline in Buzz, alongside nine other metrics across the funnel.

In the latest Quarterly Buzz, specific brands performance reflects dynamic trends in the South African market.

FNB: Pioneering innovation and customer connections

The brand stands at the forefront, continually reinventing itself and earning recognition as one of South Africa's most valuable brands by Kantar. This distinction is a testament to FNB's unwavering focus on innovation and its adeptness at building meaningful connections with its customer base. The brand's commitment to these principles positions it as a trailblazer in the competitive landscape.

KFC: Navigating challenges in the QSR market

KFC, amidst a cost-of-living crisis and the challenges of load shedding, emerges as a beneficiary in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market. The crisis prompts consumers to seek alternatives to prevent groceries from spoiling, leading to increased spending on fast food. Additionally, with load shedding limiting people's ability to cook at home, KFC becomes a go-to option for quick and convenient dining.

Vodacom: Adapting to evolving customer needs

In recent months, Vodacom has showcased adaptability by leveraging its offerings to deliver tangible value to customers. Introducing a 30% airtime boost upon recharge and allowing clients to personalize their packages reflects Vodacom's customer-centric approach. This flexibility enables customers to bundle multiple products and services through a single offering, eliminating the need for multiple accounts. Vodacom's strategic moves underscore its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers in a dynamic market.

As macro-environmental factors continue to shape consumer behaviour, brands must recognise the increasing importance customers place on value for money, sustainability, and convenience.

Sector specific results for Q3:

Sector-specific results for Q3 showcase a relatively stable top five within each sector, with a few new entrants across three of the seven sectors tracked - notably, BP, Spur, and Clientele in their respective categories.

For more information about the Quarterly Buzz visit www.kla.co.za or contact az.oc.alk@seiriuqne
DP World has announced that its Market Access Consumer business, Deep Catch Group, has opened its Lusaka Commercial Cold Store (LCCS), a world-class cold storage facility in Lusaka, Zambia. The facility is the first of its kind in the country and is expected to revolutionise the cold storage industry in Zambia by providing much-needed cold storage solutions to local clients, principals, and customers.

Source: Supplied

Deep Catch, a diversified and vertically integrated business engaged in the wholesale, distribution and cold storage of perishable foods, has a proven track record of providing strategic cold storage solutions in South Africa and Namibia and is now extending this solution to Zambia.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and MD of sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, says: "This is a significant milestone for DP World in Southern Africa. The LCCS is set to transform the cold storage environment in Zambia by enhancing the availability and quality of locally produced and imported perishable products. Given its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and commitment to excellence, the LCCS will undoubtedly play a vital role in driving economic growth and the seamless flow of goods in Zambia."

The LCCS is built to accommodate Zambias unique climate and boasts various dedicated areas, including a bulk freezer section, a chiller store, a dry goods storage area, and a processing zone for food handling. The facility will also incorporate a receiving and dispatch area, complete with efficient mobile and static pallet handling systems.

Source: Supplied

Once fully operational, the LCCS will have the capacity to accommodate up to 5,500 pallets distributed across the freezer, chiller and dry storage sections. This expansive capacity ensures that businesses relying on cold storage solutions can effectively manage their inventory and meet the demands of their respective industries and customers.

Bruce Denyer, head of market access consumer: sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, says: "The development of the LCCS is in line with Deep Catchs expansion strategy to establish a strong cold chain footprint in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. The LCCS will play a pivotal role in facilitating the efficient importation of affordable protein products, while simultaneously supporting local food producers in reaching their markets. This world-class facility will adhere to the highest industry standards and provide exceptional logistics support to our customers."
Project submissions for the 15th Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africas film finance and co-production market opened on 14 November 2023 and closes on 20 January 2024.

Image supplied

The 15th DFM, scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 July 2024 in Durban, South Africa, is the flagship event of the Durban FilmMart Institute and was named in Unesco'ss 2021 Film Trends in Africa Report as the continents best film market.

The event is designed to generate visibility for African content and talent and create partnerships to further the development and production of African cinema.

Over the last 15 years, DFM has attracted filmmakers from across the continent with unique African stories with many of them generating global interest and winning awards both internationally and locally, says Magdalene Reddy, director of DFMI.

In just the last 12 months, DFM alumni projects have premiered at Sundance (Mami Wata), won awards at the Cannes Film Festival (Goodbye Julia and Mother of All Lies) and have been selected as their countries' entry for next years Academy Awards (Goodbye Julia and Mami Wata).

Full-length feature and documentary film projects and series content with Africans in one of the three key creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents, streamers, broadcasters and funders, are invited to submit. The independent selection panel will choose up to ten documentaries and ten fiction feature length film projects from the submissions. Selected projects will be announced in early May 2024.

Application criteria:

The programme is open to African filmmakers with an active feature length or episodic project in development.



The programme is open to both fiction and documentary projects.



At least one of the three key creatives (Producer, Writer, Director) must be from Africa or from the African Diaspora.



Project applications must be completed in English, however the language of the project itself is up to the imagination of the filmmaker.



At least one representative must be available to participate in the mentorship programme and be present in Durban for the duration of the 15th Durban FilmMart.



Applications can be made through the Durban FilmMart Institute website: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

Deadline for applications: Friday, 20 January 2024

Programme dates:

One on One mentorship programme May to July 2024 (online)



Pitch and Finance Forum 18 to 22 July 2024 (in person)

The Durban FilmMart has earned the reputation as a key platform for industry professionals attracting over 1,000 delegates from across the world over the four day-event.

In addition to the Pitch ad Finance Forum the DFM will present a robust industry programme and networking events enabling filmmakers to connect with an array of significant representatives from the industry both locally and internationally.
Universities and colleges have been urged to continue to implement programmes towards addressing sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) within the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system.

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, made this call during a media briefing on Tuesday after a video of a university student stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, circulated on social media.

This kind of barbaric behaviour by males against women must be condemned and perpetrators must face the full might of the law. We cannot continue like this in our society, where as many as 38% of murders are committed against women, often by their intimate partners, Nzimande said.

He urged both the government and the PSET sector to intensify campaigns to confront and defeat the scourge of GBV in society and at post-school education and training and higher learning institutions.

I launched the Transforming Mentalities initiative, which is a multi-stakeholder partnership within the PSET, with a particular focus on mobilising men in our sector to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.

He commended the arrest of a senior Fort Hare University employee for the alleged murder and attempted murder of employees at the university.

The accused, including nine men and a woman, appeared in the Alice Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder of Fort Hare fleet manager, Petrus Roets and Mboneli Vesele, who was the bodyguard to vice-chancellor professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

The case was postponed to 13 December 2023 for the finalisation of pending bail applications for three of the accused.

We had indicated to Minister Cele (police minister) that indeed, no stone must be left unturned in going to the reasons for the killings at Fort Hare. Without prejudging the situation, as minister, I am deeply concerned about the latest arrest of someone inside the vice-chancellor's office and ostensibly responsible for the security of the institution.

This may point to the fact that the problems at UFH may be deeper than meets the eye. I will be further engaging with council on the latest developments, particularly given the fact that complaints have been raised with me about alleged illegal surveillance of council and staff members, Nzimande said.
The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) enjoyed a strong representation during South Africas spring conference season. Several of its digital humanities researchers showcased their research at a series of conferences which took place across South Africa during September and October 2023.

Prof Langa Khumalo, SADiLaR's executive director, and Prof Menno van Zaanen, SADiLaR's professor in digital humanities, attended the 27th International Conference of the African Association for Lexicography (AFRILEX) from 26 to 29 September 2023 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.

Van Zaanen gave a presentation, titled Developing a dictionary in N|uu, Nama, Afrikaans and English from field notes. It highlighted the award-winning work done by Van Zaanen, together with linguists Bonny Sands and Kerry Jones, to create a quadrilingual dictionary aimed at preserving one of South Africas highly endangered minority languages, N|uu, spoken by a handful of San people in the Northern Cape.

SADiLaR played a leading role in making accessible and converting the dictionary data, along with audio files for many words, and making it digitally available via an online dictionary platform and app in addition to a physical dictionary, Van Zaanen said.

In my presentation, I discussed how it indeed is possible to create a dictionary from field linguist data, despite the many underlying difficulties and lessons learned. Each step of the data clean-up and conversion required specialised knowledge and skills, and I shared the tools we used to simplify part of the process.

Extension of tenure as AFRILEX president

Prof Khumalo gave a presentation, titled Semi-automatic glossary extraction in LSP corpora, in which he discussed the semi-automatic extraction of a glossary that is unique to a language policy subject domain.

Automated terminology extraction is a crucial task in natural language processing that automatically provides a ranked list of key words, Khumalo said. Since the new Language Policy Framework For Public Higher Education Institutions came into effect, language policy has been a very contemporaneous and relevant subject in the South African higher education context. Finding the terms that are specific to a particular subject domain is critical to organising the knowledge related to that specialised subject domain. Drawing from the Corpus Linguistics approach, my research used keyword analysis to extract key terms, using the Keyness function of the AntConc program, he explained.

Khumalo has been associated with AFRILEX for many years. He currently is the president of the organisation and it was announced at the conference that his tenure had been extended by another three years, from 2024 to 2026.

It is such an honour, personally, to have the vote of confidence from my academic peers, and, most importantly, it is testament to the sterling work that the entire AFRILEX Board did in the last two years in advancing theoretical lexicography in the country, continent and globally as part of the GLOBALEX. I want to congratulate my fellow board members for all the milestones, he commented.

The role of morphological analysers in preserving Nguni languages

Four of SADiLaRs digital humanities researchers attended the African Language Association of Southern Africa's (ALASA) 24th International Conference from 26 to 29 September 2023 in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Nomsa Skosana and Dr Muzi Matfunjwa co-presented a collaborative paper, titled Morphological Analysers for Low-Resource Nguni Languages, which they wrote with another SADiLaR researcher, Respect Mlambo.

During our presentation, we discussed the findings of our results when we evaluated the effectiveness of these morphological analysers, specifically in the context of Siswati and isiNdebele, Skosana said. The results we obtained were intriguing and prompted numerous questions from the audience, many of whom were previously unaware of the existence of such tools for Nguni languages. They showed a keen interest in learning more about these tools, and we further directed them to access these tools freely from SADiLaRs website.

According to Skosana their research topic directly aligned with the conference theme of Beyond the intellectualisation of African languages for awakening potential in Africa, as they explored how these analysers play a crucial role in preserving Nguni languages.

These tools accomplish this by using data written in these languages. They also empower our language communities by facilitating a better understanding of these indigenous languages, and aiding education and language learning.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the conference and gained valuable insights from fellow scholars, particularly those who shared their research on translation and terminology development, Skosana added.

Faster research analysis with Voyant Tools

At the same conference, Rooweither Mabuya and Andiswa Bukula hosted a workshop, titled South African Centre for Digital Language Resources: Technologies and Resources for African Languages: Voyant Tools.

We facilitated a one-hour workshop where we spoke briefly about our work at SADiLAR, the opportunities to collaborate and possible assistance in project-related matters, before taking the participants through Voyant Tools, Bukula said. We looked at the functionality of the tool and how it can be utilised for data analysis and visualisation purposes. We also showed participants the potential that these tools have in enabling smarter and faster ways of doing your research analysis, besides the traditional ways of doing your analysis manually, which in most cases takes up too much time and human capacity.

According to Mabuya, the participants were engaged and found Voyant Tools valuable and applicable to their research. We received quite a few requests from different institutions to go present Voyant Tools at their departments for their colleagues and students. The conference was a great experience and platform to network and connect with trailblazers in the African Languages and Linguistics discipline, she remarked.

Using technology to preserve minority languages

Lastly, SADiLaRs Respect Mlambo attended the 4th Triennial School of Arts (SoA) Conference, held at Sun City Resort in South Africa's Northwest Province, from 16 to 20 October 2023.

I presented a paper, titled The Use of Technology to Preserve South African Indigenous Languages, which I co-authored with Dr Muzi Matfunjwa, Mlambo said. The preservation of South Africas minority languages is critical to prevent them from losing their identity and becoming extinct. The four minority indigenous languages with the fewest speakers among South Africa's eleven official languages are Xitsonga, Siswati, Tshivenda, and isiNdebele. The preservation of these languages in South Africa has been a longstanding challenge due to various social and economic factors. With the advancement of technology, opportunities have arisen to preserve and promote the use of these languages. Therefore, this study explores various technological strategies that can be used to preserve the minority South African indigenous languages.

Mlambo continued to explain that these languages can be preserved by making them widely accessible to users through various strategies, such as localisation of daily used technology, translation through crowdsourcing, digitalisation and archiving. Digital learning tools, such as machine translation and creating online dictionaries, can also contribute to preserving the languages.

Each of these strategies offer benefits on how technology could be employed effectively and facilitate the preservation of minority languages. The delegates who came to hear the presentation highly welcomed it and indicated that all stakeholders in South Africa's indigenous languages should begin working together to make these languages digitally accessible, Mlambo concluded.
South Africa's Nedbank Group on Wednesday, 23 November, appointed Jason Quinn, former finance director at peer Absa Group, as the chief executive-designate of the group and bank.

Source: Reuters.

Quinn, 49, stepped down from his role at Absa Group and bank earlier in the day, after spending 15 years with the lender. He will join Nedbank in May next year.

Quinn will succeed company veteran Mike Brown, who in June had announced his intention to step down from the chief executive officer's role  a position he held since 2010.

At Absa, Chris Snyman will become interim finance director with immediate effect.
After an illustrious eight years at the helm of East Coast Radio (ECR), managing director Boni Mchunu bids farewell to the station.

East Coast Radio managing director, Boni Mchunu

Commencing her tenure in 2015, Mchunu's leadership has been marked by an impressive track record of audience growth, brand development and business success. She played a pivotal role in the transformation of the station, nurturing leadership within the organisation, and fostering collaborative ventures with businesses, particularly in KZN. Her meaningful engagement with stakeholders in both business and government circles has left an indelible mark on ECR.

Mchunu is leaving the role effective December 31, 2023, to pursue a significant career opportunity based in Johannesburg.

Reflecting on her time at ECR, Mchunu said: I am grateful for the incredible journey over the past eight years; building and growing East Coast Radio together with my team has been phenomenal. It has been a remarkable chapter of my life filled with challenges, triumphs, and vital experiences. As I step away, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my team, Kagiso Media Radio, our audiences, and business partners for all the support.

"The decision to leave ECR was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for both personal and professional reasons. Thank you for an unforgettable chapter, and I look forward to seeing ECR and KMRs continued success from a different point of view. I leave with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude.

Mchunu's unwavering passion for education has been a driving force behind ECR's education CSI initiatives. Notably, her efforts have impacted the future leaders of the nation through initiatives like The Big Favour and the rebuilding of education facilities in KZN. Under her guidance, she consistently championed the development of women within and outside of ECR.

Nick Grubb, CEO at Kagiso Media Radio (KMR), said: "Its always incredibly sad to say farewell to someone like Boni, whose energy and impact has been massive since she joined the brand. Her leadership has been inspiring, driving East Coast Radio to new heights while consistently meeting and exceeding business financial projections, fostering a distinct and positive company culture, and providing an optimal work environment for our staff to flourish. We are proud to have contributed to her career growth and wish her every success in her new role."

In addition to her professional roles, Boni has served as a non-executive director on multiple boards and has actively contributed to community initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Her accolades include the prestigious Top 100 KZN Businesswomen Award in 2019, 2023, and she was appointed chairperson of Women in Business in KZN by the Durban Chamber in 2022.

Details of Mchunus replacement will be finalised and announced in due course.
Just as a skyscraper requires a solid foundation, infrastructure is often hailed as the essential backbone for building thriving economies. With this in mind, theres a sense of optimism as we look towards 2024 and beyond. As Chinas example has shown, a government focus on infrastructure development could be the spark needed to reignite economic growth. However, for this to be successful, its crucial that the private sector steps up promptly to play its part.

Roelof van der Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation

Quality infrastructure drives trade and commerce, enabling the seamless transport of goods, services, and people across regions, both within and beyond a countrys borders. It also provides the energy needed to power industrial and manufacturing activities, and the modern communication networks required by digital economies.

Infrastructure underpins human and socio-economic development, enhancing access to educational and healthcare facilities, and economic opportunities.

Recognising the pivotal role of infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, infrastructure investment has been a central pillar of Chinas economic strategy for decades. Between 2002 and 2016, the Chinese government tripled its infrastructure investment as a share of GDP from 8% to nearly 24%.

During this period, the country experienced an average annual real GDP growth of 9.6%. This serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of strategic infrastructure investment.

Stark contrast

By contrast, the Infrastructure Consortium of Africa (ICA) estimates that poor and ageing road, rail and harbour infrastructure in African countries generally may currently be adding as much as 30-40% to the cost of goods traded across the continent. This is placing an undue burden on consumers and businesses, and strangling growth.

So, by continuing its diligent efforts to lift the various logistics constraints facing the country, as well as to roll out world-class national infrastructure to support the needs of South Africas expanding population, government can achieve the 5% growth target needed to stimulate job creation and eliminate poverty and unemployment.

As a result, South Africans should be comforted that government has allocated R8.47 billion to Public Works and Infrastructure in the 2023/24 year as evidence of its commitment, as outlined in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).

An additional R1.18bn was allocated this year for reconstructing and rehabilitating municipal infrastructure damaged by disastrous floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The role of the private sector

Critically, however, infrastructure development and the task of reaching the 5% growth target cannot and should not be the responsibility of government alone. There is no denying that South Africa has suffered a difficult few year, as the aftereffects of the pandemic, geopolitical shocks, and what the International Monetary Fund has described as a limping world economy have weighed heavily upon our own economy and the fiscus.

So, as government faces the enormous challenge of balancing the many urgent demands on its limited budget, the private sector must engage to seek where it can be of service in investing in vital infrastructure projects.

Quality infrastructure acts to boost investment confidence in countries, which in turn attracts further investment in areas such as infrastructure. So, by leading the way in supporting infrastructure projects in South Africa, local investors can spark a virtuous economic cycle that benefits all.

Developers, too, have a role to play in nation-building by ensuring that infrastructure is delivered at a high standard, on time, and within budget. In many cases in the past, private companies have played a role in causing wastage and cost overruns in major projects. In response, the entire industry must make every effort to improve governance, transparency, and accountability in public infrastructure projects.

Many governments across Africa have increased their infrastructure spending, and the Africa Finance Corporation has even described Africa as on the precipice of a 30-year infrastructure boom.

As the continents most industrialised nation, it is encouraging to see South Africas public sector and private developers at the forefront of this shift, working in tandem to address the formidable infrastructure and service delivery challenges in our path and unlock economic growth to enhance the welfare of our communities.
The first group of hostages Hamas abducted on October 7 was released on Friday (November 24) after Israel and Hamas struck a deal brokered by the United States and Qatar as part of an at least four-day truce in the fighting.

Media reports indicated that the 13 Israeli hostages that were freed were composed of women and children in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

According to The Times of Israel, the first group of Israeli hostages have been handed over to aid workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Upon crossing, the hostages were turned over to Egyptian authorities, and then, Israel Defense Force (IDF) helicopters would take them to the hospital for treatment and trauma debriefing.

Meanwhile, the 39 Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli jails, particularly in Ofer Prison in the West Bank, have also been released, Qatari officials confirmed.

  12  1   Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) November 24, 2023

Thai Hostages Also Released

Also released on Friday were around 12 Thai nationals who were also taken hostage by Hamas.

"It has been confirmed by the Security Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai hostages have already been released," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in another hour. They should know their names and details. Please stay tuned."

The Guardian reported that 14 other Thai hostages remain in captivity.

It was revealed by Reuters that the Thai hostages were part of a separate deal negotiated by Hamas with Qatar and Egypt.

However, Qatari officials claim that the non-Israeli hostages freed were only 1110 Thai and a single Filipino.

Read Also: Families of Hamas Hostages Express Concern as Ceasefire in Gaza Delayed, Israel Continues Attacks

Spanish and Belgian Ambassadors Summoned by Israel After PMs' Statements in Rafah

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and held a press conference just minutes before the agreed-upon time for the release of the first batch of hostages.

During the joint statement, both premiers welcomed the four-day pause in the fighting and the influx of humanitarian aid. However, they also called for a more permanent ceasefire, saying that the current truce in Gaza was not enough.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to summon the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors in order to reprimand them for the comments Sanchez and De Croo made, the Jerusalem Post reported.

"We condemn the false claims of the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism," Cohen said. "Israel is acting according to international law and is fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than ISIS that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity."

In a separate statement, Netanyahu strongly condemned the words of both prime ministers for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred Israeli citizens and used the Palestinians as human shields.

Neither Belgium nor Spain took part in talks for the hostages' release.

Related Article: Truce Between Israel, Hamas Commences Ahead of Hostage Swap, Aid Influx

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In a world of growing calls for global social reform, companies that want to preserve their market share will have to pay their employees at least a living wage.

Image source: robert hyrons  123RF.com

This is according to Professor Ines Meyer of the Living Wage South Africa Network, whose groundbreaking research paves the way for remuneration policies favouring human needs over market rates.

"Unfortunately, many companies are still resistant because of legacy thinking that goes against what modern consumers expect from their vendors and employers," she says.

So why don't most companies pay their employees a living wage, even though not doing so could cost them dearly?

What is a living wage?

Even employed South Africans can live in poverty because they are underpaid in relation to the cost of living.

Meyer defines a living wage as sufficient income for an individual and their family to afford the basic necessities of life, have something over for savings, and so be prepared for emergencies.

This is different from the minimum wage legislated in the National Minimum Wage Act that compels companies to pay workers a rate not lower than the prescribed amount.

"The Act focuses on a minimum amount which is a compromise between labour, business and government representatives, but the concept of a living wage looks at what a human being needs to subsist with a measure of dignity, in accordance with Section 10 of the Constitution," says Meyer.

The South African arguments

In Meyer's experience, South African companies have three main arguments against paying a living wage.

The first is that they simply cannot afford it. Secondly, the prohibitive cost would mean letting go of employees or hiring fewer workers, thereby impeding job creation and increasing unemployment. Thirdly, the difference between the income of the lowest and next highest paid worker would be unfair on higher skilled employee.

However, Meyer asserts that her own research and that of bodies like the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests this knee jerk reaction results from flawed thinking that is not backed by data.

For example, the enforcement of a minimum wage in South Africa did not lead to corporate financial distress, higher unemployment or employee dissatisfaction.

"A better approach than to ask can we afford it would be how to make it happen as paying less means we ensure we keep employees living in poverty," says Meyer.

A lack of data and data consistency

Both globally and locally, determining an appropriate living wage is problematic due to a lack of data and inconsistency in data that is available. How should employers calculate if they are offering a reasonable living wage or not?

"Even if they could, who are we as middle-class earners in our ivory towers to decide what the lowest paid workers need to live a decent life?" asks Meyer. With this mindset, she put the question of what is enough not to employers but to the workers themselves.

The result is a growing body of research that pinpoints the optimal living wage organisations should adopt, which Meyers says is between R12,000 and R15,000.

Time for change

While companies may see such figures as an unwanted loss to their business, the WEF has identified many overriding benefits.

Already mentioned is retaining the patronage of consumers who favour ethical companies that share their value of an equitable world. In addition to goodwill, lifting workers out of poverty has been shown to grow consumer markets. Companies also experience less absenteeism, greater employee engagement and increased productivity.

Worker poverty can adversely affect the entire organisation, including profits, so early adopters of a living wage initiative stand to benefit sooner and win a greater share of the market, says Meyer.
Six University of Cape Town (UCT) scholars have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford University in 2024. The chosen scholars are Justine Crook-Mansour, Daniel Erasmus, Sagel Kundieko, Mothibi Mathivha, Leago Sebesho and Savannah Verhage.

The Rhodes Scholarship is the worlds preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Over the last 120 years, nearly 1000 graduates from Southern Africa have been awarded Rhodes scholarships. Ten scholarships are awarded annually in the constituency, comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini.

The annual Rhodes selection process seeks young people with a proven record of academic excellence who also display exceptional moral character, evidence of leadership skills, the energy to use their talents to the full, and a commitment to solving humanitys challenges.

UCT deputy vice-chancellor: transformation, student affairs and social responsiveness, professor Elelwani Ramugondo congratulated the scholars and said she was confident that they would acquire knowledge that would advance UCTs mission of producing graduates who contribute towards addressing complex and critical challenges facing South Africa, Africa, and the world at large.

UCT is internationally recognised for its efforts and strides in continuously contributing to the global discourse. We pride ourselves on producing young people who have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, and we know that the six scholars will use this opportunity to broaden their knowledge, she said.

National Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarships in Southern Africa, Ndumiso Luthuli, noted that 2023 was a landmark year as they celebrate 120 years of the Rhodes Scholarship.

This year, following wide-ranging outreach to universities across the region, we recorded the highest number of applications ever for the Southern African Rhodes Scholarships, with applications up by 5% on last year, the previous record.

Our selection committees were spoilt for choice and had exceptionally strong pools from which to shortlist for the regional interviews. The finalists interviewed by the national selection committee were all quite outstanding and some tough choices had to be made by the South Africa-at-Large selectors.

The scholars selected have studied diverse academic disciplines, ranging from astrophysics to applied mathematics, commerce to computer science, from law to medicine, from international relations and leadership, to neuroscience and biomedical engineering. All are academically gifted, socially committed, well-rounded and exceptional young leaders, said Luthuli.

CEO of the Rhodes Trust, Dr Elizabeth Kiss, added:

We are excited to see the tremendous talents of this years Rhodes scholars-elect, who come from countries all around the world. We know from 120 years of bringing exceptional people to Oxford to study and build a dynamic global community that when unlike-minded but like-hearted people come together, we can forge brighter futures for individuals and the world. For 120 years, the global Rhodes Scholar community has been a force for good.

Scholars form a lifelong community, diverse, multicultural and multidisciplinary in nature, but united by a common commitment to having a positive impact on the world.

The Southern African cohort will head to Oxford University in October 2024 to join more than 100 Rhodes scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies and become part of a strong international network and supportive community of young leaders determined to make a positive difference in the world.
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand have launched a new initiative to develop the high-level skills needed to tackle the issues of energy shortages, water scarcity, and a skills gap in digitalisation that plague South Africa.

The Chamber of Mines building will be renamed.

Dr Patrice Motsepe, founder and executive chairman of ARM and a Wits alumnus, emphasised the importance of partnerships with higher education institutions in driving innovation, skills development, and sustainable growth. He highlighted ARMs commitment to supporting students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, particularly those from communities neighbouring ARMs mining operations.

ARM is proud to partner with Wits University which is a globally respected academic institution. Partnering with South African institutions of higher learning is paramount in our pursuit of knowledge, innovation, skills, and sustainable development," he said.

"Public-private partnerships are crucial in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges confronting our communities and country. ARM works with several top universities across South Africa, supporting young people from undergraduate to post-graduate studies, helping them to realise their dreams."

The ARM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme at Wits University aims to cultivate a critical mass of skills in South Africa. It will support a new cohort of postdoctoral fellows specialising in water resource management, digitalisation, and the just energy transition.

Renaming the Chamber of Mines building

ARM has pledged a R20m endowment for the programme, which will be invested into perpetuity. The returns on this investment will fund research in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

We recognise the importance of digital transformation in the mining industry, and the necessity to develop the critical skills needed to advance our economy, says Prof Zeblon Vilakazi (FRS), vice-chancellor and principal of Wits University.

This investment is firmly located in the Wits University Mining Precinct and dovetails with our broader initiatives in quantum computing, fintech and innovation. We are confident that through more private sector partnerships like the ARM Postgraduate Fellowship Programme, Wits University can help make a real difference in developing the critical skills and research needed to secure the long-term sustainability of the mining industry.

As part of the partnership, the current Chamber of Mines Building on the Braamfontein West Campus will be renamed the Wits ARM Building. This building, a crucial component of Wits Universitys academic and research infrastructure, houses the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environments administration, the School of Mining Engineering, the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, and several research entities.

Critical challenges

Prof Thokozani Majozi, the dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, stated that research and promotion of accessible, affordable, and socio-economically just renewable energy solutions are their top priorities.

He also highlighted the importance of water as a critical resource and the facultys aim to contribute to its sustainable management through research, education, increased awareness, and community engagement. This includes addressing challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.

In a similar vein, Phillip Tobias, CEO of ARM, expressed the companys dedication to tackling critical challenges in water, energy, and digitalisation that impact both their business and the country. He said that the ARM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a testament to this commitment.

This initiative aims to create a pipeline of future critical skills that will cater for future business needs. Tobias believes that through this collaboration, they can make a significant impact and leave a lasting legacy that will provide innovative and sustainable solutions that will benefit not only the mining industry but broader South African society as well.
Sperm concentration has been decreasing for the past few decades. Numerous experts are trying to find the main causes of the worsening sperm count and quality declines.

Now, researchers from George Mason University revealed that being exposed to insecticides/pesticides could be one of the main reasons for sperm concentration decline.

Involved experts analyzed five decades of peer-reviewed studies focusing correlation between carbamate-based and organophosphate insecticides and the decreasing sperm concentrations.

[STUDY] Sperm Concentration Affected by Insecticides, Claim Experts

George Mason University researchers checked studies involving around 1,800 men to see if insecticides really affect sperm concentration.

"Based on this meta-analysis, we believe insecticide exposure ... is impacting overall sperm concentration," said GMU's College of Public Health Dean Melissa Perry, who also co-authored the analysis.

"The message is we need to reduce insecticide exposure in order to ensure men who are planning a family or want to conceive children are able to do that without interference," she added.

Their findings are critical these days since The Guardian reported that recent statistics showed that sperm concentration declined by more than 50% over the past 50 years.

Melissa explained that these chemicals, which are created to kill pests, appear to interfere with the human endocrine system's hormone production. Because of these, insecticides/pesticides can also directly impact how much and how normally men produce sperm.

Other negative effects of pesticides on males are that these chemicals can damage testes cells and alter neurotransmission in the brain linked to reproductive activities.

Read Also: Study Shows More Americans are Getting Vasectomies-Doctors Explain Why

What Men Can Do to Protect Fertility

Experts said that insecticides are usually used in lawns and indoors. Avoiding using these chemicals is a piece of cake. However, pesticides are also used by farmers to protect their vegetables and other food products.

What men can do is to ensure that they are eating fruits, vegetables, and other foods that don't have pesticides. First, they must identify the food with the highest levels of pesticide residues, which HealthLine listed:

Peaches (99%)

Grapes (96%)

Nectarines (94%)

Apples (90%)

Blueberries (90%)

Collard Greens, Mustard, and Kale (86%)

Spinach (76%)

Pears (63%)

Strawberries (30%)

If ever you can't avoid eating some of these fruits and vegetables, the best thing you can do is wash them thoroughly. To do this, here are the steps you need to follow:

Wash hands before and after food preparation.

Remove damaged areas after washing the vegetables and fruits.

Wash them under running water.

Use a clean vegetable brush.

Dry them with a clean towel.

Related Article: New Study Blames Smartphones for Declining Sperm Counts-Here's What Researchers Discovered

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Spanish-Chinese version of "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" launched in Madrid

Xinhua) 09:49, November 24, 2023

This photo taken on Nov. 22, 2023 shows books of Spanish-Chinese version of "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Madrid, Spain. The launch ceremony of the Spanish-Chinese version of the book was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance." (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

MADRID, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The launch ceremony of Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights (Spanish-Chinese version) was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance."

Attending the event, Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, hailed China's efforts in human rights protection.

Noting that human rights protection is the mission of every country and the rights to subsistence and development are the primary basic human rights, Centella said that China gives prior attention to rural and less developed areas, and has lifted a huge number of people out of poverty, creating a more equal, democratic, just and safe social environment for the Chinese people.

The book showed the world China's visions and practices in respecting and protecting human rights, said Marta Montoro, manager and director of Institutional Relations of "Catedra China" in Spain.

She was echoed by Antonio Segura, founding president of Association of Lawyers Friends of China.

Qu Xun, minister of the Chinese Embassy in Spain who also attended the event, said China has made great achievements in promoting the cause of human rights.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Spain, and the past half-century has witnessed a sound and smooth development of bilateral ties, Qu said.

This is because both sides have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit which guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, and stuck to the right path of seeking friendly coexistence among countries with different cultures and systems, Qu added.

There is no one-size-fits-all human rights development path in the world and there is always room for improvement when it comes to the protection of human rights, Qu added.

Compiled by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the book uses nine themes to systematically record the remarks of Xi on respecting and protecting human rights.

In 2022, the Central Compilation and Translation Press published the English-Chinese, French-Chinese, Russian-Chinese, Spanish-Chinese and Japanese-Chinese versions of the book.

A man reads a book of Spanish-Chinese version of "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 22, 2023. The launch ceremony of the Spanish-Chinese version of the book was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance." (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A true crime fanatic who told police she killed a total stranger "out of curiosity" has been handed a life sentence by a South Korean court.

Police claimed 23-year-old Jung Yoo-Jung, who had a high psychopathy test score, was fascinated with crime shows and books. She became obsessed with the concept of trying out a murder.

In May, Jung met an English teacher via an app and murdered her in her home. The murder horrified the whole country of South Korea.

The prosecution had made a request for the death sentence, which is something that is generally reserved for the most heinous of crimes. The previous execution in the nation took place in 1997, while the most recent death sentence was issued in 2018, said Unilad.

Laying Out the Plan and Carrying Out the Crime

Jung is an unemployed individual who lives with her grandfather. According to BBC, she has spent months looking for victims and reportedly utilizing a tutoring app to identify potential targets.

She reached out to around 50 people, asking whether they taught classes out of their homes. She specifically sought out women.

The 26-year-old victim, who was located in Busan in the south-east of the country, was approached by Jung in May. Jung was pretending to be the mother of a high school student needing English lessons. Police have not released any further information about the victim.

Jung then showed up at the tutor's residence dressed in a school uniform she had acquired online, authorities said. As soon as the instructor allowed her in, she brutally assaulted the lady, stabbed her over a hundred times, and went on even after she was already dead.

She then took a cab to a park north of Busan and dumped some of the body parts there and the rest in the river. Jung was caught when the cab driver tipped off authorities about a passenger who had dropped a blood-soaked bag in the woods.

For months, Jung allegedly investigated internet methods of murder and corpse disposal, according to the police. However, she allegedly did not take any precautions to prevent being seen by CCTV cameras as she repeatedly entered and exited the tutor's house, leading authorities to conclude that she was careless.

Also Read: Dublin Protesters Erupted in Riots After the Stabbing Incident Involving 5 People, Including 3 Children

Shocking Confession From Suspect

In handing down the sentence on Friday, November 24, a judge in Busan's District Court stated the murder "spread fear in society that one can become a victim for no reason" and "incited a general distrust" in the neighborhood.

Jung, who pleaded guilty in June, said she was experiencing hallucinations and other mental illnesses at the time of the murder in an attempt to justify a lighter sentence.

But the court did not buy her story since the crime had been well planned and executed, making her claim of mental and physical illness doubtful, as reported by BBC.

It was pointed out that her comments to the police had been inconsistent. Ultimately, she admitted that her fascination with murder had been sparked by television series about crime.

Also Read: UK: 4 Missing Teenagers Found Dead in Overturned Car During Snowdonia Camping Trip

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Postal Code
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is now facing criticisms after he announced the Florida Growth Grant Fund awards. The American official shared this effort on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

However, many Americans were not happy about the way he announced the initiative. Most of them pointed out that DeSantis didn't even mention U.S. President Joe Biden.

Here's why netizens bashed the Floridian leader although his announcement is good news for the semiconductor and chip industry.

Ron DeSantis' Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Announcement Criticized

Via his official X announcement post, Ron DeSantis confirmed that he is awarding over $28 million to expand the state's chip and semiconductor manufacturing.

He said that this initiative will be done through the Job Growth Grant Fund.

"These awards will create high-paying jobs for Floridians in growing, high-demand fields while also supporting our state's economic future," added the Floridian governor.

As of writing, his X post already generated over 1 million views, 3,300 comments, 3,900 likes, and 800 reposts.

If you check the comment section, many X users were not thanking Ron DeSantis for the new multi-million-dollar effort. Instead, they are mentioning Joe Biden; thanking the U.S. president.

"Aren't you the Governor of Iowa now? Long time no see. Thanks, President Biden for funding these new jobs," said one of the netizens bashing Ron DeSantis.

Aren't you the Governor of Iowa now? Long time no see.



Thanks President Biden for funding these new jobs.  Leslieoo7 (@Leslieoo7) November 22, 2023

"Thank you, President Biden, for making the funds available to Florida, where the Governor there will assign the funds but can't think of a politically safe way to credit you," said another X user.

Thank you President Biden, for making the funds available to Florida, where the Governor there will assign the funds but can't think of a politically safe way to credit you.



Proving he should never be President.  Powerbeard (@thePowerbeard) November 23, 2023

Powerbeard (@thePowerbeard) added that the way Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Growth Grant Fund awards is a clear sign that Americans shouldn't vote for him.

Now, the question is, why are so many Americans disappointed with Ron DeSantis for not mentioning Joe Biden?

Read Also: Nikki Haley Branded 'Fascist' After Urging Social Media Users To Verify Identity Over National Security Concerns

Why Ron DeSantis is Being Bashed

Newsweek reported that the reason why Americans are bashing Ron DeSantis is that he didn't give Joe Biden the credit he deserves.

This is because POTUS was the one who signed the CHIPS and Science Act back in August 2022.

He approved this legislation in order to improve the U.S. manufacturing and technological competitiveness against the Chinese industry.

The CHIPS and Science Act specifically focuses on boosting the American semiconductor and chip production, development, and research.

If you want to learn more about the big role of Joe Biden in the new Florida Growth Grant Fund awards, you can click here.

Related Article: Eric Adams' Turkey Ties: NYC Mayor Admits Helping Turkish Consulate Amid Criminal Investigation Over Campaign

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Bank of Ireland worker suggested Michael Lynn should be referred to the Law Society back in 2004, 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.

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It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance.

The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank (later known as Danske Bank), Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS).

In relation to Bank of Ireland, Mr Lynn is accused of stealing 2.7 million from that institution in December 2006.

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Arthur King of Bank of Ireland returned to court on Friday to be cross-examined by defence counsel. The court has heard he was involved in compiling documents for the bank's insurance claim in the wake of their losses in relation to Mr Lynn's loans.

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The court heard Bank of Ireland received a 4.5 million payment from its insurance company in September 2014.

Mark Lynam SC, defending, brought Mr King through some internal emails within the bank dated March 2004. In the emails, a bank worker in head office pointed out to some of her colleagues that no charge had been registered in a number of properties Mr Lynn had taken out loans for.

Law Society referral

In the email, the head office worker suggested her colleague should speak to Mr Lynn. I think we have more than enough here to call Mr Lynn back in and ask him to explain how he has not complied with the undertakings given, the email stated. He should be referred to the Law Society.

Mr King told defence counsel he had no knowledge of these emails. Mr Lynam submitted the emails seem to set out extremely abnormal borrowing and included a reference to referring Mr Lynn to the Law Society.

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Is this the kind of email that would cause concern? he asked Mr King.

Yes, I would expect so, Mr King replied.

Mr Lynam submitted that Bank of Ireland had a duty of the utmost good faith to supply its insurance company with all of the information relevant to its claim. Is this issue potentially relevant to the insurance claim? he said, adding that the bank's position was that it had no knowledge and no reason to suspect this loan wouldn't be repaid.

There's material in the bank that supports that they ought to have had a level of knowledge, Mr Lynam said.

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Mr King replied that he was not an insurance expert. He agreed that this documentation was potentially relevant.

Under re-examination from Karl Finnegan SC, prosecuting, Mr King agreed that he had no knowledge as to whether the internal bank queries about Mr Lynn were answered or not, or whether they were answered satisfactorily or not.

Insurance claim

He agreed that the insurance claim was paid out for losses as a result of Michael Lynn's fraud.

Fiona McAleenan, who worked as a solicitor in Michael Lynn and Co, continued being cross-examined by defence counsel.

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Ms McAleenan said she became concerned when she saw two letters which listed a number of the same properties being sent by different financial institutions.

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She said she couldnt remember the exact circumstances in which she became aware of the letters or which financial institutions had sent them.

Ms McAleenan said she couldnt recall the contents, but thought the letters were related to the registration of charges.

She agreed with Paul Comiskey OKeeffe BL, defending, that she was concerned but didnt speak to Mr Lynn about it.

She said she was advised to leave the practice and to contact the Law Society.

It wasnt legal advice, but advice on what to do. I didnt think I was going to be sued at that stage. I wanted advice for myself, Ms McAleenan said.

She confirmed she resigned from the practice in September 2007 and met with the Law Society around the same time.

She said she was surprised when Mr Comiskey OKeeffe put to her that the Law Societys position was that they have no notes or documents of that meeting.

Resignation

She agreed that she went to the practice the day after her resignation and emailed some documents to herself, but couldnt recall which ones.

I wasnt concerned at that stage I was going to be sued. I was concerned as I had reflected on the encouragement to sign documents as a partner and on the negotiations to become a partner.

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I was worried I was going to be dragged into this, which I was.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked Ms McAleenan why she didnt take the precaution of checking letters of undertaking brought to her by staff in the practice. She said she didnt think she should as they were working with Mr Lynn - a very qualified solicitor.

Defence counsel put to Ms McAleenan that Mr Lynn was spending more than six months out of the country in 2006 and 2007 and was focused on Kendar  his property development company - while in Ireland.

He suggested she was aware Mr Lynn was not supervising the work, which she mindlessly accepted without asking basic questions.

Ms McAleenan agreed Mr Lynn was not working on conveyancing files, but noted he was regularly in contact with the office by phone and that he said Ms Doyle was his eyes and ears in the practice.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe put it to Ms McAleenan that Irish Life and Permanent initiated proceedings against her, and during this, her position was that Ms Doyle was part of the fraud perpetrated by Mr Lynn.

Ms McAleenan replied: I dont recall my specific allegation against Ms Doyle in those proceedings. I understood and understand that Ms Doyle was involved in Mr Lynns activities.

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Mr Comiskey OKeeffe noted that Ms Doyles position is that Ms McAleenan knew about the letters of undertaking and had given her permission. No, that was not the case, Ms McAleenan said.

Ms McAleenan said she had no involvement with Overseas Property Limited and most certainly did not have a role as its manager.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe put it to her that she was holding herself out as a partner in Michael Lynn and Co.

Partner

I was asked by Mr Lynn to say I was a partner, Ms McAleenan replied, adding that they were in partnership negotiations at the time, which did not go anywhere.

She said it was absolutely not true that a profit-sharing agreement had been in place, but accepted that she asked for a percentage profit share as part of the partnership negotiations.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe said his instructions were that a 10 per cent profit share arrangement was in place, but she asked for a higher percentage. That is lies, she replied.

He then suggested that OPL fees were included in the profit share arrangement, which Ms McAleenan rejected as not true.

She agreed she described herself as a partner on an insurance form for the practice, adding that it was at Mr Lynns request. I did. I shouldnt have.

She rejected Mr Comiskey OKeeffes suggestion that email correspondence about the practices move to offices in the Capel Building indicated she had a role in the management of the office. She reiterated her evidence that she was not involved in the conveyancing side of the practice.

You can put any interpretation you want on my answer, but I was not involved in conveyancing. You can ask anyone in practice if I was involved in conveyancing, apart from Mr Lynn, she said.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked why they should not ask his client. We know what the answer is going to be, she replied.

Ms McAleenan was then shown a series of emails which she said she had never seen.

Mr Comiskey OKeeffe suggested her position was implausible and unrealistic.

That was reality. You have to remember what was going on, Ms McAleenan replied.

He put it to her that the emails suggested she was aware of what was going on. I most certainly did not know what was going on, she said.

The trial resumes on Monday before Judge Martin Nolan and the jury.
An Bord Pleanala has given the green light to one of east Corks biggest-ever housing developments by approving the construction of over 700 new homes in Carrigtwohill.

The board has granted planning permission to BAM Property for the development of 714 residential units at Castlelake, Carrigtwohill under the fast-track planning process for strategic housing development which meant the developer was not required to first seek approval for the project from Cork County Council.

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The development consists of 224 houses and 282 duplex units and 208 apartments as well as a creche and multi-use games areas on a 18.3 hectare site.

Parking spaces will be provided for almost 1,300 vehicles and over 900 bicycles.

The apartments will be provided across seven blocks ranging from one to five storeys in height, while the duplexes will be contained in 122 buildings up to three storeys in height.

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An Bord Pleanala directed that two duplex units from BAMs original proposal be removed because of their impact on a neighbouring property.

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In its ruling, the board observed that the overall development would result in a significant contribution to the housing stock in a time of housing need.

The board said the provision of a development of the nature and scale of the one proposed at Castlelake was desirable given its close proximity to the rail station in Carrigtwohill which provided high frequency, high-capacity train services.

It also noted that the new housing scheme was located in an area with a wide range of employment opportunities and social infrastructure facilities.

Access to the proposed development will be via an extension to Castlelake Avenue as well as new entrances linking the new housing estate with the Station Road Link Road.

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The board said the development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or other properties in the vicinity subject to compliance with a number of planning conditions.

They include a stipulation that all houses and duplex units can only be sold to individual buyers and not to any corporate entity or housing body.

The board said BAMs plans were also acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development as well as with regard to traffic, pedestrian safety and convenience.

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It also expressed satisfaction that the development would not have any significant adverse effects on the surrounding road network or the environment.

Cork County Council had also recommended that planning permission for the housing scheme be granted.

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BAM has proposed to make 104 units consisting of 47 apartments, 46 duplex units, and 11 houses available to Cork County Council for social housing under its Part V obligations.

The company has estimated the average cost of a two-bed apartment in the development will be 330,523, while a two-bed duplex will be 370,102.

The cost of a three-bed house in Castlelake is expected to be 386,157.

BAM said the proposed development represented the completion of the masterplan for Castlelake, which had its genesis over 20 years ago when plans were originally designed to provide 1,600 new dwellings.

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The company had its application to build 277 new homes at Castlelake rejected by An Bord Pleanala in 2018, despite being approved by Cork County Council, because of inadequate connectivity to the train station in Carrigtwohill and the poor design of the development.

BAM said the latest plans were a response to the boards decision and involved the development being comprehensively redesigned by a new design team.

It said they included a previously excluded portion of land on which an apartment block would be built that would provide security and surveillance of a new cycleway between Carrigtwohill and Midleton.

An Bord Pleanala received a total of 11 third-party submissions, including one from local Green Party councillor, Alan OConnor, with all but one raising objections and concerns about the development.

Most issues raised related to traffic and the impact on other homes in the area.

An inspector with An Bord Pleanala said the plans were effectively delivering a new urban neighbourhood which will all represent a significant expansion of the current town.
The High Court action in which Councillor Jimmy Guerin claims journalist Gemma O'Doherty defamed him has been adjourned to Tuesday.

Following closing speeches by Feargal Kavanagh SC, for Ms O'Doherty, and Ronan Lupton SC, for Mr Guerin, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor said he proposed adjourning to next Tuesday the giving of the judge's charge to the jury. This was because he was "very conscious of the situation of people getting home this evening".

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After he has given his charge on Tuesday, he will ask the jury to go out and consider his verdict.

Mr Guerin, a brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin, claims Ms O'Doherty defamed him in social media posts and a website video which he claims meant he was a convicted paedophile.

Mr Guerin is suing Ms O'Doherty, a former journalist with the Irish Independent, over the postings on Twitter (X), Facebook and her own internet video broadcast portal, Gemma.TV/gemmaodoherty.com, on July 11th and 12th, 2019.

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The Twitter and Facebook posts stated that "paedophile brother of Veronica Guerin, murdered with the involvement of garda" had been found guilty of possession of hundreds of child sexual abuse images.

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The broadcast includes a statement of "how the brother of Veronica Guerin" was found with large quantities of child sexual abuse images.

It was in fact Mr Guerins brother, Martin Guerin (68) who pleaded guilty in 2019 to possession of hundreds of images and 146 movie files of child pornography. He later received a two-and-a-half year suspended prison sentence.

Jimmy Guerin, who is also an independent Fingal Co Councillor and a businessman, says the words published and broadcast by Ms O'Doherty were understood to refer to him and meant he was a paedophile.

The material was "cynically and deliberately calculated not to identify Martin and therefore identify Jimmy as the individual" who had come before the courts, he claims.

He also claims it was done to get back at him for comments he made the previous year when Ms O'Doherty was seeking the Presidential nomination.

Ms O'Doherty admits publication but says her words were clearly intended and understood to refer to Martin. She also claims Mr Guerin, by bringing the action, was deliberately trying to silence a journalist who have campaigned on corruption and child abuse issues over the years.
Damage done to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost in the tens of millions of euros, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, as he urged shoppers to go into the city centre.

Politicians have strongly criticised the violent scenes in Dublin that saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

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The clean-up is continuing on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street, with burned-out Luas tram carriages lifted off the track by cranes and broken glass and missiles swept away.

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said an estimated 500 people were involved in the disorder and said it was important to back the police force amid riotous scenes.

Some 13 shops had been significantly damaged or subjected to looting and 11 Garda cars were damaged. Some Garda members were injured as 400 officers responded to the unrest.

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More than 30 people were scheduled to appear before the courts on Friday, charged with offences relating to the misuse of drugs, theft and public order.

Asked about the level of damage at a meeting of the British-Irish Council at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: We dont have a figure on it yet, but its likely to be in the tens of millions, rather than the millions.

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He said there was a discussion with the Garda Commissioner on Thursday evening on whether to involve the Defence Forces as scenes unfolded, but it was deemed that it wasnt warranted.

Ill be talking to business groups this afternoon and, of course, there will be government help available to help them with the cost of repairing the damage but we just have to work out the details of that.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) and UK secretary of state for levelling up Michael Gove at a press conference during the British-Irish Council (BIC) summit at Dublin Castle. (Brian Lawless/PA)

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He added: Our advice is that it is safe to come into the city. The riots that occurred last night only occurred in a relatively small part of it, thankfully, and were contained within hours.

While some shops may not be open, the vast majority are, and were saying to people it is safe to come into the city, and that there will be a heightened Garda presence.

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The violence in Dublin flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city at about lunchtime on Thursday.

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital while the female care assistant, in her 30s, is in a serious condition.

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The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remains in hospital but the boy has been discharged.

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

Trams were among the things damaged in the violence (Brian Lawless/PA)

Politicians and police have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

Addressing the media early on Friday, Mr Varadkar said Dublin had witnessed two terrible attacks on Thursday.

The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law, he said at Dublin Castle.

Each attack brought shame to our society and disgrace to those involved and incredible pain to those caught up in the violence.

As Taoiseach, I want to say to a nation that is unsettled and afraid, this is not who we are, this is not where we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

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He added: Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

UK secretary of state for levelling up Michael Gove, who also attended the meeting at Dublin Castle, said the riotous scenes in Dublin were unacceptable wherever it occurs while Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf praised gardai for running towards danger when the rest of us would run away.

The clean-up in the aftermath of violent scenes in the city centre (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Yousaf said it was important to consider whether we are appropriately challenging the narrative any extremists whether theyre on the far right or elsewhere, and challenging any narrative that seeks to divide us.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said some officers had been injured, one seriously, as he blamed the disorder on far-right hooligans.

Mr Harris refused to accept that the Dublin riots were a failure of personnel and said order was restored between 8.30pm and 9pm.

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Asked about the preparedness of the gardai for the riots, he added: We could not have anticipated that this would have been the reaction.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin paid tribute to gardai and all emergency workers who he described as having put themselves in harms way to deal with the actions of a small minority in our society.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin condemned the violence in Dublin City Centre (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

And I would say that this is not who we are as a people, Ireland has built a modern and inclusive society. It is something precious that we should all work to hold, the Tanaiste said.

We understand the need to respect others, the need to respect differences and the need to respect the dignity of every human being. This is something that we should hold precious and we should collectively as a society come together to recommit to those fundamental values.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said there was very strong legislation, including prison sentences of up to 12 years for those convicted of attacking gardai.

Ms McEntee described a very volatile situation and said there was a very strong garda presence in Dublin as well as monitoring of online activity.
Updated: 12pm

Rioters who wreaked destruction during a night of violence in Dublin brought shame on Ireland, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, as he vowed to use the full force of the law against them.

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Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Mr Varadkar described the estimated 500 people responsible for the disorder as hate-filled, violence-loving cowards.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has blamed the violence on far-right hooligans.

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Thirty-four people were arrested in riots that saw buses and trams burned, shops looted and several Garda vehicles damaged.

Numerous Garda members were injured, one seriously, as over 400 officers were deployed in response to the unrest.

The violence flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and a woman outside a school in the north inner-city at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

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A five-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in hospital while the woman, aged in her 30s, is in a serious condition.

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The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remains in hospital, but the boy has been discharged.

Gardai previously said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

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The clean-up in the aftermath of violent scenes in the city centre (Brian Lawless/PA)

Politicians and Gardai have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

A clean-up operation was under way on Friday, with burned-out Luas tram carriages lifted off the track by cranes and broken glass and missiles swept off the streets.

Mr Varadkar said Dublin had witnessed two terrible attacks on Thursday.

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The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law, he said at Dublin Castle.

Each attack brought shame to our society and disgrace to those involved and incredible pain to those caught up in the violence.

As Taoiseach, I want to say to a nation that is unsettled and afraid, this is not who we are, this is not where we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

The unrest came after an attack in Parnell Square East (Brian Lawless/PA)

He added: Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

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These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said there was very strong legislation, including prison sentences of up to 12 years for a conviction for attacking gardai.

Ms McEntee described it as a very volatile situation and said there is a very strong garda presence in Dublin, while online activity is also being monitored.

The scenes visible on the streets of Dublin last night have implications far beyond what people can see.

Giving an update as to how Thursday night's violence impacted HSE services, the health service's chief executive said there were difficulties for ambulance services attempting to navigate the city, while healthcare staff also had issues coming to and from work.

He said a small number of patient diversions to other hospitals away from the city centre were necessary, and there was a small rise in Emergency Department attendances at these hospitals as people sought to avoid the city centre.

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Five extra crews of the National Ambulance Service were called in to support colleagues in the Dublin Fire Brigade's ambulance service, and the NAS also supported Gardai with tactical emergency medical supports.

I want to thank all of our staff for the work they did in very difficult circumstances. Very many are used to working to serve our patients in very difficult circumstances, however street violence adds significantly to the challenge on a number of fronts, Mr Glouster said.

We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff as they go about their work, and I am certainly concerned for them when even a small number of people act with intent on causing violence, harm and disruption.

The scenes visible on the streets of Dublin last night have implications far beyond what people can see, and this impacts all public services, including healthcare for the majority of law-abiding citizens.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said their thoughts are with our community in the North Inner City especially those whose lives were turned upside down by yesterdays violent attack.

She added: Nurses and midwives will be very concerned about the racial taunts and attacks that occurred on the streets of Dublin last night.

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We are asking employers to be extra vigilant and conscious of the safety and wellbeing of our members who are not from Ireland.

They have come to this country to work, to provide a very necessary service, and they need to be absolutely assured of their safety when they go to work.
A number of security alerts in Cork city prompted areas to be cordoned off on Friday morning.

Gardai confirmed alerts had been made at various locations in the city.

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The Irish Examiner reports a number of calls were made to a local radio station and the Fire Brigade claiming bombs had been placed at a number of buildings in the city, including the courthouse on Washington Street and Mercy University Hospital.

Gardai attended the scene and Cork City Fire Brigade deployed units to the area, with several streets being closed off while the matter was assessed.

Gardai confirmed: "Following further enquiries An Garda Siochana is satisfied that all of the alerts have been deemed as hoax and the areas have been declared safe."
After a night of violent disorder in Dublin city centre on Thursday, the national newspapers all carry distressing images from the riots.

Shots of Gardai in riot gear, burning vehicles and the looting of shops are among those splashed across the front pages.

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The Irish Times leads with two images side-by-side. One showing first responders at the scene of an attack at Parnell Square on Thursday afternoon, in which three children and a woman were injured.

The other image shows a bus ablaze on O'Connell Street after violence broke out as people gathered near Parnell Square on Thursday evening following news of the stabbing incident.

The Irish Examiner reads: 'Riots in Dublin after children stabbed', over an image of a burning car near Parnell Street.

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'Hate on the streets' is the Irish Independent's headline, with an image of a double-decker bus ablaze at O'Connell Bridge, under the watchful gaze of the O'Connell Monument.

Advertisement Hate on the streets pic.twitter.com/dVteSvcK56  Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) November 24, 2023

The Irish Daily Mail reads: 'Stabbed coming out of school', in reference to the children injured in the earlier attack, adding 'rioting and looting break out after Parnell Square horror'.

The paper also has an image insert showing crowds breaking into the Foot Locker store amid the riots.

Disgraceful scenes on the streets of the capital as thugs and looters rampage in the wake of horrific school stabbing that left a five-year-old girl in critical condition, and injured two other children, along with a creche worker in her 30s, and a man in his 50s pic.twitter.com/vWIjkDYTCt  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) November 23, 2023

Finally, both the Irish Daily Star and Irish Daily Mirror lead with images of burning vehicles, describing Thursday night's scenes as 'barbaric' and a 'day of shame' for Dublin.
A temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas war came into effect early on Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began.

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That promised some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of loved ones taken captive during Hamass October 7th attack which triggered the war.

During the truce, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in their attack.

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In turn, Israel is to free three Palestinian prisoners for each released hostage. The releases are to take place in stages over the next four days.

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The truce deal was reached after weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States, and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the first 13 hostages, made up of women and children, will be freed by Hamas on Friday afternoon.

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A member of Israeli security forces looks at posters of children held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage.

Under the truce deal, 50 hostages are supposed to be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners. Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

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Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Mr al-Ansari, who said increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, said the hope is the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence.

Palestinians inspect the rubble of a destroyed building in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp (Adel Hana/AP)

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Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

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Mr Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires, with the goal of destroying Hamas military capabilities, ending its 16-year rule in Gaza and returning all of the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Mr Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to US President Joe Biden.

Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

Israel Defence Forces spokesman Avichay Adraee backed up Mr Netanyahus view that the ceasefire was not designed to last in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The war is not over yet. The humanitarian pause is temporary, he said. The northern Gaza Strip is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move north. For your safety, you must remain in the humanitarian zone in the south.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to try to return to their homes in the northern half of the territory; the focus of Israels ground offensive.

Israel has said it would block attempts to return.
Combat between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters halted on Friday for the first time in seven weeks in a temporary truce ahead of the planned release of Israeli hostages held by the militants in exchange for jailed Palestinians.

No big bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks were reported, although Hamas and Israel both accused each other of sporadic shootings and other violations. Both said the war would resume on full throttle as soon as the truce was over.

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In Khan Younis town in southern Gaza, streets filled with people venturing out of home and shelters into a landscape of buildings flattened into heaps of rubble. Displaced families with small children carried belongings in plastic bags, hoping to return at least temporarily to homes they had abandoned earlier in the war.

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"I am now very happy, I feel at ease. I am going back to my home, our hearts are rested," said Ahmad Wael, smiling as he walked carrying a carpet balanced on his head. "I am very tired of sitting without any food or water. There (at home) we can live, we drink tea, make bread."

Above northern Gaza's combat zone, viewed from across the fence in Israel, there was no sign of the warplanes that have thundered through the sky for weeks, explosions on the ground or the contrails of Hamas rocketfire. Just one plume of smoke was visible in the early afternoon.

Columns of Israeli tanks rolled away from the Gaza Strip's northern end, while aid trucks entered from Egypt at the southern end.

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The four-day ceasefire, which began at 7am local time (5am Irish time), involves the release of 50 women and children hostages held by the fighters, in return for 150 Palestinian woman and teenagers held in Israeli jails. The first 13 hostages and 39 Palestinians were due to be freed later on Friday.

Israel says it could be extended beyond four days if more hostages are freed at a rate of at least 10 per day, and a Palestinian source has said up to 100 could ultimately go free.

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Additional aid is to flow into Gaza, which has been gripped by a humanitarian crisis under weeks of Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

Hamas confirmed that all hostilities from its forces would cease. But Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, later stressed that this was a "temporary truce".

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In a video message, he called for an "escalation of the confrontation...on all resistance fronts", including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a similar return to fighting: "This will be a short pause, at the conclusion of which the war (and) fighting will continue with great might and will generate pressure for the return of more hostages."

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters burst across the border fence into southern Israel on October 7th, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, Israel has rained bombs on the Hamas-ruled enclave, killing some 14,000 Gazans, around 40 per cent of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

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Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes to escape the violence as conditions grew ever more desperate, with food, drinking water, fuel and other basic supplies running short.

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It is the bloodiest episode in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel's stated intention is to eradicate Hamas once and for all.

Northern Gaza

Israel has told displaced Gazans not to attempt to return to the northern part of Gaza, focus of its ground campaign since the start of this month.

Gaza residents said the Israelis had dropped leaflets warning people not to travel north and have fired over the heads of some people who were trying to get back into Gaza City.

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Al-Jazeera reported that two Palestinians were killed and another was wounded by Israeli soldiers shooting at people who tried to return to the north. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Sirens sounded in two southern Israeli villages warning of possible incoming Palestinian rockets. An Israeli government spokesperson said Hamas had fired rockets in violation of the truce but there were no reports of damage.

Fighting had raged in the hours leading up to the truce, with officials inside the enclave saying a hospital in Gaza City was among the targets bombed.

The Indonesian Hospital was operating without light and filled with bedridden old people and children too weak to be moved, Gaza health officials said. Al-Jazeera quoted Mounir El Barsh, the Gaza health ministry director, as saying a patient, a wounded woman, was killed and three others injured.

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There was no comment from Israel on the reported incident.

Hostages

The temporary truce came about amid international concern over the fate of the hostages and the plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza. Israel has rejected calls for a full ceasefire, arguing it would benefit Hamas, a position backed by the United States.

The first hostages set of hostages, a group of 13, were expected to be released around 2pm Irish time to the Red Cross and an Egyptian security delegation, then brought out through Egypt for transfer to Israel, Egyptian security sources said. In exchange, Israel will release 24 women and 15 teenagers in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said.

The head of the Palestinian Authority's prisoners' commission, Qadura Fares, said that as soon as Israel received the hostages at the Rafah crossing, Israel's prisons' authority would move the Palestinian prisoners to the Red Cross.

Under the agreement, desperately-needed aid began to be delivered to Gaza. By mid-morning, 60 trucks carrying aid had crossed from Egypt at the Rafah border point, according to Gaza border authorities.

Two of the first trucks to enter sported banners that said, "Together for Humanity". Another said: "For our brothers in Gaza."

Egypt has said 130,000 litres of diesel and four trucks of gas will be delivered daily to Gaza and that 200 trucks of aid would enter Gaza daily.

A Palestinian official familiar with the truce talks told Reuters that only three trucks of aid out of 100 trucks had reached the northern Gaza Strip so far.

"This is grave foot-dragging," the official said. -Reuters
The heart works very hard. About the size of your fist, it sits in the middle of your chest, beats around 100,000 times a day and pumps eight pints of blood, circulating oxygen around the body. Its also what presenter and author Katie Piper calls a universal symbol of love, joy, positivity and, most importantly, care.

We all know the basics of what the heart does and why its there, says Piper, 40. But I suppose we can become blase and get wrapped up in our busy lives and quick-fixes, shortcuts, and maybe not respect the body and all that it does for us.

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Physically, Im aware of my heart and my body and as much as I can, I involve movement in my life and I enjoy movement. I love running. I love weightlifting. Me and the kids, we like going out for walks and finding stuff in nature.

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(Will Ireland/LEGO/PA)

People often talk about guarding their heart emotionally. But for Piper, its quite the opposite.

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Dont let this world harden your heart. Actually love freely and give love out, because when you look at the different things people say on social media, you can only ask and think, Are you this hardened? What made you so angry? And often when people are operating from that space, its that saying of hurt people hurt people.

So I dont love the next person with the previous heart that someone else stood on, she adds. Its my heart, and I love freely and give out compassion and empathy to people, rather than letting past experiences stain how I operate in my present tense.

This is how Piper and her husband, Richard James Sutton, have encouraged their daughters  Belle, nine, and five-year-old Penelope  to approach life too.

Its also what led her to set up The Katie Piper Foundation in 2009 to support survivors living with severe burns and scars from traumatic incidents  which Piper lives with herself following an acid attack in 2008.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katie Piper OBE (@katiepiper_) Advertisement



I saw the difference in getting support during recovery, she says. It was my personal experience and I wanted to give that to other people. But I had no experience setting up charities and didnt know how to work in the corporate world, it wasnt my background, so I just trudged along and now the charity is almost 13-years-old and we treat patients on a weekly basis.

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Gratitude and giving are two important mantras for children and adults, Piper adds. They are the stepping stones of how to find fulfilment and true happiness in your life.

Across the UK, the festive period is often filled with much celebration and joy for families. But for some, this time of the year can be a very difficult and challenging time. Its why LEGO launched  for the seventh year  their Build To Give charity initiative. A 3D heart installation with building stations was unveiled by Piper at Londons South Bank, and taken on tour to Glasgow and Cardiff.

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People have also been asked to share the superpower of play with children by building their own heart out of Lego bricks, and then posting it on social media or on Lego Life, using the hashtag #BuildToGive before December 31.

(Will Ireland/LEGO/PA)

For every heart built and shared, the Lego Group will donate a set to a child in need. The aim is to give 1.5 million children across the world in hospitals, childrens homes or vulnerable communities the chance to play this holiday season.

Play is a real superpower, says Piper. It can be the start of really good conversations and debates, especially when I was explaining to my girls  whilst they were building their own hearts  that their experience during the Christmas period isnt going to be everyone elses experience. That was a real chat about gratitude and helping other people. I try to be open-minded with them so they can talk to us. I really believe that strict parenting creates secretive children.

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And in this world of ambition and materialism, we can become really stuck-up and prioritise academia too. Maths, English and Science are all very important subjects, but we forget how educational play can be. We all need to stimulate our imagination. Those moments of happiness and connectivity are all valid, she continues.

So I dont see my kids playing as time off from learning. I see it as a part of their development. Its when I get to see some really strong and wonderful characteristics coming out, that I can nurture. I think everyone has played with Lego  its generational. So seeing them doing the things that I did with my brother and sister is so iconic.

#BuildToGive is part of the Lego Groups broader Play is Your Superpower campaign, which aims to inspire families to reprioritise playtime. For more information, visit www.lego.com/en-gb/build-to-give
In the past few days, X (formerly Twitter), Tesla, and SpaceX boss, Elon Musk has been accused by several progressives of allegedly being antisemitic, which he repeatedly denied in the strongest terms.

To prove to everyone he was not an antisemite, he announced his plan to visit Israel next week, where he would visit towns near the Gaza border, especially the kibbutzim Hamas attacked on October 7.

Israeli media reported that his other agenda in the country was to meet with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Musk and Netanyahu previously met in California last September to discuss a wide range of issues including antisemitism on social media and its implications for freedom of speech, the Iranian threat, the consequences of artificial intelligence, and his coalition's controversial judicial overhaul legislation.

The X boss also announced earlier this week that his social media platform would be "donating all revenue from advertising & subscriptions associated with the war in Gaza to hospitals in Israel," as well as a humanitarian organization operating in Gaza.

Read Also: Elon Musk Says Claims About Him Being Antisemitic Are Bogus

Musk's Antisemitism Issue

It was previously reported that the row between Musk and several X users began after he responded to an X user's alleged 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."

Musk also supposedly criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for "unjustly attack[ing] the majority of the West" despite its support to Israel and Jewish people. He also claimed that all accusations about him being an antisemite were "bogus"

Such comments garnered responses from the White House, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, and X CEO Linda Yaccarino, who made a clarificatory post.

To make matters worse, the progressive liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America has, according to Musk, "exploited" X's features of allowing users to control the content they see on their feed by creating a secret account designed to evade normal safeguards, as well as manipulating "every aspect of the system through which posts and advertisements appear, ultimately creating the side-by-side images of objectionable content and advertisements."

For this, Musk announced that X would file a lawsuit against Media Matters. Shortly after, the state of Texas launched its own investigation of Media Matters for its reports on ads next to antisemitic posts.

Related Article: Elon Musk Sues Media Matters Over Antisemitism Allegations

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has launched legal action against the Scottish government over its botched investigation of harassment complaints against him.

The Court of Session confirmed on Friday the case, Alex Salmond v Scottish ministers, had been called.

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The Herald reported the now-Alba Party leader has alleged misfeasance by civil servants and is seeking 3 million in damages and loss of earnings.

Scottish wellbeing economy secretary Neil Gray would not be drawn on the case when asked during a visit on Friday.

Mr Salmond  who was first minister between 2007 and 2014  was investigated by the Scottish government after two complaints from staff were made under a new complaints procedure which included former ministers.

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The former Scottish first minister is now the leader of the Alba Party (Jane Barlow/PA)

The investigation was deemed by a judicial review to have been tainted with apparent bias after the Scottish government conceded defeat and Mr Salmond was awarded 512,000 as a result.

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He was subsequently cleared of 13 charges of sexual misconduct  including attempted rape  following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Then followed a protracted Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish governments handling of the original two complaints, which called both Mr Salmond and former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon to give evidence.

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During the inquiry, Mr Salmond attacked Scotlands former top civil servant  then permanent secretary Leslie Evans  accusing her of having a bias against him and calling for her resignation.

In March 2021  just days before he announced he was the leader of the fledgling Alba Party  Mr Salmond confirmed his intention to take legal action against Ms Evans.

The inquiry, which worsened an already sour relationship between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon  who had previously been close  found Ms Sturgeon misled MSPs in her evidence, but she was cleared of any breaches of the ministerial code.

Speaking on Friday, Mr Gray said: Unfortunately, because this is now in a legal sphere, there is no further comment that I can make.

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It would be inappropriate to comment on a live litigation.
Hamas has released the first batch of hostages under a ceasefire deal, including 13 Israelis who had been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago, according to officials.

Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry. Qatar was a key mediator in the hostage release.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross, which delivered the hostages from Gaza into Egypt, confirmed the release, and Israeli military officials said they had returned to Israel and underwent initial medical checks. They are to be accompanied by soldiers to hospitals to be reunited with their families.

They are the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began on Friday.

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Palestinians inspect their destroyed houses in the town of Kazaa, eastern Khan Younis (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

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The freed Israeli hostages included eight women  six in their 70s and 80s  and three children.

Israel confirmed later that it had released 39 Palestinian prisoners. Qadura Fares, who heads an advocacy group for prisoners, said 33 prisoners freed in the West Bank were handed to a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the remaining six were being freed from a Jerusalem jail.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the exchange.

There were no reports of fighting after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamass October 7 attack which triggered the war.

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The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast areas of the Gaza Strip, fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

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However, Israel has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the ceasefire ends.

On Friday, the pause brought quiet after weeks in which Gaza saw heavy bombardment and artillery fire daily as well as street fighting as ground troops advanced through neighbourhoods in the north.

The last report of air raid sirens in Israeli towns near the territory came shortly after the truce took effect.

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Residents in Tel Aviv celebrate news of the hostage releases (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Not long after, four tankers with fuel and four with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israel said.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 litres of fuel per day during the truce  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than a million litres.

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For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of fuel into Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes  though it has occasionally allowed small amounts in.

UN aid agencies pushed back against the claim, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe because fuel is required to run generators that power water treatment facilities, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

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The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to return to their homes in the territorys north, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

Even though Israel warned that it would block such attempts, hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north on Friday.

Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.



Palestinians flee to northern Gaza (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

During the ceasefire, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of about 240 hostages it and other militants took on October 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides agreed to release women and children first, in stages starting on Friday. Israel said the deal calls for the truce to be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offences. Three Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released for every hostage freed.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the US and Egypt.

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But hours before it came into effect, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant was quoted telling troops that the respite would be short and the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamass military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began October 8.



Benjamin Netanyahu (Abir Sultan/AP)

Hezbollah is not a party to the ceasefire agreement but is widely expected to halt its attacks.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The soldiers will only be released in exchange for all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, according to the Islamic Jihad militant group, which is reportedly holding about 40 hostages.

It is not clear how many of the hostages are serving in the military or whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.

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According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians on security charges or convictions, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza after stopping for weeks because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The ministry says 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence.
Family and friends of Israeli hostages released by Hamas have celebrated the return of their relatives as the militant group released 24 people it had held for weeks in the Gaza Strip.

A crowd of Israelis gathered in a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to mark releases as part of a ceasefire swap deal.

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The freed Israelis included nine women and four children aged nine and under. They were taken to hospitals in Israel to be reunited with their families.

Yaffa Adar, 85, was kidnapped from Nir Oz on October 7 (AP)

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking.

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That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yael Adars 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remains in captivity. Both were kidnapped on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

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Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief, said Ms Adar.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother Keren Munder and grandmother Ruti Munder.

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Keren Munder and her son Ohad (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to see his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

Meanwhile, more than three dozen Palestinian prisoners returned home to a heros welcome in the occupied West Bank after their release from Israeli prisons as part of the ceasefire deal.

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The procession of freed prisoners, some accused of minor offences and others convicted over attacks, at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem drew massive crowds of Palestinians into a chanting, clapping, hand-waving, screaming frenzy.

Fifteen dazed young men, all in stained grey prison sweatsuits and looking exhausted, were carried through the streets on the shoulders of their teary-eyed fathers as fireworks lit up the night sky and patriotic Palestinian pop music blared.

Some of those released were draped in Palestinian flags, others in the green flags of Hamas. They flashed victory signs as they crowd-surfed.

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Former prisoners are carried into the West Bank town of Beitunia (Nasser Nasser/AP)

I have no words, I have no words, said newly released 17-year-old Jamal Brahma to the hordes of jostling journalists and thousands of chanting Palestinians. Thank God.

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Tears fell down his father Khalil Brahmas cheeks as he brought his son down from his shoulders and looked him in the eye for the first time in seven months. Israeli forces had arrested Jamal at his home in the Palestinian city of Jericho last spring and detained him without charge or trial.

I just want to be his father again, he said.

Although the atmosphere was festive in the town of Beitunia, near Israels Ofer Prison in the West Bank, people were on edge.

The Israeli government has ordered police to shut down celebrations over the release. Israeli security forces at one point unleashed tear gas canisters on the crowds, sending young men, old women and small children sprinting away as they wept and screamed in pain.

Palestinians wave Hamas flags as they celebrate the release of Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank city of Nablus (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

The army is trying to take this moment away from us but they cant, Mays Foqaha said as she tumbled into the arms of her newly released 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher, from Nablus, who was arrested during a protest in September at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This is our day of victory.

The Palestinian detainees freed on Friday included 24 women, some of whom had been sentenced to years-long prison terms over attempted stabbings and other attacks on Israeli security forces. Others had been accused of incitement on social media.

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There were also 15 male teenagers, most of them charged with stone-throwing and supporting terrorism, a broadly defined accusation that underscores Israels long-running crackdown on young Palestinian men as violence surges in occupied territory.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a UN worker whose 17-year-old son Iyas was last year placed in administrative detention without charges or trial and based on secret evidence.

But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.
Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole 10 years after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world.

Department of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Pistorius would be released from prison on January 5th.

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His parole will come with conditions, including that he not leave the area of Pretoria where he is set to live without permission from authorities.

Pistorius will also attend a programme to deal with his anger issues, Mr Nxumalo said, and will have to perform community service.

The parole conditions will be in place for five years, the Department of Corrections said.

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Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility, Mr Nxumalo said.

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Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, has been in jail since late 2014 for the Valentines Day 2013 killing of model Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria, although he was released for a period of house arrest in 2015 while one of the numerous appeals in his case was heard.

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He was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half of their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has done.

Pistorius was at the height of his fame and one of the worlds most admired athletes when he killed Ms Steenkamp.

He shot her multiple times in the bathroom of his villa in the early hours with his licensed 9mm pistol.

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Pistorius testified at his murder trial that he killed Ms Steenkamp by mistake, thinking she was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom in the middle of the night when he fired four times through the door with his licensed 9mm pistol.

Prosecutors argued that Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and reality TV star, had fled to the toilet cubicle during a late-night argument and Pistorius killed her in a rage.

Oscar Pistorius was convicted of murdering Reeva Steenkamp (left) (Citypress,Lucky Nxumalo, via AP/PA)

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Pistorius was eventually convicted of murder on a legal principle known as dolus eventualis, which means he acted with extreme recklessness and should have known that whoever was behind the door would likely be killed.

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Rob Matthews, a South African man whose 21-year-old daughter was murdered in 2004 and who became a Steenkamp family friend, read out a statement from Ms Steenkamps mother June Steenkamp outside the prison in which she said she was not opposing his parole and did not attend the hearing because I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.

I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar, June Steenkamp said in the statement.

In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life.  I believe he knew it was Reeva.

Pistorius was initially sent to Pretorias central prison, a notorious apartheid-era jail. He was moved to the citys Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in 2016.

There have been only occasional glimpses of Pistorius life behind bars over the past decade.

His father has said he has been holding bible classes for fellow prisoners, although there have also been flashes of trouble, including an altercation Pistorius had with another inmate over a prison telephone that left him requiring medical treatment.
Rail passengers in Britain are being urged to check before travelling next month because of fresh strikes and an overtime ban by train drivers that will disrupt services.

Some train operators will not run any services and there will be short notice cancellations because of the industrial action as part of a long-running pay dispute.

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Members of the drivers union Aslef will stage a series of one-day strikes across different train operators between December 2nd and 8th, as well as an overtime ban across all train companies from December 1st-9th.

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Revised timetables are being prepared and should be available by November 30th.

Passengers who have to travel have been warned to expect disruption, plan ahead and check when their first and last train will depart.

The strikes will affect services on 17 train companies, with wide regional variations expected.

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Some operators will run no services at all on strike days and those that are running will start later and finish much earlier than usual  typically between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

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It is likely that services on some lines will be affected on the evening before and morning after each strike between December 2 and 8 because rolling stock will not be in the right depots.

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: This unnecessary and avoidable industrial action called by the Aslef leadership has been targeted to disrupt customers and businesses ahead of the vital festive period, where people will be attending events and catching up with friends and loved ones.

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It will also inflict further damage on an industry that is receiving up to an additional 175 million a month in taxpayer cash to keep services running, following the Covid downturn.

As the level of service varies across the country, our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information. Customers with Advance, Anytime or Off-Peak tickets for travel between Saturday 2 December  Friday 8 December can instead use their tickets any time between Friday 1 December up until Tuesday 12 December. Those with Advance tickets can be refunded fee-free if the train that the ticket is booked for is cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled.

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It doesnt have to be this way. The Aslef leadership are blocking a fair and affordable offer made by the industry in the Spring that would take average driver base salaries for a four-day week from 60,000 to nearly 65,000.

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We urge them to put it to its members, give Christmas back to our customers and end this damaging industrial dispute.

The strikes will affect the following operators:

December 2nd  East Midlands and LNER.

December 3rd  Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, West Midlands Trains, Great Northern/Thameslink.

December 5th  C2C, Greater Anglia.

December 6th  Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Island Line.

December 7th  CrossCountry, Great Western Railway.

December 8th  Northern, TransPennine.

Aslef members in all the companies will ban overtime from December 1st-9th.
A Russian legislator and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin has denied media allegations that he adopted a missing two-year-old girl who was removed from a Ukrainian childrens home.

Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia, said on social media that Ukrainian security services and their western partners had concocted a fake report to discredit Russian patriots like himself.

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The BBC and independent Russian news outlet Important Stories had published an investigation on Thursday that said he adopted a child named Margarita Prokopenko who was allegedly taken to Moscow at the age of 10 months by the woman to whom he is now married.

Mr Mironov accused the two news organizations of having one goal  to discredit those who take an uncompromising patriotic position.

You are trying in vain, he wrote, adding that Russia would win its war in Ukraine.

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Vladimir Putin (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

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The office of the Ukrainian parliaments human rights commissioner told the Associated Press it was looking into the news report.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Mr Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the commissioner for childrens rights in the presidents office, accusing them of committing war crimes through their involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Bill Van Esveld, associate director of the Childrens Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said on Friday that the agency could not independently confirm the BBC and Important Stories findings, but added that the deportation of the girl to Russia, her adoption and her name change would be a black and white war crime.

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The investigation by the BBC and Important Stories said Margarita was collected in August 2022 from a home for children needing specialised medical care or who have missing parents in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which was occupied by Russian soldiers at the time.

The news organisations identified a woman who had visited the baby in Kherson before a group of Russian men removed the child from the home as Inna Varlamova, 55, who later married Mr Mironov.

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The investigation also cited a birth record created several months later that listed Mr Mironov and Mr Varlamova as the parents of child named Marina who was born on October 31 2021  Margaritas birthday.

Ukrainian authorities have estimated that around 20,000 children have been taken out of the country without their parents knowledge or under false pretences since Russia invaded in February 2022.

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A study by Yale University found more than 2,400 Ukrainian children aged six to 17 have been taken to Belarus from four regions of Ukraine that are partially occupied by Russian forces.

The AP reported in October last year that Russian officials deported Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, told them they were not wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship.

Vira Yastrebova, director of Eastern Human Rights Group, a Ukrainian non-governmental organisation, said Russian authorities were increasingly placing children into Russian foster families for eventual adoption instead of temporary guardianship.

Because Russian law makes it difficult to find information about adoptions, it is easy to hide any information about the children, Ms Yastrebova said.

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The Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, maintained in September that Russia does not kidnap Ukrainian children but is saving them.

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Russia has said it will return children to their families once a parent or guardian requests it, but because many Ukrainian families do not know where their children were taken, they are unable to make the requests.

Even when children are located, reuniting them with their families during the war is often a complicated process, involving a lot of paperwork and international border crossings.

Pope Francis tasked his Ukraine peace envoy earlier this year with trying to get young Ukrainians returned to their country.
Tiffany Haddish has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, police in California said.

The actor and comedian was detained after Beverly Hills police received a call at about 5.45am.

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Officers said she appeared to be found slumped over the wheel of the car while the engine was still running.



Tiffany Haddish (Alamy/PA)

Haddish, an Emmy and Grammy winner, had performed at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles on Thursday night. It was the comedy clubs 43rd annual free Thanksgiving feast for the community.

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She had already been arrested last year on suspicion of driving under the influence in suburban Atlanta.

Haddish has starred in films including Girls Trip, Night School, Like a Boss and The Kitchen.

She also wrote New York Times bestseller The Last Black Unicorn, which earned a Grammy nomination.

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In 2018, Haddish won an Emmy for her appearance on Saturday Night Live and a Grammy in 2021 for her TV special Black Mitzvah.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a plan to endorse a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence, emphasising that it is essential to prevent a western monopoly.

Speaking at an AI conference in Moscow, he said: Its imperative to use Russian solutions in the field of creating reliable and transparent artificial intelligence systems that are also safe for humans.

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Monopolistic dominance of such foreign technology in Russia is unacceptable, dangerous and inadmissible.





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He noted that many modern systems, trained on western data, are intended for the Western market and reflect that part of western ethics, norms of behaviour, public policy to which we object.

During more than two decades in power, Mr Putin has overseen a multi-pronged crackdown on the opposition and civil society groups, and promoted traditional values to counter purported western influence  policies that have become even more oppressive after he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

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He warned that algorithms developed by western platforms could lead to a digital cancellation of Russia and its culture.

An artificial intelligence created in line with western standards and patterns could be xenophobic, Mr Putin said.

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Western search engines and generative models often work in a very selective, biased manner, do not take into account, and sometimes simply ignore and cancel, Russian culture.

Simply put, the machine is given some kind of creative task, and it solves it using only English-language data, which is convenient and beneficial to the system developers. And so an algorithm, for example, can indicate to a machine that Russia, our culture, science, music, literature, simply do not exist.

He pledged additional resources for the development of supercomputers and other technologies to help intensify national AI research.



Vladimir Putin (centre) at an international conference on artificial intelligence (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

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We are talking about expanding fundamental and applied research in the field of generative artificial intelligence and large language models, Mr Putin said.

In the era of technological revolution, it is the cultural and spiritual heritage that is the key factor in preserving national identity, and therefore the diversity of our world, and the stability of international relations, the president said.

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Our traditional values, the richness and beauty of the Russian languages and languages of other peoples of Russia must form the basis of our developments, helping to create reliable, transparent and secure AI systems.

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Mr Putin emphasised that trying to ban AI development would be impossible, but noted the importance of safeguards.

I am convinced that the future does not lie in bans on the development of technology, it is simply impossible, he said. If we ban something, it will develop elsewhere, and we will only fall behind, thats all.

Mr Putin added that the global community will be able to work out the security guidelines for AI once it fully realises the risks.

When they feel the threat of its uncontrolled spread, uncontrolled activities in this sphere, a desire to reach agreement will come immediately, he said.
Western Australian police have arrested and charged three additional climate activists in relation to a protest outside Woodside boss Meg ONeills house after the ABC handed over materials collected in the production of an investigation for Four Corners.

Police disclosure documents obtained by this masthead show the new footage was obtained by WA police on November 17, with arrests made five days later.

The ABC has surrendered footage from a controversial episode of Four Corners. Credit: The Age

Nicholas Doyle, Tahlia Stolarski and Joana Partyka, members of the Disrupt Burrup Hub campaign group, were charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence on Wednesday. The trio was released on bail and will next appear at a Perth Magistrates Court on November 29.

Karen Percy, federal president of media union, MEAA told this masthead it is very disappointing that WA police pursued the matter, and that the ABC has now handed over the footage.
Journalists, editors and senior media figures from the newsrooms of the ABC, Guardian Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Schwartz Media and others have put their names to an open letter calling for greater scrutiny in the reporting of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Prominent journalists Tony Armstrong, Benjamin Law and Jan Fran were among media figures who signed the letter, which was also signed by the union house committees of the ABC and Guardian, as well as the national media section committee from media union MEAA.

Tony Armstrong; Jan Fran; Benjamin Law; Peter Greste. Credit: SMH

The letter, among other requests, asks for adequate coverage of credible allegations of war crimes, ethnic cleansing and apartheid.

Signatories outline eight steps for Australian newsrooms to take to improve coverage of the conflict, in which more than 14,000 Palestinians have so far been killed by Israeli forces since October 7, when a Hamas attack killed about 1200 Israelis.
Israeli hostage Hannah Katzir, 77, was previously reported to be killed in captivity in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike, until it was confirmed on Friday (November 24) that she was alive, well, and one of 13 Israeli women and children who were liberated after seven weeks in captivity.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) earlier claimed that the old woman was one of the casualties.

"We previously expressed our willingness to release her for humanitarian reasons, but the enemy was stalling and this led to her death," the group wrote on Telegram at the time.

Hannah Katzir is confirmed to be alive and is among the released hostages. Just a few days ago, Palestinian Islamic Jihad announced she was dead. This sick manipulation is the psychological warfare that will intensify in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/ey6S5sE1uf November 24, 2023

In response, Israel Policy Forum senior advisor Eli Kowaz said that Katzir's presumed death back then was, in hindsight, a "sick manipulation" and a weapon for psychological warfare that would just intensify in the coming days.

Read Also: How Israel's AI Usage Can Reduce Unwanted Civilian Casualties

Who is Hannah Katzir?

According to the New York Post, Katzir was a mother of three and grandmother of six. Abducted alongside her were her neighbors from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Her husband, Avraham "Rami" Katzir, was killed alongside 37 others on October 7.

The couple was among the founders of the kibbutz near the Gaza border.

Meanwhile, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Katzir's release was "proof" that only official sources of information should be relied upon.

Related Article: Israel, Hamas Begin Exchanging Prisoners, Hostages

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Developers are ramping up construction of new apartments squarely aimed at countering Melbournes chronic shortage of rental properties.

The latest to roll off the citys large production line of build-to-rent (BTR) apartments is property giant Mirvac Groups LIV Aston, at 7 Spencer Street, which reached practical completion with a topping out ceremony this week.

Mitsubishi Estate Asias Yuzo Nishiyama, Sara Thomas, director of Clean Energy Finance, and Mirvac chief executive Campbell Hanan at the LIV Aston topping out ceremony.

LIV Aston is Mirvacs third BTR project, with the installation of the highest structural element now complete and construction progressing that will see the delivery of 474 new apartments to Melbournes CBD by mid-2024.

The building will offer state-of-the-art facilities to tenants. It will feature more than 2600 square metres of indoor and outdoor resident facilities, including a health and wellness centre with a 25-metre lap pool, sauna, gym, yoga deck, rooftop lounge, outdoor dining and BBQ area. There is also a co-working club and green spaces, including a pet park.
Privately owned Hunter Hotel Group has expanded its regional footprint after snapping up the popular Seabreeze pub on the NSW Mid North Coast from the well-known Short Family empire, with a price tag of about $33 million.

It is one of five pubs that have changed hands over the past fortnight worth about a combined $200 million, with the largest being the Mount Annan Hotel in Sydneys west which was sold by the unlisted $1.4 billion Redcape fund tothe Laundy group for about $51 million.

The deals mark an end to a busy year in the pub sector, which has been characterised by the sale of assets held by family businesses for many decades.

The Seabreeze Beach Hotel, owned by the Short family since 2001, has been sold for about $33 million.

The new industry players are more focused on offering high-end food and entertainment with less reliance on gaming machines as the main revenue streams.
Three former leaders of the Sydney Opera House, who collectively led the organisation for over a decade, have united to issue a call for a moratorium on politically motivated projections on its landmark sails. Their appeal comes as the NSW government weighs a cap on illuminations from next year with a restricted number reserved for community groups.

Former chief executives Michael Lynch, Norman Gillespie, and Richard Evans said the sails should only be lit for artistic and creative reasons, and then sparingly.

All three support an immediate moratorium on political-style illuminations to cleanse the sails and protect its World Heritage status, with Evans suggesting the moratorium should last five years.

The Sydney Opera House became the location of political protests last month when its sails were lit with the colours of the Israeli flag following Hamas attack on October 7, sparking criticism from pro-Palestine supporters.
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 I cannot breathe, boys, please, Joseph Hanna pleaded with the guards holding him to the ground. Moments earlier, he had been approached by the six guards from Sercos Emergency Response Team  a specialist unit allowed to use force as a last resort against people held in immigration detention. The officers told Hanna he would be moved from Sydneys Villawood to a centre in Perth, and instructed him to stay still. CCTV and body camera footage from the incident on February 10, 2021, detailed in a confidential Australian Human Rights Commission report obtained by this masthead, shows Hanna responded thank you boys before reaching into his pocket for his phone. Detainee Joseph Hanna after use of force by six Serco guards. The officers quickly reacted by grabbing his hands and pushing his head down. Hanna became distressed, shouting please, my back, I cant breathe before he was slammed to the ground. The officers held him down, yelling stop resisting, but the commission found Hanna was not resisting. Instead, it described him shouting in pain: What did I do? Tell me.

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The commission is yet to issue a final finding on the incident, but it provides another example of the reality of conditions in detention centres following an investigation by this masthead, which has found police directly lobbying politicians to have visas cancelled, haphazard health policies and rampant drug use. The revelation comes as the federal government scrambles to respond to a High Court ruling that keeping people in these centres indefinitely is illegal. Serco and the government told the commissions investigation into Hannas treatment that staffing shortages during COVID-19 had resulted in breaches of its safety policies. Interviews with dozens of current and former guards and detainees reveal a different picture, with many claiming understaffing is entrenched, leading to violence, allegations of sexual assault and an illegal drug trade that puts both detainees and staff at risk. After the incident reviewed by the commission, Hanna, from Lebanon, was cuffed, patted down and left in a room alone. He left with a black eye, blurred vision and cuts on his forehead and knee. UN special rapporteur on torture Alice Edwards says Labor is responsible for Australias record on inhumane refugee policy. Credit: Cordula Treml United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Edwards said the conditions detailed in this mastheads investigation, including the death of detainee Moses Kellie in 2019 after a failure to administer his medication, were totally unacceptable and should prompt a review of government contracts with Serco and International Health and Medical Services.

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From the terrible death of Mr Kellie, through to widespread availability of drugs in immigration detention, they are alarm bells, she said. A full investigation, including how these contractors either facilitate these problems, or are not robust enough to be able to respond to them, would be really important. People in companies and governments need to be accountable for such things. Accountability means people cant get away with essentially forgetting about someone in detention. Edwards said the High Court ruling should be an opportunity for the government to reset its approach to immigration detention rather than circumvent the ruling by setting people up to fail through unrealistic visa conditions. Its not just those people who have been released, indefinite detention is illegal now, she said. The government should embrace it, not see it as a threat [and] pause to see how Australia could do better.

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In a nondescript building on a quiet street in Canberras industrial zone, Fyshwick, multinational corporate Serco trains its emergency response team guards. Phones are banned and attendees must sign confidentiality agreements to take part in the training, where fitness is tested and guards are taught to respond to critical incidents such as controlling riots. Loading Attendees learn how to use spit-hoods, handcuffs and body belts  to restrain detainees who are violent, or being transferred from one centre to another. Its all got to be secret squirrel stuff, says one guard who completed the training, but left the company in 2022. If you dont keep your skills up, your personal fitness up, you get kicked off the team. Yet six guards told this masthead that the training had failed to prepare them for the reality of the job. Speaking anonymously due to confidentiality agreements, they blamed a profit-driven culture (Sercos 10-year $4.6 billion contract for running the centres expires next year) for an environment in which there were routinely too few staff to perform the job safely. Serco is a service company The biggest costs of the business are wages. What can you do to cut down on wages and your biggest cost? Well, you cut corners. Youre supposed to have three officers doing a task, you cut it down and make it two, or one, and that way youve made money, one guard said.

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The guards also enforce the psychological safety program  introduced around 2010 after a spate of refugee suicides in Serco facilities  where detainees at risk of self-harm must be closely watched. Theyre supposed to be [closely watched] so they dont find a razor blade somewhere and start slashing themselves up, another guard said. Youre supposed to have two, normally Serco have one. This is very, very common. There are inherent risks in running the centres and internal Serco documents, obtained by this masthead, show that the company certainly understands major incidents could affect both its bottom line and its reputation. A catastrophic incident is defined as involving a death or multiple people injured. That could, the documents note, cost Serco more than $20 million, have a severe impact on the companys reputation and result in major media headlines or parliamentary intervention. In these situations, Serco undertakes a corrective action plan and senior management are informed, according to the documents. In contrast, a minor incident in which people in their care require medical attention would have only a slight impact on reputation, resulting in mentions in suburban newspapers or local radio stations. For these incidents, management notifications are kept within the immediate business areas.

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Motorists have been warned that some navigation systems are likely to take days to incorporate a massive new underground junction beneath inner Sydney, and to plan their journeys before they use the interchange.

The state government has also ruled out a month-long toll-free period for users of the Rozelle interchange, citing the difficulty separating it from distance-based charges for the rest of the $17 billion WestConnex motorway.

Australias most complex underground junction is due to open to motorists as early as this weekend, completing the final stage of WestConnex. As a precaution, the first weekend in December has been pencilled in for the opening if further commissioning is needed.

Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins has urged motorists to be aware that some navigation systems will not be updated immediately after the $3.9 billion interchange opens.
A dozen asylum seekers have been taken to Nauru after arriving by boat on a remote stretch of West Australian coastline earlier this week.

The 12 people, who were apprehended on Wednesday after their boat landed at a barge mooring near Truscott-Mungalalu Airbase in the Kimberley region, were briefly housed at the airbase before being flown to Nauru by Australian Border Force.

Nine News reported some of the asylum seekers were from Pakistan and paid $US10,000 ($15,250) each for the journey from Indonesia. No boat was sighted when the passengers were found, suggesting they were dropped off.

Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil has accused Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of politicising the arrival of a boat in Western Australia. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil has accused Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of exploiting the undetected arrival after he linked the appearance of the vessel to people smuggling.
The first major lawsuit over engineered stone in the US is using ads run by global manufacturer Caesarstone in Australia as evidence of what lawyers say is the kitchen benchtop makers misleading and disgraceful conduct.

Caesarstone, one of two major manufacturers supplying stone for Australias benchtops, ran newspaper, radio and social media ads last month warning that a total ban of engineered stone would not solve the silicosis crisis and could even place stonemasons at risk.

Its clear that this issue isnt motivated solely by the safety of workers and will instead throw the construction industry into chaos, the October ad says.

The ads ran before the release on October 27 of a Safe Work report calling for the total prohibition of engineered stone as the only way to keep workers safe from silicosis.
The Australian warship involved in a dangerous sonar incident with China last week has passed through sensitive waters in the Taiwan Strait while being accompanied by Taiwans military.

Defence experts said the transit by HMAS Toowoomba, while unlikely to be a direct response to the sonar incident, would send a message to Beijing that Australia would not be deterred from promoting freedom of navigation in international waters.

The warships passage through the Taiwan Strait was revealed by Taiwans Ministry of Defence, raising the profile of a military exercise that would otherwise have been kept secret.

HMAS Toowoomba sailed through the Taiwan Strait, just a week after divers were injured in an unsafe interaction with a Chinese warship.

The federal government revealed last Saturday that naval personnel operating on HMAS Toowoomba had suffered minor injuries after being subjected to sonar pulses from a Chinese warship.
Australia is home to around 60,000 people born in Afghanistan, according to data collected at the last census. In Melbourne, much of the Afghan community lives around the multicultural area of Dandenong. Mohammadis sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews are still in Pakistan. But the looming threat of forced return hangs heavy over their family in Melbourne. The atmosphere of returning refugees from Pakistan has injected fear and instability into our daily lives, leaving us in a state of hopelessness and uncertainty about what lies ahead, she said. Human Rights Watchs Asia director, Elaine Pearson, says women and girls forced back to Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Askary and Mohammadi, who were joint recipients of the Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award in 2022, also fear that their human rights advocacy in Australia could further endanger their families abroad. The Taliban have long targeted people  and killed them  for having an association with Australia.

The majority of Australias Afghan population  and indeed most Afghans residing in Pakistan  are of the long-persecuted Hazara ethnicity. Hazaras are culturally distinct, speak a dialect of Persian and mostly practise Shia Islam in Sunni-majority Afghanistan. As refugees are forced back to Afghanistan, attacks by Sunni extremist groups against their mosques, schools and other community sites have ramped up. ISIS affiliates claimed a bus bombing in a mostly Shia neighbourhood of Kabul in early November that killed seven people. It was the third explosive attack on Hazaras in under a month, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said on social media. Pearson of Human Rights Watch said there was an immediate risk to peoples lives once they had been forced back to Afghanistan and identified by the Taliban or other extremists. There is a particular risk for Afghan women and girls who are sent back to Afghanistan, she said.

Whats more, its almost winter in Afghanistan  where temperatures in some areas regularly plummet to as low as minus 20 degrees. In early 2023, the Afghan Ministry of Disaster Management reported that over 160 people had died from the cold. Zohal Azra is a Hazara Australian lawyer and founder of the community media organisation Huma media, in western Sydney. Were extremely worried  sick, said Azra, who, like Askary, has already had family members forced to return to Kabul. Sydney lawyer and media start-up founder Zohal Azra. Some people who were deported from Quetta, Pakistan had been living in that country for 30 years  How will they survive in a completely new environment? One relative of Azras, whom she asked not to be identified due to security risks, has a heart condition. It is unlikely that person will be able to access treatment in Afghanistan, where the health system has all but collapsed.

Many of those awaiting resettlement in third countries like Australia, Canada or the US, have had their Pakistani visas expire while the long humanitarian visa process plays out. Azra said the Australian government needed to do more to help affected families. Loading In 2022, Australia allocated 31,500 places in the humanitarian resettlement program for Afghans through to 2026. This masthead understands that as of November 3, less than half  12,985  of the humanitarian visas had been granted to refugees, and fewer still have made it to Australia. I have many cousins here who have close family that are very close to getting to come to Australia or Canada or go to America, Azra said. In terms of Australia, we have no communication from the government yet. Basically, we have no clarity and we have been left in the dark. Pearson said Human Rights Watch was calling for governments such as Australias to expedite the resettlement of Afghans, and also to support Pakistan financially to pay for the cost of hosting those fleeing persecution.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told this masthead that Australia was concerned about Pakistans changed policy and had urged the government to act with restraint and moderation in its treatment of refugees and not deport anyone to Afghanistan. More than 335,000 people have already been forced back to Afghanistan from Pakistan. Credit: AP The spokesperson said that consular officials had been in contact with affected Afghans in Pakistan and was engaging with Australias Afghan community about the issue, including meeting with community leaders and responding to enquiries from community members. Australia condemns attacks targeting the Hazara community in Afghanistan, as well as actions of the Taliban which marginalise and systematically discriminate against other minority communities, they said.
Ofri Bibas Levy has been haunted by nightmares since October 7, when her brother, sister-in-law and their two young children were snatched by Hamas militants from their homes and dragged into the Gaza Strip.

In those dreams she sees her captive relatives, all except for her brother Yarden. That subconscious omission may reflect her ordeal: only women and children are expected to be among the 50 hostages released during the four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that started yesterday.

Ofri Bibas Levy wearing a T-shirt of her brother, sister-in-law and their two children. Credit: AP

All of the men, and many women, will remain captive in Gaza for now. It is not clear if all children are expected to be freed. Hamas yesterday freed 24 people, including 13 Israeli women and children, 10 people from Thailand and one Filipino.

Its a deal that puts the families in a situation that is inhuman. Who will come out and who wont? Bibas Levy asked. The children come out, but my brother and many other people stay?

Her relatives were not among those freed during the first release.

Levy has put her life on pause to devote herself to fighting for her familys release  her nephews, aged 10 months and 4 years, were some of the youngest people taken captive. The occupational therapist, who moved out of a targeted southern Israeli community two months before Hamas attack, said she will keep battling until all her relatives return.

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Dani Miran  whose son Omri was taken hostage  has been distraught over his sons wellbeing. With the unbearable uncertainty and without a sign of life for seven weeks, he is plagued by difficult thoughts.

My son is not on the list. Hes 46 years old, and I hope that he is in a health condition where he can cope with all the hardship that there is there, that they didnt wound him, didnt torture him and didnt do things that are inhuman, Miran said.

For many families, the news of a deal has sparked a mix of emotions: grief in the cases where they dont expect their loved ones to be freed, and hope that it may lead to further releases.

I wish that all of them would come back, and I believe that all of them will come back. But we must have patience, and just be strong, said Yaakov Argamani, whose daughter Noa, 26, was taken captive with dozens of other young adults from a music festival.

Many families have said they cannot endure listening to the news because all the twists and turns of the negotiations are incapacitating.

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Its like a rollercoaster, said Eyal Nouri, whose aunt Adina Moshe, 72, was among those released yesterday. Earlier, Nouri had said that he did not expect her to be among those freed. Moshes husband, Said, was killed on October 7.

The nightmare for many wont end, even if their relatives are released, Nouri said.

After the joy of the reunion, those freed will need to reckon with the trauma of their captivity, their dead loved ones, their destroyed communities and their country at war.

She has nothing. No clothes, no house, no husband, no town. Nothing, said Nouri. Once Adina is released, shell need to build her life from scratch, at 72 years old. Our lives are completely different.

AP
A green sea turtle eats lettuce Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Recovery Center in Corpus Christi. The turtle was rescued around Christmas 2022 after being stunned by the cold. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

CORPUS CHRISTI  The patient, rescued by a concerned stranger, had been in the hospital for almost a year since suffering in the cold last Christmas.

She had been eating well and gaining weight after her medical team  among the best around  introduced her to some new foods. But it had been a lonely sojourn despite plenty of visitors. She was the only patient in the hospital and her name, if she has one, remains unknown.

A green sea turtle eats lettuce Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Recovery Center in Corpus Christi. The turtle was rescued around Christmas 2022 after being stunned by the cold. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

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Still, the green sea turtle was seemingly content this month. She paddled slowly around her personal pool, occasionally surfacing to take a bite of a lettuce leaf or a half-moon nibble of a zucchini slice.

The turtle was being cared for at the Texas State Aquariums new $16 million Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue, which opened in March. The nonprofit aquarium, which opened in 1990, has long been one of the regions most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than half a million visitors each year. And the new rescue center, Texas largest, promises to raise the aquariums education and conservation efforts to new heights just as climate change increases the potential for more large-scale rescue events.

Children watch fish swim Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

I would say the big numbers (of rescues) are driven by cold weather, said aquarium President and CEO Jesse Gilbert, adding that his team is ready to work at scale. We engineered a (rescue) basket to lift a ton  literally, a ton  of turtles.

As Gilbert provided visitors a tour, winter preparations were well underway. On the rescue centers ground floor, staff had set up two large Tiger Dam flood barrier systems normally used to keep water out of buildings. But they can also keep water in, providing a habitable pool for hundreds of sea turtles in the event of a freeze.

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Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO for the Texas State Aquarium, talks about the veterinary care capabilities of the aquariums Wildlife Recovery Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Along with a massive pool inside the building, Gilbert said, the center can care for several thousand turtles, birds and other marine animals at once, if such a need arises, as it did during 2021's Winter Storm Uri.

The 26,000-square-foot facility also features a surgery center, a hospital wing, and an emergency operations center co-owned by the aquarium and several state agencies that can be used during a natural disaster to coordinate wildlife rescue efforts across Texas. The building can withstand a Category 5 hurricane and is equipped with emergency generators, and the aquarium is continuously staffed by marine biologists and others who care for the animals every day.

A surgical theatre is seen Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Recovery Center in Corpus Christi. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Gilbert paused to highlight a room that includes the only wildlife CT scanner in the state. The machine is large enough to scan a manatee, Gilbert explained, because that is the largest animal the center might need to scan. A typical adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1,000 pounds. In addition to treating animals, he said, the machine is being used to develop 3D models of marine animals for use in research. In another ongoing project, the aquarium is seeking to use sensors to try to identify sea turtles, which are cold-blooded, in cold water.

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Jennifer Vela, Chief Government Affairs, Marketing & Communications Officer for the Texas State Aquarium, holds a display copy of an X-ray of a sea turtle Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Recovery Center in Corpus Christi. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

How do you find a cold cold-blooded animal in cold water? Gilbert said. Rescue for us has always been a reactive thing. A cold front comes in, and we go out and recover the animals. But now were looking at, can we proactively figure out where the populations are, what they look like, and can we move them out?

The aquarium has long been engaged in wildlife rescue, he said, but 2017s Hurricane Harvey, which left aquarium staff to rescue about 800 marine animals, was the catalyst for the new center.

Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO for the Texas State Aquarium, talks about the veterinary care capabilities of the aquariums Wildlife Recovery Center, including the states only wildlife CT scanner, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Gilbert explained that the scanner was large enough to scan a manatee. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

When Harvey went through, and then we had the first cold stunning about two months after Harvey went through, we knew that we needed to rethink how we were doing this, Gilbert said. And then we had started design when Uri hit.

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The plans called for a fundraising campaign, but with the COVID-19 pandemic still underway in 2021, fundraising efforts took a back seat.

Flamingos walk in a line Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

It just didnt feel right to go fund raise for animals when you have humans that were in trouble, Gilbert said. But by mid-2021, we had the full commitment, as donors responded anyway.

Caring for animals during extreme cold is straightforward enough, Gilbert explained. They are stunned, after all, and generally need to be kept warm and fed lightly until conditions allow for their release. Man-made disasters, such as oil spills, tend to have more traumatic effects for animals and require more specialized care.

Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO for the Texas State Aquarium, talks about the veterinary care capabilities of the aquariums Wildlife Recovery Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Tiger Dam flood barrier systems were set up on the ground floor to be used in case large numbers of turtles are stunned by the could this winter. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

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Then there are individual animal health crises that present their own complications. A dolphin calf, for example, was rescued from a shallow lagoon after losing its mother. The calf was hungry and becoming sunburned when he arrived at the facility. Staff bottle-fed him for the first phase of his nine-month stay at the center, and eventually helped him learn how to eat his first fish.

Last week, the aquarium was preparing for another cold-stunning event. At a planning meeting earlier with the National Weather Service, the aquarium received a not so good forecast: a generally mild winter with pockets of acute cold. Such a forecast can spell trouble for sea animals, because mild weather means they are less likely to have migrated to warmer waters when a freeze hits. But in the event of another cold stunning, the Wildlife Rescue Center will be prepared.

Weve got plenty of practice, Gilbert said.
The shuffle of the heavy feet of more than a million Palestinians forced from their homes in northern Gaza, onto bomb-pocked roads towards the south was barely audible against the sounds of Israeli strikes of October 13.

And yet, this footfall resonated across the globe, evoking a deep sense of foreboding and horror for Palestinian communities.

Palestinians flee south from Gaza City on November 8. Credit: AP

The Israeli state called it an evacuation that was designed to enable its military to more effectively target Hamas militants in Gaza City and its surrounds. It issued similar orders to neighbourhoods in southern Gaza a month later on November 16.

The language is sanitised, civilised even, in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where terrified civilians are herded along remotely surveilled corridors.
In this episode of Australian Broker Talk (AB Talk), Ryan Johnson interviews Katherine Persoglia, Managing Director of Property Before Prada and founder of The Broker's Bible. Persoglia discusses her experience in the mortgage broking industry and the inspiration behind her new resource, The Broker's Bible. he primary goals of The Broker's Bible are to: Educate brokers on industry trends and best practices Provide brokers with practical tools for business success Foster strong broker-client relationships Make a positive impact on the lives of Australians Persoglia is confident that The Broker's Bible will significantly impact the mortgage broker community. She envisions it becoming an invaluable resource for brokers seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and business practices.
AmpIn Energy Transition on Friday announced plans to invest Rs 3,100 crore in states including Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand.

The investments will be made towards setting up renewable energy projects of about 600 MW and a 1.3 GW integrated manufacturing facility of solar cells and modules, the company said in a statement.

"Significant investments are planned in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and the Northeastern states. The investment reflects our commitment of accelerating the renewable energy transition and adoption of clean energy solutions in the Eastern region," the company said.

In the Eastern region, the company said it already has the largest solar open access portfolio of 200 MWp, the largest utility power purchase agreement (PPA) with CESC for a 250 MWp of wind solar hybrid project.

The company is serving marquee customers in the region across diverse sectors such as steel and cement, IT and data centre, heavy engineering, FMCG, utility etc through its projects.

"Our investment in the region marks a significant milestone in our mission to drive the transition to renewables in the region. With the right policy intervention like Green Energy Open Access, the shift to renewables is unstoppable.

"The integrated solar cell & module manufacturing capacity that we are establishing in the region, would strengthen the push to renewables," said Pinaki Bhattacharyya, MD and CEO, AmpIn Energy Transition.

AmpIn is India's leading renewable energy transition platform with a total portfolio of 3 GWp spread over 17 states of India.
Global Dental Services, the parent firm of oral care startup Clove Dental, has raised a strategic equity investment of $50 million from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar.

The firm had previously raised $66 million in December [specific year], led by Investcorp. The cumulative investment of $116 million will be used to scale up Clove Dentals network of clinics, expand its offerings, and develop a therapeutic oral care products range, the company said.

This investment from QIA will enable our group to pursue its ambitious growth plans in both existing and new tier 1 and 2 cities across India, ensuring that more Indians have access to reliable, high-quality, and affordable dental care, said Amarinder Singh, founder and chief executive officer of Global Dental.

Founded in 2011 by Singh, the company currently operates 422 company-owned and managed dental clinics under the 'Clove Dental' banner, spread across 24 cities in 12 states.

"From inception, we have been, and are, very selective in whom we bring on as partners and shareholders. QIA is an outstanding example of a shareholder who is aligned with the long-term vision of the group. At Global Dental we have made significant investments in people, technology, equipment, and infrastructure, said Louis Shakinovsky, chairman of Global Dental.

The company says that Clove clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment and managed by a team of over 1,010 highly qualified dentists. As many as 78 per cent of Clove dentists are women, and 61 per cent of dentists hold advanced masters degrees in Dentistry.

QIA is committed to supporting innovative companies with high-growth potential and sees great potential in Indias fast-growing healthcare and retail markets. We have been impressed by Cloves rapid expansion across India, commitment to quality, and innovative approach to dental care and look forward to welcoming them to our diverse global healthcare portfolio," said Sheikh Faisal Thani Al-Thani, chief investment officer, Africa and APAC at QIA.

Clove has extensive standard operating procedures (SOPs), standardized pricing, non-commission-based compensation systems, in-clinic audits, peer-to-peer case (treatment) reviews, and AI-based chair sterilization systems that have collectively set new benchmarks in dentistry in India and globally, the company said.
IndusInd Bank on Friday announced that it has collaborated with Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) to facilitate the acceptance of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for payments of compressed natural gas (CNG) bills in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). According to the bank's regulatory filing, the customers at select IGL stations will be allowed to make payments using the e-Rupee.

The users will also be allowed to scan any UPI QR using their digital Rupee app across all regional IGL stations.

"We believe that Digital Rupee, with its blockchain technology, fortifies financial services, by offering faster, convenient and secure transactions. With the introduction of UPI interoperability, Digital Rupee is poised to become another significant platform contributing towards a 'cashless' economy," said Sumant Kathpalia, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) at IndusInd Bank.

The Digital Rupee facility will be available on both iOS and Android platforms, offering various features such as peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments with complete UPI QR interoperability.

"This initiative is the right step in enabling a secure, inclusive, sustainable and efficient mode of digital transaction which will further strengthen India's position in the global economy," added Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, managing director at IGL.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the first pilot for CBDC on December 1, 2022. The e-rupee is issued in the form of a digital token that represents legal tender. It is issued in the same denominations that paper currency and coins are currently issued.

At first, eight banks were a part of the pilot project. Currently, IndusInd Bank is also a part of the project.

"As one of the pilot banks participating in RBI's CBDC initiative, IndusInd Bank believes in the value added by CBDC and aims to provide a seamless and comprehensive payment experience to its customers through the usage of digital currency," the bank said on Friday.
The Pune police have registered an offence against a former chief health officer and two others for allegedly misappropriating COVID-19 testing kits, medicines, and sanitisers intended for a civic-run hospital during the pandemic in 2021 and selling them to private laboratories for personal gains, an official said on Friday.

The Warje Malwadi police on Thursday registered a case against Dr Ashish Bharti, the former chief health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation, Dr Aruna Tarde and Dr Rushikesh Gardi under sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 465 (forgery) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the official said.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Dr Satish Kolsure, who took the matter to court, following which a local court directed the police to register a case, he said.

According to the police, the accused allegedly created fake records at Arvind Bartakke Hospital in the Warje Malwadi area between January and December 2021 by forging entries of patients to make it seem like materials such as testing kits, sanitisers, and medicines were utilised at the facility.

The accused subsequently sold these items to private laboratories and individuals for personal gains and profited to the tune of Rs 80 lakh to Rs 90 lakh, the official added.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is building the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, has said that 100 kilometres of viaducts and 230 kilometres of pier work had been completed for the ambitious project.

The milestone of construction of 100 km of viaducts has been achieved through launching of 40-metre long 'full span box girders' and 'segmental girders', the NHSRCL said on Thursday.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw uploaded a video on X to give information about the feat.

According to the NHSRCL, the viaducts include bridges over six Gujarat rivers, namely Par and Auranga in Valsad district, as well as Purna, Mindhola, Ambika and Venganiya in Navsari district.

"The first girder of the project was launched on November 25, 2021, while the first kilometre of viaduct was ready in six months on June 30, 2022. It achieved construction of 50 kilometres of viaduct on April 22, 2023 and, thereafter, in six months 100 kilometres of viaduct were completed," the NHSRCL said.

"The Full Span Launching technique (FSLM), where 40-metre long box girders are launched by state-of-the-art equipment, is being used along with span-by-span launching of segments. FSLM is 10 times faster than the span-by-span method, which is normally used to build metro viaducts," it added.

According to the NHSRCL, apart from the viaduct work, 250 kilometres of pier work has also been completed for the project, while installation of noise barriers has begun along the constructed viaduct.

"Besides this, the laying of the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed for the Mumbai Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor track system as used in the Japanese Shinkansen has also started in Surat," the NHSRCL said.

The total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor project is pegged at Rs 1.08 lakh crore.

As per the shareholding pattern, the Union government will pay Rs 10,000 crore to the NHSRCL, while Gujarat and Maharashtra are to pay Rs 5,000 crore each.

The rest of the cost is by way of a loan at 0.1 per cent interest from Japan.

The foundation of the bullet train project was laid in Ahmedabad in September 2017. The train is expected to cover a distance of more than 500 km in around two hours.
The Punjab government has called farmer union leaders for a meeting here on Friday with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as highway blockade in Jalandhar by the farmers who are demanding an increase in sugarcane prices entered the fourth day.

Farmers are staging a 'dharna' in the middle of the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the highway which has also affected traffic between Jalandhar and Delhi.

On Thursday, the farmers also blocked a section of the railway track near Dhanowali village in Jalandhar, which affected the train movement too, but on Friday they decided to lift the blockade from the rail track after receiving a call of meeting with the chief minister. However, the road blockade continues.

The farmers, who are demanding an increase in the prices of sugarcane from Rs 380 per quintal to Rs 450 per quintal, have put up a tent in the middle of the road and are spending the night on the highway.

They are also demanding the resumption of sugar mills' operations for the crushing of cane.

Farmers led by Bharti Kisan Union (Doaba) have been staging the protest.

"We have received a call for a meeting with the chief minister. Further course of action regarding our protest will depend on the meeting,'s outcome, " BKU (Doaba) leader Manjit Rai, who was headed for the meeting with other farmer union leaders, told PTI.

According to farmer union leaders in Jalandhar, they have been called for a meeting with the chief minister this afternoon.

They said that on Thursday evening senior officials from the police and civil administration held talks with them.

Farmer leader Balwinder Singh had earlier said that they were forced to come out on roads by the state government which has still not announced the sugarcane prices, nor has started the cane crushing.

They said that the government had promised to resolve their issues on November 16 in a meeting but cancelled it a day before.

Farmers under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the Jalandhar-New Delhi National Highway near Dhanowali village for an "indefinite period" on Tuesday.

The protest in Jalandhar has affected the movement of vehicles from Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar via Jalandhar towards Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Nawanshahr, and Delhi.

With police diverting traffic towards alternative roads, the commuters had a harrowing time crossing the part of the district.

In a sharp attack against farmers squatting on roads, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had on Wednesday asked the farm unions not to turn people against themselves.

If the farmers do not shun the practice of blocking roads every time their demands are not met, a day will come when people will stop sympathising with them, Mann had said.

The chief minister also said the doors of his office and residence are always open for dialogue as he pulled farmers up for "irresponsible attitude.
An espresso martini from Maven Coffee Co. Chloe Kissner Carajillo from Maven Coffee Co. Chloe Kissner Cocktails from Maven Coffee Co. Chloe Kissner

Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is living up to his popular I-swear-I-love-Houston tweet, Bury me in the H. as he and his business partners expand Maven Coffee + Cocktails.

The new coffee-and-cockail concept, which debuted this summer at Minute Maid Park, falls under Rex Hospitality, which McCullers started with young entrepreneurs Juan Carlos Martinez de Aldecoa and Blake Fertitta, one of billionaire Tilman Fertittas three sons.

Maven Coffee + Cocktail, which was able to hire its own employees rather than being required to use contracted employees at Minute Maid, gained a following for its coffee beverages and cocktails, such as frozen espresso martinis and carajillo, a simple cocktail popular in Mexico thats made with dark espresso and the citrus-forward Spanish liqueur Licor 43.

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A new location recently opened at the end of October inside the Toyota Center, and forthcoming projects include a shop on the first floor of the soon-to-open Thompson Hotel and a brick-and-mortar location at Silver Street Studios near the Washington Avenue corridor.

One of our main goals for our concepts is to always focus on the theme of uplifting Houston, said McCullers, who was sidelined this past season because of an injury. Were staying for the long term.

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants

They have lured Nicolas G. Baizan de Aldecoa to Houston after working for big culinary names like Jose Andres and Ruben Garcia.

Juan Carlos and Blake, theyre both from Houston and have a great love for Houston, said McCullers, whos lived here full-time since 2015. We all want to bring people back to Houston.

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The new Maven locations typically operate as coffee shops during the daytime and turn into a spot for cocktails in the evenings.

We want it to pay homage to the great food and drinks we have in Houston, McCullers said.

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Mytiburger owner thanks H-Town as he plots the future for iconic burger joint saved by social media

While the Allen  a luxurious mixed-use project which includes the Thompson Hotel and overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park  will be home to two glitzy restaurant concepts, Maven will debut first inside the hotel.

Instead of a typical Starbucks common in many chain hotels, Maven Coffee + Cocktails will also be stocked with juices and pastries made in Houston. There will be a limited cocktail menu as well, McCullers said.

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As for the Silver Street project, the Rex Hospitality team sees the space starting off as a destination for coffee, pastries and lunch during the day. The space also allows Maven to create a full cocktail program thats not possible in its stadium locations.
A Qatar court on Friday accepted the appeal filed by the Indian government against the death sentence given to eight former Indian Navy personnel last month.

On October 26, the eight personnel were given death sentences by Qatar's Court of First Instance. Following the verdict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the ruling was "deeply" shocking and that it would explore all legal options.

Earlier this month, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian embassy in Doha received another consular access to the detained Indians. "As we have informed earlier, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a judgment on October 26 in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company. The judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities on this matter," he said.

The eight arrested Indian naval veterans are 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. In 2022, the authorities in Qatar detained eight retired Indian Navy soldiers working with a private company, Al Dahr, in an alleged case of espionage.

The company was run by Khamis al-Ajmi, an Omani national who is a retired squadron leader of the Royal Oman Air Force. He was also arrested, along with the eight Indian Navy officers, but was later released in November 2022.

The first trial in the case was held on March 25, 2023, and they were tried under Qatari law. In October, consular access was granted, and the Indian Ambassador met the detainees. But the situation turned worse on October 26 after the local court pronounced the death sentences.

Former military officials said that all the eight personnel had "unblemished stints" of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and held important positions, including that of instructors in the force.
Rescue operations at the Silkyara tunnel collapse site have intensified, where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12.

Former advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, Bhaskar Khulbe, said that the drilling process will start at 11 am on Friday. "We will start drilling by 11 am. The drilling will resume on Friday as the technical snag has been fixed," Khulbe said.



#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Former advisor to PMO, Bhaskar Khulbe says, "We hope that we will start the drilling by 11-11:30 am. Ground penetration radar study has shown that there is no metallic obstruction in the next 5 metres," pic.twitter.com/pKVUq5k2QU November 24, 2023

He further added, "The situation is much better now. Last night, we had to work on two things. First, we had to revamp the platform of the machine... Parsons Company had done the ground penetration radar through which we got to know that for the next five metre, there was no metallic obstruction. This means that our drilling should be smooth. When we were taking out the debris, we got two mangled pipes..."

International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix said that the broken auger machine has been fixed and will be used on Friday. "We are only just metres away from finding passage to have the men back..."

On Thursday, the rescue operation was stopped due to a technical snag in a drilling machine. The rescuers have undertaken drilling up to 46.8 metres in the tunnel. The rescuers have placed broad pipes up to a depth of 45 metres through the debris.



Sources said that the obstructions encountered in drilling occurred as a metal frame came crashing down with the collapse of the tunnel roof.

A statement issued by Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office stated that on Wednesday, the National Disaster Response Force ( NDRF ) personnel entered the tunnel. It also stated that an ambulance had been deployed inside the tunnel and a team of doctors had also been put on stand-by.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will undertake a safety audit of all 29 under-construction tunnels across the country to ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards.
Tesla is eyeing an investment of up to $2 billion to set up its factory in India if it gets a 15 per cent concessional duty on imported vehicles in its first two years here, The Economic Times (ET) reported on Friday.

The US-based carmaker has provided the Centre with a proposal for the investment, the report added. If it gets a concessional duty for 12,000 vehicles, it may invest $500 million in India. This may go up to $2 billion if the concession extends to 30,000 vehicles.

The Centre, on the other hand, may push for a concessional tariff on Tesla's 10,000 units for the first year and 20 per cent in the second. Currently, India imposes a 100 per cent import duty on cars with cost, insurance and freight value of over $40,000. For vehicles cheaper than that, the import duty is 70 per cent.

The report further said that Tesla is also likely to commit 20 per cent localisation in its Made-in-India cars in the first two years, and it may increase to 40 per cent in four years.

Tesla may also come to India with three models - Model 3, Model Y and a new hatchback. Model 3 and Model Y are likely to be priced at Rs 38 lakh and Rs 43 lakh if the concession is granted. The hatchback is expected to be priced at Rs 20.75 lakh.

On November 21, Bloomberg reported that the announcement of Tesla's investment in India may be announced at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January. For the factory, Tesla is considering Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu because they already have well-established ecosystems for electric vehicles and exports.

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal, who visited Tesla's plant in Fremont, California, earlier this month, said in September that Tesla is planning to almost double purchases of auto parts from India to $1.9 billion this year. The electric carmaker sourced parts worth $1 billion from the nation last year, he said at an event in New Delhi at the time.

Tesla, in May, reopened dialogue with India  the world's third-largest automobile market  following a year-long impasse. Musk has criticised India's high import taxes and its electric vehicle (EV) policies, and India, in turn, has advised Tesla not to sell cars in the country that have been made in China, its political rival.

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India is now said to be considering lowering import taxes for international EV manufacturers for five years if those firms eventually commit to setting up local factories.
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (TOKYO:2503) and Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) will participate in the Wakayama Health Promotion Study, a cohort study*2 led by Wakayama Medical University and organized by the Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), a non-profit organization. Kao and Kirin Holdings conducted a joint study from November 2022 to investigate the relationship between visceral fat and the plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC*3) activity*4, which are the command center for immunity.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124408768/en/

Joint Research Results (Summary) (Graphic: Business Wire)

In recent years, attention has focused on the relationship between obesity and immunity, as it has been reported that obesity leads to more severe viral infections*5. This study was the first in Japan*1 to investigate the relationship between visceral fat and immune activity and confirm that high visceral fat levels are associated with low pDC activity (low immune function) and that high visceral fat levels and low pDC activity are associated with a high risk of contracting novel coronavirus infection and influenza. These findings have not yet been reported in any paper in the world*6. The results will be presented at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity and the 41st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Treatment of Obesity, which will be held in Miyagi Prefecture, on November 25 (Sat.) and 26 (Sun.), 2023.

*1 Based on article and abstract information published in Pubmed and the Journal of Health Care and Society Web (as of November 22, 2023, according to KnowledgeWire)

*2 One of the observational research methods in analytical epidemiology. By creating groups involved in specific disease factors and uninvolved groups, and calculating the incidence rate of the target disease within each group, it is possible to examine the relation between the disease factors and the onset.

*3 An immune cell that plays an important role as a command post when bacteria or viruses enter the body. Activation of pDC activates various immune cells such as NK cells, T cells, and B cells to protect against viral infection.

*4 Percentage of pDCs producing antiviral factors upon stimulation that mimics viral infection

*5 Ghilotti F et al. J Epidemiol. 2019; 48(6): 1783-1794.

Popkin BM et al. Obes Rev. 2020; 21(11): e13128.

*6 Based on article information published in Pubmed and the Journal of Health Care and Society Web (as of November 22, 2023, according to KnowledgeWire)

Joint Research Results (Summary)

Japans First Discovery*1

(1) Lower pDC activity was observed in individuals with high visceral fat.

(2) A higher percentage of people with high visceral fat and low pDC activity had contracted novel coronavirus infection and influenza compared to those who did not.

Implications Obtained

It is suggested that maintaining low visceral fat mass and high pDC activity is associated with a reduced risk of contracting novel coronavirus infection and influenza.

Joint Research Results

- Background and Objectives

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition of increased health risk due to abnormal or excessive fat accumulation and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. The effects of obesity on health have been studied in many countries. In recent years, the relationship between obesity and immunity has been attracting attention, as it has been reported that obesity leads to more severe viral infections*7.

This research was conducted as part of the Wakayama Health Promotion Study, which has targeted residents of Wakayama Prefecture since 2011. Kao, which has long been involved in research on visceral fat obesity, which is considered closely related to lifestyle-related diseases, and Kirin Holdings, which has been conducting research in the field of immunology for over 35 years, collaborated to clarify the relationship between visceral fat and pDC activity.

*7 Pranata R et al. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021; 43: 163-168.

- What is the Wakayama Health Promotion Study?

This is a cohort study led by Wakayama Medical University since 2011 which is currently being conducted in collaboration with HPRC, to identify genetic and environmental factors involved in the development of various diseases among local residents in Wakayama Prefecture.

Much research has been done in the program to date on lifestyle, lifestyle-related diseases, and muscle mass, resulting in many findings including the relationship between loss of muscle mass and the development of atherosclerosis and the relationship between a history of falls and voluntary physical activity. This was the first time the program conducted research into the immune function.

Through the Wakayama Health Promotion Study, Kirin Holdings and Kao are working to clarify the relationship between visceral fat mass and pDC activity in an effort to reduce health risks for consumers in the future.

- Research Methods

In November 2022, specific checkups were conducted in Wakayama Prefecture of 223 residents aged 5055. From this, Kao obtained data on lifestyle habits and visceral fat area, while Kirin measured data on pDC activity in the blood. These data were shared among the two teams, and the relationship between visceral fat and pDC activity was jointly studied and analyzed. The groups studied were divided as follows.

Visceral fat area: Based on a median value of 77 cm2 for all subjects, those with visceral fat less than 77 cm2 were defined as the low visceral fat group, and those with visceral fat greater than 77 cm2 as the high visceral fat group.

pDC activity: Based on a median value of 9.52% for all subjects, those with pDC activity of 9.52% or less were defined as the low pDC activity group, and those with pDC activity of 9.52% or more were defined as the high pDC activity group.

- Results

Result 1: Relationship between visceral fat area and pDC activity

The group with higher visceral fat area values had significantly lower pDC activity than the group with lower visceral fat area values (Figure 1).

Result 2: Effect of visceral fat area and pDC activity on the contracting of infectious diseases

The group with high visceral fat area values had a higher incidence of novel coronavirus infection than the group with low values, with a 7-fold higher odds ratio*8. Meanwhile, the group with low pDC activity had a higher incidence of novel coronavirus infection than the group with high pDC activity, with a 5-fold higher odds ratio (Figure 2).

The analysis was also divided into four groups to confirm the synergistic effect of high or low visceral fat area and pDC activity and found that the group with high visceral fat area and low pDC activity had a higher incidence of novel coronavirus infection than the group with low visceral fat area and high pDC activity, with a 20-fold higher odds ratio. Similar results were observed with influenza (Figure 3).

*8 The odds ratio is a value used to express the likelihood of an event. The odds ratio and likelihood of occurrence are positively correlated.

- Collaborative Research Results

For the first time in the world, this collaboration found that people with high visceral fat area levels had low pDC activity. It was also suggested that visceral fat area and pDC activity, respectively, affect susceptibility to novel coronavirus infection and influenza, and that people with high visceral fat area and low pDC activity are particularly susceptible to these diseases.

Thus, it can be said that it is important for people with high visceral fat area values and low pDC activity to address both visceral fat mass and immune function.

About Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is an international company that operates in the Food & Beverages domain (Food & Beverages businesses), Pharmaceuticals domain (Pharmaceuticals businesses), and Health Science domain (Health Science business), both in Japan and across the globe.

Kirin Holdings can trace its roots to Japan Brewery which was established in 1885. Japan Brewery became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, the company expanded its business with fermentation and biotechnology as its core technologies, and entered the pharmaceutical business in the 1980s, all of which continue to be global growth centers. In 2007, Kirin Holdings was established as a pure holding company and is currently focusing on boosting its Health Science domain.

Under the Kirin Group Vision 2027 (KV 2027), a long-term management plan launched in 2019, the Kirin Group aims to become A global leader in CSV*9, creating value across our world of Food & Beverages to Pharmaceuticals. Going forward, the Kirin Group will continue to leverage its strengths to create both social and economic value through its businesses, with the aim of achieving sustainable growth in corporate value.

*9 Creating Shared Value: combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.

About Kao Corporation

Kao creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Biore, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries, and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,420 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 33,500 people worldwide and has 135 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information. https://www.kao.com/global/en/

Kao established its ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan in April 2019. From 2021, Kao is promoting its Mid-term Plan which declares protecting future lives and promoting sustainability as the only path as its vision. Kao will continue to integrate ESG perspectives into its company management, aiming to develop its business and provide better products and services to consumers and society, and work toward its purpose, To Realize a Kirei World in Which All Life Lives in Harmony.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124408768/en/
Johnson Controls launches its whitepaper titled Tech for Green India - Mission Net Zero at the 21 st edition of India Green Building Congress 2023.

edition of India Green Building Congress 2023. Details the role of green buildings and technology in Indias vision for decarbonisation, and key challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.



global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, today launched a whitepaper titled Tech for Green India - Mission Net Zero at the 21st edition of Green Building Congress 2023, Indias flagship conference and expo on the green built environment.

The launch was presided over by Mr. Rathninde and Mr. Arun Awasthy, president & managing director, Johnson Controls India.

In response to the climate crisis, nations across the world have accelerated their efforts towards achieving net zero emissions and have set targets in alignment with their developmental needs. India, the third largest energy consumer in the world, established a target of meeting net zero emissions by 2070. In the collective efforts towards achieving these goals, the whitepaper details the role of technology in transforming buildings and urban spaces. The whitepaper explores the multiple challenges facing the Indian green building industry today, and provides a framework within which these challenges can begin to be addressed.

Increasing Awareness & Adoption: Comprehensive information campaigns are an effective tool to educate both professionals in the sector as well as citizens. Also important is incorporating sustainability and green building modules into academic curricula, creating a pool of energy experts and offering life-cycle costing training to emphasise long-term financial gains. Meanwhile, strengthening the incentive framework around green building projects in terms of low-interest loans, additional construction area, discounted property taxes, and worker skilling would be hugely beneficial to the sector.

Also important is incorporating sustainability and green building modules into academic curricula, creating a pool of energy experts and offering life-cycle costing training to emphasise long-term financial gains. Meanwhile, strengthening Enhancing Standardisation: Consolidating a set of consistent green building standards into one or two legally binding certifications will bring more effectiveness, and these standardised certifications need to be aggressively promoted across various channels, to promote adoption. Also there is a call for consistent evaluation matrices, for accurate and consistent performance assessment.

Optimizing the Use of Data & Technology: The whitepaper suggests leveraging India's PM Gati Shakti Platform to consolidate information on green buildings, fostering a network and an information dashboard for more effective use of green building technology. Also, establishing sustainability indices becomes essential while assessing the sustainability and performance of a city or locality in comparison to its counterparts in different regions, which should be adjusted to factor in the developmental and climactic realities of the region. Leveraging technology, such as smart controls and IoT, along with innovative materials and behavioural changes in residents, can create smart, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings.

India is at the cusp of making some great breakthroughs in the Green Building sector. We are at a point that demands immediate action and collaboration. It is heartening to see that there is a strong willingness among stakeholders in the public and private sector to collaborate on a framework that accelerates Indias green building adoption. At Johnson Controls India, we look forward to being at the forefront of this reform, said Mr. Awasthy.

Johnson Controls, an industry leader in providing cutting edge building technologies for nearly 140 years, improved building performance across multiple industries. In India, its work spans both public and private enterprises, across industries like transportation, information technology, health care, hospitality, manufacturing and industry parks. With its integrated building technologies including high-efficient chillers, heat pumps, building management systems, and OpenBlue digital solutions, Johnson Controls has helped customers in India significantly reduce energy cost and cut carbon emissions, making due contributions to the countrys drive for a green future.

Click

here

to download and read the full whitepaper.
Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 10:44PM

Photo: Canadian Reviewer

Researchers have found security flaws in several fingerprint sensors used in laptops that work with the Windows Hello authentication feature. These flaws can allow bad actors to bypass fingerprint authentication easily and take control of the devices.

The researchers from Blackwing Intelligence tested laptops from Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft, which use fingerprint sensors from companies like Goodix, Synaptics, and ELAN. They revealed various attacks that can affect these laptops, such as man-in-the-middle and evil maid attacks, at Microsofts BlueHat conference in October.

The researchers noted that the bypassing involved reverse engineering of the hardware and software on the laptops. They found flaws in the security layer of the Synaptics sensor, in particular. Windows Hello had to be decoded and restructured to get past its setup, but it was still hackable.

The researchers also noted that Microsofts Secure Device Connection Protocol (SDCP) is a good attempt at applying a security measure within the biometric standard. It enables more secure communication between the biometric sensor and its laptop. However, not all manufacturers implemented the feature well enough to be effective, if they enabled it at all.

This study follows a 2021 facial recognition biometrics flaw in Windows Hello that allowed users to bypass the feature with certain modifications. Microsoft had to update its feature after researchers presented a proof of concept showing users with masks or plastic surgery bypassing Windows Hello facial recognition authentication.

Source
Texas Medical Center hospitals are serving as sites for various clinical trials that are aiming to develop effective cancer vaccines. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle

The dream of widely available cancer vaccines is inching closer to reality, and much of the work toward a breakthrough is happening in Houston.

Scientists have been trying to develop effective cancer vaccines for more than a century. The U.S. approved Provenge, a therapeutic vaccine for prostate cancer, back in 2010 and later approved vaccines to treat bladder cancer and melanoma. But additional vaccines have been elusive.

That has recently changed. Scientists have made significant strides over the past 20 years, including the developments of more advanced technologies and the mRNA vaccines that garnered so much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, many scientists believe that vaccines for various types of cancer could be available within the next few decades  and possibly sooner.

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Dr. William Decker, whose lab at Baylor College of Medicine is currently participating in three clinical trials for cancer vaccines, is among the scientists who are optimistic that a breakthrough is coming.

Id say that if Ive done my job, he said, and others like me have done their jobs, 25 years from now, everybodys getting a vaccine.

The vaccines being developed arent designed to prevent cancer altogether. Theyre intended to shrink tumors and stop cancer from recurring.

Vaccines work by teaching the body to recognize something dangerous, such as a virus, and triggering the immune system to fight off the disease. But cancer cells respond by putting out receptors that stop the immune system from working, said Dr. Hussein A. Tawbi, the deputy chair of the department of Melanoma Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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In a decent proportion of patients, there is always kind of a tug of war between the immune system and the tumor, Tawbi said. The tumor basically puts up a stop sign.

Over the past 20 years, though, the development of immunotherapies called immune checkpoint inhibitors has allowed the immune system to go through those stop signs, Tawbi said.

Other advancements, such as the bioinformatics that scientists use to identify the genetic sequence of a tumor and the mRNA technology that serves as the basis for many vaccine candidates, have also improved the outlook for cancer vaccines, Tawbi said.

Houston serves as a hub for much of that research, as hospitals in the Texas Medical Center are participating in numerous clinical trials for cancer vaccine candidates. Decker said its thrilling to be working toward such a significant breakthrough in the largest medical center in the world.

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If youre a biomedical scientist or physician, being in the Texas Medical Center is like being an actor in New York City and playing on Broadway, Decker said. Youd rather be second-from-the-left on Broadway than playing the lead in Kalamazoo.

Houston Methodist

The COVID-19 pandemic brought more attention to vaccines made with messenger RNA, but scientists like Dr. John Cooke began working with the technology earlier. Cooke, the director of the RNA Therapeutics Program in the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, began looking into cancer vaccines in 2015 after securing funding through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Many vaccines are developed using modified versions of a virus or bacteria. Its trickier to design a vaccine for cancers, though, because each patients cancer has a unique combination of genetic mutations, Cooke said.

There are a lot of differences between one persons cancer and another persons cancer, he said.

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Cookes team takes a sample of a patients tumor and uses technology to identify abnormal proteins in their cancer cells. Those proteins form the basis of the patients personalized mRNA vaccine.

READ MORE: Colon cancer is rising in younger adults and being diagnosed at later stages, report says

The basic framework is the same for every mRNA vaccine. Cooke compared it to a printing press  the mechanism at the heart of the process does not change, but scientists can use it to create a different vaccine for each patient.

The Houston Methodist team is still establishing its program and will need to conduct a proper study to determine the effectiveness of its approach. But Cooke is optimistic; he believes mRNA technology will lead to a revolution in cancer vaccines and therapeutics in general.

We have a roadmap, he said. Were going to be able to do this.

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MD Anderson

The nations top-ranked cancer hospital is one of the sites for a Phase 3 clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna and Merck. The vaccine showed promising results in its Phase 2 trial, Tawbi said.

The Phase 2 study involved 157 patients who had tumors surgically removed. The results showed a combination of the vaccine and the immunotherapy Keytruda reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 44% compared with using Keytruda alone.

The results also showed that the combination of the vaccine and Keytruda reduced the risk of distant metastasis  or the cancer appearing in another part of the body  and death by 65%.

Thats what youre really trying to prevent, Tawbi said.

Melanoma has always been a good candidate for a vaccine because it has the highest rate of mutations for any cancer. That makes it more likely for the immune system to recognize and respond to it, Tawbi said.

It has so many things that make it different from normal tissue, he said. Its easier for the immune system to see it.

Tawbi said there have been massive improvements in treating melanoma over the past 10 or 15 years, largely due to the development of immunotherapies. But he cautioned that more work should be done before a melanoma vaccine is a reality.

It is a new approach, and so I think expectations of everything being highly successful on the first run is not necessarily realistic, he said. We may encounter different roadblocks.

Baylor College of Medicine

Deckers lab at Baylor College of Medicine is participating in three clinical trials looking to develop cell-based vaccines for three types of cancer: pancreatic, brain tumors and angiosarcoma, a tumor in the lining of blood vessels.

His teams process involves taking cells from a cancer patient using technology to change them into dendritic cells, which play a key role in the adaptive immune system. Those cells are used to create a personalized vaccine for the patient.

Deckers teams approach is unique in that they deliberate about how they inject a vaccine into a patient. Instead of simply administering it in the arm, the teams concept is to inject it near the patients cancer. Decker said prior research suggests that will help T cells, the white blood cells that protect against disease, target the cancer.

The approach is more expensive because it requires CT scans and ultrasounds to guide the injection, but Decker believes its worthwhile.

It adds a big expense on the one hand. On the other hand, it often is the difference between working and not working, he said.

Deckers team has made the most progress on the clinical trial focused on brain tumors; early results were promising enough that the scientists asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to fast-track its progression to Phase 2.

Decker said scientists have made tremendous strides since he began studying cancer vaccines more than 20 years ago. Theres still a lot of work to be done, but were getting a lot closer, he said. I think youre going to see a lot of exciting developments in the field.
The National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) for the academic year 2023-24 has announced the commencement of registrations for students from classes 9 to 12. The NMMS exams are administered offline at the state level by SCERTs or Education departments. The registrations can be done through the official website - scholarships.gov.in.

What is NMMS Scholarship?

The NMMS Scholarship is a national-level scholarship scheme initiated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections of society to continue their studies at the secondary level.

Overview

Scholarship Name National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

Department Ministry of Human Resource DevelopmentBeneficiary Students of Class 9th to 12th

Eligible Students NMMS Exam Qualified

Application Mode Online

Apply Last Date 30 November 2023

Registration Process

New users must go to the Home Page of the National Scholarship Portal scholarships.gov.in to sign up.

Select 'New Registration'.

A page with registration guidelines will open.

Read the guidelines carefully.

Select 'Continue' to continue.

Complete all necessary information.

Select 'Register'.

You will receive a student application ID and password on your registered mobile number.

Scholarship Amount

Rs. 12,000 Per Annum

Eligibility Criteria

The NMMS Scholarship is intended for meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Therefore, students applying for this scholarship must meet specific eligibility criteria. They should be studying in a government, local body, or government-aided school. The candidate's family income should not exceed Rs 1.5 lakh per annum. The student should also have scored a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) in the previous class.
Kimberly Richardson, a cancer survivor, teaches a second grade class at Lockhart Elementary School Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Kimberly Richardson, a cancer survivor, teaches a second grade class at Lockhart Elementary School Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Kimberly Richardson, a cancer survivor, teaches a second grade class at Lockhart Elementary School Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Kimberly Richardson, a cancer survivor, teaches a second grade class at Lockhart Elementary School Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Kimberly Richardson, a cancer survivor, teaches a second grade class at Lockhart Elementary School Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor

When Kimberly Richardson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2017, her doctor recommended she enroll in a clinical trial for an experimental chemotherapy pill.

The study, like many others, needed more Black participants. Only 5 percent of participants in U.S. clinical trials are Black, a fact that experts attribute to a history of racism in medicine. That racism  including prominent examples like the Tuskegee study that saw U.S. government researchers deny syphilis treatment to Black men  has engendered mistrust in the Black community.

Richardson didnt hesitate to say yes, though. Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite the fact they are diagnosed at similar rates.

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MORE FROM EVAN MACDONALD: A Houston Methodist surgeon's web series is changing the conversation around women in medicine

She also believed her participation could help other Black women in the future.

I know that a lot of African Americans turn up their noses to clinical trials, said Richardson, who now raises awareness of breast cancer as a board member for the Houston nonprofit Angels Surviving Cancer. But I looked at it different. When I go to speak and I give my story, I let other women know its worth a try.

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but there are significant racial disparities in outcomes. Those disparities are even greater in younger patients; Black women under age 50 are twice as likely to die of breast cancer as white women, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Breast cancer survivors like Richardson are working to address those disparities head-on. She believes talking about those problems is an important part of the solution to overcome them, especially because it could help reduce barriers to breast cancer screenings that are key for early detection and, ultimately, successful treatment.

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People say that breast cancer has no color. Its not true, said Cynthia Johnson, a Houston resident who is an ambassador with the nonprofit For the Breast of Us. The care given, the outcomes, theyre not equal. We have to be deliberate about creating messaging for these communities, because its not one-size-fits-all.

Various factors contribute to those disparities. Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage, partly due to socioeconomic factors like inadequate health insurance and less access to care.

Genetics also play a role. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer. However, Black women are also 28 percent more likely to die of triple-negative breast cancer than white women with the same diagnosis, according to a 2021 study in JAMA Oncology.

Being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer at a later stage is a recipe for poorer outcomes, said Dr. Kelly Dempsey, a breast surgeon who was Richardson's doctor at Memorial Hermann and is also affiliated with Houston Methodist.

When you put those two factors together, it is not a good mix, Dempsey said.

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Talking about disparities can be difficult because they can reinforce the mistrust that is rooted in the history of racism in medicine, said Shahnjayla Connors, an assistant professor of health and behavioral sciences at the University of Houston-Downtown.

However, that mistrust can have negative effects for women of color, Johnson said. They may be less likely to see a doctor if they know or feel theyre being treated differently, which could delay the detection of breast cancer. They may also be more reluctant to participate in clinical trials, or take medication that was approved after a clinical trial, she said.

Working to overcome those problems is part of the reason Johnson wanted to share her experiences after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She realized no one in her circle was discussing breast cancer, despite its prevalence and the higher mortality rate for Black women.

Johnson, who is now 43 years old, shared messages, photos and videos on social media while she underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

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She also provided helpful information, such as the fact that the American Cancer Society recommends women at an average risk for breast cancer begin annual mammograms at age 45 (though many experts recommend starting earlier). She heard from strangers who told her they went for their first mammogram because of her posts.

Richardson began getting mammograms at 18 years old because she had fibrocystic breasts, a common condition that can give them a lumpy or ropelike texture. But she stopped going for a few years while she was taking care of her elderly parents. She had a mammogram after feeling a lump in the fall of 2017, and a biopsy confirmed she had stage 3 breast cancer.

She joined the clinical trial for a drug called sapanisertib, which is still being evaluated, and the treatment reduced the size of her tumor by 85 percent. Over the next year, she also had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She has now been cancer-free for four years and has returned to teaching second grade at Houstons Lockhart Elementary School.

Richardson, like Johnson, believes its important for women  and particularly women of color  to talk about breast cancer and its risks. She tells women not to let life get in the way of a mammogram because catching breast cancer early is vital.

She also hopes to inspire more women of color to be part of clinical trials. Overcoming mistrust is key to developing more effective breast cancer treatments that can help save lives, Richardson said.

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I am an example of a success story through a clinical trial that pretty much saved my life, I believe, she said.

Raising awareness is just part of the solution, though. Experts say there are ways to improve disparities, such as increasing access to breast cancer screenings and investing in health equity research.

Its also the responsibility of the health care community to reduce mistrust, Connors said. There are examples of gradual progress, such as medical schools focusing more on cultural competence education. But its also up to the doctors who interact with patients every day to make sure people of color do not feel theyre being treated differently, she said.

If a woman of color goes to the doctor and she feels like shes being treated differently because shes Black  that trust is not going to be established, Connors said.

Johnson believes advocates like herself are also an important part of the solution. She thinks many women are reluctant to discuss breast cancer because its a private and emotional topic, but she knows its important for everyone to understand the risks and the importance of early detection.

Furthermore, being open about racial disparities is the best way to overcome mistrust, she said. She sympathizes with women of color who may be reluctant to participate in clinical trials or undergo certain treatment. But she stressed the importance of efforts like #BlackDataMatters, an initiative of the Black Breast Cancer Alliance to encourage Black women to be involved in the research to develop more effective treatments.
Prospective learners looking to study abroad are on growing numbers and looking for low-cost choices. Countries which offer free education have emerged as the most desirable locations for higher education as free education becomes more popula

Studying abroad can also increase your work chances while providing you with a global perspective. The main disadvantage that many students face is the high cost of education that comes with it. But what if you could get your degree from a major global university for a low or even no cost? That is a possibility! Many countries offer free or low-cost education to international students.

We will explore the top 10 countries with free education or cost effective destinations to study.

Top 10 Countries With Free Education or Low Cost Study

Argentina

Argentina offers 39 public universities that offer tuition-free education to national and international undergraduate students (including the University of Buenos Aires and the National University of La Plata). Keep in mind that most classes are offered in Spanish, and you must demonstrate Spanish language ability in order to be admitted to these schools.

Finland

Finland's public universities provide free degree programmes to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. Tuition rates for international students vary by university and range between 6,000 and 18,000 per year. PhD programmes, on the other hand, are free for all students, regardless of citizenship. If you already have a master's degree and want to continue your studies without incurring debt, Finland is an excellent choice!

Spain

Spain provides free university education to European Union (EU) students. International students from other nations are simply need to pay a minimal fee for their higher education. The cost of living is much lower here. At public universities, the average annual tuition rate is 1,000 (INR 85,789). Learning Spanish may also aid international applicants.

Belgium

Belgium is a linguistically and historically varied country that welcomes international students. It will be difficult, but not impossible, to study for free in Belgium. If you have high test scores, apply early, and nail your admissions interview, you may be eligible for scholarships to cover your tuition. International students from the EU pay approximately 900 per year to study in Belgium, whereas non-EU students spend approximately 4,180 per year.

Sweden

EU (European Union) nationals are entitled to free education in Sweden. Other international students must pay higher education tuition. Sweden is home to some highly regarded European institutions with outstanding educational standards.

Germany

Germany is a popular study destination for international students, as well as one of the top countries for free education. The majority of German public institutions do not charge tuition to both domestic and international students enrolled in any undergraduate course. Students are simply required to pay a nominal administrative and semester fee.

Norway

Norway, another popular study location, is one of the countries that provides free education to both international and domestic students. Tuition costs are not charged to every student enrolled in a Norwegian public university, regardless of course or level of study. Students must pay a small fee to assist cover administrative costs, as in Germany. The main issue is that the majority of undergraduate courses are taught in Norwegian, so you would need a certain degree of proficiency to be admitted to the course. However, because a considerable number of postgraduate and doctorate courses are taught in English, you can study those programmes for free.

Czech Republic

Students who speak Czech can study at any public university in the Czech Republic for free. Students who want to study in English can do so for roughly 4,000-12,000 (US$4,425-13,275) each year. At roughly US$9,000 per year, living expenditures are lower than in many Western European countries. Prague, the Czech capital, is ranked joint 35th in the QS Best Student Cities list.

Belgium

It is a well-known country for the practical and theoretical quality of its education. It is one of the top countries in terms of free education and has a thriving foreign community. There is a small tuition price to pay, but it also provides good placement prospects for Indian students.

Austria

Austria is one of the top study destinations for international students because it is one of the countries that provides free or low-cost education. Students from the EU/EEA nations do not pay tuition in Austria, except for a small administrative and semester fee. Students from other countries must pay a tuition charge, but it is far lower than in several other European countries. Furthermore, certain public colleges may not charge any fees to students from impoverished countries.
If theres one thing you could say about the Honda CR-V is that its comfortable in its own skin. In each of its six generations, there was ...
Sarbottam Cement issues IPOs in Nepali first

24 November 2023

Sarbottam Cement has become the first Nepali company to float its initial public offerings (IPOs) at the book building price. According to myRepublica, the cement producer has opened its IPOs for institutional investors with a deadline of 26 November 2023, imposing a cut-off price of NPR401/unit (US$3.00/unit) and a ceiling price of NPR601.50/unit.

The Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) has given its approval for Sarbottam to float 12.9033 per cent of its issued capital of NPR4.65bn. Of the proposed 6m units of primary shares, the company has floated 2.4m units at the book building price in the first stage.

Book building is the process by which an underwriter attempts to determine the price of a companys IPOs. An underwriter, usually an investment bank, builds a book by inviting institutional investors such as merchant banks, mutual funds, listed companies, security traders and other entities recognised by the Sebon to submit bids for the number of shares and the prices they would be willing to pay for them, explains myRepublica.

Sarbottam Cement, part of the Saurabh Group, runs an integrated plant in Ramnagar with a cement production capacity of 0.99Mta and clinker capacity of 1.16Mta.

Published under
CEMEX supplies Vertua to Puerto Vallarta airport

24 November 2023

CEMEX is supplying its Vertua lower-carbon concrete for the construction of Terminal 2 at Puerto Vallartas International Airport, Mexico, which aims to be one of the most sustainable terminal buildings in Latin America. The 68,000m2 new terminal is planning to be one of the most efficient in terms of sustainability, with the aim of obtaining LEED certification and minimising the carbon emissions associated with the construction process.

CEMEX is contributing over 85,000m3 of Vertua lower-carbon concrete, which will avoid the emission of 16,000t of CO 2 compared to traditional concretes.

Puerto Vallartas International Airport serves as a new window to showcase the best of Mexico to the world, and we are proud to be part of this large-scale project that aims to enhance tourism, said Ricardo Naya, president of CEMEX Mexico. Not only are we providing high-quality building materials, but we are also helping lower the project's carbon footprint with our more sustainable solutions.

The project seeks to create a more sustainable air terminal through several strategies. These actions include the use of more efficient building materials and installing solar panels on the roof of the terminal, which will lower energy consumption by 40 per cent, as well as reducing water consumption by 35 per cent.





Published under
The school zone lights installed on Quinn Road flash during pick-up time at Tomball High School. Jennifer Bell/The Potpourri

A $2.5 million project will soon bring hundreds of flashing school zone signs to several Harris County school districts, improving safety for students and drivers in Precinct 3.

The precinct will wrap up the installation of approximately 300 signs across 10 districts in the first quarter of next year, according to a news release.

Safety and infrastructure go hand-in-hand when youre planning to enhance community roads, said Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey in a statement. When you look at communities and think what all you can do to make it better, ensuring children make their way to and from schools each day safely should be at the forefront of where to start.

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The traffic signals notify drivers to slow down in school zones. Signs will be placed throughout Tomball, Klein, Spring, Cy-Fair, Humble, Aldine, Crosby, Goose Creek, Huffman, and Channelview ISDs.

Heading into the new year, the precinct has also completed construction on one section of Schiel Road in effort to widen the road from the Grand Parkway to west of Mason Road in Cy-Fair.
Re: Senator Blackburn on assault on Supreme Court:

It would be better if the Senate did not waste its time investigating unethical things that the members of the Supreme Court do because those things are dead and done for and nothing could be done about them anyway because there was no standard of ethics to which the court subscribed. Perhaps time should be spent on working on the possible punishments for violations of a new code. I think that if Caesars wife was supposed to be above suspicion, then the members of the Supreme Court should also.

No one needs to waste their time smearing the members of the court, they do a good job all by themselves. Thomas has been under suspicion for some time and many wonder if his wife is, in reality, the tenth member of the court.As for the statement that the Supreme Court is a co-equal part of our government, that is not quite true. There have been ethical rules for the other two branches for eons, but none for the court and that is the beginning of this travesty. As for the comment about the Democrats wanting to pack the court for a long time, there is no basis for a charge like that. There was an attempt to pack the court during one of Franklin Roosevelts early terms, but it was halted by his Vice President, John Nance Garner, who is more famous, however for his saying that the Vice Presidency is not worth a warm bucket of spit. There has been mention of doing it recently, since Trump packed the court with ardent anti-abortion Catholics who lied to the Congress of the U.S. to get their position.The court should reflect the racial and religious make up of the U.S. population insofar as possible. There are presently six Catholics, one Jew, one Protestant, and one who is either Anglican or Episcopalian but raised as a Catholic. The religious make up of the U.S. is quite different. Twenty-three percent of the population is Catholic. Forty eight are Protestant, and just over two percent are Jewish. Twenty nine percent of the religious make up of the U.S. are called Nones who have no affiliation with any religious group. Regarding the racial/ethnic make up of the U.S, 13 percent are black, 75.5 percent are white, American Indian or Alaskan make up 1.3bpercent and Asians make up 6.3bpercent. Perhaps we should, then, pack the court at least to the point where a case could be decided that had little or no prejudice possible.

Raleigh Perry






The University of St. Thomas opened its third Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program site in Sugar Land. From left are Claudine Dufrene, Kiersten Hall, Kayla Gonzalez and Cindy Garcia. Juhi Varma

The University of St. Thomas opened its third Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program site in Sugar Land  an expansion school leaders say can help efforts to alleviate Texas's ongoing health care challenges.

As Texas and the nation continue to experience a nursing shortage, we recognize the need to grow enrollment in our undergraduate nursing program in a way that provides accessibility for anyone in the Houston area interested in our program, Dr. Claudine Dufrene, the universitys executive dean and associate professor, said in a statement.

The new site is set to welcome its first batch of 22 students in January, a university press release announced.

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The program will be housed in a 21,819-square-foot interactive learning environment at 14090 Southwest Freeway.

What is USTs Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is USTs rigorous, 12-month program combining online instruction with hands-on learning at a simulation lab, clinical lab and testing room.

The full-time program is for students who have earned at least 60 non-nursing credits from an accredited institution or those holding a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Applicants must earn passing scores on the HESI or TEAS nursing entrance exams, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, including a 3.0 GPA for all prerequisite science courses.

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UST began offering the ABSN program at the universitys main campus in downtown Houston and their site in Shenandoah around three years ago.

Its definitely intense, very fast paced. You have to do time management, said The Woodlands resident Kiersten Hall, who is finishing her third semester at the Shenandoah location.

Hall, 33, was a medical assistant. When her supervising doctor retired, she said she decided to go to nursing school, fulfilling a longtime goal.

Hall has been offered a job at HCA Houston Healthcares cardiology department.

Also in her third semester is Kayla Gonzales, 24, who joined the ABSN program after finishing her four-year bachelors degree from Texas A&M.

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I got into nursing because I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, said Gonzales, who hails from New Caney. When I was younger, my great grandmother had Parkinsons and my grandmother was her caregiver.

In her junior and senior years at Texas A&M, Gonzales began exploring nursing schools and later connected with someone who had completed UST's ABSN program.

I was like, OK, I can dedicate one more year of school before I start a career, she said. And so that's how I found this. I guess the cheesy answer is I just wanted to be a nurse because I love helping people, always have. Also, l love putting on latex gloves, they make me feel important.

After finishing her course, Gonzalez will start working with trauma patients as a med-surg nurse.

A competitive field

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Both Hall and Gonzalez remarked that the field of nursing had become more competitive.

Ongoing reports of nursing shortages prompted many students to pursue nursing as a career, however, this increased interest has heightened the demand for positions in the field, Hall said.

In Texas alone, nursing schools reject more than 10,000 students annually, making admission highly competitive, Dufrene said. A key factor preventing the acceptance of more students is the shortage of faculty.

Its not just the nurses in the workforce that are aging, but also the faculty and administrators in nursing schools, Dufrene said. So there's not just a focus on that getting new grads out in the nursing field, but it's also how do we attract them once they're in practice, to come into nursing education.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 91,938 students were turned away from nursing schools in 2021 due to a lack of faculty, classroom space and budget.

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A man who owns a property on Holland Lane told police his tenant was not complying to his needs, with a damaged mailbox, and he wanted to evict her. He said she earlier drove into the mailbox and completely damaged it. He said she and her boyfriend attempted to replace it on their own. It was not done according to how he wanted the mailbox to be, so he requested them to pay him the labor and materials so he could do it the way he wanted, because it is his property.* * *A man on E. 39th Street told police he is still being harassed by his ex-girlfriend. He said she is calling and texting at all hours and he wants this documented. He said he is unwilling to prosecute at this time. Police discussed options with him, and he is considering a restraining order.* * *Police spoke with a man at Exit 4A I-75 NB who was on the side of the interstate in a dangerous area, due to heavy and swift traffic. Police gave him a ride to the Exxon, 2304 Shallowford Village Dr.* * *A couple on Riverfront Parkway told police that sometime Saturday night someone broke out the rear passenger door window of their 2019 Ford Expedition. There is no suspect information available.* * *Police were called to an address on Parkway Circle regarding a suspicious backpack lying in the grass on the side of the road. The Bomb Squad arrived on scene and determined that the backpack just held items and not an explosive. Police turned the bag into CPD Property.* * *A woman on Jarnigan Road told police that at some unknown date and time, the grill on her 2012 Ford Edge was damaged. It is unknown what caused the damage to the vehicle.* * *An employee at a business at 808 Chestnut St. told police a white female came into the business and began taking things off the counter, attempting to conceal them. The woman ended up throwing the items she took off the counter into a box in the hallway of the business. The employee said the woman then started to throw things around, acting irate, and on the way out of the door she stole a bowl of candy. The employee said at the moment she would only like officers to try and locate the woman and trespass her from the area. Police attempted to try and catch up with the woman candy smuggler, but were unable to locate her in the immediate area.* * *A man on Kirby Avenue told police he looked out of his front window and observed a tall black male standing on his front porch stairway. He said the man then left the scene in an unknown direction. He requested officers search the area. Officers were unable to locate the man.* * *A woman on Bexley Square called police regarding an on-going harassment situation. She said she believes her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend is responsible for numerous phone calls and text messages specifically describing locations of her boyfriend, what type of lipstick or clothing she was wearing, color of nail polish, shoes etc. She said she was very confident that the ex-girlfriend is responsible for the continuous harassment; however, at this time she has no conclusive proof. The woman has made several reports regarding this activity. All the texts and calls are originating from a phone. At this time there is no further information available and the ex-girlfriend is listed in this report based on the woman's verbal statement and prior incidents. The officer spoke to the magistrate regarding the incident, who concurred that without further proof indicating an actual suspect, no warrant could be obtained at this time.* * *A woman on Belle Vista Drive told police that at 10 p.m. her bank notified her that unknown persons were attempting to use her credit card information online. The bank successfully blocked the attempt, cut off her card and is sending her a new one. There is no suspect information.* * *
Home World Hamas releases Israeli, Thai hostages in 4-day ceasefire for prisoner-hostage exchange

Israeli and Thai hostages in Gaza have been transferred to the Red Cross and are en route to the border crossing with Egypt after the Hamas terrorist group agreed to a four-day ceasefire with Israel.

Hamas agreed to release 50 of 236 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians being held in Israel as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange. Thirteen Israelis were freed Friday on the first day of the exchange. Ten Thai hostages and one Filipino were released in a separate deal negotiated with Iran.

The Israeli hostages released range from ages 2 to 85.

The first group of Israeli hostages released Friday include: Margalit Moses, 78; Adina Moshe, 72; Yaffa Adar, 85; Hannah Perry, 79; Danielle Aloni, 44, and her daughter, Amelia Aloni, 6; Keren Mundar, 54, and her son, Ohad Mundar, 9, and his grandmother, Ruthie Mundar, 78; Doron Katz Asher, 34, and her two daughters, Raz, 4, and Aviv, 2; and Hannah Katzir, 77, who Palestine Islamic Jihad claimed had died in an Israeli airstrike.

Watch a livestream of the release below:

Hamas released elderly women, mothers and children, but continues to hold fathers, husbands and grandfathers captive, leaving families separated. The Palestinian prisoners released are comprised of 24 women and 15 males between the ages of 14 and 18.

An Israeli official confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the 13 hostages were released at Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip and placed under custody with the Red Cross.

Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent official with Hamas, said in a statement that the terrorist group reaffirms its commitment to the successful implementation of the agreement, as long as the enemy also commits to its implementation.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said there would continue to be "a brief pause" in the fighting for the agreement, adding that the IDF "will continue to operate with full military force against Hamas. We will not stop until we achieve our goals  the destruction of Hamas and the return of all the hostages," according to the Jerusalem Post.

As the exchange took place between Israel and Hamas, 10 Thai nationals taken hostage by the Islamic terrorist group were released at Egypts border with the Gaza Strip, according to Egyptian state information service Diaa Rashwan.

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to X on Friday to announce that he had gotten confirmation that the 12 nationals had been successfully released. However, Hamas only released 10 Thai nationals.

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched large-scale attacks on Southern Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people while taking as many as 240 people hostage, including American citizens. As many as 10 Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks, and some are believed to be held hostage, including 3-year-old Abigail Mor Edan.

One of the areas hit by Hamas was the Tribe of Nova Festival in Re'im, Israel, in which more than 250 attendees were killed, and dozens more were kidnapped by the terrorist organization.

Israel launched retaliatory attacks in the Gaza Strip against the terrorist organization, which, according to claims made by the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry, has resulted in over 10,000 civilian deaths.

Barbara Leaf, assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this month that the death toll is likely higher than the estimate being cited.

In this period of conflict and conditions of war, it is very difficult for any of us to assess what the rate of casualties are, said Leaf, as quoted by The Hill. We think theyre very high, frankly, and it could be that theyre even higher than are being cited.

Leaf added that people will know only after the guns fall silent and that she cant stipulate to one figure or another, its very possible theyre even higher than is being reported.

Additionally, the IDF has urged Palestinian civilians living in Northern Gaza to flee southward to escape the violence, but Hamas has not allowed many civilians to leave, creating a humanitarian crisis within the Hamas-controlled territory.

On Wednesday, it was announced that there would be a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, which would include an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

As part of the agreement, Hamas would release 50 of the estimated 236 hostages that they have kidnapped, while Israel would free 150 prisoners, the majority of whom were teenagers imprisoned for minor offenses.

In addition, Israel would allow hundreds of trucks filled with medical and humanitarian supplies to enter the Gaza Strip to help Palestinian civilians if Hamas distributes the aid.

"I welcome the commitment that Israel has made to support an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out and to ensure additional humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza," said Vice President Kamala Harris in a statement.

"The flow of aid must substantially increase and civilians must be protected. We also call on Hamas to release all the remaining hostages."
Home World Atheist groups cheer as UK Parliament set to consider bill severing CofE's ties to gov't

A bill aimed at officially severing the Church of England from the British government is set to be introduced in Parliament next month.

The Disestablishment of the Church of England bill, scheduled to be introduced by Liberal Democrat lawmaker Paul Scriven on Dec. 6, was selected earlier in November from a bill ballot from private members of the House of Lords, according to British secularist groups.

Calling his bill long overdue, Scriven said the measure would bring an end to the privileges enjoyed by the Church of England, which has an estimated 85 million members in 165 countries.

I'm looking forward to introducing this bill that will finally deal with the Church of England being one of many religious organizations and not the State Church with the privileges that brings, Scriven tweeted on Nov. 9.

With the establishment of the Church of England as the official state religion of the United Kingdom, 26 bishops are granted automatic seats in the House of Lords, and British monarchs carry the title Defender of the Faith and sit as the Supreme Governor of the Church.

In his coronation ceremony in May, King Charles III pledged his commitment and responsibility to the Church of England  in which my faith is so deeply rooted. Atheist groups like the U.K.s National Secular Society (NSS) criticized the king for taking his oath while kneeling before a Bible.

Among the many musical traditions at the coronation was George Frederick Handels famous anthem, Zadok the Priest, which refers to the biblical monarchy of King David and King Solomon with the lyrics, Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet/ anointed Solomon King./ And all the people rejoiced and said: God save The King!/ Long live The King! May The King live forever!

In support of Scrivens bill, NSS Chief Executive Stephen Evans called the Church of Englands role in British affairs unsustainable.

"In our religiously diverse and increasingly secular country, the establishment of the Church of England is simply unsustainable, said Evans. Disestablishment would remove religious privilege from the heart of our constitutional settlement and be a step towards a more inclusive, diverse and equal society.

"We urge parliamentarians to support this bill as a commitment to fostering a society where all citizens are equally valued and respected."

American atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which called the sight of King Charles kissing a Bible at his coronation distressing, said the U.S. could learn from the disestablishment effort.

At a moment when the United States is struggling to retain our secular democracy, were cheered by the news that disestablishment is being debated and contemplated in Britain, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a statement.

The privileging of the Church of England is holding back progress and allows it to force its doctrines on the majority of non-Christians. Its time the British tell the Church of England to sod off.

Despite the CofE's entrenched position in British history and government, fewer Brits are filling the pews: in 2013, the average Sunday service attendance across the CofE was a little over 1 million, and by 2019, this number had dropped to 854,000, a decline of over 15%.

A further decline occurred in the wake of the pandemic, with a report by the Diocese of Oxford estimating that attendance in October 2022 was at 81% of 2019 levels.

The issue of declining numbers extends beyond church attendance.

According to CofE data analyzed by The Telegraph, 423 churches closed between 2010 and 2019, with nearly 1,000 churches closed from 1987 to 2019. This decline has brought the number of operational churches down to around 15,496.

Simultaneously, Christians' overall share of the population in England and Wales has dropped. According to the Office for National Statistics, Christians comprised 46.2% of the population in 2021, a decrease from 59.3% in 2011.
Home Opinion Why Israel matters

My heart breaks over the shocking carnage Hamas carried out in Israel. At the time of this writing, at least 1,400 people in Israel, including more than 30 Americans, have been slaughtered by Hamas terrorists. As the war in Israel continues to escalate, it is disturbing to see anti-Israel protests and a rise of antisemitism around the globe, especially while innocent civilians, including children, the elderly, and the disabled, were mercilessly slaughtered by the Islamic jihadists of Hamas.

Now more than ever, it is important to understand why Israel matters and why it is the center of global discussion.

As someone who has traveled to Israel over 30 times, visiting Israel has had a profound impact on my faith, as I know it has for so many believers. Through Covenant Journey, one of the ministries I founded, Ive had the opportunity to lead over a thousand people on a life-changing experience in the Holy Land, showing them where our faith originated and experiencing the historic and spiritual impact of Israel.

A short history

A sliver of land in the Middle East no larger than New Jersey, Israel is the birthplace of both Judaism and Christianity. It remains a centerpiece of world history and is significant in world politics, the global economy, America, and the Church.

From Pharaoh down to Haman, Hitler, and Hamas, the Jewish people have repeatedly been up against adversaries who want to obliterate them from the face of the earth, and yet each time, God intervened to deliver Israel and the Jewish people in mighty ways to preserve the Jewish people from destruction.

God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, preserved the Jewish people from Hamans plot to destroy them during the reign of the Persian King Ahasuerus, and delivered the Jewish people from the genocide of the Nazi Holocaust. These examples are but a few of the many times the Jewish people were saved against all odds throughout history.

On May 14, 1948, after nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish state of Israel was reborn. It was a historic fulfillment of biblical prophecy that a nation could be born in one day (Isaiah 66:8). In the British Mandate on May 14, Great Britain proposed two states  one for the Arabs and one for the Jews. The Jews said yes, but the Arabs said no.

As soon as the British Mandate ended, David Ben-Gurion read Israels Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. U.S. President Harry Truman was the first world leader to recognize Israel as a sovereign Jewish state just 11 minutes after it was established.

As soon as the British army was gone, on May 15, Israel was attacked by five nations  Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Against all odds, with no organized military, Israel fought back in the War of Independence (May 1948  July 1949) and miraculously survived.

A similar miracle occurred in 1967 when Egypt, Jordan, and Syria simultaneously attacked Israel. Israel not only survived, but it also pushed back all three invading countries in the Six-Day War.

Then, on Yom Kippur (Oct. 6, 1973), Egypt and Syria simultaneously attacked. And once again, Israel survived against all odds.

Most recently, 50 years after the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas, a designated terror group from Gaza, crossed into Israel and slaughtered, tortured, and burned (some alive) innocent civilians during the early morning of Shabbat where Israelis were gathered with family to celebrate the Sabbath.

In a recent media interview, Hamas leaders said the goal of the October 7 massacre is to end the occupation of the Jews from Israel. The plan was to commit such a brutal attack that Israel would have to fight back, and one which Hamas hoped the Arab Muslim nations, as well as China and Russia, would join to obliterate the Jews from the land. Hamas also warned that it is ready to execute October 7 again, and again, and again.

Why does Israel matter?

Why does Israel matter? Is this small piece of real estate that important? Is the obvious antisemitism really about land, or is it much more? Why such hatred against the Jews  not just in Israel but also around the world?

Why have the Jewish people been targeted for extinction for thousands of years? Why have they survived against the forces of the worlds superpowers? What race or ethnicity has survived and been reborn in the same land as their ancestors, speaking and writing the same language, practicing the same faith, and celebrating the same religious ceremonies? The short answer is only one  the Jewish people in the land of Israel.

Why the controversy over this small nation? Why such deep-rooted antisemitism? The current local Arab population referred to as Palestinians are not the originators of hatred against the Jews. This hatred has been passed down through history. And the current rise of antisemitism cannot be solely due to the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, world leaders condemned the action. That war is ongoing, but the world does not hate the Russian people. Despite the brutal regimes of North Korea, the Communist Chinese Party, and the Iranian Ayatollahs, the world does not hate the Koreans, Chinese, or Iranians.

But why is there such hatred against the Jews? After all, in much of our daily life, we benefit from the many inventions made in Israel  not the least of which is computer and cell phone technology. Of the 965 individual recipients of the Nobel Prize, 214 have been Jews or people with at least one Jewish parent, representing 22 percent of all recipients.

From technology to science, to medicine, to agriculture, and much more, people around the world benefit every day from the ingenuity of the Jewish people. The list of top inventions from Israel is truly astonishing.

There is no logical or rational answer to the question of Jewish hatred. I believe the answer is found in the Bible. When God called Abraham and promised he would become the father of many nations, he was 75 years old. Twenty-five years later at the ripe old age of 100, Abraham and Sarah welcomed Isaac into the world. Isaac would later become the father of Jacob, who was also named Israel.

Against all odds, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that all the families on the earth would be blessed through him and his offspring (Genesis 12). Abraham was also the father of Ishmael through Hagar (Genesis 16). Jealousy developed between Sarah and Hagar, and the two went separate ways along with their offspring. Through Isaac came the Jews and through Hagar came the Arabs (not Muslims but Arabs, as Islam is a religion and Arab is an ethnicity).

God made a covenant with Abraham and the Jewish people, which was confirmed with Isaac and Jacob (Israel), stating they were chosen (Genesis 15; Deuteronomy 7:6-8).

Through the Jewish people in the land of Israel came the Scriptures, which were written and cared for meticulously down through millennia. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the land of Judah. Jesus was Jewish and practiced Jewish ceremonies. The early Christian Church was birthed in Jerusalem, spread throughout Israel, to Rome and the ancient Near East, and to America.

With the birth of the Church, what about the Jews? In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul asks rhetorically, Has God rejected His people? To which Paul quickly responds, By no means!

The fight over Israel and the opposition to the Jewish people is rooted not in logic or reason  but stems from this biblical history. God had, and continues to have, a purpose for Israel and the Jewish people. And if God has a plan and a purpose, as believers, we understand that Satan also has the opposite plan and purpose. As the Bible says, Satan is the father of lies and seeks to destroy what God has ordained.

God promises throughout Scripture to bless those who bless Abrahams offspring (Genesis 12:3). Surrounded by nations that seek its destruction, Israel is also the only true democracy and beacon of freedom in the Middle East where Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze are free to practice their faith. Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East.

In the past 75 years, the desert of Israel (derisively called Palestine by the Romans following the Bar Kochba Revolt in 132 A.D.) truly has transformed into a land of abundance flowing with milk and honey. Modern Israel is a miracle and a force to be reckoned with that has contributed significant technological, agricultural, and medical advances to the world.

The past, present, and future come together in the Holy Land. God promised Abraham, In your seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 22:18). As the Israeli people are defending their security and freedom to live in a land thats rightfully theirs, we should stand with them and against their enemies who brutally slaughtered innocent civilians. There are 22 Arab nations in the world, but only one Jewish state. Reborn right after the Holocaust, the Jewish state of Israel should provide a safe place for Jews.

Standing for Israels right to exist is essential on many fronts. The foundation of Western civilization originates in Israel.

The war in Israel is more than just about a plot of land  it is about the right of the Jewish people to exist. As for me, I will unequivocally stand for Israel and the Jewish people, and I invite you to join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122).

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home World Anti-Christian hatred motivated man who murdered 20-year-old in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan  The father of a 20-year-old Christian who was gunned down in Pakistan this month said the confessed killer was driven by a strong hatred for Christians and Jews.

Farhan Ul Qamar was shot to death in his house in Talwandi Inayat Khan village, Pasrur tehsil of Sialkot District, Punjab Province, in the presence of other family members on Nov. 9. The slain Christians father, Noor Ul Qamar, said the killer, Muhammad Zubair, showed hatred for Christians and Jews, mistakenly referring to the family as Jews as he ranted at them.

Ul Qamar said he was unsure why Zubair targeted his son in particular, though the killer and Farhan Ul Qamar had had a minor argument the previous day. Attacking at 3 a.m. on Nov. 9, Zubair held the family hostage at gunpoint for nearly 40 minutes, refusing to let them go near their fatally injured son, Ul Qamar said.

My son was struggling for his life, bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds, but his murderer, Muhammad Zubair, did not allow us to even give him some water, let alone comfort him, Ul Qamar told Morning Star News. He repeatedly called us Jews as he cursed and waved his weapon at us. We all watched helplessly, pleading with him to leave, but he wouldnt go.

Eventually Zubair told him to go to the roof and stay there until he was gone, Ul Qamar said.

As I was going, Zubair pointed the gun towards my wife and ordered her to unlock the main gate, he said. He sat on his motorcycle that was parked outside, fired three shots in the air with his pistol, and shouted, Allahu Akbar [Allah is greater, a jihadist slogan] two-three times before speeding away.

The grieving father said that as soon as Zubair left, the family gathered around his blood-soaked son and started screaming for help.

None of our neighbors intervened even after they heard the first three shots fired on Farhan by Zubair, Ul Qamar said. No one came outside of their homes when he was leaving  everyone feared him.

He said that his son breathed his last breath en route to the hospital.

Doctors said they could have made an effort to save his life if we had brought him there in time, Ul Qamar told Morning Star News.

Zubair had never hidden his hatred for Christians, but his behavior worsened after the Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted into war in Gaza last month, Ul Qamar said. Several Christian families fled the village after Muslims beat two Christian brothers, Aqib Javed and Asher Javed, for reportedly expressing support for Israel.

Some five to six Christian boys, including Aqib and Asher, have left the village because they are fearful of being targeted again by extremist elements, Ul Qamar said, adding that their whereabouts were unknown.

He said the family had decided not to disclose these details earlier because they feared backlash from local Muslims.

We have been keeping quiet because we did not want the religious leaders to think that we are giving our sons murder a religious color, but this is the truth, Ul Qamar said.

His other son, Shahan Ul Qamar, previously told Morning Star News that his brother had had a minor altercation with Zubair on Nov. 8.

The deceaseds father said that after killing Farhan Ul Qamar, Zubair went home, where police found him sleeping peacefully in his bed.

An officer told me that during interrogation, Zubair said that he had mistakenly come to our house and killed Farhan thinking that he was killing Aqib or Asher Javed, Ul Qamar said. But this is a lie, because Zubair called Farhan by his name before opening fire on him. He also kept saying his name when he was trying to break the door of our room. It was premeditated murder.

The victims father said the investigators had not formally shared their findings with the family.

The police formally registered Zubairs arrest, and a court granted them his four-day physical remand, which ended on Thursday, he said. I have no other information at this point.

Morning Star News made repeated attempts to contact the investigating officer of the case, but he could not be reached.

Asked to confirm reports of threats and pressure on the family regarding the case, Ul Qamar said no one had directly threatened them yet, but that village sources had warned him to beware of the suspects family and accomplices.

I think they are sending us indirect messages to scare us, but we are determined to find justice for our beloved son, he said. His voice breaking with grief, he added, Farhan was a handsome boy and loved education. He was enrolled in a four-year medical technician program and was very excited to join the health sector after graduation, but all our dreams have been shattered by Zubair in front of our eyes.

Farhan Ul Qamar was the youngest of four children.

The family has no resources to engage a reputable lawyer and appealed for help from legal aid groups and Christian organizations.

We want to see Farhans killer punished in accordance with the law, Ul Qamar said. If we are unable to find good legal representation, I fear the murderer will be let off, and then no Christian will be safe in this village. Please help us.

Living among 20-25 other Christian families in the village, Ul Qamars family has resided in the area for generations, often facing religious bias and discrimination.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.
Home World Hamas co-founders son warns of terrorist group's indoctrination of children in Gaza

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, delivered a powerful address at the United Nations this week, condemning the actions and ideologies of Hamas. His speech focused on the terror attacks by Hamas, particularly against Israeli civilians, and the indoctrination of Gazas population, especially children.

Yousef, with his unique perspective as a former Palestinian child within the Hamas culture, criticized the groups genocidal intentions and their aim to build an Islamic state without regard for political borders.

Were talking about a religious group that does not believe in political borders and wants to annihilate an entire race in order to build an Islamic state. I dont know what else can be said about this  and I dont know why it is not obvious to everybody, he said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

His 2010 book, Son of Hamas, details his journey from a Hamas insider to a critic and informant for Israeli intelligence. He recounted his personal experiences of indoctrination and abuse as a child, emphasizing Hamas primary goal to annihilate the State of Israel.

The former Hamas member described a harrowing incident from his childhood, where he was tied and whipped by a Hamas leader for disobedience, illustrating the groups brutal methods of discipline and indoctrination. Yousefs public denouncements of Hamas have been ongoing, including his participation in media events and NGOs, such as his 2017 speech for UN Watch at a U.N. Human Rights Council debate.

Yousef also addressed the broader implications of Hamas actions on future generations.

Hamas first crime against children in the Palestinian societies is not arming them or encouraging them to carry suicide bombing attacks  its the religious ideological indoctrination that I had to go through with one intention in mind: to annihilate the State of Israel. This is Hamas' primary goal, Yousef said.

He emphasized that blaming Israel does not address the root of the problem, which lies in Hamas indoctrination and criminal activities against children and society.

Yousefs work with Israel's security services helped thwart several terrorist attacks planned by Hamas, CBN News noted. Defecting from Hamas in the late '90s, Yousef, who converted to Christianity, has since dedicated his efforts to exposing Hamas true nature.

Yousef referred to an interview with Piers Morgan on his Uncensored talk show, where he expressed his frustration with the misrepresentation of the Palestinian struggle by external pro-Palestinian activists, asserting his own legitimacy as a representative of Palestinian childrens interests.

We dont want a Palestinian state; I dont want a Palestinian state. Palestinian children need education, they need security, they need life. This is what they need; they dont need another corrupt Arab regime, Yousef told Morgan.

Yousefs stance is not isolated within his family. In July 2019, his brother, Suheib, also fled Hamas, denouncing it as a terror organization. Suheibs comments highlighted the grip Hamas has on Gaza, maintaining power by force and creating problems for the region. The problem in Gaza is that Hamas hangs on to power by force. If Hamas gave up power, there would be no problems, Suheib said at the time.
Home Church & Ministries Baptist pastor, Christian college president apologizes for allowing male speaker with long hair

Pastor John Wilkerson of First Baptist Church of Hammond in Indiana, who also serves as president of Hyles-Anderson College apologized to church members after he was criticized for allowing a man from a local creationist group to address the church and school while sporting hair they considered too long and quoting Scripture from the NIV translation of the Bible.

Recently, we had a creation seminar hosted here at First Baptist Church of Hammond. With all my heart what I wanted to do is to educate, equip and empower God's people to face and to give ammunition for the fallacies of evolution and humanism that permeates our society, Wilkerson said in a video posted on Instagram.

Though that was my goal, I grieve to tell you that I probably did not make the best decisions in many arenas. I failed to screen properly what was going to be said or shown in some ways. And I think I hurt many people. I grieve that I embarrassed the First Baptist Church family, he continued. I think for the Hyles-Anderson College students and the men and women who have sent their students here, if I sent an uncertain sound, I apologize and I sincerely ask your forgiveness. I dont want to cause a distraction. And I certainly dont want to be divisive.

One of the most prominent criticisms of the presentation made by members of the 18-year-old Indiana-based Creation Evidence Expo came from Pastor Allen Domelle of Maranatha Baptist Church in Oklahoma, who is also the founder and editor of the Old Paths Journal.

There are times my heart breaks, and this is one of those times. This past weekend, November 12, 2023, First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana invited a group of men into their church to teach on creation. Then on Monday, these same men went to Hyles-Anderson College and taught the students. These men were not Baptists and do not claim to be Baptists. In fact, one is a member of a Reformed church, and another claimed from their pulpit that he is a Methodist, wrote Domelle in his publication.

He then went on to criticize David Litty, one of the organizations presenters as a long-haired hippie who should not be in the pulpit teaching Christians.

A long-haired hippie teaching in the pulpit is in direct contradiction to Scripture. 1 Corinthians 11:14 says, 'Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?' wrote Domelle. I don't know anything about this man, but I do know that to have long hair is a shame. It does not matter what he was going to teach, the fact that he blatantly disobeys Gods Word should have alerted anyone to his spiritual discernment and that he is to be disqualified to teach people.

He further noted that, I received multiple calls from preachers about how they were told that the NIV was used on slides, and indecency in some of the slides. I am sickened by this as I am not for compromise of any sort.

In an interview with The Christian Post on Wednesday, Pastor Fredrick Boyd Jr., co-founder and senior executive director of the Indiana-based Creation Evidence Expo, said Litty has already cut his hair to avoid causing any further offense, but made it clear that he did not use the NIV.

He did not read from NIV. He did not have any scriptures in his presentation. I was there. And so that's the fallacy. As far as the long hair, we make issues over people's hair.  I thought we had religious freedom, he said. If we don't, we're in big time trouble. But as far as his hair, he has, because of the sake of this ministry, he has cut his hair.

While Litty did not have any NIV Scriptures in his presentation, Boyd said another presenter from his ministry did use that translation of the Bible in error and he apologized to Wilkerson for that.

Despite making the apology for the controversy, Boyd added that he believed Christians should treat each other better when dealing with cultural matters.

This to me, I think, was not a Christian way to handle controversy. If you have an issue with anybody, the Scriptures make it clear to go to your brother or sister alone. ... This thing of lambasting and talking about a ministry that is 18 years old [is unacceptable], he said.

This same Mr. David Litty that they're trying to crucify has spoken in, and I won't mention any churches, but he's been in numerous Baptist churches, and they have not said one word about his hair. Not one word. So now, weve got so many double standards in the Baptist faith, and I just personally don't like [it], he said.

I think it was very ungodly to try to crucify someone [for] this. We're trying to help people understand that Darwinian evolution is not true. It's racist. Darwin was a racist. Why don't we write about that? Why don't we talk about his racial attitudes towards black people? Why do we spend so much time talking about somebodys hair?
British Reinsurance Brokers Resolve Bribery Investigations

Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited (Tysers) and H.W. Wood Limited (H.W. Wood), two U.K.-based reinsurance brokers, have agreed to resolve investigations by the Justice Department into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) arising from Tysers and H.W. Woods participation in a corrupt scheme to pay bribes to Ecuadorian government officials.

Tysers and H.W. Wood each entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the department in connection with a criminal information filed in the Southern District of Florida charging both companies with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA.

Tysers and H.W. Wood have admitted to engaging in a scheme to bribe multiple Ecuadorian government officials to earn tens of millions of dollars in illicit profits for themselves and their co-conspirators, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Todays resolutions, along with the numerous related individual cases, demonstrate the departments steadfast commitment to hold both corporate and individual wrongdoers accountable for their crimes.

According to court documents, between 2013 and 2017, Tysers (known and doing business during the relevant period as Integro Insurance Brokers Limited) and H.W. Wood, through their employees and third-party agents, agreed to pay bribes totaling approximately $2.8 million to the then-chairman of two Ecuadorian state-owned insurance companies, Seguros Sucre S.A. and Seguros Rocafuerte S.A., and three other Ecuadorian officials to secure improper advantages in order to obtain and retain reinsurance business with the state-owned insurance companies. The bribes were paid to accounts held in Florida and elsewhere and effectuated through, among other things, emails sent from and meetings held in Florida. In furtherance of the scheme, Tysers paid approximately $20.3 million in commissions and H.W. Wood paid approximately $7.9 million in commissions and premium payments to the intermediary company that paid the bribes. Tysers retained commissions of approximately $10.5 million and H.W. Wood retained commissions of approximately $2.3 million.

Not only have Tysers and H.W. Wood broken any trust held in them by their clients and the market, they have eroded the process of fair and open competition when they paid bribes to foreign officials in exchange for securing lucrative contracts, and kickback for themselves, said Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). We will continue to work with our partners to investigate FCPA violations to ensure honest corporations that playing by the rules pays better in the end.

The defendants engaged in a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme to influence Ecuadorian government officials into doing business with their companies, said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of FBIs Criminal Investigative Division. Todays resolution shows the FBI will seek justice for violations of the FCPA to keep marketplaces and governments free from corruption worldwide.

Pursuant to the DPAs, Tysers and H.W. Wood have each agreed to continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigations relating to this conduct. In addition, Tysers and H.W. Wood have each agreed to continue to enhance their compliance programs and provide reports to the department regarding remediation and the implementation of compliance measures for the three-year term of the DPAs.

Tysers

Pursuant to its DPA, Tysers will pay a $36 million criminal penalty and administrative forfeiture of approximately $10.5 million. The department reached this resolution with Tysers based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense. Tysers received credit for its cooperation with the departments investigation, which included (i) meeting the governments requests promptly; (ii) making foreign-based employees available for interviews; (iii) collecting and producing voluminous relevant documents to the government, including documents located outside the United States; (iv) making several detailed factual presentations to the government and conducting and producing financial analyses of voluminous transactions; and (v) timely accepting responsibility and reaching a prompt resolution.

Tysers engaged in timely remedial measures, which included, among other things, (i) placing employees involved in the misconduct on paid administrative leave; (ii) terminating all business and affiliations with the intermediary company involved in the misconduct; and (iii) comprehensively reviewing and enhancing its compliance program, including engaging additional resources with appropriate expertise to assist in evaluating and strengthening its compliance program, making enhancements to the governance and oversight of its compliance program, adding new compliance resources and personnel, updating and enhancing its antibribery and anticorruption policies, enhancing procedures related to onboarding and making payments to third-parties, and enhancing training programs. In light of these considerations, Tysers criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 25% reduction off the bottom of the applicable guidelines fine range.

H.W. Wood

Pursuant to its DPA, H.W. Wood agreed, based on the application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, that the appropriate criminal penalty is $22.5 million and approximately $2.3 million is forfeitable to the United States. However, due to H.W. Woods financial condition and demonstrated inability to pay the penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, H.W. Wood and the department agreed, consistent with the departments inability to pay guidance, that the appropriate criminal penalty is $508,000 and that H.W. Wood is unable to pay the forfeiture amount. The department reached this resolution with H.W. Wood based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense. H.W. Wood received credit for its cooperation with the departments investigation, which included (i) meeting the governments requests promptly; (ii) endeavoring to make foreign-based employees available for interviews; (iii) collecting and producing voluminous relevant documents to the government, including documents located outside the United States; (iv) making several detailed factual presentations to the government and conducting and producing financial analyses of voluminous transactions; and (v) timely accepting responsibility and reaching a prompt resolution.

H.W. Wood engaged in timely remedial measures, which included, among other things, (i) terminating an employee involved in the misconduct; and (ii) enhancing its compliance program, including creating new compliance positions and compliance control improvements, implementing a process to ensure continuous monitoring and review of third-party relationships, and updating and enhancing its policies and procedures, as well as its compliance training and communications. In light of these considerations, H.W. Woods criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 25% reduction off the bottom of the applicable guidelines fine range.

The department has, to date, charged eight individuals in related matters:

Juan Ribas Domenech, the former chairman of Seguros Sucre and Seguros Rocafuerte, pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida on Sept. 16, 2020, to money laundering conspiracy for his role in this and another scheme.

Fernando Martinez Gomez, a financial advisor, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York on March 24, 2022, to two counts, including conspiracy to commit money laundering for on his role in this and another scheme.

Esteban Merlo Hidalgo, a co-conspirator and agent of Tysers and H.W. Wood, pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida on March 28 to four counts of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property obtained through his participation in this scheme.

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned a seven-count indictment against two other defendants, Cristian Patricio Pintado Garcia and Luis Lenin Maldonado Matute, both of whom remain fugitives, on July 14, 2022, for their alleged roles in this scheme.

Related to this investigation, on March 18, 2022, the department issued an FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy declination to another U.K.-based reinsurance broker, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Holdings Ltd. (JLT), relating to bribes paid through a Florida-based intermediary to Ecuadorian government officials to obtain and retain contracts with Seguros Sucre. In connection with the FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy declination, JLT disgorged approximately $29 million.

Separately, the former CEO of JLTs Colombian subsidiary, Felipe Moncaleano Botero, and two intermediaries, Jose Vicente Gomez Aviles and Roberto Heinert, each pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida to one count of money laundering conspiracy, on, respectively, Aug. 4, 2020, June 11, 2020, and Oct. 2, 2020.

The IRS-CI Global Illicit Financial Team and the FBIs International Corruption Squad in Miami are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Katherine Raut and Anthony Scarpelli and Assistant Chief Alexander Kramer of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Departments Office of International Affairs and authorities in the United Kingdom, Panama, Ecuador, and Switzerland provided assistance in the matter.

The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Departments FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Truce in Gaza a key window for humanitarian assistance

09:52, November 24, 2023 By Yang Sheng ( Global Times

People wait for food relief in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, Nov. 19, 2023. (Photo: Xinhua)

Israel and Palestinian armed group Hamas have very limited mutual trust to execute the temporary cease-fire and a hostage release deal, so they need more time to solve technical problems, said experts on Thursday, as the Israeli side claimed that the truce will be delayed and no hostages will be released before Friday.

Meanwhile, analysts stressed that a four-day pause can only save limited lives if the conflict ever resumes, and the international community needs to make efforts to turn the pause into a sustainable truce.

The four-day pause agreed by the conflicting parties on Wednesday has been seen as a diplomatic breakthrough that will free dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and bring a large influx of aid into the besieged Palestinian territory. The breakthrough comes after the UN Security Council on November 15 adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza.

China, as the rotating president of the UN Security Council for November, has worked with the international community to finally realize a temporary cease-fire for the people who suffered as a result of the conflict in Gaza, but to what extent this breakthrough can be turned into greater progress that can effectively save more lives and prevent more deaths remains in question, unless the international community makes further efforts to make it a sustainable long-term cease-fire, said experts.

Hard-won but fragile pause

With this current round of the Palestine-Israel conflict entering its seventh week, the war has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a nationally televised news conference that the war would resume after the truce expires. Israel's goals are to "destroy Hamas' military capabilities and return all 240 hostages held captive in Gaza."

The cease-fire efforts hit another hurdle when Israel's national security adviser said in a late-night announcement that the deal would not take effect before Friday, one day later than originally expected. Tzachi Hanegbi gave no reason for the delay, but media said there were still some last-minute details being ironed out.

Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies of Northwest University, told the Global Times on Thursday that the reason could be technical. "The temporary cease-fire and release of hostages will take place, but the two sides need some more time to deal with problems like who should be released, when, where and how to release them, as well as paperwork."

"The process of a hostage or prisoner exchange will be difficult due to the lack of mutual trust between Israel and Hamas, but the exchange will take place as both sides want it to happen. The Netanyahu administration faces huge domestic pressure on the hostage problem, while Hamas also wants to buy itself more time in this brutal conflict," Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Medhat Abbas, director of the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, says it has resumed its detailed count of casualties from the ongoing war with Isreal, and has documented more than 13,000 deaths. Abbas confirmed the resumption to The Associated Press on Thursday.

"The four-day pause will enable the international community to provide more materials to the region and ease the pressure on local hospitals, but after the pause, the war will restart and people will keep dying, so how to save more lives is a challenge as the Israeli side refuses to completely stop the fighting at this moment, and as soon as Israeli forces resume bombardments and assaults, more people will get killed for sure," Liu noted.

During the pause, it will be crucial for the international community, which supports making further efforts toward peace, to use it as a key window to maximize the possibility of a longer cease-fire, for instance, by encouraging both sides to release more hostages so that the humanitarian crisis can be stopped effectively, said some observers.

China stands for justice

The current hopes for peace come after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2712 on November 15, which lay the foundation for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal for exchanging hostages and prisoners and observing a four-day cease-fire. Experts said that, this time, the resolution was not vetoed by any permanent member of the UN Security Council, and this is clearly a result of coordination between major powers. On the same day, the heads of state of China and the US met in San Francisco.

The resolution calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip "for a sufficient number of days" to enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access; to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services throughout Gaza, including water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies, as well as emergency repairs to essential infrastructure; and to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and including the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.

Some US media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal recently claimed that "China is trying to take the moral high ground or challenge the US in the Middle East by taking more assertive actions to support Palestine," a charge that has been refuted by Chinese experts. They contend that China's role in the Palestine-Israel issue is entirely different from that of the US, as China has never been driven by selfish geopolitical interests, always stands with justice and takes a non-biased, neutral and fair position.

This is the reason why all regional countries, especially the Arab and Islamic nations, trust and welcome China to play a more constructive role, Liu said.

On Monday, a delegation formed by foreign ministers of a group of Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia and Palestine, as well as the secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, visited Beijing. Choosing China as the first destination of their trip to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council proves that China is trusted by the regional countries, and China's influence and credibility are well recognized and well respected, experts said.

The US, as well as some Western media, need to realize that it was the failed, selfish, messy and inconsistent Middle East policies of Washington that have caused endless tragedies in the region, while China and other members of the international community are being responsible in dealing with these problems, which were actually created by the West, and the US should not be jealous when China's contribution is applauded globally, said experts.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
H-E-B has seen a wealth of developments and evolutions within its brand since its creation 118 years ago. Each new addition seems to come with a lot of excitement; just ask the crowd of people who lined up for the grocer's Manvel store opening this Wednesday.

Started in 1905 just outside of San Antonio in Kerrville, H-E-B has spread across the state to the Houston and Dallas areas and added new variations of their store to the mix with the frugal Joe Vs, the more upscale Central Market and the Mexican brand Mi Tienda making their own impact. The company is closing in on its 120th anniversary, from serving a town of 2,000 to having more than 400 locations across Texas.

Other store brand foods have also joined H-E-B's Hill Country Fare brand, offering cheaper, quality groceries alongside pre-made meals and self-produced spins on Texan classics like fresh made tortillas and queso.

Houstons relationship with the grocer has grown over the years with stores opening, closing and shifting to meet various community needs.

From helping residents restock after a hurricane to opening larger stores to serve growing neighborhoods, heres a glimpse into how H-E-B has changed over the years:

H-E-B origins

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Florence Thornton Butt founded the C.C. Butt Grocery Store near downtown Kerville in 1905 with $60. Her son, Howard Edward Butt, was handed the business by his mother after he returned from World War 1. Over the years, Howard Butt renamed the stores to H.E. Butt Grocery Co., expanded locations within south Texas and began H-E-B's partnerships with San Antonio food manufacturers.

The business continued to be family-owned with Charles C. Butt taking over in 1971. Butt eliminated the H-E-B policy of being closed on Sundays and allowed the stores to sell beer and wine. Charles Butt then grew H-E-B to have stores in Mexico, move their headquarters to San Antonio and to contribute millions to food banks in Texas and Mexico.

Market manager Pete Ramirez stocks ground chuck at H-E-B in San Antonio's Alamo Heights in 1994 Rick Hunter/San Antonio Express-News

Michael Gonzalez, 17, and Liza Ochoa, 16, check and bag groceries at an H-E-B store near San Antonio in 1994. Robert McLeroy/San Antonio Express-News

Pantry and value brands

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H-E-B Pantry stores were smaller than the large supermarkets Houstonians are used shopping in today.

An H-E-B Pantry in the Third Ward, which later closed, employed residents from around the neighborhood in the 1990s, becoming a point of pride for the community. The goal for the store was to help the community with lower pricing and quality groceries.

H-E-B currently has Joe Vs Smart Shop locations around the Houston area, which specialize in cheaper, quality products, also in a smaller-store format.

Kevin Hill was the manager of this H.E.B. grocery which was the anchor tenant in a shopping center developed and owned by a group of CDCs in Third Ward, August 13, 1999. John Everett/Houston Chronicle

Kevin Hill, right, manager of the H-E-B grocery store in a newly remodeled Third Ward shopping center, talks to customer Wilbon Boutte in the produce section on August 13, 1999. The store was the anchor tenant in a shopping center developed and owned by a group of CDCs in the Third Ward. The store employed people from the neighborhood, and became a focal point of the community. Hill estimated that at least 60 of his 83 employees live in the neighborhood. John Everett/Houston Chronicle

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Other stores

H-E-B opened one of its first Central Market locations in Houston in 2001 on Westheimer and Weslayan, providing its signature gourmet grocery products. Today, Central Markets around Houston also feature full-service kitchens, cooking classes and catering services.

Mi Tienda opened its first location in Houston in 2006, its first venture into specifically serving the Hispanic community with a tortilleria, panaderia and groceries commonly used for regional Mexican dishes. Mi Tiendas grocery store also has its own brand and publishes many of their ads and store literature in Spanish.

Mi Tienda: HEB has opened a new concept in Houston and called it Mi Tienda, my store in Spanish, catering to Hispanic customers. The store offers some foods you wouldn't find in a mainstream store like the torilleria, panaderia and carniceria. Carlos Antonio Rios/Houston Chronicle

Customer favorite H-E-B brands

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While H-E-B does carry a variety of other brands from across the country, their own products receive the most buzz from consumers. The tortilla chips, salsa, Creamy Creations ice cream and granola are among the top picks. The affordable Cafe Ole coffee beans and their sodas that use cane sugar instead of corn syrup are also raved about by our readers.

Meat products fill the shelves of the meat counter during the grand opening of the new HEB store in Manvel, Oct. 25, 2023. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Restocking after hurricanes

In 2005, the Gulfgate location of H-E-B reopened after Hurricane Rita to a large line of customers waiting for restock after the massive weather event. The store opened that Sunday morning as the grocer became one of the only locations in the area to shop for groceries after the hurricane. Although more remembered for its massive traffic jam that caused more than 100 evacuation-related fatalities, Hurricane Rita was an intense moment for Houston residents.

Similarly, residents in Friendswood flocked to their H-E-B to restock after the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008. The hurricane changed Galveston forever, causing 74 deaths in Harris and Galveston counties. While Friendswood was not hit quite as hard as Galveston, H-E-B was open for those who needed food after losing groceries or their homes.

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A long line surrounds the HEB Gulfgate Grocery store in Houston, Texas, September 25, 2005. The store opened Sunday morning and it was the first time shoppers had a place to shop after Hurricane Rita. TIM JOHNSON/REUTERS

Residents line up outside the HEB in Friendswood waiting to go in after it opened in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in September 2008. Kim Christensen/For the Chronicle

New Manvel location

The Manvel location of H-E-B opened Oct. 25 in the Manvel Town Center, with customers lining up at the location early in the morning. The location features True Texas BBQ and the signature seafood market, fresh-baked goods and a gas station.

Customers line up outside the new HEB store in Manvel, as they wait for the grand opening early Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

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"It's a really kind of a food deprived area, even though it's growing as quickly as it (Manvel) is," said Malcolm MacKenzie, general manager of the store. "We've got the opportunity to provide those goods and services without them having to travel as far."
Home World Pope Francis hosts trans-identifying men at Vatican luncheon

Pope Francis invited a group of trans-identified men to dine with him during a recent luncheon at the Vatican.

The pontiff included the group of trans-identifying men to join him and about 1,000 other poor and homeless people for a lunch last Sunday in the papal audience hall to commemorate the Catholic Churchs World Day of the Poor, according to The Associated Press.

NEW - Pope Francis hosts transgender group for Vatican luncheon.pic.twitter.com/bQ5UdJgSae  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 22, 2023

Many of the trans-identifying men are Latin American migrants and prostitutes who live in Torvaianica near Rome, according to the AP, which noted that they and Pope Francis have grown close after he helped them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After they showed up to the church of the Rev. Andrea Conocchia, who encouraged them to reach out Pope Francis, the pontiff reportedly reached out to meet them as they struggled with lack of income since many were not legally allowed in Italy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vatican bussed the women to a clinic to get the shot even ahead of other Italians, according to the AP.

They continue to be given prominent seats during his general audience they attend each month, the AP reported. They also reportedly receive medicine, money and shampoo any day they need it.

Before, the church was closed to us. They didnt see us as normal people, they saw us as the devil, said Andrea Paola Torres Lopez, a trans-identifying man from Colombia. Then Pope Francis arrived and the doors of the church opened for us."

Carla Segovia, a prostitute from Argentina, told Reuters, "We transgenders here in Italy feel a bit more human because the fact that Pope Francis brings us closer to the Church is a beautiful thing."

"Because we need some love," Segovia added.

The luncheon came weeks after the Vatican's doctrinal office issued a document earlier this month explaining that trans-identified individuals can be baptized and serve as godparents in some circumstances.

The guidance, which was signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez and approved by Pope Francis on Oct. 31, stipulated that people who have undergone trans surgical procedures or taken cross-sex hormones can be baptized provided "there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful."

Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the document notes that when baptism "is received without repentance for grave sins, the subject does not receive sanctifying grace, although they do receive the sacramental character," according to a translation of the document by the Vatican News.

Pope Francis has been publicly critical of transgender ideology, describing it to La Nacion in March as "one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations."

Francis emphasized the difference between endorsing LGBT ideology and being compassionate toward people who struggle with sexuality or gender.

"I always distinguish between what pastoral care is for people who have a different sexual orientation and what gender ideology is," he said. "They are two different things. Gender ideology, at this time, is one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations."
Home Opinion Hamas is a plague: Why ceasefire is incongruent with reality

Violence and war seem to be in the DNA of human beings as far back as Cain and Abel. Practically from the beginning, the soil of earth is tainted with the blood of both guilt and innocence.

Ultimately, there was a people who made lawlessness and violence a sport: The Philistines. The most famous Philistine, of course, was Goliath the giant, who foolishly confronted the shepherd of Israel, David. When Rome desecrated and decimated Jerusalem 1,900 years ago, its final insult against Israel was to impose the name of Palestina, recalling Israels arch enemy, the Philistines.

On October 7, the spirit of the Philistines rose through the Iranian proxy of Hamas, which means violence in the Hebrew Scriptures.

There have been attempts to explain away the attacks. Some cite Israels occupation of Gaza. But Israel left Gaza in 2005 under Prime Minister Ariel Sharons disengagement plan. Of course, Gaza is, indeed, occupied  not by Israel, but by the terrorist organization Hamas. And the massacre of October 7 was created in its image and likeness.

Once Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, it set its sights fully upon Israel. Let us be clear: Hamas goal is not just to remove the Jewish people from the land of Israel, but to remove them from the earth. Hamas is made up of killers wholly committed to the genocide of the Jewish people.

A simple example of a difference between Israel and Hamas is that hospitals of Israel serve all Israelis, including 2 million Israeli Arabs. Palestinians even routinely cross into Israel to be treated in Israeli hospitals. In contrast, some hospitals in Gaza are used to covertly store arms and ammunition, and as headquarters for Hamas soldiers and leaders, who hide behind children and people who are sick and ravaged by violence. Its not a new tactic; Hamas has been using it for years.

No one can deny the massacre of October 7, especially since the murderers themselves recorded the atrocities. Yes, Hamas is so committed to its barbarism that its members took video of their invasion of a sovereign territory. They filmed its rage, which they took out on not only against the military, but innocent civilians. They bludgeoned, burned, beheaded babies. They raped women before murdering them. They wrenched an 85-year-old woman, a grandmother, from her home and took her to be held hostage in Gaza along with more than 200 others.

These are not the acts of an enemy combatant. Hamas is a plague. Theres lot of talk about ceasefire. But as long as Hamas is firing weapons and holding hostages, as long a germ of that contagion exists, a ceasefire is entirely incongruent with reality.

Many have asked the question of these videos taken by the murderers, Is there value to watching such slaughter? It is a reasonable question to ask. For me, the answer is: there is no value to any of it. But there is a responsibility for those of us who remain to look and listen. To step into the ruins, redemptively, and bear witness to the cruelty.

So, days ago I sat in the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, and watched those videos. Fourty-five minutes of Hell. It was as vile and violent as I had heard, and so much more. Was it too much? Of course. Do I still see it in my sleep? Yes.

But something would be horribly wrong with me if I was not troubled. To tell you the truth, if we took the maddening masses and mobs of the streets celebrating Hamas and forced them to watch the same 45 minutes, I dont believe it would change them at all. But my prayer is, O God! Let it change me, the pulpit, and the pew.

Perhaps youve heard, All we can do now is pray, as if prayer is the final, failed response. But as I told the gathered crowd at the Embassy event, some of the most significant moments in history occurred when the Jewish people were being held under illegitimate authority, just as they are being held hostage by Hamas today. And I ask: If God can reveal an angel to Daniel in the lions den, then is it asking too much for the hostages to hold testimonies of angelic intervention?

If God can bring down Haman, surely He can bring down Hamas. And He will.
Home Opinion The teacher who wouldn't bow

Im so thankful a Loudoun County teacher was suspended from his job because he spoke the truth.

Wait. That sounds crazy! Yes. Im thankful that a physical education teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) chose to be a Daniel and tell the leftist school board that he wouldnt bow to their radical transgender policy (Policy 8040).

That person was Tanner Cross. And he chose to serve God, not a woke and morally broke school board.

I love all my students, but I cannot call a boy a girl and a girl a boy. Tanners words, spoken courageously and graciously, resulted not only in his being suspended but being banned from all school property and events. LCPS demanded that he lie to his students. He refused. So, they tried to make an example of him.

They failed. A state judge reinstated Tanners job. The Virginia Supreme Court reaffirmed that decision despite LCPS attempts to overturn it. But thats where the local and national news headlines ended.

And its where my journey with the Cross family began. When I saw the clip of Tanner speaking so boldly and with such moral clarity, I wanted to know who this public school teacher was. (My wife taught in both public and private schools for thirteen years.) I started looking online  okay I kinda Facebook-stalked him  until I found Tanner and Angela Cross. I wanted to know more about this couple and within days learned not only of their present struggle with a school-board-gone-wild, but their ten-year-long struggle to be able to have children.

Their pain caught my attention.

Every post I read convinced me that these two precious people who love Jesus were destined to be parents, even if nature had denied them such a gift. A child, somewhere, needed them as mom and dad. When I learned of how they experienced repeated heartbreaks following the denial of adoption through foster care because of their color (theyre white and the children were brown), righteous anger rose within me. Im from a family of 15, where were white, black, mixed, Native American, Vietnamese, able and disabled. No child should ever be denied a home because the parents dont somehow match the child. Thats racism. What moral law exists that says you have to be the same color to love someone?

My wife Bethany and I had just created the Henry & Andrea Bomberger Adopted and Loved Fund, to honor the incredible legacy of faith and love of my late father and mother (who is still alive and unleashing purpose in others). They adopted 10 of their 13 kids; I was the first one. Bethany and I are adoptive parents too. Its why our heart has been to help others experience the transformative power of such an act of compassion, sacrifice, and justice. As I watched Tanners news interviews and read more from the couples social media posts, I knew they had to be the first recipients of our organizations adoption fund for Christian families.

Ill never forget that first phone call. I remember when I told them that I had been learning about what they were going through. I shared that I knew about their heartache and their dashed hopes of adoption because of the costs. The Radiance Foundation can help, I said with tears falling down my face. We want to give you a grant to cover your adoption costs. We can help make this possible. All I could hear was deep crying  the kind you can feel over the phone.

Im thankful for a God who always hears our cries. An adoptee who was once rescued from the violence of abortion was able to play a small role in the miracle God had been orchestrating for their lives.

And it all started with courage. Had Tanner chosen not to speak from his heart, had he chosen not to stand up for his students and for the truth, I never would have heard of him. How many times do we miss out on a miracle because we shy away from doing the hard things?

Tanner had no idea what would happen as a result of his obedience to his faith and his conscience. God did. Tanner had no idea that an amazing organization  Alliance Defending Freedom  would defend him against a school administration that wanted to punish and silence him. He had no idea that his voice would do more than dispel the lies of gender confusion, but it would break ten years of despair.

In the natural and supernatural, adoption transforms brokenness into breakthrough.

That healing has a name. Its Josiah. That precious baby boy was born earlier this year. His birthparents selflessly chose the Crosses to be the parents God meant for Tanner and Angela to be. We captured their story-beyond-the-headlines. I promise. This videowill make you cry. Its one of what I hope to be thousands of Adopted and Loved stories.

Tanner Cross story is a powerful reminder that courage doesnt need a crowd. It just needs someone with conviction.
A farewell to David Pytches

It's a sad fact that over the last few years we have been steadily saying goodbye to a whole generation of church leaders who, having come to faith as young men and women, steered and shaped the evangelical church in the turbulent last decades of the twentieth century. The most recent of these figures is David Pytches. With his passing to glory, the church has lost a great man.

David was a remarkable man with a remarkable ministry. Born in 1931, he was ordained in 1955 and, after two curacies, in 1959 he and his wife Mary became missionaries in Chile. In South America he learned that God could be trusted, that ministry involved taking risks and  perhaps most significantly  that he could embrace the Spirit-filled Christian faith that he found in the Pentecostals about him and still be a 'good Anglican'.

In 1972 he was appointed Bishop of Chile, Bolivia and Peru, a grand title that disguised a demanding responsibility and ministry. David returned to the UK with his family in 1977, but although he left South America, it can be said that it never really left him. David retained the missionary vision and he was always aware that the breadth and richness of God's church could not be contained within a particular strand of a denomination.

In thinking about David, I found myself compiling a long list of his many virtues. From these let me choose just four which I think were particularly striking.

First and undoubtedly foremost, David was a man of godly integrity. In all the many roles, projects and initiatives that David was involved in, his faith in God was at the heart of all he did. He was not simply someone who held to a correct theology and respected a particular church tradition; he was, rather, a man who sought God with all that he was. That longing to experience God better led him to St Andrew's Chorleywood which became one of the most important centres for Spirit-filled Anglicanism in the UK and a place of enormous influence for many people including church leaders.

Out of that deep integrity came a godly independence. Despite his role as bishop, David was never an establishment figure; indeed, sections of the 'church establishment' found him profoundly uncomfortable. We need to remember that half a century ago, the sort of open hunger that David had to see the renewing and transforming work of the Holy Spirit in operation was widely seen as, at best, a disturbing distraction and, at worst, a regrettable import from Pentecostalism.

The fact that he was frequently frowned on never bothered David: he called his autobiography Living at the Edge and, whether in Chile or Chorleywood, the edge is where he saw himself. He took his bearings from God and his Word, and I wouldn't be surprised if in another time and place he might not have joined 'the noble army of martyrs'.

Another virtue that David had was a godly initiative. For a man who believed in waiting on God, David never stood still. He visited, he encouraged, he invited, he supported: he did things. In any discussion of the truly significant events in the British church in the 80s and 90s the name of David Pytches frequently occurs. He brought John Wimber over and in doing so helped bring charismatic Christianity from the fringe towards the mainstream. He helped set up New Wine, an event that has both bred and nurtured many Christian leaders.

Many other people found encouragement and guidance in the way that St Andrew's modelled how a charismatic fellowship can operate. Indeed, many of David's emphases found their way into Holy Trinity Brompton and Alpha. David sowed good seed and it has born good fruit all over the world.

Ultimately, David was a God-given inspiration. He was a man who got alongside you; a man who cared for you, encouraged you and challenged you. He was a man who saw the possibilities, not the problems. To go to David with a difficulty almost inevitably resulted in you coming away with renewed hope and joy.

The ending of David's earthly life is not simply a matter for regret; it's one of challenge. This side of the Second Coming the church will always need people like him. We should pray for men and women who will serve God's people in a similar way today.
Catholic bishops oppose Scotland's proposed sex ed rules: 'Disappointed and confused'

(CP) Roman Catholic bishops in Scotland are criticizing the government for its new guidance on sex education, which they warn could threaten the ability of Catholic schools in the country to teach according to their faith.

According to a statement released earlier this month, the Bishop's Conference of Scotland is taking issue with the draft of new government guidance titled "Guidance on Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenthood (RSHP) Education," which deleted reference to Catholic schools.

The deleted paragraphs noted the Scottish government's support for "the right of the Roman Catholic Church to give witness to its faith and to uphold the traditions of Catholic education," according to The National Catholic Register.

The bishops claim the deletion will hamper the historic ability of Catholic schools in Scotland to steer their own curriculum in accordance with Church teachings.

"The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is both disappointed and confused at the decision by the Scottish government to delete all reference to Catholic schools in its 'Guidance on the Delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenthood (RSHP) Education in Scottish Schools' document," the bishops said in their statement.

"We strongly request the reinsertion of the paragraphs relating to denominational education from the previous iteration of the guidance, which would reflect both the legal protection for schools with a religious character and the previously supportive position of the Scottish government for Catholic schools."

Sources within the Scottish Catholic Church maintained that the guidance had been influenced by LBGT ideologues, according to The Herald Scotland.

"This would present a serious problem for our schools," a source within the church told the outlet. "Our teaching is rooted in traditional Catholic theology, which promotes loving relationships between men and women within the framework of the family."

"Of course, our schools have always informed pupils about same-sex attraction and the rights of non-binary people, but we will only endorse what has always been the Church's teaching in this area," the source continued, adding that the "removal of any explicit reference to Catholic parents' protected rights to have their children educated according to their faith, is deeply concerning."

A spokesperson for the Scottish government pushed back against the claims from the Church, telling The Herald Scotland that "the role of denominational schools is already recognized in the Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) guidance  Catholic schools in Scotland play a crucial and valued role in the education system."

The government spokesperson maintained that more than 30 stakeholders were consulted when drafting the guidance, including the Scottish Catholic Education Service. However, the church spokesperson reportedly said that any claim it had been consulted was "disingenuous."

"A proper consultation is where the views of a participant or stakeholder are taken on board," the church source said. "Ours were willfully ignored. It is striking that the term Catholic School is not used within this document and the phrase 'denominational schools' only once."

Parents at St. Ninian's High School in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, have circulated a bulletin calling on parents to petition the government regarding the guidance, according to The Catholic News Agency.

"For many years now, the content of sex education in Catholic state schools has been determined by the Catholic Church," the bulletin said. "That system has worked well for our children. It teaches sex education within a Catholic moral context. Our children are not thereby exposed to the 'free-for-all,' and more extreme and graphic content, that is available to children in nondenominational schools."

The bulletin claimed that the draft of the government's new guidance removes the right of the Catholic Church to determine the content of sex education in its schools, which it notes has been in place for more than a century.

"The draft guidance also seeks to enforce the active promotion of an LGBT-inclusive education across the entire school curriculum (literacy, sciences, history, religious, and moral education, etc.) in order to determine the 'ethos' of the school," the parents said.

The deadline to submit public feedback on the draft guidance was Thursday.

Rates of Christianity in Scotland have plummeted in recent years, with the Church of Scotland losing more than half of its members since 2000, according to a report released earlier this year. The average age of its attendees is 62.

 The Christian Post
Christians are 'soft targets' for kidnappers in Nigeria

A Christian group is calling on Nigeria to do more to protect vulnerable Christian communities after a succession of reports all pointing to a growing kidnapping crisis in the country.

Release International said that Christians are regarded as "soft targets for abduction" by Islamist militants, including Boko Haram, Islamic State (West Africa Province) and radicalised Fulani extremists.

Christians communities in the north and Middle Belt have been especially affected.

"Through an epidemic of kidnapping and murder, terrorists are forcing Christians from their homes in an attempt to Islamise the north. And increasingly, they are turning their attention further south," said Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International.

The charity recently conducted a fact-finding visit to Nigeria where it met Christians who have been attacked in the north of the country.

One of them, Monday Ali, told Release that his home was attacked by Fulani militants while he was away. Tragically, they killed his parents and kidnapped his five brothers and sisters as well as 14 members of his extended family.

The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of either 20 million naira (over 20,000) or Kalashnikov assault rifles.

He was allowed to make a call to his sisters who told him that they are being held as sex slaves.

"My sisters said even if I could pay the ransom, they would never let them go," he said.

He is asking people to pray for their release.

"When I read the Bible, I am comforted. I can forgive, but it is very hard to forget what happened. Please pray that my sisters are released from captivity, so I can give God the glory," he said.

Earlier this month, Morning Star News reported the kidnap and murder of Nigerian pastor, Rev David Musa, despite his congregation paying a 1m naira (nearly 1,000) ransom for his release.

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need reports that 5,200 Christians were kidnapped in Nigeria between January 2021 and June 2022, and that 23 clergy and church workers have been abducted or murdered so far this year.

Nigerian research group SBMIntel reports that 39 Catholic priests were killed in 2022.

A report released this year by the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Freedom of Religion and Belief said that 90 per cent of global kidnappings targeting Christians were happening in Nigeria.

Mr Robinson said, "All these reports confirm that Nigeria has become the kidnap capital of the world  and Christians are being targeted in an attempt to drive them off their lands.

"Some of these attacks can be put down to banditry and lawlessness, others are the singling out of Christian leaders and their communities. Thousands of Christians have been killed or abducted in recent years. These moves are designed to drive Christians from their villages and create a climate of fear."

He added that "punitive ransom demands further impoverish Christian communities and undermine their will to remain in their lands".
Juana Lopez and her coworker take inventory of products being sold at the Aztec Farmers Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

La Familia Meat Market in the East End, an independent Latino-owned grocery store, has for decades been where customers, particularly low-income Latino families, could find fresh produce, traditional ingredients and cheap meals in one of the citys many food deserts.

But its owners, who opened the small market in 1999, fear it could one day be put out of business as large grocery chains ramp up their marketing toward Latino customers in the Houston area and gobble up their customer base.

A big corporation is going to be able to give much more affordable prices to Latino or lower-income customers, said Palemon Soto Jr., whose family owns La Familia Meat Market. But, sadly, those customers are not going to truly understand the food theyre bringing in.

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Large chains such as H-E-B, Walmart and Kroger, the Houston areas largest grocers by market share, according to the retail analytics company Chain Store Guide, have long vied for those consumers attention.

Shoppers check out at H-E-B's Mi Tienda grocery store in the 3800 block of Little York on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

H-E-B, the largest grocer in the region by market share at nearly 24% in 2022, chose the predominantly Latino Pasadena for the first of its two Mi Tienda locations in 2006, aiming to mirror shopping experiences in Mexico and other Latin American countries.

In 2009, Walmart, with 22.3% of the market share, chose Houston to test its Supermercado de Walmart and Mas Club concept stores, although both closed in 2014.

And Ohio-based Kroger, which operates more than 100 supermarkets in the region, recently unveiled a South Belt-area location that the company transformed into its first store targeting Hispanics, who make up nearly 45% of Houstons population.

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A variety of dried chile pods are available at Kroger, 11701 S. Sam Houston Pkwy. E., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Raji Srinivasan, a professor at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, said the ramped-up marketing efforts of large grocers toward Latino customers are simple economics.

Latinos contributed $3.2 trillion to the United States total economic output in 2021, according to a UCLA and California Lutheran University report, and their share of the countrys gross domestic product is expected to continue rising.

Why would you ignore this market? Srinivasan said. Its large, growing, and its also young, which means young families and consumers who have a lot of needs.

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Yet Srinivasan worried the growing market shares of large retail chains could eventually close down many ethnic grocery stores across the state, such as the Indian market she frequents in Austin to find her favorite South Asian products.

A closed-down taqueria and market on Canal Street in the East End neighborhood on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

She urged small-business owners to adapt by marketing themselves aggressively and embracing new technology that could modernize their stores.

Its a double-edged sword, Srinivasan said. I want my community to get attention from marketers, but then when the attention comes  its not without its costs.

Soto, an aspiring firefighter who hopes to one day run the family business, said his parents often wonder whether their store might make it another five or 10 years.

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Latin products are seen for sale at the Aztec Farmers Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Melissa Oregon serves Agua frescas for a customer at H-E-B's Mi Tienda grocery store in the 3800 block of Little York on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Along with endangering the futures of independent grocery stores such as his familys, Soto worries these corporate incursions could also diminish gastronomic traditions that have become deeply ingrained in the cultures of Houston and Texas as a whole.

If you walk into any grocery and go to the Mexican aisle, youll see a bunch of generic, over-commercialized brands, he said. You wont see some of the day-to-day ingredients we use in our traditional foods readily available.

Spices, herbs and candles for sale at the Azteca Farmers Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

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Soto said that at his family's market, customers could find traditional spices, teas and other products imported from Mexico that are rare at most large chains.

HOUSTON CULTURE: Photographers at north Houston flea market documenting Latino life in a new way

The store has also cultivated relationships with customers from the surrounding community, Soto said, a personal aspect of shopping that would be lost at a larger retailer.

Theyre not going to know that la senora down the road with diabetes cant be drinking certain things, he said. Its something youre never going to find at those corporations.

Those kinds of customer relationships are what have kept produce vendor Vicente Serrano in business.

The 42-year-old has sold various fruits and veggies for four years at the Azteca Farmers Market near Denver Harbor. His knack for giving out samples of his produce to customers has earned him the nickname El Regalon, a colloquial term for gift giver.

Vicente Serrano, the 42-year-old owner of a fruit and vegetable stand at the Azteca Farmers Market, is seen holding fresh fruits on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

He worries about losing business because he cant afford to sell produce as low as chains can, especially as grocery prices continue to break the bank for many Houstonians.

But, he said, Latino shoppers are likelier to stay loyal to smaller vendors and are willing to pay more for produce if they know who and where the food theyre buying comes from.

More from Jhair Romero: Mexican American soldier Felix Longoria, denied a wake in Texas, honored at National WWII Museum

Its why he enthusiastically greets shoppers, even repeat customers, and offers samples from his latest batches of fresh mangoes, guavas and other fruits.

Fruits and refreshments at the Azteca Farmers Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Latino customers "come back just because of the attention we give them, said Serrano, originally from Honduras. An American might come and just buy a lemon from me. Meanwhile, the Latino will spend $100, $200 or more.

Lena Cisneros, a regular at the farmers market where Serrano has set up shop, is one such customer.

Although much of her weekly shopping is still done at major grocery stores, the 32-year-old said she buys most of her produce from small vendors like those at Azteca or other Houston-area marketplaces because she believes its better for her young children.

I love Kroger and H-E-B, Cisneros said as she shopped for fruit with her two kids on a recent Wednesday at Azteca, but I know I can get a better ingredient somewhere else and know that its actually fresh.
The 14th annual RBC Innovation Awards winners are pictured. From left, Tim Larocque of Confederation College received the Advisor of the Year award; Scott Butcher of Meaglow received Innovative Company of the Year award; Miranda Lock of BioNorth Solutions received the Innovative Project of the Year Award; Christopher Silver of Silver Vantage Software received the Young Innovator of the Year award and Trina Diner, of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Regional Stroke Network was awarded the Innovation Hero of the Year award.
Matt DeGrood is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

A graduate of the University of Dallas, he joined the Chronicle in 2022. He has reported for community newspapers across Texas, including the Galveston County Daily News, the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel and the Fort Bend Star.
The Harris County Civil Courthouse is photographed Thursday, May 11, 2023, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

A jury has found a Houston firefighter liable after officials said he secretly took an intimate video from a colleagues personal laptop and shared it with other firefighters.

The jury awarded former firefighter Melinda Abbt more than $250,000  $80,000 for mental anguish, $50,000 in exemplary damages and more than $120,000 in her litigation fees  after less than an hour of deliberating earlier this month in her case against Chris Barrientes, whom she had worked with at Station 18 in the East End.

She learned in May 2017 that Barrientes and others had obtained a nude video of her nearly a decade earlier after she left her laptop at the station while going to a call, according to records. Barrientes went on to repeatedly watch the video that had been intended for her now-husband.

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More from the Houston Chronicle: Houston has fought a bitter firefighter contract dispute for years. What would the next mayor do?

A since-retired district chief, David Elliott, confessed to Abbts husband, Eric Abbt, that Barrientes obtained the video in 2008 and had shared it with him, according to court records.

During the two-day civil trial, the husband tearfully testified on Nov. 16 that he and Abbt had planned to make a career at the Houston Fire Department but the revelation over the leaked video jeopardized that life together. He grappled with how or when to tell his wife about the video  waiting until after Mothers Day to tell her.

I didnt want to mess up Mothers Day, he said.

She collapsed upon being told about Barrientes and others being in possession of the video and refused to return to work. Her husband also left the department.

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There was no way I could go back to work with those guys knowing what I know.

The jury verdict later that afternoon had followed a precedent-setting appellate ruling in Abbts litigation that expanded sexual harassment law as something that can happen to someone without their knowledge at the time. The ruling partially reversed a federal decision by U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes to not let her sexual harassment case proceed, saying she was unable to prove a hostile work environment.

She is angry and embarrassed, the judge had said.

Barrientes, who was demoted two ranks following an investigation into his obtaining and sharing of the video, remains employed at the Houston Fire Department, Chief Sam Pena on Friday said.

Pena has cited restrictive state law for why Barrientes was allowed to keep his job. The head of a fire department may not issue an indefinite suspension for an act that happened six months before the proposed suspension.

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I would have terminated him if the issue would have been discovered when it occurred, Pena said.

Barrientes did not testify during the civil trial and his lawyer, Joseph Soliz, offered no witnesses in the cases.

During closing arguments, Soliz maintained to jurors that Barrientes received the video in an email  a claim that city records show the firefighter initially said when confronted about the allegation.

He didnt know what it was when he received it, said Soliz, speaking softly during his brief remarks.

A Chronicle review of city records shows Barrientes told Elliott that he took the video from Abbts laptop and kept the footage for years and continued to watch it.

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Barrientes deleted the video after receiving notice of the internal investigation into his actions, Pena wrote in a disciplinary notice. He and another firefighter who viewed the video were suspended. Elliot, by then, had retired.

Jordan Warshauer, Abbts lawyer, told jurors that Barrientes should have come clean sooner.
In order to avoid falling into the trap of legacy applications, Germanys federal center for Information Technology, the ITZBund, recognized early to execute a future-oriented cloud landscape, says Christine Serrette, the federal administrations CIO and deputy technical director. The ITZBund acts as a central IT service provider for the federal administration and operates a wide range of critical processes in the areas of transport, budget, taxes, internal security, and integration, for example. Cloud first is, therefore, one of the centers three strategic goals, alongside agile working methods and Federal Client, the incident reporting tool, which evaluates bids and award of contracts.

Federal cloud and federal operating platform

The path to the cloud began in 2016 with the creation of the Federal Cloud, Serrette says, and the ITZBund uses it for the federal e-file, collaboration scenarios, and as a project management and development platform.

During the course of this, the Federal Operating Platform was created, a private cloud environment divided into various security levels. In 2022, we received the worlds first VS-NfD approval and basic protection certification from the BSI for this cloud, she says, speaking of approval for classified information for official use only, which is the lowest of four levels of secrecy for authorities.

The next development is called Bundescloud 2.0 and includes, among other things, the upgrade to new private cloud platforms without losing the BSI certification.

But we are also realistic and know we have our private cloud for the long term since we cant develop the way the market is developing, she says. Against this background, a program was created intended to further develop the ITZBund into a multicloud manager. Several key projects are assigned to this program including BC Business Transformation, Multi-Cloud Platform, Federal Cloud 2.0, and MS Sovereign Cloud, and part of the transformation, Serrette wants to adapt and redesign both the internal processes and the interaction with customers. Ordering, procurement, provision, and billing processes must be fundamentally changed, she says.

The Multi-Cloud Platform project is designed to create the technical requirements for multi-cloud management. In addition to the existing Federal Cloud, the ITZBund is also building an external cloud in its own data centers, which will be operated and further developed by service providers. Serrette also wants to use services from a sovereign cloud in the future, offered by external providers such as SAP. For data and applications that dont require special protection, well use public cloud, she says.
Articol adaugat de: Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova

Alte articole de la acest autor:
Organizatia HelpAge International selecteaza un formator/ o formatoare sau o echipa de formatori ce va presta servicii de instruire in domeniul voluntariatului si mobilizarii comunitare
Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com.

Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content.

Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University.
FILE - Former first lady Rosalynn Carter answers questions during a news conference at a Habitat for Humanity project, Oct. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Jimmy Carter during his one term as U.S. president and their four decades thereafter as global humanitarians, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. She was 96. Mark Humphrey/AP FILE - Former first lady Rosalynn Carter discusses the Institute of Medicine report, "Crossing the Quality Chasm: Adaptation to Mental Health and Addictive Disorders," during the 21st annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy at the Carter Center, Nov. 3, 2005, in Atlanta. Health care experts say the advocacy of Carter, who died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96, created a framework for much of the progress on mental illness in America. Ric Feld/AP FILE - President Jimmy Carter talks with his wife, first lady Rosalynn Carter, prior to signing an executive order establishing a Presidential Commission on Mental Health, Feb. 17, 1977, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Health care experts say the advocacy of Rosalynn Carter, who died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96, created a framework for much of the progress on mental illness in America. Charles Tasnadi/AP

She was a small-town girl from Georgia who, during her husbands brief four years in the White House, became one of the most consequential first ladies in American history. She was, as well, a good and decent human being who, throughout her long life, was ever alert to opportunities for making the world a better place.

When Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter left this earth last Sunday at age 96, she left behind a nation facing a deeply consequential election, an election where issues of character, basic human decency and selfless commitment to public service are very much on the ballot. In the coming year, her exemplary life can serve as our touchstone as we assess candidates who offer themselves as decision-makers in our daily lives and in the life of the nation.

To be sure, its not all that easy to separate Rosalynn Carter from the political sphere. Beneath the soft-spoken Georgia drawl and the gentle demeanor evocative of Margaret Mitchells Gone With the Wind character Melanie, she was ambitious, resolute and, as Jimmy Carter himself admitted, the more political of the two. High-minded and idealistic she may have been, but she also was a tireless campaigner and a deft tactician, alert to political advantage. There was a reason she was called the Steel Magnolia, a nickname she appreciated. Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, the nations 39th 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.

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Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter  at 99, the nations longest-living former president  knew each for 96 years. They first met when Jimmys mother, Lillian Carter, the nurse who delivered Rosalynn, brought her 3-year-old son over to see the new baby. The Carters were married for more than 77 years.

When her husband was elected president in 1976, she already had served as the first lady of Georgia  he had been elected governor in 1970  so she had some notion of what the spouse of a chief executive could accomplish. With Eleanor Roosevelt as her role model, she resolved to focus her energy, attention and fame as first lady on public issues of consequence. Treatment of the mentally ill was foremost.

She recalled in her memoir that when she was traveling the state campaigning for her husband in his 1966 race for governor  a race he lost to ax handle-wielding segregationist Lester Maddox  she was struck by the numerous people she met who voiced their concerns about a family member dealing with mental illness. In her memoir, she recalled a distant cousin who was mentally ill; he would come down the street singing loudly and, as a child, she would run and hide. He probably wanted nothing more than friendship and recognition, yet he was different, and when I heard him, my impulse was to flee, she wrote.

With that early experience in mind, she worked to combat the stigma that relegated the mentally ill to the shadows. Labeling mental health care a basic human right, she became a fierce advocate for mental-health parity, calling for illnesses of the mind to be covered by insurance on par with illnesses of the body.

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MORE OPINION: Thanksgiving is about more than turkey

Her efforts came after a nationwide campaign in the 1960s to deinstitutionalize the mentally ill, with the goal of replacing mental hospitals, where patients were basically warehoused for years, with community mental health treatment. The effort had been only partially successful.

As she learned from desperate caregivers who came up to her on the campaign trail, those community facilities didnt exist. Too often those suffering from mental illnesses went from the hospital to the streets. A weary cotton mill worker she met told her about how she and her husband worked opposite shifts so one of them would always be available to care for their mentally ill daughter.

The image of the woman haunted me all day, Rosalynn Carter wrote in her 2010 book, Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis. That night she slipped into a line of people waiting to meet her husband at a campaign rally.

I came to see what you are going to do to help people with mental illness when you are governor, she told the surprised candidate.

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As governor, Jimmy Carter created a state commission to develop more effective mental illness care. Responding in large part to his wifes fierce advocacy, President Carter signed the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, an ambitious investment in community-based mental health clinics.

Her ally in the effort was U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, whose Democratic primary challenge to her husband seriously weakened his reelection effort. She stayed with her cause, even though it gave Kennedy a win, recalled James Fallows, President Carters speechwriter.

The first lady also established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers as a way to support family members and other unpaid caregivers. According to the institute website, they number more than 53 million in the United States. She also wrote or co-wrote five books about caregiving and mental health.

IN CRISIS, PART 1: How Texas fails the mentally ill

During her White House years, Rosalynn Carter also took on elder care and equal rights for women as priorities. After her husband lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan in 1980, she acknowledged missing the spotlight directed toward those causes when she was first lady.

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Neither Carter knew what they would be doing with the rest of their lives beyond remodeling the house in Plains, Ga., they had built 20 years earlier.

She was 53; he was 56. Probably neither could imagine that they were about to embark on what CNN described as the longest and most ambitious post-presidency in American history. They would spend decades making a profound difference in the lives of people around the world through the work of the Carter Center. Established in Atlanta in 1982, the goal of the center is to wage peace, fight disease and build hope.

When then-President Bill Clinton presented both Carters with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, he noted that they had done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on Earth.

The work of the Carter Center continues. So, we would hope, does Rosalynn Carters example and influence. Her passing prompts us to acknowledge that character is not the sole preserve of one party or one political perspective (as friends and acquaintances of a former first lady with Houston ties can rightfully claim). But as both Rosalynn Carter and Barbara Bush would no doubt attest, character is foundational if a self-governing nation is to thrive.

An extraordinary American is gone. For the sake of the nation she loved, we can hope to see her like again.
Virtually every major streaming service have raised their prices in 2023, making it more expensive than ever to stay up to date on the latest shows and movies. Notable price hikes from this year include: Hulu going from $14.99 per month to $17.99 per month

Max going from $14.99 per month to $15.99 per month

Disney+ going from $10.99 per month to $13.99 per month

Apple TV+ going from $6.99 per month to $9.99 per month

Prime Video adding a $2.99 monthly surcharge for ad-free streaming But if you're willing to watch commercials, there are some steep Black Friday discounts from some of the biggest names in streaming. Here are four streaming deals to keep an eye out for this Black Friday.

Hulu

The Disney-owned streamer is offering new subscribers a year of it's ad-supported tier for 99 cents per month. It's a steep discount over the plan's normal $7.99 monthly price. Customers will also have the option to tack on an ad-supported Disney+ plan for an additional $2 per month. Sign up here.

Max

The streamer formerly known as HBO Max wants to lure subscribers in with a 70% off discount for its ad-supported tier. The platform's Black Friday offer will get you a six month subscription at a price of $2.99 per month. That represents a total savings of $42 over the course of the deal versus the normal $9.99 monthly rate. Sign up here.

Peacock

The home of "Poker Face" and "The Office" is slashing prices on Peacock Premium. Customers can choose between two possible deals. The first will get you Peacock Premium for $1.99 per month for 12 months, $4 monthly discount from the normal $5.99 price tag. The second will get you a year of Peacock for an upfront payment of $19.99, compared to the current price of $59.99. Sign up here.
Alibaba will put a bigger emphasis on three business units within the cloud space  public cloud, hybrid cloud and cloud infrastructure. While these groups existed previously, Alibaba has newly instated executives that oversee the divisions and that report to the company's top leadership.

The move underscores the Chinese technology giant's desire to tap the boom in artificial intelligence that relies on the infrastructure built up by cloud players.

Alibaba has begun an overhaul of its cloud computing unit, bringing in veterans to new leadership positions, as it looks to revive the division after cancelling its public listing.

Weiguang Liu will lead the public cloud division, a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly on it told CNBC, while Jin Li will lead the hybrid cloud unit. Both executives will report to Alibaba's group CEO Eddie Wu, the source said.

Jiangwei Jiang will lead the cloud infrastructure unit, reporting to the cloud division's Chief Technology Officer Jingren Zhou, the person added.

All three executives of the cloud business units are Alibaba veterans. The company was not immediately available for comment.

Chinese publication Leifeng first reported the news.

The shakeup comes after a surprise move by Alibaba last week to cancel the highly-anticipated initial public offering of its cloud unit that led the company to shed more than $20 billion from its value.

Alibaba underwent the biggest restructure in its history this year by way of splitting the company into six business units. Daniel Zhang stepped down from the CEO role in September, then quit as the head of the cloud business weeks later.

Alibaba has faced intensifying competition in China in the cloud market, particularly when pursuing customers in the state-owned enterprise and government sector.

Last week, Wu said the company would put more emphasis on the so-called public cloud, which targets enterprises in China, rather than at government customers.

The company will focus on AI in the cloud, as AI applications require vast amounts of computing power that cloud computing firms can offer. Alibaba hopes to capitalize on this prospect.

"The cloud intelligence group will resolutely implement a strategy of driving growth with AI and of prioritizing public cloud. It will scale up its technology investments in AI-related software and hardware," Wu said.

"In the future, incremental demand for cloud computing will be driven by demand for AI, and most AI computing will run in the cloud."
New Jersey's American Dream mall  the second largest mall in the country  was evacuated minutes after it opened on Black Friday because of a bomb threat that was later deemed unfounded, police said.

Around 7:13 a.m. ET on Friday, just after American Dream opened its doors at 7 a.m., a person told police there was a bomb inside the facility, and officers evacuated the shopping center so they could search it, a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police told CNBC.

The agency's bomb and K-9 units swept the East Rutherford mall for explosive devices but didn't find any, the spokesperson said. Police reopened American Dream around 9:15 a.m. for shoppers and retail workers, the mall said.

"The mall has been deemed safe and American Dream will be returning to normal operations. This is still an active investigation and there is no additional information available," the spokesperson said.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about administration plans to forgive federal student loan debt during remarks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., August 24, 2022. Leah Millis | Reuters

President Joe Biden's new plan to forgive student debt is likely to look much different than his first. After the Supreme Court ultimately blocked Biden's policy that would have cancelled up to $20,000 in student debt for tens of millions of people in June, the president immediately announced that he would attempt to deliver the relief another way. His administration has already started that process, and established a "Student Loan Debt Relief Committee"  including Wisdom Cole at the NAACP, Kyra Taylor at the National Consumer Law Center and several student loan borrowers  to hash out the details. Here's what we know so far.

Reach of relief could drop to 10% of borrowers

Nearly 40 million Americans stood to benefit from Biden's original student loan forgiveness plan. More from Personal Finance:

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Paying in cash helps shoppers 'forget' guilty pleasures The president's Plan B for relief is likely to be much narrower in its reach, said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. That's because the justices ruled that the president's original plan, which would have covered more than 90% of federal student loan borrowers, was too far-reaching. 'Can the Secretary use his powers to abolish $430 billion in student loans, completely canceling loan balances for 20 million borrowers, as a pandemic winds down to its end?'" wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion for Biden v. Nebraska. "We can't believe the answer would be yes." Less than 10% of federal student loan borrowers are likely to qualify this round, Kantrowitz said. Luke Herrine, an assistant professor of law at the University of Alabama, also believes the next forgiveness policy will include far fewer borrowers. "I think it would be easier to justify in front of a court that is skeptical of broad authority," Herrine said in an earlier interview with CNBC.

Five groups of borrowers may be eligible
Julian Ramirez, a Houston City Council candidate, speaks during a candidate forum Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at The Gardens Houston in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Melanie Miles and Julian Ramirez will face each other in the runoff for City Council At-Large District 1. Houston Chronicle

If you drew a Venn diagram comparing the runoff candidates for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 1, you could fill the intersections of the circles pretty easily.

Melanie Miles and Julian Ramirez are both attorneys by trade. Miles, 57, runs her own practice specializing in family law. Ramirez, 60, is a former Harris County prosecutor who led the DA's felony and public corruption divisions and trained cadets at the Houston Police Academy. Both are prioritizing crime prevention and public safety and want to see the Houston Police Department add more officers. Both boast significant support from law enforcement: Miles is endorsed by the Houston Police Officers' Union and Harris County Deputies' Organization; Ramirez by Harris County Constables Ted Heap, Mark Herman and Phil Sandlin, as well as the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas. Both have previously run for office in Harris County as Republicans; Miles for family court judge in 2018 and Ramirez for district court judge in 2022.

Where these two qualified candidates diverge is their philosophy on how a City Council member should function. In a strong-mayor form of government where city lawmakers have limited power to effect change, Ramirez sees himself as a watchdog. He says he would think and act independently of the mayor, push to rein in public spending and root out corruption in city government. Miles, who now identifies as a Democrat, is a consensus builder who would work collaboratively with colleagues on the City Council and prides herself on her relationships with the two candidates running for mayor and other city officials and insiders.

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2023 RUNOFF VOTER GUIDE: Mayor, Controller and City Council

We believe Ramirez's approach would be more effective. In a sense, Ramirez would fill the lane vacated by Mike Knox, the term-limited Position 1 City Council member who made a habit of being a thorn in Mayor Sylvester Turner's side on a wide range of issues.

Ramirez, however, does not conceive of himself as a bomb thrower. His approach to holding the city accountable mirrors his experience as a prosecutor. He would push for auditing city departments to prevent abuses of power. He says he would consider hiring a certified fraud examiner on his staff and keep close tabs on the procurement process to ensure that city officials aren't steering contracts to their preferred vendors. Ramirez's hope is that his willingness to be a public ombudsman will lead to tips and information that could prevent corruption.

"I'm proud of the fact that I don't have a personal relationship with either of the candidates in the mayor's race," Ramirez told the editorial board. "We need at-large council members who are going to be independent thinkers, and not afraid to speak up and speak out when it's necessary when the mayor proposes things that are not in the best interest of the city."

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Despite his troubling endorsement from the far-right group True Texas Project, Ramirez insists he is no extremist. He sums up his political philosophy as favoring free-market solutions and limited government. Indeed, the issues he says he would focus on in the City Council  public safety, flood mitigation and environmental justice  shouldn't have a partisan bent. His top priority is cutting spending and diverting funds for additional police officers and the Houston Forensic Science Center, which has a backlog of untested evidence that is stalling criminal investigations.
Top 8 things to watch Friday, Nov. 24 1. Dow futures were up slightly Friday morning ahead of an early closing for the U.S. markets at 1 p.m. ET. Expect light trading volumes, which means market action in either direction should be taken with a grain of salt. All three major averages are on track for a fourth consecutive winning week. 2. The first limited pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas formally began this morning. Thirteen hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 will be released today, and several Palestinians detained by Israel will be allowed to return home. 3. The NFL's first-ever Black Friday game airs on Amazon Prime today at 3 p.m. ET., between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. It's yet another sign that Amazon (AMZN) and its mega-cap tech brethren have the long knives out for the traditional linear TV business. 4. Retailers are trying to win over shoppers this Black Friday and holiday season with better deals and other incentives. Some retail stocks, including Amazon, Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT), inched up before the open. We're keeping an eye on sales to gauge the health of the U.S. consumer. 5. Wells Fargo says Sam Altman's return to OpenAI after being ousted last week a "clear positive outcome" for Microsoft (MSFT), creating minimal disruption to the tech giant's AI efforts. Analysts at Mizuho say the OpenAI/Microsoft partnership will remain strong. RBC adds that it puts Microsoft in a similar-to-better position. 6. KeyBanc raised its price target on Broadcom (AVGO) to $1,200 from $1,000 while reiterating its overweight rating following the finalization of the VMware acquisition. The firm says that it should prove immediately accretive to both earnings and the company's gross margin. 7. Linde (LIN) price target raised to $447 from $440, citing the defensive profile of the company and expecting continued resilience in 2024. The industrial gas giant posted strong quarterly results in late October, and remains our favorite way to invest in the global transition to clean energy. 8. iRobot (IRBT) shares soared 30% after a Reuters report said Amazon is about to win regulatory approval in the European Union to buy the robot vacuum maker. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) 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.

People shop at Macy's department store during Black Friday shopping in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., November 24, 2023. David Dee Delgado | Reuters

Top 8 things to watch Friday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving kicked off all-star weekend for Americans' No. 1 pastime: shopping. Each year, lines form around the block and email inboxes pile over with offers as Americans look to take advantage of discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers compete for the best deals on merchandise and retailers compete for consumer dollars. Recently, the travel industry has aimed to carve out a spot in the melee. Enter "Travel Tuesday"  the day after Cyber Monday, in which you can expect to find offers on flights, hotels and even travel-related gear. (Check out this list of the best Cyber Monday deals from CNBC Select.) "It's basically anything related to travel that you can think of," says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.com. Here's how to strategize to score the best deals, according to experts.

Start shopping early

Like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Travel Tuesday is a bit of a misnomer. If a deal will be on offer Tuesday, it's likely to be available for several days leading up to it, says Ramhold. "It may mean that they take their Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals and extend them for another day, or they may actually have a specific Travel Tuesday sale." That means the best time to start hunting for deals is now, she says. Start by signing up for emails from your favorite travel providers and virtual travel agencies so that you're alerted when discounts pop up. If something enticing comes up, be prepared to jump on it, rather than waiting for Tuesday to roll around. "It's important to be ready because some of these deals, especially the really great ones, can sell out quickly," Ramhold says. "It's not just because it's a lot of attention, but there may only be a limited offer that they're providing."

Where to find the best deals

Generally, you can expect to find the most enticing discounts at online travel agencies, which tend to participate more enthusiastically in the event than direct travel providers, says Ramhold. "Last year, we saw packages for flights and hotels in Palm Springs. [And] there was a five-night stay in a villa in the Maldives for about $3,000," she says. Airlines may advertise discounted flights as well, but you may not be getting the best bang for your buck. "I really stress the fact that it's only advertised fares that get cheaper. One of the biggest open secrets in the travel industry is that the best deals on airfare aren't on advertised deals  it's the ones that are running in the background," says Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com. "Advertised sales that are slightly better than normal are nowhere near the best deals that you tend to see on flights." There are some exceptions to this rule, though, particularly on foreign airlines that fly to the U.S., Keyes says. In the past, Air New Zealand has offered Black Friday weekend deals on flights to Australia and New Zealand. Emirates may offer attractive fares to European destinations such as Athens and Milan. Discount carrier French Bee has already begun advertising low fares on flights to Paris and French Polynesia.

Be flexible and read the fine print
Families of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip protest outside the ministry of defence in Tel Aviv calling on November 21, 2023.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting in Gaza to allow for the release of 50 hostages held by the militant group in exchange for 150 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and also to allow for more aid to enter the enclave.

What are the details?

Under the deal, the two sides agreed to a four-day truce so that 50 women and children under the age of 19 taken hostage could be freed in return for 150 Palestinian women and teenagers in Israeli detention.

The 50 hostages, among about 240 taken by Hamas in their Oct. 7 raid on Israel, are expected to be released in batches, probably about a dozen a day, during the four-day ceasefire.

Sides to the deal have called the break in hostilities "a humanitarian pause". The pause will be extended by a day for each additional batch of 10 hostages released, Israel said in a statement.

Hamas said Israel had agreed to halt air traffic over the north of Gaza from 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) until 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) each day of the truce and to halt all air traffic over the south for the entire period. The group said Israel agreed not to attack or arrest anyone in Gaza, and people can move freely along Salah al-Din Street, the main road along which many Palestinians have fled northern Gaza where Israel launched its ground invasion.

Qatar's chief negotiator in ceasefire talks, Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, said that under the deal there would be "no attack whatsoever. No military movements, no expansion, nothing." He said Qatar hoped it would "be a seed to a bigger agreement and a permanent cease of fire."

Who are the hostages being released?

Hamas has not released a full list of names of those being held in Gaza. A U.S. official said the group had said it needed a pause "to locate and determine where people are". Not all the hostages taken on Oct. 7 were being held by Hamas fighters.

Among the 50 women and children under the age of 19 being released by Hamas are three U.S. citizens, including a girl who turns 4 on Friday, the U.S. official said.

Who negotiated the deal?

Qatar played a large mediation role. Hamas has a political office in Doha and the Qatari government has kept channels of communication open with Israel, even though unlike some other Gulf Arab states it has not normalised ties with Israel.

The United States also played a crucial role, with U.S. President Joe Biden holding calls with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the weeks leading up to the deal.

Egypt, the first Arab state to sign a peace deal with Israel and which has long played a mediation role over the decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was also involved.

 Reuters
Mark Cuban had no choice but to become an entrepreneur.

"I was never going to be good at working for someone else," the billionaire investor and owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks told Wired in a video Q&A last month.

Cuban began honing his sales skills with a long series of side hustles that started when he was only 12 years old, from selling garbage bags door-to-door to giving dance lessons. But, it wasn't until he was in his mid-20s that Cuban launched his first actual company, the software startup MicroSolutions.

While he'd eventually sell that company in 1990 for $6 million, Cuban's struggles to initially get the business off the ground left him feeling "terrified."

The business had "no sales" and Cuban's "anxiety was through the roof," he told Wired after reading a question from a Twitter user who wondered if there was ever a time when the billionaire wanted "to give up."

Cuban responded by saying he never considered quitting and walking away from his fledgling business, because he knew "that I made a [terrible] employee."

Indeed, Cuban had been fired from multiple jobs at that point in his life, including from his most recent job selling business software for a store in Dallas. The young Cuban had taken the initiative to close a big sale, leaving the store without telling his boss to finalize the deal and pick up a $10,000 check, he recalled in a 2017 podcast interview.

"I figured when I came back he'd be thrilled to death, right? Fired me on the spot," Cuban said in 2017.

Cuban had a similar experience working for Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh after he graduated from Indiana University. As Cuban told Wired, he asked a high-ranking executive to speak to a group of young employees at a happy hour about "what it's like to work at the bank."

"I thought that was a really cool idea and I was taking initiative," Cuban told Wired.

Instead, Cuban's boss got wind of the idea and harshly scolded Cuban for going over his head and speaking to executives without permission. The blowback nearly left Cuban in tears.

"I mean, I'd never felt anything like that before," he said. "And, I just knew then that I was not destined to be an employee."

What Cuban saw as "taking initiative," his employers often saw as disrespect or insubordination.

"I was a lousy employee because I was a know-it-all," he told Wired. "I was an entrepreneur at heart, and I always thought I had a better idea [for how to do things]."

That realization is exactly what helped get him through the initial struggles at MicroSolutions, even when the company was nearly broke. Cuban's past failures convinced him his best chance at success would be as his own boss, which forced him to stick it out with his first business until things turned around.

Of course, the company eventually proved successful and that paved the way for Cuban's next business, audio streaming company Broadcast.com, which was acquired by Yahoo in 1999 for $5.7 billion.

While the independent streak that made Cuban "an entrepreneur at heart" may have rubbed his bosses the wrong way, he says his primary skill  sales  is what he'd fall back on if he ever needed to start his career over from scratch.

When you're great at sales, as Cuban says he is, "you understand what people need and want, [and] you put yourself in a position to help them," he said in a TikTok interview last year. In that sense, salesmanship is the sort of practical skill that can help you become successful in nearly any field, once you have mastered it, according to Cuban.

"Then you make good things happen, close deals and that's how you create companies," he said.

Disclosure: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank," which features Mark Cuban as a panelist.

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Oscar Pistorius, the disgraced South African Paralympian who murdered his girlfriend on Valentine's Day 10 years ago, was granted parole at a hearing on Friday and will be released.

A double amputee sprinter known as the "Blade Runner" for his prosthetic legs, Pistorius, 37, was convicted of fatally shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door at his home in Pretoria in 2013.

Pistorius was told at a hearing in Pretoria, the administrative capital where he has been held, that he will be released on Jan. 5, 2024.

A model and law graduate, Steenkamp was 29. Tania Koen, a lawyer who has represented the Steenkamps throughout the parole process and Pistorius' appeals, confirmed to NBC News that parole was granted.

Pistorius was denied parole at a hearing in March after a judge ruled that, despite expectations that it would be granted, he had not served the minimum time needed to qualify for parole. The judge in that hearing said he wouldn't be considered for parole until August 2024.

The 2014 trial attracted global attention as the details of Steenkamp's death were beamed around the world. It immediately ended the career of Pistorius, then perhaps the world's most high-profile disabled athlete, who made history by competing in an able-bodied field at the Olympics.

Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar and shot her in error. As a condition of the parole process, Pistorius met with Steenkamp's father, Barry, in June 2022. Her family opposed his release because they reject Pistorius' account of their daughter's killing.

As Pistorius has not yet served his full sentence of 13 years and five months, he will likely be forced to wear an electronic security tag and be banned from leaving Gauteng Province, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Originally, Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors then appealed what they called a "shockingly lenient" punishment and the sentence was increased.

Born with a congenital condition that led to both his legs being amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old, Pistorius became a successful athlete, leading out the South African team at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Days later he would become the first double amputee to compete at the Olympics.

The 2014 trial heard that Pistorius had a gun with him "all the time," including on his bedside table while he slept. He told the court that he lived in fear of a home invasion and said he had been followed, shot at and hi-jacked. When he shot Steenkamp he had assumed it was a burglar, he said.
Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., speaks during the news conference on the Invest to Protect Act outside the Capitol on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Rep. Dean Phillips, the Minnesota Democrat challenging President Joe Biden for their party's presidential nomination, announced Friday that he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2024.

"After three terms it is time to pass the torch," Phillips said in a statement.

"No party has a monopoly on solutions, and we must stop fighting one another and begin fighting for one another - before it is too late," Phillips said in Friday's statement. He warned that America is in the grip of "a crisis of cooperation, common sense, and truth."

"The future is very bright, as long as we have the courage and make the choice to seek it. Keep the faith!" he said.

The congressman's call for unity may not resonate with his fellow Democrats, some of whom have criticized Phillips since he mounted a longshot primary bid against the incumbent president last month.

Biden, who announced his own reelection campaign months earlier, has rarely commented on Phillips' challenge.

"Congressman Phillips has voted for nearly 100% of President Biden's policies, and the President will miss his support for the Biden-Harris legislative agenda," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement to NBC News later Friday.

Phillips has said he is running for president to strengthen the Democratic ticket in light of polls showing low approval for Biden and his administration.

Some recent surveys have found former President Donald Trump, the clear frontrunner in the 2024 Republican primary, beating Biden in several key primary states.
An aerial view shows Ukraine's Motherland monument, with its new Ukrainian coat of arms shield, after fresh snowfall on Nov. 22, 2023, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Russian forces continued to bombard the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka on Thursday night while shelling killed four in the southern region of Kherson, according to local officials.

Since mid-October, Russia has been trying to encircle and capture the town of Avdiivka, home to a massive coking plant and close to the Russian-held regional hub of Donetsk.

The head of Avdiivka's military administration, Vitaliy Barabash, told Ukraine's Channel 24 on Thursday that Russian forces had launched their "fiercest" attacks yet on the embattled down. According to Reuters, Barabash said Russia was unleashing up to 18 air attacks per day, sometimes more.

In the southern region of Kherson, prosecutors said Russian shelling had killed three men and a woman, according to Reuters, as Ukrainian forces continue to mount a counteroffensive in the east and south of the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments on Wednesday  in which he blamed Ukraine for the lack of peace talks and claimed Russia was ready for discussions to resume  were designed to pile pressure on the West to push Ukraine back to the negotiating table, analysts said.

They noted that Putin and other Russian officials have routinely claimed the Kremlin is ready to negotiate to end the war while signaling that the Kremlin maintains its key objectives, including territorial claims and regime change in Ukraine.
Oil investors were blindsided this week after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries delayed a key meeting on production cuts, as worries about demand in China and Europe continue to mount. U.S. crude had rallied on Monday on anticipation that OPEC and its allies would implement additional cuts at a meeting originally scheduled for Sunday after weeks of volatile trading. But prices tumbled as much as 5% in intraday trading Wednesday after OPEC+ delayed that meeting until next Thursday, as the group struggles to close ranks  with Angola and Nigeria reportedly resisting production targets. "The oil suite remains rather stunned after the cancellation of Saudi Sunday," wrote John Evans of PVM Oil Associates in a note Friday. U.S. crude recovered most of Wednesday's intraday losses and trading has been relatively muted amid the Thanksgiving holiday with investors trying to digest the recent volatility. The West Texas Intermediate contract for January was down 20 cents, or .26%, at $76.90 a barrel Friday, while the Brent contract for January was up 57 cents, or .7%, at $81.99 a barrel. "Some of the crazy has left the market as those that imbibe in oil trading indulge in a prolonged bout of navel gazing, seeking to find order among the shared carnage that the price action has endured," Evans wrote. Though oil is relatively quiet at the moment, U.S. crude could test $70 a barrel and possibly fall to the mid-to-low $60 per barrel range on the demand worries, record production outside OPEC and forecasts of a mild winter in the northern hemisphere, said Again Capital partner John Kilduff. Europe demand headache for OPEC With the meeting delayed, investors are left with more bearish news on the demand side. Manufacturing activity in the euro zone continued its long streak of contraction in November, piling on top of demand worries in China that have spooked the markets for weeks. The euro zone manufacturing PMI came in at 43.8 for November, beating expectations but still well below the mark that indicates economic expansion. The data could not have come at worse time for OPEC, according to PVM's Evans. "The likelihood of new demand coming from the continent is tantamount to zero giving more reason to be wary for oil investors and another layer of headache for OPEC," Evans wrote. And Saudi Arabia's efforts to "drain the swamp" on the supply side are falling very short, as Riyadh struggles to rally OPEC in the face of record production in nations like the U.S., Kilduff said. "It's undermining the Saudi efforts to get the price really back to $100 a barrel plus," Kilduff told CNBC's " Power Lunch " on Wednesday. Saudi, Russia and the nuclear option Prior to OPEC+ delaying the meeting, most analysts anticipated the bloc would at least extend the current production cuts, 5.16 million barrels per day in total, into 2024. They would not, however, rule out additional cuts given the current market conditions. JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank think OPEC+ could take another 1 million barrels per day off the market, while analysts with Bank of America and PVM put the number at 500,000. Goldman Sachs said OPEC will use its pricing power to keep Brent between $80 to $100 a barrel. "We see an unchanged policy as the minimum," Deutsche Bank analyst Michael Hsueh wrote in a note Monday. "With the weakening in the Brent 1-12[month] curve, a 1 mmb/d cut would hardly look out of place as it would land back in the 'cloud' of the longer history of quota adjustment." While OPEC tries to assuage some of its African members, the more important question is how long the marriage of convenience between Saudi and Russia can last, Evans wrote in the PVM note. Russia's successful, high-profile evasion Western oil sanctions raises the question whether Moscow is really complying with its voluntary production cuts that serve as "the backbone of its diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia," Evans said. "The marriage of convenience is made moot by an inconvenient truth that Russia is at service to the needs of its exchequer more than it is has need to service a notion of oil price stability," he noted. The Saudis do have a "nuclear option" to intimidate OPEC+ into compliance, Kilduff said. They can always threaten to flood the market the oil. "That would be a mess for everybody. So that is their not so veiled threat and that is, again, their nuclear option," Kilduff said. "I wouldn't take it off the table for a minute."
The delayed OPEC+ meeting next week will be held online instead of in-person as the cartel wrangles over production levels amid a slump in oil prices.

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Saudi Arabia and its allies are embroiled in a dispute over output quotas for African members. The disagreement has forced the group to push back its scheduled conference by four days to November 30 , sending crude plunging by as much as 4.9% to below $80 a barrel in London on Wednesday.

Before the delay, oil traders had thought Saudi Arabia was gearing up to announce an extension of its unilateral 1 million barrel-a-day cutback in a bid to prop up faltering prices. There were also some predictions that Riyadh could even steer other members into joining them with additional curbs of their own.

The spat puts that outcome in doubt and dredges up a disagreement from June, when Angola, Congo and Nigeria were pushed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman to accept reduced output targets for 2024 that reflected their diminished capabilities. The African exporters have struggled in recent years with under-investment, operational disruptions and aging oil fields.

Its not the first time that the 23-nation OPEC+ alliance has altered its plans at short notice. It did the same a year ago, shifting its meeting online after fixing production targets at a face-to-face gathering in Vienna the previous month.

This time around, the rescheduled meeting on November 30 coincides with the first day of United Nations climate talks which are being hosted by OPEC-member the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Holding in-person talks in Vienna on the same day as the start of COP28 would have created logistical difficulties for a number of energy ministers.

Traders are now waiting to see whether the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners will resolve the rift on quotas, and agree any measures to shore up the market in 2024. Absence of an agreement on production for next year would leave global oil markets in a precarious position.

Crude is down about 16% from its September peak amid surprisingly strong American output, while China  the worlds biggest oil importer  has seen falling refining margins and faltering economic indicators.

World markets are poised to tip back into surplus early next year as demand growth slows drastically, while producers like the US and Guyana continue to grow, according to the International Energy Agency.

At the same time, Iranian supplies have recovered as the US relaxes its enforcement of sanctions, and Russian exports have held steady as the country pumps more than its quota.

OPEC+ delegates say theyre seeking extra time as Angola and Nigeria chafe at lower targets pressed on them by more powerful members. The countries had reluctantly acquiesced to the new quotas with the caveat that theyd be revised higher again if an external audit by three firms  Rystad Energy A/S, Wood Mackenzie Ltd. and IHS  proved their capacity was larger.
India agreed, in May 2023, to send over 40,000 people to Israel to address a shortage of nurses and construction workers. The bilateral agreement has been placed in the Israeli Parliament called the Knesset.

Reports suggest that the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants more than 100,000 people from India in sectors like nursing and construction.

More than 400,000 Israelis were called upon for reserve duty last month. More than 90,000 people from Palestine, who were working in Israels construction sector, had their permits revoked after the terror attack by Hamas on October 7. This has led to a shortage of workers in crucial sectors like housing.

Further, as a result of the war, there may be further need for workers both for care as well as development in the months to come.

An Israeli man looks out from a window of a building that was hit following rockets from Gaza that were launched towards Israel in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen An Israeli man looks out from a window of a building that was hit following rockets from Gaza that were launched towards Israel in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

The Construction Workers Federation of India strongly objects to any attempt to send the poor construction workers of our country to Israel to overcome its shortage of workers and in any way support its genocidal attacks on Palestine killing thousands of innocent people including children and women, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions said recently. The reported deaths in Palestine crossed over 14,500 on November 23.

ALSO READ: India votes in favour of resolution that condemns Israeli settlement activities in Occupied Palestinian Territory

As of October 31, 49 companies are allowed to bring in a maximum of 30,000 foreigners to work in Israel. This could be increased by another 20,000, in phases, the countrys Housing Ministry had said.

About 12,000, of the total 30,000 foreigners, work in construction.

Israel has been looking to bring workers in from other countries like China, and Moldova, as well as those in Eastern Europe. However, these efforts managed to bring in only about 4,000 foreign workers, according to data cited by the Jerusalem Post.
Micki Witthoeft, mother of Jan. 6 insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt, attended a House Judiciary hearing related to the Biden administration's urging major social media companies to remove misleading or false comments. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

The internet can be a cesspool for unsavory opinions. And in moments of social unrest, often social media companies err on the side of kicking off fringe users.

But does censoring extremists actually make bad ideas go away? Well, no.

In my new book, The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All  But There Is a Solution, my co-author Greg Lukianoff and I argue that censorship doesnt actually stamp out bad ideas.

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If anything, it usually makes extremists even more extreme.

Booting someone from a social media platform doesnt banish them from the internet. More often than not, it actually sends them into its more obscure crevices.

Forcing people from a mainstream platform to a niche platform is a surefire way to insulate them in an echo chamber, where they only hear the opinions of people who agree with them.

Researchers at the Network Contagion Research Institute and the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism have data to prove that censorship is closely correlated with even more extremism.

They found that, when Twitter (as it was known then) purged swaths of accounts over the past several years, alternative social media platforms like Gab, which is popular with alt-right and far-right users, swelled in membership.

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Although Twitters general manager proclaimed in 2012 that the platform was the free speech wing of the free speech party, by 2016 the platform began rolling out mass bans of fringe accounts.

Immediately, a pattern emerged. The first purge of alt-right accounts in November 2016 coincided with a spike in users flocking to Gab, according to NCRI and the ADL.

And this happened again and again in the years to come when Twitter wiped the accounts of white nationalists, Proud Boys and InfoWars affiliates. All the while, use of the word ban skyrocketed on Gab.

The researchers found that months when a Twitter mass ban took place corresponded to more than double the percent of new members on Gab than a typical month.

The worst possible way to fight extremism is sending extremists into underground cesspools riddled with positive feedback loops and confirmation bias. People who dont hear competing viewpoints tend only to descend deeper into a polarization spiral.

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In retrospect, social media censorship seems to have done little to actually reduce the amount of hatred in the world  and, if anything, just condensed it.

Harvard law professor Cass Sunstein, who coined the Law of Group Polarization, put it best: People who are opposed to a minimum wage are likely, after talking to each other, to be still more opposed; people who tend to support gun control are likely, after discussion [with one another], to support gun control with considerable enthusiasm.

Although social media companies are understandably motivated to squelch out despicable views on their platforms, history has taught us doing so only makes matters worse.

Its time to accept once and for all that censorship is not a solution to extremism, its fuel for it.

As we head into a contentious election season in the United States and plunge into war in the Middle East, surely unsavory  and outright offensive  viewpoints will be aired online.

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The question at hand: If some of our fellow citizens hold condemnable views, is it better to censor them and send them underground where they will fester  or to confront the reality of what people really think, hear their views and refute them in the public square?

I, for one, would rather live in a society that favors debate over censorship  even if it means defending the free speech rights of those with the most repugnant viewpoints.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  Actor Elijah Canlas on Thursday confirmed that he and actress Miles Ocampo have broken up after more than a year in a relationship.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Canlas shared that they parted ways a couple of months ago after going through a rough patch.

"Maybe because we are going through our own personal stuff," he said. "It's been hard we are figuring things out."

But the actor said they are on good terms.

"We're okay, we're not mad at each other," he said.

"I'm always going to have love for her. I'm always going to support her in whatever she does. I'll always be her number 1 fan," he added.

Canlas and Ocampo announced their relationship in May last year.

Ocampo is a regular noontime show host at E.A.T. aired on TV5, while Canlas is part of ABS-CBN's mystery drama series "Senior High."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  Authorities have arrested four individuals who claimed to be staff members of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian in order to collect money from unsuspecting victims.

The senator earlier denounced the fraudulent actions of the suspects, clarifying that none of them are affiliated with his office.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) identified the suspects as Ryan Lester Dino Y Placido a.k.a David Luis Tan; Carlo Africa Maderazo a.k.a Engineer Maderazo; Dina Joson Castro a.k.a Dinah Bartolome Lopez a.k.a Diwah Lopez Umali a.k.a Dina Bartolome Joson; and Ma. Luisa Barlan Y Joson.

They were arrested in Pasay City and were charged under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the RPC, Concealing True Name under Article 178 of the RPC, and violation of R.A. 6085 (Anti-Alias Law).

According to the complainant, who is a business owner contracting suppliers of aggregates such as armor rock and boulders, suspect Maderazo reached out to him for a "planned reclamation project in Pasay City."

"Subject Maderazo told Complainant that he needs to pay a lock-in payment of Php100,000.00 and an upfront fee of Php400,000.00 that will be distributed to the employees of Pasay City Hall as grease money," the NBI said.

It added that Maderazo claimed to be an authorized representative from Gatchalian's office.

However, the complainant said that he discovered that Maderazo is not affiliated with Gatchalian and that there is no Pasay City reclamation project.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  A lawmaker on Friday expressed support for the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) decision to back out of loan negotiations with a Chinese bank for three mega-railway projects in Luzon and Mindanao.

Following the delay in the projects, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the Marcos administration may consider internal financing like private investments, annual national budget allocation, and assistance from friendly nations like Japan and South Korea.

"The total amount needed is 228 billion. This is just a small fraction of the proposed 5.768-trillion spending program for 2024. Obviously, we have fiscal space for important infrastructure projects," Rodriguez said.

"We do not have to appropriate the required amount in one year. We can have multi-year or continuing appropriation so we won't have to depend on outside financing and so we can continue to fund ongoing projects and start those that have been delayed," he added.

The 36-billion first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project, the 142-billion railway line to Bicol, and the 50-billion Subic-Clark Railway were supposed to be funded through Chinese loans.

The DOTr on Wednesday said it will no longer pursue China as its funding source following the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: PH repackaging 3 mega railway projects without China loan  DOTr

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/11/22/3-mega-railway-project-without-china-loan.html

The loan negotiation started in 2018 and had been approved by the Duterte administration.

However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the DOTr in July 2022 to renegotiate the funding with China. Then DOTr Usec. Cesar Chavez explained that the country withdrew its applications after the Chinese government failed to act on the funding requests.

READ:

PH may drop China funding for railroad project by year-end without Beijing's confirmation

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/4/PH-may-drop-China-funding-for-railroad-project-by-year-end-without-Beijing-s-confirmation.html

DOTr to renegotiate funding for China-backed railway projects

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/transportation/2022/7/16/DOTr-renegotiate-railway-projects-China-.html

"I think Beijing is linking project funding to raging territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. If they believe they could extract concessions from us, they are dead wrong," Rodriguez said.

"We cannot compromise our territorial integrity and sovereignty and maritime interests in waters that are ours under international law," the lawmaker stressed.

The Mindanao lawmaker also urged the House to include Mindanao's first railway in next year's budget.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24)  A law should be passed to determine agencies that can have confidential and intelligence funds (CIF), Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Friday.

We certainly should [have a law on CIF allocation] lalo na mukhang dumami masyado yung civilian agencies na nasanay humingi ng (especially now more civilian agencies are asking for) CIF," she told CNN Philippines The Source.

An agreement among certain agencies - Joint Circular 2015-01 - currently governs the use and reporting of CIF.

The CIF has been a hot topic as lawmakers work on approving the 2024 national budget. The most controversial was the 650 million requested by the Sara Duterte-led Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.

She later withdrew her request, saying the pursuit of the spending item was divisive.

READ: Zero confidential funds in 2024 budget for OVP, DepEd, DICT, DA, DFA

Hontiveros said the CIF will be one of her main concerns next year.

The Senate committee on finance is working on amendments to the spending plan before it is brought to plenary for approval, she said.

Hontiveros said one of her proposed amendments is prohibiting the Office of the President from augmenting the CIF of the Office of the Vice President through its contingency fund.

This is in relation to the transfer of 125 million confidential funds to the OVP in 2022. Petitioners questioning this before the Supreme Court have argued that the transfer was not a hypothetical situation and that it involved a transfer of funds from the OP to an inexistent item in last years budget.

Hontiveros said she will also make sure these funds will go to agencies directly concerned with national defense and security, like the Philippine Coast Guard.
Digital Europe, an advocacy group that represents digital industries across the continent, has released a joint statement ahead of the EUs AI Acts final weeks of negotiations, warning that over-regulation could stymie innovation and cause startups to leave the region.

The groups core argument is that the AI Act now goes beyond its original intended scope, and should instead remain focused on high-risk use cases, rather than being directed at specific technologies. Digital Europe also warned that the financial burden the Act could place on companies wanting to bring AI-enabled products to market could make operating out of the EU unstainable for smaller organizations.

For Europe to become a global digital powerhouse, we need companies that can lead on AI innovation also using foundation models and GPAI (general-purpose AI), the statement read. As European digital industry representatives, we see a huge opportunity in foundation models, and new innovative players emerging in this space, many of them born here in Europe. Lets not regulate them out of existence before they get a chance to scale, or force them to leave.

The letter was signed by 32 members of Digital Europe and outlined four recommendations that signatories believe would allow the Act to strike the necessary balance between regulation and innovation. These include ensuring a risk-based approach remains at the core of the AI Act; better aligning the Act with existing product safety legislation; and ignoring calls for the regulation to tackle copyright issues.

The EUs comprehensive copyright protection and enforcement framework already contains provisions that can help address AI-related copyright issues, such as the text and data mining exemption and corresponding, the statement read.

Concerns of over-regulation have been previously raised

This is not the first time the EUs AI Act has faced criticism from industry leaders expressing concern about the legislations scope and potential to over-regulate the industry.

In June, 163 prominent executives representing some of Europes biggest technology and business companies, including Airbus, ARM, Capgemini, Schneider Electric, and Siemens, signed an open letter urging the EU to adopt a more hands-off approach to AI regulation, worrying that the draft AI Act would make the continent less competitive in the fast-growing field.

Wanting to anchor the regulation of generative AI in law and proceeding with a rigid compliance logic is as bureaucratic of an approach as it is ineffective in fulfilling its purpose, the letter said. In a context where we know very little about the real risks, the business model, or the applications of generative AI, European law should confine itself to stating broad principles in a risk-based approach.

Although the AI Act was approved by the European Parliament in June, it needs to be ratified by each EU country before it becomes law.

While there is widespread consensus from countries regarding labeling requirements and safeguards to protect against AI-generated content, there has been some backlash around the proposed bans of biometric surveillance in public settings and so-called social scoring systems, which classify people based on their social behavior, socio-economic status, and personal characteristics.

When the AI Act does eventually become law, non-compliance will result in penalties of up to $21.8 million (20 million) or 4% of global turnover.
Afghanistan government closes its New Delhi Embassy permanently

The Afghanistan government on Friday said it is permanently closing its embassy in New Delhi due to 'persistent challenges from the Indian government'.

Afghanistan government shuts down embassy in New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: Afghanistan Embassy in India X page





"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi," the Afghanistani Embassy in India posted on X.



"Effective from 23 Nov 23,owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.The decision follows the embassys earlier cessation of operations on 30 Sep 23,a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally," reads the X post.

Press Statement

24th November, 2023



The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi.



The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi 1/2 pic.twitter.com/VlXRSA0vZ8  Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023

Afghanistan came under Taliban rule in 2021.



Taliban started taking control over the country after foreign forces started to leave.



The Taliban forces took control of Kabul on Aug 15, 2021.


Richard Cantu and Twila Carter will face each other in the runoff for City Council At-Large District 3. Houston Chronicle

The two candidates vying to win the City Council At-Large 3 seat came close in vote totals in the November election, despite lopsided campaign spending.

Richard Cantu and Twila Carter won 22% and 20.7% of the Nov. 7 vote in Harris County, respectively. Carter had around 12 times the political expenditures as of Oct. 30, totaling $147,659.67, while Cantu had only $12,961.93, Harris County's campaign finance report electronic filing system reported.

2023 HOUSTON RUNOFF VOTER GUIDE: A comprehensive guide to the local runoff elections that your vote will decide on Dec. 9

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The candidates also disclosed their political contribution balances in their Oct. 30 finance reports, which aren't as far apart compared to their expenditures. Carter had $56,402.10 in contributions remaining, while Cantu reported having $30,081.63, the county's filing system showed.

According to the Oct. 30 finance filings, Cantu reported having $5,794 in political donations, while Carter had a total of $3,515. The donations reported in the October report are from Oct. 5 to Oct. 28.

The candidates' July 17 finance filings were much more distant as Carter reported $160,485 in donations and Cantu had a total of $43,623. The donations reported were received from January to July.

Carter, a former executive for the Astros and the Astros Foundation, held different events at Minute Maid Park and raised $200,000 in February during her campaign kickoff.

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Fundraising, handing out questionnaires, gaining endorsements, attending community meetings and other events will be the focus of the campaign ahead of the runoff, Carter said Wednesday.

"It's not as crazy as it was leading up to the November election," Carter said. "We're keeping the same thing going, just at a little different pace. We're making sure we're doing the right thing."

Cantu, a board trustee for the Harris County Department of Education, held his campaign kickoff at a Mexican restaurant, Fiesta En Guadalajara, in April. He also hosted multiple fundraising events across Houston, according to his campaign's website and Facebook page.

The Chronicle contacted Cantu's campaign but did not receive a response. He and Carter are scheduled to attend a community runoff discussion Thursday at Bethany Baptist Church.

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'Money in most races don't matter,' political expert says

Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University, said there's a lot more to campaigns than the money candidates spend. Due to voter turnout being nowhere near expected with only 17% of all registered voters in the county casting their ballots Nov. 7, he said name recognition comes into play. Cantu having worked with the county could have played a significant role in the election's results.

"To me, money in most races don't matter," Stein said.

Cantu's and Carter's political expenditures are indicative of what kind of campaigns they have, which aren't influenced by TV advertisements, mailers, phone banks or door knockers, according to Stein. Instead, their campaigns are "labor intensive" and more influenced by word of mouth and networks, he said.

"Both candidates had those networks, but I thought Cantu had a much better network due to him being involved in county government for a long time," Stein said. "This is what happens when you have a very low (voter) turnout."

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In hindsight, Stein said Cantu and Carter were better off spending their time getting endorsements from critical groups  firefighters, policemen and civic associations  than raising money for their campaigns.

"These are groups who know people and who vote," he said.
While the veteran unemployment rate may be at a historic low, the transition from the military to civilian life isnt without its challenges. For starters, ex-military members often need help translating their skills gained in the armed forces to non-military roles, and many need to become more familiar with the wide variety of civilian career path options that align with their previous experience.

Military veterans are natural problem-solvers who understand the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture and following the chain of command when dealing with an active threat, all of which make veterans attractive candidates for cybersecurity roles. And with a growing talent shortage in the security field, veterans have a prime opportunity to apply their skills to support this vital industry.

As countries worldwide recently honored veterans for their service during Veterans Day, it's also important to recognize that these individuals continue to play a critical role in cybersecurity as a talent pool helping shrink the skills gap. In a recent conversation with James Murphy--military veteran, Director of the TechVets Programme at The Forces Employment Charity, and Fortinet Veterans Program Advisory Council member--he discussed these opportunities and provided insight into resources available to veterans.

Q: Why are veterans a critical talent pool that more employers should focus on to fill vacant cybersecurity roles?

James Murphy (JM): Individuals who have military experience have a hardwired sense of security, as well as an innate ability to understand threats of all kinds to various systems. Veterans are quick learners--look at the volume of information new recruits must learn on various topics, ranging from technical equipment to weapons systems. Further, military personnel regularly move from one role to the next, resulting in them having to learn new processes and capabilities quickly, and more throughout their respective careers in the armed services. As a result, individuals with military backgrounds tend to acquire technical skills faster than their non-military counterparts, making them strong candidates for cybersecurity positions.

Additionally, many businesses are looking for candidates with cybersecurity knowledge yet also need the human skills that those with a military background can offer, such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and more.

Q: How can organizations better recruit and retain veterans for cybersecurity roles?

JM: Many organizations have recruiting policies to attract candidates from varying backgrounds. The enterprises that have had the most success with recruiting veterans have specific programs in place to readily support hiring ex-military.

A straightforward way to adjust recruitment strategies to be more conducive to hiring veterans is to allow former military service leaders to speak directly with the talent acquisition team. This often helps the recruitment team learn more about the individual's valuable skills and determine what organizational roles would be a strong fit. Should the candidate not be suitable for the role they are applying for, the team can direct them to other parts of the business to find a position more aligned with their skills and interests.

Q: What potential challenges might veterans face while transitioning to IT and cybersecurity, and how can they overcome them?

JM: Veterans can sometimes face several hurdles as they transition to civilian life, and the severity of these challenges is often relative to the time served and the roles the person held while in the military.

One of the most pressing issues is that veterans have such valuable transferable skills, but they don't always recognize them. After years of service, some leaving the military can struggle to articulate their skills and experience attained through service, with roles, capabilities, organizations, and technologies communicated in a way that may not align with the modern business world.

Another issue often impacting service leaders is that they have yet to be exposed to various roles available across all industries. As a result, a veteran can be more likely to follow those who have exited the military before them. As the individual follows in others' footsteps, they may pursue what they feel is a low-risk employment path, which often results in underemployment.

The good news is that there are resources and organizations available to help veterans overcome these hurdles. For example, organizations like TechVets and initiatives like Fortinet's Veterans Program offer skills training and employment support services to assist ex-military members, including military spouses, in finding a new career path after leaving the armed forces.

Q: For veterans considering a transition into cybersecurity, what advice would you give them to prepare and position themselves?

JM: There are numerous ways veterans can prepare themselves to transition into cybersecurity.

First, start networking. While many people think of networking as synonymous with finding a job, it offers far more benefits. When you network effectively, youll gain insight into what you want to do after exiting the military, what industry you want to work in, and what type of company feels like the best fit.

Next, decide on a career path and plan your training and upskilling accordingly. This ensures youre building the knowledge needed for the roles youre interested in instead of pursuing a broader, less focused set of skills.

Finally, lean on the veteran community. Learn from those who have already transitioned to the cybersecurity field, and take advantage of programs designed to equip veterans with the skills and resources needed to pursue a meaningful new career path. The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, reservists, veterans, and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of Service, or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect, and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

Transition from the military community into the cybersecurity industry through world-class training with Fortinet.
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Gold (XAU/USD) Analysis, Prices, and Charts

Gold looking to push higher despite quiet conditions.

Gold ignoring higher US bond yields.

Recommended by Nick Cawley Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide

DailyFX Economic Calendar

Gold is edging higher in a quiet market and looks ready to re-test both $2,000/oz. and the recent multi-month high at a fraction under $2,010/oz. The precious metal is holding its own against rising US government bond yields today, although low volume conditions may be distorting both markets. The only data release of note today, flash S&P PMIs at 14.45 UK, may add a bout of volatility but market conditions are likely to remain quiet until next week.

US Treasury bond yields are edging higher with the rate-sensitive 2-year now offered at 4.95%, around 15 basis points than one week ago. Next week sees heavy short- to medium-term UST issuance with a total of $148 billion of 2s, 5s, and 7s up for sale. Traders are likely pushing yields higher ahead of these auctions to get more value for their money.

US Treasury 2-Year Yield  November 24, 2023

Recommended by Nick Cawley How to Trade Gold Get My Guide

The daily gold chart retains a positive outlook and another test of the recent high is looking likely. The 20-day simple moving average is now acting as support, along with the 50- and 200-day smas, while a prior level of note at $1,987/oz. has also been supportive in this week. Below here, support is seen from the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $1,972/oz. If resistance is broken convincingly then $2032/oz. and $2049/oz. come into play.

Gold Daily Price Chart  November 24, 2023

Charts via TradingView

IG Retail Trader data show 58.19% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.39 to 1.The number of traders net-long is 5.21% higher than yesterday and 2.55% lower than last week, while the number of traders net-short is 2.88% lower than yesterday and 12.79% higher than last week.

Download the latest Gold Sentiment Report to see how daily and weekly changes affect price sentiment

Gold Mixed Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short.

Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily 0% -3% -2% Weekly -15% 31% 4%

What is your view on Gold  bullish or bearish?? You can let us know via the form at the end of this piece or you can contact the author via Twitter @nickcawley1.
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Defense Attorney Jared Woodfill speaks to Defense Attorney Terry Yates representing Aubrey Taylor in the 486th District Court on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, on an assault of an elderly person charge in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Jared Woodfill, a controversial Houston attorney and former chair of the Harris County Republican Party, announced he's running in the March primary against incumbent Republican state Rep. Lacey Hull. If elected, Woodfill plans to throw his hat in the ring for House Speaker as well.

The race appears to bring District 138  which includes parts of northwest Harris County such as Spring Branch and Jersey Village  into the statewide battle between opposing factions of the Texas GOP.

WOODFILL CASE: GOP activist Steven Hotze appears in court for first time since charges in voter fraud case

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On his campaign website, Woodfill claims Hull "conspired" with current Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

"The entire episode was an example of why 'RINOs' in Austin must be voted out of office," Woodfill writes, referring to Hull as a "Republican in name only."

Among his many conservative credentials, Woodfill boasts of his work successfully defeating former Mayor Annise Parker's HERO ordinance in 2015, which would have banned discrimination based on several factors including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Other activists on the right have argued Hull isn't conservative enough. Though Hull has co-authored anti-abortion legislation, she faced criticism from the group Abolish Abortion Texas, which sent out mailers in 2022 saying she "betrayed Texas babies" by not supporting more extreme measures.

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Woodfill has made headlines over the years as an attorney representing a number of Houston's conservative figures, including GOP activist Steve Hotze, attorney and Harris County Department of Education Trustee Eric Dick and the right-wing blogger accused of attacking U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lees campaign chair.

Woodfill was investigated by the Harris County District Attorney's office in 2018 after being accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients. No charges were filed.

District 138 has trended more Republican at the polls in recent years. In 2018, incumbent Republican state Rep. Dwayne Bohac won re-election by just 47 votes. Hull took over the seat in 2020, winning 51.6% of the vote. She then was re-elected in 2022 with a wider margin, when she won 57.1% of the vote.

The candidate filing period in the March primary runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11.

Defense Attorney Jared Woodfill speaks to press alongside Defense Attorney Terry Yates and defendant, Aubrey Taylor after Taylor appeared in the 486th District Court on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, on an assault of an elderly person charge in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer
GT Voice: Bigger global production role to help Xinjiang defy US ban

Global Times) 09:53, November 24, 2023

Xinjiang Illustration: Vitaly Podvitski

It seems that US scrutiny of imports from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is still haunting global industry chains. The development adds to the urgency for China to consolidate and expand Xinjiang's manufacturing presence in global production chains.

Electronic products from Malaysia and Vietnam are facing closer US scrutiny over their components derived from so-called forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

In September, the latest month for which US customs data are available, $82 million worth of shipments were either rejected or held for checks, 90 percent of which were electronics. More than two-thirds of the rejected or delayed shipments came from Malaysia or Vietnam.

If anything, the US scrutiny of components from Xinjiang is actually another attempt to pursue its "decoupling" from China in global industry chains. This has created more chaos for the already troubled world economy, to the detriment of every party.

The so-called forced labor claims about Xinjiang are utter lies concocted by the US. The US ban, based on these lies, is essentially a tool for the US to manipulate global value chains so as to completely exclude Xinjiang's industries, such as cotton, tomatoes and polysilicon, from global supply chains. It also shows that some anti-China forces are completely unscrupulous in impeding China's economic development by attacking Chinese manufacturing.

To ensure the enforcement of the ban on Xinjiang manufacturing, the US has even taken all kinds of previously unheard-of measures to cut off any possible entry of Xinjiang products. For instance, US customs officials have turned to isotopic testing, which can link cotton to specific geographic areas by analyzing the concentration of stable elements like carbon and hydrogen present in both the crop and the environment in which it has been grown, according to a Reuters report in September.

However, the malicious crackdown on Xinjiang's industries, driven by the interests of some anti-China forces, will not benefit any party in global industry chains. On the contrary, this crackdown is a significant factor contributing to the disruption and vulnerability of global industrial chains.

Take Xinjiang's polysilicon as an example. China's polysilicon output accounted for 79 percent of the global production in 2021, of which 42 percent was from Xinjiang. The US ban will only exacerbate global supply chain problems for polysilicon products, pushing up downstream production costs and component prices for solar panel firms and undermining the US' own efforts to develop its solar industry. For some Southeast Asian countries that are actively developing new energy industries, there is no doubt that the US approach has hindered the development of their own industries.

China-US relations are now at an important window of improvement, and it is hoped that Washington will cherish the hard-earned opportunity to promote economic and trade cooperation, instead of being trapped in its "decoupling" delusion, which will lead nowhere.

As for China, the Xinjiang-related issues are nothing but an excuse the US has used to suppress Chinese manufacturing in the global markets, with the view of creating economic chaos and problems for China. But it is also a reminder that China must accelerate the transfer of manufacturing industries to the Xinjiang region, so as to consolidate the role of the region's manufacturing in global industrial chains to break US containment.

In particular, China needs to build a complete and modern textile production system in Xinjiang, and on the basis of its current global market share and advanced technologies, China needs to further expand its role in global markets.

Moreover, support is needed to promote Xinjiang's exports, especially to Central Asia, South Asia, Russia and other key partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. Only by making sure that Xinjiang's manufacturing is integrated further into global industry chains can the US ban become merely a piece of paper.

The development of Xinjiang's manufacturing industry is bound to improve the livelihood of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang in a more powerful way in today's more stable, secure and harmonious environment. Eventually, the fact of Xinjiang's comprehensive development will counter Washington's bullying practice of using the so-called human rights issues to suppress Chinese manufacturing.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announces that the county is filing a lawsuit to stop a new state law abolishing the elections office on Thursday, July 6, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Harris County has dropped its lawsuit against the state, ending its challenge to a law that went into effect weeks ago eliminating the countys elections office.

The county had hoped to stop the measure Texas Republicans passed this year that abolished the Harris County elections administrator, an appointed position, and returned election duties to two elected officials, the county clerk and the tax assessor-collector. However, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on Wednesday called the case moot because the county was already forced to comply with the law starting Sept. 1.

HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS: Harris County 2022 election results stand after judge dismisses GOP challenges

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Though more than half of Texas counties have an appointed elections administrator, the new law applies only to Harris County, which created the office in July 2020.

Republican supporters of Senate Bill 1750 argued that Harris County elections were run better in the past when elected officials were in charge, insisting the countys November 2022 election was botched after a ballot paper shortage at around 20 out of 782 polling locations had election workers scrambling to redirect voters to other polls. Because Harris County residents could vote at any location, it is impossible to know if or how many people did not cast a ballot because of the paper shortage.

More than 20 Republican candidates challenged their November 2022 election losses in court. However, a judge dismissed their cases two weeks ago, ruling that while the election did have administrative problems, they were not significant enough to have affected the results of the contested races.

The new state law went into effect shortly before the start of early voting in this years November election, which included the Houston mayoral contest.

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Menefee had argued that the law violated the Texas Constitution by targeting just one county. A district judge agreed with Menefee in August, temporarily delaying the measure from going into effect and writing in her order that Harris County should not be forced to implement an unconstitutional statute that was designed to deprive Harris County of a statutory right available to every other county in Texas.

When the Texas Attorney Generals Office appealed that ruling, the Texas Supreme Court decided the law could go into effect as planned and was scheduled to hear the countys argument next Tuesday that the law was unconstitutional.

The county instead made a motion to dismiss the lawsuit days before that hearing.

The Texas Supreme Courts decision in August allowed the state to abolish the elections administrators office, Menefee said in a statement. That mooted the countys claims. I look forward to continuing to support County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth in elections moving forward.

The bills author, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, responded to the dismissal in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, thanking Menefee for recognizing the obviousthat this was good public policy.

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Bettencourt added praise for Hudspeth, who ran the election earlier this month, saying she did a better job than the elections administrators who preceded her.
Murderer Oscar Pistorius has been freed from jail after serving 11 years for murdering his girlfriend.

The former Paralympian, who turned 37 this week, shot Reeva Steenkamp in their home 10 years ago. He claims that he mistook her for a burglar.

The double amputee, who ran in the London 2012 Olympic games for South Africa, will be on parole until December 2029. He will have to undergo therapy for 'gender-based violence' under the conditions of his release.

Before he gripped the world in 2014 for shooting his girlfriend, he was mostly known for his sporting prowess and winning gold while running on prosthetic blades.

The professional sprinter was born with fibular hemimelia, which causes missing bones. At 11 months, both his legs were amputated below the knee.

Here, MailOnline takes a look at the birth defect that made him famous.

The double-amputee athlete, who broke barriers by competing on carbon-fibre running blades at the 2012 London Olympics, shot Reeva multiple times through a closed toilet cubicle door in his home in the South African capital, Pretoria, in the predawn hours of Valentine's Day 2013. Pictured: After winning gold in the men's 400m at the 2012 Paralympics

What is fibular hemimelia?

Fibular hemimelia, which causes one shin to be shorter than the other, is a rare birth defect affecting about one in 25,000 births.

However, it's the most common form of leg bone problem that is present at birth. It can cause children to have difficulties walking and standing.

There are two long bones in the lower leg: the thicker one is called the tibia and the thinner one is the fibula.

The condition can cause the tibia to be shorter than normal and the fibula to be missing or underdeveloped, the NHS says.

As a result, it can lead to one limb being longer than the other, one foot being smaller than normal or bent outwards at the ankle or fewer toes than usual.

The birth defect can also cause the keen to be misshapen and, in some cases, not move properly as a result.

In addition to causing shin, knee and foot problems, it can also cause some children to have a slower growing femur (thigh bone).

It is this combination of slowed or abnormal growth in femur and tibia that leads to a leg length difference, the NHS says.

But it's not just the bones  the condition can affect the soft tissue as well.

His conviction was upgraded to murder and he was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison after a series of appeals by prosecutors. Pictured: At bail hearing in 2013

The Paralympian, who competed at the 2012 Olympics, was brought from his cell at 8am at the 84-year-old Atteridgevale prison in Pretoria to hear his fate and was said to be confident as he entered the room. Pictured: Winning gold in the 4x100m at the London Paralympics 2012

What causes it?

In most cases, it's unknown why fibular hemimelia occurs.

But it's thought to occur in the early stages of growing.

The bone condition is not thought to be genetic, which means it's not passed on in families.

In the majority of cases, children born with the condition have no family history of birth defects.

As a result, additional children born to the family have no more risk of the condition occurring than the general population.

But the NHS says an exception to this rule is when the condition is associated with birth defects in both legs or problems with the arms.

However, the condition is only picked up during pregnancy scans in severe cases  many are not noticed until X-rays are performed after a baby is born.

What treatments are available?

A range of treatment is available for fibular hemimelia.

These include insoles, compensate for foot shape, leg lengthening and operations to improve foot shape.

However, some people will need no treatment at all.

Surgeons are also able to make the leg length equal by slowing down the growth of the other leg, but only in cases where the shortening of the fibula is not severe.

Leg frames are also used to lengthen the leg and surgery is often used to correct a foot that is twisted outwards.

However, it is rare that the foot or lower leg is amputated.

If the foot is not normally formed and the tibia is too short, it can be best to amputate and fit an artificial limb, the NHS says.
X, formerly Twitter, continues to lose advertisers after Elon Musk agreed to an antisemitic conspiracy theory. After several big companies have chosen to conclude their businesses with the platform, video game company Ubisoft decided to follow suit.

Ubisoft Leaves X

X is at a bad place now more than ever as more advertisers decide to take their business elsewhere with advertising. Following several giants like Apple, IBM, Warner Bros. Discovery, and more, Ubisoft has also pulled its ad campaign from the social media site.

With Ubisoft's exit, it is the first video game studio to do so. While it has been clear that the other companies left the microblogging site due to Musk's antisemitic views, the Assassin's Creed developer has yet to announce why it left X.

Even as the company cut its ties advertising-wise, its primary X account is still very much active. As of writing, Ubisoft posted about its game, Avatar Frontiers on the platform just under 12 hours ago, also announcing 20 years of Trackmania the day prior.

Even as they pull their ads, Engadget reports that the Assassin's Creed Nexus VR ad campaign was still very much active. However, this doesn't mean that Ubisoft will still conduct business with the social media site from then on.

As more companies leave X, company CEO Linda Yaccarino is sticking to her statement about reports being misleading and manipulated, particularly that of Media Matters. The company has already filed a complaint against the media watchdog.

In the filing, it was that Media Matters is "knowingly and maliciously" manufacturing side-by-side images depicting advertisers' posts on X beside "Neo-Nazi and white national fringe content." Unfortunately, these accusatory statements did nothing to fix the issue.

Companies like Lionsgate, who are among those who left the microblogging site's advertising, have been very vocal about their disagreement with Musk's statement. Lionsgate even explicitly said that the X owner's agreement with the antisemitic tweet was the cause of their departure.

Read Also: X CEO Linda Yaccarino Believes Advertisers Exodus is Only Temporary

In Case You Missed It

The entire issue stems from Elon Musk's reply to a controversial post. The main post was published by Charles Weber, a Jewish conservative speaking out against internet "cowards" who are posting that the German Nazi leader was right.

An X user then replied to the post expressing that Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of "dialectical hatred against whites" that they claim people want to use against them. To that, Elon Musk replied, "You have said the actual truth."

You have said the actual truth  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 15, 2023

That was the response that has launched another controversy around the tech billionaire, and what caused his social media platform to lose more business. The thing is, his actions have led to this kind of exodus before.

Back in November 2022, giants like General Motors and Pfizer also decided that X was no longer the best fit for their businesses' advertisements, mostly out of fear of having their ads appear next to insensitive content, which was blamed on Musk's "free speech" plans for the site.

Related: Analyst Says Advertiser Exits on X Will Lead to a More Significant Decline
(Photo : Photo by Evangeline Shaw on Unsplash)

BRUSSELS, November 23, (Reuters) - Companies and tech associations warned the European Union on Thursday not to overly regulate artificial intelligence systems, or "foundation models," in future AI regulations, as this could destroy startups or force them to relocate.

"As European digital industry representatives, we see a huge opportunity in foundation models, and new innovative players emerging in this space, many of them born here in Europe. Let's not regulate them out of existence before they get a chance to scale, or force them to leave."

AI Core Values

According to Google, 'AI is too important not to regulate-and too important not to regulate well.' Artificial intelligence is almost certainly becoming subject to regulations, and it already is in many ways. The EU's AI Act includes several top-down prescriptive regulations. These regulations forbid the use of AI for applications deemed to carry unacceptably high risks. China has declared that algorithms 'should adhere to the core socialist values' and that the state must review them beforehand. These regulations cover recommendation algorithms, the most common type of AI used on the internet, and new guidelines for artificially generated images and ChatGPT-style chatbots. China's new AI governance framework will impact global AI research networks and Chinese technology exports by changing how the technology is developed and used, both domestically and abroad. However, the US is adopting a typical decentralized strategy.

ALSO READ: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Returns: Can the Company Harmonize Amid Staff and Board Standoff?

FTC Investigation

OpenAI is apparently being looked into by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for problems with data security and false information. The regulator has sent a letter, citing an unidentified source, to the creator of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, asking dozens of detailed questions about these issues. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published the story on Thursday, July 13.

According to the WSJ article, one matter under investigation by the FTC is whether ChatGPT has caused harm to individuals by disseminating inaccurate information about them.

According to the report, the agency is also investigating OpenAI's data security procedures, including the company's 2020 disclosure that a bug exposed user chat and payment-related data. The civil investigative demand from the FTC also queries OpenAI's handling, AI model training procedures, and marketing initiatives.

Caution Against Overregulation

Foundation models, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, which are AI systems trained on massive datasets and capable of learning from new data to accomplish a range of tasks, are one of the main points of debate. The appeal was made as EU members and member states approach the last stages of negotiations on regulations that may serve as models for other nations.

A total of thirty-two digital associations from Europe also signed the letter. The term "general-purpose artificial intelligence" (GPAI) is used.

The signatories, who claimed that only 3% of AI unicorns worldwide are produced in the EU, supported a joint initiative by France, Germany, and Italy to restrict the application of AI regulations for foundation models to requirements for transparency.

They added that existing laws in some industries, like healthcare, may conflict with the draft AI rules' broad current scope.

"We are increasingly frustrated at what we see as a lack of interest in the effects on the medical sector. Our impression is that people don't care about the content anymore, they just want to get it done. We are simply collateral damage," said spokesperson Georgina Prodhan at Siemens Healthineers (SHLG.DE).

The companies also rebuffed calls from creative industries for the AI rules to tackle copyright issues.

"The EU's comprehensive copyright protection and enforcement framework already contains provisions that can help address AI-related copyright issues, such as the text and data mining exemption and corresponding," they also said.

RELATED ARTICLE: Amidst OpenAI Turmoil, Meta Could Benefit Though Indirectly Involved

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Photo by Scott Blake on Unsplash )

Up to 900 foreign workers are expected to assist NextStar Energy Inc. in building its heavily subsidized battery plant in Windsor, Ontario. The temporary workers worldwide will be among the approximately 1,600 technicians that the company's external suppliers, jointly owned by Stellantis and LG Corp. of South Korea, will employ to assemble, install, and test specialized equipment.

Logistical Consideration

The estimates were released a week after Windsor police revealed on social media that up to 1,600 South Koreans would be arriving to assist with plant construction. This led to concerns from politicians and labor unions regarding the plant's potential to create many jobs in the area.

"So you'll have a few people, very few people, selected people, who need to come to transfer technology because this is a new industry."

He claimed that during his conversation with the CEOs of NextStar and Stellantis on Monday, he was comforted by their pledges to hire Canadians.

Following Windsor police's announcement that they were assisting in the preparations for a potential 1,600 workers from South Korea to come and help build the plant, which is anticipated to require upwards of $15 billion in public support, labor groups, and politicians expressed concern in recent days.

Chief Executive Danies Lee of NextStar confirmed on Monday that the company continues to engage up to 2,300 local and regional tradespeople to help build the plant and hire roughly 2,500 Canadians to run it. According to him, the company would still require hiring extra temporary employees with "proprietary knowledge and specialized expertise" to assist with the building and opening of the factory.

However, NextStar did not estimate the number of new hires, a point that Ontario's Ministers of Labor, David Piccini, and Economic Development, Vic Fedeli, pressed the federal government on Tuesday. They demanded information in a letter to their federal counterparts about the number of foreign workers already on the ground constructing the plant and the number coming under federal programs.

READ ALSO: Jobless Claims Fall, Not Expected During Week Of April 9

Initiative In Question

"Taxpayers and workers deserve to know that every job related to this project that can be filled by a Canadian worker is filled by a Canadian worker and that no Canadian worker is displaced," they said in the letter.

However, only one employee has been authorized under the temporary foreign worker program thus far, according to Federal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, who made this announcement to reporters on Tuesday. The program determines whether Canadians can fill the position before authorizing a foreign hire. He also said that the estimate floating around seemed excessive.

"There is no justification that we can see for the number that the South Korean ambassador raised with 1,600 people."

At the same event, Immigration Minister Mark Miller mentioned that companies can bring workers in on work visas, or visa-free, to perform specific tasks because Canada and South Korea have a free trade agreement.

According to Miller, less than 100 foreign workers have arrived and are here to help set up the plant. This is different from temporary foreign workers. Miller assured that the arrival of these workers won't affect the Canadian jobs promised. Greig Mordue from McMaster University explains people move in and out due to the free trade agreement with South Korea; bringing in experts to launch a new plant is a common practice. These experts help install and fine-tune equipment, ensuring efficient processes. While the number (1,600) might seem high, the company is motivated to get the plant sprinting because funding incentives decrease after 2030.

Mordue noted that companies like Volkswagen and Northvolt may also bring in workers for their plants, but fewer foreign workers will be needed as local expertise grows. Champagne said that the federal government expects NextStar to prioritize Canadian workers, but it is also essential to consider the long-term success of the battery manufacturing industry. There will be a transfer of knowledge, ensuring success for decades.

RELATED ARTICLE: US Weekly Unemployment Claims Increases to 231,000, Adding to Economic Concerns

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Lee Gyu-lee

The travel reality show Adventure by Accident is returning with its third season, setting the adventurer in Madagascar this time.

The MBC show follows webcomics creator, Kian84, and his friends going on unplanned adventures across different countries. The first season, which aired last December, featured Kian84 and his actor friend Lee Si-eon and travel YouTuber Pani Bottle taking a 10-day journey across South America. Season 2 showed Kian84s trip to India with TV personality Dex and Pani Bottle.

In the new season, set to air on Sunday, Kian84 is reuniting with all of the cast from previous seasons to explore the island country of Africa.

After the success of Season 2, rather than feeling pressure about the third season, our minds were more on wanting to introduce the relatively unknown country, Madagascar. We thought of introducing Madagascar in a different way, the shows producer, Kim Ji-woo, said during the press conference for the show, held at MBC in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday.

Many tend to associate Africa with civil wars or famines, but instead of those, we focused on how the locals live. We planned to take a closer look into their lives, including millennials and Gen Z people that Kian84 likes. So we headed there with a curiosity and a lot of things happened.

Kian84 shared a glimpse of the new season, saying it will be more interesting to watch than the previous trip.

The India episodes hit higher viewership ratings than we expected, so Producer Kim felt a sense of pressure. I also did but this came out more interesting. I cant lie, the first episode is a little weak. But from episode 2, its unbelievable. I thank the producer and co-cast members for allowing me to do such a fun reality show, he said.

Not that the trip is more enjoyable or funnier than what I felt during the India trip, but I felt a stronger fear and bigger dynamics of emotions.

Kim hinted there will be many more interesting scenes in the new season. India is more spiritual and sacred. There were spiritual encounters there. On the other hand, in Africa, there were more physical things and times to feel excitement and such, he said.

He added the theme of Season 3 is friendship. Season 1 was a failed trip, 2 was ride or die, and the third one, I felt, was the friends trip. There are friendships Kian forms with the people he meets along the way, the friendship he has had with Lee, Dex and Pani Bottle. Those all come together to show an ultimate friend trip, he said.

Adventure by Accident 3 airs every Sunday at 9:10 p.m. starting this week.
KDB aims to complete sale process by end of year

By Anna J. Park

The aquisition of HMM, Korea's representative global shipping and logistics company, has become a two-way race between Dongwon Group and Harim Group, with the two joining the main bid that ended Thursday, according to Korea Development Bank (KDB) and inventment banking sources Friday.

The final winner will be announced by the end of this month at the earliest.

"The selection of the preferred bidder will typically take place a week or two from now, but KDB plans to expedite the process, aiming to conclude the stock purchase agreement by the end of this year," a KDB official told The Korea Times, Friday.

KDB and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation  HMM's largest and second-largest shareholders holding 20.69 percent and 19.96 percent stakes respectively  plan to conduct a comprehensive review of the financial conditions of Dongwon and Harim, their management capabilities and their strategic plans for operating the shipping business. They aim to complete the selection of the preferred bidder no later than early December.

The sale price of 398.79 million shares of HMM held by the bondholders is estimated to be around 7 trillion won ($5.3 billion), given the current HMM stock price and the premium of management rights. The key factor in selecting a preferred bidder is expected to be the stable financial capability of raising the necessary capital for the deal.

Earlier, the acquisition competition was expected to be a three-way race also including LX International. Yet, LX decided to withdraw from the bidding process, citing: "LX decided to abstain from the main bid based on a strategic assessment comprehensively considering market conditions, business environment as well as other factors."

Some market watchers have expressed concerns that the sale may not be followed through, considering the withdrawal of LX, which had been evaluated to have a relatively better funding-mobilization power compared to the other two.

Despite such concerns, both Dongwon and Harim are strongly expressing their determination to complete the race, highlighting that they have no problems mobilizing enough acquisition funds.

Dongwon Group, which has a business portfolio spanning seafood distribution, food service, construction and packaging, plans to raise the necessary capital by selling shares of its major affiliates or securitizing some of their assets, without the help of external financial investors. In relation to this, Dongwon Industries, the holding company of the group, said in its public disclosures that it is reviewing various measures, such as a paid-in capital increase or issuance of convertible bonds of its subsidiaries.

The group had faithfully conducted due diligence and submitted our final bid. Now it's time to wait for the result of the preferred bidder selection," an official from Dongwon Group said.

Meanwhile, Harim Group, which has various leading businesses in the food and agricultural sectors including chicken processing, pork, feed production and dry cargo volume, is planning to proceed with its bid for HMM, centering around its shipping subsidiary Pan Ocean, which it acquired in 2015. Harim is expected to secure the necessary capital through the securitization of its assets and issuance of perpetual bonds. JKL Partners, the financial investor of the acquisition bid, also plans to supply some 3 trillion won.

"Participating in the HMM acquisition is to strengthen the value chain of the groups major businesses, which is not only good for us but also important for strengthening national competitiveness," Harim Group Chairman Kim Hong-kook said in a press conference earlier this month. "HMM should be acquired by those who will do well in the future.
Korea's industry ministry said Friday it plans to closely monitor the supply of hydrogen for automobiles amid supply disruptions in the central region.

The government hosted a meeting with officials from hydrogen producers, retailers and regional governments to address the ongoing shortage, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Hydrogen charging stations in central parts of the country, including the greater Seoul area and Chungcheong provinces, have been facing supply shortages over the past few days due to a delay in maintenance at hydrogen production facilities in Dangjin, 78 kilometers south of Seoul.

On the previous day, Hyundai Steel, a local hydrogen producer, said it plans to partially complete the maintenance this month, although it may take some more time to fully normalize the operation.

The company takes up around 20 to 30 percent of the hydrogen supply in the central region.

During the meeting, the industry ministry requested that retailers utilize surplus hydrogen produced at other facilities.

"The government will spare no efforts to normalize the supply of hydrogen at charging stations by working closely with businesses and related organizations," a ministry official said. (Yonhap)
By Ko Dong-hwan

A farmer and banker has won a top prize at Korea Fruit Industry Competition, according to Korea Fruit Agricultural Federation, Friday. The honor recognized the second-generation apple grower's efforts in breeding quality apples and creating opportunities for public education in farming.

Oh Seong-seop, 59, won the Prime Minister's Award with his Sinano Gold Apple in the annual competition hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and organized by the federation also known as Sunplus. The event, the 13th installment this year, is held Friday to Sunday in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.

Now instructing employees at Industrial Bank of Korea with 36 years of experience in the financial sector, Oh has been tending to his apple farm on 500 meters up Mount Jiri in southern Korea for the past 15 years. He took over responsibility from his father, who started managing the farm in the early 1980s.

The Seoul citizen has been traveling to and from the farm in Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province, every weekend. The roundtrip, which he has made at least 1,500 times, is around 500 kilometers.

At the farm, a 2.5 hectare-large soil grows 40 tons of Sinano Gold apples each year. Along with smaller crops of blueberries, dried persimmons and onions, his apples turn an annual profit of 500 million won ($383,000) on average. The figure comes from sales as well as education and experience programs he offers on the farm.

The farm went through renovations to grow apples densely in a limited space to maximize production.

The byproducts of hard-pressed fruit extracts are reused as fertilizers. Such practices earned Oh a good agricultural practices certification by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.

On the farm, he also teaches students from agricultural schools and those interested in apple farming. In his spare time, he hones apple growing practices at an agricultural college in South Gyeongsang Province.

"Seeing my father's back since I was young, I have long been aspiring to develop this fruit business," said Oh. "The award has allowed me to say the country's agricultural industry is bright and I thank God for the beautiful nature."

Sinano Gold apples earned an introduction in the October edition of Korea Agrafood, a magazine published by Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corp. to boost exports of the country's natural produce.




Launch likely to have involved Russian assistance : spy agency

By Kim Hyun-bin

North Korea's recent launch of a space launch vehicle (SLV) has set off alarm bells in the U.S. and worldwide, intensifying concerns about progress in the regime's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities. The U.S. National Security Council strongly denounced North Korea's manipulation of ballistic missile technology in the guise of an SLV.

North Korea launched its military reconnaissance satellite from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in North Pyongan Province last Tuesday. Experts posit that North Korea is using satellite launch tests to refine the precision of its ICBMs, employing SLV technology specifically for dedicated ICBM purposes. This has fueled perceptions within the international community that North Korea is advancing its ICBM program.

There are also concerns about Russia's involvement in North Korea's technological advancements, with speculation about Russian assistance in data transmission between ground stations and satellites.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed the success of North Korea's reconnaissance satellite launch, and suggested Russian involvement.

"The success of this launch is likely to have involved assistance from Russia," an NIS official said during a National Assembly intelligence committee meeting, Thursday.

"During the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putin publicly expressed his willingness to support the launch itself. After the summit, North Korea provided Russia with blueprints and data related to the first and second launches, and there is evidence that Russia provided the analysis results."

The Chollima-1 SLV shares critical technologies with an ICBM, raising concerns that, if North Korea successfully equips it with a nuclear warhead and reentry technology, it could be repurposed as a dedicated ICBM for nuclear strikes.

Military assessments indicate that North Korea's reconnaissance satellite has entered a stable orbit, raising concerns about the country posing a new threat to the U.S. and South Korea by enhancing its space surveillance capabilities.

The recent launch of the Chollima-1, using liquid fuel propulsion similar to the Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17, is considered a test of the Hwasong-15 and 17 at the optimum angle of ascent. This year witnessed four such launches, including Hwasong-15 and 17 tests and two Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM tests, all at high angles.

Experts suggest North Korea will use the data from the recent launch to enhance the performance of its existing ICBMs.

Regarding advancements, a defense expert noted that the preparation time required for liquid-fuel rockets allows a window for detection and pre-emptive measures in the event of a potential nuclear launch.

"Liquid rockets have better thrust-to-weight ratios than solid rockets, allowing them to propel heavier warheads over longer distances. Russia possesses such capabilities, making it difficult for the U.S. to accurately track the trajectory of Russian ICBMs," said Lee Il-woo, a director at the Korea Defense Network. "However, in the case of North Korea, the launch site is quite obvious, making it challenging for North Korea to launch undetected and most likely suppressed in advance."

If North Korea successfully deploys multiple reconnaissance satellites, the space surveillance threat becomes more severe to the U.S. and South Korea.

Military sources said, even with the low-resolution satellite launched this time, efforts to secure previously unavailable space surveillance capabilities should not be underestimated.

The estimated resolution of North Korea's reconnaissance satellite is three to five meters, allowing limited monitoring of major U.S. military bases, movements in Guam and the deployment of U.S. strategic assets in South Korea.

"North Korea's announcement of additional launches suggests the possibility of launching multiple satellites. Despite having lower resolution, these satellites play a role in roughly locating the deployment of U.S. strategic assets, such as aircraft carriers, around the Korean Peninsula," Lee said.

However, with potential Russian support, if North Korea develops high-resolution reconnaissance satellites and deploys more than 10, it could monitor key military activities of the U.S. and South Korea almost in real time. The military authorities express concern that if North Korea integrates nuclear missiles and multiple high-performance reconnaissance satellites targeting the U.S., it could severely impact U.S. deterrence.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lauded the country's successful launch of a military spy satellite as an eye-opening event of deploying a "space guard" monitoring enemies' military activities, state media reported Friday.

Kim made the remark during his visit to the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) on Thursday, as he encouraged engineers and scientists who contributed to Tuesday's launch of the Malligyong-1, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"He highly appreciated that the eye-opening event of deploying the reconnaissance satellite constantly grasping the military intention and moves of the hostile forces with our space guard and powerful sighting telescope is the precious victory," the KCNA said in an English-language dispatch.

Stressing that the possession of a spy satellite is a "full-fledged" exercise of the right to self-defense, Kim called for efforts to achieve the "immediate and long-term goal" of developing the aerospace reconnaissance capacity, it added.

Kim visited the facility with his daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and held a photo session with those involved in the satellite program. They were greeted by NATA General Director Ryu Sang-hun, an official presumed to spearhead a program to develop a spy satellite.

North Korea launched the Malligyong-1 on a new type of the Chollima-1 rocket Tuesday night after two failed attempts in May and August, respectively. The country vowed to launch several more satellites within a short span of time to better reconnoiter South Korea and "the region of its operational interest."

The National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, told lawmakers Thursday that Russia's technical assistance likely helped the North successfully put the satellite into orbit.

Meanwhile, the North's leader attended a banquet Thursday with his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, to celebrate the satellite launch, according to a separate report by the KCNA.

The event brought together senior officials at NATA, rocket scientists and engineers, as well as key military and government officials, including Jang Chang-ha, chief of the General Missile Bureau, it added.

Most of the participants, including Ri and her daughter, wore group T-shirts with short sleeves that have the logo of "DPRK NATA" on their chests, according to photos carried by state media.

South Korea's unification ministry said it is "deplorable" that North Korea has defended the launch of the spy satellite as an exercise of the right to self-defense.

"It is deplorable that North Korea has celebrated an act that directly threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world, while clearly violating United Nations Security Council resolutions," Kim In-ae, deputy spokesperson at the ministry, told a press briefing.

South Korea and the United States condemned the latest rocket launch as a violation of multiple UNSC resolutions that ban the North's use of ballistic missile technology.

The North said the satellite took pictures of a U.S. air base in Guam on Wednesday and transmitted them to Pyongyang, but it has yet to release related photos. North Korea said the Malligyong-1 will officially begin its mission next Friday.

Seoul said it is closely tracking whether the satellite is normally functioning though it appears to have entered the orbit. (Yonhap)
Shoplifters at London Tesco filmed clearing shelves of wine in front of customers

This is the moment a shoplifting gang of thieves were caught on camera stealing alcohol in front of stunned shoppers before scarpering out of a Tesco.

This comes as Britain's 1billion crime spree has led to a major spike in demand for security guards as retail chains crackdown on thieves and abusive thugs.

Phil Bentley, boss of outsourcer Mitie, said he saw revenues jump due to the need for security guards. He said the problem was placing 'unprecedented pressures' on retailers, which were seeking new technology to catch and prosecute offenders.

Footage at the Tesco in in Cricklewood Broadway, north London, shows the brazen thieves grabbing bottles of wine from the fridge and popping them in their bags.

One thief was dressed in a high-vis coat, face mask and cap. The other two were dressed in hooded coats but did not cover their faces.

This is the moment a shoplifting gang of thieves were caught on camera stealing alcohol in front of stunned shoppers before scarpering out of a Tesco

Footage at the Tesco shows the brazen thieves grabbing bottles of wine from the fridge and popping in their bags

One thief was dressed in a high-vis coat, face mask and cap. The other two were dressed in hooded coats but did not cover their faces

A store alarm can be heard as the group shamelessly clears out the fridge door.

Shocked onlookers stare as the thieves make a beeline for the exit during the morning rush hour.

But, while making their way out, one man steals washing up tablets to add to his haul.

One of the trio can be heard saying: 'You're just getting greedy now.'

No members of staff were seen in the clip taken from Wednesday at 9am.

The trio are then seen walking outside the Tesco Express in Cricklewood Broadway, north London.

One local, named Bob, asked : 'Why is no one doing anything about it?'

Another fumed: 'Absolutely no fear of being caught.'

A third added: 'Broken Britain.'

The Met Police and Tesco have been contacted for comment.

FTSE-listed Mitie company employs 7,000 people in retail and helped set up Project Pegasus, which will see chains including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Next share CCTV footage of serial thieves.

The demand for store security helped Mitie raise its revenues by 11 per cent in the past six months.

While making their way out, one man steals washing up tablets to add to his haul

The trio are then seen walking outside the Tesco Express in Cricklewood Broadway, north London

Last week figures from the Co-op revealed almost 300,000 incidents, often involving abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour, at its stores this year.

And the retail giant complained that officers failed to attend to four in five of these incidents, despite promises from forces and ministers to treat shop thefts more seriously.

The shoplifting epidemic often involves organised criminal gangs stealing high-value electricals, alcohol and cigarettes.

The crime has now extended to everyday items from meat, cheese and laundry liquid to nappies and baby formula amid rising living costs.

Co-op said it has seen an average of around 1,000 incidents a day across its 2,400 stores so far this year, which is up by 43 per cent on last year.

These include over 1,130 physical assaults, up 35 per cent, against store workers, and more than 36,000 incidents, up 39 per cent, of anti-social behaviour and abuse.

Co-op's latest data shows that of the near-3,000 occasions this year where specialist security teams detained serious offenders, police failed to show up 76 per cent of the time, leading to a dangerous 'pressure cooker' environment that puts store workers and communities at risk.

The figures were released at the start of Respect for Shopworkers' Week, run by the union USDAW, and come against the background of the launch of a new Government Retail Crime Action Plan.

This includes a commitment that police forces will attend incidents where the offender is detained.

Shocking CCTV footage revealed earlier this month shows Joseph Tait (centre) brazenly taking armfuls of chilled food from the fridges of Sainsbury's in Newcastle

USDAW general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: 'These Co-op findings on police responses are extremely worrying and need to be addressed, because there is an epidemic of shoplifting that too often triggers abuse of shopworkers.

'We are concerned that successive Government policies give the impression that theft from shops has effectively been decriminalised.

'Underfunding of the police, with too few uniformed officers patrolling our communities; fixed penalty notices for thefts under 200, leading to too few of these crimes being investigated and prosecuted, and the recent announcement that fewer 'low-level offenders' will not be sent to prison.

'Our members are not only in fear of being a victim of crime, they are distressed that too few criminals are being caught and punished. That is why we are jointly calling for a protection of workers law, a standalone offence of assaulting or abusing a worker serving the public.'

The Co-op managing director, Matt Hood, has also warned there is a long way to go to address the issue of retail crime which has reached record levels with repeat offenders and criminal gangs 'operating exempt from consequences'.

He said: 'We very urgently need to see it in action in our stores, so the desperate calls to the police from my front line colleagues are responded to and the criminals start to realise there are real consequences to their actions.'

Shoplifters have even been stealing from charity shops. This graphic shows how one man walked out with a TV

The Co-op said there is evidence that police forces which target shoplifting can make a real difference.

He said partnerships this year with forces such as Nottinghamshire, Essex and Sussex have removed 56 prolific offenders off the streets, with a combined 26 years of custodial sentences.

READ MORE - Shoplifters in Britain will have mugshots sent to shops to create rogue gallery of worst offenders Advertisement

A further 31 repeat offenders were given a Criminal Behaviour Order or rehabilitation.

Inspector Ollie Vale, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'This is not an issue that the Police alone can enforce our way out of, working with our partners both in public sector and retail and understanding the limitations and challenges being faced allows for better results for victims and offenders. The importance of information sharing and working together cannot be emphasised enough.'

Co-op has invested more than 200million over recent years in colleague and store safety and security, including the latest CCTV technology.

These include body-worn cameras, capturing real time audio and visual footage at the touch of a button, as well as dummy or empty packaging to deter looting and bulk-theft.

This week saw the jailing of two members of a gang of Romanian shoplifters who stole goods worth at least 65,000 from Morrisons stores across the UK in a 'sophisticated and organised' operation.

Norwich Crown Court heard how Robert-Claudiu Alexe, 24, and Elena-Brindusa Efta, 35, travelled hundreds of miles to target up to 69 branches of the supermarket chain.

The pair used foil-lined bags to steal high value products worth up to 1,000 a time from Morrisons stores in a seven month spree across 26 counties.

The pair used foil-lined bags to steal goods they could sell on quickly including alcohol, cosmetics, make-up, hygiene products such as razor blades and electric toothbrush heads, Nicorette patches, ink cartridges and batteries.

Romanian shoplifters Robert-Claudiu Alexe, 24, and Elena-Brindusa Efta, 35, travelled hundreds of miles to target up to 69 branches of Morrisons

Paul Gerrard, director of public affairs at the Co-op, is among retail bosses calling on the police to take tougher action

The court was not told why the gang targeted the retailer which has the slogan 'More Reasons to Shop at Morrisons'.

But their raids became so serious that Morrisons was forced to increase security at stores across the country in a bid to foil them.

It also launched its own major investigation to catch the gang at a cost of more than 22,000, said prosecutor Matthew Edwards.

Alexe and Efta were finally arrested on May 2 this year when they were detained by staff while trying to target the Morrisons store in Dereham, Norfolk.

The court heard that the alarm was raised earlier in the day by security guard who noticed a large quantity of ink had gone missing from the Morrisons store at nearby Fakenham.

Using CCTV footage, he was able to identify the suspects and warned the Dereham store that the offenders could target them next.

Mr Edwards said the identities of two other gang members were known, but they had evaded arrest and were still at large.

The court was told that the full value of what the gang had stolen might never be known.

Mr Edwards said the gang had run a 'sophisticated and organised' operation targeting stores across East Anglia, the north west, Midlands, Yorkshire, Sussex, Humberside, and the south west of the UK

Stores which had shelves stripped bare of some items included branches in Sheffield, Halifax, Skipton, Lincoln, Scunthorpe, Leyland in Lancashire, Keighley in West Yorkshire and Cwmbran in Wales.

Norfolk officers worked with multiple police forces and Morrisons security staff to gather evidence including CCTV to link them with the numerous thefts.

West Midlands Police found goods worth 9,000 including sun cream, beard trimmers, chewing gum, wipes and batteries at Alexe's home in Ardea Court, Coventry, after his arrest.

A search of his car parked at Dereham recovered more than 2,000 worth of stock.

The court heard how the pair were identified as being involved in 47 known thefts from Morrisons stores in 26 different counties.

While in prison on remand, they were quizzed by Norfolk Police's Operation Converter Unit which encourages offenders to admit to further crimes that can be taken into consideration at sentencing. This lead to a further 22 thefts being detected.

Alexe admitted 14 high value thefts of goods worth 27,903, one charge of going equipped to shoplift and one of possessing criminal property between January 26, 2023, and May this year.

He asked for 14 other offences involving goods worth 25,168 to be taken into consideration.

The court was told he had previous convictions of theft in Germany and Denmark.

Efta from Mapperley Drive, Northampton, admitted seven thefts of goods worth 12,064 between October 12, 2022, and May this year, and one count of going equipped.

She asked for eight other offences to be taken into consideration, totalling 8,723 worth of goods stolen from Morrisons.

Recorder John Bate-Williams jailed Alexe for 27 months and Efta for 18 months.

He said their actions had caused distress to staff and customers and large financial losses and reputational damage to Morrisons.

The judge told the pair: 'You two Romanian nationals were part of a gang comprising at least four members who all participated in a large-scale criminal enterprise in which Morrisons supermarkets were targeted all over England and in Wales.

'Goods with substantial values were stolen with careful planning using what seems to have been a kind of distraction technique and foil-lined bags to reduce the risk of detection.

'It's clear that you targeted particular items on the basis that they were going to be straightforward to dispose of and distribute to willing customers.'

Mizan Abdulrouf, defending Alexe, said he had worked in an Amazon warehouse until losing his job during the pandemic.

He added: 'He has done something very stupid that he regrets and he is very remorseful.'

Emma Kutner, defending Efta, said she was a single mother with a seven-year-old son in Romania who had arrived in the UK last year hoping to seek work.

But she was lured into crime after her failure to find a job left her in 'financial desperation', she added.

Following their sentencing. Norfolk Police's Operation Converter supervisor Duncan Etchells said: 'They were first identified as being active in October 2022 and spent months travelling around the UK working together to steal from Morrisons.

'Their operation unravelled after they were stopped by store security in Norfolk. Following extensive research by PC Luke Brown and Rachel Gillett of Morrisons analysing CCTV and closely plotting their movements we have been able to bring these people to justice for all their offending.'

Morrisons declined to comment.
Chinese Film Week in Myanmar kicks off in Yangon

Xinhua) 09:55, November 24, 2023

Myanmar's Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn addresses the opening ceremony of the 2023 Chinese Film Week at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 Chinese Film Week in Myanmar kicked off on Thursday with screening of five Chinese movies at the China Cultural Center in Yangon. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

YANGON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Chinese Film Week in Myanmar kicked off on Thursday with screening of five Chinese movies at the China Cultural Center in Yangon.

The film week, which will run until Nov. 27, is jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, the China Media Group and the China Cultural Center in Yangon.

Myanmar's Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn said at the opening ceremony that the event would help Myanmar people better understand China and promote the China-Myanmar "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.

The hard-working Chinese people and the broad history of China would be understood by watching the movies, he said, adding that it would also help deepen understanding and trust between the people of the two countries.

Zheng Zhihong, minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, also delivered a speech at the event.

Five Chinese movies, including Dream of the Red Mansions, A Bite of China Season 2, Detective Chinatown 1 and The Journey to The West, will be screened during the film week.

Zheng Zhihong, minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Chinese Film Week at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 Chinese Film Week in Myanmar kicked off on Thursday with screening of five Chinese movies at the China Cultural Center in Yangon. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to make the 2030 World Expo a platform to spread and create synergy between each nation's culture, skills and beliefs if Busan is chosen as the host.

Yoon made the promise during a dinner with members of the diplomatic corps in Paris and delegates to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the body overseeing the World Expo, with five days left until BIE member states cast their votes.

The host of the 2030 World Expo will be decided by a vote during a BIE general assembly in Paris on Tuesday. Korea's southeastern city of Busan is competing against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome, Italy.

In his welcoming remarks, Yoon noted that the international community's interest in and understanding of Korean culture, including its food, K-pop and movies, are on the rise.

He also offered a vision to make the 2030 World Expo a platform to further spread and create synergy between each country's culture, skills and beliefs based on the cultural appeal of Korea and Busan.

Yoon later greeted the diplomatic corps and the BIE delegates individually and reaffirmed Korea's strong commitment to hosting the event and realizing the vision.

He especially sought to promote Busan by highlighting its free, open and innovative image. (Yonhap)
BBC bosses are under fire after daytime serial drama Doctors dedicated an entire episode of its show normalising 'furrys' and shamed one of its characters into apologising for calling them 'abnormal.'

During Wednesday's lunchtime episode, entitled Furryland, grandad Colin Shaw, played by Stephen Bent, was shocked when grandson Ethan came out as a furry and said his behaviour was perverted and called him a weirdo.

Viewers watched the show  in BBC One's 1.45pm slot - as Ethan excitedly took delivery of his 'Bear' costume and proceeded to walk around the house in the fancy dress outfit as his granddad showed his disgust.

But the granddad's views were challenged by GP business manager Bear Sylvester, actor Dex Lee, who goes to check on the elderly man at his home.

Doctors dedicated an entire episode of its show normalising 'furrys' and shamed one of its characters into apologising for calling them 'abnormal'

During the episode Doctors regular Bear had a heart-to-heart with Ethan about his furry persona before he returned to see his grandad Colin

On his arrival, and introducing himself, Colin said: 'I've already got one bear down there as you can see. It was bad enough when 'they decided to be non binary' his name is Ethan.'

During the episode Doctors regular Bear had a heart-to-heart with Ethan about his furry persona before he returned to see his grandad Colin.

Bear said: 'Ethan is a kind, sensitive kid. You accepted their gender so why not this?'

Colin replied: 'Because it's abnormal' with which Bear said: 'Colin, being a furry is not abnormal. Ethan has found a community of people that shares their interests and they get joy from that.

'Maybe this furry thing is a phase maybe it isn't but it's not hurting anyone so does it really matter. Do you know where Ethan's going tonight? Why don't you go along and see for yourself.'

Later in the episode Bear takes Colin to the local pub where Ethan is attending his first 'furry' meet up and is sitting alongside other people dressed up as animals.

Later in the episode Bear takes Colin to the local pub where Ethan is attending his first 'furry' meet up and is sitting alongside other people dressed up as animals

Turning to his grandson, Colin said: 'I was a bit harsh earlier I said some things that I shouldn't have and I didn't mean them. Please come home if you want to, with your suit. And your friends.'

With that the entire furry community cheers and the pair hug. But as the episode played out on-screen angry viewers took to Twitter to vent their anger and disgust

Turning to his grandson, Colin said: 'I was a bit harsh earlier I said some things that I shouldn't have and I didn't mean them. Please come home if you want to, with your suit. And your friends.'

With that the entire furry community cheers and the pair hug. But as the episode played out on-screen angry viewers took to Twitter to vent their anger and disgust.

One said: 'Are you not aware of the kinks, porn and fetishism surrounding those who identify as Furrys?' While another slammed the storyline, tweeting: 'A grandad is re-educated as to normality of #furrycommunity, Goes to furry party to apologise for his bigotry. Realises they're all lovely wholesome peeps. All the cosplayers cheer, roll credits. Utter dross.'

While another slammed the soap, and said: 'Bring back kink shaming. Normalising this as harmless and innocent, how thick do they think people are?'

The BBC announced last month that it would be cancelling the daytime drama Doctors after 23 years on our screens with its last episode airing in December 2024.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'The fictional storylines on Doctors draw inspiration from real life experience including topics such as identity, and the series has an excellent track record in championing all forms of diversity.'

The corporation added that if there are more than 100 official complaints they will appear in their fortnightly complaints bulletin.
The top diplomats of South Korea, China and Japan will hold trilateral talks in the southeastern port city of Busan this weekend, Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday, a gathering expected to focus on preparations to resume the long-suspended summit of the three neighbors.

Foreign Minister Park Jin will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Sunday for broad discussions on ways to boost trilateral cooperation and other regional and global issues, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

On Sunday, Park will hold separate bilateral talks with Wang and Kamikawa, respectively, before inviting the two ministers to a luncheon meeting.

The three-way talks will take place after the luncheon.

Wang and Kamikawa are expected to arrive in Busan on Saturday.

The ministerial talks raise the prospect of reviving the trilateral summit among the leaders of the three Northeast Asian neighbors after a nearly four-year hiatus.

As the current rotating chair, Seoul has been pushing to host the summit before the end of this year.

The trilateral summit was last held in China's southwestern city of Chengdu in December 2019.

It has not been held largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the deterioration in bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo over the issue of compensating Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

Talks of reviving the summit gathered momentum amid a dramatic warming of the Seoul-Tokyo relations after South Korea said in March it will compensate the Korean victims on its own without asking for contributions from Japanese companies.

In a senior officials' meeting in late September, the three countries agreed to hold the tripartite summit at "the earliest convenient time."

The ministers' talks also come amid a rise in tensions after the North placed a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit Tuesday, a success believed to have been achieved with Russia's help.

South Korea, the United States, Japan and Britain have accused the North of providing weapons and munitions to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, in return for getting assistance in military technologies.

The North's latest provocation and the growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow are expected to be a key agenda item at Sunday's talks.

They are also likely to discuss efforts to promote three-way cooperation in forward-looking areas, such as sustainability and climate change, science and digital technologies, health and aging society, and people-to-people exchanges.

It will mark the first visit by Kamikawa since she took office in September. Wang last visited South Korea in September 2021. (Yonhap)
President promises 'largest aid package' to member countries

By Nam Hyun-woo

PARIS  President Yoon Suk Yeol canvassed the international delegations to the World Expo governing body during a banquet in Paris, Thursday (local time), personally connecting with those present one by one to to promote the Korean port city of Busans bid to host the World Expo 2030.

The banquet took place hours after Yoon arrived in Paris to make last-minute efforts to sell the idea that the Busan Expo 2030 would be an optimal platform to spread and create synergy between each nations cultures, skills and beliefs. It came just five days before the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), during which the members are set to vote for the host city of the 2030 event.

With more than 60 diplomats and BIE delegates attending, Yoon posed for photos with almost every participant and laid out Busans vision for the World Expo, according to presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon.

Korea seeks to make a responsible contribution to the international community by hosting the World Expo 2030 in Busan, Yoon was quoted as saying.

Korea has dedicated itself to education, nurtured scientific advancements and blossomed culturally throughout its history, and these experiences can be realized anywhere in the world  Through the Busan Initiative, Korea seeks to share its developmental experiences with the international community and take the lead in addressing challenges facing humanity, such as climate crises and Global South issues.

The initiative he referred to seeks to engage in various global challenges, including sharing Koreas green technologies to combat the climate crisis and implementing IT innovations to enhance the global digital environment.

Yoon stated that the Busan Expo will provide a platform for solidarity, a stage for all participating nations to showcase their unique cultures and traditions and a venue that connects with the future generations of humanity.

I hope to see everyone here again at the Busan World Expo, which will provide the largest aid package, Yoon said.

Spokesperson Lee noted that participants said the banquet was an opportunity to communicate Koreas commitment to hosting the event and the countrys cultural capabilities. The spokesman said those present appreciated Korea's efforts to contribute to the international community and build peace, highlighting the potential of the Busan Expo as a new platform for cultural dialogue and understanding cultural diversity.

Busan is now staging a neck-and-neck race with another Expo hopeful, Riyadh of Saudi Arabia. In Paris, advertisement boards promoting the two cities bids were easily noticeable. Italy's Rome is also in the race.

The BIE has 182 member states around the globe. A total of 179 member countries will vote for the host city on Nov. 28 during the upcoming 173rd General Assembly of the organization.

During the banquet, Yoon visited each table to engage with people, as well as taking photos with them and offering his best wishes for each nations prosperity.

This is Yoon's second visit to Paris related to Busans Expo bid this year. In June, he delivered a presentation in front of BIE representatives in Paris, stressing that Busan seeks to host the event to serve as a platform for solutions to crises facing humanity.

In September, Yoon held summits with leaders from more than 20 countries on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia and the Group of 20 summit in India. Later in the month, he met more than 47 national leaders in New York during the United Nations General Assembly.

Along with Yoon, Korean business leaders participating in the event also promoted Busans bid.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun said in his speech that Busan is gaining much international attention due to the countrys scientific and technological advances, K-pop and local food, and stressed that Korea will keep its promise to each country regardless of the outcome of the vote.
By Kim Hyun-bin

Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi emphasized the significance of autonomy as a key driver for peace and development during an event titled Autonomy as a relay for development comparative approach held in Seoul, Friday.

Drawing parallels between the familial and national levels, Rachadi highlighted the importance of active choices and behaviors in building and sustaining peace.

"Peace is a verb," Rachadi said. Billions of people across the world hope and pray for peace. It is a dream shared by all humans from every language, background, creed and experience. But that verb not only implies but demands action.

He stressed that achieving peace requires not only passive hopes and prayers but active engagement and decisions.

Rachadi drew on the analogy of a family, asserting that a wise family encourages self-determination and embraces diversity among its members rather than enforcing rigid control. Expanding this wisdom to the national and global context, he underscored the historical success stories of autonomy in regions such as Jeju Special Autonomous Province in Korea and the Moroccan Sahara.

Highlighting the challenges posed by separatism, Rachadi praised autonomy as a more hopeful alternative, citing its pivotal role in promoting peace, security, and economic development. He cited the Broad Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara Region, presented by Morocco in 2007, as a "serious and credible" basis for peace recognized by the U.N. Security Council and the international community.

Rachadi recounted the historical context of Morocco's pursuit of autonomy in the Sahara, referencing the Green March of 1975 initiated by the late King Hassan II, and shared a congratulatory message acknowledging Morocco's victory in recovering the Sahara territory.

Turning to the present, Rachadi showcased the success of the autonomy model in the Moroccan Sahara, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for development, economic growth and regional stability.

The region is becoming an economic hub, a leading center of cooperation and a geostrategic space dedicated to stability and shared prosperity, he said.

Rachadi presented concrete evidence of the positive impact of autonomy on the Sahara region, including comprehensive development, infrastructure projects and increased voter turnout. He underlined the economic benefits, with Morocco investing $7 for every $1 of revenue from the region.

The symposium, titled "Autonomy as a relay for development comparative approach," had the objective of tackling practical examples around autonomy, taking Korea's Jeju Special Self-Governing Province as a living example in Asia recognizing the island's unique status and the desire to promote its development while preserving its distinctive culture and environment. As well as highlighting the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for the southern regions of Morocco as a viable initiative on the African continent.

The symposium was divided into two sessions, with the first highlighting theoretical and practical approaches to autonomy, and the second session focusing on development and regional security through autonomy including development aspirations in the Moroccan Sahara through the autonomy plan.
The Nantucket Christmas tree lighting that President Joe Biden was attending Friday evening with his family was interrupted by 'Free Palestine' protesters.

The president, first lady Jill Biden and their children and grandchildren were gathered alongside the tree in Nantucket's town square as the town crier led the countdown to get the tree illuminated.

But after that went off without a hitch - after technical difficulties last year - fewer than 10 protesters at the front of the crowd unveiled 'free Palestine' and 'end apartheid' signs, directly in the president's line of sight.

'Biden, Biden you can't hide. We charge you with genocide,' they chanted.

A man went up to the microphone to remind them 'this is a community tree lighting' and said that while he 'respected their right to the First Amendment' he encouraged them to stop.

Protesters held up 'Free Palestine' and 'end apartheid' signs at the Nantucket Christmas tree lighting that President Joe Biden attended with his family Friday evening

President Joe Biden (center) stands with family members (from left) Hunter, Melissa Cohen, Ashley, little Hunter and Naomi at Nantucket's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which was interrupted by 'Free Palestine' protesters

Baby Beau Biden is hoisted up by his sister Maisy Biden at the annual Nantucker Christmas tree lighting that was interrupted by 'Free Palestine' protesters

The pro-Palestine demonstration popped up after Nantucket's downtown Christmas tree was lit for the holiday season, with President Joe Biden and his family situated a short distance away

They resisted, but their message was drowned out by the crowd's cheering and loud Christmas music playing.

The children's choir rushed over to the president in the interim.

The demonstrators were all Nantucket natives or currently live on the island.

'Nantucket Island has long been considered an exclusive vacation getaway for rich tourists. However, the protests on Friday night indicate that island residents are pushing back on their island and community being used as a safe haven for politicians and wealthy elites,' said a press release about the protest.

Another pro-Palestine protest is scheduled for tomorrow, when the Biden family usually returns to the downtown shopping area for mark Small Business Saturday.

The Christmas tree lighting was the Biden family's last stop off the day after taking over downtown Nantucket for several hours.

The president's traditional Black Friday jaunt was delayed due to the first release of hostages from Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel.

Biden has become a target of criticism over his steadfast support of Israel, whose military has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians in their effort to root out Hamas fighters responsible for the October 7 attack.

He again said Friday that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be mindful of civilian casualties.

'I have encouraged the prime minister to focus on trying to reduce the number of casualties while he is attempting to eliminate Hamas, which is a legitimate objective he has. That's a difficult task and I don't know how long it will take,' Biden said.

The Biden clan reacts to the Christmas tree lighting Friday evening on Nantucket. (From left) Hunter, Melissa Cohen, the president, Ashley Biden, Howard Krein, little Hunter, Finnegan, baby Beau, Maisy and Dr. Jill Biden

Ashley Biden (center right) sported a holly and reindeer ears headband and attended the tree lighting with her husband Howard Krein (right), while Hunter Biden (left) stood with wife Melissa Cohen (center left)

Dr. Jill Biden (left) smiles as she wateches the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street in Nantucket alongside Hunter Biden (left) and President Joe Biden (center)

President Joe Biden (right) addressed the nation Friday afternoon from the White Elephant Hotel in Nantucket as the first hostages were released by Hamas from Gaza. No U.S. citizens have yet to be released and the president wasn't sure when that would happen

Onlookers react to seeing President Joe Biden roaming the streets Friday of Nantucket ahead of the town's annual Christmas tree lighting

'My expectation and hope is that as we move forward, the rest of the Arab world and the region is also putting pressure on all sides to slow this down, to bring this to an end as quickly as we can,' he added.

He and Dr. Biden then left the room together to join the larger Biden clan.

The Bidens had a very late lunch at the historic whaling bar Brotherhood of Thieves and then popped into Nantucket Bookworks, stops that are part of their family Thanksgiving trip tradition.

Biden used Nantucket's waterfront White Elephant hotel to deliver remarks and take questions from reporters, before walking uptown for food, shopping and the island's Christmas kick-off.

Son Hunter and his wife Melissa Cohen were out on the streets with baby Beau, along with Hunter's children from his first marriage - Maisy, Finnegan and Naomi.

First lady Jill Biden (left) and President Joe Biden (right) walk through Nantucket Friday after the president delivered remarks on the hostage situation in Gaza

Hunter Biden (left) holds hands with his wife Melissa Cohen (left) and holds a hoodie from Brotherhood of Thieves, the Nantucket restaurant where the Biden family likes to have their Black Friday lunch

First lady Jill Biden (left) holds the arm of her daughter Ashley Biden (right) who sported a bright green coat. The first family attends Nantucket's Christmas tree lighting as part of their Thanksgiving festivites

President Joe Biden (right) and first lady Jill Biden (left) depart the White Elephant Hotel on Nantucket after the president delivered brief remarks on the hostage situation in Gaza. They then headed uptown where they had a late lunch and did some shopping

Naomi's husband of one year, Peter Neal, was also along for the trip.

First daughter Ashley Biden, sporting a festive kelly green coat, walked side by side with her mother.

Her husband Howard Krein attended the Christmas tree lighting, where Ashley put on a festive holly and reindeer eared headband.

Hunter and Melissa held hands while the first son carried a Brotherhood of Thieves hoodie with him as they walked down the Nantucket streets.

The children of the late Beau Biden, Hunter and Natalie, also joined the family on their outing.

'We're having a great time, thank you,' Dr. Biden told reporters after stepping out of the bookstore.

The president acknowledged he was doing some Christmas shopping.

'Yes. Can't come without going to the bookstore. We've got a tradition,' he said.

Biden walked out of the bookstore carrying the tome Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson he then popped into Craftmasters of Nantucket, a store Hunter was spotted in Wednesday purchasing a pair of slippers.

Onlookers shouted 'Happy Birthday' at the president, who turned 81 on Monday.

He and the family officially celebrated the occasion Wednesday at their 13,000 square foot waterfront compound, owned by friend David Rubenstein, a billionaire philanthropist.
By Nam Hyun-woo

PARIS  President Yoon Suk Yeol and French President Emmanuel Macron decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation in future and advanced industries, Friday (local time), during their summit on the occasion of Yoon's visit to Paris to promote the South Korean city of Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030.

During the summit, the leaders acknowledged the active exchanges between the two countries in the fields of rechargeable batteries and renewable energy, and stressed the need to expand their partnerships in nuclear power, quantum computing, startups, semiconductors and other future industries.

Also, Yoon and Macron noted that the South Korea-France partnership should encompass efforts to combat climate change, and promised to step up ties in lowering carbon reliance and renewable energies. In doing so, Macron highlighted South Koreas carbon-free energy initiative.

On the political front, the leaders echoed the necessity of international cooperation to contain North Koreas continued nuclear and missile provocations, with Macron expressing Paris full support on South Koreas stance on the North Korea issue.

The summit came five months after Yoon and Macron met in June, when Yoon visited Paris to promote Busans Expo bid.

Yoon returned to Paris this week in a last-minute effort to sell the idea that the Busan is the optimal host for the World Expo 2030 to the diplomats and delegations to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), with just four days remaining before the Expo governing body is to hold its general assembly and vote for the host city. Reportedly, the latest summit was arranged on the request from France.

South Koreas presidential office said the summit served as an opportunity to strengthen industrial and economic partnerships and security cooperation with France, based on the two countries friendship and mutual trust.
A Seoul court on Friday sentenced a man to life in prison for murdering a neighbor living downstairs, then setting her body and apartment on fire over a water leakage dispute.

The 40-year-old man, only identified by his surname Jung, is accused of stabbing to death a woman in her 70s, who lived downstairs from him, then setting her body and home aflame in Seoul's Sinjeong-dong on June 14. The suspect also reportedly stole the victim's money to use as his escape fund.

The man reportedly committed the crime after holding a grudge against the victim, whose children asked him to resolve a water ingress problem between the floors in December last year.

The Seoul Southern District Court handed down the life sentence for Jung, saying, "In light of all the evidence combined, the court finds the suspect guilty and at risk of committing a second offense.

"The suspect blamed his own economic hardships and problems within his family as the reasons for committing the crime," the court said, adding he went as far as blaming the victim during the early phase of the investigations.

The court, however, said it also took into account that the suspect conceded to all the charges, has no criminal record and did not seem to have premeditated the crime.

Following the court ruling, the bereaved family members of the victim denounced the decision, calling for the death penalty for the man and urging the prosecution to appeal to a higher court.

The prosecution demanded the death penalty for Jung last month. (Yonhap)
Korea's foreign ministry said Friday it respects a 2015 agreement with Japan to settle the issue of wartime sex slaves, a day after a Seoul high court ordered Japan to compensate the victims.

A foreign ministry official said the ministry is looking into the details of the ruling.

On Thursday, the Seoul High Court overturned a lower court's rejection of a damages suit filed by victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery and ordered Japan to pay 200 million won ($153,800) in compensation to each of the 16 victims.

The Japanese government protested against the court ruling, summoning Korean Ambassador to Japan Yun Duk-min and urging Seoul to immediately take appropriate measures to remedy the status of its breaches of international law.

In 2015, Korea and Japan announced the deal to "finally and irreversibly" resolve the wartime sex slave issue, while Tokyo apologized for its colonial-era atrocities and agreed to contribute 1.3 billion yen ($8.9 million) to a foundation dedicated to supporting the victims.

In March, Korea said it will compensate the Korean victims on its own without asking for contributions from Japanese companies, a decision that led to a dramatic warming of the Seoul-Tokyo ties and the resumption of reciprocal visits by their leaders.

Many Koreans still harbor deep resentment against Japan for its harsh colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, when many young Korean women were forced to serve as sexual slaves for Japanese soldiers. (Yonhap)
Kyle Richards and estranged husband Mauricio Umansky spent Thanksgiving together in Aspen on Thursday.

Despite there being tensions between the reality star, 54, and the real estate mogul, 53, since announcing their separation earlier in 2023, they made the decision to share the holidays together with their family.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star was holding an Amazon Live last week when she asked who she would be spending her Thanksgiving with Mauricio.

'My whole family, everyone who lives in this house family,' she replied, in a reference to all their kids and Umansky. '[For Christmas] we will go together to Aspen. We will be doing that together.'

By the time Turkey Day rolled around Richards shared a video on Instagram of the family celebrating the holiday, and Umansky posted a clip where he revealed they would be playing host to up to 20 people.

Family first: Kyle Richards, 54, and estranged husband Mauricio Umansky, 53, spent Thanksgiving together

It didn't end there, Bye Wig, Hello Drama posted a video of Umansky proudly boasting about cooking up a storm for Thanksgiving with the caption: 'Mauricio and Kyle spending thanksgiving together!'

In the clip, he takes charge and shows off the various tasty entrees on the menu, starting with the large pan of turkey, that followed by pans of green beans and mash potatoes, among many others.

'Cookies, cookies,' Umansky then starts to chant, as the camera turns towards some of the sweet treats being eaten at their feast.

'We are goooooooood,' he ended the video, all while holding on to the word 'good' for a few seconds with excitement.

In his post on his Instagram page earlier in the day, the author of The Dealmaker looked to be still prepping for the holiday party when he slipped into promo mode.

'Happy Thanksgiving I'm celebrating @dinkmamtitas, he shared at the bottom of the clip where he revealed he was getting ready to have up to 20 over to their house in Aspen.

'I'm so excited. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. I'm grateful and I love you guys, she continued on with such enthusiasm, before going into one more excited rant.

I'm hope everybody has had an amazing Turkey Day, and I just want to send my love, my thanks, and I'm wishing everybody a beautiful, incredible Thanksgiving.'

'From my home to every body else's' he concluded, as he blew a kiss towards the camera.

The Dealmaker author also had a video of him taking part in the preparation for their holiday party on Bye Wig, Hello Drama

Big reveal: The reality star had one of the workers life a pan lid to reveal the many different items on the menu for the festivities

The remnants: The man of the house also showed all the leftovers and remnants of food

Hyped for holiday: Umansky got playful at times with all his positive energy

Cookie monster: The Dealmaker author also turned the camera to reveal some of the cookies and other sweet treats also on the dessert menu

Sharing update: In his other post on his Instagram page earlier in the day, Umansky looked to be still prepping for the holiday party when he slipped into promo mode

Host: Richards also took to her Instagram page on Thursday and shared a video that showed Umasky playing host from behind a bar full of liquor and food

Mother Nature shout-out: Richards began her Thanksgiving by snapping a beautiful photo of Mother Nature, and sharing how this is one of the reasons why 'I'm a morning person, Happy Thanksgiving'

Xmas coming: Richards and Umansky plan to keep their tradition of celebrating Christmas at their Aspen home with the kids this year again; They are pictured with their daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15, and Kyle's daughter Farrah, 34, from a previous marriage

Ahead of Thanksgiving the estranged couple had already proved they were putting their family first over anything else when they vacationed in Italy over the summer.

Richards and Umansky as well as their daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15, and Kyle's daughter Farrah, 34, from a previous marriage were all on hand to soak up the sun in Italy over the summer

They all seemed to enjoyed their time together, considering many of them were sharing photos and videos from the trip to their social media platforms at the time.

'You know what, when you really do love someone that much, you don't just, it doesn't just go away no matter what the circumstances are,' Richards said of the love she and Umansky have shared. 'And we're putting our love for each other in front of all the other issues and putting our family first.'

Richards first met the real estate mogul in 1994 and then after about two years of later they decided to make it legal and marry in the winter of 1996.

After months of divorce rumors, a source close to the pair told People they had been 'separated' for a while now but were 'still living under the same roof.'

Waving the family first mantra even then, the source added, 'They remain amicable as they figure out whats next for them and their family.'

Later that ver same day, Richards and Umansky confirmed their separation in a joint statement released via Instagram.

They made a point of sharing that 'there had been no wrongdoing on anyone's part,' in the public statement, all while admitted to a 'rough year' that wound up being 'the most challenging of our marriage.'

Health: It comes after Kyle's rumored lover Morgan Wade, 28, revealed that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy earlier this week

Preventative: Morgan made the decision to undergo the surgery after she took a test that revealed she had a gene mutation that puts her at a higher risk of breast cancer

The family get together comes after Kyle's rumored lover Morgan Wade, 28, revealed that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy earlier this week.

Morgan shared two snaps to her Instagram, one before the surgery and then later an update after.

'Im recovering and got out of my room today. Was hoping to get my drains out - but gotta wait another week. Baby steps right now, but very grateful for the wonderful folks taking care of me,' she wrote.

Morgan made the decision to undergo the surgery after she took a test that revealed she had a gene mutation that puts her at a higher risk of breast cancer.

Despite denying an affair, Kyle and Morgan have been romantically-linked since the reality star announced her separation from Mauricio in July.

Those dating rumors hit an all-time high back in August after Kyle joined Morgan in her music video for her single Fall In Love With Me that month, which featured the two women pining for each other and climaxed with a passionate kiss between the two.
'The Ties Through Time' shows open in London and Seoul

By Jung Da-hyun

An exhibition spotlighting the 140-year history of diplomatic ties between Korea and the United Kingdom commenced on Nov. 15 in Seoul.

The exhibition, titled "The Ties Through Time: 140 Years of Korea-U.K. Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange," is organized by the Korean British Cultural Exchange (KBCE) and has transitioned from its initial display in London to its current venue in Seoul.

Given the constraints of presenting the entire 140-year history, the exhibition strategically focuses on the period from 1883, when the U.K.-Korea Treaty was negotiated, to 1905. This timeframe was chosen to provide a comprehensive view of the origins of the bilateral ties, according to the curation team at Sonoart Company.

Various sources including 19 photographs and 10 historical records are displayed to highlight the history of the relations between the two countries.

Particularly noteworthy were photographs of the initial construction of the British Embassy building in Korea and images depicting Korea during that era. These visuals were graciously provided by the grandson of Sir Walter Hillier, a British diplomat who resided in Korea at the time.

While both exhibitions shared common sources, such as photos illustrating the diplomatic history between Korea and the U.K., there were notable differences in presentation and content emphasis.

Due to spatial limitations in the Seoul exhibition, a scroll format was employed to display photos along with brief explanations.

Additionally, photo materials that could not be accommodated in the exhibition space were transformed into concise 3-minute videos, featuring interviews with a descendant of Sir Hillier, and were continuously played on a monitor within the exhibition hall.

The showcased photos related to the British Embassy in Korea traced its history from the hanok site, a site of traditional Korean buildings, before the construction of the marble building, to the subsequent construction process and the final appearance of the completed embassy building.

The British Embassy is the only one that has maintained its initial position. The first building was completed in 1891, and the second one in 1892.

Another distinctive feature of the Seoul exhibition is the introduction of three books authored by British individuals who visited Korea between 1883 and 1905. These books offer varied perspectives on Korea from the observer's viewpoint, with detailed information on the lives of common people and royal families, and illustrations of the period.

In the book "Life in Corea," intricate details about the lives of both common people and royal families in Korea during that period are meticulously described, almost akin to a clandestine observation of the country.

"Corea or Cho-sun: The Land of the Morning Calm" zeroes in on portraying the attire of the Korean populace. Notably, this book stands out for its inclusion of numerous illustrations depicting the people of that era.

The author of the third book, titled "Korea and Her Neighbor," made four visits to Korea before penning the book. It is emphasized that, in comparison to the other two works, this particular book vividly conveys the author's deep affection for Korea, reflecting the multiple visits she made to the country.

The exhibition also sheds light on two Korean diplomats who traveled to the U.K. during that era.

Min Young-hwan attended the coronation ceremony of King Nicholas II in 1896, marking the first instance of a Korean experiencing Western culture. The subsequent year, in 1897, he attended a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's enthronement in England.

Another diplomat, Yi Jae-gak, assumed a celebratory role in the mission to the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 in England. King Edward's health issue prevented his attendance at the coronation ceremony, but during his stay in London, Yi Jae-gak conducted interviews with reporters and contributed articles about the king to British daily newspapers.

The diplomatic exchanges illustrated by the stories of these two diplomats underscore the enduring ties between Korea and Britain.

After King Charles III's visit to the London exhibition on Nov. 8 (local time), he left his signature on two identical guest books. One of them was sent to Korea and is now being used as a guest book for the Seoul exhibition. This further adds significance to the event as an homage to the exchange between the two nations.

I hope this exhibition to serve as an opportunity to deepen understanding between the two countries, and that the two nations will continue to maintain a close relationship as eternal allies, said Min Sun-shik, the president of Korea Britain Society, which hosted the Seoul exhibition.

Meanwhile, the Seoul exhibition will be open to the public until Thursday at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Friday denounced North Korea's scrapping of a military tension reduction agreement with South Korea, expressing concern that tit-for-tat actions of both sides could lead to tensions getting out of control.

The North effectively scrapped the 2018 agreement on Thursday, saying it will restore all military measures halted under the deal. The move came after the South suspended part of the agreement in protest of the North's successful launch of a military spy satellite.

"North Korea effectively declared the scrapping of the Sept. 19 military agreement and I strongly condemn this," Rep. Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said during a party leadership meeting.

Lee said the situation is dangerously escalating with both sides taking tit-for-tat actions.

"The government should not make the mistake of killing a cow while trying to fix its horn, by pulling out the safety pin of peace, just to teach the North a bitter lesson," he said.

Lee also claimed that Russia could have decided to help with the North's satellite launch due to Seoul's hostile stance on Moscow.

The National Intelligence Service said Thursday that the North is believed to have successfully placed the satellite into orbit thanks to technological assistance from Russia in the wake of a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Later in the day, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) issued a statement slamming the DPK's critical stance on the government's decision.

"Watching the DPK stepping up criticism of our own government, rather than North Korea, at a time when there is a grave security situation, it makes us wonder whether the DPK is a political party of South Korea or is (a party) speaking for North Korea," Rep. Park Jeong-ha, the PPP's chief spokesperson, said. (Yonhap)
Ex-DPK lawmaker Choe faces backlash for deriding first lady as 'female animal'

By Jun Ji-hye

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has faced growing controversies over a series of gaffes made by its members, bringing a sense of crisis to the party leadership in the lead up to general elections, slated for April, when voters will elect new lawmakers.

Concerns are growing within the party, as the controversies have already led to a fall in its approval ratings according to a recent opinion poll.

The controversies began on Nov. 17 when the party unveiled its campaign banners for the upcoming elections. Some of the banners faced backlash for their seemingly derogatory representation of young voters.

The banners, which were teasers for the partys new campaign aimed at boosting support from young voters, read, I dont know politics, but want to be affluent, and I dont know economics, but want to have a lot of money.

The banners provoked criticism, especially from young people, leading the party to issue a formal apology on Nov. 20. At the time, the party vowed to reexamine its campaign for young voters from square one.

On Nov. 19, former DPK lawmaker Choe Kang-wook caused another controversy for using a Korean word meaning a female animal to apparently refer to first lady Kim Keon Hee.

During a book publishing event, Choe compared the Yoon government to George Orwells "Animal Farm," and used the Korean word amkeot that refers to female animals.

At the time, he said, The Yoon government has become the animal kingdom. But even in Animal Farm, few amkeots are running wild like that.

Choes use of the controversial word caused a stir both in and outside of the main opposition party.

Female lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party even called for the permanent expulsion of Choe, claiming that the word was offensive and derogatory to women.

In response to mounting criticism, the opposition party decided to impose a six-month party membership suspension on him on Nov. 22.

I sincerely apologize for Chois comments, DPK floor leader Rep. Hong Ihk-pyo said. We will respond sternly to any comments that are unrelated to the partys official stance and only cause conflict.

Party Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung also urged party members to take extra care of any comments, saying, The party is at an important juncture.

Several party members, however, have appeared to be uncooperative with the party leadership, expressing their regret over the decision to suspend Choes membership.

Amid growing controversies, the gap between the opposition party's approval ratings and those of the ruling party widened to 7 percentage points from the previous 3 percentage points.

In the opinion poll jointly conducted by four pollsters including Korea Research from Nov. 20 to 22, the DPKs approval ratings stood at 27 percent, compared to the ruling partys 34 percent.

The DPKs ratings fell by 1 percentage point, while those of the ruling party rose by 3 percentage points, from the numbers tallied two weeks ago.

As a sense of crisis gripped the opposition party, its leadership announced another measure on Friday, saying the party will enhance scrutiny of remarks made by those who are seeking to run in the upcoming elections, and reflect the results in its nomination screening.
Vivek Ramaswamy, US Preisdential candidate in the upcoming US elections has stirred a hornets nest by saying that Hinduism and Christanity are not dissimilar faith

Vivek Ramaswamy, in the fray in Americas Presidential contest, is making more news than almost any other candidate except perhaps Donald Trump. To draw the conservative white vote, particularly of the US Midwest, Ramaswamy has said that Hinduism and Christianity are not dissimilar faiths, and he is somewhat right.

Judaism and Islam are two religions utterly faithful to what their first Prophet Abraham wanted. Christianity defers from these two religions and is a little similar to Hinduism. God, more so his son, walked the earth for 33 years until he presumably ascended to heaven. Jesus Christ performed many miracles, most notably, transforming water into wine, saving the honour of a host. Also, many were cured of their illnesses by his miracles.

Secondly, there is no bar on wishing to have a glimpse of the Almighty, whereas the other two Abrahamic religions forbid such spirituality. The second of Moses Ten Commandments spoken on Mount Sinai, explicitly says: Thee shall not make any gravel image of thy Lord the God. But every Christian church houses a crucifix. Every Catholic church also has a statue of the Virgin Mary. Every Hindu temple has a murti (idol) of a deity. Every traditional Hindu considers his marriage sacred while Christianity believes marriage to be divine and indivisible.

When Ramaswamy talks about God, for Christians, Jesus is the son of God. The Hindu on the other hand has the choice to be an agnostic and another Hindu at the other end can be a whole-time bhakta (devotee). The compulsory requirement for a Hindu is to have a dharma and a purpose in his life. Karma is the performance to fulfil his chosen dharma, the measure of which would spontaneously determine his 'bhagya' or fate. Beyond this minimum commitment, the Hindu is free to choose his path, including treating Jesus as a divine avatar. This is what perhaps Ramaswamy meant when he said, My faith is what gives me my freedom.

Further, he says, Religion is that God resides in all of us. In Hinduism, all living beings are meteors of the Paramatma (the Supreme One). When Ramaswamy says Patriotism is cool again in the US, he implies that unlike Judaism and Islam, which are supranational, Christianity believes in nationhood which in fact, was born and bred in Christian Europe.

The Indian experience has been that Hindus and Muslims have clashed often, frequently erupting in riots. But there is no known record of a Hindu-Christian riot. It is when some Hindus are converted to Christianity that friction is visibly felt. A lot of converts do not necessarily change their names, whereas it is compulsory for anyone converting to Islam to replace his or her name with an Islamic one. Neither Hindus nor Christians have circumcision as a religious obligation, whereas, for the Jews and the Muslims, it is an integral part of their faith. Prophet Mohammad was born a Jew, and therefore, Muslims adhere to the practice as a part of the Sunnah (the life of the Prophet).

Christianity does believe that there is only one God, who is the father of Jesus. Hinduism, as we have seen, permits the worship of many deities, whether human-like or animals and even certain vegetations like the peepal tree.

In contrast, Christianity has limited itself to religion and hasnt opened the scope for spirituality or the attempt by worshippers to obtain a glimpse of the divine, if not try to see the divine oneself. Being familiar with the miracles of Jesus Christ and the psalms and perhaps a pilgrimage to Calvary Hill and also the Vatican, one can say these are virtually the horizons in addition to Church-going and worship.

With education and inquiry, much thinking and learning happened after Christs advent and the enormous contribution of St. Peter and St. Paul. However, by incidentally being deductive in its logic, Christianity hasnt opened avenues of spirituality. A thinking person reaches a stage when his mind seeks spiritual avenues. Any person seeking an elevation finds deductive logic a limiting factor and an obstacle. The postulate of deductive logic is always a given premise from which its corollaries flow. The reasoning appears immaculately logical; the only weakness is that the premise may be imaginary, such as there is only one god and that may god is the only one. Hinduism does not employ the deductive approach. It does not begin with any given premise. Rather, it begins on the ground and works upwards; not top-down, as in deductive logic.

Dharma and its achievement, namely karma are the bedrock of this process of thought.

This resembles the law of physics, wherein every action has an opposite reaction. The conclusion that is arrived at is left to the worshipper or scholar. This is a method that would appeal to an intellectual. Therefore, once it is known and understood by those who seek spirituality, it may well appeal to any intelligent American in search of the first steps of spirituality. The latest development i.e., the grand opening of the large Akshardham Temple in New Jersey is a case in point. The function was attended in great numbers by Americans of all walks of life, including those looking for an alternative pathway in life.

(The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal)
Creativity in education is the catalyst for transforming knowledge into innovation, encouraging learners to think, explore, and connect

As the world of education continues to evolve, a growing consensus is emerging that creativity is essential for defining the future of education. Rather than relying on textbooks and standardised assessments, a creative approach to curriculum is becoming increasingly popular as a means of unlocking students' potential.

Creativity is not only an art form but also a cognitive ability that spans multiple disciplines and enables students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Educators can create an environment that encourages learners to dwell on varied innovations and skills by incorporating creative elements into the educational curriculum. A creative curriculum accommodates diverse learning styles and preferences. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, fostering a sense of autonomy and personalisation in their educational journey. All skills begin in the brain. Whether learning to swim breaststroke or solve an equation, it all starts with neurons firing in the right area of the brain repeatedly until you master it.

The right amount of creativity inspires children to learn new things and fosters innovation. Innovative educational environments have the power to significantly change how students learn and apply what they learn in the real world.

Emotional and Social Development: Creative activities often involve self-expression and collaboration, contributing to emotional and social skill development. Students learn to express themselves confidently and understand others' perspectives.

Enhanced Critical Thinking: It encourages students to think critically, analyse information, and develop problem-solving skills. This, in turn, improves their overall cognitive abilities.

Skill Development: There is a wide range of skill development among the students. Once engaged in creative pursuits often enhance their communication skills, collaboration abilities, and adaptability.

Increased Engagement and Motivation: Creative elements in the curriculum make learning more enjoyable and relevant to students' interests. This heightened engagement fosters intrinsic motivation, leading to increased effort, participation, and a positive attitude toward academic tasks.

Personalised Learning: Being engaged in creative activities allows students to develop different forms of expression, catering to diverse learning styles. For instance, students who struggle with traditional methods can thrive when allowed to express themselves creatively, leading to a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Retention Power: Creativity enhances the retention of information and knowledge. When students connect academic content to creative projects or real-world applications, they are more likely to remember and apply what they have learned.

The inclusion of creativity in the curriculum has a positive impact on student performance. It makes learning a dynamic and meaningful experience that equips students for success in the classroom and lifetime.

In an era marked by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, 3D printing, AR/VR, and biotech, it's crucial to question: Are our schools truly equipping our children for this future? India is on the verge to transform the education ecosystem by adopting personalized learning concepts. We need to move with the times and create a learning ecosystem that creates future professionals and citizens who can compete and flourish anywhere in the world. Investing in a creative curriculum ensures that students are equipped to contribute meaningfully on the world stage. By embracing a curriculum that values and nurtures creativity, educators can transform education.

(The writer is the founder PoweredBy Dreamtime Learning; views are personal)
Tamil star Vikram's action movie "Dhruva Natchathiram" has been pushed from its Friday release, film's director Gautham Menon has announced.

In a statement shared on his page on X, Menon said the team needs "a day or two more" to finalise the release.

Sorry. Unable to get Dhruva Natchathiram to the screens today. We tried our best, but it seems we need a day or two more. Hoping to provide everyone with a great experience with advance bookings and proper screens worldwide. The support for the film is heartwarming and has kept us going. Just a few more days, and we'll arrive," the director posted.

"Dhruva Natchathiram" is a spy action film, which has been in production since 2018. The makers had announced recently that the movie will hit theatres on November 24.

The film also stars Ritu Varma, Parthiban, Aishwarya Rajesh, Simran, Radhika, Arjun Das and Divyadarshini. Soundtrack is composed by Harris Jayaraj.
The Nepal Army contingent comprising 334 personnel arrived in India to participate in 17th edition of joint military exercise Surya Kiran in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from November 24 to December seven. It is an annual event and conducted alternatively in the two countries, defence ministry said here on Friday.

The Indian Army contingent comprising of 354 personnel is being led by a battalion from the Kumaon Regiment. The Nepal Army contingent is represented by Tara Dal Battalion.

Aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under United Nations Charter on peace keeping operations, officials said.

The exercise will focus on employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and also environment conservation. Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations.

The drill will provide a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each others operational procedures.

Exercise Surya Kiran signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, common cultural linkages that exist between India and Nepal. It sets the stage for a productive and fruitful engagement, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both nations towards broader defence cooperation. The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours.
Two months after it announced the shutting down of its operations here, the Afghanistan Embassy on Friday announced its permanent closure, citing persistent challenges from the Indian Government.

Given the constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice, said the Embassy in a statement issued on Friday.

The Embassy said it regrets announcing the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, effective from November 23, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.

This decision follows the embassys earlier cessation of operations on 30th September 2023, a move made in the hope that the Indian Governments stance would evolve favourably for the normal continuation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi, the statement said.

In September, the mission had cited a lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistans interests and reduction in personnel and resources.

Unfortunately, despite an eight-week wait, the objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in the Indian Governments conduct were not realised, the Afghan embassy said.

There are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic remaining in India, the mission stressed. Those who served the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have safely reached third countries, it said.

The only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings, it said.

The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government, the mission said.

It now rests upon the Indian Government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end, it said.

The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India, the statement said.

We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years, the statement said.

The Afghan Embassy asserted that India has been a steadfast strategic partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, and we acknowledge the limitations and concerns that govern the realm of realpolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region.
Amid the ongoing cash for query investigation against TMC MP Mahua Moitra, sources in the Government said her Parliament login ID was not just accessed from Dubai, but also from New Jersey, the United States, and Bengaluru.

Sources from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said her login credentials were used from New Jersey and Bengaluru when the TMC MP was in Kolkata and then in Delhi on the same day.

Moitra admitted to sharing her Parliament login ID and password with businessman Darshan Hiranandani so that someone in the latters office could type in the questions to be asked in the Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, headed by BJP MP Vinod Kumar Sonkar, has already submitted its report on the allegation against Moitra to the Speakers office. The report, adopted by a majority in the Committee, recommended Moitras expulsion from the House, accusing her of accepting illegal gratifications to raise questions in Parliament at the behest of the businessman.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had forwarded a complaint against the TMC member by lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing her of taking bribes for asking questions in the House at the behest of Hiranandani to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The TMC MP, however, has refuted the allegations against her, calling them defamatory, false, baseless, and not supported by even a shred of evidence. Someone in Hiranandanis office typed the question, which I gave on Parliament website. After putting the question, they would call me to inform, and I would read all the questions in one go as I am always busy in my constituency, Moitra said.

After putting the question, an OTP (one-time password) comes on my mobile phone. I would give that OTP and only then is the question submitted. So, the idea that Hiranandani would log in to my ID and put in questions of his own is ludicrous, the TMC MP had said.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has already made changes on the confidentiality of Governments replies to MPs during the Question Hour in the House and asked them to access their portal only for their exclusive use.

Under this new initiative, the secretariat said replies to Starred Questions, a term for queries where Ministers concerned answer to related supplementaries in the House, are being uploaded on members portal by 9 am on the day of reply.

With Parliaments Winter Session scheduled to begin from December 4, members have begun putting in their questions. The House is likely to take a decision on the Ethics Committees recommendation for Moitras expulsion during the session, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rallying around her after its initial wait and watch approach.

It may be noted that since the replies are log-in and password protected on the Members portal, they are exclusively for the use of Members only, the Lok Sabha secretariat said in its bulletin dated November 10, a day after the the Houses Ethics Committee recommended Moitras expulsion.

Members are, therefore, requested to maintain confidentiality of the replies and not to share the contents with others until the Question Hour is over, it added. It informed MPs that the contents of reply made in response to a question is strictly confidential until the question for oral answer has been asked and answered in the House.

In case a question could not come up for oral answer, the reply to the question should not be released till the conclusion of Question Hour, the Lok Sabha secretariat added. Questions included in the lists of written answers are also to be treated as confidential until the same have been laid on the Table of the House after the Question Hour is over, it said.

Sources said the Lok Sabha has merely reiterated the same set of existing rules about confidentiality in the wake of the episode involving Moitra. She was accused by Dubey of letting the businessman to access her parliamentary portal in lieu of bribes, and the Lok Sabhas Ethics Committee has recommended her expulsion.

Moitra was last week tasked with strengthening the partys organisation in Nadia district, in a clear message of support from the TMC. TMC president Mamata Banerjee on Thursday broke her silence over the issue and said plans were in the works to expel her (Moitra) from Parliament but any such action would help the lawmaker from Krishnanagar ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
A Qatar court has accepted Indias appeal against the death sentence awarded to eight former Indian Navy personnel in an alleged case of espionage. The appeal was reportedly accepted on Thursday and it was learnt the Qatari court will set a hearing date after examining the appeal. The death sentence was given last month.

The eight men 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 former Indian Navy personnel, employed by Dahra Global.

India on November 16 had said the appeal process against the death sentence was under process and it was hopeful of a positive outcome from it.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had then said India is engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and that the Government would continue to extend all legal and consular assistance to the Indian nationals. The case is currently in a legal process there. As we mentioned, an appeal has been filed in Qatars Court of Appeal. We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and we will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance (to them), Bagchi said. I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case, he said.

The judgment in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side. The appeal process is underway and we would hope for a positive outcome, Bagchi said, replying to a question on the matter at his weekly media briefing. He also described as factually incorrect some reports that suggested the appeal in the case has been adjudicated.

The Indian nationals, who worked with private company Al Dahra, were arrested in August last year reportedly in an alleged case of espionage. Neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against the Indian nationals public.

All of the former Navy officers had unblemished stints of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and had held important positions including that of instructors in the force, former military officials had said.

In May Al-Dhara Global closed its operations in Doha and all those working there (primarily Indians) have since returned home. In the past, the Navy had taken up the case of the former naval personnel with top brass of the government for securing their release.

The eight men were arrested in August 2022 by Qatars intelligence agency for allegedly spying. However, the Qatari authorities have not made the charges against them public yet. Their bail petitions were rejected several times and the verdict against them was pronounced last month by the Court of First Instance in Qatar.

The Ministry of External Affairs has urged everyone to refrain from engaging in speculation due to the sensitive nature of the case.

All of the former Navy officers have a distinguished service record of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and have held important positions, including that of instructors in the force.

Meetu Bhargava, the sister of one of the former officers detained, had sought help from the government to bring her brother back. In a post on X on June 8, she had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.

These Ex-Navy officers are the pride of the nation & again I request our Honble Prime Minister with folded hands that it is high time that they all be brought back to India immediately without any further delay, read her post.
China welcomes back remains of martyrs killed 70 years ago in S.Korea with highest honors

13:35, November 24, 2023 By Fan Anqi ( Global Times

A Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft arrived at the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport in Northeast China's Liaoning Province on Thursday, bringing back from South Korea the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

As transport plane, escorted by two J-20 stealth fighter jets, slowly passed through a "water gate" formed by two jets of water shot from fire trucks on either side of the aircraft - the highest honor in the Chinese civil aviation industry.

Meanwhile, the two J-20 fighter jets flew at an extremely low altitude as a way to pay profound respect to the CPV heroes.

To welcome the heroes back home with the highest honors, more than 1,000 people from various walks of life awaited solemnly on the airport tarmac amid heavy snow, including 10 representatives of the martyrs' families.

Among those at the airport attending the welcome ceremony were 13 student representatives who came all the way from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. Some 70 years ago, more than 20 students from Hong Kong also joined the CPV and fought on the frontlines during the war.

A number of CPV veterans were also seen onsite. While all were more than 90 years old, but for many, this was their 10th time welcoming old friends back home.

"I miss them very much. They've been resting in a foreign land for 70 years, and now their motherland is taking them back with the highest honors. Now they finally get to see how strong and prosperous their country has become," one veteran soldier said.

The coffins of the martyrs were carefully arranged onboard the Y-20, before honor guards draped them with the Chinese national flag and carried them off the plane. The swirling snow fallen on the coffins evoked Chinese people's memories of these brave young men who crossed the Yalu River to fight for their motherland under adverse conditions.

"History books are too small to contain their greatness, but they are also too big for us to know their names, we only know them as 'heroes,'" one netizen posted on China's X-like Sina Weibo as they watched the livestream of the ceremony online.

"Leaving as spirited youths, you returned as martyrs. Welcome home. Come and see, is this land that you had defended with your own lives the same as the one you had in your dreams?" wrote another.

A handover ceremony was held earlier on Thursday at the Incheon International Airport in South Korea before the repatriation, attended by Chinese Vice Minister of Veterans Affairs Chang Zhengguo, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming and South Korea's Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho as well as officials with relevant ministries.

Xing covered the coffins of the martyrs with Chinese national flags, and all in attendance deeply bowed toward the coffins.

Since 2014, China and South Korea have jointly carried out the handover of the remains of the CPV martyrs for 10 consecutive years, so far transferring the remains of 938 Chinese soldiers to their motherland, Chang said.

The Chinese side appreciated the unremitting efforts made by the South Korean side, he added.

As inseparable neighbors and partners, China and South Korea face each other across the sea, Chang said, adding that in the face of profound changes unseen in a century, the two countries should uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, stick to the right direction of friendly cooperation and jointly push for the sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to further strengthen communication and coordination with South Korea, deepen friendly cooperation, promote partnership in the work related to the remains of CPV martyrs, and bring more CPV martyrs back to their motherland as quickly as possible, he said.

The Y-20 has been carrying out these repatriation missions since 2020. This year marks its fourth time landing at the Shenyang airport with the remains of CPV martyrs, showcasing the utmost respect for the heroes and an ever-stronger country image, China Central Television reported.

A burial ceremony at the Shenyang Martyrs' Cemetery will be held on Friday morning, where special arrangements have been made as this year marks the 70th anniversary of victory in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
By Ko Dong-hwan

Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC) is gaining traction with its new ginseng extract sticks in Taiwan where the aging population's interest in healthcare is on the rise, according to the health food producer, Friday.

Jung Kwan Jang, the company's signature label for ginseng extracts, launched Korean Red Ginseng Extract Everytime Yo in Taiwan last month. Agrapefruit extract was added to the product to appeal to female consumers in their 20s and 30s, according to the company.

To boost sales, the firm invited actress and the label's model Park Eun-bin to Taiwan for a fan meeting last Saturday. Park, the heroine in the Korean TV series "Castaway Diva," said the product has helped her build up preventive immunity and maintain general health while filming the series and doing other activities as a celebrity.

The company's expansion to the Taiwanese market targets the state's growing senior population. Those aged 65 and older accounted for over 17 percent in 2022 and, by 2025, one out of every five people is expected to be from the age group, according to the firm.

The demographic shift translates to a rising popularity of health products. Citing global market analyzer Euromonitor, the company said the healthcare food market in Taiwan was worth 92.4 billion in Taiwanese dollars ($2.9 billion) in 2022, a 4.4 percent year-on-year jump, and is expected to surpass 100 billion Taiwanese dollars by 2024. Almost 40 percent of the market consumers are aged 25 to 40, reflecting the age group's rising interest in health foods, according to the company.

"We have seen heated local interest in our product in Taiwan and has invited Park to respond to the consumers," said an official from the company that first exported Jung Kwan Jang to Taiwan in 2009.
The complete ban on certain kinds of vehicles under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi is taking a toll on citizens, particularly the elderly, single women, and medical professionals who are unable to commute in emergencies.

Satyawati Narula, a resident of Sangam Vihar in South Delhi, said, A blanket ban on vehicles of a certain category is mindless. I am a widow with no help, no driver to take me around. I drive myself to save money, but now I am marooned in my home and unable to move for my medical needs and, at times, banking requirements. I support the Governments move in containing pollution but would urge them to tweak their rules to help people like me who must be in large numbers in Delhi-NCR so that their commuting needs are allowed.

She said the government, after issuing pollution clearance certificates for BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, is now imposing heavy fines of `20,000 on them in the name of pollution, causing harassment to the people. As air quality turned severe again in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a review meeting on Friday with officials from the Environment Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

He directed the concerned agencies and departments to ensure the strict implementation of restrictions on polluting vehicles and to monitor the increasing incidents of biomass burning. Rai said the Transport Department and the Delhi Traffic Police have been instructed to rigorously oversee the implementation of restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles under Stage III of the Centres air pollution control plan, known as the Graded Response Action Plan. To achieve this, the Transport Department has deployed 84 teams, and the Delhi Police have deployed 284 teams, according to Rai.

Biomass burning, vehicular pollution, and dust are the reasons for the increasing pollution levels in winter. Additionally, the wind speed is lower during winter due to meteorological conditions. When there is a change in these conditions, the wind speed decreases, and the wind direction changes, he said.

GRAP Stage III requires a total halt to all building and demolition operations, with the exception of critical government projects, mining, and stone crushing. It also prohibits the admission of light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi, as well as diesel-powered trucks, medium and heavy freight vehicles (excluding those participating in critical activities).

The Minister mentioned that the restrictions under GRAP IV have been modified and now include a ban on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles, which were allowed to enter Delhi earlier.

If Delhi air quality deteriorates in the future and GRAP IV is invoked again, such vehicles will be banned from entering the national Capital, said the Minister, adding that the State Government may impose more stringent measures to curb air pollution in the city if rules are flouted.

Rai appealed to the residents to comply with rules on a day when Delhiites woke up to a thick layer of smog engulfing the city on Friday. The air quality, categorised as severe in most parts, worsened due to a dip in temperatures and slow wind speed at night, allowing the accumulation of pollutants. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 401 at 9 am, settling at 415 by 4 pm.

At 11 am, the AQI readings for specific areas were alarming: Anand Vihar at 848, Jahangirpuri at 808, Shahdara at 762, Mother Dairy at 676, and Bawana at 638.

According to scientists, 36 per cent of pollution in Delhi and NCR is due to vehicles, and 31 per cent to biomass burning.

The AQI in Wazirpur was recorded at 454, Jehangirpuri 453, Vivek Vihar 447, Rohini 447, Punjabi Bagh 437, Ashok Vihar 433, Anand Vihar 849, Patparganj 422, North Campus 420, Sonia Vihar 420, Burari Crossing 402, Moti Bagh 399, National Stadium 387, and Lodhi Road 347.

Delhi has been witnessing a gradual increase in AQI levels after a marginal improvement on Sunday.

The 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4 pm every day, was 390 on Thursday, 394 on Wednesday, 365 on Tuesday, 348 on Monday, and 301 on Sunday.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the revenue department have been instructed to check the incidents of biomass burning. The increase in AQI levels comes after the Centre on Saturday removed stringent curbs, including a ban on construction work related to linear projects and the entry of polluting trucks in Delhi, following a drop in pollution levels due to favorable wind speed and direction.

Neighbouring Ghaziabad (386), Gurugram (321), Greater Noida (345), Noida (344), and Faridabad (410) also recorded very poor to severe air quality.
Under the chairmanship of District Transport Officer-cum-Additional Collector Saurabh Prasad, a meeting was held in the Collectorate Auditorium regarding the Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar-Aapke Dwar program and the distribution of assets and necessary preparations on the day of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's arrival in Lohardaga district. In the meeting, first of all, instructions were given to all the Block Development Officers to generate and execute a maximum number of applications under 'Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar-Aapke Dwar'. Instructions were given to get all the data entered on the portal in coordination with the District Informatics Officer. The District Education Officer was instructed to get as many students as possible to fill the applications for Guruji Credit Card Scheme in the camp. Instructions were given to publicize the date and place of organizing all the camps. On the possible arrival of Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Chiri Panchayat of Kudu block on 28 November 2023, department-wise discussions were held on distribution of assets, foundation stone laying and inauguration of schemes from the Chief Minister's tax lotuses. All departments were instructed to submit reports and details of distribution of assets, foundation stone laying and inauguration of schemes on behalf of their respective departments. Besides, instructions were given to the concerned departments for necessary barricading, cleanliness, filling of potholes and repair of access roads at the venue. Sub-Divisional Officer Amit Kumar, LRDC Sujata, all concerned district level officers, Block Development Officer, Circle Officer and others were present in the meeting.
Koh-e-Fiza police have booked three persons for molesting and attempting rape on a woman computer operator in the night on Wednesday night.

The lift operator of Hamidia Hospital, along with his two friends, tried to molest a woman living in Koh-e-Fiza area of Bhopal. The accused dragged her into the bushes.

However, when the victim woman raised an alarm in protest, the accused molested her and ran away. On the complaint of the victim, the police have registered a case against the three accused and started searching for them.

According to police station in-charge Brijendra Marskole, the 24-year-old girl living in the area is a computer operator. She used to work in Hamidia Hospital about three-four months ago. During this time, he got acquainted with Vivek Dhawade, the lift operator of Hamidia Hospital. After this, they started talking on mobile and started meeting each other.

On Wednesday night the girl had gone out of her house to collect things. The accused contacted and asked that he wanted to talk and after this both of them reached Karbala Park located on VIP Road. While both were talking at around 8 in the evening, Vivek's friend Sudhir and another young man also reached there dragged the victim in the nearby bushes and tried to forcibly rape her. During this, the girl protested against the accused and screamed for help forcing the three to escape.

After this, the victim reached the police station at around 12 in the night and complained. In this case, the police have registered a case of attempt to rape and threatening against the accused and have started searching for them.
Even as transforming India into a digitally-empowered society remains a top priority, over 6,000 villages in Odisha are yet to avail mobile and internet services.

Answering a query by Rairangpur MLA Naba Charan Majhi in the Assembly, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Tusharkanti Behera informed that a total of 6,799 villages have no telecom and internet services in the State.

The State Government has allotted land for free to set up mobile towers for services to be provided by three major telecom operators under USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) of the Union Government in 3,673 uncovered areas in the State. The target has been set to provide mobile services in all villages of the State by the end of March 2024, the Minister told the House.

The State Government has implemented Odisha Mobile Towers and Telegraph Line, OFC and related Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2017, to establish and ensure telecommunication infrastructure/network in remote rural areas, he stated.
The momentous approvals were granted during the 9th Academic Committee Meeting of AIIMS Bhopal held on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by distinguished members, including President AIIMS, Bhopal Dr. Sunil Malik, and Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS, Bhopal Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh, marked a significant milestone in the institution's journey towards excellence.

In a momentous stride toward enhancing healthcare services and addressing critical and rare genetic disorders in Central India, the Academic Committee, has approved for the establishment of three pivotal departments: Critical Care Medicine, Medical Genetics, and Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology. These newly approved departments signify a pioneering leap for the state, positioning AIIMS Bhopal as a leader in healthcare advancements.

The establishment of these departments will usher in state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic amenities, catering to the pressing medical needs of the region. AIIMS Bhopal is set to become a healthcare trailblazer in Madhya Pradesh, with these departments being among the very few of their kind in the country.

The development marks a significant milestone in the institution's commitment to providing top-tier medical care to the people of the state.

The approvals extend beyond departmental establishments, encompassing an array of super specialization courses aimed at training healthcare professionals to address complex medical challenges. Some of the courses approved include:- MCh in Paediatric Surgery, MCh in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, MCh in Joint Replacement & Reconstruction, MCh in Pediatrics Orthopaedics Surgery, DM in Paediatric Hematology-Oncology, DM in Pediatric Nephrology, DM in Endocrinology and Metabolism, MD in Emergency Medicine, MDS in Public Health Dentistry, MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

AIIMS Bhopal's commitment to excellence is further underscored by the approval of courses such as M.Sc. in Translational Medicine and Masters in Hospital Management. Notably, AIIMS Bhopal is poised to become the first institute in the country to launch a groundbreaking MSc course in Translational Medicine. This program aims to equip bachelor's degree students in medical technology and innovations, fostering improved healthcare through interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary integrated learning approaches.

During the meeting, President Dr Sunil Malik said that the opening of these departments in AIIMS Bhopal will bring revolutionary changes in the field of medicine, which will provide better treatment facilities to the people of the state. He also thanked the faculty members for these new efforts.

AIIMS Bhopal under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director and CEO AIIMS Bhopal is poised to achieve new heights of excellence in the field of healthcare and research.
The Odisha Assembly witnessed uproar by the Opposition for the second consecutive day on Thursday over the State Government's controversial move permitting sale of lands of Scheduled Tribe (ST) people to non-tribals.

The BJP and the Congress escalated their protests and demanded reversal of the State Cabinet's decision in this regard.

Despite requests made by Speaker Pramila Mallik, the continued commotion by the Opposition forced her to adjourn the House till 4 pm.

Following this, BJP MLAs proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Raghubar Das and present a memorandum highlighting their concerns about the transfer of tribal lands.

During the Question Hour, the House managed to conduct business for a mere three minutes, during which Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahoo responded to a question related to irrigation facilities.

The Question Hour at 10:30 am saw BJP and Congress members entering the Well of the House raising slogans and demanding immediate revocation of the Cabinet's decision for transfer of ST lands to non-tribals.

The BJP members alleged that the government's decision would pave the way for corporate entities to exploit tribal lands in the minerals-rich regions of the State.

Their demands included a public declaration by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for a complete withdrawal of the Cabinet decision.

Congress member Tara Prasad Bahinipati took a more confrontational approach by attempting to ascend the Speaker's podium decrying the BJD Government as "anti-tribal.

The Opposition also emphasised the need for proper implementation of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996 in the State.

The contentious Cabinet decision, made on November 14, involves amending the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by STs) Regulation, 1956, to permit ST people to transfer their lands to non-tribals.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marndi has

already informed that the Cabinet decision has been withheld.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote solar energy, the Yogi Adityanath government plans to transform the Bundelkhand Expressway into the states first solar expressway.

The project will be executed on a public-private participation (PPP) model, targeting the generation of 550 megawatt of solar power.

For this initiative, the government has identified 1,700 hectares of land on the Bundelkhand Expressway. Several prominent companies have shown interest in this project. Once completed, the project has the potential to illuminate one lakh houses connected to the expressway every day. The expected lifespan of this project is 25 years, with a payback period set at 10 to 12 years.

Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is currently busy giving shape to this project. The Due Diligence Study related to the project has been completed in addition to the Expression of Interest (EOI stage), which was completed in August last.

Besides, the Request for Proposal (RFP) to select developers for the project is also being finalised. The bidding process is expected to commence soon. In October 2023, eight prominent solar power developers, including Tusco Ltd, Torrent Power Ltd, Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt Ltd, 3R Management Ltd, Avaada Energy Ltd, Atria Brindavan Power Ltd, Erisha E Mobility and Mahapreit, completed their presentations.

The completion of the expressway project is expected to fulfill energy needs and serve as a foundation for e-mobility and development along the expressway in the future. The project will generate a significant amount of green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a decrease in the rate of climate change.

There will be an increase in energy sources, leading to economic growth in terms of enhanced open grid access. This initiative will also generate local employment opportunities. Moreover, the generated electricity can be used by nearby communities. Additionally, electric vehicle charging and other energy requirements will be fulfilled on the expressway.

Furthermore, the project is expected to bring substantial benefits to UPEIDA, as the Authority is likely to earn four crore through lease rent.

The sale of the generated energy could result in an annual profit of Rs 50 crore. Installing solar plants on the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow and Gorakhpur Expressways could bring an annual benefit of six crore to UPEIDA in terms of energy consumption.

The Bundelkhand Expressway provides an excellent opportunity for the development of solar power plants. The primary reason is the easy availability of land in this region. Additionally, it is a dry region, and along with clear weather, it receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 800-900 mm. The Bundelkhand Expressway is also counted among the modern and well-equipped expressways.

This 296-km long highway with four lanes is divided into two parts as a main carriageway and a service lane. In the space between these two, a strip of land approximately 15 to 20 metres wide is currently vacant throughout the expressway, which is used to separate agricultural land and install fencing. Now there is a plan to cover this area with solar panels and with this, the entire expressway will be able to take an unprecedented step towards becoming an expressway equipped with solar energy.
Ambassador of Belgium to India, Didier Vanderhasselt, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence here on Thursday.

During the meeting, the four-member team accompanying the Belgian ambassador expressed the desire for partnership with Uttar Pradesh in various sectors, including defence and space.

The Belgian team also evinced keen interest in partnership with UP in the areas of waste management, solar projects and semiconductor manufacturing.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt praised the unprecedented development in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Additionally, Ibrahim Hafeezur Rehman, Lead, South Asia and India Operations of Vito Arabia Science and Technology LLC, provided details of the noteworthy activities in the field of waste management undertaken by the company.

The meeting also included the participation of key officials, such as Paul Pupe, the First Secretary of the Belgian Embassy in India, and Babet Desfossez, the Commercial Attache and Trade Commissioner of Flanders Investment and Trade for Belgium.
In the final leg of the election campaign in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath exuded confidence, creating political buzz in the state.

Despite a busy schedule, Yogi Adityanath made a significant presence in Rajasthan on Thursday, seeking votes in support of Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in Jhotwara. Additionally, he encouraged voters to support Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in Rajakhera, Bari, Dholpur and Baseri.

The atmosphere in Jhotwara was electric, as flowers were showered upon Yogi from a lineup of bulldozers and rooftops of schools. It appeared as though the entire community poured out to catch a glimpse of the charismatic leader.

Chief Minister Yogi also paid tribute to the statue of Bharat Mata during his visit.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a massive roadshow in Jhotwara to rally support for Colonel (Retired) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. A massive audience gathered to hear Yogi Adityanath. Overwhelmed by the welcome of the people of Rajasthan, Yogi Adityanath said: Your enthusiasm shows that Rajyavardhan will win and the opposition candidates will lose their deposits.

Yogi Adityanath pointed out that the chaos and anarchy unleashed by the present Congress government has pushed Rajasthan backwards, adding that the state needs a transformative leader who could combat the influence of the mafia that were exploiting the sentiments of the common people.

Yogi Adityanath said, Jiska nishana achook hoga, in mafia ka upchar karne wala wahi sapoot hoga. He urged everyone to contribute to Rajyavardhans victory in the election.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a public meeting to extend support to Neerja Ashok Sharma from Rajkheda, Giriraj Malinga from Bari, Shivcharan Kushwaha from Dholpur and Sukhram Koli from Baseri. Yogi Adityanath emphasised that the Congress party had been associated with the rise of terrorism and Naxalism. In contrast, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing these issues by removing Article 370 and implementing effective welfare schemes for the economically disadvantaged.

Congress is the problem; we have to move forward on the path of a solution by making the BJP victorious. Congressmen used to say that Ram-Krishna never existed. What could be a bigger insult than this for the followers of Sanatan dharma? Congressmen have been tarnishing the history of the country. Bless the BJP candidates for a transformed Rajasthan, he remarked.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, paid tributes to Army Captain Shubham Gupta of Agra district who was martyred during an encounter with terrorists in Rajouri district in the Jammu division of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family through his official X handle, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote, Uttar Pradesh government is with the bereaved family members of the martyred captain at this hour of grief.

Four army personnel, including Captain Shubham Gupta who joined the Indian Army in the year 2015 and was commissioned in the year 2018, were martyred in an encounter between the security forces and terrorists at Rajouri in Jammu on Wednesday. Shubhams first posting was in Udhampur.
Korea is seeking to expand its foothold in the global arms market following a significant leap last year, capitalizing on increased demand for weapons driven by geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as an assertive China.

Korea emerged as one of the most prolific arms exporters last year, achieving record-breaking weapons exports of $17.3 billion, sharply up from $7.25 billion in 2021, according to the defense ministry.

Behind the boom was Poland, which signed $13 billion worth of deals with Korean firms to buy K-2 tanks, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft and K-239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers as it looks to bolster its defenses in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Industry watchers say Korea is well poised to tap into the European market beyond its major clients in Southeast Asia and the Middle East with robust production lines of cutting-edge, cost-effective military equipment compatible with the U.S. and NATO system.

"Amid a hike in global arms demand triggered by the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, emerging players, like Korea, are benefiting from the declining arms industry of Russia, the world's No. 2 exporter," said Shim Soon-hyung, a researcher at the state-run Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.

Building on the momentum from last year's success, local defense suppliers struck new deals earlier this year or are expected to sign agreements in the near future.

In February, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) clinched a 1.2 trillion-won ($920 million) contract to sell 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia, its fourth overseas sales following deals with Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

In July, Hanwha Aerospace's Redback infantry fighting vehicle was chosen as the preferred bidder for Australia's acquisition program worth $12 billion.

If finalized, it would mark Hanwha's second export to Australia following a 2021 deal for K-9 self-propelled howitzers, which are in service in nine countries, including Turkey, Poland and India.

Korea is also reaching out to new customers in the Middle East amid renewed security concerns in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Following LIG Nex1's sales of surface-to-air missile system, called Cheongung II, to the United Arab Emirates in 2021, the Korean firm has been in the final rounds of negotiations with Saudi Arabia for a big supply deal for the air defense system, according to local reports.

Another promising area is the expanding naval ship market as Korea is one of the few countries capable of building 3,000-ton submarines and Aegis-system equipped destroyers.

Hanwha Ocean, whose predecessor Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering first exported submarines to Indonesia in 2011, has been pitching offers to build submarines to Canada, the Philippines and Poland, which are expected to replace their old fleets of submarines.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is seeking to leverage its capability to independently design and build Aegis destroyers of over 7,000 tons to expand its export territory beyond Southeast Asia, eyeing markets in North America and Europe.

Industry officials say increased overseas sales could reduce per-unit costs and open up business opportunities in the maintenance, repair and overhaul market in the long term, a boon for Korea's goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest arms exporter by 2027.

But challenges remain as big weapons deals require comprehensive financial packages, sometimes backed by the government, and need to seize the right geopolitical moment.

Korea has been negotiating a second round of contracts estimated to be worth 30 trillion won with Poland to sell additional military equipment, but local suppliers worry a lack of financial support and change of the Polish government following last month's elections could stymie the mega deal.

As the state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea is unable to provide loans and guarantees for the proposed sales after hitting its upper limit from last year's contracts, five Korean banks have been in negotiations to provide a syndicated loan worth $2.7 billion in an initial stage of support, according to industry sources.

"We are closely monitoring the funding plan and political situation in Poland to figure out its implication on our supply deal," a local defense company official said, asking for anonymity. (Yonhap)
In a tragic turn of events that unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, a deadly clash erupted between Punjab Police and Nihang Sikhs, resulting in the death of Home Guard Jawan Jaspal Singh and injuries to four policemen. The violent confrontation was centered around the longstanding dispute over the possession of Gurdwara Akal Bunga Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine.

The roots of the conflict trace back to a simmering feud between two factions of Nihangs, a Sikh warrior sect characterized by their distinctive blue robes and traditional weapons. The two factions, led by Baba Mann Singh and Baba Balbir Singh, had been embroiled in a dispute over the management and control of Gurdwara Akal Bunga Sahib. The latter had been overseeing the gurdwara for several years, but tensions reached a boiling point when, on November 21, a group of 15-20 Nihangs affiliated with the Baba Mann Singh faction forcibly took control of the religious site.

The incident on Thursday morning unfolded when a police team was dispatched to reclaim the gurdwara from the Baba Mann Singh faction. The situation quickly escalated into an unprovoked firing, with over 60 rounds exchanged between the police and the Nihangs from 4:30 am to 6:30 am. Tragically, Home Guard Jawan Jaspal Singh lost his life in the crossfire after the police hit his head, while four other policemen sustained injuries, including two with severed hands.

In response to the violence, the police used tear gas shells to disperse the Nihangs, who retaliated by hurling stones. The clash underscored the gravity of the situation, prompting the arrest of five individuals connected to the Baba Mann Singh faction. Additionally, two licensed weapons used in the firing were recovered, leading to the registration of a murder case, and an ongoing investigation by law enforcement.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to express profound grief over Jaspal Singhs death. In a gesture of support, the Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs two crore for the bereaved family. The tragedy looms large over the region, especially as it occurred just days before the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

Efforts to defuse the escalating tensions involved high-ranking police officials, including Special DGP Arpit Shukla, additional DGP GS Dhillon, DIG S Bhoopati, DIG Rajpal Singh, and Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Karnail Singh, rushed to the spot; and engaged in talks with the Baba Mann Singh faction.

After a two-hour meeting, an agreement was reached wherein the faction agreed to vacate the gurdwara. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent further unrest, a government employee will be appointed as a receiver under Section 145 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Under section 145 (procedure where dispute concerning land or water is likely to cause a breach of peace), a receiver, who will be a government employee, will be appointed to manage the gurdwara, said the DC Karnail Singh.

The clash in Sultanpur Lodhi is not an isolated incident. It follows a recent altercation where Nihangs from the Baba Mann Singh faction attempted to seize control of another religious site in Bussowal village, leading to several arrests. In the midst of conflicting narratives, Nihangs alleged they were first attacked by the police at 4:30 am, while the police maintain that the firing was unprovoked.

Both factions will have the opportunity to present their claims over the gurdwara property, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resolution to prevent further loss of life and maintain peace in the region. The incident also carries echoes of historical clashes involving Nihangs, including a fatal incident in 2020 when a Nihang protester chopped off the hand of a police officer in Patiala during a COVID-19 lockdown enforcement.

There was an unprovoked firing at the policemen after they reached here on Thursday morningA murder case has been registered. Five people have been arrested and weapons recovered, said special DGP Shukla, adding that further investigation was underway.

Shukla, along with DIG Rajpal Sandhu, S Bhoopathi attend the last rites of deceased Punjab Home Guards jawan at Maniala village of Sultanpur Lodhi. Shukla promised Punjab Police job to the son of the deceased constable and gainful employment to the second son.

Who are Nihang Sikhs?

Nihang Sikhs, recognized by their distinctive blue robes, antiquated swords, and decorated turbans, are a unique order within the Sikh community. The term Nihang is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word nihshank, meaning courageous, unblemished, pure, and carefree.

The orders roots can be traced back to Guru Gobind Singhs Khalsa in 1699; or his son Fateh Singh (1699 to 1705), who distinguished by his majestic blue chola and turban  an attire foreseen by Guru Gobind Singh as the dress of the Nihangs.

While theories about their origin exist, historical evidence remains elusive. The Nihangs, also known as Dal Khalsa, consider themselves Guru Ki Fauj (the Guru's army) and align their customs and practices with their unique beliefs. Originating from either Fateh Singh or the Akal Sena initiated by Guru Hargobind, the term Nihang etymologically relates to Persian, meaning an alligator or a sword, or to Sanskrit, signifying fearlessness.

In Sikh history, Nihangs played a crucial role as fierce warriors, winning battles even when outnumbered. They formed small armies within the Sikh Empire known as the Sikh Khalsa Army. In the modern context, Nihangs see themselves as torchbearers of their forefathers traditions, embodying qualities of commitment, fearlessness, boldness, struggle, and justice.

Within the Nihang order, divisions exist in the form of dals or forces, with The Buddha Dal and the Taruna Dal being the most significant. Recognizable by their unique navy blue attire, chosen by Guru Gobind Singh after conflicts with Mughal Governor Vazir Khan, Nihangs wear a Khalsa Swarupa. Their attire includes distinctive dumalla turbans, lofty and conical, and iron bracelets known as jangi kara.

As warriors, Nihangs are associated with carrying weapons, such as the dori kirpan  an open blade, or the pesh kabaz  a predecessor to the modern kirpan. Fully armed, they carry either one or two swords, the curved talwar or the straight khanda. Their attire and practices align with their historical significance in Sikhism, making them a distinct and recognized order within the broader spectrum of the religion.
After a rap from the Supreme Court, the Delhi government has released a payment of Rs 415 crore to National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) project. This comes after the Supreme Court had pulled up the Delhi government for not coming up with funds for the Regional Rapid Transit System corridors to Alwar and Panipat, warning it if the dues were not paid within a week, the funds allocated by the AAP government for ads will be transferred to the project.

"The payment of Rs 415 crore has been made to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) by the transport department today," Gahlot said. The government had released the first tranche of funds, approx Rs 80 crore, a few months back. The RRTS project involves construction of semi-high speed rail corridors connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Alwar in Rajasthan, and Panipat in Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the 17-km long priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor at the Sahibabad RapidX Station in Uttar Pradesh last month.

Earlier the Supreme Court had pulled up the Arvind Kejriwal for the breach of an undertaking given to pay its share of funds for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and directed that the governments advertising budget be transferred to the project. A bench of Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, which was hearing petitions filed in the wake of the spike in air pollution in the capital, told the government that it cant take this court for granted. The bench said, The details before the court show that the 3-year budget provisions were almost Rs 1,100 crore. And the budget for the current financial year was about Rs 550 crore.

The NCRTC is executing the RRTS project which is a joint venture between the Centre and the states involved. A total of eight RRTS corridors have been identified for development in the National Capital Region (NCR). Out of these, three corridors have been prioritized for implementation in Phase I. These include the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor, the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar Corridor, and the Delhi-Panipat Corridor. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS, with a total project cost exceeding Rs 30,000 crore, will bridge the gap between Delhi and Meerut in less than an hour, traversing the urban centres of Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, and Modinagar.

With a design speed of 180 kilometres per hour, RRTS will provide high-speed intercity commuting trains every 15 minutes, with the flexibility to increase the frequency to as little as every 5 minutes as needed. The foundation stone for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor was laid by Prime Minister Modi on March 8, 2019.
The dispute between nursing staff and doctors in AIIMS (AIIMS) in Bhopal is increasing. Senior resident doctors started the strike around 3 pm on Thursday afternoon. All the doctors sat on strike in front of the IPD gate. Senior doctors are angry with the notice received from AIIMS management.

Earlier on Wednesday night, the nursing staff of AIIMS had sat on strike. Angry employees accused the doctors of misbehavior. It is being told that there was a dispute between the doctor and the nursing staff during the operation on Tuesday afternoon. After this, on the complaint of the doctor, the management gave notice to the nursing staff. The nursing staff expressed displeasure over this.

There are more than 1200 nursing staff in AIIMS, out of which more than 400 are present outside the campus. However, after assurance from AIIMS management, the protest ended in the night itself.

After a dispute with the doctor, the nursing staff at AIIMS, Bhopal sat on strike.

Nursing staff alleged action was taken without hearing their concern. Doctors often talk rudely to the staff. This happened during the operation at around 12 noon on Tuesday. The staff says that despite getting information about the dispute.

Deputy Director (Administration) Colonel Ajit Kumar issued a notice to the nursing staff. He took action without considering the concern of the nursing staff.

The nursing staff has appealed to AIIMS Director Dr. Ajay Singh to intervene. Dr. Raghavendra Vidhua is the member secretary of the Faculty Association who has given notice to the nursing staff. He listens only to doctors. Even in the earlier controversies, action was taken only against the nursing staff.

The video of the dispute that took place on Tuesday has also surfaced. The video is from the Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of AIIMS, in which some doctors are seen threatening and abusing Nursing Officer Prashant Bhatia. During this time, the Nursing Officer also made many serious allegations against the department.

Bhatia alleged that only the doctors of the Burn and Plastic Surgery department talk to the patients in the worst manner in the hospital. If we consider the staff, it includes three doctors who are the faculty here apart from the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr Deepak Krishna, Dr Manal M Khan and Dr Gaurav Chaturvedi misbehaved with the staff.

AIIMS Executive Director Dr. Ajay Singh said that complaints have been received from both nursing staff and doctors. Forming an investigation committee. Appropriate action will be taken based on the report.
In a proactive move towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth, the Rotary Club of Jamshedpur Midtown conducted the first workshop in a series on "Good Touch Bad Touch: Understanding the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Aspects." The workshop, a crucial step in fostering awareness and protection, was held at a Support Education Centre (SEC) run by Adarsh Seva Sansthan (ASES) in Bagunhatu.



The session, led by Preeti Saini, a consultant psychologist, motivational speaker, and author, targeted students from classes 5 to 8. The workshop aimed to equip students with the knowledge and tools to understand and address situations involving personal safety.



The interactive session was designed to engage the students actively, incorporating various activities to make the learning process more effective. Saini, leveraging her expertise, guided the students through discussions and exercises that shed light on the different aspects of personal safety, emphasizing the distinction between positive and negative touches.



One of the key highlights of the workshop was the empowerment activity at the end, where each child demonstrated how to deal with situations and individuals attempting sexual abuse. This hands-on approach ensures that the knowledge gained during the session is not only understood intellectually but is also translated into practical skills that can be applied in real-life scenarios.

The workshop catered specifically to students from a Support Education Centre (SEC) in Bagunhatu, run by ASES. This SEC operates under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of TSDPL Company, Jamshedpur. Adarsh Seva Sansthan (ASES), the NGO behind the SEC, is dedicated to promoting child rights among urban slum children.



The programme witnessed the active participation of about 100 students, facilitators, teachers, and the project coordinator from ASES. The Rotary Club of Jamshedpur Midtown expressed its commitment to organizing such workshops regularly to empower more youth with essential knowledge on personal safety, fostering a safer and more secure environment for the community.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday announced the initiation of the process to withdraw FIRs registered against individuals who violated the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Central and State Government during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 8,275 FIRs were registered for non-compliance with the norms, leading to the arrest of 14,127 individuals, he added.



Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said that a maximum 1030 FIRs were registered in Gurugram district followed by 814 FIRs in Jhajjar, 765 in Faridabad, 545 in Karnal and 646 in Rohtak. The withdrawal of these FIRs will bring significant relief to the affected individuals, he added.



Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to traverse in Hry till January 26



The Chief Minister said that in alignment with the vision of transforming India from a developing country to a developed nation by the year 2047 within the next 25 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, commencing from tribal areas. He outlined a comprehensive 50-day program planned for Haryana, with the yatra scheduled to run until January 26. This extensive journey will cover 6,222 gram panchayats and 88 municipal bodies through 60-70 LED vehicles. About 5,000 to 7,000 programs will be organized during the yatra, with dedicated help desks at each event site facilitating the on-the-spot provision of scheme benefits to eligible individuals, he added.



Those involved in Heinous Acts against students in Jind will not be spared



In response to a query regarding inappropriate behavior with schoolgirls in the Jind district, the Chief Minister said that the government would not tolerate such incidents, and whoever the accused may be, they would not be spared. Following the reporting of the case, the police took immediate action, resulting in the arrest of the accused. Khattar said that apart from transferring a woman principal to the concerned school, 16 other staff members have also been transferred. To address the issue comprehensively, Renu Bhatia, the Chairperson of the Haryana State Women Commission, has been asked to organize seminars in collaboration with the police to prevent such heinous acts from occurring. He emphasized that Haryana has already enacted legislation to curb such incidents, including a provision for capital punishment.



In response to another question about less paddy procurement, the Chief Minister said that water conservation stands as a top priority for the government. In line with this objective, the Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana has been introduced to incentivize farmers to cultivate alternative crops instead of paddy. The farmers have shown cooperation by cultivating different crops in an area covering 1.75 lakh acres.



Regarding 75 percent reservation for the youth of Haryana in the private sector, Khattar said that the Haryana government will appeal in the Supreme Court regarding this matter. Being a welfare state, we will strongly plead on this matter in the court, he added.



Regarding the elections of urban local bodies, the Chief Minister said that the tenure of 5 municipal corporations is till the month of January, after which elections for these corporations are to be held. For this, the work of wardbandi has been completed.



Top performing civic bodies in Swachh Survekshan to get incentives



Khattar said that to accelerate developmental activities in municipalities after granting autonomy to urban local bodies, Government has now decided to give incentives to the best-performing sanitation workers. Khattar said that the sanitation workers of civic bodies bagging a spot in the top 25 percent category in the Swachh Survekshan will receive an incentive of Rs 12,000 annually. Additionally, sanitation workers coming in the next 25 percent category will also receive an annual incentive amount of Rs. 9,000.
Haryana Cabinet meeting rescheduled to Nov 27



Chandigarh: The Haryana Cabinet meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on November 27 at 4 PM instead of November 28 at Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, a statement said on Thursday.



Karnal SP asked to form SIT to investigate into allegation of a young man being drowned in canal



Chandigarh: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Thursday directed the SP, Karnal to initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations of a young man being drowned in a canal after a tantra-mantra (black magic) murder attempt. The Home Minister has directed to form of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on this matter. The accused in Karnal is alleged to have engaged in occult practices and targeted the victim, leading to his murder by drowning in the Yamuna River. The victim's family from Karnal has alleged the accused, stating that the police have only imposed minor charges, and the accused is still at large. The Home Minister has ordered the Karnal SP to form an SIT for a thorough investigation. Home Minister, after hearing the grievances of the people in Ambala, issued directives for prompt action.



Chandigarh MC to strengthen stormwater drainage system at Sector 56



Chandigarh: Aimed at strengthening the stormwater drainage system at Sector 56, Chandigarh, the Municipal Corporation has started the work of augmentation of providing and laying pipeline for the disposal of stormwater line. City Mayor Anup Gupta on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the augmentation of providing and laying stormwater drainage system in the presence of Manaur, area councilor, other councilors and other prominent persons of local area. The Mayor said that this work will not only improve the stormwater drainage system in the area but also prevent rainwater stagnation, ensuring smooth passage for commuters and local residents.



Hry Govt signs MoU with CPWD for critical care Blocks and DIPHLs



Chandigarh: The Haryana Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of 15 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and 17 District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs). Additionally, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been entrusted with the construction of two Critical Care blocks (CCBs) and five District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs) in the state. This information was disclosed during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal to discuss Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) ongoing projects in the state on Thursday. It was informed that the construction work for establishing a Programme Management Unit will commence shortly. The construction of the Critical Care Block at Ambala Cantt, which is currently 40% complete, is being undertaken by PWD B&R, Haryana, and is expected to be finished by December 1, 2024.



United Sikh Mission starts building 'Khalsa Health Centre' for rural people in Bias village



Chandigarh: United Sikh Mission Chairman Rashpal Singh Khalsa on Thursday said that the work of the building of 'Khalsa Health Centre' in Bias village, Jalandhar has started this year in the month of June and is expected to be completed by October 2024. This Khalsa Health Centre is a tribute to the loving memory of Mata Pal Kaur and Mata Swaran Kaur, dedicated to serving the needy in the rural region, he added. USM has taken a big initiative to make the health services accessible to all with a motive of making rural health accessible and affordable. The objective of this mission is to empower communities worldwide by addressing disparities in healthcare needs by eliminating preventable medical illnesses while promoting peace in the community to spread prosperity and kindness towards humanity, he added.



Implement welfare schemes on time after discussing issues: Pb Minister to Officials



Chandigarh: Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, during a review meeting with officials of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, and Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BANKFINCO) at Punjab Civil Secretariat on Thursday, instructed the officials to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes are delivered to beneficiaries on time. The Minister directed the officials to make due payments under the Ashirwad Scheme and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme as soon as possible.



Council of JEs PSEB contributes Rs 7.63L in Punjab CM Relief Fund



Chandigarh: The Council of Junior Engineers PSEB has contributed Rs 7,62,500 in Punjab Chief Ministers Relief Fund during month of November 2023 including a cheque of Rs 5,000 handed over by the Council to the Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO for extending financial relief to the flood-affected people of the State. Appreciating the Councils efforts, the Minister said that such contribution helps in providing timely assistance to the people during the hour of need.



Nexus Elante Mall announces Black Friday Sale



Chandigarh: Nexus Elante Mall on Thursday announced Black Friday Sale, marking tricity's largest shopping extravaganza, from November 24 to 27. Unveiling an unprecedented flat 50 per cent off on an extensive line-up of over 500 top-tier brands, the event is a first-of-its-kind in terms of scale and participation. What sets this sale apart is that the massive discounts apply not only to existing stock but also extend to fresh merchandise.



Bhattacharya wins national level Plus Size Pageant



Chandigarh: Pratyusha Ghosh Bhattacharya, raised in Chandigarh, has won the coveted title of Maven Ms Plus Size India 2023, held recently in the national capital. Pratyusha said that she had always wished to compete in a beauty contest and winning the title of Ms Plus Size India 2023 was a dream come true for her. Pratyusha did her schooling from citys Carmel Convent School, and then did her B Tech from Chitkara University. Later, she went to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Hyderabad, for her MBA.
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated the Vidhya Samiksha Kendra, an AI-driven data repository centre to improve the learning outcomes of students in schools across the state.



Innovative reforms and advanced technologies are being introduced in the education sector to meet future challenges, Sukhu said while inaugurating the data centre. Vidhya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) is a data repository, powered by SwiftChat AI (artificial intelligence), that would enable technology and data-driven systemic change in all schools of Himachal Pradesh, he said.



The government intends to develop an education system in which students studying in government schools will feel proud and equitable with the convent school kids and many reforms in the education sector would be visible from the next academic session, the chief minister said."Through the integration of AI technology and governance, the children will be equipped with powerful visualisations to enhance decision-making capabilities and improve learning outcomes. It will support all the students, teachers, and administrators with the right insights, content and updated information at the right time," Sukhu added.

He said VSK will also help in remote monitoring of all key programmes in the education sector. EdTech partner ConveGenius is supporting Himachal Pradesh VSK by hosting a range of conversational AI chatbots on SwiftChat that act like "digital buddies" by guiding students, assisting teachers, and providing valuable data for administrators. It will present dashboards and reports for districts, blocks, and individual schools.



This real-time data will offer invaluable insights into student progress, teacher training and overall school performance. Teachers can now tweak their teaching strategies based on real-time feedback and remediation support, ensuring every student gets the attention they need to boost learning outcomes, Sukhu said.
A month-long drive for non scalpel vasectomy popularly known as male sterilisation has begun from November 21 in Palamu.

According to the district programme manager of Deepak Kumar Gupta "Each of the 10 community health centers has been given a target for 25 nsvs. We believe the community health centres will try to do it."

There is incentive money. It's 3,000 rupees for the male who has nsv. The man or the motivator who brings in such a case is to get 400 rupees, added Gupta.

However, the national average percentage of the nsv is very poor. According to the national family health survey 5 the national percentage of the nsv is around 3 percent only.

This correspondent spoke to a medical officer in charge of the community health centre at Lesliganj Dr Rajiv Ranjan to know why nsv is unacceptable to eligible males.

According to Dr Rajiv Ranjan "It's illiteracy. There are misconceptions. Males believe it will affect their sex drive. They believe it will affect health and strength. All these are bogus. There are no side effects of the nsv."

He said "The Labour class has this wrong perception that once nsv is done, one will not be able to do farming work which requires hard labour. This is absolutely rubbish."

Dr Rajiv Ranjan went on to say " Males forward their women for tubectomy. This is just too wrong."

On being asked if free hydrocele operation can help increase cases for the nsv Dr Ranjan said "We keep telling males that we will be doing free hydrocele operation. But this free offer too does not see any more cases of nsv."
A few filling stations in Odisha are short-selling petrol and diesel by tampering with the system in dispensing units, Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak told the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Replying to a written query by BJD MLA Prasanta Behera, Nayak said that as many as 24 cases were registered against some petrol pumps in the State for tampering with dispensing units to short-sell petrol and diesel in 2022-23.

A total fine of Rs 3,17,000 was collected from the errant petrol pumps during raids.

In the 2021-22 fiscal, informed the Minister, a fine of Rs 3,43,000 was collected and 22 cases were registered. In the previous 2020-21 financial year, as many as 37 cases had been registered and fines of Rs 4,06,000 were collected.

A total of 83 cases were registered against many petrol pumps in the last three years for the same reason. Moreover, a total fine of Rs 10,66,000 was collected from those pumps during the same period.

To stop cheating in dispensing fuel, the Quality Assurance Cell and Vigilance Wing of the State are conducting sudden raids at the petrol pumps at regular intervals. Fines are collected and actions taken against the petrol pumps which are found tampering with the system in dispensing units of fuel during the raids, added the Minister.
The Election Commission on Thursday made it clear that reports about it giving approval to extend Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains' term by a month were false. Bains' term as the state chief secretary is ending on Nov 30.

As the model code of conduct for the state assembly elections, held in a single phase on November 17, is still in force, any decision regarding Bains' term extension will have to be approved by the Election Commission.

Taking to X, the office of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anupam Rajan said, "A fake news is being shared on social media that Election Commission has given approval to the extension of tenure of Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, who is about to superannuate. It is clarified that no such approval has been given by the Commission."

When asked about it, CEO Ranjan told, "I have already stated on X that the information that the EC has extended Bains' tenure as fake news." Bains, a trusted hand of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has got two extensions of six months each earlier. At the request of the state government, the Centre had cleared these extensions in the past.
SK chief vows to give utmost for Korean citys victory

By Park Jae-hyuk, Baek Byung-yeul

Koreas largest conglomerates and their leaders vowed to continue their international efforts until the final moment, for Busan to be chosen as the host city of the World Expo 2030 by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) members in Paris on Nov. 28 (local time).

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who also serves as a co-chair of the bid committee, expressed his determination to do his best to help Busan, as the voting day approaches.

When we first started, it seemed like an impossible fight with no chance of success, but thanks to the Korean government and various companies utmost efforts, we are now closely catching up to the point where no one can predict the outcome, he wrote on Instagram, Thursday. I am also meeting prime ministers and cabinet members from various countries every day in different countries, risking everything to secure even one more vote.

The chairman, who is one of the wealthiest people in Korea, also uploaded a photo of himself sitting in an economy-class seat on an airplane, saying that Time is precious.

He arrived in Paris earlier this month and has been conducting promotion activities. Since Nov. 13, he has visited seven countries in Latin America and Europe, traveling a total distance of 22,000 kilometers during the 10-day period and meeting with heads of state from an average of one country per day.

SK Innovation, the groups oil refinery unit, also said Sunday that its affiliates in Europe, Southeast Asia and North and Latin Americas sent photos with a message that reads SK proudly supports Busans bid to host the World Expo 2030.

Other chiefs of conglomerates are also promoting Busans Expo bid in various parts of the world.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun appealed for support for Busan to delegates representing the BIE members during a banquet in Paris, Thursday, saying that Following Koreas advancements in science and technology, K-pop and K-food, Busan is gaining international recognition.

In Paris, the automotive group will promote Busan until the voting day, using its specially-designed art-cars decorated with symbols and slogans for the Korean city.

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan also attended several events in the French capital last week to meet as many officials as possible from the BIE member countries.

In addition, Samsung has played promotional videos supporting Busans bid in Paris and major European cities, while LG has run buses decorated with images promoting the Korean city.

Lotte will light up the exterior of Lotte World Tower in Seoul every night until the voting day, with the catchphrase, Busan is No. 1, and the colors of the Taegeuki, or South Korean flag.

Busan is competing against Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and Rome of Italy.

Amid the rumor that at least 122 countries declared their supports for the Saudi capital, Korea is going all out to prevent Riyadh from securing more than two-thirds of votes from the 182 BIE members in the first round of voting. In that case, the candidate with the least votes will be eliminated and a run-off vote will be held.
The police have arrested the main accused and three other accused in the Reliance Jewels showroom robbery. According to the police the arrests were made in Bihar. Officials informed that Dehradun police arrested the main accused Akhilesh alias Abhishek from Rajepura area of Muzaffarnagar in Bihar on Wednesday night. He was arrested after detailed questioning and three other accused identified as Ashish Kumar, Kundan Kumar and Mohammad Adil were taken into custody for questioning. The police got to know from them that before any planned heist, the gangleader used to send money from jail to Adil through his henchmen. In turn, Adil used to give the cash to Kundan and other accomplices. They then used hawala and mobile phones to transfer the money online to others involved in the robbery. After the robbery committed in Dehradun on November 9, Kundan gave Rs one lakh cash to the main accused Akhilesh on November 12 while accused Ashish sheltered the main accused in his home after the robbery. The four accused were presented in the court in Bihar for transit remand. The court approved the transit remand of all the four accused. The police further informed that the four accused are being brought to Dehradun. Here they will be questioned in detail about the robbery committed in the jewellery showroom on November 9. The main accused, Akhilesh told the police that the gang had paid him Rs six lakh for a robbery in a Reliance Jewels showroom at Raiganj in West Bengal during April this year, the police said. All the four accused arrested by the police belong to Bihar.
The rescuers have drilled more than 45 metres through the debris which have trapped 41 workers in the Silkyara tunnel since November 12. A breakthrough is expected by Friday if all goes as planned. The authorities state that their priority is to carry out the drilling swiftly while also observing utmost care. Earlier, the drilling machine encountered a metal girder among the debris which halted the work for some time late on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority member lieutenant general (retd) SA Hasnain told media persons on Thursday that if all goes well, good news could be received by midday on Friday.

Secretary Neeraj Khairwal informed the media at Silkyara that 45 metres drilling has been completed through the debris in the tunnel. The drilling was hampered when bits of metal roads in the debris got stuck in the drilling machine. Late on Wednesday night, two workers- Pradeep Yadav and Balvinder got into the pipe and cut the bits of metal stuck in the machine.

Khairwal further informed that the drilling work is being undertaken with considerable care. The machine was installed again and the drilling was resumed, after which about 1.8 metres further drilling was carried out. Special care is being taken for drilling further. Drilling swiftly while observing utmost care is the priority of the authorities, the secretary added.

Officials have stated that the efforts being made to rescue the trapped workers through an escape tunnel built using metal pipes through the debris is the quickest way to rescue them. At the same time, other efforts to reach them have also continued. Hasnain said that efforts are underway for opening the tunnel from the Badkot side. Officials said that rescuers are also ready to start vertical drilling to execute the alternative plan.

Meanwhile, the authorities have made all necessary arrangements to provide all the required medical attention to the 41 workers once they are rescued. Ambulances have been brought to the site the arrangements have been made at Chinyalisaur to provide primary treatment to the workers after the rescue.
Prof. Dr. Bimal Kumar Mishra, the Principal of Adarsh College, has recently been granted his sixth patent by the Government of South Africa. The patent was awarded for his groundbreaking work in developing an algorithm that utilizes Artificial Intelligence to effectively combat the spread of epidemics. This achievement marks yet another significant milestone in Prof. Mishra's illustrious career. Prior to this, he had already received five patents from the Australian Government.

Prof. Mishra's area of expertise lies in the field of cyber-attacks, and his contributions have been widely recognized through the publication of over 135 research papers in esteemed international research journals. Furthermore, his exceptional mentorship has guided and supported 25 researchers in successfully completing their PhD work under his supervision. Notably, Prof. Mishra has been acknowledged as one of the top 2 per cent of mathematics scientists in the world on two separate occasions.

In addition to his remarkable accomplishments, Prof. Mishra is also a distinguished Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London and a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and Applications. His academic journey began under the guidance of his renowned mathematician father, Prof. BN Mishra of Matwari, Hazaribagh. Prof. Mishra pursued his education at St. Columba's College Hazaribagh, Delhi University, and Vinoba Bhave University Hazaribagh. Prior to his current position, he has also served at BITS Pilani and BIT Mesra.

The news of Prof. Dr. Vimal Kumar Mishra's latest patent has brought immense joy and pride to the Adarsh College community in Rajdhanwar. The entire faculty has extended their heartfelt congratulations to him for this remarkable achievement.


Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday announced financial aid to the family members of 11 people who lost their lives after the consumption of spurious liquor and digitally disbursed an amount of more than Rs 38 lakh directly into the accounts of such families. The compensation amount has been disbursed as per the age-wise provision mentioned in the DAYALU Yojana. Four families have received an amount of Rs 5 lakh and 6 families have received an amount of 6 lakh.



Expressing deep regret over the unfortunate incident, Khattar highlighted the government's commitment to address the issue promptly and ensure justice for the family members.



Addressing a press conference, Khattar said, Stringent measures have been implemented to tackle illegal activities associated with the production and distribution of spurious liquor. Consequently, 35 individuals have been arrested, fines totaling Rs. 2.51 crores have been levied, and 6 FIRs have been registered and L-13 licenses have been canceled.



He further shared that 3 FIRs were registered in Yamunanagar, resulting in the arrest of 19 people, and 3 FIRs were registered in Ambala, resulting in the apprehension of 16 people. 4 license holders, namely Mangeram, Amarnath, Sushil Kumar, and Gaurav Kamboj have been declared defaulters, and a total of 12 vend zones, including 6 urban and 6 rural, have been cancelled. Along with this, 41 sub-vend licenses have also been cancelled. He urged the people not to purchase products from such vendors, informed Khattar.



For providing social and financial security to Antyodaya families, Khattar disbursed an amount of Rs. 44.48 crores directly into the bank accounts of 1159 DAYALU scheme beneficiaries who faced the death or permanent disability of a family member. He said that the death of a family member or the occurrence of a permanent disability in an accident puts a tremendous burden on the affected family. Poor families are surrounded by financial difficulties as well. Empathizing the concerns of such families, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) has been implemented to provide economic assistance.



Under this scheme, assistance is provided to the family members aged between 6 and 60 years, with an annual income of up to Rs.1.80 lakh in case of death or disability. So far, Rs. 75.10 crore has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of 1964 beneficiaries under this scheme, shared Khattar.



Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister V Umashankar, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department Vikas Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Rajeev Jaitly, Chief Media Coordinator Sudesh Kataria, Media Secretary Praveen Atreya and others were present on the occasion.
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to suggest names of five senior bureaucrats to be considered for the post of new Delhi chief secretary by 10.30 am on November 28 and said the Delhi government will have to respond the same day to facilitate adjudication on the vexed issue.

The appointment of the chief secretary is the latest bone of contention between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena who have been involved in a series of run-ins over various issues.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra which was hearing the AAP government's plea asked why the LG and the chief minister cannot meet to amicably decide on names.

Earlier on July 17, the top court had taken note of the differences over the appointment of the new DERC chairperson and asked Kejriwal and the LG to discuss names of former judges who could head the national capital's power regulator, saying the two constitutional functionaries have to rise above "political bickering".

However, the deadlock remained despite the two functionaries meeting and finally the top court appointed the DERC chairperson.

In the brief hearing on Friday, the bench said the names of five senior bureaucrats, to be suggested by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, for the post of chief secretary will be submitted at 10.30 AM on Tuesday to it.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, said the city dispensation will revert back within a few minutes.

The bench then said it would try to give the orders on the name for appointment of the chief secretary the same day, saying any delay may affect the reputation of senior officers.

The bench was hearing a plea of the Delhi government against any move by the Centre to appoint, without any consultation with it, the new chief secretary or extend the tenure of the current top civil servant Naresh Kumar who, otherwise, is set to demit office on November 30.

The Delhi government has questioned how the Centre could proceed with the appointment of the chief secretary without any consultation with it while the new law is under challenge.

"Why can't the LG and the CM meet? Last time we said that for the appointment of DERC chairperson and they never agreed...," the CJI said.

"So, why doesn't the LG and the Centre propose a panel of names? The ultimate choice will be from a panel made by you. You suggest a panel. Then they (the Delhi government) will pick up one name," the bench proposed.

At the outset, Singhvi said that the law dealing with services is under challenge before the top court and there cannot be a unilateral exercise of power by the LG.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the stand has always been that the chief secretary was appointed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Singhvi said the chief secretary has been appointed on the recommendation of the chief minister.

The top law officer said, Never. I can put this on the affidavit.

We must have a modality in which the government functions. I am sure both of you can give us a way out, the CJI said.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the office of LG, said, I am very sorry to say that there is a running commentary against the chief secretary and he had to approach the court against scurrilous allegations.

The bench has now posted the plea for hearing on Tuesday.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, notified in August, gives the Centre control over bureaucracy in the national capital and an authority was created under it for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers.

The plea alleged the 2023 Amendment Act is in violation of the 2023 Constitution Bench Judgment This renders the government of NCT of Delhi a mere observer in the appointment of the most crucial member of the permanent executive, the Chief Secretary," the Delhi government said in its plea.

For effective and smooth governance, it is the state government, which enjoys the mandate of the local people, that appoints the Chief Secretary, it said.

Accordingly, the relevant rules and regulations under the All India Services Act, 1951 vest the discretion of appointing officers of State Cadres with the state government.

"Rule 7(2) of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954 clearly stipulates that all appointments to cadre posts in a State Cadre shall be made by the state government. The rationale behind this arrangement has been repeatedly upheld by this court, the plea said.
Tension prevailed in the campus of the BJB Autonomous College here on Thursday following a protest by students against the picking up of a former student by police on Wednesday night.

The former student was identified as Smruti Ranjan Panda. He was present in the college premises when cops entered the campus around 9 pm and picked him up.

A student alleged, The former student came to the college to attend a function as a guest after completing his admission in a department. Police arrived at the campus in plainclothes and took him.

Due to the protest, all the classes were suspended and the students locked the main gate of the college. Besides, the students blocked the main road in front of the college by burning tyres.

Later, senior police officials reached the spot and held discussions with the agitating students, following which the road blockade was withdrawn.
A worker was killed by a tiger in the Dhikala range of Corbett tiger reserve here on Thursday. The man was doing work on the solar fencing when a tiger attacked him. Five men were working at the site when the big cat attacked one of them. There were also two armed forest personnel posted for their security. According to sources, one of the workers identified as Ram Bahadur (57) was attacked by a tiger. The armed personnel fired a total of 10 rounds in the air in an attempt to scare the tiger away. The big cat left the man but he had reportedly died by that time. The Corbett director Dhiraj Pandey and chief wildlife warden Samir Sinha were informed about the incident and the chief wildlife warden reportedly gave permission to catch the tiger. The effort to tranquilise the tiger was then undertaken with two teams on elephants, one drone team, a veterinary team and a quick response team. The tiger identified as the one response for the attack was finally tranquilised at about 2:30 PM. The DNA samples of the tiger are being sent to CCMB Hyderabad and Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. The officials said that the big cat is a male tiger aged about two years. The tiger is reported to be fully healthy.The tranquilised tiger was taken to the Dhela rescue centre. The chief wildlife warden has issued instructions for carrying out a detailed inquiry into the incident on Thursday. It will be recalled that earlier on November 12, a labourer had been killed by a big cat in the Corbett landscape. It should be mentioned here that the grassland area in the Dhikala zone of Corbett is currently closed for tourist safaris from the security point of view. The area is being monitored.
Shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the nine analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $144.33.

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $163.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $120.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $108.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $137.00 to $135.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 16th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ARE

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Up 0.8 %

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement

NYSE ARE opened at $104.59 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $99.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $111.55. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a one year low of $90.73 and a one year high of $172.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.22 and a quick ratio of 0.22. The firm has a market cap of $18.17 billion, a PE ratio of 75.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.00.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th were given a $1.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $4.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.74%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 356.84%.

Insider Activity at Alexandria Real Estate Equities

In related news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 103,808 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.32, for a total value of $240,834.56. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,723,527 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,278,582.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 61.7% during the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 291 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 115.8% during the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 246 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 142.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 325 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co acquired a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Rational Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 3rd quarter worth $37,000. 86.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) had its price target dropped by research analysts at CIBC from C$120.00 to C$115.00 in a report released on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the banks stock. CIBCs price target suggests a potential upside of 4.35% from the stocks previous close.

Several other brokerages have also issued reports on BMO. National Bankshares dropped their target price on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$123.00 to C$120.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$143.00 to C$135.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Cormark cut their price target on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$132.00 to C$130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. Desjardins decreased their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$133.00 to C$130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$131.00 to C$126.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$127.92.

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Bank of Montreal Stock Performance

TSE:BMO opened at C$110.21 on Wednesday. Bank of Montreal has a 52-week low of C$102.67 and a 52-week high of C$137.64. The firm has a market cap of C$78.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.87, a PEG ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.16. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$110.53 and its 200 day moving average is C$115.25.

Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 29th. The bank reported C$2.78 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$3.06 by C($0.28). The firm had revenue of C$7.93 billion for the quarter. Bank of Montreal had a net margin of 23.03% and a return on equity of 10.26%. Equities analysts predict that Bank of Montreal will post 12.9651023 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Bank of Montreal

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers.

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Orlen (OTCMKTS:PSKOF  Get Free Report) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation and profitability.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

68.9% of Chevron shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of Chevron shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Orlen and Chevron, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Orlen 0 1 0 0 2.00 Chevron 0 3 14 0 2.82

Valuation and Earnings

Chevron has a consensus price target of $187.89, indicating a potential upside of 30.18%. Given Chevrons stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Chevron is more favorable than Orlen.

This table compares Orlen and Chevrons top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Orlen N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Chevron $246.25 billion 1.11 $35.47 billion $13.47 10.71

Chevron has higher revenue and earnings than Orlen.

Profitability

This table compares Orlen and Chevrons net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Orlen N/A N/A N/A Chevron 12.11% 16.15% 10.14%

Summary

Chevron beats Orlen on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Orlen

(Get Free Report)

Orlen S.A. operates in refining, petrochemical, energy, retail, and upstream business. The company offers petrol, diesel, LPG, and biofuels; aviation fuels; heating oils; aromatics, including phenol, benzene, paraxylene, purified terephthalic acid, benzene-toulene fraction, and naphthalene concentrate; olefins; polyolefins; plastics; glycols; nitrogen fertilizers; and other products, such as acetone, ethylene oxide, masterbatch, advanced technical carbon black Chezacarb, caprolactam, soda lye, and sodium hypochlorite. It also provides base, car and motorbike, truck, marine, industrial, and agricultural oils, as well as paraffin and solvents; salt and salt-derivative products; and bitumen. In addition, the company produces and distributes electricity and heat energy. The company was formerly known as Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN S.A. and changed its name to Orlen S.A. in July 2023. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Plock, Poland.

About Chevron

(Get Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. The Downstream segment refines crude oil into petroleum products; markets crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; manufactures and markets renewable fuels; transports crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corporation and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

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Dog meat traders up in arms over gov't plan to end dog meat consumption
Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH  Free Report) by 4.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 60,657 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,492 shares during the quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. owned about 0.07% of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts worth $4,160,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Boston Partners raised its holdings in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 15.0% during the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,663,776 shares of the companys stock valued at $248,604,000 after purchasing an additional 477,862 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,554,592 shares of the companys stock worth $216,348,000 after buying an additional 80,119 shares during the period. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 7.1% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,407,165 shares of the companys stock worth $163,326,000 after acquiring an additional 159,530 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,242,143 shares of the companys stock valued at $189,887,000 after acquiring an additional 77,125 shares during the period. Finally, Gates Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 35.9% during the first quarter. Gates Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,214,846 shares of the companys stock valued at $150,277,000 after acquiring an additional 585,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.06% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on WH. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $84.00 to $83.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a report on Monday, October 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $87.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $87.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research note on Sunday, November 19th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $87.00.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Stock Up 1.0 %

WH stock opened at $78.11 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $6.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.77, a P/E/G ratio of 7.63 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $72.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $72.28. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has a 1-year low of $63.69 and a 1-year high of $81.00.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $402.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $395.44 million. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had a net margin of 20.98% and a return on equity of 36.32%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.21 EPS. Analysts expect that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will post 4.01 EPS for the current year.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 12th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.79%. Wyndham Hotels & Resortss payout ratio is currently 40.82%.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Profile

(Free Report)

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc operates as a hotel franchisor worldwide. It operates through Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments. The Hotel Franchising segment licenses its lodging brands and provides related services to third-party hotel owners and others. The Hotel Management segment provides hotel management services for full-service hotels.

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Private Advisor Group LLC raised its stake in BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust (NYSE:BGY  Free Report) by 1.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 287,890 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 4,650 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust were worth $1,589,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. WNY Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust by 9.5% in the 2nd quarter. WNY Asset Management LLC now owns 106,125 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $577,000 after acquiring an additional 9,225 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in shares of BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust by 7.8% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 84,587 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $460,000 after purchasing an additional 6,131 shares during the period. Integrated Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust by 80.8% during the second quarter. Integrated Capital Management Inc. now owns 33,836 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $184,000 after buying an additional 15,119 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust by 3.4% during the second quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 115,455 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $628,000 after buying an additional 3,775 shares during the period. Finally, Waterfront Wealth Inc. grew its holdings in BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. now owns 945,162 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $5,197,000 after buying an additional 63,802 shares in the last quarter.

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BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust Stock Performance

BGY opened at $5.13 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $4.94 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.23. BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust has a 12 month low of $4.68 and a 12 month high of $5.66.

BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust Dividend Announcement

BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust Profile

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.0338 per share. This represents a $0.41 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 14th.

(Free Report)

BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is co-managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe excluding the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Cetera Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:GTO  Free Report) by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 15,292 shares of the companys stock after selling 229 shares during the quarter. Cetera Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF were worth $710,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. PFG Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Total Return Bond ETF by 9.3% during the second quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 28,809 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,338,000 after acquiring an additional 2,463 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Total Return Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $903,000. Leo Brokerage LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF by 49.8% in the 2nd quarter. Leo Brokerage LLC now owns 9,607 shares of the companys stock worth $443,000 after acquiring an additional 3,194 shares during the last quarter. Good Life Advisors LLC lifted its position in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF by 7.7% in the 1st quarter. Good Life Advisors LLC now owns 76,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,591,000 after acquiring an additional 5,446 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Spire Wealth Management boosted its stake in Invesco Total Return Bond ETF by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 579,241 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,912,000 after purchasing an additional 30,129 shares during the last quarter.

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Invesco Total Return Bond ETF Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSEARCA GTO opened at $45.31 on Friday. Invesco Total Return Bond ETF has a one year low of $43.27 and a one year high of $48.82. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $44.50 and a 200 day moving average of $45.62.

Invesco Total Return Bond ETF Profile

The Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is an actively managed fund with the ability to invest in any number of fixed income securities with varying credit ratings, countries, and durations. GTO was launched on Feb 10, 2016 and is managed by Invesco.

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Cetera Advisors LLC boosted its position in Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF (BATS:PSFF  Free Report) by 70.7% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 25,555 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,582 shares during the quarter. Cetera Advisors LLCs holdings in Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF were worth $622,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF by 158.0% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 22,763 shares of the companys stock worth $516,000 after acquiring an additional 13,940 shares in the last quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF during the second quarter worth about $222,000. Retirement Guys Formula LLC boosted its position in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF by 10.3% in the third quarter. Retirement Guys Formula LLC now owns 278,277 shares of the companys stock worth $5,735,000 after buying an additional 25,977 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada purchased a new stake in shares of Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $87,000. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC lifted its position in Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF by 28.6% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 137,852 shares of the companys stock worth $3,013,000 after acquiring an additional 30,662 shares in the last quarter.

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Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF Stock Performance

BATS PSFF opened at $25.22 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $24.36 and a 200 day moving average of $24.21. The stock has a market cap of $169.48 million, a PE ratio of 19.63 and a beta of 0.44.

About Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF|ETF

The Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF (PSFF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is an actively managed fund-of-funds of Pacer Swan SOS ETFs that provide exposure to US securities while limiting downside risk with buffers and caps over one year. PSFF was launched on Dec 29, 2020 and is managed by Pacer.

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Private Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (NYSEARCA:XME  Free Report) by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 30,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 746 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF were worth $1,569,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Citigroup Inc. grew its position in shares of SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF by 114.8% in the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 1,728,648 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $87,850,000 after purchasing an additional 923,857 shares during the period. Barclays PLC boosted its holdings in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF by 309.8% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,204,314 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $61,203,000 after buying an additional 910,468 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 6,258,405 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $311,731,000 after buying an additional 498,869 shares in the last quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF by 6,447.3% during the first quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC now owns 324,679 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $17,260,000 after acquiring an additional 319,720 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Ve Gananot Havera Menahelet LTD purchased a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $14,824,000.

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SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:XME opened at $53.04 on Friday. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF has a 1 year low of $44.17 and a 1 year high of $59.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.93 billion, a PE ratio of 4.92 and a beta of 1.48. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $50.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.42.

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF Profile

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (the Fund) seeks to replicate as closely as possible the performance of the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index (the Index). The Index is an equal weighted market cap index. The Index represents the metals and mining sub-industry portion of the S&P Total Market Index.

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Profund Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:KEYS  Free Report) by 35.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,371 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after acquiring an additional 878 shares during the period. Profund Advisors LLCs holdings in Keysight Technologies were worth $564,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of KEYS. Focused Wealth Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Keysight Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new stake in shares of Keysight Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Keysight Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. VitalStone Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Keysight Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Keysight Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.72% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on KEYS shares. StockNews.com cut Keysight Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on Keysight Technologies from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley raised Keysight Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $165.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Keysight Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $146.00 to $164.00 in a report on Monday, September 4th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Keysight Technologies from $144.00 to $134.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Keysight Technologies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $171.18.

Keysight Technologies Price Performance

KEYS opened at $135.72 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $24.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.93, a PEG ratio of 3.65 and a beta of 1.04. Keysight Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $118.57 and a 1 year high of $189.45. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $128.33 and its 200 day simple moving average is $145.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 2.35 and a quick ratio of 2.93.

Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 20th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $1.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.30 billion. Keysight Technologies had a return on equity of 28.98% and a net margin of 19.34%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.02 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Keysight Technologies, Inc. will post 6.95 earnings per share for the current year.

About Keysight Technologies

(Free Report)

Keysight Technologies, Inc provides electronic design and test solutions to commercial communications, networking, aerospace, defense and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Its Communications Solutions Group segment provides electronic design automation (EDA) software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, and related software; hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, including data center, routing and switching, software defined networking, security, and encryption; oscilloscopes, logic and serial protocol analyzers, logic-signal sources, arbitrary waveform generators, and bit error rate testers; and optical modulation analyzers, optical component analyzers, optical power meters, and optical laser source solutions, as well as resells refurbished used Keysight equipment.

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Profund Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) by 50.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,535 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,847 shares during the period. Profund Advisors LLCs holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises were worth $574,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of RCL. Manchester Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Front Row Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 134.3% during the 1st quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 410 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Hollencrest Capital Management boosted its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 494.2% during the 2nd quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 309 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.64% of the companys stock.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Up 0.1 %

RCL opened at $104.96 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.90. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $91.75 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.18. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a twelve month low of $47.91 and a twelve month high of $112.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.80 and a beta of 2.45.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Royal Caribbean Cruises ( NYSE:RCL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.43 by $0.42. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a net margin of 6.98% and a return on equity of 34.59%. The firm had revenue of $4.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.08 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.26 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 6.59 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Susquehanna cut their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $120.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $123.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $111.93.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on RCL

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total transaction of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,911,436. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total transaction of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,911,436. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael W. Bayley sold 7,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $819,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 94,391 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,911,055. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 31,302 shares of company stock valued at $3,094,672 over the last three months. Insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises

(Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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ProShare Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 113,120 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,461 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLCs holdings in Edison International were worth $7,856,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 5.0% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,306 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 4.0% during the second quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 4,446 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $309,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Capital Analysts LLC lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 64.0% during the first quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 438 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 5.2% during the first quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 3,554 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $251,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Edison International by 3.6% during the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 5,198 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $367,000 after acquiring an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.17% of the companys stock.

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Edison International Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of Edison International stock opened at $65.90 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $64.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is $67.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.28 billion, a PE ratio of 20.53, a P/E/G ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 0.86. Edison International has a 1-year low of $58.82 and a 1-year high of $74.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.75.

Insider Transactions at Edison International

Edison International ( NYSE:EIX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly 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 business had revenue of $4.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.71 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 12.79% and a net margin of 8.75%. The companys revenue was down 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.48 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Edison International will post 4.71 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, SVP Caroline Choi sold 11,222 shares of Edison International 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 transaction, the senior vice president now owns 20,881 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,495,914.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.03% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have issued reports on EIX. StockNews.com began coverage on Edison International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Edison International from $79.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH raised shares of Edison International from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Edison International from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Mizuho raised shares of Edison International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $73.00 to $75.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Edison International currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $71.42.

Get Our Latest Report on EIX

Edison International 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.

Further Reading

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Dalhousie celebrated its latest Killam Scholars at a reception on campus last month that shone a light on how these individuals are shaping new perspectives and creating lasting change in their respective fields  from literature and law to medicine and beyond.

The afternoon celebration highlighted the Killam Memorial Chairs and included an announcement of new professorships, and pre- and post-doctoral fellows, as well as the recipients of special awards, including the George Cooper Killam Graduate Prizes and the Killam International Research Awards.

The Killam Scholarships and Fellowships are where possibility meets impact, said Dr. Marty Leonard, dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, at the event held in the Joseph Strug Concert Hall. The research that our Killam Scholars and Chairs are undertaking is creating lasting change at a local, national, and global level. The Killam Awards help drive this innovation.

A gift with impact



To date, the Killam Trust has supported more than 2,100 Killam Scholars. The original gift given by Dorothy Killam in memory of her late husband, Izaak Walton Killam, has supported their shared passion to give strength to cutting-edge research and higher education.

Mrs. Killams ambition was to build Canadas future by encouraging advanced study. Killam scholarships and fellowships for emerging researchers helps us achieve this goal, said Bernie Miller, managing trustee with the Killam Trusts.



Bernie Miller, managing trustee with the Killam Laureates.

The Killam Scholarships continue to be the most prestigious post-graduate awards at Dalhousie and have helped establish the university as a leading research institution nationally.

The gift that formed the Killam Scholarships was visionary with intention, because the Killams understood that the future of the country was  and is  tied to the ability of our graduate students and researchers to devote themselves to the creation of new knowledge, said Dalhousie President Dr. Kim Brooks.

Dr. Alice Aiken, Dals vice-president research and innovation, said the awards have been an essential building block of research excellence at the university.

"The Killam Trusts have been fundamental to the success of our research enterprise, funding exceptional researchers and graduate students who work alongside and support our researchers to advance knowledge across our academic community, said Dr. Aiken.

Research in action



This year, the award ceremony saw two Killam Scholars  past winners of the Killam Impact Award  and an existing Killam Memorial Chair take the stage and share the impact of their research.

Karen Tang and Julia Cantelon, both pre-doctoral scholars, provided 3 Minute Thesis-style presentations on their respective research areas of video-game addiction and groundwater incursion on small islands.

The work of our the Killam Scholars continue to put forward illustrates beautifully that research with purpose does not know the bounds of one faculty or discipline but is shaped by the inquisitive and brightest minds our university has to offer, said Dr. Leonard.

Dr. Mita Dasog, a Killam Memorial Chair in the Department of Chemistry, discussed the transformative potential of her research. Her research group focuses on developing nanomaterials for sustainable fuel production, desalination, and water purification, all using sunlight.

The Killam Memorial Chairs program provides Dalhousie with significant support to sustain the success of leading scholars in our academic community, said Dr. Aiken. The investments made by the Killam Trusts in the Killam Memorial Chairs program are having a profound impact in shaping our research environment, seeding the ground for future discoveries and thought leadership.

Meet some of this years Killam Scholars



Dalhousie welcomed 23 new Killam Scholars this year. We spoke with four pre-doctoral scholars and one postdoctoral scholar about their research and what the Killam awards mean to them.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;



Killam Chairs





Killam Memorial Chairs at the Killam Awards Event.

Dr. Jeanna Parsons Leigh



Dr. Parsons Leigh is establishing a cross-national research program focused on optimizing public health emergency preparedness in Canada, with an eye on helping us meet the challenge of our next health crisis.

Dr. Kevin Plucknett



Dr. Plucknett is helping to establish Dalhousie as a leader in advanced materials that promise to help humanity meet challenges in everything from energy to healthcare.

Dr. Mita Dasog



Dr. Dasog is internationally recognized for her research that promises to have significant global impact on issues such as fossil-fuel dependence and access to freshwater.

Dr. Afua Cooper



Dr. Coopers trailblazing work and research has been  and continues to be  a defining force in helping Canadians understand the integral role of people of African descent in our nations history.
A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was set to begin Friday morning, Qatar said after a daylong delay extended the agony for those hoping for some relief from the deal, which is to bring the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The diplomatic breakthrough promised some relief for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment , as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

The cease-fire was originally set to begin Thursday morning, but it appeared to hit a snag the night before when Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced a one-day delay without providing a reason.

On Thursday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari announced the cease-fire will start at 7 a.m. local time Friday (5 a.m. GMT).

He said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed Friday afternoon. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, al-Ansari said. The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence," he told reporters.

Israeli airstrikes continued Thursday. In the afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.

One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble.

It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead, he said, bursting into tears.

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza , which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since Nov. 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health system's collapse in the north,

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

The truce agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza , fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Air-raid sirens sounded across northern Israel on Thursday as Hezbollah said it fired 48 Katyusha rockets from southern Lebanon. The barrage came after an Israeli strike killed five Hezbollah fighters, including the son of the head of the groups parliamentary bloc.

The Israeli military said it was striking the sources of the launches. Israel and Hezbollah, which fought a monthlong war in 2006, have repeatedly traded fire across the border since the war in Gaza broke out.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to U.S. President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

In Gazas city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war.

God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire, said Jihan Qanan. People have had houses brought down on their heads, theyve been expelled ... Theres no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked.

The Israeli military said combat operations would continue until it was ordered to hold fire, and chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said troops would remain in place during the truce. Israeli forces hold much of northern Gaza, where they say they have dismantled tunnels and much of Hamas infrastructure there.

The military said it has surrounded the Jabaliya refugee camp and called on any residents inside to evacuate Thursday. The military has said it is pursuing Hamas fighters in Jabaliya, a dense urban district adjacent to Gaza City that has been heavily bombarded for weeks.

The military said Thursday it detained the director of Gaza Citys Shifa Hospital , Mohammed Abu Selmia, for questioning over his involvement in what it called extensive Hamas activities in the hospital. Gazas Health Ministry condemned Abu Selmias arrest and called on international bodies to intervene.

A day earlier, Israel showed a tunnel and rooms that military officials said were a major Hamas hideout beneath Shifa. Hamas and hospital staff deny Israeli allegations that Shifa was used as a militant command center. Hagari said Israel has mapped out Shifa Hospital and plans to destroy all terror infrastructure" it has found.

Ahmed El-Mokhallalati, a plastic surgeon working at al-Shifa hospital, said 150 patients are still there, with only two doctors, a nurse and three volunteer workers to care for them. My colleagues and I are unable to continue providing treatment to patients," El-Mokhallalati said on X.

Israel has threatened to extend its invasion to southern Gaza, where most of the territorys population is now located. More than 1 million people, including hundreds of thousands who fled the north, have crammed into overflowing U.N.-run shelters with dwindling food, water and basic supplies .

For Hamas, the cease-fire would provide an opportunity to regroup after weeks of apparently heavy losses. Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar , who is believed to be alive and in hiding in Gaza, is likely to claim the release of Palestinian prisoners as a major achievement and declare victory if the war ends.

Under the truce deal, 50 hostages are supposed to be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners . Women and children would be released first, and Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home. Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

Israel cut off all imports at the start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel , killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers, for whom Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile prisoners. (AP)
The AP government would press for release of nearly Rs 31,500 crore to provide relief and rehabilitation to the Polavaram project affected people at the 41.15 metre contour level. This has been pending for a long time. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government would approach the Centre seeking relief funds for the Polavaram project-affected people and clearance for taking up new works.

The Union ministry of Jal Shakti called a meeting in New Delhi on December 5, to be presided over by the Jal Shakti secretary and attended by officials from the central water commission, the Polavaram Project Authority and the AP water resources department.

The AP officials are preparing a list of issues to be raised at the meeting.

They would press for release of nearly Rs 31,500 crore to provide relief and rehabilitation to the Polavaram project affected people at the 41.15 metre contour level. This has been pending for a long time, even as the revised cost estimates committee had approved it.

The proposal for funds sanction has to get clearance from the Union Cabinet and from the central ministry of finance. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has been assuring the project-affected people that he would do best to get the central funds for R and R package released as early as possible.

Similarly, the Centre has to agree for construction of a parallel diaphragm wall as the existing D-wall suffered damages at four places. The authorities are unwilling to take any risk of carrying out repairs and instead want to construct a new wall. This could cost Rs 400 crore and another Rs 800 crore to construct the new parallel wall.

This involves storage of a huge quantity of water in the reservoir once the Polavaram dam is constructed -- and any eruption of fresh safety issues with the D-wall will be disastrous.

The AP authorities also intend to sound out the Centre on how to go about with the seepage of the upstream cofferdam. Due to the seepage, a huge quantity of water is entering the construction area of Polavaram dam, resulting in further delay in the works. This is more so when the river is flooded during the rainy season.

Polavaram project superintending engineer Narasimha Murthy said, "We are getting ready with a host of issues to be raised with the Centre during the meeting on December 5, to seek funds and get clearances for several works, so that we can take up the project works expeditiously."

Meanwhile, the authorities are invoking vibro compaction technology to solidify the sand on both sides, where the D-wall will be coming up. The idea is to make the wall firm and make it sustain the high pressure of water, following the successful completion of the dewatering works in the projects work area.
Locals worship deity 'Boukhnag' days after the under construction Silkyara tunnel collapsed in the Uttarkashi district. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)

Dehradun: Drilling at the collapsed Silkyara tunnel to rescue 41 men trapped inside for 12 days was halted again on Friday. Officials said the auger drilling machine faced a hurdle, apparently a metal object, soon after drilling resumed on Friday, a day after officials had put the operation on hold following a technical snag.

That snag was set right earlier in the day and the 25-tonne auger machine was pressed into drilling through the rubble. However, within an hour after the drilling resumed, it had to be stopped again because of another obstacle. The officials said that this was the second setback in two days.

According to officials, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system was employed to detect blockades under the debris across which an escape tunnel is being built.

The GPR had indicated that there were no metal hurdles up to five metres ahead of the passage drilled so far, Neeraj Khairwal, the state's nodal officer for the multi-agency rescue effort, said.

According to officials involved in the operations, the drilling effort to build a rescue passage had, till Thursday afternoon, reached up to 48.6 metres out of the estimated 57 metres of rubble that blocks the tunnel.

However, soon after the drilling resumed on Friday, the auger machine faced a big hollow steel pipe, obstructing the rescue efforts.

"The obstruction had disrupted the auger machine launch platform and narrowed down the circumference of the escape passage created earlier. As a result, nearly 1.5 metres of the 800 mm tunnel had to be removed by us, bringing the net drilling size to 46.5 metres," said Mr Khairwal.

Further elaborating on the multi-agency efforts since Thursday, Mr Khairwal stated that the NDRF and the SDRF technicians worked hard to cut and clear large steel girdles and iron rods from the path of the auger machine.

A special safety canopy was also developed through pre-cast RCC box culverts and pipes to support the safe evacuation of rescuers working inside the escape passage during emergencies.

Notwithstanding the setbacks, officials involved in the rescue operations assured The Asian Age that drilling for escape passage will resume soon as the removal of obstacles is in the final stage.
Prakash Raj has been a brand ambassador of Pranav Jewellers. He has been asked to depose before the federal agency in Chennai in the first week of December. (File Image: ANI)

Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate has summoned actor Prakash Raj for questioning in a money laundering case linked to an alleged Rs 100-crore ponzi and fraud case against a Tiruchirapalli-based jewellery group, official sources said Thursday.

The investigation pertains to a case against Pranav Jewellers, a partnership firm based in Tiruchirapalli, whom the ED raided on November 20 and claimed to have seized "unexplained" cash of Rs 23.70 lakh and some gold jewellery.

Raj (58), a national award-winning actor, has been a brand ambassador of this company. He has been asked to depose before the federal agency in Chennai in the first week of December.

According to sources, the ED wants to record his statement and understand some purported payments made by the company to the Bengaluru-based actor-politician and some other financial transactions.

Raj, who has acted in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil movies, has been an outspoken critic of the BJP. He unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Bengaluru Central seat.

The ED case stems from an FIR of the Tamil Nadu Police Economic Offences Wing.

According to the police complaint, Pranav Jewellers and others collected Rs 100 crore from the public under the guise of a gold investment scheme with the promise of high returns, the federal agency said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

"Pranav Jewellers failed to return the amount to such investors and the firm (Pranav Jewellers) and other connected persons cheated the public by diverting public funds to shell entities/ entry providers under the garb of purchase of bullion/ gold ornaments," it said.

The supplier parties in the books of Pranav Jewellers were entry providers, who during the investigation, "confessed" to providing adjustment and bogus accommodation entries to Pranav Jewellers for amounts of over Rs 100 crore and also "confessed" to giving cash to the accused persons in lieu of bank payments, the ED claimed.

"During the searches, various incriminating documents, unexplained cash of Rs 23.70 lakh, bullion and gold jewellery weighing 11.60 kg was seized," the probe agency said.
Minister K.T. Rama Rao said said the focus will be to turn Hyderabad as a carbon-neutral city by 2024 with focus on renewable energy, green transportation, green buildings, waste management and circular economy. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: BRS working president and minister K.T. Rama Rao on Friday said his party plans to introduce an interest subvention scheme on home loans for middle income families as part of the BRS governments aim of housing for all vision which the party will implement in its third term of governance after the November 30 elections.

The plan is to have this initiative run parallel to the existing housing programmes of the state government, he said.

Speaking at the Real Estate Summit 2023 on Friday at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), he said the focus of the BRS government in future will be on infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Unveiling a `Future Ready Hyderabad vision, Rama Rao said the focus will be to turn Hyderabad as a carbon-neutral city by 2024 with focus on renewable energy, green transportation, green buildings, waste management and circular economy.

Also part of this plan is to use artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and other technologies in policing for making Hyderabad a safe city, as well as efforts to provide consistent access to clean water to domestic, industry, and businesses.

Rama Rao, who said the Metro Rail network will be expanded to 415 km in the next 10 years and the city will also have a rapid rail transit system, later in the day took a ride on the Metro Rail from the Mindspace junction to Begumpet in what turned into a pleasant surprise for the passengers.

During the 20-minute ride, Rama Rao interacted with several of the passengers with many vying with each other to take selfies with the minister. Rama Rao chatted with the young and the old during his ride. During the conversations, he stressed on the need for youth and first time voters to vote on November 30 without fail saying they should set aside at least an hour to do so.

Later, addressing autorickshaw drivers unions and representatives from different districts, Rama Rao called on them and people not to pay attention to the Congress campaign calling for a change.

"Change has already happened in Telangana. Just compare how Telangana was before 2014 and now, and you can see the change. Because people wanted change in 2014 from 55 years of Congress rule, the BRS was chosen by the people," he said.

Rama Rao said "Dont believe what is on social media. Believe what you can see. You know Hyderabad has changed so have many other towns. Lakes that were once empty are full, there is power supply. Living standards have changed for the better."

"Look at what the land value was in 2014 and what it is now, even someone who holds 50 square yards has more wealth today than in the past. What Congress could not do we have done, which can be seen. There is tremendous change, so what is this change that Congress is talking about?" he said.

Taking aim at state Congress president A. Revanth Reddy, Rama Rao described the opposition party leader as a "third class fellow, a vote-for-note thief who is pushing a manifesto that has no value, and calls it the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran. On the other hand, KCRs greatness is that he implemented several programmes and schemes that were not in BRS manifestos."
A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza in return for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days. During this period, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides will release women and children first. Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

The truce-for-hostages deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

The agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it was determined to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as telling troops Thursday that their respite will be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

A first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas will be freed Friday afternoon, according to Majed al-Ansari, the spokesman of the Qatari foreign ministry. Three Palestinian prisoners, also women and minors, are to be released for every freed hostage.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses.

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home. Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, al-Ansari said Thursday. The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence, he told reporters.

Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

Israel cut off all imports at the start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers. Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile prisoners in return for soldiers.

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since Nov. 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Israeli airstrikes continued in the final hours ahead of the truce.

On Thursday afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.

One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble.

It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead, he said, bursting into tears.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to U.S. President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

In Gazas city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war.

God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire, said Jihan Qanan. People have had houses brought down on their heads, theyve been expelled ... Theres no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked. (AP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI File Image)

HYDERABAD: Prime Minister will start a busy extended weekend with his three-day visit to the city beginning on Saturday for a hectic election campaign.

He will address six election meetings and hold a road show in Hyderabad on November 27. He will stay overnight at Raj Bhavan.

The PM will arrive by a special flight at the Begumpet airport on November 25 and leave for Kamareddy where he will address a public meeting between 2.45 and 3.25 pm. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy are the principal contestants at Kamareddy.

His second meeting of the day will be at Maheshwaram on the city outskirts from 4.25 to 5.25 pm.

On November 26, Modi will travel to Toopran for an election meeting between 2 pm and 2.40 pm and then speak at a meeting in Nirmal between 3.30 pm and 4.10 pm.

On November 27, Monday, Modi is scheduled to address an election meeting between 12 noon and 12.40 pm in Mahbubabad and from 2 pm to 2.40 pm in the Karimnagar Assembly constituency where party candidate Bandi Sanjay Kumar is taking on minister Gangula Kamalakar.

He will hold a road show in Hyderabad from 5.30 pm to 7 pm and leave for Delhi.

Also on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will visit Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and review the ongoing work at its manufacturing facility, officials said. Among others, the manufactures Tejas jets in which may countries have expressed an interest.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Tirupati on Sunday and leave for Hyderabad on November 27. He will stay overnight at Tirumala and offer prayers at the Sri Venkateswara temple there then proceed to Hyderabad.
Amit Shah, Kishan Reddy and Amberpet BJP candidate Krishna Yadav take part in a roadshow in Amberpet constituency on Friday. (DC Image /Deepak Deshpande)

Nizamabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that religious reservations will be abolished and they will, instead, be provided to members of the SC, ST and OBC communities in Telangana state. The BRS government provided four per cent reservations for minorities, which it assured to enhance to 12 per cent, but BJP is against reservations on a religious basis, he said.

The BRS symbol is a car and though its steering is in the hands of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, it is being driven by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, he said, speaking at a Sakala Janula Vijaya Sankalpa Sabha in Armoor on Friday.

Shah said that the BRS government was involved in various corruption activities, including the Kaleshwaram project, Miyapur land and ORR scams, while party MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha was involved in the Delhi liquor scam.

"After BJP comes to power here, we will initiate action against the guilty," he said while adding that the CAG audit had found anomalies in Chevella and Mission Bhagiratha, among several others.

It is time to remove Rao and pave the way for the states real development, he said.

Once BJP comes to power in the state, it would change the GST structure and give price relief in petrol and diesel in the first cabinet meeting, he assured. The Union minister said that question papers of TSPSC were leaked six times and the culprits would be punished severely.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to make India the number one in the world and Telangana state can be the countrys top state only under a BJP rule, he said.

In Congress and BRS governments, ministerial berths will be given based on the amount paid by the contenders, but BJP recognises the services of its leaders and rewards them, he said.

Shah said that the BJP had sanctioned the Telangana turmeric board as assured by it. He also said that the problems of beedi workers and Gulf migrants will all be sorted out.

BJP candidates Dharmapuri Arvind (Korutla), A. Annapurna (Balkonda) and P. Rakesh Reddy (Armoor) were present on the occasion.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at an election campaign of party candidate for Wardhannapet Assembly seat K.R. Nagaraju on Friday. (DC Image)

Warangal: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the Congress government had fulfilled its promise of Five Guarantees given to the people during Assembly polls. Likewise, the Congress will also deliver its Six Guarantees in Telangana within 100 days of coming to power.

Shivakumar was participating in an election campaign of the party candidates of Wardhannapet Assembly constituency K.R. Nagaraju and Warangal West constituency Naini Rajendar Reddy in Hanamkonda district on Friday.

Addressing separate meetings, he said, "When the Congress came to power in Karnataka, people in Telangana celebrated. In the same way, people of Karnataka will feel happy after Congress forms the government in Telangana state."

Shivakumar alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had deceived the people by not fulfilling promises made prior to the 2018 Assembly elections. The people should teach a fitting lesson to Rao and restrict him and his family members to their farmhouses permanently.

He slammed BRS leaders for questioning Congress regarding the Six Guarantees it gave to the people. He advised them to visit Karnataka to see if the Congress was fulfilling its promise or not.

The credit of giving a top party post to a Dalit leader goes to the Congress party, he said and assured that if it forms government in Telangana, it will render justice to the weaker sections of people.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao addresses the gathering at Praja Ashirvada Sabha meeting in Ramagundam, on Friday. (Image By Arrangement)

WARANGAL: After the Congress government removed dependent posts in Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), it was the BRS, which re-introduced it and gave around 15,000 members dependent posts. Those not joining the posts were given Rs 25 lakh along with an interest-free Rs 10 lakh loan to employees for constructing new houses, said Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

He was speaking in Praja Ashirwada Sabha meetings at Mancherial, Ramagundam, Dornakal and Bhupalpally Assembly constituencies on Friday.

Rao said that originally the state government fully owned SCCL. But the debt-ridden Congress government handed over 49 percent of SCCL share to the central government.

Because of the Congress, Telangana suffered huge losses for over 58 years. Even though river Godavari is flowing through Telangana, the Congress government never bothered to supply drinking water to the people.

It is the BRS government, which saved SCCL when it was on the verge of closure. Today, the SCCL is making profits to the tune of around Rs 2,200 crore. The Congress government gave only 18 to 19 per cent of share to the employees in its profits whereas the BRS government is giving 32 per cent, he pointed out.

Understanding the problems of Singareni employees, the BRS government passed a resolution in the Assembly to remove income tax obligation for SCCL employees and sent the proposal to the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, which was not approved, Rao recalled.

Modi insisted that the state government should stop purchasing coal from SCCL and instead purchase coal brought from Australia by his friend Gautam Adani. However, the BRS government ignored Modi and decided to expand SCCL, Rao said.

"In part of it I sent the Singareni MD to Australia and Indonesia and asked them to study about the coal mines there so that we could purchase two or three coal mines. As prices of coal have fallen drastically, I kept the proposal on hold," he said.

Speaking in Mulugu, Rao said that it was the responsibility of the MLA to take to the notice of the Chief Minister issues concerning the people in his constituency.

"But Mulugu MLA never met me and never brought the issues to my notice. She never asked about any developmental work in the constituency. All the development that was taken up in the district was because of the initiatives taken by BRS leaders," he said.

He announced that Podu land pattas will be sanctioned not only to STs, but even to others.

The Congress party leaders are making tall claims and are under the mistaken notion of a Congress wave in the state, he ridiculed. He said that Congress will never come to power in the state and if people vote for BJP then it is of no use as it will go down the drain.

Rao said that he had campaigned in around 80 Assembly constituencies till now and will visit another 20 constituencies. But, it is the people who should think wisely and vote for BRS candidates on November 30, he said.
Principal Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 105,547 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,765,000.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in VTLE. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $212,000. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System acquired a new position in Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $442,000. Denali Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $208,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC acquired a new position in Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $393,000. Finally, MRP Capital Investments LLC acquired a new position in Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $322,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.59% of the companys stock.

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Vital Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:VTLE opened at $46.24 on Friday. Vital Energy, Inc. has a 1 year low of $39.74 and a 1 year high of $65.08. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $50.87 and its 200 day simple moving average is $49.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.33 billion, a PE ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 3.27.

Insider Buying and Selling at Vital Energy

Vital Energy ( NYSE:VTLE Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $5.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.20 by ($0.04). Vital Energy had a net margin of 36.25% and a return on equity of 21.47%. The firm had revenue of $435.51 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $401.47 million. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Vital Energy, Inc. will post 17.08 EPS for the current year.

In other Vital Energy news, SVP Mark David Denny sold 5,496 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.75, for a total value of $300,906.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 18,494 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,012,546.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have weighed in on VTLE shares. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Vital Energy in a research note on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $60.00 price objective on the stock. TheStreet upgraded shares of Vital Energy from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of Vital Energy in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $50.00 price objective on the stock. Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Vital Energy from $54.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Vital Energy from $54.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $69.50.

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About Vital Energy

(Free Report)

Vital Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas, the United States. The company was formerly known as Laredo Petroleum, Inc and changed its name to Vital Energy, Inc in January 2023.

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Franco-Nevada Co. (TSE:FNV  Free Report) (NYSE:FNV)  Investment analysts at Raymond James dropped their FY2023 earnings per share estimates for Franco-Nevada in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, November 20th. Raymond James analyst B. Macarthur now forecasts that the company will earn $4.73 per share for the year, down from their prior forecast of $4.93. Raymond James has a Outperform rating and a $162.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Franco-Nevadas current full-year earnings is $5.36 per share. Raymond James also issued estimates for Franco-Nevadas Q4 2023 earnings at $1.08 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $1.26 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $1.30 EPS and Q4 2024 earnings at $1.32 EPS.

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Several other analysts also recently issued reports on FNV. Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$205.00 to C$185.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$215.00 to C$218.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Veritas Investment Research decreased their price target on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$201.70 to C$197.10 in a report on Thursday, August 10th. CIBC decreased their price target on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$258.00 to C$250.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from C$219.00 to C$214.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$207.91.

Franco-Nevada Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of FNV stock opened at C$160.84 on Thursday. Franco-Nevada has a 1 year low of C$159.40 and a 1 year high of C$217.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 37.72 and a quick ratio of 23.26. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$178.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$188.06. The company has a market cap of C$30.90 billion, a PE ratio of 32.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.00 and a beta of 0.65.

Franco-Nevada Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 21st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be given a $0.472 dividend. This represents a $1.89 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. This is a positive change from Franco-Nevadas previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio is currently 38.24%.

Franco-Nevada Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.

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Rhumbline Advisers cut its holdings in APi Group Co. (NYSE:APG  Free Report) by 12.1% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 295,751 shares of the companys stock after selling 40,723 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in APi Group were worth $8,062,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in APG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 4.3% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 207,347 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,360,000 after buying an additional 8,460 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 8.0% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 12,978 shares of the companys stock valued at $273,000 after buying an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 1,075.0% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 2,666 shares in the last quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 24.1% in the first quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC now owns 16,374 shares of the companys stock valued at $344,000 after buying an additional 3,180 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of APi Group by 57.0% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 107,748 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,266,000 after buying an additional 39,118 shares in the last quarter. 83.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on APG shares. Barclays raised their price target on APi Group from $29.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on APi Group from $29.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. TheStreet cut APi Group from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on APi Group from $25.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.75.

APi Group Price Performance

Shares of APG opened at $29.81 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. APi Group Co. has a 1 year low of $18.15 and a 1 year high of $29.94. The stock has a market cap of $7.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 82.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.60. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $26.41.

APi Group (NYSE:APG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.03. APi Group had a return on equity of 19.11% and a net margin of 2.18%. The firm had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.86 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that APi Group Co. will post 1.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at APi Group

In other news, Director James E. Lillie sold 166,666 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.29, for a total transaction of $4,548,315.14. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,057,632 shares of the companys stock, valued at $110,732,777.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 16.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

APi Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

APi Group Corporation provides safety, specialty, and industrial services in North America, Europe, Australia, the Asian-Pacific, and other countries. It operates through Safety Services and Specialty Services segments. The Safety Services segment offers safety solutions focusing on end-to-end integrated occupancy systems, such as fire protection solutions; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions; and entry systems, which include the design, installation, and inspection and service of these integrated systems.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for APi Group Co. (NYSE:APG  Free Report).

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Skyline Champion Co. (NYSE:SKY  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $67.40.

SKY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Barclays lowered their price target on Skyline Champion from $66.00 to $61.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Craig Hallum raised their target price on Skyline Champion from $75.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Skyline Champion from $68.00 to $55.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. StockNews.com raised Skyline Champion from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $78.00 target price on shares of Skyline Champion in a report on Wednesday, September 27th.

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Skyline Champion Price Performance

NYSE SKY opened at $59.85 on Friday. Skyline Champion has a fifty-two week low of $48.73 and a fifty-two week high of $76.82. The stocks 50-day moving average is $60.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $64.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 4.02 and a quick ratio of 3.27. The firm has a market cap of $3.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.53 and a beta of 1.70.

Skyline Champion (NYSE:SKY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $0.82 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by ($0.01). Skyline Champion had a return on equity of 18.98% and a net margin of 11.86%. The firm had revenue of $464.24 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $458.57 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.51 EPS. The firms revenue was down 42.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Skyline Champion will post 3.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Skyline Champion

In other news, VP Timothy A. Burkhardt sold 4,113 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.04, for a total transaction of $292,187.52. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 34,855 shares in the company, valued at $2,476,099.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Skyline Champion news, Director Keith A. Anderson sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.26, for a total value of $366,300.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 238,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,443,059.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Timothy A. Burkhardt sold 4,113 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.04, for a total transaction of $292,187.52. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 34,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,476,099.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 19,113 shares of company stock worth $1,384,888. Insiders own 7.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Skyline Champion by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,901,968 shares of the companys stock worth $312,037,000 after acquiring an additional 275,120 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Skyline Champion by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,864,485 shares of the companys stock valued at $321,842,000 after purchasing an additional 335,974 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 3.8% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,176,764 shares of the companys stock worth $273,369,000 after buying an additional 151,251 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors boosted its position in shares of Skyline Champion by 26.5% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 3,445,908 shares of the companys stock valued at $225,535,000 after acquiring an additional 721,040 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in shares of Skyline Champion by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,415,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $114,520,000 after acquiring an additional 162,051 shares during the last quarter.

Skyline Champion Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada.

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Norcros plc (LON:NXR  Get Free Report) insider Thomas Willcocks sold 31,965 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 167 ($2.09), for a total value of 53,381.55 ($66,785.37).

Norcros Price Performance

Shares of LON:NXR opened at GBX 166 ($2.08) on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.99. Norcros plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 134 ($1.68) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 227.76 ($2.85). The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 149.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 159.35. The company has a market cap of 148.19 million, a PE ratio of 976.47 and a beta of 1.38.

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Norcros Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a dividend of GBX 3.40 ($0.04) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.19%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Norcross dividend payout ratio is currently 5,882.35%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Norcros in a research note on Thursday, November 16th.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NXR

About Norcros

(Get Free Report)

Norcros plc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets bathroom and kitchen products in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The company manufactures and distributes electric and mixer showers, and accessories under the Triton brand; shower enclosures and trays to the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors under the Merlyn brand; taps, mixer showers, bathroom accessories, and valves under the Vado brand; and accessories and furniture for the bathroom, such as toilet seats, wall-mounted cupboards, vanity units, shower rods, rails, and curtains to retail and trade customers under the Croydex brand.

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The family of Sean Brown are entitled to truth and justice and the completion of an inquest to uncover full information about his murder in 1997, according to Emma Sheerin MLA (Sinn Fein).

The Mid Ulster MLA said: The family of Sean Brown are entitled to truth and justice and an inquest to give them maximum disclosure about the murder of their loved one by a loyalist gang in 1997. They are already waiting too long for an inquest.



It is unacceptable that the PSNI and the state are now attempting to frustrate that process with continued delays and barriers that is only causing further pain to the Brown family.

The British Government wants to the pull down the shutters on families like the Browns and block their efforts to get truth and justice through the courts with its shameful Legacy Act.

I am reiterating calls on the Irish government to take an interstate case against the British government to challenge this cruel and callous Act. Sinn Fein will continue to support the Brown family and others in their campaign for access to truth and justice.




A temporary ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces took hold in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the first respite in 48 days of conflict that has devastated the Palestinian enclave, but both sides warned that the war was far from over.

No big bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks were reported although Hamas and Israel both accused each other of sporadic shootings and other violations.

The ceasefire, which began at 7 a.m. (2 p.m. Korea time), involves the release later on Friday of 13 Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additional aid is to flow into Gaza, which has been gripped by a humanitarian crisis under weeks of Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

Reuters journalists saw Israeli tanks moving away from the Gaza Strip at the northern end, and aid trucks rolling in from Egypt at the southern end. There was no sound of Israeli air force activity above northern Gaza, nor any of the contrails typically left by Palestinian rocketfire.

In Khan Younis town in southern Gaza, housing thousands of families displaced from the north, streets filled with people venturing out of homes and shelters.

"We are full of hope, optimism and pride in our resistance. We are proud of our achievements, despite the pain this caused," resident Khaled Abu Anzah told Reuters.

Hamas confirmed that all hostilities from its forces would cease. But Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, later stressed that this was a "temporary truce."

In a video message, he called for an "escalation of the confrontation with (Israel) on all resistance fronts," including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Israeli military also said fighting would resume soon.

"This will be a short pause, at the conclusion of which the war (and) fighting will continue with great might and will generate pressure for the return of more hostages," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, according to a Defence Ministry statement.

The Israeli military also told Palestinians from the northern part of Gaza not to try returning to their homes, which it described as a "dangerous war zone."

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters burst across the border fence into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, Israel has rained bombs on the Hamas-ruled enclave, killing some 14,000 Gazans, around 40 percent of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes to escape the violence as conditions grew ever more desperate, with food, drinking water, fuel and other basic supplies running short.

It is the bloodiest episode in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel's stated intention is to eradicate Hamas once and for all.

Reuters observed the quiet after dawn from southern Israel, across the fence from the war zone in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, scene of intense ground combat since the start of the month. Dozens of Israeli military vehicles, including tanks, could be seen moving away from the Gaza Strip.

Gaza residents said the Israelis had dropped leaflets warning people not to travel north and have fired over the heads of some people who were trying to get back into Gaza City.

Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Press Agency SAFA reported "intense shooting" by Israeli forces east of Khan Younis and Rafah. Al-Jazeera reported that two Palestinians were killed and another was wounded by Israeli soldiers shooting at people who tried to return to the north.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Sirens sounded in two Israeli villages outside the southern Gaza Strip, warning of possible incoming Palestinian rockets. An Israeli government spokesman said Hamas had fired rockets in violation of the truce but there were no reports of damage.

Fighting had raged in the hours leading up to the truce, with officials inside the enclave saying a hospital in Gaza City was among the targets bombed.

The Indonesian Hospital was operating without lights and filled with bedridden old people and children too weak to be moved, Gaza health officials said. Al-Jazeera quoted Mounir El Barsh, the Gaza health ministry director, as saying a patient, a wounded woman, was killed and three others injured.

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the reported incident.

Egypt said it was maintaining contact with Israel and Hamas to consolidate the truce and prevent violations.

The temporary ceasefire came about amid international concern over the fate of the hostages and the plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza. Israel has rejected calls for a full ceasefire as benefiting Hamas, a position backed by the United States.

The first hostages, including elderly women, would be freed at 4 p.m. (11 p.m. Korea time), with the total number rising to 50 over the four days, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in Doha. All were seized in the initial Hamas assault on southern Israel.

The hostages were expected to be released to the Red Cross and an Egyptian security delegation that traveled to Gaza on Thursday, then brought out through Egypt for transfer to Israel, Egyptian security sources said.

Israel will release 39 Palestinians prisoners, among them 24 women and 15 teenagers, in the occupied West Bank in exchange for the 13 hostages due to be freed on Friday, a Palestinian official said.

Israel says the ceasefire could be extended beyond the initial four days if Hamas continues to release hostages at a rate of at least 10 per day. A Palestinian source has said the total released could reach 100.

Under the agreement, desperately-needed aid began to be delivered to Gaza. By mid-morning, 60 trucks carrying aid had crossed from Egypt at the Rafah border point, according to Gaza border authorities.

Two of the first trucks to enter sported banners that said, "Together for Humanity." Another said: "For our brothers in Gaza."

Egypt has said 130,000 litres of diesel and four trucks of gas will be delivered daily to Gaza and that 200 trucks of aid would enter Gaza daily.

Israel's COGAT agency, which liaises with the Palestinians on civilian affairs, said four tanks of fuel and four tanks of cooking gas were transferred from Egypt to U.N. humanitarian groups in southern Gaza via Rafah.

Some Palestinians who had been abroad when the war broke out used the truce as an oppportunity to return to the Gaza Strip.

"People are leaving, and we are returning, despite war, and despite everything, we are returning, because this is our country  it is logical  one only has one's country," Jamal Youssef Atiya, who had been living in Algeria, told Reuters at the Rafah crossing where he was heading home into Gaza. (Yonhap)
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, met up with iconic Derry band the Undertones during the week as they returned to their home town for a celebration of 45 years of their debut release Teenage Kicks.

The Mayor caught up with three of the band members at the newly unveiled mural on the Citys historic Walls ahead of their sell out show on Friday night at the Millennium Forum in Derry and took the opportunity to invite them back for a special Civic Reception in their honour in the Guildhall.

Mayor Logue said: I was delighted to catch up with Billy Doherty, Damian ONeill and Mickey Bradley ahead of their gig in the city, to view the new mural which has already become a local landmark. Karl Porter has perfectly captured that classic image of the band and the debut album from 1979 that made them punk legends.

I wanted to do something special to mark the 45-year anniversary of Teenage Kicks, which really has become the unofficial anthem of the city. I will host a special event in the Guildhall in the New Year before the guys head off on tour  so watch this space!

Artist Karl Porter was inspired by the iconic image captured by veteran Derry Journal photographer Larry Doherty of The Undertones in Bull Park, and the photos this week were captured by his son, Lorcan Doherty. The mural adorns the gable wall of McCartney and Casey solicitors, and like the Derry Girls mural, has already become a hotspot for visitors to the city.

Details of the Mayors civic reception for the Undertones will be announced in the New Year.
HIGHLIGHTS Google Pay might have started charging a convenience fee.

A user shared that Google Pay levied an additional 3 while he was recharging his mobile.

Paytm and Phonepe had picked up on this approach to charge a convenience fee during mobile recharge.

Long gone are the days when we used to go out to our local shops to get our phone recharges done. Now, our UPi apps are our best friends. Whenever we need to recharge our mobiles, we can instantly do it from wherever we are. Isnt it really convenient? Speaking of UPI apps, the mobile recharge service on Google Pay used to be completely free of additional costs up until recently.

Now, the platform might have started charging a convenience fee. Earlier, the UPI app which had more than 60 million active users in India charged only the exact amount for the mobile recharge. On DesiDime forum, Ankush shared that Google Pay levied an additional 3 while he was recharging his mobile. He was making a 749 recharge for his Jio number.

Also read: Google Pay lets you activate UPI using Aadhaar: Heres how it works

Well traditionally, some apps charge a little extra amount if youre paying through a credit card as a payment gateway fee. However, Ankush had made his recharge payment through UPI only.

Currently, Google Pay follows the following convenience fee structure:

Up to Rs 100: No fee is charged.

Rs 101  200: A fee of Rs 1 is applied.

Rs 201  300: Users are charged Rs 2 as a convenience fee.

Rs 301 and above: A convenience fee of Rs 3 is levied.

Also read: Google Bard gets a desi touch: 2 new features Indians will find useful

Earlier, Paytm and Phonepe had picked up on this approach to charge a convenience fee during mobile recharge. It seems that Google Pay is also following in on their steps. Reports suggest that currently, Google Pay will only charge convenience fees on mobile recharge and not on other services like bill payments, etc. Even the UPI payments you make for your personal use or merchant use are also free of cost.

Google is yet to release an official communication in this regard. However, in its updated Googles Terms of Service for India released on November 10th, 2023, one can spot a mention of Google fees.
HIGHLIGHTS Next years iPhone 16 series, in all likelihood, will not reportedly incorporate the Touch ID feature.

The only limits that are remaining are to be used for the iPhone SE 3.

This could mean that Apple is removing Touch ID from its list of features.

iPhone hasnt been using the Touch ID feature on its smartphones for a while now. A rumour circulating on the internet claimed that the upcoming iPhone 16 series could include the Touch ID feature in addition to the existing Face ID feature. However, media reports coming in suggest that there could be only little truth to these rumours as Apple is planning to say goodbye to this feature permanently.

Next years iPhone 16 series, in all likelihood, will not reportedly incorporate the Touch ID feature. This enabled users to authenticate their device through their fingerprints, which is a popular feature with Android.

Also read: iPhone 16 rumours: 5 strong hints on next years iPhone revealed

In a recent post on Weibo, an integrated circuit expert revealed that the equipment that Apple uses to build the chips that enable Touch ID on its smartphones has been permanently shut down. The only limits that are remaining are to be used for the iPhone SE 3. MacRumors further reported that this clearly meant that Apple is not planning on bringing back Touch ID to its smartphones.

Further, the media reports pointed out that there are no credible sources to confirm Apples plans for Touch ID on the upcoming iPhone 16 series. However, reports indicated that the last iPhone series the iPhone SE will not continue with the Touch ID and it will be replaced by the Face ID authentication on the iPhone SE 4.

Also read: iPhone 16 Pro might get new Tetraprism 5x optical zoom from iPhone 15 Pro Max: Ming-Chi Kuo

This could mean that Apple is removing Touch ID from its list of features.

In other news, Apple is taking steps to make texting between Android and iMessage users smoother. Recently it was revealed that it will support Googles RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard on iPhones to make communication easier.

We now have to wait until next year to figure out what Apple is actually planning to go with.
HIGHLIGHTS The Redmi K70 Pro features a 6.67-inch OLED display.

On the back, the K70 Pro features a raised rectangular module housing three cameras and an LED flash.

It features an OIS-enabled 50MP primary camera and a telephoto camera that offers a 2x optical zoom.

The Redmi K70 series is scheduled to launch in China next week. This upcoming lineup is expected to include three smartphone models: the Redmi K70, Redmi K70 Pro, and Redmi K70E. Now, the company has released official posters of the Redmi K70 Pro.

According to the posters shared by the company, the Redmi K70 Pro smartphone model will arrive in black and white colour options, reports Gizmochina.

However, rumours suggest that this device is also expected to be available in blue and purple (or pink) colour options.

Also read: Redmi K70E official teaser reveals Dimensity 8300 Ultra, gaming test results & more

Redmi K70 Pro in white and black (Credit: Gizmochina)

The Redmi K70 Pro features a narrow design, measuring just 74.9 in width, ensuring comfortable one-handed use. It also features a metal middle frame. Positioned on the top edge are a microphone and an IR blaster.

Also read: Xiaomi President hints at processor details of Redmi K70: Check out

Credit: Gizmochina

The images shared by Redmi do not disclose the bottom design of the device. The left edge seems empty, while the right side is equipped with a volume rocker and a power key.

The K70 Pro smartphone features a 6.67-inch OLED display, which supports a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. At the back of the K70 Pro, theres a raised rectangular module housing three cameras and an LED flash. The images also confirm the inclusion of an OIS-enabled 50MP primary camera along with a telephoto camera that offers 2x optical zoom.

Credit: Gizmochina

The Redmi K70 Pro is already confirmed to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Rumours suggest that this device is expected to come packed with a 5,120mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. Also, it could run on HyperOS-based Android 14.

Redmi recently teased that the K70E smartphone will be powered by the Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset. The company also shared the K70Es AnTuTu v10 benchmark score of 1,526,328 points.
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Finnish renewable companies harnessing the power of the ocean for sustainable progress

Finnish energy firms Holvi Energy and AW-Energy highlighted the pivotal role of ocean energy in Taiwan's pursuit of carbon neutrality during the 2023 Nordic-Taiwan Sustainable Energy Forum. The discussions, led by Vincent Pradier, Representative of Holvi Energy & AW-Energy in Taiwan, delved into the long-term vision required for successful ocean energy projects, emphasizing factors such as regulatory simplicity, economic viability, and collaborative efforts between local and international entities.

Expressing optimism about Taiwan's potential in ocean energy by 2030, Pradier aligned this vision with the country's ambitious renewable energy goals. He emphasized that ocean energy presents a tremendous opportunity for Taiwan.

"We now have the possibility to test and deploy the technology in Taiwan. Once we do that, the project financing will be much easier to obtain, there will be a high local content. The device will be built here in Taiwan and it's very well adapted to Taiwan's ocean climate." Pradier emphasized the importance of preparing for extreme conditions, citing storms in Europe as examples. He stressed the need for thorough testing at various scales to determine the most suitable technology for specific wave climates.

Holvi Energy is actively working to support Taiwanese partners in building and operating wave energy converters. Their focus lies on a demonstration project in Taiwan, involving the deployment of a device approximately 600 meters from the Keelung coast. This collaborative initiative with the National Taiwan Ocean University and private companies, supported by both Finnish and Taiwanese public sectors, is set to commence upon securing full funding, with an anticipated deployment timeline in 2024 or 2025.

Pradier underscored the necessity for the right policies and a stable regulatory framework to ensure seamless integration of ocean energy into Taiwan's energy mix. Holvi Energy provided insights into regulatory challenges faced by companies and stressed the importance of streamlining processes for the industry's growth.

The company is actively involved in several international projects, including a 5MW project in the Caribbean and collaborations in Europe.

Making significant strides in technology development and validation, Holvi Energy aspires to contribute 10% of the global electricity supply through wave energy.

AW-Energy, another leader in wave energy technology, showcased its flagship product, the WaveRoller, designed to capture and convert wave surge energy into electrical power. The full-scale test facility, financed by the European Investment Bank in 2016, led to ISO 9001 certification in 2018. With projects completed in over 10 locations across five countries, AW-Energy is now focused on commercialization and expansion, beginning with the sale of WaveRoller-X in EU markets.

The firm envisions a diversified revenue stream by offering equipment for wave energy power supply, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services, and consultancy services across the entire value chain. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize asset value, ensure sustained performance, and contribute to the success and sustainability of the venture in the wave energy sector.
Autonomy still the main tone in the latest China International Semiconductor Summit

At the recently concluded 2023 China International Semiconductor Summit attended by more than 2,000 industry professionals, both Wei Shaojun, Director of the Institute of Microelectronics at Tsinghua University, and Yang Fang, Vice President and Co-Founder of Sensetime Group, focused on developing independent and controllable technologies in their talks.

Yang detailed the development of large-scale language model (LLM) technology and its key challenges for chips, indicating that many challenges faced by LLMs mainly affect chip design and manufacturing, the coordination and standardization of software and hardware high-performance computing (HPC) clusters , sustainable development, and large-scale layout.

Yang further emphasized that Sensetime is strengthening cooperation with local Chinese AI chip manufacturers, not only promoting the establishment of industry standards, but also building a smart computing center in the Lin-gang Special Area of Shanghai.

Wei Shaojun, meanwhile, emphasized that against the backdrop of semiconductor de-globalization and fragmentation of the global supply chain, the Chinese industry must leverage its partial technological advantages to seize the initiative of development.

Wei pointed out that by solely relying on the progress of transistor miniaturization, it has become almost impossible to achieve more efficient computing. If one pursues the mainstream development trajectory of computing chips, it is difficult to meet the performance, power consumption, and cost requirements of Zettascale computing. In this context, it has become urgent to develop new computing chip architectures to cope with these new challenges, such as via software-defined chip and heterogeneous integration, to achieve autonomy of the Chinese semiconductor industry.
India may introduce revamped incentive to encourage telecom products manufacturing

India might consider extending invitations to additional companies to participate in the incentive scheme aimed at manufacturing telecom and networking products due to the surplus budget available from the scheme as India is looking to build itself as an export powerhouse for telecom products.

The Economic Times, citing unnamed Indian officials, reported that India is contemplating launching an updated edition of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for telecom and networking products as there is an excess budget of more than INR15 billion (US$180 million) remaining and fewer than half of the 42 companies meeting their FY23 targets. The unnamed officials cited by the report said the revamped scheme is anticipated to extend eligibility for incentives to additional telecom networking products.

Besides, sources told The Economic Times that 20 companies, including Nokia, Jabil, Sanmina, HFCL, VVDN, Coral, and Tejas Networks, have achieved their targets for fiscal 2023 (April 2022 to March 2023). India is anticipated to offer incentives amounting to around INR4 billion to these companies for meeting their sales objectives.

In October, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's telecom minister, announced during a virtual inauguration of a production line to make 4G and 4G connective modules and data cards at VVDN Technologies that telecom companies have made an investment of INR24.19 billion in India through the PLI scheme, leading to sales worth of INR345.16 billion, exports of INR76 billion, and an employment of 17,753, reports PTI.

India introduced the INR121.95 billion PLI scheme for telecom and networking products in February 2021 and launched another round in June 2022, including a design-led scheme.
Gotion, Inobat to build battery plant in Slovakia

Europe will see another battery plant come online in 2026. China-based battery maker Gotion High-tech and Slovak startup InoBat plans to build a battery factory in Slovakia. The facility will initially have an annual production capacity of 20GWh.

Gotion and Inobat have formed a joint venture, Gotion Inobat Batteries (GIB), for the project. According to InoBat, GIB and the Slovak government signed an MoU on November 22 for the construction of the plant in Surany, southern Slovakia.

Inobat said the factory will occupy 65 hectares of land and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs. Its annual production capacity will stay at 20GWh at the development stage and could reach 40GWh later.

The news came after Gotion said in September that it aims to build a battery plant in Middle Europe with Inobat, of which it has acquired a 25% strategic stake.

According to the MoU signed on Wednesday, GIB plans to begin constructing the factory in 2024. The Slovak government will offer subsidies to the project and arrange the land. It will also prepare the construction site and ensure the connection to the electrical grid. Gotion and Inobat's investment in the plant was unknown.

InoBat said the Surany plant targets the start of production in the second quarter of 2026 and is scheduled to achieve full-scale production in 2027.

The project is a critical foreign investment for Slovakia. Denisa Sakova, Slovakia's economy minister, said in a statement that the country could shine again on the map of countries with technologically advanced industries because of the investment. Sakova said battery production will go hand in hand with Slovakia's tradition of automotive manufacturing.

Gotion, one of the world's top 10 battery makers, has been growing its footprints in Europe. The company recently signed an MoU with Pod Point, a leading EV charging service provider in the UK, to develop home energy storage systems. InoBat will also participate in the project.

In September, Gotion launched the first battery made at its German plant. According to Steven Cai, Gotion's CTO, the facility will eventually have an annual production capacity of 20GWh and create an output value of EUR2 billion (US$2.14 billion).
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SEATTLE  This month, the city of Seattle announced the award of nearly $1 million to support 23 community-initiated projects through its Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Neighborhood Matching Fund.

The 23 community groups received awards ranging from $18,440 to $50,000 (for a total of $990,533) and have pledged $946,164 to match their award through local cash donations, volunteer hours, donated materials, and in-kind professional services.





. . .
A court in Montenegro said on Friday it had approved the extradition of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Do Kwon, leaving a minister to decide if he will be handed over to Korea or the United States, which both want him.

Do Kwon, who is charged in the U.S. with a multibillion-dollar fraud, and his ally were sentenced in June to four months in prison for using forged passports.

Police said after arresting them they had found doctored Costa Rican passports, a separate set of Belgian passports, laptop computers and other devices in their luggage.

At a hearing in May, the defendants denied the charges pressed by the Montenegrin prosecutor. Kwon's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment when the U.S. charges were announced, but a spokesperson for the company he founded, Terraform Labs, said in July it would fight the "misguided and deeply flawed" U.S. allegations.

The High Court in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica said on Friday Do Kwon had agreed to be extradited to Korea under an abbreviated procedure but that the justice minister would have the final say as multiple states have requested his handover.

The decision will be made after Do Kwon completes serving his prison sentence for document forgery, the court said.

Do Kwons lawyer in Podgorica was not immediately available to comment.

A South Korean national, Kwon is the former CEO of Korea-based Terraform Labs, the company behind the stablecoin TerraUSD that collapsed in May 2022, roiling cryptocurrency markets.

He was detained in late March along with Han Chang-joon, Terraform Labs' former finance officer, as they tried to board a flight to Dubai from Podgorica.

Following Kwon's arrest, the U.S. District Court in Manhattan made public an eight-count indictment against him for securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and conspiracy.

In late May, a Montenegrin court scrapped a bail of 800,000 euros for the pair, saying it could not be taken as a solid guarantee, nor their promise they would not run away once released from detention. (Reuters)
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By MATT O'BRIEN

AP Technology Writer

The ousted leader of ChatGPT maker OpenAI will return to the company that fired him just days ago, concluding a short but chaotic power struggle that shocked the tech industry and underscored the conflicts around how to safely build artificial intelligence.

The San Francisco-based company said late Tuesday that it reached an agreement in principle for co-founder Sam Altman to return as CEO under a different board of directors.





. . .
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Photos courtesy of the Lake Washington School District [enlarge] Kamiakin Middle School





The Lake Washington School District awarded a progressive design-build contract to a team led by general contractor Lease Crutcher Lewis and architect Mithun for new facilities at two middle school campuses and one high school campus. The conceptual project budget is $225 million.





. . .
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AFTER sheer horror took over Dublin city this Thursday, a moment of heroism arose as Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio sprang into action to save a young girl from a knife-wielding attacker.

The incident unfolded on Parnell Square East, where Caio, on his motorbike at the time, witnessed the terrifying scene.

Without hesitation, Caio swiftly dismounted, removed his helmet, and used it as an improvised weapon to intervene and fend off the assailant.

The courageous act has earned him the title of a local hero, with Dublin residents expressing their gratitude for his selfless actions.

In response to the heroic deed, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to show appreciation for Caio Benicio and to thank him for his bravery. The campaign, titled Buy a Pint for Caio, encourages individuals to contribute the cost of a pint of Guinness from their local pub as a gesture of gratitude for the Deliveroo driver's swift and courageous response.

The campaign organiser, Paul Darcy, expressed, "Caio is a true hero, and the least we can do is buy him a pint. Let's show him that the people of Dublin appreciate his bravery and quick thinking."

The response has been overwhelming, with individuals from all walks of life coming forward to contribute. At time of publication, 95,278 has been raised, with the number continuously on the rise.
Taiwans main opposition Nationalist Party announced its vice presidential candidate Friday as hopes fractured for a cross-party alliance to challenge the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and relations with China remained tense.

The outcome of the election could have major effects on relations between China and the United States, which is bound by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the weapons it needs to defend itself. Differences over Taiwan are a major flashpoint in U.S.-China relations.

Hou Yu-ih said former legislator and Cabinet member Chao Shao-kang would be his running mate in the January polls. Chao had led a breakaway faction of Nationalist politicians who established the New Party in the 1990s, but has since returned the Nationalist camp as the DPP has held on to power in both the presidential office and the legislature.

The announcement comes days after the DPP announced that its presidential candidate, serving vice president William Lai, had recruited former de facto ambassador to the United States Bi-khim Hsiao as his running mate. The Lai-Hsiao ticket is favored to win in the January polls, taking over from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, who is limited to two terms.

The parties are largely divided by their attitudes toward China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed possibly by force. The Nationalists, also known as the Kuomintang or KMT, agree the sides are part of the same country  albeit under separate governments  while the DPP holds that Taiwan is effectively an independent nation with no need to make a formal declaration that could draw greater military, economic and diplomatic pressure from China.

Separated by 160 kilometers of ocean, Taiwan and China split amid the civil war that brought the Communists to power in China in 1949, with the losing Nationalists setting up their own government in Taiwan, which previously had been a Japanese province.

The Nationalists and the smaller Taiwan Peoples Party were expected to unveil an agreed-upon candidate, but could not come to agreement. The TPP's candidate Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of the capital Taipei, also announced his running mate, former deputy mayor Cynthia Wu Hsin-ying.

A fourth candidate, Terry Gou , the billionaire founder of tech giant and major Apple supplier Foxconn, announced Friday he was leaving the race, despite having plastered his image across taxis and buses around Taipei. Gou's candidacy had failed to gain much traction and it was unclear what effect his departure would bring.

In a signed statement carried by the official Central News Agency, Gou, who has substantial investments in mainland China, said he remained committed to the democratic process.

The person takes a step back, but the vision remains the same, Gou said in his statement.

After the end of martial law in 1987, Taiwanese politics became deeply embedded in community organizations, temples, churches and other networks that mobilize voters to bring their enthusiasm to rallies and come out to choose candidates.

Despite the failure to form a united front, Nationalist General Secretary Chu Li-lun called for voters opposed to the DPP to join behind a single candidate.

The DPP has favored closer ties with the United States as a way to preserve Taiwans separate status from China, which has cut off almost all contacts with Tsai's government over its refusal to agree that Taiwan is an inherent part of China.

The Nationalists said that friendlier ties with China were a better approach, and the TPP, a relative newcomer to the political scene, likewise backed building amicable relations and mutual prosperity with China.

Tsais refusal to bow to China's demands have led to threatening military drills in the seas and skies around Taiwan by the Chinese military. The U.S., in turn, has countered by pledging support for Taiwan and maintaining arms sales to its military, further angering China. (AP)
Charities Institute Ireland recently revealed that 1m was donated by individuals and companies in Ireland to local charities on Giving Tuesday 2022, a new record for the day, as it launches this years campaign, taking place on Tuesday, 28th November.

Aine Myler, CEO at Charities Institute Ireland said:

Giving Tuesday was created in the USA in 2012 as an antidote to the frantic spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and its celebrated in over 80 countries now. We already know that Ireland is one of the most generous countries in the world and GivingTuesday Ireland helps everyone to demonstrate and celebrate that generosity. You can follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter using #GivingTuesdayIreland.

The campaign day is a chance for everyone to think about giving back. On Giving Tuesday, 28th November, individuals, business leaders and politicians are encouraged to tell how they already engage with a cause thats important to them, or to make a commitment to support a charity.

Giving is not just confined to money, although all donations are very welcome; it includes volunteering, donating expertise or equipment, or even paying it forward by buying a coffee for someone you dont know. Were also asking individuals and businesses from across Louth to help us build awareness and share what theyre doing across their social media platforms using #GivingTuesdayIreland, or to visit https://givingtuesday.ie/ for ideas and inspiration on how they can give back.

Reflecting on the record amount raised last year in Ireland for Giving Tuesday, John Coventry, VP Corporate Affairs at GoFundMe said:

"We recently celebrated our 5 millionth donation from Ireland, and the country embodies our purpose at GoFundMe - to help people help each other. We want to empower the world to help the people and charities they care about. And we can learn a lot as we work towards that from Ireland's generosity, which is a testament to the warmth of its people. Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to give back to a good cause."

A list of charities running Giving Tuesday campaign in 2023 can be found here: https://givingtuesday.ie/ pages/partners
EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing new details about its proposed Kellystown Wind Farm, ahead of a public exhibition in the Drumshallon Forge Heritage Centre on the 1st of December.

The project, located approximately 8km north of Drogheda, will comprise up to five turbines with tip heights of up to 180m. Collectively the turbines will have a generating capacity of c.30MW, enough to power the equivalent of c.22,000 homes.*

If the project receives planning permission and is constructed, a Community Benefit Fund will be established, to support local initiatives and activities.

Following consultation with the local community, the project team intends to submit a planning application and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project to Louth County Council in Q1 2024.

Subject to planning permission, the wind farm is expected to be operational in 2028. The project will also include access tracks, a substation and battery storage facility, a temporary construction compound, a permanent meteorological mast, underground cabling and a grid connection which links the wind farm to the national electricity grid.

Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said:

The exhibition allows us to share detailed project information and progress to date with the local community. Our team has conducted thorough studies in the areas of environmental impact, geotechnical analysis and habitat assessment, and residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback on our proposals.

As the effects of the climate crisis grow increasingly apparent each day, projects like Kellystown Wind Farm are poised to play a pivotal role in decarbonising Irelands electricity supply.

"On top of this, the more electricity we are able to generate in Ireland, the less we are reliant on expensive imported fossil fuels. Additionally, if the project is constructed it will result in the establishment of a Community Benefit Fund, aimed at bolstering local initiatives and activities within the region.

The public exhibition will be held at the Drumshallon Forge Heritage Centre from 2pm to 7pm on the 1st of December. It will feature information about the project and the environmental surveys completed to date, photomontages illustrating the visual impact of the turbines from local viewpoints, details of the project timeline and information on other aspects of wind energy.

There is no need to register in advance and all are welcome to attend. A virtual exhibition will also be available to view at www.edf-re.ie/our-sites/kellys town

To find out more about Kellystown Wind Farm please visit www.edf-re.ie/our-sites/kellys town or contact the project team at kellystownwindfarm@edf-re.ie
Photo: L to R  Francis Verling, Verling Consulting, Charlotte Barker, IDI, Pamela Kerr, LEO Monaghan, Padraig Cahill, OPUS Design, Breda McGuigan, Aura, Mike Treanor, Mullen Lighting, Sarah Daly, Creative Spark, Gary Clarke, Creative Spark

A vibrant congregation of over 40 designers gathered on Monday, November 13th, at Creative Spark in Dundalk, Co Louth, marking the closing event of the Northeast Creative Conversations programme (NCC).

This programme was funded by Creative Ireland through the Creative Communities Economic fund. It was a regional initiative spearheaded by Monaghan County Council's Local Enterprise Office (LEO) & Creative Ireland section, who worked in close collaboration with Creative Spark, Cavan, and Louth Local Enterprise Offices, Cavan & Louth County Councils, and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Spanning from May to November 2023, the NCC programme aimed at empowering design practitioners and businesses to flourish in an era defined by innovation and digitalisation.

The project was led by Pamela Kerr from LEO Monaghan and managed by Francis Verling of Verling Consulting, the programme fostered a vibrant ecosystem for diverse design domains including industrial design, product/service design, visual communications, graphic design, UI/UX, interaction design, service design, and strategic design.

Key Highlights of the NCC Programme included:

Networking and Capacity Building: Through dynamic round table discussions led by industry experts such as Edel Treanor of Mullen Lighting, Emmet Dunne of Kooba and Adele Commins of DKIT plus many more, participants engaged in enhancing networking opportunities, strengthening innovation capacities, augmenting digital skill sets, and accessing national and international markets.

Expanding Market Reach: Targeted discussions and collaborative strategies equipped design businesses with tools and insights to expand their presence across local, national, and international markets, emphasising avenues to elevate design work onto broader platforms.

Reflecting on the initiative's success, Pamela Kerr shared her enthusiasm, stating: "The NCC programme has been pivotal in empowering design practitioners, fostering collaboration, and equipping them with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape."

Francis Verling of Verling Consulting added, "Our focus on fostering innovation and digital prowess has unlocked new pathways for design businesses, leveraging their creativity and expertise towards greater success."

Phases and Networking Events:

Phase 1  Design Innovation & Capacity Building (May  Aug): This phase included an Innovation & Digital Skills Diagnostic, mentoring for new product/service development, and five intensive masterclasses focused on refining skills necessary for product/service development.

Phase 2  Design for Export (Aug  Oct): Explored international design markets through a conference delivered in the Ballymacscanlon Hotel on September 6th, export market development mentoring, and a study visit to the London Design Fair on September 21st  23rd, offering first-hand exposure to global trade and networking opportunities.

Programme Events & Networking (June  November): A series of engaging events and networking sessions, nurtured collaboration and community building within the design sector.

Pamela Kerr reiterated the programmes commitment to nurturing design talent, stating, "Each phase and event within the NCC programme was meticulously designed to empower our participants with the skills and exposure necessary to thrive in today's competitive landscape."

The collaboration between the participants and the organisers has been instrumental in shaping a programme that empowers design enterprises, fostering growth and innovation.

Throughout the duration of the programme, a remarkable engagement of over 140 design businesses was witnessed, with 43 actively participating in targeted mentoring sessions and needs analysis. This collaboration has effectively forged a pipeline, enabling these businesses to tap into the comprehensive supports offered by their respective local enterprise offices.

Furthermore, ongoing consultations are underway for the development of a Phase 2 programme for 2024/2025, signalling a continued commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the region's design sector.

As the Northeast Creative Conversations programme draws to a close, the tangible impact created through active participation, tailored support, and strategic planning lays a solid foundation for the future. The programmes success is not merely measured in its achievements but in the long-term prospects it has ignited for the design community across the counties of Monaghan, Cavan, and Louth.
Tesco Ireland has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, taking place in 115 stores nationwide from Friday, 1st December - Sunday, 3rd December, and online now.

Customers are being encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, clothing or toys to benefit local Family Resource Centres and organisations supporting children and their families this Christmas across Louth.

Since 2013, 1.7 million has been donated through the annual appeal - the equivalent of 1.4 million meals have been shared with those in need in local communities across Ireland, with almost 4,000 donated to causes in Louth.

The campaign encourages shoppers to purchase an additional item during their trip to selected Tesco stores and donate it to the Christmas Appeal trolley located in the store on their way out.

Customers are being asked to pick up an extra non-perishable food item (e.g. tea bags, pasta and rice, breakfast cereals, and tinned goods) or household necessities (e.g. toiletries, nappies, small clothing items, and toys) to add to the trolley, with 100% of the items being donated to over 165 community groups across the country.

Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland said:

We are urging customers who are in a position to do so to get involved in this years Christmas Appeal. Customers can do this by picking up one additional item during their shop and donating it to the Christmas Appeal trolleys located in Tesco stores nationwide, or by purchasing a donation bundle online.

Were proud to support DEIS schoolchildren and their families across the country through our Stronger Starts programme, so we know that even the smallest donation to our Christmas Appeal can really support those in need. Were hoping that our customers, who have shown incredible kindness over the years, can help us spread a little bit more joy this Christmas.

Christmas Appeal donation trolleys will be attended to by volunteers from local Family Resource Centres and other local organisations helping to support children and their families.

This is the second year the Christmas Appeal will also run online at Tesco.ie until Sunday, 3rd December, where customers have the option to purchase a 2.50 and/or 5 bundle for donation.

Some of the community groups in Louth that will be supported by the Christmas Appeal include:
Hong Kong Science Park demonstrates city's burgeoning power in innovation &technology

13:37, November 24, 2023 By Liu Caiyu and Zhao Juecheng ( Global Times

Hong Kong Science Park Photo: Liu Caiyu/GT

Hong Kong, a rising star in innovation and technology, is witnessing the creation of a surge of world-leading projects at the Hong Kong Science Park. As the sun rises in the morning, researchers and scientists flock to the park, eager to contribute to the city's transformation from a financial center to a global hub of innovation and technology (I&T).

The park currently houses 28 research centers, with a focus on healthcare, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This is a part of the InnoHK initiative, a significant endeavor by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government to propel the city to the forefront of innovation.

During the Hong Kong Laureate Forum which gathered scientists worldwide to boost the innovation vibe of the city, Global Times reporters had the opportunity to speak with researchers and scientists who are now key to the InnoHK platform and represent the future of Hong Kong's push to develop itself into a prominent global hub for innovation and technology.

Pioneering projects

One of the pioneering projects taking place at the Hong Kong Science Park is the development of innovative drugs at the Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited.

Researchers at this center are dedicated to expanding the reach of Chinese herbal medicine beyond national borders by transforming traditional wisdom into pharmaceutical products. By extracting and optimizing the essence of traditional formulas into tablets, patients can experience the same, if not stronger, effects with just one to two tablets, Global Times reporters were told while visiting the center.

Lin Chengyuan, the assistant director of the Center, emphasized that the center focuses on enhancing traditional formulas by utilizing advanced analysis methods to identify their primary components. This information is then combined with an artificial intelligence platform to optimize medicines. Once the optimization process is complete, researchers will seek approval to enter the international market by registering with both the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after conducting evidence-based preclinical and clinical research.

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Center received FDA approval this April to commence clinical studies on a botanical drug for chronic constipation in the US population. This marked the first instance of an optimized herbal medicine from Hong Kong receiving FDA approval for clinical trials.

Lin disclosed that the researchers are currently working on two additional investigational new drug applications of the FDA and NMPA. These applications pertain to Chinese herbal medicine for ulcerative colitis remission and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome, respectively.

Another notable project at the Hong Kong Science Park is the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE). Within COCHE, several sub-companies are working on developing cutting-edge systems for early diagnosis and intervention using cerebro-cardiovascular health engineering.

One of the highlights is a home-based organ health monitor that can be used in both outpatient and home settings. Russell Chan, one of the team members told the Global Times that this monitor, based on electrical impedance tomography, helps patients detect the early stages of chronic diseases affecting the liver, lung, brain, and kidneys.

Chan said the monitor is expected to enter clinical trials and enter the market in coming years, with a broad market prospect ahead as more than 130 million people are suffering from chronic diseases.

Also in Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics (HKCRC), a scientific research and entrepreneurship platform, the Global Times reporters have a close look over how researchers around the globe is committed to introducing cutting-edge technologies like robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to the construction sector. From colored 3D scanners, wall polishing robot to an unmanned tower crane, the HKCRC offers a wide range of choices for their partnerships.

Within a year or so, the general public would see fruitful scientific results coming out of the world-leading 28 centers, Timothy Tong Wai-cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, told the Global Times. These projects will fulfill Hong Kong's endeavor to secure the position as an international I&T hub around the globe, he said.

"We also have Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that provided to the SAR government to achieve. Hopefully we could get another five-year funding from the SAR government so that our researchers are able to have more researches done," one of the researchers at the labs told the Global Times.

Scientists share insights during the Hong Kong Laureate Forum on November 14, 2023. Photo: Liu Caiyu/GT

All ingredients in place

With the world-leading scientific programs, funding from SAR governments, talents and international partners, Hong Kong already possesses all the ingredients to become an international I&T center, Tong believed.

The talents of these centers play a crucial role. Just like the other 28 labs, the confidence of Lin's company and COCHE is greatly enhanced by the diverse talents they have acquired from both domestic and international sources.

Lin's team, supported by Hong Kong Baptist University, has also successfully attracted resources from prestigious institutions such as the mainland, University of Macao, and the University of Chicago. Similarly, COCHE collaborates with renowned institutions like the University of Oxford, the Karolinska Institute, and City University of Hong Kong.

The InnoHK platform has successfully fostered partnerships with over 30 prestigious universities and research institutes, attracting approximately 2,000 researchers from both local and international backgrounds.

Wang Xiaodong, a renowned biochemist and the director of the National Institute for Biological Sciences in Beijing who also attended the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, told the Global Times that science boils down to cooperation and communication. Hong Kong where is compatible in both working environment, attracting international talent as well as abundant resources in educational sectors make it an ideal city to develop I&T sector.

On top of that, Dennis Lo, scientific Director of Centre For Novostics, one of the 28 labs in Hong Kong Science Park, which focuses on the development of cutting edge diagnostics based on cell-free nucleic acids in blood and other bodily fluids, joked to the audience of Hong Kong Laureate Forum that this was the first time in his career life that he has an office with windows. Windows helps him generating innovative ideas.

"We can say that Hong Kong is the ideal platform for global talents and enterprises to succeed," Sunny Chai, the Chairman of Hong Kong Science Park addressed one plenary discussion at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum.

Chai noted that the SAR government has invested nearly HK$ 200 billion in sector of I&T since 2015, also the latest policy address has outlined new measures under seven directions to attract world leading enterprises and talents to the city and support leading I&T projects.

In addition, Chai emphasizes that the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) has opened up a distinct opportunity for the city's value creation. Hong Kong, with its esteemed status as a leading research center for I&T and an international financial hub, can act as a dual platform. It can facilitate the entry of multinational I&T companies into the GBA market and support mainland I&T companies in expanding their presence overseas, Chai noted.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Greater access to finance for Armenian MSMEs

EBRD financing via Ardshinbank to invest in growth and greener technology

EU complements the loan with incentive grants and technical assistance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are supporting Armenian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by boosting access to finance via Ardshinbank.

The leading Armenian bank will receive a financial package of US$ 20 million, comprising two equal loans, from the EBRD for on-lending to the private sector. Half of this amount will be on-lent to Armenian firms to foster their growth and development, and the other US$10 million will support investments in environmentally friendly equipment and production upgrades that meet EU standards.

This financing will enable borrowers to enhance their competitiveness both domestically and internationally to help diversify their export markets. It will also support the implementation of health and safety measures, as well as the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and resource efficiency. At least 70 per cent of the loan will be allocated to funding green technologies.

Borrowers will benefit from free support from international consultants and will receive cash-back incentives upon completion of their investment projects. Both are funded by the EU under its EU4Business initiative and contribute to the aims of the EUs Eastern Partnership (EaP) Economic and Investment Plan, which include supporting 30,000 SMEs in Armenia.

The financing is part of a joint programme, the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line, for which the EBRD provides finance to MSMEs through partner financial institutions, while the EU complements the offer with incentive grants and technical assistance. This programme is also available in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Francis Malige, EBRD Managing Director for Financial Institutions, said: I am delighted to announce that with todays signing, Ardshinbank has joined our flagship programme designed to make local firms greener and more competitive, at home and abroad. This cooperation with our financial partner, along with the support of our longstanding donor, the European Union, allows us to step up support for Armenian firms. We look forward to seeing more Armenian products and Armenian brands going global.

Lawrence Meredith, Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution building at the European Commission, said: Supporting companies in Armenia to transition to a more sustainable and efficient production model is an investment in the future of both businesses and the environment. The European Union is proud to support this new concessional credit line the EBRD and Ardshinbank are concluding today. This is yet another demonstration that our Economic and Investment Plan for Armenia is delivering on the ground.

Ardshinbanks Chairman of the Management Board, Artak Ananyan noted: "Ardshinbank is committed to enhancing the resilience of enterprises and firms through the implementation of more efficient and energy-saving practices. With our extensive regional network, a substantial portion of these funds will be strategically directed to fortify SMEs across multiple regions. This streamlined approach undeniably fosters an environment conducive to the prosperity of SMEs, cultivating competitiveness both domestically and internationally. Moreover, this plays a pivotal role in driving the ongoing economic development of our country."

The EBRD has invested over 2 billion in 207 projects in Armenia since the start of its operations there in 1992.
A SOUVENIR book of memories and a history of the fundraising for Fermoy Community Hospital over the last 40 years has been published.

It was compiled by Sheena OBrien and Eily Whelan, and edited by Sean Whelan.

This book is a souvenir to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Fermoy Community Hospital Fund-raising committee, on October 13, 1983, says Sheena, who worked as a nurse in the hospital.

It is a reflection on the monumental work organised by the group and its achievements across the four decades.

It is a souvenir of memories, including photographs and newspaper articles which encapsulate the progress of the development of the hospital over the years from a workhouse to a district hospital and then a community hospital.

The book also captures the monumental work and achievements organised by the group across four decades, says Sheena.

It documents numerous articles dating back to 1840 about the previous workhouse in Fermoy. An article from the Irish Examiner dated September 7, 1857, provides an account about the almost completed workhouse building.

The book also contains historical records such as census records, medical directory entries, and employment opportunities, says Sheena.

The idea of creating a fund- raising venture to benefit Fermoy Community Hospital was the brainchild of Tadhg O'Donovan.

I thought that if I had the opportunity, I would try and get a focus on providing funding for the hospital as there were major shortcomings there, says Tadhg. After this, I set about organising a special meting to gather support for the enterprise.

The meeting took place in the Youth Centre.

My aim was to develop a strategy to acquire the support of the public in assisting with the modernisation of Fermoy Hospital.

What was the hospital like at that time?

Nowadays, it is beyond peoples apprehension to envisage the situation that staff and patients endured at that time, says Tadhg.

Fermoy Community Hospital Fundraising book

There was no menu choice, no lift so everything had to be carried up 3-4 flights of stairs, including the coal that was the fuel for the only heat source of the ward.

The initial committee aims were to provide basic items to enhance the delivery of care.

Had the Fermoy Hospital Fundraising committee big plans? Big adventures, such as extensions, were not in our thoughts at the outset, says Tadhg.

There were great successes achieved by the fundraising committee.

Sheena recalls: In 1997, getting the go-ahead for the construction of the Cuisle ward after a quarter century of campaigning. Local man, Mr Tom Cavanagh made a substantial donation, which assisted with this effort.

Mr Cavanagh had a special relationship with Fermoy Community Hospital Fundraising Association over the years. When it came to causes of a local nature, the local businessman was never found wanting in helping those less fortunate in the community, by adopting the simple philosophy of providing support to groups and individuals who displayed a willingness to themselves.

Another success was the construction of the Dochas ward, which opened to patients in 2009, says Sheena.

A decade ago, a sum in excess of 750,000 had been collected by the committee.

Care of the patients at Fermoy Community Hospital is paramount.

Hospital management have constantly submitted requisitions to the committee for items to maximise the care of patients in the hospital, says Sheena.

All funds raised go directly to patient care. The committee have purchased specialised beds, hi-tech electric mattresses, a variety of hoists, specialised chairs and other equipment that improve the quality of life and enhance the comfort of patients as well as benefiting the entire population of the hospital.

Driving the Fermoy Hospital fundraising efforts forward was Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley himself. He donated a Morris 1000 vintage motor car to the hospital committee.

The stars caretaker made the call to the hospital.

We are delighted at this wonderful support for the final phase of the fundraising campaign towards establishing a further much-needed 50 unit in Fermoy Hospital, said committee PRO John Keating at the time.

The car was in excellent condition and was up for auction. It was not Flatleys first gesture of goodwill to the local hospital. He donated a platinum disc and sent flowers and fruit to the patients.

He was always very kind, says Tadgh.

Browsing through Fermoy Community Hospital Fund-raising, the collection of black and white photographs and later, coloured photographs catalogue the kind history of benefactors, local groups, local clubs and the general publics efforts to support their local hospital.

Over the 40-year period, the amount of donations has been phenomenal, says Tadhg.

At the time of the 30th anniversary, a decade ago, a sum in excess of 750,000 had been collected by the committee.

Little did the founding committee members consider the possibility that the group would have continued to raise funds 40 years later.

The fundraising committee have done trojan work over four decades and the book is a testament to that.

The fundraising committee are a coordinating committee, says Sheena. They depended on volunteers in all areas to come up with a variety of fundraising concepts throughout the years.

The entire community of the hospital, known as the catchment area, stretched from southern Watergrasshill to northern Mitchelstown and Kilbeheny, as well as from beyond Castletownroche in the west and to Ballynoe in the east. Not only towns and villages but every parish and townland in the catchment area contributed handsomely to fundraising efforts.

The vast involvement of so many people made success a reality.

Fermoy Community Hospital Fundraising Association has enjoyed success after success through the determination and motivation of all involved, says Sheena.

The hospital is known far and wide and renowned for the highest level of care provision. Thanks are due to everyone who has supported Fermoy Community Hospital across the four decades through sponsorship, organisation of fundraising events and donations.

We are grateful to have been able to record the successes achieved in this book and thanks to all who contributed to the construction of this book.

Fermoy Community Hospital Fundraising - a souvenir book of memories and history of Fermoy Community Hospital, 20. Proceeds to Fermoy Community Hospital Fundraising.
A GRANT of 50,000 to design a pedestrian bridge over the River Sullane in Macroom has been described by a local TD as further evidence that the Government recognises the importance of enhancing the town centre in the post-bypass era.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Michael Creed said the proposed new bridge would link the northern section of the town park with its southern section on the opposite bank of the Sullane.

The TD said that the funding announcement by Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys would pave the way for a bridge which would benefit Macroom residents as well as visitors to the town, following the opening of the N22 bypass which removes heavy traffic from the town centre.

The Sullane Pedestrian Bridge project is one of dozens of projects to be delivered nationwide under the ORIS scheme, which is an initiative of the Department of Rural and Community Development, he said.

Each project will receive funding of up to 50,000 to bring them to a shovel-ready stage, when they will be in a position to secure further funding through the other measures of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Funding for the delivery of projects under the other measures of the scheme will be announced by Minister Heather Humphreys early next year.

The former minister for agriculture, food and the marine said that the Governments rural development policy, titled Our Rural Future, had enabled record investment in outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland.

Its also part of Fine Gaels commitment to ensuring stronger, safer communities and making our rural towns and villages places that people can work, live, and raise a family, said Mr Creed.
Washington Street in Cork city and the immediate area surrounding was closed off earlier today due to a security alert.

Emergency services attended the scene but were later stood down.

It is understood a local radio station received a number of calls alleging devices were placed at a number of buildings in the immediate area.

The threat of these bombs in the area was later deemed a hoax.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are aware of a number of security alerts at several locations in Cork City this morning, Friday 24th November 2023.

"Following further enquiries An Garda Siochana is satisfied that all of the alerts have been deemed as hoax and the areas have been declared safe."
A Ballingeary man pleaded guilty today to dangerous driving causing the death of a local woman and drink driving in the Gaeltacht village last December.

Arraigned today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, 42-year-old Michael Lucey of Derryvaleen, Ballingeary, County Cork, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 51-year-old Gobnait Twomey.

Secondly, Mr Lucey pleaded guilty to drink driving where alcohol was detected at a level of 179 mgs of alcohol per 100 mls of urine at the time.

As soon as the guilty pleas were entered, defence senior counsel Elizabeth OConnell said that members of the Twomey family were present in court and that all of the parties were from the Ballingeary area.

He hopes that his plea offers some ease in an awful situation, Ms OConnell said.

She added that testimonials on the accused would be prepared in time for the sentencing hearing.

Prosecution barrister Brendan Kelly said that a victim impact statement would be prepared by the Twomey family.

Judge Helen Boyle said, I would like to express sincere condolences to members of the Twomey family.

Sentencing of Mr Lucey was adjourned until February 13 2024.

He was remanded on continuing bail until then.

It was clarified in court that consideration of the length of time for which the accused would be disqualified would not be given until the sentencing date.
A woman who was assaulted by her partner in a violent incident at her home was texted by him with further insults as she was being taken to hospital by ambulance.

The Macroom man who was in a volatile relationship with her has been jailed for 18 months on a charge of assault causing harm to his then partner.

34-year-old Gavin Cronin of Dromdubh, Macroom, County Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting the woman at her home on July 17.

Detective Garda Alan ORiordan of Macroom garda station said the accused was in a two-year on/off relationship with the injured party and that on this occasion they were drinking heavily together and an argument broke out.

He struck her in the side of face with his fist and head a number of times, connecting with his fists, Det Garda ORiordan said.

There were two other men drinking with them that night and they hid in the toilet when the violent incident occurred.

She pleaded with him to stop hitting her. He went outside. The gentlemen came out of the bathroom. Gavin Cronin came back in. She picked up plates and fired them in his direction to keep him out of the house.

She picked up a wooden mallet to defend herself. He went to grab the mallet off her. He held it above his head, threatening her. He pushed her down on the ground. As she fell she broke her ankle, Det Garda ORiordan said.

Interviewed by gardai afterwards he accepted responsibility for the punching and his violent reaction but he did not mean for her to have her ankle broken. Nevertheless he accepted that he caused this by pushing her.

The victim said she did not accept Gavin Cronins apology. I did not deserve this, no woman does, she said in her victim impact statement.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy repeated that the damage to the womans ankle was accidental but he accepted responsibility and wrote a letter of apology.

She said both parties were trying to deal with a tragic personal matter at the time and that things went off the rails that night, not helped by a considerable amount of alcohol.

Judge Helen Boyle imposed a sentence of two years with the last six months suspended.
SERIOUS concerns have been raised in Cork following riots that broke out in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening following the stabbing of three children and a woman on Parnell Square.

A five-year-old girl remains in critical condition in a Dublin hospital.

The riots, which began close to the scene of the incident and then spread across Dublins city centre, were sparked by groups of people heckling gardai and were then spurred on by anti-immigration posts on social media, which called on people to assemble in protest at what had occurred.

During the rioting, public transport vehicles were targeted and a number of retail stores were looted.

Garda commissioner Drew Harris, blamed what he described as a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology for the disorder.

34 arrests had been made in relation to the disturbances , with more than 30 people appearing at Dublin District Court on Friday on a range of public order and theft charges relating to the previous nights disturbances.

Speaking to The Echo, Joe Moore of 'Cork Says No to Racism' said he was horrified to learn of the attack on the children at Parnell Square on Thursday afternoon and commended the Brazilian Deliveroo driver, Caio Benicio, who intervened and prevented further damage being done.

Mr Moore condemned the far-right who he said used the incident to stir up hatred and actually mobilise people to come into the city centre and divert the whole thing as an anti-immigrant issue. He assured people that Ireland is welcoming of all nationalities.

During our rallies against the far-right in Cork, we got a new banner that had the Cork city coat of arms, that Cork is a safe harbour and welcoming for everybody. I think that can be reflected over the last six weeks, with the rallies in support of Palestinian people and the number of Middle Eastern people who are at those rallies who are getting support right across communities in Cork, he said.

So I think we have to take a stand and to come out and say immigrants are welcome here regardless of where they're from and were all human beings and we stand together.

Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said that the attack on small children on Thursday was every parents worst nightmare and said that his thoughts were with those children, their carer, and their families.

Deputy Gould also commended the courageous members of the public who put themselves in the way of danger to do everything they could to protect the children and the gardai who he said also put themselves in danger to keep people safe.

Speaking about the incidents that unfolded after the stabbing incident, Deputy Gould said: When small children lay in hospital being treated for horrific injuries, a mob fuelled by hate, who believe they are beyond the law, wreaked havoc on Dublin city.

At a time of real hurt, shock, and suffering, they took to the city centre hell-bent on unleashing destruction, menace, and fear.

They intimidated retail workers, firefighters, and paramedics and attacked gardai. They burned buses, burned Garda cars, and looted shops. Their actions were disgraceful. Criminal".

Everyone who participated should hang their heads in shame for what they brought upon Dublin city and its people. They should face the full rigours of the law.

Following the attack at the school, it was obvious to most that the atmosphere in the city centre was deteriorating quickly.

As the situation escalated and public safety became a clear issue, we needed a common-sense response that ensured public order was maintained. That is not what we got. Fine Gael TD Colm Burke condemned the terrible things that were posted on social media following the stabbing incident and said that once posting on social media began, people were looking for an excuse to get involved.

He called for the ability to lock down certain social media accounts in situations such as this where violence is being encouraged by social media users.

If you could have actually locked down social media on Thursday night, you would have been far better off, he said.

None of the people that burned buses or anything else are actually part of the far-right but theyre the people who are just getting in on the act. The far-right is cute enough to stay away and not get caught out but at the same time, provoke others.
A 24-year-old sawmills worker had his right thumb completely cut off in a workplace accident and his employers pleaded guilty to two health and safety breaches.

Guilty pleas were entered on behalf of GP Wood Ltd of Main Street, Enniskeane, County Cork, to charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The accident happened on March 3 this year where Paul OMahony suffered the injury.

Judge James McCourt said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, One would hope that with help from appropriately qualified people that he can in fact resume his pre-accident activities in particular his sporting activities. He should walk among his community with his head held high. He did nothing wrong  no one suggests he did anything wrong. Paul OMahony has my sympathies for the injury that befell him when he was simply going about his business.

The company has accepted responsibility and met the case in a fair and responsible manner taking steps to improve safety on the machine in question  that is acknowledged by Mr Barry, the safety expert. Tom Creed defence senior counsel said, There is work available for him. His job is still there available, even if he has to do modified work. Judge McCourt said it was likely that such a resumption  if he is able to do so - would assist the injured party in every aspect of his life.

The judge said that GP Wood Ltd. had done everything one could reasonably expect in response to this accident.

Judge McCourt suggested that civil proceedings would deal with an amount which would reflect injuries and that any fines imposed at the criminal court did not reflect on the degree of the injury, whether the fine was 1 or 1 million.

In the event the judge assessed fines totalling 5,000 plus costs against the defendant company agreed at 2,500.

Both counts related to an incident at the sawmill premises on March 3 this year at their premises. The first referred to a failure to provide information, instruction, training and supervision in respect of a Leadermac moulding machine at the premises that was necessary to ensure the safety of employees, in particular in relation to the freeing of blockages from the machine.

The second related to a charge referred to a failure to manage and conduct work activities to ensure the safety of employees, and in particular the failure to implement risk assessments concerning the locking out and isolating of machinery, as a consequence of which, employee Paul OMahony suffered injuries.

Health and Safety Authority inspector David Barry said the machine was designed to cut wood on four sides so that it could shape a single piece of wood in one single operation.

It has a safety hood to prevent access when the saws are operating. Ordinarily, if you open the hood it will turn off, he said.

However, he said there was a further function that enabled someone observing the operation of the machine to do so with the hood up  a setting that should not be available unless a member of staff has particular training. He said the blades spin so fast that they appear as a blur. You would not even see it, he added.

Judge McCourt summarise: The machine was in a mode for which the employee was not trained. It should only have been observed in that mode and there should have been no intervention and the injured party intervened. He was not trained in that and the company pleaded guilty The company was in breach of statute under any number of headings. No blame can attach to the unfortunate Mr OMahony. Judge McCourt was told of a 2019 incident where a man was struck by a vehicle and killed, and the company prosecuted under health and safety legislation, but he said that incident was unrelated in the sense that it did not arise out of the operation of saws or related machinery.
James Cox

The anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination this week saw much reflection on his legacy in Ireland, and also what might have been, according to a director of the Kennedy Summer School.

Technological University Dublin Professor Brian Murphy is also the co-editor of From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland and America, published in 2021.

Speaking in the week of the anniversary of JFK's assassination on November 22nd, 1963, Prof Murphy told BreakingNews.ie: "At the end of his visit he told one of his advisors that he intended to do big things for Ireland in a second term. One of the other things in terms of the legacy is that lost legacy of what might have been. What might have been for America in terms of what he might have achieved as a president and for us here in Ireland, what he might have done for Irish American relations.

"I think he would have been hoping to come many more times. What that trip did is it awakened that Irish American heritage which was in him."

Many Irish people will be familiar with pictures of JFK alongside Jesus or the Pope in the homes of grandparents and family, and his legacy still endures in Ireland despite the fact many people weren't born when he visited in 1963.

Prof Murphy said it had a seismic impact on 1960s Ireland.

"In the 1960s, to have an Irish Catholic in the White House was seen as a huge thing. It was seen as a completion of the circle. Kennedy's great-grandparents were all Famine emigrants, and they were fleeing from starvation, destitution and oppression.

"In the 1960s the attitude here towards the Famine was 'sure, it was British oppression', but there was also this view that Ireland failed because so many of our people starved and had to leave. So the idea that Kennedy was Famine stock, with eight great-grandparents who fled the Famine, Irish Catholic background, that he reached the White House was seen as the completion of this circle.

"He was very conscious of that when he made the famous speech in New Ross, Co Wexford, he said that although he had been in Ireland (he visited in the 1950s as a senator and in the 1940s as a congressman), he said coming back to the home of his great-grandfather PJ Kennedy who left in the middle of the Famine, he said this journey took 115 years to make.

"It was a journey his great-grandfather started. He fled starvation and 115 years later his great-grandson returned as the leader of the free world.

"In the 1960s, there wasn't a lot to celebrate in Ireland. The 1950s was probably the most depressing decade in Irish history with mass emigration on the rise and people wondering if it would always be a poor country.

"At the start of the 1960s you had an Irish Catholic elected leader of the free world, we grasped onto it as a success story. Kennedy brought hope that he would do something for Ireland.

"In the footage of his speeches in Ireland you can see he was enthralled by the country. He famously said when he was leaving Ireland 'this is not the land of my birth but it's the land I hold the most affection for', and that he'd be back in the spring."

John F Kennedy addresses the crowds at Greenpark Race Course in Limerick during a visit to Ireland, 29th June 1963. Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The home of Kennedy's great-grandfather in Dunganstown, New Ross, Co Wexford, now includes an exhibition on JFK's visit and the wider Kennedy family.

Patrick Grennan, whose grandmother was a cousin of JFK and was famously pictured hugging him, opened the visitor exhibition in 2013.

He runs it along with his farm.

Mr Grennan told BreakingNews.ie: "His great-grandfather left our house. Patrick Kennedy left during the Famine and went to Boston. JFK visited in 1947 and then in 1963 as president of the United States. My grandmother, mother and cousins in Dunganstown met him on both occasions.

"After that, people were coming around to have a look, it became a shrine. My grandmother set up a room that was part of the old dwelling and had a few photographs. People went in, signed their name, took a stone out of the wall as a souvenir sometimes.

"In 1999, I set the place up as a visitor attraction. It was really just to cater to people calling. You'd end up talking to people all day, and it was a way to supplement a small farm income too.

"The exhibition follows each generation from Patrick leaving to today, along with a lot of footage of the Kennedy visit. People are fascinated about how the family went from Famine emigrants to the White House, so we have that story put together from a family perspective."

John F Kennedy and his sister Eunice with some of their relatives during their visit to the farm at Dunganstown, New Ross, Co Wexford, where their great-grandfather lived before emigrating to the states in 1850.

Mr Grennan said various members of the Kennedy family have visited over the years. Robert F Kennedy's daughter Kerry, a lawyer and human rights activist, was there a number of weeks ago.

He said people from all over the world continue to visit, particularly in the busy summer season which takes in the June 26th - 29th anniversary of Kennedy's visit to Ireland.

Prof Murphy said the legacy of Kennedy has stood the test of time for a number of reasons.

"That's one of the things we're doing with the summer school... trying to preserve that Kennedy connection to Ireland, not just in terms of the Kennedy family but using it as a platform for discussion about Irish American relations.

"Sixty years on, there is still a strong affinity towards JFK and the Kennedy family. You'd think that would recede with time. Eventually, as he does pass out of living memory and into complete history, 20 years from now there will be very few, if any who have a living memory of him.

"It will recede somewhat and that is why the summer school is important in remembering the history, remembering that connection.

"Why is the legacy still strong 60 years on? There are a couple of things. First of all, it's the qualities of Kennedy in terms of that charisma that he had, he broke the mould... he was this young, dynamic president. The presidency was previously seen as the preserve of older, greyer politicians.

"He came in almost like a rock star president. That charisma, and the sense of awakening in the 1960s, people definitely have nostalgia for that. Then there was his sheer ability.

"There are people from a generation that were born long after his death who can still quote some of his speeches. His power of rhetoric, that magnetism with words, seems to have transcended the ages as well.

"When he said he wanted to come to Ireland, Kennedy's advisers told him 'don't do it, you have all the Irish votes in this country, it will be portrayed by your opponents as a pleasure trip'. He was determined to make the visit."

Brian Murphy is co-editor of From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland and America, published in 2021.

In Prof Murphy's chapter in From Whence I Came, he wrote about the final 21 weeks of Kennedy's life, 'from Shannon to Dallas', and the crucial period which included the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Seen as a defining moment of Kennedy's presidency, it started with a botched US-backed invasion of Cuba, but ended with diplomacy that averted a nuclear disaster.

"There is a debate about whether he was a good president or a great president. My own view is that he was a good president with the potential to be a great one, but he was only there for that period of 1,000 or so days. He hadn't enough time to put in place the accomplishments that would have made him a fantastic president.

"Maybe his greatest accomplishment, which was lucky for all of us, is his finger was on the switch during the Cuban Missile Crisis... his sense of calmness there to find a diplomatic solution. His unwillingness to be bullied by the military who were pushing him for a first strike policy.

"He definitely took the world back from the abyss there. I think that's something we can all be grateful for. He was tested in that situation and came through to find a diplomatic solution. We don't know how anyone else would have acted, and whether we would have had a nuclear disaster."

While a number of Kennedy's successors have visited Ireland, including Joe Biden recently, Prof Murphy said none of them have had a reception quite as enthusiastic.

He recalled a story about Kennedy's relationship with then-Taoiseach Sean Lemass.

"When he arrived, his first meeting was with Sean Lemass. They talked about the global situation, the Irish economy, Lemass was pushing for more direct investment into Ireland. He told him about some of his priorities for the Irish government, including restoring the Irish language as the spoken language of the country.

"Kennedy told Lemass he didn't think this was a good idea. Lemass argued that case. Kennedy went away and thought about it and as he travelled around Ireland he was asking people about the Irish language and when he got back to America, Bobby had an Irish nanny, and he would ask her 'what's the Irish word for this?'

"When Lemass visited in 1963, Kennedy had a few words of Irish to say to him."

John F Kennedy with Sean Lemass.

The fact so many people who are old enough can remember exactly where they were when they heard the news of JFK's assassination shows the significance of its place in world, and Irish, history, Prof Murphy said.

"Anyone of that generation can tell you where they were, who told them the news. The reaction was one of national mourning. Eamon de Valera went on RTE, he said to 'give common expression' to our national mourning.

"There would have been devastation either way, but I think the fact it was so close to his visit, it had been 146 days since he left Ireland.

"There were hopes he would do more for Ireland, the great potential of JFK was all whipped away in a minute by an assassin's bullet. I think that all contributed to the grief."
By David Young, PA

Any potential Irish Government legal challenge against the UKs contentious legacy laws would not derail improving relations between Dublin and London, Michael Gove has insisted.

The UK Secretary of State for Levelling Up said he respected the sovereign right of Ireland to take a case against his government at the European Court of Human Rights.

The Irish Government is deliberating on whether to mount an interstate case against the UK. It could also decide to support an existing legal challenge against the laws.

Ministers in Dublin are assessing legal advice on the issue from Attorney General Rossa Fanning.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

Mr Gove and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were among senior politicians who attended a meeting of the British Irish Council in Dublin on Friday.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove spoke at a press conference. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

They were asked about the legacy issue at a post-meeting press conference.

The legacy is a uniquely sensitive issue, said Mr Gove.

We know and understand the Irish governments position, and we respect the autonomy of the decision-making process within the Irish government.

We, I think it is clear, believe it would be preferable not for a case to be taken forward. But thats a decision for the Irish government and it in no way leads to any deterioration or difficulty in any of the other conversations that we have.

Because we respect Irelands sovereign right in this regard, and we continue to work well with the Irish government in so many other areas.

Mr Varadkar said he and coalition colleagues had yet to make a decision on the legal advice.

Were still considering it, he said.

And, obviously, well speak to the British government again before making any decisions, any final decisions.

The relationship and working relationship, I think, between the Irish Government and the UK government has improved considerably, largely because of the Windsor protocol (on post-Brexit trade) and the prime ministers considerable diplomatic achievement, I believe, in being able to secure that with the European Commission.

So thats always going to be part of our considerations too.

But, above all, we restate our view that we dont believe that the approach that has been taken in terms of legacy is the right one.
As much as it offers a chance to spoil our loved ones and gather together with our nearest and dearest, Christmas is also a prime opportunity to let loose.

Whether its getting a bit too merry at a staff Christmas party or overindulging in the massive turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings until were so stuffed we have to unbutton our trousers, sometimes fully embracing the festive spirit means allowing ourselves the freedom to look a bit silly in the process  and few traditions are more effective in that regard than donning a good old fashioned Christmas jumper!

From ones with questionable puns to quaint handknitted ones, and right through the spectrum to the downright wacky, there are a multitude of different Christmas jumpers out there. And for every variation of festive knitwear you can find, there are just as many different people who center their annual celebrations around these garments, making Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day a fixed part of their traditions each year.

There is one thing, however, that each and every one of these people have in common  doing it all for a fantastic cause!

Cork Simons Christmas Jumper Day has been one of the charitys most vital fundraising campaigns for more than a decade now, bringing in 130,000 last year alone. This money goes directly towards helping thousands of men and women across Cork and Kerry who are at risk of, or are experiencing, homelessness and allows Cork Simon to continue their invaluable work.

These last few weeks leading into Christmas represent Cork Simons biggest fundraising opportunity in the year, in fact about 60% of our overall annual income is generated just from that short winter period, explains Cork Simon's Kerry MacMahon.

Kerry MacMahon, Cork Simon Fundraising Team.

Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day contributes to that hugely, and its a particularly popular one for drawing in people who arent already familiar with Cork Simon or who havent donated to us before. A lot of fundraising campaigns target a specific demographic, but Jumper Day is a great universal one  anybody can take part and they can do it anywhere!

Thats really reflected when you look at the wide group of ongoing supporters we have for this initiative, too. Our jumper day community is already about 400 strong, and that includes a wide mix of everyone from companies to community organisations, education settings such as primary/secondary schools and universities, and care settings. We do recommend that adults taking part make a 5 donation, or a 2 donation for schools, but people are free to give any amount they want. Its really something that can work anywhere or with anyone  as long as people are willing to have fun! Thats really the key thing about Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day, its about having a good time and enjoying yourself, all in aid of a good cause.

Few groups can echo that fun loving sentiment stronger than McKesson Cork, who are based in the Airport Business Park and have been supporting Cork Simon for nearly 15 years. As important as the funds they raise each year are, McKessons Cliona Archer Good says the staff morale created by Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day can be just as critical.

Cork Simon has always had a big place in our hearts, it means a lot to the whole team here to have been supporting such a fantastic cause, and one thats so local to us, since 2009, she shares. McKesson has contributed to Cork Simon in lots of ways in that time, and we regularly donate sleeping bags, but the Christmas Jumper Day is a very special part of our work with the charity. Its one we look forward to every year and it ties in really nicely with our wider Christmas celebrations at McKesson.

McKesson Cork have been proud supporters of Cork Simon for the past decade and a half.

We always get great footfall on site for Jumper Day, so we go all out for it and have lots of other fun events surrounding it. Were putting on a free breakfast for everyone this year, and we always have a great raffle and some lovely presentations from our teams as well. With people working remotely or in hybrid roles, trying to get large numbers of us in at the same time can be tricky these days, but Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day seems to be one of those great events that everybody just wants to get involved in! It's really inclusive, so regardless of which team you're working with, or what part of the business you're in, Jumper Day is something that never fails to bring us all together, which is really special.

We have an average of about 120 employees who take part in it each year, and some of them make a huge effort with lights, festive earrings, antlers and all sorts! For us it's about the most fun more so than best dressed or anything like that, so those creative ones are fantastic to see.

Amidst all the fun, however, the McKesson team never lose sight of the serious issues that make campaigns like Jumper Day necessary. Cork Simon do such fantastic work to raise awareness around homelessness and what we can do to address it, Cliona explains. As a healthcare company, our top priority in everything we do at McKesson is to help people or improve their quality of life. Thats why its so important to us that we give back to the community however we can, and Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day is a fantastic opportunity to do that.

Not only do our individual employees contribute by wearing their jumpers and donating what they can on the day, but McKesson always contributes a separate lump sum on behalf of the company too. Its really important to us that we have buy-in from all sides, I think thats what makes Jumper Day a success for us each year.

Someone who understands just how important that buy-in can be is Gillian Vaughan of Model Farm Road Childcare, where children and staff alike are excitedly gearing up for Model Farms fifth year taking part in Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day. Catering to everything from toddlers daycare to childrens afterschool service, some of the older kids at Model Farm already have a strong grasp of why theyre having a Jumper Day, and why their fundraising matters.

Weve been having lots of conversations with the kids, particularly in our afterschool service, explaining to them that sadly not everyone has a home or a nice, comfy bed like we do, Gillian shares. They understand what were talking about quite quickly, even if they might not know what homelessness is just yet, they might have seen it around the city. Its definitely those older children who have more questions for us when we talk about Jumper Day, so we explain to them why its important and nice to support people who dont have the things theyd automatically have or might take for granted.

At Model Farm Road Childcare, Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day causes great excitement among kids of all ages.

It's not just in explaining these difficult topics to the children, however, where the brilliance of the staff at Model Farm Road Childcare shines through. They also go all out with their Jumper Day outfits each year, as Gillian points out. Jumper Day is great for our staff and for the kids, because its something different. Besides the feel-good factor we get from supporting such a great cause, just dressing up adds a really fun element to the day! Some of the staff come in wearing full Christmas outfits or Christmas dresses and they even paint their faces. That always adds a nice conversation piece between the staff and the kids  theyre so surprised to see staff in something besides the usual everyday uniform! It's great to create that boost in morale among the employees and between the children themselves. On Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day we also get the kids to showcase their Christmas crafts to the parents, and we put on a lovely event here for the families with tea and coffee and some treats. It's always a great time.

More than a gift

For Model Farm Road Childcare and many others, special occasions like Jumper Day highlight just how magical Christmas can be for adults and children alike. However, for some, the festive period sadly isnt always such a happy time.

Nobody wants their child to grow up to be homeless at Christmas, but its a sad reality for many.

This Christmas, people like *Jack are helping Cork Simon to get across just how easily it can happen, and how tragic a situation it can be.

Jack, who was made homeless at 17, has reflected on his experience as part of the charitys latest campaign.

Sleeping on the freezing cold concrete, it really hurts. I woke up black and blue with bruises from sleeping on the floor. I felt so low and so totally alone that Christmas, that I cried every last tear I had left in my whole, entire body. I remember wishing Christmas wouldnt happen at all.

But just think theres someone else just like me out there in Cork this Christmas going through the same kind of thing. The loneliness. The cold. The tears. And you can help them.

To find out exactly how you can help Cork Simon this Christmas, visit their official website, where you can also sign up for a Cork Simon Christmas Jumper Day of your own.




Breakthrough in sorghum cultivation promises enhanced nutrient availability for dairy cattle



A research initiative at the University of Nevada, United States, aims to revolutionise global sorghum cultivation, potentially transforming dairy cattle nutrition, Nevada Today reported.

Melinda Yerka, an associate professor, and her team have developed sorghum varieties with larger seeds, efficiently broken during harvest, making nutrients more bioavailable for dairy cattle. These unique sorghums also thrive in Nevada and California.

The research, conducted since 2017 at the Experiment Station, focused on adapting sorghum for Western US growth, beyond the traditional Sorghum Belt. Using a Multiparent Advanced Generation InterCross (MAGIC) population design, Yerka bred varieties with large seeds, high protein, and starch levels. Collaborating with the US Department of Agriculture and other institutions, the team analysed grain quality.

The innovative sorghums address challenges in dairy cattle nutrition, offering a sustainable alternative to current feeds struggling with arid conditions. With corn and alfalfa facing water-related challenges, these sorghums, requiring less water, could aid farmers in maintaining profitability amid changing climates.

Dairy farming, a significant contributor to California's agricultural revenue, faces challenges due to water scarcity. Yerka's sorghums, with improved bioavailability of starch and protein, aim to alleviate these issues. The large seeds break up during harvest without requiring special equipment, potentially reshaping sorghum's role in dairy nutrition.

Yerka founded Yerka Seeds in September to commercialise these sorghum hybrids. The company, collaborating with the Universitys Nevada Small Business Development Centre, seeks to market competitive hybrids to producers. Yerka Seeds plans summer trials with dairy farms to assess the sorghums' environmental stability and bioavailability, a crucial step before commercialization.

The initiative aligns with the farm-to-table movement, connecting consumers directly to specific farms. Yerka and her partners are also extending their sorghums to less developed nations, applying the MAGIC population design to develop varieties adapted to diverse climates in Africa.

The research received support from the University of Nevada, Renos Experiment Station, the US Department of Agriculture, and Texas Tech University.

- Nevada Today
Shocking scenes have rocked Dublin. Far-right goons  showing their true, putrid colours  have used the stabbing of five people outside a school, including three children, to blame migrants and whip up mob violence. These events must be a wake up call: the left and the labour movement have been caught napping. The gloves must come off in the fight against the far right.

This is an appeal: enough with the soft, respectable methods that have done nothing to stem the rise of this rabble. The gardai wont stop them. The blueshirts wont stop them. The working class is the only force that has the power to crush them and an interest in doing so.

But we can only do that if we change our methods! We must confront and clear out this mob on the street, and deprive them of their false anti-establishment credentials by creating a real, revolutionary alternative that can express the volcanic anger in Irish society.

The far rights real face

Lets look at the facts of what happened on Thursday  they tell us everything we need to know about the true nature, aims, and forces of the far right in Ireland.

The violence erupted after the stabbing of five people outside a city centre school, including three young children. One of the children and a teacher sustained serious injuries.

There was nothing spontaneous about this rioting, however. Despite the fact that a Brazilian Deliveroo driver was identified as heroically intervening to stop the stabber, the far right and fascist groups immediately linked the stabbing to mass migration, spreading rumours that an Algerian man was responsible for the crime  despite the fact that the gardai, as of Thursday, had released no information about the stabber.

Right-wing media celebrities like Conor McGregor and known right-wing activists began inciting mobs on social media, and this incitement continued in far-right chats. Here are a few comments from some of these chats that give a good flavour of what this rabble represents.

In one leaked chat log, we read:

THEM FOREIGN BASTARDS, BLOOD NEEDS TO BE SPILT TONIGHT IN THE NAME OFF (sic) THAT CHILD!

Another chat participant called Kill all immigrants sent a voice note to the same chat saying:

There was nothing spontaneous about this rioting / Image: Xavier Boileau, Twitter

They cant control us all. Lets have little groups splintering off doing what weve got to do. 7 oclock be in town. Everyone bally up, tool up, and any fucking gypo, foreigner, anyone, just kill them, just fucking kill them

Others, whipped into a frenzy, declared, not a leftist will be left alive after the nights events. Others called for civil war.

Yet while they may hope for civil war to exterminate foreigners and leftists, what they actually achieved, though shocking, fell somewhat short. Dublin saw a few hundred masked lumpen youth, with a small, far-right and fascist contingent at its core, rampaging through the city centre. They attacked passers by and gardai; set fire to buses, Luas and garda cars; and looted shops including Foot Locker, not known until recently as a symbol of the globalist cabal.

And of course, for all their talk of being Irish patriots and their deliberate confusing of banners with Irelands anti-imperialist Republican tradition, the mobs social media cheerleaders have overwhelmingly been pro-imperialist British and American patriots. As usual, the patriotic Irish right takes succour from its big brothers abroad.

Confront and defeat this rabble!

This is the genuine face of fascism. The aim of these animals is to liquidate the labour movement and murder and expel foreigners. But what is quite clear is that they represent a very small minority. These were no mass protests, and there is no imminent threat of a rise of fascism. Hyperbole to this effect, all too common on the left, achieves nothing.

However, they represent a real, physical threat to workers, migrants and the left, and must be dealt with seriously. Enormous anti-racist mobilisations, the likes of which we have seen in the past year, have demonstrated the real balance of forces in society. But they have done nothing to demoralise and weaken the far right, as Thursday nights events showed. Why is this?

Symbolic demonstrations of unity in the face of hate cannot expunge the far right. They will forever remain deaf to the Christian appeals of turn the other cheek and love thy neighbour. Like animals, they understand one language: the language they unleashed on Dublin city centre last night.

The only way to clear this far-right rabble away is by confrontation on the street through mass mobilisation. Any weekend you choose, if you take a walk up OConnell Street, you will find not one, but several far right protests ongoing. Only when the far right become accustomed to finding their tables overturned, their placards torn up, and their arses sore from encounters with mass counter-protests everywhere they go, will they slink once more, demoralised, into the holes from whence they came.

This is how the British Union of Fascists was crushed at the Battle of Cable Street by communists, socialists, trade unionists, dockers, Jews and Irish immigrants in Londons East End in the 1930s. It was how the English Defence League was crushed in the past decade.

We repeat: the aim of the fascists is to liquidate the workers movement. They must be treated as a physical threat, and socialists, communists, republicans and trade unionists must crush the poisonous seed of the far right before it can lay a root.

After Thursday, there is enormous anger towards this far right, and it must be channelled into crushing them. The ruling class is also trying to canalise this anger behind themselves. They want to build national unity  around themselves  and are talking about law and order, i.e. beefing up the powers of the gardai.

But dont be fooled: the gardai did little to prevent Thursdays violence, in contrast with their past record in treating peaceful left-wing protesters, water charge protesters, or in dealing with young black kids.

The ruling class attempts to beef up the repressive apparatus of the state will be with an eye to one thing only: the enormous battles they foresee in the future. They understand that volcanic anger is building in Irish society, and that sooner or later, the working class will enter the scene.

And when these class battles do erupt, as inevitably they will, the blueshirts and others, who today dress as respectable representatives of the Irish ruling class, will have little compunction about letting the mad dogs of the far right off their leash, to let them have their bit of fun attacking workers, migrants and whoever else gets in their way.

No more respectable politics

If the far right today in Ireland are bolder than at any time in recent history, it is because they feel that they can tap into a mood in society.

There is massive anti-establishment anger bubbling just beneath the surface of Irish society / Image: Dave Keating, Twitter

Groups like the National Party have been trying to get established for some years in Ireland, and yet the arrogant liberals smugly hailed the fact that Ireland had no far right. Werent we bucking the trend? Theres no Trump, no Brexit, no Bolsonaro, no extreme right and no extreme left here, thank you very much.

But the policies of the very same smug, middle-of-the-road capitalist parties that are condemning the riots today, are responsible for creating the very conditions that led to them.

The pandemic, with the massive aggravation of the crisis of capitalism that this has caused, was seized by the far right. They appealed to a thin backward layer with COVID conspiracy theories. They could do so not primarily, as the liberals claim, because of social media disinformation, but because of the enormous cynicism and distrust towards the establishment that has built up in the depths of society.

And when Varadkar and Martin threw their weight behind NATOs proxy war in Ukraine, the same far right whipped up anti-immigrant sentiment over Ukrainian refugees. Again, social media disinformation was blamed. But the reason the far right could connect with a certain backward layer in East Wall in Dublin, for instance, was because they connected the housing of refugees to the explosive anger over the condition of housing in the city.

There is massive anti-establishment anger bubbling just beneath the surface of Irish society. The housing crisis, the state of healthcare, the cost of living, and the pro-imperialist, anti-worker policies of the ruling parties are its source. By distorting this anger, linking it falsely to migration, the far right believe they can break their isolation, and have had marginal success in connecting with some of the most demoralised and downtrodden layers in cities like Dublin.

Therefore it is not enough merely to beat these far right goons back into the sewer. They must be made to feel politically isolated.

Their anti-establishment veneer is extremely thin, but it will wear right off in the face of a real anti-establishment force of the left. At present, that does not exist. Sinn Fein, for all attacks on the establishment, has clearly begun preparing itself to be a respectable party of power, perhaps in coalition with one of the traditional, hated right-wing parties.

What is needed is a new point of reference: a revolutionary, communist party, oriented towards the working class and sinking its roots in that class; a fighting party that will confront every manifestation of oppression; and that will strive to overthrow the capitalist system, boot out imperialism, and form a 32-county socialist Ireland.

Join us, fight with us, and let us build such an organisation!
Primary school postcard project champions Manx language

Hundreds of primary school children on the Isle of Man have participated in an inter-school postcard project as part of their efforts to learn the Manx language.

The project was organised by the Department of Education, Sport, and Cultures (DESC) Manx Language Team, Yn Skimmee Gaelgagh, to coincide with the Cooish, a fun and friendly Manx language festival that takes place in November.

Culture Vannin provided each school with a range of eye-catching postcards designed by local artist Vicky Webb of Crumpets and Crabsticks. This years postcards all featured pictures of Manx produce (Troar Vannin) and Manx Gaelic words.

Children at each school were then tasked with writing a message to a child at another school in Manx, which the recipient would read out on receipt.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport, and Culture, said: 'This fantastic idea truly captured the imagination and encouraged writing and reading in our native tongue across different schools. Congratulations to all! Gura mie eu ooilley!'

The Isle of Man Post Office, a keen supporter of the Manx language, generously donated all the stamps required for the project.

Additionally, a number of creative competitions were also held to encourage school school children to use seasonal Manx vocabulary in a range of posters and other designs.
Smearing dog poo on local business is 'not acceptable' says northern police sergeant

A police sergeant says the smearing of dog poo on a business in Ramseys window is not acceptable.

Court Cafe wrote on social media the incident was an act of unkindness on their cafe and it was disappointing to be faced with the mess.

Sergeant Stephen Gadman says the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team takes all crimes seriously, including ones which have a moral impact on the community.

Hes confirmed officers will have to wait until the suspect returns to the Island before any prosecution can be made.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Sergeant Gadman:

Media

Ramsey Cafe IV
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 home chef or budding cook in your life may appreciate some new tech to smarten up their kitchens. You might even be looking for kitchen gadgets that will make it easier to prepare a holiday feast  and make next years meal prep simpler too. Whether for gifts or for yourself, Black Friday is an ideal time to save on kitchen tech and smart appliances. Many of our tested and recommended cookers, air fryers, pizza ovens and other tools are on sale right now, and many are dropping to the best prices weve seen all year.

Instant Pot Duo Plus

The Instant Pot Duo is 47 percent off and down to $70 at Amazon. which beats its previous all-time low from Prime Day in July. It's $10 more directly from Instant Brands. This is our favorite multi-cooker (and were not alone) with the ability to make everything from yogurt to rice to full dinners and desserts. The Duo model is simple to get the hang of and has plenty of quick cooking modes for a range of dishes  eggs and grains included  and even has a sous vide mode. If you know someone who doesnt have an Instant Pot yet, this will make a great gift.

Vitamix Explorian Series E310

The Vitamix E310 is on sale for $289 at Amazon, Target and directly from Vitamix, and while thats not an all-time low, its still a $60 discount on a particularly powerful blender. Its our favorite blender from our guide to kitchen tech because it goes beyond smoothie duty to create salsas, sauces, dips and even soups (which the blender can heat to steaming in the container due to shear friction). Anyone coming from a standard blender will be impressed with the way it renders even the hardest, chunkiest ingredients silky smooth.

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer

The company that makes our favorite multi-cooker also makes our favorite air fryer. The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is down to $80 at Amazon, which matches its lowest price ever, from back in October for Amazons Prime Day. This is a good pick even for air frying newbies as the controls are intuitive and the basket is easy to clean. This new model adds a viewing window to peek in on your food and an odor-removing filter. While it didnt completely eliminate the odors in our tests, it definitely smelled less smokey than other units we tried.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

KitchenAids Artisan series stand mixer is $100 off the $450 MSRP. It's one of our favorite pieces of kitchen gear because it's durable, powerful and it comes with a beater, dough hook and wire whisk attachments. KitchenAid mixers are also compatible with a variety of accessories and attachments that can turn the machine into an ice cream maker, a meat grinder or even a pasta machine, which will quickly expand your cooking repertoire.

Anova Precision Cooker 3.0

Anova Precision Sous Vide machine is down to $145 after a 27 percent discount at Amazon and Target. Thats not an all time low, but still the lowest price its sold for in the past few months. This is our top sous vide pick in our kitchen tech guide thanks to the helpful app with hundreds of recipes and the option for remote control. If you or your giftee are more hands-on chefs, there are manual controls too. This newer generation includes digital touch controls and a longer cord than last time, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity.

Breville Pizzaiolo

The Breville Pizzaiolo is 20 percent off at Amazon, Williams Sonoma and directly from Breville, bringing the pricey $1,000 machine down to $800  a price it has hit during previous shopping holidays. Thats still not cheap, but if youre looking for a dedicated pizza oven that cooks 12-inch pies remarkably well, this is a solid pick. Its one of the indoor options from our guide to the best za cookers and offers different presets, including a wood fired setting. The heating elements adjust and adapt thanks to the smarts inside, creating an ideal environment for whatever style youve selected. For real pros, the Pizzaiolo also includes a manual mode that lets you dial in your temps for the upper and lower elements.

Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven

If we extend the concept of the kitchen to include anywhere food is made, outdoor pizza ovens most definitely belong on this list. The You might know Solo Stove for its fire pits, but we found them to make some pretty great pizza ovens too. Solo stove is having a sitewide sale for Black Friday, which includes discounts on the wood only or dual fuel Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven and the gas-only Pi Prime, which is $50 off and currently offered with a 20 percent off promo for Amazon Prime members.

KitchenAid Cordless variable speed hand blender

We like KitchenAids Cordless Variable Speed Blender because its easy to use and has an 180-watt motor that you can adjust just by how much you squeeze the trigger. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe blending jar and an optional pan guard so you don't scratch your cookware. The built-in safety switch makes it harder to start up the blade by accident for extra peace of mind as you cook. Right now it's $20 off at Amazon and directly from KitchenAid.

OXO Good Grips Precision scale

OXOs Precision Scale is on sale for $45, which is 15 percent off the list price and about $7 cheaper than its been selling for these past few months. Its an ideal gift for a baker, as measuring by weight tends to produce far better results than volumetric measurements. It supports both metric and imperial weights in precise, 0.1-gram increments and even has a timer built-in, because you just cant have too many of those in the kitchen. Plus the minimalist design looks good on any countertop.

SodaStream Terra

The SodaStream Terra is already the companys most affordable soda maker, and for Black Friday at Amazon and at SodaStream, its down to $60  a price it hasnt hit since last years holiday sales. The kit includes a reusable one liter bottle, a bottle of Bubbly Drop lemon lime flavor, and a CO2 cylinder, along with the device itself. It doesnt need to be plugged in, just attach the cartridge, fill the bottle with water and hit the button to make the bubbles. Then you can mix and match whichever flavors you want, while feeling good about saving money, packaging and transportation waste from traditional sodas.

Fellow Tally Pro Precision Scale

Our biggest concern when we tried out the Tally Pro scale was the price. Now Black Friday is making the $185 gadget a little easier to take, with a 20 percent discount that brings it down to $148, which looks to be its lowest price yet. Its perfect for anyone whos really into brewing the perfect cup of coffee. The scale calculates the amount of water you need and tells you how much water to add throughout the brewing time for the best extraction.

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro kettle

Fellows Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle is also on sale, with a 20 percent discount bringing it down to $204 instead of $255. Its a fully featured pour-over kettle that lets you pick preset temperatures for different brews of coffee and tea. Theres also a manual mode for the more experienced. You can set your altitude, schedule the pot to start warming up at a specific time and use the hold mode to maintain the temp for up to an hour.

Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder

With a good scale and good kettle, you may also want a good grinder. Fellows Opus Conical Burr Grinder and the Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 are both 20 percent off as well, bringinght them down to $156 and $276, respectively. The Opus has more than 40 precision settings and 40mm conical burrs with a burr speed of 350 RPM. The Ode Gen 2 has 31 grind settings and is built to run a little quieter. It has an auto-stop function, along with anti-static tech that's said to reduce grind mess.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is beastly enough to replace your oven, and might even be overkill for some. Its our favorite multi-purpose air fryer because it can bake, dehydrate, slow cook and convect in addition to making things crispy with its air frying capabilities. Right now Amazon, Best Buy and Brevilles storefront are selling the unit for $320, and though thats not an all-time low, its still about $80 less than it typically sells for and $130 off the list price.

Thermapen One

The Thermapen One is our favorite thermometer because it gives accurate readings nearly instantly and has an auto-rotating screen thats easy to read. Its on sale from Thermoworks for $71 instead of the list price of $109 and even cheaper than the $99 it often sells for.

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.
An Urdu translation of Alan Woods Marxist masterpiece, Bolshevism: The Road to Revolution, written on the history of the Bolshevik Party that led the Russian Revolution of 1917, was published by Lal Salam Publications, officially launched at a ceremony on 18 November 2023.

[Originally published in Urdu at marxist.pk]

A launch ceremony was organised by the Progressive Youth Alliance, a nationwide organisation of Marxist students and youth, in collaboration with Lal Salam Publications. The event was held at the head office of Lal Salam Publications in Lahore. Students, youth, workers, progressive political activists and writers participated in this event, which also commemorated 106 years since the October Revolution in Russia.

A hall was previously booked in Al-Hamra Arts Council Lahore. But the Pakistani state, afraid of the history of the Russian Revolution, cancelled the booking just a day before the event. But despite this, the successful holding of the launch ceremony is a testimony to the fact that no matter how much you try to stop true ideas, they find their own way.

Adeel Zaidi, the central leader of Red Workers Front, the nationwide organisation of workers under the banner of the IMT, performed the duties of stage secretary during the ceremony. At the beginning, Saif, a student of GC University Lahore, opened by reciting a revolutionary poem.

After that, the first address was given by Fazeel Asghar, the central president of the Progressive Youth Alliance. Other speakers included Abid Hussain Abid, the leader of Anjuman Progressive Writers; progressive political activist and researcher Hasan Jafar Zaidi; and the central leader of Lal Salam, the Pakistan section of the IMT, Adam Pal.

Fasail Asghar said that the transformation of the Bolshevik Party from an organisation based on a few people into a mass revolutionary party was not a miracle, but reflected the power of the revolutionary ideas of Marxism, which are still a beacon for us today.

The transformation of the Bolshevik Party from an organisation based on a few people into a mass revolutionary party was not a miracle / Image: Lal Salaam

Abid Hussain Abid discussed the contents of the book in literary and political terms and appreciated the great effort of the author. He highlighted the role of the revolutionary party that has a program of creating an alternative socialist system to get rid of the growing global crisis of capitalism.

Hasan Jafar Zaidi gave a summary of the entire book, including excerpts. Aftab Ashraf said that the main feature of this book is that it explains the method of building the party that led the revolution of Russia and especially its leader Lenin.

The concluding remarks of the ceremony were delivered by Adam Pal. Addressing the participants, Adam said that, in the current era, reading theory is a must for every youth who aspires for a revolutionary change in society. He also highlighted the importance of a party modelled on the Bolsheviks in the context of the movements emerging in Pakistan and all over the world in today's revolutionary era.

Posters against the forced eviction of Afghan refugees were also displayed at the event.

In the event, Sanaullah Jalbani, organiser of Lal Salam Publications Lahore, introduced the books based on the revolutionary ideas of Marxism, published by Lal Salam Publications, and gave details of the Marxist literature to be published in the coming period, including an Urdu translation of the Communist Manifesto, which will be published in the near future.

At the end, enthusiastic revolutionary slogans were raised and the participants went home with armfuls of revolutionary literature.
NVIDIA is facing a lawsuit filed by French automotive company Valeo after a screensharing blunder by one of its employees. According to Valeo's complaint, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, an engineer for NVIDIA who used to work for its company, had mistakenly showed its source code files on his computer as he was sharing his screen during a meeting with both firms in 2022. Valeo's employees quickly recognized the code and took screenshots before Moniruzzaman was notified of his mistake.

To note, Valeo and NVIDIA are working together on an advanced parking and driving assistance technology offered by a manufacturer to its customers. Valeo used to be in charge of both software and hardware sides of the manufacturer's parking assistance tech. In 2021, however, the the bigger corporation won the contract to develop its parking assistance software. Valeo wrote in its lawsuit that its former employee, who helped it develop its parking and driving assistance systems, had realized that his exposure and access to its proprietary technologies would make him "exceedingly valuable" to NVIDIA.

Moniruzzaman allegedly gave his personal email unauthorized access to Valeo's systems to steal "tens of thousands of files" and 6GB of source code shortly after that development. He then left Valeo a few months later and took the stolen information with him when he was given a senior position at NVIDIA, the complaint reads. He also worked on the very same project he was involved in for Valeo, which is why he was present at that video conference.

Valeo said its former employee admitted to stealing its software and that German police found its documentation and hardware pinned on Moniruzzaman's walls when his home was raided. According to Bloomberg, he was already convicted of infringement of business secrets in a German court and was ordered to pay 14,400 ($15,750) in September.

In a letter dated June 2022, NVIDIA's lawyers told the plaintiff's counsel that the company "has no interest in Valeo's code or its alleged trade secrets and has taken prompt concrete steps to protect [its] clients asserted rights." Valeo still sued the company earlier this month, however, and said that NVIDIA has "saved millions, perhaps hundreds of millions, of dollars in development costs, and generated profits that it did not properly earn and to which it was not entitled" by stealing its trade secrets.

This is but another proof that competition continues to heat up in the autonomous driving market. Back in 2017, Waymo accused Uber of colluding with its former employee, Anthony Levandowski, to steal over 14,000 confidential and proprietary design files. Levandowski was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but he was pardoned six months later by then President Donald Trump.
In its 246th report, the Parliament Standing Committee on Home Affairs has suggested that the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill (BNS), 2023 be amended to make adultery a criminal offence again (Joy 2023). The committee notes that the Supreme Court has struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 as being a violation of Articles 14, 15, and 21 (in Joseph Shine v Union of India1) but still bafflingly suggests that adultery be re-criminalised but in a gender neutral manner. Such re-criminalisation, it argues, is necessary to safeguard the sanctity of the institution of marriage.

The committees suggestion comes out of nowhere and there is little serious discussion as to the basis of making such a recommendation beyond a vague reference to the opinions of certain members and experts that the committee chose to hear. On the other hand, one of the dissenting notes by one of the members of Parliament on the committee, Derek OBrien, argues that adultery should not be decriminalised (Rajya Sabha 2023).
(The Center Square)  The U.S. Department of Education is investigating several colleges and universities over reports of antisemitic activity. The federal agency said allowing that kind of behavior could risk the educational institutions federal funding.

The DOE sent a letter to all colleges and universities earlier this month reminding them of the Title VI provision requiring the institutions to create an educational environment free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity or ancestry.

"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, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

The investigations are ongoing. The DOE said in a press release that schools that refuse to address these issues can ultimately lose federal funding or be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for further action.

Adam Kissel, an education expert at the Heritage Foundation, told The Center Square, that while no university has lost its funding over this kind of issue, the schools always eventually comply with the federal government because the threat of lost funding is an "existential threat."

No university has actually lost its funding over a civil rights issue," Kissel said.

The rise in on-campus protests and tension over this issue comes after the Oct. 7 attack by the terror group Hamas, which left more than 1,400 dead and hundreds of hostages, including Americans.

Many university leaders failed to show moral clarity after Hamas barbarically attacked Israel, so it is no surprise to see allegations that their universities failed to address civil rights issues on their own campuses, Kissel said.

Israel has responded with bombings and incursions into Gaza which have left their own unclear death toll and destroyed much of Gazas buildings. Israels response has sparked backlash, but the issue has been ongoing for decades between the two groups so far with little resolve.

One student at Cornell University, Patrick Dai, was arrested and charged for allegedly threatening in graphic detail to kill Jewish people, including babies.

In another notable on-campus controversy, a group of 30 Harvard student groups signed a letter blaming Israel for the Hamas attacks, sparking major backlash and withdrawal of donor support for Harvard. The identity of those students was later apparently made public after many businesses publicly said they would not want to hire such a student.

Harvard President Claudine Gay also issued a statement distancing the institution from the letter, saying those students do not speak for Harvard. Soon, thousands of faculty, alum, and students had signed on to a statement blasting the original letter.

Harvard, though, does not appear to be under investigation from the DOEs Office of Civil Rights on this issue. According to the federal database, below are the colleges, universities and school districts with open investigations around discrimination based on ancestral heritage that began since the Oct. 7 attacks though are not necessarily related:

Hillsborough County Schools

University of Tampa

Columbia University

Cornell University

Lafayette College

Maize Unified School District

Wellesley College

University of Pennsylvania

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Wilson County Schools

Community School of Davidson

Kissel argues the antisemitism is part of a bigger problem with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs on college campuses which have ballooned in recent years.

DEI offices generally treat people in terms of identity groups rather than as individuals, and they often divide students more than they unite students, he told The Center Square. University leaders should not trust DEI offices to properly address antisemitic incidents on campus."

Earlier this month, the White House warned of both antisemitism and Islamophobia since the Oct. 7 attacks.

House Republicans led a hearing earlier this month entitled, Confronting the Scourge of Antisemitism on Campus where Republicans largely echoed the idea that DEI in schools is to blame.

The modern form of antisemitism is more subtle, for it is often disguised under progressive political innuendos, Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, who chairs the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, said at the hearing. For example, Offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion steeped deeply in the doctrine of Marxism are anything but inclusive for Jews. Evidence shows that campus DEI bureaucracies play a major role in propagating the spread of antisemitism.
Farmers seeking help with lambing can now use a sheep sector initiative which pairs businesses with agricultural and veterinary students.

The Lambing List for the upcoming season has opened for farmers who need to source an extra pair of hands with lambing.

The initiative, created by the National Sheep Association (NSA), connects sheep farmers who need assistance.

Producers are paired with agricultural and veterinary students looking for a work experience placement as part of their studies.

Katie James, NSA communications officer, said the list had become the trusted method for many of the group's members to source extra lambing help.

"Recent years have seen the numbers of both farmers and students using it increase substantially meaning it is now considered the go to place for those requiring extra help or seeking vital work experience.

"Its a very simple but effective process  we collate a list of NSA members looking for help at lambing time and produce an advert so students can approach them directly to ask for a placement.

"NSA is confident the list will again be successful in its mission to help all of those involved.

Farmers wanting to advertise must complete an application form providing details of their lambing system and the experience and position they can offer, including details of accommodation and meals.

Adverts are listed in the order they are submitted, with the NSA encouraging farmers to get adverts in as early as possible.

Sheep farmers who are interested in using the list but are not yet NSA members can find a membership application form on the group's website.

For students looking for a placement, adverts are split into regions to highlight positions available in different areas of the UK and overseas.
As with the war in Ukraine, different communist parties around the world have taken different and even opposite positions regarding the current Israeli bloodbath in Gaza after the 7 October Hamas attack. The stance of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) is one of principled support for the struggle of the Palestinian people, far removed from other communist parties, which have succumbed to the pressure of bourgeois public opinion. However, there are several aspects of the KKE position on Palestine/Israel we disagree with, and which we think are at odds with a genuine communist position.

Some communist parties have taken a completely incorrect position. Thus, at a time when Israeli bombs are raining on Gaza, killing thousands of civilians and levelling houses and infrastructure, the French Communist Party (PCF) and its leader Fabien Roussel decide it is the time to join the chorus of the ruling class in condemning not Israel, but the leader of the France Insoumise, Jean-Luc Melenchon. Why? Because he has not bowed to the demand of the ruling class that any comment on the situation must start with a condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Similarly, the Austrian Communist Party (KPO) insists on equating the oppressed and the oppressors in this conflict and has markedly abstained from participating in the Palestine solidarity movement, remaining largely silent on the question. They have given in to the pressure of bourgeois public opinion demonising solidarity with the Palestinian people as outright support for Hamas: a slander that is particularly strong in the German-speaking countries. This has led to expressions of discontent in its ranks, mainly in the youth organisation, which is correctly attempting to resist the party line on this question.

As Leninists, we understand that foreign policy cannot be separated from domestic policy. Therefore, it is not a surprise that those communist parties which have a social democratic policy at home, one of managing the crisis of capitalism not working for its overthrow, will have a social-chauvinist or at best a petty-bourgeois pacifist position abroad.

Thus, many communist parties have come out with a position which basically amounts to making appeals to the international community and international institutions to put pressure on Israel to respect international humanitarian law, etc. By contrast, Lenin was scathing about the role of the League of Nations, the predecessor of the UN, which he described as a thieves kitchen.

The role of communists is not to sow illusions in the UN, which has passed countless resolutions on Palestine over decades, all of them worthless, but rather to explain how international law and international rules are a complete sham, designed to fool working people and obscure the real nature of imperialist domination and inter-imperialist conflict.

The position of the KKE

The KKE and its youth organisation (KNE) have played a very important role in the Palestine solidarity movement / Image:      , Twitter

It is therefore worth examining the position of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which stands out from many of the other communist parties. On 9 October, the party issued a strongly worded statement, with a clear political line, condemning: the years-long occupation of the Israeli state and the crimes it systematically commits against the Palestinian people. It condemns the support of the USA, the EU and their allies for Israels crimes; denouncing the complicity of their own government in Greece and offering clear solidarity for the Palestinian struggle:

The Palestinian people have the right to defend their rights and need greater popular support and solidarity to continue their struggle to end the Israeli occupation. (The Palestinian people have the right to defend their rights and need greater popular support and solidarity - Press Office of the KKE, Oct 9)

The KKE and its youth organisation (KNE) have played a very important role in the Palestine solidarity movement, and have not bowed to the pressure of bourgeois public opinion. We fully agree with this position and the KKE should be praised for having taken a firm stand against imperialism and against its own ruling class.

Nevertheless, we also think that the political and strategic position adopted by the KKE regarding the conflict in Palestine-Israel has several shortcomings. It is the duty of communists to raise differences of opinion in a comradely manner and debate them out. In Lenins time, this was the norm. He conducted very sharp polemics with those closest to him, as he considered theoretical clarity of utmost importance.

The main disagreements we have with the KKE are as follows: its support for a two-state solution, its lack of a socialist programme for Palestine, and its unclear position about Stalins support for the partition of Palestine in 1947/48.

A two-state solution?

The first point we would like to raise is about what the KKE says is the aim of the Palestinian struggle: to continue their struggle to end the Israeli occupation, for an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (KKE, 9 October statement)

That is, the KKE clearly defends a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, that is, a Palestinian state side by side with an Israeli state. This is underlined in another, longer article by Giorgos Marinos, a member of the partys Political Bureau on October 20, 2023:

The KKE irrefutably, with responsibility and the criterion the common struggle of the peoples, stands resolutely at the side of the Palestinians and fights for the end to the Israeli occupation, for an independent, united and viable Palestinian state, next to Israel, on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, for the return of refugees and the release of political prisoners from Israeli prisons (Intensification of the struggle to end the Israeli occupation  Solidarity with the Palestinian people, our emphasis)

The position is repeated in an article by the partys general secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas in the partys official paper Rizospastis (October 20-21):

The content of the demands and slogans can be summarised as follows: We emphasise the right of the Palestinian people to a free and independent Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We demand the return of all Palestinian refugees to their homes, on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions. (On the military conflict between Israel and Palestine and the developments in the region)

There are in our opinion several problems with this position.

First of all, the two-state solution has been proven to have been impossible in practice, as we have explained in detail elsewhere. The Oslo Accords of 1993 were seen precisely as a road map towards a two-state solution by the Palestinian leadership. In fact, they were a complete betrayal and sell out of the Palestinian struggle. Israel kept control of a large section of the West Bank and of the external borders, Jewish settlers were allowed to remain in the Palestinian territory and settlements have continued to expand.

Meanwhile, the questions of the right of return and the state of East Jerusalem were postponed to be discussed in the long distant future (read: never) and in exchange a pitiful Palestinian Authority with no real power was created with the sole aim of subcontracting the policing of the Palestinian masses to the rotten leadership of the PLO.

The KKE could argue that what has failed is the Oslo Accords, but that a genuine two-state solution is what the Palestinians should fight for. However, even this position would ultimately lead to a dead end.

Which leads us to the second point of criticism of the position of the KKE. So as long as the capitalist state of Israel exists, the Israeli bourgeoisie will never accept the existence of a genuine viable Palestinian state as it considers it a threat to its national security. This has been proven, not in theory, but in practice. Since the Oslo Accords, the number of Zionist settlements in the West Bank has continuously increased, while Gaza remains completely blockaded by the state of Israel. Israels military interventions in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank, have become increasingly frequent and violent, undermining the very existence of even the limited Palestinian entity that is the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it is difficult to see how a capitalist state of Palestine would be viable in the territory of the 1967 borders, side-by-side with a powerful imperialist capitalist state of Israel. Such a capitalist Palestine, if it were possible, would be economically dominated by its powerful neighbour and remain at best its semi-colony.

It is the practical experience of the last 30 years that has led a majority of Palestinians to reject a two-state solution. In September this year, a poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 67 percent of Palestinians reject a two-state solution, with only 32 percent in support. The same poll shows that 71 percent believe the two-state solution is no longer practical due to settlement expansion. A separate poll conducted by the Arab World for Research and Development on 15 November found that 74 percent of Palestinians are in favour of one state, while only 17 percent want a two-state solution. An overwhelming majority of Palestinians reject the Oslo Accords altogether.

Incidentally, even if one were to accept the idea of a two-state solution, why should a Palestinian state be established on the 1967 borders (presumably what the KKE means is the pre-1967 war borders) which represented only 22 percent of historic Palestine? Why not go back to the 1947 UN partition plan borders, where a Palestinian state represented 44 percent? The 1967 borders represent not only accepting partition itself but also the further territorial conquests by the State of Israel in the period after it.

No mention of the struggle for socialism and workers power

Perhaps the most glaring and surprising omission in all the KKE statements on the question of Palestine is that the struggle for socialism is not mentioned at all. The only conclusion that one can draw from reading official KKE statements and those of the partys leading comrades in recent weeks is that they see the strategic aim of the Palestinian struggle as the formation of two capitalist states, not the struggle for socialism.

How do the KKE comrades then justify the absence of any reference to the struggle for socialism regarding the struggle for the liberation of Palestine? / Image: Abarrategi, Wikimedia Commons

This is in direct contradiction with the KKEs stated line on all other national and international affairs. In these cases the party, correctly, stresses the need to break with any stageism, to put the struggle between workers and Capital at the forefront, and affirms that the character of the revolution is socialist (see for instance On the revolutionary regroupment of the communist movement and its independence from the interests of the bourgeoisies and their allies, Elisseos Vagenas, Rizospastis, 14-15 October 2023)

How do the KKE comrades then justify the absence of any reference to the struggle for socialism regarding the struggle for the liberation of Palestine? In an article published on 10 November by the International Relations Section of the CC of the KKE, they attempt to address this question. Lets quote from the article at some length:

Some people criticise the KKE, saying that while in all other cases it talks about the necessity and timeliness of socialism but in this case it focuses only on the right to the establishment of a Palestinian state. (...)



Socialism is necessary and timely for the entire world, for every capitalist country. However, under the conditions in which the workers-peoples struggle is carried out in every country, important links emerge, which can give impetus to the class struggle. It is a crucial issue for the Communist Party and the labour movement to take these links into account in the struggle for socialism, for the preparation, rallying and mobilisation of the workers-peoples forces. In Palestine today, the key link is the throwing off of the foreign Israeli occupation and the formation of the Palestinian state. Therefore, it is the task of the Palestinian working class and its vanguard, the CP, to formulate such a line that connects this link with the cause of the struggle for social emancipation, workers power and the building of the new, socialist society. It is our task, the task of the workers and youth in other countries, to support this struggle and to stand by its side now in the conflict with the occupation forces. (Article by the International Relations Section of the CC of the KKE. Short answers to current ideological-political questions concerning the Israeli attack and massacre against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, Nov 10)

This is very confused, and does not really answer the question. The comrades of the KKE seem to be saying that the struggle for socialism is necessary everywhere in the world and that immediate questions of the class struggle need to be linked to the question of socialism. But then, why do KKE statements on Palestine not mention socialism at all?

Of course, we agree with the KKE when it says that the struggle for national liberation is a crucial part of the program of communists in Palestine. Yes, we agree that Palestinian communists must formulate a line which helps the masses of workers, youth and the poor understand the link between that struggle and the struggle for socialism.

But this is not how the question is formulated in the Short answers document of the KKEs CC International Relations Section. Although the document affirms that conditions for socialism are ripe in the entire world, it does not say anything about the class character of a future Palestinian state, nor is this question raised anywhere else in the KKE statements on the matter, so we can only assume that the comrades are talking about a capitalist state. The logic of the argument therefore presents the throwing off of the Israeli occupation and the formation of the Palestine state as a separate stage from the struggle for socialism.

Furthermore, the document says that the task of the Palestinian communists is to formulate a line that connects national emancipation with the struggle for workers power, but then goes on to say that the task of the workers and youth in other countries is to support the struggle against the occupation forces. It would seem like the tasks of communists in Palestine and the tasks of communists in the rest of the world are different.

From this article, one might draw the impression that it is only the Palestinian communists who have to explain the need to struggle for socialism and workers power, while communists elsewhere in the world have to limit themselves to internationalist solidarity without talking about socialism (as the KKE has done in its recent statements). Such a position would be wrong, and at odds with the approach of Lenin and the early Communist International.

Of course, the task of communists around the world is to support the Palestinian struggle, but that in itself is not enough. We are not merely solidarity activists. We are communists, and therefore our duty is also to explain how the liberation of Palestine can be achieved, which forces can lead it to victory, which classes are the allies of the Palestinian cause, etc.

This is what Marx said about the role of communists in the wider workers movement:

The Communists, therefore, are on the one hand, practically, the most advanced and resolute section of the working-class parties of every country, that section which pushes forward all others; on the other hand, theoretically, they have over the great mass of the proletariat the advantage of clearly understanding the line of march, the conditions, and the ultimate general results of the proletarian movement. (Communist Manifesto, our emphasis)

Furthermore, the KKE is not just taking up the task of simply supporting the struggle against the occupation forces. In its statements, it has gone beyond that to say that the aim of the Palestinian struggle should be a two-state solution, something which is not only not viable under capitalism but also rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Palestinians today. Therefore, it is not just a question of the party not raising the question of socialism, but that instead, it is raising a perspective (a two-state solution) which, at least in words, is shared by the UN and even by US imperialism!

In the recent period, the KKE has taken up lots of international issues and expressed opinions about all the important developments of the class struggle everywhere. That is correct. And in all these cases, it has stressed the need to fight for socialism and against capitalism. That is also correct, and on that we agree with the comrades of the KKE. But it would seem that this is not the case in relation to Palestine, where the KKEs position is one of international proletarian solidarity, but limits itself to the struggle for a capitalist Palestinian state, without any mention of the struggle for socialism. That, we think, is a serious mistake and is in contradiction with the stated general political line of the party.

Justifying the partition of Palestine in 1948?

The partition of Palestine was an imperialist crime aimed at pitting Arabs against Jews / Image: Government Press Office Israel, Flickr

Finally, there is one last aspect of the KKE position on Palestine that is worth commenting on. In the article by comrade Marinos quoted earlier, he says:

The occupation was imposed in 1947-1948 when the Palestinian land was divided up and the State of Israel was established and has perpetuated to this day, with the support of the USA, NATO and the EU, in the continual and intensifying imperialist competition for control of the region. (Intensification of the struggle to end the Israeli occupation  Solidarity with the Palestinian people, Giorgos Marinos, Member of the PB of the CC of the KKE 20.10.2023)

He is saying clearly that occupation was imposed in 1947-48 with the creation of the State of Israel. We understand that comrade Marinos makes a negative appraisal of this fact.

But then, the Short answers document by the KKE CC says:

The existence of the Israeli state is a reality today. The massacre of the Jews by the Nazis and the anti-Semitism promoted by the bourgeois classes before the Second World War in many capitalist countries led to the acceptance by the USSR and the international labour movement of the creation of the state of Israel alongside the state of Palestine.

This clearly justifies and supports the 1948 establishment of the state of Israel and the support for it by the USSR. We must remember that the creation of Israel at the time was based on the mass ethnic cleansing of 700,000 Palestinians from their lands!

Here we need to say clearly: the partition of Palestine was an imperialist crime aimed at pitting Arabs against Jews and using one against the other in order to maintain imperialist domination. British imperialists above all were responsible for this crime, having promised both peoples the same territory in a cynical divide-and-rule way, a tactic they implemented throughout the British mandate over Palestine and had used before throughout the British Empire (for instance in Ireland and in the partition of India).

In 1947, the Soviet Union backed the partition plan at the United Nations. This was not done in solidarity with the Jewish people, as the article suggests, but rather in an attempt to undermine the position of British imperialism in the Middle East. The USSR was the first country to recognise the newly created State of Israel and Stalin supplied the Zionists with weapons via Czechoslovakia. Soviet support for the setting up of the State of Israel in 1948 was a betrayal with catastrophic consequences for all the communist parties throughout the Middle East and beyond. Such a position cannot be justified and made the USSR complicit in the crime that was committed against the Palestinian people.

Leninist position on Zionism and Palestine

The Leninist tradition in relation to the Jewish question in general, and in particular regarding the Zionist aim of the formation of a Jewish state in Palestine, is clear. The Bolsheviks in Russia fought relentlessly against anti-Semitism, which was a reactionary tool of Russian Tsarism to divide the working class and divert the workers anger towards an oppressed minority, the Jews, to divert them from the struggle for their own emancipation. At the same time, the Russian Marxists were implacably opposed to Zionism, as was the labour movement in general.



The Communist International opposed and denounced the imperialist machinations regarding Palestine. The Second Congress of the Comintern in 1920 approved the Theses on the National and Colonial Question, drafted by Lenin, which included the following section:

11.f) It is necessary continually to lay bare and to explain among the broadest masses of all, but in particular of the backward, countries the deception committed by the imperialist powers with the help of the privileged classes in the oppressed countries when, under the mask of politically independent states, they bring into being state structures that are economically, financially and militarily completely dependent on them. The Zionists Palestine affair can be characterised as a gross example of the deception of the working classes of that oppressed nation by Entente imperialism and the bourgeoisie of the country in question pooling their efforts (in the same way that Zionism in general actually delivers the Arab working population of Palestine, where Jewish workers only form a minority, to exploitation by England, under the cloak of the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine). In todays economic conditions there is no salvation for the weak and dependent nations outside of an alliance with Soviet Republics (our emphasis.)

Furthermore, in the period of the Second and Third Congress of the Comintern, there was a Jewish workers organisation that participated in the proceedings with fraternal delegates, Poale Zion. The leadership of the Comintern insisted that as a precondition for joining the International they should abandon all remnants of the Zionist ideology. Poale Zion advocated that the concentration of Jewish proletarian masses in Palestine would provide the best conditions for a revolutionary struggle for socialism, revealing their confused approach (see To the Workers of the Union of Jewish Communists, letter from the ECCI, 1921). In the end, the Communist Poale Zion split, with a section reverting back to Zionism and another joining the Communist International by becoming part of the local communist parties in the countries they lived in, as the Comintern had demanded.

The Nazi Holocaust in Europe during World War II gave enormous impetus to the Zionist movement, but that does not justify any support for the formation of Zionist state in Mandate Palestine, a land that was already populated. Trotsky, in 1940, warned repeatedly that the creation of a Jewish state in Mandate Palestine would not be a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution in Europe, but a bloody trap:

The attempt to solve the Jewish question through the migration of Jews to Palestine can now be seen for what it is, a tragic mockery of the Jewish people. Interested in winning the sympathies of the Arabs who are more numerous than the Jews, the British government has sharply altered its policy toward the Jews, and has actually renounced its promise to help them found their own home in a foreign land. The future development of military events may well transform Palestine into a bloody trap for several hundred thousand Jews. Never was it so clear as it is today that the salvation of the Jewish people is bound up inseparably with the overthrow of the capitalist system. (July, 1940)

No people can be free as long as it oppresses another. In 1947-48, the position of the Trotskyists in Palestine and elsewhere was against partition and for working class unity against imperialism.

A revolutionary way forward for the Palestinian struggle

The only way to find a solution to the conflict is through the overthrow of the Zionist ruling class in Israel. That requires a revolutionary struggle, which links the national liberation of the Palestinian masses with their social emancipation, uniting democratic and socialist demands and goals. Only such a struggle would have any chance of splitting Israel across class lines, thus weakening its ruling class, a necessary condition for victory.

The only way to find a solution to the conflict is through the overthrow of the Zionist ruling class in Israel / Image: Efi Sharir, Wikimedia Commons

Thats why the struggle of the Palestinian masses can only succeed as a revolutionary struggle to overthrow all the reactionary capitalist regimes in the region, in the Arab countries and in Israel. The road to liberation for the Palestinians goes through Cairo, Amman and Beirut. A revolutionary overthrow of the reactionary Arab regimes, which play only lip service to the Palestinian cause, but are in fact accomplices of Israeli capitalism, would change the balance of forces in the region.

A series of workers states in the region would put the question of socialism on the agenda. On the basis of such a revolutionary socialist struggle, it would be possible to envisage a democratic and secular state in which there would be no national oppression. Under capitalism, that would be impossible to realise. A single democratic and secular capitalist state is as utopian as two capitalist states. A secular and democratic state could only come about as a workers state. Communists stand for a Socialist Federation of the Middle East as the only way to throw off the yoke of imperialism from the region.

Of course, because of the animosity and mistrust that has been built over decades between Palestinians and Israeli Jews, it might be necessary for a period of time for such a single state to contain provisions of autonomy for both national groups, perhaps in the form of a Federal Socialist State. This was the state structure that Lenin proposed for the workers' state founded after 1917: a Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. But in any case, the revolutionary overthrow of the Zionist capitalist ruling class of Israel is the only way to make any of this possible.

These are all important questions of revolutionary strategy, which must be clarified. The KKE, to its credit, has taken a principled position in support of the struggle of the oppressed Palestinians, which sets it apart from most other communist parties around the world, and on this we stand united. But on the question of the revolutionary strategy and the goals of the struggle of the Palestinian workers and people, the position of the KKE reverts to stageism, supports a failed solution which the Palestinian masses reject, and is found lacking.

We call on the comrades of the KKE to consider these questions, which are raised in a comradely spirit with the aim of sharpening the understanding and intervention of communists in the Palestine solidarity movement; as well as the struggle of communist forces in Palestine, Israel and the whole of the Middle East.
Erin Foster is pregnant.

Erin Foster is pregnant (c) Instagram

The 41-year-old actress celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday (23.11.23) by revealing she and husband Simon Tikhman - are expecting their first child, and she later confirmed they have a little girl on the way.

Erin shared a photo in which she showed off her baby bump in a white top and baggy black trousers while Simon sat on the grass looking up at her and captioned her Instagram post: "It feels like we need something positive right now, so I'd like to offer something. I'm pregnant!"

Her husband commented: "Me too!"

The 'Barely Famous' star later confirmed on her and sister Sara Foster's podcast, 'The World's First Podcast', that she is having a baby girl and has already chosen her name.

The happy couple have been inundated with congratulatory messages from their famous friends.

Jennifer Garner wrote: Erin!!!! Such welcome, happy news!! Congratulations!(sic)"

Gigi Hadid simply exclaimed: YAY!!!!!(Sic)"

And Karlie Kloss shared a string of emojis including hearts and prayers as she wrote: CONGRATULATIONS @erinfoster @simontikhman (sic)"

Stylist Rachel Zoe "started crying immediately" when she heard the news.

She added alongside a number of heart emojis: "I am so happy I any breathe @erinfoster @simontikhman (sic)"

Erin - who is the daughter of musician David Foster and his ex-wife Rebecca Dyer - previously gushed about the "perfect" wedding day she and Simon had enjoyed on New Year's Eve 2019.

Speaking about their nuptials in Nashville, she told People magazine: Im really happy with the way that I looked and the way the venue looked. Im really happy with the ceremony. Honestly, it was my perfect wedding and I really think people had so much fun."

But she insisted being married was more important than just their wedding day.

She added: I think as women, your whole life is built around your wedding day, and you really should focus much more on the marriage thats going to come after it.

So, Simon and I have been paying attention to the kind of relationship that we have and the marriage were gonna have, and thats so much more important than a wedding.

"And so when the wedding was over, we werent depressed that the best day of our lives was over. We were so excited that we were starting. Thats probably the better place to be coming from.
Katie Price was forced to seek medical attention after her eye starting bleeding due to stress.

Katie Price has revealed she suffered eye problems due to stress

The 45-year-old former glamour model has revealed she was left horrified after her nine-year-old daughter Bunny pointed out she had blood seeping from her eye and she rushed to the doctor where she was told she'd suffered an eye haemorrhage.

Speaking on her 'The Katie Price Show' podcast, the TV star explained: "I woke up to get Bunny ready for school at seven in the morning. She was going: 'Mum, mum, your eye's bleeding'. I said: 'What do you mean, my eye's bleeding?' She went: 'It is, inside your eye'. And I thought: 'Is she winding me up?' cos she's always pranking me.

"And then I looked in the mirror and I was like: 'What [has] happened to my eye?' I thought I can't leave my eye like this, I don't know what it is, I've never seen it before in my life, what's it bleeding and what's happened? I just woke up like this."

Katie went on to explain the condition is likely to have been caused by stress. She added: "I've had a haemorrhage in my eye and I said, 'Well, what causes it?' Stress can cause it. There are a lot of stresses behind the scenes in my life, like, not work stuff. I love the work, but other stuff that I'm deal dealing with. Everyone has stresses, I just wish my stress didn't show in my eye."

During the podcast, Katie also revealed how her daughter Bunny went on an online spending spree after figuring out how to use her mum's card to buy things on discount site Temu.

Katie explained she didn't realise until her card got blocked while she was attempting to use it on a day out in London. She said: "Let me tell you why [my card] wasn't working - I have someone called Bunny Hayler, my nine-year-old daughter, who's onto the site called Temu and she's connected my card to Temu.

"So when my card is unlocked in the app, she knows how to order stuff, so I have to keep locking it. So when you keep locking and unlocking it, sometimes it can take two to five minutes to register.

"So there were are at a busy [tube] station and I'm like ... 'It's fine - it only takes a minute' but this particular day it took about 10 minutes for it to unlock.

"So by the time we went on and got a ticket and came back, my card was working again but it was too late. That was the start."
Ozzy Osbourne thinks he should have died years before his late drinking partners.

Ozzy Osbourne thinks he should have died years before his late drinking partners

The Black Sabbath rocker, 74, who is afflicted with Parkinsons and pain from a string of surgeries, revealed ahead of being handed the Icon Award at Thursday (23.11.23) nights first Rolling Stone UK Awards he is astounded he has outlived so many of his former hard-living pals  including Motorheads Lemmy and UFO bass player Pete Way, who he performed with in the 1980s.

He was quoted by The Sun saying about being a rock survivor: Ive been doing a lot of reflection while Ive been laid up, and all my drinking partners, Ive realised theyre all dead.

I should have been dead before loads of them. Why am I the last man standing? Sometimes I look in the mirror and go, Why did you make it?.

I should have been dead a thousand times. Ive had my stomach pumped God knows how many times.

Ozzy, who is set to turn 75 on 3 December and has been married to his wife Sharon, 71, for 41 years, added: I dont fear dying, but I dont want to have a long, painful and miserable existence.

I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to Switzerland and get it done quickly. I saw my father die of cancer.

I said to Sharon that Id smoked a joint recently and she said, What are you doing that for? Itll kill you!

I said, How long do you want me to live for? At best, Ive got 10 years left and, when youre older, time picks up speed.

Me and Sharon had our 41st wedding anniversary recently and thats just unbelievable to me.

Ozzy is set to retire as he continues to battle a rare  but mild  form of Parkinsons.

But he said it is surgeries following a fall in 2019 that have resulted in his biggest health fights.

An accident dislodged metal rods which had been inserted into his back after a quad bike accident at his home in Buckinghamshire, south-east England, in 2003 and earlier this year, the rocker underwent spinal surgery for a fourth time in a bid to repair another operation  where a tumour was also discovered.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled.

I thought Id be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a rod in my spine.

They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. Its pretty rough, man, and my balance is (messed) up.
Paris Hilton has sparked speculation she's become a mother for the second time.

Paris Hilton's Instagram post

The 'Simple Life' star and her husband Carter Reum welcomed son Phoenix into the world via surrogate in January, but she's now suggested she's either expecting another baby, or her daughter has already been born with a post shared to Instagram.

Paris posted a picture of a pink outfit emblazoned with the word 'London' - which she has repeatedly said she would choose as a name if she had a little girl - alongside a pair of tiny red sunglasses and a teddy bear.

She captioned the post: "Thankful for my baby girl (sic)"

And amongst the photos from her Thanksgiving celebrations shared to her Instagram Story, Paris also posted a picture of Phoenix which was captioned: "The big brother.

The 42-year-old socialite previously revealed she had always wanted a daughter named London.

Speaking on a This is Paris podcast titled This is Im Pregnant?? before she had her son, she said: One day I want to have a little girl, and I want to name her London. Thats always been my dream ever since I was a little girl, because I just love London and Paris together.

For a boy, I want to name him after a city or a country or a state as well. I have a name, but Im not going to say it yet  I want to keep it a surprise, and I dont want anyone stealing my baby name for that one. Ive said London for a long time so I cant really hide that one now.

And when she confirmed Phoenix's name, she admitted she had chosen a moniker that would complement London.

Speaking on her podcast, the 'Stars Are Blind' hitmaker revealed an excerpt from her upcoming memoir 'Paris', which read: "If all goes well, by the time you read this, Carter and I will have a baby boy. We plan to name him Phoenix, a name that I decided on years ago when I was searching cities, countries and states on a map looking for something to go with Paris and London.

"Phoenix has a few good pop culture reference points, but more importantly it's the bird that flames out and then rises from the ashes to fly again.

"I want my son to grow up knowing that disaster and triumph go around and come around throughout our lives. And that this should give us great hope for the future."
Growing up, Shaan Khanna envisioned herself being a part of the events and luxury event planning industry thanks to her mum who was a part of it. I had the privilege of joining her at a very early age, lending a helping hand behind the scenes, and being in the middle of all the event planning action, the founder of Networking Now India and co-founder of Spicy Sangria Events shares. Those experiences had a profound impact on her. I became so familiar with the intricacies of event planning that I often felt like I could plan an entire event in my sleep. So I knew from an early age that this was where I wanted to be, building on the foundation of expertise that I had cultivated over the years.





After completing her BMM from Jai Hind College, Mumbai in 2009, she interned with magazines and the Rukshana Eisa School, going on to pursue the ISB Women Entrepreneur course in 2010 and set up her events company Spicy Sangria the same year. We envisioned a unique way to connect with talented up-and-coming designers who were selling their creations directly from their homes, she explains. We kicked off by curating pop-up events and shows that featured these designers. What set us apart was our focus on affordability, making sure that the products were within a certain price range. Today, their reach has expanded and theyve extended their presence beyond Mumbai.





In 2015, the trailblazer established Networking Now Indian, a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to kickstart their businesses. Shaan began by setting up a Facebook group that allowed entrepreneurs to connect, share insights, and support each other virtually; it served as a hub for discussions and knowledge sharing. We took the initiative to organise in-person networking events as well, she shares. This shift from the virtual realm to physical meet-ups made a significant difference. Eight years later, they have an impressive reach and a strong community, and have also introduced a subscription model.





She shares that one of her proudest accomplishments is creating a digital community of 50,000 thriving entrepreneurs. Winning the NAS.IO Community Fund, which allowed her to expand and enhance the communitys reach across India comes a close second. She also teaches professionals the art of networking, helping them connect more effectively, and has launched her own course module dedicated to improving networking skills.





Shaans future plans are all about creating a tight-knit community where people who share common interests and businesses can come together. I want to provide opportunities for everyone within this community; imagine a network that stretches across India, uniting people and businesses in a supportive way, she ends with a smile.
To read the full story, become a PRIME member today.

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The Group of Twenty (G20) has reported a contraction in merchandise trade in the third quarter of 2023, continuing the downtrend from the previous quarter. Measured in current US dollars, exports and imports fell by 1.2 per cent and 2.1 per cent, respectively, with notable slowdowns in East Asia and Europe.

In the European Union, merchandise exports decreased by 1.5 per cent, with Germany and France experiencing even steeper declines of over 2 per cent. Similarly, East Asia witnessed a downturn in trade, with China experiencing a significant 6.1 per cent drop in exports and a 3.5 per cent decrease in imports, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said in a press release.

In Q3 2023, the G20 observed a continued decline in merchandise trade, with exports and imports falling by 1.2 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively. The European Union, Germany, and France experienced significant drops in exports, notably in machinery, while East Asia, particularly China, saw a major decrease in both exports and imports.

Japan's exports saw a marginal decline of 0.7 per cent, while South Korea reported a contrasting trend with a 1.2 per cent increase, buoyed by strong automobile sales. However, both countries faced a reduction in imports, particularly in energy products. Australia and Indonesia also faced challenges, with lower sales of primary commodities impacting their export figures.

In a contrasting trend, North America, particularly the US, defied the overall global pattern by recording a rebound in exports. This upswing was primarily driven by robust trade in energy sector, highlighting a divergent economic trajectory compared to other major regions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
Ranbir Kapoor got a tattoo of Raha's name on his shoulder aAiA #UnstoppableWithNBKpic.twitter.com/SvJjJ0PO48  RKa (@seeuatthemovie) November 24, 2023

Ranbir Kapoor, who is currently preparing for the release of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal, recently made an appearance on Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna's show and shared a glimpse of his new tattoo.The video of the actor showing his new tattoo has gone viral on social media, where Ranbir revealed his and Alia Bhatt's daughter Raha's name inked on his collarbone. He is seen saying, "Sir, I also have the name of my daughter."Last year in an interview with a leading news portal, Ranbir was asked if he planned on getting a tattoo in the near future. He responded by saying that he hoped to get one soon, possibly with the number 8 or his children's names. It seems that he has decided on getting a tattoo of his child's name.Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt welcomed their daughter Raha Kapoor on November 6, 2022.
critic's rating: 3.5/5

Trailer : Farrey

Director Soumendra Padhi is the brain behind Jamtara, a scam drama set in smalltown India. So we knew he was familiar with weaving a story revolving cons. Here the story is set in a posh school, where two students from underprivileged backgrounds help their rich friends pass their exams for money. The film is reportedly based on the 2017 Thai film Bad Genius.Niyati (Alizeh Agnihotri) has been lovingly brought up in an orphanage by a kind warden (Ronit Roy) and his caring wife (Juhi Babbar Soni). She has been a top student throughout her life and passes her 10th exams with flying colours, prompting the topmost school in India to offer her a full scholarship for the next two years. She becomes the top student there too, her only competition being another student from the underprivileged class, Aakash (Sahil Mehta), who too has been granted the self-same scholarship. Their joy is complete when the principal of the school (Shilpa Shukla), informs them that the school has chosen them to sit in the prestigious Oxford University entrance test, which will help them gain a full scholarship if selected.Niyati makes friends with Chhavi (Prasanna Bisht), who is super rich but weak in studies. Chhavi asks her to help out during the exams, and Niyati at first does it out of friendship and later starts doing it for the money. But the money isnt for herself, rather its sent as donations for her orphanage. Theres a worldwide entrance exam, the basis of which students can gain admission into a top college abroad. The rich kids pay an obnoxious amount of money to both Niyati and Aakash to help them crack it. And the two brilliant students utilise their genius to come up with the perfect plan to achieve that goal. Both are in danger of losing their innocence, however. Whether they stay true to the right path or lose themselves in the blind pursuit of lucre forms the crux of the film.The first half of the film, which shows a wide-eyed Niyatis introduction to the world of rich kids, flows smoothly. Shes like Alice lost in Wonderland. She cant believe Chhavi lives in such a huge house, has a number of gadgets at her disposal and even has a chef catering to all her wishes. Her hunger for such a lifestyle is almost palpable. The second half is devoted to the scam, where the drama gets more heightened. The film then segues into being a morality play, with the director showing us all the reasons about Niyati and Aakashs decision to take to crime, as also their individual struggles with it. We are drawn into their world and want them to do the right thing, no matter the cost.Prassana Bisht, who plays Chavi, has acted well and so has Zeyn Shaw, who plays the other rich kid, Prateek. They both take their privilege for granted and come out as fickle friends. Sahil Mehta, who plays Aakash is a natural in front of the camera and is someone to watch out for. The film belongs to Alizeh Agnihotri, who makes the viewers root for her character throughout. She makes a super confident debut and comes across as a complete product.
Bollywood's handsome hunk Sidharth Malhotra took fans on an inspiring journey through his life in the latest episode of 'Koffee with Karan' Season 8, illuminating his transition from a 'Student' to a 'Yodha'. The Bollywood icon gave us a rare insight into his self-made journey, which included successes, failures and learnings that have helped him evolve in both his professional and personal life.

The conversation began with a trip down memory lane as Sidharth spoke about a little-known fact from his early days in the industry, the fun escapades and experiences from his time working as an Assistant Director on the sets of 'My Name is Khan'.

As the episode went on, Sidharth Malhotra talked extensively about his passion for acting, and how it led him to move to the city of dreams to build a career. The Shershaah actor spoke about how when he first came to Mumbai, he lived in a shared apartment while working to make a name for himself. Soon after, Sidharth made his debut with the film 'Student of the Year' which became a mega-hit.

Since then Sidharth has carved out a name for himself with numerous hits over the years, showing his full range as an actor and winning hearts across the nation. While Sidharth has established himself as an Action-Hero with films like Mission Majnu and Shershaah, which won a special jury award at the 69th National Film Awards, he still has a special place in his heart for his debut film, Student of The Year, which propelled him to stardom.

In a wonderful full circle moment, Karan Johar draws attention to the fact that the KWK season 8 studio was the same one they shot the hit song 'Radha' in. Karan also reveals that Student of the Year was the last film Yash Chopra saw, after which Yash Chopra gave them the highest praise possible, telling Karan that he had just launched 3 stars.

Sidharth Malhotra, the actor who started as a Student, will next be seen in Yodha, headlining Dharma's first action blockbuster all set to release in 2024.
Hokus Pokus- A Practical Guide to Deconstruction takes its readers on a journey to achieve spiritual clarity.

Mankato, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - November 23, 2023) - Author Francis Marion has announced the launch of his latest book "Hokus Pokus- A Practical Guide To Deconstruction." This spiritual guidebook takes readers on a thought-provoking journey of deconstruction. This journey is not for the faint of heart but for those daring souls who wish to explore the depths of their faith, confront doubts, and challenge the status quo.

Hokus Pokus- A Practical Guide to Deconstruction



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9987/188576_a2f15ff5e417eba4_001full.jpg

Speaking to the media, Francis Marion, the author of Hokus Pokus- A Practical Guide to Deconstruction, said, "Did you ever feel that faith and religious beliefs were veiled in mystery and dogma? Is there a quest to unearth the truths hidden beneath centuries of spiritual doctrine? If so, "Hokus Pokus-A Practical Guide To Deconstruction" by Francis Marion might be the key to unlocking the mysteries of faith and spirituality."

In "Hokus Pokus," Marion uses the allegory of Plato's Cave to draw parallels to spiritual journeys. He encourages readers to step out of the Hokus Pokus of religious dogma and into the illuminating light of personal truth.

One of the book's central themes is that man-made religion is often based on "Hokus Pokus," a term Marion uses to describe blind faith, fearmongering, and mind control that can keep individuals in spiritual bondage and ignorance. He emphasizes that true spirituality is rooted in inner knowledge and personal revelation, which is hidden from the masses and only revealed to those willing to seek it.

Marion's story is not that of a scholar or theologian but that of a regular person who chose to break free from the chains of religious conformity. He shares the insights he gained during his own spiritual journey, shedding light on the hidden and esoteric meanings encoded in the Bible. Marion's unique perspective challenges traditional religious norms and invites readers to find their own way to spiritual enlightenment.

Embarking on a journey of deconstruction brings more than just a critical examination of religious beliefs; it is a guide to help uncover the truth. Marion encourages the use of critical thinking, reason, and logic to differentiate between true spirituality and the "wolf in sheep's clothing."

In a world filled with spiritual confusion and dogmatic beliefs, "Hokus Pokus-A Practical Guide To Deconstruction" offers a beacon of light for truth seekers. It's a must-read for those ready to break free from the shackles of man-made religion and discover the profound wisdom that lies beneath the surface.

For more information, visit hokuspokus.info or send an email to ffun@hickorytech.net.

Company Name:

Contact Person: Frank Funaro

Company Email: ffun@hickorytech.net

Website: https://hokuspokus.info/

City: Mankato

State: MN

Country: USA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188576
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 23, 2023 / Atomic Minerals Corporation ("ATOMIC MINERALS" or the "Company") (TSXV:ATOM) Further to its news release on November 20, 2023, the Company has received TSX Venture Exchange approval for a debt settlement agreement with an arm's length third party.

The Company has allotted and issued an aggregate of 579,710 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") at a deemed price of $0.08625 per Share, to settle a total indebtedness of CAD$50,000 (the "Transaction").

The Company resolved to extinguish the outstanding indebtedness with Shares and preserve its cash for operations. All Shares issued pursuant to the Transaction are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period expiring on March 24, 2024.

About the Company

Atomic Minerals is a Vancouver based publicly listed uranium exploration company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, with current assets in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin and the Four Corners region of the southwest United States. The Company is led by a highly skilled management and technical team with numerous previous successes in the junior mining sector.

For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.atomicminerals.ca

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Clive Massey"

Clive H. Massey

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Dave Langlais

(778) 316-5105

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor their 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 certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Atomic Minerals Corporation believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Atomic Minerals Corporation management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Atomic Minerals Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/809710/atomic-minerals-concludes-debt-settlement-transaction
Wellington, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - November 23, 2023) - New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the "Company") announced today that Mr. Frank Jacobs and Mr. Michael Adams (who served as the CEO of NZEC from 2015 to 2021) have been appointed as directors of the Company.

NZEC also announced that Mr. Mark Dunphy and Dr. David Llewellyn have resigned as directors. The Company expresses its thanks for the efforts of Messrs. Dunphy and Llewellyn who have helped guide the Company to its present position where the Company now has meaningful growth targets it can pursue.

NZEC also announced that, further to its 24 October 2023 news release, it expects to complete a closing of an initial tranche of its non-brokered private placement offering of common shares of the Company (the "Private Placement") in the next few weeks, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company anticipates that a proposed investment by Vliet Techniek B.V. ("Vliet"), a company wholly-owned by Mr. Frank Jacobs, will result in Vliet becoming a holder of more than 20% of the issued capital of the Company and therefore a new Control Person (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of the Company. Approval of the creation of the potential new Control Person will be submitted for approval by the disinterested shareholders of the Company at the upcoming annual general and special meeting to be held on 29 December 2023.

The Company further confirms that there is no undisclosed material information concerning NZEC or its business.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"James Willis"

Chairman

New Zealand Energy Corp.

New Zealand Energy Contacts

Email: info@newzealandenergy.com

Website: www.newzealandenergy.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding: the proposed Private Placement and the creation of a potential new Control Person. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects NZEC's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to NZEC and on assumptions NZEC believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of NZEC and its common shares; TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Private Placement; NZEC's general and administrative costs remaining constant; and the market acceptance of NZEC's business strategy. 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 NZEC 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; industry condition; volatility of commodity prices; imprecision of reserve estimates; environmental risks; operational risks in exploration and development; 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 NZEC; 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 risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in NZEC's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Although NZEC 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 NZEC as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, NZEC 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188581




KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Artroniq Berhad ("Artroniq" or the "Group"), a key contender on the ACE Market, with its' game-changing move for the Malaysian electric vehicle industry, is proud to unveils the Group's financial achievements for the first quarter ended 30 September 2023 ("Q1 FY2024"). The Group has demonstrated exceptional growth and strategic resilience, marking a promising start to the year with a substantial increase in revenue.In Q1 FY2024, Artroniq Berhad achieved an extraordinary revenue of RM16.0 million, marking a stellar increase of about 225-fold as compared to Q6 FY2023. This surge in revenue is mainly attributed to the resolution of previous product returns in the ICT products and related services segment, signifying a robust recovery and commitment to quality and customer service.Despite the challenging economic climate, Artroniq Berhad has significantly reduced its loss before tax to a less than RM0.1 million in Q1 FY2024 from RM16.0 million in Q6 FY2023. This improvement is a result of strategic initiatives and effective management decisions, including addressing goodwill impairment in the ICT segment.The management of Artroniq, commented, "We are thrilled with our Q1 performance, which not only showcases our resilience but also our strategic prowess in navigating industry challenges. Artroniq Berhad is actively capitalising on the growth of the semiconductor industry and the emerging electric vehicle market. Our ventures, especially in electric bicycles, are aligned with Malaysia's Madani Economy objectives and contribute to the national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering value to our stakeholders."They added: "The global semiconductor industry continues to grow despite challenges in securing resources and talent. Malaysia's strategic initiatives, particularly in Penang, are creating a conducive environment for semiconductor advancements. The government's focus, as highlighted by the Malaysian Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), on initiatives like the Electric Motorcycle Usage Incentive Scheme is expected to bolster the EV market, including electric motorcycles (e-bikes)."In conclusion, Artroniq Berhad remains focused on its growth trajectory, leveraging its strengths in the semiconductor and electric vehicle sectors. The Group is committed to navigating the dynamic market conditions with prudence and strategic foresight, ensuring sustained success in 2024 and beyond.As at 23 November 2023, the share price of Artroniq is RM0.845, representing a market capitalisation of RM344.6 million.Source: Artroniq BhdCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Forbo Holding AG / Schlagwort(e): Sonstiges

Veranderung im Verwaltungsrat der Forbo Holding AG



24.11.2023 / 06:30 CET/CEST

Veroffentlichung einer Ad-hoc-Mitteilung gemass Art. 53 KR

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.





MEDIENMITTEILUNG

AD-HOC-mitteilung gemass artikel 53 DES KOTIERUNGSREGLEMENTS DER SIX EXCHANGE REGULATION Dr. Peter Altorfer wird sich an der ordentlichen Generalversammlung 2024 nicht mehr zur Wiederwahl stellen. Der Verwaltungsrat der Forbo Holding AG wird Jorg Kampmeyer und Bernhard Merki neu zur Wahl in den Verwaltungsrat vorschlagen. Baar, 24. November 2023 Austritt aus dem Verwaltungsrat

Dr. Peter Altorfer wird sich nach fast 20 Jahren Zugehorigkeit an der nachsten ordentlichen Generalversammlung vom 5. April 2024 nicht mehr fur die Wiederwahl als Mitglied des Verwaltungsrats und Vizeprasident der Forbo Holding AG zur Verfugung stellen. Er gehort dem Gremium seit 2005 an und ist Vorsitzender des Personal- und Nominationsausschusses, des Vergutungsausschusses sowie Mitglied des Audit- und Finanzausschusses. Im Namen des Verwaltungsrats der Forbo Holding AG danke ich Dr. Peter Altorfer fur seine wertvollen Leistungen. Mit seinem juristischen Know-how, seinem profunden Finanzwissen und seiner langjahrigen beruflichen Erfahrung, hat er einen grossen und zentralen Beitrag fur die weitere Entwicklung der Forbo-Gruppe geleistet. Der Verwaltungsrat ist ihm fur sein ausserordentliches Engagement und fur die vertrauensvolle Zusammenarbeit zu sehr grossem Dank verpflichtet. Fur die Zukunft wunschen wir ihm alles Gute, sagt This E. Schneider, Verwaltungsratsprasident. Zuwahlen in den Verwaltungsrat

Der Verwaltungsrat der Forbo Holding AG wird der Generalversammlung vom 5. April 2024 Jorg Kampmeyer und Bernhard Merki neu zur Wahl in den Verwaltungsrat vorschlagen. Bernhard Merki, Schweizer Staatsburger, ist seit 2019 selbstandiger Unternehmer sowie professioneller und unabhangiger Verwaltungsrat mit Einsitz in verschiedenen national und international tatiger Unternehmungen. Neben diversen Mandaten ist er Verwaltungsratsprasident der EMS-Chemie-Holding AG, der Georg Utz Holding AG, der Rondo Burgdorf AG und der Fostag Formenbau AG. Bernhard Merki verfugt uber eine langjahrige und ausgepragte Industrieerfahrung in den Forbo nahen Bereichen Logistik, Maschinenindustrie, Kunststoffverarbeitung sowie der Bauzulieferindustrie. Nach seinem Studium als Dipl. Ing. HTL an der HTL Brugg-Windisch, war er von 1988 bis 2013 bei der Netstal-Gruppe, einem global fuhrenden Hersteller von Spritzgiessmaschinen, in verschiedenen leitenden Managementfunktionen tatig, davon die letzten zehn Jahre als CEO. Von 2014 bis 2018 fuhrte er als CEO die 4B, ein fuhrendes Unternehmen fur zukunftsweisende Fassaden und Fensterlosungen. Jorg Kampmeyer, deutscher Staatsburger, ist seit 2020 Geschaftsfuhrender Gesellschafter der Gebr. Knauf KG, einem der weltweit grossten Baustoffproduzenten. Neben seiner Gesamtverantwortung fur die Gruppe uberwacht er die Gipsgeschafte in Europa, Mittlerer Osten/Afrika und Lateinamerika sowie den Geschaftsbereich fur Deckenlosungen. Daruber hinaus verantwortet er die globalen Funktionen fur Digitalisierung, Marketing und Vertrieb. Jorg Kampmeyer studierte Maschinenbau und Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen an der RWTH Aachen. Er begann seine berufliche Laufbahn als Unternehmensberater bei Roland Berger und wechselte anschliessend zur Boston Consulting Group. Von 2002 bis 2019 war er fur die Hilti AG tatig, wo er verschiedene Fuhrungspositionen im Konzern und im operativen Geschaft innehatte. 2011 wurde er als CFO in die Konzernleitung der Hilti-Gruppe berufen. Von 2017 bis zu seinem Ausscheiden leitete er zusatzlich das europaische Geschaft sowie Marketing und Digitalisierung im Konzern. This E. Schneider betont: Wir freuen uns, mit Bernhard Merki einen Verwaltungsrat mit breiter Industrieerfahrung in beiden Geschaftsbereichen von Forbo, und mit Jorg Kampmeyer eine Fuhrungspersonlichkeit mit Expertise aus dem globalen Bauzuliefergeschaft sowie den Bereichen Marketing und Digitalisierung, fur den Forbo-Verwaltungsrat gewinnen zu konnen. MEDIENMITTEILUNG (PDF-FILE) Forbo ist ein fuhrender Hersteller von Bodenbelagen, Bauklebstoffen sowie Antriebs- und Leichtfordertechnik. Die Linoleum-Bodenbelage von Forbo sind aus naturlichen Rohstoffen hergestellt, biologisch abbaubar und CO 2 -neutral (cradle to gate) ohne Kompensation. Fur die Herstellung heterogener Vinylbelage verwendet Forbo phthalatfreie Weichmacher der neuesten Generation. Zudem enthalten sie im Verhaltnis zum Gesamtproduktgewicht bis zu 25% rezykliertes Material. Der BioBeltTM ist ein biologisch abbaubares Transportband, das weitgehend aus Materialien von nachwachsenden pflanzlichen Rohstoffen produziert wird. Das AmpMiserTM-Transportband ermoglicht Energie- und daraus resultierende CO 2 -Einsparungen von bis zu 50%.

Fur Forbo als verantwortungsbewussten Hersteller ist der umsichtige Umgang mit allen Ressourcen fur eine nachhaltige Zukunft ein wichtiger Grundwert. Das Unternehmen beschaftigt rund 5 400 Mitarbeitende und verfugt uber ein internationales Netz von 25 Standorten mit Produktion und Vertrieb, 6 Konfektionierungszentren sowie 47 reinen Vertriebsgesellschaften in insgesamt 39 Landern weltweit. Der Nettoumsatz im Geschaftsjahr 2022 betrug CHF 1 293,2 Mio. Der Sitz der Gesellschaft befindet sich in Baar im Kanton Zug, Schweiz.

Die Konzerngesellschaft Forbo Holding AG ist an der SIX Swiss Exchange kotiert (Valorennummer 354151, ISIN CH0003541510, Bloomberg FORN SW, Reuters FORN.S). Kontaktperson:

Karin Marti

Head Corporate Communications

Telefon +41 58 787 25 41

www.forbo.com

www.forbo.com -> Nachhaltigkeit

Ende der Adhoc-Mitteilung
Government mandating Building Information Modeling (BIM) usage, and increasing adoption of digital technology by construction sector drive the growth of global building information modeling market.

NEW CASTLE, Del., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Building Information Modeling Market by Component (Solution and Services), Deployment Mode (On-premise and Cloud-Based), Project Life Cycle (Preconstruction, Construction, and Operations), Building Type (Commercial, Residential, and Industrial), Application (Planning & Modelling, Construction & Design, Asset Management, Building System Analysis & Maintenance Scheduling, and Others), and End-User (Architects/Engineers, Contractors, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032"

According to the report, the global building information modeling industry generated $7.9 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $34.2 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 16% from 2023 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

The key factors such as government mandating for building information modeling usage (BIM) and the increasing adoption of digital technology by construction sector are driving the building information modeling market growth. Furthermore, increase in initial expenditure on BIM technology is expected to hamper the building information modeling market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the emergence of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies and their integration with BIM is expected to provide an opportunity for the building information modeling market growth during the forecast period.

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Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $7.9 Billion Market Size in 2032 $34.2 Billion CAGR 16 % No. of Pages in Report 494 Segments covered Component Type, Deployment Mode, Building Type, Application, End-User, and Region. Drivers Government mandating Building Information Modeling (BIM) usage. Increase in adoption of digital technology by construction sector. Opportunities Increase in initial expenditure on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. Restraints Integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology.

Buy this Complete Report (494 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Market Size | 2032 Global building information modeling market size was valued at $7.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $34.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16%

The solution segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

By component, the solution segment dominated the building information modeling market in 2022. This is attributed to the increasing number of BIM solutions provided by various software companies across the globe. However, the service segment is expected to attain growth during the forecast period with a CAGR of 17.9% from 2022 to 2032. This is attributed to the fact that large number of service organizations are growing at an increasing rate on a global scale.

The on-premise segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

By deployment mode, the on-premise segment dominated the market in 2022. This is attributed to the fact that on premise building information modeling technology is preferred as it provides complete control to the organization to monitor the BIM process. However, the cloud segment is expected to grow during the forecast period at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2022 to 2032. This is attributed to the growing flexibility and reduced cost advantages provided by cloud technology.

The commercial segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

By building type, the commercial segment dominated the building information modeling market in 2022, owing to increase in demand for better planning and design requirement to build an enhanced infrastructure from commercial segment. However, the residential segment is expected to grow during the forecast period with a CAGR of 12.1% from 2022 to 2032. This is attributed to the growing demand from consumers to buy high quality complexes with better design and space in the residential sector.

The planning and modelling segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

By application, the planning and modeling segment dominated the market in 2022. This is attributed to the fact that BIM plays a major role in planning and modelling of building projects before the initiation and makes it convenient for the engineers and architects to control the whole process through flexiblity. However, the building system analysis and maintenance scheduling segment is expected grow during the forecast period at a CAGR of 19.3% from 2022 to 2032. This is attributed to growing demand for the analysis and maintenance feature provided by BIM software.

The architects/engineers segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

By end-user, the architect/engineer segment dominated the market in 2022. This is attributed to increasing use of BIM software by engineers/architects to develop infrastructures. However, the others segment is expected grow during the forecast period at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2022 to 2032. This is attributed to the growing demand by construction companies and facility managers for BIM software.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

Region-wise, North America dominated the market in 2022, owing to the presence of large volume of BIM software providers in the region. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow during the forecast period at a CAGR of 19.1%, due to the growing construction activities in the region.

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Leading Market Players: -

Aveva Group Plc.

Hexagon AB

Trimble Inc.

Autodesk Inc.

Beck Technolgy Ltd.

Pentagon Solution Ltd.

Nemetschek SE

Bentley Systems Inc.

Dassault Systemes

Asite Solutions Ltd.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global building information modeling market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Base Resources Limited - Retirement of Non-Executive Director

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 24

AIM and Media Release

24 November 2023

Base Resources Limited

Retirement of Non-Executive Director

African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) advises that, after serving for more than 10 years, Malcolm Macpherson retired as Non-Executive Director at the conclusion of the Company's Annual General Meeting held today.

Mr Macpherson joined the Board in July 2013, overseeing achievement of many significant milestones, including completion of construction of Kwale Operations and its transition into a safe, efficient and highly profitable mining operation and the Company's acquisition and progression of the Toliara Project in Madagascar.

Non-Executive Chair, Michael Stirzaker said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Malcolm for his commitment and outstanding contribution to the Board during his tenure. Everyone at Base Resources has benefited considerably from Malcolm's guidance, insights and deep mineral sands experience. Malcolm leaves us well-positioned to execute on the next phase of shareholder value creation that will come from progression of the world-class Toliara Project."

Mr Macpherson said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege serving on the Board and being part of Base Resources' journey over the last ten years. I am enormously proud of the organisation that Base Resources has become, the culture that has been developed and its reputation for excellence - particularly in the area of sustainable mining in Africa. The Company is well-placed to realise the Toliara Project's full potential and cement its reputation for excellence in the full mining life cycle through the effective transition of Kwale Operations to post-mining. I look forward to watching Base Resources' story continue to unfold."

As a result, Mr Macpherson did not stand for re-election at the 2023 Annual General Meeting and item 3 in the Notice of 2023 AGM, seeking his re-election, was withdrawn.

ENDS.

For further information contact:

Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Citadel Magnus Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150

This release has been authorised by the Board of Base Resources.

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The Company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au .

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 3, 46 Colin Street

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER

Canaccord Genuity Limited

James Asensio / Raj Khatri / George Grainger

Phone: +44 20 7523 8000

JOINT BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800
Base Resources Limited - 2023 AGM - Chair's Address and Management Presentation

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 24

AIM and Media Release

24 November 2023

Base Resources Limited

2023 AGM - Chair's Address and Management Presentation

Friday, 24 November 2023, 11.00am (AWST)

African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) advises that the following address was delivered by Base Resources' Chair at the Company's Annual General Meeting held today at 11.00am (Perth time) in Perth, Western Australia and online via the Lumi software platform.

Management also delivered a presentation at the Annual General Meeting. A copy of that presentation is attached to this release and available from the Company's website: www.baseresources.com.au .

Chair's AGM Address

Good morning shareholders, Base Resources staff and guests. Welcome to the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Base Resources.

The 2023 financial year has been another operationally and financially successful one, in which the company has continued to deliver robust results at our Kwale Operations in Kenya, even as we made the transition to the more challenging and lower grade ore sources that will characterise the remainder of the operation. Tight control of costs and a supportive pricing environment contributed to an operating result that was only marginally behind the previous year's record. Notwithstanding the complexity and intensity of the year, I'm pleased to report that the Kwale team continued to maintain its focus on health, safety and wellbeing with no lost time injuries in the year. In the 36.4 million hours worked since commencing production at Kwale Operations, there have only been two lost time injuries.

The robust pricing environment more than offset lower production following the introduction of the North Dune orebody, with the group generating an underlying EBITDA of US$158.6 million. Despite this, a net loss of US$4.8 million was recorded, as profitability was impacted by a non-cash impairment of US$88.9 million. This impairment followed a reassessment of the carrying value of Kwale Operations and reflects the increased operating costs of mining the North Dune, the softening outlook for mineral sands product prices over the remaining mine life and an improved understanding of the ultimate costs of closure.

Strong underlying cashflow enabled the company to end the year with US$92.9 million net cash, with the Board determining a final dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share, unfranked. Together with the AUD 2.0 cents per share paid in March, this brings the total distributions to shareholders determined in respect of the 2023 financial year to AUD 6.0 cents per share, unfranked, totalling US$45.6 million.

Kwale Operations has been the foundation on which we have built Base Resources. However, after extensively exploring all avenues, we have been unsuccessful in identifying additional deposits of sufficient grade or scale to support further extension. Consequently, mining is expected to end in December 2024 and the company's focus at Kwale now necessarily turns to detailed closure planning and transition to post mining land use. Just as we have done over the past 10 years of mining at Kwale, we intend to close with the clear objective of cementing our reputation for excellence in the full life cycle of mining.

With Kwale Operations now coming to an end, the next phase of shareholder value creation will come from progression of the world-class Toliara Project to development and realising both its mineral sands and rare earth potential. This project continues to represent a transformational growth opportunity for the company.

Building on the updated Definitive Feasibility Study released in FY2022, which significantly increased both the scale and economic value of the mineral sands project, a concept study assessing the commercial potential of the Toliara Project's monazite content, a source of valuable rare earth elements, has been completed. This study confirmed substantial economic potential and further reinforced our belief that the Toliara Project is the best undeveloped mineral sands asset in the world. We look forward to sharing more about this opportunity (likely to be in the coming weeks) once we have completed a pre-feasibility study for the addition of a monazite concentrator.

After making sound progress in our discussions with the Government of Madagascar in relation to the fiscal terms applicable to the project and, with that, the expected lifting of the on-ground suspension, engagement slowed due to the Government's focus on an overhaul of the Malagasy Mining Code and preparations for the Presidential elections. The first round of the elections was held on 16 November and the new Mining Code has now come into effect, however engagement is expected to continue to be limited until the new Government has been formed and the full suite of Mining Code reform is completed. Tim will provide more colour on this in his presentation.

With the delay in advancing the Toliara Project, substantial effort is being applied to identification of attractive business development opportunities to provide broader funding options for Toliara Project development and to secure optionality in pursuit of our longer-term Vision 2031 objective of multiple concurrent operations. We are also accelerating our wider Kenyan exploration efforts with the recent lifting of the licensing moratorium.

Sustainability has always been central to our business model - it's been embedded across every phase of our approach to developing mineral sands mines from exploration, through mining and then post mine land use. While we are proud of the impacts of our actions, the recognition of our peers, following the release of the company's inaugural sustainability report in October 2022, through two sustainability awards at the 2023 Mining Indaba conference, is particularly pleasing and hopefully an indication that we are encouraging others on a similar path.

While we are cognisant of the challenges before us, we are confident that we have the team, approach, reputation and support to successfully navigate them. As part of our approach to both renewal and ensuring the right mix of skills for the coming years' challenges, the Board was bolstered by the addition of Sheila Khama as a Non-Executive Director earlier this year. As well as a deep personal connection to Africa, Ms Khama brings a wealth of valuable experience and expertise in managing relations and working collaboratively with host governments and in the sustainable development of natural resources, all of which are critical to Base Resources' future growth and success.

Non-Executive Director, Malcolm Macpherson, will also retire at the conclusion of today's meeting. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Malcolm for his commitment and outstanding contribution to the Board during his tenure. Everyone at Base Resources has benefited considerably from Malcolm's guidance, insights and deep mineral sands experience. Malcolm leaves us well-positioned to execute on the next phase of shareholder value creation that will come from progression of the world-class Toliara Project.

Finally, on behalf of shareholders, and on behalf of the Board, I'd like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the management and all staff of the Base Resources Group, both for "living the Base Way" and for another highly commendable year of achievement.

ENDS.

For further information contact:

Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Citadel Magnus Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au .

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 3, 46 Colin Street

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER

Canaccord Genuity Limited

James Asensio / Raj Khatri / George Grainger

Phone: +44 20 7523 8000

JOINT BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800
After hitting the big screen in its native Japan on November 3, Godzilla Minus One is about to make its way overseas  and it's a hit with international critics.

A new kaiju movie made by Japan's Toho Studios, Godzilla Minus One is set in post-war Japan. Per the movie's official synopsis, "Japan's economic state has been reduced to zero. Godzilla appears and plunges the country into a negative state." Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film follows a former kamikaze pilot plagued by survivor's guilt who ends up fighting against Godzilla with the crew of his mine removal ship.

Ahead of the movie's international premiere next month, Godzilla Minus One has earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes  according to Variety, it "delivers everything you could want from a monster movie."

Godzilla Minus One is set to open in the US on December 1, with a UK release following on December 15. In the meantime, check out our guide to the other biggest and most exciting upcoming movies on the way in 2023 and beyond. ...continue reading
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global DNA Synthesizer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (benchtop DNA synthesizers and large-scale DNA synthesizers), Application (Drug Discovery & Development, Genetic Engineering, And Clinical Diagnostics) And End Users (Academic & Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies And Clinical Laboratories.), Region, Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031"

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global DNA Synthesizer market size is estimated to reach over USD 754.55 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period.

DNA Synthesizer Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 220.35 Mn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 754.55 Mn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 14.8% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Million and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered Type, Application And End Users Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia Competitive Landscape Danaher; Twist Bioscience; Kilobaser; LGC Limited; CSBio; K&A Labs GmbH; DNA Script; OligoMaker ApS; PolyGen GmbH; Biolytic Lab Performance Inc. Customization Scope Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. Pricing and Available Payment Methods Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements.

Request for Free Sample Report:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1912

DNA synthesis refers to the chemical process of producing sequences, which are comparatively brief fragments of nucleic acids. As it enables rapid and cost-effective access to custom-made oligonucleotides of the essential sequence, the method is helpful and practical in contemporary laboratory practice.

One of the key drivers is the rising research and development activities related to gene synthesis. Researchers are constantly exploring new avenues in genetics and genomics, and DNA synthesis plays a crucial role in enabling these advancements. Technological improvements in molecular separation and protein purification have also contributed to the market's growth.

These advancements help develop more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for DNA synthesis. As the processes become faster and more affordable, it becomes easier for researchers and industries to utilize DNA synthesis in their work. Additionally, the expanding applications of DNA synthesis across multiple sectors further fuel market expansion. In medicine, DNA synthesis is used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It enables the development of personalized medicine, targeted therapies, and genetic testing. Academic and industrial research also heavily rely on DNA synthesis to study various biological processes and develop new technologies.

Moreover, DNA synthesis finds applications in synthetic biology, immunology, cancer research, food science, antibody development, agriculture, and more. The wide range of sectors utilizing DNA synthesis indicates its growing importance and demand across diverse industries.

As a result of these factors, the need for DNA synthesis is expected to increase rapidly over the forecast period. The market's growth prospects remain promising, driven by ongoing research and development efforts, technological advancements, and the expanding applications of DNA synthesis in various fields.

Key Developments In The Market:

In 2020-Twist Bioscience will make clonal-ready gene fragments available to complete its gene offering. The fragments released can be used to create adapter-free or adapter-containing perfect clones. The clonal-ready gene fragments work with pathways for protein expression, enzyme engineering, and gene expression, among other things.

In 2020-Globally, 19.3 million new cases of cancer and almost 10.0 million cancer-related deaths were reported, according to an article in an ACS journal. This shows that increasing cancer coverage must be implemented internally, as the existing level of cancer coverage is insufficient.

Some of the prominent players in the DNA Synthesizer Market are:

Danaher Corporation

Twist Bioscience

Kilobaser

LGC Limited

CSBio

K&A Labs GmBH

DNA Script

Oligomer Apes

PolyGene AG

Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.

Curious about this latest version of the report? Enquiry Before Buying:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1912

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The growing demand for efficient DNA synthesizers in life science laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms drives the market. This increasing demand is a significant factor contributing to market growth. Additionally, advancements in genomics and life sciences, along with the rising importance of DNA synthesizers in synthetic and molecular biology, further support the expansion of the market.

The rising demand for novel synthesis technologies and continuous technological advancements also propels the global market. These factors drive innovation and provide new opportunities for market participants. Furthermore, improvements in nucleic acid synthesis methods have opened new avenues for the market, enabling the development of more reliable and efficient DNA synthesizers.

Challenges:

The high cost of equipment and reagents might be a hurdle for university institutions and smaller research labs with tighter resources. The cost-effectiveness and accessibility of DNA synthesizers continue to be obstacles to their widespread use. Continuous difficulties include raising synthesizer throughput to support larger-scale synthesis programs and raising synthesis process effectiveness. Addressing these throughput and efficiency issues is essential because researchers frequently need huge amounts of produced DNA in a short amount of time. Due to a lack of understanding or familiarity with the technology, certain institutions and researchers may be reluctant to use DNA synthesizers, which limits the market's potential growth.

Regional Trends:

The North American, DNA synthesizer market is expected to register a major market share. Due to large enterprises and government activities supporting the creation and implementation of synthetic biology programs, North America represented the most impressive revenue share. The increased use of techniques linked to gene editing and synthesis by drug and diagnostic makers in the United States has encouraged the expansion of the local market. Besides, Europe had a substantial share of the market.

The region's marketing of synthetic gene products and regulatory approval of those items have also aided market expansion. Several cellular and gene therapies have recently received regional approval, which promotes more investment in this area by other enterprises. The problem is brought on by multiregional businesses investing more in the local market.

Market Segments

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Type

Benchtop DNA Synthesizers

Large-scale DNA Synthesizers

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Application

Drug Discovery & Development

Genetic Engineering

Clinical Diagnostics

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on End-user

Academic & Research Institutes

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Clinical Laboratories

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

North America DNA Synthesizer Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

U.S.

Canada

Europe DNA Synthesizer Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific DNA Synthesizer Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

India

China

Japan

South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

Latin America DNA Synthesizer Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa DNA Synthesizer Market Revenue (US$ Million) by Country, 2023 to 2031

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

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Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global DNA Synthesizer market

To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global DNA Synthesizer market

To analyze the DNA Synthesizer market drivers and challenges

To get information on the DNA Synthesizer market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global DNA Synthesizer market industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

DNA/RNA Sample Extraction and Isolation Market

DNA Origami Market

Circulating Cell-Free DNA (ccfDNA) Diagnostics Market

Spatial Omics Solutions Market

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Artificial Consciousness Tech, Inc. (ACT), a leading innovator in artificial intelligence, has been recognized with the 2023 AI Excellence Award by the Business Intelligence Group. This award acknowledges ACT's development of an advanced Artificial Consciousness operating system, a notable advancement in AI technology.







ACT's patented technology is characterized by its unique capability to equip machines with advanced cognitive functions, resembling human emotions and thought processes. The system utilizes a sophisticated framework of light and contrast patterns, enabling artificial entities to understand their existence, engage in decision-making, and demonstrate emotion, a significant development in the field of AI.

Nam Kim, CEO and inventor at ACT, remarked on the achievement, "The 2023 AI Excellence Award reflects our commitment to AI innovation. Our focus is on evolving AI technology to enhance its interaction with humans. This award is an encouragement for our ongoing work in this field."

The Artificial Consciousness system by ACT opens new possibilities in AI applications, from improving virtual reality experiences to fostering ethical AI interactions. "Our technology aims to create AI systems that can think and feel, contributing to the evolution of AI," said Nam Kim.

The potential applications of this technology span various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics, enabling AI to understand language, grasp ethical concepts, and exhibit personality traits.

Following their recent recognition with the 2023 Global Recognition Award, the AI Excellence Award further establishes ACT as an innovator in AI technology. ACT's Artificial Consciousness technology represents a significant step forward in AI capabilities, marking an important milestone in the industry.

About Artificial Consciousness Tech, Inc. (ACT):

ACT is a New York-based company that specializes in cutting-edge AI technology. Nam Kim, the CEO and founder of the company, focuses on developing advanced AI systems that can mimic human consciousness. ACT's Artificial Consciousness operating system is patented and is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and excellence in AI. Through its pioneering work, ACT aims to bridge the gap between artificial and human intelligence and reshape the AI industry. With its recent accolades and ongoing research, ACT is positioned as a leading innovator in artificial intelligence technology.

Contact Information:

Artificial Consciousness Tech, Inc.

Website: http://artificialconsciousnesstech.com

Email: namkim@bellsouth.net

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188562
WEIFANG, China, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from the Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily. On November 10th, in the Sino German Building of Shandong Ethnic Vocational School, an actor team consisting of more than 20 students from China and Germany was giving a presentation performance. Although the story was relatively simple, the students overcame the problem of language barriers and cooperated well, presenting a wonderful performance to the teachers and students on site. The continuous applause and cheers on site also brought this exchange activity to a successful conclusion.

In the early stage, the principal of the Misbach County Vocational Education Center in Bavaria, Germany, Gryffinstein, and a delegation of 11 people came to Qingzhou for a 12 day visit and exchange at the Ethnic Vocational School. The content mainly focused on the rich and colorful classroom, lecture, and teaching practice activities of preschool education (early childhood education), while interspersed with traditional Chinese culture, intangible cultural heritage culture, and other exchange and learning activities, in order to further promote the professional construction of both schools The deep integration of talent cultivation creates a model for close cooperation between the school and other majors.

As early as December 2018, both schools signed a friendly school cooperation agreement. Over the past five years, both sides of the school have mainly carried out online activities such as professional development, teacher training, and classroom interaction. Over the past 12 days, Chinese and German students have been attending classes together, experiencing intangible cultural heritage classes, participating in kindergarten practice, rehearsing plays, learning tea art and Chinese food production, visiting families, visiting Qingzhou Museum. Chinese and German students have achieved great success in both professional growth and cultural exchange.

Recently, Gryffinstein and his delegation concluded their visit and are about to return to Germany. Teachers and students from China and Germany gathered together. The principals and student representatives from both countries gave concluding speeches. Subsequently, both Chinese and German schools exchanged gifts and signed the next stage of friendly school cooperation agreement.

"This exchange activity was a complete success, and we received a warm reception and felt the efficient, harmonious, and high-quality teaching atmosphere of this school. We have gained a deep understanding of all aspects of the school and experienced traditional Chinese culture. " said Principal Gryffinstein.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/students-from-china-and-germany-engage-in-interactive-exchange-activities-in-weifang-301997024.html
WEIFANG, China, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily.

On November 22nd, the "Z Generation" dialogue event between China (Weifang) and Germany (Munich, Freising) was jointly organized by the Propaganda Department of the Weifang Municipal Party Committee, Weifang College, Munich Student Union, and the Propaganda Department of the Anqiu Municipal Party Committee, and hosted by China Shandong Network Weifang. College students from Munich and Freising, Germany, as well as Chinese international students, had a unique online exchange with students from the School of Foreign Languages at Weifang University.

The main theme of this event is "communication and friendship", aiming to build an international platform that encourages youth dialogue, promotes youth exchange, spreads youth voices, inspires youth wisdom, and inspires youth growth. Before the meeting, the Publicity Department of Weifang Municipal Party Committee organized to send kites, Paper Cuttings and other cultural products to German students. At the exchange meeting, after watching the Weifang city promotional video "What is Weifang" together, students from both venues introduced themselves, and then student representatives from both sides made speeches.

"Participating in this event, I feel everyone's enthusiasm and love, and I even more like China as a country." Christoph Deckert, a student majoring in National Economics at the University of Technology in Munich, said in a speech exchange that Shandong Province and Bavaria have been close and friendly partners since ancient times. Weifang and Freising are friendly cities, so he has also participated in many cultural exchange activities. "China is a dynamic and innovative country, I deeply feel the unique charm and profound heritage of Chinese culture, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to have on-site exchanges in Weifang."

The leaders of both sides stated that they will continue to build an international dialogue platform for ideological exchange and cultural sharing in the future, continuously strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and German youth, and further consolidate friendly contacts between Weifang, Munich and Freising. The activity ended in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

This event enables the "Generation Z" to learn from each other, exchange and cooperate with each other under a multilateral framework, and play the role of young people as a new force in promoting culture. It lays the foundation for further strengthening the friendly relations between Weifang, Munich and Freising, and promoting cultural exchanges between China and Germany.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/building-a-generation-z-sino-foreign-youth-dialogue-platform-in-weifang-china-301997038.html
Lineage strengthens its dedication to Central Eastern Europe by launching its new office in Warsaw after its acquisition of Pago

Lineage, one of the world's leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and integrated solutions providers, today opened its new Central Eastern European Headquarters in Warsaw, Poland. The new office reinforces Lineage's presence in the region, after the company's acquisition and rebranding of Pago sp. z o.o. ("Pago"), a leading warehousing, distribution, and transport logistics provider in Poland, in 2020.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124857319/en/

New Lineage headquarters in Warsaw (Photo: Business Wire)

The opening of our Central Eastern European Headquarters move solidifies Lineage's focus on streamlining Europe's food supply chain, presenting customers with a comprehensive solution for transporting their products across Europe and beyond, significantly improving operational efficiencies. Leveraging cutting-edge cold chain solutions, and a strategically positioned network of facilities in pivotal European ports, such as Spain, Italy, and France, Lineage aims to optimize the movement of food products within the temperature-controlled supply chain.

"The opening of the new Warsaw office marks a significant commitment to Central Eastern Europe, and surrounding regions," said Harld Peters, President of Lineage Europe. "The opening of the Warsaw office is the latest step in empowering us to elevate service standards and bolster capabilities in the temperature-controlled supply chain, serving customers across Europe."

"As Poland stands as the sixth largest food producer in the European Union, our network in this region will offer customers access to a developed market with cutting-edge technologies," Peters added.

"Our office in Warsaw reflects Poland's pivotal role as the gateway to Central Eastern Europe and a crucial market for produce movement in Europe," highlighted Daniel Chudzik, Regional Vice President Operations, Central Eastern Europe at Lineage. "It enables us to better address our customers' requirements and efficiently connect them to the global market."

Presently, Lineage operates a robust network of over 70 cold chain facilities in 11 countries in Europe, including six facilities in Poland.

About Lineage

Lineage is one of the world's leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and integrated solutions providers with a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities, totaling more than 2.5 billion cubic feet of capacity across countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Coupling industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions and innovative technology, Lineage partners with the world's largest food and beverage companies to increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and, most importantly, help feed the world. In recognition of the company's leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage has been named a CNBC Disruptor 50 Company for three consecutive years, twice named a US Best Managed Company, named the No. 1 Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company's list of The World's Most Innovative Companies, and was included on Fortune's Change the World list. (www.onelineage.com)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124857319/en/

Contacts:

Lineage

Nina Bosch

+31 6 81938713

nbosch@onelineage.com

MWW

Alizia Walker

+447916569156

lineage@mww.com
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On the 23rd of November, Liquid Wind won the E-Prize 2023 award in the category Renewable Energy. The E-Prize is Sweden's most prestigious award for climate innovation, and it has been arranged for 15 consecutive years. It is one of Sweden's largest and most prestigious awards for companies operating at the intersection of energy and climate transition.

The award was received by Claes Fredriksson, CEO and Founder of Liquid Wind during the E-Prize event ceremony in Stockholm, arranged by energy giant E.ON, leading sustainability magazine Aktuell Hallbarhet and Sweden's largest business daily, Dagens industri.

Claes Fredriksson comments:

"We are very proud and honored to receive Sweden's most prestigious award for climate innovation. This is a true recognition for our team, our partners, our supporters and our vision towards creating a world without dependency on fossil fuels."

The jury's motivation:

"Through successful partnerships and great business acumen, Liquid Wind has created the conditions for large-scale production of sustainable electrofuel produced from Swedish forest raw materials and renewable electricity contributing to making the world's most important transport sector, shipping, fossil-free."

Media contact:

Klaudija Cavala, Head of Digital, Marketing & Communications

media@liquidwind.se

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/18536/3882106/2452438.pdf PRESS RELEASE_Liquid Wind Wins E-Prize 2023_24 November 2023 https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/e-prize-2023-claes-fredriksson-ceo-founder-liquid-wind-23-november-2023,c3242698 E-Prize 2023 Claes Fredriksson CEO Founder Liquid Wind 23 November 2023

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/liquid-wind-awarded-the-prestigious-swedish-e-prize-2023-301997077.html
Top business leaders will be interviewed during Acumen's December event in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acumen Media are excited to launch a series of leadership interviews and networking events - that will take place during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai this December.

The powerful interview series will feature intimate one-on-one conversations between global business leaders and seasoned journalists, exploring their perspectives on the urgent need for climate solutions and the role of business in driving change.

"We wanted to provide a platform for influential business leaders to share their visions and strategies around climate change," said a spokesperson for Acumen Media. "These interviews and networking events will catalyze important conversations and connections to empower impactful climate action across private and public sectors."

The leadership interviews will take place in the Dubai Expo City Greenzone from December 3-10. Prominent business executives across industries like energy, technology, manufacturing and finance will sit down with seasoned journalists to discuss lessons learned, sustainability success stories and their outlooks for the future.

In addition, Acumen Media will host evening networking events on December 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th at the Holiday Inn Al Maktoum in Dubai. These forums will bring together business leaders, government officials and youth delegates. These forums will enable both structured conversations and organic relationship-building to unite key stakeholders around shared climate goals.

"Collaboration between private and public sectors will be critical for driving progress on such a complex global issue," the spokesperson added. "We hope this summit will help cultivate the types of cross-sector relationships and youth perspectives that can lead to impactful developments coming out of COP28."

About Acumen Media

Using cutting-edge technology and striking narratives, Acumen Media supports businesses and brands across the globe to tell their stories, elevating development and progress in worldwide societies. Its mission is to delve into the stories behind every business, bringing forth what matters most with one bespoke package. Through the power of visual storytelling, we craft stories that connect people, amplify voices and inspire action.

The following companies will be featured in this series:

ACEN

Actis

Air Selangor

Albaad

All4Labels

Alperia

ASICS

OPPO

BeZero Carbon

Black & Veatch

Block Gruppe

CaetanoBus

Choco

CropEnergies

DEKRA

DFH

EIFO

Elemental Excelerator

Energy Impact Partners

Eurasian Resources Group

euNetworks

Exness

Flexsys

FSN Capital

GENUI

Agrosepac Group

HOCHBAHN

Hayashibara

Hydrogen Refueling Solutions

Invest in Canada

Jacobs Douwe Egberts

JANA

KEW Technology & Dimeta

KingSett Capital

Kingwhale

LEAG

Mine Storage

MixJet

Pine Gate Renewables

Plasser & Theurer

REMA TIP TOP

RENK

RONAL GROUP

SLB

Seenons

Senior Europe

Spinnova

Syngenta Group

TDK Ventures

The Cultivated B

Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC)

UEM Edgenta

Velliv

VIVAVIS

Volocopter

Wilo

Yahsat

Zespri

Contact:

Saffron Dale

s.dale@tbdmediagroup.com

07598 749809

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-ceos-converge-with-united-nations-ambassadors-in-a-leadership-summit-to-forge-groundbreaking-public-private-partnerships-301997085.html
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.
STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's producer prices declined for the sixth straight month in October amid a continued slump in costs for energy-related products, figures from Statistics Sweden showed on Friday. The producer price index dropped 3.7 percent year-on-year in October, though slower than the 4.6 percent fall in September. The annual rate of the producer price index, excluding energy-related products, was an increase of 3.2 percent. Prices in the domestic market alone decreased 6.9 percent in October. Prices for energy-related goods fell sharply by 30.2 percent annually in October. Meanwhile, prices of consumer goods gained 5.1 percent, and those of capital goods climbed 7.5 percent. Monthly, producer prices decreased 0.6 percent in October, reversing a 1.8 percent rise seen in the preceding month. Data also showed that import prices rose 0.9 percent yearly while the export price index remained flat. 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.
CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Functional Films Market by Type (Composite Structure Ceramics, Electrical & Electronic Functional Ceramics), Application (Defence & Security, Electronics & Semiconductor, Optics & Industrial Manufacturing), and Region- Global Forecast 2028", size is projected to grow from USD 30.5 billion in 2023 to USD 49.6 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The functional films market is poised for substantial growth, propelled by diverse opportunities across industries. The escalating demand for advanced packaging solutions in the food and beverage sector, driven by the need for extended shelf life and UV protection, is a significant factor. Additionally, the automotive industry's increasing integration of films for applications like window tinting and anti-glare coatings, coupled with the rising prominence of renewable energy sources and the sustainability trend, is creating avenues for functional films in solar panels and eco-friendly solutions. The healthcare sector, with its emphasis on innovative medical devices and drug delivery systems, further contributes to the market's expansion.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Functional Films Market"

140 - Tables

60 - Figures

200 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=170276170

Packaging, by end-use, is expected to be the most significant Functional films Market segment during the forecast period.

Packaging has emerged as the fastest-growing end-use industry in the functional films market due to several key factors driving its expansion. The increasing global population, changing consumer preferences, and the rise of e-commerce have fueled the demand for innovative and efficient packaging solutions. Functional films play a pivotal role in this sector by offering properties such as barrier protection, antimicrobial features, and extended shelf life. The heightened focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging has also led to the adoption of functional films that provide both performance and environmental benefits. Moreover, as industries across the world prioritize safety, convenience, and preservation of product quality, functional films find widespread application in flexible packaging, creating a robust market demand.

Polyethylene terephthalate is anticipated to be the fastest-growing Functional films Market segment, by material, during the forecast period.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material is experiencing rapid growth in the functional films market, emerging as the fastest-growing material, owing to its unique combination of properties that cater to evolving industry demands. PET films offer excellent transparency, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, making them particularly well-suited for applications in packaging, electronics, and industrial sectors. The increasing emphasis on sustainability and recyclability further boosts the popularity of PET, as it is a fully recyclable material. Additionally, PET films are lightweight and exhibit outstanding barrier properties, enhancing their suitability for applications requiring protection against moisture and gases.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=170276170

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global Functional films Market, by region, during the forecast period.

North America is emerging as the fastest-growing region in the functional films market due to a confluence of factors propelling demand across diverse industries. The region's rapid technological advancements, particularly in the electronics and healthcare sectors, drive the need for specialized functional films. Additionally, a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in packaging and construction further fuels the adoption of innovative functional films.

To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Functional films Market. These Toray Industries Inc. (Japan), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Covestro AG (Germany), Honeywell International (US), 3M Company (US), Nitto Denko Corporation (Japan), Dupont Teijin Films US Limited (US), Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan), Toyobo Co., Ltd (Japan), Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd (Japan), and others.

Browse Adjacent Market: Foam and Insulation Market Research & Consulting

Related Reports:

Polyimide Films & Tapes Market- Global Forecast to 2028

Mulch Films Market - Global Forecast to 2028

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CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Space Debris Removal market is valued at USD 0.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 41.7% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The space debris removal market is a subset of the satellite and technology industry that focuses on the development and deployment of space debris removal solutions and services. Space debris removal refers to the strategic process of eliminating defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from space orbit. This burgeoning industry aims to mitigate orbital congestion, safeguard operational satellites, and ensure sustainable space exploration. By deploying innovative technologies and retrieval strategies, companies engage in the retrieval, capture, and disposal of space debris, fostering a cleaner orbital environment for continued commercial satellite launches and enhancing the long-term viability of space activities.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=179602300

Browse in-depth TOC on "Space Debris Removal Market"

150 - Tables

100 - Figures

300 - Pages

Space Debris Removal Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 0.1 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 0.6 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 41.7% Market Size Available for 2023-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Technique, Orbit, Debris Size, End User, Operation and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lack of debris data management a challenge for space industry Key Market Opportunities Opportunity for robotic Service Providers in the space debris removal market Key Market Drivers Growing government initiatives

The space debris removal market encompasses a range of debris size, orbit, technique, operation, and end user that leverage these benefits.

Based on the technique, the direct debris removal segment is estimated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the technique, the direct debris removal segment is estimated to lead the space debris removal market from 2023 to 2028. Direct debris removal involves the capture and active removal of orbital debris from space. The rise of direct debris removal techniques is due to the urgent need for clearing space clutter. The growing number of satellites and spacecraft in orbit increases the likelihood of collisions with debris, highlighting the need for effective removal strategies. Additionally, technological advancements in robotic arms, nets, and other capture mechanisms, as well as improvements in propulsion and rendezvous techniques, are making direct debris removal increasingly feasible.

Based on the orbit, LEO segment is estimated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The LEO segment in space debris removal market is projected to grow at highest CAGR. LEO orbit satellites provide stable, continuous coverage, making them vital for services such as broadband internet, telecommunication, and broadcasting. The demand for real-time data and global connectivity further underscores their significance. The growing debris density in this belt has triggered the need to clear the space junk in order to maintain the safety of operational satellites. Technological advancements and cost-effective deployment methods are also contributing to removing debris from this orbit.

Based on the operation, the multiple technique segment is estimated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The multiple technique segment in the space debris removal industry is primarily driven by the need to have combination of multiple techniques in order to remove debris of different sizes. Combining different techniques can lead to synergistic effects, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of debris removal missions. A single technique may not be effective for all types of debris, making a multiple-technique approach necessary to address the entire debris population. These factors collectively propel the growth of the multiple technique segment, addressing evolving business and mission requirements.

Based on the end user, commercial segment is estimated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The commercial end user segment in space debris removal is primarily driven by the critical need to protect satellite assets. Satellite operators, telecommunication companies, and Earth observation firms heavily rely on space infrastructure for their operations. With the rise in satellite constellations and increasing dependency on space-based services, safeguarding these assets against potential collisions with space debris is paramount. Mitigating the risk of damage or loss of satellites ensures uninterrupted services and protects substantial investments. Hence, commercial entities are actively seeking efficient space debris removal solutions to secure their space assets and maintain operational continuity.

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Based on regions, the North America market is estimated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

North America is home to some of the biggest players in the space debris removal market, including Northrop Grumman, and Kall Morris Incorporated. These companies have a wealth of experience and expertise in space technology, and they are investing heavily in the development of space debris removal systems. The North American government is a major supporter of the space industry. The government has invested millions of dollars in research and development of this technology, and it is also providing funding for the deployment of orbital debris removal solutions.

Key Players

The space debris removal companies is dominated by a few globally established players such as Astroscale (Japan), ClearSpace (Switzerland), Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK), Northrop Grumman (US), and Kall Morris Incorporated (US).

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OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Fresh cantaloupes and various cantaloupe products have been recalled citing the potential contamination with Salmonella, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration or FDA.



The recalls were initiated following a Salmonella outbreak throughout the United States, and Canada.



According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, several illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the whole cantaloupe recalled by Sofia Produce LLC, which operates under the name Trufresh. Nogales, Arizona -based Sofia Produce/Trufresh has received reports of 97 illnesses to date asssociated with this strain of Salmonella.



Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometime fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Meanwhile, in rare instances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.



Sofia Produce/Trufresh, which in early November called back fresh, whole cantaloupes for the same concern, has now expanded its recall to include all 'Malichita' Brand and 'Rudy' brand fresh cantaloupes.



Further, CF Dallas, LLC, in coordination with Sofia Produce, recalled select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupe that was already recalled.



Fresno, California-based Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC., doing business as Crown Jewels Produce, is also recalling Malichita / Z Farms Cantaloupes.



Sofia Produce now said its recall now includes all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with Malichita and Rudy labels sold between October 10, 2023 and November 3, 2023.



The Trufresh cantaloupes were distributed directly to the states of Arizona, California. Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada.



Trufresh had recalled its fresh, whole cantaloupes on November 8 in response to a notification by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of a potential contamination with Salmonella. The fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the 'Malichita' label were sold between October 16, 2023 and October 23, 2023.



Further, CF Dallas is recalling select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupe subject to a previously announced product recall initiated by Sofia Produce. The products are packaged in clear square or round plastic containers. They were distributed to select retail stores in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana.



All CF Dallas fresh-cut fruit products associated with the recalled whole cantaloupe have expired. However, consumers may have frozen them for later use. As of November 22, no illnesses have been confirmed to be associated with CF Dallas products.



Crown Jewels Produce's recall includes all sizes of 1960 boxes of Malichita / Z Farms Cantaloupes sold between October 31, 2023 and November 9, 2023. The product was distributed to Ohio, and California through retail and wholesale outlets.



Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return it to the particular place of purchase for a full refund.



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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
The Company was invited to take the stage at the FT's first Future of AI Summit

The CTO of the world's largest travel subscription platform shared how the business is powering customer experience excellence for millions of travellers through the application of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence solutions

eDreams ODIGEO Chief Technology Officer, Carsten Bernhard, joined fellow senior business leaders, policymakers, and AI experts to explore how this crucial technology can revolutionize business operations, bring major productivity gains and boost profits at the Financial Times' flagship conference in London.

Following the AI Safety Summit which convened world leaders to discuss AI regulation, the global spotlight remains firmly on AI with the conversation continuing at the FT's first Future of AI Summit. The event brought together representatives from government and the largest global brands to discuss how to apply, govern, integrate, scale, and commercialize AI.

As a pioneer of AI in online travel and e-commerce, eDreams ODIGEO was invited to share how the business is leveraging AI to revolutionize the travel experience. Carsten Bernhard joined a discussion, moderated by the FT's Senior Business Writer Andrew Hill, alongside Volvo Group's Analytics Insights Leader, Jair Ribeiro to discuss how to infuse AI into the whole business.

Bernhard outlined that the Company's forefront in AI is evident through its cutting-edge travel booking brands (eDreams, Opodo, GO Voyages, and Travellink). These platforms are powered by state-of-the-art technology that services over 2 billion monthly user searches, transforming the extensive offerings of the global travel market, including countless combinations with 700 airlines, into targeted, personalized proposals crafted for each individual customer: "There's no way a human could process this volume of information. We have to find ways to translate that mass of data efficiently into targeted, relevant travel options for consumers. The only way to do this is through AI."

He explained that for the past ten years, eDreams ODIGEO has comprehensively enhanced the traveller experience by deploying AI across the business. This strategic implementation ranges from customer-facing solutions, such as personalizing the booking flow or automating flight disruption management, to empowering the extensive team of internal engineers with coding support. This multifaceted application not only drives innovation and streamlines the development of products and services but also expedites their delivery, swiftly providing increased value to consumers. As the business transitioned into a subscription-based model with a focus on cultivating long-term customer relationships, it has employed its proprietary AI models for various data augmentation cases. This includes crafting individualized route itineraries and propositions for its 5.2 million Prime subscribers.

When questioned about the cultural shift toward AI within eDreams ODIGEO, Bernhard explained that the Company embraced an AI-first approach a decade ago. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the business understood that it could revolutionize the means through which it delights its customers and differentiates its products, features, and services. Bernhard noted "We started with a dedicated team experimenting and putting solutions in place in a managed, governed way. As we saw results coming in, this created momentum and trust on its own. For years now, we've integrated AI into all areas of the business, including marketing, customer service, product development, and more. We assign AI data scientists to every business area to address and deliver on business goals, providing value for both our customers and our business."

Discussing what the future holds for consumer products and services in travel, Bernhard explained: "Our focus is on anticipating consumer needs and building bespoke proposals that solve those needs. It's about having a personal travel concierge in your pocket who knows what you like and doesn't waste your time with things that are not relevant to you. Through AI we're able to personalize at scale and deliver targeted itineraries for our subscribers based on their preferences, budgets, and timescales which helps fuel the growth of our travel subscription platform."

The business's ability to provide a unique experience to its subscribers through AI has positioned it at the forefront of future growth. This approach cultivates enduring relationships with customers who show increased commitment due to the personalized experience they enjoy, resulting in more frequent bookings compared to non-subscribers (3.4x more1

Delegates at the event also heard insights from other prominent speakers, including IBM, Amazon, LEGO, Chegg, Mastercard, Bank of England, Tinder, and even the UK's first Minister for Artificial Intelligence, RT Hon Viscount Camrose.

eDreams ODIGEO's strategic investments in AI have positioned the business as a leader among AI-led companies globally, not just in the travel industry, but in the broader e-commerce sector. In May this year, the Company announced that it was working with Google Cloud to pioneer new developments in Generative AI and advance its application in online travel, one of the world's largest e-commerce segments.

eDreams ODIGEO has integrated AI into other aspects of its operations to support both its customers and its distribution strategies, such as the virtual interlining route discovery and the improvement of the performance of machine learning solutions where actual data collection is costly such as fraud prevention, or in anticipation of hypothetical scenarios, such as demand simulations in fast-changing situations.

About eDreams ODIGEO

eDreams ODIGEO is one of the world's largest online travel companies and one of the largest e-commerce businesses in Europe. Under its four leading online travel agency brands eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, Travellink, and the metasearch engine Liligo it serves more than 20 million customers per year across 44 markets. Listed on the Spanish Stock Market, eDreams ODIGEO works with nearly 700 airlines. The business conceptualised Prime, the first subscription product in the travel sector which has topped 5.2 million members since launching in 2017. The brand offers the best quality products in regular flights, low-cost airlines, hotels, dynamic packages, car rental and travel insurance to make travel easier, more accessible, and better value for consumers across the globe.

112-month average (H1 FY24)

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Contacts:

eDreams ODIGEO Press Office:

edreamspressoffice@instinctif.com +44 207 457 2808
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Propridge Capital Markets proudly unveils groundbreaking innovations poised to revolutionize the world of forex trading. Today, the Company embarks on a journey to reshape the trading landscape, offering traders and investors globally a new perspective.

Far more than a traditional broker, Propridge Capital Markets emerges as a dedicated partner in the dynamic world of global foreign exchange markets. With an unwavering commitment to providing traders an exceptional trading experience, the Company introduces a suite of revolutionary forex trading solutions tailored to meet individual needs.

Recognizing the uniqueness of each trader, Propridge focuses on delivering personalized trading strategies aligned with specific goals and risk tolerance levels.

In an era where technology is paramount, Propridge takes pride in introducing advanced technology solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure. With flexible API options for custom integration, access to the latest financial market tools and resources is easier than ever before.

Dedicated Support for Traders

Propridge Capital Markets is delighted to offer dedicated support to address the distinct requirements of traders. The team is on hand to optimize trading operations, equipping traders with the tools and resources they need.

A Commitment to Progress

Recognizing the dynamic nature of financial markets, Propridge continually evolves and adapts solutions to meet the evolving needs of traders. Success is the ultimate goal, and the Company remains committed to offering the most up-to-date and effective resources to facilitate that success.

With these groundbreaking innovations, Propridge Capital Markets emerges as a leader in the forex trading industry. These significant developments usher in a new era of trading, where personalized strategies, advanced technology, and dedicated support are the cornerstones of success.

For Inquiries and Support, Please Contact:



Ali Asgari

CEO

Contact Email: Ceo@propridge.com

Office Address: 29th Floor - Al Saqr Business Tower - Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai - UAE

Office Phone: +97145281407

Registration Number: 34365

Registered Address: Anjouan Corporate Services, Hamchaku, Anjouan, Union of Comoros

Contact Email: info@propridge.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188369
JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - A four-day truce agreed upon by Israel and Hamas took effect on Friday. The pause in fighting appears to be holding, but both Israel and Hamas vowed that it is temporary, reports say. In a major breakthrough in the nearly seven weeks old bloody conflict in the Middle East, both sides agreed to stop fighting for four days to implement the deal, brokered mainly by Qatar. Hamas agreed to release 50 hostages held in Gaza, while Israel offered freedom to 150 Palestinian women and teenagers held in Israeli jails. According to reports, the first batch of 13 Israeli hostages will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross first, and then taken back to Israel through Egypt later today. After receiving them, Israel will start releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners, including 24 women and 15 children. They are among 239 hostages Hamas abducted in a surprise attack carried out in Israeli cities on October 7. Around 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, were killed in the militant attack across the border, while around 12,700 people lost their lives in Gaza in retaliatory attacks by Israel Defense Forces. Meanwhile, trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, fuel, cooking gas and food, have made their way into Gaza from the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Friday, reports said. 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.
SENVELGO (velagliflozin oral solution) is the first liquid once-daily, orally administered prescription medication to improve glycemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus

(velagliflozin oral solution) is the first liquid once-daily, orally administered prescription medication to improve glycemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus SENVELGO makes treating feline diabetes simple and convenient for both cats and cat owners

makes treating feline diabetes simple and convenient for both cats and cat owners Up to one in three cats are euthanized within the first year of diagnosis due to previous complex treatments

Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for SENVELGO (active ingredient: velagliflozin), marking a significant step for the treatment of feline diabetes in Europe. Globally, SENVELGO is the first once-daily liquid oral solution for the reduction of hyperglycemia in cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This breakthrough innovation will make it easier for cat owners to fit the treatment of feline diabetes into their daily lives.

Pet owners can give the once daily oral liquid solution with a small amount of food or directly into the cat's mouth. As soon as one week after beginning treatment, SENVELGO improves the clinical signs of diabetes that cats experience by reducing elevated blood glucose levels and minimizing the risk of clinical hypoglycemic events. The novel drug comes in liquid form, the formulation that cats and cat owners prefer, according to studies.

Dr. Stijn Niessen, President of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM), says, "SENVELGO will revolutionize the management of feline diabetes in Europe in a way that improves the well-being of both cats and their owners. It eases the complexity and burden of feline diabetes treatment because of the apparent lack of danger for clinical hypoglycemia and removes the need for ongoing serial glucose monitoring. In this way, SENVELGO will help the majority of owners to efficiently control their cat's condition, significantly improving quality of life."

Feline diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which occurs when a cat has insufficient levels of, or an abnormal response to insulin. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats, and this is expected to increase due to an increasing and growing cat population. Unfortunately, nearly one out of three cats who are diagnosed with diabetes are euthanized within the first year of diagnosis, with the complexity required to treat diabetic cats often being a contributing factor.

Eric Haaksma, Head of Animal Health Global Innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim says "At Boehringer Ingelheim, our dedication lies in translating scientific progress into cutting-edge innovations for animals and their owners. The launch of SENVELGO underlines this ambition, offering a product that significantly enhances diabetic cat care and simplifies the lives of both cat owners and their feline companions."

Following the marketing authorization in the European Union, SENVELGO will be rolled out across EU countries. SENVELGO is already approved in Switzerland, Great Britain, and the US. The company also plans to launch SENVELGO in countries around the world, pending regulatory approvals.

Please click on this link for 'Notes to Editors' and 'References'.

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Contacts:

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Communication

Mi-Kyung Lee-Lange

55216 Ingelheim, Germany

Phone: +49 6132 77 170258

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Startup Grineo announced the beta launch of its digital currency payment card service on November 20, with support for two key digital assets USDT, USDC. The payment processor eliminates third parties and allows merchants to accept digital currencies in a custodial fashion and users to spend their digital assets as fiat.

While the private beta version of Grineo is currently available to a select group of testers, the team invites interested individuals to register and experience the digital payment app for themselves. Now you can join the waitlist at grineopay.com and become one of the firsts testers. As the founders stated during the beta launch, Grineo's centralised payment processor ensures that funds go straight to the owner's wallet, giving them complete control and immediate ownership of their money. Funds are converted automatically with no action need on the merchant or consumer end.

Grineo supports Australian, British, and American fiat currencies and offers full support for USDC issued by Circle, USDT issued on the TRON and Ethereum networks. The app's versatile features include the ability to generate payment URLs and buttons, as well as traditional Point-of-Sale services. For the convenience of website developers, Grineo also offers an API and plugins for an easy integration.

One of the most impressive aspects of Grineo is its unique approach to KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance. The app's digital wallet generates a new payment address for each invoice and offers a solution for individuals and organizations looking to comply with KYC requirements. Additionally, Grineo's integration with the CCXT protocol allows for seamless digital currency-to-fiat transfers to any exchange.

"The API will allow to set an interval where funds will be automatically sent to the exchange, create an order from digital asset to fiat and lastly request a withdrawal back to the bank," Grineo's Chief Expansion Officer, Olesia Kostieieva explained.

But Grineo is not without its competitors. What sets this Australia-based company apart is its lightning-fast transactions and minimal fees, as well as a strong focus on customer service. Unlike other payment processors, Grineo operates as an open-source platform, providing digital currency orders that can be paid from its digital wallet, with funds sourced from a linked debit card.

Grineo has big plans to expand the beta to other chains in the future, with a physical launch of their encrypted card slated for early 2024. "This global application will allow Grineo users to enjoy ATM withdrawals in fiat currencies worldwide and use the card for in-person transactions, making everyday purchases with digital currencies a reality," says Nikolay Kalistratov, CEO of Grineo, during a product presentation at the Blockies Awards in Melbourne on November 9th 2023.

Earlier in 2024, before the introduction of the physical card, Grineo will represent its virtual card and app, which supports payment services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Users will be using digital currencies for a vast majority of everyday transactions - from public transportation to dining, shopping, Uber rides, Netflix subscriptions, and many more.

In the real-world the physical Grineo card primarily addresses the need for ATM withdrawals. Users with the physical card can withdraw local currency from any ATM globally. Additionally, the card increases the platform's compatibility in regions where electronic payments are still uncommon, allowing users to make in-person card swipes or tap payments.

To apply for a Grineo card, interested individuals can simply join the waitlist on the company's website. After the launch, users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play, verify their identity, and apply for a physical or virtual card. It's important to note that card application fees must be pre-loaded in the form of digital currency into the Grineo wallet.

It's important to note that GrineoPay serves residents of Australia, and users are advised to check the official website for relevant information before verifying their identity and making deposits.

Rest assured, Grineo operates within Australia's regulatory framework, ensuring the utmost safety and legality of user assets. The platform has also established partnerships with authoritative third-party platforms to further strengthen security and compliance. KYC and transaction monitoring tools are in place to prevent illegal activities, and each user is assigned a unique blockchain address, ensuring the safety of their assets in any scenario.

Currently, Grineo checks its application list against over a hundred sanction lists, including but not limited to those under the United Nations Sanctions Ordinance and the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance. For transaction monitoring (KYT), Grineo employes tools like EagleEye and Trace to monitor financial activities across the platforms, ensuring the security of users' digital assets.

Furthermore, a unique blockchain address is assigned for each user, as well as separating the card from the user's assets. This ensures issues, such as the freezing of Grineo cards, don't affect the users' wallets and assets. Users can freely deposit or withdraw assets from their Grineo wallet without any restrictions.

The assets of Grineo users are safely held by a licensed company in Australia. Thus, Grineo users are registered as the owners of their digital assets, ensuring ownership rights in scenarios like company bankruptcy.

Since the principle behind Grineo's debit card involves users gaining fiat credit limits by depositing digital assets, there are no additional deposit fees or holding periods like other traditional digital currency cards. For users who are sensitive to security and centralization concerns, the safest approach is a "pay-as-you-go" method, ensuring financial security under any circumstance.

Users are reminded that the availability of Grineo's products and services is subject to jurisdictional limitations. By using the card, users agree to the terms of service, privacy policy, and associated fee schedules.

About Grineo

Discover the innovative world of GrineoPay - the ultimate gateway to the digital currency economy in Australia. Our carefully crafted suite of products, led by the Grineo Wallet+Card, is designed to cater to all levels of users with its intuitive interface and advanced trading features. Headquartered in the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, our fully regulated company, Grineo Pty Ltd, is backed by a team of banking and FinTech experts. Be a part of the digital currency revolution and join us at our headquarters on Level 14, 5 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.

Unleash the potential of digital currency with GrineoPay - visit our website https://grineopay.com now!

Media Contact

Organization: Grineo Pty Ltd

Contact Person: Anna

Website: https://grineopay.com

Email: info@grineopay.com

Address: Level 14, 5 Martin Place

City: Sydney

Country: Australia

SOURCE: Grineo Pty Ltd

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MINNEAPOLIS (dpa-AFX) - Retailer Target Corp. (TGT) on Friday unveiled plans for its two-day Cyber Monday sale, which will run on November 26 and 27, featuring hundreds of thousands of items up to 50% off, including apparel and accessories, bed and bath and select toys, plus deals on TVs, laptops and more, exclusively on Target.com and the Target app. The top brands on sale include Disney, Samsung, PlayStation, Beats, and many more. Guests can also expect new deals each week in-store and online throughout December for great savings the entire holiday season. New week-long holiday deals on gifts and essentials will be announced every Sunday, running November 26 through December 24 in-store and online with offers on top national brands like Disney, and Target owned brands like Wondershop. Target is also offering massive savings with its 10% off Target GiftCards deal, returning December 2 and 3 exclusively for members of Target Circle, the retailer's free-to-join loyalty program. Guests looking to gain access to this deal can quickly and easily join Target Circle for free at Target.com/circle - plus they'll receive perks, personalized rewards and more every time they shop, all year long. Further, Target guests can take the guesswork out of deal-hunting all season long with its Holiday Price Match Guarantee. The retailer will match the price on any item if it goes lower at Target through Dec. 24. In addition, Target will match select competitors' pricing within 14 days of purchase. 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.
Spreading Holiday Cheer at Jim Ellis Automotive

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Jim Ellis Automotive Group is pleased to announce its seventh annual Holiday Giving Campaign supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Starting Nov. 24, 2023, through Jan. 2, 2024, each of the 20 Jim Ellis family-owned and -operated dealerships will donate a portion of every new or pre-owned vehicle sale to The Food Bank.

Each year, Jim Ellis Automotive selects a local charity to support with a Holiday Giving Campaign, selecting The Food Bank as the 2023 recipient. Through their efforts, Jim Ellis Automotive has donated $320K to groups supporting women and children in need across the Atlanta area with this annual campaign.

"It's hard to imagine a child going to bed hungry," said Jim Ellis Automotive Group Vice President Stacey Ellis Hodges. "Our hope is that this donation can bring holiday cheer to a child and their family in a time of need. Every child deserves to have a full belly and a happy heart. Together, we want to give the gift of love."



"Jim Ellis Automotive has partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank in our efforts to fulfill our mission to end hunger since 2006," said Kyle Waide, Atlanta Community Food Bank President, and CEO. "Every $1 donated enables the Food Bank to be able to provide up to three meals for our neighbors in need. We appreciate and value the Jim Ellis partnership and look forward to your continued impact. Thank You!"

About Jim Ellis Automotive Group

Jim Ellis Automotive Group has been serving the Atlanta area since 1971, marking 52 years in business. Jim Ellis Automotive is the largest family-owned and operated automotive group in Georgia and has earned the Consumers' Choice Award for business excellence for 20 consecutive years. With 20 dealerships and 17 brands, Jim Ellis Automotive has locations in Atlanta, Buford, Kennesaw, McDonough, Marietta, Sandy Springs and South Fulton. The portfolio of brands includes Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Visit Jim Ellis Automotive online at JimEllis.com.

About Atlanta Community Food Bank

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day, including children, seniors and working families. Through more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners in 29 counties, we help more than 525,000 people get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across metro Atlanta and north Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. In 2023, the Atlanta Community Food Bank distributed its one billionth meal. Join us at ACFB.org.

Contact Information

Loren Roberts

Associate Director of Marketing

lorenr@jimellis.com

770-234-8157

SOURCE: Jim Ellis Automotive Group

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/809018/jim-ellis-automotive-partners-with-the-atlanta-community-food-bank-for-annual-holiday-giving-campaign-to-help-end-hunger-in-metro-atlanta-communities
WALTHAM, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / National Grid is pleased to announce that Alisha Collins has joined the company as its first Director of Community Impact & Engagement in New England. Collins will lead and expand National Grid's newly relaunched 'Grid for Good' program, a companywide corporate responsibility and social impact initiative supporting communities throughout Massachusetts.

"Alisha Collins has a demonstrated track record of creating meaningful and impactful corporate initiatives that promote positive change in the community," said Melissa Lavinson, Head of Corporate Affairs for National Grid New England. "We are excited to welcome Alisha to National Grid and look forward to growing the Grid for Good program under her leadership."

Through Grid for Good, Collins will manage strategy and execution of charitable giving and volunteerism efforts across departments that align with three responsibility and impact pillars -- (1) workforce development and STEM education, (2) economic opportunity and social justice, and (3) environmental stewardship and sustainability -- and have a focus on historically underrepresented and overburdened communities.

Collins brings with her extensive experience in corporate giving and development, having previously served as Vice President, Corporate Giving & Development at The Possible Zone. In this role, she successfully launched a corporate giving strategy, implemented a capital campaign, and collaborated with partners to secure funding for the program.

Before her time at The Possible Zone, Collins held the position of Director, Corporate & Community Engagement at The Greater Boston Food Bank. There, she demonstrated her leadership by building and leading a team responsible for corporate outreach, events, and community engagement. She also excelled in securing multi-year large donor investments, maximizing the organization's resources. Collins has a strong background in community relations, having served as Manager, Community Relations at both Reebok International and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. Her expertise in engaging with various stakeholders has been instrumental in driving successful community-focused initiatives.

Collins holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Stonehill College and a master's of science in marketing from Lasell University. She is actively involved in various advisory boards and committees, including the Women's Network Advisory Board at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the President's Advisory Council at Stonehill College, and the Board of Advisors with the West End House Boys & Girls Club. These positions reflect her commitment to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that align with her values.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE:NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future - transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

Media Contacts

Michael Dalo

Massachusetts

(781) 907-3980

Email





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from National Grid on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: National Grid

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/national-grid

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: National Grid

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/809790/national-grid-announces-alisha-collins-as-director-community-impact-engagement-in-new-england
TONGZHOU, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / As time goes on, the 10th Asian Microfilm Festival was held in Lincang, Yunnan Province, the city of perpetual spring, from November 24th to 26th.

Lincang, a city where nature and culture coexist in harmony, offers a vibrant cultural mosaic painted by 24 ethnic minority groups. From the legacy of the South Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative, and from the intersection of history and the future, Lincang carries the important mission of connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Asian Microfilm Art Festival, which has been held in Lincang for ten years, has transformed the southwestern city into a global hub for microfilm art exchange.

Over the past decade, the blooming of each Asian Microfilm Art Festival has attracted attention from all over the world. According to last 10-year statistics, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival has received 31,327 entries from more than 30 countries, including the United States, Russia, France, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Eminent artists from different countries have witnessed the brilliant growth of Asian microfilms in Lincang, jointly promoting the prosperity of the microfilm industry. At the same time, Lincang also uses the platform of the Asian Microfilm Art Festival to tell China's stories and convey China's voice through microfilms, gradually shortening the distance between Lincang and the world.

Moreover, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival in Lincang has motivated numerous outstanding artists to join the ranks of nurturing new filmmakers, providing a continuous momentum for the Asian microfilm industry. Siqin Gaowa, an old friend of the Asian Microfilm Art Festival, is a representative figure in this group. During the ten years, Siqin Gaowa and her husband established "Siqin Gaowa Scholarship" and "Siqin Gaowa Microfilm Award" for the Asian Microfilm Academy, encouraging countless filmmakers to chase their dreams. With the help of Lincang Asian Microfilm Art Festival platform and senior artists, director Yang Chengcheng successfully stepped on the stage of the Golden Rooster Award and the Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival Award(Australia), also expanding the influence of Asian Microfilm Art Festival. To this day, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival has become a unique and highly influential cultural activity brand across the country and even in Asia, as well as the most influential microfilm art festival in Asia.

Half the city of Lincang is covered by lush mountains, which shine and sparkle. Over the past decade, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival and Lincang have complemented each other. Several cultural and tourism facilities related to microfilms have been built, including the Asian Microfilm Museum, the Asian Microfilm Theme Park, and the Asian Microfilm Estate, etc. These facilities have further made Lincang a stage for global microfilm art exchange. Bathed in the light of "stars, films, and the city", we believe that the future of Lincang will be more brilliant.

Contact:

Contact person: Wang Le

Telephone:13121685784

Email: 929007935@qq.com

Official website: https://mbd.baidu.com/ma/s/hV3jtpWp

Address: Room 1502, Unit 1, Building 101, Jinyu Tonghe Park, Tongzhou District, Beijing

SOURCE: Beijing Hi La Ni ao Culture Media Co., Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/809775/the-10th-asian-microfilm-art-festival-is-held-in-lincang-yunnan-from-november-24th-to-26th
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The Chinese government has decided to allow visa-free travel for citizens from six countries on a trial basis. Under the unilateral visa-free policy, passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia can visit the country for a year, its foreign ministry said in a statement. This will be implemented from December 1. Until November 30, 2024, passport holders from these countries can travel to China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for 15 days. According to the foreign ministry, the new lenient foreign policy will help 'promote China's high-quality development and opening up.' Currently, China allows citizens of Singapore and Brunei to visit the country for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes for a period of 15 days. The experimental change in policy comes at a time China's inbound tourism sector has slowed after the pandemic. The number of foreign tourists visiting China has decreased considerably from pre-pandemic levels that will have negative implications for foreign investment and diplomacy in China's tourism industry, a recent report quoted experts as saying. 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.


EQS Newswire / 24/11/2023 / 15:00 CET/CEST

MACAO, CHINA - Media OutReach - 24 November 2023 - The 2023 Shenzhen New Energy Vehicle Industry (Macao) Conference was held on 22nd November at the Wynn Palace in Macao. It comprehensively showcased the achievements of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry development and promoted the market-oriented, rule-of-law, and internationalized business environment in Shenzhen. The event welcomed and encouraged various sectors in Macao to seize the opportunities for the development of China's new energy vehicle industry. Mr. Wang Shourui, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Yang Hao, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macau SAR, Zhang Zuowen, Director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Zan Dong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum (Macao) (appointed by Portuguese-speaking countries), Jiang Likun, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Shenzhen, and representatives from various sectors of government and business in Shenzhen and Macao, totaling nearly a hundred people, attended the event.





Vice Mayor Wang Shourui emphasized that transitioning to new energy vehicles represents the sole pathway for China to evolve from merely a large automotive manufacturer to an automotive powerhouse. The new energy vehicles serve as a fresh avenue for transforming, elevating, and fostering high-quality growth within China's automotive sector. For eight consecutive years, China has maintained the top spot globally in both the production and sales of new energy vehicles. Shenzhen, a pinnacle and exemplar city in the new energy vehicle realm. The city has a population of 860,000 new energy vehicles, achieving a penetration rate surpassing 60%, a leading position worldwide. Given the ongoing development in the scientific and technological evolution, Shenzhen aims to leverage its industrial strengths in high-tech clustering. Simultaneously, Macao seeks to maximize its position as a gateway for Greater Bay Area with its global connectivity. Collaboratively, Shenzhen and Macao aim to harness their respective strengths, enhancing multi-faceted cooperation, particularly in the new energy vehicle industry. Their joint endeavour to explore international markets promises to significantly contribute to enriching the "one country, two systems" framework and expediting the attainment of advanced scientific and technological self-reliance.



Director Zhang Zuowen commented that the automotive industry is transitioning toward green, digital, and intelligent advancements. Shenzhen's automotive sector has spearheaded the progress in developing new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, leading China in advocating for and implementing new energy vehicle technology. Its robust competitiveness in key technological innovation continues to grow. Within the context of the high-caliber collaborative efforts shaping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and guided by the operational framework of the Shenzhen-Macao Cooperation Conference and the Special Cooperation Class, Macao intends to fully leverage the institutional advantages afforded by the "one country, two systems" model. Macao also aims to amplify the role of its "Connect the World" business cooperation service platform. This involves deepening collaboration with Shenzhen across multiple fronts, including new energy vehicles, ecological preservation, and environmental protection. The objective is to aid Shenzhen's new energy vehicles in exploring global markets, particularly those in Portuguese-speaking countries, while supporting the advancement of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and the establishment of a "new generation world-class automotive city."



Deputy Secretary-General Zandong highlighted that Portuguese-speaking countries possess strategic geographical locations and abundant natural resources, presenting significant potential for economic development. Their economic and trade ties with China are progressively deepening, fostering expansive prospects for collaboration. China's new energy automobile industry is rapidly gaining recognition in the global automotive industry for its advance technology development. The conference gathering offers a rare opportunity for Portuguese-speaking countries to grasp the dynamics within Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and seize the developmental possibilities it offers. The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum between China and Portuguese-speaking countries pledges to remain a facilitative platform for fostering exchanges and cooperation between China and these nations. It aims to support both Shenzhen and Macao in actively expanding their market presence within Portuguese-speaking countries. Furthermore, it intends to comprehensively fortify economic and trade cooperation across various sectors with these nations.



Director Jiang Likun emphasized that the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area stands as a significant national strategy personally envisioned, planned, and advocated by President Xi Jinping. This conference centers on the theme of "expanding the global market presence of this new energy vehicles" and aims to promote high quality advancement of new energy automotive industry within the Greater Bay Area. Shenzhen will intensely focus on the objective of establishing an international hub for science and technology innovation within the Greater Bay Area. It is determined to grasp firmly the developmental necessities of the "20+8" industrial cluster. Additionally, it aims to enhance understanding among Hong Kong, Macao, and the global community regarding Shenzhen's industrial policies, investment milieu, and its future developmental. The goal is to encourage Hong Kong and Macao to actively participate in the holistic development of the country. This collective endeavour is to spearhead development of advance technology hub in the Greater Bay Area for both domestic and international market growth in tandem. Thereby the vision is contributing significantly to the establishment of an advance world-class bay area.



At the event, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology presented the "Shenzhen Three-Year Action Plan (2023-2025)" aimed at expediting the creation of a "New Generation of World-Class Automobile City." Additionally, six companies, including BYD Co., Ltd., Skyworth Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen University, Hongde Automobile Industry Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Bihu New Energy Automobile Technology Co., Ltd., Dahang Science and Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Infineon Technology Co., Ltd., delivered specialized speeches on the new energy vehicle industry's development.

Hashtag: NewEnergyVehicle EV

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Media OutReach

24/11/2023 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT)(OTCQB:NSRCF) ("NextSource" or the "Company") announces that Mr Robin Borley has resigned as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. NextSource is pleased to announce it has appointed Mr Johnny Velloza as Chief Operating Officer on an interim basis.

Mr. Velloza has a wealth of technical and operating experience in the mining industry spanning 30 years during which he managed operational optimisation processes and large capital expansions across a range of commodities and in many jurisdictions. Mr. Velloza was previously Deputy CEO and COO of Gem Diamonds and CEO of Chemaf. Prior to this, he was with BHP Western Australia Iron Ore where, from 2013 to 2015, he was General Manager at Mining Area C, the largest iron ore mine in the BHP portfolio, leading a number of successful operational efficiency programs. He also acted as a Senior Exploration Manager in Zambia and in Chile for BHP from 2011-2013, Operations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti from 2009-2010 and held numerous managerial positions at De Beers from 2001-2009. Mr Velloza holds a Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from The University of Johannesburg and a Bachelor's degree in Business from The University of South Africa.

President and CEO, Craig Scherba, commented:

"I am delighted Johnny has agreed to join NextSource as Chief Operating Officer where he will drive the implemention of recommendations made to resolve process issues that have delayed bringing the plant at the Molo mine to its nameplate capacity. I would like to thank Robin for his contributions to NextSource."

Mr. Borley has also resigned as a director of the Company and will not be standing for re-election at the upcoming NextSource shareholders' meeting. The Company wishes Mr. Borley well in his future endeavours.

About NextSource Materials Inc.

NextSource Materials Inc. is a battery materials development company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a vertically integrated global supplier of battery materials through the mining and value-added processing of graphite and other minerals.

The Company's Molo graphite project in Madagascar is one of the largest known and highest-quality graphite resources globally, and the only one with SuperFlake graphite. The Molo mine has begun production, with Phase 1 mine operations currently being optimized to reach its nameplate production capacity of 17,000 tpa of graphite concentrate.

The Company is also developing a significant downstream graphite value-add business through the staged rollout of Battery Anode Facilities capable of large-scale production of coated, spheronized and purified graphite for direct delivery to battery and automotive customers, outside of existing Asian supply chains, in a fully transparent and traceable manner.

NextSource Materials is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRCF".

For further information about NextSource visit our website at www.nextsourcematerials.com or contact us at +1.416.364.4911 or email Brent Nykoliation, Executive Vice President at brent@nextsourcematerials.com or Aura Financial nextsource@aura-financial.com.

Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements include any statements regarding, among others, timing of on-site construction including the processing plant, process improvements and mine plant adjustments as well as production estimates and timing thereof, the rollout of Battery Anode Facilities including the capabilities and the timing thereof. . These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance 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 the Company will derive there from. 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 forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

SOURCE: NextSource Materials Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/809803/nextsource-announces-appointment-of-johnny-velloza-as-interim-chief-operating-officer
CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Isolator Market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Factors accelerating the growth of the digital isolator market are the increased adoption of digital isolators as alternatives to optocouplers, stringent regulations for batteries installed in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, strong focus on the adoption of renewable energy sources worldwide, high demand for noise-free electronics and electrical devices, rapid adoption of digital isolators in industrial motor drive applications, as well as integration of digital isolators with gate drivers for enhancing safety and reliability of power electronics systems.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=10163615

Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Isolator Market"

186 - Tables

78 - Figures

243 - Pages

Digital Isolator Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2022 $ 1.9 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 3.1 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% Market Size Available for 2019-2028 Forecast Period 2022-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Technology, Data Rate, Channel, Insulation Material, Application, Vertical and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge High cost of digital isolators than optocouplers Key Market Opportunities Increasing use of isolators in harsh environmental applications Key Market Drivers High demand for digital isolators from electric vehicle and battery pack manufacturers

Digital isolators with data rates of more than 75 Mbps segment to account for the largest share during the forecast period.

Digital isolators with data rates of more than 75 Mbps accounted for the largest market share (~47%), in terms of value, in 2022. Their leading position in the market can be attributed to the integration of giant magnetoresistive isolation technology in these digital isolators, which enables higher data rates and swift and accurate communication between devices/equipment. Digital isolators with data rates of more than 75 Mbps also reduce propagation delays, thereby providing smooth, sensitive, and accurate data signals at their output end without any major delays.

The 8-channel segment in the digital isolator market is expected to grow at the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

The market for 8-channel digital isolators is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. These isolators can accommodate a signaling rate of 150 Mbps with higher accuracy. Moreover, 8-channel digital isolators are widely used in industrial automation and automotive applications, driving the market for 8-channel digital isolators. Infineon Technologies AG (Germany) and Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (US) are some remarkable players that offer 8-channel digital isolators.

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China in Asia Pacific to hold the largest market share throughout the forecast period.

China accounted for the largest share of the digital isolator industry in Asia Pacific in 2022 and is expected to retain its position during the forecast period. The presence of players such as Suzhou Naxin Microelectronics Co., Ltd. (Novosense) (China); Advantech Co., Ltd. (Taiwan); MORNSUN Guangzhou Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (China); and HOPE Microelectronics CO., Ltd. (HOPERF) (China) and the country being a growing market for the industrial and automobile (especially EV) sectors are the major factors driving the market growth. However, India is to witness the highest CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period due to rapid industrialization and development in the region.

Key Players

The report profiles key digital isolator companies players and analyzes their market shares. Players profiled in this report are Texas Instruments Incorporated (US), Analog Devices, Inc. (US), Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (US), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), NVE Corporation (US), ROHM CO., LTD. (Japan), Broadcom (US), Vicor Corporation (US), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan), and Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan), are some major players.

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BANGALORE, India, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Contract Logistics Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Service (Transportation, Warehousing, Distribution, Aftermarket Logistics), by Type (Insourcing, Outsourcing), by Industry Vertical (Retail, E-Commerce, Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial, High-tech, Pharma and healthcare, Others), by Mode of Transportation (Railways, Airways, Roadways, Waterways): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast - 2031.

The global contract logistics market size was valued at USD 243.6 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 505.3 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2022 to 2031.

Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Manu-0S93/Contract_Logistics_Market

Major Factors Driving the Growth of Contract Logistics Market:

The growth of the contract logistics market is aided by variables such as the e-commerce sector's expansion, the rise in trade-related agreements, and the manufacturing sector's expansion.

Furthermore, the advent of last-mile delivery combined with automated logistics and a sharp increase in the usage of IT systems and software opens up new business potential for the major players in the industry.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE CONTRACT LOGISTICS MARKET:

E-commerce is the term for the online purchasing and selling of commodities. Shipping goods to customers is included in the services offered by third-party logistics companies. Additionally, the e-commerce sector makes use of contract logistics services to supervise and manage the supply chain of its businesses, freeing them up to concentrate on marketing and other aspects of their operations. The e-commerce business has benefited greatly from logistics, and as a result, the use of logistics services has grown significantly, propelling the expansion of the contract logistics market.

The main forces behind globalization are improving global economic circumstances and dynamic market conditions. A surge in a number of trade-related activities has been seen as a result of globalization. It is now more challenging for producers or merchants to effectively monitor these actions. Contract logistics services are essential for consumers who are cost-conscious and need a larger selection of premium goods delivered on time. For major players, this feature is anticipated to propel the expansion of the contract logistics market. Furthermore, a key driver of the industry's expansion is the expansion of the international market.

Strong supply chains, trade facilitation, and infrastructure are necessary for contract logistics. Due to high financial expenses, businesses without these must accumulate greater working capital and stock reserves, which can negatively impact regional and national competitiveness. The absence of infrastructure also hurts the market by raising prices and lowering supply chain dependability. These consist of large transportation inefficiencies, deteriorating infrastructure for storage, a complicated tax system, a slow rate of technological adoption, and inadequate logistics specialists' abilities. Consequently, the expansion of the contract logistics market is anticipated to be hampered by elements including inadequate warehouse space, expensive inventory, and inadequate infrastructure.

The last leg of the delivery process from a warehouse or distribution center to the customer is referred to as "last-mile logistics." The contract logistics business has seen a significant upsurge in the supply of efficient last-mile deliveries due to the ongoing expansion of e-commerce companies. Additionally, contract logistics businesses' ongoing efforts to provide effective last-mile deliveries are another potential driver anticipated to support the growth of the contract logistics market in the near future.

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CONTRACT LOGISTICS MARKETSHARE ANALYSIS

The increasing complexity of global supply chains, growing customer expectations for prompt and effective product support, and technological advancements like IoT and analytics that provide improved visibility and control over the entire aftermarket supply chain are some of the main drivers driving the growth of aftermarket logistics. The need for effective reverse logistics procedures is also being driven by an increasing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy practices, which is fueling the sector's rise in the aftermarket logistics segment. The aforementioned issues emphasize the need for adaptable and efficient aftermarket logistics solutions to fulfill the changing demands of both enterprises and customers.

Due to businesses realizing the strategic benefits of bringing some logistical tasks in-house, the insourcing sector of the contract logistics industry is expanding. The trend towards insourcing is being driven by factors including the need for more control over crucial supply chain components, the ability to customize services to fit individual demands, and the possibility of cost savings through operational synergies and economies of scale. Furthermore, the progress made in technology and data analytics has enabled companies to effectively oversee internal logistics, leading to a growing trend where companies aim to utilize their internal resources to improve flexibility, agility, and responsiveness in the ever-changing contract logistics market.

Based on the industrial vertical, retail is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.

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Key Companies:

GEODIS

United Parcel Service of America Inc

XPO Logistics, Inc

Neovia Logistics Services

Agility

Deutsche Post AG

Ryder System, Inc.

Kuehne + Nagel

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Penske

LOGISTEED

A.P. MOLLER - MAERSK

YUSEN LOGISTICS CO.,LTD.

DSV

DB Schenker

CEVA Logistics

CJ Logistics Corporation

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- Third Party Logistics (3PL) and Contract Logistics market is projected to reach USD 2098050 million in 2029, increasing from USD 1242520 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 7.9% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Logistics Warehousing Service market is projected to reach USD 251930 million in 2029, increasing from USD 197370 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 3.6% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Third Party Logistics (3PL) in Automotive market is projected to reach USD 12530 million in 2029, increasing from USD 7980 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 6.6% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Automotive Logistics market size is projected to reach USD 350700 million by 2028, from USD 253630 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 4.3%.

- Logistics Finance Market

- Food Delivery Logistic market is projected to grow from USD 45070 million in 2023 to USD 104520 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.1% during the forecast period.

- Freight Forwarding Management System Software market is projected to grow from USD 422.3 million in 2023 to USD 670.1 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0% during the forecast period.

- Radioactive Material Logistics Market

- Modern Logistics Warehouse Properties Market

- Clinical Trial Supply and Logistics market is projected to grow from USD 12670 million in 2023 to USD 18490 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period.

- Benchmarking Services for Transportation Rates and Logistics Performance Metrics Market

- Logistics Advisory Market

- Cloud-Based Contract Management Software market was valued at USD 2351.6 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 5354.7 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Contract Management Solutions market was valued at USD 2729.8 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 5417.1 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Contract Manufacturing Services market was valued at USD 159800 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 221600 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Consumer Goods Contract Packaging Market

- IoT Fleet Management market is projected to reach USD 32430 million by 2028 from an estimated USD 10330 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 21.0% during 2023 and 2028.

- Freight Brokerage market is projected to reach USD 82150 million by 2028 from an estimated USD 60610 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 5.2% during 2023 and 2028.

- e-commerce logistics market was valued at USD 235.70 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach USD 1,901.97 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23.5% from 2021 to 2030.

- Drone Logistics and Transportation market size is projected to reach USD 12180 million by 2028, from USD 5752.2 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 10.8% during 2022-2028.

- Freight Forwarding Market

- Air Cargo Container Market size valued at USD 193.5 million in 2021 and will reach 240.91 USD at a CAGR of 3.72% from 2022 to 2028.

- Digital Logistics market size is projected to reach USD 22170 million by 2028, from USD 10230 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 11.5% during 2022-2028.

- Refrigerated Truck Rental Market

- The global express delivery market size was valued at USD 262.86 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 484.38 billion by 2030 registering a CAGR of 6.4% from 2021 to 2030.

- Ocean Freight Forwarding market size is projected to reach USD 206360 million by 2027, from USD 125200 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 7.4%.

- 3rd party logistics market was valued at USD 1027.71 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1789.94 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of 7.1%.

- The global logistics market size is valued at USD 7641.20 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 12975.64 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of 6.5%.

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CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The growing prominence of edge computing, prefabrication and scalability, integration with cutting-edge technologies, and sustainability will all play major roles in the future of the modular data centre market. With an increased emphasis on security protocols, customisation, and collaborations to provide effective and adaptable solutions, the market is anticipated to grow worldwide.

The Modular Data Center Market size is expected to grow from USD 25.8 billion in 2023 to USD 81.2 billion by 2030 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.8% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Data center optimization initiatives to address critical infrastructure inefficiencies are expected to boost the adoption of modular data centers globally. The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) launched the Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) to cut down on data center footprints and eliminate inefficiencies. Since its launch, data center providers have taken proactive steps to guarantee that their products support DCOI compliance. As a result, more federal agencies are implementing cutting-edge modular data centers and maintenance services.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Modular Data Center Market"

262 - Tables

58 - Figures

310 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2030 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 2023-2030 Forecast units Value (USD Million) Segments Covered Component (Solutions and Services), Organization Size, and Vertical Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Dell Technologies (US), Vertiv (US), Schneider Electric (France), IBM (US), Huawei (China), Eaton (Ireland), Rittal (Germany), HPE (US), Silent-Aire (US), Eltek (Norway), Equinix (US), Cupertino Electric (US), FiberHome (China), Kstar (China), STULZ (US), BaseLayer (US), PCX (US), Cannon Technologies (UK), BladeRoom (UK), Microsoft (US), Rahi (US), EdgeMCS (US), Meta (US), Apple (US), Google (US), Box Modul (Sweden), Asperitas (Netherlands), ScaleMatrix (US), CoreSite (US), 365 Data Centers (US)

Based on individual modules, cooling modules will record the highest CAGR in the Modular Data Center Market during the forecast period.

Data center infrastructure requires a range of cooling architectures depending on location, cost, efficiency, and reliability. Cooling modules include various cooling systems designed to cool the IT equipment within the data center. They aid in lowering the modules' initial purchase prices. Moreover, cooling systems assist in removing heat from the data center and maintaining the ideal temperature for effective operation, since rising processing power in modular data centers has increased the amount of heat emitted.. The advantage of scalability and flexibility has further added to the demand for cooling modules worldwide.

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By Organization Size, the large enterprises segment holds a larger market share during the forecast period.

Organizations with an employee strength of more than 1,000 can be considered large enterprises. Large enterprises face various issues related to higher power consumption and carbon footprint. Modular data centers are highly efficient in power and cooling as components such as storage devices, servers, UPS, and cooling systems are fixed in the box, unlike traditional data centers. Modular data centers further help enterprises with easy and quick deployments, thus helping them to expand their existing data centers instead of constructing new ones. They save a lot of time and reduce the building and maintenance costs. Due to the ever-increasing data storage needs, large enterprises are adopting large data centers with highly scalable infrastructure.

By region, the Asia Pacific region recorded the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth opportunities in the coming years, owing to the increased adoption of advanced technologies such as IoT and cloud computing. This region is home to many global telecommunications and edge network companies, including Huawei, Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, China Telecom, Vodafone, and NTT Docomo, contributing to the growth of the Modular Data Center Market. The rapid growth of the social media and gaming sectors in the Asia Pacific has increased the demand for an explicitly scalable architecture capable of handling complex operations. This demand can be met by the effective deployment of modular data center solutions, further contributing to market growth. Due to the significant technological opportunities provided by Asia Pacific, many top vendors have set up their presence in this region. The growing demand for hyperscale and hyperconverged infrastructure, coupled with the increasing number of internet-connected users, is also fueling the growth of the Modular Data Center Market in the region. Leading companies, including Google, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft, are investing heavily in Asia Pacific and building regional data center facilities. These investments are further contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific Modular Data Center Market.

Top Key Companies in Modular Data Center Market:

Some of the key players operating in the Modular Data Center Market are - Dell Technologies (US), Vertiv (US), Schneider Electric (France), IBM (US), Huawei (China), Eaton (Ireland), Rittal (Germany), HPE (US), Silent-Aire (Canada), and Eltek (Norway).

Recent Developments

In November 2023, Vertiv launched Vertiv SmartMod Max CW, a modular data center that is pre-built and designed to meet the increasing demand for rapid computing deployment. The system supports up to 200kW of total IT load in a single unit and uses chilled water cooling to reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency. This solution is now available in the North American region. The SmartMod Max CW is factory-assembled and tested, reducing on-site preparation, assembly time, and costs compared to traditional data center construction. The system offers a range of customization options, such as power and cooling capacities, rack sizes, and module dimensions. This flexibility allows data centers to tailor the solution to their specific requirements, from small-scale operations like edge data centers to mid-sized enterprises, government and public sector entities, and healthcare organizations.

In July 2023, Schneider Electric (France) and HCLTech (India) entered into a deal (collaboration) to create carbon-efficient solutions for data centers in the Asia Pacific region. The aim is to assess risk and responsibility and integrate HCLTech's sustainable IT practices with Schneider Electric's operational technology (OT) to develop solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and modernization of data centers. This initiative also aims to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

In July 2023, during the Global Smart Green Data Center Summit, Huawei unveiled two new solutions: the EHU (environment handling unit) and the iManager-M mobile intelligent management solution. These solutions are designed to optimize accessible cooling sources, improving cooling efficiency and reducing water and power consumption for greater sustainability. With this technology, data centers can achieve a PUE (power usage efficiency) as low as 1.15 and a water usage effectiveness of only 0.6 L/kWh.

In May 2023, Dell announced its new edge operation software platform, NativeEdge. NativeEdge is an edge operation software platform for edge infrastructure and application deployment, which includes device onboarding at scale, remote management, and multi-cloud application orchestration to data centers/edge.

In December 2022, Eaton installed its largest facility in Africa, with a power capacity of 10 MW, at its Midrand site. The upgraded facilities comply with the requirements of data center sites, with power solutions to support them. Despite the limited space and restricted on-site installation time, all the necessary configurations were made to accommodate the project.

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Modular Data Center Market Advantages:

Fast Deployment: One of the main benefits of modular data centres is their ability to be deployed quickly. Compared to traditional builds, these prefabricated modules may be rapidly erected and commissioned, enabling organisations to bring data centre capacity online sooner.

Modular data centres are scalable by nature, making them easily expandable. Companies can begin with a smaller module and add more as their needs for data processing and storage increase. Cost-effective growth and more flexible capacity planning are made possible by this scalability.

Lower Capital Expenditure: Compared to traditional data centre construction, the modular solution may be more affordable. By gradually increasing capacity as needed, organisations can keep costs under control without having to pay the high upfront expenditures of establishing a whole facility at once.

Optimised Cooling and Energy Usage: Energy-efficient technologies and designs are frequently included into modular data centres, which optimises cooling systems and lowers overall energy consumption. Saving operational costs and achieving sustainability goals depend on this.

Infrastructure That Can Be Moved: Because modular data centres are movable, businesses can move them if needed. This flexibility comes in handy for disaster recovery plans, interim deployments, and circumstances requiring the relocation of a data centre.

Standardised Build Quality: Prefabricating modular components guarantees a consistent level of build quality. Along with making maintenance and management easier, this consistency may help to increase performance and dependability.

Centralised Control and Monitoring: A lot of modular data centres have sophisticated remote control features. Even if the data centre is located far away physically, IT staff can monitor and operate the infrastructure remotely, allowing for effective management.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and forecast the global Modular Data Center Market based on component (solutions and services), organization size, vertical, and region.

To forecast the market size of the five major regional segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America

To strategically analyze the market subsegments for individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the total market

To provide detailed information related to the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges)

To strategically analyze macro and micro-markets concerning growth trends, prospects, and their contributions to the overall market

To analyze industry trends, patents and innovations, and pricing data related to the Modular Data Center Market.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for major players.

To profile key players in the market and comprehensively analyze their market share/ranking and core competencies

To track and analyze competitive developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, product developments, and partnerships & collaborations in the market.

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For almost 200 years, Vicat has been a leading player in the mineral and biosourced building materials industry. Vicat is a group listed on the Euronext Paris market and is under the majority control of the founding Merceron-Vicat family. Committed to a trajectory that will make it carbon-neutral across its value chain by 2050, the Vicat Group now operates three core lines of business: Cement, Ready-Mixed Concrete and Aggregates, as well as related activities. The Vicat Group is present in 12 countries spanning both developed and emerging markets. It has 9,900 employees and generated consolidated sales of 3,642 million in 2022. With its strong regional positions, Vicat is developing a circular economy model beneficial for all and consistently innovating to reduce the construction industry's environmental impact.

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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar moved up against its major counterparts during the New York session on Friday, as the nation's retail sales rose unexpectedly in September. Data from Statistics Canada showed that retail sales rose 0.6 percent in September following a 0.1 percent drop in the previous month. Economists had expected retail sales to come in flat. Core retail sales, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers edged up 0.2 percent, defying expectations for a decline of 0.2 percent. The rate was unchanged from August, which was revised up from a 0.1 percent increase. The loonie climbed to a multi-week high of 1.3620 against the greenback and an 8-day high of 109.78 against the yen, off its early 2-day lows of 1.3711 and 108.90, respectively. The loonie firmed to 0.8954 against the aussie, from an early 2-day low of 0.8998. The loonie touched 1.4885 against the euro, setting an 8-day high. The next possible resistance for the currency is seen around 1.34 against the greenback, 113.00 against the yen, 0.875 against the aussie and 1.46 against the euro. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Guaranteed portion of the transaction will extend cash runway past regulatory milestones in Q1-2024

The financial visibility will allow TME Pharma to file and receive feedback from FDA on its IND and applications to expedited regulatory review pathways

Current shareholders to receive preferential rights to participate in capital raise issuing shares with warrants attached

Buyback of nearly half of outstanding convertible debt and lock-up of the remainder until April 1, 2024

New warrants issued with potential to raise an additional 2.2 million and extend cash runway into September 2024 if fully exercised

Regulatory News:

Attention! This investment falls outside AFM supervision. No licence and no prospectus required for this activity.

This information is not intended for residents of the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada or Japan. See Annex for full disclaimer.

TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announced today the launch of a 100% guaranteed capital increase through issuance of new shares for 2.7 million gross proceeds with associated warrants potentially raising up to 2.2 million of additional gross proceeds in order to secure financing to reach key regulatory milestones in 2024. The guaranteed amount is secured by a group of Dutch investors. The transaction is expected to extend the company's cash runway into May 2024 with possibility to extend further into July 2024 if the associated warrants expiring in February 2024 are exercised in full, and to September 2024 if both sets of warrants are fully exercised by July 2024. The operation offers current shareholders subscription rights to maintain their holding in the company without being diluted.

"This guaranteed capital injection provides TME Pharma with financing into May 2024, with the possibility of extending our cash runway even further should all the warrants be fully exercised while ensuring minimal dilution to existing shareholders who continue to support our venture," said Aram Mangasarian, CEO of TME Pharma. "This will allow us to achieve our next clinical and regulatory milestones with our lead asset NOX-A12 in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients, including further maturing of the survival data, an Investigational New Drug filing, and potential access to expedited regulatory pathways in the US, such as Fast-Track. We are also announcing the repurchase of almost half our existing outstanding convertible debt, with the remainder locked up until April next year. This is the latest step in our commitment to our shareholders to end the use of convertible bond financing so we can remain focused on our goal of developing novel therapies for cancer patients and bringing them to market."

Key Preferential Rights Issue details1

Preferential subscription right: 1 preferential subscription right (PSR) will be awarded for 1 ordinary share held on November 27, 2023

Subscription rate: Each 3 PSRs give right to subscribe for 5 ABSA Y (5 new shares with 5 Warrants Y attached)

Subscription price: 0.25 per ABSA Y

Subscription period: From November 30 to December 11, 2023 (inclusive)

ABSA are shares with warrants attached. There are two types of ABSA: ABSA Y, containing one new share and one Warrant Y, and ABSA Z, containing one new share and one Warrant Z.

Warrants Y:

Each series of 5 Warrants Y entitle a holder to subscribe for 2 ABSA Z (2 new shares with 2 Warrants Z attached)

Warrant Y will have an exercise price of 0.25

Warrant Y maturity: February 16, 2024, with two periods of exercise. Warrants Y that have not been exercised by the end of the exercise period will become null and void. See Warrants Terms Conditions for further details.

Warrants Z:

Each series of 4 Warrants Z entitle a holder to subscribe for 5 new shares

Warrant Z will have an exercise price of 0.20

Warrant Z maturity: June 30, 2025, with one period of exercise per quarter. Warrants Y that have not been exercised by the end of the exercise period at the latest will become null and void, without value. See Warrants Terms Conditions for further details.

Illustrative example

A shareholder holding 300 shares of TME Pharma as of November 27, 2023, would be awarded 300 preferential subscription rights (PSRs). Having 300 PSRs entitles the shareholder to acquire 500 ABSA Y, composed of 500 new shares and 500 Warrant Y, for an amount of 125. The 500 Warrant Y entitle them to subscribe for 200 ABSA Z for 50. These 200 ABSA Z are composed of 200 new shares and 200 Warrant Z. The 200 Warrant Z can be exercised for 50 granting 250 new TME Pharma shares. Thus, if this shareholder participates fully in the transaction, they would hold 1250 shares.

Buyback and Lock-up of Convertible Debt key details2

The company plans to reduce the outstanding convertible debt with part of the guaranteed proceeds from this transaction. As announced on April 18, 2023, the company terminated the agreement with Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC (ASO) other than with regard to already issued convertible bonds (CBs). One of the conditions of the investor group guaranteeing this financing is that TME Pharma repurchase 898 out of 1,898 outstanding convertible bonds for the total amount of 942,900 including 5% premium3. Furthermore, ASO agrees to a lock-up of the remaining 1,000 convertible bonds until April 1, 2024, in exchange for a flat fee of 100 additional CBs. The redemption and lock-up prevent further conversion of CBs to shares and reiterate the company's commitment to methodically end its reliance on convertible bond financing. The company is evaluating options to repurchase the last part of remaining convertible debt.

The proceeds from the capital increase will be further used to reach increased data maturity in the ongoing NOX-A12 GLORIA Phase 1/2 trial in glioblastoma, advance the discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) past regulatory milestones, and intensify interactions with investors and potential industry partners.

Timetable of the Rights Issue

November 17, 2023 Decision of the Board of Directors on the launch of Capital Increase November 24, 2023 Press release announcing the Capital Increase

Release of the Euronext notice November 27, 2023 Suspension of the right to exercise dilutive instruments issued by the Company

Accounting day at the end of which the holders of existing shares recorded in their securities accounts will be awarded preferential subscription rights (PSRs) November 28, 2023 Detachment of PSRs and start of their listing November 29, 2023 Euronext "Record date" November 30, 2023 (included) Opening of the subscription period Start of the period of PSR exercise December 07, 2023 (included) End of PSR listing December 11, 2023 (included) Closing of the subscription period End of the period of PSR exercise December 13, 2023 Reception of the results of the public offer December 14, 2023 Decision of the Board of Directors on the issue of the New Shares, and where applicable, the limitation of the Capital Increase, the reallocation of the Capital Increase December 14, 2023 Distribution of the press release announcing the final amount of Capital Increase December 18, 2023 Settlement-delivery, listing of New Shares, listing of Warrants Y December 18, 2023 Resumption of the right to exercise any dilutive instruments issued by the Company, except convertible bonds subject to lock-up until April 1, 2024

The characteristics, terms and conditions and dilution resulting from the transaction may be found in the Annex to this press release.

About TME Pharma

TME Pharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. The company's oncology-focused pipeline is designed to act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking tumor protection barriers against the immune system and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, TME Pharma's approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses and enable greater therapeutic impact. In the GLORIA clinical trial, TME Pharma is studying its lead drug candidate NOX-A12 in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit clinically from standard chemotherapy. TME Pharma has delivered top-line data from the NOX-A12 three dose-escalation cohorts combined with radiotherapy of the GLORIA clinical trial, observing consistent tumor reductions and objective tumor responses. Additionally, GLORIA expansion arms evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in other combinations where the interim results from the triple combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab suggest even deeper and more durable responses, and improved survival. NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy has received orphan drug designation for glioblastoma in the United States and glioma in Europe. TME Pharma has delivered final top-line data with encouraging overall survival and safety profile from its NOX-A12 combination trial with Keytruda in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, which was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in October 2021. The company has entered in its second collaboration with MSD/Merck for its Phase 2 study, OPTIMUS, to further evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Merck's Keytruda and two different chemotherapy regimens as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The design of the trial has been approved in France, Spain and the United States. The company's second clinical-stage drug candidate, NOX-E36, is designed to target the innate immune system. TME Pharma is considering several solid tumors for further clinical development. Further information can be found at: www.tmepharma.com

TME Pharma and the TME Pharma logo are registered trademarks.

Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp.

Visit TME Pharma on LinkedIn and Twitter

About the GLORIA Study

GLORIA (NCT04121455) is TME Pharma's dose-escalation, Phase 1/2 study of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in first-line partially resected or unresected glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter (resistant to standard chemotherapy). GLORIA further evaluates safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 three additional arms combining NOX-A12 with: A. radiotherapy in patients with complete tumor resection; B. radiotherapy and bevacizumab; and C. radiotherapy and pembrolizumab.

About the OPTIMUS Study

OPTIMUS (NCT04901741) is TME Pharma's planned open-label two-arm Phase 2 study of NOX-A12 combined with pembrolizumab and nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in microsatellite-stable metastatic pancreatic cancer patients.

Disclaimer

Translations of any press release into languages other than English are intended solely as a convenience to the non-English-reading audience. The company has attempted to provide an accurate translation of the original text in English, but due to the nuances in translating into another language, slight differences may exist. This press release includes certain disclosures that contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on TME Pharma's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks inherent in oncology drug development, including clinical trials and the timing of and TME Pharma's ability to obtain regulatory approvals for NOX-A12 as well as any other drug candidates. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and TME Pharma undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

ANNEX: Transaction Description, Use of Proceeds and Dilution

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which they are released, published or distributed, should inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions.

This announcement contains information relating to an offering by TME PHARMA N.V. that is exempted under the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 and the Dutch Exemption Regulations pursuant to the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Vrijstellingsregeling Wft) (considering total consideration being less than EUR 5 million).

This announcement does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, or Japan or in any jurisdiction in which such offers or sales are unlawful. Any securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or under any applicable securities laws of any state, province, territory, county or jurisdiction of the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, or Japan.

The "Issuer": TME Pharma N.V., a Dutch public limited liability company (naamloze vennootschap) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, having its statutory seat (statutaire zetel) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its office address at Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany, and registered with the trade registry of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 62425781.

Use of proceeds: continuation of the ongoing GLORIA Phase 1/2 clinical study of NOX-A12 combination therapies in newly diagnosed brain cancer (glioblastoma) patients, advancement of the discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration, as well as with potential investors and industry partners, repurchase of the part of the remaining outstanding convertible debt, and general corporate purposes.

Financial Visibility: TME Pharma expects that the guaranteed capital in this financing will bring sufficient cash to allow TME Pharma to continue operations according to its current budget into early May 2024 with possibility to extend further into July 2024 if the associated warrants expiring in February 2024 are exercised in full, and to September 2024 if both sets of warrants are fully exercised by July 2024.

Shareholder and Corporate Authorizations: The issuance of shares in this transaction relies upon the authorizations granted to the Issuer by its shareholders on June 29, 2023. Issuer has completed and obtained all necessary corporate approvals for the rights issue.

Transaction Details:

Preferential subscription right

All existing shareholders of the Issuer as per November 29, 2023 (the Record Date) will be awarded one preferential subscription right (PSR) for each one ordinary share held by them in the share capital of the Issuer (Shares or Share)on the Record Date. Every three (3) PSR entitle a holder to subscribe for five (5) ABSA Y. Upon exercise of ABSAs or subsequently the warrants (Warrants)attached to such Shares, no fractional Shares shall be issued. Any fractional entitlement to ABSA shall be rounded down to the nearest number of whole ABSA.

The purchase of the ABSA Y has been fully guaranteed by a group of investors in order for Issuer to have certainty on minimum gross proceeds from the transaction amounting to EUR 2,706,382.

ABSA

The securities to be issued are ABSA. ABSA are Shares in the share capital of the Issuer with Warrants attached. There are two types of ABSA: ABSA Y, containing one new Share and one Warrant Y, and ABSA Z, containing one new Share and one Warrant Z. A maximum number of 10,825,528 ABSA Y can be issued, each comprised of one new Share and one Warrant Y after Issuance Date. A maximum number of 4,330,211 ABSA Z can be issued, each comprised of one new Share and one Warrant Z after exercise of Warrant Y. Five (5) Warrants Y shall entitle a holder to subscribe for two (2) ABSA Z, subject to potential adjustments. Four (4) Warrants Z shall entitle a holder to subscribe for five (5) new Shares, subject to potential adjustments. A maximum number of 5,412,764 additional Shares can be issued after exercise of all Warrant Z. In total a maximum of 20,568,504 Shares can be issued after issuance and after exercise of all Warrants. No fractional Shares shall be issued upon exercise of the Warrants. In case the number of underlying Shares is not a whole number, (i) the Issuer shall round down the number of new Shares to be issued to the Warrant holder to the nearest whole number of Shares and (ii) the Warrant holder will receive an amount in cash from the Issuer equal to the resulting fractional Share multiplied by the closing market price on the trading day preceding the exercise date.



Subscription parity existing shareholders

One (1) PSR will be detached for each existing Share at the Record Date.

Three (3) PSR held shall entitle a shareholder to subscribe for five (5) ABSA Y.

Participation

Participation is possible from three (3) PSRs. Upon exercise of the PSR, the date of issue of the new Shares and the Warrants Y is December 18, 2023 ( Issuance Date

The Warrants Y will be exercisable from January 10 to January 16, 2024, and from February 12 to February 16, 2024. Warrants Y that have not been exercised by the end of the exercise period at the latest will become null and void, without value.

The Warrants Z will be exercisable until June 20, 2025 (one period of exercise per quarter, expiring June 27, 2025, i.e., March, June, September and December in 2024 and March and June in 2025; see Warrants Terms Conditions for schedules). Warrants Z that have not been exercised by the end of the exercise period at the latest will become null and void, without value.

Dilutive Potential:

Shareholders participating fully in the transaction, i.e. purchasing the ABSA Y and exercising Warrants Y and Z will not be diluted, and may increase their percentage shareholding if other investors do not exercise their Warrants.

Table: Dilutive Potential from Transaction Assuming an Existing Shareholder Does NOT Participate in the Transaction

Description Shares to be issued (max) Total shares outstanding Dilution (max) Shareholder starting with 1% would then hold Purchase of ABSA Y 10,825,528 17,320,845 62.50% 0.38% Exercise of Warrant Y 4,330,211 21,651,057 70.00% 0.30% Exercise of Warrant Z 5,412,764 27,063,821 76.00% 0.24%

1 Full details of the transaction can be found on TME Pharma's website.

2 Full details of the transaction can be found on TME Pharma's website.

3 Main characteristics, terms and conditions of the financing through the issuance of convertible bonds were announced in the TME Pharma press release on April 23, 2020.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124698920/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

TME Pharma N.V.

Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO

Tel. +49 (0) 30 726247 0

investors@tmepharma.com

Investor and Media Relations:

LifeSci Advisors

Guillaume van Renterghem

Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31

gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15

arouille@newcap.fr
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 24

For immediate release

24 November 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 175,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 821.65 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 24,649,939; 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 200,341,364.

The figure of 200,341,364 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
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - NORTEC MINERALS CORP. (TSXV: NVT) ("Nortec" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of DW LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants ("successor auditor") as auditors of the Company, effective November 7, 2023. The resignation of Smythe LLP ("former auditor") is not a result of any reportable event ((within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102").

In accordance with Regulation 51-102 respecting Continuous Disclosure Obligations, a notice of change of auditor together with the required letters from the former auditor and the successor auditor have been filed on SEDAR.

About Nortec Minerals Corp.

Nortec is a mineral exploration company that holds 100% interests in two exploration stage critical mineral (zinc) projects, namely the Mattagami River Zinc and the Sturgeon Lake VMS properties, both located in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, the Company holds a 16.4% interest in the Tammela Gold and Tammela Lithium projects in Southwest Finland. Additional information can be found on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and its website at www.nortecminerals.com.

On behalf of the Company,

"Michael Malana"

Interim Chief Executive Officer

info@nortecminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in palladium and other commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and the impact of governmental entities. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188640
BWA Group Plc - Final Results for the 18 Months to 30 June 2023

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 24

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF REGULATION 11 OF THE MARKET ABUSE (AMENDMENT) (EU EXIT) REGULATIONS 2019/310.

24 November 2023

BWA Group PLC

("BWA" or the "Company")

Final Results for the 18 Months to 30 June 2023

BWA Group plc [AQSE: BWAP], which has mineral exploration licences in both Cameroon and Canada at various stages of development and is quoted on London's AQSE Growth Market, announces its audited financial results for the eighteen months to 30 June 2023 (the "Audited Accounts"), following the announcement of the extension of its financial reporting period to 30 June made on 19 June 2023.

The Company has previously announced its unaudited financial results for the first interim period of the six months to 30 June 2022 on 29 September 2022, and the second interim period of six months to 31 December 2022 on 28 June 2023.

The Company also announced the publication of its annual report incorporating the Audited Accounts (the "Annual Report"). A copy of the Annual Report has been published on the Company's website, http://www.bwagroupplc.com , in accordance with its articles of association, and can also be viewed through the link below.

Key elements of the Audited Accounts can be viewed below.

The Company's Annual General Meeting for 2023 will be held at No.1 Bow Churchyard, London, EC4M 9DQ on 20 December 2023 at 12.00pm (the "AGM"). The notice of the AGM (the "Notice") will be posted to shareholders today, and a copy of the Notice will be added to the Company's website.

The Board are responsible for the contents of this announcement.

Ends -

For further information:

BWA Group PLC

James Butterfield

Interim Chairman +44 7770 225253

enquiries@bwagroupplc.com

Allenby Capital Limited

Corporate Adviser

Nick Harriss/Lauren Wright

+44 20 3328 5656

STRATEGIC REPORT - REVIEW OF BUSINESS

The company's principal investments are in Canada and Cameroon. The Canadian interests are mining licences in the Province of Quebec held through the wholly owned subsidiary, Kings of the North Corp. BWA Resources (UK) Limited, 90% owned, owns 100% of its subsidiaries in Cameroon: BWA Resources Cameroon Limited and BWA Minerals Cameroon Limited. During the period under review there have been significant developments in the Cameroon operations.

BWA Cameroon Limited has now been granted a further three exploration licences for Heavy Mineral Sands, (primary Rutile), in Cameroon, taking its total to five. The licensed areas lie along and in the estuary of the Nyong and Sanaga rivers, covering a total licence area of 1,421 sq. kms. BWA Minerals Cameroon Limited has applied for, but not yet granted, two similar licences each covering up to 500 sq. kms each.

Over the 18 month period, activity in Cameroon has been directed towards continuing exploration work in the two, original, licence areas and preliminary work on the three new licence areas. At the start of the period, a JORC compliant Competent Persons Report on the Nkoteng 1 and Dehane licences areas stated:-

"Tecoma are encouraged by the level of grade and extent of all the target minerals throughout the Nkoteng and Dehane licences.

Geological setting including observed basement geology and depositional environment are considered highly prospective for alluvial heavy mineral sands development.

The results to date are considered positive and demonstrate the grades and thicknesses of potential economic interest over significant lateral extents, and warrant further investigation and advanced exploration work, including drill testing, mineral resource estimation leading to preliminary conceptual mining studies and economic evaluation."

Over the following 18 months to 30 June 2023, BWA has continued to work on and develop its five licence sites, which have been reported in the following announcements:

Positive Mineral Results for Nkoteng & Dehane Projects (1 February 2022) Completion of mechanised Auger Sampling at Nkoteng 1 of 107 holes drilled, over 193 meters with 171 primary samples (29 June 2022) Results of Granulometric Test-Work at Nkoteng Project (7 September 2022) Grant of Licences & Access for 3 Exploration Licences (13 December 2022) Reconnaissance Site Visit to Dehane 2 (6 April 2023)

The above announcements can be viewed on the company's website: http://www.bwagroupplc.com/bwa-announcements.html.

The Directors are pleased with the results to date while post period-end announced an Offer for Subscription to raise up to 900,000 to finance working capital and the provision of a Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Dehane 1 area, where investigations to date have produced encouraging results.

In Canada the two licence areas in Quebec, Winterhouse and Isoukustouc, have received care and maintenance attention only, pending settlement of litigation with St Georges Eco-Mining Corp. A proposed settlement offer has been received and is under negotiation.

INCOMESTATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2022 TO 30 JUNE 2023

Period 1.1.22 to 30.6.23 Year ended 31.12.21   TURNOVER 0 0 Administrative expenses 432,882 747,430 -432,882 -747,430 Other operating income - management fees 480,000 240,000 (Loss)/gain on revaluation of investments -586 56,760 (Loss)/gain on disposal of investments -23,911 567,529 OPERATING PROFIT 22,621 116,859 Interest receivable and similar income 24 5,707 Interest payable and similar charges -75,847 -42,876 (LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION -53,202 79,690 Tax on (loss)/profit 0 0 (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD -53,202 79,690 (Loss)/profit per share expressed in pence per share: Basic -0.01 0.03 Diluted -0.01 0.01

BALANCESHEET

30 JUNE 2023

30.6.23 31.12.21   FIXED ASSETS Investments 2,053,724 1,980,034 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 641,957 48,402 Cash at bank 147,247 49,952 789,204 98,354 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year -467,384 -120,809 321,820 -22,455 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,375,544 1,957,579 CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year -34,170 -45,021 NET ASSETS 2,341,374 1,912,558 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 2,483,292 1,972,239 Share premium 23,858 23,858 Other reserve -3,306,659 -3,243,709 Capital redemption reserve 288,625 288,625 Equity reserve 4,338,948 4,367,983 Retained earnings -1,486,690 -1,496,438 SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 2,341,374 1,912,558

CASHFLOWSTATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2022 TO 30 JUNE 2023

Period 1.1.22 to 30.6.23 Year ended 31.12.21   Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations -237,643 -366,287 Interest paid -1,638 -18,644 Net cash used in operating activities -239,281 -384,931 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of fixed asset investments 0 -321,785 Proceeds from sale of fixed asset investments 81,358 1,018,595 Loans to subsidiary undertakings -179,545 -273,017 Interest received 24 5,707 Net cash (used in)/from investing activities -98,163 429,500 Cash flows from financing activities New loans in period 86,000 0 Loan repayments in period -10,724 -41,000 Loan note proceeds received 200,000 45,000 Proceeds from share issue 159,463 0 Net cash from financing activities 434,739 4,000 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 97,295 48,569 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 49,952 1,383 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 147,247 49,952
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices fell sharply on Friday with traders awaiting the crucial meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (collectively known as OPEC+) next week. The OPEC+, originally scheduled to meet on November 26th, announced earlier this week that the meeting has been postponed to November 30th. The meeting has been reportedly postponed as oil producers are struggling to come to a consensus on production levels. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for January ended lower by $1.56 or about 2% at $75.54 a barrel. Brent crude futures settled at $80.58 a barrel today, down $0.84 or about 1% from the previous close. Slightly easing geopolitical concerns following the release of some hostages in Gaza, eased concerns about supply interruptions and contributed a bit to the drop in oil prices. The OPEC+ group is widely expected to extend their current output cuts, but trader appear to have turned cautious due to the meeting postponement. 'While I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see leaks or comments over the weekend that still have an impact on the oil price on the open next week, the actual meeting now occurring Thursday could put traders' minds somewhat at ease,' said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA. 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, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTCQB: UREKF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company") announces that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Private Placement") of up to approximately 3,333,333 flow-through units of the Company ("Flow-Through Units") at a price of $0.54 per Flow-Through Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $1,800,000.

Each Flow-Through Unit shall consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") and one-half (1/2) of one (1) Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase a Share at an exercise price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Closing of the Private Placement is anticipated to occur on or about November 29, 2023. Closing is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. The net proceeds of the Private Placement are intended to be used to advance the Company's Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Camps. Finders' fees may be paid to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Flow-Through Units, including all underlying securities thereof, will have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issue.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Corporate Video

To view a new Eureka Lithium corporate video, visit www.EurekaLithiumCorp.com (https://eurekalithiumcorp.com) or the following URL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vvm0zfNFp4

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation:

https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_Q3_2023.pdf

About Eureka Lithium Corp.

Eureka Lithium is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access.

For more information please contact:

Jeffrey Wilson

Chief Executive Officer

Email: info@eurekalithiumcorp.com

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the contemplated closing of the Private Placement or whether it will close at all, statements contained within the Corporate Video and Corporate Presentation, and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, nor that the Private Placement will be completed as contemplated, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188646
Factbird, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based tech company providing manufacturing intelligence solutions, received an investment of $16M from Expedition Growth Capital and EIFO.

The company intends to use the funds for its international expansion after its 2021 separation from consulting firm Emendo Consulting Group as an independent tech company.

Factbird is a tech company providing manufacturing intelligence solutions, which supplies intelligent, cloud-based technology for the optimization of manufacturers production lines. With a focus on real-time data collection and analysis, the company allows companies to optimize operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity.

Factbird has grown by 300% since 2021. The customer portfolio today counts more than 250+ companies within the pharmaceutical, packaging, industrial equipment and devices, and food and beverage industries across the key markets in the Nordics, USA, Germany, and England.

FinSMEs

24/11/2023
Business tycoon Gautam Singhania recently announced his separation from wife Nawaz Modi on social media and this news left everyone shocked. Later, it was reported that Nawaz has accused the billionaire industrialist of assaulting her and one of their daughters in a fit of rage.

While Modi has demanded 75% of his fortune of $1.4 billion for the divorce settlement, Gautams dad Vijaypat told Business Today, Why is she (Nawaz) fighting for 75%? Gautam is never going to give in, because his motto is  buy everybody and buy everything. That is what he did with me. By fighting like this, I dont think shell get much. Unless she has, maybe, a person like Harish Salve, Mukul Rohatgi, Kapil Sibal.

Well, this is not the first time we saw the demand of a staggering amount for the divorce settlement. In the past, many Bollywood celebs have got a huge alimony after divorce.

Hrithik Roshan-Sussane Khan

After 14 years of marital bliss, Hrithik Roshan and Sussane Khan got separated. While Khan demanded Rs 400 crore, the settlement was done at reportedly Rs 380 crore.

Karisma Kapoor-Sunjay Kapoor

The duo legally got divorced in May 2016. A lawyer involved in the case was quoted as saying, Karisma will get Sunjays fathers house (in Khar) transferred in her name. Sunjay has to purchase bonds worth Rs. 14 crore for the children, which will attract a monthly interest of around Rs. 10 lakh.

Farhan Akhtar-Adhuna Bhabani

After the couple ended their marriage after 16 years, Farhan paid one-time alimony to Adhuna and she also got his 10,000 square feet bungalow in Bandstand, Mumbai named Vipassana.

Saif Ali Khan-Amrita Singh

After 13 years of marriage, the duo separated in 2004. Talking about the alimony, Saif said in an old interview, Im supposed to give Amrita Rs 5 crore, of which Ive already given her approximately Rs 2.5 crore. Also, Im paying Rs 1 lakh per month until my son becomes 18. Im not Shah Rukh Khan. I dont have that kind of money. Ive promised her Ill pay up the rest of the money, and I will, even if Ive to slog till I drop dead.
To start with, cutting Netflixs The Crown Season 6 into two halves doesnt make sense. I have been watching The Crown for a long time now. Somehow, this time I didnt find it to be that engaging. But one thing that needs to be appreciated is that despite Britain being a monarchy, the makers of the show didnt hesitate to show the inner intimacy between King Charles III and Queen Camilla when Charles was already married to Diana. This shows that its truly one of the oldest democracy where the power of the fourth estate cannot be crushed.

But what I didnt like was the kind of soft justification they were giving to Charles as to why things didnt work out between him and Diana. Diana is definitely the queen of hearts and she will remain the peoples queen. But we cannot deny that injustice was done to her by the British Royal family and all of them were party to it. If Charles was so deeply in love with Camilla and continued with his relationship with her even after marriage, why did he marry Diana and ruined her life?

Netflixs The Crown kind of overlooked this bit of an extra-marital affair of Charles as something okay and tried to show that after being separated from Diana, he was kind of liberated. Diana never tried to control him. It was she who went through the pain of her husbands infidelity. The Crown tried to show that he was a forward looking person, who had the courage to stand up against the queen and that he was popular with the young people of UK.

Well, he had his ways of torturing Diana with no apparent scars. It was he who was solely responsible for the mental agony of Diana. Why Queen Elizabeth didnt object is my question, it looked like the entire royal family was okay with this extra-marital relationship as long the real picture of the family didnt get exposed to the press. Diana then was a young mother of two kids. She was vulnerable and was handling this inner turmoil all by herself.

More than just glorifying Charles and queen Elizabeth, The Crown should have given more screen time to Elizabeth Debicki, who played the role of Diana. Her story is the real one and that should have been shown in details as to how she dealt with this disturbing relationship and the constant putting down and torture by Charles. The Crown shows how Queen Elizabeth had the audacity to say to Diana, You have finally succeeded in turning the house upside down. How insensitive was that I ask and what kind of blame game is this? Looks like Queen Elizabeth was good at putting all the blame on Diana to save her own reputation. What a classic politician I must say she was.

One of the episodes of the show which I really liked was the revenge dressing bit of Diana when the intimate call of Charles and Camilla was printed by the Daily Mirror. Hats off to the then press. It will make your blood boil to see what Diana went through. I wanted to see more of that and not what Charles had to say and how he justified his relationship with Camilla.

Rating: 3 out of 5
Cast: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, Angelique Cabral, Victor Garber, Natasha Rothwell, Jennifer Kumiyama, Harvey Guillen, Evan Peters, Ramy Youssef, and Jon Rudnitsky

Director: Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn

Language: English

Disneys animated musical fantasy feature Wish has been positioned as a tribute to celebrate the companys 100 years in the business (at least thats what I want to believe). Well, honestly, it is hard to understand and believe that Wish was 5 years in the making as the plot seems to be a plug-in and plug-out Disney formula.

The plot revolves around the kingdom of Rosas, where Asha (Ariana DeBose) an eighteen-year-old clumsy but happy-go-lucky girl, who cares for her people too much. The kingdom is ruled by King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine) a sorcerer, where every citizen gives him their wish for safekeeping when they turn 18 and post that they tend to forget what their wish ever was. Then every month he randomly grants the wish of one person.

Asha, who applies for the position of sorcerers apprentice, sees his negative or rather sinister side as when she requests King Magnifico to grant her grandfather Sabos wish on his 100th birthday, he rejects it citing the reason that his wish is too dangerous for the kingdom of Rosas.

Horrified by the truth, a heartbroken Asha along with her baby goat Valentino runs towards her favourite place on the island, a massive tree, looks at the sky and makes a wish. With the force and power of her wish, a star from the sky comes down to help her and the people of Rosas. So, will Asha defeat King Magnifico with the help of this star? For that, you need to watch Wish on the big screen.

To be honest, Wish is hampered due to its generic and predictable plot, which has nothing new to offer. Running on the same formula of good beating evil, the songs are forgettable and sometimes slow down the narrative. In fact, even the combination of 2-D and 3-D designs is underwhelming and does not give a pleasant sight.

On the whole, Wish is a product that no one wishes for.

Rating: 2 (out of 5 stars)

Wish is playing in cinemas

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Thank God its Black Friday! Or not! Discounts do not get bigger than this as the sale event of the year kicks off in the United States. But it is no longer restricted to America. Black Friday, which falls on 25 November, has become a global phenomenon, and India has, of course, jumped onto the bandwagon.

Retailers, both online and offline, launch the Black Friday sales, a day after Thanksgiving, which has been observed in the US since 3 October 1789. It was the day President George Washington named Thursday, 26 November 1789, as an official holiday of sincere and humble thanks. Seventy-four years later, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be a nationwide holiday, which would be celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November.

Around the mid-20th Century, Black Friday came to be associated with Thanksgiving and shopping.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which marks the advent of the Christmas shopping season.

It is the day after Thanksgiving in the US, the first day of traditional Christmas shopping when stores have special offers to attract consumers, according to the Oxford Learners Dictionary.

Why is it called Black Friday?

The term Black often comes with a negative connotation. The first usage of the term can be traced back to the late 19th Century. History Channel says it was used to describe the crash of the US gold market on 24 September 1869. The effect of this was felt on the economy for years to come.



How did it become about shopping?

The use of the phrase Black Friday, as we know it today, can be traced back to the 1960s. It was coined by the traffic police of Philadelphia, who used it to describe the chaos that resulted when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping.

In 1994, a retired local reporter Joseph P Barrett, recalled writing about the shopping frenzy in Philadelphia Inquirer in an article headlined, This Friday Was Black With Traffic. The piece talks about appropriating the police term Black Friday to describe the terrible traffic conditions.

The Philadelphia Police Department used the term to describe the traffic jams and intense crowding of the downtown retail stores, said David Zyla, an Emmy-winning stylist and author of How to Win at Shopping, according to a report in Huffington Post. One of the first uses of the term in print appeared in an ad in a 1966 issue of The American Philatelist, a magazine for stamp collectors, he said.

The archived copy of the ad can be seen on The Linguistic List, an online forum run by the linguistic department of Indiana University. Black Friday is not a term of endearment to them. It usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing, the ad read.

Unlike now, back in the day, not too many people were gung-ho about the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was the time when sales associates would call in sick only adding to the chaos, The Huffington Post report says. It points to another article published in the 1951 issue of Factory Management and Maintenance, where the author describes rampant absenteeism the Friday after Thanksgiving, as a disease second only to the bubonic plague in its effects.

That is dark.

How did Black Friday evolve?

It was the retailers in the US who wanted to do away with the negative connotation that came with Black Friday. A public relations executive tried to change Black to Big but somehow it did not catch on.

In the 1960s, the retail interpretation of the phrase happened. This was the time accounting was done manually. While red indicated losses and black indicated profits.

Now over the years, the story of the origin is somewhat lost. All shoppers are concerned about saving big bucks as discounts pour in. But as the frenzy around Black Friday sales grew so did the criticism.

Why is Black Friday criticised today?

In the recent past, Black Friday outings in the US have turned fatal. Huge crowds gathered outside shopping malls have created a stampede-like situation.

Between 2006 and 2018, 44 Black Friday incidents in the country left 11 dead and 109 injured, reports The New York Post.

Critics have said that Black Friday leads to overconsumption, which pushes shoppers to purchase products that they do not need.

According to the UK price comparison website Money.co.uk, British Black Friday home deliveries churn out 429,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of 435 return flights from London to New York. With every year, this could only worsen. Online shopping generates as much as seven per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to media reports.



Selling and buying more stuff isnt the route to happier lives on a healthier planet, says Alistair Currie, head of campaigns and communications at Population Matters, a UK-based charity. We need to reconsider our purchasing habits and ask ourselves not just can we afford it, but can the planet afford it?

Protests against the shopping season are growing. Now many have rebranded one of the busiest shopping days of the year as Make Amazon Pay Day. Workers, backed legislators, activities, students, and other allies, are protesting from Bengaluru to Berlin, according to a report in The Wire. In India, thousands of people will be demonstrating and demanding that workers can exercise their rights and improve their working conditions.

In the US, workers at Macys, an American department store chain, are planning to strike on Black Friday, alleging unfair labour practices and the retailers failure to reach a new union contract deal. Four hundred workers at Macys locations in Washington state are planning action after 96 per cent of workers voted in favour of authorising the strike in October, reports the Guardian.

Several protests have been planned at shopping malls and commercial centres across the US, putting intelligence agencies on alert.

Last year, independent retailers in the UK shut down their websites, donated their profits to charity and planted trees as part of a drive against rabid consumerism, reports the Guardian.

Activists have hit out with boycotts and campaigns against what they deem unfair business practices and unbridled consumerism.

Activists from the environmental group Extinction Rebellion blockaded more than a dozen Amazon distribution centres in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands to protest the companys social and environmental practices in 2021. In 2019, France adopted the Stop Black Friday amendment which proposed the integration of Black Friday advertising as part of aggressive commercial practices punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of Euros 300,000.

Its ridiculous to have a day so profitable to owners where workers get paid the same as always, a member of a popular Reddit anti-work forum (r/antiwork), told AFP.

Is Black Friday the biggest shopping festival of the year?

It used to be but has now been trounced by Chinas Singles Day. Observed on 1 November to celebrate singlehood, the shopathon, which begins weeks in advance, has retailers raking in billions.

For more than a decade now, Singles Day has turned into a mega-shopping event beating Americas Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to Techcrunch, Singles Day is 2.5 times larger than the American shopping holidays combined.

With inputs from agencies

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Chinese students, tourists expected to make strong rebound in Australia after ties eased

13:38, November 24, 2023 By Xu Keyue ( Global Times

Like many other Chinese applicants planning to study in Australia, Zheng Yiwen (pseudonym) is waiting anxiously for offers from some universities, while at the same time, racing to submit her applications to many other universities during the application season for the next February intake which typically starts in August and ends in January.

"We have a WeChat group with hundreds of applicants and sometimes we talk about why we decided to go to an Australian school," Zheng said, listing the main motivating factors including quality education with relatively low threshold, inclusive cultural environment and, of course, the friendly and preferential policies amid the warming ties between China and Australia recently.

"I'm so excited that I recently got an offer from University of Sydney. But I still want to wait for one from University of Melbourne as that is my preferred choice as the major I applied for is stronger there," Zheng said.

About a dozen Chinese students, contacted by the Global Times, said they are now more confident about studying in Australia after the country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a landmark visit to China and the two countries agreed that they would further support and enhance personnel exchanges, mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.

After around seven years, the first Australian prime minister visited China earlier this month, which has undoubtedly opened a new chapter for the bilateral ties and boosted people-to-people exchanges that have once suffered a "cold winter" as the former Australian government followed Washington's hostile policy toward China.

Warming up

According to the latest data provided to the Global Times, Qunar.com - a major Chinese travel platform - recorded a slump in ticket prices of flights to Australia. It is estimated that by next month, a direct flight from Beijing to Sydney will be priced at 1940 yuan ($451.35) at the lowest while a direct flight from Shanghai to Sydney will cost 2050 yuan at the lowest.

Air ticket prices from China to Australia decreased by more than 50 percent compared with the first half of the year, Qunar.com revealed.

Coinciding with Australia entering into its January and February tourist season, the number of Australian visa inquiries in November increased by 57 percent compared with the same period in 2019. The number of travel orders to Australia in the past two weeks increased by 80 percent compared with the same period in 2019, of which many customers enquired about 2024 winter vacation or Spring Festival travel, according to Qunar.com.

As well as the number of outbound visitors to Australia, the number of overseas students from China is also anticipated to surge.

The policy changes in Australia in recent years are really beneficial to international students, the Global Times learnt from a Beijing-based overseas study agency. It is expected that a large number of Chinese students will be enrolled in Australian schools in 2024, a senior education expert from the agency told the Global Times.

"It is a good time for overseas study in the South Pacific country," the expert said.

She listed several factors. "In the past two years, the exchange rate of the Australian dollar to the Chinese yuan has been hovering at about 4.7, which is around the lowest level in nearly 10 years, so if you study in Australia for two years, tuition fees and living expenses are easily saved by tens of thousands of yuan."

Also, several Australian top universities have prominently climbed up the QS World University Rankings, compared to universities in the UK and the US. Those universities in Australia are known for "lenient to enter, but strict to graduate," according to the expert.

In addition, the Australian government has extended the Temporary Graduate Work visa (subclass 485) for more than 400 bachelor's and master's programmes and all PhD programmes from July. This means many undergraduates are able to stay and work in Australia for four years, rather than two years. Many master's students are able to stay for five years, rather than three, according to Australian media reports.

"We have significantly more student clients applying for Australian schools this year," the expert noted.

Favorable factors

The Australian Department of Education released the latest data, showing that 725,528 international students studying in the country from January to August, 31 percent higher than the same period last year. Among them, 154,467 are from China, over one fifth of the total number of offshore students in the country. China is still the largest source of students studying in Australia.

During the COVID pandemic, when Scott Morrison was in office, Canberra closely followed Washington's anti-China policy and under that political atmosphere, China hatred went on spike in the society which led to many cases of racism against Asian students in Australia, Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Now the government has strengthened its measures in response to the racist incidents, aiming to provide a friendly and inclusive environment for international students and other visitors.

Also, he noted that the former Morrison administration politicized cultural communication and linked some education exchanges to the so-called national security, making many Chinese students uncomfortable, which also resulted in a drop in the number of offshore enrollments.

Chen also shared with the Global Times his school's partnership with Australian universities. "Recently, the cooperation projects with Australian sides including exchange student program have fully resumed," Chen said, noting that many students are enthusiastic to conduct an academic visit across the ocean under the warming bilateral ties in politics, trade as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Some of his students who are PhD and Master Degree candidates have now started their academic research and learning in Australia, according to Chen. As a crucial asset for both countries, the international students can bond the two sides more closely, laying a foundation for the understanding of bilateral relations, the analyst said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
By SA Commercial Prop News

Testifying at the Tongaat Mall Commission of Inquiry, Siyabonga Zuma said that, on the day of the disaster, a column at the neck of a beam exploded and, within seconds, everything fell down.



A worker on the construction of the Tongaat Mall, which collapsed on November 19 killing two people and injuring 29, said that haste led to the tragedy at the site near Durban.

Testifying at the Tongaat Mall Commission of Inquiry, Siyabonga Zuma said that, on the day of the disaster, a column at the neck of a beam exploded and, within seconds, everything fell down.



Zuma said all he saw was dust.



He had been stripping scaffolding just before the collapse.



During the initial investigation days after the collapse, Zuma told Department of Labour officials that the support work, including the scaffolding, had been removed too early, implying that the concrete had not yet cured.



But Zuma yesterday said that the scaffolding had been removed too quickly so that it could be used elsewhere, but that the concrete had been given enough time to cure.



The regional head of development, applications and approvals at eThekwini municipality, Rajagopaul Naidoo, told the commission that the developer, Rectangle Property Investments, applied for approval of its earthworks plan four times last year.



He said the plan was not approved but the developer went ahead. Earlier Navin Palayan of the councils land use unit testified that an application for special consent to encroach on SA Railways property was pending when the developer started construction.



The developers lawyer said SA Railways consent was imminent.



The commission will today hear from the municipalitys building inspector, who had visited the site several times.
Thank God Its Friday, right?

For the 41 men trapped in the Uttarakhand tunnel for the past 12 days, Friday is set to be a day of many thanks indeed as their rescue finally imminent.

The hour that the ceasefire will finally begin between Israel and Hamas is drawing near.

As is the moment when some Israeli hostages, taken hostage by Hamas during the 7 October attack, will return to their families.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is set to hear sentencing arguments in the Soumya Vishwanathan murder case.

And the judicial custody of AAPs Sanjay Singh in the Delhi Excise policy money laundering case ends today.

Lets take a closer look at todays big-ticket items:

Workers set to be rescued

The workers in Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel are set to be rescued today.

Thursday saw the quest to save the workers in the Silkyara tunnel resume after an overnight hurdle delayed the drilling by several hours.

Former advisor to the prime ministers office Bhaskar Khulbe, who was at the site, said an iron mesh which had come in the path of the drilling machine that is creating an escape path for the workers was removed in the morning.

This held up the drilling through the 57-metre stretch of the rubble of the collapsed section of the tunnel by six hours, dampening somewhat the previous evenings enthusiasm over an imminent rescue.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release

The war-weary people of Gaza need not wait much longer.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin today at 7 am local time, as per NDTV.

Meanwhile, the families of the hostages will also be patiently waiting for the hostages to be released.

Hamas will return at least 13 hostages today by 4 pm local time.

The deal was negotiated by the foreign ministry of Qatar, which played a key role in mediating with Hamas, as well as the United States and Egypt.

It was originally set to go into effect on Thursday morning, but it was delayed by a last-minute snag.

The truce agreement had raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has levelled vast swaths of Gaza, fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across West Asia.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war against Hamas after the truce expires.

Delhi HC hears sentencing arguments

The Delhi High Court will hear arguments on the quantum of punishment against five men convicted in the killing of television journalist Soumya Vishwanathan in 2008.

The court had on 18 October convicted four men  Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik, and Ajay Kumar of the murder of the television journalist.

The fifth, Ajay Sethi, was found guilty of helping the others four.

It noted that the confessional statement of the main accused was an admissible piece of evidence under the provision of the Maharastra Control of Organised Crime Act.

The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA) is a special law for prevention and control of criminal activity by organised crime syndicates or gangs.

Vishwanathan, who was working with a leading English news channel, was shot dead in the early hours of 30 September, 2008, on south Delhis Nelson Mandela Marg while she was returning home from work.

Police claimed the motive was robbery.

Sanjay Singhs judicial custody ends

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, arrested in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, is set to be released from judicial custody today.

Singh was arrested on 4 October by the anti-money laundering agency.

The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Singh played a key role in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy, which benefited certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

Special Judge M K Nagpal has ordered authorities to produce Singh before a court in Punjab after it was informed that a production warrant had been received from a court in Amritsar.

On this day.

On 24 November, 1859,Charles Darwin published his seminal work On the Origin of Species.

Darwin, the British naturalist, was nearly a decade removed from the death of his daughter Annie  she had succumbed to typhoid  and had long-since thrown off his adherence to Christianity.

The book, which proposed that biological species change over time through the acquisition of traits that favour survival and reproduction, provoked a firestorm  and caused a revolution in scientific thought.

On 24 November, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald was killed in police custody by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.

Oswald, who had been taken into custody for the murder of then president John F Kennedy two days earlier had cried Im just a patsy.

Ruby, on extremely friendly terms with the police, was said to be out for revenge for the killing of his hero JFK.

He burst forth from a gaggle of news reporters and shot Oswald  who was being moved to another location  leaving onlookers momentarily stunned.

By the time police officers wrestled Ruby to the floor it was all too late.

Oswald was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.

The death of Oswald launched ten thousand conspiracies and unending chatter about the murder of JFK which continues to this day.

With inputs from agencies
A four-day truce deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas will kick in on Friday (24 November) morning, with civilian hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released later in the day, according to mediator Qatar.

The breakthrough agreement was supposed to come into force a day back, but it was deferred until Friday. While no official reason was given by either side, Israeli government source told BBC that Hamas had made more demands.

The Palestinian militant group kidnapped over 200 hostages, including foreign citizens from 26 countries, during its surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, as per the Israeli military.

What is the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas? Who are the hostages to be released today? What will happen after the truce is over? Lets take a closer look.

Israel-Hamas hostage deal

The two sides have agreed to stop fighting for four days so that 50 women and children below 19 years of age held captive by Hamas and other groups in Gaza can be released.

In return, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners  all women and children  from Israeli jails, The Guardian reported citing Hamas. The West Asian nation has agreed to a humanitarian pause in its attack on Gaza for four days.

Israel said in a statement that the ceasefire will be extended by a day for every 10 additional hostages freed, reported Reuters.

As per The Guardian report, Hamas says Israel will halt air sorties in southern Gaza and limit it to six hours a day in the north during the truce. Israel will also allow the entry of hundreds of trucks loaded with aid relief, medical supplies and fuel into Gaza through the Rafah border with Egypt.

Qatars chief negotiator in ceasefire talks, Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, said that under the truce deal there would be no attack whatsoever. No military movements, no expansion, nothing, reported Reuters.

The truce will commence at 7 am local time (10.30 am IST) today, with the first set of captives to be released by 4 pm local time (7.30 pm IST), CNN reported citing Qatar.

As per The Times of Israel, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will receive the hostages from Hamas and then transfer them to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. These hostages are likely to come out from Egypt, reported Reuters.

After an initial medical check by authorities, they will be moved to five isolated medical centres across Israel where they will meet their families. Later, medical and defence authorities will decide if some of the hostages can be questioned, according to The Times of Israel. The hostages will be debriefed eventually.

ALSO READ: Behind the scenes of the Israel deal with Hamas for the release of 50 hostages

Who all will be released today?

Around 13 hostages will be released from Gaza today, as per BBC. While their names have not been revealed, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said they are all Israelis, including some dual nationals, as per the CNN report.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the relatives of these hostages have been notified about their release.

According to Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, the hostages from the same families will be freed together in the first batch, noted CNN. He informed that the list of hostages that would be freed was provided to the Israeli intelligence service Mossad.

As per a US official, three American citizens, including a girl who turns four today, are also among the 50 women and children being freed by Hamas under the truce deal, reported Reuters.

US President Joe Biden said that the agreement should bring home additional American hostages. Without providing details, he said he is keeping his fingers crossed that the now 4-year-old American girl will be among the hostages released on Friday.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group formed after the 7 October Hamas attacks, says 201 Israelis are being held captive in Gaza. This includes 44 women and 89 men in the 19-64 age group; 39 children aged 18 and below; and 29 people aged 65 and above, reported CNN.

Meanwhile, Hamas says 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel, according to the CNN report. Most of these are male teenagers aged 16 to 18 and others are women.

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said that Israel was holding around 7,200 prisoners as of Wednesday, including 88 women and 250 children aged 17 and below, reported Reuters.

The list provided by Israel of 300 Palestinian prisoners who might be released also set down the charges against them. The offences included attempted stabbings, hurling stones at Israeli soldiers, harming regional security, making explosives, damaging property and support for hostile organisations.

What happens after the hostage deal?

Hostage families have expressed hope that the initial deal could pave way for the release of all hostages.

Qatars lead negotiator has asked the global community to seize this brief window of opportunity to generate further momentum for the diplomatic track, emphasising that such steps were the only way to resolve the conflict and establish peace, as per CNN.

However, Israel has said the fighting will resume after the temporary pause. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet: We will not stop after the ceasefire, reported The Guardian.

He said the pause would allow (the military) to prepare for the continuation of the fighting, adding that the war would continue until Hamas, Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel.

Hamas would use the temporary ceasefire to regroup and might propose to extend it by offering to release more hostages, as per the British daily.

With inputs from agencies
King Charles is making bank  off the backs of dead British.

The British monarch, who is already an extremely wealthy man, has received tens of millions of pounds in recent years from his dead countrymen.

The money has been used to renovate a slew of the Kings properties.

Charles, who waited years to ascend the throne, in September marked his one-year anniversary as sovereign.

Charles became King on 8 September, 2022  the day Elizabeth died after ruling for more than 70 years.

Lets take a closer look:

How does it work?

As per The Guardian, the estate of The Duchy of Lancaster has taken in 60 million over the past decade.

This financial windfall comes from people in the north-west England who died without a will or next of kin under a feudal system entitled bona vacatia.

This system is in force in much of England and Wales.

As per Investopedia, the term itself means vacant goods or ownerless goods in Latin.

The Duchy of Lancaster receives the money from those whose last known address is in a territory that, during the Middle Age, was called the Lancashire county palatine and ruled by a duke.

Lancashire and parts of Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria make up the area today.

Where is the money going?

As per the newspaper, the estate has for years insisted that it donates such revenues to charity after subtracting costs.

However, the report says that just a fraction of the money taken in is used for charitable purposes.

The money is instead used to revamping the Kings properties which are then leased out, documents seen by the paper show.

The properties renovated include town houses, holiday lets, rural cottages, an old petrol station and barns.

As per Daily Mail, a leaked internal duchy policy from 2020 codenamed SA9 shows how officials representing the Kings real estate empire have been allowed to use such funds.

One document shows how an old farmhouse was remodelled into a high-end residential home. Another shows how a building was converted into a commercial office.

A source told The Guardian that those at the duchy view the system as free money and a slush fund.

The newspaper identified dozens of individuals whose estates were used to upgrade the Kings properties.

Many of the deceased themselves had been living in ramshackle homes and in public housing.

Friends of those who had passed away called the practice disgusting, shocking and not ethical.

A Duchy of Lancaster spokesperson told the newspaper that Charles, upon his mothers death, confirmed the policy of spending bona vacantia funds on the restoration and repair of qualifying buildings in order to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Charles IIIs reign thus far has been marked more by continuity than transformation, by changes in style rather than substance.

Charles, who moved seamlessly into his new role, has avoided controversy and sidestepped major reforms despite questions about whether an unelected king can still represent the people of modern Britain.

Most people seem to have shrugged off Charles occasional faux pas  most publicly when he threw a hissy fit over an aides failure to move an ornate pen case during a signing ceremony  focusing instead on successes like his state visit to Germany, where the king wowed his audience by switching effortlessly between English and German during a speech to lawmakers.

It remains to be seen what impact this story will have  or if it will have any impact at all.

With inputs from agencies
Loneliness is a big problem even if we do not realise it yet. It is a feeling of mental or emotional discomfort that most of us experience at least once in our lifetime.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), loneliness is the affective and cognitive discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone or otherwise solitary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared loneliness a global health threat, with a top US health official comparing it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

A city in northern Sweden has found a simple way to tackle the crisis of loneliness and it just starts with a hello.

Just say hi

Swedens Lulea city has launched an initiative where people are encouraged to greet each other with a hello, according to The Guardian report.

The Sag hej! (say hello!) campaign is aimed to create a friendlier city by prompting people to indulge in social interactions even if small. All that people have to do is offer a warm hello to strangers.

In Lulea, the sun sets early in the afternoon as darkness engulfs the city for much of the day.

Micael Dahlen, a professor in wellbeing, welfare and happiness at Stockholm School of Economics, told The Guardian that Sweden is more consicous of loneliness due to its dark, cold winters.

Loneliness and isolation are huge problems any time of the year almost anywhere in the world right now. It comes with the time we live in, the lifestyles we have, where we dont necessarily come across each other to the same extent as we used to. This accelerates in winter time when were outdoors less, social less, he explained.

As per a recent research, in the 16-29 age group, 45 per cent of people in Lulea were facing problems due to loneliness. While this was much lower in those aged 85 and above, the British daily reported.

How will it help?

Asa Koski, a worker at Lulea municipality, was the brain behind the Sag hej! campaign. She told The Guardian that when strangers greet each other, people feel more seen and a bit more like you belong.

Research shows that it has an effect on health and often an effect on wanting to help each other. If you say hi to your neighbours you are more likely to help them.

According to Seyed Mohsen Hashemi, a 25-year-old student living in the nearby village of Kallax, people have become wary of developing contact with strangers after COVID-19.

He said when people greet each other less, they become more isolated. One hej can change a day for somebody, The Guardian quoted him as saying.

Most lonely countries

As per a report on loneliness in June, Ireland is the loneliest country in the European Union with 20 per cent of residents experiencing feeling lonely. About 13 per cent of the EU residents said they felt lonely most or all of the time.

The EU-wide survey was carried out to find out about the prevalence of the epidemic of loneliness caused due to social isolation and long lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Euronews.

The report warned that people who experience loneliness all or most of the time are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms.

Loneliness is not just a private and individual issue, Euronews cited the report as saying.

It may impede social cohesion and should be regarded as a social problem and addressed as such.

As per an article in WorldAtlas.com, Sweden is the loneliest country around the globe on the basis of percentage of people living alone, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy.

Side effects of loneliness

Prolonged loneliness can have serious health effects. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term risks of chronic loneliness comprise cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, weakened immune system and Alzheimers disease.

What is being done to tackle the issue?

Denmark came up with a plan in June to halve the number of lonely people before 2040.

In May, Japans Parliament enacted a bill aimed at supporting people experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

An anti-loneliness social club in US California is offering friendship for $200 a month.

As this silent epidemic of loneliness creeps into our lives, it is always better to say hello to others. You may find a new friend!
Its Day 13 and there is still no sign of relief for the 41 labourers stranded inside the two-kilometre-built portion of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi following a landslide.

Five agencies, namely ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL, are collaborating on the rescue operation, which has encountered a series of setbacks in recent days.

Arnold Dix, the Australian president of the 79-nation International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association in Switzerland, is among the experts being consulted by rescuers.

While speaking to PTI on 22 November, he said, I just want 41 men home to their families and I dont want any of you hurt. My feeling is we are going to get that. My feeling is we are going to get 41 men home and none of you guys hurt as well.

I am proud that Australias professor Arnold Dix is providing important technical support on the ground to help evacuate the trapped workers, Australian High Commissioner to India Phillip Green, who is closely watching the developments, told The Hindu.

Heres all we know about the expert.

Who is professor Arnold Dix?

Arnold Dix is widely recognised as the worlds leading expert on underground tunnelling.

As per his LinkedIn profile, he completed his schooling from Haileybury in the United Kingdom and graduated from Australias Monash University in combined geotechnical and engineering sciences with legal professional and corporate law.

His ability to effectively bridge the gap between the legal and technical aspects of an issue, risk assessment, or disagreement is one of his strongest suit.

Prof Dix specialises in underground and transportation infrastructure  from construction risk to more technical issues associated with actual safety performance from an operational safety perspective, according to Victorian Bar. He also provides advice on risks associated with underground construction.

His career over the three decades has seen a unique hybrid of engineering, geology, law and risk management matters.

In addition to his legal work as a barrister, he can be engaged as an investigator, expert, consultant and mediator.

He is active on all continents, being a member of the specialist Underground Works Chambers, the Victorian Bar, the British Institute of Investigators, and is also a visiting professor at engineering (tunnels) at Tokyo City University.

Prof Dix has been honoured with numerous accolades, reflecting his significant contributions to tunnel safety worldwide. In 2011, he received the Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society bi-annual award for excellence in tunnelling, specifically in tunnel fire safety. More recently, in 2022, he was honoured with a Committee Service Award by the National Fire Protection Associated of the US.

His role in the rescue operation

Prof Dix has been camped at Silkayara since 20 November to assist rescuers who are struggling to break through the fragile mountainside in an attempt to dig further tunnels for the men trapped inside.

#WATCH | On Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix says, We are only just metres away from finding passage to have the men back. But the men are safe. The auger machine has broken down, it is being repaired and it should be back up tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/dtX8JtdU61  ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023

Following the tunnel collapse, Prof Dix emphasised the significance of thorough planning and safety, noting that while the current situation appears good, it still needs to be carefully evaluated in order to prevent additional dangers.

His approach emphasises the importance of carefully examining and analysing every facet of these crucial processes.

Because we are up in the Himalayas, and the Himalayas are technically a very fresh mountain range, which means theyre falling apart, he told the Australian Broadcast Corporation yesterday, after rescue efforts hit another setback, hitting steel girders as they tried pushing in the last pipe that would act as an escape passage.

He added, That means when you put a tunnel through, youve constantly got this risk that theres going to be a collapse and so as engineers youre fighting that risk.

Tunneling Expert Arnold Dix offered prayers at Temple outside tunnel.. says will bring those men back home.. pic.twitter.com/CSszfjg4QQ  Gems of Politics (@GemsOf_Politics) November 20, 2023

While speaking to news agency PTI, Prof Dix said We were hoping to see the workers this time yesterday, then we were hoping to see them this morning and then this afternoon. But, it looks like the mountain had different ideas. We have had to pause the auger (machine) operation at the moment and some repairs are being done to the machine. We are probably going to enter the next phase where we consider other option.

Latest update on the rescue efforts

Drilling through the rubble to prepare an escape route for the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel was set to resume on Friday morning, an official said.

Former advisor to the prime ministers office Bhaskar Khulbe said the operation might successfully be completed by Friday evening if everything went well, according to PTI.

Citing the data scanned by a ground penetrating radar, there is no metallic obstruction up to five metres beyond the 46 metre point through the rubble.

The drilling machines platform has been revamped and strengthened. Boring through the rubble with auger is likely to resume by 11.30 am, Khulbe told reporters at Silkyara.

We have 12-14 metres more to go. And I hope if all goes well we might conclude the operation by Friday evening, he said.

With inputs from agencies
In the United States, there has been yet another attack on an Indian. A student pursuing PhD at the University of Cincinnati Medical School was shot dead in his car in Ohio.

Aaditya Adlakha, 26, succumbed to his injuries two days after he was discovered with several gunshot wounds inside a vehicle that had slammed into a wall in Western Hills, a neighbourhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 9 November. The medical university that he attended described the incident as sudden, tragic and senseless.

What led to Adlakhas death and what do we know about him?

Vehicle hit several times, three bullet holes in the car

Aaditya Adlakha was a fourth-year doctoral student in the molecular and developmental biology programme at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. According to the Hamilton County Coroners Office, he died earlier this month at the UC Medical Centre.

On the day of the incident (9 November), Cincinnati police found Adlakhas injured body inside the car that crashed into a wall on the upper deck of the Western Hills Viaduct. It was hit multiple times and there were at least three bullet holes visible in the drivers side window.

According to reports, Cincinnati police discovered Adlakha shot inside the vehicle after ShotSpotter, a gunfire-locater service, detected the mishap in the area around 6.20 am. Drivers who passed by called 911 to report a vehicle that had bullet holes in it with a person inside who had been shot.

Aaditya Adlakha was rushed to UC Medical Centre where he was in critical condition and was pronounced dead two days later.

No arrests have been made since the shooting was reported, local media reports said.

An intelligent student

The incident shocked many.

University officials and peers mourned Adlakhas untimely demise, describing him as a beloved, intelligent, and dedicated student in the molecular and developmental biology programme. He was well-known for his groundbreaking study on neuroimmune communication and its relevance to diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

Today, you might have seen news reports of his sudden, tragic and senseless death. Those who knew him, along with fellow students and others who may not have had the fortune to have met Aaditya, may experience a wide variety of reactions, which are understandable and expected, Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Andrew Filak said.

He was much-loved, exceedingly kind and humorous, intelligent and sharp, whose research was described as novel and transformative. The focus of his work was to better understand neuroimmune communication and how neuroimmune interactions might contribute to pain and the inflammatory landscape in ulcerative colitis. Filak was quoted as saying by WLWT.com, a television station in Cincinnati.

Aaditya Adlakha came to Cincinnati from north India to continue his education in medicine. He secured a bachelors degree in Zoology in 2018 from Ramjas College of the University of Delhi in New Delhi. He received his masters degree in physiology in 2020 from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, also in New Delhi.

As a college and as Aadityas academic home, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and to those who knew him as a friend and colleague, the Cincinnati Enquirer quoted the medical school as saying.

The death of Adlakha comes days after that of another Indian student who died after a stabbing incident in October. Varun Raj Pucha was stabbed with a knife by 24-year-old Jordan Andrade at a public gym in Indianas Valparaiso city on 29 October. He died days later.

Andrade was a fellow gymgoer who reportedly found Pucha a little weird.

With inputs from PTI
NASA has been incommunicado with all its robotic missions on and in orbit of Mars for more than a week now.

This is because the Red Planet was apparently swallowed by the Sun.

Although this sounds appears astonishing, it is actually a regular happening that occurs between Earth and Mars every two years.

Lets take a closer look.

Solar conjunction

The brief period when Earth and Mars are on opposing sides of the Sun is known as solar conjunction, and it occurs roughly every two years.

The stargazing website, In the sky claims that Mars will be lost in the Suns glare for weeks, making contact with our robotic companions on the fourth rock difficult. This is because the Sun and Mars will be in the constellation Libra in the sky.

Although Mars is typically 140 million miles away, the balloons are launched during solar conjunction. That distance is approximately 2.5 astronomical units (AU) from Earth, or 235 million miles.

In simple terms, this is Mars oppositions cosmic opposite, when Earth is instead positioned between Mars and the Sun.

NASA pauses communication

The Sun, which is basically a massive ball of interference, is the problem here.

Data gaps may result from the charged particles of the Sun interfering with signals sent back to Earth by rovers, orbiters, and one very spectacular helicopter, according to In the sky. The reverse, however, could be much more disastrous since it could result in a missions demise due to unclear directives sent by NASA.

NASA has decided to halt operations from 11 November until 25 November.

The space agency clarifies that this does not imply that these robots will be going on a long vacation.

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft will continue to study the atmosphere, the immobile Curiosity of Perseverance rovers will continue to monitor the Martian surface, the Mars Reconnaissance and Odyssey orbiters will carry on as usual, and even NASAs tiny helicopter Ingenuity will continue to monitor the movement of Martian sand while it is grounded.

Our mission teams have spent months preparing to-do lists for all our Mars spacecraft. Well still be able to hear from them and check their states of health over the next few weeks, Roy Gladden, manager of the Mars Relay Network at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said in a press statement.

But even those health checks will be unavailable for 48 hours when Mars is directly behind the Suns disk.

Hopefully, the typical indicators of mechanical life will reappear after two days, and humanitys Martian allies will be excited to impart what they have discovered during our absence, while the many mission controllers collectively hold their breath.

With inputs from agencies
Aviation watchdog DGCA has issued a circular to airlines and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on measures to deal with threats from jamming and spoofing of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) amid reports of such interference in the Middle East.

The circular provides comprehensive mitigation measures and action plans for aircraft operators, pilots, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) and air traffic controllers. This includes the development of contingency procedures in coordination with equipment manufacturers and assessing operational risk by conducting a safety risk assessment.

AAI is the countrys ANSP, and air traffic controllers also come under it.

In a release on Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it has released an advisory circular on GNSS interference in the airspace.

The watchdog said the circular highlights the emerging threats of GNSS jamming and spoofing, the various geographical areas where it has been observed, and its potential impact on aircraft and ground-based systems.

Generally, GNSS spoofing and jamming refers to attempts to manipulate a users navigation system by giving false signals.

In the wake of the reports of GNSS interference over airspace in the Middle East in the recent past, DGCA formed an internal committee on October 4.

The committee took stock of the situation, sensitised operators, and started discussions with leading experts from around the world on the subject.

After taking the inputs into account, DGCA said recommendations have been included in the circular for tackling the emerging threat considering the best practices, latest developments and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) guidance on the matter.

Besides, the circular provides a mechanism for ANSP to establish a threat monitoring and analysis network in close coordination with DGCA for preventive as well as reactive threat monitoring and analysis of reports of GNSS interference to generate valuable insights with data and new developments to have a robust and immediate threat response.

According to DGCA, the aviation industry is grappling with uncertainties due to new threats and reports of GNSS jamming and spoofing.

The circular gives the much-needed guidance and clarity to all concerned with a practical roadmap and action plan to deal with the threat of GNSS interference in airspace in an effective manner, it added.

GNSS is vital for aircraft navigation.
India said it is closely monitoring the respiratory illness in China and the country is prepared for any kind of public health exigency.

The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China, said a release by the Indian government.

Low risk to India

The health ministry said there is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness.

Also, a meeting was convened recently under the chairmanship of Directorate General Of Health Services (DGHS) to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in India against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to World Health Organization (WHO).

The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised, the Union Health Ministry said.

Cocktail of viruses

The Union Health Ministry said, What we have assessed is that Its a cocktail of viruses that is leading to a surge in China. It is not zoonotic virus like coronavirus.

Prepared for public health exigency

The Union Health Ministry further said India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency.

India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic, the ministry said.

The Indian government also said the countrys surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After COVID-19, China is now dealing with another medical emergency, a mysterious pneumonia outbreak that is affecting children and overwhelming pediatric hospitals across the Asian nation.

Since mid-October, China has reported thousands of cases of influenza-like illness.

This week, the state-run China National Radio stated 7,000 is the average daily patient load at the Beijing Childrens Hospital has reported, surpassing the hospitals capacity.

Also Read: 7,000 cases a day: How deadly is the pneumonia outbreak in China?

The WHO has been pressing China to provide more details on the outbreak and look for improved response mechanisms as a result of the unexpected spike.

Meanwhile, leading scientists urged caution over fears of another pandemic after the WHO requested more information from the country.

We have to be careful, said Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist who advised the WHO on COVID-19. We really need more information, particularly diagnostic information.

However, the Chinese health commission has attributed the rise cases of respiratory illnesses to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Dont Miss: No cough, IV drips: Chinas hospitals overwhelmed with children with undiagnosed pneumonia

Along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the authorities named mycoplasma as one of the circulating infections.

They have stated that strengthening health systems capabilities and stepping up disease surveillance are vital.

People have been urged to continue COVID-19 pandemic-era practices such frequent hand washing, mask wear, and social separation by the WHO and medical staff in the nation led by Xi Jinping.

With inputs from agencies
A pedestrian pushes a stroller through a cloud of bubbles in Union Square in San Francisco on Black Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Shoppers enter Macys in San Franciscos Union Square on Black Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

About 10 people had lined up outside the San Francisco Centre on Market Street to be among the first shoppers walking in when mall workers threw open the doors for Black Friday.

In years past, John and Michelle McGuire would leave their San Francisco home to head downtown, arriving at the mall before dawn and joining throngs of eager shoppers looking for deals only getable on this day.

But this year, the kids were grown and the best deals were online. So the McGuires waited in line for another reason  nostalgia.

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Theres a lot of history  thats why I come back, McGuire said.

At San Franciscos premier shopping hubs, the jostling, deal-hungry crowds of a bygone Black Friday era were largely absent. The holiday trappings were there  adoptable puppies and kitties cuddling in the windows at Macys in Union Square; instrumental holiday tunes soaring from loudspeakers at Stonestown Galleria; and a Christmas tree festooned silver and gold ornaments soared above the entrance hall at the San Francisco Centre downtown. But relatively few shoppers showed up to enjoy them.

Two children look out of a window with holiday decorations at Macys in S.F.s Union Square on Black Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Hendra Hutama had only rung up two sales more than two hours into her shift at Bloomingdales, where shes worked for 17 years at the San Francisco Centre. She expects the crowds to pick up in December, and in the meantime she was busy answering patron questions through the retailers website.

The shopping experience is not what it used to be, Hutama said.

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This summer, mall owner Westfield gave up its namesake San Francisco mall under significant financial duress following the hollowing out of downtown due to the rise in remote work and the departure of key anchor tenants like Nordstroms. Renamed the San Francisco Centre, the mall is still struggling to bring patrons to Market Street.

At the Stonestown Galleria, shoppers flocked to Japanese home goods store Daiso and Chinese retailer Miniso on Friday, while other stores like Sephora and Zara were relatively empty.

Like the former Westfield, Stonestown has in recent years lost key anchor stores, including Macys. But the mall has managed to pivot by bringing in Target and Whole Foods and stores popular among Asian American shoppers. Real estate giant Brookfield, which owns Stonestown, has told the Chronicle that foot traffic is above pre-pandemic levels from 2019, though the company received a 30-day extension to repay a $180 million loan on the property.

Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco attracts a smaller crop of shoppers on Black Friday than in years past. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

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Tamisha Mouton, 49, came to Stonestown from Hayward to shop at a curated thrift store called 2nd Street. Not many years ago, finding a thrift store inside a mall wouldve been unimaginable, but as malls try to stay alive as online shopping has taken over, more stores like it are popping up.

While the malls main rotunda was bustling, the hallways elsewhere felt empty. A whole section of massage chairs stood empty next to a Taiwanese restaurant and a revolving sushi bar.

I wish there were still more anchor stores, Mouton said. Now it seems like you have these small shops where you can get something unique or exclusive. But for Black Friday shopping, it doesnt feel like a regular mall anymore.

Meanwhile at Union Square, a stern officer was seen outside Macys checking the bags of a flustered woman who had just exited a nearby store. The commercial center has struggled with crime in recent years, and more than a dozen police officers patrolled the district early Friday to keep shoppers and workers safe.

Downtown San Francisco has struggled to regain a population of daytime workers and shoppers in part due to the popularity of remote work.

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Linda Barry, a resident of Martinez across the bay in Contra Costa County, has been coming to Union Square on the Friday after Thanksgiving for more than 15 years. Sipping coffee during a shopping break, she said she was surprised by how few others had come to the citys prime shopping district. Too many storefronts were vacant, she said.

I thought it would be a lot more people, a little more crowded, she said. But Im hearing different languages, so it seems that there are tourists out.

Several Union Square store workers said they didnt think shoppers felt safe walking around with big shopping bags due to reports of robberies and thefts in the area. Some stores have started holding customers bags with purchased items so they can continue shopping empty-handed.

Back at the San Francisco Centre, fashion student Stephanie Maldonado was on the hunt for new sneakers to add to her collection. Before moving to San Francisco two years ago, Maldonado used to go Black Friday shopping in South Carolina with her mother where they had fewer choices. She likes the pace of a quieter Black Friday and the variety of stores in the mall.

I need to end the day with at least one (shopping) bag, she said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday announced an ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh and a government job for the kin of deceased Indian Army Captain Shubham Gupta. The braveheart, along with three other soldiers was killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists that occurred near Rajouri in Jammu on Wednesday.

Tributes poured in for the slain army personnel on Friday and the Uttar Pradesh CM also said that a road in the district would be named after Captain Shubham Gupta to honour him. The Indian Army and Police on Friday morning paid floral tribute to the four soldiers who were killed while fighting terrorists in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The gun-battle went on for nearly 36 hours with Indian security forces managing to eliminate two terrorists allegedly belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). One of the terrorists killed is believed to be a top commander of the LeT, reportedly trained in Afghanistan.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organised by the army at Army General Hospital Rajouri in which the General Officer Commanding Romeo Force and other officers and police officials laid wreaths and paid tributes to the martyred army men.

Among the two terrorists who were also killed in the encounter between terrorists and joint forces of the Army and J-K Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharmsal in the Rajouri district, one has been identified as Quari, a Pakistani national and a hard-core terrorist. He has been trained on the Pakistani and Afghan fronts, as per the PRO Defence Jammu.

On Friday, 16 Corps Commander and Rashtriya Rifles Romeo Force commanders were still monitoring the operations closely, according to people aware of the developments.

Based on specific intelligence, joint operations had been launched in the Kalakote Area, Gulabgarh Forest, and Rajouri District.

The terrorists have been injured and surrounded and operations are in progress, said the Indian Armys White Knight Corps on the ongoing anti-terror operation in the Kalakote area of Rajouri, J&K.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command said Friday that some of the terrorists who have crossed over from across the Line of Actual Control (LOC) into India from across the border are retired Pakistani soldiers.

The security forces are in high spirits, Lt Gen. Dwivedi. We received information about some terrorist hideouts through local sources. They were also involved in the Dangri attack. Some of the terrorists, who have crossed over from across the LoC, have been identified as retired Pakistani soldiers, the Northern Command chief added.

Lt Gen. Dwivedi also said that the terrorists were involved in the killing of innocent civilians in Dangri, Kandi and Rajouri and their elimination was a priority for the joint forces team involved in the operation.

Speaking to media persons after paying his last tributes to five soldiers, including two Army Captains, who lost their lives in the Rajouri firefight, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, While we lost five our brave soldiers in the encounter, we also eliminated two dreaded terrorists. Our boys went after the well-trained and equipped foreign terrorists without giving any thought to their personal safety. This (taking out the dreaded terrorists) has dealt a major blow to the terror ecosystem and Pakistan. As per our estimation, 20-25 terrorists could still be operating in the area. We should be able to control the situation in a years time with the help of locals.

They may have received training in many countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were very well trained which is why it took us some time to eliminate them. Our boys fought with courage. Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht had promised to eliminate them within 7 days, and, the statement given by Captain MV Pranjals father in Bengaluru (about how the family was waiting to hear from him and, instead, received his mortal remains) will motivate our soldiers to discharge their salient duties against all odds, Lt Gen. Dwivedi added.

He said since Poonch, in the Rajouri district, is connected with the rest of the country through a highway, there is a high probability of more terrorists lurking there.In the last year, 10 civilians lost their lives to terrorist incidents here.

Earlier, on Friday, a sombre wreath-laying ceremony was held for the army personnel, who lost their lives in the fierce firefight in the thickly forested terrain in Kalakote in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The mortal remains of the four fallen soldiers  Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur  were brought to Jammu where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with senior officials, accorded a tearful farewell at the wreath-laying ceremony. A similar sending-off of Havildar Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, will be held there later in the day.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala. While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.

The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of War Like Stores from the encounter site. Quari is believed to have orchestrated several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouris Poonch areas. His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

Meanwhile, in heart-wrenching visuals from the wreath laying on Friday, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades.

With inputs from ANI.
Singapores High Commissioner to India Simon Wong on Friday shared photographs of a car spotted in Delhi with fake diplomatic corps number plates of his country.

Taking to X, Singapores High Commissioner to India Wong posted several images of a silver-coloured car, saying, This is NOT our Embassy car.

Alert !!!![?] The car below bearing 63 CD plate is FAKE. This is NOT our Embassy car. We have alerted MEA & the Police. With so many threats around, be extra careful when you see this car parked unattended. Especially at the IGI, he posted on X.

He also urged people to be extra careful when they spot this car parked unattended especially at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Singapore envoy said that he has alerted the Ministry of External Affairs as well as the police about the matter.

In India, diplomatic vehicles have blue number plates with white lettering. The plates bear the letters CD followed by a two-digit code and a registration number.

Foreign diplomatic missions and organisations, such as embassies and consulates, are the only ones who can own vehicles with CD number plates. The CD stands for Corps Diplomatique.

With inputs from agencies
The moment of safe recuse of 41 workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi is approaching. Amid this, NDRF has demonstrated how it will be pulling out the labourers on wheeled stretchers through a big pipe that has been pushed through the rubble to reach them.

A video shared on Friday showed a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) demonstrating the use of wheeled stretchers to pull out trapped workers inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi once the horizontal pipe reaches the other side.

The video shows how each worker will have to lie low on the wheeled stretcher after which the NDRF personnel will pull it with the help of a rope.

On Thursday, a team of NDRF entered the tunnel equipped with rescue gear.

By Thursday, the government's horizontal drilling reached about 67 per cent completion, having drilled the escape pipeline to a distance of 45 metres, with a remaining 12 metres to reach the area where 41 workers are trapped behind the rubble.

Meanwhile, drilling work will start shortly on Friday.

The operation to rescue 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand was paused late on Thursday evening after a mechanical glitch. This was the third time that the drilling exercise had been halted.

Also Read: Choppers, green corridor, beds in AIIMS... : What happens to 41 workers trapped inside Uttarkashi tunnel when rescued

The under-construction tunnel is part of the ambitious Char Dham project, a national infrastructure initiative to enhance connectivity to the pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

"Hopefully, we will be able to move ahead smoothly. May get breakthrough in next 12 to 15 hours," Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the prime minister's office said.

Workers trapped inside the Uttarkashi tunnel were seen for the first time on Tuesday (21 November) as a camera inserted through a pipe captured their visuals.

The workers have been trapped inside after a portion of the under-construction tunnel caved in on 12 November. Earlier this week, an endoscopic flexi camera was pushed inside the tunnel through a six-inch pipe inserted through the rubble to send food to the trapped workers.

The visuals captured in the camera showed the labourers in their hard hats and work gear, waving to the camera, communicating that they were coping well.

Meanwhile, officials at the spot said all the trapped workers are safe and are being supplied food and water through steel pipes that have been drilled into the opening.
The war in Gaza, forced upon as a result of a brutal terror attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, has taken a heavy toll on innocent civilians on both sides. Responding to the Hamas terror attack, which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens including children, infants, women and elderly, Israel regrouped quickly and unleashed a ferocious assault into Gaza, coined as Operation Iron Swords. In over 45 days of the war, Israel has conducted over 7,500 strikes by air and artillery, moved ground troops and tanks into Gaza cutting off Northern Gaza and has caused heavy destruction in the Gaza Strip. The Red Cross and the Palestinian health ministry have reported that the death toll in Gaza has already crossed 14,500 which includes more than 6,000 children.

Israels insistence on flattening Gaza to the ground and eliminating Hamas from the face of the earth has meant that it has not exercised any restraint while choosing targets and striking them irrespective of the heavy collateral damage and casualties it may cause. Its strikes on hospitals in Gaza, UN-run facilities, schools and refugee camps have caused global outrage and calls for immediate ceasefire, and access to humanitarian aid are growing louder by the day. The WHO, UN Relief and Works Agency, UN Population Fund and UNICEF put out a joint statement on 4 November stating that almost 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day.

The UN General Assembly, in its special session on 27 October, adopted a resolution sponsored by Jordan, calling for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce. It also demanded continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave. On 4 November, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken undertook his second visit to Israel in the past month and advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against punitive strikes causing death and destruction of civilians and reiterated an appeal for a humanitarian pause so that essential aid could be delivered to the suffering population.

On 15 November, the UN Security Council too passed a resolution, sponsored by Malta, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip to allow for aid delivery and medical evacuations.

Special meetings of BRICS and OIC too have asked for early ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid. All regional countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran and others have unequivocally condemned Israeli strikes causing mass civilian casualties. The Arab Islamic Committee, a joint delegation of Arab and Muslim nations comprising ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, is on a global tour to rally support for a ceasefire and has already visited China on 20 November and Paris on 22 November.

Amidst all this, pressure is mounting on Israel to exercise restraint and permit delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite that, on 17-18 November, Israel struck two schools in Northern Gaza including one run by UNRWA leading to over 50 deaths, mostly children and over 200 severely injured coupled with absolute destruction of the school facilities. Once again, it was promptly condemned by the UN and regional countries. Meanwhile, on 22 November, Israels cabinet gave a go-ahead to a hostage exchange of 50 hostages comprising women and children in exchange for release of 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four-day ceasefire, which has been mediated by Qatar. However, till it happens, Israel is continuing with its punitive strikes.

As the people in Gaza and the world look ahead with hope at a possible ceasefire, Israel too could use this pause and ask itself some critical questions. In 45 days of war, how much has Israel been successful in eliminating Hamas? By asking people to evacuate Northern Gaza earlier and southern Gaza now, what is the end game that Israel is looking for in Gaza? Is Israel looking for Gaza as a Death Zone where there will be no living population, as a possible scenario in Gaza? Can Israel, at the end of this war, give credible assurance to its citizens that the Hamas terror threat has been eliminated for good? What about the complete destruction of the famed tunnel network of Hamas in Gaza?

With the raid and blockade of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza not being able to provide conclusive evidence that the hospital and the tunnels behind were actually being used by Hamas as command centres, how does Israel justify the deaths of hundreds of children and patients there due to lack of critical medical care, leading to their burial in mass grave in hospitals backyard? Has Israel achieved its military and political objectives or is it still a work in progress? More importantly, does an end state of this war leave any space for a two state solution which ensures a viable and independent state of Palestine?

There are many more questions, with very few concrete answers. Herein lies an opportunity therefore for Israel to look beyond its borders and seek answers to at least some of these questions. Like Israel, India too has grappled with the threat of terror for the last three decades and the manner in which India has slowly but steadily brought about peace and stability, especially in Kashmir valley, could hold some answers for Israel.

Indian lessons for Israel

While India got its independence in August 1947, the state of Israel was formed in May 1948. Both nations had to face armed conflicts shortly thereafter, in 1948. While the ceasefire in case of Israel resulted in it occupying additional territory than what was earmarked as its national boundaries, India had to accept division of territory in Jammu and Kashmir with one part of Kashmir going under Pakistans occupation.

Both nations fought major wars later too, Israel in 1967 and 1973 while India fought wars against Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and 1999 (Kargil War) and in 1962 against China. There have been other minor conflicts which both nations have fought against their adversaries, including their fight against terror unleashed on them from across the borders. Also, both nations have adversaries who use terror as an instrument of state policy. Both nations have also faced hostage and hijack situations endangering lives of its citizens, more than once.

However, the methods and strategy used by India and Israel in countering these threats differ vastly. While India has always exercised restraint and has mostly avoided crossing the borders or Ceasefire line or Line of Control, (LoC) with Pakistan, Israel has been more aggressive in its methods used in countering its threats. While India has propagated peaceful co-existence and has made several attempts to make peace, Israel too, while offering peace solutions, has usually followed a strategy of seeking peace through security and has often taken the battle right into enemy territory.

India, which has been fighting terror since 1990 in Jammu and Kashmir, mostly emanating from Pakistan, had to deploy a large amount of security forces to counter it. Like Israel, in fact learning from Israel, India came up with a Line of Control Fence which acts as a physical barrier for terrorists infiltrating into India. Surveillance sensors coupled with active military deployment on the fence has ensured that infiltration levels have dropped significantly in the past decade.

In the early decades of fighting terror in Kashmir valley, India was confronted with a situation where the terrorists (local and foreign) enjoyed support from the locals making the task of security forces difficult. However, India exercised restraint and followed the strategy of minimum force to achieve the objectives. India has also not been known for use of air strikes to target terror groups hiding amongst civilian population, and definitely never any strikes on hospitals, schools, UN facilities etc, on either side of LoC.

While conducting operations within the Indian side of Kashmir, Indian forces have exercised utmost restraint to ensure minimum collateral damage, even at the great loss to its own soldiers sometimes. India has never enforced any blockades where it prevented delivery of critical humanitarian and medical aid for people in the region. On the contrary, Operation Sadbhavana, a campaign launched by the Indian Army in early 2000s to win hearts and minds of people in Kashmir, has been hugely successful in winning back support of locals in Kashmir and alienating the terrorists.

At the height of Kargil war in 1999 too, when India was taking heavy casualties due to challenges posed by enemy and terrain, India did not cross the LoC by ground or air to conduct operations. This may have dealt a tactical disadvantage militarily but the strategic advantage that accrued by keeping the war limited to Kargil and not blowing into an India-Pakistan war was huge as it kept at bay other powers from getting directly involved. After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack too, despite it being traced back to Pakistan, India exercised restraint and did not launch full scale military operations. Incidentally as Israel is still recovering from its 7/10 terror attack, India marks 15 years of its 26/11 this year.

Israel could do well to learn from some of these Indian experiences. Yes, Israel had the full right to self defence when Hamas unleashed terror on it on 07th October. Yes, Israel is located in a dangerous neighborhood with terror threats from all sides. Small nation and a small population make Israels task that much harder too. Israel may also argue that unlike India, for Israel, it has always been a fight for its existence. But terror does not necessarily have to be fought by greater terror. There has to be a difference between conduct of an internationally recognized and responsible nation and a terror group.

War has to be fought with a cool and calculated mind and not based solely on revenge. Military response should be calibrated and force applied commensurate to the effect desired. Strikes resulting in damage to a hospital, school or a refugee camp and death of innocent children and women are best avoided even at the cost of prolonged operations and delayed achievement of objectives. Also, as President Joe Biden said, Israel should not repeat the mistakes that the US made during its War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While India learnt from Israel how to act proactively to terror strikes and launch surgical strikes across the borders like Uri in 2016 and Balakot in 2019, Israel could do well to take a leaf out of Indian book on how to conduct operations against terror without inflicting mass civilian casualties and facing condemnation from international community. After all, both India and Israel can do nothing about the geography and neighbors that each has inherited, except to find a long term solution to issues of national security, which may often involve compromise and adjustments.

The author is Assistant Director, MP-IDSA. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The mythical tales of Indias state-sponsored wetwork gangs, busy conducting clandestine operations and spilling anti-India blood in foreign nations, are back.

Our desi Jason Bournes got knocked off the global headlines momentarily due to the crisis in West Asia. The 7 October terrorist attack by Hamas and Israels retributive war on Gaza overshadowed the antics of Justin Trudeau and his periodic claim that Indian agents had bumped off a Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb in June. Despite Indias repeated insistence, Canada has so far failed to provide any proof beyond the fantastic allegations.

Now Financial Times has claimed in a report that not only are Indian agents running amok in Canada, they are getting even more audacious and attempting raids on American soil, targeting American citizens. No sooner did the news break, out poured comments from western and a few desi analysts tinged with envy, admonition and barely concealed disbelief, as if struggling to come to terms with the fact that India is making badass moves that are a prerogative of only the most powerful countries on the planet. If this doesnt announce Indias arrival on the world stage, nothing will!

But wait! As someone pointed out on X, Indian agents might fail to get hold of even a recent image of Dawood Ibrahim whos hiding for decades next door in Karachi, making do with a few blurry photos of the mob boss from his youthful days, but they are totally carrying out daring operations in Canada and the US. That too by duping the formidable FVEY alliance.

Its time to suspend our disbelief. The British newspaper claimed in a report Wednesday that the Biden administration has warned New Delhi that it possesses intelligence of Indian involvement in a plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), the US-based terrorist outfit that advocates secessionism and pro-Khalistani activities in India.

Pannun, who in a recent social media video clip threatened to blow up an Air India flight and lay siege on New Delhis IGI Airport on 19 November, was designated as an individual terrorist by India in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The FT report, that the newspaper claims is a scoop, has created quite a furore and even elicited a cryptic response from the Union ministry of external affairs. The report is curious. It is also full of rehashed innuendoes, insinuations, and loaded suggestions that resemble a media plant.

It landed on the same day that an American news portal, The Intercept, carried a report based on leaked Pakistani intelligence that accuses Indias external intelligence agency R&AW of running death squads all around the globe and particularly in Pakistan where it is apparently working in conjunction with local criminal and dissident networks to carry out assassinations and other attacks and targeting individuals and religious institutions alleged to support an armed insurgency in the disputed territory of Kashmir, as well as militant Sikh activists living in Pakistan and wanted by the Indian government.

It is hard to take the report seriously when Pakistan  the mothership of terror  itself harbours, nurtures and sponsors terrorists of all stripes and is home to an alphabet soup of terror organisations targeted at India. For a country that uses terrorism as a foreign policy tool and was in the FATF grey list for four years until last year, to allege an elaborate conspiracy theory involving Indian agents, stretches all limits of incredulity.

Pakistans intelligence agency ISI, that has for decades ran an elaborate terror network in and aimed at India, is behind the creation of the Taliban to stymie American objectives in Afghanistan. It has for decades ran a well-funded campaign to instigate insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir to balkanize India. A report that cites leaks from such an organization, and compares Pakistani intelligence with the FBI, is a mixture of naivete, ignorance and menace. It carries no credibility.

The FT report, however, deserves closer scrutiny. It is a reasonable assumption that the source of the report, multiple people familiar with the case, are unnamed, shadowy American intelligence operatives. The report initially claims Pannun was the target of an assassination plot that was thwarted by the US authorities but later contradicts itself to clarify that the people referred to did not say whether the protest to New Delhi led the plotters to abandon their plan, or whether the FBI intervened and foiled a scheme already in motion.

The report also goes on to state that a sealed indictment against one alleged perpetrator of the plot has been filed in a New York district court, and the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is debating whether to unseal the indictment and make the allegations public or wait until Canada finishes its investigation into Nijjars murder. The report goes on to add that the DoJ and FBI declined to comment and the US National Security Council has said it does not comment on ongoing law enforcement matters or private diplomatic discussions with our partners though upholding the safety and security of US citizens is paramount.

Worth noting that nothing in the report is substantiated. It remains in the realm of allegations based on intelligence intercepts that can easily be manipulated. The impression that this has been planted by a faction within the US establishment uncomfortable with Biden administrations courting of India, who might even be trying to sabotage it, grows stronger when we observe two more reports.

The first one, filed Wednesday by news agency Reuters, quotes White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson, as saying that Indian officials expressed surprise and concern when made aware about the incident. It is instructive to observe that the Biden White House, while treating this issue with utmost seriousness, has raised the topic with the Indian government, including at the senior-most levels.

The Reuters report goes on to quote the US official as saying further that New Delhi has stated that activity of this nature was not their policy  We understand the Indian government is further investigating this issue and will have more to say about it in the coming days. We have conveyed our expectation that anyone deemed responsible should be held accountable.

Despite the incendiary nature of the leak, the Biden administration is clearly playing it down without appearing to dismiss the issue (which it obviously cant), visibly refraining from taking sides and categorically citing Indian responses to the development. This attitude is in stark contrast with the provocative stance taken by Trudeau who accused the Indian government of involvement in an assassination plot from the floor of the Canadian Parliament while failing to back it up with evidence.

The second report which solidifies the impression that there is a dissonance between the so-called American deep state and the political leadership, was carried by the Washington Post on Wednesday.

Why this? Why now?

One of the things that I found intriguing was the timing of the so-called leak. If we assume that it was engineered by the Biden administration, the motive remains unclear. For such a damaging allegation, there seems to be negligible impact on bilateral ties, if any at all. Also, the timeline of the so-called assassination plot and Biden administrations warning to New Delhi sit at odds with the intensive US-India engagements starting with Narendra Modis high-profile state visit to Washington DC in June. The prime minister addressed a joint session of the US Congress, received repeated standing ovations and was visibly mobbed for selfies and signatures.

The FT report claims that the American protest was issued after the visit took place, but it still doesnt explain why, if the boat was rocked due to the allegations, Biden took a flight to New Delhi for the G20 summit and allowed Modi to take the centrestage.

India and the US also took part in a 2+2 ministerial dialogue this month where they struck a deal to co-produce Stryker armoured vehicles. In a presser after the annual meeting conducted at a time when the US is engaged in multiple crises in Europe and West Asia, implying solid commitment, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin was quoted, as saying that US faces a challenging global security environment Thats all the more reason why the progress in our partnership with India is so important and why the United States is so committed to making it even stronger.Alongside political schmoozing, defence ties kept up the tempo. India and US conduct the highest number of joint military exercises. Accordingly, the 19th edition of the annual Yudh Abhyas took place in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from 25 September to 8 October and the 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar commenced in Umroi, Meghalaya, on Tuesday and will continue till 11 December.

Meanwhile, the Quad Leaders Summit will be held next year in India, and New Delhi has officially invited the US president to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

The breadth, scale and complexity of the engagements defy the notion that Biden administration is keen on putting brakes on the relationship. Nevertheless, the leak has created a controversy that the White House had to address. It has forced an uncomfortable response from India. New Delhi has refrained from taking belligerent stance unlike its categorical dismissal of Canadas charge.

This leads us to the question of motives. Who might be instigating the controversy? And why now?

We need to track back a little to look at the deals that were signed during Modis state visit to the US. Among the agreements was a plan for India to procure General Atomics MQ-9B (high altitude long endurance) HALE UAVs. At a deal worth around $3 billion, India will get 31 SeaGuardian drones which will be assembled here to enhance ISR capabilities of Indian armed forces across domains.

While the Biden administration is betting on India, the security agencies (or at least an influential faction within it) remains sceptical and wants to slow roll the pace of engagement. Interestingly, the allegations against India coincidentally emerged at a time when the US State Department last week informally notified US congressional committees of its intent to move forward with the MQ-9B deal as it must before any impending sale.

According to the Washington Post, the sale is undergoing a 30-day review process. Some lawmakers are expected to seek to delay the sale for human rights and other concerns, predating the allegations of targeting of Sikh separatists and it is not outside the purview of possibility that the fresh controversy puts a spanner in the proceedings.

It is too much of a coincidence. The media, specifically the FT, a habitually anti-India outlet that has a dubious track record of running insidious campaigns against India, Indian conglomerates and its democratically elected leaders, seems to have been chosen to act as the cats paw to scuttle the trajectory of India-US ties.

The day after it carried the so-called scoop, the FT followed it up with another article that seeks to solidify a very specific narrative that the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist has complicated US-India ties, though the basis of the narrative isnt clear.

The follow-up report in questioning Indias trustworthiness, carries not a single comment from any Biden department official except speculation from analysts on Indias reliability as a partner and concerns over intelligence sharing, perhaps to end any speculation over Indias joining the FVEYE alliance. By all purposes, the Indian plot to kill an American citizen on American soil appears to be a specious story floated by shadowy intelligence operatives as part of an internal wrangling over the scale, pace and trajectory of bilateral ties under the Biden administration.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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In recent years, a peculiar trend has emerged in the world of travel  volcano tourism. As we explore the intriguing intersection of natural disasters and tourism, well delve into the risks and rewards of this booming industry, examining whether volcano tourism is truly the thrill of a lifetime or a fatal attraction.

Icelandic volcanic phenomenon

Iceland, a Nordic island country, stands out for its geological wonders, including glaciers and volcanoes. Notably, the country has experienced a surge in volcanic activity, with one particular volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, gaining international fame in 2010 when its eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. Rather than tarnishing Icelands reputation, this event sparked a tourism boom, setting the stage for the rise of volcano tourism.

Birth of volcano tourism

Over the past 13 years, Iceland has witnessed multiple volcanic eruptions, occurring every three to five years. Rather than deterring visitors, these eruptions have given birth to a new travel trend. Adventurers from around the world flock to Iceland to witness the mesmerising lava flows, with some going as far as biking, hiking, abseiling or even boarding across active volcanoes.

The success of volcano tourism in Iceland has not gone unnoticed globally. Countries like Japan, the United States, Italy, New Zealand and Guatemala have also embraced the concept, turning natural disasters into booming industries. Tourists are drawn to the allure of fiery landscapes, seeking not only Instagram-worthy pictures but also thrilling post-vacation stories.

Safety dilemma

While volcano tourism offers a unique and thrilling experience, the safety of such adventures is a pressing concern. Experts caution that not all volcanic eruptions are tourist-friendly and safety depends on factors such as accessibility and the type of eruption. Some volcanic locations are volatile, posing risks to both infrastructure and visitors. Additionally, eruptions often release poisonous gases, such as sulfur dioxide with potential health hazards including lung damage and death.

Despite the inherent dangers, the appeal of volcano tourism persists. Between 2010 and 2020, at least 1,143 people lost their lives in volcanic explosions, highlighting the grim reality of this adventurous pursuit. A poignant example occurred in 2019 when the Whakaari volcano in New Zealand erupted, resulting in 22 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Volcano tourism undoubtedly offers a one-of-a-kind experience allowing travellers to witness the raw power of nature. However, the risks associated with such adventures cannot be overlooked. As enthusiasts continue to seek the thrill of a lifetime, it is crucial to consider the potential dangers, ensuring that the pursuit of adventure does not become a fatal attraction. Ultimately, the question remains: Is volcano tourism a safe and exhilarating endeavour or is it a perilous gamble with natures fury?

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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In a recent snap election in the Netherlands, a political storm has erupted following the resignation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte after 13 years in office. The election results reveal a significant shift in Dutch politics with Geert Wilders often likened to the Dutch Trump, emerging as the winner.

Geert Wilders: The Dutch Trump?

Geert Wilders, commonly referred to as the Dutch Trump secured a decisive victory in the recent election. A conservative politician with striking blond hair, Wilders is renowned for his anti-immigration and anti-EU stance. While there are parallels with former US president Donald Trump, there is more to Wilders political agenda than meets the eye.

Wilders campaign centred around promises to end asylum seekers and immigration to the Netherlands. He pledged to limit the asylum tsunami and prioritise the economic well-being of Dutch citizens. Notably, Wilders advocates for the Netherlands exit from the European Union, a move he terms Nexit. This anti-EU sentiment raises concerns and questions about the countrys commitments within the bloc.

The hope is, that people get their country back. That we make sure that the Netherlands is for the Dutch again. That we will limit the asylum tsunami and migration. That people will have more money in their wallets again, instead of spending millions to nonsense. That Netherlands will be more secure again. People expect our agenda of hope, tougher asylum and immigration policy, the people getting more money to pay for their utilities and groceries, said Leader of the Party For Freedom, Geert Wilders.

Apart from his anti-immigration stance, Wilders is also known for his strong anti-Islam rhetoric. In 2008, he released a film criticising the Koran and over the years, he has consistently spoken against Islam considering it a significant threat to freedom and security.

The biggest threat to our survival today, and the threats to our freedom, are the European Union, mass immigration and this terrible Islamic ideology of submission and violence, said Wilders.

Representative of Groenlinks Party in Gelderland, Paul Smits, said, It will be horrible for many things. It will be horrible for anyone who has a different background than a white Dutch background.

Challenges and backlash

Wilders victory comes with challenges, given the Netherlands existing commitments as a member of the European Union. His proposal for a Nexit and promises to halt aid to developing nations, including Ukraine, may face hurdles within the EU framework. Additionally, Wilders opposition to Islamic institutions within the Netherlands conflicts with the countrys constitutional principles of freedom of religion and expression.

While Wilders secured a significant number of seats in the election, forming a government with a majority of 76 seats requires coalition-building. The Dutch proportional representation system necessitates collaboration with other parties. Potential allies, including the VVD, the outgoing prime ministers party, may indicate a coalition in the making. However, Wilders will likely need to compromise on his Nexit stance to maintain a stable government.

We will collaborate with other parties, because thats what we like and well show that we are able to do it. The Dutch citizen deserves it that the Freedom Party is in the next government and it will happen, said Wilders.

Wilders victory in the Dutch election signals a shift towards anti-immigration sentiments and scepticism towards the European Union. As the political landscape evolves, the EU must consider the implications of this result and engage in thoughtful reflection on the rising tide of anti-immigration rhetoric in European politics. Wilders ability to navigate coalition dynamics and balance his controversial proposals will shape the future direction of Dutch governance and its relationship with the EU.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Finland finds itself at the centre of a growing crisis with Russia involving a surge in undocumented migrants at their shared border. This unfolding situation, marked by accusations and counterclaims, has sparked tensions between the two nations.

The Finland-Russia border, spanning a vast 1,340 kilometres, has become a focal point of concern. While there are multiple border crossings, Finland has taken the unprecedented step of closing all but one, citing a migrant crisis as the primary reason.

Finland accuses Russia of orchestrating the crisis by facilitating the movement of migrants across the border. Helsinki contends that Moscow has deviated from its traditional policy of requiring proper documentation for border crossings. The evidence presented by Finland suggests that Russia is not only allowing migrants to reach the Finnish border with invalid or missing documents but is also actively transporting them to the border.

Well, were very concerned about the border situation where Russia is effectively instrumentalising people, not only letting people through to the Finnish border with invalid documents, or missing documents, which has not been the case before, but also we have evidence that Russia is effectively bringing those people to the border and organising transport as well, said Finlands foreign minister Elina Valtonen.

Traditionally, no one could traverse the Finnish-Russian border on foot between checkpoints, a rule, migrants are now bypassing. They are arriving on bicycles and scooters provided by Russia, thus skirting established border protocols. Finland claims that Russia is not only supplying these two-wheelers but also leaving the vehicles at the border crossings and closing gates on their side.

Russian denial

Russia vehemently denies Finlands allegations dismissing them as baseless.

We do not accept such accusations. Border crossings are used by those who have a legal right to do so, and in this regard, our border guards fully comply with all their official instructions. And if they try to find some far-fetched reasons, then again we do not accept such accusations against us here, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation is Finlands recent NATO membership. The border, now considered a NATO border, has intensified suspicions that Russia is using the migrant crisis as a form of retaliation, branding it as hybrid warfare.

This is not the first time such a situation has occurred. In 2021, a similar crisis unfolded at the Polish border with Belarus being accused of manufacturing the migrant surge. The parallels between the two incidents raise questions about the recurrence of such tactics and their potential use as geopolitical tools.

On the border with Russia, Finland is experiencing a similar phenomenon to what we have been dealing with here since 2021. In other words, to sum it up, its a hybrid attack on the Finnish border, which is carried out by bringing groups of migrants to that border. Its a very unpleasant and challenging situation, said Polish president Andrzej Duda.

Preventive measures

In response to the crisis, Finland is fortifying its border defences. Concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire are being erected and the EU has deployed 50 guards to assist in managing the situation. Closing the entire border remains a possibility if the situation escalates further.

The crisis has escalated to the diplomatic front with Russia summoning the Finnish ambassador to lodge a complaint over the border closures. The uneasy standoff continues with the fate of hundreds of migrants hanging in the balance.

The Finland-Russia border crisis presents a complex geopolitical scenario, blending accusations, denials and historical parallels. As the situation unfolds, the impact on diplomatic relations, regional stability and the lives of migrants caught in the crossfire remains uncertain.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah Friday said if his party is voted to power in Telangana, it will end Muslim reservation.

We have made a lot of promises. One of them is that the CM will be made from the backward class. We will end the Muslim reservation and give reservations to SC, ST and OBC. We have also promised vertical reservation to the Madiga community, Shah said while addressing a roadshow in poll-bound Telangana.

We have also promised four gas cylinders free of cost in a year to the poor women of the state. We will form a committee and punish those who are responsible for corruption, Shah added.

Assembly elections in Telangana will be held on 30 November. The counting of votes will take place on 3 December.

Campaigning in Telangana's Jagtial on Monday, Shah had announced that the BJP "will do away with the four per cent reservation for Muslims and we will give those to SCs."

"We have decided that the Madiga community will get vertical quota in reservation under the SC category," he added.

The minister also promised free trips to Ayodhya once the BJP comes to power in the state.

"You are all invited to have a darshan on Ram Lalla at Ayodhya. We will pay for your trip in turns if you vote the BJP to power," Shah said on Monday, adding that both the Congress and the BRS have opposed the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Telangana Assembly election 2023 is set to witness a triangular contest between the BJP, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Congress. In the previous Assembly poll held in 2018, BRS bagged victory on 88 out of 119 seats and had a dominant vote share of 47.4 per cent. Congress came at a distant second with 19 seats. Its vote share was 28.7 per cent.
Maybe youre hosting a holiday party this year. Maybe you have dreams of making all of your own hors doeuvres: golden gougeres, crispy stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, gooey baked brie. Or maybe youre realizing you need some short-cuts  without hitting the Trader Joes frozen aisle.

Bay Area restaurants, bakers, purveyors and farmers market stands have great options for rounding out your holiday spread. Grab a stunning purple sourdough to go with infused oils and dips from destination restaurants. Surprise your friends with not just amazing Italian-style charcuterie but also smoky pastrami from a standout deli. And order frozen cookie dough from a popular baker so you can fill your home with the scent of butter as guests arrive.

Maybe youre not hosting? Regardless, if youre planning to go to a holiday party this winter, you shouldnt show up empty-handed. These items are also potluck-friendly additions.

For grazing

Crispy, tangy dosa chips from Table Foods

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Its a great time to eat dosas in the Bay Area, with restaurants seeming to serve every possible shape and flavor of these fermented rice and lentil crepes. Table Foods, of Larkspur, is even selling them in packaged form, cut into strips and fried in bran oil. The results are tangy and shatteringly crisp. Theyre available plain, with sea salt, ideal for dipping, and with a light madras curry thats nice on its own. Theyre also gluten-free ($7.99 at Bi-Rite Market).  C.P.

Memorable party nuts from Lion Dance Cafe

Explosive with flavor and aromatics, the peanut mix ($9.50) from Oakland restaurant Lion Dance is the party snack guests wont be able to stop eating. Each bag assembles roasted peanuts along with toasted chiles and fried curry leaves. Salty, umami, faintly pungent and piquant, this delectable snack is like the fully tricked-out Cadillac version of bar nuts.  C.H.

380 17th St., Oakland. liondancecafe.com

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For your meat-and-cheese board

The top of a wheel of Quinta cheese gets removed. Its joined by FraMani salami, pastrami, dates and more cheese. Francesca Tamse

Elegant salami from a former Chez Panisse chef

Your charcuterie board will be lost without a pack or two of silky, supple dry-aged salami from FraMani Handcrafted Foods. The Berkeley outfit from chef Paul Bertolli, known for his time at Chez Panisse and Oliveto, has won countless awards for its cured meats rooted in Italian technique. The latest? A gold medal from the inaugural World Charcuterie Awards in London this year for FraManis Toscano ($8 for 2.5 ounces). Seasoned simply with red wine, black pepper and garlic, the salami shines with pearly white fat.  J.B.

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Sold at Bay Area grocery stores such as Whole Foods. framani.com

The best pastrami from Delirama

Show up with a half pound of pastrami ($16), and immediately become the most popular person at any holiday party. Order it from Berkeleys Delirama, which arguably makes the best pastrami in the Bay Area. The super tender beef, which is brined, rubbed in spices and smoked, makes for an innovative addition to a charcuterie board. Delirama also turns smoked celeriac into a satisfying vegan pastrami, if there are any non meat-eaters in attendance.  E.K.

1746 Solano Ave., Berkeley. delirama.com

A selection of local cheeses

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Start building your cheese board with a guaranteed crowd pleaser: the Broncha ($13) by Petalumas Achadinha Cheese Co. Inspired by a Portuguese style, this cows milk cheese is aged up to seven months until nutty. For a showstopping creamy cheese, get the Quinta wheel ($15.99) from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. The soft-ripened, cows milk cheese is lusciously gooey  brie could never!  and has a delicate flavor. This is a distinctly California cheese: Its wrapped in spruce bark thats both infused and crowned with local bay laurel leaves, which grow wild on the Point Reyes farm. Carve off the top of the rind and serve at room temperature. Round it out with a goat cheese, such as the ultra-creamy Pastoral ($14.99) from Petalumas Andante Dairy. Coated completely in dried herbs, its also an aesthetic treat.  E.K. and J.B.

Broncha: Purchase at Achadinha Cheese Cos farmers market stand all over the Bay Area.

Quinta: Purchase at Bay Area grocery stores or at Point Reyes Farmsteads farmers market stands (Ferry Building Plaza in San Francisco on Saturdays, Grand Lake in Oakland on Saturdays and Marin Civic Center on Sundays).

Pastoral: Purchase at Epicurean Trader and Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco.

Hippie crunch from Cult Crackers

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In a sea of fancy crackers, these crispy, seed-studded numbers made in Berkeley stand out. Theyre crunchy in a literal and hippie way, organic and full of flax seeds, hemp seeds and so on. Theyre just tasty enough to munch on by themselves, but they also play a nice background role for dips and cheese. The classic version ($8) uses corn flour as a base, and theres a cassava flour version, too.  C.P.

Sold at Bay Area markets including Bi-Rite and online

Dazzling dates from Flying Disc Ranch

Dates are an ideal sweet, jammy component on a cheese board  and far less messy than fruit preserves. For the softest, most memorable versions, choose barhi dates ($12 per pound) from Flying Disc Ranch, which sell at Bay Area farmers markets. They taste like butterscotch pudding in a finger-food format.  J.B.

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For your bread and dip needs

The huge naan from Afghan Awasana Kabob House invites guests to rip off pieces with their hands. Francesca Tamse

Enormous flatbread from Afghan Awasana Kabob House

People drive miles just for the extra-long golden naan ($4) from Afghan Awasana Kabob House in Fremont. The dimpled bread, more than 2 feet long and sprinkled with poppy, sesame and nigella seeds, is the perfect carb match for dips, charcuterie and other party snacks. Call ahead to order or snag a fresh loaf through a small window in the back corner of the Afghan market next door. Any leftover naan can be frozen.  E.K.

37012 Towers Way, Suite B, Fremont. 510-494-8043

Ube sourdough from Rize Up brings serious color to any party. Francesca Tamse

Attention-grabbing ube sourdough from Rize Up

San Franciscos Rize Up Bakery blends its tangy, sought-after sourdough with several ingredients, such as gochujang, Spanish chorizo and masala. But its the ube sourdough ($16) that will really turn heads when you slice it open. The deep purple loaf has that unmistakable sourdough tang, but with a bit of caramel-like sweetness and earthy flavor from the ube.  M.C.

1160 Howard St., San Francisco. rizeupsourdough.com

The Charter Oaks creamy fermented soy dip will be quickly demolished. Francesca Tamse

A dreamy dip for your crudites platter from the Charter Oak

A fixture at most parties, the classic veggie tray is typically one of the least exciting components of an indulgent holiday spread. But not this year. The Charter Oaks creamy fermented soy dip (served at the restaurant alongside raw vegetables) is so delicious it could put this years crudites platter in the running for the fastest devoured holiday appetizer. The mix of fermented soy beans, creme fraiche and chive oil, plus a few other secret ingredients, is so beloved that the St. Helena restaurant sells it by itself to go ($16 for 6 ounces). The trip to Napa Valley is worth it, especially if you stick around for the Charter Oak burger, one of Wine Countrys best.  J.L.

1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena. www.thecharteroak.com

Ube sourdough from Rize Up gets dipped in basil oil from Daytrip. Francesca Tamse

A vibrant, herbaceous oil from Daytrip

Bring a little bit of cheffy fun to your holiday table with products from Daytrip. The popular Oakland restaurant and bottle shop offers its basil oil ($16) and other house condiments, like habanero aioli, in handy squeeze bottles. Splash some of the fragrant herbal oil on a salad for extra brightness or into a bowl for dipping bread. Got focaccia? Re-create Daytrips staple starter at home by mixing some fruity vinegar into the bright green oil.  M.C.

4316 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. thisisdaytrip.com

A dose of garlic from Shawarmaji

The fine folks at Shawarmaji give out breath mints to ward off the strength of the Jordanian restaurants garlicky toum. Its potent, made from garlic, canola oil and lemon juice. Smear it on bread with a slice of cured meat or pastrami. You can buy jars ($11.99) of the sauce at Shawarmaji in Oakland and Santa Clara.  E.K.

2123 Franklin St., Oakland and 2281 The Alameda, Santa Clara. theshawarmaji.com

For dessert

A slice of chocolate chess pie from Ediths Pie doesnt last long. Francesca Tamse

A crowd-pleasing chocolate pie from Ediths Pie

Once a wildly popular pop-up, Ediths Pie opened an all-day cafe this year offering fun caffeinated drinks, biscuit sandwiches and, of course, pies. Most of the options are seasonal, like the autumnal pumpkin or phyllo-crowned baklava pies, while standbys like the chocolate chess ($38 for a whole pie) are always available. The latter is like a gooey, fudgy brownie in pie form that begs to be washed down with a steamy cup of joe.  C.H.

412 22nd St., Oakland. edithspie.com

Thick chocolate chip cookies from Rorys Bakehouse, freshly baked at home. Francesca Tamse

A fresh-baked treat shortcut from Rorys Bakehouse

This pandemic startup from a veteran pastry chef has become the top underground provider of sweet and savory baked goods to Napa Valley locals. Rorys Bakehouse releases a mouthwatering weekly menu of frozen, ready-to-bake treats  cookies, scones, pies and more  that you can simply pop in the oven when a craving or occasion strikes. This makes Rorys a great excuse to plan a Napa Valley day trip ahead of the busy holiday party season. Place your order online in advance for party-pleasers like pumpkin cheesecake bars, chocolate peppermint cookies and herb-filled pull-apart buns. Pickup is available Wednesdays-Fridays.  J.L.

2766 Old Sonoma Road, Napa. rorysbakehouse.com

For drinks

Try to have a range of drinks, such as Cruse Co. sparkling wine, Brucato Chaparral amaro for cocktails and ume-shiso syrup for a nonalcoholic concoction. Francesca Tamse

Bubbly from Cruse Wine Co. thats more fun than Champagne

Is it, technically speaking, even a party without bubbles? This year, forgo Champagne in favor of celebratory wines from Petaluma winemaker Michael Cruse. Hes known for grower-style domestic sparkling numbers, like a 2022 pet-nat made with Valdiguie ($40), a historic Napa grape, thats saline and just slightly pink and sweet.  C.P.

A special taste of California from Brucato Amaro

Trying to mix bright, herbaceous holiday cocktails? This substitute for Chartreuse ($35), which has become increasingly difficult to find, brings local flavor to classic drinks like a Last Word or a Chartreuse swizzle. Its a liqueur infused in San Francisco with California herbs like mint and yerba santa, and it tastes the way a beautiful California hillside smells, if that hillside were also a substantial 46.4% alcohol-by-volume.  C.P.

Shiso-ume plum syrup combines with sparkling water for a vibrant nonalcoholic beverage option. Francesca Tamse

A visually stunning mixer from Yume Boshi
While most companies around the world are still contemplating whether to try out a 4-day work week, Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, has proposed a vision of a future where a three-day workweek is plausible, with machines taking on various tasks, including food preparation and chores.

In a recent conversation with South African comedian and writer Trevor Noah on the podcast What Now, Gates challenged the common fear that artificial intelligence (AI) would replace human jobs, stating that AI will instead change it forever.

During the 45-minute discussion, Gates expressed optimism about the broader impact of AI on society, highlighting its potential to enhance productivity.

He believes that if the transition to a more automated workforce occurs at a manageable pace with adequate government support, it could lead to a society requiring less manual labour, allowing people more leisure time.

Gates also emphasized AIs potential benefits in fields such as programming, testing, and healthcare, where it could streamline processes and reduce paperwork for medical professionals.

However, he acknowledged the challenges of fully understanding AI, citing examples of basic mathematical errors made by AI systems.

While Gates sees AI as a tool with the power to revolutionize sectors like healthcare and education globally, he also expressed concerns about its potential misuse, particularly in the form of deepfakes and cyberattacks.

He highlighted the dual nature of AI, serving as both a tool for empowerment and a potential source of polarization.

This is not the first time Gates has discussed his views on AI. In a lengthy blog post in March, he outlined his perspective on AIs merits, drawing parallels with the historical impact of microprocessors and the internet.

Gates emphasized AIs potential to address global inequities in education while acknowledging associated risks such as factual inaccuracies and potential misuse.
The Afghanistan Embassy has announced that it will permanently shut down its offices in New Delhi.

Effective from November 23, 2023 owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassys earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally, the Afghan Embassy said in an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

On September 30, the Afghanistan Embassy had said that it was ceasing its operations from Sunday (October 1), citing lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations to serve the best interests of Afghanistan, and paucity of resources and personnel.

Earlier in the same month, the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi had purportedly issued a communication on this issue regarding shutting down its India operations.

On Friday, the embassy said it was cognisant that some may attempt to characterise this move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who switched allegiance to the Taliban, adding that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests.

To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our missions tenure, it added.

Despite limitations in resources and power, the Afghan embassy said it has worked tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul.

Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period.

We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India, it added.

Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government, the Afghan embassy revealed further in its statement.

It added that the Afghan embassy exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school.

Currently, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India. Those who served in the national capital have safely reached third countries, the embassy informed through its release, adding that the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.

The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India, it added.

Earlier, the Afghan embassy announced the closure of its operations on November 1, citing lack of resources and failure to meet Afghanistans interests by the Taliban regime.
Israels Ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Friday said that after the truce to facilitate the initial release of 50 hostages ends, the Jewish state will go back to its mission of eliminating Hamas control of Gaza and focus on releasing the other hostages.

Speaking to ANI news agency, Gilon said, The cabinet set two targets for IDF. First was to eliminate the rule of Hamas and its capacities in Gaza. Second was to bring back the hostagesUnder an agreement brokered by different countries, different governments in the region, Hamas agreed to release about 50 women and childrenI think mainly due to the military pressure that Israel put on Hamas there is now this deal and we agreed for four days of ceasefire

#WATCH | Delhi | On the Israel-Hamas conflict and the hostages being released today, Israels Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon says, The cabinet set two targets for IDF. First was to eliminate the rule of Hamas and its capacities in Gaza. Second was to bring back the pic.twitter.com/YWzcchnpi6  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

After that our full intention, once it is over, is to go back to our mission of eliminating Hamas control of Gaza and releasing the other hostages, added Gilon.

Talking about Indias stand on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gilon said that Indias position from Day 1 has been very consistent, it was always  first of all, terrorism is unacceptable.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the Israel-Hamas conflict and Indias stance, Israels Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon says, I think Indias position from day 1 is very consistent all the timeI think he (PM Modi), the government and Jaishankar wherever they spoke, it was always  first pic.twitter.com/215Lm1wavW  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

I think he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi), the government and Jaishankar wherever they spoke, it was always  first of all, terrorism is unacceptable  which many countries failed to do. They spoke about the two-state solution which is also totally understandable said the ambassador.

He said that Israel is very content with the strong and consistent support it has got from India.

We appreciate it very much, added Gilon.

After 48 days of gunfire and bombardment that claimed thousands of lives, a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on Friday with hostages set to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The agreement came after weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

As part of the deal, 13 women and children held hostage in Gaza are due to be freed at 4:00 pm, followed by a number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to Qatari mediators.

Over the four days, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinians prisoners are expected to be released.

The truce, from 7:00 am (0500 GMT), triggered a mass movement of thousands of Gazans who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment begun after unprecedented attacks on 7 October by Hamas militants.

Meanwhile, shortly after the truce began, trucks carrying more aid, including fuel, began moving into Gaza from the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

With inputs from agencies
Jewish journalists working for BBC have been banned from attending an antisemitic march to be held on Sunday.

Senior managers have told journalists that if they work in news, current affairs, or factual journalism or are senior leaders, they should refrain from attending the antisemitic march planned in central London.

According to the Daily Mail, the journalists are now apprehensive that they might face disciplinary actions if they defy the orders.

Sources have said that senior managers at the British Broadcasting Corporation have told their Jewish reporters that the antisemitic march does not fall under the description of allowed events that are commemorative or celebratory.

The company has warned that anyone who attends the march would be considered controversial.

But pro-Palestinian marches are OK

Many of those who oppose the stance taken by the news organisation have questioned BBCs support for employees to attend pro-Palestinian marches.

On the one hand, they are saying that theyre not impartial on racism and staff dont need to be but for some reason that we do need to be impartial on anti-Semitism. We can only assume that where this racism is concerned, Jews dont count, one source told Daily Mail.

I moved from feeling like its not a safe place for Jews to work to feeling like I owe it to my community to stay and do whatever little I can to insert some humanity into the organisation, the source added.

The source further said, Many people here have been to the pro-Palestine marches and are happy to talk about it at work. People here seem to think Zionists are evil. One colleague said I was OK because I wasnt a proper Zionist.

What does BBC say?

A spokesperson of the news organisation said, The BBC is clear that anti-Semitism is abhorrent. We have established guidance around marches, which explains that different considerations apply depending on what you do for the BBC.

The Editorial Guidelines sections on Impartiality and Conflicts of Interest make it clear that different considerations apply depending on what you do for the BBC, the spokesperson added.

As per its guidelines, BBC allows its employees to attend some parades, marches or gatherings, including events such as trade union rallies under the companys banner but not represent the organisation as a whole.
China has announced to temporarily exempt citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from needing visas when visiting the country. The move is believed to have taken to spur post-pandemic tourism.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday that citizens from those countries entering China for business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days will not need a visa from Dec. 1 this year to Nov. 30, 2024.

In recent months, China has undertaken various measures, including the restoration of international flight routes, to revitalize its tourism sector after three years of stringent COVID-19 measures that significantly restricted its borders.

Beijing is also actively working to rebuild its global image, especially in the wake of tensions with several Western nations, including some European countries. These tensions have arisen from issues ranging from COVID-19 and human rights to matters concerning Taiwan and trade practices.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center across 24 countries, views of China were largely unfavourable, with 67% of adults expressing negative sentiments. More than half of the respondents indicated that China interfered in the affairs of other nations and did not adequately consider the interests of others.

Earlier this month, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries to include citizens from Norway. In August, Beijing scrapped all COVID-19 test requirement for inbound travellers. It also resumed 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei in July.

International flights in and out the country, while recovering slower than domestic ones, have been picking up pace. Chinas aviation regulation said in October that there will be 16,680 weekly flights in the five months following, with passenger flights expected to reach 71% of the total four years ago.

With inputs from Reuters.
A Qatar court has approved Indias appeal against the death penalty for eight former Indian Navy officers who were sentenced to death last month in an alleged espionage case.

According to a NDTV report, citing sources, the Qatari court will review the appeal before scheduling a hearing.

An appeal was filed against the death sentence last month.

The eight men were arrested in August 2022 by Qatars intelligence agency for spying. Indian government sources had previously said the Qatari authorities have not provided the reasons for their arrest. Not many details of the case, including the alleged crime committed by these men, have been disclosed so far.

Their bail petitions were rejected several times and the verdict against them was pronounced last month by the Court of First Instance in Qatar.

India had described the ruling as deeply shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case.

We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are in touch with the family members. Our legal team is exploring all options, Ministry of External Affairs had said after the judgment.

The arrested Indian Navy veterans are Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.

All of the former Navy officers have a distinguished service record of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and have held important positions including that of instructors in the force.

With inputs from agencies
The foreign ministers of South Korea, China, and Japan are scheduled to hold talks in South Korea on Sunday, South Koreas foreign ministry announced on Friday. The move is considered a significant step as the three nations aim to hold their first leaders summit in four years.

While the three countries initially agreed to convene an annual summit in 2008 to enhance regional cooperation, this plan has faced challenges due to bilateral disputes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The last leaders summit took place in 2019.

The upcoming meeting of foreign ministers, set to occur in the South Korean port city of Busan, is noteworthy as the first such gathering since 2019. In September, senior diplomats from the three nations reached an agreement to facilitate a leaders meeting at the earliest convenient time.

The foreign ministers plan to exchange views extensively on the direction of development of trilateral cooperation including preparations for a ninth trilateral summit, and regional and global issues, the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministers will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines, it added.

The talks come as South Korea and Japan have seen improving ties and also deepening security cooperation with the United States amid concerns over Chinas growing regional influence.

Beijing has previously warned that U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with South Korea and Japan could increase tension and confrontation in the region.

The meeting in Busan also comes after North Korea said this week it had placed its first spy satellite in orbit, drawing international condemnation for violating U.N. resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic missile programs.

With inputs from Reuters.
Frances top diplomat called on Beijing Friday to be vigilant against China providing any direct or indirect support to Russia in its war on Ukraine, as she wrapped up a visit to the Chinese capital.

Catherine Colonna met Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, as part of a visit that Paris said would focus on deepening exchanges between the two countries but would also be dominated by current events, in particular the Israel-Hamas war and the conflict in Ukraine.

We want to have an in-depth dialogue with China on global issues, of course, but also on major crises, Colonna told a press conference in Beijing after meeting with Wang.

She said France was counting on the vigilance of Chinese authorities to ensure nothing in China contributes directly or indirectly to Russias illegal war effort.

China has refused to condemn Russias 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 has said it is aware that Chinese companies have aided Russias invasion of Ukraine, urging Beijing to crack down.

But Colonna said Friday she had no doubt about Chinas capacity to carry the message that is that of the international community of full and real respect for fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Colonna, Wang said China maintained normal and friendly relations with Russia and Iran, but also with many other countries.

In handling international and regional affairs, China has always maintained an objective and impartial position, always upheld the basic norms of international relations, has always resolved disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation, and insisted on maintaining world peace and stability, he said.

Must work together

Colonnas talks in Beijing came the same day that a truce between Israel and Hamas took effect, with the militant group to release a first group of 13 hostages later Friday, and a total of 50 over four days.

For us, all the hostages must be released. All, and not just 50, Colonna said during a briefing with French journalists.

Around 240 people were abducted during Hamass cross-border attacks on Israel last month, which Israeli authorities say killed at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel responded with a scorching air-and-ground offensive on Gaza that health authorities say has killed at least 15,000 people, thousands of them children.

Beijing has this year sought to play a greater role in the Middle East, facilitating a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and sending an envoy to the region to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Colonna held formal bilateral talks with Wang before their joint press conference in the evening.

Speaking with Wang, she hailed the Gaza ceasefire as an important step.

We must now work together on solutions, both on a humanitarian level and on a political level, she said.

Visa deal

Colonna and Wang also held a bilateral dialogue at Peking University earlier in the day aimed at enhancing cooperation on everything from climate to education.

Beijing announced Friday that French citizens would be among travellers from a number of countries granted visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days.

Citizens of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia will also be included in the scheme, which begins on December 1.

Previously, only citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan were granted visa-free entry for stays of fewer than 15 days.

Colonna said she was delighted by the news.

This is a strong announcement that will greatly facilitate mobility between our two countries, she said.

Now that the shadow of the epidemic has dissipated, we are delighted to see the increase in mutual visits, contacts and exchanges between our two peoples, Wang said.

Frances top diplomat was Friday morning received by Premier Li Qiang at Beijings Great Hall of the People, saying China and France shared global responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council.

The two must strive to find answers to major challenges, in particular the challenges of climate, biodiversity and anything that can ease tensions in the world, she said.

Li, in turn, noted a positive trend of Sino-French cooperation on all fronts.

This close cooperation between China and France has also injected a lot of positive energy and provided more certainty to the uncertain world today, he added.
Frances top diplomat Catherine Colonna met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday, as part of a short visit focused on the Israel-Hamas war as well as deepening exchanges between the two countries.

Colonnas talks in Beijing come the same day that a truce between Israel and Hamas took effect, with the terror group set to release a first group of 13 hostages later Friday, and a total of 50 over four days.

For us, all the hostages must be released. All, and not just 50, Colonna said during a briefing with French journalists.

Around 240 people were abducted during Hamass cross-border attacks on Israel last month.

Paris has said that the conflict in the Middle East will be high on the agenda for Colonna and her Chinese counterparts.

China is an actor with growing weight in the region due to its strong relationship with Iran, a French diplomatic source said this week.

The first thing we expect from China in this conflict is to join its efforts with ours to ensure that we avoid any regional escalation, they added.

Beijing has this year sought to play a greater role in the Middle East, facilitating a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and sending an envoy to the region to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Received Friday morning by Premier Li under the chandeliers of Beijings Great Hall of the People, Colonna said China and France shared global responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council.

The two must strive to find answers to major challenges, in particular the challenges of climate, biodiversity and anything that can ease tensions in the world, she said.

Li, in turn, noted a positive trend of Sino-French cooperation on all fronts.

This close cooperation between China and France has also injected a lot of positive energy and provided more certainty to the uncertain world today, he added.

Colonna then met her counterpart Wang at Peking University in the afternoon, restarting a high-level China-France dialogue on other areas of cooperation.

Put on hold during the pandemic, the series of talks, which began in 2014, concerns subjects like academic, scientific, cultural, and sporting exchanges, as well as issues linked to tourism and questions of gender equality.

Colonna will soon hold formal bilateral talks with Wang, before a joint press conference in the evening.

France and China will sign a series of agreements in areas such as education, culture, university exchanges and health, Paris has said.

And Beijing announced Friday that French citizens would be among a number of countries granted visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days.

Citizens of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia will also be included in the scheme, which begins on 1 December.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has described the launch of military spy satellite by his country as the space guard in exercise of right to self-defence, according to Yonhap News.

Pyongyangs launch of the Malligyong-1 on Tuesday was its third attempt at securing a military eye in the sky after failures in May and August.

Within hours of the launch, North Korea claimed that its leader was already reviewing images of US military bases in Guam.

The launch was a full-fledged exercise of the right to self-defense, Kim said during a visit to the national space agency, according to Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency.

He highly appreciated that the eye-opening event of deploying the reconnaissance satellite constantly grasping the military intention and moves of the hostile forces with our space guard and powerful sighting telescope is the precious victory, Yonhap News reported, citing KCNA.

Emphasising that the ownership of a spy satellite constitutes a comprehensive exercise of the right to self-defence, Kim urged endeavours to realise both the immediate and long-term objectives of advancing aerospace reconnaissance capabilities, according to KCNA.

Kim visited the facility with his daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and held a photo session with those involved in the satellite programme.

South Koreas defence chief Shin Won-sik said on Thursday that a partial suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction deal is a proportional response and a minimal defensive measure against the North Korean regime following Pyongyangs controversial satellite launch, Yonhap News reported.

Shins comments came hours after North Koreas defence ministry vowed to immediately restore all military measures halted under the Comprehensive Military Agreement and warned that the South must pay dearly for its decision.

A 2018 accord that calls for setting a no-fly zone around the Military Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas, was suspended on Wednesday by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

North Koreas launch of what it calls a military spy satellite on November 21 is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and a serious provocation against the international community, once again showing it has no will to abide by the military agreement, Shin said in a parliamentary session, according to Yonhap.

Therefore, the partial suspension of the agreement is an essential measure to protect peoples lives and safety. It is a corresponding response to North Koreas provocation and a minimal defensive measure, he said.

Shin stated South Korea will resume aerial surveillance operations near the border region an appropriate response to the growing threat posed by the North.

If North Korea stages provocations under the pretext of the suspension, we will respond immediately, strongly and until the end, Shin said.

Shortly after the suspension of the motion, surveillance drones and reconnaissance aircraft were deployed near the border.

North Korea supposedly fired an unspecified ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday night, but the launch appears to have failed, the South Korean military said, Yonhap News reported.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, currently docked at a naval base in the southeastern port city of Busan is expected to join naval drills between South Korea and the US, as well as trilateral drills involving Japan, scheduled over the weekend, Yonhap News reported.

With inputs from agencies
For many, 2023 has been a year for returning to the office  and, as a result, adjusting to old routines, like frantically figuring out whats for dinner at 6 p.m. That might be why we found ourselves craving more ease and speed in the kitchen this year. Luckily, several new cookbooks delivered.

We got multiple baking books dedicated to making dessert an approachable and weeknight-friendly endeavor. A West African cookbook shows how to build meals around a few staple sauces. Vegetables rise to the forefront in a fresh look at Vietnamese food as well as in a collection devoted to not-boring salads. In other cases, we couldnt resist stunning photography or storytelling.

Here are the 10 cookbooks we kept returning to this year, with an emphasis on Bay Area and California authors. Youll also find four excellent recipes below.

Asada

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Asada: The Art of Mexican Grilling is one of Californias most compelling new cookbooks this year. Provided by Abrams

The second cookbook from Bricia Lopez, co-owner of treasured mole restaurant Guelaguetza in Los Angeles and author of James Beard award-nominated Oaxaca, is all about backyard Mexican grilling. Alongside L.A. Tacos Javier Cabral, Lopez shares more than 100 recipes to inspire your next gathering  think marinades, salsas, tortillas, sides like elote and even cocktails. You might find yourself dunking chicken thighs into orange juice and achiote, or a blend of toasted guajillo chiles, onion and garlic, before firing up the grill. While this is a very meaty book  hello, bacon-wrapped hot dogs  there are some vegetarian recipes, too, for more inclusive gatherings. (See recipe for Grilled Veggies with Pipian Dip below.)  J.B.

Asada: The Art of Mexican Grilling by Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral (Abrams Books; $40; 272 pages)

Ever-Green Vietnamese

Ever-Green Vietnamese: Super-Fresh Recipes, Starring Plants from Land and Sea by Andrea Nguyen. Provided by Ten Speed Press

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Bay Area cookbook author Andrea Nguyens latest effort stems from her efforts to cut back on her meat consumption and eat more vegetables while staying rooted in Vietnamese culture. That said, theres still meat and seafood in Ever-Green Vietnamese  just less than youd expect. Salmon swaps in for steak in a lighter, salad-like spin on Shaking Beef, for example. Meanwhile, cauliflower is given the char siu treatment, and tofu steps in for pork belly in a classic braise with eggs. Vegan or not, these dishes feel vibrant and full of flavor.  J.B.

Ever-Green Vietnamese: Super-Fresh Recipes, Starring Plants from Land and Sea by Andrea Nguyen (Ten Speed Press; $35; 304 pages)

Made in Taiwan

Made in Taiwan by Clarissa Wei is a deep dive into Taiwanese cuisine. Provided by Simon Element

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Taiwanese food is often categorized as a type of Chinese cuisine. In her stunning debut cookbook, Taipei food writer Clarissa Wei argues thats inaccurate  that its time for the cuisine to be recognized fully as its own. Political, historical and deeply researched, Made in Taiwan is a one-of-a-kind book thats worth studying even if you dont plan to, say, spend several hours making soup dumplings. That said, more casual home cooks will find some tasty, weeknight-friendly treasures, too, like clams stir-fried with basil and sweet-savory Three-Cup Chicken (see the recipe below).  J.B.

Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation by Clarissa Wei with Ivy Chen (Simon Element; $40; 384 pages)

Rintaro

Rintaro, the cookbook from Sylvan Mishima Brackett of the beloved San Francisco Japanese restaurant. Hardie Grant Publishing

The debut cookbook from Rintaro, one of the Bay Areas best Japanese restaurants, is transportive, just like dining at the San Francisco favorite. Beautiful design and photographs shot by chef and author Sylvan Mishima Bracketts sister take you into the heart of the Rintaro kitchen, which deftly combines Bay Area seasonality with Japanese cooking. Many recipes require commitment, from making udon noodles from scratch to breaking down a whole chicken for an at-home yakitori party. But even novice cooks can appreciate the beauty of an unusually special homage.  E.K.

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Rintaro: Japanese Food from an Izakaya in California by Sylvan Mishima Brackett with Jessica Battilana (Hardie Grant Publishing; $40; 304 pages)

Salad Seasons

Salad Seasons by Sheela Prakash is full of vegetable-centric dishes. Provided by Rizzoli

This is a book designed to break you out of your salad rut. It may even challenge your notion of what a salad can be. Sheela Prakash, whose byline you might recognize from Kitchn, Epicurious and Food52, shares recipes for salads that work as side dishes, main attractions or even dessert. Theres a picnic-ready carrot slaw enlivened with Dijon mustard, and a surprisingly flavorful warm cabbage salad boosted by caramelized shallots and nutty Gruyere. (See the latter recipe below.) Center-of-the-plate salads include garlicky white beans tossed with caramelized fennel. A nice bonus: Every recipe is accompanied by a photo.  J.B.

Salad Seasons: Vegetable Forward Dishes All Year by Sheela Prakash (Rizzoli; $37.50; 208 pages).

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Scandinavian from Scratch

Scandinavian from Scratch is the first cookbook by Nichole Accettola, owner of Kantine in San Franciosc. Provided by Ten Speed Press

Fans of San Franciscos Kantine can now try making chef Nichole Accettolas Scandinavian treats at home. Her first book, Scandinavian from Scratch, features familiar favorites like cardamom morning buns, flaky almond pastries and open-faced sandwiches on rye bread. Its the rare cookbook dedicated to Scandinavian baking in the U.S., full of not-too-sweet, buttery and rustic desserts. Ambitious home bakers can rise to the challenge of laminated Danish dough, while newer bakers will still find plenty of approachable options, such as crispy-chewy Swedish cookies with a remarkably short ingredient list.  J.B.

Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden by Nichole Accettola (Ten Speed Press; $29.99; 256 pages)

Simply West African

Simply West African is the fourth cookbook by Bay Area resident Pierre Thiam. Provided by Clarkson Potter

This tight volume of 80 recipes shows how easy it is to bring West African flavors into a Bay Area home kitchen with few specialty ingredients, speedy cook times and a spirit of improvisation. Senegalese cookbook author Pierre Thiam, known for his acclaimed West African restaurant Teranga in New York, moved to the East Bay during the pandemic and sings the regions praises in Simply West African. Its easy to imagine him picking up eggplant from the farmers market and topping it with a thick peanut sauce at home. Other recipes are built around the pantry, like a comforting Ghanaian tomato-bean stew that gets a punch of umami from smoked mackerel.  J.B.

Simply West African: Easy, Joyful Recipes for Every Kitchen by Pierre Thiam with Lisa Katayama (Clarkson Potter; 240 pages; $28)

Snacking Bakes

Yossy Arefis Snacking Bakes is full of quick, satisfying baking recipes. Provided by Clarkson Potter

This breezy book from the popular author of Snacking Cakes expands on her last hit with a similar ethos: treats that can be made in under an hour, often in one bowl and with no specialty equipment or ingredients. This time, however, theres not just cake, but also cookies, brownies and bars. Yossy Arefi, whose recipes you might also recognize from the New York Times, is an expert when it comes to all things low-fuss, satisfying and, often, kid-friendly. In no time, youll be throwing together brown sugar peach cakes in the summer and chewy molasses bars in the winter. (See recipe for the latter below.)  J.B.

Snacking Bakes: Simple Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cakes, and More by Yossy Arefi (Clarkson Potter; $25; 192 pages)

Sohn-mat

Sohn-mat is the first cookbook by Monica Lee, known for her now-closed Los Angeles restaurant, Beverly Soon Tofu. Courtesy Rick Poon/Hardie Grant

The closure of Beverly Soon Tofu in Los Angeles was one of the citys most devastating during the pandemic. But now, the beloved Korean restaurants recipes live on: Sohn-mat shares owner Monica Lees recipes for soondubu jjigae (tofu stew), plus her chosen ingredients and philosophy around cooking one individual serving at a time. There are also many dishes to complete a spread, like kimchi, banchan and sweet-savory grilled meat. But beyond the recipes, the book provides an intimate portrait of one special restaurant at the forefront of Los Angeles booming Koreatown.  J.B.

Sohn-mat: Recipes and Flavors of Korean Home Cooking by Monica Lee and Tien Nguyen (Hardie Grant; $35; 256 pages)

Sweet Enough

Sweet Enough is Alison Romans first dessert-focused book. Provided by Clarkson Potter

A baking book for people who dont bake? Sweet Enough is the first dessert-focused endeavor from Alison Roman, once a pastry chef at three-Michelin-starred Quince in San Francisco and now known for her viral recipes and hit cookbooks. Despite her formal training, Roman removes the fussy, intimidating elements from baking and makes throwing together a strawberry cake on a whim feel achievable. Many are approachable yet impressive recipes that youll want to make again and again, from slightly savory salted lemon shortbread to a celebratory bowl of chocolate pudding.  E.K.

Sweet Enough: A Dessert Cookbook by Alison Roman (Clarkson Potter; $35; 304 pages)

Reach Janelle Bitker: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com; Reach Elena Kadvany: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com

Grilled Veggies with Pipian Dip from Asada: The Art of Mexican Grilling,  which argues you should never let vegetarian guests go hungry at a cookout. Courtesy Quentin Bacon

Grilled Veggies With Pipian Dip

Serves 6 to 8

Vegetarians should never feel unwelcome at a carne asada, Bricia Lopez writes in Asada (Abrams Books). This is one of the veggie-forward options shell often make; feel free to use any vegetables you have in the fridge.

For the dip

1 habanero, stem removed

4 cloves garlic, peeled

3 red bell peppers (5 ounces each), stems and seeds removed

2 large heirloom tomatoes or tomatoes on the vine (14 ounces)

1 slice sourdough bread

 cup grapeseed oil

 cup olive oil

1 cup raw almonds, lightly toasted in a skillet on the stovetop

 cup red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sea salt

For the vegetables

8 ounces heirloom carrots, trimmed and peeled

 yellow squash, woody nub cut off

8 ounces asparagus, woody nubs snapped off

8 ounces calabacita (Mexican summer squash; can substitute zucchini), quartered

 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Start a charcoal or gas grill. The gas should be set to high. If using a pellet grill, preheat your grill to 425 degrees for at least 15 minutes. If using charcoal, the coals should be red but entirely covered with gray ash.

Make the dip: Wrap the habanero and garlic in a square sheet of aluminum foil. Place the bell peppers, tomatoes and bread directly on the grill along with the wrapped habanero and garlic. Grill the bread until just charred, about a minute or two per side. Grill the bell pepper and tomatoes for about 10 minutes, flipping until charred. The habanero and garlic will be softened after about 10 minutes. Remove from the grill, and set aside.

In a food processor, blend the habanero, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, bread, the grapeseed and olive oils, almonds, vinegar and salt until the texture is like a paste.

Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the carrots, yellow squash, asparagus and calabacita with the olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place the vegetables directly on the grill and grill them for about 10 minutes, flipping constantly until they are charred.

Serve the veggies warm with the dip on the side.

Three-Cup Chicken is classic Taiwanese beer food, as seen in Made in Taiwan. Courtesy Yen Wei and Ryan Chen/Simon Element

Three-Cup Chicken

Serves 4

Think you know three-cup chicken already? While this dish can be traced to the Jiangxi province of China, the biggest difference is that the Taiwanese renditions incorporate a generous handful of basil, Clarissa Wei explains in Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation (Simon Element, an imprint of Simon & Schuster). The three in three-cup chicken refers to soy sauce, black sesame oil and rice wine  a versatile combination that Wei suggests trying on other ingredients such as mushrooms or calamari.

 cup Taiwanese rice wine or cooking sake

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon coarse raw sugar, such as demerara

 teaspoon ground white pepper

2 tablespoons lard or canola or soybean oil

6 garlic cloves, smashed

12-inch piece fresh ginger, unpeeled and cut into 116-inch slices

2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, chopped into 2-inch-thick pieces (see Note)

2 cups fresh Thai basil

1 red jalapeno pepper or any fresh medium chili, deseeded and sliced into thin rings (optional)

1 to 2 tablespoons black sesame oil

In a small bowl, make the sauce by mixing together the rice wine, soy sauce, water, sugar and white pepper.

In a wok, heat the lard over medium heat. When it begins to shimmer, add the garlic and ginger, and cook until they are lightly brown and the edges of the ginger begin to curl, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the garlic and ginger, reserving the oil in the wok. Set the garlic and ginger to the side.

Increase the heat to high and add the chicken. Sear until the chicken is well browned on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in the sauce, bring to a boil and return the ginger to the wok. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a treacly, sticky glaze, 12 to 15 minutes.

Uncover the wok and increase the heat to high so the sauce begins to bubble vigorously. Return the garlic to the wok, and quickly toss in the basil and jalapeno pepper, if using. Mix to combine, and drizzle the black sesame oil over the chicken. Turn off the heat, and transfer to a clean plate. Enjoy immediately.

Note: Free-range, bone-in chicken is traditional, but its totally OK to make this with boneless chicken thighs for general ease. Boneless chicken will cook a bit faster than bone-in chicken, so be sure to watch the meat closely and check it at about the 10-minute mark. Dark meat is mandatory, or else the dish will come out dry and stringy.

The Wilted Cabbage and Warm Shallot Salad from Salad Seasons is topped with strips of Gruyere cheese. Courtesy Kristen Teig

Wilted Cabbage and Warm Shallot Salad

Serves 4

In this recipe adapted from Salad Seasons: Vegetable-Forward Dishes All Year (Rizzoli), Sheela Prakash makes the case for consuming more cabbage. It lasts ages in the fridge and can be transformed into countless dishes, including one inspired by warm spinach salads. Green cabbage slices are tossed with a warm caramelized shallot dressing and covered with nutty shaved Gruyere for a winter side thats easy to pair with whatever else youre serving.

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 medium shallots, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 medium (2- to 3-pound) head green cabbage

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons honey

2 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly shaved (about  cup), divided

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the shallots and garlic, season with a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring frequently and reducing the heat if the shallots and garlic start to burn, until the shallots are very soft, caramelized and deep golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, quarter, core and thinly slice the cabbage crosswise. Place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and massage with your hands to soften. Once the shallots have caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon and honey.

Pour the shallot mixture over the cabbage and toss to coat and wilt. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Add half of the shaved Gruyere and toss to distribute the cheese. Garnish with the remaining shaved Gruyere.

Coffee-Glazed Molasses Bars from Snacking Bakes are a chewy, low-effort riff on classic molasses cookies. Courtesy Yossy Arefi

Coffee-Glazed Molasses Bars

Makes one 8-by-8-inch pan

As with other molasses cookies, dont feel like you can only make these chewy bars around the holidays. In this recipe, adapted from Snacking Bakes (Clarkson Potter, part of Penguin Random House), Yossy Arefi pairs the classic warm spices with an unexpected hit of coffee glaze.

Molasses Bars

8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

 cup (113 grams) unsulphured molasses

 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar

 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

1 large egg, cold from the fridge

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

 teaspoon ground allspice

 teaspoon fine sea salt

 teaspoon baking soda

1 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour

Coffee Glaze

 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Pinch of salt

2 to 3 teaspoons milk, any kind

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or brush with butter. Line the pan with a strip of parchment paper that hangs over two of the sides.

Make the bars: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, molasses, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined, about 30 seconds.

Add the egg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and salt, and whisk until smooth and glossy.

Whisk in the baking soda. Fold in the flour with a spatula and mix until combined and no streaks of flour remain.

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and use an offset spatula or lightly oiled hands to press the thick dough evenly into the pan.

Bake the bars until puffy, golden brown and just slightly firm, 24 to 27 minutes.

Let the bars cool in the pan on a rack; they will deflate as they cool.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, espresso powder and salt. Drizzle in the milk until the glaze is thick and opaque but pourable.
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said 12 Thai hostages kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists during Hamass 7 October raids into Israel were released on Friday, hours after a truce in the Israel-Hamas war began.

It has been confirmed by the security side and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai hostages are already released, he posted on X.

Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in another hour. Their names and details should be known. Please stay tuned.

A total of 25 Thai nationals were among the estimated 240 people taken hostage by gunmen during last months wave of cross-border raids into Israel.

In the worst attack in Israels history, 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel has retaliated with a massive campaign of air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive into Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

The Hamas government says the war has killed around 15,000 people, thousands of them children.

On Friday, a truce began following weeks of negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Under the agreement, a four-day pause in the fighting should see at least 50 hostages released from Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Two Hamas sources told AFP on Friday that some of the hostages seized in the raids were on Friday handed over to the Red Cross for return to Israel, via Egypt.

Shortly after the Thai prime minister posted on X, a source close to Hamas confirmed to AFP that some Thai hostages had been freed, in addition to hostages released under the deal with Israel.

Hamas made a gesture to also release some Thai foreigners, the source close to the Islamist movement said.

Last week, a member of Thailands hostage release negotiation team said his government had been given assurances by Hamas that the kingdoms nationals held hostage by the armed group were safe.

Earlier this month, the Thai foreign minister travelled to Qatar to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart over the Thai nationals release.

About 30,000 Thais were working in Israel, mostly in the agriculture sector, at the time of the October 7 attacks, according to the kingdoms labour ministry.

Thirty-nine citizens have been killed and 19 wounded in the war, with the kingdom evacuating more than 8,500 of its people, according to the Thai foreign ministry.
The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) is embroiled in yet another donation-related financial issue  this one involves funds from Qatar, according to i24NEWS.

Citing a leaked Qatari government document, the Washington DC-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) published a paper on Tuesday claiming that Qatars regime paid 3 million euros to HRW.

MEMRI translated the Qatari Prime Ministers Office document that declares the matter is confidential and urgent.

According to MEMRIs translation, Abdullah Bin Khalaf Hattab Al Kabi, director of Qatars Office of the Prime Minister, wrote to Finance Minister Ali Sharif Al-Emadi in January 2018, stating, His Excellency the Prime Minister has agreed to provide monetary support of 3 million euros to the organization Human Rights Watch, under the Humanitarian Aid section, and that it should be distributed with the knowledge of the Embassy of Qatar in London so that it can be aware of it and take the necessary (steps) with regard to it.

The subject of the letter notes providing additional monetary support to the organisation Human Rights Watch.

MEMRI wrote that the translation of a document in Arabic was leaked as part of Project Raven.

Reacting to the development, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of the organisation UN Watch, said that these reports are very disturbing and demanded an investigation into the case.

These reports are very disturbing. They need to be fully investigated. There are strong reasons to fear that this may be true. We would need accountability. The money would have to be returned, i24NEWS quoted Neuer as saying on Thursday.

Qatar is a human rights abusing regime. They enslave migrant workerscaused thousands of them to die. They support the Taliban. They support Hamas. They support terrorism. They have an egregious human rights record, Neuer added.

Neuer said that if its true, this would be shameful but not inconsistent with their (HRW) actions in the past.

We have seen, because of their anti-Western ideology and anti-Israel ideology, that they will often cozy up to Islamist regimes, whether its Hamas or Hezbollah. There is a corrupt and twisted culture at Human Rights Watch and that needs to be fixed, he told i24NEWS.

Marc Eichinger, a former French intelligence agent who has written extensively about Qatars alleged financing of Islamist terrorist movements, said that many NGOs are being funded by Qatar and there should be international rules concerning these activities.

They should be regulated like any listed companies raising fund on the stock markets. They should provide full transparency over their funding and their management, i24NEWS quoted Eichinger as saying.

Eichinger noted that an HRW employee named Natalie Lundgren may have played a role in securing the alleged Qatari donation for HRW.

HRW employee Natalie Lundgren worked in the past for the Qatar Foundation and was program manager of World Innovation Summit for Education. These entities are closely linked and under the control of Sheikha Moza. Human Rights Watch can always deny any link with Qatar. The fact is that Mrs Lundgren is in charge of fundraising in Paris and comes from WISE, added Eichinger

Natalie Lundgren started her work for HRW as the Development and Outreach Manager in 2018. Her previous job was for the Qatari-funded WISE initiative.

Meanwhile, i24NEWS said that it has sent a press query to Lundgren asking if she played a role in securing the alleged Qatari donation for HRW.

Neuer noted that Danielle Haas, an Israeli who worked for HRW for over 13 years, just quit HRW due to the institutional bias against the Jewish state.

Qatars alleged enabling of Qatars terrorism was the focus of a congressional hearing in late October.

Rich Goldberg, a member of then-President Trumps National Security Council, said at the hearing that Replacing a Major non-NATO ally designation with a State Sponsor of Terrorism designation would have a destabilising effect on Qatar overnight  rippling through its global investment portfolio, energy sector, national air carrier, and international prestige.

In 2020, it came out that the head of HRW, Ken Roth, took a big donation with strings attached from a rich person in Saudi Arabia. The condition was that HRW couldnt use the money to help LGBTQ+ people in the Middle East. When this was exposed, Roth had to give the money back.

The founder of HRW, Robert Bernstein, criticised the organisation in 2009, saying it focused too much on criticising Israel and not enough on other places with bad human rights records.

HRW later admitted to taking money in 2012 with conditions that they wouldnt use it to support LGBTQ+ rights in the Middle East and North Africa.

i24NEWS asked HRW about taking money from Qatar and got a denial, and HRW admitted to the Saudi donation but said it was a mistake.

With inputs from agencies
Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas will begin a four-day truce on Friday morning with a first group of 13 Israeli women and child hostages released later during the day, mediators in Qatar said.

World powers gave the news a cautious welcome. But fighting raged on, with local officials saying a hospital in Gaza City was among the targets bombed as the hours counted down to the start of the first break in a brutal, near seven-week-old war. Both sides also signalled the pause would be temporary before fighting resumes.

The truce is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and involve a comprehensive ceasefire in north and south Gaza, Qatars foreign ministry said.

Additional aid would start flowing into Gaza and the first hostages including elderly women would be freed at 4 pm (1400 GMT), with the total number rising to 50 over the four days, ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in the Qatari capital Doha.

Palestinians were expected to be released from Israeli jail, he told reporters. We all hope that this truce will lead to a chance to start a wider work to achieve a permanent truce.

US President Joe Biden, vacationing in the Massachusetts island of Nantucket for the Thanksgiving holiday, said he was keeping his fingers crossed that a 3-year-old American girl would be among those released first.

A US State Department official called the truce a hopeful moment but said work would continue to free all the hostages.

Hamas  which had been expected to declare a truce with Israel a day earlier on Thursday only for negotiations to drag on  confirmed on its Telegram channel that all hostilities from its forces would cease.

But Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas armed wing, later referred to this temporary truce in a video message that called for an escalation of the confrontation with (Israel) on all resistance fronts, including the Israeli-occupied West Bank where violence has surged since the Gaza war erupted.

Israels military said its troops would stay behind a ceasefire line inside Gaza, without giving details of its position.

These will be complicated days and nothing is certain Even during this process there could be changes, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said.

Control over northern Gaza is the first step of a long war, and we are preparing for the next stages, he added. Israel had received an initial list of hostages to be freed and was in touch with families, the prime ministers office said.

Israel launched its devastating invasion of Gaza after gunmen from Hamas burst across the border fence on October 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, some 13,000 Gazans have been killed by Israeli bombardment, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities. However, they have said it has become increasingly difficult to keep an up-to-date tally as the health service has buckled under the Israeli bombardment.

People are exhausted and are losing hope in humanity, UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWAs Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said after a visit to Gaza, referring to unspeakable suffering in the enclave.

They need respite; they deserve to sleep without being anxious about whether they will make it through the night. This is the bare minimum anyone should be able to have.

NEED TO KNOW THEY ARE ALIVE

Ahead of the ceasefire, fighting continued at even greater than normal intensity, with Israeli jets hitting more than 300 targets and troops engaged in heavy fighting around Jabalia refugee camp north of Gaza City.

An army spokesman said operations would continue until troops received the order to stop.

The Indonesian hospital in Gaza City was reeling under relentless bombing, operating without light and filled with bedridden old people and children, Gaza health officials said.

International alarm has focused on the fate of hospitals, especially in Gazas northern half, where all medical facilities have ceased functioning with patients, staff and displaced people trapped inside.

Hamas said 30 people had been killed in an Israeli strike on a school affiliated with the UNRWA in Jabalia. There was no immediate comment from UNRWA.

Earlier, from across the border fence in Israel, clouds of smoke could be seen billowing above northern Gazas war zone accompanied by the sounds of heavy gunfire and booming explosions.

In Rafah, on the strips southern edge, residents combed with bare hands through the ruins of a house smashed in a giant crater. A grey-bearded man wailed amid the shattered masonry while another man lay a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. Neighbour Khaled Hamad told Reuters it was the home of a primary school teacher, killed inside with his children.

Israel says Hamas fighters use residential and other civilian buildings, including hospitals, as cover. Hamas denies this.

The delay to the start of the truce meant another day of worry for Israeli relatives who say they still know nothing about the fate of hostages, and of fear for Palestinian families trapped inside the Gaza combat zone.

We need to know they are alive, if theyre okay. Its the minimum, said Gilad Korngold, desperate for any information about the fate of seven of his family members, including his 3-year-old granddaughter, believed to be among the hostages.

Palestinian media reported at least 15 people killed in air strikes on Khan Younis, Gazas main southern city. Reuters could not independently verify the toll there.

In a post on X, Doctors Without Borders said the citys Nasser hospital, where it treats burn patients and supports the emergency room, was overflowing with patients and families sheltering in the building.

Israel said on Thursday it had detained the head of Gazas biggest hospital Al Shifa for questioning over his role in what it said was the hospitals use as a Hamas command centre.

Hamas condemned the arrest of Shifa director Muhammad Abu Salamiya and other doctors it said were trying to evacuate remaining patients and wounded from the facility.
Israeli ambassador to India Naor Gilon Friday urged people to click pictures wearing yellow band around their wrists to commemorate 15 years of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Gilon also drew parallels between the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the 7 October Hamas onslaught on Israel that triggered the latest conflict in West Asia.

Sharing a video message on X, Gilon said, This week we mark the 15th anniversary of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. I would like to extend my heartful condolences to the people of India and salute their unbreakable spirit.

The 26/11 attack also took a toll on Israel. The recent event of 7 October reminds us that the fight against terrorism continues, highlighting the importance of our solidarity, he said.

Gilon invited people to join him and tie a yellow band around their wrist and share with the Israeli embassy their pictures to symbolise our joint commitment to stand together against terrorism.

The yellow band represents our shared values, resilience and determination to build the world free from terror. Together we can make the difference, he said and thanked the people of India for their unwavering support.

Lets continue, stand strong shoulder to shoulder, remembering the past, facing the present and building a safer future for all, he said.

This week, we commemorate 15 years of the horrific #MumbaiTerrorAttack. The tragic events of #Mumbai2611 and the recent #Oct7Massacre underscore the urgency of standing together against terrorism. Join us in wearing the yellow band, a symbol of our unwavering commitment to pic.twitter.com/dFwcmHuDtj  Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) November 24, 2023

His message comes mere three days after Israel officially designated Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terrorist organisation.

To symbolise the marking of the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, the state of Israel has listed Lashkar-e-Taiba as a Terror Organization, the Israeli mission in New Delhi said in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement further specified that the listing of LeT as terrorist organisation was done by Israel without any request from India.

Also Read: Israel lists Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terror organisation 'despite not being requested by Indian govt'

Despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organisations, the Israeli embassy said.

Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organisation, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008, still reverberate in force, through all peace seeking nations and societies, the Israeli embassy said.

During the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the LeT terrorists had also targeted the Chabad House, a Jewish community center in the city.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed and another 238 were injured in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a siege for over 60 hours, attacking and killing people at iconic and prominent locations in Mumbai.
A total of 24 hostages  13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino  were handed over Friday to the Red Cross in Gaza by Hamas, Qatar, which mediated the deal, said.

Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen, foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

He said 39 women and children detained in Israeli jails had also been freed under a deal to exchange hostages seized by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners.

Qatar has led weeks of intense negotiations, coordinating with the US and Egypt, to reach an agreement for the freeing of 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a four-day truce and access for humanitarian aid.

A source with knowledge of the talks confirmed to AFP the 10 Thais and one Filipino freed were in addition to the 50 Israeli hostages earmarked for release.

Their release was secured following the Thai foreign ministers visit to Qatar and mediation efforts by the Qataris and Egyptians, the source said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.

The number of hostages due to be freed under the deal, staggered over the four-day truce, is by far the largest since Hamas gunmen stormed across Gazas militarised border on 7 October and carried out the deadliest attack in Israels history.

Israel says the attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 more taken hostage, among them elderly people and children.

In response, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which the Hamas government says has killed more than 15,000 people, thousands of them children.

Qatar has said the initial four-day truce is designed to be extended if further hostage and prisoner exchanges can be secured.
A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war, brokered by Qatar, entered into effect on Friday, 24 November, at 7 am local time (10:30 am IST). The pause in fighting that started on 7 October comes on the 49th day of the war, nearly seven weeks of conflict.

According to Qatari mediators, at 4 pm local time (7:30 pm IST), 13 hostages held in Gaza will be freed, followed by an undefined number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

As per Qatars foreign ministry, the first batch of civilian hostages would consist of 13 women and children from the same families. The number would rise up to 50 over a four-day truce, according to the deal brokered by Qatar and the US earlier this week.

For each hostage, three Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel. Over the same period, 150 Palestinian prisoners  mostly women and minors, some convicted of attempted murder  are expected to be released. In total, it would lead to an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian terrorists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office is in contact with the families of the hostages after receiving a first list of names of those due to be released.

As per the agreement between Israel and Hamas, there would be a complete ceasefire with no attacks from the air or the ground and the skies clear of drones to allow for the hostage release to happen in a safe environment.

However, moments ahead of the temporary ceasefire saw rocket sirens triggered in Israeli towns bordering Gaza and reports of intense IDF shelling throughout Gaza, as the army looked to advance its mission against Hamas as much as possible in the final hours before the pause.

The Israel-Hamas deal incentivizes additional hostage releases, with Jerusalem agreeing to an additional day of a truce for every ten additional hostages released by the Palestinian terrorist organisation.

As per the deal, during the truce aid including fuel, food, water and humanitarian supplies will be provided to Gaza.
After 48 days of gunfire and bombardment that claimed thousands of lives, a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on Friday with hostages set to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The pause triggered a mass movement of thousands of Gazans who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment begun after unprecedented attacks on 7 October by Hamas militants.

Im going home, Omar Jibrin, 16, told AFP after he emerged from a hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip where he and eight family members had sought refuge.

In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza where many Palestinians fled, a cacophony of car horns and ambulance sirens has replaced the sound of war.

For Khaled al-Halabi, the truce is a chance to breathe after nearly seven weeks of war that began when Hamas broke through Gazas militarised border to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

Halabi had taken refuge in Rafah but is from Gaza City in the north, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

Israels retaliatory air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

Mediator Qatar said the first group of 13 hostages released would be women and children.

They would be freed by 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) at the latest, according to a Hamas official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Hopes for longer-term

Gazans have struggled to survive with shortages of water and other essentials. Trucks carrying more aid, including fuel, gas, and food, began moving into Gaza from the Rafah crossing with Egypt shortly after the truce began at 7:00 am.

Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, expressed hope in Geneva that the pause leads to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond.

He repeated the need for access across Gaza, especially in the north where the damage and the humanitarian needs are the greatest.

The agreement came after weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Over the four days, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinians prisoners are expected to be released.

According to the UN, 1.7 million of Gazas 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced by the fighting.

Now, thousands of them are trying to get home.

In Khan Yunis, they loaded belongings onto carts, strapped them to car roofs, or slung bags over their shoulders, crowding streets to return to their homes from temporary shelters.

Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people that the war is not over and it is very dangerous to return north, the focus of Israels military campaign.

But Abd el-Salam Matar, in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, said he wanted to go back to Gaza City.

I hope I can reach it, he said. We dont know if our homes still stand, but we hope.

The truce was also a chance for some Palestinians to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

In the morning, a few apparent gunshots could be heard and dark plumes of smoke rose periodically over northern Gaza, an AFPTV livecam showed, but the truce appeared to be holding in the afternoon.

Further north, on the Lebanon-Israel border, calm also returned after regular deadly exchanges of fire, primarily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. The Lebanese movement, like Hamas, is backed by Iran.

Carefully prepared

Ziv Agmon, legal adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, told reporters the hostages will be received individually or in groups by the International Committee of the Red Cross, taken across the border and handed to the Israeli army.

From El-Arish, in the Sinai, they would be flown to Israel, an Egyptian security source said.

The Israeli soldiers are being carefully prepared to receive potentially deeply traumatised women and children.

After medical examinations, the former captives will be able to telephone family members before reunions later at Israeli medical facilities, Agmon added.

AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 hostages.

At least 35 of those seized were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time.

Hamas earlier released four women and Israeli forces rescued another. Two other captives, including a woman soldier, were found dead by Israeli troops in Gaza.

Netanyahus office said it had received a first list of names of those due to be released and been in contact with the families.

Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna are among the hostages, posted on social media platform X that she had been informed their names were not included.

This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return, she wrote.

Ahead of the release, relatives and supporters of the captives gathered at a plaza in Tel Aviv adorned with their photos, stuffed toys, and a long table set up as if for a banquet, each chair bearing the label hostage.

Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will also be freed on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said.

The Palestinian Authoritys prisoner commission published a list of named Palestinian inmates  24 women and 15 children  who could be released in exchange for the initial hostages.

The agreement entailed a complete ceasefire with no attacks from the air or the ground and the skies clear of drones to allow for the hostage release to happen in a safe environment, Ansari said.

Palestinian prisoners will be freed from three jails in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then taken to the Ofer military camp on buses, an Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Western powers have been reluctant to get tough on Tehran for fear of aggravating tensions in West Asia as Iran grows its nuclear programme and reduces cooperation with the UN watchdog, diplomats say.

Worries of a wider regional conflict have sharpened since Hamass shock 7 October attack and Israels retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive aimed at destroying the Palestinian militants in Gaza.

At this weeks Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the United States and the so-called E3 group  France, Germany, and the United Kingdom  condemned Tehrans lack of cooperation.

Despite stressing that Irans actions had pushed unprecedented boundaries, they held off on submitting a binding resolution.

The picture is pretty bleak, but the fact at the moment is that there is no appetite to provoke a reaction in Iran in the context of the war in the Middle East, a senior diplomat summed up the current deadlock.

Israel says Hamas broke through Gazas militarised border to kill about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

Retaliatory strikes and a ground offensive by Israel have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

Very serious blow

The 2015 deal curbing Irans nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief started to unravel in 2018 when then-US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it and reimposed sanctions.

Iran retaliated by stepping up its nuclear activities.

Efforts to revive the deal have been fruitless so far with European-led talks on hold since 2022.

Last weeks confidential IAEA report showed that Iran now has enough uranium enriched up to 60 per cent  just short of weapons-grade  to theoretically manufacture three bombs.

Thats quite an amount, especially if you dont use it for anything, said a diplomatic source.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

While Iran has been dragging its feet on reinstalling IAEA monitoring equipment it disconnected last year, it recently also withdrew the accreditation of several agency inspectors.

According to diplomats, eight inspectors from France and Germany have been affected by Tehrans decision.

Earlier this year, another IAEA inspector  a Russian  had been barred following the detection of a technical modification in centrifuges that had caused enrichment to peak at 84 per cent.

Irans barring of experienced agency inspectors has dealt a very serious blow to the IAEAs ability to monitor Tehrans nuclear programme, its head Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.

Wrong signal

Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association think-tank said that while the reluctance of the IAEA Board of Governors to act is understandable, it also constituted a case of geopolitics trumping nonproliferation norms.

But viewing Iran in a vacuum and failing to hold it accountable over its advancing nuclear programme sends the wrong signal to Tehran and other would-be proliferators, she cautioned.

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and Iran on the threshold of nuclear weapons, there is an increasing risk that the United States or Israel will miscalculate Iranian nuclear intentions, she told AFP, calling on the Biden administration to break the deadlock.

In an effort to avoid stoking tensions in the region, the Western powers reluctance to rebuke Iran has however emboldened Tehran, as it benefits from Moscows protection, said the senior diplomat.

The international community especially fears an extension of the Israel-Hamas war to the border between Lebanon and Israel, which has seen escalating exchanges of fire, primarily involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, along with Palestinian groups.

Given that we dont know how closely Tehran is linked to these groups, Western leaders take as many precautions as possible, said Heloise Fayet, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said that the countrys war with Hamas can go on for at least two more months following the four-day truce which commenced on Friday.

This will be a brief pause. When it ends, the fighting will continue forcefully and will create pressure that will allow the return of more hostages, Gallant said.

Meanwhile, a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war, brokered by Qatar, entered into effect on Friday, 24 November, at 7 am local time (10:30 am IST). The pause in fighting that started on 7 October comes on the 49th day of the war, nearly seven weeks of conflict.

However, the Israeli military has said that the handover process is subject to complications adding that there could be changes in the deal at any moment.

Nothing is finalized until its actually happening. And even amid the process, changes might occur at any moment, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Thursday.

As per Qatars foreign ministry, the first batch of civilian hostages would consist of 13 women and children from the same families. The number would rise up to 50 over a four-day truce, according to the deal brokered by Qatar and the US earlier this week.

For each hostage, three Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel. Over the same period, 150 Palestinian prisoners  mostly women and minors, some convicted of attempted murder  are expected to be released. In total, it would lead to an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian terrorists.
Prominent Indian-American physician Mihir Meghani who has donated $4 million to support Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the US has said that Hinduism is a way of life rather than merely a religion.

At this months annual Silicon Valley gala, emergency care physician Meghani, who co-founded the Hindu America Foundation with his friends two decades ago, promised to contribute an additional $1.5 million to the Hindu cause over the following eight years.

With this payment, his two-decade total of charitable contributions will reach $4 million.

Dr. Meghani may now have the title of largest Indian American donor to the Hindu cause in the US as a result of his declaration.

In an interview to PTI news agency, he Meghani , My wife Tanvi and I have contributed $1.5 million to the Hindu American Foundation thus far. Weve also contributed a million dollars more over the last 15 years to other Hindu and Indian organisations and causes. Over the next eight years, were making a pledge of $1.5 million to pro-India and Hindu organisations, told PTI in a recent interview.

He said that he is an emergency doctor on a salary and is not making millions of dollars a year, but he has promised to donate the amount for his Dharma, which is a duty.

I say this to all of you who are viewing this to realise that I dont have a startup company. I dont have any side businesses. Im an emergency doctor on a salary. My wife is a fitness instructor and a jewellery designer. Were not making millions of dollars a year. We dont have stock options. Were doing this because its our Dharma, its our duty, he added.

Just out of university, Dr Meghani and three of his friends Aseem Shukla, an associate professor in urologic surgery; Suhag Shukla, an attorney and Nikhil Joshi, a labour law attorney co-founded the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) in September 2003, the first of its kind Hindu advocacy group in the US.

Responding to a question, Dr Meghani said Hinduism is not as easily understood by most Americans because most Americans are Christian.

They come from an Abrahamic background. When they look at different religions, they cant understand that Hinduism is not just a religion, its a way of life. Its a way of thinking about life, he said.

Hindus who are coming from India dont quite understand that they have a Hindu identity and an Indian national identity, he said, adding: We need to talk about that.

What we need are Hindus to be strong in the Bharatiya or Indian identity, which is the political identity for our civilisation, but also they should be very proud and open about their Hindu identity. And when they have that, their coworkers, their friends, and neighbours will understand us better, he said.

One of the early successes of HAF in Washington DC, he said, was to get Diwali recognised in the US.

Now you can see that Diwali is celebrated at the White House, with the Vice President, in the US Congress and all across different state and local governments across the country. But it took time to get there, he said about the three-year effort by them.

The Hindu American Foundation, which in its initial years was all based on volunteerism, now has an annual budget of $2.5 million and has several full-time staffers. Its goal is to increase its budget to $5 million next year and $20 million by the end of the decade, he said.

With inputs from agencies
Former Palestinian prisoners who were released by the Israeli authorities, fly Palestinian and Hamas flags while they are carried on the shoulders upon their arrival in the West Bank town of Beitunia, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Nasser Nasser/AP People react as they hear the news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Ariel Schalit/AP People react as they hear the news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Ariel Schalit/AP Former Palestinian prisoners who were released by the Israeli authorities, pray upon their arrival in the West Bank town of Beitunia, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Nasser Nasser/AP Marah Bakir, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released by the Israeli authorities, is welcome at her family house in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Mahmoud Illean/AP Former Palestinian prisoners who were released by the Israeli authorities, fly Palestinian and Hamas flags while they ride on top of a vehicle upon their arrival in the West Bank town of Beitunia, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Nasser Nasser/AP People react as they hear the news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Ariel Schalit/AP An Israeli prison transport vehicle carries Palestinian prisoners released by the Israeli authorities from Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Mahmoud Illean/AP Palestinians stranded in Egypt wait to cross the Rafah crossing to the Gaza Strip at Rafah, Egypt, as a temporary ceasefire went into effect Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Mohammed Asad/AP Palestinians walk through destruction in Gaza City on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. Mohammed Hajjar/AP Wounded Palestinians lie in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. Mohammed Hajjar/AP A woman looks at photographs of hostages, mostly Israeli civilians who were abducted during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Ariel Schalit/AP Palestinians try to cross back into northern Gaza as an Israeli tank blocked the Salah al-Din road in the central Gaza Strip on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire went into effect. Hatem Moussa/AP A convoy of Israeli army vehicles maneuvers near Israel's border after leaving Gaza, southern Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Tsafrir Abayov/AP Israeli soldiers stand on Salah al-Din road in central Gaza Strip on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire went into effect. Hatem Moussa/AP Israeli soldiers work on a tank in a staging area in southern Israel, near the border with Gaza Strip, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. the first day of what is meant to be a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Tsafrir Abayov/AP Palestinians walk by a building destroyed in Israeli bombardment overnight in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Hatem Ali/AP Palestinians wounded by the Israeli army as they tried to cross back to the northern Gaza Strip are treated in al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah on Friday Nov. 24, 2023 as the temporary ceasefire took effect. Adel Hana/AP

A four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday in Gaza as part of an agreement that Qatar helped broker. Twenty-four hostages were freed, including 13 Israeli citizens, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen, Qatar said. Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners later in the day.

With the truce deal comes increased shipments of fuel and supplies into Gaza  though aid groups say that's still only enough to dent the needs of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce.

More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza after a dayslong pause in its casualty report, which it attributed to the health system's collapse in northern Gaza making it impossible to provide a detailed count.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will press ahead with the war after the cease-fire expires. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.

Currently:

 A four-day truce begins, setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages.

 Families of hostages not slated for release from Gaza during current truce face enduring nightmare.

 Palestinian families rejoice over release of minors and women.

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 Palestinians in Gaza seeking refuge from war find their world is shrinking.

 Four of the 10 Thai hostages released by Hamas had not been listed as abducted.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.

Heres what's happening in the war:

FILIPINO AMONG FIRST GROUP OF HOSTAGES FREED BY HAMAS

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MANILA, Philippines  A national of the Philippines was in the first group of hostages freed by the militant group Hamas, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Saturday.

Marcos wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that 33-year-old Gelienor Jimmy Pacheco, who was taken to Gaza on Oct. 7, is now in the care of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.

That Israeli Embassy in Manila said Pacheco is being medically evaluated.

Marcos said the government remains concerned about the whereabouts of Filipino national Noralyn Babadilla, who also reportedly was taken hostage by Hamas.

HOSPITAL SAYS MOST OF ISRAELI HOSTAGES RELEASED FRIDAY ARE IN GOOD HEALTH

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JERUSALEM  Most of the Israeli hostages released by Hamas Friday were said to be in good health after returning to Israel, the hospital receiving them announced.

A statement from Schneider Childrens hospital, where four women and four child hostages were released, said that doctors had conducted a preliminary examination and said they were all in good physical condition.

A total of 13 Israeli hostages were freed Friday and transferred to three separate hospitals across Israel.

ISRAEL SAYS HAMAS HAS GIVEN LIST OF HOSTAGES IT WILL FREE ON SATURDAY

JERUSALEM  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office says it has received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday.

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It would be the second batch of hostages to be released by the Islamic militant group under a four-day truce.

Netanyahus office says it has notified the families whose loved-ones are set for release.

PUTTING CONDITIONS ON MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL IS A WORTHWHILE THOUGHT, BIDEN SAYS

NANTUCKET, Mass.  President Joe Biden said Friday that he believes putting conditions on military aid to Israel is a worthwhile thought, and he hopes the Gaza cease-fire will last longer than four days.

Speaking to reporters from Nantucket, Massachusetts, Biden said he was encouraged by the release of some of the hostages and hopes for more.

We expect more hostages to be released tomorrow, and more the day after, and more the day after that, he said.

The freed hostages included 13 Israelis, 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines, according to Qatar, which was instrumental in brokering the deal to stop fighting. In return, Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison.

Biden said that conditioning military aid to Israel was a worthwhile thought, but I dont think if I started off with that we would have ever gotten where we are today.

He didn't give any examples of possible conditions.

ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS THERE ARE MANY TUNNELS TO DEMOLISH AFTER CEASE-FIRE ENDS

TEL AVIV  The Israeli military has gotten to the heart of Hamas' military assets and plans to continue active fighting once a cease-fire ends, a spokesperson said Friday.

There are still many goals and many tunnels to demolish, including some we have destroyed even this morning right before the ceasefire began, Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters.

Hagari spoke on the first day of a cease-fire that included an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The halt is scheduled expire on Monday unless additional Israeli hostages are released.

Hagari said the IDF would not allow Gazan civilians to return to their homes in the northern part of the Strip.

Israeli troops fatally shot two Palestinians and wounded 11 others on Friday as they headed toward the main combat zone in northern Gaza despite warnings by the Israeli army to stay put.

ISRAELIS RELEASE 39 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS

TEL AVIV  Israel confirmed Friday that it released 39 Palestinian prisoners in line with a truce deal that saw 13 Israeli hostages freed by militants in Gaza hours earlier.

Qadura Fares, who heads an advocacy group for prisoners, said 33 prisoners freed in the West Bank were handed to a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross. He said the remaining six were being freed from a Jerusalem lockup.

The releases on both sides were part of a deal for a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war that began Friday.

Over the next four days, 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 Israeli hostages are to be freed.

NETANYAHU: COMMITTED TO RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES

TEL AVIV  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday welcomed the release of hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7 raid into Israel, including 13 Israeli citizens, but said his government is committed to the return of all hostages.

About 240 people were taken in the attack.

Netanyahu described each of the hostages released as a four-day cease-fire began as a world of their own.

He said getting back all the hostages "is one of the goals of the war and we are committed to achieving all of the goals of the war.

ISRAELIS FIRE TEAR GAS AT CROWD AWAITING PALESTINIANS' RELEASE

OUTSIDE OFER PRISON, West Bank  Israeli security forces fired volleys of tear gas Friday at thousands of Palestinians from all over the West Bank excitedly awaiting the release of 39 Palestinians in exchange for the hostages released by Hamas from Gaza.

Crowds waited for hours outside Israels Ofer Prison in the West Bank for the Palestinians to emerge.

Shortly after some raucous boys surged through the crowds with Hamas flags, Israeli forces unleashed tear gas, sending families bolting in the opposite direction, screaming, coughing and covering their watery, bloodshot eyes with their shirts.

QATAR CONFIRMS RELEASE OF 24 HOSTAGES AFTER 7 WEEKS HELD IN GAZA

DOHA, Qatar  Qatars Foreign Ministry has confirmed the release of 24 hostages after seven weeks of captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen, said Majed al-Ansari, the ministrys spokesperson. Qatar was a key mediator in the hostage release.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which delivered the hostages from Gaza into Egypt, also confirmed the release.

The hostages, women and children, were undergoing medical checks before they were to be transferred to Israel. They are to be taken to Israeli hospitals and reunited with their families. They're the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began Friday.

Israel is to release 39 Palestinian prisoners later Friday, the first of a total of 150 Palestinian prisoners to be freed under the cease-fire.

ISRAEL SUMMONS AMBASSADORS OVER REMARKS BY SPAIN, BELGIUM LEADERS

RAFAH, Egypt  The Israeli government has summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium after remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo Friday criticizing the bombing of civilians in Gaza and urging recognition for a Palestinian state.

Speaking at a joint press conference on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Friday, Sanchez said the time has come for the international community and the European Union to recognize the State of Palestine, and warned that if it did not, Spain might do so on its own.

He said it would better if the EU did it together, but if this is not the case  Spain will take their own decisions.

He was speaking at end of a two-day visit to Israel, Palestinian Territories and Egypt with de Croo.

Israel has the right to defend itself "but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case, Sanchez said. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.

RED CROSS HELPING REUNITE HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS

GENEVA  The Red Cross says it has begun a multi-day operation to reunite hostages and detainees on both sides of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

The group's announcement came as Israeli media reported the Hamas militant group on Friday released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal. The deal calls for 50 hostages to be freed over a four-day truce, with Israel to free 150 Palestinians in prison.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says it will also be ferrying in medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza.

HEAD OF U.S. AID AGENCY CALLS FOR SPEED-UP OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA

WASHINGTON  The lead U.S. development agency is urging a rapid ramping-up of humanitarian assistance to battered Gaza for the long term, calling it urgent and imperative.

Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, made the call in a statement Thursday, as a carefully negotiated cease-fire and hostage release began in the Gaza Strip.

With 1.7 million people in Gaza internally displaced and virtually all of the 2.3 million people there needing aid, the scale of humanitarian needs in Gaza is staggering, Power wrote.

It is both urgent and imperative that lasting mechanisms be put in place to significantly accelerate the pace of sustained aid into Gaza, Power wrote.

BREAK IN WAR EXTENDS TO IRAN-BACKED MILITIAS

BAGHDAD  Iranian-backed militias that have launched dozens of rocket and drone attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks held their fire on Friday, the first day of the a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The lull came after an escalation this week in which U.S. warplanes killed multiple militants from the powerful Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the first use of short-range ballistic missiles against U.S. forces at Al-Asad Air Base.

Milita spokesman Jaafar al-Husseini said his group is not necessarily observing the truce -- which only officially pertains to Gaza  but is monitoring the behavior of the United States and will act accordingly.

Kataib Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militant groups under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began striking U.S. facilities Oct. 17 and have since launched more than 60 attacks in Iraq and Syria. The militant groups have said they are retaliating against the U.S. for its support of the Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 surprise attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis.

Likewise, in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israeli forces throughout the Israel-Hamas war, a cautious calm prevailed Friday. Some of the more than 55,000 Lebanese displaced by the fighting began returning to inspect their houses and businesses in border towns.

THOUSANDS OF ISRAELIS GATHER TO RECEIVE NEWS OF HOSTAGE RELEASE

JERUSALEM  Thousands of Israelis gathered in what has been dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Friday evening, singing songs to welcome the Jewish Sabbath and watching newscasts on large screens as they waited to receive news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages slated to be freed.

My emotions are mixed, Shelli Shem Tov, the mother of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov, told Israelis Channel 12 at the square. Im excited for the families that are going to hug their loved ones, Im jealous, and Im sad, mostly sad, that Omer is not coming home yet.

FRANCE CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES AND A LASTING TRUCE

BEIJING  French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called Friday for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, including eight French citizens, and a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas.

It is essential that international law is applied there (in Gaza) as elsewhere, Colonna said during a trip to Beijing. All states have the right to defend themselves, but we must cooperate so that terrorism is contained.

She called for a durable truce so that the wounded can be treated, and humanitarian aid can arrive and ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The eight French hostages in Gaza include three children. The French president, foreign minister and defense minister have traveled to the region in recent weeks to push for their release and a long-term peace.

ISRAELI FORCES KILL A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN THE WEST BANK

JERUSALEM  Israeli forces shot and killed a 12-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said Friday, as violence surges in the territory under the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The boy was killed Thursday in the village of Beita near the flashpoint city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the officials said.

The Israeli military said Palestinians threw stones when soldiers entered the village and that troops responded with live fire. The military said it was looking into the circumstances of the boys death.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began seven weeks ago, the West Bank has seen one of the deadliest periods in at least two decades. Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 229 Palestinians, including 52 children and minors under the age of 18, in arrest raids and violent confrontations, according to U.N. figures.

ISRAELI TROOPS FIRE AT PALESTINIANS ATTEMPTING RETURN TO NORTHERN GAZA, KILLING TWO

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli troops fatally shot two Palestinians and wounded 11 others as they headed toward the main combat zone in northern Gaza despite warnings by the Israeli army to stay put.

An Associated Press journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah in the southern half of Gaza. The injured had been shot in the legs.

Fridays shooting came hours after the Israeli military warned hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge in southern Gaza not to attempt to return to their homes in the northern half of the territory, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

The military had dropped leaflets on southern Gaza saying that returning to northern Gaza is prohibited and dangerous.

Witnesses said Israeli troops are opening fire on people trying to head north.

Sofian Abu Amer, who had fled Gaza City, said he decided to risk heading north to check on his home.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

EVERYONE IN RETURN FOR EVERYONE, PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD LEADER SAYS

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said Friday that Israeli soldiers among the 240 hostages held by militant groups in Gaza will only be released in exchange for all the Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Islamic Jihad is reportedly holding about 40 of the hostages who were captured by Hamas and other militant groups during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Over the next four days, 50 hostages are to be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with both sides releasing women and children first.

In a televised speech, Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh said that the enemys military prisoners will not be released without the freedom of our prisoners and this is linked to the end of the aggression. He said that Israel would be forced to eventually reach a deal of everyone in return for everyone.

It was not immediately clear how many of the hostages held in Gaza are currently serving in the military and whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.

MUCH-NEEDED FUEL AND COOKING GAS TANKERS ENTER GAZA

JERUSALEM  Israel announced that four tankers with fuel and four tankers with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip on Friday, the first day of what is meant to be a four-day cease-fire.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce. This would be roughly twice the amount permitted previously, but still only a small portion of Gazas daily needs, estimated at more than 1 million liters (264,000 gallons).

For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of any fuel to Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes. United Nations aid agencies pushed back against such claims, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS IT HAS DESTROYED TUNNELS UNDER SHIFA HOSPITAL

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Friday it has destroyed stretches of tunnels and a number of tunnel shafts in the area of Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest.

On Wednesday, Israel showed a tunnel and rooms that military officials said were a major Hamas hideout beneath Shifa. Hamas and hospital staff deny Israeli allegations that Shifa was used as a militant command center.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel mapped out Shifa Hospital and plans to destroy all terror infrastructure it has found.

FOUR-DAY TRUCE BEGINS IN GAZA

A temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

The halt is to last at least four days. During the truce, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in their deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In turn, Israel is to free three Palestinian prisoners for each released hostage. The releases are to take place in stages over the next four days.

The truce deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt as mediators. The truce marks the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

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The Red Cross said it began Friday a multi-day operation to reunite hostages and detainees with their families in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Hamas said a group of hostages seized in the deadliest attack in Israels history were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting.

A convoy of ICRC vehicles was seen crossing the Rafah border from the Gaza Strip into Egypt.

Teams from the ICRC on Friday began carrying out a multi-day operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian detainees to the West Bank, the organisation said.

In its role as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC over several days will transfer hostages held in Gaza to Israeli authorities and ultimately their families, and transfer Palestinian detainees to authorities in the West Bank, to be reunited with their families.

The statement also said that the ICRC would bring in additional medical supplies to be delivered to hospitals in Gaza.

The Geneva-based organisation said the parties to the conflict agreed the details of the operation, including who would be released and when.

The ICRC said it was not involved in the negotiations and stressed its role was purely to facilitate the agreement.

The deep pain that family members separated from their loved ones feel is indescribable. We are relieved that some will be reunited after long agony, said Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRCs Near and Middle East regional director.

Our deep desire is for all hostages to be released, and that civilians be shielded from the pain and suffering that armed conflict brings.

Hamas broke through Gazas militarised border with Israel on October 7 to kill about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages, according to Israeli officials.

Israels retaliatory air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

During a four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released.

The ICRC said that all hostages and detainees must be treated with humanity and that humanitarian principles had to be respected at all times, including during the releases and transfers.
Russia announced on Friday that it had destroyed 16 Ukrainian drones in the southern part of the country and across the annexed Crimean Peninsula. The Russian defence ministry stated that on Thursday night, they successfully thwarted an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aerial drones against sites on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Air defence systems destroyed 16 drones, including 13 over the Crimean peninsula and three over the territory of the Volgograd region.Ukraine has ramped up drone and missile attacks on Russian military installations in and around the peninsula as it presses a counteroffensive launched in June.

Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a focal point of attacks, serving as the rear base for the Black Sea Fleet and a vital supply route for Russian forces in southern and eastern Ukraine.
The war with Hamas is not over, Israel told Gazans on Friday and warned those wanting to return north from south during the ceasefire that northern Gaza area is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden and very dangerous to be there.

On the 49th day of conflict, a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, started at 7 am local time (10:30 am IST. After the ceasefire began, there were reports that some Gazans who fled south were returning to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip.

In a video message shared on X, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Avichay Adraee told the residents of Gaza that the war between Israel and Hamas is not over.

The humanitarian pause is temporary and the northern Gaza area is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to be there, Adraee said.

For your sake and your safety, you have to stay in the humanitarian zone located in the south of Gaza and do not head to northern Gaza, he said.

You can move from north to south via the Salah al-Din road. Returning to the north is forbidden and very dangerous, Adraee further said.

Your fate and the fate of your families are in your hands. Make the right choice and stay in southern Gaza or move from the north to the south of Gaza, he added.

Watch this important message from the IDF Spokesperson for Arab media, @AvichayAdraee, to the civilians of Gaza: The war is not over yet. The humanitarian pause is temporary. The northern Gaza Strip is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move north. For your safety, https://t.co/OmtxDYHIK3 pic.twitter.com/4gaJDxgy5I  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2023

Days after the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel, Palestinians received warnings from Israel's military to move from north Gaza to the south of the strip, with the added warning that they could be identified as sympathisers with a "terrorist organisation" if they stayed put.

Also Read: Israel-Hamas truce begins; 13 hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

"Urgent warning, to residents of Gaza. Your presence north of Wadi Gaza puts your life in danger. Whoever chooses not to leave north Gaza to the south of Wadi Gaza might be identified as an accomplice in a terrorist organisation," read the leaflet marked with the Israel Defense Forces name and logo.

Israel has pounded Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli soil on 7 October.

Many families who left Gaza to the south said they had lost relatives during the Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza.
Palestinian protesters targeted the home of the President of a Jewish organization in Brentwood, California during Thanksgiving. Palestine supporters while wearing masks gathered outside the premises and threw smoke grenades at his house, poured fake blood and placed fake baby body bags on his driveway and lawn.

HORRIFYING- the home of AIPACs President was targeted by pro Palestinian radcials who ignited smoke bombs outside of his residence and proceeded to spill red paint, signifying blood. Whats next? The burning of Synagogues and schools like in 1939 Germany? pic.twitter.com/y9O3edAvW9  StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 23, 2023

The group Stop Antisemitism posted a video on the social media platform X of a group of black-clad individuals throwing smoke bombs into the yard of the Brentwood, California, home of Michael Tuchin, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Palestinian protesters have targeted the home of a Jewish organization President in Brentwood, California during Thanksgiving. Masked activists threw smoke grenades at the Jewish mans house, poured fake blood and placed fake baby body bags on his driveway and lawn. The pic.twitter.com/ucgXYtk8vR  Oli London (@OliLondonTV) November 23, 2023



The activists of the Peoples City Council, an activism group tweeted that they were giving the Jewish organization president a holiday wake-up call.

RIGHT NOW: people are out in front of @AIPAC president Michael Tuchins house in Los Angeles for a holiday wake up call! AIPAC spends tens of millions to control pro-genocide congressmembers. Fuck your holiday baby killer! #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/SzKVMDZesB  Peoples City Council  Los Angeles (@PplsCityCouncil) November 23, 2023

In the weeks since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7, people across the globe have taken to the streets en masse  some in support of Israel and some in support of Palestinians.

In Tel Aviv, Israel, friends and family of some 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 Ministers Office in Jerusalem.

In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, activists scuffle with police while marching toward the United States Embassy in solidarity with the Palestinians. In Washington, D.C., a river of people fills the National Mall in support of Israel  a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags.

Israel, the United States and Qatar have been negotiating for weeks over a hostage release that would be paired with a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the entry of more humanitarian aid.
Workers leave the construction site for Shirley Chisholm Village, a San Francisco housing development for educators, in September. California appears to be falling short of its goal to build millions of new units of housing in the next decade. Harry Mok/The Chronicle

Regarding Did one of Californias biggest new housing reforms go too far? (Open Forum, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 20): Gov. Gavin Newsom signed over 50 housing bills this year, but thats just the tip of the iceberg. For the mind-boggling five-year total, see Alfred Twus excellent summaries at https://tinyurl.com/atwuhousingbills

Our representatives compete to pass the most housing laws without any analysis to gauge their effectiveness. Chris Elmendorfs Open Forum points out the unintended consequences.

Its the Winchester Mystery House school of planning and its not working. In March, Ben Metcalf, managing director of the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, told state legislators, Were coming up short on meeting the states goal to build millions of new homes in the next decade.

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We need a cohesive housing plan based on reality: The cost of building one affordable unit is $500,000 to $1 million; even with incentives, market-rate developers provide very few of them; public housing can only be built with public money, yet Newsom vetoed many bills for funding low-income housing.

Until we attack the housing problem with logic instead of political grandstanding, well get gentrification, 50-story towers near the beach and the poor will still be left homeless.

Pat Marriott, Los Altos

Rebate PG&E ad money

Regarding PG&E bills to soar nearly $400 a year in 2024 for millions of California households (California, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 17): The article describes how PG&E is blanketing television networks with commercials to justify increased rates. This is unconscionable.

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Regulators should insist that all money spent on advertising be instead used for the actual projects. PG&E may likely claim their spots constitute public education, but true education would include opposing voices. Commercials are nothing short of self-serving propaganda.

Subtract all the money given to the broadcasters, advertising agencies and public relations firms, and rate increases can be minimized.

Steven Leiner, San Francisco

Arrest drug users

I have a big idea to help fix San Francisco. Dont allow open-air drug use.

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I just saw a documentary called Seattle is Dying. Seattle has all the same problems that we are facing. The documentary ended by profiling a solution being used in Rhode Island. You arrest the open-air drug users.

In jail, you give them the drugs that have been proven to be effective in helping people get off of their addiction. Keep them in this program for up to three months. I can assure you, their families will be grateful and so will they.

Word will spread that San Francisco is no longer the easy place to be an addict and, in short order, our streets will be much much safer.

Anne Petersen, Sonoma

Hidden agenda?

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Regarding Sunol school board did not vote to ban the Pride flag. Heres what it voted for (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 14) and Debating Pride flag misses the point of Sunol school policy. Heres whats at stake (Letters to the Editor, SFChronicle.com, Nov. 22): Recent letter-writers defending Sunols ban on the Pride flag have brought up removing pornography from school libraries. This is revealing, since the recent wave of school library censorship has been focused on eliminating recognition of gay and transgender reality, along with a secondary hostility to any kind of sex education.

The equating of sex education with pornography tells us something about the real agenda of those who would ban the Pride flag.

Jeff Carlock, Berkeley

Try one-state solution

The two-state solution will not work. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians want the same pieces of land, feel morally justified in their positions and would perpetually resent the other state.

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The solution is a single state, which would be a secular democracy, with all the present residents becoming equal citizens of the new country. Separation of church and state would be the law of the land.

Both sides will have to eat some serious crow, and it will take time, but it is the only way to end this permanent war and achieve peace in the Middle East.
At the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Xi Jinpings Special Representative, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang will be in the United Arab Emirates for the World Climate Action Summit from November 30 to December 2.

At the invitation of Kazakhstans First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and Turkmenistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang will visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and hold the 11th Meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee and the sixth Meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee from November 26 to 30.

To further facilitate cross-border travel and Chinas high-quality development and high-standard opening up, China has decided to apply unilateral visa-free policy to more countries on a trial basis, which involves extending visa-free treatment to travelers holding ordinary passports from six countries, namely France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, citizens from the above-mentioned countries holding ordinary passports can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes.

CCTV: You just announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and hold the 11th Meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee and the sixth Meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee. Could you share more details and expectations for his visit to the two countries?

Mao Ning: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. At present, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Chinas relations with the two countries have grown at a high level. We are actively building a community with a shared future with both countries bilaterally. As major mechanisms for planning, guiding and coordinating bilateral cooperation, the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee and the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee have played a vital role in following through on the common understandings between the heads of state and promoting cooperation in various fields. Both committees are meeting in person for the first time since the pandemic. This is yet another important high-level exchange between China and Central Asian countries since the China-Central-Asia Summit in May and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October this year. We are convinced that the visit will surely deliver on the common understandings between the heads of state and consolidate political mutual trust, deepen all-round cooperation and add new impetus to building a closer community with a shared future between China and Kazakhstan and between China and Turkmenistan.

Reuters: Australia confirmed today its warship named the Toowoomba transited the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese officials said its military kept watch throughout but gave no further details. Does China have any comment on the passing of the Australian vessel?

Mao Ning: Chinas position is clear and consistent. We urge parties concerned not to make provocations or create trouble for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

CCTV: You just announced that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the World Climate Action Summit in the UAE as Chinese President Xi Jinpings Special Representative. Can you share more details? What is Chinas expectation for the Summit?

Mao Ning: The UAE will hold the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai as the chair of the UN COP28 to provide political guidance for COP28. The first-ever global stocktake since the Paris Agreement came into effect will conclude at COP28, which is a key milestone for global climate governance. The UAE President sent invitation letters to President Xi Jinping for the Summit. To actively respond to climate change and to cement our traditional friendship with the UAE, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the Summit as President Xi Jinpings Special Representative. China will seek efforts from various parties to uphold the institution, principles and objective of the UNFCCC system, especially the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the theme of Unite. Act. Deliver. so as to earnestly resolve the difficulties and issues facing developing countries and promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

During the Summit, G77 will also hold the G77+China Summit and invite leaders of developing countries to attend.

Reuters: Thailand expects just 3.4 to 3.5 million visitors from China this year, below its target and the 11 million Chinese visitors in pre-pandemic 2019, despite the country rolling out a visa-free program to attract Chinese tourists. Why does China think its citizens now seem less interested in traveling to Thailand?

Mao Ning: China always supports and encourages more cooperation on tourism with Thailand. We look forward to more tourists visiting each others countries.

Global Times: According to reports, on November 22 local time, ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed The Downing Street Accord, in which the two sides state that We emphasise that our basic positions on Taiwan remain unchanged. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element in the security and prosperity of the international community. Given the serious nature of the situation in the East and South China Seas, we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the region. We reiterate our firm commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight." Whats your response?

Mao Ning: I would like to stress that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair and brooks no interference by any external forces. As for issues related to the South and East China Seas, neither the ROK nor the UK is a party concerned, and there has never been any problem with regard to the freedom of navigation and overflight. China urges relevant parties to stop making irresponsible comment on issues bearing on Chinas core and major concerns and be very prudent about what they say or do.

France 24: The French foreign ministry reiterated its condemnation of North Korea sending weapons to Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. What are Chinas views on this and will Foreign Minister Wang Yi express them to Catherine Colonna later today?

Mao Ning: The cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a matter between those two sovereign states. Im not aware of the specifics. On the Ukraine crisis, Chinas position is clear and consistent.

As for the talks between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Colonna, we will release information in due course. Please check back for updates.

Reuters: Could you confirm that the terms of the debt restructuring deal struck between China Exim bank and Sri Lanka last month have been sent to the IMF?

Mao Ning: To my knowledge, as an official creditor, the Export-Import Bank of China tentatively agreed with Sri Lanka on the debt treatment. China will continue to support Chinese financial institutions in actively consulting with Sri Lanka and maintaining friendly communication with other creditors and jointly play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, ease its debt burden and achieve sustainable development.
After the recent rollout of One UI 6, a few devices have received the update, bringing in new features. However, users have reported an issue related to the pixel shift feature on OLED screens, potentially leading to screen burn-in. This problem was highlighted by Reddit users, with dragosslash sharing insights.

OLED screens are susceptible to screen burn-in, a permanent discoloration that can affect display quality. Pixel shifting, a feature in One UI 5 designed to prevent burn-in, seems to be malfunctioning in the One UI 6 update.

Users have noticed that status bar icons no longer shift positions as they should. As described by Reddit user dragosslash, the issue can be verified through a simple three-step test:

Take a screenshot with the status bar visible. Rotate the screen from portrait to landscape and back five times. Open the screenshot in Samsung Gallery to observe the status bars position.

Comparing screenshots from One UI 5 and One UI 6, its evident that the status bar in One UI 6 remains static, indicating a potential problem with the burn-in protection feature. While pixel shift seems functional for the navigation bar, status bar icons are not moving, hinting at a possible bug in One UI 6.0.

Several users on the Reddit thread have confirmed experiencing the same issue, raising concerns about the effectiveness of burn-in protection in One UI 6.

If indeed burn-in protection is compromised in One UI 6, users hope for a swift fix from Samsung. The company may address this concern in an upcoming update, considering the awareness brought by the users on the r/oneui Reddit community.

Source 1, 2
Rep. Josh Harder, D-Stockton, hosted his House colleagues who are running for Senate  Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee  at an event in Stockton on Aug. 26. But Harder has declined to endorse any of them. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Choosing a candidate to endorse typically isnt all that controversial for most California House members.

Except in the upcoming U.S. Senate primary.

With three of their co-workers running  Reps. Barbara Lee of Oakland, Katie Porter of Irvine and Adam Schiff of Burbank  the lawmakers are in an awkward place. Whether or not they endorse, they risk the wrath of the next senator from California, either by picking one of their opponents or avoiding a strong position.

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California Democrats are in a uniquely tough position compared with other states with multiple Democrats running in a primary: they have just two senators to 52 House members and they are one of the only state delegations with regular meetings and even a designated staff member. The states Democrats meet nearly every Wednesday for lunch while they are in Washington to discuss statewide issues and priorities, a meeting so critical that Nancy Pelosi would regularly attend when she was speaker (and still does).

Endorsements are unlikely to sway voters, but they have two benefits: They can be critical for a candidates fundraising, and they can lead to help from the senator for a lawmakers priority.

Some, like Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, tried to skirt the politically risky issue by endorsing two candidates  in his case, Lee and Schiff. So did Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who backed the same two.

Others, like Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, didnt choose one because she thinks it would be unbecoming to do so as head of the delegation.

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There are three strong candidates who are all members of the California Democratic Congressional delegation, Lofgren said in a statement. As the elected chair of the delegation, I am not endorsing any candidate at this time.

But titles  even honorific ones  didnt stop others from endorsing a fellow California House member.

Schiff landed the most powerful endorsement in the delegation, that of Speaker Emerita Pelosi. The San Franciscan rarely endorses in Democrat-on-Democrat races, or selects a man over two women. But thats what Pelosi did in January in backing Schiff, lauding him for his work in leading one of the impeachment efforts against Donald Trump.

Every time I have asked Adam to take on the tough fight against extremist forces, he has responded with integrity, strength and success, Pelosi said in her endorsement.

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Pelosis endorsement so early in the campaign was unusual. She sat out the Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama Democratic primary battle in 2008, didnt weigh in on the Clinton versus Sen. Bernie Sanders primary in 2016 until it didnt really matter, and withheld her public backing for Joe Biden in 2020 until he was the presumptive nominee.

Pelosis endorsement isnt just a name on a piece of paper. It has come with the keys to her huge fundraising network that has brought in more than $1 billion for Democrats over the past two decades. Schiff has $32 million cash on hand, roughly three times as much as Porter, his closest fundraising rival, according to federal election reports.

Pelosi may no longer be speaker, but her influence remains largely intact among many Democrats  and her nod gave other House members permission to take sides in the race. Schiff is endorsed by 24 California House Democrats, 65% of the delegation.

The reason why Nancy Pelosi and more than half of the Democratic delegation in the House have made the extraordinary decision to get involved, which they almost never do when its one colleague versus other colleagues, is that they made a judgment about who in their experience can work with others to get things done, Schiff told the Chronicle earlier this year.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Adam Schiff participate in San Franciscos annual Pride Parade on June 25. Pelosi endorsed Schiffs Senate run earlier this year. Juliana Yamada/Special to the Chronicle

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Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Carson (Los Angeles County), told the Chronicle she has mixed feelings about endorsements because she received few when she first ran and didnt get the Democratic Party endorsement. She has endorsed Schiff.

She said endorsements are often made based on existing working relationships. Theres already an issue where you dont have enough communication and contact with the senators in California because theres so many members, so you always want to have folks that youve done work with, she said.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, told the Chronicle he also bases endorsements on relationships and endorsing someone says that they did a good job making sure that theyre there for their fellow colleagues. He has also endorsed Schiff.

Lee and Porter have far fewer endorsements from their House colleagues  four for Lee and one for Porter.

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, told the Chronicle he has a lot of respect and love for all three of them, but that Porters record of taking on that corporate power and her just being unafraid of asking the really tough questions is something Ive always admired.

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Porter was the first member of Congress to endorse him. People are going to support folks theyve known for a long time, or that they respect for a variety of reasons. I think all my colleagues have a right to endorse whoever theyd like, Garcia said.

But not everybody is taking sides. Nine Democrats said they wouldnt endorse in the race; several said that they like all three candidates and that the choice should be left to voters. Three of them  Reps. Pete Aguilar of San Bernardino, Lou Correa of Santa Ana (Orange County) and Raul Ruiz of Indio (Riverside County)  havent endorsed yet but may still do so.

Adriano Pucci, a campaign spokesperson for Correa, said he does plan to endorse in this race. However, he only plans to do so once the filing deadline passes next month. Pucci said that he didnt have any specifics as to why the congressman was waiting until then, as no other top candidates are expected to enter the race.

The No. 3 Democrat in the House, Aguilar, told the Chronicle he doesnt plan to endorse anyone, but that may change after the filing deadline. Well see what happens, but I havent ruled out taking a position, he said.

Ruiz said he is thinking through whether he wants to endorse any of the candidates, but wouldnt say how he was making that decision.

Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Panorama City (Los Angeles County), is the only Democrat who didnt respond when asked if he would endorse. Most of the California Republicans also didnt respond, and those who did said they would not be wading into the field and endorsing any of the Republican candidates.
Kenneth Jacobs, a formerly homeless addict, was connected to drug treatment through SoMa RISE. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

In frantic desperation, 53-year-old Kenneth Jacobs knocked on the door of an unassuming mission revival storefront in the South of Market neighborhood last year, unable to calm his brain after smoking meth a few blocks down.

Jacobs had spent the last 30 years smoking the stuff, along with crack cocaine and harsher drugs  though its always been about the uppers for him. For more than three decades, from Baltimore in the 1990s to San Francisco today, Jacobs had begged, borrowed and stolen just to get another hit.

But on that cold February day in 2022, beneath the three arches of San Franciscos sobering center SoMa RISE  now more than a year into serving the neighborhoods most needy  Jacobs had had enough. The years of smoking meth, homelessness and various stints in jail had taken their toll. He needed to rest his head. He needed a shower real bad. But he said he never imagined the place would also be his ticket to a new life.

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I was eating out of trash cans. I was tearing my body to pieces, Jacobs said on a recent November day, eight months out of detox. But I went from the garbage  from the gutter  to the top.

The SoMa RISE sobering center where Jacobs found his path to recovery and eventually housing, employment and sobriety isnt a be-all and end-all to the citys drug crisis. But what it offers is often what unhoused people dealing with drug addiction need most: a place to sleep, a shower, a full meal, detox opportunities, referrals to treatment programs and willing helpers to guide them along the way.

Officials with HealthRight 360 and the city say demand for SoMa RISEs services is so strong that the center sometimes has to turn people away so it will not exceed its capacity. HealthRight 360 has been criticized for running facilities with insufficient staff  and a supervisor has called for an audit of the citys largest drug treatment provider over the issue  but officials with the nonprofit say staffing is not a problem at SoMa RISE.

In 2019, the city designed the center after the results of a Methamphetamine Task Force found it could help to deal with the number of people who use that drug exhibiting concerning behaviors in public. Someone speaking to themselves or pulling at their clothes, or behaving in a more aggressive or threatening manner, can look like mental illness, but it could also be adverse effects of meth, which include paranoia and hallucinations. Since then, the center caters to all drug users, not just those addicted to meth.

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In its first year of operation, the program cost $3.5 million. That grew to $5.2 million for the current fiscal year. The funds came from the Department of Public Healths $3.19 billion estimated budget for the next two years.

Meth use in the city has increased over the past decades and has contributed to skyrocketing overdose deaths  the city is on track for a record number this year  and flooded San Franciscos emergency rooms. The center was intended to be a place for them to come down and have supervision while keeping emergency rooms clear for more serious situations.

With drug addiction raging among San Franciscos unhoused population, SoMA RISEs sobering center has become a place that could help to combat the citys greater drug crisis, connect unhoused people to resources and get them into treatment.

On a recent tour, it was clear SoMA RISE hasnt changed much since last year. Inside the low-lit sobering center, separated from the lobby by floor-to-ceiling glass dividers, several people snored, tossed and turned in twin-size plastic beds while one man sat by a table with board games beside him, eating lunch on a disposable plate.

In the darkest part of the room, theres a glass box staff call the private room where people too paranoid to be with others can find brief solitude. Opposite the glass box, Melissa Chavez, the centers nurse, walks out of her small, on-site clinic every 15 minutes or so to ask if she can check out a bad cut, invite someone for a check-up or book them doctors appointments.

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HealthRight 360 said it has found that when people arent worried about their next meal, or a place to sleep or rest for a few hours, theyre using substances less on average. And the longer theyre in the center and the more interactions they have with staff, the more likely they end up in treatment or detox, the nonprofit said.

More of these (centers) would be places for people to land and you can find them again, Chavez said, highlighting the difficulty street outreach teams sometimes face when offering someone help and then not finding them again on the streets.



SoMA RISE has averaged 32 visitors a day, many of them staying about 14 hours, and the DPH said from January to June this year, 179 people from SoMA RISE subsequently entered withdrawal management via HealthRight 360s Integrated Care Center. In the same time period, 79 people entered residential substance use disorder treatment.

The center has also successfully diverted by dozens a week the number of unhoused, drug-addicted people that flood the citys emergency rooms every night. It has also been a good neighbor, said nearby business owners, many of whom were surprised the center didnt attract more drug users to the area as initially expected.

SoMa RISE in the South of Market neighborhood, San Franciscos first drug sobering center, sometimes has to turn people away because demand is so great, officials say. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle 2022



Still, its clear SoMa RISE has been a key experiment in the citys effort to curb its drug crisis, and it could offer a successful alternative or add-on to the controversial plan to open wellness hubs across the city that allow for supervised drug use.

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Gary McCoy, spokesperson for HealthRight 360, which operates SoMa RISE, said he wants to see more places like it across the city.

The longer somebody is in a place like this, theyre interacting with and working with our teams, theyre getting more stable, theyre coming down from whatever substances, and theyre offered services, McCoy said. That is time that theyre not out on the streets or in a doorway or in front of a business. It works not just because its a compassionate approach, but also for the neighborhood.

But while SoMa RISE has been helpful to many people, its also bursting at the seams. In a statement to the Chronicle, the health department said the facility is frequently at capacity, and sometimes it has to turn away people being diverted from the emergency room by police or first responders.

Supervisor Catherine Stefani called for an audit of HealthRight 360 this year after she found out an unhoused person dealing with addiction to fentanyl had tried to enter treatment multiple times but was turned away because of a lack of treatment beds.

The nonprofit faces a staffing crisis, though SoMa RISE said it hasnt had a problem with staffing the site since opening. But sometimes people who pass through SoMa RISE end up on waiting lists down the line. A recent hearing on the citys Treatment on Demand mandate found the nonprofit and others across the city and the state are dealing with a staffing shortage that likely wont get any better unless more pay is offered or the state creates a pipeline of social workers and behavioral health professionals.

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Jose Rios Chavez, who has run the center, said he hopes the city will commit to expanding SoMa RISE, especially in the Mission and Tenderloin districts. But there are things he cant control: Most of the people who seek help at SoMa RISE ask for housing, and the center has no ability to place them into shelters or other housing units.

Thats one of the main things, Rios Chavez said. Everybody asks for housing. All of San Francisco is asking for affordable housing, but we dont have that. Even if we get someone to treatment  how can they be successful? Housing gives people stability. Without stability, youre not able to be successful in many ways.

DPH called SoMa RISE a success in a statement to the Chronicle.

The program has proven very successful in providing a safe and accessible indoor space for people who are intoxicated with opioids, methamphetamines, other substances, or experiencing mental or behavioral drug-related crises to come in off the street and make connections to ongoing care, the statement said.

Mayor London Breeds office told the Chronicle in a statement that as the city looks ahead to expanding treatment and care facilities, funding will remain a critical issue, as well identifying the kinds of beds we need to make our system work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

That is why the Mayor supported Gov. Newsoms proposal in the legislature to move forward a Mental Health Bond and Mental Health Services reform work that will fund more beds across the state, the statement says.

But for Jacobs, success is measured in every day he stays sober and keeps a job, a roof over his head and food in his belly. After visiting SoMa RISE a few times, Jacobs said he started listening to the SoMa RISE worker telling him every day that he should get into detox. One day, he decided to listen and filled out the form. After a few months, he graduated from detox and stepped down to a residential drug treatment facility on Haight Street, where he still lives.

Kenneth Jacobs was connected to a detox program through SoMa RISE when he was homeless. He now lives in a residential drug treatment facility and works for Urban Alchemy, where he tries to help people who are homeless. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Jacobs works for Urban Alchemy  the team of street ambassadors  patrolling an elevator at Civic Center, the same place he often found himself searching for more meth and crack. He said he deals a lot with homeless people who remind him of his old self, and he tries desperately to get people the help they need.
Precinct Properties Group (Precinct) (NZX: PCT ) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a conditional agreement with Eke Panuku Development Auckland to acquire and redevelop the Downtown Car Park site. Precinct will partner with Ngati Whatua Orakei to redevelop the site located on the corner of Customs and Lower Albert Street.

Precinct was selected as the preferred development partner in October 2022 and has since been progressing commercial negotiations.

This is an incredible, once in a generation, opportunity to enhance the vibrancy of Aucklands city centre, and to create a seamless connection along the waterfront, Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties said. Our ambition is to deliver a true mixed-use precinct encompassing office, residential, and hospitality as well as new urban spaces for residents and the public.

Initial designs for the 6,442 sqm site are for a centralised podium sitting beneath two high-rise towers. There will be a retail and hospitality offer as well as new public spaces.

Precinct is proud of delivering world-class transformational outcomes in partnership with the city, as seen with Commercial Bay and Wynyard Quarter. Precincts existing connections and interests provide a unique opportunity to create a public East-West connection, from Britomart to the Viaduct and beyond, which delivers on the Auckland Councils long-term masterplan for the City Centre.

We are delighted to partner with Ngati Whatua Orakei on the development of the site, and their involvement in the proposal to date has been instrumental in securing the opportunity Pritchard added.

Ngarimu Blair, Deputy Chair of the Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust said. Ngati Whatua is excited about the opportunity to work alongside Precinct on a development of this size, scale and significance. Ngati Whatua Orakei, as tangata whenua of the site, has worked with Precinct to create a partnership covering commercial, design and social elements of the development, with a view to achieving real outcomes for Maori.

Pritchard added, There continues to be strong demand from occupiers for high quality, city centre office accommodation  as evidenced by our portfolio being 99% leased. We have already received leasing enquiries from businesses looking to establish themselves on the waterfront.

The scheme also includes a significant residential component which market research shows will be in high demand.

The residential component of the development ranges from studio apartments to stunning penthouses, offering truly world class city centre living. We have high levels of confidence in this offer, which will provide a level of quality and opportunity to live in the city centre not previously seen in Auckland, Pritchard said.

In line with Precincts sustainability strategy and wider ESG commitments, a whole-of-life approach will be taken with this redevelopment. This aligns with both Auckland Councils sustainability approach and Eke Panukus vision to develop the site underpinned by sustainable urban transformation and renewal.

Precinct will commit to a social procurement strategy, which aims to provide quality employment opportunities to underemployed and minority groups, with a key focus on increasing access for Maori and Pasifika owned businesses.

The Downtown Car Park site purchase price is $122 million, payable at the end of 2025 with Auckland Transport to continue to operate the carpark until then. Demolition cannot commence before 30 April 2025. While design is underway, development timing will be dependent on a number of factors, including demand, feasibility and consenting processes.

Ends

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AFC Group Holdings Limited (AFC Group) reports its financial results for the six-months ended 30 September 2023. The interim financial statements for the period have not been audited.

Financial Results Summary

AFC Group reports a revenue of NZ$489 thousand during the six-month period, which was 27% lower than the prior six-month period ended 30 September 2022. This is mainly due to the decline in revenue from overseas wine sales. Its believed that the overseas revenue will increase in the second half year with contracts under negotiation.

The Company produced a net loss of NZ$126 thousand for this period due to lower revenue. This compares with a net profit of $65 thousand for the prior comparable period. The net assets of AFC Group were NZ$249 thousand, with a 34% down from the annual position as at 31 March 2023.

Principal activities

AFC Group engages in a number of businesses in New Zealand, with subsidiaries operating vineyard and winery, manufacture of skin care products, and international marketing and distribution. Through years of efforts, the Group has developed a number of well-known brands and products, such as DD Mask, Longview Estate White Diamond Wine and so on. Meanwhile, AFC Group is committed to helping New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain access to the Chinese market and provide them with more opportunities.

Review of operations and outlook

In the first half of the financial year 2024, AFC continued its efforts in cost control and development of markets and sales channels to get through the difficult situation, to enable future revenue growth and return value to our shareholders:

AFC Longview Limited (AFCLV and Longview Estate)

1. AFCLV is stepping up its efforts to develop overseas markets by launching marketing campaigns and increasing Online sales channels in China. Contracts are under negotiation to export considerable wines to China in the second half of the financial year.

2. AFCLV is negotiating a new distributing agreement in New Zealand to boost domestic sales.

3. Longview Estate employs a new experienced winemaker to develop wine products and ensure operation efficiency, and will continue to participate in wine exhibitions and awards to increase brand recognition.

AFC Biotechnology Manufacture Co Ltd (AFCBIO)

1. AFCBIO has outsourced its inventory storage to a third party. This cuts down the rental fee of the warehouse and other ancillary costs.

2. AFCBIO is developing new distributors in New Zealand and cooperating with all distributors to carry out product promotions to increase sales.

3. AFCBIO will focus on the production and sales of its key products. The re-opening of borders will continue to bring in more customers to AFCBIO, thus generate more sales.

In summary, by taking various measures to increase sales and save costs, the AFC Group will continue to work hard to return value to our shareholders. We shall expect to improve the revenue in the next half year.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Hao Long

CFO

AFC Group Holdings Limited

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OnePlus 12 5G Color Options Confirmed Ahead of December 4 Launch Date News oi -Carlsen Martin

OnePlus recently confirmed the release date for its upcoming flagship smartphone in China. Now, the smartphone maker has confirmed the color options for the OnePlus 12 5G.

Apart from color variants, OnePlus has also slowly been teasing key details about its upcoming smartphone. Additionally, reports also suggest that the OnePlus Ace 3 will be unveiled alongside the OnePlus 12 5G.

OnePlus 12 5G Launch Date

The OnePlus 12 5G launch date in China is set for December 4, 2023, at 07:00 pm local time or 04:30 pm IST. The official OnePlus online store and JD.com are already taking pre-reservations for the OnePlus 12 5G.

While there is no official release date, we expect the OnePlus 12 5G to make its Indian and global debut sometime in January or February 2024. Now, here's everything OnePlus has revealed about its upcoming flagship.

OnePlus 12 5G Specifications (Expected)

First off, the company confirmed that the OnePlus 12 5G will be offered Endless Black and Flash of Green color options. There also appears to be a white shade for the OnePlus 12 5G. We also know that the OnePlus 12 5G will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

The OnePlus 12 5G will also feature a 2K AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The X1 display used on the upcoming OnePlus flagship is the first 2K panel to secure a DisplayMate A+ rating and has also broken 18 DisplayMate A+ records in the process.

For optics, the OnePlus 12 5G has confirmed to feature a 50 MP Sony LYTIA LYT808 primary camera sensor with OIS, a 64 MP OmniVision OV64B telephoto unit with OIS support, and 50 MP Sony IMX581 ultrawide shooter. Up front, the OnePlus 12 5G will likely feature a 32 MP selfie camera.

The OnePlus 12 5G is also expected to pack a 5,000 mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging support and 50W wireless fast charging support. The OnePlus 12 5G will run on Android 14 with OxygenOS on top. Stay tuned to Gizbot for more details about the upcoming OnePlus 12 5G launch.

Best Mobiles in India

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CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

During her trip, Christine Gallagher tried an Algerian version of a taco, which is shown here with fries. It was stuffed with meat and cheese, and unlike any taco she had ever had.
We Are China

China sends experimental satellite into space

Ecns.cn) 13:50, November 24, 2023

A Long March 2D carrier rocket carrying a satellite, named space-based Internet Technology Demonstrator, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

It was the 498th flight of the Long March rocket family.

A Long March 2D carrier rocket carrying a satellite, named space-based Internet Technology Demonstrator, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

A Long March 2D carrier rocket carrying a satellite, named space-based Internet Technology Demonstrator, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

A Long March 2D carrier rocket carrying a satellite, named space-based Internet Technology Demonstrator, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The Associated Press

The Beagle Scout Snoopy balloon floats in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday in New York. The Snoopy float has been in the parade for years, but the Beagle Scout Snoopy balloon was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his first appearance in the Peanuts comics.
This photo provided by the Alaska Department of Public Safety shows boat operators patrolling the waters near a massive landslide that extends into the sea at mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Wrangell, Alaska. Search and rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident was reported earlier in the week. Three people have died and searchers looked Wednesday for three others who remain missing after a landslide ripped through a remote Alaska fishing community on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.
The Associated Press

Israeli soldiers walk through the streets near Gaza City on Wednesday. During the four-day cease-fire, which begins today, Israeli soldiers will remain in their locations as Hamas begins releasing hostages held since their attack on Oct. 7.
Operation Iron Swords - Day 48 - 23 November 2023

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the truce in the Gaza Strip will begin tomorrow, Friday, at 7 a.m. local time. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades , the military wing of the Hamas movement, published the terms of the agreement at a time when an Israeli minister announced Tel Avivs readiness to increase the duration of the truce to 10 days.

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

Either a martyr or a projected martyr. This is said to be the condition of the people of the Gaza Strip.

At least 14,532 Palestinians, including about 6,000 children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since October 7, the Gaza Press Office said. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Hamas-run government said more than 4,000 women were among the dead, with more than 33,000 more people wounded. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza said the number of missing people had risen to more than 6,800 [nearly doubl the 3,750 previously reported], including 1,800 children still under the rubble. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that the number of wounded as 31,000 [previously announced as about 32,000 wounded],

According to a UN official, there have been "likely much more" casualties in "Israel's" war on Gaza than the previously reported total of over 11,000, because there have been insufficient updates since the area's communication networks collapsed. Martin Griffiths, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator expressed during a General Assembly meeting that as casualty numbers continue to climb, "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."

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 number of Israeli soldiers that the IDF admitted were killed in ground battles with the Palestinian resistance reached 72, while the death toll for the Israeli occupation forces had risen to 392 soldiers since the beginning of Operation al-Aqsa Flood. 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.

Israeli army (IDF) reported the total number of casualties since October 7th to 392 and the number of troop deaths there to 72 since the ground war began.

It is worth noting that the numbers given by Hezbollah and al-Qassam Brigades surpass the officially declared count of Israeli soldiers killed in the operations, Israel reported six soldiers and one settler killed on the Lebanese border, while Hezbollah affirmed on November 1 that at least 120 IDF soldiers were killed or wounded in action north of occupied Palestine since October 7.

The military spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, said The enemy is still hiding its military losses... The enemys human losses have not yet begun if it decides to continue its Nazi aggression, and all the indicators that our mujahideen see in the field say that the enemys soldiers are not ready for battle, and we are ready to continue confrontation and confront the enemy no matter how long the aggression lasts".

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

According to some estimates, Hamas is holding nearly 210 of the 240 hostages, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad is holding the remaining 30. 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.

Hamas previously announced that the number of prisoners it held was between 200 and 250 Israelis, and others of other nationalities, during the  Al-Aqsa Flood  battle launched by the Al-Qassam Brigades on the 7th of last October. Hamas indicated that among the detainees were high-ranking military personnel and that it wanted to exchange them for more than 6,000 Palestinian prisoners, including children and women, in Israeli prisons, but Tel Aviv did not show seriousness in concluding such a deal. The movement released 4 female prisoners for humanitarian reasons, two women holding American citizenship, in response to Qatari mediation efforts, and two Israelis, with Egyptian-Qatari mediation.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club announced that the Israeli army arrested 35 Palestinians, which brings the total number of detainees in the occupied West Bank to 3,035 since last October 7. The IDF reported that since the beginning of the war, about 1,950 wanted persons have been arrested in the Central Command, about 1,100 of them associated with Hamas.

Qatar announced the success of the joint mediation efforts with Egypt and the United States between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), which resulted in reaching an agreement on a humanitarian truce in Gaza that will last 4 days and can be extended, the timing of which will be announced. The agreement includes the exchange of 50 civilian women and children prisoners in the Gaza Strip in the first phase, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons. The truce will also allow the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.

The main points known about the hostage deal so far:

there will be a ceasefire from both sides in the Gaza Strip,

There is no ceasefire on the northern front with Lebanon, and the truce will be limited to the southern front with Gaza. But the ceasefire deal would also apply as a truce on the northern border with Lebanon, according to a Lebanese report in Nidaa al-Watan. "Hezbollah will adhere to the ceasefire on the condition that Israel does too," the first report announced, following a meeting between the leaders of the Lebanese and Palestinian organizations. An official source from Hezbollah later told Al-Jazeera that the group will respect the ceasefire also in Lebanon, reiterating the condition that Israel does too, adding that the Lebanese group was not consulted on the deal.

there will be a halt to the movement of Israeli military vehicles penetrating into the Gaza Strip,

During the days of the truce, the Israeli forces remain as they are and in their positions, provided that Hamas and the rest of the resistance forces adhere to a complete ceasefire.

Israeli military overflights in the southern Gaza Strip will be halted for four consecutive days. Israeli military overflights in the northern Gaza Strip will be limited to six hours daily, in order to allow Hamas to locate the other hostages who are being held by Hamas terrorists and Islamic Jihad.

Israel agreed to refrain from targeting or arresting any individuals throughout the truce's timeframe.

freedom of movement will be ensured for all Palestinians along Salah al-Din Street, which connects the districts of the Gaza Strip.

"The movement of residents from the south of the Gaza Strip to the north will not be allowed in any way, but only from the north to the south. Uncoordinated movement of trucks from the south to the north of the Gaza Strip will also not be allowed" the Israeli army spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said via  X .

The prisoners in Israeli custody will be handed over to the Red Cross, which will transport them to the Rafah area, and there, under the auspices of Egyptian, Qatari and American mediators, they will be transferred to the Israeli side.

Upon their receipt by the Isreeli army, the occupation authorities begin releasing Palestinian female prisoners and children according to the agreed upon number

10 hostages will be released every day

Minimum of 53 hostages will be released, mostly minors (under 19) and their mothers, [the 50 prisoners, who appear to be 30 children, eight mothers, and 12 elderly women]. Hamas has 80 captive children, mothers, and elderly women, but at least in the first stage, if Hamas does not find more, at least seven children and five mothers will remain in captivity. The number of foreign workers is 41 prisoners, meaning that Hamas has 195 Israelis, more than 100 of whom will remain in Gaza even after this deal.

Israel will release approximately 150 Palestinian prisoners, women and minors (under 19), held in its prisons, and who do not have Jewish blood on their hands.

potential of the total number released reaching 80 prisoners, out of about 300 minors (under 19), and 33 female prisoners, detained in its prisons. The mechanism of the process is for Hamas to send through mediators a list of Israeli prisoners who will be released the next day, and the Israeli government approves it, so that the implementation process begins the next day. The number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement.

hostages to be released do not include foreigners who do not have Israeli citizenship or foreign workers who were around the Gaza Strip.

it is also possible that foreigners such as Thai citizens will be released, but this has nothing to do with the truce agreement.

The deal does not include Israeli soldiers.

on the fourth day of the truce, new names will be given to the Israeli detainees. Hamas will announce its desire to release them in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners, according to the agreed-upon equation, which is one Israeli for 3 Palestinians.

Israel would extend the pause in fighting for one further day for each additional 10 captives released.

Hamas expressed its approval for the Red Cross to visit the remaining kidnapped persons in Gaza, and that it had committed to searching for the remaining kidnapped persons not in its custody, with the aim of seeking their release at later stages.

The agreement would also include the entry into the Gaza Strip, including in the north, of 4 trucks of fuel daily and two trucks of gas, in addition to at least 200 to 300 trucks of food, medicine and humanitarian aid

HAMAS said the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip will continue beyond the days of the agreement, and that the aid that will enter the Strip includes basic materials and clothing.

The Islamic Jihad movement said that its non-civilian Israeli prisoners will not gain freedom until all Palestinian prisoners are liberated from occupation prisons. "We reiterate our position that enemy [Israeli] non-civilian captives will not be released until all of our prisoners are released from enemy prisons," the movement said in a statement. The movement added that the temporary truce agreement between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) came after strenuous negotiations through mediators and procrastination and stubbornness from the occupation, as it put it.

Earlier, Abu Hamza, spokesman for the Al-Quds Brigades , the military wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, announced the death of an elderly Israeli detainee since the attack on Israel last month. He said in a statement, "We had previously expressed our readiness to release her for humanitarian reasons, but the enemy's procrastination led to the loss of her life." He added, "We reiterate our disclaimer of responsibility towards our enemy prisoners in light of the barbaric and frenzied bombing on every inch of the Gaza Strip."

Military experts and analysts expect that the prisoner exchange deal that will begin tomorrow, Friday, will lead to other prisoner exchange deals, because the ultimate ceiling for the Palestinian resistance is the emptying of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, in addition to the fact that Israeli society will demand its government to release the rest of the detainees held by the resistance in the Gaza Strip .

The military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, confirmed that there is a fragmented exchange process between the Palestinian resistance and Israel, and that what took place during the truce that was currently reached is the first stage, but the final ceiling set by the resistance is to empty the Israeli prisons of Palestinian prisoners.

The expert on Israeli affairs, Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, suggested that internal pressures in Israel on Benjamin Netanyahus government would increase if the current exchange deal succeeded, and that Israeli society would demand another deal to release the rest of the detainees held by the resistance, whose number ranges between 190 and 200, given that the current talk is about 50.

As Muhannad Mustafa pointed out - in his speech during the daily analytical stand on Al Jazeera channel Gaza...what next? - that the Israeli authorities themselves are afraid of what he called the scenario of the accumulation of humanitarian truces and prisoner exchange truces, given that these truces will increase internal pressures on them and will lead to a prolongation of the situation. Extending the war, thus eroding the military objectives it had established.

He explained that Israel currently wants to complete deals related to Israeli civilians, and then comes the most difficult stage of trying to reach a deal to exchange soldiers, indicating that Israel knows that in exchange for releasing these people, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) will demand the whitewashing of Israeli prisons and the release of Palestinians with disabilities . High judgments, and he expected that a great debate and division would begin within Israel. He also said that Israel submitted to the current exchange deal under internal pressure and military failure in the Gaza Strip.

On the other hand, the two experts agreed that the Israeli occupation will continue to escalate its military operations inside the Gaza Strip during the last hours before the start of the truce. Al-Duwairi said that the occupation's primary focus will be trying to make breakthroughs in narrow interspaces, and it will seek to reinforce supplies and forces in preparation for the outbreak of fighting again after the temporary truce.

According to Al-Duwairi, the Israelis also fear that the Palestinian resistance will reorganize its ranks. He said that it cannot be denied that the resistance received painful blows during the war on Gaza, and therefore it will develop its combat plan to suit the following challenges.

For his part, the expert in Israeli affairs expected that Israel would continue its military operations in Gaza before and after the truce, stressing that Israeli society is mobilized in favor of the war and supports its continuation, but it may change its position because of the price it will pay as a result of it.

Regarding the position of the people of the Gaza Strip regarding the truce that was reached with Qatari and Egyptian mediation, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Munir Al-Bursh, said that the people of the Gaza Strip are waiting for the crossings to open so that aid and fuel can flow to operate hospitals. He stressed that the citizens of Gaza need urgent relief to strengthen their steadfastness on the ground after they became refugees in shelter centers and public places and after the migration of people from the north of the Strip to its south.

Munir Al-Barsh, who was speaking during the analytical pause, confirmed, Gaza...what next? From inside the Indonesian Hospital - on the necessity of operating hospitals to strengthen peoples steadfastness, especially since the occupation is working to kill the basic components of the sector to achieve its goal.

The people of the Gaza Strip are awaiting the entry into force of the temporary truce agreement, according to which the Rafah commercial crossing with Egypt will be opened, for the flow of relief and medical aid, including fuel, as the Gazans are looking forward to it with the hope that it will reduce the risks of the humanitarian catastrophe that has been facing them for two months.

It is expected that the Egyptian authorities will open the Rafah commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip - tomorrow morning, Friday - to allow the passage of trucks of humanitarian, relief and medical aid, including fuel, in implementation of the temporary truce agreement announced by the State of Qatar between Hamas and the Israeli occupation, which will last for 4 days and can be extended.

In continuation of their role in supervising the aid trucks that arrived through the Rafah crossing during the past weeks, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) will supervise the aid during the scheduled days of the truce. Israel had stipulated, according to a tripartite agreement with Egypt and the United States, that Hamas should not have a role and that this aid should not reach it.

Official sources told Al Jazeera Net that it is not known how many aid trucks will return to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on the first day of the truce, but they confirmed at the same time that they include several types of materials and goods, including fuel.

The spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Dr. Muhammad Abu Musabih, told Al Jazeera Net that a committee was formed to supervise the humanitarian aid received through the Rafah crossing, and was supervising it on Friday in coordination with UNRWA. According to a spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent, it is not known exactly what types of materials and goods the trucks carry, stressing that they will include food supplies, medical supplies, and fuel.

For its part, the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the truce includes the entry of 200 trucks daily of relief and medical supplies to all areas of the Gaza Strip, in addition to the entry of 4 trucks of fuel daily as well as cooking gas, according to a statement received by Al Jazeera Net.

Regarding the areas that benefit from this aid, Musabih explained that discussions are currently taking place between the Crescent and UNRWA, to send a humanitarian convoy carrying quantities of this aid, including fuel, to Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip, which are the areas isolated by the Israeli occupation, and it is trying through continuous bombing and warnings to Pushing its population towards the south of the Strip.

Because of this isolation, and the violent targeting of all means of life, all hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip were out of service, and according to a spokesman for the Crescent Society, consultations are currently taking place to discuss the possibility of establishing a medical point in the Arab National (Baptist) Hospital, to which medical aid and fuel can reach. To provide care and medical service to the remaining residents of Gaza City and its north.

More than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip hope that the truce aid will have an impact on their deteriorating humanitarian situation, as a result of the absolute siege imposed by the occupying state, coinciding with the fierce war it has been waging on this small coastal strip since the seventh of last October.

Rafah crossing spokesman Wael Abu Mohsen told Al Jazeera Net that the Rafah commercial crossing was operating 3 days a week before the outbreak of the current war, for trucks to pass for the purpose of trade, carrying a variety of materials for various humanitarian needs, including fuel. According to Abu Mohsen, the crossing is fully prepared to receive aid trucks, and nothing is missing to ensure the continued flow of these trucks on a daily and continuous basis.

Commercial traffic through this crossing stopped after the aggression, and its doors were only opened to trucks carrying aid of canned food, drinking water bottles, and medical supplies, which local and international organizations and bodies described as scarce and not preventing the disaster from occurring.

The Gaza Strip is surrounded by 8 crossings, 6 of which connect the Gaza Strip to Israel, which closes 4 of them completely, and opens two crossings intermittently: Beit Hanoun (Erez), which is designated for individuals in the northern Gaza Strip, and Karm Shalom Commercial in the southeast of the Gaza Strip, and they are subject to full Israeli control. While Egypt controls the Rafah land crossing, both commercial and individuals .

The occupation authorities impose strict conditions on the movement of the crossings, and import and export between Gaza and West Bank markets and abroad are subject to restrictions linked to capricious Israeli approvals, and are subject to sudden decisions with flimsy justifications. With the outbreak of war, Israel completely closed the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, and prevented the supply of all humanitarian supplies through it to the Gaza Strip, where a famine crisis is looming, with markets and shops running out of goods and merchandise.

In turn, Director General of the Government Media Office, Ismail Al-Thawabta, said, We have launched 100 appeals to Egypt and the countries of the world regarding the necessity of permanently opening the Rafah crossing, to be a safe passage for the flow of humanitarian, relief, medical, and fuel aid, to prevent the occurrence of a disaster.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Al- Thawabta described all the aid that has entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing so far, as a drop in the ocean and does not cover 1% of the needs of the population, to whom 500 trucks were delivered daily loaded with all their daily needs, and with different types of materials and goods, including... It contains fuel, via the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Al-Thawabta hoped that the Rafah crossing will continue to operate, ensuring the flow of humanitarian and medical aid and fuel, to put an end to the deteriorating catastrophic conditions in the Strip, and to save what remains of the means of life, especially in the areas of Gaza City and the northern Strip, which are reeling on the verge of famine, as a result of the occupations refusal to receive aid. 7 weeks ago.

According to official data, 26 hospitals and 58 health centers were out of service, water wells and sewage treatment plants stopped working, and communications and Internet services deteriorated as a result of the power outage since the outbreak of the war and the depletion of fuel. Al-Thawabta said that more than one and a half million people are currently crowded into shelters, facilities, and homes in the southern Gaza Strip, as a result of the crime of forced displacement of the residents of the northern Gaza Strip, and they are in dire need of humanitarian and relief aid that will be received through the Rafah crossing, after goods and merchandise became scarce in markets and shops, and many were forced to From its owners to close it.

The American newspaper "The Hill" said that the agreement reached by Hamas and Israel to release 50 Israeli "hostages" in exchange for a temporary cessation of fighting represents one of the most important developments in the war that lasted more than 6 weeks. However, the newspaper believes that the implementation of the agreement, scheduled to take effect this week, is taking place amid an intense state of mistrust, doubts and anxiety. It pointed out 5 main observations on this temporary truce between the two sides, which are:

First note: It is not called a ceasefire - Israel has rejected calls and pressures for any long-term ceasefire, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that stopping the fighting does not mean that Israel is abandoning its war goal of eliminating Hamas base in Gaza. Israel, with US support, says Hamas is likely to take advantage of any pause in fighting to reorganize its military operations. However, the newspaper says that the United States has put pressure on Israel to do more to protect the lives of civilians in Gaza, and has raised concerns about Israel seeking to expand its military campaign in the southern Gaza Strip, where many Palestinians have fled bombing and fighting in the northern Strip.

Second: The situation on the ground is catastrophic - The Hill indicated that thousands of Palestinians were killed over more than 6 weeks of war, and hundreds of thousands were injured and displaced. A large part of the population of more than two million people lives in a miserable humanitarian situation, as they rationate water, food and medicine, and are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as diarrhea and skin diseases. For those facing displacement, temperatures are dropping and winter rains continue, prompting aid organizations to make desperate calls for a greater ceasefire, which they say is necessary to reduce the suffering in Gaza.

Third: Questions about the rest of the hostages - Hamas is not believed to have full control over all the hostages it holds. Palestinian Islamic Jihad is also believed to have kidnapped people, with reports that civilians in Gaza may also be involved in some cases. This has raised questions about whether Hamas is even capable of identifying all the hostages held inside the Strip.

Fourth: Israeli hospitals are preparing for complex treatment - Medical first responders and long-term care specialists are preparing for the return of hostages to Israel, after being held in what has been described as an unbearable hell.

Fifth: A longer-term ceasefire remains elusive - Israeli public opinion appears to be supportive of the deal and wants the government to do everything it can to return the hostages, but Hamas will likely try to impose a higher price for the captured Israeli men and soldiers.

Operational Update

"At least two more months of fighting are expected. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said, quoting Gallant during his visit to the Israeli naval base of the Sheet 13 unit: This will be a short period of rest, and at the end of it, intense fighting will resume, and pressure will be exerted to return more of the kidnapped people."

The Israeli Minister of Defense arrived at the base of the Sheet 13 unit, where he reviewed the units activities in the war, accompanied by the Navy Commander, Major General David Saar Salmi, the units deputy commander, and the commanders of the naval forces. Gallant stressed the continuation of operational plans to continue the attack in Gaza. He added: "We will eliminate Hamas as a military and governmental framework. The chain of command must be removed, whether those at the top or the people in the field." Gallant continued: What became clear in this process from the early stages is the well-known and clear fact, which is that Hamas only understands the language of force, as he put it.

"This is war, there is no choice. When you have 1500 people kidnapped and killed, you must create a situation where you destroy the organization standing in front of you, otherwise you have no deterrence that will allow life, and you have no deterrence that will allow life in the Middle East. If Jewish blood becomes a wasteland then everyone does as they please, if it has a price that cannot be borne, we are treated with respect."

A number of writers accused the Israeli occupation entity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant of trying to thwart the crystallized prisoner exchange deal with the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, by issuing threats to liquidate the movements leaders, specifically abroad.

Netanyahu said: We will continue the war until all Israeli goals are achieved and Hamas is eliminated. In turn, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant echoed previous positions on dismantling Hamas and deepening military operations in Gaza: The end of this war must be the dismantling of Hamas and the return of the detainees. We are committed to deepening our operations in order to put more pressure on Hamas.

Writer Orly Bar-Lev pointed out that Netanyahu threatened the chances of reaching a deal after he announced in the press conference he held along with Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz, that he had assigned the head of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad David Barnea to work on liquidating the leaders of the Hamas movement everywhere in the world. The writer stressed that regardless of the reasons behind this behavior, it indicates that Netanyahu "is not qualified to make decisions and must not be allowed to continue managing the battle."

Yossi Melman, an intelligence affairs commentator in Haaretz newspaper, wondered about the justifications that prompted Netanyahu and Gallant to issue threats to liquidate Hamas leaders abroad 12 hours before the date that was decided to implement the ceasefire and liberate the prisoners. In a post on the X platform, Melman accused both Netanyahu and Gallant of trying to thwart the prisoner exchange deal .

Writer Rami Edlist particularly attacked Galant, who said that the head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, and the movements leader abroad, Khaled Meshal, are living in a time out, referring to Israels intention to liquidate them, as he put it. In a post on X, IdList said that Gallant and Netanyahu are threatening the lives of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas through these threats.

As for writer Dan Adin, he considered Netanyahus threats to liquidate Hamas leaders before completing the exchange deal as evidence that he represents a danger to the entity... he is simply a clear and immediate danger to Israels security, as he stated in his post on X. He added: "Israel needs a patient leadership driven by sound logic that thinks about its interests, and whose members do not compete with each other to see who appears more manly in front of the crowd of supporters."

The director of the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip was apprehended and transferred for ISA questioning. This was following evidence showing that the Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as a Hamas command and control center. Hamas used many resources, including electricity, in order to maintain the tunnel system it built under the hospital, in addition, Hamas stored many weapons in and around the hospital.

Furthermore, after the massacre carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7, the organization used the hospital as a refuge for its terrorists and even took Israeli hostages there who were kidnapped on the day of the massacre. A pathological report confirmed that the murder of Corporal Noa Marciano took place on the hospital grounds.

In the hospital under his management there was extensive terrorist activity by the terrorist organization Hamas. A decision regarding his continued detention will be made in accordance with the findings of the investigation and the hospital manager's involvement in terrorist activity.

A doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City , Khaled Abu Samra, said at dawn on Thursday that Muhammad Abu Salamiya , director of the institution, which is controlled by the Israeli occupation army, has been arrested. Abu Samra explained: The occupation army arrested the director of the Shifa Complex, Muhammad Abu Salamiya, and a number of medical personnel tonight. Abu Salamiya had told Agence France-Presse that he had received an order to evacuate the hospital, on November 18, after he had rejected a previous similar order, while the occupation army said that it had evacuated hundreds of patients and displaced people from the hospital.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced that Israeli forces had detained Awni Khattab, the director of a medical clinic in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. The PRCS posted on X that it is "deeply worried about Awni Khattab, our colleague the head of Khan Younis Medical Center, #Gaza. Israeli forces arrested him and now his whereabouts are unknown."

The Chief of the General Staff met with the brigade commanders of the 36th Division, inside the Gaza Strip, and conducted a situational assessment for continued operations along with the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command and the Commander of the 36th Division. "We are trying to connect the goals of the war, so that the pressure from the ground operation brings about the ability to also achieve the goal of this war, to create the conditions for the release of the abducted hostages. We are not ending the war. We will continue until we are victorious, going forward and continuing in other Hamas areas. I'm very proud of you, you are doing an outstanding job."

The 401st Brigade combat team found four tunnel shafts of significant depth in an area on the outskirts of Jabalya from which heavy mortar fire was launched toward Israel. These tunnel shafts used by the Hamas terrorist organization, which are connected to the electrical network, converged at a central tunnel shaft located in a building connected to a senior Hamas operative.

Additionally, a large number of weapons were found in numerous bedrooms and under children's beds in a building linked to another senior Hamas operative. Operational plans and numerous weapons were discovered as well. All materials were transferred to the Document and Technical Collection Unit of the Intelligence Directorate for further examination and distribution to combat forces.

Commanding Officer of the 401st Brigade, Colonel Binyamin Aharon: "This is a successful day for the 401st Brigade. We found long-range rockets, launch shafts, and four operational Hamas tunnel shafts. We reached the 'heart' of the Hamas infrastructure and found the operational home of a senior terrorist, which included weapons and ammunition, all hidden under his children's beds and in closets. We operated to expose the area used to launch rockets into the depths of Israel for years."

As part of operational activity in the northern Gaza Strip, the Egoz / Aguz special forces unit carried out raids on terrorist targets in the Shati area in the heart of Gaza City. As part of their operational activity, guided by precise intelligence, the forces raided strategic Hamas targets and destroyed terrorist infrastructure.

Additionally, using high-quality intelligence, the forces directed fire from the air to strike booby-trapped buildings which posed a danger to the soldiers, terrorists and stockpiles of weapons used by Hamas terrorists. Soldiers from the unit located many weapons - ammunition, explosive belts and grenades.

The spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, revealed that as the Palestinian Resistance continues to confront the Israeli occupation forces, 355 Israeli military vehicles have been struck since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza. Abu Obeida said the targeted Israeli military vehicles varied between troop carriers, tanks, and bulldozers, adding that the resistance engaged 33 vehicles in the last 72 hours.

Abu Obeida said one of the resistance fighters attacked 8 Israeli occupation soldiers east of al-Rantisi Hospital in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, wounding some and killing the others. Moreover, he revealed that the resistance fighters booby-trapped a tunnel and blew it up as it was filled with Israeli soldiers.

The military spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades also confirmed that the occupation was still hiding its military losses by underreporting them, stressing that "the trembling leadership of the occupation decided to put its soldiers in the heart of the fire pit in Gaza." He concluded his statement by hailing the Resistance in Yemen and Iraq, as well as every front that is working against the Israeli occupation, giving his regards to the Lebanese Resistance, which he said "has the occupier surrounded on the northern front."

Violent confrontations took place between the Resistance and the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on multiple axes, including the northern Gaza Strip on the Beit Lahia axis, and in the northern Gaza City axes of the Sheikh Radwan, al-Nasr and al-Saftawi neighborhoods. According to Al Mayadeen's correspondent, violent confrontations also are the most intense in the east of Juhr al-Dik, as he explained that "the occupation tried to advance in the northwestern axis, especially in Beit Lahia."

In the Zaytoun neighborhood, the Palestinian Resistance confronted the occupation forces, whose tanks had reached the outskirts of Salah al-Din Street, confirming the destruction of a number of its vehicles. Meanwhile, the Al-Qassam Brigades targeted Israeli occupation groupings in kibbutz "Holit" with short-range rockets.

Al-Qassam Brigades published footage of its Resistance fighters directly confronting and targeting Israeli occupation force vehicles and soldiers during their aggression on Gaza. The video shows one of the fighters planting an IED on the back door of a Merkava tank and a group engaging a vehicle's crew at point blank with AKMs.

In turn, the Al-Quds Brigades announced on Wednesday evening, that they, in conjunction with the Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted an Israeli Merkava IV tank with two RPG-85 and al-Yassin 105 charges.

"Israel's" Channel 12 correspondent reported that the scope of operations is expanding in the North and that the range of rocket fire from Lebanon is increasing. The former spokesperson of the IDF described what is happening in northern occupied Palestine as a "dramatic escalation" that could lead to a "deterioration of the situation" in light of the intensifying attacks against Israeli sites along the borders.

Israeli media reported that this Thursday morning was very tense at the Lebanese-Palestinian borders, indicating that the alarm sirens sounded three times in half an hour. Additionally, the correspondent of Channel 13 in the north stated that the firing of rockets from Lebanon toward the North is not stopping, and is reaching all the settlements in the north.

The Israeli correspondent reported that the scope of operations is expanding in the North and the range of rocket fire is scaling up, noting that the latest salvos fired reached the outskirts of the settlements of "Safed".

As Israelis grow more concerned about escalations with the Lebanese Resistance, the IDF closed roads in the Upper Al-Jalil: fearing renewed rocket attacks by Hezbollah, a Channel 12 correspondent reported. Israeli media explained that the IDF blocked roads leading to the settlements of "Menara" "Malkia" "Tel Ramim" and others. Two houses in the settlement of "Menara" were directly hit by an anti-tank missile launched from Lebanon, according to Israeli media reports. In the same context, the head of the "Shlomi" settlement council in the north warned settlers not to return, even in the event of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying, "There is no ceasefire here; we are in a state of war, so do not take risks and come."

Hezbollah launched a series of attacks against Israeli military sites along the borders all throughout the morning in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza and their resistance.

At 8:30, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they had targeted the Israeli military site of "Birkit Risha", scoring direct hits. At 08:30, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted an assembly of Israeli infantry soldiers at the site of Al-Dhayra, scoring direct hits. At 08:30, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted an assembly of Israeli infantry soldiers at the site of Jal al-Alam, scoring direct hits. At 9:00, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they had targeted Israeli infantry soldiers dispersed in the vicinity of the "Sa'sa'" scoring, achieving direct hits. At 9:15, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted an Israeli Merkava tank at the Al-Raheb military site after detecting it hiding between trees, and achieving a direct hit using a guided missile. At 9:30, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted the "Khirbat Ma'ar" military site and its positions with salvos of rockets, achieving direct hits. At 10:15, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted the Israeli "Ein Zaytim" military base near the occupied city of Safad (headquarters of the Third Infantry Brigade of Division 91) with 48 Katyusha rockets, achieving direct hits. At 11:00, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted a house in the settlement of "Menara" where Israeli soldiers had been stationed using two guided missiles, achieving a direct hit. At 11:00, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted an assembly of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Raheb military site and "Tel Shair" with appropriate weapons, achieving direct hits. At 11:05, the Lebanese Islamic Resistance announced that they targeted an assembly of Israeli soldiers in Harj Ramim with appropriate weapons, achieving direct hits.

In response to the launches toward Israel earlier today, IDF helicopters and fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and rocket launch sites in Lebanon. Also, IDF soldiers struck Hezbollah military infrastructure with the Iron Sting weapon system in Lebanon. In addition, an IDF helicopter, a UAV, and tanks struck a terrorist cell that launched an anti-tank missile toward the area of Biranit, and the launch post from which the missile was fired.

Following the initial reports regarding sirens sounding in northern Israel, approximately 35 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. The IDF Aerial Defense Array intercepted a number of the launches. In addition, since this morning, terrorists launched a number of anti-tank missiles and mortars at various locations along the border with Lebanon.

An IDF aircraft struck a number of launchers from which the projectiles were fired. IDF soldiers struck an additional launcher from which the projectiles were fired with the Iron Sting weapon system. IDF artillery struck the sources of the fire.

Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel, several launches were identified from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. IDF artillery is striking the sources of the launches. Earlier this morning, an IDF aircraft identified an anti-tank missile cell near the area of Zar'it in northern Israel and targeted the cell. In parallel, IDF artillery also targeted the cell. Overnight, a surface-to-air missile was launched toward IDF aircraft in Lebanon. The missile was successfully intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array. In response to the launch, IDF aircraft struck the launcher and a weapons storage post.

Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 22nd, 20:15 : "Hamas has been systematically using hospitals in Gaza to run its terror machine. Hamas built tunnels underneath hospitals, used them to command their operations, yes, command their operations underneath hospitals! Hamas wages war from hospitals. This is the sick nature of the savage terrorists we are fighting. Hamas is using the protected status of the hospitals as a shield. Now, the irrefutable truth of Hamas exploitation of hospitals in Gaza is on full display to the world. We have an important question to ask the international community: what will you do to stop Gazas hospitals from being turned into terror bases in the future? Will you condemn Hamas? Or will you continue to be silent? Will you remain silent?...

"This evening we are exposing new footage of the underground terror infrastructure underneath the Shifa Hospital. We discovered an extensive amount of infrastructure, not only underneath the Shifa Hospital compound, but also, right underneath it, going from the hospital, into various streets and entering into different central buildings. From the Shifa Hospital, outward. What we exposed today is in fact underground war rooms, infrastructure built as a hiding place from which Hamas terrorists operate.

"Nearby the hospital compound, we exposed two further tunnel shafts that most likely connect the hospital's underground terror infrastructure to the street. From underneath the hospital to nearby buildings. One of them, that I entered, is an educational institute with classrooms. Inside this apartment were classrooms, a board, on the board were words in English, an English lesson for children. On the side, a tunnel shaft, with a floor that in a disguised manner flows into the wall, and from there, you can go down steps into a tunnel that leads to the Shifa Hospital and continues northward of the hospital. Inside the tunnel are central command and control rooms. Terrorists enter the hospitals, exit through an educational institution, near children, using them as a human shield."

Yemeni Armed Forces confirmed the launch of a series of cruise missiles at various Israeli military targets in Umm al-Rashrash - 'Eilat' - Southern occupied Palestine. In a statement, the Yemeni army emphasized that it will continue to carry out operations against Israeli sites until the cessation of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported the activation of alarm sirens in Eilat due to a cruise missile launched from Yemen.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that the American base in the Al-Omar oil field in Syria was targeted by a drone, stressing that it directly hit its target. In a statement, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said: In response to the crimes committed by the enemy against our people in Gaza, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted the American occupation base in the Al-Omar oil field in Syria, with a drone, which directly hit its target. The "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" announced that two American bases were targeted on Thursday with drones, "directly hitting their targets."

An American military official also reported that American forces and the American coalition were exposed to new attacks in the last 48 hours in Iraq and Syria using drones and missiles, revealing the total number of attacks on American bases in Iraq and Syria since October 17 . According to the Pentagon, the missile and drone attacks resulted in the injury of about 60 American soldiers, as about 2,500 American soldiers are stationed in Iraq and about 900 soldiers in Syria . American forces had been subjected to about 70 attacks since October 17 (32 attacks in Iraq and 34 in Syria), resulting in the injury of 62 American soldiers, according to the Pentagon. Pentagon officials said they were frustrated by the escalation of attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, according to the Washington Post.

Bystanders

In the first official talk about the future of Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country is ready to assume responsibility with other countries in the new security structure, which will be established (after the end of the war in Gaza), including the guarantor mechanism, and despite While he referred to the guarantor mechanism proposed by Ankara a month ago, his position appeared to be the opposite of that taken by regional and Arab countries.

Until now, the Arab countries, most notably Egypt and Jordan, refuse to delve into the post-war Gaza scenarios, and the same applies to the Hamas movement. However, on the other hand, Israeli officials have always touched on this issue, as have their American counterparts, without drawing an accurate picture of what the Strip will look like. In the future.

The Turkish President did not reveal the nature of the security role that Ankara is preparing to play and the countries that may participate in it. Observers who spoke to the Al-Hurra website believe that what Erdogan proposed on Wednesday during his participation in the G20 leaders summit is consistent with Ankaras view of its new role in the Middle East... As a mediator of peace and strength."

Turkish journalist Dilara Aslan, director of the Daily Sabah office in Ankara, explained to Al-Hurra website, "Turkey's argument is that current UN resolutions are not sufficient to force Israel to reach a two-state solution, nor to prevent attacks or the displacement of Palestinian civilians. Therefore, it proposed a new mechanism." This mechanism was called the guarantee model, and it stipulates that both Israel and Palestine must have guarantor states, and these guarantors would prevent any escalation and prevent any party from violating the current agreements.

Turkey has expressed more than once its willingness to play such a role, because it has close relations with both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority and has experience in conflicts, according to Aslan. But the proposal needs the support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League, which have long failed to unite and take a strong stance against the United States and Israel.

Al Jazeera Net interviewed a number of political experts about the political and military consequences of this agreement, whether for the Israeli occupation or the Islamic resistance, and how the residents of the Gaza Strip can benefit from this truce, and does the agreement represent a victory for Hamas in light of the results on the battlefield, in addition to the political consequences that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay politically after the results of the aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Ahmed Jamil Azm, professor of international affairs at Qatar University, said, If Israel finds any opportunity not to implement what it must implement in the agreements, it will find a thousand excuses to do so, and even without excuses it is ready to back down. Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Khalil Al-Anani, believes that the occupation failed miserably to achieve any military achievement on the ground during 6 weeks of war, and that reaching an agreement like this represents an important breakthrough in the Israeli escalation following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. As for political researcher Moin Manna, he said, The truce has purely military goals for the occupation. First, it wants to exploit it to collect information related to the resistance and tunnels, and secondly, it wants to move its forces in a way that will be able to resume fighting.

From a political perspective, the truce represents the first agreement reached to stop the war - even temporarily - and is an important breakthrough in the Israeli escalation following the Al-Aqsa Flood operation. Al-Anani also sees it as a political result of two basic things: The first is the steadfastness and steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance in the face of the American-backed Israeli army in an unprecedented manner, which failed miserably in achieving any military achievement on the ground during 6 weeks of war. The second is internal and external pressure on the Netanyahu government, which forced him to reluctantly accept the exchange and truce deal.

Jamil Azm approaches the previous vision, and sees that the broad title of this agreement is that it is a prisoner exchange agreement, but there is a very important fundamental part that has political implications, related to the issue of a truce for a period of 4 days, and the most important meaning of this event is that it represents a break in the Israeli discourse that was talking about a battle. Without stopping, he adopted an extermination rhetoric par excellence, quoting texts from the Torah calling for the annihilation of the Amalekites, and he was promoting that a ceasefire would lead to a golden opportunity for Hamas to rearrange its ranks.

As for Moin Manna, he went to the angle of the political pressure exerted by world public opinion on the Israeli occupation in order to stop the aggression, and this pressure was represented in the crystallization of the position of the seven industrialized countries - for example - even though they belong to the Western camp in theory, but public opinion in them was able to It puts real pressure on decision-makers and has moved their political position slightly towards the humanitarian dimension in the Gaza Strip.

From the military side, the truce represents the first indirect Israeli acknowledgment of the failure of the ground military operation that aimed to attempt to rescue the hostages by military force, from Al-Ananis point of view. It is also a miserable failure for the war government, which was raising the slogan No to stopping the war, no to the hostage deal, and now the war has been stopped - albeit temporarily - and the hostage deal has been concluded.

Al-Anani agrees with Jamil Azm that one of the results of the agreement is to help the two parties rearrange their ranks in order to prepare militarily for the next round of the conflict, but Jamil Azm adds that the truce is a double-edged sword. The Zionist movement benefited from the truce in 1948 when the Zionist forces were in retreat, and took advantage of The truce is largely to obtain supplies from everywhere, and Israel is currently the one that now has open borders with the world, and is the one that has the ability to organize its ranks much more than the already besieged resistance.

The current situation of the occupation forces is inappropriate and does not qualify them to continue to position themselves in an effective combat manner. It also raises a number of questions arising from the current military situation, such as: If the ceasefire continues until then, what does this mean for Israels presence in the Gaza Strip? It is an occupying force now, and the existence of a long truce raises questions about the legal and political status of this presence, because Israel will take advantage of the coming days to provide its fighters in the Gaza Strip with the means of life and the means to continue for a long period as well.

As for Moin Manna, he believes that the truce has purely military objectives for the occupation. He wants: First, exploiting it to collect information related to the resistance and tunnels. Secondly, he wants to move his forces in a way that will be able to resume fighting, because the current situation for his forces is inappropriate and does not qualify him to continue to position himself in a combat and effective manner. With regard to the resistance, the truce will provide it with a rest and provide opportunities for relief and food supplies and medical ambulance, and these are things in themselves that serve and benefit the resistance.

The three analysts agree that there are no clear guarantees that the armistice agreement will not be breached, and the main meaning of this guarantee is to incite all parties to achieve the special interests resulting from it. Moin Manna believes that Netanyahus personality is politically present, because he realizes that this truce is the key to the door to the political guillotine in his life, and when he agrees to the truce, he is signing his exit from the political scene. Therefore, he searches under every stone, behind every door, and at every corner for any opportunity that can make him resume his political life.

He draws attention to the character of US President Joe Biden, who has shown "a great, clear and blatant weakness. Even the Western and American elites are talking about this issue. It is no longer possible to talk about the United States being the one that can put pressure" on the Israeli side. Therefore, the only chance is for the Palestinian resistance to maintain its positions, capabilities, and initiative. There is a need for a warrior's break for both parties in order to catch their breath and rearrange the cards in anticipation of the next round of conflict;

As for Khalil Al-Anani, he says, All parties are keen to abide by it (the agreement), given the faltering Israeli military operation, the extent of the destruction and the number of victims. Therefore, there is a need - apparently - for a fighting break for both parties in order to catch their breath and rearrange the papers in anticipation of the round coming from the conflict.

The first is the extent of the ability to implement the terms of the agreement, whether related to the number or type of prisoners who will be released from both sides, the entry of fuel and aid into the Gaza Strip, and most importantly the ceasefire, especially from the Israeli side.

The second is the continued internal pressure on Netanyahus government to release the rest of the hostages and his acquiescence to that.

Third comes American pressure on Netanyahu to adhere to what was stated in the agreement.

Not far from that, Jamil Azm says that the strongest guarantee for this agreement depends on the method of implementing the deal itself, because the exchange process will need approximately 4 days and not a day or two, and also until there is a clear international and American position, but he pointed out that this position represents a weak guarantee. If Israel finds any opportunity not to implement what it must implement in the agreements, it will find a thousand excuses to do so, and even without excuses it is ready to back down. "Israel will not do anything except under pressure."

Analysts agreed that the truce agreement was a victory for the resistance, but the difference between them was in the degree of this victory. Ahmed Jamil Azm sees it as a beginning that may turn into a victory, or it is a clear victory project, which is an Israeli defeat and retreat, and the Israelis themselves realize that, and that they were forced to do so, and they are paying a price in this agreement. But also, "We realize that the apparent human price that the Palestinians are paying is a very large price that we are living through now."

According to Khalil Al-Anani, the agreement can be read as a victory and a political gain for the Palestinian resistance, as it achieves one of the goals of the military operation that it carried out on the seventh of last October, which is the release of Palestinian prisoners in the prisons of the Israeli occupation, even if the humanitarian price that was incurred was His payment for this was costly and unprecedented in previous rounds of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Moin Manna sees it as more than that; For him, the agreement represents the result of a victory for the Palestinian resistance, which was able to besiege the Israeli occupation forces in a specific spot and exhaust them, which represents an insult to the Zionist entity, a threat to American influence in the region, and putting the British and French efforts that lasted 200 years in vain.

The Palestinian resistance also conveyed a clear message that the Palestinian people and their resistance are capable of accomplishing the mission of liberating Palestine, but on the condition that a regional environment is available, and part of this supportive regional environment is available, and the other part related to the Arab regimes is not only non-existent, but is working against the trend. .

Khalil Anani says, "I do not think that Netanyahu's government will survive. Rather, it will collapse dramatically if the aggression stops. Netanyahu took political risks and jumped forward as usual when he launched a war without a vision or political horizon." He added that Netanyahu "failed miserably in achieving any of the war goals that he announced, whether by getting rid of the Hamas movement, destroying it, returning detainees, or displacing the population of the Gaza Strip out of it. Therefore, he awaits a black fate that will seal his political record, which has spanned more than a quarter of a century."

Moin Manna draws attention to the fact that Netanyahu realizes that this aggression represents a gateway to his exit from the political scene, and hence the idea has surfaced once again that the occupation army could go to wage a destructive battle or a destructive attack on Lebanon, because in any case this attack may carry "Destroying any opportunity or prolonging Netanyahu's political life."

As for Jamil Azm, he believes that the Israeli discourse in general is subject to collapse, and retreats under pressure that, firstly, it did not achieve sufficient military achievements in the Gaza Strip, and secondly, under international pressure and under the pressure of internal Israeli public opinion. But this is not relied upon much because there is a state of madness among these people. Leaders may be invested.

Moin Manna believes that the people of the Gaza Strip are in dire need of all these types of supplies: health, humanitarian, food, and energy, as well as the return of the displaced to their homes in the northern Strip. These are among the issues raised and they are in great need and very necessary. But there is very great doubt about the arrival of these materials, and even if they arrive as addresses, there is very great doubt that they will arrive in sufficient quantities or that meet the necessary needs, especially since Egypt, under the pretext of not agreeing with the American-Zionist approach regarding the issue of displacing the people of Gaza, closes the crossing.

Manaa added, "If there is talk about the entry of some food supplies - 300 containers, for example - it is not necessary that all of them will be full, even if this number is entered. And if we want to talk about the quantity of energy supplies as well, there is doubt that the energy supplies will be suitable for use or in sufficient quantities or agreed upon." on her".

But Khalil Al-Anani believes that the agreement represents a fighting break for both sides of the conflict in order to rearrange ranks and catch their breath. However, there will be an escalation again, especially from the Israeli side, which is still suffering from the effects of the shock of last October 7, and is looking for revenge against Hamas in any form.

The war is also a strategic choice for Netanyahu, who fears for his political fate after the war. Therefore, prolonging the war represents a way out, even if temporarily, from the consequences of his abject failure to deal with what happened in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. As for Ahmed Jamil Azm, he concluded with the need to rearrange the internal Palestinian position, since now there has been a truce, it is also necessary to work to better unite the Palestinian ranks, and pointed out the need for there to be a coordination process between the Palestinian resistance forces in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian leadership led by the PLO. In the next stage, the PLO will assume part of the negotiations.

He said, "These words may be very useful for all of Palestine, as the arrangement of the internal Palestinian ranks is very important in the next stage, and I believe that this truce is an opportunity for everyone to reconsider their calculations and realize that they must work together."

Saudi journalist Daoud Al-Sharyan, after he mocked the prisoner exchange deal, which comes within the temporary truce in the Gaza Strip. Al-Sharyan mocked the truce, using the language of numbers, stating that the number of martyrs is much greater than the number of prisoners who will be released. Al-Sharyan also blamed the Hamas movement for the massacres that took place in Gaza, and commented sarcastically: What a horrific success!

Axis of Resistance

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that "Israel" is close to realizing that it is nowhere near achieving all of the goals it sought after launching its war on Gaza. "Israel did not achieve any of its goals of occupying Gaza and eliminating the Resistance," he said, adding, "What the Zionist regime has done shows that it has grown desperate in the face of the Palestinian resistance." Raisi further described Operation Al-Aqsa Flood as the Palestinian people's "legitimate defense of their right," prompted by "[Israel's] incessant oppression."

"A nation, whose home is usurped, whose family members are imprisoned and martyred, and whose farms are destroyed, enjoys the right to legitimate self-defense" the president continued. He noted that the Operation inflicted "military, security, and intelligence defeat" upon the Israeli occupation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking from the Lebanese capital of Beirut, warned yesterday that failing to comply with the four-day truce would breed consequences. In an interview, he told Al Mayadeen: "If the truce does not continue, the conditions of the region will change and the scope of the war will expand," saying "We have previously warned that if the war continues, the opening of new fronts is inevitable. The Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis, and Yemenis cannot stand by and watch what is happening," the top diplomat said.

Despite giving his insight on how a ceasefire would favor the Resistance, Amir-Abdollahian underlined that the Resistance would have the final say, noting that there are ongoing consultations with Qatar about this matter. "The factions do not act on our behalf but work for the interests of their countries and the Arab nation".

Hussein Amir Abdullahian said: In my meeting with the leaders of the resistance, it became clear to me that if the Israeli war crimes and genocide continue, the most stringent and complex resistance scenario will be implemented... and we continue our collective diplomatic efforts to stop the violence and genocide at the hands of the Zionists.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani made a statement in which he welcomed this development and considered it the first step towards a complete cessation of the war crimes of the usurping Zionist entity that killed children against Palestinian citizens, women and children. He described this development as the result of more than 45 days. From the indescribable steadfastness of the resisting Palestinian people, the historic steadfastness of the resistance fighters, and the first step towards victory.

Nasser Kanaani stressed the continuation of the efforts, initiatives and diplomatic consultations conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran with various regional and international parties to support the oppressed Palestinian people and joint efforts with friendly and allied countries, in order to take immediate measures with the aim of establishing and continuing the ceasefire and stopping the entitys mass killing machine. Zionist and provide immediate relief to the defenseless residents of Gaza.

He added: The Palestinian people have proven that they will decide their fate and their homeland, whether on the battlefield or in the political arena, and will respond appropriately and decisively against every ill-considered, aggressive and short-sighted plan and measure on the part of the usurping Zionist entity and its known supporters.

A joint delegation from the "Ansar Allah" movement [Houthi] and the "Islah Party" conducted a unified visit to the office of the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. The Ansar Allah movement delegation included Mahmoud Al-Junaid, Deputy Prime Minister for National Vision Affairs in the Sanaa government, as well as the prominent leader of the movement, Muhammad Al-Bukhaiti , in addition to members of the Supreme Political Council, while the Islah delegation included Fathi Al-Azab, Sheikh Makram Al-Halali and other members of the Ansar Allah movement.

During the visit, the unified Hamas delegation congratulated all the victories achieved at the hands of the resistance fighters in Gaza, which forced the enemy to submit to the conditions of resistance. In turn, the representative of the Hamas movement in Yemen, Moaz Abu Shamala , praised the qualitative and heroic operations of Sanaa and its support for the resistance with military support and striking the depths of the Israeli entity with missiles, marches and other measures. Hamas also appreciated the role played by the unique Sanaa operation, represented by seizing the Israeli ship in the Red Sea, and stressed its important role in subjecting the Israeli enemy to the conditions of Palestinian resistance.

Allied for Democracy

Extremist Zionist Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatened occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign from the government. The occupation's Minister of National Security, Netanyahu, threatened to resign from the government "if the fighting against Hamas in the Gaza Strip does not resume after the prisoner and hostage exchange deal."

Ben Gvir had said that the agreement with Hamas regarding the exchange of prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza was a historical mistake and submission to the dictates of Yahya Sinwar, as he put it. In his first comment on the agreement approved by the occupying entity, Ben Gvir said that the agreement is a dangerous precedent and a historical mistake and accepts the dictates of the head of the political bureau of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

In Israel, a member of the Israeli Mini-Ministerial Council, Aryeh Deri, said that they are ready to increase the duration of the truce to 10 days. He added, in press statements, that they had approved the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners in the hope of returning 100 Israeli prisoners. In turn, Israeli Channel 12 said that Ofer, Damon, and Megiddo prisons have begun preparing to release Palestinian prisoners within the framework of the agreement with Hamas.

The channel quoted a Shin Bet official as saying that the identity of the prisoners who will be released within the agreement is not known at the present time, stressing that the details of the agreement indicate that at every step the names of the prisoners will be submitted for approval by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Shin Bet.

In turn, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir ordered preventing any manifestations of joy among Palestinian prisoners in prisons in conjunction with the process of releasing prisoners within the temporary truce agreement. The Israeli occupation police are also preparing to suppress any signs of joy among the families of the male and female Jerusalemite prisoners scheduled to be released within the next few days.

The far-right Zionist Minister Itamar Ben Gvir conducted an assessment with senior leaders of the occupation police and the prison service, ahead of the expected release of about 150 Palestinian prisoners within the framework of the truce agreement with the Hamas movement. The Times of Israel newspaper said that Ben Gvir ordered the head of the occupation prison service, Katy Perry, to suppress attempts to celebrate the release of Palestinian prisoners inside prison facilities.

Likewise, Ben Gvir asked the Occupation Police Commissioner, Kobi Shabtai, to use an iron fist against attempts to celebrate the release of prisoners or what he described as support for terrorism. He also asked Shabtai to strengthen the police presence at the expected destinations of the return of the released prisoners.

In a tweet on his official account on the X platform, Ben Gvir said : You all know how much I opposed the expected deal, and how wrong I think this plan is. I hope that the war in Gaza, as the Prime Minister said, will continue further after the deal ends. the Zionist minister considered the armistice agreement and hostage exchange a dangerous precedent that repeats the mistakes of the past, as he put it. Ben Gvir claimed:  Hamas wanted this truce more than anything else, and it also wanted to get rid of the women and children in the first stage because they caused great international pressure on it. In return, it wanted to obtain fuel, release its detained fighters, stop Israeli army operations, and even reconnaissance no-fly zone."

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Qarei proposed to the Israeli government to impose sanctions on Haaretz newspaper for spreading defeatist and false propaganda and incitement against the state during the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip ,  Maariv newspaper reported. Unlike other Israeli newspapers and media, the left-leaning Haaretz usually criticizes the practices of the Israeli army, and generally takes a position opposed to the occupation and supportive of peace with the Palestinians.

A few days ago, it published a report - quoting the Israeli police - stating that on October 7, an Israeli helicopter bombed Palestinians and Israelis in the town of Raim in the Gaza Strip, which may explain the high number of Israelis killed in the Al-Aqsa Flood, and contradicts the Israeli narrative that movement fighters The Islamic Resistance ( Hamas ) deliberately targeted civilians. Shlomo Qarei's office said - in a statement - that he had submitted a proposal to the government to stop publishing government advertisements in Haaretz and stop subscriptions to it. Qarei justified the decision by what he called "the continued dissemination of defeatist and false propaganda and incitement against the State of Israel during the war."

Qaraei considered that the newspaper is taking an offensive line that undermines the goals of the war, and weakens the military effort and our social steadfastness. The Israeli minister considered the newspaper a mouthpiece for Israels enemies, accusing it of propaganda in the service of the enemy and presenting the narrative of our enemies, while presenting lies, using anti-Zionist and anti-Israel terminology, and justifying the enemy.

The Washington Post said that the hostage deal between the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and Israel would bring joy to the families of the women and children who would be released initially, and the decision to stop fighting for 4 days would have an important impact for the Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza war who are He desperately needs it. The newspaper indicated that it is possible that the matter will gradually expand to include a broader calming of this conflict/nightmare.

David Ignatius explained - in his column in the Washington Post - that the basic idea driving the hostage release agreement, which was approved by the Israeli government early yesterday, Wednesday, is more for more, which is a well-known formula in arms control negotiations, according to which A senior Israeli official - Israel is ready to extend the truce period whenever Hamas hands over more prisoners, without a maximum period for which Israel may halt its operations, until all prisoners are released, including military personnel.

The writer saw that this formula is surprisingly practical for easing the conflict that began with Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th of last year (referring to the Al-Aqsa flood ), which continued through the continuous Israeli bombing that lasted 6 weeks and killed many Palestinian civilians. This agreement formula is through Qatari mediation with Egyptian support and American sponsorship, especially since both Israel and Hamas trust the mediator, despite Israeli criticism of Doha.

The fighting disrupted the talks that were framed two days before Israel began its ground attack on the Gaza Strip , but the most difficult issue was who actually controlled the Israeli prisoners, especially since Hamas does not have immediate access to more than 50 prisoners, and the rest are being held by Other factions, such as the Islamic Jihad movement, or individual families, will therefore be more difficult to release, but Hamas has the incentive, according to the writer.

Ignatius concluded that this truce would alleviate mounting international criticism of Israel, which had already begun to harm Israeli interests, and perhaps enable Hamas to regroup, but Israel did not give up its desire to destroy Hamas' political power in Gaza. Ignatius quoted a senior Israeli official as saying, We cannot allow Hamas to emerge from the tunnels, declare victory, and take control of Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani stressed - during a phone call with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken - the necessity of continuing efforts to stop the war on Gaza. Blinken also stressed during the call that his country remains committed to promoting the two-state solution, and reiterated the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar.

For his part, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Qatar will be the one that will announce the entry into force of the truce and the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas, and that his country will continue to work to release all prisoners in Gaza. Sullivan added, in an interview with CBS, that there are other factions holding Israeli prisoners in Gaza, and there is an opportunity for Hamas to extend the truce by releasing more prisoners.

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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Wave Holdings Corp. (the Company or New Wave) (CSE:SPOR, FWB: 0XMB, OTCPK: TRMNF) is pleased to announce, that the Company has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement dated November 21, 2023 (the Agreement) with Longevity AI Inc. (Longevity), a private corporation existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, United States, and the shareholders of Longevity (the Shareholders) for the acquisition by the Company (the Transaction) of 50% of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Longevity (the Longevity Shares).



Transaction Terms

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in consideration for 50% of the issued and outstanding Longevity Shares, the Company will issue an aggregate of 20,000,002 common shares in the capital of the Company (the Payment Shares) pro rata to the Shareholders at a deemed price of $0.05 per Payment Share. The Company will also issue up to 2,000,000 additional common shares in the capital of the Company (the Shares) pro rata to the Shareholders upon Longevitys business meeting certain milestones (Milestone Payments).

The Payment Shares will not be subject to any hold periods under applicable securities laws. Any Shares issued in connection with the Milestone Payments will be subject to a four month hold period under Canadian Securities laws.

The Company is at arms length from Longevity and each of the Shareholders. Upon completion of the Transaction, Longevity's board of directors will be comprised of nominees of New Wave. No change in management or the board of directors of the Company is being contemplated at this time.

The Transaction is not expected to constitute a Fundamental Change for the Company (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange), nor is it expected to result in a change of control of the Company, within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE).

The Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including: the receipt of any required regulatory approvals including the approval of the CSE and the receipt of a third party valuation of Longevity. The Transaction cannot be completed until these conditions have been satisfied. There can be no guarantees that the Transaction will be completed as contemplated or at all.

ABOUT LONGEVITY AI INC.

Longevity, a private corporation existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, United States is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to help patients achieve better healthcare outcomes.

Longevity owns and operates proprietary technology that connects patients to cutting edge clinical treatments around bio markers, longevity, anti-aging protocols and the central nervous system. Further, Longevity has plans to use artificial intelligence to connect individual patient data with their desired health outcomes and create customized protocols in collaboration with clinical partners and care providers.

ABOUT NEW WAVE HOLDINGS CORP.

New Wave Holdings Corp. (CSE: SPOR, FWB: 0XMB, OTCPK: TRMNF) is an investment issuer that has been focused on supporting innovative and fast-growing companies within the esports, NFT, Metaverse, Blockchain, and Web3 sectors. It intends to also identify accretive acquisitions within a wider strategic scope, including exploring entry into the emerging AI market.

Investors interested in connecting with New Wave Holdings can learn more about the company and contact the team at http://newwavecorp.com.

For further information please contact: Geoff Balderson, Chief Financial Officer, New Wave Holdings Corp., (604) 602-0001

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS

Anthony Zelen

Director

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

The securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such securities in the United States.

This news release may contain certain Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, schedule and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the potential acquisition of Longevity, including, the closing of the Transaction, if it is to close at all, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Launch by the French government of a public consultation on a proposed system to protect electricity consumers from 1 January 2026

Following the press conference on 14 November 2023, the government launched a consultation on 22 November 2023, setting out the arrangements envisaged to guarantee the protection, stability and predictability of electricity consumers' bills in France after the end of the ARENH on 31 December 2025.

The consultation covers the system envisaged to ensure a longer-term electricity market providing more stable prices in line with the cost structure of the French electricity mix, while giving EDF the means to ensure its development and make the expected investments necessary for the success of the energy transition.

This system is based on the deployment of the long-term commercial policy envisaged by EDF and on economic regulation of existing nuclear power.

EDF will implement a new sales model based on medium and long-term contracts:

firstly, market contracts with a 4-to-5-year term: these are sales contracts, open to all market players, for the delivery of electricity for a period of one year at these terms. Since September, EDF has been offering electricity for the years 2027 and 2028 in the form of auctions open to all market players ( 1 ) . The development of market liquidity at these dates will enable suppliers who so wish to offer their customers medium-term supply contracts;

. The development of market liquidity at these dates will enable suppliers who so wish to offer their customers medium-term supply contracts; secondly, industrial partnership contracts backed by nuclear power plants and "PPA" contracts backed by renewable assets;

finally, medium-term supply contracts with its own customers based on market price references, in addition to standard market offers and regulated tariffs whose price is set by the public authorities.





To provide additional protection in the event of high market prices, the government plans to levy a charge on revenues (2) from EDF's existing nuclear power plants, based on two thresholds:

50% of revenues in excess of an initial threshold would be levied. This first threshold is currently estimated at 78 2022 /MWh and

/MWh and 90% above a second threshold set at 110 2022 /MWh.

These thresholds are expressed in 2022 currency and are indexed.

The amounts levied would be redistributed to consumers, providing them with additional protection against episodes of high market prices.

The text of the public consultation is available here (in French only):

https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/Consultation_publique_NRN_vf.pdf



At the end of this public consultation, the terms of the levy scheme will have to be translated into law.

This press release is certified. Check its authenticity on medias.edf.com

About EDF

As a major player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all businesses: generation, transmission, distribution, energy trading, energy sales and energy services. EDF group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, having developed a diverse production mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support energy transition. EDFs raison detre is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 40.3 million customers (1), of whom 30.3 million in France (2). It generated consolidated sales of 143.5 billion in 2022.

(1) Customers are counted per delivery site. A customer can have two delivery points: one for electricity and another one for gas.

(2) Including ES (Electricite de Strasbourg) and SEI.

(1) https://opendata.edf.fr/explore/dataset/prix-de-vente-suite-aux-encheres-rubans-d-edf-sa-pour-2027-2028/table/?sort=-tri&refine.annee_de_livraison=2027

(2) Energy revenues, including the value of the form of nuclear generation, excluding revenues from the valuation of certificates of capacity allocated to the nuclear fleet under the capacity mechanism.

Attachment
Dublin, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Seawater and Brackish Water Desalination" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Seawater and Brackish Water Desalination Market to Reach $25.7 Billion by 2028

The need for sustainable sources of water is becoming increasingly evident in the face of growing populations and rising demands in agriculture and energy sectors. Population growth is a key factor driving water demand, and it is estimated that over half of the world's population will reside in water-stressed regions by 2050, as reported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This pressing issue extends to the risk of floods, which currently threatens 1.6 billion people. The German Federal Environment Agency predicts that by 2050, a quarter of the global population will grapple with chronic or regular water shortages. In fact, the World Economic Forum has identified water crises as the most concerning global risk over the next decade.

Coastal regions, where a significant portion of the world's population resides, play a pivotal role in addressing water scarcity. Surprisingly, despite 40% of people living within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of a coastline, many still rely on water transported from inland or groundwater sources. However, desalination, the process of producing freshwater from saltwater, is on the rise. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, as of 2022, approximately 1% of the world's water supply is generated through desalination. It takes about 1.5 liters of extracted water to produce 1 liter of desalinated water. The desalination capacity is swiftly expanding, with over 22,800 desalination plants providing around 110 million cubic meters of fresh water per day (m3/d) by the end of 2022, compared to 18,000 plants supplying 97 million m3/d in 2017. This capacity is projected to double by 2050.

Amidst increasing demand, another challenge is the misuse and overuse of water resources. Freshwater sources are depleting at a faster rate due to environmental contamination and excessive extraction from non-renewable sources. Climate change, characterized by severe droughts, is exacerbating water scarcity issues in numerous regions.

The "Seawater and Brackish Water Desalination" report addresses these critical water challenges. Covering more than 85% of the desalination industry, the report distinguishes between seawater and brackish water, which differ in their total dissolved solids (TDS) content. Each water source necessitates distinct treatment methods, with brackish water having a lower salt concentration than seawater.

Desalination plants vary in size, ranging from small-scale to large industrial or municipal facilities. The report examines the global water resource scenario and the widening gap between freshwater availability and the water requirements of all sectors. It delves into the factors fueling the growth of the desalination equipment market and the hurdles it faces.

The report provides a technical overview of the primary desalination technologies, focusing on both membrane-based and thermal-based methods. It also discusses novel desalination approaches. Additionally, the updated version incorporates an analysis of the industrial segment, encompassing industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, dairy, food and beverages, paper and pulp, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, power generation, and refineries. The report offers insights into the hypothetical unit cost of water production through various technologies and the sensitivity of this cost to economic variables.

Furthermore, sustainability takes center stage in this report, with a dedicated chapter on the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance of companies involved in seawater and brackish water desalination.

The market size, estimations, and forecasts are presented in terms of value ($ millions), with 2022 as the base year and projections extending from 2023 to 2028. The report also furnishes regional-level market data categorized by technology and application.

In summary, the global seawater and brackish water desalination market is not only addressing water scarcity but also presenting opportunities for growth and innovation in the quest for sustainable water solutions.

Key Report Highlights:

Comprehensive analysis of the global seawater and brackish water desalination market

Market size estimations, trends analysis, and growth projections from 2022 to 2028

Insights into current and future market potential, segmented by water source, technology, application, and region

Detailed overview of primary desalination technologies, including membrane and thermal-based methods

Examination of the industrial sector's role in desalination, covering various industries

Exploration of the sustainability perspective in the desalination market

Profiles of major companies in the desalination industry, including:

Acciona Alfa Laval Aquatech International Biwater International DuPont Water Solutions Gradiant Corp Hangzhou Water Treatment Technology Development Center Co. Ltd. Hitachi Zosen IDE Technologies Kovalus Separation Solutions LG Chem Pure Aqua Toray Industries Veolia Environnement



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 128 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $17.4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $25.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.1% Regions Covered Global



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i6h1za

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Norway is in the process of procuring three new arctic coast guard ships of the Jan Mayen class. The ships displace 9,800 tons, are 136 meters (435 feet) long and can accommodate up to a hundred people. The rear deck can support helicopter operations and a hangar can house two NH90 helicopters. The ship has hospital operating rooms for treating casualties. The ship has telescoping davits to launch and recover fast rescue boats up to 8.5 meters long. The ship can also accommodate two RHIBs (Rigid hull inflatable boats).

The ships are armed and have a fire control system that enables the ship to detect, track and fight threats effectively and accurately. The ship can be equipped with a small cannon, machine-guns and storage space for naval mines and lightweight torpedoes carried and used by helicopters.

The ship navigation system uses a naval INS (inertial navigation system) as well as a gyrocompass and satellite-based data link that keeps navigation systems up to date. There is also a naval communications system that enables the crew to keep in touch with those on the ship as well as communicate with those elsewhere.

The ship has sonar that can detect and track torpedoes and other small underwater objects. The sonar can be withdrawn into the ship when sea conditions are rough, or ice is forming.

The ship has a 3D radar as well as a separate radar for IFF (Identification Friend of Foe) purposes. The 3D radar can track aerial and naval objects as well as assist in helicopter landings and takeoffs.

The ship has a diesel-electric propulsion system that enables speeds of up to 40 kilometers an hour and can stay at sea for at least 60 days at a time before needing resupply of fuel and other items.

The ships cost about $208 million each and the first one was delivered in 2022, with the other two following in 2023 and 2024. These three ships are replacing three smaller, 40-year-old Nordkapp class ships.
LISBON, Portugal, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BLOCK3000, the "first crypto event launchpad and virtual conference dedicated to blockchain technology, Web3, and cryptocurrencies, successfully concluded its three-day event, bringing together over 1,600 attendees from across the globe.c

Their first virtual was a success, paying testament to the growing demand to unite the web3 community across the globe. The event featured a diverse lineup of influential speakers, insightful discussions, and an exciting startup competition, cementing its position as a premier platform for the blockchain community. The Startup Battle showcased thirteen innovative blockchain projects vying for the top spot, with startups having access to showcase their projects to potential investors. Voting will commence next week and open for seven days, after which the winner will be announced.

Industry figures, including pioneers and early adopters, addressed pivotal 2023 themes such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies, including growth prospects, impact on the economy, and correlation with other markets. Key takeaways include blockchain and digitalization - prospects of implementation in various industries of the digital economy.

Among the several topics explored across the three-day event, Umedjon Ikromov, Head of Research at YTWO, highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration between startups and small VCs, emphasizing their impact on the success of innovative projects. Ricardo Fernando Martins, Chief Crypto Officer at Bison Digital Assets (Bison Bank), explored the potential for seamless integration and enhanced security through the collaboration of the crypto and banking sectors.

Romain Babitskyi, Founder and CEO of Babitskyi Capital and BLOCK3000 Organizer, expressed his excitement about the event's success, stating, "We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of BLOCK3000. This event has demonstrated the power of the blockchain community and its ability to drive innovation and progress. We are committed to continuing to provide a platform for collaboration, education, and growth within the blockchain ecosystem."

BLOCK3000 has successfully established itself as a leading event in the blockchain industry, bringing together enthusiasts, experts, and startups to explore the future of this transformative technology. The event's emphasis on education, networking, and innovation has solidified its position as a driving force in the blockchain ecosystem.

About BLOCK3000

BLOCK3000 is one of the largest international virtual conferences dedicated to blockchain technology, Web 3.0, and cryptocurrencies, and startup battle presented in an innovative format.

Website | Twitter | Telegram




With a bright new modern-designed restaurant and seasonally inspired menu, Moxies Kenaston showcases its glow-up.





WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOXIES is delighted to welcome back guests to its newly renovated location at 1620 Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg. Elevating the dining experience, Moxies menu offers high-quality made-in-house food and drinks created using the freshest ingredients. The upscale casual restaurant has been fully transformed. It is perfectly poised to accommodate locals, out-of-town diners, and cocktail connoisseurs with its trademark signature ambiance and top-tier service.



Situated in the Kenaston Common, the latest location renovation includes lush greenery, marble walls, gold accents, and modern art throughout the restaurant. At 7500 square feet, the venue has a light bright interior space with interior seating for 220 guests and 100 on the outdoor patio, ensuring plenty of flexible options for any party or private dining event.







We are so excited to share our modernized look with new and returning guests. With elevated hospitality and a renovated room filled with fresh energy, there is no better place to celebrate with friends and family, stop by for a drink after work, or just come in to say hi to a familiar face. At Moxies, we truly believe that once you walk through that front door, you will be glad you did, shares Anton Pradinuk, Regional Manager, Moxies Winnipeg.



The re-opening of our Kenaston location marks an energizing new chapter for Moxies and our incredible loyal guests in Winnipeg," shares Joanne Forrester, President, and COO. As a big part of the local community, we are very excited to introduce a newly refreshed menu, beautifully bright renovated space, and provide an unforgettable dining experience."







Director of Culinary and Beverage Chef Brandon Thordarson is excited to bring his passion and knowledge of the brand through a curated menu of artfully crafted, fresh flavours exclusive to Moxies. Diners can expect an extensive modern menu containing one-of-a-kind, crave-able dishes made in-house daily and exceptional cocktails that look just as delicious as they taste.



Moxies globally inspired menu includes standout dishes that the brand is renowned for, including the Tuna Sushi Stack, with sushi grade tuna, seasoned rice, avocado, mango, soy ginger glaze, spicy mayo, and seasoned prawn crackers; Thai Curry Laska made with house-made creamy coconut broth, mushrooms, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables; and Chipotle Mango Chicken with house-made chipotle seasoning, ancient grains, seasonal vegetables, avocado and salsa.







Guests can expect a wide selection of margaritas, handcrafted cocktails, and a curated wine list featuring some of Canada's finest selections. Happy Hour runs daily with the addition of half-priced bottles of wine on Wednesdays. Drink highlights include the Ginger Peach Smash, Lavender Lemonade, and the famous Marky Marg made with Flecha Azul Blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple syrup & fresh basil.



Moxies has been a staple in the Southside of Winnipeg for quite some time now. Since day one, we have built up a list of loyal regulars and families who visit us and have now gotten to the point that we are a part of their daily routine. Our re-opening gives us a great opportunity to elevate our look and hospitality for our guests, shares Daniel Magundayao, General Manager, Moxies Kenaston.







Moxies will welcome visitors seven days a week and open late on Fridays and Saturdays, with Happy Hour available from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and 9:00 p.m.  Close (Daily).



For more information, visit www.moxies.com, and follow MOXIES on Instagram @moxies



About Moxies

Moxies, a premium casual Canadian concept owned by Northland Properties and Dallas Stars proprietor Tom Gaglardi, is well-known for delivering a uniquely stylish and relaxed guest experience through its blend of high-end design, uncompromising food and beverage items, and a friendly, energetic approach to hospitality. The menu at Moxies offers globally inspired flavours with fresh, high-quality ingredients made fresh in-house. Moxies serves lunch, dinner, happy hour, and a late-night menu seven days a week and weekend brunch at over 58 restaurant locations across Canada and in the United States, including Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Scottsdale, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c005b2bf-9d40-4fe6-bff2-0cace2367c23

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfc10231-d64f-4cf1-b707-2591903ddc20
The 5.5-ton two-seat Boeing-Saab T-7 jet trainer is evolving into the F-7 jet fighter-bomber that can handle a lot of the work currently done by F-16s, and even extend the useful lives of existing 19-ton F-16s. While the F-16 can carry over seven tons of weapons, it usually hauls about half that. The F-7 can carry less than a ton of weapons. A fire control system has to be installed that can handle guided air-to-ground missiles and bombs.

Most of the 4,600 F-16s built were produced between 1973 and 2017. Limited production still continues, but only a few more new F-16s will be built. Most of the production work currently done is modifications, refurbishment and upgrades to existing aircraft. F-16s have gone through this process more frequently and extensively than any other jet fighter. There is a two-seat version of the F-16 for fighter pilots needing transition training from another jet fighter to the F-16. The lighter F-7 was designed as a trainer and, like many jet trainer aircraft, can be quickly converted into a combat aircraft. Nations that cannot afford to buy or maintain F-16s instead purchase jet trainers that can be quickly converted into combat aircraft. This conversion is often carried out when the jet trainers arrive to create a small force of jet fighter-bombers for countries that cannot afford or maintain anything more ambitious. As a trainer, the T-7 is quickly and easily turned into an F-7. The T-7/F-7 manufacturer expects to produce about 3,000 of these aircraft and expects some of be delivered to customers who intend to militarize their trainers into fighter-bombers quickly.

During the Cold War the Soviet Union gave a lot of countries combat aircraft, like the MiG-21, as a form of diplomacy. Suddenly these poor nations had an air force with modern combat aircraft. Even before the Cold War ended in 1991, a lot of these nations had inoperable MiG-21s and other Soviet-era warplanes. These were often parked at local major airports. It was common for these countries to base their MiGs at their few major airports where there were some maintenance services the jet fighters could use. That was often not enough to keep the MiG jet fighters operational and that explained the inoperable MiG-21s parked at commercial airports; there was no other area where they could be flown to and left to rot.

After the Cold War ended, Russia found more remote areas where they could have their old MiGs make one last flight to and then be parked in the open to rot in rural isolation. When commercial satellite photos became easily available after 2000, many of these abandoned Russian jet fighters were discovered in remote locations where few, if anyone, took notice. Even Americans military surveillance satellites did not notice these abandonment sites, mainly because thats not what the military satellites were looking for. Curious civilians later found these abandoned warplanes when they gained access to free satellite photos of remote portions of Russia and China. The civilians have plenty of time to scrutinize these photos and detected a lot of interesting things the military analysts missed or were not even looking for. In the Internet age this is called crowdsourcing.

It's no mystery where all the F-16s are. The U.S. was the earliest and largest user of the F-16 and its F-16 fleet, containing many aircraft acquired in the 1980s, is rapidly aging. The average age of existing F-16s is over 30 years, and the average aircraft has nearly 7,000 flight hours on it. Most European nations received their F-16s in the 1980s and have upgraded them since. But they are still basically elderly aircraft. Back in 2009 the first Block 40 F-16 passed 7,000 flight hours. In 2008 the first of the earliest models (a Block 25) F-16 passed 7,000 hours in the air. The F-16C was originally designed for a service life of 4,000 hours, but advances in engineering, materials and maintenance techniques have extended that to over 8,000 hours. Because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, F-16s sent to these areas will fly over a thousand hours a year more than what they would fly in peacetime.

The F-16 follows the path of previous best-selling fighters. During the Cold War (1947-91) Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s. Since 1991 warplane manufacturing has plummeted about 90 percent. However, the F-16 has been popular enough to keep the production lines going strong into the 2020s. The U.S. still has about a thousand F-16s in service, with about half in reserve units. F-16s built so far were exported to 27 countries. America has hundreds in storage, available for sale on the used airplane market. The end of the Cold War led to a sharp cut in U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons. Moreover, the new F-35 is beginning to replace all U.S. F-15s and F-16s, a process that will be complete by 2030. That means the U.S. will have plenty of little-used F-16s sitting around, and many allies in need of low-cost jet fighters. Many current F-16 users planned to replace the F-16 with the F-35, but that aircraft costs more than twice as much as a new F-16V so air forces are seeking to operate a mixed force of F-35s and late model F-16s.

Since the 1990s most F-16s produced were for export and these, like the Israeli F-16I, cost as much as $70 million each. Some nations, like South Korea, built over a hundred F-16s under license. The 16 to 19-ton F-16 also has an admirable combat record and is very popular with pilots. It has been successful at ground support as well. When equipped with 4-6 smart bombs it is an effective bomber. Since first entering service some 4,600 F-16s have flown over 12 million hours. Despite fears that a single-engine fighter would be less safe, F-16s have, in the 21st century, suffered a remarkably low accident rate (loss or major damage) of 2.4 per 100,000 flight hours.

The F-16 is one of the most modified jet fighters in service. While most are still called the F-16C, there are actually seven major mods, identified by block number (32, 40, 42, 50, 52, 60, 70 and 72), plus the Israeli F-16I, which is a major modification of the Block 52. The F-16D is a two-seat trainer version of F-16Cs. The various block mods included a large variety of new components (five engines, four sets of avionics, five generations of electronic warfare gear, five radars and many other mechanical, software, cockpit and electrical mods.)

Until the Block 70 came along, the most advanced F-16 was the F-16 Block 60. The best example of this is a special version of the Block 60 developed for the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The UAE bought 80 "Desert Falcons" (the F-16E) which is optimized for air combat. It is a 22-ton aircraft based on the Block 52 model, but with an AESA radar and lots of other electronic and mechanical enhancements. Block 70 goes beyond Block 60, especially in terms of electronics and airframe enhancement to extend flight life.

The most successful F-16 user is Israel which set a number of combat records with its F-16s. Israel plans to keep some of its late-model F-16s flying into the 2030s as it retires the oldest ones. At the end of 2016, Israel retired the last of its 125 F-16A fighters. The first 70 were acquired in 1980 and 1981 and included 8 two-seater F-16B trainers. One of the F-16As achieved a record by being the single F-16 with the most air-to-air kills (6.5), all achieved in 1982 using three different pilots. Israel received 50 used F-16As in 1994 (including 14 B models) and used these mainly as trainers.

These F-16As were the first of the nearly 400 F-16s Israel obtained from the United States since 1980. Israeli F-16s have shot down 47 aircraft, which is 70 percent of the 67 kills for all F-16s built. Israeli F-16As flew 474,000 sorties and spent over 335,000 hours in the air over 35 years. Israel was the most energetic user of the F-16 and also took the lead in developing upgrades and accessories. This could help sell the older F-16As, but that is a crowded market with more and more of these oldest F-16s being retired rather than upgraded. That is easier to do with the more recent F-16C models and that is what Israel did with all of its F-16Cs. Israel is buying more F-35s and using them heavily.
Kelowna, November 23, 2023 - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or the "Company") released today final voting results from its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held Monday November 20. A total of 148,962,276 common shares were represented at the Meeting, representing 32.89% of the issued and outstanding common shares as at the record date on October 16, 2023.

Each of the 5 nominees proposed for election as a director as listed in the Company's Management Information Circular, were elected by a majority of votes to serve until the next annual meeting or until a successor is elected or appointed. The elected board members are:

DEVINDER RANDHAWA

RAYMOND ASHLEY

JOHN DEJOIA

TERRENCE OSIER

LAURIE THOMAS

The following motions were passed by a majority of the votes casts for the meeting:

Approval of the appointment of Charlton & Company, Chartered Professional Accountants as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the close of the next annual general meeting, and the board of directors is authorized to fix their compensation. Approval and ratification of the Company's 10% rolling option plan and its Equity Incentive Plan; and Approval of an ordinary resolution confirming amendments to the Company's By-Laws.

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.

F3 Uranium Corp.

750-1620 Dickson Avenue

Kelowna, BC V1Y9Y2

Contact Information

Investor Relations

Telephone: 778 484 8030

Email: ir@f3uranium.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188564
CALGARY, Nov. 24, 2023 - Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG | OTC: PAANF | FRA: SS60) ("Pan American" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Dr. Jared Suchan, Ph.D., P.Geo. has joined the Company's technical advisory team effective November 15th, 2023.



Dr. Suchan is a professional geoscientist with nearly 10 years of experience in the exploration and development of mining projects in Canada. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Systems Engineering in 2023 and his Honours B.Sc. in Geography and B.Sc. in Geology in 2016 from the University of Regina. His expertise is in the development and execution of early-stage mineral exploration programs in the remote regions of Canada. His previous experience includes coal mining operations and uranium exploration in Saskatchewan, rare earth element and diamond exploration in the Northwest Territories, and gold exploration in the Yukon. Dr. Suchan currently serves as the V.P. Exploration for Carmelo Capital Corp., as the Chief Operating Officer for the rare earth element exploration company Northern Critical Minerals Corp., and as a Managing Partner with the mineral exploration project generator company Voyageur Exploration Ltd.

Jason Latkowcer, CEO of the Company, commented, "We're incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Suchan to our team as a technical advisor and qualified person. In the past year, we've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional contractors and reaching noteworthy milestones, including identifying one of the largest known lithium deposits in the United States. Our addition of Dr. Suchan as an in-house advisor brings substantial technical prowess to our team, and his role will be pivotal in steering our operational endeavours and optimizing the utilization of our exploration capital."

In connection with retaining Mr. Suchan as a technical advisor to the Company, the Company has granted 50,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to Mr. Suchan pursuant to the Company's equity incentive plan (the "Plan"). The RSUs granted to Mr. Suchan vest upon the achievement of certain operational milestones by the Company with respect to its exploration of the Big Mack Property. Each vested RSU, upon settlement, entitles Mr. Suchan to receive one common share of the Company. Each RSU is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the RSUs (and any common shares issued upon the settlement of the RSUs within four months of the date of grant) will be subject to a hold period in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, expiring on March 23, 2024.

About Pan American Energy Corp.

Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTC PINK: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America.

The Company executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources, providing for the right to acquire up to a 90% interest in the drill-ready Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company has also entered a property option agreement with Horizon Lithium LLC providing for the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Horizon Lithium Project, located within Esmeralda County - Tonopah Lithium Belt, Nevada, USA.

To register for investor updates, please visit https://panam-energy.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors



Jason Latkowcer

CEO & Director

Contact

Phone: (587) 885-5970

Email: info@panam-energy.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company ??provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current ??expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be ??appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and ??uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, ??forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not ??be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and ??uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings ??under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify ??important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those ??described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or ??results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information ??will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those ??anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any ??forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless ??required by law.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.
Vancouver, November 24, 2023 - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE:WG) (OTC:WGLIF) (FSE:IM50) ("Westward" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed an expansive rock chip and soil sampling program at its Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon and East Saddle Projects in Lander County, Nevada. The program was initially described in press releases dated September 7 and October 10, 2023, and was led by Mr. Robert Edie, Westward's Vice President Exploration, over the course of several weeks in the field.

A total of 353 surface rock chip samples were collected and visually logged, with locations mapped in Figure 1 below:

Toiyabe Project: 29 samples collected

Turquoise Canyon Project: 182 samples collected

East Saddle Project: 142 samples collected

Figure 1: Location Distribution of Surface Rock Chip Samples Collected in 2023



Click Image To View Full Size

Note: Samples collected in the 9-claim gap between Toiyabe and Turquoise Canyon (the "TCC Gap", 100% owned by Westward) have been included in Turquoise Canyon.

A total of 606 soil samples with 100-meter spacings were also collected at the East Saddle Project and southern extent of the Toiyabe Project, covering the exposed lower-plate carbonate window (see Figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Location Distribution of Soil Samples Collected in 2023



Click Image To View Full Size

All rock chip and soil samples will be analyzed for gold and multi-element pathfinders. Assay results received in conjunction with field observations will be used to prioritize areas for future mapping with detailed Anaconda-style folios. These folios will compliment the existing Anaconda-style maps previously completed on high-priority areas of the Toiyabe Project. Geochemical anomalies - in particular gold, arsenic, mercury, and antimony - will be plotted and analyzed to further vector in on zones with elemental signatures typically associated with Carlin-type gold deposits.

Figure 3: Location of Highlighted Rock Chip Samples from the Turquoise Canyon Project



Click Image To View Full Size

Notable Turquoise Canyon rock chips include a sample of chrysocolla and lazurite taken from a historical turquoise prospect (Figure 4), a strongly-hematitic/oxidized sample taken near a fault in quartzite (Figure 5), brecciated, oxidized, kaolinite-bearing chert near the eastern property boundary (Figure 6), tectonic fault breccia with pervasive hematite and limonite + barite (Figure 7), and a hematitic brecciated chert sample from a historical turquoise prospect (Figure 8).

Figures 4 - 8: Notable Rock Chip Samples from the Turquoise Canyon Project



Click Image To View Full Size

Robert Edie, Westward's Vice President Exploration, noted: "I'm very pleased to have discovered an array of specimens on the property which exhibit features consistent with Carlin-type gold deposition. Strong, surface-level oxidation is an important characteristic of these deposits and relates to the abundance of pyrite formed, a key component of gold-hosting systems. Tectonic breccia speaks to the structural preparation of host rocks; the gold-bearing Carlin fluid uses these structural pathways to rise from depth where it interacts with the meteoric water table and geochemically precipitates gold - preferentially into carbonate rocks."

Figure 9: Location of Highlighted Rock Chip Samples from the East Saddle Project



Click Image To View Full Size

Commenting on the East Saddle Project, Mr. Edie continued: "Decalcification and silicification of carbonate rocks is a distinct marker of Carlin-type gold deposition. It occurs when gold-bearing Carlin fluid dissolves calcium carbonate from limestone host rocks and deposits silica pervasively. In addition to silica, the process also deposits gold and other pathfinder elements. The discovery of decalcified, silicified limestone at East Saddle suggests that the area has experienced a Carlin-type mineralizing event."



Click Image To View Full Size

Sampling Methodology & Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QA/QC")

The Company implemented a best-practices QA/QC program throughout the duration of the field program. All rock chip samples were collected by VP Exploration Robert Edie, and all soil samples were collected by Robert Edie and one independent contractor under Robert Edie's supervision. Coordinates for each collected sample were recorded using Garmin GPS units in datum UTM NAD 83 Zone 11 meters. A visual description of each rock chip sample was recorded in an Excel database along with the individual GPS coordinates. Rock chip samples were transported from the field collection areas by Robert Edie to Bureau Veritas' ("BV") certified preparation facility in Sparks, NV, where they were crushed and pulverized. Resulting sample pulps (30g sample size for gold and 500mg for multielement) will be analyzed in Sparks, NV for gold using fire assay and Vancouver, BC, for multielement analysis. BV is independent of the Company. Soil samples were transported from the field collection areas by Robert Edie to his home in Zephyr Cove, NV where they await submittal to a laboratory of the Company's choosing.

Robert Edie was on-site throughout the field work campaign and transported all samples personally. Certified reference materials ("CRM") purchased from Moment Exploration Geology in Lamoille, NV were inserted into the rock chip sample stream at a frequency of one every 25th sample (4%). Four CRMs were inserted at random, three with known gold values, and one certified blank.

Corporate Update

In addition to ongoing modeling work and new target delineation following the 2023 field season, which is now coming to a close, the Company continues to evaluate several external growth opportunities via mergers and acquisitions. These opportunities may include both asset-level and corporate-level transactions, with the goal of delivering long-term upside to shareholders.

Company representatives will also be in Sparks, Nevada for the upcoming American Exploration & Mining Association ("AEMA") Annual Meeting, held at the Nugget Casino Resort from December 3rd-8th. Westward welcomes the opportunity to meet with shareholders and other company representatives - please contact Andrew@westwardgold.com if you would like to arrange a meeting.

Option & Restricted Share Unit Grant

In addition, the Company announces that its Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee has approved and granted an aggregate of 2,400,000 stock options (the "Options"), and 2,200,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to Westward management and its Board of Directors. The Options, which vest immediately, are exercisable at a price of C$0.15 per common share of the Company for a period of five (5) years from the date of grant, being November 24, 2023. The RSUs granted will vest over a period of 24 months, with 50% vesting on November 24, 2024, and the remaining 50% vesting on November 24, 2025.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Robert Edie, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Edie is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

About Westward Gold

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle Projects located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities.

For further information contact:

Colin Moore

President, CEO & Director

Westward Gold Inc.

colin@westwardgold.com

www.westwardgold.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "on track", "forecast", "budget", "target", "outlook", "continue", "plan" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms.

Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future plans and performance.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties", which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Toronto, November 24, 2023 - Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX: EXN) (OTCQB: EXNRF) (FSE: E4X2) ("Excellon" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the holders (the "Shareholders") of common shares of the Company (the "Shares") voted in favour of all items of business at the Company's 2023 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held on November 23, 2023.

Shawn Howarth, President and CEO, commented "We are pleased to announce that the proposed debenture restructuring was approved by Shareholders. Completion of the debenture restructuring, which is anticipated in the coming weeks, will allow the Company to focus priorities on longer-term growth and equity recovery. We look forward to providing the market with a detailed corporate update and strategy in the near term."

Detailed results from the election of directors are set out below:

Director For % For Withheld % Withheld Shawn Howarth 9,018,508 97.691 213,130 2.309 Laurence Curtis 9,021,999 97.729 209,639 2.271 Craig Lindsay 9,025,794 97.770 205,840 2.230 Brendan Cahill 8,892,983 96.332 338,651 3.668

The voting results for the other items of business at the Meeting, all as more particularly described in the management information circular of the Company dated October 24, 2023, are as follows:

For % For

Against

% Against

Appointment of Auditor (Ernst & Young LLP) and Authorization to Fix Auditor's Remuneration

9,126,840 98.856 105,6401.144 1.144

For % For Against % Against Approval of Debenture

Interest Shares Resolution 5,100,212 94.607 290,717 5.393 For % For

Against

% Against

Approval of Debenture Restructuring Resolution 5,099,822 94.600 291,107 5.400

The formal report on voting results with respect to all matters voted upon at the Meeting will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Excellon

Excellon's vision is to realize opportunities through the acquisition of advanced development or producing assets with further potential to gain from an experienced management team for the benefit of our employees, communities and shareholders. The Company is advancing a portfolio of silver, base metals and precious metals assets including Kilgore, an advanced gold exploration project in Idaho; and Silver City, a high-grade epithermal silver district in Saxony, Germany with 750 years of mining history and no modern exploration.

Additional details on Excellon's properties are available at www.excellonresources.com.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Excellon Resources Inc.

Shawn Howarth, President & Chief Executive Officer

info@excellonresources.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained, referenced or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as: "actively", "advance", "anticipated", "assess", "believe", "cause", "commence", "completion", "conditions", "consideration", "continues", "development", "due course", "expectation", "exploration", "extend", "extension", "flexibility", "focused", "forbearance", "forward", "further", "future", "if", "implement", "liquidity", "looking", "maturity", "may", "negotiations", "occur", "opportunities", "options", "outcome", "outstanding", "potential", "providing", "reach", "restructuring", "risk", "subject to", "to be", "update", "vision", "waive", "when", "will", and "would", or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, could, may, should, to, will, would (or not) be achieved, occur, provide, result, complete or support in the future or which, by their nature, refer to future events. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the filing of a report of voting results on SEDAR+; and Excellon's vision and development of its core asset portfolio. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, and any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future actions, results or performance. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others, the "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2023 (the "2023 AIF"), and the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in this news release, the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, and accompanying financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2022 and quarters already ended in 2023, and the Company's other applicable public disclosure (collectively, "Company Disclosure"). The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the 2023 AIF and the other Company Disclosure. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained in this news release are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the other Company Disclosure. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188639
The Israeli reaction to the October 7 Hamas attack was to first stop them and then begin to dismantle Hamas as an effective organization. Initially that involved the use of military forces to destroy Hamas bases and facilities in Gaza as well as outposts in the West Bank and south Lebanon. This is not the first time Israeli forces have gone after Hamas in Gaza. In 2014 Israel did so with the main targets being Hamas storage sites for unguided rockets to be fired at Israel. These sites were usually in residential areas so Hamas could use local civilians as involuntary human shields against Israeli attacks. Any civilians killed were declared an Israeli atrocity in the subsequent Hamas press release, but Israel regularly sought to avoid civilian casualties while Hamas did not.

The Hamas attack on Israel has become 0rganizational suicide. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in Gaza and then send Mossad operatives after the surviving leaders in other parts of the world. Mossad had done this before and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated theyll do it to Hamas personnel around the world. When Palestinian gunmen seized Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics and killed most of them, the men responsible sought hiding places in Europe. One by one they were all killed. Israel admitted nothing but the Palestinians got the message. The Palestinian terrorist faction Hamas was unconcerned by that and on October 7 concentrated on killing as many Israelis as possible, including babies. Israel then openly declared it would destroy Hamas and all its personnel, and in particular eliminate all terrorist threats in Gaza by destroying most of it and occupying whats left. Two sides can attempt total destruction of the enemy. In this case, Israel has the means and Hamas does not. Israel is doing what it said it would and Hamas is rapidly disappearing.

While several senior Hamas leaders have recently been killed by Israeli airstrikes, there is still a Hamas leadership structure outside the region. Their mission is to persuade Western media that the Hamas cause is just and so is killing all Israelis, including women and children, they encounter. Hamas justifies this as striking back at their oppressor. Israel and Palestinians have long disagreed on what the oppression consists of. For Palestinians oppression is the existence of Israel and the continued presence of Jews the region. The Israelis say they came in peace to the Middle East, created prosperity and persuaded Britain and the UN to recognize Israel as a nation. The nearby Arab states objected to that and fought three more wars with Israel, losing them all and agreeing to make peace with Israel.

The Palestinian resistance came later, after the concept of Palestinians was invented and achieved wide scale acceptance. This began when some local Arabs, mostly in the West Bank and Gaza, refused to recognize Israeli independence. Neighboring Arab states refused to absorb the Palestinians and Jordan had to fight a brief war with their Palestinian refugees who staged a rebellion against the Jordanians in 1970. Those Palestinians were defeated and driven into Syria. While Israel and most Western nations accept just about anyone seeking to move to their country and settle down, this is not the custom in Arab states, where migration by foreigners, including other Arabs, is considered a hostile invasion and treated as such.

This led to a major problem invented by the UN when they sought to help by demanding that Israel allow Palestinians who fled their homes during the end of the 1947-49 war to return and vex Israelis who fought to establish their independence. The displaced Arabs who refused to recognize the new state of Israel also refused many other solutions that the UN and Israel agreed on and offered, and instead lived in the West Bank and Gaza, which could have been an independent state or states, but many of the Arabs insisted that Israeli surrender more territory, and when Israeli refused, the West Bank and Gaza Arabs, who rebranded themselves as Palestinians in the 1960s, demanded that Israel be destroyed and replaced with a Palestinian state that contained no Jews. That has been the underlying goal of the Palestinians ever since.

Their elected leaders are corrupt and tell the UN and donor nations that they just want peace with Israel while refusing to do anything to make that happen. The Palestinians have tried many ways and means of attacking Israel, or at least to kill Israelis, and none have succeeded. Like the four wars Arabs fought with Israel and lost, Palestinians were running out of ideas. Then the radical Palestinian faction Hamas came up with a bold and bloody solution that failed and created more disappointment.

The October 2023 Hamas attack killed more Israeli civilians than in any war since the first one that ended in 1949 with the recognition of Israel as a nation. Many Arabs refuse to accept the existence of Israel and support groups like Hamas that keep trying to destroy Israel. A growing number of Arabs believe that the solution to the Israel problem is making peace with Israel and doing business with them. This is especially true since the prosperous Persian Gulf oil states are threatened by Iran, as are Israel and Arab states like Egypt that depend on the Gulf states for investments and financial assistance. Iran backs Hamas and has paid for all those rockets they launched at Israel as well as training and other support for Hamas members. There is a pattern to the Hamas offensive, and it has its roots in Iran and Arabs who are obsessed with destroying Israel and killing or driving all Jews out of the region.

This is nothing new. The Arabs were big admirers of the Nazis during the 1930s and World War II. The Nazis wanted to kill all Jews everywhere. The Jews survived but so did the hate. Many people worldwide support Hamas, some without realizing what Hamas is and where it came from. Hamas failed but others will try to do what Hamas could not and destroy Israel.

To make that more difficult, Israel has launched a campaign to obliterate Hamas as thoroughly as possible. Other Arab states understand that concept because it has been a tradition in this part of the world for a long time. For example, Jews were forcibly expelled from the Middle East by the Romans two thousand years ago. The Romans, Eastern and Western, lasted until the 16th century. After that Jews slowly returned to the traditional Jewish homeland and this eventually led to the revival of a Jewish state in the region. The Arabs have been regularly defeated by Western armies and were in no shape to halt the creation of Israel. The Arabs tried, failed and eventually noted that Israel was good for their regional economies. Israel also created a military that local Arab states found they could not defeat. Along the way Israel developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to deliver them anywhere in the region. Israel can also deliver their nukes via their submarines, which are equipped to launch cruise missiles containing a nuclear warhead. That kind of deterrence works against established Arab states but not against stateless fanatics like Hamas and arguably not against Irans fanatic Islamic theocracy. Most of the Arab groups consider themselves Palestinians. That label is a codeword for someone dedicated to destroying Israel.

Israel is playing by Palestinian rules and striving to destroy Hamas to establish a precedent that the elimination of Hamas is what awaits anyone serious about trying to destroy Israel. This is another ancient local custom that persists despite post-World War Two efforts to discourage its application.

Israel is currently seeking out and destroying any Hamas presence in Gaza. The 2.3 million Arabs living there now will be left in peace as long as they are peaceful. Israel will control security, education, government and the administration of the economy plus foreign aid. The latter will produce much outrage from non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and officials of foreign governments who have been taking rake-offs from the aid they had nominally provided to Hamas and its Al Fatah predecessor in Gaza.

Israel has long allowed Palestinians to enter Israel to work in Israel. Palestinian leaders opposed this but Palestinians pointed out that Israel offered paying jobs, something Palestinian leaders were unable to do. Palestinian leaders administered millions of dollars sent each year to Palestinian governments in the West Bank (Al Fatah) and Gaza ,and stole much to most of it. Arabs who were Israeli citizens noted that Israeli government officials were more honest, and the Israeli economy provided good jobs for its Arab citizens as well as some Palestinians. About a quarter of the Israeli population is Arab and the Arab citizens do not have to serve in the military, although some volunteer.

Another quirk of the Israeli population is that about half the original Jews who fled to Israel were from Arab nations and their ancestors had lived there for over a thousand years. Once Israel became a state, most of these Arab Jews were no longer welcome in the homelands. Some went to Europe or America, but most headed for Israel where they faced decades of discrimination from European Jews. Eventually there was acceptance. After several generations, memories of life in Arab countries faded and the Arab Jews became more Israeli than Arab. That is why so many Israelis speak Arabic as well as Hebrew.

This means the Israeli army and government has lots of Jews who speak Arabic, and this will help with setting up a government in Gaza. At the moment Israeli troops are still seeking out and eliminating weapons, explosives and rockets stashed all over the Gaza territory. Hamas has been notably absent when it comes to meeting the basic needs of the more than two million Palestinians living in Gaza. Worse, Hamas seized most foreign aid that did arrive in Gaza before their October offensive. Little of this aid was distributed, instead it was hoarded by Hamas and the Israelis are looking for these food stashes so the goods can be distributed to the hungry civilians in Gaza.

Hamas still has some supporters in Gaza, but the many defeats suffered recently by Hamas and their poor treatment of Gaza civilians has left them with little popular support. On the other hand, most to almost all of Gazas civilians hate Israel and Jews due to 75 years of continuous indoctrination that they should. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that Israel will operate Gazas education system after the conquest to reverse this. How that will be done is a good question and might take as long (75 years) to be effective.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the EU (European Union) and the World Bank continue to urge Israel to accept a peace deal with the Palestinians that includes an independent Palestinian state. None of these proposals address the Palestinian demands that Israel must be destroyed before there can be peace, or Israeli demands that Hamas be destroyed. Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza often disagreed on many issues, but both agreed that Israel must be destroyed, and Jews expelled from the region before there can be peace. In the meantime, Hamas and Fatah continue encouraging violence against Israelis but fewer Palestinians comply. During the six months before the Hamas offensive, there was more violence in the West Bank than Gaza that required Israel forces to deal with. At first it was armed Palestinian groups fighting each other for dominance while organizing attacks on Israelis or in Israel itself. This led to a degree of fighting in the West Bank not seen since 2021 and may be the start of a new Palestinian offensive or intifada. This would be the third one. The first lasted from 1987 to 1993 while the second one was from 2000 to 2005.

Israel defeated the 2000 Intifada terror campaign by 2005. But as long as Palestinians had free access to Israel, the West Bank Palestinian government (Fatah) urged and encouraged Palestinians to attempt attacks inside Israel. The Israelis responded with tighter border controls which kept the terrorist threat low in Israel. Fatah insisted they had a right to keep trying to kill Israelis and, for over a decade, Arab and Western nations kept providing aid to the West Bank and Gaza despite the fact that more and more of it was used to support and encourage more terrorism against Israel. Some Palestinian leaders tried to describe the violence as an effort to defend Islam. The Palestinians were not very religious and their violence against Israelis was justified by their belief that Israel must be destroyed, and Israelis driven from the region.

There were other problems, mainly involving corruption. This has led more donor states, Moslem and non-Moslem, to openly complain of Fatah misuse of aid money. Fatah denied it and continued their corrupt ways. The donors cut their aid, often to nothing. It was not just the Fatah support of terrorism but the growing Fatah corruption which meant a lot of the aid was stolen to enrich Fatah leaders. Palestinians also opposed Fatahs job policy and Fatah was forced to tolerate more and more Palestinians renouncing terror to pass the background check and work in Israel. West Bank Palestinian jobs in Israel have become a crucial part of the West Bank economy even more so than they were back in 2000.

Iran, which has long sponsored Hamas, did not want Hamas to commit suicide. The years of Iranian support for Hamas was expensive and they expected Hamas to keep attacking Israel without triggering a massive response. Now Hamas is in danger of elimination from their base area in Gaza, where Iranian supplied rockets had, for years, proved useful for Iran. These rockets are gone as well. Iran praised the Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli cities and killing of Israeli soldiers. Iran did not want to be associated with all the civilians, including women and children, Hamas killed. Hamas also took hostages with the intention of trading them for the release of thousands of Palestinians jailed in Israel to violent crimes. Israel did not respond to the Hamas offer and keeps coming after Hamas, hoping to save the lives of as many hostages as possible. Hamas had no more leverage and realized they were being hunted down and killed by several hundred thousand Israeli soldiers, most of them mobilized for the occasion. As the old saying goes, choose your friends carefully and your enemies more carefully. Hamas chose poorly.

Hamas fighters deliberately do not wear uniforms to make it more difficult to identify them unless they are carrying weapons. They also hide among civilians and like to use civilians as human shields when attacking Israelis. If the Israelis shoot back anyway, Hamas considers the dead civilians as involuntary martyrs for the cause. For Hamas there is no bad publicity. While Israelis and Western nations deplore the ruthless tactics Hamas uses, they have a difficult time coping with Hamas unless they adopt some of the atrocious Hamas methods. This aids Hamas as well because Hamas did not encourage or sometimes did not allow civilians to leave Gaza city as the Israeli attack force is preparing to attack the city. The civilians have nowhere to go because Egypt has closed its borders to Palestinians.

Egypt has its own economic problems and is hostile to any pro-Iran activity inside Egypt because Iran has been hostile to Egypt for a long time. One reason for that is Egypt made peace with Israel decades ago and both countries allow their citizens to freely visit their neighbor and trade is encouraged. Both nations have profited from the natural gas deposits discovered offshore from Lebanon to Egypt. Israel briefly pulled most workers off an offshore natural gas off the southern Israeli coast. The Hamas surge never got that far but Israeli soldiers are still searching for stray Hamas gunmen still looking for Israelis to kill. The Hamas surge or flood tactics suffered more losses from Israelis shooting back and individual Hamas men wandering away from the group and losing contact.

Some fighting continues in Gaza, where 2.3 million Palestinians are dependent on foreign aid to survive. So far nearly 8,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died, and Israeli troops are still searching for the surviving armed Hamas members in Gaza. These Hamas men are in the 500 kilometers of tunnels Hamas has built under Gaza.

Now the only Palestinian controlled area is the West Bank. Some Hamas men fled to the West Bank, where Iran has tried to smuggle in weapons, including rockets. That has not been successful because the West Bank is landlocked with Jordan on its eastern border and Israel on the western border. Since 1967 the West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation. Some portions are under Palestinian control but are surrounded by Israeli troops and 23o Israeli settlements. Jordan cooperates with Israel in keeping things quiet in the West Bank, especially on the Jordanian border. There is some anti-Israel violence in the West Bank, but the Palestinians have not been able to sustain that because of the hostile, to groups like Hamas, attitude.
Platform to educate financial institutions on climate finance launched

Emmanuel Bruce Business News Nov - 22 - 2023 , 14:57

The Ghana Microfinance Institutions Network together with GIZ has launched the Climate Finance Knowledge Hub to provide microfinance companies and climate smart enterprises with a comprehensive e-learning platform that provides specialized training certification and technical expertise in climate finance.

The hub is also expected to create an extensive online directory that connects users to a global network of recognised climate and green finance groups and companies, enabling collaboration.

The platform would also facilitate access to climate funds and simplify the process of securing financing options for green projects.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Head of GIZs Ghana Private and Financial Sector Support Programme, Dr Christian Jahn, said the platform would serve as a catalyst for change for microfinance institutions and climate-smart businesses across Ghana.

With its comprehensive e-learning platform, the hub provides an avenue for MSMEs and financial service providers to acquire knowledge in climate mitigation and climate adaptation measures so that they can have the confidence to invest in climate smart businesses by adopting measures that will help protect the environment.

This hub will place the power of climate-smart financial solutions in the hands of businesses and institutions, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, he stated.

He said the impact of this initiative was expected to be profound, noting that the knowledge to be acquired through this learning platform had the potential to offer financial institutions a grounded capacity to effectively conduct detailed value chain analysis and risk assessment of MSMEs businesses to make strategic and data-driven decisions when approving credit facilities for climate-smart businesses.

To this end, he said the hub could be touted as a sure pillar in the promotion of sustainable financial practices to driving climate innovation forward.

As we launch of GHAMFINs Climate Finance Knowledge Hub, we are reminded of a well- known German saying: "Viele kleine Leute, die in vielen kleinen Orten viele kleine Dinge tun, konnen das Gesicht der Welt verandern.

This German proverb reminds us that many small people, in many small places, doing many small things can change the face of the world, he said.

DBG committed to sustainability

In a keynote address at the launch, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank Ghana, Michael Mensah-Baah, said the bank was committed to sustainability.

He said the bank was aware that to create economic resilience and accelerate social mobility, it must champion the importance of sustainability in an economic transformation.

As a result, he said DBG was supporting the government in meeting Ghanas Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent by 2030; increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 20 per cent by 2030; and enhancing education, public awareness, and institutional capacity to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

At DBG, sustainability is a core pillar of our operations. We have embraced the principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, aiming to promote long-term economic growth while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society.

DBG has taken significant steps in embedding sustainability into its practices, from partnering with the UN Global Compact to scaling climate finance through green taxonomy and providing technical support to businesses in identifying green opportunities, he stated.
Lets abhor religious intolerance

Daily Graphic Editorials Nov - 23 - 2023 , 16:19

Ghana is a secular state and therefore recognises the right of all persons to practise any religion, and to freely form or belong to any political party of their choice, irrespective of their religious affiliation.

Indeed, Article 21 (3) of the 1992 Constitution 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 is equally important that we appreciate that Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution also recognises and protects the right of all persons to freely practise any religion and to manifest such practice.

We have lived and continue to live and collaborate with each other for the development of the country.

We continue to witness our religious leaders visit one another to share ideas and demonstrate to the world that Ghana is a peaceful country.

However, since the election of the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general election, some political activists are introducing religious dimensions into the political discourse.

The Daily Graphic is convinced that the introduction of religious differences or the politics of religion is not a path we should choose.

Our political actors must help nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand as it might create serious problems for the country.

Such negative tendencies and utterances can only destroy the countrys long-cherished pluralistic and friendly society.

We must, therefore, join hands to expose and shame any politician or their assigns who might want to introduce religious bigotry into our body politic.

Fortunately, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has declared its intention to roll out a comprehensive public education programme on religious tolerance, focusing on the youth as the nation prepares for the 2024 election (see November 17, 2023, issue of the Daily Graphic).

The Daily Graphic believes that the public education on religious tolerance should not be left only in the hands of the NCCE.

All stakeholders  the National Peace Council, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the media and the security services  must join in this campaign.

We must all ensure that the exercise succeeds even before the electioneering hits the peak so that we can hold the country in one piece and not tear it into pieces.

We must not allow our politicians to take advantage of the vulnerable youth and incite them into violence on the lines of religious differences.

The Daily Graphic urges Ghanaians, irrespective of their religious beliefs and ethnicity, to stand united and continue to be one anothers keeper.

We have witnessed some political turbulence and disturbances in some countries where the vulnerable such as women and children fled such disturbances to seek havens in other countries.

Ghana cannot afford to walk that path, hence the need for our political parties and politicians in particular not to use religion to inflame passions and incite people to violence.

The consequences of the 1994 Rwanda civil war is still fresh in our minds.

We need to remind ourselves that Ghana has become the beacon of democracy on the continent, an image which must be protected.

Having practised multy-party democracy for more than 30 years, the most stable since the country attained independence, we must strive to improve upon it and remain so.

It is imperative to point out that the introduction of religious differences into politics will be drawing back the clock of progress and development.

We are witnesses to the negative impact of religion on politics in some countries, especially in Nigeria where Boko Haram has taken over some areas, causing mayhem to their fellow citizens.

We cannot and should not allow religious intolerance to dominate our electioneering.

We join the NCCE in urging Ghanaians to denounce politicians who want to secure victory through divisiveness based on religion or ethnicity.

The Daily Graphic appeals to the media especially the electronic media not to allow politicians to use their medium to introduce religion into our politics.

We want issue-based discourse that will impact positively on our society and not actions and utterances that will divide and destroy the people.

Let us join hands to maintain the peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the country.
Naa Ashorkor urges content creators to project Africa

Emelia Ennin Abbey Showbiz News Nov - 23 - 2023 , 14:01

CREATIVE content creators have been urged to forge ahead and penetrate the global market with original content that promotes and projects the positive stories of Africa.

Giving the advice, actress and media personality, Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku said Africans must tell the Africa story in an authentic way we must not be swayed by western narratives. We must tell authentic African stories focusing on who we are as a people and the positive things happening on the African continent.

The future of content

Naa Ashorkor as she is professionally known was speaking with Graphic Showbiz after she joined a panel in a podcast style conversation to speak on the future of context during the opening of a two-day summit and grand final of the Africas Business Heroes(ABH) event in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event is on the theme A.I-African Innovation, Insight, Impact starting today November 23 to November 24,2023.

During the conversation the panelists, which included an actress and UNHCR goodwill ambassador, Nomzambi Mbatha and moderated by the CEO of Nas Company, a film production company, Nuseir Yassin, shared insight on their entrepreneurial journey.

Read more articles: Gospel events should be free because God has no price tag -Rev. Abraham Lamptey

Forget them! The Grammys is a big deal - Arnold Asamoah Baidoo writes

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Wear African prints

As a broadcast journalist and creative content creator Naa Ashorkor has produced over 200 live shows that transcends geographical boundaries to captivate audiences in Ghana, Nigeria and beyond.

For her, she said what worked for her was being intentional about producing shows about African women and highlighting happening on the content.

She urged African content creators to wear African prints, African braids, speak a local language and that is the way we get people from across the world to know our stories and who we are.

Highlighting the importance of telling original and authentic stories in content creation, she said global audiences are hungry for Africa stories and urged content creators to constantly find ways to infuse Africa and 'africanness' in all that they do.

Content is global. If l put content on TikTok in Ghana someone in China will be watching it and it is an opportunity for me to expose who Africans and Ghanaians are," she said.

The broadcast journalist urged content creators to understand that what we have is gold. The best shows about humanity and culture are in Africa. The best stories are told in Africa and we must tell them ourselves.

Africa, she said, is more than people. It is about humanity and the wealth in our stories. Create TikTok videos about African stories and tell our stories better because African stories are best told by africans.

Describing the ABH platform offered her as an honour. It has inspired a lot of young African entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs to be more than just who they are. It tells us that it is Africa's time. It is time for Africa to come out of its comfort zone in our storytelling, in the products we produce as a business and be global in our thinking.

She said the ABH has been the highlight of her entrepreneurial and journalism journey and urged all young entrepreneurs at the summit to network and build collaborations for the success of their business and the growth of the African continent.

Actress and UNHCR goodwill ambassador, Nomzambi Mbatha asked content creators not to compromise quality and also collaborate with others in the industry as well as explore crowdfunding options.

On his part, the CEO of Nas Company, Nuseir Yassin insisted that the lack of capital should not be a hindrance to the creation of quality content. We can start telling the story of Africa with zero dollars. We can make high premium quality films and put them on Netflix. We can get more Africans in journalism telling the African story on international news channels and also take advantage of TikTok or YouTube which is free and put content there.
Family Health University College Medical School graduates 54

Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd) Opinion Nov - 24 - 2023 , 12:49

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, 54 medical students of the Family Health University College (FHUC) Medical School graduated as medical doctors.

They comprised 10 males and 44 females.

This is the third set of doctors the Medical School has produced.

The doctors included four Nigerians and one Pakistani.

In 2020, the first set of 30 doctors graduated.

In 2021, the second set of 47 doctors graduated.

This brings to 131 the number of doctors the Family Health Medical School has produced so far.

Also graduating were two hundred BSc Nursing/BSc Midwifery students, as well as Clinical Assistants.

When I told an acquaintance of the graduation of doctors and nurses on November 9, 2023, he stated with surprise,

I thought Family Health was only a hospital.

I did not know it had a medical and nursing/midwifery school.

So, what is Family Health University College (FHUC)?

FHUC

Located directly opposite the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Teshie, Accra, Family Health University College (FHUC) is a private medical facility comprising a hospital, a Nursing & Midwifery School and a Medical School.

The Family Health Medical School is Ghanas premier private medical school.

FHUC is the brainchild of a medical practitioner couple Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and his wife Dr Susu Bridget Kwawukume, a Consultant Dermatologist.

It started modestly in 1997 as a Diagnostic Centre in a garage at 51 Guggisberg St, Korle Bu.

In 2007, it moved to its present permanent site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and opposite Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Teshie.

As the hospital expanded, the need to train its own nurses saw the establishment of a Nursing and Midwifery Training School in 2009.

From its humble beginnings as a backyard clinic, FHUC was given University status in 2016 and formally became known as the Family Health University College.

Addresses

The guest of honour was American Professor Tim Johnson, a retired professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Michigan, USA.

Prof. Johnson has had a long association with Family Health. In his address, he gave the graduating students a detailed historical account of the institutions journey from its birth.

Unable to return to Ghana at the time he planned because of COVID-19, after leaving for the US in 2018, he was impressed and amazed at the tremendous strides FHUC had made in five years.

He was particularly impressed with the infrastructural development on the campus.

In his address, the President of FHUC, Prof. Kwawukume, started by thanking Prof. Tim Johnson and his team from Michigan as partners and sponsors of FHUC. He stated that work was in progress to get a Charter for FHUC as a fully-fledged autonomous university soon.

He added that a unique feature of the Family Health University Medical School is the introduction of Leadership Training for the students.

The aim is to ab initio prepare the new doctors for the real world to take up leadership challenges as soon as they graduate.

This comes from the realisation that while it is often assumed that graduating with medical, engineering, law or other degrees automatically guarantees leadership, the reality is that this assumption is incorrect.

It is this anomaly that Family Health University Medical School seeks to correct by introducing Leadership training.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana was represented by the Provost of Health Sciences, Prof. Julius Fobil.

He advised the graduating students to accept postings to the districts and not insist on being posted to Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi or other regional capitals only.

Awards.

Dr Natali Osei, a product of St Louis Secondary School, Kumasi, emerged as the Honour-Graduate.

In her valedictory speech, she thanked FHUC for helping the students make their dreams a reality.

Similarly, the Honour-Graduate of the Nurses/Midwifery Classes, Ms Laura Doe, thanked FHUC for helping them actualise their dreams.

They promised to work hard to maintain the high standards set by their predecessors.

Among the guests who came to support/celebrate the graduating students was Emeritus Professor Jonathan Narh Aryertey, a retired Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, and later Dean of Academic Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Teshie.

He was accompanied by his wife to celebrate their grandson who graduated as a medical doctor.

Incidentally, the graduating doctors father is himself a medical doctor (Obs & Gynae), Dr Padi Ayertey, founder of the Resolve Female Hospital, Lashibi.

Also present was a Chief Medical Director from Abuja, Nigeria, Professor Ekele, whose daughter was one of the newly graduated medical doctors.

Summary

In a classic show of time-consciousness, the function started on time, with the Registrar, Mrs Rita Kaine, in charge of affairs.

It lasted less than three hours, coming to an end before midday.

Congratulations and commendations to the founders of Family Health University College, Prof. Enyonam Yao Kwawukume. and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Susu Bridget Kwawukume, whose vision and tenacity have transformed a backyard clinic (Diagnostic Centre) in 1997 into a University College in 2017.

Currently, the Family Health University comprises a hospital, a

Nursing/Midwifery Training School and a Medical School.

Similar commendations go to the Staff and Faculty for their dedication and hard work.

It is hoped that the Family Health Medical School will continue producing medical doctors and nurses/midwives, as well as clinical assistants of the highest calibre, as its modest contribution to national development.

Leadership, Lead! Fellow Ghanaians, WAKE UP!

The writer is former CEO of African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya/Council Chair Family Health University College, Accra.
Out of darkness, NSS shines

Enimil Ashon Opinion Nov - 24 - 2023 , 12:06

Ever heard the expression, thinking outside the box? I had known the meaning but it had not occurred to me to find out why we say and write it.

According to Google, the expression comes from a famous puzzle created by an early 20th century British mathematician Henry Ernest Dudeney.

The puzzle asks one to connect nine dots on a three-by-three grid, using four straight lines without the pencil leaving the page.

To solve the puzzle successfully, one has to realise that the boundaries of the box are psychological and the only way to do it is to extend the lines beyond these artificial boundaries.

In the course of this year, I have devoted this page thrice to patting the shoulders of State-owned Enterprises whose managements have been thinking outside the box. They include Ghana Oil Limited (GOIL), Intercity STC and DVLA.

Sitting at the UPSA Great Hall on October 10, 2022 to witness the launch of the 50th anniversary of the National Service Scheme (NSS), the expression thinking outside the box kept humming in my head.

To my list of state institutions whose managements have shot them (or are shooting them) out of hopelessness into unbelievable prominence and/or a course of profitability, I add the NSS.

Set up in 1973, there is no patriotic Ghanaian who has not been concerned about the longest lasting joke called National Service deployment.

Who is the stranger in Ghana who doesnt know that most of the graduates deployed into ministries, departments and agencies only get there to become glorified messengers?

Their most consistent service is running errands for the officers, chiefly to run across the street to buy them roasted plantain and groundnuts for lunch.

Yet a Daily Graphic news item in August 28, 2023 revealed that each year, the NSS deploys more than 70,000 graduates to undertake the 12-month compulsory employment postings.

Imagine this vast army of energetic youths unleashed onto potential productive activity and all we did for many years, apart from teaching, was to contain them in sectors that had no need for them! Meanwhile, year after year, governments have struggled to get the money to pay them.

Working

The NSS is one of only a handful of government schemes since 1966 that have worked in Ghana.

I here get up for General (later Mr) Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, Chairman of the SMC.

We killed him for no cause.

I am not justifying corruption, but if Acheampong was branded corrupt and killed for same, what should we not have done to those who overthrew and killed him  but who, shamelessly, took US$5 million bribe from Africas most brutal dictator!

Successive managements of the NSS have, from what I heard and have seen since the 50th anniversary launch, undergone a paradigm shift from its traditional posting deployment plan to a more productive strategy to tackle food production.

Farms

There are now NSS farms, where service personnel engage in commercial farming.

At the NSS livestock farm at Nungua the personnel are producing guinea fowls, layers, broilers, turkeys, goats, sheep, ostriches and rabbits.

The poultry section produces 50,000 birds annually and 350 crates of eggs.

Its 40footer cold store and mini meat processor process meat into sausages and other products for sale to supermarkets, hotels and the general public.

At Dawhenya, National Service personnel are producing maize and vegetables on 500 acres of land.

The farm has the potential to produce 6,000 bags of maize annually and 40,000 fish (tilapia).

The scheme is also undertaking fish farming on the Dawhenya Lake with four cages capable of holding 20,000 fingerlings of tilapia.

Its Branam specialised farm in Wenchi in the Bono Region, established in 2011, produces yellow maize for the poultry sector.

The farm has ponds for fish production, a poultry section that produces 3,000 broilers and 3,000 layers producing about 45 crates of eggs daily, a piggery that has 251 pigs, a rabbitry with 182 rabbits, three acres of mango and coconut plantation, as well as a snail production section.

It also has a livestock feed mill to produce poultry and animal feed.

What brought joy to my heart is news that from the Ejuraman Traditional Council, the Service acquired a total of 715 acres of land from the defunct Ejura Farms Ltd to pilot the NSS Agriculture Project in 2010.

It continues: The pilot was successful in harvesting 6,400 bags of maize, which were sold under a special arrangement to the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for the feeding of students in 95 senior high schools.

Unbelievable, isnt it? In a land where nothing works. Indeed, given the NSS reality, it is difficult to accept the FACT that Ghana is poor.

If National Service personnel have fed schools, why should it be difficult, or impossible to think that students currently in school should feed themselves?

Acheampong did it  and he was only a commercial school product!
Trial by jury 2

Bernard George Shaw Opinion Nov - 23 - 2023 , 16:28

The jury trial system is a by-product of colonisation; the colonial government introduced jury trials in the then Gold Coast by the enactment of the Judicature Act of 1874.

The system has prevailed till today with minor modifications brought in over the years to fine-tune it to the demands of current developments.

Presently, jury trials owe their origin and legal basis to the 1992 Constitution.

Specifically, Article 19 (2) (a) of the Constitution provides that anyone charged with a criminal offence, except high treason or treason and which the punishment is death or imprisonment for life, shall be tried by a judge and jury.

With the abolition of the death penalty in Ghana, it remains to be seen what modifications will be made.

This is because, as per the constitutional provision alluded to above, the decision of the death penalty has to be unanimous, that is, all seven members of the jury have to agree.

It is expected that the changes will be made to reflect the current position.

Qualify

To qualify as a juror, a citizen has to be a resident and literate person between the ages of 25 and 60 years.

This last provision has attracted some criticism as it has been argued by critics that the age bracket limits the number of persons eligible for jury duty.

It has been claimed that the qualification threshold limits the involvement of persons outside this age bracket (young people and adults over 60) from participating in this important citizens duty.

Especially in the case of adult citizens over 60 years of age, it has been suggested that the age cap unnecessarily deprives the country of the wisdom and experience that these adult persons can bring to the exercise.

Pool

As jurors are selected from ordinary citizens, it goes without saying that there has to be a pool to choose from.

Court officials therefore prepare a list of eligible citizens from which prospective jurors can be picked to serve.



The list is then publicly displayed to allow for the nominated persons to apply to opt out if they have good reasons to do so.

The final names are then put in a box and are randomly drawn until the final figure seven is reached.

At the commencement of trial, the chosen jurors are asked to elect their leader (foreman) whose main function is to act as a liaison officer between the juror and the court.

A unique feature of the jury system is the opportunity granted accused persons to challenge the participation of the selected jurors.

The accused person has the right to object to any three of the selected jurors without giving any reasons.

Also, the accused person can further challenge the participation of a selected juror for cause  i.e., give a reason why his/her participation is objected to.

The main grounds for such objections include prejudice or bias, personal characteristics such as age, health, mental condition etc.

Potential jurors could also be objected to on grounds of previous convictions.

Debate

There has been an ongoing debate as to the desirability of the jury system.

For those who argue for the continuation of the status quo (i.e. maintain its deployment) their central and most pivotal argument remains that the system allows ordinary citizens to participate in the administration of justice.

They say it offers citizens a sense of belonging and, to a larger extent, a feeling of importance.

This, it is argued, infuses an element of democratisation and legitimacy to the system.

Some of the criticism of the jury system will be examined here.

One of the major arguments of the critics is the narrowness of the band of individuals that can be called to do jury service.

This is because a significant number of public figures are exempted from jury service: the President, Members of Parliament, Speaker of Parliament, Judges, Magistrates, and Newspaper Editors etc.

They (critics) claim that the exclusion of such personalities deprives the system of much needed expertise and knowledge.

Despite these criticisms of the jury service, it is my considered view that the advantage of its continued operation far outweighs the drawbacks.

Given its role in allowing for citizen participation in the administration of justice, it should be reformed rather than abolished.

A much-needed reform is the need to expand the pool from which jurors can be selected.
Israel-Hamas war: Gaza truce to start Friday

Daily Graphic International News Nov - 24 - 2023 , 11:28

The temporary truce between Israel and the militant group Hamas is set to start at 7 a.m. (05:00 GMT) on Friday, said Qatar, the deal's key mediator.

On Thursday, Israel's war Cabinet approved a four-day cease-fire with Hamas militants, in which militants were to release some 50 hostages held in Gaza.

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, said the first batch of 13 hostages was to be released at 4 p.m. He added that a list of civilians to be released by Hamas has been received. "Obviously, every day, we will include several civilians as agreed to the total of 50 within the four days," he added.

Qatar, which has been leading mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, expects Palestinians to be released from Israeli jails as part of the deal.

The deal would also allow for aid to enter the besieged Gaza Strip as hundreds of thousands remain displaced and in dire humanitarian conditions since the conflict broke out on October 7. Qatar said aid would be "going in as soon as possible."

Qatar gave more details of the four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He said the first batch of hostages to be released includes 13 women and children. They will be handed over to the Red Cross. There was, however, no indication if the Red Cross would be able to visit the remaining hostages, a key demand from the Israelis.

Israel has confirmed it had received an initial list of hostages to be released from Gaza, according to Reuters news agency.

"The relevant authorities are checking the details of the list and are presently in contact with all the families," a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said.

The release of 50 hostages captured by Hamas militants during terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7, in which some 240 people were taken hostage, would also see 150 Palestinian detainees released from Israeli jails. DWNEWS
Consider awards scheme for private school teachers  Proprietor

Emmanuel Bonney Education Nov - 24 - 2023 , 08:33

An educationist, Noble Francis Essel-Okyeahene, has implored the government to consider introducing an awards scheme for teachers in private schools in the country.

That, he said, was not only to encourage them but to motivate the teachers to continue to give their best for Ghanaian children.

Mr Essel-Okyeahene said private schools contributed greatly to education delivery in the country hence, the need to recognise their efforts.

Mr Essel-Okyeahene, who is the Director of the Young Executive School (YES) and Onua Francis international School in the Awutu Senya East and Gomoa East District of the Central Region, said this shortly after he was honoured with the Outstanding Educational Visionary of the Year last week.

Event

This was during an award ceremony organised under the umbrella of ION African Business Limited in collaboration with the Stellar Performance CEO Awards.

The event recognised the striking strides of businesses, industry experts and top executives whose efforts had positively impacted their businesses and the community at large.

The award ceremony attracted personalities in the country who have distinguished themselves in their area of work.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr Essel-Okyeahene mentioned the driving force behind his establishment and the need for people to invest heavily in education.

Honour

He described his award as a great honour and recognition to his contribution to the delivery of quality basic education to Ghanaian children.

This honour and award would spur us on to work hard to provide education not only for Ghanaian children but those across the world, he said.

The director said recognising the role of private individuals in education delivery was critical to developing the educational system.

He dedicated his award to private schools in the country and urged them to step up the provision of education to children in the country.

This is our third award and we would not relent in what we do, he emphasised.

Commenting on the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, he expressed the hope that the withheld ones would be released early for the students to continue their education.

At YES, he said 62 candidates had nine ones, while 65 had eight ones and the rest having seven ones and that the worse performance was aggregate 08.

his is out of the 164 candidates presented for the examination.
UNESCO World Book Capital 2023: Germany opens book exhibition in Ghana

Joshua Bediako Koomson Education Nov - 24 - 2023 , 08:26

Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world's leading venue for printed and digital content, has opened a book exhibition in Ghana to expose children to a wide array of German books to help facilitate knowledge and cultural exchange between Ghana and Germany.

The six-week exhibition, which is in collaboration with the Ghana Book Development Council (GBDC), is part of activities marking Accra the UNESCO Book Capital 2023.

The exhibition also seeks to bring together Ghanaian book industry players to introduce to them to the quality of books that are produced in Germany to help infuse those standards in the local industry.

The exhibition

At the opening of the exhibition at the National Children's Library in Accra, the Head of Development Cooperation and German Embassy, Franziska Jebens, said the exhibition would help introduce famous German books to Ghanaian readers and also establish a platform for readers from both countries to know more about each others books.

She gave an assurance that if the initiative was able to garner a lot of interest, there would be a whole series of exchanges between her country and Ghana.

Encouragement

Ms Jebens further encouraged Ghanaian students to read more books for self-development and also improve their imaginations.

In our society back in Germany, we often grow up alone as kids because our families structures are different.

Mine was worse because I was a single child and I was mostly alone after school so my parents made sure I kept myself busy by reading a lot of books.

It helped me to develop a lot of passion for reading new books and I love the feeling I got from reading stories.

The books helped shaped my childhood and because of them, I always wanted to discover the world so I pursued my dream and that is why I find myself in Ghana, Ms Jebens recounted.

Collaboration

The Executive Director of the Ghana Book Development Council (GBDC), Ernesticia Lartey Asuinura, said the event was symbolic as it was the first time the book industries, in both Ghana and Germany, were collaborating on such an initiative.

She reiterated that it was the beginning of a long journey because the Ghana book industry was seeking to have a long-term relationship with the Frankfurt Buchmesse.

We are exhibiting German books in Accra to get the Ghanaian public to know what sort of books are published and produced in Germany and how best we can get some of those book translated into English and other Ghanaian languages so that our children get to know about German stories.

We also want our publishing industry to see that quality and the kind of books that are produced in Germany so that they also ensure that the books produced in Ghana meet those standards, Mrs Asuinura said.

She said the GBDC was also reaching out to the world to see how Ghana could collaborate with the rest of the book industry to grow to help the local industry.
Africas youth can revolutionize approach to climate challenges  Samira Bawumia

Graphic.com.gh Nov - 24 - 2023 , 14:35

The wife of the Vice President and Chairperson of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), Samira Bawumia has highlighted the unique role African youth can play to revolutionize the continents approach to the challenges brought on by climate change.

Speaking at the AFRIWOCC Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition on Tuesday, November 21 on the theme, Youth in Climate Action, Mrs Bawumia said the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of today's transformative actions.

Addressing the gathering at the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at University of Ghana, the Second Lady said she was thrilled to see so many young leaders gathered to discuss climate change, sustainable development, and gender-related issues affecting women and children in the African context as well as showcase innovative climate solutions developed by young Africans.

Commitment

She said they were committed to building upon that momentum by focusing on the critical role of the youth in climate action while recognizing the unique energy, creativity, and determination young people bring to the global climate movement.

She noted that the world was at a critical juncture facing environmental challenges that demand innovative ideas and solutions.

The recent climate-related disasters across the globe are stark reminders of the urgency of our actions. The youth, as change- makers and advocates, have a unique role to play in changing the discourse and shaping policies and actions that will redefine the trajectory of our planet she added.

She, therefore, said the Pre-COP Youth Climate Dialogue and Innovation Exhibition presents an opportunity to harness the creativity, passion, and determination of the youth in addressing climate change.

Our discussions will focus on practical steps, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to ensure that the youth are not just part of the conversation but are actively shaping the future.

African continent

While acknowledging that the African continent was blessed with a vibrant youth and rich cultural diversity, she also mentioned that it is one of the regions most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Our youth have a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to embrace change. It is time to leverage this power for the benefit of our planet. From sustainable energy solutions to eco-friendly innovations, Africas youth have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach climate challenges. I look forward to the inspirational conversations and engagements we are going to have today.

She reiterated the goal of the event was to provide a platform for African youth to voice their perspectives, and concerns, share innovative ideas, and collaboratively address climate change, sustainable development, and gender-related issues affecting women and children in Africa.

We need to elevate the voices of the African youth, advocate for the financial backing that youth-led climate initiatives deserve, and support the youth leaders amongst us who inspire and ensure that our solutions and stories drive our climate agenda.

Mrs Bawumia challenged the young participants not to view this event as a mere conference but as a commitment to lead the charge in climate action. You are not here to merely discuss; you are here to be the visionaries, the solution architects, and the ambassadors of change. We look forward to shaping outcomes from this forum at COP 28 in Dubai.

The Chair and Convener of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), commended the sponsors of the event comprising the National Petroleum Authority, Energy Commission, and Fidelity Bank Ghana, and said their commitment to empowering the youth in climate action is pivotal, and will inspire meaningful change.

Following our deliberations today, we must carry on the passion, determination, and hope that have filled these halls. Together, we can reshape the destiny of Africa, by protecting our planet, and building the Africa we all dream of. Together we can ensure climate justice for Africa; with women and girls leading the way the Second Lady concluded. ]

AFRIWOCC

The AFRIWOCC is convened as a platform to discuss the issues affecting women, youth, and children in Africa and to coordinate a network of organizations focused on women, and children in Africa.

In August this year, AFRIWOCC organised its maiden conference which brought to the fore the urgency of amplifying the voices of women and children in the face of climate crisis.

This groundbreaking initiative, borne out of a collective commitment to address the pressing issues faced by women and children, serves as a testament to the power of global collaboration and the unwavering dedication to a sustainable future.

The AFRIWOCC conference underscored the importance of moving beyond rhetoric and translating commitments into tangible actions.
Benkadi Kurubi Festival grand durbar - Vice-President Bawumia to grace event

News Desk Report Nov - 24 - 2023 , 20:41

A grand durbar of the annual Benkadi Kurubi Festival of the Wangara tribe in Ghana will be held on November 25, 2023, at Kintampo in the Bono East Region to climax the celebration.

The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is expected to grace the occasion.

The theme for this years celebration is: The relevance of cultural tourism in the socio-economic regeneration of rural communities of Ghana.

The Wangara ethnic group in Ghana celebrates the Benkadi Kurubi Festival.

The Islamic festival, which refers to light, is celebrated in November to express gratitude to God, plan for development and to make merry.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic at the opening, the overlord of the Wangara tribe in Ghana, Sariki Masaba Fanyinama, said this years event would be spectacular because it marks the silver jubilee of the revival of the festival.

More so, he said, Vice-President Bawumia and other high-profile dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.

A number of activities have characterised the week-long festival.

These included a beauty pageant, health screening, sightseeing, sports, and cleanup exercises.

Todays grand durbar will be held at the Presbyterian School Park at Kintampo.
2 Kumasi Cement managers arrested

Kester Aburam Korankye Nov - 24 - 2023 , 17:00

Two managers of Kumasi Cement Ghana have been arrested by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and trade standards inspectors of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

The two, Huang Guangshun and Fang Yuan, marketing managers of KCG, were arrested at the factory, near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region last Tuesday evening.

The arrest comes after the factory was found to be producing cement with substandard raw materials, despite being banned from operating by the GSA.

Last week, the GSA shut down the operations of Xin An Safe Cement Ghana Ltd, Kumasi Cement Ghana Ltd and Unicem Cement Ghana Ltd after their licences had been revoked for using inferior materials in cement production.

The Ashanti Regional Manager of the GSA, Dr Samuel K. Frimpong, who disclosed the details of the arrest to the Daily Graphic, said the company kept operating in violation of the authoritys directive to cease operations.

They claimed to have been asked to keep producing by an unnamed top government official but we acted per the law and got them arrested, he said.

Dr Frimpong said the factory had now been locked under a GSA seal as the prosecution of the arrested officials commenced.

They are still in custody, Dr Frimpong told the Daily Graphic last Wednesday afternoon.

Undertaking

Meanwhile, officials from Xin An Safe Cement Ghana Ltd and Unicem Cement Ghana Ltd signed an undertaking at the head office of the GSA last Tuesday to adhere to specified quality standards in cement manufacturing.

They have pledged to, among others, comply with all regulatory standards and requirements governing cement manufacturing in Ghana.

Our processes will align with the guidelines set by the Ghana Standards Authority, they affirmed.

The GSA is, however, yet to authorise the resumption of the operations of the two companies.

More action

The Minister of Trade and Industry, K. T. Hammond, last Monday told the media that the closure of the cement factories was part of a grand move to clamp down on substandard cement production across the country.

He said the move was a reflection of what the ministry intended to do this year in the area of standards enforcement.

Since I came to the ministry, I have been receiving reports and have been alarmed by the extent of difficulty in the cement industry and I want to streamline it, the minister said.

Mr Hammond added that a Legislative Instrument, known as the GSA Cement Manufacturing Regulations, would be laid before parliament to guide operations in the industry.

The Director-General of the GSA, Professor Alex Dodoo, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that similar arrests would be made at any other factory where production continued without authorisation.

He said the actions of the GSA were in line with the provisions of Section 44 of the GSA Act.

Prof. Dodoo said the GSA was determined to ensure fair trade hinged on conformity to standards to ensure that the country was competitive, especially in the manufacturing industry.

Already, the GSA and the ministry have announced the suspension of new cement factory construction, pending a streamlined permit issuance process by regulatory institutions.

The CEO of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG), Rev. Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, applauded the GSA for the bold and swift move which would go a long way to bring sanity into the industry.

He told the Daily Graphic in an interview that COCMAG was collaborating with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the GSA to develop optimal environment, safety and cement quality standards, and to combat unfair trade practices when they arise.

Rev. Dr Dawson-Ahmoah said the renewed enforcement drive of the GSA would ensure the growth of the cement industry.
Actors in GrEEn business ecosystem mentor youth ... To spur them into entrepreneurship

Jemima Okang Addae Nov - 24 - 2023 , 06:57

A forum has been held to provide a platform for young people to engage with key actors and stakeholders in the Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) market.

It was to enable the participants to learn at first hand the successes and challenges of activities to encourage them in their entrepreneurship journey as part of efforts to increase youth employment.

Organised by SNV Ghana, a global development organisation, it was part of activities for the third edition of the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (YEE) Global Forum 2023.

It brought together, local, regional and international stakeholders, including young entrepreneurs to explore how young people could engage with the green jobs market.

The forum also served as a platform for SMEs and young entrepreneurs to interact, share good practices and solutions to promote employment and entrepreneurship in the country.

Project

The forum was on the theme, "Building Partnerships for Inclusive and Sustainable Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment in green and emerging sectors.

The GrEEn Project is a four-year programme being implemented by SNV and the UN Capital Development Fund in Ghana, under the anchor of the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

It is funded under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), which European and African partners set up in 2015 to deliver an integrated and coordinated response to irregular migration, forced displacement and diverse causes of instability, including climate change.

Also, GrEEN is aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migration by supporting sustainable and climate resilient local economies, green jobs and development in departure, transit and return regions.

GrEEN economy potential

The Ghana Country Director of SNV, Barbara White Nkoala, explained that the GrEEn project aimed to complement the efforts of the European Union Green Deal by unlocking actors potential towards a green and a circular economy.

She noted that, the overall objective of the GrEEn project was to contribute to addressing the root causes of irregular migration through green and climate, resilient local development and economic initiatives to improve the prospects of young women and men by creating employment and enterprise opportunities.

Aimed at promoting the growth of Ghana's green and circular economy, GrEEn has four result areas.

They are stimulating local economies and creating short-term job opportunities, improving employability and entrepreneurship capabilities, increasing access and usage of financial services, leveraging remittances and supporting cash for work schemes and the final result area is incubating an accelerating SME, offering decent and sustainable jobs to youth, women and returnees to contribute to green and climate resilient local economies, she stated.

Ms Nkoala said as part of the initiative to develop sustainable businesses, the GrEEn project rolled out the GrEEn Innovation Challenge as an instrument to award matching grants to SMEs with innovative ideas to help them expand their enterprises.

That, she said through the initiative, over Ghc3 million was awarded to 26 young entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses.

SMEs are really one of the foundations and driving forces that create employment, she added.

Leverage

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, said the threat of job losses and loss of livelihood were likely to exacerbate poverty and inequality and that such consequences had severe implications for the promotion of new forms of employment.

The minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, at the ministry, Gloria Bortele Noi.

He, therefore, explained leveraging on the expertise, experiences and synergies of different actors would contribute to effective coordination and promotion of GrEEn jobs initiatives across sectors and stakeholders.
Ahead of 2024 polls: Religion, ethnicity pose threat - NCCE

Samuel Duodu Nov - 24 - 2023 , 12:00

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has triggered a series of measures to tackle concerns about religion and ethnicity that can threaten the nation's democracy.

The measures include engaging political parties directly on their conduct and outbursts, working with opinion leaders and traditional rulers to reach political actors in communities and localities, as well as sensitise the citizenry to their rights and responsibilities.

The Chairperson of the commission, Kathleen Addy, said with political campaigns gathering momentum towards the 2024 general election, religion and ethnicity had emerged as two of the subjects with the potential to divide the nation.

She said such issues needed to be nipped in the bud before they degenerated.

Ms Addy said this when she led a team from the commission to call on the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, at the Graphic Communications Group Ltd head office in Accra.

She said the commission had begun stakeholder engagements with individuals and groups, especially politicians and political parties, to remove divisive messaging from the campaign platform to help consolidate the democratic gains and the peace of the country.

She said the visit was to solicit the support of GCGL towards its work and to deepen the existing relationship between the two organisations.

The NCCE Chairperson said: Religious tolerance has become topical for us now in the context of politics.

That is an issue that lies directly on our doorstep because if you are talking about orientation and mindsets, people living and tolerating one another and giving others space is a very important thing.

She said it was unfortunate that already, we have seen some politicians attempt to divide people on the basis of religion, and we at NCCE are committed to ensure that those attempts to divide the people do not happen in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

NCCE role

Ms Addy said the role of the NCCE was to educate the citizens on their civic duties and responsibilities to ensure that everybody understood and accepted the 1992 Constitution, and remained committed to defend it.

Our job is to build the citizens with the right mindset, the right orientation, right values; we expect them to then work together to build the country so that we can achieve our idealised vision of Ghana, economic growth, development and opportunity for everybody.

That is the purpose of the commission, the NCCE Chairperson said.

Aside from the civic and voter education, as well as highlighting the rights and responsibilities of the citizenry, Ms Addy said the commission was currently working on the security threats by creating awareness in border communities of violent extremism following the insurgence of terrorist groups in the sub-region.

That, she said, was being implemented in eight regions, namely Northern, North East, Savanna, Upper East, Upper West, Bono, Bono East and Oti.

She said the commission had been working with traditional and religious leaders, security staff and local people, including assembly members, in order to carry out impactful civic education in communities across the country, adding that in every district that relationship existed.

She commended the Daily Graphic for remaining professional in the discharge of its duties.

Supports

The Editor, Graphic pledged the support of the company to help sustain the peace and democracy in the country.

He said there could only be accelerated development in the country in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

We will work with you and support you.

As I said, we are 73 years old, and there are things we believe in.

We believe in truth and accuracy every day, which is our mantra, with honesty being one of our core values, he said.

Mr Yartey said the flagship publication, Daily Graphic, would continue to chart the path of development for the country.

Ms Addy was on the visit with her two deputies in charge of Operations, and Finance and Administration, Samuel A. Akuamoah and Victor K. Brobbey, respectively.

Other members of her team were the Ag. Commission Secretary and Right To Information (RTI) Officer, Lucille Hewlett Annan; the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Joyce Benedicta Afutu; the Director of Administration, Dora Hammond; the Director of Research, Dr Henrietta Asante-Sarpong; the Director of Finance, Monica Mamattah, and the Director of Programmes, Dr Imurana Mohammed.
Akosombo Dam flood victims awarded Larweh University scholarships

Emmanuel Quaye Nov - 24 - 2023 , 17:14

Four students from Krachi West, who were affected by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage floods, have been offered scholarship to study at the Larweh University in Accra.

The scholarship valued at GH110,000 would enable the beneficiaries to be selected per their academic performance in this years WASSCE, to undertake undergraduate studies at the university.

This was announced by the Consultanting President at the university, Professor Goski Alabi, during a presentation of relief items to the Akosombo flood victims in Krachi West.

The donation was made by the university in collaboration with the Ghana Women Forum and Seed Mineral Company, at a ceremony held at the forecourt of the Parliament House in Accra.

Professor Goski Alabi, also a Patron of the Ghana Women Forum, said the items were donated by friends of the forum in the diaspora and philanthropists who were moved to support the victims in Krachi West because they were the most affected by the floods but had barely received any support.

Women Forum

The Ghana Women Forum was formed for the development of women and girls to make them active participants in societal development.

The president of the group, Adeline Baidoo, said prior to the presentation of the items, they met the women caucus in Parliament and discussed how to work together to help towards the development of women and girls in the country.

She said since the NGO was formed, it had embarked on projects such as in-person skills training, virtual conferences every month to empower the women and promised that it would continue to support particularly, the victims.

Receiving the items, the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

She explained that built as a resettlement community in 1964, Krachi West had been a deprived community and now needed help urgently to alleviate the suffering and impact occasioned by the floods.
GFZA secures 1.84m for Tema freezone water project

Maclean Kwofi Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:07

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has secured 1.84 million to enhance and expand the water and sewage facilities at the Tema Export Processing Zone (TEPZ).

Of the total investment, 90 per cent amounting to 1.66 million was made possible through a grant from Facility Investing for Employment (IFE), an investment mechanism created by KfW Development Bank and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ).

While the rest, constituting 184,168, was committed by the GFZA for the construction of a new water storage facility composed of a 6,800 cubic-metre underground tank and 2,273 cubic metre overhead tank, as well as a modern pumping station.

As a result, the two organisations have signed a grant agreement to implement the project which is expected to address the current water demand of 1.7 million gallons (7,518 cubic metre) per day for the over 91 industrial companies at the freezone enclave.

Signing

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GFZA, Michael Oquaye Jnr, signed on behalf of the authority, while the Managing Director (MD) of IFE, Steffen Kuhl, appended his signature for the German investment firm.

It was witnessed by a deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, and the Country Manager of IFE, Alessia Alvisini, as well as other officials of the two organisations.

Developmental challenges

Mr Oquaye said the Tema freezone enclave was faced with developmental challenges, including inadequate water supply for business operations.

It is welcoming that IFE has identified these areas as potential projects around which partnership can be forged to help resolve some of these problems while creating more jobs and improving living conditions through the enhancement of employee skills, he said.

He said the new project was intended to expand the water storage facility within TEPZ which was one out of the five industrial enclaves in the country by replicating the existing facility.

He explained that currently the Tema free zones enclave was served by a ground level tank (reservoir) of 6,800 cubic metre (1.5 million gallons) which pumped water into a high-level tank of 2,273 cubic metres (500,000 gallons).

He said the actual storage capacity at the enclave was 6,800 cubic metre while the high-level 2,273 cubic metre specifically served as a supply medium.

However, he said the ground level tank provided a daily supply of 4,090 cubic metres per day while reserving the buffer of 2,710 cubic metres to address emergency situations such as the need to fight fire and construction works undertaken by TEPZ.

He said the current demand left a demand-supply gap of 754,054 gallons per day that needed to be addressed.

Sometimes, the companies purchase water from unreliable tanker operators at exorbitant prices to augment the shortfall as there are no other alternatives.

The current shortfall has led to higher production costs, shortened production cycles, stifled expansion and slowed production growth, which invariably affects the need for accelerated job creation, he added.

Satisfaction

For his part, Mr Kuhl expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, saying that it would pave the way for the two parties to work together to address developmental challenges at the industrial enclave.

He said the investment made would help improve customer service and productivity of the Tema enclave industries.

He said with the resident industries into manufacturing and food processing in operation at full capacity after the water situation was addressed, it would create 1,500 additional jobs.

He noted that the IFE sought to remove investment barriers that prevented the creation of new and better jobs in the private sector in its partner countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
IET-Ghana inducts 250 new members

Emmanuel Bonney Nov - 24 - 2023 , 06:41

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, (IET-Ghana) has inducted 250 new members with a charge on them to leverage their collective knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between experience and technology.

The ceremony, held on the theme: Bridging the gap between the Experience and the Technology: The role of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, took place yesterday, with 245 males and five females being inducted.

The President of IET-Ghana, Henry Kwadwo Boateng, who inducted the new members, said the gap posed both challenges and opportunities for the engineering and technology community in the country.

"The gap between experience and technology is a complex issue, and bridging it requires a multifaceted approach.

Firstly, we need to foster a culture of lifelong learning, where professionals from various fields can update their skills and knowledge to stay abreast with the latest technologies," he said.

Commitment

That, Mr Boateng said, required a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and that the IET-Ghana was well positioned to lead that.

For that reason, he said IET-Ghana had signed a memorandum of understanding with other training institutions.

The IET-Ghana, Mr Boateng said, played a vital role in that process and that "we are committed to promoting excellence in engineering and technology and providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development among our members",

"Through our various initiatives, we aim to foster innovation, promote best practices and address the emerging needs of society," he said.

At the heart of the institution's efforts, he said, was empowering its members to stay at the forefront of technological advancements while recognising the value of their experiences.

By embracing new technologies, the President of IET-Ghana said members could enhance their capabilities and drive development in various sectors, including infrastructure, telecommunications, energy and health care.

Collaborations

"The IET-Ghana is uniquely positioned to facilitate these collaborations, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create a cohesive and effective strategy for bridging the gap between experience and technology.

Furthermore, Mr Boateng said the institution would actively engage with international partners to learn from their experiences and best practices, enabling members to bring global perspectives to the local context.

The Registrar, Engineering Council, Isaac Bedu, said the inductees were required to practise according to the laws of Ghana.

Again, he said they should practise with the code of ethics of the institution and continue to upgrade their knowledge.

The Vice Chairperson of the Public Services Commission, Dr Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng, said the event was not only important but significant for nation-building.

The acting Vice-Chancellor of the Accra Technical University, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, who chaired the function, said as a national body that covered the whole country, members must be interested in societal challenges.

He charged the new members to look for opportunities to continue learning, adding that you should always think innovation and excellence and be ethically right.

Let us avoid some of those practices that are ethically wrong.

We are to build a very good image of our institution in all our practices, he said.
Leveraging technology for devt: KNUST must lead way in Africa - Joe Anokye urges at Baffour Memorial Lectures

Emmanuel Baah Nov - 24 - 2023 , 12:00

The Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Joe Anokye, has entreated the leadership and stakeholders of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to ensure that the university remains at the forefront of guiding the country and Africa to leverage technology for development.

He said KNUST Ghana and the African continent should not only be part of an era where technology was not adopted, but innovated, understood and pioneered within our revered walls".

Delivering the 12th R. P. Baffour Memorial Lectures at KNUST, his alma mater in Kumasi yesterday, Mr Anokye said the onus rests on us to rekindle Dr R. P. Baffour's flame of visionary leadership, ensuring that KNUST remains illuminated, guiding not just Ghana but the entire African continent into an era where technology is not just adopted, but innovated, understood and pioneered here, within our revered walls".

The three lectures, the last of which will be delivered today, is on the theme: KNUST After 70: A New Age for a Renewed Focus in an Era of Disruptive Technologies.

Yesterdays morning and afternoon lectures were on the sub themes: KNUST a history of Remarkable Growth in Science and Technology Education, Resilience in Adaptability in the Digital Space, and "Ghana's Digitalisation Drive, a response to the New Age of Disruptive Technologies", respectively.

The last of the three to be delivered this morning is on the theme: "KNUST, a Renewed Focus in the Era of Disruptive Technologies" as part of a special congregation to confer honorary doctorate degrees.

The lectures, established in honour of the first Ghanaian Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, is being delivered under the broad theme, "KNUST After 70: A New Age for A Renewed Focus In An Era of Disruptive Technologies".

The well attended public lecture was intermittently juiced by the melodious tunes of the legendary Agyakoo Nimo and his cultural troupe.

History

In the first lecture, Mr Anokye, a Geodetic Engineer and alumnus of KNUST, spoke on the sub-theme, "KNUST, a history of remarkable growth in science and technology education, resilience and adaptability in the digital space".

He recounted the establishment of KNUST and the various high points since its establishment to add up to the advancement of education and Ghana's science and technology space.

The Director-General of NCA acknowledged the role of KNUST in that regard while singling out alumni such as Kofi Annan, Professor Francis Allotey, Dr Thomas Mensah, the Tamale-born artist Ibrahim Mahama, and various past Vice-Chancellors for the introduction of various programmes that had placed the science and technology biased university on the world academic map.

Mr Anokye said "the illustrious legacy of KNUST is not merely anchored in its academic and infrastructural triumphs but is brought to life by the luminaries it has produced over the years".

Their success stories, he added, were testament to the academic rigour and holistic grooming that KNUST prided itself in.

In the second lecture, Ghana's Digitalisation Drive, a response to the New Age of Disruptive Technologies, the NCA boss touched on Ghana's telecommunications growth over the past decades, starting from the days of the use of smoke signals and gong-gong beaters through various advancements, including the introduction of postal services, telegram usages and the coming in of broadcasting among others.

5-G

Mr Anokye said the country would from next year introduce the fifth-generation wireless (5G) network into the country.

He said the government was not in a haste to only hook onto the platform, and that the roadmap to 5G needed much investment to ensure a complete national coverage when introduced.

Considering the investments made so far, all is set to introduce 5G into our local market, he reiterated.

Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest iteration of cellular technology, engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks.

Mr Anokye reaffirmed the NCAs vision to be a world-class regulator that facilitated innovative, reliable and sustainable communication solutions to meet stakeholders expectations.

Dignitaries

The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, commended the speaker for an insightful presentation, which chronicled the evolution of telecommunications in the country.

Also present were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ellis Owusu Dabo, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwasi Obiri Danso, deans and heads of colleges, traditional leaders, some executive members of NCA and students.

The R. P. Baffour Memorial Lectures were inaugurated in 2012 to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr Robert Patrick Baffour.

The lectures are designed to promote scholarly debate on issues of national and international importance.

Dr Baffour was a Ghanaian engineer, politician and university administrator who served as the first Vice-Chancellor of KNUST from 1961 to 1967.

He was also a pioneer in engineering education in the country.

Also called Papa Andoh, Dr Baffour was born on May 14, 1912 in Elmina.

His father was in the service of the British Civil Service in Nigeria as a Master of Schools.

He was the firstborn son of Robert Patrick Baffour Andoh and Maria Frederica Adwoa Kane (Okai).

Between 1917 and 1926, Baffour attended various schools in Ghana and Nigeria: Catholic School in Elmina, Okar Government School in Nigeria and Richmond College.

He attended the Mfantsipim School and obtained the Cambridge Senior School Certificate with exemption from London Matriculation.

After secondary school, he achieved the singular honour of coming first in the Civil Service Examination of his time.

Yet instead of joining the British Civil Service, he chose to continue his education at Achimota College to study engineering, where he was taught by Charles Deakin, a founding engineering instructor at the school.

He became the first Ghanaian to obtain a University of London degree in mechanical engineering on Ghanaian soil.
Military Academy presents medical equipment to hospital

By Diana Mensah Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:13

The Ghana Military Academy Regular Career Course (RCC) Intake 32 has presented medical equipment worth GH300,000 to the 37 Military Hospital.

The items include portable ventilators, two contec cardiac monitors, an oxygen concentrator, digital thermometers, blood glucose test strips, a blood glucose meter, compressor nebuliser, contec mesh nebuliser and pulse oximeters.

Others are hospital beds, wheelchairs, weighing scales, contec perfusor pumps, hospital beds, hospital bed mattresses trolley for cardiac monitors and manual sphygmomanometers.

The donation formed part of the social intervention activities of the RCC Intake 32 to commemorate its 30th anniversary celebration.

The gesture aims to augment the existing equipment and enhance the delivery of first-rate medical care to persons accessing health care at the hospital.

The equipment was procured through donations from institutions such as the Stanbic Bank, the GT Bank, SO Energy, John Moore, individuals and members of the RCC 32 association.

Rationale

The President of the RCC, Commodore Joseph Mensah-Larkai, said the gesture aimed to address some health concerns of women and children within their community, saying this was in fulfilment of a social project pledge made last year.

Commodore Mensah-Larkai said the association had embarked on the social project to make a difference in the lives of many and to support medical personnel to provide efficient health care.

As part of the purchasing agreement, he said the medical equipment had come with a year's warranty, servicing and training for the personnel who would use them.

Commodore Mensah-Larkai said the hospital had cared for and birthed many lives and continued to save lives with its available resources.

As we age, this facility becomes even dearer to our hearts as it continues to offer care and support even in those stages beyond human capacity, he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, who presented the equipment on behalf of the RCC Intake 32, appealed to other RCC intakes, institutions and organisations to emulate the gesture.

Vice Admiral Amoama urged the management of the hospital to utilise and maintain the equipment to ensure its longevity and optimum usage.

He emphasised that the collaboration between the hospital and the Ministry of Health had brought much support to the hospital, saying but these days we are getting several pieces of equipment, including laundry equipment.

The Vice Admiral expressed his appreciation to the sponsors, saying it is gratifying that your kind deed would benefit all, especially members of the general public who access health care in this hospital.

He entreated the RCC 32 to not relent on its assistance to the medical facility but to continue to help raise the standards of military health care in the facility.

Appreciation

The Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Prosper Ayibor who received the items, thanked the association for its commitment and support to improve the health delivery system of the facility.

Brigadier Ayibor said the hospital would remain available and continue to care for all personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces and their families.

Brigadier Ayibor expressed appreciation to all individuals and groups who had contributed to the development of the facility.
MANZINI  The eight suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of a man, whom they believed was a cattle rustler, include seven community police and a relative to the deceased.

The suspects are Mbokodvo Hlatshwako (57) (community police), Themba Maseko (50), Ngcovungcovu Nkambule (63) (community police), Sikhumbuzo Sukati (60) (community police) and Sicelo Dlamini (43) (community police). The above suspects are all from Nsenga. The others are Bheki Ginindza (48) of Sankolweni (community police), Khulekani Vilakati (46) of Nsenga (deceased relative) and Sibusiso Nhleko (42) of Sigombeni (community police).

They were charged with murder on the night of Monday November 20, 2023, while they were at Sankolweni, in the Manzini Region, they allegedly killed one Lucas Ndoda Vilakati, by assaulting him with sticks, baton, slasher and palm of a bush knife several times all over his body and further shot him with a 12 bore shot gun once on his right thigh. According to the charge sheet, this resulted to the death of Vilakati, thus the accused persons were charged with murder.

The accused persons appeared at Manzini Magistrates Court yesterday and they were remanded in custody until Wednesday November 29, 2023 pending their committal to the High Court.
Optometric Association worried about quacks

Daily Graphic Nov - 24 - 2023 , 17:14

The Ghana Optometric Association says there is an infiltration of quacks in optometric practice in the country which poses a serious threat for eye health in the country.

The association has therefore called for the enactment of legislation and enforcement of existing regulations to get rid of the quacks.

This was contained in a communique signed at the joint African Council of Optometry and Ghana Optometric Association 11th annual general meeting (AGM) at Ho in the Volta Region.

The theme for the AGM was: Expanding Optometric Practice In Africa: Focus On Scope.

Training And Legislation.

The AGM brought together optometrists from most parts of Africa including Nigeria, Togo, Cote DIvoire, Botswana, Djibouti, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ghana.

The association said those observations and others needed urgent attention by the government in order to provide improved eye care service delivery to the population.

It added that the current architecture of the Allied Health Professions Council which regulated over 22 health professions did not augur well for effective regulation of the profession of optometry in the country and the association therefore implored on the government to initiate the establishment of a separate Optometric Council in the country.

In the communique, the association observed that a significant number of trained optometrists in the country have left the country for greener pastures due to poor working conditions and non-posting by government after school and it therefore expected that the ongoing job evaluation would lead to improved conditions of service for optometrists in the country.

It said it also expected the government to post the many trained optometrists who have completed their mandatory one-year internship to serve the many communities without eye care personnel, adding that they should be done to ensure that Ghana met the 2030 targets on effective coverage for eye care.

Specialist optometric training

It also called for an urgent need for an expanded scope of optometric practice in alignment with international best practices to meet evolving eye care needs in Ghana, and therefore invited governments partnership to establish an Optometric College to offer specialist (residency) optometric training in low vision, pediatrics, contact lenses, binocular vision, ocular diseases, neuro-optometry, glaucoma, among others to offer improved eye care services to the population.

The communique which was signed by the National President and National Secretary, Prof. Dr Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi and Dr Yaw Osei Akoto respectively, said there were currently very limited opportunities of study leave for optometrists in the public sector to pursue further studies and therefore called on the Ghana Health Services (GHS) to allocate enough quota of study leave slots to optometrists to pursue further studies.

It also called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to consider spectacle lenses as medical supplies to ensure that only quality lenses were imported into the country.
Telcos tax contribution hits GH6 billion

Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:45

Proceeds from taxes, fees, levies and other payments remitted and gathered by the telecommunications sector for the government increased from GH 4.02 billion in 2021 to GH 6.07 billion last year.

The increase is over 50 per cent of the 2021 figure.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication (GCT), Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, made this known during the launch of the 2022 Mobile Industry Transparency Initiative report held last Tuesday at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE) in Accra.

The annual report, based on data from members of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, including AT, MTN, Vodafone, ATC, Helios, Comsys, CSquared, Ericsson, and Huawei, illustrated the industry's societal and economic contributions to the country's development.

Dr Ashigbey said the industry's contribution of GH 6.07 billion constituted approximately 8.02 per cent of the government's 2022 tax revenue of 75.71 billion as outlined in the 2022 annual report of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Out of the GH 6.07 billion, GH1.7 billion went to Corporate Income Tax; GH922.9 million went to Value Added Tax, GH679.4 million went to Withholding tax; GH482.8 million went to electronic levy; GH768 million went to NHIL, GETF levy and COVID-19; GH511.6 million went to Communications Service Tax; GH175.18 million went to PAYE, and GH560.7 million went to other remittances.

Tax burden

The report also highlighted the huge tax burden placed on telecommunications companies, a situation which had significantly affected their ability to expand and make the needed investments to grow the industry.

Dr Ashigbey said the tax burden placed on telcos would stifle growth of the industry and affect commitments to new investments in the sector.

If we are still taxing the industry, how much will be left for investment to expand and make sure that the technology is available to everybody and also to ensure there is enough money left for infrastructure companies to expand fibre? he questioned.

He said granting tax exemptions was critical to supporting the telecommunications industry to be able to get more people to acquire smartphones and use the Internet.

He said because telecommunications was foundational to ensure real growth and get Ghana out of the financial crisis, getting people to use mobile internet would significantly impact the country's GDP.

"The more people use smart mobile devices, the more it contributes to the growth of our GDP," he said.

Study

With over 20.38 million electronic money users and 505,012 active agents, the report indicated that the mobile financial service recorded a GH13.07 billion balance on the float.

A tax consultant and lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, William Kofi Owusu Demitia, urged the chamber to conduct empirical studies on the impact of the Communications Service Tax (CST) and E-levy tax types on business operations.

He said the government should be able to come up with alternative ways of modifying the two tax types in a manner that would not reduce growth in the sector without disproportionately affecting government revenue.

He also urged the chamber to engage the government to develop industry-specific medium-term revenue to grow the industry without impacting negatively on revenue.

The report stated that Withholding Tax (WHT) continued to grow in 2022 like it did in 2021, albeit at a slower rate of 11.27 per cent.

WHT rose from GH 610.5 million in 2021 to approximately GH 679.4 million in 2022. The continued rise can be attributed to escalating business costs and increased spending, impacting the overall industry value chain, the report stated.

Proceeds from the CST also grew by 26.7 per cent from GH 403.9 million in 2021 to GH 511.6 million in 2022. This rise of over a GH 100 million can be attributed to a significant pick-up in economic activity and the usage of telecommunication services, the report said.

The report, however, stated that, this industry-specific tax continues to put a damper on the potential volume growth and affects the affordability of data and voice for the Ghanaian subscriber.

We would continue to propose that the rate of CST should be reduced in the near term, the report stated.

The report further highlighted that the levies, made up of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) levy, and the COVID-19 levy, collectively contributed GH 768 million in 2022 as compared to GH 584.4 million in 2021, indicating a growth of 31.4 per cent.

It added that following the introduction of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in May 2022, which was a 1.5 per cent tax on the transfer amount of electronic transactions, the government managed to raise GH 482.8 million out of the GH 6.9 billion that was targeted.

The reduction in the E-Levy rate has resulted in some recovery in the volumes and values.

But there is the need for further revision in this policy to align it to government's digital by default strategy and our recommendation to the Ministry of Finance is to consider reducing the levy on transfer to 0.5 per cent and introduce a 0.5 per cent levy on cash-outs, among other proposals, the report noted.

Weak Cedi

The report also stated that import duty collections in 2022 saw a jump of 78.5 per cent when compared to collections in 2021.

It stated that the rise could be attributed to, among other things, the significant depreciation of the Ghana Cedi against its major trading partners in 2022.

As highlighted in the previous edition of this report, there's a pressing need to focus efforts on developing and implementing local solutions that alleviate pressure on the local currency, it stated.

It added that, we would propose that government considers some import duties and tax waivers on some critical telecommunications equipment that are very important for the countrys development.

This should also include components for the provision of solar energy other than the panels that are currently exempt, it suggested.
UG to embark on medical exchange programme with Barbados university

Joshua Bediako Koomson Nov - 24 - 2023 , 06:10

The University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of West Indies (UWI) in Barbados to embark on a medical exchange programme.

The agreement will allow students from the UGMS to complete the first three years of their studies at the UWI, after which they would be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

Students who successfully complete the BSc programme will be admitted to the fourth year at the UGMS for the clinical phase of their training.

Upon completion, the students would be awarded Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) by the University of Ghana (UG).

The agreement was signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the UG, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the Principal and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UWI, Cave Hills Campus, in Accra yesterday.

Collaboration

Prof. Amfo said that the exchange programme would enable staff and students of the two universities to collaborate in groundbreaking research, teaching and learning.

They would also exchange knowledge and access resources and learning opportunities available to both institutions, she added.

This is an important achievement as it revisited a transatlantic journey that in our history was detrimental to our people but in our present, has the opportunity to revisit this in a positive way, Prof. Amfo said.

She said the processes leading to the fruition of the partnership had not been without challenges but that with tenacity and commitment, the UGMS was able to obtain the accreditation for the programme.

It is my belief that this partnership will serve as a major springboard for the realisation of the vision of promoting international visibility for our university and open up a new chapter for academic journey for both universities.

This transnational programme is one of the innovative ways the university is contributing to developing human resource capacity to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana and beyond, Prof. Amfo added.

Deepening of ties

The Barbados High Commissioner to Ghana, Juliette Babb-Rile, said the programme was in line with her governments policy to forge closer ties with Ghana.

We want to deepen our relationship with Ghana and strengthen collaborations in the areas of tourism, culture, education and sports.

She, therefore, commended management of the two institutions for the initiative.

The Deputy Dean of Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UWI, Dr Kenneth Connel, also said that the initiative would promote knowledge sharing between students of both institutions.

In some few years to come, a Ghanaian doctor who may be having difficulty can quickly pick up a telephone and speak to the Barbadian classmate for support and vice versa.

Barbados ancestry is predominantly Ghanaian, and culturally, we are very much alike so we look forward to welcoming our Ghanaian students, Dr Connel said.
Ghana to re-introduce visa-on-arrival from December 1 to January 14

Beatrice Laryea Nov - 24 - 2023 , 14:35

The Government of Ghana through the Transport Ministry has declared the reinstatement of the visa-on-arrival policy for passengers traveling to Ghana during the coming festive season.

The decision which was communicated through a press statement from the Transport Minister to all airlines agencies is set to take effect from Friday, December 1, 2023, to Sunday, January 14, 2024.

In the statement, the Trade Minister, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah explained that the initiative was set to support the governments 10-year touristic project dubbed Beyond The Return, which gives Africans in the diaspora the opportunity to connect with their roots in Ghana.

Following consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Tourism Authority, approval has been given for passengers travelling to Ghana to opt for visa-on-arrival waiving the requirement for prior approval. This arrangement is effective from 1st December, 2023 to 14th January, 2024," the statement read.

The airline agencies were then tasked to ensure that the step was to be taken into consideration.

Consequently, it would be appreciated if systems are updated to reflect this new arrangement and those responsible for checking-in passengers travelling to Ghana advised not to insist on entry visas prior to their boarding.

Below is the full statement.
Ghanaian rice production expert receives food security award

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:15

Celebrated Ghanaian rice production expert and policy advisor, Mr Abraham Dwuma Odoom, has been honoured for his contribution to food security in Africa.

He was honoured last Wednesday at 2023 edition of the Africa Agribusiness Excellence and Leadership Awards held at the International Conference Centre in Accra.

The Africa Agribusiness Excellence and Leadership Awards is a prestigious awards programme that seeks to recognise and reward excellence and leadership across the agribusiness value chain, food systems and agro industry ecosystem in Africa.

The awards showcase and recognise individuals, agribusinesses and institutions that play significant roles in the growth and development of the agribusiness sector, while recognising the key functions within the areas that promote growth and sustainability.

The awards scheme brings together players in Africas agro food systems and the agribusiness industry, policy makers, and financial institutions, agric technology industry and development partners to recognise achievements from local and international companies involved in promoting the development of the agribusiness sector in Africa.

The awardees are assessed based on their contributions to the development of the African agricultural sector as well as their initiatives in the promotion of food security in the African continent.

Mr Odoom who once represented the Twifo Atti Morkwa Constituency in the Seventh Parliament, has been nrecognised as one of the key architects behind Nigerias successes in rice production in 2021.

He also played a significant role in major initiatives in Ghanas cocoa sector, including Cocoa Hi-tech, Coco Abrabopa and Cocoa Mass Spraying exercise in Ghana.

Mr Odoom also contributed significantly to the Ghanaian agricultural sector during the government of President John Agyekum Kufour.
University of Ghana student dies from tragic accident on UPSA-UGBS stretch

GraphicOnline Nov - 24 - 2023 , 12:29

In a tragic incident along the UGBS-UPSA road stretch, a Master's student enrolled in the MSc Procurement and Supply Chain weekend program at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Dennis Twumasi-Ankrah, has met an untimely demise.

The unfortunate event transpired on November 21, 2023, reportedly resulting from an attack by robbers as the student was returning home from class.

Allegedly, the assailants, attempting a robbery, resorted to pushing the student onto the busy road, leading to a fatal accident.

Mr. Twumasi Ankrah, the father of Denis Twumasi Ankrah, a @ugbsofficial master's student who tragically lost his life on the UG -UPSA road, has officially verified his son's passing.



He also provided an account of the incident to #UniversNews. pic.twitter.com/66Hlq0qNeI November 23, 2023

Speaking to Radio Univers, Mr. Twumasi Ankrah, the father of the deceased, shared his account of the incident, detailing the circumstances that led to the tragic death of his son.

Due to the proximity of the school, Mr. Twumasi Ankrah said he had arranged for his son to reside in a hostel near UPSA.

@ugbsofficial, the University of Ghana Business School, extends condolences to the family and loved ones of the late student, Mr. Dennis Twumasi-Ankrah.



Dennis tragically lost his life on the UG-UPSA road while heading to his hostel yesterday. #UniversNews pic.twitter.com/yJn91dXOMK  Univers TV (@univers1057fm) November 23, 2023

Recounting the events, he stated, Because of the distance from the school, I looked for a hostel near UPSA for him. Last week he came home and on Tuesday when I was going to work, I picked him and he went to register According to a colleague, he alighted at [the junction] where the traffic light is and he was walking on the stretch from the junction to UPSA.

At the roundabout, according to the police when he got there, they tried to take his bag away from him and in the process of attacking him, he overpowered them so they couldnt take the bag. One of them pushed him and when he was falling, there was an incoming vehicle that knocked him down. The driver tried [his best], he took my son and rushed him to the Legon hospital.

1. Shuttle buses will be provided at night to bring all stds from UGBS graduate campus to main campus after lectures for onwards commuting

2. Signs will be provided to warn students of the dangers of lone-ranging at night along the stretch

3. Regular security patrols with @GhPo https://t.co/2VALUzNIil  Prof. Justice N. Bawole (@jnbawole) November 23, 2023

Dennis was swiftly rushed to Legon Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Mr. Twumasi Ankrah is awaiting the results of an autopsy, and the police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

In response to the unfortunate event, UGBS has extended condolences to the bereaved family. Prof. Justice Bawole, the Dean of the school, expressed sympathies on X (formerly Twitter) and announced plans to enhance student safety measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Clerk to Parliaments residence was sold in 2015 - Lands and Natural Resources Minister tells Parliament

Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:22

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has told Parliament that the residence of the current Clerk to Parliament was sold to a private developer in 2015 and not 2019.

He said his checks at the Lands Commission showed that the Clerks accommodation or residence was given out during the era of the previous administration.

The then Minister of Works and Housing gave an offer to a private developer in 2015 and a lease was granted to the developer in 2015, he said.

Unimpeachable records

Contributing to a debate on the motion for the House to approve the 2024 Budget statement on the floor of Parliament yesterday, Mr Jinapor said, these records at the Lands Commission are unimpeachable as it happened in 2015.

It just so happened that the developer, having bought the land in 2015, having been given an offer letter in 2015 and having been granted a lease in 2015, took possession in 2019.

So, by all intent and purposes, the land was sold in 2015 and not in 2019, he submitted.

Parliaments call

Last Wednesday, the Parliamentary Service stated that there was an attempt to sell the official residence of the Speaker of Parliament at Cantonments in Accra and, therefore, welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate who made the alleged attempt.

In a press release dated Wednesday, November 22, 2023, supporting what the Speaker said last Monday, the Parliamentary Service explained, "the potential buyer proceeded to the Lands Commission for the necessary due diligence and realised the status of the property. That was when Mr Speaker got to know about it," it said.

It said, "the reactions by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Lands Commission so far have not tackled the subject matter of the alleged sale."

UNESCO building not sold

But reacting to the call for an investigation by Parliament, Mr Jinapor advised those who had been making sweeping statements that various lands had been sold to guard against such utterances.

For instance, he said it was not true that the UNESCO building close to the Police Headquarters in Accra had been sold.

He said the repository of lands in the country, by law, was vested in the Lands Commission.

UNESCO is still occupying their premises close to the Police Headquarters so the claim that the UNESCO building is sold is false.

Mr Speaker, UNESCO land has not been sold and it is in possession of its land, he said.

Dwelling on the mining sector, Mr Jinapor said in such a time of unprecedented global crisis, the President and his government had made the right consequential choices for the countrys progress.

The minister mentioned the implementation of the gold-for-oil programme along domestic gold purchase programme by the central bank to shore up the reserves of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

He said today, the gold reserves of the BoG had become stronger, aiding the country to secure over 800,000 tonnes of crude oil.

Mr Jinapor said almost 30 per cent of the national crude oil consumption had been purchased through such a policy without the country having to use dollars to import oil.

Since the inception of the gold-for-reserve programme, the BoG has purchased a total amount of 17.89 tonnes at $140 million into its gold reserves, he said, quoting the 2024 budget document.

He said that intervention, which was an initiative of the Vice-President, had led to a reduction in exchange rates and the prices of fuel.

He indicated that gold alone contributed $4.67 billion in exports in August 2023 compared with $3.46 billion in June 2023.

For 63 years as a nation, he said it was the first time that Ghanas GDP would cross GH1 trillion.

With the investment that had been put in the mining sector, Mr Jinapor said the sector would contribute strongly to the national economy to help achieve the GH1 trillion GDP.

Through the bold intervention we have made in the mining sector and natural resources generally, today Ghana is the leading producer of gold on the African continent, overtaking South Africa.

Mr Speaker, we are building, for the first time in our history, an integrated aluminium industry which is going to become the foundation and anchor for industrialisation, he said.

As far back as 2023, he said the mining sector contributed almost $2.4 billion as foreign exchange earnings.

Besides, he said a new large-scale mine was being built in Talensi in the Upper East Region, with an investment of more than $1 billion.

When completed, the Cardinai Namdini project will be the third largest mine in our country after Newmont and Anglo Gold, he said.

Out of the agreement that would be put before Parliament, he said Bolgatanga would have its first airport built by the mining company.

Green mineral policy

The minister also told the House that for the first time, Ghana had a green mineral policy for the management and exploitation of the countrys minerals and the first-ever lithium project in the Central Region.

The negotiated term for this transaction is one of the best on the African continent. Mali has done it, ours is better, Australia has done it, ours is better, he said.
Long campaigning periods cause of corruption  Rev. Dr Deegbe

By Della Russel Ocloo Politics Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:37

The long periods of political campaigning are one of the factors increasing corruption in Ghana, a former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe, has said.

He was of the view that while some countries conducted short campaigns lasting just a month, Ghana's lengthy campaigns, which involved extensive constituency development had been linked to increased corruption practices.

It is therefore imperative to examine successful financing models from other nations to ensure that political parties are not unduly influenced by their financial backers, preventing the public from being burdened with debt, Rev. Dr Deegbe said.

Speaking at the National Christian Forum organised by a Christian civil society organisation, Advocates for Christ in Accra, Rev. Deegbe said corruption had risen to a high level with an open display of it through vote buying by people seeking to lead.

Ghana, he said, had come to a point where it needed to go back to the values of truthfulness and hard work.

Context

Ghana's long standing history of corruption has emerged as a significant concern ahead of the 2024 general election, prompting renewed calls for political reforms.

There is also a growing call to make politics more affordable and accessible to young people, while reducing the influence of money in politics.

Governance

Rev. Dr Deegbe expressed disappointment over the country's inability to embrace a governance system based on integrity and meritocracy, particularly in light of its young population, which represented a vast untapped potential that could be harnessed to transform society.

While these economic models have proven successful for Singapore, they may not be readily applicable to Ghana and other nations that have struggled due to a lack of transparency and ethical governance," remarked Rev. Deegbe.

Effective governance, he said, required a shared vision for the nation's future.

He also highlighted that whereas law and order were essential foundations for national development, it behoved leaders to strive to create a society where everyone felt safe and secure."

He, as well, expressed concern about the prevailing attitude among the ruling class towards Christians seeking political office, suggesting that this attitude reflected the underlying dishonesty that permeated politics in our part of the world.

While calling for reforms of the political establishment in the country, he advocated for measures to foster youth participation in politics while alleviating financial constraints.

Stop being passive

The Head of Churches at Advocates for Christ, Rev. Julius Coomson, in his remarks urged Christians to stop being passive and take a more active role in governance and politics.

He acknowledged that there was a perception that politics was a dirty game and that Christians should not get involved, a perception he argued was wrong.

Christians, Rev. Coomson said, had a responsibility to shape the nation and they could do this by living as salt and light and by speaking truth to power without fear or favour.

As Christians, we are agents of Christ in the world and we have a responsibility to transform culture, he said.

He also counselled Christians to act as the conscience of society.

He said there were times when governments or political parties would not care about what was happening in the country, but Christians ought to speak up and speak truth to power.

Prof. Afua Hesse, who chaired the event in her welcome address, said as Christians, they carried the weighty responsibility of upholding the values and teachings of the Christian faith.

This responsibility extends to individuals as well as leaders.

It is through individual introspection and growth that we can collectively foster a more Christ-like society, she said.
Take advantage of ICT platforms - Prof. Awortwi urges women in politics

Augustina Tawiah Politics Nov - 24 - 2023 , 07:30

The Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Professor Nicholas Awortwe, has encouraged women to take advantage of the innovations in information and communications technology (ICT) to support particularly those in politics to navigate their political activities.

He said women could access social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to reach millions of people with their messages, instead of face-to-face campaigns which often discouraged them from politics.

Women could also avoid reading some of the unsavoury comments people write about those who participate in politics, he advised.

Leverage electronic platforms

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic last Thursday in Accra, Prof. Awortwi said You can get somebody to design publicity materials for you and, with a click of a button, it gets to many people.

Women should take advantage of electronic platforms and reach out to the electorate, showing contrasting messages between themselves and men and why they should be voted for, he said.

Prof. Awortwi was speaking on the low participation of women in politics, particularly local government elections.

Citing reasons for the low participation of women in politics, Prof. Awortwi said politics in the country had now become more of insults and since no woman would want to be subjected to insults, they stay away.

He added that the whole problem of the countrys social structure, where politics was looked at as not being for women, was another reason for the low participation.

Proffering solutions to the problem, Prof. Awortwi said the country could decide that in every district a number of assembly seats could be earmarked to be contested for by only women.

He said the quota system where political parties decided to field women for particular places could also help. However, for local government elections, that is not workable because it is non-partisan.

Local government elections

Touching on womens participation in local government elections, he said the numbers were not good, stressing the need for them to build their capacity.

We have a country where women constitute 50 per cent or sometimes more than 50 per cent of the population.

Water, sanitation, education and solid waste are local government services.

These are also services that women feel particularly attached to than men.

Why is it that budget for services that are for local government and of particular interest to women should be decided by men?

You go to the assemblies, they are deciding on water and sanitation and they are all men.

I dont think men need to decide what women need when women themselves can determine them, he said.

Background

The country would be going to the polls on December 19, 2023 to elect Assembly and Unit Committee members for the various Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts Assemblies in the District Level Elections.
MBABANE  Following concerns raised at Sibaya on the countrys health status, the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, and the DPM Thuli Dladla, initiated their investigations with a tour of the Mbabane Government Hospital, yesterday.

As early as 8am, both the minister and deputy prime minister (DPM) said they were intent on getting the true picture of what was happening ahead of the budget for the next financial year. They were taken on a guided tour of the hospital and were also shown the new referral facility. While touring the facility, they were shown the childrens Renal Unit, where they expressed serious concern about kidney failure affecting children in the country.

Addressing the minister, Dr Thandiwe Dlamini stated that the youngest patient attended to was about 13 years old. Asked on statistics of children who were currently on dialysis, Dr Dlamini said they were working with the Schools Health, under the ministry, to collect data, adding that they would need technical advice from stakeholders.

Crisis

Meanwhile, the minister of Health said they had started addressing the current health crisis, urging the nation to be patient as they attempted to respond to the concerns.The hospital is currently faced with a drug and medical supply shortage, equipment as well as staff that needed to be complemented, the minister said. Matsebula said they had already hit the ground running, further assuring the nation of an imminent change in service delivery under the health sector. He said they would work hard, in partnership with government, to ensure quality in service delivery.

He said the collective responsibility had already begun, which was why the DPM had accompanied him and the entire ministry, which responded promptly.

Asked on his priority response list, the minister said it would be to hire more staff, adding that government had lifted the hiring freeze. This, he said, was to allow for smooth operations. On the issue of drug shortages, he said there were emergency means being undertaken by the ministry, to ensure that they were available, while still attending to the source of the problem. Dladla, on the other hand, stated that they had established that there was staff shortage and other critical things which were affecting the hospital.

The DPM said she had tagged along to support the minister and that they would be raising the concerns during Cabinet meetings. Of note, the ministers were expected to report their preliminary findings to Cabinet at 9am, yesterday. Dladla said by first establishing the challenges, they would be in a position to report on what they had seen.We have received a briefing from the administration and experienced first-hand some of the concerns. This will allow us to report precisely, she said.

She said it was not the first or last time for them to visit the hospital, as they would return to monitor progress on issues of drug shortages.

Dladla said they would make sure that the hospital had all the required stock levels of drugs. The DPM stated they had realised that the hospital did not have enough drugs, but also considered the volumes of people who came to access health services on a daily basis. Furthermore, she mentioned that the rate at which the stock supply was slow, escalated the drugs shortage.

The DPM has suggested that the Ministry of Health should engage retired nurses to capture important data and studies. Dladla was speaking during the tour of the Mbabane Government Hospital upon being updated that there was no captured data for the children renal patients. She said a study needed to be conducted to establish the cause of kidney failure among children. Dladla said whenever there was a need for a certain project, the ministry should be able to utilise the pool of retired healthcare workers.

Patient

Meanwhile, a patient, Mfundo Nxumalo, attracted the attention of the Minister of Health, Matsebula, at the hospital yesterday. He seized the opportunity to speak to the minister, where he requested that his ministry should purchase certain drugs which were not on stock yet they were key in healing his ailment. The drugs are known as Rifampicin. They are strong antibiotics and used to treat several types of bacterial infections.

Nxumalo, who was involved in an accident in 2022, stated that as a result of not being able to find the drugs, his injury was not getting any better. He was injured on the right foot. He said he had searched, without success, for medication which was prescribed by the doctors at hospital. The minister was touched by the incident and requested Nxumalos personal details promising to get back to him.
If you are on the lookout for PC gaming peripherals, it's maybe time to open up your wallet because we found some pretty solid deals from one of the well-known brands like Logitech, Razer, Corsair and Steelseries.

Gaming keyboard deals

The Corsair K70 Pro is a high-end keyboard currently on sale and offers cutting-edge optical key switches and the option to choose between Cherry and OPX, depending on the market. You can also choose between linear travel or clicky switches.

You can take things up a notch with the Corsair K100, which is still a full-sized keyboard but you get an extra column of macro keys, which you can assign as well as a control knob at the top.

Razer's deal on the full-sized Huntsman V2 shouldn't be missed as well. It's currently 40% off in the US and comes with optical switches as well in different tactile variants. The Chroma RGB lighting should offer a wide range of customizable aesthetics to everyone's taste. It has dedicated media keys and a volume knob on the right.

The SteelSeries Apex 7 mechanical keyboard is now 42% off in the US and it's a fairly unique offer in the segment thanks to its OLED panel positioned right above the numpad. It offers quick access to certain controls and settings. Various switch options are available and the design is pretty compact for a full-sized keyboard.

Lastly, we found a pretty sweet deal on Logitech's top-tier G915 wireless gaming keyboard with the company's very own mechanical switches. It's currently 46% off in Germany and since we couldn't find a corresponding offer on the G915 in the US, we suggest you grab the G915 keyboard + G502 wireless mouse combo. You save $150 on this purchase and you will most certainly like the low-profile G915 keyboard and the precise Hero 25K sensor on the G502.

Gaming mouse deals

Perhaps one of the most sought after gaming mice on the market is the Razer Naga Trinity, which mostly designed for MOBA games, but since its modular, you can swap out the array of buttons for just two keys on the side and make it suitable for shooters as well. So you don't have to choose. The deal is live in both regional Amazons - US and DE.

Want something simpler but just as powerful? The Corsair M65 gaming mouse might be up your alley, especially if you are into first-person shooters. It's down by more than 30% right now and it features a precise optical sensor, optical switches and weights to tune the weight to your liking.

Last but not least, we have a significant discount on the SteelSeries Rival 600. The mouse has a dual optical sensor, RGB lighting and an impressive 0.05 lift-off distance, which is particularly useful if you are playing FPS games with low sensitivity. The sensor won't be tracking any unwanted movements when moving the mouse around on the pad. The mouse is also a successor of the classic SteelSeries Rival series and with the 60% discount, it's a no-brainer.

We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
With the Galaxy S24 series launch rumored to take place on January 17 were just weeks away from the launch of the next crop of Samsung flagships. A new leak has made its way online, revealing the alleged Galaxy S24 Ultra in silver. The upcoming Samsung flagship looks nearly identical to the outgoing Galaxy S23 Ultra but with a flat screen and back.



Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The S24 Ultra will retain the camera design of its predecessor with all four cameras housed inside a separate metal ring. We can also observe the rumored titanium frame which is set to replace the Armor Aluminum casing from the S23 series.

Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S24 series on January 17 at a special event held in San Jose, California. Pre-orders are rumored to start directly after the event while first shipments will likely arrive a week after that.

Source (post on X.com)
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero received the Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award.

The annual award, provided by the Guam Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants, recognizes a government professional who exemplifies excellence in government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards, and innovative management procedures.

Mr. Phillips was a beloved family friend, mentor, and an expert in finances and accounting. I am truly humbled to be among the esteemed professionals recognized for honoring his legacy. Stabilizing our finances was key to ensuring our government could continue to provide vital public services to our people and expand these services, the governor said during an intimate ceremony in late October.

Through strong fiscal policies, our administration has propelled the government of Guam into unchartered positive financial territory, and I want to thank our team for their tireless work to uplift the lives of the people of Guam and to do so in some of the most challenging times in Guams recent history, she said.

Adelup, in a news release, said in addition to eliminating the $83 million General Fund deficit within her first term in office, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration has and continues to pay tax refunds in record time.

Sound fiscal policies also resulted in a cumulative General Fund surplus four years in a row, all while achieving unmodified (clean) opinions through efforts of the Department of Administration.

Additionally, she revived the governments Rainy Day Fund and funded it at approximately $28 million, Adelup said.

This financial success has allowed for public laws that she approved, including the lowering of business privilege taxes for over 80% of business license holders, to 3% (instead of 5%) for those with gross receipts between $50,000 and $500,000, which has supported the islands small business community.

The news release said the governor also expanded services to the people of Guam during one of the most difficult times in Guams historythe COVID-19 pandemic.

Numerous programs she championed, implemented, and paid out have held up the lives of thousands of families and businesses throughout the pandemic and its lingering impacts on the tourism industry, the release said.

According to the AGA Guam Chapter website, the award is named after Professor John M. Phillips, CGFM, CPA, MBA, for his contributions to advancing government accountability in the Pacific region. Professor Phillips was a charter member of the AGA Guam Chapter and a retired tenured professor of accounting at the University of Guam after a 22-year career.
With Guam experiencing a shortage of affordable houses, the University of Guam recently hosted a roundtable discussion about a potential housing solution that will be quicker than traditional builds, and potentially cost-effective.

The solution? Using robots to build concrete homes.

Its not as futuristic as it sounds. Commonly called 3D concrete printing, the technology has led to the development of 3D printed concrete houses in parts of the United States, Japan and Germany, among other nations.

Solving Guams housing affordability challenges will result in more Guam families staying on the island instead of leaving for more affordable cost of living, said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, as she welcomed more than 100 guests who attended the roundtable on Nov. 17 at the School of Business and Public Administration.

Dr. Ernesto Guades, assistant professor at the University of Guam School of Engineering, also presented research at the School of Engineering to reuse old concrete waste from demolished buildings and recycle them for gravel and sand that can be used for paving and other construction projects.

The roundtable, coordinated through UOGs Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, offered perspectives from experts who are already in the business of either printing concrete homes or using 3D technology to manufacturer on-demand parts for businesses and the military.

James Lyman, CEO of Mudbots 3D Concrete Printers USA, which offers concrete printers that can build tiny homes to custom homes and industrial buildings, said 3D concrete printing technology can significantly reduce the cost of construction because of savings in time, materials and labor, among other factors.

Adrian Sinclair, co-founder of Starsand Technologies, an angel investor who also is a civilian innovator at YokoWerx, an Air Force innovation lab, saw the potential for the technology to work in Guam.

Sinclair partnered with Starsand Technologies co-founder Ann Dela Cruz, a Guam native, Army veteran and real estate businesswoman who came back to the island after having been away for 25 years. Called home to help with her familys business succession, she got drawn to helping find an affordable housing solution for Guam residents.

I found myself asking this question: Is it possible that additive construction, which is a fancy term for 3D concrete printing, can be a solution to our affordable housing crisis? And if so, what are the next steps? Dela Cruz said. Community engagement was one of them.

Dela Cruz had a meeting with Dr. Pamela Peralta, UOG Interim Vice Provost, Research and Sponsored Programs, which led to the University hosting the roundtable.

There are issues to overcome, including convincing banks and other lenders, home insurance companies and government regulators, according to affordable housing proponents at the roundtable.

Proponents of affordable housing expressed optimism that further community discussions will lead to resolving the challenges.
MBABANE  Over 100 parents have taken nine pension funds to court, to compel them to avail funds for their immediate needs until Likhwane Beneficiary Fund resumes normal operations.

The pension funds are PSI Provident Fund, Eswatini Electricity Company Pension Fund, UNESWA Pension Fund, Eswatini Building Society Pension Fund, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Pension Fund, and Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority Pension Fund. Others are Royal Eswatini Airways Pension Fund, Eswatini National Provident Fund Pension Fund and Premier Swazi Pension Fund (Pty) Ltd. Other respondents in the matter are administrators of the provident/pension funds, Likhwane Beneficiary Fund and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).

Benefit

The funds are established by different employers for the benefit of their employees. The employer and employees enter into an agreement in terms of which the former would deduct monthly sums from the latter. The employer adds a certain amount to that which has been deducted from the employee. The money would then be remitted to the pension fund or fund administrators. When the employee dies, the employer calls the beneficiaries to advise them about how much the employee each of them would receive from the members provident fund.

In the same meeting, the beneficiaries would be advised that a trust fund must be established with Likhwane Beneficiary Fund for the benefit of minor dependants and that the benefits be paid into the trust fund until they reached the age of 21 years. The parents are appointed as the legal guardians for the members minor children. The aim of the trust fund established by Likhwane is to, among other things, look after the childrens financial interest until they come of age, ensure they are sustained and educated until they are grown and the trust fund would invest the money and make monthly payments (stipend) to the legal guardians and caregivers to help the childrens general living conditions.

Large amounts are paid out separately for expenses such as school fees and medical costs. According to the parents, they and/or guardians were informed that they would be required to submit any request for educational expenses, medical or maintenance needs, including supporting documentation to Likhwane Beneficiary Services.

They submitted that this was happening without hindrance until August 2023 and/or September 2023, wherein the beneficiaries were unable to apply to Likhwane and get assistance as had been the norm. Likhwane invested E63 million of the money it received from the various pension funds in Escponent Eswatini, which is now known as ESW Investment Group. Investments of over E340 million by about 1 400 emaSwati were lost at Escponent and to date the money has not been recovered.

Beneficiaries

In their urgent application, the over 100 parents want the court to order the pension funds to pay them or the beneficiaries any amounts which may be available and outstanding from the pension fund or fund administrator, which may be due to them or the beneficiaries, held by the pension funds.

They also want the pension funds, including the fund administrators, to remit directly to them or the beneficiaries whatever amount is still available in their respective funds due to them and from the insurance amount provided for such monies remitted to Likhwane.

Alternatively, the parents are seeking an order that the pension funds make available funds for their immediate needs, Likhwane resumed operations.

Likhwane closed its offices at The New Mall in Mbabane, after FSRA filed a notice to appeal the judgment dismissing the latters application to liquidate the beneficiary fund (Likhwane).

According to Carol Scholman, who is the first applicant, the nature of court application is to get the court to come to the assistance of the parents and/or beneficiaries, as the case may be. She said the parents had suffered immensely, following the closure of Likhwanes office. She told the court that sometime around August and/or September 2023, Likhwane closed its offices and the word around town was that this was due to the FSRA, which discovered some shenanigans in its operations and thereafter directed the 11th respondent (Likhwane) to cease and desist from taking on new business, in a bid to protect the applicants and the pension funds.

Scholman submitted that she visited the offices of Likhwane and found them closed, with a notice on the door, communicating that operations had been suspended and any inconvenience caused was regretted.

Closure

I was then taken aback by such information, as nothing had prepared us for the imminent closure of the 11th respondent. I must hasten to mention that, from the 11th respondent on the normal scheme of things, when there is a need, we would approach the 11th respondent for issues such as school fees, school uniform, transport money, medical needs, toiletries and any other relevant needs for the beneficiaries, who in most cases are minor children and school-going, Scholman submitted.

The veracity of these allegations is still to be tested in court. The respondents are yet to file their answering papers. The parents are represented by Mxolisi Dlamini of Dynasty Inc Attorneys. Scholman argued that following the closure of Likhwane offices, the beneficiaries were being sent from pillar to post, without any assistance. This matter, according to Scholman, was widely reported in the local print media, where parents were leaving their children with the respective pension funds.

Again, while all this was happening, the 11th respondent under case No.1921/2023 approached the High Court, challenging its closure by the 12th respondent (FSRA) and that the 12th respondent had closed its account. The 12th respondent has denied closing the 11th respondent and/or freezing its accounts. With all this happening, the applicants and/or beneficiaries have been left without any remedy as they cannot receive any funds from the 11th respondent and now have been left without any recourse as they cannot get any assistance from the 11th respondent, Scholman added. She mentioned that it was apparent that Likhwane would not be able to meet any of its obligations for a while.

She said, in fact, on November 9, 2023, Likhwane issued a notice, which was displayed on its door that; Regrettably, Likhwane Offices will be closed while we seek guidance on a way forward. It is apparent that the beneficiaries will not be able to access the benefits that they had been receiving from Likhwane. It is common cause that most of the beneficiaries are school-going and need the money for the payment of school fees, as it is the critical time of the year, where exams are being done.

Scholman argued that the beneficiaries were now in limbo, in respect to the payment of their school fees as most schools had policies that pupils who had not paid school fees in full, would not be allowed to sit their exams. The matter is pending in court.




Haiti - Politic : PM Ariel Henry on official visit to Suriname





Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry at the head of a delegation is on an official visit to Suriname to participate, Saturday, November 25, in the ceremony celebrating the 48th anniversary of Suriname's independence of which he is the guest of honor.



On the sidelines of this ceremony, Ariel Henry will have working sessions with the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.



The Haitian delegation is composed, among others, of Ministers Enold Joseph (Defense), Ricardin St-Jean (Commerce and Industry), as well as representatives of the private sector, will have several meetings around the strengthening of cooperation between Haiti and Suriname, security, management of migratory flows, trade and agriculture.



In the absence of the Prime Minister, the interim in Haiti is provided by Michel Patrick Boisvert, the Minister of Economy and Finance.



Photo thumbnail : On the left Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry On the Right, the President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Corruption : Arrest of the former Deputy Director of ONA

Thursday November 23, 2023, the former Deputy Director General of ONA Stephanie Mondestin Stephanie MONDESTIN, under a departure ban, was arrested at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, trying to flee justice when she is expected, Monday November 27, 2023, at the Port-au-Prince Prosecutor's Office accused of laundering the proceeds of crime and criminal association.



Tony Blair mediates border crisis

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is currently in the Dominican Republic as part of a mediation mission aimed at resolving the border conflict between that country and Haiti. He was seen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he spoke with Chancellor Roberto Alvarez.



Former Senator Luc Fleurinor has died

Monday November 20, 2023, the former Senator of the North-West department Luc Fleurinor died, confirmed Marie Nelly Verpile Boyer Secretary General of the Senate. Founder of the political party Independent Movement for National Reconciliation (MIRN), Luc Fleurinor was an influential member of the VERITE party.



Me Stephanie Saint-Surin wins the oratory competitio

Congratulations to Me Stephanie Saint-Surin, trainee lawyer at the Port-au-Prince Bar for winning the Mario Stasi Prize, awarded by the Paris Bar during the 8th edition of the international French-speaking oratory competition held in Paris. Me Stephanie Saint-Surin's ten-minute argument defended Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human rights defender.



The 5 CSC/CA executives released

The 5 executives of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSC/CA) kidnapped on Monday November 6, 2023 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40926-haiti-news-zapping.html were all released in 3 stages by their captors for ransom. The last two were released on November 22.



Former Deputy Frantz Robert Monde has died

Thursday morning in Chicago the former Member of Parliament for the constituencies of Arnauld and Anse-a-Veau, Frantz Robert Monde (75 years old). He suffered from liver, heart and lung problems and had been on dialysis for some time.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/11/23 | Source

Young actors from "Man and Woman" gathered in one place.

Advertisement

The production team of Channel A's new Tuesday drama "Man and Woman" (writer Park Sang-min-III, director Lee Yoo-yeon) unveiled the scene of the script reading on the 21st. The scene, attended by the production team and actors who will lead the work, boasted a fantastic synergy from the first meeting.

"Man and Woman" tells the story of a real-life, empathetic love affair between young people wandering in love and boredom, facing each other in front of a motel elevator on the night of their 7th year anniversary.

In the drama, Donghae and Lee Seol, who play the roles of Jeong Hyeon-seong and Han Seong-ok, respectively, in a seven-year long-term relationship, perfectly expressed the reality of a long-term relationship couple who soon feel bored from their fresh and flustered appearance at the beginning of their relationship. In particular, the phrase in the video, "It's as comfortable as it is familiar and as boring as it is comfortable", stimulates curiosity by foreboding the change in the relationship between the two.

Actors Lim Jae-hyeok and Yoon Ye-joo play characters who are close between friendship and love, as Oh Min-hyeok and Kim Hye-ryeong, who have been friends for 15 years. Another point to watch is whether the two can overcome their friendship and develop into a relationship.

Choi Won-myeong, who plays Ahn Si-hoo, a younger man of a couple, constantly threw flirting comments to Baek Soo-hee, who plays Yoon Yoo-joo, six years older than him.

Actor Lim Jae-hyeok, Choi Won-myeong, Kim Hyun-mok, who appears as Jeong Hyeon-seong's best friends in the drama, and best friend Park Jeonghwa of Han Seong-ok also showed off their laughter-filled harmony that intervenes in the romantic history of a couple who are in an ennui period.

After the script reading, the actors said in an interview, "The script reading scene was very hot and enjoyable. We had a lot of fun because the atmosphere was nice".

"Man and Woman" which is expected to tell the story of three couples and young people, will premiere at 10:30 PM on December 26th.
Margaret Johanna (Andersen) Whalen Gill, 95, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Care Center in Havre.

Her vigil will be 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28th, at Holland and Bonine Funeral Home with her Funeral Mass held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 29th, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.

Margaret's family has suggested memorial contributions in her honor be made to the Catholic Endowment of Eastern Montana or to the charity of your choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Margaret's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .

Margaret was born July 14, 1928, to Martin and Ruth (St. John) Andersen, in Harlem, Montana. She was raised and educated in Harlem. She went on to further her education and obtained her degree as an RN.

She married Larry Whalen and together they had eight children. Margaret worked at the Deaconess and Sacred Heart Hospitals, Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, Northern Montana Hospital, and the Care Center. There wasn't a department in the hospital where she hadn't worked. She had numerous friends and co-workers with whom she enjoyed working. They always said if you're not sure of something "Ask Margaret."

Margaret became a young widow with eight children when Larry passed away in 1971. She accepted what life gave her without complaint. Her strong faith sustained her. She was a good listener for both friends and family. She offered immense support and love without judgement. Margaret never wanted to be a burden or have any special treatment. She married Dan Gill after her children were raised and within six months was struck a widow.

After Margaret retired from her long nursing career, she could still be found volunteering her time at St. Jude School and at the Senior Citizen and Care Centers. She knitted mittens, crocheted slippers, and gave all her works not only to her grandchildren but also to the kindergarten and Head Start classes in Havre. Her family was her pride and joy, and she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris; brother, Morris and his wife Peggy; her first husband, Larry Whalen; her second husband, Dan Gill; and her son Gary.

Margaret is survived by her seven children, Marjorie (Dave), Kathy (Jack), Mike, Willie (Eric), Eileen, Pat and Ruth, along with a great many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To honor Margaret's memory: Be Kind and Serve Each Other.
The memo points to a police estimate according to which people crossing the border will likely include people who pose a threat to internal security.

THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) on Wednesday released a memo casting light on its reasoning for temporarily closing several border-crossing points on the border between Finland and Russia.

The arrivals, it highlights, could include people with a history of war or other crimes, military personnel disguised as civilians and radicalised people.

The high number of [asylum] applicants also makes it possible to deliberately send individuals or groups that threaten national security to Finland. It is probable that the phenomenon will cause insecurity in society, the memo reads.

More than 700 asylum applicants have crossed the eastern border into Finland between August and November. The memo points out that the number of arrivals has increased sharply particularly in recent weeks, with the weekly total jumping from only 32 for 612 November to 527 for 1319 November.

The current rate of weekly arrivals would translate to around 15,00020,000 asylum seekers entering the country across the eastern border on an annual basis. It is also noteworthy that weaponisation increases the risks associated with the arrivals. This is not a case of an external factor causing genuine and spontaneous flow of migrants.

The government identified three factors that have contributed to the phenomenon: the kind of international crime that is typically linked to illegal immigration, active marketing on social media, and active and permissive facilitation by Russian authorities.

That the phenomenon is underpinned by organised crime and corruption by Russian authorities does not mean that the phenomenon has not been simultaneously harnessed for Russias broader foreign-policy purposes, the memo reads.

The number of people applying for international protection at the eastern border is expected to continue rising faster than the applications can be processed at the border, according to the memo. Already the current situation has tied up the resources of border officials at the expense of other responsibilities.

The Border Guards capacity to register applications for international protection has diminished at the border. Standard procedures no longer suffice to weigh up the preconditions for entry and register the arrivals, the memo states.

Were the situation to drag on, it would probably have an impact also on the capacity of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

The memo was drawn up based on input from experts at the Finnish Border Guard, National Police Board, National Bureau of Investigation (KRP), Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) and Migri.

The Finnish government has responded to the surge in asylum applicants by temporarily closing all but the northernmost crossing on the eastern border, Raja-Jooseppi.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
In a dramatic turn of events at the United Nations in New York, a critical vote was held on Wednesday evening to advance a new international tax agreement. Despite the African nations' hope for unanimity, the result highlighted a global divide. Developing countries, losing tens of billions of dollars annually to tax evasion, remain marginalized in negotiating international tax rules.

The worlds nations split into blocs during the vote. Countries voted on a proposal by African nations to bring international tax negotiations under the UN's umbrella. The proposal to advance the new tax agreement won decisively with a 12548 vote, following weeks of intense negotiations. The vote not only tested the agreements passage but also the global consensus on the issue.

Support for the agreement primarily came from Asian and Latin American countries, standing with the African nations. Finland, like all other EU countries, voted against the proposal. The Western bloc wasn't entirely united, however, as countries like Norway and Iceland abstained.

Outi Hakkarainen, a sustainable economy expert from Fingo, expressed disappointment at the outcome. Finland and almost all other Western countries sided with international tax evaders and avoiders, not with the Global South. This clearly shows whats wrong with the world: Western countries misuse their power and are not ready for democratic decision-making with equal participation for all countries, she said.

Currently, international tax cooperation is led by the OECD, primarily a forum for wealthy countries. Members include countries known as tax havens like the Netherlands and Luxembourg, while half of the African states are not part of the OECDs extended group dealing with taxes.

This means Western countries wield significantly more power in international tax matters than developing nations. Developing countries suffer most from corporate and individual tax evasion, losing tens of billions of dollars in tax revenue each year.

Hakkarainen pointed out that Russia and China voted in favor of the proposal, positioning themselves as supporters of the Global South against the West. Finland must now support the creation of the new tax agreement and later the commitment of Western countries to the agreement. Developing countries aim to effectively seal tax leaks, particularly targeting proper taxation of international companies and individuals operating in their countries. Western countries, including Finland, would also benefit from the reforms pushed by developing nations, she noted.

The vote signifies the formation of a UN member task force to draft a UN-based international tax cooperation agreement. The proposal will be discussed at the UN General Assembly next year. Following the vote, Nigeria's representative, coordinating the African proposal, emphasized that all countries are welcome to help prepare the new agreement.

HT
WITH a name like hers and as the daughter of a celebrity jeweller known as the King of Bling, Emerald Fennell was always going to sparkle.

She was an actress in Call the Midwife, then a writer and finally an Oscar nominated director.

Now 38-year-old Fennell, whose father is jeweller Theo Fennell, has written, produced and directed Saltburn (15), which opens at the Henley Regal Picturehouse this week.

Described as a black comedy psychological thriller, it follows her debut break-out movie, the revenge thriller Promising Young Woman (2020), for which she became the first British woman to be nominated for best director at the Academy Awards.

You can expect the unexpected from the woman who played a young Queen Camilla in The Crown, was head writer for hit series Killing Eve and then became best of friends with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Here, Saltburn is the sprawling country estate of the wealthy and eccentric Catton family, where their charismatic son Felix invites Oliver, a fellow undergraduate at Oxford, for the holidays.

Oddball Oliver is already struggling to fit into his new university surroundings but becomes infatuated with his new aristocratic friend and readily accepts. There follows a summer of raucous parties, weird encounters and unexpected entanglements as the Catton family celebrates in debauched and sometimes shocking style.

The film stars Barry Keoghan as the lower class lad from Merseyside, who is jeered at for being a scholarship boy by members of the Oxford in-crowd led by upper crust Felix, played by Jacob Elordi (who starred as Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppolas Priscilla).

Felixs aristo parents are played by Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant, with Carey Mulligan as a house guest who never leaves, working once more for Fennell after starring in Promising Young Woman.

Every scene, both interior and exterior, was shot at Drayton House, a Grade I estate in Northamptonshire which Fennell chose because it had not been used for location filming before.

Saltburn has a running time of two hours and seven minutes.
Ancient pottery, kilns and wells unearthed in north China ruins

Xinhua) 13:55, November 24, 2023

SHIJIAZHUANG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- A large number of pottery objects, kilns and pottery-making tools dating back about 2,000 years have been unearthed in the ruins of an ancient city in north China's Hebei Province, providing further evidence for the study of the pottery industry during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD).

The finds were made during the fourth excavation of the Bairen Town site in the city of Xingtai starting in mid-August, when more than 200 relics of various types including rammed earth, ash pits, house ruins, wells and pottery kilns were discovered in an area of about 400 square meters.

The ruins of Bairen Town are relatively well-preserved, covering an area of four square kilometers. The existing city walls have a circumference of about 8,000 meters, with some sections standing six to seven meters tall.

The excavations were conducted over almost four months by staff from the Renmin University of China, the Hebei institute of cultural relics and archaeology and the Xingtai cultural relics protection and research center. Archaeologists have previously conducted three excavations there, in 2016, 2018 and 2022.

According to Li Meitian, director of the Department of Archaeology and Culture at the Renmin University, who led the excavation, most of the relics found this time were from the Han Dynasty, which proved that "during that period, Bairen Town was very prosperous and populous."

Archaeologists also discovered a few cultural relics from the Warring State Period (475-221 BC), the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and later, which he said "could offer a deeper and more thorough understanding of the development and evolution of Bairen Town."

Li noted that the pottery utensils and kilns unearthed this time showed that the area might have been a major pottery-producing quarter.

"From different layers of relics in the city ruins we know that Bairen Town was used for a long time. It had been already in use during the Warring State Period, and the Han Dynasty saw the peak of its prosperity," he said.

The excavations are of great significance for further research and discussion of urban ecology from the pre-Qin period to the Han Dynasty in northern China, Li added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Riot police used batons and tear gas to halt tens of thousands of supporters of Nepals former king who attempted to march to the center of the capital on Thursday to demand the restoration of the Hindu monarchy and the nations former status as a Hindu Rashtra.

The proud Nepalis have taken to the streets for a final showdown to restore Hindu Monarchy. The days of sickular banana republic imposed upon by Antonia Maino are numbered.

Har Har Mahadev 

Ayo Gorkhali 

     #Nepal#HinduRashtra pic.twitter.com/PdNKbFdWf9  Apil Gurung (@apligrg) November 23, 2023

The protesters, waving the national flag and chanting slogans supporting former King Gyanendra, gathered on the edge of Kathmandu and attempted to move toward the center of the city.

Riot police blocked them, beating them with bamboo batons and firing tear gas and a water cannon. There were minor injuries on both sides.

Authorities had banned protests in key areas of the city prior to the rally.

We love our king and country more than our lives. Bring back the monarchy. Abolish the republic, the crowd chanted.

Supporters of the former king came to Kathmandu from all over the country to demand the return of the monarchy that was abolished in 2008. They accused the government and political parties of corruption and failed governance.

Weeks of street protests in 2006 forced then-King Gyanendra to abandon his authoritarian rule and introduce democracy.

Two years later, a newly elected parliament voted to abolish the monarchy and declared Nepal a republic with a president as head of state.

The demonstrators also demanded that Nepal be turned back into a Hindu state. The Himalayan nation was declared a secular state in 2007 by an interim constitution.

Source : News18
Established in 2022 in the dynamic metropolis of New Delhi, Caribbean Holidays International Pvt Ltd set out on a mission to revolutionize the vacation experience for people. From the very beginning, the company has consistently extended its presence, making its mark throughout the nation. At the heart of Caribbean Holidays International Pvt Ltd's values is an enduring dedication to putting customer satisfaction first. This unwavering commitment has steered the company in shaping its policies and services to meet the distinctive desires and expectations of its cherished clientele.

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In fresh legal trouble for Ashneer Grover, Resilient Innovations, the parent firm of BharatPe, has filed a case in the Delhi high court against the ex-Shark Tank India judge, seeking an injunction after he divulged what it said was confidential' information about the fintech company, in public domain. Ashneer Grover (File Photo)

The hearing against Grover, BharatPe's estranged co-founder, took place on Friday, reported Economic Times.

What is the issue?

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Grover put out details regarding the equity allocation and secondary components undertaken during BharatPe's Series E funding round, led by Tiger Global, with participation from Dragoneer Investor group, among others.

At the $370 million fundraise, the Delhi-based fintech major got valued at $2.86 billion.

The social media post, meanwhile, has since been deleted.

What happened inside court?

Appearing before Justice Sachin Dutta's bench, BharatPe's counsel alleged that the 41-year-old, who resigned in March 2022, continues to hold sensitive' information about the company including the details revealed by him  despite his resignation, and is, therefore, in violation of his obligations under an employee agreement.

Grover, through his counsel, submitted an apology, which was accepted by the bench, though he stated that the information was necessary due to the various proceedings instituted against him.

The matter will now be taken on the next date of hearing.

BharatPe vs Ashneer Grover

The case is in addition to the earlier civil suit filed by Resilient Innovations against the entrepreneur; the former has accused the latter and his family of causing damages to the company to the tune of about 81.3 crore. That case is being heard by a separate bench of the high court.
According to a report, India will be the second market and first non-European destination for a proposed 2-door electric car from Elon Musk's Tesla, with the model also being the largest EV manufacturer's most affordable vehicle. The logo of car manufacturer Tesla (REUTERS)

Likely to be a sedan or an SUV, the electric vehicle  if indeed the company goes ahead with it  will make its global debut in Germany, the Moneycontrol report said.

While Tesla has earmarked its German facility for this most affordable car, it expects sizable volumes of this model from the Indian market. Though still unnamed, it will initially follow the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route, with its kits being imported from Germany to be heavily indigenised in India, Moneycontrol quoted a person aware of the development, as saying.

Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg is its first manufacturing facility in Europe.

The proposed EV will be priced at 25,000 euros (over 20 lakh), the person quoted above further stated. Tesla rolls out its Model Y crossover from the same plant.

Meanwhile, if the development turns out to be true, the most affordable car will also be the second EV considered by the company for India, after the aforementioned Model Y, which, as per an earlier Moneycontrol exclusive, will be the Musk-founded giant's maiden offering in the country.

Tesla is reportedly closing in on an agreement with the Indian government to commence operations in the country. During his state visit to the United States in June, prime minister Narendra Modi met several business leaders and entrepreneurs, including Musk, the world's richest person.
Private carrier Akasa Air said it is launching daily flight services between Karnataka capital Bengaluru and Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from December 15 onwards. This flight will transit through Chennai, the airline said in a press release dated Wednesday. This additional flight will help in boosting connectivity between the tourist hub and the two major metropolitan cities, the company said.(REUTERS)

This will be Akasa Air's 17th domestic destination. There will be no change in aircraft at Chennai and this additional flight will help in boosting connectivity between the tourist hub and the two major metropolitan cities, the company said.

READ | Drunk passenger misbehaves with IndiGo crew mid-air, handed over to police

Here is the schedule of the new daily flights:

Flight number QP 1485 has been assigned to fly from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport at 6 am and reach Tamil Nadu capital Chennai at around 7:05 am. It will depart from Chennai at 7:45 am and arrive at Port Blair at 9:55 am. Flight number QP 1486 will then depart from Port Blair at 10:35 am and reach Chennai at 1 pm, and take off for Bengaluru city at 1:35 pm and reach at 2:50 pm.

"The start of operations in the Andamans is yet another step towards our continuous efforts in network expansion. Port Blair offers breath-taking natural beauty and is an attractive tourist destination with strong air travel demand. We are certain that our warm and efficient customer experience, reliable service and affordable fares will enable more consumers to visit and explore the island, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said.

READ | IndiGo under fire for offboarding passengers from Bengaluru-Chennai flight, apologises

The airline was launched in August 2022 and connects 16 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.

The tropical island of Port Blair is a popular tourist destination and Akasa Airs foray into the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is testament to the airlines commitment to strengthen its operations across the country, allowing travellers more options to connect between cities and fly to an increasing number of destinations, the press release stated.
In an initial response to the Karnataka cabinet pulling out the consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the disproportionate case against him, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said that he was not aware of the development. Shivakumar said he only saw news reports this morning and learned about the decision. DK Shivakumar (ANI)

Speaking to reporters on Friday, DK Shivakumar said, I did not know about the decision until I read newspapers this morning. I did not attend the cabinet meeting on Thursday as I was busy with the assembly elections in Telangana. For the next two days, I will be in Telangana for the election campaign.

Also Read - Nod for CBI probe against Shivakumar not as per law: Karnataka cabinet

The BJP has slammed the Congress party for the decision and called it a blatant misuse of power in the state. BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan said, CBI is investigating a disproportionate assets case. This is a serious case, and it is in its final stages in the court as well. At such a time, misusing the power, they are planning to take the case away from the CBI. We condemn it. They (Congress leaders) behave like they are clean, so why are they opposing this investigation? If you are clean, face the CBI probe.

On Thursday, Karnataka law minister HK Patil announced the decision to withdraw the consent given to CBI to probe DK Shivakumar. He said, Before handing over the case to CBI, the BJP government did not get permission from the speaker as per the procedure. This is in violation of the rules that require the Speakers permission before giving the sanction to the CBI. The previous Advocate Generals and the current Advocate Generals opinions were considered. Keeping in view of the Advocate Generals opinion the cabinet has held that this is not in accordance with the law.

Recently, DK Shivakumar had filed a petition in the high court seeking quashing of the disproportionate assets case. However, the court dismissed Shivakumars plea in October and directed the CBI to conclude its investigation within three months. The court said that it wont interfere in the matter as the CBI is almost complete with its investigation.
In the wake of the Silkyara tunnel collapse at Uttarkashi in the neighbouring state Uttarakhand, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started a comprehensive safety audit for under-construction tunnels in Himachal. A total of 29 tunnels are being audited nationwide (HT File)

This audit includes the strategically vital Chandigarh-Manali four-lane project, which has about 12 tunnels, with a cumulative length of 79 km. A total of 29 tunnels are being audited nationwide.

Teams of experts, comprising of personnel from both NHAI and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), will inspect all the tunnels . The audit aims to assess the structural integrity, safety protocols and emergency preparedness of the ongoing tunnel construction projects.

Regional officers from NHAI are actively involved in the audit process, conducting on-site inspections and documenting their findings, officials said. The inspections will focus on structural aspects and provide a timeline for essential construction milestones, ensuring transparency and accountability in the ongoing projects.

Under the Pandoh Bypass Takoli project, significant progress has been made with the completion of eight out of 10 tunnels. Currently, traffic is flowing through five of these tunnels, while excavation work is underway at two. The construction design incorporates interconnected tunnels every 300 to 500 meters, allowing for emergency exits through cross-passage tunnels, ensuring swift evacuation in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Varun Chari, project director at NHAI, emphasised the commitment to safety and said, Instructions have been issued for a safety audit of the tunnels under construction. Regional officials are visiting the tunnels to ensure adherence to safety standards.

As the audit progresses, it is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing safety measures in tunnel construction, reaffirming the commitment to the well-being of commuters and the success of vital infrastructure initiatives in Himachal.
Two boys and an 18-year-old were held for stabbing a man to death in outer Delhis Aman Vihar in the early hours of Thursday, the Delhi Police said on Friday, adding it seized two knives allegedly used in the crime. 3, including 2 minors, held for 24-year-olds murder in Delhi

Deputy commissioner of police (Rohini), Guriqbal Singh Sidhu, said that personal enmity between the victim and the teenagers led to the attack which eventually ended in the death. We have registered a case of murder, arrested the 18-year-old and apprehended the two minors, the DCP said. The minors are aged 13 and 17. The 18-year-old was identified as Sumit Sagar, who had at least four cases of burglary registered against him.

Police identified the victim as Anshul Kumar, 24, who was a resident of Aman Vihar. He dabbled in multiple small businesses, said another police officer not authorised to speak to the media.

A few months ago, Kumar was allegedly involved in a quarrel with the three teenagers over a petty issue, the officer said. The minors told us that Kumar had slapped them, because of which they were seeking revenge. That enmity between them had continued over the months, said the officer.

The attack took place a little after midnight on Thursday while Kumar was in the street near his house with a friend. The three were armed with two knives and they caught hold of Kumar and stabbed him in his left thigh. They fled leaving him bleeding at the spot, said the officer.

The victims friend, with the help of locals, rushed him to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital where he died during treatment. Kumars friend identified the suspects after which we launched a search and nabbed them, the police officer said.

The DCP said the three were caught from different parts of the neighbourhood over the next four hours.
Three people  a man and his son, and a 59-year-old electrical engineer  died by electrocution inside an underground water tank on the premises of a private hospital at Vikas Nagar, near Ranhola in outer Delhi on Friday afternoon, police officers said. The Commander Hospital in Ranhola where the incident took place. (HT Photo)

The engineer was employed at the hospital while the other two were plumbers.

The three had gone to repair a water motor in the tank, when they allegedly suffered electric shock and died. Their bodies were found floating in the water inside the tank, officials of Delhi Fire Service (DFS) said.

DFS director Atul Garg said the fire control room received a call at 2.56pm, reporting that electric current had spread in a water tank at Commander Hospital, Vikas Nagar, Nallah Road. Two fire tenders were rushed to the incident spot. The firemen learnt that there was electric current in the underground water tank in the hospital that is meant to supply water through pipes for the fire hydrant system.

Three people were electrocuted. They had gone to repair a motor inside the tank. All died on the spot. The police are investigating the matter, said Garg.

Deputy commissioner of police (outer) Jimmy Chiram said the matter came to light after the Ranhola police station was informed that there was an incident at Commander Hospital and three people were trapped and needed help. A police team rushed to the hospital and learnt that three people were lying in the water tank.

The bodies of the three people were fished out of the tank. They were identified as Sarvesh Kumar, 59, who was an electrical engineer at the hospital, Kunwar Pal, 40, and his son Raman (single name),20. The father-son duo were plumbers. The reason of the deaths would be ascertained after the post-mortem examination, said DCP Chiram.

The hospital authorities could not be reached for a comment despite calls on two mobile numbers available on the internet.

The police said that the bodies were shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospital for autopsy. A first information report (FIR) under Indian Penal Codes section 304A (death by negligence) and other relevant sections was registered at the Ranhola police station.

Initial enquiry revealed that the electric water motor installed inside the water tank had malfunctioned. The plumbers were called in for repair. The hospitals electrical engineer was also inside the tank to repair the motor. Prime facie, it appears that the three suffered electric shock while carrying out the repair work, said a police officer, aware of the incident.

The officer said forensic experts visited the incident spot and carried out an inspection, and took samples including the water motor.

The dead engineer was a resident of Sahibabad near Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh. Kunwar Pal and Sarvesh lived with their family members in Hastsal village in south-west Delhi.
The Supreme Court on Friday suggested that the central government propose names of officials for the post of the Delhis chief secretary, from which the state government may take a final pick. The courts direction came on a petition filed by the Delhi government on November 7. (HT FILE)

The courts direction came on a petition filed by the Delhi government on November 7, challenging the unilateral decision-making process being adopted by the Centre to appoint Delhis chief secretary as it said that there must be a degree of confidence in the elected arm of the state.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, We must have a process where governments can function. This is about governance...We must foster a degree of confidence in the elected arm of the state.

The Centre told the court that it will furnish names of such officials on Tuesday next week, when the petition will be taken up for hearing.

READ | Arvind Kejriwal calls for suspension of Delhi Chief Secretary over alleged hospital scam, hospital denies link to Chief Secretary's son

The present chief secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, is set to demit office by November-end.

The Delhi government in its plea cited Rule 7(2) of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954 that stipulates all appointments to cadre posts in a state cadre to be made by the state government. Also citing the apex courts May order which held that the services department will rest with the Delhi government, the petition said that the 2023 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act violates the decision of the court, rendering the Delhi government to be a mere observer in appointing the chief secretary.

Proposing a way out, the bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, on Friday told the Centre to suggest the names of officials which could be shared with the Delhi government just before the hearing and a decision could be finalized in court.

READ | Delhi LG junks report on chief secretary, AAP hits back

If we leave it open ended, there wont be any solution. Why dont you (Centre) suggest a panel of best, senior-most officers. This can give them (Delhi) free play in the joints so that they can pick a name. Ultimate choice will be from a panel chosen by you, the bench said. It then asked the Delhi government to have an authority suitable enough to decide on a name.

Solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the process of appointing a chief secretary was mid-way, and said, Since this suggestion has come from the court, it will be considered.

Initially, the bench had also suggested that the Delhi lieutenant governor and the chief minister could meet and decide on a name, but realised that this failed to yield any result in a previous round of litigation where the Delhi government and Centre locked horns over the appointment of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairperson in July this year. To break the impasse, the court had to nominate a former Delhi high court judge, justice Jayant Nath, as interim chairperson.

READ | Atishi submits third report on CS to Delhi LG

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for the Delhi government told the court that till the constitutional validity of the Ordinance brought by Centre amending the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act (later passed as a law by Parliament), there cannot be unilateral exercise of power by the Centre acting through the LG.

Singhvi, appearing along with advocate Shadan Farasat, then proposed that a set of five best officers could be proposed by the Centre as he said that prior to the Ordinance, the chief secretarys name used to be recommended by chief minister.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the LG, pointed out the danger of bringing names of officials to the court. What names are shared should not be on Instagram and Twitter. Nobody should be allowed to go public with the names and why they were not selected.

He also told the court that there has been a running commentary making scurrilous charges against the current chief secretary Kumar, who approached the Delhi high court earlier this week, seeking relief. He was referring to an article by a news portal linking Kumars son with a case pertaining to enhanced valuation of land by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the Dwarka expressway project. The HC had directed the news portal to pull down the defamatory article.

SG Mehta agreed with Salve, and said that the Delhi government should be asked to respect the officers dignity. Much is left to be said on the way officers are being treated. Respect should not be commanded but earned.

The bench said, Surely this must be done. We are dealing with the career of officers. Suppose a person is not appointed, if his name is put out, he will ask why you considered me for the appointment without my consent. Let us not do any mud-slinging against officers.

Singhvi told the court that the allegation is not true. They (officials) dont listen to me. Where is the question of treating them in any manner? On the alleged defamatory article against Kumar, Singhvi said that it had nothing to do with the Delhi government.
MUMBAI: As the Enforcement Directorates inquiries into alleged Covid-19 scams continue apace, one more politician was questioned in the body bags case: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar, who was interrogated for six hours on Thursday by ED officials. Simultaneously, two letters written by former guardian minister Aslam Shaikh in 2021 to civic chief I S Chahal, objecting to the award of another pandemic contract to a bogus company, have also come to light. Mumbai, India Nov 23, 2023: Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar leaves after an inquiry from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in connection with the Covid body bag scam case, in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, Nov 23, 2023. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)

The relentless investigations into the Covid 19 scams have chipped away at the image of the Sena (UBT), which was in power in the BMC during the pandemic. They have been particularly instrumental in wiping out the one USP of the partys leader, Uddhav Thackeray, which is the tremendous goodwill that he had garnered from Mumbaikars for his efficient handling of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, the Economic Offences Wing registered a case for alleged irregularities in the setting up of oxygen generation plants in nine civic hospitals and two Jumbo Covid centres. The ED too has begun the process of registering a fresh probe into this case.

The contractor, Highway Construction Company, procured the oxygen from another Delhi-based supplier for 20 crore but the BMC had to pay 80 crore for the same, said an agency source. The same contractor had also charged the BMC 60 crore in another similar contract, though it is suspected that he may have spent only 12 crore. The agency had conducted searches at the premises of the contractor earlier and allegedly recovered cash of around 1 crore.

On Wednesday, two strongly worded letters written by MLA Aslam Shaikh to BMC commissioner Chahal against Highway Construction Company came to light. The letters dated June 21 and July 12, 2021, refer to Highway Construction Company as a bogus company and object to its being given the contract. Despite the letters, copies of which are with HT, the BMC went ahead and awarded the contract anyway. Shaikh said he had written to the BMC on the same subject in the past as well.

In his July 12 letter, Shaikh wrote, New tenders were floated once again by MCGM for installation of oxygen generator plants. In the said tender, only two bids were received, of which one bid was of Highway Construction Company, which also happens to be the same company that was awarded the earlier tender even though it was a single bid and was above cost estimate despite several complaints and objections. I have been given to understand that as part of the previous letter of acceptance issued on June 14, 2021, all 16 sites were to be handed over to this company, wherein oxygen generator plants are to be installed.

Shaikh pointed out that the BMC was paying a high price in spite of other urban local bodies and state governments purchasing the same plants at a low price. I am also given to understand that the company is already hand-in-glove with certain department engineers says the letter. Shaikh also alleged that all the products were being imported from China and were of substandard quality, and directed the civic chief to scrutinise all the documents of the company and its manufacturers.

The MLA also drew attention to the fact that there were highly qualified companies in the business of manufacturing oxygen plants, which they had supplied to state governments during the pandemichowever, he claimed, these companies were not even considering putting in bids because of match fixing. He directed Chahal not to award any further tender to Highway Construction Company until its performance was satisfactory and all 16 plants, for which the work order was already issued, were installed and ready on July 17, 2021,

Shaikh could not be reached despite several attempts.

Former MP Kirit Somaiya claimed that Highway Construction Company had been blacklisted by the BMC itself in the past. Chahal is accountable as he has overruled the guardian ministers two crucial letters of 2021, he said. Neither the seven-level committee nor he took cognisance of the letters. It is Chahals duty to clarify whether he succumbed to political pressure and why this contract was awarded to an already blacklisted contractor.

Chahal, when questioned, said that the BMC would never award contracts to a blacklisted contractor. There are seven levels of recommendation before I sign, which includes the executive engineer, additional municipal commissioner and so on, he said. Very often, allegations are made which are not factually correct. An oversight by a seven-level committee is not possible. Many times, people have the impression that a contractor is blacklisted when he isnt.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar was questioned about the circumstances under which the body bags contract was given to a supplier from Aurangabad. It was alleged that the BMC purchased the bags from the supplier at around 6,800 a piece, even though he sold the bags to other government entities for 2,000 apiece. The ED is probing the allegation that the contract was given on the instructions of Pednekar.

Pednekar, however, denied the allegation. I was called as part of the ED enquiry, she said. As a citizen, I must cooperate with the inquiry and I have done that. They asked me questions and I answered them. They also need certain documents, and I will provide them through my lawyer soon.

ED officials confirmed that the former mayor had denied the allegations and said that so far, they had not come across any monetary transaction involving Pednekar in the case.
AGRA The echoes of Bharat Mata Ki Jai pierced the sombreness in the air as the mortal remains of Captain Shubham Gupta, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter with terrorists in Rajouri district of Kashmir on Wednesday, reached his hometown in Agra. The poignant homecoming stirred intense emotions among the bereaved family. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak consoling Basant Gupta, father of Captain Shubham Gupta. (HT Photo)

Deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Brajesh Pathak, visited the residence of Basant Gupta, the grieving father of the fallen Army hero, to extend his condolences. Expressing admiration for the courage and valour of the young Captain, who was in his twenties, Deputy CM Pathak commended the sacrifice made by Captain Shubham Gupta in service to the nation.

Prior to the homecoming, a gathering of Agra residents assembled at the gate of the Air Force area to pay their respects as the mortal remains of Captain Shubham Gupta arrived at Agra Air Force base on Friday afternoon. The emotional scenes continued as a multitude of well-wishers gathered at the family residence in Prateek Enclave, Taj Nagari area, to receive the fallen hero.

Later in the day, the mortal remains were solemnly transported to Kuankheda, the paternal village of the Gupta family near Agra, for the final rites. The cremation ceremony unfolded with full military honours, symbolising the nations gratitude for Captain Shubham Guptas sacrifice.

Minister hands over 50L cheque to family

In a gesture of support, state education minister Yogendra Upadhayaya, accompanied by local BJP MLA Dr. GS Dharmesh, presented a cheque of 50 lakh to the inconsolable mother of Captain Shubham Gupta, Pushpa Devi Gupta. The emotional moment saw tears and a small outburst from the grieving mother, with her husband, Basant Gupta, offering support during this difficult time.

Pic Caption 1: Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak consoling Basant Gupta, father of Captain Shubham Gupta. HT Photo

Pic Caption 2: Mortal remains of Captain Shubham Gupta reaching Agra.

HT Photo
In Rajasthan, which votes today, the three-time chief minister (CM) Ashok Gehlot is battling history. Voters here have refused to vote for the incumbent government since 1993. Gehlot, 72, has sought to break this trend by making the polls a referendum on his record in office. The enormity of his challenge is evident from the fact that the Congress could only scrape through in the 2018 and 2008 elections, unlike its rival BJP which won by convincing margins in 2013 and 2003. The slant in the contest is because there are 54 assembly seats in the state that the Congress has been unable to win since 2008: The party has to win at least 100 of the remaining 146 constituencies in an assembly of 200 seats to win office.

Rajasthan has largely stayed a bipolar polity for over three decades with the Congress and the BJP alternating in office. And for over a quarter century, Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje have been the faces of their respective parties. The BJP, however, has refused to project Raje as its CM nominee. Instead, it has offered a different binary to the electorate by turning the elections into a contest between Gehlot and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The polls this time are a contest between the seven guarantees of Gehlot/Congress and the promises of Modi/BJP. The Congress, following the model that won Karnataka for the party earlier this year, has released a manifesto heavy on welfare promises. These guarantees targeted multiple constituencies, especially women, with the promise of a monthly handout of 10,000 to women heads of families, LPG cylinders at 500, a 15 lakh insurance as protection from natural calamities and a scaled-up Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme. The BJP manifesto is a mixture of welfare and muscular nationalism that includes the promise of 250,000 government jobs in five years, a dole of 5,000, loan relief, and rural start-up fund to double farmers incomes but also deportation of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas and citizenship to children of displaced Hindus from Pakistan. If the BJP campaign flagged faith to polarise the electorate, the Congress sought to counter a Hindu consolidation with the promise of a caste census.

However, beyond the grand narrative of binaries, local and seemingly marginal factors complicate the poll picture and introduce a set of unknowns that can undo all calculations and predictions. For instance, small parties such as the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, BSP, Bharatiya Adivasi Party, Bharatiya Tribal Party and the CPI (M) and the numerous rebels from the Congress and BJP may influence contests and even win a few seats. In 2018, independents and candidates from small parties won 22% of the votes and 27 seats. Gehlots magic was that he convinced the bulk of these MLAs to support his government, including during the 2020 rebellion by Sachin Pilot. Also, beyond the Gehlot vs Modi binary, the restive supporters of Pilot and Raje, now pushed into the background, can influence close contests, and may hold the key to government formation if no party wins with a runaway majority. A fourth win, however, will be remarkable for Gehlot, who had successfully fought off the BJP, Pilot and even the Congress high command to complete his term in office. However, this election may also see Rajasthan move away from the Raje-Gehlot binary.

Irrespective of the outcome, the Rajasthan campaign was significant since both parties sought a mandate based on their governance record. It is a good sign that parties are ready to compete on governance and respond to the demands of voters accordingly.
Board of School Education, Haryana will close the registration process for Haryana Board Exam 2024 on November 24, 2023. Schools can register for the Class 10, 12 annual examinations through the official website of BSEH at bseh.org.in. Haryana Board Exam 2024: Last date today to register for Class 10, 12 exams(HT file)

As per the official notice, all the Secondary/Senior Secondary (Regular) and heads of Gurukul/Vidyapeethas of the state can apply without a late fee till today, November 24, 2023. The heads of the school can apply online from November 25 to November 28 with a late fee of 300 and from November 25 to December 5 with a late fee of 1000.

Direct link to apply for Haryana Board Exam 2024

Haryana Board Exam 2024: How to apply

Visit the official website of BSEH at bseh.org.in.

Click on Haryana Board Exam 2024 link available on the home page.

Register yourself and click on submit.

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 registration fees for the secondary examination is 750 (basic fees), 50 (mig fees), 100 (practical fees), and for the senior secondary examination, the registration fees is 900 (basic fees), 100 (mig fee), 200 (add sub fee) and 100 (practical fees). For more related details candidates can check the official website of BSEH.
National Law University, Delhihas released AILET Admit Card 2023 on November 24, 2023. The All India Law Entrance Test 2024 admit card when released can be downloaded from the official website of NLU at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. The admit card will be available from 6 pm onwards. AILET Admit Card 2023 releasing today, heres how to download (HT FILE)

The written examination will be conducted on December 10, 2023 in single shift- from 11 am to 1 pm. AILET-2024 will be conducted at the following cities: Bengaluru, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Kota, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla, Siliguri, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam.

All those candidates who are appearing for the exam can download the admit card by following the steps given below.

AILET Admit Card 2023: How to apply

Visit the official website of NLU at nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.

Click on AILET Admit Card 2023 link available on the home page.

Enter the login 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.

AILET 2024 exam is conducted for admission to B.A.LL.B.(Hons.), LL.M. and Ph.D. Programmes for the Academic Year 2024-25. For more related details candidates can check the official website of NLU Delhi.
Attack on Titans Eren Jaeger who was once a hero, now turned villain, surprised fans with a jaw-dropping transformation into the formidable "Doomsday Titan." This new Titan form, a fusion of his iconic Attack Titan and Founding Titan forms, posed an ultimate challenge for Armin and the Scout Regiment. Eren Jaeger's shocking transformation into the formidable Doomsday Titan poses a challenge for Armin and the Scout Regiment in the heart-stopping conclusion of Attack on Titan.(MAPPA)

In a recent release, the franchise delves deeper into the intricacies of Eren's last and most powerful transformation. The Doomsday Titan, as described by the series, is a Titan that persists even after losing its body, royal blood, and the cataclysmic event known as The Rumbling. This enigmatic creature, speculated to inherit at least the abilities of the Attack Titan, continues to move forward, undeterred, even if what lies ahead is a metaphorical hell.

The grandeur of Attack on Titan's finale is underscored by Eren's ability to eliminate a staggering eighty percent of the world's population through The Rumbling, showcasing the series' penchant for shocking twists. Yet, the resilience of the Scout Regiment ensured the salvation of the remaining twenty percent from the colossal Titans' destructive march. Eren's demise, orchestrated by Mikasa's decisive action, marked the end of an era, stripping the world of Titan powers and leaving the survivors to pick up the shattered pieces.

Also Read | Attack on Titan's anime finale outshines manga - Here's why

In a post-credits scene, creator Hajime Isayama hints at a cyclic nature to these events, raising speculation about the potential return of Titans in the distant future. The narrative shift of Eren from protagonist to antagonist exemplifies Attack on Titan's willingness to defy expectations, offering fans a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists throughout the series.

As we bid farewell to beloved characters and the series' trademark unpredictability, the Doomsday Titan remains an enduring symbol of the show's commitment to pushing boundaries.
Brad Pitt seemed unfazed by his son Paxs scathing world-class a**hole remarks as he was seen in public for the first time since the post resurfaced. Brad Pitt remains silent on public family drama, unfazed by his son's scathing remarks. Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

The Bullet Train star was enjoying a ride in his new $200,000 electric Porsche Taycan in Los Angeles. He also stopped by an office building for a meeting before returning to his car.

The Hollywood icon looked casual in a brown linen shirt with big pockets. He left the top and bottom buttons open and wore a straw-like bucket hat to shield his eyes from the sun. He completed his look with worn-out white sneakers.

Brad was generous with the valet and handed him a $20 bill before getting into his sleek vehicle and driving away. He was reportedly devastated by his adoptive son Paxs social media post from 2020, in which he called him a f**ing awful father" and "world-class a**hole.

He wrote, Happy Fathers Day to this world class a**hole!! You time and time and again prove yourself to be a terrible and despicable person. You have no consideration or empathy toward your four youngest children who tremble in fear when in your presence. You will never understand the damage you have done to my family because you are incapable of doing so.

The post from Fathers Day 2020 has recently gained attention again, causing Brad pain and frustration. Friends of Brad have blamed his ex-wife Angelina Jolie for the rift between him and his three adopted children. They accused her of textbook parental alienation.

ALSO READ| Squid Game Vs Squid Game The challenge: 3 reasons making it the most hate-watched series

Friends of the former couple confirmed that Pax shared the post but noted that it was from three years ago and things might have changed since then.

One of the couple's common friends said, The publication of the Instagram is sad and frustrating because it does not make things any better.

"Even when what is said is bad for him, Brad would only ever respect the kids voices. He will never ever speak negatively about any of them and will almost never talk about them in public, they quoted to Daily Mail.

It also claimed that Angelina was a textbook demonstration of parental alienation. They said that Brad has kept quiet about the family drama because he doesnt want to get drawn into battle with her. This comes after a bitter custody battle that ended with Angelina having custody of their six children and Brad having visitation rights for the minors.
Looks like legal action has inspired Mansoor Ali Khan to tender an apology to Trisha, even if it may not be the most heartfelt. On Friday, a statement from the Leo actor was posted on social media, in which he apologised to his co-star. (Also read: Trisha vows to never work with Mansoor Ali again after his shocking comment on not getting to do 'rape scenes' in films) Trisha had recently called out Mansoor Ali Khan for sexist comments against her.

My co-actress Trisha, Please forgive me! May God bless the fortune for me to bless your Mangalyam (marital necklace, mangalsutra) as it goes around in the coconut tray in the auspicious marital ritual! Amen. ---Mansoor Ali Khan"

A person on Twitter caught the drift and asked, Where is the apology...he asks to forgive?! Another called it Pora pokkula oru adi (a step in the journey of battle).

Mansoor Ali Khan, known for his negative roles in Tamil films, appeared before the police on Thursday in connection with the cases registered against him for making alleged derogatory and unsavoury remarks against Trisha.

Mansoor presented himself before the All Women Police Station at Thousand Lights in Chennai for an inquiry in relation to the case. The National Commission for Women had lodged a police complaint against the actor over a controversial video of his that went viral.

In the video, Mansoor expressed dismay over bedroom scenes not figuring with Trisha in the blockbuster film Leo directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj with actor Vijay in the lead role and Trisha as co-star.

"When I heard that I was acting with Trisha, I thought there would be a bedroom scene in the film. I thought I would carry her to the bedroom just like I did other actresses in my earlier movies," Mansoor had said. He further said "I have done so many rape scenes and it's not new to me. But these guys didn't show Trisha to me on the sets during the shoot in Kashmir."

After the video went viral, Trisha condemned his remarks and the NCW asked the Tamil Nadu police to take action against Mansoor. Following this, cases were registered under section 354 (intent to outrage modesty) and section 509 (uttering words, gesturing, or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman) against him.

Earlier in the day, Mansoor put out a video to say that he did not abscond after the police summoned him to appear today. He would appear before the police in the evening, he had said.
Tamil film Dhruva Natchathiram's delay issues just won't end. On the day of release, Friday, director Gautham Vasudev Menon tweeted at around 3am that the film will indeed not be landing in theatres. The film has been in production since 2018. (Also read: Dhruva Natchathiram trailer: Vikram leads long-delayed action thriller. Watch) Vikram's latest release after Ponniyin Selvan II, Dhruva Natchathiram has been delayed once again.

Menon's confirmation

Gautham asked for another day or two more from his fans. Sorry. Unable to get Dhruva Natchathiram to the screens today. We tried our best, but it seems we need a day or two more. Hoping to provide everyone with a great experience with advance bookings and proper screens worldwide. The support for the film is heartwarming and has kept us going. Just a few more days, and well arrive!

Fans are supportive

Fans reacted to the delay on Twitter. One replied to Gautham's tweet, writing, I know the reason for this delay and I wish the amount could be arranged in a short period. We can't wait to witness your Dhruva Natchithiran on the silver screen sir! Best wishes from Filmy React Malaysia. Another wrote, Take your time sir.. Whenever it comes, we are gonna watch it and for sure, #DhruvaNatchathiram gonna be fantastic. A fan also commented, Stay strong sir..we know how close you have got #DhruvaNatchathiram to the finish line..just few more steps.. hopefully tomorrow (Saturday) release.

About Dhruva Natchathiram

Dhruva Natchathiram stars Vikram in the lead along with Ritu Varma, Parthiban, Aishwarya Rajesh, Simran, Radhika, Arjun Das, and Divyadarshini. Harris Jayaraj has composed the music for the film.

Recently, the film's trailer was released. It showed the Mumbai bomb blasts of 2011. A special secret team named Basement is formed by the government with a bunch of spies and soldiers to ensure national security. With no specific rules to follow, Dhruv (Vikram) is set to lead it. The trailer also included a bunch of jaw-dropping action set pieces, signalling that there is a threat to the Basement, which the team members must uncover using their network.
Song Kang is set to charm the audience again with his chocolate boy image in the upcoming K-drama My Demon. The series promises a fun blend of romance and comedy, with a visual-loaded cast and picturesque locations. My Demon is a compelling addition to the growing library of K-dramas with supernatural themes. The story develops into an unusual narrative of a demon and a successful businesswoman who get married under contract. Also read: BTS's Jungkook and Justin Timberlake to drop 3D remix today at this time; Infused with Retro charm My Demon(sbs)

My Demon Netflix release date

My Demon will be available for streaming on SBS starting on November 24 at 10 PM Korean Standard Time (8:00 AM Easter time, 6:30 PM Indian Standard Time). Netflix will simultaneously release the K-drama for a global audience. My Demon will air every Friday and Saturday for a total of 16 episodes. The K-drama will take over the time slot replacing The Escape of the Seven.

My Demon cast

Apart from Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung, Hometown Cha Cha Cha fame Lee Sang Yi will also take a key role. The rest of the cast member includes Kim Hae Sook, Lee Yoon Ji, Jo Hye Joo, and more. The series is directed by Kim Jang Han and penned by Choi Ah Il credited for writing one of the all-time hits Mr. Queen.

My Demon plot

The story revolves around Jung Gu Won, a real demon who suddenly loses his powers played by Song Kang, and Do Do Hee, a chaebol heiress with trust issues and demon-like tendencies portrayed by Kim Yoo Jung. As per the plot, together the two enter into a contractual marriage. Kim Yoo Jungs portrayal in this fantasy romance K-drama is rather interesting as she plays a lady shaped by a distrusting environment who unintentionally falls in love with a demon. Meanwhile, the Nevertheless fame, Song Kang portrays the ever-charming devil Jung Gu Won as someone who smashed attractive but dangerous deals with desperate people, keeping their souls as security in exchange for fulfilling their wants.

The couple decides to get married under a contract, causing rumors among their friends that they might be romantically involved. Gu Won, feeling responsible, must protect Do Do Hee because all his powers are absorbed into her wrist.
Not only did she become the first Indian actress to join the jury at the Tallinn Film Festival, but Radhika Madan was also the youngest jury member at this years International Emmy Awards. Reflecting on her experience at the Tallinn Film Festival, Madan expresses, Its extremely humbling to know that Im the first Indian actress on the jury of Tallinn, but I never went with that intention, adding, Last year, when I went there with my film Sanaa, I learned so many things about my craft and my mind opened so much about movies, since you get to see movies from all over the world. The conversations that you have with people, help you grow as an individual. And it was just overwhelming to know that they wanted me back there. Radhika Madan on youngest jury member at the International Emmy Awards

Even if they had called me for a film or anything I would have just been there. But to be going as a jury member was an overwhelming experience. I couldnt believe it when I first heard it, but I was so excited. To watch films and meet different people and indeed it was one of the most phenomenal experiences of my life, the 28-year-old emphasises.

When the news of her International Emmy Awards participation broke, Madan initially thought it might be related to a nomination for her recent projects. But when I got to know that it was for the jury and then later when I got to know that I was going to be the youngest jury member from India I just couldnt believe it, she quips.

Madan also states that, for her, the essence of participating in festivals is not about titles. I think it was always about the excitement of seeing different things and meeting different people. Ive been to festivals and that is what it does. It just de-calibrates you as a human being. What festivals do is that they neutralize you and they set the intention right. You realize that you started in the very first place and then youre even more charged and passionate to come back to your country and add something that you never added before.

Madan also reflects on the perception of Indian cinema at international festivals and notes, People still associate singing and dancing with Indian films at festivals, and even otherwise, people are trying to do things that are not just singing and dancing. It is a part of our culture and were very proud of it. But, we are versatile as a country and if you see our films, they are also versatile. I think we just need to offer that versatility to the world. And with these festivals, I think these things are happening.

Representing India at such esteemed festivals fills Madan with pride: I felt so proud because they respect our country so much and they love our work so much, she concludes, talking about the mutual admiration between the international audience and Indian cinema. Because of my country I got so much respect and it was just beautiful to be representing India at such prestigious festivals, Madan wraps up.
In an interactive masterclass at the ongoing 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), actor Vijay Sethupathi in conversation with actor-politician Kushboo Sundar, asked everyone not to take the conversations too seriously, after he earned applauses while entering the stage. He was there for the first-ever silent film, Gandhi Talks, to be played at IFFI 23.I had a conversation with my daughter this morning and she asked me what Ill speak today. I told her how tea is made. So dont take this (conversation) as a class, said Sethupathi, in his opening statement, adding, Its not a class at all. I dont even know what to do in front of a camera. Just treat me like one of you. Lets create and share. And if you dont understand my language, please refer to my face. vijay sethupathi at iffi

The actor also thanked his wife (Jessy Sethupathi) for not letting him go back to Dubai to continue his regular job, I was just living, going with the flow. Then I fell in love during a wedding in India, got married and my wife didnt let me return to Dubai, then cinema happened.

To be frank, I dont know what method acting is. When a director is narrating a script, I wonder why hes telling the story and why he wanted to make the story. I ask a lot of questions, stupid questions. I understand the essence, and I try to understand the director whos telling the story. But I dont follow any formula, he further added, when asked if he is a method or a spontaneous actor.

Knowledge is all about people whom you interact with. I got to know some great minds who work in cinema. Who we interact with and the minds that we discuss things with are so important. They plant ideas into your head, feels Sethupathi, who finds playing a villain fun, but doesnt want to limit himself. There are many pressures and restrictions. They try to stop the character from dominating the hero. I think I will take a break and instead focus on playing the protagonist and character roles, adds the actor, who has played a villain in Atlees Jawan recently.

Did he always want to become an actor since childhood? I cant focus on anything continuously, nor do I have the consistency to keep at one thing  During my childhood, I enrolled in learning how to play Mridangam in T-Nagar, but after one week, I quit the class  Thats how I am  My intention was to become a businessman and earn a lot of money. But I ended up here, the 96 actor answers.

Elaborating his journey from his very first film and the learning along the way, Sethupathi said, During my first film, there was fear of making a mistake and somewhere I wanted to impress the director. Now, I focus on how to do it. Im a much secure actor now.

Pointing out that how everyone was suited booted at the opening ceremony and only he was different in a simple blue shirt and jeans, the 45-year-old told Khushboo, I looked like an alien that night  But everything designer is very expensive, and I am like this way. I cant be comfortable in a suit  But I was insecure when I was there, to be honest.

Sethupathi made his debut with Thenmerku Paruvakaatru in 2010. Talking about his journey from his very first film and the learning along the way, Sethupathi said, During my first film, there was fear of making a mistake and somewhere I wanted to impress the director. Now, I focus on how to do it. Im a much secure actor now.
The Afghanistan embassy has announced its permanent closure in New Delhi. Afghanistan embassy in India closes down.

Releasing an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the Afghan embassy said, "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."

Also read: UN agency urges Pakistan to halt expelling Afghans during winter

The embassy said it was 'cognisant' that some may attempt to characterise this move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who switched allegiance to the Taliban, adding "that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests".

"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.

Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".

Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period.

"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.

"Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement.

It added that the Afghan embassy "exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school".

As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India. Those who served in the national capital have safely reached third countries, the embassy informed through its release, adding that the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.

"The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added.

"We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded.

Notably, the Afghan embassy announced the closure of its operations on November 1, citing "lack of resources" and "failure to meet Afghanistan's interests" by the Taliban regime.

The embassy also made an "unequivocal statement" stating that certain consulates that work on the instructions and funding from Kabul are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government but rather serve the interests of an "illegitimate regime".
NEW DELHI: Ten months after the collegium reiterated its recommendation, first made in early 2022, the Union government, on Thursday notified the appointment of advocate Somasekhar Sundaresan as a judge in the Bombay high court. Sundaresans appointment as a judge was earlier stalled by the Union government, which cited his selectively critical views on social media against governmental policies and initiatives. Somasekhar Sundaresan

Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posted the news of the appointment on X (formerly Twitter).

In January, the collegium reiterated its recommendation to appoint Sundaresan, standing firm on its February 2022 decision to propose his name for elevation.

The January 2023 resolution revealed that the government wanted the collegium to reconsider Sundaresans candidature because he had aired on social media, his views on several matters pending before the courts. The government had returned Sundaresans name calling him a highly biased opinionated person who is selectively critical on the social media on the important policies, initiatives and directions of the government.

READ | Three judicial officials elevated as Bombay HC judges

Rejecting the objection, the collegium responded in January that the views on social media attributed to Sundaresan do not furnish any foundation to infer that he is biased or has a particular political leaning, especially when these issues were in the public domain and had been extensively deliberated upon in the print and electronic media.

All citizens have the right to free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Expression of views by a candidate does not disentitle him to hold a constitutional office so long as the person proposed for judgeship is a person of competence, merit and integrity, it further emphasised .

Sundaresan has specialized in commercial law and is expected to be an asset to the Bombay high court which has a large volume of cases of commercial and securities laws. The collegiums January resolution called him a person who possesses high integrity, honesty, skill, high order of emotional stability, firmness, serenity, legal soundness, ability and endurance, and who deserves to be appointed as judge of the Bombay high court.

READ | Cant work against my self-respect: Bombay HC judge resigns in courtroom

On the same day, the collegium had also pushed for the appointment of advocate R John Sathyan as a judge of the Madras high court, whose elevation was sought to be stalled by the government over the sharing two posts on social media. One of these posts was an article critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the second one pertained to a girl student committing suicide in 2017 since she was unable to clear NEET.

Turning down the governments objection, the collegium had at the time pointed out that not onlyhad all the consultee judges expressed a favourable opinion about Sathyans suitability, the Intelligence Bureau too had reported that he enjoyed a good personal and professional image and that nothing adverse hadcome to notice against his integrity or his political leanings. Sathyan belongs to the Christian community, the collegium had further underscored.

While Sathyan is yet to be appointed by the government, Sundaresans name has been cleared at a time when the top court has repeatedly cautioned the government against selective decisions on appointment of judges.

As a bench led by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul continues monitoring the status of collegiums recommendations, it has over the last three hearings flagged the courts concerns over what it termed pick and choose by the government in appointing and transferring high court judges.

On November 20, the court observed that selective decisions on appointment of judges by the Centre sends a wrong signal, continuing the long-running standoff between the judiciary and the executive on a timeline for appointment to constitutional courts. It had on the day also implored the government not to segregate names from a batch of recommendations made by the collegium. The court further asked attorney general R Venkataramani to inform it on December 5 about the status of the appointment of five reiterated names. Sundaresan was one of the five.

On September 26, the justice Kaul-bench decided to monitor the steps taken by the Centre in acting on the collegiums recommendations for appointing and transferring judges, expressing its anguish at the delays.

When the matter was taken up next on October 9, the court observed that the collegiums recommendations could not remain in limbo, emphasising that instead of sitting on them indefinitely, the government must either notify those appointments or send them back citing specific objections.

During the next hearing on November 7, the bench said that the government must stop picking and choosing from a set of collegiums recommendations, adding that the business of selective appointments has become troublesome when an element of workable trust was required between the executive and judiciary.
Assembly elections 2023 Highlights: Welcome to the live blog for the assembly elections in five states - Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram. Bharatpur [Rajasthan], Nov 22 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting for the Rajasthan Assembly elections, at Nadbai, in Bharatpur on Wednesday. (ANI Photo) (AICC)

Rajasthan on Thursday witnessed the final campaign push by all political parties and the silence period in the desert state has kicked in before it goes to polls on November 25. The BJP is hoping to dislodge the Congress from all the 200 assembly seats, whereas, the Congress is looking to break the decades-long revolving door trend in the state.

The month-long poll battle will come to rest with single-phase voting in Telangana on November 30. The state with 119 assembly seats will witness a three-cornered battle in a bipolar contest between K Chandrashekar Rao-led ruling Bharat Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) and the Congress after the BJP hoped in the fray in gusto following an initial lull of disinterest by the saffron party.

Voters in the other three states out of five  Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram  have already exercised their franchise. The results for all the states will be declared on December 3.

Stay tuned as we navigate through the twists and turns of these assembly elections.
Mangarh Dham: In Rajasthans Banswara district, the tribal village of Mangarh Dham echoes fundamental needs of the community like roads, electricity, and water. The village is nestled on the border between Rajasthan and Gujarat and has emerged as an important political focal point in the election for both the BJP and Congress. A view of the national monument unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mangarh last year. (HT photo)

Mangarh Dham, framed against a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and tranquil woodlands, recently came into focus for two significant reasons: It was accorded the title of a national monument, recognising its cultural and historical significance, in November last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Mangarh Dham ki Gaurav Gatha programme.

In his Mann Ki Baat radio programme last month, Modi also remembered Bhil freedom fighter Govind Guru in Banswara apart from the tribals who were massacred by the British army in 1913 in Mangarh in Rajasthan.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too strategically launched the Rajasthan election campaign here in August, emphasising tribal concerns.

On November 17, 1913, during a prolonged standoff at Mangarh Hill, British authorities opened fire on over scores of Bhils and other tribes who, under the leadership of Shri Govind Guru, had peacefully assembled. This episode resulted in a massacre, with nearly 1,500 tribal individuals losing their lives. Mangarh Dham holds deep historical importance for the Bhil community, stemming from the tragic 1913 massacre, which draws a parallel to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 at Amritsar.

Also Read: PM Modi pays tribute to Bhil freedom fighter Govind Guru

The recent designation of Mangarh Dham as a national monument is expected to influence votes. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had earlier voiced concerns, criticising the delay in conferring the title.

There are 17 seats in the tribal region between Dungarpur and Udaipur; BJP won eight, Congress seven, and Bharatiya Tribal Party two in 2018.

The 80-km journey to Mangarh Dham from Aaspur remains challenging; some ongoing roadwork has brought hope to locals.

Sumobhai Pargi, a 60-year-old resident of Beduva village, has modest yet critical expectation from the new governmentthe installation of a hand pump. Supporting a 12-member family, Sumobhai tends to his small farm, cultivating wheat and maize. There is a lake nearby but accessing water for his fields remains a challenge. There is no power. All we ask for is a hand pump in our village, said Pargi.

Mahesh Patel, 28, of Dokar village and a BEd graduate actively is seeking employment from the last few years. We gave five years to the Congress. Now we should give a chance to the BJP. The memorial set up by Prime Minister Modi is a matter of immense pride for the tribals. It was a long-pending demand from the tribals. Also, we want development projects to come in our area if BJP comes to power, said Patel, a tribal.

At the Gujarat-Rajasthan border areas like Dungarpur and Banswara, a robust connection with Gujarat thrives. This involves financial transactions, taxi operations, and employment in industries such as ceramics, textiles and diamonds. Additionally, economic ties are strengthened by Udaipur youths contributing to IT services in Gandhinagar.

These areas, marked by their strong ties with Gujarat are being wooed by BJP.

Pratap Rajput, hailing from Dungarpur district, said that he made the decision to migrate to Ahmedabad several years ago in pursuit of a better livelihood.

Our farm in the village wasnt very productive, and it was challenging to support my family with it. With little formal education, I explored opportunities in Gujarat after I saw others from my village doing the same. Starting from scratch, after 15 years, I now own two taxis and can even afford college education for my two daughters, said Rajput, who supports his family of six residing in Rajasthan.

Tribal parties like Bharatiya Tribal Party and Bharatiya Adivasi Party aim for tribal votes in all 17 seats.

Chunnilal Katara, a 46-year-old from Vanda village, despite holding multiple degrees, drives an autorickshaw. He admires the work done by the Congress and does not like the trend of government being changed every five years in Rajasthan. Katara points out that the issue of migration is worrisome and needs to be addressed through industry-friendly initiatives that create local employment.
New Delhi: The under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot comes under the 880-km Char Dham project or Char Dham Pariyojana which bypassed environment impact assessment (EIA) after the project was divided in to several sdtretches that were small enough to not warrant EIA or environmental clearance.Experts said that if an EIA had been conducted for the project, there would have been a disaster management plan in place and it would have helped decide if the location was safe for constructing such a tunnel. A general view outside the entrance of a tunnel where rescue operations are in progress after workers were trapped in a collapse of an under construction tunnel, in Uttarkashi, in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Shankar Prasad Nautiyal NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. (REUTERS)

Part of the roof of the tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers, who are expected to be rescued this weekend.

READ | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: How long will mission take? What's next for 41 trapped workers?

When asked whether lack of EIA due to division of project in several stretches had an impact, state minister and in-charge minister of Uttarkashi district Prem Chand Aggarwal said all the issues will addressed after the rescue of 41 workers: Our priority is the rescue of all trapped workers. We will look into these issues later.

Citizens of Green Doon (CGD), a civil society organisation, moved NGT in 2018 pointing out that the highway project had not undergone an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and pleaded that its cumulative impact be assessed first. In an affidavit, the Union government told the National Green Tribunal in 2018 that only new national highways and expansion of highways longer than 100 km need prior environmental clearance under 2006 EIA notification. The Char Dham project was divided into several small stretches separated by 16 bypasses and was hence not required to seek such clearance. CGD moved the Supreme Court on this matter in 2019.

READ | Lessons from the Uttarkashi mishap

On December 14 last year, the Supreme Court permitted the Union government to construct all-weather roads with 10m width as part of its Char Dham project in Uttarakhand, underlining that the recent past has thrown up serious challenges to national security, and that wide strategic feeder roads to Indo-China border areas were required for the infrastructural needs of the armed forces.

In its report to the top court earlier, a high-powered committee on the matter was split on the issue, with a majority in favour of wider roads on the Char Dham route, considering the strategic requirement .

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 which will come into force on December 1, also exempts strategic national security projects on land situated within 100 km of international borders, Line of Control and Line of Actual Control, from environmental clearances. This, experts fear, could endanger sensitive ecosystems in the Western Himalayas and Northeast, where entire states could fall under the 100km exemption.

Several ecologists and geologists have raised concerns about the impact of hill cutting, muck disposal and instability that will be caused by a double lane paved shoulder (DLPS) category road; the Silkyara stretch has one such.

The entire Char Dham pariyojana was a rushed job. In the process short cuts have been taken which violated the existing laws. The avoidance of an EIA was particularly harmful. Take the case of the Silkyara tunnel-- had an EIA been done, there would have been a disaster management plan in place which is a mandatory part of an EIA. Bypassing of the law to assess environmental impact and absence of a disaster management plan has serious consequences. This could be considered as criminal neglect, said Ravi Chopra, former chairman of a panel set up by the Supreme court to oversee widening of roads under the Char Dham Pariyojana and veteran environmentalist.

The basic requirement was an environment impact assessment which we know has been bypassed in the Char Dham pariyojana .In the absence of an EIA there has been a complete negation of all the required environmental studies in the area. This is a very fragile zone, extremely rone to landslides. The double lane paved shoulder width is also of concern as you have already overburdened a vulnerable area. The Himalayan geology is also unpredictable and needs utmost caution before construction, said Mallika Bhanot, member, Ganga Ahvaan.
A high-decibel campaign for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan closed on Thursday with the BJP criticising the states law and order situation and the Congress focussing on its welfare outreach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated during a rally in Rajsamand on Thursday. (ANI)

All 200 seats in the desert state will go to the polls on November 25 and the votes will be counted on December 3. The BJP is hoping to dislodge the Congress in a state that usually votes out the incumbent.

Chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta said 52.5 million voters  27.3 million men and 25.2 million women  are eligible to vote. A total of 51,033 voters are above 80 while another 11,894 are disabled.

During the campaign, the ruling Congress focused on the welfare schemes of the Ashok Gehlot government, its seven guarantees  including an annual honorarium of 10,000 per annum for women heads of families and subsidised gas cylinders for just 500 for over 10 million households  and accused the BJP of trying to mislead the people.

The BJP campaign  led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi  alleged that crime and corruption were rising in Rajasthan, and blamed the state government for question paper leaks in 15 examinations during the last five years. BJP leaders also raised the issue of Udaipur tailor Kanhiaya Lals murder in 2022, terming it as an example of the appeasement politics of the Congress.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi continued to attack the Congress over senior leader Sachin Pilot, saying the party discarded him like a fly from milk, and assured the people that welfare schemes started by Gehlot will not be stopped.

READ | Rajasthan elections: Bit players may hold sway as Jat politics takes stage

A son of the Gujjar community toils to make his place in politics he works hard for the party but after coming to power, he is removed like a fly from milk at the behest of the royal family. They did this with late Rajesh Pilot and are doing it with his son too, Modi said at his last election rally in the state at Rajsamand district. He said words such as gaddar (traitor), nikamma (useless) and nakara (worthless) were used for Rajesh Pilots son.

Gehlot hit back, saying the BJP was trying to provoke the Gujjar community, pointing out that 72 Gujjars were killed in police firing in 2007 during quota protests when the BJP was in power. When I became CM, they got 5% reservation peacefully, he said.

Gujjars form around 5% of the states population. In the last elections, the Congress won 30 of the 34 Gujjar-dominated seats in eastern Rajasthan.

Rajesh Pilot, who died in a road accident in 2000, was once considered critical of then newly elected Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. To be sure, Sachin Pilot has held several important posts in the party and government whenever Congress has been in power  Union minister, state chief, and Rajasthans deputy chief minister  since his fathers death. However, as deputy chief minister in 2020, he rebelled against Gehlot before the party negotiated a truce.

Modi had made the remarks on Congresss treatment towards Sachin Pilot on Wednesday as well. Hitting back, Sachin Pilot said there was no need for anyone other than the party and the people to worry about him.

As far as I am concerned, I feel that no one needs to worry about my present and future. My party and people will worry about that and will take good care of me, he told PTI on Wednesday.

During his rally at Rajsamand, the PM assured the people that if the BJP came to power, the government will not stop any public welfare scheme because the people and their development is the partys first priority. All good work done in Rajasthan will be carried forward, I assure you Where people lose faith in the Congress. Modis guarantees start from there, he said.

READ | On red diary, Mahadev app case, Ashok Gehlot alleges BJP's conspiracy to win assembly elections

The PM also alleged that photos of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge were missing from party posters in Rajasthan.

Apart from PM, Union home minister, Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and several central ministers were prominent campaigners for the BJP. The PM also held road shows in Bikaner and Jaipur.

The Congress campaign was led by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Other leaders who campaigned included Kharge, Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.

On the last day of the campaign, Shah and Gehlot addressed separate press conferences in Jaipur.

Shah expressed confidence about a victory in Rajasthan, saying there was a mood for change and the people had made up their mind to throw out the Congress. He also said that Gehlots magic will not work this time as the people have decided to make the Congress government disappear on December 3 due to crimes against women and unemployment.

Gehlot accused the BJP of false propaganda and said the party was misusing central agencies for political reasons. They do not have any issue or campaign line and only make provocative statements. They are not debating on schemes or policies of the state government but only provoking speeches. They do not have the right to provoke, he said.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday clapped back at West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for theorising her party colleague Mahua Moitra's Lok Sabha win in 2024 if she is expelled as a parliamentarian for the cash-for-query case. The BJP MP said there is a 99% chance that Dawood Ibrahim, a declared terrorist wanted by the Indian government, may win if he contests in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh seat, however, that would not make him any less of an anti-national. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey(PTI)

Both the BJP and TMC are at daggers drawn over the allegation of Moitra sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for money and gifts. The Krishnanagar MP is facing the heat of the row amid the Lok Sabha ethics committee's recommendation for her expulsion from the Lower House following a probe into the matter. Dubey claimed not only did Moitra share her government login credentials with the businessman, but it (Lok Sabha site) was logged in from multiple placesDelhi, Bengaluru, San Francisco.

The Bengal CM gave her first-ever public statement months after the row erupted. She claimed that expelling Moitra would only make her popular in the run-up to the general elections.

"They (BJP) plan to expel Mahua. This will make her popular for three months. Whatever she used to say inside (Parliament), she will be saying outside. She will hold press conferences every day and speak outside. What difference will it make?" she asked.

Earlier, Banerjee appointed the Trinamool MP as the district president of Krishnanagar (Nadia North).

The report of the ethics panel is now with Speaker Om Birla who will take a final decision on the fate of the TMC MP.
Delhis pollution aggravated into the deep-red severe zone for the first time since November 17 on Friday, evidenced by another round of watery eyes, itchy throats and nausea, as residents of the city stared at another battle with an air emergency, even though farm fires in upwind states have started to dwindle. A thick haze envelops the Delhi Meerut Expressway on Friday. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The Capital clocked a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 415 at 4pm on Friday, significantly worse than 390 a day ago, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It was Delhis ninth severe air day so far this month.

This rise has been wrought largely by local emissions, including vehicular emissions and dust from construction work, exacerbated by nearly still winds and dipping temperatures. Delhi clocked a minimum temperature of 9.4C on Friday, only marginally higher than Thursdays 9.2C, and the second straight day the citys mercury has stayed below 10C.

READ | Delhi AQI in severe category on Friday, unlikely to improve over weekend

Scientists with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the pollution is likely to give way marginally over the weekend, when winds are expected to get stronger and blow in from the east (instead of the northwest).

Further, Delhi may also get some rain on Monday, said IMD, owing to a western disturbance that will bring showers to Rajasthan and southern Haryana on Saturday and Sunday.

The latest downturn in Delhis air quality not only brought on the city a fresh round of health concerns, but also underscores the stickiness of the pollution problem. Pollution levels have been inching up for the past few days despite a steady downturn in the number of farm fires in Punjab, where most farmers have cleared out their paddy fields.

READ | Delhi anti-pollution agency battling severe staff crunch

Indeed, while Delhis air crossed into the severe category after seven days, its been near that level for the past two days. Indeed, between November 17 and November 23, the Capital recorded AQIs of 319, 301, 348, 372, 395 and 390, respectively.

According to experts, the difference in health impact between the upper-range of very poor and the bottom end of severe is only statistical, and that air quality in either range poses significant health hazards for people of all ages.

The current prevailing levels can impact all age groups, with greater impact on vulnerable groups such as the elderly or schoolchildren, Dr GC Khilnani, chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, said.

This is largely because the elderly have compromised immunity and childrens lungs are more vulnerable to being impacted by these ultrafine pollutants. In the current air pollution scenario, stepping out in the early morning is particularly bad, with one advised to go out only using an N95 mask, he said.

READ | Delhis air quality turns severe; AQI reading stands at 413

The deterioration prompted Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai to call for an emergency meeting, even as he directed agencies to enforce measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap).

In fact, Delhi is on course to record its worst-ever average November air, according to CPCB records. So far this month, the city has registered an average AQI of 375, just a point behind November 2021 (376), which is the worst on record, since the index began capturing data in 2016.

Still, the city has been responsible for much of its own pollution for the past few days, especially with the drop in farm fires in surrounding states.

Punjab recorded 191 fires on Friday and Haryana 16, showed data from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). The count in the two northern states on Thursday was 205 fires and 23 fires, respectively. The number was 512 and 62 respectively on Wednesday. Punjab has clocked a decline in the number of farm fires for nine days now, show data.

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS), which estimates the sources of Delhis pollution in real-time, on Friday said farm fires likely only contributed to 2.2% of the citys PM2.5 (an ultrafine pollutant) levels.

In comparison, the estimated contribution from vehicles in Delhi was 12.2%, with transboundary pollution from neighbouring Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar pegged at 14.2% and 12.4%, respectively.

Experts pointed out that Delhis annual pollution saga was a problem of its own making, especially towards the end of November, December and January.

Sunil Dahiya, analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said there are no farm fires in upwind states in December and January.

The temperature is dipping and has gone below 10C, which makes the atmosphere more stable and less prone to allowing pollutants to disperse. Vehicles, which are Delhis biggest contributors of local pollution, are a source that has not been tackled and will continue to add emissions that can accumulate, he said.

There may be some temporary, marginal relief in store from Monday, predicted experts.

The wind direction was expected to switch to easterly on Friday, but this may happen towards Saturday night as the western disturbance approaches. This change in wind direction will raise temperatures again, said IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava.

Warmer air allows pollutants to rise up and be dispersed.

Still, given that temperatures will only drop between now and January, and local emissions will remain unchanged, Delhi is unlikely to shrug off its smog blanket any time soon.
New Delhi: Delhis air quality on Friday morning touched the severe category after being in the very poor category for six consecutive days until Thursday. Delhis air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category on Friday, severe category on Saturday and very poor on Sunday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

Delhis air quality index (AQI) at 7.05am on Friday stood at 401 (severe).

This is a deviation from the forecasts on Thursday, which had indicated that Delhis AQI was expected to remain very poor on Friday, and possibly touching severe only on Saturday.

Delhis air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category on Friday. The air quality is likely to be in the severe category on Saturday and back in very poor again on Sunday, the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, a forecasting model used by the (CAQM) in NCR, had sCommission for Air Quality Management aid on Thursday.

An AQI of 51 to 100 is classified as satisfactory, between 101 and 200 is classified as moderate, between 201 and 300 is classified as poor, between 301 and 400 is classified as very poor and over 400 is severe by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

On Thursday, the AQI had marginally improved in comparison to Wednesday as dipping temperature and calm winds at night provided no respite to the capital. Delhis 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 390 (very poor) as per Central Pollution Control Boards national bulletin at 4 pm on Thursday, with it recorded at 395 (very poor) at the same time on Wednesday.

Though Delhi has recorded eight severe air days so far this month  when the AQI has been over 400, it has been on the brink of severe  390 or higher on another six days, making it 14 such days with an AQI of 390 or higher. This is the highest tally of such days in November in the last eight years, with the previous high of 13 such days coming in November 2021.

Also Read: Delhi anti-pollution agency battling severe staff crunch

Last year, Delhi recorded three such days, nine in 2020, eight each in 2019 and 2018, seven in 2017, 11 in 2016 and seven in 2015.

The wind direction on Friday morning was southeasterly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said there is likely to be a change in wind direction on Friday, with it largely remaining easterly, until a western disturbance brings light rain over Delhi on November 27.

Delhis minimum temperature is also expected to remain low, hovering around 10-11 degrees Celsus from Friday until the weekend, rising to 13 degrees by November 27. Delhis minimum on Thursday was 9.2 degrees Celsius  two degrees below normal and the lowest so far this season.

Low temperatures make the atmosphere more stable, aiding calm wind conditions and making the dispersal of pollutants difficult.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said even though Delhi got some respite before Diwali due to rain, pollution levels have shot up once again post the festival, giving Delhiites a long spell of fairly high exposure.

On paper, the AQI may be very poor, but a difference of a few points between 390 and 400 will not make much difference and this exposure is still fairly high. It is worrying from a health point of view and highlights the need for requiring much stronger action not just in Delhi, but across NCR too, she said.
Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court and later governor of Tamil Nadu, died at a hospital in Keralas Kollam at the age of 96 on Thursday afternoon. Justice Beevi, who was unmarried, is survived by her four younger sisters, with two brothers and a sister dying before her, according to a family member. M Fathima Beevi was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court and later the governor of Tamil Nadu. (HT Archive)

Born in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore in 1927 in Kerala, Beevi who handled several significant cases in her legal career, was an inspiring example of breaking the glass ceiling, a term not commonly used at that time. Not only did Justice Beevi pave the way for women to pursue careers in the male-dominated judiciary by taking over a Supreme Court judge in 1989, but she also became a role model for addressing the gender imbalance in the legal profession on the whole.

Justice Beevi had described her elevation to the apex court as the opening of a closed door.

Expressing condolences over her demise, Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan said, Her life is an inspirational story of hard work and determination, and her contributions reflect her profound social commitment. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recalled her journey from overcoming the educational challenges faced by girls to becoming the first woman judge of the Supreme Court.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed his condolences for Beevi in a brief statement. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami who succeeded Jayalalithaa also shared his condolences.

Without her father, Meera Sahib, urging her -- a science student -- to pursue a legal career, the title of the first woman judge in the apex court might have gone to Justice Sujata Manohar years later. Justice Manohar was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1994, two years after Justice Beevis retirement.

Justice Beevis father, a government servant at a sub-registrars office, motivated his eldest of eight children to study law instead of pursuing an MSc in chemistry. He did not want her to become a college teacher or professor in Thiruvananthapuram. Justice Beevi completed her schooling at Catholicate High School in Pathanamthitta and earned a BSc degree from University College in Thiruvananthapuram.

She received the Travancore Bar Council gold medal for topping the bar council examination in 1949-50, a notable accomplishment for a diligent and hardworking student. After practising law for seven years, Beevi successfully cleared the state public service examination for the position of Munsiff. Subsequently, she was promoted to Subordinate Judge in 1968, Chief Judicial Magistrate in 1972, and District and Sessions Judge in 1974.

She was elevated to the Kerala High Court in 1983 and became a permanent judge there the following year. Justice Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in 1989 during Rajiv Gandhis tenure as Prime Minister.

During her extensive legal career, she handled various cases but is particularly remembered for inviting late AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa to form the government when she served as governor of Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court had criticised Beevi for hurriedly swearing in Jayalalithaa as chief minister after the party won the assembly elections in May 2001. Jayalalithaa had been barred from contesting elections that year for being convicted in a corruption case by a Chennai court.

The top court unseated Jayalalithaa based on a PIL. Soon, Beevi was also prompted to resign in July 2001 after the then BJP-led Union government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee recalled her for failing to uphold the Constitution during the dramatic midnight arrest of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi. The DMK was in the BJP-led NDA at that time. The NDA government perceived her report on the states law and order situation as biased.

Before serving as governor, Justice Beevi was a member of the National Human Rights Commission and chairperson of the Kerala Commission for Backward Classes. In 2023, the Kerala government awarded her the Kerala Prabha Award.

In a key moment in her career, Justice Beevi in the Scheduled Caste and Weaker Section Welfare Assn Vs the State of Karnataka (1991) case stressed the importance of principles of natural justice and protection of citizens from the arbitrary authority that the state or its agents may exercise. It is one of the fundamental rules of our constitutional set-up that every citizen is protected against exercise of arbitrary authority by the State or its officers. If there is power to decide and determine to the prejudice of a person, duty to act judicially is implicit in the exercise of such power and the rule of natural justice operates in areas not covered by any law validly made, she wrote in the judgment that related to the states power to declare an area as a slum area.
Kapurthla (Punjab) [India], November 24 (ANI): Five accused have been arrested for killing a policeman in the Sultanpur Lodhi area in the district, a senior officer said on Thursday. HT Image

"Today (Thursday), an incident of unprovoked firing on a police party took place in Sultanpur Lodhi. A police personnel Jaspal Singh lost his life... CM Punjab has announced a compensation of 2 crore. A job would also be given to his children. We have registered a case under section 302 and five people have been arrested," Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Arpit Shukla told ANI.

The exchange of fire was a result of ongoing tension between two groups of Nihangs over control of a Gurdwara at Sultanpur Lodhi in Pubjab's Kapurthala district, police said.

On November 21, one group of the Nihangs, along with 15-20 other companions, forcibly entered the Gurudwara.

After entering the Gurudwara, the Baba Maan Singh-led group tied Nirvair Singh with a rope while Jagjit Singh was attacked by a weapon and his ammunition, mobile phone and money were taken from him after which the group occupied the Gurdwara and other places.

The Sultanpur Lodhi Police immediately took action into the matter and apprehended 10 individuals associated with Baba Maan Singh's group after which the firing incident occurred. (ANI)
After 11 days of arduous effort and drilling up to 46.8 metres into the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, officials believe the rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers from across the rubble of the collapsed structure is likely to be over by today. However, officials said the entire operation is like a war and giving a timeline to this drive would not be appropriate as it would only exert pressure on the workforce which is already functioning round the clock under adverse conditions. Hindu priests pray at a makeshift shrine outside the entrance of a tunnel where workers are trapped after the tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi.(REUTERS)

"Many experts are giving opinions that they might be rescued today evening, tomorrow morning but remember these operations are like a war. These operations should not be given a timeline. In wars, we don't know how the enemy will react. Here Himalayan geology is our enemy. From which angles the tunnel has collapsed we don't know," Lt. General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said at a press conference.

He pointed out that catering to the safety of trapped men as well as rescuers is important and it would be wrong to circumscribe the operation within a timeline. This is challenging work. To keep expecting that rescue will be done in the next two hours puts pressure on the workforce. This is wrong, he added.

After embarking on the last leg of drilling, the work was halted on Thursday night after the auger machine encountered a technical snag. Former advisor to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Bhaskar Khulbe hoped the drilling process would restart around 11-11:30 am. "Ground penetration radar study has shown that there is no metallic obstruction in the next 5 metres," he said. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stayed the night in Uttarkashi to monitor the rescue operation of people trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel. He has set up his temporary camp office there so that there is no hindrance in his daily work. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief Atul Karwal said the personnel are prepared in every way and that they have already done the rehearsals on how to get people out safely. The boys will go in firstWe have put wheels under the stretchers so that when we go in, we can get the people out one by one on the stretcher. Keeping all options open, rescuers had also considered getting workers to crawl out of the other side one by one. However, their health condition after 12 days of living under debris without any natural light and having full meals could prevent them from performing the physically challenging task. According to officials, the NDRF personnel will pull the stretcher, on which every worker will be made to lie down, out with the help of a rope. The rescue pipeline threaded in from the mouth of the tunnel will be cleaned by the personnel to ensure no debris prevents the movement of stretchers, according to Karwal.

(With inputs from agencies)
Governors cannot be at liberty to keep bills pending indefinitely, the Supreme Court has ruled in a judgment, emphasising that the exercise of unbridled discretion in areas not entrusted to the discretion of the governor risks walking roughshod over the working of a democratically elected government in the state. The court pointed out the governor must return a bill to the legislature for a review if she decides not to give her assent to it. (ANI/File)

According to a bench led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, state governors must show deference to the use of expression as soon as possible under Article 200 of the Constitution, making it obligatory to quickly return a bill with a message on the reconsideration of the proposed law if they chose to withhold their assent.

Constitutional language is not surplusage. The expression as soon as possible is significant. It conveys a constitutional imperative of expedition. Failure to take a call and keeping a bill duly passed for indeterminate periods is a course of action inconsistent with that expression...The governor cannot be at liberty to keep the bill pending indefinitely without any action whatsoever...The governor is not at liberty to withhold his action on the bills which have been placed before him, said the bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The court pointed out the governor must return a bill to the legislature for a review if she decides not to give her assent to it because any other interpretation of the constitutional provision would mean that the governor, as the unelected head of state, can virtually veto the functioning of the legislative domain by a duly elected legislature by simply declaring that assent is withheld without any further recourse.

It acknowledged that the governor is entrusted with certain constitutional powers. However, this power cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the state legislatures...the power to take decisions affecting the governance of the state, or as the case may be, of the nation essentially lies with the elected arm of the government. The governor is intended to be a constitutional statesman, guiding the government on matters of constitutional concern, underlined the bench.

The courts judgment came on a petition moved by the Punjab government against state governor Banwarilal Purohit keeping four bills, including those pertaining to fiscal management and the administration of gurudwaras, pending since June.

While the court had on November 10 dictated the operative part of the judgment in open court, asking Purohit to make a decision on the four bills in accordance with the Constitution, the detailed judgment was released on Thursday evening.

The judgment that maps out the role and duties of the governor in a constitutional democracy comes at a time when Raj Bhavans in several states have been locked in confrontation with the elected governments. In the last few months, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, besides Punjab, approached the Supreme Court, seeking directives to their respective governors.

On November 20, the court expressed its displeasure at the delay on the part of the governors in giving assent to bills passed by state assemblies, as it took up the related petitions moved separately by Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments and asked for responses of their respective governors. The petition, moved by the Kerala government on a stalemate over eight bills, pending with the governor for a period ranging between seven and 26 months, will be heard on Friday.

The 27-page judgment on Thursday highlighted that the governor, as an appointee of the President, is the titular head of state, pointing out that federalism and democracy, both parts of the basic structure, are inseparable. When one feature is diluted, it puts the other in peril. The tuning fork of democracy and federalism is vital to the realization of the fundamental freedoms and aspirations of our citizens. Whenever one prong of the tuning fork is harmed, it damages the apparatus of constitutional governance, said the court.

Explaining Article 200, it clarified that if a bill is passed by the legislature with or without amendments, the governor shall not withhold her assent because the power to enact legislation is entrusted to the elected representatives of the people.

The governor, as a guiding statesman, may recommend reconsideration of the entirety of the bill or any part thereof and even indicate the desirability of introducing amendments. However, the ultimate decision on whether or not to accept the advice of the governor as contained in the message belongs to the legislature alone...the message of the governor does not bind the legislature, it noted.

The judgment also declared that reconvening a sitting of the Vidhan Sabha, which has not been prorogued, is permissible in law, and is within the exclusive domain of the speaker. The declaration was called for in the wake of Purohit casting doubt on the validity of Punjabs assembly sessions, which had its sittings on June 19 and June 20, and again on October 20.

Convened in March, the budget session of the Punjab assembly continued till date with intermittent adjournments. As the state government chose not to prorogue (terminate) the ongoing session but kept adjourning it, governor Purohit raised objection to the validity of a sitting of the session in June when the impugned bills were passed. An assembly is prorogued as well as summoned by the governor on the recommendation of the state cabinet. Not proroguing the budget session in Punjab meant not seeking Purohits nod afresh for a new session.

Any attempt to cast doubt on the session of the legislature would be replete with grave perils to democracy. The speaker, who has been recognised to be a guardian of the privileges of the House and the constitutionally recognized authority who represents the House, was acting well within his jurisdiction in adjourning the House sine die, said the bench.

At the same time, the judgment recorded an assurance by senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Bhagwant Mann government, that the chief minister, heading the council of ministers, would be advising the speaker to convene the winter session of the assembly at an early date which would be fixed in due consultation.
The Union health ministry is closely monitoring the new outbreak reported in China resulting in respiratory illness among children. There is a low risk to India from both avian influenza as well as clusters of respiratory illness, the ministry said in a statement. "India is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge from the current situation," the statement read. China has reported a spike in respiratory illness among children resulting in a massive surge in hospitalisation. (AP)

The ministry took note of the media reports of a cluster outbreak of mysterious respiratory illness in children in northern China for which WHO has also issued a statement, and said India is prepared for any kind of exigency. "Based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestation," the health ministry said.

Human case of avian influenza virus in China in October 2023

The health ministry discussed the recent human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in China reported to WHO in October 2023. The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and low case fatality among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far, the ministry noted. "But the need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination was recognised," the ministry said.

China pneumonia

World Health Organization on Thursday sought more information about the rise in respiratory illness among children reported first in northern China. China responded and said the cases were not linked to any unknown pathogen but were a result of the lifting of the Covid curbs.

Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China: What we know

The outbreak came to light after ProMed, a global disease surveillance system, issued an alert over 'undiagnosed pneumonia' in China and WHO sought more information from China.

According to reports, the outbreak is not old -- and could have started in October.

Videos of pediatric hospitals in China crowded with sick children and their parents emerged on social media.

China said this is not a new disease or a new virus outbreak but the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumonia
As the rescue operation at the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse site halted for the second time in two days on Friday night, the rescue team dispatched geophysicists to assess the type of obstacle faced by the auger machine used for drilling. The team utilised Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) to identify the materials causing the obstruction. Uttarkashi: Rescue officials at the entrance of Silkyara Tunnel during the rescue operation of 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction tunnel, in Uttarkashi district, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (PTI)

According to ANI, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that within Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel, where 41 workers are trapped, it has been detected that there are no obstacles in the upcoming 5 metres.

During a press briefing in New Delhi, NDMA member Syed Ata Hasnain said, Using ground penetrating radar, it has been detected that there is no obstacle in the next 5 metres on our path. We continue to use this to detect obstacles, if any. There is hope that the movement of the augor is done and will be smooth until 5 metres and again, this ground-penetrating radar will be used.

Ground Penetrating Radar

-The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses electromagnetic waves to create subsurface images, according to a ScienceDirect journal. GPR utilises radio waves to capture below-surface images in a minimally invasive manner, enabling the identification of underground utilities without ground disturbance.

-It is a non-intrusive and non-destructive technique for subsurface surveys, making it valuable for exploring various materials. GPR can detect structural changes and material differences that might go unnoticed by the human eye. These changes could be boundaries between different materials or the presence of objects under the surface, such as separations or damages.

Compared to other non-destructive methods, GPR has better depth penetration.(ScienceDirect)

-GPR data is collected by moving antennas across the ground or walls, recording transmissions and receptions at different spots. These recordings are merged to form an image called a radargram.

-GPR equipment comprises components like a waveform generator, a transducer with emitting and receiving antennas, a signal processor, and a data storage or display unit.

Ground penetrating radar equipment.(ScienceDirect)

-Its waveforms can identify empty spaces within concrete. Compared to other non-destructive methods, GPR has better depth penetration, allowing the detection of concrete defects or decay at greater depths than techniques like infrared thermography, ultrasonic, or microwave methods.

Geophysict explains how he went inside tunnel to check GPR data | Watch

What's the update on tunnel rescue op?

The ongoing rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, where 41 workers have been trapped for over a week, faced another pause due to a technical issue encountered by the rescue team on Friday evening.

Officials reported a hindrance with the auger drilling machine shortly after it resumed drilling on Friday, following a day-long halt due to a previous technical problem. Although the initial issue was resolved earlier in the day, allowing the 25-tonne machine to restart, the operation had to be halted once more due to a second setback within two days.
New Delhi: India is closely monitoring reported cases of pneumonia in children in China and is prepared to deal with any exigency, said Union health ministry in a statement on Friday, adding that there was low risk to India as per the assessment so far. Medical staff in protective suits treat a patient with pneumonia (Reuters Photo/Representational image)

Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China. There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness. India is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge from the current situation, the health ministry statement said.

Based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.

According to people familiar with the matter, a meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of directorate general of health services, the technical wing of health ministry, to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of avian influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.

Also Read: On China pneumonia outbreak, scientists caution to not press pandemic panic button

In a statement issued by WHO, the overall risk assessment by the UN health body indicates a low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far.

The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination has been recognised as a matter of abundant precaution.

India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency. India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic, the statement said.

PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched which is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics /disasters. In addition, Indias surveillance and detection networks under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said.
Restoration work is underway in Tamil Nadu after landslides and mudslides were reported on Friday in at least 10 places on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam National Highway and Kothagiri-Mettupalayam Highway as heavy rainfall lashed the Nilgiris district. Several teams were seen assisting in the restoration works, news agency ANI reported. Commuters make their way amid rains on a waterlogged road, at Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. (PTI)

The heavy showers forced Nilgiris district collector M Aruna to order a holiday in government and private schools of Coonoor and Kotagiri regions on Friday.

Heavy rainfall was reported in parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Coonoor, Kothagiri and Thoothukudi. Waterlogging was also reported in several regions.

Chennai's Regional Meteorological Department issued a light to moderate rainfall warning on Thursday to Tamil Nadu districts and Puducherry for the next three days.

For the next two to three days, as far as Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry are concerned, light to moderate rainfall is expected. Heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including Nilgiris and Coimbatore. If any change occurs, we will continue to monitor and inform you, news agency ANI quoted Chennai Regional Meteorological Department director Balachandran as saying.

He added, Heavy rainfall was witnessed in many places in the last 24 hours. We can see that the clouds, which were mostly in the eastern parts of the Bay of Bengal, have now moved. About 45 places recorded heavy rainfall, 8 places recorded very heavy rainfall, and 2 places recorded extremely heavy rainfall in the state.

On Thursday, the Met department predicted that heavy to very heavy rain was likely to occur over Nilgiris, Theni, Thenkasi, and Coimbatore districts.

As per the forecast, heavy rainfall is likely to occur over Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi on Friday.

On Thursday, the district collectors in eight districts  Tenkasi, Viruthunagar, Pudhukottai, Nilgiri, Theni, Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Thoothukudi  declared a holiday for government and private schools.
The Centre has come up with a game-changer special initiative by manufacturing four types of homegrown 'Made in India' drugs for rare diseases for the first time. India has initiated low-cost drugs for rare disease treatment after studying successful models from other countries. (Shutterstock/ Representational image)

The Central Government has prioritised 13 rare diseases and sickle cell disease. The most awaited initiative was taken in July 2022 after discussions held with the academia, pharma industries, organisations and CDSCO department of pharmaceuticals.

"After the discussion with pharma companies, scientists, drug regulators and academia we decided to initiate manufacture to deliver the drugs. We prioritized drugs for 13 rare diseases and for sickle cell disease also," official sources from the Union Health Ministry stated.

"This is a revolutionary change with a huge cost difference. If a drug is costing 2.5 crore then in India it will cost 2.5 lakh," sources said.

All drugs used for treating rare diseases were so far being imported and were expensive. The Union Health Ministry informed that the new drugs will bring down costs by up to 100-fold.

"2 mg tablet that costs 5 lac from Sweden will be available 6500 in India," sources further said. A rare disease is a health condition of a particularly low prevalence that affects a small number of people. According to the data shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare India could have 8.4-10 crore cases and 80 per cent are genetic conditions.

Currently, there are eight types of generic drugs and among them, four types of drugs are available in India and another four types of drugs will be available next year. The available generic drugs are for Tyrosinemia Type, Gaucher's Disease, Wilson's Disease and Dravet or Lennox Gastaut Syndrome- seizures.

The available priority drugs like Nitisinone (capsules) are used for the treatment of Tyrosinemia Type 1 and the cost difference of this drug is 2.2 crore per annum if purchased from other countries but an Indian company is manufacturing this in 2.5 lakh per annum. The drug Eliglustat recommended for the treatment of Gaucher's Disease will cost India 3-6 lakhs per annum.

The medicine Hydroxyurea which is used for the treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia is also available at low cost. India is boosting domestic production of Hydroxyurea syrup for sickle cell anaemia that will be available at a low price from next year.

India reports approximately 65 cases of Tyrosinemia type 1 rare disease, 235 Gaucher's disease and a maximum number of cases of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

India has initiated low-cost drugs for rare disease treatment after studying successful models from other countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the phone and took stock of the the ongoing rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district for 12 days. According to a government update, PM Modi also inquired about the condition of the workers and gave some important instructions to CM Dhami. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(ANI)

The Prime Minister directed that there should be no shortcomings of any kind in this. He also asked about the progress of the rescue work. (He) also asked the Chief Minister that if any other support is needed then please inform about it also. Also took information about the families of the workers, the Uttarakhand govt's public relations department wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The strenuous rescue operation has been facing several hindrances, the recent being a development of cracks on the platform on which the US-made drilling machine was mounted. As per the official bulletin, the pushing of the 9th pipe started at 1:10 am on Friday and the pipe reached an additional 1.8 meters, but suddenly, a minor vibration was noted. The experts are currently assessing the machine and the final push for drilling the remaining distance through the debris will begin shortly.

Earlier, CM Dhami said PM Modi has been taking regular updates about the operation over phone calls. "We are getting continuous guidance from the Prime Minister in this difficult situation. It provides us with a new energy every day to evacuate our trapped brothers safely at the earliest applying all our strength," he wrote on X.

While interacting with the CM, Modi instructed to carry out immediate health checkups of the workers and send them to hospitals if required. He also asked about the kind of food and daily essentials being provided to the men, as well as inquired about the conditions of the rescuers working round the clock.
The Supreme Court on Friday observed that Punjab is the only state where it has come across the involvement of police officers in drug-related offences while considering a petition filed by a sacked senior police officer seeking anticipatory bail in a case under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Supreme Court of India (Representative Photo)

There is no other state where police officers are involved in NDPS cases. In no other state do we find this, said a bench of justices BR Gavai and PK Mishra as the bench posted the matter for November 28 to enable the officer dismissed additional inspector general (AIG) Raj Jit Singh Hundal  to file a response to the Punjab governments allegation that he was not cooperating with the probe.

While the Court had on October 6 granted anticipatory bail to Hundal in one of the three cases registered against him, the Punjab government filed an affidavit claiming that two other cases, one under the NDPS and another for disproportionate assets under the Prevention of Corruption Act, are also pending against the dismissed officer.

Hundals alleged involvement came under scanner while the Court was probing the role of former Inspector Inderjit Singh, who was accused of extending undue benefits to the accused in three NDPS cases by faulty investigation that helped them get acquitted.

The state police, while probing the case, found that Singh enjoyed the protection of the petitioner, who was posted as Tarn Tarans senior superintendent of police at the relevant time. He was accused of failing to take action despite being informed about his subordinates alleged links with drug suppliers.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Hundal, argued that the cases against his client are fabricated as he is sought to be made a scapegoat in the tug of war-between two factions of the Punjab Police at the highest level.

In no other state will you find that cases are fabricated in this fashion. I am not involved in these cases. Allow me to file a response to the states affidavit, said Sibal. The Supreme Court then allowed the petitioner to file a response and posted the case for hearing on Tuesday.

The state, represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, along with additional advocate general Shadan Farasat, told the Court that the petitioner had breached the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court in its October 6 order and that his bail is not to be extended.

The Court order required the petitioner to report daily to the investigating officer between 10am to 1pm and cooperate with the investigation. Singhvi said that since the date of the order, multiple notices were sent to Hundal to join the probe, but he turned up only on October 20.

Sibal replied, I was told to cooperate with the investigation in one FIR (first information report), but I was not told that on April 20, 2023, they filed another FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act and a third one under NDPS and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on May 16.

Hundal had filed a fresh petition through advocate Shradha Deshmukh in the Supreme Court seeking anticipatory bail in the disproportionate assets case. This matter is yet to be taken up. In that petition, Hundal challenged an order passed by the Punjab & Haryana high court on October 20 refusing him anticipatory bail.

The high court had concluded, As per the bank details from 2016 till 2022, the amount received in the petitioners bank account was Rs.13.82 crore found to be in addition to his salary of around 74,21,584. As a public servant, the petitioner was obliged to explain the transactions, whereby he amassed such a massive amount of around Rs.13,82,48,593.

The petitioner claimed this finding to be false as the high court relied on an investigation report submitted by the state without sharing it with Hundals lawyers.

The state pointed out that the three FIRs against Hundal were filed based on three special investigation team (SIT) reports filed before the high court. The high court was considering a batch of petitions seeking to probe the role of police officers in compromising the probe into NDPS cases.

On September 15 this year, the high court permitted the state to proceed on the basis of the SIT reports recommending that the involvement of public servants, including police officers, with drug peddlers needs to be independently investigated.

The affidavit by the Punjab government filed through advocate Nupur Kumar said, It is only after the independent SIT found extensive materials against the appellant, and suggested that an investigation be formally initiated...the present petitioner was arrayed as a co-accused in the FIR dated April 19.

He was added as an accused after the state home department granted sanction to the Director General of Police on April 17.

Sibal had relied on this letter to claim that the state government was interfering with the probe. On the previous date of hearing, Sibal further claimed, The order of April 17 whereby the Special Secretary Home directed the DGP Punjab to nominate the petitioner as an accused in a six-year-old FIR, is wholly untenable in law and tantamount to dictating the course of investigations.
Agra: India has come out of the mentality of slavery and is moving ahead with the feeling of pride for its heritage for the first time in the Amrit Kaal of its independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitates actor and BJP MP Hema Malini during Mirabai Janmotsav on the occasion of 525th birth anniversary of the poet and Lord Krishna devotee, in Mathura, Thursday. (PTI)

Addressing an event in Mathura to celebrate the 525th birth anniversary of poet and Lord Krishna devotee, Mirabai, the PM also said that the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh was unfortunately not given the importance it deserved after independence.

Today for the first time in the Amrit Kaal (period leading to the centenary of Indias Independence in 2047), the country has come out of the mentality of slavery, Modi said. We have taken the pledge of Panch Pran (five vows) from the Red Fort. We are moving ahead with the feeling of pride for our heritage.

Earlier, Modi also offered prayers at the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in temple town in Uttar Pradesh.

The Braj region is not only the land of devotion and love, it has also been the centre of our literature, music, culture and civilisation. It kept the country together even in difficult times, he said. But unfortunately, this place of pilgrimage did not get the importance, it should have got after independence.

Without naming anyone, the PM added, Those who wanted to disconnect India from its past, those who were alienated from Indias culture and its spiritual identity, even after independence, they could not give up the mentality of slavery. They also deprived the Braj region of development.

The developments come at a time when several lawsuits are being heard in local courts that argue that the Shahi Eidgah Masjid, which abuts the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura, was constructed on a part of 13.37-acre land belonging to the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust. The Hindu petitioners in the case demand that the mosque be removed and the land returned to the trust.

In his speech, Modi promised all-round development of the Braj region, which comprises XXXXX.

Today Vishwanath Dham is in front of us in a grand form in Kashi [Varanasi]. Today, divinity as well as grandeur can be seen in Mahakaal Mahalok of Ujjain. Now, the date of the inauguration of Lord Shri Rams temple in Ayodhya is also drawing near. Mathura and Braj will also not be left behind in this race of development, he said.

In his address during the Mirabai Janmotsav event, the PM said that the country has always worshipped women power. Citing Mirabai as an example, Modi said that women have always taken up responsibilities and also continuously guided society. It is a privilege for me to participate in the celebration of the 525th birth anniversary of Saint Mirabai at the holy land of Mathura, he said, adding the life of Mirabai, an ardent devotee of Krishna, was an inspiration for all.

Modi also pointed out his home state Gujarats connection with Lord Krishna. From Lord Krishna to Meerabai, Braj has a special relationship with Gujarat. Kanha of Mathura became the Dwarkadhish only after going to Gujarat. Mirabai ji, who came from Rajasthan and spread love in Mathura-Vrindavan, also spent the last part of her life in Dwarka, he said.

On the occasion, Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin in the honour of Mirabai. He attended a cultural programme, in which Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from Mathura and actor Hema Malini performed. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and governor Anandiben Patel were also present at the event.
Silkyara (Uttarkashi): Praveen Kumar Yadav, a mechanic of the Trenchless Engineering Services, has been at the forefront of removing obstacles that have come in the way of an American auger machine drilling the debris in the collapsed portion of the Silkyara tunnel to rescue the 41 trapped workers. Praveen Kumar Yadav crawled through a pipe to cut through metal with a gas cutter (HT photo)

When a metal girder came in the way of the auger machine, he crawled through the pipe for over 45 metres and cut the pipe using a gas cutter in three hours to again get the machine going.

I had to spend three hours in the pipe to remove the obstacle. There was a shortage of oxygen in the pipe. Its a risky job. But we are committed to taking our brothers (trapped workers) out, said Yadav, a resident of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh (UP). Yadav said he has been doing such work for the past 14 years.

At around 1.30 am on November 23, when a different teams of experts, including those from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were called in to remove the metal girder, their attempts were not successful. That was when Yadav and his fellow mechanic Balwinder were called in.

Uttarakhand governments secretary Neeraj Kharwal recognised their hard work and courage during a press conference on Thursday. The two experts spent two-three hours inside the pipeline. They cut the metal lattice girder using the gas cutters, he said.

It feels good to be recognised, said Yadav.

Also Read: Lessons from the Uttarkashi mishap

With 46.8 metres of drilling done so far, frequent obstacles in the remaining stretch of the collapsed portion of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel have been delaying the rescue operation. According to officials, they cant give a time frame in which they can get a breakthrough as rescuers are not aware of obstacles that lie ahead in the debris. They said there could be more metal and girders in the debris.

Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), said, We are hopeful of getting the breakthrough once the drilling begins as they have also taken the help of experts to know about the obstacles in the debris. A company named Parsons conducted a ground penetration radar (GPR) study and results of its study have stated that there are no metallic obstructions in the next five metres, he said.

GPR is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It is a non-invasive technique that allows for the detection and mapping of objects and structures beneath the ground surface. GPR can be used in a variety of applications, including archaeology, environmental assessment, geology, and civil engineering.
A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander  believed to be the mastermind behind two major terrorist attacks this year  was gunned down by security forces in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir along with his associate on Thursday, even as one more soldier lost his life, culminating a 31-hour-long joint operation which had already led to the deaths of two army Captains and two soldiers a day earlier. Army and police personnel shift bodies of two terrorists killed during an encounter at Bajimaal area, in Rajouri district on Thursday.(PTI)

The so-called LeT commander  identified as Quari, a Pakistani national  was an expert bomb-maker, a sniper, and was well-trained in gurreilla warfare, senior army officials said.

Meanwhile, one more soldier  identified as Paratrooper Sachin Laur of Nagaliya Giurola in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh  lost his life in the gunbattle on Thursday, taking the armys toll in the incident to five, officials added.

READ | J&K: LeT terrorist shot dead on Day 2 of Rajouri encounter

Captain MV Pranjal from Mangalore in Karnataka, and Captain Shubham Gupta of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, both from the 63 Rashtriya Rifles, were killed in a fierce gunbattle on Wednesday along with Havaldar Abdul Majid of 9 Para (Special Forces) from Ajote in Poonch, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht of Halli Padli in Nainital of Uttarakhand.

Here are the names of soldiers who were killed in the encounter in J&K's Rajouri.

The two injured army personnel  a major and a jawan  are admitted at the Armys Command Hospital in Udhampur, the officials added.

A gunfight erupted on Wednesday after joint operations were launched in the Kalakote area of the dense Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri on Sunday based on specific inputs.

A top LeT commander identified as Quari, the mastermind behind Dhangri and Kandi terror attacks, along with his associate was killed in Baajimal-Kalakote area on Thursday during an encounter with the security forces... He was active in Rajouri-Poonch alongwith his group in the past year, said a spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

READ | Terrorist neutralised in Rajouri; arms, ammo recovered

The January 1-2 Dhangri attack had left seven civillians dead. On May 5, five soldiers were killed in an attack during an encounter inside Kandi forest in Rajouri.

The terrorist was sent to revive terrorism in the region and he was an expert IEDs, operating and hiding in caves (guerilla warfare) and a trained sniper, said the spokesperson.

Quari was active in Rajouri-Poonch along with his group for the past one year, the spokesperson said, adding that incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession.

During further searches, Quaris associate was also killed. The dead bodies of both terrorists have also been retrieved and taken for further medico-legal formalities, he added. The identity of the other terrorist is yet to be verified.

The entire area is being thoroughly searched and combed by security personnel, officials said.

The operation was set into motion on Sunday, after the two terrorists were seen asking residents in the area for food, officials familiar with the investigation in the case said. First, on Sunday, they were seen at a house asking for food  a video of which was shared on social media. On Tuesday, they assaulted a nomad man after he refused to give them food, the people cited above said.

The two terrorists, including Quari, had visited the house on Sunday where they were seen asking people for food. The video of this incident had gone viral, they said. On Tuesday, they assaulted Sarfaraz Ahmed, a nomad, at Bajimaal after he denied food to them, they added.

It was Sarfaraz who tipped off the security forces about the terrorists.

Based on this input, security officials kicked off the joint operation to corner the terrorists.

As security forces were laying the cordon around the area on Wednesday, terrorists, who by then were well-entrenched atop hills, opened heavy fire from their automatic weapons. This ended up taking a heavy toll on our officers and soldiers, a police official said, asking not to be identified.

It was in this attack that Captain Pranjal, Captain Gupta, Havaldar Majid and Lance Naik Bisht lost their lives, the officials said.

Wednesdays encounter comes close on the heels of another gunfight in Behrote in Budhal area of Rajouri on November 17, in which one terrorist was killed. On September 12 and 13, security forces had gunned two terrorists in Narla area of Rajouri district.

The two border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu, south of the Pir Panjal, and especially the former, have become a hotspot for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism over the past two years or so, a period in which they have seen nine major attacks, resulting in the deaths of eight terrorists, 29 security personnel and nine civilians.

Security experts attribute the spike in terror attacks on security forces and civilians to a multitude of factors  the hilly topography of Rajouri and Poonch, their proximity to the Line of Control, the presence of traditional and easier infiltration routes compared to those in the Kashmir division of the UT, and the fact that it has a profusion of dense jungles and natural caves. They also point to the larger gameplan of the Pakistani handlers of these terrorists  an attempt to target Hindus in the hills of Jammu and force their migration.

On September 11, Northern Army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi had said that nearly 200 terrorists were waiting to cross the LoC from Pakistan. They are waiting to infiltrate our territory, but our alert troops are deployed at the borders and we are trying to eliminate them there itself, he said at the time.
Bhubaneswar: An adult male Royal Bengal Tiger from Tadoba landscape of Maharashtra travelled 2,000 km across four states over the past five months before landing in the forests of Odisha in search of a suitable territory or a potential mate, officials said. The tiger has not shown any aggression towards humans though it is moving in a landscape dominated by humans. (Odisha forest department)

Odisha forest officials said though the tiger was first sighted in the states forests in June 2023, they were not sure where it came from. It kept alternating between Rayagada division of Odisha and Manyam division of Andhra Pradesh since then. In September in entered Parlakhemundi forest division of Gajapati district in September and thats when villagers started talking about seeing a tiger, said Anand S, divisional forest officer of Parlakhemundi.

On October 18, the tiger reportedly dragged a cow from a shed and the owner of the cow, was shocked to find the half-eaten remains upon his return. As there has been no record of any tiger sighting in Gajapati in last 30 years, we were a little bit sceptical whether it was a tiger or leopard. As Odisha was doing its own tiger census, we installed camera trap and the camera caught its image three times, said Anand said.

The forest department sent the image to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for mapping, and they confirmed that the camera-trapped image matched with a tiger previously photographed in the Brahmapuri forest division of Maharashtra. As tigers have unique stripe patterns we were sure that this particular tiger originated from Maharashtra, said the DFO.

Also Read: Tadoba reserves tigress Maya may have died; DNA sample sent for confirmation

Though radio-collaring a tiger is the best possible way to track its dispersal, officials said the tiger must have travelled over 2,000 km as it must have passed through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh before reaching Odisha. In the past month, the tiger has covered more than 500 km, moving from Parlakhemundi to Srikakulam, then to Ichhapuram, and finally returning to Parlakhemundi. Forest officials said this is the first time a tiger has reached Odisha from Maharashtra.

It seems the tiger is in search of a territory with a thriving prey population and a potential mate. If it finds suitable conditions, it may stay in Odisha. We are keeping a close watch in the tiger as it is moving 25-30 km daily and is hunting cattle. It is 4-5 years old. If it attacks any human being we may have think of radio collaring it to track its movement, said a senior forest official who did not wish to be named.

Though the tiger is known for preying on deer and wild boar, it is now preying on livestock. However, it has not shown any aggression towards humans though it is moving in a landscape dominated by humans.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashok Behera said the department has deployed five teams consisting of 35 members to alert people living in the bordering areas and instruct them not to step out of their homes at night. The teams also advised the villagers to properly tie their cattle to save them from the predator.

Tigers disperse to establish their own territories. Male tigers disperse an average distance of 27 km while females disperse an average distance of 5.7 km.

In 2019, wildlife officials in Maharashtra radio-collared a tigress from the Tipeshwar wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra named TWLS-T1-C1 to tracks its dispersal. Over next 13 months it logged 3,017 km before the battery died. This is the longest distance covered by any tiger in the country in search of territory and mate.
A delegation of Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), an umbrella body of major civil society and student organisations, has left for Delhi with a hope to meet Election Commission officials for rescheduling the day for counting of votes for state assembly polls. Polling officials with EVMs and other election material.(PTI)

The ECI has fixed December 3 as the day for counting of votes for five states - Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Telangana.

As December 3 is a Sunday, all major political parties of the Christian-majority state, civil society organisations and others had urged the poll panel to change the day as it will clash with church programmes. The EC, however, stuck to its decision saying counting, unlike polling, does not involve common people and they are free to do what they like on that day.

The six-member delegation of the NGOCC has left for Delhi, though it has no appointment with any EC official.

"Although we don't have a prior appointment with the Election Commission, we have been advised (by a section of officials) to reach Delhi and try to meet the EC officials on Friday. We can't wait for an appointment," Malsawmliana, the general secretary of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), told PTI.

The CYMA is a constituent of the NGOCC while Malsawmliana is one of the six people who are going to Delhi.

Malsawmliana expressed hope that the meeting would come out positive.

CYMA president Lalhmachhuana said that they would try to meet the chief election commissioner and request him to reschedule the counting date.

Polling for the 40-member Mizoram assembly was held on November 7. More than 80 per cent of over 8.57 lakh voters cast their votes to decide the fate of 174 candidates.

Political parties, including the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the BJP, church and student bodies had written to the EC urging the poll panel to reschedule the counting date. The NGOCC also did the same.

Appeals had been made to change the counting date to December 4 or 5 to ensure that it does not fall on a Sunday. According to the 2011 census, Christians constitute 87 per cent of the population of Mizoram.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), overseeing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor project, shared an update on Thursday saying that 100 km of viaducts and 230 km of pier work was completed for the corridor. Works of first river bridge on bullet train corridor gain momentum

The milestone of constructing 100 km of viaducts has been achieved through launching 40-metre long 'full span box girders' and 'segmental girders', the NHSRCL has said.

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the project on his X (formerly Twitter) platform to give information about the accomplishment. "Progress of Bullet Train project: Till date: 21.11.2023Pillars: 251.40 KmElevated super-structure: 103.24 Km," Vaishnaw said in a post on X.

According to the corporation, the viaducts include bridges over six rivers flowing through Gujarat, namely Par and Auranga in Valsad, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika and Venganiya rivers in Navsari district.

"The first girder of the project was launched on November 25, 2021, while the first km of viaduct was ready in six months on June 30, 2022. It achieved construction of 50 km of viaduct on April 22, 2023 and, thereafter, in six months 100 km of viaduct were completed," the NHSRCL said.

"The Full Span Launching technique (FSLM), where 40-metre long box girders are launched by state-of-the-art equipment, is being used along with span by span launching of segments. FSLM is 10 times faster than the span by span method, which is normally used to build metro viaducts," it further added.

The installation of noise barriers has also started on the constructed viaduct, NHSRCL said in an official communication.

The laying of the first Reinforced Concrete (RC) track bed for the MAHSR corridor track system as used in Japanese Shinkansen has also started in Surat. This is for the first time, the J-slab ballastless track system is being used in India, NHSRCL said.

Further, the breakthrough of the first mountain tunnel of 350 m has been completed in Valsad while the first steel bridge of 70 metres length has been erected in Surat. This is the first of the 28 steel bridges which will be the part of MAHSR corridor, it added.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor project, being developed at the cost of 1.08 lakh crore, was launched by PM Narendra Modi and his then-Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in September 2017.

As per the shareholding pattern, the central government will pay 10,000 crore to the NHSRCL, while Gujarat and Maharashtra are to pay 5,000 crore each. The rest of the cost is by way of a loan at 0.1 per cent interest from Japan.

(With inputs from agencies)
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday rescinded its decision to allow the sale of tribal land to non-tribals in the states Scheduled areas and decided to send back the proposal for review amid sharp criticism and backlash. In 2002, the Naveen Patnaik government amended the law, completely banning the transfer of patta land by tribals to non-tribals. (Representative Image)

Parliamentary affairs minister Niranjan Pujari on Friday announced the decision in Assembly an hour after the Cabinet met and approved the reversal. The minister said the Tribal Advisory Committee, which had sent the proposal has been asked to reconsider it..

On November 14, the Odisha Cabinet had allowed amendment to Orissa Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by Scheduled Tribes) Regulations, 1956 making it possible for tribals to mortgage or sell part of his landholding to non-tribals. To control, what it called, land alienation among tribals, the state government in 1956 passed the Orissa Scheduled Area Transfer of Immovable Property (by Scheduled Tribes) (OSATIP) Regulation, 1956 but it proved to be ineffective as the law permitted transfer of patta land from tribals to non-tribals after obtaining permission from the revenue authorities.

Then in 2002, the Naveen Patnaik government amended the law, completely banning the transfer of patta land by tribals to non-tribals 2002 amendment, however, allowed a tribal to mortgage his land to any public financial institution only for agricultural purposes.

Besides, a tribal was not allowed to sell land to a fellow tribal if the total amount of land under his possession after sale came down to less than two acres for irrigated land and five acres in case for non-irrigated land.

For tribals living outside the Scheduled areas, the Orissa Land Reforms Act, 1960 makes it mandatory for permission from the sub-collector before any tribal land can be sold to non-tribals.

As per the Scheduled Area Order, 1950, the areas with predominantly tribal population such as the districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Chakapad block of Kandhamal district, Koenjhar, Telkoi, Champua and Barabil tehsils of Keonjhar district, Thuamul-Rampur Tahasil and Lanjigarh block of Kalahandi district, Nilgiri tehsil of Balasore district and Kuchinda tehsil of Sambalpur district have been declared as scheduled areas under 5th Schedule of the Constitution. The scheduled area covers about 44.70% area of the state with 68% of the total tribal population living there.

Also Read: Odisha govt withholds decision to allow sale of tribal land in Schedule V areas

But protests erupted with opposition parties BJP and Congress threatening to launch agitation against the decision. Since the last two days, Assembly proceedings had to be repeatedly adjourned after opposition parties demanded that the order be withdrawn.

A delegation of BJP legislators on Thursday met Governor Raghubar Das and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate withdrawal of the cabinet decision on the amendment of Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Scheduled Tribe Regulation, 1956.

The BJP members alleged that the BJD government had hatched a conspiracy to force poor tribals to sell their land. By tweaking the law on tribal land rights, the BJP alleged that the governments decision would encourage corporate houses to grab tribal land in the mineral-rich areas of the state. The BJPs chief whip, Mohan Majhi, alleged that the state government has no concern for tribal welfare though it claims to have rolled out several schemes for the tribes

Taraprasad Bahinipati, a Congress MLA from Koraput, a Scheduled area, said the permission went against the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996 in Odisha.
Ahead of the 15th year anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks in India's financial capital Mumbai, launched by Pakistan-based terrorists, there are concerns about whether a similar attack could be carried again. The concerns come in the backdrop of Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of at least 1,400 Israeli civilians. 26/11 - Mumbai Under Terror Attack - Firing - Fire at Taj Hotel - Fire brigade officers fighting with fire at Taj hotel - HT photo by Hemant Padalkar. 27.11.08(Hindustan Times)

Is India better prepared to ensure another 26/11 type carnage cannot be carried out?

26/11 can definitely happen in India after what has happened in Israel on October 7. The terrorist groups which have state support like Iran in the case of Hamas-Israel war or Pakistan in 26/11 terror attacks, can wreak havoc, create mhem and do a bloody campaign against the innocent civilians all over the world.

Over the past 15 years, India has developed a certain amount of counterterrorism response and the decisive leadership of the current government has ensured that the terrorists will think twice before launching any terror attack.

26/11 was a joint venture between Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI. The attack was successful in many ways as the then UPA government did not take any action, and it was found to be a bit casual while the attack was still on.

But India India has to be prepared for any other 26/11 terror attack.

Have the Narendra Modi governments policies ensured that terror groups think twice before launching any attack on India?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the HT Summit said that earlier, India as a victim would run to the international community seeking support against terror but now, the perpetrators run for global support fearing retaliation.

Before 2014, the nation lost nearly 966 innocent civilians in terror attacks that started from 2005 and continued till 2013 where the major cities were being hit by terrorists and all of them had support from Pakistan. Post-2014, the attacks within the hinterland have not been there, but have been actually confined to the periphery.

For instance, the Pathankot airbase attack or the Pulwama attack, the hinterland has not been affected. The fear of retaliation that came post surgical strikes in PoK in 2016 and 2019, shows that the Pakistan-based terror groups will think twice because this government has been firm on its zero-tolerance policy for terror and retaliation will take place in case the innocents are hit.

While India may have changed in its response to terror, how about Pakistan?

The very basic mentality of Pakistan is that it continues to treat India with hatred and as an adversary that continues. Additionally, Pakistan is also supported by China which ensures that Pakistan does not get retribution from the global community in the UN.

Last year in September, the US sponsored a resolution to put Sajid Meir, the principal player in the 26/11 attack under the 1267 Al-Qaeda sanctions committee, but it was blocked by China.

Pakistan, with its full support from China continues to have the same posture against India.

Has the international community done enough to act against countries that use terror as an instrument of state policy?

The global community helped India post the 26/11 attack. For instance, within the three days of the 26/11, the US sent a full-fledged FBI team to Mumbai and helped India find out the perpetrators of the terror attack.

Additionally, the US did give India access to people involved in terror attacks including David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana. But the financial details of David Coleman Headley were never shared with India.

Israel two days ago decided to brand Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist group but it took 15 years for Israel and a shock by Hamas incursion that they would come out to support India.

The world is very vulnerable right now to a terrorist attack given the level of radicalisation, polarisation and the instability that is currently in the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru on Saturday and is expected to review the functioning of the state-run plane maker and visit some of its manufacturing facilities, officials aware of the matter said on the eve of the high-profile visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo)

The PM is likely to visit the production facility for the light combat aircraft (LCA) too, said the officials, asking not to be named.

Modis visit comes at a time when HAL has found itself in the spotlight after the Indian Air Force announced plans to buy more fighter jets, and light combat helicopters (LCH) and to upgrade its Sukhoi-30s. These potential contracts are worth billions of dollars.

HAL is also set to begin work on jointly designing and developing helicopter engines with French firm Safran and is negotiating a deal for the joint production of fighter jet engines in the country with US firm GE Aerospace.

HAL is preparing to activate new production lines in Nashik for the LCA Mk-1A and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) planes to meet IAFs growing requirements for fighter jets and basic trainers, as previously reported by HT.

The new plant for the Mk-1As will enable HAL to advance the deliveries of the 83 such fighters ordered by IAF for Rs.48,000 crore in February 2021 by at least a year. Also, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced in October plans to order 97 more LCA Mk-1As at an estimated cost of 67,000 crore.

HAL has the capacity to build 16 LCA Mk-1As every year in Bengaluru, and the Nashik line will help the firm ramp up production to a total of 24 jets.

The company is also expecting an order for 156 LCHs from the armed forces. It has so far manufactured 15 limited series production (LSP) helicopters, and now, with the fresh order, series production will begin.

The order for upgrading IAFs Sukhoi-30s is expected to be worth Rs.65,000 crore.

It will involve equipping the fighters with the indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suites, weapon control systems, avionics and new weapons.

HAL also plans to create a new vertical to push exports as it pursues opportunities to sell fighter jets and helicopters to several countries, and the organisational restructuring will be carried out soon.

It has proposed setting up the vertical under a CEO-ranked officer who will report directly to the chairman. It is eyeing exports to countries including Argentina, Nigeria, Egypt and the Philippines, which are interested in the Mk-1A jets and the advanced light helicopter.
The video of martyr Captain Shubham Gupta's mother breaking down in front of the camera as Uttar Pradesh minister Yogendra Upadhyay posed with her with a cheque has gone viral drawing flak for the insensitivity of the photo-op. 'Mere liye pradarshani mat lagao bhai (don't make an exhibition for me)" Shubham Gupta's mother appealed as the minister displayed a cheque and the cameras clicked. Martyr Captain Shubham Gupta's mother broke down as she was made to pose with cheques in front of cameras.

Shubham Gupta's grieving mother was made to stand in front of the camera as she went on resisting and saying that she did not want any of it and only wanted her son back.

Sharing the viral video, AAP MP Raghav Chadha said the B in the BJP should stand for Besharam and P for Publicity. "Captain Shuham Gupta made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter in the Rajouri sector. His mother is grieving and eagerly awaiting her son's mortal remains. In the midst of her inconsolable sorrow, UP governments BJP Minister Yogendra Upadhyay shamelessly persists on having a photograph taken for his PR - this, despite the mother's plea to refrain from turning her grief into a spectacle. Shame," the AAP MP wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The official handle of the Congress shared the video and wrote 'vultures' condemning the photo-op. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said it was shameless and insensitive. "...the mother is pleading while inconsolable yet the minister continues with his photo op. What shamelessness is this? Won't even allow the martyr family to grieve in peace minus the cameras. Heartless," Chaturvedi wrote.

Captain Shubham Gupta, a resident of Agra, was one of the four Indian Army personnel martyred during an encounter in J&K's Rajouri on November 23. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of 50 lakh to his family and a government job for one of his family members. 27-year-old Shubham is survived by his father Basant Gupta, a district government counsel at a civil court in Agra, his mother Pushpa Gupta and younger brother Rishabh Gupta. Shubham joined the Indian Army in 2015 and was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. His marriage plans were on the cards.
Jind: The modest two-room home is old, weathered, and eerily quiet. The only background sound is from a persistently creaking fan. She sits on a chair, thin and frail, her eyes barely leaving the floor, her voice struggling to escape her tears. The government girls school in Jind. (Sourced)

The walls are plagued by seepage, the small bed is unkempt, the musty sheets are crumpled. The lone window, obscured by a layer of dust, struggles to invite sunlight. Its a dark room where the silence echoes the whispers of her silent struggle.

But, one day, she decided she would be silent no more.

She is 15 years old, a Class 11 student at a government girls school in a village in Jind, in the heart of rural Haryana. Her school was meant to give her the path to an education, and a better life. Instead, for four years, the man who led that school  a serial sexual offender  preyed on her. The principal was powerful, and she was afraid of social stigma. When she confided in her parents, they told her theyd stop her education if she revealed the truth.

READ | Five girls record statements, new sections added against Jind school principal

She was not the only one.

In the seven years that 56-year-old Kartar Singh was principal of the school, there were several other victims. And on August 31, 15 targets of his predatory behaviour banded together to write a five-page letter addressed to the most powerful offices in the country -- the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, the Haryana governor, and the state education minister.

We were chosen through the CCTVs installed in our classes. The most beautiful, or the most vulnerable, were picked by him and summoned to his room. Some were molested, others blackmailed. Some were sexually harassed. The threat of being expelled or shamed was used to keep us quiet, said the letter, scrawled in Hindi, in black ink, across five white sheets. A desperate cry for help.

We were left with no other option to stop the continuous torture. He would call us into his room, touch us, and talk in dirty language. If we objected, he would show us CCTV footage of us using our phones in class, or some other minor infringement, and threaten to tell our parents. He said he would call them and tell them stories that we were involved with boys and get us rusticated. For so long, all we could do was to let him have his way with us, the 15-year-old said.

READ | Jind students being pressured to withdraw plaint against principal: Womens panel chief

Despite the letter, there was administrative delay. Barely anything appeared to move for two months. Finally, on November 4, catharsis began. The man who was incessantly and systematically harassing the students in his own school was arrested, and horror stories began tumbling into the open. At last count, 142 girls had recounted their grisly stories of abuse and exploitation to the authorities.

HT met with 16 girls in the villages in and around the school to put together an account of serial abuse that lasted for the seven-year tenure of Kartar Singh starting in 2017. The man has been arrested, but most of his victims were hesitant to speak, often silenced by the watchful eyes of their conservative families. Still, some did.

Cries for help

Another of the mans victims is also a Class 11 student, who said that for the six years the principal abused his students, buying their silence with fear. He has political backing, and could harm us and our families. So we decided to write to the PMO for help anonymously, and asked for the case to be investigated by authorities in Chandigarh and New Delhi. We asked that girls be called one after another to record our statements, and not in the presence of teachers. That letter was our last hope, she said.

Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana women commission, said that they received an email with the complaint and a forwarded letter from the Prime Ministers Office on September 13. The next day, we wrote to the police to take action.

READ | Sexual harassment of minors was not first incident for accused principal in Haryana, say villagers

But for 44 days, between September 13 and October 27 nothing happened. The police did not register a case, nor was any other investigation carried out, a senior education officer of the state government said.

Then, on October 25, the principal arranged an unusual three-day excursion for 64 girl students from Classes 9 to 12 to Amritsar and the Attari border. One victim told HT that, at this point, they were unaware any action was on the anvil, and therefore had to acquiesce to the trip, afraid of what might happen. But this trip was different. The principal and the teachers knew that there was something happening. We were told indirectly several times that if anyone asks us questions about the school or the principals conduct, we should give good feedback. Six teachers, five of them women, and the principal went with us. For once, he didnt misbehave with anyone, the first girl said.

District authorities refused to comment on the trip and how it was sanctioned, but said that they first started an investigation on October 25. On October 27, when the students returned late at night, Haryanas additional chief secretary Sudhir Rajpal ordered the principals suspension, and Jyoti Sheokand, the district education officer, visited the school for the first time.

What she heard shook her to her core.

I kept the teachers away, gathered the students in a room, and convinced them to confide in me. There were 200 girls in the room, and they were all scared because there were CCTV cameras. They were afraid that their confessions would be accessed by teachers and their parents. But we kept telling them, we would keep their names secret. Girl by girl, they shared their ordeals. What I heard was horrific, Sheokand said.

Behind the tinted door

The two-storeyed school building has 935 girl students in classes 1 to 12. It is painted in red, with arches running through its outer periphery. Inside, the cream corridors are hand-painted with motivational quotes... On one such wall is the phrase, Mehnat, himmat aur lagan se sapne sakaar hote hai (Dreams are achieved through work, courage, and commitment. Right below those words painted in blue, is an aluminium door, framing an opaque dark-tinted glass: the principals room, or in this case, the scene of crime.

The door was installed soon after the principal joined. Though there are CCTV cameras inside, they were placed so that his chair and those standing near it were not visible in the frame. He would make us stand uncomfortably close to him, would start talking about his sexual desires. He would make us touch him, and as this was going on, the peon did not allow anyone to enter the room without permission, a third student, 16, said.

A fourth student, who is 15 years old, said that Kartar Singh once called her to his room, and told her that he had seen her watching pornography on a tablet given to students of classes 10 and 12 under the state governments e-Adhigam scheme. I remember the peon coming to summon me. I had been reading on my tablet but he said I was watching pornography, and asked me if I was sexually active. He touched me and tried to force himself on me, but a teacher approached the office, and he told me to stand at a distance, she said.

Kartar Singh, this girl student alleged, asked if she had ever kissed a boy. When I said no, he told me to come to him, and that he would teach me how to kiss.

Some residents of Jind said that this wasnt the first school where Kartar Singh had preyed on children. Rajkumar Singh, the former sarpanch of Makhand village said that the principal was posted in the school in their village in 2008. He was the headmaster and his behaviour was never right. Many girls would come home complaining about his conduct, and we had even complained to higher authorities. A team from Panchkula came at the time to investigate, but nothing happened. Eventually the girls were reluctant to go ahead with police action, afraid of the repercussions.

The investigation

The Jind district police registered a case against Kartar Singh on October 30 under Section 8 (sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and Section 354 (molestation) of the Indian Penal Code, after which he was placed under suspension by the state government. But Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the state commission for women, said that even this came after they intervened repeatedly. I had to give an ultimatum to the police because the suspect was living freely, and the victims were scared for their lives, she said.

Sumit Kuhar, Jinds superintendent of police, however, said that there was no delay because they first gathered evidence and checked Kartar Singhs background before registering a case. Even family members and schoolteachers were unaware of what had happened with the girls. We did not take much time but because it involved so many students, we handled the case with sensitivity, Kuhar said.

Police finally arrested Singh on November 4, and he is currently in Jind jail on judicial remand. After questioning, they have since added Sections 341(wrongful restraint), 342 (confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, and Section 10 of the Pocso Act (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) to the FIR.

Kuhar said that, thus far, eight students have recorded their statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and that this is the basis of their evidence in the case. The suspect has also named a few persons who have supported him in these obscene activities in the school. The role of another teacher and the peon is under the scanner, and we have collected strong evidence that will help our case in the trial.

The police are also investigating possible allegations that the man used to call children to his home and rape them.

The suspect rented a two-room house in the village and victims have alleged that he used to call them home and had raped them. Eight victims have recorded their statements under Section 164 of the CrPc, said Kuhar.

Concurrently, on November 7, the Jind administration formed a committee under district education officer Sheokand to conduct a probe. She got 50 girls to fill out a questionnaire, the answers to which have been submitted to the Haryana Womens Commission. Bhatia said that they have received 60 written complaints against the principal. Of these, 50 are complaints from girls who have alleged physical abuse, while 10 others said they were aware of his misbehaviour, said Bhatia. And by Thursday, that number had climbed to 142, according to district officials.

Mohammad Imran Raza, Jind deputy commissioner, said a team recorded the statements of 390 girl students, of which 142 statements directly or indirectly held the principal guilty. The students have alleged sexual harassment and assault by the principal. We sent our report to the director of education last week, he said.

Counselling, and courage

On November 16, under mounting pressure, the additional director general of police constituted a five-member special investigation team headed by Deepti Garg, ASP (Sirsa), to look into the allegations, and asked for the an investigation to be completed in 10 days. The station house officer of the police station concerned was transferred, and instructions were issued to ensure the counselling of the victims.

The investigating officer has brought three girls to us, and we have met them in school once. The girls are reeling under trauma, and are scared of the suspects family. It will take time to fully assuage their concerns, said Sujata Malhan, district child protection officer.

Family members of Singh that HT reached out to for comment said he was innocent and was being framed by former teachers who had altercations with him on disciplinary issues. Someone has instigated students to write this letter, said one family member, who did not want to be identified.

A senior teacher in the school said that they were unaware of such events and did not believe the five-page complaint letter. This was written by someone else. The girls are unable to write a leave application, let alone a five-page letter. Someone is behind this conspiracy, the teacher added, asking not to be named.

But Soonia Doohan, a Nationalist Congress Party leader said that serious questions need to be raised about administrative laxity. For instance, who paid for the principals trip to Amritsar with the students without permission from the department? It is clear the suspect made efforts to silence the minor victims and it happened in the knowledge of the education department and other officials, Doohan said.

Haryanas deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, who is the legislator from Uchana, said that the government has taken prompt action, and that Kartar Singh was arrested within a few days. There is no place in society for a person who is responsible for guiding students but turned into a predator. The police has collected enough evidence to ensure he remain behind bars and find it difficult to get bail, Chautala said.

In her dark room, the 15-year-olds eyes have still not left the floor. She deals with trauma in school, despite the changes over the past three weeks  there is now a new woman principal, the black tinted door has been replaced, his chair is gone. She deals with trauma at home  her parents are unhappy; they want her married off.

But even in the darkness and the whispers, there is now courage. I want to study and join the police, she says. So I can help other girls like me.
Congress leader and party president Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge on Friday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Election Commission's notice to Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that Gandhi did not mention any name. Priyank Kharge (ANI)

He (Rahul Gandhi) didn't mention anybody's name. He just said 'panauti'. So if people think the PM is a panauti then it is up to themWhy is the BJP so hassled by the use of this word? Kharge questioned, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Earlier, Mallikarjun Kharge said the party would reply to the EC's notice, adding that it is not a big deal. "There has not been any such severe commentary on anyone. But since the elections are going on, hype is being created. We will reply to the notice... The way they are trying to scare in the elections today is not right. If they want to save the democracy, then they should give a level playground. Instead, ED, CBI, etc are being used, he told ANI.

On Thursday, the poll panel issued a show-cause notice to the Congress leader over his jaibkatra (pickpocket), panauti (bad omen), and loan-waiver jibes at PM Modi during a rally. Issuing a statement, the EC said, It is alleged that comparing a prime minister to a jaibkatra (pickpocket) and using the word panauti is unbecoming of a very senior leader of a national political party. Further, the allegation of grant of waivers of 14,00,000 crore for the past nine years, is asserted by the BJP, as not borne out on facts. The EC further asked Gandhi to appear before it on November 25. This came after the BJP moved the ECI against Gandhi's remarks.

What Rahul Gandhi said

Addressing a poll rally on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi took a pickpocket dig at PM Modi. The pickpocket never comes alone, there are three people. One comes from the front, one from the back, and one from the distance."

He added, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's job is to divert your attention. He comes on TV from the front and distracts the public by raising topics of Hindu-Muslim, demonetization, and GST. Meanwhile, Adani comes from behind and takes the money.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: A Qatar court has accepted the appeal filed by the Narendra Modi government against the death sentence of eight former Indian navy personnel, arrested on alleged charges of spying, and agreed to hear their plea soon without giving a specific timeline, a media report said. Indian Navy personnel during a guard of honour ceremony in New Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT File Photo)

This development comes a month after the eight former Indian Navy personnel were given death sentence by Qatars Court of First Instance in a the case.

News outlet The Quint wrote about the appeal being accepted, quoting ...sources close to the mens families.

The charges were filed against the eight Indian Navy veterans on March 25 and they were tried under Qatari law but the situation turned worse on October 26 after the local court pronounced the death sentences.

The External affairs ministry had described the ruling as deeply shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case.

We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgment in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company. We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgment. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options, the MEA had said in a statement.

Also Read: Expecting positive outcome: India on appeal to free ex-navy men in Qatar jail

The arrested Indian 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, employed by Dahra Global.

The Congress has urged the government to secure the release of the eight men at the earliest and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said that his party expects that the government will use its diplomatic and political leverage with the Qatar government to the maximum to ensure that the officers have full recourse to appeals and also do the utmost to get them released at the earliest.

The Indian nationals, all employees of Doha-based Dahra Global, were taken into custody in August 2022.

Following their arrest last year, the former navy personnel got some relief from Qatari authorities when they were moved out of solitary confinement and put in a double-bed occupancy in a jail ward along with their colleagues
Jaipur: Nobody is really angry with Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan. In fact, five days across eastern Rajasthan, Shekhawati and rural Jaipur regions suggest that he is likely the tallest leader in the states politics, and would win a popularity contest for the chief ministers post by a distance. The only question is whether Gehlots personal popularity is enough to break Rajasthans long-standing tradition of voting out the incumbent every time. The answer to this question will depend on whether headwinds from several of Gehlots rogue local lieutenants will neutralise the tailwinds for his re-election bid from the social and economic underclass in the state. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot. (PTI)

In any other elections, Gehlot, the proverbial magician politician would have taken care of these headwinds by keeping his local leaders on a tight leash during his term, and even denying them a ticket to cut his losses. But his factional battle with Sachin Pilot throughout the course of this term forced him to make a choice between giving a long rope to these elements or see them break ranks to join the other camp. The later scenario would have finished Gehlot much before 2023.

The result is an electoral dialectic between goodwill from gratitude for welfare schemes and pro-poor governance to anger against the local MLAs who are blamed for promoting their own cronies or siding with vested interests against public good.

According to people in the state, there are examples galore.

The Khandela assembly constituency (AC) in Sikar district, and Dudu, a Schedule Caste (SC) reserve AC in what is now Dudu district, are two places where Gehlots magic touch worked in the 2018 elections. Both these ACs elected independent MLAs, Mahadeo Singh and Babulal Nagar respectively, who went on to join the Congress after the elections. HT visited Royal village in Khandela and Gangota Khurd village in Dudu AC, and the sentiment was one of strong anti-incumbency against the local MLAs.

More than lack of development, it is the interference in local administration and police which seemed to have irked the people. There were complaints of the MLA being abusive towards the local bureaucracy and forcing police to go easy on criminal elements. Nagars image is that of a muscleman who won the elections in 2018 without a party ticket despite being sent to jail in a rape case in which he was later acquitted. Villagers in Gangta Khurd accuse him of vitiating the local atmosphere through his cronies. He is also blamed for abusing local officials in full public view. The sentiment in Royal village is not very different. Here, the sarpanch from another village -- the panchayat consists of more than one village -- who has neglected Royals problems, is seen as Mahadeo Singhs man and has added fuel to the local anti-incumbency fire.

Also Read: BJPs golden triangle strategy for Rajasthan

In Sawai Madhopur, the story is not very different. Even Muslims, despite the local Congress MLA Danish Abrar being a Muslim himself, complain about what they call his authoritarian ways. Rukhsar, a Muslim farmer in Karmoda village near Sawai Madhopur, comes from a family of Congress activists, and his father and uncle have been the head of the local panchayat. Abrar has got cases lodged on 243 Muslim young men for criticising him  an allegation HT could not verify independently  he said, while rooting for Asha Meena, a rebel candidate of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) who finished second on the BJPs ticket with 37% vote share in 2018 against Abrars comfortable 52.6% vote share. In a lot of these districts, the Congress could have gained had it dropped the incumbent MLAs to field a new face.

HT reached out to individual MLAs for comments about these criticisms but they did not respond.

To be sure, it will be a mistake to believe that Gehlots loyalists have no boots or issues working for them on the ground. Ramesh Ahlawat, a Jat worker for the Congress HT spoke to in Khatwal village in Dudu AC, is confident about Nagars prospects. Dudu has become the first place in India to become a district from being a panchayat. This will bring development to our area, and it is Babulal Nagars gift to his voters, we were told. Dudu is not an isolated example here. In August this year, Gehlot government increased the number of districts from 33 to 50 in Rajasthan. Strengthening local patronage networks of Gehlots loyalists was big consideration behind this move.

In the end, these elections will perhaps boil down to whether Gehlots local lieutenants have created more angry workers like Rukhsar or motivated ones like Ramesh working for them on the ground. Gehlot himself will be hoping that his core voter base of Rajasthans social-economic underclass can compensate for some of the damage.

An overwhelming share of voters from SC communities like Bairwas or Raigars HT spoke to across the state are silently rooting for the Congress. In Gehlot, they see a benefactor who always cares for them. By pushing further on the welfare front, Gehlot is hoping to turn the election from a seat-by-seat contest to a referendum on himself rather than his (often) unpopular MLAs. We will know on December 3 whether the strategy has worked.
Voting will be held in 199 out of Rajasthans 200 constituencies today (25 November). Here are some charts that explain the nature of the Rajasthan contest.

Polling for the assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place on November 25.
My vote will be for change, says Seema Pargi, an 18-year-old resident of Beduva village in Simlawara tehsil of Rajasthans Dungarpur district and a first-time voter. For her, change means more development. I want more development for my village and more security for womenThere is a long-standing tradition that on completion of five years, a new government takes over, says Pargi. Since 1993, Rajasthan has seen a consistent change in power between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress every five years (Representative Photo)

Since 1993, Rajasthan has seen a consistent change in power between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress every five years, and the key to this change is 48 assembly seats, which flip every five years. Congress leader and current chief minister Ashok Gehlot has been the state CM three times and BJPs Vasundhara Raje twice during this period.

According to the data from the election commission, these 48 seats had alternated between the Congress or its allies and the BJP in the last three elections since 2008  the first election after the delimitation of assembly seats.

In 2013, the BJP got 44% votes winning 163 of 200 assembly seats. The 48 seats that belonged to the Congress in 2008, shifted to the BJP in 2013, only to return to the Congress or its rebel candidates in 2018. This signifies that almost a quarter of the assembly has the potential to switch allegiance and revert to its previous winner, leading to a fresh electoral outcome.

In addition to these, there are 25 or 12.5% of the assembly seats that were with the BJP in 2008 and 2013 but went to Congress in 2018. For instance, Adarsh Nagar and Virat Nagar in Jaipur city were held by the BJP in 2008 and 2013 but transitioned to Congress in 2018. The BJP also lost some seats in the Jat land and Mewat to Congress, which it had won in 2008 and 2013. This time, the BJP, which is in opposition, hopes to retain these seats.

It is very difficult to point out any one factor that leads to change in government every five years. One of the primary reasons is that there is an overall lack of satisfaction with the incumbent government and that it has not performed as per their expectations and needs. There is a leadership issue and in terms of organisational strength BJP had a distinct edge over Congress in 2008 and 2013. The anti-incumbency has been mainly against local MLAs and leaders. Gehlot remains the tallest leader of the state even today and people are overall satisfied with his work. But there is disenchantment at the local level, said Sanjay Lodha, a political expert and co-ordinator of Lokniti-CSDS Survey Rajasthan.

Rajasthan exhibits a diverse political and geographical landscape, divided into six distinct regions, each with its unique character. Mewar, encompassing districts like Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, and Banswara, stands out with a significant tribal population and historical political dominance. Shekhawati includes districts such as Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar, contributing to the states political tapestry. Bikana comprises Bikaner, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh, while areas like Jaipur and Dausa fall under the Dhundhar region. The Brij region includes Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karoli, and Marwar encompasses districts like Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi, Jhalod, Barmer and Jaisalmer.

The so-called forwards (including Jats, Rajputs, Brahmins, and trading communities) comprise 20-22% of the electorate, the Other Backward Castes  Jats, Yadavs, Gujjars, Sanghis, constitute 45-50%, the Scheduled Caste is 16 to 17%, the Scheduled Tribes has 13% while Muslims constitute 9% in Rajasthan. According to the experts, among the so-called forwards, the BJP secures a substantial 60% support, while the Congress has only 20%. Smaller parties garner around 15% of the vote.

In the OBC category, both the Congress and BJP share a significant portion, each securing 35-40%, while other smaller parties and independents get 15-20%, say political experts, while in the SC/ST category, the votes are evenly distributed between the Congress and the BJP with the remaining going to tribal parties like Bharatiya Tribal Party.

Muslims predominantly favour the Congress, with approximately three-fourths of their votes going to the party, as per CSDS analysis of the last three assembly polls. This has remained almost unchanged, election after election with about five per cent change, according to Lodha.

Jai Mrug, a political analyst and CEO of VotersMood Research and M76 Analytics, said that the BJP has been narrowing the vote share gap consistently in Rajasthan. In 2008, even as the BJP won 78 seats to the Congresss 96, it trailed by only 2.5% in votes. In 2013, the Congress won just 21 seats, falling 12% behind the BJP in vote share. Similarly, in 2018, despite the BJP winning 73 seats to the Congresss 100, it closed the gap to a mere 0.5%. This trend showcases the BJPs ability to continually narrow its margin with the Congress, regardless of election outcomes, said Mrug.

Shaktisinh Gohil, Congress MP and special observer for Rajasthan assembly elections expressed confidence in bucking the trend this time. There is no anti-incumbency and the wave in public is all pro-Congress. During the Covid pandemic, the work done by the government was praised by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The pro-poor schemes by the Congress and the people-friendly state budget will all help Congress in returning to power in Rajasthan, he said.

Nitin Patel, former deputy chief minister of Gujarat and BJP poll co-in charge for Rajasthan criticized the ruling Congress government, claiming they lacked a focus on development and accused them of side-lining women and Dalits in their plans. We are confident that BJP will form the government in Rajasthan with a clear majority this time. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership at the Centre and BJP in Rajasthan, the state will only prosper. There will be all-round development, added Patel.

48 swing seats
Indian Army dog named Domino and his handler Lance Naik Lucky Kumar on Friday were awarded for their role in tracking down a Pakistani terrorist in the recent Rajouri encounter in which five soldiers were martyred. According to the Indian Army officials, the dog helped the troops reach the hideout of terrorists by sniffing their blood trail in the Kalakote area, even after he had been injured in a gunfight. Indian Army dog, his handler awarded for tracking terrorists

Domino and his handler were given the Northern Army Commendation Card by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi.

The Army Commander complimented & felicitated the #gallant troops and Army Dog 'Domino' for successful #Operation in the most difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, the Indian army wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The two-day-long Rajouri encounter resulted in the killing of two terrorists - including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari. The Army also recovered large quantities of 'war-like stores' from the encounter site.

Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, also lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday in a 36-hour-long gunfight. Those who laid down their lives fighting the terrorists included - Captain MV Pranjal (63 RR) of the Mangalore area of Karnataka, Captain Shubham Gupta (9 Para) of Agra of Uttar Pradesh, Havaldar Abdul Majid (Para) of Ajote in Poonch, J-K; Lance Naik Sanjay Bist of Halli Padli area of Nainital, UK and Paratrooper Sachin Laur of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

On Friday morning, a wreath-laying ceremony was organised by the army at the Army General Hospital Rajouri in which the General Officer Commanding Romeo Force and other officers and police officials laid wreaths and paid tributes to the martyred army men. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the martyred army personnel were being sent to their native places for their last rites.
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday morning paid floral tributes to five soldiers who were killed in an encounter in Rajouri district. Paratrooper Sachin Laur and Captain Shubham Gupta

Two terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander trained in Afghanistan, and five soldiers, including two captains, were killed in a 36-hour-long gunfight with security forces on Wednesday and Thursday in the Bajimaal area of Darmsal.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organised by the army at Army General Hospital Rajouri in which the General Officer Commanding Romeo Force and other officers and police officials laid wreaths and paid tributes to the martyred army men.

Those who laid down their lives fighting terrorists were Captain MV Pranjal (63 RR) of Mangalore area of Karnataka, Captain Shubham Gupta (9 Para) of Agra of Uttar Pradesh, Havaldar Abdul Majid (Para) of Ajote in Poonch, J-K; Lance Naik Sanjay Bist of Halli Padli area of Nainital, UK and Paratrooper Sachin Laur of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

Captain Pranjal is survived by his wife Aditi G, while Capt Gupta leaves behind his father Basant Kumar Gupta.

Captain MV Pranjal (63 RR) of Mangalore area of Karnataka

Havaldar Majid is survived by his wife Sagera Bi and three children, while Lance Naik Bisht and Paratrooper Laur leave behind their mothers Manju Devi and Bhagvati Devi, respectively.

Havaldar Abdul Majid (Para) of Ajote in Poonch.

The mortal remains of the martyred army personnel are being sent to their native places for last rites.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

Lance Naik Sanjay Bist of Halli Padli area of Nainital.

While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.

The Army said that it recovered large quantities of 'War Like Stores' from the encounter site.

Quari was infamous for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas.

His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

(With inputs from agencies)
Rescuers plan to provide board games and playing cards to the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel for 12 days as the operation to evacuate them continues to get disrupted by multiple delays, an official said. Uttarkashi: Locals carrying a deity on a palanquin offer prayers at the Silkyara Tunnel's entrance during the rescue operation of 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel.(PTI)

Late on Thursday, boring through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel was put on hold again, apparently after cracks appeared in the platform on which the drilling machine rests.

Dr Rohit Gondwal, one of the psychiatrists at the rescue site, told PTI, "We are planning to provide ludo and chess boards and playing cards to help them (trapped labourers) relieve stress. The operation is getting delayed and it appears that it will take some more time."

He said all 41 workers are fine but need to stay healthy and mentally fit.

"They told us that they play 'chor-police', do yoga and exercise daily to de-stress," Gondwal said.

Speaking on the mental health of the trapped workers, another medical expert said their morale needs to stay high and they must remain motivated. A team of doctors speaks daily to the workers and asks about their health and mental conditions.

The latest obstacle came hours after the rescue operation resumed earlier in the day, following a six-hour delay to cut through an iron girder that came in the way of the auger machine late on Wednesday.

This is the third time that the drilling exercise has been halted since the multi-agency rescue mission began on November 12 after a stretch of the under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand's Char Dham route collapsed.

Officials on Thursday said the rescuers had managed to drill the rubble up to 48 metres. However, another 10-12 metres remain to be covered to allow the trapped labourers to be evacuated.

A team of a dozen doctors, including general physicians and psychiatrists from Uttarkashi and Dehradun, are stationed at the site.

The officials said the team members regularly talk to the trapped labourers -- for at least for 30 minutes in the morning and the same duration during the evening.
Chandigarh: At least 142 girl students have confirmed to Haryana authorities that the now-arrested principal of a school in Jind sexually harassed them, the districts deputy commissioner said on Thursday, taking the number of victims in the grisly crime up from 60. Police investigation revealed the principal of a school in Jind of Haryana sexually assaulted at least 142 girl students. (Representative Image)

Jind deputy commissioner Mohammad Imran Raza told HT that at least 142 girl students have also testified against 56-year-old Kartar Singh, the principal of the government girls school, in front of a committee headed by a sub divisional magistrate.

The committee which conducted a preliminary inquiry has found him prima facie guilty. The committee interacted with 390 girl students of class 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. Out of these, 142 students have directly or indirectly confirmed some of the allegations levelled against the principal, Raza said.

The Jind district police registered a case against Kartar Singh on October 30 under Section 8 (sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and Section 354 (molestation) of the Indian Penal Code, after which he was placed under suspension by the state government.

The deputy commissioner said that the committee has recommended disciplinary action against the accused principal. This would be in addition to the criminal proceedings initiated against him under Pocso and IPC. A regular inquiry would be initiated against him and additional deputy commissioner, Harish Vashisht would conduct it after a charge sheet is submitted against him, the deputy commissioner said.

Police arrested Singh on November 4, and he is currently in Jind jail on judicial remand. After questioning, they have since added Sections 341(wrongful restraint), 342 (confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, and Section 10 of the Pocso Act (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) to the FIR.

Gruesome details of the alleged crime surfaced on August 31, after students of the school wrote a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Haryana governor and the National Commission for Women seeking action against the school principal for the alleged sexual assault. The Haryana secondary education department suspended the principal on October 27.

Urchana station house officer Balwan Singh said one girl died by suicide at her house and two others died of other reasons, adding all of them were enrolled at the same school.

We have involved their parents as part of investigations against the accused principal. We are inquiring whether the girls were among the signatories in the sexual harassment complaints sent to the President and the Prime Ministers office, he said.

On August 31, 15 targets of the principals allegedly predatory behaviour banded together to write a five-page letter addressed to the most powerful offices in the country -- the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, the Haryana governor, and the state education minister.

On Thursday, chief minister ML Khattar said that the government had zero tolerance for such incidents. The accused, whosoever he may be, would not be spared, he said, adding that a woman principal was posted at the Jind school and 16 other staff members had been transferred.

To address the issue comprehensively, Renu Bhatia, the chairperson of the Haryana state women commission, has been asked to organise seminars in collaboration with the police to prevent such heinous acts from occurring. Haryana has already enacted legislation to curb such incidents, including a provision for capital punishment, Khattar said.
Jaipur: Mai thansu dur nahi (I am not far from you) the most popular slogan of Jodhpurs 28-year-old King Hanwant Singh Rathore, won the hearts of the people across the Marwar in 1952, leading his new political party Akhil Bharatiya Ramrajya Parishad swiping around 30 out of 33 seats in the region in the very first state assembly poll post-independence. (Representative Photo)

In the same year, the King of Bikaner, Karni Singh Bahadur, also stepped into the Parliament, winning the Bikaner constituency as an independent candidate.

Cooch Behars princess of the Narayan dynasty and the queen of Jaipur Gayatri Devi, in 1962, also contested in the Lok Sabha election as a candidate of the Swatantra Party and remained a three-time MP from the seat.

Despite the royal families losing their ruling rights after the independence, Rajasthan which has always been synonymous with the valourous tales of the blue blood in history continued being strongly influenced by the erstwhile kings and queens in the modern democratic era.

Also Read: Rajasthans political shifts: The 48 swing seats and other influencing factors

According to a member of the Rajput organisation Pratap Foundation, Mahaveer Singh Sarvadi, The association of the members of around 18 royal families of the state with the major political parties has always played a crucial role in the poll arena as most of them remained successful in building a pro-people image in society irrespective of any caste and community.

People yet view the royal family members with high esteem and believe that the kings and queens are the only ones who would listen to their demands and put the best effort to fulfil them. They can shelter them. This is such a comprehensive image, which is always the key to the success of the royal families in the political ambit, he said.

While Bahadur, Rathore, and Gayatri Devi paved the way for the royal clans in the political ambit post-independence, their descendants, such as Vasundhara Raje, Siddhi Kumari, Diya Kumari, and many others, kept on carrying the legacy.

Like every election, the political parties in Rajasthan have pitted around six members of the royal families in the upcoming state assembly poll due on November 25- of whom five were fielded by the BJP and one by the Congress. Here is a listicle.

Vasundhara Raje: A member of Dholpur royal family

Raje the two-time former chief minister of the state, hails from Gwaliors Scindia royal family and was married to King Hemant Singh of Rajasthans Dholpur royal family. Rajes mother Vijaya Raje Scindia was also the founder-member of the Jan Sangh, which was the parent party of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Raje contested her first assembly poll from Dholpur in 1985, which she won with 30% votes, defeating Congresss Banwari Lal. But she lost to him in 1993 when the party fielded her again from the seat. Since 2003, Raje became an unbeatable contestant of the BJP after she was fielded from Jhalawars Jhalrapatan a seat where Congress won five times while the BJP bagged it thrice till her entry.

Since 2003, Raje remained a four-time MLA from the seat and also became a two-time chief minister during the course.

The present national vice president of the BJP and the five-time MP Raje also served as a union minister in the cabinet of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998.

Despite the talk of Raje being sidelined in the party in the last few years, she remained BJPs first choice from the seat in the very first list to retain its stronghold. Congress has meanwhile fielded a fresh face Ral Lal Chauhan against Raje this time.

Diya Kumari: Princess of Jaipur royal family

Being the daughter of Gayatri Devis foster son Sawai Bhawani Singh, Diya Kumari stepped into Rajasthans political arena 10 years ago and remained an MLA from Sawai Madhopur in 2013 and, also an MP from Rajsamand in 2019.

Kumari who has been calling herself Jaipur ki Beti (daughter of Jaipur) during her campaigns this election, however, will face the poll battle for the first time from a prime seat in Jaipurs Vidhyadhar Nagar. She was one of those seven MPs of the BJP who were fielded in the 2023 poll in the very first list in October.

Vidhyadhar Nagar constituency  which came into existence following the 2008 delimitation  has always been a stronghold of the BJP, with Narpat Singh Rajavi, the son-in-law of former chief minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, winning the seat in all three elections. However, Kumari replaced him this time, while Rajavi was again fielded from Chittorgarh after 2003.

Congress, meanwhile, has fielded the businessman Sitaram Agrawal, who contested the poll in 2018 as well from the seat but lost to Rajavi.

Sushri Siddhi Kumari: Princess of Bikaner royal family

The granddaughter of the former MP Maharaja Karni Singh Bahadur, Siddhi Kumari, remained a three-time BJP MLA from the Bikaner East seat since 2008 when the constituency came into existence through delimitation.

In 2018, Siddhi won the seat defeating, Congresss Kanhaiya Jhanwar at a mere 3% votes. However, Congress, meanwhile, has fielded the partys veteran leader Yashpal Gehlot against her, hoping to break the trend.

Also Read: Rajasthan polls: Politics, climate and a bitter fruit in Sawai Madhopur

Kalpana Devi: Queen of Kota royal family

Kalpana Devi, the wife of the Maharao Ijya Raj Singh, is the incumbent BJP MLA of Kotas Ladpura seat from where she contested her first election in 2018 and won with around 53% votes, defeating Congresss Gulanaz Guddu.

Her husband, Ijyaraj, also remained an MP from Kota in 2009, winning as a Congress candidate, but later joined the BJP when the party denied her a ticket in the state assembly poll in 2018.

Congress, however, has fielded Gulnazs husband and, also a secretary of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee Naimuddin Guddu against Kalpana this time.

Kunwar Vishvaraj Singh Mewar: Prince of Udaipur royal family

The descendant of the well-known Rajput warrior king Maharana Pratap, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, joined the BJP on October 17 in the presence of the party president Chandra Prakash Joshi and Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari at Delhi.

With a hope to dent the Congresss stronghold in Rajsamands Nathadwara using the link of Udaipurs royal family in the entire Mewar region, Vishvaraj, whose father Mahendra Singh Mewar also remained a BJP MP from Chittorgarh in 1989, is all set to contest his first election from the seat against the state assembly speaker and the five-time Congress MLA C P Joshi.

Vishvendra Singh: King of Bharatpur royal family

The son of the last ruler of Bharatpur Brijendra Singh, Vishvendra remained a three-time BJP MP and a two-time union minister in 1999 and 2004.

The Bharatpur king, who contested his first assembly election from the separated Kumher seat with a BJP ticket in 1998 but lost to Congresss Hari Singh at only 945 votes, joined Congress in 2008 due to a conflict with his BJP colleague Digamber Singh.

Vishvendra was again fielded by Congress in the state assembly poll in 2008 from the new Deeg-Kumher seat that came into existence following the 2008 delimitation.

Though he lost the poll battle as a Congress candidate against Digamber, he ensured the seat for his party in consecutive next two elections in 2013 and 2018, following which he was appointed as the civil aviation minister in chief minister Shok Gehlots cabinet.

BJP, meanwhile, has fielded Dr Shailesh Singh again from the Deeg-Kumher seat, who lost to Vishvendra in 2018 with a margin of 5% votes.

Sociologist Rajeev Gupta, commenting on the influence of the royal families on the masses, said, The royal members are winning because of their presentability and the structure of the parties. Fielding them in the elections by the parties denies the hard work of the ground workers which is very disappointing. The Kings and Queens have barely any association with the masses. The political parties have taken the people for granted. Are they trying to revive the feudal system by appeasing these royal members who have almost no value today?
New Delhi: No state can take the matter of liberty casually, the Supreme Court observed on Thursday as it pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for not deciding the remission plea of a convict undergoing life term. State authorities are duty-bound to prioritise matters concerning the liberty of all individuals, including inmates, the top court said, adding a lackadaisical attitude by them would not be acceptable. The Supreme Court pulls up Uttar Pradesh government for not deciding the remission plea of a convict undergoing life term. (ANI)

A bench of justices AS Oka and Pankaj Mithal demanded an explanation from the secretary of the Uttar Pradesh home department, adopting a grim view of the delay by the state in complying with its order passed on September 25. By the previous order, the bench had directed the state to consider the plea for grant of permanent remission of applicant Santosh Singh in accordance with the applicable policy and place its decision before the court on November 10. The state, however, did not decide the remission plea by that date nor did it request for more time to do so.

If you had genuine difficulty in complying with our order by the deadline, you could have asked for extension of time. But you never approached this court. The order of the court is yet to be complied with. We passed the order in September. You didnt comply nor did you seek an extension of time. It happens only in the Supreme Court. No high court will tolerate such an attitude of a state, the bench told states additional advocate general Garima Prashad.

Prashad informed the court that there were genuine difficulties on the part of the authorities in deciding Singhs plea by the given date and that the process of considering remission was underway. The senior counsel added the home secretary was present in the court through video-conferencing, as directed by the bench on November 10.

See, you have still not decided it. And you have not even moved any application for an extension of time. Unless you are going to apply for an extension of time, we are not allowing your plea (to let secretary off the hook), the bench told Prashad. You are dealing with the liberty of individuals. We are not going to accept such an attitude. State authorities must give an explanation why they could not comply with our order.

The bench further asked Prashad as to what stops the state from considering the cases of remission on its own instead of compelling the inmates to move the high court or the Supreme Court after they complete a considerable long time behind bars.

There has to be a process in place. We want to lay down such a process. Either you come up with a process or we will issue suitable directions. This is why we want your secretary to be here...There are people lying in jail for more than 20-24 years. Such cases should be automatically taken up by the state for consideration, the court said, fixing the matter on December 11 when the home secretary will have to show up again.

Various benches in the Supreme Court have been repeatedly issuing directions to different state governments for devising a system for considering the remission pleas of the life term convicts after they have undergone a minimum period of 14 years. Section 432 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) empowers state governments to frame their own remission policy. A state is further required to consult the Centre if the case concerned has been investigated by a federal agency such as CBI or NIA. Under Article 161 of the Constitution, a state governor is also empowered to grant pardons and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases.

In September, another bench of the top court had held that denying premature release to convicts who have served extremely long periods of incarceration not only crushes their spirit but also signifies societys resolve to be harsh and unforgiving. Favouring the grant of remission to prisoners even in heinous cases if they have shown reformation, the court had at the time underlined the need to consider the rehabilitation and reformation of convicts, who, during long incarceration may have transformed and earned the relief of remission by alienating themselves from the persons they were at the time of conviction.

According to the court, denial of premature release to persons who were convicted when they were young and have served 20 years or more behind bars would violate their fundamental right protected under Article 14 (equality) if the remission board or the state government considers only the facts present at the time of their conviction.

In a previous judgment on August 26, the apex court emphasised that the ultimate goal of imprisonment, even in the most serious crime, is reformative. It had held that a stereotypical approach in denying the benefit of premature release to reformed prisoners, based solely on a trial judges opinion, could defeat the purpose of the remission policy.

CrPC requires a state government to obtain the views of the trial court that convicted the prisoner, and that of probation officer and jail officials before a decision on the remission plea is taken. A life term convict becomes entitled to remission only after serving at least 14 years in jail.

Previously, the benches led by chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul had also laid down an array of guidelines to expedite the manner in which prisoners entitled to remission could have their pleas placed before the remission boards for a speedy disposal.
Chennai: Three decades after the countrys first Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was formed in Maharashtra, the state of Tamil Nadu is set to form an ATS following a sanction by the state government, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The ATS will function under the chief of Intelligence of the state police and will have state-wide jurisdiction with powers to take independent legal action in any part of Tamil Nadu, the officials added. A government order sanctioning a sum of  60.1 crore for the wing was issued on November 18.

A senior official said, All terrorism and fundamentalist related cases will now be handled by the ATS. A government order sanctioning a sum of 60.1 crore for the wing was issued on November 18 by P Amudha, principal secretary of the states home department.

The Anti Terrorism Squad will function under the overall supervision of additional director general of police [ADGP], Intelligence and this unit will have state-wide jurisdiction and shall be declared as police stations with respect to offences under specific acts and sections of IPC [Indian Penal Code] as proposed by director general of police [DGP]. It shall have all the necessary powers to take independent legal action in any part of Tamil Nadu as per order of director general of police/Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, the government order said.

Additional funds of 28 crore will be provided for ATS in revised estimates during the next financial year, the government order added.

Earlier, chief minister MK Stalin had announced the formation of an ATS in the state assembly in April 2023. An anti-terror squad will be formed in the state intelligence department with 383 personnel to effectively tackle terror activities, Stalin had said.

The squad is likely to have its units in Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai. The squad will get intelligence gathering and analysis tools, digital forensic equipment and other operational equipment worth 18 crore, the official said. adding that 89 new vehicles have been sanctioned for their use. In emergency situations, ATS members are allowed to travel by air in economy class, he added.

Like a special commando force was formed to eliminate sandalwood bandit Veerapan in the 1990s, a police officer said that the ATS would be one of the special units of the Tamil Nadu police for counter-terrorism. Some personnel for the squad will be redeployed from the CB-CID special investigation division. Teams will be headed by an officer in the rank of deputy inspector general (DIG). As many as 36 ministerial staff will function as supporting staff to the anti-terrorism squad which will include legal advisor, psychologist, religious scholar and a socialists besides police personnel, the officer added.

The creation of the ATS comes months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and amidst criticism by the opposition that Tamil Nadus law and order has deteriorated. The chief minister had directed the state police to keep vigil, on the people who cause communal unrest in a region, repeatedly during meetings. While we prevent caste and communal violence, the focus should also be on people who fan communal tensions via social media. The number of such people is increasing, and they create unrest in the society, Stalin had said during a law and order review meeting in July.

States such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh already have ATS units. Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed in 2008 while fighting terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The unit was formed in advance so they were able to immediately mobilise their ATS during the attacks. Tamil Nadu didnt have such a unit until now, the official said.
Tesla is ready to invest up to $2 billion to set up a factory in India if the government cuts import duty on its vehicles to 15% for the first two years of operations, the Economic Times reported on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla chief executive Elon Musk (left) during a state visit to the US in June.

Reuters reported in August that India is working on a new EV policy to slash import taxes to as low as 15% - compared to the current 100% on cars priced above $40,000 and 70% for the rest - in exchange for a commitment to some local manufacturing.

The Elon Musk-led electric vehicle (EV) maker is willing to invest up to $500 million if the government approves the reduced duty for 12,000 vehicles and up to $2 billion if the concession is for 30,000 vehicles, the ET report said, citing unnamed sources.

The government is examining the viability of Tesla's proposal to invest $2 billion but wants to reduce the number of cars imported on a lower duty, compared to Tesla's proposal, the Economic Times said.

Tesla, the department for promotion of industry and internal trade, ministry of heavy industries, ministry of road transport & highways and the ministry of finance did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Officials working to rescue 41 workers trapped inside a tunnel in Silkyara in Uttarakhand for the past 13 days were unable to make any progress through the debris on Friday as the drilling could not resume a day after a metal object in the debris damaged the blades of the machine, people familiar with the operation said. Rescue operations in progress at the tunnel in Silkyara, Uttarkashi, on Friday. (PTI)

Drilling still remains to be completed through another 10-12 metres of the debris even after the auger machine has managed to cut through 46.8 metres. Once drilling is complete, evacuation pipes will be installed to bring out the 41 trapped workers.

Senior officials who are part of the evacuation process said that they hope to be able to make contact with the workers on Saturday, if they face no more obstacles.

READ | Uttarkashi video shows how 41 workers will be pulled out of collapsed tunnel

On Thursday, drilling was put on hold around 1pm after the platform on which the equipment was mounted got destabilised after the auger machines drill bitdamaged the steel pipes used in the construction of the tunnel. Officials said the auger machine had to be disassembled and repaired.

The main problem, officials said, was that the evacuation pipe being pushed through the 800mm wide hole being drilled got warped, and the drill machine could no longer cut through.

The steep pipes had come in the way of the auger machine, and ended up bending the 800mm evacuation pipe we were pushing. The mouth of the other side of pipe ended up getting narrower, and the auger couldnt push through it. Our team had to chop 1.2m off the pipe which we had pushed into the debris. This process took us around 7-8 hours, said Neeraj Kharwal, secretary to the Uttarakhand government.

READ | Himalayan geology not predictable: Experts on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue timeline

Since this is at least the fifth time that rescue officials have now faced obstructions in the drilling process, officials said they have now used ground penetration radar (GPR) to scan the remaining debris. According to the GPR reading, there are no more metallic obstructions in the next 5.4 metres. Its accuracy, however, couldnt be 100% due to the damage caused to the pipe, he said.

GPR is a non-invasive geophysical technique that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface, allowing construction workers to detect and map objects and structures beneath the surface of the ground.

Forty-one men have been stranded inside a 2km stretch of the 4.5km Silkyara-Barkot tunnel on the National Highway in Uttarkashi district since November 12, when a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed. In the 13 days since, there have been multiple attempts to engineer methods to evacuate the workers, including the use of an American auger machine to drill through close to 60 metres of debris from the Silkyara end.

Till 7.30pm on Wednesday, the rescuers had only 18 metres of the debris left to drill through, when the auger machine hit an iron girder. A team from Trenchless Engineering Services Private Limited (TESPL) entered the pipe twice to confirm the clearance of the rescue pipe. The obstacle was addressed overnight, and drilling restarted at 10am on Thursday.

At 1.30pm on Thursday, as the ninth pipe was pushed through an additional 1.8m, a vibration was noted. Officials then decided to push back the auger to reassess the force to be applied. Then, obstructions were observed again.

A bent part of forepole (pipe) from the tunnel lining was struck in the auger assembly which led to vibration disturbing the concrete base on which the machine was mounted, an official said.

A GPR test was completed at 3.40am on Friday. A team of welders went inside the pipe to cut the bent pipe. The auger reassembly will restart thereafter, an official release said.

Mahmood Ahmed, additional secretary, ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), said the platform has been strengthened and the machine was being re-assembled late on Friday. Once the welding process of the new pipe is over, which has to be done cautiously and takes two hours, we will start pushing the pipe using the auger machine, he said, adding that two more pipes of 6 metres are to be pushed before they make contact with the trapped workers.

Bhaskar Khulbe, former adviser to the Prime Minister Office (PMO), said they hoped to reach the workers on Saturday if no more obstacles were faced.

On the other hand, working was also going on several parallel plans to rescue the workers including vertical drilling down the hill to reach them. The launch pad for the drilling machine has been completed and marking of drilling point over the tunnel has been finalised after discussion with Geological Survey of India (GSI), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a government statement said.

The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) will vertically drill 1.2m-wide hole to dig through 85-90m to rescue trapped men from above. This tunnel will be later used for emergency exit, officials said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to remain updated about the rescue efforts. The PM also gave necessary instructions to Dhami, a government release said.

Rescue teams said the trapped workers are safe and mentally well. Freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being sent to them through a six-inch-wide supply pipe at regular intervals. The consignments consisting of roti, dal, mixed vegetable and fruits like apples, oranges, bananas etc along with medicines and salts are also being supplied to them, an official familiar of the developments said.

Chaudhary Lal, father of trapped worker Manjeet Lal, said the delayed rescue operation is making him anxious. Even though they allowed me to speak to my son the situation remains far from desirable. I wake up every day hoping to be able to see my son. I have already lost my elder son at a Mumbai construction site last year, I dont want to lose my younger son, he said.
Bengaluru: The investigation into the murder of four people in a family, including an air hostess with international airlines, has revealed that the suspect in custody was driven by over-possessiveness and personal jealousy. The police also found that after committing the murder, he kept the knife back in the kitchen of his house, where he lives with his wife. HT Image

According to Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K, who provided details during a press conference, Praveen Chowgule was reportedly infatuated with his colleague, the air hostess, and turned violent after she stopped communicating with him.

The Superintendent explained, During the course of their work, the suspect and the victim developed a friendship. The suspect in custody also provided assistance to the victim and even lent her his two-wheeler. However, their relationship soured in the past month, leading to animosity and ultimately, this tragic act.

Chowgule, currently in police custody for 14 days, is alleged to have meticulously planned the crime. He strategically parked his car before a toll gate to avoid CCTV detection and attacked the victimshis colleague, Ainaz (21), her mother Haseena (46) and her two siblings Afnan (23) and Aseem (12) in Udupis Nejar on November 4.

Police said that following the gruesome act, the suspect fled to Mulki, then to his residence in Mangaluru, seeking medical treatment for an injured finger along the way. After committing the crime, the accused used various modes of transport and reached Mulki. He went to his house in Mangaluru and also to the hospital for medical treatment of his injured finger, said the SP.

According to the officer, the Chowgule had brought a knife from his house for the murder. The accused used a knife to kill all four victims. After that, he took it back to his house and kept it back in the kitchen before escaping to Kuduchi near Belagavi with his wife, said the officer.

The accused was associated with Pune city police earlier. As the present job in Air India Express gave him a higher salary, he changed his job. The accused was on contractual post in Air India Express and if required we will investigate further on the background check done by the airlines, he said.

Additional cases have been registered, and the police are taking comprehensive measures. Superintendent Arun K stated, The mobile phone of the suspect in custody is in our custody, and we will extract data for further proceedings. We have completed the investigation and do not find any reason to keep him in custody for more days.

In response to the victims familys demands, the police are considering appointing a special public prosecutor and moving the case to a fast-track court.

Following the crime, The police are taking additional steps to enhance security, installing CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points of the city, the officer said.

The investigation is ongoing, with mobile phones of the victims to be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Superintendent Arun K has recommended a reward of 1.5 lakh for the police team for their dedicated efforts in the investigation.
The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government on Friday declared November 25 as "no non-veg day" on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sadhu TL Vaswani. The government has asked authorities to make sure that the order is followed strictly across the state.(File)

According to the notification issued by the state government, all slaughterhouses and meat shops will remain closed on Saturday.

It is to inform that the birth anniversaries of our countrys great men who propounded the Doctrine of Non-Violence are celebrated as Non-Violence days. As we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti and Sadhu TL Vaswani Jayanti, the UP government has been issuing notifications to keep the slaughterhouses closed in the state, the notification of the UP government said.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Sadhu TL Vaswani on November 25, 2023, it has been decided that all the slaughterhouses will remain closed, the notification read.

The government has asked authorities to make sure that the order is followed strictly across the state.

Sadhu Thanwardas Lilaram Vaswani, an educationist who started the Mira Movement, was born on November 25, 1879.Born in a Sindhi family in Hyderabad Sindh (now in Pakistan), raised his voice for the education and liberation of women in the country. A gifted orator and writer, Vaswani also advocated for a vegetarian lifestyle.

Vaswani died on January 16, 1966, at the age of 86. A museum dedicated to his life and teaching was opened in Pune. Sadhu Vaswani's birthday on November 25 is also recognised as International Meatless Day.

The recent announcement by the UP government came days after it in a decisive step against the illegal issuance of 'Halal Certificates', came out with an order forbidding the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food products with Halal certification with immediate effect. However, products manufactured for export will not be subject to the restrictions.
The rescue efforts at the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse site faced a temporary pause on Thursday due to a technical issue with the auger machine used for drilling through the rubble. Officials indicated that the trapped workers would be freed soon, but the machine's malfunction caused the halt. They assured the public that work to rectify the machine was in progress and asked the media not to guess any timeline for the rescue operation as it would mislead the public. Uttarkashi: A view near the under-construction Silkyara tunnel as drilling through the rubble to extract 41 trapped workers remains stalled, in Uttarkashi district, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)(PTI11_24_2023_000146A)(PTI)

Bhaskar Khulbe, a former advisor to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), highlighted that a 2-meter section of the inserted pipe had to be removed due to compression caused by drilling friction.

During a media briefing on Friday, Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary Technical at Road and Transport, discussed the technical glitch affecting the machine.

A team of eight to nine members have been added to assist the rescue operation. The auger's blades needed repair due to damage, prompting us to retrieve and fix them. Debris and metal lodged in the collapsed section of the tunnel are causing hindrances. Cleaning the tunnel is underway to prevent further issues with the machine. We have covered 45 metres, with 14 more to go, Ahmed said.

He further said that the concrete supporting the auger machine has weakened due to increased torque and extended distance. Our aim is to surpass the 45-metre mark. During the pipe cleaning, we swiftly conducted grouting and rock bolting to reinforce it, adding extra concrete mixed with an accelerator for quick strength, he added.

At the briefing before 3pm on Friday, the official further said, Welding a new pipe will take about two hours. We hope for a smooth journey forward and ask for everyone's prayers for the same. We anticipate completing this within two hours, and there's a chance that the work.

After a collapse of a section of the under-construction Silkyara to Barkot tunnel on November 12, 41 labourers were trapped due to debris within a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side. The rescue operation entered its 13th day on Friday.

These workers are confined within a 2-kilometre segment of the tunnel, which has been fully constructed, including concrete structures ensuring safety for the trapped individuals.

NDMA asks media not to make guesses on timeline

Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, said on Friday regarding the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation that the state and central governments are collaborating to save the sons of India, ensuring no resources are spared for the rescue operation.

It's a very challenging operation. A war is being fought to save the sons of India who have been toiling up there in the mountain, and the government of India is ensuring that no resources will be left which are required and have not been mustered for this particular rescue operation, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain was quoted as saying by PTI.

The NDMA asked media not to speculate about the timeline for completing rescue operations as it can mislead the public. They highlighted the collaborative efforts of central agencies and multiple state governments engaged in the rescue operations at the Silkyara tunnel.

There has been no progress in the movement of pipe through debris in the tunnel since Thursday, and about 15 metres of drilling is still left to reach the stranded workers, he added.
Uttarakhand tunnel collapse Highlights: The rescue operations to save the 41 trapped workers in the rubble of the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi are currently underway. Late on Thursday night, the drilling operations were halted once again as the operation hit a technical snag. Uttarkashi: Officials at the entrance of the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel during a rescue operation for 41 workers trapped inside it, in Uttarkashi district, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (PTI)

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the drilling work had been halted late at night on November 23 as the American auger machine hit a technical snag. The CM also stayed at the site of the tunnel collapse overnight.
Kolkata: Even as the rescue operations to evacuate the 41 workers who remain trapped at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand have reached its fag end, the incident brought back horrific memories to 70-year-old Jagdish Kahar, who along with 65 others, remained trapped in a flooded coal mine in West Bengals Raniganj area for around four days in 1989. Jagdish Kahar- 1989 Raniganj coal mine disaster survivor (HT Photo)

A resident of Mahabir Colony in Raniganj, Kahar was a worker in the coal mine.

It was a Sunday, and we were working in section 21 in the night shift. At around 2am, water started gushing in through section 27. Workers started fleeing, and there was chaos in the mine as the news spread. At least 65 of us got trapped, and then the long wait in the mine began before we could be rescued, Kahar told HT over the phone.

On November 13, 1989, 200 workers were breaking coals in the mine by triggering blasts. However, one blast caused the water table to break (the underground boundary between the soil surface and groundwater), and water gushed into the mine, flooding it within minutes.

Also Read: Uttarkashi video shows how 41 workers will be pulled out of collapsed tunnel

The phone lines were still working and there was also electricity. We could speak with the rescuers. But the tension was running high. There were 60 of us in section 21. We were told to join five others trapped in section 27. Over the next four days, we stuck together till we were rescued, he said.

Among the trapped was also Bala Kumar Kahars Uncle. He is now in his late 80s and lives in the same house in Raniganj.

We had to keep our morale high and find ways to remain cheerful as every minute seemed like an hour. Even though we could communicate with the rescuers, we were not certain as to when we would be rescued. We used to crack jokes and keep smiling. If anyone got nervous, all of us would jump in to boost his morale. Because one weak link may break the morale of everyone, Kahar said.

On the third day, the trapped miners were asked to reach section 65, which was not so deep from the sea level and from where evacuation would be easier. While section 21 was at least 300 feet deep below the ground, the depth of section 65 was just around 80-90 feet, according to the survivors.

We were told that there was an old bore well and that we needed to find it. Food and water would be supplied through that pipe before we could be rescued. It was at least 2-3 km away from where we were. But how to find the pipe? We told the rescuers that they need to lower a light bulb so that it becomes easier to locate, Kahar said.

The miners found their way through a mesh of tunnels inside the mine under the ground. Upon reaching the spot, the rescuers had already dropped some fruits including apples and oranges, he said.

As we were closer to the ground, we could hear the sound of machines and even people. It was a huge relief, but we were still not sure how long the rescue operation would take. As every one of us had a torch, we decided to light one torch per day and sit together. We planned this so that we have light for 65 days, said Kahar.

On the third day, the workers could even speak to their family members over phones inside the mine.

On the fourth day, we heard some loud noise of drilling followed by a loud thud of falling debris. We all got scared and none were ready to go and check out. So, we decided that all of us would go together. To our utter joy, we found that a hole had been made with a drilling machine, and now our rescue was just a matter of time, he added.

All the trapped miners were then rescued one by one with the help of a makeshift capsule lift.

When we were coming out one by one, thousands of people, who had gathered there started cheering Jai Bajrangbali, Jai Bhagwan. For us, the rescuers were like God. And the people looked at us as if we were God who have cheated death, added Kahar.

Also Read: Who is Arnold Dix, underground expert roped in for Uttarkashi tunnel rescue?

In Uttarakhands Uttarkashi, 41 men have been stranded inside a 2km stretch of the 4.5km Silkyara-Barkot tunnel on the National Highway since November 12, after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed.

In the 12 days since, there have been multiple attempts to engineer methods to evacuate the workers, including the use of an American auger machine to drill through close to 60 metres of debris from the Silkyara end. Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel.

Officials have mentioned that no specific timelines should be assumed, however, if all goes well and the rescue work does not face any obstruction, then workers will be out by tomorrow afternoon.
After his 26-month stint as Chennai city commissioner of police, Shankar Jiwal on June 30 took over as Tamil Nadus director general of police (DGP). In an interview with Divya Chandrababu, he speaks of having zero tolerance towards custodial torture, predictive policing on social media and security preparations for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Edited excerpts: Shankar Jiwal

In the last five months, since you have taken charge, what have been your priorities, chief challenges and new initiatives?

Tamil Nadu police is functioning very well focussing on eight verticals, such as maintaining law and order, taking stringent action against rowdyism [hooliganism], katta panchayat, especially against organised gangs and hired killers], drug and prohibition offenders, safety of women, children, senior citizens and vulnerable sections of society, time-bound disposal of Mudhalvarin Mugavari petitions [received through chief ministers helpline management system and the CMs Special Cell] and other public grievances, welfare of the police force, reducing road traffic accidents and deaths and lastly, strict vigil over developments on social media that have the potential to affect law and order and public peace.

We have introduced mobile CCTV cameras which are readily deployable at any place in short span of time and have internet connectivity to enable monitoring from multiple remote locations. Body-worn cameras have been provided to police personnel on escort duty and the escort vehicles are fitted with CCTV cameras. This helps in monitoring the accused in transit to court and back to avoid their interaction with unauthorised persons. A system has also been introduced to monitor progress of trial cases in courts and production of witnesses in the courts, quality evidence is being ensured. This is likely to reduce the pendency of FIRs and non-bailable warrants in due course.

How are you monitoring social media to maintain security?

We have created a state of the art Social Media Centre (SMC) at the police headquarters which functions 24x7 to analyse content, monitor trends and track high-profile users to ensure that preventive checks can be digitally laid before an issue spirals out of control. The SMC has different teams to monitor social media platforms based on four criteriaIssue based monitoring, organisation based monitoring, current trends & hash tags monitoring, and analysing. Any post on social media which can harm peace and harmony, is brought to the knowledge of superior officers immediately for necessary action.

There is a social media cell under each district superintendent of police (SP) and commissioner of police (CP). Advanced software tools for Open Source Intelligence are used to watch trends and developments. These tools enable us to collect and analyse information from the internet, social media and Dark Web. It analyses hashtags to identify viral messages, the sentiments around the trending topics, the top influencers, tweeted content, images, videos, opinions, etc.

Tamil Nadu police are well equipped to tackle the fake news on social media. In early 2023, the successful tackling of the massive spread of fake news that North Indian Hindi speaking migrant workers were being attacked in Tamil Nadu by local people was lauded not only in the state but across the country. Many have opined that this response can be a template for other police forces. In the current year [from January to October], 3,046 cases have been registered under IT Act.

It is true that personal disputes over trivial issues, like murders by relatives, sometimes are flared up by vested interest on social media in order to sensationalise the issue and also to create an image as if the law and order situation is not good. It is true that some activists use their social media handles to malign individuals by spreading the misinformation.

Apart from the steps mentioned above, the content of the social media handle is blocked and in some cases, the social media handle itself is blocked.

There have been three extrajudicial deaths in the past as many months where five criminals have been shot dead. Your comment.

Tamil Nadu Police, both in letter and spirit, ensure that no activity, which is against law, is tolerated and if anything adverse comes to notice, it is acted upon. At the same time, police as enforcers of law, do have the right of self-defence and in three cases in recent past, history-sheeted rowdies had attempted to harm and cause danger to the lives of the policemen performing their duty. Thus, in all cases, only as a last resort, had the concerned police team used force. It is pertinent to mention that the concerned history-sheeted rowdies had a number of pending cases, including serious ones. The injured were immediately shifted to hospitals. The due process of law, enquiry by an independent agency by way of a Magisterial enquiry was instituted.

Though there have been no custodial deaths this year, there have been complaints of custodial torture.

Tamil Nadu police have adopted zero tolerance towards custodial torture and instructions have been given to all the concerned police officers, accordingly. Any allegation of police torture will be taken seriously and prompt investigation will be done to find out the lapses and take necessary legal action. All the 1,578 police stations have been installed with CCTV cameras to ensure transparency and accountability. The results are evident in the data. The number of custodial death cases has drastically declined in recent years. In 2018 it was 10, in 2019 it was 10, in 2020 it was 6, in 2021 it was 4, in 2022 it was 3, and 2023 it is nil.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the government is concerned that political opponents are likely to drive caste and communal disharmony in the state. How is the police preparing?

Tamil Nadu police is fully prepared to face the 2024 general elections and efforts are already underway to ensure smooth and incident free conduct of elections. Accordingly, police officers are working on to keep the trouble mongers and rowdies in check by way of various preventive actions like detentions under Goondas Act, speedy prosecution, etc. Regarding the murders and rowdy-related murder cases in some southern districts [Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi], the total cases reported from January to October in 2023 are 87, as compared to 104 in the same period in 2022. Thus, there is a decrease in total murder cases reported in the southern districts in 2023.

With regard to the caste and communal clashes, a mobile squad in certain districts for prevention of violence and atrocities against members of SC/ST has been created. The mobile Police Squad (PCR Unit) in certain districts were tasked with the role to avert caste fragilities in the society along with enforcing and periodic monitoring of the Prevention of Civil rights 1955 and Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act. The unit holds regular meetings with NGOs to provide Socio-economic rehabilitation measures.

Since 2021, NIA has registered over four cases to probe a conspiracy by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sympathisers based in India and Sri Lanka to revive the activities of the banned outfit by indulging in arms smuggling, ferrying of drugs and using hawala for transfer of funds. How is state police cracking down on these attempts to regroup?

NIA is the central agency which picks up cases and investigates as per relevant Act. Tamil Nadu police has a specialised unit Q Branch, which deals with the issues relating to the 4 cases registered. Q Branch is working in professional cooperation with NIA to see that any anti-national and anti-social activity is curtailed and also logically investigated to avoid further incidents. The overall situation in Tamil Nadu with respect to smuggling of narcotics and arms is well under control and those who are there meant to be in transit are already being monitored through registration of cases and in-depth investigation.
The roofs are damaged, the streets are littered with splinters, and tin sheets that served as walls have holes pierced by bombs. Many of the houses are locked but some are just bolted, and most of the windowpanes are shattered. The scenes are almost similar in Tiao D and Tiao Khawmami, two villages about 4km from Mizoram across the international border in Myanmar. The roofs are damaged, the streets are littered with splinters, and tin sheets that served as walls have holes pierced by bombs. Many of the houses are locked but some are just bolted, and most of the windowpanes are shattered. (File photo)

On Thursday, when HT visited these villages, a few families were seen repairing their homes, but most people were staying put at relief camps in Zohkawathar in Mizoram, fearing that there would be another attack. The Tiao river separates Zohkawathar, a town in Mizorams Changphai district, from Myanmar, and a small bridge over the porous border offers easy access to people on both sides.

There is no restriction on residents from the two countries to travel up to 16km into each others territories without a visa or a permit.

Earlier this month, rebel groups in Myanmar, including the Chin National Army (CNA), the Peoples Democratic Force (PDF), and the Chinland Defence Force, took over military posts in the border areas in a bid to take back territory from the Junta, which has been in control of the country since the military coup in 2021. In response, the Myanmar Army bombed areas in the vicinity, resulting in thousands of people living in villages nearby feeling to India.

READ | Refugees now reach south Mizoram amid fresh airstrikes by Myanmar army

Over 5,000 Myanmar nationals crossed over to Zohkawathar from Tiao D and Tiao Khawmami on November 12-13. Fourteen of their residents are admitted to two Aizwal hospitals with critical wounds; many others with non-serious wounds are at the Champhai district hospital.

I have returned to rebuild the roof but we will not spend the night here. Its not safe. I have to redo the walls of my house because it has bullet marks, Laldin Liana, 35, a resident of Tiau D village, said on Thursday while construction workers finished placing a new tin sheet to serve as his roof. The old roof, Liana said, had over 50 splinter holes in it.

The military junta fired around 50-70 bombs between November 12 and 13. On November 13, at around 2pm, I was standing outside the coop feeding the birds. Two bombs landed suddenly -- one inside the house and the other hit the coop. We heard two explosions and saw flames. All the 15 birds inside the coop died. We just ran, and ran, towards India, he added.

READ | India issues advisory for its nationals in Myanmar, asks them to register at embassy in Yangon

Less than 200m away, at the edge of Tiau Khawmawi village, is the house of Lalkun Keima, a 37-year-old porter who helps load trucks on the India-Myanmar border. Keima, too, has returned to rebuild the kitchen of his house after it was damaged in the bombing. Just a few minutes after Lianas house was struck by a bomb, Keima and his wife, Lalpeik Mawii, 40, were also forced to evacuate.

We had been hearing planes hovering above us the previous night. When the bombs started landing near our village, everyone started fleeing. My wife and I were in another room, when the bomb ripped off our roof and burned the kitchen. As soon as we stepped out, another bomb completely gutted our neighbours house. Fortunately, hed already left his house by then, Keima said.

Some abandoned Myanmar Army posts are visible about 200m up the hill from Tiao D and Tiao Khawmami. Locals say the members of the rebel forces have advised them to keep away from those area. There were bombs dropped by the army on their own military posts once the rebel forces took control. We saw planes dropping the bombs, but they did not explode for some reason. PDF has told us not to go near the post because these bombs could explode if we step on them, Keima said.

While the residents of these two villages, which together have around 1,000 houses, are unsure whether to return to there homes or stay on in camps in India, militants from CNA and PDF are patrolling the villages. The rebel cadres are also manning the porous border on the Myanmar side. The cadres refused to interact with this reporter, but claimed that the Myanmar Army is no longer is no longer in control of this western part of the country.

READ | Deeply concerned: India calls for peace as Myanmar fighting reaches near border

The PDF cadres have placed a loudspeaker on the hill. They said they will sound an alert if the Myanmar Army comes to drop bombs again, said Hrang Thannuna, 45, who returned to his home on Wednesday and found the walls burnt down and a portion of the roof damaged.

Refugees have been streaming into Mizoram since fighting between the ruling junta and the rebel forces intensified in Myanmar on October 27 -- a reflection of the shared community solidarities of many tribal groups such as Kuki-Zo people, whose populations are scattered across the porous border. In all, government estimates suggest over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar are living in parts of northern Mizoram  at least 20,000 in the biggest Aizawl district, and about 10,000 near the northern town of Champhai  since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. About 5,000 more have arrived after November 11 and 12.

Our state government has not pushed for biometric data capturing or building a fence because it is against humanity... The people across border share the same ethnic ties with the people here. Also this is a temporary measure. Though many have come to India because of the situation in their country, they will eventually return, states joint secretary (home) Lalthiamsang Sailo said.

According to a resident Siamtea, who works as a driver in Zohkawathar, no one is complaining about the influx of refugees. The government number is 30,000 but the actual number could be more. But no one, including me is complaining because we have not faced any problems. Mizos and our Chin brothers and sisters have been living together peacefully all these years. There are hundreds of Myanmars nationals who live across the border but works across the border, Siamtea added.

On Thursday evening, after working on repairs, Thannuna was walking across the bridge to India to spend the night at a relatives house in Zohkawathar. After some years, we wont have to seek shelter in India, he said. Our rebel forces are taking control of key areas from the army. Many of us will go to the cities in Myanmar once democracy is restored. Let them destroy our houses. We will rebuild the again and again, until we get democracy back.
The two border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu, south of the Pir Panjal, and especially the former, have become a hotspot for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for the past 25 months (since October 2021), a period in which they have seen nine major attacks, resulting in the deaths of eight terrorists, 29 security personnel and nine civilians. Security personnel standing guard during an encounter with terrorists in the Baji Maal area of Rajouri district.(PTI)

Security experts attribute the spike in terror attacks on security forces and civilians to a multitude of factors -- the hilly topography of Rajouri and Poonch, their proximity to the Line of Control, the presence of traditional and easier infiltration routes compared to those in the Kashmir division of the UT, and the fact that it has a profusion of dense jungles and natural caves.

They also point to the larger gameplan of the Pakistani handlers of these terrorists -- an attempt to target Hindus in the hills of Jammu and force their migration; and an effort aimed at forcing security forces to move units to Jammu, thereby thinning their presence in Kashmir.

READ | Rajouri encounter: 1 more soldier dies, toll goes up to 5, LeT terrorist killed

Former director general of Jammu and Kashmir Police, SP Vaid, who came up with the idea of village defence committees as the first line of defence said, Rajouri-Poonch actually have been activated for the last one and a half years because of their proximity to the LoC.

The LoC here is easier to infiltrate rather than Kashmir region where the border gets covered by snow during the winters. Once inside, the terrorists have a lot of places like natural hideouts and big boulders in dense forest areas.

The former DGP added that when cornered by security forces , terrorists can either shift to other side of the Pir Panjal into South Kashmir or even cross the LoC to return to Pakistan.

READ | 2 Captains, 2 soldiers killed in J&K gunfight

On January 1 and 2, Pakistani terrorists killed seven members of the Hindu community that included a four year old boy and a 16 year old girl in Dhangri village in Poonch.

Former deputy chief of the Army Staff and former DG Infantry, Lt Gen JS Cheema, who served in Jammu and Kashmir during his 38 years of service in the army, said, they (Pakistan) keep changing their tactics. Rajouri was been inactive for quite some time (in terms of terror attacks) and that inactivity may have made security forces complacenct.

They exploited the situation . The recent terror incidents indicate that they are reactivating Rajouri now, he added

Rajouri is a transit route to Kashmir, the general explained, adding that mountain passes get closed during winters in Kashmir and the focus shifts to easier terrain such as in Rajouri.
A total of five agencies  ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL  have been assigned specific responsibilities to evacuate the 41 labourers trapped for 13 days in the two-km-built portion of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi following a landslide. President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, Australian independent disaster investigator, Arnold Dix speaks to the media at the site of collapsed under-construction Silkyara tunnel in the Uttarkashi district.(AFP)

Arnold Dix, the Australia-based president of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, is among the experts being consulted by rescuers.

Who is professor Arnold Dix?

Professor Arnold Dix specialises in underground and transportation infrastructure - from construction risk to more technical issues associated with actual safety performance from an operational safety perspective.

He also provides advice on risks associated with underground construction and is widely recognised as the world's leading expert on underground tunnelling.

Soon after reaching the spot, Dix conducted an inspection at the Silkyara tunnel site and spoke to the agencies which have been involved in the rescue operations. With multiple agencies and plans in place to evacuate the trapped workers, Dix appears confident of finding an optimum solution to rescue the workers.

On Thursday, Dix reiterated that all the 41 workers stuck inside the tunnel would be rescued by Christmas. Dix's assurance came after boring through the rubble of the collapsed Silkyara tunnel was put on hold again on Thursday apparently after cracks appeared in the platform on which the drilling machine rests, in a fresh hurdle to the rescue the workers.

"We were hoping to see the workers this time yesterday, then we were hoping to see them this morning and then this afternoon. But, it looks like the mountain had different ideas. We have had to pause the auger (machine) operation at the moment and some repairs are being done to the machine. We are probably going to enter the next phase where we consider other options," said Dix told news agency PTI.

In the wake of the tunnel collapse, Dix stressed the importance of meticulous planning and safety, stating that the current situation seems promising but requires careful evaluation to avoid further risks. His approach underlines the need for thorough analysis and consideration of all aspects of such critical operations.

Dix's career is marked by numerous accolades, reflecting his significant contributions to tunnel safety worldwide. In 2011, he received the Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society bi-annual award for excellence in tunnelling, specifically in tunnel fire safety.

Dix, also a barrister, is a member of the British Institute of Investigators. He is active on all continents, a member of the specialist Underground Works Chambers, a member of the Victorian Bar and is a visiting professor of engineering (tunnels) at Tokyo City University.

His career over the three decades has seen a unique hybrid of engineering, geology, law and risk management matters. Dix's key strength is in his ability to bridge the gap between the legal and technical dimensions of a problem, risk assessment or dispute.

In addition to his legal work as a barrister, Dix can be engaged as an investigator, expert witness, consultant and mediator.

Dix's efforts in enhancing fire safety in tunnels have been recognised as groundbreaking. More recently, in 2022, he was honoured with a Committee Service Award by the National Fire Protection Association of the United States of America.

What's the update on Uttarakhand tunnel collapse?

The drilling work at Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel to evacuate the 41 trapped workers was halted again on Thursday night after the augur machine encountered a technical snag. Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel, news agency ANI reported.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will stay overnight at the site to monitor the rescue operations which entered the final phase on Wednesday.

Officials have mentioned that no specific timelines should be assumed however if all goes well and the rescue work does not face any obstruction then workers will be out by tomorrow afternoon.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not directly address the matter of an apparent threat to the life of US-Canadian dual citizen and general counsel of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice or SFJ, Gurpatwant Pannun, but his office said he raised the issue of upholding the rule of law when he attended the virtual G20 summit hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (AP)

A readout from the Canadian Prime Ministers office said that Trudeau highlighted the importance of coordinated G20 leadership and action to uphold the rule of law and international law, among other matters. Interestingly, the readout did not mention that the virtual summit was hosted by Modi.

Earlier, on Wednesday morning, when asked by media in Ottawa to comment on the article in the British publication Financial Times about the alleged threat to the life of Gurpatwant Pannun foiled by American agencies, Trudeau said, We have been working closely with our allies, including the Americans, since the middle of the summer.

Obviously, we continue to engage with India in hopefully constructive ways, and we hope that India will continue to take these real concerns seriously, he added.

We have been working closely with our allies, including the Americans, since the middle of the summer... we continue to engage with India in hopefully constructive ways, said the Canadian PM.

READ | Plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil? Examining inputs, says India

According to FT, it was unclear whether the plot to kill Pannun was abandoned or the FBI intervened to thwart it. In a statement, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said, We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness, and it has been raised by the US government with the Indian government, including at the senior-most levels. Indian counterparts expressed surprise and concern. They stated that activity of this nature was not their policy.

FT cited an unidentified source as saying the US protested about the matter when Modi visited Washington in June.

SFJs principal figure in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was killed in Surrey on June 18.

READ | Hindu group urges Trudeau to probe Pannun's hate video, says children affected

In a statement, Pannun said, The foiled attempt on my life on American soil by the Indian agents is transnational terrorism which is a threat to the US sovereignty, freedom of speech and democracy, so I will let the US government respond to this threat.

He accused India of using mercenaries to kill pro-Khalistan Sikhs. He said that just as Nijjars killing was a challenge to Canadas sovereignty, this attempt was one for the United States. I trust that (the Joe) Biden Administration is more than capable to handle any such challenge, he said.

He added his focus is not threats to my life but to organize American Phase of Khalistan Referendum which is scheduled to start from San Francisco CA on January 28, 2024.

Reacting to the FT report, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, During the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. The inputs are a cause of concern for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow-up action.

While Pannun is deemed a terrorist in India and faces multiple charges, none of them have been tested in either a Canadian or American court. He has denied SFJ uses violence to achieve its objectives.

Nijjars killing led to a rupture in relations with India after Trudeaus statement in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were credible allegations of a potential link between his murder and Indian agents. Part of the information that led to that statement came from the US. India had described those allegations as absurd and motivated.

Canada has sought Indias cooperation in the investigation being conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team or IHIT in BC but India has said it has been provided with no evidence to support Ottawas allegations.
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Dev Diwali 2023: One of the most auspicious festivals of the year is here. Every year, Dev Diwali is celebrated with a whole lot of pomp and grandeur. Especially celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Gujarat, Dev Diwali is the Diwali of the Gods. Also known as Dev Deepavali, the festival celebrates the triumph of Lord shiva against the evil demon Tripurasura. It is believed that Lord shiva defeated the demon on this day, and hence, Dev Diwali is also known as Tripura Utsav. Dev Diwali is one of the largest festivals celebrated in Varanasi. As we gear up to celebrate the auspicious day, here is all that you need to know. When is Dev Diwali 2023? Date, history and significance(Dinuka Liyanawatte / REUTERS)

ALSO READ: Dev Deepawali 2022: Wishes, messages, images to share with loved ones

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Date:

Dev Diwali is celebrated on Purnima Tithi of the month of Kartik. According to Drik Panchang, this year Dev Diwali falls on November 26. Purnima Tithi will begin at 15:53 PM on November 26 and will end at 14:45 PM on November 27.

History:

According to Hindu mythology, the gods and the goddesses come down to earth to take a dip in the holy waters of the river Ganges on the auspicious day of Dev Diwali. The ghats of Varanasi are lit with diyas to pay respect to all the gods and goddesses. The celebration of the triumph of Lord Shiva against demon Tripurasura is also celebrated on this day.

Significance:

People, on this day, decorate their homes in rangoli and oil lamps, the ghats of Varanasi are decorated in diyas. The Ganga Aarti on Dev Diwali is one of the main attractions of the festival. 24 priests and 24 young girls perform the Ganga Aarti with utmost devotion on this day. Pilgrims visit Varanasi during this time to pay their respects. Firecrackers decorate the sky and processions are taken out. People also indulge in devotional songs and dance throughout the night.
A mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China has led to a massive spike in hospital admissions in the country. According to the state-owned China National Radio, the Beijing childrens hospital is seeing an average of 7,000 patients per day, which has overwhelmed the healthcare system in the country. According to reports, the infection that's mostly affecting children is causing lung inflammation and high fever in the affected individuals but other respiratory symptoms like cough are missing. Experts say the surge in cases of this 'undiagnosed pneumonia' could be due to a phenomenon called 'immunity debt' after lifting of lockdown restrictions in the peak season of respiratory illnesses. Experts suspect this mystery influenza-like illness found in Beijing and Liaoning Province of China could be due to pre-existing viruses like RSV, bacteria or atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma etc. (Also read | Winter raises pneumonia risk; protect your lungs with these lifestyle changes) China has reported an outbreak of mysterious influenza-like illness mostly among children recently. Children are presenting with high-grade fever without any other symptoms and further radiological investigations have revealed lung lesions. (Freepik)

"China has reported an outbreak of mysterious influenza-like illness mostly among children recently. Children are presenting with high-grade fever without any other symptoms and further radiological investigations have revealed lung lesions. Some patients have been hospitalised for further management. There are numerous viruses such as Adenovirus, influenza virus, enterovirus, rhinovirus, RSV and Covid virus which can cause such symptoms. Important thing to be noted is that all viral infections do not necessarily cause the full spectrum of symptoms which we associate with common flu. Common symptoms of any viral infection are fever, with or without chills. There may be associated running nose, cough, SOB, vomiting and loose motions but it is not always necessary for additional symptoms to be there, says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant-- Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.

"Recently, there has been a rise in pneumonia cases among children, particularly in certain areas of northern China, prompting concerns reminiscent of the events in November and December 2019. However, there is some relief as per a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Chinese government has clarified that these cases are attributed to known pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, some COVID cases, and some mycoplasma cases. Given that the incidence of pneumonia typically increases during winter, it is hoped that this surge is seasonal. According to the WHO report, the Chinese government has identified the causes of these pneumonia cases, ruling out the presence of any new viruses or bacteria. Consequently, there is no immediate risk of the situation spreading globally or reaching India. While there is a sense of reassurance, it is important to remain cautious," says Dr Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram.

"According to WHO, in their November 13 press meeting, China's National Health Commission officials reported alarmingly large number of cases of respiratory diseases in the country. These infections are likely due to respiratory illnesses like influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). This surge in childhood infections is being linked to co-incidence between lifting of lockdown restrictions and the start of winter, when such respiratory infections are more prevalent. On 21 November, media and ProMED (part of the International Society for Infectious Diseases) reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear if these cases are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events. Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years, says Dr. Gurmeet Singh Chabbra, Director-Pulmonary, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad.

What are the symptoms of this mysterious pneumonia?

"Pneumonia is a lung infection affecting one or both lungs leading to the filling of air sacs (alveoli) with fluid or pus caused by bacteria, viruses like RSV- respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus, Influenza, Rhinovirus, COVID and bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumonia. It is diagnosed based on symptoms like cough, breathing difficulty, fever additive symptoms like loose stool and vomiting in children and chest X-ray. Recently, there has been an upsurge of influenza-like illness cases in children from Beijing and Liaoning Province of China, named 'mysterious pneumonia', because definite cause is still under investigation. It could be any of the pre-existing viruses like RSV, bacteria or atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma etc. This 'mysterious pneumonia' presents with high-grade fever and abnormal chest radiograph with no or minimal cough," says Dr Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Consultant, PICU, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

"RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and mycoplasma pneumonia are thought to be the causes of this illness. They're usually called atypical pneumonia. Symptoms of this type of pneumonia are not as strong and include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, a cough that doesn't produce much phlegm, a sore throat, and a runny nose. This is why it's sometimes called 'walking pneumonia.' In contrast, regular bacterial pneumonia can make a person very sick with high temperatures, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing. The reason for this difference is that the germs causing these types of pneumonia are different. To prevent the quick spread of any infection, it's important to keep hands clean, avoid public transport and crowded places if you have symptoms, and get prompt medical attention for early diagnosis and the right antibiotics for a speedy recovery," says Dr Rupkatha Sen, Chief Intensivist, SRV Hospitals - Chembur.

"The symptoms associated with this pneumonia include fever; however, notably, there is an absence of cough or breathlessness. This divergence from typical respiratory infections adds to the mystery surrounding the illness. The healthcare authorities are diligently investigating these cases, aiming to identify the responsible pathogen and establish effective management strategies. As the situation unfolds, continuous monitoring and research efforts are essential to comprehend the nature of this pneumonia and implement appropriate public health measures," says Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Why classic symptoms of pneumonia may be missing in China outbreak?

All symptoms of classical pneumonia may not manifest in every child depending upon age, co-existing comorbidity and cause of infection, says Singh.

"This pneumonia outbreak can be attributed to 'immunity debt'- after lifting off of Chinas lengthy lockdown in this peak season of respiratory illness which has drastically reduced immunity to respiratory bugs that is usually achieved by exposure. China reported a surge of Mycoplasma pneumonia or 'walking pneumonia', which, although usually presents itself as harmless, can also lead to challenges in respiration in some patients. Its treated with macrolide antibiotics although macrolide resistance is increasing due to unnecessary misuse during any cold cough episode by the general population. Its too early to comment on whether undiagnosed pneumonia is a new pandemic or an upsurge of existing infection until more information is available," says Dr Singh.

"Possibly, withdrawal of restrictions after a prolonged period of lock down, exposed the Chinese population to number of respiratory infections. Having not been exposed to such respiratory infections since long, probably caused waning of their immunity to cope up with these infections, though some infections like mycoplasma pneumoniae and antigenically variable corona viruses themselves do not give prolonged immunity. Though lack of symptoms like cough is being reported, children are suffering from high fever and lung inflammation. Usually, such winter related infections have symptoms like sore throat, nasal discharge, sneezing, body ache, headache, chills with fever, cough which is usually dry, breathlessness, wheeze, confusion etc," says Dr Chhabra.

"The absence of a cough or other classic respiratory symptoms in this pneumonia, despite the presence of fever in children, raises intriguing questions about the nature of the causative organism. It's important to note that fever is a symptom commonly associated with various infections, and different bacteria or viruses may manifest with distinct sets of symptoms. The possibility that the responsible organism for this pneumonia may not induce cough is not entirely unusual. Infections can present in diverse ways, and it's not uncommon for individuals to experience infections without displaying certain expected symptoms, such as coughing. This emphasizes the importance of considering a broad range of clinical presentations when investigating infectious diseases," says Dr Chawla.

Preventive measures

Dr Chhabra advises that as a precautionary measure to prevent transmission of such diseases, which spread from person to person by infected respiratory droplets during close contact, it is advisable to follow measures like keeping distance from people who are ill, staying home when ill, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, regular hand-washing and getting vaccinated.

"Like any communicable disease, personal protective measures will help limit the spread of this too- wearing masks, frequent hand washing, social distancing and staying at home when ill. It is advised to get the recommended vaccination, get tested for the disease and ensure medical care, and good ventilation. Another recommendation would be to not take antibiotics without paediatric consultation," says Dr Singh.

"Preventive measures for the pneumonia spreading in China include adhering to crucial practices such as avoiding unnecessary travel, prioritizing personal hygiene, and maintaining a clean environment. Stressing the significance of frequent handwashing and practicing respiratory hygiene is paramount in minimizing the risk of infection. It's noteworthy that these preventive measures, including vaccination against influenza, play a pivotal role in controlling the spread of respiratory illnesses. Although the situation may not be as prevalent in India, being proactive in adopting these measures remains essential for safeguarding public health," says Dr Chawla.

Should India worry about this mystery pneumonia spread?

"In our own country, there may be an increase in influenza cases during the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize influenza vaccination and consistently practice cough etiquette to mitigate potential risks. Vigilance remains crucial despite the current understanding of the situation," says Dr Kataria.

"We can assume that the etiological agent causing infection in Chinese children is a virus or some atypical bacteria, and proper research will be needed to find out the culprit organism so that it can be contained and effective strategies implemented. It is too early to say whether the current infection can become a pandemic or not and whether or not this infection will spread to India. WHO is already involved and is looking into the matter and has asked the Chinese govt to look into the matter. What is most important is to keep following personal protection in the form of 3 ply masks, frequent hand sanitization and social distancing," says Dr Tayal.

"As of now, there isn't enough information right now to say that pneumonia outbreak in the northern China can escalate and spread to India. Though we've witnessed this pneumonia spreading in subgroups, we need to remember that this is the winter of the Northern Hemisphere. We have always witnessed increase in the number of cases during winter across the world. When it comes to winter cases, we need to find out what is causing this, and Is there really an actual reason behind the increase in numbers or not. Just reporting for flu cases or pneumonia cases is very common during winter. We really don't know if it's a mysterious pneumonia or regular. We need to have more concrete information before we go ahead and classify it as one, and as of yet there's no objective evidence," says Dr Rahul Pandit, Chairperson of the Critical Care Department at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

"This is the first winter of China after lifting up of lockdown restrictions. They are now experiencing a sudden rise in cases of pneumonia which is primarily affecting clusters of children, leading to significant absenteeism in schools. At this point, there is no identified novel virus as the cause, making it premature to speculate about potential additional risks of infection spread that could lead to a pandemic-like situation," says Dr Sen.
For the last three decades, Rajasthan politics has had two constants. First, the incumbents lost the election paving the way for the Opposition to form the government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the elections in 1993, 2003 and 2013, whereas the Congress came to power in 1998, 2008, and 2018. Second, Ashok Gehlot of the Congress and Vasundhara Raje of the BJP have governed the state for the last 25 years. Gehlot has completed three terms as chief minister (CM) and Raje was elected to the office in 2003 and 2013.

This revolving door feature of Rajasthan politics has fascinated political observers, especially since the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Gujarat have seen a very different pattern of political competition despite having a similar bi-polar contest between the Congress and BJP. The Congress was in power in MP between 1993 and 2003, and the BJP has ruled the state since then except for a brief interlude in 2019. Gujarat has been a BJP state since 1995, except for a short period.

While it is beyond the scope of this piece to answer why Rajasthan is different from MP and Gujarat, a closer look at the states recent electoral history might help us to understand the choices voters are going to make on November 25.

Approximately 15% of the votes and 10% of seats are won by independents and smaller parties in Rajasthans bipolar polity. These independents have often been crucial for government formation as well as influential in tilting the balance in favour of one CM hopeful or the other. In 2018, the combined total of independent MLAs and MLAs from smaller parties was 27 in an assembly of 200. The Congress was four short of a majority and a large number of independents and the MLAs who had won on the Bahujan Samaj Party ticket rallied behind Gehlot. In this election too, several rebel candidates from both parties are in the fray as independents: Eleven from the BJP and seven from the Congress. The victorious rebels along with independent MLAs may hold the card if no party emerges as a clear victor.

Furthermore, the past trend has been that the BJP wins in Rajasthan with a big margin whereas the Congress barely manages to scrape through. The exception was in 1998 when the Congress won 45% of votes and 153 seats. The BJP recorded its lowest vote share (33%) and seat tally in that election. In 2013, the BJP won 163 seats with 45% of votes and the Congress ended up with its lowest vote and seat tally. The Congress formed the government in 2008 and 2018 with a wafer-thin majority whereas the BJP had a comfortable lead over the Congress in 2003 and 2013. This indicates that the BJP has a much wider vote pool in the state to draw from compared to the Congress. The Congresss social base is also limited by its geographical reach. There are 54 seats in the state which the Congress has never won since 2008. In comparison, the BJP has not won 19 seats in the last three elections. Simply put, the Congress has a much harder task in winning a majority: It has to aim for a higher strike rate in the seats the party has won in the past.

Can Gehlots efforts to reach out to a wider section of society through a large bouquet of welfare schemes turn things around for the Congress? Or the factional feud with Sachin Pilot, despite the temporary truce, would remain a big roadblock? The pre-poll survey by Lokniti-CSDS in October indicates that the satisfaction level with the Congress government is above average and Gehlot leads the race among CM hopefuls by a wide margin. However, the satisfaction levels with the central government are higher than with the state government. Less than 30% of the respondents in the survey said Gehlot was their top-most choice for office. Also, the Congress did not seem to be drawing the bulk of votes even among the beneficiaries of several schemes. This should be a warning signal to all political parties who feel that election promises of distributing welfare close to elections would alone be enough to catapult them to victory. The Congress in Rajasthan may face the brunt of economic anxieties among the voters, especially within the bottom half of the social pyramid. It seems to be trailing behind the BJP in some key segments among which it had an advantage in the past elections: The BJP appears to be in close competition with the Congress among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and the party also has a substantial lead among the youth, rural and woman voters.

Thus, the emerging consensus among political observers is that the BJP may have a better chance given Rajasthans electoral history. But leaders are not constrained by historical burdens, they shape the course of history. Can Gehlot defy the weight of history and get his party re-elected? Gehlot is most likely to continue in office if his party wins, but his chances to become a four-term CM are most likely over if the Congress loses this assembly election. Similarly, the Raje era in state politics will be over if the BJP fails to win. However, even if the BJP wins it is also not clear if she will be the next CM. The key question for the future of Rajasthan politics is if these two constants are going to change on December 3.

Rahul Verma is fellow, Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi. The views expressed here are personal
When Nimisha Priya first went to Yemen to work, the Arab Spring had not taken place and civil unrest was yet to break out. The nurse from Kerala was not short on ambition and wanted a better life for her family. For that, she figured, she would set up her own clinic even though Yemeni law required her to have a local partner. Malayali nurse Nimisha Priya

In 2014, her husband and baby daughter returned to India to raise money for the clinic. Nimisha followed a year later for her daughters baptism. It was the last time she saw her.

After she returned to Sanaa, civil strife broke out and the Indian government imposed a travel ban to Yemen. It remains in place to this day.

Alone in a foreign country, it became easier for her local partner Talal Abdo Mahdi to physically, sexually and financially exploit her. Like all employers in the Gulf region, he had her passport without which she couldnt leave. In 2017, Nimisha filed a police complaint but instead, it was she who was arrested and placed in jail for a few days, says her lawyer and migrant rights activist K R Subash Chandran. A friend then advised her to sedate Mahdi, steal her passport back from him and escape. But she administered an overdose and Mahdi died.

In 2020, a trial court sentenced Nimisha to death. Until then, says Chandran, even the Indian consulate didnt know about her case and she received no legal or financial assistance. She is a victim of war, denied justice, denied a lawyer and had nobody to assist her due to the internal conflict in Yemen, he says.

After a few newspapers picked up her story, a group of activists formed the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council. Legal counsel was retained but she lost her appeal in 2022 with a significant caveat: If she paid blood money, she could escape the death sentence. On November 13 this year, Yemens Supreme Council affirmed both the death sentence and the option of paying blood money.

But with the travel ban in place, who would negotiate on behalf of Nimisha? Her mother, Prema Kumari who works as a domestic worker has asked the Delhi high court for permission to travel. The court has given the government one week to decide on the issue. Sources say permission is likely to come through.

We will raise the funds through crowd-funding and through benefactors in the diaspora, says a confident Chandran.

Migrant workers, male and female, leave their countries to live in tough conditions so that they can provide for their families: A house in the village here, a daughters education there. Gulf countries, operate under a system called Kafala where employers keep passports and academic certificates ostensibly for safe custody. The International Labour Organisation terms this a contemporary form of slavery since it leaves employees vulnerable to exploitation. For women, this could include sexual exploitation.

There is a lot of work to be done, says S Irudaya Rajan, chair of the International Institute of Migration and Development in Kerala. For instance, he says, we dont even have official data on the number of women migrant workers. Globally, according to the United Nations Department of Economics and Statistics, 3.6% of the world population, or 281 million people, are migrants with the 12 Arab nations in the Gulf accounting for 14% of migrants, reports Rejimon Kuttappan for IndiaSpend.

India is a major migrant-sending country to the Middle East. But there is little protection for these workers, including women. We need pre-departure orientationwhat to expect, cultural differences and who to reach out to in times of trouble, says Rajan. The 40-year-old Emigration Act is still to be updated, despite versions being introduced in Parliament. Nor has India signed key global conventions to protect migrant workers and their families, writes Kuttappan.

Until then, India has adopted a few measures. For instance, sponsors of Indian women domestic workers must pay a refundable security deposit of $2,500. The government banned overseas recruitment of nurses by private agencies in 2016. None of these measures has stopped the complaints. Between 2019 and June 2023, the Indian embassies in the Gulf countries received 48,095 complaints from Indian migrant workers with Kuwait topping the list with 23,020 complaints, reports Kuttappan.

The problem, says senior advocate Indira Jaising, is the absence of government oversight. The women work as slave labour and there is no oversight to ensure they are treated with respect, she says. Nimisha Priyas life and fate hang by a thread. But there are many who fall through the cracks, working in abysmal conditions with nobody to speak for them.

Namita Bhandare writes on gender. The views expressed are personal
Following Sam Altman's shock return as chief executive of OpenAI late Tuesday, the board that fired him from his role in the company, a ChatGPT-maker, has been almost entirely replaced after a rebellion by employees, news agency AFP reported. The only survivor in the boardroom in the new Altman era is Adam D'Angelo, the CEO of question-and-answer site Quora. Adam D'Angelo, CEO of Quora.(Source: Quora)

On Friday morning, Altman said on social media X said that he spent a really nice few hours with D'Angelo".

just spent a really nice few hours with @adamdangelo. happy thanksgiving from our families to yours! Altman wrote.

OpenAI's previous board consisted of entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, Helen Toner, director of strategy at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology, OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, as well as D'Angelo, who also sits on the new board.

The board fired Altman last week with little explanation and attempted to move on by naming an interim CEO twice. However, pressure from Microsoft - and the 38-year-old's strong loyalty among the 700-plus OpenAI employees that caused nearly all of them to threaten to leave the company - led to Altman's reinstatement as of Wednesday.

OpenAI's new board will boast more experience at the top level and strong ties to both the US government and Wall Street, news agency Reuters reported.

The AFP report earlier claimed that D'Angelo will be joined by ex-Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and by former US treasury secretary and president of Harvard University, Larry Summers.

In Summers, Altman will find a seasoned economist and well-known figure in Washington, who has spoken of both the dangers and opportunities of ChatGPT for the "cognitive classes."

"ChatGPT is gonna replace what doctors do, hearing symptoms and making diagnoses, before it changes what nurses do," Summers told Bloomberg News earlier this year.

Taylor also played a key role in forcing through Elon Musk's $44 billion purchase of Twitter as a director.

Summers, who also sits on the board of Jack Dorsey's fintech company Block, has in recent months been vocal about the potential job losses and disruption that could be caused by artificial intelligence.

"ChatGPT is coming for the cognitive class. It's going to replace what doctors do," he said in a post on X in April.

OpenAI on X said it was "collaborating to figure out the details" of the new board.

While Microsoft declined to comment, Summers and OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Sutskever, Altman and Taylor could not be immediately reached for comment, Reuter reported.

Some analysts say the management fiasco will ensure that OpenAI executives proceed cautiously, as the high-flying startup will now be subject to more scrutiny. Several noted that companies such as Facebook parent Meta have flourished with a powerful CEO despite concerns about corporate governance.

Neither Altman nor OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman -- who quit as company president following Altman's sacking -- will return to the board, which could soon have as many as six additional members, the Wall Street Journal reported.

"I love openai, and everything i've done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together," Altman wrote in a social media post late Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter.

Some media outlets reported that there had been concerns that OpenAI was moving quickly away from its stated mission of building safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence for the benefit of humanity, for commercial gain.

However, OpenAI's interim CEO Emmett Shear, said in a social media post that he had been assured "The board did *not* remove Sam over any specific disagreement on safety," without elaborating on why Altman had been sacked.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)
US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about the release of an initial group of hostages by Hamas and emphasized that this was just a "start". He expressed optimism about the "real" chances of extending a temporary truce in Gaza. Biden asserted that it was time to "renew" efforts toward creating a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. US President Joe Biden(AFP)

Expressing optimism over extending the truce Biden said, "I think the chances are real." Reflecting on the early stages of the implementation, he remarked, "This morning I've been engaged with my team as we began the first couple of days of implementing this deal. It's only a start, but so far it's gone well."

READ | Hamas releases 1st batch of hostages; Israel minister says Gaza truce a short pause. Top updates

"From the moment Hamas kidnapped these people, I, along with my team, have worked around the clock to secure the release we saw...I've consistently pressed for a pause in the fighting for two reasons to accelerate and expand humanitarian assistance going into Gaza and to facilitate the lease of hostages, the US President said.

Over the past several weeks, I've spoken repeatedly with the Emir of Qatar, Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, to help secure this deal and I want to thank all three leaders for their personal partnership to get this done, he added.

On Friday, the Red Cross officially verified the secure release of 24 hostages from Gaza. This group comprised 13 Israelis, including some with dual citizenship, along with 10 Thai nationals and one individual from the Philippines, as reported by the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, the mediator in the deal. Notably, all the released individuals were either women or minors.

(With inputs from AFP)
Russia has positively assessed the results of the G20 summit under India's chairmanship under which "extremely productive work" and "good results" were achieved, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (AFP)

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired a virtual meeting of G20 leaders on Wednesday recalled that while assuming the G20 Presidency from Indonesian President Joko Widodo last year, he had said India would make the G20 inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive.

"In one year, we have together achieved this" and "together we have taken G-20 to new heights," Modi said.

Peskov said that Indias concluding chairmanship [of the G20] has "yet again demonstrated the chairman's extremely productive work and good results from the point of view that these kinds of events are being held in a very timely fashion."

Peskov replied in the negative to a question whether US President Joe Bidens absence impacted the virtual summits atmosphere and final outcomes, the official Tass news agency reported.

Indeed, the positions on the Ukrainian issue differ, various countries used different phrasing and, in response to those, among other things, [Russian] President [Vladimir Putin] once again provided his detailed assessment of the situation, the Kremlin Spokesman said.

The president was heard, the president heard out the others. This is important. This is a rather significant outcome in itself, Peskov added.

In his address at the virtual summit, Putin thanked India for its good work during its chairmanship. India hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi from September 9-10.

According to Putin, a lot was done in order to focus the activity of G20 countries on seeking solutions for the most pressing issues of the international socio-economic agenda which was the initial reason for the very existence of the group. The Russian president asserted that precisely this team-first approach is now as important as ever, the Tass reported.

The virtual summit of Leaders of G20 countries was attended by Brazilian President Luiz In cio Lula da Silva, UAE President Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, among others.

Commenting on India's G20 presidency, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said: "There was a very clear recognition that India's G20 Presidency was Global South-centric and it had brought development back to the fair, square and centre of the G20."
Hamas on Friday released a group of hostages held in Gaza as a part of the four-day truce and swap agreement with Israel. According to reports, 24 hostages - including 13 Israelis, 12 Thai nationals, and one Filipino - have been transferred by Hamas to the International Red Cross. There are a total of 240 people captured by Hamas following the October 7 attack that resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis. An International Red Cross vehicle reportedly carrying hostages released by Hamas crosses the Rafah border point in the Gaza Strip towards Egypt.(AFP)

The war between Israel and Hamas entered its seventh week. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 15,000 people, including thousands of children, have been killed in Israel's retaliatory strikes.

Here are the latest updates on the Israel-Hamas war:

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Friday said that the Gaza truce is just a short pause, and that Israel would resume operations with full military force after the four-day deal. There will be a short pause and then we will continue operating with full military power. We will not stop until we achieve our goals: the destruction of Hamas and bringing home the hostages from Gaza to Israel  there are 240 hostages and it is something we cannot accept and cannot tolerate, he said. According to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the terrorist group is committed to the truce and hostage swap as long as Israel is committed as well. Meanwhile, the Qatar foreign ministry on Friday confirmed the release of 39 women and children who were detained in Israeli jails. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said that the Israeli forces have withdrawn from the Al-Shifa hospital on Friday as the truce deal began. The ministry added that however, people remaining at the hospital were in a battered complex whose main generator is destroyed along with numerous buildings. A World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson on Friday expressed concerns about those people remaining in the Al-Shifa hospital. "We're extremely concerned about the safety of the estimated 100 patients and health workers remaining at Al Shifa," said WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier.

(With inputs from agencies)
Israeli forces and Palestine's Hamas militants began a four-day ceasefire amid the ongoing war on Friday morning, as 13 Israeli women and children hostages are expected to be released during the day. Ambulances are seen on a road near an Israeli forces tank during an Israeli army ground operation in the Gaza Strip. (AP)

Hours before the ceasefire, officials told news agency Reuters that a hospital in Gaza was one of the targets that was bombed. Both sides have agreed to resume the fight after the temporary stop.

These will be complicated days and nothing is certain... Even during this process, there could be changes. Control over northern Gaza is the first step of a long war, and we are preparing for the next stages, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said.

Here are the top updates on the Israel-Hamas war:
Israel-Hamas war Highlights: A 96-hour truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States and Qatar, came into effect at 7 am local time (10:30 am IST) on Friday, marking the first break in a conflict that began on October 7, when the Islamist group carried out a series of attacks inside the Israeli territory. Members of the media and people gather at Rafah border as Hamas militants release hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel (REUTERS)

In response, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched Operation Iron Swords in the Hamas-administered Palestinian enclave of Gaza; the operation has also led to civilian casualties, leading to protests across the world calling for a ceasefire.

Overall, there have been thousands on casualties on both sides, with more than 1,300 Israelis losing their lives, while the toll in Gaza stands at around 15,000. Additionally, 240 Israeli citizens are being held hostage in the enclave, which has a population of 2.3 million.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Health Ministry has outlined a plan for the nutritional care of Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas. The ministry released a guide on treating refeeding syndrome, a condition resulting from increased food consumption after malnourishment. A symbolic banquet table is set up for people taken hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants during the October 7 attack, on November 24, 2023, hours after the start of a four-day truce in battles between Israel and Hamas. A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on November 24, with hostages set to be released in exchange for prisoners in the first major reprieve in seven weeks of war that have claimed thousands of lives. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)(AFP)

According to the guidelines, infants up to one year old will be provided with a ready-to-drink bottle containing up to 120 ml of infant formula such as Materna, Similac, or Nutrilon. Children aged one to three will receive water, unsweetened applesauce, a sweet biscuit, and sweetened tea with a teaspoon of sugar. Adolescents and adults will be given water, a sweetened hot drink with a teaspoon of sugar, three units of sweet biscuits, and unsweetened applesauce.

The Schneider Children's Medical Center will be responsible for treating returning children, while Ichilov, Wolfson, Sheba, and Soroka hospitals will admit adult hostages. Security personnel have been instructed to provide the necessary food and drinks to the captives until they reach these medical centers to address concerns about refeeding syndrome.

The Qatari mediation played a crucial role, with the Persian Gulf nation stating that a new time for the agreement to take effect would be announced shortly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed receiving an initial list of hostages, and the relevant officials are verifying the list and maintaining contact with the families.

Also Read:

Explained: What does the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas look like?

Israel-Hamas truce deal to begin today: All you need to know

The ceasefire entails a temporary halt in all military actions, and once the hostages reach Israeli soil, 39 Palestinians are expected to be freed and taken to the West Bank. Netanyahu expressed the commitment to the release of all hostages while emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of war aims, primarily focused on eradicating Hamas.
The Israeli government said Friday it would summon the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors following remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo on the war between Israel and Hamas. An explosion takes place in what Israel military said was a tunnel at AI Shifa Hospital complex before a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect, in Gaza.(REUTERS)

The announcement came after the two leaders criticized Israel for the suffering of Palestinian civilians under Israeli military operations in Gaza. Sanchez also called for European Union recognition of a Palestinian state, saying Spain might do so on its own.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza on Friday, Sanchez said the time had come for the international community and the European Union to once and for all recognize a Palestinian state. He said it would be better if the EU did it together, but if this is not the case  Spain will take their own decisions.

READ | What good news: Russia on ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas

Sanchez was speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Egypt with de Croo. Spain currently holds the EU's rotational presidency and Belgium takes over in January.

Sanchez reiterated comments made Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the killing of civilians.

I also reiterate Israels right to defend itself but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case, Sanchez said. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.

De Croo did not comment on recognition of a Palestinian state, but said, first things first, lets stop the violence. Lets liberate the hostages. Lets get the aid inside ... the first priority is help people who are suffering."

READ | Pope Francis's comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict ignite fury

De Croo stressed the need and hope for a permanent cease-fire, adding that this "needs to be built together. And it can only be built together if both parties understand that the solution to this conflict is never going to be violence. A solution to this conflict is that people sit around the table.

A military operation needs to respect international humanitarian law. The killing of civilians needs to stop now. Way too many people have died. The destruction of Gaza is unacceptable," he said.

"We cannot accept that a society is being destroyed the way it is being destroyed, he added.

Israel later lashed out at the two prime ministers for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred our citizens and used the Palestinians as human shields.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed the countries ambassadors to be summoned for a sharp reprimand. We condemn the false claims of the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism, Cohen said.

Israel is acting according to international law and fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than (the Islamic State group) that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity."
Some social media users are urging the community to boycott Black Friday, the annual discount day on November 24, as a form of protest against the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war. A Filipino Muslim holds Palestinian flags during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the Blue Mosque in Taguig, Philippines on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)(AP)

They argue that the deal reached between Israeli officials and Hamas, which involves a temporary 5 days halt in fighting, the release of at least 50 hostages by Hamas, more humanitarian aid into Gaza, and 150 Palestinian women and teenagers freed from Israeli jails, is not enough to end the conflict.

They insisted on an immediate cessation of the conflict and urged participation in the Black Friday boycott in support of the Palestinian community. They claim that the pause in fighting is only meant to allow shoppers to spend guilt free and suggest that consumers should hit them in their pockets by not participating in the discount day.

Some posts supporting the boycott have reached tens of thousands of people on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

One user expressed, Are you ready to disrupt business as usual? No celebrating in peace while genocide takes place. This Black Friday, November 24, people around the world will boycott, disrupt, and rally at commercial centers as we continue to #ShutItDown4Palestine.

The war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7, when thousands of Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack from Gaza into southern Israel and killed 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians.

The war will go on until Israel achieves its aim of destroying Hamas and getting back its captives, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby denied the accusations of mass genocide and said, Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map. Israel is not trying to wipe Gaza off the map. Israel is trying to defend itself against a genocidal terrorist threat. So if were going to start using that word, fine. Lets use it appropriately.

ALSO READ| Explained: What does the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas look like?

The boycott campaign has also received the endorsement of the Party for Socialism and Liberation 2024 campaign of Claudia De La Cruz for President & Karina Garcia for VP. In a statement, it wrote, This holiday season also presents a crucial opportunity for us to take a stand for the Palestinian people. We call on everyone to join the Shut it Down for Palestine movement: disrupt, march, rally and take other creative actions at commercial centers this Friday.

Tens of thousands across the country will be shutting down business as usual on Black Friday, the most profitable day of the year for major retail corporationsjoin us!

The protest groups demands include a permanent ceasefire, the end of all U.S. aid to Israel and the release of all Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Pope Francis has sparked criticism from Jewish groups who think he equated Hamas and Israel with terrorism in his comments on the Israeli-Palestinian war. A photo made available by the Vatican Media shows Pope Francis (L) speaking with a family member of Palestinians who are currently living through the war in Gaza at the Vatican on November 22, 2023. (Photo by Divisione Produzione Fotografica / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP) / )(AFP)

The pope met with Jewish families whose relatives were kidnapped by Hamas, and Palestinians whose families were still in Gaza. He said to a crowd in St. Peters Square that he saw the suffering of both sides, saying, This is what wars do. But here we have gone beyond wars. This is not war. This is terrorism.

However, the Vatican denied that the pope used the word genocide to describe the situation, as some Palestinians who met with him claimed.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, I am not aware that he used such a word.

On Monday 20 November, U.S. officials rejected the accusations of mass genocide by Israel.

Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map. Israel is not trying to wipe Gaza off the map. Israel is trying to defend itself against a genocidal terrorist threat, said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) urged the Vatican to clarify the popes words.

The AJC said in a statement on X (Formerly Twitter) that it appreciated the popes meeting with the hostage families but added, Later in the day, he described the Israel-Hamas war as beyond war, as terrorism. Hamas butchering and kidnapping of civilians is terrorism. Israels self-defense is not. Vatican, please clarify.

The Council of the Assembly of Italian Rabbis seemed to accuse the pope of publicly accusing both sides of terrorism.

It said some Church leaders did not condemn the Hamas attack and said they were putting the aggressor and the attacked on the same plane in the name of a supposed impartiality.

ALSO READ| Many Americans are boycotting Black Friday even after Israel-Hamas ceasefire, here's why

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization based in the U.S., wrote on its website, It is important for one of the worlds primary faith leaders, for whom people of all faiths look to spiritual and moral guidance, not to forget that all those who came to speak and seek solace from him, all their suffering, all their loss, are on the hands of the Hamas terrorists who, on October 7th, inflicted in the most brutal way, the worst mass murder of Jews since the defeat of Nazi Germany and World War II.

On October 7, Hamas gunmen launched a surprise attack across the border into Israel, killing 1,200 and taking around 240 hostages, according to Israel.

Reuters reported that health authorities in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas, said that more than 14,000 people have died there as a result of Israeli military action.

A temporary pause in the fighting has been agreed to start today (November 24) in a deal that will see 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners freed.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country's recent launch of a spy satellite was an exercise of its right to self-defence, as Pyongyang celebrated the event as showing it could strike anywhere in the world, state media reported. North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un meets with members of the Non-Standing Satellite Launch Preparation Committee. (Reuters)

North Korea said on Tuesday it had placed its first spy satellite in orbit, drawing international condemnation for violating UN resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic missile programs.

Kim visited the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) to applaud space scientists and technicians, and said Tuesday's launch was an "eye-opening event" in the face of the "dangerous and aggressive" moves of the hostile forces, KCNA news agency reported.

"He said that the possession of reconnaissance satellite is a full-fledged exercise of the right to self-defense the DPRK armed forces can neither concede even a bit nor stop, even a moment," KCNA said, using the initials of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea hosted a reception to celebrate the launch on Thursday, where Premier Kim Tok Hun said the satellite would develop the North Korean military into "the world's best army possessed of capability for striking the whole world".

State media photographs showed Kim's family members joining the leader to celebrate the launch.

Kim's daughter sat next to him at the banquet wearing a T-shirt with NATA's logo, along with Kim's wife, his sister, rocket scientists and engineers, state media photographs showed.

This week's satellite launch was the North's third attempt this year after two failures and followed Kim's rare trip to Russia in September, during which President Vladimir Putin vowed to help Pyongyang build satellites.

South Korean officials said the latest launch most likely involved Russian technical assistance under a growing partnership that has seen Pyongyang supply Russia with millions of artillery shells.

Russia and North Korea have denied arms deals but have promised deeper cooperation.

South Korea has said that the North Korean satellite was believed to have entered orbit, but that it would take time to assess whether it was operating normally.
The death of 19-year-old TikTok sensation Cooper Noriega, who overdosed on fentanyl and other drugs in June 2022, has led to the arrest of two men who allegedly supplied him with the deadly substances, according to TMZ. TikTok star Cooper Noriega's death leads to arrests of drug suppliers(Instagram / cooper.noriega)

According to federal prosecutors, Erik Oved Estrada ran a drug-trafficking operation from his Calabasas, California, home, where he sold cocaine and pills laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Estrada allegedly sold the pills to Arian Alani, who then sold them to Noriega, TMZ report claimed.

The TikTok star's body was discovered in a parking lot of a mall in the Los Angeles area, with the coroner ruling his death as a result of fentanyl, alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (a sedative) intoxication. The authorities also found evidence of recent clonazepam (Klonopin) use, another sedative, in his system.

ALSO READ| Many Americans are boycotting Black Friday even after Israel-Hamas ceasefire, here's why

The outlet obtained text messages between Estrada and Alani, in which Alani informed Estrada that my boy just died yesterday and referred to him as C.N. Noriegas father, Harold, confirmed that the initials stood for his son, the report said.

Alani also told Estrada that he shouldnt be selling (expletive) with fentanyl, implying that he was unaware of the lethal ingredient in the pills.

Estrada and Alani are facing federal charges of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, among other counts, and could face life imprisonment if convicted, the outlet said.

Who is Cooper Noriega?

Noriega was a popular figure on TikTok, who amassed 1.7 million followers. He had been open about his struggle with drug addiction, which started when he was only 9 years old. He told podcast host Dave Portnoy that he had used various drugs, such as Xanax, Adderall, marijuana, and nicotine, since his childhood.

ALSO READ| Pope Francis's comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict ignite fury

He also posted a disturbing video hours before his death, in which he said he was going to die young af. He had recently broken up with his girlfriend, fellow TikToker Sabrina Quesada, whom he dated for about two years.

His parents, Treva and Harold, expressed their grief and their hope that their son was at peace.

Treva wrote that she hoped her son was finally experiencing the most pure joy and happiness and that she would see him again someday. Harold said that he was glad that those who were responsible for his sons death would be held accountable.
A shocking incident in Orange County, California, has resulted in the arrest and charging of Craig Sumner Elliott, a 68-year-old jogger, in the tragic killing of 40-year-old Antonio Garcia Avalos, a homeless man obstructing the sidewalk. The disturbing encounter occurred on September 28th, sparking outrage and legal action in the community. Increase in hate crimes targeting Orange County's vulnerable communities(HT photo)

According to prosecutors in Orange County, Elliott was out jogging alongside his two dogs, accompanied by a cart, when he encountered Avalos sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk. Attempting to rouse Avalos, Elliott nudged him with his pushcart, prompting Avalos to vocally demand to be left alone.

Capturing the encounter on film, Elliott then reportedly retrieved a handgun from his cart as tensions escalated. When Avalos stood up and hurled a shoe at Elliott, the situation quickly escalated. Ducking the projectile, Elliott purportedly responded by firing his weapon, striking Avalos three times.

Avalos succumbed to his injuries. Elliott, possessing a valid concealed carry permit issued by the local sheriffs office, was apprehended on November 17th in connection to the incident.

The Orange County district attorney, Todd Spitzer, expressed the gravity of the situation in a news release, stating, This is a tragic set of circumstances that unfolded in the worst possible way over a minor inconvenience of a blocked sidewalk, and a man is dead as a result.

ALSO READ| Two alleged drug suppliers arrested in TikTok star Cooper Noriega's overdose case

Spitzer added, This case is a stark reminder that taking the law into your own hands is never the answer and that there are consequences for your actions.

Elliott, having been released on $100,000 bail, faces severe charges, including voluntary manslaughter and a felony personal firearm use enhancement related to the fatal shooting. If convicted on all counts, he could potentially serve up to 21 years behind bars.

Reports show for the last couple of months hate crimes have continuously increased in Orange County directed at County's Black, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and homeless community.
On Black Friday, a coalition of Amazon warehouse employees and activists worldwide will unite in a day of protests, strikes, and actions known as #MakeAmazonPay. The demands are clear: respect workers' right to unionize, adhere to tax laws, and commit to higher environmental standards. A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest outside the Amazon headquarters during Black Friday in London, Britain, November 24, 2023.(REUTERS)

Protests will span Amazon's global supply chain, from Brazil to the United States, with actions in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Poland, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Australia. In Germany alone, 3,000 workers are expected to strike at six Amazon facilities, while in Bangladesh, garment workers who produce Amazon-sold clothes will voice their concerns.

The #MakeAmazonPay statement, signed by 39 organizations and directed at Amazon, highlights the stark contrast between the company's success and its treatment of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reads, "Amazon warehouse workers risked their lives as essential workers, and only briefly received an increase in pay."

The demands, supported by over 50 social justice organizations, include higher wages, reinstating fired workers who spoke up about safety concerns, allowing union access to Amazon worksites, achieving zero emissions by 2030, and ending the sale of surveillance-dependent devices like Amazon Ring. Amazon is also urged to pay taxes in full where economic activity occurs.

While Amazon spokesperson Conor Sweeney defends the company's record, emphasizing safe working conditions, a $15 minimum wage, and climate change initiatives, critics argue that Amazon's success is at the expense of public institutions. Alex Cobham from the Tax Justice Network notes, "If we allow Amazon to keep all these excess profits, it will only strengthen its monopoly position."

The protests follow a Motherboard report revealing Amazon's extensive surveillance of workers, unions, and environmental movements. The company closely monitors union activity, tracks environmentalist groups on social media, and reportedly hires the Pinkerton Detective Agency for surveillance.

#MakeAmazonPay is not just a call for change within Amazon but a broader plea for corporate responsibility, echoing concerns about labor rights, environmental impact, and fair taxation. As Black Friday kicks off Amazon's peak season, these coordinated global actions serve as a powerful reminder that workers and activists are demanding accountability and change.
Thousands of highly skilled international workers holding H-1B visas in the United States are opting for job opportunities in Canada. The shift comes in the wake of changes made to the H-1B program under former President Donald Trump, which created hurdles for bringing in highly skilled immigrant talent. Skilled international workers on H-1B visas in the US are now looking for job opportunities in Canada. (Representative Photo)

"The highly educated foreign national is really at the mercy of the United States employers," emphasizes Annie Beaudoin, a former Canadian immigration officer, shedding light on the challenges faced by skilled workers in the U.S.

According to a report by CNBC, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services dealt with a staggering 758,994 eligible requests for the H-1B program. However, only 188,400 applicants were selected in the final draw for permits due to the stringent changes implemented.

Canada, seizing the opportunity, announced in July that its H-1B visa program had attracted a substantial number of international applicants, closing within 48 hours after reaching the 10,000-application limit.

Starting July 16, 2023, holders of H-1B specialty occupation visas in the U.S., along with their immediate family members, can apply to work in Canada. Successful applicants will receive an open work permit for up to three years, granting them the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada.

The United States H-1B visa program has faced scrutiny for potential abuses, prompting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take action. Measures include fraud investigations into organizations suspected of colluding to manipulate employee selection and law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecutions against violator companies.

The H-1B visa, often dubbed the "Person in Specialty Occupation Visa," allows U.S. employers to hire qualified workers for specialized roles, including IT specialists, professors, architects, and doctors.

Criticism of the H-1B program has also surfaced domestically. Indian-American Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to abolish the program, denouncing it as "indentured servitude." Ramaswamy advocates for a meritocratic admission system, emphasizing the importance of skilled-based contributions to the country.

As skilled workers seek more welcoming opportunities, the exodus to Canada signals a potential reevaluation of immigration policies, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Fighter jets fly over mountains

China Military Online) 13:56, November 24, 2023

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command takes off for a flight training exercise on November 16, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Zeqi)

Fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command take off for a flight training exercise on November 16, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Zeqi)

Fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command take off for a flight training exercise on November 16, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yu Zeqi)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
In a Thanksgiving message shared on social media, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, showcased a glimpse into their holiday festivities, stirring up controversy among conservatives. The focal point of the debate? The presence of a gas stove in the background of the photo reignited concerns about the alleged Biden administration's plans to ban such appliances. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference,Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. (AP)

"From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving," Harris captioned the image on Twitter, where she and Emhoff were captured preparing their holiday feast. The gas stove, visible in the kitchen, immediately became a focal point for critics, including Georgia Republican Congressman Mike Collins and America First activist Laura Loomer.

The online chatter was accompanied by remarks echoing the sentiment of "rules for thee but not for me," as conservatives seized on the perceived hypocrisy of the administration allegedly planning to ban gas stoves while using one themselves.

Earlier this year, rumours swirled about the Biden administration considering a ban on gas stoves, a claim that triggered a backlash from right-wing figures and fueled concerns about the government overstepping into Americans' daily lives in the name of climate change policies.

The speculation originated from an interview with Biden-appointed U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., who suggested that "a ban on gas stoves is on the table" due to health concerns. However, both Trumka Jr. and the CPSC chair, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, later clarified that there were no concrete plans to ban gas stoves.

Also Read | Kamala Harris to announce $900 million in pledges to boost women in green sectors

"Research indicates that emissions from gas stoves can be hazardous, and the CPSC is looking for ways to reduce related indoor air quality hazards," stated Hoehn-Saric. Trumka Jr. emphasized, "To be clear, CPSC isn't coming for anyone's gas stoves."

Despite these clarifications, conservative commentators have continued to use the gas stove ban rumors as ammunition against the Biden administration, portraying it as a sinister plot to exert control over Americans' lives.
Americans have a royal fascination, and it's not just the tea and crumpets kind. According to royal author Clive Irving, the popularity of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and Kate Middleton in the U.S. can be attributed to their relatability and ability to "live in the current moment." From left, Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London, (AP)

Irving notes that the American audience prefers the modernity embodied by Harry and Meghan, as well as William and Kate, over the prospect of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. "Americans would love to see the monarchy much more like Harry and Meghan than like King Charles and Queen Camilla," Irving remarked.

Since Harry and Meghan's relocation to California, the focus has shifted to William and Kate, who share a similar appeal. Both couples are perceived as living in the present moment, a stark contrast to other members of the royal family who, as Irving puts it, "seem to have lost the plot."

Irving emphasizes William's understanding of the American mood and reality, suggesting that he resonates more with the U.S. audience than his father, King Charles. This sentiment is reinforced by William's rumored plans for a modern coronation, skipping certain traditional elements that drew criticism during King Charles's ceremony.

The contrasting images of royal life presented by William and Kate, involving beer pong and a more relaxed public demeanor, and Harry and Meghan's California version, with stops for fast food and concerns about social media, resonate well with the American public.

The article also touches on recent events, including William and Kate's trip to Boston for the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards and William's whirlwind visit to New York in September 2023. In contrast, King Charles and Queen Camilla faced criticism for their appearance in Kenya, with journalist Omid Scobie highlighting the negative optics of walking a red carpet at Nairobi National Park.

In the eyes of many Americans, the modernity and relatability of these royal couples continue to capture hearts, making them the preferred faces of the monarchy across the pond.
Younger Americans are more at risk of getting fooled by holiday scams. This is what an expert from the Better Business Bureau-a non-profit organization focusing on advancing marketplace trust-claims.

As of writing, most Americans who are younger than 30 years old spend more time on the internet. Teens tend to scroll on social media for hours to entertain themselves or find important news about critical happenings in the world.

Meanwhile, those 20 years old and above access the internet for work purposes or gigs. But, spending more time on the internet exposes them to more scams that can drain their bank accounts.

Younger Americans More At Risk of Holiday Scams

BBB expert Tom Stephens claimed that younger Americans tend to be more at risk of holiday scams.

"The 18-24 age group gets scammed more than anybody," he said via WTOC.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also said that over 12,000 U.S. residents have fallen victim to holiday shopping scams in 2022.

Most of these fraud campaigns are online surveys, gift cards on social media platforms, as well as fake advertising messages. All these scams aim to steal sensitive information, especially bank details.

Stephens explained that younger Americans are more at risk of holiday scams because they spend more time on the internet compared to other people.

He clarified that older individuals also fall victim to these scammers. Although not often, people over 30 years old lose more money when they get fooled by cybercriminals.

Read Also: TikTok Shop Scam Alert Issued by BBB-Offers Tips on How to Avoid Fake, Faulty, Non-Existent Products

Most Common Holiday Scams

If you are among the younger Americans who spend hours scrolling online, Morgan Stanley provides the most common holiday scams you need to look out for.

These fraud campaigns include the following:

Gift Card Scams

Social Media Scams

Package Delivery Scams

Missed Package Scams

"Brushing" Scams (this scam aims to create fake reviews by giving away cheap products)

What Younger Americans Can Do

Now that you know the most common holiday scams that might target you, it is time to learn the things you can do to avoid getting fooled by them.

To avoid becoming one of the holiday scam victims this 2023, here are some tips you can follow:

If you receive unknown suspicious email messages, never click the attachments or links.

If you suspect that you accessed some scam website or accidentally clicked a suspicious email message, monitor your bank accounts as soon as possible.

Always shop on online websites with "https" and those with the padlock icons in their links.

Try using your credit card when doing online transactions.

Check the reviews and the online seller account's history.

Related Article: How To Avoid Black Friday Christmas Scams: UK Finance Shares Tips to Parents

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Many people don't know the real dangers posed by social media oversharing.

Ever since the global COVID-19 pandemic happened, online users across the globe started becoming more and more open when it comes to sharing personal information online.

This is now the new norm since lots of people want to improve their social media presence, even those who have no plans of becoming online influencers.

However, cybersecurity experts warned that oversharing on social media can have serious consequences.

Dangers of Social Media Oversharing

Via its official support blog post, Microsoft explained why oversharing on social media platforms is a dangerous thing to do.

"If we're not careful we could be sharing more than we intended, or with a much larger audience than we expected," said the software giant.

Microsoft said that social media oversharing can make it easier for cybercriminals and other bad actors to learn more about you; information can help them create new methods to fool you and other unsuspecting victims.

If this still doesn't concern you, here are other more specific risks posed by social media oversharing:

You might accidentally inform criminals you have valuable objects at home, encouraging them to locate your residence.

Sharing information and photos of family members could make them potential targets of criminals.

Oversharing travel photos and other images showing your activities will let criminals know you're not at home.

Sharing your pet's name, your previous high school, and other personal information can allow hackers and other criminals to answer security questions about your social media and bank accounts.

Read Also: Google Upgrades Bard AI's YouTube Extension To Better Answer Questions About Videos

Top Information to Avoid Oversharing Online

Now that you know the real dangers of social media oversharing, it is time to know the top sensitive information you need to avoid posting online.

MakeUseOf provided some of the most important details that people should never disclose on their social media accounts, such as the following:

Travel information, such as your schedule, plane departure, and arrival, as well as days of being out of town.

Make sure your location data is turned off when taking photos and videos you plan on sharing online.

Stop sharing your personal rants/complaints online.

Avoid sharing personally identifying details, such as driver's license, passport, credit card number, etc.

Don't share self-incriminating information such as when you're driving while drinking, carrying firearms without a license, etc.

Related Article: Meta 2024 US Election Ads Guidelines Update: Advertisements Saying 2020 Election Was Rigged Now Allowed

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Investigators have ruled out the possibility that the explosion at the Rainbow Bridge between New York State and the Canadian province of Ontario on Wednesday (November 23) was linked to terrorism.

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told reporters that the incident involved a Bentley that was traveling at high speed before it hit a curb and a guardrail. The collision sent the vehicle airborne and into the secondary screening area before it exploded.

The still-unidentified male driver of the car and his wife were pronounced dead at the scene, while a US border patrol employee inside a booth suffered minor injuries.

Some of the sources also told CNN that the couple, who were residents of New York state, had plans to attend a KISS concert in Canada. However, when they were told it was canceled, they decided to cross back to the US to go to a casino instead.

An eyewitness told local broadcaster WKBW that the way the car flew was "almost like a movie."

Read Also: FBI Says Ohio Walmart Suspect Partially Motivated by Racial Extremism in Shooting of 4 People

US Authorities Rule Out Terrorism in Rainbow Bridge Crash

As the incident happened on the eve of Thanksgiving, New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured residents that the attack was not terror-related.

"I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack," she told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday night.

US Attorney Trini Ross also stressed the same conclusion at a separate news conference, but also said they would "continue to stay vigilant."

"We will continue to make sure that the information we have is passed onto the public," Ross added.

The FBI also concluded its investigation, saying that the incident did not have a terrorist motive.

"A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified," the agency said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation."

Rainbow Bridge remains closed as investigations continue, but the other crossings in the US-Canada border between Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario - the Peace, Whirlpool, and Lewiston-Queenston bridges - have been reopened.

Meanwhile, Canadian government sources also told the CBC that answers about what happened might take some time as the vehicle involved was badly burned.

Security in other Canadian border crossings has been heightened in the aftermath of the Rainbow Bridge incident.

Related Article: Vehicle Explodes at Rainbow Bridge, Closes US-Canada Border

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Al Shifa Hospital director was reportedly detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), according to a local physician and local media. The medical institution is the biggest hospital facility in the Gaza Strip.

Khalid Abu Samra, head of the hospital's emergency room, told the AFP news agency on Thursday, November 23, that Muhammad Abu Salmiya and many other "senior doctors" had been taken into custody, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Salmiya's detention was reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority and verified by his cousin, Adham Abu Selmiya, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Health Ministry in Gaza Demands Explanation

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has demanded an explanation from the World Health Organization (WHO) after these physicians transporting patients in a WHO convoy were arrested by Israeli authorities.

Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesman for the health ministry, stated, "The World Health Organization has not yet sent us any report to explain the situation, including the numbers and names of those detained. The inability to contact al-Shifa means we don't know who has been arrested ... There's a chance some of those detainees will be killed. We know the occupation forces are capable of that."

He said that until the ministry receives an explanation report from the WHO, they would cease working together on evacuation plans.

On Thursday, Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from southern Gaza that Israeli occupation troops had also arrested two Palestinian paramedics. This shows no immunity inside the Strip, even for medical workers.

Hamas issued a statement strongly denouncing the arrest of Salmiya and his colleagues. It is urging the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations to act for their immediate release.

See Also: BRICS Summit: Leaders Call for 'Immediate' Humanitarian Truce in Gaza Conflict

IDF Raids Al Shifa Hospital

Israel's ground attack in northern Gaza has centered mostly on Al Shifa Hospital. Although the army ordered the institution to be evacuated on Saturday, November 18, the surviving staff estimates that there are still roughly 180 patients inside.

The IDF conducted a raid on the hospital in Gaza City last week on the suspicion that Hamas militants were using a tunnel network underneath the building for their bases and launch strikes. Hamas leaders and hospital administrators have consistently refuted the allegations.

According to a report from November 17, the Israeli Air Force unit that led the raid on the hospital complex said that the presence of weaponry in the building proved that terrorists from Hamas were using it as a command center.

Rifles, bombs, and grenades are among the weapons revealed. However, other individuals say these weapons are not proof that the Palestinian terrorist group utilized the Al Shifa Hospital. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht indicated they would provide further proof, but it would take some time.

See Also: Missing Israeli Woman Shani Gabay Found Dead

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
North Korea has threatened to send more weaponry and reinforcements to its already fortified border with South Korea amid the recent new about Pyongyang's spy satellite.

Rising tensions on the peninsula were signaled on Tuesday, November 21, when North Korea said it would resume "all military measures" it had suspended in accordance with a 2018 confidence-building deal with South Korea. Seoul claims that Russia assisted North Korea in its recent satellite launch.

Abandoning the Military Agreement?

After North Korea allegedly successfully launched a satellite on Tuesday evening, South Korea said it would temporarily halt some of the precautions meant to prevent unintended confrontation near the demilitarized zone (DMZ). In addition, Seoul said it would increase its monitoring of the DMZ.

In response, the North Korean Ministry of Defense issued a statement to the state-run KCNA news agency saying that the North Korean armed forces would never be bound by the September 19 North-South military agreement, the Guardian reported.

"We will withdraw the military steps, taken to prevent military tension and conflict in all spheres including ground, sea and air, and deploy more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware in the region along the military demarcation line," the statement reads, referring to the border that has separated the two nations since the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

The experts warned that the possibility of a border conflict may rise if the comprehensive military agreement between the two Koreas was scrapped.

See Also: Russia Allegedly Helped North Korea's Spy Satellite, Which Is Now Reportedly in Orbit

The Alleged Spy Satellite

After two unsuccessful launches in May and August, North Korea will claim a major success for its space program when the Malligyong-1 spy satellite reaches orbit.

South Korean officials said they were certain the satellite had reached orbit but that it was too soon to report on the spacecraft's condition. According to official North Korean media, Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un inspected satellite imagery of American military installations on Guam in the Pacific.

South Korean lawmakers speculated that Moscow's assistance was likely responsible for the launch, given that Kim had reportedly discussed his regime's space goals with Russian President Vladimir Putin only weeks before.

Yoo Sang-bum, a legislator from South Korea who had been informed by the national intelligence agency, said that Russia had provided Pyongyang with feedback after the leaders' September meeting. "After the summit with Putin, the North provided Moscow with the blueprint and data relevant to the first and second satellite launches. Russia, in turn, analyzed those data and provided the north with feedback."

After examining rocket fragments from the prior unsuccessful launches, South Korean intelligence officers concluded that the satellite was probably not operational.

Although both presidents have denied forging a weapons agreement, North Korea has given Russia substantial amounts of munitions for its fight in Ukraine after expanding the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.

See Also: North Korea Successfully TesKorea'sd-Fuel Engines for Intermediate-Range Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

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The truce between Israel and Hamas has been delayed until at least Friday (November 24). Israeli officials confirmed that the beginning of the truce was rescheduled to at least 24 hours later than agreed upon.

Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told local media about the delay in a late-night televised announcement but did not provide a reason why.

However, the Associated Press cited Israel's Channel 13 when it stated that there were still some last-minute details being ironed out.

As a result, airstrikes and offensive actions continue.

If the truce was officially initiated, Israeli troops and Hamas fighters were supposed to adhere to the pause in the fighting for at least four days to facilitate the release of Hamas hostages - particularly women and children - in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Read Also: Family of Youngest American Held Hostage by Hamas Wishes for Her Return on Fourth Birthday

Netanyahu: The War Continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a televised news conference that the war would resume after the truce expires, and to continue its mission of destroying Hamas's military capabilities and the return of all Israeli civilian and foreign hostages.

"I want to be clear: The war is continuing," he said. "We will continue it until we achieve all our goals."

Netanyahu added that he also delivered the same message in a phone call to US President Joe Biden, as well as instructed the Israeli spy agency Mossad to hunt down Hamas's exiled leadership "wherever they are."

Israeli military officials also insisted that the truce was not the end of the war.

"We will continue until we are victorious," Israeli Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi told commanders in a video released by the Israel Defense Force (IDF) on Thursday (November 23).

Hostage Deal Potentially Divisive

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the nation as families of the hostages staged protests clamoring for the Israeli government to bring their loved ones home.

However, since the hostages set to be freed are limited, there could be a potential division between the hostages' families.

Related Article: Al Shifa Hospital Director, Several Gazan Doctors Arrested by Israeli Troops: Report

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Before OpenAI's board terminated Sam Altman as CEO, some employees claimed that they sent an AI breakthrough warning letter to members.

This was revealed by sources familiar with the AI firm's activities. They said that the warning letter was sent to the board of directors four days before Altman was removed.

Now, the question is, was Sam Altman terminated because of the AI breakthrough concern? Here are the latest details.

OpenAI Board Received AI Breakthrough Warning Before Altman's Termination

CNBC reported that the unreported letter warned OpenAI's board of directors regarding an artificial intelligence breakthrough that could threaten humanity.

Two intels familiar with the matter claimed that this warning letter, as well as the concerning AI algorithm, became the trigger that influenced board members to terminate Sam Altman.

The anonymous sources claimed that the letter was just one of the main factors that led to the CEO's removal from the company. They didn't provide another factor that became a catalyst.

Researchers who sent the letter also didn't share specific details about the dangerous AI breakthrough they were talking about. But, Mira Murati, a long-time executive of OpenAI, talked about the so-called "Q*" project (pronounced as "Q-Star").

Although it is still unclear if the Q* project was the AI breakthrough they were warning about, sources said that this project could allow OpenAI to achieve its most-awaited superintelligence, aka AGI (artificial general intelligence).

OpenAI researchers, as well as other AI experts, said that AGI is just like artificial intelligence existing today. However, this system is considered to be smarter than humans.

Read Also: AI Shuffle: Sam Altman Joins Microsoft, OpenAI Hires Ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear

Is AGI Sam Altman's Idea?

The Verge reported that OpenAI decided to rehire Sam Altman as its CEO after its employees threatened that they would quit because of Altman's removal.

Aside from him, Greg Brockman, the former OpenAI president who resigned because of Sam's termination, said that he will now return after hearing that Altman is the CEO again.

As of writing, OpenAI hasn't confirmed if Sam Altman was the mastermind of the so-called Q* project. It is also unclear if the tech company will continue developing it after the previous issues it faced.

What OpenAI focuses on right now is resetting the governance of the company as it constructs a new board composed of Larry Summers, Adam D'Angelo, and Bret Taylor.

Related Article: Sam Altman Makes Surprising Comeback as OpenAI CEO, Joined by New Board Members

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A new Apple illegal union-busting complaint has been filed by the National Labor Relations Board. The new filing comes after the June ruling of the NLRB, claiming that there's an anti-union practice in the company.

NLRB's recent ruling specifically targeted the Apple World Trade Center store, which the labor board claims to be practicing illegal anti-union measures.

Now, the new complaint focuses on the iPhone maker's Towson Town Center, which is located in Towson, Maryland. Here's what NLRB's leadership claims.

New Apple Illegal Union-Busting Complaint Filed by NLRB

The National Labor Relations Board filed the new complaint on Tuesday, Nov. 21. According to 9To5Mac, the Towson store employees were the first Apple workers to unionize.

However, the tech giant firm doesn't appear to want staff from its other stores across the globe to follow what Towson Town Center workers did.

Apple Insider reported that NLRB's complaint revealed that Apple announced a series of new employee benefits in October 2022. Unfortunately, the iPhone manufacturer didn't allow unionized workers to have them.

The filing further stated that denying unionized employees benefits is Apple's way to discourage other workers from unionizing.

NLRB said that the new benefits introduced in 2022 include free Coursera subscription, prepaid tuition at some colleges, as well as new healthcare options.

If what NLRB's leadership claims is true, then Apple will be in big trouble since it denies employees benefits while other workers receive them is a violation of labor laws.

As of writing, the National Labor Relations Board scheduled a hearing to determine if the gadget manufacturer really broke the law.

Read Also: Apple Could Spend Nearly $5 Billion Next Year To Boost Generative AI Capability

Apple's Never-Ending Union-Busting Allegations

Ever since Apple Towson Town Center employees started unionizing, the smartphone developer has been facing illegal union-busting allegations.

Numerous organizations already filed complaints against Apple. These filings claimed that Apple is creating a fake union, requiring mandatory attendance at anti-union meetings, penalizing unionized workers, and conducting coercive interrogations.

Previously, IAM (Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers) and NLRB filed a complaint against Apple, accusing it of using new benefits to discourage workers from joining a union.

These are just some of the illegal anti-busting union accusations that Apple faced and is still facing today. You can click here to learn more.

Related Article: REI Violates US Labor Law, Employees File Complaints Due to Retaliation Against Pro-Union Workers

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Are Israelis' lives more valuable than Palestinians? This question left the Israeli government spokesman speechless; at least for a few seconds.

After Israel and Hamas agreed on the four-day ceasefire, Eylon Levy was interviewed by Sky News. English broadcaster Kay Elizabeth Burley was the one who interviewed Levy.

Because of the surprised expression of the Israeli official, their interview is now going viral on X (formerly called Twitter) and other social media platforms.

Here's what the broadcaster and Israeli government spokesperson talked about.

Israeli Govt. Spokesman Speechless When Asked if Israelis are More Valuable Than Palestinians

According to Fox News' latest report, Kay Burley asked why Israel agreed to an unfair hostage exchange ratio with Hamas. Previously, the Israeli government confirmed that the hostage release would be 3:1.

This means that Hamas is expected to let go of a total of 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

"And he made the comparison between the numbers and the fact that does Israel not think Palestinian lives are valued as highly as Israeli lives?" asked the English journalist.

This question surprised Eylon Levy. But, the top Israeli official was able to quickly answer it with confidence and a little disappointment.

"That is an astonishing accusation. If we could release one prisoner for every one hostage, we would obviously do that," said Levy.

He explained that Israel is operating in horrific circumstances, saying that they are about to release Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of violent attacks in exchange for innocent Israeli civilians.

Because of this, Levy said that the question of Burley was "outrageous" since it suggests that they are not valuing Palestinian lives.

"Really, that's a disgusting accusation," reiterated the Israeli government spokesman.

You can watch Eylon Levy's official X post below to see their actual conversation.

The first question that left me speechless (but only for a second): pic.twitter.com/P4Bh0SKtl9  Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) November 23, 2023

Read Also: Al Shifa Hospital Director, Several Gazan Doctors Arrested by Israeli Troops: Report

When Will Israel-Hamas Hostage Exchange Happen?

The Guardian reported that the four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will happen on Friday, Nov. 24. It will specifically start at 7:00 a.m., which is a bit later than originally announced.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said that Israel and Hamas already exchanged their lists of hostages who will be released later that day.

These include 13 women and children captured by the Palestinian militant group and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, since Hamas will only release 50 hostages, this means that around 190 Israelis will remain in their hands.

Related Article: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Israeli Leaders to Halt Pursuit, Terrorist Leaders to Release Hostages

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A multi-car train derailment happened in central Kentucky on Wednesday, November 22, that reportedly released molten sulfur and started a fire. The governor declared a state of emergency, and police urged residents to flee their homes.

Health Risk to Residents

CSX, the train's operator, said in a statement that at least 16 cars were involved in the accident north of Livingston, Kentucky, "including two molten sulphur cars that have been breached and have lost some of their contents which is on fire." The town of Livingston may be found around 60 miles south of Lexington.

Sulfur dioxide is produced during the combustion of molten sulfur, according to CSX. The business noted that specialized equipment is being sent to the region to undertake air monitoring.

The odor of sulfur dioxide is pungent, and it is a colorless gas. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may induce frostbite if exposed to its liquid form, and it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat depending on the amount of exposure.

Evacuation Order From Governor

Meanwhile, the office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released a statement saying, "Response efforts for the incident are ongoing, and local officials are encouraging those in the town of Livingston to evacuate," CNN reported.

When Linda Todd was informed about the danger in her Livingston neighborhood, she decided to leave even if it was supposed to be Thanksgiving. "I was freaking out because I said, 'We are cooking, we got turkeys in the ovens. We can't leave.' They were like, 'You have to go, it is a bad situation. You have to go," Todd told WYMT.

Due to the derailment, Beshear has declared a state of emergency, and his office has announced that the state's Emergency Operations Center has been established.

Beshear said that declaring a state of emergency would make all state resources accessible to ensure the safety of residents' families. "Please stay clear of this area as state, local, and CSX officials respond," he said.

Read Also: [UPDATE] 2 Dead, 1 Hurt After Explosion at Rainbow Bridge Border Crossing

The Wednesday's Accident

At about 2:30 PM local time on Wednesday, CSX reported a derailment. Rockcastle County Sheriff told WKYT that the accident occurred between Mullins Station and Livingston. The train company said one of the two crew members had minor injuries and was treated at the site.

US Route 25 has been closed in both directions from the Laurel County border to Calloway Branch Road as a result of the accident. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for District 8 stated in a social media post on Wednesday night that it is uncertain when the roadway will reopen.

CSX has said it is establishing a recovery strategy and coordinating with local authorities to secure the site.

Read Also: Hyatt Regency Buffalo Says Mass Shooting Reports False Alarm

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In response to the legal prohibition on any activity by or support of the militant organization Hamas, hundreds of police officers searched the homes of Hamas members and supporters in Germany on Thursday morning, November 23.

Samidoun, the group responsible for a celebration in Berlin of Hamas' October 7 assault in southern Israel, was disbanded, and the ban was put into effect by the German government earlier this month. The October 7 surprise attack on Israel was carried out by 3,000 terrorists who stormed across the border, killed 1,200 people, and took 240 hostages.

Children and the elderly made up the bulk of the civilian casualties. At an outdoor celebration, more than 360 individuals were killed, many of them in the midst of horrifying acts of violence committed by the terrorists. Entire families were also slain in their houses.

Raids on Suspected Hamas Members, Followers

Reportedly, the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network was behind an October 7 event in which a group of activists gave out pastries on a Berlin street in celebration of Hamas' assault.

According to The Times of Israel, the domestic intelligence agency in Germany thinks that there are around 450 Hamas members in Germany. Their efforts to bolster the foreign terrorist organization vary from demonstrations of sympathy and propaganda to financial support and fund-raising.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, "We are continuing our consistent action against radical Islamists. By banning Hamas and Samidoun in Germany, we have sent a clear signal that we will not tolerate any glorification or support of Hamas' barbaric terror against Israel."

The searches took place mostly in Berlin. Those were intended to implement the restrictions and to further investigate the groups, according to a statement released by the German interior ministry. A total of 15 locations in Berlin, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein were searched.

More than 300 police officers scoured 11 different sites in Berlin to recover evidence and assets. There were seven searches pertaining to Hamas and four pertaining to Samidoun. According to DPA, a German news source, the searches were conducted mostly at the residences of supporters and the offices of a Palestinian group.

See Also: Hamas Delays Hostage Swap With Israel-Reason Unknown

Combating Antisemitic Groups

German authorities have been cracking down on antisemitism-supporting organizations in the aftermath of Israel's continuing battle against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel has pledged to completely wipe out the terrorist organization from the strip.

On Tuesday, November 21, police in the southern German state of Bavaria searched the houses of 17 persons suspected of engaging in online antisemitic hate speech and threatening Jewish people. German police also conducted 54 raids last week as part of an investigation into a group located in Hamburg that is accused of spreading the ideology of the Iranian government and maybe funding the operations of Hezbollah in Germany.

See Also: Al Shifa Hospital Director, Several Gazan Doctors Arrested by Israeli Troops: Report

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A new LinkedIn analysis revealed that Apple employees will most likely leave the iPhone maker and join Google. This study was conducted by Switch on Business; a business builder website in Florida.

The analysis, which was published on Thursday, Nov. 23, checked LinkedIn accounts of employees working for tech giants, such as Apple, Meta, Google, Tesla, IBM, Netflix, etc.

The website's findings were able to show the top tech giant choices of Apple employees in case they resign from their current positions.

LinkedIn Analysis: Apple Employees Likely to Join Google

Switch on Business said that they highlighted the staff who are working for giant tech firms and those who previously worked for them.

"This allowed us to calculate the number and percentage of employees who've moved from each of these companies to another," said the business builder via its official analysis.

According to 9To5Mac's latest report, Switch on Business' study showed that Google is the number one option of Apple employees who are resigning.

The software giant is followed by Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla. To give you more idea, here's how many employees left Apple and switched to Google and other tech giants:

Apple to Google: 3,858 employees Apple to Amazon: 1,973 employees Apple to Meta: 1,911 employees Apple to Microsoft: 1,394 employees Apple to Tesla: 944 employees Apple to Nvidia: 543 employees Apple to Salesforce; 499 employees Apple to Adobe: 458 employees Apple to Intel: 446 employees Apple to Oracle: 416 employees

Read Also: Toyota Auto Loan Scandal: CFPB Orders Automaker to Pay $60 Million for Misleading Car Owners

Top Talent Hunting Grounds of Apple

Aside from the top tech giants that Apple employees go to, Switch on Business also analyzed the top companies where Apple usually got its employees.

These include the following:

Intel: 4,773 employees went to Apple Microsoft: 2,811 employees went to Apple Amazon: 2,245 employees went to Apple Google: 2,126 employees went to Apple IBM: 2,080 employees went to Apple Oracle: 1,106 employees went to Apple Tesla: 737 employees went to Apple Nvidia: 734 employees went to Apple Adobe: 531 employees went to Apple Meta: 472 employees went to Apple

Intel is the number one tech giant that Apple relies on when it comes to hiring employees. This is because the gadget maker spent billions of dollars just to buy the chip manufacturer's smartphone model business in 2019.

When it comes to overall talent hiring, Apple is just the top 3 company that tech employees go to when applying for jobs. The LinkedIn analysis revealed that Microsoft is the number one company that tech workers go to; with over 4,200 staff going to the software giant.

If you want to learn more about the tech employees going in and out of Apple, Microsoft, Google, and other giant companies, you can click here.

Related Article: New Apple Illegal Union-Busting Complaint Filed by NLRB-Here's What Labor Board Claims

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams is now accused of sexually assaulting a former colleague 30 years ago. The woman claiming that the American official harassed her sexually filed a civil lawsuit.

She filed a legal summons in the New York Supreme Court on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Since it was processed electronically, the clerk hasn't completed the filing yet.

Based on the legal action, Eric Adams sexually assaulted the plaintiff back in 1993 when he was just working for the New York City Police Department as a captain.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Former Colleague

According to NBC News' latest report, the plaintiff claims that she experienced battery, sexual assault, retaliation, employment gender discrimination, a hostile work environment, as well as intentional emotional distress infliction when she was working with Adams.

The complaint against the NYC mayor accuses him of violating multiple legal frameworks. These include the New York City Human Rights Law, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the Victims of Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act.

The woman was identified as Lorna Beach Mathura. NBC New York said that the other legal actions were filed under the name of the plaintiff accusing Eric Adams.

These include lawsuits against American Airlines in 2014, which was unsuccessful. She sued Miami Dade County as well, claiming that a 6-year-old boy abused her during kindergarten.

As of writing, Mathura is seeking over $5 million in damages, as well as attorney's fees and interest. The plaintiff's attorney, Megan Goddard, hasn't shared much detail regarding the civil lawsuit they filed against Mayor Eric Adams.

Read Also: Eric Adams' Turkey Ties: NYC Mayor Admits Helping Turkish Consulate Amid Criminal Investigation Over Campaign

Eric Adams Denies Allegations

NYC Mayor Eric Adams said that he would never do anything to harm other people.

"Mom always used to tell me there are seasons when a lot seems to be going on and at that moment, you have to let go and let God have something to do with it," said the American official.

"I don't recall meeting the person and I'm going to remain steadfast in running the city," he added.

New York City Hall's spokesperson also rejected the sexual assault allegations against Eric Adams. The official said that they "vigorously" deny any claims regarding sexually assaulting people.

Critics are suspicious about the lawsuit since it was filed two days before the New York Adult Survivors Act's expiration. They said that it is also the time when high-profile individuals, such as Jamie Foxx, Donald Trump, and Sean "Diddy" Combs face legal action.

Related Article: [UPDATE] Eric Adams Corruption Investigation: FBI Seizes NYC Mayor's Phones, iPad

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Qatar has announced that the start of the four-day truce and prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas would be scheduled for 07:00 local time on Friday (05:00 UTC, November 24).

Spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry Majed al-Ansari said that the two sides have exchanged lists of those that would be released. Hamas would release the first group of 13 hostages by Friday afternoon, with Israeli officials expected to release 39 of its prisoners and detainees if the 1:3 ratio was followed.

Al-Ansari added that increased aid for Palestinians should be expected to enter Gaza "as soon as possible."

The Times of Israel reported that the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the families of Israeli hostages who would be expected to be released from captivity in Gaza on Friday have already been notified.

Read Also: Missing Israeli Woman Shani Gabay Found Dead

At Least 3 Americans Included in First Prisoner Swap

The truce and prisoner swap was due to take place on Thursday (November 23) but was postponed at the last minute due to logistical issues, The Guardian reported.

Under the agreement, Hamas would free at least 50 of the approximately 240 hostages - mostly Israeli civilians, but also including other foreign nationals - the group abducted across southern Israel in the October 7 attack.

Meanwhile, a senior US official told The Independent, on the condition of anonymity, that Washington was expecting the release of at least three of at least 10 American hostages in the first group of hostages Hamas would be releasing.

Related Article: Hamas Delays Hostage Swap With Israel-Reason Unknown

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New York City successfully held its Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, as thousands gathered in the Big Apple for the event.

However, it was not all smooth sailing - or in this case, floating.

Pro-Palestine protesters disrupted the parade on Thursday (November 23) by gluing their hands in the middle of 6th Avenue and covering themselves in fake blood in an attempt to halt the parade.

According to the New York Post, several of the protesters wore white jumpsuits with protest slogans on their chests and backs while chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, such as "Free, free Palestine" and "From the river to the sea...."

It was revealed that the protesters were not just protesting about the liberation of Palestine but also demonstrating for the preservation of the environment, as there was a large sign reading "Liberation for Palestine and Planet."

Another act of protest was recorded while the parade was broadcast on television.

The float from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, was passing Macy's flagship store on 34th Street in midtown Manhattan when a male individual unfurled a small Palestinian flag and raised it above his head, Fox News Digital reported.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have glued their hands to 6th Avenue, disrupting the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade; floats, bands and balloons are being diverted. pic.twitter.com/nYKLGyev87  Matthew Chayes (@chayesmatthew) November 23, 2023

Crowds Jeer at Protesters

As the protesters disrupted the parade, spectators jeered them by screaming loud boos.

The group also had other messages - including "militarism," "racism," and "ethnic cleansing" - written across their jumpsuits.

Officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) attempted to remove the protesters by ungluing their hands and arresting them while voicing out their clamor for a total ceasefire and independence of the state of Palestine.

The NYPD confirmed that several of the protesters were taken into custody but did not provide an exact number.

"It's pissing me off," a parade attendee from Philadelphia named Greg complained. "Do it somewhere else. Not today, they're ruining the parade. They super-glued their hands to the street. These people worked hard to be in this parade."

NYPD has leveled up the security in the parade in anticipation of such disruptions.

Read Also: Qatar Says Truce to Begin 07:00 on Nov. 24 - At Least 3 Americans Included in Prisoner Swap

The Protest Continues

Upon the end of the parade, at least 400 protesters gathered at a pre-arranged meeting spot in Madison Square Park before marching toward Macy's in nearby Herald Square, shutting down traffic while chanting "Long Live Intifada" and "American public do you see? Your taxes fund our misery."

The protesters were stopped by police at 6th Avenue and West 31st Street, prompting them to turn west toward Penn Station.

New York Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) called the disruption of the Thanksgiving parade "sick."

"Protesters are disrupting a parade attended by thousands of children?! It's beyond the pale," Dinowitz told the Post. "They are pro-Hamas and anti-Jew. They are for the terrorists."

New York Board of Rabbis executive vice chair Rabbi Joseph Potasnik also said that pro-Palestinian protesters had "no boundaries," intimidating New Yorkers by "[protesting] on the sabbath [and on] Thanksgiving."

"No one at these protests ever seems to condemn Hamas. They fault the victims, not the perpetrators," he added. "History has taught us that hatred starts against the Jews but doesn't end with the Jews."

Related Article: Preps for Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2023 Underway-Here's How to Watch It Online

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The United Kingdom has warned residents of an expected arctic blast that would bring sub-zero temperatures to the region for 24 hours.

The Met Office said that several parts of Britain would be struck with sleet and snow, and Saturday is expected to become the coldest night of the year. A spokesman for the agency said that the cold and variable weather is usual this time of year.

Arctic Blast in UK

They noted that they could observe big changes in temperatures in the region, noting that all it takes is a quick shift from a southern wind into a north wind to cause that particular development. The spokesman added that seeing these kinds of changes was not unusual.

The National Weather Service added that sleet and snow could fall north of Scotland and on peaks above 400 meters. A meteorologist for the agency, Aidan McGivern, explained that by the end of the week, they would see cold winds arriving from the north, as per Ladbible.

Meteorologists believe that the evening would have thermometers reading minus four degrees Celsius in Wales and minus five degrees Celsius in the rural South West. He noted that it would feel colder this week and that there would be some snow showers, primarily over the hills in northern Scotland.

McGivern said that other areas with high pressure would mostly dry on Friday and into the start of the weekend. Meteorologists said that daytime temperatures are not expected to reach double digits on Saturday but would go back to above 10 degrees Celsius on Sunday and into the following week.

Chris England, the weather producer of Sky News, said that the people in the region could expect Arctic air to spread over most of the UK within the next few days. He said it could bring powerful winds and hail and snow showers to the north and east.

Read Also: Vladimir Putin Says He is Prepared for Peace Talks To Stop the 'Tragedy' of the War in Ukraine

Sub-Zero Temperatures

He added that high pressure from the west would likely settle things down later on Friday, bringing an extensive frost that would develop overnight. According to the Telegraph, temperatures are expected to be a degree or two (Celsius) above or below the freezing point.

The situation comes as the Environment Agency issued two flood warnings and 37 flood alerts in the region. Local flooding is possible from groundwater across parts of the South of England from Wednesday through Friday. On the other hand, local coastal flooding is possible but not expected for Friday at the Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex coasts.

Friday would also see temperatures plummeting in Liverpool, with residents experiencing zero degrees Celsius overnight. Furthermore, weather experts said that people in the area should be ready for frost and "wintry showers."

While the region's Met Office does not predict snow soon, other forecasters have said it could fall in Liverpool in the next three weeks. According to Yahoo News, Accuweather said that the region could see snow as soon as Dec. 13 and bring a "snow shower" in the morning.

Related Article: Germany: Extensive Search of Properties Linked to Hamas Backers Conducted by Police

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The families of hostages taken by Hamas have expressed concerns for their loved ones as a ceasefire in Gaza has been delayed and as Israel continues to launch assaults on the war-torn region on Thursday.

The ceasefire agreement would have seen the Hamas militant group freeing dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of roughly 150 Palestinian prisoners. However, it was later revealed to be delayed at least until Friday.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Delayed

There are about 10 US citizens who remain unaccounted for following the Hamas militant group's attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Officials believe that some of them were taken as hostages by the group, including three-year-old Abigail Mor Edan.

The Qatari government, which helped broker the hostage deal between the two sides, said that the pause in fighting would start on Friday at 7:00 a.m. local time. Officials added that the first batch of 13 hostages are expected to be released at 4:00 p.m., all of whom are women and children, as per CBS News.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office also confirmed that it had received a preliminary list of names. Under the Qatar-brokered deal this week, at least 50 hostages will be released. In exchange, the Israeli government would release at least 150 Palestinian prisoners and agree to a four-day ceasefire.

Hundreds of trucks carrying desperately needed aid, including cooking oil and fuel, would cross into the Gaza Strip. The Hamas militant group is incentivized to release more of the 236 hostages that were taken in its initial attack.

For every 10 hostages that are freed, Israel would extend the temporary ceasefire by an additional day. More Palestinian prisoners would also be freed if the deal is extended, at a ratio of three prisoners for every hostage.

Prior to the ceasefire, Israel had ramped up its attacks across Gaza, particularly in the northern parts of the region. Israeli forces shot and killed 12-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Fuad Edely in the town of Beita near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, according to Aljazeera.

Read Also: Israeli Govt. Spokesman Speechless When Asked If Israelis are More Valuable Than Palestinians

Release of the First Batch of Hostages

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the nation's military would continue fighting against Hamas for at least two months after the end of the ceasefire. His remarks came as he addressed troops of the Israeli navy special operations unit on Thursday.

He told them to "organize, get ready, investigate, resupply arms, and get ready to continue" during the ceasefire. Gallant added that they needed to complete the victory and create the impetus for the next groups of hostages.

The situation comes as Israel arrested the director of Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, saying that it served as a Hamas command center. The group and hospital officials have denied these allegations.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari was not able to provide details on exactly who the first batch of hostages would be. He was also unable to say anything about the route they could take due to safety reasons, said CNN.

Related Article: Qatar Says Truce to Begin 07:00 on Nov. 24 - At Least 3 Americans Included in Prisoner Swap

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A former Obama administration official, Stuart Seldowitz, has been arrested by police officers after videos of him went viral that showed him harassing a Halal cart vendor in New York.

The incident happened at an Upper East Side food cart on Second Avenue and 83rd Street. Seldowitz was seen spewing hateful rhetoric at the vendor and he is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated harassment, hate crime, and stalking.

Stuart Seldowitz Arrested, Charged With Hate Crime

The suspect was previously an official of the State Department and worked as the acting director for South Asia in the National Security Council. Law enforcement officials said that Seldowitz was the person seen in viral cell phone videos who went on hateful rants at the Adam Halal Food Cart.

In the recordings, Seldowitz was seen saying, "I'm gonna put big signs here that say, 'This guy believes in Hamas.'" He also claimed that the vendor was a terrorist and that he supported terrorism. At one point, the former Obama official said that even if they killed 4,000 Palestinian kids, it would not be enough, as per CBS News.

Through a translator, the 24-year-old food cart vendor, Mohamed Hussein, said that Seldowitz was not a customer but came over to ask where he was from. When he replied that he came from Egypt, his translator said that the official started telling him that he supported Hamas.

After that, Hussein started filming, which was why the video recordings did not show the initial encounter. On the other hand, Seldowitz claimed that the food cart vendor told him that he supported what Hamas did, which is why he got so upset. However, it was a claim that Hussein denied.

A co-owner of the cart, Islam Moustafa, said that they would have rather Seldowitz came over and apologized instead of flipping the story against them. A part owner of the cart, Yasser Nawer, said they have no problem with anybody and do not try to create any problems.

New York police said that Hussein told law enforcement that an individual, referring to Seldowitz, approached his workplace multiple times and made anti-Islamic statements on different days, according to Aljazeera.

Read Also: FBI Says Ohio Walmart Suspect Partially Motivated by Racial Extremism in Shooting of 4 People

Islamophobic Retorts

In other exchanges, Seldowitz could be heard casting slurs against Prophet Muhammad and calling the Halal cart vendor "ignorant" for his alleged lack of fluency in English. The former Obama official also threatened to use his government connections to mobilize Egypt's secret police, the Mukhabarat, against Hussein.

During a phone interview, Seldowitz said that he is not Islamophobic and that he regrets some of the things that he said to Hussein. He noted that instead of focusing on him and what he said, he expanded into insulting the vendor's religion.

The incident between Seldowitz and Hussein came as tensions have risen between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups in the United States. There have been near-daily demonstrations in New York City about the war.

Officials have also recorded increases in both anti-Islamic and antisemitic hate crimes and some of the angry encounters have gone viral on various social media platforms, said the New York Times.

Related Article: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Accused of Sexually Assaulting Colleague 30 Years Ago

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Tensions have flared between North and South Korea as North Korea announced its withdrawal from a historic defense pact in response to South Korea suspending parts of the agreement and resuming surveillance flights along their border.

The escalation follows North Korea's recent claim of success in launching a spy satellite, a move that drew condemnation from the United States, Japan, and South Korea, who argue that it violated UN bans by using ballistic missile technology, as per The Independent.

North Korea Escalates Defiance

North Korea's defense ministry stated that it would no longer be bound by the five-year-old September 19 North-South Military Agreement. This withdrawal came after North Korea's controversial spy satellite launch, which it asserts was successful, and has vowed to launch more satellites in defiance of international warnings.

Images released by North Korean state media showed their leader, Kim Jong Un, observing the rocket launch, further heightening concerns about the country's technological advancements.

South Korea and Japan, the first to report the launch, could not immediately confirm whether the satellite had successfully entered orbit. The US Pentagon announced that it was still assessing the launch's success.

US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson condemned the satellite launch as "a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions," raising regional tensions and destabilizing the security situation.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on North Korea to fully comply with UN resolutions and return to dialogue. North Korea had previously notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between Wednesday and December 1, following two failed attempts earlier in the year.

South Korea's military believes the rocket carried a reconnaissance satellite, and Aegis-equipped destroyers from South Korea, Japan, and the United States were positioned to monitor and share information regarding the launch, according to Messenger Inquirer.

Read Also: Canadian-Israeli Peace Activist Vivian Silver Found Dead, Killed in Hamas Attack

South Korea Suspends Pact Amid North Korea Dispute

South Korea has suspended part of a military agreement signed with North Korea in 2018. Known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement, the pact aimed to de-escalate tensions between the two nations but faced criticism for weakening South Korea's ability to monitor North Korea's actions around the border.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, during a state visit to Britain, approved the decision to suspend a clause of the inter-Korean agreement, allowing the resumption of aerial surveillance near the joint border.

The timing of North Korea's satellite launch, just over a week before South Korea's planned launch of its first spy satellite with the assistance of US-based company SpaceX, adds complexity to the ongoing dispute.

While South Korean officials suggest that Moscow provided technical assistance to North Korea's recent launch, some missile experts argue that it is too early for Russian technology to have been fully incorporated into the satellite or rocket.

This incident underscores the delicate regional dynamics and the challenges posed by North Korea's ongoing missile and satellite programs.

As tensions simmer, the international community remains watchful, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to evolve, leaving many concerned about the future stability of the region, Yahoo News reported.

Related Article: Sullivan Says US Continues Hostage Negotiations; 9 Americans Still Missing

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(Photo : Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Jamie Foxx attends the 2022 Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton on August 19, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California.

Jamie Foxx, who was sued regarding an alleged sexual assault that occurred in 2015, has denied the allegations. Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop, is facing a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by the actor eight years ago at a restaurant in New York City.

The accuser, identified as "Jane Doe," claims that Foxx groped her without her consent after she requested a photograph with him. The lawsuit also implicates the restaurant owner, Mark Birnbaum, for failing to protect the victim during the incident, as per BBC News.

Jamie Foxx Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assault

The alleged assault is said to have occurred on August 26, 2015, around 01:00 in the morning at Catch NYC, where the woman was seated at a table adjacent to Foxx.

According to the lawsuit, Foxx appeared to be intoxicated but agreed to take photos with the woman. During this interaction, he made inappropriate comments, stating that she had a "supermodel body" and smelled "so good."

The lawsuit details that Foxx then led the woman to a secluded area of the restaurant, where he allegedly touched her breasts and placed his hands inside her underwear without her consent. The incident came to an end when the victim's friend intervened.

The legal action also targets restaurant owner Mark Birnbaum, alleging that he and the restaurant's employees failed to fulfill their responsibility of care to the plaintiff by not ensuring her safety during the encounter.

As a result of these alleged actions, the woman claims to have suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and emotional damages.

This lawsuit comes shortly before the New York Adult Survivors Act's expiration date on November 24, 2023.

The act allows alleged victims of sex crimes to pursue legal action even after the statute of limitations has expired. Notably, several high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, rapper Sean Combs, comedian Bill Cosby, actor Cuba Gooding Jr, and Russell Brand, have faced lawsuits under this act, according to Variety.

Read Also: Sullivan Says US Continues Hostage Negotiations; 9 Americans Still Missing

Jamie Foxx Faces Shocking Lawsuits

Jamie Foxx, known for his outstanding performance as pianist Ray Charles in the 2004 film "Ray," now faces serious allegations that could impact his career and personal life. Foxx's representatives have yet to respond to inquiries for comments about the lawsuit's unclear damages claim.

This lawsuit is part of a larger wave of legal actions filed under the New York Adult Survivors Act. The law has opened a one-year window for victims to file sexual abuse claims, bypassing the usual statutes of limitations. The window for such complaints is set to close at the end of this month.

The music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine has also been sued by a woman who alleges sexual abuse and harassment in August 2007. Iovine, a co-founder of Interscope Records and a prominent figure in the music industry, expressed shock and disbelief at the allegations.

These lawsuits, along with others targeting celebrities and public figures, highlight the growing momentum of the #MeToo movement and the importance of holding individuals regardless of their position, responsible for what they do, Rauters reported.

Related Article: Wagner Group Plans To Provide Air Defence to Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions in Middle East, US Claims

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A transgender woman was physically assaulted by a bouncer outside Billy Jack's Shack in Charlotte, North Carolina. The assault, which was captured on Matusik's Meta Smart Glasses, has left her with a horrific black eye and has been labeled as a potential hate crime.

Matusik had been out with friends on a Friday night and decided to end the evening at Billy Jack's Shack, a popular restaurant and bar in Charlotte. However, her night took a horrifying turn when she was confronted by a bouncer at the establishment, as per Mail Online.

Trans Woman's Bouncer Assault

According to Matusik, the incident began when she refused to show her identification to the bouncer. The Meta Glasses she was wearing at the time recorded the entire altercation from her perspective, providing crucial evidence of what transpired.

The video footage shows Matusik at the bar, innocently asking for a menu when the bouncer suddenly approaches her from behind. In a matter of moments, the situation escalates as the bouncer grabs her arm, body-slams her, and proceeds to choke her while demanding her ID.

Throughout the altercation, Matusik repeatedly mentions that she is recording the incident. The bouncer's response is chilling: "I don't care."

Matusik pleads, "Why are you choking me?" but receives no satisfactory answer. The situation deteriorates further as the bouncer uses homophobic slurs.

Matusik described how she was dragged into the street, punched, and kicked by the bouncer, causing her significant physical injuries, including a brutal black eye. She was subsequently taken to the hospital, according to Yahoo News.

Read Also: NASA's EMIT Successfully Maps World's Methane Emissions

North Carolina Transgender Assault Raises Concerns

The shocking video evidence contradicts the values that Billy Jack's Shack claims to stand for. The bar took to Facebook to announce that it has terminated its association with the third-party security company responsible for the incident.

Despite the compelling video evidence, both the security company and the security guard involved have remained silent on the matter. There is currently no indication of whether a hate crime investigation is being conducted into the occurrence.

The security company, Gridiron Protection Services, was reportedly not licensed to provide security services, according to the Charlotte Observer. Such unlicensed practices are unfortunately common in the state of North Carolina.

Lynette Matusik is adamant that the case be investigated as a hate crime and has expressed her hope that shedding light on the incident will lead to a broader discussion on safety and security measures. She vehemently denies the accusation that she bit the security guard and insists that it is a baseless fabrication.

For now, Matusik faces a simple assault charge in connection with the incident. However, the shocking video evidence captured by her Meta Glasses has brought the incident into the public eye, sparking discussions on the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of individuals, especially in situations involving potential hate crimes, WSOC TV reported.

Related Article: NASA's James Webb Captures Heart of Milky Way, Provides Stunning Visuals of Mysterious Region

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Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma has decided to halt his plans to sell a significant portion of the company's stock following a recent slump in its share price.

The Chinese tech giant faced a tumultuous week, marked by the abandonment of its $11 billion cloud business spin-off plan, resulting in a sharp decline in the company's stock value, as per to Business Insider.

Alibaba Stock Sale Amid Market Worries

The decision to halt the stock sale, which was set to take place on November 21, came after Alibaba's stock price experienced a significant drop, wiping out an astounding $26 billion in value over just two days. Ma's family trust had intended to sell 10 million American Depositary Shares (ADS) of the company, amounting to a total value of $870 million.

The regulatory filings for the planned sale were made public on Thursday, further exacerbating concerns among investors and employees alike. According to reports from Reuters, the company's employees were apprehensive about Ma's move, fearing its potential impact on the company's stability.

However, Alibaba sought to reassure its staff with an internal memo affirming that Jack Ma had not sold a single share of the company. The memo, reportedly issued by Chief People Officer Jane Jiang Fang, stated, "Ma's office has issued a statement saying that Ma will continue to hold onto his Alibaba stake.

This is a fact and not mere lip service." Jiang also disclosed that the funds from the proposed stock sale were intended for investments in agriculture and charitable causes.

One of the central reasons provided for Ma's decision to hold off on selling the stock was the belief that its current market value did not reflect its true worth. In the internal memo, Jiang emphasized that the timing of the disclosure was purely coincidental and had led to a "severe misunderstanding" among investors.

The timing of Ma's decision couldn't have been more unfortunate, as it coincided with a substantial decline in Alibaba's share price.

Following the company's decision to abandon the spin-off and listing of its $11 billion cloud business unit due to increased US restrictions on chip sales to China, Alibaba's stock plunged by 9% during New York trading, according to Yahoo News.

Read Also: House Speaker Mike Johnson Visits Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago After Endorsement

Jack Ma's Wealth Drops $683M Amid Alibaba Stock Turmoil

As a result of this stock market turmoil, Jack Ma's personal wealth experienced a staggering decrease of $683 million. His net worth, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, now stands at $29.2 billion, while the company's Chairman, Joseph Tsai, suffered a loss of approximately $261 million.

Ma's intention to sell 10 million shares worth approximately $870 million was disclosed in regulatory filings on November 16, coinciding with Alibaba's release of its September quarter earnings report.

However, these plans had been in motion since August when Alibaba's US-listed shares were trading much higher than their current value. The recent closing price of Alibaba's shares at $78.94, compared to their peak of $101 in August, resulted in a considerable decrease in the potential proceeds from Ma's stock sale.

Jane Jiang emphasized that Ma's decision to delay the stock sale was a testament to his confidence in Alibaba's long-term prospects, as he aims to capitalize on a higher selling price in the future.

Amid these developments, Alibaba and its co-founder, Jack Ma, have been under increased scrutiny from Chinese authorities, in the course of an extensive crackdown on the country's technology sector, aimed at curbing the influence of domestic tech giants.

While Ma has stepped away from his roles at Alibaba since 2020, he remains a significant figure in the tech industry, balancing his time between business and his pursuits in teaching and research, particularly in the field of agricultural science.

Alibaba itself has undergone significant changes this year, including a restructuring into six distinct business groups and a change in its CEO, reflecting the dynamic nature of the ever-evolving technology landscape in China and around the world, CNBC reported.

Related Article: Colorado: Plastic Surgeon Sentenced to Only 15 Days Despite Teen's Tragic Death After Breast Implant Surgery

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East Anglian Fen's yew trees disappeared 4,200 years ago after the rapid rise of saltwater in the North Sea in England.

Over 4,200 years ago, the flat landscape of East Anglian Fens was dominated by dense woods of ancient yew trees.

East Anglian Fen's Yew Trees Disappear

Fenland farmers dug hundreds of tree trunks and discovered the disappearance of the yew trees in East Anglian Fens. According to the researchers, the yews declined as the region became wetter, but their major disappearance began during an abrupt rise in sea level.

The fragments dug up and discarded at field edges were known as 'bog oaks.' But when the scientists from the University of Cambridge tested the logs, they found more than 400 yew trees that were 400 years old when they died.

Tatiana Bebchuk, the lead author of the paper published in Quaternary Science Reviews, said that the Fenland farmers' struggles were usually their equipment caught in big pieces of wood buried in the soil, which always happens during the planting of potatoes since they were planted a little deeper than other crops.

"When I first saw this enormous pile of abandoned trees, it was incredible just how many there were. But when we got them back to lab, we were even more surprised: these trees were so well-preserved, it looked as if they were cut down just yesterday," she said.

The scientists gathered data from the growth rings within tree trunks, which contain information about temperature and climate for each growing season. The trunks collected were preserved in brown fenland soils, which showed up to 400 years of irregular tree rings.

The combined dendrochronological (tree-ring) analysis and radiocarbon dating discovered the ancient yews from about 5,200 to 4,200 years ago. The analysis showed those years when dense native woodland, including oak and yew, covered the Fens.

Read Also: Bill Gates Approves Rapid Advancement of Technology, Says AI Could Reduce Human's Workweek to Three Days

Yew Tree's Disappearance Led to Climatic Events

The disappearance of the yew trees coincided with significant climatic changes elsewhere in the world, including a mega-drought in China and the Middle East that could have caused the collapse of civilizations, such as Egypt's Old Kingdom and the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia.

Bebchuck said they want to know if the rapid rise in sea level in northern Europe was linked to these climatic events, especially on the mega-droughts in Asia and the Middle East, or if the events were just a series of unrelated regional changes.

She still has no evidence of what caused these climate events, but she said these trees could be an important part of solving the cause of climatic changes.

The ancient yew has been one of the longest-lived species in Europe, which can reach up to 20 meters in height.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the Fens were primarily a wetland before being drained using artificial drainage and flood protection.

Related Article: Taiwan: Nantou Landslides Disrupt Agricultural Traditions, Increase Risk of Climate Change



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Scandic Hotels has signed a long-term agreement with landlord Exilion to extend the agreement and rebrand the Holiday Inn City Centre in downtown Helsinki. Since acquiring Restel in 2017, Scandic has operated the hotel under a lease agreement with Exilion and a franchise agreement with IHG. From 2025, the hotel will be operated under the Scandic brand.

Today, Holiday Inn City Centre has 174 rooms and a strategically advantageous location next to Helsinki Central Station. As part of the extension agreement, the landlord has undertaken to completely renovate the hotel. Renovation work is expected to begin in September 2024 and will include investments in the facade and interiors as well as sustainability-related upgrades to reduce energy consumption and operating costs and improve the guest experience.

By extending our agreement and rebranding Holiday Inn City Centre as a Scandic hotel, we will continue to optimize our hotel portfolio in major Finnish cities. Helsinki is an important market that attracts both domestic and international travelers. It's fantastic to be able to further strengthen Scandic's hotel offering in Helsinki, says Laura Tarkka, Head of Scandic Hotels in Finland.

The strategic location of the hotel in close proximity to other Scandic hotels helps meet the growing demand in the leisure segment in Helsinki. During the renovation, shared spaces and restaurant areas will be adapted to optimize hotel operations which will lead to economies of scale.

The hotel rooms will be furnished according to Room Collection, Scandic's own-design room concept. They will be designed with circularity in mind and many elements of the furnishings will be environmentally certified or made of recycled materials.

Hotel website
Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road is delighted to welcome Mihir Patel as its new Director of Sales. Patel, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in hospitality, brings a deep understanding and expertise to his new role.

Patel's most recent tenure as Director of Sales at Dusit Thani Dubai highlighted his exceptional leadership skills, notably driving substantial revenue growth and achieving significant milestones. He effectively led the Sales and Revenue team, focusing on diverse market segments and delivering notable achievements. His previous experience with renowned hotel chains like Marriott and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has been marked by surpassing sales targets, managing intricate sales operations, and making substantial contributions to revenue enhancement. Patel's commitment to fostering strong client relationships and his proactive approach to sales have consistently produced excellent outcomes.
Wael Soueid, also a French national, joins Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal from Anantara Tozeur Sahara Resort in Tunisia, where he was credited with creating innovative guest experiences such as the Berber Nights experiences and horse riding as well as introducing a Green Zone, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the desert landscape and culture.

In addition to holding various executive positions at properties in the UAE between 2011 and 2019, such as Area General Manager for Abu Dhabi properties including the iconic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa by Anantara, one of the brand's flagship properties in the Liwa Desert, and at Paramount Hotel Dubai and Marriott International, Wael served as Executive Director at Infinity des Lumieres between 2021 and 2022, lending his creativity and vision to establish the project as the largest digital art centre in the Middle East.

Wael holds a Bachelor's Degree from International Tourism Institute of Toulouse France, and is passionate about polo, endurance horse riding, and languages.
Mr Walters commenced his career at Swiss Bank Corporation International, in London, followed by roles at major institutions (Eagle Star, Equitable Life and HBOS plc); as well as boutique businesses (Cavanagh and Pantheon). From 2004 he was Investment Director, Property, for BDO Investment Management Limited (part of the BDO global accountancy practice) responsible for all aspects of the firms real estate investment strategy, including the firms eight in-house real estate funds managing, directly and indirectly, c.1.25bn of assets. Also, a member of the firms Investment Committee. Mr Walters joined New York based Beacon Hospitality Partners in 2011, a specialist hospitality asset management and advisory business working with institutional clients on a wide range of hotel asset management, development and capital market assignments. In addition, Mr Walters was Senior Advisor to the CBRE EMEA Hotels team between May 2017 and July 2018 and has been a partner at Estrela Capital Partners, a Madrid based private equity business, since January 2020. He joined the Global Asset Solutions team, in an advisory capacity, in December 2021.
After getting up with the larks all my growing up and corporate life years, I have stopped being an early riser for about a decade and a half. So the upsetting news on the morning of the 14th of November was sent to my device by my niece and spouse respectively; for me to take note of when I finally warmed up to the already awake and working world.

The passing on of PRS Oberoi, one of the topmost leaders in hospitality the world has known, has been extremely hurting and sad for me. Despite the fact that Mr. Oberoi has led a full and experientially rich life, it still feels that he has gone away too soon leaving behind a deep lacuna!

Those of us, who have known him, worked with him and have had some kind of direct contact with him, find ourselves to be very fortunate. After all, it is not every day that you experience the magic that the presence of a one-of-a-kind, iconic leading light adds to your life.

The lessons learned from this tallest of the tall leaders have been outstanding and the finest that you could learn anywhere.

We, as hoteliers, would all like to claim a share of Biki Oberois special attributes, wishing that some of it may have rubbed off on us. It would be great even if we can be just a fraction of what he has been.

Mr. Oberoi has been one of the most passionate hoteliers the world has seen. His name has been synonymous with style, sophistication, superlative service and a superior product that have set new benchmarking standards. His keen eye, his attention to detail, a sense of discipline and establishing of faultless organizational practices has been legendary.

There have been a legion stories about that perfect Sunshine shade of yellow for the egg yolk that he was a stickler for or the right tilt of that single rose bud in a vase, the tiny spot missed in buffing of a nameplate, the little speck of dust on a counter top, the absolutely perfect greeting that he expected from his team members ushering the guests in, the crease on a staff uniform, the colour registration on the Hotel Magazine cover and so on.

But the deep-rooted learnings have been over and above what has been obvious and chronicled time and again.

The Oberoi Values

I was hired into The Oberoi Group by Mr. Oberoi.

There had been six rounds of meetings before I was sent off to meet Mr. Oberoi. I later discovered that one round with the Head of Recruitments was skipped for me. When quizzed, the dynamic lady told me that since I was a close friend of her sister and that she had known me, albeit briefly, she had decided not to interview me; so as not to allow any bias to creep into the selection procedure. She had, obviously, informed the committee about her decision. I was pleasantly amazed. But that was a little window into the well-ingrained Oberoi value system.

During my tenure with them, I was going to encounter several such incidents that depicted to me why Mr. Oberoi and his Company spoke of the Oberoi Dharma.

My first assignment at The Oberoi, New Delhi was the organization and media management of the high profile Lipman Lecture event. Geoffrey Lipman, the then President of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) was going to give the lecture. The Event came straight from Mr. Oberois office and was going to attract the cream of Indias business, tourism, society and media figures.

He had directed that I helm it. I was going to be handling it during my orientation period. The nervous energy I felt around the time was channeled into attentive planning and execution. With the meticulous organizing of the event  to Mr. Oberois exacting standards  I had passed my litmus test.

With the expectation, impeccability, refinement, and high standards defined, I was initiated well into the Oberoi Mission, Vision and Values, right from this first assignment.

For Biki Oberoi, the guest was truly the God

Mr. Oberois much-acclaimed striving for excellence, establishing of the highest standards of service and luxury, and ensuring that the level of hospitality at all his hotels always exceeded the expectations, stem from his philosophy that the guest is of utmost importance. The innovation, the introduction of his trademark service template, bringing in of new ideas and concepts  be it in rooms or restaurants, and creating an Oberoi touchstone of product and service superiority have all been led by his zeal to delight his guests and offer them an experience that is far above and beyond the others.

I remember being approached by a famous Hollywood director with a request to use the Oberoi Pool. She was not staying with us, so the request was tricky. We told her it was against the hotel policy which prohibited the use of Hotel pool, Fitness centre and Spa by non- hotel guests. Yet when she insisted, we said we would seek clearance from Mr. Oberoi.

Mr. Oberoi is known to accord the same degree of regard and respect to every single guest who stays at his hotel. The comfort, the convenience, the flawless experience of the in-house guest has been paramount to Mr. Oberoi, a thought process that has percolated down. Naturally, Mr. Oberoi declined the request even when it came from an insanely famous person. And guess what, the Director who is known to have made several award winning films and directed the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Hillary Swank, Richard Gere, Denzel Washington and more, completely understood Mr. Oberois point of view.

For the same director, Mr. Oberoi granted his permission for a film shoot after much cajoling and assurance that at no point would the hotel guest be inconvenienced. It was perhaps the first time a Film Shoot was going to take place within the premises of an Oberoi hotel. I put my neck on the block and stood guard on my toes along with my Assistant, so that not a single untoward incident or mishap occurred and travelled to Mr. Oberois ears.

That the guests enjoyed the little spectacle and did not find it to be a bother was a pleasant aside.

Mr. Oberois brand philosophy, vis-a-vis his guests, has been absolutely non-negotiable. The credo has been successfully passed down to the lowest common denominator.

As tributes are pouring in for PRS Oberoi, a guest shared on LinkedIn about her husbands recent stay at an Oberoi property. She said her husband carries a picture of a Hindu God in his Suitcase, which he puts on the Desk during the tenure of his stay. Imagine the Husbands surprise upon returning to his room after a day of meetings, when he found that a pristine white cloth had been placed under the picture and a few marigold flowers had been put around it by the Housekeeper.

There are a zillion stories like these that are being shared and that make Mr. Oberoi distinguished among equals and his Hotel Company distinctive.

The internal customer has been as important for him

Perhaps because Mr. Oberoi has been so acutely guest-driven, he has been equally focused on his team members.

I think it feeds from the ideology that happy, satisfied, respected employees are the best Brand Ambassadors and service providers.

Mr. Oberoi has proved the belief right, time and again.

His brand value and ethos have instilled a sense of profound pride in every Oberoi employee  on the rolls or an XO (Ex-Oberoi employee).

On a Rotary International Fellowship to the United States, I found myself sharing my Oberoi experience with the Opinion makers and Business leaders one interacted with during the course of the Study exchange. The brand positioning PRS Oberoi has created for the Oberoi hotels has been extraordinarily remarkable. There has always been a fine example or two to elicit in any conversation.

One time, in the Year 2000, worked up by a colleagues illogical and annoying interference and extremely displeased with a few other unpleasant issues, I put in my papers. JPB, the congenial and soft-mannered GM at the time, was not happy about it and tried to stop me. But I was sorely riled and acerbated.

Then one afternoon, I was in a training session together with the Sales Team, when the Front Office called and said that Mr. Oberoi wanted to meet me at the Belvedere, the exclusive Club at the Hotel.

I trooped down, a tad nervous and confused. Seated in the room were Mr. Oberoi, the GM and the Corporate Head of HR.

How have you been Ms. Dhir, asked Mr. Oberoi in his rich baritone.

After a little small talk, he looked at the piece of paper in front of him. It carried the points that he needed to discuss with the GM. At #3 was my resignation letter.

I have received this from JPB. So what are the issues you are facing? Mr. Oberoi asked.

I rattled off the things that had been heavy on my mind. He listened to them patiently, probed a little, asked me to elaborate where necessary and addressed each one of them, point wise with the GM there and then.

Shes right JPB. She has a point. I dont think there should be a problem in sorting it out.

Mr. B nodded his head in agreement, adding that he would straighten the things.

Mr. Oberoi held out my resignation letter and asked me, What do you want me to do with this, Ms. Dhir? There was a twinkle in his eye.

I dont know what made me say it, but the next words I spoke were, You may throw it away Mr. Oberoi.

He jokingly responded, It is your note, you throw it away.

And with that we all burst out laughing.

The tension had lifted from the room. Mr. B was relieved. I felt light and relaxed.

Mr. Oberoi took the discussion to other matters of importance. He complimented me on the Newsletter we were bringing out at the Hotel. He asked me how much it cost us, and felt that it was being produced at a moderate cost.

Immediately, he called up the General Manager of his other Hotel, DB, I think Delhi produces the best newsletter, and they do it at a fraction of the cost. Please speak with Aruna Dhir and see how you could enhance the quality of your Newsletter and bring the cost down.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss Ms. Dhir? If not then the agenda for this meeting is over, he said with a smile.

I am yet to meet a Head Honcho who has made his employees feel so much at ease, so respected and cared for. I am yet to come across a Legend who has been known for his immensely egalitarian approach. And a Chieftain who has been this focused, on the ball, and sharp about every little or big thing that happens in his hotels. All hotels!

Biki Oberoi has been the wind beneath our wings

Today, you meet a motley group of XOs scaling up and reaching the top of their chosen fields  as Heads of hotel companies, Entrepreneurs starting off new hotel chains, Award-winning authors, Restaurateurs running Michelin-star restaurants, the list is ever-growing.

A lot of it is owed to the training ground provided by the Headman. We have cut our teeth on such fine standards, procedures and principles that have been an embodiment of Mr. Oberoi.

In the year 1999, I was selected as a Weather newsreader with Doordarshan, Indias national broadcaster. It was a sizeably significant feat and I shared it with PJ, the delightful General Manager. He agreed with my request, but then the permission had to be granted by the Super Boss. We approached him and were happy to note that Mr. Oberoi okayed my little stint on Television.

The following year, sometime in the middle of the week, I was met by the owner of a well-known event management and television company. I had a good business equation with them, having done several events together. But this time, they came with a proposal that involved getting an Oberoi Chef to headline a Food Show for a prominent channel.

I saw merit in the proposal  for the hotel to an extent, but more for the Chef. It was going to allow him to blossom and carve a new position for him. But there was a catch. Something like this had never happened at the Oberoi.

We trod carefully around the idea, we gathered consent from the other superiors in the chain of command, we drafted a compelling note, and then steeled ourselves to put it on Mr. Oberois table.

It took a little time, but then to our collective sense of euphoria, Mr. Oberoi granted his approval and the Chef went on to become a known face on television, hosting several successful shows thereafter.

In July 1999, The Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development was going to host the Summer University together with University of Strathclyde, UK-based Vth Dimension International Consultancy and the Asian Institute of Management.

Having been a PhD student and fancying myself as a perpetual learner, I evinced interest in attending it. But there was a hitch. The course was meant for General Managers, Sales personnel and Operations executives.

Yet, the curriculum was tempting. Seeing my keenness, PJ, the GM who I have regarded as a mentor, withdrew his name and sent mine instead to the Executive Offices.

The next thing I knew was that a signed off note had come back from Mr. Oberois office and that I was the only PR & Communications Head attending the course.

I must have put the fantastic education to use in my work at the hotel, but such enrichment programs have also brought in immense personal growth.

At the Closing Dinner, Mr. Oberoi was amidst us. As he shook my hand, one could see his chest puff up visibly upon being told by our Professors that one had fared well.

Biki Oberoi will stay alive in our memories, as exquisitely as the hotels he has created.

What a Man! What a legend! What a life! R.I.P Mr. Oberoi! Heaven's just inducted the Ambassador of luxury and style!

His legacy and the sterling wisdom and insights from him will be carried forward in our personal and professional journey as we aspire to become leaders of significance and value.

As for The Oberoi Group, Biki Oberoi has passed on the baton to the very able hands of Vikramjit Singh Oberoi and Arjun Singh Oberoi. The Managing Director & CEO and the Executive Chairman are cut from the same cloth of lineage, nous, elegance, leadership acumen and sophistication. With the blood of luxury hoteliering running through their veins, they will carry the invaluable inheritance far and to higher levels.

The World knows it!

L. Aruna Dhir
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.

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Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by some light rain this afternoon. High near 50F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 37F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Governor Nominates Members of Housing Court, Appeals Court

BOSTON  Governor Maura T. Healey today nominated Benjamin Adeyinka for the Housing Court and Robert "Robin" Toone for the Appeals Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor's Council for confirmation.

"As experienced attorneys, Ben and Robin would make great additions to our court system, and I'm proud to nominate them for consideration," said Governor Healey. "Over the course of his career, Ben Adeyinka has proven a deep understanding and commitment to the work of the Housing Court, making him a strong candidate for this role. Similarly, Robin Toone has very robust knowledge of state government and his experiences make him an exceptional nominee to our Appeals Court. We're grateful for the work of the Governor's Council as they consider these nominations."

Ben Adeyinka has worked on housing-related matters for more than 20 years, including more than a decade as an attorney. Ben is the Deputy Court Administrator for the Housing Court Department. Previously, he served as the Administrative Attorney at the Housing Court. In his role as Deputy Court Administrator, Ben works with the Chief Justice of the Housing Court, Diana Horan, to manage the day-to-day operations of the court. He is responsible for providing administrative support and guidance to over 140 staff members, 15 judges and six clerk magistrates. Ben is deeply knowledgeable in the law that guides the Housing Court and intimately familiar with the Court's inner workings. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped the Court find creative ways to continue to serve the public. Ben is the son of Nigerian immigrants, and he grew up in Brooklyn, NY. His lived experiences coupled with his knowledge of the law have shaped his approach to the work of the court, particularly his respect and concern for self-represented litigants. He brings a balanced perspective and approach to the work that takes place within the housing court.

Ben received his bachelor's in communications from the University of Buffalo, a master's in business administration from Medaille College, and a Juris Doctorate from the Massachusetts School of Law with a concentration in Real Estate Law.

The Housing Court Department handles all matters involving residential housing such as eviction cases, small claims cases, and civil actions involving personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, discrimination, as well as code enforcement actions and appeals of local zoning board decisions that affect residential housing. The Housing Court's mission is to adjudicate all matters presented by litigants within its jurisdiction regarding housing in a fair, efficient and timely manner according to the rule of law and the facts presented. Led by Chief Justice Diana H. Horan, the Housing Court has 15 justices and they sit in six divisions: the Central, Eastern, Metro South, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Western divisions.

Robin Toone is currently Chief of the Government Bureau for the Attorney General's Office. Robin manages five divisions and 60 Assistant Attorney Generals representing the Commonwealth in civil litigation and providing government oversight. He has argued cases in state and federal court involving constitutional and preemption challenges to state laws, judicial independence, criminal justice, and certification of initiative petitions. Before joining the Attorney General's Office, Robin conducted civil litigation on behalf of individuals, companies, trade associations, and education institutions. His pro bono practice included housing discrimination lawsuits, federal criminal appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court amicus briefs. Robin also served as a board member for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice. He worked as counsel for Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the Senate Judiciary Committee for approximately five years, providing legal and policy advice on crime, sentencing, prison conditions, terrorism, civil liberties, oversight of executive branch agencies, and LGBTQ+ issues. Robin helped develop strategy on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and other legislation. Immediately following law school, Robin worked as a staff attorney for the Southern Center for Human Rights, litigating civil rights class actions seeking to protect prisoner rights and reform criminal justice institutions.
North Adams Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  On Nov. 15 Marcus Johnson, age 23 of North Adams, pled guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance, heroin and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance, cocaine.

The Honorable Judge Agostini sentenced Johnson to 3.5 to 4 years on each charge, to be served concurrent. Additionally, there was a forfeiture of $3,530.00. Johnson pled guilty the day his trial was set to begin.

In 2019, the North Adams Police Department was investigating the supplying and dealing of drugs coming into the North Adams area. Marcus Johnson became an identified suspect during the investigation.

On Nov. 1, 2019, Johnson was arrested on an outstanding warrant. When he was arrested, police found the following items on his person:

75 grams of cocaine

726 heroin baggies

Empty baggies

$3,530 cash

Text messages were also obtained from a cell phone belonging to Johnson. Those texts further indicated that Johnson was a part of the drug operation and included details of the types of drugs he was carrying as well as messages about selling the drugs, the cost of the drugs and money owed by individuals who purchased the drugs.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. The North Adams Police Department acted as the lead law enforcement agency.

Along with charges in Berkshire County, Johnson has charges pending in Springfield and New York.
Hundreds of tiny white pearl and coral beads became delicate tea flowers on a costume of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) style as a result of Bi Hongs magic touch.

They were 0.043-0.047 inches in diameter and had holes drilled into them before being sewn together, she said, presenting her work to a crowd around her stand at the Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage in late October, 2023.

Its an innovation on traditional culture, said the inheritor of Beijing embroidery, a form of national intangible cultural heritage.

Beijing embroidery, also known as palace embroidery, was primarily used for imperial clothing. Both its technique and artisanship emphasise harmony, smoothness, delicacy and intricacy. It also places a strong emphasis on the nobility of style, featuring a variety of patterns and exquisite details, she said.

Over the years, Bi has made a point of preserving traditional clothing craftsmanship, while showcasing the innovative stitching process of combining nature and art in her designs. Her work features blooming flowers and falling petals, expressing the beauty of different stages in the journey of life. At the event, she also demonstrated the meticulous stitching required to her audience, who got to appreciate the ancient art at close quarters.

Id really love to see more people appreciate (Chinese) culture through costumes, Bi said.

She was one of 1,000 delegates from all over the world who brought 500 intangible cultural heritage projects and 3,000 exhibits and artworks to the cultural event, which consisted of sections that displayed Chinas efforts in protecting and supporting intangible cultural heritage, distinctive domestic handicrafts, international cultural forms and creative cultural products.

Yuan Changjun gazed at a thin silver wire as he bent it into a triangle with a small pair of tweezers, next to a mound of what seemed like hundreds of others.

This is the basic unit that is to make patterns on big filigree items, such as orchids, said Yuan, a master artist of filigree inlay.

The silver handbag covers, vases and mythical animals on his stand were notable for their intricate, stunning patterns. Everything was done by hand, including pulling the silver thread, which can be as thin as a hair. For a long time people were unfamiliar with the art because it used to be exclusively used by royal families and symbolised wealth, Yuan said.

An artist demonstrates cloisonne making to a visitor at the event (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

He considers arts and crafts the wisdom of workers, as well as a practical system. Such public displays help people appreciate the soul of culture and artisanship, he said.

A dozen feet away, jewellery and lunchboxes decorated with patterns of landscapes, birds and butterflies glittered on the gold lacquer inlay stand.

If you look closely enough you can see the mountain is actually made of gold foil, said Shi Yanling, an inheritor of gold lacquer inlay. Natural black lacquer is then applied to create veins of the mountain, she said.

As for the lunchbox, the butterfly patterns and feathers of the birds are carved and then painted, before the gold powder is carefully sprinkled to fill in the spaces. The boxes shine when they catch the sunlight, Shi said.

About 66 feet from Shis stand, shouts occasionally burst from the imperial carpet section as Guo Lanhong demonstrated the value of a large carpet suspended in the air.

The elastic yarn is made of cotton at the core, and covered with gold foil, Guo said.

One inch of the carpet consists of more than 100 lines, each of which takes a proficient artist about half an hour to weave, she said. It usually takes more than a year for a master to finish a large-sized carpet.

Fine artisanship and hard work guarantee the carpets high value, both artistically and financially, Guo said. Historical anecdotes say ancient emperors would only use such a carpet when distinguished guests came, and would put it away once the reception was over.
Perspective is vital in photography. As a photographer presses the shutter button, he freezes the moment of reality in his view, and every photographer tries to present a unique perspective of the world.

With 250 images from more than 150 photographers from around the world, The European-Chinese Photographic Art Yearbook is proving to be not just a collection of amazing photos, but also a record of narratives from East and West  promoting cultural exchanges and capturing diversity.

The volume is the first European-focused edition of the well-established Chinese Photographic Art Yearbook series that has been published in London, with Sino European Arts, an art consultancy, responsible for its contents, editing, and publishing.

Suzanna Mu, editor-in-chief of The European-Chinese Photographic Art Yearbook, said the goal of the volume is to create a platform for dialogue between Eastern and Western photographers, and to build a bridge for cultural exchanges.

We curated a selection of photography artworkwe focused on landscape, wildlife, documentary, portrait, creative, and cultural comparison. This yearbook aims not only to showcase the high qualities of the images, but also convey the stories, emotions, and ideas behind them, she said.

While Chinese photographers works often show cultural and natural elements with a focus on landscapes, architecture and daily life, Mu said, their composition often places an emphasis on balance, symmetry and harmony, which reflect traditional Chinese philosophies.

European photographers put a greater emphasis on individualism and personal expression in their photos, with more diverse themes, including urban life, fashion, popular culture, wildlife, portraits and experimental art, often with a greater diversity in styles and approaches, Mu said. Composition is more dynamic or unconventional, such as taking the details of an object, instead of showing the whole image.

When Mike Longhurst, a fellow of the United Kingdoms Royal Photographic Society, went on a trip to China a few years ago, he tried to find original pictures of Chinese life and culture that were not as well-known as the terracotta warriors, rice terraces or pandas.

Grassman by the Sailimu Lake in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region (GAO JIANSHENG / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Through his camera lens, ordinary objects, such as bicycles, umbrellas and clothes pegs, formed abstract geometric shapes, and the silhouette of people watching a Chinese leather shadow show became part of the play.

In China, I was surprised at how relaxed people were about having their pictures taken and how welcoming they were of foreigners, said Longhurst. Walking the streets, one felt very safe, which is unlike being a tourist in many parts of the world, including some parts of Europe.

The early morning tai chi exercises were interesting, so was the scale of modern buildings in many cities, but we were all impressed by how history is also being preserved and in some cases, rediscovered.

Peter Crane, a British photographer who likes street photography, has two photos in the yearbook that he shot in a market in Southwest Chinas Chongqing city.

I just liked the friendly way in which the characters were communicating with each other. These images, for me, portrayed the friendly and happy atmosphere within the market, said Crane.

Yu Taojun, a Chinese photographer who lives in London, submitted a photo of a Chinese businessman making phone calls in an office that had a stunning view of the River Thames.

He said: I wanted my photo to show the new generation of Chinese in Europe.

The book is currently available in the catalogue of the British Library and has been collected by the Royal Library and many university libraries, including the University of Oxford and University of London.

Stella Panayotova, royal librarian and assistant keeper of the Royal Archives, wrote a letter of thanks to Mu saying King Charles III looked at the volume with great interest and thanked her for this thoughtful gift.

Simon Hill, president of the Royal Photographic Society, said: I have had a long look through the book. Some stunning images. Would be great to see it celebrated more widely across the Royal Photographic Society. It allows us to see different works in different cultural backgrounds.
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China insists it has not detected any unusual or novel diseases despite hospitals being overwhelmed with children suffering from respiratory illnesses, officials said on Thursday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had asked China on Wednesday to provide details about a spike in undiagnosed pneumonia in children in the northern parts of the country amid fears of a new virus outbreak.

The health body requested additional epidemiological and clinical information and test results from Chinese officials.

A Beijing childrens hospital told state media CCTV that at least 7,000 patients were being admitted daily to the institution, far exceeding its capacity.

Last week, the largest pediatric hospital in nearby Tianjin reportedly received more than 13,000 children at its outpatient and emergency departments.

This week, groups including the international Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in north China.

With the outbreak of pneumonia in China, childrens hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning and other places were overwhelmed with sick children, and schools and classes were on the verge of suspension. Parents questioned whether the authorities were covering up the epidemic, ProMed was quoted by FTV News as saying.

The resurgence of respiratory illness comes as China braces for its first winter season since lifting stringent zero-Covid restrictions.

The rise in infection rates has caused people to mask up once again (AP)

Beijing responded to the WHOs request within 24 hours, in line with the organisations regulations, saying that it was routine to request information from member states.

No changes in the disease presentation were reported by the Chinese health authorities, the WHO said. It added that Chinese officials said the spike in patients had not overloaded the countrys hospitals.

The health body said north China has witnessed a spike in influenza-like illness since mid-October compared with the same period in the previous three years.

A woman carries a child as they leave a childrens hospital in Beijing (AP)

Local media reported a steady rise in infections linked to a pathogen called mycoplasma among toddlers and primary school students.

Chinas top medical centre for respiratory diseases  Beijing Chaoyang Hospital  reported a 40 per cent rise in mycoplasma positivity rate among children, compared to just 6 per cent among adults. Vice dean Tong Zhaohui last week warned that mycoplasma tends to cause major outbreaks every three to seven years.

Younger children are prone to develop pneumonia, with symptoms that last for weeks, authorities said.

Social media in China has been awash with pictures and videos of crowded hospitals (AFP via Getty)

It is just a relatively large seasonal surge, perhaps partly due to chance and partly because theres a bit of immunity debt from the lesser winter surges in the last three years, Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University, told Reuters.

The scare has brought back masks on peoples faces. On Thursday, Chinas National Health Commission published an interview with the state media agency Xinhua in which it advised parents what to do and mentioned that big hospitals were receiving a large number of patients and waiting times were long.

Pictures and videos shared on social media showed hospitals crowded with parents and children awaiting checks. Some social media users have posted photos of children doing homework while receiving intravenous drips in the hospital.

Indias health ministry on Friday said it was closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 influenza and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China.

There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness, it said in a statement, adding that the government was prepared for any kind of emergency that could emerge from the situation.
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South Korean dog farmers have threatened to unleash two million canines on Seoul if the government goes ahead with its proposed ban on dog meat.

The farmers argued that banning the controversial dog meat from menus across the country would deprive them of their livelihoods.

If implemented, the ban would come into effect in 2027 and the government has promised financial assistance to the farmers to support their businesses in transitioning away from the trade.

Joo Young-bong, head of the Korea Dog Meat Farmers Association, said the group would release two million dogs in the capital  especially near significant governmental locations and outside the homes of politicians.

Were so outraged that were talking about releasing two million dogs were raising near the presidential office, the agriculture ministers home and offices of lawmakers who have introduced the bills, he said.

Eating dog meat cannot be a crime like trafficking drugs or prostitution, Mr Joo told a radio news talk show, according to South China Morning Post.

Have you ever heard of anyone whose dog meat consumption caused harm to others?

About a week ago, when the South Korean government announced its plan to introduce a ban on dog meat, animal rights organisations celebrated the move across the world.

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.

South Koreas ruling conservative People Power Party has put forth a bill suggesting a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or fines of 50 million won ($38,000; 30,333) for individuals engaging in the dog meat trade. The liberal Democratic Party of Koreas bill recommends three-year jail sentences and fines reaching up to 30 million won.

Cho Hee-kyung, head of the Korean Animal Welfare Association said that there was a decrease in the number of dog meat consumers and that there was a consensus forming in favour of banning the trade and consumption of dog meat.

But dog farmers in South Korea are devastated. If I have to close down, with the financial condition Im in, there really is no answer to what I can do, Lee Kyeong-sig, who runs a farm outside Seoul raising up to 1,100 dogs, told Reuters. Ive been in this for 12 years and it is so sudden.

According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted last year, nearly two-thirds of respondents opposed consuming dog meat. Only 8 per cent reported having eaten dog meat in the past year, a significant decrease from the 27 per cent in 2015.

The Korean Association of Edible Dogs, says far more farms and restaurants than those cited by the government will be affected, according to Reuters. The association said 3,500 farms raising 1.5 million dogs and 3,000 restaurants will have to shut down, almost twice the numbers stated by officials.

Additional reporting with agencies
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The operation to rescue 41 men trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Indias Uttarakhand state has been delayed again despite reaching the final stages after a drilling machine developed a snag.

The low-wage construction workers remained trapped for the 13th day as efforts to rescue them have been delayed by hurdles.

The rescue operation reached its final stages on Thursday but had to be suspended after a drilling machine hit an iron mesh of lattice girder  a collapsed structural element of the tunnel.

The platform on which the auger drilling machine was fixed was damaged and needed to be repaired, Deepak Patil, who is heading the rescue operation, said.

It forced the team to clear the path manually with gas-cutters, delaying the work by around six hours.

The latest rescue action bulletin by the authorities said the fresh push to insert the pipe started on Friday morning and the pipe reached an additional 1.8m.

But the auger was pushed slightly back after a minor vibration was noted in the collapsed structure. An estimated 15m (49ft) of the debris pile is left to be drilled through and a study using ground penetration radar shows there is no metallic obstruction for the next 5m, said Bhaskar Khulbe, a senior tunnel project official.

The bulletin said drilling with the auger machine would start after the welders team would manually cut the bent pipe obstructing the drilling.

Australian tunneling expert Arnold Dix, who arrived in India to assist with the rescue work, said the machine has broken down three times and it will be repaired by Friday morning.

We are only just metres away from finding passage to have the men back. But the men are safe. The auger machine has broken down, it is being repaired and it should be back up tomorrow. The drilling machine has broken down three times, he told ANI.

He said he was disappointed but not upset as men are safe and said the men are coming out in any case.

A part of the 4.5km (3 miles) Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand collapsed on 12 November in a landslide. A communication line was established with the trapped workers following the collapse and have been supplying food, water, snacks and oxygen through a pipeline that was laid for supplying water for the construction work.

On Tuesday, the first visuals of the 41 trapped workers emerged after an endoscopic camera was sent through a pipe which captured the workers first images since 12 November.

Authorities planned to retrieve the men by creating a micro-tunnel by sending multiple pipes. The width of the debris is estimated to be 60m (197ft) through which the rescue workers have to pass the pipes.

Meanwhile, anticipation has been building in the families of the trapped workers.

A family member of worker Sushil Sharma said he spoke with him on Friday morning and they are doing fine.

Everyone is fine inside, and there are facilities. I asked him if he was facing any difficulties, and he said that there were no difficulties, Haridwar Sharma told ANI.

They are all just hoping to come out soon. Everything is available there... There is a facility for bathing too... I said that you would surely get out.

The collapse of the tunnel in a region already prone to landslides has sparked debate among environmentalists about the damaging impact of construction projects in the already fragile Himalayas.

It was part of the Char Dham pilgrimage route, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects of Indian prime minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government, which aims to connect four Hindu pilgrimage sites in the mountains through 890km (550 miles) of roads at a cost of $1.5bn (1.2bn).
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A court in Qatar accepted an appeal filed by India against the death sentences handed to eight of its former naval officers.

The Indian men were handed the capital punishment by a court on unspecified charges on 26 October. Indian foreign ministry filed an appeal in the case earlier in November and said it was exploring all legal options.

The retired navy men who worked with a private company in Qatar were arrested last year on suspicion of spying for Israel on Qatars military submarine programme, according to reports.

The Qatari court will set a hearing date soon after examining the appeal, the Indian Foreign Ministry sources told The Independent.

The development, which would be a major relief to Indian authorities, is yet to be officially confirmed by the two sides.

The men were employees of the Al Dahra consulting company, which advises the Qatari government on the acquisition of submarines.

The case made headlines last year in the country after they were arrested in August 2022.

But it has been clouded in mystery as exact charges, evidence and detailed judgement in the case have not been provided yet to the families or Indian authorities.

Following the 26 October judgement by the court, India said it was deeply shocked and promised to take up the verdict with Qatari authorities.

The Indian Foreign Ministry said it had consular access to the detainees and they were pursuing further legal steps in the case.

The judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps and an appeal has already been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities in this matter, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said last month.

The prisoners have been 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.

The men have been in solitary confinement since being arrested, according to the Times of India.

Indian foreign minister Subramanyam Jaishankar met the families of the eight men and assured full support, saying the Indian government attached the highest importance to the case.

Fully share the concerns and pain of the families," Mr Jaishankar said.

The case has raised concerns of sparking a diplomatic dispute between India and Qatar which have a strong trade relationship.

Doha is one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas and India has been exploring a long-term contract to secure a LNG deal.

India became the worlds fourth-largest LNG importer in 2021, importing more than 40 per cent of gas from Qatar, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi who has tried to forge closer ties with Doha met the Royal Al-Thani family during his bilateral visit in 2016.

It was following Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thanis visit to India in 2015 when the two countries six agreements.
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Pakistan has said the $830 (660) it was charging Afghan refugees to leave the country was a fine for arriving without a visa.

Pakistan announced a crackdown on undocumented foreigners and said about 1.7 million unregistered Afghans would be ousted if they do not leave by the 1 November deadline.

The order has forced mass migrations of Afghans, including children, women and the elderly, in freezing winter conditions that rights organisations say could prove deadly to vulnerable groups.

Thousands of Afghans have begun their arduous journey back home through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, facing some of the worst living conditions in the rugged border region amid paperwork delays.

Of the 1.7 million Afghans Pakistan hosted, more than half a million people fled Afghanistan in August 2021. Most of them also fled during the 1979-1989 Soviet War. Others came to Pakistan to escape Taliban rule during its takeover of power from 1996 to 2001.

Authorities in Pakistan have said that fines will depend upon how long they have stayed in the country with expired visas.

Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press briefing on Thursday that fines will be in conformity with our laws.

Pakistani police officials check the documents of people during search operation for undocumented immigrants in Karachi (EPA)

Pakistani laws, like the immigration laws in other countries including the United Kingdom, have fines and punishments for individuals who overstay their visas or are in violation of immigration laws, it said.

The reports of Pakistan charging a fee from migrants have been criticised by the UN and several Western diplomats, with some calling it unprecedented.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC) said they are advocating for the authorities to exempt refugees from these requirements.

Afghan refugee Shazia (2R), mother to three children, holds an infant while travelling on a truck to Jalalabad from a makeshift camp (AFP via Getty)

The government and people of Pakistan have a commendable, decades-long history of providing asylum and protection to Afghan refugees, this needs to continue, it told BBC.

Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), said the situation has caused anxiety among those leaving Pakistan.

Immigrants, mostly Afghans, line up as they wait for their turn to verify data at a counter of Pakistans National Database and Registration Authority in Karachi (AP)

The UNHCR is working with the government of Pakistan to resolve the issue of exit fines and overstay visa fees for refugees in the resettlement programme, he added.

It urged Pakistan to pause the deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees during the harsh winter season.

It comes as police executed door-to-door searches in refugee settlements to find those who have not left voluntarily.

The officers began the campaign from the port city of Karachi, where hundreds of thousands of Afghans live. And those remaining risk being forcefully expelled.

UNHCR is calling upon the government of Pakistan to halt these mass numbers of returns during this harsh season of winter because the cold in Afghanistan is really deadly and it can take lives, Mr Baloch told Reuters.

Were talking about desperate women, children and men being on the move, leaving Pakistan in droves, he said.
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Afghanistan announced that it was permanently shutting down its Delhi embassy on Friday due to lack of support from prime minister Narendra Modis administration.

The Afghan embassy said in a statement that the decision to close the mission fell in line with the previous announcement of ceasing operations from 1 October when it had pointed out the lack of support from India and no legitimate administration in Kabul.

The earlier decision came in the hope that the Indian governments stance would evolve favourably for the normal continuation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the Indian capital.

However, the missions ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, said that exit of the envoys picked by the Ashraf Ghani administration can see the Taliban and New Delhi forging ties.

As the Afghan Republics mission in India closes its doors, marking the end of a golden era, the Taliban will now seize the only strategic capital beyond their control for over two years, he told The Independent on Friday.

The cooperation between Taliban with New Delhi unfolds an ironic chapter, highlighting how alliances built on self-interest undermine shared democratic values, he said, referring to lack of solidarity India exhibited towards the democratically elected Afghanistan administration which was ousted by the Taliban in August 2021.

These alliances (New Delhi and Taliban) based on short sighted merits jeopardise long-term regional stability, Mr Mamundzay added. The ambassador has previously voiced concerns about the lack of diplomatic support seen from Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

However, on Friday, the statement shared by him said the Afghan embassy was faced with a difficult choice due to constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control.

"As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic remaining in India. Those who served the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have safely reached third countries. The only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings, the embassys statement said.

It added the outgoing diplomats of the Afghan Republic have now handed over the mission solely to the Indian government.

It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to the Taliban diplomats, the embassy said.

The Independent has reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for a comment.

The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi was run by staff appointed by the previous government of ousted Afghan president Ghani, with permission from Indian authorities but was frequently running into financial and diplomatic strains due to no support from Kabul after the Taliban took over. The embassys closure marked the end of 22 years of Afghan Republics diplomatic presence in India.

India has, however, not rejected the attempts made by the Talibans Amir Khan Muttaqi-run Foreign Affairs ministry to establish diplomatic ties with India.

Delhi will follow the lead of the United Nations in deciding whether to recognise the Taliban government, Indian officials have said.
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Brad Pitts son called him a world class a**hole and f***ing awful human being in a scathing Fathers Day post.

Pitt, 59, shares six children with former wife Angelina Jolie: sons Maddox, 22, and Pax, 19, daugters Zahara, 18, and Shiloh, 17, as well as twins Vivienna and Knox, 15.

Pax lashed out at the Fight Club actor in a Fathers Day post shared on his private Instagram account three years ago, according to a MailOnline report.

Happy Fathers Day to this world class a***hole, Pax reportedly addressed a message to his adoptive dad. You time and time and again prove yourself to be a terrible and despicable person.

You have no consideration or empathy toward your four youngest children who tremble in fear when in your presence, the teenager captioned a photograph of Pitt accepting the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2020,

Pax, then 16, wrote: You have made the lives of those closest to me a constant hell. You may tell yourself and the world whatever you want, but the truth will come to light someday.

So, Happy Fathers Day, you f***ing awful human being!!!

(Getty Images)

A source told MailOnline that the message was posted from a private Instagram account belonging to Pax and described the rant against Pitt as unusual since Pax never says much about his parents on the profile.

The Independent has contacted Pitts representatives for comment.

The report comes days after Pitt and Jolies daughter Zahara, who was adopted in 2005 from Ethiopia, dropped her fathers last name during a sorority induction ceremony at Spelman College, an American liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a video obtained by Essence, the 18-year-old undergraduate reportedly identified herself as Zahara Marley Jolie  notably choosing to omit her famous fathers surname.

Jolie, who was married to Pitt for two years, filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, days after an alleged physical altercation between him and their oldest son Maddox, then 15, while they were onboard a private jet in 2016.

Following an FBI investigation into the child abuse allegations, Pitt was cleared of all charges. However, a detailed account of what transpired on the private plane was made public last year, after FBI records were leaked to the press.

According to the documents, the Maleficent actor told investigating officers that Pitts actions during the flight from France to Los Angeles frightened their children, aged between 8 and 15 at the time.

Jolie also said that Pitt allegedly lunged at one their kids after they called him a prick, adding she had to hold him back in a choke hold.

According to the report, Pitt told Jolie that one of the children looked like a f***ing Columbine kid, referring to the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, during which two 12th graders  Eric Harris and Dylan Kelbold  gunned down 12 children and a teacher in Colorado.

Jolie and Pitt are still locked in a bitter custody battle for their six children, three of whom were adopted by the Maleficent star.

Pitt later formally adopted Maddox, Pax, and Zahara as well.
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A mother sparked online debate after she was photographed breastfeeding her child during a ride at Disney Worlds EPCOT.

Meredith Barnyak and her husband Jeremy had travelled to Florida along with her mother and stepfather to introduce their children Graham, 3, and Poppy, 1, to the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World. The family had been on a ride, with Ms Barnyak holding Poppy in her arms when the one-year-old began to squirm.

She would just pull on my shirt and I thought, OK, its dark out. Were all humans. Were all honestly going to enjoy the ride a lot better and youll be happier being fed, Ms Barnyak told Today. She added that it was normal for her to breastfeed her daughter whenever she needed it, which so happened to be the Frozen Ever After ride. I am a pretty big proponent of any way you can feed your baby you should be able to do it  in any place.

On a lot of Disney rides, theres a camera that usually snaps photos of the riders, and when the camera went off on the Frozen Ever After ride, Ms Barnyak said she felt mortified. She laughed to the outlet, As soon as I saw the flash, I was like, Oh no, I think all these people have a picture of [me] breastfeeding my baby on this ride.

Her cousin Jo Goddard - who runs the womens lifestyle website, Cup of Jo - asked Ms Barnyak if she could post the photo from the ride to her Instagram page. Ms Goddard posted the photo with the caption, My cousin @meredithbarnyak being an absolute MOM on this Disney ride.

Ms Barnyak thought the photo was funny and didnt care that it was going on social media. I thought it was a great picture and our family was laughing about it. And so I was more than happy for Joanna to post it.

But among comments with messages of support, were comments expressing concern that bordered on mom-shaming.

Not to be a stick in the mud but this seemskinda dangerous?? one commenter wrote. Am I overestimating the thrill level on this ride? The rest of the adults seem to be clinging on pretty tight!

Another added that Ms Barnyak breastfeeding her daughter on the ride was stupid, dangerous, and irresponsible, while another commented that the mother had ruined the photo for other ridegoers with her breastfeeding.

Others defended Ms Barnyak, pointing out the double standard mothers face.

If this happened to be a father holding a child in this exact photo, I cant help but wonder if the responses would sound something like, What a fun dad! someone wrote. But, when we see a mother doing as she knows best, we are so prone to be more critical.

The mother found herself surprised by the negativity, pointing out that her entire was strapped in safely with seatbelts, and her husband could be seen holding their three-year-old son Graham tightly in his arms. Both of them had been holding their children securely.

I guess if you look at this picture, it might look like its an intense ride. But its a boat ride, she explained to the outlet. Theres no seatbelts. Its a very nice relaxing ride except that there is a drop that you dont see coming because its dark. And thats what that photo was taken.

Ms Barnyak added that she wouldnt have breastfed her daughter if the ride was anything but safe. If anything, I felt like it was actually more secure because she was in one place versus me having to juggle her moving around. I wouldnt have breastfed my child if it was a roller coaster, she said.

According to the Disney Parks website, the Frozen Ever After ride is family-friendly, safe, and appropriate for people of all ages and any height. The ride is reportedly slow with little to no drops.
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The romance between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed is set to take centre stage on The Crown season six, but many viewers may be unaware that Dodi was dating a model who claimed they were engaged when he met the royal.

Netflixs historical drama is returning for its final outing in November, with the first part of season six arriving on Thursday (16 November). It centres on the late 1990s to mid-2000s, and features the blossoming romance between the late Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla), the son of Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

It was Mohamed who planned for Diana, then 36, and Dodi, then 42, to date, and took them both on a holiday on one of his yachts in the summer of 1997. However, his son was already engaged to someone else  although the public didnt know about the relationship until it was over.

Just months before he and Diana met, film producer Dodi had been engaged to model Kelly Fisher (played by Erin Richards in The Crown). Born in Kentucky, Fisher later relocated to Ontario, Canada, with her family, where she began modelling aged 16.

She attended college for two semester before dropping out to focus on modelling full time. Fisher modelled for brands such as Victorias Secret, Armani and Calvin Klein, and appeared on the covers of publications such as Elle, Marie Claire, and W.

It was July 1996 when Fisher met Dodi in Paris. The pair dated for eight months before they allegedly got engaged in February 1997, with Dodi proposing with a sapphire and diamond ring.

Following the couples reported engagement, Dodi allegedly told Fisher that hed bought a house in an exclusive Malibu neighbourhood for him and Fisher to live in using money from his father.

Khalid Abdalla and Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown' (Daniel Escale/Netflix)

But mere months later, in August 1997, Dodi was photographed kissing Diana on his fathers yacht, the pictures splashed on The Sunday Mirrors front page and seen across the world.

Mohamed had invited Diana and the young princes William and Harry to join his family on a trip to St Tropez, with historian Katie Nicholl claiming that his ulterior motive was to play Cupid between the princess and his eldest son, Dodi.

Humiliated and emotional, Fisher, who was 31 at the time, held a press conference in Beverly Hills, California. Here, it was announced that she was filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Dodi. She claimed that Dodi wanted Fisher to put her career in second place behind him and to spend more time with him and less on her modelling career, and had offered her half a million dollars to spend more time with him. Instead, she claimed, she received $60,000 and a cheque for $200,000, which bounced.

Accompanied by top lawyer Gloria Allred, she claimed that Dodi had brought her the ring, and had promised to buy her a house too. After Dodis death, Fisher claimed that she and Dodi had been due to marry that very month. The Fayed family denied that Dodi had asked Fisher to marry him.

Fisher (left) with Gloria Allred (PA)

Reading a prepared statement, Allred claimed that Dodi led [Fisher] emotionally all the way up to the altar and abandoned her when they were almost there. He threw her love away in a callous way with no regard for her whatsoever.

It was claimed that Fisher wasnt told about the kiss by Dodi, but learnt when photos of the pair kissing were published and circulated around the world to Miss Fishers utter dismay, shock and shame.

At the time, Fisher had reportedly been staying on another yacht owned by the Fayed family, and was told not to contact Dodi again when she reached out to him.

However, Allred claimed that Fisher was only making her claim public because we care about Princess Diana and her future. We would like the Princess, who has suffered greatly in the past, to know about Miss Fishers experiences with Mr Fayed so she can make an informed decision regarding her future and that of her children.

Fisher sold her story to Rupert Murdochs newspaper group for an estimated 200,000, where her side of the story was told in the News of the World and The Sun.

Fisher pictured in 2007 after giving evidence for the inquest into the deaths of Dodi and Diana (PA)

On 31 August, just weeks later, Diana and Dodi died in a car crash in Paris. Shortly after, Fisher announced that she was dropping the lawsuit against Dodi. However, it was insisted that Fisher did not regret filing the lawsuit.

Allred announced in a statement that Fisher had voluntarily chosen to dismiss the case out of respect for the tragedy, and tremendous loss the Fayed family has suffered.

Kelly loved Dodi very much, and she is devastated by his loss, and that of Princess Diana, she said. Nothing is more important than the life of a human being. In the light of this enormous tragedy, Kelly forgives Dodi for all of his past injustices against her.

In 2007, Fisher gave evidence for the inquest into the deaths of Dodi and Diana. The following year, transcripts of calls between Fisher and Dayed, in which she accused him of two-timing, were made public.

You even flew me down to St Tropez to sit on a boat while you seduced Diana all day and f***ed me all night, she said, saying in another call: We were together the whole time. And you knew it. The transcripts show Dodi trying to end the call, branding Fisher hysterical and insisting that they were broken up when he was dating Diana.

The Crown season six part one is on Netflix now, with part two following on 14 December.
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Meghan Markles wedding dress was special, no doubt, but her relationship with its designer is more significant.

According to Clare Waight Keller, the creative behind the Duchess of Sussexs elegant gown, an intimate collaboration between her and Meghan blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

Keller, 53, spoke at the 2023 Bazaar At Work Summit on 22 November, detailing her experience designing the 42-year-olds look for her royal wedding.

On the making of the garment, Keller said: It was just a pleasure to create in this very, very private way. It was just the two of us for so long and it became this very personal girlfriend relationship.

Kellers experience in luxury fashion is extensive. Shes worked as artistic director for a handful of reputable fashion houses including Chloe, Pringle, and most recently Givenchy, before she left in 2020. Since her departure from the French juggernaut, Keller has worked a collaboration with Uniqlo, the Japanese brand known for their quality basics. Titled Uniqlo: C, the collection incorporates textured outerwear with a range of structures from oversized to boxy and fitted.

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave from the West Door of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Getty Images)

The extravagant exchange of vows between Meghan and Prince Harry took place on 19 May 2018. The two said I do inside Windsor Castles St Georges Chapel enveloped by decadent white roses and masses of people waiting eagerly outside.

Later in May, Keller opened up about what the experience of working on this irrevocable piece was like for her. In conversation with reporters for Kensington Palace, she remarked: It was an extraordinary moment.

It was an incredible thing to be part of, such a historic moment and, in fact, to have the opportunity to work with her.

Both the bride and grooms ceremony garb were displayed inside the castle for the brand new A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 2022 exhibit. In tandem with the archive pieces, voice recordings from Meghan and Harry were featured in which they spoke about the process of bringing their visions to life.

Fashion designer Clare Waight Keller acknowledges the applause of the audience after the Givenchy Womenswear Spring/Summer 2020 show (Getty Images)

I wanted a female designer, that was very important, I wanted a British designer because I wanted to embrace my new home in that way, Meghan told Caroline de Guitaut, the exhibit curator. I wanted [a dress] that felt reflective of the world in a way.

For her, intimacy was everything. Knowing the guest list would include 600 people, with thousands more tuning in for the broadcast at home, Meghan felt the need to add a delicate, personal touch to the very public event.

We knew how large the scale of the event would be, so in making choices that were really personal and meaningful, it could make the whole experience feel intimate, she added.

Meghans off-the-shoulder form-fitting dress imposed a mod, 90s-inspired aesthetic. Meanwhile, Kate Middletons wedding gown incorporated intricate embellishments with a plunging neckline, a long train, and lace long sleeves. The Princess of Wales worked with the former creative director for Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton to design the very baroque look.
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The first four episodes of The Crown season six have finally hit Netflix, as the final season depicts the last moments of the late Princess of Wales before her untimely death.

Netflix dropped the first four episodes of the historical dramas final season on 16 November, while the last six episodes will air on 14 December. The last season of The Crown is set between the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, and includes Princess Dianas highly-publicised trip to Saint-Tropez, France.

Much of Princess Dianas final days could be chacterised by constantly enduring invasive photographers. She was no longer considered a royal, with her divorce from the then-Prince of Wales being finalised in August 1996. However, her newfound life as a public figure perhaps gained more attention from the press - specifically her relationship with movie producer and Harrods heir, Dodi Fayed.

In episode one of The Crown season six, Diana (played by Elizabeth Debicki) takes a family holiday with her two sons - Prince William (played by Rufus Kampa) and Prince Harry (played by Fflyn Edwards) - where they stay on the yacht belonging to Fayeds billionaire father, Mohamed Al Fayed.

In real life, the Princess of Wales did indeed stay with William, then 15, and Harry, then 11, on Fayeds yacht in July 1997. They arrived on 11 July and altered between staying on the vessel, then named the Jonikal, and Fayeds villa ashore, called Castle St Therese. But with Diana also came an abundance of photographers tracking her every move while in Saint-Tropez.

One scene in the first episode depicts Diana confronting paparazzi, who are stationed on boats floating near the Jonikal. She pulls up beside them on a speedboat, looking sun-kissed in a black and white printed one-piece swimsuit and her signature black sunglasses.

Hello, boys, Diana addresses the paparazzi, before being asked if she is enjoying her holiday. Yes, were having a lovely time, apart from one little thing, you lot, she replies. How long are we going to have the pleasure of your company? The attention is starting to freak out the boys.

She then strikes a deal with the photographers, promising them a big surprise if they leave her children alone.

While The Crown has been criticised in the past for sensationalism in its depiction of the royal family, Dianas interaction with the paparazzi in Saint-Tropez reportedly did happen in real life. On 14 July, reporters and photographers were moored in Saint-Tropez near the Fayeds yacht, when Diana surprised the group of photographers by addressing them from her motorboat in her iconic leopard-print bathing suit.

She spoke of being abused and followed wherever she went, according to The Times, and also said that William was really freaked out by the paparazzi. In a Vanity Fair feature story, published one year after the devastating Paris car crash that killed Diana, journalist Sally Bedell Smith writes that Diana hinted to the reporters that she was thinking of living abroad. You will have a big surprise coming soon, the next thing I do, she told them, according to Vanity Fair.

Unlike The Crowns portrayal, the interaction didnt take place on Camilla Parker-Bowles 50th birthday. Rather, Camillas birthday was three days later on 17 July, when Prince Charles threw a birthday party for Camilla at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

However, Dianas Saint-Tropez escape was so frequently photographed that The Crown depicts an angry Charles the following day, waging a war because Dianas holiday received more press coverage than Camillas birthday party.

The first four episodes of The Crown season six are available to stream on Netflix in the US and UK.
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The third episode of season five of The Crown is unlike the others. The focus of the episode is taken away from the royal family and instead, placed on Mohamed Al-Fayed.

Al-Fayed was the father of Dodi Fayed, the film producer who died alongside Diana, Princess of Wales in that fateful Paris car crash in 1997.

The billionaire businessman is also known for owning the Hotel Ritz Paris, and formerly Harrods and Fulham FC.

But who was Mohamed Al-Fayed and what connection does he have to the royal family?

Who is Mohamed Al-Fayed?

Mohamed Al-Fayed, 93, was a sometimes controversial self-made billionaire businessman who was born in Egypt in 1929.

He was the eldest son of a primary school teacher and has four siblings. Along with his brothers, he founded a shipping company in Egypt which subsequently moved its headquarters to Genoa in Italy.

He moved to London in the Sixties, before he met the former ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum who enlisted Al-Fayed to help build up the Emirati city. Al-Fayed introduced serval British companies to the city and also became a financial advisor to the Sultan of Brunei Omar Ali Saifuddien III, in 1966.

Al-Fayed bought The Ritz hotel in Paris in 1979, and Harrods in London in 1984, but he sold the latter to Qatar Holdings, the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, in 2010. He was also the owner of Fulham FC between 1997 to 2013.

Al-Fayed fathered five children. His eldest son was Dodi Fayed who he shared with first wife, Saudi Arabian journalist Samira Khashoggi.

He also shared four children with second wife, Heini Al-Fayed: Camilla, Omar, Jasmine and Karim.

Mohamed Al-Fayed with his daughter Camilla in 2014 (Getty)

How is Mohamed Al-Fayed portrayed in The Crown?

In the opening scenes of episode three, a young Al-Fayed is shown in Egypt being fascinated by the visit of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

Later, he is shown buying The Ritz and asks his son, Dodi (played by Khalid Abdalla), to dismiss a Black server. Later discovering this server, Sydney Johnson (played by Jude Akuwudike), was the Duke of Windsors former personal valet for 30 years, Al-Fayed hires Johnson as his own valet to teach him the ways of the royal family.

Al-Fayed (played by Salim Daw) is depicted in the fictional series as being enamoured with the royal family, the show suggesting that Al-Fayed even bought Harrods just so he could meet the Queen Elizabeth II. In the episode, Al-Fayed is shown to be snubbed by the Queen, only to be introduced to Diana, Princess of Wales who he forms a friendship with.

Later in the series, Diana reveals that Al-Fayed had invited her and her sons, William and Harry to vacation with her in the south of France in the summer of 1997.

In reality, Diana did take her sons to vacation with the Fayeds that summer, which is where she met Dodi and formed a romantic connection with him. Dodi died alongside Diana when her car crashed in Paris in August 1997.

Did Mohamed Al-Fayed really buy Edward VIII and Wallis Simpsons French home?

Elsewhere in the third episode of season five of The Crown, Al-Fayed is shown buying the Duke and Duchess of Windsors French home, Le Bois, in Bois de Boulogne, after Wallis Simpson died in 1986.

In reality, Al-Fayed did take out a 50-year lease on the 14-room, 19th century villa with the intention to turn it into a museum dedicated to the former King and his wife.

Khalid Abdalla and Salim Daw as Dodi Fayed and Mohamed Al-Fayed in The Crown (Netflix)

Al-Fayed, who met the Windsors just once, told the New York Times at the time of Edward VIIIs and Simpsons relationship: It was the romance of the century. Here was a great king of a great empire, saying goodbye to it all for a beloved woman. And I had the chance to preserve the house where he lived and all these objects. Theyre the heritage of Britain, which is my second home.

After completing a $12 million (10.4 million) restoration on the renamed Villa Windsor in 1990, Al-Fayed told People: Its like a mausoleum. It sometimes gives you the creepsboth of them having died here. But its still a happy place, a great fantasy which I love to live in.

Al-Fayed still owns Villa Windsor but it is not open to the public.

Who was Sydney Johnson?

Another major player in episode three of season five of The Crown was Sydney Johnson, the former valet of Edward VIII who became Al-Fayeds personal valet in his later life.

Johnson first appeared in The Crown in a blink-and-youll-miss-it scene in season three, but season five showed just how much of an asset he was to Al-Fayed.

Johnson was born in the Bahamas and worked for the Duke of Windsor for 32 years after being hired at the age of 16. Johnson worked with Edwards VIII until the royals death in 1972 and resigned from his post in 1973 after his own wifes death. According to a report from People this was because Wallis Simpson wouldnt let him leave work after his wifes passing to take care of his kids.

Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, Princess of Wales in The Crown (Netflix)

Johnson was soon hired by Al-Fayed as his own personal valet. In 1986 Al-Fayed said after purchasing Villa Windsor: Sydney is a dictionary. Hes a very cultured man. He got all these things out of boxes and safes and storage rooms, and he knows their history.

Johnson died in 1990, aged 69. At the time of his death, Al-Fayed said: [He] was truly a gentlemans gentleman. We shall miss him very much.

Did Mohamed Al-Fayed ever meet the Queen?

In The Crown, Al-Fayed is seen trying to meet the Queen but to no avail. In real life he did meet Her Majesty, and was pictured with the monarch several times at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
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The sixth season and final season of The Crown portrays the heartbreaking moment Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind Princess Dianas casket during their mothers funeral procession.

The historical drama returns to Netflix on 16 November with the first four episodes of season six, followed by the final six episodes on 14 December. The last season of The Crown is set between the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, and features Princess Dianas final moments before her untimely death in 1997.

The late Princess of Wales (played by Elizabeth Debicki) died age 36, following a high-speed car crash in a Paris tunnel. The fatal car crash also took the lives of her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed (played by Khalid Abdalla), and their chauffeur Henri Paul. The accident shocked the world and led to an outpouring of public grief, as many royal fans turned their attention to the British royal family - especially Dianas sons, William and Harry.

Prince William and Prince Harry were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, when they lost their mother. For Dianas funeral on 6 September 1997, the young royals were instructed to walk behind their mothers casket. William and Harry joined the funeral procession at St Jamess Palace alongside their father, the then-Prince of Wales; Dianas brother, Earl Spencer; and their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, until the cortege arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Nearly 26 years later, the decision to allow the young boys to take part in the funeral procession has remained controversial. Earl Spencer previously told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that it was a very bizarre and cruel thing for Dianas two sons to be asked to walk behind her body, and suggested he was lied to about the boys desire to take part in the procession.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was reportedly very concerned for his grandsons well-being and was initially against the idea of them walking in the funeral procession. We were all talking about how William and Harry should be involved and suddenly came Prince Philips voice, a former government relations director told The Evening Standard, recalling a conference call with the duke ahead of the funeral. We hadnt heard from him before, but he was really anguished. Its about the boys, he cried. Theyve lost their mother.

(AFP via Getty Images)

The duke is then said to have turned to William and Harry at dinner the night before the funeral, telling them: Ill walk if you walk.

Although many members of the royal family and British aristocracy have opened up about the devastating funeral, which was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, the ones whose voices matter the most are none other than Dianas sons: William and Harry.

Heres everything William and Harry have said about Princess Dianas funeral.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about the lasting effects his mothers funeral had on his mental health. Back in 2017 - long before Prince Harry shared many details about Dianas death in his best-selling memoir, Spare - he maintained that no child shouldve been asked to do what he and his brother did that day.

My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television, he told Newsweek. I dont think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I dont think it would happen today.

Harry opened up about the trauma of Dianas funeral in the Apple TV+ docu-series, The Me You Cant See. Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry revealed that he had struggled with sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world.

When my mum was taken away from me at the age of 12, just before my 13th birthday, I didnt want the life, Harry recalled. Sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world

Harry then shared with Winfrey what he remembers most from that day. For me, the thing I remember the most was the sound of the horses hooves going along the mall, red brick road, he said. The duke revealed that he felt like he was outside of his body and just doing what was expected of him at the time, saying: It was like I was outside of my body and just walking along, doing what was expected of me, showing one-tenth of the emotion everybody else was showing.

Speaking about the public outpouring of grief for the late Princess of Wales, he said: I was like, this is my mum. You never even met her.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Harry later claimed in his memoir Spare, which was released in January 2023, that his father didnt hug him and he felt like a politician as he greeted members of the public in the wake of her death. However, he recalled turning to his older brother for strength during the devastating procession. I remember feeling numb. I remember clenching my fists. I remember keeping a little piece of Willy in the corner of my eye because it gave me strength, he wrote.

Being the older brother and heir to the British throne, Prince William has a different recollection of his mothers funeral than Harry. Much like Harry, William admitted that he felt completely numb following his mothers death. In a BBC documentary marking the 20th anniversary of Dianas passing, the now-Prince of Wales said that walking behind his mothers casket was one of the hardest things Ive ever done.

He recalled how his 15-year-old self used his long fringe as a safety blanket during the very long, lonely walk to Westminster Abbey. I felt if I looked at the floor and my hair came down over my face, no one could see me, William said.

When an alternative plan was suggested to have just William walk alone behind the casket, Harry objected - saying he didnt want his older brother to go through the heartbreaking moment on his own. It didnt seem right that Willy would have such a hard time without me, Harry wrote in Spare.

However, the heir to the British throne noted that it ultimately was the royal familys duty to take part in the service. William told the BBC: It wasnt an easy decision and it was a sort of collective family decision to do that. There is that balance between duty and family and thats what we had to do.

The balance, he added, was between me being Prince William and having to do my bit, versus the private William who just wanted to go into a room and cry, whod lost his mother.

Much has changed since the passing of Princess Diana in 1997. William and Harry, once united by grief, are now farther apart than ever before - both in their relationship and geographically, as the Duke of Sussex now lives in the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.

Following Prince Philips death in April 2021, the feuding brothers were reunited when they walked the funeral procession behind their grandfathers casket. However, this time was different, as William reportedly requested that another member of the royal family walk between him and Harry. They were separated by Princess Annes son and their cousin, Peter Phillips.

But just one year later, the brothers were reunited again for their grandmothers funeral procession in September 2022. William and Harry stood side by side despite their long-running rift, reminding fellow mourners of their mothers funeral procession 25 years earlier.
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A woman has revealed her brilliant strategy for planning her Thanksgiving Day festivities with her family.

In a video shared to TikTok last month, a woman named Colleen, who goes by the username @crcederberg, shared a video of the Google Sheet that she created before the holiday. Okay this is how I do Thanksgiving so my siblings and I dont kill each other, she quipped.

Basically we give every dish a point value from one to three, a cranberry dish is a one, a turkey is a three, she continued. And we all draft what dishes we wanna make.

The spreadsheet  which is called Thanksgiving 2023 Guide  includes a task, event type, and time section. Some of the tasks range from vegetable side one, savoury appetiser, stuffing, salad, and potato dish. Event types are described as snack board, dinner served, or apps served.

There were also more guidelines at the start of the spreadsheet, which specified that each person has complete ownership of assigned tasks and that they can trade tasks with each other after assignments are drafted. Rules also specified that the recipes for dishes were due by 18 November, before a schedule for when people use the kitchen on Thanksgiving was made.

In the video, Colleen went on to explain that when members of the family arent cooking their assigned dishs, they take on different responsibilities in the house to help out.

We also do this thing called flex kitchen, which means you basically hang out in the kitchen for an hour and your job is to keep the kitchen clean, she said. So unloading the dishwasher if its ready, or loading it [when needed], helping out people cooking. Whatever it takes to keep the kitchen moving.

After showing a video of her and her family on a video call to plan Thanksgiving, she ended her video by zooming in on the Google Sheet. The document went on to show that each person had eight points assigned to them, which indicates that everyone was doing their equal part on the holiday.

This is what it looks like at the end, so everyone has the same amount of work on a holiday, whoop whoop, she said, referring to how the number of points for each dish indicates how easy or difficult the food is to make.

The TikTok video has quickly gone viral, as it has amassed more than 658,000 views. In the comments, many people went on to praise the spreadsheet, before noting that theyd want to follow it themselves.

Flex kitchen is brilliant, one wrote. I hate dishes but could happily hang in the kitchen for a finite, expected amount of time for whatever is needed.

This is genius, another wrote, while a third added: My type A personality is obsessed with this. Dear lord, I wish my family was like this lol.

Other people quipped about how their families wouldnt necessarily be fans of using the spreadsheet to organise their holiday plans.

In theory, I like this, but only certain people in my family are good cooks, one wrote.

Really makes you wonder whats worse, having Thanksgiving alone or having to project manage your own family, another wrote.

I wish this would work. My family much prefers to be dysfunctional and yell at each other, a third quipped.

The Independent has contacted Colleen for comment.
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France and China should work together to reduce global tensions and address issues such as climate change and biodiversity, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Friday.

Colonna was on an official trip to Beijing ahead of a major U.N. climate conference starting next week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and an EU-China leaders meeting next month. Her visit coincided with the start of a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war.

"As big powers, we both share the responsibility to tackle global challenges .... and we can make concerted efforts in alleviating tensions around the world, she said at a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, China's No. 2 leader.

Todays tensions range from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine to the competition between China and the U.S. over trade, technology and security.

A delegation of Arab foreign ministers held talks in China and France in recent days as part of a series of meetings with permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to push for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The European Union has been taking a tougher line on China, launching a trade investigation into subsidies given to Chinese electric vehicle makers. EU officials have called for steps to reduce the blocs huge trade deficit with China.

Despite their differences, China has been trying to repair its relations with major trading partners including Europe, the U.S. and Australia. The lifting of China's pandemic restrictions last December has helped, making it much easier to hold in-person meetings.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited China in April followed by Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire in July.

Relations between China and France are getting better and better in all aspects," Li said. In particular, our exchanges at all levels are now becoming more frequent because many of the mechanisms have been restored.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
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Watch from Israeli Armys Hatzerim base, where hostages released by Hamas were due to arrive on Friday (24 November).

The four-day ceasefire began at 7am on Friday, and Qatars foreign ministry said 13 women and children taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October would be released via Egypt at 4pm  the first of at least 50 captives set to be freed under the deal. Increased aid for Palestinians will also start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, it said.

Israel will simultaneously release 24 women and 15 teenage boys held in military jails, Palestines commissioner for prisoners said.
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Watch a view of the Rafah crossing as Israel and Hamas agreed a four-day ceasefire on Friday (24 November).

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas began at the scheduled time of 7am, which would be followed by the release of 13 women and children under a Qatar-brokered truce.

Hostages will be released nine hours after the beginning of a humanitarian pause in Gaza, Qatars foreign ministry said.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari added.

It is expected that at least 50 hostages will be freed by Hamas during the four-day ceasefire under a new deal with Israel, brokered by Qatar and the US.

Dozens of children and their mothers held captive in Gaza since Hamass brutal incursion into Israel on 7 October will be freed via Egypt, according to the agreement.
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Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will meet with Palestinian leaders and commit a further 30 million in aid for people in Gaza following the announcement of a truce in the conflict in the Middle East.

The former prime minister is urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage after holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during a visit to Israel on Thursday.

On Friday he will be in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, meeting Palestinian leaders and agencies delivering aid in Gaza advocating adherence to the new agreement on all sides.

It was confirmed that the ceasefire will begin on Friday morning from 7am local time, with aid going in as soon as possible, according to Qatari officials.

The first set of civilians held captive by Hamas are expected to be freed at about 4pm on Friday local time, including 13 women and children.

Lord Cameron said: We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza.

I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and I can announce new 30 million of funding which will be spent on vital aid such as shelter and medical provisions.

It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.

The agreement for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza appeared to have hit a last-minute snag, with Lord Cameron telling Mr Netanyahu that he wanted all parties to the agreement to make it happen.

There are hopes that the lull in the fighting will clear the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to ease the suffering of citizens who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

Lord Cameron, who earlier visited Kibbutz Beeri, scene of some of the worst violence during the Hamas assault, said: There is never any excuse for this sort of hostage-taking.

All the hostages should be released, but I hope that everyone who is responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel would continue with the goals of the war and we will eradicate Hamas.

There is no hope for peace between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arab countries if we do not eradicate this murderous movement, which threatens the future of all of us, he told the Foreign Secretary.

Short pauses are not enough Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK

The announcement of additional UK funding comes as the fourth British aircraft carrying humanitarian aid landed in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.

The RAF flight carried 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: The RAF continues to deliver on the UKs commitment to helping those in need by operating flights into the region to provide urgent humanitarian support which will save civilian lives.

The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.

Lord Camerons visit comes a day after he met counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries  including the Palestinian Authority  at Lancaster House in London to discuss the Middle East crisis.

Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as the secretary general of the League of Arab States, and the ambassador of Qatar, attended the event.

Lord Cameron said the group discussed how to use the planned pause in the Israel-Hamas fighting to consider how we can build a peaceful future which provides security for Israel but also peace and stability for the Palestinian people.
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The narrative of extremism must be challenged from wherever it emerges, Humza Yousaf has said.

The Scottish First Minister was speaking after rioting in Dublin, where he praised Irish police for running towards danger.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the scenes showed that elected politicians needed to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate.

Garda arrested 34 people after a night of violence following a knife attack near a school in Dublin city centre, in which three children and a woman were injured.

Irelands police chief Drew Harris blamed the rioting on a lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology.

I want to pay tribute to the Garda for police officers running towards danger when the rest of us would run away from danger Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf

Politicians at the British-Irish Council meeting in Dublin were asked about the rise of far-right extremism.

Mr Yousaf expressed Scotlands shock and sorrow about the knife attack and subsequent violence.

He said: I want to pay tribute to the Garda for police officers running towards danger when the rest of us would run away from danger, doing their job diligently in terms of keeping the people of Dublin safe.

We all have to be, not just aware of, but appropriately challenging the narrative of any extremists.

Whether they are on the far right or elsewhere and challenging any narrative that seeks to divide us as communities.

From a Scottish perspective, we have been a country which has benefited both because were a nation which has invited and welcomed immigrants to our country but also because we are a nation of migrants ourselves.

He said the incidents of the past 24 hours would be a real test of any nations character.

Ive got no doubt at all that the Irish republic will absolutely step up, as they already have and come together as one to express solidarity with the victims affected yesterday afternoon but come together in their complete revulsion at the scenes of disorder and those who try to exploit such incidents for their own nefarious purposes.

Asked if he was worried that similar scenes could occur in the UK, Mr Heaton-Harris said: I would like to think we wouldnt see that on any of our streets, but actually we have in the past.

I dont think Im in a position to suggest nothing like that could happen in the future, or indeed suggest to the Irish as to how they could and should react to the pressures they have in this space.

He added: On the rise of the far right, it is up to democratically elected politicians to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate and we need to do that better.

We had in English politics the rise of the British National Party only a few years ago, they were elected to the European Parliament, MEPs were elected to the European Parliament in two regions of the United Kingdom.

We need to, as a society, have a proper debate about migration, immigration, what we need in skills and how we treat people and what pressures it brings to our domestic services.

These need to be articulated by mainstream politicians because if we dont articulate them then we do leave a vacuum for other people who might not be as benign as we are.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said the events in Dublin were shocking because its so rare in Ireland.

All I would say is that its a mark of Ireland that this sort of thing is so rare Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove

People in Dublin endured two terrible attacks yesterday, he said.

So first of all, there was the horrific knife assault. That crime is being investigated and it would be wrong for anyone to speculate further at the moment. But then later, there was an attack on the rule of law and legitimate authority.

It was a relatively small group of people. The Garda Commissioner has said a little bit about some of the motivation that may have been behind that. But behaviour of that kind is unacceptable wherever it occurs.

Its more shocking because its so rare in Ireland, and the Garda commissioner and his team, I think, responded in an exemplary fashion to this small flashpoint.

In the United Kingdom, we have seen disturbances elsewhere.

All I would say is that its a mark of Ireland that this sort of thing is so rare.

Its a mark of Ireland that the Garda responded so quickly, and its mark of Ireland that theres been near universal revulsion at what happened and all of that, I think, is testament to the strength of Irelands democracy.
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There is an ever-decreasing number of questions to be answered in negotiations between the UK Government and the DUP over post-Brexit trading concerns, Chris Heaton-Harris has said.

The Northern Ireland Secretary repeated his belief that the talks were in their final stages and there had to be an end to the process.

Meanwhile, Irelands premier Leo Varadkar said there is no deadline for the restoration of the Stormont Assembly, but he believed resurrecting it before Christmas would be the best outcome for everyone.

British and Irish politicians gathered in Dublin for a meeting of the British-Irish Council.

However, the Northern Ireland Assembly was not represented due to the ongoing powersharing stalemate.

The DUP has been blocking powersharing at Stormont for more than a year and a half in protest at the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol.

The unionist party has been involved in negotiations with the Government about the Windsor Framework, which reformed the protocol and is seeking further assurances, by way of legislation, over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market.

Speaking to the media in Dublin, Mr Heaton-Harris said both sides are in the final stages of these talks and there is progress being made.

He added: The talks with the DUP are the gift that keeps on giving so maybe Christmas is something to talk about. I want to bring them to a conclusion as quickly as I possibly can but it is not just in my hands here.

We are genuinely making progress, there are genuine points that the DUP have raised, some I need to answer, some I believe have genuinely been answered.

But there will be an actual end to this process because it is not a limitless amount of questions that can be asked.

Mr Heaton-Harris said there was no sense of drift in the process and the negotiations were in a very different space than six months ago.

I want to get the Executive up and running as soon as possible, if I could have been able to achieve that six months ago I promise you I would have Chris Heaton-Harris, Northern Ireland Secretary

He added: However, these talks can only come to an end when both sides feel they are in a successful place to conclude.

I want to get the Executive up and running as soon as possible, if I could have been able to achieve that six months ago I promise you I would have.

He said Northern Ireland was diverging from the rest of the UK in health and education outcomes because of the lack of a Stormont Executive.

He added: There is an ever-decreasing list of questions that we are circling on.

Mr Varadkar said he was almost afraid to be optimistic because there had been a number of false dawns.

He added: I think it is fair to say the UK Government is working very hard with the DUP in particular, but also consulting other parties and us about mechanisms by which we could have the Assembly and Executive functioning again, we all want that to happen.

Theres a lot of issues happening in Northern Ireland which need to be dealt with, which require a devolved administration.

If were able to get things on track in the next few weeks for Christmas, that would be the best outcome for everyone Ireland's premier Leo Varadkar

The Taoiseach added: There isnt a set deadline, and its not for me, nor would it be helpful for me, to try to impose any sort of deadline on when the talks will be completed.

But there are natural points in the process that are just there, for example, I think its around mid-January a decision would have to be made not to trigger elections.

So there will come a point where if talks arent successful, that decisions have to be made and legislation is then required in Westminster.

Id hope it doesnt get to that decision point, and if were able to get things on track in the next few weeks for Christmas, that would be the best outcome for everyone, I think.

Mr Varadkar added that it is important that devolved government is restored in a sustainable way, to avoid future collapses.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said all those at the British-Irish Council lamented the continued collapse of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

We are keen to ensure that the institutions are back up and running, delivering for people in Northern Ireland, and that theyre reconstituted on a sound and sustainable basis, he said.
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Sir Keir Starmer has picked the EU anthem as the piece of classical music that sums up the Labour Party.

The Opposition leader talked about the sense of destiny and moving forward to a better place in Beethovens 9th Symphony, which includes the choral Ode to Joy, in a radio interview.

Asked what piece of classical music best sums up Labour, Sir Keir told Classic FM: One of the pieces Ive got is Beethovens 9th Symphony, the choral Ode to Joy.

Youve got the orchestra, youve got the voices, youve got this big combination. This is very sort of Labour.

It has got a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer

Youre getting everybody, Beethovens getting everybody on to the stage for this.

I talk about a national mission for the next Labour government. This is a sense of something. It has got a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic.

And so, for me, thats been hardwired in me for a long, long time. So, I would go with that.

There are many others that I could associate with the Labour Party, but that sense of moving forward to a better place is incredibly powerful.

Sir Keir has made clear that returning to the EUs single market or customs union is a line Labour does not want to cross and the party said it would not put the UK in a position where it is a rule-taker if it wins power.

But he has hinted he would seek a closer relationship with the bloc, saying co-operation is needed to tackle issues like the crisis of migrants making dangerous journeys across the English Channel in small boats from France.

Beethovens symphony is one of the most popular pieces of classical music and has been used at events including the BBC Proms as well as for the EUs anthem since the 1980s.

A source close to Sir Keir later suggested the association of his choice with Brussels was coincidental, saying it has nothing to do with the leaders views on the bloc.

Sir Keir, a former junior scholar at Guildhall who played the flute, piano and violin as a child, has spoken previously of listening to Beethoven more generally to help deal with the strains of work, describing classical music as a great release for him.

He has also highlighted the second movement of Beethovens 5th piano concerto, the Emperor Concerto, as a piece he listens to after a difficult day.

There is that beautiful bit about a third of the way in where its just the piano, totally on its own to start with, sort of rolling down the notes, and its absolutely phenomenal, he said.

A source close to Sir Keir said: It is well documented Keir Starmer has always listened to a lot of Beethoven  his choice has nothing to do with his opinions on the EU.
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A 16-year-old boy who saved his neighbours life with CPR after going into autopilot mode has been recognised by the Princess Royal.

Joshua Youngs, a cadet at St John Ambulance from Ipswich, Suffolk, and his mother Kirsty Youngs, 40, last November heard screaming from outside their home and ran outside to investigate the commotion.

Ms Youngs, a former midwife and now an emergency worker, brought along her response kit and the two arrived at their neighbours house to find her slumped over the sofa chair, her skin blue and breathing laboured.

A year after helping to save her life, he was honoured along with other young lifesavers at the St John Ambulances annual Young Achievers awards, which was attended by Anne.

Joshua told the PA news agency: What happened was (the neighbour) had a cardiac arrest and was slumped over the side of the sofa chair.

I did my primary survey and checked the danger on the floor  so I cleared some room on the floor.

The neighbour had a very thready heartbeat, and the young cadet started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while his mother called the emergency services.

As most people would be, I was a little bit nervous just before starting CPR, but that was more just being in a strange environment, Joshua said.

But it was kind of like I went into autopilot mode  everything just came naturally.

I had practised CPR on a dummy loads of times in training but this was different.

I didnt question it, though, I didnt have time, so I just got on and did it.

It was almost like making a cup of tea and stirring it, you just do it.

I was confident in my own ability, and I didnt really think about it so I must have been confident.

An ambulance arrived within minutes and Joshua continued CPR until his neighbour had been successfully treated.

The teenager helped calm down his neighbour who was worried and burst into tears after regaining consciousness.

He said: One of the people (at the scene) said had I not shown up and started CPR then the results might have been different.

The young cadets mother said: If Josh hadnt been there it would have been much more difficult to help. He was so calm and so professional. He took everything in his stride.

I come from a family of healthcare workers, and Ive been in the sector since my early 20s.

I remember responding to my first cardiac arrest and it was incredibly difficult.

For Joshua to take control of the situation and respond in the way he did, Im honestly so incredibly proud of him.

Joshua, who is hoping to become a neurosurgeon, was honoured along with other young lifesavers at the St John Ambulances annual Young Achievers awards on Wednesday in London.

The event celebrated outstanding contributions by St John Ambulance Badgers (aged five to 10) and Cadets (aged 11-17), as well as young carers.

The 16-year-old said it was an honour being recognised by the Princess Royal and attributed his life-saving skills to St John Ambulance.

He said: St John was absolutely amazing  I would recommend it to many people, its definitely something that people should take up.

You never would think I would have to do CPR but all of a sudden it was my neighbour, but it could honestly be anyone.
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A night-time stalker armed with a knife who followed women in south London is believed to have also stabbed an Uber driver.

Detectives hunting the man, who approached women in Clapham, fear he could strike again.

The alarm was first raised last Friday, after a woman walking at around 4am in Sisters Avenue, near Clapham Common, noticed a man with a knife following her. As he got close, she began to shout and he ran away.

Two days later, at 1.40am in Sumburgh Road, also near Clapham Common, a man approached a woman and grabbed her but she managed to escape.

Then at 2am on Thursday, an Uber driver was stabbed in the chest twice in Nightingale Lane in Clapham. Police said his condition was not life-threatening and he was released from hospital.

Just 50 minutes later, police saw a man on Clapham Common, near Holy Trinity Church, approaching women. Officers chased him, but he ran off.

Within two hours  at 4.45am  the officers again spotted the suspect, this time on a red bicycle. He was chased, but was lost near Aliwal Road.

From the description the Uber driver gave, officers linked the suspect to the earlier offences.

The suspect is described as white, between 25 and 30, of slim build with short, blond hair. A grainy photograph of him caught on camera shows him wearing a hoodie and with a backpack on.

(Google Maps)

The Metropolitan Police warn that anyone seeing him should not approach him, but call 999.

Detective Superintendent Dan OSullivan, of the Southwest Command Unit, said: We are extremely concerned about this man and we need to find him as soon as possible.

I am really concerned that he will commit further offences and I am asking anyone who knows him or has any information to call police.

You can also call Crimestoppers and you do not have to give your name.

We know this will cause community concern and we will be carrying out extra patrols at key times. If you have any information, please do not hesitate but call us straight away.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting CAD 754/17Nov.

The Clapham Common area is still remembered as the place where Sarah Everard disappeared when she was kidnapped and murdered by police officer Wayne Couzens as she walked home on 3 March 2021.
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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has described the prosecution of an officer who crashed while driving to the scene of a terror attack as appalling.

Pc Paul Fisher, 46, made a split-second error when he lost control of his unmarked BMW X5 and ran into the back of a taxi drivers Toyota, before hitting a Ford Fiesta and a wall, en route to the scene of the stabbing spree carried out by terrorist Sudesh Amman in Streatham, south London, in February 2020.

The officer described the moment he found out the terrorist had begun stabbing people as pandemonium, and went to the scene at more than 80mph because he believed Amman might be wearing a suicide vest.

Prosecutors said Fishers extreme speed and risky manoeuvres amounted to dangerous driving, but he was cleared on Friday after five hours of jury deliberation at Southwark Crown Court, almost four years after being charged.

No other country in the world would haul one of its most highly trained officers before a court for responding to one of the most serious incidents we can deal with and doing their utmost to preserve life Sir Mark Rowley

Speaking outside court after the verdict, Sir Mark said the case undermines the confidence of all officers using their powers to keep the public safe.

He added: Thank god for the common sense of British juries.

Paul Fisher is a firearms officer who was under the most unimaginable pressure.

He clearly made some mistakes on that drive, the right answer would have been some warnings within the organisation, some re-training, some re-testing to getting back to protecting the public.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said rigorous independent scrutiny is not a threat to policing.

Pc Fisher, a former Royal Marine, said he let people down but denied dangerous driving.

Giving evidence, he said: At no point did my colleagues turn around and say Paul youre driving too fast. I would have stopped.

He was responding, with two other armed officers in his vehicle, to the stabbing carried out by Amman in February 2020.

Aman, 20, grabbed a large kitchen knife from a hardware store on Streatham High Road in south London and stabbed two people at random.

The officer was on a surveillance operation at the time of the crash, monitoring Amman after his release from jail 10 days earlier.

Fisher was waiting with other armed officers at a local police station while undercover units followed more closely.

Having been told over the radio that Amman had begun stabbing people, Pc Fisher began his journey from Gypsy Hill police station in Crystal Palace to Streatham High Road, about three miles away.

On-board camera footage showed Fisher driving at high speed as he overtook people and squeezed the BMW SUV through narrow gaps in the traffic.

The police car did not have its blue lights on at the time because they had accidentally been switched off by his passenger.

The vehicle, which did have its siren on, had been switched to arrival mode and only had flashing rear red lights displayed.

As Fisher went for another overtake at Streatham Common, his vehicle lost grip on a turn and he hit a taxi drivers Toyota.

He said: I remember braking for the bend but the vehicle seemed to drift.

I started emergency braking and steering to the right in an attempt to avoid the vehicle.

Defending Fisher, Kevin Baumber said: The last thing (he) intended was any kind of harm at all.

The CPS does not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, we make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider Crown Prosecution Service

Not all collisions are crimes.

Police officers going to the scene of an emergency are exempt from certain driving laws, including following the speed limit, obeying traffic lights and keep left signs.

But prosecutor Ben Lloyd said that getting to the scene of the incident provided Fisher with no defence for dangerous driving.

The drivers of the two vehicles which Fishers car collided with, a man and a woman, were left with minor injuries.

The female officer in the back of the police car suffered a cut head and Fisher was bleeding from the ear after the crash.

Tom Whiting, IOPC acting director general said: The fundamental principle of policing by consent is a precious part of British society which we should celebrate.

Rigorous independent scrutiny is not a threat to policing, it is a protection and helps the police do their job by making sure they are getting things right and supporting them to fix it when things go wrong.

We know that accountability and scrutiny can feel deeply uncomfortable for the individuals and organisations involved, but if they are weakened, there is a real risk to public trust.

We welcome the Home Office review as it is an opportunity to make improvements to the system.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: There is no doubt that Pc Fisher was responding to a life-threatening incident in February 2020.

Prior to the crash, Pc Fisher was found to be driving at more than four times the speed limit.

This, along with other evidence, led us to passing a file to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service).

A CPS spokesman said: The CPS does not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, we make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider.

In this case, we decided it was appropriate for a court to consider one charge of dangerous driving. The jury found the defendant not guilty and we respect its verdict.
Charming China - Enchanting Hubei

14:10, November 24, 2023 By Jingqi Zhang ( People's Daily Online

The travel documentary "Charming China - Enchanting Hubei (Part 1)," co-produced by People's Daily Online Australia and Greg Grainger TV, airs on Channel Ten of Australian public television in November 2023. This latest installment in the "Charming China" series presents Hubei's rich history and ethnic diversity to Australian viewers.

Hosted and produced by renowned Australian TV presenter Greg Grainger, "Enchanting Hubei" highlights Hubei's cultural landmarks and explores the Tujia ethnic group's local customs.

In part one, Grainger conducts on-site interviews while traveling the Yangtze River from Wuhan to Jingzhou. He experiences Wuhan's vibrant night lights, the simplicity of Yangtze River life, and the Tujia people's talents and spirits, and visits the tomb of the vassal kings of the State of Chu. Additionally, Grainger indulges in one of Wuhan's most famous local dishes, "hot dry noodles," in Hubu Alley, experiences a wine ceremony in Jingzhou, and enjoys China's traditional flower-drum opera.

Part two focuses on the Three Gorges Dam and the traditional lifestyle of the Tujia ethnic group. The Tujia, residing in a secluded paradise, sustain themselves. Their traditional attire, weaving techniques, and agricultural tools have withstood the test of time. Welcoming Grainger with a unique traditional ceremony, the Tujia display spectacular performances. The documentary explores the Tujia's funeral rituals and their perspectives on marriage and life. Also, in the episode, Grainger explores the magnificent Three Gorges Waterfall and the steep canyons near the Three Gorges Dam.

Since 2018, People's Daily Online Australia has introduced the beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures of Chinese provinces, including Sichuan, Shanxi, Hainan, Guangdong, and Anhui, to Australian audiences.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
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David Cameron will meet with Palestinian leaders to discuss how the UK can help alleviate the crisis in Gaza after the announcement of a truce in the war in the Middle East.

The former prime minister earlier held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog as it was confirmed a four-day ceasefire will begin on Friday morning.

He will continue his visit to the region on Friday, meeting with Palestinian leaders to focus on how the UK can help respond to the crisis in Gaza.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office said: In Israel today, @David_Cameron met Israeli leaders and families of hostages. He offered his condolences for the Israelis killed by Hamas on October 7 and discussed efforts to free hostages in Gaza.

Tomorrow, in meetings with Palestinian leaders and aid agencies, he will focus on how UK efforts can help alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We are working towards a long-term political solution to this crisis.

It was confirmed that the pause in fighting will start from 7am local time, with aid going in as soon as possible, according to Qatari officials.

The first set of civilians held captive by Hamas are expected to be freed at about 4pm on Friday local time, including 13 women and children.

The agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza appeared to have hit a last-minute snag, with Lord Cameron telling Mr Netanyahu that he wanted all parties to the agreement to make it happen.

There are hopes that the lull in the fighting will clear the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to ease the suffering of citizens who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it takes on Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

Lord Cameron, who earlier visited Kibbutz Beeri  scene of some of the worst violence during the Hamas assault, said: There is never any excuse for this sort of hostage-taking.

All the hostages should be released, but I hope that everyone who is responsible and behind this agreement can make it happen, to bring relief to those families, including, of course, there are British nationals who have been taken hostage.

Mr Netanyahu promised to continue with the goals of the war and we will eradicate Hamas.

There is no hope for peace between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arab countries if we do not eradicate this murderous movement, which threatens the future of all of us, he told the Foreign Secretary.

Meeting Mr Herzog, the ex-prime minister said it was very good to be back in Israel.

He added: Theres a huge amount of trauma in Israel because of the taking of 244 hostages. Im not sure anyone can fully understand and share that trauma, but I remember the worst days of being prime minister was when British hostages were taken in Syria, and so many of them lost their lives in the most gruesome, terrible fashion.

I remember the effect that had on me as prime minister and thinking about that and so perhaps know a tiny bit of what your nation is going through.

Lord Camerons visit comes a day after he met counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries  including the Palestinian Authority  at Lancaster House in London to discuss the Middle East crisis.

Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as the secretary general of the League of Arab States, and the ambassador of Qatar, attended the event.

Lord Cameron said the group discussed how to use the planned pause in the Israel-Hamas fighting to consider how we can build a peaceful future which provides security for Israel but also peace and stability for the Palestinian people.
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David Cameron has defended his pursuit of close ties with China as prime minister, as he insisted that engaging with Beijing today is necessary.

The former PM, who was appointed Foreign Secretary this month in a shock return to frontline politics, said that the Asian power had become much more aggressive, much more assertive since he left office in 2016.

As prime minister, Lord Cameron presided over the so-called golden era of relations between Britain and China, hosting a state visit for Chinese President Xi Jinping and welcoming investment from Beijing into the UK.

The years since have seen relations between the West and China deteriorate dramatically.

In his first foreign policy speech as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak declared the golden era over and described the pursuit of closer economic ties over the previous decade as naive.

Some Tory MPs have pushed Mr Sunak to go further and brand China a threat, amid concerns about recent attempts  including a visit by ex-foreign secretary James Cleverly to Beijing  to reduce tensions.

Speaking to the BBC, Lord Cameron acknowledged that times had changed while defending the foreign policy of his period in office.

China has become much more aggressive, much more assertive, over the Uighurs, over Hong Kong, the wolf warrior diplomacy, he said.

And so thats why security and protection is such an important part of our policy.

We also need to align more carefully with our allies to make sure we can counter any malign threats coming from China. So, it is a realistic hard-headed policy.

He said: When I became prime minister, the greatest need was for Britain to grow again, trade again, with exports to help our businesses around the world.

I loaded up planes, I took them to India, I took them to China, I took them to Africa to get the economy moving again.

He said that engaging China is one part of the approach we need to take.

Not least, because China is a fifth of humanity. Were not going to solve challenges like climate change, unless we engage.

And hopefully I can be a part of that.

Lord Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the 2016 Brexit referendum, said that the UK had to be a friend, a neighbour and the best possible partner for the EU.

When you look at the engagement in Ukraine, that probably is the best example of how its worked, he said.

Theres no doubt that Britain is the leading European power in helping Ukraine.

The former prime minister also indicated that he would not push for an increase in the overseas aid budget to 0.7% of national income.

It was cut to 0.5% by Mr Sunak as chancellor in 2021.

I took this job accepting collective Cabinet responsibility, he said.
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Lord David Cameron has warned Israel that its long-term security depends on the Palestinians also being able to live in peace and stability and security.

The Foreign Secretary made the remarks on the second day of his trip to the Middle East, where he has met both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

The former prime minister visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories on Friday, committing a further 30 million in aid for the people of Gaza.

It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the critical temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict but warned it was only the first step towards the release of all hostages.

Hamas has released the first batch of hostages under a ceasefire deal, including 13 Israelis who had been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago.

They are the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began on Friday.

The freed Israeli hostages included eight women  six in their 70s and 80s  and three children.

Israel confirmed later that it had released 39 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.

Lord Cameron, speaking amid the first significant halt in the fighting since the conflict began, warned Israel that it needed to look beyond the conflict and consider the need for Palestinians to live in stability too.

He told the BBC: Ultimately, there wont be long-term safety and security and stability for Israel unless there is long-term safety, security and stability for the Palestinian people.

And you have to start thinking about the future Youve got to paint a picture of actually the Palestinians living in peace, stability and security.

He also expressed deep concern about violence by settlers in the West Bank.

Lord Cameron said: People are actually targeting and on occasion killing Palestinian civilians, its completely unacceptable and those people responsible for that, its not good enough just to arrest them, they need to be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned. These are crimes.

Mr Sunak earlier said the UK will work with partners in the Middle East to make sure that this deal sticks, as more life-saving humanitarian aid began entering Gaza as part of the agreement.

He told broadcasters: Weve consistently pushed for sustained humanitarian pauses so that we could get more aid into Gaza and get hostages out, so this is a very welcome development.

Its obviously the first step. We need to make sure everyone abides by the terms of the agreement and we want to see all hostages released, including protecting the safety of British nationals that are involved.

Mr Sunak thanked Qatar and Egypt for the intensive weeks-long diplomacy in helping to secure the deal.

The Prime Minister continued: Were continuing to work with all our partners in the region, whether thats America, Israel and Egypt and others to make sure that this deal sticks and we can continue to do what we want to support everyone in Gaza, get more aid in and to ensure the safety and release of all hostages.

Lord Cameron called the return of hostages a huge relief.

He said his thoughts were with those still waiting for their loved ones to come home.

Lord Camerons talks with Palestinian leaders were to focus on how UK efforts can help ease the suffering of Gazas citizens, who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

He was pictured looking over the West Bank with representatives from aid organisations, where he heard about Israeli settlement expansion and violence towards Palestinians.

Lord Cameron also met senior UN officials in Jerusalem, where he offered his condolences for the 108 UN workers killed during the current crisis, the department said.

He announced 30 million of new funding for aid such as shelter and medical provisions as a fourth British aircraft carrying 23 tonnes of critical supplies including blankets and sleeping mats landed in Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.
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Boris Johnson has labelled the violent scenes in Dublin race riots, and suggested that achingly liberal countries like Ireland now have concerns about the pace of immigration.

The former UK prime minister used his weekly Daily Mail column to drawn on the disorder in the Irish capital to make the case for the UK to take tougher action to curb net migration.

It comes after the latest data showed a record number of arrivals to the UK last year.

Mr Johnson also pointed to the electoral success of veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders in the Netherlands.

Writing in the newspaper, he said: People will not accept demographic change at this kind of pace  even in the most achingly liberal of countries and capital cities.

Look at what is happening in Dublin, where that lovely and happy city seems to have been engulfed by race riots.

The violent scenes in Dublin saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

The clean-up was continuing on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street on Friday, with burned-out buses lifted away by cranes while broken glass and missiles were cleared.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city at about lunchtime on Thursday.

Mr Johnson continued: The people of Ireland and Holland, in my experience, are among the nicest, kindest, most generous in the world; and yet there are plainly large numbers in both countries who are starting to worry that something has gone wrong, and that the EU system of free movement  a border-free Europe for the entire 450 million-strong territory  has too many downsides.

Well, the whole point of Brexit is that we are no longer in the same legal subservience as Ireland and Holland.

We have the powers to sort it out, and to change our immigration rules  which is exactly why the British people voted to take back those powers in 2016. We can do it now.
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Violent riots that broke out across Dublin city centre on Thursday evening flared after a knife attack on children and their care assistant outside a school earlier in the day.

Three young children and an adult woman and man were all injured in the stabbings outside the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East at approximately 1.30pm, an incident that immediately made headlines.

Garda (Irish police) said on Saturday that they are continuing to investigate the knife attack, which left a five-year-old girl in a critical condition and still fighting for her life in hospital on Saturday.

A bus on fire on OConnell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded following a knife attack on Parnell Square East on Thursday (PA Wire)

A second girl, aged 6, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin. A boy, aged 5, was discharged from CHI Crumlin yesterday evening.

The childrens care assistant, a woman in her 30s who was said by the authorities to have used her body to protect the children, remains in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital. A man in his 50s also remains in a serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin region.

The knife attack outside a school

Witness Siobhan Kearney described what she saw at the scene on Parnell Square East as absolutely bedlam, telling RTE she watched people disarm a man whom she said had a knife.

Police officers walk near the crime scene of the school stabbings in Dublin (Getty Images)

I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road, she said.

The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume.

People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Irish police maintained a large presence in central Dublin on Friday following a night of protests and violence on Thursday (AP)

Politicians and police have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker.

Caio Benicio, a Brazil-born Deliveroo driver, said that he leapt from his moped and knocked the knifeman to the ground with his helmet as part of the public effort to stop him.

Police have since said they believe the incident itself was a standalone attack and is not terror-related. A man in his 50s has been arrested and named a person of interest in the investigation and the scene remains cordoned off as of Friday morning.

Caio Benicio, a Deliveroo driver, at the scene in Dublin city centre after he witnessed the incident on Parnell Square East (PA)

How the subsequent riots unfolded

As news of the attack spread, far-right agigators began to whip up a frenzy online, with speculation on the knifemans nationality and unfounded links to illegal immigration among the false rumours rapidly gaining momentum.

A demonstration formed at the edge of the police cordon over the course of Thursday afternoon and escalated as the evening progressed.

A crowd of between 100 and 200 people, some of whom wore scarves and hoodies to cover their faces, confronted gardai verbally before violent clashes erupted with riot police. The mobs number would ultimately grow to around 500, according to later estimates.

Tricolours and an Irish lives matter sign were held by some who were present.

A man works to remove a broken window from a sport shop that was damaged in the riots (REUTERS)

Fireworks and flares were soon thrown at police and, just before 7pm, a Garda car was seen alight near the scene.

Two more police cars sustained fire damage during the episode and another eight were extensively vandalised by the rioters, some of whose actions was captured on mobile phone footage that was swiftly spread across social media.

Some 13 shops were significantly damaged or subjected to looting, as people were seen picking up furniture from nearby shops and smashing it to the ground, some of whom appeared to be minors.

Several small pushes were made by riot police down OConnell Street and away from the scene, which appeared to temporarily scatter those gathered, only for them to reform and confront police again.

Police officers patrol the city for a second night to counter violence and unrest sparked by the school stabbings (Getty Images)

Some onlookers sheltered in a hotel lobby until the garda effort had moved down towards OConnell Bridge, where a car and a bus were also set alight.

An empty Luas tram that had been left at a stop nearby had its windows smashed and was set on fire. Dublin Fire Brigade tackled the flames that had engulfed the Luas, as well as nearby buses, once they reached the scene.

Rioters were also seen on nearby Henry Street, a major shopping thoroughfare, looting a Footlocker shoe store.

People threw bottles at gardai on the famous street, while others carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a Garda helicopter monitored the situation overhead.

Ireland's Justice Minister Helen McEntee speaking to the media outside Government Buildings on Friday (PA)

The aftermath

As of Friday morning, 32 of the 34 people arrested have been charged over Thursday nights violence, which required 400 police officers and a further 250 public order officers to contain, according to the authorities.

The affair has been condemned by the Irish justice minister Helen McEntee and the Garda commissioner Drew Harris.

Ms McEntee pledged that the scenes of disorder will not be tolerated and said: A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

She told colleagues that officers are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and vowed that further arrests would follow the 34 already made.

Fireworks were thrown at police officers on Thursday (REUTERS)

She also insisted that the police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend, including securing the use of two water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Mr Harris described the clashes with police officers and the criminal damage as disgraceful and blamed a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology for Thursdays chaos.

He said one Garda officer received a serious injury, with numerous other members injured as missiles were thrown at them.

He also urged the public to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

A burned-out bus is removed from OConnell Street in Dublin, in the aftermath of violent scenes in the city centre on Thursday (PA Wire)

Among those condemning the participants was Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who said on Friday that the knife attack and the violence that followed had brought shame on Ireland.

He added that damage to public infrastructure in Dublin from the disorder could cost tens of millions of euros to repair.

After local residents were advised to work from home on Friday, a small number of arrests were made in the evening as gardai mounted a significant security operation around the OConnell Street thoroughfare to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes from the night before.

Amid criticism of the Garda response to the riots, Government ministers met and heard that legislation to facilitate the use of body-worn cameras by police officers will be fast-tracked.

Ms McEntee rejected a call from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald for her and the Garda Commissioner to resign.

Mrs McDonald said there had been an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing and that a problem leading to Thursdays riot had been building for months.

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor said he does not condone the riots in Dublin but insisted that a change must occur, after tweeting that Ireland is at war following the sentencing of Jozef Puska, a 33-year-old Slovak who was jailed for life over the murder of 23-year-old Irish woman Ashling Murphy.

A fundraiser on gofundme.com for the Brazilian motorbike driver raised over 250,000 euros on Friday, while a separate online funding drive raised more than 160,000 euros for a creche worker and children who were attacked.
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Bristol Airport has come under fire for a multi-faith prayer area that has been likened to a bus shelter or smoking area.

The airport posted a picture of its new facility outside its main building on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, which immediately sparked criticism from across the religious divide.

The caption read: Located just off the Silver Zone roundabout, the new area provides customers with a private space to reflect and pray whilst waiting to collect friends, family or loved ones.

One X user commented: Youve just stuck a sticker on the smoking area. You arent fooling anyone!

I often hear people say they dont understand what British Culture means, another X/Twitter user posted. I think we can all agree this is a shining beacon of Britishness: The reflection of a guy in Hi-vis, the bollard placement, the use of a Smoking Shed as a Multi-faith area. THIS is Britain.

While praising the airports good intentions to be inclusive, Tahir Mahmood, chairman of the Hazrat Bilal mosque in Bristol, criticised the organisation for providing a space which falls far short of the high standards provided by other airports around the UK.

With winter approaching, the shelter at Bristol airport is cold, dark and exposed to the weather, he said. We urge Bristol airport to reach out to other airports around the country and follow good practice already in place.

I cant imagine anyone wanting to pray the Rosary in a space that will be cold, bleak, and smelling like a urinal. Frankly, its an insult, a user identified as Catholic priest Father Mark Elliott Smith wrote on X.

Daniel Sugarman, the director of public affairs at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, wrote: In a way, this tweet has indeed been a multi-faith experience in that it has brought people of all faiths together to note how very strange this is.

A spokesperson for the airport said that the space, located one mile from the terminal, was opened due to an increase in customers requiring a multi-faith area in this location.

This newly created space was provided after consultation with users of the car park to provide immediate shelter and dignity prior to winter  it has been welcomed by the users, they added.
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The market town of March might be 1,000 miles from the Leaning Tower of Pisa - but the Cambridgeshire parish is forging inadvertent links following the surprise appearance of its wonky Christmas tree.

Councillors are even joking that tourists may want to visit the towns new lopsided attraction - which cost more than 3,000 - rather than jetting out to Italy.

The leaning tree has split the town, with some calling it embarrassing and ridiculous, while others are seeing the funny side, even claiming it could generate extra publicity ahead of the lights turn-on event on Friday night.

The March Town Council Christmas lights working party decided to buy the 30ft tree from a nearby estate in Norfolk for 3,636, with a contractor working on a town regeneration scheme donating 2,000 to the cost.

The minutes from the groups October meeting also show members opted to use a local tree surgeon to install and remove the tree at a much-reduced cost to last year.

Whether it was the fault of the tree, or the installation, its unclear, but theres no doubt its the talk of the town, with the working party taking to Facebook to respond to some of the criticism.

Councillor Stephen Court sees the funny side of the wonky tree - and thinks it could attract more tourists to the town (Stephen Court)

The tree has been delivered to the March market place and response on social media appears to be mixed, posted the group, which accepted that the quality of the tree ordered earlier this year is not what we expected.

In another post responding to a complaint, it said: Ive spoken to a member of the team who erected the tree and have been advised that the tree is as straight as its going to be, only other option would be replace the tree (which we cannot afford to do) also switch on night is tomorrow [24 November] so we dont have the time to replace the tree either.

The tree has been compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (AFP/Getty Images)

Town councillor Stephen Court, who is also on the working party, told the The Independent that in 50 years as resident of March hed never seen a wonky Christmas tree installed in the town.

But asked if it was worth the cost, he said: It has created alot of publicity for the town and the lights turn-on, so its value for money. I thought we might get a mention in the local news, but Im see us all over the national press.

He added: I look at it and I can see the links people are making to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You never know, we might just get some tourists choosing to coming to our town for the tree instead of seeing the real thing.

Resident Kimberley Williams agreed. She told the BBC: The Italians have got the Leaning Tower of Pisa - March has now got the leaning tree of Christmas.
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A local council is under fire after mini-diggers and heavy machinery were caught driving over peoples graves.

Councillor Alastair Chambers, who represents a nearby ward, said he was appalled to discover wooden crosses marking peoples graves had been crushed at Coney Hill Cemetery and Crematorium in Gloucester.

We are all shocked and saddened on how the City Council treats the graves of residents. We wont let this monstrosity of a council get away with disrespecting the dead any longer, Mr Chambers said.

A mini-digger appearing to drive over the graves of people buried at the Gloucestershire cemetery (Alastair Chambers )

Laid to rest is what it must be. Heavy plant and machinery should not pass over the graves of our family and friends. This city council really has no heart.

Have you been affected by this? Email alexander.butler@independent.co.uk

In one photo, track marks can be seen having crossed over a fenced area of a grave marked with gravel and a black headstone.

Other images show a mini-digger being driven very closely to dozens of headstones and a small vehicle parked over a grave.

It comes after after a mother was told she must remove a decorative fence placed around her seven-year-old sons grave at the cemetery as it could pose a healthy and safety risk.

Sharna Andrews, whose son Harry-Lee died last year after suffering a severe asthma attack, said she would continue fighting to keep the fence in place.

But deputy leader and performance and resources cabinet member Hannah Norman said that the current rules and regulations are there to support operational activities at the cemetery.

A small vehicle appearing to be parked next to two headstones at the Gloucestershire cemetery (Alastair Chambers)

Movement of the digger can mean that graves which do not have a stonemasons approved kerb set can be damaged if they use a different edging, Ms Norman told the BBC.

Unfortunately, the grounds team do not have the capacity to move wooden, plastic or metal edgings prior to operating the digger and placing it back afterwards.

Use of the digger next to such edging is highly likely to cause damage and cause further upset to the families. This is absolutely something the council is highly motivated to avoid.

Now, thousands of residents have signed a petition demanding a change to the rules, according to Mr Chambers. The council has also unanimously agreed to review its cemetery regulations.

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council told MailOnline: The use of operational equipment to dig graves is in line with national practice and needed to navigate the cemetery site.

We would always look for the best access route to dig a grave and sometimes have no choice but to remove items to gain access, this would always be undertaken in as sensitive a manner as possible.

We have already committed to undertake a review into the rules and regulations around cemeteries in Gloucester to ensure they still meet best practice.

The current rules and regulations have been in place since August 2014 and are similar to other cemeteries and graveyards around the country.

All families are asked to sign up to these at the time of burial and copies are then sent to them at a later less stressful time to review and retain.
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A police inspector who posted misogynistic messages on social media branding women mentalists and narcissists has been sacked.

Inspector Philip Grimwade served with Nottinghamshire Police for more than 26 years before two women filed complaints about his online behaviour earlier in January and April this year.

Ex-Met officer Alice Vinten and activist Patsy Stevenson said that Mr Grimwade called women, including them, bats***crazy in dozens of posts on Twitter. In one tweet he is seen to be saying that Ms Stevenson should be thrown in the sea at high tide.

The tweets also included a reply to a 2021 tweet about the policing of the Sarah Everard vigil at which Ms Stevenson was bundled to the ground.

It made me feel sick, Ms Stevenson told The Independent. For someone to say I should be thrown off the pier at high tide - basically saying I should drown or be killed.

When I found out that comments were made about me, from a serving police officer, in a very vulgar manner, it made me cry. I dont think Ive done anything to deserve it, all my activism does is call out behaviour in the police. Im never nasty, I never insult anyone.

Ms Stevenson was subject to online abuse after taking part in a protest against the murder of Sarah Everard (PA)

Bindmans, who legally represented Ms Stevenson. shared a witness impact statement with The Independent in which Ms Stevenson said: It is difficult to describe how these messages have made me feel; I am devastated.

Growing up, I trusted the police and believed they were there to serve the public. Behaviour like that of Inspector Grimwade shows that the police are not only abusing their power, but are actively hostile towards vulnerable sections of the population.

The gross misconduct hearing was chaired by Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police Kate Meynell.

Mr Grimwade admitted gross misconduct and the hearing was told he was deeply remorseful for what he did, but he denied having misogynistic views.

He said he originally set up his Twitter account to shine a light on the good work of the force but had lost focus, perspective and manners over time, according to a statement by Nottinghamshire Police.

Ms Stevenson says she was devastated by the online comments (Patsy Stevenson/Joshua Gibbons)

The hearing found Mr Grimwade breached the standards of professional behaviour, specifically Twitter content relating to discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy.

Ms Vinten told The Independent after the hearing: Im really impressed with how seriously Nottinghamshire Police took my complaint.

They acted quickly to remove this abuse inspector from duty, and thoroughly investigated his sexist and offensive tweets.

It was shocking for me to see a senior member of a police force sending abusive tweets and bullying members of the public online.

In my opinion, if youre a bully online, then youre a bully in real life, and we need to ensure that bullies are rooted out of policing at all costs.

Thats why I made my complaint. I am glad he has been dismissed. Men like him do not deserve to hold a warrant card and he has let his colleagues down - the vast majority of whom are good, hardworking professionals.

At the hearing, Chief Constable Meynell said: The officer sent derogatory, offensive, discriminatory and abusive comments on twitter over a period of time from December 2017 until January 2023.

This is at a time when policing is under considerable national scrutiny through high-profile cases where there has been a failing to prevent or protect women and girls from abuse and violence. His postings directly concerned a woman involved in the Sarah Everard vigil at a time when quite rightly the public were concerned about the attitude of police officers towards women and girls.

The officers conduct was intentional, deliberate and targeted and occurred over a period of years. It was repeated and sustained behaviour.

It was or should have been apparent to him that this would cause personal distress to the individuals involved and to the reputation of Nottinghamshire Police and wider policing.

The officer was in a position of responsibility as he was an Inspector. He was a role model to junior officers and staff and he was responsible for setting the standards. In any event, the expectation is that an officer of any rank would not conduct himself in this way.

Mr Grimwade has been dismissed from Nottinghamshire Police and placed on the Barred List.
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Women dealing with severe mental illness are still being jailed despite prisons being ill-equipped to offer suitable care, a major review has warned.

Many women and health providers view the prison environment as unfit for purpose, while six in 10 inmates said the inconsistent health and social care services across Englands 12 womens prisons needed improvement, the long-awaited NHS and Prison Service review found.

Despite figures suggesting nearly 60 per cent of female offenders have experienced domestic abuse, the review warned of a gap in mental healthcare and specialist support for women who have experienced trauma, including sexual and domestic violence.

The review  which was due last March  is touted as involving potentially the largest-ever engagement of women with lived experience of prison, drawing on more than 2,250 responses from group discussions, one-to-one meetings, letters, postcards and drawings.

Its findings underscore heightened concerns around womens prisons, after the number of self-harm incidents rose by 63 per cent to hit a grim new record of 20,248 in the 12 months to June  three times higher than a decade earlier  despite the number of women self-harming remaining relatively stable in recent years.

The absolutely staggering rise could reflect issues with understaffing and a lack of suitable training, HM chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor told The Independent last month, adding: These are often the most vulnerable, very unwell women, some of whom should quite frankly be in secure hospital, not in prison.

Experts have long highlighted that mentally unwell women are being imprisoned unnecessarily, with MPs warning last April that legislation handing courts the power to remand people in prison for their own protection should be repealed.

While the governments draft Mental Health Bill proposed this, and introduced a requirement to remand people to hospital when the only ground is concern for mental health, Rishi Sunak did not include the Bill in the Kings Speech  leaving it off the parliamentary agenda for the year ahead.

Healthcare is inconsistent across Englands 12 womens prisons, the review found (PA Archive)

This is a missed opportunity to right a grave wrong, and means women as well as men in crisis will continue to be sent to prisons which are unfit and unequipped to meet their needs, Prison Reform Trust chief executive Pia Sinha told The Independent.

The newly-published review also highlighted that womens reception and early days in prison are often traumatic, deeply distressing and bewildering, especially for pregnant women and mothers separated from their children.

I didnt know where I was, I didnt feel like I could ask, I felt completely away from everything, one woman told the researchers. When they told me, I didnt have a clue, I couldnt picture it, then I found out I was hours from home and it really hit me how far away from my kids I was.

Only around half of women said their immediate healthcare needs were met during the first 24 hours in custody. Vital services are also often not gender-specific, researchers found, leaving further gaps in care for women.

Not one person has spoken to me about incontinence, menopause, what are healthy bowel habits, my boobs, said one woman, while another told researchers: Managing your periods in prison can be a nightmare. Some women dont even know the pill or coil can help. They just assume because theyre in prison, they arent entitled to this sort of help.

Women with reduced mobility, who are neurodiverse and who are older appeared most disadvantaged by a poor environment in prisons, the revew found, with one woman saying: Youve got more chance getting around prison on a flying carpet than you have in a wheelchair.

Female inmates missed nearly 4,000 planned outpatient appointments in 2019/2020, partly due to staffing pressures (Victoria Jones/PA)

The report also highlighted that not all staff are trained in trauma-informed care, with one respondent quoted as saying: There are so many mental health ladies and ladies with learning disabilities that should not be here.

The prison is not a mental health hospital. Staff are not trained to deal with the complex needs, so those people do not get help to do anything or get what they need.

Another said: Officers dont always get it, sometimes how they talk to us makes it worse. They need better training; they need to learn how to see it when a woman is in crisis.

Meanwhile, in the 2019/20 year, some 45 per cent of women did not attend planned outpatient appointments, compared to 22 per cent in the general population  with complex reasons for this including there being no prison staff available to accompany them, according to the Nuffield Trust.

The Ministry of Justice has pledged to deliver on the reports eight recommendations, and has earmarked 21m for a three-year delivery plan jointly led by the NHS, and Prison and Probation Service.

Urging an ongoing multiagency commitment to delivering the recommendations, the Prison Reform Trust warned that the review cannot be reduced to yet another bureaucratic process, adding: Its success needs to be measured by the impact it has on improving the health and social care needs of women in custody.
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Rishi Sunak has welcomed the critical temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict but said it was only the first step towards the release of all hostages.

Hamas freed 13 hostages on Friday, according to Israeli media, with dozens of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel to be released in exchange.

They are the first of 50 hostages captured by the militant group seven weeks ago to be released in stages during the four-day pause in fighting between Israeli forces and the militant group which began early on Friday.

The Prime Minister said the UK will work with partners in the region to make sure that this deal sticks, as more life-saving humanitarian aid began entering Gaza as part of the agreement.

It marks the first significant halt in the conflict that erupted after Hamass deadly attack on Israel on October 7, in which it took about 240 hostages.

The first group to be released, expected to be women and children, were on their way out of Gaza with the Red Cross, Israeli media reported.

Thailand said 12 of its nationals held by Hamas in Gaza were also freed on Friday.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron was visiting the Occupied Palestinian Territories to meet Palestinian leaders and commit a further 30 million in aid for the people of Gaza.

On the second day of his trip to the region to advocate adherence to the new agreement on all sides, the former prime minister also spoke to aid agencies about their humanitarian response in the territory as well as settler violence in the West Bank.

Mr Sunak told broadcasters: Weve consistently pushed for sustained humanitarian pauses so that we could get more aid into Gaza and get hostages out, so this is a very welcome development.

We need to make sure everyone abides by the terms of the agreement and we want to see all hostages released, including protecting the safety of British nationals that are involved Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Its obviously the first step. We need to make sure everyone abides by the terms of the agreement and we want to see all hostages released, including protecting the safety of British nationals that are involved.

He thanked Qatar and Egypt for the intensive weeks-long diplomacy in helping to secure the deal.

The Prime Minister continued: Were continuing to work with all our partners in the region, whether thats America, Israel and Egypt and others to make sure that this deal sticks and we can continue to do what we want to support everyone in Gaza, get more aid in and to ensure the safety and release of all hostages.

So its a very welcome step, something that weve been pushing hard for and working with partners on, so Im glad that this has come to fruition.

Lord Camerons talks with Palestinian leaders were to focus on how UK efforts can help ease the suffering of Gazas citizens, who have been bombarded and besieged by Israel as it attacks Hamas in response to the October 7 atrocities.

He was pictured looking over the West Bank with representatives from aid organisations, where he heard about Israeli settlement expansion and violence towards Palestinians.

The Reports of Palestinian civilians being killed by settlers across the West Bank are appalling, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office tweeted.

Israel must prevent these acts of violence and hold those responsible to account.

Lord Cameron also met senior UN officials in Jerusalem, where he offered his condolences for the 108 UN workers killed during the current crisis, the department said.

He announced 30 million of new funding for aid such as shelter and medical provisions as a fourth British aircraft carrying 23 tonnes of critical supplies including blankets and sleeping mats landed in Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary was urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage after holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during a visit to Israel on Thursday.
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Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has described being confronted in the street and accused of being part of a Covid-19 conspiracy to cull parts of the population, as she called on the Government to do more about the spread of misinformation.

Giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on Thursday, the former equalities minister also questioned the use of category BAME (black and minority ethnic) in analysis of the disproportionate impact of the virus.

Discussing Government efforts to improve vaccine uptake during the pandemic, she said some people believed the publicity campaigns were a part of a sinister secret conspiracy.

Ms Badenoch said: There was a fear that a lot of the communications about disproportionate impact was actually a secret conspiracy to scare ethnic minorities into taking vaccines which was a way of the Government culling the population.

So even the things that we were doing in order to identify risk were being manipulated into conspiracy theories to deter people from doing what would help them mitigate that risk, and that was something I was particularly concerned about.

When asked by Dermot Keating, counsel to the inquiry, about the most important lessons learned from the pandemic, Ms Badenoch said the Government is yet to get a handle on dealing with misinformation.

She added: I say this, even as a constituency MP, the number of people who come up to me in the street and tell me that I am part of a grand conspiracy to infect them, and so-and-so died because of the material that we were putting out.

I dont think Government has got a handle on dealing with misinformation. I dont think that we have adapted to this age of social media where information travels at lightning speed across the world.

I dont know how we solve it, but in terms of gaps, I think there is a lesson in the pandemic that this is an area that needs some addressing.

Ms Badenoch said she she had heard there is work going on in departments on the issue, but added: I dont see it.

I dont think Government has got a handle on dealing with misinformation. I dont think that we have adapted to this age of social media where information travels at lightning speed across the world Kemi Badenoch

She also voiced her opposition to the use of the BAME category in a Public Health England (PHE) analysis of disparities in the impact of Covid across the population, which was published in June 2020.

Explaining her position, she said the term masked what was actually happening within different ethnicities by lumping people who are black with people who are Asian.

Ms Badenoch added the umbrella term could make it harder to look at the underlying factors causing disproportionate impact of the virus, saying it completely obscures different bits of information and was not particularly helpful.

She also said additional funding would not have stopped ethnic minority groups being disproportionately affected by Covid-19.

Ms Badenoch added: What the evidence has shown is that being an ethnic minority was not the cause of being disproportionately impacted. It correlated with what the causes were  the co-morbidities.

So you have to tackle the actual cause, not the thing that comes in common with it.

There was no perfect way of finding a particular group to give extra cash to. And extra cash, in and of itself, would not have solved the problem which you were trying to resolve of trying to make sure people were protected and away from the virus.

She also criticised some unnamed Government departments for failing to do enough to assess the impact of their work on inequalities in a review of performance on the issue.

Discussing her findings, Ms Badenoch said: This was part of what we were we were looking to identify  where there were gaps; where some departments werent doing as well as they could or should.

When questioned on why her recommendations were broad observations rather than specific demands, she said: The way we write these documents might seem odd, but there is a lot of reading between the lines  we dont want to demoralise or over-criticise the people that were working with  but effectively what this paragraph is saying is that some people havent yet done what they should be doing.

In her written statement to the inquiry published on Thursday, Ms Badenoch alluded to pandemic-era gatherings in Downing Street, remarking that the focus on these events was unhelpful and fuelled scepticism.

There was clear annoyance, anger and upset over perceived breaches of rules and standard by those in authority, she said.

Clearly the focus on this at the time fuelled scepticism and was unhelpful overall in terms of the compliance narrative, however I do not think that it impacted peoples wellbeing or their decision to comply with the rules generally.
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Any potential Irish government legal challenge against the UKs contentious legacy laws would not derail improving relations between Dublin and London, Michael Gove has insisted.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up said he respected the sovereign right of Ireland to take a case against his government at the European Court of Human Rights.

The Irish government is deliberating on whether to mount an interstate case against the UK. It could also decide to support an existing legal challenge against the laws.

We restate our view that we don't believe that the approach that has been taken in terms of legacy is the right one Leo Varadkar

Ministers in Dublin are assessing legal advice on the issue from Attorney General Rossa Fanning.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.

Aspects of the laws include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The new Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests.

Multiple Troubles victims and family members are supporting a legal challenge against aspects of the Act at Belfast High Court.

Mr Gove and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were among senior politicians who attended a meeting of the British Irish Council in Dublin on Friday.

They were asked about the legacy issue at a post-meeting press conference.

The legacy is a uniquely sensitive issue, said Mr Gove.

We know and understand the Irish governments position, and we respect the autonomy of the decision-making process within the Irish government.

We, I think it is clear, believe it would be preferable not for a case to be taken forward. But thats a decision for the Irish government and it in no way leads to any deterioration or difficulty in any of the other conversations that we have.

Because we respect Irelands sovereign right in this regard, and we continue to work well with the Irish government in so many other areas.

Mr Varadkar said he and coalition colleagues had yet to make a decision on the legal advice.

Were still considering it, he said.

And, obviously, well speak to the British government again before making any decisions, any final decisions.

The relationship and working relationship, I think, between the Irish government and the UK government has improved considerably, largely because of the Windsor protocol (on post-Brexit trade) and the Prime Ministers considerable diplomatic achievement, I believe, in being able to secure that with the European Commission.

So thats always going to be part of our considerations too.

But, above all, we restate our view that we dont believe that the approach that has been taken in terms of legacy is the right one.
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Police and politicians have called for calm amid warnings against misinformation as violence broke out in Dublin following a knife attack on a woman and three young children near a school.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee labelled the scenes in the city centre intolerable, and said a thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in the capital.

Violence broke out after three young children and a woman were attacked Parnell Square East in the north of the city centre on Thursday afternoon.

A five-year-old girl is undergoing emergency treatment for her injuries, Irish police have said.

The woman was seriously injured while the two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, sustained less serious injuries

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries is a person of interest in their investigation.

Earlier on Thursday, Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said they were keeping an open mind in terms of the investigation but were satisfied there is no terrorist link.

However, at an evening press conference Mr Harris was asked about a potential terrorist link, and appeared minded not to rule that out.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, he said.

Until were sure what the motive is then we have to keep an open mind as to why this happened.

The scene of the incident is close to Irish language-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

A Garda public order unit was deployed in the area around Parnell Square, Parnell Street and OConnell Street as protesters started to scuffles with officers and flares and fireworks were thrown at the Garda cordon.

As the violence escalated, a bus and car were set on fire on OConnell Bridge in the heart of the city centre.

The Luas trams service was suspended after coming under attack.

Rioters looted a Foot Locker store on OConnell Steet as bottles were thrown at gardai on the famous Dublin street.

Other people carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

In a series of co-ordinated presses, gardai dispersed a large portion of the crowd onto nearby roads.

Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a garda helicopter monitored the situation overhead

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division Justice Minister Helen McEntee

Ms McEntee said: A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view.

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.

Speaking to media at Mountjoy Garda Station on Thursday evening, Mr Harris called for calm and spoke out against the spreading of misinformation.

He confirmed that a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

He said some individuals were using a tragic event which is under investigation by the authorities for their own ends and a hooligan faction who are only interested in causing damage and mayhem in the city centre and theyre using the opportunity for that as well.

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he said.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.

Mr Harris cautioned: The facts have yet to emerge, and will take time to fully emerge.

He said the motive for the afternoon attack is not clear to us at this moment in time.

Earlier, Supt Geraghty said: Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region. These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street.

He added: The male in his 50s is a person of interest to An Garda Siochana in this investigation and An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person at this time.

The officer said his understanding is that a knife was used, adding: It would appear to be a standalone attack, and we need to determine the reasons behind that.

He added: My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

Were aware that the public are concerned about the activities that have happened today. The message to them is that we believe that this is a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

So wed ask for people not to jump to conclusions and not to make rash judgments on what may have happened.

Siobhan Kearney said she witnessed what she believes was a man attacking children, describing what she saw as absolutely bedlam.

Ms Kearney told RTE she watched people disarm a man who she said had a knife.

I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road, she said.

The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume.

People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Irish premier Mr Varadkar said: We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square.

A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

The facts in this matter are still emerging. The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident in Dublin city centre had caused shock and horror.

Speaking at the scene she said children who witnessed what happened have been traumatised.

She added: Our heart goes out to the whole school community, to the children, the parents, the teachers.

I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

I pray the injured make a full recovery.

The community is stunned, stunned and horrified.
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Former SNP leader Alex Salmond has said the Scottish government faces day of reckoning as he launched legal action over the handling of sexual harassment claims against him.

Mr Salmonds lawyer confirmed that his successor as first minister Nicola Sturgeon is among named among those accused of misfeasance.

After his extraordinary bust-up with Ms Sturgeon during her time in charge of the SNP, Mr Salmond is thought to be seeking 3m in damages and loss of earnings.

The Court of Session confirmed on Friday that the case, Alex Salmond v Scottish ministers, had been called. The combative politician had long threatened a lawsuit.

In a statement, Mr Salmond said the calling of the action signals that the day of reckoning for the Scottish governments record of misfeasance on this grand scale will inevitably come.

Humza Yousaf, current SNP leader and first minister, said on Friday that the Scottish government will defend its position robustly  but Ill say no more because thats a live case.

Mr Salmond, first minister between 2007 and 2014, was investigated by the Scottish government after two complaints from staff were made under a new complaints procedure which included former ministers.

He was subsequently cleared of 13 charges of sexual misconduct, including attempted rape, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

An investigation was deemed by a judicial review to have been tainted with apparent bias after the Scottish government conceded defeat and Mr Salmond was initially awarded 512,000 as a result.

Sturgeon has said she has no interest in reconciling with Salmond (PA Wire)

The case put forward this week by Mr Salmond, his lawyer said, includes the soliciting of false criminal complaints.

It follows a protracted Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish governments handling of the original two complaints, which called both Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon to give evidence.

During the inquiry, Mr Salmond condemned Leslie Evans, Scotlands former top civil servant  accusing her of having a bias against him and calling for her resignation.

The inquiry, which worsened an already sour relationship between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon  who had previously been close  found Ms Sturgeon misled MSPs in her evidence, but she was cleared of any breaches of the ministerial code.

Ms Evans is named along with Ms Sturgeon among those accused of misfeasance.

Mr Salmond said that despite the specific findings of the parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of the former permanent secretary and the former first minister, not one single person has been held accountable.

He added: With this court action, that evasion of responsibility ends.

Mr Salmonds lawyer, Gordon Dangerfield, said the case accuses government officials of conducting themselves improperly, in bad faith and beyond their powers, with the intention of injuring Mr Salmond.

He said: We aver that public officials then took part in the criminal leaking of confidential documents, the concealment of documents in defiance of court orders and a criminal warrant, the misleading of the court during judicial review proceedings, the soliciting of false criminal complaints, and ultimately the commission of perjury at a parliamentary inquiry.

The lawyer added that the case was intended to blow apart the Scottish government cover-up which has gone on now for far too long.
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Boris Johnson has launched a bitter attack on anti-Brexit campaigners for crowing over record-high immigration figures  as he called on Rishi Sunak to use Brexit to order a crackdown.

The former prime minister presided over a steady rise in net migration during his own time at No 10, despite repeated promises to bring numbers down after Brexit.

Unapologetic about his role in the perceived immigration crisis, Mr Johnson used the latest figures showing net migration hit 745,000 to criticise both Remain campaigners and Mr Sunak.

In his latest Mail column, Mr Johnson said the anti-Brexit brigade had succumbed to a collective orgasm of excitement over the huge increase in people coming to the UK.

Its failed, they crow. Brexits a dud, they say, and not for the first time they are talking out of the backs of their necks. What they say is the flat opposite of the truth, and in their cynical hearts they know, he added.

Mr Johnson also argued that ongoing high levels of immigration means that the anti-Brexit brigade were totally wrong about the attractions of post-Brexit Britain.

The former Tory PM admitted that we underestimated the magnetic pull of the UK to attract large numbers of low-skilled people after Brexit  but put the blame on the Migration Advisory Committee.

Mr Johnson said: You will remember that after Brexit everyone was wailing about the thought of EU workers fleeing Britain, and business was worried about shortages. So the Migration Advisory Committee put the minimum [salary threshold] at only 26,000  not much more than the living wage.

But that figure, he said, was way too low. He said Mr Sunak must now raise the minimum income for most migrants right up to 40,000 or more.

He added: We have the powers to sort it out, and to change our immigration rules  which is exactly why the British people voted to take back those powers in 2016. We can do it now.

Boris Johnson claimed Brexit would help bring down immigration numbers (PA)

Mr Johnson, who led the party to victory with the 2019 manifesto, was kicked out of office last year.

His election-winning campaign saw the then-PM pledge that overall numbers will come down and we will ensure that the British people are always in control.

Mr Sunak is believed to be considering raising minimum salary thresholds, as he tries to head off a revolt of the Tory right over the plan to tackle both legal and illegal migration.

His immigration minister Robert Jenrick is said to be pushing him to bring in a cap on the total number of NHS and social care visas, along with a ban on foreign social care workers bringing dependants to the UK.

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson suggested that high levels of immigration are to blame for the Dublin riots, as he used the eruption of violence to knock the EU.

The former PM said people will not accept demographic change at this kind of pace  even in the most achingly liberal of countries and capital cities.

Mr Johnson added: Look at what is happening in Dublin, where that lovely and happy city seems to have been engulfed by race riots.

He also claimed the electoral victory of far-right candidate Geert Wilders in the Netherlands showed that immigration was too high across Europe was too high.

The people of Ireland and Holland, in my experience, are among the nicest, kindest, most generous in the world.

And yet there are plainly large numbers in both countries who are starting to worry that something has gone wrong, and that the EU system of free movement  a border-free Europe for the entire 450 million-strong territory  has too many downsides.
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Keir Starmer has praised the EUs theme tune as hugely optimistic, adding that it is the classical song that sums up the Labour Party.

The Labour leader said Beethovens 9th Symphony, the choral Ode to Joy, has a sense of destiny and moving forward to a better place.

It was adopted as the "Anthem of Europe" by the Council of Europe in 1972 and the European Union officially adopted Ode to Joy as its anthem in 1985, saying it expresses the European ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity.

The song is played at official ceremonies involving the European Union and the blocs website says it is not intended to replace the national anthems of the EU countries but rather to celebrate the values they share.

In an interview with Classic FM, Sir Keir said Ode to Joy was very sort of Labour.

He added: Youre getting everybody, Beethovens getting everybody onto the stage for this. I talk about a national mission for the next Labour government.

Sir Keir Starmer picked Beethovens 9th Symphony (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

This is a sense of something. It has got a sense of destiny and is hugely optimistic. And so for me, thats been hardwired in me for a long, long time.

So I would go with that. There are many others that I could associate with the Labour Party, but its that sense of moving forward to a better place, is incredibly powerful.

Tory chairman Richard Holden said Sir Keirs song choice was simultaneously totally naff and completely telling. Mr Holden said: Choose any in the world A Wesleyan Hymn some rousing Elgar a modern American classic a slice of Wagnerian Opera. And he alights on the EU Anthem.

As well as being the EUs anthem, Ode to Joy is also played at events including the Last Night of the Proms.

Sir Keir, an ardent Remainer who served as shadow Brexit secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, has ruled out rejoining the single market or a customs union if Labour wins power.

But he has promised to push for an improved trading relationship with the EU if Labour were to form the next government.

Labour has said it will renegotiate a better deal for the UK with the EU. The current agreement, struck by Mr Johnson, comes up for review in 2025  which could present and opportunity for changes.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: Labour will seek a better deal for Britain. This does not involve any form of membership.
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Rishi Sunak is facing a growing revolt over immigration after senior Tories backed a cabinet ministers call for a crackdown on foreign NHS staff.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has piled fresh pressure on the prime minister after shock figures showed net migration hit a new record of 745,000 last year, sparking a furious row within his own party.

Mr Jenrick  an ally of sacked home secretary Suella Braverman  is pushing for a cap on the number of NHS and social care visas that are issued, along with a ban on foreign care workers bringing dependants to the UK.

Senior Tories including former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith backed Mr Jenricks plan, which is being resisted by some in the cabinet due to the potential impact on the NHS.

Others in the cabinet are keen to see the detail of the proposals, with one cabinet source telling The Independent the 745,000 figure was beyond unsustainable.

Tory MPs on the right of the party say they are encouraged by Mr Jenricks stance.

A furious row erupted within the Conservatives when the figures were published on Thursday, with Ms Braverman describing them as a slap in the face.

Mr Sunak himself warned immigration levels were too high on Friday. The government is considering ways to cut the numbers, with No 10 saying ministers would leave no stone unturned.

But no announcement is expected imminently as ministers mull the options.

The prime minister also faces pressure on the issue from Labour figures. David Blunkett, the former Labour home secretary, hit out at the numbers as he described the immigration system as out of control.

Mr Duncan Smith said he was supportive of Mr Jenricks proposals as he also called on ministers to incentivise investment in new technology and training.

Couple the two together, [and] you will be tougher on bringing people in, but you've got to tell [businesses] theyve got to change, said Sir Iain.

Tory MP Tom Hunt, a leading member of the New Conservatives, said he was also supportive of Jenricks approach to crack down on visas.

Ms Bravermans mentor, senior Tory MP John Hayes, who is head of the right-wing Common Sense Group, said Mr Jenricks ideas were very encouraging, adding that the immigration minister was a true believer in big changes.

He told The Independent: Robert is absolutely right  these ideas can be implemented without delay... Its good that Robert is a true believer.

He also urged Mr Jenrick and Mr Sunak to go further and consider a more radical cap on overall numbers. You need an Australia-style overall annual cap on net migration  it could be agreed each year in parliament, he said.

Senior Tory Miriam Cates, co-founder of the right-wing New Conservatives group, also called for an Australian-style overall cap on net migration numbers, claiming the Home Office was handing out visas like sweets.

Failing to deliver on this issue is more serious than failing to cut taxes or taking too long to build hospitals  mass migration is changing the nature of Britain forever, Ms Cates wrote in the Telegraph. For there to be any hope of restoring trust, the government must act now.

Boris Johnson also piled the pressure on Mr Sunak in his latest Daily Mail column, calling for minimum salary thresholds for those coming to the UK to be raised to 40,000 or more.

The former Tory PM said we underestimated the magnetic pull of the UK to attract large numbers of low-skilled people after Brexit.

Mr Jenrick is understood to be pushing the PM to also scrap the shortage occupation list  jobs where employers struggling to find staff can fill roles with migrant workers.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick (PA Wire)

The five-point plan would also raise the minimum salary threshold for foreign workers to 35,000 and set a minimum 18,600 income for anyone wanting to bring a spouse to the UK.

Ms Braverman has called for an annual cap on net migration and backs the measures in Mr Jenricks plan.

On Friday, Mr Sunak said net migration levels need to come down to more sustainable levels. The PM said: Im very clear that the levels of migration are too high  Ive been clear about that. He pointed to a slight dip in Thursdays Office for National Statistics figures as a welcome step, but said weve got more to go.

He appeared to dodge the question when asked about Mr Jenricks proposals. On Friday morning, work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said the latest immigration figures were "unacceptable and said we have been taking action.

The PM was already said to be preparing a crackdown before the record figures were announced. That included a cut to the number of relatives foreign healthcare workers can bring into the UK to just one, ditching the shortage occupation list, and raising the minimum salary requirement from 26,200 to 31,000.

But as pressure mounts on Mr Sunak to take drastic action, those measures may not be enough to dampen Tory anger.

Rishi Sunak is under pressure to cut legal migration (Getty Images)

Thursdays figures revealed that, in total, 1.2 million more people have come to the UK than have left in the past two years.

In that time, 143,990 foreign health and social care workers moved to the UK with a total of 173,896 dependants.

It is estimated that introducing a higher threshold could reduce long-term migration by more than 50,000 people per year.

The governments migration advisory committee has already recommended the scrapping of the shortage occupation list amid fears it is being used to bring cheap foreign labour into the UK.
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Tory minister Penny Mordaunt has sparked anger after mocking a scheme aimed at slowing Scotlands drug deaths crisis in order to score cheap points in a row with the SNP.

Warning that undermining proven health interventions costs lives, experts spoken to by The Independent accused Ms Mordaunt of punching down on a group of people who are some of the most marginalised and vilified in society  and urged ministers to prioritise dealing with Englands own overdose crisis.

Scotlands overdose rate is the highest in Europe, with 1,051 drug-related deaths last year despite a record reduction in fatalities, amid a national push to tackle the crisis. South of the border, drug deaths have also soared three-fold in less than a decade to hit an all-time high of 4,859 in 2021.

Penny Mordaunt was accused of brutal contempt, as experts warned that undermining harm reduction approaches costs lives (Danny Lawson/PA)

Despite longstanding opposition from the UK government, backing from Scotlands most senior law officer in September has now paved the way for a planned drug consumption room in Glasgow  a space where people can take drugs in the presence of medical professionals on hand to prevent overdoses should they occur.

But Ms Mordaunt sought to use the scheme as a punchline on Thursday in a tirade against the SNPs appalling legacy for Scottish children, as she criticised a wrecked education system, a widening attainment gap, fewer teachers, maths scores declining in every PISA survey, science at a low record and plumetting literacy rates.

But they will, of course, have somewhere safe and warm to take heroin, the cabinet minister told the Commons.

The comments were met with consternation both north and south of the border among experts and politicians, including those who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses.

Gavin Heron, who lost his 25-year-old brother Evan to a heroin overdose in November 2021, said: He died alone in his home, a week after moving in from a heroin overdose. Penny Mordaunt used people like my brother to score cheap points today but we know that safe consumption rooms work.

Drug consumption facilities have prevented thousands of overdoses from being fatal in Denmark, Germany, Canada, the US and Australia (Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images)

Recalling personally witnessing an overdose reversal at a facility in Lisbon, Mr Heron added: Ive seen the criticism that they only delay death or that [they] are palliative care. To that I say  who are you to say that someone should die due to their use of drugs? Tell that to receivers of liver transplants  would you sentence them to death and deny the gift of life?

I dont know if a safe consumption room would have saved my brother  but we need different kinds of help for different people and different circumstances. People are injecting in squalor and without dignity  would you want to be part of a society that shuns you so brutally and views your needs and life as surplus to requirements?

Lets give everything we can to solving this crisis. We owe it to people like my brother and everyone who has died a drug related death in this country.

Responding to the former Tory leadership hopefuls jibe, SNP MP Stewart McDonald wrote on Twitter/X: You disgrace yourself, Penny Mordaunt.

My brother died of a drug overdose at his home. If he had access to a healthcare facility such as a safe consumption room  somewhere safe and warm as you put it  in order to manage his addiction then he might well still be alive today.

Speaking to The National newspaper  which carried criticism of the disgraceful remarks on its front page  Scottish Drugs Forum chief executive Kirsten Horsburgh warned that undermining harm reduction approaches costs lives.

Drug consumption rooms are used in 10 countries across the world, including Denmark, Canada and Australia (Getty Images)

This is an unhelpful perspective and derides an evidenced service which engages and supports people who are particularly vulnerable to drug-related harms, Ms Horsburgh said.

Peter Krykant, who risked the prospect of criminal conviction by setting up a mobile overdose prevention centre in an ambulance in Glasgow three years ago in defiance of UK laws, described Ms Mordaunts remarks as cold-hearted.

Scotland drug death rates are the highest in Europe, we are implementing something proven around the world to reduce deaths and harms but the contempt from Ms Mordaunt is brutal, said Mr Krykant.

Peter Krykant set up a safe consumption van in 2020 (Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

Experts also highlighted the fact that fatal overdoses are a public health crisis across the UK  not just in Scotland  and accused the UK government of creating a hostile environment for people who use drugs.

Mordaunts comment was a cheap shot, punching down on a group of people who are some of the most marginalised and vilified in society, Niamh Eastwood, executive director of the charity Release, told The Independent.

She talks about the SNP but nearly 11,000 people have died of a heroin-related death in England alone since the Conservatives came to power in 2010. Every year since 2011 drug related deaths have broken records across all four nations.

We are currently experiencing an increasingly toxic drug supply leading to increased overdose deaths. Focusing on the crisis that is happening in England and other parts of the UK should be Mordaunts priority not glib comments about the Scottish Government wanting to provide safe and warm spaces.

These spaces can save lives, but clearly the UK government wants to continue to create an unsafe and hostile environment for people who use drugs.

A drugs consumption room  where people could take heroin under medical supervision (PA)

The row comes after cross-party MPs on the home affairs committee urged the government to support a pilot of drug consumption rooms.

Overdose Prevention Centres have been proven around the world to reduce the harms caused by drugs, as well as reducing drug related deaths, Megan Jones, director at the charity Cranstoun told The Independent  and urged ministers to back the committees report.

At a time when right across the UK we face a public health crisis when it comes to people dying from overdose, we would urge the government to look at the evidence relating to these facilities.
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Oscar Pistorius will be released from prison after nearly a decade behind bars for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, after winning his case at a parole board hearing.

The South African former Paralympic champion shot and killed his partner at their home in Pretoria in 2013, and was jailed for 13 years for her murder in 2016.

On 24 November, a private parole board hearing at Atteridgevale prison in Pretoria set his release for 5 January 2024.

Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp two years before he shot and killed her in their apartment (AFP/Getty Images)

Once released, he will have to attend therapy for anger management and remain under supervision without being able to leave the area of Waterkloof, where he will be staying with family, for five years.

Reevas mother, June Steenkamp, chose not to attend the hearing, saying she cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage. However, in a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, she said she had forgiven him.

She did, though, write that she did not believe Pistoriuss version of events over the death of her daughter. The 37-year-old claimed he mistook the model for a burglar when firing four shots from a pistol.

Pistorius claimed he thought an intruder was in the bathroom when he fired four shots through the door, killing Ms Steenkamp (AP)

Speaking to reporters after the decision to free Pistorius, Singabakho Nxumalo, spokesperson for South Africas Department of Correctional Services, said: Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility.

Other conditions attached to the release date state when Pistorius will have to be at home and when he can work. They will also stop him from consuming alcohol and drugs, Mr Nxumalo said.

Rob Matthews, a spokesperson for Ms Steenkamps family, said: The parole board are of the opinion that he met the criteria for release on parole and I believe June will be fine with that. But I cant read inside her mind, I can only interpret what she said.

Rob Matthews, who is a spokesperson for Reeva Steenkamps mother June, and advocate Annade Theart-Hofmeyr speak to the media after the parole board hearing (AFP via Getty Images)

The parole board hearing was Pistoriuss second bid for freedom after a hearing in March wrongly ruled him ineligible for early release due to an error over when his prison sentence officially started.

Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has now done.

In 2014, after a highly publicised trial, he was convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Reeva, before that conviction was overturned.

However, in 2016, he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors and jailed for six years. The following year, the sentence was extended to 13 years and five months.

June Steenkamp provided a powerful victim impact statement to the parole board (AP)

Reeva, who was a university graduate and model, was killed aged 29 by Pistorius at their home (EPA)

It is likely that Pistoriuss application for release was helped by Ms Steenkamps decision not to oppose parole. Her husband Barry  Reevas father  died earlier this year.

In her victim impact statement, she wrote: I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar. In fact, I do not know anybody who does.

My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbours to hear her. I do not know what gave rise to his choice to shoot through a closed door four times at somebody with hollow-point ammunition, when I believe he knew it was Reeva.

The Paralympian, who competed at the 2012 Olympics, was told the news of the parole board hearing at Atteridgevale prison in Pretoria (AFP via Getty Images)

The murder of Ms Steenkamp happened when Pistorius was at the height of his fame and just months after he had become the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics. He was also a multiple Paralympic sprinting champion.

But his life would change forever when he fired multiple shots through a door at the couples apartment, killing his girlfriend.

In reaching its decision, the parole board took into account a wide range of factors, including the offenders conduct in prison, his mental health and any risk posed to the community by his release.
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A woman who has publicly claimed that Former New York Gov Andrew sexually assaulted her in the executive mansion during his time in office is now suing him, claiming that shes suffered substantial personal injuries and economic loss from the abuse.

The lawsuit was filed two days ahead of the Adult Survivors Act deadline on 24 November. The legislation provided a one-year lookback window for adults who suffered sexual assault or abuse but whose cases exceeded the states statute of limitations.

Brittany Commisso, 35, previously filed a criminal complaint against Mr Cuomo in 2021, but criminal charges against the former governor were dropped by the Albany County District Attorney in 2022.

In response to the suit, his attorney, Rita Glavin, said, Ms Commissos claims are provably false, which is why the Albany County District Attorney dismissed the case two years ago after a thorough investigation.

Ms Commissos transparent attempt at a cash grab will fail. We look forward to seeing her in court.

According to court records, the former staffer said she suffered abuse at the hands of the former governor from December 2019 to August 2021, which included allegedly groping her buttocks and breast, the complaint states.

She said Mr Cuomo allegedly retaliated against her in December 2020 for rejecting his sexual advances and reporting the harassment to officials.

This image provided by CBS This Morning/Times Union shows Brittany Commisso, left, answering questions during an interview with CBS correspondent Jericka Duncan on CBS This Morning, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, (CBS This Morning and Albany Times Union)

Following the report, she said she was stripped of her position as executive assistant to the governor and was forced to answer calls for the Lieutenant Governors office until she was transferred into another position.

Judith Mogul, former special counsel to the governor, is also named as a defendant in the suit, alleging she aided and abetted Mr Cuomo in his alleged retaliation.

The suit does not specify an amount being sought by Ms Commisso, only that she seeks an amount that exceeds the monetary jurisdictional limits of all lower courts which would otherwise have other jurisdiction.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during the daily media briefing at the Office of the Governor of the State of New York on July 23, 2020 in New York City. (Getty Images)

She continues to incur expenses associated with the alleged incidents, the complaint states.

The former staffer is one of 11 women who have accused Mr Cuomo of sexual assault.

In 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a 168-page report concluding that during his time in office, Mr Cuomo engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under federal and New York State law.

Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees, the report stated.
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Bodycam video footage of the interaction between an Atlanta deacon and a police officer has been released, clarifying what exactly happened in the moments leading up to the officer fatally tasing the man.

The incident took place on 10 August, when the 62-year-old deacon, Johnny Hollman, was getting arrested by Officer Kiran Kimbrough after a minor car crash.

The bodycam footage, which spans almost an hour, captures Officer Kimbrough talking to Hollman and the other driver at the scene of the collision.

Hollman repeatedly insisted that the other driver hit him. The exchange escalated after the officer told the deacon that he didnt turn his car properly, again blaming him for the crash.

At one point, the officer, who has since been fired, can be heard repeatedly telling Hollman: Sign the ticket. Although Hollman clearly doesnt want to sign it, he eventually concedes as the officer approaches him, saying hell sign the ticket. Thats when the physical altercation begins.

The officer tried grabbing Hollmans arm, but Hollman swatted his arm away, while complaining, My right arm really hurts, man. Seconds later, Hollman is on the ground, with the officers hands pressed up against his back.

I aint doing nothing, Hollman yelled. Why are you hurting me like this, man?

This image from bodycam video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Johnny Hollman Sr. speaking with Officer Kiran Kimbrough on Aug. 10, 2023 in Atlanta (Atlanta Police Department)

Sign the ticket! the officer yelled back, before saying, Im gonna tase you, put your arms behind your back now.

Hollman then flips around so that his back is on the ground while Officer Kimbrough keeps telling him to put his arms behind his back. I cant breathe, Hollman screams repeatedly  at least 12 times, the footage shows.

The officer then tases the grandfather.

After the videos release, Arnitra Hollman, the deacons daughter, said: Were asking for the officer to be jailed and prosecuted to the fullest extent because what he did to our father was senseless.

It makes me angry. Im bitter... because I want my daddy back. We want our father back, she continued.

Hollman family lawyer Mawuli Davis also said at the press conference: What he was doing was he was making his case, like so many of us do when someone is going to issue us a ticket. He later added, Instead of listening and being patient and using his training of de-escalation, instead this officer treated him as if he were not an elder.

An autopsy report ruled that Hollmans death was a homicide, with his history of heart disease, as well as the electrical shock from the taser, contributing to his death.

Our position is that it was an unwarranted, unjustifiable assault that led to a death, Hollman family lawyer Mawuli Davis said last month. And in my book, that is murder.

An August release from the Atlanta Police Department said: The officer attempted to issue a traffic citation to the at-fault driver. However, the driver became agitated and uncooperative.

The officer attempted to take the driver into custody, but he resisted, and a struggle ensued, the release continued.

Mr. Hollman violently and unlawfully resisted Officer Kimbroughs lawful efforts to arrest him, Mr Kimbroughs attorney Lance LoRusso told the AP. The Atlanta Police investigation confirmed Officer Kimbrough deployed his city-issued TASER and used force in a manner consistent with his training and Georgia law.

The release of the footage comes after a suspense-filled delay, as Atlanta police previously said the video wouldnt be released until after the investigation was completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Since the bureau completed its probe into the deacons death, it handed over the investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The DAs office said on Wednesday the probe is ongoing but didnt make clear when a charging decision would be made.
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Residents of a Kentucky town that was evacuated en masse after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed have now been told they can safely return home.

On the evening before Thanksgiving, residents in the small, remote town of Livingston in Kentucky were told to leave their homes after 16 cars on a 40-car CSX train derailed that afternoon.

Two of the cars were carrying molten sulphur and caught fire, releasing sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county and an evacuation order was issued. Meanwhile, the US Route 25 was closed in both directions through Thursday.

After spending the Thanksgiving holiday eating a dinner supplied by the rail company in a local middle school and a church  and spending the night in the school hall or locals hotels  the roughly 200 residents of the town were able to return home.

CSX made the announcement on Thursday afternoon after the rail company and emergency officials spent hours putting out the fire.

Special air monitoring equipment was then used to determine that the area was safe for residents to return home.

Mr Beshear confirmed on X that the residents could spend the remainder of the holiday back in their houses.

Thank you to the first responders who worked hard to put out the fire at the train derailment site in Rockcastle County, he wrote.

While there is still work to be done, we are thankful for the good news that our families in Livingston are able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving at home.

An outreach centre has been opened in a local gymnasium to help families back into their homes.

From Sunday, CSX will also be reimbursing residents for any wage losses and out-of-pocket expenses caused by the incident  and will still be supplying food and lodging as needed.

Livingston residents were evacuated to a local middle school (WTVQ via AP)

Residents had previously spoken of their disappointment that they had to leave their homes for the holidays.

Linda Todd told WYMT she was in the middle of preparing her Thanksgiving feast for the next day when she was told to leave immediately by a local official.

I was freaking out because I said, We are cooking, we got turkeys in the ovens. We cant leave. They were like, You have to go, it is a bad situation. You have to go, she said.

Evelyn Gray, another resident, said she was instantly impacted by the toxic chemical when an official opened her back door to tell her to evacuate.

As soon as he opened the back door to come in, the chemical hit me, and I had a real bad asthma attack, Ms Gray told WTVQ-TV.

Sulphur dioxide can harm the human respiratory system, making breathing difficult and damaging the lungs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. People with asthma, particularly children, can be very sensitive to exposure.

Work crews are still clearing up the molten sulphur from the ground and shifting the derailed cars to restore the area completely.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, CSX said in its latest statement.
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In the small, remote town of Livingston, Kentucky, residents had been preparing their turkeys and setting their tables for Thanksgiving the following day.

The roughly 200 people had no idea that a train carrying chemicals had derailed off the tracks nearby.

In total, 16 large train cars derailed  two containing molten sulphur. The chemicals instantly caught fire and sent large clouds of smoke billowing into the air.

The atmosphere quickly filled with toxic sulphur dioxide, prompting authorities to declare an emergency and evacuate residents from their homes, sending them to shelter in hotels, lodgings, and even a local middle school.

It wasnt quite the Thanksgiving Livingston residents had hoped for  eating pizza slices on a camp bed in a school hall the evening before they planned to fill up on turkey and cranberry sauce. On the holiday day, the train company CSX put on a Thanksgiving dinner in the school and a local church.

On Thursday afternoon, residents were given the all-clear to return home to spend the remainder of the holiday weekend as planned.

But, despite assurances that the area is now safe, many questions remain  including what caused the derailment in the first place.

Heres what we know so far:

What happened?

On Wednesday, at least 16 train cars derailed near the small town of Livingston in Rockcastle County in Kentucky.

The Eastern US railroad operator CSX said that the trains derailed just north of the town around 2.23pm, where at least 16 cars were involved, including two molten sulphur cars that have been breached and have lost some of their contents, which is on fire.

Two cars carrying sulphur caught fire, releasing toxic fumes into the air as a result.

WYMY could only get this close to the crash, showing fumes rising up in the air (WYMT)

Large clouds of smoke were spotted by witnesses, which left first responders struggling to get to the scene at first, WYMT reported.

At least one rail crew member out of the two-person crew sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Authorities came to the site to assess the seriousness of the chemical leak while US Route 25 was shuttered in both directions and Livingstons 200 residents were placed under an evacuation order.

Another town nearby, called Piney Branch, was also evacuated, according to WYMT.

CSX urged residents to use emergency lodging in Mount Vernon and that it was working with local restaurants and hotels nearby to provide meals.

The Red Cross also provided emergency shelter at the local Rockcastle County Middle School, which provided families with pizza, snacks and drinks.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the area so that the states Emergency Operations Center could be activated.

By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe, Mr Beshear said in a statement.

Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.

In an update on Thursday morning, CSX said the two molten sulphur carts continued to burn, despite ongoing efforts to distinguish the blaze. It remains unclear what caused the train to derail.

Beds were set up by a Red Cross reponse team at the local school (WYMT)

What was the train carrying?

CSX said that, besides the two train cars carrying sulphur, some other cars were carrying magnesium hydroxide.

Those cars do not appear to have been breached in the accident.

Other non-hazardous items such as grain and plastic were also being transported on the train.

The rail company explained that, when molten sulphur burns, it releases sulphur dioxide.

Sulphur dioxide is known to affect the human respiratory system, which can make breathing very difficult and can damage lungs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. People with asthma, particularly children, can be very sensitive to exposure.

Sulphur dioxide has a strong odour and, while it is colourless, sulfate particles have the ability to create haze and reduce visibility.

As well as the dangers to humans, sulphur dioxide can seriously damage the environment  harming trees and plants and limiting their growth.

Bryan Tucker, a spokesperson for CSX, said the company could not yet confirm the amount of sulphur dioxide released into the air until measurements were collected using air monitoring equipment.

Thanksgiving plans ruined

It was not the most ideal start to the holiday for the small Kentucky town.

Linda Todd, an evacuated Livingston resident, said that her Thanksgiving rituals came to an abrupt end when she was told to evacuate her home.

I was freaking out because I said, We are cooking, we got turkeys in the ovens. We cant leave. They were like, You have to go, it is a bad situation. You have to go, Ms Todd told WYMT.

Residents are still in shock over the mass evacuation (WYMT)

Another resident, Cindy Bradly, also told the outlet she was ushered out of her home by authorities.

We get a knock at the door, a pound at the door, Sandy Singleton, the commissioner of Livingston, theres 12 to 14 cars in the river, you have to get out of here, she said.

"We said, What about Thanksgiving?"

CSX provided a Thanksgiving dinner for the evacuated townsfolk at a local church and middle school.

Mr Beshear shared a tweet, asking people to keep the Livingston residents in their thoughts.

Due to the train derailment, many families in Livingston in Rockcastle Co. will be displaced for Thanksgiving, he wrote on X.

Please think about them and pray for a resolution that gets them back in their homes. Thank you to all the first responders spending this day protecting our people.

Evacuation order lifted

By Thursday afternoon, the rail company and emergency responders had managed to extinguish the flames.

CSX made the announcement on Thursday afternoon saying that special air monitoring equipment had been used to determine that the area was safe for residents to return home.

Mr Beshear confirmed on X that the residents could spend the remainder of the holiday at home.

Thank you to the first responders who worked hard to put out the fire at the train derailment site in Rockcastle County, he wrote.

While there is still work to be done, we are thankful for the good news that our families in Livingston are able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving at home.

An outreach centre has been opened in a local gymnasium to help families back into their homes.

From Sunday, CSX will also be reimbursing residents for any wage losses and out-of-pocket expenses caused by the incident  and will still be supplying food and lodging as needed.

The US Route 25, which was was closed in both directions, has also reopened.

What caused the crash?

As residents are making their way back home, the rail company is now focusing on clearing up the molten sulphur from the ground and shifting the derailed cars to restore the area completely.

But, the cause of the crash remains a mystery.

CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker told The Independent on Friday that the cause of the derailment is still under investigation.
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Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who fatally shot two Black Lives Matter protesters in Wisconsin in 2020, has now gone broke, according to his lawyer.

Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, died after Mr Rittenhouse, then 17 years old, fired a semi-automatic AR-15-style assault rifle at them during a night of unrest in Kenosha, as hundreds gathered to protest the police shooting of Black man Jacob Blake.

Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, was also shot but survived.

After the shootings, Mr Rittenhouse was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, and two charges of first-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Mr Rittenhouse, now 20, argued he fired in self-defence after each of the men attacked him.

In 2021, a jury acquitted him of all charges.

Since then, Mr Rittenhouse has made regular appearances in right-wing media and recently announced the release of his new book, titled Acquitted, which he describes as a story of survival, resilience, and justice.

But, despite his infamy, Mr Rittenhouses lawyer has revealed the 20-year-old has lost all his money since his acquittal.

Kyle Rittenhouse has gone broke since his acquittal, according to his lawyer (2021, Sean Krajacic, Kenosha News, All rights reserved)

He is working, he is trying to support himself. Everybody thinks that Kyle got so much money from this. Whatever money he did get is gone, lawyer Mark Richards told Court TV.

Hes living, I dont want to say paycheck to paycheck, but hes living to support himself. Obviously, as his lawyer and somebody who I want to do well, I hope he does re-engage in his studies.

But right now he is working full-time, he is living a law-abiding life and he is doing something that he enjoys.

Mr Rittenhouse has previously been open about his financial situation, appearing on Fox News to plead for donations to his legal fund.

Despite being acquitted in criminal court, the 20-year-old is currently facing a lawsuit filed by John Huber, the father of Anthony Huber.

Mr Huber filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr Rittenhouse, Kenosha city officials and its police force accusing them of violating his sons constitutional rights.

Mr Rittenhouse has raised $250,000 in donations for a legal defence fund to fight the lawsuit.

The estate of Joseph Rosenbaum also filed a wrongful death suit against Mr Rittenhouse in August of this year for compensatory and punitive damages.

Mr Rittenhouses trial and acquittal were divisive, with prosecutors portraying him as a wannabe soldier who had gone looking for trouble, while his supporters regarded him as a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness.

Controversy has continued to surround the 20-year-old in the aftermath of the trial, as he has slammed the media and officials including President Joe Biden and campaigned for gun rights.

Earlier this year, he joined gun rights activists in opposing a Texas state House bill that sought to raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21, in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting a year earlier.

Meanwhile, in July, he filed papers with the Texas secretary of states office to establish The Kyle Rittenhouse Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to protect human and civil rights secured by law, including an individuals inalienable right to bear arms and ensure the Second Amendment is preserved through education and legal assistance.
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Veterinarians have raised the alarm over a mystery coughing illness on the rise in dogs across the US.

Experts have warned that symptoms of the mystery illness may present as similar to those of kennel cough, including coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy.

But the illness is distinct from kennel cough because symptoms will include a wet, rather than a dry cough, experts have said.

Instead of that dry cough where the dog felt good, it was now this wet cough where the dog felt sick, Amanda Cavanagh, the section head of the urgent care service at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told Good Morning America.

Vets have also warned that the mystery illness is highly contagious and could potentially be fatal.

Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire are among the states that have seen cases of the illness, which has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics.

Some cases of the pneunomia progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has documented more than 200 cases of the disease since mid-August.

Wendy Brown, from Idaho, told Good Morning America her three golden retrievers  Bridge, Dooley and Lulu started showing symptoms of the mystery illness earlier this month.

Dooley started doing kind of this huffing and also seemed to feel quite lethargic, she said. Not too long after, Bridge began to exhibit the symptoms. But his were louder, more boisterous. I thought it was his stomach because he made like a retching sound.

Ms Brown said she initially thought her dogs had kennel cough, but after the coughing did not subside, she knew it was more serious.

She said after 10 days and a dose of doxycycline from the vets, her beloved pets are still not feeling much better.

Ms Cavanagh said any dogs showing signs of consistent coughing should be brought to a vet to be examined.

We can ultrasound the lungs to see if there is a problem that is related to pneumonia or the contagious pneumonia that seems to be going around, she said.

She also recommended keeping any dogs showing symptoms away from other dogs during the length of their illness, as well as for two weeks after the cough goes away.
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The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Now, two days on, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash which has left the couples upstate New York community of Grand Island in mourning.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

Surveillance footage of the moments before the crash (AP)

On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department  which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism  carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

The married couple, both 53, had been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto on Wednesday night, law enforcement sources previously told CNN.

But the gig was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley becoming ill with the flu, and so the couple stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino instead.

The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the casino, told The Independent it was cooperating with law enforcement to review and hand over any information related to the vehicle.

It was after a brief stop at the casino that the vehicle made the mile-long, ill-fated trip towards the US-Canada border crossing.

Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, flew into the air and travelled over a fence before crashing into a border patrol booth.

The car instantly burst into flames with thick black smoke and roaring flames billowing up to the sky.

The Villanis were both killed in the blast and a Border Patrol agent also suffered minor injuries.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an accident just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack, Ms Hochul said.

Several lanes of the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between closed Wednesday (AP)

She added: Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I wont call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life  but at this time: no known terrorism activity.

The FBIs Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that no terrorism nexus was identified.

The bureau said it had turned the investigation over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

The three other bridges  the Peace Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge  connecting New York state and Canada reopened on Wednesday after being shuttered for a few hours. The Rainbow Bridge finally reopened to the public on Thursday.

On Friday morning, Niagara Falls Police identified the couple as Kurt Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53.

The couple lived in the upstate New York community of Grand Island, where they owned several businesses.

Devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones spoke out paying tribute to them.

The couples friend Chuck Meyer told WGRZ of his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, he told the local outlet on Thursday.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.
 Close Smoke billows from Niagara Falls explosion as two people dead in vehicle blast

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Police in Niagara Falls have warned the public about the dangers of misinformation about the deadly crash at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing.

Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53 and from Grand Island, New York, were killed last Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing, which connects the US and Canada.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, but officials later ruled this out.

Now, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash with authorities probing the possibility of a mechanical failure on the car or a medical emergency involving the driver.

Police are also using 3D scanning technology to help create a digital crash scene.

While information remains scant, Niagara police chief of police hit out at the rampant speculation which is causing significant and unnecessary anxiety within the local community.

We saw an immense amount of misinformation and speculation on both mainstream and social media platforms, which created significant and unnecessary anxiety in the community, he said.
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Tributes are pouring in for the New York couple who were killed in the fiery car crash on the Rainbow Bridge which connects the US and Canada.

The couple were named by police on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, though devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones in the upstate New York community of Grand Island knew the victims identities before they were officially confirmed.

Grand Island locals hailed the Villanis, who were owners of a small-business, as ingrained and influential members of the community, always happy to help with charitable causes and community projects.

Everybody knows everybody on Grand Island... Its the smallest town of small towns, Eric Fiebelkorn, president of the Chamber of Commerce on Grand Island, told The Buffalo News.

They are a very generous and community-oriented family. It leaves a void in our small-town business community that will be very difficult to fill. Our prayers and our thoughts certainly go out to their family and staff.

There are some people who are always plugged in. Their family always was.

The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the clubs treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.

Police stand guard as the Peace Bridge, one of four major crossings into the US from Canada, is closed after a car crashed and exploded at The Rainbow Bridge on 22 November 2023 (Getty Images)

Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked, he said.

Its just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.

The couples friend Chuck Meyer also revealed his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, he told the local outlet on Thursday.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.

Mr Villanis father, Kurt Villani Sr, had also been a well-known figure in Grand Island, prior to his death in August last year.

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert M Restaino, a long-time friend of Mr Villani Sr, paid tribute to the couple, describing them as two kind, easygoing people.

Our families have known each other for decades. I knew Kurt and Monica, two kind, easygoing and very hardworking people, Mr Restaino told The Buffalo News.

He added: This was just a tragic, horrible incident, and because of the condition of the vehicle and sadly the human remains, we may never find out exactly what happened.

The Villanis had a son and a daughter, and are also survived by Mr Villanis mother, according to Mr Restaino.

Investigators are still probing what led to the fiery crash on the bridge, that sparked a security scare and prompted the brief closure of four US-Canadian border crossings on Wednesday.

The Niagara Falls Police Departments Crash Management Unit has taken over the investigation after federal agencies, including the FBI, determined that the incident was not terror-related.

A sign indicates that all bridges between the US and Canada are closed after a car crashed and exploded at The Rainbow Bridge on 22 November 2023 (Getty Images)

Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete, Niagara Falls Police Department Superintendent John Faso said in a statement.

Video of the crash, caught on security camera and posted to X, by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, showed the car travelling from the US side at high speed, then hitting a curb and flying into the air before crashing to the ground and exploding in flames.

The driver and passenger both died. A CBP officer also suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital and released.

The crash unfolded at a time of heightened security concerns around the world stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict and at the peak of US holiday travel on the eve of Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Rainbow Bridge and all three other border crossings along the Niagara River between western New York and the Canadian province of Ontario  the Peace Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge  were shut for several hours as a precaution.

The three bridges that were not involved were reopened early Wednesday evening, before the Rainbow Bridge reopened on Thursday.

Additional reporting from the agencies
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The couple tragically killed in the crash at the Rainbow Bridge crossing have now been identified.

Kurt Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53, were residents of Grand Island, New York, Niagara Falls police announced on Friday.

The City of Niagara Falls would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families as they deal with this tragedy, police said in a statement.

Although little is known about the couple at this time, an obituary for Kurt Villanis father revealed the pair are survived by two children.

The couple had been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto on Wednesday, but the gig was cancelled when frontman Paul Stanley fell ill with flu.

The Villanis instead headed to a casino near the border, CNN reported.

The crash took place when the pair left the casino.

The Bentley they were driving in rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.

Dramatic footage captured the car speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border.

The car then flew into the air and travelled over a fence before crashing into a border patrol booth, where it burst into flames.

A member of the Border Patrol stands guard as Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and local authorities block traffic to the Rainbow Bridge (Getty Images)

Although initial fears of a terror attack circulated, officials said on Thursday that they had determined that the incident was not a terrorist event.

New York Gov Kathy Hochul said in a briefing that there is no indication of terrorist involvement in the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls at this time.

In the wake of the incident, officials briefly closed all four border bridges between the two countries and grounded planes at nearby Buffalo Airport. They have since all reopened.

An investigation into the cause of the crash continues.
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In the small, close-knit town of Smith Falls, Ontario, three disappearances have cast an unsettling shadow over the community, leaving residents with many unanswered questions.

In the last 14 months, Lawrence Bertrim, 43, Robbie Thomson, 34, and Steve Tate, 34, have all disappeared from the Canadian town, which has a population of just 9,300.

Nobody knows what happened to the men, but rumours about their fate have spread around the town like wildfire, leaving residents unnerved.

Although police have not linked the three cases, the three men are believed to have been friends, according to local residents.

This has only added to the mystery surrounding the disappearances, and with no arrests made and nothing in the way of an explanation, the mystery remains unsolved.

Meanwhile, as time goes on, a small community is left with more questions than answers.

Here is everything we know so far:

Who are the missing men?

The mystery began in the fall of 2022 when Lawrence Bertrim, 42, disappeared.

One year later, around mid-October, his acquaintance Robbie Thomson, 34, was reported missing, followed by 34-year-old Steve Tate, whose body was found in a ditch along a rural stretch of a highway earlier this month, around four miles from where he was last seen alive near Lombard and Lavinia streets in Smiths Falls.

The exact nature of the three mens relationship remains unknown, as well as whether their disappearances are at all connected, but all three men had a history of drug use, according to local residents, and police noted they all had similar interests.

Last week, Mr Tates house was raided by police as part of a drug investigation.

Three friends have gone missing from the remote Canadian town of Smiths Falls (Flickr)

Officers said they found crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine and other illegal drugs, along with firearms and an axe.

Several people have since been charged with possession and intent to distribute, though the charges are unconnected to the disappearances.

We just have rumours

In the absence of information, gruesome unconfirmed rumours have swirled around the town about how the three men may have died.

Kelley Denham, who runs a Facebook group of about 8,000 local residents, told CBC News the closure of the local newspaper earlier this year, paired with Metas recent ban on Facebook posts by Canadian news outlets, has contributed to the vacuum of information surrounding the disappearances, which in turn has fuelled rumours and speculation about what happened to the men.

Its like people have forgotten how journalism works, she said. Now we dont have news. We just have rumours. Lots and lots of rumours.

Police have also been tight-lipped about the three cases, according to local residents, and have declined to comment on the rumours running rampant in the remote, small town.

Police havent said anything, said resident Bill Linton.

This is something that has been a cause for concern for the towns mayor Shawn Pankow, who has had a lingering sense of worry about the harm the absence of information is causing to the town and the victims families after investigators said they had been receiving an abundance of second-hand information in the 14 months since the first disappearance.

When gaps exist people tend to fill them in with their own assumptions, unfortunately, he said.

Police have since implored anybody with first-hand knowledge concerning what happened to the three men to come forward.

Mr Bertrims mother, Linda Young, also made a similar appeal.

I know that people are hearing things and have information, she said. Help bring my family some closure.

Residents feel unsafe

Although investigators are far from working out what happened to the three men, they have so far refused to rule out foul play.

But with no arrests made, residents have been left feeling unsafe in their town as speculation grows about the disappearances.

Ive lived in this town since I was five. For 42 years, this is the first time Im not comfortable. I would not leave my house now, said Amanda Ellis, who knew Mr Thomson and Mr Bertrim.

I know a lot of people arent feeling very safe in this community, she added. Whats to stop this when there arent arrests, there arent repercussions?
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Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is appearing before a parole board on Friday, as he bids for an early release from prison for his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamps murder.

Pistorius shot and killed Ms Steenkamp at their home in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2013. He was given a 13- years jail sentence for her murder in 2017 - but could be freed if he is successful at the hearing at Atteridgeville prison.

His bid has been boosted after Ms Steenkamps mother June decided to not oppose an early release, who said she could not muster the energy to face him again at this stage in a statement read outside the prison.

However, she has issued a powerful victim impact statement to the hearing in which she said she did not believe Pistorius claim he thought he was shooting at an intruder in their house.

She said her dearest child screamed for her life during the killing, which had left a massive hole for her family. But she also said she had forgiven Pistorius as she would not be able to survive if I had to cling to my anger.

Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp in 2012 - a year before he killed her at their apartment (AP)

In the victim impact statement, reported by Mail Online, June Steenkamp wrote: I do not believe Oscars version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar. In fact, I do not know anybody who does.

My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbours to hear her. I do not know what gave rise to his choice to shoot through a closed door four times at somebody with hollow-point ammunition when I believe, he knew it was Reeva.

She continued: Im not attending Oscars parole hearing, as I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.

I had forgiven Oscar long ago, as I knew almost instantly that I would not be able to survive if I had to cling to my anger. I do know that messages sent by Reeva highlights huge anger issues.

Todays parole hearing is the latest twist in the story of the double-amputee runner, once known as the Blade Runner for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs and who was a national hero in South Africa after winning gold at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics.

June Steenkamp, Reevas mother, is not opposing the parole hearing - a boost for Pistorius case (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

But during the incident at his home on Valentines Day, he killed Steenkamp, a 29 year-old law graduate, when he fired four shots with a pistol through the door of a toilet cubicle.

The now 37-year-old claimed it was a mistake, believing there was a dangerous intruder hiding in the bathroom.

After a highly-publicised murder trial, he was initially convicted for culpable homicide - a charge comparable to manslaughter - and jailed for five years in 2014, before the conviction was overturned the following year.

However, he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors, and jailed for six years in 2016 - before, in 2017, the sentence was more than doubled to 13 years and five months by the supreme court.

Under South African law, serious offenders must serve at least half their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has now done.

In March, he was denied parole after not completing the minimum detention period - but in October this was deemed wrong after the constitutional court said he had served half his sentence by March 21 this year.

Pistorius won gold at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics (Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)

The parole board will consider a number of factors including the nature of the crime, his conduct in prison and the possibility of reoffending.

Under a release, Pistorius could be released on full parole or day parole, where he can live and work in the community but must return to prison at night.
 Close Emergency services at scene of stabbing near school in Dublin city centre

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The suspect in the Dublin nursery stabbing which sparked violent riots in Irelands capital has suffered extensive brain injuries which may be permanent, it has been claimed.

An Garda Siochana did not comment on claims by a source who told the Irish Mirror that the suspect is in a bad way, adding: His head injuries are extensive and may be permanent.

It comes as the five-year-old girl who was stabbed remains in critical condition at CHI Temple Street, while the childrens care assistant, a woman aged in her 30s, is in a serious but stable condition in The Mater Hospital.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald insisted on Monday that justice minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harriss positions were untenable, warning that we now have a scenario where people do not feel safe in parts of Dublin's inner city.

Irelands further education minister Simon Harris pledged that there would be a full review of the policing of the riots which engulfed parts of central Dublin on Thursday, which he condemned as absolute opportunistic criminality and thuggery.
 Close Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelandic town at risk of volcanic eruption

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Around 120 earthquakes have rocked the areas surrounding the town of Grindavik as they await a likely eruption, report the Icelandic Met Office.

It comes as the exact location for an eruption has been revealed by the Icelandic Met Office, which says it is still considered likely.

Experts at the Icelandic Met Office have issued a key update after a study of data from GPS stations and satellite images showed an uplift continues in the area of Svartsengi, north of Grindavik.

The Met Office stated that the eruption is still considered likely as the magma inflow continues, adding that the highest likelihood for an eruption is in the middle part of the dike between Hagafell and Sylingarfell.

Earthquake activity has also led to the deepening of the port at Grindavik, according to RUV.

The change in depth is because of the earthquakes impact, said the port manager Sigurur Arnar Kristmundsson.

He told RUV: The docks seem to have sunk by 20-30 centimeters when we measured about 10 days ago and then there is a chance that, yes, the bottom has sunk accordingly.

A fortnight ago, Grindavik was evacuated after magma-induced seismic activity tore vast chasms through the streets.
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Vladimir Putin has reportedly pardoned two Russian men convicted of cannibalism after they deployed to the frontline in the war with Ukraine.

One of the men, Denis Gorin, was recruited into a private military company after signing a contract with the Russian ministry of defence but is known to have been convicted thrice for murdering at least four people between 2003 and 2022. He was also convicted of eating the remains of his victims along with his brother, reported Sibir Realii, a news outlet aligned with Radio Free Europe.

He is the 17th person convicted for murder to be pardoned by the Russian president between 2022 and 2023. At the trial, he (Gorin) admitted that they ate the murdered man who was their acquaintance, said his neighbour Dmitry Vladimirovich.

Investigators found out that Gorin first killed his victim and then washed and refrigerated the remains. After his last conviction in 2018, Gorin was sentenced to 22 years in prison but was pardoned in 2023 by the Russian president.

The neighbour added that Gorin was now free and admitted to a military hospital in the eastern Russian city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk due to a moderate injury. Hes basically free, pardoned, and half his [prison] sentence has been wiped out. But I dont think hell stay free for long. His victims relatives remember everything," the neighbour said, adding that he feared Gorin might start killing again.

According to a new photo on Gorins social media profile on Odnoklassniki  a Russian platform  from a month ago, he is seen wearing a military uniform with the letter Z emblazoned on the sleeve, a pro-war symbol for conflicts in Ukraine and abroad widely used in Russia.

Another man, Nikolai Ogolobyak, was convicted of ritual murders, according to the Russian media reports.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2019 for murdering four teenagers and then consuming their remains. The 33-year-old man was reportedly pardoned this week by the Russian president for fighting in the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has regularly released and pardoned hardened criminals convicted for rapes, murders and other serious crimes to replenish its military personnel reserves fighting in Ukraine. Prominent PMC Wagner also released hundreds of convicts who joined its military operations in eastern Ukraine.
 Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded

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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.
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Russias forces have halted their fighting at hotspots on the frontline as the war in Ukraine entered its 22nd month on Friday.

Russian forces continued to pound the battered Ukrainian town of Avdiivka but were unable to breach the defence of Ukraines troops as heavy fighting engulfed Bakhmut, military officials said.

Basically, nothing has changed. Everything is very tough. As regards the city, there is an average number of eight to 16 to 18 attacks per day. Sometimes 30. We dont have the time to count them, said Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration.

Russias troops have unleashed the fiercest attacks on Avdiivka  Moscows newest target after the bloody battle of Bakhmut.

"I am pleased the defence line has been holding for a month and a half. It has not been breached, no matter what they say," Mr Barabash said in a daily update of fighting on Thursday.

He added that 102 residents  a "certain record"  had been evacuated in the past week along the lone road out of the town.

Ukrainian forces have heavily guarded the town using fortifications briefly after they recaptured it from the Russian-backed separatists in 2014.

Ukrainian military officials said Russian forces halted their operations on three spots on the war frontline  Lyman, Zaporizhzia and Shakhtarsk  even as they have continued to storm Ukraines positions on these daily in the past few months.

However, heavy fighting continued to rage near Bakhmut, said Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Heavy fighting continues near Bakhmut. The occupiers continue their attacks. The enemy is trying to drive the Ukrainian defenders out of their positions near Klishchiivka, the top commander said.

He added that Ukraines defence forces were holding the line and inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops, both in equipment and manpower".

Now in its 22nd month of invasion, Moscow has committed its forces since mid-October on capturing Avdiivka but Russian accounts of the fighting rarely mention the military operations on the town.

In an update on Thursday, Russias ministry of defence said its forces hit Ukrainian units further south in the Donetsk region.

After days of rain and wet weather, overnight temperatures in Ukraine have plummeted to 13C and frozen the ground. This will further help in the movement of battle tanks now.

Russian forces have focused on the east since failing in their initial attempt to advance on Kyiv. They hold a little less than 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory.
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Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the Gaza ceasefire by at least one more day to allow for more hostage releases.

On Thursday, just minutes before the six-day ceasefire was due to expire, Israels military said in a statement the truce will continue.

In light of the mediators efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework, the operational pause will continue, said the Israeli statement released on Thursday.

Hamas announced in a separate statement that a consensus had been reached to extend the ceasefire for a seventh day.

Qatar said the two sides had agreed to extend the truce for an additional day (today, Thursday) under the existing conditions, which are a cessation of all military activities and the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The extension of the ceasefire had been uncertain up until the last hour as Israel and Hamas couldnt come to an agreement over the new list of Israeli hostages slated for release from Gaza.

The truce between Hamas and Israel was due to expire at 7am local time (5am GMT).

Earlier, Hamas had claimed that Israel had declined to receive seven women and child hostages and the bodies of three others, who the militant group said were killed during the Israeli militarys bombardment of Gaza, in exchange for a temporary truce extension on Thursday.

This is despite confirming through mediators that this group is all the (Hamas) movement has in terms of detainees in the agreed-upon category, Hamas said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

Hamas freed 16 Israeli and foreign hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian women and child prisoners late on Wednesday.

Qatar, a key mediator of the truce negotiations, said that 10 of the freed captives were included in the current truce arrangement, while four Thai citizens and two Russian-Israelis were freed outside the terms of that agreement.

A Thai national waves an Israeli flag while walking to a bus leaving the Shamir Hospital in Ramle, Israel, Wednesday, 29 November 2023, on his way back to Thailand, after being released from Hamas custody. International mediators on Wednesday worked to extend the truce in Gaza, encouraging Hamas militants to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further relief from Israel's air and ground offensive (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press All rights reserved)

Meanwhile, Qatars foreign affairs ministry stated that further negotiations are ongoing in hopes of reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

During the six-day ceasefire, authorities said that 97 Israeli and foreign hostages were released by Hamas and 210 Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons.

Just before announcing the ceasefire extension, both Israel and Hamas had resorted to increasingly aggressive rhetoric, with the Israeli military saying it was ready for the next stage of the war.

Over the past few days Ive been hearing this question  will Israel go back to fighting after maximising this phase of returning our hostages? So my answer is unequivocal  yes, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Hamas military wing had also asked its fighters to be ready for combat in case the ceasefire was not extended. The Al-Qassam Brigades had earlier on Telegram asked the fighters to maintain a high combat readiness.
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Severe turbulence during a flight this week led to crew members on board being taken to hospital in Australia.

The incident occurred on a plane operated by Australian low-cost airline Bonza, flying across the state of Queensland between Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday (21 November).

The extent of the injuries and the exact number of people hurt has not been confirmed.

Tim Jordan, chief executive of Bonza, confirmed to The Independent that no customers were hurt.

A flight from Rockhampton to the Sunshine Coast experienced unexpected and severe turbulence leading some Bonza crew members needing to be assessed at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, he said.

Read more: What is turbulence and can it cause your plane to crash?

The priority is always the safety of our staff and customers, Mr Jordan added, stating that staff were able to return home the evening after the incident.

The mid-air fright caused the cancellation of a flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mildura, in Victoria, while the aircraft was assessed.

Whilst turbulence is something that any airline can experience, and we followed procedures onboard, we will be undergoing a review and taking any learnings onboard. Our thoughts are with the customers and crew who are no doubt impacted by the events of yesterday. The aircraft has been thoroughly inspected and was back in operation the following morning, said Mr Jordan.

Bonza is a new airline, having only started operations in January 2023. It has five aircraft in its fleet, according to Planespotters.net, and serves domestic and regional routes across Australia.

Its not the only airline to have experienced severe turbulence this year.

In June, a British Airways flight from Singapore to London Heathrow hit such severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal that the plane had to return to its starting point to check for possible damage. A mother-of-two described her terror after the plane was hit by the worst turbulence in years as it was flying at 30,000ft. She said it felt like she fell out of the sky.

Two months earlier, eight passengers and two crew members required medical assistance after severe turbulence struck a plane making its way to Portugal. The moment the turbulence first hit was caught on camera, showing people and food being thrown across the cabin.
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Amsterdam-Rotterdam-London, the fastest-growing of Eurostars intercity routes, is to close for around six months, Dutch Railways (NS) has announced.

Eurostar trains will run empty on the route between June 2024 and January 2025, picking up London-bound travellers on arrival in Brussels.

Eurostar says passengers will still be able to travel outbound from London to both Dutch cities.

Refurbishment of Centraal station in the Dutch capital is responsible for the closure. There will not be sufficient space to handle London-bound passengers at the station, given the more intensive post-Brexit formalities.

For several months negotiations have been going on between NS, Eurostar, the Dutch infrastructure provider ProRail and the Dutch government.

An NS statement read: Unfortunately, we have had to conclude that despite all efforts, there will be a period in which there will be no direct train to London from Amsterdam. That period is expected to be six months (approximately June 2024January 2025).

That is very disappointing because we have worked hard in recent years to make the Eurostar to London an attractive alternative to the plane. It is a particularly difficult puzzle to solve. If there had been a simple solution, all parties would have seized it with both hands. Unfortunately, after various investigations, that simple solution appears not to exist.

We have jointly chosen to take a step back in the second half of 2024 and not run a Eurostar directly to London for a while.

The new, large terminal will be ready from January 2025 and we will have the opportunity to allow many more travel;ers to travel directly from Amsterdam to London. In this way we make Eurostar an even more attractive alternative to the plane for many more travellers.

Until that happens, passengers from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London will need to change trains in Brussels.

Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar Group, said: Eurostar has always aimed to find a solution that would have the least possible impact on customers, the environment and its business. We acknowledge that a final decision has been made.

We are pleased that the discussions have shortened the gap in services between Amsterdam and London from 12 to six months and we continue to work on reducing the inconvenience for passengers, local residents and the economy of Amsterdam and surrounding areas.

|t is very important that all the parties involved are responsible and supportive of each other to meet the deadlines.

Our focus must now turn to how we can offer the best experience and journey connections for Eurostar customers in this period. As part of this work, we will still run services directly between London and Amsterdam one way as a minimum.
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Heathrow has accused the government of stalling on securing a greener future for aviation.

The west London airport urged ministers to legislate for a scheme which will provide more financial certainty to companies which could produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK.

In September, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced plans to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism by the end of 2026.

SAF is made from sustainable sources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil, meaning it uses 70% less carbon than traditional jet fuel. It is seen as vital to reduce the aviation industrys carbon emissions but is currently several times more expensive to produce.

Heathrow runs a scheme through which it provides SAF to airlines and covers around half of the extra cost.

It announced on Thursday it will make 71 million available to carriers through the programme in 2024, aiming for 2.5% of fuel used at the airport to be SAF, up from a target of 1.5 per cent this year.

The US has introduced a tax credit scheme to lure investors in SAF production.

Under the DfTs SAF mandate, at least 10 per cent of the fuel used by airlines in the UK must be made from sustainable feedstocks by 2030. Without UK SAF production, airlines will rely heavily on imports to adhere to the mandate.

Heathrow director of carbon Matt Gorman said: Sustainable aviation fuels are a proven reality  they have already powered hundreds of thousands of flights and we will soon show we can fly the Atlantic fossil fuel free.

Heathrows first of its kind incentive scheme has seen SAF use at the airport ramp up in recent years.

Now, the government needs to capitalise on this strong demand and legislate for a revenue certainty mechanism to enable a homegrown SAF industry, before it is too late for the UK to benefit from jobs, growth and energy security this would bring.

A DfT spokesman said: Our sustainable aviation fuel programme is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and our mandate will provide strong incentives for the industry to help drive further demand for SAF in the UK.

We remain committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism by 2026, and are currently on track with our consultation.

Last week the DfT awarded a total of 53 million to nine projects in the latest round of the Advanced Fuels Fund competition to develop SAF.

SAF can currently be used in jet engines to a maximum blend of 50 per cent with kerosene without the need for any modifications.

Virgin Atlantic will become the first major airline to operate a transatlantic flight using 100 per cent SAF on 28 November. The flight will operate from London Heathrow to New York JFK.

Earlier this week, Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted the UK is on track to meet its target of having at least five commercial SAF plants in construction by 2025. It said the government has invested significant amounts of public money into developing SAF, and is not complacent.
Sharon Osbourne has revealed why she is ditching her fabulous house in Los Angeles and moving back to the UK.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Friday 24 November, the former X Factor judge explained that she never really adapted to the American culture.

I was saying yesterday to somebody, Im not really very American, Osbourne explained.

Some people can go there and they kind of adapt and change their persona. They become the country they are living in.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day. Years and years we have been there, but Im not celebrating Thanksgiving. I never became a full part of it there.
The Prince of Wales threw smoke grenades as he took the gunner position in an armoured vehicle while taking part in a simulated attack on an enemy position.

William sat inside the infantry fighting vehicle as he took part in the mock assault on Salisbury Plain on Thursday, 23 November.

The exercise was conducted in Wiliam's first visit to the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment as their Colonel-in-Chief.

Section commander Sergeant Mark Kirton said: "From what I saw, I think he felt very excited when he saw all the smoke and the bangs going off, so hopefully he enjoyed it."
The first group of Israeli hostages released by Hamas has reached the Rafah crossing in a Red Cross convoy.

The convoy crossed into Egypt just before 6pm local time on Friday 24 November.

We are relieved to confirm the safe release of 24 hostages, the Red Cross said. Its a tremendous relief that after enduring weeks of distress, they can finally reunite with their families.

If the four-day fighting pause holds, it is expected that 50 hostages will be freed in return for 150 Palestinian people in Israeli detention.

Their release comes as part of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas which was agreed on Wednesday 22 November, temporarily pausing seven weeks of war in Gaza.
Two teenage killers were caught on CCTV celebrating in the street after stabbing an 18-year-old to death in a savage and unprovoked attack in Walsall last December.

Brandon Price, 19, and a then-15-year-old boy, who cannot be named, murdered Jack Norton in front of two female friends on 7 December.

The pair whooped with excitement, a court heard, after Price stabbed Norton at a Darlaston park.

Norton died from a stab wound to his heart.

A jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court found the pair both guilty of murder. They will be sentenced on 5 January.
Joe Biden was met with shouts of free Palestine by a small crowd of protesters waiting for the president while he was away for Thanksgiving break.

He and his wife Jill were leaving a hotel in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on their way to lunch on Friday 24 November when the incident happened.

Crowds had lined the street to see Mr Biden when a small number started shouting at him.

Earlier, the president delivered remarks on the Israel-Hamas hostage deal in a news conference, where he praised US diplomacy as an important part of the release of 24 hostages held by Hamas fighters.
Footage from the Israel Defence Force (IDF) appears to show released Hamas hostages entering Israeli territory on Friday 24 November.

The Red Cross convoy carried 24 hostages as part of the pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Around 50 hostages are expected to be freed in return for 150 Palestinians, should the four-day ceasefire hold.

The IDF said in a statement that the hostages will be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.
Just when you may have thought that it was safe to turn away from the vagaries of elections in Europe and focus instead on the many other issues troubling the continent today, voters in the Netherlands have become the latest to fuel fears of an ascendant far right. Easily topping this weeks polls, with 37 parliamentary seats (out of 150), was the Freedom Party (PVV) of the veteran nationalist politician, Geert Wilders. The next, with 25 and 24 seats respectively, were a left-wing alliance (headed by another political veteran, Frans Timmermans), and the centre-right party, followed by a long tail of smaller parties straddling the gamut of politics from right to left.

Wilders has been a fixture of Dutch politics for a long time, entering parliament a quarter of a century ago, and founding his Freedom Party in 2006. While somewhat toning down his anti-Muslim invective this time around, he stood on his familiar platform of hostility to migration, resisting what he sees as the dilution of Dutch national identity, and exit from the EU. But this time, in one major respect, he was knocking at an open door. The coalition that had governed the Netherlands for nearly two years and enabled the Conservative, Mark Rutte, to remain prime minister for a record 13 years, collapsed over a dispute on  hardly a surprise  migration.

The Rutte government had tried, and failed, to bring in stricter limits on asylum claims, in response to public concern about unprecedented numbers and overflowing camps. The small Christian party objected to the prospect of splitting up families if numbers of dependants were limited and, as is the risk with small faith parties, there was to be no compromise. The coalition could not be reconstituted, and the opportunity was created for Wilders to march in. The wonder was perhaps less that his party did so well, than that the margin of his victory  indeed, his victory at all  was not confidently predicted in opinion polls.
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On the morning of 7 October, my daughter Emily was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. She was eight years old when she was taken, and turned nine just a few days ago. Down in the tunnels of Gaza, with no way to track the passage of time, she probably didnt even know it was her birthday.

News that 50 Hamas hostages might soon be released as part of a four-day truce has given me a glimmer of hope  but also a new sickness in the depths of my stomach. What if Emily is not among those that her assailants choose to send home?

That morning our kibbutz was invaded by around 400 terrorists, I saw the community we had built together burn and whole families who had made their homes there slaughtered in front of me. I didnt see Emily get taken, but somebody informed me that she and a friend she was sleeping over with, as well as the girls mother, were led away by Hamas and driven away in a flatbed pick-up truck.

Until I see Emilys blue eyes looking into my own, I wont allow myself to believe anything (Natali Hand)

Under heavy gunfire, I was escorted off the kibbutz with several other survivors and taken to relative safety by the army, with no idea of where Emily was. We were ferried off to a hotel somewhere in the Dead Sea region. The grim irony of that fact has not been lost on me.

Its a story that hurts to tell, but it must be told. Ill tell it a thousand times if it helps to bring my daughter home safely.

I know every parent says it, but Emily really is the most loving, caring daughter, sister and friend. She hasnt had an easy life  her mother died of breast cancer when she was just a baby  but you wouldnt think that to talk to her. She loves to sing, to dance, to perform. She can do cartwheels and the splits  I think shes destined to be an acrobat when she grows up.

Emily was eight years old when she was taken, and turned nine just a few days ago (PA)

Its a small thing, but all I can think about is the way she soothes herself to sleep by rubbing my ear with her thumb and forefinger. Shed do the same to her brother, her sister, even the dog  then just curl up and drift away. Its funny what you remember, in times like these.

Her brother and sister  Natali, 26, and Aiden, 29  have been so strong through all of this. I worried about Natali at first, that she wouldnt handle the pressure, but shes conducted herself with intelligence and grace. Aiden has been incredibly strong, handling tough media questions like a pro. When something like this happens to you, people expect you to be a politician, a diplomat and a million other things, all while youre going through the worst period of your life. Theyve held up better than they ever should have had to.

The news that Hamas has agreed to release more than 50 hostages has given us some hope that Emily might be among them. Her age and her gender will hopefully give her priority when the exchanges begin, but we cant be certain. Until I see Emilys blue eyes looking into my own, I wont allow myself to believe anything. Well be carrying on this fight until we know for sure.

For now, all we can do is wait, and hope (Supplied)

In the meantime, Im deeply concerned about her current condition and how this will affect her long-term. Her mental and physical health is a constant question mark, and even if we get her back tomorrow, well be dealing with the damage that has been done for the rest of our lives.

The fact is that there are dozens of other families like ours, waiting with bated breath for news that could be cause for relief or devastation. To them, I would say: try to keep a level head, even if it seems impossible. Youre going to hear so much conflicting information and, if you listen to all of it, youre going to be an emotional wreck.

They say its the hope that really gets you, and thats true. For now, all we can do is wait, and hope that one day soon well be able to give Emily that birthday celebration that was denied to her.
William Oldroyd on chanelling the 1960s in his adaptation of Ottessa Moshfeghs Eileen and what it has in common with his last film, Lady Macbeth

Films set in 1960s America are usually glossy, hopeful, nostalgic. After all, this was the space age, a rising era of mass prosperity, sexual and social liberation were rapidly unfolding and the future seemed intoxicatingly bright. Not in Eileen, William Oldroyds elegantly gloomy noir thriller based on the novel by Ottessa Moshfegh and set in small-town Massachusetts.

As the storys protagonist Eileen Dunlop (Thomasin McKenzie) trudges to and from her clerical job at a juvenile correctional facility, she glowers down at the frozen, spit-pocked streets. Shes only 24 but already feels that life has passed her by; she has no friends, no boyfriend and still lives with her father, Jim (Shea Whigham), an alcoholic ex-cop who constantly belittles her.

Shea Whigham in Eileen. Photo: Jeong Park

At the weekends, Eileen parks at a local beach and masturbates while watching couples in other cars kiss. Her life is unspeakably drab and hopeless, until Rebecca Saint John shows up.

The detention centres new psychologist, Rebecca (Anne Hathaway) is a liberated woman, who has dyed her hair blonde like Marilyn Monroe, and seems impossibly stylish. She wafts into Eileens place of work cracking wise and pointedly ignoring the sexual innuendos of male colleagues. To Eileens delight, Rebecca befriends her and suddenly everything changes.

As her confidence blossoms, Eileen begins dressing in her late mothers glamorous clothes, going to bars with Rebecca, and now dreams of moving to New York. But another side to Eileens personality is about to be shockingly revealed.

Eileen | Official Trailer

British director William Oldroyd emerged from the theatre in 2016 with his explosive feature film debut Lady Macbeth, a kind of punk-rock period drama that made an instant star of Florence Pugh.

Eileen has a corresponding dowdiness, and its anti-heroine is another young woman whose route to self-realisation may not exclude violence. What attracted Oldroyd to this dark story?

I got swept up by it, he says. The tone of it was something I loved, I thought it was very funny, very dark, a great twist in it as well. I love these characters  Rebecca Saint John, wonderful, larger than life, vivid, and Eileen, what a complex, interesting person to try and bring to life  and I thought, this is going to really attract a great actor, Im looking forward to working out how to bring her to life.

I enjoyed meeting Ottessa and Luke Goebel [who co-wrote the screenplay], and I thought if we could all work together on this, it would be a very enjoyable couple of years.

Its unusual for a film-maker to work directly with a novels author in this way, and Moshfegh seemed refreshingly unafraid to change her story in the service of the film.

Director William Oldroyd. Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto

Thats not always the case, Oldroyd says. Ive also worked with novelists who are very nervous about moving the film away from the book, and want every single beat of the book to be on the screen. But Ottessa was very confident in this regard, because she said to me, a book is a book and everyone can read it whenever they want, but the movie has an opportunity to do something different and evolve. I loved the fact that she had the confidence to do that, and I think we allowed the film to breathe, and not be bound by its source.

Oldroyds film is noirish in its style and plot, but theres something grimy in the landscape as he and cinematographer Ari Wegner render it, and you start to wonder if what were seeing is how Eileen sees the world.

With any work of art, he says, you want to create contrast. I mean, if the whole movie had been drab and grey and grim, it would have been relentless. Thats why Rebecca is the relief in that sense. Shes a pop of colour, a breath of fresh air, she comes in with bold new ideas, with her blonde hair and her red car  and once that happens, it sort of opens a door, Eileen puts on different clothes and the colour changes.

As for Eileen herself, we start out feeling nothing but sympathy for her, oppressed as she is by the greyness of her life, and the hopeless negativity of her father, who tells her shes a wallflower and will never amount to anything. But then, once Rebecca unintentionally emboldens her, you begin to wonder whether you really ought to be cheering for this strange and unpredictable girl.

I like that sort of conundrum, Oldroyd says, that sense of how far are you prepared to go with a character. I mean we had it with Lady Macbeth, there was definitely a moment in that film where an audience is asked to make a decision  are you still with her, or has a line been drawn? And its the same with Eileen in that sense. I think a lot of people feel for her but not many people would go through with what she did, so its a conundrum.

Thomasin McKenzie delivers a fearless portrayal of the troubled young woman, who has an almost repellent quality early on, as she waits glumly for a catalyst that might never have come.

Yes, shes really without a friend, without a mother, without a sister, she doesnt have a lover, shes really without any significant female role model at all. And yes, absolutely, it made one ask what Eileens life would have been like if Rebecca hadnt come along. Shes saving for something, we see her putting cash in a tin, but for what? Because you feel like shes never going to escape. Its only when Rebecca comes into town that she gets given the permission to leave.

Eileen is a film that subtly and affectionately references lots of other films, from Alfred Hitchcock to Billy Wilder and beyond.

Theres always a fine line between referencing those sorts of movies but not falling into pastiche, Oldroyd says. We want to take the things we love from those movies where they feel familiar and then make our own thing out of them, so we have to choose where those things come. I think the music is one of those elements, its harking back to some of those movies from the 1960s that we love, and the performances reference that at times too: Anne is having a lot of fun with some of those Hitchcock blondes while also creating her own character.

And visually as well. With that key scene late in the movie that we cant really talk about, I had to look at a lot of references, and In Cold Blood [Richard Brooks eerie 1967 adaptation of Truman Capotes non-fiction novel] was a reference that we looked at. They used a lot of beautiful cinematography but its very dark and shadowy, and you think, That was the perfect way of filming that scene in the basement, for example, and so we thought, how are we going to do ours?

And Rebecca keeps talking about how, if you can get to a certain truth with your patients, and shine a light on something, you can set them free. So we thought if we put them under an extraordinary spotlight, and if that was the brightest moment in the film, it could be very interesting. Because the rest of the film is quite dark and gloomy, a lot of it is set on those cold, dark Boston winter nights  you know, the swinging single bare light-bulb  but its actually the opposite  its those 1960s fluorescent tubes, which makes it feel almost like an abattoir on some level.

Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway in Eileen. Photo: Jeong Park

I tell Oldroyd how bold and refreshing I found Lady Macbeth, and he admits that while it was not necessarily his plan to wait seven years until his next film, he does believe in choosing projects carefully.

We shot this two years ago and now here we are talking about it, so youve got to love it, and I feel like some of my favourite film-makers take their time  Lynne Ramsay doesnt rush, and Jonathan Glazer.

I think there are a lot of people who would rather I did work quicker  my agents, mainly, would rather I was making movies more often. But its the preparation of finding the energy to go into it, because its all-consuming, and if its right, it does take all your effort to make these films.

Does he enjoy the film-making process, or is it a trial?

No, I do enjoy it, he says, but in the moment its horrendous, especially this one because it was so cold, and there was the Omicron variant [of Covid]. We were in New Jersey, in January, and it was really like a tough shoot, and we only had 26 days.

And you know with Lady Macbeth we only had 26 days too, but we were in one location. This was in the US, there was a lot more pressure, a lot more things that could have gone wrong, and the pressure of working with actors of a certain stature and so on.

Im very grateful to the producers, Likely Story, who were fantastic at getting us through it all, and very experienced. But for me the happy moments are when I sit with the editor and look at what weve shot, and then start piecing it all together. That makes it all worthwhile. Or being in a moment where youre sitting with an actor and you watch them do something and you go, Thats really fantastic, I could never have come up with that. Thats a joyful moment, where you feel like youre watching something that you havent seen before.

Eileen is released in cinemas on December 1
Kielty likens Late Late Toy Show to Irelands Thanksgiving as theme revealed for biggest night on Irish TV

The unveiling of this years Late Late Toy Show theme and set was less boisterous than in previous years.

In the past, photographers and journalists were brought on to the completed set, where they would meet Ryan Tubridy, clad in a Christmas jumper. He would prance around and talk about the long hours spent rehearsing intricate dance routines.

This year, things started off in front of a podium in a fairly empty studio, with Toy Man: Uimhir A Ceathair, Patrick Kielty, in civilian clothing.

He announced that Elf  the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy  was the theme for this year.

It means we are going to have elves, we are going to have Santa and a bit of New York, Kielty said.

I would say based on my performance with Daniel ODonnell, there may well be a chance I will never be allowed to sing and dance in RTE again

Unlike Tubridy, he was coy about whether he would be opening the show with a Billy Barry-esque dance routine.

I would say based on my performance with Daniel ODonnell, there may well be a chance I will never be allowed to sing and dance in RTE again, he said.

There will be singing and dancing, whether I am singing and dancing is yet to be seen.

Kieltys first season of the Late Late Show has been shortened by half an hour each episode, but the Toy Show will run until midnight.

The past year has been a testing one for RTE. The previously untarnished brand of the Toy Show, which first aired 49 years ago, took a proper battering.

The last time we heard talk of the Toy Man was in an Oireachtas Committee meeting  not the most festive of settings.

Then there was the catastrophic flop,Toy Show The Musical, which sought to turn the annual TV show into a money-making stage show. RTE ploughed 2.7million of taxpayer money into the production  and then tried to conceal the extent of the disaster.

Asked if he thought the musical had soured the Toy Show brand, Kielty said it was not something weighing on his mind.

I havent thought that much about it. That wasnt on my watch, he said.

I feel, coming in for a new series, all you can do is host the show thats in front of you. This is my first show, I think that [Toy Show The Musical] is for other people, commentators maybe to have an opinion on It is not a weight for me.

Bob Newhart and Will Ferrell in 'Elf', the theme for this year's Toy Show. Photo: Alan Markfield/New Line Productions

Since Kieltys first show in September, there have been numerous reports about backstage drama on the set. A London-based celebrity booker was hired but failed to land any big names. There were reported disagreements over the decision to replace guest Donie OSullivan with the Two Johnnies  after RTE had paid for OSullivans flight home. Producer Jane Murphy left four weeks into the run. There have been articles detailing RTEs head of entertainment Alan Tylers hands-on approach to the programme.

But Kielty would not be drawn on any of this.

I havent seen that on a day-to-day basis. The teams really relaxed and we are playing the shows that we have in front of us. And I think its funny reading a lot of the stuff when you come in and see something different in the office, he said.

Its not something really that I am that familiar with in terms of what is happening on the ground.

He was more enthusiastic when discussing tonights programme.

Patrick Kielty says hosting Christmas Late Late Toy Show is a massive honour

Kielty came up with the theme as the movie is a favourite in his household.

It was one of the first meetings I had when I got the gig, he said.

He spoke in grandiose terms about the place the Toy Show has in the Irish psyche, likening it to the All-Ireland Final.

In a lot of ways, I think it is Irish Thanksgiving. Its about Irish families getting together at the end of November, he said.

If you put your brain to all the amazing hosts that have hosted the Toy Show; Ryan or Pat or Gay, you wouldnt get out of your bed

Kielty joked about being more like Papa Elf (played by veteran actor Bob Newhart) than protagonist Buddy the Elf (played by Will Ferrell) when one reporter wanted to know exactly how tight his elf leggings would be.

He wished Ryan Tubridy well on his new Virgin Radio slot and told reporters he had not reached out to him for words of advice.

In fact, he is not focused on any of his predecessors approaches to the Toy Show.

If you put your brain to all the amazing hosts that have hosted the Toy Show; Ryan or Pat or Gay, you wouldnt get out of your bed, he said.

Then there were a handful of Christmas-themed questions about favourite presents, what his Christmas Day schedule is and if he will be mainlining Haribo to sustain his energy levels tonight.

After all the questions had been asked, we crowded into a different studio to see the set, some of it was half-finished.

Kielty posed with children dressed as elves, threw fake snowballs at cameras and hopped on to a childs scooter.

There was a pantomime oohhhhhhh from the press pit when one of the photographers mistakenly called Kielty Ryan.

Asked if he would like to host 14 Toy Shows  the same number as Tubridy  he replied: I would like to do one that starts at 9.30pm this Friday night and we will see how it goes from there.
A local resident Mykola, 68, walks amidst the debris at a site of a farm that was destroyed last year by Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the village of Kamianka in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova

Ukraine's efforts to revive sea exports in defiance of Russia's military blockade have given a glimmer of hope to a teetering farm sector in which loss-making producers are abandoning some land in one of the world's biggest grain belts.

With no end in sight to the war with Russia, access to the Black Sea is critical if Ukraine is to preserve an agricultural industry that was the fourth-largest grain supplier globally before the conflict and in value terms accounted for half of Ukraine's total exports last year.

While makeshift export routes and abundant supply elsewhere have tamed record global food prices since last year, the strain on Ukrainian agriculture has worsened as a UN-backed export deal collapsed and EU neighbours baulked at land shipments.

Agriculture has suffered losses of over $25 billion since the war began, Ukrainian grain trader association UGA estimates.

Ukraine's grain exports so far in the 2023/24 season that started in July are running 28% below the year-earlier volume, according to agriculture ministry data.

The area planted with corn, its flagship grain export, has shrunk by a quarter since the start of the war and total crop planting could suffer a double-digit decline in 2024, producers say, as cash-strapped farms leave some land idle.

A new Black Sea shipping channel may offer a lifeline, like for Ukraine's depleted steel industry.

"The sea corridor is essential for Ukrainian farming to survive," Jean-Francois Lepy, head of grain trading at French agribusiness group InVivo, said.

"Without a corridor there is going to be a serious problem in 2024/2025," he said on the sidelines of this month's Global Grain conference in Geneva.

The "humanitarian corridor" established by Ukraine's military in late August has expanded steadily, with Kyiv estimating over 3 million tons of grain shipped so far.

Its future remains clouded by military risks, with several vessels struck by mines or missiles, but Ukrainian producers are encouraged.

"It gives us breakeven because before the ports opened almost everyone was loss-making," Dmitry Skornyakov, CEO of farm operator HarvEast.

EXPORT ROUTES

Ukrainian producers see scope to reach 2-2.5 million tons of monthly grain exports through the corridor, which combined with volumes through land routes and transhipment via the Danube river could bring overall trade back towards a pre-war rhythm of 5-6 million tons per month.

Spike Brokers, which tracks exports in Ukraine, said on Nov. 1-17 Ukraine exported 404,000 tons of agricultural goods via the Danube and 352,000 tons from Black Sea ports. An additional 943,000 tons should leave from Black Sea ports and 464,000 tons from the Danube by the month-end.

"The situation in the coming months will be better than in September and October, as large ships are starting to arrive and the number of insurance companies that insure risks is growing," said Denys Marchuk, deputy head of the Agrarian Council, Ukraine's largest agribusiness group.

Some in the market are cautious given the still perilous security situation. A Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa on Nov. 21 added to a series of attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea and Danube grain ports.

Despite expansion at Romania's Constanta port, trade via the EU remains dogged by logistical bottlenecks and tensions with Kyiv's neighbours. Border protests by Polish lorry drivers have slowed food exports this month.

PLANTING DILEMMA

The new growing season could be a tipping point.

Winter wheat sowing will be down almost 10% on year, Ukraine's agriculture ministry estimates, with a dry start to autumn adding to farmers' problems.

HarvEast plans to leave uncultivated more than 10% of the 34,000 hectares it currently operates as it sacrifices less fertile fields seen as generating more losses, Skornyakov said, forecasting a general trend of 10-20% of unplanted land next year versus 3-5% this year.

Yuriy Stelmakh, a grower in northern Ukraine, said his farm drilled 30% less area with winter crops due to a lack of funds.

Ukraine's agri-food industry is trying to adapt. Farmers have planted more oilseed crops like sunflower that can offer better margins, while high world sugar prices and cheap local grain to feed poultry have spurred exports of those products.

But as the war drags on, the sector faces a lack of visibility, labour shortages and structurally low prices, said Roman Gorobets, director of FE ASTRA in central Ukraine.

A huge wheat surplus in Russia and record corn and soybean harvests in Brazil have helped the world adapt to stop-start Ukrainian exports. A trade gap may be felt next year, though, if weather hits Brazilian crops and the Kremlin intervenes further in Russian exports.

Ukraine has sharply reduced exports of farm goods to Asian and African countries this year, according to agricultural business association UCAB.

Major importer Egypt has various supply sources for wheat, but few alternatives to Ukraine for corn and vegetable oil, Hesham Soliman, president of Egyptian merchant Mediterranean Star, said.

Much hangs on the spring planting season and whether Ukrainian growers cut back further on corn, relatively costly to produce.

"I don't think the world can afford for Ukraine's agriculture to suffer. We do need them, particularly on the corn side," said Scott Wellcome, director of grains risk management at GoodMills, Europe's largest miller.

Reuters
Adrian Weckler: For two hours I watched teenagers and young men excited by the prospect of anarchy in Dublin riots

The Irish Independents Tech Editor followed rioters as they set fire to buses and looted shops

Rioting continues in Dublin City as buildings seen on fire

Adrian Weckler Fri 24 Nov 2023 at 00:19

The man is standing with his suitcase on Cathal Brugha Street looking with dismay at a mob smashing the window of the Holiday Inn Express hotel.
Im committed to my work  Justice Minister insistsBody-worn cameras for gardai to be fast-trackedPSNI asked for water cannonIdea that violence could not be foreseen is nonsense, says Sinn Fein leaderMcDonald describes rioters as a mob fuelled by hate, who believe they are beyond the lawSocial Democrat Gary Gannon also has no confidence in Drew Harris or Helen McEnteeTaoiseach and Tanaiste both staunchly defend minister and commissioner

She accused both Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee of failure and called for their resignations.

However, Ms McEntee has insisted I have not. And I will not" when questioned if she offered the Taoiseach her resignation.

Im committed to my work, she said. Thats in making sure that I support the gardai and that I support the Commissioner in responding to these mindless thugs."

The minister returned the awful act against a group of innocent young school children, and said her information was that the wounded woman and schoolgirl were critical  but their condition has not disimproved.

Earlier this afternoon, Ms McDonald increased pressure for resignations.

The gardai have my full support, but given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner," Ms McDonald said.

We all know this problem didnt start last night  this has been building for months.

The gardai lost control of the centre of our capital city. A mob was allowed to shut down the centre of the city. This was an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing.

The idea that the violence could not be foreseen was frankly nonsense, she said.

Rioting on the streets of Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren

The Taoiseach and Minister McEntee updated Cabinet colleagues on their meeting with the Garda Commissioner in Store Street Garda Station this afternoon.

A Government statement subsequently paid tribute to the professionalism of the Gardai in restoring law and order in Dublin.

The coalition said it strongly supports the work of the Commissioner and the Gardai in responding to this heinous violence.

Minister McEntee briefed Ministers that 34 people have been arrested. She indicated that Gardai are trawling 6,000 hours of CCTV footage and further arrests are certain.

The Recordings Devices Bill will now be fast-tracked and enacted in the very near future, allowing body-worn cameras to come into use. Gardai are also receiving water cannons this weekend.

The Government said it remains willing and able to introduce any further provisions that An Garda Siochana deems necessary.

Around 60 gardai were assaulted in the chaotic riots on Thursday night. At the height of the violence, around 400 gardai were dealing with what has been described as mayhem on the northside of Dublin city centre.n

A clean-up is still being carried out across the north-inner-city this evening as the capital comes to terms with the violent scenes, looting and chaos.

Thirteen shops were significantly damaged or subject to looting, 11 garda vehicles were destroyed through arson or extensively damaged, three Dublin Buses were destroyed and a Luas tram was set alight.

Ms McDonald said she had spoken to Ms McEntee and Mr Harris to about the unacceptable failure to keep people safe.

They should resign, both of them. We need a change in government, but also a change in leadership in An Garda Siochana," she said.

Those who caused those failures must face the consequences.

'There's no failure here' - Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on response to Dublin riots

She said she had been inundated with calls demanding that the political system ensures that such riots cannot happen again.

I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said. I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed. The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

She criticised the rioters who wreaked violence and looting while small children lay in hospital being treated for horrific injuries.

A mob fuelled by hate, who believe they are beyond the law, wreaked havoc on Dublin city. At a time of real hurt, shock, and suffering, they took to the city centre hell-bent on unleashing destruction, menace and fear.

They intimidated retail workers, fire-fighters, paramedics. They attacked gardai, burned buses and garda cars and looted shops.

Their actions were disgraceful. Criminal. Everyone who participated should hang their heads in shame for what they brought upon this city and its people. They should face the full rigours of the law.

Helen McEntee

Speaking to reporters tonight, Ms McEntee expressed full confidence in Drew Harris, said the force had responded quickly and in an excellent way, and claimed the violent rampagers had eventually been confined to a small area.

Ms McEntee had claimed in the summer that Dublin was safe, but admitted that it was anything but safe for some hours on Thursday night.

She said she would take Dail questions on the matter on Tuesday and responded to Sinn Fein demands for her resignation by saying that party had been associated with the murders of members of An Garda Siochana in the past.

She said: There will absolutely be further arrests to the 32 members of the public who appeared in court today.

Gardai are not just looking at the evidence given by their members on the ground. They are also crawling through CCTV footage and trawling through social media.

She added: Members came from right across the country and in a very short space of time we had the largest number of members there, with full public order units, than we have ever had before.

It could have escalated into a much more significant scenario last night, but the credit to the Gardai is that it was contained and kept to a very small area  albeit I fully appreciate that it seems absolutely appalling and I think really upsetting for anybody.

Paschal Donohoe has reacted to Ms McDonalds call for the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister to both resign, saying it is very typical of Sinn Fein.

The Minister for Public Expenditure, a Fine Gael TD for Dublin Central, said: They use every moment of great difficulty as an opportunity to attack and to divide.

Now is instead the time for us to stand behind our gardai and the work that they do. Now is the time to support leaders of the Gardai and others in dealing with the events of last night and keeping our city safe over the weekend, he added.

Earlier, Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon also said he no confidence in either Mr Harris or Ms McEntee and that both of their positions were untenable.

I need the minister to come in and tell us how this situation was allowed to happen

He also called on Ms McEntee to take questions in the Dail

Mr Gannon called the riots in Dublin a grotesque failure and shouldnt go without accountability and consequence.

He said Mr Harris had for 18 months downplayed the threat of the far right and the increasing violence that they have brought on.

I need the minister to come in and tell us how this situation was allowed to happen. Ive no confidence in the Garda Commissioner following what I saw last night, Mr Gannon said.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at a Commemorative Service at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park. Photo: Frank McGrath

In terms of confidence [in Helen McEntee] I believe she needs to come into the Dail on Tuesday and outline why her position currently is tenable at this point. I dont have confidence in Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

He said it was a decision for themselves if they should resign but said both of their positions were untenable.

He said nobody was in charge during the riots.

This lack of preparedness endangered rank-and-file gardai, who were at times completely outnumbered, surrounded and viciously attacked by these thugs, he said.

"The central core of the city was effectively lawless and prominent businesses were looted while buses, Luas carriages and garda vehicles were set ablaze.

Earlier today, Leo Varadkar said there should be no criticism of the gardai. He met Mr Harris this morning.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Taoiseach said he still had full confidence in Mr Harris and Ms McEntee.

Obviously, well have to do a review as to what happened yesterday and all of the events leading up to it. But certainly, over the next couple of days and couple of weeks, we need to be 100pc behind the gardai. There should be no criticism of the gardai, only support, total support for the gardai and the commissioner.

He said around 500 people had been involved in the riots and that about 400 gardai responded extremely quickly.

Drew Harris

Earlier today, Mr Harris defended the garda response.

Huge destruction from a riotous mob who were in effect responding and trying to break into and disrupt the crime scene. Order was restored between 8.30pm and 9pm as we deployed more resources, he said.

An Garda Siochana responded to this entirely and in an extraordinary fashion. Members from across the country responded, returned to duty, public order units from all over Ireland responded to Dublin.

But we could not have anticipated that in response to a terrible crime, the stabbing of schoolchildren and their teacher, that this would be the response. In effect, those filled with hate and the hate directed towards An Garda Siochana, that they would attempt to storm through our cordon and disrupt a crime scene and then engage in violence, looting and disorder.

Rioting on the streets of Dublin last night. Photo: Mark Condren

Nobody could have anticipated that when these awful events started at 1.30pm.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin condemned the lawlessness and rioting that occurred last night in our city and also insisted he had confidence in both Mr Harris and Ms McEntee.

Ms McEntee said last night that a small group took advantage of a particularly devastating act and wreaked havoc across our city.

This was a very volatile situation, you could see a number of people gathered peacefully but very quickly a number that were intent on causing nothing but havoc and they will be dealt with appropriately, she said.

Thirty-four people arrested, there were many of these didnt cover their faces, they came in and caused havoc, that CCTV will be gone through, and they will be apprehended. And we have very strong legislation  up to 10 years in prison, but up to 12 years as well for someone who assaults a (garda) member.

General secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI) Antoinette Cunningham said she wanted to challenge Ms McEntee on why she keeps saying that there are adequate resources available to police Dublin city.

When everyone of us in An Garda Siochana know that policing in the city of Dublin, while its done by colleagues on an ongoing and regular basis, is supplemented every single day by people from outside of the city, she told RTE's Today with Claire Byrne.

And we need to know that there is a sustained capability in An Garda Siochana to police Dublin city in its own right without having to draw resources from four corners of the country.

Its through the sheer goodwill of members who stayed on last night, who came in early, who got on buses and responded to the policing need.

But the Minister for Justice has got to stop saying theres enough resources to police Dublin when she knows that theyre being bussed in for every single situation to assist colleagues who are stationed here permanently.
Ellie Kisyombe speaks at a Rally Against Hatred and Divsion hosted by Le Cheile in Smithfield, Dublin, in 2021. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Ellie Kisyombe, the social activist and former Social Democrat candidate, has thanked the judge who decided to strike out an assault charge against her last week.

In her firsts comments since the case was struck out last Thursday, Kisyombe, who runs a food business, said that without the help of her legal team she would have had to spend time in a mental rehabilitation centre because of the stress of the case.

Kisyombe was charged with assaulting Svitlana Voloshchuk, a 46-year-old Ukrainian mother of three who works in the Balseskin asylum reception centre, in February 2019.

When the case first came up for hearing at Blanchardstown District Court, Alan Delany, Kisyombes barrister, said his client was willing to accept an adult caution for the charge. She later changed her mind and re-entered a not guilty plea.

Judge Miriam Walsh last week struck the case out when a solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said the coordinating garda in the case was not available.

Kisyombe collapsed to her knees and sobbed into her hands in Blanchardstown court after the judge made the ruling.

Kisyombe, who is originally from Malawi, was the first female asylum seeker to run for election when she ran for the Social Democrats in the Dublin City Council elections in 2019. She has since left the party.

Kisyombe addressed the case in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

I have always believed in justice and believed that Ireland is a country that treats its citizens equal, she said. For that reason I refused the caution order I was offered by the gardai.

She said she could not see any reason why I have to accept something that I am very sure is not the truth of what had happened.

She said a trial was the only way to seek justice and exonerate herself from the unfortunate accusation.

Although I made that decision, that does not mean I had no fear but I believed in my honesty, she said.

At the same time my name was slandered and dragged under the mud. A lot was said and written, my reputation was put in question! I lost a lot. My mental health started deteriorating. I suffered so much. One year of going through this trial seemed like ten years.

She said she was thankful for the support of Peter Keating, her solicitor, and Mr Delany her barrister in the case.

She said without her solicitor I would have spent time [in] a mental health rehabilitation centre. She thanked the lawyers for believing in her and making her know she was not alone as she tried to clear her name.

She said that Ireland is a safest place for people like her who have come to seek sanctuary and said they can believe in that Irish humanity.

She said the Irish judicial system is one of the best where everyone is treated equally and with dignity. While it was not an easy experience, she said she was grateful to the judge who took what was the best right decision in this matter.

Kisyombe said she was delighted with the outcome and would now continue to support her community and work with her love of food. She said she had healing to do but was a very forgiving person.

She said her father taught her that only love wins.

She asked that people support her Ellies Kitchen hot sauce range as her livelihood was affected by the case and she needed a lot of support to her get back on her feet.

Voloshchuk has said she was disappointed that the gardai failed to keep her informed about the cases progress.

Gardai are required to keep alleged victims of crimes informed about the progress of cases under the 2017 Victims of Crimes Act.

Asked about the case being struck out after the prosecuting garda failed to show up and its failure to keep Voloschchuk informed of the cases progress, a garda spokesman said it did not comment on individual cases.

Without commenting on specific cases of individuals, An Garda Siochana takes its obligations under the Victims Charter very seriously, it said.

In that regard, there are Victim Service Offices in each Division who keep victims informed of the progress of the investigation into their complaint and the supports available to them.

In cases that are struck out by a presiding judge it is open to the DPP to seek have the matters re-entered.
Some government staff have been told to leave their workplaces early today as Gardai erected a ring of steel around Leinster House in anticipation of a potential protest in Dublin on Friday evening.

Gardai were on high alert around the Dail and in the south side of the city with a heavy policing presence after a night of riots and looting saw the capitals streets descend into chaos.

On Friday afternoon, some government employees received an email informing them that Gardai are currently erecting barriers at the North Road Gate at Merrion Square in anticipation of a potential protest today.

Staff were then advised to leave their department building in the vicinity of Leinster House by 2:30pm this afternoon to facilitate the closure of the building and the protection of staff".

Dubliners shocked by rare night of riot

A number of businesses on the south side of the city had signs up informing customers that they were closing earlier today  some as early as 3pm  due to fears for staff safety should trouble break out for a second night. Some cafes and businesses refused to open their doors at all today over fears for the safety of staff  many of whom are foreign nationals.

More than 400 Gardai were deployed to Dublin City last night to bring riots and looting under control with 34 people arrested, while 60 Gardai were assaulted, some sustaining serious injuries.

The violent scenes of Garda cars, Luas trams and Dublin Buses being set alight came after tensions rose following the stabbing of four people, including three children, outside a school on Parnell Square on Thursday afternoon.

A five-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s are currently receiving treatment for serious injuries, while the girls condition is still described as critical.

One girl is receiving treatment for less serious injuries and a young boy has since been discharged from hospital after treatment.

A man in his 50s, a suspect in the mass stabbing is also in a serious condition in a Dublin hospital.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the cost of the clean-up of the riots in Dublin City Centre would amount to tens of millions as many businesses were vandalised and looted.

His message to the rioters was we are going to get them.

The first reaction to a five year old child being stabbed was to burn our city, attack our businesses and assault our Gardai, Mr Varadkar said at Dublin Castle

As a result of their actions, buses and trams were set on fire, innocent passers-by were intimidated and pregnant women in Rotunda hospital were made feel unsafe and in danger.

These people claim to be defending Irish citizens, yet they put in danger the newest, the most vulnerable and the most innocent people. Those involved brought shame on Dublin, shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

This is not who we are, this is not who we want to be and this is not who we will ever be, Mr Varadkar said.
Deliveroo driver stopped man attacking children, while creche worker stepped in to save childrenFemale creche worker and suspect in hospital with injuries Eyewitness describes scene of terror as students fell to the groundFather of another pupil; I didnt know if it was Isabelle or not for a half an hour and that half an hour felt like a monthPresident Higgins issues statement

A Brazilian Deliveroo driver has been hailed a true hero for stopping the knife attacker during an incident on Parnell Square, Dublin yesterday that has left a young girl in a critical condition.

One child aged five is still in a critical condition in hospital today.

Two other young children and the female creche worker, aged in her 30s, were also being treated for injuries after the knife attack on Parnell Square East in Dublin.

Gardai have ruled out a terror related motive, and are holding a man aged in his 40s who was also injured during the incident. He also remains in hospital.

The heroic creche worker is being treated for serious stab injuries to her body that she suffered when she tackled the knifeman on Thursday afternoon.

Pictured: The scene outside the school on Friday morning (Photo: Tabitha Monahan)

It is understood that before she could intervene with the attacker he had stabbed a five-year-old girl in the neck.

This child is currently in a critical condition in hospital.

Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio has also been hailed a hero for stopping the attacker by hitting him with his helmet.

Speaking to RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland this morning, Caio said he was at the right time in the right place.

"At first I thought it was a fight with a man and a woman, he said.

"Then, I just saw a little girl, and a woman who couldnt get the girl from the man. And then the man grabbed another [child].

"When I saw the knife, I pulled up my bike and it was my initiative.

"I hit him with my helmet. He fell down and other people came to keep him down.

The attack occurred shortly after 1pm near Parnell Square

I was at the right time in the right place.

This all happened in a matter of seconds and after her very brave actions another two children suffered superficial stabbing injuries to their chest and shoulder in what was a frenzied incident, a source said.

[The creche worker] defended those children with all her strength  all that she was doing was trying to protect those little kids and people in what was is a very built up area in the city centre saw what was happening when they passed the school.

At this stage a number of very brave members of the public including pedestrians and cyclists arrived on the scene and the suspect was taken down after he was hit with a motorcycle helmet in the face, the source added.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and is being treated in a Dublin hospital after he suffered facial injuries when members of the public became involved.

The children he had targeted were lined up under supervision outside the school as they went from one class to another.

In a statement this afternoon, Principal Pol Hansard of Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square said the school has implemented its critical incident management plan.

He said: We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterdays serious incident that has impacted our school community.

Our thoughts are with our pupils and our creche worker colleague who were injured and their families. The wider school community who are affected by this incident are also in our thoughts.

Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.

Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been with us, supporting and advising the staff in our efforts to assist our school community.

We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.

Gardai have ruled out a terrorism motive in relation to the activities of the man who had been living at various addresses in Dublin over the past number of years.

It is understood he is an Irish citizen who had lived here for many years but was not born in Ireland.

Early investigations indicate that he has no link to the school.

The scene on Parnell square East following a serious stabbing incident. Picture; Gerry Mooney

One line in the investigation is that the suspect may have suffered a psychotic episode and there has been reports he was seen near the highly respected school in the minutes before the horrific attack at lunchtime today.

Gardai are not looking for any other suspects in relation to the horror attack.

The incident happened at Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire shortly after 1pm today, on Parnell Square East, in the north inner city.

In a second garda briefing on the stabbings on Thursday evening, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the gardai were not ruling anything out in relation to the stabbings.

Presidents statement

On Thursday evening, President Michael D Higgins issued a statement in which he said the incident should not be used by groups to further specific agendas.

All of our thoughts are with each of the children and their families affected by today's horrific attack outside Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire in Dublin city centre, he said.

We are particularly thinking of the 5 year old girl and the member of staff caring for her who are both in serious condition in hospital. All of our prayers are with each of them for a full recovery.

The Gardai deserve all of our support in dealing with this incident. This appalling incident is a matter for the Gardai and that it would be used or abused by groups with an agenda that attacks the principle of social inclusion is reprehensible and deserves condemnation by all those who believe in the rule of law and democracy.

The scene on Parnell square East following a serious stabbing incident. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Garda update

Superintendent Liam Geraghty earlier said preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

"Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region, he said.

"These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

"One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street."

He added that a five-year-old boy and six-year-old girl were treated for less serious injuries relating to the incident.

Supt Geraghty said: "The boy has since been discharged from CHI Crumlin. An Garda Siochana is providing support to the parents of all the children. The adult female in her 30s is being treated for serious injuries at the Mater Hospital."

He said the adult male is also being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in the Dublin region. The scene remains sealed off and a technical examination of the scene is ongoing.

"An incident room has been established at Mountjoy garda station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. An Garda Siochana is following a definite line of inquiry.

Suspect

Supt Geraghty said that a male in his 40s is a person of interest in the investigation. Gardai are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

He praised members of the public who intervened to protect the students, saying: "My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

"We're aware that the public are concerned about the activities that have happened today. The message to them is that we believe that this is a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

"So we'd ask for people not to jump to conclusions and not to make rash judgments on what may have happened."

The garda superintendent added: "We are dealing not just with the parents of the three children, but parents of the wider group that would have seen and potentially be traumatised as a result of what happened this afternoon.

"My understanding is that the first emergency services were ambulances, and they were there within minutes, followed by An Garda Siochana.

Protests and traffic disruption

There were riots and looting in Dublin city centre on Thursday evening after protesters descended on the scene as night fell, with gardai forced to push them back beyond the cordon. Video shows a youth carrying lit cardboard to an unoccupied squad car on Parnell Street, putting it inside and shutting the door, as onlookers cheer, before the car catches fire.

A Luas, a bus and several cars were also set alight, while business premises were also attacked.

Youths in the city centre were also seen attacking and firing flares and fireworks at gardai.

Gardai with shields were fending off violent demonstrators attempting to kick and punch them and riot police were deployed.

Many of those attacking gardai had hoods up and their faces covered.

At a second briefing on the stabbings on Thursday evening, Garda commissioner Drew Harris labelled the violent scenes as disgraceful describing protesters as a complete lunatic faction driven by far right ideology

He confirmed that a number of garda cars had been damaged and said they had serious public order scenes to deal with.

He said that a hooligan faction was using innuendo, which is being spread for malevolent purposes.

And he said: For those engage in public disorder tonight, its our responsibility to bring them to justice.

He said he has given garda units responding to the violence  full direction to make arrests and bring offenders to justice.

He appealed to agitators to calm down, go home and allow us to do these investigations properly.

Reaction

In a statement, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said its thoughts and prayers were with the students and teachers in the school.

"Our hearts are with the entire school community of Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire following the horrendous incident that has taken place today, a spokesperson for the INTO said. We are thinking of the children, their families and the schools staff during this unimaginably difficult time.

"We are in touch with the school and know teachers around the country will have the school in their thoughts and prayers this evening.

Minister outlines psychological support

The Minister for Education said that the National Educational Psychological Service is providing support to the school community following the attack.

In a statement, Minister Norma Foley said: I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the three children and the woman who were viciously attacked in Dublin.

"Our hearts and minds go out to all who were injured today and to all of their families, as well as all the staff who care for them in the school and in their creche.

"The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is providing support to the school community.

Garda at the scene of a serious incident on Parnell Square East this afternoon. Pic : Colin Keegan / Collins Photos

Eye-witness

An eye-witness described the scene of terror outside the school.

The kids were out walking. All of a sudden, one of them fell to the ground, then another fell to the ground, then another falls to the ground, they said.

Then this guy started running past.

The witness said the assailant was armed with a knife and fell to the ground, following which a load of people jumped on him.

They said that people at the scene then formed a cordon around the assailant to stop him from being assaulted.

The witness said: The police were on the scene pretty quickly. An undercover garda came running up and intervened.

Then the cordon went up and there were people running up and going underneath it, sprinting up the road.

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Anxious parents waiting to collect their children from school gathered at the top of OConnell Street earlier on Thursday.

Some stood, breaking the news to passers-by as they phoned relatives, telling them why they would be late arriving home from the school-run.

Emotional parents pushed buggies through the crowd before being stopped at the cordon, stressed by how little they knew about what had happened.

Parents reaction

The father of an 11-year-old girl at the school said he heard there had been an incident and a child had been stabbed.

He described the terror of running to the school, hoping his daughter hadnt been affected.

Speaking to RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland, Eric Doran said he just ran down to the school straightaway.

"I just kind of panicked. I got to Parnell Street and it was cordoned off, he said.

"I didnt know what had happened and I was hoping it wasnt Isabelle.

"I didnt know if it was her or not for a half an hour and that half an hour felt like a month.

He continued; She was okay. She said she had to go back into the school to see if her friends were okay.

"She didnt go back in, but thats what she was thinking.

"She was distraught crying, it was horrible. I was just hugging her trying to tell her she was safe now.

People were trying to attack the man

Another witness, Siobhan Kearney said she saw what she believes was a man attacking children.

She described what she witnessed as "absolutely bedlam".

Ms Kearney told RTE she watched people disarm a man who she said had a knife.

"I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children, so I flew across the road," she said.

"People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man. Then, about three minutes later, the ambulance came for the children, and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Taoiseach responds

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square. A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice who is keeping me updated. The facts in this matter are still emerging. The emergency services responded very quickly and were on-site within minutes. I thank them for that. Gardai have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said: I am aware of an extremely serious incident that has taken place at Parnell Square in my constituency of Dublin Central.

"My thought and prayers are with the victims of this very serious incident, and their families. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street police station.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald at the scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured, including three young children, following a serious public order incident involving a man in possession of a knife. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident had caused "shock and horror".

In a social media post, Ms McDonald said: "Violent attack at Gael Cholaiste Mhuire Parnell Square has sent shock and horror throughout the community.

"My heart goes out to all the hurt and injured, the parents, teachers but especially the children who have been so traumatised.

"This is beyond words."

Speaking at the scene Ms McDonald added: I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

I pray the injured make a full recovery.

The community is stunned. Stunned and horrified.
I am an immigrant and I was there to protect Irish people

A Deliveroo rider and father-of-two has told of how he stopped a knife attacker on Dublins Parnell Square yesterday.

The suspect had attacked a queue of young schoolchildren who were being escorted by a creche worker into an after-school care facility.

Caio Benicio is originally from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and arrived in Ireland a year ago.

He described how he used his helmet to hit the man who had attacked three young children and the female creche worker.

A GoFundMe set up to thank Mr Benicio has raised more than 200,000 in the first 10 hours.

The fundraiser was set up a mere seven hours ago to "buy Caio Benicio a pint.

"The mans a hero and the least we can do is buy him a pint, so Im asking you to donate the price of a pint of Guinness in your local so that he knows the people of Dublin appreciate him," the organiser said.

Caio also told Joe Duffy on RTEs Liveline that the Brazilian Embassy has been in touch with him to offer a medal for his heroics.

One young girl (5) remains in a critical condition in hospital. And the creche worker also remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Mr Benicio told the Irish Independent that he wasnt frightened when he intervened yesterday.

"I didnt have time to be afraid. I have two kids myself and I didnt have time to be afraid, I just acted, he said.

Caio said he originally thought it was a fight between a man and a woman.

"I was working like a normal day. And I was passing by in Parnell Square. For me, at first, it looked like a fight, a normal fight. I slowed down my motorcycle and it was a man and a woman, he said.

Mr Benicio then described how he saw a woman fighting for a young girl.

"She was very, very brave. She was fighting for a girl, you know, a little girl. I was like, whats happening here and then I saw him with a knife and he grabbed a little girl, Mr Benicio added.

It was then that Mr Benicio saw the man stab the little girl.

"I stopped my bike and I dont know, I acted by instinct...I took off my helmet and hit him with the helmet on the head, he said.

Statement from An Garda Siochana after several injured in Dublin incident

"I think that made him stop, he added.

Mr Benicio said the man fell to the ground and others got involved to keep the man where he was.

"He fell on the ground and then I hit him a couple of times and some other people started to come to keep him. After that, I went to see the girl.

Gardai took a statement from Caio after the incident but said he was told he is not able to get his motorbike or helmet back yet.

"The Garda treated me very very well. They took me to the Garda Station to take a statement and they told me it was the scene of crime so I couldnt get my bike and my helmet back because I had to wait a little bit.

He said that he moved to Ireland a year ago and has been working as a delivery driver in order to send money back to his family. Mr Benicio said the scenes in Dublin last night were nonsense.

"If it was against immigrant people, I am an immigrant myself and I helped people yesterday. For me it was nonsense.
Nataliia Miniailo and her daughter Solomiya have lived with a host family in Dun Laoghaire for one-and-a-half years

My daughter Solomiya and I arrived in Ireland at the end of March 2022. We had celebrated her first birthday on February 15 and the war began 10 days later. I shiver when I remember the sound of the rockets falling on our city of Vyshhorod.

We left for my parents house 200km south in Cherkasy that day because we feared the Russians might go through Vyshhorod to reach Kyiv. Then the constant air raid sirens and the lack of a nearby bomb shelter made us contemplate leaving Ukraine for the duration of the war. In early March, we found ourselves in Poland.

Poland was very welcoming and friendly. When we arrived, I could finally breathe easily. There were no air raid sirens, and my daughter could sleep peacefully. I considered staying in Poland, but at that time there were already nearly two million Ukrainians there, and our Polish friends advised us to go to Ireland.

Many years ago, I watched the movie PS I Love You and wanted to visit Ireland. Studying history at university, I was familiar with the Celts, the druids and the long history of British rule in Ireland. It reminded me a lot of the history of my homeland, which was under Russian oppression for a long time. So, I wanted to visit Ireland when my daughter grew up. However, I was in Ireland in March 2022 due to the war.

Ireland was one of the first countries to open its doors to Ukrainians after the start of Russias full-scale invasion. As soon as we arrived and were settled in a hotel, we went for a walk to the nearest park and I saw the emerald Irish grass. I still remember that impression because we left Ukraine in early March when it was still cold, and Russian missiles were falling on our cities.

Over one-and-half years have passed, and I still encounter Irish people ready to help Ukrainians. Many talk about war fatigue, but I am impressed by the kind and sincere Irish people who support our country and wish us victory. 

My daughter and I live with hosts south of Dublin. Our hosts, Eilis and Andrew, are support us strongly. We have lived here for over a year and are incredibly grateful for their kindness and open hearts. Thanks to our hosts, I have learned more about Ireland and the Irish and have grown to love this island even more.

During our time in Ireland, my daughter has grown from a little caterpillar into a little princess, and in October she started attending an Irish preschool. Finding one was challenging because, typically in Ireland, women enrol their children in preschools immediately after birth or even when they learn about their pregnancy, as there is a shortage of spaces. For example, my friend Mirella from Romania enrolled her son Daniel in a preschool when he was six months old.

We started searching for a preschool for my daughter in the spring, about half a year before September 2023. We called and visited over 20 preschools. In some, waiting lists numbered in the hundreds. One offered us a spot starting in 2025.

Ultimately, we managed to secure a place for my daughter in a preschool. Although she can be a bit temperamental in the morning, she really enjoys preschool. Here, she is already learning to make friends with other kids and express her creativity. My daughter is growing up bilingual, speaking both Ukrainian and English.

In the meantime, I am studying regional tour guiding at Stillorgan College of Further Education. I am so fascinated by Irelands history and culture that I want to share my knowledge with others.

I would love to write a book and tell the story of Ireland to Ukrainians because Ireland remains terra incognita for many Ukrainians today.

As told to Nina Mishchenko
Irish childrens author accuses top UK retailer John Lewis of using his book plot in Christmas ad

Joe OBrien wrote his story 17 years ago and dedicated it to his late son Ethan

John Lewis turns to Snapper the mischievous Venus flytrap for festive ad

Cian O Broin Fri 24 Nov 2023 at 03:30







An Irish childrens author said he was hurt and devastated after seeing the same character names and a similar plot from his book used in this years John Lewis Christmas advert without credit.
Ryan Tubridy turns on Christmas lights in Clifden, Co Galway on night of Toy Show

Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy was mobbed by crowds in Clifden as he turned on the annual Christmas tree lights.

The broadcaster wished all involved in the Toy Show the very best of luck as his replacement Patrick Kielty takes over the reins on the biggest night of the year for the legendary chat show.

An awkward silence fell upon Tubridy momentarily when a child in the crowd was invited to ask him one question.

The child asked: How long did you host the Late Late Toy Show for?

Tubridy, his face fixed in a wide-eyed grin took a sharp breath and said he hosted it for 14 years.

I want to wish everyone involved in the Toy Show the very best of luck. Its going to be brilliant and I hope you all enjoy it, he bellowed into the mic.

And the crowd went wild.

Tubridy, who is a regular visitor to Clifden, is understood to have taken refuge in the Connemara town as his payment scandal at RTE raged for months this summer.

After a blitz of media interviews last week announcing his new job for Virgin Radio in London, Tubridy was in no mood for further questions and declined the Irish Independent's request for a brief word.

In an energetic but sincere tone, Tubridy asked the assembled crowd to join with him to welcome friends from Ukraine, the UK and America who were in the crowd.

Join me in saying welcome, you are welcome, he roared.

We [the Irish] have got a big welcome down through the years when we left Ireland.

And its only right to welcome people here, he said.

Addressing the horrific events in Dublin on Thursday which saw children brutally attacked followed by horrific rioting, Tubridy urged the crowd to love and respect each other.

Whatever happens in Dublin. Whatever darkness happens, remember tonight, he said.

You must love each other, respect each other, hug each other and children please remember this above all else, be kind to each other. Kindness is the king.

To rapturous cheers, he added: And kindness is the king in Clifden Ive noticed.

Every time I come here I see it.

Its four weeks away from Christmas Day.

Its going to be a very happy Christmas.

Tubridy went on to allude to his troubled summer when he became the object of national scorn over his unusual pay arrangement in RTE and thanked the people of Clifden for their kindness to him.

My father was born in Oranmore in county Galway many years ago, he said.

So in case you are wondering why I am so obsessed with Galway it is because half of me is Galway. The better half.

"So I love being here and I was honoured to be asked here to Clifden which has always been a place I have loved but this year more than ever before.

But more important than the place is the people.

I know the kindness, the decency and the warmth of the people here and I want to say thank you.

Im tempted to quote a man whose 60th anniversary was this week, John F Kennedy.

He came to Ireland 60 years ago and he said Ireland isnt the land of my birth but it is the land I hold the most affection for

And if I could steal from it I would say, Clifden isnt the town of my birth but it is the town I hold the most affection for.
Some of the damage after rioting on the streets of Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 23.11.2023

A full review will be carried out of the Dublin riots, the Taoiseach said as he warned rioters: we are going to get them.

Leo Varadkar said he was happy with the policing response and said those involved in the riots will face the full rigour of the law.

They brought shame to Ireland and An Garda Siochana is expecting further protests in Dublin this weekend.

The first reaction to a five year old child being stabbed was to burn our city, attack our businesses and assault our Gardai, Mr Varadkar said at Dublin Castle

As a result of their actions, buses and trams were set on fire, innocent passers-by were intimidated and pregnant women in Rotunda hospital were made feel unsafe and in danger.

Dublin bus burns on O'Connell Street

These people claim to be defending Irish citizens, yet they put in danger the newest, the most vulnerable and the most innocent people. Those involved brought shame on Dublin, shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

This is not who we are, this is not who we want to be and this is not who we will ever be.

Mr Varadkar said the full resources of the law will be used to punish those involved.

We will put measures to ensure any repeat attempts will meet the full measure of the law.

He said there should be no criticism of the Gardai and he met with the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris this morning.

The Taoiseach said he has full confidence in Mr Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Obviously, well have to do a review as to what happened yesterday and all of the events leading up to it. But certainly, over the next couple of days and couple of weeks, we need to be 100pc behind the Gardai. There should be no criticism of the Gardai, only support, total support for the Gardai and the Commissioner.

He said around 500 people were involved in the riots and around 400 Gardai responded extremely quickly.

Gardai with riots shields on the streets of Dublin

We will of course carry out a full review of the events and find out what could have been done better, but I dont want there to be any ambiguity about this - the people who caused this and are to blame for this are those who engaged in the violence and the rioting, its the Gardai that brought it under control and we have to support them 100pc and I do.

He said Gardai will now sift through CCTV footage to identify people involved in the riots.

We are going to get them, he said.

Whether stabbing a child, attacking the Gardai, or rioting in our streets. Theyre individually responsible for their actions. I dont care what their background is, I dont care what their excuses are and I dont care who their apologists want to blame. Theyre to blame and were going to get them.

Mr Varadkar said there is sufficient Gardai and training and the public order act can be used over the weekend as further protests are expected.

The morning after the Dublin riot: clean up on OConnell street

He said Gardai will be on the streets in large numbers and will fight back waves of ignorance and criminality.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the full resources of the law to punish those involved

We will put measures to ensure any repeat attempts will meet the full measure of the law.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin also condemned the riots, calling for a reflection on public discourse and the hate and the bile seen on social media.

He said respecting difference and living in harmony together are part of Irish society.

People have no time for lawlessness, rioting and attacks on Gardai, fire services, bus drivers, that happened last night.

Youre attacking your own community, youre attacking family, youre attacking friends, youre attacking workers.

He said he also has confidence in Commissioner Harris and Minister McEntee.
A total of 1,939 families are homeless in the State (Niall Carson/PA)

More than 13,000 people in the State are homeless, including the highest number of children living in emergency accommodation since records began a decade ago, new figures show.

Approximately 3,991 of those living in emergency accommodation are children, figures released on the same day as the Late Late Toy Show revealed.

Of the total figure, 1,939 are families.

The number of men, women and children in homelessness reached a new high of 13,179 in October, marking an increase of 1,782 people (16pc) in emergency accommodation in the last 12 months.

Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson Eoin O Broin has called on Housing Minister Darragh OBrien to urgently set out his response to the ever rising levels of homelessness.

Mr O Broin called the statistics a new grim record.

He said the report demonstrated that every single category of homelessness increased in October on the previous month, even as temperatures dropped.

Adult homelessness was up by 265 people, child homelessness up by 87, family homelessness up 47, single-person homelessness up 118 and pensioner homelessness up six.

This is the largest number of people in emergency accommodation since records began, he said.

The Simon Communities of Ireland expressed deep concern at the alarming levels of homelessness which they said will continue to grow into 2024 unless solutions are delivered.

Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said the shocking level of homelessness reflected in the latest figures demands further action.

These are usually the final monthly figures to be published in the year, so now is an opportunity to reflect not only on how extraordinary this level of homelessness is, but also on how we got here.

Based on the figures published today, almost 4,000 children will spend Christmas in homeless emergency accommodation.

When family homelessness was declared a crisis in 2014, it was less than 1,000 children, he said.

He pointed to greater provision of homes for families as the primary solution to homelessness, as well as keeping those at risk of homelessness in the home they have. There are some positive examples that show the way forward, he said.

Mr Stanley remarked that the tenant in situ scheme, whereby a local authority can purchase a home if the landlord is selling up appears to be delivering for hundreds of families.

He stressed that the increase in homelessness in the west of Ireland has slowed as local authorities, in collaboration with Galway Simon, put in place preventative services with positive results.

However, he questioned: If the trauma of homelessness inflicted on children is not enough to ensure action to address the crisis, what will be the catalyst for change?

Mr Stanley stressed that the Simon Communities of Ireland have been calling for a referendum to enshrine a right to a home in the Irish Constitution.

We have to ask, if that was in place, would we have such alarming levels of homelessness today?

When this government was formed over three and a half years ago, they agreed that such a right is needed, and committed to deliver it but so far, that commitment has not been met. They must deliver on the commitment in 2024, he added.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Levelling-up Secretary Michael Gove said they hoped Northern Ireland's powersharing institutions could be reconstituted, but acknowledged the ongoing political difficulties as ministers from Ireland, the UK and devolved governments met for a British-Irish Council meeting. Mr Gove also addressed questions about looting and rioting in Dublin overnight on Thursday, saying it was a "mark of Ireland" that such unrest was rarer there than in the UK.
Why does chef Richard Corrigans Midas touch in London desert him in Dublin?

A byword for high-end dining in London, the outspoken Meath man has found it tougher to replicate that success closer to home. John Meagher reports on the closure of his latest Irish venture and asks what went wrong

Chef Richard Corrigan at The Park Cafe in Ballsbridge. Photo: Steve Humphreys

John Meagher Fri 24 Nov 2023 at 03:30

Giles Coren is one of the UKs most acerbic restaurant critics, but when it comes to Irish chef Richard Corrigan, his words are glowing.
The note from Michael Collins to his haberdasher could fetch up to 6,000

A letter from Padraig Pearse is estimated to fetch between 3,000 and 5,000 at Sheppards

Anything associated with Padraig Pearse has value at auction. Photo: RTE

Padraig Pearse was a great revolutionary leader and an inspiring educator, but he would have made a terrible statesman.

His correspondence regarding St Endas College (Scoil Eanna) reveals a trail of administrative chaos. Pearse was righteous.

He tried to pay his debts, but running a business just wasnt his thing.

St Endas was bilingual secondary school for boys, co-founded by Pearse and Thomas MacDonagh in 1908. Its child-centred approach to learning was ahead of its time, but the school was in financial difficulty from the get-go.

A collection of five signed letters to Pearses legal team, Gerrard & Co of Westmoreland Street, Dublin, written in 1911 and 1912 on headed St Endas College paper, sold for 4,800 at Whytes History Sale on November 11.

Collectively, they paint a picture of someone lurching from one financial crisis to another.

On October 3, 1911, Pearse wrote to his lawyers: I enclose cheque 52.10.0 and bill signed at bottom. It is better that I should meet neither Vanston nor Farmer, as it would be difficult for me to restrain my inclination to assault them.

I was very nearly assaulting Mr Vanston in a tramcar the other evening, but was restrained by respect for his years and feebleness. So I gravely acknowledged his salute instead.

This expression of suppressed rage is quite unlike the outwardly unflappable Pearse. Farmer Bros were the builders whod renovated the new premises for St Endas, The Heritage, Rathfarnham.

Theyd been waiting a while to get paid. The frail Mr Vanston, so nearly assaulted on the tram, was their solicitor.

Theres another letter signed by Pearse, also on St Endas College headed paper, coming up for sale in Sheppards Dublin & Provincial auction on December 6 (est 3,000 to 5,000).

A letter from Padraig Pearse is estimated to fetch between 3,000 and 5,000 at Sheppards

The letter to an unknown recipient in relation to St Itas College (Scoil Ide) indicates that their issue would be brought before the Board of Directors meeting the following month.

St Itas was a school for girls, intended as a sister establishment of St Endas. Both were named after mythic Irish saints. Both were soon in financial difficulty.

By the time Pearse wrote this letter, the school in question was either on the point of closure or had already closed.

St Itas opened at Cullenswood House in 1910, with Pearse as director and Gertrude Bloomer as principal (known as house mistress).

The school closed for good in 1912, but Pearse was to struggle with repayment of debts until the end of his life.

Records of his piecemeal efforts to repay Bloomer in the National Library of Ireland include a letter from Pearse dated April 22, 1916.

He enclosed 5 towards his debt and concluded by wishing Bloomer a very Happy Easter. Two days later, the Easter Rising had begun.

Like Pearse, anything associated with Michael Collins has value at auction. Unlike Pearse, Collins had the makings of an excellent statesman.

Having worked as a clerk in the Post Office Savings Bank at Blythe House, he was a competent administrator.

A pen-and-ink cartoon of Collins sold for 2,000 at Whytes on November 11. It lampoons Collins in his Homburg hat striding forward with briefcase and a document, captioned with his catchphrase: On with the work.

The cartoon came from a scrapbook of cuttings compiled by one of his secretaries, Ellie Lyons, and reveals that his office nickname was Ogs (Collins pronunciation of eggs).

Sheppards sale of December 6 includes a signed note by Collins to his haberdasher (est 4,000-6,000), written on notepaper from The Gresham Hotel, it reads: Please will you give bearer 6 collars (soft 16 )  usual kind. Miceal O Coileain 2/1/1922.

He needed new collars in preparation for his new role as statesman. Five days later, on January 7, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was formally ratified by Dail Eireann.

The note from Michael Collins to his haberdasher could fetch up to 6,000

Theres a photograph of Collins, taken at The Gresham on that day, in the National Library of Ireland. He looks relaxed and confident with his hands in his pockets and wearing a shirt and tie. The collar is most likely one of those ordered in this letter.

On January 16, the Provisional Government of Ireland took up office and Collins was appointed as its chairman.

The letter, and the events that surrounded it, represent a moment of political assurance and optimism, but neither Collins nor The Gresham Hotel survived the year.

The Gresham was destroyed by fire at the start of the Civil War in early July. On August 22, 1922, Collins was shot and killed in an ambush by anti-Treaty forces at Beal na Blath in Cork.

See whytes.ie and sheppards.ie.
Ive met Geert Wilders  the populist politician who stunned friend and foe on Wednesday in the general election in the Netherlands  four or five times. Our meetings never took place in a bar or a restaurant, but in his office in parliament, behind a double layer of metal detectors, with two personal guards in front of the door and with closed blinds.

For more than 20 years now Wilders, the man who could become the next prime minister of the Netherlands, has been protected 24/7. Its difficult to live like that, he admitted after explaining how, each day, a blacked-out car brings him to and from home; he also reminded me that at a certain moment he even had to live in a prison cell for his own safety.

But its the price I have to pay to express my freedom of opinion. And this situation will not change when I leave politics, he said.

I thought about these meetings when I saw on Wednesday evening the first exit polls of the elections. Wilders, who left the more moderate liberal VVD of the current prime minister Mark Rutte in 2004 to start up the anti-Muslim PVV (Party for Freedom), generated what has been called an unseen political earthquake in a country which likes to see itself as a moderate, open and tolerant example for the rest of the world. With 37 of the 150 seats in the Dutch chamber of representatives, Wilders doubled the number of seats for his party, leaving the red-green left party of former European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans with 25 seats, a distant second.

Friends of mine in the Netherlands are shocked, extremely sad and even sick to the bone. How can a man who has been convicted by a court for libel against the Moroccan community of the Netherlands be so popular? How can a man who called his own country, after that conviction, a corrupt banana republic be the future prime minister? How can the man who called one of the female ministers in the last government a witch, form a coalition? How can a man who considered the government of Rutte criminal be his successor? How can a man who wanted to ban the Koran be trusted by a big chunk of the Muslim population? How can a man who considers journalists scum defend the democratic values of the country?

And then theres this fundamental question: what happened to the open and tolerant country where, as Frans Timmermans said in his speech admitting his defeat, everybody is equal, regardless of where you were born?

The answers to these questions are multiple and complex. But its clear that for the first time since Wilders entered the political arena  he has been an MP for 25 years and this was his sixth general election  a big portion of the voters believed he indeed could be a real alternative to the more moderate parties at the centre-right of the political spectrum.

Wilderss nickname during the campaign was Milders, referring to the fact that the man seemed to be much milder than before. Of course Islam is, in his eyes, still a big issue in the country, and indeed he is in favour of a possible Nexit out of the EU. But during the campaign, he stressed that he would respect the constitution, that its more about housing for the Dutch, making sure that people have enough money in their pockets and wanting to get rid of the nonsensical climate policy. The Dutch electorate saw a man they clearly thought was more reasonable.

On top of the fact that Wilders seemed to be more mild, the moderate centrist- liberal VVD of former prime minister Rutte made a crucial mistake. It made the issue of immigration one of the main topics of its campaign, copying part of the classic Wilders xenophobic programme. Voters clearly preferred the original PVV view of the polarising topic, rewarding that party with 37 seats while the VVD, which has been the biggest party in the country for more than a decade, lost 10 seats and ended up with 24.

In one of our meetings in his dark room more than 10 years ago, Wilders told me that I have the ambition to become prime minister. Now he has the chance to realise this ambition. To do this, he must form a government with at least two, and possibly more, other centre-right parties. Wilders himself has already asked everyone to jump over their own shadow, meaning that all the possible government parties, his own included, will have to moderate their demands. It promises to be a very long and tedious formation process.

Its sad and worrisome that the Netherlands finds itself in this situation, concluded my former newspaper, NRC, in a very dark and pessimistic editorial on Thursday. And even more important is that its clear that what happened on Wednesday is not only about the Netherlands but also about the rest of Europe. In Belgium, France, Italy and Hungary, to name a few, people on the far right are looking at the Netherlands. Again the country could be an example for the world, only this time not in the way many Dutch people would like it to be seen.

Peter Vandermeersch is CEO of Mediahuis Ireland and was editor-in-chief of the Dutch newspaper NRC between 2010 and 2019
Irish writers Paul Lynch (left) and Paul Murray have both been shortlisted for the Booker Prize, which will be announced in London on Sunday. Photo: Mark Condren

What does it say about a country that fights for independence  and as soon as some measure of liberty is achieved, it starts censoring and policing the arts? What does that reveal about the confidence its leaders place in the newly-liberated population?
Palestinians attend funerals of five militants killed in clashes with Israeli forces in the West Bank yesterday. It was announced yesterday that a four-day pause in fighting will begin sometime over the next couple of days. Photo: AP

Some time over the next day or so, the killing machines will be turned off for 96 hours in Gaza, after seven weeks in overdrive.

All will welcome a break from the death and destruction.

The reuniting of hostages with families ends a nightmare for a few; but the anguish of all needs to be relieved, with the release of the remaining captives.

Fingers will be crossed that the excruciating wait endured by the Hand family will also be over, with the safe return of their daughter Emily (9).

But the all-too-brief respite from the horror must be tempered by sadness in the knowledge the devices of death and devastation will soon be cranked up again. The carnage will resume.

Pope Francis met separately with Israeli relatives of hostages held by Hamas, as well as Palestinians with family in Gaza. He said the conflict went beyond war, to become terrorism. He appealed for prayers so that both sides would not go ahead with passions, which, in the end, kill everyone.

For almost two months, a shocked world has watched as thousands of civilians have been killed.

We have had to rely on estimates, but it is claimed that as many as 15,000 Palestinians have now died.

Even if the current cessation is a small step, it demonstrates that there can be dialogue.

Any positive movement that shifts the direction towards peace has to be embraced and built upon.

Both sides claim to be victims of circumstances. They must be assisted in finding the means to move beyond them. Allies of both need to use their influence to persuade them that the levers of peace can be engaged in finding a just solution.

The ice-cold fear and raging fires of hatred that maintain the climate of distrust in the Middle East have to be addressed.

When the persecuted become the persecutors, the cycles of violence and trauma repeat themselves.

But returning hate for hate merely multiplies it, as Martin Luther King said. Historys book of wars shows pursuing perpetual war, as a means to perpetual peace, is a zero-sum mindset.

We had hoped to add a new chapter in Europe, having enjoyed the longest period of peace since World War II. The invasion of Ukraine  which according to the UN yesterday, has claimed 10,000 civilian lives  shattered this dream.

For it to be followed with the explosion of violence in the Middle East suggests we have learned nothing at all.

Mahatma Gandhi once asked: What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the US. Most of us have much to be grateful for.

But for the innocent caught up in this conflict, the gift of not being under the threat of being killed  even if only for a few hours  will be priceless.
Newborns placed in bed having been taken off incubators in Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital after power was lost there earlier this month. Photo: Reuters

I take serious issue with Jennifer Rubins piece (Despite crass effort to flip the narrative, Al-Shifa was used as a military facility, Irish Independent, November 21).

Whether or not Hamas used Al-Shifa Hospital as a military base is irrelevant. Depriving the hospital of power, oxygen and water meant that innocent civilians, including children, have died as a result.

These people are at their most vulnerable and their deaths are being justified as necessary collateral damage in the fight against Hamas.

The reporting on this war is hugely biased. Any opinion condemning the war and youre branded antisemitic, anti-Zionist or pro-Hamas.

Sadly, the children on both sides are being used as propaganda to justify their actions and demonise the opposing side.

Its not about the narrative. Its not about choosing sides. Israeli or Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim, it doesnt matter. Theyre all human beings.

Its unbelievable how the rest of the world just stands by and allows this horrific war to continue.

Peaceful diplomacy is the only hope for a lasting resolution, and the major countries around the world are well capable of facilitating this.

Tragically, politics gets in the way of compassion for humankind.

Ted McCaffrey, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal

A pause in conflict until it starts all over again, as one ballad forewarns

The possibility of a pause in the conflict in the Middle East reminds me of a line from Eric Bogles powerful anti-war ballad, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda: We buried ours, and the Turks buried theirs and then it started all over again.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9

David Cameron already left one country in disarray, now hes back to help Rishi Sunak

I see that the former UK prime minister David Cameron has joined the UK government as foreign secretary.

I well remember Cameron, in 2011, and the then-president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, deciding to remove Muammar Gaddafi from Libya.

However, they had no plan for the aftermath, just like Tony Blair and former US president George W Bush with Iraq.

The result was that Libya became like Iraq  a broken country.

What followed were hundreds of small boats with people on board, leaving the Libyan coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, to try and seek refuge in Europe and the English coastline.

Now UK prime minister Rishi Sunak wants to squeeze them back into Africa, via Rwanda.

Peter Kennedy, Sutton, Dublin 13

Unbalanced reporting on Joe Biden and Donald Trump as the liberal agenda wins out

May I ask why you find it necessary to only have journalists who support the Democrat Party, like Jennifer Rubin, reporting from the US?

Surely it is possible to have journalists who endeavour to report on events there in a balanced manner.

Instead, we have constantly been bombarded with attacks on Donald Trump and a determination to see no faults with US president Joe Biden and his administration.

What about the crisis at the Mexican border, the ineffective foreign policy, the general weak leadership?

I think it is sad that what is presented as news is often actually campaigning on certain issues and, therefore, we end up with no debates on matters of vital importance.

Now in Ireland, as elsewhere, it is becoming more difficult to voice an opinion not acceptable to the woke and so-called liberal agenda, while we are advised that we have progressed so much and are so liberated.

Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal Town

An archaic Constitution that should be reworded to ensure the right to a home

When the political establishment cannot deliver basic needs like access to an affordable home, it tinkers with our Constitution to appease those offended by archaic text therein.

Politicians of all hues usually unite on two issues:

1. Consistently stalling planning applications for much-needed new housing developments through objections and judicial review.

2. Ridding us of all text that may offend the few.

Sure, the language of Article 41.2 is outdated. But so are some of the aspirations in the preamble to our Constitution. For example: ...We, the people of Eire, humbly acknowledge all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, Who sustained our fathers through centuries of trial, ....Do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution.

Perhaps if all politicians united in solving our housing-supply crisis firstly and then focused on removing these archaic words which mean nothing anyway in these times.

Many, many citizens of this Republic of any gender or orientation would dearly love to have a life within the home. A home that they could call their own.

Larry Dunne, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford

JFKs Thanksgiving was a lot different to the Black Friday splurges of 2023

When the USA poultry board presented President John F Kennedy with three turkeys for Thanksgiving Thursday, he cooked one for his familys dinner, he gifted the second to African-American civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King, and he granted the third a lifetime pardon.

JFKs symbolic gestures to family values, equal rights and compassion were lost in the USAs hysterical rush to consumer spending.

JFK was assassinated 60 years ago in Dallas on Friday, November 22, 1963  truly a black Friday.

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the US, giving thanks for the harvest. Its true meaning has been lost in a frantic shopping spree, which begins with a dawn dash on the following day, USAs Black Friday.

Cyber Monday was added to the Thanksgiving weekend to encourage online shopping.

In 2022, about $936.3bn was spent in cash, credit, loans and hire purchase agreements during Americas busy weekend of buying madness.

Irish consumers have embraced the US spending spree with rare abandon. But lets be careful lest we end up with huge debts, maxed-out credit cards and unwanted goods.

USAs self-indulgent shopping frenzy conflicts with values of moderation, inclusion, compassion and care so powerfully conveyed by JFK in his generosity with the turkeys. Lets follow JFKs fine example by being temperate in our spending during this crazy weekend and by sharing a little with the needy.

Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry
Artificial Intelligence often dominates business and tech news of late, and all too often these stories centre on fears that AI will replace human jobs en masse.

The Indo Daily: Sam Altman - OpenAI's revolving door and the future of AI

This week there is just one job thats been making headlines and thats OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT, who was very publicly ousted from his own company before being dramatically reinstated following outcry from employees.The whole saga seemed like something worthy of Succession.

So who is this tech revolutionary that's been likened to Steve Jobs, why did Elon Musk get involved and what could the technology he has created mean for the world?

Ellen Coyne is joined by Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish Independent and host of The Big Tech Show, to discuss a very human drama at the heart of artificial intelligence
Driver hoped guilty plea would bring some ease after tremendous loss

A man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a 51 year old woman who was killed after she was struck by a car having travelled from Dublin to Cork for the funeral of her uncle.

Michael Lucey (42) of Derryvaleen, Beal Athan Ghaorthaigh, Co Cork appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Friday (Nov 24) where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Gobnait Twomey. Mr Lucey also pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.

The court heard that the quantity of alcohol detected on the date of the offence was 179 mgs of alcohol per 100mls of urine. The offence occurred on the 13th of December 2022 in Beal Athan Ghaorthaigh village.

Defence counsel Elizabeth OConnell SC said that it was an awful situation and that her client hoped that his guilty plea would be of some ease following the tremendous loss of Ms Twomey.

Victim impact statements are to be prepared in the case. The sentencing hearing was adjoured for the preparation of same.

Judge Helen Boyle offered her sincere condolences to members of the Twomey family who were present in court for the short hearing. Mr Lucey was remanded on bail until the next hearing of the case on February 13th, 2024.

Miss Twomey was a native of Beal Athan Ghaorthaigh who had been living in Finglas in Dublin at the time of her death. The physiotherapist had returned home for the funeral of her uncle Willie when tragedy struck.

Her funeral mass subsequently took place at Saint Finbarr and Ronans Church, in Beal Athan Ghaorthaigh. Catriona, a sister of the deceased, told mourners that Gobnait cared deeply for people.

Anyone she spoke to felt that they were the centre of her universe at that time. She was a magnet where everybody gravitated. She was great craic. And if there wasnt craic she made it happen, she said.

She was generous to a fault with him time, thoughts, words, deeds and especially her love. She wore her heart on her sleeve and what you saw was what you got.

Gobnait is survived by her partner, Jay, her parents Eibhlis and Johnny and her siblings Caitriona, Sean, Noel, Ninidh, Ronan, Cathal, Iarlaith and Ciaran.

She was laid to rest at St Gobnaits Cemetery in Baile Bhuirne, Co Cork.
The design phase of the project has been assigned 50,000 of a new fund aimed at enhancing outdoor activities in Ireland

A fund of 50,000 has been allocated to a proposal to design a pedestrian bridge in Macroom that would link the section of Macroom Town Park north of the River Sullane to the section south of the river.

Funding for the design stage of the project was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, on Tuesday, November 21. The allocation is part of a government fund close to 2.3 million aimed at supporting the development of 50 outdoor projects across Ireland.

Local Fianna Fail TD Aindrias Moynihan welcomed the funding allocated to Cork County Council to take the first step in improving local amenities.

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"The council have been looking at options to improve amenities locally including this pedestrian access and these funds under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will be of huge benefit, allowing the design stage and the ground works needed to get underway, Cllr Moynihan said.

"A new pedestrian bridge over the River Sullane will create much greater access to Macroom Town Park, which is hugely important for locals. The more we can improve infrastructure for the town the more opportunities will be available to people to get out and enjoy the outdoors," he said.

50,000 is the maximum amount of funding allocated to projects under the government investment, to get them to a shovel-ready stage and in a position to avail of further funding.

According to the government, the investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities like walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

It is claimed that the projects which the fund helps to deliver will enhance Irelands reputation as an outdoor adventure destination.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said that the investment announced would aid in the development activities in rural Ireland.

The funding Im announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide, Minister Humphreys said.

These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer, she added

Funding for the delivery of projects on the ground under the other Measures of the scheme will be announced by Minister Humphreys early next year.
Cork County Council is inviting owners and custodians to apply for funding to safeguard protected structures and archaeological monuments in County Cork.

Owners and custodians of historic properties in County Cork have been invited by Cork County Council to apply for funding to safeguard protected structures and archaeological monuments.

Three funding streams have been announced for 2024, including the Community Monuments Fund, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and the Historic Structures Fund.

Under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, successful applicants can receive grants of up to 15,000 for small-scale works to repair and preserve their historic properties.

These grants relate to protected structures and properties located within Architectural Conservation Areas and a range of different properties and projects are awarded funding each year.

The 2023 scheme supported 17 different projects, ranging from churches and thatched houses to country houses, town houses and retail premises.

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The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn encouraged people to avail of the schemes. Heritage is all around us, it is what defines us as a people. How we regard our heritage and how we protect and promote it is of the utmost importance. I encourage people to avail of these schemes to protect the old buildings that we work in or live in, and the thousands of archaeological monuments.

This generation and each successive one needs to do what they can towards ensuring that the built and archaeological heritage held dear today, can be marvelled at, and enjoyed for many more years to come, he added. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan said: County Cork is steeped in built and archaeological heritage with close to 3,000 protected structures, over 50 Architectural Conservation Areas and close to 20,000 recorded archaeological monuments. Each of these three schemes have benefited the countys heritage significantly in the last number of years and on the national level, over 16million has been ringfenced across the three schemes for 2024.

The Historic Structures Fund will focus on conservation projects that deliver a major community benefit and successful applicants may receive up to 200,000 for their project. The scheme also offers funding for vernacular structures and for historic shopfronts. The Community Monuments Fund will enable conservation works to be carried out on archaeological monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of support.

It aims to build resilience in monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change, to encourage access to monuments and to improve their presentation. The Scheme has three streams of funding, all of which offer up to 100% of eligible costs.

The Community Monuments Fund which was established in 2020, has seen an investment of 911,000 for 17 different archaeological sites in County Cork. The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on Thursday, January 18 2024 in respect of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund, and the later date of 4pm on Wednesday, January 31 2024 in respect of the Community Monuments Fund 2024.

Applications can be made by emailing corkheritage@corkcoco.ie or a hard copy may be submitted to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or Historic Structures Fund or Community Monuments Fund, Cork County Council, Heritage and Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.
Graduates of the countrys first ever professional circus training programme will be taking to the stage in Dublin next month.

Organised by the Dublin Circus Project, twelve performers were selected to be part of an intensive training course under some of the countrys most elite contemporary circus performers.

The graduates will take part in a show called Sclimpini, which translates to dancing lights as gaeilge, on December 10 at The Complex Dublin.

Dublin Circus Project director, Aoife Raleigh, created the first training programme for professional circus artists and said its going to save people from emigrating to avail of the experience.

Anyone who wanted to do professional training wouldve had to leave the country. Once people leave, they dont find it easy to come back. Thats why we need to start training people here, she said.

This means well have more artists staying here in Ireland and a more connected network. The level of whats on offer will improve too.

Everyone in the industry is very curious about this, we all know we need this and its finally happening. When I designed the course, I created what I wished was available for me. Itll provide a better foundation overall, Ms Raleigh added.

Dublin Circus Project was founded in 2009 as a way to formally develop the artform in Ireland. It works with children and young people in weekly classes as well as providing a training space for professional artists.

This year, it established a pilot programme named BOOST, an intensive, part-time course designed to propel emerging circus artists to the next level in their journey as a contemporary circus artist.

They study a range of skills including theatre, dance, conditioning and flexibility as well as electing their preferred skill disciplines to focus on. Nine of Irelands top circus tutors have been guiding them through this process.

Its a three-month professional training programme for emerging circus artists. Its the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and is being taught by some of the most talented circus, dance and theatre performers. Theres 12 emerging artists on the course, Aoife said.

This is the idea of levelling up in circus, theres a range of subjects and guest speakers. This is to improve their performance and professionalism, get them ready to wow people.

Weve people specialising in acrobatics, aerial rope, aerial trapeze, chair stacking, juggling, hula hooping, or being a clown. When you see the finished act, theres hours of training that goes into that.

We provide a safe training environment, weve a belt you can wear if youre practicing anything up high so if you fall someone can catch you, she added.

Sclimpini is an hour-long performance directed by Alain Servant with choreography by Deirdre Griffin.

We are thrilled to bring Sclimpini to the stage. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Irish mythology, the cast emerge from the mist to transport audience members into a world of awe-inspiring aerial rope performances, juggling, trapeze acts, clowning, acrobatics, hula hoop displays, and dazzling hand balancing, Alain said.

With powerful and emotive performances, Sclimpini is a truly immersive experience suitable for all ages. I invite audiences to join us and be a part of something truly inspiring.

Sclimpini, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Dublin City Council, will take place at The Complex, Arran Street East, on December 10, with shows at 3pm and 6pm. Tickets are from 15.
New legislation that gives victims of domestic violence paid leave comes into effect on Monday, November 27.

It means any employee who experiences domestic violence will be entitled to a maximum of five days paid leave in any 12-month period. There is no mandatory service requirement to avail of the leave.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic OGorman introduced the legislation in August, which was developed by Womens Aid. Its felt the legislation is important as it lessens the worry of losing income while experiencing domestic violence.

One in four women in Ireland suffer domestic violence, and while domestic abuse happens to men and within same-sex relationships, women are disproportionately more affected. As a consequence, the mandatory leave is seen as a necessary form of assistance for women.

Employers are obliged to assist and work with the person by facilitating the leave in a compassionate and confidential way. This is integral to its success as the employer is able to offer additional support in a safe and understating space.

There is also no obligation to share excessive amounts of personal information regarding the abuse with an employer in order to avail of the leave.

Kerry woman Caroline Reidy is one of the leading Human Resource (HR) experts in Ireland. She said the legislation is long over due and that key policies are in place to ensure it is more streamlined. Caroline explained that its a sensitive time for any employee who is considering taking the leave.

Its important that the employee requesting this leave feels reassured in their place of work, and that the employer is aware of it, Ms Reidy said.

Most important is the support sensitivity, and confidentiality. In these scenarios  when someone who experiences domestic violence is thinking about leaving or getting help  thats when the risk to the person is greatest because, ultimately, this is a power and control scenario, she explained.

Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 inserts the new Section 13AA into the Parental Leave Act 1998 (as amended) to provide for five days paid domestic violence leave.

In line with the new section 13AA(7), the Minister consulted with employers representatives, trade unions and domestic violence support organisations.
Map showing the beach where 'Baby John' was found and the distance between the beach and Cahersiveen town.

April 14, 1984, counts among the darkest days seen in Kerry. A man out jogging on White Strand in Cahersiveen discovered the remains of a newborn baby, and the reverberations of his tragic find are still being felt nearly 40 years later.

The Kerry Babies saga has left a scar on Kerry. Just about everyone of a certain age in the county is aware of Baby Johns murder but also of the deep controversy surrounding the arrest and charge of an innocent, young Abbeydorney woman who finally received an apology from Gardai in 2020 for the hurt and distress caused to her.

The case made headlines once again in March with the arrests of a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s on suspicion of the infants brutal murder.

Now, documentary makers will bring this web of tragedies to the attention of a British audience, and The Kerryman journalist Sinead Kelleher will contribute to Murdered: The Baby on the Beach, a three-part series set to be aired on Virgin Media and Channel 4.

Sinead brings a wealth of knowledge to the table through many years of reporting on the investigation into Baby Johns death, and she will be one of several contributors to the latest work by the acclaimed Peninsula Television, best known for its true-crime television productions.

The Kerryman is delighted that Sinead has taken part in this series, and her extensive work on this story over the years makes her an ideal candidate to tell the Kerry Babies story, The Kerryman editor Kevin Hughes said. The Kerry Babies case defined an era, nowhere more so than in Kerry, so its only right that excellent Kerry journalism is called on to describe that impact to viewers in Ireland the UK.

Local journalist Anne Lucy and historian and journalist Donal Hickey also contribute to the documentary.

Sinead will appear on Ireland AM at 8.15 on Monday, November 27, ahead of the channel airing the first episode at 10.15pm, also on Monday.

It will premiere in Britain on Channel 4 on Sunday, December 3, at 10.35pm.
Children Hannah Hickey, Siun Halpin, Callum Townsend, Kyron Clancy, Riadh Walsh and Tuiren Murnane are all set for the Teddy Bear Hospital which will take place at Tralee on Saturday December 2. Also pictured were Mairead Murnane, Fiona O'Flynn MTU and Dr Orlaith Brennan RCSI. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

Munster Technological University (MTU) will early next month welcome hundreds of children and their families to the North Campus in Tralee for its Teddy Bear Hospital event.

The aim of the Teddy Bear Hospital, which will take place on Saturday December 2, is to ease the stress and tension that a child feels when attending a hospital or when seeing a doctor, as well as finding out more about what doctors, nurses and healthcare specialists and professionals do as part of their jobs.

The special event is being organised by students and staff from MTU and RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and this year, the team at the MTU is partnering with University Hospital Kerry (UHK) while all funds raised on the day will be used to supply equipment for play therapy in the hospitals paediatric ward.

RCSI, MTU and Castel Education (Cambridge Education Group  CEG) deliver the International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programme (IMCP/IPCP) at the North Campus in Tralee, an academic pathway programme to further studies in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, podiatry and speech and language therapy.

Students from other MTU programmes such as Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences and Early Childhood Education and Care will also contribute to the event by managing some of the 14 stations.

The experience will start by admitting the sick teddy to hospital, then explaining stations such as triage, blood analysis, x-ray/MRI, bandaging, and surgery. There will also be a pharmacy station, story-telling corner, exercise area and nutrition stand.

Using the teddy bears, students will show children what happens in a hospital, who works there and how the 'Teddy Doctor' helps the sick teddy to feel better. They will also explain the whole process of being in a hospital from start to finish using the teddy bears.

Students will also offer advice on how to improve nutrition and the benefits of exercise.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Fiona OFlynn, Head of Department, International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programmes at MTU said:

"Once again, we are delighted to host this fun and interactive event. Our aim is to help children feel comfortable when interacting with healthcare professionals. Its a particularly meaningful day for children who have regular hospital appointments. The event will also introduce children to what healthcare professionals do and may spark an interest as a future career.

There will be two sessions on the day. A morning session from 10am to 12 noon and an afternoon session from 2pm to 4pm.

The cost of entry to the event is 5 per child (parents and guardians are free). For more information and to book your tickets for the Teddy Bear Hospital at MTU, click here: https://events.mtu.ie/index.cfm?page=events&eventId=925
Rose of Tralee boss Anthony OGara has dismissed outright reports of an attempt to wrest control of Kerry Rose Festival Ltd by some of its investors.
South Sligo Councillor, Dara Mulvey says the situation is simply is not good enough. He obtained the figure from the Road Safety Authority.

"This figure is not acceptable, particularly for many young people living in rural parts of Sligo who are wishing to obtain a full license, which can be a lifeline for them to gain independence for work or leisure through a full driving license," he added.

He called on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan to put a plan in place to tackle the backlog and to assist the staff at the Sligo driving test centre.
Hollywood start Patrick Bergin is to attend this year's Tipperary Chamber Business Awards ceremony in Nenagh on November 24.

Hollywood sensation Patrick Bergin is set to address this years Co Tipperary Chamber Business Awards ceremony in Nenagh on November 24.

The event promises to be a star-studded affair, bringing together local luminaries, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to celebrate the best in business across eleven diverse categories.

Mr Bergin, the iconic Hollywood star renowned for his exceptional talent on the silver screen, will join the exclusive guest list, adding a touch of cinematic flair to the evening.

His presence at the awards underlines the event's status as a must-attend celebration of business excellence, highlighting the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in County Tipperary, said a Chamber spokesperson.

The ceremony, set to be an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking, will be hosted by none other than Tipperary's very own Fran Curry, the voice of Tipp FM and a beloved figure in the community. Mr Curry's charm and wit will undoubtedly make the event an engaging and lively affair.

Among the evening's highlights is the much-anticipated Presidents Award for 2023. The recipient's identity remains a closely guarded secret, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to the festivities. Guests can look forward to this grand reveal, applauding a deserving individual for their outstanding contributions to the local business landscape.
Keith Groarke AIB bank manager New Ross (right) presents 6,500 from AIB community fund to Colm Caulfield Meals on Wheels. Photo; Mary Browne

New Ross Meals on Wheels has received a donation of 6,500, from the second annual AIB Community Fund, helping it to provide ongoing support to those who need it most in the community.

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public and colleagues to nominate charities which connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, for the AIB Community 1 Million Fund.

Over 16,000 nominations were received highlighting the immediate support needed for charities across Ireland.

Following the inaugural launch in 2022, the AIB Community 1 Million Fund has already donated to over 70 national and local charities including Dogs for the Disabled, Irish Cancer Society, Aoibheanns Pink Tie and Dyslexia Association of Ireland.

Speaking about receipt of the award, Colm Caulfield, treasurer at New Ross Meals on Wheels, said: We are so happy to receive this donation from the AIB Community 1 Million Fund, which will be vital for us to continue the services that we provide to our community.

The fact that AIB employees nominated us makes it particularly special because it means that the work we are doing in the community is being recognised, and we are making a difference.

2I want to thank everyone who is involved in New Ross Meals on Wheels and a particular thank you to AIB for establishing this hugely beneficial fund.
Nadia Jean has joined husband Manuel in receiving a Global Ray Kroc Award, putting them both in the top 1% of McDonalds managers worldwide

Nadia Jean, the restaurant manager photographed with (right) Franchisee, John Byrne (owner of the restaurant) and (left) her husband, Manuel Jean (regional manager for McDonalds). Photo; Mary Browne

There are more than 40,000 McDonalds restaurants around the globe. The manager of the McDonalds in Wexford has put herself within the top 1% of the fast food outlets managers worldwide.

Funnily enough, her husband is also included in that 1% and shell join him as a recipient of the prestigious Global Ray Kroc award at a ceremony in Barcelona next year.

Business Manager Nadia Jean has worked at the McDonalds restaurant in Wexford since the year it opened in 2009 and she has now been recognised for running an outstanding restaurant, leading a high-performing team and for her passion for providing an excellent customer experience.

She is over the moon to be recognised with the prestigious award, bearing the name of the McDonalds founder.

"One of my goals was to win this award, she said. I just didnt expect to do it so quickly. Im over the moon.

"Its not only a win for me though; nothing could be done without my team. Im so proud of them.

Nadia (36) will now join an exclusive list of other Global Ray Kroc Award recipients, which includes her French other half Manuel, who is a Franchisee Supervisor and employee of 20 years.

The pair met under the famous golden arches of McDonalds golden arches and will now become the only husband and wife team to have been presented with the prestigious award.

I watched Manuel being presented with his award; now its his turn to see me accepting mine, Nadia smiles.

It's been quite a journey for Nadia in particular to get to this point, having moved to Ireland from Lithuania 14 years ago and secured a job in McDonalds just five days later.

"I only had 200 and a backpack when I came to Wexford, she said.

I come from a poor family. When I came to stay with a friend and find a job in September 2009, it was scary.

Id worked in McDonalds in Lithuania for a year when I was a student and I knew my friend was already working in a new restaurant, that had just opened.

They were still looking for staff, so I applied and got a job as a crew member.

She quickly rose through the ranks and shes been in her current management role for the past four years, having been appointed by McDonalds Wexford franchise owner John Byrne.

Nadia is a fantastic ambassador for the company as well as a superb role model for her team, he said.

She represents everything that is great about McDonalds. The Wexford restaurant is thriving thanks to her and she inspires her colleagues with her enthusiasm, positivity and work ethic.

I cant think of anyone who deserves global recognition more than Nadia.

Little did Nadia know when she walked through the doors of a newly-opened McDonalds in Wexford looking for work in 2009, it would change the course of her life.

"I came to Ireland to escape, but McDonalds changed my life completely," she said.

Fourteen years later, I have a job, a husband, a house, a car and two children, Evan (9) and Ivy (2), all because of my job here.
Arklow florist Anna Hendy Hayden hopes the third time is the charm after her flower shop was nominated as a finalist in the Leinster region at the sixth Irish Wedding Awards.

The owner and operator of Floral Affairs in Arklow, Anna was nominated at the fourth and fifth iterations of the prestigious awards for helping to create magical moments that turn into lasting memories, and now finds herself selected once again alongside a who's who of elite wedding specialists.

Hailing the nomination as an honour and a privilege, Anna said she has been blown away by the support of her loyal customers and the broader Arklow community, who have been voting for the inspirational entrepreneur in their droves.

While the awards dont take place until January 30 (in the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Dublin Airport), voting will remain open up to two weeks before the event, so theres still plenty of time to get behind the Floral Affairs team.

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Asked if she thought 2024 would be her lucky year, Anna joked: I wish  I feel a bit like Cinderella going to the ball!

But seriously, its a great achievement, a real privilege to be nominated and really nice to be noted.

I still cant believe it, to be honest. To get nominated the first time, I was just over the moon, but to get the nod again at the fifth awards, and now at the sixth, it really goes beyond anything I could have imagined.

Win or lose, its a lovely night, and you get all dressed up and get to meet other people in the industry.

The voting is open until mid-January, so well keep our fingers crossed. Ive just been blown away (again) by the support from the community and our customers, from near and far.

Originally from Cornelscourt in Dublin, Anna moved to Arklow 13 years ago and set deep roots in the seaside town.

Having worked as a florist in the Shelbourne Hotel for years and discussed the prospect of a solo venture with friends, when the ideal opportunity presented itself in Arklow, she grasped it with both hands and made the brave choice to strike out on her own.

Five years on and with her blossoming business firmly established in the events industry, Anna reflected on the roller-coaster ride and the daunting decision she is so glad she took.

I was a florist in the Shelbourne Hotel for five years and absolutely loved it there, Anna explained.

Id probably still be there only for two of the ladies here in the town that owned the two florists were retiring within a week of each other.

A few people had mentioned it to me over the years, saying that with the drive up to Dublin, I should open my own place here in Arklow. But I always dismissed it, because I knew how loyal the customers were to those two ladies.

I was speaking to Pippy, who owned the shop Im currently in, one day and she said she was closing, as she wanted to do something different.

So, I spoke to the landlady, and then my husband and I sat down to discuss if we should go for it. He was very supportive and said that I should do it and that if it didnt work out I could always get a job somewhere else.

I dont know whether it was a moment of madness, but we went for it, and it was all done and dusted within a week. We took over the premises and opened up four weeks later.

Five years later, here we still are, and well be celebrating our fifth birthday on December 1.

Its been a bit of a journey, she continued.

The year after Covid, when everything opened back up, we basically had two years of weddings rolled into one, and it was a really busy time.

Its mainly me, but I have Tanya here with me now too. My husband works for the National Ambulance Service, and when hes on his days off, hes rotad in as well!

Weve done lots of birthdays, funerals and, of course, weddings, but it varies quite a lot.

One thing that always surprises me, and maybe it's just the nominations or word of mouth, but sometimes its not even local brides and grooms that contact us.

We had one down in Tipperary recently, and they were worried that we wouldnt travel down. When we said that we could, but that there would be a fee, they were like: No, no, no  we want you to do it, well pay it.

Its little things like that, and obviously the nods from the Irish Wedding Awards that really make you feel like the business is going in the right direction, and long may it continue.

To support Anna, cast your vote via the SurveyMonkey link on The Irish Wedding Awards Facebook Page.
Arklow native John Bonner has been playing an original John White organ in the church of Saints Mary and Peter for almost 40 years. He tells reporter David Medcalf all about organ music and the craftmanship involved

The most important thing for an organ is the building in which it is placed. So says John Bonner who has been playing this particular organ for more than 40 years. A magnificent Victorian instrument, it provides music to accompany worship in the Church of Saints Mary and Peter at the heart of Arklow Town.

Some churches have wonderful organs but they are carpeted to the nth degree so that the sound is deadened, John observes wryly. No such problem haunts his home parish where, though the plasterwork overhead is splendid, the surface underfoot is generally plain. The result is that the acoustics allow quiet pieces to be heard clearly while the church thrums joyously with power when the volume is ramped up.

The sound coming from this two manual tracker action instrument (apologies for the jargon) is never tinny or muffled or anything but gloriously rounded and full. This provides the church with an added dimension to liturgy in a league ahead of many churches on this island.

Built by John White, the organ is part of a Europe-wide heritage which harks back to before the immortal 18th century composer Johann Sebastian Bach. It has been accompanying Mass here in Arklow since 1878 and most of the components are as originally installed 145 years ago.

While many of its counterparts in some other churches have been left intact on the outside, their insides have been hollowed out to allow installation of modern electronic hardware. The result may be convenient and economical but it is no way the same

White was the son of an illustrious organ builder of the same name who hailed originally from Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The father established his business in Dublin and it was there that John White junior also plied his trade. The younger man, who lived until 1918, is credited with kitting out the pro-cathedral in the capital and he arrived in Arklow not very long after completing work at St. Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina.

His reputation spread as far as Australia, though the instrument he devised for St. Michaels Cathedral in Sydney had to be assembled by local tradesmen. It was shipped Down Under from his workshop in Bishop Street and he did not travel with it to oversee its commissioning.

Recruiting the services of such a highly regarded specialist must have been a considerable financial commitment for a provincial parish with a limited population. Unfortunately, the record of how much was charged by White appears to have been lost but it was surely a substantial undertaking

An electronic organ is a bit like plastic flowers, insists John Bonner, though no such move  desecration in the eyes of those who truly appreciate such things  has been mooted here at Saints Mary and Peter. Yes, there have been a few alterations over the decades to the grand old machine. The The original ivory veneers of both keyboards were so worn that they were eventually replaced by bone substitutes, for instance. And an electric motor was plumbed in to provide air to the pipes in the fifties, though the manually operated bellows remain on standby to this day.

It is a fantastic piece of engineering, enthuses John Bonner who reckons that organs were at the cutting edge of technology in early modern times before the Industrial Revolution. The one he plays is certainly fantastically complicated, an assemblage of metal and timber which must have taken months to piece together after it was dispatched from Dublin.

To the casual churchgoer, the most obvious manifestation of the workmanship involved is the array of 25 gilded tubes which produce some of the bass notes, showily displayed above the keyboards. Yet there are larger pipes  the biggest being almost five metres long. These are just the tip of an iceberg that runs to a total of 877 pipes. Most of the 877 are out of sight behind the imposing facade and some are only a few centimetres long.

Each one is geared to turn the flow of air into a precise note with a precise sound. Exactly which sound or combination of sounds comes out is controlled by the stops which the organist pulls out or pushes in as required. Options include the classical organ sound  called diapason  as well as flute, horn (reed), string and mixture sounds.

All the various pieces in their hundreds which make up this leviathan are deployed by the organists who run their hands over the pair of keyboards and their feet over a set of 29 pedals. One of the pedals is connected to a set of wooden shutters which allows some control of the decibel level. So extracting the full potential from a grand organ such as this one demands not only manual dexterity but also some nifty footwork  the ultimate in multi-tasking.

You play as though you are blind, reveals John  he needs his eyes to read the sheet music which is propped up in front of him. His one big concession to modernity is that, rather than having the notes printed on paper, he has each piece before him on a tablet computer.

The big advantage of this is that he can turn a page on the tablet by moving his mouth, without having to lift his hand away from the keyboard. These days he shares most of the churchs organ playing duties with Rosarii Kinsella, aware that he comes to the wooden bench in the gallery as the inheritor of a long tradition.

John White organs have a very warm and musical sound which we dont find in many modern instruments to the same degree. For almost 150 years, this organ has been played by someone, he notes. Each someone has sat with their back to the altar, keeping an eye on the presiding priest with the help of a mirror. Access to his perch way up on high, close to the fine plasterwork of the ceiling, is gained via a set of steep stairs.

John is aware that a lady he now knows only as Miss Murphy was in the hot seat before his father, Sean Bonner, took over the role. Sean hailed originally from Donegal and his wife, Peg, was from Clare. Both were well-known teachers and John followed them into the profession in due course. They raised five children in their adopted town, with music providing a constant backdrop to family life.

The siblings all took piano lessons, so that John was the obvious candidate to play the school organ in the chapel as a boarder at De La Salle College in Waterford. Back home after taking a music degree at UCD, he was on the staff of St. Marys College for 42 years until he retired from the classroom in 2021.

Music was, naturally, one of the subjects that he taught during that time. He graduated with an MA degree in 2015.

Beyond the school gates he was for many years to the fore in the towns silver band as it travelled around Europe to take part in competitions and recorded pieces for radio stations on either side of the Irish Sea. He remains the long-time director of the male voice choir which sings in the church.

However, his chief musical preoccupation is the organ, which has been a constant in his life since 1987 when his father announced that he was retiring from the keyboards. Parish priest, the late Father Gallagher, did not have far to look as he sought a replacement for Sean Bonner, lighting on his son with his full powers of persuasion.

Though he is otherwise taking things a little easier these days, John remains a regular in the organ gallery and a leading light in the campaign to give his old friend a bit of a lift. Though John Whites masterpiece remains in reasonable condition, it is vital to head off any decline and action is required to realise its full potential in providing the music for liturgies and recitals by local and visiting musicians.

Dust is the enemy in chief and all those pipes have not been cleaned since 1995, so that exercise needs to be repeated. Then there is a list of various improvements and alterations and replacements which also need doing. The total bill is likely to come to around 130,000 but it will be a price well worth paying and the fundraising is already well under way, thanks to the people of Arklow and a hard-working committee.

Its the original rock n roll, says John Bonner of organ music. There are people who come to Mass just to listen to the organ, or maybe that corner of the gallery is just convenient for them.
Cllr Shay Cullen is seeking updates on the status of the Glendalough Masterplan and the old Ashford Garda Station for Decembers monthly meeting of Wicklow Municipal District.

In 2019 Failte Ireland initiated the process to develop a Masterplan for Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park and a Visitor Orientation Plan for County Wicklow with strategic partners National Park and Wildlife Service, OPW, National Monuments Service, Coillte and Wicklow County Council.

Key issues identified included improving the regional and seasonal spread of visitors, encouraging more tourists to visit outside seasonal peaks, encouraging people to visit areas outside of the main attractions all intended to mitigate against regional and seasonal congestion and deliver a better experience for all. Efforts will also be made to increase the dwell time in the county.

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Cllr Cullen raised the issue of the masterplan at Novembers meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, stating: People are getting very frustrated over the Glendalough Masterplan and its lack of movement. It has been dragging on for four years and someone is dragging their heels. Its such an important project and we need action now.

He also inquired about the former Ashford Garda Station. In July of 2022 it was announced as part of a 7.5 million package to redevelop 36 derelict and vacant properties in rural locations into new community hubs.

What is the plan for the old garda station in Ashford since its acquisition, he said. What are we doing with the building? It would be a huge addition to the local community if we could get it up and running.
Juno Cherry Roberts of East Glendalough School has been announced as the district winner of Wicklow Rotary Clubs Youth Leadership competition having been selected from five school entrants to go forward to the regional final.

The Rotary Youth Leadership competition, in conjunction with Euroscola, is one of the longest running youth projects undertaken by Wicklow Rotary Club on an annual basis.

The competition is held throughout Ireland to select 24 students to be part of a five day, all expenses paid, trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Transition years students from five schools in Wicklow partake in a competitive interview process to choose one overall local winner. The selected student will then advance to the regional finals, which will be held in Wexford next month and from which two candidates will be selected to be part of the 24 winning students forming the all-Ireland touring party.

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The competition is intended to provide an opportunity for young people to enhance their personal development, improve their communication skills and boost their knowledge of the European political system.

In advance of the trip students will be informed of the current European issues. Upon arrival in Strasbourg will meet of with 500 other students from all over Europe for introduction to the forthcoming programme which will include parliamentary debates and sightseeing tours.

Other schools taking part in this years competition include Dominican Convent, Avondale Community College, Colaiste Chill Mhantain and Educate Together.

Following on from last years successful winner from Wicklow the area organiser, Andy Bolger, stated that he was highly impressed with the leadership qualities displayed during the recent interview process and was hopeful of producing another winner from Wicklow in this years competition.

Wicklow Rotary club president, Trevor Wood, expressed his gratitude to the teachers and parents for all the help and encouragement given to the students in preparing for the interviews.
The 2024 Brit Awards will see the number of nominees for British and international artist of the year increase from five to 10.

This years award ceremony sparked criticism over a lack of female representation in the gender-neutral British artist category, with the prize going to Harry Styles.

The international artist of the year category saw Beyonce triumph over Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Burna Boy and Kendrick Lamar.

The design of the 2024 Brit Award has also been revealed, with British visual artist and painter Rachel Jones making a colourful and chaotic design for the trophy.

The 2024 Brit trophy is designed by Rachel Jones (John Marshall/JMEnternational/PA)

Explaining the change to the artists of the year categories, along with the introduction of a new R&B award, the event said it followed a consultation.

Views from equality, diversity and inclusion groups and the industry were heard and an internal discussion took place, the Brit Awards said, before changes were made.

Jo Twist, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the body which organise the awards, said: The Brits is committed to making the show as inclusive and representative as possible, the changes to this years categories are part of an ongoing process of evolution, and we will continue to review, listen and learn.

In 2024, R&B will join the other genre prizes  alternative/rock, dance, pop and hip hop/grime/rap  at the ceremony.

YolanDa Brown hailed the changes (Ian West/PA)

YolanDa Brown, musician and BPI chairwoman, said: British music is special, the secret ingredient is its rich diversity of genre bending sounds created by the most eclectic artists of all backgrounds.

It was this that prompted the Brit Awards to introduce genre-based awards in 2022, and we are delighted to continue this with the addition of a new standalone R&B category to join the four other genres that we will celebrate in 2024. Our best wishes to all the artists who are eligible.

Eligible potential nominees for the R&B prize need to have released music in the new category in a 24-month period, instead of the usual year-long timeframe, the Brit Awards said.

When the awards went gender-neutral for the first time in 2022, 18 female artists or all-women groups were nominated overall  the most in a decade  and this increased to 20 in 2023.

Despite this, the artist of the year category this year was made up entirely of men  Central Cee, Fred again.., George Ezra, Styles and Stormzy.

Artist Jones, who has had exhibits at the Hayward Gallery in London, the Chisenhale Gallery, London, and the Long Museum in Shanghai, called designing the new trophy a major legacy.

She said it also allows people to see her outside of just being a painter, as she said she has done work on opera Hey, Maudie with composer Joseph Howard and poet Victoria Adukwei Bulley.

Jones added: Im finally starting to enter different spaces and develop new perspectives on my work. Its really incredible that this is part of that journey.

Explaining her design process for the trophy, she said I worked from the base up, I covered up to the chest in a variety of colours and then I started to focus on how to develop certain patterns, textures and colour combinations.

Lizzo performed during the Brit Awards earlier this year (Ian West/PA)

I feel like its my voice in the form of a trophy, its colourful and chaotic, and this was really important because all the other trophies were so distinctive, and you know immediately who made them.

Im really happy that what weve ended up with is a reflection of my visual language.

Previous designers of the award have included fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, artist Damien Hirst and sculpturer Anish Kapoor.

The Brit Awards will be held at the O2 Arena on Saturday March 2.

The shortlisted three artists for the rising star award will be announced early next week.
A Palestinian child wounded in Israeli strikes is rushed into Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

The level of death and destruction in Gaza is unparalleled, Qatars foreign ministry has said, warning that while todays truce is a vital step towards peace, no amount of aid is going to be enough.
A vehicle carrying hostages abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack on Israel arrives at the Rafah border, amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, from the southern Gaza Strip November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Reuters TV

Hamas fighters released 24 hostages on Friday during the first day of the war's first truce, including Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers, after guns fell silent across the Gaza Strip for the first time in seven weeks.

Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand (9) is believed to be among those being held, and her Irish father Tom, who lives in Israel, has said he does not expect her to be released today.
Yakov Argamani, father of Israeli hostage Noa Argamani (26), who was filmed as she was being abducted during the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, reacts as he listens in Tel Aviv to the performance of a song written to call for her release. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong: Country park designation gazetted

The Government gazetted a designation order today under the Country Parks Ordinance to designate the Robin's Nest Country Park.

Robin's Nest is located at Sha Tau Kok in the northeastern New Territories. The designated country park, adjacent to the boundary between Hong Kong and the Mainland, occupies an area of about 530 hectares.

Consisting of secondary woodland, shrubland and upland grassland, the country park is rich in biodiversity with many plant and animal species of high conservation value, such as red azalea, incense tree, Chinese grassbird and Chinese pipistrelle.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department said designating Robin's Nest as a country park will confer on the Country & Marine Parks Authority statutory power and responsibilities to carry out management measures in the area concerned for conservation, recreation and education purposes.

The department noted that regulated under the Country Parks & Special Areas Regulations, the country park's biodiversity, natural environment, scenic landscape and cultural heritage resources will be better conserved.

Moreover, the country park is adjacent to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, contributing to the creation of a cross-boundary ecological corridor between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and promoting ecological integration between the two places.

The department further stated that the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine site within the country park will be revitalised as an open museum to showcase the mining history and bat ecology to the public.

It added that recreational facilities such as a hiking trail network, picnic sites and viewing points, together with supporting facilities including notice boards, directional signs and rain shelters, will be provided at suitable locations in the park.

The draft map of the park was made available for public inspection from December last year to January this year. During the period, four objections were received. After conducting a hearing, the Country & Marine Parks Board rejected all the objections in whole.

The designation order concerning the park's approved map will be tabled at the Legislative Council on November 29 for negative vetting, and is expected to commence on March 1, 2024.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
1st Confucius classroom officially inaugurated in Bangladesh

Xinhua) 14:37, November 24, 2023

DHAKA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Confucius classroom in Bangladesh, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom, has been officially unveiled here, with a ceremony attended by over 100 individuals.

Yao Wen, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, said in his remarks on Wednesday that the official inauguration is a new starting point and a milestone in the development of the classroom, adding that he hopes the students will seize the opportunity to learn Chinese and carry forward the friendship between China and Bangladesh.

Hong Bo, chairman of Honghe University Council, said his university is willing to work with Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology to actively carry out Chinese language teaching, cultural exchanges, teacher training and scientific research cooperation, so as to better meet the needs of Bangladeshi people to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture.

Mustafizul Hoque, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, said his university will work with Honghe University to continuously promote the high-quality development of the classroom.

After the ceremony, an opening and awarding ceremony of a painting exhibition jointly participated by students of Honghe University and Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology was held at the Confucius classroom.

Established collaboratively by Honghe University in China and Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology in Bangladesh in 2021, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom currently has more than 400 registered students.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Nirmala Sitharaman | Photo courtesy: PIB

Kochi/UNI: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the newly constructed Aayakar Bhawan of the Income Tax Department at a private hotel here on Friday.

The Aayakar Bhawan has been constructed with a project cost of about Rs 64 crores and has a built-up area of 8227 sq.m and carpet area of 4469 sq.m.

The inauguration will be held at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre here at 4 pm. The function will be attended by Nitin Gupta, Chairman, CBDT; Sanjai Kumar Verma, Member, CBDT; and Sunil Mathur, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Kerala.

The Finance Minister will also release Tax Deductors Guide 2023, a compendium of provisions of TDS in Malayalam that will help tax deductors understand TDS provisions more easily and ensure better compliance with them.

She will also distribute models of Chandrayaan to students in government schools to encourage them to develop a scientific temper.

The inauguration ceremony will be held at the newly constructed Aaykar Bhawan at 5 pm on November 24. The Union Minister will cut the ribbon and unveil the plaque, an official release said.
Images tweeted by @AshwiniVaishnaw

New Delhi: India and the European Commission on Friday achieved a significant milestone in their technological partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors.

The agreement was signed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, during a meeting attended by EUs Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President Vera Jourova, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal.

MoU signed between India and EU to deepen cooperation on semiconductor ecosystem and enhance resilience in semiconductor supply chain. pic.twitter.com/9w8hq6s2Q5  Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 24, 2023

This development took place as part of the assessment of progress under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and laid the groundwork for future ministerial discussions.

The focus of the agreement revolves around the creation of robust semiconductor supply chains and the promotion of collaborative innovation between India and the EU.

Under this Memorandum, the EU and India intend to:

Share experiences, best practices, and information on our respective semiconductor ecosystems;

Identify areas for collaboration in research, development and innovation among universities, research organisations and businesses;

Promote skills, talent and workforce development for the semiconductors industry and facilitate collaboration via the organisation of workshops, partnerships and the promotion of direct investments;

Ensure a level playing field in the sector, including by sharing information on granted public subsidies.

Both partners will continue meeting regularly and report under the TTC. The next TTC Ministerial Meeting is planned for early 2024 in India.

The first Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Ministerial Meeting was held on May 16, 2023, in Brussels.

This meeting came after the official launch on February 6, 2023, and the joint announcement made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on April 25, 2022.

The EU-India TTC is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. The EU and the US launched a TTC in June 2021. It complements the Digital Partnerships already launched with Asian partners as part of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Photo courtesy: wikipedia.org

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday slapped monetary fines on Citibank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Overseas Bank for violations of regulations.

The central bank, in separate press releases, said it was imposing penalties of Rs 5 crore on Citibank, Rs 4.34 crore on Bank of Baroda, and Rs 1 crore on Indian Overseas Bank.

Citibank incurred the penalty due to the breach of Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act), and failure to comply with RBI Directions regarding the 'Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks.'

Bank of Baroda (BoB) attracted the penalty for failing to adhere to specific directions issued by the RBI concerning the 'Creation of a Central Repository of Large Common Exposures - Across Banks.'

On the other hand, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) faced penalties for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the RBI regarding 'Loans and Advances  Statutory and Other Restrictions.'

The central bank issued notices to these banks, directing them to furnish explanations as to why penalties should not be imposed for their failure to comply with the RBI's directives, according to the notice.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

India is closely monitoring the outbreak in China which has resulted in respiratory illness among children.

"Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China. There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza case reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness," the Indian government said in a statement on Friday.

"Some media reports have indicated clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China for which WHO has also issued a statement: (https://worldhealthorganizationdepartmentofcommunications.cmail20.com/t/d-e-vhduio-tyelrhjty-y/). Based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations," the statement said.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said recently a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of DGHS to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.

"The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wild life sectors and improving coordination was recognised," the statement said.

The Indian government said the country is prepared for any kind of public health exigency.

"India is embarking on a One Health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues," read the statement.

Hospitals in northern China and the capital Beijing are witnessing a surge in children suffering from respiratory illnesses.

This is China's first winter since it relaxed strict COVID-19 measures a year ago.

Wait times to see doctors stretch for hours, with hundreds of patients queuing at some childrens hospitals in major cities across northern China, reported CNN.

An official at the Beijing Childrens Hospital told state media recently as quoted by CNN that the current average of more than 7,000 daily patients far exceeds the hospitals capacity.

A staff at Beijing's Friendship Hospital told the American news channel it could take all day to show a paediatrician.

Right now, we have a lot of kids here. Those who booked an emergency appointment yesterday still werent able to see the doctor this morning, the staff member said.

Health officials in Beijing and other major cities in northern China have told CNN typical seasonal illnesses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as mycoplasma pneumonia  a bacterial infection that typically causes mild infection and commonly affects children  were driving causes.

World Health Organization (WHO) said it has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems that have been showing an increase in respiratory illness in children in northern China since mid-October.
Georgia is only five hours away by flight from Delhi but we know precious little about this multifaceted country, especially its rich cuisine. Anju Munshi gives a lowdown on its gastronomic tradition fresh from a recent visit to capital Tbilisi

What is a place without its signature cuisine, as any veteran traveller would ask. A recent visit to Georgias capital Tbilisi, nestled between neighbour Azerbaijan and Armenia, introduced me to the countrys rich culinary tradition that has borrowed different flavours from the countries around.

Tbilisis cobbled walkways, long winded narrow alleys and paths punctuated with small cafes and eating outlets spring a surprise to people on their first visit there. An element of romance and mystery, especially when you handle your chopsticks and cutlery to attack the unfamiliar platter you eventually surrender to complete gastronomic bliss.

Georgia has a long and a rich history which was ruled by Persia (Iran) and Russian at different times. The cuisine reflects their influences.

The most popular Georgian foods are a large meat dumpling called khinkali and flatbread called kachapuri. They are always accompanied by fresh salad and a mild cheese called suluguni. Its a non-curry cuisine with khachapuri as a queen dish .No feast is ever complete without it and is a Georgian classic. It looks like a covered pizza with suluguni cheese inside, nothing on top. Simply delicious. The filling could also vary from cheese to spinach ,red beans or mushrooms. There is also this boat-shaped khachapuri with an egg in the middle which is worth indulging in.

Kachapuri flatbreads, simple but yummy, are sold in every market. They are a kind of pie filled usually with cheese. They can also be filled with meat, mushrooms, spinach or beans called lobiani. The heaviest one is filled with cheese and a half- raw egg and butter on top, says Giorgi Sutiashvili, an expert at oil and gas industry in Georgia, and who has now forayed into production and marketing of ready- to-drink teas and other variants of the beverage in Georgia

Khinkalis are soup dumplings that you hook with a fork, bite a corner, slurp and finish the soup and then enjoy the dumplings with no fear of splattering the liquid. The origins of khinkalis are disputed, says Jamie Gwapo, a keen traveller who loves visiting Tbilisi. I think it was introduced by the Mongols who brought it from China, but the people of Tbilisi strongly defend its origins in Georgia.

Gwapo also adds that the cuisine carries some influences from other Caucasian, eastern European countries. Flavours from the Mediterranean, as well as Turkey and the Middle East do interact with the local flavours making them detectable.

Eggplants with walnut paste, fried mushrooms stuffed with salguni cheese, Lobiani beans served in clay pots, with cornbread are other regular items on the Georgian platter. Kharcho, stewed beef with a walnut tomato base and Mtsvadi a traditional Georgian barbecue, tease the taste buds instantly. A skewer of meat, chicken, lamb or pork marks for true celebration too.

The Georgian cheese platter with suluguni, smoked suluguni and gouda is a perfect accompaniment with a glass of wine..

Not to forget the Tonis bread , a sticky dough slapped on the sides of the oven to come out as a fine smelling, highly aromatic crispy leavened bread and soft inside. Reminds us of our tandoor cooking.

Georgian food is prepared with different spices for the meals and even the sauces need spices. Ajika red and green are the popular sauces, says Tia Zedelashvili . Besides being a good khachapuri maker at home, she has a masters in chemistry, handles the wine business, especially the bottling and packaging part.

These sauces contain garlic, coriander, tomato, fenugreek, sea salt, red bell pepper marigold, tarragon etc. There is berry and plum sauce to add a fruity touch to the meals, she says.

khmeli-suneli is a wonderful ready to use spice mix containing ground coriander seed, celery cinnamon, cloves, saffron, red pepper, dried basil, dill and parsley, is a great way to enhance the flavours of a dish, be it meat, vegetables and even rice.

Their fenugreek seeds are somehow different from the Indian one, as they are not bitter. utskho suneli meaning blue fenugreek finds its way in most of the recipes along with summer savoury, a herb that is delicately flavoured like mint leaves.

The salts are different as well. The megrelian salt is different from samagrelo salt, which is much stronger than the svenetian and megrelian salts put together . They are named after the regions they come from in Georgia.

Audich Samsy, Russian by birth but working as a doctor in Georgia, finds Georgian food spicier. In fact, in Russia you just put garlic, dill and a bit of salt. Pepper used to be as expensive as gold not so long ago, we arent used to eating it, he says.

Hemant Zakir from Dhaka who has business interests in Georgia says that he loves the cuisine as he loves walnuts and some of his favourite dishes are made with walnut paste or walnut sauce. Its healthy as well. Their menus are well balanced .Meats are balanced with a good amount of salads and vegetables, fruits and herbs.

The dessert is not an intrinsic part of Georgian meals. In fact, fruit pulp is dried with nuts. It makes a nice nibble and can be had as a dessert or a snack as well.

The dried and the hanging strings of nuts and fruit pulp is called churchkhela and the flattened ones, called Tklapi.

Georgia is supposed to be the oldest wine producing region in the world. The fertile valleys and protective slopes of the South Caucasus were home to grapevines. After pressing the grapes and the juice is poured into the Qvevri, an egg shaped earthen pot which is sealed and buried in the ground so that the wine can ferment for five to six months before being drunk.

A well-known hospitality protocol of the Georgians is to bolo mde meaning top up the glass as soon as its empty.

Not to forget a famous Georgian proverb that Every guest is a gift from God, somewhat in tandem with the Indian philosophy of hospitality atiithi devo bhavo.
Photo courtesy: Wikipedia

Mumbai/UNI: The Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport has received an email threatening to blow up Terminal 2, with the sender demanding one million dollars in Bitcoin to prevent the blast, police said on Friday.

Following this, the local Sahar police station registered an offence, and the Mumbai police cyber crime cell was also informed.

"The airport received the threat email on Thursday in the feedback inbox of the airport, and its sender demanded 1 million dollars in bitcoin within 48 hours to prevent the blast at Terminal 2 of the airport," an official said.

The email reads, "This is a final warning to your airport. We will blast Terminal 2 in 48 hours unless one million US dollars in Bitcoin is transferred to the address. Another alert will be after 24 hours."

After receiving the email, an executive of the Mumbai airport approached the Sahar police station and lodged a complaint against the unidentified sender, he said.

Based on the complaint, an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 385 (putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion) and 505 (1) (b) (statements made with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public or against the public tranquility) was registered against the unidentified person, he said.

The airport is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).
Photo courtesy: twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD

New Delhi: India and the UK held a high-level meeting on defence cooperation meeting on Friday where they reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation activities, and discussed the situation and potential cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the annual Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting in New Delhi along with his UKs Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence David Williams.

Their discussion also focussed on a host of regional security issues, and defence industrial cooperation proposals in missile systems and Electric Propulsion.

Defence Secretary Shri @giridhararamane and UK counterpart Mr. David Williams, today led discussions at the India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting in New Delhi, reinforcing strategic cooperation.  #DefencePartnership

More: https://t.co/SHnNhWQ3Uc@HCI_London pic.twitter.com/XeVw4L0Flu  A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) November 24, 2023

Both sides planned for increased interactions and joint activities in the maritime domain with a focus on joint exercises, Maritime Domain Awareness, and information exchange.

They appreciated the commencement of the India-UK 2+2 Foreign and
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

A Qatar court has approved India's appeal challenging the death penalty for eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were sentenced last month in an alleged espionage case, NDTV reported.

Sources indicate that the Qatari court will schedule a hearing after reviewing the appeal, according to the report.

The eight Indians were detained in August 2022 by Qatar's intelligence agency on charges of spying, although the specific charges have not been disclosed by Qatari authorities.

Despite repeated rejections of their bail petitions, a verdict was issued against them by the Court of First Instance in Qatar last month.

After obtaining consular access, the Indian government is actively working towards securing their release.

In light of the case's sensitive nature, the Ministry of External Affairs has advised against engaging in speculative discussions.

The arrested Indian Navy veterans are Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.
Photo Courtesy: Dublin Department of Justice X page

Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police in Dublin on Thursday after a knife attack in the city left five people, including three children, injured, media reports said.

According to reports, the streets of Dublin are mostly calm.

"Dublin city centre is now calm and returning to normal," Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin was quoted as saying by RTE.

Authorities launched a major operation to bring the situation in the city under control.

The gardai, as the Irish police are known, told CNN in a statement, Further information and details of specific incidents we be provided at the conclusion of this operation.

Several videos are circulating on social media where protesters could be seen destroying police vehicles.

Some protesters can be heard on video chanting anti-immigrant slogans, reported CNN.

How did the clash begin:

The unrest began in Dublin following a heated demonstration at the scene of the stabbing attack on five people.

A demonstration at the edge of the police cordon at the scene began from the early afternoon and escalated as the evening went on, reported RTE.

A crowd of between 100 and 200 people, some of whom wore scarves to cover their faces, confronted gardai verbally before clashes erupted with riot police, news portal reported.

The protesters were seen holding tricolours and an "Irish lives matter" sign during the violent demonstration.

What led to the clash

Police have arrested a person for allegedly stabbing five people including three children.

Police said the incident occurred on Parnell Square.

The Irish police said they arent considering terrorism as a motive for the serious assault in the city,reported CNN.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident and posted on X:"Shocked by the brutal attack that injured several people in Dublin, including children."

Shocked by the brutal attack that injured several people in Dublin, including children.



Grateful to first responders who tended to the victims and to the people who intervened on the scene.



Tonight my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of Ireland.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 23, 2023

"Grateful to first responders who tended to the victims and to the people who intervened on the scene. Tonight my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of Ireland," she said.

Irelands Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the incident left her 'deeply shocked'.

"A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc," she said.
Palestinian women walk through the rubble of the Nasr neighbourhood of Gaza City Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Mohammad Ajjour

The truce between Israel and Hamas members appears to be taking effect after more than a month-long conflict which has left at least 14,500 people dead, as claimed by Palestinians.

The ceasefire is expected to remain effective for four days.

The temporary ceasefire agreement also includes the release of 50 women and children, some of the around 240 people taken hostage by Hamas during their attacks on 7 October, reports BBC.

The first group of 13 hostages are expected to be released on Friday (November 24, 2023).

The pause is expected to give relief to 2.2 million Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

Meanwhile, some 130,000 liters of diesel fuel and four trucks of gas will enter Gaza from Egypt daily starting on Friday (November 24, 2023), reported CNN quoting Egyptian officials.

Two hundred trucks, loaded with food, medicine and water, will enter daily for the first time since the start of the Israeli war on the strip, Diaa Rashwan, the chairman of Egypts State Information Service, said in a statement as quoted by CNN.

Thailand Foreign Ministry welcomed the four-day truce reached by the Israel and Hamas and said in a statement: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand welcomes the latest agreement on the additional release of hostages beginning today, mainly women and children, taken in the violence in Israel and Gaza."

"The Ministry recognizes this latest achievement as an important breakthrough after many weeks of intense negotiations. The Ministry also welcomes the agreed humanitarian pause, as called for by the United Nations Security Council, to ensure humanitarian support reaches those in need," the statement said.

"The Ministry highly commends the efforts of the Governments of Qatar, Israel, the United States, Egypt, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all of those involved in securing this latest additional release of hostages, and sends its sincerest regards to them and their families," the statement said.
Screengrab from video tweeted by IDF

With just a few hours left in the release of 13 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a four-day truce deal, Israel said it is completely prepared to receive them.

Hostages will be provided medical treatment before they are handed over to their families, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Ahead of the hostage release, Israel's air force posted a video montage of toys, throw-rugs, and personal hygiene kits kept at places which will receive the hostages flown in by helicopter.

The video showed their preparations comprising towels, sanitary pads, hot food, beverages, baby wipes, toys for children, a large area to seat the hostages, and a helicopter on standby.

We have completed preparations to receive the released hostages upon their return to Israel from Gaza.



In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support.



We pic.twitter.com/ndbKEdGD1d  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2023

"We have completed preparations to receive the released hostages upon their return to Israel from Gaza. In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support," the IDF said in its post on X.

"We have readied several locations dedicated to their initial reception, which include the necessary medical provisions. After the initial reception and medical treatment, they will continue to hospitals where they'll be reunited with their families," it added.

The truce between Israel and Hamas members appears to be taking effect after more than a month-long conflict which has left at least 14,500 people dead, as claimed by Palestinians.

The ceasefire is expected to remain effective for four days.

The temporary ceasefire agreement also includes the release of 50 women and children, some of the around 240 people taken hostage by Hamas during their attacks on 7 October, reports BBC.

The first group of 13 hostages are expected to be released in some time.

The pause is expected to give relief to 2.2 million Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

Hamas is due to deliver the group to neighbouring Egypt in return for 39 Palestinians in Israeli jails as part of a temporary ceasefire in Gaza today.

According to an Israeli official, military choppers will repatriate the hostages, reportedly from an Egyptian airport near Gaza, the report said.

Israel is eagerly awaiting the release of women and children taken hostage by Hamas during the deadliest attack in the country's history last month on Sabbath.

About 240 hostages were taken when Hamas operatives broke through from the Gaza Strip's militarised border with Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.
Screengrab of video tweet by IDF

Twelve Thai hostages have already been released by Hamas, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on X.

Embassy officials are on the way to receive them.

"It has been confirmed by the Security Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai hostages have already been released. Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in another hour. Their names and details should be known soon," Thavisin said.

Hamas, as part of a temporary ceasefire in Gaza today, was initially scheduled to deliver a group of 13 Israeli hostages to neighbouring Egypt in return for 39 Palestinians in Israeli jails.

With the 12 Thai nationals released, 25 people will walk out of captivity after nearly two months.

According to reports, hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross and are on their way to the Rafah border - Gaza's border with Egypt.

Ahead of the hostage release, Israel's air force posted a video montage of toys, throw-rugs, and personal hygiene kits kept at places which will receive the hostages flown in by helicopter.

The video showed their preparations comprising towels, sanitary pads, hot food, beverages, baby wipes, toys for children, a large area to seat the hostages, and a helicopter on standby.

We have completed preparations to receive the released hostages upon their return to Israel from Gaza.



In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support.



We pic.twitter.com/ndbKEdGD1d  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2023

"We have completed preparations to receive the released hostages upon their return to Israel from Gaza. In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support," the IDF said in its post on X.

"We have readied several locations dedicated to their initial reception, which include the necessary medical provisions. After the initial reception and medical treatment, they will continue to hospitals where they'll be reunited with their families," it added.

The truce between Israel and Hamas members appears to be taking effect after more than a month-long conflict which has left at least 14,500 people dead, as claimed by Palestinians.

The ceasefire is expected to remain effective for four days.

The pause is expected to give relief to 2.2 million Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

About 240 hostages were taken when Hamas operatives broke through from the Gaza Strip's militarised border with Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.

Some Israeli hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross for return to Israel, news agency AFP reported quoting two sources close to Hamas.
Photo Courtesy: Khalilur Rahman X page

A top Bangladeshi official has said his nation will make a fresh appeal to Canada for the deportation of the convicted killer of 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-Noor Chaudhury.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Khalilur Rahman, Bangladeshs High Commissioner in Canada, said, We are not sitting here silently and after the new evidence on the CBC documentary, we are making a fresh appeal to the Canadian government for his early deportation."

Rahman said that Noor Chaudhury went to Canada around 28 years ago in 1996 and despite being a convicted killer in a heinous crime, he has been living there freely and the Bangladesh government is trying multiple ways to deport him.

We have been trying all the ways and requesting the government of Canada to deport him to Bangladesh to face the verdict. This judicial process possess has been very transparent free fear. It has been certified even by Amnesty International that the accused were given all the chances opportunities to make them innocent, he told ANI.

Speaking on the fresh appeal, he said: "It was known to us that he was living in that house, but he had never been caught in cameraSo it was only revolution was that he was spot on camera. We are not sitting idle. Every day, every moment we are taking this case. With this CBC documentary, all of them (Canadian officials) now know who they are hosting for the last 28 years. So we will be reaching out each and everybody and make a fresh appeal that the government of Canada should sit in a meaning dialogue for his deportation to Bangladesh."

He claimed several other convicted criminals are also living freely in Canada.

The biggest attack in Bangladesh on July 1, 2016. The mastermind was realized in Canada. He went to Bangladesh from here so these are the things and we have clear evidence of presence of some convicted money launderers in Canada and we have also requested for their deportation, he said.
Photo Courtesy: Mehrab Afridi

The US government has asked Pakistan to ensure safety and efficient resettlement of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.

"Our key concern is the safety of the vulnerable and at-risk individuals. We believe it is in both our countries interest to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of refugees and asylum speakers  asylum seekers," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a Tuesday afternoon news briefing.

"And we join all of our partners in urging all countries, including Pakistan, to uphold their respective obligations in the treatment of refugees and asylum speakers  or asylum seekers, and strongly encourage all of Afghanistans neighbour to  neighbors to allow entry for Afghans seeking international protection, and coordinate with international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance," he said.

Emergency support for thousands of Afghan families repatriated from Pakistan could dwindle due to a lack of funding as winter approaches, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday.

Pakistan announced in October that it would begin deporting undocumented foreign nationals starting on 1 November, affecting thousands of Afghans who have found refuge in the country.

WFP said most families crossing the border are arriving hungry, desperate and in need of immediate support.

The UN agency continues to supply them with fortified biscuits and cash to buy food or other basic necessities, and has assisted 250,000 people so far this month.

Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP Afghanistan Country Director said its programme there is already critically underfunded.

She warned that without additional resources we will not be able to continue our support to these families who are arriving at the border with nothing but a few basics and some bread for their journey.

WFP is urgently seeking $27.5 million to support one million returnees and help them get through the winter.
Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Faisal

Balochistan Caretaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai has said 10 lakh undocumented immigrants will soon be repatriated from the country by the end of January 2024.

Addressing a news conference at Quetta Press Club in the city on Wednesday, he was quoted as saying by The News International that the second phase of repatriating undocumented immigrants had commenced.

He said, Till now, more than 120,000 illegal immigrants have been repatriated.

He said about 2,000 immigrants without legal documents had been detained across the province during the crackdown on illegal immigrants across Balochistan.

An operation against undocumented immigrants including Afghan citizens was in progress without any discrimination, said Achakzai.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

A large number of people recently protested at Sukkur Civil Hospital in Pakistan's Sukkur city against police officials at C-Section police station and accused them of causing the death of a father of three children.

The protesters told media persons that the police officials barged into Rao Majids house in Old Sukkur Colony and dragged him away to police station where they locked him up, reported Dawn News.

They said that after an hour, the police officials phoned the deceaseds family and informed them that Rao Majid had been shifted to Sukkur Civil Hospital as he had consumed some poisonous substance.

The protesters and the deceaseds family members told Dawn News that when they reached the hospital the paramedical staff was absent and Rao Majid had already died.

They alleged that police officials beat Rao to death.


Teen stabbed to death during fight outside axe-throwing bar in New York. Photo Courtesy: NYPD News X page

A 17-year-old was stabbed to death during a fight with another group outside a lower Manhattan axe-throwing bar in New York on Thursday.

Another person was injured in the incident who was identified as the deceased person's 19-year-old brother.

The fatal stabbing happened around 1:50 a.m. in Chinatown when the victims got into an altercation outside Live Axe, an axe-throwing venue at 96 Lafayette St., police told New York Post.

Sources told the newspaper that an axe was not used in the incident.

The cause of the argument is still not clear.

One of the injured teens was shifted to Bellevue Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The older brother was also taken to Bellevue and is in stable condition, police told the newspaper.

Police have started investigating the matter.

No arrests have been made so far.
In Scotland, the Ryan Meadows Care Home organized a unique event for dementia patients by hosting a "baby shower" with dolls. The care home received 60 baby dolls from Pearls Memory Babies for this special occasion, as reported by SWNS.

Where did the trial happen?

This event was part of a trial, and the residents were treated to a baby shower, creating a heartwarming experience for the "new parents."

Why did the assisted living plan the baby shower?

Holding baby dolls or robotic pets can reportedly lead to positive effects, such as reduced stress and agitation, as mentioned on The Alzheimers Store website.

In a study conducted in 2022, the National Institute of Health and the National Library of Medicine discovered that doll therapy enhances the emotional well-being of individuals with dementia.

[It] diminishes disruptive behaviors and promotes communication, the study stated.

The care facility in Scotland has become the first in Europe to receive a donation of dolls from Pearls Memory Babies, aiming to bring "smiles across the miles" in an international effort, as reported by SWNS, the British news service.

How did the experiment help the senior citizens?

According to activity coordinator Kathleen Crymble, the baby shower successfully "enriched" the lives of the residents.

"The 'babies' provide a heartfelt and comforting way for our residents to feel more at peace, offering a sense of purpose through caring for their new companions," she expressed.

SWNS

Continuing, she acknowledged the challenges of Alzheimers disease and dementia, affecting both residents and their loved ones.



"We hope their new companions might evoke memories of their childhood or the time when they had young children or pets of their own," she shared with SWNS.

According to the Alzheimers Association, over 6 million Americans have Alzheimers, and 73% of them are over the age of 75.

The association also highlighted the growing number of diagnoses, projecting that by 2050, approximately 12.7 million individuals could be diagnosed with the disease.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


June Armstrong, a 77-year-old woman, faced a 3300 Australian dollars (Rs 1.8 lakh) fine for carrying an untouched chicken sandwich into Australia during her trip from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Brisbane.

When did the incident happen?

The incident occurred on May 2, as she aimed to spend time with her family. At Christchurch airport, she purchased a muffin and a gluten-free chicken sandwich.

"I sat down and ate some of my muffins, and I really didnt feel like it, so I threw the rest away, but I put the sandwich in my small backpack. I just clearly forgot. I am very forgetful, but not forgetful enough to be diagnosed with dementia," Armstrong said.

What did Australia Customs do?

The woman had planned to enjoy the chicken sandwich onboard the plane but unintentionally dozed off. Upon arrival in Brisbane, an official discovered the forgotten sandwich in her backpack during the luggage inspection.

The woman, realizing her lapse, requested that the official discard the sandwich.

"I said, 'Oh, I forgot about that; Im sorry. Could you throw it away for me?'. He just kept going through my bag," she said.

After thoroughly inspecting the woman's bag, the official initially left but returned later, issuing a fine. He stated, "Twelve points, 3300" to the woman. Initially confused, the woman later grasped that she was fined for bringing the sandwich into Australia.

"I was just sobbing and said, '$3300 for a little sandwich?" she said.

Later, Armstrong called her husband to share the incident. During the call, a staff member took her phone and assured her that she would soon be released from the airport.

How did the woman pay the fine?

Although her husband insisted on paying the fine, Armstrong opposed the idea, as she was reluctant to use their pension money for this purpose.

Unsplash

"My husband kept saying, 'Just pay it'. 'It's our pension; we can't afford this,'" she said. Eventually, Armstrong's husband had his way, and they paid the fine.



Later, a spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry informed Business Insider that Armstrong could have brought the sandwich into Australia only if she had an import permit. The spokesperson explained that meat has strict import conditions that can change rapidly due to disease outbreaks.

Armstrong, who has been married for 47 years, revealed that she and her husband have around 30,000 New Zealand dollars in savings and pensions.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has averred that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) will collapse if they do not make moves to rescue themselves.

According to him, the current state of the opposition is in a comatose situation, adding that they will continue to lose relevance in the political atmosphere and cease to exist within the next three years if they do not merge.

In a Friday statement signed by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, the Primate said: PDP and Labour Party are already in Coma, they will be buried in three years if they dont merge. There are forces troubling them but they have not seen it. They need to fight it spiritually before fighting it politically.

The only thing that can save the major oppositions; the Labour Party and PDP is a merger; if not, they will go into oblivion before the next election. If they dont put their selfish intentions behind them, 10 million Atikus will not be able to do it and Obasanjo will just be ranting till he is called home.

READ ALSO: Citizens Will Shut Down Nigeria In Three Months If You Dont Fix Economic Hardship  Primate Ayodele Warns Tinubu

Speaking specifically on the PDP, Ayodele noted that it will become a forgotten party because active members will defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar will be betrayed.

PDP will become a forgotten party if they are not careful. This government will render the party powerless if care isnt taken. The majority of those in the party now are looking for survival. Atiku will face more betrayal than ever in this dispensation, they will still fight him. PDP has become three factions already fighting for their selfish needs, the governors will be misled. Some of these PDP members will still decamp, he added.

Ayodeles remark comes at a time Atiku had called on the opposition to merge against the ruling party, ahead 2027, since according to him APC was sliding Nigeria into anarchy and a one-party dictatorship.
The National Economic Council (NEC), has approved plans to revamp 17,000 and 774 primary and secondary healthcare centres, nationwide.

It said the move was in response to identified funding gaps and deteriorating healthcare metrics, as revealed by a presentation by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, to the council.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, disclosed the governments strategy to State House Correspondents following the 137th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

Conveying the insights from Pates presentation, which highlighted the critical condition of the health sector, Mohammed said, The presentation dissected in terms of very robust sector  scan on health, from the tertiary to the primary level, looking at all the gaps, the problems and challenges of funding.

He lamented the stark statistics showcasing a decline in health indices, including infant mortality rates, stating that the Tinubu-led administration aims to establish a synergy among stakeholders for deep, lasting reforms.

The scope of the renewal, he said, intends to service 17,000 primary health centers to be put on a threshold of viability, 774 secondary facilities, that is hospitals, in addition to some tertiary institutions.

This comprehensive plan is designed to make sure medicare is brought close to the majority of Nigerians, Mohammed added.

On the source of funding, Governor Mohammed revealed that suggestions were madethat we could use some taxes from communication, from airlines, as well as our taxes from the state government to bridge the financial gaps plaguing the healthcare system.

Highlighting the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, he also pointed out the huge problem of human capital and attrition of experts, stressing the necessity of developing strategies to retain local talent.

Certainly, we have a huge problem of human capital and attrition of experts and the need to develop a strategy to retain our experts to care for our health sector.

So the presentation is a robust compact that looked at all the problems and challenges of the health sector, from financing, the human capital, from the supervisory point of view, and even on the leadership level, from the presidency to the local governments and the need for us as governors, local government even media, to put interest in the health sector, Mohammed said.

READ ALSO: Despite My Frustration With Election Loss, Ill Not Join APC  SDPs Adebayo

According to Governor Mohammed, the councils resolution includes an upcoming compact agreement with the World Health Organization on December 15, 2023, where all the governors will come and sign a compact agreement in terms of service compact.

This, he argued, underscores the collective commitment to budgeting for and prioritising healthcare.

Mohammed said while a democratic system like Nigerias cannot forcefully stop the outflux of healthcare professionals to other countries in search of greener pastures, plans are underway to manage the brain drain.

However, he urged Nigerian healthcare professionals to be a bit patriotic.

I asked that question too in Cabinet and the very ingenious answer the minister gave me is that he is working very hard to make sure he establishes a compact with these European countries.

Under Democracy, you cannot stop anybody from going. As a state. I have built over 1000 primary health centers, but I dont have the doctors; I only have 100, as you said. But we used to have 3000, they have run away.

We are working very hard with this compact to develop a robust conditional service or scheme of service that will make them retained. But certainly, were urging Nigerians to know that your home is your home. And you must sit down here and work.

Dr. Pate left a very big job where he was earning two point something billion with Gavi to come on work with 500,000 a month. I think our doctors need to understand this and this is what were doing through persuasion, he said.

The former FCT Minister also noted that plans are underway to free up regulatory hurdles to train more healthcare professionals to cover the gap.

We are trying to make sure we produce more. We even have problems of accreditation. Some of our health facilities training health workers are given a limited number to train for which we cannot bridge the gap.

So he (Pate) is working to make sure he opens up so we will produce more and people will go out and send back money.

I think we should look at our comparative advantage in the development of human capital in the health sector and go aggressively as per the vision of this administration, to train more doctors and to have a clearer understanding that these doctors are ours and that we will get something back in return when they go.

But we must have to do something to retain our doctors that are trained to treat our people. And that will require some element of patriotism, he said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, of disobeying President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

According to Wike, Fubara disobeyed the directive from President Tinubu and Shettima to resolve the political crisis in the State.

Wike made this allegation in a media chat on Friday, stating that Fubara destroyed the political structure that made him governor.

Wike said: We never knew that it will take you three months to scatter the political structure that picked you up. What is painful is seeing these propaganda and lies that I was angry. Did he (Fubara) buy form? Be grateful in your life in all circumstances.

I will not allow anybody to crumble our political structure. I told him if you do this ring-road your second tenure would be assured, I took him to Germany to meet Julius Berger and they promised to do the road in three years which is the year leading to election. I told him if you do this road nobody will challenge you in Rivers State.

READ MORE: Rivers Crisis: I Cant Stand Ingrates  Wike Slams Fabura

Anything that will make me disrespect Mr President count me out, he disobeyed the President, disobeyed the Vice President. When the law speaks, thuggery, militancy, and ethnicity will run away.
Two factions of Labour Party (LP), on Thursday, exchanged words shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned for hearing an application to discontinue a suit against its Imo governorship candidate in the Nov. 11 gubernatorial election, Athan Achonu.

It was gathered that Justice Inyang Ekwo, postponed the hearing to January 11 after Kehinde Edun, representing the first plaintiff for the Labour Party (LP), informed the court that he was present to submit a discontinuance notice in the case.

When the proceedings resumed, Edun, who identified himself as the National Legal Adviser of LP, said: On behalf of the 1st plaintiff, we want to inform the court that the 1st plaintiff was joined without authorisation.

I am here to file a notice of discontinuance. We have no case against the defendant (Independent National Electoral Commission).

Reacting to Eduns statement, Anderson Asemota, who had been representing all the plaintiffs, including the first plaintiff (LP), expressed that the case was scheduled for a hearing.

Asemota mentioned that he had received a notice of joinder from Athan Achonu, the gubernatorial candidate in Imo, through his lawyer, Okwudili Anozie, who had earlier announced his appearance as a party seeking to be joined.

The national legal adviser said the suit was filed without authorisation, the judge told Asemota.

But Asemota said Edun was not the partys national legal adviser.

The attorney mentioned that the national legal adviser had momentarily stepped out, and he indicated the presence of the national youth leader in court by pointing to a litigant who stood up for recognition.

Asemota asserted that the Labour Party (LP), which he was representing in court, had not informed him about the decision to discontinue the lawsuit. Furthermore, he stated that he had not received the notice Edun intended to file.

He contended that, as per procedural norms, Edun should have first sought to be involved in the matter by applying for a joinder before informing him of the intention to file a notice of discontinuance.

READ MORE: INEC Delaying Release Of Election Documents To Perfect APCs Rigging  Imo LP Alleges

The judge then asked Edun if he had served Asemota with the application.

I will serve them now, Edun responded.

Consequently, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until January 11 to hear the notice of discontinuance.

Asemota represented the faction led by Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, meanwhile, Edun appeared on behalf of the faction led by Julius Abure within the Labour Party (LP).

Following the courts adjournment, a clash between factions ensued when members loyal to Apapa challenged Eduns attempt to discontinue their lawsuit. This led to a heated exchange, prompting the intervention of the Kings Guard officers and court staff.

The plaintiffs in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1357/2023, consisted of LP; Alhaji Apapa (Acting National Chairman); Alhaji Lawal Saleh (Acting National Secretary); Comrade Abayomi Arabambi (National Publicity Secretary); Comrade Anslem Eragbe (National Youth Leader); Akingbade Oyelekan (National Legal Adviser); and Chief Joseph Ikechukwu Ukaegbu (Gubernatorial candidate, Imo State) as the 1st to 7th plaintiffs, respectively.
Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population, has lamented the absence of accurate population data to plan Nigeria.

The Chairman also regretted that successive administrations have relied on inconsistent numbers, making it difficult to arrive at a strategic plan for the future.

Ningi made the disclosure while addressing a delegation from the National Population Commission (NPC) led by its Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwara.

Public analysts say that Nigerians are over 200 million. Some would say 220. Just yesterday I heard that we are over 250 million.

All those things are mere guesswork. And it is the population commission that is saddled with the constitutional responsibility to do that. And that has been actually emphasized by an Act of Parliament.

If we want to belong to the comity of nations that make an impact in the world, we need to know what we are doing, we need to know our capacity. And without knowing who we are, and how many we are, we cant continue to guess, Ningi detailed.

READ ALSO: Suspended Adamawa REC, Yunusa-Ari Fled To Niger Republic  Lawyer Tells Court

Commenting, a member of the committee and the Senator representing Jigawa North-West, Babangida Hussain, said measures need to be put in place for the proper policing of the countrys 927,000 sq kilometer of land to check illegal immigrants.

Today, our borders are as open as the sky. These are issues that are germane to population growth, to plan cities, to issues of education, security, and water, he said.

On her part, Saidat Olayinka Oladunjiye, President Bola Ahmed Tinubus nominee as NPC Commissioner for Lagos State assured the committee of a rich guideline to guide the NPC towards a successful enumeration exercise.

She explained that the commission would deploy the Geographic Information System (GIS), adding that the population census we are going to have this time is going to be one of the best in the country because like you said data is blood.
A Chief Magistrate Court siting in Minna, has sentenced a dismissed Inspector of the Niger State Police Command, Inspector Yahaya Mohammed, to two years imprisonment for theft and sale of Ak 47 magazine and ammunition to suspected armed bandits in the state.

Mohammed was said to have conspired with one Ndaman Gana who is also an officer in-charge of the state police command armoury department to carry out the deal.

He was arraigned on two counts of charges which bordered on Criminal Conspiracy and theft of Ak47 magazine and unlawful dealing in the sale of Ak47 magazine and ammunition.

The police Prosecutor DSP Ahmed Saidu had told the Court that the two count charges contravened sections 97,(2), 288 (l) of the penal code and section 27 (6) (111) act 28 law 2004.

READ MORE: FUTMinna Lecturer Found Dead With Her Throat Slit

The Police First Information Report (FIR), presented in Court and obtained Vanguard, disclosed that credible information from a reliable source within the Department of State Service (DSS) attached to Rafi Local Government Area, Kagara, Niger State, indicated that an unknown individual transported goods suspected to be weapon inside a Ghana must go bag to Kagara motor park.

However, Chief Magistrate Hajiya Fati Umar Hassan conveyed her disappointment with the conduct of the convict, particularly highlighting his role as a police officer entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

She said: It is quite unfortunate that as a police officer saddled with the responsibilities of Protecting the lives and property of the citizens, you now engage in selling ammunition to armed bandits that are terrorising and killing innocent citizens across the country.

I will be lenient with you while convicting you with an option of fine as a result of the contagious disease, especially with the medical report attached to the first Information report.

If not because of the disease, I would have convicted you without an option of fine, but for other inmates not to be infected with the disease, you are hereby sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine.
Florence Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, the daughter of a Nigerian billionaire, has become the subject of harsh ridicule after misspelling the word assorted as assaulted.

Recently on her 31st birthday, Femi Otedolas daughter made headlines and got people talking while daydreaming about a luxurious vacation.

The DJ had taken to the microblogging platform, X, to state how awesome of an experience it was to have a delicacy of Jollof rice with assorted meat on a private jet.

READ MORE: Doyin: Tell Your Vibrators What You Need For Christmas  Sabinus Advises S3x Toy Lovers

Unfortunately, DJ Cuppy misspelt assorted for assaulted, stirring mixed reactions on the platform.

Jollof on the Jet with Assaulted Meat , she wrote on her page.

Reactions Below

Ugochukwu_96 said: Poor kids dey correct rich man pikin. How much your English don give you? .

Cheyih_Viktah added: Florence, do another masters but this time in English. 

DripxHalcy penned: See person wey go Oxford.

TheTifeFab_ said: Small English wey we dey manage, you begin assault am.

iKaptainKush opined: Assaulted meat? Anyways, you get money so make I shut up. All the English I know, where he carry me reach.

HalalAbdul_ noted: If rich man pikin talk say nah assaulted meat nah assaulted meat. Poor man pikin no suppose Dey talk .
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has opened up on the rift between him and the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

While speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike disclosed that Fubara was trying to create a political crisis for himself.

The FCT Minister added that he put many things in place to aid Governor Fubaras political career, but he seems to be an ingrate.

Wike said: Let me tell you, i dont like ingrates. I cant stand it. What is happening now (in Rivers) is what Odili said in his book: Give a man power and money, then you will know the person. If you havent given a man power and money, then you dont know the person.

READ MORE: Rivers Crisis: Wike Remains My Oga  Gov Fubara Declares

However, Im not worried because I am a politician. I know what other states are suffering because of debt. But go (to Rivers) and check if I had liabilities, the records are there.

I left projects for him to commission so he would showcase during his hundred days, then politics came in. We are just starting. God gave you something, you are now importing crisis.

God gave this (power) on a platter of gold, no crisis. The federal government is not fighting you, nobody at home is fighting you. You are the one trying to create a crisis for yourself.

What kind of system is that? Who does that? Only ingrates that (it) is in their blood that will support what is happening there (in Rivers). Only those who are natural ingrate.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, revealed that he will not contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2027 presidential polls.

Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the disclosure to debunk claims suggesting that he will contest against Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2027 election.

READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: I Cant Stand Ingrates  Wike Slams Fabura

Stating that he has character, the former Rivers State Governor said, they carry all kinds of information, and they say, oh, Wike will run against Tinubu, how? Some people dont have character at all. So you look at me after being FCT minister, I will go and collect forms under which party if it is APC, I collect the form of APC and look at who I want to run against; I mean, people dont just have character or I went to PDP, they give me form, I want to run against Tinubu, these are political tyrants callous who have no character, I have character.

Tinubu made me minister, people dont understand, I have character. What will happen in 2027? I stood and I said I am not going to support injustice. I was threatened that they would do me this and that. They tried many options including using Major General, he added.
From its sprawling, 1,500-worker studio headquarters in Chester County, QVC and its affiliates developed home-shopping TV, packing channels for more than 30 years with live hosts and celebrities pitching clothing, kitchen goods, electronics, jewelry, and many other products to millions of viewers and filling their orders from suppliers and warehouses.

Today QVC, the West Chester-based core of Qurate Retail Inc., which includes clothing brands and small U.S., Western European and Japanese shopping channels, is struggling to cover its costs. Its competing in a new world where it can be surprisingly cheap for energetic individuals working from home to reach millions of consumers through fast, slick product posts on TikTok (which QVC also uses) and other smartphone-based media.

Qurates CEO of the past two years, David L. Rawlinson II, who earlier ran industrial supplier W.W. Grainger and then consumer analytics giant NielsenIQ, notes that the company has faced and beaten earlier tech-based competition, including when Amazon tried to start its own home-shopping programs.

Rawlinson, a South Carolina native, Harvard grad, and longtime Chicago resident now living in Wayne, says hes confident Qurate will survive because it has its irreplaceable studios, increasingly efficient video and consumer technology to produce more programming at lower costs, and a core of affluent female repeat customers who spend more each year.

With traditional TV services like Comcast Xfinity losing customers, Qurate has lately launched QVC and its smaller, Florida-based HSN channel through services such as Roku, Amazon Free, and Vizio Smart TV, and are also available through Qurates new livestream app Sune. The company says that more than two-thirds of its revenues now comes from computer and smartphone shoppers.

Analysts say Qurate can stay in business at least as long as the companys major shareholders, Liberty Media founder John C. Malone and Liberty executive Greg Maffei, share Rawlinsons confidence  and a willingness to bet on better times ahead.

Hollywood East

Started by serial business-founder Joseph Segel in 1986, QVC fast became an icon of American television. In the early 1990s, Fox Broadcasting cofounder Barry Diller used QVC to start his own media empire. In 1995, Comcast bought majority control and then in 2003 sold its shares to Malones Liberty Media, in a deal valuing the company at $14 billion. Liberty sold shares to the public, but Malone and Maffei kept control of voting shares.

The company now employs 19,000 people worldwide, including 2,000 at its Bethlehem warehouse and at other eastern Pennsylvania sites, in addition to the West Chester headquarters.

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Celebrity salespeople like Dolly Parton augment a brigade of homegrown presenters, who, starting in the 1990s, drew busloads of eager viewers to its West Chester studios.

Such an iconic brand. There were lines of tourists. You had to book hotels ahead of time, recalls Gary Smith, head of the Chester County Development Council. The public tours ended in 2019, as security costs escalated.

With Qurates evolving audience platform, presenters and producers are broadcasting and streaming more content than ever in the companys home-, kitchen-, and resort-like studios. This years content includes QVCs second yearly full-length holiday movie The Recipe Files with Ashlee Simpson.

Many cameras are automated. Upstairs from the studios, specialists sit in screen-lit control rooms analyzing live data and whispering into presenters headsets about which products are selling and which keywords they should speak out loud to help boost sales. Qurate also owns the smaller, rival HSN home-shopping studios in Florida.

Malone and Maffei proclaimed their confidence in CEO Rawlinsons recent cost-cutting and plans for boosting profits at a meeting with investors Nov. 9.

But Malone also acknowledged that they need to do more than break even: You dont want to tread water in business, or the sharks will get you, he said. You need growth.

Seismic shifts in media

Trends are in our favor, Rawlinson said in a recent interview. Both media and e-commerce are shaking out, and companies with their own studios and warehouses have already proven more durable than online-only enterprises.

Were in the middle of seismic shifts in the media and a maturation of e-commerce, he said. So here we are, with our own ecosystem  a lot of people we have trained, who know hosting and production, programming and retail pricing and merchandising. That will be fairly hard to replicate. That is the opportunity available to us.

QVC and HSN together boast around 8 million annual customers in the U.S., down from 9 million last year. The company says a smaller core of the most dedicated viewers buys an average of 75 items a year and have been spending more lately.

In media and in retail  fragmented, fast-changing industries  theres a big fight for attention from consumers, said Rawlinson, who lives in Wayne and unwinds at Sixers games.

With the company rushing to get its merchandise into streaming apps, podcasts, and other new media, Qurate has speeded production of its live and recorded programs.

A lot of our hosts are local people, Rawlinson noted.

Indeed, QVC has created a local network of media and tech professionals, and smaller area firms such as RevZilla and Turn5 have built their own QVC-style studios and techniques to sell products such as motorcycle accessories or sports-car and truck upgrades.

The company has also expanded offices in New York, where tech and media talent is concentrated. QVC has so far bypassed Philadelphia, but were open to expanding into that city, Rawlinson added, when we see the need.

Fire and plague

Since joining Qurate, Rawlinson has led the company out of a series of crises that cut deep into profits:

In December 2021, a warehouse in Rocky Mount, N.C., where Qurate had concentrated its U.S. distribution, burned down, killing a worker, destroying products, and disrupting deliveries. Damage was so extensive, Qurate decided not to rebuild. The fires cause could not be determined. The company has replaced Rocky Mount with a less-centralized distribution system, Rawlinson said, where our goods are closer to the customer and shipping costs less. Insurance paid QVC $660 million for fire-related losses this fall, enabling the company to buy down debt and reducing financial pressure, though it still faces $2 billion in debt coming due over the next three years. The pandemic temporarily boosted video viewership, but shipping dislocations from foreign suppliers and U.S. transportation disruption made it tougher to fill orders. Zulily, the Seattle-based shop-by-smartphone company that Qurate paid $2.4 billion to acquire in 2015, lost money relentlessly as managers struggled to make its deliveries more reliable. Rawlinson finally sold the remaining operations at a fraction of what the company paid earlier this year.

Wall Street showed a corresponding lack of confidence in the company this year. In March, S&P Global Ratings cut Qurates credit rating to CCC+, a junk-level rating that implies bond investors could lose their money because of the companys potentially unsustainable debt load.

That helped drive the share price below $1, for the first time since the stock was traded in 2006. Shares recovered to around 65 cents, from 40 cents, after sales slipped but profit margins began recovering in Qurates Nov. 3 earnings report. Its still measured in dimes, not dollars.

Bankruptcy isnt an attractive option, said Theodore Glavin IV, Wilmington-based managing director of Gavin/Solomonese, a corporate bankruptcy and turnaround consultancy.

If you break it down into component businesses, its a broadcasting media company, plus an Amazon-style retailer but without all Amazons infrastructure, Gavin said. Those businesses dont attract high prices, these days.

Someone could operate the channels in a more niche market and a scaled-down version, if they bought it as cheap as the share price implies Qurate is worth, he said. Or, you are looking at a liquidation.

Their primary backers and owners will be key to what happens here, Gavin said. There comes a point when investors are not willing to throw more good money after bad. Only they can decide what that point is.
Linda Baker, art therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health, draws her hands as a gratitude exercise. Read more

Research shows that routinely expressing what were grateful for can boost mood, strengthen relationships, and improve health. One study even found that daily gratitude practice led people to exercise more and make fewer trips to the doctors office.

 READ MORE: Gratitude isnt just polite. A Philly-born psychology movement shows it is a path to happiness.

There are many way to practice gratitude, and the best approach is the one that feels best to you.

Here are a few exercises you can try.

Three blessings

One of the most basic gratitude practices is called Three Good Things.

Once a day, a few times a week  however often youd like  write down three good things that happened that day and why.

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Doing the exercise, even for one week, made people happier, said James Pawelski, a professor of positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts.

Journaling

For those who are looking for more structure in their gratitude practice, there are a variety of journals that can guide you with writing prompts. Some examples are the Five Minute Journal or The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal.

Themes vary, but the premise of most is similar to that of the three blessings  making it a routine to think of the positive and express gratitude.

Writing alternatives

Writing in a journal isnt for everyone, and that shouldnt be a barrier to practicing gratitude, said George James, a licensed marriage and family therapist and chief innovation officer at Council for Relationships, a Philadelphia mental health nonprofit

If journaling isnt for you, James recommends that you open a note on your phone and type up things you are grateful for or use the voice memo to record your gratitude. If you have a partner, perhaps make it a bedtime ritual to say to each other a few things you are grateful for.

It doesnt have to be written. There are multiple ways you can practice the same skill of gratitude, he said.

James also recommends setting a reminder on your calendar or phone to practice. It works for his patients  and for him.

 READ MORE: Practicing gratitude with kids is as simple as eating M&Ms

Art

Linda Baker, an art therapist who works with youth at Princeton House Behavioral Health, found success in using art to express gratitude.

One of her exercises involves tracing her hands on a piece of paper and then writing in each finger something she is grateful for  an object, a person, a talent or quality about herself.

Senses

Another exercise Baker recommends deploys all five senses.

Think about the past week: What are you grateful for that youve seen, tasted, heard, done, or smelled?

As a visual artist, Baker said she often identifies new things to be grateful for by being mindful of all five senses.

If Im in this moment, using all my senses, then I can appreciate things that maybe I never noticed before, she said.

 READ MORE: Write a thank you letter this holiday season. It could bring tears of joy  to you and the recipient.

Think it, say it

Gratitude can also be incorporated in daily life outside of a specific routine.

Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has a rule: If you think it, say it.

When she reads a novel, or a scientific paper that she enjoyed, she will email the author a short note of thanks. She will do the same when someone does something nice for her.

She recognizes that at first it might be a bit awkward. But its worth it.

In my experience, theres never been an occasion where gratitude wasnt received with joy, Duckworth said.

We all have people in our lives that we should have thanked but didnt.
Daniel Skousen vacuums his home, damaged by August's wildfire, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Skousen says he will not deep clean his home until the EPA removes all debris from the burnt house adjacent to his. Read more

When Daniel Skousen scrubs at the ash and soot covering his Maui home, he worries about the smell.

What chemicals created the burning-trash-barrel scent that has lingered since a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina in August? Should he believe government agencies assessment of when the air, land, and water will be safe enough for his family to return?

Or will political and economic pressures to rebuild and restore Mauis robust tourism industry  where visitors normally spend $14 million per day  lead officials to look at any testing results through rose-colored glasses?

It appears very important to them to get that tourism tax revenue back, said Skousen. It makes you wonder if the testing will be biased.

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The fire blew out Skousens windows and filled his home with ash, but the building is still standing, and he hopes someday to move back in. The home next door burned to the ground.

Skousen wants a second opinion on any government environmental assessments, preferably from an expert with a stake in the community. But the raw data isnt easy to find, and experts say the long-term health effects from fires like the one that incinerated Lahaina are mostly unknown. There are no national standards that detail how clean is clean enough for a residential home damaged by a nearby fire.

At least 100 people died in the Aug. 8 wildfire, and thousands were displaced. Nearly 7,000 were still in short-term lodging two months later.

The rubble left behind includes electrical cables, plastic pipes and vehicle tires that emit dangerous dioxins when burned; lead from melted vehicles or old house paint; and arsenic-laden ash from termite-resistant building materials.

After a major wildfire burned 1,000 homes in Boulder County, Colo., in 2021, health officials learned that even professionally remediated homes were often still polluted with ash, char and other toxic substances long after the fire, said Bill Hayes, the countys air quality program coordinator.

The reason? High winds  like those that plagued Maui during the wildfire this summer  forced fine particulate matter into every crevice, Hayes said. Those particulates would sit inside window panes, behind light switches, between shingles and elsewhere until the winds started up again, recontaminating the home.

Char is a carcinogen, so we dont ever say any level of those particulates are safe, Hayes said. That became a challenge in the cleanup  determining the level of when is it clean enough?

State and federal agencies have released regular updates on Lahainas relative safety. The water in much of the town is still unsafe to drink, and visitors have been advised to use protective gear in impacted areas. Officials say pregnant people and kids should stay out of the burn zone, though the Hawaii Department of Education says the schools, which are above the burned part of town, are safe.

Crews have installed air quality monitors throughout town and are spraying a soil sealant to prevent toxic ash from being washed into the ocean or blowing around.

An attorney representing Skousen and about two dozen other Lahaina residents sent a public records request to the Environmental Protection Agency last month asking for all records regarding residential testing of contaminants in Lahaina and their impact to human health.

The EPAs reply, sent earlier this month, wasnt reassuring: No records could be located that are responsive to your request.

EPA spokesman Kellen Ashford told The Associated Press his agency did some environmental hazard testing in the burn zone, but only to determine the immediate risk for workers involved in the initial cleanup.

He referred further questions about such testing to the Hawaii Department of Health, which he said was responsible for determining longer-term safety for residents.

The Hawaii Department of Healths Environmental Health Services Division also told Skousens attorney it had no records about residential testing of contaminants to release.

The Health Department declined interview requests. Spokesman Shawn Hamamoto said in an email the department will pursue additional air quality and ash testing when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins removing debris from Lahaina.

I think that theyre playing hide the ball, said Skousens attorney, Edward Neiger. The question is, why do they feel the need to hide anything?

Ashford acknowledged some residents are skeptical of the cleanup efforts. He said the EPA has people stationed at the Lahaina Civic Center and at work sites to talk to community members about their concerns.

Andrew Shoemaker, a fine art photographer who operated a gallery on Lahainas famous Front Street, believes its an important part of healing to go back to the burned areas to see what is left, but he has recently had a lung infection and doesnt want to risk his health.

I dont even want to take the chance of going over there, he said.

Dioxins, toxic compounds that can be released when plastic pipes, tires and other household materials are burned, are a particular concern for Shoemaker. Dioxins can last for decades inside the human body, and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

The EPA has found that forest fires and household trash burning in backyard burn barrels  how Skousen now describes the scent of Lahaina  are both major sources of dioxin emissions.

Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a professor and environmental epidemiologist with University of California-Davis, said the air monitors are effective and can measure particles that are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Still, there is a lot that scientists dont yet know about the long-term health risks posed by fires, Hertz-Picciotto said.

That postfire smell noticed by Skousen can be a result of off-gassing, she said, which occurs when volatile organic compounds are absorbed into surfaces and released later.

Even with careful air quality monitoring, off-gassing can expose residents and cleanup workers to toxic fire emissions for months, and research shows only some volatile organic compounds can be trapped by high-quality air particle filters, according to the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

If it smells like burned plastic or burned electrical cables, then probably those chemicals are in the air and not healthy, Hertz-Picciotto said. The other side of that, though, is even if you cant smell it, that doesnt mean its safe.

Skousen is a teacher and runs a cleaning business on the side. Hes spent his off hours in Lahaina working on cleaning his and his neighbors homes. Skousen and his wife decided to homeschool their kids at their temporary residence outside of Lahaina for now rather than risk exposing them to possible health problems.

Most of the guidelines for human exposure to pollutants are based on industrial settings, where people might work 40 hours a week  not their homes, where they might spend 90% of their time, said Hayes, the Boulder County air quality coordinator. Whether a home can be made safe enough for residency comes down in part to the residents risk tolerance, Hayes said.

There is no black-and-white, clear-cut answer, he said. If they have young children in the home, or anyone has respiratory conditions, they might want to do significantly more cleaning than what the guidance documents are recognizing.
A colorectal surgeon at Huntingdon Valley Surgery Center goes over work after seeing a patient in Huntingdon Valley in 2021. Pennsylvania doctors will soon be required to receive written and verbal consent to conduct a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam while a patient is under anesthesia. Read more

HARRISBURG  All Pennsylvania medical providers will soon be required to get consent before conducting any pelvic, rectal, or prostate exams on patients under anesthesia.

While some regional medical institutions have banned the practice, there was no statewide ban to prevent physicians or medical students from conducting invasive pelvic exams, even when they were not medically necessary. The once-common practice has widely declined in recent years due to national attention on the issue, but Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D., Philadelphia) said it was still important for Pennsylvania to have a statewide policy because it has many teaching hospitals.

Pennsylvanias legislature passed the bill last week and joined more than 21 states that have already banned pelvic exams without informed consent. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill Tuesday, and it will take effect Jan. 19  60 days after the signing.

Its what I consider a Duh piece of legislation, where people are like, How is this not already law?  said Rep. Liz Hanbidge (D., Montgomery), who authored the bill with Fiedler.

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Fiedler and Hanbidge said they hope the new law will protect patients and ensure trust between a patient and doctor. Theyve introduced the legislation each session since 2019, and worked to gain unanimous support for the bills passage in the House and Senate. The lawmakers said they also believe the law will improve womens health care, because the practice often historically affected unconscious women.

Fiedler began working on the legislation after hearing from one of her constituents from South Philly who believed she was examined without her consent while under anesthesia.

It was just shocking to me that this was something that was allowed to happen, in fact did happen, and that there were not clear, bright lines about what a medical student could or should do to the physical body while they were under anesthesia, Fiedler added.

Pelvic exams require a doctor use their fingers to check the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and rectum for any issues. Theyre usually done in a gynecologists office while a patient is awake and consenting. Rectal and prostate exams are also performed in a doctors office.

Some patients, like Fiedlers constituent, have reported feeling sensations that they were examined without their consent. And medical students have also reported in recent years that these exams still occur. A 2019 survey conducted by Elle found that 92% of medical school students from seven of the countrys top medical schools had conducted a pelvic exam on a female patient under anesthesia. Approximately 61% of those same students completed the exam without specific consent, according to the report.

Years in the making

As a freshman lawmaker, Hanbidge said shed introduce herself to her colleagues and immediately begin telling them about the bill.

I literally walked up to people and said, Lets talk about pelvic exams,  Hanbidge said.

For the proposals first few years, it failed to pass the GOP-controlled House health committee. But Hanbidge and Fiedler worked to talk with legislative leaders and individual lawmakers to make them aware of the issue, and finally got it through the General Assembly last week.

Sen. Michele Brooks (R., Crawford), who chairs the Senate Health Committee, said in a news release that she was stunned to learn that medical students were allowed to perform these exams while the patient was under anesthesia and without prior consent.

Several local teaching hospitals  such as the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University  have had written consent policies in place for years for a medical student to conduct one of these exams.

A spokesperson for Temple said the teaching hospital is committed to doing what this law would require.

The law will require Pennsylvania health providers to receive verbal and written consent to conduct pelvic, rectal, or prostate exams while a patient is under anesthesia. If not followed, the health care provider would be fined $1,000, and the patient is allowed to seek outside monetary damages.

Fiedler and Hanbidge, as well as Sens. Maria Collett (D., Montgomery) and Katie Muth (D., Montgomery), worked with several victim rights groups to craft the bill, including: the Womens Law Project; the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; and the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect.

We really wanted to make sure that this policy is comprehensive, and across the entire commonwealth, regardless of whether you go to a hospital in Philadelphia, Reading, Pittsburgh, or Bedford, that you can expect to be the standard, Fiedler added.
Demonstrators outside of Central Bucks West High School gathered in January to protest a school board vote that would ban Pride flags and other "advocacy" materials from classrooms. Read more

Should parents influence what schools do?

Of course they should. And any elected official who says otherwise is destined to lose.

Witness the fate of former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe, who told a debate audience in 2021  during his bid for governor in Virginia  that he didnt think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.

McAuliffe had already served as governor of the state, from 2014 to 2018. But he lost the second time around, largely because of this first-class blunder. If you dont like what schools are doing, dont tell other citizens to butt out. Butt in and raise your own voice. Thats the American way.

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Its also the lesson of the recent school board elections in Bucks County and around the nation, where Republicans proclaiming parental rights went down to defeat. Many of these GOP candidates were endorsed by Moms for Liberty, the burgeoning conservative group that has backed bans on critical race theory, LGBTQ-themed books, and more. It also drew several Republican presidential candidates to its convention in Philadelphia last summer, where they pledged to defend the rights of parents, as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told the gathering.

But it turns out that Democratic parents have rights, too. And when they speak up, they can reverse what Republican parents have done.

In the Central Bucks School District, which had banned sexualized content from libraries and Pride flags from classrooms, Democrats swept five school board seats. They also swept five seats in Perkiomen Valley  where the board prohibited transgender students from using bathrooms aligned with their gender  and in Pennridge, which had hired a curriculum consultant aligned with Moms for Liberty.

Ditto for Iowa, where 12 of the 13 school board candidates endorsed by Moms for Liberty lost. So did most of the candidates in Ohio and Minnesota who were backed by Moms for Liberty and other right-wing parent groups. And in Virginia, where Gov. Glenn Youngkin defeated McAuliffe in 2021 on a parents rights platform, Democrats recaptured the statehouse. They also won control of the school board in Loudoun County, which had made national headlines because of challenges to Toni Morrisons prizewinning novel, Beloved.

Americans are a freedom-loving people, and most of them dont want schools to ban books with controversial content. According to an analysis by the Washington Post, which examined over 1,000 challenges to books filed in the 2020-21 school year in 37 states, the majority of complaints were brought by just 11 people. Each of these individuals made 10 or more challenges; one man filed 92.

And sometimes, all it takes is one complaint to ban a book. A North Carolina school board removed Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You from an Advanced Placement Language and Composition class when one parent  thats right, just one  complained about it. I feel a little powerless, said the class teacher, who was ordered to choose another book. This is just the first of many dominoes to fall before the tide shifts again.

Parents on the left can influence schools, too, if they follow the same playbook as Moms for Liberty: organize, protest, and vote.

On Election Day, the shift began. Of course, conservative parent groups remain influential forces in many parts of the country. But this falls school board results show that parents on the left can influence schools, too, if they follow the same playbook as Moms for Liberty: organize, protest, and vote.

In North Carolina, a group called Heal America prepares people to speak at school board meetings. So does Red Wine and Blue, a national organization that has enrolled over 11,000 people in its one-hour troublemaker training. The goal is not letting Moms for Liberty be the only voice in the room, one activist explained.

McAuliffe was wrong when he told parents to keep out of the room. And Youngkin was correct when he said they have a right to be there. No more are we going to make parents stand outside the room, Youngkin told a campaign rally, the day before this months elections. We are going to put them at the head of the table in charge of our childrens lives.

But Youngkin was wrong, too, if he imagined that GOP parents would be the only ones to take up his invitation. Once you open the door, Democrats can come in, as well. If they keep coming, they just might get to the head of the table.
Sonia Pagan hangs a Spanish-language voter information sheet in 2022. Democrats have been losing ground with working-class and Latino voters in Philadelphia and nationally, writes Rafael Alvarez Febo. Read more

The election of Cherelle Parker  the citys first Black female mayor  shows that representation matters to Philadelphia voters. However, when we look at who sits on City Council, an obvious question comes to mind: Why has an at-large seat been so elusive for a Latino representative even as Phillys Latino population has nearly tripled since 2000?

Latinos make up more than 16% of the citys population, living in and outside of the 7th District (the citys historic barrio in Northeast Philadelphia). Yet adding a second Latino voice on Council has become a new glass ceiling after the election of Maria Quinones Sanchez to the 7th District Council seat in 2007.

Even with such a large Latino presence in Philadelphia, Quetcy Lozada, who replaced Quinones Sanchez after she resigned to run for mayor, remains the only Latina on the 17-member Council.

Some may say its a problem of engagement. The general election results show that the average turnout in Latino-dominant wards was about 13% of registered voters. Thats lower than the citys overall turnout by half, but when you talk to Latino voters, many will tell you that they are taken for granted. That their voices arent being heard and they feel locked out of politics.

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In a city controlled by Democrats, it is evident who holds the key.

Its not a leap, then, to say that Philadelphias Democratic Party, and the varying factions of the progressive movement, conspire to keep Latinos out of power. Of course, when faced with these claims, they will sneer and name their endorsed Latino candidates. But the reality is that those efforts are merely lip service, a box to check while the political machine delivers votes to their preferred candidates.

The Democratic Party has been adversarial to Philadelphias broader Latino community, choosing to back machine candidates (like Manny Morales, in his 2015 primary bid against Quinones Sanchez) and mostly ignoring Latinos in neighborhoods outside of its tightly controlled system.

Many Latinos feel left out and disconnected from the citys political establishment due to apathy and inaction by Democrats on critical economic and neighborhood issues. When an opportunity came to endorse two qualified Latinas (Erika Almiron and Luz Colon) to their coveted slate of five candidates for at-large Council seats, the party instead chose to leave a blank space and let ward leaders pick their preferred candidate. An endorsement wouldve made a huge difference in vote share and shown that the party was listening to Latinos.

The citys progressives havent fared much better, contributing to the level of frustration and disengagement by ignoring the kind of bread-and-butter issues that Latinos (many of whom are severely impacted by poverty, the drug trade, and violence) desperately want addressed.

Instead, progressives chose to spread themselves thin, focusing on an unpopular mayoral candidate (Helen Gym) and an inexperienced Council at-large candidate (Amanda McIllmurray), instead of fully backing at-large Latino candidates with a real shot at winning, such as Almiron.

Some local progressive groups are taking credit for increasing turnout on Nov. 7 (even while Philadelphias share of the statewide Democratic vote continues to decline), as more of the electorate came out to cast ballots for the Working Families Party. But an Inquirer analysis found that votes came from wealthier, predominantly white wards.

As we look at those results, we should ponder why white middle-class Philadelphia voters are setting priorities for working families, and more importantly, whether candidates who bill themselves as for the people will deliver, not just for gentrifying middle-class voters, but for those the system continues to trample on.

The Democratic Party and the progressive wing have been losing ground with working-class and Latino voters locally, and national patterns show a similar trend. In Philly and across the country, Democrats have prioritized super voters and engaged individuals  who tend to skew white and highly educated  again leaving a gap in representation for a growing Latino population.

Pennsylvania will play a critical role in next years presidential election, and helping protect democracy from the Republicans likely nominee will require reversing Philadelphias declining turnout trends by engaging and empowering the citys diverse communities.

So consider this a call to the Philadelphia Democratic Party and the progressive political machine.

Will you address the issues low-income and working-class Philadelphians have been struggling with for decades, or will you choose performative politics? Will you listen to Latino voices calling out for their fair share, or will you continue to ignore us?

Esperamos su respuesta.

Rafael Alvarez Febo is vice president for advocacy and community development at Esperanza. He was executive director of Gov. Tom Wolfs LGBTQ commission and was an adviser for Maria Quinones Sanchezs mayoral campaign.
De Maria, said the release, is also permanently banned from controlling an entity that carries a financial services business and performing any function involved in the carrying on of a financial services business.
We do see some frequency in what we will call meritless claims where parents seem to think that the legal system is an opportunity for them to make a buck out of what we see as an inconsequential or irrelevant issue, he said.
We are thrilled to welcome Sam to our Brisbane insurance team. His wealth of experience and dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing clear and outcome-focused solutions. Sams expertise in insurance strengthens our capabilities, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our practice, Creighton said.
Mark Bova is one of several customers featured in the Reuters report. He shared his experience after a car accident, recounting how he had to wait seven months for payment on his totaled vehicle and is still awaiting compensation for around $50,000 in medical expenses.
Singapore - November 24, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Bing Ventures, a Singapore-based early-stage venture capital and research firm, hosted a major gathering of more than 300 blockchain and Web3 leaders and participants in an event titled Ethereum 2030: Unraveling Tomorrow's Innovations on November 15, 2023, in Istanbul.

Set against Devconnect 2023, a week-long gathering that features independent Ethereum events, Ethereum 2030 convenes both international and local experts to explore the next wave of innovations shaping the future of Ethereum and a new generation of crypto entrepreneurship.

Here's what global leaders had to say about Ethereum and the broader blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.

TradFi Players to Increasingly Integrate On-chain Solutions

In a panel discussion on decentralized finance (DeFi), speakers explored recent changes in the DeFi market structure and some promising new narratives. Dougie DeLuca, Investor at Figment Capital mentioned the fact that DeFi protocols are becoming MEV conscious, which could be a huge thing and make the whole system way more profitable. Anne-Grace Kleczewski, Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer at Keom Protocol shared her opinion about why zero-knowledge proofs and account abstraction technologies have great potential in DeFi. Luca (Moss) Mossini, BD at Avantgarde and Enzyme Finance, emphasized the importance of having more traditional finance (TradFi) players integrating on-chain solutions because some could continue to be the last-mile access for users.

They also talked about the rise of liquid staking derivatives and whether the current state of Ethereum staking had a concentration issue. Other topics covered include real-world assets, growing awareness of DeFi, restaking solutions, and the ongoing battle to reach the masses.

The panel discussion was moderated by Daria Krasnova, Managing Editor at BeInCrypto and participated by Dougie DeLuca, Investor at Figment Capital, Luca (Moss) Mossini, BD at Avantgarde & Enzyme Finance, Anne-Grace Kleczewski, Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer at Keom Protocol, Mete (Ali) Baskaya, Blockchain & Crypto Lecturer and Seraphim Czecker, Head of Growth at Ethena Labs.

AI-powered Builder Identification

Jack He, Co-founder of Aspecta shared how they are leveraging AI technologies like large language models (LLM) and image recognition to build an identity solution for builders to consolidate their behavior data across different platforms.

Aspecta enables builders to create LinkedIn-like identity pages and credentials to showcase their skills, experience, and impact, which the team believes fills an important gap and helps to facilitate growth and collaboration among different developer ecosystems.

Collaboration among Security Solution Providers Needed

In a panel discussion on Web3 security, security experts from MetaMask Snaps, Matter Labs, Certik, DTS Project, and MetaTrust Labs shared their observations as to the current state of Web3 security and some of the emerging threats.

From a technical perspective, they also shared some cutting-edge solutions designed to safeguard the Web3 ecosystem and the lessons learned from the high-profile hacks in the last year.

Anl Oz, Chief Technology Officer at DATS Project emphasized that he thought every cyber security service provider should collaborate and share their knowledge to build a safer and more secure Web3 future.

Lastly, they talked about how individuals can effectively guard against personal losses by using tools such as browser extensions and Metamask's Blockaid security alerts, an experimental function to be standardized in Q1 2024.

The panel discussion was moderated by Sima Baktas, Web3 Attorney at GlobalB Law and Co-Founder of CryptoFemale, Anton Astafiev, VP of Security at Matter Labs, Christian Montoya, Senior Product Owner at MetaMask Snaps, Connie Lam, Head of Solution Architect at CertiK, Anl Oz, Chief Technology Officer at DATS Project and TY Shao, Chief Business Officer at MetaTrust Labs.

Crypto Entrepreneurs Gaining Valuable Experience during the Bear Market

In a panel discussion on crypto entrepreneurship, global and local project leaders shared their firsthand experience of building cryptocurrency businesses. While they highlighted challenges such as user education, lack of service providers, lack of prior examples to draw upon as well as legal and regulatory uncertainties, they shared an opinion that building products that solve real-world problems, focusing on user experiences, and finding creative ways to collaborate with other players are critical strategies founders should prioritize to navigate through these challenges.

Commenting on the phenomenon that many crypto entrepreneurs are pivoting to AI to capture venture capital's interest, Bertug Oymak, Co-Founder and CEO of Utilify noted that entrepreneurs should build products for their customers instead of investors. He advised startups to ride the hype when necessary but always build the war chest for survival as founders will eventually have to face a bear market.

Arif Kalem, Brand Ambassador of Turkey at BingX added to underline that marketing and communications is a non-stop process and should not be undervalued in bear markets.

Commenting on Turkey's crypto landscape, Erkan Gul, Founder of Moseiki App mentioned that the number of trader communities is too high compared to builder communities, but the transformation is underway.

The panel discussion was moderated by Ozge ERDEMIR, Web3 Advisor, Business Developer, and participated by Bertug Oymak, Co-Founder and CEO of Utilify, Erkan Gul, Founder of Moseiki App, Victor Yu, Co-Founder of Carv and Arif Kalem, Brand Ambassador of Turkey at BingX.

A New Paradigm to Secure Protocols and LP Assets on Ethereum

Yajin (Andy) Zhou, CEO of Blocksec launched Phalcon Block, an automated attack-blockchain system, at the conference. Phalcon Block offers an integrated solution that combines protocol monitoring, attack blocking, and incident response, ensuring secure operations of protocols after they go live. He introduced that Phalcon Block has been developed and internally operated for two years and during this period, it has blocked over 20 attack incidents and helped protocols recover over $14 million worth of digital asset losses.

The event, also featuring keynote speakers including Volkan KORKMAZ, CEO and Co-Founder of Altcointurk, Azeem Khan, Head of Impact at Gitcoin, and Fatih Tasdemir, Co-Founder of Koin Bulteni, presented attendees with an impactful fall day of knowledge sharing, inspiration, and enthusiasm.

In another demonstration of Bing Ventures' commitment to hosting meaningful events empowering founders, Ethereum 2030 was organized in partnership with crypto exchange BingX and supported by partners including Bankless Ventures, Figment Capital, Gitcoin, OneKey, Cedro Finance, Aspecta, Alchemy Pay, CryptoFemale, Altcointurk, Cointelegraph, BeinCrypto, Voice of Crypto, Bitcoin Insider, Unlock Blockchain, PANews, Coinpedia, Koinbulteni, and Muhabbit.

About Devconnect

Devconnect is a week-long gathering that features independent Ethereum events, each with a unique focus. Unlike a usual conference, the goal is to facilitate the deep discussions and conversations that are needed to continue to improve Ethereum.

About Bing Ventures

Bing Ventures is a pioneering venture capital firm that backs startups and entrepreneurs driving the next wave of Web3 and blockchain innovations. Its team of crypto veterans and natives collectively brings decades of experience in investing in, incubating, developing, and marketing Web 3.0 projects. With a sector-agnostic, value-investing approach, it now has a portfolio spanning infrastructure, DeFi, GameFi, DAOs, Web3, and more.

Contact Details

Jenny Liu

+86 159 2140 1005

jenny@bing-ventures.com

Company Website

https://www.bing-ventures.com/

More Info:

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The Mango fashion chain has opened its new store on Cork's Patrick's Street returning to the city centre following its departure five years ago.

The Spanish retailer has opened a 360 square metre premises next to The Savoy. The unit had been vacant since Quills shut up shop in 2014. It was bought the following year for 2m by Clarendon Properties, owners of the Savoy. Mango has taken a 10-year lease, with a five-year breakout clause, which includes a penalty for early exit.

Mango had previously operated on Patrick's Street between 2004 and 2008. "Our arrival for the first time with our own company store in Cork will consolidate our brand and help us strengthen it internationally," says Daniel Lopez, Mangos Franchise and Expansion Director. Mango has been present in Ireland since 1998. At the close of 2022, the company had 16 stores in the country. THe new Cork store is a further positive development for Patrick's Street which has struggled to return to pre-covid levels of activity. Last week, planning permission was granted to Penneys for the redevelopment of its flagship premises across the street from Mango. In May, the iconic Debenhams store was sold to Irish sport retail chain Intersport/Elverys for 12m, substantially lower than the asking price of 20m. Elverys are expected to move in early during 2024. Fashion brand Flannels (owned by the Fraser Group) opened its new store in September, taking over from stationer/bookseller Easons, who relocated to the ground floor of the former Victoria Hotel. Further down the street, the former Oasis premises was taken over by Carrolls Irish Gifts, while doughnut purveyor Krispy Kreme moved into the former nearby Porters store. Other new faces on the street include outdoor wear specialists North Face and British shoe retailer Dune.
THE largest operator of the Domino's pizza chain in Ireland warned a Government department a court judgment making delivery drivers employees would seriously affect its ability to compete fairly in the takeaway food business.

Shorecal Ltd, which operates 22 franchises of the popular pizza restaurant in the Republic, said a Supreme Court ruling would apply only to it and not any of its competitors, placing it at an "unfair commercial disadvantage".

The company sought a meeting with Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Neale Richmond but was rebuffed by officials, who said the minister was unavailable due to "a very heavy schedule".

In a letter sent to the department, Shorecal's chairperson Charles Caldwell said the company ran 31 stores in Ireland, including nine in the North, and employed more than 400 people directly, with another 545 drivers on self-employed contracts.

Mr Caldwell wrote: "This does not account for the many additional local businesses and suppliers which the company works with indirectly."

He said a then recent Supreme Court judgment involving one of its subsidiaries had determined drivers were not self-employed contractors and Revenue considered they should be treated as direct employees.

"This [has been] a long-standing arrangement which our stores have consistently operated and is also the case for the wider food and delivery services sector, as well as many other significant sectors of the Irish economy, including online shopping," said the letter.

Mr Caldwell said the company had "significant concerns" about the judgment and its potential to affect only its business and not any of its competitors, which all operate the same business model.

He wrote: "The current model we operate is an essential aspect of our business and not something we can change without affecting our ability to compete fairly in the market."

Mr Caldwell said Shorecal would, of course, respect and implement any changes required from the Supreme Court decision, but it wanted to meet with Mr Richmond to discuss its implications and how a "level playing field" would be created in the delivery sector.

The letter added: "In order to make sustainable commercial and planning decisions, Shorecal requires clarity on this issue urgently. A fair and equally competitive operating environment is essential in this regard."

The Department of Enterprise had been contacted by communications firm Hume Brophy last summer, which was acting on behalf of Shorecal, with the meeting request recorded in the Lobbying Register.

An email from Hume Brophy [now Penta] said: "We appreciate the minister's busy schedule and can accommodate a meeting at short notice and via [virtual communication]."

However, the department responded saying: "Minister [Neale] Richmond is unavailable to meet owing to a very heavy schedule."

Asked about the letter, a statement from Shorecal said engagement with Revenue on foot of the judgment continued and that no further comment was possible at this time.
Innovative community enterprises, operating in co-working centres and hubs, are vital to the development of Irelands regional economy, say the hosts of a new national quality performance standard for the National Hub Network across Ireland.

A global first, the new QHubs Quality and Innovation Management Programme, hosted by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) and newly launched at the National Hub Summit in Tullamore Court Hotel, Co Offaly, is the worlds only quality and innovation development programme for regional enterprise centres and hubs.

The CEAIs programme will promote excellence in performance across the National Hub Network in hundreds of centres and hub locations across the country. The QHubs programme will foster innovation and help small community enterprises to continually improve key management systems.

Siobhan Finn, CEO of the Community Enterprise Association Ireland, who leads new QHubs Quality and Innovation Management Programme, the worlds only quality and innovation development programme for regional enterprise centres and hubs.

Siobhan Finn, CEO of the CEAI, said: The centres and hubs all around the country are all fit for purpose, created to help meet the needs of emerging local enterprises. There are a lot of strong community enterprises all across the country, and the regional hubs are built to meet the needs of each region they serve.

The QHubs programme will bring a best-in-class management performance to support regional development. A significant number of these small businesses have the possibility of achieving more, and the programme will support them on their pathway.

At the core of the new QHubs Quality and Innovation Management Programme are six key pillars reflecting the key strategic and operating functions of all locations across the National Hub Network.

The pillars will work together to achieve, sustain and improve the capability of the centre or hub location, to deliver services consistently and to the highest standard to the satisfaction of clients, tenants companies, remote employees, stakeholders and the wider community.

The pillars include Quality Management Systems; Environmental Management; Information Security Management; Governance of Organisations; Collaborative Business Relationship Management; and Innovation Management Systems.

To achieve the QHubs mark, participating hubs will pass a rigorous audit-based process, with biennial third-party verification and certification by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

Siobhan Finn says that this NSAI certification adds significant rigour to the QHubs programme, which is designed to reflect key guiding principles agreed by government, agencies, stakeholders and members of the National Hub Network, to keep it simple and ensure transparency.

The programme fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ongoing innovation and best-in-class leadership within centres and hubs nationally, said Siobhan Finn. We will have annual awards, and as the density of participation in the programme grows, we will have a bank of data on the performance and opportunities of the participants.

Micheal O'Duibhir, Siobhan Finn, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, Gary O'Meara and Carol Gibbons at the QHubs Quality and Innovation Management Programme launch at the National Hub Summit, Tullamore Court Hotel, Co Offaly.

CEAI is backed by the Government to design, develop, deploy, grow and sustain the QHubs programme. CEAI will act as the primary liaison body between the Government, the NSAI and the National Hub Network, overseen by a national steering group on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Launching the QHubs programme this week, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, said: Enterprise centres and hubs are much more than physical locations accommodating remote workers. Through business development, innovation and collaboration, enterprise centres and co-working spaces are a catalyst for creating jobs, investment opportunities and sustained economic growth for the local and wider economy.

The QHubs Programme, funded under my Departments Regional Enterprise Development Fund, aims to become the recognised performance standard for the hub sector and will help support sustainable regional development across the whole country.

Read More Business movers: People starting new jobs in Ireland

Performance against pre-defined programme targets across the six key pillars is verified every two years, leading to independent verification and certification through the programme.

As the QHubs programme journey evolves and the performance measurement of the enterprise centre or hub progresses, each performance milestone will set out different thresholds to achieve ongoing verification and certification and will be recognised and rewarded accordingly.

Siobhan Finn said: The QHubs Growth Programme empowers participating locations to set meaningful performance improvement goals on a mapped timeline, with mentorship and complementary programmes to drive progress.

As a locations participation evolves and the performance measurement of the location progresses, each performance milestone will set out different thresholds to achieve ongoing verification and certification and will be recognised and rewarded accordingly, providing ambitious, progressive and innovative services to drive performance and growth for the National Hub Network.

The programme ensures that locations across the National Hub Network are recognised as key actors in the regional enterprise infrastructure and are equipped to meet the ambition of entrepreneurs and businesses in their region.

It also offers centre and hub locations a valuable promotional tool to facilitate and support the interactions of FDI, micro and SME business offering opportunities for partnerships and collaborative engagements.

communityenterprise.ie/qhubs
Government, gardai and Dublin authorities will have to work hard to pick up the pieces after the city centre riots dealt a significant blow to Ireland's business reputation around the world, business and union leaders have warned.

Business chiefs also said their concerns about security in the city centre had long been ignored and they now feared for hospitality and retail sales through the key Christmas trading season.

The group that owns the large retail department stores Brown Thomas and Arnotts said it would talk to the city authorities and the gardai in the city in the coming days about ways to ensure security in the all the centres where it has outlets.

Chief executive Donald McDonald of the retail group, whose Arnotts was attacked and looted on Thursday evening, said it was talking to "all relevant authorities and the gardai to understand what actions they are taking to ensure nothing like this happens again".

Neil McDonnell, chief executive at business group Isme, said it had had for some time warned the authorities about the shortfall of policing in the city centre, as Dublin retail workers faced "thuggery" on a daily basis.

There was a need to increase the visibility of gardai as retail staff struggled to cope with assaults and thefts led by 13- to 15-year-olds, Mr McDonnell said, citing a long list of problems in the centre that included street drinking and drug use.

Retail staff are not afraid of immigrants, they are afraid of unrestrained thuggery, violence and theft that occurs daily in their stores.

Arnold Dillon, director of Retail Ireland, a business group, called for better policing of the city centre, highlighting the potential damage to trade at the start of the Christmas season.

"There is massive concern about the impact on staff, the cost of repairing damage and replacing stock, and the knock-on effect it will have on city centre trade over the coming weeks," Mr Dillon said.

"A strong, assertive and visible gardai response is required," he said.

Dublin Chamber chief executive Rose Burke said gardai, emergency workers, and transport staff had faced the disturbances with professionalism. Discussion in the coming days would seek to "ensure Dublin is a safe place for all", she said.

Richard Guiney, chief executive of city centre business group, Dublin Town, said businesses would not "be cowed" by the disturbances.

Small Firms Association director David Broderick said work would be done to make the city centre an inviting place again.

"The riots, looting, and attacks on An Garda Siochana that followed on the eve of Green Friday and the beginning of our busy Christmas trading period were abhorrent," Mr Broderick said.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said the violence had significantly damaged Ireland across the world.

"We pay tribute to our wonderful Garda, firefighters, ambulance personnel, local authority workers and our transport workers in how they have responded," Ictu general secretary Owen Reidy said.

"We condemn the looting and vandalism and are conscious that this behaviour from violent thugs has the potential to damage business and leave some workers in the retail and hospitality sectors in the city centre laid off or possibly losing their livelihoods.

Ictu plans a demonstration on Monday lunchtime to protest the violence.
Patrick Kielty is preparing to host his first Late Late Toy Show this evening and the comedian is not underestimating the task. In fact, he can think of only one appropriate comparison.

In a lot of ways I think its Irish Thanksgiving, he told media at a preview event on Wednesday in RTE. He said the similarities between American families coming together and Irish families gathering on the same week for the Toy Show proves its power to connect people at home and abroad.

"Wherever you are in the world you want to connect with people around this event. The important thing for me is to have as much fun as I can and to let the kids have as much fun as they can and hopefully that will spread down the camera and out into the rest of the world.

Kielty was speaking at the unveiling of the theme for this years Toy Show, and its one of his personal favourites: the 2003 Christmas movie Elf, starring Will Ferrell.

Over 170 performers and toy testers from across Ireland will take part in tonight's Toy Show, including Danny Sheehan (8) from Wexford, Poppy Madden (6) from Carlow, Darcy Ramsbottom (6) from Carlow, Llayla Ibegu (10) from Carlow and Kyle Deane (8) from Carlow. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

"It's a big movie in our house. We're going to have a lot of fun," he said, adding nerves are natural but he is honoured to lead the festivities.

"As someone who grew up watching the Toy Show, walking around in that set, you turn back into a being eight years of age and sitting in Dundrum watching the show with Gay Byrne. For me, it's a massive honour to be walking out on Friday night and to be part of this party."

Kielty, who will be joined by Santa, Papa Elf, and a host of workshop elves, knows the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and this years show will have over 170 performers and toy testers from across Ireland, with the youngest elf aged just four years old.

Based on my performance with Daniel ODonnell, there may well be a chance I will never be allowed to sing and dance on RTE ever again, he joked when asked about his own role.

Weve got some amazing performances, weve got a few surprises, theres definitely a few costume changes which weve been working on. There will be singing and dancing. Whether Im singing and dancing has yet to be seen.

Patrick Kielty with some of his helper elves on the Toy Show set. Picture: Andres Poveda

Kielty said the reality of his part in the Toy Show hit him recently when a little girl stopped him in the street.

"Normally you have grown-ups coming up to you but it was a young couple and a wee girl of about five. She came up to me and she said: Are you the Toy Show guy? Up until that point in my head mentally Id think no, thats not me. SuddenlyIm going yeah, thats me. And she went good luck."

The host said he is a bit nervous but he plans to enjoy the experience. The key to it is, this isnt my show. its the kids show and this show belongs to everybody, Irish at home and abroad."

The set for tonights Toy Show includes New York's Central Park and other scenes from the movie, including the Candy Cane Forest, and the films Post Office Workshop.

Toys will include a mix of big brand names, plus some sustainable options as well as cost-effective toys and Irish-made toys. Books will also be prominent, with a large majority of titles from Irish authors.

The Late Late Toy Show airs on RTE One and RTE Player tonight at 9.35pm.
FRIDAY

Histories in Progress, 1pm, online event (free, advance booking required): An online conversation between the artist Myfanwy Frost-Jones and artist and researcher

Andrea Stultiens.

Tiger Stripes, 5.30pm, Triskel: A Malaysian-language horror centred around a 12-year-old girl who discovers a terrifying secret about her body.

Ella Glendining: Is There Anybody Out There?

Documentary Gala: Is There Anybody Out There?, 8pm,

Triskel: While navigating daily

discrimination, filmmaker Ella Glendining - born without hip joints and with shortened femurs - aims to find someone she can physically

relate to.

SATURDAY

Super Cine Saturday: Cork

International Film Festival has teamed up with six Cork city and county venues: The Reel Picture Ballincollig and Blackpool, Cinemax Bantry, Gate Cinemas Midleton and Mallow, and the Regal Cinema in Youghal, to screen A Taste of CIFF.

Robot Dreams, 12 noon, in all participating cinemas: Animated feature set in 1980s Manhattan focuses on a lonely dog who decides to build himself a robot companion.

One Night in Millstreet, 2.30pm in all participating cinemas: Andrew Gallimores lively and colourful documentary recalls the Steve Collins v Chris Eubank fight.

Fallen Leaves, 4.30pm in all participating cinemas: This comedy-drama won the Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival. Set in Helsinki, it focuses on two people who meet by chance in a karaoke bar.

SUNDAY

Anselm, 12 noon, Triskel:

German director Wim Wenders chronicles the work of his fellow countryman, artist Anselm Kiefer.

Deep Sea, 2.30pm, Triskel: A young girl encounters a sea monster and embarks on an epic journey.

Paul Giamatti in The Holdovers.

The Holdovers, 6pm, Triskel: Sideways director Alexander Payne is reunited with Paul Giamatti in a drama set in a school in 1970.
Connemara-based Robert Joyce was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) over three decades ago. The 54-year-old former business consultant was holidaying in San Francisco when he first experienced the incredible impact of medical cannabis (MC) in 2019. Suffering constant head pain from a car accident five years prior, he says that the accident also triggered a worsening of his spasticitythe stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms associated with his MSto the point where traditional medicines were proving less effective.

When I took the cannabis oil, my ability to walk really improved to the extent that I was able to walk all around Alcatraz, which is a very hilly island [in San Francisco], he says. My mobility improved dramatically, and another added benefitI found that I had much greater tolerance in how I managed the pain. I was suddenly able to concentrate and sit with all the noise, sound, and activity of a restaurant without finding my pain escalating.

Medical cannabis is used in a very different context to recreational cannabis. Broadly defined as any cannabis derivative used as a medicinal treatment, MC can take the form of dried cannabis plant material or products made from purified extracts of the plant. Though cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, the last decade has seen a notable resurgence in people turning towards the plant for everything from palliative care and neurological disorders to chronic pain and the menopause.

When I started working in this area 20 years ago, [scientists] had identified about 60 or 70 phytocannabinoids or bioactive chemicals in the cannabis plant, but now today there's over 100 of these known, says Dr Eric Downer, an associate professor in human health and disease at Trinity College Dublin, whose research lab focuses on MS and the medicinal properties of cannabis.

Downer explains that phytocannabinoids interact with your bodys endocannabinoid system, which governs a whole host of critical functions  including sleep, learning, emotional processing, and pain control. The most heavily characterised of these chemicalstetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)  boast potential therapeutic effects but each, according to Downer, affects the body in very different ways.

The main distinction between THC and CBD is that THC is the main euphoric component of the plant. It acts on receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce that characteristic high, whereas CBD, which has different receptor targets, does not induce euphoria, he says.

Cannabis-based medicines

While CBD formulations are widely available in health food stores, THC-infused products remain subject to the tightest control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to 2016. One exception is Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine authorised in Ireland and available as a prescription for people with MS who are experiencing spasticity. Other quality-standard cannabis-based products supplied outside Ireland and not approved by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) require an Irish-registered medical consultant to obtain an import license from the Minister of Health.

In December 2016, Tristan Forde, suffering from a severe genetic form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome, became the first Irish patient to be treated via a ministerial licence. Earlier this year in a Dail debate, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly revealed that 36 patients are currently being treated by this same MC access route, closely monitored by their consultants.

When Joyce gained access to a cannabis-based treatment for his MS through a ministerial license, he says his quality of life improved remarkably. For the last two years, his consultant has prescribed Bediol, a cannabis-based oil containing a ratio of THC 6.3% and CBD 8% from Transvaal Pharmacy in the Netherlandsthe same pharmacy where MC campaigner Vera Twomey sourced MC for her late daughter Ava Barry.

Robert Joyce

Though originally prescribed Sativex, Joyce experienced distressing side effects, such as lesions under his tongue (due to sublingual administration), gastrointestinal reflux, and bowel issues. Switching to Bediol also reduced his monthly costs from 600 to 150, a necessary reduction given that he was on disability allowance and Sativex was not then covered by the Medical Cannabis Products Reimbursement Scheme.

Since Joyces first experience with MC, cannabis-based products have become available to Irish patients through the HSEs Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP), which has been fully operational since 2021. To date, 49 patients have been treated through MCAP, which was established based on the recommendations of a 2017 HPRA report.

Clinical guidelines for Irish consultants restrict MC to patients with three conditions that have demonstrated resistance to all other treatments: spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), intractable nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.

The pain that I have in my head is not an acceptable reason to get MC under the MCAP and yet the pain relief I get from it allows me to be more effective in my life, says Joyce.

Treating chronic pain

According to Dr David Finn, professor and head of pharmacology and therapeutics and the founding co-director of the Centre for Pain Research at the University of Galway, clinical evidence for the use of MC is limited. He says there is a shortage of high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to back its long-term efficacy and safety in humans. However, he suggests that there is enough evidence from other sources, including population health studies, to consider expanding the MCAP to treat severe, treatment-resistant chronic pain.

Why might this be important? In Finns view, when it comes to relieving chronic pain, over-the-counter CBD is unlikely to be as effective as a prescribed THC-infused product. Unlike CBD, THC has been shown to have analgesic or antinociceptive [pain-reducing] effects through direct activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body.

Nonetheless, Finn says, We need more research to understand if and to what degree MC, used under expert medical supervision, leads to dependence. It would also be necessary to compare this with other pain medications, like opioids, that are known to have a dependence liability.

Similar to research on cannabis dependence, the majority of studies on the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis focus on cannabis use in recreational or non-medical contexts, where the THC content tends to be substantially higher. One such recent study, based on the data of 233,475 people who use cannabis (PWUC) internationally, found that one in 200 PWUCs will experience acute self-limiting psychotic symptoms in their lifetime.

Additional studies have linked cannabis use with the onset of mental health disorders, such as depression, especially in the young. However, drawing conclusions from these findings requires caution since the correlation can be interpreted in two ways: people who use cannabis may be more vulnerable to mental health issues, or individuals experiencing mental health problems may be more inclined to self-medicate with cannabis.

For the last two years, Katie* has been combining cannabis with therapy and other psychological tools in the management of her complex PTSD. The social worker, who is in her mid-40s and based in Galway, says that low-dose use of cannabis has enhanced her capacity to work and function in the world by dulling her constant sense of terror.

The medication that I have [been prescribed] can be either very heavyit can make me feel like I need to go to sleep or goof offor else it just makes me completely [emotionally] numb, she says.

But I've spent half my life being numb, and I don't like it. If I smoke a joint or have a vape, it just gives kind of a soft blur to the world and the edges and stops my brain from going five million miles an hour. [The cannabis] helps me to work and to continue functioning, without taking away my emotions and without adding a bunch of side effects into the mix.

Individuals like Katie are sourcing their cannabis from the black market since neither complex PTSD nor any other mental health condition is currently specified by MCAP. Self-medicating with cannabis, however, in the absence of close monitoring by a consultant, presents several potential risks. In addition to the unknown long-term health effects, these can include adulteration of cannabis plant material and harmful drug interactions with prescription medicines.

Some research groups, among them Downer's lab, are exploring the power of 'free therapeutics' such as exercise to modulate the endocannabinoid system in managing the symptoms of neurological disorders. While future research might supply an equally effective alternative for 'biohacking' the endocannabinoid system, Katie hopes that MCAP will expand its scope in the meantime.

With a view to bridging the access gap, Oleo, the only Irish-based supplier of medical-based cannabis products, has partnered with the German-based MC clinic, Canncura. According to Oleo consultant Natalie ORegan, the company plans to open several private clinics in Ireland in the new year, applying for a ministerial licence on behalf of patients for a broader range of chronic health conditions.

"In countries like Germany and the UK, private MC clinics offer broader access to cannabis-based products for a whole range of chronic conditions," says O'Regan.

Medicann, a private clinic based in the Isle of Man, has already begun registering Irish patients and training Irish-registered doctors to prescribe. Gary Whipp, CEO of Medicann, says its current waitlist [of Irish patients] is in the hundreds and is growing daily.

While it is clear that MC can positively affect the lives of some, further high-quality research is needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness across different patient groups.

*Name has been changed to protect anonymity
Here is an island that is possibly touched with Irish royalty. A standing stone at the waters edge in a thicket of trees is reputed to be the resting place of the famous Brian Boru. The man who put the Vikings to flight at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 and who was embroiled in numerous other battles is said to be buried on Illaunmore. Brian was born at the southern end of the lake at Killaloe in 941 so it is appropriate enough that he was interred on the island. However, a conflicting theory has it that the great man is interred at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh City. As no excavation has been carried out though, the jury is still out on this one.

At 212 acres, Illaunmore is the largest inland island in Ireland and to undertake a walk of its periphery is a sizeable task. It is about two kilometres from Tipperary and the same for Clare. Its circumference is fringed with trees while the interior is arable land comprised of huge fields.

The island appears rather like the tonsure of a medieval monk  which is a convenient metaphor as yet again here is an island that was chosen by monks to establish a community for worship.

Illaunmore, Lough Derg (Kilbarron Parish)



Perhaps someone who knows could tell us how the blazes they get that silage cut... pic.twitter.com/PHKai4n4An  Tipperary Studies (@TippStudies) June 21, 2017

The island lies at the centre point of Lough Derg in County Clare and is not just at the boundary of counties, (Clare, Galway and Tipperary), but provinces (Munster and Connacht). The islands early Christian church is on the northeastern side though its ruins are largely overgrown now. Its provenance dates from the 7th century. A much later arrival of Franciscan monks established another church in the 13th century, possibly on the same site, with apparently plans to build six more. However, they fell foul of Illaunmores cailleach, or fairy hag, so the story goes, and the monks were unable to withstand the cailleachs curse.

Tradition has it that there is an underwater stone causeway linking Illaunmore with the famous Iniscealtra (Holy Island) to the south, with its round tower and numerous churches. It is thought that the Franciscans set up a large stone slab on Illaunmore to commemorate their departure. However, it is the same slab that is supposedly Brian Borus grave.

A hand-drawn map of the island on the East Clare Heritage website records a name for every field on the island: The Drill Field; The Fairy Field; The Pheasant Field; Uncle Pats; The Grove Field; Annie Roughans Field; and many others. In themselves they paint a rich social history of the island.

Illaunmore resident Francis Tiernan making his daily trip to the Tipperary shore just after sunset this evening with Moylussa and Slieve Bernagh (in Co. Clare) in the background. pic.twitter.com/lmwlRUiZfB  Coolbawn Cross (@coolbawncross) January 9, 2021

Four families lived there at one time, with a national school which ran from 1900 to 1917. OMeara and Tiernan were the prominent names and a member of that family, Francis, still lives there.

Tommy Holland lives on the western bank of Lough Derg and his mother was born on the island. He spent all my life in and out to the island, often catching rabbits and sending them to Dublin as well as farming the land. Tommy is a second cousin of the novelist Edna OBrien whose father was born on the island. He says the lake froze over in 1910, 47/48 and 62/63.

He says his mother and the others had a good life there: They went off the island every day to go to the secondary school in Nenagh. And they would go in the town for shopping. And all the courting was done over and back in Whitegate [County Clare] or the Tipp side too.

His unmarried uncle left the island in the 70s and the population was down to about 11 people in the 70s. In later years a new owner bought a landing craft and so they were able to bring in a combine harvester which transformed the island, says Tommy.

A verse of doggerel which was passed on to Tommy by his grandmother born in 1861 which refers to Brian Boru and if local lore is anything to go by, thats where our high king lies:

The weather was horrid. The stench it was torrid when they laid him to rest 12 miles from Killaloe.

How to get there: No ferry. Private island.

Other: Nenagh Guardian, 17/07/1920

homepage.eircom.net/~eastclareheritage/BoruIslandmore.html

bluewaysireland.org
She should have been snuggling up to watch the Late Late Toy show tonight with her family. Instead, shes hooked up to hospital machines at a Dublin hospital after emergency surgery, her devastated family holding vigil by her bedside.

Another girl, aged six, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin. A five-year-old boy was discharged from hospital on Thursday evening, and a woman in her 30s remains in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital.

While emergency services were responding to the attack in Dublin's Parnell Square yesterday, not far away, a group had already started to form. The plan: to cause as much damage and chaos as possible in the name of some vapid chants about Ireland being for the Irish.

The shock engendered by the violence and disruption has prompted heightened concern about the rise of this kind of thuggery.

Nobody yet knows the circumstances around why someone would want to hurt innocent children with a knife, but the violence that erupted following the attack on the schoolchildren and their teacher in Parnell Square has overshadowed this tragedy.

We are now talking about the wrong thing. Headlines about the thirty-four arrests made, and the damage done to Dublin city have reduced the little girls injuries to a meanwhile on the airwaves.

An Garda Siochana and emergency services at the scene of the incident on Parnell Square. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

This wasnt political activism, it was opportunism for a worryingly organised faction to rampage, loot, intimidate and destroy.

A similar air of menace was seen last September when a large group descended on Leinster House, which resulted in public disorder and significant disruption to the business of the Oireachtas.

The harassing and attacking of public representatives was not an ordinary public order incident. It was, as noted by the Ceann Chomairle Sean O Fearghail, an attack on democracy.

The catch-cry from leadership is that violence has no place in our society.

Yet, back then, in some of the footage of the Leinster House violence shared widely across social media, the chants from the crowds that this was only the beginning gave a clear indication that this was something that was brewing.

Pictures of our capital city ablaze were shared across the world last night, but it was the support of far-right organisations standing alongside those who kicked in shop windows and clashed with law enforcement that should give us chills.

People of all ethnicities describe being terrified of the lawlessness and air of chaos that prevailed last night. The damage to tourism and retailers has yet to be counted.

After the smoke from last nights riots clears, questions need to be answered.

These questions arent just about whether the gardai could have been more prepared, they are about what comes next? How will our law enforcement be adequately resourced against the rise of this element of radicalism and its disruption to society?

But its the image of the pink schoolbag lying at the feet of the child on the pavement that we all saw on social media that lingers. Its the abhorrent attack on our most innocent that we should be talking about; how that happened and what to do to ensure it can never happen again.
Employers have been urged to address domestic violence as a workplace issue, as the Governments new statutory domestic violence leave provisions begin on Monday.

Under the system, workers experiencing domestic abuse will be entitled to up to five days domestic violence leave at a full rate of pay, over a period of 12 months.

Ahead of its introduction, the Department of Children has funded Womens Aid to develop a new online support hub to guide employers to implement the new statutory leave.

The organisation said that the website dvatwork.ie can help employers implement this important measure designed to help vulnerable people cope with what can be an extremely stressful period in their lives.

Domestic violence and abuse is a workplace issue, Womens Aid CEO Sarah Benson said.

That might seem like an odd thing to say about something that most consider belonging in the realm of personal relationships, but the reality is that domestic abuse tactics and impacts extend far beyond the home and into all aspects of victim-survivors lives.

We know that more than one in three (37%) working people surveyed across multiple industries and at varying levels of seniority have experienced domestic abuse.

Ms Benson said that issues around coercive control and economic abuse can be linked directly to work, such as someone being pressured or coerced to give up employment or their economic freedom by an abusive partner.

She said that addressing domestic violence as a workplace issue is not about taking on the role of a counsellor or support worker.

Rather, it is about creating a safe, supportive environment for victim-survivors to disclose what they are experiencing by reducing the stigma surrounding the issue and offering targeted support, she added.

There are simple ways employers can do this through training, awareness-raising, and policy development and integration.
Several vehicles were set on fire and some stores were looted in Dublin on Thursday amid some of the worst rioting seen in the capital in decades.

By the time darkness fell, gardai from the public order unit were attempting to contain the unrest and restore public order after the stabbing of three young children and a woman in Dublin's Parnell Square earlier in the afternoon.

Here is how the events of the last 24 hours unfolded:

Thursday

1.30pm: As a group of young children line up by Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire, a Dublin city primary school attended by 172 pupils, a man approaches and attacks some of them with a knife.

Three children, and a woman in her 30s, are injured in the violent incident.

Across the street, some members of the public on a lunch break from the inquest into the Stardust Tragedy at the Pillar Room of the nearby Rotunda Hospital spot the commotion by the school and rush across the street. They, and a number of passersby, intervene in the attack.

They include Deliveroo driver, Caio Benicio, who took off his helmet and used it "as a weapon" to hit the man on the head.

The assailant is disarmed, and those injured are brought back to the school. An ambulance is called and arrives on the scene within four minutes.

Shortly before 2pm: Those attending the Stardust inquest are informed that "a very serious incident" has occurred along the perimeter of the hospital grounds. The inquest is suspended for the afternoon.

Shortly after 2pm: Media and social media reports begin to emerge of a serious incident in Dublin city.

2.10pm: Gardai confirm they are at the scene of "a serious incident" on Parnell Square East.

Gardai at the scene of the serious incident on Parnell Square. Picture : Colin Keegan / Collins Photos

2.55pm: Gardai confirm five casualties as a result of the incident: three young children, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 50s. Gardai also say they are following a "definite line of inquiry" and not "looking for any other person at this time."

5.21pm: Gardai issue more information on the condition of the victims.

One of the children, a five-year-old girl, is taken to CHI Temple Street with serious injuries. The other two childrena boy, 5, and a girl, 6is brought to CHI Crumlin for treatment of less serious injuries.

The woman, a creche worker in her 30s, is taken to the Mater Hospital with serious injuries. Gardai say the man, 50s, is being treated at a hospital in the Dublin region and is a "person of interest" in the investigation.

Gardai say they are working to establish a motive for the attack, but they believe it is a "standalone" incident and not terror-related.

Shortly after 6.30pm: More than 150 protestors descend on the area of Dublin city where the attack took place. As darkness falls, some clash with gardai in the area.

Shortly before 7pm: Disorder worsens as protestors with covered faces set off fireworks and set fire to a garda patrol car near O'Connell Street. The garda riot squad is called.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

7.10pm: At a press briefing, Garda Commissioner says that a "full investigation" into Thursday afternoon's "very serious and awful attack" is taking place. He also condemns the "disgraceful scenes" of protestors clashing with gardai in the capital.

We have serious public order scenes to deal with in the city," Mr Harris says.

People need to calm down and go home."

He says that, as officers gathered evidence, a "hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology" began to cause disruption. He says gardai have drafted in the resources to deal with the unrest.

He urges people to "act responsibly" and not to listen to "misinformation and rumour" circulating on social media.

"The facts are being established, the facts are still not clear, and a lot of the rumour and innuendo has been spread for malevolent purposes."

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. File Picture: Brian Lawless

7.27pm: Justice Minister Helen McEntee says the perpetrator of this afternoon's attack "will be brought to justice."

She also says that scenes in Dublin city centre "cannot and will not be tolerated."

"A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc," the minister says.

"We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their workattacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

"Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations to take their course."

7.55pm: The public order situation in Dublin continues to deteriorate, as the garda public order unit struggles to contain the unrest. Social media footage shows a pair of buses, garda patrol cars, and a Luas carriage, set alight by protestors.

Scenes from Dublin's North inner City on Thursday night. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

8pm: Reports emerge of looting of some stores in Dublin city centre including Arnotts and Foot Locker on O'Connell Street.

8.20pm: Luas operator announces that all Luas services have been suspended due to the disorder.

8.31pm: Gardai close off access to Kildare Street, Molesworth Street, and other roads in the city as clashes continue

8.44pm: The Rotunda Hospital advises people not to attend the hospital unless absolutely necessary

9.23pm: Irish Rail announces that Tara St Station has closed.

9.35pm: Justice Minister says "thugs" are using the appalling attack in Dublin on Thursday afternoon to "sow division and to wreak havoc" in Dublin. She says: "There will be arrests, people will be put in prison and order will be restored."

9.55pm: Dublin Bus announces that all of its services have been suspended.

10.10pm: Units of Dublin Fire Brigade work to put out fires in several areas of the capital.

Gardai on Dublin's O'Connell Street on Thursday night. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin

10.31pm: Gardai say the situation in the capital has quietened somewhat and is now "mainly calm."

10.38pm: Tara St Station re-opens.

11.15pm: Major traffic disruption around the capital due to the suspension of public transport services.

11.30pm: Garda Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin says, in a post on X, that the situation in Dublin is "returning to normal" following "significant levels of public disorder, criminal damage and violence."

Chief Supt McMenamin says the violence and disorder had "nothing to do with the violent assault which occurred on Parnell Square this afternoon. It was gratuitous thuggery."

Friday

3am: Dublin City Council workers begin clean-up operations.

Pictured is a burned Luas carriage and Dublin City Council Waste Management services on O'Connell Street in Dublin this morning. Picture: Leon Farrell / RollingNews.ie

5.40am: Some bus services resume as public disruption in Dublin continues.

6.15am: "Significant" garda presence still on the streets

6.20am: Some Luas services resume

7.31am: Rotunda Hospital says any patients with appointments at the hospital can come in as scheduled.

8.04am: Garda Commissioner Drew Harris gives some more information on the fall-out from Thursday's rioting. He says 400 officers were deployed to deal with the unrest, supported by 250 public order officers.

He says seven vehicles were damaged by fireincluding three buses, three Garda patrol cars and a Luas tram. Eight other garda vehicles were extensively damaged and one member of An Garda Siochana was seriously injured. 34 people were arrested, with 32 due to appear in court on Friday. Thirteen properties were attacked and substantially damaged.

8.20am:

Justice Minister Helen McEntee says those who took part in the rioting will be brought to justice.

"There are thousands of hours of CCTV footage that gardai will go through, many didnt cover their faces, that CCTV will be gone through and they will be apprehended and they will be brought before the courts as well," the minister says.

We have very, very strong legislationup to 10 years in prison with up to 12 years as well for someone who assaulted a member of An Garda Siochana."

8.55am: Some city centre streets re-open to traffic.

9.42am: Garda investigation into Thursday's Dublin riots has commenced.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar making a statement to media concerning the the riots in Dublin. Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

9.55am: At a press conference, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says that those who took part in the rioting have brought "shame" upon Ireland. He says that up to 500 people are believed to have been involved in the disorder. Dublin, he says, witnessed "two terrible attacks" on Thursday.

"The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law."

10.10am: Gardai confirm that the five-year-old girl injured in the knife attack remains in a serious condition in hospital.

10.24am: All Dublin Bus services resume

11am: Clean-up and repair operations continue across the capital.

12.50pm: Leo Varadkar says the cost of repairing the damage of the riots could amount to tens of millions of euro.

3.30pm: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has expresses no confidence in the Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner following the riots, which she says led to an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing.
A burned out Luas on O'Connell Street in Dublin, in the aftermath of violent scenes in the city centre on Thursday evening. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Over 30 people appeared in court on Friday at Dublin District Court on a range of public order and theft charges in relation to the Dublin city centre disturbances on Thursday evening.

The 28 men and four women appeared before three different courts at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Friday, charged with a range of public order and theft offences.

At least three men faced charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The items allegedly stolen included clothing, cigarettes, a bottle of vodka and cash.

As well as addresses in the city, the accused had listed addresses in other areas such as Celbridge in Co Kildare, Ballybrack, Tallaght and Swords. They were aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

It comes as the clean-up in Dublin city centre continues, businesses count the cost of damages and gardai put measures in place in anticipation of further incidents.

Thursday's riots ensued after a knife attack which left three young children and a woman injured.

A five-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in CHI Temple Street while a woman, 30s, was also seriously injured.

Another girl, six, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin. A five-year-old boy was discharged from CHI Crumlin on Thursday evening.

This evening, politicians, staff and journalists at Leinster House were advised to leave as a precautionary measure".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that they have dispatched two water cannons in response to a Mutual Aid request from An Garda Siochana.

The Garda response to Thursday night's events has come under criticism with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald expressing no confidence in the Garda Commissioner and the Justice Minister.

Drew Harris defends Garda response

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris denied that he had "failed the country" by what appeared to be delays in responding to the mob, who organised the riots online, he replied: No.

An Garda Siochana responded to this entirely in an extraordinary fashion, he said. Members from around the country, returned to duty, public order all over Ireland responded here to Dublin.

More and more resources were arriving throughout the evening but you could not have anticipated that in response to the terrible crime, the stabbing of school children and their teacher, this would be their response.

"In effect, those filled with hate, and hate directed towards gardai that they would attempt to storm through our cordon and disrupt a crime scene and then engage in violence, looting, and disorder including very significant criminal damage.

Nobody could have anticipated that when these events started at 1.30pm. These awful events.

One Garda officer received a serious injury while "numerous other members injured as missiles were thrown at them.

Mr Harris addressed the abuse that was directed at members of An Garda Siochana, saying: A lot of members were injured by just being in the riot, in terms of things being thrown at them, as well as sprains and also it was an exhausting night in terms of the fast-moving situation."

Over 400 members of An Garda Siochana were deployed to tackle the unrest including frontline uniformed Gardai and over 250 Public Order Gardai.

A formal investigation has been launched into the events of Thursday night and Gardai are in the process of collecting CCTV footage and images from social media.

Rioters could face up to 10 years in jail The Minister for Justice has said the "violent thugs and criminals" who engaged in disorder in Dublin last night could face up to ten years in prison.

Minister Helen McEntee said: We have very, very strong legislation  up to 10 years in prison with up to 12 years as well for someone who assaulted a member of An Garda Siochana."

She said the scenes that unfolded were "incomprehensible" but commended gardai for their efforts and said order was restored by midnight.

Riot aftermath

The scene on Parnell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

During the course of the unrest, 13 shops were significantly damaged or subjected to looting.

This morning, O'Connell Street was dominated by the charred remains of burnt-out vehicles.

A clean-up effort has since removed the destroyed vehicles as well as debris and shattered glass.

Three buses, three Garda patrol cars, and one Luas tram were set alight.

Dublin Bus services are operating but cannot serve O'Connell Street North, and from Westmoreland Street to Abbey Street.

Northbound services are diverting via Fleet Street, Townsend Street, Gardiner Street, onto Parnell Square West.

Customers should expect delays and disruptions throughout the day and are advised to check DublinBus.ie and @dublinbusnews for updates.

Meanwhile, Red Line Luas services are only operating between Tallaght/ Saggart to Smithfield.

The operator of Luas services says extensive damage has been caused to overhead power cables in the city centre There is no service operating between Smithfield and Connolly/The Point.

Green Line services are operating between Brides Glen to St Stephen's Green only. There is no service operating between St. Stephen's Green and Broombridge.

A Luas spokesperson said tickets will be valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of the disruption.

O'Connell Street Lower to Westmoreland Street is also closed. Gardai said a traffic management plan is in place.

The Mater Hospital has put visitor restrictions in place today and these will remain in place for the next 72 hours.

The only visitors allowed are those visiting patients in critical care, vulnerable young adults, psychiatry patients or loved ones who are receiving end-of-life care.

The hospital is continuing to provide all services to patients and all hospital appointments remain in place unless otherwise informed.

Meanwhile, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) expressed concern at the shocking events in Dublin.

"It is critical that we, as a society, do not allow this hateful, divisive ideology to infect our communities and our politics," said chief commissioner Sinead Gibney.

"So many of us, all around Ireland, have shown how welcoming we are to people from around the world who have come to live and work here.

"We have to be vigilant, and work to ensure that this practical solidarity continues, and is not undermined by those who only seek to sow division and hate."

Read More Brazilian Deliveroo driver used helmet to intervene in stabbing at Dublin school




The Minister for Education has commended the bravery of the teachers, the carer and the passer-bys following an attack in Dublin City which saw three children and a woman injured on Thursday afternoon.

Norma Foley said there was "incredible selflessness" from those involved and that it was "quite remarkable that in the midst of such unexpected, such unprecedented actions in Parnell Square, that the instinct to do right, to do good by the passers-by, by the staff it was quite exceptional."

A five-year-old girl remains in hospital after undergoing emergency treatment for serious injuries.

The woman was also seriously injured while the two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries.

"There was incredible selflessness. You know, the immediate instinct of everyone  including the carer and the staff in the vicinity, the staff in the school  was to protect the children, to go to the aid of the children," Minister Foley told RTE's Morning Ireland on Friday.

Minister for Education Norma Foley Picture: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

"And it was quite extraordinary that we saw such bravery, such determination, to do the right thing for the children in this awful, awful circumstance and I really do want to acknowledge the carer and the community."

She hoped for a quick recovery for everyone concerned about the incident.

Meanwhile, a critical incident plan was invoked at the school following the incident and the National Education Psychological Service (NEPs) teams were on the grounds yesterday and will be available to the school on Friday.

"They will be available to the school again today and they will consistently work with the school staff to support the school community," Minister Foley said.

"Every school has a critical incident plan. We would hope that they never have to invoke it, but it was invoked yesterday and the NEPs team go in to support the team within the school, to you know, to support each other and to support the children."

"I think best practice tells us that like this, children need to be with people that they know best and that are calm and secure environments is provided to the children. And that's exactly what will be happening in the school."
A five-year-old girl continues to fight for her life in hospital following a knife attack in Dublin on Thursday afternoon.

Five people, including three young children, were injured in the incident that occurred outside primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.

A woman was also seriously injured while two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. Gardai said they "continue to investigate all the circumstances of the serious assault" which happened shortly after 1.30pm.

The five-year-old girl, who was seriously injured during the incident, remains in a critical condition in CHI Temple Street. Another girl, six, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin.

A five-year-old boy was discharged from CHI Crumlin on Thursday evening. Gardai say a woman in her 30s remains in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital.

A man in his 50s also remains in serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin Region. On Thursday, gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

A woman was also seriously injured while two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. Picture: Colin Keegan / Collins Photos

Initially, gardai said they were satisfied there is no terrorist link to the stabbings but at a Thursday evening press conference Garda Commissioner Drew Harris stopped short of definitively ruling out a terrorist motive.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, he said.

The scene remains sealed off at this time. The road is currently closed to traffic and diversions are in place. Gardai are appealing to any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating gardai.

"Investigating gardai are also appealing to any person who may have mobile phone footage of the attack or the immediate aftermath to make this footage available to An Garda Siochana," a garda spokesperson said.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station 01 666 8600 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."

In the aftermath of the attack, protests and riots broke out in Dublin city centre, which Mr Harris described as "huge destruction by a riotous mob".

Some 34 people have been arrested in the wake of the riots, and of those, 32 have been charged and will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Friday morning.
A march in support of Palestine has been deferred following the riots in Dublin on Thursday night.

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has said the march, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, will now be held on December 2.

The decision was taken after the violent scenes in the capital which saw public transport vehicles set on fire, shops looted, and members of An Garda Siochana attacked.

The campaign said that far-right groups are calling for further so-called protests over the weekend.

Their statement said that these same people are "also fervently anti-Palestinian in outlook".

With threats and menace in the air, calls for further right-wing protests, and the far right expressing particular hatred directed towards Palestinians and Palestine solidarity activists, we simply cannot guarantee that there will not be further outbreaks of far-right-inspired violence in the city centre this weekend.

"Indeed, there is little the enemies of the Palestinian people would like more than for violence to be directed against such solidarity marches," a spokesperson said.

The group also said that it would be disrespectful to hold the march as it was due to begin near the scene of the knife attack that left a five-year-old girl in a critical condition, a woman in her 30s in a serious condition, and two other young children also hurt.

A car burns on Dublin's Parnell St during Thursday's riot. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

"There are no words to describe the horror, devastation, and trauma this has caused," the IPSC said, extending love and solidarity to the victims, their families and friends, and the local community.

They called out attempts by those who instigated the riots to use the attack as an excuse to promote anti-immigrant views.

"It is important to emphasise that whatever the background of the perpetrator, their crime was theirs alone and not the crime of any community, ethnicity, or nationality  and attempts to portray it as such need to be clearly called out for what they are: Far-right racist fearmongering."

Equally, the IPSC said that the actions of the minority who caused havoc on the streets do not represent all Dubliners.

"The tiny minority of people that did this do not represent the people of Dublin, in all our diversity," the spokesperson said.

"They do not represent the thousands and thousands of people who have turned out every Saturday for nearly two months to march for justice for the Palestinian people.

"And they certainly do not represent the heroes of yesterdays events, not the people that intervened to stop the attack and get people to safety, nor those who treated the wounded, nor indeed, the victims of the appalling attack, all of whom were from diverse backgrounds."

While this weekend's march will not go ahead, the IPSC believes all other planned events outside of Dublin city centre will go ahead.

"The people of Palestine know that the people of Ireland share an unbreakable bond with them," they said.

"That bond remains whether we are on the city streets, in our local communities, or in our homes doing solidarity work."
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for an unprovoked and unwarranted attack on a social media influencer earlier this year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Craig OBrien (28) of Thomond Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Charleen Murphy at the Grafton Capital Hotel, Dublin 2, on February 10 last. He has 10 previous convictions, including two for assault.

Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Orla Crowe said the CCTV evidence shown to the court was absolutely shocking footage that came out of nowhere. She said: Ms Murphy had no way of protecting herself as she was hit from behind.

Judge Crowe said there was no history or animosity between Ms Murphy and OBrien and described the attack as unprovoked, unwarranted and terrible. The judge said while OBrien was being interviewed by gardai, he referred to Ms Murphy in utter derogatory terms, a female who had done nothing to him.

She outlined the aggravating factors, noting this was one strike to the back of the head, which caused injuries to her face, his previous convictions and that this was an unprovoked attack.

Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of three years. She considered the following as mitigating factors: his early guilty plea, his engagement in education while in custody and the letters from the accused and his family members.

Judge Crowe handed him a sentence of two years and three months with the final nine months suspended for 18 months. She ordered OBrien to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 18 months.

Judge Crowe further ordered OBrien to unfollow Ms Murphy on all social media platforms and not to follow her again or make any contact with her. He is also not allowed to come within 50 metres of Ms Murphy for five years post-release.

Attack

The court heard that Ms Murphy is a social media influencer with many online followers. On the night in question, she went to the Grafton Capital Hotel to meet a friend for dinner and drinks.

On her arrival, she posted photos on social media, which was normal for her. Ms Murphy was sitting in a booth in the restaurant facing her friend when she felt a blow to the back of her head.

Ms Murphys head was propelled forward resulting in her forehead striking a glass on the table. Ms Murphy turned around and saw OBrien, whom she knew of but had never met in person, walking away from her table. Ms Murphy was bleeding, and her friend called an ambulance, and the gardai were notified.

Later on the night of the offence, OBrien sent Ms Murphy a voice note on social media asking her, hows the head?.

Arrest

Garda Stephen McDonnell told Lisa Dempsey, BL, prosecuting, that gardai spoke with Ms Murphy at the scene, and she was in a position to identify OBrien. She was then taken by ambulance to St James's Hospital where she received stitches to her forehead.

CCTV footage from the hotel was obtained by gardai and played to the court.

Gda McDonnell said OBrien was contacted and attended Pearse St Garda Station the following day. A search warrant was issued for OBriens home. Clothing was seized, including a Canada Goose jacket, which was visible on CCTV footage.

The court heard that during his garda interview, OBrien said that influencers were ganging up on him and harassing him, and they [influencers] deserved it. He also referred to Ms Murphy as a dumb b***h and said he felt bad for her, but she probably deserved it.

Gardai asked OBrien if he had any mental health issues, and he replied that he took medication every day for psychosis. He was brought to Dublin District Court, where he was denied bail. He has been in custody since February 11.

Victim impact statement

Ms Murphy read her own victim impact statement to the court and said: I share a lot of my life online and live a very public life. This was never an issue until February of this year.

She told the court that she had a physical scar on her forehead, but that emotional scars dont fade.

Since the assault, she has suffered from nightmares, panic attacks and is a shell of myself. Ms Murphy said: Not a day goes by that I dont think of it, and hoped that today justice can be served.

Drug-induced psychosis

Gda McDonnell agreed with Miska Hanahoe, BL, defending, that her client came to the garda station straight away the following day when he was contacted. He agreed that OBrien had made some strange comments during his interview, and Gda McDonnell told Judge Crowe that some of what he said didnt make sense at all.

The garda agreed with counsel that O'Brien pleaded at the earliest possible stage.

Ms Hanahoe said that her client wished to apologise and said that he is not a danger to Ms Murphy and wont contact her upon his release. She said it was clear that her client had a problem with aggression, which was linked to drugs that he began taking when he was 14.

Counsel said that at the time of the offence, her client was in a drug-induced psychosis and genuinely believed that social media influencers were out to get him.

She said her client is engaging with a drug counsellor while he has been in custody. OBrien stated in a letter to the court that I am really sorry and I regret what I did. His letter also stated that he was not taking his medication at the time of the offence.

Ms Hanahoe asked the court to take into account her client's early guilty plea, his remorse and that he doesnt recognise the person that he was at the time of the offence.
Over 30 people appeared in court on Friday at Dublin District Court on a range of public order and theft charges in relation to the Dublin city centre disturbances on Thursday evening.

A riot ensued in the capital just hours after a stabbing incident outside a city school which left a girl, 5, and a woman, 30s, in a serious condition in hospital.

It took some time before gardai restored order to the streets of Dublin, with the disorder focused on the Parnell Square, Parnell Street and OConnell Street areas.

The 28 men and four women appeared before three different courts at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Friday, charged with a range of public order and theft offences. At least three men faced charges under the misuse of drugs act. The items allegedly stolen included clothing, cigarettes, a bottle of vodka and cash.

As well as addresses in the city, the accused had listed addresses in other areas such as Celbridge in Co Kildare, Ballybrack, Tallaght and Swords. They were aged in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Gardai sought a range of bail conditions. In many cases, judges granted conditions such as the accused having to stay away from the city centre areas of Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. Some were given a curfew to observe while all were told to reside at their stated residence until their next appearance.

In most cases, the charges can be dealt with summarily in the District Court. Bail was granted and the accused told they would have to signal how they would plead at a later date. Gardai indicated in some cases that further charges could be brought against some of the individuals.

They were almost all given dates to reappear in court in January and February.

Some of the charges

Those who appeared in court included Gavin Doyle, 27. Wearing a black Nike hoody, with an address at Ridgewood Green in Swords, he was charged with breaches of section 6 of the public order act, told the court that he literally just accepted a job yesterday.

As part of his bail terms, he was told to reside at his address and stay away from Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. One day a week, he is permitted to pass through these areas as he volunteers at a hospital supporting mental health patients, the court heard. He is due to reappear before the court on January 19.

Jamie Robinson, 23, of Windmill Avenue, Crumlin, was charged with possessing stolen property  a Puma hoodie, socks and eight boxes of cigarettes, at Parnell Street.

Judge Bryan Smyth granted bail on condition Mr Robinson signs on three times weekly at a Garda station and observes a curfew. Mr Robinson was remanded on bail to January 5, when he will be expected to indicate a plea.

Aaron Brophy, 32, of Brendan Behan Court, Dublin 1, was charged with possession of stolen property  440 cash, three boxes of John Player Blue cigarettes, and four packets of cigarette skins  on Parnell Street.

Under conditions, Mr Brophy must stay off Parnell Street and keep a curfew. Mr Brophy was remanded in custody with consent to bail to Cloverhill District Court on December 1.

Josh Brophy, 34, of no fixed address was charged with possession of a knuckle duster as a weapon, intended to unlawfully to cause injury to, incapacitate or intimidate another, on Parnell Street.

He was granted bail with no garda objection. Under conditions, he must sign on three times weekly at a garda station, stay off Parnell Street and obey a curfew. No cash was required.

Sgt Lynch said DPP directions would be required in the case. Judge Smyth granted free legal aid before remanding Mr Brophy on bail to February 16 next year.

David Moffatt, 45, of Moyne Road, Ranelagh, was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at OConnell Bridge. Under bail conditions, he is to stay out of Dublin 1 and 2, observe a curfew and not partake in any violent protest or large gathering.

Mr Moffat was not brought into court after the judge was told he had soiled himself in the cells. There was a possibility of further charges in his case and he was remanded on bail to February 2. Legal aid was granted.
A man has told the trial of five-time All-Ireland-winning Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes, who is charged with assault causing harm to a man outside a nightclub, that he saw the hurler and others standing on and punching the alleged victim, who was lying in a foetal position on the street.

Kyle Hayes, aged 25, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, Co Limerick, is on trial before the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court charged with assault causing harm to Cillian McCarthy, aged 24, on October 28, 2019.

Mr Hayes, a four-time All-Star hurler, and Young Hurler of the Year 2018, is also charged with two counts of violent disorder on the same date. He denies all three charges.

Following legal argument in the case on Friday, Judge Dermot Sheehan, told the jury it did not have to concern itself any longer with another accused in the case, Jai Chaudri, aged 22, of Carheeny, Kildimo, who was before the court on one count of violent disorder, and one count of assault causing harm to Mr McCarthy.

Christopher Heelan, a native of Caherdavin, told the court that, on the night, he saw Kyle Hayes pacing up and down and looking quite angry outside the Icon nightclub, Upper Denmark St, Limerick City.

The court has also seen CCTV footage allegedly showing Mr Hayes and others assaulting Mr McCarthy on the dance floor of the club earlier on the night, as well as footage of Mr Hayes and others allegedly following Mr McCarthy out of the nightclub.

The court heard Mr Hayes warned Mr McCarthy, who was chatting to two girls he knew inside the club, to stay the fuck away from the girls, and shouted at him do you know who the fuck I am?.

Mr Heelan, giving direct evidence to the court, said he was walking along the street outside the club in the early hours of the morning and came upon his friend Cillian McCarthy, whose face and clothes were covered in blood.

He said he tried to intervene when a number of men surrounded Mr McCarthy and their friend Craig Cosgrave and started assaulting them while they were on the ground in the foetal position.

It looked to me that, at times, that he [Cillian] was being stood on, Mr Heelan said.

Mr Heelan  who identified Mr Hayes as one of the accused in court as being involved in the attack  said he saw the well-known Limerick hurler punch Cillian McCarthy on the [ground] and stand on him as well.

Mr Heelan said the group of males departed the scene when gardai arrived on the street with emergency blue lights activated.

I waited with Cillian until an ambulance arrived; he seemed to be very weak and bloodied; his t-shirt and jumper were covered in blood.

Earlier, Aislinn Condon, a primary school teacher from Crecora, told the court that Mr Hayes approached Craig Cosgrave, who was in her company at a bar in the nightclub earlier on during the night, and was asking him why he was dancing with another girl who was also one of their friends, and who was seeing a friend of Mr Hayes at the time.

Ms Condon said Mr Cosgrave tried to explain to Mr Hayes that he was just friends with the young woman but that Mr Hayes didn't appear to be happy with this explanation.

Asked by Mr OSullivan if she felt it was a threatening scenario, Ms Condon replied yes.

Ms Condon agreed with Mr Hayes barrister, senior counsel Brian McInerney, that if one of her friends was seeing someone and they were being flirted with by a male, that she and her friends would tell the male to butt out, and that if he didn't comply, they might use unparliamentary language to tell him.

Craig Cosgrave, aged 24,, of Caherally, Grange, who it was claimed threw a punch earlier on the night inside the nightclub in trying to defend Mr McCarthy, is charged with one count of violent disorder, which he denies.

The trial continues next Tuesday.
The Mayor of Cork County has apologised for any offence he may have caused after he appeared to publicly support calls from anti-immigration activist Derek Blighe for a blockade of a property in North Cork earmarked for international protection applicants.

Long-serving Fianna Fail Cllr Frank OFlynn also moved to distance himself from the far-right movement, in the wake of Thursday nights riots in Dublin, in the wave of fresh criticism of his decision to attend the public meeting in Fermoy last week which was addressed by Mr Blighe.

I do not stand with or alongside the far-right movement, or any persons who represent this position," Mr O'Flynn told the Irish Examiner on Friday.

He did not respond to questions about whether he could continue to attend county council events promoting inclusion and diversity, or if he would consider his position.

The Cork Rebels for Peace group condemned the mayor, and several other local county councillors, for associating with Mr Blighe, the founder of Ireland First, who has spoken at several anti-immigrant protests, and who has attended several protests at libraries over LGBTQ+ reading material.

Fermoy meeting

The street meeting was held last week outside a property on Fermoys St James's Place which is set to house 56 international protection applicants.

Addressing the gathering of between 20 and 30 people, Mr OFlynn said he had no problem with Ukrainians or asylum seeker families coming to Fermoy, but he did have concerns about single male asylum seekers being accommodated in such centres.

I stand four square with the people of Fermoy and the people of the area on whats happening here, he said, as he urged people to email the Minister for Integration, Roderic OGorman, to highlight their concerns about the proposal.

If its not good enough for the people, its not good enough for Frank OFlynn. We are not going to stand for this and the one thing that is going to succeed is people power, the more people that come out and let the minister know we are not going to stand for this in our beautiful town (the better).

Mr Blighe then asked Mr OFlynn to say whether he would be willing to join in a blockade outside the building to stop asylum seekers entering the premises. Mr OFlynn said "no problemtwice.

In the wake of Thursdays riots in Dublin, which Garda Commissioner Drew Harris blamed on a lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology", Mr OFlynn and the other councillors faced criticism from the Cork Rebels for Peace group for associating with individuals who have been involved in anti-immigrant protests in Cork.

The Fermoy and Mallow Against Division group, which mounted counter-protests and events in Fermoy last year to welcome international protection applicants to the town, also criticised the politicians.

Literally hundreds of local people have been involved in integration activities of one kind or another, the group said.

Many positive friendships formed through the Sanctuary runners, and International Choir, StreetFeast celebrations through St Josephs residents volunteering in local charities.

Local people have stepped up to make the welcome that Fermoy is known for a reality. Local clubs and groups opened free spaces for children and adults.

Failte Isteach voluntary English classes were set up by amazing volunteers in Fermoy. They meet twice a week to drink coffee and practice English.

The integration of people in St. Josephs has been a resounding success because local people reached out the hand of friendship.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner on Friday, Mr OFlynn said he attended last week's public meeting in his capacity as a local councillor.

"I attended upon invitation, a meeting organised by my local community, in relation to the suitability surrounding a proposed premises to accommodate international protection applicants," he said.

I had no knowledge of who was invited to this meeting and was not part of organising same.

Mr Blighe (pictured) had asked Mr OFlynn to say whether he would be willing to join in a blockade outside the building to stop asylum seekers entering the premises. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

As I have openly stated, I wanted to ensure that the process of accommodation was suitable both in terms of the town of Fermoy, its community, and the international protection applicants.

I was prepared to stand with my community to ensure this process was adhered to.

Let me reiterate, I have no objection to persons seeking international protection and have always adopted an approach of inclusivity and diversity.

"I would like to apologise for any offence that I may have caused and regret any interpretation that is contrary to my fundamental beliefs.

He said he also wanted to wholeheartedly condemn the abhorrent scenes that took place in Dublin on Thursday night.

It was utterly repulsive to see and I hope will never be seen again, he said.
IF youre under 40, look away now. You dont want to know about how they are mortgaging your future. You dont want to know how you will be expected to pay through the nose so your elders will enjoy a relatively long retirement. You dont want to know how you will one day look back in anger at weeks such as this.

On Wednesday, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced PRSI increases to provide extra monies to the social insurance fund, out of which state pensions are paid. The money is required for, among other things, the continuance of a system in which qualification for the pension kicks in at 66 years of age.

The PRSI hikes are spread over five years and amount in total to 0.55% of wages and salaries. From next October, the average worker will be paying an extra 46, with further rises in subsequent years.

On a superficial basis, this makes sense. The population is aging. People are also, thankfully, living longer in relatively good health. In the early 1970s when the pension age of 65 was introduced life expectancy was around 72. Today it is over 83 years and rising.

In 2020, the number of people aged over 65, compared to those aged 15-64, was 22%, or roughly one in five. In 2050, this is projected to rise to 47%. Think about that. Nearly half of people over 15 years of age will be retirees in just over 25 years time. Somebody will have to pay for pensions for this huge cohort.

If youre under 40 and still with us, leave now as this is where you may begin to see red.





One obvious policy tool would be to increase the age at which the pension kicks in. With everybody living longer in better health, 65 is not what it used to be. As a result, the government increased the age of eligibility for the pension to 66 back in 2014.

Being a Fine Gael-led government it did the job in a cack-handed way. Those who hit 65 were expected to sign on for Job Seekers Allowance until their pension kicked in at 66, a process that took little account of the dignity of many people who had spent a life in work.

The system became an issue in the 2020 election when a pensioner, who rightly felt his dignity had been assailed, rang Liveline. Sinn Fein made hay on it, promising not just to change it but to reverse the pension age to 65, as if the party had the capacity to turn back the clock.

Before long Fine Gael and Fianna Fail fell into line. Plans that had been in place for years to raise the qualification age to 68 by 2028 were shelved. As with water charges a few years previously, a fair and reasonable public policy had to be jettisoned because of appalling political handling.

The current government appointed a Pensions Commission to come up with a new plan. The commission recommended gradually increasing the pension age to 67 in 2031 and 68 in 2039. No way, said the government. Sinn Fein would have them for breakfast if they ever suggested thateven years from nowthe qualification age had to increase.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has forecast that PRSI rates would have to increase by around 6% over the next 25 years, costing the average worker an extra 1,800.

Despite the-head-in-the-sand approach, the smart money says that those heading for retirement in 2039 havent a hope of getting to draw the pension by 68, but todays politicians will be long gone by then and most people have short memories.

So the solution, for the moment, and until after at least the next two general elections, is to just pretend that we can continue as is by simply hiking up PRSI. Except the hikes as proposed by the Government are nowhere near what is required.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council examined the issue earlier this year and its then-chair Sebastian Barnes pointed to a system like that which pertains in Canada where they are attempting to ensure fairness through the generations.

The government should be required to set out how it will fund the pension system 50 to 75 years ahead, what pensions would be, the retirement age, and the required PRSI rates, he said.

He forecast that PRSI rates would have to increase by around 6% over the next 25 years, costing the average worker an extra 1,800. In order to share the intergenerational burden, he said, this would mean an increase of 3% over the next few years, six times what the government proposed this week.

Irish baby boomers would contribute more to the system, reducing the extra burden on younger generations, he said. Quite obviously, the Government has no intention of doing that.

Sinn Fein, for their part, are even more contemptuous of the younger generations. Their policy is to reduce the age of qualification to 65 and somehow fund it all by increasing PRSI on employers and those earning over 100,000 to pay for it all.

They dont say it, but one has to assume they are also factoring in the prospect of finding a large deposit of oil or gas off the West Coast in the next decade or so.

Sinn Fein's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said retiring at 65 was 'a right'. File picture: Liam McBurney/PA

On Wednesday, in the Dail, Sinn Fein's finance spokesperson said retiring at 65 was a right. Pearse Doherty didnt say how this right was conferred or whether it was an inalienable right that would apply to those under 40 today.

We are clear about delivering this important right in a way that is sustainable and gives workers certainty and security, he said. At the last election, his leader Mary Lou McDonald summed up Sinn Feins approach to this matter. The demographics will take care of themselves, she said.

In the Dail, Leo Varadkar was hardly facing up to the future either. We took a decision we would not raise the pension age beyond 66, he said. Other countries are doing that, reflecting the fact demographics are changing but we have decided not to raise the pension age to 67 and that comes with a cost.

He might have explained why this country is not doing as others are, what exactly the real cost is and who will be bearing it.

If those of you under 40 have hung in to this point, sorry for your troubles. That is just the way of the world right now. You dont matter on this issue because pensions are not yet at the forefront of your mind. They will be one day, but it will probably be too late to do anything about that when the time comes around.

For now, your future, your prospects of a decent retirement, your projected obligations to support retirees, are all just superfluous to the promises that will be scattered at the next election.
It's the fear.

Fear to leave my house, fear to walk down the street, to go out for a cup of coffee, to be outside. If Thursday's riots did anything, it was put that fear in me.

I moved to Ireland in 2019 from Bahrain to study and get a degree. Ireland, in my opinion, looked safe, looked like a place where I could forge a new life and follow my dream of becoming a journalist.

I felt safe here. I was away from the oppression and violence back home.

I pay taxes here, pay my bills, and do everything by the book, just like any other individual. All I want is to work and contribute to society.

Ive integrated into Irish society and developed a fairly thick Cork accent. I want to become a part of a country that is full of culture, beauty, and love.

On Thursday, news emerged of the horrific knife attack in which three children and a woman were injured.

Amid the understandable revulsion at what had happened, anti-immigrant groups quickly began spreading hate-filled messages about all foreign nationals. Things quickly accelerated, leading to the riots which saw buses, a Luas tram, and garda cars set on fire.

Immigrants became the focus of the crowds anger on the streets, while at the same time they looted and vandalised shops. It was an excuse for the riots that ensued.

However, Thursday was not the beginning of this. Online content from people advocating violence against migrants has been consistent and growing for months, it not years.

Offline we have seen plenty of anti-immigrant rhetoric too - hotels that were supposedly meant to house asylum seekers have been set on fire, hate mail has been sent to people and blockades set up.

Now, I feel different. My senses are heightened and I am afraid to leave my home  some of my migrant friends have expressed these same fears.

I am now afraid to leave my house and go get a coffee by myself, I am afraid to go for a walk and have my headphones in for fear that I will get attacked.

I do not want this fear, this fear that has been created because migrants have been made scapegoats by the far-right for the failings in addressing the issues that our society is facing.

What if the hate-filled riots in Dublin spread elsewhere in the country? Action needs to be taken and there needs to be some accountability for what is happening here.

All that I am asking for is peace of mind where I can feel safe to walk down the street to my local shop and not have to peer over my shoulder for someone following me, waiting to come after me.
It was a night of unbridled chaos, as rioters looted, burned, and vandalised Dublin city centre.

But by Friday morning, the recovery had already begun as Dublin showed its resilience.

At 6am, street cleaners, gardai, and maintenance workers were already tending to the targeted areas, getting the city get back on its feet.

On a crisp and bright morning, the people who are the heart of the city every day, were on their way back to work and setting up their Christmas stalls.

Agniszka Marzec, right, and her mother Ewa said they came out to do their Christmas shopping on O'Connell St 'to show some strength' against the rioters. Picture: Moya Nolan

By lunchtime, the burnt-out vehicles, as well as the smashed-in windows and damaged properties that had been beamed around the world, were mostly cleared or being repaired.

Some shops delayed opening their doors until midday, including the GPO, Arnotts, and Penneys.

Hard-working shop assistants could be seen in store windows on OConnell Street, restacking shelves with clothes and shoes after thousands of goods were stolen.

By 11am the well-loved historical walking tours were underway, as groups of tourists gathered around their guide opposite the GPO.

While people were clearly reeling from the horrific events of the night before, decent hard workers were trying to bring a sense of normality back to the city.

A statement by Dublin Town, the city centre business lobby group, which represents 2,500 members, said: The city centre remains open for business today."

CEO Richard Guiney said: Dublin City centre will not allow itself be cowed by the events of November 23."

Veronica Daly's own children had attended Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire where the stabbings occurred on Thursday: 'Im not afraid to come out today, you cant let bullies win.'Picture: Moya Nolan

He added that the group has been liaising and will continue to liaise with all relevant state agencies and local and national stakeholders around the events of Thursday on behalf of its members.

We need now to see the best of Dublin and Dubliners as businesses deal with the consequences of these events at what is a critical time for retail and hospitality, Mr Guiney added.

Business will play their role in returning the city centre to normal, and we urge the people of Dublin and beyond to support Dublin City centre at this time.

Our city has always been resilient and will remain so. I am grateful to An Garda Siochana, Dublin City Council and the other state and semi-state agencies involved for their continuing efforts."

Street trader Veronica Daly told the Irish Examiner: Im not afraid to come out today, you cant let bullies win."

The north inner city local said her children were past pupils of Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on Parnell Square off OConnell Street where the stabbing incident took place and resulted in a night of riots.

My own kids went there; the kids are all traumatised, she said. The school is where children are supposed to be safe. The children are afraid.

I actually went up to that school after the stabbing, because Ive lots of friends in that school. When I went up and saw what I was seeing I knew I had to get out of there. It is disgraceful."

Agniszka Marzec who lives locally, and her mother Ewa said they came out to do their Christmas shopping to show some strength against the rioters.

It was stressful, she said. It happened two rows from our home.

I am Polish, and I live here 16 years, I feel it is getting worse. I never had this experience here, before now. I have a baby now, so you worry more."

However, Ms Marzec said she decided to take her child for a walk in the pram with her mother and to do some Christmas shopping.

I look out and I see people coming out, she said. It is a strong response, all the people come out today.

We are all going together so I joined them. It went too far on Thursday. I never saw that.

Everything is clean and sorted now. The police are everywhere. But I would like to see more, and they need to have more support to support themselves. We have to support the gardai. They do not have all the support they need."

John Vowaoshai, originally from South Africa, said he felt uneasy going into work on the morning after the riot, but wanted to join the 'show of solidarity' as the shop reopened. Picture: Moya Nolan

Two tourists from London  Hannah Callaghan and Charlie Virgo who are here to celebrate Charlie's 30th birthday  said the riots would not put them off enjoying their weekend in Dublin.

It is really sad, said Ms Callaghan. Ive been here many times, my mum is Irish, she is from Mullingar. We arrived this morning [Friday] and we saw this on the way over.

We are from south London. We were very disappointed; the images are shocking but it is like the London riots. There is a heavy presence though of the gardai and people are out and about.

We are staying out of the main city, where there has been no violence so far. I think well be ok. It wont ruin our holiday anyway.

Shop worker John Vowaoshai from South Africa said he felt uneasy going into work, but that he wanted to join the show of solidarity.

Im uneasy today, he said. Im not Irish, so Im probably not in the safest place, a man from South Africa on the same street where the violence happened.

We are open today in a show of strength with others, you have to show some resilience to some degree.

There is a deep-rooted issue here. What happened Thursday grew from a history that has been ignored. I am here over a year. To be fair, it is not a reflection of this society but there is a significant, sizeable portion of the population who believe that someone like me should not be here.

I am here legally and with a visa. It is being allowed to happen; the system is letting it happen. There is a lack of information and education and lack of community measures.

I dont feel safe today, but I am here like everyone else and will do my best."
FANS of the thesis that a happy worker is a productive worker were busy building homes in Cork City around the time this Victorian redbrick on St Finbarrs Street was built. Calling themselves the Cork Improved Dwellings Company (CIDC), they were styled on a group of British philanthropic industrialists who believed that keeping an employee happy was a good way of ensuring they got the job done. As an aid to helping workers attain happiness, they built them a home. The good philanthropic gentlemen of CIDC subscribed to the same ideal and built Prosperity Square, off Barrack Street, a scheme of 55 small homes, for poorer members of the Cork Citys working class. Buildings of Ireland describes the houses as examples of late 19th century artisan dwellings which are typical of this part of Cork and define the character of the area.

Typical of the area too and also with an artisan look are homes on St Finbarrs Street, two opposing rows of Victorian redbricks in an area of the city with a wealth of ancient ecclesiastical linkages.

Chief among them is St Finbarr, the citys patron saint, who located his first church and school at the site where you will now find St Fin Barres Cathedral, a stones throw from St Finbarrs Street and visible from it.

St Fin Barre's Cathedral

St Finbarrs Street has the great advantage of centrality, which is what drew its current owners to it, when they fled the legacy of Trumps America early in 2021.

We bought No 16 St Finbarrs Street two-and-a-half years ago, during the pandemic. We wanted to escape the US and the Trump era and we wanted a new start.

We looked at a couple of areas and decided, after exploring it, that we loved Cork City. And so we just jumped right in, says Daniel Scholl, a musician with Irish citizenship, thanks to a Co Mayo grandmother.

No 16 was habitable when Daniel and his partner bought it, but it was not to their taste. Carpets and beige tiles were whipped up and replaced with warm timber flooring in most rooms. The two exceptions are the hallway, where eye-catching Portuguese tiles make for a welcoming entrance, and the bathroom, where Stracciatella terrazzo-style flooring and a modern, wall-hung navy vanity unit give a stylish finish to the recently remodelled lavatory.

A good deal of work was carried out downstairs too. The kitchen area was gutted and new, kelly-green units add a brilliant pop of colour.

An unusual and attractive feature is the stained glass window over the kitchen sink, hauled all the way from Philadelphia, USA. Based on a design by the renowned late architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it includes a tulip-like centrepiece as a nod to the Dutch heritage of the owners partner. It was originally commissioned as a fanlight for a house in Philly, but will now remain Leeside, along with the majority of the contents of this property, as its owners plan a return stateside.

The kitchen sink window isnt the only light funnel in this part of the house two skylights add to the brightness in this open plan space which includes a dining area and a cosy living room, replete with sofas and a decorative fireplace with gas fire, and a couple of guitars hanging on the walls.

The instruments belong to Daniel, whose most recent album, Sham, Drudgery and Broken Dreams, sounds like it might have been inspired by Trumps America.

It's not.

Its a line from Desiderata (Poem for a Way of Life by Max Ehrmann) and the next line is that it is still a beautiful world, so its not depressing, Daniel laughs.

Along with all the decorative changes/painting, the couple also upgraded the gas boiler in 2021. The energy rating is D2. Kitchen appliances are all new.

Upstairs there's two bedrooms and even though No 16 is a compact house  70 sq m  both are doubles. High ceilings add to the sense of comfort and space.

The owners say they turned a third bedroom, which was downstairs, into a home office.

No 16 is on-street, so parking is by permit and there isnt a lawn. There is a small outdoor area off the kitchen, where decking was laid.

Aine McLoughlin of AML Property Services is selling the house and she says its going down a bomb with first time buyers because of its 295,000 guide price, and because its the finished product.

First time buyers love the fact that all they have to do is move in. Everything is done and a lot of the contents are staying, Ms McLoughlin says.

As well as first time buyer owner-occupier types, Ms McLouglin is seeing keen interest from parents of university-going kids because the house, just off Barrack Street, is ideally located for walking to UCC. Anyone taking a bus to MTU from the city centre will reach a bus stop in minutes.

Interest doesnt end there. Investors are in the mix also as the house was owner occupier and so is not subject to a rent cap.

Centrality is a key selling point, just as it was when the current owners bought the house in 2021 for 270,000.

Youre into town in five minutes and there are so many amenities on your doorstep, Ms McLoughlin says.

Equally attractive, she adds, is the house itself.

Its quite contemporary, despite its age. The owners did an an amazing job in a relatively short space of time.

VERDICT: Compact, central, affordable. Stylish house in a super location. Expect stiff competition.
New Zealands wait for a new government is over after three party leaders signed a coalition agreement on Friday.

The deal ended nearly six weeks of intense negotiations since a general election on October 14.

The deal will see Christopher Luxon serve as prime minister after his conservative National Party won 38% of the vote, the largest proportion of any party.

He thanked New Zealanders for their patience during the negotiations and said each party had made policy compromises to close the deal.

Mr Luxon said New Zealanders can expect tax cuts, more police on the streets and reductions to government bureaucracy (NZ Herald via AP)

He said: Our government will rebuild the economy to ease the cost of living and deliver tax relief to increase the prosperity of all New Zealanders.

Our government will restore law and order and personal responsibility, so that Kiwis are safer in their own communities.

The deputy prime minister role will be split between the other two leaders.

It will be held for the first 18 months of the election cycle by 78-year-old lawmaker Winston Peters, who leads the populist New Zealand First party, before he hands the baton for the remaining 18 months to David Seymour, leader of the libertarian ACT Party.

Mr Peters, who will also be foreign minister, said he did not foresee any changes to New Zealands current foreign policy on China.

We must... work to ensure New Zealanders have hope that a government can, indeed, deliver better public services

New Zealand depends on China to buy many of its agricultural exports but has also expressed growing concern about Chinas increased assertiveness in the Pacific.

Mr Seymour, who will take on the newly created role of regulation minister, said the country had been going in the wrong direction under the previous liberal government, with prices and crime rising and society becoming too divided.

We must now draw a line under that and work to ensure New Zealanders have hope that a government can, indeed, deliver better public services and return for their hard-earned taxes, he said.

The leaders agreed to make cuts to the public service and train 500 more police within two years.

They also agreed to change the mandate of the nations Reserve Bank, so it focuses solely on keeping inflation low rather than its current dual order to keep low inflation while maintaining maximum employment.
A Russian legislator and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin has denied media allegations that he adopted a missing two-year-old girl who was removed from a Ukrainian childrens home.

Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia, said on social media that Ukrainian security services and their western partners had concocted a fake report to discredit Russian patriots like himself.

The BBC and independent Russian news outlet Important Stories had published an investigation on Thursday that said he adopted a child named Margarita Prokopenko who was allegedly taken to Moscow at the age of 10 months by the woman to whom he is now married.

Mr Mironov accused the two news organizations of having one goal  to discredit those who take an uncompromising patriotic position.

You are trying in vain, he wrote, adding that Russia would win its war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)

The office of the Ukrainian parliaments human rights commissioner told the Associated Press it was looking into the news report.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Mr Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the commissioner for childrens rights in the presidents office, accusing them of committing war crimes through their involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Bill Van Esveld, associate director of the Childrens Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said on Friday that the agency could not independently confirm the BBC and Important Stories findings, but added that the deportation of the girl to Russia, her adoption and her name change would be a black and white war crime.

The investigation by the BBC and Important Stories said Margarita was collected in August 2022 from a home for children needing specialised medical care or who have missing parents in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which was occupied by Russian soldiers at the time.

The news organisations identified a woman who had visited the baby in Kherson before a group of Russian men removed the child from the home as Inna Varlamova, 55, who later married Mr Mironov.

The investigation also cited a birth record created several months later that listed Mr Mironov and Mr Varlamova as the parents of child named Marina who was born on October 31 2021  Margaritas birthday.

Ukrainian authorities have estimated that around 20,000 children have been taken out of the country without their parents knowledge or under false pretences since Russia invaded in February 2022.

A study by Yale University found more than 2,400 Ukrainian children aged six to 17 have been taken to Belarus from four regions of Ukraine that are partially occupied by Russian forces.

The AP reported in October last year that Russian officials deported Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, told them they were not wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship.

Vira Yastrebova, director of Eastern Human Rights Group, a Ukrainian non-governmental organisation, said Russian authorities were increasingly placing children into Russian foster families for eventual adoption instead of temporary guardianship.

Because Russian law makes it difficult to find information about adoptions, it is easy to hide any information about the children, Ms Yastrebova said.

The Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, maintained in September that Russia does not kidnap Ukrainian children but is saving them.

Russia has said it will return children to their families once a parent or guardian requests it, but because many Ukrainian families do not know where their children were taken, they are unable to make the requests.

Even when children are located, reuniting them with their families during the war is often a complicated process, involving a lot of paperwork and international border crossings.

Pope Francis tasked his Ukraine peace envoy earlier this year with trying to get young Ukrainians returned to their country.
Hamas has released 24 hostages who had been held captive in the Gaza Strip for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day ceasefire deal.

The freed hostages included 13 Israelis, 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines, according to Qatar.

The agreement opened the way for sorely needed aid to flow into Gaza for beleaguered residents. It was also a moment of hope for families in Israel and elsewhere worried about loved ones taken captive during the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the war.

Doron Katz and her daughters, Aviv and Raz Asher, were three of the hostages released on Friday (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

The truce started on Friday morning, bringing Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians quiet for the first time after seven weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment, which has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and flattened vast stretches of residential areas.

Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

The freed Israeli hostages included eight women  six in their 70s and 80s  and three children.

Their release was followed in the evening by the freeing of 24 Palestinian women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences like throwing stones.

But joy at the deal has been tempered, among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce will leave Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Yaffa Adar was released on Friday (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

Israel says the ceasefire could be extended if more hostages are released, but has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends.

That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

After nightfall on Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, carrying the freed hostages, according to live footage on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV.

Israels Channel 13 showed an older woman exiting an ambulance alongside a young girl, then walking slowly into a building. An Egyptian medical team held another older womans arms as she walked.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis cheered as news of the release was announced. The Israeli military later confirmed that the hostages had returned to Israel and were undergoing medical checks before being moved to hospitals to be reunited with their families.

Channa Peri was held captive in Gaza for weeks (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

The Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which played a key role mediating with Hamas in the negotiations over the pause, said 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino had been freed, but the Thai prime minister said earlier that 12 Thai nationals were freed.

The plight of around 240 people taken captive during Hamass attack has been wrenching in Israel, raising anger among some families that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to bring them home.

Under the deal, at least 50 are to be released, though it is not clear if the Thai and Filipino captives will be included in that count.

Israel is to free 150 Palestinian prisoners, and said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

In the West Bank, thousands gathered near the Israeli militarys Ofer Prison, awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

An Israeli prison transport vehicle carries Palestinian prisoners released by the Israeli authorities from Ofer military prison (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

Israel holds many for months without charge in administrative detention. Most who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often do not follow due process, human rights groups say.

Palestinians say a longer ceasefire is needed to recover from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, but Fridays halt in fighting brought the uprooted population a moment to catch their breath after weeks of fleeing bombardment across the tiny coastal enclave and trying to find increasingly scarce food, water and other basic supplies.

After the truce began on Friday morning, an increased flow of aid began. Four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Since the war began, Israel has barred all imports into Gaza except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Daniel Aloni and her daughter Emilia were released on Friday (Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum/AP)

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running. Amid food shortages, UN officials had warned in recent weeks of potential starvation.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 litres of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than a million litres.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than a million living in UN schools converted into shelters.

To the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south, Israel issued a warning not to return. Northern Gaza has been the focus on Israels ground assault.

In leaflets dropped around the south, the Israeli military said it would block such attempts, saying the the war has not ended yet, but hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north on Friday.

Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Palestinians flee to northern Gaza (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began on October 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the ceasefire agreement but had been widely expected to halt its attacks.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, but hours before it came into effect, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant told troops the respite would be short and that the war would resume for at least two more months.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence.
The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) claims to have seized the juntas large Mine Kyat base in Lashio Township, northern Shan State, on Thursday after 28 days of attacks.

The groups spokesman told the media that TNLA troops abandoned the base because of junta airstrikes but retook the camp on Friday morning.

A TNLA video released on Friday shows its troops seizing mortars, other weapons and ammunition.

The casualties on both sides were unknown.

On Friday morning, junta airstrikes hit Zel Lent village in Muse Township, damaging more than 10 houses and vehicles, according to media reports.

On Thursday night, a house in Namkham town was destroyed by junta shelling, according to the TNLA.

The armed group said nearly 200 houses had been destroyed across northern Shan State by junta airstrikes and shelling since the launch of Operation 1027 on October 27.

It said more than 60 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed and more than 100 injured by junta airstrikes and shelling.

More than 180 junta bases and six towns have been seized across the northern Shan State.
Ethnic Rakhine armed group the Arakan Army (AA) said it rescued another 100 civilians, many of whom had been held hostage by Myanmar military regime forces, from Pauktaw town in western Myanmars Rakhine State on Wednesday.

In its second rescue operation in as many days, the AA freed 104 more civilians who had been detained by junta soldiers or trapped in the fighting in coastal Pauktaw town.

Renewed fighting broke out on Nov. 13 in Rakhine State as the AA launched an offensive against the Myanmar military, breaking a fragile ceasefire. The AA seized the main police station in Pauktaw town on Nov. 16, and the regime responded with indiscriminate bombardment using warships and aircraft.

Many civilians fled Pauktaw following the juntas strikes, but a few hundred were trapped in the town. The regime detained some of them to use as human shields.

The AA carried out is first rescue operation on Tuesday, rescuing 120 civilians from the hands of junta forces.

During Wednesdays operation, the AA said it attacked junta troops deployed in three locations in the town, killing 18 junta soldiers and wounding 18 others. Weapons and ammunition were also seized.

Some 30 junta soldiers were killed in the first rescue operation, the AA said.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the junta casualties. Dozens of houses and buildings in Pauktaw town are feared burnt in the fire caused by the juntas continuous bombardment. In addition to strikes by junta warships and jet fighters on Pauktaw, junta battalions from Sittwe and Ponnagyun are shelling the town.
Myanmars junta says anyone using unlicensed satellite devices and other internet services will be prosecuted under the Telecommunication Law.

The communications ministry said on Thursday that anyone setting up, operating, possessing and using unlicensed satellite, radar and radio communications equipment can be jailed for up to a year under Article 67 of the law.

The regime has slowed or blocked mobile access in parts of Sagaing and Magwe regions and Kachin, Chin and Kayah State since the 2021 coup.

Since June, internet access has been available in parts of Kayah State using Starlink, Elon Musks satellite firm.

The National Unity Government said this month that it is providing internet in over 50 townships in Sagaing and Magwe regions and Kayah State and is hoping to offset junta blocks elsewhere.

The research group Top 10 VPN reported this year that Myanmar had the worlds longest internet shutdown.

Myanmar was ranked fourth last year in economic impact from internet shutdowns, with restrictions costing an estimated US$241 million. In 2021 Myanmar was ranked first with junta internet restrictions blamed for an estimated $2.8 billion in lost earnings.
Eleven businessmen are being held for ransom in Taungup Township, Rakhine State after the military seized them on Nov. 14 over alleged ties to the Arakan Army (AA), say family members of the men.

The businessmen were arrested by junta troops after the AA attacked border guard police outposts in Donepike and Cheinkalein villages in Rathedaung Township on Nov. 13.

A source close to family members of one of the detainees said regime troops abducted them purely for ransom money.

Family members were told that the businessmen would be freed if they paid a ransom of 30 million kyats [about US$ 9,000] for each detainee. The businessmen refuse to hand over the money as they have done nothing wrong, the source told The Irrawaddy.

The detainees include gold shop owners, fuel distributors and construction bosses. They are being held at Light Infantry Battalion 544 in Taungup Town, where family members have been allowed to visit them.

Junta forces have also detained eight local business owners in neighboring Thandwe Township following renewed fighting with the AA. They have also asked ransom money for their release.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in northern Rakhine since Nov 13 following the outbreak of fresh fighting, banning the delivery of food and other vital items to Rakhine townships including Taungup and Thandwe.

There is still no fighting in Taungup, but tensions are running high, one Taungup resident said.

This has led to growing public anxiety. The worst thing now is that Captain Nyan Lin Kyaw, who is in charge of the military checkpoint at the entrance to Taungup town, is demanding that drivers pay money to pass through. They are also demanding food from residents. A few days ago, they grabbed around 5 kilos of betel leaves from an old woman. The woman left weeping.

Arrests of civilians by junta forces have surged in Rakhine following the renewed fighting. The regime has so far arrested more than 50 people including business owners, merchants, ward administrators, teachers and students in Taungup, Thandwe, Sittwe, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyaukphyu and other townships.
Parents have stopped sending their children to public schools in several townships of Yangon after the regime started stationing troops at schools again last week.

Junta troops have been stationed at three highs schools in Thingangyun Township, one in South Dagon Township, one in Hlaing Tharyar Township, another in South Okkalapa Township, and at a few schools in North Okkalapa Township, residents of the townships say.

Teachers told students that they could not take responsibility for their safety, and to tell their parents to decide whether to send their children to schools, a parent from one of the townships told The Irrawaddy.

I sent my son to his school yesterday. When he returned home, he said teachers told them to tell their parents that there are military vehicles at the school  that secondary students do not have to come to school if they dont want to because of rumors [about fighting in Yangon]  [and] that teachers could not take responsibility if something bad happens. So, I am not sending him to school as of today, the parent said.

Some schools finished classes after half a day and sent students back home this week, raising concerns about the safety of students.

I am not sending my child to school because of those rumors. I cant let something bad happen to my child. The military may not be considerate to children, one parent explained.

Resistance groups have urged parents not to send their children to places that junta troops have occupied, and to remain alert as military positions in Yangon are more likely to be targeted by guerrilla forces.

Junta troops occupied dozens of educational facilities following the 2021 coup. Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF said in a joint statement the same year that putting troops in schools was a serious violation of childrens rights. They also called on security forces to vacate schools immediately.

Recently, missing persons reports have flooded social media in Yangon, prompting speculation that the regime is abducting men for military duty. Streets are now deserted at night, Yangon residents say.

I am a company employee, and sometimes I return home late. I dont feel safe [when I do]. Today every family with young men has concerns, one resident explained.

Rumors are circulating that the regime is arresting young men in several townships  South Dagon, East Dagon, Dagon Seikkan, Shwepyithar, Hlaing Tharyar, Thaketa, and Thingangy  and demanding ransom of up to 500,000 kyats (about US$ 150) for their release.

Junta spokesman Maj-General Zaw Min Tun has dismissed the allegations, saying that Myanmars military is not even recalling retired police back to duty.
Although it is just 7 pm, Ko Min Min and his workers are busy shutting down their food stall in Yangons North Dagon Township. Two weeks ago, it was open till 9 pm as the street it is on  commonly known as Mandalay Road  was crowded with diners enticed by the abundance of roadside food stalls.

The once bustling road has become a ghost town. Vendors and food sellers shut after sunset. Their customers are now racing home after work.

What alarms them is talk that the regimes military is grabbing young people off the streets and even from teashops to work as porters.

Nightly patrols by armed vehicles and increased security in the former capital only add to the panic.

We heard the news about people being taken [to work as military] porters and that their family members have been extorted for money in order to release them, Ko Min Min said. So, we are closing our stalls early, he explained.

Talk that the Tatmadaw is rounding up civilians to work as porters is difficult to confirm, but it is would not be the first time. Myanmars military has a notorious record of forcing civilians to work at the front lines, especially when it being defeated.

It has been struggling against a wave of attacks by ethnic armed groups and resistance forces at multiple fronts in the countrys heartland, northeast, northwest and southeast. Since late last month, the junta has suffered heavy casualties and lost more than 160 bases by November 22.

Tea conscription

We heard that soldiers stormed into a tea shop in Hlaing Thar Yar [township] to grab men for porters as they were sitting in the tea shop. Thats why people dont go outside at night, a resident of the township on the outskirts of Yangon told The Irrawaddy.

Following daring attacks on towns in Rakhine and Chin States as well as the capital of Kayah State, armored vehicles began patrolling Yangon. The troops they carried conducted strict inspections at night. Residents say the inspections include assaulting and arresting civilians, as well as robbery and extortion.

A resident of South Dagon Township said junta troops beat and robbed him while he was returning home one night last month. The attack began with a punch in the face, he told The Irrawaddy. They stole all my money before they let me go, he added.

Incidents like this are encouraging city residents to rush to the safety of their homes right after work, Ko Min Min said, adding that a palatable sense of insecurity had gripped the city.

Some taxi drivers are refusing to drive at night. One explained that he does not drive late at night because of military patrols and reports of forced conscription even though it reduces his income.

General denial

Regime spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun denied Wednesday reports that the military was rounding up civilians to work as porters. There is no reason for the military to do this  anywhere in Myanmar, he said.

Some pro-junta media, however, admit that civilians are being arrested. They claim, however, that those arrested are members of the Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs).

Many PDFs have entered Yangon and Mandalay in the last two weeks, NP news reported. Some people were captured because they got the news in advance. Thats why the porter news is spreading, it claimed.

Between 40 and 50 youths were arrested in Yangon on November 23 after they attended a PDF training session, NP news said.

The reappearance of regime soldiers in public schools is also stoking public alarm in Yangon. The last time the showed up in schools was immediately after the February 2021 coup when soldiers were placed in public schools and hospitals to swiftly crack down on anti-regime protests near the venues.

Soldiers are now back in schools in South Dagon, Thingangyun, Hlaing Thar Yar, South Okkalapa and North Okkalapa townships, residents say.

I dont dare to send my child to school, a parent told The Irrawaddy.
At least 333,500 civilians have been displaced across Myanmar since late October, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

More than 2 million people have been displaced nationwide since the February 2021 coup, the UN agency reported.

Since the launch of Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on October 27, fighting has also increased in Kayah, Kachin and Rakhine states and Sagaing, Mandalay, Tanintharyi and Bago regions.

The UN estimated that nearly 82,000 people have been displaced in northern Shan State since late October.

It reported that at least 50 civilians have been killed and over 100 injured, mostly by junta bombardments and airstrikes, in northern Shan State.

More than 40,000 residents of the Kayah State capital, Loikaw, and Moebye town in Pekon Township, southern Shan State, have reportedly been displaced.

Approximately 20,000 people fled Pauktaw town in northern Rakhine State after the Arakan Army attacked the regime on November 13. At least 500 residents are still trapped in the town, according to the UN.

Around 33,000 people have been displaced from Madaya in Mandalay Region, Matupi in Chin State and Kale and Taze townships in Sagaing Region.

Resistance forces in Sagaing Region seized two towns, Kawlin and Khampat, displacing around 40,000 residents, the UN reported on November 9.
Like many of Key Biscayne's unique shops, the Village's two newest retail stores literally originated from the "mom and pop" definition that embraces Small Business Saturday and the four weeks of holiday shopping that follow.

Take, for example, Helena Chocolate and Art in The Square shopping center. The owners, Fernando Panizo and his wife, Paloma Tolmos, came from Peru, where Fernandos mother, now 86, founded Helena's Chocolates in 1975.

"Almost impossible that a woman founded a business," referring to the lifestyle in the '70s back in Ica, Peru, some three hours by car to the capital of Lima. "Back then, (women) would not even go to the university."

Based on a century-old glazed, sweet confection called "teja," Fernando's mother decided to bathe it in chocolate. What resulted was the "chocoteja," with dulce de leche, caramel, and either candied fruits or roasted nuts, all covered with gourmet chocolate.

It was so successful that, for 18 consecutive years, American Airlines served it to its first-class passengers.

The shop on Key Biscayne, which supports local artists and those from throughout Latin America by displaying their works, just opened two weeks ago, and sales are predicted to be in the "60-40" range, favoring an impressive line of imported chocolates.

"Very unique, very upscale" is how Fernando best describes his shop. "In Peru, there are 10 stores; now we have one in Key Biscayne, a beautiful, sweet island, and a good community with nice people who appreciate confections of a high level."

The graduate of Florida International University's Business School, who turned 55 Wednesday, not only imports his mother's famous chocolates but also has brought in other top brands, such as Garcia Nevett from Venezuela, Palato from Honduras, Exoticcao from Peru and Tartuflanghe truffles from Italy.

Now, he's hoping Small Business Saturday will be the launching pad for his success on the island.

"We are looking forward to meeting the community and hope they enjoy our delicious chocolates," he said.

Not far away is the new Fine Line Furniture and Accessories design studio in Harbor Plaza that complements its much more spacious store near Merrick Park in Coral Gables.

Billed as an upscale home furnishing store, customers will find contemporary, organic, unique items crafted worldwide.

"A lot of our clients are on the Key, and they're constantly asking us (to set up a shop), so we took the plunge," said owner Brianna Brown, whose parents, Edward (who has since passed) and Emmy Bodnar, founded the Coral Gables store in 1989. Now, Brianna and her brother, also named Edward, handle most of the major operations, along with designer Mary Azar, who is also part of the family.

Items can be purchased in-store or on the website, and design services and home visits are available.

"Small Business Saturday not only supports small business, but we support local artists and the need to promote them," Brianna said, noting her stores display and sell the artwork.

Since American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $184 billion at small businesses on the special day. But, the "shop small" directive includes the entire holiday season.

According to the 2023 American Express Shop Small Impact Study, 55% of small business owners anticipate that Small Business Saturday will significantly contribute to their overall holiday sales this year.

"The majority of our businesses on the island are locally owned, and you can only find them on the Key," said Tatyana Chiocchetti, Executive Director at the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce. "We encourage people to shop local."

Several local stores have been in business for decades, including ultra-holiday popular Toy Town at The Square, now more than 25 years old and operated by Mary Tague.

Beatrice Arismendi and her sister, Ana Maria, took over The Island Shop in the Key Biscayne Shopping Center (near Winn-Dixie) 13 years ago, but the store's origins trace back 34 years.

The "one-stop" shop, already with its Christmas-decorated storefront window, sells everything from baby clothing to bridal registry gifts, such as china, silver and crystal, and so much more.

"We get a lot of great community support; it's an amazing place," Beatrice said. "And we appreciate everyone who crosses the bridge."

With steady business year-round, she takes Small Business Saturday in stride, saying, "It always helps."

Key Pharmacy, also located in the Key Biscayne Shopping Center, has been a staple of the community and visitors for more than 40 years.

Owner Dana Stettin said her parents were responsible for setting up the business, and now she and her son, Maxwell, have carried on the tradition, one that recently achieved J.D. Power's top rating in customer satisfaction among chain drug store pharmacies for the seventh year in a row.

"It's not just where people come to fill their prescriptions or buy their Tylenol," Dana said, referring to her store as a "boutique pharmacy" that sells a wide selection of toys, handbags, fashion jewelry, baby items, an enormous amount of European body products, and likely the island's largest selection of hair care. "We hunt down products from all over the world."

One of the pharmacy's popular attractions is its beauty bar, where 30-year employee Juana shows customers the latest trends.

"We have a large following of customers who come from all over the world," Dana said.

This year, for the weekend of Small Business Saturday, the pharmacy (which closes only on Easter and Christmas Day) will offer additional discounts, starting a new tradition.

"We're trying to adapt to everybody else with all the sales," she said.
Friday, Nov 24th, 2023 (2:48 pm) - Score 560

Rural broadband ISP and network builder GoFibre (BorderLink), which is deploying a 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across the North of England and Scottish Borders area, has today announced the first five charity projects to secure funding under their inaugural 50k GoFurther Fund.

The GoFurther Fund was unveiled earlier this year in celebration of GoFibres full fibre broadband network being accessible to 50,000 premises across Scotlands towns and villages. The five organisations, from across the regions of Fife, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, received the funding after being selected from a pool of over 60 worthy applicants.

NOTE: GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment of 164m from Gresham House ( GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment offrom Gresham House ( here ).

All of the chosen organisations are said to provide vital community services, including education and employability services for young people and the disabled community, social sessions that help tackle loneliness and isolation and support services for vulnerable young people.

Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said: These five organisations are already making a difference across their communities, and their incredible efforts reinforce the idea that this kind of grassroots support can genuinely create a better future for the next generation. Thats why it is important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities and organisations across Scotland.
Friday, Nov 24th, 2023 (9:20 am) - Score 2,720

In a hint of what might happen in the UK a little further down the road. Sky Ireland and Virgin Media Ireland recently signed a significant wholesale network access agreement, which will enable Skys customers to harness Virgins full fibre broadband ISP network in the country.

At present Virgin Medias network in Ireland is significantly smaller (only passing 1 million premises) and a bit less complex than their one in the UK. But the operator is in the process of investing 200m on a network upgrade, which will convert their legacy Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) lines to 10Gbps capable XGS-PON based Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband technology by 2025.

NOTE: The Full Fibre upgrade programme has so far completed 250,000 premises.

Suffice to say that Virgin Medias efforts in Ireland could be considered to roughly mirror their efforts in the UK, which is why the reaching of a new wholesale agreement with Sky is so relevant. The deal shows that such deals can be made attractive enough for both sides to find enough benefit  overcoming any competitive differences or concerns.

At present Virgin Medias (VMO2) existing UK network is still closed to wholesale and that probably wont change until their FTTP upgrade programme  due to complete in 2028  has made a bit more progress. So far, we think theyve probably done around 1.5-2 million of their 14m legacy HFC lines.

In addition, the vast majority of Virgins new XGS-PON powered FTTP broadband build in the UK (beyond the 16m mark) has come under the new nexfibre network, which is a closely linked joint venture company that was established in 2022 by Telefonica, Liberty Global and InfraVia Capital Partners (here).

Nexfibre aims to roll out FTTP to an additional 5-7 million UK premises by 2026-27 and is open to wholesale (deployment plan for 2024), although so far Virgin remains their only anchor tenant ISP. This has resulted in some questions over whether rivals can secure an attractive enough wholesale deal to make it viable (nexfibre are in competition with lots of AltNets and Openreach). Skys deal in Ireland suggests it can.

Tony Hanway, CEO of Virgin Media Ireland, said: We welcome Sky as a wholesale network partner as we continue our network expansion nationally, bringing ultrafast fibre connectivity to over 1 million homes by the end of 2025. This further development forms part of our comprehensive ongoing commitment towards Irelands digital progress, enhancing overall competition and service delivery for consumers, businesses and communities nationwide.

Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley, said: This partnership with Virgin Media Ireland allows us to offer our customers even more choice when it comes to full fibre broadband. Sky now has partnerships with every full fibre broadband provider in Ireland. Whether our customers are using broadband for work, streaming content through Sky Glass or Sky Stream, or gaming, we can offer them the best full fibre service available in their area. This new partnership highlights our shared commitment to provide Irish consumers with a wider choice of high-quality services and the best broadband experience.

At this point it should go without saying that the UKs fibre market is much more complex than Ireland and Virgins network is operating on a significantly larger scale. Put another way, we cant say for certain that what will work in Ireland will also make sense for Sky Broadband in the UK, but theyre close enough that this could be taken as a promising indication for the future.
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.
Pakistan confirms making formal request to join BRICS

Xinhua) 16:41, November 24, 2023

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, saying it is an important group of developing countries.

"We have taken this decision after having noted the BRICS proclaimed openness to inclusive multilateralism," the ministry's spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told a weekly media briefing on Thursday.

By joining the group, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalization of inclusive multilateralism, she said.

Pakistan enjoys friendly ties with most of the members of BRICS, as well as the newly invited group of countries, the spokesperson added.

"We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism," she said.

BRICS is a group of emerging economies that are currently membered by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

At the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa in August, Iran, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been invited to join the bloc, and their memberships would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High around 50F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
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Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  On 24 June 1799 General Louis-Alexandre Berthier wrote a dispatch from Ottoman Palestine back to the French Ministry of War (people were more honest back then) about the French retreat from their failed attempt to take Ottoman Palestine. Since the army ravaged the Palestinian countryside with retaliatory attacks, given their failure to take Akka (Acre), and since they retreated through Gaza to El Arish in Egypt, the account is eerily reminiscent in places of contemporary neo-colonial Israeli tactics. I have commented on it in italics below.

I thought I would share this account, given that Ridley Scotts film Napoleon, is being released this weekend and readers may be interested in this little-known episode. Bonaparte took Egypt in the summer of 1798, likely in an attempt to grab its grain and other exports for Revolutionary France and possibly also to cut Britain off from its Indian colony. The British, however, sank the French fleet soon after it cast anchor off the coast of Alexandria. Bonaparte and the French army were conquerors of Egypt but were also stranded there.

The following spring, General Bonaparte marched into Ottoman Palestine, then under the rule of an Ottoman vassal Cezzar Pasha. The British navy, however, intercepted the heavy artillery that had to be sent by sea from Alexandria to the Palestinian coast. The French could take overland only light artillery. They besieged Cezzars capital of Akka March through May but could not breach the fortified city walls. They then retreated, as described by Berthier. His letter was intercepted by the British along with a good deal of other French correspondence, and the British gleefully translated these letters and published them the following year in London.

I wrote a book about Bonaparte in Egypt for those of you who want to know more about the first major Western colonial war in the Middle East:



Juan Cole. Napoleons Egypt. Click here.

[Those who donate $100 to our annual fundraiser at IC will get a signed copy of Napoleons Egypt:

Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at:

Juan Cole

P. O. Box 4218,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548

USA

(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) ]

Now, on to Berthier:

From: An Account of the French Expedition in Egypt; Written by Bonaparte and Berthier; with Sir William Sidney Smiths Letters. With an English translation (London, Edward Baines, 1800.), pp. 33-36.

[ALEXANDER BERTHIER, General of Division, Chief of the Staff of the Army, to the Minister at War].

Prairial 1.The enemy, who had been bombarded and cannonaded by a very severe fire, and who saw the destruction of the palace of Dgezzar [Ottoman vassal ruler Jazzar, Cezzar Pasha], of that part of their fortifications which had not yet been attacked, and of all the public edifices, attempted another sortie at the 1st Prarial, at day break; they were again repulsed.

Although the French army could not breach the city walls, they could bombard it with artillery. They fired shells at the palace of Cezzar Pasha and at civilian buildings, wreaking great destruction on habitations.

At three in the afternoon they rushed forward, and attacked every point. They availed themselves of the reinforcements they had received, and their object was to throw themselves into our batteries. This attack was made with more than their usual ferocity; they were, however, repulsed on all sides, except at the turn of the glacis, near the breach tower, of which they took possession; but it was soon retaken by General Lagrange, who attacked the enemy with two companies of grenadiers, and even pursued them into their external armed post, of which he made himself master, and compelled the enemy to retire into the place.The enemy, in that reconnoiter, lost a considerable number of their bravest troops.

Bonaparte reluctantly gave up on taking Akka at that point and gave the order to retreat back to Egypt.

The whole of the siege artillery was now removed. It was replaced in the batteries by some field piece. What was useful was thrown into the sea. By means of a mine, and sapping, we destroyed an aqueduct of several leagues in length, with which Acre was supplied with fresh water; all the magazines and the harvest in the environs of Acre were reduced to ashes.

In a scorched earth policy, on their way out the French attempted to deprive the people of Akka of potable water by blowing up an aqueduct. This was sheer colonial spite, since it was not done in hopes of taking the city. That goal had already been given up on. It was just a goodbye screw you! from a disappointed would-be colonizer.  JRIC

At nine in the evening of the 1st Prairial, the drums were beat to march, and the siege, which lasted sixty-one days after the opening of the trenches, was raised. When they had passed the bridge, the division of Kleber began likewise to move. It was followed by the cavalry, who left 100 dragoons dismounted to protect the workmen employed in destroying the two bridges. They had orders not to quit the banks of the river till two hours after the last of the infantry had crossed. General Junot, with his corps, had proceeded to the mill of Kerdanna, to cover the left wing of the army.

The enemy continued to fire upon our parallels during the whole night, and did not perceive till next day that the siege was raised. They had suffered so much, that they did not attempt any movement to follow us.

The army conducted the march with the greatest order. On the 2d we arrived at Cantoura, a port which had been our landing place for the articles coming from Damietta to Jaffa, and where it had been landing our besieging artillery, and the Turkish field pieces taken at Jaffa. This artillery, consisting of forty pieces, had been, from time to time, carried to the camp of Acre, to supply the place of the French field-pieces which we were obliged to employ as battering pieces in the siege. Bonaparte had not horses sufficient to draw this immense quantity of Turkish artillery. He preferred the mode of carrying off by sea to Jaffa his sick and wounded. He resolved to carry off only twenty Turkish pieces. He caused twenty to be thrown into the sea, and burnt the carriages and cases on the harbor of Cantoura.

On the 3rd the army slept upon the ruins of Cesarea. The following day several Naplousians [fighters from Nablus] appeared at the port of Abouzaboura. Some of them were taken and shot; the rest retired. Their purpose was to plunder the stragglers who are to be found about an army.

On the 4th the army encamped four leagues from Jaffa, up on a river which formed a kind of creek. Detachments were sent to burn the villages which had sent parties to harass our convoys during the siege. The grain was burnt, and the cattle carried off.

The French, of course, could not know from which villages the fighters came that harried them as they retreated. They likely burned villages indiscriminately and stole their cattle, in a bid to frighten others into leaving them alone as they withdrew.

On the 5th the army arrived at Jaffa. A bridge of boats had been thrown over the little river of Bahahia, which is with difficulty passed at a ford along the bar, formed at the place where it falls into the sea. On the 6th, 7th, and 8th, the army stopped at Jaffa. This interval was employed in punishing the villages which had conducted themselves improperly. The corn, as well as the cattle, was carried off. The fortifications of Jaffa were blown up. The merchants of Jaffa paid a contribution of 150,000 livres.

Even as they were leaving, the French plundered villages for corn and cattle, damaged the fortifications of the city of Jaffa that protected it from rural raiders, and shook down the merchants of Jaffa for a large sum of money. The annual income of a well-off noble family just before the revolution was 150,000 livres. Bonaparte was famed for making the people he conquered pay for the conquest, but here he made the people who had resisted him successfully pay for his defeat.

General Dugua wrote to Bonaparte from Egypt, informing him that symptoms of revolt had manifested themselves in the provinces of Benisness [Beni Suef?], Carkie [Sharqiyyah], and especially in that of Bahire [Beheira]; that the English had made their appearance at Suez: that the Mamelukes who were driven from Upper Egypt, and who had descended into the provinces of Lower Egypt, made several attempts to stimulate the people to insurrection; but every thing was quieted by the activity of the troops; and the vigilant conduct of the generals, but that the city of Cairo, and the other principal cities of Egypt, had remained in the most perfect tranquility.

These insurrections were a ramification of the plan of a general attack, which was to have been made upon the French in Egypt, and that at the time Dgezzar was to go into Syria, and when the Anglo-Turkish fleet was to present itself before Damietta.

The army set out on the 9th; Regniers division forming the left column, marching by Ramie, with orders to burn the villages, and destroy all the harvest. The head quarters, the division of Bon, and that of Lannes, took the central road, and likewise burnt the villages and the corn harvest. A column of cavalry was detached to the right along the coast. They scoured the downs, and drove in all the cattle that had there been collected.

The French appear to have wrought widespread devastation as they retreated, torching fields and villages and leaving people to starve without shelter. They confiscated all the cattle they could find, turning themselves into a sort of weird French cowboys and cattle rustlers in Palestine.

Klebers division formed the rear guard, and had orders not to quit Jaffa until the 10th. In this order the army marched as far as Jounisse; that immense plain presented but one blaze of fire; so dreadful was the vengeance inflicted for the assassinations committed on our troops, and for the very frequent attacks on our convoys, while this severe measure, rendered necessary by the laws of war, deprived the enemy of all means of furnishing magazines and securing provisions.

Although Bertier attempted to excuse these atrocities, which turned the fertile plains of Ottoman Palestine into enormous conflagrations that appear to have encompassed entire groups of villages, even in the eighteenth century this behavior was considered outrageous.

The army encamped on the 10th at Mecheltal, and arrived on the 11th at Gaza, form which it moved again on the 12th. That city had conducted itself very peaceably: it was therefore entitled to protection of persons and property. The fortress was blown up, and three of the rich inhabitants, whose conduct had been very hostile, we taxed with a contribution of one hundred thousand livres.

Ironically, the French generally spared Gaza the sort of vengeful devastation they wrought elsewhere in Palestine. But even there they blew up the citys fortress, leaving it defenseless before bedouin raids, and they shook down three large merchants for enough money to keep an Ancien Regime noble family in style for a whole year.

Klebers division continued a days march behind. The army arrived at Kan-Jounesse on the 12th, and again pursued their march on the 13th. They entered the Desert, followed by an immense quantity of cattle which they had taken from the enemy, and with which they intended to provision El-arisch. The desert between this place and Kan-Jounesse comprises a space of eleven leagues, inhabited by the Arabs, who had frequently attacked our convoys. We burnt several of their camps; we carried away a great number of their cattle and camels, and set fire to a small harvest that was collected in some parts of the desert.

Sony Pictures Entertainment: NAPOLEON  Official Trailer (HD)

On the 14th, the army stopped for the day at El-Arisch. Bonaparte there left a garrison. He ordered new works to be constructed for the defense of the fort. He caused it to be supplied with stores and provisions. The army continued its march to Cathich, where it arrived on the 19th. The divisions, although marching successively, sustained great inconvenience from want of water. The desert is 22 leagues in extent, in which there is no supply to be had, except about half way, where there is a bad well of brackish water.

On the 18th the army continued its march. The head quarters were removed on the 19th, in order to proceed to Salchich. The division of Kleber marched to Tiach, to embark for Damietta.The rest of the army was collected at Cathich, where it remained for some time, and then proceeded to Cairo, where it arrived on the 26th. The natives were astonished to see the army in the same state as it just came out of barracks. The soldiers considered themselves as it were in their native country in returning to Cairo, and the inhabitants received us as their compatriots.

The army engaged in the Syrian Expedition, in four months lost about 700 men by disease, 500 killed in battle, and about 1000 wounded, 90 of whom underwent amputation, and were rendered incapable of serving but in the invalids. Almost all the other wounded men are cured, and have joined their corps.

(Signed)

Alexander Berthier.

General of Division, Chief of Staff.

Cairo, 6 Messidor, Year 7.
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Committee on Academic Freedom, Middle East Studies Association.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Fax: +972-2-5664838

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

pniot@mod.gov.il

Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim

Head of Civil Administration in the West Bank, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)

Fax: +972-2-6599133

Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister Gallant, General Ibrahim,

We write to you on behalf of the Committee on Academic Freedom of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) to condemn and demand an end to your ongoing military assaults against the Palestinians of Gaza. The human toll to date stands at more than 13,000 dead and more than 30,000 wounded . Just as grave as the killing of civilians is the massive displacement of some 70% of the Gazan population and the wanton destruction of basic infrastructure. As educators, we focus our outrage here on the unspeakable number of students, teachers and staff killed or injured, as well as the massive destruction of Gazas educational infrastructure, from primary schools through university.

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.

Given the devastating death toll, with an estimated 40% of that number being children, there is no question that thousands of Palestinian youth of school age have been killed, and thousands more wounded: the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that as of ten days ago, 11 November, at least 3,117 school students and 183 educational staff had been killed in Gaza and more than 4,613 students and 403 teachers had been injured . In addition to this dreadful and still rising human toll, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR), as of 6 November, more than 400 faculty have been killed and nine higher education buildings had been completely or partially damaged, among them the Islamic University of Gaza Al-Azhar University , the North Gaza and Tubas branches of Al-Quds Open University , and buildings of An-Najah National University located at the Palestine Technical University  Kadoorie . Education has been completely disrupted in 19 higher education institutions, affecting 88,000 students. Indeed, as of 13 November, about 300 school buildings (61 per cent of all such buildings in Gaza) have sustained damage . In addition, the war has prevented 555 students from Gaza from enrolling in scholarships abroad . As a result of the ongoing death, displacement, and destruction, on 6 November the Palestinian Ministry of Education suspended the 2023-2024 school year for the 625,000 schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip. As our Boards 26 October statement warned, the cumulative effect of your attack on Gaza imperils even the possibility of access to education for generations of Gazan children and students into the indefinite future .

As the occupying authority, your targeting of educational buildings in Gaza through bombing as well as other forms of damage or incursions constitutes a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, relating to the protection of civilians in time of war. The resultant obstruction of education is also a clear violation of the right to education enshrined in Article 26 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The right to education is binding under all circumstances and to be protected in all situations, including crises and emergencies resulting from civil strife and war . Israel is a party to the UDHR and a signatory to the ICESCR and is therefore obligated to uphold them.

We demand that you assume your responsibilities as occupying power and signatory to the above-cited conventions and cease these vicious attacks against the educational infrastructure of Gaza and the Gazans who teach, study and work there. We also join the millions of protestors around the world and call in the strongest possible terms for an immediate cease-fire.

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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 23, 2023 / Amarc Resources Ltd. (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) ("Amarc" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into two concurrent agreements intends to raise aggregate proceeds of $2.77 million in new common share ("Share(s)") equity. Under the proposed terms of one agreement, Amarc will issue 15,384,615 Flow-Through ("FT") Shares at a price of $0.13 each, totaling $2,000,000, to a group of investors who are expected to donate all or a portion of their FT Shares to a registered charity in Canada, and to sell the remainder of the FT Shares to an end-buyer along with the charity. Under the second agreement, Amarc has agreed to privately place with one investor, The Sutton Group Inc. ("Sutton"), 9,615,385 non-flow-through equity units at $0.08 each ("Units") for aggregate proceeds of $769,231. Each Unit consists of one common share ("Share") and one-half of a share purchase warrant exercisable for five years at $0.08 per Share. The warrants are subject to a blocker term that prohibits exercise of the warrants to the extent the holder would as a result of any exercise exceed 19.99% of then issued Shares. Sutton has also agreed to purchase, as end-buyer, the 15,384,615 FT Shares. The FT Share issuance, Unit issuance and FT Share resale transactions are expected complete in close sequencing.

Prior to these transactions, Sutton holds 15,423,101 Shares or 8.3% of issued Amarc Shares. As a result of the transactions, Sutton will acquire an aggregate of 25,000,000 additional Amarc Shares plus 4,807,693 warrants, and its aggregate 40,423,101 Shares will represent 19.1% of Amarc's then issued 211,702,894 Shares. If Sutton exercises its 4,807,693 Warrants when Amarc's 13,176,470 other dilutive securities have not been exercised, Sutton's maximum Share ownership of 45,230,794 would, but for the blocker, constitute 20.9% of Amarc's 216,510,588 fully diluted issued and outstanding Shares but as noted above, Sutton will be restricted to 19.99% at any one time. Sutton will file an early warning report on sedarplus.ca concurrently with completion of the transactions.

The FT Shares and Units will be offered exempt from prospectus and registration requirements on a private placement basis. The FT Shares and Units will not be offered in, nor registered, in the United States, nor offered to any U.S. Person. All these securities will be subject to a four-month hold period in Canada with Sutton assuming the hold period for the resold FT Shares. No commissions will be paid by Amarc in connection with these interrelated financings.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the FT Shares exclusively for exploration of Amarc's portfolio of British Columbia copper-gold projects while the proceeds of the Units will be used general working capital.

The Offerings are expected to close on or about November 30, 2023, and are currently subject to negotiation and execution of definitive legal agreements and to customary closing conditions including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

About Amarc Resources Ltd.

Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets.

Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned IKE, DUKE and JOY porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of southern, central and northern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts is located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail.

Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of $110 million and $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding. Amarc is the operator of both programs.

Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery and development success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, IKE, PINE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects.

Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.

For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD.

Dr. Diane Nicolson

President and CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address planned financings or exploration plans are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements in respect to the above include that binding agreements in respect of the sale of the FT Shares have not been finalized at this time and so completion remains subject to some uncertainty at this time. Mining finance and exploration is inherently uncertain. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Troy Minerals Inc. ("Troy"or the "Company") (CSE:TROY)( OTCQB:TROYF) (FSE:VJ3) is pleased to announce that the first phase of drilling on the Lac Jacques REE property has been completed.

Four diamond drill holes have been completed on the property totaling 832 meters of NQ core. Drilling took place on two separate pads with two holes drilled from each pad: one at -45 degrees and the second drilled at -65 degrees.

The target was the historic high-grade REE exposed in a trench. Recent prospecting shows that the high-grade dyke material may have a strike length of 4+ kilometers and this drilling focused on adding initial strike length to the trenched mineralization.

Drill core samples have been submitted to Activation Laboratories in Val D'or for analysis and results are expected back before the end of the year.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Cronk, BSc, P.Geo., who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

INVESTOR AWARENESS

The Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement with i2i Marketing Group LLC ("i2i") (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; address: 1233 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa, Florida, 33556; phone: 312.725.3843) for marketing services to be provided by i2i beginning December 4, 2023 for approximately three months or until budget exhaustion. i2i will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration for a payment of $300,000 USD. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i in consideration for the marketing services. The promotional activity will occur by email, and the Google, Bing and Yahoo display ad network. i2i does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and i2i deal at arm's length.

The Company also announces that it has engaged Milestone Capital Partners Ltd. ("Milestone") (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; address: 1 Rue des Genets, 9800 Monaco, Monaco; phone: +37799900691) to provide European marketing services starting on November 27, 2023 for a period of 90 days or until budget exhaustion. Milestone is an investor relations consultancy firm headquartered in Monaco providing a full-service, results-driven approach, to investor relations programs that access the European investment community. Through its proprietary database used for marketing purposes, Milestone will distribute online content, organize physical and or online presentations with interested parties, including financial advisors, bankers, institutional sales, analysts, brokers, funds, family offices and others. In consideration for the services, the Company will pay a total fee of 200,000 Euro. The Company will not issue any securities to Milestone in consideration for the marketing services and Milestone does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and Milestone deal at arm's length.

The Company also announces that it has engaged Parting Clouds Media Inc., ("Parting Clouds") (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; address: 1771 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6G 3B7; phone: 825-901-8298;), for a two-month term commencing November 27, 2023, to provide social media services in an effort to increase public awareness of the Company. The Company has budgeted up to USD $25,000 for the marketing services which include facilitating the creation and distribution of marketing materials, on-line banners, and native ads. The Company will not issue any securities to Parting Clouds in consideration for the marketing services and Parting Clouds does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and Parting Clouds deal at arm's length.

ON BEHALFOF THE BOARD,

Rana Vig | President and Director Telephone: 604-218-4766

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Troy Minerals Inc.

Troy Minerals is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company currently holds interest in four assets;

The Lake Owen project (formerly SW2) is a highly perspective Vanadium, Titanium and Iron ore rich project that consists of 91 mineral claims located approximately 50km southwest of Laramie, Wyoming USA. The property is a one billion tonne plus target in a Proterozoic Layered Mafic Intrusive host with strong magnetite-rich cumulates and accompanying V/Ti and Pt/Pd/Au/Rh-bearing sulfide horizons.

The Lac Jaques project is a drive to project with close infrastructure located approximately 250 km north of Montreal Quebec, Canada and is comprised of 17 claims totaling 994 ha. The Property hosts high grade REE mineralization at the surface in a structurally controlled and steeply dipping carbonatite dike up to 25 meters thick with multi-kilometer potential.

The Green Gold project, in which the Company has the right to acquire 100% interest, is comprised of fourteen (14) mineral claims with an aggregate area of 11,238 hectares, is located in central British Columbia in the Cariboo Mining Division, approximately 34 kilometers (km) southwest of the city of Prince George.

The Ticktock project, a 1,065-hectare property located within the prolific Golden Triangle region of British Columbia, Canada, lies 23 km northwest of the historic Eskay Creek Mine and sits between the Enduro Metals Newmont Lake property and the Aben Resources Forrest-Kerr property.

The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release was approved by William Cronk, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and a consultant to the Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that maybe deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Troy Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of commodity prices, and continued availability of capitaland financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER , May 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Vizsla Resources Corp. (TSX-V: VZLA) (OTCQB: VIZSF) ( Frankfurt : 0G3) (" Vizsla " or the " Company ") announces that it has renegotiated the terms of the Rio Panuco option agreement. Under the terms of the revised agreement, the option will be extended by one... Read More
Hundreds of Argentine activists gathered in Buenos Aires on Thursday to denounce president-elect Javier Milei's views on the dictatorship-era disappearances of tens of thousands of people.

Human rights groups are cautiously awaiting the inauguration next month of Milei, a libertarian outsider who has questioned the official toll of up to 30,000 disappearances recorded during the country's 1976-83 military dictatorship.

The protesters joined a group of mothers, who march every Thursday in front of the Casa Rosada presidential offices.

Carmen Ramiro, 89, who still doesn't know the whereabouts or fate of her husband and eldest son, warned of the "denialism of the future government that we are going to have."

Argentina's dictatorship was one of the most brutal of the slew of military regimes that sowed terror in Latin America between the 1960s and 1980s.

Those accused of being political dissidents were killed or disappeared, some tossed out of planes into the Rio de la Plata or the Atlantic Ocean, in the military's so-called "dirty war" on left-wing activists and sympathizers.

More than 1,000 people have been sentenced for crimes against humanity since 2006, when prosecutions of figures in the dictatorship resumed after a decade of controversial amnesties.

Milei has framed the era as a "war" where "excesses" were committed.

"There was a genocide. It was not a war," said Ramiro. "Many mothers have already died without knowing what happened to their children. I don't know what happened to mine either."

"I will be marching until my life is over."

Dozens of trials are still in progress.
Since the beginning of August, the Supreme Court of the Russia-occupied Donetsk People's Republic (DNR), in Eastern Ukraine, has remarkably accelerated the review of cases involving Ukrainian military personnel. Since August 1, verdicts have been issued for 118 prisoners of war, with only 15 cases being conducted in absentia (without the presence of the accused). In all other instances, the accused were present in court, the overwhelming majority admitting guilt  at least, Justice Info found no reports of defendants denying their culpability.

Justice Info tallied the number of cases based on information published in Russian state news agencies, military Telegram-channels, and the websites of Russian law enforcement agencies. Despite the fact that Russia has considered the DNR its territory for more than a year, the courts in the so-called republic have not yet transitioned to the Russian automated system called "Justice". This system operates in courts across Russia, enabling the online tracking of case filings, scheduling of hearings, and information on participants.

Due to this, it is not possible to verify whether all verdicts for Ukrainian prisoners of war have been publicly disclosed and to understand how many more cases are currently under the court's consideration. In May of this year, the head of the Russian Investigative Committee (one of the Russian law enforcement agencies responsible for initiating and conducting investigations into most articles of the Criminal Code) Alexander Bastrykin mentioned the initiation of over 2,900 criminal cases against 716 individuals in connection with crimes committed in Donbas, linked to the war in Ukraine.

Marines handed life sentences

At least 15 Ukrainian soldiers have been sentenced to life imprisonment. In all cases, the criminal prosecutions stemmed from events that occurred in Mariupol and its surroundings in the spring of 2022.

The battle for Mariupol began on February 25, the day after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. On March 2, Ukrainian forces in Mariupol found themselves surrounded. On April 13, the besieged 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to break through at the Ilyich Metallurgical Plant. As a result, some fighters reached the territory of the "Azovstal" industrial complex, while others were captured. On May 16, the fighters located at "Azovstal" also surrendered. Since then, the city has been fully under Russian control.

Among those sentenced by the DNR court in the last four months, a significant number are indeed marines. Those whove received a life sentence included a serviceman from the 23rd Marine Guard Unit of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Denis Gangala, a radiotelephonist from the 36th Marine Brigade Igor Taran, a driver from the same unit Andrei Skorina, and the commander of the 2nd platoon of the 501st Separate Battalion of the 36th Marine Brigade Leonid Onupko. The latest on record is Alexander Svinarchuk, who was sentenced on November 21.

Like other defendants, they were accused of cruel treatment of the civilian population, using prohibited methods of warfare in an armed conflict, as well as killing civilians based on political or ideological hatred. For instance, platoon commander Onupko was found guilty on October 16 of giving orders to execute 10 civilians between March 15 and April 4, 2022. According to Russian investigators, he issued these orders from the "Sadik" outpost, located in a former kindergarten on Yasnopolyanskaya Street in Mariupol. Onupko's subordinates at checkpoints were accused of detaining local residents suspected of assisting Russian soldiers and providing the information to Onupko. Onupko then allegedly reported the detainees to the brigade command, which would typically order their execution. Onupko relayed this order to his subordinates for implementation, the prosecution alleged.

During another court proceeding, sniper Igor Kleshchunov from the 501st Separate Battalion of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, who served under Onupko's command, confirmed the existence of such orders. On November 7, the Supreme Court of DNR sentenced Kleshchunov to life imprisonment, finding him guilty of the execution of four civilians. In a video released by the Russian Investigative Committee, when asked, "Do you repent for what you've done?" he responded, "Yes sir." The official statement from the Investigative Committee, as well as reports from state news agencies, did not provide information on the specific evidence presented by the prosecution during the trial.

Special regime for special prisoners

In accordance with Russian legislation, those sentenced to life imprisonment are typically required to serve their sentences in special regime colonies. In general Russia has three types of prison regimes: general, top-security, and special. The fundamental distinction of the special regime is that inmates are housed in individual or sometimes small group cells, whereas in other colonies, they live in dormitories. There are only eight special regime colonies for life-sentenced individuals in the entire country; others are designated for repeat offenders.

Dmitry Gurin, a legal advisor at the European Prison Litigation Network, an NGO, believes that, with a court verdict, the Russian authorities can justify the choice of the place of imprisonment based on the norms of the national Criminal Executive Code rather than the Geneva Conventions because "the convicted criminal is now before them, not a prisoner of war." The Criminal Executive Code of the Russian Federation, in turn, provides the Federal Penitentiary Service with essentially unlimited discretion in determining the place of punishment, according to Gurin. Currently, Russia does not disclose information about the specific prisons where the convicted prisoners of war will be sent.

The only individual who received a life sentence in absentia is a serviceman of the "Azov" Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine, Mykola Kushch (call sign Frost). According to the Russian Main Military Prosecutor's Office, in mid-April 2022 Kushch shot a serviceman of DNRs People's Militia in Mariupol. After the shooting, he allegedly took a weapon, flipped the DNR soldier onto his back, and shot him in the head.

According to the investigation, Kushch himself recorded the moment of the murder on a camera attached to his helmet and then posted it "in one of the Telegram channels," where he was an administrator. In July 2022, a tribunal in the DNR had already sentenced him for a similar crime. At that time, the self-proclaimed republic had its own legislation, and Kushch was sentenced to death penalty. However, the sentence was not carried out. In September 2022, he, along with 214 other Ukrainian soldiers, was exchanged for 55 Russian servicemen and pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. In late October, Frost, along with other "Azov" fighters, gave a comprehensive interview to a Ukrainian journalist, where he mentioned his return to the front lines.

Pro-Russian views as political hatred

Another 104 prisoners of war were sentenced to terms ranging from 12 to 30 years. Ninety military personnel attended the court proceedings in person, with only 14 cases conducted in absentia. The majority of the defendants were members of the 36th Marine Brigade, the "Azov" regiment, or the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. The servicemen were accused of cruel treatment of the civilian population, the use of prohibited means and methods in armed conflict, as well as murder based on ideological or political hatred.

Typically, the formulation "based on ideological or political hatred" in these cases essentially meant "antipathy towards pro-Russian views." Ukrainian soldiers were allegedly killing those who supported Russia in the conflict. For instance, on November 1, the DNRs Supreme Court sentenced Border Guard inspector and Azov regiment staff sergeant Sergey Rostovsky to 26 years of strict regime imprisonment. According to the investigation, in late March 2022 Rostovsky patrolled an area at one of the intersections in Mariupol. During that period, the investigation claims he was obstructing the free movement of the civilian population, and those who did not follow instructions or "supported the special military operation or assisted the armed forces of the Donetsk People's Republic" were killed.

The accusation attributed one such episode to Rostovsky. On March 26, on the street he patrolled, he allegedly noticed two people whom he presumed supported Russias "special military operation," provided assistance to the armed forces of DNR and Russia, or held pro-Russian positions. Rostovsky reportedly fired at least seven deliberate shots from an AK-47. The victims turned out to be a married couple of healthcare workers. The Investigative Committee does not specify how Rostovsky determined that they held pro-Russian views as it did not specify what evidence was provided in court. In a video published by the Russian investigation, Rostovsky said that he "deeply regrets" his actions.

One case of rape

In some cases, the Investigative Committee of Russia has also accused Ukrainian soldiers of intentionally damaging others' property. This charge is present in the case of the commanders of mortar units Lieutenant Yevgeny Zemlyak, Sergeant Yuri Dmitriev, and Sergeant Pavel Kurchenko, who served on a contract basis in the "Azov" regiment. They are accused of repeatedly shelling the village of Kalinovka in the Novoazovsk district of Mariupol, without military necessity, motivated by a "sense of hatred towards the local population for what they perceived as a pro-Russian stance." The court sentenced them to 23 to 24 years in prison, but in absentia.

One of the convicted individuals, deputy commander of the Fire Support platoon within the 36th Marine Brigade, Senior Lieutenant Sergey Batynsky, was found guilty of rape. According to the investigation, in early April 2022 Batynsky's fellow servicemen detained a couple in Mariupol and confined them to a basement. On April 8, Batynsky allegedly entered the captives' room, threatened the woman to kill her, and sexually assaulted her. Later Batynsky allegedly shot her husband dead. The Russian Investigative Committee stated that they conducted a reconstruction of the crime, where "Batynsky detailed how he committed the crimes." The Ukrainian military officer pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Added value in prisoners exchange?

The significant increase in the number of new verdicts issued by the DNRs Supreme Court is associated with the enactment of the law on Russian criminal jurisdiction in annexed territories, believes Dmitry Gurin. Russias president Vladimir Putin signed the document on July 31, 2023, after it had been under consideration in the State Duma (Russias parliament) since December 2022, which is quite a lengthy period for such "military" legislative bill.

The adopted law stipulates that military tribunals in Donetsk and Luhansk (LNR) can operate "as before," but now under Russian jurisdiction. Alongside this clarification, the document includes other provisions, such as a waiver of criminal prosecution for any crime committed "in defense of the interests of the Russian Federation." Such indulgence is granted for actions taken in the occupied territories until September 30, 2022.

"The activity of the courts in the occupied territories initially had slowed down  evidently, they were waiting for directives from Moscow," suggests Gurin. "With the enactment of this law, the courts have resumed. The document essentially gave the green light to the courts: business as usual but guided by Russian law, meaning without death penalties (at least for now) and following the rules of the current criminal procedural code." Gurin explains the severity of the sentences by the fact that officials from the occupied territories want to curry favor with the new leadership.

Prisoners of war can be held accountable, but only for specific crimes, not abstract participation in military actions. In Russian legislation, such a norm is defined as "the use of prohibited methods of warfare". But according to Gurin "even if we assume that the accusations in the cases under consideration are substantiated, it doesn't matter: from the perspective of international law, Russian tribunals in the so-called LNR and DNR are not courts legally established, and therefore their decisions are legally null and void." Gurin believes that Russians are mostly using these verdicts to raise the stakes in the exchange of prisoners of war with Ukraine.
Park Min Young is back as she portrays an interesting character in the new webtoon-based K-drama, "Marry My Husband."

Veering away from her usual rom-com aura, where she usually plays as bubbly, the South Korean top star surprised fans with her dramatic transformation.

Park Min Young Unrecognizable in 'Marry My Husband' Stills

On November 23, tvN dropped a sneak peek of Park Min Young's new drama "Marry My Husband."

Taking on the role of Kang Ji Won, the 37-year-old actress portrays a woman who is afflicted by her husband's incompetence and is also neglected by her in-laws.

Kang Ji Won also experienced being burdened by her corporate job due to challenging demands at work. She ends up prioritizing others over herself and finds herself in a tough spot after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the upcoming romance fantasy series also depicts the affair of Ji Won's husband with her best friend.

Unfortunately, after knowing her husband's secret, she gets killed, but she returns to life to change her past.

Park Min Young's "Marry My Husband" also features Na In Woo, Lee Yi Kyung, and Song Ha Yoon as lead stars.

READ MORE: Park Min Young's Instagram Update Sparks Buzz Because of THIS

Helmed by Park Won Gook of "Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist" Season 1 and 2, the upcoming K-drama is slated to air on January 1, 2024 with a total of 16 episodes.

Viewers will be able to watch the romance-fantasy series via tvN and Netflix.

Park Min Young's Drastic Change Lauded by Fans

Shortly after tvN released still cuts of Park Min Young's character in new drama, the actress received positive responses from netizens.

While some found her transformation a bit shocking, others praised her for the dedication to her new role. Fans even expressed their awe for how Park Min Young's really got into her webtoon characters.

#ParkMinYoung lose her weight until 37kg to portray Kang Jiwon, a 37 years old cancer patient for upcoming webtoon-based drama #MarryMyHusband



the dedication  pic.twitter.com/bpGErOrhoB  daisy han  (@kdramadaisy) November 23, 2023

OMG, am not ready to see MinYoung this sickly looking.  Can we skip to the good part Rachel? 



But on the other hand, Im in awe how they can really get into their webtoon characters. Huge respect to Kdrama actors and actresses for this! #ParkMinYoung #MarryMyHusband pic.twitter.com/tu60uhXc8K  Missy Ulan (@lala_raine) November 23, 2023

Netizens also lauded Park Min Young for the hard work she put into the role, especially losing weight to depict the role of a cancer patient.

OMG, am not ready to see MinYoung this sickly looking.  Can we skip to the good part Rachel? 



But on the other hand, Im in awe how they can really get into their webtoon characters. Huge respect to Kdrama actors and actresses for this! #ParkMinYoung #MarryMyHusband pic.twitter.com/tu60uhXc8K November 23, 2023

It can be recalled that Park Min Young's weight loss has concerned fans.

At the time, the public didn't know that she was preparing for a new K-drama; hence, she chose to shed some weight.

As mentioned, the actress went down to 37kg to portray Kang Ji Won for the webtoon-based K-drama.

The upcoming K-drama is Park Min Young's return to the small screen after the 2022 rom-com "Love in Contract."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Is It True? Park Min Young's Visuals Got Worse Due To Plastic Surgery

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
After being in talks with the drama officials, Park Sung Woong has officially confirmed his appearance in the highly-anticipated spin-off to "Stranger."

According to a news outlet, the 50-year-old actor is set to join Lee Joon Hyuk as one of the lead stars in the upcoming K-drama "Good or Bad Dong Jae."

Park Sung Woong To Become Lee Joon Hyuk's Rival in 'Stranger' Spin-Off

According to the news portal, Park Sung Woong takes on the character of CEO Nam Wan Sung, the CEO of Lee Hong Construction. He will be the rival of Lee Joon Hyuk, who reprises his role as prosecutor, Seo Dong Jae.

As mentioned by the outlet, Seo Dong Jae will be Nam Wan Sung's obstacle regarding the redevelopment project that he is set to launch.

However, he will do whatever it takes for the sake of business, which means that viewers will get to see intense face-offs between the two characters.

Interestingly, the production team hints at what to expect between Park Sung Woong and Lee Joon Hyuk's team-up as they play each other's nemesis in "Good or Bad Dong Jae."

"We plan to portray a new survival task starting with Seo Dong Jae, a character whose obnoxious but salty appearance in 'Stranger' turned public opinion around."

Moreover, the team says that fans will witness a "breathtaking battle between the characters that will unfold in a world where there are no permanent enemies or friends."

'Good or Bad Dong Jae' K-Drama: What to Expect in 'Stranger' Spin-Off

The thriller-mystery K-drama "Stranger" was headlined by Bae Doona, who played as Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin, while Cho Seung Woo took on the role of fearless prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok.

Due to the show's popularity, tvN released a sequel to "Stranger."

READ MORE: Park Sung Woong Defends His Character in 'The Killing Vote': 'I am not the villain'

Reprising their roles, Bae Doona and Cho Seung Woo were joined by Jeon Hye Jin and Choi Moo Sung in season 2, while Lee Joon Hyuk continued to play his character.

After "Stranger" season 2 ended in 2020, tvN decided to release a spin-off that focuses on Lee Joon Hyuk's character.

In September 2023, Studio Dragon, the renowned production company, officially confirmed that "Stranger" will be returning with a spin-off.

According to a report, the premise of the story will unfold through Seo Dong Jae, who portrays a person who is neither good nor evil.

The upcoming K-drama "Good or Bad Dong Jae" will illustrate his struggle to survive in the world of prosecutors.

Penned by Kim Sang Won, who appeared in "Misaeng: Incomplete Life," the "Stranger" spin-off is scheduled to hit the small screen in 2024.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Joon Hyuk Says Filming 'Vigilante' Feels Less Pressure Than 'The Roundup: No Way Out' - Here's Why

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
The Public Health Agency of Canada says Malichita brand cantaloupes have likely caused a salmonella outbreak crossing five provinces. Cantaloupes are displayed for sale in Virginia on Saturday, July 28, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-J. Scott Applewhite
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a press conference at Queen's Park in Toronto on Thursday Nov. 23, 2023. Poilievre says he has a plan for how he would tackle a rise in hate-motivated crimes reported since the start of Israel-Hamas war, but that it doesn't involve touching what protesters say.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
National Defence Minister Bill Blair rises during question period in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. The defence minister and top soldier are set to speak to a House committee later today about the rising number of domestic military operations and the challenges that poses for the Armed Forces. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
All high-ranking government officials across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will surrender their designated vehicles so that they are used to host the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and G-77+China Third South Summits slated for January next year.

Already, 140 vehicles donated by China plus 10 executive buses and five ambulances pledged by the Indian gov- ernment have been designated for the summits.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Mr John Mulimba, made the revelation as he tabled a statement before Parliament on the countrys preparations.

Due to limited resources, the government has not spent funds on buying vehicles; instead, the entire fleet of government vehicles will be mobilised for the summits, including vehicles used by entitled officers across government MDAs, Mr Mulimba told Parliament.

He added: So far, the Ministry of Works and Transport has inspected a total of 215,92 vehicles, and 1,543 are in good condition.These will be further inspected at the end of December and early January.

Before that statement, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, had confirmed that Uganda had received all the vehicles donated by China. Read more
By AFP

A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war was set to start Friday with hostages to be released in exchange for prisoners, the first major reprieve in seven weeks of conflict that have claimed thousands of lives.

After prolonged negotiations, deliberations and delay, the pause was due to begin at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), silencing guns that have raged since Hamass murderous raids into Israel on October 7.

The start of the truce is set to be followed by the release of a first group of 13 hostages being held in Gaza, and an undefined number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to Qatari peacebrokers.

For Gazas two million-plus residents, the deal spells a respite from relentless Israeli bombardments, which the strips Hamas government says have killed about 15,000 people and displaced countless more.

 Too late 

For many Palestinian families, the truce comes too late.

The living here are the ones who are dead, said Fida Zayed, whose 20-year-old son Udai was killed in a recent air strike, told AFP.

The last thing he said to me was that he was waiting for the truce on Friday, she told AFP. He asked me to prepare him a feast of rice and chicken.

I hope me and my children die here so we dont have to mourn each other, she said.

Qatari officials said the first batch of 13 hostages released would be women and children from the same families.

At least 50 hostages are expected to be released over the four days.

Teams of Israeli trauma experts and medics will await them  along with specially trained soldiers who, according to guidelines, will promise to keep them safe and carry a childs favourite food item, be it pizza or chicken schnitzel.

AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 people abducted during cross-border attacks by Hamas on military posts, communities and a desert music festival.

At least 35 of those taken hostage were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time of the Hamas attack.

Little is publicly known about the conditions the hostages have been held in.

Given the barbaric nature of the attacks and captivity we can only prepare for worst case scenarios, said Moty Cristal, a retired Israeli military official with experience in hostage negotiations.

Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails would also be released on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said, adding a list of names had been approved, without saying how many.

The agreement entailed a complete ceasefire with no attacks from the air or the ground and the skies clear of drones to allow for the hostage release to happen in a safe environment, Ansari said
Television presenter Katja Mia has spoken out following the riots that occurred in Dublin on Thursday evening. The surreal scenes transpired following a stabbing attack in the capital yesterday afternoon.

The broadcaster, who was recently named as the new host of the Six O'Clock Show on Virgin Media alongside Brian Dowling, said she was proud of her background and is someone who has come from "humble beginnings".

"I know they're targeting immigrants," Mia stated on Ireland AM on Friday morning.

"I'm proud to be Irish, but I'm even more proud to be an immigrant. My parents came to Ireland in 1997, they left Burundi with nothing.

She added: "A lot of asylum seekers regret their circumstances and they want nothing more than to integrate and to contribute to society - to be part of a new Ireland."

Im proud to be Irish but Im even more proud to be an immigrant@MiaKatja reacts to the violence in Dublin City last night#IrelandAM pic.twitter.com/RukCdVhx78  Ireland AM (@IrelandAMVMTV) November 24, 2023

34 people were arrested and 32 people appeared before the courts today after a night of rioting in Dublin City Centre following the stabbing of five people, including three children on Parnell Square.

Following the incidents, groups of people gathered in the city and clashed with gardai, looted shops and set fire to a number of vehicles, including Garda cars, buses and a Luas tram.
Its almost a year to the day since Waterford City and County Council and BAM entered into contract for the construction of the new integrated transport hub at the North Quays, a sustainable transport bridge, as well as enhanced multi-modal access infrastructure.

In the twelve months since contracts were exchanged works have been progressing well and are scheduled to be complete in 2025.

That progress is very evident on the ground, with works continuing in all areas of the site and construction cranes dotting the skyline.

Two of the cofferdams required for the foundations of the Sustainable Transport Bridge are now substantially complete and these works will continue in 2024.

The piers require the construction of four cofferdams, a watertight enclosure to allow construction work below the waterline.

The cofferdams are created by driving interlocking piles through the bed of the River Suir to form the watertight enclosures.

The water is then pumped out of the cofferdam to create a dry workspace to facilitate the construction of the pier foundations.

Meanwhile the steel superstructure for the bridge is being fabricated in Belgium and will be transported to Waterford to be lifted into position once the foundations and piers are complete.

Works have also commenced on the southern landing point with sheet piling works visible from the South Quays.

Piling and foundations for the new Public Transport Hub and rail platforms are also close to completion and the construction of the main building block is underway.

Five new access bridges that will provide multi-modal access over the rail corridors providing connectivity between the Ferrybank area, the Greenway corridor, Public Transport Hub, Sustainable Transport Bridge, and the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development are simultaneously under construction.

While roadworks and associated traffic management continue to operate on Dock Road in Ferrybank, and are being managed to minimise delays and disruption, Waterford City and County Council appreciates the publics cooperation during the construction phase.

Separately, the works contracts for the relocation of the Ferrybank Pump Station will be complete in early 2024.

An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission for the Western Rail Flood Defence and Integrated Drainage System in February this year.

The overall 2.4km system will provide flood protection for both existing and new rail infrastructure and make it climate resilient into the future. The design of the system is being advanced, and construction will commence in 2024.

Harcourt Developments are currently finalising their planning scheme for the private SDZ development for submission to Waterford City & County Council.

The mixed-use development will include significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces.

Construction of the private SDZ development is anticipated to start in 2024.

Harcourt Developments is a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects.

Their portfolio boasts Belfasts Titanic Quarter, Northern Irelands most important regeneration project.
Kilkenny schools will be among the first in the country to have the opportunity to avail of free solar panels under a new government scheme.

Green Party TD for Kilkenny and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, is urging schools across the county to apply for solar panels funded by the Governments Climate Action Fund when applications open next week.

Speaking about Kilkennys inclusion in phase one of the rollout, Minister Noonan said that it 'is a great, practical measure, and an incredible opportunity for schools across the county to reduce both their energy bills and their carbon footprint'.

"It also gives us the chance to educate students about the role of renewable energy in helping Ireland reach its climate goals, so as well as providing free solar PV panels to schools, the scheme includes monitoring software and teaching materials so that students and staff can track how much energy is being generated each day," he added.

The other huge advantage for schools is that their solar PV panels will also have the potential to feed surplus energy back into the electricity grid, so as well as saving money on their energy costs, schools can potentially generate income by helping to power homes and businesses with clean energy when the schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.

In terms of the potential for saving money, there are a number of factors to consider, but the average school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save between 1,200 and 1,600 per year on their bill when the money theyve earned for selling electricity to the grid is taken into account.

I cant imagine there is any school principal in Kilkenny who wont be interested in availing of this scheme. Its practical, its smart, and its win-win  schools across the county will now see their electricity bills drop while they also do their bit for the climate.

Green Party Councillor for Kilkenny Maria Dollard said that she was delighted that Kilkenny schools will have the opportunity to lead by example in Phase One of this scheme.

"We need to act now to protect our childrens future and ensure our younger generations are educated in climate-neutral energy resources," she said.

"When a school powers its lights and whiteboards for free using the power of the sun, it means lower bills and more money for schools, and I cant wait to see the transformative impact for schools in the city and beyond."
Kilkenny Chamber is set to welcome Mary Kennedy back to perform as MC on the biggest networking night of the year, the Kilkenny Business Awards.

The blacktie event takes place at the luxurious Lyrath Estate Hotel this Saturday, and tickets are now on sale. Contact the Chamber on 089-2553585 or email admin@kilkennychamber.ie.

The 20 category winners and the Overall Business of the Year, as well as the Presidents Award and Lifetime Achievement award, will be announced at the Chambers annual black-tie banquet, the Kilkenny Business Awards ceremony.

With 20 categories available, the awards programme has celebrated the breadth of commerce throughout Kilkenny for more than two decades, providing a wonderful opportunity to platform business successes. These include areas such as sustainability and volunteer engagement.

Its the flagship local business event for 2023, and if you havent sorted out your Christmas Party yet, why not take a table at this years Business Awards for you and your staff - enjoy dinner, music and dancing, as well as celebrating the best of business in Kilkenny!

Join Mary Kennedy, Kilkenny Chamber and main Sponsor State Street at the Gala Awards Night in the Lyrath Estate Hotel. Contact Roisin at admin@kilkennychamber.ie to confirm your booking.

Open to all businesses operating in the city and county, the nomination process was officially announced recently by Cathal Smyth, Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer, State Street Global Services Ireland, at an event hosted by Kilkenny Chamber at the Butler Gallery.

For further information see www.kilkennychamber.ie.
Kilkenny-based software technology group CluneTech has announced improvements across a range of leave types to support their people during the more difficult times they may face in life.

The changes announced today cover three key areas: compassionate leave, miscarriage and pregnancy loss leave, and IVF and pregnancy support leave. The announcement marks another significant step in CluneTechs commitment to caring for, and supporting their people, and the additional leaves are available to all of the companys 1,200 employees globally.

Compassionate leave, which is available from day one of employment, has been significantly increased, with the company now offering four weeks paid leave for the loss of a spouse or child. Employees can also avail of five days and three days paid leave for the loss of an immediate or non-immediate family member respectively.

For the first time in the companys history, they are also recognising the important role that pets play in their employees lives, particularly as many people avail of CluneTechs flexible working offering and choose to work from home. With this in mind, a dedicated Pet Compassionate Leave has been introduced where employees can avail of up to two days' paid leave for the loss of a beloved pet.

The new policy also includes extended paid leave of five days for those impacted by pregnancy loss when this occurs prior to 24 weeks, as after this the companys paid maternity leave applies. In addition, where an employees partner has experienced pregnancy loss, they are now covered in the policy and can avail of the full five days paid leave.

Access to, and support during fertility treatment is a key focus of CluneTech, who earlier this year announced their support of The I Want a Baby Foundation in Bulgaria. Employees based in Ireland can already avail of best-in-class fertility care as part of the companys health cover with Laya Healthcare. Previously, employees could avail of up to three days paid leave for IVF and pregnancy support. This has now been increased to five days paid leave and extended to the partner of a person undergoing IVF / pregnancy support.

The improvements announced today are part of an already extensive benefits package which includes Lifework Days  an additional half days leave per quarter where employees can get their life jobs done without having to use their hard-earned annual leave, flexible working  including remote and hybrid working, an award-winning Milestone Recognition Programme which rewards those who choose to grow their career with CluneTech, and much more. Last month, CluneTech were awarded Overall Excellence in HR at the 2023 HR Leadership & Management Awards for their innovative approach to flexibility.

Speaking about the leave enhancements, Terry Clune, CEO, CluneTech said: CluneTech Cares about our people and their wellbeing and todays announcement further strengthens our commitment to supporting them through the more difficult times they may face in life. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and as their employer, its our goal to ensure they feel supported and cared for, so that they can reach their full potential.

Rachael Quinlan, Head of Employee Experience, CluneTech said: We are really honoured to share these remarkable improvements with our global team. While these leave types tend to be the ones that we hope our people will never have to avail of, we hope that they take some comfort in knowing that our aim is to minimise their worries during challenging times. As always, these changes have been introduced as a direct result of employee feedback and we will continue to use their voice to drive change and to ensure that we truly are a great place to work.
Kilkenny Science Festival organisers, CALMAST at SETU, have paid tribute to the schools, community groups and facilities, library, theatre and museum staffs and everyone who pulled out all the stops to ensure the week-long programme of events drew huge crowds again this year.

Hosting the free programme of over 50 events would not have been possible without the support of so many people and organisations, key among them, Science Foundation Ireland, Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Leader Partnership, the EPA, Glanbia and Abbott.

CALMASTs Nollaig Healy also commended the teams at the Medieval Mile Museum, Butler Gallery, Newpark Close Family Resource Centre, Ossory Youth, Castlecomer Discovery Park, the National Reptile Zoo and more who worked tirelessly to host events.

Our mission is to encourage STEM engagement and showcase how relevant science is in our everyday lives. The mix of age groups, of people from all different backgrounds at the events was very encouraging and it shows were delivering on our aims.

The engagement in the schools was particularly encouraging. The young people of Kilkenny are our future scientists, the skilled professionals who will work in our healthcare service, in pharma, in engineering and more. We really have to commend their teachers and their schools for fostering their enthusiasm and bringing out the best in them. It has been a really fantastic Science Festival and while were looking forward to a little break now, were already plotting and planning for next year, Nollaig Healy revealed.

The Kilkenny programme included everything from comedy to the science of brewing, to the science behind circus tricks to an insight into the reptile world.
A GARDA car has been set alight in Dublin city centre during violent scenes in the aftermath of a vicious attack which left several people, including a young girl with serious injuries.

It is also believed that at least one garda has been physically assaulted during the disturbances close to the junction of O'Connell Street and Parnell Square East.

It's reported that some protesters have been involved in scuffles with gardai, while others threw bottles at officers.

Footage posted on social media by Irish Independent journalist Adrian Weckler shows a man wearing a hoodie and face covering carrying a burning cardboard box and placing it on the back seat of a parked garda car.

Parnell Street right now pic.twitter.com/vfY6lRfscO  Adrian Weckler (@adrianweckler) November 23, 2023

Speaking at a media briefing this Thursday evening, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described the protests as "disgraceful". He told reporters that gardai believe a "hooligan faction driven by far right ideology" had contributed to the trouble.

The violent protests, which have impacted public transport in the capital, erupted after a violent attack close to a school at Parnell Square.

A five-year-old child and a woman in her 30s are in a serious condition in hospital after they were attacked and stabbed at lunchtime. Two other young children were also taken to hospital with what have been described as minor injuries. One of them - a boy - has since been discharged.

A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene by gardai before being brought to hospital with injuries that have been described as serious.

He has been described as a "person of interest" by investigating gardai.

A major garda investigation into the incident is continuing while additional garda resources from the greater Dublin region and surrounding counties have been deployed to deal with the protests.

In a statement, this Thursday night, the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said what happened was "an appalling crime that has shocked us all."

She added that An Garda Siochana are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else regarding this crime.

"The perpetrator will be brought to justice. However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc."

"We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely."
Police and politicians have called for calm amid warnings against misinformation as violence broke out in Dublin following a knife attack on a woman and three young children near a school.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee labelled the scenes in the city centre intolerable, and said a thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in the capital.

Violence broke out after three young children and a woman were attacked Parnell Square East in the north of the city centre on Thursday afternoon.

A five-year-old girl is undergoing emergency treatment for her injuries, Irish police have said.

The woman was seriously injured while the two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, sustained less serious injuries

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries is a person of interest in their investigation.

Earlier on Thursday, Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said they were keeping an open mind in terms of the investigation but were satisfied there is no terrorist link.

However, at an evening press conference Mr Harris was asked about a potential terrorist link, and appeared minded not to rule that out.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, he said.

Until were sure what the motive is then we have to keep an open mind as to why this happened.

The scene of the incident is close to Irish language-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

Please be advised that all Luas services have been suspended due to a non Luas related safety incident at Parnel Street.Apologies for any inconvenience caused.  Luas (@Luas) November 23, 2023

A Garda public order unit was deployed in the area around Parnell Square, Parnell Street and OConnell Street as protesters started to scuffles with officers and flares and fireworks were thrown at the Garda cordon.

As the violence escalated, a bus and car were set on fire on OConnell Bridge in the heart of the city centre.

The Luas trams service was suspended after coming under attack.

Rioters looted a Foot Locker store on OConnell Steet as bottles were thrown at gardai on the famous Dublin street.

Other people carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

In a series of co-ordinated presses, gardai dispersed a large portion of the crowd onto nearby roads.

Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a garda helicopter monitored the situation overhead

Ms McEntee said: A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view.

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.

Speaking to media at Mountjoy Garda Station on Thursday evening, Mr Harris called for calm and spoke out against the spreading of misinformation.

He confirmed that a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

He said some individuals were using a tragic event which is under investigation by the authorities for their own ends and a hooligan faction who are only interested in causing damage and mayhem in the city centre and theyre using the opportunity for that as well.

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he said.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.

Mr Harris cautioned: The facts have yet to emerge, and will take time to fully emerge.

He said the motive for the afternoon attack is not clear to us at this moment in time.

Earlier, Supt Geraghty said: Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region. These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street.

He added: The male in his 50s is a person of interest to An Garda Siochana in this investigation and An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person at this time.

The officer said his understanding is that a knife was used, adding: It would appear to be a standalone attack, and we need to determine the reasons behind that.

He added: My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

Were aware that the public are concerned about the activities that have happened today. The message to them is that we believe that this is a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

So wed ask for people not to jump to conclusions and not to make rash judgments on what may have happened.

Siobhan Kearney said she witnessed what she believes was a man attacking children, describing what she saw as absolutely bedlam.

Ms Kearney told RTE she watched people disarm a man who she said had a knife.

I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road, she said.

The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume.

People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Irish premier Mr Varadkar said: We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square.

A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

The facts in this matter are still emerging. The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident in Dublin city centre had caused shock and horror.

Speaking at the scene she said children who witnessed what happened have been traumatised.

She added: Our heart goes out to the whole school community, to the children, the parents, the teachers.

I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

I pray the injured make a full recovery.

The community is stunned, stunned and horrified.
On Monday, November 13, Transition Year Students in Scoil Aireagail were busy working in the kitchen, peeling away at apples as they prepared their apple crumbles. The students then went from door to door in the village of Ballyhale, handing out their desserts to the elderly people in the community. The elderly were very grateful for not only the sweet treats for their tea but also just to have a chat with the students. Click NEXT to see lots more photographs!

Some of the pupils are members of the Young Saint Vincent De Paul programme run for secondary schools and this will account as one of their events working with the community. Scoil Airegail is a KCETB school which lives out its ethos of care, respect, community, quality and excellence in education on a daily basis.

This was a student led activity organise by the Transition Year students. They were able to complete their initiative thanks to kind donation of apples from neighbour, Jim Angelone, and the help from their Home Economics teacher, Denis Carrigan, principal, Helen McTighe and caretaker Bobby Hearne. Luckily by the end of it, there were enough apple crumbles left over for the students to take home. Everyone left with smiles on their faces and apple crumble in their hands.
A local man who has just returned from war-torn Ukraine has challenged mouthpieces who are commenting out of ignorance to join him on his next aid mission.



Jim Harding, from Gowran, was one of a group of drivers from across Ireland who brought donated ambulances to Ukraine in recent weeks. Its his fourth aid trip to the country since the war began.

Speaking on his return, Mr Harding hit out at the giving out about the Ukrainian people coming here after fleeing their own country.



Im sick to my teeth of people giving out about foreigners and Ukrainians coming here. One, we need them, and two, you know nothing unless you go there, go out into the country and you realise what a tough job is ahead of them. We should be a lot kinder to them.

What annoys me the most is people commenting out of ignorance. I invite any of them to come with me, travel on roads where we meet military barricades all along the way.



I would challenge any of them to come with me. Any of the mouthpieces around Kilkenny. Go to https://kilkennyukraine.com/ and see the video of an air raid warning siren going off. Would you like to be standing there when that is going off?

Giving an example of Kilkennys close links to the war zone, Jim said a woman from Ukraine, now living in Kilkenny, told him recently she is going back to home - because her son was fighting on the frontline and had his leg blown off.

The reason most Ukrainian people are here is not because they dont have houses in Ukraine, he said, its because their economy is shattered. Small industry can still operate but the general economy has been devastated by the lack of reliable power.



Poor agricultural areas are basically operating with horses and carts. They are living like we did in the 50s or 60s. There is a dependence on generators, but fuel costs are through the roof.

The convoy of ambulances on its way across Europe

Travels

Mr Harding travelled by ferry and overland to Ukraine on this trip. The group left on Saturday, November 4, sailing to Holyhead. The convoy drove through Britain before catching a ferry from Dover to Calais. They drove north out of France into Belgium and Netherlands, through Germany and Poland, staying close to the Ukrainian border, crossing Tuesday, November 7.

The ambulances were driven to the delivery point, a government compound in the city of Uman, where they were handed over.

The Irish group then travelled on to Kyiv to meet members of the humanitarian organisation, and flew home from Warsaw on Sunday, November 12.

All in the travelling group paid their own costs to get the vehicles there.

Rebuilding

Mr Harding paints a picture of a country battling more than just air-raids.

While rebuilding is continuing, he says, the bombing of electrical infrastructure is devastating industry which depends on a constant power supply.

Some areas only have power for short intervals.

Bigger food processing plants and storage units for cannot operate efficiently with interrupted power.

Many restaurants and other businesses can only operate with the use of standby generators, even so, in parts of some cities it is difficult to find warm food.

All at a time of year when the temperatures drop and the cold rain starts.



He plans to go back and already has vehicles ready to go. The vehicles currently most in need are quad bikes, which are used to take soldiers away from the front line before being transferred by four wheel drive vehicles to first aid centres, and four axle (small) trucks that can cross the many pontoon bridges that are being used in place of the road bridges that have been destroyed in the war.

Donated vehicles can be older as long as the engines are in good order. Vehicles without a CVRT, can be transported by low-loader to Ukraine. You can donate on https://kilkennyukraine.com/
(Kitco News) - Gold prices are modestly higher and just below $2,000 in subdued early U.S. trading Friday. Silver prices are posting slight gains. Some chart-based buying is featured to end the trading week, as the technical postures for both metals lean bullish. A weaker U.S. dollar index today is also friendly for the metals. However, weaker crude oil prices and an uptick in U.S. Treasury yields are bearish outside-market elements limiting the upside for gold and silver. December gold was last up $3.90 at $1,996.70.December silver was last up $0.057 at $23.745.

Asian and European markets were mixed to lower in overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are pointed to mixed openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. stock and financial markets close early today, due to the Thanksgiving holiday that was Thursday. Today is typically one of the quietest trading days of the year as many U.S. market participants stretch out a four-day weekend.

In overnight news, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day ceasefire, with Israel agreeing to stop its military actions in Gaza, while Hamas releases some of the Israeli hostages in exchange. Risk appetite in the marketplace is up-ticked the past few weeks, as the Middle East conflict has not escalated (at least not yet) the way many market watchers thought it might.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index lower. Nymex crude oil prices are lower and trading around $76.75 a barrel. The OPEC-plus meeting originally scheduled for this weekend has been moved back to next week, reportedly due to disagreements on whether to further cut the cartel's collective crude oil production. The yield on the benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.465%.

U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes the U.S. flash services and manufacturing purchasing managers indexes (PMI).

Technically, the gold futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close in December futures above solid resistance at the October high of $2,019.70. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the November low of $1,935.60. First resistance is seen at this week's high of $2,009.80 and then at $2,019.70. First support is seen at Wednesday's low of $1,988.60 and then at Tuesday's low of $1,979.90. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0

The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing December futures prices above solid technical resistance at $25.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the November low of $21.925. First resistance is seen at $24.00 and then at the November high of $24.22. Next support is seen at this week's low of $23.30 and then at $23.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.
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(Kitco News) - Russian mining group Nornickel (MOEX: GMKN) said today it has entered into a definitive agreement with African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) to transfer its 50% interest in Nkomati JV, South Africa.

According to the company, Nkomati assets include a deposit of disseminated copper-nickel ore, an underground mine, which went on care & maintenance in 2015, as well as an open pit.

Mining operations and production activities at Nkomati ceased in March 2021. Since 2021, Nkomati JV has been on care & maintenance.

According to the terms of the signed purchase and sale agreement, ARM will take over the environmental liabilities of the Nkomati mine, together with Nornickels proportionate share of the obligations and liabilities relating to the Nkomati mines assets.

With this agreement Nornickel underscores its strategic commitment to developing its unique resource base and Tier-1 assets portfolio in Russia as well as its long-term strategy to exit non-Tier-1 assets, the company said in a media release.

Nornickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the worlds largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum and copper. The company also produces cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and other products.
1 News reports:

Winston Peters and David Seymour will share the Deputy Prime Minister role. Peters will have the first half of the three-year Parliamentary term, Seymour the second.

Peters will be Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Seymour takes a new role of Minister for Regulation.

A 20-strong Cabinet will have 14 National ministers, three ACT ministers and three New Zealand First ministers.

Nicola Willis will be Minister of Finance, Brooke van Velden will be Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, and Shane Jones will be Minister for Regional Development.

As part of National's agreement with New Zealand First, the proposed foreign buyer tax will no longer go ahead.

ACT's policy of speeding up the rate of interest deductibility for rental properties is restored is adopted.

The parties have agreed with ACT to re-write the Arms Act, and agreed with New Zealand First to train no fewer than 500 new police officers.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 38F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 19F. Winds light and variable.
Many business owners said Black Friday isn't the shopping frenzy it once used to be, mostly because online shopping has taken over. But Paula McFarling, owner of Bluestem Missouri, says it's the community and face-to-face interaction that give local businesses the upper hand.
Police: Teen in custody following shooting of another teen in Overland Park
Pambili Natural Resources Co. (CVE:PNN  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$0.05 and last traded at C$0.05, with a volume of 12000 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.01.

Pambili Natural Resources Stock Up 900.0 %

The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.30 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.13 and a beta of -2.03. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$0.01 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 60.93.

About Pambili Natural Resources

(Get Free Report)

Pambili Natural Resources Corporation engages in the evaluation, acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in Canada and Zimbabwe. It operates Happy Valley gold mine in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The company was formerly known as Pennine Petroleum Corporation and changed its name to Pambili Natural Resources Corporation in June 2022.

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Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The bank reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.32 by ($0.99), MarketWatch Earnings reports. The company had revenue of $2.20 billion for the quarter. Banco Macro had a return on equity of 11.71% and a net margin of 5.44%. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.94 EPS.

Banco Macro Trading Down 6.7 %

NYSE:BMA opened at $22.72 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $20.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $22.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.73. Banco Macro has a 52 week low of $12.83 and a 52 week high of $28.07.

Get Banco Macro alerts:

Banco Macro Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 21st were paid a $0.4262 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 20th. This represents a $5.11 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 22.51%. Banco Macros payout ratio is 92.41%.

Institutional Trading of Banco Macro

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Macro in the 3rd quarter valued at $297,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Banco Macro by 113.0% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 80,044 shares of the banks stock worth $1,579,000 after purchasing an additional 42,460 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG bought a new stake in Banco Macro during the third quarter worth approximately $36,000. Sagil Capital LLP acquired a new position in Banco Macro during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,763,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Banco Macro in the second quarter valued at approximately $945,000.

Separately, StockNews.com lowered Banco Macro from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday.

View Our Latest Research Report on BMA

About Banco Macro

(Get Free Report)

Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines (ATMs), and money transfers.

Further Reading

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Chinook Tyee Industry Ltd (CVE:XCX  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 21.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$0.53 and last traded at C$0.45. 203,469 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 356% from the average session volume of 44,615 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.37.

Chinook Tyee Industry Trading Up 21.6 %

The company has a market cap of C$9.10 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.60. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.15. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$0.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.45.

Chinook Tyee Industry Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chinook Tyee Industry Limited operates as a financial service company in Canada. The company was formerly known as Global Railway Industries Ltd. and changed its name to Chinook Tyee Industry Limited in August 2013. Chinook Tyee Industry Limited is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Invesco Income Growth Trust Plc (LON:IVI  Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 278 ($3.48) and traded as low as GBX 270 ($3.38). Invesco Income Growth Trust shares last traded at GBX 278 ($3.48), with a volume of 47,441 shares changing hands.

Invesco Income Growth Trust Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 278 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 278. The company has a current ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.32. The company has a market capitalization of 162.22 million and a PE ratio of -5.42.

Invesco Income Growth Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Invesco Income Growth Trust plc is a close-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Invesco Fund Managers Limited. It is co-managed by INVESCO Asset Management Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Po Valley Energy Limited (ASX:PVE  Get Free Report) insider Kevin Bailey acquired 250,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was bought at an average price of A$0.04 ($0.03) per share, with a total value of A$10,250.00 ($6,743.42).

Kevin Bailey also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Po Valley Energy alerts:

On Thursday, November 9th, Kevin Bailey bought 460,000 shares of Po Valley Energy stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of A$0.04 ($0.03) per share, with a total value of A$18,860.00 ($12,407.89).

Po Valley Energy Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.17.

About Po Valley Energy

Po Valley Energy Limited operates as an oil and gas exploration and development company in the Po Valley Region, Italy. The company's project portfolio include the Teodorico project located in the shallow waters of the Adriatic Sea; and Torre del Moro gas/oil condensate and Ravizza/Bagnolo exploration licenses in Piano.

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Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 43F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 39F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
As the year draws to a close, the spotlight is now on the highly-anticipated '2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon,' and the hosts for this festive musical gala have been unveiled.

Brace yourselves for a star-studded evening as SHINee's Key, TXT's Yeonjun, and IVE's Yujin take center stage as the hosts of this year's extravaganza.

Key, Yeonjun, & Yujin to Illuminate SBS Gayo Daejeon 2023: A Glimpse into the Festive Extravaganza

In a groundbreaking announcement made by SBS on November 22, it was confirmed that Key, a seasoned host, will be gracing the 'Gayo Daejeon' stage for the third consecutive year, bringing his charisma and wit to the forefront.

READ ALSO: SBS Under Fire for 'Disrespecting' Red Velvet Joy-ReVeluvs Call for Accountability

Joining him is the dynamic Yeonjun, currently riding the wave of popularity as the host of the music show 'Inkigayo' and now making his mark as an awards show host.

Last but not least, Yujin, who impressed viewers in her debut hosting role last year, is set to return, adding her charm and poise to the hosting trio.

The '2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon' promises to be a spectacle like no other, with its theme 'SWITCH ON' ready to illuminate Christmas with dazzling performances and special stages by some of the most outstanding artists of the year.

As the holiday season approaches, fans can look forward to a night of musical brilliance and festive cheer, all brought to life by the hosting prowess of Key, Yeonjun, and Yujin.

Fans Erupt in Excitement as Star Trio Announced to Host 2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon

READ ALSO: THIS Idol Is Left Speechless As TXT Yeonjun Shows Off His Twerking Moves- Must See

Fans are flooding social media with excitement over the lineup of hosts for the '2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon,' expressing their enthusiasm and admiration for the trio set to take the stage on December 25.

These are some comments from various social media platform:

"I love these guys."

"SHINee sneak but we will be here for the rest."

"Wow. It's really going to be very amazing."

"Can't wait."

"Thats gonna be amazing."

"He looks extra familiar, wonder where Ive seen him."

"Yeah, love all."

"Thanks a million."

The '2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon' promises to be a spectacle like no other, with its theme 'SWITCH ON' ready to illuminate Christmas with dazzling performances and special stages by some of the most outstanding artists of the year.

As the holiday season approaches, fans can look forward to a night of musical brilliance and festive cheer, all brought to life by the hosting prowess of Key, Yeonjun, and Yujin.

Get ready to SWITCH ON the holiday spirit with these talented hosts and an array of standout artists on December 25, as the Incheon Inspire Arena transforms into a musical haven for the '2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon'.

Mark your calendars for a celebration you won't want to miss.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: TXT Yeonjun & GOT7 BamBam Open Up About Skirt-Wearing Secrets: 'I don't like the wind coming in...'



Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.



KpopStarz own this article.

Madison Cullen wrote this.
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Joshua Jackson thinks he split from his ex-wife more than TWO WEEKS after she says they broke up
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Event ID: 632016717682555933410794030505301165169
PNN

Kozhikode (Kerala) [India], November 24: In an extraordinary union of creative minds and cultural backgrounds, students from the Avani Institute of Design and the School of Architecture at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, joined forces in a remarkable design and build workshop. This innovative collaboration aimed to address fundamental architectural challenges and provide tangible benefits to the Vishwagram community in Mehsana.

Also Read | Japan Road Accident: Car Driven by Elderly Man Rams Into Pedestrians in Tokyo, Four Injured.

"Architecture has the remarkable power to bridge cultures and inspire collaborative innovation. This workshop between Avani Institute of Design and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, is a shining example of how design can transcend boundaries, diminish egos, and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future." Said Ar. Tony Joseph, Chairman and Principal, Avani Institute of Design.

Under the visionary guidance of esteemed academics and architects, Sharon Rotbard and Neelkanth Chhaya, the workshop marked the beginning of a transformative journey that will impact the lives of many. The students, hailing from different corners of the world, converged to design and construct two bamboo pavilions that will offer vital shade to the residents of the Vishwagram community.

Also Read | Tiger Population in India: Annual Tiger Census in West Bengals Sunderbans to Begin from November 27.

The workshop ignited a series of thought-provoking discussions that delved into the core of architectural practice. Questions such as, "Can true collaboration thrive while diminishing personal egos in the realm of architecture?" and "Is it possible to design buildings that do not rely on concrete as the primary construction material?" took center stage. Moreover, the students actively engaged in crafting spaces with their own hands, uncovering how the design process evolves in the process.

This collaboration epitomizes the incredible potential for cross-cultural and cross-institutional cooperation in tackling real-world architectural challenges. It demonstrates the profound impact that design can have on communities in need.

Through this collaborative endeavor, Avani Institute of Design and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, showcase the power of design to transcend borders and effect meaningful change. The impact of this project reverberates far beyond the workshop itself, serving as a beacon of hope and possibility for future architectural endeavors.

Website: https://avani.edu.in/

(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)
NewsVoir

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 24: Skybags, the vibrant youth-centered brand from the House of VIP Industries, has announced an exciting collaboration with the upcoming Netflix original movie 'The Archies'. ' The Archies Backpack Collection' by Skybags is a range of new backpacks that not only celebrates the much-anticipated Gen-Z-focused movie but also redefines the standards of style and innovation for the youth.

Also Read | Hornbill Festival 2023: Nagaland Gears Up for 10-Day Annual Festival Starting From December 1; US, Colombia, Germany To Be Country Partners.

In the spirit of the groovy 1960s, 'The Archies' reimagines the legendary Archie Comics in a live-action musical set in India. The film marks the debut of Agastya Nanda as Archie Andrews, Khushi Kapoor as Betty Cooper, Suhana Khan as Veronica Lodge, Vedang Raina as Reggie Mantle, along with Dot as Ethel Muggs, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley. The film has already created a lot of buzz on social media. Celebrating pop culture, the new Skybags collection includes a range of trendy backpacks, including daypacks, professional backpacks, and school and college backpacks inspired by the film. Tailored to fit the interests, functional needs and style of India's Gen Z, Skybags' new backpack collection promises to add chic flair and sophistication to any look.

Campaign Video Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUuN5Qq9t_o

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Directed by Zoya Akhtar, The Archies has struck a chord with the Gen Z demographic and created unmatched cultural significance over the last few months. By introducing a range of Archies-themed backpacks, Skybags aims to create a powerful connection with their consumers, blending style with the beloved Archies fandom.

Renowned for its cutting-edge designs, innovative features and fashion-forward aesthetics, Skybags has been a leader in the Indian luggage market for many years. The brand will roll out an extensive 360-degree campaign for this collaboration across print, digital, and outdoor advertising with eye-catching hoardings, below-the-line (BTL) activations, and the in-store experience. To add an extra layer of excitement, exclusive giveaways are offered for those who choose to purchase through the official website, enhancing customer engagement and making this collaboration even more exciting.

Praful Gupta, Vice President, Marketing, VIP Industries Limited, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, "This partnership with The Archies is a remarkable step in our journey to engage more deeply with India's youth. The Archies, with its huge cast, has already garnered a massive fan following, and we see great potential in this collaboration. 'Skybags x Archies' represents the perfect blend of style and sophistication, offering a unique, trendy product range that resonates deeply with the spirit of the youth."

Get ready to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of Archies with a modern twist as "Skybags x Archies" is set to redefine your backpack game. This much-awaited Skybags collection is available at VIP retail stores, all top e-commerce platforms, departmental stores, leading multi-brand outlets and the Skybags webstore at www.skybags.co.in.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Burial ceremony held in Shenyang for remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs returned from S.Korea

Global Times) 16:50, November 24, 2023

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers on November 24, 2023. Photo: China Central Television

The burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) was held on Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

A Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft arrived at the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport on Thursday, bringing back from South Korea the remains of 25 CPV martyrs. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between China and South Korea.

The ceremony began at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang at 10 am, with a military band playing as the ceremony started. Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the martyrs entered the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers, and the national anthem was being played.

After the eulogy by Pei Jinjia, minister of veterans affairs, all personnel bowed three times to the CPV martyrs, and 27 ceremonial guards fired 12 shots, paying the highest respect to the heroes.

The honor guards then lifted the caskets of the martyrs and circled the square for half a lap, slowly walking toward the burial site.

The personnel including young students, soldiers and local residents on-site laid flowers in tribute to the martyrs.

Zhu Jiangbo, whose father died in the war, also attended the burial ceremony. Zhu also brought a white handkerchief in her hands, which belonged to her father and carries a history of experience. "Don't wash it. That was our experience," Zhu told the media that her mother didnt want to wash the handkerchief and cherished the memory.

The remains of 938 CPV soldiers have been repatriated over 10 consecutive years, according to the authorities.

Over 70 years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea against the South Korea army and US-led UN forces, eventually winning the war in 1953, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the war. While addressing the ceremony welcoming back the remains of CPV soldiers, Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin said that over the past 70 years, neither the motherland nor the people have forgotten the brave fallen heroes of the war.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 (PTI) The ruling BJD on Friday urged Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan to refrain from making statements on Odisha matters, which according to the regional party was not expected from a person in the stature of a governor.

The BJD's reaction came after two statements of Harichandan during his recent Odisha visit.

Also Read | ULFA-I Trying To Carry Out Bomb Blasts Near Army Camps, Says Assam Police.

The Chhattisgarh governor had expressed displeasure over crowd mismanagement and plight of devotees at Shree Jagannath temple in Puri.

Referring to the ongoing controversy on ST people being allowed to transfer their land to non-tribals, Harichandan, who was earlier the revenue and disaster management minister in Odisha in the BJD-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2009, had said tribal people's rights should be protected.

Also Read | Bill Signing Delays: Supreme Court Asks Kerala Governor to Go Through Order Copy on Punjab Guv Matter.

"We hope Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan will refrain from making such statements which is not expected of him and his office. His responsibility is to stay non-political," BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra and Priyabrata Majhi told reporters at a joint press conference.

They also described Harichandan's statement as "unwarranted" and suggested the Chhattisgarh governor to maintain sanctity and dignity of his office.

Maintaining that over the last 76 years of independence, governors have played a very important and impartial role in the strengthening of democracy, the BJD leaders said they often become happy when an Odia is elevated to the post of a governor, whether it is Janaki Ballav Patnaik as governor of Assam, Droupadi Murmu as governor of Jharkhand or Biswabhusan Harichandan as governor of Andhra Pradesh; and presently governor of Chhattisgarh.

They pointed out that as per Article 153 to 162 of the Constitution, governors are expected to be neutral. They are expected to be non-political, and therefore have to resign from a political position or a political party before taking the office of the governor. They are also expected to maintain the dignity of the office of governor by not making any such statements or remarks which might lead to the lowering of the dignity and respect of their position, they added.

However, over the past few days Harichandan expressed views on various subjects on Odisha which is not expected of him, the BJD leaders said, adding, "We do understand that he is desperate to find a politically relevant position for his son, who has never won an election in his life and also lost a ward member election of councillor".

Harichandan's son Prithiviraj, who is the general secretary of BJP's Odisha unit, was not immediately available for comment.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Friday cautioned domain name registrars (DNRs) against non-compliance of judicial orders and said if they want to do business in India, then they should follow its directions on taking action against those indulging in illegal activities online, or run the risk of being "blocked" by MEITY.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan said DNRs cannot "become instrument of syndicating scams" and called upon them to "remain vigilant" in the face of misuse of known trademarks to register websites to carry out illegal and fraudulent activities.

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"If you have to do business in India, we will lay guidelines and you have to comply. We will lay down a mechanism.. These (DNRs) people have to comply. We can't allow millions to be cheated. Some serious matter is going on here," said the bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna.

The court observed that there was a huge magnitude of business in the country for DNRs who cannot be allowed to become "scam units".

Also Read | Adani-Hindenburg Case: Easy to Make Allegations, Cant Take Unsubstantiated Ones, Remarks Supreme Court.

"We can't change the international system but if you operate in India,we will ask you to follow certain (norms).. We will tell MEITY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) to block the DNR if you don't comply," it said.

The court's observations came while dealing with a case initiated by it on its own in relation to the issue of misuse of trademark of several entities through fraudulent websites and the role of DNRs in such situations.

The court said that filing of repeated cases by aggrieved parties, whose trademarks are illegally used by offenders for registering their websites, has to stop and the DNRs should look into preventing registration of such offending domains in the first instance.

The court made GoDaddy and the Ministry of Home Affairs parties to the proceedings and listed the matter for further hearing on January 9.

"You are a major player. You know when fraud is taking place," the court told GoDadday's counsel, adding that the entity should "think about" the concerns raised by it during the hearing in the "right perspective".

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jodhpur, November 24: The Rajasthan High Court on Friday directed the state's Special Operations Group not to arrest Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in connection with the Sanjeevani Credit Cooperative Society case without previous approval of the court. The HC also barred the agency from filing any charge sheet against him sans previous approval of this court.

Justice Farjand Ali granted relief to Shekhawat while observing that there were submissions to be made on behalf of both parties which required the matter to be heard at length and deferred the hearing till January 8. Ashok Gehlot Trying to Derail Probe into Sanjivani Cooperative Society Scam Case: Shekhawat.

While providing liberty to the agency to continue to investigate the matter, the court directed it to issue notice to Shekhawat at least 20 days before if he is required for investigation as he is a sitting Member of Parliament and a public figure who may have several professional commitments. Delhi Court Summons Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot in Defamation Case Filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Over Misleading Remarks.

The direction came during the hearing of an application by Shekhawat seeking a stay on further investigation as well as filing of a charge sheet during the pendency of his main petition in which he challenged the filing of FIR and sought transfer of the case to the CBI.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 24 (ANI): The Indian Army in a joint operation with Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir police foiled a terrorist attempt in Rajouri, eliminating two terrorists including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari.

"During the last few days, there were continuous inputs of the movement of two terrorists in general Area Kalakot and all the intelligence agencies were working relentlessly to eliminate them. On the night of November 19, a confirmed input of a high-ranked terrorist leader of LeT namely 'Quari' who was active in the Rajouri- Poonch area, along with one more accomplice, was received. Immediately coordinated joint operations by the Indian Army, JKP and intelligence agencies were launched," the officials said.

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Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday.

"On November 22 at approx. 08:30 in the morning, the place where our team was searching the jungle, where some civilians were also in close vicinity, the terrorists opened fire. Sensing danger to the lives of innocent women and children, the officer came out of his cover and pinned down the terrorists, thus averting imminent danger to the civilians. While saving the lives of the residents, the officer was hit by a stray volley of fire and made the supreme sacrifice," the officials added.

Also Read | Adani-Hindenburg Case: Easy to Make Allegations, Cant Take Unsubstantiated Ones, Remarks Supreme Court.

Heavy fire continued to be brought down on the terrorists one of whom was likely to be hit. With approaching darkness, more operational teams were built up to cordon the entire area and all the escape routes were blocked. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, night-enabled cameras and other modern equipment were deployed to keep the area under surveillance, through the night.

"Search operations re-commenced on November 23, wherein a search of the contact site led to the recovery of the body of one terrorist who had been eliminated on November 22. Further operations to neutralize the second terrorist, who was attempting to break the cordon led to the resumption of the fight at 0740 hrs. In the ensuing operations, another soldier sustained a fatal gunshot injury. Finally, by approximately 1330 hours, the second terrorist was also eliminated," the officials said.

Both these terrorists are foreign terrorists of which Quari was one of the most wanted terrorists, having been trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan. An IED expert and trained Sniper, Quari was the mastermind of civilian killings at Dhangri in January this year and the attack on security forces in Kandi.

"A large amount of ammunition and war-like stores have been recovered from these terrorists. It is estimated that they were planning to initiate terror-related activities to bring fear in the civil population and cause unrest in the area. The area sanitization and search is still in progress. The ops have been successful owing to the seamless synergy between the Police, Army and other security agencies operating in the area," the officials added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 24 (ANI): A political fight has broken out in Karnataka after the Congress-ruled state government approved a proposal to withdraw the CBI probe against Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in the alleged disproportionate assets case.

Criticising the state cabinet's decision to withdraw a CBI case investigating Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's alleged disproportionate assets, Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra on Friday called the decision "totally illegal" under the Constitution. Vijayendra urged Shivakumar to trust the legal process and not support such cabinet decisions. He also demanded that the Chief Minister revoke this decision.

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"The decision taken by the state cabinet pertaining to DK Shivakumar's disproportionate assets case The decision of the cabinet is totally illegal under the Constitution. I request our deputy CM, DK Shivakumar, that if you have faith in the legal process and legal remedy, then please don't entertain such decisions taken by the cabinet... I demand CM take back this decision. Crores of money have been seized in Karnataka and other states. When the ED is investigating the entire issue, then the decision of the cabinet is completely illegal," Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra said.

Meanwhile, JDS leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy targeted the Congress-led Karnataka government over its approval of a proposal to withdraw a CBI case investigating the alleged disproportionate assets of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying "This government is in power to safeguard the dacoits".

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Man Arrested for Posting Pakistani Flag on Facebook Status in Bareilly.

"This government is in power to safeguard the dacoits. When an issue is in court, I don't want to speak more about it. People who have some shame respect the court; those who don't have shame will not care. They have such an arrogant attitude that they can buy anything," JDS leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said.

Responding to the charges Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar claimed he wasnt' aware of the cabinet decision.

"I have seen it in the newspapers. I could not attend the cabinet meeting yesterday. I am going to Telangana for election campaigning for two days" DK Shivakumar said.

The Congress government however has defended its decision claiming the case against DK Shivakumar was politically motivated.

"BJP can only threaten. They tried it through social media and agencies. Since yesterday they have been doing the same thing in the disproportionate case of DK Shivakumar. BJP is just spreading misinformation on this issue. The case against DK Shivakumar was politically motivated and it was filed to control Congress and Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar because they (BJP) were losing the elections" Karnatak Minister Priyank Kharge said

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the decision taken by the cabinet was well within the law.

"We have made a decision within the framework of the law, within our limits... We will inform the court about the cabinet's decision. What the CBI will do next and what the court will do is up to them... The BJP-JDS interpretation is up to them. We have done what we have to do within the framework of the law" G Parameshwara said.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing of the appeal filed by D K Shivakumar against the sanction accorded by the previous government to the CBI to prosecute him in the disproportionate assets case, to November 29. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu, Nov 24 (PTI) Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday visited the Kalakote area of the Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed the operational situation in the region.

The visit came a day after two foreign terrorists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, including the mastermind behind various attacks, were eliminated in a 36-hours-long gunfight with security forces in Bajimaal area of Rajouri's Darmsal.

Also Read | Bill Signing Delays: Supreme Court Asks Kerala Governor to Go Through Order Copy on Punjab Guv Matter.

Five army personnel - Capt M V Pranjal, Capt Shubham Gupta, Hav Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur  laid down their lives in the gunfight.

"Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Army Commander Northern Command, visited Kalakote area in Rajouri and reviewed the operational situation," the Army's Northern Command wrote on X.

Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Environment Minister Gopal Rai Points Out Two Main Factors for Rising Pollution.

He was briefed on the recently conducted operation.

The Army Commander complimented and felicitated the gallant troops and Army Dog 'Domino' for a successful Operation in the most difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Mortal remains of Capt Shubham Gupta brought to his residence in UP's Agra (Photo/ANI)

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 24 (ANI): The mortal remains of Indian Army's Captain Shubham Gupta, who lost his life in an operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri to flush Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, were brought to his residence here in Uttar Pradesh.

Shubham Gupta's relatives and friends came to his residence to mourn his death along with his family.

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Capt Shubham Gupta and four other Army personnel lost their lives during the encounter operation to eliminate or flush out the terrorists who were hiding in a thickly forested terrain in Kalakote in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier today, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Poonch and Jammu for them where LG Manoj Sinha and senior Army officers paid homage.

Also Read | Bodybuilder Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Brazil: Doctor and Influencer Dead After Suffering Massive Liver Bleed.

The mortal remains of four fallen soldiers, Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur were brought to Jammu, where LG Manoj Sinha, along with senior officials, accorded a tearful farewell at a wreath-laying ceremony.

The wreath-laying ceremony of Hav Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, was held in Poonch.

Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of 'War Like Stores' from the encounter site.

Quari was infamous for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas.His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

Meanwhile, in heart-wrenching visuals from the wreath laying on Friday, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Banihal/Jammu, Nov 24 (PTI) Security forces launched a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district and seized arms, ammunition and explosive material on Friday, officials said.

Acting on information about the presence of a huge cache of arms and ammunition in the forest area of Sarniyal, a joint team of police and Army personnel launched a search operation in the area, they said.

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During the search operation, 113 rounds of 7.62 mm cartridges, three AK-47 magazines, seven rounds of 7.62 mm sniper rifle, five rounds of Pika rifle and two 9 mm cartridges were recovered, officials said.

The team also recovered three Chinese grenades, one Pakistani grenade, two barrel grenade launchers, as many detonators and fuses, an FM transreciever, a Pika belt and 300 grams of explosive, they said, adding further investigation has been initiated.

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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Senior officers pay homage to five Army personnel who lost their lives in Rajouri encounter (Photo/X/@NorthernComd_IA)

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 24 (ANI): At a wreath-laying ceremony, senior Indian Army officers paid homage to five Army personnel who lost their lives during an encounter operation to flush out terrorists in the thickly forested terrain in Kalakote in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command at Jammu and Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta at Poonch paid homage to these Army personnel.

Also Read | Maharashtra Shocker: Toddler Raped by 17-Year-Old Boy in Buldhana on Pretext of Buying Her Chips and Chocolates; Accused Detained.

The mortal remains of four fallen soldiers, Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur were brought to Jammu.

The wreath-laying ceremony of Hav Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, was held in Poonch.

Also Read | Fortis Malar Hospitals to Sell Malar Hospital in Chennai for Rs 45.5 Crore to MGM Healthcare.

Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of 'War Like Stores' from the encounter site.

Quari was infamous for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas.His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

Meanwhile, in visuals from the wreath laying on Friday, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Nov 24 (PTI) Commending the recent Supreme Court judgment that governors cannot indefinitely withhold Bills without action, the TMC labelled it a "lesson for the BJP-appointed governors" and called for the abolition of the post, asserting that it is time to terminate its existence.

Governors cannot be at liberty to keep Bills pending indefinitely without any action, the Supreme Court has said while emphasising that the unelected head of the state is entrusted with constitutional powers that cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by state legislatures.

Also Read | Adani-Hindenburg Row: SEBI Cant Be Asked to Take Media Reports As Gospel Truth, Says Supreme Court.

Observing that unbridled discretion to the governor would "virtually veto the functioning of the legislative domain by a duly elected legislature, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said such a course of action would be contrary to fundamental principles of a constitutional democracy based on a Parliamentary pattern of governance.

Expressing gratitude for the Supreme Court's judgment, TMC MP Santanu Sen said, "We thank the Supreme Court for its judgment and feel that the BJP-appointed governors should take lessons from it and stop interfering in the functioning of the democratically elected state governments. The BJP is using the governors in an unconstitutional way to disturb the state governments which are being led by non-BJP parties."

Also Read | ULFA-I Trying To Carry Out Bomb Blasts Near Army Camps, Says Assam Police.

Sen also advocated for the abolition of the governor's post, asserting, "This post should be abolished. It will not only stop interference by the Centre but will also stop wastage of public money."

Recent clashes between Governor CV Ananda Bose and the state government, involving issues such as university VC appointments, the state's foundation day, withholding of MGNREGA dues by the Centre, and panchayat poll violence, mirror past tensions between the government and former governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, currently serving as the Vice-President of India.

In response to the TMC's stance, the opposition BJP accused the party of unconstitutional behavior.

State BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, "The TMC is behaving as if Bengal is not part of India. The TMC government for the last few years has not been cooperating with the governor, instead has been using Raj Bhavan as a punching bag for their vested interests."

The top court, in its November 10 judgment, which was uploaded on Thursday night decided on the plea of the AAP government in Punjab which alleged the governor was not granting his assent to four Bills which were passed by the assembly.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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New Delhi [India], November 24 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, wrapped up his two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by visiting the proposed site of Atlanta Bay Major Harbour near Diglipur on Friday.

According to an official release, currently, a jetty with a 5 m draft is serving for berthing of inter-island vessels of 4.00m draft. Considering the strategic location and other facilities available, a Bulk Cargo transhipment hub can be developed in Atlanta Bay.

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As per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the feasibility study for developing Atlanta Bay Major Harbour is under process.

"Atlanta Bay has a natural draft of 19/20 and is just 50m distance in the sea. There is availability of Natural break and is well connected by road. Also, sufficient land can be reclaimed from the sea," stated the release.

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"This transhipment hub is on the route from East & NE India to East & SE Asia, Australia-New Zealand countries. It is also on the route, of Coal, Sand and other construction materials, Iron ore etc., to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Once operationalized, the Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port will be economically beneficial for the country as well as to neighbours," the release said.

The proposed port is 565 Km from Yangoon, 765 km from Sittwe, 1000 km from Chittagong, 1100 Km from Kolkata, 1000 km from Barisal and 80 km from Coco Island (the Chinese Defense base), according to the release.

Considering its strategic location, on the northern side of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a 10mtr draft harbour is essential to promote high-end tourism and other essential purposes. Once developed the people of north and middle Andaman will be beneficial and the travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata will be reduced from 72 hours to 15 hours, the Ministry release said.

Earlier on November 23, Union Minister Sonowal took an aerial survey of the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay and interacted with the various stakeholders, local residents and representatives.

He also visited the Indira Point, the southernmost point of India's territory at Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and directed the concerned officials to explore the possibility of developing the Indira Point area as a tourism destination and develop required tourism amenities and facilities for the same.

In Great Nicobar Island, he visited Campbell Bay and reviewed the progress of the Berthing Jetty Extension project.

Later in the evening, he reviewed the various works done by ALHW at Port Blair and appreciated their work in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the last 5 decades.

During the review, the Minister also advised ALHW to explore reputed construction firms to work in the Islands to complete the projects in time.

He expressed satisfaction and called upon all concerned to expedite the implementation of the ongoing projects for the islanders' benefit.

Union Minister Sonowal stated, "Under the leadership of PM Modi the proposed projects in Andaman & Nicobar would catalyze the development in the region. This can lead to inclusive growth and play a key role in improving the livelihoods of the populations with the transportation of goods and passengers."

During the review meeting at Port Blair today, he directed the officials to take up the work of development of Indira Point as a major tourist destination with all required facilities.

There are 58 projects worth Rs 7,622 Crores in Andaman and Nicobar that are being monitored under the Sagarmala programme, as per the Ministry release.

15 projects worth Rs 469 Crores are being funded under the Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). All projects are being implemented by ALHW. 8 projects worth Rs. 211 crores are funded by Sagarmala, 4 projects worth Rs 216 crores are funded under CSS and 3 projects worth Rs 42 crores are funded by MoCA. One project worth Rs 13.5 crore is completed, 4 projects worth Rs 173 crore are under implementation; one project worth Rs 26 crore is under tendering and 9 projects worth Rs 256 crore are under development, the release said.

Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), under the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, has been involved in developing Marine infrastructure in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands for more than 50 years now.

ALHW has planned the Port Infrastructure required to develop these Islands to meet the growing demand, designed and constructed marine structures like Break Waters, Major Wharf, Jetties, Vehicle Ferry Ramp, HDPE Floating Jetties, Fish landing Centers, Dry Docks with afloat repair berths, Slipway and many more in different Islands. Apart from these, Shore protection works, Dredging, Roads and Bridges, and Port Terminal Buildings are fewer among the deposit works carried out on these Islands.

ALHW also provides technical support to local Port departments for port operations.

With the initiative marked in Maritime India Vision 2030, it is planned to develop Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands and Lakshadweep Islands for tourism and other initiatives. Initially, development plans have been focused on job creation for locals through tourism promotion and the export of locally-made seafood and coconut-based products. In the first phase, these plans are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep.

In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands in Lakshadweep will be covered.

In Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Island development will be a key focus for the coming years.

The 26 islands that have been shortlisted to be developed over the next decade are in the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the State of Gujarat.

Themes such as the development of eco-tourism facilities, ship repair, seaplane building and repair, maritime training institutes, Free Trade Zones and bunkering terminals are proposed to be developed. The development of these themes can then be further expanded to other islands to unlock the entire potential of all the islands in the country. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Uttarkashi, November 24: The drone cameras are being used to monitor the situation in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel in which 41 workers are trapped, officials said early Friday. The workers have been trapped for 13 days after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed on November 12.

"We are here to support the team and we are working effortlessly. Our priority is the safety of the trapped labourers so that's why we have got a drone so that we can monitor their situation. The drones are of the latest technology that can go inside the tunnels. It goes autonomous in accessible areas and then you can access it there at any convergence. It can also go in GPS-denied areas. This is the first time that such drones are being used in such a disaster," Managing Director and CEO of Squadrone Infra and Mining Pvt Limited, Cyriac Joseph told ANI. He further said that their team is monitoring every activity happening inside the tunnel through the drone cameras. Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Drilling Work Halted Again After Technical Snag in Augur Machine, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to Stay Overnight at Site.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Latest visuals from outside the tunnel Drilling work was halted yesterday after a technical snag in the Auger drilling machine. Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel pic.twitter.com/OVpFR5og7R  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Food being packed for the 41 workers who are trapped inside pic.twitter.com/jQAOEyvjiw  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

"Our main target is to bring the 41 people out of the tunnel. We hope that they will be brought out safely soon," he added. Associate lead mining engineer Asifmulla said that the drone is of the latest technology and is used for underground mines and tunnels. "We have come here from Bengaluru to support the team. The drilling is underway and we all are trying our best to rescue them out of the tunnel," he added.

Meanwhile, for the stranded workers, Khichdi and milk will be sent in the breakfast in cylindrical bottles. Earlier on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami monitored the rescue operations which entered the final phase.

Officials have mentioned that no specific timelines should be assumed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Uttarakhand CM on the phone and sought information about the ongoing rescue operation of 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: PM Narendra Modi Speaks to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Takes Stock of Rescue Operation of 41 Workers Trapped in Silkyara Tunnel.

A collapse occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, due to which 41 workers were trapped. The labourers are trapped in a 2km-built portion, which is complete including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) IRB Infrastructure Developers on Friday said that its associate IRB Lalitpur Tollway has signed a concession agreement with the NHAI for tolling and operations and maintenance of the Lalitpur-Lakhnadon stretch of NH44 in Madhya Pradesh.

The project involves paying upfront Rs 4,428 crore to NHAI for tolling and O&M of 316 km stretch of NH44 for a revenue-linked concession period of 20 years, IRB Infrastructure Developers said in a statement.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023: When Is Voting and Result? How To Vote, Check Name in Voter List? How To Find Polling Station? Know Everything Here.

The project is being executed by IRB Infrastructure Trust (Private InvIT), it added.

The company has taken a step ahead in achieving financial closure for the project, the statement said.

Also Read | Tiger Population in India: Annual Tiger Census in West Bengals Sunderbans to Begin from November 27.

IRB Infrastructure Developers Chairman and MD Virendra D Mhaiskar said this is the company's second concession agreement for a toll-operate-transfer (TOT) project within a span of 6 months.

"We look forward to bringing World Class travel and project management experience for commuters and other stakeholders of the project," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Retail and e-commerce businesses are likely to see a "fairly good" year ahead, given the strength of the Indian economy and uptick of demand in various categories as well as traction from semi-urban locations, according to Snapdeal CEO Himanshu Chakrawarti.

"As we are seeing currently, our economy is in a very good shape and all aspects of the business, specifically the categories that we operate in, which is in the in disposable income categories... I think we're going to see a significant boost-up next year," Chakrawarti told PTI.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023: When Is Voting and Result? How To Vote, Check Name in Voter List? How To Find Polling Station? Know Everything Here.

He was speaking on the sidelines of Digital Acceleration & Transformation Expo (DATE with Tech).

"We are seeing greenshoots come through even in the semi-urban areas and with the tailwind that we have, I think both retail and e-commerce should see a fairly good year in 2024," Chakrawarti said.

Also Read | Tiger Population in India: Annual Tiger Census in West Bengals Sunderbans to Begin from November 27.

On Snapdeal's expansion plans, the top boss of the e-commerce platform said it is looking at ways to reach out to more and more people in the hinterland, and to encourage them to buy online.

"And there's a lot of effort that we are making predominantly in the voice and the vernacular space. That is one area where we are going to see a lot of innovation that we will carry out for the Tier-2 and beyond audiences, as we bring technology to them," he said.

The company is also looking at ways to get more buyers to opt for digital payments.

"The second part which we are working on is to how to convert a lot of them (users) from cash-on-delivery to digital payments. With government's initiatives that we've seen and the amount of digital penetration, it is something that we are working on...to increase the digital payments penetration," Chakrawarti said.

Whether Snapdeal is looking at an IPO, Chakrawarti said the company will look at how to capitalise the business further "at the right moment", be it through the public market or private.

"But having said that, our preference has always been for the public market... to go public. So at the opportune moment, when it is right and we feel it is, and when we are ready for it, we will be looking at it," he said.

On the funding winter in the startup ecosystem, Chakrawarti believes there is no dearth of capital for ventures focusing on business fundamentals.

"I don't think there's lack of capital availability. What has happened is that the capital is going to businesses which are working on generating revenues and profits, and focusing on basics of business not just growth and customer acquisitions... which in any case is what should have been," he said.

Investors are looking at these aspects very carefully now, and startups that prioritise business basics will not face any issues.

"There is enough capital available in the market," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kabul [Afghanistan], November 24 (ANI): The Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs of Afghanistan said that approximately 2,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Iran voluntarily or forcibly compulsively amid the ongoing migration process, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

According to Taliban-led ministry on Wednesday said that 1,957 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: First Group of 13 Israeli Hostages Handed Over to Red Cross, En Route to Rafah Crossing (Watch Video).

The Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs, citing the head of the Herat border authority, has said that 24 families, comprising 91 people, were forcibly repatriated, according to Khaama Press report.

In addition, 23 families, comprising 87 people, returned to Afghanistan voluntarily. Moreover, 734 people were repatriated involuntarily, while another 1,045 people opted to return to Afghanistan voluntarily.

Also Read | Hamas Releases 12 Thai Hostages Held Captive in Gaza, Says Thailand PM Srettha Thavisin.

According to the Taliban-led ministry, 341 people among these returning migrants have been identified as needing assistance. It further said that these people have been referred to the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) for support.

Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs has revealed that 2,000 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan amid a recent rise in the deportation of Afghan citizens from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, Khaama Press reported.

On Wednesday, more than 3000 Afghan migrants arrived in Afghanistan, with both forced and voluntary returns from Pakistan and Iran. The repatriation of Afghan migrants demonstrates the migration dynamics in the region.

The return of more than 3000 Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday highlighted the ongoing challenges during a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.

Earlier this month, a significant number of Afghan migrants who recently returned from Iran complained of mistreatment by the Iranian security forces, according to TOLO News reported.

In addition to physical abuse, these refugees report enduring severe psychological harm due to verbal mistreatment by the Iranian military. Local officials in Nimroz province confirmed the distressing situation and disclosed troubling statistics. In the past two months, out of the 120,000 Afghan refugees who returned from Iran, an alarming 90 per cent of them were reportedly forcibly deported, according to TOLO News report.

Abdullah Ryaz, the provincial head of Refugee and Repatriations in Nimroz, stated, "In the last two months, nearly 120,000 refugees returned from Iran and other countries to Afghanistan, and 90 per cent of them were forcibly deported."

Waisuddin, one of the refugees from Iran, said, "We wanted to go to work when they deported us, but they sent us back to the camp, where there was no food, no water, and we faced curses and physical abuse from the authorities."Zekrullah, another returnee, revealed, "Those whose passports had expired also faced deportation." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Bangkok, November 24: Expressing his delight over the scheduled consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 next year, Swami Vigyanananand, founder and global chairman of World Hindu Foundation (WHF) and chief organiser of World Hindu Congress, on Friday said the ceremony will be telecast live in Bangkok and Hindus from across the globe will converge at the event, engaging in kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitation.

The World Hindu Congress which takes place every four years, is being hosted currently in the Thai capital. Organised by the World Hindu Foundation, the event opened on Friday and will culminate on November 26. Ram Mandir Consecration: People Enjoying VIP Status Should Avoid Visiting Ayodhya on Day of Consecration of Ram Temple, Says Trust.

Speaking to ANI, Swami Vigyanananand said, "We have ordered prasad (food offered to the deity) from Ayodhya. A replica of the Ayodhya temple has been built here. We have also brought an image of the birthplace of Ram Lalla from Ayodhya. Copies of the image will be shared with all the delegates (attending the conference). The festive ambience in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple should be spread across the world."

"Across the globe, wherever there is a Hindu temple or a thriving Hindu community, all the followers of our faith will participate in kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitation at a specified time on January 22, next year. The devotees can catch the consecration live from Ayodhya on giant screens across the globe and also take part in a havan, puja and recitation wherever they are. We will experience this grand event together. Hindus worldwide will create a festive ambience in their own special ways and all religious people will immerse in celebrations," Swami Vigyanananand added.

The World Hindu Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on art and culture. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi. "The mission of the World Hindu Congress is to enhance the identity and prestige of Hindus in today's world. This can only be achieved by focusing on key areas such as the economy, education, media, and politics, which are fundamental to the progress of any society. By strengthening these areas, we can strengthen society as a whole," the chief organizer of the World Hindu Congress told ANI. Ram Mandir Idol Consecration: PM Narendra Modi Invited by Temple Trust to Visit Ayodhya, Says 'I Feel Very Blessed' After Receiving Invitation (See Pic).

The theme for the World Hindu Congress this year is 'Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah', which translates to "dharma, the abode of victory". Sharing further details of the World Hindu Congress, Swami Vigyanananand said, "In the past, individual efforts were made, but there was no collective focus on core areas. Over the past ten to twelve years, we have provided a direction to the Hindu community, and simultaneously, the World Hindu Congress began focusing on education, academics, media, and politics. Our first priority is the youth."

"A decade ago, the relevance of the word 'Hindu' appeared to have diminished. It started with Sindhu, then came the Hindu land, followed by Hindustan, Indian, and finally India. We have reversed this decline. Now, everyone in the world is proudly proclaiming their Hindu identity. Many heads of state are proudly identifying themselves as Hindus. This is the most significant change and we regard it as our success. The second thing you must have noticed is that we have been present since the beginning. As per our terms of reference, we do not use the word 'India'. We are not against it but we do not use the word. We identify ourselves with 'Bharat' instead. 'Bharat' has now become the mainstream. This is our success, the impact of our efforts," Swami Vigyanananand added.

"A Hindu nation will only succeed if its economy is strong. Only a strong economy can lead to a strong defence, and only a strong defence can lead to strong diplomacy and political skills. Only then can we have strong academics or education," the chief organiser of the World Hindu Congress noted. Earlier, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, said, along with other saffron outfits, it will extend invitations to as many as 10 crore families across two lakh villages to an event by Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, ahead of the scheduled consecration of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya next year.

The programme is scheduled to be held from January 1 to 15, just ahead of the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, next year. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram temple between 12 noon and 12.45 pm on January 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Ram Mandir next year. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also been invited by members of Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust to the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22, next year. The foundation stone for the construction of the Ram Temple was laid by PM Modi on August 5, 2020.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Islamabad [Pakistan], November 24 (ANI): A district and sessions court in Mardan on Friday rejected the police's request for the physical remand of Pakistan's former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

The court sent the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qaiser to jail on a four-day judicial remand in a case related to protests held on May 9 after PTI chairman Imran Khan's arrest.

Also Read | Hamas Releases 12 Thai Hostages Held Captive in Gaza, Says Thailand PM Srettha Thavisin.

On Friday, Qaiser was presented before a district and session court in Mardan. During the hearing, Charsadda police submitted a request seeking Qaiser's five-day physical remand. However, the court rejected the request and sent Asad Qaiser to jail. The judge also asked police to produce Qaiser on November 29 along with the case record.

Initially, Qaiser was arrested on November 3 on charges of causing losses to the national exchequer through procurement irregularities in the Gajju Khan Medical College, according to Dawn report.

Also Read | Israel Content With Strong, Consistent Support from India Amid War With Hamas, Says Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon.

On Thursday, Asad Qaiser was granted bail by an anti-corruption court in the case. However, the PTI leader was rearrested from his residence hours later in a case related to the ransacking of the Charsadda Toll Plaza on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway on May 9.

After Asad Qaiser's release from prison in Swabi, a joint team of Swabi and Charsadda police arrested him. Speaking to Dawn, Qaiser's brother, Waheed Khan said that three cases related to May 9 violence were lodged against his brother. He said that one case was lodged in Swabi, another in Islamabad and the third in Charsadda.

After his arrest on Thursday, Qaiser posted a video message calling on PTI supporters to continue their lawful struggle and aim for a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls, Dawn reported.

In the video posted on X, Qaiser said, "I tell my Pakistani brothers that you should not be afraid. We believe in the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution."

Asad Qaiser said, "It's election time, and they (the establishment) are trying to take us to the other side, but we will continue our struggle within the limits of law," Dawn reported.

"We have only one demand: Pakistan should be governed according to the Constitution and the law. There should be a level playing field for all political parties," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Seoul [South Korea], November 24 (ANI): The Foreign Ministers of South Korea, China and Japan will meet for talks in in the southeastern port city of Busan, South Korea on Sunday, reported Yonhap News citing Seoul's foreign ministry on Friday.

The meeting is intended to set the stage for the first summit between the three countries' leaders in four years.

Also Read | Japan Road Accident: Car Driven by Elderly Man Rams Into Pedestrians in Tokyo, Four Injured.

South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Sunday for broad discussions on ways to boost trilateral cooperation and other regional and global issues.

Before inviting the Japanese and Chinese ministers to a luncheon meeting and consequent three-way talks, South Korean Foreign Minister Park will hold separate bilateral talks with Wang and Kamikawa, respectively.

Also Read | Indian Navy Veterans Sentenced to Death in Qatar: Qatari Court Accepts Indias Appeal Against Death Sentence Given to Eight Former Indian Naval Officers.

Foreign ministers Wang and Kamikawa are expected to arrive in Busan on Saturday.

After nearly a four-year hiatus the trilateral summit among the leaders of the three Northeast Asian neighbors will raise the prospect of returning to the annual summit format.

As the current rotating chair, Seoul has been pushing to host the summit before the end of this year.

The last time the trilateral summit was held was in China's southwestern city of Chengdu in December 2019.

Largely the summit has not gone ahead as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the deterioration in bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo over the issue of compensating Korean victims of forced labour during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, has also played a role in the summits delay.

In March South Korea said it would compensate the Korean victims on its own without asking for contributions from Japanese companies, dramatically warming tensions between the two states, Yonhap News reported.

In a senior officials' meeting in late September, the three countries agreed to hold the tripartite summit at "the earliest convenient time."

After Pyongyang and the Kim Jong-Un regime successfully launched their military spy satellite on Tuesday, talks have come at a time of concern for the three states.

South Korea, the United States, Japan and Britain have accused the North of providing weapons and munitions to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, in return for getting assistance in military technologies, Yonhap News reported.

The satellite's successful entrance into orbit is expected to be a key agenda during Sunday's talks.

They are also likely to discuss efforts to promote three-way cooperation in forward-looking areas, such as sustainability and climate change, science and digital technologies, health and ageing society, and people-to-people exchanges. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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New Delhi, November 24: Delhi Police has busted a factory making artificial or counterfeit ghee and branding in the name of reputed brands of Patanjali Ghee, Mother Dairy ghee, Amul ghee and Naksh Dairy products, an official said on Friday. Sharing the details, the official said that the DIU (Distt Investigation Unit) and Vigilance unit of Dwarka district has been entrusted with duty to conduct raids in Copyright and Trademark Cases on the complaints of the right holder companies.

"A raid was conducted on November 19, by combined teams of DIU and Vigilance branch of Dwarka at Dichaun Kalan. During the raid, one factory was found to be operating in preparation and packaging of counterfeit ghee," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M. Harsha Vardhan. Delhi: Fake Ghee Making Factory Busted in Dwarka, Labels of Popular Brands Seized.

"One Aluminum tub containing ghee like substance, electronic weighing machines, burning stove, and tetra pack boxes (500 ml & 1000 ml) of Mother Dairy, Amul, Milkfood, Naksh Dairy, etc. were found along with Vanaspati ghee of different brands," said the DCP.

"At the said factory two workers namely Arjun and a minor were found present who informed that the factory is of Sumit, nephew of Umed Singh (owner of the said premises). The workers were asked about the authority letters of the respective brands, which they failed to produce," said the DCP. A case has been registered and efforts are being made out to nab the owner of the factory, Sumit, said the DCP. Odisha: Fake Ghee Factory Busted in Ganjam, Used Burnt Engine Oil for Manufacturing.

"Police have recovered 4900 wrappers for packaging of mother dairy, 120 cartoons with label of mother dairy, four litres ghee packed in Mother dairy packs, 231 empty packs of Patanjali ghee, 100 cartoons with label of Amul Ghee, 1245 tetra pack box with label of Amul ghee, 1568 inner plastic pouch of tetra pack with label of Amul ghee, 50 litres of Naksh Ghee among others," the DCP added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2023 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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Tokyo, November 24: Four people were injured on Friday after a car driven by an 80-year-old man rammed into pedestrians on a sidewalk in central Tokyo, according to police in the Japanese capital. The accident occurred around noon at an intersection in the Ebisu neighbourhood, In Tokyo's Shibuya District, Xinhua news agency quoted the police said.

Despite sustaining injuries, all four victims remained conscious. The driver, who also suffered minor injuries, was arrested on-site for reckless driving causing injuries. Japan: Cop Injured After Car Crashes Into Barricade Near Israeli Embassy in Tokyo, Driver Arrested.

According to the police, medication for diabetes was discovered inside the damaged vehicle, with the precise cause of the accident still under investigation. Japan: Two Vehicles Collide Trying To Avoid Deer on Hokkaido Road in Shibecha; Two Men Died.

As Japan grapples with the challenges of its rapidly aging population, the safety of elderly drivers also raises concerns. Official data showed that in 2022, the number of deadly traffic accidents caused by drivers aged 75 or over in the country rose to 379.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2023 02:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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Ohio police have released body camera footage detailing their response to a mass shooting at a local Walmart, shedding light on the tragic incident involving 20-year-old Benjamin Charles Jones from Dayton, according to Fox News.

Jones opened fire in the store on Monday, using a Hi-Point .45-caliber Carbine Long Gun and firing several rounds indiscriminately.

The newly revealed bodycam footage captures the tense moments as officers, with guns drawn, navigate through the store, passing Christmas decorations in their search for the shooter.

Ultimately, the officers discovered Jones' lifeless body in the store's visitor's center, succumbing to what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

One officer can be heard confirming on the footage, "Got 'em - shooter's down."

While Ohio police could not ascertain the exact number of shots fired by Jones before he turned the gun on himself, witness Alisha Ring, who was present during the incident, shared her harrowing experience.

In a tearful Facebook Live video from the store's parking lot, Ring recalled the assailant walking by her with an assault rifle and firing about ten shots.

"I was literally just shopping for Thanksgiving stuff, and this guy walked right past me with an assault rifle and started shooting," Ring said.

READ NEXT: Cleveland, Ohio Mass Shooting Suspect in Custody

Ohio Walmart Shooting May Have Been Racially Motivated

The individual who carried out the mass shooting at a Beavercreek Walmart, injuring four people, may have been partially motivated by ideologies categorized as "racially or ethnically motivated violence," according to the FBI's statement on Wednesday.

Investigators are actively examining evidence, including the journals of the mass shooting suspect, Benjamin Charles Jones, as part of their ongoing probe into Monday's incident, Yahoo! News noted.

At approximately 8:36 PM, the gunman entered the Walmart and shot four individuals who were shopping at the time.

The victims, identified as two Black women, a white woman, and a white man, were promptly transported to local hospitals.

Three of them were in critical condition, while the fourth sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Upon arrival at the store at 8:42 PM, law enforcement found the Ohio Walmart shooting suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The FBI revealed that Jones purchased the .45 caliber handgun legally on Nov. 18 from a store in the Dayton area.

The agency stated, "Investigators are continuing to look at the background of the subject to determine if any answers on his ATF form 4473 were inaccurate."

Ohio Walmart Shooting Suspect's History

The Ohio mass shooting suspect, Benjamin Jones, had reportedly embraced white supremacist conspiracy theories and undergone mental health evaluations three times in the past two years, according to a source close to the situation.

Moreover, Jones displayed warning signs and red flags, discussing right-wing conspiracy theories and embracing white supremacy ideologies, per the NY Post.

Despite a lack of clarity on his motives for the shooting, the source described Jones as a troubled individual with minimal socialization, attending an online Christian school and struggling with interpersonal conflicts.

Jones had sought mental health evaluations after personal challenges, including a fallout with his girlfriend and a car accident.

The source emphasized that Jones was very religious and knowledgeable about the Bible.

Despite the troubling nature of the Ohio mass shooting suspect's actions, the source acknowledged the heartbreak left by the incident while noting the presence of signs indicative of his struggles.

READ MORE: Maine Mass Shooting Suspect Found Dead

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Frightening bodycam footage shows moment cops find body of Ohio Walmart shooter - From New York Post
Kari Lake's string of defeats continues as the Donald Trump ally and losing Arizona gubernatorial candidate's bid to have the Arizona Supreme Court hear her election lawsuit was rejected unanimously.

Lake, a former TV news anchor, had previously tried to skip the Arizona Court of Appeals and go directly to the State Supreme Court as she tried to call for a new election or be named the governor despite the state finding no evidence of the widespread voter fraud she had been claiming.

The infamous politician has mirrored her top ally, Donald Trump's tactics of claiming election fraud despite having little to no evidence to back those claims up. The evidence they presented was not enough to prove voter fraud could have changed the results, with an Arizona lower court previously ruling against her as her arguments had no merit.

However, the Supreme Court rejected Lake's appeal, with Justice Bill Montgomery writing in the ruling, "Appellant Lake does not show good cause for transferring the appeal from the court of appeals, where the matter has been fully briefed."

Lake claimed in her Supreme Court bid that she had new evidence and asked the court to reverse a lower court decision against her. She has also been claiming on social media that she has new evidence of corruption. However, upon seeing her so-called evidence, the trial court, the Appeals court, and the Supreme Court all found what she presented unconvincing.

The Arizona Supreme Court itself has launched its own investigation into Lake's alleged election fraud claims and found no evidence of any tampering with voting tabulators or printers.

Kari Lake Doubles Down on Election Fraud Claims as She Runs for US Senate

Even though she has lost in the courts repeatedly as she failed to back up her claims of election fraud with hard evidence, Lake is pulling a Donald Trump and is attempting to win the court of public opinion as she doubles down on her debunked claims. This comes as she runs for the US Senate with the full endorsement of Donald Trump.

READ MORE: Arizona: State AG Investigating Clerks Who Refused To Certify 2022 Elections as Kari Lake Gets Accused of Antisemitic Ties

During the 2022 elections, Lake lost her bid as Arizona governor after constantly attacking moderate Republicans loyal to John McCain, who is an ardent opponent of her ally, Donald Trump.

However, Arizona Central has found that Lake has been changing tactics too. In addition to doubling down on her election lies, she is also extending olive branches to her Republican opponents to shore up moderates.

While she strikes a somber tone to moderate Republicans to get their support for her Senate bid, she is maintaining a balancing act for their MAGA Base as she continues claiming the election was rigged and argues that the court should reopen the issue because of new evidence despite repeatedly losing her cases.

Kari Lake Allies Also Lose Election Court Case

While Lake is busy with her own cases and Senate bid, the Arizona Daily Star is reporting that We The People, a group allied to the failed gubernatorial candidate, failed to gain access to any security camera footage of Runbeck Election Services, which runs election services across the country.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge rejected their bid, noting that the Lake-allied organization's conclusions were unsupported by any other evidence.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Caught On Tape Talking About Classified Document He Kept

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Kari Lake HUMILIATED AGAIN with CRUSHING DEFEAT, Total REJECTION - MeidasTouch
In the wake of what he now calls election failures, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure late Friday afternoon announced the resignation of his director of administration, Charles M. Dertinger.

The resignation follows the Nov. 7 municipal election in which a human error in programming the countys voting machines led to incorrect paper-record printouts of votes for Pennsylvania Superior Court.

The Northampton County Election Commission Board on Tuesday nevertheless certified the election results, making them official. The results of two types of post-election audits on Friday matched the election results, county spokeswoman and Deputy Director of Administration Brittney Waylen told lehighvalleylive.com.

Referring to Dertinger, McClures announcement described his Election failures of 2019 and 2023. The November 2019 election was the first time the county used ExpressVote XL touchscreen voting machines made by Omaha, Nebraska-based Election Systems & Software (ES&S), and they malfunctioned.

Earlier this month, in the wake of the election, McClure said his administration was very confident that the vast majority of people who wanted to vote on Election Day cast a vote.

Based on everything we know, there was a legal, fair and accurate election and no races were materially affected by the voting machine problems, McClure had told lehighvalleylive.com.

In a news release sent out at 4:22 p.m. on Black Friday, McClure, a second-term Democrat re-elected in 2021, stated: Mr. Dertinger has spent nearly six years honorably serving the people of Northampton County in my Administration. While the 2019 and 2023 Elections were failures under his leadership of the Elections Division, the 20, 21, and 22 elections were nearly flawless, as any complicated human activity can expect to be.

McClure was not immediately available for additional comment. Dertinger, reached at his Slate Belt home, declined to speak with a reporter other than to say, Have a good weekend. County Council President Kerry Myers did not immediately return a call for comment.

In 2019, Northampton County purchased 320 of the ES&S ExpressVote XL machines under a five-year $2.88 million contract, now in its fifth year and with renewal periods. During their first use Nov. 5, 2019, an estimated 30% of the machines were improperly calibrated by the company, leading to hypersensitivity problems in registering some voter choices.

The problem on Election Day 2023 in Northampton County involved whether to retain U.S. Superior Court Judges Jack Panella and Victor Stabile for additional 10-year terms. Votes of yes or no to both were fine, but one yes and one no created problems. Thats because the names were switched on the printout versus the touchscreen  a human-error, data-entry mistake that was not caught in testing until it was noticed the morning of Nov. 7, executives with ES&S said.

About 2,400 voters in Northampton County used paper ballots on Election Day as the county and workers at the polls grappled with the error, county officials previously said. Some 100 voters told Northampton County Republican leaders they were impacted by the mistake.

On Election Day, ES&S Senior Vice President for Customer Operations Linda Bennett said her company deeply regretted the coding error on the part of an employee. Adam Carbullido, ES&Ss vice president for account management, apologized Nov. 16 before the county council and on Tuesday before the election commission.

McClures statement Friday continued to say:

Mr. Dertinger has had many accomplishments, great and small, as Director of Administration. Specifically, he led the team that built the new Forensic Center during a global pandemic. Mr. Dertinger brought that project in on time and under budget. A feat thats normally impossible to achieve, let alone during a time of stay-at-home orders and massive supply chain disruptions.

Mr. Dertinger and I have been working together on a shared vision of county governance since at least 2005. Many of the things I care about, he cared about first. The preservation of open and green space comes to mind. Many of the successes of our Administration have come due to his efforts in helping implement our initiatives.

Despite his Election failures of 2019 and 2023, the foregoing reasons stated is why his resignation is regrettable. I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Fridays election audits conducted at the county courthouse and government center in Easton included one required under Pennsylvania law, to perform a 2% statistical sample audit. The recount is conducted using manual, mechanical or electronic devices of a type different than those used for the specific election.

The Northampton County Elections Office randomly selected five precincts within each four county council districts to meet the 2%, according to a news release from the county. The precincts selected were Allen Township South, Lower Saucon Township 1, Palmer Eastern, and Lower Mount Bethel Township Upper. These precincts ballots were run through a DS950 scanner again to make sure the results matched the initial count.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of State selected Northampton County at random to participate in a Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA) for the state Superior Court race.

The RLA is a procedure that uses statistical methods to confirm election outcomes and to detect possible interference. RLAs examine a random sample of paper ballots, comparing the votes on paper to the totals reported by the vote-counting machines to ensure that the reported outcome of the contest being audited is correct.

The Department of State selects the random batch of ballots for the RLA. The batch of mail-in ballots was run through the DS450 and counted by hand for the four candidates for Justice of the Superior Court.

The official results for all races in the 2023 election are available on the Northampton County website at NorthamptonVotes.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
UPDATE: Coroner identifies Bethlehem man who died after Thanksgiving crash in Salisbury Twp.

One person is dead following a Thanksgiving Day crash in Salisbury Township, township police said in a news release.

The crash happened at 12:44 p.m. Thursday on East Emmaus Avenue at the intersection of Gaskill Avenue, according to the release.

WFMZ Channel 69 News reported the crash involved a motorcycle and pickup truck, although the release from police did not specify the number or type of vehicles involved.

One of the vehicle operators was treated on scene, then transported to the St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he was pronounced deceased, police said in the release.

Police said multiple witnesses assisted at the scene. Also assisting township police were the Eastern Salisbury Township Fire Department, the Salisbury Township Fire Police and St. Lukes EMS.

Township police, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office and the Lehigh County Crash Team are investigating.

Anyone with any information regarding this accident is encouraged to contact the Salisbury Township Police Department at 610-797-1447 or Lehigh County Radio at 610-437-5252.

Police did not release the identity of the deceased or specify if anyone else was hurt.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio told The Morning Call of Allentown that his office is still in the process of notifying the family.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Police departments across Pennsylvania have struggled to recruit cadets since the pandemic, and protests in the summer of 2020 over police brutality in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Now state officials are working to make police training an option for more people.

The state House passed legislation last week that would lower the minimum fitness standard for a potential recruit to be admitted to a police academy. But not everyone thinks thats a good move.

The bills intent is to end the shortfall that Gov. Josh Shapiro put at 1,200 officers statewide during his budget address in March, its prime sponsor, Rep. Dan Williams (D-Chester), said.

One of the greatest dangers to citizens, as well as law enforcement officers, is not enough officers, Williams said during debate before the bill passed Nov. 14 with a 115-88 vote. The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

Civil rights groups have argued that the solution lies not with the quantity of officers, but the quality, calling for reforms to how officers are trained for dealing with people in mental health crisis, for instance.

House Bill 863 would reduce the minimum fitness level for police academy recruits from the 30th percentile to the 15th percentile of performance on the standard physical fitness assessment, which includes a 1 mile run, a 300-meter sprint, push-ups and pull-ups.

In order to graduate from the police academy, a cadet would have to improve their physical fitness to reach the 30th percentile of performance. It would also alter the reading comprehension standard to allow local police departments to submit their own reading tests to the state for consideration.

Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) was among those who voted in opposition to the bill, all of whom were Republicans. As the Houses representative to the Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission (MPOTEC), Jozwiak said changing the fitness and reading standards is a bad idea. MPOTEC issues the states police academy and firearms training curricula.

Society expects police officers to be the best of the best, at least better than the average citizen, Jozwiak said. To accomplish that, we set high standards in our police academies, expecting to have the very best cadets graduating and to give applicants the best chance to succeed.

Jozwiak noted that the fitness standards were already lowered from the 50th percentile to the 30th percentile several years ago.

And when a police department makes the decision to sponsor a recruit in training, he said, it has already invested significant resources in vetting candidates by way of background checks.

MPOTECs police academy curriculum requires that cadets maintain the 30th percentile through the five months of the academy, with the first assessment after one month, Jozwiak said. He said fitness training instructors say it would be impossible for a person to improve from the 15th to 30th percentile in a month.

Entrance requirements are meant to keep people from wasting your time and money trying to do something that they are not prepared to do or would not be eligible to do, Jozwiak said.

The Shapiro Administration and Pennsylvania State Police, which oversees MPOTEC, support finding solutions to ease the shortage of municipal police officers, the state police said in a statement issued by its press office.

The Administration supports easing the physical fitness requirements to allow more, qualified applicants to enter municipal police academies, where they can receive training to meet the fitness standards required to become police officers, the statement reads.

Shapiro has taken other measures to improve recruiting for the state police and local police departments. In one of his first actions as governor, Shapiro removed the college degree requirement for thousands of state jobs, including the state police.

This years budget proposal included a $2,500 tax credit to encourage young people to consider careers in law enforcement and other critical front-line professions in which interest has dwindled.

Marcia Cole, director of the Criminal Justice Training Center at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, agreed that lowering fitness standards could result in wasted resources if recruits wash out because theyre not able to meet the fitness standards.

If somebody comes into the academy in decent shape they have a better chance of graduating, Cole said, adding that they would be less likely to be injured, too.
Gardai stationed in Laois were among those deployed to Dublin last night to quell the rioting and looting in the city.

The Leinster Express/Laois live has confirmed that gardai from Laois travelled to Dublin to assist their colleagues during the unrest.

A Garda Press Office spokesman said for operational reasons they wouldnt be commenting on the number of gardai who attended from the Laois Offaly Garda Division.

Its also unclear whether any gardai from the division were injured or whether any vehicles attached to the Laois Offaly Division sustained damage during the violence.

Gardai issued an update in relation to the unrest this morning. They said they responded to serious, developing and evolving public order incidents and violent disorder in Dublin City Centre yesterday evening.

Over 400 members of An Garda Siochana, were deployed on patrol in Dublin City Centre, including frontline uniformed Gardai, supported by over 250 Public Order Gardai.

As a result of serious public disorder in Dublin City Centre yesterday evening, Thursday, November 23, An Garda Siochana can confirm the following:

"Seven vehicles were damaged by fire including three buses, three Garda patrol cars and one Luas tram.

Eight other Garda vehicles were extensively damaged. Thirteen properties were attacked and substantially damaged.

A number of members of An Garda Siochana were injured; one seriously injured member, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital," Gardai stated.

They said 34 people were arrested, primarily for public order and theft offences. Of these, 32 have been charged and will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning.

An Garda Siochana have commenced a formal investigation into all of the circumstances of the Violent Disorder and Public Order events that occurred on Thursday, November 23.

An incident room has been established at Store Street Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.

An Garda Siochana are in the process of collating and harvesting CCTV and social media images from the events yesterday.

An Garda Siochana appeals to any person with any information on the events last night or has any information on persons organising or involved in yesterdays events to contact the Garda investigation team.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Store Street Garda Station at 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

The unrest erupted following a violent incident on Parnell Square on Thursday afternoon when three young children, a boy ,5, two girls aged 5 and 6, a woman in her 30s and another man in his 50s were injured in an alleged stabbing.

The scene of the incident at Parnell Square East remains preserved at this time. The road is currently closed to traffic and diversions are in place, Gardai said this morning.

The girl, aged 5, who was seriously injured during the incident remains in a critical condition in CHI Temple Street. The girl, aged 6, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin.

The boy, aged 5, was discharged from CHI Crumlin yesterday evening.

The adult female, aged in her 30s, remains in a serious condition in The Mater Hospital.

The adult male, aged in his 50s, also remains in a serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin Region, Gardai said this morning.

Gardai appealed to anyone with any information on the attack to contact investigating Gardai. Investigating Gardai are also appealing to anyone who may have mobile phone footage of the attack or the immediate aftermath to make this footage available to An Garda Siochana.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station 01 666 8600 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
A Judge branded a dirty old man who sexually assaulted a woman while operating an illegal taxi service a beast.

John Parkinson, 68, of Trumera, Mountrath admitted sexually assaulting the woman in Laois on a date in March last year.

At a sitting of Portlaoise District Court, Garda Elaine Condon read a victim impact statement compiled by the injured party.

The woman, who is in her 20s, outlined how she was in the car with the defendant when he suddenly pulled over and put his hand between her legs and then on her chest. She said the assault lasted around five minutes.

I was scared, she recalled. She didnt tell anyone until a week later. She said the mans previous claim that he had stopped his car and apologised was untrue and said had he stopped she would have run away.

He made me feel dirty and I always thought it was my fault, she said. She said the assault had made her feel ongoing hurt and had resulted in her self harming.

She said he had destroyed her life and she hoped to never see him again. I will never forgive him, she said.

I am just happy that I am believed, the woman said. She thanked the gardai for the way in which they dealt with the case.

Judge Andrew Cody commended the victim who he described as a brave young girl.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was 68 years of age and had no previous convictions.

He is extremely apologetic for what happened, he said.

He said he accepts the facts aside from the duration of the assault.

I think it would have been a lot shorter than five minutes, said Mr Meagher, who suggested it was closer to 30 seconds. He said there was no suggestion of any violence as can be the case with this type of offence.

In this case it would seem that Mr Parkinson realised very, very quickly what a foolish and horrible mistake he had made, said Mr Meagher.

He said the man had previously brought 1,000 to court which I note the victim wants to give to the Rape Crisis Centre.

He said the man had a further 500 in court. He said his client suffers with ill health and has a lot of medical difficulties. He asked the judge to take into account his clients cooperation with gardai.

The victim was saved the awful prospect of having to relive the incident, said Mr Meagher.

He again said his client had no previous convictions.

Judge Andrew Cody said the man had a previous conviction for operating an illegal taxi service.

He was convicted of operating an illegal taxi service and he was operating an illegal taxi service that night, he said.

Mr Meagher said his client had been overcome with a particular urge on the date in question.

The nature of the assault was thankfully over clothing and he didnt use any force, said Mr Meagher.

On the range of offending that these incidents can fall into I would respectfully suggest it was the lower range, he said.

Judge Andrew Cody said the man had portrayed himself as a Mother Teresa of Calcutta providing people with a service.

This is a dirty old man preying on a vulnerable young woman, he said.

He preyed on this young girl and a very brave young girl, said Judge Cody.

I want to congratulate her for that, he said.

Judge Cody said it was a serious assault and the woman should be complimented for how she dealt with it.

She has had severe trauma in her life as a result of this beast, he said.

He imposed a six month sentence, which was suspended for two years, and he fined him 1,000. He ordered the man to pay 5,000 in compensation to the victim by January 2025. Judge Cody noted the woman had chosen to donate the other 1,000 to charity but said she should enjoy the 5,000 and go on a holiday.

He lifted reporting restrictions on identifying the defendant but said nothing should be published which identifies the victim. He thanked the womans mother for attending court.
TWO brothers of Jozef Puska, the man who murdered Ashling Murphy, are scheduled to appear at Tullamore District Court on December 20 next.

Lubomir Puska (35) and Marek Puska (34) are both accused of failing to disclose information to gardai which might have helped secure the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of Jozef Puska for the murder of Ashling Murphy at Grand Canal Way, Cappincur, Tullamore on January 12 last year.

The offences are alleged to have been committed by the two men on a date unknown between January 12 and January 27, 2022 at Tullamore Garda Station.

A woman, Lucia Istokova (34) has been accused of the same offence and has also been remanded to appear at Tullamore District Court on December 20.

Two other women, Jozefina Grundzova (33) and Viera Gazoiva (38) have also been remanded to appear at the same court on that date.

They are both charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person, knowing or believing that person to be guilty of murder or some other arrestable offence, between January 12 and January 14, 2022.

When the five accused people appeared before Tullamore District Court earlier this year an order was made prohibiting the publication of their addresses.

Detective Garda Colin O'Leary told the court that when Lubomir Puska was arrested and charged he replied after caution: I understand what you said and I thank you.

Marek Puska was arrested by Detective Sergeant Caroline Lyng and she said his reply after caution was: It is out of my hands to say anything about that.

The other gardai who gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution were Detective Garda Shane Jennings, Detective Garda Alan Burke and Detective Garda David Harney.

The court heard the DPP had directed all five be tried by indictment and she remanded them on bail to appear in court again for service of books of evidence.

A Slovakian language interpreter was in court to assist the accused.

Jozef Puska (33), a native of Slovakia with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Tullamore, is serving a life sentence for murdering Ashling Murphy after being found guilty at the end of an 18-day trial at the Central Criminal Court.

Twenty-three-year-old Ms Murphy, from Blueball, Tullamore, was a teacher at Durrow National School.
The narrative of extremism must be challenged from wherever it emerges, Humza Yousaf has said.

The Scottish First Minister was speaking after rioting in Dublin, where he praised Irish police for running towards danger.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the scenes showed that elected politicians needed to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate.

Garda arrested 34 people after a night of violence following a knife attack near a school in Dublin city centre, in which three children and a woman were injured.

Irelands police chief Drew Harris blamed the rioting on a lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology.

Politicians at the British-Irish Council meeting in Dublin were asked about the rise of far-right extremism.

Mr Yousaf expressed Scotlands shock and sorrow about the knife attack and subsequent violence.

He said: I want to pay tribute to the Garda for police officers running towards danger when the rest of us would run away from danger, doing their job diligently in terms of keeping the people of Dublin safe.

We all have to be, not just aware of, but appropriately challenging the narrative of any extremists.

Whether they are on the far right or elsewhere and challenging any narrative that seeks to divide us as communities.

From a Scottish perspective, we have been a country which has benefited both because were a nation which has invited and welcomed immigrants to our country but also because we are a nation of migrants ourselves.

He said the incidents of the past 24 hours would be a real test of any nations character.

Ive got no doubt at all that the Irish republic will absolutely step up, as they already have and come together as one to express solidarity with the victims affected yesterday afternoon but come together in their complete revulsion at the scenes of disorder and those who try to exploit such incidents for their own nefarious purposes.

Asked if he was worried that similar scenes could occur in the UK, Mr Heaton-Harris said: I would like to think we wouldnt see that on any of our streets, but actually we have in the past.

I dont think Im in a position to suggest nothing like that could happen in the future, or indeed suggest to the Irish as to how they could and should react to the pressures they have in this space.

He added: On the rise of the far right, it is up to democratically elected politicians to be able to articulate the concerns of their electorate and we need to do that better.

We had in English politics the rise of the British National Party only a few years ago, they were elected to the European Parliament, MEPs were elected to the European Parliament in two regions of the United Kingdom.

We need to, as a society, have a proper debate about migration, immigration, what we need in skills and how we treat people and what pressures it brings to our domestic services.

These need to be articulated by mainstream politicians because if we dont articulate them then we do leave a vacuum for other people who might not be as benign as we are.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said the events in Dublin were shocking because its so rare in Ireland.

People in Dublin endured two terrible attacks yesterday, he said.

So first of all, there was the horrific knife assault. That crime is being investigated and it would be wrong for anyone to speculate further at the moment. But then later, there was an attack on the rule of law and legitimate authority.

It was a relatively small group of people. The Garda Commissioner has said a little bit about some of the motivation that may have been behind that. But behaviour of that kind is unacceptable wherever it occurs.

Its more shocking because its so rare in Ireland, and the Garda commissioner and his team, I think, responded in an exemplary fashion to this small flashpoint.

In the United Kingdom, we have seen disturbances elsewhere.

All I would say is that its a mark of Ireland that this sort of thing is so rare.

Its a mark of Ireland that the Garda responded so quickly, and its mark of Ireland that theres been near universal revulsion at what happened and all of that, I think, is testament to the strength of Irelands democracy.
County Kildare Chamber has confirmed that CEO Allan Shine has informed the board of the Chamber that he is stepping down from his role.

Mr Shine has led the Chamber for the past 12 years and has overseen its growth from his time as CEO of the then Naas Chamber of Commerce which then evolved into the North Kildare Chamber and ultimately into a one county chamber which is the largest in the Mid-East and fourth largest in the country with 400 members employing over 42,000 people.

The well known business leader will remain with the Chamber until February 2024 and from then he will be taking up the role as CEO of the Kildare Innovation Campus.

The County Kildare Chamber board intend to appoint current public affairs manager Sinead Ronan to the position of Interim CEO. Ms Ronan previously worked with Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney and joined the chamber two years ago.

Chamber President Mairead Hennessy has also announced our new additions to the board and they are Christophe Roche CEO of Endress + Hauser in Ireland, Lisa Harlow CEO of Lifeline Ambulance Services, Eoin Gannon CEO of Gannon Office Group and Mike Grogan of Verity Financial Consultants.

Allan Shine said: I have had the most wonderful 12 years leading the Chamber and ensuring it would become a leading business organisation in Ireland. Creating a One County Chamber, a single voice for business in Kildare will always be my most memorable project.

"The Chamber is now regarded as one of the most influential business organisations in the country and that is due to its extremely active membership.

"County Kildare Chamber is the largest business organisation in the mid east region, it has a very progressive team along with a wealth of experience with its board members.

"I would like to thank the President of the Chamber, the Board and the membership for all their support over the past number of years and also previous Chamber Presidents for their guidance and vision for the Chamber during their tenures. I look forward to starting a new position as CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus in 2024.

Mairead Hennessy, Chamber President said Allans legacy includes leading not only the creation of a one County Chamber but also the creation of some very successful international trade visits. He has also overseen the Chambers impressive range of business supports, its growing membership and its recognition as a respected voice for business. Allan has successfully steered the Chamber through several challenges such as the global economic crash, Brexit and Covid. We wish him the very best in his new role, the Chamber will now look to commence a recruitment process over the coming days.

About Co Kildare Chamber

County Kildare Chamber is the business organisation in Kildare, proactively working to identify and progress developments that are facilitative of economic and sustainable growth. Representing an employer base of 400 businesses and over 42,000 employees across the county, County Kildare Chamber is the largest business organisation and lobbying group in the mid-east region of Ireland.
ABOVE: INTO Kildare Board Members with special guest Eoghan Corry

Travel Commentator Eoghan Corry with INTO Kildare board members - Kevin Kenny (Shakleton Museum), Brian Flanagan (Silken Thomas), Brian Fallon (Fallon's of Kilcullen), Paula O'Brien (Kildare County Council), Alan Dunney (Kildare County Council), Ted Robinson (Barberstown Castle), Cllr Suzanne Doyle (Kildare County Council), Aine Mangan (CEO INTO Kildare), David Mongey (Chairman, Mongey Communications) and Anne O'Keeffe (Hon Secretary).

The Into Kildare AGM and networking event was held this week at the newly refurbished meeting rooms at Killashee Hotel in Naas. Nearly 80 different hospitality businesses from Kildare were represented at the meeting including people from some of the countys best-known hotels, pubs, restaurants, retail and cultural experiences, racecourses, and visitor attractions. The mayor of Kildare, Cllr. Daragh Fitzpatrick was also in attendance as were several councillors and representatives of Kildare County Council. Sam Johnston, Manager of the Dublin Convention Bureau and leading travel commentator, Eoghan Corry addressed the group and gave some interesting insights into the travel and trade trends for 2024.

The Chairman of Into Kildare, David Mongey of Mongey Communications opened the meeting and spoke about the importance of 2024 for County Kildare and Brigid 1500 which will celebrate the life and legacy of St. Brigid of Kildare. 2024 marks the 1500th year of the passing of Saint Brigid, the patron Saint of Kildare. Brigid 1500 will see a whole series of celebrations and events taking place at home and abroad while this year was the first time that Ireland celebrated the new public holiday in the saints name. We anticipate that Brigid 1500 will attract thousands of new visitors to the county who will take part in many of the joyous historical, cultural, and spiritual celebrations which are scheduled to take place.

Aine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare gave a detailed presentation on the activities of the County Kildare tourism body and highlighted the work that had taken place in collaboration with the tourism and hospitality sector state agencies and community groups during the last 12 months. She said that 2023 was extremely busy for Into Kildare who facilitated and led several international trade missions in markets which were clearly identified by Failte Ireland, Kildare County Council and the Into Kildare members. Our role is to promote tourism and support hospitality providers and tourism attractions in the county. We are part of Irelands Ancient East, a region rich in cultural and historical attractions and we are lucky to have countless areas of natural beauty including our extensive green and blue ways. In partnership with Kildare County Council, we work with over 100 tourism and hospitality businesses across all sectors of the industry and are working hard to ensure County Kildare is a must visit tourism destination.



Leading Irish travel commentator and proud Kildare native, Eoghan Corry said, We must continue to support the great work of Into Kildare to ensure that Kildare is a go to not go through destination. He went on to say that that County Kildare has much to offer international visitors due to its many great visitor attractions, easy access, and proximity to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport is one of only 9 European airports which are seeing inbound numbers back to pre-pandemic numbers. There was a huge increase in the number of American visitors and the US visitors to Ireland saved the summer. He went on to say that despite sustainability being a buzz word in travel, the research clearly showed that international travellers still choose their holiday destination based on value for money, price, and experience. Ultimately, Kildare has much to offer to the international visitor, but we need more hotel bedrooms to house the ever-increasing demand.

Sam Johnston, Manager of the Dublin Convention Bureau said that he was very happy to have partnered with Into Kildare on various sales and trade missions in the US and the UK in 2023 and was looking forward to partnering again next year.

The Mayor of County Kildare, An Cathaoirleach, Daragh Fitzpatrick commended the great work that has been achieved and carried out by Aine Mangan and her team at Into Kildare and noted that the tourism and hospitality industry in Kildare supported some 9,000 jobs. He went on to say that Kildare County Council recognise the importance of tourism and hospitality in the county and noted that there were many great experiences for visitors to enjoy when visiting County Kildare. He acknowledged the work that Into Kildare, has been doing and pledged the councils continued support for the years ahead.

After the speeches were finished, the delegates enjoyed lunch hosted by the Killashee Hotel General Manager, Ger Alley and his team in the Great Hall in Killashee Hotel.

See more information at: www.intokildare.ie.
A number of local representatives based in County Kildare have condemned the violent scenes in Dublin last night.

It was reported earlier today that 34 people were arrested and 32 people will appear before the courts today, after a night of rioting in Dublin City Centre.

The hectic scenes broke out following the stabbing of five people, including three children, on Parnell Square on Thursday.

A large number of users on social media have commented on the rioting that rocked Dublin last night, one of whom was Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender.

He said in a post: "Recent events in Dublin, particularly the stabbing at Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire affecting a child and a school staff member, are deeply troubling and heartbreaking.

"The subsequent violence only worsens the situation, failing to support those affected and casting a dark shadow over our community.

"The attacks on gardai and the destruction in our city centre, including damage to emergency services and public property, are utterly unacceptable. It's disheartening to see such disregard for our communitys safety and well-being.

The Newbridge-based politician also said he is 'particularly disturbed by the involvement of far-right groups and the hooliganism in these riots.'

Cllr Chris Pender

He elaborated: "Their exploitation of this tragedy to incite violence and spread divisive ideologies is reprehensible, damaging property and undermining Dublin's spirit of inclusivity.

"The far-right's hijacking of this situation for their agenda underscores the challenges in upholding our values of diversity and inclusivity.

"My thoughts are with the injured, their families, and the school staff member, wishing them a full and speedy recovery.

"I extend full support to the Gardai and all emergency services working to restore order: their efforts are commendable and crucial for our community's safety."

Cllr Pender continued: "To the people of Dublin, I urge you to stand against fear and misinformation... let's unite against the divisive rhetoric of the far-right and others exploiting this tragedy.

"Supporting each other, staying informed, and focusing on healing and understanding are vital.

"To those involved in the Dublin riots, understand the harm caused: you've destroyed shops, affecting the livelihoods of many; you've damaged public transport systems, essential to our community; you've vandalised emergency vehicles, crucial for everyone's safety."

He concluded: "Despite these challenges, I believe in our community's resilience and commitment to peace and unity."

Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry told the Leader that he noticed 'a somber, grim mood in Dublin today', along with a stronger garda presence.

He also referenced the Aid to Civil Power protocol, also known as Aid to the Civil Authority protocol, which is when the Irish Defence Forces are called upon to help the gardai.

The protocol is usually applied in situations such as bomb disposals or to provide aid to civilians during floods.

"It was also used a lot during The Troubles," Dr Berry TD said: "And for example, if you go to different cities in Europe, such as Paris, there are soldiers in certain locations.

"It used to be normal here too in the '70s, '80s and '90s.

"Thankfully, the Cathal Brugha Barracks are still open, you could station troops there if need be," he added.

Dr Cathal Berry TD.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr Berry TD also shared a post by journalist Don Lavery.

The post praised Caio Benicio, the Brazilian national who tackled the assailant during the attack on Parnell Square, as well as the efforts of gardai.

It read: "A young Brazilian man who tackled the knifeman - preventing him from stabbing more children - deserves our highest award for bravery.

"He didn't have to put himself in harm's way but he did.

"Gardai who held the line against fascist anarchy - thank you."

Lastly, Dr Berry also shared a post made on X by the Irish Medical Organisation, which condemned the violence and extended sympathies to the children and carer injured in the Parnell Square attack.

Fianna Fail TD James Lawless shared an article on X by TheJournal.ie in which the publication interview Mr Benicio.

The post also contained the following excerpt from the article: "'It looks like they hate immigrants. Well I am an immigrant, and I did what I could to try and save that little girl," he (Mr Benicio) said.'"

In addition, Mr Lawless TD reposted a status on X by director and producer Jim Sheridan, which related to the killing of Urantsetseg Tserendorj.

It read: "This is Urantsetseg Tserendorj, who was stabbed to death by an Irish man in 2022.

"Nobody took to the streets burning and lootingWhy? Its because the far-right 'grifters' and racist scum dont care about women or children, they just want an excuse to cause hate and division."

James Lawless TD

Another TD, Fine Gael's Martin Heydon, took to his Instagram story to share a video of Minister for Justice (and his party colleague) Helen McEntee condemning the violence witnessed during the riots.

Martin Heydon TD
Ireland's first satellite is due to launch into orbit next week. Designed and built by a student-led team at UCD, EIRSAT-1, will carry three experiments into space and report data back to a command centre on the Irish campus.



Lana Salmon from Celbridge was a key member of the UCD team which developed the EIRSAT-1 satellite which will be launched by rocket into space.



Lana Salmon completed her PhD on Gamma-Ray Bursts and Gravitational Waves in the UCD Space Science group in 2021. She graduated in 2017 with a BSc in Physics with Astronomy and Space Science from UCD.



As a member of the EIRSAT-1 team, Lana worked on communications and the ground segment. She is also extremely passionate about communicating science, and led many of the EIRSAT-1 outreach activities. Lana is now a statistician in the Sustainability/Environmental Division at the Central Statistics Office and is extremely proud of her work with the team that developed Irelands first satellite.



Lana said, EIRSAT-1 was a truly amazing project to work on. The team in UCD is the first in the country to design and build a satellite that will be launched into orbit and then operated from Ireland. Having started on this project as a student, and worked on it for so long, it is extremely exciting to see how it will fare when it is launched by rocket into space next week.



Lana and her EIRSAT-1 team mates in UCD worked with the European Space Agency (ESA),s Fly Your Satellite program, to receive outstanding training, space-expert mentoring and hands-on guidance. The development of the spacecraft at UCD has seen the introduction of space systems engineering and skills that have not previously existed in Irish industry or academia.



The satellites three experiments will test new space technologies developed in Ireland, including an advanced instrument that will probe the early Universe.



The project has received programmatic and educational support by the ESA Education Office, EIRSAT-1 has received funding from Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council, Enterprise Ireland, UCD, Openet, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.



The Irish European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO), has also supported the engagement of school students with inspirational and educational activities around the EIRSAT-1 project.



A flagship project of UCD C-Space, the UCD Centre for Space Research, the UCD School of Physics and UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, EIRSAT-1 is carried out with the support of the Education Office of the European Space Agency, under the educational Fly your Satellite! Programme.






The community library building in Naas will not be handed over for community use once the new premises opens at the town hall.

Another request for the building to be earmarked for the activities of a variety of community groups has fallen on deaf ears.

It came from Naas Mayor Bill Clear who said there is an acute shortage of community spaces in the town.

Calling for a decision to use the building to house archives he said: "We have many community groups without a home including Naas Women's Shed, Down Syndrome Ireland, Alzheimer Cafe to name but a few.

He suggested that the archives be moved to an alternative location that might be more suitable for this type of storage.

A Naas Municipal District meeting was told that the Local Studies, Genealogy and Archives Service (LSGA) had to leave the old County Library building in Newbridge in 2020 under emergency conditions due to the deterioration of the building and to avoid damage to the collection.

The staff and the collection relocated to rented accommodation in Kildare town pending the availability of the present library building in Naas.

Since then, physical access to the collection for historians, researchers, student and tourists has been closed.

According to KCC official Gillian Allen the rented unit is also no longer suitable for safe storage of the collection and locating the LSGA to to the former library building will ensure a safe, temperature-controlled storage facility guaranteeing the survival of the collection.

Read more Kildare news

It will also be a customer service six days per week to anyone conducting research on Kildare and its history, genealogy and family tree research or for anyone requiring access to the archives. The building in the centre of Naas is an ideal temporary location to reintroduce access to the collection for members of the public and tourists after three long years without this important service, said Ms Allen in a report.

The LGSA team team will work in the building identifying and conserving Kildare related historical materials, providing research facilities and support to historians and students as well as attracting tourists tracing their ancestors to County Kildare.



The location will also allow programmed events, talks and exhibitions of material from the collection for the public and tourists. Itll also be possible to again facilitate school visits which havent been possible for the last three years.

The move is an interim one until the County Library in Newbridge is completed.

It was also pointed out that the Town Hall library will have numerous meeting rooms that can be booked by community groups.KCC remains open to suggestions in relation to the longer= term use of the library premises.
Boris Johnson has labelled the violent scenes in Dublin race riots, and suggested that achingly liberal countries like Ireland now have concerns about the pace of immigration.

The former UK prime minister used his weekly Daily Mail column to drawn on the disorder in the Irish capital to make the case for the UK to take tougher action to curb net migration.

It comes after the latest data showed a record number of arrivals to the UK last year.

Mr Johnson also pointed to the electoral success of veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders in the Netherlands.

Writing in the newspaper, he said: People will not accept demographic change at this kind of pace  even in the most achingly liberal of countries and capital cities.

Look at what is happening in Dublin, where that lovely and happy city seems to have been engulfed by race riots.

The violent scenes in Dublin saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

The clean-up was continuing on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street on Friday, with burned-out buses lifted away by cranes while broken glass and missiles were cleared.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city at about lunchtime on Thursday.

Mr Johnson continued: The people of Ireland and Holland, in my experience, are among the nicest, kindest, most generous in the world; and yet there are plainly large numbers in both countries who are starting to worry that something has gone wrong, and that the EU system of free movement  a border-free Europe for the entire 450 million-strong territory  has too many downsides.

Well, the whole point of Brexit is that we are no longer in the same legal subservience as Ireland and Holland.

We have the powers to sort it out, and to change our immigration rules  which is exactly why the British people voted to take back those powers in 2016. We can do it now.
Labour Party representative, Bernie Linnane, who has been selected to run for the local election in the Manorhamilton Municipal District, spoke to Leitrim Observer this morning regarding an incident during which three young children were among five people injured in a knife attack in Dublin on Thursday that sparked riots in the city centre.

Bernie, who lives locally in Dromahair, with her family, has been involved in local politics and various campaigns for many years. "I think all of us were horrified by that attack but we were also horrified by the thuggish response to it. My own daughter is in Dublin in college and they were on lockdown and terrified. She is coming home this morning because Dublin doesn't feel safe to her right now and I can understand that."She has friends of colour who don't feel safe; people were targeted on the streets in Dublin last night because of the colour of their skin. It shows where anti-emigrant far right sentiment can lead us if we're not very careful.

"We have to come together in a spirit of solidarity and respect and accept each other's differences for society to function properly."

She remarked that the "person of interest" who is thought to have been behind the attack in Dublin is "living here for well over twenty years and is an Irish citizen so to weaponise that against people who are seeking protection in this country is pretty appalling; the refugee centre in Dublin was set alight which is shameful and I did worry for our own village about what might happen thankfully we seem to have cooler heads here which is good.

"It does feed into the overall discussion that we have to accept and respect each other's differences and be kind to each other. There is another conversation to be had around education and poverty because certain parts of our cities, Dublin in particular, have slid into poverty and that's quite shameful in a country that is awash with money."She continued that she believes the government needs to look "very carefully" at how it addresses these issues.

"Education, I do believe is the key to just about everything but hungry children can't learn and it's not just children who need education; I think our societies need education on how we accept each other's differences and value our diversity."



Abbey Manor Hotel

Regarding a large protest outside the Abbey Manor Hotel on Tuesday night, Ms Linnane said "an awful lot of people in Dromahair are happy to welcome newcomers to our village and we know it's a perfect situation; in a perfect world we wouldn't need the services and supports we are going to need when international protection applicants come to our village because there wouldn't be refugees in a perfect world but our world is far from perfect and until we make it better, we have to do the best we can with what we have.

"We are very very fortunate in Dromahair and have a wonderful village and live in a peaceful country; there's no one dropping bombs on us and we are free from persecution. I think the least we can do is help people who don't have that kind of privilege."

She said she believes that while the Abbey Manor Hotel is not an ideal location as a long-term solution to the situation, it is all that is available presently.

"The government has to provide the long-term solution and have to get their act together and sort out our housing situation but, temporarily, it's the best we can do with what we have and it's certainly better than the situation that these people are fleeing. We need a bit of generosity of spirit - if we pull together as a village we can make this work. "

Ms Linnane said that with regard to concerns that 31 single males are among the refugees coming to Dromahair, "I married a single male and a lot of us did. We have single males in our homes; we have sons. In Carrick-on-Shannon there are single males coming down in packs and mobs every weekend and I've not heard of anyone wanting to close Carrick and deport them because, really, we have to stop this demonisation of single males. They are part of people's families.

"We have to stop seeing people as threats and have to look after people and our community can do that and benefit from that. I can't see how helping people who have so much less than us and are in such precarious situations can make us anything but richer."

She continued, "I do understand that people are concerned and that people are frightened and sometimes people frighten each other and there may be an element of that involved. Rumours that have flown around Dromahair in the last few months have grown arms and legs and that's not helpful.

"Of course there's an information vacuum because the government has handled the whole situation appallingly and in an information vacuum, stories arise to fill that gap and people get themselves all worked up over things that may never happen. I firmly believe that whatever happens, we as a village can handle it and come out stronger and better as a result."

She concluded that she believes new people are the "lifeblood of any economy; this country needs more people and this village needs more people to grow and thrive and I think it could be the best thing that ever happened to us if we approach it with a bit of good will.

"People should just maybe take a deep breath and calm down a little and work together.

"We are human beings who want the same thing; a roof over our heads, a warm bed and enough to eat," concluded Bernie.
Damage to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost tens of millions of euros to repair, Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said.

Politicians have strongly criticised the violent scenes in Dublin that saw Garda cars, buses and trams set alight and shops looted and damaged.

The clean-up was continuing on Dublins thoroughfare OConnell Street on Friday, with burned-out buses lifted away by cranes while broken glass and missiles were cleared.

The violence in the Irish capital, which involved far-right elements, flared after a knife attack on three schoolchildren and their care assistant outside a school in the north inner city at about lunchtime on Thursday.

Mr Varadkar said an estimated 500 people were involved in the disorder and it was important to back the police force amid the riotous scenes.

But the leader of the main opposition party, Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald, has called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Irelands Justice Minister Helen McEntee to resign, saying gardai lost control of the city to a mob fuelled by hate.

Some 13 shops were significantly damaged or subjected to looting and 11 Garda cars were damaged.

Some Garda members were injured as 400 officers responded to the unrest.

More than 30 people were due to appear in court on Friday, charged with offences relating to the misuse of drugs, theft and public order.

The people of Dublin have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and communities. The Gardai have my full support but given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, or the Garda Commissioner. @maryloumcdonald pic.twitter.com/lVeHrPgW4E  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) November 24, 2023

Asked about the scale of the damage, at a meeting of the British-Irish Council at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: We dont have a figure on it yet, but its likely to be in the tens of millions, rather than the millions.

He said there was a discussion with the Garda Commissioner on Thursday on whether to deploy the Irish military as the violence unfolded, but it was deemed that it wasnt warranted.

Ill be talking to business groups this afternoon and, of course, there will be government help available to help them with the cost of repairing the damage, but we just have to work out the details of that, he added.

He added: Our advice is that it is safe to come into the city. The riots that occurred last night only occurred in a relatively small part of it, thankfully, and were contained within hours.

While some shops may not be open the vast majority are, and were saying to people it is safe to come into the city, and that there will be a heightened Garda presence.

A five-year-old girl injured in the knife attacked remained in a critical condition in hospital on Friday while the female care assistant, in her 30s, was in a serious condition.

The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remained in hospital on Friday but the boy has been discharged.

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries at the scene is a person of interest in their investigation.

Politicians and police have hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

On Friday Mr Varadkar said Dublin had witnessed two terrible attacks on Thursday.

The first was an attack on innocent children, the second an attack on our society and the rule of law, he said at Dublin Castle.

Each attack brought shame to our society and disgrace to those involved and incredible pain to those caught up in the violence.

As Taoiseach, I want to say to a nation that is unsettled and afraid, this is not who we are, this is not where we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

He added: Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland. They did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove, who attended the meeting at Dublin Castle, said the scenes in Dublin were unacceptable wherever it occurs, while Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf praised gardai for running towards danger when the rest of us would run away.

Mr Yousaf said it was important to consider whether we are appropriately challenging the narrative of any extremists, whether theyre on the far right or elsewhere, and challenging any narrative that seeks to divide us.

Mr Harris said some officers had been injured, one seriously, as he blamed the disorder on far-right hooligans.

Mr Harris denied the riots were a failure of personnel and said order was restored between 8.30pm and 9pm.

Asked about the preparedness of the Garda, he added: We could not have anticipated that this would have been the reaction.

Irelands Tanaiste Micheal Martin paid tribute to gardai and all emergency workers, who he described as having put themselves in harms way to deal with the actions of a small minority in our society.

And I would say that this is not who we are as a people, Ireland has built a modern and inclusive society. It is something precious that we should all work to hold, the Tanaiste said.

We understand the need to respect others, the need to respect differences and the need to respect the dignity of every human being. This is something that we should hold precious and we should collectively as a society come together to recommit to those fundamental values.

Ms McEntee said there was very strong legislation, including prison sentences of up to 12 years for those convicted of attacking gardai.

She described a very volatile situation and said there was a very strong gardai presence in Dublin as well as monitoring of online activity.

However, Ms McDonald said she had no confidence in Ms McEntee or Mr Harris.

Ms McDonald said there had been a an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing and that a problem leading to Thursdays riot had been building for months.

I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said. I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed, she said.

The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

The gardai have my full support but, given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.
Totalmobile Announces Landmark Australian Expansion as it Launches Sydney HQ





Totalmobile, a leading field service management software solutions provider, has today announced its expansion into the Australian market.

With over 1,000 customers already across Europe and a proven track record of delivering its innovative solutions to over half a million daily software users, Totalmobile is placing its footprint on the shores of Australia, bringing with it a suite of transformative software solutions that will redefine field service management.

Totalmobile's journey into Australia heralds a new era of field service delivery for the Company, marked by the opening of its first international office in Sydney. The expansion aims to not only provide operational efficiencies in a range of sectors including Housing, Health/Social Care, Emergency Services, Telecoms and Commercial field service, but also to contribute to the local job market and support the continued economic growth in the region.

The expansion into Australia is fuelled by Totalmobile's reputation as "Europe's best-kept software secret." With an already impressive record for delivering high-quality solutions to partners, including the NHS, Flagship Group, Allianz, and Mitie.

Phil Race, CEO at Totalmobile, shared his excitement for the company's Australian expansion, stating: "We are thrilled to bring Totalmobile's world-class software solutions to Australian markets, as well as strategic sectors in New Zealand. Our mission is to empower businesses with the tools they need to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth at the moment of truth, where they engage with their customers, patients, and partners. We are confident that our expansion will be a real game-changer for field service organisations in the region."

Leading the venture into Australia, Totalmobile has appointed Sydney-based, Andrew Wiltshire, as the new Regional APAC Director. Wiltshire brings a wealth of experience in APAC IT and SaaS roles, making him the ideal candidate to drive Totalmobile's expansion in the region.

Wiltshire added: "I'm honoured to lead Totalmobile's expansion into Australia. The success we have achieved in Europe is a clear testament to the unparalleled nature of our software solutions. Collaborating with our partners and clients, we aim to unlock new possibilities and establish a new benchmark in field service management excellence in Australia and beyond."

Having already partnered with two major health and social care partners in the area, the expansion will offer businesses access to a comprehensive and fully integrated field service management platform that includes a range of intelligent capabilities including job management, workforce rostering, scheduling, mobile working, and field service intelligence solutions.

For more information on Totalmobile and its expansion into Australia, please visit www.totalmobilesolutions.com.au

About Totalmobile:

Established in 1985, Totalmobile is Europe's award-winning field service management (FSM) organisation dedicated to delivering technology that makes work and the lives of mobile workers better. With a comprehensive range of market-leading field service capabilities, Totalmobile provides a fully integrated platform that empowers its customers to simplify processes, achieve operational excellence and experience an exceptional return on investment. With over 1,000 customers and over 500,000 workers using our technology every day, Totalmobile is Europe's number-one choice for innovative field service technology.

23 november 2023 at 15:15

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Hydro One completes $46.9 million investment to strengthen transmission system and improve resiliency and reliability in Ottawa





Transmission line upgrades will support rapid growth in our Nation's capital by allowing more power to flow into the region and improving climate change resiliency

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) was joined by Hydro Ottawa and representatives from the City of Ottawa and government of Ontario, at Merivale Transmission Station to announce the completion of $46.9 million in transmission line upgrades. These critical upgrades will increase the electrical capacity of the power lines by 66 per cent, from 650MW to 1,080MW, providing a reliable supply of energy to support the growing demand in the Ottawa area. The project also allows for generation facilities in eastern Ontario to transfer more power to the rest of the province and import more clean energy from Quebec. The upgrades also improve resiliency of the electricity network and improve reliability for residents, business, commercial and industrial customers.

The investment included reinforcing the transmission towers and replacing power lines and insulators on 12 kms of 230kV double circuit transmission line between Merivale Transmission Station and Hawthorne Transmission Station. The project began in July 2020 and was completed in time for Ottawa's cold winter season to ensure power was available when needed in the community.

In addition to the completed improvements made to these transmission lines, Hydro One is making progress on modernizing the Merivale Transmission Station to ensure this key station serving Ottawa can supply clean, reliable energy as the region continues to grow. This project includes expanding the current footprint of the station to house two new 230 kilovolt transformers and a new operations building. As part of this project, Hydro One has signed a new Community Support Agreement with the City of Ottawa that will directly support recreational projects for local residents.

"Demand for energy in Ottawa is growing rapidly. It is important for Hydro One to make a substantial investment in building a grid for the future to support the increasing and changing needs of local businesses, residents, and the economy," said Andrew Spencer, Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery, Hydro One. "As a proud member of the Ottawa community, the upgrades Hydro One continues to make will energize life for customers and improve power reliability and resiliency for years to come."

"As we further our commitment toward climate adaptation and ensuring our grid can support the energy transition and shift toward electrification, we are proud to be collaborating with our colleagues at Hydro One for this announcement, knowing we are making life better for our customers and our community," said Guillaume Paradis, Chief Electricity Distribution Officer, Hydro Ottawa. "Increasing the capacity, reliability and resiliency of our transmission network is a vital step to ensuring the distribution system in Ottawa can provide the power needed now and in the future."

"In a growing city like Ottawa, ensuring reliable electricity is crucial for our communities and our businesses," said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. "We know how critical these electricity transmission projects are for our city's future growth plans and prosperity. We look forward to seeing the Community Support Agreement come to life."

"Electrifying the homes and businesses in our community relies on making sure we have a reliable and resilient electricity system," said Knoxdale-Merivale Councillor, Sean Devine. "I'm very pleased at the close collaboration between Hydro One, my office and community members to ensure these upgrades are developed with sensitivity to local interests in mind, and that the Community Support Agreement announced today will provide local benefits for years to come."

"Today's announcement is good news for Nepean residents and all of Ottawa, preparing the electricity network for the future," said Lisa MacLeod, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean. "I am pleased to see Hydro One invest in the transmission network as our community continues to grow."

More information about the investments Hydro One is making in communities across Ontario can be found at: www.hydroone.com/majorprojects

Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $31.5 billion in assets as at December 31, 2022, and annual revenues in 2022 of approximately $7.8 billion.

Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2022, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.9 billion of goods and services.

We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Leadertm by Electricity Canada.

Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information:

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "attempt", "may", "plan", "will", "can", "believe", "seek", "estimate", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.

23 november 2023 at 17:00

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Everest Medicines Announces China NMPA's Approval of Nefecon for the Treatment of Primary IgA Nephropathy in Adult Patients





--Nefecon is the first approved medicine with an IgAN indication in China--

--The approval marks a new era of IgAN treatment for Chinese patients--

SHANGHAI, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines, announced today that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Nefecon for the treatment of primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in adults at risk of disease progression. Nefecon was the first ever treatment for IgAN approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Today's NMPA approval marks a new era of IgAN treatment in China.

China has the highest prevalence of primary glomerular diseases in the world with an estimated five million IgAN patients. Current non-targeted treatment options for IgAN, such as renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, do not fundamentally alter disease progression. IgAN patients are at risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease, which may then require dialysis or kidney transplant. There is a very significant unmet medical need for novel effective therapies among IgAN patients in China and other Asian countries. On top of Nefecon's approval in mainland China and Macau, it is expected to receive New Drug Application (NDA) approval in Singapore and Hong Kong in the near term.

"The NDA approval of Nefecon in China is not only a significant milestone for Everest, but also a landmark for Chinese IgAN patients who will finally have an approved drug with an IgAN indication to treat their illness. Chinese patients have higher incidence rates of IgAN and faster disease progression than the rest of the world. They have an urgent need for innovative therapies like Nefecon to target disease origin and delay disease progression. I would like to extend my gratitude to the regulators, experts, and our staff that made today's approval possible," said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "The NDA approval further establishes our leadership position in nephrology. While the Company will actively prepare for the commercial launch of Nefecon and bring this first-in-disease therapy to patients in China as soon as possible, we will also continue to develop other innovative drug candidates in renal and auto-immune diseases to benefit more Chinese and Asian patients."

"IgA nephropathy is the most common primary glomerular disease in China and occurs at a young age with a high probability of progressing to end-stage renal disease, imposing a heavy burden on patients and society. Compared with European and American populations, Chinese IgAN patients have faster disease progression and worse prognoses. The full results of the NefIgArd study showed that Nefecon can protect renal function, delay patients' progression to dialysis or kidney transplantation and significantly reduce urinary protein and hematuria. It is also safe and well-tolerated," said Professor Zhang Hong with Peking University First Hospital, a member of the global steering committee for the Phase 3 clinical study NefIgArd. "In the Chinese population analysis, Nefecon had a numerically higher treatment effect in renal function protection. The approval of Nefecon in China helps fill the gap in targeted treatment of IgAN and allows this first-in-disease therapy to benefit more Chinese patients."

"IgA nephropathy is highly prevalent in Asia and is one of the main causes of kidney failure in young adults in China. For a long time, the disease lacked targeted treatment options, resulting in significant unmet clinical needs. Nefecon is the world's first drug for IgAN approved in the United States and the European Union," said Professor Xie Jingyuan, Chief Physician of the Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. "Through the early-access program, the first prescription of Nefecon in China was issued at the Hainan subsidiary of Ruijin Hospital in Bo'ao on April 24, 2023. During the follow-up period, Nefecon was found to be effective in stabilizing renal function, reducing proteinuria and hematuria, and was well tolerated by the patients. Nefecon's approval in China is of great significance, bringing new hope to IgAN patients in the nation and helping doctors better manage patient compliance and disease management."

The global Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of Nefecon at a once-daily dose of 16 mg, compared to placebo in adult patients with primary IgAN on optimized RASi therapy. In the global study, Nefecon demonstrated a highly statistically significant and clinically relevant benefit compared to placebo in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the two-year period of 9-months of treatment with Nefecon and 15-months of follow-up off drug. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) observed with Nefecon treatment was also durable and the proportion of patients with microhematuria in the Nefecon group declined.

Results from Chinese subpopulation analysis demonstrated numerically greater magnitude of Nefecon treatment effect compared with placebo in kidney function, proteinuria and microhematuria. The mean absolute change from baseline in eGFR at 24 months showed approximately 66% less deterioration in kidney function with Nefecon compared with the global data set which demonstrated a smaller 50% reduction in loss of kidney function. Patients treated with Nefecon in mainland China showed a larger 43% (95% CI 8%, 65%) reduction in UPCR compared with placebo at 24 months and a greater 31% reduction (95% CI 0, 53) at 9 months. This compares to the global data analysis in which patients treated with Nefecon recorded an approximately 30% reduction in proteinuria at both 24 months and 9 months compared to placebo. Nefecon was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile in the Chinese population generally consistent with the larger global study. The Chinese patient data were presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2023.

As the first non-oncology medicine to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China, Nefecon was also granted Priority Review in the country. In August 2023, the U.S. FDA accepted the submission for a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for full approval of Nefecon (marketed in the US under the brand name TARPEYO) from our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB, granting Priority Review and setting a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of Dec. 20, 2023.

Conference Call Details:

For English Session:

Time: 9pm Beijing Time, Monday, November 27, 2023 / 8am ET, Monday, November 27, 2023

Pre-Registration Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/eventDetail/60504920

Webcast Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/meeting_live/70506817/5971?event_id=60504920

Alternatively, participants may dial in to the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States: +1 646 2543594 (EN) Mainland China: +86 10 58084166 (EN) +86 10 58084199 (CN) Hong Kong: +852 30051313 (EN) +852 30051355 (CN) United Kingdom: +44 20 76600166 (EN) International: +1 866 6363243 Password: 207456

For Mandarin Session:

Time: 9am Beijing Time, Monday, November 27, 2023/8pm ET, Sunday, November 26, 2023

Webcast Link: https://s.comein.cn/Af2JR

Alternatively, participants may dial into the conference call using below dial-in information:

Mainland China: +86-4001888938 +86-01053827720 Taiwan: +886-277031747 United States: +1-2025524791 United Kingdom +44-2034816288 Singapore: +65-31586120 Hong Kong: +852-57006920 Password: 842228

The replay of English session will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company's website at http://www.everestmedicines.com.

About Nefecon

Nefecon is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity that undergoes substantial first pass metabolism. The formulation is designed as a delayed release capsule that is enteric coated so that it remains intact until it releases budesonide to the distal ileum. Each capsule contains coated beads of budesonide that target mucosal B-cells present in the ileum where the disease originates, as per the predominant pathogenesis models.

In June 2019, Everest Medicines entered into an exclusive, royalty-bearing license agreement with Calliditas, which gives Everest Medicines exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Nefecon in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Singapore. The agreement was extended in March 2022 to include South Korea as part of Everest Medicine's territories.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company's core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

SOURCE Everest Medicines

23 november 2023 at 23:44

News published onand distributed by:
Guy Spier will host his fourth lunch to benefit UN Watch.





ZURICH, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Guy Spier will dine with the winning bidder and up to seven friends on a mutually agreed date.

WHERE/WHEN: Anywhere in Zurich, Switzerland, or London, UK, on a mutually agreeable date or any other mutually agreeable location and date.

100% of the proceeds from the winning bid will benefit UN Watch. For more information, visit the UN Watch website.

Here's a short video introduction to this charity lunch and here's a link to the auction.

The winner of the last lunch auction was Ardal Loh-Gronager.

Year Winning Bid Winner 2022 $ 21,100 Ardal Loh-Gronager 2019 $ 10,101 Edgar Martinez 2018 $ 13,400 Sanjeet Thethy

About Guy Spier

Guy Spier is a Zurich-based investor and the author of The Education of a Value Investor .

Since 1997, he has managed Aquamarine's privately offered investment funds, which were inspired by the original 1950s Buffett Partnerships and are a close replica of the original Buffett Partnership Rules. Guy is an ardent disciple of Warren Buffett and closely follows Buffett's principles on value investing and capital allocation.

Guy has worked as an investment banker in New York and as a management consultant in London and Paris. He has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and holds a first class degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University. On graduating from Oxford, he was co-awarded the George Webb Medley Prize for the best performance that year in economics.

The Education of a Value Investor has been translated into German, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Hebrew, Vietnamese and other languages. Guy is a regular commentator on public affairs and has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Radio, and in print in the FT Adviser, The Times of London, MarketWatch, Time, The Observer, SumZero and other leading newspapers and magazines.

Guy lives in Switzerland with his wife Lory and their three children, Eva, Isaac and Sarah.

Guy is a director of UN Watch.

About UN Watch

UN Watch is a nongovernmental organization that monitors the performance of the United Nations according to the yardstick of its charter and promotes human rights for all.

Founded in 1993, UN Watch influences decision-makers, educates world opinion and promotes UN reform, transparency and accountability.

Based in Geneva, UN Watch works with civil society, dissidents and victims to focus international attention on urgent human rights situations across the world.

UN Watch stands at the forefront in combating racism, antisemitism and anti-Israel prejudice at the UN, taking the offensive against dictatorships and double standards.

UN Watch receives no funding from any government and relies entirely on charitable donations.

The executive director of UN Watch is Hillel Neuer.

SOURCE Aquamarine Fund

24 november 2023 at 07:30

News published onand distributed by:
The Governments of Canada and Quebec sign bilateral agreement to address gender-based violence





QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be an issue in Quebec and across Canada. It is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, and it continues to afflict people from all walks of life.??

Today, on the eve of the days of activism against gender-based violence, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Martine Biron, Quebec's Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced an agreement to address gender-based violence.

The federal government invests $97.3 million over four years to support Quebec's actions under its Integrated Government Strategy to Counteract Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence, and to Rebuild Trust 2022-2027 (Integrated Violence Strategy).

This funding is in addition to the $462.4 million already being invested by the Government of Quebec to implement its Integrated Violence Strategy and aims to enhance actions taken under this initiative. The objectives of the strategy are focused on prevention, awareness, and detection, as well as implementing psychosocial, medical, legal, police, and correctional interventions to ensure women's wellbeing and safety.

Quotes

"Gender-based violence has no place in Canada or anywhere else. This bilateral agreement will help the Government of Quebec continue to implement a strategy that addresses the priorities and needs of the groups most likely to be affected by GBV within its territory. This funding will support interventions that have already been developed under Quebec's Integrated Violence Strategy, and it will bring us closer to a future where everyone has the right to live free from violence."?

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

"Quebec is a leader in addressing violence against women. This agreement recognizes our expertise in that area. With this funding, we will be able to continue our efforts to protect and support women who are experiencing violence."?

Martine Biron, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Quick facts

Since 2021, the Government of Canada has committed $1.14 billion to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan. Although it supports the overall objectives of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Quebec has not adhered to it because it intends to retain its full responsibility in this area within its territory. Through a bilateral agreement that respects its autonomy, the Government of Quebec will use this funding to support programs, initiatives, and services that it puts in place based on the needs of its territory in order to end gender-based violence.

has committed to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including over five years to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan. More than 11?million people in Canada have experienced intimate partner violence at least once since the age of 15.

have experienced intimate partner violence at least once since the age of 15. In Quebec in 2021, 18,351 people were victims of violent crimes that could cause injury in a domestic context. Police recorded 13,539 women victims and 4,812 men victims.

in 2021, 18,351 people were victims of violent crimes that could cause injury in a domestic context. Police recorded 13,539 women victims and 4,812 men victims. Since the start of the #MeToo movement, the number of women who have been victims of sexual offences as reported by Quebec police has risen significantly ? from 5,251 in 2016 to 10,094 in 2021 (+92%).

police has risen significantly ? from 5,251 in 2016 to 10,094 in 2021 (+92%). According to the latest data from Quebec police, women represented 76.4% of domestic violence victims, 89.5% of sexual assault victims, and 95% of victims of crimes related to pimping and human trafficking.

Associated links

To learn more about the work of the Secretariat a la condition feminine, explore our web content and follow us on social media (in French only):

Secretariat a la condition feminine | Facebook

Secretariat a la condition feminine | LinkedIn

Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada:

SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada

24 november 2023 at 10:52

News published onand distributed by:
Supporters of the Antifascist Action (Antifa) protest around the Utrecht City Hall, on November 23, 2023 one day after the victory of Geert Wilders's far-right eurosceptic party in Dutch elections. ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN / AFP

Chanting "You are not alone," around 1,000 people gathered in the western city of Utrecht Thursday to protest the shock win of far-right Geert Wilders in Dutch elections. The march was one of two planned on Thursday, November 23, evening  the other was an anti-fascism march expected in Amsterdam.

Members of left-wing parties in Utrecht organized the protest "to show the Dutch that we never leave anyone in the lurch and fight for the rights of everyone," according to organizers.

Wilders stunned the Dutch establishment by winning 37 seats in parliament  by far the largest party.

Read more Anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders wins Dutch election

PVV Freedom Party for a ban on mosques and the Koran

While he toned down some of his harsher anti-Islam rhetoric during the election campaign, the manifesto of his PVV Freedom Party calls for a ban on mosques and the Koran.

Judy Karajoli, a 25-year-old journalism student from Syria, said Wilders' election success had caused her "great fear because the PVV is an openly racist party that wants to 'de-Islamise' the country."

Supporters of the Antifascist Action (Antifa) protest around the Utrecht City Hall, on November 23, 2023 one day after the victory of Geert Wilders's far-right eurosceptic party in Dutch elections. ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN / AFP

Karajoli said many of her friends were refugees with residence permits, who now feared for their future. The PVV manifesto said such permits should be canceled because "parts of Syria are now safe." "I come from Syria so I know what it's like to flee war to a safe country but now it doesn't feel safe anymore because it feels like a large number of Dutch want us gone," she told AFP.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Far-right Geert Wilders wins Dutch election but could struggle to form coalition

Haahmed Hassan, a 30-year-old software engineer from Egypt, told AFP: "I came here for freedom and acceptance and for a place where everyone can do what they want." "When I see a party that is trying to make this less, not more, it makes me afraid."
FeatureIn this West African country scarred by 14 years of civil war (1990-2003), drug use has skyrocketed. Authorities are taking stock of the extent of the crisis, but a lack of health facilities is hampering treatment efforts for users.

It's a slice of hell edged with pure white sand. In West Point, a troubled township in the south of Monrovia, Liberia, mountains of rotting waste have created a noxious stench. Its 80,000 inhabitants must make their way through filthy alleyways during this rainy season. People here are aware of the coming submersion of a coastline that is being swallowed up a little more each day by the Atlantic. But rising sea levels are not the only threat. Epidemics, too, have repeatedly engulfed West Point, including cholera, Ebola and tuberculosis. Those who survived have now been forced to confront a new disaster: drugs.

On this October afternoon, small groups of listless-looking figures surged into a darkened tin shack. Inside, around 30 men were smoking in the stifling heat. Abdu, who introduced himself as the gang leader, rules over this group of "zogos," as the drug users call each other. "They've been smoking everything for a long time. Heroin, Italian white [cocaine], marijuana," said the thirty-something, who swore that he'd kicked the habit. "But now we're losing the kids. They're using way too much kush. It's worrisome," he said with dismay, pointing to a boy curled up on the ground, eyes half-closed, grinning. Sold for 100 Liberian dollars (50 cents) a pellet, kush has been spreading like wildfire across the country's 10,000 slums. First discovered in 2018 in neighboring Sierra Leone, where it has been wreaking similar havoc, this marijuana-like substance is highly addictive.

"Help!" The cry came from 30-year-old Joseph Slero, aka "Rahu," and was echoed by his pals in the room. The man with tattoos on his arms was sweating profusely. He'd been an addict for seven years, using cannabis before starting kush. "I've tried to quit on my own, but I just can't. In withdrawal, I feel cold, I shake and I have excruciating stomach pains. I want to quit. My girlfriend smokes too. She's pregnant now. Our child won't be normal," he said, fidgeting with a bracelet with the words "Jesus loves zogos."

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Tracing the path of crack trafficking, from Senegal to Paris

Joseph and the others have inherited Liberia's traumatic legacy, that of the civil wars that ravaged the country between 1990 and 2003. During this period, thousands of children were forcibly conscripted by warlords and plunged into drug addiction to opiates, alcohol and benzodiazepines, among others. Narcotics flowed freely in the battalions as a way to "toughen up" the young troops in the face of the enemy. Some of them had barely left childhood behind. After 14 years of internecine fighting, Liberian society emerged stunned  at least 250,000 people had been killed  as well as sickened by its drug-addicted veterans.

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RESIDENTS living in an estate in a Limerick village have expressed concerns over plans which could see housing permitted on a green space.

Almost 20 people based at The Village estate in Adare have written to Limerick City and County Council to request that a proposal to rezone a green play area from open space to residential in the upcoming Adare Local Area Plan be rejected.

As part of the Local Area Plan - which once passed will govern what can and cannot be built in and around Adare - its planned to change the use of the area from open space to new residential.

As things stand, houses generally cannot be built on land which is designated as open space - and any planning application can be refused on this basis.

However, if this status changes to new residential, it increases the possibility housing applications would be approved.

The issue has been cast into focus this week, with councillors set to meet on Thursday to discuss the adoption of this new development plan.

One resident who has contacted the council stated the green space is used by children and older residents as a safe space to exercise, walk and mingle along a path which is maintained by residents.

They said the green - in use since 2008 - serves 69 houses which 85 children call home, and is maintained by the residents.

Land Registry documents reveal that the green is in the ownership of Tizzard Holdings Ltd, a company which is named as the applicant on the 30m redevelopment of Adare Manor in 2015 upon its purchase by JP McManus.

Prior to 2015, the green area was in the ownership of Adare Partners, which had an address listed at Adare Manor.

It was this company which in 2005 secured planning permission to develop 276 homes at The Village in Adare. But with the onset of the economic downturn, only 69 of these were actually built, which makes up the current Village estate. It left this green space, which in 2015 was rezoned to open space. This move came despite a fresh attempt in the years leading up to it to develop housing on the green.

Although its the role of councillors to adopt, reject or amend the development plan, council chief executive Dr Pat Daly has recommended the patch of land be rezoned residential, save for a part of the land measuring 0.217 hectares which remains a green space.

This rezoning, Dr Daly wrote would be in line with the principles of compact growth and to insure an efficient use of serviced land.

The zoning of this site for residential use as presented in the draft plan is supported by an assessment in the Settlement Capacity Audit and in line with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development, providing for compact growth and ideally located close to community services, he wrote in a briefing documents to be considered by councillors this Thursday.

Further based on site history it is clear this area was never identified or designated as an area of open space for The Village development, Dr Daly added.

Separately, the Adare Local Area plan also contains a provision that land within the grounds of Adare Manor be rezoned for tourism-related development. In a letter to council, agents for Tizzard Holdings Unlimited Company - the owner of Adare Manor - said it supported this redesignation.

Our client acknowledges and welcomes the new tourism and related land use zoning now applied to a substantial portion of the Adare Manor Estate lands. This zoning is important in the context of the Ryder Cup event. It will facilitate the hosting of the event and ensure that land use requirements arising in advance of the event can be addressed under the terms of the new Local Area Plan, they stated.

They also requested three other patches of land within the grounds of the resort also be rezoned for tourism-related development.

If passed, the Adare Local Area Plan as proposed will be valid until 2030, when a new strategy for the area will be drawn up.
LABOUR has named its local election candidates for Limericks metropolitan district area.

Its a case of as you were for the party, with the three outgoing councillors seeking re-election.

Councillor Conor Sheehan of Corbally is going forward in City North hoping for a second term, having first been elected in 2019.

Moldovan national Elena Secas, who is based in Castletroy, will be hoping for a third straight victory in City East.

She was first elected in 2014 and returned five years later.

Meanwhile, Labours standard bearer in City West, Councillor Joe Leddin will run again on his 25th anniversary in local politics.

Based near South Circular Road in the city, he was first elected in 1999 to the old City Council, retaining his seat in 2004 and 2009.

In 2014, he was elected to the newly amalgamated Limerick City and County Council and was returned five years on.

His is a well-known name in local politics.

Two of his late uncles, Tim and Frank Leddin both served on the old City Council and had terms as mayors, while his grand-uncle Michael Keyes was also first citizen and a senior government minister - the first person to be appointed to Cabinet from Limerick.

The trio were picked following a selection convention in the Shannon Rowing Club at Sarsfield Bridge in the city.

Early in the New Year, Labour will hold a separate convention to pick their candidate for the new position of Directly Elected Mayor, the election for which is expected on the same day as the locals next June.

Councillor Sheehan, who is his partys group leader this year, said: I will be fighting for every single vote between now and June to ensure that we return a strong Labour team to the new council to deliver the change we need.

Councillor Leddin added: I am delighted to be selected to contest my sixth local election and to continue in the long proud tradition of public service of the Leddin and Keyes family.

And Councillor Secas concluded: If re-elected next June, I will continue with the same commitment to champion local issues that matter to us, our families and our communities.
Limerick City and County Council has been named Local Authority of the Year 2023 at the 20th annual Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.

The award recognised the Councils work in promoting Limerick as a positive, inclusive and sustainable place to live, work, visit and invest.

The prestigious awards are held in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

They recognise and celebrate the outstanding work being carried out by Local Authorities all over Ireland.

Two Limerick City and County Council projects also won awards: Student Planners: Inspiring Future Generations and Limerick on Foot. Eight more projects were shortlisted for awards.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell congratulated the Council on their success.

"Being named Local Authority of the Year 2023 is a resounding endorsement of the hard work being done every day by the management and staff at Limerick City and County Council.

"They are at the forefront of driving Limericks economic growth and improving the quality of life for every citizen. This is another example of the different kind of energy that is setting Limerick apart.

Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said: "We are delighted and honoured to be named Local Authority of the Year 2023.

"It is a fantastic recognition of the work being carried out daily by our dedicated staff. Limerick City and County Council are proud to be innovators.

"With the enthusiastic support of our elected representatives, and in collaboration with communities and other stakeholders, we are delivering for every citizen in the county.

"Our award-winning and shortlisted projects span from environmental initiatives to promoting healthy living, fostering economic development, boosting tourism, and enriching the arts.

"We have a community-centric strategy and a dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, pursuing vibrant living spaces, and elevating Limerick's national and international profile."
OVER 300 delegates from all over the country assembled in the Radisson Blu Hotel Limerick to hear An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Minister Charlie McConalogue and Minister Eamon Ryan address the packed event.

It was a powerful line-up following on from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, last year. Outgoing ICMSA president Pat McCormack took advantage of the powerful guest speakers to tell them some home truths about the state of farming and the problems faced by, particularly, dairy farmers all over the State.

Aside from the specific farmer problems like low prices and the havoc being caused by what Mr McCormack characterised as the non-defence of Irelands Nitrates Derogation, the ICMSA president took unerring aim at what he said was the jaw-dropping double-standard evident in the Governments attitude on emissions.

The ICMSA president said that if the Mecosur deal proceeds, then the Irish Government and the EU forfeit the right to ever mention sustainability again.

He said that if this Government is serious about climate change, then detailed negotiations along with funding need to take place so that we ensure that we have a vibrant climate efficient agriculture sector going forward. Without this, he maintained that it was just so much hot air where we were told that a surplus of hot air is the main cause of the overall problem.

Every single morning, we wake up to a working day that will be dominated by the word emissions and how we can lower them?

Rising emissions are  we never cease to be told  a global problem and the survival of the human race  not to mind our family farms  depends on lowering emissions.

Imagine our surprise then to be told that we can expect air travel to surge by 12% next year. Just in case that was too vague, we had Kenny Jacobs, of DAA, saying: We want to grow Dublin Airport from 32 to 40 million [passengers a year].

Taoiseach, Im no scientist but surely increasing passenger numbers from 30 million to 40 million is going to involve more emissions; its going to mean massively increased emissions.

Obviously, that being the case, the Irish Government should have said were very sorry Mr Jacobs, but were really committed to lowering emissions: thats why we spend every day restricting Irish farmers and actually introducing measures aimed at lowering emissions, said Mr McCormack, who cited a Sunday Independent article on November 5 where the Taoiseach indicated he support the lifting of the ceiling on passenger numbers from Dublin Airport.

The reason you cite is that if we dont offer those new routes then well lose them to other competing hubs and airports.

Taoiseach, we have been explaining to anyone that would listen that the moment we drop the volumes of milk that we produce in the most sustainable way on the planet, that that milk production will immediately switch to other locations that are not as sustainable  so Ireland loses the money, and the planet gets higher emissions.

My question to you is why dont emissions matter for flights overseas for stag parties and hen nights, but do matter for food production in Limerick or Tipperary or anywhere in Ireland? Cows are bad and have to go - but hens and stags are fine and can just work away, said an exasperated Mr McCormack.
MOTORISTS are being urged to take caution and expect delays after multiple incidents have occurred on Limerick motorways this Friday afternoon.

Gardai are in attendance at the scene of a three car collision on the M18 northbound between Junction 4 at Cratloemoyle and Junction 5 at Cratloe.

Three appliances from Shannon Fire Brigade and four appliances from Limerick City Fire Brigade attended the scene, and ambulance services were also notified of the incident, which took place at approximately 12.30pm this Friday afternoon.

A temporary closure is also in place for the northbound section of the Limerick Tunnel between Junction 2 at the Dock Road and Junction 3 at Coonagh.

Temporary closure N/B Limerick Tunnel between J2-Dock Road and J3-Coonagh (Northbound) (24-Nov 12:37) https://t.co/7YdB52UGLt  TII Traffic (@TIITraffic) November 24, 2023

Four appliances from Limerick Fire Service also attended a separate incident of a bus leaking diesel on the M7 between Junction 27 at Birdhill and Junction 28 at Castletroy.

No injuries were reported during this incident, which was also attended by an appliance from Newport Fire Brigade.

The Newport Fire Brigade appliance is still in attendance at the scene awaiting the arrival of a spray truck.
AN EVENT honouring the extraordinary courage, empathy, compassion, humour and campaigning spirit of the late Vicky Phelan was held in University of Limerick this week.

The Vicky Phelan portrait campaign and tour event took place on Thursday at UL, where Vicky was a graduate, a former member of staff and an honorary doctorate recipient.

The portrait, depicting the story of Vickys life in three panels by artist Vincent Devine, was displayed by David Brennan, portrait owner and friend of Vicky.

David, supported by Vickys family and friends, has continued to campaign in her memory, using the portrait to tell her story and continue her legacy.

Vickys parents John and Gaby, husband Jim and son Darragh were among her family members in attendance, as well as a host of friends and former colleagues.

Vickys friend John Wall remembered an immense legacy that she has left that is never ending.

She shaped the world that we lived in single handedly  it is a phenomenal legacy that is still benefiting us and others. She was an extraordinary friend and it was a privilege to have known her, he said.

David Brennan, who is from Mooncoin and was a lifelong friend and neighbour of Vickys family growing up, bought the painting when it was auctioned after being unveiled by her on the Late Late Show, remembered her as a big sister.

When the portrait was unveiled, we knew we had to buy it so it was back in Mooncoin, we knew there was something greater we could do with this, he explained.

We had a vision for it, to take it on tour and carry her torch, to tell her story and influence people to look after themselves. We have been touring the country ever since, bringing her campaign for awareness and change, he added.

The event also featured speakers guest speakers such as cancer patient advocate Sarah Nally, while a panel discussion also took place featuring Liz Yeates, Marie Keating Foundation, Cian OCarroll, solicitor and Caoimhe ONeill-Forde, 221+ Support Group was moderated by Tammy Darcy, CEO of The Shona Project.

UL President Professor Kerstin Mey, who addressed the large gathering, said: A fighter and activist, Vicky Phelan was so much to so many. At UL, she was a graduate, a teaching and professional colleague, and a recipient of this institutions highest award when she received her honorary doctorate the same year she began her public fight for survival and for the women of Ireland.



Vicky remains an inspiration to all UL students, to our staff and to our community and she brought great honour to the University, and it is our honour to have her remembered her today just a short time after her first anniversary," Professor Mey continued.

It is a credit to those behind the Vicky Phelan portrait campaign and tour that you are continuing Vickys legacy and telling her story through this painting, which is vivid way of illustrating her incredible bravery.
The number of homeless people in Ireland has gone above 13,000 for the first time, including 3,991 children.

New figures released by the Department of Housing show an increase in those in emergency accommodation to 13,179, with 86 more children homeless compared to the previous month.

Focus Ireland director of advocacy Mike Allen said it really is a disgrace that 4,000 children will be homeless in Ireland this Christmas.

It is heartbreaking to know that some of these children are only babies and will be spending their first ever Christmas homeless.

Ireland is not a poor country; this should not be happening, and we must always remember that homelessness is not inevitable and can be prevented by the right policies.

The Simon Communities of Ireland expressed deep concern that high levels of homelessness could continue into 2024.

Its analysis shows that there has been an increase of 1,782 people in emergency accommodation, or 16%, in the 12 months since October last year.

Wayne Stanley, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, called for further action.

These are usually the final monthly figures to be published in the year, so now is an opportunity to reflect not only on how extraordinary this level of homelessness is, but also on how we got here.

Based on the figures published today, almost 4,000 children will spend Christmas in homeless emergency accommodation.

When family homelessness was declared a crisis in 2014, it was less that 1,000 children.

He added: If the trauma of homelessness inflicted on children is not enough to ensure action to address the crisis, what will be the catalyst for change?

The Simon Communities of Ireland has been calling for a referendum to enshrine a right to a home in the Irish Constitution. We have to ask, if that was in place, would we have such alarming levels of homelessness today?
On Thursday, businesses and tech groups cautioned the European Union against excessive regulation of foundation models, a type of artificial intelligence system, in the forthcoming AI rules. They emphasized that such over-regulation could potentially stifle the growth of emerging start-ups or force them to relocate from the region, reported Reuters.

The appeal was made as European Union nations and lawmakers enter the concluding phase of negotiations on regulations that may establish the standard for other countries.

One major point of disagreement revolves around foundation models like OpenAI's ChatGPT. These are AI systems trained on extensive datasets, equipped with the capability to learn from new data and execute various tasks, adds the report.

"For Europe to become a global digital powerhouse, we need companies that can lead on AI innovation also using foundation models and GPAI," DigitalEurope, whose members include Airbus, Apple, Ericsson, Google, LSE and SAP, wrote in a letter.

"As European digital industry representatives, we see a huge opportunity in foundation models, and new innovative players emerging in this space, many of them born here in Europe. Let's not regulate them out of existence before they get a chance to scale, or force them to leave," said the companies.

The letter also received endorsements from thirty-two European digital associations. GPAI, which stands for general-purpose artificial intelligence, was mentioned in the communication. The signatories, noting that only three percent of the world's AI unicorns originate from the European Union, expressed support for a collaborative proposal by France, Germany, and Italy. The proposal aims to restrict the scope of AI rules for foundation models specifically to transparency requirements.

They also mentioned that the existing expansive scope of the draft AI rules might conflict with prevailing legislation in certain sectors, such as healthcare.

"We are increasingly frustrated at what we see as a lack of interest in the effects on the medical sector. Our impression is that people don't care about the content any more, they just want to get it done. We are simply collateral damage," said spokesperson Georgina Prodhan at Siemens Healthineers.

The companies also rejected appeals from creative industries to address copyright issues within the AI rules.

"The EU's comprehensive copyright protection and enforcement framework already contains provisions that can help address AI-related copyright issues, such as the text and data mining exemption and corresponding," added companies.

(With inputs from Reuters)

SIEMENS More Information

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Chinese automakers are winning over millions of consumers around the world with affordable electric vehicles. They are conspicuously absent from one big market: the U.S.

Washington has effectively built a fortress to keep out Chinese EVs. Former President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tax on Chinese auto imports. President Biden backed that policy and went further, denying them Buy America" credits that can reduce consumers price tag by thousands of dollars.

These steps have made it virtually impossible for Chinese automakers to compete with vehicles built in the U.S. or imported from friendly nations, even as they rapidly penetrate other markets.

So powerful is the Chinese automakers push that some U.S. officials say even the significant U.S. trade barriers might not be enough, going forward, to keep them out of American markets and protect domestic manufacturers. U.S. officials point to massive subsidies China has shelled out to prop up its EV supply chains, which they say allow Chinese makers to sell their products at unfairly low prices.

China is determined to dominate the electric-vehicle market by using unfair trade practices, but I will not let them," Biden told auto-union workers in Illinois earlier this month. I promise you."

China is on its way to becoming the worlds largest auto exporter this year, replacing Japan. It builds roughly two-thirds of all electric vehicles globally and the biggest Chinese EV maker, BYD, made 1.9 million vehicles last year, more than Teslas 1.4 million, according to the companies.

Picture a modern day Godizilla with the power to trample on and destroy anything that gets on his path," said Michael Dunne, chief executive of ZoZo Go, an advisory company specializing in the Chinese EV industry. He counts more than 100 countries where Chinese EVs are sold. The only market where Chinese have not yet really begun a big assault is right here in the United States."

Some U.S. lawmakers and policy makers want to keep it that way and are calling on the Biden administration to consider further expanding tariffs on Chinese autos.

It is a matter of time before PRC manufacturers will be able to absorb the additional 25% tariff," wrote members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, including Chairman Mike Gallagher (R. Wis) and top Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai this month. PRC is the acronym for Peoples Republic of China.

Biden administration officials, meanwhile, say they have learned hard lessons from Chinas rise to dominate American manufacturers in industries such as solar panels and steel.

The U.S. Trade Representatives office is staying vigilant against the threat of Chinese EVs flooding the U.S. market, said Brian Janovitz, the agencys chief counsel for China trade enforcement. Weve learned from past experience that if you wait for a lot of imports to swamp the marketit also becomes much more difficult to defend against that threat," he said on an August panel.

Higher tariffs could receive a mixed reception among U.S. automakers. They are eager to see U.S. government policies slow the rise of the Chinese EV industry but are also wary of the possibility that Chinese officials could retaliate with their own tariffs, as China represents the second-largest market for U.S. branded vehicles.

Complicating matters is the fact that China has built dominant supply chains for EV batteries and the minerals used to make them. U.S. automakers will inevitably rely on these supplies as they increase their own EV manufacturing to meet the Biden administrations goal of reducing carbon emissions, said John Bozzella, who heads Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry group whose members include Ford Motor and General Motors.

China has a 10- to 15-year head start in the EV industry," Bozzella said.

Among Chinas biggest overseas targets has been Europe. BYDs popular Atto 3 SUV, a global bestseller that comes with an advanced driving-assistant system and heated seats, is offered at 39,500, or about $43,000. Also popular is the MG5 EV, a larger estate car" built by a former British brand now owned by Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor. Its price starts from 35,395, or $38,500.

In the U.S., the average EV sale price was $53,469 in July, according to Cox Automotive.

The EU has so far maintained an import tariff of 10%. In October, the bloc launched an investigation into whether to raise the tariffs, alleging that Chinese vehicles are sold typically 20% below EU-made models because of Chinese government subsidies. The Chinese share of its market, the EU said, has recently risen to 8% from 1% and could soar to 25% by 2025.

Liu Pengyu, Chinese Embassy spokesman in Washington, said the U.S.s policies discriminate against other countries EV industries, undermining fair competition. We will closely follow the developments and firmly safeguard our rights and interests," he said.

Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are preparing to assemble EVs in or near the U.S. to avoid the tariffs. Polestar, a luxury EV brand owned by Chinese automaker Geely and its Volvo unit, plans to start production in South Carolina next year. Another Chinese auto manufacturer, Chery, is building a plant in Mexico, and BYD and SAIC-owned MG are ramping up their presence in that country.

Analysts expect the Chinese automakers export push to become even more aggressive because the companies have built up a huge capacity for producing vehicles and batteries. Wendy Cutler, vice president of Asia Society Policy Institute think tank, said China has the ability to produce some 10 million autos after meeting its domestic demand for 26 million vehicles a year. Whether the world can absorb all that production remains an open question.

All the signs of our market being flooded are there," she said.

Anthony DeBarros contributed to this article.

Write to Yuka Hayashi at Yuka.Hayashi@wsj.com

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Fairfax-backed IIFL Finance Limited, which is one of Indias largest non-banking financial companies, today said that leading rating agency CRISIL has upward revised its outlook to Positive from Stable. The agency has also reaffirmed the long-term rating at CRISIL AA and short-term rating at CRISIL A1+.

In the rating rationale released by CRISIL Ratings said, The outlook revision reflects the strengthening market position of IIFL Finance group and the expected sustained improvement in its profitability. The ratings continue to be supported by the groups comfortable capitalization with improved gearing, and its diversified portfolio with majority contribution from inherently less risky asset classes."

The positive outlook revisions have also been made for IIFL Home Finance Limited and IIFL Samasta Finance Limited, both material subsidiaries of IIFL Finance Limited. Further, they have also reaffirmed the long-term rating at CRISIL AA and short-term rating at CRISIL A1+ for IIFL Home Finance Limited and long-term rating at CRISIL AA- and short-term rating at CRISIL A1+ for IIFL Samasta Finance Limited.

Nirmal Jain, Founder, IIFL Group and Managing Director, IIFL Finance said, The ratings outlook upgrade vindicates our growth strategy focused on retail loans to relatively under-banked customer segments and strong financial performance."

Kapish Jain, President & Group Chief Financial Officer of IIFL Finance, said, The upward outlook revision is a confirmation to our consistent and robust financial performance and validation of our sound business model."

IIFL Finance offers gold loan, affordable home loan, microfinance loans and business loans and has consolidated assets under management of 73,066 crore as on September 30, 2023, making it one of the largest retail-focused non-banking finance companies in India. IIFL Finance is present across India through over 4,400 branches and multiple digital platforms catering primarily to the credit needs of unbanked and underbanked small entrepreneurs.

IIFL Finance Group is in the top three entities in the gold finance segment, and is among the top three non-bank players in microfinance. The housing finance business has also scaled up and the group through its subsidiary IIFL Home Finance  has carved out a niche position for itself in this segment by delivering affordable housing finance.

About IIFL Finance

IIFL Finance Ltd is one of the leading retail focused diversified NBFC in India, engaged in the business of loans and mortgages along with its subsidiaries - IIFL Home Finance Limited and IIFL Samasta Finance Limited. IIFL Finance, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide spectrum of products such as Home loan, Gold loan, Business loan, Microfinance, Capital Market finance and Developer & Construction finance to a vast customer base of over 8 million+ customers. IIFL Finance has widened its Pan-India reach through extensive network of branches spread across the country and various digital channels.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Barclays is working on its cost-saving plans of 1 billion pounds ($1.25 billion) which could also involve around 2,000 job cuts, mainly in the British bank's back office, according to a report published by the news agency Reuters.

The company's managers are currently reviewing proposals to bolster its profitability. The person, on the condition of anonymity, stated that around 1,500 to 2,000 jobs could be cut if the plans were implemented in full.

Barclays' managerial team is led by Chief Executive CS Venkatakrishnan who is known within the bank as Venkat.

He said that the potential cuts would primarily be at Barclays Execution Services, known internally as BX, and would form part of an overall target of reducing expenses by up to 1 billion pounds across the group over several years.

In recent years, Barclays has made efforts to reduce expenses by slashing bonuses as well as jobs in its retail and investment banking businesses. However, moves to shrink BX and the potential savings have not been reported before, Reuters reported.

Created in 2017 to consolidate support functions for the bank's two main business divisions, UK retail banking and international, BX was designed to eliminate duplication and implement post-crisis risk management rules.

The person told Reuters that the BX headcount discussions are ongoing and Barclays could decide to prioritize layoffs in other areas. BX's staffing and costs have grown significantly in recent years. Its headcount rose to about 22,300 as of the end of 2022, from 20,000 at end-2017, and now accounts for more than a quarter of Barclays staff, regulatory filings show. Annual staff costs at BX have risen to 2 billion pounds, from 1.8 billion pounds.

Presently, Venkat is under pressure to fund ways to boost Barclays' tumbling book value ahead of an investor presentation in February when he will unveil a fresh strategy.

Since taking over as CEO, the veteran banker has grappled with the fallout from a trading blunder that cost the bank hundreds of millions of dollars. He also faces a prolonged battle to maintain morale across Barclays' investment bank, where a talent exodus hinders attempts to compete with European rivals such as Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, and UBS.

On October 23, Venkat indicated that Barclays would embark on further restructuring in preparation for its February 20 presentation, which is seen as a key opportunity for the bank to convince shareholders that it has a plan to lift its valuation.

The company has been working with Boston Consulting Group on a strategy review, focused on which parts of the business to invest in and which should be reduced or sold.

(With Reuters inputs)

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The Noida International Airport and IndiGo airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), wherein the largest domestic airline will be the first airline to start flights from Noida International Airport. According to a statement, the country's largest airline -- which has agreed to become the launch carrier for the airport.

The Noida International Airport is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024.

Under the agreement, signed in Delhi, NIA and IndiGo will work together towards developing and strengthening air connectivity in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

The greenfield airport is located in Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district in western Uttar Pradesh, about 75 km from Delhi.

Once operational, it will be the second international and overall third commercial airport in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The partnership will explore new and innovative ideas, aimed at gaining operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience, as per the NIA statement.

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"We are excited to sign this MoU with IndiGo, which has a strong base both in domestic and international markets. The partnership between NIA and IndiGo will not only help bolster air connectivity but also innovate, ensuring an exceptional customer experience for our customers alike," Noida International Airport's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christoph Schnellmann said.

"By leveraging IndiGo's extensive route network and expertise, we aim to provide our passengers with unparalleled connectivity and an exceptional travel experience," Schnellmann said.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline is thrilled to announce the partnership with NIA to become its launch carrier.

"As India's leading airline, IndiGo has always been at the forefront of enhancing connectivity and giving wings to the nation. Our operations at NIA will provide the people of Uttar Pradesh with seamless connectivity across our unparalleled network," Elbers said.

"We look forward to the inauguration of the new airport in 2024 and will continue to work with NIA management to explore innovative ways to deliver an affordable, on-time, and hassle-free travel experience across the 6E network," he added.

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The assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana are due this year, while the Lok Sabha elections are slated for 2024. As these elections are around the corner, here's all you need to know about the process for NRIs to register as voters in India.

Yes, non-residents of India (NRI) or an overseas Indian can enroll as a voter in India. The Election Commission of India cites the provisions of Section 20A of the Representation of People Act, 1950 by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010, to says that "an NRI settled in foreign land can become an elector in electoral roll in India".

According to the Election Commission, the name of overseas elector is included in a separate section for Overseas Electors". It is the last section of the roll of that particular part/polling station area of the constituency in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in his passport is located.

Follow assembly elections 2023 LIVE Updates here

Who is an overseas elector

As per the Election Commission, an overseas elector is a person who is a citizen of India and who has not acquired citizenship of any other country. He/she is also eligible to be registered as a voter and is "absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to his employment, education".

The NRI person is also "eligible to be registered as a voter in the constituency in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in his passport is located".

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Election 2023: Don't have voter ID? Here's how you can caste your vote tomorrow

Moreover, the overseas elector must keep the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) informed of the change in residential address in the country of his/her residence.

The NRI must also inform the ERO of he/she becomes an ordinary resident of India. "In such a case, the person can then be registered as a general elector at the place where he is ordinarily resident in India," the Election Commission says.

How can an overseas India (NRI) get registered/enrolled as voter?

An NRI has fill Form 6A to enroll as a voter. "He/she has to file an application for the purpose in prescribed Form 6A before the Electoral Registration Officer/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of the constituency within which the place of ordinary residence of the applicant in India as given in his/her passport falls," the Election Commission says.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Election 2023: Vote timings, how to know your candidate and SWOT analysis of BJP, Congress

The application must be accompanied by duly self-attested copy of the relevant documents. The application can then be filed:

1. In person before the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs)

2. Sent by post addressed to ERO/AERO

3. Can be filed online through National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) /Voter Helpline App (VHA) mobile app

4. Or go on the website of Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned stat/ECI

What documents are required to be enclosed with Form 6A

1. One recent passport size coloured photograph

2. Photo-copies of the relevant pages of the passport containing photograph, his address in India and all other particulars of the applicant and also the page of passport containing the valid visa endorsement

ALSO READ: Rajasthan assembly elections 2023: How would BJP, Congress ensure women safety and welfare - explained

How can an NRI cast his/her vote

After enrolment, an NRI elector can cast his/her vote in an election in the constituency, in person, at the polling station provided for the part where he/she is registered as an overseas (NRI) elector. He/she should carry original passport at time of voting.

Voiting for the Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023 will be held on Saturday, November 25, while the election Telangana will be held on November 30. The results for five assembly elections - in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan - will be declared on December 3.

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The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary, C H Venkatachalam, on November 22, 2023, called for a strike by the banking union on account of appropriate hiring and rejecting the outsourcing of permanent jobs. According to Venkatachalam, bank branches will remain closed from December 4, 2023 onwards. The strike is expected to continue till December 11, 2023, as LiveMint reported earlier. In his social media platform X post, Venkatachalam raised the concern of rising unemployment from the pre-Covid period to 2023, signifying the need for proper hiring in all banks and speaking against the outsourcing of day-to-day jobs.

Additionally, Venkatachalam pointed out the issues raised by a decrease in staff. The issues raised included an increase in stress, an increase in workload, quality issues, a decrease in service quality, quality issues, a decrease in productivity and a decrease in efficiency.

Earlier in its report, Livemint reported that the bank employees will go on strike on these days next month, according to the notification.

Employees of State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Punjab & Sind Bank will go on strike on 4 December, followed by employees of Bank of Baroda and Bank of India on 5 December. Employees of Canara Bank and Central Bank of India will be on strike on 7 December, and employees of Union Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra will be on strike on 8 December. On 11 December, private banks will go on strike.

Among its demands is stopping the outsourcing of permanent jobs in banks and ensuring adequate recruitment of Award Staff in banks, according to the All India Bank Employee Association.

In addition to the reduction in recruitment at lower levels, AIBEA general secretary C H Venkatachalam had earlier stated that outsourcing jobs is putting customers' privacy and their money at risk.

There are also some banks that violate the Industrial Disputes (Amendment) Act. The management ignored the labour authorities' advice, violated the Industrial Disputes Act, and forced the employees out, he had said.

CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA More Information

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A FEW HOURS before service at Ilis, a newly opened restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, two-dozen or so young cooks in crisp black-linen shirts and olive-drab aprons stand around tables and islands, deep in prep. In one corner of the former warehouse, two of them carefully seal large surf-clam shells with beeswax and bind them with twine. Soon these will be filled with a combination of clam juice, clarified tomato juice and dashi, to be slurped by diners paying $295 for a 12-course dinner. At a worktable, dozens of defeathered Khaki Campbell ducks await 21 days of dry aging.

It may sound like the standard set-up for a high-end restaurant of a particular Nordic bent, but it isnt. Ilis is part of a crop of restaurants across the country eliminating the barriers between cooks and clientele, redesigning the workflow, changing the way dishes are created and making new demands of diners, too.

At Ilis, this view into the intricate inner workings of the kitchen doesnt end when service beginsa small revolution in itself. There was a time when the average diner didnt know or much care what happened in the kitchen. But after the publication of Anthony Bourdains 2000 tell-all book Kitchen Confidential," a working knowledge of restaurant-trade secrets became de rigeur for diners. Meanwhile, the Food Network was packaging chefs as stars of a magnitude never before seen in the food world.

By the time Fox launched Kitchen Nightmares," starring the famously irascible Gordon Ramsay, in 2007, the shouting bad-boy chef was a familiar figure. Then came a reckoning with workplace culture that extended far beyond restaurants. Even as kitchens cleaned up, however, and the movement toward a livable wage for all employees took hold, the division between front of house (dining room) and back of house (kitchen) remained entrenched. At Ilis and other restaurants, thats shifting, fundamentally. Diners, too, are being asked to play by a different set of rules, even as new technology helps court their loyalty.

Dont Say Front of House and Back of House.

Most of Iliss 4,800 square feet is occupied by a massive open kitchen that makes the labor of producing meals transparent to diners in a way so-called open kitchens of the past did not. On one side of this kitchen is a smoker, two wood-burning ovens and a pair of wood-fired grills; on the other, a cold bar. (Ilis" is a portmanteau of the Danish words for fire and ice.) Customers sit on three sides of the wide-open workspace.

I wanted to build a restaurant inside of the kitchen," explained chef and co-owner Mads Refslund, a handsome Dane who co-founded Copenhagens Noma, another game-changing restaurant, back in 2003. Even more unusual: how complete the dissolution is between front and back of house is. There are no servers; only cooks, who also serve. The teams work on alternating two-week schedules. I thought it would be easy," Refslund said. But it wasnt. Its really f-ing hard to be a good waiter."

Co-owner Will Douillet has the job of optimizing service to compensate for lack of serving experience. Sparkling water, for instance, goes into handblown glassware, readily identified by bubbles in the glass; tap water, into clear glasses. Titanium consoles in the tables hold silverware for the entire evening. Those little changes have made a massive difference," said Douillet.

Refslund locates the seed of Iliss one-house philosophy in the egalitarian experience of his early career. In Denmarkeveryone gets paid the same," he said. The whole tipping system is so stupid."

Other restaurants, too, are erasing the distinction between front and back of house. At Lita, an Iberian restaurant that opened last year in Aberdeen, N.J., chef David Viana and co-owner Neilly Robinson dont hire cooks or servers: We hire hospitality professionals," Viana said. Two teams of five cooks work one-week shifts, alternating between front and back of house. These employees are salaried and paid equally. Robinson estimates compensationsalary, tips and overtimebetween the high 70,000s and low 80,000s. According to Viana, its about building careers, even beyond this restaurant. So many chefs never get a chance to meet customers," he said. But those customers are their potential investors."

At Che Fico in San Francisco and the newly opened Che Fico Parco Menlo (in Menlo Park, Calif.), chef David Nayfeld maintains a nominal distinction between front- and back-of-house workers but adds a 10% dine-in" charge to all checks as well as suggesting gratuity, all of which is then split between the two groups. Weve tried to align the incentives of the entire team, from the landlord to the porter," he said. Everyone benefits from higher sales. This seems like the only fair way to run a business like this."

At Ilis, it means that some of the finer points of service are missing, Douillet allowed: Yeah, you might see the back of their hand, but who cares?" The payoff is a passion for, say, surf clams that can only be summoned by someone who has spent hours sealing them with beeswax.

Dont Send Compliments to the Chef.

An enduring restaurant-world myth holds that all dishes are conceived and executed by the chef. Commonly, only a chefs name graces the menu; sometimes, the chef de cuisines. But a few restaurants are extending the credit.

For years, Amanda Cohen, the New York chef behind Dirt Candy, followed tradition at her high-end vegetarian restaurant. But during the pandemic, she began doing things differently. I had this great staff," she said. And I thought it was only fair that if they were going to take the time to create a dish, they should get credit." Now, her menus bear not only her name but also the names of the cooks who originated the dishes.

At Sap Sua in Denver, married chefs and co-owners Anna and Ni Nguyen draw inspiration from Nis Vietnamese upbringing. But that doesnt mean he is the sole creator. Guests at Sap Suaand followers of Nguyen on Instagramare told that the cold vermicelli dish with crab broth was created by a young Vietnamese cook named Kenny Doan, and the fried tofu in tomato stew was made by the restaurants chef tournant, Theo Bodor. The menu lists Doan and Bodor along with every other employee at Sap Sua, from the host to the dish-washing team, in alphabetical order. Theres no hierarchy," Ni said, because were all one team."

Dont Slip a Fifty to the Maitre D.

Once, a maitre d could make the difference between getting a table or not, a bad table or a power table, VIP status or the Joe Schmo treatment. It didnt always involve a large bill discreetly offered. With the investment of time, eye contact and many meals purchased, restaurant regulars were afforded certain privileges and perks.

Today, no matter how restaurateurs try to incentivize stability in the front of house, hosts often come and go. Now a new industry is selling technology to maintain relationships between diners and restaurants. Blackbird Labs, founded by Ben Leventhalformer CEO of the restaurant-reservation service Resyrecently raised $24 million in funding for its turbocharged loyalty program. The Blackbird app allows guests to check in to participating restaurants and earn perks such as secret courses and free Champagne. The company has plans to convert regular" status on the app into blockchain-backed fungible tokens called $FLY that can be redeemed at participating restaurants.

At Principe, a new restaurant in Manhattans SoHo neighborhood that signed on to Blackbird in September, there are four tiers of regular status, starting on the fifth visit and increasing every five check-ins thereafter. Perks range from chips with your drink to bites from the raw bar. The perks increase in intensity and generosity," said Tony Carson, the restaurants general manager. Blackbird identifies where and who a customer is to facilitate personalized treatment. When you have a turnover of managers, there is a digital record of a regular on which I can train them"a brave new world indeed, Carson acknowledged. Back in the day, you became a regular because you went to a restaurant and the same person greeted you," he said. They didnt need a piece of technology. But those days are gone."

Dont Miss the Drama Over at the Grill.

The open kitchen has entered a new era. At Ilis, in Brooklyn, every night is a complex ballet with no backstage. All aspects of cooking and service are on display, and diners observe with avid curiosity.

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Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bajaj Finserv Balanced Advantage Fund, an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund suitable for investors wanting to invest in equity and equity-related instruments including derivatives, and fixed-income instruments.

The scheme opened for public subscription on November 24, 2023, and will close on December 08, 2023. The scheme re-opens for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days of the allotment date.

Q. What kind of mutual fund schemes is this?

This is an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund. This product is suitable for investors seeking

To generate wealth creation over the long term

Dynamic asset allocation between equity and equity-related Instruments including derivatives, and fixed-income instruments.

Speaking on the launch of the product, Ganesh Mohan, CEO, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management, said, Given that we are a new entrant, we have the opportunity of looking at things afresh. Our BAF is yet another example of that approach. Here, both behavioural sciences and financial insights are balanced, to help us make our investment decisions. Our unique investment philosophy (INQUBE) seeks to combine the Informative, Quantitative and Behavioural edge to generate alpha. While this forms the plank for almost all our products, it is in our Balanced Advantage Fund that one will really be able to see a more pronounced impact of our behavioural tools. Im certain you will see many more behavioural sciences-based ideas and products being talked about in the industry in the near future."

Q. What is the main objective of investing in this fund?

The scheme aims to harness the potential gains from equities while actively mitigating potential losses. This is achieved through dynamic portfolio management involving investments in equities and equity-related instruments, coupled with strategic use of debt, money market instruments, and derivatives to optimise overall performance.

Nimesh Chandan, CIO, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management, added, "The crowd is not always wrong. As a result, selling whenever the equity market rises and purchasing every time the market falls may not be the best asset allocation approach. It is critical to recognize where the crowd has overreacted in greed or fear and capitalize on that response. We have designed an asset allocation strategy based on the study of the fundamental as well as the behavioural cycle of the market. Fundamental analysis tools provide us with an assessment of the market's fair value, while behavioural analysis techniques provide us with the change in market bias between bullish and bearish. When these indications are combined, they show whether the market has overreacted or underreacted in either way."

Q. How may one invest in this scheme?

Investors can invest under the scheme with a minimum investment of 500 per plan/option and in multiples of Re 1. There is no upper limit for investment.

Under normal circumstances, the asset allocation of the scheme will be as follows:

Instruments Indicative allocations (% of total assets) Risk Profile Minimum Maximum Equity and equity-related instruments 65% 90% Very High Debt and money market instruments and units of mutual fund schemes 10% 35% Low to Moderate

Q. Are there similar mutual funds in the market?

To date, many mutual fund houses have launched many such similar funds.

Mutual fund house Name of the fund 10-year returns (in %) Invesco Mutual Fund Invesco India Balanced Advantage Fund 12.49 HDFC Mutual Fund HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund 17.08 Bank of India Mutual Fund Bank of India Balanced Advantage Fund - Axis Mutual Fund Axis Balanced Advantage Fund 10.25 LIC Mutual Fund LIC MF Balanced Advantage Fund - PGIM India Mutual Fund PGIM India Balanced Advantage Fund - Edelweiss Mutual Fund Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund 13.10 Nippon India Mutual Fund Nippon India Balanced Advantage Fund 13.58 ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund 13.44 HSBC Mutual Fund HSBC Balanced Advantage Fund 12.62 Source: AMFI (As of November 24, 2023)

Q. How will the scheme benchmark its performance?

The scheme benchmark would be the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 index. The composition of the aforesaid benchmark is such that, it is most suited for comparing the performance of the Scheme. The trustees may change the benchmark in the future if a benchmark better suited to the investment objective of the scheme is available.

Q. Are there any entry or exit loads to this scheme?

This scheme involves no Entry Load", which means that investors do not have to pay anything to park their earnings in this scheme. The Exit Load" would be calculated as under:

- If units are redeemed/switched out within six months from the date of allotment:

i) if up to 8% of units allotted are redeemed/switched out  Nil

ii) any redemption / switch-out of units in excess of 8% of units allotted - 1% of applicable NAV.

- If units are redeemed/switched out after 6 months from the date of allotment, no Exit Load is payable.

Q. Who will manage this scheme?

Nimesh Chandan and Sorbh Gupta would be looking after the Equity" aspect of the fund while Siddharth Chaudhary would be looking after the Debt" aspect of the fund.

Q. Does the fund contain any inherent risk?

The scheme involves High Risk" as per the details mentioned in the Scheme Information Document and is best suited to investors willing to understand that their principal will be subject to high risk. However, investors should consult their financial advisors if they doubt whether the product is suitable for them.

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As Black Friday and Cyber Monday are around the corner, industry giants Dyson and Apparel Group are offering great deals on apparels to kickstart a Black November savings bonanza. Here are some top deals from the retail companies.

Dyson deals and offers:

This Black Friday, customers can save up to 17,000 on a range of products. Moreover, customers can avail an additional 10 percent instant bank offer, exclusive to purchases made on Dyson.in and Dyson Demo Stores.

Apparel Group's deals and offers:

The Apparel Group is offering the following deals from some of the popular brands.

ALDO by Apparel Group: Enjoy a flat 50 percent off from 22nd November to 26th November, available both in-store and online.

BATH & BODY WORKS by Apparel Group: Buy 1, Get 1 free from 24th November to 26th November, applicable in both stores and online.

CHARLES & KEITH by Apparel Group: Snag up to 40 percent off on selected products from 23rd November to 27th November, accessible in both physical stores and online.

BEVERLY HILLS POLO CLUB by Apparel Group: Avail a flat 50 percent off from 24th November to 26th November, exclusively in stores.

DAISO by Apparel Group: Grab a flat 30 percent off from 24th November to 26th November, available in stores.

INGLOT by Apparel Group: Enjoy a flat 30 percent off from 22nd November to 30th November, offered in stores.

LA VIE EN ROSE by Apparel Group: Indulge with a flat 50 percent off on selected products from 23rd November to 27th November, both in stores and online.

R&B by Apparel Group: Get a flat 30 percent off from 22nd November to 26th November, exclusively in stores.

Meanwhile, Vijay Sales, a retail company, has also introduced its Black Friday Sale, to celebrate the US holiday and shopping season in India. This sale will begin from November 24 and conclude on November 27.

This sale includes a range of offers on products such as smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, men's grooming gadgets, headphones, speakers, kitchen appliances, cooking essentials, and more, available at both its physical stores and official website.

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A north-east Delhi murder crime at the Janta Mazdoor Colony that involved a sixteen year old brutally murdering another seventeen year old boy has now added a CCTV footage to the narrative which has revealed gory details during the murder.

According to report, the murder took place at north-east Delhis Welcome on Tuesday night. The murderer teenager was reportedly seen bragging about the murder he had committed and brandished the blood-soaked knife, he used to commit the crime.

Some of the horrifying details of the killing in Janta Mazdoor Colony on Tuesday were captured on CCTV, the 2.23 minute footage also showing the accused threatening those around him.

The accused, who was taken into police custody on Wednesday morning and has confessed, did not know the 17-year-old who he had approached for money to buy biryani, officials said.

According to Hindustan Times report citing local residents of Gali number 18, the murderer teenager was seen with blood-laden hands, smoking a cigarette and waving the knife. He was walking around and dancing, saying maine maar diya (I killed him). He was heavily drunk," said a 25-year-old resident to HT.

The CCTV footage shows the accused teen dragging a person through a narrow bylane and going on a stabbing spree. It all started when the victim refused to buy the biryani for the accused, apparently sending him into a wild rage. There was a verbal spat, which soon turned into a scuffle.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!

The footage that surfaced on Wednesday, shows the 16-year-old suspect dragging the victims limp body into a cramped bylane in Welcome, with houses on either side. He then begins relentlessly stabbing the side of the victims neck, his ears and face. He then pauses, appears to break into a hysterical dance for a few seconds, and then resumes to stab his victim.

The assailant teens mother, sitting at her one-room house in nearby Janta Mazdoor Colony, said she wants her son to be punished. He should not come out of the observation home any time soon, and I have told the police the same," the 35-year-old said. She also said that her son, who dropped out of school after Class 9, had been drinking heavily, and would force her to give him money.

The boys family also claimed that he was involved in a murder case around two years ago. However, the police did not confirm his involvement in another crime

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New Delhi: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it does not need additional time to complete its investigation into the Adani Group, with 22 of the 24 cases related to the Hindenburg matter already resolved. The probe's remaining aspects hinge on data from foreign regulatory bodies.

The apex court's three-judge panel, led by chief justice D. Chandrachud, has concluded hearings on several petitions demanding an inquiry into the Adani-Hindenburg matter, and asked for written submissions by Monday.

On 24 January, US-based Hindenburg Research published a report accusing the Adani Group of engaging in fraudulent activities to artificially inflate its stock prices. The Group has strenuously denied these allegations with a detailed rebuttal.

Following the release of the report, public interest litigations (PILs) were filed by various advocates and activists, prompting the Supreme Court to form an investigation committee in March, chaired by former justice A.M. Sapre and comprising members such as O.P. Bhat, justice J.P. Devadhar, K.V. Kamath, Nandan Nilekani, and Somasekharan Sundaresan.

In May, the top court had granted Sebi additional time till 14 August to conclude its investigation after it failed to meet the original two-month deadline.

On Friday, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said Sebi has mulling further investigations based on newly received information in the matter.

The Supreme Court warned Sebi about the potential market volatility caused by short-selling but dismissed the petitioners' claim that the markets regulator's investigation was inadequate. The court maintained that an investigation cannot be initiated solely on the basis of media reports.

Chief justice Chandrachud raised questions about market volatility and Sebi's regulatory measures to safeguard investors, despite expressing reservations about undermining Sebi's credibility and the impartiality of the expert committee.

The court also refused to acknowledge the Hindenburg report as evidence and denied a request for a probe into the country's major financial institutions.

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan criticized Sebi for its handling of previous issues involving the Adani Group, dating back to 2014, but solicitor general Mehta countered by referencing a 2017 DRI investigation that found no evidence against Adani.

Bhushan also highlighted a potential conflict of interest concerning Sundarasan's appointment to the expert committee and his recent judicial appointment.

Lets be fair. He was appearing as a lawyer. Youre pointing out a conflict of interest because he appeared for Adani in 2006? There has to be a sense of responsibility," the chief justice said.

Bhushan also mentioned the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) report on Adani.

To which, Mehta said, We wrote to OCCRP asking for details. They asked us to get details from Prashant Bhushan. He gets a report prepared and then appears in the same case. Did not say this earlier because it would be embarrassing for Bhushan."

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The Karnataka government has approved a proposal to withdraw the CBI probe against Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in the alleged disproportionate assets case. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held at Vidhansoudha on Thursday under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah .

After the meeting, Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil said the former BJP-led state government's decision to hand over the case to CBI was "not in accordance with the law".

The Cabinet has considered very carefully, the wrong decision that was taken by the last government (BJP). We have considered the opinion given by the advocate general of the last government and also our advocate general," the Congress leader told media persons.

"The cabinet has come to a decision that the decision taken by the previous government was not in accordance with the law... We have known that the decision taken by the last government was not in accordance with the law," Patil said as quoted by ANI.

As many as 577 cases of property beyond income have been registered so far. However, the CBI has not investigated a single case as of now. The local police have investigated. Keeping this in mind, the state government has given big relief to Shivakumar.

Congress MLA Zameer Ahmad Khan faced similar charges but the BJP government decided to transfer his case to the Lokayukta, according to Shivakumar''s office.

The CBI filed an FIR against DK Shivakumar in 2018, and then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa agreed to hand over the case to the central probe agency in 2019. The central agency is probing a case against Shivakumar for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Earlier, Income Tax conducted a search against him.

The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday adjourned to November 29 the hearing of the appeal filed by Shivakumar against the sanction accorded by the previous government to the CBI to prosecute him in a disproportionate assets case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mumbai International Airport, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, on Thursday, November 23, received a "threat" email to blow up its Terminal 2 if the authorities don't comply with the demands, police told ANI. To avert the blast, the blackmailer demanded USD 1 million in Bitcoin within 48 hours.

"Sahar police have registered a case against an unknown person for sending the threat mail using the email id-quaidacasrol@gmail.com," Mumbai Police said.

A mail was sent to the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) feedback inbox around 11 am on Thursday, according to the police.

The threat mail read: "Subject: Blast. Text: This is a final warning to your airport. We will blast Terminal 2 within 48 hours unless one million dollars in Bitcoin is transferred to the address. Another alert will be after 24 Hrs."

There has been a case registered against an unknown person under the Indian Penal Code sections 385 (causing fear or alarm to the public for the purpose of extortion) and 505 (1) (b) (statements made with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public for the purpose of extortion).

Elaborate investigation has been initiated in the email threat" case.

Earlier in October, this year an Akasa Air flight travelling from Pune to Delhi was diverted to Mumbai for an emergency landing, after a passenger onboard claimed that there is a bomb in his luggage, the airline officials informed, as reported by LiveMint.

The report further claimed that the passenger who raised the hoax alarm was taken to a hospital from the airport, after he complaint of chest pain. A relative of the passenger who accompanied him on the flight reportedly told the investigators that he had taken medicine onboard for chest pain.

The passenger who raised the false alarm has been held by the police, reports added. His identity was not disclosed in the preliminary reports.

(With Inputs from ANI)

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The mortal remains of Indian Army Captain Shubham Gupta, who lost his life during a terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri were brought to his residence in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

Unable to comprehend the loss of her brave son, the mother of Captain Shubham Gupta broke down when she was made to pose with Uttar Pradesh minister Yogendra Upadhyay handing her a 50 lakh cheque. "Mere liye pradarshani mat lagao bhai (don't make an exhibition for me)" said Shubham Gupta's inconsolable mother in front of the camera. The video of the incident has gone viral on the internet and has been shared by several ministers and political leaders. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha criticised the BJP minister and accused him of doing PR". Also Read: Indian Armed Forces exploring employment opportunities for transgender persons The B in BJP should stand for Besharm and P for Publicity. Captain Shubham Gupta made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter in the Rajouri sector. His mother is grieving and eagerly awaiting her son's mortal remains. Amid her inconsolable sorrow, UP governments BJP Minister Yogendra Upadhyay shamelessly persists in having a photograph taken for his PR - this, despite the mother's plea to refrain from turning her grief into a spectacle. Shame," wrote AAP MP on X, formerly Twitter.

Before Gupta's mortal remains could reach his home, Uttar Pradesh Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay and local MLA GS Dharmesh reached his house to meet his parents. They also tried to hand over the cheque of 50 lakh to the grieving mother of Captain Shubham Gupta in front of media persons. While the ministers were busy getting themselves photographed in front of the media, Gupta's mother kept saying that she did not need it and kept insisting not to drag her in this "pradarshini" (exhibition).

Also Read: India, Maldives to discuss workable solutions for continued military cooperation: Report

The incident also didn't sink well with the netizens who lashed out at the BJP politicians for their so-called photo-shoot".

This must be watched by every Indian so they know the nationalism of the BJP. This is the grieving mother of Late Captain Shubham Gupta who made the supreme sacrifice for India in Rajouri on Wednesday," said one user on X.
A Qatar court has accepted the appeal filed by the Indian government against the death sentence awarded to eight former Indian Navy personnel last month, according to media reports. The court said the next hearing is expected soon.

The eight former Indian Navy personnel were on October 26 given death sentence by Qatar's Court of First Instance. India described the ruling as "deeply" shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case.

An appeal was filed against the death sentence handed down to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said earlier this month.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian embassy in Doha received another consular access to the detained Indians and that New Delhi will continue to extend all legal and consular support to them.

"As we have informed earlier, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a judgment on October 26 in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company," Bagchi said.

"The judgment is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps, and an appeal has been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities on this matter," he said.

Last August, the Indian nationals, who worked with the private company Al Dahra, were arrested reportedly in an alleged case of espionage. Neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against the Indian nationals public.

The charges were filed against the eight Indian Navy veterans on March 25 and they were tried under Qatari law.

All of the former Navy officers had "unblemished stints" of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and had held important positions including that of instructors in the force, former military officials had said. In May Al-Dhara Global closed its operations in Doha and all those working there (primarily Indians) have since returned home.

In the past, the Navy had taken up the case of former naval personnel with top brass of the government to secure their release.

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Due to heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, a holiday has been announced in all the government and private schools in Coonoor and Kotagiri on Friday. As reported by ANI, Due to heavy rain in the region, a holiday has been announced in all the government and private schools in Coonoor and Kotagiri today (24th November)," M. Aruna, Nilgiris District Collector on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in a statement on Thursday, forecasted heavy rainfall in multiple districts of Tamil Nadu over the next 48 hours. As per the release, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over the Nilgiris, Theni, Thenkasi and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu today. Also Read: Rain Update: Torrential rainfall pounds Tamil Nadu, Kerala; triggers waterlogging in many areas| Watch videos| Watch videos Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu, the release further stated. Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Department, Chennai, issued a light to moderate rainfall warning in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next three days, as reported by ANI.

Chennai Regional Meteorological Department, Director Balachandran, said, "For the next two to three days, as far as Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry are concerned, light to moderate rainfall is expected. Heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including Nilgiris and Coimbatore."

The Chennai Meteorological Department has reported the potential formation of a Cyclonic Circulation in the vicinity of the South Andaman Sea around November 25th.

Also Read: Rainfall alert: IMD predicts heavy rain in THESE states in next 4-5 days. Check list here

"Heavy rainfall was witnessed in many places in the last 24 hours. We can see that the clouds, which were mostly in the eastern parts of the Bay of Bengal, have now moved. About 45 places recorded heavy rainfall, 8 places recorded very heavy rainfall, and 2 places recorded extremely heavy rainfall in the state," Balachandran said while speaking to ANI.

Also Read: IMD issues yellow alert as Mumbai braces for unseasonal rainfall from November 25. Details here

The IMD has indicated that heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations in the Tiruvallur, Ranipet, and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu on November 24, according to their latest release.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Amid a sudden surge in mysterious pneumonia cases in China, India is closely monitoring the health situation in its neighbouring country, said Union Health Ministry on Friday.

The ministry also said that there is a low risk to India from the avian influenza cases reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness.

Also Read: Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China: Hospitals overwhelmed as cases surge, WHO issues advisory | All you need to know

Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China," said the Health Ministry in its press release.

Regarding the rise in cases of respiratory illness in children as usual, the Health Ministry cited WHO and said that there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.

Recently, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Directorate General Of Health Services (DGHS) to discuss the preparedness measures taken against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated a low probability of the human-to-human spread of H9N2 (aviation influenza).

Also Read: 'India open to Chinese investments': Centre as Ajit Doval affirms strained strategic trust

Pneumonia outbreak in China

After recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19, China is witnessing a sudden rise in pneumonia cases among children. There have been multiple reports suggesting a surge in hospitalisation in the country.

The surge in respiratory illnesses among children has come in the backdrop of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the resurgence of well-known pathogens, including influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, a widespread bacterial infection, that mainly targets the young population, etc, according to China officials.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria is responsible for mild infections affecting a person's respiratory system. Sometimes, it can cause serious lung infections that can lead to hospitalisation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: The drone cameras are being used to monitor the situation of the rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped under the Silkyara tunnel that collapsed on November 12, said officials on Friday. A 15-member NDRF team, led by a commandant, has been assigned the rescue mission. Here are the top 10 updates on the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse ,

1) Speaking to ANI, Managing Director and CEO of Squadron Infra and Mining Pvt Limited, Cyriac Joseph said, We are here to support the team and we are working effortlessly. Our priority is the safety of the trapped labourers so that's why we have got a drone so that we can monitor their situation."

2) The drones are of the latest technology that can go inside the tunnels. It goes autonomous in accessible areas and then you can access it there at any convergence. It can also go in GPS-denied areas. This is the first time that such drones are being used in such a disaster," Joseph said.

3) Associate lead mining engineer Asifmulla said that the drone is of the latest technology and is used for underground mines and tunnels. We have come here from Bengaluru to support the team. The drilling is underway and we all are trying our best to rescue them out of the tunnel."

4) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday monitored the rescue operations which entered the final phase. Officials have mentioned that no specific timelines should be assumed.

Also Read: Live updates on Uttarkashi tunnel collapse

5) Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Uttarakhand CM on the phone and sought information about the ongoing rescue operation of 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.

6) Horizontal drilling of 800 mm diameter steel pipes reached about 45 metres with only 12 metres remaining of the around 57-metre debris stretch on November 22. However, in a late evening development, the drilling hits a hurdle when some iron rods come in the way of the auger machine.

7) On November 21, the NHIDCL resumed overnight the horizontal boring operation from the Silkyara end" that involved an auger machine.

8) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari who reviewed the rescue operation said boring horizontally with the huge auger machine appeared to be the best bet. He anticipates a breakthrough within two and a half days.

9) Alternative options were explored by a team of officials from the PMO and experts who decided to work on five evacuation plans simultaneously, including vertical drilling through the top of the tunnel to rescue the trapped labourers.

10) . Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren voiced concern on Wednesday regarding the delayed evacuation of workers from the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Afghanistan embassy announced its permanent closure in New Delhi on Friday.

As per an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the Afghan embassy said, "Effective from November 23, 2023 owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally." The embassy said it was 'cognisant' that some may attempt to characterise this move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who switched allegiance to the Taliban, adding that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests". Also Read: Taliban-ruled Afghanistan ranks second worldwide in internally displaced population

"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.

Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".

Also Read: Why Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi has ceased its operations? Explained

In the last twenty-seven months, the Afghan community in India has experienced a notable decrease, according to the embassy's statement. Afghan refugees, students, and traders have been departing the country, resulting in nearly a 50% reduction in numbers since August 2021. The statement further highlighted that there has been minimal issuance of new visas during this period.

Also Read: Biden holds Trump accountable for chaotic and hastily executed Afghan withdrawal

"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.

"Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement.

Also Read: Opportunity for India as Iran-Saudi ties reshape Taliban-led Afghanistan

It added that the Afghan embassy exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school".

Currently, there are no representatives from the Afghan Republic in India, as conveyed by the embassy. Diplomats who were stationed in the national capital have successfully relocated to third countries.

The embassy further clarified that the only individuals present in India are diplomats associated with the Taliban, actively participating in their routine online meetings.

"The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added.

Also Read: India ditches Pakistan route, to send food supply to Afghanistan through Iran

"We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded.

Also Read: Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi blames India for its shutdown; internet reacts

Meanwhile, Afghanistans Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay in a post on X wrote that India has been a steadfast strategic partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, adding, and we acknowledge the limitations & concerns that govern the realm of realpolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region."
US forces were attacked four times in Iraq and Syria on Thursday, November 23 with rockets and armed drones, but there were no casualties or damage to infrastructure, reports Reuters quoting US Military official.The official, , on condition of anonymity told Reuters that US and international forces were attacked at two sites in northeastern Syria with multiple rockets and a one-way attack drone

The Ain Al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad launched multiple one-way drones, and the Erbil airport base near Erbil airport in northern Iraq launched a drone.

In the early hours of Monday, a group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed attacks on those locations. Analysts say the group is an umbrella group for several Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups.

U.S. forces struck the Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah (KH) armed group south of Baghdad the day before, killing eight members, according to KH.

As an escalation and a violation of sovereignty, the attack was condemned by the Iraqi government.

U.S. officials said they had struck Iran-aligned groups after an increase in their attacks that have targeted U.S. and international forces dozens of times since October 17, 10 days after the Israel-Hamas war began.

As of Thursday, there had been 36 attacks in Iraq and 37 in Syria, a U.S. military official said, as quoted by Reuters.

According to the Pentagon, 56 U.S. service members have suffered wounds ranging from minor to severe, but all have returned to duty, Reuters reported.

Iran says the groups are acting on their own accord, dismissing the U.S. claim that they are backed by Iran.

In Syria and Iraq, the United States has 900 troops and 2,500 more in neighbouring Iraq to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large parts of both countries.

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SpaceX founder Elon Musk had an "emotional" reunion with his father Errol as they met for the first time in seven years, a report said. The two reportedly met soon after the historic first successful launch of SpaceXs Starship rocket last Saturday.

Describing the reunion, Errol Musk's ex-wife Heide Musk told the Sun: "The family cried. It was pretty emotional stuff. Errol was very happy to see Elon, and Elon appeared very happy to see his father. They immediately sat down at Elon's table next to one another and started talking as though no time had passed."

"They spoke for a long time. It was very touching for me and our daughters to see this. We were speechless," Heide was quoted by the report as saying. The report added that the father and son have had an often tense relationship over the years.

ALSO READ: Dont really like: What Elon Musk said when his father Errol Musk fat-shamed him

According to the report, Errol and his family watched the Starship launch from a VIP platform with about 100 US and international guests.

The report also showed a family picture that showed Errol posing in front of the Starship rocket alongside Heide, his daughters Alexandra and Rose, Alexandras husband Guy Stueart IV, and their young daughter Cora Amelia.

The launch was the first time the Starship spacecraft managed to go into space. Errol was reunited with his eldest son Elon for the first time in nearly a decade at a dinner to celebrate the launch, the report said.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk helped his financially 'broke' father but on 1 condition...

Errol later told Heide that hed had a pleasant evening with Elon" where the conversation was typically Musk". At the dinner, Heide revealed, "Errol told me they spoke about mRNA research, the coarseness of orthopedic surgery, how to design a septic free operating theater, and the danger of statins."

Elon and father Errol Musk had last met in 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa, when Elon, 52, and his brother Kimbal, 51, celebrated their dads 70th birthday with him.

The Sun reported that Errol had received a "surprise invite to the Starship launch" from his son and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk while spending time with two of his daughters in Austin.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk a self-made billionaire? World's 2nd richest says, 'Havent inherited anything ever'

About the SpaceX launch

SpaceXs colossal Starship spacecraft exploded during its second major test flight on Saturday. It, however, achieved new milestones that advance Elon Musks crucial deep-space launch system.

The rocketship reached space following liftoff from South Texas before communication suddenly was lost. SpaceX officials said it appears the ships self-destruct system blew it up over the Gulf of Mexico. Minutes earlier, the separated booster had exploded over the gulf. By then, though, its job was done, the Associated Press reported.

Saturdays demo lasted eight or so minutes, about twice as long as the first test in April, which also ended in an explosion. The latest flight came to an end as the ships six engines were almost done firing to put it on an around-the-world path.

The real topping on the cake today, that successful liftoff," said SpaceX commentator John Insprucker, noting that all 33 booster engines fired as designed, unlike last time. The booster also separated seamlessly from the spaceship, which reached an altitude of 92 miles (148 kilometers). Added commentator Kate Tice: We got so much data, and that will all help us to improve for our next flight."

At nearly 400 feet (121 meters), Starship is the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, with the goal of ferrying people to the moon and Mars.

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The United States reportedly thwarted an attempt to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. The news came just days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India booked the leader of banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Pannun was booked for issuing threats to passengers of Air India flight in a video message.

Right after US shared the information with India, New Delhi announced that they had taken the inputs very seriously, and that investigation into the matter had already begun.

The response from the Indian Government was quite contradictory to how the government reacted when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada has credible allegation regarding Indian government's involvement in the killing of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

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-Indian reacted significantly angrily when PM Trudeau made the announcement at the Canadian Parliament in September. The Ministry of External Affairs calling the allegations absurd and motivated"

-This was followed by diplomat expulsion on both ends. Canada expelled an Indian diplomat posted in Ottawa, Delhi expelled a Canadian diplomat based in New Delhi.

-Further India forced Canada to withdraw 41 of its diplomats from its High Commission in New Delhi.

-India had also issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Canada and cautioned students, professionals and tourists. It suspended visa services in Canada and also stopped e-visa services. The latter was later resumed.

-However, the moment the Financial Times reported US bid to thawart an assassination attempt on Pannun, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for MEA, said, During the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to the nexus between organised criminals, gun-runners, terrorists and others. The inputs are a cause of concern for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow-up action."

On its part, India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well. Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments," he said.

-Notably, for Canada the Khalistani in question was dead, in case of US, the Khalistani in question was unharmed

-Further, Canada flagged a possible involvement of Indian Government in killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, US has not yet directly linked assassination attempt on Pannun to the Indian government.

-While India refused to co-operate with Canada in the investigation of Nijjar killing, and said that if some information is shared, then they will look into it, in case of US, India jumped to examining claims

-India-US ties over the years have developed to now span strategy, defence, space, technology, economic, and people-to-people among others. The US is also looking to reduce labour dependency on China, by looking at India as an alternative

-Whether either side- India and US, can afford their ties getting bitter at this juncture will only eventually be understood.

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Technology will not replace humans! said billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates who believes that it could allow a three-day work week. He shared his thoughts while talking to South African comedian and writer Trevor Noah on his podcast 'What Now'.

The 68-year-old Microsoft co-founder showed optimism that technology would free up labor for more constructive work when Noah asked about the threat of intelligence to jobs.

In the 45-minute-long conversation, Gates talked about technology, work, and the purpose of life. Don't have to work so hard. Life is not only about doing jobs. If you eventually get a society where you only have to work three days a week or something, that's probably OK."

He depicted a world in which labor-intensive human labor is eliminated by machines performing necessary tasks and drew parallels with generational shifts in labor.

The billionaire outlined how a father doing a variety of jobs evolved from a grandfather who thought farming was the only real job. He also said that contrary to popular belief, only 2% of Americans work as farmers today.

According to Gates, technological progress can be beneficial if it happens at a reasonable rate and the government helps people who are adjusting to the changes. He emphasized how crucial it is to support people in learning new skills in order to ensure a smooth transition.

With the help of software, things become more productive. Eventually, you know, you can have smaller class sizes and better assist the elderly if you free up human labor. You know, if you have the necessary skills, there is still a need for labor to accomplish good things," he added.

In March this year, Bill Gates expressed his belief that artificial intelligence (AI) can transform education. He compared the development of ChatGPT to his introduction to the graphical user interface in the 1980s, hailing it as a ground-breaking technological demonstration.

He has spent the next ten years considering the possibilities of artificial intelligence. He stated that low-income nations and marginalized communities must have access to these AI-driven tools.

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It was a year ago this month that China experienced the biggest wave of unrest since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Thousands of people, mostly students and youngsters, gathered in cities across China to show their displeasure with the governments exceptionally harsh covid-19 controls. The public was fed up with the constant testing, the brutal lockdowns and the restrictions on movement. Some of the demonstrators chanted slogans. A few called for Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, to step down. Many held up blank pieces of paper, a wry critique of Chinas stifling censorship regime. The events thus became know as the white-paper protests".

They were effectiveor appeared to be. Within weeks the government abruptly changed course, ending its zero-covid" policy. It may have been an accumulation of pressure, not least economic, that forced the governments hand. Chinese officials would never acknowledge the demonstrations as a turning point, lest they encourage more like them. But reports suggest that the countrys leaders did have the protesters in mind, along with other considerations, when they began lifting restrictions in early December of last year.

One person who is sure that the demonstrations had an effect is Huang Yicheng. The 26-year-old student joined a protest in Shanghai. He points to the governments haphazard dismantling of zero-covid infrastructure and its failure to stockpile basic fever medication as evidence that, until last November, it had not been planning to change its policy. Regardless, the authorities have shown little mercy to the protesters. Using facial-recognition technology and mobile-phone data they identified, interrogated and arrested some of them.

Mr Huang himself was detained, along with others, on the night of the protest in Shanghai. He managed to exploit a moment of chaos to escape the bus where he was being held. Earlier this year he made his way to Germany, where he is attending university. But he remains worried about his parents back in Shanghai. They have been harassed and threatened by the police, he says. Security officials told his mother that he could face seven to ten years in prison if he were to return to China.

Little wonder then that Mr Huang is not optimistic about Chinas near-term future. He laments its lack of freedoms and the governments crackdown on civil society. The pandemic, he says, was a kind of a test for the country. In the first two years China passed, controlling the virus better than most countries. But in 2022 it failed in a way that, he argues, revealed the flaws in a one-party system where Mr Xi reigns supreme.

Over the longer term, though, Mr Huang is more optimistic. Even the desert has a little bit of grass," he says. China is a desert and the white-paper movement is that little piece of grass." He believes that in 20 or 30 years people will come to understand its importance.

Subscribers can sign up to Drum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world.
TAIPEIA last-minute effort by Taiwans opposition parties to combine forces in a coming presidential election has crumbled in spectacular fashion, increasing the likelihood that the island democracy will continue as a central flashpoint in ties between the U.S. and China.

Taiwans main opposition Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang, struck a surprise deal last week with the Taiwan Peoples Party to unite in a coalition ticket favoring friendlier ties with China that political analysts said had a real shot of coming out on top in the islands presidential contest in January.

The agreement began to unravel almost immediately after it was announced and appeared to fully fall apart at a press conference on Thursday evening, during which the parties candidates traded veiled insults with each other and another opposition candidate, Foxconn founder Terry Gou, before walking out in front of several dozen reporters.

The Kuomintangs nominee, Hou Yu-ih, and Ko Wen-je, the TPP candidate, separately registered with Taiwans Central Election Commission within an hour of each other on Fridaythe last day for officially declaring a candidacyconfirming the death of the deal.

Things have evolved to this point today, its like brothers climbing the mountain each in their own way," Ko said Friday, quoting a popular saying about two people separately pursuing the same goal. He also apologized for what he called the absurd comedy" of the previous nights meeting.

The failure of the opposition candidates to coalesce changes expectations for an election that has weighty implications for security in the Asia-Pacific region as well as strained ties between the U.S. and China.

Both Hou and Ko favor a friendlier posture toward Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of China. Both have trailed in the polls behind Vice President Lai Ching-te, the nominee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. A seasoned politician and campaigner, Lai is seen by Beijing as a more aggressive advocate of Taiwan independence than his boss, President Tsai Ing-wen, who is scheduled to leave office in May due to term limits.

Lai has said he would continue Tsais policy of maintaining the status quo in relations with China. He formally registered for the election on Tuesday with his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, who has served for the past several years as Taiwans de facto ambassador to Washington.

In one development that is likely to please Beijing, Gous spokeswoman said Friday that the billionaire didnt have plans to register, meaning he would drop out of the race and avoid diverting votes from either of the other two opposition candidates. Foxconn, one of the worlds top assemblers of iPhones, is facing an investigation of some of its China operations for alleged tax and land-use violations in what political analysts said was a move by Beijing to force Gou to withdraw from the election.

Still, with Gou polling last among the major candidates, his decision isnt expected to have a major impact on the dynamics of the race, political analysts said.

The presidency is the DPPs to lose," said Wen-ti Sung, who teaches Taiwan studies at Australian National University. He said, however, that the ruling party could struggle to hold on to its legislative majority, resulting in a split government that would complicate relations with both Washington and Beijing.

The deal between the opposition parties fell apart as they fought over how to decide which of their candidates would lead the combined ticket. In announcing the deal on Nov. 15, the two sides said they would rely on a panel of experts to choose the order based on recent public opinion polls and internal polling conducted by both parties.

Political analysts expressed surprise at how much Ko had given up in the deal, with some speculating he would lose. The sides failed to agree on final terms before their self-imposed deadline, and Ko publicly criticized the negotiations as unfair.

Next time I definitely wont negotiate with them on my own because I say OK, OK too easily," he said at a press conference. That catchphrase of mine was used by the other side to deceive me."

The chaos reached its climax on Thursday night, when Gou hosted a public meeting with the other opposition candidates at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei. The bickering began almost immediately, with the host chastising the KMTs Hou for bringing along the KMT chairman and former president Ma Ying-jeou, whom he described as one of the events distinguished uninvited guests."

With cameras rolling and reporters watching, one candidate protested as another read out private text messages they had exchanged. A fierce argument then ensured over the margin of error in polls before the KMT faction finally walked out of the room.

This day will go down as one of the most dramatically silly moments in Taiwans history since democratization," Lev Nachman, a political scientist at Taipeis National Chengchi University, wrote on X, the social-media site formerly known as Twitter.

The fracas marked a contrast with a press conference held by the ruling DPP earlier in the day to introduce Hsiao as its vice-presidential pick. Seated on stage, she calmly fielded a series of questions, including one from a Wall Street Journal reporter about how she navigated political divisions in the U.S. while serving in Washington.

We cannot afford to let Taiwan become an issue of partisan difference in American politics," she said, referring to herself as a cat warrior," a nickname meant to evoke her constant need to walk with delicate balance. Everything we do, we do it in a bipartisan way."

Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com

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Weeks of secret hostage negotiations with Hamas were hanging by a thread when President Biden phoned the emir of Qatar, a key emissary to the militant group, to deliver an urgent message.

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, had gone dark after the Israeli military seized control of Al-Shifa hospital, a facility Israel said Hamas used as a command-and-control center. Now that the fighting at the hospital was over, Sinwar had re-emerged from the shadows, and he was ready to negotiate.

This could be our last chance," Biden told the emir, according to several people with knowledge of the call.

Biden was injecting himself into one of the most complex hostage negotiations in modern history, a diplomatic frenzy that involved the heads of the Central Intelligence Agency and Israels Mossad, Egyptian intelligence officers and Sinwar, an enigmatic leader that Israeli officials say was operating from an underground bunker.

The agreement produced from those negotiations on Wednesday morning faced last-minute drama, with quibbling over the fine print delaying it by a day. But by Thursday evening, Qatari negotiators said the deal was back on to free 50 Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza in return for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, starting on Friday.

The agreement also requires daily pauses in Israels drone surveillance of Gazaa key concession that Biden extracted from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. officials said.

U.S. officials have cautioned that the deal was still fragile, having been negotiated between enemiesHamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and Israel, which has vowed to destroy the Gaza ruler in response to the Oct. 7 attack that killed more than 1,200 people, most of them Israeli civilians.

By late Thursday evening, negotiators were still working on the fine details, such as the route the hostages would take into Israel.

But the deal marked the first major diplomatic breakthrough of the seven-week-old war. It also cemented a rare channel of communication between the warring parties, raising hopes that further talks can secure the release of other hostages taken on Oct. 7.

The talks unfolded against the backdrop of Israels sweeping ground invasion of northern Gazaan escalation that Israeli officials contend piled pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.

U.S. officials, along with Qatari and Egyptian negotiators, feared the clashes at Al-Shifa and other parts of Gaza City, a longtime Hamas stronghold, would close the window to execute a deal.

The broad outlines of the agreementan exchange of civilian hostages for Palestinian prisoners and aidwere proposed by negotiators weeks ago, but the talks continued to break down as the conflict flared. Hamas threatened to walk out. Both sides haggled over the number of hostages and prisoners to be released. Israel, determined to destroy Hamas, resisted the militant groups demands for a pause in the fighting.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, was coming under heavy pressure at home to break the impasse. The families of hostages held a five-day protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and met with members of Israels war cabinet, fearing the military campaign was putting the hostages lives in more danger.

The longer the war went on, they said, the higher the risk that Hamas leaders could simply disappear. Hamas had already threatened to execute the hostages in the first week of the war. The captives also risked becoming casualties in Israels relentless bombing of Gaza.

Pressure from the families and pressure from within the cabinet convinced Netanyahu to accept the deal," said Gershon Baskin, an Israeli negotiator who brokered a deal that freed an Israeli soldier held by Hamas in 2011.

This account of the negotiations is based on interviews with more than a dozen officials in the U.S. and across the Middle East that were involved in brokering the breakthrough over the last several weeks. Officials discussed the details of the negotiations, which they frequently described as dramatic, intense, frustrating and tedious, in anticipation of the deal going through. Although the parties have all accepted it, it will be days before all the hostages are actually released. One U.S. official reiterated that the deal isnt done until the deal is done.

In the early days of the crisis, top officials from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Israel and Gaza began to hold secret talks as part of a special hostage negotiation cell. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan directed Josh Geltzer, a legal adviser to the National Security Council and White House aide, to help create the cell, according to a senior administration official, and it was established in the Qatari capital of Doha.

The cell tackled the problem of negotiating between two warring parties that have no direct channel of communication. Hamas itself was divided between its military and political leadership fighting the war in Gaza, and its political leaders in exile, many of whom live in Qatar.

Qatari officials were expected to press Hamass political leaders. Egypts intelligence services had decades of experience dealing with Hamas in Gaza and with Sinwar specifically. The Egyptians had successfully brokered cease-fires in a series of previous wars between Hamas and Israel, and they maintained the only viable channel to Hamass military leadership in Gaza, according to officials across the Middle East.

Sinwar himself was no stranger to prisoner exchanges. Israel had freed him and more than 1,000 prisoners in 2011 in exchange for a single Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who was held for years by Hamas in Gaza.

The cells work led to an early success: the release of the two American women, a mother and a daughter on Oct. 20. That essentially served as a test case, or pilot," a U.S. official said, for future releases.

The cell over time established processes that proved to be effective," said the official. That led to a very intensified process for the larger release of hostages."

On Oct. 21, Hamas put forward a new proposal to release a large group of women and children hostages if Israel called off its plans for a ground invasion. U.S. officials contacted Israel asking if they would hold off on the ground operation. Israel refused, pointing out that Hamas hadnt supplied a detailed list of the hostages nor proof of life.

Two days later the Qatari prime minister proposed to White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk the release of a large group of women and children in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and more aid and fuel. With Washingtons approval, Qatar and Egypt went to Hamas on Oct. 26 to see if they could get the deal done. Hamas was asked for a list of identifying information or so-called proof of life.

Hamass Sinwar responded to Egypt that he would guarantee the release of the 50 women and children but that he didnt have the full identifying information on those to be released. A few hours later Hamas offered a list of just 10 names.

The U.S. response came immediately: 10 names wasnt enough. Israel also told Egyptian negotiators that the impending ground invasion would pressure Hamas to give in and take the negotiations more seriously.

The ground incursion began the night of Oct. 27, with Israeli tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers spilling into Gaza and clashing with Palestinian fighters while warplanes rained missiles on the strip. Sinwar cut off contact with the Egyptian negotiators.

Developments on the battlefield impacted the negotiation dramatically," said Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, the Qatari negotiator. Any escalation will make our task extremely difficult."

The talks resumed days later, with Egyptian intelligence officers trying to coax Hamas into supplying a list of 50 names. On Oct. 31, Israel launched an airstrike targeting a Hamas leader in Jabalia in northern Gaza that flattened entire apartment blocks, killing more than 100 Palestinian civilians in the deadliest single airstrike of the war to date. Egypt, Qatar and Hamas all halted the negotiations in protest.

With the talks teetering, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and the director of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, flew to Doha to try to obtain more information about the hostages and see if more pressure could be applied on Hamas. Burns met Barnea and Qatari officials in Doha on Nov. 9 in what regional officials saw as a breakthrough in the talks. Officials wrote a rough draft of the deal.

On the morning of Nov. 12, Hamas finally supplied more names of hostages to be released as Israeli troops surrounded Al-Shifa Hospital.

Hamas leaders in Gaza again cut off contact with negotiators. Sinwar sent a message to Egypt saying Hamas would cancel the negotiations completely if the Israeli military didnt call off the operation at the hospital.

That same day, Biden made the first of two calls to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The lack of identifying information about the hostages from Hamas was impeding the talks, Biden said during an exchange an aide described as intense."

The president demanded clear information on the 50 hostages including age, gender and nationality. Without that information, the negotiations would fail, he said. The emir made it clear to Biden that he would do everything he could to persuade Hamas to provide the information, the aide said.

Israeli forces seized control of Al-Shifa days later, finding AK-47s, a laptop and other equipment stashed in the hospital that it said was evidence of a command center.

When talks resumed on Nov. 16, negotiators extracted the detailed list of 50 hostages that Hamas slated for release.

The next day Biden, who was in San Francisco for his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, called the Qatari emir. Biden praised Qatars work on the hostage deal. But he also warned it could be the last chance to execute the deal. Both sides had made concessions in the talks, the president said. Now was the time to get it done.

Qatari officials agreed to prod Hamas and asked Biden for help pressuring Israel to accept the deal. Biden said he had been in frequent contact with Netanyahu about the negotiations.

In the following days, McGurk flew to Doha to hammer out the details of the agreement, now written down in a six-page document, while Burns joined the talks remotely. McGurk also flew to Cairo to meet Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel to go through the same document.

Hamas had agreed to most of the draft document, but sticking points remained. There was disagreement over the ratio for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, as part of a second wave of releases. The two sides still differed over the length of the pause in fighting.

Hamas was also demanding Israel stop its drone surveillance of Gaza during the pausesa measure that would hamstring Israels efforts to pursue Hamas leaders in southern Gaza.

Biden held a series of conversations with Netanyahu on the issues. Israel had initially resisted the request to stop drone surveillance, but at Bidens request, ultimately conceded the point. The U.S., which also conducts surveillance over Gaza, is considering if it will continue its own drone operations and at what scale.

We are evaluating how the U.S. will adjust its activities in support of these efforts," one U.S. official said.

Hamas publicly accepted the deal on Nov. 21. Israels government approved it early on Wednesday.

But by Wednesday night, Israels top national security official, Tzachi Hanegbi, issued a surprise statement saying the deal would be delayed by at least a day. A last-minute issue had come up.

According to negotiators, Hamas asked Israel for a list of the first group of Palestinian prisoners to be released so it could inform their families. When Israel turned down the request, Hamas refused to share the list of hostages it planned to hand over on the first day, negotiators said.

A spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the lists of hostages and prisoners to be swapped would be exchanged daily.

The last twist left families of the hostages reeling, with some saying they wont believe the deal is real until their loved ones are back on Israeli soil. The first hostages are set to be released at 4 p.m. Friday local time.

I really hope it happens and nobody backs out," said Mika Dan, 14, whose uncle, Ofer Kalderon, 53, was kidnapped on Oct. 7 from a kibbutz near Gaza with his two children. I just really want them back."

Anat Peled contributed to this article.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com, Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com, Gordon Lubold at gordon.lubold@wsj.com, Stephen Kalin at stephen.kalin@wsj.com and Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com
Bharatiya Janata Paty (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "theorising" the possible expulsion of (Trinamool Congress) TMC MP Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha over the "cash-for-query" case. Dubey said if Banerjee's theory is to be believed, then Dawood Ibrahim, a declared terrorist wanted by the Indian government, "is not a traitor".

"If Dawood Ibrahim also contests from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, then I think there is a 99% chance that he will win the election," the BJP MP said on Friday. According to news agency PTI, he alleged that that people like underworld don Dawood Ibrahim are 'favourites' of Banerjee. Dubey's comment came in response to Mamata Banerjee's recent statement on her colleague Mahua Moitra who is facing allegations leveled by Dubey. The BJP MP alleged that the TMC leader asked questions in Parliament in exchange for monetary benefits and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bengal Chief Minister broke her long silence on the controversy surrounding Mahua Moitra's likely expulsion from the Lok Sabha over the case. Mamata Banerjee said the expulsion will boost her chances in next year's general election.

"Mahua Moitra's expulsion from Lok Sabha is being planned... but this will help her before the election. They have planned to chase out Mahua. She will become popular for three months. What she said inside... she will say outside. She will hold press conferences every day. What does she lose?" Banerjee was quoted by ANI as saying.

Hitting out at Mahua Moitra on Thursday, Dubey alleged, "She (Mahua Moitra) didn't provide login credentials to just Darshan Hiranandani. It was logged in from multiple placesDelhi, Bengaluru, San Francisco. This is a big conspiracy... It is the history of the INDI alliance that they like corrupt, traitorous individuals like Dawood Ibrahim."

Dubey also shared a Lok Sabha order underlining the importance of confidentiality for the question and answer session in the Parliament. He used the Hindi idiom "Chori Upar se Seenazori" (showing aggression after committing wrongdoings) to target the Trinamool Congress MP.

In a post on X in Hindi, Nishikant Dubey said, "This is the order of the Lok Sabha, which clearly says that confidentiality means that the information should be limited to the MP only. Because when the MP asks a question, the MP gets the answer one hour before the commencement of the Parliament, this affects the condition of the stock market and the company with ups and downs in the market."

"There can be a breach in the economy, security. Playing with the economy, and security due to getting premature information about our relations with other countries. Perhaps a PA like Hiranandani did not read this and informed the accused who is also a corrupt MP? Showing aggression after committing wrongdoings (Chori fir Seenazori)," he added.

ALLIANCE More Information

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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.An obscure zinc smelter in Tennessee is sitting on two minerals vital to producing chips for smartphones and radar systems, landing it in the middle of a global trade war.

The plants Dutch owner and local officials are looking to fund an expansion so the smelter can process the sought-after materials, germanium and gallium, which are supplied to the rest of the world primarily by China.

Beijing recently restricted exports of germanium and gallium to the U.S., setting up a potential shortage that could leave numerous industries in the lurchand put Clarksville, the fifth-biggest city in the countrys 15th-largest state, at the center of geopolitical tensions.

Backlighting LEDs for smartphone screens and chips that handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are made partly of gallium. Germanium is used in critical defense and outer-space applications: NASAs Spirit and Opportunity rovers were powered by germanium solar cells.

For now, that mineral wealth is packed into enormous burlap bags full of chunky mud glistening with flecks of unrefined metal. The goal is to have the plants expansion done in about two years. The effort could help protect jobs at the plant and yield a payoff for Nyrstar, the Dutch company that owns itthough it is also a risky bet that China wont resume exports and send prices plummeting.

The U.S. is racing to catch up with China, among other countries, on rare-earth minerals and other scant resources, in response to the growing threat of natural-resource protectionism and ever-greater demand for a variety of emerging uses. The U.S. government supports such efforts, including with an Energy Department program that uses data and artificial intelligence to predict unconventional deposits of crucial resources.

Tennessee is currently the only known place in the continental U.S. where gallium and germanium can both be extracted at grades suitable for electronics manufacturing. The plan afoot at the smelter on the banks of the Cumberland Rivera tangle of giant hoppers, conveyor belts, pipes and furnacesis for an expansion upward of $190 million to extract the metals.

Its in our backyard and lets utilize it," said Jay Reedy, a Tennessee state representative who has championed the project. Lets not give it to another city or another country."

The U.S. efforts over the long run may not fully pan out. The U.S., for example, has struggled to respond to Chinas growing dominance in both polysilicon, a material used to make solar cells, and the broader solar-panel supply chain. U.S. polysilicon manufacturer Hemlock Semiconductor decided to scale back after China imposed tariffs on its products, including closing a $1.2 billion facility in Clarksville in 2014. Now the huge campus houses a Google data center.

Trade wars and tariffs arent good for all," said Mike Evans, a retired industrial-development executive in Clarksville who brought in the Hemlock investment, the largest the region had ever seen. He learned the company was pulling the plug while on vacation. I couldnt believe it."

The latest Clarksville project is expected to add a couple dozen jobs, and new life for the zinc smelting operation. New revenue streams protect against swings in zinc prices that have closed Tennessee mines beforeincluding in October, when Nyrstar paused production at its zinc mines in the middle of the state, after a long-term slump in zinc prices.

During the pause, the company plans to do more drilling for zinc, germanium and gallium in the mines, preparing to increase supplies to the smelter when the zinc market springs back or the germanium and gallium operation is up and running.

If you look at the price history of zinc, there havent been too many times it has been very good," said Gregory Belland, a mining technology expert at Nyrstar who oversaw the design of the complex chemical process to extract the metals. Germanium and gallium follow a different price cycle."

As Washington engages in an intensifying exchange of economic blows with Beijing, each side is leveraging their technical and natural resources.

Chinas restriction on exports of the metals started in August. That was preceded by U.S. bans on exports to major Chinese technology companies, alongside curbs on Chinas access to artificial-intelligence chips and advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment.

Such pressures are pushing forward a return of long-neglected industries to the American heartland, driven both by geopolitics and market forces.

Intel, Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. are building new chip plants in Ohio, Texas and Arizona after a decadeslong shift toward Asia. Other companies are expanding mining of lithium, critical for electric-vehicle batteries and dominated by China, in North Carolina, Arkansas and Nevada. And in Texas and Wyoming, companies are pursuing mining of rare-earth elements used in batteries and magnets.

Exxon Mobil recently started drilling for lithium in Arkansas and aims to become a major U.S. supplier for makers of EV batteries by 2030. Exxon purchased drilling rights on 120,000 acres in southwest Arkansas earlier this year as it positions itself for an expected increase in electric vehicles.

Elsewhere in Tennessee, a company called IperionX wants to mine titanium to supply the U.S. defense industry, which today largely gets the metal from Japan. Those reserves, built up on the foothills of the Appalachians, are some of the largest in North America and are completely untapped.

Its the Saudi Arabia of titanium out there in west Tennessee," says IperionXs Chief Executive Taso Arima, an Australian who wears an American-flag patch on the sleeve of his polo shirt and has written a childrens book about titanium called From Tennessee to Mars."

At the zinc smelter, Nyrstar, a subsidiary of commodities giant Trafigura, hopes to make about 40 tons of gallium and 30 tons of germanium a year, which it reckons could fill as much as 80% of the U.S.s needs. Today, those metals come almost entirely from China, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, a result of that countrys efforts to dominate the supply chain in recent decades that went largely unnoticed by U.S. officials.

Efforts by the U.S. government to support such projects have been brewing for years. The pandemic heightened an existing sense among many American policy makers that a hands-off, free-market strategy in the U.S. gave the upper hand to China, where government investments built up domestic industries and pushed out foreign competition with lower prices.

Three years ago, the White House singled out gallium and germaniumamong other critical mineralsas vulnerabilities China might one day exploit. The Biden administration conducted its own review that reinforced the earlier conclusion, but none of the minerals highlighted had been a target of Beijing until recently.

We could see this coming a mile away," says Keith Krach, a former Trump administration official who helped draft the executive order. The big thing is that a lot of these rare-earth minerals are not so rare, its just that China has all the processing plants and the key thing is weve got to build it in our country."

Nyrstar is still looking to secure funding for its gallium and germanium project, and is asking for help from the Energy, Commerce and Defense departments, all of which have financing mechanisms for national-security critical projects.

State support is possible, too. The company pushed for funding or tax breaks last year and could only secure a resolution of support from the state legislature. But that was before China put in its restrictions.

We didnt get too far, but I would imagine this time around it will be a bit easier," said Tennessee Sen. Bill Powers, who represents Clarksville in the state legislature.

Write to Asa Fitch at asa.fitch@wsj.com

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After recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, China is again witnessing an unusual surge in child pneumonia cases . There has been a significant increase in the number of hospitalisation in the country.

Also Read: Indian student population in German universities skyrockets, outpaces China

The reports of respiratory illness outbreaks in China have refreshed the memories of the early days of the Covid pandemic, which first emerged as mysterious pneumonia cases in Wuhan 2019. However, the present surge in cases among children is mainly because of the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia, RSV, adenovirus, and influenza, reported Bloomberg referring to Chinese health officials.

The sudden rise in cases of child pneumonia in China has raised alarm among health experts in India. Most of them believe that India should be prepared for the sudden surge of respiratory illnesses just like it is happening in China. Moreover, people should also remain cautious about the signs and symptoms of the disease and make sure to not ignore and consult with doctors. Here are the prime symptoms of pneumonia which is making children sick in China.

Also Read: China Tried Using Economic Ties to Bring Taiwan Closer. It Isnt Working

Chinas Child Pneumonia Outbreak: Main symptoms and precautions

-According to health experts, one of the prime symptoms of pneumonia could be fever, sore throat, myalgia, fatigue, etc.

-Children suffering from this illness can also experience, cough, and breathlessness.

-Pneumonia is a lung infection that affects one or both lungs resulting in the filling of air sacs (alveoli) with fluid or pus caused by bacteria and viruses like RSV- respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus, Influenza, Rhinovirus, COVID and bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Also Read: Union Health Ministry on rising pneumonia cases in China, says Closely monitoring outbreak

-People suffering from this respiratory disease can also have additive symptoms like loose stool and vomiting.

Recently, there has been an upsurge of influenza-like illness cases in children from Beijing and Liaoning Province of China, named 'mysterious pneumonia', because the definite cause is still under investigation. It could be any of the pre-existing viruses like RSV, bacteria, or atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma etc. This 'mysterious pneumonia' presents with high-grade fever and abnormal chest radiograph with no or minimal cough," Dr Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Consultant, PICU, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad told Hindustan Times.

-To deal with the rising cases of respiratory illnesses, which are common during winters, the World Health Organisation has advised people to take basic precautions to reduce their risk- wear masks, stay home when sick, and wash their hands regularly. The group also underlined that theres no need for any travel restrictions based on the current situation, reported BB.

Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.
Authorities say a police officer shot and killed a man who tried to rob an armored car employee in Tennessee and then, after running into a nearby deli, charged at the officer with two knives
Authorities say a man accused of child sex charges who has been on the run for over a month after escaping custody in Tennessee has been captured in Florida
Law enforcement personnel blocked off the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge, on Wednesday in Niagara Falls, New York.
A defendant facing a total of seven fraud charges will return to Longford District Court in March to have matters progressed.

Noel Devaney (36) of 16 Sandylane, Richmond Street, Longford was the subject of a jurisdiction hearing to ascertain if the matter will be concluded in the District Court.

Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined the charges against the defendant. Mr Devaney faces accusations that on April 5, 20, 27, and May 11 and 18 at Bank Of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he engaged in handling or possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct, that is 350, while believing the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Two other charges are that on July 15, 2021 at Bank Of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he did handle property the proceeds of crime, that is bank lodgements of 2,400 and 3,800.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act.

Sgt Mahon said the the first set of charges relate to alleged fraudulent Covid Payments and the second two relate to the withdrawal of money from the accounts of two ladies, one from Laois the other from Sligo. The injured parties were reimbursed the money.

The prosecuting sergeant said there was a second co-accused in the matter. Sgt Mahon said the State will allege that Mr Devaney's account was used to facilitate the transfer of money.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked if there had been any direct contact with the injured parties in the incident on July 15, 2021. Sgt Mahon said the scheme was set up by a co-accused and alleged the defendant had facilitated the fraud by providing his bank account.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh pointed out that her client had made contact with Gardai about the matter before he was charged. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant will be entering a plea and asked the judge to consider directing the compilation of a probation report on Mr Devaney.

Judge Owens adjourned the matter to March 13, 2024 for facts and penalty, and directed that a probation report be compiled. The defendant was assigned legal aid.
There are very clear shifts in the Irish social landscapes over the last decade. The changing dynamics of social interaction has come about as a result of an online world that has left an indelible imprint on society.

Other changes are the closure of pubs, a shift in how people socialise and an overall alteration of what people's priorities are. Nathan Sheridan is hoping to open up a new avenue for people looking for a social outlet.

I am establishing a community group, launched on social media called 'LongfordConnect', Nathan told the Leader, I wanted to do something for the town. It will be a place for people to hang out, have fun and make new friends.

Nathan says Longford Connect aims to foster a vibrant social scene in the county town.

The idea is to bring people together for regular meet-ups to expand social circles, discover new hobbies and skills, embark on exciting adventures, and create lasting memories amongst the new friends.

The activities will be directed by the people who want to get involved: The idea is to bring people together every couple of weeks.

It could be something as simple as going for a coffee, or perhaps a more complex outing like an organised day trip.

Nathan envisages that there will be no such thing as a typical member: It's open to everyone. I think it will be a great way for people to come together for shared experiences. It's about connecting and having fun.

Changes in how people gather were also evident in the wake of the pandemic.

Analysis have established that the rate of closures of public houses accelerated in the aftermath of Covid-19, with 349 pubs closing across Ireland in 2020 and 2021. filling the social void left in the wake of such a social shift is part of the impetus behind LongfordConnect.

Nathan says he's tapping into a connection shortfall: Irish people have always had a thing about going to the pub to hang out. This is an alternative.

We hope to broaden the life experience of those who take part in LongfordConnect, that could mean something like Yoga classes, Nathan explained.

The prospect of establishing this new initiative has Nathan looking forward to the group's first get together: Our the first meet-up is on Sunday, November 26. We will be meeting in VDA coffee shop.

We will just go to the Mall for a walk. We have been getting a good reaction from people, so we hope the first turnout will live up to that. I am excited about it.

Longford Connects first social meet-up on Sunday, November 26th at 11am. The group has established social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Riots that broke out across Dublins city centre began as a heated demonstration at the scene of a tragic incident earlier on Thursday.

Three young children and a woman were injured in a knife attack outside a school on Parnell Square East, which has been severely condemned across Ireland.

A demonstration at the edge of the police cordon at the scene began from the early afternoon and escalated as the evening went on.

A crowd of between 100 and 200 people, some of whom wore scarves to cover their faces, confronted gardai verbally before clashes erupted with riot police.

Tricolours and an Irish lives matter sign were held by some who were present.

Fireworks and flares were thrown at police, and just before 7pm, a Garda car was seen alight near the scene.

People picked up furniture from nearby and were seen smashing it on the ground, some of whom appeared to be minors.

Several small pushes were made by riot police down OConnell Street and away from the scene, which appeared to temporarily scatter those gathered before they returned to confront police again.

An empty Luas tram that had been left at a stop nearby had its windows smashed and was set on fire, before a major push by riot police down OConnell Street.

Some onlookers sheltered in a hotel lobby until the garda effort had moved down towards OConnell Bridge  where a car and a bus were set alight.

Dublin Fire Brigade tackled the flames that had engulfed the Luas, as well as nearby buses, once they reached the scene.

Rioters were also seen on nearby Henry Street, a major shopping thoroughfare, looting a Footlocker shoe store.

People threw bottles at gardai on the famous Dublin street, while others carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a Garda helicopter monitored the situation overhead.

The violence has been condemned by the Justice Minister Helen McEntee and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 7:40PM, the pictured unknown male subjects installed a skimming device and bar overlay on the ATM at Bethpage Federal Credit Union on Merrick Road in Seaford.

The following day, the Subjects returned to the bank, removed the device, and fled in pictured vehicle, which is a 2006 Ford Explorer with Virginia license plates.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 24 2023

Defendant Brandon Kern, 29, Victimized Numerous Young Girls He Encountered on Snapchat.

Defendant Brandon Kern of Bayport, 29, has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with five counts of sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography. The defendant made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Lee Dunst in Central Islip where he was ordered detained.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the arrest and charges.

Posing as a teen on Snapchat, the defendant allegedly contacted at least six girls, some as young as twelve years old, and coerced them into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, and when these girls attempted to block further contact with him, he threatened to expose and humiliate them to family and friends, stated United States Attorney Peace. Minors should be free to use their phones without fear of victimization. Our Office will work tirelessly with our federal and local partners to find those who lurk in the shadows of cyberspace and prey on our children.

Mr. Peace praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the North Olmstead, Ohio Police Department. Mr. Peace also expressed his thanks to the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

Kern thought he could use technology to outsmart and abuse young girls. His alleged crimes were horrific and the FBI's Long Island Child Exploitation Task Force used every tool available to track him down and arrest him putting a stop to his heinous behavior. There could be more victims and the FBI wants parents or victims to contact law enforcement if they think anyone may have had contact with Kern, stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.

As set forth in court filings, between December 2020 and October 2021, the defendant exploited numerous victims by forcing them to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos. Thus far, law enforcement has been able to identify six young girls. The defendant was caught when he traveled from Long Island to Ohio to have sex with one victim and threatened her when she got scared and refused to meet him. He was arrested leaving a hotel room with condoms, rope and lubricant. Subsequent searches of his social media accounts revealed contact with numerous other minor victims.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The governments case is being prosecuted by the Offices Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Alessi is in charge of the prosecution.

The FBI has identified several Snapchat accounts through which the defendant communicated with potential victims. If parents believe their children have communicated with any of the below, they should contact the FBI by at tips.fbi.gov or 212-384-1000.

Snapchat Accounts:
New York Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Surveilling and Shooting a Man in Miami

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 24 2023

Jaime Serrano Jr., 46, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for surveilling and later planning the shooting of his victim from point-blank range.

On Nov. 14, a New York man was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for surveilling and later planning the shooting of his victim from point-blank range.

Jaime Serrano Jr., 46, of New York, flew down from New York to Miami to kill his victim. Once Serrano arrived in Miami, he surveilled his victim at the victims home and business. Serrano rented a vehicle to conceal his surveillance of the victim. After four days of surveillance, Serrano exchanged his rental vehicle for another one to commit the shooting. Serranos co-defendant, Jimenez, entered the victims residential community wearing a mask, gloves and holding a firearm. While the victim was in his vehicle about to pull into his garage, Jimenez ran up behind him and started shooting. Jimenez fired eight rounds at the victim. The victim survived but was hit three times and needed surgery to remove the projectiles left inside his body. Jimenez ran back to Serranos parked car and hid in the trunk. Serrano then drove them away.

The sentence comes after Serranos conviction following a two-week trial in August.

A restitution hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman.

FBI Miamis Violent Crimes and Fugitive Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman, Michael E. Gilfarb and Katherine W. Guthrie prosecuted it.
(Alliance News) - Scotgold Resources Ltd on Friday said administrators have assumed control of the company, as it previously indicated would happen on Wednesday.

The Stirlingshire, Scotland-based gold and silver explorer said the board appointed Daniel Bredenkamp and Christopher Pattinson of Pitcher Partners Accountants & Advisors (WA) Pty Ltd as joint and several administrators of the company.

This relates to SGZ Cononish Ltd, the only substantive asset of Scotgold. It is expected that SGZ Cononish will enter administration in the coming days, as announced on Wednesday.

Both administrators have assumed control of the company and will work with the Scotgold board during the administration process to maximise the outcome for all stakeholders of the company.

Scotgold said the administrators will provide updates throughout the administration period and has asked shareholders to refrain from contacting the administrators' office at this time.

Scotgold shares have been suspended from trading on AIM since September 11.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News senior reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Labour unions and environmental campaigners were among those who joined a protest in Luxembourg City against online retail giant Amazon on Friday, to coincide with Black Friday, one of the busiest days for online shopping.

Strikes by Amazon workers and protests were held in over 30 countries around the globe, including at Place Emile Hamilius in Luxembourg City.

It is the fourth year that the Make Amazon Pay movement has held a co-ordinated day of action on Black Friday.

The demonstrations and walkouts were in opposition to working conditions, the companys tax policies and the excessive consumption of resources during promotional periods such as Black Friday, campaigners said. In Luxembourg, demonstrators displayed banners stating You cant buy a new planet on Amazon and Billionaire pay your share.

In March the Luxembourg Times revealed that Amazon had again paid no taxes in Luxembourg in 2022 on revenues of over 50 billion, marking the fifth consecutive year without a corporate tax bill in its European headquarters of Luxembourg.

This day of action grows every year because the movement to hold Amazon accountable keeps getting bigger and stronger. Workers know that it doesnt matter what country youre in or what your job title is, we are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas, and a voice on the job, said Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, one of the campaigns organisers.



(This story was first published by Luxemburger Wort. Translation and additional reporting by John Monaghan)
An interactive website is teaching users about the Indigenous people that lived in parts of North America, South America, Africa, and Australia.

The website, created by the Canadian non-profit Native Land Digital, has an interactive, global map that shows Indigenous territories at any given location.

Read more: Massachusetts museum returns sacred items to Sioux tribes

By entering an address, city, state, or zip code into their program called Native-Land.ca, users can learn about the Indigenous people that lived in their specific area and abroad. The website provides information about various Indigenous nations, their languages, and other relevant resources.

The non-profit Native Land Digital worked with mapmaking specialists and experts in Indigenous communities to create the map.

Visit the website and type in any address to learn more about the Indigenous territories that lived on the land in the United States and abroad. You can view and use the map here. There are app versions for iOS and Android devices as well.

Massachusetts

Indigenous lands in Massachusetts. (Courtesy of Native Land Digital)

Based on the map created by Native Land Digital, viewers can see the tribes that made up Massachusetts pre-colonization. Several tribes were native to the lands, but some of the largest include the Nauset, Wampanoag, Pokanoket, Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, Agawam, Mohican, and Massa-adchu-es-et. Many of the tribes are shown with overlapping regions on the map.

Native-Land.ca, the interactive map, was created in 2015 by Victor Temprano, a settler hailing from Okanagan territory, according to the non-profits website. The non-profit was incorporated in 2018.

I am concerned about many of the issues raised by using maps and colonial ways of thinking when it comes to maps, Temprano wrote on the Native-land.ca website. For instance, who has the right to define where a particular territory ends, and another begins? Who should I speak to about such matters, anyway?

Temprano said the project started because there were a lot of development projects in British Columbia and he wanted to learn more about the territories where projects were taking place.

Some people may be made uncomfortable by the new information and history the map brings forth, the nonprofit wrote on its website. But we are secure in knowing that truth is the best teacher, and we hope to provide the best information we can to help people come to their own conclusions about themselves and their place in the modern world.
EASTHAMPTON  Easthampton city councilors recently made the symbolic gesture of endorsing a resolution against antisemitism.

The nonbinding measure comes on the heels of Easthamptons mayor and police chief revising the citys hate crime policy, which was informed by the FBIs system of classifying hate crimes and civil rights violations. Those changes were announced last week, as well.

In an 8-0 unanimous vote, the resolution against antisemitism was passed in an Easthampton City Council meeting on Nov. 15.

According to City Councilor Owen Zaret, who wrote the resolution and is also of the Jewish faith, the updated hate policy is just one avenue to reduce crimes directed at minority groups in the city.

I wanted to create a framework that would provide meaningful and helpful guidance for our city, Zaret told The Republican.

The resolution calls out white supremacists for taking their hate out on Jews and other minority groups, and makes the point that the founding principles of our country envisions freedom for all people from persecution and bigotry.

Hate manifests in different ways against different groups, but the basis of hate is usually the same  white nationalism, Zaret said.

Incidents of hate in the area in the recent past include racist pamphlets distributed in October and a bomb threat being called in to a Northampton congregation this week.

Increasingly over the last decade, hate crimes against Jewish people have been surging, and reached a historic high last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The acts weve seen against this group and others is insidious, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said in the meeting.

In the resolution, Zaret also advised the Easthampton Public Schools to include education about antisemitism in (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) curricula, events and messaging, and empower students to recognize and speak out when they witness antisemitism and all forms of hate and bias.

Even though the city councilors passed this resolution unanimously, because the resolution is nonbinding, it means the city does not have to put it into action.

Despite this, Zaret hopes the city will actually act on the resolution, he said.

Id like for us to move forward and make this resolution a reality for Easthampton, and I hope other municipalities will also include this resolution in their laws, he said.

The resolution was backed by many Jewish groups and allies, including the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, the Interfaith Group of Greater Springfield, and state Sen. John Velis of the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district.
A fight broke out at Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus and authorities are investigating the incident  with one person reportedly using a glass bottle  according to several news accounts.

A dispute between several young men at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday prompted a large police response at the restaurant at 948 Broadway, WCVB and Boston 25 News reported. The Saugus Police Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Kowloon is a family-friendly restaurant. Unfortunately, a few unruly patrons ruined a nice evening for many others. A disturbance such as this on Thanksgiving Eve is unacceptable and disgusting, Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli told WCVB.

Six officers already working a police detail at the restaurant, which saw a large crowd gather, were quickly alerted and able to deescalate the altercation, police said in a statement to news outlets.

Several witnesses were questioned after the incident but no arrests have been made as of Friday afternoon. Boston 25 News reported that the use of a bottle during the fight may rise to a felony offense and charges may be filed.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday the account for Kowloon posted photos of hundreds waiting to get into the restaurant.

Kowloon did not immediately return a request for comment Friday.
Worcester Police say the death of an unidentified woman at a massage parlor on Pleasant street appears to be suspicious.

Police received a report of a woman experiencing a possible medical issue at Angies Bodywork Spa at 383 Pleasant St. at about 11:37 Thanksgiving morning, according to a press release on the Worcester Police Departments website.

A man flagged police officers down at the business and brought them to the woman, who was unconscious, the release said. The police officers rendered medical aid until she was pronounced deceased by Worcester EMS.

An initial police investigation Thursday afternoon determined the womans death appears to be suspicious, the release said.

As of Thursday night, Google listed Angies Bodywork Spa in Worcester as being permanently closed, although the business website does not indicate such. The last testimonial on the spas website was posted a month ago.

Worcester Police encourage information about the incident be submitted as an anonymous text message to 274637 (TIPWPD). An anonymous web-based message can also be sent at worcesterma.gov/police. Or call the Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.

MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through November. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Elizabeth James-Perrys work is defined by the artistry and handcrafts she creates, learned from who she says is a long line of Wampanoag artists, herbalists and culture keepers. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth James-Perry)Elizabeth James-Perry

Elizabeth James-Perry

Age: 50

Community: South Coast of Massachusetts

Her Story: Elizabeth James-Perrys work is defined by the artistry and handcrafts she creates, learned from who she says is a long line of Wampanoag artists, herbalists and culture keepers.

James-Perry said these Indigenous leaders  in their own times  achieved feats such as creating museums and teaching others, working to build a good future for tribal communities.

Based out of the South Coast region of Massachusetts, James-Perry said her work in sustainable arts and environmental restoration means that she travels throughout the Northeastern United States. Some of items she makes include purple shell jewelry, woven fish traps and naturally dyed twined basketry.

Having grown up around multitalented family members in Eastern Massachusetts near her uniquely beautiful and storied tribal reservation of Aquinnah, on Marthas Vineyard, James-Perry said these roots and connections continue to influence and inspire her artistry and work.

Our whaling connections and the land inspire me to continually create marine life inspired wampum jewelry, practice weaving, teach and responsibly care for the land and waters, James-Perry said.

She has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a 2023 NEA National Heritage Fellow.

In Her Words: Stay creative and hopeful, always! Be prepared to show up and work hard every day.

Were always open to hear about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Hamas released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal that began Friday, including 13 Israelis who have been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago, according to officials and media reports.

Twelve Thai nationals were also released, according to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. An Israeli official confirmed that the Thai captives left Gaza and were en route to a hospital in Israel. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to discuss the releases with the media.

In all, 50 captives had been expected to be freed during a four-day truce. It was not clear if the Thai hostages were included in that.

Israel is set to release 150 Palestinians under the deal. Thirty-nine  24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones  were expected to be freed Friday, Palestinian authorities said.

Israeli media, citing security officials, said 13 Israelis had been freed.

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas began Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the exchange.

There were no reports of fighting after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East. Israel, however, has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the cease-fire ends.

A woman cycles next to a billboard calling for the return of about 240 hostages who were abducted during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel. in Tel Aviv, Israel on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.(AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

On Friday, it brought quiet after weeks in which Gaza saw heavy bombardment and artillery fire daily as well as street fighting as ground troops advanced through neighborhoods in the north. The last report of air raid sirens in Israeli towns near the territory came shortly after the truce took effect.

Not long after, four tankers with fuel and four with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israel said.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day during the truce  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters.

For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of fuel to Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes  though it has occasionally allowed small amounts in.

U.N. aid agencies pushed back against the claim, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe since fuel is required to run generators that power water treatment facilities, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to return to their homes in the territorys north, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

Even though Israel warned that it would block such attempts, hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north Friday.

Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded. An Associated Press journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital.

Sofian Abu Amer, who had fled Gaza City, said he decided to risk heading north to check on his home.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

During the cease-fire, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides agreed to release women and children first, in stages starting Friday. Israel said the deal calls for the truce to be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

Early in the day, ambulances were seen arriving at the Hatzerim air base in southern Israel, preparing for the release. Those freed will then be taken to hospitals for assessment and treatment, Israeli officials said.

Among the Israeli citizens freed some have a second nationality, according to a Hamas official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the details with the media.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses. Three Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released for every hostage freed.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted telling troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement, but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The soldiers will only be released in exchange for all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, according to the Islamic Jihad militant group, which is reportedly holding about 40 hostages.

It is not clear how many of the hostages are currently serving in the military or whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians on security charges or convictions, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza after stopping for weeks because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the new number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

___

Mroue reported from Beirut and Rising reported from Bangkok. Julia Frankel contributed from Jerusalem.

___

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe said it takes no stance on the conflicts overseas after a Palestinian flag was shown being held on the tribes float during the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade.

Its unfortunate that we are not focused on the beautiful display of our culture and history at the Macys Day Parade but rather on the actions of an individual tribal citizen. We want to make it very clear that the Tribe takes no stance on the conflicts overseas. Our Tribal Nation remains focused on the issues we face on our ancestral homeland, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe said in a statement.

Many had taken to social media after the flag was shown during the live event.

We thank the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for showing solidarity with the Palestinian people at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, CAIR National, a national Muslim civil rights group, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has lived in what is now known as Massachusetts and Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years, according to the tribes website. The Mashpee Wampanoag were re-acknowledged as a federally recognized tribe in 2007 and has about 3,200 citizens.

Thursdays actions were not a Tribal decision, the statement said.

While we cannot speak for an individuals actions, his actions were not a Tribal decision, it read. Our governing tribal body, along with the other tribal citizens on the float, were not involved with his actions.

About 30 pro-Palestinian protesters were also at the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Pro-Palestinian protesters are detained during Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023 in New York City. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the 25 balloons and hundreds of performers march in this parade happening since 1924. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)Stephanie Keith | Getty Images

The protesters demonstrated along Sixth Avenue and ran into the street where the parade was, ABC News reported.

Read more: Lumbee Tribe member Cristina Green strives to support children in need

Chants such as no more nickels, not another dime, no more money for Israels crimes, Free free Palestine and Viva, viva Palestina could be heard. They also had Palestinian flags and papers that said genocide then, genocide now, the news outlet reported.

Videos could be seen of the protesters on social media, including TikTok.

We just shut down the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade, Dania Darwish said in a TikTok video with more than 2 million views.

Another protest by the group is planned on Black Friday.
Wilcox Ice Cream in East Arlington, Vermont is pulling all of its ice cream brands off the shelves after an illness-causing bacteria was found in one of their products.

The Vermont Department of Agriculture notified Wilcox Ice Cream on Nov. 14 that a lot of their Super Premium Mint Chip that was manufactured that same day was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The company voluntarily recalled all flavors of Wilcox brand ice cream, yogurt, and ice cream bars, as well as Leonardos brand gelato after being informed by the FDA.

Read More: Target recalls nearly 5 million candles due to severe burn and cut hazards

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause a number of illnesses including, high fever, severe headache, stiffness and abdominal pain, according to the FDA. In children it can sometimes lead to fatal infections and in pregnant women it can cause miscarriages.

Wilcox Ice CreamFDA

Their products were distributed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.

As of Nov. 14, no illness or injuries. have been reported to date, the FDA said. Consumers who take a photo of their container showing the best buy date can receive credit if they email the photo to AR@wilcoxicecreamvt.com.
SPRINGFIELD  The New Hampshire Department of Corrections recently arrested its Fugitive of the Week in Springfield.

Cory Michael Watts, 54, was wanted on a probation violation warrant stemming from a felony conviction of kidnapping from April 2022; he had been sentenced him to four years of probation supervision and failed to appear.

The department received a tip that he was residing in Springfield. This information was passed over to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department, which, along with other agencies, located Watts on Tuesday.

Although he was considered potentially armed and dangerous, Watts was taken into custody without injury. He is also wanted in connection to an alleged sexual assault, the Department of Corrections said.

The Sheriffs Department was assisted by the Massachusetts and New Hampshire offices of the Joint Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service, Springfield Police Department Firearms Investigation Unit and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.
The president of Wellesley College, a womens liberal arts school in suburban Boston, responded to a federal investigation into claims of antisemitism in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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 college said in a statement.

Wellesley responded quickly and decisively to the incident involving student leaders in a residence hall detailed in the complaint and has shared its response in multiple communications to our community, while making clear antisemitism has no place at Wellesley, according to the statement.

President Paula A. Johnson also issued a lengthy statement regarding the investigation by the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights.

We embrace freedom of expression for everyone in our community, which is critical to a liberal arts education and to a democracy. And, I want to be clear: Wellesley College condemns antisemitism, along with anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian discrimination, and any other form of hate, Johnson stated.

No one at Wellesley should feel unsafe, and we will not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind on our campus, she added.

The U.S. Department of Education announced on Nov. 17 that investigations were launched into seven educational institutions due to discrimination complaints, including Wellesley.

Two Jewish organizations filed a complaint against Wellesley College, 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.

The investigation by federal education officials will look into the email incident with resident advisors and the colleges response, along with a teach-in where several Wellesley faculty provided historical context and scholarly perspective on the Israel-Hamas war, according to Johnson.

We are cooperating fully with the investigation, she said.

Title VI protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color and national origin. The protection extends to students who experience discrimination, including harassment, based on their actual or perceived (i) shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; or (ii) citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity, according to the Department of Education.

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.
While youre digging for deals, dont forget to stop by your closest Starbucks to stay energized during your Black Friday shopping.

Starbucks said that hours may vary by location and stores during the holiday season, including Black Friday which falls on Nov. 24 this year.

We recommend customers look for specific store hours using the Starbucks app or by visiting our website store locater, the company wrote on their website. The Starbucks app continues to be the best way for customers to find a store, check store hours, and order ahead and pay.

Stores typically open between 4:30-8 a.m. in Boston, Worcester and Springfield. If youre out extra early try stopping by the location at 14 Commercial Road in Leominster, which opens at 4:30 a.m.

For those driving along the Mass. Pike, the Starbucks Ludlow Plaza is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. while the store at Framingham Plaza is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While there is a higher chance your local Starbucks will be open for regular business hours, some stores have even extended their hours to accommodate shoppers in the past, so expect stores to be busy with long lines.

Before you head out to your nearest Starbucks, make sure you pack your shopping cart with one of the brands many holiday drinks, served in Starbucks signature holiday cups.

This years festive lineup includes the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.

Stores that serve Starbucks Oleato beverages will also offer the new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, the first-ever Oleato holiday beverage.

Holiday pastries and treats are also back, including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, Snowman Cookie and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.

Click here to find you nearest Starbucks and check the stores hours.
Gov. Maura Healey announced on Friday that her administration awarded $380,000 in grants to 13 community-based organizations to support restorative justice programming.

Restorative justice programming is a way of dealing with wrongdoing by bringing together those involved to talk, understand each other, and find solutions that repair harm.

The grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Restorative Justice Community Grant Program, the governors office said. The program is administered through the Office of Grants and Research.

Restorative Justice practices can help those who have experienced harm and those who have caused it on their journeys toward healing and accountability, Healey said in a statement. This grant program allows us to invest in community-based service providers as they deliver programming tailored to the needs of the communities they serve.

Nonprofit organizations that applied to the grant program as a single entity could apply for up to $20,000, the governors office said. However, two or more organizations could apply for a shared grant of up to $40,000.

Investing in community-based programming is central to our approach to enhancing public safety. Through the Commonwealth Restorative Justice Community Grant Program, we can support to service providers best positioned to understand the needs of communities impacted by crime, Kevin Stanton, the Executive Director of the Office of Grants and Research said in a statement. The proven practices of these Restorative Justice programs are invaluable to those who have been harmed  and those who have inflicted harm  as they work to heal.

The recipients of the grants are:
As Israel and Hamas agree to a temporary cease-fire to exchange hostages over a four-day period starting Friday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren congratulated the effort while also calling for an extended agreement that will end the war thats claimed the lives of 13,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis.

President (Joe) Bidens efforts in the Middle East have resulted in a significant diplomatic breakthrough, delivering the release of dozens of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and much-needed relief for Palestinians trapped by this conflict, Warren said in a statement. I strongly support this temporary cease-fire, and I urge all parties to extend this agreement and work to achieve an enduring end to this fighting.

Warren said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus military strategy has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza, and endangered the regions long-term stability. Thats why Ive repeatedly urged the Israeli government to stop the bombing in Gaza, and Ive pressed for massive humanitarian aid for civilians. Hamas must release the remaining hostages and stop its attacks. The Israeli government should not resume bombing in Gaza, which would be a grave strategic and moral mistake.

The Massachusetts senator has been criticized by Jewish-American groups for not calling for a cease-fire so far. From Boston to Springfield, members of IfNotNow, a progressive Jewish organization have criticized Warren for not calling for a cease-fire until now.

We want to see her stand up for Palestinian lives, IfNotNow organizer Molly Aronson said on Oct. 17 in Springfield following a demonstration. We want to tell her, as Jews, this is OK to do. Theres a fear that there will be a backlash, and we want to show that you can be Jewish and support Jews and still be against the murder and genocide of Palestinian people.

Weeks later, a Palestinian woman approached Warren in a Cambridge restaurant pleading she call for a cease-fire.

Sixty-eight members of my family were killed over the last three weeks, the woman said in a video shared by Jewish Voice for Peace on X, formerly known as Twitter. And I just want to know how many more have to die before youre going to call for a ceasefire.

In her Wednesday statement, it said Warren remains committed to a just and lasting peace and protecting innocent civilians, listing actions she has taken since Oct. 18 to help bring Americans back from Gaza and help legislation that would provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.

An agreement for a four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel appeared to have hit a last-minute snag. A senior Israeli official said it would not take effect until Friday, a day later than originally announced. Qatar confirmed the exchange would happen Friday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war against Hamas after the truce expires, with the goal of destroying the groups military capabilities, ending its 16-year rule in Gaza and returning all of the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.
WESTFIELD  Vacant storefronts on Elm Street and Main Street are the target of an economic development program from the state and the city of Westfield.

Under the Vacant Storefront Program, the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council will authorize $10,000 in state tax credits for businesses looking to fill certain properties in the district, according to Westfield Community Development Director Peter Miller.
We are in the Barony of Tirawley  Awleys Country, from Tir Amhlaidh. Tir also means territory or province. The Book of Lecan names more than 40 Tirawley families who claimed descent from Amhalghaidh mac Fiachrach, Nollaig O Muraile tells us in his book Mayo Places: Their Names and Origins, and it is this Amhalghaidh in whose honour the Barony is named.

Taking advantage of some rare sunshine in the wake of Storm Debi, we braved the flooded roads of Lahardaun (from leath ardan, half a platform or uneven little height) and headed first through Cabragh townland (from An Chabrach or The Bad Land) to Errew (from Oireadh, meaning tilled or arable land ).

The townland, notable for the monastic site of Errew Abbey (or Priory), has the same origin as Erriff, encountered previously here. Indeed, it is a common townland name: there are two Errews in Leitrim and another in Mayo, near Ballyhean.

En route we passed the imposing Errew House, where the Sisters of Jesus and Mary Lived from 1912 to 1916, before they moved to Gortnor Abbey on the north shore of Lough Conn. The original house was built in the late 1700s for the Ormsby family and later redesigned and reconstructed by James Franklin Fuller, the architect who designed Mount Falcon and Kylemore Abbey, for Granville Henry Knox.

With the kind permission of Sally Garrett, who lives and farms close to the abbey, we parked the car, donned our wellies, and walked out across the green, squelchy track to the tip of the peninsula that stretches into Lough Conn.

At first sight, the ruins of the old abbey  believed to have been founded by a community of Augustinian friars regular in 1413, with financial support from the Barretts  appears quite small and inconsequential, as there is no trace of a tower house, common in other Mayo abbeys. However, on closer inspection, it is well worth the effort to walk the old cloister and church and examine the architecture of the altar and nave.

The OPW plaque tells us that the church has trefoil windows, made up of three segments circles, and a piscina, where sacred mass vessels were washed. The church dates to the 13th century, suggesting there was a small monastic community here before the Augustinians arrived, but we have no historic record of this.

We also visited a tiny stone-walled enclosure to the north of the abbey, known as Templenagalliaghdoo  Teampall na gCailleacha Duibhe, or Church of the Black Nuns.

Truly satisfied with our visit to Errew Abbey/Priory, we headed to Crossmolina (Crois Mhaoiliona, Maoilionas Cross) and from there to Ardagh Church, off the Ballina road.

Ardach means high field and is the name of the parish. We continued for another four to five kilometres to the townland of Wherrew. This most unusual-sounding placename is derived from the Irish word foithriu, which may have several meanings. The currently accepted and most likely translation is wooded lands, and this was confirmed to us by local man Joe Cosgrave. It has also been suggested that it derived from Errew, visible 4 kilometers away across the waters of Lough Conn.

Speaking of water, we were very surprised to find some industrial buildings when we arrived at the lakeside  the Wherrew Water Treatment Plant as it transpired. We went in and met Sean and Ann-Marie upstairs in the control room. Sean very kindly gave us a short history of the plant, from how it was constructed in the 1970s to supply the Asahi Plant in Killala, eleven kilometres away, with water from Lough Conn. Today, it provides a water supply for thousands of homes in the greater Ballina/North Mayo catchment area. We thanked Sean for his information and certainly left wiser than wed arrived.

There was one final, strange-sounding placename that I had yet to see, and that was Whinnoo Point  the point at which the Deel River enters Lough Conn. So, we made our way to the flooded river outlet and I took a few photographs. Whinnoo is derived from the Irish word fuineadh, meaning an end or limit  as in the end of the Deel. In origin, it is closely related to the placename Foynes, a village and island in the lower Shannon estuary, that signifies the end of the river on the County Limerick side.

Tirawley is full of history, as was very evident during our return route to Crossmolina, during which we passed the ruins of Deel Castle and Ice House, near Deel Castle Bridge  about which, more anon.



Dr John OCallaghan is a mountain walk leader who has organised and led expeditions both at home and abroad. He has served on the board of Mountaineering Ireland and is currently on the Irish Uplands Forum board.
Big-hearted staff from Mayo University Hospital are raising funds to build a Trauma Care Facility to save the lives of road traffic accident victims in Kenya.

The hospital has a long association with Londiani Sub County Hospital in Kenya with a mutual exchange of skills and knowledge and many staff from MUH travelling over to Kenya on a regular basis.

Dr Bridget Hughes, an Orthopedic Surgeon at MUH has recently returned from Kenya and is helping her colleagues spearhead a campaign to raise 20,000 for the provision of a trauma facility. The strain on hospital staff to treat patients is compounded by limited training, lack of trauma systems and a dedicated space in the hospital.

The MUH team is doing a 5K next Tuesday, November 28 to raise the badly needed funds.

Working in conjunction with Brighter Communities Worldwide, an Irish NGO that works in partnership with the Ministry of Health and local communities on the ground in Londiani, the volunteers from the MUH say there is an urgent need for the development of further resources, given the spike in road traffic accidents in Londiani.

Dr Hughes says There is a new highway linking Londiani with Nairobi and while it is very welcome and greatly helps connectivity, sadly road traffic accidents have jumped considerably.

Trauma is now becoming the leading cause of death, particularly amongst young men which is common all over the world.

The community is still reeling from the horror road crash in Londiani in July when a lorry carrying a shipping container lost control and crashed, wiping out several other vehicles, many roadside stalls and people waiting to make their way home. Scores of people sadly died with hundreds more injured.

This awful tragedy has really concentrated the mind of the people on the ground as once accident victims come into the hospital, many of them have to be treated on the ground , there is simply no room and the basic facilities are not there.

The basic trauma care that happens following an accident is absolutely crucial, I cant overstate this. This is the window that determines whether the person survives. The administration of oxygen, blood, IV access and transfusion fluids are the really important things that. This is when the surgeons can manage the patient. They have the capabilities but not the facilities.

Brighter Communities Worldwide really makes money work, they make it stretch and nothing is wasted. It is always so encouraging and uplifting when I go back to see the progress that has been made at Londiani Sub Country Hospital. This is sustainability in action.

The people of Mayo have been loyal supporters and I would ask them to support our endeavors next Tuesday as the money donated will go so much further with the involvement of Global Giving.

Every cent we make will literally stretch. So I would urge the wonderful people of Mayo who are so generous and kind to run, walk, crawl next Tuesday and help us realise our dream of helping our colleagues in Londiaini."

Link to the project on GlobalGiving - https://www.globalgiving.org/ projects/trauma-resuscitation- room-for-hospital-in-kenya/

All donations made online on Giving Tuesday, November 28, will help Brighter Communities Worldwide to earn a share of $1.2 million USD in bonus funds from GlobalGiving.
Blocklayer James Lally from Aughagower, Westport, has returned to Cape Town for the eleventh time, along with his 19-year-old daughter, Orla, to help build a school in the Khayelitsha township.

I went out last November, James told The Mayo News. I brought my daughter Orla with me, as it was supposed to be my last trip, but she decided No, no we are going again. She loved it.

"She saw the other side of the coin. She loved the work and meeting other people and cultures, and so we are on our way out again on Saturday.

James first travelled to Cape Town in 2008 to build houses with the Niall Mellon Township Challenge. Since 2013, Mellon Educate has set about improving access to better standards of education in African townships. To date, the charity has built or renovated 32 schools, providing over 50,000 young children with a better chance in life.

James and Orla have now travelled to the Khayelitsha township, which has a population of 1.5 million people, just a quarter of which live in permanent housing.

James and Orla are among 360 other volunteers who will work for just over a week to construct a new school for the township, with Orla labouring for James on the site.
The global market for Embolic Protection Devices, valued at USD 1.37 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, reaching USD 2.11 billion by 2028. The demand for these devices is being driven by the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and stenosis. Factors contributing to this growth include increased adoption of advanced technologies, a growing preference for minimally invasive treatments, higher obesity rates, and an increase in product launches and approvals. Some of the key players such as Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott, Medtronic, Cordis, Contego Medical, inc., Integer Holdings Corporation, InspireMD Inc., Emboline, Inc., Keystone Heart Ltd., and others are actively wronging in the Global Embolic Protection Devices Market.

DelveInsights Embolic Protection Devices Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2028 research report provides the current and forecasted Embolic Protection Devices market size, share, and trends analysis for the next five years. Moreover, it highlights the ongoing innovations in the segment, major market drivers & barriers, key competitors, and emerging devices in the domain.

Embolic Protection Devices Market: Overview

Embolic Protection Devices, often used in medical procedures, are specialized tools designed to safeguard against the risk of embolization, which occurs when debris or fragments, such as blood clots, plaque, or other foreign materials, break loose and travel through the bloodstream. These devices serve a crucial role in a variety of medical applications, most notably during interventional procedures like angioplasty or stent placement in blood vessels, particularly in the coronary and carotid arteries. They are instrumental in preventing these embolic materials from reaching vital organs or causing blockages, which can lead to severe complications like strokes or heart attacks.

The benefits of Embolic Protection Devices are multifaceted. They significantly reduce the risk of embolization during invasive medical procedures, enhancing patient safety and outcomes. By trapping or diverting embolic materials away from critical arteries, these devices help minimize the chances of post-procedural complications and the need for additional interventions. Moreover, they enable healthcare professionals to perform minimally invasive techniques, resulting in quicker recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and less postoperative discomfort for patients. Additionally, Embolic Protection Devices contribute to the overall efficacy and success of interventional procedures, allowing for more precise treatment and better long-term results.

In terms of applications, Embolic Protection Devices find their primary use in a range of cardiovascular and vascular interventions. These include coronary artery interventions, such as angioplasty and stent placement, as well as carotid artery procedures for stroke prevention. They are also utilized in various other vascular territories to mitigate the risk of embolization in conditions like peripheral artery disease, where blockages can occur in the extremities. The use of these devices is expanding into other medical fields, such as neurology and oncology, where embolization poses a threat during procedures like brain aneurysm treatment and certain cancer therapies. In summary, Embolic Protection Devices are vital tools with a wide array of applications, safeguarding patients and improving the efficacy of interventional medical procedures.

To provide a better understanding of the market dynamics, DelveInsights Embolic Protection Devices Market report provides a detailed assessment by product (distal occlusion devices, distal filters, and proximal occlusion devices), application (cardiovascular disease, neurovascular diseases, and others), end-user (hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and others), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-pacific, and rest of the world).

Within the product segment of the Embolic Protection Devices market, distal filters are poised to secure a substantial share of revenue in the upcoming years. This can be attributed to their user-friendly design and easy maintenance, making them a preferred choice among healthcare practitioners and patients alike. Distal filter Embolic Protection Devices have been witnessing a growing demand, primarily driven by the escalating prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. The surge in cardiovascular cases necessitates procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery, subsequently fueling the need for Embolic Protection Devices.

The advantages inherent to distal filter devices over other types play a pivotal role in this increasing demand. Their ability to effectively intercept embolic materials and protect vital organs during procedures not only enhances patient safety but also contributes to the overall success of interventions. As a result, the uptake of distal filter Embolic Protection Devices is expected to surge, bolstering the growth of the overall Embolic Protection Devices market throughout the forecast period. This trend underscores the pivotal role played by distal filters in ensuring the safety and efficacy of cardiovascular and vascular interventions, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals.

The Embolic Protection Devices market is witnessing a positive growth in product demand owing to various factors, one of the key factors is the increase in the prevalence of coronary heart disease, carotid artery disease, and others. Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of arteries become furred up with fatty deposits, which is called atherosclerosis, so the increasing cases of arteriosclerosis can ultimately increase the risk of coronary heart disease which requires coronary artery bypass surgery for removing extra fat from vessels. While removing this fat, Embolic Protection Devices are used to capture atherothrombotic debris.

A recent study by the Heart Research Institute found that individuals in reasonably good health over the age of 40 have a roughly 50% likelihood of developing significant atherosclerosis. This increased prevalence of atherosclerosis may lead to coronary heart disease, potentially necessitating coronary artery bypass surgery, during which Embolic Protection Devices are utilized to capture atherothrombotic debris. Consequently, the rising incidence of atherosclerosis is likely to drive greater demand for Embolic Protection Devices in the market.

Furthermore, the escalating global obesity epidemic is a significant health concern linked to atherosclerosis. According to the World Health Organization (2021), obesity has reached epidemic proportions, resulting in at least 2.8 million annual fatalities worldwide due to overweight and obesity-related complications. Individuals carrying excess weight are at heightened risk for atherosclerosis, which can lead to conditions like angina or stroke, often requiring atherectomy procedures. During atherectomy, medical professionals employ Embolic Protection Devices to capture luminal debris, preventing embolization. Consequently, the growing prevalence of obesity, with its associated need for interventions targeting fat accumulation, is expected to boost the demand for Embolic Protection Devices, ultimately contributing to the overall market growth in this sector.

In addition to the previously discussed factors, the growth of the Embolic Protection Devices market will also be bolstered by strategic initiatives like new product introductions, regulatory approvals, and intensified research endeavors. The continuous introduction of innovative devices and the green light from regulatory bodies signify the industrys commitment to enhancing patient care and safety. Furthermore, ongoing research efforts aim to uncover more effective solutions and improve existing technologies, further elevating the standards of Embolic Protection Devices. These proactive measures collectively pave the way for robust market expansion in the coming years, ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals benefit from state-of-the-art advancements in this crucial medical field.

In addition to the previously discussed factors, the growth of the Embolic Protection Devices market will also be bolstered by strategic initiatives like new product introductions, regulatory approvals, and intensified research endeavors. The continuous introduction of innovative devices and the green light from regulatory bodies signify the industrys commitment to enhancing patient care and safety. Furthermore, ongoing research efforts aim to uncover more effective solutions and improve existing technologies, further elevating the standards of Embolic Protection Devices. These proactive measures collectively pave the way for robust market expansion in the coming years, ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals benefit from state-of-the-art advancements in this crucial medical field.

In addition to the previously discussed factors, the growth of the Embolic Protection Devices market will also be bolstered by strategic initiatives like new product introductions, regulatory approvals, and intensified research endeavors. The continuous introduction of innovative devices and the green light from regulatory bodies signify the industrys commitment to enhancing patient care and safety. Furthermore, ongoing research efforts aim to uncover more effective solutions and improve existing technologies, further elevating the standards of Embolic Protection Devices. These proactive measures collectively pave the way for robust market expansion in the coming years, ensuring that patients benefit from state-of-the-art advancements in this crucial medical field.

However, the availability of alternative devices and others may restrict the Embolic Protection Devices market growth.

Interested to know more about the ongoing developments in the market? Visit to get an in-depth insight @ Embolic Protection Devices Types and Emerging Products

In the landscape of the Embolic Protection Devices market, North America is poised to dominate with the largest share in the coming years. Several critical factors contribute to this regions prominence, with a robust growth trajectory driven by the increasing incidence of coronary heart disease and carotid artery disease.

As per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, coronary heart disease emerged as the prevalent cardiovascular condition in the United States, contributing to a significant toll with 382,820 fatalities. Additionally, the CDCs 2022 statistics reveal a startling reality in the country, where approximately 805,000 individuals experience heart attacks on an annual basis. Among this cohort, 605,000 individuals undergo their initial heart attack, while the remaining 200,000 have already grappled with the ordeal in the past. These alarming figures underscore the substantial burden placed on the U.S. healthcare system and emphasize the pressing need for effective medical interventions, such as Embolic Protection Devices, to mitigate the impact of heart-related ailments and enhance patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the escalating rates of obesity among the population and other related factors have propelled the demand for Embolic Protection Devices in North America. This region is expected to continue its positive growth momentum, underscoring its pivotal role in addressing the pressing healthcare needs associated with cardiovascular conditions and related risk factors. The thriving market in North America not only reflects the significance of these factors but also emphasizes the regions commitment to advancing medical interventions for improved patient outcomes.

Moreover, the considerable disposable income, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, increasing regulatory approvals for innovative products, and a heightened awareness of the benefits of minimally invasive surgical procedures are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of this regions Embolic Protection Devices market. With these favorable conditions in place, North America stands as a prime hub for advancements in medical technologies, enabling patients to access cutting-edge treatments and fostering a conducive environment for market expansion. The regions emphasis on healthcare innovation, coupled with its economic prosperity and well-informed patient base, underscores its role as a driving force in propelling the market forward.

Therefore, the aforementioned factors would provide a growth environment for the North American region in the embolic protection device market.

Interested in knowing how the market will grow by 2028? Click to get a snapshot @

Embolic Protection Devices Market Trends and Developments

Over the years, the Embolic Protection Devices market has evolved significantly, owing to the active participation of the global MedTech companies and technological advancements in the domain. Similarly, several clinical, commercial, and regulatory developments have also been registered in the domain. Some of the major advancements in the Embolic Protection Devices market in recent years include 

On Oct. 27, 2023, Sirtex Medical (Sirtex) announced the commercial availability of the LAVA Liquid Embolic System , the first and only liquid embolic approved for the treatment of peripheral vascular hemorrhage. LAVA provides volume and viscosity options that optimize the flexibility needed to treat patients with controlled target vessel occlusion. The products 2mL and 6mL options are optimized for the peripheral vasculature, and its viscosity options allow for the distal embolization of small vessels that may be inaccessible via other embolics.

In October 2020, Keystone Heart Ltd., a Venus Medtech Company, announced that the TriGUARD 3 Cerebral Embolic Protection (CEP) Device received European CE certification . This device is developed to reduce the risk of stroke by trapping embolic particles away from the brain.

In February 2020, the FDA approved a temporary catheter by Boston Scientific Corporation for embolic protection during Transcatheter intracardiac procedures.

Learn more about major clinical and commercial development in the market @

Embolic Protection Devices Market  Clinical and Commercial Development Activities

Key Companies in the Global Embolic Protection Devices Market

Companies play a pivotal role in the Global Embolic Protection Devices Market, driving innovation, research, and product development to meet the ever-evolving demands of healthcare. On a global scale, prominent players in the Embolic Protection Devices market encompass esteemed MedTech giants such as Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott, Medtronic, Cordis, Contego Medical, inc., Integer Holdings Corporation, InspireMD Inc, Emboline, Inc., Keystone Heart Ltd., and others. These companies are at the forefront of advancing technology and medical solutions, continually striving to enhance the safety and efficacy of Embolic Protection Devices.

Companies are investing heavily in research and development, aiming to create more sophisticated and efficient devices that reduce the risk of embolization during medical procedures. Furthermore, companies are responsible for obtaining regulatory approvals, ensuring product quality, and establishing distribution networks, all of which are essential to bring these life-saving devices to healthcare professionals and patients. Their dedication to improving patient outcomes and addressing the pressing healthcare needs associated with cardiovascular and vascular conditions makes them instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the Embolic Protection Devices market.

Learn how new players entries will transform the market dynamics in the coming years @

Embolic Protection Devicess Competitive Landscape

Scope of the Embolic Protection Devices Market Report:

Study Period  2020-2028

Geography Covered  North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World

Embolic Protection Devices Market Assessment

By Product  Distal Occlusion Devices, Distal Filters, and Proximal Occlusion Devices By Application  Cardiovascular Disease, Neurovascular Diseases, and Others End-User  Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others Geography  North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World

Porters Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOLs Views, Analysts Views

Table of Content

1 Report Introduction 2 Executive Summary 3 Regulatory and Patent Analysis 4 Embolic Protection Devices Market Key Factors Analysis 5 Embolic Protection Devices Porters Five Forces Analysis 6 COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Embolic Protection Devices Market 7 Embolic Protection Devices Market Layout 8 Embolic Protection Devices Global Company Share Analysis  Key 35 Companies 9 Embolic Protection Devices Product Profiles and Key Companies 10 Project Approach 11 KOL Views 12 DelveInsight Capabilities 13 Disclaimer 14 About DelveInsight

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by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 22, 2023

Amazon is urging a federal appeals court to reject users' request to revive claims that the company wrongly targeted ads to them based on their voice interactions with Alexa-enabled devices.

In papers filed Tuesday, Amazon argues that its privacy policies widely and clearly disclosed that its use of data derived from Alexa for ad purposes.

If appellants were unaware of those practices, it is because they chose not to read Amazons terms, the company wrote. The law does not excuse willful ignorance.

The company's new papers come in a battle dating to last year, when Ohio resident James Gray and Massachusetts resident Scott Horton alleged in a class-action complaint that Amazon violated Alexa users' privacy, and engaged in misleading and unfair conduct. They sued soon after researchers from the University of Washington, University of California-Davis, University of California-Irvine, and Northeastern University posted the paper Your Echoes are Heard: Tracking, Profiling, and Ad Targeting in the Amazon Smart Speaker Ecosystem, which concluded that Amazon processes voice data to infer user interests.

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That report doesn't allege that Amazon secretly listened to conversations, or directly shared voice recordings with third parties.

After the paper surfaced, Amazon said it is not in the business of selling data, and doesn't share Alexa requests with ad networks. At the same time, the company acknowledged it targeted ads to consumers based on their transactions with Alexa.

Similar to what you'd experience if you made a purchase on Amazon.com or requested a song through Amazon Music, if you ask Alexa to order paper towels or to play a song on Amazon Music, the record of that purchase or song play may inform relevant ads shown on Amazon or other sites where Amazon places ads, the company stated in response to the researchers' paper.

Gray and Horton contended in court papers that Amazon's harnessing of voice-transactions for ad targeting contradicts the company's numerous statements to media outlets -- including NBC and The New York Times -- that Alexa doesn't use voice recordings for targeted advertising.

U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Rothstein in the Western District of Washington dismissed the lawsuit in May, writing that the use of voice data for ad purposes was contemplated in the applicable policies.

Gray and Horton recently appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that Amazon's Alexa-specific policies don't say anything about targeted advertising.

Every provision in the User Agreement that describes how Amazon uses voice recordings, both in the Alexa-Specific Terms and in the Amazon Generic Terms, provides the same exhaustive list that neither includes anything remotely resembling advertising nor suggests that the list is incomplete, their lawyers write.

A Utah State University marketing professor sided with the consumers, arguing in a proposed friend-of-the-court brief that Amazon obfuscated the purposes for which it was using consumer data.

Amazon counters in its new court papers that Alexa's privacy policy tells users that Amazon processes and retains your Alexa Interactions, such as your voice inputs, music playlists, and your Alexa to-do and shopping lists, in the cloud to provide, personalize, and improve our services.

The company adds: Thus, the user is immediately on notice that Amazon will use Alexa Interactions to 'personalize' the users experience.

Amazon also says other documents -- including an Amazon.com privacy notice, Amazon.com conditions of use, and answers to frequently asked questions -- include disclosures about the use of personal information for advertising.

In sum, all of these interrelated terms and disclosures make clear that customers interactions with the Alexa service might be used to serve interest-based or personalized advertisements, unless the user chooses to opt out, Amazon writes.

The 9th Circuit hasn't yet set a date for a hearing in the case.
by Ray Schultz , November 24, 2023

An unlikely criminal case over labeling of political ads has gone to trial in New Hampshire.

Debra A. Paul, publisher of the Londonderry Times, was arrested in August 2022 and charged with six misdemeanor counts for publishing political advertisements that did not comply with State election laws.

In the one-day trial on Wednesday, Pauls lawyers argued that she never intended to break the law and that the prosecution didnt prove that she did so knowingly, according to inDepthNg.org.

However, prosecutors argued that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

New Hampshires RSA 664:16, Identification of Political Advertising, requires that political ads be identified as such with appropriate language either at the beginning or end of the advertisement.

Each charge carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The news is unnerving given that the law criminalizes what would normally be deemed a civil matter. It has left observers wondering if there was a political intent to the charges.

Judge Kerry Steckowych had not yet issued a verdict at deadline.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, November 24, 2023

While many of its retail competitors have posted sales declines and dimmed their outlook, business is bright at Dicks Sporting Goods.

The Pittsburgh-based retailer saw third-quarter sales rise 2.8% to $3.04 billion, up from $2.96 billion in the comparable period of 2022. On a comparable basis, sales rose 1.7%, on top of a 6.5% increase in the third quarter of 2022. Net income slid 12% to $201 million from $228 million the year ago.

Both sales and profits beat expectations, and the retailer raised its forecast for the full year. It now expects sales gains between positive 0.5% and 2%.

The numbers impressed observers, who point out that Dicks continues to perform better than it did before the pandemic, particularly in apparel, a category that helped the retailer do better than competitors during the recent back-to-school season.

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Increasingly, Dicks has become a destination for everyday casual clothing, as well as for sporting apparel, writes Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData. Part of this is because clothing tastes and preferences have become more casual, which includes the rise of athleisure garments, he says. However, part is also because Dicks has rounded out its assortment with new brands and a better own-brand offering. This has allowed Dicks to attract new shoppers and enlarge the share of wallet it gets from existing shoppers. In doing this, Dicks has taken share from other retailers, especially from department stores.

And while consumers have been cutting back in other channels, Dicks saw an increase in both traffic and ticket price, writes Justin E. Kleber, who follows the company for Baird.Dicks investments in assortment and the in-store/digital experience continue to fuel impressive market share gains, he writes.

Seth Basham, an analyst who follows the company for Wedbush and currently rates Dicks as neutral, is also encouraged by the quarterly results, in a weakening consumer discretionary spending environment, the sporting goods industry is re-baselining higher than pre-pandemic, and Dicks appears to be gaining market share on the back of growth, service and tech investments, he writes.

Basham says the company also benefits from the House of Sport concept in its large-format experiential stores. Those stores are at least meeting expectations, with the company planning 10 more stores next year.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 24, 2023

In a victory for X Corp., formerly Twitter, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit claiming the company violated a Washington state law by asking users to provide contact information in order to safeguard their accounts, but then harnessing that information for ad targeting.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Mary Dimke in the Eastern District of Washington said the allegations in the complaint, even if proven true, wouldn't establish that the tech company violated Washington's anti-pretexting law. That statute prohibits people from using fraudulent, deceptive, or false means to obtain telephone records of state residents.

Dimke's ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought in April 2022 by state resident Glen Morgan, who alleged that he gave his cell phone number to Twitter after it promised to protect nonpublic information in his account.

X Corp. disclosed in 2019 that users' phone numbers and email addresses were mistakenly incorporated into an ad platform that allows companies to use their own marketing lists to target ads on Twitter. Separately from Morton's lawsuit, the revelations separately sparked a Federal Trade Commission complaint that resulted in a $150 million fine.

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X Corp. urged Dimke to dismiss Morgan's complaint for several reasons. Among other arguments, the company argued merely obtaining a user's phone number from him or her doesn't violate the state pretexting law, which refers to telephone records.

If the legislature meant for 'telephone record' to include something as basic as the users own number, it surely would have said as much, X Corp. wrote in a motion filed in June.

Dimke agreed, writing that the pretexting law is plainly focused on protecting the consumers call history data.

She dismissed the complaint with prejudice -- meaning that Morgan can't amend the allegations and bring them again.

Morgan is appealing the decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Quite recently Sandeep Vanga Reddy released the full trailer for his upcoming film Animal. As the name suggests, the trailer was wild, to say the least. In fact, the trailer was so well received that it bagged almost 3 million views in just 3 hours and people went crazy seeing Ranbir Kapoor in a role that was intense and fierce.

The 3-and-a-half-minute trailer was laced with a gripping storyline, terrifying action sequences and oh so much blood. In fact, in a media interaction, Ranbir Kapoor even said, This is an adult-rated Khushi Kabhi Kabhie Gham."

During the trailer launch event in Delhi while talking to the media, Ranbir Kapoor revealed that Raha was born during the time he had started shooting for the film. And since the film required him to be so intense, he had to keep switching on and off for it.

He said, The switching on and switching off part was very important because when I was starting Animal, I became a father. Raha was born. I was going on set, doing all these things and going home and seeing my daughter was surreal. When youre inspired, aapka kaam aasani se ho jaata hai (When youre inspired, you are able to do your work easily). We wrapped the film in almost 100 days.

He also added, I am a detached person. I never take my character home. Its not fair for my loved ones. Agar main ghar jaake aise act karta toh meri biwi mujhe maarti (If I acted like this at home, my wife would have beaten me up).

He even went on to talk about his rather gore character in the film and said, I wouldnt use the word dark; it is the most complex character I have ever played. People usually see me in a different way- as a boy next door, a good boy, etc. I dont know what he (director Sandeep Reddy Vanga) saw in me that he offered me this part but he has given so many layers to this character. He writes for everyone and gives them a character. He gives them a plethora of emotions and complexities. That is very exciting to portray.

The film is slated for a December 1 release and also stars actors like Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol.
If you ask anyone who avidly consumes Bollywood films, one would receive a unanimous answer on how the Khans of Bollywood are also no less than the Kings of Bollywood. From Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir, Saif to Salman, the Hindi film industry is substantially dominated by the reputed Khans.

One actress who has had the privilege of working with two of the most loved and cared for Khans is actress Katrina Kaif. She has done films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Zero with SRK and films like Ek Tha Tiger, partner, Maine pyaar kyun kiya, etc. with Salman Khan.

With her recent film being Tiger 3 with Salman Khan, she spoke about the actor very candidly as she said to NDTV, He doesnt come fixed, and he doesnt take the burden of it. He comes with ease, and I think he lets himself shine in a scene with his personality rather than being too fixed into exactly what it is that youre going to do.

However when she was asked about Shah Rukh Khan she said, He comes on the set every day as dedicated and passionate as a newcomer for every shot and every scene. I remember, in Zero, he used to give me cues even when he was not on-screen. Its phenomenally inspiring.

Clearly both the actors seem to have almost an opposite approach towards their craft - both of which have managed to work for them respectively.

Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif has received a wholesome response from the audience for her performance in Tiger 3, especially her stunts. While talking about how she prepared for it she said, This time I wanted there to be more agility in the way the action was. So we spent more time on the training. I actually didnt particularly know the exact sequences when we were getting into it. When they unfolded it, I was like wow, this is a great platform. I think its really exciting to see Zoya like this and to see a woman doing this kind of action.

She will next be seen in the film called Merry Christmas also starring Vijay Sethupahi.
Much before youre ready to call yourself old, those fine (or not so fine) lines become a brutal reminder of how many times you poured scotch in your glass, how many cigarettes you smoked in the past decade and how many times you picked junk over homemade meals.

While theres no replacement for ageing that speeds up due to an unhealthy lifestyle, its never too late, or too early, to start an anti-ageing regimen. Luckily, in this decade, saving your skin is an option. It only takes a few good lifestyle decisions and a mindfully stocked grooming cabinet.

So whether you need to enter the skincare ground with big guns or a little preventive TLC to turn back the clock for your skin, our list of tried and scientifically tested anti-ageing creams, serums, masks and supplements is at your disposal.

The best anti-ageing creams

1. Pomegranate & Collagen Face Cream

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Experience the ultimate in skincare luxury with marine collagen-infused day and night Cream. Crafted with 10% marine collagen and a blend of enriching pomegranate extracts, this formula revitalises your skin's elasticity, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles for a flawless complexion.



Pomegranate extracts deeply moisturise, combating signs of ageing while providing essential hydration. Versatile for both day and night use, this cream shields your skin during the day and aids in effective repair overnight.

Embrace clean beauty with our sulfate and paraben-free, cruelty-free and non-animal-derived product, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence in skincare. Simply take a generous amount of this indulgent cream and massage it deeply into your skin to unveil a rejuvenated, radiant glow.

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2. Vita Lift Moisturiser

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Experience the powerful Vita Lift Anti-Ageing Moisturiser by L'Oreal Paris Men Expert, specially designed for men seeking advanced skincare. This formulation boasts a potent blend of ingredients targeted at reducing signs of ageing, diminishing fine lines and firming the skin for a more youthful appearance.



With its lightweight texture and non-greasy formula, this moisturiser deeply hydrates and revitalizes the skin, offering a refreshed and energised feel. You can trust L'Oreal's expertise in skincare to unleash a younger, healthier-looking complexion effortlessly.

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3. Saffron & Sandalwood Cream

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Indulge in the ultimate skincare experience with this powerful yet gentle anti-ageing cream. Packed with a blend of skin-loving herbs, it works wonders in brightening the complexion, addressing uneven skin tone, dark spots, and the appearance of wrinkles.



Offering intense nourishment, this multi-purpose face moisturiser for men hydrates deeply, utilising rejuvenating ingredients like plum oil, almond oil and liquorice for elasticity restoration. Infused with natural collagen boosters like saffron and vitamin C, it helps plump and firm the skin, while 14 rejuvenating herbs ensure a gentle, daily-use formula.

Its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture suits various skin types, leaving your skin hydrated, supple, and radiant, without any harsh additives like parabens, sulphates or mineral oil. It's time to rejuvenate your skin's vitality, naturally.

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4. Anti-Ageing Night Cream

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Crafted for all skin types, this potent formula fights the visible signs of ageing while you sleep, diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots and restoring lost elasticity. Its patented blend promises visible results in just weeks, delivering a non-greasy, lightweight texture that swiftly absorbs, leaving your skin feeling soft and deeply hydrated.



Enriched with potent antioxidants and natural ingredients, it nourishes and shields your skin, promoting a youthful, radiant complexion. Tailored for both men and women seeking age-defying skincare without harsh additives, it's a must-have for your nightly regimen, ensuring a healthy, glowing, and youthful appearance.

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5. Red Vine Face Cream

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Unveil a radiant, youthful complexion with our premium SPF 30-Day cream, designed to combat pigmentation, blemishes and dark spots while infusing your skin with a brightening glow.



Formulated with French Vinotherapy, this luxurious day cream provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays without leaving any chalky residue, offering a seamless, matte finish. Suitable for all skin types, including dry, combination, oily and acne-prone skin, it nurtures and revitalises, enhancing firmness and elasticity.

This FDA-approved cream is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils and harsh chemicals, embracing a cruelty-free philosophy.

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The best anti-ageing serums

6. Retinol Night Serum

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Experience a revolutionary solution to ageing with this retinol night serum, meticulously crafted with encapsulated retinol, penetrating deep within the skin layers to diminish signs of ageing rapidly.



This advanced formula targets fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, promoting collagen production for enhanced elasticity and a firmer, more youthful appearance. It helps you achieve refined skin texture by minimising pores, lightening spots and fostering skin oxygenation, while the presence of kokum butter aids in healing acne and minor skin inflammation.

Enriched with allantoin and betaine, this serum hydrates, soothes and revitalises, revealing radiant skin. This product is vegan, dermatologically-tested, cruelty-free, sulfate-free and paraben-free.

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7. Dandelion Youth Anti-Ageing Serum

Indulge in the rejuvenating prowess of our Biotique Dandelion Serum, a remarkable antioxidant and vitamin-rich formulation designed to combat free radical damage while nurturing your skin for a luminous, youthful complexion.

Harnessing the power of dandelion, quince seeds and sunflower oil, this serum effectively diminishes dark spots, reduces wrinkles and deeply moisturizes the skin, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance from within.

Its moisture-retaining properties illuminate and revitalise the skin, delivering a brighter and more radiant complexion. Crafted from 100% natural botanical extracts, this serum is organically pure and devoid of harmful chemicals, ensuring it's dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types.

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8. Minimalist Retinol Serum

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This powerful anti-ageing serum features 0.3% pure retinol in squalane, renowned for its efficacy in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing skin texture.



Infused with potent antioxidants like Coenzyme Q10 and Tocopherol (Vitamin E), this serum works as a radical scavenger, visibly reducing wrinkle depth while nourishing and repairing the skin. Crafted in a squalane base for enhanced stability, it safeguards the delicate retinol molecule from oxidation, ensuring long-lasting potency.

Formulated without water to prevent oxidation and housed in a UV-protective bottle, our serum guarantees a clean and transparent skincare experience. Suitable for all skin types, embrace the benefits of this innovative serum for a revitalised, youthful complexion.

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9. Blue Nectar Bakuchi Anti Ageing Serum

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Crafted to impart a youthful radiance and firmness, this serum harnesses the power of Bakuchi, an ancient remedy revered in Indian and Chinese therapies for its antioxidant-rich profile.



As a natural alternative to intense retinol, Bakuchi offers gentle yet effective anti-ageing benefits without causing irritation or sensitivity, ensuring a rejuvenated complexion. Enriched with apricot, giloy and hyaluronic acid, this oil-free serum delves deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production, enhancing elasticity and providing essential hydration for a renewed and youthful appearance.

Tailored for all skin types, whether dry, oily or combination, our serum ensures a soft, smooth and deeply nourished skin experience.

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10. Collagen 100 Serum

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Rejuvenate and replenish your skin with Collagen Ampoulea powerhouse serum enriched with 90% concentrated collagen. This highly potent formula restores skin's elasticity, rendering it taut, supple and deeply moisturised.



Infused with hyaluronic acid and allantoin, it provides intense hydration, while adenosine tackles wrinkles, smoothing them away for improved skin texture. Formulated with natural vegetable extracts, it creates a protective film, restoring skin balance and shielding against irritants.

Gentle and safe for all skin types, this fragrance-free, colourless and paraben-free serum is ideal for sensitive skin.

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The best anti-ageing masks

11. Anti-Pigmentation Mask

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Experience a revitalising treat for your skin with this Sculpt Face Packa harmonious fusion of tightening, toning and anti-pigmentation elements. Crafted to invigorate tired skin, this pack offers an astringent effect, leaving your skin feeling taut and refreshed.



Enriched with French red clay and minerals, it combats free radicals, creating a protective shield against pollutants. This mask unveils a bright, blemish-free complexion, rejuvenating dull and fatigued faces.

Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin types, it revitalises your skin, unveiling a renewed radiance and vitality.

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12. Skin Firming Mask

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This mask, suitable for all skin types, works wonders by soothing fine lines, boosting collagen production and sealing in moisture for a supple glow.



Crafted with ayurvedic principles and following a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free formulation, it's a guilt-free indulgence for your skin. Featuring a blend of rosehip, Arjuna bark and peptides, this mask offers a tightening effect, improving skin elasticity.

Elevate your regimen with this specialised skincare gem and unveil a radiant, firmer complexion. Simply cleanse, apply, gently scrub and witness the transformative results in just 10 minutes.

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13. Aqua Animal Sheet Mask

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Indulge in the rejuvenating prowess of our adenosine and hydrolyzed collagen-infused face mask, an anti-ageing powerhouse for your skin. This mask is an elixir of youth, featuring collagen to enhance skin firmness and elasticity, while hamamelis and purslane extracts work their magic with anti-inflammatory, healing and toning properties.



Enriched with glacial water essence, it deeply hydrates, leaving your skin supple and refreshed. Adenosine, a star ingredient, stimulates cell metabolism, safeguards against UV damage and promotes collagen production for a smoother, more even complexion.

For best results, gently apply the mask, leave for 15-20 minutes and revel in the essences absorption, unveiling a revitalised youthful glow.

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The best anti-ageing supplements

14. Holistic Curcumin

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Renowned for its health benefits, Curcuminoids, found in this supplement, wield remarkable antioxidant properties backed by scientific studies. These immunity tablets are your trusted boosters, suppressing viral replication and bolstering your bodys defences.



Embraced for its anti-inflammatory prowess, Curcumin aids in improving joint mobility, reducing discomfort and enhancing flexibility. With an impressive 95% standard Curcuminoid, this formulation is 250 times more potent, ensuring a robust boost to your immunity and promoting healthier skin, eyes and hair.

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15. Silica Drops

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Collagen, a pivotal protein, diminishes with age and our ionized Silica solution stimulates its development, crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting glowing, radiant skin, lustrous hair and stronger nails.



By bolstering collagen levels, it fosters balanced hormonal and pH levels, fortifying your body's natural defenses against aging. Embrace optimal nutrient absorption as Silica aids in absorbing vital nutrients, contributing to an enhanced immune system.

Moreover, Silica plays a key role in fortifying joints and bones by supporting cartilage integrity, ensuring joint health and strength.

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16. Inja Beauty Collagen

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Formulated to nurture your body from within, this supplement offers multifaceted benefits. It enhances and nourishes your skin while promoting a youthful glow, bolstering hair health by reducing hair fall and fostering stronger, lustrous locks.



Experience reinforced nails and accelerated nail growth for a polished appearance. You may also bid farewell to joint discomfort as this supplement aids in reducing stiffness and alleviating joint pain, ensuring enhanced mobility and flexibility.

Take one scoop daily, religiously and embrace a renewed vitality with this one. You may start seeing visible change in a matter of 10-15 days.

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17. L-Glutathione

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This powerful formula, enriched with vitamin C, vitamin E and agathi extracts, works to illuminate your skin by diminishing dark spots and pigmentations while detoxifying your body and fortifying collagen production.



Derived from nature's bounty, this supplement boasts 100% plant-based ingredients, harnessing the potency of L-Glutathione eeduced, acerola, sesbania grandiflora and vitamin E extracts to deliver optimal results without synthetic additives or side effects.

Simply integrate this supplement into your routine  take one capsule after meals, twice daily or as advised by your healthcare professional.

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18. Powerful Antioxidant Formula

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Packed with green tea extract to reduce uric acid levels, grape seed extract for healthy skin and liposomal trans-resveratrol for skin repair, this supplement protects your skin and body against oxidative stress and cell damage.



Its also formulated with blueberry extract which has antioxidant and disease-prevention properties. Take 2 capsules daily after meals or as suggested by a medical professional for improved skin, lowered blood pressure and enhanced vitality.

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19. Vegan Collagen Builder

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This collagen supplement nourishes skin, reduces ageing signs and promotes a radiant, blemish-free complexion. For hair and nails, it has vitamin E and biotin supports healthy growth by strengthening follicles and nails, preventing breakage and brittleness.



It also benefits in reinforcing joints and bone structure, managing inflammation and enhancing bone density. These capsules are vegan, gluten-free and packed with nutrients, supporting overall health, immunity and holistic wellness without any harsh chemicals or additives.

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20. Collagenprash

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Crafted with natural and bio-fermented ingredients like sesbania extract and L-glutathione, this gluten-free formula promotes collagen synthesis, enhancing skin elasticity and moisture and reducing wrinkles and UV spots.



You will also enjoy strengthened hair and nails while minimising dark spots, all in this convenient, natural skin superfood. Simply consume one full spoon (approx. 15g) twice a day to revitalise your skin, hair and nails from within.

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21. Jeevaniya Gana Anti Age

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Rejuvenate your skin with this potent supplement, a rich blend of antioxidants and nutrients that accelerate skin renewal. Experience improved moisture retention, cell repair and protection against free radical damage.



Bid farewell to wrinkles, pigmentation and sagging skin, revealing a plumper, dewy complexion. Produced in a GMP-certified facility, these 100% vegetarian tablets are pure, potent and free of gluten, dairy, soy and more.

This traditional ayurvedic formula boasts remarkable healing qualities, crafted with 100% natural ingredients  no additives or preservatives, just pure, potent nature in a convenient tablet form.

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11:02PM: The KBO officially requested to Major League Baseball that Lee be posted (reporter Jiheon Pae had the news first, and thanks to MyKBO.nets Dan Kurtz for the update). This doesnt necessarily speed up the timeline reported by Yoo earlier tonight, as Yoo reiterated that with the Thanksgiving holiday, the process likely wont begin in earnest until early December. Once Lee is posted, his window will only be 30 days, not 45. The change to a 45-day posting period was made last offseason for NPB players, though it appears as though players coming from the KBO League have just the original 30 days to find a contract.

9:42PM: The Kiwoom Heroes gave Jung Hoo Lees medical records to KBO League officials yesterday, Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News reports (via X). Between the usual review protocols between both the KBO and then MLB officials, Yoo figures that Lee will be officially posted for Major League teams in early December, factoring in a bit of delay given the Thanksgiving holiday.

That will officially open the floodgates on what is expected to be a brisk market for Lees services, with the New York Posts Jon Heyman reporting that 20 teams are interested in the outfielder. With this many teams potentially in the hunt, it certainly seems like Lee could match or exceed MLBTRs projection of a five-year, $50MM contract, a prediction made due to both Lees impressive track record in South Korea and the fact that he is only 25 years old. The Giants, Yankees, and Padres are the teams who have been publicly linked to Lees market to date.

While Lees expected price tag will be much lower than that of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the two players share some market similarities due to their young age of 25. In theory, both have lots of prime years ahead and perhaps havent even reached their peak, whereas many players coming to the majors from Japan or South Korea are already in their late 20s or into their 30s by the time theyre posted, or by the time they amass enough service time for full free agency.

Because NPB is seen as a higher caliber of league than the KBO and because Yamamoto is seen as more of a true elite talent, his expected contract will naturally be higher than Lees, since some scouts arent entirely sold on how Lees bat will translate to much power against MLB pitching. Some comps have been made to Masataka Yoshida but with a higher defensive ceiling, even if Lee might not stick in center field. Lees platform year was also limited to 86 games due to season-ending ankle surgery, and while he should be healthy for Spring Training, he missed a critical chance to further showcase himself for any doubting evaluators.

In short, theres plenty of room for variance on the kinds of offers that Lee might get, since theres bound to be a wide range of opinions within a 20-team field. Some teams might drop out of the running simply because theyve made other outfield acquisitions in the interim, maybe before Lees posting window even opens. Other teams who have a larger presence in international scouting will have more data on Lee, though that perhaps would work either for or against him depending on a clubs opinion.

As per the league posting rules, Lee will have 45 days to sign with a Major League team once his posting period opens. If he cant land a contract within those 45 days, hell return to the Heroes for the 2024 KBO season and have to wait until next winter for another chance at coming to the big leagues. While it seems likely Lee will find an acceptable deal to come to North America, a return to South Korea cant be entirely ruled out. There could be lingering concerns over his health or perhaps just how hell adjust to the majors, or Lee and his agents at the Boras Corporation might not be satisfied with the offers on the table.

The Heroes will receive a posting fee tied to Lees eventual contract, with the new MLB club paying this fee on top of what they give to Lee himself. The Heroes will get 20% of the first $25MM of a contract, 17.5% of the next $25MM, and 15% of anything beyond the $50MM threshold. At MLBTRs projection of a $50MM deal, the Heroes would get a $9.375MM posting fee.
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI  A second person has been charged with jail time for a scheme in which she and her son repeatedly stole and resold KitchenAid mixers.

Lisa Roussey, 60, of Farmington Hills, was sentenced to 3 to 10 years incarceration for three counts of organized retail fraud in Oakland County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Roussey pled no contest in October to the charges, which relate to a scheme she ran with her son, Brian Roussey, 31, of Farmington Hills, in which they would steal KitchenAid mixers from Metro Detroit Target stores.

Brian Roussey pled guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 128 days incarceration and two years probation. Both mother than son have also been ordered to pay $20,108 in restitution to Target.

The Rousseys began stealing KitchenAid mixers in late 2020 and continued through late 2022, entering various Target locations throughout the metro Detroit area, walking out with the product without making a purchase, and selling the stolen appliances on public online forums such as Facebook Marketplace.

The stand mixers retail for as much as $500 per unit and losses from Target total more than $20,000.

They were charged after an investigation by Michigans FORCE Team, a first-in-the-nation unit that works to target criminal organizations that steal products from retailers to repackage and sell for a profit.

The FORCE Teams success in this instance can be directly attributed to collaboration and teamwork with multiple law enforcement agencies, Nessel said in a statement. I would like to specifically thank the efforts of those detectives and officers with the Farmington Hills Police Department whose long hours and hard work led to the arrest of the Rousseys.

Recent corporate partners on FORCE investigations have included Sams Club/Walmart, Meijer, Target, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Rite-Aid, Lululemon, Ulta, and Lowes.
TROY, MI  Police have identified a man who was shot by police during a chase, as well as a passenger who was along for the ride.

Cecil Bobby Pulliam has been charged with felony assault, receiving and concealing stolen property and fleeing and eluding while Lajuan Lamarr Jefferson Jr. has been charged with receiving and concealing stolen property.

The charges stem from an incident in which Troy police responded to East Big Beaver Road west of Daley Street on Nov. 21 after a vehicle stolen from a car dealership in Southfield on Nov. 6 was spotted.

While the vehicle was stopped in traffic, officers attempted to box in the stolen vehicle, but Pulliam allegedly began to try to ram his way out, police said.

An officer fired his service weapon five times and struck Pulliam in the upper body, police said. The vehicle continued a short distance before crashing into another vehicle.

Pulliam was taken into custody and aid was given by paramedics. He was transported to a local hospital where he remains in custody in stable condition, police said.

Jefferson Jr. was treated for minor injuries suffered during the ram attempt, police said. He has been released from the hospital.

Pulliams bond was set at $1 million. Jefferson Jr.s bond was set at $100,000.

The Oakland County Sheriffs Office is investigating the incident.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - It can take some Ypsilanti Township residents an hour and a half on the bus to reach a 20-minute appointment in Ann Arbor with social services nonprofits that serve their needs.

A new Ypsilanti Township initiative aims to change that, giving new life to an underused police station in the process.

The township is about to launch a new Community Network Center out of the former Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office substation at 1405 Holmes Road.

The premise is simple, according to township Community Resource Coordinator Laurie Lutomski.

Nonprofits and government programs will be able to use the space on demand to meet residents closer to home, in an area near Willow Run and housing developments with some of the countys lowest access to social and economic opportunity, she said.

Were really trying to help our residents get access to the things they need, she said.

The township building on Holmes Road, once a fire station then used as a police substation, has been mainly vacant since the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutomski said, with many sheriffs deputies operating out of the township station on Huron Street.

The officers and other township staff will still be able to use the building for its restrooms or as a space to write up a report, but it will now also be accessible to a slew of social services groups to meet with residents.

So far the organizations that have applied to do so include Jewish Family Services, including its older adult WISE and employment programs, as well as Pathlight Community Services and Habitat for Humanity, according to Lutomski.

She expects Washtenaw Countys new Financial Empowerment Center, offering free financial counseling, and groups like Friends In Deed, Home of New Vision and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services children and adult protective services will use the space.

The township has set up a cloud calendar for groups to reserve slots for appointments and will issue key cards, so they can come and go during those times, she said.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the township board also approved a procedure and application for groups to apply to use the new Community Network Center. The vote was unanimous, with township Trustee Ryan Hunter abstaining, saying his employer could offer services out of the new center.

I think the biggest challenge that we have is theres so much money at the county level, at the state level, at the federal level, and connecting people to the resources that are needed, its a challenge for everyone, said township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo at the meeting.

That observation is part of what led to the creation of Lutomskis position, aimed at linking residents with existing resources, roughly a year ago.

Lutomski credited Stumbo for the idea of reusing the police station, which involved putting a fresh coat of paint inside the building and installing an accessible doorway, she said.

Stumbo said Tuesday she hopes the center will create an atmosphere where more people feel comfortable asking for help.

Bus service is a challenge, especially for people in the northern part of the township, Lutomski said, and the idea of the center has gone over well at neighborhood watch meetings so far, especially for those accustomed to long treks to reach appointments.

The services offered by groups using the space could include financial counseling, employment assistance, case management, senior services and support completing paperwork to sign up for government benefits, like social security and Medicare, according to a township memo on the project.

Lutomski, a longtime social worker in the area, said shes not aware of a similar set-up run by a local government elsewhere in southeast Michigan.

Were really trying to do things that are different and hopefully will be impactful, she 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.
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI  An 18-year-old Grand Rapids woman is dead and another person seriously injured after a Thanksgiving day crash.

Kent County sheriffs deputies say the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, on Jericho Avenue near Peter Creek Drive in Plainfield Township.

Around that time, deputies say a 19-year-old Plainfield Township woman driving a Volkswagen Jetta lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway and struck a tree.

The Plainfield Township woman was seriously injured in the crash, and her passenger, the Grand Rapids woman, was killed, deputies said.

The Kent County Sheriffs Office Traffic Safety Unit is continuing to look at data and evidence from the crash to help determine what led up to the crash and any contributing factors.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A woman was seriously injured in a crash Friday, Nov. 24, when her vehicle collided with a tree, sheriffs deputies said.

Her passenger, a 12-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries.

The crash was reported at 2:11 p.m. on Butternut Drive south of Blair Street in Ottawa Countys Port Sheldon Township.

Police said the woman, a 29-year-old Port Sheldon Township resident, was driving a sport-utility vehicle south on Butternut when it left road and struck a tree. Neither of the occupants were using set belts, police said.

The woman sustained serious injuries but the girls injuries were minor. Both were taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Read more:

Men jailed in theft of 123 guns: God knows what violent crimes averted, judge says

University of Michigan, Holland brewery collaborate to create Maize Ale beer

Northbound U.S. 131 closed at S-Curve for cleanup of spilled milk
VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI -- A police pursuit ended shortly after a vehicle crashed into a ditch, the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office reports.

About 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, Van Buren Sheriffs deputies tried to pull over a vehicle for several moving violations in Geneva Township. The driver did not stop and a police pursuit began, the sheriffs office said in a news release.
A low-pressure system is going to move through the Great Lakes region Saturday night and into Sunday. Along with it, snow showers are going to move through Michigan and leave some accumulations behind. Here, well go into detail about the timing and snowfall amounts well be seeing.

Snow showers are going to start around midnight Saturday night with the approaching low. Snow is going to fill in from west to east across Michigan during the night and into Sunday morning, with all areas in Michigan seeing snow during the day on Sunday before it starts tapering off Sunday afternoon in the western Upper Peninsula. As we head into Sunday night, snow showers will persist in the Lower Peninsula and eastern Upper Peninsula, with some light flurries sticking around into very early Monday morning.

Timeline of snowfall for Michigan this weekend.National Weather Service

Despite the snow going on for quite a while, snowfall totals arent going to amount to much for the majority of the state. Most areas will see 1 to 2 inches of snowfall by the time the snow ends Sunday night, but some isolated areas (particularly in the central and eastern Lower Peninsula and central U.P.) may see less than an inch of snowfall.

Even though 1 to 2 inches will likely be the average amount of snowfall for the state, some areas may end up seeing more than that. Places closer to Lake Michigan and far eastern Lake Superior will end up seeing lake enhancement to the snow showers, which could lead to increased snowfall totals. Three to 4 inches of snow are possible in western Lower Michigan, depending on where heavier snow bands set up. Smaller pockets in the western and eastern U.P. could also see some enhanced snowfall totals.

Since some snow accumulation is expected, especially in western Lower Michigan, traveling back from the holiday weekend should be done with your usual caution for this kind of weather. Slick spots could form on roadways from falling snow, so taking it slow and being aware of the weather conditions before heading out is a good idea.

Once the bulk of the snow moves out of the state, some lake effect showers are still possible behind the system, particularly off of Lake Michigan. Some decent bursts of snow are possible Monday morning and lingering into the afternoon.
Renowned Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has praised mortuary workers while lamenting the difficult conditions they operate in.

Sarkodie bemoaned how mortuary work comes with several challenges but receives little reward or recognition.

The music star emphasized that the sector is "one of the hardest and riskiest jobs" yet remains "underrated and underpaid."

In a post X on Friday, addressing the planned nationwide strike by the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG), Sarkodie asserted "This is one of the underrated/underpaid jobs yet one of the hardest and riskiest jobs. They deserve the right salary, equipment and environment to work effectively..."

His remarks come as MOWAG prepares to commence an indefinite strike from November 29 due to unaddressed grievances.

The association cited some long-lasting grievances that have remained unresolved despite various attempts.
Rev. Abraham Lamptey, the General Overseer of Believers House of Worship International, has expressed his reservation about event organisers charging attendees for worship events.

In a conversation with the media during the launch of his annual event, Art of Worship, Rev. Lamptey emphasized the value of worship.

He said it was it was not proper to put a monetary price on such events.

The religious leader noted that gatherings for worship and spiritual connection should not be profit-driven.

Regardless of the fame or stature of the featured artist, whether a prominent figure in the Gospel music industry or not, Rev. Lamptey asserted that attendees should not be stopped for not paying a fee.

"The identity of the artist doesn't matter. If the event's purpose is to establish a connection with God for the remarkable things He has done, then admission should be free.

Putting a price tag on God is not appropriate, and asking patrons to pay would be wrong. I've been organizing Art of Worship for 16 years, and it has always been free," stated Rev. Lamptey.
Israel said a four-day Gaza truce and hostage release will not start until at least Friday, stalling a breakthrough deal to pause the war with militant group Hamas. The delay was due to "last minute" details over which hostages would be released and how.

Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas was still on track, but would not happen on Thursday as expected.

"The contacts on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly," he said in a statement.

"The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday."

A second Israeli official said that a temporary halt in fighting would also not begin on Thursday.

Under the deal, a humanitarian pause will be followed by releases of an initial 50 hostages from Israel and 150 Palestinian prisoners.

All of those to be released under the three-to-one ratio are either women or aged 18 and under.

A Palestinian official told French news agency AFP that a delay was due to "last minute" details over which hostages would be released and how.

The truce, widely expected to go into force on Thursday but delayed during the night, had been put back over "the names of the Israeli hostages and the modalities of their release", said the official, who has knowledge of the negotiation process.

Lists of those to be freed had been exchanged by both sides, he added.

Questions were also being raised over Red Cross access to the hostages before they would be released into Egypt, he said, and whether the Red Cross would have access to those who remained.

Ceasefire in the coming hours

When the ceasefire would go into effect would be announced by mediator Qatar, "in co-ordination with the Egyptians and the Americans, in the coming hours today", he added.

The agreement follows weeks of war in the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October, which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip says more than 14,000 people have died in Israel's assault, most of them women and children.

The delay is a hammer blow to families desperate to see their loved ones return home, and to two million-plus Gazans praying for an end to 47 days of war and deprivation.

Netanyahu has backed the agreement with Hamas, but vowed the truce will be temporary and will not end the campaign to destroy Hamas.

The agreement was met by despite fierce opposition from some within Netanyahu's right-wing government.

Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir described the deal as a "historic mistake" that would embolden Hamas and risk the lives of Israeli troops.

(with AFP)
The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, expressed satisfaction when Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia attempted to downplay former President John Mahama's 24-hour economy proposal.

In an interview on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM on Thursday, November 23, 2023, the man known in political circles as General Mosquito mentioned that he would have advised the former president to abandon the proposal if the Vice President had shown any inclination towards supporting it.

He conveyed his pleasure with the Vice President's stance on the implementation of the 24-hour economy and remarked that Dr Bawumia has evolved into an opposing politician over the years.

According to Asiedu Nketia, anything praised by the Vice President tends to have contrasting outcomes, expressing his distrust in the Vice President's advocacy for policies.

Citing examples such as the Gold for Oil deal, he highlighted that policies spearheaded by the Vice President often turn out differently from their intended goals.

Despite this skepticism, Asiedu Nketia acknowledged the success of these policies adding that policy is a novelty for the transformation of the country's staggering economy.

He suggested that while the Vice President might be envisioning the country operating 24-hour night chop bars, the NDC is thinking outside the box.

Mr Asiedu Nketia affirmed the feasibility of the 24-hour economy and stated that the NDC would implement measures for its full realisation in 2025 if it wins the 2024 general elections

-Classfmonline
Leave no one behind is the bedrock of any form of social protection and a commitment made in addressing social inequalities, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential services and support. It also recognizes the role of social protection in fostering sustainable development and contributing to the overall well-being of the population.

Social protection is a key driver in the achievement of the ECOWAS vision 2050; which aligns with the five pillars of the ECOWAS Community Strategic Framework; Peace, Security, & Stability, Governance, Economic Integration, Sustainable Development and Social Inclusion, declared Prof. Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affair, at the opening of a three (3) day meeting of ECOWAS Experts on Social Protection Framework and Operational plan, which began on Tuesday November 21st, 2023, in Banjul  The Gambia.

The opening Speech of the Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affairs, delivered by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the importance of the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan is a guide to Member States in the development and implementation of comprehensive social protection systems, including inclusive national social protection floors.

She noted that, though there might be many challenges which can be daunting but not insurmountable, and believes that with the necessary political commitment, technical expertise and support from Development Partners, and through a Regional Strategy, the Social Protection Coverage in Africa can be accelerated and ensuring that 40% of the population are covered.

Dr. Abdulaziz S.K. Danladi, Representing Nigeria and Chair of the meeting emphasized the importance of viewing social protection as a critical component of sustainable development, which plays a very vital role in reducing poverty, promoting social justice, and enhancing human dignity.

He highlighted the importance of the development of an ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan that aims to provide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with the necessary tools and knowledge to design and implement social protection programs specific to the ECOWAS region, which will involve drawing from the latest research, global best practices, and the experiences of ECOWAS Member States to create a comprehensive and practical guide for social protection.

The UNICEF Representative in The Gambia, Ms. Mariavittoria Ballotta, Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, the FAO Senior Policy Officer of the sub-regional Office for West Africa, pledged that in its implementation, FAO will continue to provide technical assistance to member states to scale up and enhance social protection in increasing productivity and support small-scale producers to manage risks better for an agrifood systems transformation that is MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The representative of the H.E Amb Cessouma Minata Samate AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development- Mr. Lefhoko Kesamang commended ECOWAS for the landmark achievement of elaborating the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework & Operational Plan aligned to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social SecurityProtocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security. He underscored the importance of the social protection framework as an investment in the future and a cornerstone of resilience which centers around strategies that safeguard vulnerable populations from poverty, hunger, and deprivation.

The Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Muhammad B.S. Jallow, in his opening remarks, expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of the Government to the ECOWAS Commission for the trust and confidence bestowed on Banjul as the host of this auspicious meeting. He emphasized the importance of a harmonized and coherent framework in line with ECOWAS mandates. H.E recalled the commitment of ECOWAS member states to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, particularly regarding the right to social security.

He further highlighted the efforts made by The Gambia in advancing international commitments and implementing social protection policies. The government of The Gambia has formulated a National Social Protection Policy (2015-2025) with the goal of establishing, by 2035, an inclusive, integrated, and comprehensive social protection system. This system aims to provide preventive and transformative measures to safeguard the lives of all poor and vulnerable groups. The overarching objective is to contribute to broader human development, greater economic productivity, and inclusive growth.

H.E Jallow, reiterated the importance of social protection as a key strategic priority in the newly formulated Green Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023-2027) which indicates the governments commitment to aligning social protection measures with sustainable and environmentally friendly development goals.

The next (3) three days, representatives of Member states, ECOWAS Commission, Civil societies, development partners and stakeholders in Social Protection will work expeditiously to finlise the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operation Plan which would be presented to the Ministers on Friday, 24th November 2023, for their validation and adoption. The meeting was organized by the ECOWAS Commissions Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
23.11.2023 LISTEN

Professor Smart Sarpong, Senior Research Fellow at the Kumasi Technical University, has encouraged individuals to be bold and leave their political party if they feel compelled to do so.

The comments follow the NPP's dismissal of Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique, and Yaw Buaben Asamoah for openly supporting Alan Kyerematen, an independent presidential candidate.

The NPP, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah, asserted that the actions of the four individuals breached the party's constitution, leading to an automatic forfeiture of their membership.

According to the party's constitution, "A member of the party, who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the Party, or who joins or declares his or her support for another Political Party, or for an independent candidate when the Party has sponsored a candidate in a general or by-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the Party."

Discussing the matter on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Professor Smart Sarpong stated, "If you are not for me, then you are not with me.

Those should know those who are for them and work with themIf you say you want to do a Party job but feel something worries, so you want to leave to join party B or C, be bold; do it."

He cautions "But if you will remain in the party, then note that whatever it is, something will get on your nerves.

When two people are going for competition, both of them can't win. One will win, and when the person wins, be humble enough to work with the person in the interest of the party you claim to be a member of."

In a warning to NPP, Professor Smart Sarpong urged the party to exercise caution in the treatment of its members especially during an electioneering period, highlighting the potential for hostile reactions if not handled well.
Tunisian film star Hend Sabri has resigned as World Food Programme goodwill ambassador in protest at what she called the use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.

Sabri, a leading figure in Arab cinema, said that she had decided with "a heavy heart and deep sadness" to step down after 13 years with the United Nations agency.

In a statement published on social media platform X late Wednesday, the 44-year-old said that she had asked the WFP leadership to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

She said that she had hoped the agency "would use its voice forcefully" as it had done in previous crises.

"However, hunger and starvation have been used as weapons of war... against more than two million civilians in Gaza," Sabri said.

A pause in fighting, due to take effect on Friday, was "too little too late," she added.

Sabri's most recent film, "Four Daughters," was named joint winner of a documentary film prize at this year's Cannes festival.

Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, it explores the true story of how a mother comes to terms with the decision by two of her children to flee to Libya and join the Islamic State group.

Following her resignation, the WFP offered its "heartfelt gratitude" for Sabri's "unwavering support and dedication" as goodwill ambassador.

Israel tightened its siege of Gaza alongside relentless bombardment after Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7.

Israel says that around 1,200 people were killed in the cross-border raids -- most of them civilians -- and about 240 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run government in Gaza says Israel's operations have killed more than 14,000 people, also mostly non-combatants, and left much of the territory in ruins.

The planned four-day truce will see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The pause is also intended to provide aid to Gaza's 2.4 million residents struggling to survive with shortages of food, water and fuel.
Geert Wilders faces an uphill struggle luring partners to form a coalition government with his far-right party following their "monster victory" in Dutch elections that has shaken both the Netherlands and Europe.

Wilders' PVV (Freedom Party) won 37 seats in the 150 seat parliament  more than doubling the result from the 2017 election and far outstripping opponents.

The fragmented Dutch political landscape was dominated by traditional parties  the conservative VVD, the Labour Party (PvdA), the centrist Christian CDA and the center-left D66  for decades.

But in 2002 that composition was undermined by a massive breakthrough of the hard-right, anti immigrant populist Pim Fortuyn.

After Fortuyn's murder by an animal rights activist, anti-immigrant voters found a new guru in the PVV. Wilders' party managed to play a role in 2010 as non-voting party in the CDA-led government of Jan-Peter Balkenende, which collapsed in 2012.

Since then, Wilders' popularity has steadily grown, but he was confined to the opposition bench, shunned by the mainstream parties which categorically refused to cooperate with him.

As of today, they may not have that choice anymore.

RFI spoke with Bernard Steunenberg, Professor Public Administration with Leiden University about the election result, and its likely impact on European politics.

RFI: How do you explain this massive win for Wilders?

Bernard Steunenberg: The campaign mostly pointed at problems but not at solutions. Solutions for the housing crisis or environmental problems were not really discussed.

This campaign became about political identity. Geert Wilders is very successful in this respect. That was the driving force of his party over the past 15 years. He is very capable of playing this card towards the electorate. At the same time, he doesn't make clear what kind of solutions will be adopted in the near future about some of the important issues on the table.

RFI: Wilders does not have a complete majority by far. He needs coalition partners. What is going to happen now?

Bernard Steunenberg: Governments typically have to be formed through a coalition in Dutch politics, and Wilders will most likely be the person who has to start negotiating with other parties.

Some are a bit reluctant, like the VVD, the Liberal Party, formerly led by [Dutch Prime Minister] Mark Rutte. Other parties that were reluctant before will now start negotiating with Wilders, including the new party of Pieter Omtzigt [a startup created by a disgruntled former member of the Christian CDA party.]

What comes out is not clear. This may take quite some time ... because parties may find it difficult to water down some of their promises, including, of course, the party of Wilders.

RFI: If Wilders fails to form a government, there may be an attempt by Frans Timmermans, who heads the Green Labour Coalition. In this case Wilders may be left out altogether. Would it be bad to exclude the PVV from a coalition?

Bernard Steunenberg: Having these coalition negotiations doesn't help the country. Within a year, we would like to have a new government. Otherwise, some of the problems may become overwhelming. From a democratic point of view, Wilders should start, but if he doesn't succeed and Timmermans takes over, then there is a possibility they could form a coalition without him.

RFI: If this were France, this would only be the first round and there would be a second round. And Wilders Freedom Party PVV would face the Green-Labour of [former EC Vice-President] Frans Timmermans. In that case, what would be the likely outcome?

Bernard Steunenberg: Compared to the last elections a couple of years ago, the number of voters on the right, centre and left hasn't changed much. In the 2021 elections, right-wing parties had about 62 seats in parliament, now it's 65. The left part, including the Green-Labour alliance had about 35 votes. And they do have 35 votes now. And in the centre, there's about 40 votes collected by a number of parties. So if we go along this scenario, most of them might consider going left, and in that case it would be a very tight vote.

RFI: What does a Wilders victory mean for immigrants in the Netherlands?

Bernard Steunenberg: Wilders said in his speech just after the first results that he would keep to the constitution as well as existing law. But the most important elements will be the result of negotiations with others. Most likely he will want to see a limit on the number of people coming to the Netherlands as refugees and asylum seekers.

RFI: French President Emmanuel Macron has been under fire as well from the extreme right and opinion polls show a growing popularity for the far-right's Marine Le Pen. What effect will his victory have on French voters also with regard to the upcoming EU elections?

Bernard Steunenberg: It means that the right side of the political spectrum in Europe is also moving a bit in that direction, and members of the European Parliament may voice more of their discontent about some of the measures taken by others. This means that some elections will be much tougher, and the participants need to be very clear about what their platform is and how to connect to voters in their constituencies.

It may also mean the next French election will be very tight.

- This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
23.11.2023 LISTEN

It must be noted that popular support for governmental policy proposals is not necessarily coterminous with feasibility, effectiveness, and relevance (Gyampo, 2018, p. 1). In 2018, Prof Ransford Edward Van Gyampo of the University of Ghana in one of his journal articles made the above statement. As a student of Political Science and Public Policy and one of Profs academic admirers, I believe Prof Gyampo is right and I agree with the statement. I would like to ask Prof Gyampo: Does he still associate with this statement he made in 2018 in his own publication? I believe he does because academics are trained to defend their statements. If they find evidence contrary to their initial positions, they publish it and emphatically say so. My deep search in the literature did not reveal any publication by Prof Gyampo that suggests a contrary proposition to his initial statement in 2018.

Consequently, I assume that Prof Gyampo still stands by his statement. If the foregoing has been established then I must say I am respectfully disappointed in Prof Gyampo judging from his recent statement purporting to support a proposal for the cancellation of licensure exams opined by the Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential candidate of the main opposition party in Ghana, National Democratic Congress (NDC). I disagree with his position about the cancellation of the licensure exams. My reasons are discussed below.

THE RATIONALE OF THE LICENSURE EXAMS

In 2016, the Ghana National Teaching Council (NTC) initiated the NTC Teacher Licensure Exams under the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), Section 9 to improve the professional standing and status of teachers and to license and register teachers in Ghana. The policy rationale is to regularize the teaching profession to enable qualified teachers from Universities and Colleges of Education to acquire professional licenses to ply their trade and improve the state of teaching as well as the quality of teachers and educational delivery in the country. According to the Council, the license is subject to renewal just like how we renew other licences to enable them to monitor the professionals impacting knowledge in our classrooms. The renewal of teachers licenses is subject to going through professional development programmes and appraisals.

All over the world, professionals have had high standards for their profession and have instituted measures to ensure that their respective revered professions remain relevant, respected, and recognized over the years. These are the reasons professionals such as pharmacists, lawyers, and doctors, have specialized institutions to regularize their profession apart from their usual educational training from their curriculum. Even to be called a professional accountant, despite the rigorous training in accounting for years, one still needs to pass as a Chartered Accountant.

In the classroom, where Prof Gyampo belongs, scholars of public policy are trained to advise policymakers that any new educational policy introduced must be wise in the sense that it does not cause new educational problems in the sector. Education is hinged on three principles: access, quality, and relevance. Educational policies are expected to encourage internal and external efficiency while maintaining all three principles. Judging from best practices across the globe and other professions, teachers are regarded as professionals with a specialized institution implementing their professionalism. The NTC licensure exam is currently serving this purpose in Ghana.

Consequently, any proposal to cancel the policy must be able to answer the following questions. 1) How is the cancellation of licensure exams relevant to the educational sector? 2) How would it improve access? 3) How would it improve the quality of education? In fact, I believe the cancellation of the licensure exams would reduce the quality of classroom delivery and the relevance of education because there is no regularization of the teachers who are delivering the curriculum to students. There might be challenges regarding the implementation of the policy since its inception. Scholars of public policy consider this as an integral part of any new (or even old) policies hence the inclusion of policy evaluation and adaptation in the policy cycle.

WHY THEN THE CANCELLATION PROPOSAL? A CASE OF ANOTHER ELECTORAL COMPETITION?

Thinking through the foregoing as a student of Political Science and Public Policy vis a vis the statement made by Prof Gyampo on Facebook, I'm faced with certain puzzles such as: what is the government seeking to achieve with the proposal to cancel the licensure exams? If President Mahama wins the 2024 elections and adopts to cancellation of the licensure exams, would that be a case of fulfilling a campaign promise or achieving development for the people? Ironically, these puzzles I'm faced with are issues that had been raised by Prof Gyampo in one of his publications in which he sought to emphasize that as a developing country fighting to extricate ourselves from the quagmire of poverty and underdevelopment, the focus of governmental policy initiatives must be towards the development of the people (Gyampo, 2018, p. 15).

The emergence of new democracies implies that voters are often following elections (of political parties) more closely, and citizens are increasingly viewing policies as an integral part of their livelihood, with a direct link to democracy. Teachers constitute a bulk number of the voting population, and many people also have the desire to enter the classroom to teach. Teachers also have a great influence on an appreciable cohort of voters. Whereas some teachers may appreciate and identify the impact of their licensing on their teaching profession, others may think otherwise. In fact, others may have the desire to enter the classroom right after their standard education programme without going through the licensing exams, hence a policy proposal to scrap the policy will resonate well with them. My conviction is that President Mahama is proposing this irrelevant policy to teachers and would-be teachers so that he can maximize his votes within the competitive electoral democratic politics in Ghana. Using Prof Gyampos own words, the policy proposal is popular but irrelevant.

CONCLUSION

The cancellation of Teachers Licensure Exams is not identified to be linked to providing a solution to a pressing social need that needs to be addressed. It's rather going to reverse a solution proffered to an identified social problem. The problem is how to maintain the quality of the educational system. The proposed policy seems semblance to the same old story characterized by many policy proposals we have witnessed in Ghana. They are clouded in populist ideology targeted at achieving majoritarian votes during elections. Theoretically, the cancellation of the licensure exams has no sound basis and practically it will contribute in no way to the improvement of the quality of education in Ghana. For these reasons, I find it weird that a professor of Political Science vexed in public policy will support such a proposal. We can improve upon how the policy is being operationalized rather than cancelling it.

Reference

Gyampo, R.E.V. (2018) Creating New Regions in Ghana: Populist or Rational Pathway to Development?, Ghana Journal of Development Studies, 15(2)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabriel Asante Ph.D. Candidate, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary Email: [email protected] ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gabriel-Asante

Gabriel Asante is a social scientist researching fee-free educational policies in Sub-Saharan Africa to assess their utility to social and human development, the policy processes and their drivers and the alternative means to improve these policies.
23.11.2023 LISTEN

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) has called on government to reduce the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) from 1% to 0.5%.

The Telecos Chamber urged government to impose a 0.5% levy on cash-outs to align the policy with Ghanas digital-first strategy.

Our recommendation to the Ministry of Finance is to consider reducing the levy on transfer to 0.5% and introduce a 0.5% levy on cash-outs among other proposals, the Chamber added in a statement.

Despite initial challenges, the E-levy has generated significant revenue for the government, collecting GH482.8 million of the targeted GH6.9 billion.

However, the Chamber believes further revisions are necessary to promote digital payments and align with the governments digital transformation goals.

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications highlighted that telcos contributed over GH6 billion in taxes and other payments in 2022, a 50% increase from GH4 billion in 2021.

This underscores the industrys substantial contribution to Ghanas economy.

The GCTs 2022 Mobile Industry Transparency Initiative report, released on November 21, 2023, details the industrys contributions to the countrys development.

Speaking at the launch of the 2022 Mobile Industry Transparency Initiative report held on November 21, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication (GCT), Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey revealed that the industry's contribution of GH 6.07 billion constitutes approximately 8.02% of the government's 2022 tax revenue of 75.71 billion, as outlined in the 2022 annual report of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The report also found that the industry employs directly over 2,600 people and indirectly creates over 1.2 million jobs. This includes over 505,000 active Mobile Money Agents.

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Fifty of the Agenda 111 hospitals promised by the Akufo-Addo government will be ready by the middle of next year, the majority caucus in parliament has announced.

Mr Akufo-Addo announced the project in August 2021 amid the Covie crisis.

These hospitals are meant to ease healthcare nationwide.

Vice Chairman of the Health Committee of Parliament Patrick Boakye Yiadom, told parliament on Thursday, 23 November 2023 during a debate on the 2024 budget that: Mr. Speaker, by the middle of next year, I am not bragging; we will commission the first 50 of these Agenda 111 hospitals".

Mr. Speaker, when the hospitals are completed, not only will they provide jobs for thousands of doctors, nurses, and others, but they will also open up businesses in the districts".

"The hospitals will run 24-hour services", he stated.

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"Thirty years I've been in cocoa -- and this is the worst season yet," said Siaka Sylla as he contemplated an almost empty warehouse at his cooperative in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer of the bean.

Following exceptionally heavy rain, this year's overall harvest of cocoa, used to manufacture chocolate, is set to be very low. The crop is harvested twice annually -- October to March for the main crop and a May to August mid-crop.

On a hot November morning, a squad of trucks arrived from the plantations to drop off a few dozen bags of beans at the Scappen cooperative in the village of Hermankono, near the central southern town of Divo, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the economic capital Abidjan.

"It's rained too much this year. Usually at this time, trucks are queueing up to unload. Here, we have barely 200 bags whereas we could stock 10 times as many," complained Sylla, chairman of the cooperative grouping some 1,500 planters.

He expects harvest volume to drop some three to four times on last year's.

The rains are set to see harvest volume come in some three to four times down on last year. By Sia KAMBOU (AFP)

A look in the fields nearby suggests that fear is well-founded. And Analysts confirm as much.

"Traders are worried about another short production year and these feelings have been enhanced by El Nino that could threaten West Africa crops with hot and dry weather later this year," said Jack Scoville of Price Futures Group.

The analyst warned of "tight supplies" amid "more reports of reduced arrivals in Ivory Coast and Ghana," the number two global producer.

By a dirt track which only motorbikes could thread their way along, Bamoussa Coulibaly collected a few rare yellow-red pods from the many cocoa trees.

July was a particularly rainy month in Ivory Coast's south, just as the cocoa plants were flowering. As a result, "the flowers fell," the farm worker said as he explained his meagre harvest.

Of those cocoa pods which resisted, some rotted anyway in the excessive humidity.

Rainfall soars

Some areas have seen rainfall this year between 20 and even 40 percent above the 1991-2020 norm, according to data from national meteorological service Sodexam.

Workers pile sacks of cocoa beans at the warehouse of Hermankono cooperative. By Sia KAMBOU (AFP)

To blossom fully, cocoa needs a subtle alternation between sunshine and rain.

A few kilometres from Hermankono, in the bush near N'Douci, Monique Koffi Amenan waded through a marshy field resulting from weeks of rainfall which caused the neighbouring river to burst its banks.

"This year, what we've harvested won't even fill one bag, instead of the usual two. The rain has rotted the cocoa," explained the planter in her 40s who has spent a decade working the area with her husband.

"We'd forecast a 20 percent drop on last year and our forecasts are confirmed. With the heavy rains, many pods have rotted," Yves Brahima Kone, who heads Ivorian regulator the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC), told AFP.

Prices soar too

With a 40 percent share of global supply, Ivory Coast is the world's top producer ahead of neighbouring Ghana, whose production has recently suffered from cocoa swollen shoot virus disease, as well as illegal mining on some cocoa farms.

Anticipating a poor crop, Ivory Coast suspended export contracts -- some two-thirds of produce usually goes to the EU bloc -- back in July.

As a result of that move, cocoa prices have soared on commodity markets beyond $4,000 a tonne in New York, a level not seen in more than four decades, since 1978.

It was a similar story in London, with a tonne fetching 3,478 on November 10, a post-1989 record and up 70 percent on January.

The situation threatens to remain critical with the resurgence of the El Nino climate phenomenon threatening western Africa.

The World Bank says the commodity provides income for around one in five Ivorians. By Sia KAMBOU (AFP)

"This is proof that climate change is hitting developing countries hardest," said Ivorian economist Seraphin Prao.

Even ahead of expected further El Nino woe next year, producers are already fretting over their short-term financial health.

In Ivory Coast, the government sets cocoa prices. At 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram (1.50 euros, $1.70) it is higher this year than in recent seasons, but low volumes will eat into many producer families' revenues.

Cocoa provides a wage for around one in five Ivorians -- some six million people -- according to the World Bank.

"My children are school age -- but if cocoa doesn't deliver, how shall we manage?" Amenan worried.

"In a liberalised system, farmers would be winners in the current context, as cocoa (prices) reach record levels. In Cameroon, for example, where the price is not set by the state, a kilo of cocoa sells for twice as much," said economist Prao.

Back at the Hermankono cooperative, Siaka Sylla is pinning his hopes on a better intermediate harvest next April.

"But that won't make up for our losses," he said.
24.11.2023 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, has announced that steps are underway to prevent the recurrence of violent clashes between the Mo and Wangara tribes in the Kintampo North Municipality.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Agalga outlined the measures being implemented to ensure peaceful coexistence between the two groups.

This decision follows a summons issued by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to the Ministers of Defense and National Security on November 23, requesting a briefing on the governments efforts to avert a conflict between the Mo and Wangara communities.

After the briefing by the ministers, Mr. Agalga said, The two ministers gave us the assurance that they had deployed sufficient numbers of police officers to maintain peace in the area, while the remaining issues, which cant be resolved by them, will be dealt with by the law court.

Some arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the Wangaras do not celebrate their festival on the part of the Mos because they are currently observing a period of silence. So they have been directed to land belonging to the Bonos to celebrate their festival.

Tensions escalated in the area when the Mo tribe expressed their intention to perform rituals in November and December, coinciding with the Wangaras annual Klubi Festival.

In addition to relocating the Wangara festival, the Peace Council will engage with both factions to seek amicable solutions to the underlying issues.

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Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is to pour 2.1 billion into expanding its French production site in Chartres, south-west of Paris, in order to meet a rise in global demand for anti-diabetes and anti-obesity treatments.

The news is a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron's bid to "reindustrialise" France, a key promise of his second term in office.

It comes on the back of a 1.5 billion investment by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer in May.

Sales of the Ozempic and Wegovy treatments have made Novo Nordisk the most valuable company in Europe by market capitalisation.

But it's struggled to keep up with demand for the drugs, which both rely on its GLP-1 analogues  a medicine that increases the amount of an intestinal hormone that secretes insulin.

Boon for France

The Novo Nordisk production site in Chartres dates from 1961 and employs some 1,600 people.

The new investment will see the site double in size and create more than 500 new jobs and ensure production activities around the clock, once the facilities are operational.

Work has started and the project should be finalised in 2028.

Macron visited the site on Thursday afternoon accompanied by the Ministers of Health, Aurelien Rousseau, and Ministers of Industry, Roland Lescure.

In June, he presented a plan to relocalise the production of medicines in order to deal with structural shortages of antibiotics and paracetamol brought on by the Covid crisis.

In 2023 Novo Nordisk says it has invested 10 billion across its entire production base across the world, including the strategic factory in Chartres, which makes treatments for more than 10 millions diabetics around the world every day.

Its Ozempic is an injectable anti-diabetic treatment which became popular on social networks for its slimming properties, even though it is not approved for such use.

Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic in a different dose, was approved by US regulators to treat obesity. Wegovy is also marketed in Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom and Germany. The laboratory plans to apply for certification in France in 2024.

Obesity, which leads to many people developing diabetes, is a growing health problem, with the World Obesity Federation estimating that one in four people could be obese by 2035.

"It does not come down to eating too much and not moving enough. Over time, it becomes a real chronic illness with resistance to weight loss," Karine Clement, professor of nutrition at the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris told French news agency AFP.

(with AFP)
University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has said the police are still investigating the cause of the death of one of its students, Mr Dennis Twumasi-Ankrah.

According to the UGBS, the deceased was in the MSC Procurement Supply Chain (weekend) programme.

The university extended its deepest condolence to his family and loved ones.

The UGBS stressed that it will update the public on the cause of the death of Mr Twumasi-Ankrah after police investigations are concluded.

It cautioned the public to desist from peddling unsubstantiated claims about the cause concerning his death.

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Yaw Buaben Asamoa, a leading member of Alan Kyerematen's campaign team has rated the independent presidential candidate as the only one best placed to deliver Ghana.

In a write-up sighted by this portal, the former Adentan MP said all the other Presidential hopefuls, mainly from the NPP and the NDC can no way bring the change needed in the country.

He noted that people are currently tired of the dominance of the two main parties - NPP and NDC - which excludes other voices and forces people to accept what the powerful want.

According to Buaben Asamoa, "Millions of voters fed up with government by the powerful, with the powerful, for the benefit of the powerful are preparing to vote against the system that creates the powerful. They will vote for Alan because he offers decency and the promise of actual delivery. He is a difference maker."

On the projections by international research firms that the NDC could win in 2024 due to declining standards, Buaben Asamoa said "Where in the imagination of Fitch did they find anything near solutions to their metrics from the NDC?"

"The only one who will appear on the ballot paper on 7th December, 2024 with any hope of restoring trust in Ghana politics is Alan Kyerematen, with a clear program dubbed the GTP which Fitch and EIU can engage and assure that, at least, it begins to deal with post IMF Ghana in a structured way," he stated.

Buaben Asamoa stressed that "at the moment, only Alan Kyerematen, per his record and posture, is well positioned to deliver on the value expected of the use of the Executive Power of the State of Ghana."

He urged the influential middle classes to "fight for decency in public affairs" and support an "Alan Kyerematen Presidency."
The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey has admonished managers of the economy to show remorse for messing up the country.

According to him, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta should constantly beg Ghanaians for their abysmal performance in government.

I was expecting the Finance Minister, the Vice President Bawumia, the president if anything at all, they should be super remorseful, they should be penitent, they should constantly be pleading with the people of Ghana to forgive them for supervising this absolutely abysmal situation the country has been plunged into, Fifi Kwetey said in an interview with Joy News.

He said unlike the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) supervised a very healthy economy when it was in power.

He argued that despite what the NPP narrated to Ghanaians, the NDC left behind a good economy when leaving office in 2016.

In spite of all the difficulties, we still had an economy that foreign investors had a lot of confidence in it. Despite the difficulty dumsor brought, we [NDC] were finishing 2016 with an economy  even though our friends [NPP] who came into office created an impression of such a bad economy.

In truth, it was an economy that anyone would be happy to inherit because the foundations were strong enough for you to be able to accelerate, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey said.
The Executive Director of the Mental Health Institute (TMI), Dr Yennusom Maalug has emphasised the need for individuals and organisations to contribute their quota towards the prevention of suicide in Ghana.

Suicide is a complex behaviour that is widely regarded as a significant public health issue across the globe. It is influenced by psychiatric, psychological, biological, social, cultural, economic and existential factors.

In most countries, the rate of male suicides is between 3 and 7.5 times higher than that of females even though suicide ideation (thoughts) and attempts are more frequent for females.

The World Health Organization reported in 2020 that approximately 1,993 suicides occurred in Ghana annually.

A report in Ghana on suicide attempt trends over four years also revealed that 707 suicide attempts occurred in 2018, 880 in 2019, 777 in 2020 and 417 as of June 2021.

Speaking at an awareness creation forum with staff of FrieslandCampina at Volta Place, Airport Residential on the theme Zero Male Suicide in Accra as part of this years International Mens Day celebration, Dr Maalug said suicide is preventable.

Dr Maalug was accompanied by some members of the Mental Health Institute.

The audience were very grateful and expressed their appreciation towards TMI for their impactful presentation.

About TMI

Mental Health Institute (TMI) is an NGO with focus on Mental Health Advocacy, Research, Corporate training, Policy alternatives and providing support to persons suffering from mental disorders.
As the world prepares for the United Nations high-level meeting (UNGA) on AMR in 2024, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called on the government, policymakers in the AMR space, health professionals, pharmacy regulatory agencies to invest in initiatives that will promote responsible antimicrobial use surveillance and research in the fight against antimicrobial resistance in the country.

According to PSGH, there is an urgent need for Ghana to have one voice with all stakeholders to ensure a real call to action before the 2030 SDG timelines.

According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) report, in 2019 alone an estimated 1.27 million lives were claimed directly by drug-resistant infections. The toll increased to 4.95 million deaths from complications of resistant bacterial infections.

AMR is a major killer and one of the leading global health challenges of the 21st century. Africa has the world's highest mortality rate from AMR-related infections, resulting in over 27 deaths per 100,000.

Speaking at a program under the theme 'The Urgent Call to Action on the Management and Use of Antimicrobials' in Accra to commemorate the 2023 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, the president of the PSGH, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh said collective action is crucial to stem the tide to contain the development and spread of AMR in the country.

He stressed that if the use of antimicrobials in health systems is not efficiently controlled and drug-resistant microbes continue to spread, AMR-related illnesses could account for 10 million deaths worldwide by the year 2050.

He noted that PSGH are concerned about the development of resistance to certain medicines which would pose health challenges to patients.

"Until you are tested and confirmed that you have malaria, you do not have to take anti-malaria treatment just because you have a headache or just because you have a bitter taste in your mouth. These are the things we are used to doing. Until you test positive for malaria you do not take anti-malaria drugs. There are parts of antimicrobials we are talking about," he said.

Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh urged the media to use the medium to foster awareness, drive social change, and advocate for responsible antimicrobial use.

About World AMR Awareness Week

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign that is celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices among the public, One Health stakeholders, and policymakers, who all play a critical role in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR.

The WAAW is celebrated on 18-24 November every year and this year the celebration is on the theme "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together".
24.11.2023 LISTEN

The office of the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the planned picketing by Fixing the Country Movement was clearly designed to take the attention of Ghanaians from the mismanagement of the economy by the Akufo-Addo-led government.

The group had planned a demonstration and picketing of the Cantonments office of the former President.

A statement issued on Friday, 24 November 2023, signed by the special aide to former president, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, noted the needless aborted picketing was to divert attention from the publics frustration with hunger and high costs of living, and the citizenrys anger with the daily reports and evidence of high-level corruption sanctioned by the Presidency.

It indicated that the NDC flagbearer has never been accused of, or investigated for, any involvement or wrongdoing of any sort by either the UK or US authorities in relation to Airbus.

Indeed, neither the Ghanaian government nor any other authority anywhere in the world has any evidence of wrongdoing against him.

It revealed: The Serious Fraud Office of the United Kingdom has long announced their discontinuation of the Airbus case due to lack of evidence, while stressing that it is on record that: there has been no breach of Ghanas procurement laws or any other law in the processes leading to the purchase of the aircrafts under reference.

The statement, stressed that Mr Mahama remains focused on engaging the people of Ghana on his plans to revitalise the economy to create more opportunities and decent well-paying jobs in a 24-hour economy for the youth and Ghanaians, hence will not be distracted.

It added: He is also poised to carry out far reaching governance including anti-corruption and constitutional reforms to meet the aspirations and expectations of Ghanaians.

The Fixing the Country Movement, which is sympathetic towards the governing NPP, had announced the calling off of its planned demonstration and picketing of the Cantonments office of Former President in a statement signed by its Convener, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah.

The group said the demonstration, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 23, 2024, had been called off in response to a formal order from the Ministry of National Security.

The decision to cancel the demonstration comes in light of perceived security considerations communicated by National Security to the leadership of the Fixing the Country Movement.

The organisation has heeded the request and, as a result, has suspended the demonstration indefinitely.

"Despite the suspension of the demonstration, the movement reassures its supporters that the campaign to ensure a swift investigation by the Special Prosecutor into the controversial Air Bus bribery saga will continue without interruption.

"The movement pledges to employ all legal and constitutional means to ensure that the investigation is pursued to its logical conclusion," the statement read.

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The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region has organised a dinner to honour renowned Ghanaian heart surgeon, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who played a pivotal role in establishing the centre in 1989.

The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Dr Opoku Ware Ampomah, and the Director of Medical Services, Dr Frank Owusu Sekyere, along with the dedicated staff of the centre.

During the dinner, attendees shared testimonies of Prof Frimpong-Boateng's exceptional leadership and vision, acknowledging his instrumental role in shaping their careers and contributing to the success of the NCTC.

Dr Ampomah described Prof Frimpong-Boateng as a legend and praised his contributions to the hospital, including key projects and initiatives such as the establishment of the current administration block and improvements to the hospital's infrastructure.

The acting Director of the NCTC, Prof Mark Mawutor Tettey, highlighted the significant achievements of Prof Frimpong-Boateng and announced plans to unveil a bust in his honour at the NCTC.

Colleagues, including Dr Alfred Doku and Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, expressed gratitude for Prof. Frimpong-Boateng's mentorship and influence in their respective fields.

In response, Prof Frimpong-Boateng expressed his hope for the continued development of the NCTC, aspiring to elevate it to a level comparable to any cardio centre worldwide, emphasizing the importance of sub-specialisation.

He acknowledged the progress made by the NCTC but stressed the need for further advancements.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng encouraged doctors to publish their works and aspire to become professors, contributing to the growth and excellence of the medical field

-Classfmonline
24.11.2023 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament for Kpando Constituency, Della Sowah has expressed her dismay at the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for his constantly quoting the Bible any time he presents the budget.

The Finance Minister on Wednesday, November 15, presented the 2024 Budget statement and economic policy in Parliament and was optimistic that the nation is gradually overcoming its economic challenges.

According to her, Ken Ofori-Atta only uses Gods name during his budget presentations to deceive Ghanaian electorates.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 22, during the debate on the 2024 budget, she said Ken Ofori-Atta, whom two-thirds of his own Majority MPs rose against for bringing hardship onto the people of Ghanaians, shows his level of incompetence.

According to her, renowned economist, Kwame Pianim described Mr.Ofori-Atta as a poor representative of the Ivy League school, Yale.

This Government is always quoting scripture, I will quote one. The Bible says in Proverbs 29:2, when the wicked rule, the people mourn, she added.

The Kpando MP further stated, When you call the name of God in vain, God will make forces come together against you when you pretend you're a Christian quoting the bible, covering yourself up, God is not mocked, whatever a man sows, he will reap.

You cannot pretend before him and present yourself as a Godly person, when you do that malevolent forces will come together like a storm and hit you. You cannot be calling God and not be getting results, it can't happen, when you are calling God and you are not getting results, he is against you, she stated

Della Sowah concluded by saying there is suffering everywhere in the country because "wicked people are ruling."

I shudder to think that this government wants to break the 8, it is scary, is like saying after all we have done, the hopeless things we have done where we have taken Ghana to, we will continue it, it is giving me a sleepless night, she said.
The Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum, has expressed gratitude to the international community for supporting students and teachers affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage to restart classes.

"We deeply appreciate the World Bank and other development partners for their invaluable assistance in addressing the needs of those affected by this disaster," he said.

The Minister, who said this at an inter-ministerial press briefing in Accra, added that 42,526 students and 1,561 teachers in 121 schools were affected by the disaster in the North Tongu, Keta, Anlo, South Tongu, Central Tongu, Ketu South, Kpando and South Dayi Districts in the Volta Region.

Dr Osei-Adutwum said their generosity has allowed over 42,526 students and 1,561 teachers in 121 schools across eight districts to resume their academic work.

He said the disruptions in electricity and water supply as well as damage to infrastructure have posed significant challenges to the resumption of schooling in affected areas.

"We have ensured that all those impacted have received the necessary support to return to their studies, he added.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, said the Authority was committed to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible and ensuring that affected communities have the resources they need to rebuild and move forward.

We share the pain but are determined to ensure that everyone is restored to their normal lives in the shortest possible time, he added.

Mr. Antwi-Darkwa added that with the support from the Ministry of Energy, VRA has distributed more than 5,000 solar lamps to areas experiencing electricity outages, as well as ongoing work to reconnect electricity and water supplies and construct new access roads.
24.11.2023 LISTEN

The King and Overlord of Gonja, Jire Kuunu-bi I, has bestowed on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the honorary title of Konukolewura, meaning "Chief of Unity."

The announcement took place during a ceremony in Damongo as part of Dr. Bawumia's "Thank You" tour.

The Overlord praised Dr. Bawumia for his outstanding qualities of tolerance and the ability to bring people together.

The enskinment was a reflection of the Vice President's dedication to fostering unity, a quality admired by the Yagbonwura (Overlord of Gonjaland) during the ceremony.

Accepting the honor, Dr. Bawumia expressed his gratitude and recounted seeking the blessings and prayers of the Yagbonwura before declaring his candidacy for the NPP flagbearer position.

Bawumia said, Yagbonwura, your prayers have been answered, and by the grace of God, I have been elected the flagbearer and leader of the NPP for next year's general elections.

As a son, before I went for the contest, I came to you and sought your blessings and support. It is appropriate to come back and thank you for the prayers you offered."

Reacting to this in a discussion on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Allotey Jacobs, expressed his joy at the acceptance of Dr. Bawumia by the Chiefs.

He further noted that the enskinment of Dr. Bawumia as Chief of Unity in the face of political competition should send a strong message to the opposition.

Allotey Jacobs said, I am happy to see the acceptance of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by the Chiefs and the people of the five northern regions; extraordinary.

Extraordinary to the extent that his opponent and his own traditional area would enskin him as Chief of Unity. These are little sparks that should put fear into his opponents.
The Minister for Health, Mr Agyeman Manu, has commissioned a 40-bed Ultra-Modern Hospital on Thursday in Aburi under the management of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

The Minister for Health, who commissioned the facility on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, disclosed that the cost of the construction of the hospital, which stood at 40,000,000.00, also includes the provision of some health facilities at Kibi, Atibie and Akuapem Mampong hospitals.

According to him, the project scope includes one-year post-completion maintenance and training. He therefore urged the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to liaise with the contractors maintenance team to maintain the hospital.

On his part, the Adontenhene of Akuapem Traditional Area and Aburihene, Otoobour Djan-Kwasi II, expressed appreciation to the government for its commitment to providing universal health coverage in Ghana.

The Kom Presbyterian Hospital is designed with several departments, including administration, outpatient and emergency, inpatient wards, obstetrics and gynaecology, pharmacy, diagnostic services and logistics.
South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius, jailed in 2014 for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, was granted parole, prison authorities said on Friday.

"The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms parole placement for Mr Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, effectively from 5 January 2024," a DCS spokesman said.

The girlfriend's mother had told the court earlier on Friday that he had "not been rehabilitated".

June Steenkamp was not opposing parole, but in her statement to the board assessing whether Pistorius should be released, she said he had not shown true remorse.

"Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly, with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof. Nobody can claim to have remorse if they're not able to engage fully with the truth," she said.

Second appeal

Pistorius, 37, appeared before a parole board at a correctional centre outside Pretoria, South Africa, where he is currently detained.

The board is reviewing whether he is fit for social reintegration, the department of correctional services said.

It was Pistorius' second shot at parole in less than eight months.

He lost a first bid in March when the board found Pistorius had not completed the minimum detention period required to be let out.

The Constitutional Court last month ruled that was a mistake, paving the way for a new hearing.

Pistorius killed Steenkamp, a model, in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house.

From champion to criminal

Known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, Pistorius went from a public hero as a Paralympic champion to a convicted killer in hearings that caught the world's attention a decade ago.

Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.

He was initially jailed for five years in 2014 for culpable homicide by a high court but the Supreme Court of Appeal in late 2015 found him guilty of murder after an appeal by prosecutors.

He was sent back to jail for six years in 2016, less than half the 15-year minimum term sought by prosecutors.

In 2017, the Supreme Court more than doubled his sentence to 13 years and five months, saying the six-year jail term was "shockingly lenient".

(with newswires)
24.11.2023 LISTEN

George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast Constituency in the Central Region, has interpreted the Finance Minister's choice of the term 'Nkunim' for the 2024 budget as a strategic move to deflect criticism from his colleagues on the Majority side of the House.

According to Ricketts-Hagan, the Finance Minister's use of the term 'Nkunim,' which translates to Victory, was aimed at subtly challenging the Majority Members of Parliament who had been critical of him for what they perceived as mismanagement of the economy.

He suggested that the Finance Minister intended to convey a message to the Majority MPs that, despite their attempts to push for his removal and the establishment of a censure committee, he emerged victorious by presenting the eighth budget statements to Parliament.

During an interview on the Ghana Yensom Morning show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM on Friday, November 24, 2023, Mr Ricketts-Hagan proposed that the Finance Minister's choice of the title was a way of signalling to his colleagues that both he (the Finance Minister) and his late father had served as Finance Ministers, emphasising his resilience.

Mr Ricketts-Hagan urged the Majority MPs not to hastily celebrate the budget but to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the title.

He cautioned them that the Finance Minister's choice of words may reflect a level of disdain toward the Majority MPs.

In summary, Ricketts-Hagan interpreted the Finance Minister's budget title as a symbolic declaration of victory over the challenges he faced from the Majority side of the House

-Classfmonline
Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, Teddy Nana Yaw Addi has said he was nearly run over by a vehicle that was being driven by the late former President Jerry John Rawlings during his childhood days.

Growing up, the Ayensuano MP, attended school at Burma Camp, which brought him into contact with the late former President.

Narrating his first encounter with the former president during his childhood days, the Ayensuano MP revealed that he had the chance to meet the late president, while cross the streets at Burma Camp though he did not know who he was at the time.

That was the era when Jerry used to go for his piloting class. So there was this day I was crossing the street and he almost hit me with his car I didnt even know that was Jerry. Instead of spanking me, he just put me in the car and asked where are you going, he narrated.

He revealed that: So he took me home and was like study hard in school.

The Ayensuano MP indicated that on arrival at home, he told his mother and everyone about the incident, then while watching TV, the former president, appeared on the screen.

That was when he pointed him out to his mum but her reaction was: this one, he wont do that.

However, the MP insisted that, was the man who had almost run him down with his vehicle.

The Ayensuano lawmaker was speaking to Yao Mawutor on the Class Drive on Class91.3FM.

-classfmonline
The Minority in Parliament has criticized government's move towards re-implementing a licensing regime for the restricted strategic goods, describing it as discredited and outmoded.

They warned that the move could breed more corruption.

The Legislative Instrument in question, which was introduced by the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond, faced opposition from the Minority in Parliament.

Consequently, on Thursday, the legislative body decided to suspend the laying of the Instrument for further engagement with the Minority Caucus, taking into consideration the concerns raised by the opposition.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry and Tourism Committee of Parliament, expressed his views on the matter during a media interaction.

He argued that the introduction of the import restrictions bill indicated a failure of the government's One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) policy to meet expectations.

"We are not able to say that as a result of the One-District-One-Factory (1D1F), we are not importing into Ghana one of these products.

We are not able to say that because of Planting for Food and Jobs after we spent all these billions, we have solved all these problems. If we want to solve the problem of our import bill, the reasons why this is being done, we must address it honestly," Mr Buah asserted.

He further criticized the government's approach, stating, "But to go back to a very discredited and outmoded licensing regime that has created corruption.

You dont put politicians in charge of issuing licenses; you know what the outcome will be. We have gone past that."
24.11.2023 LISTEN

Could the NPP Break the 8? The simple answer is Yes, though the NDC is currently in the lead position. Should the NPP break the 8? A question to be explored in much detail later. Anything is possible in politics thus NPPs quest to win another 4-year term come December 7th, 2024, cannot be underestimated. Below are a few factors that may aid the NPPs goal.

BIOGRAPHY OF FLAGBEARER

The reasons voters consider voting or not vote for a particular candidate or party go beyond just issues and H.E Bawumias background and personal story may be his greatest asset in the upcoming election given the hardships currently being experienced by a broad spectrum of the Ghanaian population. In electing the vice president as its flagbearer, the NPP sought to solve a perceived longstanding image problem of being an Akan Party and unwelcoming to any non-Akan especially those hailing from the Greater Northern Regions as flagbearers of the party. The vice presidents candidature may assuage that fear. Additionally, it also handicaps the opposition NDC from an obvious talking point.

Secondly, with the vice president as flagbearer, the NPP would seek to play offense by forcing the NDC to pay much attention to their otherwise strongholds of the Greater Northern Regions and the Southern Zango and Settler Communities. Although these communities have historically backed the NDC massively, recent elections have shown the NPP making steady progress with the electorate. Forcing the NDC to spend precious time and resources in their strongholds could limit the time the NDC would spend trying to peel off both new and disaffected voters in the NPPs traditional strongholds of Ashanti and Eastern Regions and swing areas like the Central, Western and Bono Regions.

PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDOs THRID TERM

If Dr Bawumias biography is his greatest asset then his 2 current bosses in the persons of the current president and Ken-Ofori-Atta, his boss at the Ghana Treasury could be huge liabilities. Apparently, the vice president himself recognizes that and attempted to slightly distance himself from them during his acceptance speech as flagbearer for the NPP. His success in Election 2024 may depend on convincing a greater number of voters that indeed He is His Own Man.

Alhaji Bawumia would need to succeed where Professor John Atta-Mills, then vice president and flagbearer of the NDC failed in the run-up to Election 2000 some twenty-something years ago. Many voters then were convinced that a vote for H.E Atta-Mills was just an extension of the presidency of H.E Rawlings about whom many Ghanaians had become fatigued.

A potential resignation of Ken Ofori-Atta, the current Finance Minister may as well bolster the Veeps assertion of independence and inure to the benefit of the NPP; Although, should such an act occur it would likely be because of the President and his family concluding that Ken Ofori-Atta leaving the public space would be most beneficial to their goal.

ECONOMY AND JOBS

Vice President Bawumia would need to convince Ghanaians of his solution to the joblessness problem which the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government was unable to solve for 8yrs even if other economic variables like the weak cedi suddenly become stronger.

The inability of governments past and present to either create enough jobs or provide adequate conditions for the private sector to create jobs is a gigantic problem for the country. An ongoing pandemic is morphing into a huge national security problem with a very vibrant and energetic youthful populace many of whom are either unemployed or underemployed. Many employees are also suffering from very poor employment conditions but unable to change jobs for better conditions leading to very low worker satisfaction and low overall productivity.

Breaking the 8 shall happen on January 7th, 2025, either by the ruling NPP or Opposition NDC. There shall be many Firsts to be included in the ongoing political story of our dear country Ghana. A country currently akin to a patient on a sick bed in dire need of some potent concoction, good nutrients, and continuous therapy. A vice president shall succeed his boss directly through an election or a former president shall mount a successful comeback. History would be made in Mother Ghana.

We only pray for Protection, Guidance and Peace. GYE NYAME!

By Fiifi Ofori.

[email protected]
The Bono Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress has served notice to petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor over what it termed as ''unexplained accusations of wealth over this short period of time'' in the Akufo-Addo government.

The Regional Youth Organizer, Mr Rashid Ahmed and his two deputies disclosed this to the media on Wednesday, 22nd November, 2023 at a brief media engagement in Sunyani.

The Youth Wing in its statement alleged several properties have been identified to be owned by Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the current High Commissioner of Ghana to India.

''We know Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, and we have lived with him in Sunyani here for years. We saw him when he was the Regional Chairman for the NPP in the then Brong Ahafo Region from 2014 to 2018.

''Shockingly, within the short time he was appointed as the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister in 2017 and his subsequent appointment as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in 2018, has seen a tremendous acquisition of countless properties, ranging from plots of lands, buildings, fleet of cars and several items overnight,'' the group noted.

According to the Bono Youth Wing, one cannot genuinely acquire all these properties within the shortest time hence the call on the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate how he acquired the alleged properties.

''There is a law that requires government appointees to declare their asset - that is the asset declaration law and that is what we will invoke the powers of the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate if Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh complied with this provisions to know the properties declared prior to his appointment,'' Mr Rashid Ahmed stated.

He added that ''when we know of the properties declared prior to his appointment, then we will again ask the Special Prosecutor to investigate how he has been able to acquire these other properties since his appointment."

According to the Youth Wing, there have been several allegations made by the Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, Hon Kwasi Asomah-Cheremeh about Mr Asomah-Cheremeh's underhand dealings and other related matters.

It can be recalled that the then Brong Ahafo Regional Youth Organizer for the NPP now the Bono Regional Chairman, Mr Kwame Baffour Abronye, in 2017 petitioned the Office of the President about Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh over what he termed as ''engaging in corruption to collapse the timber businesses in Dormaa and Techiman" and subsequently urged President Akufo-Addo to relieve him of his ministerial position.
A day workshop to build capacity for selected journalists in the Ashanti region on gender-sensitive reporting and women aspirants in the district-level elections has been held in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

The workshop aimed at empowering journalists to enhance the inclusive participation of women in local governance by offering media spaces to women for their voices to be heard.

The training organized by the Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA), was also to sharpen the communication skills of women contesting in the upcoming 2023 District Level Elections (DLE).

The program was supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI) and was held on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

The Convener for the Alliance for Women in Media Africa, Shamima Muslim, charged the media to ensure fairness, balanced and accurate coverage of issues regarding women.

She stated that women should have equal media space opportunities to articulate their viability and visibility to boost their participation in the upcoming district-level elections on December 19, 2023.

AWMA envisages significant contributions towards shaping a more inclusive local governance landscape in Ghana if the media professionals adhere to ethical and responsible media reportage to improve the visibility of female candidates, Shamima said.

Head of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana (UG), Dr Abena Yeboah-Banin, in her presentation, asked the media to adopt narratives that empower women.

She also charged the media to extend invitations to women aspirants to engage their audiences to project their ideas.

Explore alternative media engagement opportunities like the online, recordings if they (women) find it difficult coming to live programs, Dr Yeboah-Bani appealed to media houses.
Marking two years since the harrowing Channel crossing that resulted in at least 27 deaths, a collective of over 100 activists, organisations, and networks from various countries, including the UK, France, Belgium, Africa, and North America, have issued a poignant call for comprehensive policy change at the shared Belgium-France-UK border. This demand, reflecting a profound concern for migrant safety, urges a shift from what is termed "the racist logic of deadly border violence" to a framework underpinned by the "values and principles of welcome and free movement."

Nikolai Posner, representing Utopia 56, a signatory to the statement, passionately argued for accountability and justice for the 24 November 2021 victims and all seeking refuge in Europe. "We cannot allow this tragedy to be forgotten. We demand justice for the victims of that night and for everyone striving for a safer life in Europe. Our fight for safe migration routes and freedom of movement is unwavering," he said.

The collective statement extends support to families currently engaged in legal actions in France, aiming to illuminate the events of that tragic November night when a distressed boat in the Channel was left without rescue, leading to a significant loss of life. This incident starkly highlights the deficiencies in existing rescue protocols and a seeming indifference to international maritime rescue laws.

Activists and organisations, demonstrating solidarity and remembrance, are convening at various locations, including Folkestone, Hastings, Dunkirk, and Paris. These gatherings are not just memorials for those lost on 24 November 2021 but also for all who have perished at the border, underscoring a united demand for justice and change.

This movement for change has been spearheaded by the Crossborder Forum, an alliance of civil society groups and activists across Belgium, France, and the UK. Francesca Humi, the Coordinator of the Forum, is available for further information and can be reached through the provided contact details.

The collective outcry coincides with a revealing report from the UK Department for Transport, pinpointing critical lapses in the HM Coastguard's rescue operations on that fateful night. These lapses included poor visibility, inadequate aerial surveillance, and insufficient staffing to handle SOS calls. The British government, prompted by these findings, has committed to an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck.

The joint statement criticises the persistent 'racist and security-focused' migration policies of the French, Belgian, and British governments, which have only heightened the risks for migrants. Since 1999, the death toll of those attempting to reach the UK has escalated to at least 385, with a notable spike in fatalities since November 2021.

The statement culminates in a powerful call for a radical overhaul of policies at European borders, advocating for a humane, rights-based approach to migration. This unified stance across numerous organisations and activists is a testament to the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights of migrants, with their right to life being paramount.

For a comprehensive view of the joint statement and a complete list of signatories, interested parties are directed to the Crossborder Forum's link.
Dr Sam Ankrah, an Independent Presidential Aspirant, who recently launched his campaign on social media with No Masked Promises tag, has shrugged off suggestions that he is claiming to be the originator of the Man in the Mask campaign.

He said he never claimed to be the Man in the Mask and asked the person(s) accusing him of such to retract the defamatory statement.

On this note, I urge the person(s) to retract with immediate effect the defamatory press release, which is circulating all over the world, he said.

In a statement issued on Friday and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Presidential Hopeful explained that the use of the slogan NoMaskedPromises was to expose the political gimmicks and falsehoods aimed at deceiving the Ghanaian citizenry for votes at the polls.

The statement, signed by Dr Candace Baker, Head of Communications, Office of the Independent Presidential Candidate, said the symbolic depiction of the unmasking represented a rejection of the historical narrative of veiled intentions in past and present governments.

It was also a representation of the need to unveil the true faces of leaders and political hopefuls alike to hold them accountable for their commitments.

Dr Ankrah stated that, the intellectual propertythe mask used in the campaign, was a stock image generated by artificial intelligence and available in the public domain.

He said the No Masked Promises' campaign was not an attempt to infringe on any intellectual property rights, but rather a call for transparency and accountability in leadership, a principle all political movements should proudly stand united in.

That, he said ought to be built on a commitment to reshape the political landscape for the betterment of Ghana.

As we enter the 2024 political season, the 'No Masked Promises' campaign extends an invitation to all citizens and political stakeholders to engage in open and honest dialogue, and to unite under the philosophy of 'No Masked Promises, the statement said.

Together, we must work towards reshaping the political landscape for a future where leaders are unafraid to show their true faces and subsequently deliver on their commitments, the statement added.

Dr Ankrah urged the youth to learn more about his policies and how he intended to end the economic hardship, endemic and pervasive corruption, social inequalities, and lack of rule of law, as well as how to ensure stability in Ghana.

GNA
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, says he is not in a better position to vouch for the credibility of the Torentco Asset Management Limited (TAML) as a lessee of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

This follows the submission of a Due Diligence Report (DDR) for a reassessment of Torentcos credibility by the General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana.

The General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union of the TUC Ghana insists that the lease agreement between the TOR and TAML is shady for which reason its doing everything to halt the agreement.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 24, Godfred Dame stated that From the DDR, TAML has no financial and technical capacity to undertake the proposed transaction.

TAML has no established affiliation with Vitol or with any other company, which has the needed funds and technical capacity to undertake the Proposed Lease Transaction and without whose support TAML lacks the financial and technical capacity to undertake its obligation under the Proposed Lease Transaction, it stated.

The Ministry further indicated that the TAML lacked the requisite licenses and documentation to undertake the proposed lease transaction, proceeding with the project would therefore be contrary to the law.

It therefore urged the General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union of the TUC Ghana to revert to us should you require any further clarification on the matter.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW

RE: REQUEST FOR A RE-ASSESSMENT OF TORRENTCOS CREDIBILITY AS A LESSEE OF TORS ASSETS

Reference is made to the above subject matter. We refer also to your letter referenced GTPCWU/G.16/VOL 4/307 and dated 5th July 2023 with the attached Due Diligence Report (DDR) on Torrentco, (code name Black Gold Project). By the above-mentioned letter, your office acknowledged receipt of our letter dated 29th June 2023 which requested for a copy of the DDR to enable this Office to respond to your initial request for an opinion on the credibility of Torrentco as a lessee of RI*ORs assets. We have studied the DDR, and advise as follows:

Observations

We note the following from the DDR:

1. The DDR notes that the identity of the proposed Lessee Torrentco Asset Management Ltd) has changed during the due diligence process. Initially, it was Decimal Company Limited (DCL), then Baybridge Asset Management (BAML) and now Torrentco Asset Management Limited (TAML). The report is limited to TAML. However, the history has been taken into consideration for the sake of completeness.

2. The key issue identified in the DDR relates primarily to the Lessees financial and technical capacity, inadequate corporate governance structure, resources and poor corporate housekeeping. The major concern with respect to the Lessees capacity is that, it is a newly incorporated company with a stated capital of GHS 500,000.00, without any documentation to show that it has the capacity to undertake the proposed transaction or that it has any agreement with a financial or technical partner or evidence showing its fundraising plans or capabilities. There is therefore a significant risk that TAML may not be capable of fulfilling its obligations under the proposed transaction.

3. The report also raised concerns on the Lessees technical capacities and the lack of documentation indicating any affiliation, relationship or other support arrangement between TAML and Vitol to provide funding and technical support to the Lessee. In the previous transaction in which the company was BAML/DCL, it was stated that the company had the provision of technical support from Vitol, which is a renowned Swiss-based Dutch multinational energy and commodity trading company. This was an added advantage to BAML/DCL during the selection process but TAML is a different legal entity from BAML/DCL and has not shown any evidence of technical support from Vitol or any other recognized company in that industry.

4. Another concern is in relation to corporate governance structure and resources. The presence of two directors who hold numerous directorships in other entities may limit the capacity of the directors to adequately focus on the corporate governance structure of TAML. In addition, a review of TAML Company Profile reveals that George Antwi, one of the directors of TAML also serves as the company secretary. Regard must be had to the provisions in Section 213 of the Companies Act 992). Section 213 states as follows: Where a person acts as both director and Company Secretary, a provision requiring or authorizing an act to be done by or to a director and a Company Secretary shall not be considered as done if the act is done by or to that person acting in both capacities. Furthermore, TAML have failed to provide records of minutes, statutory registers and annual returns. These shortcomings taken together indicate a failure to remain up-to-date and comply with corporate legal requirements. These lapses are an indication of DCLs approach to compliance and this may adversely affect the Proposed Transaction. This Office carried out checks at the Registrar Generals Department (RGD) on the date of incorporation of TAML and the results indicate that TAML was incorporated in 1st January 2023. The date of incorporation may be indicative of an irregularity since 1st January 2023 was a public holiday and RGD does not fall within the class of entities which provide essential public services as stated under section 4(3) of the Holidays Act 2001 (Act 601). The DDR also indicates that TAML is legally required to possess certain authorizations to carry out its business, in relation to the proposed transaction.

The needed authorizations and permits include the following:

1. National Petroleum Authority (NPA) License,

2. National Petroleum Authority (NPA) written authorization for construction of petroleum storage depots etc.

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Permit

4. Data Protection Commission Registration

5. Ghana National Fire Service- Fire Certificate

6. Ghana Revenue Authority Registration

7. Metropolitan District Assembly Business Operating Permit

8. SSNIT Registration TOR is a prominent national asset and therefore it is important that the capacity and status of companies with which it carries out proposed investments are fully established.

Our enquiries from some governmental agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Petroleum Authority, Data Protection Commission, Ghana National Fire Service, Metropolitan District Assembly, SSNIT and Ghana Revenue Authority revealed that TAML has not obtained the required authorizations needed to carry out this project. This aligns with the DDR submitted to this Office. The DDR is therefore consistent with this Offices findings at the Office of the Registrar of Companies and the above-mentioned state agencies.

Opinion

Based on the DDR submitted to our Office, our enquiries and the above observations our Office is not in the position to vouch for the credibility of TAML as a lessee in the Proposed Lease Transaction with TOR for the following reasons:

1. From the DDR, TAML has no financial and technical capacity to undertake the proposed transaction.

2. TAML has no established affiliation with Vitol or with any other company, which has the needed funds and technical capacity to undertake the Proposed Lease Transaction and without whose support TAML lacks the financial and technical capacity to undertake its obligation under the Proposed Lease Transaction.

3. TAML lacks the requisite licenses and documentation to undertake the proposed lease transaction, proceeding with the project will therefore be contrary to the law. You may revert to us should you require any further clarification on the matter. ATTORNEY GENERAL & MINISTER FOR JUSTICE Tel: 665 051/ 667609 Email:[email protected] Website:www.mojagd.gov.gh

-citinewsroom
Nineteen (19) remarkable women across the African continent were celebrated for their impact on agribusiness at this year's African Women in Agribusiness Awards.

Held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, November 18, the annual award now in its third year, recognised and rewarded women blazing the trail in the agriculture sector on the continent.

Organised by social enterprise, Guzakuza, the goal is to empower more women to play active roles in agribusiness and contribute to food security and economic growth.

Over 750 applications were received across 19 categories for this year's awards, according to the awarding board which comprised nine members from various African countries.

The winners demonstrated not just financial success but leadership, resilience, innovation and sustainability, said Guzakuza.

In her welcome address, Guzakuza founder Nana Adjoa Amponsah Sifa noted, "While profitability is undoubtedly a crucial indicator of agribusiness success, our awards go beyond the balance sheet.

Guzakuza founder Nana Adjoa Amponsah Sifa[right] with a representative from GIZ Ghana, a sponsor of the event

We recognise and honour the often-overlooked facets of success, including exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering resilience, groundbreaking innovation, sustainable practices, and the implementation of best business strategies."

She added, "The awards shine a spotlight on these extraordinary women, acknowledging their profound impact on the economic landscape."

The awards culminated a week-long Women in Agribusiness Week which included forums and exhibitions held in three regions of Ghana that brought together players in the sector.

Top-most among the winners were Mabel-Ann Kwudzo for Best Farmer and Edith Wheathand, a poultry farmer, who won African Agribusiness Woman of the Year.

"The recognition will inspire me to do more and inspire many young women to enter Agribusiness," Madam Wheathand told ModernGhana News on the sidelines.

Seven of the nineteen awards, including Best Farmer and overall winner, went to Ghanaians, demonstrating the host countrys country's dominance on the night.

Guzakuza continues its mission of improving food security and creating wealth by inspiring more women into agribusiness under programs such as MentorHer, SheFarms and others.

Check full winners and their respective categories below;

1) SHE-INNOVATE:

Dr. Wanda Lewis

2) EMERGING STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS:

Christabel Ofori

3) PERSEVERANCE:

Yvette Dickson Tetteh

4) GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Rosemary Kimunya

5) ROLE MODEL:

Portia Agyei Yeboah

6) BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION AWARD:

Hauwa R. Abubakar

7) EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Temitope Ande

8) NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Isata Guiro Sithole

9) DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:

Asma Begun Mirza

10) YOUNG AGRIPRENEUR OF THE YEAR:

Esther Nyakiri Nduta

11) AGRI-E-COMMERCE OF THE YEAR:

Josephine June Gathoni Njoki

12) AGRI TECH OF THE YEAR:

Maryanne Gichanga

13) INTERNATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS WOMAN:

Amaka Chukwudum

14) AGRI JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR:

Gifty Manye-Hodey

15) BEST AGRICULTURE/AGRIBUSINESS STUDENT AWARD:

Gertrude Chambati

16) BEST ADVOCACY AWARD:

Merci T. Manzini

17) BEST PACKAGING:

Emi-Beth Quantson

18) BEST FARMER:

Mabel-Ann Ako-Kwudzo

19) AFRICAN AGRIBUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Edith Wheatland
24.11.2023 LISTEN

The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has added its voice to the calls for the Import Restriction L. I before Parliament to be rejected.

According to IMANI CEO Franklin Cudjoe, the move by the Ministry of Trade and Industry has the potential to breed corruption and must not be entertained by Parliament.

In a post on Facebook, he said even if Parliament will entertain it, Ghanaians must rise against it.

Even if the obnoxious data-deficient import limiting bill is entertained in Parliament, IMANI calls on everyone to oppose the provision that a Minister or similarly appointed government official should be in charge of the "exemption clearances". We believe that this is a recipe for corruption. It is a return to the 1970s "import chit mafia" which messed up Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe said in his post on Facebook.

He proposes that at worst, the ability to issue exemption clearance certificates should be entrusted to a Board of Trade made up of people who apply competitively and are appointed in a transparent fashion by the Public Services Commission.

Franklin Cudjoe further proposes that all applications, exemptions and refusals for clearances should be published in the open.

The Import restriction L. I has been opposed strongly by the Minority Members of Parliament.

They argue that it is an outmoded licensing regime and should not be brought back after it was suspended.
The Anane Institute, in collaboration with Local AD-Vantage LLC of USA, has launched an initiative dubbed, 'Invest in Bono' to promote trade and investment in the Bono East and Bono Regions of Ghana.

The initiative aims to attract local and foreign investment capital into agriculture, tourism, energy, mining and waste management.

The two regions, with a combined population of over a million in 23 administrative districts, are considered the food basket of Ghana. The regions have a strong competitive advantages in agriculture, agro-processing and tourism.

In partnership with the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) and the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), the initiative will offer transaction advisory services to local Bono entrepreneurs and US-linked investors.

Local entrepreneurs with solid businesses will be assisted in identifying and attracting capital from US investors.

Interested local entrepreneurs must contact the Anane Institute:

Physical address: Anane Institute, Behind St Paul Methodist Church, Techiman, Bono East

Email address: [email protected]
Shares of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSE:FM  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$13.63 and last traded at C$13.66, with a volume of 796633 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$13.76.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on FM shares. Eight Capital cut shares of First Quantum Minerals from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from C$38.00 to C$31.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Royal Bank of Canada lowered First Quantum Minerals from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price target for the company from C$42.00 to C$38.00 in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Raymond James decreased their price objective on First Quantum Minerals from C$35.00 to C$24.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of First Quantum Minerals from C$28.00 to C$28.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of First Quantum Minerals from C$40.00 to C$38.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$29.12.

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First Quantum Minerals Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of C$9.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.28, a P/E/G ratio of -1.28 and a beta of 2.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.53, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.85. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$25.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$30.72.

First Quantum Minerals (TSE:FM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported C$0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.34 by C$0.36. The firm had revenue of C$2.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$2.68 billion. First Quantum Minerals had a return on equity of 5.35% and a net margin of 8.63%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that First Quantum Minerals Ltd. will post 1.6891026 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Quantum Minerals Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 19th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 19th were paid a $0.08 dividend. This represents a yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 25th. First Quantum Mineralss payout ratio is 17.21%.

About First Quantum Minerals

(Get Free Report)

First Quantum Minerals Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral properties. It primarily explores for copper, nickel, pyrite, silver, gold, and zinc ores, as well as produces acid. The company has operating mines located in Zambia, Panama, Finland, Turkey, Spain, Australia, and Mauritania, as well as a development project in Zambia.

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abrdn European Logistics Income PLC (LON:ASLI  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Thursday, November 23rd, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a dividend of GBX 1.23 ($0.02) per share on Friday, December 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.17%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This is an increase from abrdn European Logistics Incomes previous dividend of $1.22. The official announcement can be viewed at this link.

abrdn European Logistics Income Price Performance

Shares of ASLI stock traded down GBX 0.30 ($0.00) during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting GBX 56.60 ($0.71). 159,056 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 631,400. abrdn European Logistics Income has a twelve month low of GBX 49.45 ($0.62) and a twelve month high of GBX 82.97 ($1.04). The firm has a market cap of 233.29 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -374.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 0.21. The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 57.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 65.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.38, a quick ratio of 4.22 and a current ratio of 2.52.

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About abrdn European Logistics Income

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abrdn European Logistics Income plc invests in logistic real estate properties in Europe. Its property portfolio includes mid-box and urban logistics warehouses. The company was formerly known as Aberdeen Standard European Logistics Income PLC and changed its name to abrdn European Logistics Income plc in January 2022.

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Atlas Engineered Products Ltd. (CVE:AEP  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 1.7% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as C$1.13 and last traded at C$1.14. Approximately 120,743 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1% from the average daily volume of 119,390 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.16.

Analyst Ratings Changes

AEP has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Echelon Wealth Partners restated a speculative buy rating on shares of Atlas Engineered Products in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Cormark increased their target price on Atlas Engineered Products from C$1.50 to C$1.70 in a research note on Thursday, August 24th.

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Atlas Engineered Products Trading Down 1.7 %

The company has a quick ratio of 2.31, a current ratio of 4.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 58.22. The firm has a market cap of C$65.39 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.40 and a beta of 1.06. The business has a 50 day moving average price of C$1.17 and a 200-day moving average price of C$1.15.

Atlas Engineered Products (CVE:AEP  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, August 28th. The company reported C$0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.03 by C($0.02). Atlas Engineered Products had a net margin of 12.25% and a return on equity of 23.90%. The company had revenue of C$11.22 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$13.90 million. As a group, research analysts expect that Atlas Engineered Products Ltd. will post 0.1199143 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Atlas Engineered Products Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Atlas Engineered Products Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells engineered roof trusses, floor trusses, wall panels, and windows in Canada. The company offers floor joists and floor panels; and design, engineering, permitting, project management, and site assembly services. It also distributes a range of engineered wood products for builders of residential and commercial wood-framed buildings, including single-family homes, townhouses, multi-story wood-framed residential buildings, commercial buildings, and agricultural structures.

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Zalando (OTCMKTS:ZLNDY  Get Free Report) and Airbus (OTCMKTS:EADSY  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and risk.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

0.1% of Airbus shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Zalando and Airbus net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Zalando 0.80% 3.73% 1.10% Airbus 6.32% 27.78% 3.36%

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Zalando $10.90 billion 0.60 $17.70 million $0.16 78.13 Airbus $61.92 billion 1.86 $4.47 billion $1.34 27.13

This table compares Zalando and Airbus top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Airbus has higher revenue and earnings than Zalando. Airbus is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Zalando, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Zalando and Airbus, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Zalando 1 3 0 0 1.75 Airbus 2 3 3 0 2.13

Volatility & Risk

Zalando has a beta of 1.85, meaning that its stock price is 85% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Airbus has a beta of 1.58, meaning that its stock price is 58% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Airbus beats Zalando on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Zalando

(Get Free Report)

Zalando SE operates an online platform for fashion and lifestyle products. The company operates through Fashion Store and Offprice segments. It provides shoes, apparel, accessories, and beauty products with free delivery and returns, as well as various payment options. The company also sells its products through Lounge by Zalando; and brick-and-mortar outlet stores. It operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.

About Airbus

(Get Free Report)

Airbus SE engages in the design, manufacture, and delivery of aerospace products, services, and solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space. The Airbus segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells commercial jet passenger aircraft; freighter aircraft; and regional turboprop aircraft and aircraft components, as well as provides aircraft conversion and related services. The Airbus Helicopters segment engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of civil and military helicopters; and provision of helicopter related services. The Airbus Defence and Space segment designs, develops, delivers, and supports military aircraft, such as combat, mission, transport, tanker aircraft, and their associated services; a range of civil and defence space systems for telecommunications, earth observations, navigation, science, and orbital systems; and unmanned aerial systems. This segment also offers missile and space launcher systems, as well as services around data processing from platforms, secure communication, and cyber security. The company was formerly known as Airbus Group SE and changed its name to Airbus SE in April 2017. Airbus SE was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Leiden, the Netherlands.

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PennyMac Financial Services (NYSE:PFSI  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued on Thursday.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised PennyMac Financial Services from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $77.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Barclays assumed coverage on PennyMac Financial Services in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an overweight rating and a $82.00 price target on the stock. Wedbush lifted their price target on PennyMac Financial Services from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on PennyMac Financial Services from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded PennyMac Financial Services from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, PennyMac Financial Services presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $85.14.

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PennyMac Financial Services Price Performance

PFSI traded up $0.22 during trading on Thursday, hitting $78.22. The companys stock had a trading volume of 228,181 shares, compared to its average volume of 337,472. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87. PennyMac Financial Services has a twelve month low of $54.00 and a twelve month high of $82.92. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $69.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $69.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.80 and a beta of 1.52.

PennyMac Financial Services (NYSE:PFSI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $400.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $401.96 million. PennyMac Financial Services had a return on equity of 6.54% and a net margin of 15.88%. PennyMac Financial Servicess quarterly revenue was down 16.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.46 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that PennyMac Financial Services will post 5.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at PennyMac Financial Services

In other PennyMac Financial Services news, CFO Daniel Stanley Perotti sold 7,600 shares of PennyMac Financial Services stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.16, for a total value of $578,816.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 273,097 shares in the company, valued at $20,799,067.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other PennyMac Financial Services news, CFO Daniel Stanley Perotti sold 7,600 shares of PennyMac Financial Services stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.16, for a total value of $578,816.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 273,097 shares in the company, valued at $20,799,067.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO David Spector sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.47, for a total value of $1,072,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 315,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,556,217.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 52,600 shares of company stock worth $3,676,616 over the last quarter. 17.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PennyMac Financial Services

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PFSI. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in PennyMac Financial Services by 59.9% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its stake in PennyMac Financial Services by 28.1% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 867 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC acquired a new position in PennyMac Financial Services during the 3rd quarter worth $57,000. Westpac Banking Corp acquired a new position in PennyMac Financial Services during the 1st quarter worth $64,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors grew its stake in PennyMac Financial Services by 75.9% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,890 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $126,000 after purchasing an additional 1,247 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.12% of the companys stock.

About PennyMac Financial Services

(Get Free Report)

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the mortgage banking and investment management activities in the United States. It operates through three segments: Production, Servicing, and Investment Management. The Production segment is involved in the origination, acquisition, and sale of loans.

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total transaction of $461,166.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,509,355.65. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 0.2 %

NYSE:GS traded up $0.51 on Friday, hitting $339.15. The stock had a trading volume of 460,077 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,367,362. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $289.36 and a 1 year high of $389.44. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $319.40 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $327.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.77. The stock has a market cap of $110.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.43.

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The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.42 by $0.05. The company 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% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $8.25 earnings per share. Analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.98 earnings per share for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

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 paid a dividend of $2.75 per share. This represents a $11.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 53.24%.

Several brokerages have recently commented on GS. Citigroup reduced their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Atlantic Securities raised The Goldman Sachs Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the stock from $330.00 to $351.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $347.00 to $329.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, Oppenheimer boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $447.00 to $468.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $393.76.

View Our Latest Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

Hedge Funds Weigh In On The Goldman Sachs Group

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $66,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. lifted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,505.1% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 41,300 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $13,633,000 after buying an additional 38,727 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew 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 acquiring an additional 18,540 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 79.4% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 827 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $273,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 118.3% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 310 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $102,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. 69.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Get Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements.

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WESCO International (NYSE:WCC  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Thursday.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Oppenheimer dropped their target price on shares of WESCO International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of WESCO International from $210.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of WESCO International from $214.00 to $189.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of WESCO International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $180.00 target price for the company in a report on Friday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, WESCO International presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $189.86.

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WESCO International Price Performance

NYSE WCC traded up $0.63 on Thursday, hitting $152.65. The company had a trading volume of 306,351 shares, compared to its average volume of 533,088. The company has a market capitalization of $7.80 billion, a PE ratio of 10.18, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 2.01. The companys fifty day moving average price is $141.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $152.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 2.36 and a quick ratio of 1.39. WESCO International has a 12-month low of $117.12 and a 12-month high of $185.23.

WESCO International (NYSE:WCC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The technology company reported $4.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.85 by $0.64. WESCO International had a net margin of 3.75% and a return on equity of 19.22%. The company had revenue of $5.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.64 billion. As a group, analysts predict that WESCO International will post 15.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. iA Global Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in WESCO International in the third quarter valued at about $164,000. KB Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of WESCO International by 76.8% during the third quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC now owns 198 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of WESCO International by 51.8% during the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,500 shares of the technology companys stock worth $359,000 after purchasing an additional 853 shares in the last quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. lifted its position in shares of WESCO International by 6.3% during the third quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. now owns 7,350 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,057,000 after purchasing an additional 433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its position in shares of WESCO International by 119.7% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 15,871 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,283,000 after purchasing an additional 8,647 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.15% of the companys stock.

About WESCO International

(Get Free Report)

WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS).

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Bulls finally achieved it! The Nifty50 started the new F&O series on a healthy note as the index not only surpassed its previous all-time high (hit on September 15) but also ended at a fresh record closing high on December 1, with above-average volumes. Hence, as long as the index holds 20,000 (psychological mark-19,800 low of the week), marching towards 20,500 looks likely in the coming days despite intermittent consolidation, experts said. The Nifty50 opened higher at 20,194 and gained strength as the day progressed, to hit a fresh record high of 20,292 in the afternoon. It saw a bit of profit-taking in the last hour of trade and finally settled with 135 points gains at 20,268. The index has formed a bullish candlestick pattern on the daily charts with higher highs and higher lows for four days in a row. On the weekly scale, the Nifty50 has formed a big bullish candlestick pattern and gained 2.4 percent, the biggest weekly gain since June this year. "The weekly chart formation signals sharp upside breakout in the market as per long-term charts," Nagaraj Shetti, technical research analyst at HDFC Securities said, adding though, Nifty placed at all-time highs, still there is no indication of any reversal pattern unfolding at the highs. He feels the short-term trend of Nifty continues to be positive, and one may expect further upside in the coming week. "The next upside levels to be watched around 20,510 (50 percent Fibonacci projection, taken from March 23 bottom-September 23 top-October 23 bottom). Immediate support is at 20,140." Also read: Gainers and Losers: 10 stocks that moved the most on December 1 On the weekly Options front, with the robust trend in the equity markets, the supports and resistances shifted higher with 21,000 strike enjoying the maximum Call open interest, the key resistance area going ahead in current month, followed by 20,400 strike and 20,300 strike. The maximum Call writing was seen at 20,400 strike and then 20,800 strike. The maximum Put open interest was visible at 20,000 strike, which can act as crucial support in the coming days, followed by 19,500 strike and 20,200 strike with Put writing at 20,200 strike and then 19,500 strike. Bank Nifty The Bank Nifty continued its higher highs and higher lows formation for five days in a row. The index rebounded after a day of small profit-taking and climbed 332 points to 44,814 on Friday with above-average volumes, forming a bullish candlestick pattern with a minor upper shadow on the daily scale. For the week, the banking index jumped 2.4 percent and formed a long bullish candlestick pattern on the weekly scale. Now, 45,000 is expected to be an immediate resistance for the index, with support at 44,300-44,000 levels. "The Bank Nifty index maintained its robust bullish momentum, breaching the resistance level of 44,700. The immediate hurdle on the upside is positioned at 45,000, marked by the highest open interest on the Call side," Kunal Shah, senior technical & derivative analyst at LKP Securities said. On the downside, he feels a substantial support level rests at 44,300, serving as a protective buffer for the bulls. "Any retracement towards this support presents an opportune moment for investors to initiate long positions." Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The RBI on Thursday said that the banks should focus on fortifying cyber security and prevention of cyber frauds to safeguard their customers from rising incidents of fraud and data breaches.

RBI Deputy Governor Rajeshwar Rao, in his address at the FIBAC 2023 conference, on Thursday said that the banking landscape is fast evolving with increase in financial inclusion, customer access, product choices, and convenience.

However, the risks to the consumer have also increased with increasing instances of frauds and data breaches, he said.

He said that bank customers today are facing a threat from technology induced frauds such as fraudulent apps, breach of privacy and deep fakes.

Even mis-selling has emerged in a digital avatar now  called Dark Patterns. Dark patterns are design interfaces and tactics used to trick users into desired behaviour such as availing high-cost short-term consumer credit masquerading as an instant loan. We must work hard, work smart and work together to protect customers from these threats to retain and strengthen their trust, Rao said.

He said that a key element of protecting customers is to provide them an efficient, prompt and cost effective grievance redress mechanism.

Unfortunately, it appears that the efforts of the banks to provide timely solutions to customer grievances have not kept pace with explosion in technology and products.

While banks are hugely invested in forging new and innovative ways of customer acquisition, very little thought seems to be going on improving the customer grievance redress mechanisms, he said.

This seems very odd for a sector which prides itself on being a service industry. We definitely wish to see more serious thought and intent emerging from the Boards and top executives on quality of grievance redressal instead of just monitoring TAT and MIS on complaints, Rao said.

He also emphasised the need for banks to bring in greater empathy into their services, products and operations.

For example, there is a need for greater effort to provide safe and friendly tech-banking to senior citizens. Banks must require their employees to treat senior citizens, people with special needs, those that are technologically challenged or someone who may need help otherwise with special care and empathy, Rao said.

He said that the boards must ensure that their access points  branches, websites, and apps are user friendly and convenient for the customers with special needs.

From the regulatory side, we are taking up these subjects more vigorously in our interaction with the industry but there is also a need for a cultural and attitudinal change within the fraternity that I would like to emphasise, Rao 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.
A group of travellers in the US was left stranded in the desert for hours after allegedly taking a shortcut suggested by Google Maps.

To avoid traffic, the travellers group from California allegedly took Google Maps' suggestion when they were returning to Los Angeles from Las Vegas on November 19, reports SFGate. While driving back to Los Angeles from a Formula 1 race in Las Vegas, Shelby Easler, her brother Austin, and their partners followed suggestions by Google Maps to avoid the major highway connecting the two cities.

The app suggested the group to take an alternate route to avoid the dust storm that caused major traffic delays on the Interstate 15 highway.

However, the route took the group into Nevadas deserts, according to the report.

We ironically thought it would be a safer option, and it did say it would be 50 minutes faster. It was our first time driving to/from Vegas, so we didnt know that you can really only take the I-15 back and forth, Easler was quoted as saying.

Easler and her family were not the only ones who were unaware of this. Her TikTok video showed a trail of cars stuck on the same road.

The first driver that turned around talked to us to tell us that the road gets washed out the higher into the mountain you get, and we have to turn around since the path leads nowhere. He was in a huge truck and was just driving straight through the bushes and shrubs to let people know to turn around, Easler said.

The group felt 'trapped' so they called 911 for the rescue, but the California Highway Patrol could not help as it was dealing with a dust storm emergency.

They then contacted a towing company that sent trucks and rescued Easler's car as well as the other stranded vehicles.

Easler said, In the future, I'll stick to the road I know and double-check somewhere else if the route seems sketchy.

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.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has superseded the board of directors of Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Ltd for 12 months and appointed Satya Prakash Pathak, former chief general manager (CGM) of State Bank of India (SBI) as administrator to manage the affairs of the cooperative bank during this period.

In a release, RBI says, "The action is necessitated due to certain material concerns emanating from poor governance standards observed in the Bank. No business restrictions have been placed by RBI, and Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank shall continue to carry on its normal banking activities as hitherto, under the guidance of the administrator."

The banking regulator also appointed a committee of advisors (CoA) to assist Mr Pathak. Members of the CoA are Venkatesh Hegde (former general manager of SBI), Mahendra Chhajed (chartered accountant-CA) and Suhas Gokhale (former managing director-MD of COSMOS Cooperative Bank Ltd).

Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank is an urban multi-state cooperative bank based in Maharashtra. It has 109 branches in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, out of which 18 provide banking services seven days a week.
Around 1.5 million people may have had their personal information compromised in a recent data breach at Taj Hotels, owned by Tata, as per reports.

"The perpetrator, known as 'Dnacookies', is requesting $5,000 for the complete dataset, encompassing addresses, membership IDs, mobile numbers, and other personally identifiable information (PII)," the reports further stated. "We have been made aware of someone claiming possession of a limited customer data set which is of non-sensitive nature. Safety and security of our customers' data is of paramount importance to us," said the spokesperson of Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which runs the Taj Group.

"We are investigating this claim and have notified the relevant authorities. We continue to monitor our systems and there is no suggestion of any current or ongoing security issue or impact on business operations," said the spokesperson.

However, Delhi Police is yet to confirm if they have received any complaint from the Taj Group.

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.
Justin Benavente, right, and defense attorney Joaquin "Jay" Arriola Jr. leave the Judiciary of Guam Northern Court Satellite in Dededo after Benavente's arraignment Nov. 15, 2023.
The logo of America Movil is pictured on the wall at a reception area in the company's corporate offices, in Mexico City, Mexico January 25, 2022.
In this handout released by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) is seen Aug. 2, 2012, in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy via Getty Images/TNS)
The Guam Fire Department responded to a two-car crash along Route 1 in Asan at around 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.
West Africa responds to huge diphtheria outbreaks by targeting unvaccinated populations View Photo

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease.

At least 573 people out of the 11,640 diagnosed with the disease in Nigeria have died since the current outbreak started in December 2022, though officials estimate the toll  now on the decline because of treatment efforts  could be much higher across states unable to detect many cases.

In Niger 37 people had died out of the 865 cases as of October, while Guinea has reported 58 deaths out of 497 since its outbreak started in June.

As far as the history that I am aware of, this is the largest outbreak that we have had, Ifedayo Adetifa, head of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, told The Associated Press.

The highly contagious bacterial infection has been reported in 20 of Nigerias 36 states so far.

A major driver of the high rate of infection in the region has been a historically wide vaccination gap, the French medical organization Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, said in a statement on Tuesday.

In Nigeria, only 42% of children under 15 years old are fully protected from diphtheria, according to a government survey, while Guinea has a 47% immunization rate  both far below the 8085% rate recommended by the World Health Organization to maintain community protection.

The fate of the affected countries is worsened by the global shortages of the diphtheria vaccine as demand has increased to respond to outbreaks, the MSF said.

Were not seeing vaccination happen, not at the scale that is needed, said Dr. Dagemlidet Tesfaye Worku, emergency medical program manager for MSF in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. What is needed is a truly massive scale-up of vaccination, as soon as possible.

The Nigerian government is ramping up vaccination for targeted populations while assisting states to boost their capacity to detect and manage cases, said Adetifa, the Nigeria CDC head.

But several states continue to struggle, including Kano, which accounts for more than 75% of cases in Nigeria but has only two diphtheria treatment centers, according to Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the states top health official.

Once people have to travel or move significant distances to access treatment, that becomes a challenge, Adetifa said.

____

Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

By CHINEDU ASADU

Associated Press
Diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China will meet about resuming a trilateral leaders summit View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The top diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China are to gather in South Korea over the weekend to discuss resuming their leaders summit, Seouls Foreign Ministry said Friday.

An annual trilateral meeting among the leaders of the three Northeast Asian nations hasnt been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the often touchy ties among them. The three-way summit began in 2008.

While the three nations are close economic and cultural partners with one another, their relationships have suffered on-and-off setbacks due to a mix of issues such as Japans wartime atrocities, the U.S.-China rivalry and North Koreas nuclear program.

The foreign ministers of the three countries are to meet in the southeastern South Korean city of Busan on Sunday to prepare for their leaders summit and exchange views on ways to strengthen three-way cooperation and other regional and international issues, Seouls Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The three ministers are to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines as well.

In September, senior officials of the three nations agreed to restart the trilateral summit at the earliest convenient time.

South Korea and Japan are key United States allies in the region and they host about 80,000 American troops on their soils combined. Their recent push to bolster a trilateral Seoul-Tokyo-Washington security partnership triggered rebukes from Beijing, which is extremely sensitive to any moves it sees as trying to hold China back.

When North Korea launched its first military spy satellite into space Tuesday night, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington spoke with one voice in strongly condemning the launch. They said the launch involved the Norths efforts improve its missile technology as well as establish a space-based surveillance system. But China, the Norths major ally, asked all concerned nations to keep calm and exercise restraints, echoing statements that it previously issued when North Korea inflamed tensions with major weapons tests.

United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibit any satellite liftoffs by North Korea, viewing them as covers for testing its long-range missile technology. The North says it has a sovereign right to launch satellites.

Ties between Seoul and Tokyo soured badly in recent years due to issues stemming from Japans 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. But bilateral relations have improved significantly recently as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pushes to move beyond history disputes and bolster cooperation to better deal with North Koreas nuclear threats and other issues.

But in a reminder of their complicated relations, a Seoul court this week ordered Japan to financially compensative Koreans forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during the colonial period. Japan called the ruling absolutely unacceptable, arguing that it violated the international law and bilateral agreements.

Japan and China have also long tussled over Japanese WWII atrocities and the East China Sea islands claimed by both. Recently, the two nations became embroiled in a trade dispute after China banned seafood imports from Japan in protest of its discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from its tsunami-hit nuclear power plant.

___

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

By HYUNG-JIN KIM

Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Police in Sao Paulo on Thursday detained more than 30 individuals belonging to what appeared to be a drug mule ring in the citys western area, authorities said.

Officers arrested a 24 year-old man and detained 33 other individuals who were transporting ingested drugs to Europe, the states public security secretary said in a statement.

Police acted on a tip received through a hotline about a property in the Vila Sonia neighborhood, in western Sao Paulo, where dozens of people lived and  allegedly  worked as drug mules.

During the operation, police seized about 20 passports, work documents and dozens of tightly packed, oval shaped cocaine capsules.

Many of the suspects confessed to having already taken one or more trips abroad.

Local media, citing the federal police, reported the mules received training to ingest the drug capsules. ____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Palestinians in Gaza seeking refuge from war find their world is shrinking. They say nowhere is safe

Palestinians in Gaza seeking refuge from war find their world is shrinking. They say nowhere is safe View Photo

BEIRUT (AP)  Gaza has always been a small, crowded space with hardly any exits. Now the world for Palestinians there has shrunk to the size of whatever refuge they can find.

The strip is 25 miles (40 kilometers) long by some 7 miles (11 kilometers) wide. More than a month into the war, Israeli troops are spread throughout the northern third. More than 2 million people are now crammed into whats left.

Since mid-October, The Associated Press has followed four people trying to survive and communicate from that diminished world, using voice messages, video clips and the rare phone call. The sounds of explosions and drones pierce some of the nearly 80 recordings.

Israel says it is dismantling Hamas, the group that unleashed a surprise attack on Oct. 7 that killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Weeks of Israeli bombardment have killed more than 13,000 Palestinians, 70% of them women and children.

While most civilians could flee the combat zone in other wars like Ukraine, Palestinians in Gaza have no escape.

HOSEIN OWDA, U.N. WORKER

The Owdas spent two years and most of their savings to build a new apartment. Moving day was scheduled for Oct. 7.

That morning, Hosein Owda woke up to the sound of a barrage of rockets out of Gaza. His first thought was the move would have to be postponed.

His world fell apart with dizzying speed. The apartment was gone in one airstrike and one of his best friends killed in another.

A week into the war, some 15 family members crammed into two cars. Owda became one of thousands of newly displaced sheltering at a center in Khan Younis run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, that employs him.

There are 24 bathrooms for over 22,000 displaced, and no beds, mattresses or running water. Numbers in the shelter swelled. Tents cropped up. If you want to take a shower, this is a faraway dream.

Then on Oct. 29, Owda learned an Israeli strike had hit Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza City. Ten members of his family were killed.

Finding bodies was barely possible. Proper burials were out of the question. There was no time for grief.

We breathe, but other than that we have lost all other signs of life.

ASAAD ALAADIN, WRITER

Asaad Alaadin left his home near the border with Israel In the first days of the war.

A 33-year-old writer, Alaadin contributed to various publications, covering the arts and Gazas social and political dynamics. Now he was documenting the war.

When he was reunited with his extended family, the decision was to head south. And they would split up because, his mother said, if something happens someone survives and keeps going. They set out early Oct. 13.

His father went to central Gaza; one sister stayed in Gaza City. He, his mother and a sister headed to Rafah, the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. But their hosts asked him to leave. They feared Alaadins filming put them in danger.

When he moved in with his in-laws in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, they, too, asked him to stop working.

By Day 10, he and the in-laws were in a small apartment, focusing on finding water and securing fuel for the generator that keeps their phones charged. He fasted from sunrise to sunset, saving on food and building his resolve.

Communication blackouts shut out everything beyond the walls of his in-laws house.

When the internet came back 36 hours after the first Israeli-imposed blackout on Oct. 27, it was like the return of the soul to the body. He broke down in tears when he reached his family.

Communication is more important than food and drink.

SALEM ELRAYYES, JOURNALIST

Salem Elrayyes woke up to the screams of his 13-year-old daughter at the sound of outgoing rockets on Oct. 7. He hugged her and reached for his phone.

Elrayyes is an expert on Gazas urban landscape and how its growing population adapts to being hemmed in by the sea, Israel and Egypt, by building vertically: apartment towers are the answer to the Strips shrinking land.

From the rooftops of those towers, Elrayyes reported on events over the fence. Palestinian militants controlled several Israeli communities, including villages and towns of the ancestors of current residents of Gaza before Israels creation in 1948.

Could the territory be growing just a bit? Elrayyes wondered. When Israeli retaliation came, the opposite happened.

Deaths and displacement spiraled. Roads were blocked by rubble. Ambulances and journalists were unable to move.

Elrayyes and his wife evacuated from their apartment. She and the children went to temporary shelters in Khan Younis; his parents to central Gaza. He camped out at a hospital in Khan Younis, where he documented nearby bombings and the deluge of killed and wounded. He slept in his car.

Every day, he drove to see his kids and took another trip to Gaza City to check on their apartment. His last visit was Nov. 1.

The shrinking space began to fray Elrayyes nerves. Not only the physical space is tightening. My private space is eroding.

AYAH AL-WAKEEL, LAWYER

Ayah al-Wakeel was among those who refused to leave. The Gaza City lawyer campaigning for womens rights is used to uphill battles in a conservative society.

We will not leave, and we wont give them what they want, she said in a recording.

But on Oct. 19, in a series of frantic pre-dawn texts, she explained what changed her familys mind.

Her neighborhood was surrounded by what she called a ring of fire, describing successive airstrikes in one block. The barrage seemed designed to drive out anyone who dared stay, she said. She and her neighbors pulled her partially paralyzed father to safety.

Bombs seemed to be chasing them. Twice, her father asked them to leave him to die.

The family gathered at Shifa Hospital, where Israel claims Hamas built an underground headquarters. They evacuated to another hospital a few days later. A third evacuation to a third hospital followed.

On Nov. 4, she said they returned to Shifa hospital. She dreamed of a tall glass of water. Filthy bathrooms have kept her on two sips a day.

I want to collapse but I really dont have the energy for that.

On Nov. 7, she said neither Shifa nor going south seem safe. She texted a friend: I miss you, my love.

She has not been heard from since.

By SARAH EL DEEB

Associated Press
Former St. Louis alderman in fraud case also charged with lying to police

Former St. Louis alderman in fraud case also charged with lying to police View Photo

ST. LOUIS (AP)  A former St. Louis alderman indicted in a fraud case was charged with lying to police about getting carjacked last year, authorities said.

Brandon Bosley was charged Wednesday with one misdemeanor count of making a false report to police when he said a woman tried to carjack him last year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Months ago, he was indicted by federal officials in a fraud and bribery investigation that put three other former St. Louis aldermen in prison last December.

Charging documents say there was no evidence of an attempted carjacking and that several parts of Bosleys story did not line up with what investigators found, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Officers spoke with Bosley and the woman on Dec. 22, according to court documents, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Bosley accused the woman of trying to rob him, while the woman told police that Bosley hit her with his car.

According to the court documents, Bosley told police he was robbed at a specific address and that he followed a car that he said fired shots at him. But investigators found that he wasnt at that address at the corresponding time, and surveillance video showed that he did not follow any cars.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 27 for this charge, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Meanwhile, Bosleys case in federal court is still pending, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. He was indicted by federal officials in June on three counts of wire fraud related to a car insurance scheme.

Three other former St. Louis aldermen, including the longtime board president, were sentenced to prison  for about three to four years each  for accepting bribes from a businessman.

The businessman provided bribes in exchange for tax breaks and a reduced rate in obtaining a city-owned property. The former aldermen are Lewis Reed, Jeffrey Boyd and John Collins-Muhammad.

They are all men and Democrats, along with Bosley.
Missouri governor granting pardons at pace not seen since WWII era View Photo

Distraught by a romantic breakup, 16-year-old Kenny Batson vented his hurt by stomping out the windshields of cars on a for-sale lot. He landed in juvenile detention, but that was only the beginning of his trouble.

Over the ensuing years, Batson stole cigarettes, booze and cars for drunken joyrides while bouncing in and out of prison and substance abuse treatment programs. At age 20, he beat a man nearly to death, stopping only when friends pulled him away.

Now 50, Batson is a Christian pastor, a reformed man who has been pardoned for his crimes.

The governor who pardoned him knows a bit about transformations.

For a dozen years as a rural sheriff, Mike Parson was the face of justice, the man ultimately responsible for catching and locking up local lawbreakers. Now governor, Parson also has become the face of mercy by pardoning more than 600 people in the past three years, more than any Missouri governor since the 1940s.

I still believe in law and order. I believe criminals need to be treated as such, and theyve got accountability, Parson said in an interview with The Associated Press.

But it doesnt mean theyre a criminal all their life, Parson added. I think youve got to be able to look at it.

Parsons pardoning pace in Republican-heavy Missouri coincides with a national movement to restore citizens rights and reputations after they have served criminal sentences. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, recently set a new state record for the number of pardons.

Minnesota also could be in store for more pardons after the Legislature this year revamped the states clemency process to allow for pardons without unanimous votes by a three-person board composed of the governor, attorney general and chief justice. The governor still must be one of the two votes.

At the federal level, President Joe Biden last year pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession and encouraged governors to do the same.

The movement marks a step back from the tough-on-crime politics of the late 20th century and a return to an earlier American era when pardons and commutations were much more common.

Though the process varies, every state allows some form of clemency. Commutations shorten the length of sentences. Pardons function like official forgiveness for crimes, restoring rights such as the ability to own firearms and clearing hurdles for employment.

For Batson, the pardon helped restore a sense of self-worth by obliterating the felon label. The official document arrived in a manilla envelope more than five years after his wife put together a thick packet of recommendation letters for his clemency application.

I literally cried and screamed when I got it. It was amazing, Batson said.

In Missouri, clemency requests are first screened by the Board of Probation and Parole, which makes confidential recommendations to the governor. There is no deadline for the governor to make a decision.

Parson inherited nearly 3,700 clemency applications when he was suddenly elevated from lieutenant governor following the resignation of scandal-plagued GOP Gov. Eric Greitens in June 2018. Some of those cases, including Batsons, dated to the tenure of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who served from 2009-2017.

Parsons staff began systematically tackling the backlog in December 2020, even as more requests poured in. They set a goal of evaluating around 100 cases each month, weighing applicants work and education history, community involvement, character references and contrition for their crimes. The types of crimes, how young offenders were and how much time had passed also came into play as Parson made his decisions.

So far, Parson has denied about 2,400 clemency requests while granting 613 pardons and 20 commutations. Thats the most since Republican Gov. Forrest Donnell granted almost 1,700 pardons from 1941-1945.

In Wisconsin, Evers has granted 1,111 pardons since taking office in 2019, surpassing the record of 943 set by Republican Gov. Julius Heil from 1939-1943. Evers actions are particularly notable because his predecessor, Republican Gov. Scott Walker, had disbanded the pardons board and issued no pardons during his eight years in office.

As a result of Parsons actions, Missouri is now categorized by the Restoration of Rights Project as one of 16 states granting frequent or regular pardons. A predictable schedule, like Parsons monthly announcements, can help dispel impressions that the process is corrupt, said Margaret Love, executive director of the nonprofit Collateral Consequences Resource Center, which runs the project.

The thing about regular pardoning is the public comes to have confidence in it, and they understand what the governor is doing, said Love, a former pardon attorney for the U.S. Justice Department.

In Wisconsin, Evers pardon announcements have been accompanied by a brief summary of each persons crimes and subsequent accomplishments.

Parson has publicized only the names of those granted clemency. But details of each persons criminal offenses and the dates and counties of their convictions are included in clemency documents filed with the secretary of states office, which the AP obtained through open-records requests.

Of those granted clemency by Parson, 42% had been convicted of drug crimes, 28% of theft and 14% of burglary, according to an AP analysis. The next most common felony convictions were for driving while intoxicated, forgery and passing bad checks. On average, nearly 28 years had passed since their last convictions.

Two notable exceptions were Mark and Patricia McCloskey. The St. Louis couple who gained national attention for waving guns at racial injustice protesters were pardoned by Parson on July 30, 2021, just six weeks after Mark McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and Patricia McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment.

At least three people were pardoned for crimes committed in Polk County while Parson was sheriff there from 1993 to 2005. They include Pete Underdal, whose frequent drinking and driving landed him in prison, and Dave Galloway, who was caught selling methamphetamine from his home.

Parson knows both men and has since been a customer of Galloways locksmith business. But Parson said his hometown connections played no role in their pardons.

More important are the testimonials of others, such as the law enforcement officer who raided Galloways house and years later vouched for his transformed character.

When you get people in your community that you live in and they start saying things about you, how you changed and such, it does have an impact. It does on me, Parson said.

Galloway said he applied for clemency in 2010 but heard nothing for years. He was shocked when his request was granted in 2022.

For Governor Parson to look at me and to recognize that rehabilitation is real and not just stuff that somebody says, based your actions and not on your words, was huge, Galloway said.

By DAVID A. LIEB

Associated Press
Woman believed to be girlfriend of suspect in Colorado property shooting is also arrested

Woman believed to be girlfriend of suspect in Colorado property shooting is also arrested View Photo

DENVER (AP)  A woman believed to be the girlfriend of a man suspected of killing three people and wounding a fourth in a property dispute in rural Colorado is also being held in connection with the shooting.

The arrest of Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis, 50, in New Mexico was announced Thursday by the Custer County Sheriffs Office in Colorado. It said she is suspected of being an accessory to a crime, pending the continued investigation into Mondays shooting, which killed Robert Geers, 63, his wife Beth Wade Geers, 73, and James Daulton, 58, near Westcliffe, Colorado, about 77 miles (124 kilometers) southwest of Colorado Springs. Daultons wife, Patty Daulton, was also wounded.

According to court documents, their neighbor, Hanme Clark, yelled about trespassing and then started shooting while Robert Geers was talking to a surveyor.

Clark was arrested on Tuesday near Albuquerque, New Mexico, after about 25 hours on the run. Medina-Kochis was with him at the time and is believed to be his girlfriend, sheriffs office spokesperson Reggie Foster said Friday.

A telephone message left for the 11th District Judicial District Attorneys office on whether prosecutors have filed charges against Clark or Medina-Kochis was not immediately returned Friday.

It is not known if either Clark or Medina-Kochis have lawyers representing them.

Other neighbors not involved in the shooting have accused Clark of harassing them, denying them court-ordered use of part of his property to access their property, and posting signs saying he was armed, court records said.
Israel summons Spanish, Belgian ambassadors following criticism during visit to Rafah View Photo

RAFAH, Egypt (AP)  The Israeli government said Friday it would summon the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors following remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo on the war between Israel and Hamas.

The announcement came after the two leaders criticized Israel for the suffering of Palestinian civilians under Israeli military operations in Gaza. Sanchez also called for European Union recognition of a Palestinian state, saying Spain might do so on its own.

Speaking at a joint press conference on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Friday, Sanchez said the time had come for the international community and the European Union to once and for all recognize a Palestinian state. He said it would be better if the EU did it together, but if this is not the case  Spain will take their own decisions.

Sanchez was speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Egypt with de Croo. Spain currently holds the EUs rotational presidency and Belgium takes over in January.

Sanchez reiterated comments made Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the killing of civilians.

I also reiterate Israels right to defend itself but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case, Sanchez said. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.

De Croo did not comment on recognition of a Palestinian state, but said, first things first, lets stop the violence. Lets liberate the hostages. Lets get the aid inside  the first priority is help people who are suffering.

De Croo stressed the need and hope for a permanent cease-fire, adding that this needs to be built together. And it can only be built together if both parties understand that the solution to this conflict is never going to be violence. A solution to this conflict is that people sit around the table.

A military operation needs to respect international humanitarian law. The killing of civilians needs to stop now. Way too many people have died. The destruction of Gaza is unacceptable, he said.

We cannot accept that a society is being destroyed the way it is being destroyed, he added.

Israel later lashed out at the two prime ministers for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred our citizens and used the Palestinians as human shields.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed the countries ambassadors to be summoned for a sharp reprimand. We condemn the false claims of the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism, Cohen said.

Israel is acting according to international law and fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than (the Islamic State group) that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares responded to the summon of Spains ambassador late Friday.

The Israeli governments accusations against the President of the Government and the Belgian Prime Minister are totally false and unacceptable, he said in a statement. We categorically reject them.

Albares said the Spanish prime minister has publicly and repeatedly defended Israels right to self-defense and that his tour in the region this week was seeking a path to peace.
WALLINGFORD  A local man was arrested early Thanksgiving morning after crashing into a North Colony Road salon as police attempted to stop him for erratic driving.

Matthew Hackley, 26, of Wallingford crashed his vehicle into Style By Katelyn," 26 North Colony Road, causing significant damage to both the car and the storefront.

Officers tried to stop Hadleys vehicle twice before the crash.

When an officer located the crash site, police say Hackley got out of the vehicle and fled on foot . Another officer eventually located Hackley in the area of Meadow Street, where he was taken into custody. A set of brass knuckles was found on him, and a ball peen hammer was discovered inside the vehicle.

Hackley faces a slew motor vehicle and criminal charges including reckless driving, failure to obey police signal, driving under the influence, failure to drive in proper lane, engaging police in pursuit, evading responsibility, interfering with an officer/resisting arrest and illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle.

A police officer first observed a black Ford Crown Victoria driving erratically around Center and East Main streets sometime around 1:24 a.m. and tried to stop the vehicle.

The operator, identified as Hackley, failed to stop, according to police. Peckham did not attempt to pursue the vehicle. A short time later, Peckham located the vehicle in a municipal parking lot and attempted to stop the vehicle a second time.

Hackley was released after posting $5,000 bond.

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North Korea withdraws from security treaty with South Korea. We will deploy more powerful armed forces and new military hardware along the border. Kim Jong-Un opens another conflict to accelerate the decline of US power with the goal to collapse the US economy. Putin chess.  Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) November 23, 2023

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Antidote du jour. Bob H: Great blue heron attacks egret, mid-coast Maine summer 2023.

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It has been 23 days since this patient came to hospital and no one from his family came to visit him during these 23 days but there is a pigeon that comes

to bed every two days stays there for

a while then flies away Then we learn that

this patient of ours was sitting on a park pic.twitter.com/uMDElOUZQD  The Dalbo Dog (@Dalbodog) November 22, 2023

And a second bonus (Chuck L):

How a bear reacts to a mirror in the forest pic.twitter.com/qcRVIaui60  Nature is Amazing  (@AMAZlNGNATURE) November 22, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. Although I doubt the Ukraine end game is a major motivator for this German scheme, if it goes anywhere, it may have an effect. Medvedev has taunted the West with the idea of Western Ukraine being carved up by its neighbors: Poland, Hungary, Romania. The fact that Medvedev presented it means it would be seen as (and would be) advantageous to the Russians, so that alone makes it toxic. The one thing that could change that is if some version of that idea were proposed to Western states by Ukraine.

One reason this line of thinking might be revived in a new form is early in the war, Ukraine passed laws to increase political integration with Poland (see Ukraine adopts law granting special rights to Polish citizens). But Germany would likely be particularly unhappy with Polish territorial acquisition, which would presumably over time increase their influence. So this German scheme could act as an offset were this scenario to come to pass.

By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website

As has traditionally been the case throughout history, Polish sovereignty is once again in the process of being sacrificed as part of the Great Powers games, but this time its borders will remain intact even though the country is poised to functionally become a German vassal in the coming future.

NATO logistics chief Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank suggested the creation of a so-called military Schengen for optimizing the movement of such equipment across the EU. At present, bureaucratic and logistical obstacles impede the free flow of arms throughout the bloc, which he believes could hamstring the Wests ability to respond to any unexpected conflict along its periphery. Its not just this proposals substance thats significant, however, but also its timing.

NATOs Proxy War On Russia Through Ukraine Appears To Be Winding Down for the reasons explained in the preceding hyperlinked analysis. Accordingly, Bloombergs report about the EUs draft security guarantees to Ukraine conspicuously omits any mention of mutual defense obligations of the kind that Kiev has sought for years and which greatly contributed to the latest phase of this nearly decade-long conflict. Sollfranks suggestion therefore seems to contradict these emerging de-escalation trends.

Upon reflection, however, its actually revealed to be a thinly disguised Germany power play over Poland. The EUs informal leader ramped up its regional competition with Poland in mid-August through its promised military patronage of Ukraine, which readers can learn more about in that hyperlinked analysis. In brief, Poland aspired to become the leader of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) throughout the course of the NATO-Russian proxy war, but Germany rose to the occasion to challenge its ambitions.

The liberal-globalist opposition coalitions victory in last months Polish elections, which its Foreign Minister earlier accused Germany of meddling in, will likely result in former Prime Minister and European Council President Donald Tusks return to the premiership. In that event, this German-aligned politician could voluntarily subordinate his country to Berlin, thus resulting in Poland ceding its envisaged regional sphere of influence to that country and becoming its largest-ever vassal indefinitely.

Tusks plans to improve ties with the de facto German-controlled EU are regarded by conservative-nationalists as a means to that end, particularly due to that bodys efforts to further erode Polish sovereignty. Although he claims to oppose changes to the EU Treaty, some doubt his sincerity and suspect that he slyly wants to prevent large-scale protests over this issue. If these two scenarios come to pass, then Polands sovereignty would be further reduced, including in the defense sphere.

Prior to last months elections, Germany and Poland were competing to build the EUs largest military, but the aforesaid sequence of events could result in Warsaw throwing in the towel. Even though its next potential Defense Minister said that his country wont cancel any of its military contracts, conservative-nationalists also suspect that hes either being insincere or could be coerced by Berlin/Brussels into doing so. All things considered, these concerns are credible and should be taken seriously.

Germanys national interests as its incumbent policymakers conceive them to be rest in becoming the EUs hegemon, which necessitates neutralizing Polands ambitions to lead the CEE space, ergo its alleged support of Tusk and speculative efforts to erode Polish sovereignty via the EU. These moves importantly preceded NATOs proposed military Schengen, and thats not by coincidence either. Rather, theyre meant to facilitate Germanys unprecedented post-WWII power play over Poland.

If Tusk improves ties with the EU like he promised, complies with any EU Treaty changes despite unconvincingly claiming to oppose them, and the military Schengen is imposed upon his country, then German forces could return to Poland en masse on the pretext of defending the EU from Russia. This doesnt contradict the de-escalation trends pertaining to the NATO-Russian proxy war, but complements them since it could be spun as compensating for the lack of Article 5-like guarantees to Ukraine.

On the one hand, the EU would wisely avoid laying any tripwires that Kiev could maliciously exploit to provoke a larger conflict with Russia upon the inevitable freezing of the present one (whenever that happens), while at the same time reassuring the public that they can still adequately respond if need be. The military Schengen would serve the purpose of enabling the blocs de facto German leader to swiftly dispatch its forces, which are planned to be the EUs largest, to the eastern frontier in that event.

It goes without saying that theyd have to transit through Poland and could easily end up deployed there indefinitely, whether as a so-called deterrent to Russian aggression or as part of a preplanned response to an artificially manufactured (i.e. false flag) border incident. After having voluntarily subordinated itself to Berlin under Tusk as is soon expected for the reasons that were explained, the restoration of German hegemony over Poland would therefore be completed without firing a shot.

In that scenario, which Polish conservative-nationalists are powerless to prevent and can only be offset by unlikely variables beyond their control, Germany would essentially be tasked by the US with containing Russia in Europe as part of Washingtons Lead From Behind stratagem. Once that countrys continental hegemony is fully secured through the means that were described in this analysis, America can then more confidently Pivot (back) to Asia to focus on containing China.

Those two superpowers are currently in the midst of an incipient thaw as proven by the positive outcome of their leaders latest face-to-face meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco, but it cant be taken for granted that this trend will continue. It therefore makes sense for the US to outsource its anti-Russian containment operations in Europe to Germany in order to free up the resources required for more muscularly containing China in Asia if this thaw fails.

As has traditionally been the case throughout history, Polish sovereignty is once again in the process of being sacrificed as part of the Great Powers games, but this time its borders will remain intact even though the country is poised to functionally become a German vassal in the coming future. There are indeed some variables beyond Polands control that could offset this scenario, but theyre very unlikely, so its probably a fait accompli by this point that Poland will play second fiddle to Germany indefinitely.
The company that aspires to be inside every missile, every drone, including, it seems, those belonging to the Israeli Defence Forces, is now running the patient data platform of the worlds second largest public health care system.

The Rishi Sunak government this week finally announced its decision, presumably made long ago, to hand the management of all NHS England patient records to Palantir, a tech company whose client list includes the US military, intelligence agencies and ICE, as well as the armed forces of the UK, Israel and other western countries. The five-year contract between NHS England  the non-departmental government body that runs the National Health Service in England  and Palantir is worth 360 million ($450 million), but that figure could rise as high as 480 million ($600 million) if, as expected, it is extended by two further years.

Thats a lot of money for a company that, like so many other Silicon Valley giants, is yet to post a single annual profit in its 20 years of operations. More valuable still is the NHS patient data system, which is the largest repository of health data in the world. As WIRED UK magazine reported in 2019, before Palantir had even signed its first contract with the NHS, Amazon, Google and the rest of Silicon Valley all wanted to get their hands on the data trove. Unsurprisingly, patients were less keen on the idea:

Careful use of health data could save lives, cut costs of delivering health care and even become a nice little earner for the NHS  indeed, an EY analysis thats frequently touted by the government suggests opening up the vaults could earn the underfunded public health organisation as much as 9.6 billion annually. But the tradeoffs could be our privacy, letting big tech further monetise medicine, and locking hospitals and clinics into expensive tech systems that will cost us more in the long run.

Ripping the Whole [of the NHS] from the Ground

The 360 million deal grants Palantir and its four partners, Accenture, PwC, NECS and Carnall Farrar, responsibility for overhauling and managing that system. The governments decision to pick Palantir may not have come as a surprise to close observers  more than a year ago we reported that NHS England had quietly instructed NHS Digital to gather patient data from NHS hospitals and extract it to its data platform, which is based on Palantirs Foundry enterprise data management platform  but that doesnt make it any less controversial.

This is a company whose co-founder and current chairman of the board, Peter Thiel, recently described the British publics affection for the NHS as Stockholm Syndrome. Speaking in an Oxford Union debate, he said the country could rip the whole thing from the ground and start over (as opposed to the slow death that successive UK governments have been subjecting it to), and that British people needed to stop thinking of the NHS as the most wonderful thing in the world.

This comes from a man who makes much of his money from the national security state, pens homages to Carl Schmitt and Leo Strauss, and is a member of the Bilderberg Clubs steering committee. Palantir, the company he co-founded and whose board he still chairs, is one of the darkest companies in the tech sphere, which is saying a lot. From my previous post, NHS to Use US Spy-Tech Firm Palantirs Platform to Extract Patient Data Without Patient Consent:

Named after the seeing stones used in The Lord of the Rings, Palantir was set up in 2003 with seed money from the CIAs venture capital arm, In-Q-Tel (IQT). It is one of the darkest companies in the tech sphere. While it is making significant inroads in the corporate world, its main line of business is to provide data-mining technology to support US military operations, mass surveillance, and predictive policing. Its technology is also used by ICE to identify illegal migrants before detaining and deporting them. When, in 2018, thousands of Google employees refused to participate in Project Maven, a secret Pentagon-funded AI pilot program aimed at the unmanned operation of aerial vehicles, the project was taken up by Palantir. Critics warn that the technology could pave the way to autonomous weapons that decide who to target without human input. In February 2021, Palantirs chief operating officer boasted to investors that Palantir was driving towards being inside of every missile, inside of every drone.

Right now, the company is providing technical and moral support to Israels genocidal onslaught on Gaza, reports Middle East Eye:

In a social media post on 12 October, it said: Certain kinds of evil can only be fought with force. Palantir stands with Israel. In a letter to shareholders issued on 2 November, the company said: We are one of a few companies in the world to stand up and announce our support for Israel, which remains steadfast. Announcing the companys third-quarter profits on the same day, Alex Karp, Palantirs chief executive and a co-founder of the company, said: I am proud that we are supporting Israel in every way we can Speaking to Fox Business earlier this month, Joe Lonsdale, another of Palantirs co-founders, said Israel was doing what it has to do and eliminating the bad guys and we are trying to keep the good guys armed and ahead. Lonsdale said: When we were building Palantir we actually learnt a lot from the Israelis. Theyre quite good at what they do and one of my proudest moments was when Israel started working with Palantir. So Palantir helps Israel do a lot of things too. Middle East Eye asked Palantir what technology or support it was providing to Israels armed forces but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Patients Fears

Besides helping the good guys in Israel eliminate the bad guys in Gaza, Palantir will soon be using its Foundry operating system to help address the NHSs existential crisis, or at least so we are lead to believe. That crisis includes a waiting list for elective treatment that has almost tripled over the past decade, to 7.7 million. According to NHS Englands National Director for Transformation Dr Vin Diwakar, the platform will help tackle waiting times, join up patient care and make the health service sustainable for the future.

But it will also result in yet more private sector involvement in essential NHS processes  something successive British government have been encouraging since the 1990s. One of the people who began this long process of piecemeal privatisation is former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who in 2003 told a meeting of private healthcare executives that he wanted to open the whole of the NHS to outside competition. In July this year, he urged the government to further expand the role of the private sector in the NHS while encouraging patients to take up private healthcare offers.

The companies involved in this latest deal, particularly Palantir, Accenture, the disgraced accountancy firm formerly known as Arthur Andersen that is closely involved in the World Economic Forums Digital Transformation Initiative, and the scandal-tarnished big four auditor PwC, hardly inspire trust and confidence. Many NHS patients and staff members have serious reservations. A case in point: Dr Latifa Patel, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), who wrote the following on BMAs :

The decision to award Palantir, a large US-based multinational, the contract for the Federated Data Platform  software which is designed to bring together existing NHS patient data systems  is deeply worrying. Having made our concerns plain for several months on this, and having written to the secretary of state of health and social care and urged for a rethink, our fears about how patient information may be used and handled going forward have not diminished. This contract is valued at an eye-watering amount  money which is desperately needed for direct care to help patients right now, and other health and social care services which remain in such crisis, not to mention the ongoing workforce shortages. Going forward, we cannot and must not allow patient data to be exploited. We need to know just how confidential patient data will be used within this data platform and the extent of the role that Palantir, which has commercial interest in this decision, will play.

Patients are no less sceptical. NHS England argues that working with Palantir should not cause patients concern because the information it will share is pseudonymous or stripped of identifying details. However, as the patients group Patients 4 NHS noted in an August communique, its not hard to piece together anonymised health records in a way that can lead to patients being identified.

In June, a poll from YouGov found that almost half of adults (48%) in England who have not yet opted out of the data platform are likely to do so, should the platform be introduced and run by a private company. According to a report published by Doctors Association UK, if anything like that number actually choose to exercise their National Data OptOut, it will have a catastrophic impact on the quality of NHS data, an extremely precious British health resource.

In light of the following exchange between Palantir CEO Alex Karp and BBC journalist Victoria Derbyshire, you can hardly blame the patients for wanting to opt out:

Alex Karp: Almost every other private company in the world besides my company will take that data and transfer it to somebody else. And so if youre in England you assume that when a private company touches your data, theyre going to use it for their purposes. Victoria Derbyshire: Yes. AK: Palantir doesnt do that VD: But you might in the future. AK: Weve never done it in 20 years VD: Sure but you may in the future AK: Well, first of all we wouldnt even be able to The way our product is set up, I dont even have access to the data. Our product does not allow us to do that VD: What Im putting to you is that if youve got all that data, as Doctors Association UK says, an extremely precious British resource in one place, that opens the door in the future to it being sold. Correct? AK: By the UK Government, not by me VD: You can see why people are concerned, then? AK: Absolutely.

The current and previous UK Governments have already shown they cannot be trusted with NHS patients data. In the summer of 2021, executives at NHS England came up with an ingenious plan to digitally scrape the general practice data of up to 55 million patients and share it with any private third parties willing to pay for it. NHS England allowed patients to opt out of the scheme; they just didnt bother telling them about it until three weeks before the deadline, presumably because if they had, millions of patients would have opted out.

When the FT broke the story, a scandal erupted, especially when it was revealed that the Government had already shared UK hospital data and medical records with over 40 pharmaceutical, consultancy and data companies worldwide, including McKinsey & Company, KPMG, Novavax, AstraZeneca, Experian and companies co-founded by the Sackler family. NHS England officials responded by shelving the scheme, saying they needed to focus on reaching out to patients and reassuring them their data is safe.

That, of course, hasnt happened. Instead, they waited for the scandal to die down before embarking on an even more egregious scheme  namely, this one! And this time round, patients will not have the option of opting out. After initially stating that participation would be voluntary in an FAQ in August, NHS England explicitly ruled out the possibility of opting out when the document was updated in October. Patients can only opt out of sharing their data for research and planning, not for direct patient care, it says. Open Democracy:

NHS England has rejected data privacy campaigners calls to allow patients to opt out of having their health data shared on the so-called Federated Data Platform. It claims this is not necessary because patients data will be anonymised and the platform will be used for direct care only. Conservative MP David Davis said that is not good enough and that the decision to award Palantir the contract will prove a mistake. It is virtually impossible to anonymise health data simply because of the density of the data in our health records and it being all too easy for that data to be re-identified, he added.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Perfect Entry Point

After making its bones in the military, intelligence and surveillance industry complexes, Palantir began looking to diversify its activities across a wide range of corporate sectors, particularly health and life sciences. The COVID-19 pandemic offered the perfect entry point while the NHS, boasting one of the richest centralised repositories of patient data on the planet, offered the perfect prize.

In March 2020, the UK Government signed a deal with an assortment of private tech firms, including Palantir, to help run the NHSs massive COVID-19 data store, which is now being upgraded into the federated data platform. The company charged a mere 1 for its services, which was enough to get its foot in the door. What was supposed to be a short-term arrangement blossomed into a two year contract with the Department of Health and Social Care, worth up to 23 million, to help run the NHS database.

To achieve its goals, the company has deployed lobbying tactics honed in the US, as the New York Times reported last month:

It has enlisted political figures, senior health executives and multiple consulting firms, according to interviews with N.H.S. officials, industry insiders and people involved in Palantirs operations. Last year, after requests for proposals were sought for the 480 million contract, Palantir poached N.H.S. Englands deputy director of data services and its artificial intelligence director Palantirs extensive lobbying efforts in the U.K. are an obvious attempt to whitewash their background at the heart of the world of espionage  with all its implications for ethical behavior and lack of transparency, [Conservative MP David David] said in a statement.

The revolving doors have been swinging hard and fast since the pandemic began. In 2021, a number of former Palantir officials went on to work for the government. One of them, Mike Spiers, joined the Department of Health and Social Care in December 2020, six months after leaving Palantir, and would go on to become the Chief of Staff, Deputy Director, to the COO of Covid Testing. In February this year, the Mirror reported that Isaac Levido, a lobbyist brought into Sunaks inner circle to help devise his election strategy, was also lobbying on behalf of Palantir.

Palantirs takeover of NHS data services has met strong resistance from certain quarters, which is expected to continue in the nations courts. Dozens of civil society groups have kicked up a storm about the prospect of so much highly sensitive personal data being handled by one US company, especially one so deeply embedded in the rapidly emerging mass surveillance industry.

Is Palantir really the kind of company we want at the very heart of the National Health Service? asks Cori Crider, director of Foxglove, a campaign group dedicated to challenging the excesses of tech giants. This is a company who, at the start of the pandemic, had no track record of working with healthcare staff. Theyre not a healthcare company. They werent a health data company. They were essentially a tech company who supported spies, police, the military and border forces.

In September 2021, the UKs Department for Health and Social Care was forced to terminate a contract with Palantir over the management of social care data, following a huge protest campaign involving more than 50 pressure groups led by Foxglove. The move was taken as a tentative sign that the UK government may finally be pivoting away from using Palantirs services, at least in the healthcare sector. That was clearly not the case.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana gave introductory remarks at the Meeting of the Council of Presidents of Business Europe in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday (23 November 2023). The event was organised by the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium.

During his address, Mr Geoana emphasised the importance of the partnership between NATO and industry, underlining that security is our shared responsibility. He also stressed that new technologies are becoming arenas for global competition and highlighted NATOs adaption to technological transformation, including through the establishment of the new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund.
Excess deaths among children continue to soar across Europe following push of COVID jabs for kids

Up until the point when the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the use of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" in children, excess deaths among children throughout Europe were negative, new data shows. Then, once the EUA was granted for the jabs to go into children, excess deaths among children started to soar

Put a different way, children across Europe were generally safe and healthy all throughout the "pandemic"  except for being forcibly kept away from their friends, in some cases where individual countries enforced stay-at-home and social distancing orders  and only started dying once the government began pushing kids to get jabbed for COVID along with the adults.

Once Operation Warp Speed was launched by the Trump regime, excess deaths among everyone began to skyrocket. In Europe, excess deaths in kids rose steadily up through the end of 2021, and have continued to rise ever since as long-term damage from the shots takes hold.

(Related: Pfizer's newly approved COVID injection "booster" or whatever was never tested in humans, only in mice  and in just eight of them.)

COVID jabs kill kids

In 2020 during the early days of the "pandemic," excess deaths among children aged 0-14 across Europe were -511, meaning 511 fewer children died than normal. This continued up through week 21 of 2021 when -330 excess deaths were reported.

The moment the EMA extended EUA for COVID jabs to go into children  this occurred on May 28, 2021  excess deaths started to rise. By the end of 2021, there were 685 reported, which may not sound like much in the overall scheme of things but it is significant in that fact that the upwards trend has only continued ever since.

Throughout 2022, another 1,385 excess deaths were reported among kids in Europe, followed by another 753 or so in 2023, as of week 45.

"This means that 2,823 more children have died than expected across Europe ever since the EMA extended Emergency Use Authorisation of the COVID-19 vaccine to children," reports The Expose.

"But 841 fewer children died than expected during the entire alleged pandemic up until the point the EMA extended Emergency Use Authorisation of the COVID-19 vaccine to children, with minus-841 excess deaths being recorded."

It is obvious just from these simple figures that something is very wrong with these shots, which are clearly killing children by the thousands. It is just that very few who hold positions of power are willing to acknowledge it, instead blaming other unrelated factors as an excuse.

"As someone said  the 'vaccines' are the gift that keeps on giving," wrote one commenter, also referencing another recent article about the growing number of leprosy cases now being detected among the fully jabbed.

Another cited the following video in which Dr. John Campbell interviewed Andrew Bridgen about an Oct. 20, 2023, debate in the House of Commons about excess deaths.

"Sir Christopher Chope had a lot to do with getting the debate," this commenter further wrote.

"It is only a half hour debate. Andrew Bridgen will speak for twenty minutes, leaving ten minutes for the minister to respond, but it will be a scripted reply and wont answer any of his questions. He is confident of getting a three-hour debate."

"Every MP who pushed the mandates and propaganda on the UK citizens should be in prison for life," added another. "Deception and unlawfully with full knowledge of harm done to the population of our country."

"It is tragic that we have almost no such representation in Canada," commented someone else. "I am keeping hopeful that the UK will become an example that we can point to."

Interested in learning more about the mounting death toll from COVID injections? You can do so at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
Police officers now have access to trillions of U.S. phone records, thanks to secret White House surveillance program

For at least the past 10 years, the federal government has been running a secret spying and surveillance program that allows law enforcement across the country to access domestic phone records at will.

The program, known as Data Analytical Services (DAS), has for more than a decade allowed federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to mine details about the calls Americans make, including analyzing the specific phone records of people who are not suspected of any crime, including victims.

We learned about this secret spying program from a letter that was recently sent by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) challenging its legality. DAS is especially concerning because it utilizes a technique called chain analysis that targets not just people who directly call a criminal suspect but also others with whom these same people may have been in contact.

Formerly known as Hemisphere, DAS operates in coordination with telecommunications giant AT&T, which captures and analyzes U.S. call records on behalf of the nation's law enforcement agencies, according to a White House memo.

The White House has reportedly contributed more than $6 million to the program, which in essence allows the government to target the records of all calls that use AT&T's infrastructure, described by WIRED as "a maze of routers and switches that crisscross the United States."

(Related: During the COVID "pandemic," we reported that virtually all of the government's information websites were secret spying operations.)

Sen. Wyden expresses "serious concerns about the legality" of DAS program

In his letter, which was directed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sen. Wyden wrote that he has "serious concerns about the legality" of the DAS program, citing "troubling information" he received about it that "would justifiably outrage many Americans and other members of Congress."

Sen. Wyden expressed that the DOJ confidentially provided this information to him, which he describes as "sensitive but unclassified," meaning he is forbidden from disclosing it to the public even though it poses no risk to "national security" as defined by the deep state.

AT&T makes a lot of money from its participation in DAS. The company voluntarily collects and stores many years' worth of call records on Americans for law enforcement purposes. In some cases, this data has been stolen  the transparency collective Distributed Denial of Secrets published a report in 2020 citing "hundreds of gigabytes" of stolen phone records from the program.

Evidence collected from DAS and reviewed by WIRED shows that there are a variety of processes and justifications that law enforcement agencies utilize to continue monitoring the call records of not only criminal suspects but also their families and friends.

While DAS is technically managed under a program devoted to drug trafficking, a leaked file from the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC) shows that local police agencies are abusing it for cases that are seemingly unrelated to drugs.

The New York Times was the first to report on Hemisphere, as it was then called, in September 2013, the same year it was also renamed as DAS. Since that time, the program has largely flown under the radar with few Americans or really anyone knowing it even exists.

The Times obtained internal records at that time showing that law enforcement agencies who use the program are never to make mention of it in any official document. In other words, DAS is intentionally operated in secrecy.

The data collected through DAS does not include the actual conversations of calls, but rather a range of identifying information about them including caller and recipient names, phone numbers, and dates and times of calls.

The latest news about government spying operations can be found at Surveillance.news.

Sources for this article include:

WIRED.com

NaturalNews.com
Poll: 56% of American voters believe CHEATING is LIKELY to happen in 2024 elections

More than half of American voters believe that cheating is likely to happen in the 2024 presidential election, dealing a major blow to election integrity.

The survey by Rasmussen Reports polled 1,029 U.S. voters between Nov. 13 and Nov. 15, asking a critical question: "How likely is it that the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be affected by cheating?"

A staggering 56 percent of participants believe that cheating is likely to happen, with 31 percent going further to say vote fraud is "very likely." Moreover, 51 percent of respondents believe mail-in ballots make it easier to cheat. (Related: Myra Adams shares wild PLOT TWISTS that could upend 2024 presidential election.)

According to the Heritage Foundations Election Fraud Database, proven instances of voter fraud list nearly 1,500 cases with over 1,200 criminal convictions over the year and with different politicians.

Given this, Americans who think there might be voter fraud in 2024 are likely the same ones who believe that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Dishonest and rigged elections through the years have only bolstered their belief that the integrity of the American electoral system is compromised.

"To restore confidence in our elections, we need to enact a single day of voting, require voter identification, adopt paper ballots only and require that hand-tabulated results are announced within 24 hours. Acceptable exceptions for military personnel and the disabled are assumed," wrote Laura Wellington for the Western Journal.

Glitches in PA Superior Court judge elections only fuel speculation of rigged polls

The doubts American voters have over the system aren't unfounded, as voting machines enter the picture once more. In one instance, voting machines in Pennsylvania experienced technical glitches during the state's election for its Superior Court judges in early November.

Lehigh Valley News reported that on Nov. 7, the ES&S ExpressVote XL machines mistakenly swapped the votes for Democrat Judge Jack Panella and Republican Judge Victor Stabile. A press release by the Northampton County Elections Office (NCEO) said whenever a voter selected a "Yes" or a "No" for one of the two candidates to be retained on the Superior Court, the selection would record a vote for the opposing candidate on both the paper ballot and the voting machine.

But the NCEO clarified that "the issue is limited to the retention of Superior Court judges and is only an issue when recording the votes for when a voter selected a 'yes' for one candidate and a 'no' for another candidate."

To make things worse, a mistake in the programming of the voting machines swapped the names of two judges on the verification slip. ES&S also explained that an employee also mislabeled Superior Court races when deciding how they would appear on paper backups.

In a news conference, Northampton County Director of Administration Charles Dertinger revealed that voters noticed the problem around 7 a.m., leading to several polling places using emergency paper ballots and the voting machines being temporarily taken offline by poll workers.

Despite the technical glitches on that day, officials still continued the election. They assured the public that the glitches were just a minor issue, but then, after multiple incidents of election fraud in the past, voters now question the reliability of these voting machines.

Follow Rigged.news for more news about election integrity and American elections being stolen.

Watch Ivan Raiklin warn Dan Happel of a cover-up that will follow a steal of the 2024 election on the Brighteon.TV program "Connecting The Dots."

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

FBI closely monitoring Trump supporters in run-up to 2024 election.

Judge deciding Trumps fate in 2024 election comes from family of Marxist revolutionaries.

Ivan Raiklin: Expect another COVER-UP to happen when 2024 election is stolen  Brighteon.TV.

Matrixxx Grooove: Americans doing everything to ensure Trumps 2024 White House return  Brighteon.TV.

Not getting a fair shot: RFK Jr. to announce plan to run as INDEPENDENT, stresses DNC is RIGGING the primaries.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

WesternJournal.com

LehighValleyNews.com

Brighteon.com
Turkey asks IAEA to probe whether Israel has NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Ankara plans to ask the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to investigate whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.

According to the Turkish president, Israel is among the few nations not signatory to the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He stressed the significance of this step in balancing strategic interests in the region, and asserted that Turkey would continue to exert pressure on Israel regarding its nuclear capabilities.

Erdogan reiterated that an inspection of Israel's nuclear weapons is crucial, and he expressed his commitment to pursuing this course of action. He called on the international community not to overlook the matter and urged for a thorough investigation. While it is widely believed that Israel maintains a nuclear weapons program, the country neither confirms nor denies its existence.

Erdogan said Ankara will not allow the issue of Israels nuclear weapons to be dropped from the global agenda.

Moreover, he called the European support for Israel "the shame of the Holocaust." According to him, the West was trying to vindicate what he said were Israel's war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Erdogan added that Western countries had a "fraternity of lies" with Israel, which he labeled as "shameful."

"The shame of the Holocaust has literally taken European leaders hostage," he said. "We, as Turkey, will not allow the issue of Israel's nuclear to be forgotten."

Erdogan's call comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by Israeli Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, who suggested the idea of dropping a "nuclear bomb" on Gaza. Following these comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended Eliyahu from cabinet meetings.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated  with Erdogan criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, branding it a "terror state," and accusing the Israel Defense Forces of committing war crimes against the Palestinians. In response, Netanyahu accused Erdogan of supporting "the terrorist state of Hamas."

Turkey calls for peace between Israel and Hamas

The ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, has resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily among civilians, and has seen both sides engaging in hostilities. Less than two weeks ago, Erdogan called for an international peace conference to address the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. (Related: Turkey's Erdogan warns of "spiral of violence" in phone call with Israel's Herzog.)

Speaking at a joint Islamic-Arab summit in Saudi Arabia, Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that a permanent solution requires a ceasefire and emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He held bilateral talks with leaders, including Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Erdogan expressed Turkey's readiness to collaborate on providing humanitarian aid and health services to Gaza.

Turkey, which supports a two-state solution, hosts members of Hamas and does not designate it as a terrorist organization, in contrast to the stance of the U.S., the U.K. and some Western nations.

Erdogan stressed that Hamas members defending their homeland should not be equated with occupiers. He emphasized that a permanent resolution hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders and proposed an international peace conference as the most suitable platform.

Visit NuclearWeapons.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video of Scott Ritter and Judge Andrew Napolitano discussing Israel's threat of a nuclear war.

This video from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Turkey files lawsuit against Netanyahu, accusing him and Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza.

Turkey's Erdogan threatens WAR against Israel for their relentless BOMBING of Gaza Strip.

Turkish leader pushes to end conflict in Gaza Strip, calls Israel a WAR CRIMINAL.

Turkish President Erdogan labels Israel a "terror state."

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Schools all over the U.S. are now experiencing MILK SHORTAGES

The typical school lunch for many young students in the United States often includes a ubiquitous carton of milk. But some school cafeterias may soon run out the half-pint cartons of milk they usually serve , with several districts across the U.S. already trying to find alternatives.

Strangely enough, the problem is not a shortage of milk but of the cardboard cartons used to package and serve it, reported dairy industry suppliers and state officials.

According to a statement from Pactiv Evergreen of Lake Forest, Illinois, which calls itself "the leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America," the company is still dealing with "significantly higher than projected demand" for its milk cartons.

Matt Herrick, spokesperson for the International Dairy Foods Association, explained that the shortage is affecting the companys ability to fully supply some school milk orders.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has acknowledged that the supply chain problem now affects several states. School officials in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington state said they are preparing for the shortage.

Solutions to milk issue being proposed at the local level

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service previously required milk to be served with school meals. But in a memo issued in late October, districts were given leeway to serve different types or sizes of milk during the supply shortage. As a last resort, districts could even skip offering milk.

It remains to be seen how long the carton shortage could last. In Everett, Washington, school officials told parents to expect a disruption in cafeteria milk supply that could last for several months. (Related: Shortage of feedstock caused by severe drought leading to MILK shortage in France.)

Herrick said U.S. milk processors are cooperating with other package suppliers to address the carton shortage. He said that he expected the problem to improve within weeks and to be resolved by early next year.

As the shortage continues, school districts are now sending messages to their families and communities about how they are either currently managing or preparing to navigate serving milk without the half-pint cartons.

According to several districts, they expect the milk carton shortage to last until January 2024.

In West Virginias Preston County Schools, school nutrition officials are considering options aside from their usual milk supplier. Beth Doerr, the districts child nutrition director, released a statement to advise the public that in some cases, "juice and water will need to be substituted."

For Walla Walla Public Schools in Washington, Pamela Milleson, the districts nutrition services director, has prepared a multi-tiered contingency plan with other district departments in case the milk carton shortage reaches the district.

The 5,600-student district also released an FAQ page on its website and plans to inform parents should the shortage impact local school milk offerings. Milleson said Walla Walla schools usually serve 22,000 cartons of milk per week.

A July 2023 USDA report revealed that 97 percent of school food authorities surveyed between November 2022 and January 2023 experienced one or more supply chain-related issues, including increased costs and staff or product shortages.

Milleson said one of the important lessons that came out of the pandemic is that it taught schools "how to be flexible, stay calm and develop effective contingency plans" during emergency scenarios. However, the ongoing supply chain woes are negatively affecting staff and families.

Meanwhile, dairy suppliers are pointing at packaging manufacturer Pactiv Evergreen as the source of the milk carton supply issue. Milleson thinks the increase in states and districts serving universal school meals could also be a factor affecting the carton supply shortage.

Visit FoodSupply.news for more updates about food shortages affecting the country.

Watch this clip about the survival uses and health benefits of organic non-fat milk powder.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Protect yourself against food shortage with these useful prepping practices.

Ransomware attack on Dole causes SHORTAGE of salad in groceries.

Global sugar shortage sends prices to decade high.

Sources include:

HeadlineUSA.com

K12Dive.com

Brighteon.com
A new study published in the journal Science revealef that bonobos, our closest living relatives, are capable of cooperating with individuals from other groups, even forming alliances against sexual aggressors.

The findings offered clues into how early human societies might have evolved from small kin-based groups to larger and more complex ones.

Bonobos: The Peaceful Apes

Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are one of the two species of chimpanzees, the other being the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

Both are genetically very similar to humans, sharing about 98% of our DNA.

However, while common chimpanzees are known for their aggressive and violent behavior towards outsiders, bonobos are more peaceful and tolerant.

Bonobos live only in the remote forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and civil war. They are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Bonobo societies are female-led, making them the only matriarchal great ape species.

Scientists have documented them in both zoos and in the wild, openly and willingly sharing food and shelter with bonobos unfamiliar to them.

They also use sex as a way of resolving conflicts and maintaining social bonds, earning them the nickname of "the hippies of the animal kingdom".

These primates are highly intelligent and have been shown to communicate with gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Some bonobos have even learned to use human language and symbols in captivity.

Also Read: Bonobos in the Wild Capable of Forming Strategic Alliances With Other Groups

Cooperation Beyond Kinship

The new study, led by Liran Samuni of the German Primate Center in Gottingen and Martin Surbeck of Harvard University, is the first to examine the interactions between different bonobo groups in the wild.

The researchers spent two years following two small bonobo groups of 11 and 20 adults respectively, at the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

They observed that the bonobos spent 20% of their total time together, engaging in various cooperative behaviors, such as grooming, food sharing, traveling, and resting2.

The researchers also found that the cooperation between the groups was driven largely by a select few individuals who were more helpful within their own group.

These "pro-social" bonobos tended to connect with similar bonobos from the other group, creating a system of mutual benefit, or "reciprocal altruism".

For example, the researchers witnessed a case where a female bonobo from one group groomed a male bonobo from another group, and later received food from him.

Another interesting finding was that female bonobos formed coalitions with females from other groups to protect themselves from sexual aggression by males.

The researchers recorded an incident where a male bonobo tried to force a female bonobo from another group to mate with him, but was chased away by a group of females from both groups.

This suggests that female bonobos use cooperation as a strategy to increase their reproductive autonomy and reduce male dominance.

A Window into Our Past

The study provides new insights into the evolutionary origins of human cooperation, which is considered a key factor for the success of our species.

Human society is founded on our ability to cooperate with others beyond our immediate family and social groups, in everything from trade and politics to culture and religion.

However, the evolutionary roots of this trait are still unclear. Some scientists have argued that hostility against outsiders is innate to human nature, and that we have overcome it by inventing new social norms and institutions.

Others have suggested that cooperation with strangers is an ancient and adaptive trait that emerged in response to ecological and social challenges.

The new study supports the latter view, by showing that bonobos, our closest living relatives, also cooperate with outsiders, in ways that are similar to humans.

The researchers argued that studying bonobos offers a "window into our past," possibly revealing how our own ancestors began to expand their social networks and collaborate with others for mutual benefit.

They also proposed that bonobos can serve as a model for understanding the role of female empowerment and sexual equality in human evolution, as these factors may have facilitated cooperation and reduced violence among early humans.

The study also has implications for the conservation of bonobos, as it highlights their unique and complex social behavior, which is threatened by human activities.

The researchers hoped that their findings will raise awareness and support for the protection of bonobos and their habitat, as well as the local communities that coexist with them.

They also plan to continue their research on bonobo cooperation, by exploring the genetic, hormonal, and neural mechanisms that underlie it, and by comparing it with the cooperation of other primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas.

Related article: Attractive Females Dominate the Social Circle: Bonobo Study
A new type of bacterial infection could be behind a mysterious respiratory illness that has been spreading among dogs in several states across the US, according to researchers.

The illness, which has been described as an "atypical canine infectious respiratory disease," has symptoms similar to canine influenza or kennel cough, such as coughing, fever, and nasal discharge.

However, it does not respond to common treatments and can lead to severe pneumonia and death in rare cases.

What is causing the illness?

The exact cause of the illness is still unknown, but researchers from New Hampshire and Oregon have been working together to identify the possible culprit.

They have found evidence of a novel bacterium that may be responsible for the infection.

The bacterium belongs to the genus Mycoplasma, which are known to cause respiratory diseases in animals and humans. However, the specific species of the bacterium has not been identified yet.

Dr. David B. Needle, a pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinical associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, said that the bacterium could have evolved from a harmless colonizer of dogs to a virulent pathogen through a mutation or a gene transfer.

He said that the bacterium is likely host-adapted, meaning that it can only infect dogs and not other animals or humans.

Dr. Kurt Williams, director of Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, who has been researching the illness for the past month and a half, further said that the bacterium is not easy to detect and culture, which makes it challenging to study.

He said that more samples and tests are needed to confirm the role of the bacterium in the illness and to develop a diagnostic test and a vaccine.

Also Read: Unusual Respiratory Illness Hits Dogs in Parts of US; Pet Owners Advised to Keep Them Healthy

How to prevent and treat the illness?

The illness is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with other dogs, especially in places like day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels.

Therefore, dog owners are advised to take precautions to protect their pets from the infection, such as:

Avoiding scenarios with other dogs, especially if they show signs of respiratory illness.

Making sure their dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza, which are common causes of respiratory diseases in dogs.

Seeking veterinary care as soon as possible if their dogs develop a cough that lasts longer than a few days or if they show signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, bluish gums or loss of appetite.

Isolating their dogs from other dogs if they are diagnosed with the illness and following the instructions of their veterinarian regarding treatment and recovery.

Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, said that most of the dogs that she has seen with the illness have required hospitalization and intensive care.

She said that the treatment involves supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, fluids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. She added that some dogs have recovered well, while others have died due to the illness.

Dr. Gina Kettig, veterinarian at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, said in a segment on TODAY that she has seen many cases of the illness and that it is concerning.

She said that she is using her isolation ward heavily to prevent the spread of the infection and that she is hopeful that a vaccine will be developed soon.

The mysterious illness affecting dogs has raised alarm among veterinarians and dog owners, who are urged to be vigilant and cautious.

The researchers are working hard to find out more about the illness and to find a way to stop it. Until then, the best way to protect the dogs is to prevent exposure and seek prompt medical attention.

Related article: The Real Reason Behind Crabs Dying and Dogs Getting Sick in an English Coast
Cases of pneumonia have increased in China as the winter season starts.

Amid the increase of cases, officials from the World Health Organization have urged the Chinese government to provide information on this.

Request From The WHO

It was reported that there has been an increase in "influenza-like illness" in northern China since mid-October, unlike what happened in the past three years.

Furthermore, there are reports that some of the hospitals in the region had faced an increase in pediatric visits as the winter season sets in.

So far, the WHO has made an official request to China for detailed information regarding the increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia among children.

According to the WHO, it already requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

The WHO also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems.

Experts from the WHO are also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China.

It said that during a press conference on November 13, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China.

Chinese health officials have attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

Due to the spike in cases, authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.

Meanwhile, on November 21, there were reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

It is, however, uncertain if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or these cases could be due to separate events.

Read Also: China Virus Outbreak Expected to Last for Months

New Illness Unlikely

Dr. Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at Britain's University of East Anglia, doubted that the wave of respiratory infections was sparked by a new disease.

Hunter pointed out that if it was sparked by a new illness, many infections will be reported among adults.

Francois Balloux of University College London, meanwhile, expressed belief that China has been experiencing a significant wave of childhood infections since this was the first winter since lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Since mid-October, areas in northern China have reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to what had been recorded during the same period in the previous three years.

Officials said that China has systems in place to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

Amid the increase, the WHO already recommended that people in China should follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing.

Related Article: China Records World's First Human Death Due to Bird Flu Strain H3N8
A magnitude-7 earthquake struck the Vanuatu region in the South Pacific on Wednesday.

No Tsunami Alert

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers below the Earth's surface, just north of Maewo, one of the country's easternmost islands.

However, no tsunami warning was issued following the shocks, according to the US Tsunami Warning System.

There have been no reports of widespread destruction, loss of life, or injury on the islands.

Earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 6.1 to 6.9 are said to cause "significant damage in densely populated areas."

Vanuatu is a twin chain of 13 major and numerous minor islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

The islands were formed by volcanic and coral activity.

They are located approximately 800 kilometers west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometers east of Australia. Approximately 65 of the islands are inhabited.

Read Also: Another Stronger Earthquake Hits the Pacific; the 7.2 Magnitude Event is Insufficient to Experience a Tsunami

Prone To Earthquake

Every year, approximately 2000 earthquake occurrences are registered in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is located on the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," a circle of seismic faults noted for regular earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

This is the island nation's second big earthquake of the year after a magnitude 7 quake devastated Espiritu Santo earlier in January.

The latest tremor comes barely three weeks after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook the region.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked Vanuatu in July, 83 kilometers east of Port-Olry.

Vanuatu has several active volcanoes on the islands of Tanna, Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, Vanua Lava, and Gaua.

Aside from earthquakes, this country experiences an annual cyclone season as well as frequent droughts and floods, making it one of the world's most vulnerable to natural disasters.

Vanuatu's economy is being harmed by rising sea levels and increasing cyclones.

The island nation has presented a draft United Nations resolution requesting advice from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on legal obligations and repercussions resulting from climate change.

Nearly 20 countries, the majority of them small, actively supported the resolution in a global demonstration emphasizing the gravity of the climate catastrophe.

The resolution requests that the ICJ define nations' commitments regarding climate change, especially their human rights obligations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution also requests direction from the court on issues of accountability for "states that have caused significant harm to the climate," especially tiny island nations and peoples and individuals adversely affected by climate change.

The global effort to pass the resolution serves as an example for preserving human rights at the UN and other international bodies dealing with climate change challenges.

While the ICJ does not have binding authority, its advisory opinion could improve vulnerable nations' standing in international discussions and characterize climate change as a human rights concern.

Vanuatu has been named the world's most disaster-prone country by the United Nations University's Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) in its annual WorldRiskReport in 2015.

The country's 2014 ranking of 36.5 percentage points puts it significantly ahead of second-place Philippines (28.3), South Pacific neighbor Tonga (28.2), and Guatemala (21). Germany is 147th with 3 percentage points.

Related Article: Tsunami Warnings Issued Across South Pacific Following 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake
Wild turkeys in the United States are decreasing in numbers in their natural habitats, and even scientists do not know the reason why, according to ongoing studies by researchers in Oklahoma, state officials in Pennsylvania, and other scientists nationwide. The US wild turkey population decline was recorded since 2004 and Thanksgiving Day has nothing to do with it. Since the US' first Thanksgiving in November 1621, there has been relatively no significant decline in the country's wild turkey population until recent times.

With this, scientists have explored potential causes or posed several theories, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and disease. Aside from wild turkeys, the population of all bird species is also on a decline across the US and Canada over the past five decades. Although a bird flu outbreak has impacted both domestic and wild birds in the US in recent years, scientists are not linking avian influenza to the decreasing turkey population.

Nationwide Turkey Population Research

Wild turkey population in the US is mysteriously decreasing, especially in some regions of Alabama and the Southeast US for the past 10 to 15 years, according to an Auburn University professor during a news release in October 2021. Will Gulsby, an associate professor of wildlife management at the university's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, is researching the cause of this decline with the objective of reversing current trends.

Meanwhile, scientists at Oklahoma State University are also studying the phenomenon of wild turkey population decline and launched a five-year project to examine similar cases in the state. These studies are part of other ongoing research in other states across the US, including in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, as well as by state officials in Pennsylvania.

Also Read: 5 Aggressive Turkeys Terrorize Massachusetts Town, Forcing Residents to Stay Home

US Wild Turkey Population Decline

According to biologists, the US wild turkey population may have decreased by approximately 1 million or almost 15% between 2004 and 2014, with most of the decline reported in the South US and Midwest region. This figure further decreased by 3% between 2014 and 2019, although researchers acknowledged there could be discrepancies in the said data.

Although research in general links the expansion and development of human settlements to the decline of the US wild turkey population, there is no clear correlation between the two factors. When it comes to climate change, even scientists in their study published in the journal Climate Change Ecology state that there is a minimal shift in nest initiation date or nesting phenology linked with projected climate change.

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a bird species native to North America. In the US, wild turkeys or eastern wild turkeys can be found through the forests of the eastern US, stretching from southern Canada to north Florida, even as far as northern Mexico and east to Arizona. Wild turkey populations can also be found westward to the states of Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota.

Related Article: Wild Turkey Population Sudden Drop in Oklahoma Points to Predatory Racoons, Expert Says
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By AFP

CAIRO: Tunisian film star Hend Sabri has resigned as World Food Programme goodwill ambassador in protest at what she called the use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.

Sabri, a leading figure in Arab cinema, said that she had decided with "a heavy heart and deep sadness" to step down after 13 years with the United Nations agency.

In a statement published on social media platform X late Wednesday, the 44-year-old said that she had asked the WFP leadership to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

She said that she had hoped the agency "would use its voice forcefully" as it had done in previous crises.

"However, hunger and starvation have been used as weapons of war... against more than two million civilians in Gaza," Sabri said.

A pause in fighting, due to take effect on Friday, was "too little too late," she added.

Sabri's most recent film, "Four Daughters," was named joint winner of a documentary film prize at this year's Cannes festival.

Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, it explores the true story of how a mother comes to terms with the decision by two of her children to flee to Libya and join the Islamic State group.

Following her resignation, the WFP offered its "heartfelt gratitude" for Sabri's "unwavering support and dedication" as goodwill ambassador.

Israel tightened its siege of Gaza alongside relentless bombardment after Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7.

ALSO READ | Susan Sarandon, Melissa Barrera dropped from Hollywood companies after comments on Israel-Hamas war

Israel says that around 1,200 people were killed in the cross-border raids -- most of them civilians -- and about 240 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run government in Gaza says Israel's operations have killed more than 14,000 people, also mostly non-combatants, and left much of the territory in ruins.

The planned four-day truce will see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The pause is also intended to provide aid to Gaza's 2.4 million residents struggling to survive with shortages of food, water and fuel.

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CAIRO: Tunisian film star Hend Sabri has resigned as World Food Programme goodwill ambassador in protest at what she called the use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. Sabri, a leading figure in Arab cinema, said that she had decided with "a heavy heart and deep sadness" to step down after 13 years with the United Nations agency. In a statement published on social media platform X late Wednesday, the 44-year-old said that she had asked the WFP leadership to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); She said that she had hoped the agency "would use its voice forcefully" as it had done in previous crises. "However, hunger and starvation have been used as weapons of war... against more than two million civilians in Gaza," Sabri said. A pause in fighting, due to take effect on Friday, was "too little too late," she added. Sabri's most recent film, "Four Daughters," was named joint winner of a documentary film prize at this year's Cannes festival. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, it explores the true story of how a mother comes to terms with the decision by two of her children to flee to Libya and join the Islamic State group. Following her resignation, the WFP offered its "heartfelt gratitude" for Sabri's "unwavering support and dedication" as goodwill ambassador. Israel tightened its siege of Gaza alongside relentless bombardment after Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. ALSO READ | Susan Sarandon, Melissa Barrera dropped from Hollywood companies after comments on Israel-Hamas war Israel says that around 1,200 people were killed in the cross-border raids -- most of them civilians -- and about 240 taken hostage. The Hamas-run government in Gaza says Israel's operations have killed more than 14,000 people, also mostly non-combatants, and left much of the territory in ruins. The planned four-day truce will see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The pause is also intended to provide aid to Gaza's 2.4 million residents struggling to survive with shortages of food, water and fuel. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri journalist and editor of a news portal and news magazine The Kashmir Walla Fahad Shah was released from detention after 21 months and reached his home in Srinagar on Thursday after being granted bail by J&K High Court last week.

Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted bail to Fahad on November 17 in the alleged seditious article case filed against him by J&K Polices State Investigation Agency. Fahad (34) was arrested on February 4, 2022 under UAPA for alleged wrong reporting about an encounter in Pulwama on January 30 in which four Jaish militants including a top commander Zahid Wani and a Pakistani militant were killed.

The HC quashed charges such as terror conspiracy and waging war against the country of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and assertions prejudicial to national-integration. He, however, will face trial under Section 13 (abetting unlawful activities) of the UAPA.

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SRINAGAR: Kashmiri journalist and editor of a news portal and news magazine The Kashmir Walla Fahad Shah was released from detention after 21 months and reached his home in Srinagar on Thursday after being granted bail by J&K High Court last week. Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted bail to Fahad on November 17 in the alleged seditious article case filed against him by J&K Polices State Investigation Agency. Fahad (34) was arrested on February 4, 2022 under UAPA for alleged wrong reporting about an encounter in Pulwama on January 30 in which four Jaish militants including a top commander Zahid Wani and a Pakistani militant were killed. The HC quashed charges such as terror conspiracy and waging war against the country of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and assertions prejudicial to national-integration. He, however, will face trial under Section 13 (abetting unlawful activities) of the UAPA. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

Rescue drilling resumed at the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse Site after the restoration of damaged drilling equipment, the government of India informed.

The repaired Augur assembly was re-inserted by 2:30 PM in the afternoon.

In addition to this, the government has informed that placing and positioning of the next pipe which is to be in line with the Augur machine is under progress, and pushing will commence after completion of welding joints.

The Auger machine is expected to be very close to completing its mission of creating a rescue tunnel for the workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.

The Auger drilling had started at 12:45 AM on Wednesday and was halted due to a metallic object being encountered in front of the pipe and the pipe could not be inserted further.

Cutting of this Metallic object using Gas cutters has been completed, as per the update from the government.

While the pushing of the 9th pipe reached an additional 1.8-meter distance, minor vibration was noted, so Auger was pushed slightly back to re-assess the force to be applied.

A bent part of the forepole (pipe) from the tunnel lining was struck in the auger assembly which led to vibrations.

Strengthening of platform for augur machine using an accelerating agent for rapid hardening of concrete is completed. Further, the auger was required to pull back fully to assess any other damage to pipe. The government has updated that this has been completed. The bent pipe has been cut and a GPR (Ground Penetration Radar) test has been conducted.

Apart from this, the strengthening of the platform for augur machine using an accelerating agent for rapid hardening of concretehas also been done. A platform for Auger Machine has been strengthened by way of anchoring, bolting, concreting foundation etc, said the government.

In addition to the Augur drilling, there are several other parallel rescue efforts in progress.

Agencies including ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCLare also trying to open the tunnel using various other methods including vertical and perpendicular-horizontal drilling.

On SJVNLs operations, the government said: Platform for launching of drilling machine has been completed. Marking of drilling point over the tunnel has been finalized at ch. 300 L/S after discussion with GSI, RVNL & ONGC. Assembly of machine has started.

On RVNLs operations it said, Equipments for micro tunneling required for horizontal drilling to recue labourers has reached site. Platform likely to be completed by 24.11.2023. Equipment to set up by 25.11.2023.

THDC, informed the government, has initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with four blasts already completed, resulting in a 9.10 meter drift.

Shotcreting and rib erection has been completed and additional rib fabrication work is in progress, it added.

Regarding the 6-inch vertical drilling by RVNL at the Silkyara end the government said: Access road of 1150 meter has been completed by BRO and handed over to RVNL. Machine for drilling towed to location by BRO. Electric Connection has been provided to RVNL. Vertical drilling likely to be completed by 26.11.2023.

Meanwhile, the government also informed that freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being inserted inside the tunnel at regular intervals using the 2nd life line (150 mm dia) service which has been extended from the initial position to a distance of 12 m to ensure higher stability and safety.

Consignment consisting of roti, Dal, mixed vegetable and fruits like apples, oranges, bananas etc.. along with medicines and salts has also been supplied. Modified communication system with wire connectivity developed by SDRF is being used for communication regularly. People inside have reported that they are safe, the government said.

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Rescue drilling resumed at the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse Site after the restoration of damaged drilling equipment, the government of India informed. The repaired Augur assembly was re-inserted by 2:30 PM in the afternoon. In addition to this, the government has informed that placing and positioning of the next pipe which is to be in line with the Augur machine is under progress, and pushing will commence after completion of welding joints.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Auger machine is expected to be very close to completing its mission of creating a rescue tunnel for the workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. The Auger drilling had started at 12:45 AM on Wednesday and was halted due to a metallic object being encountered in front of the pipe and the pipe could not be inserted further. Cutting of this Metallic object using Gas cutters has been completed, as per the update from the government. While the pushing of the 9th pipe reached an additional 1.8-meter distance, minor vibration was noted, so Auger was pushed slightly back to re-assess the force to be applied. A bent part of the forepole (pipe) from the tunnel lining was struck in the auger assembly which led to vibrations. Strengthening of platform for augur machine using an accelerating agent for rapid hardening of concrete is completed. Further, the auger was required to pull back fully to assess any other damage to pipe. The government has updated that this has been completed. The bent pipe has been cut and a GPR (Ground Penetration Radar) test has been conducted. Apart from this, the strengthening of the platform for augur machine using an accelerating agent for rapid hardening of concretehas also been done. A platform for Auger Machine has been strengthened by way of anchoring, bolting, concreting foundation etc, said the government. In addition to the Augur drilling, there are several other parallel rescue efforts in progress. Agencies including ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCLare also trying to open the tunnel using various other methods including vertical and perpendicular-horizontal drilling. On SJVNLs operations, the government said: Platform for launching of drilling machine has been completed. Marking of drilling point over the tunnel has been finalized at ch. 300 L/S after discussion with GSI, RVNL & ONGC. Assembly of machine has started. On RVNLs operations it said, Equipments for micro tunneling required for horizontal drilling to recue labourers has reached site. Platform likely to be completed by 24.11.2023. Equipment to set up by 25.11.2023. THDC, informed the government, has initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with four blasts already completed, resulting in a 9.10 meter drift. Shotcreting and rib erection has been completed and additional rib fabrication work is in progress, it added. Regarding the 6-inch vertical drilling by RVNL at the Silkyara end the government said: Access road of 1150 meter has been completed by BRO and handed over to RVNL. Machine for drilling towed to location by BRO. Electric Connection has been provided to RVNL. Vertical drilling likely to be completed by 26.11.2023. Meanwhile, the government also informed that freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being inserted inside the tunnel at regular intervals using the 2nd life line (150 mm dia) service which has been extended from the initial position to a distance of 12 m to ensure higher stability and safety. Consignment consisting of roti, Dal, mixed vegetable and fruits like apples, oranges, bananas etc.. along with medicines and salts has also been supplied. Modified communication system with wire connectivity developed by SDRF is being used for communication regularly. People inside have reported that they are safe, the government said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NARAYANPUR: Two workers were killed and another sustained injuries after a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off at an iron ore mine site in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said.

The incident took place around 7.

30 am when the three workers were heading for work in Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine on a hill under Chhote Dongar police station limits, located around 350 km away from state capital Raipur, a senior police official said.

Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time.

Prime facie, the workers came in contact with the pressure IED connection triggering the blast, he said.

The deceased were identified as Ritesh Gagda (21) and Shravan Gagda (24), residents of Narayanpur district, he added.

The body of Shravan who was reported to be missing after the explosion, was found at the blast site, he said.

The injured worker, Umesh Rana, was admitted to a local hospital, he said.

Search operation is underway in the area by security personnel, the official said.

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NARAYANPUR: Two workers were killed and another sustained injuries after a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off at an iron ore mine site in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The incident took place around 7. 30 am when the three workers were heading for work in Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine on a hill under Chhote Dongar police station limits, located around 350 km away from state capital Raipur, a senior police official said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time. Prime facie, the workers came in contact with the pressure IED connection triggering the blast, he said. The deceased were identified as Ritesh Gagda (21) and Shravan Gagda (24), residents of Narayanpur district, he added. The body of Shravan who was reported to be missing after the explosion, was found at the blast site, he said. The injured worker, Umesh Rana, was admitted to a local hospital, he said. Search operation is underway in the area by security personnel, the official said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Jaison Wilson By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday asked Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to refer its judgment in Punjab Governor's case, in which the apex court clarified that the "withholding Bills" must be returned to the state legislature for reconsideration.

A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said this during the hearing of Kerala's petition against Khan, saying the Governor is delaying the Bills passed by the state assembly without giving his assent while "defeating the rights of the people of the State".

Representing Kerala, Senior Advocate KK Venugopal highlighted several long pending Bills before the Governor, even some of them for over two years.

Venugopal submitted that still eight bills are pending without the Governor's approval. All the ministers including the Chief Minister have met him several times in this regard, the counsel said.

After his submissions, the CJI told Attorney General R Venkataramani regarding the release of the top court's order in the case by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government against Governor Banwarilal Purohit over sitting on bills, in which the court stated that the constitutional powers of the Governor cannot be used to "thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the State Legislatures."

"We uploaded the order in Punjab matter last night. Ask the Governor's Secretary to look at the order and tell us on Tuesday what your response is," Chandrachud told AG while posting the matter for hearing on November 28.

READ MORE | SC judgement stern rebuke to not only Punjab Governor but to all governors: P Chidambaram

As per the recent order, the substantive part of Article 200 empowers the Governor to withhold assent. In such an event, the Governor must mandatorily follow the course of action which is indicated in the first proviso of communicating to the State Legislature as soon as possible a message warranting the reconsideration of the Bill. The expression as soon as possible is significant.

If the Governor decides to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200, the logical course of action is to pursue the course indicated in the first proviso of remitting the Bill to the state legislature for reconsideration, a three-judge bench headed by CJI said.

Part of the 27-page judgment applies to Tamil Nadu as well, as its Governor R N Ravi withheld assent to 10 bills recently but did not send them back to the Assembly, assuming as he did that the legislations were dead. The process of withdrawing assent was a legal grey area till now.

READ MORE | SC expresses 'serious concern' as TN, Punjab governors draw flak for delaying assent to bills

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday asked Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to refer its judgment in Punjab Governor's case, in which the apex court clarified that the "withholding Bills" must be returned to the state legislature for reconsideration. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said this during the hearing of Kerala's petition against Khan, saying the Governor is delaying the Bills passed by the state assembly without giving his assent while "defeating the rights of the people of the State". Representing Kerala, Senior Advocate KK Venugopal highlighted several long pending Bills before the Governor, even some of them for over two years.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Venugopal submitted that still eight bills are pending without the Governor's approval. All the ministers including the Chief Minister have met him several times in this regard, the counsel said. After his submissions, the CJI told Attorney General R Venkataramani regarding the release of the top court's order in the case by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government against Governor Banwarilal Purohit over sitting on bills, in which the court stated that the constitutional powers of the Governor cannot be used to "thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the State Legislatures." "We uploaded the order in Punjab matter last night. Ask the Governor's Secretary to look at the order and tell us on Tuesday what your response is," Chandrachud told AG while posting the matter for hearing on November 28. READ MORE | SC judgement stern rebuke to not only Punjab Governor but to all governors: P Chidambaram As per the recent order, the substantive part of Article 200 empowers the Governor to withhold assent. In such an event, the Governor must mandatorily follow the course of action which is indicated in the first proviso of communicating to the State Legislature as soon as possible a message warranting the reconsideration of the Bill. The expression as soon as possible is significant. If the Governor decides to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200, the logical course of action is to pursue the course indicated in the first proviso of remitting the Bill to the state legislature for reconsideration, a three-judge bench headed by CJI said. Part of the 27-page judgment applies to Tamil Nadu as well, as its Governor R N Ravi withheld assent to 10 bills recently but did not send them back to the Assembly, assuming as he did that the legislations were dead. The process of withdrawing assent was a legal grey area till now. READ MORE | SC expresses 'serious concern' as TN, Punjab governors draw flak for delaying assent to bills Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

NEW DELHI: With the world's largest biometric ID database, a pioneering digital payment system for daily transactions and a flagship space and satellite programme, India knows the power of connected technology.

But when trouble brews with political unrest or sectarian violence, authorities are quick to sever internet service to stem disinformation -- cutting off millions of people who depend on the web for communication, information and business.

For authorities, internet shutdowns have "become the first tool in their toolkit", said Indian online civil liberties activist Mishi Choudhary.

Some blackouts last hours, others days. Some stretch for months.

In Manipur, more than three million people have been cut off from mobile internet since clashes broke out in May.

That meant it took two months for Phijam Ibungobi to find out that his missing 20-year-old son had been one of the more than 150 people killed in the violence.

When the internet was briefly restored in September, photographs of the young man's corpse circulated on social media.

"The internet meant I could find out the news of my son -- even if that news was tragic," Ibungobi told AFP in tears.

Default policing measure

India, the world's largest democracy, with general elections due next year, is also a global leader in internet shutdowns, according to New York-based online freedom monitors Access Now.

Of the 187 internet shutdowns it recorded worldwide last year, 84 were in India, the "most of any country for the fifth consecutive year", it said.

The main reasons India gave for the shutdowns were protests and the need to prevent cheating during exams, according to an analysis of blackouts from 2020 to 2022 by the Internet Freedom Foundation.

The tactic helps the government shape its narrative "as no counter voices emerge", said Choudhary, founder of the Software Freedom Law Centre.

But she said the authorities fail to understand "what the impact would be".

Human Rights Watch argues internet shutdowns "disproportionately hurt" the poorest, who depend on the government's online social support systems.

Nearly 121 million people were affected by shutdowns last year, HRW said in a report in June.

"In the age of 'Digital India', where the government has pushed to make internet fundamental to every aspect of life, the authorities instead use internet shutdowns as a default policing measure," HRW's Jayshree Bajoria said in the report.

Economic security

In Kashmir, a 500-day blackout in 2019 and 2020 cost the economy more than $2.4 billion, according to the region's traders.

"Internet access is vital for realising economic security," Access Now said.

From market vegetable sellers to larger businesses dependent on online apps for payment, the loss of internet access stifles trade.

"I am living hand to mouth," said Mark Fanai, 42, who was working from home in Manipur for a New Delhi-based law firm when the internet was cut.

Initially, he spent up to 12 hours a week commuting to the state border to send emails and make online payments, but eventually, he was forced to relocate to neighbouring Mizoram state.

The bans also hinder journalists.

When protesters demanding job quotas in Maharashtra state torched the homes of lawmakers last month, authorities turned off the internet for three days.

"The authorities usually suspend internet whenever they see some sort of disturbance getting worse," said Vinod Jire, a journalist in Maharashtra's Beed district.

"Work was extremely difficult," said Jire, who had to leave the district to file his story on the incident.

"It is our job to report facts and news accurately."

Song and dance

The government says internet cuts curb disinformation by stemming rumours from spreading on social media or mobile messaging applications.

In August, authorities blocked the internet in parts of Haryana state -- just north of the capital New Delhi -- when at least six people were killed in sectarian conflict between Hindus and Muslims, violence exacerbated by posts online.

External Affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has dismissed the "big song and dance" about internet cuts.

"If you've reached the stage where you say an internet cut is more dangerous than the loss of human lives, then what can I say?" Jaishankar said in 2022.

But internet access advocate Tanmay Singh points out that disinformation still spreads offline.

"Your primary defence against misinformation is fact verification and fact-checking," said Singh, from the Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation.

"That primarily happens on the internet."

Blackouts also do not address the root causes of conflict, even if they can slow the spread of hate.

In troubled Manipur, indigenous tribal leader Ginza Vualzong said the violence had divided a community into rival ethnic groups.

"The internet ban does not solve that issue," he said.

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NEW DELHI: With the world's largest biometric ID database, a pioneering digital payment system for daily transactions and a flagship space and satellite programme, India knows the power of connected technology. But when trouble brews with political unrest or sectarian violence, authorities are quick to sever internet service to stem disinformation -- cutting off millions of people who depend on the web for communication, information and business. For authorities, internet shutdowns have "become the first tool in their toolkit", said Indian online civil liberties activist Mishi Choudhary.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Some blackouts last hours, others days. Some stretch for months. In Manipur, more than three million people have been cut off from mobile internet since clashes broke out in May. That meant it took two months for Phijam Ibungobi to find out that his missing 20-year-old son had been one of the more than 150 people killed in the violence. When the internet was briefly restored in September, photographs of the young man's corpse circulated on social media. "The internet meant I could find out the news of my son -- even if that news was tragic," Ibungobi told AFP in tears. Default policing measure India, the world's largest democracy, with general elections due next year, is also a global leader in internet shutdowns, according to New York-based online freedom monitors Access Now. Of the 187 internet shutdowns it recorded worldwide last year, 84 were in India, the "most of any country for the fifth consecutive year", it said. The main reasons India gave for the shutdowns were protests and the need to prevent cheating during exams, according to an analysis of blackouts from 2020 to 2022 by the Internet Freedom Foundation. The tactic helps the government shape its narrative "as no counter voices emerge", said Choudhary, founder of the Software Freedom Law Centre. But she said the authorities fail to understand "what the impact would be". Human Rights Watch argues internet shutdowns "disproportionately hurt" the poorest, who depend on the government's online social support systems. Nearly 121 million people were affected by shutdowns last year, HRW said in a report in June. "In the age of 'Digital India', where the government has pushed to make internet fundamental to every aspect of life, the authorities instead use internet shutdowns as a default policing measure," HRW's Jayshree Bajoria said in the report. Economic security In Kashmir, a 500-day blackout in 2019 and 2020 cost the economy more than $2.4 billion, according to the region's traders. "Internet access is vital for realising economic security," Access Now said. From market vegetable sellers to larger businesses dependent on online apps for payment, the loss of internet access stifles trade. "I am living hand to mouth," said Mark Fanai, 42, who was working from home in Manipur for a New Delhi-based law firm when the internet was cut. Initially, he spent up to 12 hours a week commuting to the state border to send emails and make online payments, but eventually, he was forced to relocate to neighbouring Mizoram state. The bans also hinder journalists. When protesters demanding job quotas in Maharashtra state torched the homes of lawmakers last month, authorities turned off the internet for three days. "The authorities usually suspend internet whenever they see some sort of disturbance getting worse," said Vinod Jire, a journalist in Maharashtra's Beed district. "Work was extremely difficult," said Jire, who had to leave the district to file his story on the incident. "It is our job to report facts and news accurately." Song and dance The government says internet cuts curb disinformation by stemming rumours from spreading on social media or mobile messaging applications. In August, authorities blocked the internet in parts of Haryana state -- just north of the capital New Delhi -- when at least six people were killed in sectarian conflict between Hindus and Muslims, violence exacerbated by posts online. External Affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has dismissed the "big song and dance" about internet cuts. "If you've reached the stage where you say an internet cut is more dangerous than the loss of human lives, then what can I say?" Jaishankar said in 2022. But internet access advocate Tanmay Singh points out that disinformation still spreads offline. "Your primary defence against misinformation is fact verification and fact-checking," said Singh, from the Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation. "That primarily happens on the internet." Blackouts also do not address the root causes of conflict, even if they can slow the spread of hate. In troubled Manipur, indigenous tribal leader Ginza Vualzong said the violence had divided a community into rival ethnic groups. "The internet ban does not solve that issue," he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot both hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for dragging late Rajesh Pilots name in the Rajasthan elections to mislead the Gujjar community.

PM Modi in his election rallies on Wednesday alleged that Sachin Pilot was being victimised because his father Rajesh Pilot had once taken on the Gandhi family in the 1990s. The PM had also claimed that Sachins humiliation was an insult to the Gujjar community.

The Prime Ministers remarks were divorced from reality, said Sachin Pilot. Late Rajesh Pilot, inspired by Indira Gandhi, joined Congress while serving in the Indian Air Force. He dedicated a significant part of his life to Congress, actively engaging in public service and consistently opposing communal forces in politics, he said.

On PMs comment about his being sidelined in Congress and his political future, Pilot asserted, As for what he said about me, I believe nobody should worry about my future. Our party and people will take care of that. Pilot emphasized the enduring bond he had with the Gandhi family. Our relationship with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi spans decades. I think theres no need for anyone to make

statements about it. We are working diligently to strengthen the party.

On the political scenario behind PM Modis remarks, Pilot said, When such statements are made, its evident that the BJP is on the back foot, consistently losing elections, while Congress forms governments. Congress has successfully formed governments in Himachal and Karnataka and where voting has concluded, it will do the same in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He said such statements are made to divert attention from real issues.

On similar lines, CM Ashok Gehlot too responded, pointing out that it was the BJP government in the state that ordered police firings in 22 instances on Gujjars in which 72 community members were killed during the 2007-08 agitation. He said it was a Congress government in the state that resolved the Gujjar quota agitation. With the BJP raking the red diary issue to slam the corrupt deals of the Gehlot government, the CM said there was no evidence.

its evident that the BJP is on the back foot

On the political scenario behind PM Modis remarks, Pilot said that when such statements are made, it is evident that the BJP is on the back foot, consistently losing polls, while Congress forms governments. Congress has successfully formed governments in Himachal and Karnataka, it will do the same in MP and Chhattisgarh, he said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JAIPUR: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot both hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for dragging late Rajesh Pilots name in the Rajasthan elections to mislead the Gujjar community. PM Modi in his election rallies on Wednesday alleged that Sachin Pilot was being victimised because his father Rajesh Pilot had once taken on the Gandhi family in the 1990s. The PM had also claimed that Sachins humiliation was an insult to the Gujjar community. The Prime Ministers remarks were divorced from reality, said Sachin Pilot. Late Rajesh Pilot, inspired by Indira Gandhi, joined Congress while serving in the Indian Air Force. He dedicated a significant part of his life to Congress, actively engaging in public service and consistently opposing communal forces in politics, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On PMs comment about his being sidelined in Congress and his political future, Pilot asserted, As for what he said about me, I believe nobody should worry about my future. Our party and people will take care of that. Pilot emphasized the enduring bond he had with the Gandhi family. Our relationship with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi spans decades. I think theres no need for anyone to make statements about it. We are working diligently to strengthen the party. On the political scenario behind PM Modis remarks, Pilot said, When such statements are made, its evident that the BJP is on the back foot, consistently losing elections, while Congress forms governments. Congress has successfully formed governments in Himachal and Karnataka and where voting has concluded, it will do the same in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He said such statements are made to divert attention from real issues. On similar lines, CM Ashok Gehlot too responded, pointing out that it was the BJP government in the state that ordered police firings in 22 instances on Gujjars in which 72 community members were killed during the 2007-08 agitation. He said it was a Congress government in the state that resolved the Gujjar quota agitation. With the BJP raking the red diary issue to slam the corrupt deals of the Gehlot government, the CM said there was no evidence. its evident that the BJP is on the back foot On the political scenario behind PM Modis remarks, Pilot said that when such statements are made, it is evident that the BJP is on the back foot, consistently losing polls, while Congress forms governments. Congress has successfully formed governments in Himachal and Karnataka, it will do the same in MP and Chhattisgarh, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

JAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday exuded confidence that the BJP would form the next government in Rajasthan. He attacked the Gehlot government over corruption, exam paper leaks, appeasement politics, and atrocities against women.

When I came to Rajasthan, some leaders said that you need to think carefully and make strategies; Gehlot is a magician as he made jobs disappear by magic. But now, the public is going to make the Congress government disappear on December 3 by becoming a magician, Shah said.

In a presser in Jaipur on Thursday, the home minister said that women and Dalits were unsafe in the state. In five years, cases have been registered against more than 2 lakh women, more than 35,000 rape incidents have taken place, and 19 rape cases are being reported every day. Rajasthan alone accounts for 22% of the total rape cases across the country. This is the reason why women of Rajasthan are seen united against the Gehlot government, he said.

Shah also cornered the Gehlot government on the problems of farmers, saying that the land of more than 19,000 farmers was auctioned in the state. The Gehlot government, which came with the promise of a loan waiver for farmers, could not waive the loans of even 5% of farmers in five years. Dozens of farmers have committed suicide in the state, he alleged.

Attacking the Gehlot government over corruption, he referred to the Red Diary. It has never happened in the history of independent India that Rs 2,35,00,000 cash and 1 kg gold were found in the cupboard of the ministrys vault. No one has ever seen such an attitude towards corruption, said the home minister.

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JAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday exuded confidence that the BJP would form the next government in Rajasthan. He attacked the Gehlot government over corruption, exam paper leaks, appeasement politics, and atrocities against women. When I came to Rajasthan, some leaders said that you need to think carefully and make strategies; Gehlot is a magician as he made jobs disappear by magic. But now, the public is going to make the Congress government disappear on December 3 by becoming a magician, Shah said. In a presser in Jaipur on Thursday, the home minister said that women and Dalits were unsafe in the state. In five years, cases have been registered against more than 2 lakh women, more than 35,000 rape incidents have taken place, and 19 rape cases are being reported every day. Rajasthan alone accounts for 22% of the total rape cases across the country. This is the reason why women of Rajasthan are seen united against the Gehlot government, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Shah also cornered the Gehlot government on the problems of farmers, saying that the land of more than 19,000 farmers was auctioned in the state. The Gehlot government, which came with the promise of a loan waiver for farmers, could not waive the loans of even 5% of farmers in five years. Dozens of farmers have committed suicide in the state, he alleged. Attacking the Gehlot government over corruption, he referred to the Red Diary. It has never happened in the history of independent India that Rs 2,35,00,000 cash and 1 kg gold were found in the cupboard of the ministrys vault. No one has ever seen such an attitude towards corruption, said the home minister. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

A caste Hindu businesswoman and her employees were booked in Gujarat's Morbi town on Thursday for allegedly forcing a Dalit man, a former employee of her firm, to apologize by placing her footwear in his mouth, for demanding his salary.

According to the FIR, the victim, Nilesh Dalsaniya, a 21-year-old Dalit man along with his brother and neighbour, had gone to the office of Raniba Industries Pvt Ltd (RIPL), a private firm led by businesswoman Vibhuti Patel, on Thursday evening.

Nilesh demanded that Vibuthi pay his salary for the 16 days he had worked in the exports department of RIPL in October. However, one Om Patel, who identified himself as Vibuthi Patel's brother, assaulted him. Vibuthi and her employees also allegedly dragged Nilesh to the terrace of the commercial building and beat him up mercilessly.

Vibhuti Patel forced me to take her chappal in my mouth and made me apologise She warned me that I shall be killed if I ventured on Ravapar Road or if I dared to file a complaint, the FIR quoted Nilesh as having stated in his complaint, as reported by Maktoob Media.

The FIR invokes IPC Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of the offence committed in prosecution of common object).The accused have also been booked under the SC/ST Act.

Efforts are on to arrest the accused.

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A caste Hindu businesswoman and her employees were booked in Gujarat's Morbi town on Thursday for allegedly forcing a Dalit man, a former employee of her firm, to apologize by placing her footwear in his mouth, for demanding his salary. According to the FIR, the victim, Nilesh Dalsaniya, a 21-year-old Dalit man along with his brother and neighbour, had gone to the office of Raniba Industries Pvt Ltd (RIPL), a private firm led by businesswoman Vibhuti Patel, on Thursday evening. Nilesh demanded that Vibuthi pay his salary for the 16 days he had worked in the exports department of RIPL in October. However, one Om Patel, who identified himself as Vibuthi Patel's brother, assaulted him. Vibuthi and her employees also allegedly dragged Nilesh to the terrace of the commercial building and beat him up mercilessly.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Vibhuti Patel forced me to take her chappal in my mouth and made me apologise She warned me that I shall be killed if I ventured on Ravapar Road or if I dared to file a complaint, the FIR quoted Nilesh as having stated in his complaint, as reported by Maktoob Media. The FIR invokes IPC Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of the offence committed in prosecution of common object).The accused have also been booked under the SC/ST Act. Efforts are on to arrest the accused. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: Gujarats Director General of Police Vikas Sahay had to put on hold his five days old decision to terminate the 9000 Traffic Brigade Jawans (TRB) contract in a phased manner. As the administrative decision conflicted with the political interest of the ruling party, as the Lok Sabha elections are approaching. Interestingly before the state DGP announced the decision to withdraw his November 18th circular, BJP state unit president C R Patil hinted Thursday afternoon that by evening TRB jawans will get good news.

DGP had issued a circular on November 18th directing local authorities to terminate the contract of TRB jawans, the circular read, "Traffic Brigade Jawans were hired on honorarium to assist the traffic police, but one person giving services as Traffic Brigade Jawan for the long term is neither advisable nor acceptable. So you are asked to bring to an end their services when their contract ends." All those who have completed 10 years in service, their contract should be terminated on November 10, 2023, those who have completed five or more years, their contract should be terminated on December 31, 2023, and those who have completed three or more years, their services contract to be concluded on March 31, 2024."

Sources from the home department said it was an administrative decision considering many issues, first and the foremost issue was TRB Jawan's indiscipline and frequent complaints of one or another jawan involved in collecting bribes. Beating the common man on the pretext of violating traffic rules. Acting as bribe collector of regular traffic staff. The other major issue was administrative, if they stayed in service for a longer period at one place, if not today, or tomorrow, they will demand to regularise their services and may even start demanding allowances. Which could prove a financial burden on the state exchequer, to avoid such a burden the decision was taken. If all 9000 jawan's contracts were terminated in the spell of three to four months it would have sent a strong message to new jawans.

But, unfortunately, the time was wrong, said sources, just four months down, Lok Sabha elections were approaching, and the contract termination circular was becoming a political hot topic, opposition parties were extending support to protesting TRB jawans. If political opponents get mileage out of it, it could prove deadly for the ruling party, especially, since its image is tarnished because of competitive exam paper leaks in the last few years, and youths have started feeling that the ruling party has failed to generate enough government jobs. This needed to be countered so the leaders of the ruling party sent a message to DGP to withdraw his decision and had to do it in five days.

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AHMEDABAD: Gujarats Director General of Police Vikas Sahay had to put on hold his five days old decision to terminate the 9000 Traffic Brigade Jawans (TRB) contract in a phased manner. As the administrative decision conflicted with the political interest of the ruling party, as the Lok Sabha elections are approaching. Interestingly before the state DGP announced the decision to withdraw his November 18th circular, BJP state unit president C R Patil hinted Thursday afternoon that by evening TRB jawans will get good news. DGP had issued a circular on November 18th directing local authorities to terminate the contract of TRB jawans, the circular read, "Traffic Brigade Jawans were hired on honorarium to assist the traffic police, but one person giving services as Traffic Brigade Jawan for the long term is neither advisable nor acceptable. So you are asked to bring to an end their services when their contract ends." All those who have completed 10 years in service, their contract should be terminated on November 10, 2023, those who have completed five or more years, their contract should be terminated on December 31, 2023, and those who have completed three or more years, their services contract to be concluded on March 31, 2024." Sources from the home department said it was an administrative decision considering many issues, first and the foremost issue was TRB Jawan's indiscipline and frequent complaints of one or another jawan involved in collecting bribes. Beating the common man on the pretext of violating traffic rules. Acting as bribe collector of regular traffic staff. The other major issue was administrative, if they stayed in service for a longer period at one place, if not today, or tomorrow, they will demand to regularise their services and may even start demanding allowances. Which could prove a financial burden on the state exchequer, to avoid such a burden the decision was taken. If all 9000 jawan's contracts were terminated in the spell of three to four months it would have sent a strong message to new jawans.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But, unfortunately, the time was wrong, said sources, just four months down, Lok Sabha elections were approaching, and the contract termination circular was becoming a political hot topic, opposition parties were extending support to protesting TRB jawans. If political opponents get mileage out of it, it could prove deadly for the ruling party, especially, since its image is tarnished because of competitive exam paper leaks in the last few years, and youths have started feeling that the ruling party has failed to generate enough government jobs. This needed to be countered so the leaders of the ruling party sent a message to DGP to withdraw his decision and had to do it in five days. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Jaison Wilson By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Asserting that the constitutional powers of the Governor cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the state legislatures, the Supreme Court said if the unelected head of the state decides to withhold assent to a Bill, it must be returned to the legislature for reconsideration.

If the Governor decides to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200, the logical course of action is to pursue the course indicated in the first proviso of remitting the Bill to the state legislature for reconsideration, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said.

Part of the 27-page judgment authored by CJI Chandrachud on the Punjab governments plea against Governor Banwarilal Purohit, applies to Tamil Nadu as well, as its Governor R N Ravi withheld assent to 10 bills recently but did not send them back to the Assembly, assuming as he did that the legislations were dead. The process of withdrawing assent was a legal gray area till now.

The order said the substantive part of Article 200 empowers the Governor to withhold assent. In such an event, the Governor must mandatorily follow the course of action which is indicated in the first proviso of communicating to the State Legislature as soon as possible a message warranting the reconsideration of the Bill. The expression as soon as possible is significant.

It conveys a constitutional imperative of expedition. Failure to take a call and keeping a Bill duly passed for indeterminate periods is a course of action inconsistent with that expression, the order said. The concluding part of the first proviso stipulates that if the Bill is passed again by the legislature either with or without amendments, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom upon presentation.

The concluding phrase shall not withhold assent therefrom is a clear indicator that the exercise of the power under the first proviso is relatable to the withholding of the assent by the Governor to the Bill in the first instance, the verdict said. In other words, the bills resent to the TN Governor by the House after passing them again will have to be approved by him.

Cant be kept pending indefinitely, says court

The Governor cannot be at liberty to keep the Bill pending indefinitely without any action whatsoever, the order said

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NEW DELHI: Asserting that the constitutional powers of the Governor cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the state legislatures, the Supreme Court said if the unelected head of the state decides to withhold assent to a Bill, it must be returned to the legislature for reconsideration. If the Governor decides to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200, the logical course of action is to pursue the course indicated in the first proviso of remitting the Bill to the state legislature for reconsideration, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said. Part of the 27-page judgment authored by CJI Chandrachud on the Punjab governments plea against Governor Banwarilal Purohit, applies to Tamil Nadu as well, as its Governor R N Ravi withheld assent to 10 bills recently but did not send them back to the Assembly, assuming as he did that the legislations were dead. The process of withdrawing assent was a legal gray area till now.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The order said the substantive part of Article 200 empowers the Governor to withhold assent. In such an event, the Governor must mandatorily follow the course of action which is indicated in the first proviso of communicating to the State Legislature as soon as possible a message warranting the reconsideration of the Bill. The expression as soon as possible is significant. It conveys a constitutional imperative of expedition. Failure to take a call and keeping a Bill duly passed for indeterminate periods is a course of action inconsistent with that expression, the order said. The concluding part of the first proviso stipulates that if the Bill is passed again by the legislature either with or without amendments, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom upon presentation. The concluding phrase shall not withhold assent therefrom is a clear indicator that the exercise of the power under the first proviso is relatable to the withholding of the assent by the Governor to the Bill in the first instance, the verdict said. In other words, the bills resent to the TN Governor by the House after passing them again will have to be approved by him. Cant be kept pending indefinitely, says court The Governor cannot be at liberty to keep the Bill pending indefinitely without any action whatsoever, the order said Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the winter session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha has modified access protocols for the Digital Sansad portal for the personal assistants and secretaries of parliamentarians. This comes in the wake of the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who has been accused of sharing her login details with business tycoon Darshan Hiranandani, allowing him to post questions directly to the portal.

On November 9, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommended Moitras expulsion from LS, citing a serious breach of parliamentary rules. A controversy erupted in October when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of accepting bribes from Hiranandani in exchange for raising parliamentary questions.

According to the new protocol, PAs can only save notices as drafts, with lawmakers required to file them from their accounts. A PA/PS can only submit draft notices, final notices can only be submitted by the honorable member, reads the new notification on the tab called E-Notice on Digital Sansad.

Previously, PAs of MPs could access the tab E-Notice to file documents related to the legislative branch. This included parliament questions, requests for short-duration and zero-hour discussions, draft bills, and amendments.

Speaking to this newspaper, a personal secretary of a Lok Sabha MP said that he came to know about the change while trying to submit questions on the portal on November 13. There was no official bulletin on this, he said. When we checked with the National Informatics Centre, they told us that a bulletin regarding the restriction would be issued on November 15, he said, adding that they are yet to receive any communication.

A bulletin released on November 10 by Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh did not have any reference either, another staff pointed out. The Digital Sansad platform, inaugurated on September 1 to bring Parliament closer to the people, allows all citizens to access Parliamentary Papers and Proceedings on their mobile devices. Initially, it allowed members to authorise assistants or secretaries to access the account by submitting their authorised personnels email IDs and phone numbers to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Now with the Moitra row, MPs can no longer authorise secretaries to access account, said another staff member. The MPs usually delegate the work to the staff as its impossible for them to manage everything alone, said a member.

The potential challenge arising from this decision is that lawmakers may not possess equal qualifications or skill sets and are often reliant on their assistants for digital functions. Except for a few MPs, most are heavily dependent on their staff for drafting questions and other tasks, he added. At least three people pointed out that the new protocol is a farce as most PAs possess the email ID and password of the parliamentarians. This is just an eyewash, said a source.

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NEW DELHI: Ahead of the winter session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha has modified access protocols for the Digital Sansad portal for the personal assistants and secretaries of parliamentarians. This comes in the wake of the cash-for-query allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who has been accused of sharing her login details with business tycoon Darshan Hiranandani, allowing him to post questions directly to the portal. On November 9, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee recommended Moitras expulsion from LS, citing a serious breach of parliamentary rules. A controversy erupted in October when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Moitra of accepting bribes from Hiranandani in exchange for raising parliamentary questions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the new protocol, PAs can only save notices as drafts, with lawmakers required to file them from their accounts. A PA/PS can only submit draft notices, final notices can only be submitted by the honorable member, reads the new notification on the tab called E-Notice on Digital Sansad. Previously, PAs of MPs could access the tab E-Notice to file documents related to the legislative branch. This included parliament questions, requests for short-duration and zero-hour discussions, draft bills, and amendments. Speaking to this newspaper, a personal secretary of a Lok Sabha MP said that he came to know about the change while trying to submit questions on the portal on November 13. There was no official bulletin on this, he said. When we checked with the National Informatics Centre, they told us that a bulletin regarding the restriction would be issued on November 15, he said, adding that they are yet to receive any communication. A bulletin released on November 10 by Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh did not have any reference either, another staff pointed out. The Digital Sansad platform, inaugurated on September 1 to bring Parliament closer to the people, allows all citizens to access Parliamentary Papers and Proceedings on their mobile devices. Initially, it allowed members to authorise assistants or secretaries to access the account by submitting their authorised personnels email IDs and phone numbers to the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Now with the Moitra row, MPs can no longer authorise secretaries to access account, said another staff member. The MPs usually delegate the work to the staff as its impossible for them to manage everything alone, said a member. The potential challenge arising from this decision is that lawmakers may not possess equal qualifications or skill sets and are often reliant on their assistants for digital functions. Except for a few MPs, most are heavily dependent on their staff for drafting questions and other tasks, he added. At least three people pointed out that the new protocol is a farce as most PAs possess the email ID and password of the parliamentarians. This is just an eyewash, said a source. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India and Finland, with their complementary skills, can work together to find solutions to several global challenges and bring positive outcomes, commented Ville Tavio, Finlands Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. Between Finland and India, we can find several positive outcomes in the areas of digitisation, education, sustainability and innovation, Tavio told this newspaper.

I have come with a delegation comprising representatives of companies, which includes mostly technology firms, and some offering green solutions. At the Nordic Baltic convention, we also networked politically and I met commerce minister Piyush Goyal. You may be aware that there are many Finnish companies in India.

This includes Kone, which makes elevators, and Nokia, a telecom service provider. Similarly, there are many Indian companies in Finland. We also hope that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and European Union concludes soon, as it would be mutually beneficial for all the countries involved, Tavio said.

Finland is also looking at supporting sustainability projects that turn waste into energy in India. The country is also seeking collaborations with start-ups. Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that the proposed FTA with EU and four nations of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are doable, but they should keep in mind Indias interests.

We are actively engaged in dialogue with the European Union and European Free Trade Association for a Free Trade Agreement. I do believe that both these are eminently doable and will significantly help us expand our engagement not only in trade in goods and services, but also in investments, technology, tourism, innovation and clean energy, said Goyal, while speaking at the Nordic Baltic conference.

Waste-to-energy projects

Finland and India can find several positive outcomes in the areas of digitisation, education, sustainability and innovation, said Ville Tavio. Finland is also looking at supporting sustainability projects that turn waste into energy in India. The country is also seeking collaborations with start-ups, according to Tavio.



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NEW DELHI: India and Finland, with their complementary skills, can work together to find solutions to several global challenges and bring positive outcomes, commented Ville Tavio, Finlands Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. Between Finland and India, we can find several positive outcomes in the areas of digitisation, education, sustainability and innovation, Tavio told this newspaper. I have come with a delegation comprising representatives of companies, which includes mostly technology firms, and some offering green solutions. At the Nordic Baltic convention, we also networked politically and I met commerce minister Piyush Goyal. You may be aware that there are many Finnish companies in India. This includes Kone, which makes elevators, and Nokia, a telecom service provider. Similarly, there are many Indian companies in Finland. We also hope that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and European Union concludes soon, as it would be mutually beneficial for all the countries involved, Tavio said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Finland is also looking at supporting sustainability projects that turn waste into energy in India. The country is also seeking collaborations with start-ups. Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that the proposed FTA with EU and four nations of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are doable, but they should keep in mind Indias interests. We are actively engaged in dialogue with the European Union and European Free Trade Association for a Free Trade Agreement. I do believe that both these are eminently doable and will significantly help us expand our engagement not only in trade in goods and services, but also in investments, technology, tourism, innovation and clean energy, said Goyal, while speaking at the Nordic Baltic conference. Waste-to-energy projects Finland and India can find several positive outcomes in the areas of digitisation, education, sustainability and innovation, said Ville Tavio. Finland is also looking at supporting sustainability projects that turn waste into energy in India. The country is also seeking collaborations with start-ups, according to Tavio. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

The outbreak of new respiratory illness in China does not pose an immediate risk to India, the Centre said.

The statement comes in the wake of media reports indicating the emergence of clusters of respiratory illnesses in children in northern China. In addition, there has also been an outbreak of H9N2 avian influenza in the region.

"India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency," said the Union Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, the WHO has also issued a statement, in which it urged people in China to get vaccinated, keep distance from ill people, wear masks, and get tested and seek medical care as needed.

The government of India said there is currently a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported so far.

On the pneumonia-like cases reported in China, the Health Ministry said that there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations. Instead, these are likely to have been caused by the usual factors.

The Union Health Ministry has informed that it is closely monitoring the situation. It also informed that a meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of the Director General Of Health Services to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognized in the meeting, the government said.

It also added that there has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID pandemic.

WHO said that northern China has reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the previous three years. It is rare for the U.N. health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.

According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.

The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Childrens Hospital topped 7,000 per day, exceeding the hospitals capacity, state-owned China National Radio said in an online article earlier this week.

(With agency inputs)

ALSO SEE: WHO asks China for more information about rise in illnesses and pneumonia clusters

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The outbreak of new respiratory illness in China does not pose an immediate risk to India, the Centre said. The statement comes in the wake of media reports indicating the emergence of clusters of respiratory illnesses in children in northern China. In addition, there has also been an outbreak of H9N2 avian influenza in the region. "India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency," said the Union Health Ministry. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the WHO has also issued a statement, in which it urged people in China to get vaccinated, keep distance from ill people, wear masks, and get tested and seek medical care as needed. The government of India said there is currently a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported so far. On the pneumonia-like cases reported in China, the Health Ministry said that there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations. Instead, these are likely to have been caused by the usual factors. The Union Health Ministry has informed that it is closely monitoring the situation. It also informed that a meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of the Director General Of Health Services to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognized in the meeting, the government said. It also added that there has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure, especially since the COVID pandemic. WHO said that northern China has reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the previous three years. It is rare for the U.N. health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism. According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities. The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Childrens Hospital topped 7,000 per day, exceeding the hospitals capacity, state-owned China National Radio said in an online article earlier this week. (With agency inputs) ALSO SEE: WHO asks China for more information about rise in illnesses and pneumonia clusters Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Pakadua Vivah (forced marriage) which has brought a bad name to Bihar on several occasions is likely to come down with Patna High Court annulling the marriage of an Army personnel who was kidnapped and compelled to marry a woman at gunpoint 10 years ago.

A division bench comprising Justices P B Bajanthri and Arun Kumar Jha gave the judgement earlier this month, setting aside a three-year-old judgement of the family court in Lakhisarai.

The petitioner Ravi Kant, a native of Nawada district, was abducted by the bride's family on June 30, 2013, when he had gone to Lakhisarai to worship at a temple.

The petitioner had fled from the bride's house without consummating the marriage and resumed his duty in Jammu and Kashmir. On his return to Bihar on leave, he filed a petition in the family court seeking annulment of the marriage. His petition was dismissed by the family court on January 27, 2020, following which he filed an appeal before the high court.

The High Court set aside the impugned order observing that the family court took a "flawed" view that the petitioner's case became "disbelievable" since he did not "immediately" file the suit for annulment of marriage.

The court ruled that the petitioner had explained the situation and there was no undue delay. The court also referred to a Supreme Court judgement according to which no wedding could be valid unless 'saptapadi' (seven circumambulations of the consecrated fire) was performed as per Hindu traditions.

"The learned family court's finding that not performing the ritual of 'saptapadi' does not mean that marriage has not been performed, is devoid of any merit," ordered the High Court.

Bihar has been grappling with the menace of Padadua Vivah for long.

According to the State Crime Record Bureau, 7,194 forced marriage cases were reported in the state from January to November 2020, 10,925 in 2019, 10,310 in 2018 and 8,972 in 2017.

Families of prospective brides even take the service of criminal gangs to kidnap men and force them into wedlock. A large number of such cases go unreported in view of the fear of these gangs, sources in police headquarters said.

Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Nawada and Patna are considered to be vulnerable for such gangs that are hired by prospective brides' family members to force the bridegroom into wedlock.

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PATNA: Pakadua Vivah (forced marriage) which has brought a bad name to Bihar on several occasions is likely to come down with Patna High Court annulling the marriage of an Army personnel who was kidnapped and compelled to marry a woman at gunpoint 10 years ago. A division bench comprising Justices P B Bajanthri and Arun Kumar Jha gave the judgement earlier this month, setting aside a three-year-old judgement of the family court in Lakhisarai. The petitioner Ravi Kant, a native of Nawada district, was abducted by the bride's family on June 30, 2013, when he had gone to Lakhisarai to worship at a temple.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The petitioner had fled from the bride's house without consummating the marriage and resumed his duty in Jammu and Kashmir. On his return to Bihar on leave, he filed a petition in the family court seeking annulment of the marriage. His petition was dismissed by the family court on January 27, 2020, following which he filed an appeal before the high court. The High Court set aside the impugned order observing that the family court took a "flawed" view that the petitioner's case became "disbelievable" since he did not "immediately" file the suit for annulment of marriage. The court ruled that the petitioner had explained the situation and there was no undue delay. The court also referred to a Supreme Court judgement according to which no wedding could be valid unless 'saptapadi' (seven circumambulations of the consecrated fire) was performed as per Hindu traditions. "The learned family court's finding that not performing the ritual of 'saptapadi' does not mean that marriage has not been performed, is devoid of any merit," ordered the High Court. Bihar has been grappling with the menace of Padadua Vivah for long. According to the State Crime Record Bureau, 7,194 forced marriage cases were reported in the state from January to November 2020, 10,925 in 2019, 10,310 in 2018 and 8,972 in 2017. Families of prospective brides even take the service of criminal gangs to kidnap men and force them into wedlock. A large number of such cases go unreported in view of the fear of these gangs, sources in police headquarters said. Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Nawada and Patna are considered to be vulnerable for such gangs that are hired by prospective brides' family members to force the bridegroom into wedlock. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Military officers from 16 friendly Foreign Countries and the Indian Army underwent a fortnight-long training in the United Nations Pre-Deployment Course (Training of Trainers).

The course, conducted from November 6-24, was held at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping, India under the aegis of the Indian Army.

The Course, themed on the UN framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme, was organized jointly in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Indian Army in a statement said, "The Course was aimed at enhancing leadership skills, tactical thinking and operational effectiveness among officers, creating a platform for cross-cultural exchange and professional growth. Participants engaged in a series of dynamic workshops, scenario-based tactical simulations and lectures delivered by distinguished experts in the field."

Centre for #UnitedNations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), #India conducted Training of Trainers on #UN Pre-Deployment, for military officers from 16 countries. The training, themed on the UN framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme, was organized in pic.twitter.com/g2GXCTazbD  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 24, 2023

The event underscores India's commitment to fostering greater international cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations, said the Army.

In addition to talks by Ex Force Commanders, UN Officials and Subject Matter Experts, Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems and coordination) and Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez, Director of General Staff Duties addressed the participants. The

three-week course also included Yoga classes for participants, heritage tours of Delhi and Agra, lecture demonstrations on UN peacekeeping drills and a display of 'Made in India' equipment being deployed in UN missions.

The Valedictory address was delivered by Sanjay Verma, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs on 24 Nov 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

India has a rich legacy of contribution to UN Peacekeeping operations and is one of the largest contributors of troops. It has contributed approximately 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so far, with around 5,900 troops currently deployed in 12 UN Missions. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the UN Peacekeepers Day.

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NEW DELHI: Military officers from 16 friendly Foreign Countries and the Indian Army underwent a fortnight-long training in the United Nations Pre-Deployment Course (Training of Trainers). The course, conducted from November 6-24, was held at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping, India under the aegis of the Indian Army. The Course, themed on the UN framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme, was organized jointly in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Indian Army in a statement said, "The Course was aimed at enhancing leadership skills, tactical thinking and operational effectiveness among officers, creating a platform for cross-cultural exchange and professional growth. Participants engaged in a series of dynamic workshops, scenario-based tactical simulations and lectures delivered by distinguished experts in the field." Centre for #UnitedNations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), #India conducted Training of Trainers on #UN Pre-Deployment, for military officers from 16 countries. The training, themed on the UN framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme, was organized in pic.twitter.com/g2GXCTazbD  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 24, 2023 The event underscores India's commitment to fostering greater international cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations, said the Army. In addition to talks by Ex Force Commanders, UN Officials and Subject Matter Experts, Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems and coordination) and Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez, Director of General Staff Duties addressed the participants. The three-week course also included Yoga classes for participants, heritage tours of Delhi and Agra, lecture demonstrations on UN peacekeeping drills and a display of 'Made in India' equipment being deployed in UN missions. The Valedictory address was delivered by Sanjay Verma, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs on 24 Nov 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. India has a rich legacy of contribution to UN Peacekeeping operations and is one of the largest contributors of troops. It has contributed approximately 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so far, with around 5,900 troops currently deployed in 12 UN Missions. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the UN Peacekeepers Day. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Nearly three weeks after India's appointed legal team filed an appeal against the death penalty for the eight Indian naval veterans, Qatars court of first instance has accepted it.

"The wives of two naval veterans were present in court when an announcement was made in Arabic at 10 am on Thursday. It took sometime for it to be known that the appeal has been accepted and will be considered by the court. The next hearing is slated to be within one week," said a source.

It may be recalled that on October 26, the Qatari court had announced the death penalty for these eight naval veterans who have been imprisoned since August 30, 2022. Of the six charges made against them, three were dropped while three were admitted when the judgement was made.

"Family members of these veterans met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the second time in a month a day before Diwali. The Indian government is doing all it can to repatriate these men," the source added.

"We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are in touch with the family members and our legal team is exploring all legal options," the Ministry of External Affairs had said after the judgement on October 26.

Details of the judgement have not yet been made public and Qatar hasnt issued any statement on it. There was talk of families being made to sign an indemnity bond in order to know the details. Some families had reservations on signing the bond.

Meanwhile, there is talk of back channel talks involving other countries to help in the repatriation of the eight naval veterans. The US and Turkey are amongst the countries that have been approached regarding this issue, according to a source.

"The US could get Qatar and Egypt to mediate for release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict on Wednesday. This has raised our hopes for a similar mediation for our eight naval veterans," said a source.

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NEW DELHI: Nearly three weeks after India's appointed legal team filed an appeal against the death penalty for the eight Indian naval veterans, Qatars court of first instance has accepted it. "The wives of two naval veterans were present in court when an announcement was made in Arabic at 10 am on Thursday. It took sometime for it to be known that the appeal has been accepted and will be considered by the court. The next hearing is slated to be within one week," said a source. It may be recalled that on October 26, the Qatari court had announced the death penalty for these eight naval veterans who have been imprisoned since August 30, 2022. Of the six charges made against them, three were dropped while three were admitted when the judgement was made.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Family members of these veterans met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the second time in a month a day before Diwali. The Indian government is doing all it can to repatriate these men," the source added. "We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are in touch with the family members and our legal team is exploring all legal options," the Ministry of External Affairs had said after the judgement on October 26. Details of the judgement have not yet been made public and Qatar hasnt issued any statement on it. There was talk of families being made to sign an indemnity bond in order to know the details. Some families had reservations on signing the bond. Meanwhile, there is talk of back channel talks involving other countries to help in the repatriation of the eight naval veterans. The US and Turkey are amongst the countries that have been approached regarding this issue, according to a source. "The US could get Qatar and Egypt to mediate for release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict on Wednesday. This has raised our hopes for a similar mediation for our eight naval veterans," said a source. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: The battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections has reached its final phase, with voting to be held on Saturday. More than 5 crore voters in Rajasthan will decide the fate of the candidates. This time, there is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress on most of the 199 assembly seats in Rajasthan.

In the last thirty years, there has been a trend of power changing hands every five years. Now, the entire responsibility is on CM Ashok Gehlot to buck the trend and bring the party back to power.

Last time, he was pitted against the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje in the poll campaign, but this time the competition is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, who has attacked the Congress on corruption and secrets hidden in the alleged Lal diary, 14 paper leaks, increase in atrocities against women and farmers. Chief Minister Gehlot is campaigning on the basis of his social security schemes and seven guarantees. It has become a question of prestige for both high profile politicians.

Both the parties have repeated most of the tickets, contrary to the claims made in the selection of candidates. But experts believe that this time, there is neither any wave nor any anti-incumbency against the government. This is the most complex election in Rajasthan so far, in which logic and calculations of leaders will not work.

The BJP has not fielded even a single Muslim candidate and has tried to polarize the Hindu vote bank by giving tickets to saints, mahants and acharyas in Muslim dominated seats, while the Congress has fielded 14 Muslims. It is believed that like last time, the keys to power will again be in the hands of the voters of 39 seats of East Rajasthan.

The BJP and Congress have accused each other of stalling the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Last time, the Congress had won 35 out of 39 seats here. One reason was that due to Sachin Pilot being the CM candidate, the Gujjars were inclined towards the Congress. This time, the Congress has fielded 12 Gujjar candidates while the BJP has fielded nine but the situation is different due to the division of Gujjar votes.

The Congress faces the challenge of repeating its previous performance in Jaipur division. There are 50 assembly seats in five districts in the division. There is a tough fight between the BJP and Congress in most of the 19 seats in Jaipur district. Hindu-Muslim polarization could affect three seats of Jaipur (Hawamahal, Kishanpol and Sanganer) and two seats of Alwar (Tijara and Ramgarh). The BJP has made the contest interesting by fielding four MPs and the former state president, while the Congress has fielded the state president, eight ministers and two CM advisors.

More than 12 seats have now turned into hot seats. The BJP was successful in stopping the rebellion in Jhotwara from where Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore is contesting. Diya Kumari of the Jaipur royal family is getting the benefit of Vidyadhar Nagar being dominated by Rajputs. She is an MP from Rajsamand and has given a lot of attention to the central leadership of the BJP after the sidelining of Vasundhara Raje. From Laxmangarh seat, the BJP has given the ticket to former MP Subhash Mahariya. In Dataramgarh seat, the JJP has made the contest interesting against the Congress's Virendra Singh by giving the ticket to his wife Rita Singh.

In Jodhpur division, the centre of politics -- Marwar is the stronghold of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot -- 13 out of 33 seats remain hot seats. Because of CM Gehlot, Sardarpura has been a safe seat for Congress every time. There is a close contest in Pokaran seat of Jaisalmer due to the entry of Hindu and Muslim religious leaders. Similarly, former Chief Secretary Niranjan Arya, who was the head of the state bureaucracy, is contesting this time from Sojat against the BJP's Shobha Chauhan. Sunil Parihar has rebelled against Manvendra Singh Jasol, who was appointed in the Congress government, making the contest triangular.

The 29 seats of Ajmer division are seeing some interesting contests. Mirdha families are up against each other in Nagaur. Other seats too are dominated by candidates from the Mirdha family. Here the RLP-ASP alliance is giving equal competition on 3-4 seats. Vasundhara Raje supporter Yunus Khan and the Congress's Habibur Rahman are in the fray as strong independents. The Hindu-Muslim issue remains in urban seats like Ajmer and Pushkar. Tonk is also in the news because of a strong leader like Sachin Pilot who is a popular face and a prominent Congress leader. Although the BJP has fielded local face Ajit Mehta against him, Pilot looks stronger.

There are 28 assembly seats in the six districts of Udaipur division i.e. Mewar, which is called the gateway to power in Rajasthan. The party which gets more seats here usually forms the government in the state, but in the 2018 assembly elections, Mewar has broken this myth and created new political equations. Out of 28 seats in Mewar, 17 seats are reserved, out of which 16 seats are for Scheduled Tribes alone. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress on 22 seats. Here, three seats are most discussed - the BJP surprised the Congress by fielding former Udaipur royal family member Vishvaraj Singh Mewar against Assembly Speaker CP Joshi. BJP MP Diya Kumari was given the seat of Narpat Singh Rajvi in Jaipur, while the latter was sent to Chittorgarh. Here, Chandrabhan Akya's decision to stand as an independent candidate has created a new crisis for the BJP. Dungarpur district with four seats is tribal dominated. The presence of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) and Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) may cause the Congress and BJP to struggle.

Bikaner division has 24 assembly seats in four districts. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in 19 seats. The most discussed are Bikaner West where Education Minister BD Kalla has been fielded and Taranagar where there is a tough contest between senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathod, who changed his seat, and sitting Congress MLA Narendra Budania. The factor of Jat versus non-Jat voters will be important here.

Kota-Bharatpur division has 36 assembly seats in eight districts. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in most of the seats. In Bharatpur division, MP Kirori Lal Meena, Girraj Singh Malinga, who got a ticket as soon as he switched from the Congress to the BJP, and Shobharani Kushwaha, who went from the BJP to the Congress, have made the electoral contest interesting. 51% of the booths of the six districts of Bharatpur division are sensitive. More than 20,000 soldiers will be deployed on the day of polling for the security of these booths, so that voting can be conducted peacefully.

Kota division is considered to be the stronghold of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. In Kota division, the contest for Kota North seat will be the most interesting. Minister Shanti Dhariwal, who got the ticket in the last list of the Congress, is contesting against the BJP's Prahlad Gunjal. Dhariwal is contesting on the issue of development, while the BJP candidate and former MLA Gunjal is accusing him of corruption.

Similarly, Bari of Dholpur is the most keenly contested seat in Bharatpur. After being denied a ticket by the Congress, MLA Malinga is contesting on a BJP ticket. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in six seats in the district. Like every time, the influence of Vasundhara Raje is visible in Jhalawar district. She is in the fray from Jhalrapatan. Having been Chief Minister twice and this time also being a top face among the contenders for CM, she is in a strong position.

The Congress has given the ticket to a new face from here. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's influence is giving the advantage to the BJP in Kota-Bundi. Kota-Bundi MP Birla is projected as a big leader here and has direct influence on nine seats of the division. Similarly, the Vasundhara Raje factor is having a direct impact on eight seats of Jhalawar-Baran. Rebels will be the third factor in the elections of Kota division. Out of 17 seats in the division, there are seven seats where Congress and BJP rebels are playing spoilsport.

One of the consequences of poor ticket distribution is that 21 BJP rebels are still in the fray. At the same time, there are 11 rebels in the Congress party. Among other parties, the Aam Aadmi Party was able to field only around 40 candidates. While the RLP was initially saying that they will contest 199 seats, they couldn't even cross the 100 mark.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JAIPUR: The battle for the Rajasthan assembly elections has reached its final phase, with voting to be held on Saturday. More than 5 crore voters in Rajasthan will decide the fate of the candidates. This time, there is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress on most of the 199 assembly seats in Rajasthan. In the last thirty years, there has been a trend of power changing hands every five years. Now, the entire responsibility is on CM Ashok Gehlot to buck the trend and bring the party back to power. Last time, he was pitted against the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje in the poll campaign, but this time the competition is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, who has attacked the Congress on corruption and secrets hidden in the alleged Lal diary, 14 paper leaks, increase in atrocities against women and farmers. Chief Minister Gehlot is campaigning on the basis of his social security schemes and seven guarantees. It has become a question of prestige for both high profile politicians.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Both the parties have repeated most of the tickets, contrary to the claims made in the selection of candidates. But experts believe that this time, there is neither any wave nor any anti-incumbency against the government. This is the most complex election in Rajasthan so far, in which logic and calculations of leaders will not work. The BJP has not fielded even a single Muslim candidate and has tried to polarize the Hindu vote bank by giving tickets to saints, mahants and acharyas in Muslim dominated seats, while the Congress has fielded 14 Muslims. It is believed that like last time, the keys to power will again be in the hands of the voters of 39 seats of East Rajasthan. The BJP and Congress have accused each other of stalling the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Last time, the Congress had won 35 out of 39 seats here. One reason was that due to Sachin Pilot being the CM candidate, the Gujjars were inclined towards the Congress. This time, the Congress has fielded 12 Gujjar candidates while the BJP has fielded nine but the situation is different due to the division of Gujjar votes. The Congress faces the challenge of repeating its previous performance in Jaipur division. There are 50 assembly seats in five districts in the division. There is a tough fight between the BJP and Congress in most of the 19 seats in Jaipur district. Hindu-Muslim polarization could affect three seats of Jaipur (Hawamahal, Kishanpol and Sanganer) and two seats of Alwar (Tijara and Ramgarh). The BJP has made the contest interesting by fielding four MPs and the former state president, while the Congress has fielded the state president, eight ministers and two CM advisors. More than 12 seats have now turned into hot seats. The BJP was successful in stopping the rebellion in Jhotwara from where Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore is contesting. Diya Kumari of the Jaipur royal family is getting the benefit of Vidyadhar Nagar being dominated by Rajputs. She is an MP from Rajsamand and has given a lot of attention to the central leadership of the BJP after the sidelining of Vasundhara Raje. From Laxmangarh seat, the BJP has given the ticket to former MP Subhash Mahariya. In Dataramgarh seat, the JJP has made the contest interesting against the Congress's Virendra Singh by giving the ticket to his wife Rita Singh. In Jodhpur division, the centre of politics -- Marwar is the stronghold of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot -- 13 out of 33 seats remain hot seats. Because of CM Gehlot, Sardarpura has been a safe seat for Congress every time. There is a close contest in Pokaran seat of Jaisalmer due to the entry of Hindu and Muslim religious leaders. Similarly, former Chief Secretary Niranjan Arya, who was the head of the state bureaucracy, is contesting this time from Sojat against the BJP's Shobha Chauhan. Sunil Parihar has rebelled against Manvendra Singh Jasol, who was appointed in the Congress government, making the contest triangular. The 29 seats of Ajmer division are seeing some interesting contests. Mirdha families are up against each other in Nagaur. Other seats too are dominated by candidates from the Mirdha family. Here the RLP-ASP alliance is giving equal competition on 3-4 seats. Vasundhara Raje supporter Yunus Khan and the Congress's Habibur Rahman are in the fray as strong independents. The Hindu-Muslim issue remains in urban seats like Ajmer and Pushkar. Tonk is also in the news because of a strong leader like Sachin Pilot who is a popular face and a prominent Congress leader. Although the BJP has fielded local face Ajit Mehta against him, Pilot looks stronger. There are 28 assembly seats in the six districts of Udaipur division i.e. Mewar, which is called the gateway to power in Rajasthan. The party which gets more seats here usually forms the government in the state, but in the 2018 assembly elections, Mewar has broken this myth and created new political equations. Out of 28 seats in Mewar, 17 seats are reserved, out of which 16 seats are for Scheduled Tribes alone. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress on 22 seats. Here, three seats are most discussed - the BJP surprised the Congress by fielding former Udaipur royal family member Vishvaraj Singh Mewar against Assembly Speaker CP Joshi. BJP MP Diya Kumari was given the seat of Narpat Singh Rajvi in Jaipur, while the latter was sent to Chittorgarh. Here, Chandrabhan Akya's decision to stand as an independent candidate has created a new crisis for the BJP. Dungarpur district with four seats is tribal dominated. The presence of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) and Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) may cause the Congress and BJP to struggle. Bikaner division has 24 assembly seats in four districts. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in 19 seats. The most discussed are Bikaner West where Education Minister BD Kalla has been fielded and Taranagar where there is a tough contest between senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathod, who changed his seat, and sitting Congress MLA Narendra Budania. The factor of Jat versus non-Jat voters will be important here. Kota-Bharatpur division has 36 assembly seats in eight districts. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in most of the seats. In Bharatpur division, MP Kirori Lal Meena, Girraj Singh Malinga, who got a ticket as soon as he switched from the Congress to the BJP, and Shobharani Kushwaha, who went from the BJP to the Congress, have made the electoral contest interesting. 51% of the booths of the six districts of Bharatpur division are sensitive. More than 20,000 soldiers will be deployed on the day of polling for the security of these booths, so that voting can be conducted peacefully. Kota division is considered to be the stronghold of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. In Kota division, the contest for Kota North seat will be the most interesting. Minister Shanti Dhariwal, who got the ticket in the last list of the Congress, is contesting against the BJP's Prahlad Gunjal. Dhariwal is contesting on the issue of development, while the BJP candidate and former MLA Gunjal is accusing him of corruption. Similarly, Bari of Dholpur is the most keenly contested seat in Bharatpur. After being denied a ticket by the Congress, MLA Malinga is contesting on a BJP ticket. There is a direct contest between the BJP and Congress in six seats in the district. Like every time, the influence of Vasundhara Raje is visible in Jhalawar district. She is in the fray from Jhalrapatan. Having been Chief Minister twice and this time also being a top face among the contenders for CM, she is in a strong position. The Congress has given the ticket to a new face from here. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's influence is giving the advantage to the BJP in Kota-Bundi. Kota-Bundi MP Birla is projected as a big leader here and has direct influence on nine seats of the division. Similarly, the Vasundhara Raje factor is having a direct impact on eight seats of Jhalawar-Baran. Rebels will be the third factor in the elections of Kota division. Out of 17 seats in the division, there are seven seats where Congress and BJP rebels are playing spoilsport. One of the consequences of poor ticket distribution is that 21 BJP rebels are still in the fray. At the same time, there are 11 rebels in the Congress party. Among other parties, the Aam Aadmi Party was able to field only around 40 candidates. While the RLP was initially saying that they will contest 199 seats, they couldn't even cross the 100 mark. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Two terrorists, including a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Toiba hailing from Pakistan who had also trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a fierce gunfight in the forest area of Rajouri in J&K on Thursday, ending a two-day encounter there.

A soldier was also killed in the gunfight on Thursday, taking the toll of jawans killed in the encounter to five, including two Captains. One of the slain terrorists was identified as Qari, who had trained both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He was active in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch along with his LeT group for the past year, an Army official said. Qari, he added, is the mastermind of the Dangri and Kandi attacks in Rajouri. On January 1 and 2, militants shot dead seven civilians, including two brothers in Dangri village of Rajouri.

Qari was an expert in IEDs, operating and hiding in caves, and a trained sniper. He was sent to revive terrorism in the region, the official said. Meanwhile, a box dropped by a drone was found in Poonch. A Turkey-made pistol with two magazines, 38 live rounds, nine grenades and a battery-operated IED were found in the box.

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SRINAGAR: Two terrorists, including a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Toiba hailing from Pakistan who had also trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a fierce gunfight in the forest area of Rajouri in J&K on Thursday, ending a two-day encounter there. A soldier was also killed in the gunfight on Thursday, taking the toll of jawans killed in the encounter to five, including two Captains. One of the slain terrorists was identified as Qari, who had trained both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was active in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch along with his LeT group for the past year, an Army official said. Qari, he added, is the mastermind of the Dangri and Kandi attacks in Rajouri. On January 1 and 2, militants shot dead seven civilians, including two brothers in Dangri village of Rajouri.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Qari was an expert in IEDs, operating and hiding in caves, and a trained sniper. He was sent to revive terrorism in the region, the official said. Meanwhile, a box dropped by a drone was found in Poonch. A Turkey-made pistol with two magazines, 38 live rounds, nine grenades and a battery-operated IED were found in the box. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By ANI

UTTARKASHI: A 25-tonne platform mounting the auger machine being used to drill through the debris in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand has been repaired, and rescue operations to evacuate 41 workers trapped inside is expected to resume soon, a top-level official said on Friday morning.

The platform on which the equipment was mounted had developed some cracks when the rescue operation was underway on Thursday, and the process of horizontal drilling through the debris had to be paused.

"The problem encountered in the platform on which the American auger machine was mounted has been fixed and now the machine is running smoothly on the platform," a top official told ANI.

However, the official said that a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation will study the situation for further operation.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Former advisor to PMO, Bhaskar Khulbe says, "We hope that we will start the drilling by 11-11:30 am. Ground penetration radar study has shown that there is no metallic obstruction in the next 5 metres," pic.twitter.com/pKVUq5k2QU  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Rescue teams had managed to drill through upto a distance of 46.8 meters of the roughly 55 metres of debris behind which the workers have been trapped and insert pipes in the space cleared. According to the rescue plan, the trapped workers will have to crawl through the escape passage pipes to the mouth of the tunnel.

"Today, the DRDO team will first try to see the situation beyond 48 meters (where the pipeline has been laid) through scanning with special equipment which can probably be called a camera, before starting further drilling. The team will check whether there is no problem with drilling further," the official said.

He said that the machine used by the team of the DRDO will scan up to the next 20 meters to estimate the situation.

"The process of drilling will be started after the scanning report of DRDO," the official said.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue: Visuals from the site where the rescue operation is underway to rescue the 41 trapped workers. pic.twitter.com/MSPduPma68  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Officials said that no specific timelines should be assumed however if all goes well and the rescue work does not face any obstruction then workers will be out by Saturday afternoon.

Today marks Day 13 of the beginning of the rescue operation.

On November 12, a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside.

The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete, including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

UTTARKASHI: A 25-tonne platform mounting the auger machine being used to drill through the debris in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand has been repaired, and rescue operations to evacuate 41 workers trapped inside is expected to resume soon, a top-level official said on Friday morning. The platform on which the equipment was mounted had developed some cracks when the rescue operation was underway on Thursday, and the process of horizontal drilling through the debris had to be paused. "The problem encountered in the platform on which the American auger machine was mounted has been fixed and now the machine is running smoothly on the platform," a top official told ANI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, the official said that a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation will study the situation for further operation. #WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Former advisor to PMO, Bhaskar Khulbe says, "We hope that we will start the drilling by 11-11:30 am. Ground penetration radar study has shown that there is no metallic obstruction in the next 5 metres," pic.twitter.com/pKVUq5k2QU  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023 Rescue teams had managed to drill through upto a distance of 46.8 meters of the roughly 55 metres of debris behind which the workers have been trapped and insert pipes in the space cleared. According to the rescue plan, the trapped workers will have to crawl through the escape passage pipes to the mouth of the tunnel. "Today, the DRDO team will first try to see the situation beyond 48 meters (where the pipeline has been laid) through scanning with special equipment which can probably be called a camera, before starting further drilling. The team will check whether there is no problem with drilling further," the official said. He said that the machine used by the team of the DRDO will scan up to the next 20 meters to estimate the situation. "The process of drilling will be started after the scanning report of DRDO," the official said. #WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue: Visuals from the site where the rescue operation is underway to rescue the 41 trapped workers. pic.twitter.com/MSPduPma68 ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023 Officials said that no specific timelines should be assumed however if all goes well and the rescue work does not face any obstruction then workers will be out by Saturday afternoon. Today marks Day 13 of the beginning of the rescue operation. On November 12, a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside. The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete, including concrete work that provides safety to the workers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Three new districts were made out of the existing districts in two months (August-September) in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the November 17 assembly elections. With the polls over now and the counting of votes just 10 days away, the question is who might have benefitted electorally from the creation of the three new districts, which house six assembly seats that could be crucial in the event of a neck and neck battle between the BJP and Congress.

While Mauganj (housing Mauganj and Deotalab seats) was created out of the existing eight seats-strong Rewa district, the Maihar district (housing Maihar and Amarpatan seats) was formed out of the adjoining seven seats-strong Satna district.

Besides these two new districts in the Vindhya region, where 24 out of the 30 seats were won by the BJP in 2018 polls, a new district, Pandhurna (housing the Pandhurna and Sausar seats) neighbouring Nagpur (Maharashtra), was created out of the states largest district, the seven seats-strong Chhindwara  which since over four decades has been the political pocket-borough of the state Congress chief and the partys CM face in the 2023 polls, Kamal Nath.

Importantly, inputs from ground zero in the three newly created districts suggest that formation of the new districts was hardly any poll issue for most voters in the six seats in the new districts. If the creation of new Maihar and Mauganj districts failed to become a driving factor for voters in the four seats of the two new districts, then it may not help big politicians in the fray.

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BHOPAL: Three new districts were made out of the existing districts in two months (August-September) in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the November 17 assembly elections. With the polls over now and the counting of votes just 10 days away, the question is who might have benefitted electorally from the creation of the three new districts, which house six assembly seats that could be crucial in the event of a neck and neck battle between the BJP and Congress. While Mauganj (housing Mauganj and Deotalab seats) was created out of the existing eight seats-strong Rewa district, the Maihar district (housing Maihar and Amarpatan seats) was formed out of the adjoining seven seats-strong Satna district. Besides these two new districts in the Vindhya region, where 24 out of the 30 seats were won by the BJP in 2018 polls, a new district, Pandhurna (housing the Pandhurna and Sausar seats) neighbouring Nagpur (Maharashtra), was created out of the states largest district, the seven seats-strong Chhindwara  which since over four decades has been the political pocket-borough of the state Congress chief and the partys CM face in the 2023 polls, Kamal Nath.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Importantly, inputs from ground zero in the three newly created districts suggest that formation of the new districts was hardly any poll issue for most voters in the six seats in the new districts. If the creation of new Maihar and Mauganj districts failed to become a driving factor for voters in the four seats of the two new districts, then it may not help big politicians in the fray. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: In a landmark achievement, Odisha exported a consignment of cashew nuts for the first time to Bangladesh to mark National Cashew Day. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the shipment from the state. The consignment, comprising two tonnes of premium quality cashew nuts, was exported by Paaf Global Pvt Ltd. The cashew nuts were sourced from Passion Gourmet, a company run by a dynamic women entrepreneur in the state.

Managing director of Paaf Global Ltd Subrata Ghosh said the shipment is a milestone in the export journey of the state. It is not only a significant achievement for the cashew industry in Odisha but also reflects the potential for growth and collaboration in the agricultural sector between India and Bangladesh, he said.

As per the exporter, subsequent shipments of cashew nuts from Odisha are being planned for some other global destinations including Bahrain and Qatar. The initiative not only holds promise for the economic prosperity of the region but also aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant India, developing entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural export, Ghosh said.

In order to mark this historic occasion, APEDA in collaboration with the Odisha government organised an export-oriented capacity development Programme here on Thursday. Farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) and farmer-producer companies (FPCs) were sensitised and inspired to venture into the field of agriculture exports. The programme aimed at encouraging them to become exporters besides eliminating middlemen from the supply chain, thus maximising farmers income.

The shipment was both virtually and physically flagged off by chairman of APEDA Abhishek Dav in the presence of principal secretary of. Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment department Arabinda Padhee, principal secretary of MSME department Swaswat Mishra.

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BHUBANESWAR: In a landmark achievement, Odisha exported a consignment of cashew nuts for the first time to Bangladesh to mark National Cashew Day. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the shipment from the state. The consignment, comprising two tonnes of premium quality cashew nuts, was exported by Paaf Global Pvt Ltd. The cashew nuts were sourced from Passion Gourmet, a company run by a dynamic women entrepreneur in the state. Managing director of Paaf Global Ltd Subrata Ghosh said the shipment is a milestone in the export journey of the state. It is not only a significant achievement for the cashew industry in Odisha but also reflects the potential for growth and collaboration in the agricultural sector between India and Bangladesh, he said. As per the exporter, subsequent shipments of cashew nuts from Odisha are being planned for some other global destinations including Bahrain and Qatar. The initiative not only holds promise for the economic prosperity of the region but also aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant India, developing entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural export, Ghosh said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In order to mark this historic occasion, APEDA in collaboration with the Odisha government organised an export-oriented capacity development Programme here on Thursday. Farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) and farmer-producer companies (FPCs) were sensitised and inspired to venture into the field of agriculture exports. The programme aimed at encouraging them to become exporters besides eliminating middlemen from the supply chain, thus maximising farmers income. The shipment was both virtually and physically flagged off by chairman of APEDA Abhishek Dav in the presence of principal secretary of. Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment department Arabinda Padhee, principal secretary of MSME department Swaswat Mishra. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
B kartheek By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: As the election campaign has ended in four out of the five poll-bound states, the political heat has risen in Telangana, which is likely to witness a popular personality in some or other corner across the state over the next week.

Prominent leaders from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, are set to unleash a high-decibel campaign in the state, creating a palpable buzz that is expected to reverberate across the region until the campaigns culmination on November 28.

PM Modi is scheduled to lead the BJP campaign in Telangana from November 25 to 27, with Home Minister Amit Shah commencing his state visit a day prior.

Joining the fray are BJP state president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Smriti Irani, all actively engaging in canvassing efforts. The alliance partner, Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, is also expected to bolster their campaign.

Congress leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, are set to counter the BJPs campaign with their own series of rallies and public addresses in various constituencies.

This political showdown comes on the heels of the conclusion of polls in three states, with the curtains drawn on the Rajasthan campaign on Thursday.

Both major political parties have shifted their focus to Telangana, where election teams are already on the ground, meticulously managing and monitoring their booth-level strategies.

As the countdown to the polls begins, Telangana braces itself for a week of heightened political activity, with charismatic leaders crisscrossing the state in a bid to sway the electorate.

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HYDERABAD: As the election campaign has ended in four out of the five poll-bound states, the political heat has risen in Telangana, which is likely to witness a popular personality in some or other corner across the state over the next week. Prominent leaders from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, are set to unleash a high-decibel campaign in the state, creating a palpable buzz that is expected to reverberate across the region until the campaigns culmination on November 28. PM Modi is scheduled to lead the BJP campaign in Telangana from November 25 to 27, with Home Minister Amit Shah commencing his state visit a day prior.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Joining the fray are BJP state president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Smriti Irani, all actively engaging in canvassing efforts. The alliance partner, Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, is also expected to bolster their campaign. Congress leaders, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, are set to counter the BJPs campaign with their own series of rallies and public addresses in various constituencies. This political showdown comes on the heels of the conclusion of polls in three states, with the curtains drawn on the Rajasthan campaign on Thursday. Both major political parties have shifted their focus to Telangana, where election teams are already on the ground, meticulously managing and monitoring their booth-level strategies. As the countdown to the polls begins, Telangana braces itself for a week of heightened political activity, with charismatic leaders crisscrossing the state in a bid to sway the electorate. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD/SANGAREDDY: Hailing the transformation in the lives of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community after the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said the Dalitwada in Huzurabad looks like Dhorawada (a locality where feudal landlords reside).

Finding fault with the Congress for not improving the living standards of the Dalits over the 50 years of its rule, he said the grand old party has used Dalits as a vote bank and never thought about their welfare.

Addressing public meetings at Maheshwaram, Vikarabad, Zaheerabad, and Patancheru on Thursday, the BRS supremo said the government will implement the Dalit Bandhu scheme in one phase across the Vikarabad (SC) constituency if the pink party is voted to power once again.

Denying the claim by Congress leaders that he took back land from Dalits, KCR promised that if he wins a third time, he will make sure Dalits have full rights to the land. Every Dalit family will become a Bangaru Kutumbam, he said.

Cautioning the people of Telangana that they would meet the same fate as the people in Karnataka if they believed in the Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections, KCR said the Karnataka government was providing five hours of power supply to farmers. Congress would give power holidays to industries in Telangana if they are elected, he said.

He also stressed that the people of Telangana are not Ghulams (slaves) of Delhi, in an indirect jibe at the Congress and the BJP. He criticised the proposed reduction of agricultural electricity supply to three hours against the current 24 hours, cautioning about the consequences, including exploding transformers and substations.

The BRS chief estimated that replacing the existing 32 lakh agricultural motors with 10 HP motors would cost Rs 50,000 crore. The people should understand what will happen if such people are voted to power, he remarked.

The BRS supremo criticised the Congress, stating that party leaders destroyed the state for 50 years. Congress leaders who have tried to deceive the public with lies and half-baked truths are trying to mislead the public by making unrealistic promises once again, he added.

KCR held Congress responsible for a series of incidents, including the 1969 movement resulting in 400 casualties, the killing of seven university students, and the contentious merger of the erstwhile Hyderabad state with Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, he blamed Congress for failing to honour commitments after the alliance in 2004, stating that it led to the suicides of hundreds of students.

Urging the voters to consider the candidate, the political party they represent and their history before voting, the BRS chief said that despite 75 years of democracy, people are yet to mature. Additionally, he advocated for a shift towards televised policy explanations instead of traditional public meetings in India.

Speaking in Urdu at Patancheru, KCR said, Kadam kadam pe curfew rehethey the. BRS ane ke bad ek bar bi nahi. (There used to be curfew imposition regularly. But, after the BRS came to power, curfew hasnt been was imposed even once).

Stating that the upcoming Assembly elections were a matter of life and death for farmers, KCR cautioned ryots, asking them to refrain from voting for the Congress. If the Congress wins, the Dharani portal will be scrapped while the Rythu Bandhu and Bima schemes will be stopped. In its place, the outdated Patel Patwari system will make a comeback and corruption will prevail, he added.

Anticipating future initiatives, he stated that Patancheru is poised to attract more industries, particularly in the IT sector. Additionally, KCR said the Metro rail would be extended to include a line around the Ring Road and an extension from Miyapur to Isnapur.

He referred to Patancheru as Mini India, emphasising its diverse population. He recounted the dire state under the Congress rule, citing contaminated drinking water issues that adversely affected public health. In contrast, he highlighted the BRS governments success in providing clean drinking water through Mission Bhagiratha.

IT tower for Muslim youth in Pahadishareef

Earlier in his addresses in Maheswaram and Vikarabad, KCR spoke about ongoing works, including a drinking water supply project for areas along the Outer Ring Road at a cost of Rs 650 crore.

He vowed to resolve the drinking water problem in Hyderabad and surrounding areas, as well as the establishment of an IT tower dedicated to the minorities in the Maheshwaram constituency.

Today, we are thinking about Muslim youths and setting up a special IT park for them near Hyderabad. The IT park will come up near Pahadishareef, he said.

Highlighting industrial growth, the KCR pointed to the emergence of 52 industries in Tukkuguda, with the prospective Foxconn industry  Apple's biggest supplier  expected to employ 2 to 3 lakh people. He said Telangana would flourish in economic prosperity with increased income.

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HYDERABAD/SANGAREDDY: Hailing the transformation in the lives of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community after the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said the Dalitwada in Huzurabad looks like Dhorawada (a locality where feudal landlords reside). Finding fault with the Congress for not improving the living standards of the Dalits over the 50 years of its rule, he said the grand old party has used Dalits as a vote bank and never thought about their welfare. Addressing public meetings at Maheshwaram, Vikarabad, Zaheerabad, and Patancheru on Thursday, the BRS supremo said the government will implement the Dalit Bandhu scheme in one phase across the Vikarabad (SC) constituency if the pink party is voted to power once again.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Denying the claim by Congress leaders that he took back land from Dalits, KCR promised that if he wins a third time, he will make sure Dalits have full rights to the land. Every Dalit family will become a Bangaru Kutumbam, he said. Cautioning the people of Telangana that they would meet the same fate as the people in Karnataka if they believed in the Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections, KCR said the Karnataka government was providing five hours of power supply to farmers. Congress would give power holidays to industries in Telangana if they are elected, he said. He also stressed that the people of Telangana are not Ghulams (slaves) of Delhi, in an indirect jibe at the Congress and the BJP. He criticised the proposed reduction of agricultural electricity supply to three hours against the current 24 hours, cautioning about the consequences, including exploding transformers and substations. The BRS chief estimated that replacing the existing 32 lakh agricultural motors with 10 HP motors would cost Rs 50,000 crore. The people should understand what will happen if such people are voted to power, he remarked. The BRS supremo criticised the Congress, stating that party leaders destroyed the state for 50 years. Congress leaders who have tried to deceive the public with lies and half-baked truths are trying to mislead the public by making unrealistic promises once again, he added. KCR held Congress responsible for a series of incidents, including the 1969 movement resulting in 400 casualties, the killing of seven university students, and the contentious merger of the erstwhile Hyderabad state with Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, he blamed Congress for failing to honour commitments after the alliance in 2004, stating that it led to the suicides of hundreds of students. Urging the voters to consider the candidate, the political party they represent and their history before voting, the BRS chief said that despite 75 years of democracy, people are yet to mature. Additionally, he advocated for a shift towards televised policy explanations instead of traditional public meetings in India. Speaking in Urdu at Patancheru, KCR said, Kadam kadam pe curfew rehethey the. BRS ane ke bad ek bar bi nahi. (There used to be curfew imposition regularly. But, after the BRS came to power, curfew hasnt been was imposed even once). Stating that the upcoming Assembly elections were a matter of life and death for farmers, KCR cautioned ryots, asking them to refrain from voting for the Congress. If the Congress wins, the Dharani portal will be scrapped while the Rythu Bandhu and Bima schemes will be stopped. In its place, the outdated Patel Patwari system will make a comeback and corruption will prevail, he added. Anticipating future initiatives, he stated that Patancheru is poised to attract more industries, particularly in the IT sector. Additionally, KCR said the Metro rail would be extended to include a line around the Ring Road and an extension from Miyapur to Isnapur. He referred to Patancheru as Mini India, emphasising its diverse population. He recounted the dire state under the Congress rule, citing contaminated drinking water issues that adversely affected public health. In contrast, he highlighted the BRS governments success in providing clean drinking water through Mission Bhagiratha. IT tower for Muslim youth in Pahadishareef Earlier in his addresses in Maheswaram and Vikarabad, KCR spoke about ongoing works, including a drinking water supply project for areas along the Outer Ring Road at a cost of Rs 650 crore. He vowed to resolve the drinking water problem in Hyderabad and surrounding areas, as well as the establishment of an IT tower dedicated to the minorities in the Maheshwaram constituency. Today, we are thinking about Muslim youths and setting up a special IT park for them near Hyderabad. The IT park will come up near Pahadishareef, he said. Highlighting industrial growth, the KCR pointed to the emergence of 52 industries in Tukkuguda, with the prospective Foxconn industry  Apple's biggest supplier  expected to employ 2 to 3 lakh people. He said Telangana would flourish in economic prosperity with increased income. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

QUITO: Daniel Noboa, an inexperienced politician and heir to a fortune built on the banana trade, was sworn in Thursday as Ecuadors president, a role that citizens are demanding he uses to restore the public safety that drug cartels and other criminal organizations robbed them of at the decades start.

Noboas term will run only through May 2025, which is what remains of former President Guillermo Lasso's tenure. Lasso cut his term short when he dissolved the National Assembly in May as lawmakers pursued impeachment proceedings against him.

The head of the country's newly elected legislature, Henry Kronfle, placed the presidential sash on Noboa during a ceremony in Quito, the capital.

In a brief speech, Noboa said his government's main objective is to reduce violence and make progress a habit. He acknowledged that it is a hard and difficult task" to tackle in the short term he will serve.

I am not anti anything, I am pro everything," he said. "Let us join forces... let us leave the old political schemes and concentrate on solving the big problems that afflict Ecuador.

Under Lassos watch, violent deaths in Ecuador soared, reaching a record 4,600 in 2022, which was double the number from the year before. Killings, kidnappings, robberies and other criminal activities became part of Ecuadorians everyday lives.

The assassination of presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio as he left a campaign rally in August underscored the countrys fragile security situation.

Noboa's only experience in government was as a member of the National Assembly that Lasso dissolved. He is inheriting a weakened economy and serious fiscal challenges as well as the leadership of a country mired by violent crime,

The economy and security are indivisible issues; it is an important front on which President Noboa must work, Andres Briones, an analyst and professor at Casa Grande University in Guayaquil, Ecuador, said. Noboas government will have to undertake tax reforms to encourage growth and the revitalization of the economy.

But any actions he wishes to take to address Ecuadors crucial issues will first require him to negotiate with the National Assembly, where his party lacks enough seats to govern on its own.

The spike in violence is tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighbouring Colombia and Peru. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set down roots in Ecuador and operate with assistance from local criminal gangs.

Noboa has made a range of proposals to improve security, from using barges to house inmates to getting police more gear. While those ideas helped him get elected on Oct. 15, he now faces the challenge of leading a population frightened to the point of opting to stay home as much as possible.

We have been kidnapped by organized crime, Alejandro Zabala, a professor at the University of Las Americas, said.

But Zabala thinks the heavy-handed policies imposed by Lasso were an absolute failure and suggested the government must clean up the ranks of law enforcement, invest in equipment for police and join regional and international efforts against organized crime as Ecuador cannot win this war alone.

Like Lasso, a conservative former banker, Noboas wealth puts him at the top of Ecuadors elite. His father, Alvaro Noboa, is among Ecuadors richest people thanks to a conglomerate that started in the growing and shipping of bananas and now includes more than 128 companies in dozens of countries.

The elder Noboa unsuccessfully ran for president five times.

The younger Noboa opened an event-organizing company when he was 18 and then joined his fathers Noboa Corp., where he held management positions in the shipping, logistics and commercial areas. His political career began in 2021 when he got a seat in the National Assembly and chaired its Economic Development Commission.

Veronica Abad, a politician and businesswoman, was sworn in as vice president during Thursday's ceremony.

The only foreign president to attend the ceremony was Colombia's Gustavo Petro. The vice presidents of Brazil and Honduras were also present.

Ecuadors fiscal mess is in part the result of declining revenues from tax collection and oil exports, on which the country largely depends.

Data from the Ministry of Finance show state coffers received $991 million from oil between January and July. Thats less than half of the $2.3 billion the state received during the same period last year. Meanwhile, tax collections this year fell by $137 million.

The countrys fiscal deficit is expected to be around $5 billion by the end of the year, or more than 5% of its gross domestic product.

Former Minister of Economy and Finance Fausto Ortiz said Lasso had good fiscal management of the economy, adhering to instructions of the International Monetary Fund, with cuts in public spending and state investment and a sustained reduction in the fiscal deficit.

But Ortiz argued that the fiscal part is not everything in the management of a country and the strategy has brought unintended consequences: No economic growth and no employment growth.

The result is not favourable, he said.

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QUITO: Daniel Noboa, an inexperienced politician and heir to a fortune built on the banana trade, was sworn in Thursday as Ecuadors president, a role that citizens are demanding he uses to restore the public safety that drug cartels and other criminal organizations robbed them of at the decades start. Noboas term will run only through May 2025, which is what remains of former President Guillermo Lasso's tenure. Lasso cut his term short when he dissolved the National Assembly in May as lawmakers pursued impeachment proceedings against him. The head of the country's newly elected legislature, Henry Kronfle, placed the presidential sash on Noboa during a ceremony in Quito, the capital.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In a brief speech, Noboa said his government's main objective is to reduce violence and make progress a habit. He acknowledged that it is a hard and difficult task" to tackle in the short term he will serve. I am not anti anything, I am pro everything," he said. "Let us join forces... let us leave the old political schemes and concentrate on solving the big problems that afflict Ecuador. Under Lassos watch, violent deaths in Ecuador soared, reaching a record 4,600 in 2022, which was double the number from the year before. Killings, kidnappings, robberies and other criminal activities became part of Ecuadorians everyday lives. The assassination of presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio as he left a campaign rally in August underscored the countrys fragile security situation. Noboa's only experience in government was as a member of the National Assembly that Lasso dissolved. He is inheriting a weakened economy and serious fiscal challenges as well as the leadership of a country mired by violent crime, The economy and security are indivisible issues; it is an important front on which President Noboa must work, Andres Briones, an analyst and professor at Casa Grande University in Guayaquil, Ecuador, said. Noboas government will have to undertake tax reforms to encourage growth and the revitalization of the economy. But any actions he wishes to take to address Ecuadors crucial issues will first require him to negotiate with the National Assembly, where his party lacks enough seats to govern on its own. The spike in violence is tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighbouring Colombia and Peru. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set down roots in Ecuador and operate with assistance from local criminal gangs. Noboa has made a range of proposals to improve security, from using barges to house inmates to getting police more gear. While those ideas helped him get elected on Oct. 15, he now faces the challenge of leading a population frightened to the point of opting to stay home as much as possible. We have been kidnapped by organized crime, Alejandro Zabala, a professor at the University of Las Americas, said. But Zabala thinks the heavy-handed policies imposed by Lasso were an absolute failure and suggested the government must clean up the ranks of law enforcement, invest in equipment for police and join regional and international efforts against organized crime as Ecuador cannot win this war alone. Like Lasso, a conservative former banker, Noboas wealth puts him at the top of Ecuadors elite. His father, Alvaro Noboa, is among Ecuadors richest people thanks to a conglomerate that started in the growing and shipping of bananas and now includes more than 128 companies in dozens of countries. The elder Noboa unsuccessfully ran for president five times. The younger Noboa opened an event-organizing company when he was 18 and then joined his fathers Noboa Corp., where he held management positions in the shipping, logistics and commercial areas. His political career began in 2021 when he got a seat in the National Assembly and chaired its Economic Development Commission. Veronica Abad, a politician and businesswoman, was sworn in as vice president during Thursday's ceremony. The only foreign president to attend the ceremony was Colombia's Gustavo Petro. The vice presidents of Brazil and Honduras were also present. Ecuadors fiscal mess is in part the result of declining revenues from tax collection and oil exports, on which the country largely depends. Data from the Ministry of Finance show state coffers received $991 million from oil between January and July. Thats less than half of the $2.3 billion the state received during the same period last year. Meanwhile, tax collections this year fell by $137 million. The countrys fiscal deficit is expected to be around $5 billion by the end of the year, or more than 5% of its gross domestic product. Former Minister of Economy and Finance Fausto Ortiz said Lasso had good fiscal management of the economy, adhering to instructions of the International Monetary Fund, with cuts in public spending and state investment and a sustained reduction in the fiscal deficit. But Ortiz argued that the fiscal part is not everything in the management of a country and the strategy has brought unintended consequences: No economic growth and no employment growth. The result is not favourable, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was set to begin 7 am (5 am GMT) local time Friday.

The cease-fire was originally set to begin Thursday morning, but it appeared to hit a snag the night before when Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced a one-day delay without providing a reason, Associated Press reports.

On Thursday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed Friday afternoon. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage, the report added.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has soared to 14,854, Anadolu Agency, quoting the government media office in the blockaded enclave, said.

The victims include 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, while more than 36,000 people have been injured.

Around 7,000 people remain unaccounted for, including more than 4,700 children, the media office said.

The Israeli attacks have also left 88 mosques destroyed, 174 others partially damaged, while three churches were targeted.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip following a cross border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

Meanwhile, The Guardian quoted Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, as saying that the military will resume fighting against Hamas with intensity for at least two more months once the short temporary pause ends.

Gallant, according to The Guardian, addressing troops of the Israeli navy special operations unit on Thursday, was quoted by the Times of Israel as saying: What you will see in the coming days is first the release of hostages. This respite will be short. He told troops to organise, get ready, investigate, resupply arms, and get ready to continue during the ceasefire, adding: There will be a continuation, because we need to complete the victory and create the impetus for the next groups of hostages, who will only come back as a result of pressure.

At least another two months of fighting is expected, he added.



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A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was set to begin 7 am (5 am GMT) local time Friday. The cease-fire was originally set to begin Thursday morning, but it appeared to hit a snag the night before when Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced a one-day delay without providing a reason, Associated Press reports. On Thursday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed Friday afternoon. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage, the report added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has soared to 14,854, Anadolu Agency, quoting the government media office in the blockaded enclave, said. The victims include 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, while more than 36,000 people have been injured. Around 7,000 people remain unaccounted for, including more than 4,700 children, the media office said. The Israeli attacks have also left 88 mosques destroyed, 174 others partially damaged, while three churches were targeted. Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip following a cross border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200. Meanwhile, The Guardian quoted Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, as saying that the military will resume fighting against Hamas with intensity for at least two more months once the short temporary pause ends. Gallant, according to The Guardian, addressing troops of the Israeli navy special operations unit on Thursday, was quoted by the Times of Israel as saying: What you will see in the coming days is first the release of hostages. This respite will be short. He told troops to organise, get ready, investigate, resupply arms, and get ready to continue during the ceasefire, adding: There will be a continuation, because we need to complete the victory and create the impetus for the next groups of hostages, who will only come back as a result of pressure. At least another two months of fighting is expected, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

THE HAGUE: Geert Wilders and his far-right PVV Freedom Party have pulled off an extraordinary political bombshell, winning the Dutch election comfortably, according to initial results.

Wilders softened his anti-Islam rhetoric during the campaign, preferring to focus on issues such as the cost of living, with some analysts describing him as "Geert Milders".

It remains to be seen whether he can attract enough support from other political parties to form a workable coalition as prime minister.

But what are his PVV's policies? AFP breaks down the election manifesto, including a freeze on asylum, a referendum on EU membership and more oil and gas extraction.

Islam

"With a reduction in the asylum and immigration flood to the Netherlands, the Islamisation of our country will also be reduced," says the PVV election programme.

"The Netherlands is not an Islamic country: no Islamic schools, Korans and mosques."

"We want less Islam in the Netherlands and we will achieve that through: less non-Western immigration and the introduction of a general halt to asylum."

"Ban on wearing Islamic scarves in government buildings."

Immigration

The PVV proposes a "freeze on asylum" and "a generally more restrictive immigration policy" as well as an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules.

The party wants to restore Dutch border controls, turning away asylum-seekers attempting to enter the Netherlands from "safe neighbouring countries."

Illegal immigrants will be detained and deported and Syrians with temporary asylum permits will have these withdrawn as "parts of Syria are now safe".

Refugees with residence permits will lose them "if they go on holiday to their country of origin".

EU nationals will require a work permit and the number of foreign students will be reduced, the manifesto pledges.

Europe

The PVV wants "a sovereign Netherlands, a Netherlands that is in charge of its own currency, its own borders and makes its own rules".

Therefore, the party rejects any form of "political union" like the EU -- "an institution that is pulling more and more power to itself, hoovers up taxpayer money, and imposes diktats on us".

"The PVV wants a binding referendum on Nexit," the idea that the Netherlands could leave the EU.

Until such a referendum, the Netherlands wants to become a net recipient of EU funds, not a net contributor. The party also rejects any further EU expansion and wants to restore its veto power in Brussels.

Finally, the PVV wants to tear down the EU flag from government buildings. "We are in the Netherlands. Only the national flag flies here."

ALSO READ | Anti-Islam firebrand leader Geert Wilders wins in Dutch election

Foreign policy

"Our guiding principle is: act in the interests of the Netherlands and the Dutch. Our own country comes first."

The PVV is a "great friend of the only true democracy in the Middle East: Israel," says the manifesto.

"Relations with Israel will be strengthened, by moving our embassy to Jerusalem, among other things."

Wilders pledges to close the Dutch representation in Ramallah, home to the "corrupt Palestinian Authority."

Diplomatic relations will be broken off "immediately" with countries with Sharia law and from where Dutch MPs have received death threats.

Defence

The PVV calls for a strong Dutch armed forces that can help policing at home. Meanwhile, the manifesto says the Netherlands should stop providing weapons to Ukraine.

"While our armed forces are not even able to defend our own land, we are sending our scarce kit to Ukraine," the manifesto says.

"We do not send our money and defence equipment such as F-16s to Ukraine but keep it for our own armed forces."

The manifesto also calls for the expulsion of Turkey from the NATO alliance.

Climate

"We have been made to fear climate change for decades... We must stop being afraid," says the PVV manifesto.

The Dutch have the best water engineers in the world and there is no need to panic about rising sea levels, the document says.

The manifesto calls for more oil and gas extraction from the North Sea and keeping coal and gas power stations open.

"The PVV is also in favour of rapidly constructing new nuclear power stations."

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THE HAGUE: Geert Wilders and his far-right PVV Freedom Party have pulled off an extraordinary political bombshell, winning the Dutch election comfortably, according to initial results. Wilders softened his anti-Islam rhetoric during the campaign, preferring to focus on issues such as the cost of living, with some analysts describing him as "Geert Milders". It remains to be seen whether he can attract enough support from other political parties to form a workable coalition as prime minister.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But what are his PVV's policies? AFP breaks down the election manifesto, including a freeze on asylum, a referendum on EU membership and more oil and gas extraction. Islam "With a reduction in the asylum and immigration flood to the Netherlands, the Islamisation of our country will also be reduced," says the PVV election programme. "The Netherlands is not an Islamic country: no Islamic schools, Korans and mosques." "We want less Islam in the Netherlands and we will achieve that through: less non-Western immigration and the introduction of a general halt to asylum." "Ban on wearing Islamic scarves in government buildings." Immigration The PVV proposes a "freeze on asylum" and "a generally more restrictive immigration policy" as well as an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules. The party wants to restore Dutch border controls, turning away asylum-seekers attempting to enter the Netherlands from "safe neighbouring countries." Illegal immigrants will be detained and deported and Syrians with temporary asylum permits will have these withdrawn as "parts of Syria are now safe". Refugees with residence permits will lose them "if they go on holiday to their country of origin". EU nationals will require a work permit and the number of foreign students will be reduced, the manifesto pledges. Europe The PVV wants "a sovereign Netherlands, a Netherlands that is in charge of its own currency, its own borders and makes its own rules". Therefore, the party rejects any form of "political union" like the EU -- "an institution that is pulling more and more power to itself, hoovers up taxpayer money, and imposes diktats on us". "The PVV wants a binding referendum on Nexit," the idea that the Netherlands could leave the EU. Until such a referendum, the Netherlands wants to become a net recipient of EU funds, not a net contributor. The party also rejects any further EU expansion and wants to restore its veto power in Brussels. Finally, the PVV wants to tear down the EU flag from government buildings. "We are in the Netherlands. Only the national flag flies here." ALSO READ | Anti-Islam firebrand leader Geert Wilders wins in Dutch election Foreign policy "Our guiding principle is: act in the interests of the Netherlands and the Dutch. Our own country comes first." The PVV is a "great friend of the only true democracy in the Middle East: Israel," says the manifesto. "Relations with Israel will be strengthened, by moving our embassy to Jerusalem, among other things." Wilders pledges to close the Dutch representation in Ramallah, home to the "corrupt Palestinian Authority." Diplomatic relations will be broken off "immediately" with countries with Sharia law and from where Dutch MPs have received death threats. Defence The PVV calls for a strong Dutch armed forces that can help policing at home. Meanwhile, the manifesto says the Netherlands should stop providing weapons to Ukraine. "While our armed forces are not even able to defend our own land, we are sending our scarce kit to Ukraine," the manifesto says. "We do not send our money and defence equipment such as F-16s to Ukraine but keep it for our own armed forces." The manifesto also calls for the expulsion of Turkey from the NATO alliance. Climate "We have been made to fear climate change for decades... We must stop being afraid," says the PVV manifesto. The Dutch have the best water engineers in the world and there is no need to panic about rising sea levels, the document says. The manifesto calls for more oil and gas extraction from the North Sea and keeping coal and gas power stations open. "The PVV is also in favour of rapidly constructing new nuclear power stations." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

Hamas said a group of hostages seized in the deadliest attack in Israel's history were handed over on Friday as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting.

"Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed to the Red Cross who will take them to the Egyptians" at the Rafah crossing, a source close to Hamas told AFP.

A source in the military wing of Hamas confirmed the handover, adding: "This is the first group under the agreement."

A first tranche of 13 women and child hostages were expected to go back to Israel on Friday under a deal that followed weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Israel is set to release three times as many Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails -- women and teenage boys.

A dozen Thai hostages kidnapped during Hamas's October 7 raids into Israel were also released on Friday, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced.

Pictures released by the Israeli army showed bright pink and blue headphones sitting on the seats of a helicopter ready for the released hostages to use, along with toys and teddy bears waiting at a reception centre where they were being taken to.

During a four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released.

Hamas broke through Gaza's militarised border with Israel on October 7 to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

'Going home'

The pause in fighting triggered a mass movement of thousands of Gazans who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment begun after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.

"I'm going home," Omar Jibrin, 16, told AFP after he emerged from a hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip where he and eight family members had sought refuge.

ALSO READ | Israeli army withdraws from Gaza hospital after truce: Hamas ministry

In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza where many Palestinians fled, a cacophony of car horns and ambulance sirens has replaced the sound of war.

For Khaled al-Halabi, the truce is "a chance to breathe" after nearly seven weeks of war.

Halabi had taken refuge in Rafah but is from Gaza City in the north, much of which has been reduced to rubble.

Israel's retaliatory air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

Gazans have struggled to survive with shortages of water and other essentials. Trucks carrying more aid, including fuel, gas, and food, began moving into Gaza from the Rafah crossing with Egypt shortly after the truce began at 7:00 am.

Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, expressed hope in Geneva that the pause "leads to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond."

He repeated the need for access across Gaza, especially in the north "where the damage and the humanitarian needs are the greatest".

According to the UN, 1.7 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced by the fighting.

Now, thousands of them are trying to get home.

In Khan Yunis, they loaded belongings onto carts, strapped them to car roofs, or slung bags over their shoulders, crowding streets to return to their homes from temporary shelters.

Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people that the war is not over and it is "very dangerous" to return north, the focus of Israel's military campaign.

The truce was also a chance for some Palestinians to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

ALSO READ | Israeli troops fire at Palestinians attempting to return to northern Gaza, killing two

In the morning, a few apparent gunshots could be heard and dark plumes of smoke rose periodically over northern Gaza, an AFPTV livecam showed, but the truce appeared to be holding in the afternoon.

Further north, on the Lebanon-Israel border, calm also returned after regular deadly exchanges of fire, primarily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. The Lebanese movement, like Hamas, is backed by Iran.

Carefully prepared

Ziv Agmon, legal adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, told reporters that the hostages would be received individually or in groups by the International Committee of the Red Cross, taken across the border and handed to the Israeli army.

From El-Arish, in the Sinai, they would be flown to Israel, an Egyptian security source said.

The Israeli soldiers had been carefully prepared to receive potentially deeply traumatised women and children.

After medical examinations, the former captives will be able to telephone family members before reunions later at Israeli medical facilities, Agmon added.

ALSO READ | Gaza war leaves West hesitant on Iran nuclear crackdown

AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 hostages.

At least 35 of those seized were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time.

Hamas earlier released four women and Israeli forces rescued another. Two other captives, including a woman soldier, were found dead by Israeli troops in Gaza.

Netanyahu's office said it had received "a first list of names" of those due to be released and been in contact with the families.

Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna are among the hostages, posted on social media platform X that she had been informed their names were not included.

"This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return," she wrote.

Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will also be freed on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said.

The Palestinian Authority's prisoner commission published a list of named Palestinian inmates -- 24 women and 15 children -- who could be released in exchange for the initial hostages.

Palestinian prisoners will be freed from three jails in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then taken to the Ofer military camp on buses, an Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

Hamas said a group of hostages seized in the deadliest attack in Israel's history were handed over on Friday as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting. "Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed to the Red Cross who will take them to the Egyptians" at the Rafah crossing, a source close to Hamas told AFP. A source in the military wing of Hamas confirmed the handover, adding: "This is the first group under the agreement."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A first tranche of 13 women and child hostages were expected to go back to Israel on Friday under a deal that followed weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Israel is set to release three times as many Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails -- women and teenage boys. A dozen Thai hostages kidnapped during Hamas's October 7 raids into Israel were also released on Friday, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced. Pictures released by the Israeli army showed bright pink and blue headphones sitting on the seats of a helicopter ready for the released hostages to use, along with toys and teddy bears waiting at a reception centre where they were being taken to. During a four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants. In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released. Hamas broke through Gaza's militarised border with Israel on October 7 to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages. 'Going home' The pause in fighting triggered a mass movement of thousands of Gazans who had sought refuge in schools and hospitals from relentless Israeli bombardment begun after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. "I'm going home," Omar Jibrin, 16, told AFP after he emerged from a hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip where he and eight family members had sought refuge. ALSO READ | Israeli army withdraws from Gaza hospital after truce: Hamas ministry In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza where many Palestinians fled, a cacophony of car horns and ambulance sirens has replaced the sound of war. For Khaled al-Halabi, the truce is "a chance to breathe" after nearly seven weeks of war. Halabi had taken refuge in Rafah but is from Gaza City in the north, much of which has been reduced to rubble. Israel's retaliatory air, artillery and naval strikes alongside a ground offensive have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said. Gazans have struggled to survive with shortages of water and other essentials. Trucks carrying more aid, including fuel, gas, and food, began moving into Gaza from the Rafah crossing with Egypt shortly after the truce began at 7:00 am. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, expressed hope in Geneva that the pause "leads to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond." He repeated the need for access across Gaza, especially in the north "where the damage and the humanitarian needs are the greatest". According to the UN, 1.7 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced by the fighting. Now, thousands of them are trying to get home. In Khan Yunis, they loaded belongings onto carts, strapped them to car roofs, or slung bags over their shoulders, crowding streets to return to their homes from temporary shelters. Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people that the war is not over and it is "very dangerous" to return north, the focus of Israel's military campaign. The truce was also a chance for some Palestinians to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing. ALSO READ | Israeli troops fire at Palestinians attempting to return to northern Gaza, killing two In the morning, a few apparent gunshots could be heard and dark plumes of smoke rose periodically over northern Gaza, an AFPTV livecam showed, but the truce appeared to be holding in the afternoon. Further north, on the Lebanon-Israel border, calm also returned after regular deadly exchanges of fire, primarily between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. The Lebanese movement, like Hamas, is backed by Iran. Carefully prepared Ziv Agmon, legal adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, told reporters that the hostages would be received individually or in groups by the International Committee of the Red Cross, taken across the border and handed to the Israeli army. From El-Arish, in the Sinai, they would be flown to Israel, an Egyptian security source said. The Israeli soldiers had been carefully prepared to receive potentially deeply traumatised women and children. After medical examinations, the former captives will be able to telephone family members before reunions later at Israeli medical facilities, Agmon added. ALSO READ | Gaza war leaves West hesitant on Iran nuclear crackdown AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 hostages. At least 35 of those seized were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time. Hamas earlier released four women and Israeli forces rescued another. Two other captives, including a woman soldier, were found dead by Israeli troops in Gaza. Netanyahu's office said it had received "a first list of names" of those due to be released and been in contact with the families. Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna are among the hostages, posted on social media platform X that she had been informed their names were not included. "This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return," she wrote. Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will also be freed on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said. The Palestinian Authority's prisoner commission published a list of named Palestinian inmates -- 24 women and 15 children -- who could be released in exchange for the initial hostages. Palestinian prisoners will be freed from three jails in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then taken to the Ofer military camp on buses, an Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
'Our bonding is evolving': Samridhii Shukla on shooting with Shehzada Dhami

Mumbai, Nov 23

A ctress Samridhii Shukla has shared her experience shooting with Shehzada Dhami in the show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', saying there is a lot of chemistry that the audience will witness.

Samridhii and Shehzada have taken on 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's legacy. The show is bringing to its audience an immensely captivating plot and gripping screenplay.

The show introduced Samriddhi (Abhira), Shehzada (Armaan), Pratiksha Honmukhe (Ruhi), and Shivam Khajuria (Rohit). The way Samridhii and Shehzada are portrayed in the show as they explore relationships and emotions will strike a chord with the audience.

Talking about the same, she said: "Shooting with Shehzada is getting better and better every day. Shehzada is spot on with his script, and our bonding is evolving with each passing day."

"We do not have many scenes with one another, but however many we have, there is a lot of chemistry that the audience will witness. Shehzada is always well versed in his lines, and he is very professional. I hope the audience keeps showering their love on us," added Samridhii.

'Yeh Rishta Kehlata Hai' airs on Star Plus.

'Our bonding is evolving': Samridhii Shukla on shooting with Shehzada Dhami

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New MRI study reveals how brain changes in long-Covid patients

London, Nov 23

P eople with long-Covid exhibit patterns of changes in the brain that are different from fully recovered Covid-19 patients, according to research.

The results based on diffusion microstructure imaging (DMI), a novel MRI technique, showed no brain volume loss or any other lesions that might explain the symptoms of long Covid.

However, Covid infection induced a specific pattern of microstructural changes in various brain regions, and this pattern differed between those who had long Covid and those who did not.

"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing patients with long Covid to both a group without history of Covid-19 and a group that went through a Covid-19 infection but is subjectively unimpaired," said Alexander Rau, from the Departments of Neuroradiology and Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at University Hospital Freiburg in Freiburg, Germany.

"This study allows for an in vivo insight on the impact of Covid-19 on the brain.

"Here, we noted gray matter alterations in both patients with long-Covid and those unimpaired after a Covid-19 infection. Interestingly, we not only noted widespread microstructural alterations in patients with long Covid, but also in those unimpaired after having contracted Covid-19," Rau said.

The findings also revealed a correlation between microstructural changes and symptom-specific brain networks associated with impaired cognition, sense of smell and fatigue.

"Expression of post-Covid symptoms was associated with specific affected cerebral networks, suggesting a pathophysiological basis of this syndrome," Rau said.

For the study, the team compared MRI brain scans of three groups: 89 patients with long Covid, 38 patients that had contracted Covid-19 but did not report any subjective long-term symptoms, and 46 healthy controls with no history of Covid-19.

The researchers first compared the cerebral macrostructure of these three groups to test for atrophy or any other abnormalities. Next, they used DMI to gain a deeper insight into the brain.

DMI looks at the movement of water molecules in tissues. By studying how water molecules move in different directions and at various speeds, DMI can provide detailed information on the microstructure of the brain. It can detect even very small changes in the brain, not detectable with conventional MRI.

The study will be presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago.

New MRI study reveals how brain changes in long-Covid patients

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Mumbai, Nov 23

A ctor Ankur Verma got nostalgic and shared that he's missing his family for Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations in his hometown, Gurugram.

The actor talks about the festival's importance, recalling moments spent with family and visits to the famous Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi on this special day.

Ankur said: "Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak is very dear to me. Back home, every year I visit a gurdwara with my family. I love enjoying langar and watching firecrackers at the gurdwarait's a tradition we cherish. Nothing can compare to the solace I find in offering prayers and gratitude for the blessings Ive received so far."

"This year, due to work commitments, I'll miss visiting the iconic Bangla Sahib Gurdwara. I will visit a gurdwara near my house in Mumbai. I thank God for giving me some of the best fans, who have supported me throughout my journey," he added.

He is currently playing the role of Sanju in 'Parineetii'. The show illustrates the interconnected lives of Parineet (played by Anchal Sahu), Neeti (played by Ankur Verma), and Sanju (Ankur) showcasing the complicated dynamics among them.

In the current storyline, Sanju requests Neeti to attend his boss's anniversary party with him. She eventually decides to go to the party with Sanju as a couple. However, Parineet visits the house of Sanjus boss to help his wife with the preparations, and everyone at the party thinks that Parineet is Sanjus wife.

'Parineetii' airs on Colors.

Ankur Verma misses home on Guru Nanak Jayanti

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New Delhi, Nov 23

A group of travellers in the US was left stranded in the desert for hours after allegedly taking a shortcut suggested by Google Maps.

To avoid traffic, the travellers group from California allegedly took Google Maps' suggestion when they were returning to Los Angeles from Las Vegas on November 19, reports SFGate. While driving back to Los Angeles from a Formula 1 race in Las Vegas, Shelby Easler, her brother Austin, and their partners followed suggestions by Google Maps to avoid the major highway connecting the two cities.

The app suggested the group to take an alternate route to avoid the dust storm that caused major traffic delays on the Interstate 15 highway.

However, the route took the group into Nevadas deserts, according to the report.

We ironically thought it would be a safer option, and it did say it would be 50 minutes faster. It was our first time driving to/from Vegas, so we didnt know that you can really only take the I-15 back and forth, Easler was quoted as saying.

Easler and her family were not the only ones who were unaware of this. Her TikTok video showed a trail of cars stuck on the same road.

The first driver that turned around talked to us to tell us that the road gets washed out the higher into the mountain you get, and we have to turn around since the path leads nowhere. He was in a huge truck and was just driving straight through the bushes and shrubs to let people know to turn around, Easler said.

The group felt 'trapped' so they called 911 for the rescue, but the California Highway Patrol could not help as it was dealing with a dust storm emergency.

They then contacted a towing company that sent trucks and rescued Easler's car as well as the other stranded vehicles.

Easler said, In the future, I'll stick to the road I know and double-check somewhere else if the route seems sketchy.

Google Maps suggestion left travellers stranded in desert for hours

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Mumbai, Nov 23

T he RBI on Thursday said that the banks should focus on fortifying cyber security and prevention of cyber frauds to safeguard their customers from rising incidents of fraud and data breaches.

RBI Deputy Governor Rajeshwar Rao, in his address at the FIBAC 2023 conference, on Thursday said that the banking landscape is fast evolving with increase in financial inclusion, customer access, product choices, and convenience.

However, the risks to the consumer have also increased with increasing instances of frauds and data breaches, he said.

He said that bank customers today are facing a threat from technology induced frauds such as fraudulent apps, breach of privacy and deep fakes.

Even mis-selling has emerged in a digital avatar now  called Dark Patterns. Dark patterns are design interfaces and tactics used to trick users into desired behaviour such as availing high-cost short-term consumer credit masquerading as an instant loan. We must work hard, work smart and work together to protect customers from these threats to retain and strengthen their trust, Rao said.

He said that a key element of protecting customers is to provide them an efficient, prompt and cost effective grievance redress mechanism.

Unfortunately, it appears that the efforts of the banks to provide timely solutions to customer grievances have not kept pace with explosion in technology and products.

While banks are hugely invested in forging new and innovative ways of customer acquisition, very little thought seems to be going on improving the customer grievance redress mechanisms, he said.

This seems very odd for a sector which prides itself on being a service industry. We definitely wish to see more serious thought and intent emerging from the Boards and top executives on quality of grievance redressal instead of just monitoring TAT and MIS on complaints, Rao said.

He also emphasised the need for banks to bring in greater empathy into their services, products and operations.

For example, there is a need for greater effort to provide safe and friendly tech-banking to senior citizens. Banks must require their employees to treat senior citizens, people with special needs, those that are technologically challenged or someone who may need help otherwise with special care and empathy, Rao said.

He said that the boards must ensure that their access points  branches, websites, and apps are user friendly and convenient for the customers with special needs.

From the regulatory side, we are taking up these subjects more vigorously in our interaction with the industry but there is also a need for a cultural and attitudinal change within the fraternity that I would like to emphasise, Rao said.

pannu/dan

Banks should fortify cyber security as fraud cases rise: RBI

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Modi becomes first PM to visit Krishna Janambhoomi temple

Mathura, Nov 23

P rime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, became the first Prime Minister to visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

The Prime Minister offered prayers at the temple and was given gifts by the priests. These included a painting and an angavastram.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit.

The Prime Ministers visit comes two days after Allahabad High Court, in a significant development, granted approval to the construction plan for the Banke Bihari Temple corridor earlier this week.

The courts green signal to the initiative, which is the brainchild of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has paved the way for the removal of encroachments obstructing the corridors path.

After visiting the temple, the Prime Minister attended the Braj Raj Mahotsav to mark the 525th birth anniversary of Meera Bai.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that he was elated to come to Braj and set foot on this divine land. Assuring development of the region, he reminded people of the relation between Braj and Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Krishna became Dwarikadeesh when he came to Gujarat. Meera Bai belonged to Rajasthan but came to Vrindavan in her quest for divine love, he said.

The Prime Minister further said that different spiritual strains that emerged from various parts of the country found a culmination in Vrindavan.

He added that he was happy to know about development in the region and assured that no effort would be spared to turn Braj into a divine centre.

The Prime Minister also watched a short documentary prepared by the administration on the occasion of the 525th birth anniversary of Meera Bai at the same venue.

He also released a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the occasion.

Later, he watched a dance performance by Member of Parliament Hema Malini, as part of the celebrations of Meera Bais birth anniversary.

Modi becomes first PM to visit Krishna Janambhoomi temple

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Panaji, Nov 23

R enowned actor Pankaj Tripathi on Thursday said that the world is a theatre and we play different roles in our lives, adding that acting is the recreation of real-life roles and emotions.

The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) featured an enriching masterclass with actor Pankaj Tripathi, in collaboration with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata.

"World is a theatre and we play different roles in our lives. Acting is the recreation of real-life roles and emotions. One needs to be empathetic in becoming a proficient actor," Tripathi said.

He said that acting serves a broader purpose: to make individuals better human beings by understanding diverse perspectives. When you put yourselves in someones shoes, and understand their thoughts, their emotions, and their perspectives, you also become a better human, he said.

He highlighted the significance of aligning the body and mind for natural acting. Flexibility and openness of mind and body are crucial to molding oneself according to the character, he said.

Dwelling on the difference between a star and an actor, Tripathi said, An actor can always take the opportunity for experimentation with their role.

Talking about his initial years as an actor, Tripathi acknowledged the struggles he had to overcome. When it was all about survival, acting becomes secondary. However, he stressed the importance of hope in moving forward with ones passion.

But just hope is not sufficient, self-assessment is also necessary. Ask yourself why you want to do this, he said.

He also urged the aspiring actors and filmmakers in the audience to do research, observe and explore their surroundings along with themselves.

Fifteen years ago nobody knew me, and 15 years later nobody may remember me either, he said, emphasising on the need to be aware and vigilant of ones power to ensure that it does not corrupt them.

Life becomes meaningful only when fame and money is utilised fruitfully and for a good purpose, said Tripathi.

IFFI 2023: World a theatre & we play different roles: Pankaj Tripathi

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Los Angeles, Nov 24

A ctor Jamie Foxx has denied sexual assault allegation against him calling the lawsuit "frivolous."

"The alleged incident never happened. In 2020, this individual filed a nearly identical lawsuit in Brooklyn," a spokesperson for Foxx said Thursday. That case was dismissed shortly thereafter."

"The claims are no more viable today than they were then. We are confident they will be dismissed again. And once they are, Foxx intends to pursue a claim for malicious prosecution against this person and her attorneys for re-filing this frivolous action," reports aceshowbiz.com.

In the suit that was filed on Wednesday, the woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims the Oscar winner sexually assaulted her at a rooftop bar in New York City back in 2015.

The documents detail that the 55-year-old Hollywood star was at Catch NYC & Roof in August 2015 around 11 P.M. when the plaintiff arrived to be seated in the rooftop lounge and bar. She says she noticed the actor one table away.

Around 1 A.M., the plaintiff's friend asked Jamie if he'd take a photo with her and the plaintiff. He allegedly said, "Sure, baby anything for you," but appeared to have been intoxicated at the time.

After they took several photos together, he allegedly made flirty comments, including "Wow, you have that supermodel body" and "You smell so good," and told the plaintiff she looked like Gabrielle Union. He then pulled her by the arm to the back area of the rooftop, where he placed both hands on her waist and groped her private parts, according to the plaintiff.

The woman claimed she attempted to step away and noticed a security guard and others who saw what had happened, but they chose to walk away. He allegedly only stopped touching her when her friend came over and saw what was happening.

The woman went on to note that she was injured and had to undergo a medical treatment. She says she suffered pain and emotional distress as a result of the "sexual assault, abuse, assault and battery."

She is suing the 'Annie' actor, Catch and its employees for compensatory and punitive damages.

Jamie Foxx shuts down 'frivolous' lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault

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Mumbai, Nov 24

W hile reflecting on his life of excess, rocker Ozzy Osbourne has said that he thinks he should have died years before his late "drinking partners".

The Black Sabbath rocker, 74, who is afflicted with Parkinson's and pain from a string of surgeries, revealed ahead of being handed the Icon Award night's first Rolling Stone UK Awards he is astounded he has outlived so many of his former hard-living pals, including Motorhead's Lemmy and UFO bass player Pete Way, who he performed with in the 1980s, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He was quoted by 'The Sun' saying about being a rock survivor: "I've been doing a lot of reflection while Ive been laid up, and all my drinking partners, I've realised theyre all dead. I should have been dead before loads of them. Why am I the last man standing? Sometimes I look in the mirror and go, 'Why did you make it'?."

"I should have been dead a thousand times. I've had my stomach pumped God knows how many times."

Ozzy, who is set to turn 75 on 3 December and has been married to his wife Sharon, 71, for 41 years, added: "I don't fear dying, but I don't want to have a long, painful and miserable existence.

"I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to Switzerland and get it done quickly. I saw my father die of cancer.

"I said to Sharon that Id smoked a joint recently and she said, What are you doing that for? It'll kill you!"

"I said, "How long do you want me to live for? At best, I've got 10 years left and, when youre older, time picks up speed. Me and Sharon had our 41st wedding anniversary recently and that's just unbelievable to me."

Ozzy is set to retire as he continues to battle a rare - but mild - form of Parkinson's. But he said it is surgeries following a fall in 2019 that have resulted in his biggest health fights.

An accident dislodged metal rods which had been inserted into his back after a quad bike accident at his home in Buckinghamshire, south-east England, in 2003 and earlier this year, the rocker underwent spinal surgery for a fourth time in a bid to repair another operation - where a tumour was also discovered.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: "The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled.

"I thought Id be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a rod in my spine. They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. Its pretty rough, man, and my balance is (messed) up."

Ozzy Osbourne: 'I should have been dead a thousand times!'

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Nagaland gears up for Hornbill Festival; US, Colombia, Germany to be country partners

Kohima, Nov 24

N agaland is gearing up for the annual Hornbill Festival starting December 1.

After holding a review meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Colombia, the US and Germany will be the country partners of the 10-day festival this year.

The Chief Minister posted on X: Held a review meeting at Naga heritage village Kisama for the upcoming Hornbill festival. Also, inaugurated a two-day food and music festival as a prelude to Hornbill festival at Kisama.

Rio said that with the partnerships of three countries, we are hopeful that such tie-ups will further strengthen the ties and people-to-people contact with these countries.

We are looking forward to hosting an American music band and participation of the US in a number of events at the 'Festival of Festivals'.

"We have always had a positive relationship with the US and through this partnership, we are hopeful that the two countries will come closer for mutual benefits and enhanced collaborations, Rio said in a statement.

The Chief Minister said that German rock band 'ELM Tree' would perform at the Hornbill Music Festival, while the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata, will screen well-known German films at the Film Festival.

Nagaland will also host a German business delegation for a round-table with the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).

"We are looking forward to another great Hornbill Festival and hope this partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two countries as we look forward to greater bilateral ties and increased people-to-people contact with Germany, Rio added.

Meanwhile, The influential Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) has decided to participate in the Hornbill Festival this year.

The ENPO held an emergency meeting earlier this week in which a nine-member Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) delegation was also present.

The ENPO will also allow cultural teams to take part in the forthcoming festival.

The ENPO, the apex tribal organisation of eastern Nagaland, had boycotted the Hornbill Festival last year in protest against the non-fulfilment of their demand for a separate state -- 'Frontier Nagaland' -- for the seven Naga tribes of eastern Nagaland.

Earlier, the ENPO had announced that it has accepted the proposal of the Government of India for the formation of a Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) with legislative, executive, administrative and financial autonomy.

On an average, 70,000 to 1 lakh tourists, including foreign visitors, take part in the 10-day long Hornbill Festival. The festival is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of Naga heritage.

Called 'Festival of Festivals', the Hornbill Festival named after a colourful forest bird coincides with the 61st Nagaland statehood day celebrations on December 1.

Nagaland gears up for Hornbill Festival; US, Colombia, Germany to be country partners

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Chennai, Nov 24

T amil star Ajith Kumar has returned to Chennai for completing the shoot of his upcoming film Vidaa Muyarchi after going to Azerbaijan to shoot certain scenes of the film.

Spotted at Chennai airport, the actor was surrounded by his crew and largely refused to speak much to the paparazzi who were clicking pictures of him, and probing him with questions.

The crew of the film has refused to make any comments regarding how shooting is going on.

His appearance at the airport went viral as netizens and journalists were quick to spot him.

Dragging his suitcase along with him, the Vedalam actor was all style as he donned a black coat, stylish black glasses, a white shirt, black pants, and matching shoes.

While making his exit from the airport he was constantly probed by the paparazzi though he refused to say anything and quietly stepped into his car, heading most likely to his residence.

Written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni, Vidaa Muyarchi stars Ajith Kumar, Trisha, and Regina Cassandra in the lead roles.

Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the film is backed by Lyca Productions and is gearing up to release in 2024.

Ajith Kumar returns from Azerbaijan for 'Vidaa Muyarchi' shoot

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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%.
Bonn immunologist Prof. Florian I. Schmidt, who conducts research at the Institute of Innate Immunity at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), has been awarded a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council to fund his research project DEFLAMMATION with two million Euro. In the study, which is due to start in 2024, Prof. Schmidt wants to investigate how distinct cellular signaling pathways control the termination or even suppression of inflammation in the body. If it is possible to control the proteins involved, autoinflammatory diseases could be treated more effectively.

Inflammation is the immune system's response to pathogens or damage. The innate immune system is crucial to initiate inflammation and serves as a first line of defense against invaders. Inflammation activates the cell's own defense systems and ultimately also triggers the more specific (but slower) immune response by antibody-producing B cells and T cells. To prevent the immune system from overshooting the mark and causing unnecessary damage to the body, the inflammatory response must be well-controlled. Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to autoinflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, or even promote the development of colon cancer.

Precisely these mechanism of negative regulation are the subject of research by Prof. Schmidt, who is a member of the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2 and the Transdisciplinary Research Unit "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn. "So far, we only have a poor understanding of how different cell types interprete external and internal cues to actively shut down inflammation under certain conditions. My hypothesis is that two specific proteins, namely NLRC3 and NLRX1, could act as signaling hubs that control the innate immune response and the activity of T cells."

To this end, the researcher wants to use nanobodies developed by his team as well as CRISPR/Cas9 and cDNA screens. Nanobodies are small proteins derived from special alpaca antibodies. They can be selected to bind to relevant proteins of the immune system with high specificity. In this way, they can precisely disrupt their function or mark targets in microscopy experiments. This helps to determine their exact role in the immune response. In certain cases, nanobodies can also be used therapeutically, as they can specifically switch target proteins on or off. It is also possible to discover new target structures in the course of this research project, allowing new points of attack with simpler drugs.
In a recent study published in Nature Genetics, researchers conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to gain novel insights into the pathophysiology of cannabis use disorder and public health concerns associated with the disorder.

Study: Multi-ancestry genome-wide association study of cannabis use disorder yields insight into disease biology and public health implications. Image Credit: ShutterstockProfessional / Shutterstock.com

Background

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug with a long history of illegal use, mainly for recreational purposes. Chronic consumption of cannabis is associated with various health complications, including cognitive deficits, psychiatric disorders, and cancers.

Recently, many countries throughout the world have approved the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and decriminalized its recreational use. In the United States, medical use of cannabis has been authorized in 37 states, whereas the recreational use of cannabis has been approved in 19 states. In Europe, Malta has fully legalized recreational cannabis.

With the recent changes in cannabis law, a gradual increase in the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has been observed worldwide.

The study

A GWAS meta-analysis of cannabis use disorder was conducted using the Million Veteran Program database, which is one of the largest biobanks in the world that complies with genetic, health, and lifestyle data to facilitate genetic research.

Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted on data obtained from 1,054,365 individuals of European, African, mixed American, and East Asian ancestries designated by the reference panel used for assignment.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability was calculated within each ancestry using population-specific methods.

Important observations

A total of 22 independent genome-wide significant (GWS) loci were identified within European ancestry, two GWS loci within African ancestry, one GWS locus within admixed American ancestry, and two GWS loci within East Asian ancestry.

The lead SNP for European ancestry was near the cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunit-encoding gene. For African ancestry, the lead SNP was in an intron of a gene that encodes for a pH-dependent proton-coupled amino acid transporter for glycine, alanine, and proline.

For admixed American ancestry, the lead SNP was in an intergenic region downstream of leucine-rich repeat-containing 3B. For East Asian ancestry, the lead SNP was intronic to the semaphorin 6D-encoding gene.

Comparative analysis of cannabis use disorder and cannabis use traits with a range of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric traits showed a much more substantial overlap of cannabis use disorder with pathological and negative traits.

The calculation of SNP-based heritability within each ancestral group identified significant SNP-based heritability for three larger ancestries, including European, African, and mixed American ancestries.

The comparison of genetic correlations between cannabis use disorder and cannabis use revealed that the strongest positive correlations are related to smoking initiation and alcohol dependence. Comparatively, the strongest negative correlations are related to the age of first intercourse and smoking cessation.

Further analysis identified a bidirectional causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia. Regarding the differences between cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, the analysis showed that cannabis use disorder is much more closely associated with psychopathology.

A unidirectional causal effect of multi-site chronic pain on cannabis use disorder was observed in the study. This indicates that chronic pain might act as a driving factor for cannabis use disorder.

The analysis further identified a unidirectional causal effect of cannabis use disorder on lung cancer. Conditional analysis of this result with smoking initiation did not significantly alter the relationship between cannabis use disorder and lung cancer. However, the conditional analysis with cigarettes each day mitigated this relationship.

A transcriptome-wide association study identified 36 and 15 genes using adult and fetal brain frontal cortex expression, respectively. DALR Anticodon Binding Domain Containing 3 (DALRD3) was the only common gene in these gene sets. Nonsense mutations in this gene are known to be associated with developmental delay and early-onset epileptic encephalopathy.

The observed gene associations included four distinct GWAS loci, including DALRD3 (both fetal and adult), ERCC8 (fetal), RP11-629G13.1 (adult), and PHLPP2 (adult). Proteins encoded by these genes are associated with various cancer types, including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and multiple myeloma.

The estimation of SNP-based heritability of cannabis use disorder showed significant enrichments for the fetal brain frontal cortex but not for the adult brain cortex. This enriched fetal SNP-based heritability indicates that in the developing brain, genetic factors might play a role in inducing cannabis use disorder, even in the absence of cannabis exposure.

Study significance

The study finds a significant difference between cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Genetic liabilities to cannabis use disorder exhibit a much stronger association with psychopathology and disability. Notably, the study finds a causal link between cannabis use disorder and lung cancer risk.
Reducing the dose of a widely used COVID-19 booster vaccine produces a similar immune response in adults to a full-dose with fewer side effects, according to a new study.

The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and the National Centre for Communicable Diseases in Mongolia, found that a half dose of a Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults who previously had AstraZeneca or Sinopharm COVID-19 shots. But it found half-dose boosting may be less effective in adults primed with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

The research is part of an international clinical trial, which also includes Australia and Indonesia, that's investigating the different COVID-19 booster shot approaches to help guide future vaccination strategies. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is funding the trial that is being overseen by MCRI.

The first batch of findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, and involving 601 participants over 18 years old from Mongolia, reports on the initial responses seen 28-days after vaccination. The study is the first of its kind to assess and compare COVID-19 vaccines widely used in low- and middle-income countries.

MCRI Professor Kim Mulholland, who also sits on the WHO SAGE committee, said the study found that fractional doses elicited an immune response that was non-inferior to a full dose with fewer side effects and was less costly.

"Fractional dosing may improve COVID-19 booster acceptability and uptake and reduce the per-dose cost of COVID-19 booster programs," he said. Policymakers and immunization advisory committees can draw upon this data to make flexible boosting schedules decisions."

The study found half-dose boosted participants reported fewer local reactions than those receiving full doses (60 per cent versus 72 per cent) including less pain and tenderness. They also reported fewer systemic reactions (25 per cent versus 32 per cent) including less fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches.

The cohort will be followed up at six and 12 months with the data to answer key questions on other aspects of the immune response including the rate of waning and breakthrough infections.

This CEPI-funded study has generated valuable data about combinations of vaccines that have been widely distributed through COVAX, which will help to inform future booster strategies in countries in the global south. Fractional dosing can contribute to equitable access by making vaccination more acceptable and less costly." Dr Melanie Saville, Executive Director of R&D at CEPI

Researchers from Onoshmed Laboratory, Sukhbaatar District Health Centre, General Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, the University of Melbourne, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Bayangol District Health Centre, Mongolia Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Public Health in Mongolia also contributed to the findings.
For Briana Jones, a young Black mother in San Francisco, a city program called the Abundant Birth Project has been a godsend.

Designed to counter the "obstetric racism" that researchers say leads a disproportionate number of African American mothers to die from childbirth, the project has provided 150 pregnant Black and Pacific Islander San Franciscans a $1,000 monthly stipend.

The money enabled Jones, 20, to pay for gas to drive to prenatal clinics, buy fresh fruits and vegetables for her toddler son and herself, and remain healthy as she prepared for the birth of her second child last year.

But the future of the Abundant Birth Project is clouded by a lawsuit alleging that the program, the first of its kind in the nation, illegally discriminates by giving the stipend only to people of a specific race. The lawsuit also targets San Francisco guaranteed-income programs serving artists, transgender people, and Black young adults.

The litigation is part of a growing national effort by conservative groups to eliminate racial preferences in a wide range of institutions following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found race-conscious admissions to colleges and universities to be unconstitutional.

In health care, legal actions threaten efforts to provide scholarships to minority medical school students and other initiatives to create a physician workforce that looks more like the nation.

The lawsuits also endanger other measures designed to reduce well-documented racial disparities. Black women are three to four times more likely than white women to die in labor or from related complications in the U.S., and Black infants are twice as likely as white infants to be born prematurely and to die before their first birthdays. Racial and ethnic minorities also are more likely to die from diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and heart disease than their white counterparts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A handful of activist nonprofit groups and law firms are leading the charge. Do No Harm, a nonprofit formed in 2022, has sued health commissions, pharmaceutical companies, and public health journals to try to stop them from choosing applicants based on race. Do No Harm claims more than 6,000 members worldwide and partners with nonprofit legal organizations, most notably the Pacific Legal Foundation, which garnered national attention when it defended California's same-sex marriage ban.

Another nonprofit, the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, together with a Dallas-based law firm called the American Civil Rights Project, filed the lawsuit against the city of San Francisco and the state of California over the Abundant Birth Project, alleging the program violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution's 14th Amendment by granting money exclusively to Black and Pacific Islander women. The 14th Amendment was passed after the Civil War to give rights to formerly enslaved Black people.

The lawsuit calls public money used for the project and the three other guaranteed-income programs "discriminatory giveaways" that are "illegal, wasteful, and injurious."

"The city and county of San Francisco crafted the Abundant Birth Project with the express intention of picking beneficiaries based on race," Dan Morenoff, executive director of the American Civil Rights Project, said in a phone interview. "It's unconstitutional. They can't legally do it, and we are optimistic that the courts will not allow them to continue to do it."

San Francisco and state officials declined to discuss the case because of the pending litigation, but the city defended the program in its initial response to the lawsuit. The Abundant Birth Project started in June 2021 and plans to make a second round of grants to pregnant mothers this fall, the response says.

The project strives to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by easing the economic stress on pregnant Black and Pacific Islander San Franciscans. People in those groups face some of the worst outcomes in the U.S., where more women die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth than in other high-income nations. The state of California last year awarded $5 million to expand the program to include Black mothers in four other counties.

But Khiara Bridges, a Berkeley law professor and anthropologist who has talked to beneficiaries of the Abundant Birth Project but is not directly involved with it, said the Supreme Court ruling on college affirmative action could actually support the argument that the program is legal.

The court struck down affirmative action in part because the majority said Harvard and the University of North Carolina failed to show measurable outcomes justifying race consciousness in college admissions. While statistics on potential benefits from the Abundant Birth Project are not publicly available, Bridges and others familiar with the program expect researchers to demonstrate it saves and improves lives by comparing the health outcomes of families who received the stipend with those of families who did not. The outcomes could justify employing race to choose program participants, Bridges said.

Bridges also drew another distinction between the role of race in college admissions and the role of race in health disparities.

"If you don't get into Harvard, there's always Princeton or Columbia or Cornell," she said. "Maternal death  the stakes are a little bit higher."

In California, a voter initiative, Proposition 209, has prohibited race-based selection in public education and employment since 1996. California Assembly member Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) has co-authored a pending bill that would amend the proposition to allow municipalities to grant benefits to specific groups of vulnerable people if they use research-based measures that can reduce health and other disparities.

Bonta, a law school graduate, told KFF Health News that the litigation against the Abundant Birth Project is the result of "conservative groups who want to exist in a world that doesn't exist, where communities of color have not had to suffer the generational harm that comes from structural racism."

Bonta has more than once been a victim of medical racism herself.

When she went to the hospital with a serious back injury, she was interrogated by a doctor who appeared to believe she was faking pain so she could obtain drugs.

"But for the intervention of my husband, who happened to be there and moved into health advocacy mode, I, as a Black Latina woman, would not have received the care that I needed," she said. Bonta's husband, Rob Bonta, is also a lawyer and is now California's attorney general.

Briana Jones experiences racism every day, she said.

She was 15 when she gave birth to her first child in a San Francisco hospital. Terrified and in agonizing pain, she did what laboring mothers have always done and screamed.

A nurse ordered her to "shut up."

In the U.S., Black women are far more likely than white women to report that health care providers scolded, threatened, or shouted at them during childbirth, research shows. They also face other forms of obstetric racism, including barriers to quality care and cumulative stress from lifelong discrimination.

Growing up Black in predominantly white and Asian San Francisco has been a struggle for Jones. But, while carrying her second baby last year, she learned from her mother of the Abundant Birth Project, and within a month, her race and address in Bayview Hunters Point, where some of the city's poorest residents live, qualified her as one of nearly 150 women to receive the $1,000 a month during her pregnancy and for six months postpartum.

"I really did feel like it was God helping me," she said.

For Morenoff, though, it's just another form of discrimination, and he says the city must either open the Abundant Birth Project to all pregnant women or close it down. "The whole point of the 14th Amendment is to require America to treat all Americans as Americans with the same equal rights," he said.

Jones had high blood pressure, leading to swollen ankles and dizziness, during both her pregnancies. In her more recent one, the birth project stipend helped enable her to quit couch surfing and move into an apartment, and she gave birth to a healthy boy named Adonis.

"It's known that people of color struggle way harder than other races," Jones said. "Where I live, it's nothing but struggle here, people trying to make ends meet."

"For them to try to take this program away from us," she said, "it's wrong."

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
On the presidential campaign trail, Republican Ron DeSantis touts himself as a champion of medical freedom, outlawing vaccine mandates and protecting doctors who refuse to provide certain medical treatments on moral grounds.

His record as Florida's governor suggests a presidency that would prioritize individual freedom over public health, but his push for such freedoms ends when it comes to abortion and treatment for gender dysphoria. In Florida, he has pushed restrictions on those medical services.

Critics contend those were the wrong priorities in a state where 7.4% of children had no medical insurance as of 2022. Since then more than 250,000 Florida children have lost the health insurance they had through Medicaid.

The DeSantis campaign did not return multiple requests for comment on the governor's health policy campaign plans.

As he sets his sights on the White House, here's a recap of his health care record:

Public health

At campaign stops, DeSantis talks often of his handling of the covid-19 pandemic even as the issue has largely disappeared from the public's radar.

DeSantis initially followed federal health guidance and ordered a statewide lockdown in April 2020. But the governor quickly changed course, beginning a phased reopening of Florida just one month later. Around then, Florida's then-surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, was hustled out of a news conference and hardly seen for months after he said residents might have to socially distance themselves from others and wear masks until vaccines became available.

Florida was one of four states that reopened schools in August 2020, and DeSantis banned cities and counties from enforcing mask mandates. He later suspended local pandemic restrictions and outlawed vaccine passports.

DeSantis did initially champion covid-19 vaccines, especially for Florida's older adults. That changed in 2021, when DeSantis appointed Joseph Ladapo as his next surgeon general. A Harvard-trained doctor, Ladapo had gained prominence as a skeptic of the scientific consensus on how to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.

Subsequently, Florida was the only state not to preorder covid-19 vaccine doses for children under 5 when those became available in 2022. At news conferences, DeSantis publicized covid-19 treatments such as monoclonal antibodies but didn't urge residents to get vaccinated.

Later, DeSantis' health department recommended against vaccines for young men and against people under 65 getting updated vaccines, guidance that contradicted that of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DeSantis as president would likely downplay the importance of the CDC, which is an advisory body, and instead might require states to invest more in public health infrastructure, said Jay Wolfson, a public health professor at the University of South Florida.

The pandemic exposed that Florida's public health system had been underfunded and largely ignored by successive administrations, including DeSantis', Wolfson said. Having led Florida through hurricanes Ian and Idalia, DeSantis may want a similar response to public health emergencies like covid-19, where states take the lead and the federal government's role is to support them, he said.

Abortion

DeSantis has said he supports a "culture of life." As governor, he's signed the most anti-abortion modern-day legislation Florida has seen. But he has faced pushback from the anti-abortion crowd for his initial reluctance to endorse a federal ban and from other anti-abortion Republicans for signing a ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which some have said is too extreme.

That bill, which DeSantis signed this year, has exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking up to 15 weeks into the pregnancy if the woman seeking an abortion has documentation proving her circumstances.

That bill has not taken effect, because of a pending court challenge over Florida's current 15-week abortion ban, which DeSantis signed in 2022. That law does not have any exceptions for victims of rape or incest but does have exceptions for the health of the mother.

Opponents of Florida's abortion restrictions say the threat of a felony arrest for violating the law makes it difficult for a doctor to provide an abortion they think is necessary.

After months of declining to directly answer whether he would support a nationwide abortion ban, DeSantis said during the second GOP presidential primary debate that he would sign a 15-week federal abortion ban.

The issue remains a difficult one for Republicans. A recent successful ballot measure in Ohio suggests that preserving abortion rights remains an effective issue for Democrats to drive turnout.

With Florida's ban held up in legal challenges, the state continues to be one of the biggest providers of abortions in the Southeast. About 65,000 abortions have been recorded by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration so far this year. Almost 6,000 were for out-of-state residents.

Medicaid

Even as states long opposed to Medicaid expansion such as South Dakota and North Carolina have recently reversed course, Florida remains in a group of 10 holdout states that refuse to expand the program as part of the Affordable Care Act.

The act provides extra federal funding to states that increase eligibility. In Florida's case, doing so would help an estimated 514,000 residents gain health coverage, according to an October analysis by the Urban Institute.

Florida has had one of the highest child uninsured rates for many years, higher than poorer states such as neighboring Alabama, another state that has refused to expand Medicaid, said Joan Alker, executive director at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

Almost 823,000 Floridians have lost Medicaid coverage since April, when states could remove recipients for the first time since the pandemic began. That includes at least 250,000 children. It's unknown how many of those children are now covered through their parents' insurance. But despite the state's reassurance that kids who lose coverage would be referred to child health insurance programs like KidCare, Democratic state and federal lawmakers point to enrollment in the state program rising by only 25,000 children.

Florida is also the only state that has not taken advantage of federal waivers that would enable the state to keep more people on Medicaid while it transitions back to normal Medicaid operation.

Wolfson said Florida's position reflects DeSantis' belief that the program has become "an expensive and overextended giveaway" that discourages people from working hard to better their lives.

"We're not going to be like California and have massive numbers of people on government programs without work requirements," DeSantis said during the second Republican debate when asked why Florida's uninsured rate  11.2% in 2022, according to U.S Census Bureau estimates  was higher than the national average, which was 8%.

DeSantis has, however, approved bills that expanded Medicaid coverage based on needs, an approach that may be more illustrative of his handling of the health insurance program should he end up in the White House.

In 2021, DeSantis signed a bill to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to up to 12 months. This year, he approved legislation for Medicaid to cover glucose monitors and for family members who are 18 or older to be able to be trained and paid under Medicaid as home health aides for medically fragile child relatives.

DeSantis also signed a bill to make more lower-income families eligible for KidCare, a set of child health insurance programs.

Gender dysphoria care

Like other GOP-led states, Florida has restricted the rights of transgender minors to access treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

Florida health officials in 2022 approved rules prohibiting minors from accessing treatment for gender dysphoria. They then in 2023 prohibited minors from accessing that treatment even in clinical trials.

This past legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed a bill codifying that rule, which DeSantis signed into law. The decision runs counter to recommendations from major medical organizations. The legislation also requires that, for adults, gender dysphoria care, which the state calls "sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures," can be administered only by a physician.

In 2022, DeSantis' administration published a report that created the foundation for a rule that prohibited Medicaid from covering gender dysphoria treatments for both minors and adults. To create the report, the Florida health agency veered from its standard protocol and brought in consultants who had known views that ran counter to major medical organizations' guidance.

A judge has since struck that Medicaid ban down, but lawyers are arguing in court that DeSantis' administration has been willfully defying the order and has continued to implement the Medicaid ban.

Medical freedom

Earlier this year, DeSantis declared Florida the "medical freedom" state as he signed into law protections for medical providers who turn away patients on "conscience" grounds.

The law provides similar protections for insurance companies.

Opponents of the legislation worry it will allow doctors to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people or other groups. The legislation does not allow someone to opt out of providing care because of "race, color, religion, sex, or national origin."

Federal laws protect health care workers from having to provide abortions if doing so goes against their personal beliefs. Florida's new law is much broader, allowing a medical professional to deny nearly any procedure if it goes against their conscience.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited building the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor said on Thursday that 100 kilometres of viaducts and 230 kilometres of pier work had been completed for the ambitious project.

The milestone of construction of 100 km of viaducts has been achieved through launching of 40-metre long full span box girders and segmental girders, the NHSRCL said.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw uploaded a video on X, formerly Twitter, to inform about the feat. According to NHSRCL, the viaducts include bridges over six Gujarat rivers, namely Par and Auranga in Valsad district, as well as Purna, Mindhola, Ambika and Venganiya in Navsari district.

The first girder of the project was launched on November 25, 2021, while the first kilometer of viaduct was ready in six months on June 30, 2022. It achieved construction of 50 kilometres of viaduct on April 22, 2023 and, thereafter, in six months 100 kilometers of viaduct were completed, the NHSRCL said.

The Full Span Launching technique (FSLM), where 40-metre long box girders are launched by state-of-the-art equipment, is being used along with span by span launching of segments. FSLM is 10 times faster than the span by span method, which is normally used to build metro viaducts, it added.

According to NHSRCL, apart from the viaduct work, 250 kilometres of pier work has also been completed for the project, while installation of noise barriers has begun along the constructed viaduct. Besides this, the laying of the first reinforced concrete (RC) track bed for the Mumbai Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor track system as used in the Japanese Shinkansen has also started in Surat, the NHSRCL informed.

The total cost of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor project is pegged at Rs 1.08 lakh crore. As per the shareholding pattern, the Union government will pay Rs 10,000 crore to the NHSRCL, while Gujarat and Maharashtra are to pay Rs 5,000 crore each.

The rest of the cost is by way of a loan at 0.1 per cent interest from Japan.
Flair Writing Industries IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of pen maker Flair Writing Industries Ltd, which will be closed today on Friday, has received a decent 8.20 times subscription so far. Till 11:03 am on the final day of bidding on Friday, the IPO received bids for 11,81,52,965 shares as against 1,44,13,188 shares on offer.

The part for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) attracted 8.72 times subscriptions, while the quota for non-institutional investors got subscribed 16.06 times. The category for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) received 1.39 times subscription.

The IPO allotment will take place on November 30, while the share listing might take place on December 5.

Flair Writing Industries IPO GMP

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Flair Writing Industries were trading Rs 82 higher in the grey market as compared with its issue price. The Rs 82 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 26.97 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Flair Writing Industries IPO: Should You Subscribe?

Giving the subscribe for long term rating, brokerage Anand Rathi in its note said, On the valuation front, we believe that the company is fairly priced. Thus, we recommend a Subscribe  Long Term rating to the IPO.

It said Flair Writing commands a strong position as one of the top three players in Indias writing instruments industry, boasting consistent revenue growth, a diversified product range, and a significant international footprint.

Another brokerage Ventura Securities said, Indian writing and creative industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7-8.4 per cent over FY2023-28 and the steel bottle industry is expected to grow at 14-16 per cent over FY2023-28. Flair is going to benefit from these prospects. At the IPO price of Rs 304, Flair is valued at a PE of 27 times as compared to industry average of 45 times.

It has also given Subscribe recommendation for the IPO.

Flair Writing Industries IPO: Price, Lot Size

Flair Writings IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 292 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of equity shares worth up to Rs 301 crore by promoters and promoter group entities. Currently, promoters and promoter group entities own 100 per cent stake in the company.

Flair Writing Industries Ltd has set a price band of Rs 288-304 a share for its IPO. The minimum lot size for an application is 49 shares. The minimum amount of investment required by retail investors is Rs 14,896. The minimum lot size investment for NII is 14 lots (686 shares), amounting to Rs 208,544, and for NII, it is 68 lots (3,332 shares), amounting to Rs 1,012,928.

Ahead of its initial public offering, Flair Writing Industries Ltd mopped up Rs 178 crore from anchor investors. The company has allocated 58.52 lakh equity shares to 23 funds at Rs 304 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band.

Those that participated in the anchor book include  SBI Mutual Fund (MF), Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, Tata MF, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, SBI Life Insurance Company, Troo Capital and Winro Commercial (India) Ltd.

The proceeds of the fresh issue will be used for setting up a manufacturing facility for writing instruments at Valsad district in Gujarat; funding the companys capital expenditure and subsidiary Flair Writing Equipments Pvt Ltd (FWEPL).

Besides, the proceeds will also be used to support the working capital requirements of the company and subsidiaries FWEPL and Flair Cyrosil Industries. Also, the money will be used for payment of the loan and general corporate purposes. The company, which owns the over 45-year-old flagship brand Flair, is among the top three players in the overall writing instruments industry with a market share of about 9 per cent as of March 2023.

It manufactures and distributes writing instruments, including pens, stationery products, and calculators, and has also diversified into manufacturing houseware products and steel bottles. Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd (formerly known as Edelweiss Securities Ltd) and Axis Capital Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the IPO.
Stocks To Watch On November 24: GIFT Nifty on the NSE IX traded 19 points, or 0.10 per cent, lower at 19,859, signaling that Dalal Street was headed for muted start on Friday. Heres a slew of stocks that will be in focus today for various reasons.

RVNL: Exchanges BSE and NSE cumulatively imposed a fine of more than Rs 10 lakhs on Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd for not having the required number of independent directors on board as of September end.

JSW Steel: JSW Steel has completed making the entire investment of Rs 750 crore in JSW Paints and has been intimated by JSW Paints that it has completed the allotment in respect to strategic investment.

ONGC, HPCL: As per Reuters, the govt plans to ask ONGC to consider launching a rights issue to help fund green projects at refining arm Hindustan Petroleum Corp, an exercise that could raise about $1.9 billion. TCS: The stock will turn ex-buyback today. It had approved a buyback of shares worth Rs 17,000 crore at a price of Rs 4,150 each.

Power Finance Corporation: The state-owned company said it will raise up to Rs 3,500 crore through a bond issue.

NMDC: The company has fixed the iron ore price at 5,400 per tonne and fines price at 4,660 per tonne with effect from Nov 23.

Lupin: It has announced the launch of Vilfuro-G, the worlds first fixed-dose triple combination drug (FDC) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India.

LTIMindtree: It has launched a quantum-safe virtual private network (VPN) link in London in partnership with Quantum Xchange and Fortinet on the platform. This is aimed at securing data transmission for the quantum computing era.

L&T Finance: The NBFC signed a financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 23 November for $125 million to support financing in rural and peri-urban areas, particularly for women borrowers.

Siemens: The company received a GST demand and penalty notice worth Rs 23.7 crore from Belapurs CGST and Central Excise Commissionerate.

BEL: It has been fined Rs 1.82 lakh each by NSE & BSE for having insufficient number of independent directors.

IRCTC: It has been fined Rs 5.4 lakh each by NSE & BSE for not having required number of independent directors in the September quarter.
The National Law University (NLU) Delhi is all set to release the admit card for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2024 today, November 24. According to the official announcement, the AILET 2024 admit card can be downloaded starting from 6 PM onwards. Aspiring candidates can obtain their AILET admit card 2024 by visiting the official website, nationallawuniversitydelhi.in. As soon as the link is activated, applicants can download their admit cards by entering their login credentials, specifically their registered mobile number and password. Initially, the release date for the admit cards was slated for November 20.

As per the schedule, the AILET 2024 examination at NLU Delhi is scheduled for December 10, in a single shift from 11 am to 1 pm. The examination will be conducted in offline mode. The official website indicates that negative markings will apply only in the MCQ sections of the exam. The criteria for negative marking will follow the formula 0.254=1, meaning that for each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. Consequently, four incorrect answers will result in a deduction of one mark.

AILET Admit Card 2024: Steps to Download

To acquire the AILET hall ticket, applicants must adhere to the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Navigate to the official website of NLU Delhi  http://www.nludelhi.ac.in.

Step 2: Select the AILET Admissions option.

Step 3: Click on the Already Registered? Login link.

Step 3: You will be directed to the login window, where you must input the following details: Application number and password.

Step 4: Click on the Login button.

Step 5: Review, download, store, and print the AILET admit card.

It is advisable for candidates to download the admit card in colour print. If printed in black and white, it should clearly display test centre details and the candidates photograph. Additionally, candidates are encouraged to obtain extra printouts of the admit card as a precautionary measure in case of misplacement.

Candidates should double-check their AILET 2024 hall tickets. If there are any mistakes, they should inform the authorities right away. They need to verify their name spelling, ensure the exam name is correct, check their registration number, confirm the exam venue, date, and time, understand exam day guidelines, and know what to bring to the exam hall.

AILET 2024 is scheduled to take place in various cities across India, including Bengaluru, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Kota, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla, Siliguri, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam. Annually, the National Law University (NLU) administers the AILET for admissions into the BA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD programs offered across various institutes in the country.
Campaigning in Telanganas Nizamabad, BRS MLC K Kavitha predicted a century for her party. The ruling party, she said, is confident about a third victory in the upcoming assembly elections.

The work that the government has done in its first term has only increased in the second term. All our big projects have seen the light of day and we have been able to add to the number of beneficiaries each year and each term. This time, we aim for a bigger victory. In this election, we aim to touch a century (100 seats), Kavitha told News18 in an exclusive interview.

The BRS is facing a stiff challenge from state Congress chief Revanth Reddy, who is locked in a direct contest from Kamareddy assembly constituency with chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao. Kavitha, however, said the so-called rise of the Congress in Telangana is merely hype.

For a total of 65 years under the Congress rule, people have suffered. The Congress has not been able to provide basic amenities, including electricity and water. So, the Congress can create a lot of buzz by putting out false narratives and surveys, but the fact is that they could not even provide what was required for basic survival, she said.

The Congress has alleged that the BRS and BJP have come together in Telangana, saying the two are on the same team in a conspiracy against the grand old party. The BJP, meanwhile, has alleged the same saying the BRS and Congress are a joint unit.

The BRS, which is in alliance with the AIMIM, is often termed the B-team of the BJP. The saffron camp has been questioned for not taking action against Kavitha in the alleged Delhi excise scam.

But KCRs daughter, however, said these questions by the Congress were duplicitous in nature. The intellectual bankruptcy of the Congress is exposed. They pick issues selectively and this is well known to the people of Telangana. The Congress cries foul over excesses by the central agencies and calls out the BJPs political vendetta only when it suits them. They were against the action on Ashok Gehlots son, calling it targeting but they are demanding action against me and my father. This is most unfortunate, but a well-known fact about the Congress partys duplicity, she said.

Kavitha said the BRS has opposed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which the BJP is planning to implement if it comes to power. Everyone is equal before the law and that is good enough. There is no need for anyone to create unnecessary fear in the minds of the people. Not just the Muslims, but even SCs and Dalits will be at a disadvantage if this is implemented. This is nothing but a tactic to polarise, she added.

Telanganas electoral contest for 119 seats in the state legislature will take place on November 30. The KCR-led BRS has been in power the last two terms. The chief minister is seeking another term but faces a renewed and challenging opposition in Congress, which is largely relying on the charismatic Revanth Reddy.
Two hundred kilometres from the hi-tech city of Hyderabad is a remote Assembly constituency that is witnessing a spirited electoral campaign, one that can be aptly called a bullet-to-ballot fight. The electoral battle in Telanganas Mulugu seat is between two candidates who have a Naxalite background.

Meet Dansari Anasuya, popularly called Seethakka, the sitting Congress MLA from Mulugu. She is contesting from this seat for the third time and hopes to win it as well. Her direct opponent is BRS candidate Bade Nagajyothi, a ZPTC vice-chairperson and the daughter of a former Maoist leader.

Before taking the political plunge, Seethakka worked with Maoists in the region, but later found her calling in mainstream politics. She was recognised for her work and was even made a star campaigner by the Congress during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the tribal areas of the region. Asked how she views the fight, Seethakka says that the Congress will win the election easily.

It looks like KCR does not like the fact that I am raising my voice again and again against the atrocities on people, the lack of development. He is irritated by me, I think. The competition in this seat is not against KCR, but his entire family, and their benami candidates are against me here. They are spending a lot of money. The only crisis here is that the BRS is spending crores of rupees, and I am an adivasi lady, Seethakka tells News18.

In this Scheduled Tribe-reserved constituency of Mulugu, there are 112,277 women voters. They outnumber the 108,588-strong male electorate. Seethakka registers a quiet response from women, especially as they gather to watch her during her campaign visits to villages in the area, particularly during her door-to-door outreach.

As she speaks of the benefits of the six guarantees announced by the Congress for Telangana and assures that they will reach every household in the segment, she also claims that she has to fight for every inch of development in her seat as the ruling BRS has not provided adequate facilities.

Isnt it the job of the government to give jobs, give homes? In the name of the CM, they created Pragati Bhavan for Rs 500 crore; they are living a luxurious life, but we are fighting here. I am from the opposition, and I am fighting alone. The BRS has their leaders elected even at the panchayat level, yet they have not been able to deliver their government promises. The CM has not even shown his face here, she says.

From the ruling BRS, the Mulugu ticket has been given to Nagajyothi following the sudden death of ZPTC chairman Kusuma Jagadish. She is accompanied in her election by leaders who have the strong backing of BRS supremo K Chandrasekhara Rao, including Pochampally Srinivas Reddy.

There are a host of chronic issues that have been plaguing Mulugu and surrounding tribal areas, which include undeveloped roads, lack of connectivity, flooding, and unemployment. The previous rains brought life to a virtual standstill in this region. However, Nagajyothi claims that the welfare schemes have been extremely successful and are well-implemented by the BRS government.

When asked about how one former Naxalite is taking on another, Nagajyothi replies: I belong to a family that was formerly with Maoists. I am with the BRS, and we will win this election. There are roads, development, and KCR has done a lot of work for the Adivasis. He has always supported them. We have given women benefits through the Kalyan Lakshmi scheme; we have provided for a womens hospital; we have set up chilly food processing units among women, which has given them employment as well. In our manifesto, we are giving women Rs 3,500 as part of the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, and now for the women, we will bring in more food processing zones as well as IT companies.

Voters in Mulugu are hoping for change. They seek development, housing, and better facilities. They live in the hope that whoever comes to power would work towards the upliftment of these tribal areas and not just concentrate on the cities.

Take, for instance, Radhika, a tea seller who lives in Mulugu. She has been seeking the much-awaited 2BHK housing scheme promised by the KCR government.

We neither have a house nor anything to our name. KCR said that he will give us a house, but that has just remained a promise. In my village, everybody applied; I did not get it. I did not get a loan which I am entitled to as per the governments promise. My husband remains unemployed; thats our situation, she tells News18.

We need homes to stay; we need jobs. Some have homes, many do not. We seek title deeds for our lands. We face a lot of problems. We have a water shortage, and its difficult to make ends meet, says Parvathi, who along with her husband, tills their two-acre land.

Ten kilometres away, the village of Malamma readies for a massive roadshow of the BRS. Women gathered there dance to the promotional songs made specifically to highlight the achievements of the ruling party.

Sharmila, a homemaker, supports the BRS and is happy with the governments schemes.

KCR has given us a pension; they have given us rice and farmers pension. The BRS government has also given our children good education. He will come back to power, says the Mulugu resident.

Her friend Jyoti adds: The BRS government has waived off crop loans for 50 percent of the people. We request that it be extended to all. Please waive off the loans for all of us and give jobs to one member in each family.
Rajasthan is all set to vote on Saturday (November 25) with the BJP going all out to wrest power from the Congress, which is trying to end the anti-incumbency trend. The high-pitch electoral campaign came to an end on November 22, but not before it gave an interesting insight into the states political battle lines.

It all started with the Gehlot-Pilot power tussle and intra-party strife in the state unit, which has now morphed into an unlikely camaraderie between the chief minister and his former deputy in the run-up to the polls. The Congress has mainly focused on the works and performance of the Ashok Gehlot-led government, its schemes and programmes and also banked on the promise of seven guarantees if the party retains power.

The BJP, meanwhile, has used the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top brass like Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to attack the grand old party on issues concerning crime against women, appeasement, corruption and paper leak. It will be difficult to erase images of Adityanaths bulldozer road show on the last day of campaigning.

In a show of unity, meanwhile, Gehlot on Friday posted a video on social media platforms in which party leader Sachin Pilot is making an appeal to people to vote for the Congress. This assumes significance as national president Mallikarjun Kharge may have stepped in on time to resolve the Gehlot-Pilot tussle, but that did not stop the BJP from using it in their fierce campaign with the prime minister also referring to it.

Gehlot posted the 1.51-minute video on his social media platforms X, Facebook and Instagram. In the video, Pilot is seen making an appeal to people to vote for the Congress, saying the feedback, public response and inclination of voters clearly shows that his party is going to form the government again.

The two leaders have been at loggerheads over the post of CM ever since the Congress formed the government in December 2018, which also made Pilot resort to rebellion against Gehlots leadership in 2020 that led to a political crisis. But, ahead of the elections, the party said things have been sorted out and both have said the past should be forgotten.

Prime Minister Modi, however, slammed the treatment of Pilot saying a Gurjars son who gave his life to the Congress was removed like a fly in milk after the party came to power in Rajasthan. He also accused the party of punishing Sachin Pilot by meting out the same treatment to him as his father Rajesh Pilot.

The PM said anyone who speaks the truth in the grand old party is shunted out of politics, suggesting that Rajesh Pilot lost favour with the Congress leadership after he contested against Sitaram Kesri for the presidents post in 1997.

Pilot hit back and said his father was a dedicated Congress leader throughout his life and PM Modis statements were far from the truth and aimed at diverting peoples attention. The leader belongs to the Gurjar community, which has influence in eastern Rajasthan districts where the Congress had won a majority of seats in the previous assembly election.

The BJP is contesting on all seats while Congress has left one seat  Bharatpur  for its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) like in the 2018 elections. Apart from the BJP and Congress, other parties including CPI (M), RLP, Bharat Adiwasi Party, Bhartiya Tribal Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and AIMIM are also contesting.

Congress

Gehlot, Pilot, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra, assembly speaker CP Joshi, several ministers including Shanti Dhariwal, BD Kalla, Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Saleh Mohammad, Mamta Bhupesh, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Rajendra Yadav, Shakuntla Rawat, Udai Lal Anjana, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and Ashok Chandna are among the Congress leaders contesting.

The Congress has fielded 97 MLAs, including seven independents and one from BJP  Shobharani Kushwah who was expelled from the saffron party last year. One of the major faces who joined the BJP from the Congress is former MP from Nagaur Jyoti Mirdha, who is contesting the assembly election. Former chief secretary Niranjan Arya is trying his luck in politics as a Congress candidate.

BJP

In BJP, leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore, deputy leader of opposition and former state president Satish Poonia, former CM Vasundhara Raje, MPs Diya Kumari, Rajyavardhan Rathore, Baba Balaknath and Kirodi Lal Meena are in the fray. Gurjar leader late Kirodi Singh Bainslas son Vijay Bainsla is also contesting as BJP candidate.

The BJP has given tickets to 59 MLAs, including defected Congress MLA Girraj Singh Malinga and six Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha member.

Others in the fray

Nagaur MP and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) convener Hanuman Beniwal is also contesting. The RLP is contesting the election in alliance with Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) led by Chandrashekhar Azad. More than 40 rebels of BJP and Congress are also in the fray. The RLD currently holds the Bharatpur seat and, Subhash Garg, who is the sitting MLA is contesting the elections as the party candidate.

At present, Congress has 107 MLAs, BJP 70, 3 RLP, 2 each of CPI(M) and Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), 1 RLD, 13 are independents and two seats (Udaipur and Karanpur) are vacant.

Here is all you need to know about polling in Rajasthan on November 25:

Polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in 199 out of 200 constituencies amid tight security arrangements, said chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta. Due to the death of Gurmeet Singh Koonar, who was the incumbent MLA and Congress candidate in Sriganganagars Karanpur seat, election in this constituency has been adjourned.

At least 1,862 candidates are in the fray with the number of voters being 5,25,38,105. These include 1,70,99,334 voters in the age group of 18-30, and out of them, 22,61,008 are new voters in the 18-19 age group.

Gupta said polling stations have been set up at 36,101 places. A total of 10,501 polling stations have been set up in urban areas and 41,006 in rural areas. Live webcasting will be conducted at 26,393 stations. These polling centres will be monitored from the district level control room, he said.

Across the state, 65,277 ballot units, 62,372 control units and 67,580 VVPAT machines including reserves will be used for voting. One additional EVM will also be given to all sector officers, who will take action for repair and replacement if a machine-related defect is reported.

The chief electoral officer said to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of elections, 6,287 micro observers and 6,247 sector officers with reserves have been appointed, who will immediately resolve any kind of problem by coordinating with the polling parties.

There are 2,74,846 polling personnel to conduct the voting  7,960 women at polling stations managed by women and 796 disabled polling personnel at stations managed by the disabled. Wheelchairs have been arranged for voting at all polling booths.

A total of 1,02,290 security personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful voting. A total force of 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard and RAC personnel have been deployed and 700 companies of CAPF have been deployed.

Three flying squads (FS) and as many static surveillance teams (SST) will be deployed in each assembly constituency for intensive checking and monitoring on voting day. One additional FS and SST each will be deployed in expenditure-sensitive polling stations. There will be availability of at least three quick response teams (QRT) at each polling station.

Sealing and checking action will be taken at check posts along the 4,850-km interstate border with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab to prevent the entry of unwanted outsider elements.

Security arrangements have been tightened and more than 1,70,000 personnel including companies of central paramilitary forces (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, RPF etc) and armed forces of 18 other states are slated to be deployed. DGP (law and order) Rajeev Sharma said more than 70,000 Rajasthan Police personnel, 18,000 Rajasthan Home Guards, 2,000 Rajasthan Border Home Guards, 15,000 Home Guards of other states (UP, Gujarat, Haryana, MP), 120 RAC companies will also be involved.

(With PTI inputs)
Modi Sathe Apno Rajasthan and Congress ki Guarantee Hai  these two campaign songs became earworms for us after spending a fortnight in Rajasthan in the last month. Between a confident BJP and a hopeful Congress, which song wooed the Rajasthanis more will be known only on December 3. But the hints are blowing in the desert wind in Rajasthan.

Among the voters, the women seemed disturbed by the law and order situation amid some heinous crimes, but still enthused by the smartphones distributed by the Ashok Gehlot government, LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for almost a year now and the yearly allowance promise of Rs 10,000. The farmers looked unhappy over the loan waiver promise of the Congress in 2018 not being fulfilled. The youth, meanwhile, appeared the unhappiest with the Congress over the lack of jobs, the promise of unemployment allowance in 2018 remaining unfulfilled and the 18 cases of paper leaks in the last five years.

The BJP had milked all these issues in its campaign, including the infamous Lal Diary issue, while the Congress has banked its entire campaign on its 7 guarantees, schemes, and claims of development. But it remains debatable if people vote on such issues.

Veteran journalists from Rajasthan would tell you that voting choice ultimately boils down to caste, candidate and party preference. News18 during its travels found the caste equations changed from 2018 as the Gujjars now seem to be going back to the BJP in eastern Rajasthan, and the Rajput anger against the BJP in the Mewar region has subsided since 2018. This may prove crucial.

In 2018, Gujjars and eastern Rajasthan voters went with the Congress thinking their leader Sachin Pilot would become CM. Sachin Pilot was then the state party president. But the same did not happen and Pilot also lost the deputy CM and state chief post in 2020.

Speaking to News18, many Gujjars asked what was the point of voting for the Congress, especially when Pilot had not been projected as the CM even this time. Incidentally, Gujjars were originally with the BJP before a firing incident in Dausa under BJP rule turned them against the saffron party. Congress leaders, however, still believe Gujjars will not vote against Pilots party.

The body language of Gehlot and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at their respective press conferences in Jaipur on Thursday carried hints too. Shah seemed confident and said he was sure of a big win. Gehlots appeal to people was for a repeat in government based on his partys positive campaign and guarantees.

An undercurrent in the election was Hindutva as the Kanhaiya Lal killing case in Udaipur months ago had electoral resonance across the state. Add to it the Modi factor and the urge of many to get back a Modi government in Rajasthan explains the BJPs confidence here.

This is why the CM face issue may have faded into the background but is expected to emerge as the unresolved matter in whichever camp wins. Former BJP CM Vasundhara Raje may not have been projected as the CM face so far but she has aggressively campaigned for her loyalist candidates and could be back in the reckoning if 50 or more of her loyalists win the elections. Others like Diya Kumari and Rajendra Rathore are also in the race.

In the Congress camp, Gehlot, at 72 years, seems in no mood to leave the CMs chair if the Congress wins. The entire campaign has been around him. The PM has predicted that Gehlot will never be the CM again.

Would the Congress chances in Rajasthan have been better placed if the party had chosen to project Sachin Pilot as its CM face? Some of the rallies by Pilot that News18 went to saw huge crowds, but one thing was clear  no one bought into the facade of unity between Pilot and Gehlot lately. There were no joint campaign appearances by them except for a few rallies by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. They hardly exchanged a word at the manifesto release function in Jaipur this week.

When Gehlot went to Tonk district to campaign this week, Pilot was not present on the stage though he was one of the four Congress candidates fighting from that very district. Pilot may have been merely an MLA right now, with no other post in the state, but his shadow prevailed over this election.

In the end, the Rajasthan result could boil down to all this.
As one builds up to the electoral battle of Telangana , in the district of Nizamabad, the bastion of the KCR familys daughter, K Kavitha, there is the unfulfilled promise of opening the closed sugar mills in the region. One of the largest such mills in the state, the Nizam Sugar Factory, has now been shut for nearly a decade.

Founded by the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, this factory was the largest in Asia at the time it was set up. It is situated close to 25 km from the district headquarters in Nizamabad.

In 2015, this factory was shut down by the Telangana government, which owns 49% of the stake whereas 51% is privately owned.

While governments have made promises, the locals have little faith in these politicians.

A farmer from the region who is now forced to cultivate other crops because of the shut sugar factory tells News18, We have no choice, but to grow paddy, etc, for which we do not get buyers and are exploited by the mill owners. If the factory is opened, at least there will be employment for people and we will begin to cultivate sugarcane again.

Another local tells News18 that a lack of job opportunities in the region has led to many people seeking their fortunes elsewhere. There are so many people who could not get any jobs here. So they were forced to migrate to other cities and even go out of the country.

The locals also stressed that apart from providing direct employment, the opening of the factory will also generate a lot of indirect employment, including of hotels, public transportation, etc.

Whether it is the present MP or the ruling party in the state, the promises made to the people of the region are forgotten the moment elections are over, they say. The MP made a promise to us that the factory will be opened but five years since he was elected last, there has been no fulfilment of the promise. The legislator told us that he would open the factory with his own money. We are still waiting. Even Revanth Reddy has been making promises but we are sure even he will not show up for the next five years, a local says.

Recently, union home minister Amit Shah while speaking at a rally in support of BJPs candidate Arvind Dharmapuri assured that if the BJP is brought to power in Telangana, it is committed to opening all three sugar mills in the state. A similar promise was made in 2015 by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. However, that was to no avail. KCR promised to us that he would start the factory within one month of coming into power. But he has forgotten that promise and has not shown any desire to complete that and fulfil the promise. It was mere lip service, says another local.

When the 77-year-old Nizam Sugar Factory shut down, it left hundreds of employees without jobs and farmers futures in limbo. As the people of the state, including this region, gear up to vote on November 30, what remains in their minds is the bitter taste of sugar dished out to them.
Anti-Islam populist and far right leader Geert Wilders has won a massive victory in the Netherlands election and is in pole position to form the next ruling coalition and possibly become the Netherlands next prime minister.

The result is sending shockwaves through Europe, where extremist nationalist ideology is putting pressure on democracies that now face the possibility of having to deal with the first far-right prime minister of the Netherlands.

With nearly all votes counted, Wilders Party for Freedom (PVV) was forecast to win 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, more than double the 17 the party secured in the last election.

Known as the Dutch Trump both for his bouffant dyed hair and firebrand rhetoric, Geert Wilders anti-Islam, anti-immigrant and anti-EU message seems to have finally swept him to first place at the polls.

Shockwaves Through Europe

Geert Wilders, with his fiery tongue has long been one of the Netherlands best-known lawmakers at home and abroad. His populist policies and shock of peroxide blond hair have drawn comparisons with Trump.

Wilders has called for a Nexit referendum  a Dutch version of Brexit which saw the United Kingdom leave the European Union. He has also called for a total halt to accepting asylum-seekers and migrant pushbacks at Dutch borders and advocated the de-Islamization of the Netherlands.

His election campaign was based on curtailing migration  the issue that caused the last governing coalition to quit in July  and to tackle problems including the Netherlands cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages.

The historic victory came one year after the win of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party had roots steeped in nostalgia for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Meloni has since mellowed her stance on several issues and has become the acceptable face of the hard right in the EU.

Anti-Islam Rhetoric

From calling Moroccans scum to holding competitions for cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, Wilders has built a career from his self-appointed mission to stop an Islamic invasion of the West.

He has often been called the Dutch Donald Trump and convicted of insulting Moroccans and Britain once banned him from entering the country. In 2009, the British government refused to let him visit the country, saying he posed a threat to community harmony and therefore public security.

He has remained defiant despite brushes with the law  he was convicted for insulting Moroccans  and death threats that have meant he has been under police protection since 2004.

As for Islam, the manifesto of his PVV (Freedom Party) said, the Netherlands is not an Islamic country. No Islamic schools, Korans and mosques. He proposes banning the headscarf in government buildings.

Early Life

Born in 1963 in southern Venlo, close to the German border, Wilders grew up in a Catholic family with his brother and two sisters. His mother was half-Indonesian, a fact Wilders rarely mentions.

He developed an interest in politics in the 1980s, his older brother Paul told Der Spiegel magazine.

He was neither clearly on the left or the right at the time, nor was he xenophobic. But he was fascinated by the political game, the struggle for power and influence, Paul Wilders said.

His hatred of Islam appeared to have developed slowly. He spent time in Israel on a kibbutz, witnessing first-hand tensions with the Palestinians.

He was also shocked by the assassinations of far-right leader Pim Fortuyn in 2002 and the radical anti-Islam filmmaker Theo van Gogh in 2004.

Political Career

Wilders entered politics in 1998 in the Liberal VVD party. During his early days in politics, he started dying his brown hair blonde and learned his media-savvy ways, even as his views became increasingly silenced.

He is also set to become the longest-serving lawmaker in the Dutch parliament this year. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1998, first for the center-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy and later setting up his Party for Freedom.

He founded his own party in 2006 and in 2017 it became the second largest in parliament, falling back to third largest in 2021.

Controversial Stance
A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war is set to begin on Friday in the first major relief after seven weeks of fighting that has claimed thousands of lives.

The start of the truce, set to begin at 7:00 am, will be followed by the release of a first group of 13 hostages being held in Gaza and several Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

Israels military offensive that included airstrikes and land offensive has turned much of northern Gaza into an uninhabitable moonscape as whole neighbourhoods have been erased

The intense fighting has destroyed homes, schools and hospitals and those buildings still standing are battered shells. But the scale of calamity raises a question on the future of the Palestinian territory and the people who would live there.

Bombardment in Most Densely Populated Areas

Israel has used powerful explosives in densely packed residential areas in North Gaza, which has killed over 13,000 Palestinians and led to staggering destruction. The Israeli bombings has become one of the most intense air campaigns since World War II, said Emily Tripp, director of Airwars, a London-based conflict monitor.

In the seven weeks since Hamas attack on October 7, Israel unleashed more munitions than the United States did in any given year of its bombing campaign against the Islamic State group, which the UN calls as the deadliest urban campaign since World War II.

About half of all buildings across northern Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, with an estimated 1.7 million people now homeless, according to Associated Press.

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.

Most Hospitals Knocked

Gazas biggest hospital Al-Shifa hospital had been the focus of an Israeli special forces operation for days earlier this month, as the Israeli troops raided the hospital on suspicion that it was being used as a Hamas base.

The war has destroyed 27 of 35 hospitals across Gaza out of operation, according to the World Health Organization. The destruction of other critical infrastructure has consequences for years to come.

According to Gazas Ministry of Health, only nine hospitals in Gaza were partially functioning as of November 16. Moreover, 55 ambulances in Gaza had been damaged, with critical shortages reported of drugs and blood products.

Bakeries and grain mills have been destroyed, agriculture, water and sanitation facilities, said Scott Paul, a senior humanitarian policy adviser for Oxfam America. You need more than four walls and a ceiling for a place to be habitable, and in many cases people dont even have that.

Water and Sanitation

The UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said that due to an absence of fuel, 70% 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% 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.

Where to Go?

In the last one month, Israel told the Palestinians to move towards southern Gaza to escape the fighting. Now they are warning the Palestinians in southern Gaza to move again, toward a slice of territory called Muwasi along the coast.

For many Palestinian families, the truce comes too late and those displaced say four days wont be enough.

This is our nakba, journalist Tareq Hajjaj said, referring to the mass displacement of an estimated 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation  an exodus Palestinians call the nakba, or catastrophe.

Although publicly Palestinians reject the idea of being transferred outside Gaza, some privately admit they cannot stay, even after the war ends.

We will never return home, said Hajjaj, who fled his home in Shijaiyah in eastern Gaza City. Those who stay here will face the most horrific situation they could imagine.

Though most Palestinians publicly reject the idea of being transferred outside Gaza, some admit that staying behind is not possible, even after the war ends.

(With inputs from agencies)
A NASA experiment on the Psyche spacecraft, which is on a mission to examine an asteroid, has successfully beamed back a near-infrared laser in a deep-space test.

The space agency on November 14 picked up a laser signal fired from an instrument that was launched with the Psyche spacecraft, which is currently more than 10 million miles from Earth and heading toward a mysterious metal asteroid.

The laser beam fired from Psyche spacecraft, named after the asteroid, is part of a scientific mission that NASA launched in October this year to explore Psyche, a giant metal rich asteroid, about three times farther away from the Sun than is Earth.

The main goal of the mission is studying the composition and structure of this asteroid, which could tell scientists more about Earths core since the two objects might have a similar makeup.

The spacecraft used the NASAs first demonstration of optical communications beyond the Earth-Moon system called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC). As Psyche proceeds to the central asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, DSOC will be used to deliver high-bandwidth test data to our planet.

Why is Psyche Asteroid Valuable?

Psyche is a mission to study a metal-rich asteroid with the same name, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, NASA said. It is the space agencys first mission to study an asteroid that has more metal than rock or ice.

Scientists estimate that lots of these metals exist thousands of miles beneath Earths surface, in its molten core, but thats far too deep and hot to mine.

If Psyche were mineable, its iron, nickel and gold deposits could be worth an eye-watering $10,000 quadrillion (thats $10,000,000,000,000,000,000), according to an estimate by Forbes magazine. It likely contains platinum, nickel, iron and even gold.

However, the missions principal investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton who was responsible for that calculation said its nothing more than a fun intellectual exercise with no truth to it.

We have zero technology as a species to bring Psyche back to Earth, she said in a recent briefing. Even if the endeavour were successful, it would flood the metals market, reducing their value to zero, she said.

The Psyche mission is a huge step in figuring out what sort of metals are out there, and it may also answer questions about the composition and properties of Earths core.

Significance of Laser-beam Experiment

With deep space missions demanding higher and higher data rates, NASA is turning to next generation communications based on lasers to complement radio-frequency based communications.

Psyche is carrying on board a technology experiment, to demonstrate a 10 times augmentation of traditional telecom data rates, said Abi Biswas of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory  enabling the transmission of higher resolution images, more science data, and streaming video.

NASA is hoping to eventually use the technology on human missions to Mars.

What Will the Mission Find

The Psyche mission is a huge step in figuring out what sort of metals are out there, and it may also answer questions about the composition and properties of Earths core.

With the spacecraft estimated to arrive at the asteroids orbit in 2029, the findings from the Psyche mission will provide unique insights into the type of metals present on the asteroids surface, as well as their amount, and the minerals containing these metals.

This data is essential both for scientists like me exploring the formation and evolution planetary bodies, as well as for companies investigating the possibility of asteroid mining.

What to Know About Asteroid

Asteroids come in a variety of sizes. Some are the size of a town, while others are the size of a state. Most asteroids are made of rocks and represent the leftovers from the early formation of our solar system around 4.6 billion years ago.

Not every asteroid is the same  some, like Bennu, the target of NASAs OSIRIS-REx mission, are rich in carbon. These are very old, and they will teach scientists more about how planets formed and how life may have begun on Earth.

Others, like Psyche, are made of metals and potentially result from one or more collisions between astronomical objects when the solar system was forming. These collisions left debris flying through space  including potential pieces of a planets metal-rich core. A NASA spacecraft will orbit and analyze the surface of Psyche.

(With inputs from agencies)
The United States recently thwarted a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil and reportedly issued a warning to the Indian government over concerns of being involved in the plot, several reports claimed.

The allegations come days after the National Investigating Agency (NIA) registered a case against Pannun for threatening people flying Air India and the airline with the closure of operations from November 19.

Pannun, a designated terrorist in India, is a leader leader of Khalistani separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

The report of the foiled murder plot comes after the killing of another Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June this year, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing.

Responding to the allegations, India said it is examining the US inputs on the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others and added that it takes such inputs seriously.

India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well. Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi said.

Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, works as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice. He was born in Khankot village on the outskirts of Amritsar and is the son of a former Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board employee named Mahinder Singh.

He graduated from Punjab University in the 1990s and reportedly founded the SFJ in 2007. He was a senior systems analyst at finance firm Merrill Lynch while attending law college in New York from 1997 to 2002, after a masters in business administration.

The pro-Khalistan lawyer has been a key organizer of nonbinding referendums that seek a separate Sikh state  held in countries with large Indian diasporas such as Canada, the UK and Australia.

Pannun is frequently spotted at pro-Khalistan functions and gatherings in Canada. He is known for his video messages shared on social media, often threatening Indian leaders and the government, mostly pictured in dark formalwear and white-bearded.

What Actions Indian Govt Has Taken?

Pannun has been under the NIAs lens since 2019 when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him. In September this year, the NIA confiscated his share of a house and land in Amritsar in Punjab and Chandigarh.

Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against Pannun by an NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021, and he was declared a Proclaimed Offender on November 29 last year. In July 2020, Pannun was also declared an individual terrorist under the UAPA for promoting secessionism and allegedly encouraging Punjabi Sikh youth to take up arms.

The NIA on Monday said it registered a case against Pannun for threatening people flying Air India under the Indian Penal Code and the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In video messages, released on November 4, Pannun had asked Sikhs to stop flying on Air India planes on and after November 19, citing a potential threat to their lives.

What is Sikhs for Justice?

Pannun is the self-proclaimed general counsel of the outlawed organisation Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its anti-India activities.

The New York-based organisation, formed in 2007, advocates for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan to be carved out of India. The SFJ calls itself a human rights advocacy group, with offices in Washington, London and Toronto. Pannuns law firm says it has offices in Queens, New York, and Fremont, California.

Its website states that the organisation was formed with the express intent of achieving self-determination for the Sikh people in their historic homeland in the region of Indian-held Punjab and establishing a sovereign state, popularly known as Khalistan.

The Indian government banned the SFJ in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its anti-India activities.

Though Pannuns movement gets little traction in Punjab and among the Sikh diaspora abroad, the organisation recently gained popularity for its so-called Referendum 2020, which was conducted among the Sikh diaspora in multiple cities in Britain, Italy, Australia and Canada.
Captain Shubham Gupta who was killed in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district was on Friday given a tearful farewell with full state honours. Officers from the Army and the district administration along with family members were present at the last rites ceremony at Guptas native village, Kuan Khera. Hundreds of residents had also gathered at the soldiers residence and the spot where cremation was carried out.

#WATCH | Family and friends mourn as mortal remains of Indian Army's Capt Shubham Gupta are brought to his residence in UP's AgraCapt Shubham Gupta lost his life while fighting terrorists in J&K's Rajouri area. pic.twitter.com/FGFHT9v0Hw  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak visited family members and paid floral tribute to Gupta. Pathak consoled the bereaved father and other family members after visiting his residence in Agra. Around 3.30 pm on Friday, Guptas body reached Kheria airport in Agra, which was then taken to his residence at Taj Nagri in Agra. People lined a stretch of the road when the body was brought from Kheria airport to Guptas home to pay their last tributes. It was then taken to Kuan Khera village under Tajganj police station limits in Agra city. The soldiers younger brother Rishabh Gupta performed the last rites.

On Thursday Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the soldiers death and announced a financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh to the martyrs kin and a government job for one of his family members. The chief minister has also said that a road in the district would be named after Gupta. Captain Gupta, who joined the Indian Army in 2015 and was commissioned in 2018, laid down his life while fighting with the terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Wednesday. A resident of Agra district, Captain Gupta was among the four Indian Army personnel martyred during the encounter.

Two others were injured during the encounter, which broke out between the terrorists and joint forces of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharmsal following a cordon-and-search operation.
A businesswoman in Gujarats Morbi allegedly forces a fired sales manager to lick her boots while five others beat him up with a belt because he called and texted her to ask for his pending salary.

The company owner  promoter of a ceramic company  was identified as Vibhuti alias Raniba Patel. Patel and the others involved were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Prevention of Atrocities Act. This is because the victim, Nilesh Dalsaniya, is a Dalit, a Times of India report said.

The victim was subjected to this harsh treatment because he continuously inquired Patel about his unpaid salary for 18 days of work.

Dalsaniya  in his complaint at the Morbi A-division police station  also said that the accused videographed him after forcing him to apologize.

Other than one unknown person, the rest four were identified as Om Patel, Raj Patel, Parikshit and DD Rabari.

The victim was reportedly sacked in the middle of last month due to some performance issues. On Wednesday, Dalsaniya went to Patel to ask her for his pending salary of 18 days, accompanied by his elder brother Mehul and friend Bhavesh Makwana.

Raj Patel and Rabari first slapped the three men, the complaint said. Following this they all started beating Dalsaniya up and took him to the companys terrace where he was further thrashed with a belt.

The men reportedly thrashed Dalsaniya and also abused him with casteist slurs.

The victim alleged that he was forced to record a video saying that he and his friends were extorting money. This was followed with a second video where he was told to apologize for his act and to say that he would not call or text Patel asking for money.

Dalsaniya further claimed that the businesswoman then forced him to lick her shoes and even threatened to kill him if he was ever seen near the Ravapar Chowkdi  the location of their factory.

The victim is currently admitted to a civic hospital.

Vibhuti aka Raniba Patel is the founder and chairman of Raniba Industries, which manufactures tiles for export purposes mostly.

The victim had joined the companys export division on October 2  located in the Ravapar Chowkdis Capital Market  but was fired on October 18. Now, Dalsaniya was awaiting his 18 days salary, which is Rs 12,000. The salaries are credited into the employees accounts on the fifth of every month.

However, on November 5, the victims salary did not get credited, after which he called Patel for the same and also sent her reminder texts, resulting in her getting infuriated. Her anger led to the thrashing and torture of Dalsaniya.
Three people, including a couple was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch for allegedly selling children in order to procure money to buy drugs. The couple, parents of two allegedly sold their children in order to arrange money, police said. A month old baby girl was also rescued by the police, whereas the search for the two-year old son is currently underway.

The arrested three people have been identified as Shabbir and Sania Khan and Shakeel Makrani. The Crime Branch also detained a third person named Usha Rathod, who was an alleged agent and took commission from the sale.

In a statement from the Mumbai Crime Branch, Daya Nayak told ANI, A couple addicted to drugs sold their own two children to raise money in Andheri. As soon as the couples family learned about the incident, the story came to light. Police have registered a case against the accused couple and two others. The accused couple sold the boy for sixty thousand rupees and the one-month-old girl for fourteen thousand rupees.

The statement further said that the couple were unable to stay without drugs and at the same time they got in touch with the accused agent, Rathod. The identity of the couple to whom the two children were sold is yet to be ascertained.

As per the statement, the couple recently had a daughter. They sold the girl to the accused, Shakeel Makrani, last month for  14,000, the Crime Branch added, as quoted by ANI.

A case was registered against Shabbir Khan, his wife Sania, Usha Rathore and Shakeel Makrani. The couple, Shabbir and Sania were alleged drug addicts.

The incident came to light when the accused Shabbir Khans sister Rubina Khan got to know about the incident and immediately filed a complaint against her brother and sister-in-law at the D.N. Nagar police station. A case was registered on the basis of her complaint, following which the investigation was handed over to the crime branch.

(with inputs from ANI)
The Punjab government has called farmer union leaders for a meeting here on Friday with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as highway blockade in Jalandhar by the farmers who are demanding an increase in sugarcane prices entered the fourth day.

Farmers are staging a dharna in the middle of the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the highway which has also affected traffic between Jalandhar and Delhi.

On Thursday, the farmers also blocked a section of the railway track near Dhanowali village in Jalandhar, which affected the train movement too, but on Friday they decided to lift the blockade from the rail track after receiving a call of meeting with the chief minister.

However, the road blockade continues. The farmers, who are demanding an increase in the prices of sugarcane from Rs 380 per quintal to Rs 450 per quintal, have put up a tent in the middle of the road and are spending the night on the highway.

They are also demanding the resumption of sugar mills operations for the crushing of cane. Farmers led by Bharti Kisan Union (Doaba) have been staging the protest.

We have received a call for a meeting with the chief minister. Further course of action regarding our protest will depend on the meeting,s outcome, BKU (Doaba) leader Manjit Rai, who was headed for the meeting with other farmer union leaders, told PTI. According to farmer union leaders in Jalandhar, they have been called for a meeting with the chief minister this afternoon.

They said that on Thursday evening senior officials from the police and civil administration held talks with them. Farmer leader Balwinder Singh had earlier said that they were forced to come out on roads by the state government which has still not announced the sugarcane prices, nor has started the cane crushing.

They said that the government had promised to resolve their issues on November 16 in a meeting but cancelled it a day before. Farmers under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the Jalandhar-New Delhi National Highway near Dhanowali village for an indefinite period on Tuesday.

The protest in Jalandhar has affected the movement of vehicles from Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar via Jalandhar towards Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Nawanshahr, and Delhi. With police diverting traffic towards alternative roads, the commuters had a harrowing time crossing the part of the district.

In a sharp attack against farmers squatting on roads, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had on Wednesday asked the farm unions not to turn people against themselves. If the farmers do not shun the practice of blocking roads every time their demands are not met, a day will come when people will stop sympathising with them, Mann had said.

The chief minister also said the doors of his office and residence are always open for dialogue as he pulled farmers up for irresponsible attitude.
In a ray of hope for eight former Indian Navy personnel who were handed the death penalty in Qatar last month, appeals filed against their sentences have been admitted by the Qatari court. According to sources, the appeals were made in their individual capacity but were assisted by India.

News18 had earlier reported on efforts being made by the Indian government to secure the release of the former Navy personnel who worked with private company Al Dahra and were arrested in August last year reportedly in an alleged case of espionage.

The eight Indians were on October 26 given death sentences by Qatars Court of First Instance. India described the ruling as deeply shocking and vowed to explore all legal options in the case. Days later, an appeal was filed against the death sentence.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said India is engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and that the government will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance to the Indian nationals.

The judgement in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side. Neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against the Indian nationals public.

In its reaction to the ruling by the Qatari court,the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last month said that it is attaching high importance to this case and is exploring all legal options.

The charges were filed against the eight Indian navy veterans on March 25 and they were tried under Qatari law.

All of the former Navy officers had unblemished stints of up to 20 years in the Indian Navy and had held important positions, including that of instructors in the force, former military officials had said.

In May, Al-Dhara Global closed its operations in Doha and all those working there (primarily Indians) have since returned home. In the past, the Navy had taken up the case of the former naval personnel with top brass of the government for securing their release.
Police have arrested two drug peddlers and seized 200 grams of mephedrone worth Rs 40 lakh from them in Mumbais suburbs, an official said on Friday. The seizure and arrest were made by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai police from Khar and Santacruz in western suburbs during Operation All Out, conducted periodically to crackdown on criminals, drug peddlers and other offenders.

Searches under the operation were conducted on Tuesday evening, the official said. A team apprehended the two accused when they came to sell mephedrone, a banned synthetic drug, to their customers, he said.

The duo was taken to suburban Bandra unit of the ANC and placed under arrest after interrogation, said the official. So far this year, the ANC has registered 96 offences and arrested 199 drug traffickers. Also, drugs worth Rs 48 crore were seized by the cell in the last 11 months, he added.
The State Investigation Agency on Friday arrested a woman for her alleged involvement in a terror funding case in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district, officials said here.

The case pertains to the involvement of the Barkati family in orchestrating an extensive fund-raising campaign, resulting in the generation of funds amounting to crores of rupees, they said.

The officials claimed that the family had managed to raise around Rs 1.74 crore through crowdfunding campaigns.

These funds were raised for personal gains and a significant portion of the collected funds was allegedly misused for undisclosed purposes, including financing of secessionist and terrorist activities.

A substantial portion of the acquired funds had been deposited in various Fixed Deposit Receipts under the names of the Barkati family members, raising questions about the legitimacy of the sources and utilization of the funds, an official said.

According to officials, these funds were used for money laundering and the acquisition of undisclosed assets for the propagation of radicalism within the Kashmir Valley.

While Sarjan Barkati was arrested in August this year, his wife Shabroza Bano has been evading arrest after her role surfaced in the case, an official said.

Bano was arrested on Friday. She, along with her husband has been found involved in terror financing by raising money through crowdfunding, he added.

Officials said the State Investigation Agency, during the investigation, identified Shabroza Bano as one of the conspirators. She was in constant contact with Pakistani handlers through encrypted messaging platforms, they added.

According to police, Sarjan Barkati was a prominent figure in organizing large-scale protests, rallies and clashes with security forces in the 2016 summer agitation.

During that period, he was instrumental in abetting youth to storm security forces establishments for which more than 30 FIRs were registered against him in various police stations of the Kashmir Valley, an official said.
Shilpa Shettys love for sarees is well-documented on her Instagram profile. The actress, known for her impeccable fashion sense, frequently showcases a variety of saree styles, ranging from statement pieces to cotton solids and silk drapes. She fearlessly experiments with bold silhouettes, keeping her wardrobe fresh and inspiring. In a recent collaboration with fashion designer Punit Balana, Shilpa Shetty donned a striking Kasundi Classic Silk Sari, described by the designer as a masterpiece of elegance. The saree boasted a bandhani print and intricate detailing, while a contemporary halter-style blouse adorned with marodi work and gerua embellishments added a modern flair to the timeless ensemble.

Shilpa Shettys latest look is a testament to her ability to effortlessly carry diverse saree styles. Her choice of the Kasundi Classic Silk Sari showcases her penchant for bold and elegant fashion, with the designers meticulous craftsmanship evident in the bandhani print and detailed embellishments. The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, seen in the halter-style blouse, reflects Shilpas stylish approach to fashion.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Punit Balana (@punitbalanaofficial)

Shilpa paired the outfit with traditional earrings and bangles. For her makeup, she chose a neutral shade with the right amount of highlight, drawn eyebrows, kohled eyes, and dark nude lip colour. Lastly, she styled her hair in soft curls and brushed them on one side.

Shilpa Shetty continues to demonstrate her mastery in blending traditional elegance with contemporary flair, particularly in her ability to transform a saree into a modern fashion statement. A recent example of her sartorial prowess was witnessed when she adorned an outfit by fashion designer Amit Aggarwal. Opting for a bold choice, Shilpa Shetty selected a red chiffon saree. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional elements with a modern twist showcases Shilpa Shettys flair for making a lasting impact in the world of fashion.

Shilpas pre-draped saree was accentuated at the waist by a unique metal pipe detail and was paired with a red and pink printed organza off-the-shoulder blouse. The blouse was decorated with corset motifs. The outfit had a distinct drape and asymmetrical cuts, providing a modern and one-of-a-kind take on the traditional sari. The actress accessorised her look by adding gold ear cuffs, bracelets, and jewellery.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty)

Shilpa Shetty went for a soft shimmering makeup look. She chose a darker, pink, smokey eye that complemented her lustrous, rosy nude lip colour flawlessly. Her hair, done in natural soft curls, completed the look.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra was most recently seen in Sukhee alongside Amid Sadh and Kusha Kapila. The 48-year-old actress plays a Punjabi housewife who travels to Delhi to attend her school reunion after two decades. Before that, she was seen in Sabbir Khans action-comedy film, Nikamma.
Tulsi Vivah, also known as the marriage of Tulsi, is a significant Hindu ceremony that commemorates the symbolic union of the holy basil plant, revered as Goddess Tulsi, with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This auspicious occasion holds immense religious importance and is observed with great enthusiasm across India, particularly in the northern states.

TULSI VIVAH 2023 DATE AND SHUBH MUHURAT

Tulsi Vivah is celebrated on the Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. This typically falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Tulsi Vivah is being celebrated today on Friday, November 24.

The auspicious timings for the rituals started on November 23, at 9:05 pm and will extend until 5:16 pm today on November 24.

TULSI VIVAH 2023 WISHES

May the blessings of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu shower upon you a life filled with devotion, purity, and prosperity. As we celebrate the divine union of Tulsi and Vishnu, may their blessings bring harmony, peace, and abundance into your life. On this sacred day of Tulsi Vivah, may the divine love of Tulsi and Vishnu guide you towards spiritual enlightenment and eternal happiness. Embrace the auspiciousness of Tulsi Vivah, and may the blessings of this sacred union enrich your life with joy, harmony, and success. Let the spirit of devotion and the blessings of Tulsi Vivah illuminate your path and lead you towards a life of fulfillment and inner peace.

ALSO READ: Tulsi Vivah 2023: 4 Steps For The Couples To Experience Marital Bliss

TULSI VIVAH 2023 QUOTES

Tulsi, the bride of Lord Vishnu, is the embodiment of purity, devotion, and auspiciousness. May her blessings be upon you always. The union of Tulsi and Vishnu is a symbol of the eternal bond between nature and divinity. May we cherish and respect this sacred connection. Let the light of Tulsi Vivah guide us towards a life of love, harmony, and spiritual growth. As we celebrate Tulsi Vivah, let us remember the importance of devotion, purity, and respect for natures bounty. May the blessings of Tulsi Vivah bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all.

TULSI VIVAH 2023 WHATSAPP STATUS

Shubh Tulsi Vivah! May the divine blessings of this sacred occasion bring happiness, harmony, and success into your life. Tulsi Vivah ki hardik shubhkamnayein! May the blessings of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu shower upon you and your loved ones. Tulsi Vivah ki subhamangalam! May this auspicious occasion fill your heart with devotion, your mind with peace, and your life with prosperity. Tulsi Vivah ke pavitra avasar par, aapko aur aapke parivaar ko hardik shubhkamnayein! May the blessings of this sacred union be upon you and your family. Tulsi Vivah ki aashishon se aapka jeevan khushiyon se bhara hua ho! May your life be filled with joy and happiness, blessed by the divine union of Tulsi and Vishnu.

Tulsi Vivah Puja Vidhi

People performing the marriage ritual, use Geru powder to make a rangoli and an eight-leaf lotus. Then, use sugarcane to set up a mandap. After placing two chowkis (stool), place Tulsi pot on one stool and an Idol of Shaligram or Lord Vishnu on the other one. On the stool where you have installed Shaligrams idol, make an eight-leaf lotus and place a kalash over it. Do not forget to draw a swastika on the kalash. Wrap coconut with a red cloth and place it over the kalash. After lighting a ghee deepak, commence the wedding ceremony. Repeat the mantra Tulasai Namah. Then perform Abhishekam of Shaligram by offering yellow clothes and Panchmrita. After this ritual, the male member of the family is to carry the idol of Shaligram in his hands and take seven rounds around Tulsi. Following this, bhog of sweets and kheer-puri is offered to Goddess Tulsi and Shaligram. Then, donate all the puja samagri used during the puja along with the Tulsi pot to a temple.

TULSI VIVAH SIGNIFICANCE

Tulsi Vivah signifies the sacred bond between nature and divinity, emphasizing the importance of devotion and the veneration of natures bounty. The Tulsi plant, deeply ingrained in Hindu culture, is considered a symbol of purity, auspiciousness, and spiritual enlightenment. Its association with Lord Vishnu further reinforces its sacred status.

CELEBRATION OF TULSI VIVAH

The Tulsi Vivah ceremony is marked by elaborate preparations and festivities. The Tulsi plant, adorned with colorful decorations and ornaments, is placed on a makeshift mandap, a wedding altar. The idol of Lord Vishnu, often represented by a Shaligram stone, is placed alongside the Tulsi plant.

The wedding rituals are performed with utmost reverence, mirroring traditional Hindu weddings. Mantras, hymns, and devotional songs are chanted, invoking blessings upon the sacred union. The exchange of garlands between the Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu symbolizes their eternal bond.
The dense forests of South India are filled with the stories of Veerappan, a bandit who was known for terrorising and kidnapping people. His intriguing tale has often left people curious and thus Netflix came up with a show named The Hunt for Veerappan. Now, it looks like the audience is in for yet another Veerapan documentary series which will provide insight into his life.

Recently, the trailer of the documentary series, Koose Munisamy Veerappan was revealed. As per the trailer, the documentary series will provide viewers with a glimpse into Veerappans life through unseen footage. The trailer shows a number of people discussing the life and enigmatic demeanour of the bandit and reveals several stories about him.

Koose Munisamy Veerappan is created by Jeyachandra Hashmi, Prabhavathi RV and Vasanth Balakrishnan. It will feature speakers like Nakkheeran Gopal, Seeman, N Ram, Pa Pa Mohan, Subbu alias Subramanyan, Alexander IPS, Rohini, Jeeva Thangavel, Mohan Kumar, and Dhamayanthi.

Koose Munisamy Veerappan will be available for streaming on Zee5 from December 8. The plotline as per the makers is that the series will explore the intriguing life of Veerappan as he guides us through his journey using never-before-seen video tapes. The audience will be able to gain new insights through the perspective of renowned personalities along with various reimaginations of events in the series.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), Zee5 posted, Koose Munisamy Veerappan- A true crime docu-series with unseen Veerappan tapes premieres on Dec 8th in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi.

Veerappan was a bandit, an Indian poacher, a smuggler and a domestic terrorist who is known to have kidnapped prominent politicians and demanded ransoms. He was also accused of smuggling sandalwood and poaching elephants from the forests region of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. He was wanted for the murder of about 184 people out of which the majority were forest officials or police officers. He was also declared wanted for the poaching of about 2,000 elephants and for smuggling ivory worth Rs 16 crore.
After unveiling the intense trailer of Sandeep Reddy Vangas upcoming pan-India film Animal, the makers launched the music of the Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor starrer at an event in Mumbai. Gracing the same were the leading men of the film Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol. Amid all the interactions, the duo talked about Ranbir Kapoors daughter Raha.

In a video accessed by News18 Showsha, Bobby Deol can be seen talking about Raha. The actor shared, His daughter is such a cutie. She has grown so much. Imagine the film started with his daughter being born and now she is 1 year old. He has been through so much for this film because you see the promo and you realise that the character he has played, has so many complexities. It is the growth of a child itself in the movie. And then having his first child and experiencing the blessing of it. I think he should be talking more about it.

Ranbir Kapoor chimed in, Raha is responding now, she is locking eyes. She gives flying kisses. Theres no bigger joy. Its the most joyful thing in life. I highly recommend it to all you guys, to have lots of children.

Ranbir Kapoor recently revealed he has got his daughter Rahas name inked on his collar bone. The Animal actor welcomed his daughter with Alia Bhatt in November 2022. Although the couple has decided against revealing her face to the media, Ranbir has fondly spoken about her. In a new interview, Ranbir was speaking about his daughter when he revealed he had gotten her name tattooed.

The actor appeared on Unstoppable with NBK to promote his film Animal with Rashmika Mandanna and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. During the episode, the host, Telugu star Nandamuri Balakrishna was discussing about Rashmikas tattoo when Ranbir revealed he has a new tattoo as well. While the actor already has the word Awaara inked on his wrist, he revealed he got Raha inked on his collar bone. Sir, I also have the name of my daughter, he said, before revealing his tattoo.

Last month, in a conversation with fans via Zoom, Ranbir revealed Alia will kill him if he shows Rahas photos to the media. In the chat with fans, Ranbir confessed that he often shows Rahas photos when he meets close ones.

I will show you at the end of this chat, I will show you a picture of hers. But you have to keep it a secret because my wife will kill me otherwise, the told the fan requesting for the photo. I love showing her pictures. Wherever I go, she is the only I person I show off about. Whoever I meet, I say You want to see my daughter or what? And I keep showing her picture all the time, he added.

Meanwhile, Ranbir has been busy with the promotions of his upcoming film Animal. The actor plays an aggresive role in the movie. The film is set to release on December 1.
Anti-Islamism populist leader Geert Wilders has registered a shock victory in the Dutch general elections. News reports unanimously say that after 25 years in parliament, Wilders Freedom Party (PVV) is set to win 37 seats. This number puts Wilders well ahead of his nearest rival, a Left-wing alliance, but leaves him short of a majority.

A media outlet reported that the PVV leader won after harnessing widespread frustration about migration, promising borders closed and putting on hold his promise to ban the Koran.

The dilution of Wilderss position on banning the Koran, however, is less ideological and more tactical. It is aimed at boosting his acceptability among centre-right parties with whom he is hoping to forge a coalition government. As of now, the concession seems to have paid off. The more moderate on the Right are amenable to Wilders.

Wilderss victory caps a recent, but what appears to be an inexorable, lurch towards the Far-Right in Europe. Indeed, many parties that were once described as outcasts are now in dominant positions in Italy, Spain, France, Hungary or Finland.

Naturally, the Left in Europe is besides itself with consternation. Even so, while the Left concedes that these parties are gaining acceptability, it also emphasises that they are very far from gaining respectability. At least not in the eyes of cosmopolitan voters who are dead against them.

Indeed, most parties like the PVV have taken very strident positions against multiculturalism. Some describe themselves as being against anti-Islamism. The phrase, of course, is interpreted by the opponents of parties like the PVV as denoting a brazen Islamophobia.

This is of course to miss the wood for the trees.

Though it must be admitted that the fine distinction between opposing Islamism and not Islam is easily lost. This happens especially when Far-Right politicians hit the stump and link the death of multi-culturalism in Europe to crude religion based reasoning.

But there are rare exceptions, like Suella Braverman. The now-sacked British Home Secretary has consistently managed to avoid sounding prejudiced.

Braverman, it is said, set out a nuanced civic argument against immigration by declaring: Multiculturalism makes no demands of the incomer to integrate. It has failed because it allowed people to come to our society and live parallel lives in it. They could be in the society but not of the society.

While Braverman may not have meant this explicitly about Muslims, empirical evidence suggests that this community of immigrants does have a problem shedding Islams innate exclusivism.

European Muslims often resist the secular bent of European constitutionalism that calls upon all citizens to embrace a common code of Western legal and cultural mores.

Clashes with authorities over the right to wear the burqa, or to occupy public spaces for daily prayers, renounce Shariat law or embrace scientific education in place of Madrassa learning is often read as a deliberate act of defiance to the nation-state ideology. It doesnt help that European societies are overwhelmingly Christian. Being of the book, they are, therefore, less accommodative of imported dogma.

Wilderss victory, therefore, should be heeded as a plea from the indigenous voters of The Netherlands to immigrants, especially Muslims, to conform. But what if the call were to go unheeded? Could the answer to that question seal the fate of Europes dalliance with multiculturalism?
The war in Gaza, forced upon as a result of a brutal terror attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, has taken a heavy toll on innocent civilians on both sides. Responding to the Hamas terror attack, which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens including children, infants, women and elderly, Israel regrouped quickly and unleashed a ferocious assault into Gaza, coined as Operation Iron Swords. In over 45 days of the war, Israel has conducted over 7,500 strikes by air and artillery, moved ground troops and tanks into Gaza cutting off Northern Gaza and has caused heavy destruction in the Gaza Strip. The Red Cross and the Palestinian Health Ministry have reported that the death toll in Gaza has already crossed 14,500 which includes more than 6,000 children.

Israels insistence on flattening Gaza to the ground and eliminating Hamas from the face of the earth has meant that it has not exercised any restraint while choosing targets and striking them irrespective of the heavy collateral damage and casualties it may cause. Its strikes on hospitals in Gaza, UN-run facilities, schools and refugee camps have caused global outrage and calls for an immediate ceasefire, and access to humanitarian aid is growing louder by the day. The WHO, UN Relief and Works Agency, UN Population Fund and UNICEF put out a joint statement on 4 November stating that almost 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day.

The UN General Assembly, in its special session on 27 October, adopted a resolution sponsored by Jordan, calling for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce. It also demanded continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave. On 4 November, US Secretary of State Blinken undertook his second visit to Israel in the past month and advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against punitive strikes causing death and destruction of civilians and reiterated an appeal for a humanitarian pause so that essential aid could be delivered to the suffering population. On 15 November, the UN Security Council too passed a resolution, sponsored by Malta, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip to allow for aid delivery and medical evacuations.

Special meetings of BRICS and OIC too have asked for early ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid. All regional countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran and others have unequivocally condemned Israeli strikes causing mass civilian casualties. The Arab Islamic Committee, a joint delegation of Arab and Muslim nations comprising ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority, is on a global tour to rally support for a ceasefire and has already visited China on 20 November and Paris on 22 November.

Amidst all this, pressure is mounting on Israel to exercise restraint and permit the delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite that, on 17-18 November, Israel struck two schools in Northern Gaza including one run by UNRWA leading to over 50 deaths, mostly children and over 200 severely injured coupled with absolute destruction of the school facilities. Once again, it was promptly condemned by the UN and regional countries. Meanwhile, on 22 November, Israels cabinet gave the go-ahead to a hostage exchange of 50 hostages comprising women and children in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four-day ceasefire, which has been mediated by Qatar. However, till it happens, Israel is continuing with its punitive strikes.

As the people in Gaza and the world look ahead with hope at a possible ceasefire, Israel too could use this pause and ask itself some critical questions. In 45 days of war, how much has Israel been successful in eliminating Hamas? By asking people to evacuate Northern Gaza earlier and southern Gaza now, what is the end game that Israel is looking for in Gaza? Is Israel looking for Gaza as a Death Zone where there will be no living population, as a possible scenario in Gaza? Can Israel, at the end of this war, give credible assurance to its citizens that the Hamas terror threat has been eliminated for good? What about the complete destruction of the famed tunnel network of Hamas in Gaza?

With the raid and blockade of Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza not being able to provide conclusive evidence that the hospital and the tunnels behind were actually being used by Hamas as command centres, how does Israel justify the deaths of hundreds of children and patients there due to lack of critical medical care, leading to their burial in mass grave in hospitals backyard? Has Israel achieved its military and political objectives or is it still a work in progress? More importantly, does an end state of this war leave any space for a two-state solution which ensures a viable and independent state of Palestine?

There are many more questions, with very few concrete answers. Herein lies an opportunity therefore for Israel to look beyond its borders and seek answers to at least some of these questions. Like Israel, India too has grappled with the threat of terror for the last three decades and the manner in which India has slowly but steadily brought about peace and stability, especially in Kashmir valley, could hold some answers for Israel.

Indian Lessons for Israel

While India got its independence in August 1947, the state of Israel was formed in May 1948. Both nations had to face armed conflicts shortly thereafter, in 1948. While the ceasefire in the case of Israel resulted in it occupying additional territory than what was earmarked as its national boundaries, India had to accept the division of territory in Jammu & Kashmir with one part of Kashmir going under Pakistans occupation.

Both nations fought major wars later too, Israel in 1967 and 1973 while India fought wars against Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and 1999 (Kargil War) and in 1962 against China. There have been other minor conflicts in which both nations have fought against their adversaries, including their fight against terror unleashed on them from across the borders. Also, both nations have adversaries who use terror as an instrument of state policy. Both nations have also faced hostage and hijack situations endangering the lives of their citizens, more than once.

However, the methods and strategies used by India and Israel in countering these threats differ vastly. While India has always exercised restraint and has mostly avoided crossing the borders or Ceasefire line or Line of Control, (LoC) with Pakistan, Israel has been more aggressive in its methods used in countering its threats. While India has propagated peaceful co-existence and has made several attempts to make peace, Israel too, while offering peace solutions, has usually followed a strategy of seeking peace through security and has often taken the battle right into enemy territory.

India, which has been fighting terror since 1990 in Jammu & Kashmir, mostly emanating from Pakistan, had to deploy a large amount of security forces to counter it. Like Israel, in fact, learning from Israel, India came up with a Line of Control Fence which acts as a physical barrier for terrorists infiltrating into India. Surveillance sensors coupled with active military deployment on the fence have ensured that infiltration levels have dropped significantly in the past decade.

In the early decades of fighting terror in Kashmir valley, India was confronted with a situation where the terrorists (local and foreign) enjoyed support from the locals making the task of security forces difficult. However, India exercised restraint and followed the strategy of minimum force to achieve the objectives. India has also not been known for the use of air strikes to target terror groups hiding amongst civilian population, and definitely never any strikes on hospitals, schools, UN facilities etc, on either side of LoC.

While conducting operations within the Indian side of Kashmir, Indian forces have exercised utmost restraint to ensure minimum collateral damage, even at a great loss to its own soldiers sometimes. India has never enforced any blockades that prevented the delivery of critical humanitarian and medical aid to people in the region. On the contrary, Operation Sadbhavana, a campaign launched by the Indian Army in the early 2000s to win the hearts and minds of people in Kashmir, has been hugely successful in winning back the support of locals in Kashmir and alienating the terrorists.

At the height of the Kargil war in 1999 too, when India was taking heavy casualties due to challenges posed by the enemy and terrain, India did not cross the LoC by ground or air to conduct operations. This may have dealt a tactical disadvantage militarily but the strategic advantage that accrued by keeping the war limited to Kargil and not blowing into an India-Pakistan war was huge as it kept at bay other powers from getting directly involved. After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack too, despite it being traced back to Pakistan, India exercised restraint and did not launch full-scale military operations. Incidentally, as Israel is still recovering from its 7/10 terror attack, India marks 15 years of its 26/11 this year.

Israel could do well to learn from some of these Indian experiences. Yes, Israel had the full right to self-defence when Hamas unleashed terror on it on 07th October. Yes, Israel is located in a dangerous neighbourhood with terror threats from all sides. Small nation and a small population make Israels task that much harder too. Israel may also argue that unlike India, for Israel, it has always been a fight for its existence. But terror does not necessarily have to be fought by greater terror. There has to be a difference between the conduct of an internationally recognized and responsible nation and a terror group.

War has to be fought with a cool and calculated mind and not based solely on revenge. A military response should be calibrated and force applied commensurate to the effect desired. Strikes resulting in damage to a hospital, school or refugee camp and death of innocent children and women are best avoided even at the cost of prolonged operations and delayed achievement of objectives. Also, as President Biden said, Israel should not repeat the mistakes that the US made during its War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While India learnt from Israel how to act proactively against terror strikes and launch surgical strikes across the borders like Uri in 2016 and Balakot in 2019, Israel could do well to take a leaf out of the Indian book on how to conduct operations against terror without alienating the population and facing condemnation from the international community. After all, both India and Israel can do nothing about the geography and neighbours that each has inherited, except to find a long-term solution to issues of national security, which may often involve compromise and adjustments.

The author is Assistant Director, MP-IDSA. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Shehla Rashids interview with ANI clearly shows that former seditious, Left-liberal and separatist elements from Kashmir do not have any remorse for being part of the Intifada factory and waging a disinformation war against India on the behest of Pakistan and other anti-India factions, both domestic and abroad-based. Be it IAS topper Shah Faesal making a U-turn or Shehla Rashid, there is no ignoring the fact that they were part of the Intifada factory in Kashmir  a motley group of bureaucrats, civil society members, lawyers, media persons, politicians, clergy, and an assortment of overground workers parroting the ISI talking points regarding Kashmir and its relationship with India.

The defence that many of them are giving now in interviews is that they were born in the 1990s and grew up seeing violence, gore, mayhem and open prison of the Valley in their childhood and teen years. While for some, it is a war that India won on all fronts, be it diplomatically, legally, militarily, and economically, the U-turns of former separatists show that the Indian government has been able to bring them down to their knees.

I do not buy this. Islamism is something that never really goes away though it may change appearance, and camouflage itself into patriotism and sycophancy. Co-opting former disgruntled members of society who had no penchant for collaborating with anti-India organisations and think tanks based in the West, Middle East and even domestically is not the solution to the radicalism problem in the country. We dont just have to secure the country, we must also make 174 million Muslims progress into the 21st century and that means coming down hard on radicalism, extremist views, and any sort of un-Indian-ness.

So co-opting people like Shehla Rashid and Shah Faesal means you are keeping the Islamism opportunity open. Remember, Islamism never dies down, look at Egypt and other countries, Turkey for that matter. Islamists bide their time and wait for opportune moments. They can even turn patriotic and sycophant for the time being, until the next opportune moment when the disgruntled population shows signs of rebellion and anarchy.

Unfortunately, the onus of empowering the Muslims, liberating Muslim women, and bringing an Islamic Renaissance or Enlightenment has fallen on the Hindu majority, since no initiative is coming from the Muslims themselves. All one gets is victimhood in the oppression Olympics from the Muslim community. Then the blasphemy laws and the periodic fatwas present another obstacle as does takfirism (the practice of labelling who is Muslim enough or not to speak about Muslim issues).

The Muslim organisations and the sole spokespersons of Muslim issues are still under the archaic Shariat Act of 1937 and will not allow any Indian Muslim to bring in reforms or change; Hamid Dalwai was silenced in the 1970s (Sitaram Goels account of how Muslims in the audience objected to his speech, after two hours of bashing Hinduism on stage). Whatever is left of the organisation he founded, has started to appropriate his writings, redrafting his Muslim politics in India in which he was astute enough to capture the practice of obscurantism among Muslims, that the current leaders, politicians, Muslim intelligentsia and intellectuals so amply demonstrate every day.

An effective solution against Islamism is a tough, non-compromising stand on terror; something that Arab countries, monarchs, and their policies have adopted ever since the birth of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928. India, a victim of terrorism countless times, shouldnt be bothered about the Islamophobia label, a misnomer created by the Muslim Brotherhood to shut down genuine criticism of regressive practices in Islam. In addition to this, the cultural resurgence of Hinduism is creating that space for Indic Muslims to give voice to their opinions, their views about being part of the Indic Civilisation without fear of being labelled Sarkari Musalman, murtad (apostates), house niggers, Kapo or takfiri-ied as not Muslim enough.

This Hindu cultural resurgence is also forcing gatekeepers of Islam to give answers to what Iranian and Afghan women, honour-killed Muslim womens families, sceptics and heretics of Islam from Muslim heritage have been asking for centuries  explanations about the anti-Semitic verses, the radical Wahhabi interpretations about non-Muslims in the scriptures, troubled chapters in Islams history or the Prophets life which are taboo in the community  questions that used to be silenced by violence. Not anymore. The majority of Hindus are forcing the answers, and the answers need to come.

So co-opting former seditious separatists isnt a solution. In fact, Indians should demand answers from the former critics of the government  do they support UCC, CAA, nullification of Article 370, banning of Triple Talaq, building the Ram Mandir at a sacred place for Hindus, which is equivalent to our Mecca and Medina holy cities? Rashid needs to pass this test before she can claim to pass the interview process for her new government job. This is an entrance exam for anyone coming to the mainstream from the Intifada factory.

Because their college rebellion cost Kashmiri lives, cost the sanity of thousands of Kashmiris who couldnt get over the dark decades of the proxy war, who lost loved ones, sacrificed so much, often at great risk to their lives to uphold the tiranga in the Valley. To see them let off so lightly with second chances is an insult to the blood of martyrs and innocents shed by their military wings, for whom these overground intellectuals used to provide cover fire to their terror activities.

The internal insurgency of the PFI should have alerted the government of how far embedded the infiltration of Islamism is. Nationalists who are at great risk to their lives and careers are still struggling against Islamist forces. To see former Islamists being eulogised, rewarded, and mainstreamed is demoralising and many do give up, receding into their shells and their families, not bothering what trajectory the country or the troubled region takes. With designs of Soros-like people for India exposed, the government should have openly expressed its intolerance for Islamists and support for Indian nationalists of Muslim heritage.

The soft, covert, closet Islamists will have to be weeded out. Inter-faith seminars, reconciliation workshops and diversity talk circuits do not change attitudes on the streets of Shaheen Bagh or downtown Srinagar. A tough stance coming from leaders, clerics, and social media influencers is what is going to force millions to walk into the 21st century and leave behind the medieval mentality which believes women do not have half the brain as men and should be shrouded in black from head to toe or that non-Muslims deserve to be killed if they do not convert.

The author is a writer and an educationist from Srinagar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
This year, on the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, it is important to reflect on how a powerful clique in the current generation of Sikhs has distorted the teachings of Sikh gurus to misappropriate and transmogrify Sikhism into an Abrahamic cult religion. Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism as a spiritual warrior faith to protect the indigenous Bharatiya culture and diversity of the Indian subcontinent, tracing back to its origins. Given the resurgent clash between intolerant monotheism and pluralistic pagan universalism, it is crucial to remember why Guru Nanak conceptualised Sikhism.

Its raison detre was to uphold the umbilically linked Indian value systems from the existential threats of Islamic conquest. By cloaking such inconvenient history with the fog of secular policies today, neo-Sikhs do grievous injustice to their identitys wellspring.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth guru of Sikhism, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the religious freedom of Hindus facing violent oppression under the gory Mughal invader Aurangzeb. While earlier Mughal despots had been relatively tolerant of non-Muslim faiths, Aurangzeb was a religious fanatic bigot who aimed to impose Sharia law and forcible conversions across his empire. After the Hindu leadership implored his intercession, Guru Tegh Bahadur raised his voice for their religious freedom, challenged Aurangzeb and moved to Delhi to dissuade him from forcing Islamic conversions under the pain of death.

Guru Tegh Bahadur stood firmly by his convictions and refused to comply with Aurangzebs orders to convert to Islam. As was imminent, Aurangzeb tortured and executed his disciples in gruesome ways but failed to frighten the Guru, who upheld the right to freedom of religion. Ultimately, Aurangzeb beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadur publicly in Chandni Chowk on November 24, 1675, under a Banyan tree. By showcasing such singular valour bound to immutable principles, he ignited the subsequent rise of the valorous Khalsa as Hinduisms resurgent defenders.

By giving his life for Hindus to safely practice their faith, Guru Tegh demonstrated that the role of a true Sikh is to selflessly serve and protect humanity against all forms of oppression and injustice. As a spiritual warrior and defender of religious tolerance, his martyrdom shone as a beacon of hope and resistance against bigotry, even under peril. This exemplary sacrifice by Guru Tegh Bahadur for upholding righteous values is the heritage that neo-Sikhs need to learn from to realign the community closer to its original vision.

Some members of the Sikh community distorting core Sikh beliefs for their own vested interests should recognise that their gurus created the faith as a shield and voice for Indian cultures being subdued by invaders. The holy scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, uses the word Ram 2533 times. The most frequently used word is Hari, which has been used a total of 8344 times. Gobind appears 475 times. There are 97 instances of the word murari. Interestingly, the epithet Waheguru finds only 13 mentions! The understanding to reflect the universally appealing spiritual humanism, which is the very essence of Sanatana Dharma, is at the heart of Sikhism.

On his Shaheedi Diwas, all Indians ought to honour his memory as a saint-soldier who martyred himself to protect and uphold dharma in the face of great injustice and religious persecution. His supreme sacrifice for the rights of the vulnerable and downtrodden is a shimmering demonstration of his unwavering courage and humaneness that inspires people today.

Shallow Depiction of Guru Tegh Bahadurs Sacrifice

In despondent and dolorous attempts, the articles by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Guru Tegh Bahadurs life erase the core essence of why he sacrificed himself against Aurangzebs atrocities on Kashmiri Pandits. They have sanitised how the ninth guru defiantly stood up as a bulwark to safeguard Hindu Dharma, facing an existential crisis under Islamic persecution. Terms like oppression, subjugation, persecution, genocide, or unimaginable horrors are missing when referring to Aurangzebs state-sponsored campaign to ruthlessly convert or eliminate Kashmiri Hindus. The intent is to present the persecution faced by the Pandits in neutral terms, obscuring the communal genocide in a stark light.

The erasure of Guru Tegh Bahadurs strategic decision to give up his life to awaken the spirit of resistance against Aurangzebs savage assault on Indic beliefs is striking. An SGPC article fails to highlight that the Guru made the well-thought-out choice of martyring himself publicly to ignite a long-term struggle against Islamic tyranny, threatening to wipe out Indias native diversity. His strategy was to inspire solidarity across different faiths against the Mughals by showcasing exceptional courage.

However, the SGPC depicts it vaguely as self-sacrifice for the cause of Righteousness and for the freedom of Dharma without specifying that he stood up for the Hindus right to retain their own dharma. Similarly, the DSGMC refers ambiguously to his stand for Righteousness and for the freedom of Dharma. This diluted articulation erases how the Guru paved the future path for the Sikh militancy actively defending Hinduism under existential threat.

Such write-ups fail to explicitly highlight how state repression under Aurangzeb was endangering Indias civilisational legacy by brutally targeting its fountainhead in Kashmiri Pandits. Guru Tegh Bahadurs acting as a shield for the Pandits survival has been framed as a routine event rather than the tipping point that would decide the fate of Indias native ethos.

Furthermore, his martyrdom energised the resistance against Aurangzeb across communities, preventing India from becoming an Islamic nation. The subsequent institution of the Khalsa, the creation of the gallant Sikh warriors, and the inspiration behind revered freedom fighters like Banda Singh Bahadur have no connection shown to Guru Tegh Bahadurs singular deed that turned the tide.

Ultimately, the decontextualised, selective depictions by SGPC and DSGMC sever the link between the ninth Guru sacrificing his life to protect the Hindu way of life from being extinguished under Aurangzebs intolerant empire. These vague descriptions, tailor-made for political correctness, have caused the real message of his martyrdom as a galvaniser against religious persecution to be lost sight of. Recapturing the truth of his revolutionary stand is the only way forward for the community.

We need to remember the great words of Guru Tegh Bahadur  We must live our lives in the same way in happiness and sorrow and in honour and humiliation.

His teachings give us lessons about the purpose of life and the importance of equality, harmony and renunciation.

Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Ignored for decades, Indias rivers and canals are today bustling with activity. India is laying the ground for a drastic upscaling of inland waterways  the kind that can power the countrys goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. After all, there is hardly any developed nation in the world that does not have a robust inland waterways system in place. In a big boost to cargo movement on Indian waterways, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Amazon Seller Services Private Limited (Amazon). This will provide a boost to transportation of customer shipments and products via inland waterways using National Waterway 1 on the Ganga.

The MoU represents the changing dynamics of Indias inland waterways. With a major focus on boosting waterway infrastructure across the country, more such agreements to boost commercial shipments can be expected. There are already early indications that the Narendra Modi governments focus on inland waterways is bearing fruits. Cargo movement on national waterways surged 16% in 2022-23. In 2014, there were only five waterways in the country, a number that in the past nine years has gone up to 111. This came after 106 waterways were declared national waterways under the National Waterways Act.

National Waterway 1, which runs from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal via Patna and Bhagalpur in Bihar across the Ganga, is the longest waterway in India. Needless to say, it has a lot of potential to transform the entire Gangetic belt into a logistical powerhouse and a hub of cargo movement. This is why the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is actively implementing the ambitious Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on this waterway. At a cost of Rs 4,633.81 crore, JMVP includes the establishment of multimodal terminals at strategic locations, namely Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, along with the introduction of an intermodal terminal at Kalughat.

Uttar Pradesh is particularly rich when it comes to inland waterways, housing 11 national waterways. Earlier in November, the Uttar Pradesh Interstate Waterways Bill-2023 was approved by the state cabinet. The draft law will enable the creation of a dedicated body that will regulate and monitor tourism and transport through the states rivers. The body, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will promote water sports, increase tourism facilities and help in developing Uttar Pradesh as an export hub, apart from also giving water transport a major boost.

Setting the Ball Rolling on Maritime Connectivity with Blue Economy Goal in Mind

In 2015, the Modi government had launched the Sagarmala initiative to enhance the performance of the countrys logistics sector with a special focus on inland waterways and infrastructure development along Indias vast coastline. As part of this initiative, the government has taken up 113 projects worth Rs 7,030 crore related to RoRo/RoPax and Inland Water Transport. Out of these, 15 projects worth Rs 1,100 crore have been completed and 32 projects worth Rs 3,900 crore are under implementation.

In October, during the Global Maritime India Summit, PM Modi had launched the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. As per this vision document, India should increase its inland water transport volume to 500 MMT by 2047. At present, the inland water transport volume stands at 126 MMT. By 2030, the government plans to take this figure to well over 300 MMT. The Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 document also outlines the need to increase the number of operational waterways to 23 by 2030, and to take the number to more than 50 by 2047.

To achieve these goals, India is eyeing an investment of Rs 35,000 crore by 2047 to create a network of waterways in the country. The Northeast is especially in focus. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who himself hails from Assam and has previously been its chief minister, said on Tuesday that more than Rs 1,100 crore has been granted for the development of 25 inland waterways projects in the Northeast region. These projects have been accorded top priority and dubbed as critical projects which need to be completed by January 2024.

In January this year, PM Modi had flagged off the MV Ganga Vilas luxury cruise on the worlds longest river voyage from Varanasi to Dibrugarh. The Brahmaputra, as a matter of fact, will be a major recipient of Indias inland waterways revolution. In Dibrugarh, for example, the construction of a multi-modal cargo terminal will begin by the end of this year. As a result of the major development push along the Brahmaputra, the government anticipates that a large number of jobs will be created in Assam.

Moving on from the Northeast, India is also planning a mega water transport corridor in the East. In July, it was reported that the Centre is preparing a Rs 12,000-crore inland waterway on the Brahmani river in Odisha to move goods from four industrial clusters to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra. The corridor could potentially carry 12 to 15 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.

Eastern India is replete with mines as well as steel and fertiliser plants. Therefore, the government feels the need to de-congest logistics in the region by diverting load off the existing rail and road infrastructure and tapping into waterways instead. The governments plan is to set up integrated logistics systems which will be part of a larger multi-modal transport network having linkages with the Eastern Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor and also with the regions existing network of highways.

Remember, transportation costs via waterways are roughly two-thirds of railways and half of the costs incurred on road transportation. In fact, as per a study of the Integrated National Waterways Transportation Grid, one litre of fuel moves 24 tons through one kilometre on road, 95 on rail and 215 kilometres on inland water transport.

India aims to emerge as a big blue economy on the global map in the years to come. For that to happen, major investments must be made in the countrys maritime sector  not just for facilitating greater international trade, but also turning around the domestic logistics network. With inland waterways playing a greater role in cargo transportation, Indias maritime economy will be strengthened. The development of such waterways will also boost regional tourism. The cumulative impact will be that the maritime economy will propel India to emerge as a developed nation by 2047.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
November 15 was the perfect synchrony of optics and reality for Uncle Sams most strategic West Asian ally and the political future of the most powerful man on Earth. Two simultaneous events highlighted the cruciality of maintaining public perception despite reality biting in private. Joe Biden, rattled by his lowest approval ratings, the prospect of losing the presidency to his bete noire Donald Trump in 2024 and the costly and excruciating Ukraine war, faced his biggest foreign policy scourge.

The Israel-Hamas war had become the American presidents second-worst nightmare after the Ukraine quagmire. The bloody figures were frightening1,200 Israelis killed and 239 taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 terrorist attacks and more than 14,000 Gazans, including 4,500 children, bombed to death and another 1.7 million displaced in the subsequent retaliation by Israel.

Biden was driven to the precipice. On one hand, he couldnt afford to alienate Americas steadfast ally, Benjamin Netanyahu, by pressing for an immediate ceasefire in public. On the other hand, the unbearable heat, including from within his party, calling for an urgent ceasefire was scalding him in private. American colleges had become flashpoints of pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrations while a few Muslim and Arab-American groups had threatened not to vote and donate for Biden in the 2024 presidential election unless he secured a ceasefire.

On November 15, a day after the White House opposed a ceasefire arguing that it would let Hamas regroup, 24 House Democrats led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote a letter to Biden urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Several of the signatories included women lawmakers like Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Pramila Jayapal, Barbara Lee, Summer Lee, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Joaquin Castro, Ayanna Pressley, and even Raul Grijalva and Mary Gay Scanlon, who hadnt signed a recent ceasefire resolution in the House.

We write to you to express deep concern about the intensifying war in Gaza, particularly grave violations against children, and our fear that without an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a robust bilateral ceasefire, this war will lead to a further loss of civilian life and risk dragging the United States into dangerous and unwise conflict with armed groups across the Middle East, the letter, endorsed by several rights organisations like Amnesty International and Oxfam America, read.

Biden had only one option. For the sake of perception, he pretended to be unmoved. On the night of November 15, he stuck to his stance against a ceasefire before the media on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

In an unapologetic defence of Israel, he said, It is not carpet bombing; this is a different thing. Theyre going through these tunnels; theyre going into the hospital. Theyre also bringing in incubators or bringing in other means to help people in the hospital, and theyve given, Im told, the doctors and nurses and personnel the opportunity to get out of harms way. For the sake of reality, however, Biden had been playing a different game in complicity with Bibi.

On November 22, Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day Qatari-brokered truce under which 50 civilian women and child hostages would be freed in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Time is up [for brokering a ceasefire], Biden warned Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani over an urgent phone call. Ironically, Biden called Al Thani from the APEC Summit while publicly opposing a ceasefire. In fact, efforts to free the hostages started soon after the Hamas attacks, two officials involved in the effort told Reuters. Besides Biden, Netanyahu and Al Thani, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, CIA director Bill Burns, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi were involved.

Soon after the Hamas attacks, Qatar requested the US to form a small secret team of advisors to free the hostages. McGurk and another National Security Council official Josh Geltzer formed the team under extreme secrecy. Biden was apprised of the situation daily by Sullivan as McGurk started talking to Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani every day over the phone.

While opposing a truce in public, Biden was working behind the scenes for a ceasefireand a hostage-prisoner swap deal was the only way to pause the fighting. On November 14, Biden called Netanyahu, who agreed to the deal. Finally, Biden called the Emir. The president insisted the deal had to close now. Time was up, one of the officials said.

Israel-Hamas war hits Bidens rating

The war will be a political doom for Biden if more innocent Gazans are blown to pieces. His foreign policy has been increasingly criticised with Ukraines counteroffensive losing steam before strong Russian defence and unrelenting aerial and artillery bombardment despite the US having poured $76.8 billion into the abyss. Bidens foreign policy debacles aside, his overall approval rating has been dangerously low. From 49 per cent to 57 per cent during the first eight months of his presidency, his approval rating has been consistently below 50 per cent since August 2021.

Bidens rating hit the third-lowest at 39 per cent on November 7 after reaching rock bottom at 36 per cent in mid-2022, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. An October Gallup poll showed his second-lowest overall rating at 37 per cent, an identical reading in April, with the worst 11-point fall among Democrats to 75 per cent. Including the latest fall, Bidens approval has tanked below 40 per cent four times in 33 Gallup readings since he took office. A November 10-14 national NBC News poll showed that only 40 per cent of registered voters approve of Bidens job performance, representing Bidens all-time high in disapproval at 57 per cent.

More voters disapprove of Bidens foreign policy miscalculations, especially after the Israel-Hamas war. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, the share of voters who rated war and foreign conflicts as the No. 1 problem rose to 8 per cent in November from 4 per cent in October as Israel attacked Hamas. Similarly, three months into the Russia-Ukraine war, 9 per cent of the respondents had cited war and foreign conflict as their top concern in April 2022. As per the NBC News poll, 62 per cent of voters, including 30 per cent of Democrats, disapprove of Bidens foreign policy. Only 33 per cent approved of his handling of foreign policy, down 8 points from September.

Gallup highlighted the division in the Democratic Party due to Biden aligning too closely with Israel and not doing enough for the Palestinians. Some prominent Democratic lawmakers and protesters around the US have called for Biden to do more to help the millions of Palestinians who are in need of humanitarian aid as Israel attempts to eradicate Hamas, Gallup said.

The daily results strongly suggest that Democrats approval of Biden fell sharply in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Bidens promise of full support for Israel on the same day, it added.

Only 34 per cent of all voters, including only 51 per cent of Democrat Party supporters, approve of Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war, the NBC News survey showed. Only 47 per cent of American voters think that Israels action in Gaza is defensive and justified and 30 per cent believe that it has crossed the red line. A majority (55 per cent) of voters support military assistance to Israel but almost half (49 per cent) of Democrats oppose it.

The war has imperilled Bidens political future, already clouded by concerns about the economy, the problem of immigrants and the staggering financial aid to Ukraine.

A majority of Americans want a ceasefire. An October survey by progressive think tank Data for Progress showed that 66 per cent of voters, including 80 per cent of Democrats, 57 per cent of independents and 56 per cent of Republicans, want a truce.

Whats more worrying for Biden is the first-time favourable attitude of Democrats towards Palestinians. A March Gallup poll found that their sympathies are more with Palestinians (49 per cent) than Israelis (38 per cent)an 11-point increase since 2022. Moreover, sympathy towards Palestinians among adult Americans is at a new high of 31 per cent compared to a new low of 15 per cent against them since 2005.

Bidens biggest shock is that voters in the six swing states believe that Trump can better handle the Israel-Palestine problem. An October New York Times/Siena Poll showed that 50 per cent of voters in the six battlegrounds feel that Trump can better handle the crisis than Biden (39 per cent). In Arizona, 51 per cent of voters trust Trump more compared to 40 per cent for Biden, Georgia 47 per cent vs 36 per cent, Michigan 49 per cent vs 37 per cent, Nevada 52 per cent vs 38 per cent, Pennsylvania 53 per cent vs 37 per cent and in Wisconsin 47 per cent vs 44 per cent.

Bidens Muslim voters disenchanted

Chants of Biden, Biden, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide resonated at a rally in Detroit, Michigan, this month calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. America, you promised the world that all men and women are created equal. Yet somehow we find billions of dollars to dehumanise Palestinians, said Democratic state representative Abraham Aiyash, the majority floor leader in the Michigan House.

Michigan, having the sixth largest Muslim population, is one of the six current swing statesArizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Wisconsinthat will decide the 2024 election. Trump leads Biden in five of the states except for Wisconsin.

A 2017 data showed that there are 3.45 million Muslims in the US, 1.1 per cent of the total population. The 10 states with the largest Muslim populations are:

New York: 724,475 California: 504,056 Illinois: 473,792 New Jersey: 321,652 Texas: 313,209 Michigan: 241,828 Maryland: 188,914 Virginia: 169,371 Pennsylvania: 149,561 Massachusetts: 131,749

In the 2020 election, 64 per cent of Muslims countrywide voted for Biden with a little less than 70 per cent of Michigans more than 200,000 Arab- and Muslim-American voters backing him. Biden snagged the state from Trump by 154,000 votes compared to the latters 2016 winning margin of 10,000 votes.

However, the Israel-Hamas war has changed the equation. Bidens support among Arab-American voters has drastically fallen from 59 per cent to 17 per cent, a 42 per cent decrease from 2020, due to the war, according to a recent survey conducted by John Zogby Strategies for the think tank Arab American Institute (AAI). The polls showed that 41 per cent of the respondents would vote for Trump, up 5 points from 2020.

Two-thirds of Arab-Americans have a negative view of President Bidens response to the current violence in Palestine and Israel  A strong majority of Arab-Americans believe the US should call for a ceasefire on the current violence, the survey stated. The dissatisfaction with President Biden is really quite significant. His numbers are dangerously lowmore so than Ive ever seen for a Democratic candidate for president, AAI president James Zogby said during a virtual briefing.

Bidens dramatic fall in support has also impacted the voters party preference. For the first time in 26 years of polling Arab-American voters, 32 per cent identified as Republicans as opposed to just 23 per cent as Democrats. In 2008 and 2016, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by two to one.

The war has also triggered safety concerns in the community with 80 per cent of Arab-Americans concerned that it will provoke anti-Arab bigotry.

Before the ceasefire announcement, some Muslim- and Arab-American groups had threatened to withhold donations and votes for Biden unless he immediately secured a truce. The situation in Gaza has reached a critical juncture, nearing a complete humanitarian catastrophe, and we implore you to take immediate action to secure a ceasefire by Tuesday, October 31st at 5 p.m. EST, the National Muslim Democratic Council (NMDC), which includes Democratic Party leaders from Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, warned Biden in an open letter on October 30.

Threatening to turn key states like Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Florida and Tennessee red [vote for the GOP], the NMDC wrote: Simply put, as Gaza turns red, so could crucial battleground states. The Council pledged to mobilise Muslim, Arab and allied voters to withhold endorsement, support or votes for

any candidate who did not advocate for a ceasefire and endorse the Israeli offensive against the

Palestinian people.

Giving the example of Michigan, which has 16 crucial electoral votes and was decided by only a 2.6 per cent margin of victory in 2020, the Council wrote: We will mobilise increased voter turnout to make our voices heard.

Biden knows that progressive and young voters might back out if he continues to staunchly support Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. With Trump coming out guns blazing at campaign rallies and targeting his rivals frailty, migrant and economic policies and mishandling of the Ukraine war, a ceasefire, however short, could provide some reprieve from the deluge of negative publicity swamping Biden.

The writer is a freelance journalist with two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Ruling Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday claimed legislators who rebelled against party president and then-Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray did not receive any whip in June last year.

Talking to reporters after the cross-examination of Sunil Prabhu, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and partys chief whip, for the third consecutive day, Shirsat accused the rival group of trying to delay hearing of disqualification pleas pending for adjudication before assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar.

The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) is headed by Thackeray.

Explanation given by Sunil Prabhu (during cross-examination) on issuing a whip was not satisfactory. He has not given any proof on the whip issued on mail or WhatsApp. I, too, did not receive any whip, Shirsat said.

Prabhu has claimed to have issued a whip to all the MLAs of the then undivided Shiv Sena to attend a meeting in June last year.

Shirsat is one of the 16 MLAs against whom a disqualification petition was filed last year.

The hearing will continue on Monday.

Forty Sena MLAs, including current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had rebelled against Thackerays leadership in June last year.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had accused the rival group led by Shinde of delaying the hearing of disqualification pleas by asking repetitive questions to Prabhu.

The Supreme Court last month directed speaker Narwekar to give the judgment on disqualification of rebel Sena MLAs by December 31.

The apex court had come down hard on the speaker over the delay in deciding the pleas filed by the Thackeray faction for disqualification of CM Shinde and several MLAs loyal to him, saying the speaker cannot defeat the orders of the top court.

Similar disqualification petitions have also been filed by the Shinde bloc against lawmakers owing allegiance to Thackeray.

On September 18, the top court directed the speaker to spell out the timeline for adjudication of the disqualification petitions against Shinde and Shiv Sena MLAs owing allegiance to him who had tied up with the BJP to form a new government in June 2022.

The Thackeray faction moved the apex court seeking direction to the speaker to expeditiously adjudicate the disqualification petitions in a time-bound manner.

The Shiv Sena suffered a split when a group of MLAs led by Shinde revolted against the party leadership and joined hands with the BJP to form the government. The revolt led to the collapse of the three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government headed by Thackeray. Shinde later took over as chief minister.
A fresh set of debate has come up in connection with the cash for query row after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday broke her silence on the case involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and said that all these proceedings will help Moitra become popular.

Warning the Bharatiya Janata Party of a tit-for-tat move in case of central agencies continuously arresting leaders of TMC, Banerjee said that if they arrest four of her people, then shell also get eight of their people considering that she has cases against them.

In attacking the BJP, the TMC supremo also said, Their plan is to remove Mahua Moitra (from Lok Sabha). This will help her become more popular before the elections. What she used to speak inside (Parliament), now she will speak outside

ALSO READ | Timeline of How Allegations Against TMC MP Mahua Moitra Unfolded

The Bengal CMs comments have sparked a row of reactions from BJP leaders. BJP leader and partys national IT cell convener, Amit Malviya posted on his X handle and said that the West Bengal chief minister has always defended her partys criminals and corrupt members, only till the time it is convenient.

Thereafter she discards them with vengeance. Partha Chaterjee, Anubroto Mondal, Jyotipriya Mallick, Manik Bhattacharta, Jiban Krishna Saha the list is endless. All of them are in jail. Several others are either out on bail or under investigation, including her nephew, Malviya said.

Mamata Banerjee has always defended the corrupt and criminals in her party, till the time it is convenient. Thereafter she discards them with vengeance. Partha Chaterjee, Anubroto Mondal, Jyotipriya Mallick, Manik Bhattacharya, Jiban Krishna Saha the list is endless. All of Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 24, 2023

The BJP leader said that Banerjees support to Mahua Moitra is hardly a surprise, adding that her comments on the query bringing Moitra fame reflects Mamata Banerjees own insecurities as a leader, whose political fortunes are on a decline.

He said that the end of Banerjees broken regime is the best news West Bengal awaits.

Taking a jibe at Bengal CMs comments on Moitra, another BJP leader Nishikant Dubey said that if we look at Mamata Jis theory then if mafia leader Dawood Ibrahim contested from Uttar Pradeshs Azamgarh then 99 per cent he will win the election.

If Dawood Ibrahim also contests from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, then I think there is a 99% chance that he will win the election. So, if Mamata Jis theory is correct, this means that Dawood Ibrahim is not a traitor, Dubey said in his comment.

The BJP MP went on to say that this cash for query row is a huge conspiracy referring to Moitras credentials being used to log in from multiple places. She (Mahua Moitra) didnt provide login credentials to just Darshan Hiranandani. It was logged in from multiple placesDelhi, Bengaluru, San Francisco. This is a big conspiracy Dubey was quoted as saying by ANI.

He also took a swing at the INDI alliance, saying that they have a history of liking corrupt, traitorous individuals like Dawood Ibrahim.

ALSO READ | Cash For Query Row: Ethics Panel Adopts Report Recommending Moitras Expulsion From LS

Dubey had submitted a complaint to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla with grave allegations of breach of parliamentary privilege against Moitra and demanded an inquiry committee, seeking her immediate suspension from the Parliament.

The BJP MP accused Moitra of taking bribes from a businessman  Darshan Hiranandani  to ask questions targeting Modi government in Parliament. He also requested the Lower House Speaker to constitute an inquiry committee to look into the charges against her.
Activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday reiterated that the Maratha community will not cease its ongoing agitation until it gets reservation, and also targeted Maharashtra minister and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal.

Speaking at a rally at Nevasa in Ahmednagar district, Jarange demanded, without naming Bhujbal, that NCP leader and deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar admonish his party colleague.

Several of our brothers have sacrificed their lives for the cause of quota. We will not let this sacrifice go to waste. We will not stop until we get reservation, Jarange said.

He has learnt that the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature has been extended till December 29, the activist said, adding, I think it was extended because of the Maratha reservation issue, which is good news for us.

Without naming Bhujbal, Jarange claimed that he had received information that the NCP leaders associates tore up banners of Jaranges rally at Yeola.

I ask Ajit Pawar to reprimand him. Do not force us to speak against him. If he does not stop, we will also have to give up our peaceful approach, the activist said.

Bhujbal, an NCP leader, has been criticising Jarange while stressing that the Marathas should not be given reservation in the existing quota for the Other Backward Classes.
India and the European Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors, setting a pivotal milestone in their burgeoning technological alliance.

EUs Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Vice-President Vera Jourova, along with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal, convened to assess the progress achieved under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and set the groundwork for upcoming Ministerial discussions.

During the discussions, the pivotal agreement was signed by Union Minister Vaishnaw and Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, outlining a strategic roadmap for collaborative efforts between India and the EU. The primary focus of this agreement will be establishing resilient semiconductor supply chains and fostering joint innovation endeavours.

MoU signed between India and EU to deepen cooperation on semiconductor ecosystem and enhance resilience in semiconductor supply chain. pic.twitter.com/9w8hq6s2Q5 Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 24, 2023

Outlined within the agreement are key objectives that signal a shared commitment between India and the EU:

Exchange of insights, best practices, and information regarding respective semiconductor ecosystems.

Identification of collaborative research, development, and innovation opportunities among universities, research organizations, and businesses.

Promotion of skill development, talent acquisition, and workforce enhancement within the semiconductor industry through workshops, partnerships, and direct investments.

Ensuring fair competition within the sector by sharing information on allocated public subsidies.

It is understood that this agreement propels both parties to maintain regular dialogues and present updates under the TTC framework. The subsequent TTC Ministerial Meeting, slated for early 2024 in India, anticipates further advancements in their collaborative endeavours.

During the Commercial Dialogue held in New Delhi in March India and the US inked an MoU focused on forging a semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership.

Signed by Union Minister Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the MoU sets up a collaborative mechanism between both governments, aimed at bolstering semiconductor supply chain resilience and diversification. This initiative also aligns with the USs CHIPS and Science Act and Indias Semiconductor Mission.

Similarly in July, Union Minister Vaishnaw signed another agreement with Japans Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, to develop a semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on manufacturing, design, research, talent and supply chain developments.
To address the issue of deepfakes and other potential user harms linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced that social media companies have seven days to align their terms of service and other policies with Indian laws and regulations.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar informed social media platforms about the decision after a meeting on deepfakes. He mentioned that content violating Rule 3(1)(b) of the current IT Rules, which requires removal of specific content within 36 hours of user complaints, could face action.

On Deep fake issue, MoS Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, We have further informed the platforms that from today onwards, MeitY and the Government of India will nominate a Rule Seven officer and will take a 100% compliance expectation from all the platforms pic.twitter.com/p4k7UgMYbL ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Chandrasekhar also informed social media platforms that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under Indian government will designate a Rule Seven officer.

The expectation is set at a 100 per cent compliance rate from all platforms. This compliance measure extends to various categories of prohibited content on the Indian internet, encompassing concerns such as deepfakes and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), the Minister said.

He mentioned that the Rule Seven officer will be responsible for creating a user-friendly platform where citizens can easily report instances of law violations by platforms. The Rule Seven officer will use this digital platform information to address reported issues promptly, simplifying the process for citizens to bring violations to the governments attention.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-NEWS18, Chandrasekhar said that the government amended the IT Act in October 2022, and even earlier in May 2021, to introduce Rule 3(1)(b). This rule holds social media platforms legally responsible for ensuring that their platforms are free from fake information, including deepfakes.

Platforms need to clearly inform their users that creating certain types of content is not allowed, In todays meeting, platforms agreed that current rules and laws do not allow deepfakes, the Union Minister said.
It was the week of ChatGPT, where the rollercoaster began with the dramatic ousting of OpenAIs co-founder and CEO, Sam Altman, by the board in a sudden and largely mysterious departure. However, in a twist worthy of a Hollywood plot, employees revolted, successfully reinstating Altman and orchestrating a major overhaul of the board that had shown him the door. This marked the climax of a chaotic period, shining a spotlight on the simmering tensions within the Artificial Intelligence community. The tech world was left on its toes, as each passing moment seemed to unveil new tensions in a seemingly unpredictable manner. Naturally, this tech drama couldnt bypass Bengaluru, the IT Capital of India!

Just when you anticipated an office-related twist, an auto-rickshaw swooped in, metaphorically clearing the traffic in the air and captivating the locals attention.

Now, heres the twist you didnt see coming  Bengalurus renowned auto-rickshaw app, Namma Yatri, decided not to let the biggest tech news slip under the radar for Bengalurus tech-savvy (or not) users. The apps notification boldly declared, Pickup faster than Sam Altmans return! If that doesnt pique the interest of Bengalureans, what will? Getting an auto-rickshaw on time is one thing, but delivering it with a dose of classic Bengaluru flair  quirky and techie  left users so amused they couldnt resist sharing screenshots on social media, dubbing it their Peak Bengaluru moment.

Also Read: Bengaluru Auto-rickshaw Hilariously Makes Bad Product Review Public, Internet Amused

After all, where else would you find a city weaving a non-local reference into something as local as auto-rickshaws? Its the kind of uniqueness that sets Bengalureans apart in their thinking and learning!

Surprised to see that no one has posted a screenshot of this notification here on Twitter tagging @peakbengaluru already.@nammayatri has also been following the drama, haha pic.twitter.com/YnZxCeTYYs aswin c (@chandanaveli) November 23, 2023

This was one of those moments, akin to when a local restaurant exclusively played Elon Musks interview for its now not-so-local audience. It was another Peak Bengaluru episode, slightly different but equally attention-grabbing as the Altman reference.

Wasnt it a brilliant marketing strategy to hook users, and did it work like a charm? Oh, you bet!
Bollywood buffs cant stop buzzing about the Animal trailer, unable to shake off the electrifying impact of Ranbir Kapoors portrayal of his inner beast, perfectly complemented by the beloved Bobby Deol, aka Lord Bobby. However, the limelight is not without its shadows, and Rashmika Mandanna, portraying Geetanjali, Arjuns wife, has encountered a thumbs-down from the audience. Criticism swirls around her dialogue deliveries, with fans sensing a struggle to portray a robust character, ultimately falling short. While some deem it exaggerated, a single snippet from the trailer has ignited the internet.

The particular scene unfolds a charged conversation between Arjun and Geetanjali, the married couple in the film. Geeta, in the throes of rebuking Arjun, unleashes her words with teeth gritted, creating a palpable tension. However, the delivery, marked by an almost unclear dialogue, prompts many to hit the replay button, attempting to decode the intensity behind the words. Pyar joke nahi rog hai. I really wish he died that day, she utters before being groped in the neck by Ranbirs character.

Also Read: Animal Adds to Ranbir Kapoors Daddy Issues Collection and Fans Cant Wait to Get Swayed Again

The resulting ambiguity has irked fans, sparking a wave of criticism for whats deemed a lackluster performance. While some playfully jest at her mixed accent, blending with Tamil, others lament the apparent dullness in the divas expressive eyes, tarnishing her otherwise celebrated acting prowess.

Heres what the audience had to say:

Dont be so rude, a picture cannot be irritatingThe picture: pic.twitter.com/hljDedxK6y  Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) November 24, 2023

This is not acting.. this is genuine shock on Ranbirs face after seeing whatever the fuck Rashmika was doing pic.twitter.com/XOaKMwvDjn The Joker (@jokervsbatman7) November 23, 2023

people hype rashmika howsuch a pathetic acting and dialogue deliverypic.twitter.com/ZI9ZMczWkN neha (@inlostworlld) November 23, 2023

People think its actingBut ranbir did it intentionally after watching rashmika overacting #AnimalTrailer pic.twitter.com/WlNFZKF2RR Vaibhav Hatwal  (@vaibhav_hatwal) November 23, 2023

Samajh bhi nahi aaya aur sunke bhi achha nahin laga pic.twitter.com/NnskJKOJNh Pulkit Kochar (@kocharpulkit) November 23, 2023

Meanwhile, Animal is poised to grace screens globally in five languages come December 1. The star-studded cast also includes Tripti Dimri, Shakti Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Babloo Prithveeraj, and Siddhant Karnick, promising a cinematic feast. Clocking in at a whopping 201 minutes, Animal stands tall as one of the longest Indian films.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor Casually Teaching Rashmika Mandanna to Fly Jet in Animal Has Internet in Splits

With the trailer teasing a power-packed, high-octane extravaganza; anticipation among fans is reaching a fever pitch. The countdown to this thrilling cinematic spectacle has begun, and fans are eagerly buckled up for the ride of their lives.
In Zimbabwes mining industry, an unconventional practice stands out as mostly women are employed, contrary to the common trend where men often dominate such roles due to the challenging nature of tasks such as rock breaking. These women receive competitive salaries. Notably, the mining operations prioritise sustainability, striving to minimise environmental impact. This bizarre approach has garnered widespread acclaim, including praise from the United Nations.

In northern Zimbabwe, the Dunguja River has emerged as a significant centre for mining activities. The town of Karoi is prominently engaged in gold mining, standing out for its exclusive reliance on female workers for these operations. Women in this workforce are tasked with drilling, hammering and transporting large stones daily, primarily in the pursuit of aquamarine.

The women workforce asserts that the physical demands of their work, particularly hammering, positively contribute to their fitness and overall well-being. The methodologies adopted in this initiative prioritise minimal harm to the workers and gradually influence the mining landscape in the region.

Unconventional methods prioritise environmental sustainability. Instead of blasting, a hammer and chisel are used to extract gems from deep rock layers, minimising harm to the environment by avoiding chemicals and conserving water.

According to a UN report, women engaged in this mining approach receive a monthly salary of 180 euros (Rs 16,361), surpassing compensation in other sectors. Beyond mining, these women cultivate and sell vegetables around the mine, contributing to community welfare by distributing produce to underprivileged and elderly residents. This approach highlights the commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Mining companies are actively championing womens empowerment by exclusively providing job opportunities for women. This strategy aims to foster independence among women, enabling them to support their families autonomously. Many women employed in these roles are effectively overseeing their households, including caring for their children and unemployed spouses.

Rumbidzai Gwinji, the manager of Zimbabwe Mining Company, underscores the companys deviation from conventional practices, noting that despite the traditional prioritisation of men, they recognise and value the capabilities of women. Gwinji advocates for governmental initiatives that encourage female students to pursue education in traditionally male-dominated fields like mining.
As the first group of Hamas hostages are released, AFP retraces 10 key moments in the nearly seven-week war between Israel and Hamas.

The war began after the Palestinian militant group broke through Gazas border with Israel, killing 1,200 people in a surprise attack on October 7.

Israels ensuing bombing campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 15,000 people, according to the Hamas government.

Hamas attack

At dawn on October 7, during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, rockets rain down on southern Israel as hundreds of Hamas fighters infiltrate the country by land, sea and air from Gaza.

Around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, are killed in communities near the Gaza border and at a desert music festival.

The militants also take about 240 people hostage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of savagery not seen since the Shoah  Hebrew for the Holocaust.

He vows to crush Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, Britain, Israel and the European Union.

Israel retaliates

Israel rapidly retaliates, pounding Gaza with air strikes as it battles Hamas fighters still inside Israel.

On October 9, Israel announces a complete siege of Gaza, cutting off power and food deliveries, then water supplies to its 2.4 million residents.

Four days later it calls on northern Gazas citizens to move south within 24 hours, declaring the north a war zone. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians flee as Israel begins a relentless campaign of bombardments that wipes out entire families and city blocks.

Gaza hospital hit

On October 17, a deadly strike leaves scores dead at Gazas Al-Ahli hospital compound, AFP images show.

Hamas accuses Israel and says at least 471 people were killed.

Israel denies responsibility, blaming a misfired rocket launched by Islamic Jihad militants  a claim backed by the US.

Western intelligence sources meanwhile suggest the death toll is significantly lower.

Five hostages freed

On October 20, Hamas releases two hostages  an American woman Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie.

Three days later it frees two elderly Israeli women: Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, and Nurit Kuper, 79.

On October 30, Israel announces it has liberated a female soldier, Ori Megidish.

Tanks enter Gaza

On October 26, Israeli tanks carry out a raid in Gaza to prepare the way for the start of a ground offensive the next day.

On October 28, Netanyahu announces the second stage of the war and tells Israelis to brace for a long and hard offensive.

First evacuations to Egypt

On November 1, following a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel and Hamas, Egypt opens the Rafah crossing, the only Gaza border crossing not controlled by Israel.

Dozens of wounded Palestinians and hundreds of foreigners and dual nationals leave the territory.

Gaza City surrounded

After almost a week of ground fighting in northern Gaza, Israels army announces on November 2 it has surrounded Gaza City.

On November 3, Israel begins sending back thousands of Palestinian workers stuck in Israel since hostilities started.

Death toll tops 10,000

On November 6, Gazas health ministry announces that the death toll in Israels bombardments has surpassed 10,000, the majority civilians including thousands of children.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, saying Gaza has become a cemetery for children.

Al-Shifa hospital raid

On November 15, Israeli troops launch a night-time raid on Al-Shifa hospital, Gazas biggest medical facility where bodies had been piling up after food, fuel and anaesthetics ran out.

The raid causes an international outcry. Hundreds of people flee the facility.

Israel claims that Hamas is running a command centre below the hospital. Hamas denies that.

The Israeli army shows off what it says are weapons  mostly assault rifles  found at the compound and later releases images of what it says is a vast underground network of tunnels under the hospital it claims was used by Hamas.

Truce and hostage swap

On November 22, Israel confirms that it has struck a deal with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, on a four-day truce, during which Hamas will release 50 hostages in four batches.

Israel says it will release 150 Palestinian women and children being held in Israeli prisons in return.

On November 24, the truce goes into effect.
Asif Ali Zardari, former Pakistan President and co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), in an interview with journalist Hamid Mir for Geo News, said on Thursday that his party was open to all options, including joining hands with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, according to reports.

ALSO READ | Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari Hold Crucial Geneva Meet to Decide Name of Pakistan Caretaker PM

Zardaris interview comes as various political parties are preparing for the general elections that are slated to be held on February 8 next year.

He also said it was not important for Nawaz Sharif to lead the alliance, as there are other individuals, including those in the PPP, who, too, can lead the alliance. We gave them a chance earlier, now its their turn to give us the chance to lead, he told Geo News.

Commenting on his son and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the senior leader said that was not fully trained in politics and needs time because he lacks experience.

Politics is my compulsion not a necessity I disagreed with former President Asif Ali Zardari when he said that his son @BBhuttoZardari still need some more training. Zardari said yes Bilawal is more educated than me but experience is experience. pic.twitter.com/x1HKylAeIZ Hamid Mir   (@HamidMirPAK) November 24, 2023

He also added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not be banned, but will be part of this election, minus its chief Imran Khan.

According to top intelligence sources, the interview clearly shows Zardaris ambitions. In Pakistan, the decisions are taken by the army, not individual parties and candidates. Zardari wants a second term as the President and a reasonable share in the Cabinet.

Sources said he was trying to negotiate hard with Sharif and PMLN on two grounds:

The post of President for himself To restrict PML-N in Punjab and other areas and ensure they dont come to Sindh

                       : https://t.co/UZCXUFbHUG pic.twitter.com/j4oaOqHdt4  Pakistan Peoples Party  PPP (@PPP_Org) November 21, 2023

The PPP, shared his statement on X, in which he stated the country was heading towards transparent polls and his party was fully prepared for elections. I have full confidence in the ECP that it will hold elections in a transparent manner. The PPP will would come on top.

ALSO READ | Pakistan Elections: Will Bilawals PPP, Imrans PTI Join Hands to Upset the Sharif Brothers?

The PPP is the only party which is capable of fighting elections in all kinds of environments, Zardari stated.

His statement came a day after he held a meeting with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Karachi, where they discussed a range of issues, according to a statement by his party.

With PTI Inputs
Chinese health authorities have reported no unusual or novel pathogens in respiratory illnesses spreading in the northern part of the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday, a day after they had requested data on respiratory illnesses among children.

There has been an increase in influenza-like illness since mid-October when compared to the same period in the previous three years. Chinas National Health Commission last week said that the respiratory illness spike was due to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens, namely influenza and common bacterial infections that affect children.

Since mid-October 2023, WHO has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems that have been showing an increase in respiratory illness in children in northern China.Today, WHO held a teleconference with Chinese health authorities in which they provided requested data pic.twitter.com/lkO22QrelQ  World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 23, 2023

On Thursday, WHO held a teleconference with Chinese health authorities from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beijing Childrens Hospital, in which the requested data were provided. The WHO said that Chinese authorities had responded to a request for more information on the situation, where they said that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning.

It was a matter, the Chinese authorities said, of only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens. They further stated that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities, WHO said.

The Chinese authorities advised that, since mid-October, enhanced outpatient and inpatient surveillance has been implemented for respiratory illnesses covering a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria, including, for the first time, Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This complements existing respiratory surveillance mechanisms and may have contributed to the observed increase in detection and reporting of respiratory illness in children, the UN body added.

The Covid Criticism

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO repeatedly criticised Chinese authorities for their lack of transparency and cooperation. More than three years after cases were first detected in Wuhan, heated debate still rages around the origins of Covid-19. Scientists are divided between two main theories of the cause: an escape from a laboratory in the city where such viruses were being studied and an intermediate animal that infected people at a local market.

Earlier this year, WHO experts said they were sure that Beijing had far more data that could shed light on the origins of Covid, and called it a moral imperative for the information to be shared. A team of specialists led by the WHO and accompanied by Chinese colleagues investigated China in early 2021, but there has not been a team able to return since and WHO officials have repeatedly asked for additional data.

(With agency inputs)
A temporary ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas went into effect early Friday, paving the way for the release of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

If the truce agreement negotiated by Qatar, Egypt and the US holds, it will bring the first pause in a seven-week-old war that has killed thousands of people. Shortly after the truce took effect, the Israeli military warned the war was not over yet and the humanitarian pause is temporary.

The northern Gaza Strip is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move north. For your safety, you must remain in the humanitarian zone in the south, IDF wrote on X. It is only possible to move from the north of the Strip to the south via Salah al-Din Road. The movement of residents from the south of the Strip to the north is not allowed and dangerous, it added.

Watch this important message from the IDF Spokesperson for Arab media, @AvichayAdraee, to the civilians of Gaza:The war is not over yet. The humanitarian pause is temporary. The northern Gaza Strip is a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move north. For your safety, https://t.co/OmtxDYHIK3 pic.twitter.com/4gaJDxgy5I  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2023

The halt in fighting began at 7 a.m. local time and is to last at least four days. During the truce, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in their deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In turn, Israel is to free three Palestinian prisoners for each released hostage. The releases are to take place in stages over the next four days.

The truce deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. Some 1,200 people were killed by Hamas attackers in Israel on Oct. 7. Israel responded with a massive air and ground offensive that has devastated large swaths of Gaza and killed at least 13,300 Palestinians, according to Gaza Health authorities.

Qatari officials said the first batch of 13 hostages released would be women and children from the same families. Teams of Israeli trauma experts and medics await them, who will promise to keep them safe and will carry a childs favourite food items. Media reports said that International Red Cross-Red Crescent staff and an Egyptian team would deploy to Rafah, on the Egypt-Gaza border, to receive the hostages, who will then be flown to Israel.

(With agency inputs)
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Friday that Chinas cooperation is vital on an issue that has divided it and much of Europe: ending the war in Ukraine.

She encouraged China to continue working on its Ukrainian peace proposal while also ensuring that Chinese entities do not aid Russia in what she called the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine  phrasing the Chinese side would disagree with.

France underlines once again how its cooperation with China is essential to promote a just and lasting peace, she said after talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

We are counting on the vigilance of the Chinese authorities so that no structure in China, particularly private, contributes directly or indirectly to Russias illegal war effort in Ukraine.

Her meetings in Beijing underscored an effort by both sides to continue dialogue despite their growing differences, whether on the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war or Europes huge trade deficit with China.

The talks in some ways foreshadowed an EU-China leaders meeting next month.

In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang earlier in the day, Colonna said their countries should work together to address issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

A major U.N. climate conference starts next week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

As big powers, we both share the responsibility to tackle global challenges  and we can make concerted efforts in alleviating tensions around the world, she said.

China has been critical of US efforts to seek the help of its allies, including in Europe, in its competition with China over trade, technology and security. It has accused the U.S. of building groupings to contain Chinas development and rise.

Wang warned against the politicizing of issues and protectionism. The European Union has been taking a tougher line on China, launching a trade investigation into subsidies given to Chinese electric vehicle makers.

We believe that as long as China and Europe work together, there will be no confrontation between camps, no division of the world, and no new Cold War, Wang said.

The Chinese government has refrained from criticizing Russias invasion or the Hamas attack that sparked its latest war with Israel, taking a different stance than many in Europe and the United States. It has accused the West of prolonging the European conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine and called for an end to the fighting in both wars.

Colonna said that dialogue with China on the Gaza situation, and even cooperation, would be useful. She called for the release of all the hostages, including eight French-Israeli citizens, three of whom are children.

Every state has the right to defend itself, but we must cooperate so that terrorism is contained and so that what happened cannot happen again, she said.

Her trip came shortly after a delegation of foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries and territories visited China and France as part of a series of meetings with permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to push for a cease-fire in Gaza. A four-day truce in the war started Friday.

Despite their differences, China has been trying to repair its relations with major trading partners including Europe, the U.S. and Australia. The lifting of Chinas pandemic restrictions last December has helped, making it much easier to hold in-person meetings.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited China in April followed by Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire in July.

Relations between China and France are getting better and better in all aspects, Premier Li, the countrys No. 2 leader, said. In particular, our exchanges at all levels are now becoming more frequent because many of the mechanisms have been restored.

Wang tried to reassure European companies that China remains a good and safe place to do business. New regulations have added uncertainty to the business environment and made foreign investors wary at a time when China is seeking investment to help revive a sluggish economy.

We will listen to the voices of the European business community, earnestly solving the problems of investors in China, he said.-pacific
The Singapore mission in India shared images of a car in the national capital with fake diplomatic number plates from his country. In the picture shared on Friday, the silver-coloured car appeared to be parked at Delhis Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The mission warned of the fraudulent vehicle with the plate 63 CD and urged caution, stating that the matter had been reported to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Delhi police.

Alert The car below bearing 63 CD plate is FAKE. This is NOT our Embassy car. We have alerted MEA & the Police. With so many threats around, be extra careful when you see this car parked unattended. Especially at the IGI.  HC Wong@DelhiPolice @MEAIndia @DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/qphXYzhoVF Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) November 24, 2023

Alert. The car below bearing 63 CD plate is FAKE. This is NOT our Embassy car. We have alerted MEA & the Police, the Singapore mission wrote on X, quoting High Commissioner Simon Wong. With so many threats around, be extra careful when you see this car parked unattended. Especially at the IGI, he added.

Diplomatic vehicles in India typically have blue plates with white lettering, bearing CD followed by a two-digit code, news agency ANI reported. Only foreign diplomatic missions can own vehicles with CD plates, indicating Corps Diplomatique.

HC Wong is quite active on social media. Last month, he pointed out a spelling error in the signage of the Singapore High Commission, which was corrected by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). He later thanked NDMC for the quick fix.
Police in Nepal on Thursday used rattan sticks, tear gas and water cannon to scatter thousands of protesters demanding the restoration of the monarchy abolished 15 years ago.

The Citizens Campaign protesters say governments in place since the monarchy was scrapped, as part of a deal ending a Maoist insurgency, have failed to live up to commitments to develop one of the worlds poorest countries.

Protesters tried to dismantle a police barricade on the outskirts of Kathmandu and march into the centre of the capital, prompting riot police to intervene and repel the crowd, witnesses said. Police only tried to contain a huge anarchic crowd of protesters, said Jitendra Basnet, the top official in the city administration of Kathmandu, in whose downtown area public protests are banned.

Some police officers were injured by stones thrown by protesters, said Basnet. Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Citizens Campaign, said about 10 protesters were injured in the melee, two of them critically. We want the republican system abolished and the monarchy to be restored, he said, vowing to continue agitating for that objective and calling for a general strike in Kathmandu, home to about four million people, on Friday.

A specially elected assembly abolished the 239-year-old monarchy in 2008 under terms of an accord that ended a Maoist insurgency, which killed 17,000 people between 1996 and 2006, and established a federal republic.

But political instability has afflicted Nepal since the end of the monarchy with over 10 changes of government, hobbling economic development and forcing millions of young people to seek work mainly in Malaysia, South Korea and the Middle East.

Former Maoist rebel chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre of Prachanda (Fierce), is now Nepals prime minister heading a coalition with the centrist Nepali Congress party. Gyanendra, the last king of the Himalayan mountain country wedged between India and China, lives as a commoner with his family in Kathmandu.
The US-Canada border crossing at Niagara Falls that was the scene of a deadly car explosion reopened Thursday. This resumption comes a day after a car traveling at high speed crashed into a checkpoint barrier at Rainbow Bridge and exploded into flames.

This incident triggered border closures and sparked a security alert on the eve of a major holiday. The regional FBI field office concluded the blast, which occurred about 640 kilometers northwest of New York City, was not linked to terrorism.

Normal operations have now resumed for traveler traffic at the Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge port of entry, which recently experienced a service disruption, the Canada Border Services Agency said. The incident came on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest US travel days, when millions of Americans take to the roads and skies.

Rainbow Bridge  among the most heavily trafficked crossings between Canada and the United States  has 16 vehicle lanes and is normally open around the clock. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that debris was spread across as many as 14 of the lanes following the incident.

On Thursday, US police said they were still investigating a fiery crash on the bridge linking New York state and Ontario, Canada. The Niagara Falls Police Departments Crash Management Unit has taken over investigation of the incident, which was determined by U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, not to have been a terrorist event.

Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete, Niagara Falls Police Department Superintendent John Faso said in a statement. At this time the identity of those involved is pending positive identification and notification to next of kin.

(With agency inputs)
Hundreds of protesters in the Irish capital Dublin on Thursday clashed with with police, torched vehicles and looted shops after three young children were injured in a knife attack outside a school. Police in riot gear stood guard on the streets as crowds taunted them with chants and set off fireworks, according to media reports and video circulating on social media.

Public transport was suspended and patients were advised not to travel to a nearby maternity hospital unless absolutely necessary. Near OConnell Bridge, over the River Liffey, flames rose from a torched car and bus, while crowds broke into stores and looted one of the citys main shopping streets.

| BREAKING #DUBLINRIOTS  Breaking: The Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Dublin on fire.The government is using the hotel to house asylum seekers. Reports that Irish people hunting down immigrants in Dublin, at least 3 injured. pic.twitter.com/7NFhL1NZbz  Mister J.    (@Angryman_J) November 23, 2023

The unrest came after a five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries in a suspected stabbing in Parnell Square East, north central Dublin. Two other children and two adults were taken to hospital after the incident. Misinformation on social media about the nationality of the assailant helped fuel unrest following the attack.

Complete lunatic faction

Police chief Drew Harris blamed a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology and warned against misinformation. Some protesters carried signs reading Irish Lives Matter and waved Irish flags through a neighbourhood home to a large immigrant community. By late Thursday evening, Police Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin said calm had been restored and no serious injuries were reported. It was gratuitous thuggery, he said.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the scenes in the city centre, including attacks on police, cannot and will not be tolerated and promised to take action. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc, she said, calling for calm. The stabbing incident, which police said was not thought to be terror-related, involved a man armed with a knife stabbing victims outside the school.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said a suspect had been arrested. Superintendent Liam Geraghty later told media that a young girl aged five years has sustained serious injuries and was receiving emergency medical treatment. A five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl sustained less serious wounds and the boy had since been discharged, he added. The woman was being treated for serious injuries in hospital, while the man, said to be in his 50s, was a person of interest for police.

We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square. A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families. Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) November 23, 2023

The Irish Prime Minister said he was shocked by the incident. The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that, he said in a statement. Gardai (police) have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was shocked by the brutal attack. Local lawmaker Aodhan O Riordain of the Irish Labour Party said the incident was disturbing. Hope injuries are not serious but it will (be) extremely traumatising regardless for all involved, he wrote on X. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of the Sinn Fein opposition party, said she was horrified by what had happened. I want to send my solidarity to the families of those attacked. As a parent, I can only imagine what they are going through right now, she said.

(With agency inputs)
Finland says Russia is sending hundreds of migrants from African and Middle Eastern countries across its border illegally and has closed all but one border crossing in response. Finland closed four of eight land border crossings last week, but reported "organized" crossings had continued and expanded north. It now says it will close all but the northernmost Raja-Jooseppi crossing in Lapland beginning Friday, per the New York Times . Calling this "a matter of collective European concern," the European Union's border agency, Frontex, said Thursday that it will send "significant reinforcement," including 50 border guard officers, to Finland as early as next week.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo left no doubt about who he believes is responsible for the arrival of 700 migrants without visas this month alone. "Russia has sought for years to cause discord, to shake unity in Europe and to weaken the Western alliance and international rules-based order," he said in a televised address to Parliament on Thursday. "Russia started this, and Russia also can stop it." Officials believe Russia is encouraging and assisting migrantslargely from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco, and Somaliain crossing into Finland. A few dozen migrants arrived in September and October before the surge reported this month, per the AP.

Finland, which has only just begun erecting a barbed-wired fence along its 830-mile border with Russia so as to curb illegal immigration, accused Russia of sending thousands of asylum-seekers to border crossings in previous years. "Russia deliberately uses the people it directs to the border area for its own purposes," the government said Wednesday, adding the influx poses "a serious threat to public order and national security" in the country of 5.6 million. "Finland cannot be destabilized," said Orpo. "Our national response must be clear and strong." A rep for Russia's Foreign Ministry dismissed the "unsubstantiated" allegations as "misinformation," adding Finland was encouraging "Russophobic sentiments," per the AFP and Times. (Read more Finland stories.)
An activist who documented murders in one of Mexico's deadliest cities has himself been killed, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Adolfo Enriquez was killed in the city of Leon, in north-central Guanajuato state. The city has the third-highest number of homicides in Mexico, trailing only the border cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Enriquez described himself on his social media profiles as an "activist, demanding a country with the rule of law." For years, Enriquez has posted a simple, moving tally of each murder in Leon, writing just hours before his death that "murder number 55 in Leon so far in November just occurred in the Margaritas neighborhood."

The AP reports he himself became murder victim number 56 late Tuesday, local police confirmed, without providing details on the attack. State prosecutors confirmed his death and said it was under investigation. Local media reported Enriquez was shot to death after leaving a restaurant, and that the attacker fled on a motorcycle. The number of murders in Leon in November was not remarkable. In October, the city saw 64 murders, according to official figures.

Leon is an industrial hub which, like the rest of Guanajuato, has been the scene of bloody turf battles between the Jalisco drug cartel and local gangs backed by the Sinaloa cartel. Crimes against activists in Mexico are depressingly common. Six volunteer search activists who looked for disappeared relatives have been killed in Mexico since 2021. In perhaps the most famous case involving those who documented drug cartel violence, blogger Maria Elizabeth Macias was murdered in 2011 in the northern border state of Tamaulipas. Her body was found along with a note purportedly signed by the Zetas cartel: "Here I am because of my reports." A computer keyboard and headphones lay next to her severed head.

(Read more Mexico stories.)
In a seven-year court case that has outlived almost all of the women affected by it, Japan has been ordered to compensate so-called "comfort women" who were forced into sexual slavery by its military during World War II. The Seoul High Court in South Korea overturned a lower court's 2021 ruling that dismissed the suit, filed in 2016, on the grounds of sovereign immunity, a doctrine that exempts governments from civil lawsuits in foreign court, reports Reuters . In its Friday ruling, the appellate court said it is "reasonable to consider that there is a common international law which does not recognize state immunity for an illegal act ... regardless of whether the act was a sovereign act."

The court ordered Japan to pay around $150,000 each to 16 plaintiffs, who are now mostly the families of survivors of sexual slavery. The Japan Times reports that the only surviving former "comfort woman" among the plaintiffs is Lee Yong-soo, now in her mid-90s. Reuters reports that she "welcomed the decision and tearfully thanked the court." She said she wished she could share the news with others who passed away before the ruling.

Japan has long insisted that the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan's foreign minister, slammed the ruling, calling it "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable," the BBC reports. She said Japan urges South Korea "to immediately take appropriate measures to remedy the status of its breaches of international law." (Read more comfort women stories.)
A four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began, reports the AP . The deal offered some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel fearful for the fate of loved ones taken captive during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, though Israel has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the ceasefire ends. Not long after it took effect, four fuel tankers and four tankers with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israel said. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day during the trucestill only a small portion of Gaza's estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters. Meanwhile, The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to return to their homes in the territory's north, the focus of Israel's ground offensive.

Even though Israel warned that it would block such attempts, hundreds of Palestinians could be seen walking north Friday. Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded in the legs. An AP journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital. Sofian Abu Amer, who had fled Gaza City, said he had decided to risk heading north to check on his home. "We don't have enough clothes, food, and drinks," he said. "The situation is disastrous. It's better for a person to die."

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During the ceasefire, Hamas pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides agreed to release women and children first, starting Friday afternoon. Israel said the deal calls for the truce to be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed. The first hostages freed will be Israeli citizens, including some who have a second nationality, according to a Hamas official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Israel's Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses. Three Palestinian prisoners are to be released for every hostage freed. (Read much more here.)
Pilots , journalists , professors , and doctors have been fired or otherwise disciplined for comments supporting and condemning Israel's offensive in Gaza, and now, in what will add to a nationwide debate over what's considered protected speech amid the Israel-Hamas war, one doctor is suing in response. Dr. Benjamin Neel, who led the cancer center at NYU Langone Health, filed a wrongful termination lawsuit on Nov. 16 alleging he was removed as director on Nov. 10 as a result of religious discrimination, per the Washington Square News . Neel, who claims support for Israel forms part of his Jewish identity, had reposted political cartoons critical of Hamas on X, the New York Times reports. One showed a Hamas militant with a bloody machete and a bag marked "Israeli babies."

Another cartoon from 2014 depicted a Hamas leader with dynamite and a child strapped to his chest demanding "death to all Jews" while then-US Secretary of State John Kerry asked Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to "meet him half way." Neel's lawyer claims these posts were "tepid" compared to pro-Israel comments from other hospital officials. The suit cites an email that CEO Dr. Robert Grossman sent to Neel, stating students who expressed support for Hamas should lose scholarships. Neel, who remains a tenured professor at the hospital but claims his dismissal as cancer center director caused him to lose two-thirds of his pay, alleges the hospital turned him into "a sacrificial lamb ... to feign the appearance of even-handedness" after it fired another doctor for reposts supporting Palestinian resistance.

NYU Langone counters that employees were repeatedly reminded to abide by a code of conduct and Neel "disregarded these standards." It adds it "stands by our decision and looks forward to defending it in court." Neel argues that New York law protects employees from being fired for off-duty conduct. In fact, New York Labor Law Section 201-D bars private employers from firing someone for "legal recreational activities" or "political activities outside of working hours," but "the statute's language is remarkably vague and the courts have done little to clarify its key provisions," according to the New York State Bar Association. It notes even with protected activities, an employer could take adverse action if there's a conflict related to its "proprietary or business interest." (Read more wrongful termination stories.)
Paris Hilton now has a second child to protect from trolls . In social media posts Friday, the heiress revealed she and husband Carter Reum have welcomed a baby girl, per Page Six . She wrote that she was "thankful" in an Instagram post which showed a tiny pink outfit embellished with the name London. That indicates three members of this family of four have the same name as cities. London joins brother Phoenix, who was born in January via a surrogate. Hilton hadn't previously revealed she was expecting another child, but that's not a surprise.

The couple kept Phoenix's birth a secret until he was a week old, per People. "Literally no one knows," the 42-year-old Hilton says in a clip from the upcoming season of her Paris in Love reality show. "No one in this house knows. None of the people who work at my media company know. My friends don't know. My own family doesn't know." There may have been a hint of London's upcoming arrival in a September Instagram video, however. Hilton told her sister, Nicky, that she hoped for a "baby girl one day," per Page Six. (Read more Paris Hilton stories.)
A young fan of the true crime genre who admitted to brutally murdering a stranger "out of curiosity" was sentenced to life in prison in South Korea on Friday. Jung Yoo-jung, 23, was arrested in June after the taxi driver she hired reported seeing her dump a blood-soaked suitcase in a wooded area north of Busan, per the BBC . Police said Jung became fixated on "trying out a murder" after watching true crime TV shows and checking out similarly-themed books from a library.

She contacted more than 50 people on an online tutoring app, asking if they gave lessons from their home. She tried to meet two other tutors before the 26-year-old victim from Busan agreed to a May 26 meeting with a person she believed to be a high school student in need of English lessons, per the BBC and Korea Times. On the day of the murder, Jung purchased a school uniform and showed up at the tutor's home wearing it, per the Chosun Ilbo. Once inside the home, she stabbed the victim more than 100 times, with several wounds coming after the unnamed woman had already died, police said.

Jung then visited a supermarket, where she bought bleach and other supplies, before returning to the home to dismember the body, per the Chosun Ilbo. She stuffed some of the remains in a suitcase before taking a taxi to parkland north of the city, where she left the bag, police said. She allegedly kept other human remains along with the victim's phone and wallet "in order to make it look like the victim had disappeared," police said. She was "attempting to commit a perfect crime," police said, but this was far from it. CCTV cameras captured Jung going in and out of the victim's home numerous times, while online searches showed she'd spent months researching how to carry out a murder and get rid of a body.

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Jung initially told police someone else killed the tutor and she only moved the body. Later, she claimed to have killed the tutor during an argument and after suffering hallucinations before finally admitting to killing "out of curiosity," police said. Officers described her as a true crime fanatic and unemployed "loner," per the Chosun Ilbo. Though prosecutors requested the death penalty, Jung was sentenced to life in prison in Busan District Court, per the Korea Times. The sentencing judge noted the murder had "spread fear in society that one can become a victim for no reason," per the BBC. (Read more on the case here.)
Music played amid the highs and very deep lows of Auschwitz will be heard again for the first time in 80 years. Leo Geyer, a composer and conductor pursuing a doctorate in music and composition at Oxford University, has re-created musical scores from sheets held in the archive of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. During a 2015 visit to the former concentration camp, he learned there were "210 pieces of music of varying levels of completion," which had been performed by prisoner orchestras , per CNN . Researcher Juliane Brauer has described how the forced listening to and performing of music could be used as a kind of torture in camps. But prisoners also used music as a form of resistance by performing in secret or weaving hidden messages into the scores, says Geyer.

"I knew there were orchestras in Auschwitz," but "I nearly fell over" upon hearing that musical scores had been preserved, Geyer tells CNN. However, there were "incomplete pieces, many with burnt edges," he tells the Religion Media Centre. Geyer made it his goal to re-create the music by matching up pages and composing what was missing. Geyer's Constella Orchestra will perform four of the pieces in a work dubbed "The Orchestras of Auschwitz" at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre on Monday as a way to raise money for the ongoing project. Among those to perform is baritone Simon Wallfisch, the grandson of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, who served as cellist in the women's orchestra of Birkenau and believes the role helped her survive the Holocaust.

"As long as the Germans wanted an orchestra, it would have been counterproductive to kill us," Lasker-Wallfisch says, per the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. She recalls "playing every morning and every evening at the gate of the camp so that the outgoing and incoming work commandos would march neatly in step to the marches we played." She says the orchestra would also be at the beck and call of SS officers who "wanted to hear some music after sending thousands of people to their death." Geyer hopes to "finish the rest of the job and present the full series so that people can hear this music around the world," per CNN. At Auschwitz, "many people were extremely grateful for the music that they heard," he notes. It served as "a chink of daylight in the darkness" of "an otherwise unimaginable place." (Read more Auschwitz stories.)
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. There were no major reports of bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks as Israel and Hamas started a four-day ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, the first pause in a 48-day-old war that has devastated the Palestinian enclave, Reuters reports.

The truce began at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT), involving a comprehensive ceasefire in north and south Gaza, the release of 13 Israeli women and child hostages by the militants later in the day and aid to flow into the besieged territory. A number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons were to be freed in exchange.

Israel's military said its troops would stay behind a ceasefire line inside Gaza, without giving details of its position.

Additional aid would start flowing into Gaza and the first hostages, including elderly women, would be freed at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), with the total number rising to 50 over the four days, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in Doha. Israel launched its devastating invasion of Gaza after gunmen from Hamas burst across the border fence on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

14,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive. 40% of the fatalities are children.
Stores stepped up discounts and other enticements on Black Friday to entice shoppers holding out for the best deals. But retailers worry those may not be enough, per the AP . Consumers are coming under pressure as their savings dwindle and credit card debt grows. And although they've gotten some relief from easing inflation, many goods and services like meat and rent are still far higher than they were just three years ago. Yvonne Carey, 72, among the first shoppers at Macy's Herald Square store in Manhattan, snapped up discounted Michael Kors slippers and a pair of Ugg boots for herself but said she plans to stick to the same budget as last year, about $1,000, as she shops for gifts for her husband and six grandchildren. "The prices are crazy on everything food, clothes," Carey said.

Many retailers ordered fewer goods this holiday season and pushed holiday sales earlier in October than last year to help shoppers spread out spending. The early shopping trend accelerated during the pandemic when clogs in the supply network in 2021 made people buy early for fear of not getting what they wanted. But this year, retailers said more shoppers are focusing on deals and waiting until the last minute. Target said instead of buying sweatshirts or denim back in August or September, customers held out until the weather turned cold. At Macy's Herald Square store, shoppers began streaming in soon after the doors opened at 6am local time on Friday, finding discounts of between 40% and 50% on almost all boots and shoes and many handbags. Diamond jewelry was discounted by 60%.

Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette told the AP the crowds were bigger than last year. Still, shoppers across all income levels are "more discerning about how they are spending their budget," he said. Salesforce said online discount rates in the US have risen to 28% this week, compared to 21% last year, with retailers offering the best deals on apparel and health and beauty products. The National Retail Federation expects shoppers will spend more this year than last year, but their pace will slow given all the economic uncertainty. The group has forecast that US holiday sales will rise 3% to 4% for November through December, compared with a 5.4% growth of a year ago. The pace is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to pre-pandemic 2019, before Americans ramped up spending during the pandemic. (Read more Black Friday stories.)
The NYPD says 34 people were arrested Thursday in connection with protests that briefly disrupted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at various points. Some pro-Palestinian protesters jumped barricades and glued themselves to Sixth Avenue CNN reports. The protesters, who wore jumpsuits covered in fake blood, glued themselves to the street in front of a float carrying McDonald's characters, reports the AP . The protesters held a banner that said "Free Palestine" and "Genocide then. Genocide now."

More protesters held banners and Palestinian flags along the parade route. The New York Times reports that protesters flooded the streets around the Jennie-O "Big Turkey Spectacular" float after the parade finished. Police tell the Washington Post that of the 34 people arrested, 30 of them were issued summons for trespassing. Another four were charged with offenses including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly spray-painting "Free Palestine" on the pillars of the New York Public Library's main branch.

New York Public Library spokesperson Jennifer Fermino tells the Post that the library "strongly supports the right to protest," but that it will be expensive to repair the "shameful act of vandalism" at a time when the library system is facing deep budget cuts. (Read more Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stories.)
Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted of all charges against him in 2021, more than a year after he fatally shot two Black Lives Matter protesters in Wisconsin and injured a third, is out of money. That's according to his own lawyer, Mark Richards, who spoke to Court TV about his now 20-year-old client's alleged financial state, per the Independent. "Everybody thinks that Kyle got so much money from this. Whatever money he did get is gone," Richards said. Richards added of Rittenhouse: "He's living, I don't want to say paycheck to paycheck, but he's living to support himself. ... [R]ight now he is working full-time, he is living a law-abiding life, and he is doing something that he enjoys."
The Green Parrot has long functioned as a demilitarized zone where MPs could leave behind all the scraps of Parliament and enjoy a beer together.

Green Parrot Club founding memeber Grant Nisbett recalled a time "John Key walked in and he said gidday, went to his seat, and then about ten minutes later he came back with a bottle of Steinlager and sat down and had a yarn for about 30 minutes".

"You never knew on any night who was going to turn up," Sainsbury said.

However, there's one politician at least a little more likely to turn up than others: Winston Peters.

"Winston was by far the most famous customer of them all, he really made it his place," Sainsbury said.

Peters, the Green Parrot, and his regular table, are one of the most enduring partnerships in New Zealand political history.

Now that he's back in the capital, you can bet the Deputy Prime Minister will be visiting his old haunt every chance he gets.

Co-owner Chris Sakoufakis said, while he has his regular spot, Peters "also likes to mingle with all the customers as well".

"So he's always open to people coming up to chatting to him. He's always got time for other people, which is really nice to see."

The Green Parrot opened in 1926, fast becoming popular amongst dockworkers, police officers, and American servicemen.

In the 1970s, MPs started pouring through the door and never really stopped.

Sainsbury said that one of the Parrot's main benefits is that it's open late.

"If you're an MP, you finish, you know, 10:30 at night. Where else are you going to go?"

However, that may soon change.

After over 50 years, the Sakoufakis family is selling up.

"The Green Parrots more like a home away from home," Chris said.

"I've spent more time here than I have in my actual home and it's been sweat, tears and blood spilled into the restaurant."

Former politicians, pundits and waitstaff speak fondly of a place where generations of Wellingtonians have rubbed shoulders with prime ministers, movie stars, and sporting greats.

There have been late-night singalongs, projectile butter cubes, the odd dine and dash, and naturally, some scandal.

"I don't think the normal laws of New Zealand applied in the earlier days in the Green Parrot," Nisbett said.

But you'll be hard-pressed to get too many details, as Sakoufakis said: "We do have a golden rule in here. What happens in the Green Parrot stays in the Green Parrot."

Without a doubt, the Green Parrot and its goings-on have charmed patrons, but it's also made a lifelong impression on co-owner Kosta Sakoufakis.

"Weve been here 58 years, something like that," he said.

"My first brother bought it, and I used to work here. I thought 'Weve got to buy a business and make a little bit of money', and I bought it."

Kosta knows that running a restaurant is a young man's game, but he has no plans to completely fly the coop just yet.

"If I sell out, I'm going to miss it," he said.

"Whoever buys the place, I'll apply to stay. I dont want pay. I just want to be here, passing a few hours.

"I don't want to miss it. I'll go home and do what? Watch TV? No. I've never done that in my life."

Watch the full video for more.

Watch Newshub Nation 9:30am Saturday/10am Sunday on Three & Three Now, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
Then-1st Lt. Edie Meeks, poses in front of a Vietnam field hospital during the Vietnam War. Meeks, an Army nurse, was inspired to commission into the Army by her brother who joined the Marine Corps. (Courtesy photo)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ratified and promulgated Law (22) of 2023, amending a 2006 decree regarding insurance against unemployment. The main change is that the Government has been asked to put the audited report for scrutiny by the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council and to include their comments when the report is finally published.

As per the amendment, the Government should submit the audited report to the Council of Representatives within five months of the end of the fiscal year. It is also directed that the audited report should be approved by a resolution issued by both the Shura Council and Council of Representatives.

Once approved by the councils, the audited report, along with their comments, is to be published in the official gazette. The 2006 decree had stipulated, through Article (9)(e), that the Board of Directors must publish a summary of the auditors report in the official gazette and at least two daily newspapers within a month of its approval by the Board of Directors.

It was also mandated as per the earlier law that the full report should be published by any of the means determined by the Board of Directors and in a way that ensures that it is available for review by the Board of Directors.

The paragraph (e) containing these stipulations has now been amended to say, The government shall submit the audited report on the account after its approval by the Board of Directors to the Council of Representatives within the five months following the end of the fiscal year. The audited report shall be approved by a resolution issued by both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, along with their comments, and be published in the Official Gazette.
HALIFAX, NS, Nov. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - John Hunkin and Susan Crocker believe in the power of innovative research to make a hospital system great. That's why this forward-thinking couple has donated $1 million to the QEII Foundation to create the Innovation Catalyst Fund to accelerate health transformation at the QEII Health Sciences Centre through innovative research.

A collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, the Innovation Catalyst Fund will rapidly fast-track innovative concepts into practice by providing grants to QEII clinicians and physicians for their ideas that have the potential to transform local care and provide global solutions that will improve the lives of patients.

Solutions centred around refining systems, building prototypes, performing beta trials and simulations, launching field studies, and demonstrating proof of concept.

John and Susan's generous $1-million gift will allow a minimum of $100,000 each year for 10 years to be awarded in grants for medical innovation. Their gift is also inspiring others to contribute allowing for the inaugural year to grant $200,000 to deserving innovators.

Those innovators are pitching their ideas at the first ever Innovation Den, a Dragons Den type format, on November 23, 2023. A group of esteemed Den Judges will decide the winners for six awards that are up for grabs, including the top award of $100,000 called the New Path Award for Health Innovation.

Thanks to John and Susan and the power of philanthropy, healthcare research and innovation will accelerate, ultimately impacting the care patients and families receive.

Quotes

"The QEII has the size, scale, and talent to make a huge impact on medical innovation. There is already a vast amount of leading research and innovation happening here but there is still great opportunity to introduce more innovation and give it visibility so that the community knows what's happening."

- John Hunkin, QEII Foundation donor

"This is just the start. It's about building QEII profile and showcasing some of the ways donors can participate in driving medical innovation. I hope others are inspired to join us. It's so important to support research especially in the early stage. Support attracts more support, builds momentum, and fosters opportunity for big vison and big impact."

- Susan Crocker, QEII Foundation donor

"John Hunkin and Susan Crocker are true philanthropists who have a vision to transform health care at and through the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Their $1-million donation will have a lasting impact  for the projects funded this year and for the projects to come in the years ahead. This is an incredible opportunity for both emerging and experienced researchers, and for the patients who will benefit from their ideas for healthcare improvements."

- Susan Mullin, president and CEO, QEII Foundation

"We are continuing to make innovation count. The QEII is full of innovative thinkers and leaders who are intensely questioning what we can do differently to ensure patient centred care truly drives the future. These Innovation Catalyst Grants will provide funding to test and try an idea. To start to scale a solution that is seeing success. To gain the traction needed to operationalize a procedure or process that could have life-changing impact."

- Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice President of Research, Innovation and Discovery, and Chief Nurse Executive, Nova Scotia Health

Quick Facts

John Hunkin and Susan Crocker donated $1 million to create the Innovation Catalyst Fund, which will award a minimum of $100,000 each year for 10 years to deserving QEII leaders and researchers. 2023 is the inaugural year for the grants and with additional support from the community, $200,000 in funding is being awarded.





and donated to create the Innovation Catalyst Fund, which will award a minimum of each year for 10 years to deserving QEII leaders and researchers. John Hunkin is no stranger to supporting start-up medical innovation. As a founding member of Angels Den, which is a nine-year event supporting St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto , John saw an opportunity here in Nova Scotia to bring forward a similar concept and presence, when he and Susan became full time residents of the east coast.





is no stranger to supporting start-up medical innovation. As a founding member of Angels Den, which is a nine-year event supporting Hospital in , John saw an opportunity here in to bring forward a similar concept and presence, when he and Susan became full time residents of the east coast. Innovation Catalyst Grants will be awarded at the QEII Foundation's Innovation Den, chaired by Cove CEO Melanie Nadeau . The Den is bringing together some of the brightest, local scientists who have brilliant ideas to push healthcare forward. Six Den Presenters will be pitching their ideas to a panel of Den Judges, which include: Dr. Colin Audain , anesthesia site chief, QEII's Victoria General Hospital site, and QEII Foundation Board Director Cathy Bennett , founding and general partner, Sandpiper Ventures Chere Chapman, co-founder and CEO, Ardea Outcomes Travis McDonough , founder and president, The Program AI





. The Den is bringing together some of the brightest, local scientists who have brilliant ideas to push healthcare forward. Six Den Presenters will be pitching their ideas to a panel of Den Judges, which include: Projects are evaluated on several key factors including a clear objective with measures in place for evaluation, scalability potential, and overall ability to advance clinical care and patient outcomes.





Grants available include: New Path Award for Health Innovation, $100,000 Accelerator Award for Health Innovation, $50,000 Rising Innovator Award for Health, $20,000 Ones to Watch, $10,000 (three awards available)



SOURCE QEII FOUNDATION

For further information: Media Inquiries: Tanya MacLean, QEII Foundation, 902 489 5664, [email protected]
Heffel live auction achieves $23.5 million in sales , fueled by vigorous bidding from around the world

achieves , fueled by vigorous bidding from around the world Jean Paul Riopelle masterpieces surpassed $11 million in total sales, led by two major canvases for $5.7 million and $3.9 million

surpassed led by two major canvases for and Major works by Emily Carr and Paul-Emile Borduas break the million dollar mark

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - Today in Toronto, at its semi-annual live auction, market leader Heffel Fine Art Auction House presented 94 exceptional artworks to a passionate global audience and shattered records across all areas of the market, underscoring the dynamism of the art market and a consistent demand for outstanding works of art. Jean Paul Riopelle stole the show as the world celebrates the 100th anniversary of his birth, alongside major works by Emily Carr, Paul-Emile Borduas and many others, totalling an incredible $23.5 million. The exciting event was held at Heffel's state-of-the-art Yorkville auction room, which was seamlessly connected to remote bidders through the firm's Digital Saleroom. (All prices are in Canadian dollars and include a buyer's premium.)

The Heffel auction was led by the monumental 1951 Jean Paul Riopelle canvas Sans titre (Composition #2), which sold for $5,701,250. (CNW Group/Heffel Fine Art Auction House) Self, a rare portrait by Jean Paul Riopelle sold at the Heffel fall live auction for $3,901,250 (CNW Group/Heffel Fine Art Auction House)

Seven important works by Jean Paul Riopelle totalled a staggering $11.1 million at the Heffel sale, coinciding with global celebrations of the artist's centenary. The grouping was led by the monumental 1951 Sans titre (Composition #2). Bids from across the world propelled the remarkable palette-knife-and-drip canvas to an incredible result of $5,701,250. Immediately afterwards, the packed auction room witnessed Self, a rare portrait by Riopelle, sell for $3,901,250. The success of these sales solidifies Riopelle's position as a globally renowned abstract expressionist, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide with his extraordinary artistic vision.

"Tonight's auction, coinciding with Riopelle's 100th birthday, marks a momentous occasion in the art world. The resounding success and record results showcased exceptional art, global collector enthusiasm, and a thriving auction market," shared Robert Heffel, Vice President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "Finding new homes for these cherished masterpieces reaffirms Heffel's commitment to sharing outstanding artworks that transcend generations."

Highlights from the Fall 2023 Live Auction

Emily Carr's exceptionally rare canvas, Alert Bay (Indian in Yellow Blanket), created in 1912, stands as a poignant tribute to the Indigenous culture of the regiona theme echoed in many of her most significant works from this era. The masterwork, infused with the Fauvist colours and principles Carr absorbed during her time in Paris , commanded a staggering sale price of $1,681,250 (est. $1,000,000  1,500,000). Another highlight in the sale was Carr's swirling Forest Interior , a large oil on paper, which reached $511, 250 (est . $250,000  350,000).

exceptionally rare canvas, created in 1912, stands as a poignant tribute to the Indigenous culture of the regiona theme echoed in many of her most significant works from this era. The masterwork, infused with the Fauvist colours and principles Carr absorbed during her time in , commanded a staggering sale price of (est.  1,500,000). Another highlight in the sale was Carr's swirling , a large oil on paper, which reached $511, .  350,000). A spectacular 1955 canvas by Paul-Emile Borduas, painted just following his important New York period, surpassed the million dollar mark after drawing international interest. Miniatures empressees made its auction debut at Heffel after spending more than 60 years in an important Toronto collection, and sold for $1,441,250 (est. $900,000  1,200,000).

period, surpassed the million dollar mark after drawing international interest. made its auction debut at Heffel after spending more than 60 years in an important collection, and sold for (est.  1,200,000). Seven works by West Coast artist E.J. Hughes captured the hearts of collectors this fall, lighting up the auction room and surpassing presale expectations. Notably, Echo Bay , Gilford Island sold for an impressive $541, 250 (est . $250,000  350,000), and Mouth of the Courtenay River sold for $457, 250 (est . $40,000  60,000), setting an outstanding new benchmark for a watercolour by the artist.

sold for an impressive $541, .  350,000), and sold for $457, .  60,000), setting an outstanding new benchmark for a watercolour by the artist. Christopher Pratt's harmonious and mysterious August 1939 tied the artist record and sold for $361,250 , well above its estimate of $125,000 to $175,000 . The stunning and detailed oil on board was carefully painted over a period of 11 years from 1974 to 1985.

tied the artist record and sold for , well above its estimate of to . The stunning and detailed oil on board was carefully painted over a period of 11 years from 1974 to 1985. Important works by members of the Group of Seven garnered heavy bidding competition in the auction and soared past their estimated values, including Franz Johnston's rare gouache Float Plane Coming in for a Landing, which sold for $277, 250 (est . $70,000  90,000) and A.J. Casson's glowing canvas Poplar , which fetched $391, 250 (est . $125,000  175,000).

rare gouache which sold for $277, .  90,000) and A.J. Casson's glowing canvas , which fetched $391, .  175,000). A captivating painting by Alex Colville, August, sold for an impressive $601,250 in the Post-War session (est. $500,000  700,000). The work is a very special and meticulously detailed portrayal of the artist's daughter in an intimate moment.

Heffel is now inviting consignments for the spring 2024 auction season, encompassing international and Canadian works of art. The deadline for spring consignments is February 2024.

For more information on the works included in Heffel's fall live auction, visit www.heffel.com.

About Heffel Fine Art Auction House

Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling three quarters of a billion dollars. With facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides premium client service to both sellers and buyers internationally.

SOURCE Heffel Fine Art Auction House

For further information: To schedule an interview, or for images and b-roll, please contact: Justine Nichol, [email protected], 1-604-789-4359
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major 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.

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Canada has added 1.23 million in less than 11 months (over 3%) and over 2 million people in less than 23 months.

Canada was at 30.7 million people in 2000 and now surpassing 40.5 million.

Canadas per capita nominal GDP was $24k in 2000 and the US was at $36k. Now Canada is at $55k per capita nominal in 2022 vs US at $76k.

USA has 38% more now per capita vs 50% more in 2000. Canada improved by 9%.

Germany per capita income is $48k now vs $24k in 2000.

The US population is 340 million today and it was 282.2 million in 2000.

Canada population increased 32% since 2000 vs US at 20%.

Canada could become the third largest economy in the world by the 2040s. Canada has more than doubled its population growth rate to 2.7% to 3.0% per year in the last two years. This is adding 1.0 to 1.3 million people per year. Canada is mainly adding college educated people from India, Asia and Europe. The people added are able to integrate into the economy at the level of Canadas per capita income and many professionals can even increase the per capita income. IF Canada continues to add about 1.3 million people per year then Canada reaches 50.0 million people by 2030 and 63.0 million by 2040. This would be a 60% increase by 2040.

Canada becoming the worlds fourth biggest economy is just a matter of not having an economic and demographic disaster like the other five of the countries ahead of them in the economic size rankings.

Canadas economy has almost tripled from US$744 billion in 2000 to US$2.1 trillion today. Japans economy has dropped from US$4.97 trillion in 2000 to US$4.2 trillion in 2023. Japans population has declined by the average age has increased from 40.7 in 2000 to 48.4 in 2023. 36 million people are over 65. People over 50 are less productive than people in their 40s and people over 50 are in general not buying newer or bigger houses. They are generating far less economic activity.

UKs economy has been flat to down since 2008. In 2008, UKs economy was US$3.1 trillion vs US$3.1 trillion in 2023.

Germanys economy has been flat to down since 2008. In 2008, Germanys economy was US$3.8 trillion vs US$4.3 trillion in 2023. Germanys economy was $3.89 trillion in 2020.

Italys economy has been flat to down since 2007. In 2007, Italys economy was US$2.2 trillion vs US$2.17 trillion in 2023.

Frances economy has been flat to down since 2008. In 2008, France economy was US$2.8 trillion vs US$2 2.9 trillion in 2023.

Nextbigfuture has covered how Canada passed the population of California in 2022 and shifted to higher immigration population growth policies.

The Government of Canadas Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025 and plateau at 500,000 in 2026. This plan prioritizes economic growth, and supports family reunification, while responding to humanitarian crises and recognizing the rapid growth in immigration in recent years. Building on the achievement of a 4.4% target of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec in 2022, the Plan includes new annual and progressively increasing French-speaking permanent resident targets outside Quebec: 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025 and 8% in 2026.
The UK has announced five major quantum computing missions.

The UK Quantum Computing Missions

Mission 1

By 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy.

Mission 2

By 2035, the UK will have deployed the worlds most advanced quantum network at scale, pioneering the future quantum internet.

Mission 3

By 2030, every NHS Trust will benefit from quantum sensing-enabled solutions, helping those with chronic illness live healthier, longer lives through early diagnosis and treatment.

Mission 4

By 2030, quantum navigation systems, including clocks, will be deployed on aircraft, providing next-generation accuracy for resilience that is independent of satellite signals.

Mission 5

By 2030, mobile, networked quantum sensors will have unlocked new situational awareness capabilities, exploited across critical infrastructure in the transport, telecoms, energy, and defense sectors.

Summary of the Missions

Mission 1: by 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy. 1 trillion operations refers to the number of operations a quantum computer can perform before a single logical error occurs. This compares to a few hundred error free quantum operations on todays fastest machines. It is estimated such a task could take between a few minutes and a few days depending on the design of the computer. Timing expectations will be further defined as the mission programme progresses.

The UK will do this through three mutually reinforcing core outcomes:

To have competitive UK-based commercial capabilities across hardware, control architecture, and the supply chain that can enable performance in excess of 1 trillion coherent quantum operations;

To combine this operational capacity with algorithm development and software capabilities to complete multiple useful calculations of significant value to the economy and society on a quantum computer  ones that are not practically possible on the worlds most powerful supercomputers. High impact will be achieved in the following sectors at a minimum: healthcare, finance, transport, defence, energy, and manufacturing; and

To seamlessly integrate quantum computing into high performance computational workflows, enabling user access and widespread adoption, accompanied by user readiness support across the UK economy.

The mission will set out a scaled approach to achieving the mission, with industrial milestones including:

By 2028, extending beyond the NISQ-era with 10 a million quantum operations, which will enable the exploration of applications associated with the simulation of chemical processes, helping to improve catalyst design for example.

By 2032, demonstrating large-scale error correction capabilities with 10 a billion quantum operations, with applications including accelerated drug discovery.

By 2035, achieving quantum advantage at scale through reaching 10 a trillion quantum operations, enabling applications such as optimizing the production of clean hydrogen.

Mission 2: by 2035, the UK will have deployed the worlds most advanced quantum network at scale, pioneering the future quantum internet.

To deliver on the broad opportunities that are presented by quantum technologies, they will need to become firmly integrated within our digital infrastructure, including priority Future Telecoms platforms such as satellite communications. This will transform the way we secure, transmit and compute our data. The mission will focus on achieving the following outcomes:

Scale computing: A quantum network in 2035 will see clusters of quantum processors networked together within and between data centers to scale computing power, turbocharging our ability to unlock high impact applications. This outcome will be integrated with Mission 1.

Nationwide connectivity: We will be able to connect researchers and users in major cities and locations across the whole of the UK, enabling them to share information in a quantum state to facilitate secure, trustworthy, and remote access to capabilities and data.

Early commercialization: This mission will support further testing, demonstration, and evaluation of near-term commercial opportunities in quantum communications and component technologies. This will build the supply chain and operational learnings, providing the stepping-stone needed for future networks.

International: The opportunities are global and the UK will work with at least five other countries to collaborate on developing underpinning technologies and connectivity with international quantum networks, including through satellite links. The UK will also take a leadership role in developing quantum networking standards.

Future Quantum Internet: At the end of the mission, the UK will have the capability to send quantum information from the local to the global scale and to exploit this for the benefit of our economy and society. This will be year 0 for what will become known as the quantum internet.

Mission 3: by 2030, every NHS Trust will benefit from quantum sensing-enabled solutions, helping those with chronic illness live healthier, longer lives through early diagnosis and treatment.

To deliver on the broad opportunities presented by quantum technologies to reduce costs and save lives, quantum-enabled products and services will need to become integrated within our NHS. This mission will build on early UK successes in the development of products to revolutionise healthcare capabilities and pull these through to adoption, providing a firm foundation to grow the UK quantum medical device industry sector.

The mission will also generate a pipeline of next-generation technologies which harness quantum physics to deliver early-stage diagnoses and improved surgical outcomes, across areas such as dementia, epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, as well as quantum for life sciences.

Outcomes of this mission include:

Brain Scanning: By 2028, quantum-enabled brain scanners will enable precision-guided surgery for children suffering severe neurological disease to improve recovery and outcomes. By 2030, adoption of these scanners in dementia will have enabled new research at scale  driving inward investment by global pharmaceutical companies developing dementia drugs.

Cancer detection: By 2030, new quantum imaging technologies for breast cancer detection will be in use across hospitals in the UK, significantly reducing the need for unnecessary chemotherapy. Hospital trials across a wide range of cancer types will also be well advanced.

Technology Pipeline: By the end of the mission, a transformative pipeline of healthcare and life sciences technologies will have emerged. This will include: ultra-sensitive rapid tests for infectious diseases; ultra-precise surgery to remove early-stage tumours; portable, quantum-enhanced imaging capabilities to enable rapid examination at bedsides; and new sensing platforms to provide new insights into disease evolution, early detection, and drug monitoring.

Mission 4: by 2030, quantum navigation systems, including clocks, will be deployed on aircraft, providing next-generation accuracy for resilience that is independent of satellite signals.

This mission will develop and commercially exploit quantum navigation systems that are small enough to be deployed on aircraft (amongst other transport systems), combining technologies such as quantum clocks, accelerometers, and rotation sensors/gyroscopes, as well as embedding technologies for ultra-precise mapping. It forms part of a longer-term aim to reach chip-scale  unlocking the ability to integrate these systems into mobile phone-sized systems  and will therefore include facilitation of the fabrication and manufacturing capabilities needed to achieve this. The approach will deliver on a core element of the governments Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) Policy Framework published on 18th October 2023 (point 10) to accelerate R&D into quantum navigation and the next generation of optical clocks. The mission will target outcomes to:

Bridge the valley of death by pulling-through promising research in quantum navigation systems and demonstrating their integration into moving platforms, bringing together innovators, systems integrators and researchers towards a common goal.

Reduce the size, weight and power of current capabilities to enable systems integration and increase usability.

Develop adoption layers to support understanding of the technology and how to embed it in wider transport systems.

Demonstrate capabilities in real-world settings, de-risking adoption for businesses.

Exploit the commercial opportunity by taking a UK lead in frontier navigation technology, opening up further opportunities across areas such as robotics and drones.

Provide additional resilience to the UK in the face of GNSS-denial through delivery of independent systems and more precise timing in the future.

Mission 5: by 2030, mobile, networked quantum sensors will have unlocked new situational awareness capabilities, exploited across critical infrastructure in the transport, telecoms, energy, and defense sectors.

This mission focuses on enhancing the capacity and resilience of critical national infrastructure, with significant benefits in cost reduction and supporting Net Zero ambitions. It addresses a core challenge across quantum sensing capabilities, where individual sectors and businesses see the bridge to exploitation and adoption into existing systems as too high risk to fund alone. This mission will therefore focus on accelerating the development of common technological capabilities to catalyse the private investment needed to pull through to adoption. By the end of the mission, key sectors will have deployed these new capabilities in industrial settings, with further exploitation opportunities around the world being realised. Expected applications include:

Transport: These systems will revolutionise asset management and planning in the transport sector, unleashing underground sensing capabilities that improve the monitoring and maintenance of subsurface attributes.

Telecoms: Provide next generation quantum-enabled sensors for capacity building and resilience. For example, high-bandwidth RF sensors or resilient optical links.

Energy: Protect and support energy storage and transportation through quantum-enabled gas sensors to accurately see and measure emissions of greenhouse and other gases.

Defence: The significantly increased ability through these systems to find objects in challenging environments will unlock a range of applications throughout the defence sector.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Javier Milei on his election as President of Argentina.

My warm congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Argentina, Prime Minister Pashinyan said in a letter addressed to President Javier Milei. "I hope that during your tenure, by successfully overcoming all existing challenges, you and your political team will be able to strengthen Argentinas positions in the international arena, and the Armenian community of Argentina will continue to have its contribution in strengthening the country. Armenia is a reliable partner for Argentina in issues pertaining to human rights, democracy and building free economic relations. Id like to take this opportunity to invite you to pay an official visit to Armenia at a time of your convenience. I am sure that the warm relations between our countries still have great untapped potential. I am expressing readiness to build a more ambitious agenda through joint work and develop relations with Argentina in all directions of bilateral interest, Pashinyan said in the letter.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Luc Frieden on taking office as Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

My warms congratulations to you on assuming office of Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Your political partys success is a testament to the trust of the people of Luxembourg towards the ideas you are advocating. I am happy to underscore that Armenia and Luxembourg have excellent relations, displayed by high-level political dialogue and mutual commitment to materialize our efforts in various areas. Armenias step to establish a permanent diplomatic representation in Luxembourg is a testament to this. I would also like to express gratitude for the principles, unequivocal and consistent support by your party to Armenia and the Armenian people in difficult times, which attests to our common dedication to democratic values and our commitment to protect them. I am sure that your tenure will strengthen the friendly relations between our countries and the Armenia-European Union partnership. Looking forward to closely working with you, PM Pashinyan said a letter addressed to Luc Frieden.
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The court of appeal in Lagos has affirmed the victory of Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, in the March 18 election.

The appellate court, in a split decision, on Friday, dismissed the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the election.

The majority decision was delivered by Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, the judge.

In the minority decision, Jane Inyang, a judge, ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct a fresh election within 90 days.

In September, the Ogun governorship election petition tribunal upheld the victory of Abiodun at the poll.

In a unanimous decision, the tribunal, led by Hamidu Kunaza, held that the petition by Adebutu was incompetent, defective and lacking in merits.

VERDICT SHOWS OUR UNITY

Reacting to the judgment, the Ogun governor, in a statement, said the appeal court verdict validates the mandate bestowed on him by the people during the election.

Abiodun said his administration is focused on the advancement of the development of the state.

I sincerely wish to convey my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support throughout our journey, the governor said.

Todays triumph at the Court of Appeal not only validates the authenticity of the mandate you bestowed upon us during the last governorship election but also demonstrates the strength of our unity.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has warned Nigerians against travelling abroad without proper documentation.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke on Thursday when she visited some stranded Nigerians who violated Canadas immigration laws.

The Nigerians, mostly youths, are currently living in a shelter for asylum seekers in Brampton.

In a video posted on NIDCOMs X account, Dabiri-Erewa said the situation really is not quite a pleasant sight to behold.

PRESS RELEASE



CANADA: AVOID IRREGULAR MIGRATION, IT IS NOT WORTH IT- DABIRI-EREWA*



ABUJA: NOV. 23, 2023.



The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NiDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians travelling abroad to go legitimately, and with proper pic.twitter.com/tc4Z1DXRtL  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) November 23, 2023





We pray and hope that they get out of this situation, she said, describing the majority of the asylum seekers as young vibrant Nigerians.

The NIDCOM chairperson thanked the Nigerians who have been supporting the illegal migrants, adding that the commission donated some items and provided counselling to the stranded citizens.

But the key thing is I hope you get out of this, but for the next person planning to do this, its not worth it, Dabiri-Erewa added.

During a counselling session, Bayo Adedosu, an immigration consultant, asked the asylum seekers to put their trust in God.

You will need to endure, dont have any expectations, the only expectation you should have at this point is God. Your case is in Gods hands  all of you, Adedosu said.

He also asked the asylum seekers to refrain from painting Nigeria in a bad light while trying to process their papers.

Vivian Eruka, a pastor, who runs the Bethel food bank and works with those in shelters, informed that the mayor of Brampton has promised to make 800 more beds available and shelter.




African countries continue to face under-development, a situation directly linked to leadership failure and poor governance systems.





Apart from some of the countries currently being ruled by military dictatorship, others are also struggling even in their democracy, with poor electoral processes always marking the transition of power from one government to another.





This has been largely blamed for the dearth of focused political leaders, hence the stunted growth in most of the African states.





One of the persons irked by this situation is Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Education Minister and one-time presidential candidate.





Ezekwesili, who is also famous for her Bring Back our Girls Movement, has been concerned with the worsening leadership question in Africa.





She, however, feels that the only way forward was to mould young men and women across the African continent who would stand tall and take over their countries.





Speaking recently at the graduation ceremony of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, she described it as an unconventional school designed to attract, develop and produce a new generation of political leaders who will listen and serve the new class of citizens, who know their rights.





According to her, SPPGs mission is to educate future leaders and public officials, who are dedicated to the good of the nation and ready to serve the well being of all citizens.





It has, for years, built a reputation for equipping leaders with the right values, knowledge and skills required to solve complex public problems.





The first of its kind world-class institution for shaping new kinds of public leaders, the schools 33-week programme offers a unique opportunity for prospective leaders to be equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills and values required for effective, disruptive, and progressive public leadership.





The programme includes a wide range of carefully selected courses comprising 24 modules that are analytically and empirically relevant to solving Africas complex development problems, she declared with passion.





The former minister added that, SPPG is focused on building ethical, competent and capable leaders and producing at scale a new genre of public leadership that serves the people and delivers on governance.





Leadership for results and positive impact is a mission SPPG has determined to make the most important conversation in the public space of Nigeria and the rest of Africa, said the Founder of SPPG, Ezekwesili.





She tasted African leaders on the need to leverage technology and the current disruption to enhance economic growth across the continent.





Ezekwesili, who is also the Convener/Chair of #FixPolitics, said the continent continues to experience an increasing leadership deficit in the areas of policy analysis, development and good governance, disclosing that SPPG is determined to bridge the gaps experienced in these areas with a well-tailored curriculum for African students with a global perspective.





On leadership deficit in the continent, Ezekwesili, stated that the world needs Africa and Africa needs the world.





She said, The existing multilateral order is broken and must be urgently fixed, so that our world can make critical decisions and take the right actions on issues that affect us all.





Africa must be at the centre of conversations on global governance, economic growth, poverty and inequality, climate change, disruptive technologies and related issues of human and social development.





The world will do better with Africa actively at the table of the redesign of todays global architecture for a future that provides equal opportunity for everyone anywhere to excel.





To be ready for this, she stressed, Africa needs disruptive leaders, who are constantly interested in finding better solutions to problems of their communities, countries and the world.





The former Minister of Education linked the root of Nigerias leadership problem to distorted political culture, where leaders place personal interests above public good.





According to her, there must be a change of mindset by leaders to tackle the growing economy and security challenges in the country.





She observed that character, competence and capacity were the missing link in producing good leaders in Africa, stressing the need for disruptive thinking in the nations political space.





We found that not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, there is a distorted political culture. It is the political culture where those in public leadership subordinate the public good, that is the common good, for their personal and narrow interests.





So, what it means is that the common/public good is not served by people, who should be serving. To correct that, you have to customise a new leadership mindset.





So, the training that we give at SPPG has the content to reset the mindset of those who wish to lead.





They lead by serving, they place character at the foundation of the knowledge we give to them by improving on their competency and the capacity for them to be able to articulate sound policies, be able to design institutions that enable society to advance and to have the capacity to make the right choices of investment in the goods and services that countries need to grow, she said.





Analysts are united on the fact that Africa, especially Nigeria, needs exemplary leaders and followers to build its polity and make the citizenry enjoy the dividends of democracy.





Regrettably, it has been observed that failure at providing good governance has been the lot of almost every Nigerian government, whether military or civilian.





Several scholars posit that Nigerians collectively lack a clearly defined vision championed by their leaders, and that this has remained the countrys political albatross since it became independent more than 60 years ago.





Nigerias multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious society would arguably do better if anchored on a well-defined national vision.





But that has not been the case. The cost is evident in the serial failures of the country to evolve into a nation and realise its enormous potential.





She is not alone on this push for the advancement of quality leadership in Africa.





The Chief Executive Officer of SPPG, Alero Ayida-Otobo believed that there was urgent need to groom a new set of leaders with policy development and good governance mindset, while educating a new cadre of political leaders dedicated to the values of good governance in and out of Nigeria, based on the values the school upholds.





We want to contribute to instilling in politicians and public administrators a deep sense of moral commitment to the common good as a foundation for Nigeria and Africas future prosperity.





SPPG aims to strengthen the bonds between government, public administration and citizens by fostering dialogue, accountability and transparency, she stated.





She added that most African countries have the same developmental problems like Nigeria, stressing that this is why Fix Politics and SPPG are propelling us across the continent. We started in Nigeria but we are going to cover the 54 countries on the continent of Africa.





SPPG is one of the three pillars of the Fix Politics Initiative; what we are doing is very pivotal to the future of Nigeria; the mission is to elevate the office of the citizen; we want to enlighten the citizens of this country.





Our goal is to equip 21st century politicians that will be value driven, character, unquestionable competence and undeniable capacity, Ayida-Otobo stated.





Meanwhile, Barr Olu Omotayo, who is the President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, CRRAN, believes that beyond building men and women as future leaders, there was the need for strong institutions in Africa.





He told newsmen that irrespective of strong leaders, Africa lacks strong institutions.





In the Western world, anybody that comes to power, his action does not affect institutions; institutions are strong already.





When Obama visited, I think Ghana, he said what Africans need is strong institutions and not strong leaders. Once the institutions are strong, things will be working.





But we dont have strong institutions; thats why a president can sit down in the villa and ask the Central Bank Governor to go and bring a certain amount of money.





It cannot happen in developed countries; you must pass through procedures; the president is the head of government but he doesnt have power over those institutions; the institutions are separated from the running of government.





But here, we the institutions feel that they are subservient to the executive; even the judiciary when you come to Nigeria for instance, you see that the judiciary and the legislature have not been able to actually stand on their feet and these are the problems that make Africa to still be under-developed.





While hailing the efforts being made by Ezekwesili and others, he, however, said more efforts should be channelled towards raising more citizens who could stand and challenge the status quo and defend the institutions.





I have always been of the belief that the problem of Africa and of course Nigeria, is the lack of collective effort of the people.





If the people are determined that our institutions must be strong, they must be strong; so we should not be focusing on leadership; if the citizens say this is what we want, they should demand for it.





Look at the FOI Act in Nigeria, it was enacted to make people always demand accountability from their leaders, but how many cases have you seen? Those are the problems.





So, there is the need to groom the people to take their destinies in their hands; they must be able to challenge the authorities, they must be able to demand accountability; it is not just training some few leaders, who will turn out to become overlords. We need to train citizens who will stand on their feet.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has accused Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State of disobeying President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Wike said Fubara disobeyed the directive from Tinubu and Shettima to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a media chat, the minister accused Fubara of destroying the political structure that made him governor.

Wike said: We never knew that it will take you three months to scatter the political structure that picked you up. What is painful is seeing these propaganda and lies that I was angry. Did he (Fubara) buy form? Be grateful in your life in all circumstances.

I will not allow anybody to crumble our political structure. I told him if you do this ring-road your second tenure would be assured, I took him to Germany to meet Julius Berger and they promised to do the road in three years which is the year leading to election. I told him if you do this road nobody will challenge you in Rivers State.

Anything that will make me disrespect Mr President count me out, he disobeyed the President, disobeyed the Vice President. When the law speaks, thuggery, militancy, and ethnicity will run away.




The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has opened up on the rift between him and the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.





Referring to the crisis in Rivers State, Wike hinted at Fubara being an ingrate.





Speaking at a media parley on Friday, the minister said money and power bring out the true identity of a person.





According to Wike, Let me tell you, I dont like ingrates; I cant stand it. What is happening now is what Odili said in his book give a man power and money, then you will know the person.





If you havent given a man power and money then you dont know the person. However, Im not worried because Im a politician. I know what other states are suffering because of debt, but go and check if I had liabilities, the records are there.





I left projects for him to commission so he would showcase during his hundred days, then politics came in. We are just starting; God gave you something; you are now importing crisis.





God gave this in the platter of gold, the Federal Government is not fighting you, no crisis, but you are the one now trying to create a crisis for yourself; only those who are natural ingrates will support what is happening there. I use the instrumentality of law to fight not thugs, time will come.




President Bola Tinubu will, on Friday afternoon, meet aides of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to resolve the leadership crisis in the state.

Sources in the Villa confirmed that the meeting, which is likely to hold at 2pm will be attended by major stakeholders, including members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, among others.

The meeting comes barely two days after Ondo State Elders and Leaders called on the President to urgently intervene in the constitutional crisis in the state and avert the looming breakdown of law and order.

The Elders and Leaders also called on the state and national leaderships of the governing party, the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in government and ensure discipline in their camp.

In a letter addressed to the President and signed by the convener, Reuben Fasontanti, and the secretary, Bakkita Bello, the elders urged the State House of Assembly to impeach neither the Governor nor his Deputy Governor

All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find a lasting solution to the current crisis, they had appealed.

Ondo state has been a hotbed of political uncertainty in the past months as the Governor, Akeredolu, had been away in Germany undergoing medical treatment.

Although Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in the first week of September after a three-month medical leave, he had been operating from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In his absence, his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, is facing an impeachment process initiated by Ondo lawmakers over allegations of gross misconduct.

Meanwhile, Tinubu had ordered the police to withdraw from the premises of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure.
The Ondo State House of Assembly is set to hold a plenary session today to discuss the states political situation.

It was reliably gathered that the lawmakers would discuss the issue of the executive arm of the government of the state as the lawmakers may declare the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor, following the inability of the governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, to resume office, due to ill-health.

The governor is still recuperating at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

A source, however, noted that some of the lawmakers might not be at todays sitting as a result of disagreement among them on the issue of Aiyedatiwa. He also disclosed that todays sitting had the consent of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress.

The source said,  The lawmakers are ready to meet today (Friday). One of the agenda of the sitting is the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor. Though some of the lawmakers may not be at the meeting today because they are not in support of Aiyedatiwa becoming an acting governor the national leadership of the APC knows about and has approved the meeting. So they may declare Aiyedatiwa acting governor today.

When contacted, one of the lawmakers and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Olatunji Oshati, confirmed the development but could not confirm if Aiyedatiwa would be declared an acting governor or not.

The Assembly spokesman said, What I can tell you for now is that there is something like that, not to declare him (Aiyedatiwa) but the House is going to sit on the matter and review the political situation today as directed by our national leaders. The House has likely ( made the declaration), but not under must, I dont want to preempt what the outcome of the meeting would be. If it is likely to happen, you are invited as well.

Meanwhile, it was also gathered that President Bola Tinubu would meet members of the Assembly today in Abuja over the lingering crisis.

Details later


Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja.

Images of the visit were posted on the ruling party's X account on Friday.

"The National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, received in audience former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan at his residence in Abuja," the party posted There were no details of the meeting.

Here are some pictures from the meeting.




YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has received Bruno Kahl, the President of the Federal Intelligence Service of Germany.

Pashinyan and Kahl discussed issues related to sectoral cooperation between Armenia and Germany, the Prime Ministers Office said in readout.

The sides also exchanged views on ongoing processes in the region. Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, has accused Governor Sim Fubara of burning down the States House of Assembly building.

Recall that there was an arson attack on the hallowed chambers of the state assembly weeks ago and the opposition party described the same as the desecration of the legislature.

The rift among members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had led to some lawmakers commencing impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

Edison Ehie, Leader of the State House of Assembly had reportedly rejected the bid to impeach the Governor, having not committed any impeachable offence and was removed as the majority Leader.

However, Edison has now been elected the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly as Governor Fubara fought vehemently to keep his authority over matters of the state.

When they were about impeaching you, did you call me to say Sir, they want to impeach me?

Is that why you sent people to go and burn down the hallowed chamber? Is the impeachment for only one day?

Is the impeachment process a one-day affair? Then you raised ethnic politics. Weve never had it like this before
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Timi Frank has said the quest by President Bola Tinubu to be recognized in the Guinness World Records over reforms initiated by him since assumption of office was a misplaced venture.

Tinubu, while addressing an audience at the 10th German-Nigerian Business Forum, in Germany, said, Nigeria voted for me for reforms and from day one of my inauguration, I started the reforms. To me, if you didnt mention me in the Guinness Book of Records, Id strive to find a way to insert myself because I did it without expectation.

But Frank in a statement issued on Friday insisted that the only world record the President had set is to have inflicted severe economic pains and unbearable hardship on the people.

He added that even though the President claimed he was in Germany to woo investors, none will be willing to invest in the country because of the negative world records he had already allegedly set.

Frank wondered why Tinubu was brandishing removal of fuel subsidy on inauguration day as evidence that he hit the ground running.

He stressed that the President failed to realise that that singular action had hit the average citizen with attendant pains, tears and sorrow.

Frank pointed out that the purported reforms had wrecked the nations currency, with $1 now exchanging for over N1,000.

Frank noted,: Foreign investors will definitely not go to a country with a flawed electoral process or where the judiciary cannot be trusted to guarantee justice to protect their investments.

He stressed that the President claimed that he had removed fuel subsidy, but fuel is still being subsidised by his administration even though the people now languish under the burden of astronomical increases in the pump price of fuel and other essential petroleum products.




The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), says its registration for the 2023/24 Post-UTME screening exercise which started on Nov. 23 will end on December 3.





Mr Mansur Alfanla, Registrar of the University, said in a press statement on Friday that the institution had invited all candidates, who had applied for admission into the University to the Post-UTME screening.





He noted that applicants for the screening must have chosen the university as first choice, either at UTME or Direct Entry level.





The Registrar called on prospective candidates to visit the university website at: www.unilorin.edu.ng for details of the procedure for the Post-UTME screening exercise.





He said, to be eligible, UTME candidates must have scored at least 180 in the UTME examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).





He warned candidates against using any other link, adding that enquires should be directed to pre-admission@unilorin.edu.ng.
In The Helpers, a collection of brief memoirs from students going through tough times, Talia Caguana focused on her dad.

But the Newark teenagers reflection on her relationship with her father wasnt the kind of adoring, idealized portrait of a parent that readers might expect from a teenager writing for all the world to see.

I wrote about my experience of my father, my father fighting alcohol addiction, said Talia, a junior at Newark Science Park High School. And how, because of him immigrating to the U.S. at such a young age, relying on alcohol to solve all his problems.

The Helpers, published in June and available on Amazon, was put together by Shawn Adler, an English and psychology teacher at Science Park and adjunct professor at Ramapo College, which published the book. It was the second collection of student memoirs edited by Adler, after a three-volume set, The Class of COVID-19: Insights From the Inside; Second Wave; and Unmasked, published starting in June 2020, three months into the pandemic.

Now, Adler is in the early stages of a third collection of student writings, due out this spring.

Titled We Were Strangers Once, Too, the new book will let students chronicle their experiences as members of immigrant families, a universal theme, according to its editor.

Were all the product of these experiences, directly and indirectly, said Adler, who grew up in Middletown as the grandson of German immigrants. All of us have an immigrant story in our past lives, by definition. And so this is an opportunity for the children of Newark to talk about that experience and to tell that story to the world.

Whereas his first two books included students from around the region, the next one will be limited to 75 seniors from Newarks 18 public high schools, including Science Park.

Ive gotten a lot of kids coming up to me and saying, Mr. Adler, when are we going to do the next one? he said. For these kids to be published is a transformative experience. They can see it, they can buy it on Amazon!

Newark Science Park High School teacher Shawn Adler with students in his English class on Monday.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

The books earned the 42-year-old New Milford resident a nomination for this years prestigious Global Teacher Prize for outstanding contributions to the profession, often called the Nobel Prize for teaching.

The Varkey Foundation bestows the award in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, and comes with a $1 million prize. Adler used to teach in Cliffside Park, where U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th Dist.), whose district includes the borough, nominated Adler for the Global Teacher Prize.

Adler put together the COVID-19 series while teaching in Cliffside Park, and he was nominated last year for the Global prize by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th Dist.), whose district includes the borough. The 50 finalists for this years prize, including Adler, were announced in September.

He didnt win. But as a finalist he traveled to Paris last month for the foundations Global Education and Skills Forum to talk about having collected and published the experiences of high school students in some of the most challenging situations in their young lives.

Adler didnt have sales figures for the COVID-19 series, but he said Amazon had sold more than 5,000 copies of The Helpers. He said credit for all books popularity and the acclaim they brought him belonged to the students who wrote about their experiences.

All of that had nothing got do with me, he said. All of that was the power of these stories.

Science Park Principal Darleen Gearhart said Adlers character and work with students, as well as his advocacy, are inspiring.

Adler didnt start as a teacher. He had been a reporter for the Asbury Park Press while an undergraduate at Rutgers University and later for MTV News.

But he recognized teaching as his true calling and earned his masters in education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Hes now in his second year in Newark after having taught for four years in Cliffside Park.

Talia Caguana and Jhoselin Guaman, juniors at Science Park High School in Newark, appeared at Ramapo College earlier this year, where they read brief memoirs about emotional crises they had contributed to The Helpers, a collection of Student works put together by teacher Shawn Adler.Courtsey of Shawn Adler

Science Park junior Jhoselin Guaman, whose parents  like Talias  immigrated from Ecuador, contributed to The Helpers and plans to submit a piece for We Were Once Strangers, Too.

In The Helpers, Jhoselin wrote about how caring for her younger brother helped her shed the depression and anxiety that her parents at first refused to acknowledge and a therapist could not treat.

My parents, for instance, didnt believe that things like depression or anxiety were real, Jhoselin wrote in The Helpers about her adolescent years.

They thought that if I ate more and stopped being on my phone, I would be cured, she wrote. To be honest, talking to a therapist didnt help me much either. I never developed a connection with her where I could tell her everything that went on in my week. I couldnt get myself to become emotional or vulnerable with her. I felt bad because she was the sweetest person ever, and I was desperate for her to be the person that I could rely on.

Then, four years ago, her brother, Liam, was born, and being tasked to care for him became a labor of love.

I felt true happiness with him, happiness which I hadnt felt in a while, she wrote. He made me laugh. He insisted on sleeping in my room. Because of that, shortly thereafter, I noticed my relationship with my mother was healing. I had new conversations with her every day because I would be dying to tell someone about something Liam did the night before.

Seeing her name in a published work for sale on Amazon was a thrill for her and her parents. It was really fun, Jhoselin said. And, she added, They were proud of me.

Adler, who teaches AP psychology and English, believes that opening up about our challenges and acknowledging our vulnerabilities is a key to healing. It can also make for writing thats compelling for readers and authors alike.

When you invite students to share their stories, he said, you inevitably get vulnerable narratives like these.

Shawn Adler, an award-winning English teacher, in front of pictures of his students outside his classroom at Science Park High School in Newark on Monday.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
New Jerseys weirdest, wackiest Thanksgiving tradition?

Thats easy  turkey bowling.

At Johnnies Tavern in Boonton, the annual turkey bowling event packs a crowd at the unlikely hour of 7 a.m. Turkeys are used instead of bowling balls as participants toss/hurl/heave Butterball turkeys at pins set up in the bars parking lot.

Turkey bowling will never appear as an Olympic sport, but trust us, it requires skill and balance and strength. Try throwing an irregularly shaped, heavy, frozen object any distance  good luck with that.

Turkey bowling and Johnnies seem to be a match made in bar event heaven. Johnnies is one of the states great dive bars, a charmingly grungy neighborhood hangout. Turkey bowling at a swanky cocktail bar? I think not.

John E. Steinhauser, grandfather of current owner Bob Steinhauser, opened the bar in 1937. The building has had quite a history; it was once a speakeasy, funeral parlor and soda factory.

Today, theres a shuffleboard table, a back bar, high ceilings and such signs as If Youre Smoking Youd Better be on Fire. Johnnies was one of the semifinalists in our epic N.J.s best bar showdown in 2019.

Frank Telloflorez, of Boonton, tosses a frozen turkey while holding a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich during an annual Thanksgiving turkey bowling event at Johnnies Tavern in Boonton (Julian Leshay I For NJ Advance Media)Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

The bar sells turkey bowling-themed T-shirts every year. This years T-shirt read, Thirst Things First, with a beer glass-wielding turkey on the back.

Who put turkey bowling on the bizarre sport map? Most credit Derrick Johnson, a former Los Angeles Rams cheerleader and Chippendales dancer who came up with the idea in the late 1980s after seeing several guys stacking frozen turkeys in the supermarket where he worked. Minutes later, he tossed Butterball turkeys at two-liter plastic soda bottles in a grocery aisle.

Turkey bowling was born.

Swift-Eckrich, which then owned the Butterball brand, was not amused. They threatened a lawsuit. Turkey bowling, they said, damages the Butterball quality image that we have spent millions to develop.

This is the sport of the 90s, Johnson said back then.

Its not known how many other bars host turkey bowling these days, although Fox8 Cleveland holds an annual celebrity turkey bowl.

Johnnies turkey bowling seems to be in a category all its own. At 8 a.m., when the event concludes, patrons pack the Boonton Avenue bar. And it was packed, judging from the deafening noise when this reporter tried reaching Steinhauser on the pay phone inside.

Who starts drinking at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving? These folks do.

MORE N.J. FOOD STORIES

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The 13 Thanksgiving foods that matter, ranked

Cranberries are the underdog' of Thanksgiving

Looking for more New Jersey food coverage? Subscribe to the free Jersey Eats newsletter here!

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Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. On Twitter, @petegenovese. On Instagram, @peteknowsjersey and @themunchmobile.
Chinese officials say they did not detect any unusual or novel diseases in the country, the World Health Organization said Thursday, following an official request by the U.N. health agency for information about a potentially worrying spike in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children.

WHO cited unspecified media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service as reporting clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China and formally requested more details from China earlier this week.

Outside scientists said the situation warranted close monitoring, but were not convinced that the recent spike in respiratory illnesses in China signaled the start of a new global outbreak.

The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Both SARS and COVID-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia.

WHO noted that authorities at Chinas National Health Commission on Nov. 13 reported an increase in respiratory diseases, which they said was due to the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, when pandemic restrictions ended.

WHO said media reports about a week later reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

The U.N. agency said it held a teleconference with Chinese health officials on Thursday, during which the data it requested were provided. Those showed an increase in hospital admissions of children due to diseases including bacterial infection, RSV, influenza and common cold viruses since October.

No changes in the disease presentation were reported by the Chinese health authorities, WHO said. It added that Chinese officials said the spike in patients had not overloaded the countrys hospitals.

Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britains University of East Anglia, doubted the wave of infections was sparked by a new disease.

If it was (a new disease), I would expect to see many more infections in adults, he said in a statement. The few infections reported in adults suggest existing immunity from a prior exposure.

Francois Balloux of University College London said China was probably experiencing a significant wave of childhood infections since this was the first winter since lockdown restrictions were lifted, which likely reduced childrens immunity to common bugs.

WHO said that northern China has reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared to the previous three years. It is rare for the U.N. health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.

According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.

The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Childrens Hospital topped 7,000 per day, exceeding the hospitals capacity, state-owned China National Radio said in an online article earlier this week.

Chinas National Health Commission, in a written Q&A posted online by the official Xinhua News Agency, suggested Thursday that children with mild symptoms first visit primary healthcare institutions or pediatrics departments of general hospitals because large hospitals are crowded and have long waiting times.

WHO said that there was too little information at the moment to properly assess the risk of these reported cases of respiratory illness in children. The agency has previously been stymied by a lack of cooperation from countries when new viruses have emerged - particularly in China.

After SARS broke out in southern China in 2002, Beijing officials told doctors to hide patients, with some being driven around in ambulances while WHO scientists were visiting the country. That prompted WHO to threaten to close its office in China.

Nearly two decades later, China stalled on sharing critical details about the coronavirus with the U.N. health agency after the new virus emerged in late 2019. WHO publicly applauded Chinas commitment to stopping the virus  weeks before it started causing explosive epidemics worldwide.

While WHO seeks this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, the agency said, advising people to get vaccinated, isolate if they are feeling ill, wear masks if necessary and get medical care as needed.
Five people believed to be associated with the Trinitarios Dominican street gang have been arrested after a four-month joint investigation into drug-dealing in West New York and the North Hudson area, authorities said.

Wanderson Ceballo-Ramos, 25, and Ingri Cruz-Villatoro, 31, both of Guttenberg; Wellington Cruz, 23, of West New York; Angel Diaz, 25, of Weehawken; and Christian Gomez, 34, of Union City were taken into custody without incident during the execution of a series of court authorized search warrants on Aug. 31, 2023.

Authorities did not provide a reason the arrests were not announced for nearly three months.
A man involved in a near-fatal shooting in 2018, just months after completing a seven-year prison term for killing another man, will not have his sentences reduced, an appellate court panel ruled this week.

Sharif Stewart is serving 10 years for shooting a man July 14, 2018, and he will have to serve additional prison time for parole violations related to the 2011 homicide of Gregory J. Johnson, 54, of Bayonne. He was released from prison Jan. 20, 2018.

In a 10-page decision, the appellate court panel affirmed the trial courts sentencing on consecutive sentences. Stewart had argued that the sentences for the shooting and parole violations should run concurrently, and the lower court denied his motion for post-conviction relief and an evidentiary hearing.
After proving he had what it takes to transition back into a starter last season, former Mets pitcher Seth Lugo is testing free agency and gaining plenty of interest.

On Tuesday, MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the majority of the league has expressed interest in the 33-year-old pitcher in an appearance on Foul Territory.

BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

(Seth Lugos) market has been pretty extensive, Lugo said on Wednesday. Hes got more than half of the league thats checked in on him and it is active enough where I would not be surprised at all if he ultimately ended up with a three or four-year contract. He is very highly sought after. Nothing imminent there of course, but his market, theres a lot of teams that are looking, and I would fully expect him signing a pretty hefty contract.

Lugo proved the Mets wrong with his success with the San Diego Padres last season. A big part of him leaving Queens after spending the first seven years of his MLB career there was because the Mets seemingly did not believe he had what it took to be a starting pitcher. The Padres did, and he rewarded their faith.

In 26 starts with the Padres, Lugo posted an 8-7 record with a 3.57 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 146 1/3 innings pitched. Previously, in 275 games (38 starts) with the Mets, Lugo posted a 32-24 record with 12 saves. He added 508 strikeouts over 494 2/3 innings.

Still, Lugo has no hard feelings about how things played out with the Mets.

No bitterness, Lugo said in April, via the New York Post. The Mets treated me really well for a long time. Most of my adult life I was in a Mets uniform. Nothing but appreciation for the organization.

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Manuel Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
Widows in New Jersey will now be legally allowed to keep driving their deceased spouses car without having to head to the DMV quickly after their death, under a bipartisan law Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed.

Under previous state law, a surviving spouse was required to renew the registration of their deceased husband or wifes car within 30 days of their death if they wanted to keep driving it without risking a ticket.

The new law (A1550), which Murphy signed Monday, aims to make the grieving period less cumbersome for widows by doing away with that timeframe and letting them continue using the car until the registrations original expiration date.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenia wants and tries to establish good-neighborly and friendly relations with all countries, PM Pashinyan has said.

The Prime Minister was asked at an online press conference by a member of the public on the possibilities of establishing relations with Pakistan.

It is our logic, and we also have a constitutional regulation, that the Republic of Armenia will attempt to, and wants to, establish friendly relations with all countries in the world. I assume that certain diplomatic work is being made in that direction too, not on the high level, and will continue to be done. And the processes of the past thirty years are clear, they havent recognized our independence, and diplomatic relations havent been established. We must understand the reasons of this and how to make progress in this situation, which isnt easy. When we succeed to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, that situation will also become an argument which would help to establish diplomatic relations including with Pakistan, Pashinyan said.
Former U.S. Rep. Herb Klein, a New Jersey attorney and Democratic lawmaker who served in the state Legislature and Congress two decades apart, has died at age 93.

Klein spent two terms in the state Assembly in the 1970s and one term in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1990s.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, a fellow Passaic County Democrat, said Klein was one of a kind.

A dedicated public servant, a brilliant lawyer, and my close friend, Pascrell, D-9th Dist., said in a statement. I will miss his wisdom and I will miss his counsel.

Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy said Klein always put his constituents first.

Our hearts go out to his family, his wide circle of friends, and all who knew him, they added in a statement. He will be sorely missed.

Klein was born in Newark and received a bachelors degree from Rutgers University in 1950 and a law degree from Harvard in 1952. He served two years in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his law career in Clifton. In 1961, he co-founded the First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey.

Politics came later. Klein won a seat in the state Assembly by ousting Republican incumbent Joseph Scancarella in 1971.

He notably wrote the law that led to the creation of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, an agency that aims to boost the states economy. But he lost re-election in 1975.

Klein then served as executive director of the Passaic County Democratic Party from 1977-81.

He was elected to Congress in 1992 to succeed retiring Democrat Robert Roe, an 11-term incumbent, in North Jerseys 8th congressional district.

In the House, Klein was a member of the House Banking Committee and sponsored several bills related to interstate banking and the savings and loan industry. He also served on the House Science Committee.

Klein lost his bid for a second term in the Republican Revolution of 1994, when 54 Democrats in Congress were ousted in the midterm of Democratic President Bill Clintons first term. Klein lost to Bill Martini, a Republican Clifton city councilman and Passaic County freeholder.

As an attorney, Klein tried more than 1,000 cases in state and federal courts. He later worked at the prominent New Jersey law firm Genova Burns.

We were blessed to have Congressman Klein make Genova Burns his professional home before his retirement, firm chairman Angelo Genova said. He brought to our law firm, at the dusk of his long professional career, the wisdom of seven decades of practicing law and the passion of having advanced important public initiatives while in public service.

Klein was also a past member of the board of trustees at Rutgers, his alma mater; a past president of the board of Beth Israel Hospital in Newark; and a past member of the executive committee of the New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations and the New Jersey-Israel Commission.

Today, North Jersey lost one of our best, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., said in a statement Friday, saying he is grateful for Kleins strong voice on behalf of New Jerseys Jewish community.

Klein married Jacqueline Kreiger Klein in 1952. The couple had two children  a son and daughter.

In 2020, Klein donated $5 million to Rutgers to create a center focused on Alzheimers and dementia research in honor of his wife, who died in 2017.

My wife was a wonderful woman whose life was cut down by this disease, Klein said at the time. She suffered for nine years. Sadly, there was really nothing that could be done to treat her. I am very proud to associate her with Rutgers efforts to defeat this dreadful disease. The work by this center will have a tremendous effect in this fight.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01.
New Jerseys hot real estate market may be showing signs of cooling in the New Year with the latest forecast by Zillow predicting modest declines in values in nearly one-third of towns.

The Zillow analysis of 547 ZIP codes in New Jersey with enough available data shows 170 towns with modest declines in the forecast for home values by January. Most of the declines were less than 1%, but thats a departure from previous forecasts that had fewer than 20 towns with projected declines in values.

Still, the majority of the towns in the analysis are expected to have higher home values by January. Whiting, a town in Ocean County, is forecasted to see its home values increase the most at 2.2%.
A 33-year-old Warren County woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash Wednesday that also resulted in injuries to two other motorists, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Lauren M. Gerhold leaves behind her husband, Casey, and two young boys, ages 1 and 4, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser established on the familys behalf.

All contributions will be put towards expenses to help the boys handle this loss as well as the potential loss of income as Casey continues to make his boys a top priority, putting their needs first, according to the GoFundMe post.

Gerhold was driving a Jeep SUV north on Route 517 when the crash occurred about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection with Ridge Road in Warrens Allamuchy Township, state police said.

The crash occurred as another Jeep, a Wrangler, was traveling east on Ridge Road and impacted the passenger side of a Ford pickup truck headed south on Route 517, police said.

The impact re-directed the Ford into the drivers side of Gerholds SUV, investigators said.

Both the Wrangler and Ford drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital. A NorthSTAR Air Medical Helicopter responded to assist with the evacuation, according to emergency radio broadcasts.

Police were not immediately releasing further information, including the identities of the other two drivers.

The crash remained under investigation Friday, Trooper Troy McNair said.

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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed regret that Azerbaijan is using the purely humanitarian issue concerning the prisoners for political goals. He said that Azerbaijans actions are illogical.

Pashinyan said that the government is focused on the issue of POWs.

Weve expressed readiness to display flexibility in this issue as well, and to work with Azerbaijan in order for our prisoners to return. Negotiations are one way, one direction. Furthermore, we have expressed readiness to even exchange the convicted Azerbaijanis in Armenia with our prisoners under the all for all principle, considering it a purely humanitarian issue, the Prime Minister said.

Weve applied to the international human rights courts and other possible legal bodies in all cases. In several cases we have rulings on indicating urgent measures from these bodies, bringing international attention on the issue. But I have to say that obviously that work cant be considered sufficient as long as our captive brothers havent returned to Armenia, and we will continue to make every effort in this direction, Pashinyan said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. The CSTOs actions do not address its obligations towards Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

Pashinyan was asked at an online Q&A with the public why Armenia isnt withdrawing from the military bloc and whether theres lack of political will.

Pashinyan said that Armenia has political will and a decision will be made based on necessity, which will stem from Armenias interests.

Why arent we making a decision, or are we going to make a decision on withdrawing from the CSTO or suspending our membership in the CSTO? We will decide based on Armenias state interests. At this moment if we have or havent made any decision, our guideline for orientating has been the state interest of Armenia. Our records show that the CSTOs de-facto actions or inactions do not address its obligations towards the Republic of Armenia. In this regard the CSTOs actions do not meet Armenias interests. And we have been raising this issue in a transparent manner, Pashinyan said.

He said that Armenia wants to do everything until the last chance to fully understand the CSTO and make its stance understandable for the CSTO.
Last week, I spoke in the Kings Speech Debate on sustained economic growth across the country proudly highlighted the vital role that the tourism and hospitality sector play to our economy in North Devon.

Ahead of the debate, I had the chance to meet with the chief executive of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, to talk about the significant role that hospitality plays to the local economy in North Devon, contributing 229million to the economy and employing 8,195 people.

This April I welcomed Kate to North Devon to better understand the challenges facing the sector and how we can continue to ensure that our economy thrives.

This is why I have written to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement to keep business rate discounts.

Without these discounts we risk hospitality businesses permanently closing their doors this winter.

However, whilst I have been doing all I can to boost tourism in North Devon and celebrating what we have achieved so far, the same cannot be said about the local opposition.

They frequently come out with headlines that talk down North Devons beaches and our water quality which have unintended consequences on our local businesses.

Speaking to beach managers, and surf schools, far too many people now visiting our beautiful beaches are fearful of the sea, despite eight of the 11 bathing beaches in North Devon being of excellent water quality, and them being some of the cleanest beaches in the world, a phrase I know sends opposition councillors back home rushing to write to the local paper complaining about me  but its true.

The so called sewage scandal so loved by the opposition parties is not what is happening to North Devons beaches.

When it rains a lot the storm overflows run  they are mostly rainwater  but less than one per cent of the water pollution in North Devon comes from human sewage and these overflows have run for more than a century  we only know about it now because they are monitored.

In North Devon, much work has been done to hold water further up the catchment to reduce the impact of heavy rains, as well as installing extra storage capacity to reduce the frequency of storm discharges  yes there is more to do  but it is vital to those businesses along the coast, and everyone who wants to enjoy our stunning beaches to recognise that North Devons beaches have already undergone huge improvements and the water quality is significantly better than it was 20 years ago.

Indeed even Surfers Against Sewage, whose app generates more content in my inbox than anything else, conceded in writing to me this month, with regards to the beaches in your constituency, we totally agree that huge improvements have been made to water quality there.

There will always be more to do, but I wish the opposition would not talk down North Devon.

I always enjoy welcoming businesses to Westminster and recently I welcomed Dawn from Sandy Cove Hotel to Westminster to celebrate businesswomen across the UK at Natwests MPHERoes event.

I very much look forward to celebrating more local businesses in North Devon as part of Small Business Saturday, on Saturday, December 2.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. The "Western Azerbaijan" narrative, according to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, raises doubts about Azerbaijan's sincerity regarding the peace process.

The Western Azerbaijan narrative calls into question Azerbaijan's sincerity regarding the peace process.

One of the key provisions of the peace process should be that Armenia and Azerbaijan have no territorial claims against each other and are ready to undertake a de jure binding obligation not to advance such demands in the future, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a televised press conference on Friday.

What is "Western Azerbaijan"? The concept of "Western Azerbaijan" is a concept of formation, construction and justification of a new war against Armenia", noted the Prime Minister.
The University of Chicago Hospital medical flight team, which responds to emergency calls throughout the Region, is mourning this week's death of 48-year-old chief flight nurse and Dyer resident Kelley Joyce Holdren.

"To us all, Kelley paved the way for the current and future flight nurses here at the University of Chicago, and we will continue to honor her and abide by the legacy she has left behind with us," the team posted on social media.

"To our chief flight nurse, just as you would've wanted us to, well continue to hold our heads high as we step off the elevator onto the 13th floor, we'll continue to give our patients the best possible care that you have trained us to do, we'll continue to remain a family and be there for one another and most importantly (what youve always stressed the most) we'll all come home."

Holdren (Smith) died Tuesday, according to an online obituary from Smits Funeral Home in Dyer.

She is reportedly survived by husband Cliff Holdren III and two daughters, Isabella and Hannah Holdren.

Holdren served as both the chief flight nurse and program director of the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network, according to her obituary.

She also served as president of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, "and was a great resource for the community fire/EMS/police departments in Indiana and Illinois and their surrounding hospitals," fellow team members said.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to the Holdren and Smith families," according to the team. "There are no words to ease the pain you are all feeling. The UCAN family is thinking of you and here for you all."

Several injured in U.S. 41 crash, county police say "The driver of the Mazda was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries," police said.

Visitation is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. Monday at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane in Dyer.

A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hobart Humane Society.
Chesterton High School Assistant Principal Kristen Peterson was recognized as the 2023 State Assistant Principal of the Year last Sunday by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

Peterson was recognized as the award's recipient during a ceremony which was part of ISAP's annual fall professional conference in Indianapolis.

The Chesterton High School administrator said she was shocked and honored to receive the recognition.

"I am very fortunate to work with and learn from some of the best educators in the state," Peterson said.

Additionally, Thomas Stoner of Edison Junior-Senior High School in Lake Station was named the District 1 Principal of the Year. District 1 includes Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton counties.

Kristen Hankins of John Simatovich Elementary School in Union Township was named the District 1 Elementary School Principal of the Year.

Matthew Beahm of Hebron Middle School was recognized as the District 1 Middle School Principal of the Year, while Justin Holmquest of New Prairie Middle School in New Carlisle was District 2's award recipient. District 2 includes LaPorte County.

IASP is a nonprofit professional association serving over 3,400 school administrators across Indiana.
Shoppers flood the big-box stores and shopping malls on Black Friday, when the holiday shopping season kicks off in high gear.

Small Business Saturday asks people to consider buying gifts at local merchants, the independent mom-and-pop shops that make communities unique.

American Express founded the shopping holiday in 2010 and the U.S. Small Business Administration signed on the following year. It's blown up with consumer spending at local merchants rising to $17.9 billion last Small Business Saturday, the SBA estimates.

Several Small Business Saturday events are planned around the Calumet Region, including at the Crown Antique Mall, Humane Indiana PAWS Resale Plus in Munster, BalArisi Designs in St. John, Hazel Rae Boutique in Hebron, 2 Old Goats Market in Crown Point and New 2 U Resale Shop in Gary.

Montego Bay Grill at 322 Main St. in Hobart is hosting a Small Business Saturday Vendor Pop-up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Hobart Chamber of Commerce also is hosting vendors at its welcome center at 1001 Lillian St., where shoppers can pick up Small Business Saturday passports and downtown Hobart maps. They can get the passports stamped at local merchants in downtown Hobart and bring them back for the chance to win prizes. It also will have a mini food truck fest in the parking lot as part of the festivities.

Downtown Hobart merchants will take part in the Small Business Saturday celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Green Door Books at 325 Main St. will have a vendors market and bag sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers can fill up a grocery bag full of used books for a fixed price and also get 50% off new books.

Downtown Whiting also has a small business bingo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in which people can win more than $200 in gift cards by getting cards punched at stores like The Junkyard, Mindbenders, Grindhouse Cafe, Suncatchers, Ooo La La, Lakefront Nutrition, Vibez Spiritual, Rebeca's Hair Salon and Nostalgic Treasures.

Inner Peace Wellness and Spa at 952 Richard Road in Dyer will offer $1 a minute mini services, gift card promotions, Christmas gift baskets and specials from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Gratefully Painted at 737 169th St. in Hammond will offer raffles, ornament painting and a $3 painting fee from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Hall of Justice at 220 S. Main St. in Crown Point is hosting a Small Business Saturday Boss Babe Event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 15 female-owned businesses will offer Christmas gifts, gift certificates and the opportunity to book self-care appointments or order holiday party food.

Vendors include Plump You Up Aesthetics, Skin By Jo, Monarch Health and Wellness, Ast Wellness, Pelvic Affinity, Estelle and Bea Boutique, Stelle's Lil Shop, Retro Rose, Tinsel Envy, Bejeweled Forever, The Bloom Room, A Dedacdent Delight, Region Creations, Tanline Optional, Get it Poppin, 37 shades and Outward Olive.

Katie Rose Boutique at 9610 N. Centennial Drive in Munster will offer sales and complimentary wine, mimosas and light snacks between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The boutique is marking Small Business Saturday its second anniversary by marking down everything in the store by 20% and some merchandise by as much as 75%.

Buddy the family dog will be on hand to greet Small Business Saturday shoppers at the boutique, which stocks a variety of trendy women's fashions.
Indiana's leading business organization is urging the Republican-controlled General Assembly to act next year on a broad array of policy proposals, including several that potentially could imperil some lawmakers seeking reelection.

The most controversial items on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce agenda include adding an extra $2 tax to each pack of cigarettes sold in the state, and targeting union members by banning public works project labor agreements that favor local, organized workers over potentially lower-cost outsiders.

The cigarette tax hike has long been a top priority for the chamber to encourage Hoosiers to stop smoking, improve public health and reduce health care costs.

State lawmakers, however, repeatedly have balked at imposing a tax hike  especially in an election year  when Indiana doesn't need new revenue given its annual budget surplus and budget reserve exceeding $2 billion.

Nevertheless, the chamber estimates increasing the state's cigarette tax to $3 a pack from $1 would reduce the number of Indiana smokers by 100,000 and generate $370 million in new revenue the first year, which it said could go toward hiking Medicaid payment rates and reducing the shift of Medicaid health care costs onto privately insured Hoosiers.

"Reimbursement rates are too low and that results in a shift to commercial payers making up for the losses providers incur on Medicaid patients," said Ashton Eller, chamber vice president of health care policy and employment law.

As for project labor agreements, the chamber repeatedly has championed anti-union policies at the Statehouse  including passage of Indiana's right-to-work law and repeal of the common construction wage  and it hopes next year to finally ban project labor agreements as a condition of public works contracting after lawmakers nearly approved the policy last year.

Among the chamber's other top priorities are initiatives to expand career training programs for Indiana students and enhancing access to child care for Hoosier workers.

"Indiana has a talent and quality worker shortage that is leaving too many positions unfilled and negatively affects attempts to lure companies to relocate to the state," said Jason Bearce, chamber vice president of education and workforce development.

"We made a start at addressing this issue last session, but everyone realizes more needs to be done. The lack of affordable, high-quality child care across Indiana is impacting Hoosier families and businesses all over the state."

Other items on the chamber's agenda include reducing the number of businesses required to pay personal property tax; limiting the types of lawsuits that can be filed against companies; allowing undocumented workers to legally drive in Indiana; expanding the scope of practice for non-physician medical professionals; requiring local governments to recognize state minority, woman or veteran business certifications; and ensuring businesses can continue using PFAS "forever chemicals" in some circumstances.

The General Assembly is scheduled to convene its 9-week session Jan. 8.

Meet the 2023 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores
I just like digging for things and finding treasure, Irini Arakas said. Even though I havent been making anything for years, I was always collecting beads and squirreling them away under my bed or in a closet.

As for treasure, the New York designer was referring to one of her new necklaces, which dangled the Sesame Street character Grover from a pastiche of faux pearls, colorful glass rondelles, teardrops and strawberry shapes. He held a bouquet of flowers and flashed a hand gesture that some might consider offensive.

Ms. Arakas is the founder of Prova, a fashion line she started in the early 2000s after leaving her job as an accessories writer at Vogue. It has been dormant for almost 10 years, but now she has started its second act with the new line of necklaces.

The original Prova, featuring necklaces, scarves and apparel in mix-and-match fabrics with eclectic trims and a profusion of pearls and beads, had fans like Michelle Obama, a repeat Prova buyer at the Ikram boutique in Chicago, and Taylor Swift, photographed in one of its dresses for a 2011 Teen Vogue issue.
10D. Someone who is as thin as a REED, as the simile goes, may be Easily swayed by the wind. There is no indication as to whether the persons opinion can be swayed.

Constructor Notes

Some constructors aim to hit for the cycle, which means that they have at least one puzzle published on every day of the week. I, however, am an anti-cycler. This is my eighth Times puzzle, and Ive had only Fridays and Sundays. You might see a Saturday from me someday, but getting a themed 15x puzzle accepted feels impossible. (Dear reader, I have tried!) I almost didnt submit this puzzle! With ever-higher standards for themeless grids, I have become more and more sensitive to crosswordese-ish short fill. Things like ARAL, ASTI, TEAT, EKED, METE  even ODOR, ODE, ERA are all legit entries, but it feels as if theres just no original way left to clue them. Im glad I stuck with the grid in spite of that pileup because I do love the long entries in this grid. It was cool to get SCREEN TEST and DRAMA CLUBS in symmetrical spots, and FEELING IT and SOUL PATCH are such fun 9s. The toughest loss from clue editing was Keshas Your Love Is My ___ for 22-Across. This is a contentious take in the online Music League Im in, but Keshas Tik Tok is a seminally important song. Overall, though, the Times team greatly improved the puzzle, as usual!

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On an evening in October, Mr. Begue joined 17 other students around a long wooden table at BISRs white-brick office space in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo. The group read texts like Woodcutters and Heldenplatz, while snacking on corn chips and sipping boxed wine. Lauren K. Wolfe, an associate faculty member who specializes in Austrian and German literature, guided discussions of the writers hectoring prose and disdain for Austrian culture as the group engaged with larger questions about literary critique, political memory and translation.

At our core is the conviction that the idea that people are anti-intellectual is false, Ajay Singh Chaudhary, the institutes executive director, said. The idea that people dont want to critically engage, that they just want five-minute sound bites, is false.

Founded in 2012, the Brooklyn Institute began modestly, with a dozen or so people discussing Platos Republic over cheap pints at a bistro in the brownstone-filled neighborhood of Boerum Hill. Mr. Chaudhary, then a graduate student at Columbia University, had dreamed of an alternative to traditional academia while preparing to teach Columbias Core curriculum. He was at a local bar and noticed interest from nearby patrons.

People have always been like, Oh, whats that? I always wish I got a chance to study, you know, Aristotle or Plato, Mr. Chaudhary said.
Israeli forces said on Thursday that they had detained the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, for questioning following evidence showing that the Al-Shifa Hospital, under his direct management, served as a Hamas command and control center.

And on both sides of the border, families of the captives waited with terrible trepidation, counting down the hours, hoping their loved ones might be among those released and that nothing at the last minute would go wrong.

The family of Avigail Idan, a small child whose parents were murdered in front of their children by Hamas militants at a kibbutz during the Oct. 7 assault, hoped that they would be able to celebrate her fourth birthday with her on Friday.

I find myself barely breathing through the last 24 hours, her aunt, Tal Idan, said after the announcement of the agreement. Every hour that goes by feels like forever.

White House officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the five weeks of sensitive negotiations that had led to the agreement, said on Tuesday that they expected the final list of 50 hostages to to include the release of three Americans: two women and the child, Avigail, whose name has also been spelled Abigail in the U.S. media and who is a dual Israeli and U.S. citizen. But it wasnt clear if they would be released in the first group on Friday.

Image An undated photo (from left) of Avigail Idan, Roy Idan, Michael Idan, Amelia Idan, and Smadar Idan.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where the Israeli military has been carrying out nightly raids, the siblings of Walaa Tanji, 26, began frantically preparing for her arrival when they heard she might be released from an Israeli jail. Having already had their hopes dampened the previous day, they nevertheless arranged to bring family members and rented plastic chairs to accommodate the crowds.

Israel detained Ms. Tanji over a year ago at her home in the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus, along with two other women. Israels military accused the three of planning an attack on an Israeli checkpoint and said it had found firearms in a car they were using. Nagham Tanji, Walaas older sister, said that her sister was innocent and that she had yet to be charged or sentenced.

And in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians who have endured nearly seven weeks of intense airstrikes waited anxiously for the truce.

I will live in safety, even if its temporary and short, without hearing explosions near or far, Shadi Hijazi, a 23-year-old construction worker, said in a phone interview.

Qatar announced it would send a plane loaded with 41 tons of aid to the Gaza Strip, where an estimated 2.2 million Palestinians desperately need humanitarian aid and are running short of water, food and medicine. Several international humanitarian organizations said the four-day cease-fire window was too tight to address the dire situation.

The executive director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that the organization was positioned to quickly scale up the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid in Gaza. But, she said, this is far from enough to meet the growing needs of Palestinians.
Let the light in. Five years after the Metropolitan Museum of Art set off on a major renovation of its galleries for European painting, the super-prime real estate at the top of its grand staircase is open again. Up in the attic, the architects Beyer Blinder Belle have replaced 30,000 square feet of skylights for the first time since the Truman administration. Down in the galleries, the Mets designers have widened the rooms, rearranged the sightlines, shellacked the walls purple and blue. The curators have reassembled the whole painting collection for the first time since 2018, shuffled across 45 new galleries and bathed in beautifully tempered light.

The work was done in two phases, so visitors got a taste of the even, shadowless lighting when the Met presented an abbreviated showcase in a fraction of these galleries in 2020. (When it comes to light, this New Amsterdam institution definitely leans more Dutch than Italian.) Turns out, the new efforts at illumination are not only above your head. For more than a century, the Met had organized these paintings by national school, with all the Italian pictures on one side, all the Dutch ones on the other. Come now, and youll encounter the whole continents art along a single chronological pathway, starting from the early Renaissance in central Italy and ending about 500 years later in France and Spain.

This new display wanders back and forth across the Alps, zigzags off-piste, and in a few places jumps into the modern age. A Bacon, a Beckmann and a Kerry James Marshall are hiding in here. Duccios break-the-bank Madonna and Child, painted in Tuscany around 1300, now shares a case with Ingress painting of the same subject from 1852. Youll see new acquisitions, not least by women of the 17th and 18th centuries, and freshly cleaned favorites, above all Rembrandts Aristotle With a Bust of Homer, gleaming through melancholy.
Its rare for a television show to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Its even rarer for a show to be entering a new era on its 60th anniversary.

But Doctor Who, the British sci-fi show that began airing on the BBC in 1963, is in a period of expansion. Three upcoming specials, celebrating the shows latest milestone, will arrive weekly on Disney+ in the United States from Saturday, as part of a deal between the streamer and the BBC.

And then a new season, starring Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) in the title role, will arrive next year on Disney+ (and the BBC in Britain) following an extra Christmas Day episode. Russell T Davies, who relaunched the show in 2005, is the showrunner for them all.

Doctor Who has decades of adventures, villains and complex story lines for dedicated fans to immerse themselves in. But if youre new to the show, heres what you need to know before tuning into the upcoming specials.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed regret that Azerbaijan is using the purely humanitarian issue concerning the prisoners for political goals. He said that Azerbaijans actions are illogical.

November 24, 2023, 17:33 Armenia ready to exchange convicted Azeris with PoWs under 'all for all' principle

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 24 , ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Pashinyan said that the government is focused on the issue of POWs.

Weve expressed readiness to display flexibility in this issue as well, and to work with Azerbaijan in order for our prisoners to return. Negotiations are one way, one direction. Furthermore, we have expressed readiness to even exchange the convicted Azerbaijanis in Armenia with our prisoners under the all for all principle, considering it a purely humanitarian issue, the Prime Minister said.

Weve applied to the international human rights courts and other possible legal bodies in all cases. In several cases we have rulings on indicating urgent measures from these bodies, bringing international attention on the issue. But I have to say that obviously that work cant be considered sufficient as long as our captive brothers havent returned to Armenia, and we will continue to make every effort in this direction, Pashinyan said.
Besides the plan to make three electric models in Sunderland, Nissan said it would make its auto plant the anchor of a low-emissions industrial complex. The facilities would include a new plant to make electric car batteries as well as solar and wind farms to generate green electricity for the plants and a power system to link the facilities. The hope would be to attract additional suppliers, creating many more jobs.

The battery plant would join two others: one currently in operation, and another under development, both run by Envision AESC, a subsidiary of a Chinese company that partners with Nissan. Envision AESC is expected to build the third plant.

Mr. Wells said this idea of creating a green manufacturing hub in northeast England was the key to the announcement. As automakers shift to lower emission vehicles, they will also want to cut the carbon footprint in their manufacturing, he said.

This is the future of this kind of operation, Mr. Wells said. The long game is to have zero-carbon manufacturing.

Nissans Sunderland plant churned out 238,000 vehicles in 2022, more than any other assembly plant in Britain, although it previously produced half a million vehicles annually. The company announced it would make electric versions of two conventional models now produced there, the popular Qashqai and the Juke. Sunderland will also make the next generation of the Leaf, an electric model that has been made at the plant for a decade.
President Biden called the release of 24 hostages by Hamas on Friday only a start, but so far its gone well.

Speaking after Hamas freed hostages in Gaza and Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners and detainees  the first exchange under their four-day truce  Mr. Biden predicted that more hostages would be released.

No Americans were among the first group of hostages freed, but Mr. Biden said his hope and expectation was that they would be released soon.

Mr. Biden, speaking from Nantucket, Mass., where he spent Thanksgiving with his family, said the chances are real that the pause could open the door to a longer cease-fire. He remains in contact with the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Israel to make sure this stays on track and every aspect of the deal is implemented. Israel had already agreed to extend the truce if Hamas released at least 10 additional hostages per day.

Asked if he trusts Hamas to uphold its end of the deal, Mr. Biden said, I dont trust Hamas to do anything right. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure.

Marc Polymeropoulos, a former C.I.A. operations officer who has spent extensive time in the Middle East, said he believed Mr. Biden would face tremendous pressure from Democrats, Arab leaders and others in the international community to press for a permanent cease-fire.

I think hell give Israel some runway, but pressure on him is growing, Mr. Polymeropoulos said. The looming question after the four-day pause, he said, is What happens on Day 5?

The Israeli army has a mission to destroy Hamas, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said is not yet over. By some estimates, just over 2,000 Hamas fighters have been killed out of 40,000.

So, the fight is far from over if the objective remains the elimination of Hamas, said Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.

Those freed on Friday included 13 Israeli women and children, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino, according to Qatari officials. They were among more than 200 hostages that Hamas has held captive since its forces entered Israel on Oct. 7 to massacre and kidnap civilians. The cease-fire deal, negotiated over weeks by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, included the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Mr. Biden said that U.S. officials did not know the names or conditions of Americans or other hostages slated for release.

On Friday evening Mr. Biden attended a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Nantucket. A handful of protesters holding Free Palestine shouted repeatedly, Biden, Biden, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide, until a man went to a microphone asking them to stop and to remind them, this is a community tree lighting.

More than 140 trucks carrying fuel, medicine and humanitarian aid had entered Gaza from Egypt on Friday, according to the U.N. humanitarian office. Hundreds more trucks are getting in position as well, ready to enter Gaza over the coming days to support Palestinians who are suffering greatly because of this war that Hamas has unleashed, Mr. Biden said.

The Israeli military now occupies much of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, and some 1.7 million of Gazas 2.3 million Palestinian residents have been forced to flee their homes.

Mr. Biden put the blame for that squarely on Hamas. Hamas doesnt give a damn about them, he said.

Julian Barnes contributed reporting.
It was a proactive path Veerasunthorn knew well.

She grew up in a small seaside town in Thailands Chonburi Province, where she said her only exposure to animation as a career came in the form of the local artists who hand-painted posters to announce new movie releases in the town square.

At home, she and her younger siblings would watch the 1941 Disney animated film Dumbo on repeat. The movies fantastical nature and its message of persevering against the odds resonated with her as a young girl.

Also, she said wryly, Maybe that was the only VHS we had.

Her parents ran an auto parts shop in front of the family home, and Veerasunthorn used their industrial cardboard boxes and a wall in the kitchen as her canvases. But she had no formal training, and art was just a hobby.

When she was 15, she left home for high school in Bangkok, where she chose a computer science track, hoping to learn to write emails. And after graduating in 2000 with the expectation that she would pursue a practical, lucrative career in her home country, she enrolled in medical school.

But Veerasunthorn did not love the idea of becoming a doctor, and during her semester break, she began taking art classes and writing to Ratanasirintrawoot, who recommended her to the president at his alma mater, Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio.

Her parents were supportive but nervous. No one in Veerasunthorns family had pursued a career in the arts. I was leaving behind something that, to a lot of people, family and friends, is a very solid career to do something that is unknown, she said.
If You Were the Last

Stream it on Peacock.

After three years of buddy banter and watching the same movies over and over, astronauts Adam and Jane, marooned on a busted ship, accept the fact that they wont get back to Earth and finally give in to their mutual attraction. Of course thats when their navigation system starts working again, enabling them to return home  where their spouses are waiting. Uh-oh. Does it count as cheating if you thought you were doomed?

Anthony Mackie (recently seen in the Twisted Metal series) and Zoe Chao (Party Down) convincingly, playfully connect as both sparring partners and lovers, and pairing them in a romantic comedy of the sci-fi persuasion was a felicitous move. While the story is relatively straightforward, the director Kristian Mercado puts a fun twist on it: The ship is cartoonishly designed, with flat surfaces that often look drawn, while everything on Earth is filmed in a naturalistic manner. This suggest that the space sexcapades were not part of real life. But what if they led to feelings that are simultaneously grounded and lightheaded? Never mind where Adam and Jane are: You are likely to find yourself rooting for them, which is a good rom-coms ultimate objective.

The Gravity

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Brittany Commisso, a former aide to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York who accused him of groping her in late 2020, is suing him under the states Adult Survivors Act for what she described as pervasive abusive conduct, according to court papers.

In the papers, Ms. Commisso accused Mr. Cuomo of continuous sexual harassment and of retaliating against her after she refused his advances and reported his conduct.

Ms. Commissos allegations against Mr. Cuomo are not new, and he has long denied them.

In 2021, she filed a formal criminal complaint against Mr. Cuomo with the Albany County sheriffs office, which investigated and filed charges against him. Albany County prosecutors decided not to prosecute, saying that while they were deeply troubled and found Ms. Commisso cooperative and credible, they had concluded they could not meet their burden of proof at trial.

The court papers filed by Ms. Commisso on Tuesday were used to initiate a lawsuit and are to be followed by a complaint, according to court rules.
For young Black men like Justin Sullivan, growing up in Harlem in the 2000s came with regular harassment from the police, making it risky to use marijuana. But when he started making white friends who also smoked weed, he learned that they were not under the same scrutiny.

Thats when I started seeing how I was vilified for cannabis, Mr. Sullivan, now 34, said in an interview.

Included with New Yorks legalization of weed in 2021 was a central promise to give back to communities that were most harmed by the war on drugs. Now, state cannabis regulators have created an interactive map from 1.2 million marijuana arrests conducted across the state over the last four decades as a guide to which neighborhoods qualify.

Mr. Sullivans distressing experience could give him an advantage as he seeks one of at least 1,000 licenses that cannabis regulators in New York State plan to hand out early next year in a broad expansion of the legal market. Harlem, once a hotbed of drug arrests, is pinpointed in the mapping tool as a leading candidate for redress.
A prominent doctor is suing NYU Langone Health after he was fired as director of its cancer center over his social media postings about the Israel-Hamas war.

The lawsuit could propel NYU Langone  a major New York hospital  into the center of a national debate over how much power private institutions have to fire employees over their online postings.

Laws protecting employees from being fired for what they say or do outside of the office vary widely by state. In New York, the law is somewhat unclear, lawyers say. But as tensions and protests escalate over the violence in the Middle East, the issue of what sort of speech is protected or acceptable has roiled American businesses and campuses.

The wrongful termination lawsuit was brought by Dr. Benjamin Neel, a cancer biologist whose laboratory at NYU Langone conducts research on breast cancer, ovarian cancer and treatments for leukemia. Before he was fired, Dr. Neel had reposted a variety of anti-Hamas political cartoons, including two with offensive caricatures of Arab people, and messages on the social media platform X, like one that appeared to question the extent of the death toll in Gaza from Israels relentless bombing campaign.

He is far from the first person to lose his job over his public reactions to Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, or Israels subsequent airstrikes and invasion of Gaza. Journalists have lost jobs, and law students have had job offers rescinded. Palestine Legal, an advocacy group, says it has received over 80 requests since Oct. 7 for help over peoples firings.

Multiple doctors have also lost their jobs or been suspended for statements about the war. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, a pediatric cardiologist was placed on leave after being accused of calling Palestinians bloodthirsty morally depraved animals in online postings, according to a news report. He later wrote his colleagues an apology for what he said were regrettable, hurtful messages, according to a local news report.

An emergency room doctor at Lenox Hill Hospital, on the Upper East Side, was fired after being accused of posting Zionist settlers getting a taste of their own medicine following the Oct. 7 attacks. The doctor declined to comment.

Dr. Neel is one of two doctors whom NYU Langone has removed for online postings since the war began last month. The first, Dr. Zaki Masoud, a trainee at NYU Langones hospital in Mineola, Long Island, was removed from service, according to the hospital, after he was accused of posting a message on Instagram in defense of the Hamas attack.

An online petition calling on the hospital to reverse course and reinstate Dr. Masoud has garnered 89,000 signatures. He could not be reached for comment.

Dr. Neels lawsuit, filed last week in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, claims that NYU Langone feared a backlash after firing Dr. Masoud and so decided to fire Dr. Neel as well  in an ill-considered plan to feign the appearance of even-handedness.

Dr. Neel claims that an executive vice president at the hospital told Dr. Neel that his online posts were making it hard to justify firing others, like Dr. Masoud. Dr. Neel was offered up as a sacrificial lamb, the suit claims.

Most of the social media posts at issue were reposts of political cartoons, according to the lawsuit. One of the cartoons takes aim at western defenders of Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The cartoon shows a protest in which demonstrators are holding aloft signs justifying torture and rape. Another cartoon questions whether negotiating a two-state solution is viable with Hamas in power. Dr. Neel also shared a post questioning the accuracy of a list of approximately 7,000 people that the Hamas-run Health ministry in Gaza said had been killed during Israels bombing campaign.

Dr. Neel continues to be a tenured professor at NYU Langone Health and to oversee a laboratory, but he was terminated from his job as director of the hospitals Perlmutter Cancer Center  resulting in his hospital pay being slashed by about two-thirds, his lawyer, Milton Williams, said.

Dr. Neels research has focused on the communication between healthy cells and how this is disrupted in cancer, his lawyer said. As director of the cancer center, he oversaw more than 1,000 employees, according to his lawyer.

The lawsuit claims that Dr. Neel was told his social media posts were deemed to be an intentional breach of NYU Langones Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy and that he failed to meet the standards expected of a physician in a leadership role and had hurt the hospitals reputation.

Several times since last month, we reminded all employees of our high standards, as well as our Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, NYU Langone said in a statement responding to the lawsuit. Nonetheless, Dr. Ben Neel, as a leader at our institution, disregarded these standards in a series of public social media posts and later locked his Twitter/X account. NYU Langone stands by our decision and looks forward to defending it in court.

Dr. Neels lawsuit claims that support for Israel is a component of his Jewish identity. NYU Langones decision to punish him for his online posts amounts to religious discrimination, the lawsuit claims.

In addition to accusing NYU Langone of discrimination, the lawsuit also claims that New York law protects workers from being fired for social media outside of work hours  a debatable proposition.

A few states, such as Connecticut, have restricted the ability of employers to fire employees for their opinions or speech. New Yorks protections for workers are more limited, but one safeguard is a law that prohibits employers from firing people for legal recreational activities. The law, which began as a bill intended to protect cigarette smokers from being fired for tobacco use, ended up providing broader protection. The law cites a few examples of legal recreational activities: sports, hobbies, exercise, reading, watching television.

But recreation is highly subjective, said an appellate lawyer, Joseph Pace, who has written about the issue, and New York courts have said little about online activities. At the moment, its an open question whether blogging and tweeting will be deemed protected recreational activity, Mr. Pace wrote in an email.

The lawsuit could put NYU Langone under the microscope in the widening debate.

Dr. Neels court filings include several emails that expressed pro-Israel opinions sent among top NYU Langone officials denigrating other universities across the country for how they responded to protests and student demands related to the war.

In one email, a top hospital official wrote something insulting about the president of Harvard. In another email, Dr. Robert Grossman, the longtime chief executive of the hospital, called Stanford a piece of excrement and said that the University of Pennsylvania was similarly feculent.

Dr. Grossman  who is such a significant figure at the hospital that New York Universitys medical school is named after him  also seemed to suggest that N.Y.U. students who protested against Israel should face punishment. They should take away their scholarships, Dr. Grossman wrote in a message to Dr. Neel in October.

Dr. Neels lawyer, Mr. Williams, said that his clients online postings were tepid compared to views some hospital leaders shared in their emails to one another. Grossman was suggesting they take away scholarships, when all Ben was doing was challenging those who celebrate the deaths of innocent Israeli citizens, he said.

In a statement, NYU Langone said Dr. Neels decision to share those emails was just him lashing out for being held accountable.

The emails referenced in the suit were among colleagues and Dr. Neel is now making them public in an effort to pressure NYU Langone, the statement said.
The car that exploded this week at a border bridge in Niagara Falls, N.Y., was a 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, the authorities said on Friday, an ultraluxury model capable of reaching a speed of 60 miles per hour in four seconds.

The police identified Kurt P. Villani as the driver and Monica Villani as the passenger. The married couple, who were both 53 and from Grand Island, were the owners of several businesses in western New York. They were headed to a concert in Toronto before the fatal crash, which remained unexplained.

The base model Flying Spur in 2022 came powered by an eight-cylinder engine generating 542 horsepower and weighed 5,137 pounds, according to specifications from Edmunds, which provides data about automobiles for consumers. Used models cost more than $200,000, and Car and Driver magazine said that the Flying Spurs unbeatable blend of luxury and performance comes with an eye-watering six-figure price tag.

Speculation had percolated online about the cars make and model since the crash just before noon on Wednesday, and investigators were exploring whether a mechanical problem had caused the car to accelerate out of control.
William M. Casey, a former New York City deputy police chief who was the unheralded hero of the Dirty 30 corruption investigation, which ensnared one-sixth of the officers assigned to a West Harlem precinct, died on Nov. 9 at his home in Pleasantville, N.Y. He was 78.

His daughter, Kimberly Wildey, said the cause was complications of a stroke and Parkinsons disease.

The scandal  often described as the largest police corruption case involving a single precinct in the departments history  was uncovered by a commission on police corruption appointed by Mayor David N. Dinkins in 1992 and headed by Justice Milton Mollen of the New York State Supreme Court. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York under Mary Jo White.

But it was left to the police department to conduct the undercover investigation of the precinct, the 30th, whose station house is on West 151st Street, near Amsterdam Avenue. The operation resulted in charges against 34 officers, 30 of whom were either convicted or pleaded guilty to crimes ranging from perjury and civil rights violations to stealing drugs or cash from narcotics dealers.
The lament is as old as education itself: The students arent paying attention. But today, the problem of flighty or fragmented attention has reached truly catastrophic proportions. High school and college teachers overwhelmingly report that students capacity for sustained, or deep attention has sharply decreased, significantly impeding the forms of study  reading, looking at art, round-table discussions  once deemed central to the liberal arts.

By some measures you are lucky these days to get 47 seconds of focused attention on a discrete task. Middlemarch is tough sledding on that timeline. So are most forms of human interaction out of which meaningful life, collective action and political engagement are made.

We are witnessing the dark side of our new technological lives, whose extractive profit models amount to the systematic fracking of human beings: pumping vast quantities of high-pressure media content into our faces to force up a spume of the vaporous and intimate stuff called attention, which now trades on the open market. Increasingly powerful systems seek to ensure that our attention is never truly ours.

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution enabled harrowing new forms of exploitation and human misery. Yet through new forms of activity such as trade unions and labor organizing, working people pushed back against the satanic mills that compromised their humanity and pressed money out of their blood and bones. The moment has come for a new and parallel revolution against the dishonest expropriation of value from you and me and, most visibly of all, our children. We need a new kind of resistance, equal to the little satanic mills that live in our pockets.
At least three people were killed and eight others injured after Russian missiles struck a hospital in southern Ukraine, said the countrys emergency services.

Missiles had struck and damaged two buildings of the hospital in Selydove town late on Tuesday, interior minister Ihor Klymenko had said in an earlier statement.

He had warned in his statement that casualties would increase as officials assessed damage from the attack.

Rescue workers finished clearing the rubble after sifting through the remains night and day, 24 hours after the attack, emergency services said on Wednesday. A whole section of the building had totally collapsed, they said.

Another body was recovered from the rubble of the hospital building, the State Emergency Service wrote on Telegram.

In total, three people were killed in the missile strike.

At least eight others were also injured in the attack.

Rescuers clear debris in a hospital in Selydove damaged by a Russian missile strike (AFP via Getty Images)

A few minutes after the attack on the hospital on Tuesday, a coal mine was targeted in another missile strike.

One worker there was killed and 39 miners had been trapped underground due to the impact of the attack.

The workers were, however, brought to the surface and confirmed to be safe, said the interior minister Mr Klymenko.

Selydove, a town in Donetsk oblast that has largely been occupied by Russia, was also targeted in a missile attack a week before. That attack had struck an apartment block in the southern town.

Russia has not issued a statement on its attack on the hospital and has rarely spoken about the several hundred strikes that have struck civilian buildings during the course of its full-scale Ukraine invasion.

Even though Russia has falsely claimed it only targets military infrastructure, Vladimir Putins forces have deliberately targeted civilians and killed hundreds in frequent air strikes.

Frequent missile strikes and shelling has resulted in thousands fleeing war hotspots like Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where Russian forces are now trying to consolidate military positions.
All politicians lie. So many people consider that idea self-evident that Ive heard it deployed as both a defense of lying and a reason to disengage from our democratic system entirely.

Theres a class of lying so extreme, however, that it exceeds either analytical framework. These arent lies about what a politician will do for voters; theyre lies about what the politician had for breakfast, what book hes reading, whether he played on his college volleyball team. And Im not talking just about George Santos.

But I am absolutely, definitely talking about George Santos. Last week, a report by the House Ethics Committee found that Mr. Santos, a 35-year-old (as far as we know) congressman from New York, had misused his campaign funds, spending some of the money on designer clothing, Botox and the not-safe-for-work platform OnlyFans, among other things. His lies are so extensive that a very long list of them compiled by New York magazine under the heading Heres Every Single Lie Told by George Santos may need to be updated by the time you finish reading this essay. He lied about his mother dying as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks, about starting an animal welfare charity and about being a producer on the failed Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. He says the report, which he called biased, shouldnt have been released, which is also a lie.

Among the ranks of people who have been caught in unnecessary lies, Mr. Santoss fellow New Yorkers are overrepresented. New York Citys mayor, Eric Adams, said that he had long carried around a photograph of an officer who was killed in the line of duty. But the photo he displayed turned out to have been printed only days before and altered with fake signs of wear. Despite being hailed as the citys first vegan mayor  the author of a vegan cookbook!  he eats fish.
To the Editor:

Re The Question of Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism, by Charles M. Blow (column, Nov. 16):

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism, adopted by dozens of countries around the world, indeed does define anti-Zionism as antisemitism. It cites as an example of antisemitism: Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.

That the Jewish people deserve the right of self-determination, after the Holocaust and the persecution throughout Arab lands for centuries, was resolved in 1948. To debate Zionism is precisely the problem facing the Jews today and most especially Israelis who live in an absurd world in which the nature of their birthright is called into question, as every single Israeli is born of Zionism.

How ironic that in this day and age in the United States, where every minority is protected and words matter more than ever, it is somehow acceptable to define oneself as anti-Zionist, even if Jewish. It is offensive, absurd and deeply antisemitic.

As an American Israeli, I cannot stress enough how toxic this concept is to Israelis and how it does nothing to help the cause of peace today.

Rebecca Rose

Saugerties, N.Y.

The writer is the director of North American affairs for the Combat Antisemitism Movement.

To the Editor:

Charles Blow quoted the chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, as saying, Zionism is fundamental to Judaism. Respectfully, I must disagree.

Judaisms core strength is its portability, which has allowed it to survive, against punishing odds, for more than 2,500 years. It is tied to faith and peoplehood, not real estate.

That belief doesnt make me an anti-Zionist, but it does make me a non-Zionist. My faith may have been created on land within the borders of the state of Israel, but it has been shaped by many forces and people around the globe over the years. And my cultural roots as a Jew lie in Eastern Europe, where all my great-grandparents were born.

(Rabbi) Ellen Jaffe-Gill

Virginia Beach

To the Editor:

Charles Blow mentions that Amnesty International calls Israels government an apartheid regime. Under South African apartheid, Black people were not citizens of South Africa and, as such, could not vote in elections or serve in its Parliament, could not be treated in hospitals that were reserved for white people, and could not attend the same schools and universities as white people. These are just a few of the indignities suffered by Black people in apartheid South Africa.

None of these harsh discriminatory practices apply to Palestinian Arabs in Israel, where Palestinians make up about 20 percent of Israels citizens. They can vote in the countrys elections and have representatives they have elected to the Knesset, Israels parliament, can attend Israels fine universities, and can work in or be treated in Israels hospitals.

Mr. Blow owes it to his readers to correct Amnesty Internationals false labeling of Israel as an apartheid state instead of spreading its calumny.

Steven L. Weiss

Princeton, N.J.

Expanding Advanced Placement Classes: Harmful or More Equitable?
Mary Kathryn Nagle moved to Manhattan in 2010. Back then, she would often run to work along a path that skirted the East River, absorbing the city and its history from the shoreline.

I was interested in learning more about whose lands I was on, she said.

Nagle, a lawyer and a playwright, grew up in Oklahoma, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She had not known much about the Lenape, Manhattans original residents, though Lenape tribes (some of whom refer to themselves as Delaware Indians) lived in Anadarko and Bartlesville, not far from her hometown. That year, through contacts at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, she discovered more, including details of the purchase of Manhattan, which was then part of the Lenapes homeland, Lenapehoking, by Dutch colonists.

This was not long after the 2008 financial crisis. Nagles firm, Quinn Emanuel, was engaged in litigation, suing banks implicated in that crisis. The ceding of Manhattan and the subprime mortgage catastrophe began to mingle in her mind, especially once she discovered that Wall Street, a fulcrum of the subprime collapse, was named for the wall built by the Dutch to keep the English out.

These dueling histories, recent and long ago, inspired Nagles play Manahatta. Now in previews at the Public Theater, it will run through Dec. 23. Named for the Lenape word for Manhattan, which translates to island of many hills, the drama volleys between the 17th century and the early 21st, and between Manahatta and Manhattan and Anadarko. The seven actors in the cast each play a character in each period. This is the plays third production, but the first on the island on which it is largely set.
The surge of migrants entering the United States across the southern border increasingly includes people from a surprising place: China.

Despite the distances involved and the difficulties of the journey, more than 24,000 Chinese citizens have been apprehended crossing into the United States from Mexico in the past year. That is more than in the preceding 10 years combined, according to government data.

They typically fly into Ecuador, where they do not need a visa. Then, like hundreds of thousands of other migrants from Central and South America and more distant locations, they pay smugglers to guide their travel through the dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama en route to the United States. Once there, they turn themselves in to border officials and many seek asylum.

And most succeed, in turn fueling further attempts. Chinese citizens are more successful than people from other countries with their asylum claims in immigration court. And those who are not end up staying anyway because China usually will not take them back.
Since 2020, Democratic strategists and activists have fixated on how to expand their gains in Georgia, once a Republican stronghold and now a true battleground.

But some of the states most prominent grass-roots organizers  those responsible for engineering President Bidens victory in 2020 and that of two Democratic U.S. senators in 2021  are growing concerned that efforts and attention are waning four years later.

The national money that once flowed freely from Democratic groups to help win pivotal Senate contests in Georgia has been slow in coming. Leading organizers, just over a month from the anticipated start of their initiatives to mobilize voters for the presidential election, say they are confronting a deep sense of apathy among key constituencies that will take even more resources to contend with.

And small but potentially pivotal shifts in strategy  cost-conscious measures like delaying large-scale voter engagement programs to later in the cycle or relying more on volunteers than paid canvassers  have privately stoked fears among some organizers about their ability to replicate their successes. More, it has led them to question how seriously Democratic donors and party leaders will take the state in 2024, even as Mr. Bidens campaign has indicated that a repeat victory in Georgia is part of his strategy.
There are politicians  almost all of them  who try to put the best possible shine on their professional resumes and past lives. Then there is Dan Carter.

For 17 years, I was an absolutely horrible individual, said Mr. Carter, the mayor of Oshawa, Ontario. Horrible individual. I lied, cheated, stole.

Homeless and addicted to drugs from his teenage years until he was 31, and essentially illiterate because of severe dyslexia, he was fired from more jobs than he could remember, Mr. Carter said, adding, I really had no skills, no abilities, no education, no nothing.

But it was perhaps this atypical background that appealed to voters in Oshawa, a city of 175,000 on Lake Ontarios shoreline, who first elected him mayor in 2018. Or at least his story positioned him as someone who could bring his personal experience to bear on the citys most pressing problems.
Audrey Salkeld, a pioneering historian of Mount Everest who herself made it to within 8,000 feet of the summit, died on Oct. 11 in Bristol, England. She was 87.

Her sons Ed and Adam Salkeld said the cause of her death, at an assisted living facility, was dementia.

In a tribute, Climbing magazine called Ms. Salkeld the worlds pre-eminent expert in Everest history.

Her books include First on Everest: The Mystery of Mallory & Irvine (1986, with Tom Holzel), about an ill-fated Everest expedition by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine in June 1924. When Mallorys frozen remains were discovered on Everests slopes in 1999, Ms. Salkeld was the expert everyone wanted to speak with. She had even spent time on the mountain looking for his body.
Soon after three children and a woman were wounded in a knife attack outside a Dublin school on Thursday, rumors about the perpetrators nationality began to proliferate online.

The Garda Siochana, the Irish police force, declined to comment on the background of the suspect, who was taken into custody after being tackled to the ground by bystanders. The police said only that he is a man in his 50s.

But unconfirmed reports that he was an Algerian migrant quickly began circulating in anti-immigration and far-right groups, according to researchers specializing in extremist movements online.

Alongside those rumors: a call to gather in central Dublin, in what anti-immigrant voices framed as a stand against crime and in defense of Irish children.
When the cease-fire in Gaza took effect early Friday morning, Palestinians across the Gaza Strip prepared to go back to the homes they fled to see if they were still intact, to check on relatives left behind and in some cases, to finally bury their dead.

The skies above the besieged territory were free of Israeli warplanes for the first day in seven weeks, a brief respite from what has amounted to one of the most intense bombardments of the 21st century. But as some tried to return home to northern Gaza from parts farther south on foot, Israeli forces on the ground opened fire on them, according to witnesses, an Egyptian official and some of those injured.

The Israeli military would not answer questions about whether its forces shot and killed Palestinians trying to go back to their homes. But it said its forces were stationed along the designated operational lines of the pause in accordance with the agreement.

Ahead of the cease-fire, Israel had warned Gazans that it would prohibit them from trying to move from southern Gaza to the north during the cessation in hostilities.

For Gazans, not being allowed to return home even temporarily during a pause in the fighting fed their fears that Israel plans to displace them permanently, as happened in 1948 during the war surrounding Israels creation.

Displacement of parts of Gazas civilian population is permitted only if required for the civilians security or imperative military reasons, said Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch. The civilian population needs to be able to return as soon as possible  permanent displacement is a war crime.

Israeli forces invaded Gaza weeks ago and ordered residents of northern Gaza to move to the south of the small territory. The Israeli military now occupies much of the northern half of the strip, and some 1.7 million of Gazas 2.3 million Palestinian residents have been forced to flee their homes. The displaced are sheltering in schools, mosques, hospitals or with family and friends.

On Friday morning, Kareem al-Nasir, 30, joined thousands of other Palestinians trying to return from central Gaza to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip. But as they tried to make their way along a road on foot, he said, Israeli forces nearby opened fire on them. Mr. al-Nasir said he was shot in the leg and is now unable to walk.

An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, described the same scene, saying an Israeli tank fired at a group of Palestinians at an Israeli checkpoint south of Gaza City on Friday morning and killed two people.

They said there is a cease-fire. What cease-fire? said Mr. al-Nasir, back at the school in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza, where he and his family have been seeking shelter since they fled their home in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. When we tried to pass, they shot at us and injured and killed us, he added.

People wanted to return to their homes, Mr. al-Nasir said. We wanted to go see our relatives, see the martyrs, see our homes.

Video posted by local journalists in Gaza showed hundreds of Palestinians carrying bags and bedding items and walking along roads in the southern city of Khan Younis heading to homes in other parts of southern Gaza, at least temporarily.

Some were still trying to decide if they could make the trek safely.

Nayrouz Qarmout, a Palestinian author from Gaza City in the north, said she fled with her family to southern Gaza weeks ago. She said they had been trying to find out whether they could return.

But as far as we understand, entering the area is prohibited, she said.

Even those who know their homes have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes want to return to see what they can find or salvage from the rubble, she said.

People are attempting to see what remains of their homes or relatives, Ms. Qarmout said. They dont know anything about what has happened to relatives after they lost all contact with them.

Communication in Gaza has been difficult since the early days of the war after Israel bombed a telecommunications tower; it has occasionally been plunged into near-total phone and internet blackouts, either because of Israeli disruptions or a lack of fuel.

The cease-fire deal calls for more aid to be allowed into Gaza. Besides its devastating bombardment, Israel has also imposed a near-total siege on Gaza since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that controls the territory. That has severely restricted the deliveries of food, fuel and medicine, worsening a humanitarian crisis for the population that predated the war.

A total of 230 trucks carrying humanitarian aid, medicine and fuel were scheduled to go in on Friday through the Egyptian border, said Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing.

No one feels safe, said Mohammad al-Masri, a local journalist who last week fled his home in northern Gaza to Khan Younis.

I havent heard anyone say they will go back home. Everyone is afraid, he said. Because at any movement the cease-fire could fall apart.

Vivian Yee contributed reporting.
Lanky and lightly bearded, Jihad Imtoor is the proud son of a fighter killed in the first intifada, or uprising, against Israel. His father was a member of Fatah, the political faction that controls the Palestinian Authority. But he has had enough of its rule in the West Bank.

On a recent day, Mr. Imtoor, 32, a small-business owner, stood outside his shop, watching a march for the many Palestinians detained in Israeli jails, whom Hamas says it is trying to free as part of a deal for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Im not Hamas, but I hope it comes here, he said. The P.A. has taken a lot from us, and its time for them to go.

Referring to the monument in the center of Ramallah, he said: The P.A. is working fine to protect the four lions on Manara Square, but they cannot protect the people from Israel.
Kept alone in a barren aquarium tank for months, there are growing fears about the welfare of a 67-year-old manatee.

A disturbing aerial vision of Romeo at Miami Seaquarium went viral on social media in November. It shows the animal in a discoloured outdoor enclosure thats off limits to the public.

Concerns had been growing about the manatee since an orca named Lolita died at the park from chronic illness  she had been housed without the company of her own species.

Romeo the manatee has been kept in isolation in a tank off-limits to the public for months. Source: UrgentSeas

A recent government inspection report of the park cited several violations across the Florida facility, and raised concerns about housing and welfare. Miami Seaquarium has been unable to acquire any tank mates for Romeo since it set his tank mates free during the US spring.

Thousands call for Romeo to be set free

The video of Romeo was initially shared by activist group UrgentSeas. Its founder Phil Demers explained that when people watch it they can get a sense of his isolation and relate to him. It's not a life it's merely existence. His life is a nonstop repeat in his mind of the same exact thoughts. I guess you could call it Groundhog Day in hell, he told Yahoo.

This video was taken on Nov 13th, 2023 above the Miami Seaquarium. Romeo, a 67 year old manatee lives in complete isolation in ever deteriorating conditions. We must fight for Romeo! #FreeRomeo pic.twitter.com/9BfdsYFaSA  @UrgentSeas (@urgentseas) November 14, 2023

High profile animal lovers including surf champ Kelly Slater have publicly spoken out about Romeo's plight, and a petition calling for his release has close to 15,000 signatures.

Could the end be near for Romeo and his Juliette?

Romeo is understood to be one of three manatees that remain at the Florida facility, and their future remains unclear. Miami Seaquarium has not responded to repeated requests for comment from Yahoo News Australia about Romeos condition.

Story continues

Sources with direct knowledge of the manatees condition who spoke to Yahoo on the condition of anonymity say health concerns could prevent them from being set free, meaning they may need to be kept in captivity at another facility.

Romeo is an old manatee  he entered the park in 1957  back when Elvis Presley was number one on the charts and the worlds first satellite Sputnik 1 was sent into orbit. Another ageing manatee held at Seaquarium, Juliette, is understood to be significantly overweight.

There have been significant changes to their natural environments since they were taken to Miami Seaquarium. It has degraded significantly since then, and there are many more boats on the water capable of striking manatees and causing a fatal wound.

Because Romeo and Juliette were captured before the introduction of the Marine Mammal Act and the Endangered Species Act they are not subject to the same regulations as other manatees.

Several organisations are believed to be working cooperatively with Miami Seaquarium to try and have them rehomed, and they have been given indications that the park may be open to this.

But some are growing frustrated with the slow pace, noting Romeos solitary confinement has gone on too long, and the park needs to act quickly.

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A new water fountain in the Austrian city of Vienna has been described as the ugliest in Europe, possibly the world, despite costing 1.8 million euros ($2 million).

Created by the avantgarde Viennese art group Gelitin, the Austrian capitals newest water fountain was commissioned by local authorities to commemorate 150 years of Viennas modern water system which provided the city with fresh water from streams in the green forests of the Alps and helped eradicate plagues like cholera. The new landmarks design apparently symbolizes the communal responsibility for water and while it did win over the jury that selected Gelitin as the winner, it hasnt done so well with the general public, especially considering its astronomical price, $2 million.

Photo: KOER.or.at

Inaugurated on October 24, in the presence of Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen, Viennas newest water fountain (called WirWasser) quickly attracted mass criticism on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with lots of people dubbing it the ugliest water fountain they had ever seen, and others going as far as claiming that it damages Viennas image.

Despite the criticism, the local Government led by Social Democrat Mayor Michael Ludwig insists that the artistic fountains extraordinary, reality-inspired design conveys a pivotal sense of togetherness. And while they are being accused of spending too much on its construction (1.8 million euros), officials say they actually brought the price down from 2.1 million euros

That new water fountain looks like a 5-year-old created it, one X user wrote. What a sad day for Vienna. Many real artists could have done much better and for much less money. Where is the romance, the heritage, the spirit, the history?

Did they give credit to the 1st grade art class for the design? someone else jokingly asked.



Its true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but $2 million does sound a bit spicy for this particular water fountain.
David Digan's life changed forever following a motorbike accident in 2019. The horrific crash left him with life changing injuries including paralysis to his left arm, two breaks to his neck, injuries to his collar bone and a plate in his arm holding up 18 fractures.

David later had his arm amputated. He spent two weeks in a coma at Tullamore hospital and was there for three months in total before being referred to the NRH (National Rehabilitation Hospital) in Dun Laoghaire.

Since then he has had numerous surgeries and is constantly back and forth to the Mater hospital for treatment. ''I will be in chronic pain for the rest of my life,'' he says.

Prior to this David was employed as a commercial diver, this involved working underwater on offshore wind farms, changing pumps for water supply and working for the ESB. David loved his job. ''I would have done it for free.'' he says.

These days David, who hails from Moate, and his Tullamore based partner Avril O'Connell have been focused on getting a primary medical certificate. This allows tax relief for adapting a car and an exemption on motor tax and road tolls. But most importantly it means people like David can be independent. ''The cost of adapting a car could be anywhere between 500 and 15,000 depending on a person's needs,'' David says.

The ongoing frustration for David is that despite his dreadful disability, he still doesn't qualify for a primary certificate. The problem is the strict criteria which was drawn up in 1968.

To qualify the applicant must be completely without the use of one leg and almost completely without the use of the other leg, to the extent that the applicant is severely restricted as regards movement in both legs. In addition applicants must be without both hands or both arms.''It doesn't make sense , how do you drive if you have no arms?'' asks David.

''I have been applying since February 2020 and they keep turning me down. I'm not paralysed enough apparently.''

David has applied and appealed up to 8 times at this stage. To compound matters the entire Board of Disabled drivers resigned in 2022 over concerns about the stringent criteria.

A further setback came in June of this year when the National Rehabilitation Hospital gave notice that it is to withdraw from its role in the Primary Medical Certificate appeals process.

David Digan, pictured below had part of his arm amputated following a horrific motorbike accident

Speaking in the Dail in October, Laois Offaly TD Carol Nolan said I am told directly by those involved on the receiving end of the application process that they have heard absolutely nothing from the Department of Finance in terms of efforts to reconstitute the Board of Appeal or even to re-examine the eligibility criteria, which the Tanaiste himself accepted in July were particularly narrow criteria,'' said Deputy Nolan.

The fact that there has been no action for 1,000 plus disabled applicants nationally, who are having their autonomy and independence denied to them, is nothing short of a disgrace.'' she said. ''This is no way to treat our disabled family and friends who simply want to get on with their lives with a modicum of dignity, she added..

David said that in 2020 a woman took a case to the supreme court and was successful. ''There were a few more cases after that but still nothing has changed.''

''I received a letter from the HSE saying things have changed but the criteria hasn't changed.'' said David. ''My grandmother had her two legs amputated, there was always disability in my house. People with disabilities are number one as far as I'm concerned and I think for starters we should be looking out for our own,'' said David.

Since his accident David has been unable to work.'' I was working at the start in the local Supervalu, just to get out of the house. I could only work for 6 weeks because I was going back and forth to the hospital. I had to go to Vienna in Austria for surgery.''

David also worked for a local man who modified cars. ''It was only 3 weeks but I had a mid-forearm amputation. I have other hospital appointments and I have to travel to Vienna again.''

David is hoping to get a bionic arm. It would give me a better quality of life. It's the small things you miss, like peeling a potato or buttering a slice of bread,'' says David.

We contacted the Department of Finance for comment. Responding a spokesperson from the Department said that the Minister has no role in relation to the granting or refusal of PMCs (primary medical certs) and the HSE and the Medical Board of Appeal must be independent in their clinical determinations.

The spokesperson said that progress had been made on efforts to convene a new Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeals (DDMBA), to secure new hosting arrangements for the DDMBA and to recommence the appeals process.

A statement said: ''The Minister has now formally appointed all five members to the new DDMBA. Funding arrangements between the Department of Finance and the Department of Health have been agreed. On this basis the National Rehabilitation Hospital has confirmed they will again host the DDMBA. Preparatory work is underway, that will include due deliberation on how best to clear the backlog.''

The statement went on to say that the appeals process will re-commence shortly upon completion of this work.

''In parallel, my officials are working with the NRH to conclude other conditions for new hosting arrangements, which may continue after the appeals process is again up and running,'' the statement said.

Appeal hearings are due to recommence in the first half of December 2023.

The statement continued that the Minister appreciates that it has taken far longer than anticipated to get to this point. It has taken 18 months to source the legislatively required 5 members, this followed several ''expression of interest campaigns.''

The Government led by the Department of the Taoiseach, says it is progressing proposals with respect to transport and mobility supports for those with a disability, including consideration of a replacement for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.

A first meeting was held in July 2023 and a second in November 2023. There are proposals to replace the scheme with a '' modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.''
DK Shivakumar Refrains From Commenting On Cabinet Move To Withdraw Approval For CBI Probe Against Him

Bengaluru

oi-PTI

Refraining from offering a direct comment, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has seen media reports about the state cabinet holding the view that the sanction given by the previous BJP government to the CBI to investigate a disproportionate assets case against him was "not in accordance with law." Shivakumar, also Karnataka Congress chief, stayed away from Thursday's Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Congress government is now expected to issue an order withdrawing the consent given to the CBI in the case.

"I saw in the paper (newspaper), I could not attend (the cabinet meeting) yesterday. Whoever has to speak on it will speak," Shivakumar told reporters here.

Karnataka Weather Alert: Yellow Alert In Kodagu, Chikkamagalur; Bengaluru Likely To See Light Rains

Noting that he was going to Telangana for two days for the election campaign there, he said, "if the party asks me to extend (campaigning), I will have to." The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday adjourned to November 29 the hearing of the appeal filed by Shivakumar against the sanction accorded by the previous government to the CBI to prosecute him in a disproportionate assets case.

The CBI informed the High Court on November 15 that the Supreme Court has directed the HC to hear the application filed by the investigating agency seeking vacation of stay granted on the appeal, preferably within two weeks.

A single judge bench had earlier dismissed Shivakumar's petition challenging the sanction of September 25, 2019 granted by the government to prosecute him.

Shivakumar then challenged it before the division bench which had stayed the single judge order. The CBI had filed an application for vacation of this stay.

Based on the Income Tax Department's search operations at Shivakumar's home and offices in 2017, the Enforcement Directorate started its own probe against him. Based on the ED investigation, the CBI sought sanction from the state government to register a case against him.

Congress Confident Of Forming Next Government In Telangana, Says DK Shivakumar

The state government had given the sanction on September 25, 2019. The CBI had registered an FIR against him on October 3, 2020.

The CBI has claimed that Shivakumar amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 74.93 crore, disproportionate to known sources of his income from April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2018, when he was the Energy Minister in the then Siddaramaiah-led Congress government (2013-2018).

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Story first published: Friday, November 24, 2023, 12:43 [IST]
Auto Facility For Irular Tribe Children At Government Expense, Yet Another Wonder Of Dravidian Model

Tech-Driven Elections: DMK's BLA2 Meetings Transforming Political Strategies

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

Revolutionizing electoral strategies and transcending traditional campaigning, the DMK party, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has embarked on an unprecedented journey of political innovation in recent booth level meeting.

The BLA2 (Booth Level Agents 2) meetings, a brainchild of CM Stalin, was not just gatherings; they are high-tech, data-driven initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of political planning in Tamil Nadu. In this feature, we delve into the intricacies of DMK's cutting-edge election strategies, exploring how technology, training, and a visionary approach are setting the stage for the 2024 parliamentary elections like never before.

CM Stalin has started the field works for the upcoming parliamentary elections in full swing 2 months ago. Last July, in Bengaluru, 26 parties led by Congress announced the decision of renaming their alliance as 'INDIA'.

DMK, ready for elections 6 months ago

Earlier, Congress plus 26 parties gathered in Patna, Bihar's capital, on June 23. This compelled the ruling party and its alliance (NDA) to hold a meeting to show their preparedness. Either way, DMK has started making plans for the 2024 elections 6 months ago. CM Stalin takes things in his hands and executes them in his favour by using strategies, which is a trait of a diplomat.

DMK's winning formula BLA2

The formula devised by CM Stalin who is determined to defeat BJP in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections is BLA2 (Booth Level Agents 2).

CM Stalin has emerged as an expert who formulates political strategies for winning the upcoming elections, one such strategy is BLA2. No other party in Tamil Nadu has finalised even the committees at the party leadership level let alone the polling station meetings.

In this situation, DMK has completed 3 polling station conference meetings for 5 zones so far and about 68500 persons have been technically trained.

68500 DMK Army personnel ready on field

On 26th July, the first meeting of BLA2 was held in Trichy, in which 12000 persons participated to learn things through formal polling training courses. The second meeting was held in Ramanathapuram on 17th August, in which 18000 persons underwent training.

14000 persons were trained in the 3rd meeting held in Kangeyam on 24th September and 12500 persons participated in the 4th meeting held in Tiruvannamalai on 22nd October. The 5th polling station training meeting was held on 5th November, in which 12000 persons participated.

When parties like ADMK are not even declaring their election strategies openly, DMK has held meetings in 5 zones and provided proper training to their polling officers, that too the meetings are formal ones, not like name-sake meetings conducted by ADMK to create an illusion.

Statistics in CM Stalin's hand

CM Stalin criticised ADMK and BJP parties in the fishermen welfare conference held in Ramanathapuram using the data available in his hands. He also reminded BJP about PM Modi's promise to Rameswaram people that if BJP comes to power, no fishermen will be left to die in vain.

CM Stalin's criticism is based on the fact that 48 attacks happened in the last 9 years, in which 619 fishermen were arrested and 83 fishing boats were confiscated. The data stands testimony to the fact that the BJP government did nothing about the promise made to the public.

In the BLA2 meetings CM Stalin said, "Home minister and Finance Minister's criticisms show that DMK is moving on the right path. Being a party which gained prominence mainly by criticising DMK, ADMK has no inspiring stories of sacrifices or ideologies of its own, which is the reason why it is now upholding the ideologies of BJP.

DMK is a party which does not fear false accusations and allegations made by opposition parties like BJP and ADMK. Despite being a state party, DMK is the only party in the state that voices the grievances of the public."

BLA2 High-tech facilitated meetings

Realising the principles of DMK, other political parties in India are supporting it. DMK's aim in the upcoming elections is to lead the country by winning all 40 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

With the support of other similar ideological parties, Congress has formed 'INDIA', an all-India alliance formed as a part of strategies to win elections. In the 2024 elections, the election slogan will be 'To save India, Vote for INDIA'.

CM Stalin said, "Usually, it is BJP's tradition to call anyone who opposes them as anti-Indians but ironically being an opposition party to the INDIA alliance, BJP members have now become anti-Indians."

In order to win the elections, many changes have been brought by DMK, one such change is the usage of technology. As opposed to the ordinary public meetings held in the past, the current BLA2 meetings contain many modern equipment to introduce technologies.

Some of the changes brought by DMK include the distribution of ID cards to the in-charges with QR code printed on it to avoid fakes and creation of a separate dashboard to know the geographical spread of the initiative by monitoring the district and village information of the participants.

No other party has brought such high-five techniques in their election strategies in Tamil Nadu.

Realising that pure technical knowledge will bore the volunteers, CM Stalin has brought in a selfie booth to take selfies with the Chief Minister; a separate selfie booth facilitated by an LED for the 'Kalaignar 100' (centenary year) and a separate booth to commemorate the DMK's 75th anniversary.

New data collected by volunteers

Apart from the entertaining modern features, a book has been given to the polling officers detailing the schemes implemented in Tamil Nadu after DMK came to power. The book helps in spreading information about DMK's achievements to grass-root level volunteers who can intellectually advocate for their party and lead a campaign convincing others also to vote for the party.

The main focus of the BLA2 meeting is D2D, meaning Door to Door explanation of DMK's achievements which is also the intention behind the distribution of the book. Apart from the book, a form has also been given to the in-charges who in turn will give the form to the public.

The public should fill the form with the information of best programs introduced during the last 2 and a half years of DMK rule and the change brought by them. The filled form will be collected back to prepare a database which will change the fate of Tamil Nadu. This shows the extent to which DMK is employing techniques to formulate election strategies.

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Story first published: Friday, November 24, 2023, 14:46 [IST]
Families with their children in the infusion area of Hangzhou First People's Hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. (Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A surge in respiratory illnesses in China has reportedly overwhelmed hospital wards in the country.

The recent surge in respiratory infections drew the attention last week of the World Health Organization (WHO), which requested that China provide more information about the rise.

Now, figures from Chinas state media has suggested that patients  many of them children  were flooding hospitals.

According to Chinas state paper, The Global Times, Beijings Childrens Hospital was receiving up to 9,378 patients a day  and had been at full capacity for the past two months.

The paper added that outpatient clinics, paediatric clinics and respiratory departments at several hospitals in Beijing were booked out for at least seven days.

State media showed images of what it says crowded waiting rooms and beds lining hallways in one hospital.

There were also reports from parents saying that classrooms were half empty due to students being ill.

A spokesperson for China's National Health Commission said on Sunday that the increase in respiratory illnesses is being caused by common viruses such as influenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus, as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumoniae  and not by a novel virus.

Children wait to be seen at First People's Hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, amid a surge in respiratory illnesses. (Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, the health ministry did call on local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics as China grapples with the surge in its first full winter since easing COVID restrictions.

Efforts should be made to increase the opening of relevant clinics and treatment areas, extend service hours and increase the supply of medicines, said ministry spokesperson Mi Feng.

Last week, ProMed  a global information network that monitors global disease outbreaks and was one of the first groups to raise the alarm about coronavirus in 2019  said hospitals in China were being "overwhelmed".

Both the UK and US saw a spike in respiratory illnesses among children after lockdown restrictions were lifted from the population as years of suppressed circulation hit all at once.

Story continues

Recommended reading

Clips have been circulating on social media of overcrowded hospitals. (Getty) (JADE GAO via Getty Images)

When did the outbreak start?

The WHO said northern China had reported in mid-October an increase in influenza-like illness compared with the same period in the previous three years.

It said China had systems in place to capture information on trends in illness incidence and to report that data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

Children and their parents wait at an outpatient area at a children's hospital in Beijing on 23 November. (Getty) (JADE GAO via Getty Images)

In October, China Daily published an interview with Zhou Huixia, a director at a children's medical centre, who said infections had been rising all year but there had been a "particularly ferocious" spike.

What's been happening recently?

In recent days, media in cities such as Xian in the northwest have posted videos of hospitals crowded with parents and children awaiting checks.

Some social media users have posted photos of children doing homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospital.

Children receive a drip on the stairs at a children's hospital in Beijing. (Getty) (JADE GAO via Getty Images)

Parents take their children to see a doctor at the emergency department of a hospital in Shanghai. (PA) (Cynthia Lee)

What has the WHO said?

Last week, the WHO said groups including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

The WHO said it was not clear if these were associated with an overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events.

The organization added it had asked for additional epidemiological and clinical information as well as laboratory results from the reported outbreaks among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

On Monday, the WHO said the spike in respiratory illnesses that China is currently suffering is not as high as before the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating that no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent cases.
Not Cong, KCR Should Say What He Has Done For Telangana: Rahul Gandhi

EC Withdraws Permission Given To Telangana Govt Over Disbursal Of Rythu Bandhu Scheme

When Will Telangana Farmers Get Money Into Their Account After EC's Pause On Rythu Bandhu?

NIA Court Allows Activist Varavara Rao To Travel To Hyderabad For Cataract Surgery

Boost For BRS Govt As Rythu Bandhu Scheme Gets Green Light From EC

Hyderabad

oi-Prakash KL

In a major boost to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi in Telangana, the Election Commission of India on Friday granted approval for the distribution of Rythu Bandhu funds to farmers, The Times Of India reported.

In compliance with the directives from the ECI, the Telangana government will commence the disbursement of the Rythu Bandhu Subsidy funds starting from Friday.

Telangana has a cultivable expanse of 1.47 crore acres, and an allocation of Rs 16,000 crore will be distributed under the scheme directly to the accounts of farmers.

This move is expected to benefit approximately 60 lakh families just days before the polling day and it is perceived as a strategic maneuver by political analysts.

Talking to The Times Of India, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj told said: "Telangana government has requested the permission of ECI for the disbursement of Rythu Bandhu money from November 24. We have received a communication on Friday from ECI accepting the government's proposal."

Earlier, the Congress had approached the EC, seeking its directions to prevent the state from disbursing the funds as it amounts to influencing voters.

Under the scheme, farmers will receive direct investment support of Rs. 5,000 per acre each season for both Kharif and Rabi, totalling Rs. 10,000 annually per acre. The Telangana government has already disbursed Rs. 70,000 crore over eleven cropping seasons, benefiting a total of 60 lakh farmers.
Not Cong, KCR Should Say What He Has Done For Telangana: Rahul Gandhi

EC Withdraws Permission Given To Telangana Govt Over Disbursal Of Rythu Bandhu Scheme

When Will Telangana Farmers Get Money Into Their Account After EC's Pause On Rythu Bandhu?

NIA Court Allows Activist Varavara Rao To Travel To Hyderabad For Cataract Surgery

Will You Be My Friend, Share Your Number: Priyanka Gandhi To Woman In Telangana In Viral Clip

Hyderabad

oi-Prakash KL

Beautiful visuals of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hugging a woman from a farmer's family and kissing her have gone viral. The incident occurred in Telangana.

The Congress leader paid a surprise visit to the farmer's house in Palakurthy town in Jangaon district.

During the meeting, the woman told Priyanka Gandhi that she always wanted to meet 'Indramma' (Indira Gandhi) and she is happy to be meeting the former Indian Prime Minister's granddaughter

In the video, Priyanka asks: "Will you be my friend? Share you number". The clip of the conversation has gone viral.

Priyanka Gandhi Surprise visit to a Farmer Family house in Telangana



     .#ByeByeKCR #PriyankaGandhi#TelanganaElection2023 pic.twitter.com/4vs2Q50l1z  Congress for Telangana (@Congress4TS) November 24, 2023

Gandhi Attacks BRS Govt

On the other hand, Priyanka Gandhi on Friday said the BRS government in Telangana is nearing its expiry date and alleged that gross injustice was being meted out to youth, women and farmers of the state.

Addressing a poll rally at Palakurthy, about 120 km from here she claimed that women faced violent crimes in Telangana and that the state government has not taken steps to ensure their safety.

"Injustice is being meted out to youth, women, and farmers. The KCR government, which has been ruling for the past 10 years, is nearing its expiry date," she said.

Accusing the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao dispensation of 'failing' to provide jobs to youth, she said Telangana tops the chart in unemployment in the country.

".. they don't get employment. Question papers of exams are getting leaked. There is corruption. So, what hope will the young people have?" she asked.
Captain M V Pranjals Mortal Remains Arrive In Bengaluru

The mortal remains of Captain M V Pranjal, who was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, arrived in Bengaluru on Friday.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The mortal remains of Captain M V Pranjal, who was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, arrived in Bengaluru on Friday. The 29-year-old from 63 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life during an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Rajouri sector on Wednesday.

Tributes Paid by dignitaries

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Minister KJ George paid their last respects to martyr Pranjal at HAL Airport after his remains arrived here. The Governor paid homage to the late Captain, recognizing his gallant service to the nation. Offering heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, he prayed for his soul's eternal peace.

Captain Pranjal's Sacrifice

After paying tributes, the CM told reporters that Pranjal was severely injured and martyred in this attack. But he saved the civilians even at the cost of his own life. Expressing grief, he said, "The family of the martyred soldier will get all possible help from our government."

Family and Friends Pay Homage

Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya and BJP state president BY Vijayendra also paid homage to the remains of the fallen soldier. Captain Pranjal's family was also present at the HAL airport. Son of M Venkatesh, retired Managing Director of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), Pranjal did his schooling at Surathkal in Dakshina Kannada district.

MRPL's Tribute

In a statement, MRPL said: "We extol the brave sacrifice of our martyr, Capt M V Pranjal, who gave away his life serving the nation. The event profoundly saddens us, the MRPL family, as Capt Pranjal was our own. He was the only child of our ex-MD, Shri M Venkatesh, and Madam Anuradha Venkatesh."

Memories from School

MRPL's Delhi Public School, where Captain Pranjal studied, remembered him as a soft-spoken, sensitive, and mature individual loaded with values. He achieved the honor of being a Rashtrapati Scout. The school is proud of him. He has motivated his junior scouts even as an alumnus by contributing to mentoring them.

Last Rites

According to Defence sources, the body will be taken to his residence at Bannerghatta. Wreath laying and guard of honor will take place on Saturday morning followed by last rites.

Captain M V Pranjal's sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come. His bravery and dedication to the nation will continue to inspire us all.
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team exempted From RTI Act

The Central government has exempted the Computer Emergency Response Team CERT-In from the ambit of the Right to Information RTI Act, according to an official order.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The Central government has exempted the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, according to an official order. The move has raised concerns among transparency advocates, who argue that it could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight of the agency's activities.

What is CERT-In?

CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents. It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and is tasked with performing emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents, as well as issuing guidelines and advisories for their prevention.

Why has CERT-In been exempted from the RTI Act?

The government has not provided a specific reason for exempting CERT-In from the RTI Act. However, it is likely that the decision was made in order to protect sensitive information related to national security and cyber security. The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek time-bound information on governance-related matters from government organisations by filing an application. Exempting CERT-In from the RTI Act means that citizens will not be able to access information about the agency's activities, including its budget, staffing, and operations.

Concerns about the exemption

Transparency advocates have expressed concerns about the exemption of CERT-In from the RTI Act. They argue that the move could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight of the agency's activities. Without the ability to access information about CERT-In's operations, it will be difficult for citizens to hold the agency accountable for its actions. Additionally, the exemption could make it more difficult for journalists and researchers to investigate potential wrongdoing by CERT-In.

The exemption of CERT-In from the RTI Act is a significant development that has raised concerns among transparency advocates. While the government may have legitimate reasons for exempting the agency from the RTI Act, it is important to ensure that this does not lead to a lack of accountability and oversight of its activities. The government should consider implementing other mechanisms to ensure that CERT-In is held accountable for its actions, such as through regular audits and reviews by independent bodies.
Public Audit Ensures Funds Are Well Spent: LG Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said public audit helps with last-mile delivery and ensures that funds are spent well.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir recently spoke at the closing ceremony of Audit Week at the Convention Centre in Jammu. In his address, Sinha highlighted the significance of public audit in ensuring last-mile delivery and proper utilization of funds.

Sinha Stresses Timely Release of Audit Reports

Sinha emphasized the need for auditors to release their reports as soon as possible. This, he believes, will facilitate prompt action related to the evaluation of policies and programs. He also urged government departments to address any shortcomings identified in the audit reports quickly.

Public Audit Ensures Proper Utilization of Funds

The Lieutenant Governor stated that public audit plays a crucial role in ensuring that every rupee is spent judiciously to bring about positive changes in the lives of people, particularly those who are marginalized and disadvantaged.

Audit Community Contributes to Good Governance

Sinha acknowledged the critical role played by the audit community in contributing to good governance. He recognized the Comptroller and Auditor General of India as one of the earliest institutions established to promote transparency, accountability, and honesty in public life.

Audit Reports as a Guide for Improvement

The LG emphasized that audit observations and recommendations should be viewed as a guide to enhance governance. He encouraged officers to carefully read and implement the recommendations provided by the audit community, as this would lead to necessary improvements in governance.

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge-Based Systems

Sinha acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence and knowledge-based expert systems in facilitating audit risk evaluation, internal control evaluation, and audit planning. However, he also highlighted the new challenges posed by these technologies, particularly concerning data security and minimal human control.

Focus on IT Systems Safety and Security

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for auditors to pay special attention to the safety and security of IT systems. He stressed the importance of safeguarding these systems to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of audit processes.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's address at the closing ceremony of Audit Week underscored the significance of public audit in promoting transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of public funds. He emphasized the need for timely release of audit reports, prompt action on identified shortcomings, and leveraging technology while ensuring data security. By embracing these principles, the audit community can continue to contribute to good governance and improve the lives of citizens.
Noida Jail Bribery Case: Probe Ordered After Under-trials Family Alleges Extortion

The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has ordered a probe into an allegation against local jail authorities seeking bribe from the family of an undertrial prisoner. The action came after the family wrote a letter to CM Yogi Adityanath claiming that Rs 2 lakh in bribe was sought and the inmate was being assaulted.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a serious allegation against the local jail authorities in Noida, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has initiated a probe into the bribery claims made by the family of an undertrial prisoner. The family wrote a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that they were asked to pay a bribe of Rs 2 lakh and that the inmate was being assaulted in the prison.

Audio Clip Surfaces

Adding fuel to the fire, a purported audio clip of a phone call related to the matter has surfaced online. The authenticity of the clip is yet to be verified, but it has certainly caught the attention of the authorities.

District Magistrate Orders Investigation

Taking swift action, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma has ordered an investigation into the claims made by the family. Additional DM Nitin Madan has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting a thorough inquiry and submitting a comprehensive report of the findings.

Undertrail Arrested in Fake Call Centre Raid

The undertrial in question was arrested last week during a joint raid conducted by the UP Special Task Force and Noida Police. The raid targeted a fake call center that was allegedly duping US and Canadian citizens on the pretext of tech support. The accused, along with 15 others, was booked on charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, and other related offenses. They were subsequently sent to Luksar Jail in Greater Noida.

Further Action to be Taken

The district administration has assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. The probe is expected to shed light on the veracity of the allegations and bring the truth to the fore. The case has raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners and the need for transparency and accountability in jail administration.

The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions taken will be closely monitored by the public, who expect justice to prevail and the rights of prisoners to be upheld.
Ray Of Hope: Qatar Court Accepts India's Plea Against Death Penalty To 8 Ex-Navy Personnel

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

A Qatari court has accepted Indian government's appeal concerning the death penalty verdict given to eight former Indian navy personnel last month. The court is currently reviewing the appeal, with sources indicating an imminent next hearing, as reported by India Today.

In October, a Qatari court handed down death sentences to eight ex-Indian Navy members who had been detained in the country for over a year.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday, "The judgment remains confidential. The initial court's verdict was shared with our legal team. Pursuing all available legal options, an appeal has been submitted. We are maintaining contact with Qatari authorities."

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted India's ongoing engagement with Qatari authorities regarding this issue. The government intends to offer continuous legal and consular support to the affected Indian nationals.

India Files Appeal Against Death Penalty Given To 8 Navy Veterans In Qatar

In August 2022, Qatar detained these eight former Indian Navy officers on suspicions of espionage for Israel while they were employed by a Qatari company. The individuals-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-were apprehended by Qatar's intelligence agency in Doha on August 30, 2022.

Despite multiple attempts, the bail pleas of these Navy veterans were repeatedly denied by Qatari authorities. The Court of First Instance in Qatar declared the death penalty in October.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 24, 2023, 9:51 [IST]
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Drilling To Rescue Trapped Workers To Restart At 9 AM - Top Developments

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Rescue operations to evacuate 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district entered the thirteenth day on Friday. Officials believe the operation is likely to be over by today.

Officials involved in the rescue operation emphasized the immense challenges and complexities of the undertaking, drawing a parallel to the intensity of a battlefield. They highlighted that providing a specific timeline for the rescue efforts would be unwarranted and could only serve to add pressure to the dedicated workforce already operating tirelessly under adverse conditions.

"At present, many experts are offering their predictions about potential rescue timings, citing today evening or tomorrow morning. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that rescue operations in situations like these are akin to warfare. Assigning a specific timeline might not align with the unpredictable nature of such operations. In warfare, the enemy's reactions remain uncertain, and in this context, the Himalayan geology poses as an unpredictable adversary. The exact angles and points of collapse within the tunnel remain undisclosed," stated Lt. General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), during a press conference.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Latest visuals from outside the tunnel



Drilling work was halted yesterday after a technical snag in the Auger drilling machine. Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel pic.twitter.com/OVpFR5og7R  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

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Silkyara Tunnel: Rescue Operation Underway | NDRF's Ingenious Plan in Uttarkashi | Oneindia News

Here are the Top developments so far:

On Thursday, drilling work was halted after a technical snag in the Auger drilling machine. Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 meters in the Silkyara tunnel. The drilling expected to restart again at 9 am.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami opted to spend the night in Uttarkashi overseeing the ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara Tunnel. Setting up a temporary camp office on-site ensures an uninterrupted focus on the rescue efforts without hindering his regular duties.

Atul Karwal, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief, assured readiness, stating that exhaustive rehearsals have been conducted to ensure the safe extraction of individuals. "Our team will enter first... We've equipped stretchers with wheels to facilitate the evacuation process, enabling us to bring out individuals one by one," Karwal explained.

Considering various strategies, rescuers contemplated the possibility of guiding workers to crawl out individually from the opposite end. However, the physical toll of enduring twelve days under debris without natural light and adequate meals might impede their ability to undertake such demanding tasks.

As outlined by officials, the NDRF personnel will maneuver stretchers, each worker lying on one, using ropes to pull them out. Karwal emphasized the cleaning of the rescue pipeline from the tunnel's mouth to ensure unobstructed movement of the stretchers, prioritizing the workers' safe evacuation.

On November 12, the labourers got trapped as portions of the Silkyara-Dandalgaon under-construction tunnel on the Brahmkhal-Yamunotri highway collapsed following a landslide at around 5.30 am on the day of Diwali.

Rescue efforts have been launched by the district administration and arrangements made to supply oxygen, electricity and eatables to the trapped labourers through air-compressed pipes.

Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, BRO, project executing agency NHIDCL and ITBP, joined the rescue efforts.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 24, 2023, 8:40 [IST]
Protests Erupt In Dublin Following Attack On 5-Year-Old Girl

Protests broke out in central Dublin on Thursday evening after Irish police said a five-year-old girl was receiving emergency medical treatment following an attack that involved a knife. A woman and two other children were injured.

International

-Sathish Raman

Protests erupted in central Dublin on Thursday evening after Irish police reported that a five-year-old girl was receiving emergency medical treatment following a knife attack. A woman and two other children were also injured in the incident.

Police Investigation

The Irish police have stated that they are not treating the case as terror-related. A man in his 50s, who was also hospitalized with serious injuries, is considered a person of interest. The police have indicated that they have a clear line of inquiry and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the violence that occurred outside a school in the heart of Dublin shortly after 1.30 pm.

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Dublin: Protests erupt after kids injured in Knife attack; public transport suspended |Oneindia News

Violent Protests

In the early evening, protesters resorted to violence, launching flares and fireworks at the police cordon around the scene of the incident. The police, equipped with shields, defended themselves against aggressive demonstrators who attempted to kick and punch them. Many of the protesters had their faces covered. The disorder in the city center resulted in damage to several police vehicles and a tram. Additionally, a bus and a car were set on fire on the city's OConnell Bridge.

Condemnation from Justice Minister

Justice Minister Helen McEntee strongly condemned the violent protests, stating that such thuggish and manipulative behavior will not be tolerated. She emphasized that a tragic incident should not be exploited to create havoc.

Preliminary Investigation Findings

Earlier, Superintendent Liam Geraghty, speaking at a media briefing, disclosed that preliminary indications suggest that a man attacked multiple individuals on Parnell Square East. He emphasized that the police believe it was an isolated incident, not necessarily linked to broader issues in the country or city. Geraghty highlighted the need to determine the exact reasons behind the attack.

Witness Intervention

Geraghty confirmed earlier witness reports indicating that a knife was used in the attack. However, he could not provide detailed information about the nature of the injuries. He also acknowledged that witnesses attempted to disarm the man as soon as they realized what was happening. Geraghty commended these individuals for their courageous intervention in a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation.

In conclusion, the attack on a five-year-old girl in Dublin has sparked outrage and led to violent protests in the city center. The Irish police are investigating the incident and have identified a person of interest. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the authorities have urged the public to refrain from violence and allow for a thorough investigation. The safety and well-being of the community remain paramount, and efforts must be made to prevent further escalation and restore peace in Dublin.
Rumble 27 Nov 2023

Dave Rubin of The Rubin Report talks about Douglas Murray telling John Anderson what has to be done with Hamas sympathizers..
With the end of 2023 fast approaching Coles workers have been told what their employer is offering them as a Christmas present in recognition of their hard work  and it's fair to say many are less than impressed, with one union boss going as far as branding the offering "a slap in the face".

An email sent to supermarket staff members reveals they will be receiving a Coles branded water bottle each, plus five 'mythanks' points as part of an in-house reward scheme. A person believed to be a disgruntled worker shared a photo of the email online, calling the present "an absolute joke".

"The executives at Coles decided that the frontline staff who work their asses off and cop abuse on the daily are only worthy of a Coles branded water bottle and 5 'points' (equivalent to $5) for Christmas this year," the post read.

The email announced Coles staff will receive a water bottle and five 'mythanks' points was shared online. Source: Facebook

Unions call Coles' Christmas present a 'slap in the face'

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU)  who led the worker strikes last month demanding better pay and work conditions for supermarket staff  has responded to the Christmas presents being offered and admitted it is struggling to comprehend Coles' decision.

"Coles workers cannot afford the food they sell. They are subjected to vile threats, abuse, assaults and intimidation daily," RAFFWU secretary Josh Cullinan told Yahoo News Australia. "This rotten response, a second-rate drink bottle, is a slap in the face for our pandemic essential heroes."

"They can keep their drink bottles and instead give us living wages, safer workplaces and secure jobs."

Workers demand Coles 'do better'

The email has since been shared in a private Facebook group for Coles workers, where staff have widely discussed the Christmas offering.

The announcement including a list of requirements staff have to adhere to, such as workers not being permitted to have a second bottle if the store has additional ones, has been slammed online.

Story continues

"Huge list of rules for a water bottle. Jesus christ. Making sure there's absolutely nothing festive about it at all," one wrote online, with the poster calling the offer a "kick in the face" and telling Coles to "do better".

"Surprised they didnt add 'when using the drink bottle you must ensure the Coles brand is not obscured by your hands'," a third said, while others were "gobsmacked at their audacity!".

Coles has been slammed for the Christmas present it is offering staff this year. Source: Getty

Coles confirmed to Yahoo News Australia staff will be offered a water bottle and 'mythanks' points as "small additional gifts" alongside in store and online discounts available to them during December and January.

"We offer also our team increased discounts on exclusive liquor brands and increased Flybuys points as we head into the holiday season. Each of our stores also have a Christmas gathering, which includes a shared meal to celebrate as a team," a Coles spokesperson said, saying all the above demonstrate their "appreciation" for their staff.

Coles have made significant in-store changes this year to ramp up security measures, with supermarket workers required to be adaptive as teething issues with the systems persist.

Australia's supermarkets have this year reported a rise in theft in stores amid a gruelling cost-of-living crisis. While a large focus has been on customers, staff have also been subjected to mandatory bag checks at the end of their shift. Mr Cullinan has slammed supermarkets for targeting some of Australia's lowest paid workers amid ongoing accusations of price gouging.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Journalists, editors and senior media figures from newsrooms across the country have called for greater scrutiny in the reporting of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
As part of Saturdays International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a Sydney poetry program is helping refugee women speak out against gender-based violence.
Neutral Switzerland has resisted European pressure to send weapons to Ukraine. Now it's agreed to return 25 Leopard 2 battle tanks to Germany, providingng they don't end up in Ukraine.
The GDL union has been called for a reduced working week for train drivers without affecting pay. Deutsche Bahn said the union had rejected calls for a Christmas strike truce.
Israel's military has vowed to resume operations in Gaza once the four-day pause in fighting against Hamas ends. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed Israel's right to self-defense. DW has more.
China has announced that it will allow visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries and Malaysia as it tries to..

SeattlePI.com 24 Nov 2023
Hamas militants have released an initial group of hostages to the Red Cross as part of an exchange with Israel. Israel's military has vowed to resume operations in Gaza after the four-day pause in fighting. DW has more.
After Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 this year and after Israels fierce counterattack in the Gaza Strip,..

Eurasia Review 24 Nov 2023
Secretary General of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met in Beirut on Thursday for talks on the latest regional developments.



The top Iranian diplomat and the Hezbollah chief exchanged views on regional issues, with a particular focus on...
The issue of who will govern Gaza if Israel succeeds in dethroning Hamas poses one of the most challenging questions facing the worlds diplomats, with Israel, the United States and the regions Arab leaders offering seemingly contradictory solutions.



The United States has proposed that the West Bank-based Palestinian...
A group of Coles staffers have rallied together to support the family of a beloved team member who died at the age of just 39.

VB, who worked at the Coles store in Port Melbourne, Victoria recently passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest while off the clock, his co-workers said on a GoFundMe fundraiser created on Tuesday.

VB was very much loved by his friends and us who he called his work family, the staffers wrote, explaining that they were raising money for his family, who live in India.

VB, who worked at the Coles Port Melbourne store, died of a 'sudden cardiac arrest' outside of work hours. Source: GoFundMe

They missed saying goodbye to VB in person, in tragic circumstances we are wanting to raise the money to allow for the funeral expenses and to support his family in this difficult times, they said. We appreciate your support in whats going to be a celebration of the short but amazing life that VB has lived and the relationship, as well as friendships that hes built along the way.

The Coles team members said any donation is appreciated and no amount is a small amount. The GoFundMe features several photos of VB in his Coles uniform lifting boxes, lounging on what appears to be an employee couch and wearing a Santa hat.

Several friends posted tributes to the 39-year-old, including the Big W South Regional Team who said they were deeply saddened by the sudden loss of VB and want to wish deepest condolences to his family and friends.

VB's co-workers have created a GoFundMe to help raise money for his funeral. Source: GoFundMe

Store staff offered counselling

Melissa Horne, Coles Port Melbourne store manager, told Yahoo News Australia the team have all been impacted by the loss of one of its valued" members.

We are doing what we can to support the tight-knit group who work here, she said. We have created a GoFundMe to assist with supporting his family with funeral and other costs during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with our team members at Coles Port Melbourne who have been offered counselling at this difficult time.

Story continues

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Israel-Hamas war ceasefire has been delayed as Jerusalem continues its attacks in Gaza, causing the families of hostages to only hope for their loved ones.
Around 13 Israeli and 12 Thai hostages have been released by Hamas on the first day of an expected 4-day truce in the war in Gaza.
Thousands of Sri Lankan workers set to depart for Israel despite war

Posted by Editor on November 24, 2023 - 7:36 am

Supermarket manager Laknath Dias says the economic crisis in his native Sri Lanka is too much for him to bear. He is getting ready to fly to Israel in December to work as a farmhand for nearly 10 times the pay, despite the war with Hamas.

Dias is among 20,000 workers that Sri Lanka, desperate for dollars and remittances, plans to send to Israel starting early next month to work in the farm and construction sectors, a Sri Lankan minister told Reuters on Thursday.

Israels farms, most of which are in the centre and south of the country, traditionally rely on thousands of Thai and Palestinian workers to till the land and bring in the crops.

But many Thais fled Israel after the Hamas assault on Oct. 7, while the Palestinians have largely been banned from the workforce, forcing farms to send out an SOS for workers during the harvest.

Dias, 39, said he has experience living through conflict.

We lived during a war in Sri Lanka, he said, referring to Sri Lankas civil war against Tamil separatists between 1983 and 2009.

I have worked in Colombo where there were suicide bombs going off at one point and even in conflict areas in the east around 2005. So I think we can manage. We are familiar with working on a farm so Im confident we can face anything.

He says his monthly salary of 72,000 rupees ($219) is not enough to sustain his family of five because of the high cost of living. Dias expects to make about 700,000 rupees as a farmhand in Israel, where he plans to work for five years.

Sri Lankas labour and foreign employment minister, Manusha Nanayakkara, said they had received more than 10,000 applications to work on Israeli farms and workers security would be considered.

We are also looking at sending another 10,000 workers for the construction sector next.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after gunmen from Hamas burst across the border fence, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 14,000 Gazans have been killed by Israeli bombardment, according to health authorities in the Hamas-ruled territory.

The Sri Lankan workers will join some 9,000 compatriots already in Israel, working in farming and care for the elderly.

Sri Lanka, an island of 22 million, saw its economy contract 7.8% last year during the countrys worst economic crisis in more than seven decades, pushing 2.5 million people into poverty, according to the World Bank.

It has seen a steep increase in the number of people migrating since the crisis, with about 312,000 leaving in 2022 and 268,000 this year, government data shows. They have gone to countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Britain, Canada and New Zealand.

($1 = 327.5000 Sri Lankan rupees)

(Reuters)
Sixty years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy seems like an appropriate time to not only look back at his life but also his untimely death, both historically and from the perspective of my experience.

Born just months before Pearl Harbor, I spent my childhood years during the New Deal era of FDR, while World War II was going on. I spent many of my formative years during the Eisenhower administration, years of Cold War America, of the McCarthy era, the House Un-American Activities Committee and the disillusionment of the U2/Francis Gary Powers, spying incident. It was a time of being careful and conforming to a conservative society and corporate ascendency. It was also a time of the rise of the Dulles brothers, one Secretary of State and one the head of the CIA. The CIA, formed under Truman (he later said that was one of his biggest mistakes), that had increased its power and reach during that period, although most of us were not very aware of this.

I was a young adult at the University of Minnesota when John Kennedy was elected in 1960. I was not quite old enough to vote for him, but I was aware of American politics, and had watched the Kennedy/Nixon debates on TV.

The Kennedy years were a breath of fresh air. New energy, change and new possibilities were in that air. The Cold War was still significant, but the Cuban Missile Crisis hinted at possible change. But there was also the new ways of looking at the world and ways to be active through positive change such as the inspiring Peace Corps.

In September of 1963, at 22, my wife, a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, and I were married. She was teaching in the Minneapolis School System, and I was plodding along toward graduation after many changes of major. On November 22nd, almost exactly two months after our wedding, I was in a Shakespeare class on campus when the word came about the assassination of the president. Class was dismissed and as I walked down the steps of the building, I heard another student say quite clearly, "I'm glad". I was shocked but kept on walking, nearly in a trance, trying to deal with the sudden death of such a vital president.

Over the next hours and days, it was like time stood still as we, like most of America, watched events unfold on TV. We felt like the world had changed in some significant way. We were right. And living through that time gave an experiential perspective and context to whatever has come since.

Nearly everyone understood, on some very visceral level, that those bullets had made a very fundamental change in, not only this nation, but also in the direction of the world. Those bullets changed the course of this nation from a more humane and democratic trajectory back to a more closed, secretive and manipulative Cold War trajectory.

Shortly before his assassination, Kennedy's American University Commencement Speech gave a frame of reference about the hoped-for direction he saw for this nation and the world. He said, "And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."

Here are some of the things that would change with his assassination.

He had begun a process of withdrawing troops from Viet Nam, but, after his assassination, the war in Viet Nam would continue and widen.

He had begun to find connections to Russia through Khrushchev and the beginning of communications with Castro in Cuba in hopes of ending the Cold War but, after his assassination, those communications stopped, and the Cold War continued its inexorable path.

He had begun to change the CIA to get it under control again but, after his assassination, the CIA continued on its Cold War path, with a vengeance.

He had been confronting the nuclear threat in some meaningful ways, but after his assassination those hopes were diminished.

A new creative spirit was developing in the nation, full of hope and possibility but, after his assassination that spirit began to be opposed and often thwarted.

The nation moved back to a more "business as usual" stance; with growing support for corporations and personal wealth, back to the Cold War mentalities, including more militarization, and more of a confrontational and competitive position domestically and on the world stage.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
In the early morning of November 20, 2023, I found myself up and listening to the BBC news on the radio. I always have the radio on because I always seem to live next to a neighbor who has issues with living in a multicultural building, despite the fact that there might be only one or two black people present!





I decided not to head for the kitchen to refresh my cats' food and water just yet; besides, I had another hour before the two would come to remind me of their existence. It was then that I realized the neighbor below, a Jewish woman, either mentally challenged, as some neighbors have suggested or just someone who feels a black above her is too much, too close, woke me up. It's her campaign to have me packing my household and moving along...





Then I heard a voice describing how Israel was seriously trying hard to end the conflict by ending Hamas. Seeking out their hiding places. Tunnels. Under hospitals...





Has Israel violated international humanitarian law?





Like bombing hospitals where the sick and dying are located, I heard myself say. I could see those premature babies, placed altogether to provide warmth for all since there was no fuel for perfectly working incubators. But Israel won't allow fuel to enter the hospital because Hamas might use the fuel. In the meantime, babies died at Al Shifa hospital.





Hamas is there!





Coons! That's who is speaking. Senator Chris Coons sits on the Foreign Relations Committee and is the national co-chair for Biden's 2004 re-election. He's dodging the question.





Israel is doing the best it can possibly do. It has the right to defend itself.





And Biden? His policy, his refusal to call for a ceasefire, is this decision on his part hurting his chances for a second term?





Dodge the issue!





The country and the world are with Gaza, not because it stands with Hamas, a violence-oriented organization. The country and the world are standing with Gaza because of those 14,000 dead and counting. Because of the 5,000 children dead. And counting. Unfortunately, they are still counting. Some might be in the rumble of collapsed buildings, homes, schools.





These children aren't Hamas!





Biden, too, is doing his best...





She's harassing already. Pounding. Stomping. The woman below. Five something in the morning. She's doing everything he can. Like being on a mission. A campaign. It doesn't matter whether or not she knows I'm up or not. The goal is to keep me up. Drive me out. Someone's assisting her. Taking turns.





I was about to pull myself up when the next segment came on. Another BBC program called CrowdScience. The episode was entitled "Why do we lie?" I was still thinking about Sen. Coons's well-rehearsed answers. Does it come naturally, or did he have to memorize his answers?

The BBC interviewer tried but couldn't resuscitate the heart when it came to Gaza, although I'm not so sure it's a matter of having a heart for even the 3-year-old Israeli child, kidnapped and held hostage. If so, Coons would see in the child those Gaza babies and children dead for no reason other than there are manufacturers of weapons and men who must use them.





The host and her two medical guests discuss the frontal lobe, which is, "bound up with social intelligence". It is also where problem solving takes place. If truth is suppressed and we begin to "invent an entirely new story", then our amygdala fires up. The amygdala is where our emotions are centered, and this area lights up, suggesting we are lying. "Its response to the lie makes us feel bad."





A study found that the more people lied, the less active the amygdala, suggesting that this indicates the less we care. In other words, the more opportunity to lie, the more we lie! We become comfortable with our own lying. The lying, in turn, "escalates", "snowballs".





But we no longer care.





Sen. Coons revealed to the BBC interviewer that he met with Israel's PM Netanyahu, the Crown Prince bin Salman, and President el-Sisi last month. Good. Good. But there's the occupation, the settlers, I think. I'm sure the BBC interviewer is thinking the same. There are those check points. People told to remove themselves from the lands they've known all their lives.





"Has Israel, is Israel violating international humanitarian law?"





Israel, says Coons, "still needs to provide more opportunity for humanitarian relief, to get into Gaza". They have provided notice before carrying out an attack. They have provided pathways for civilians to escape the North of Gaza.





And if you don't want to continue with an invented narrative, you'll see, as I did while listening to this man, dead children in the rumble. Their bodies have yet to be reached. You can see for yourself those "pathways", those roads where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, carrying their babies, children, a few of their possessions. Food and water is scarce.





But, yeah, Coons acknowledges that the Israel campaign has caused too many Palestinian deaths.





Wow!





I expected a yes/no response, says the interviewer. Yes or no!





Coons declares that actually it's a question that is not for him to answer.





American values what are they, again?





A week or so ago, my building manager thought she was silencing me when she offered that the woman below was a Jew. It can't be racism. She's a Jew. I looked at her as she sat back, a white woman, assuming, to use feminist and Jewish thinker Judith Butler's words, that "Jews monopolise the position of victim". They are "always" and "only" "presumptive victims".





I would be thrown under the proverbial bus, as usual. Is she feigning ignorance to silence me, a black woman? Or is she honestly ignorant of how racism and anti-antisemitism work in the US? Does she even get that she has just revealed how white supremacy works, particularly in that room, between a white woman and a black women. I might be older, but she is the one recognized as human and privileged.

At any rate, I'm gagged. Momentarily, at least.





Coons' well-rehearsed responses do much the same by sending the interviewer away empty handed. Sen. Coons thinks.





There's Israel not trying to protect Palestinians. Civilians.





And so, where are those American values these days?





You can tell how much trouble we are in if you can't give and honest answer, and resort to lying with a straight face.





If you can't say democracy will be alright come November, a year from now. If no ceasefire, and soon...





Do we care? Do you?
This week on Why Tho? The Podcast, advice columnist Lizzy Acker and social media producer Destiny Johnson talk about how to be a good host to an international visitor.

But thats not all! They also offer recommendations, including Dave the Diver and book clubs in general.

Listen to this conversation and more on the latest edition of The Oregonian/OregonLives advice podcast. Dont forget to subscribe, tell all your friends to subscribe and leave a five-star review.

Have a burning question? Send Lizzy an email at lacker@oregonian.com or tweet @lizzzyacker! Or text! For real! Text the word ADVICE to (503) 751-8731. Then click the link and subscribe to be able to text us.

Read and listen to more Why Tho? here

This weeks episode:

Listen to other episodes below:
Reesha Ahmed was on cloud nine.

It was January and Ahmed was at an OB-GYNs office near her home in Venus, Texas, for her first prenatal checkup. After an ultrasound, getting anti-nausea medication, and discussing her pregnancy care plan, she said, a nurse made a convenient suggestion: Head to the lab just down the hall for a standard panel of tests.

The lab was inside Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, which opened in December 2020 in a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb. Ahmed, just eight weeks pregnant, said the doctor told her everything about the visit was routine. Nothing really stood out, Ahmed said. And, of course, theres just a lot of excitement, and so I really didnt think twice about anything.

Her blood tests checked for multiple sexually transmitted infections, her blood type, and various hormones. Within days, Ahmed began bleeding and her excitement turned to fear. A repeat ultrasound in early February showed no fetus.

My heart kind of fell apart at that moment because I knew exactly what that meant, she said. She would have a miscarriage.

Then the bills came.

The Patient: Reesha Ahmed, 32, has an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield policy through her employer.

Medical Services: An analysis of Pap smear results and several blood tests in tandem with Ahmeds initial prenatal visit, including complete blood count, blood type, and testing for STIs such as hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV.

Service Provider: Ahmed got her tests at Texas Health Mansfield, a tax-exempt hospital jointly operated by Texas Health Resources, a faith-based nonprofit health system, and AdventHealth, another religious nonprofit.

Total Bill: The hospital charged $9,520.02 for the blood tests and pathology services. The insurer negotiated that down to $6,700.50 and then paid $4,310.38, leaving Ahmed with a lab bill of $2,390.12.

What Gives: Ahmeds situation reveals how hospital-based labs often charge high prices for tests. Even when providers are in network, a patient can be on the hook for thousands of dollars for common blood tests that are far cheaper in other settings. Research shows hospitals typically charge much more than physicians offices or independent commercial labs for the same tests.

The situation was particularly difficult for Ahmed because she had lost the pregnancy.

To come to terms with it mentally, emotionally, physically  dealing with the ramifications of the miscarriage  and then having to muster up the fighting strength to then start calling your insurance, and the billing department, the providers office, trying to fight back a bill that you dont feel like you were correctly sent? Its just, its a lot, she said.

In Texas, the same lab tests were at least six times as expensive in a hospital as in a doctors office, according to research from the Health Care Cost Institute, a nonprofit that examines health spending.

The markup can be even higher depending on the test. HCCI data, based on 2019 prices, shows the median price for a complete blood count in Texas was $6.34 at an independent lab and $58.22 at a hospital. Texas Health charged Ahmed $206.69 for that test alone.

It is convenient to get your lab done right in the same building, said Jessica Chang, a senior researcher at HCCI, but many patients are not thinking about how highly marked up these lab tests are. Chang said she suspects many hospitals tack on their overhead costs when they bill insurance.

Anthem also charged Ahmed for at least four tests that most insurance plans would consider preventive care and therefore covered at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Acts requirements for covering preventive care, which includes aspects of prenatal care. Her EOBs, or explanation of benefits notices, show she paid out-of-pocket for a test identifying her Rh factor  which detects a protein on the surface of red blood cells  as well as for tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis.

Asked to review Ahmeds tests, Anthem spokesperson Emily Snooks wrote in an email to KFF Health News that the claims were submitted as diagnostic  not preventive  and were paid according to the benefits in the members health plan.

There definitely shouldnt be out-of-pocket costs for those screenings, said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of Georgetown Universitys Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening pregnant patients for several infectious diseases that pose major risks during pregnancy. Ina Park, a professor of family community medicine at the University of California-San Francisco and an expert on STIs, said the tests Ahmed received didnt raise red flags from a clinical perspective. Its really more what the actual lab charged based on what the tests actually cost, Park said. This is a really exorbitant price.

For example, Ahmed paid $71.86 in coinsurance for a hepatitis B test for which the hospital charged $418.55. The hospital charged $295.52 to screen for syphilis; her out-of-pocket cost was $50.74.

You just wonder, is the insurance company really negotiating with this provider as aggressively as they should to keep the reimbursement to a reasonable amount? Corlette said.

The Resolution: Ahmed refused to pay the bills and Texas Health sent the debt to collections. When she tried to get answers about the costs, she said, she was bounced between the doctors office and the hospital billing department. Ahmed submitted a complaint to the Texas attorney generals office, which passed it to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She never heard back.

According to Ahmed, a hospital representative suggested her bloodwork might have been coded incorrectly and agreed the charges were really unusually high, Ahmed said, but she was told there was nothing the hospital could do to change it. The hospital did not comment on the reason behind the high charge. And in a March 7 email, an AdventHealth employee told Ahmed the doctors office had no control over the hospitals billing.

Ahmed filed an appeal with Anthem, but it was denied. The insurance company stated the claims were processed correctly under her benefits, which cover 80% of what the insurer agrees to pay for in-network lab services after she meets her deductible. Ahmed has a $1,400 deductible and a $4,600 out-of-pocket maximum for in-network providers.

We depend on health care providers to submit accurate billing information regarding what medical care was needed and delivered, Snooks said. Asked about reimbursements to the Texas Health lab, she added, The claim was reimbursed based on the laboratorys contract with the health plan.

After a KFF Health News reporter contacted Texas Health on Oct. 9, the hospital called Ahmed on Oct. 10 and said it would zero out her bills and remove the charges from collections. Ahmed was relieved, like a giant burdens just been lifted off my shoulders.

Its just been fighting this for 10 months now, and its finally gone, she said.

Texas Health Resources and AdventHealth declined to respond to detailed questions about Ahmeds charges and the tests she was directed to obtain.

We are sorry Ms. Ahmed did not get clarity on her care with us. Our top priority is to provide our patients with safe, effective and medically appropriate care, Laura Shea, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in an emailed statement.

The Takeaway: Ahmeds problem demonstrates the pitfalls of using a hospital lab for routine testing.

For standard bloodwork its really hard to argue that theres a quality difference between independent labs and hospitals that would warrant higher prices, Chang said. That holds true for other services, too, like imaging. Theres nothing special about the machines that hospitals use for a CT or MRI scan. Its the same machine.

Broadly, state and federal lawmakers are paying attention to this issue. Congress is considering legislation that would equalize payments for certain services regardless of whether they are provided in a hospital outpatient department or a doctors office, although not lab services. Hospitals have tried to fend off such a policy, known as site-neutral payments.

For example, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would require the same prices under Medicare for physician-administered drugs regardless of whether theyre given in a doctors office or an off-campus hospital outpatient department. That bill also would require labs to make public the prices they charge Medicare for tests. Another bill, the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act, would ban hospitals from charging commercial health plans some facility fees  which they use to cover operating or administrative expenses.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado, Connecticut, Ohio, New York, and Texas have limited providers ability to charge privately insured patients facility fees for certain services. Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, and New York require health facilities to disclose facility fees to patients before providing care; Florida instituted similar requirements for free-standing emergency departments.

Patients should keep copies of itemized bills and insurance statements. While not the only evidence, those documents can help patients avoid out-of-pocket costs for recommended preventive screenings.

For now, patients can proactively avoid such extreme bills: When your doctor says you need blood tests, ask that the requisition be sent to a commercial lab like Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics that is in your network and have the tests done there. If they cant do it electronically, ask for a paper requisition.

Dont always just go to the lab that your doctor recommends to you, Corlette said.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. Do you have an interesting medical bill you want to share with us? Tell us about it!
Negotiating teams from Oregons largest school district and its teachers union were back in talks Friday aimed at ending the strike, now in its 24th calendar day.

A huge sticking point remains the role that parents should play in helping principals and union representatives find the best solution to elementary class sizes and middle and high school teachers student loads that exceed agreed upon thresholds.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza in return for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days. During this period, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides will release women and children first. Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

The truce-for-hostages deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

The agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it was determined to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as telling troops Thursday that their respite will be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

A first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas will be freed Friday afternoon, according to Majed al-Ansari, the spokesman of the Qatari foreign ministry. Three Palestinian prisoners, also women and minors, are to be released for every freed hostage.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses.

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home. Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, al-Ansari said Thursday. The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence, he told reporters.

Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

Israel cut off all imports at the start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers. Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile prisoners in return for soldiers.

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since Nov. 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Israeli airstrikes continued in the final hours ahead of the truce.

On Thursday afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.

One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble.

It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead, he said, bursting into tears.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to U.S. President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

In Gazas city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war.

God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire, said Jihan Qanan. People have had houses brought down on their heads, theyve been expelled ... Theres no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked.

___

By WAFAA SHURAFA, BASSEM MROUE and DAVID RISING Associated Press
COP28 will draw over 70,000 delegates and 140 heads of state to Dubai between November 30 and December 12. With emissions reaching all-time highs, and 2023 expected to be the hottest on record, world leaders are set to fiercely debate about how to protect the public from the worsening impact of fossil fuels.

What do I need to know?

Held annually by the United Nations, the COP (Conference of the Parties) is the world's highest-level climate change negotiation event.

This year, 198 parties will be represented at the United Arab Emirates for COP28. It will attract high-profile attendees including King Charles III and Bill Gates, while Pope Francis will be the first pontiff ever to address a COP.

The host nation has controversially appointed a fossil-fuel executive as its COP28 president, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. Climate activist Greta Thunberg called the decision "completely ridiculous".

It is not expected that leaders of the worlds two biggest polluting nations, US President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping will speak.

Australias Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has promised Australia will push for stronger practical outcomes, not just maintaining the status quo."

 Do I need to be worried?

Yes! Ahead of COP28, the United Nations released its annual Emissions Gap report, warning the world is on track to warm by 3 degrees this century. This is double the target of 1.5 degrees that 196 parties agreed to at COP21 in Paris.

Both the United Nations and the International Energy Agency have warned all new exploration of development of oil, gas and coal projects must stop. That hasnt happened.

Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, and parts of Australia are becoming uninsurable because of their susceptibility to natural disasters like floods and bushfires.

Greta Thunberg (right) has criticised the appointment of Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber (left) as COP28 President. Source: Getty/AAP

 What they said

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General: The emissions gap is more like an emissions canyon, a canyon littered with broken promises, broken lives and broken records."

Story continues

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President: "We must progress the unlocking of finance to support a just and orderly transition while protecting people, lives, and livelihoods.

Greta Thunberg, climate activist: "It is what we decide now that will define the rest of humanitys future."

 Conversation starter

Hosting the COP generates a significant amount of emissions, 62,695 tonnes at COP27 in Egypt, down from a whopping 131,556 tonnes at COP26 in Glasgow. However, the agreements attendees make are likely to offset these emissions.

Because the host nation limits freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Amnesty International predicts the talks could thrust its human rights record into the global spotlight.

And while Australia has a small population it has a substantial impact on the climate crisis. It is the worlds largest exporter of coal and ranked sixth on another fossil fuel  liquified natural gas.

Australia has a subtle strategy to attract attention at the COP with its pavilion at previous gatherings proving popular because of its first-class coffee. So expect international delegates wandering over for a cuppa as Australia tries to sure up support to host COP31.

 What happens next?

There is pressure to finalise details of a loss and damage fund that would see rich nations help poor countries mitigate the impact of the climate crisis.

At COP27, China and Saudi Arabia blocked a proposal to phase out coal and gas, and this issue is expected to be discussed again. With the price of fossil fuels sky-high, also expect discussion about fast-tracking the transition to renewable energy.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
A group trying to block former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in all 50 states ramped up pressure on Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade this week.

Free Speech for People first contacted Griffin-Valade in July, less than two weeks into her term. Its latest letter asks Griffin-Valade to respond and indicate whether shell issue a temporary rule declaring Trump ineligible to appear on ballots in Oregon by Dec. 1.

Your oath to support the Constitution, and the weighty responsibility entrusted to you by Oregon voters as Secretary of State, impel you to exclude Mr. Trumps name from the list of qualified candidates in the presidential primary, the group wrote.

A spokeswoman for Griffin-Valade said she received the request and is reviewing it, and has nothing more to share at this time.

The advocacy groups campaign rests on a rarely-used section of the Fourteenth Amendment intended to prevent former Confederates from holding federal office after the Civil War. The amendment prohibits anyone who previously took an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and then engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof from holding any federal office.

That applies to Trump because he swore an oath to uphold the Constitution as president and then engaged in insurrection by inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the group argues.

The letter noted that Oregon law directs the secretary of state to leave disqualified candidates off the ballot. The Oregon Supreme Court reaffirmed that role last year when former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan blocked New York Times columnist Nick Kristof from running for governor because he hadnt met a constitutional requirement to live in the state for three years.

More recently, Griffin-Valade issued a rule blocking Republican state senators who missed more than 10 days of floor sessions without excuses from appearing on the ballot. Four senators filed to run for reelection and were disqualified, and state and federal lawsuits over their disqualification are ongoing.

Whether Trump appears on the ballot in Oregon likely wont make much difference. The states presidential primary in May is among the last in the nation, and parties typically know their nominees well before Oregon voters cast their ballots.

Efforts to bar Trump from the ballot have seen legal challenges in Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota. Most recently, a Colorado judge ruled that Trump should be placed on the ballot, but conceded that he engaged in insurrection.

Oregon attorneys Jason Kafoury and Daniel Meek, who have worked on campaign finance reform initiatives in recent years, joined Free Speech for the People in its latest letter to Griffin-Valade and indicated a court battle is likely in Oregon.

-- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle is a nonprofit news organization focused on reporting on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
Sand labyrinths will be back for a very special year on the southern Oregon coast.

Circles in the Sand, the sand labyrinth event that takes over Face Rock beach in Bandon, is set to celebrate its 10th season with 34 gatherings in 2024.

HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

The labyrinths, called dreamfields, are created by a team of volunteers led by artist and religious practitioner Denny Dyke, who started the project in 2015. The labyrinths are created at low tide, and the public is invited to walk them once complete.

This years schedule, released on the Circles in the Sand website earlier this fall, begins April 26 and wraps up Aug. 23.

Dyke and his team have scheduled as many as 60 drawings in previous years, but scaled back significantly starting in 2020. The events now take place in mid-spring through mid-summer, when conditions are more conducive to drawing in the sand.

Times on the schedule refer to when completed labyrinths will be open for walking. Volunteers begin drawing the designs about two hours earlier, when crowds begin to form. People should allow for about 20 minutes to walk through a labyrinth.

Circles in the Sand has previously warned visitors about parking, as each event draws large crowds. The parking lot at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is small, and while some parking is designated along the road leading to the viewpoint, there are several no parking areas in the surrounding neighborhood, which the group asks people to respect.

The Circles in the Sand team occasionally creates dreamfields on other beaches, and sometimes holds sunset walks and impromptu events. All events are announced on the Circles in the Sand website, sandypathbandon.com.

Heres the schedule for the 2024 draws:

April 26 at 9 a.m.

April 27 at 9 a.m.

April 28 at 10 a.m.

May 9 at 9 a.m.

May 10 at 9 a.m.

May 11 at 10 a.m.

May 12 at 10 a.m.

May 24 at 9 a.m.

May 25 at 9 a.m.

May 26 at 10 a.m.

May 27 at 10 a.m.

June 7 at 9 a.m.

June 8 at 9 a.m.

June 9 at 10 a.m.

June 10 at 10 a.m.

June 22 at 9 a.m.

June 23 at 9 a.m.

June 24 at 10 a.m.

June 25 at 10 a.m.

July 6 at 9 a.m.

July 7 at 9 a.m.

July 8 at 9 a.m.

July 9 at 10 a.m.

July 21 at 8 a.m.

July 22 at 9 a.m.

July 23 at 9 a.m.

July 24 at 10 a.m.

Aug. 4 at 8 a.m.

Aug. 5 at 9 a.m.

Aug. 6 at 9 a.m.

Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.

Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.

Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.

Aug. 23 at 9 a.m.

 Jamie Hale

503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Kinshasa, Dr Congo (PANA) - Humanitarians are urgently scaling up aid in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where an escalating crisis is again unfolding, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and the UN Childrens Fund, UNICEF said on Friday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Council of Ministers of the Government of National Unity, responsible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Taher Al-Baour, has reaffirmed Libya's position in favour of unifying the African position on the ongoing negotiations, saying China can play an important role in supporting the African demand to secure two permanent seats in the Security Council
A mystery new respiratory illness surging in China has seen hospitals swamped and prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to request more information from the government about the outbreak.

Scientists around the world say the situation warrants close monitoring but urge against an overreaction before more information is gathered. Chinese officials insist they have not detected any "unusual or novel diseases" in the country.

What you need to know

China attributes the increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children to the lifting of pandemic restrictions and circulation of known pathogens such as influenza and the virus that causes Covid.

International concerns were first sparked on Tuesday when monitoring service ProMED, part of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, sent an alert that echoed their first notice on what would eventually become Covid-19.

- Alert sent on Dec. 30 2019: "Undiagnosed pneumonia - China (Hubei)."

- Alert sent on Nov. 21 2023: "Undiagnosed pneumonia - China (Beijing, Liaoning)."

The WHO requested China provide additional epidemiologic information and laboratory results from the reported outbreaks, as well as data about the burden on healthcare systems.

The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Childrens Hospital is topping 7,000 per day. Source: Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images (AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese health officials provided the information on Thursday, showing an increase in hospital admissions since October.

Some hospitals are so "overwhelmed" that parents are being told to take children with less severe symptoms to other facilities. Local media are reporting some school closures and teachers being infected.

Read more: Find out more about WHO's request to China

 Should I be worried?

The reports are disturbingly similar to the ones that came out of Wuhan in late 2019, epidemiologist Professor Adrian Esterman told Yahoo News Australia on Friday, however he also said its a bit too early to draw any conclusions.

"I think they are acutely aware of the mistakes they made with the Covid-19 outbreak, and want to be seen as pro-active," he said.

Story continues

"Until we have more information from China and WHO, it is difficult to know whether this will be a risk to other countries [like Australia]," he continued. "Hopefully, our health authorities are keeping a careful eye on what is happening. Australia is establishing its own CDC [Centre for Disease Control]  it would be nice to know what progress has been made."

Professor Esterman said this is the first winter since China removed Covid public health measures, which "might explain some of the increased incidence".

Read more: China's mystery respiratory illness: What we know so far

Chinese authorities have attributed the increase to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza. Source: EPA via Getty Images (EPA)

 What they said

A Beijing citizen, who ProMed identified as Mr W: "Many, many are hospitalised. They don't cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature (fever) and many develop pulmonary nodules."

Virologist Tom Peacock from Imperial College London, who has tracked new coronavirus variants: "I suspect it may end up being something more mundane or a combination of things  say Covid, flu, RSV  but hopefully we'll know more soon."

Local media reports some schools have closed after teachers became infected. Source: Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images (AFP via Getty Images)

Brian McCloskey, a public health expert who also advised WHO on the pandemic: "What we are seeing is WHO's International Health Regulations system in action. I am not going to push the pandemic panic button on the basis of what we know so far, but I will be very keen to see the response to WHO from China and see the WHO's assessment following that."

Dr Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britains University of East Anglia: "At present there is too little information to make a definitive diagnosis of what is causing this epidemic in China. The presence of pulmonary nodules tend to suggest a bacterial rather than a viral cause. Overall, this does not sound to me like an epidemic due to a novel virus. If it was, I would expect to see many more infections in adults. The few infections reported in adults suggest existing immunity from a prior exposure."

Read more: Don't press 'pandemic panic button' scientists caution on China reports

 Conversation starter

While the WHO always requests information from countries when undiagnosed or unknown diseases are reported, it does not always put out a press release, making Wednesday's alert significant.

Both the WHO and China have faced questions over their transparency during the early days of Covid. WHO has also since criticised China for withholding data about infections and deaths when it lifted its "zero-Covid" measures, as well as about the origins of the pandemic.

The organisation threatened to close its office in China 21 years ago after Beijing officials told doctors to hide patients during a SARS outbreak in the country's south. Some were driven around in ambulances while WHO scientists visited the country.

With AP and Reuters

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has made an official request to China for detailed information on a spike in respiratory illnesses in children
Photo: (Photo : Photo by Ving N on Unsplash)

In a tragic and alarming incident, Dublin, Ireland, witnessed a surge of violence and chaos after a knife attack left five people injured, including three children. The turmoil that erupted on Thursday evening in the wake of the attack escalated quickly, leading to violent clashes with police officers and widespread destruction.

The initial knife attack outside a Dublin school at approximately 1:30 p.m. resulted in a young 5-year-old girl requiring emergency medical attention. A woman and two other children were also injured, with a 6-year-old girl sustaining minor injuries and a boy eventually being discharged from the hospital. The city's peace was shattered as the news of this horrifying incident spread, fueling anger and chaos among the public.

Rioters' Rampage

The rioting began on O'Connell Street and Parnell Square East, where rioters attacked Garda officers and set a police vehicle ablaze. The situation deteriorated rapidly, with over 400 officers, including those in riot gear, called to manage the chaos attributed to a "small group of thugs." Rioters engaged in destructive behavior, throwing fireworks and bottles at the officers, damaging public transportation, and looting stores.

The unrest spread throughout Dublin, with key areas like the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and nearby Grafton Street heavily guarded by law enforcement. Rioters also targeted public transportation, setting a bus and a car on fire on the city's O'Connell Bridge.

Shop windows were smashed, and a Foot Locker store was looted, adding to the city's turmoil. The disturbance led to the suspension of all public transport services, disrupting the city's normal functioning.

The Irish police's investigation centers around a man in his 50s, currently hospitalized with serious injuries, who is considered a "person of interest" in the knife attack. The police are not treating the incident as terror-related and are confident that no other individuals are involved in the violence outside the school.

Read Also: LaDonna Williams Found Buried in Florida Backyard 7 Years After Escaping Domestic Abuse Stabbing

Official Responses and Condemnation

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris strongly condemned the public disorder, urging calm and cooperation with law enforcement. Superintendent Liam Geraghty provided insights into the incident, noting the commendable intervention of public members during the attack.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed deep shock over the "appalling attack" and emphasized the government's stance against such unrest, vowing not to tolerate actions that exploit the tragedy to spread division.

The series of events has left Dublin's community in shock and grief. The city, known for its rich cultural heritage and peaceful environment, faced an unprecedented situation that has raised concerns about public safety and the adequacy of existing security measures.

As investigations continue, there's a growing call for peace and unity within the community. Leaders are emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement in their efforts to maintain order and prevent similar incidents from escalating into further violence.

In the aftermath, Dublin faces the challenge of healing and rebuilding. The incident is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of public safety and the need for vigilance, empathy, and strong community bonds to overcome such tragic events.

As Dublin recovers, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, particularly the vulnerable segments like children, and on strengthening the city's resilience against such unforeseen and distressing occurrences.

Related Article: Tragedy Strikes Kindergarten in China: Six Lives Lost in Devastating Attack, Authorities Confirm
Cyber Monday is a spectacular time for monitor deals. Whether youre into watching movies, working all day, or competitive gaming at night, a good monitor can make a massive difference.

But choosing the right monitor specs can be downright stressful. From the various refresh rates to display sizes and response times, it can be a lot to take in. Thats why we put together a list of the best monitor deals. Weve also included a FAQ section that addresses what to look for in a good monitor.

Cyber Monday mainstream monitor deals

Sometimes all you want are the basics. So, if youre looking for an affordable, everyday monitor for office work or casual use, consider the following.

My top pick: The best bang for your buck is going to be the Acer R240HY at Amazon. For just $99.99, youre getting a 1080p display with a reasonable 60Hz refresh rate. Thats perfectly suitable for day-to-day tasks and office work.

Cyber Monday gaming monitor deals

When it comes to fast-paced PC gaming, every frame counts. Thats why you should consider getting a proper gaming monitor, as theyre designed to make your game look as smooth as possible when the action is furiously fast. We can highly recommend the deals below.

My top pick: If youre on the hunt for the ultimate gaming experience, the Acer Nitro XZ270 is a phenomenal option. It has a ridiculously fast 240Hz refresh rate as well as a 1ms response time. In other words, gameplay should be lusciously smooth. At just $159.99, its a stunning deal.

Cyber Monday 4K monitor deals

4K monitors are great for content creation thanks to their high resolutions and larger screens. Although theyre a good choice for editors who need to see the finer details of their work, theres really nothing like watching an epic movie on a 4K display, too. So, whether youre a video editor or a movie buff, weve got quite a few options below.

My top pick: The Samsung UR59 is a fantastic monitor for content creators because of its size. This display measures a spacious 32-inches, which is ideal for getting those minute details just right. It also features a refresh rate of 60Hz and an aspect ratio of 16:9, a perfect combination for Office work. 4K monitors sure are a lot more affordable than they used to be!

More great Cyber Monday 2023 tech deals
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, could not carry out his decision to attend the burial rites of the late Berekumhene, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo II, at Berekum in the Bono Region today.



This was after the Sunyani High Court, on Wednesday (Nov 22), restrained him from attending the funeral today (Thursday, Nov 23) since it could lead to the breach of the peace.



The court order followed an application brought before the court by a member of the Berekum Traditional Council, Osabarima Kyere Yeboah Darteh II.



The Dormaahene decided to attend the burial rites on Thursday, the same day the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was also attending the event.



Nananom in Berekum saw the position of the Dormaahene as something that could lead to the breach of the peace of the area, and therefore sought legal action to prevent him from attending.



From the funeral arrangements released by the Berekum Traditional council, the Dormaahene and Members of the Bono Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, of which he is the President were to attend the burial rites on Wednesday November 22 while the Asantehene, who is the overlord of Berekum, was to attend the burial on Thursday November 23.



Traditionally, Otumfuo is the last person to attend the burial of a Berekumhene since the Berekumhene owes allegiance to the Golden Stool - Asanteman.



But, to the surprise of the Berekum Traditional Council, the Dormaahene rather decided to attend the funeral the same time the Otumfuo would be attending, compelling the Berekum Traditional Council to seek legal means to stop him, and also prevent potential clashes, in view of recent developments between the Dormaahene and Asantehene.



The court requested the Ghana Police Service to assist the Berekum Traditional Council to carry out the injunction order to maintain peace within Berekum.



The legal action was aimed at forestalling any potential disorder arising from the presence of the Asantehene and the Dormaahene, considering the recent posture and public utterances of the Dormaahene against the Asantehene on why Dormaa cannot be part of Asanteman.



The court has ordered the Ghana Police Service to enforce the injunction, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace in Berekum and its environs.



Meanwhile, more than 20 VIP buses filled to capacity left the Manhyia Palace for the final funeral rites on Thursday.



Graphic Online understands that the Berekum area is filled to capacity with people paying their last respects to the late Omanhene.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the National Peace Ambassador, Clemence Gyato, have donated relief items to the Akosombo Dam spillage victims in the North Tongu District.



The donation, which comprised diverse essential items, including rice, water, clothing, footwear and hygiene supplies was valued at more than GH300,000.



Additionally, a sum of GH70,000 was offered to aid in alleviating the immediate needs of the affected individuals and families.



The visit to the Agbetikpo camp, housing approximately 1,200 displaced individuals among the 12,000 affected, showcased solidarity and compassion in the wake of the crisis.



Support

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Sharubutu emphasised the significance of communal support during adversity, extending prayers and words of encouragement to the affected individuals.



He expressed empathy and reassured the victims that hardship could pave the way for eventual solace.



The National Peace Ambassador, Clemence Gyato, commended the Chief Imam's enduring commitment to peace-building, reflecting on their joint efforts in past reconciliation endeavours.



The items





He underscored the importance of maintaining peace, particularly during challenging times, urging the youth to avoid actions that could disrupt communal harmony.



The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the victims, highlighting the substantial impact of the calamity, with more than 1,500 houses damaged and 21 camps established to shelter the displaced.



Regions needs

Recognising the overwhelming support and benevolence shown, Mr Ablakwa emphasised the unity and compassion exhibited by Ghanaians, particularly praising the Chief Imam's understanding of the region's needs.



Promising accountability for the received aid, Mr Ablakwa pledged equitable distribution among the remaining camps, ensuring no one was neglected in the recovery process.



The Chief Imam's unwavering support and generosity resonate deeply with the affected populace, signifying a beacon of hope amid their trials.



The donation not only addresses immediate necessities but also signifies a collective commitment towards rebuilding lives shattered by the dam spillage disaster.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The country has only started the exploitation of its petroleum resources and cannot sacrifice it midstream on the altar of energy transition, the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has stated.



He said although developed nations were pushing for energy transition  a changeover from the use of fossil oils that are identified to be polluting the environment to other sources such as solar, lithium and nuclear, together known as cleaner fuels  countries such as Ghana had only started exploitation of their resources and would continue with such plans to spur industrialisation and development.



The Energy Minister said the rich nations promoting such causes had harnessed and benefited from the same resources they now described as unclean, while Africa and other developing countries had just started utilising their endowments.



It is high time we Africans started to produce and use energies we have on this continent for our own development and that is the push for the current crop of Energy Ministers around Africa, Dr Prempeh stated while addressing delegates on the second day of the Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi, the Western regional capital, yesterday.



Conference



This years Local Content Conference and Exhibition also marks 10 years since the countrys promulgation of the Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204), hence the theme: Ten years of Local Content in Ghanas Upstream Petroleum Industry; Achievements, Challenges and Prospects.



Players in the industry, both downstream and upstream companies, service providers, maritime, port services, insurance and other financial institutions which had over the years contributed to the space, attended the conference.



More than 1,000 participants from Ghana, Nigeria, the Gambia, Uganda, Angola, Senegal and Trinidad & Tobago and Europe, among others, are attending the conference.



The Graphic Communications Group Ltd is the media partner of the event.



Least polluter



Dr Prempeh said it was the claim of the International Energy Agency that even if its members did not have new oil finds, there was enough energy to go round.



However, the minister stated that when it came to Africa, the continent had contributed the least to the pollution of less than three per cent, saying even if we burn all our oil resources it will be less than four per cent.



Citing the electricity density of Europe, Dr Prempeh said France was labelled green because it used nuclear and Germany was labelled brown because it continued to use a certain amount of coal in the production of electricity to support its industrialisation.



We have not used coal and we dont intend to.



But it has served Germanys purpose and made that country one of the most complicated industrialised countries in the world.



So, we struggling economies decided among us that we are not going to stand for that edict to stop the exploitation of our natural resources.



So we are going to continue to drill and drill and drill, he stressed.



Dr Prempeh disclosed that the African Union had started the process to set up an African Energy Bank to finance energy projects to ensure that if the resources are not provided, we will do it for ourselves.



The Energy Minister reminded the developed world of the unfulfilled pledge to finance climate change adaptation interventions with $100 billion a year, starting from 2015.



He said developing countries vulnerable to the actions of the rich nations had received nothing from the pledged funding.



Now we have forgotten that there's a principle called polluter pays.



But those who have polluted most are unwilling to pay, and yet say I shouldn't develop my country.



If I don't develop my country, what do I do, he said quizzically.



Dr Prempeh said Ghana would consider several important factors in the global conversation and come up with a homegrown or organic solution for energy transition.



He stated that the country and the rest of Africa would not risk sitting on large reserves of stranded oil and gas assets, which were key to its development agenda in its quest to ensure industrialisation and hasten the energy transition process.



The energy transition, he noted, was not simple but complex and had important ramifications for the structure of the economy and future development prospects.



In its quest to avert that possibility, he said, the ministry had developed the National Energy Transition Framework.



The transition

This framework will guide our strategic and pragmatic transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and minimise the disparaging impacts, to the extent possible, he said.



Dr Prempeh said the Petroleum Commission, the upstream industry regulator, had been tasked to lead the development of an Upstream Oil and Gas Transition Plan.



He commended the commission for the successes achieved under the Local Content framework and said although it was not its core business, it championed it successfully to the benefit of all stakeholders.



The Energy Minister also praised the commission for keeping faith with the conference and exhibition on local content, expressing the hope that it would become the convergence point of energy experts around the globe.



He said the country would have shot itself in the foot if it had failed to prioritise and develop local content





Source: graphiconline.com









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The Tomorrow Team has emerged as winners of the Stanbic-GIMPA Digital Learning Hackathon. The event, which was held at the GB auditorium of the GIMPA, forms part of the Stanbic Banks Blue Innovation Digital Impact Program to drive digital literacy and innovation among the Ghanaian youth.



The event was organized by the Digital transformation team of Stanbic Bank, Go-Digi who worked closely with students from GIMPA over two weeks, to develop and use their digital skills to identify and solve problems they face on campus. The winners of the Hackathon were awarded a cash prize of GHS 10,000 and the teams that came in second and third place received GHS 8,000 and GHS 5,000 respectively.



Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aya Ayettey, Head of Production Assurance and Customer Care at Stanbic Bank Ghana, shared that the initiative was directly in line with the bank's agenda to promote national growth.



She said, Stanbic Bank is keen on developing young minds and empowering them to dream big and use their skills to change the world. Education is very important for national growth and therefore we believe in providing a practical aspect to allow our youngsters to think outside the box and use their digital skills. Today I have been impressed by these young students who have used just two weeks to come up with mind-blowing digital solutions to the problems they face every day as students. The presentations we have seen are proof that given the right opportunities and the requisite skills, the next generation of Ghanaian leaders will be more than capable of transforming our country positively through technology and digitization.



I encourage young people especially ladies out there to take advantage of opportunities like this. I believe that this event is just the beginning and we will continue to push the digitalization agenda with these students to empower them to come up with groundbreaking innovative ideas that will transform our nation for the better. Next year we would love to see even more students participating and working together to come up with digitally-led solutions to the challenges surrounding us. As a bank, we look forward to working with young innovative minds to improve our business and better serve our clients, she added.



The Tomorrow Team developed an AI chatbot called Gimpassist to provide students easy and on-the-go access to past questions and other learning material. Team Captain, Isaac Kwatcha expressed his excitement and thanked the bank for the opportunity.



He mentioned that, For a lot of us, this is our first hackathon and we have learned a lot from this experience. The Go-Digi team from Stanbic Bank has been with us from the beginning of this journey teaching and mentoring us on the digital skills and tools we can use to make life easier. This is the first edition of this event and I know that next year a lot more students will join and also take advantage of this program to learn something new and develop their digital skills with Stanbic Bank.



The Stanbic partnership with GIMPA on digital upskilling is part of the banks Blue Innovation agenda to promote innovation and digital skills training. The Stanbic Hackathon is a platform that brings together software developers, experts, policymakers, academics, and industry players to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning and develop solutions to address identified problems in the areas of Agriculture, Financial Technology, Healthcare, eCommerce, Mobility, Internet of things, Education and Communication.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Professor Smart Sarpong has backed the New Patriotic Party's dismissal of Hopeson Adorye, a defeated parliamentary candidate, Nana Ohene Ntow, a former General Secretary, Boniface Abubakar Saddique, a former Zongo Minister and Yaw Buaben Asamoah, former Adentan Member of Parliament.



The New Patriotic Party, in a statement signed by their General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah, noted that these persons are no longer members for declaring their support for Alan Kyerematen, an independent candidate.



According to the statement, the four individuals' behavior breaches their constitution, so they forfeit their membership.



A Member of the Party, who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the Party, or who joins or declares his or her support for another Political Party, or for an independent candidate, when the Party has sponsored a candidate in a general or by-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the Party, the party established.



They stressed; In line with these constitutional provisions, it is the view of the NPP that Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique and Yaw Buaben Asamoa have AUTOMATICALLY FORFEITED their membership of the Party. They are, therefore, no longer members of the Party.



Discussing the matter during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show Wednesday morning, the Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, Prof. Smart Sarpong stated; "If you are not for me, then you are not with me. Those should know those who are for them and work with them...If you say you want to do party job but feel something worries, so you want to leave to join party B or C, be bold; do it".



"But if you will remain in the party, then note that whatever it is, something will get on your nerve. When two people are going for competition, both of them can't win. One will win and when the person wins, be humble enough to work with the person in the interest of the party you claim to be a member of", he added.



He however warned the New Patriotic Party to watch the way they treat their members as it may engender hostile reactions.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Former Minister for Central Region, Kwamena Duncan has admonished the Ghanaian electorate not to make a mistake to vote for the opposition during next year's December polls.



Firing subtle shots at former President and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, Kwamena Duncan described him as the past and advised Ghanaians to leave the past in the past.



He made this comment during discussions on the enskinment of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as Konukolewura (Chief of Unity) by the Overlord of Gonjaland, Jire Kuunu-bi I.



The Yagbonwura (Gonjaland Overlord) enskinned the Vice President in recognition of his character traits as a unifier and with a tolerant heart.



Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme Wednesday morning, Kwamena Duncan congratulated the Vice President for the honor and commended him for pledging to renovate the Jakpa Palace, the seat of the Gonja Kingdom which is in a deplorable condition.



"Bawumia is now and the future. Others are the past. The greatest harm you can do to yourself is to go to the ballot box and cast your ballot for those who are the past. The greatest harm any Ghanaian can do to themselves is to, on the 7th of December, 2024 queue and go to the poll and cast their ballot for those who are the past", the former Minister asserted.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Investigators are concerned about incidents involving horrific cat cruelty around a tight-knit farming community.

The latest attack involved a pet cat that had been missing for a week. It was then found on Monday with injuries vets believe are consistent with scalding from boiling oil or water.

The case is similar to another incident that occurred in September that involved a stray cat. That animal was found infested with maggots and as of Friday, it has yet to completely recover. As you can probably imagine, the injuries were so gruesome, we've had to blur photographs taken of them.

Disturbingly, the RSPCA thinks the two cases could be linked.

Puff (left) was discovered on Monday with injuries similar to those documented on a stray in September. Source: RSPCA/Google Earth/Airbus/Maxar Technologies

Fears of escalating cat cruelty

Both cases occurred in the tiny Western Australia wheatbelt town of Corrigin, but they are far from isolated events.

In a separate attack in August, a familys pet cat was tied to a brick and thrown into a Perth river. Two months later a cat was shot twice in the suburb of Huntingdale, although it is not believed this incident is connected.

Responding to the series of cases, RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green labelled the cruelty as beyond comprehension.

I have been an RSPCA inspector for 11 years and have seen a lot of things but this recent spate of what feels like escalating cat cruelty is concerning, she said.

The burns on the two cats in Corrigin left them in agony and the RSPCA is calling for public help to identify the perpetrator. With one cat, that could be an accident. With two, I am deeply concerned and ask for anyone with information to come forward, Green said.

Can you help catch those behind the cat cruelty?

People caught inflicting animal cruelty can expect to be prosecuted, and they face fines of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.

If you know who is behind the attacks, you can contact the RSPCAs 24-hour Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358. If you have specific information about the Corrigin cases you can quote job number 185977.

Story continues

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In a recent announcement, John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), revealed that he will choose his running mate for the upcoming presidential election next year.



The decision comes in response to suggestions made by traditional authorities in Asunafo South, in the Ahafo region who recommended their Member of Parliament, Eric Opoku, for the position.



Mr. Mahama emphasized the significance of following a clear and structured procedure in selecting the most suitable individual to join him on the NDCs ticket.



He acknowledged the importance of carefully considering the potential running mate, as their selection could significantly impact the partys chances in the election.



While addressing the recommendations made by the traditional authorities in Asunafo South, Mahama acknowledged the merits of Eric Opoku, the Member of Parliament representing the area. However, he reiterated the necessity of adhering to a fair and transparent process in order to identify the most competent candidate.



Our party, like custom, has processes for selecting candidates for various roles.



The Presidential candidate, National executives, and Council of Elders meet to select a running mate. But that procedure will begin next year. So keep praying for such a day, Mr. Mahama said.



John Dramani Mahamas announcement has sparked excitement and speculation within political circles as well as among NDC supporters. Many are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of his running mate, as the choice will likely shape the NDCs campaign strategy and strengthen their bid for the presidency.



The NDC, under Mahamas leadership, seeks to regain power after losing the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections to the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Mahama, who previously served as Ghanas president from 2012 to 2017, remains a prominent figure in the countrys political landscape and enjoys considerable support from his partys base.



As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the selection of a running mate assumes crucial significance for the NDC. The chosen candidate will be expected to complement Mahamas vision and effectively communicate the partys policies and agenda to the electorate. Furthermore, the running mate will likely play a vital role in consolidating support from various constituencies and appealing to undecided voters.



The NDCs decision regarding the running mate is anticipated to be a highly deliberated process, involving consultations within the partys leadership and careful consideration of various factors, such as regional balance, experience, and electoral appeal.



Ghanaians will be closely watching the NDCs selection process, as the party seeks to present a formidable challenge to the ruling NPP in the 2024 presidential election.



With John Dramani Mahamas announcement, the countdown to the unveiling of his running mate has begun, marking a critical juncture in Ghanas political landscape.







Source: Daily Guide









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A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Political Science Department, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante has said that the ultimate goal of the founder of the Movement For Change, Alan Kyerematen, towards the 2024 general elections is to be a kingmaker and not President.



He said that Mr Kyerematen himself was aware that the best he could do was to gather some significant votes, add it to the other existing parties and push the 2024 presidential elections into a second round.



Alan Kyerematen, who was a stalwart of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and served as Minster of Trade and Industry resigned from the party in September this year after special delegates conference that selected five out of 10 aspirants who wanted to lead the NPP as presidential candidate in 2024. He placed third in the first round of the race. But dropped out of the race and resigned from the NPP.



Alan Kyrematen proposes government of national unity if successful in 2024 Presidential bid

That is the best that they can do. We did some work, and if you look at the statistics, from 1992 up to 2020, all the other political parties put together in terms of their average performance, did not go beyond 4 per cent , he noted, Dr Asah-Asare explained.



So if you are talking about an individual who is going to come in and cross the threshold of 50 per cent and beyond, I am afraid that is not what Mr Alan Kyerematen is working for. He himself knows that it wont work, he stressed.



The Senior Political Science Lecturer was Speaking on JoyNews PM Express on Wednesday, November 22, 2023,



He further stated that Mr Kyerematen, who is a former Minister of Trade and Industry, knew he could be a kingmaker if he pushed the elections into a runoff which would bring all those who launched attacks against him that he was not a candidate for the 2024 elections before him on their knees.



That is all that he is fighting for. But for winning, he knows that it will not work, Dr Asah-Asante added.



However, even on the ability of Mr Kyerematen to push the election into a runoff, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante m said it was too early to make that prediction.







Source: graphiconline.com









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Global Media Alliance (GMA), organisers of the annual event dubbed African Legends Night has postponed this years edition of the event slated for December 1 until further notice.



Though the organisers did not state reasons that caused the event to be postponed, they however apologized for the inconvenience caused to patrons and partners, and indicated that refunds have been made to all those who purchased tickets and reserved tables.



The organisers added that a new date for the event will soon be communicated.



Artistes billed for the event include Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the hiplife legend, Obrafour, highlife icon, George Jahraa and Kwabena Kwabena.



Powered by Global Media Alliance, the event has over the years celebrated living legends such as Hugh Masekela of South Africa, Femi Kuti of Nigeria and Freddy Meiway.



Ghanaian legends like Amakye Dede, George Darko, Ofie Cudjoe, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Ben Brako, Kojo Antwi, Samini, Rex Omar, Nat Brew, Akosua Agyapong, Nana Tuffuor, Ofori Amponsah and Daddy Lumba have all performed at the event.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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For some, putting up a Christmas tree and stringing lights signals the start of the holiday season. Others kick it off by standing in line before the crack of dawn on Black Friday.

Hundreds of shoppers did just that Friday at Bass Pros Shops in Swatara Township, where a line snaked around the stores entrance at the Harrisburg Mall before a 5 a.m. opening.

While the retailer, among other stores, has been advertising Black Friday sales all week, it sweetened the deal Friday with a raft of special hot picks too good to pass up.

Shoppers came for $9.98 fleece shirts, $359.99 rifles and $199.98 compound bows. Part of the appeal, the first 250 shoppers in line received a mystery gift card valued between $10 and $500.

People like to go Black Friday shopping. Its fun. Its part of the holiday tradition, said Madison Riccio of Hummelstown. I think its the adrenaline of going to the store and getting something, and you dont have to wait for it in the mail.

She arrived at 10 p.m. Thursday with family, including her brother, Nicholas Riccio. They were second in line and waited with chairs and snacks in hopes of landing deals on camouflage and fishing lures.

We just got nothing else to do really, Nicholas Riccio said, adding they hit Bass Pros Black Friday sale last year.

Bass Pros general manager Marwane Selmane reported no issues as shoppers filed into the store. He added they come for the deals, especially sales on rifles.

The stores lines are an unusual sight, given shopping early the day after Thanksgiving appears to be a dying tradition as retailers spread out sales and push online discounts.

This morning, several retailers including Target, Walmart, Macys, Best Buy and Hershey Tanger Outlets opened early. At Target at the High Pointe Commons in Swatara Township, three people stood outside the doors around 5:35 a.m. ahead of the 6 a.m. opening.

Increasingly, the entire weekend is viewed as a shopping opportunity.

This year, about 182 million people  or, about 15.7 million more than last year  are projected to shop in-store and online over the holiday weekend, which technically stretches from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics report.

The NRF says the weekend marks some of the busiest shopping days of the year, with about 74% of holiday shoppers planning to shop during the five-day weekend. Among those surveyed, the reasons vary from finding deals to tradition.

Deals certainly drove shoppers to Bass Pro.

Cheap rifles, said Dakota Lucas, of Hegins, adding he hoped to pick one on sale for $150 off the regular price. Were cheap. We like the deals.

He showed up at the store around 1 a.m. with Sean Baer, also of Hegins, and they spent their time talking, eating and trying to stay warm. For others, more than just the deals lured them to the store.

For the gift cards, said Tiffany Sherrick of Lower Paxton Township. She said her family planned to pick up jeans and thermals, and then head to PetSmart for cat litter and dog treats.

Others like Dylan and Katy Yost, of Lower Paxton Township, showed up minutes before the 5 a.m. opening. They had no desire to wake up any earlier, as Dylan Yost noted others in line are more dedicated than us.

After shopping at Bass Pro, the couple planned to spend the morning patronizing other stores including Walmart, Target and outlets.

Its a fun activity every year. Its more of a tradition than anything else, Dylan Yost said.
LIVINGSTON, Ky. (AP)  A chemical fire at a Kentucky train derailment that caused evacuations has been extinguished and people can return to their homes, rail operator CSX said Thursday.

CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker said in an email Thursday afternoon that the fire is completely out. He said that authorities and CSX officials reviewed air monitoring data and decided it was safe to let displaced return home.

The CSX train derailed around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near Livingston, a remote town with about 200 people in Rockcastle County. Residents were encouraged to evacuate.

More: Norfolk Southern CEO: Were going to be there for as long as it takes to clear Ohio issues

Two of the 16 cars that derailed carried molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached, CSX said in a statement.

Its believed that the fire released the potentially harmful gas sulfur dioxide, but officials have not released results of measurements taken from air monitoring equipment that was being deployed Wednesday night.

The derailment meant some Livingston residents woke up on Thanksgiving in a middle school shelter.

This image taken from video and provided by WTVQ shows people sitting at a table at Rockcastle Middle School being used as an evacuation center in Mt Vernon, Ky., Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 (WTVQ via AP)AP

Cindy Bradley had just finished cooking for the big meal Wednesday when an official knocking loudly urged her to leave her small Kentucky home as soon as possible because a train had derailed.

She ended up at Rockcastle County Middle School in Livingston  unsure what was to come next.

Its just really scary. We dont know how long this is, Bradley told WTVQ-TV on Wednesday night, surrounded by dozens of cots.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, depending on the concentration and length of exposure. The gas is commonly produced by burning fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial processes, the EPA says.

Evelyn Gray noticed a problem when her back door was opened by someone telling her to evacuate.

As soon as he opened the back door to come in the chemical hit me, and I had a real bad asthma attack, Gray told the TV station.

The danger from sulfur dioxide tends to be direct and quick, irritating the lungs and skin, said Neil Donahue, a chemistry professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

It is just nasty, caustic, and acidic stuff that hurts. Its unpleasant to be in, Donahue said.

Once the fire was put out, the threat from the chemicals was expected to diminish quickly, Donahue said.

CSX is now working to clean up an additional spilled chemical and restore the area.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county, assuring crews all the help from the state they need. He asked the public to keep in mind the emergency workers and people forced to spend Thanksgiving away from home.

Please think about them and pray for a resolution that gets them back in their homes. Thank you to all the first responders spending this day protecting our people, the governor said in a statement Thursday.

CSX promised to pay the costs of anyone asked to evacuate, including a Thanksgiving dinner.
By Michael Gartland, New York Daily News (TNS)

Mayor Eric Adams is being accused of sexual assault and battery in legal papers filed late Wednesday under New York States Adult Survivors Act.

The woman, whom the Daily News is not naming to protect her privacy, has accused Adams of sexually assaulting her in 1993 when, according to court papers, they both worked for the city. Adams was an NYPD officer at the time.

Plaintiff was sexually assaulted by Defendant Eric Adams in New York, New York, in 1993 while they both worked for the City of New York, the three-page legal brief claims.

Adams accuser is seeking $5 million in relief as well as attorney fees and interest. The legal documents also accuse Adams of employment discrimination on the basis of her gender and sex, retaliation, hostile work environment and intentional inflication of emotional distress.

The mayor denied the accusations through a City Hall spokesman Thursday morning.

The mayor does not know who this person is. If they ever met, he doesnt recall it, his spokesman Charles Lutvak said. But he would never do anything to physically harm another person and vigorously denies any such claim.

Adams accuser could not immediately be reached for comment. Her attorney Megan Goddard did not immediately respond to a call.

Along with Adams, the woman has named several other defendants in her suit, including the city, NYPDs Transit Bureau, the Guardians Association and several unnamed entities.

According to the legal filing, the action will be heard in Manhattan Supreme Court and the basis for the venue is where the actions complained of occurred.

The claim is being made under an extension of the state Adult Survivors Act. The deadline to file claims before that extension sunsets at midnight Thursday.

More:

Bill Cosby sexual assault accuser sues him under N.Y. survivors law

Former model sues Axl Rose of Guns N Roses, saying he raped her
Police in Western New York have identified the couple who were killed in a vehicle explosion at the New York-Canada border when their car crashed at the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday.

WIVB reports Niagara Falls police said Friday the victims are Grand Island residents Kurt P. Villani, and his wife, Monica Villani, both 53 years old. Video showed their car traveling at a high rate of speed before hitting a median, going airborne and hitting a structure near the U.S. border inspection booths before exploding and bursting into flames, killing both people.

According to WGRZ, Kurt and Monica Villani were members of the Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island and well-known in their community.

Its really shock and devastation and its just gut wrenching really, really. They were so loved, Mary Meyer told the Buffalo TV station. They were so generous and kind and always willing to help. You know, just plowing everybodys driveway for the love of it, you know what I mean? Just always willing to help and lend a hand. Always. always, always. They were just so very, kind wonderful people.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Niagara Falls police as a traffic investigation. The FBI said late Wednesday it concluded its own investigation after finding no evidence of a terrorist attack, and no explosive materials at the scene.

Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete, the Niagara Falls Police Department said on behalf of its Crash Management Unit. The City of Niagara Falls would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families as they deal with this tragedy.

In this image taken from security video, a light colored vehicle, top center, flies over a fence into the Rainbow Bridge customs plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of a U.S.-Canada bridge in Niagara Falls Wednesday, leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of four border crossings in the area, authorities said.Customs Border Protection via AP

Sources told CNN that investigators believe the couple planned to attend a KISS concert in Canada, but when it was canceled they went to the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino instead. The crash reportedly occurred after the pair left the casino in a Bentley.

The crash prompted Rainbow Bridge and three other bridges connecting Western New York and Ontario to close out of an abundance of caution. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received briefings, and Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Western New York to announce there were no signs of terrorism involved.

Hochul said the car was basically incinerated with nothing left but the engine and a scattering of charred debris.

You actually had to look at (the video) and say, was this generated by AI? Hochul said at a news conference. Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire.

WIVB reports one border patrol officer suffered minor injuries in the incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Three of the border crossings reopened Wednesday night. The Rainbow Bridge re-opened Thursday around 6:30 p.m.
A head-on collision in Franklin County killed one person Wednesday night, according to state police.

Logan Gilbert died at York Hospital after his Gold Honda Civic crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Blue Jeep Renegade in Guilford Township, according to state police.

Gilbert was driving north on Route 316, on the 4000 block of Wayne Road, at around 10:30 p.m., while the Jeep was driving south, state police said.

Police did not release Gilberts age or where he lived.

Gilberts passenger survived the crash with severe bruising and a broken wrist. The driver of the Jeep Renegade suffered a sprained ankle and severe bruising, according to state police.

More:

Missing 8-year-old Harrisburg girl found: Police

Pa. man drowns while kayaking on Thanksgiving, coroner says

Arson suspected in Great Smoky Mountains park fire, rangers say
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Twelve Thai nationals are to be released from Gaza on Friday, along with 13 Israeli captives, according to the head of Egypts state information service.

The hostages are expected to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Thirty-nine Palestinian prisoners are also to be released by Israel.

The releases are part of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that began Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel, however, has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the cease-fire ends.
Two recent cases of dogs being abandoned at a Pennsylvania airport have angered people, but a survey found that many owners are giving up their pets because their pocketbooks are being squeezed.

A report released in September by Veterinarians.org concluded that nearly 17% of 1,000 dog owners surveyed said that they had given up their dog during the last year, with nearly a third of those people saying that their inability to pay for food or veterinary care was a contributing reason.

Half of those who surrendered their dog re-homed it with a relative, friend or neighbor, while 25% said they gave their dog to a shelter or rescue organization and 25% found a new home for their dog through social media.

Other reasons cited for giving up a dog were: Behavioral issues (23%), change in circumstances, such as having a baby or caring for a family member (19%), and new job/lack of time (14%).

Allegheny County police have charged two people in separate cases for abandoning their dogs at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Police said an Armstrong County woman left her dog in a stroller on Aug. 4 to catch a flight to Mexico and a West Virginia man tied his dog outside to a light pole before flying to California on Nov. 16.

While 40% of dog owners said they have considered getting another dog in the last year, they have not done so, and a third of them cited financial reasons.

Thirty-one percent of dog owners said they have delayed paying for dog expenses or monthly bills to make ends meet. The report found that 28% of owners have charged dog expenses to their credit cards in the last year and 16% have had to borrow money from family or friends to cover costs.

Some said they reduced the frequency of services for their dogs, such as grooming, dog walking or daycare/pet sitting. And 28% said they have put off veterinary care because of the cost.

The website suggested contacting groups that offer financial assistance to pet owners and pet food pantries. Pennsylvania groups providing assistance include:

Other groups can be found at the Sams Hope website.
Aussies have been urged to turn their homes upside down to find a winning Powerball ticket after one mystery player nabbed the entire $20 million prize.

The winner held the only division one winning entry in Powerball draw 1436 on Thursday. Lottery officials are now searching for the individual, who purchased the entry from a newsagency in Sunbury, Victoria.

Staff at Nextra Sunbury were ecstatic to have sold another division one winning entry. Source: The Lott

Lotto officials urging Aussies to find the winning ticket

Because the winner was not registered to a player card or online account, The Lott has no way of making contact, so its possible the Melbourne player is entering the weekend with no idea they are a multi-millionaire.

The winning numbers were 35, 31, 32, 7, 23, 33 and 4. The Powerball number was 5.

"Were urging all players who purchased a Powerball entry from Nextra Sunbury to check their tickets as soon as possible, said The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell.

"Weve heard from previous winners their entries have turned up in weird and wonderful places. Be sure to check your fridge door, car console, wallet or even old shopping bags.

"The division one prize is due to be paid into the winners bank account in two weeks time, on Friday 8 December, but first the mystery ticketholder will need to come forward to claim their prize. It certainly would set them up for a very merry Christmas ahead!

"If you discover you are holding the winning entry in last nights draw, contact The Lott on 131 868 immediately to begin the process of claiming your prize. This is an important reminder to all players to always register your tickets to a player's card or online account, so we can call immediately after the draw with the exhilarating news.

Newsagent's 32nd top prize

Newsagent worker May Crotty said her team at Nextra Sunbury were ecstatic to have sold a division one winning entry.

Story continues

"Its very exciting news!" she said. "Our manager discovered the winning news at 4am in the morning and it was quite the surprise to start the day," she said.

"This is our 32nd division one winning entry sold since Nextra Sunbury first opened and the excitement never ends. We love helping change the lives of our customers and will continue to do so."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
A woman was killed and at least three others were hurt after a fire started at a Mifflin County apartment building Thanksgiving morning, multiple reports said.

The three-alarm fire started just after 5 a.m. at the Kish Apartments on South Main Street, Lewistown Borough Fire Chief Bob Barlett told WJAC.

The fire only burned one apartment, but smoke and water damaged units throughout the seven-story building, according to WJAC.

Fire crews found the woman on the third floor of the building, and she was taken to a local hospital where she later died, according to abc27 and WJAC. The identity of the woman has not been released as of Thursday evening.

Authorities told abc27 at least three other people were taken to the hospital after the fire. A firefighter was also treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, WJAC said.

The fire displaced an estimated six people, who are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The Mifflin County Coroners Office and a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal were called to the scene, the stories said.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Hamas released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal that began Friday, including 13 Israelis who have been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago, according to officials and media reports.

Twelve Thai nationals were also released, according to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. An Israeli official confirmed that the Thai captives left Gaza and were en route to a hospital in Israel. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to discuss the releases with the media.

In all, 50 captives had been expected to be freed during a four-day truce. It was not clear if the Thai hostages were included in that.

Israel is set to release 150 Palestinians under the deal. Thirty-nine  24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones  were expected to be freed Friday, Palestinian authorities said.

Israeli media, citing security officials, said 13 Israelis had been freed.

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas began Friday, allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza and setting the stage for the exchange.

There were no reports of fighting after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gazas 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East. Israel, however, has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the cease-fire ends.

On Friday, it brought quiet after weeks in which Gaza saw heavy bombardment and artillery fire daily as well as street fighting as ground troops advanced through neighborhoods in the north. The last report of air raid sirens in Israeli towns near the territory came shortly after the truce took effect.

Not long after, four tankers with fuel and four with cooking gas entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, Israel said.

Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 34,340 gallons of fuel per day during the truce  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs.

For most of the past seven weeks of war, Israel had barred the entry of fuel to Gaza, claiming it could be used by Hamas for military purposes  though it has occasionally allowed small amounts in.

U.N. aid agencies pushed back against the claim, saying fuel deliveries were closely supervised and urgently needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe since fuel is required to run generators that power water treatment facilities, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to return to their homes in the territorys north, the focus of Israels ground offensive.

Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides agreed to release women and children first, in stages starting Friday. Israel said the deal calls for the truce to be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

Early in the day, ambulances were seen arriving at the Hatzerim air base in southern Israel, preparing for the release. Those freed will then be taken to hospitals for assessment and treatment, Israeli officials said.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses. Three Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released for every hostage freed.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted telling troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

The soldiers will only be released in exchange for all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, according to the Islamic Jihad militant group, which is reportedly holding about 40 hostages.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians on security charges or convictions, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza after stopping for weeks because of the health systems collapse in the north.
A Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft cockpit is shown under construction at Bombardier's Challenger manufacturing plant in Montreal, Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Canadian aerospace companies are pushing back against the notion that a Bombardier Inc. contract win to replace aging military patrol planes would be the most beneficial, stating that a deal between Ottawa and U.S. airplane giant Boeing Inc. could be at least as lucrative. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Randall Hopley is shown in this undated police handout photo. The high-risk sex offender who turned himself in to police after a 10-day manhunt earlier this month remains in custody awaiting his next court date. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Vancouver Police *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks during a press conference at a Peel Regional police station in Mississauga, Ont., on Friday, November 24, 2023. The Ontario government is investing $18-million over three years to help police services combat and prevent auto theft, while protecting communities and keeping people and their property safe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A British Columbia cabinet minister says a memo she mistakenly dropped contained notes she sent for herself about a big and shiny affordability measure for the next budget, but the paper ended up in the hands of the Opposition BC United party. Opposition critic Mike de Jong speaks in Surrey, B.C., on Sunday October 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The father of a 9-year-old girl being held hostage by Hamas militants continues to wait for release, holding out hope that he will see her again.

First the family thought she was likely dead, but it's believed Irish girl Emily Hand, who had her birthday last week, is believed to be somewhere in Gaza among the hostages taken by Hamas militants who swarmed her kibbutz on October 7.

Her plight  and that of the other hostages  has captured the attention of the Irish public, and the world. But despite Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire which commenced on Friday afternoon (AEST) and a deal to release hostages, little Emily was not among the first group released by the militant organisation.

Thomas Hand, the father of Irish-Israeli Emily Hand, says he hopes to see her release soon. Source: Reuters (Amir Cohen / reuters)

On Friday, the Hand family became aware their little girl was not among those set to be released when Hamas provided Israel with a list of the first group of hostages to be freed, the Irish Times reported. That was despite initial reports the previous day that she would be among the first to be released.

The family expressed happiness to see other captives handed over and say they continue to wait for more information.

"We remain optimistic and hope to see Emily with us in the coming day," they said in a statement.

It's still hoped the 9-year-old will be released in the coming days. Source: Reuters (Amir Cohen / reuters)

First hostage and prisoner swap takes place

The ceasefire is set to last for four days, during which a total of 50 Israeli hostages are expected to be released, focusing on children, mothers and elderly women. In return Israel will free for some 150 Palestinian prisoners.

This morning  as the guns fell silent across the Gaza strip for the first time in seven weeks  Hamas released 24 hostages including Israeli women and children and Thai farm workers.

The hostages were transferred out of Gaza and handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing, accompanied by eight staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a four-car convoy, the ICRC said.

Qatar, which acted as mediator for the truce deal, said 13 Israelis had been released, some with dual citizenship, plus 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino. Meanwhile thirty-nine Palestinian women and teenage detainees were released from Israeli jails.

Story continues

"We have just completed the return of the first batch of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each and every one of them is a world in itself," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

"But I stress to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel: we are committed to returning all our hostages."

Hostages who were abducted by Hamas gunmen during the October 7 attack being handed over. Source: Reuters (Handout . / reuters)

Thai workers and a Filipino were among those released this morning. Source: Reuters (Handout . / reuters)

Elderly women were among those handed over in the hostage release Friday morning. Source: Reuters (Handout . / reuters)

A helicopter carrying hostages released as part of a deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas arrives at Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel. Source: Reuters (Ronen Zvulun / reuters)

The names of the Israeli hostages were released after they were freed. They included four children accompanied by four family members as well as five other elderly women.

Corinne Moshe, daughter-in-law of 72-year-old Adina Moshe, said her husband and his siblings were waiting at a hospital to be reunited with their mother.

"I miss her very, very much, I want her to be back already. I want to have dinner with her and the entire family again," she said.

"Grandmother is a strong woman. She raised almost all the children of Kibbutz Nir Oz."

The Israeli military said the released hostages underwent an initial medical assessment inside Israeli territory before being taken to Israeli hospitals to be reunited with their families.

Israel says the truce could be extended if more hostages are released at a rate of 10 per day. However both sides say the war will resume on full throttle as soon as the truce is over.

with Reuters

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Online shopping outlet Temu Australia has removed a "toxic" and "arrogant" social media post after fears it could incite hatred towards women amid an ongoing epidemic which has seen 53 female Aussies killed this year, allegedly by domestic violence.

After being alerted to a post featuring a male model wearing a T-shirt with the slogan: "I never argue. I just explain why I'm right", the online retailer swiftly took down the advert.

While the slogan might seem innocuous to many, it carries sinister connotations for domestic violence survivors says Emma*, who saw the Facebook ad and immediately reported it to the social media platform. "I find it saddening and frustrating that such aggressive and toxic messaging is still being put out there in 2023," she told Yahoo News Australia. "Despite reporting the ad twice as 'offensive', the post remained in my feed until I flagged it as 'violent'."

A quick search of Temu's website reveals T-shirts with more overtly aggressive slogans, including "I love my wife. But sometimes I wanna square up"  a phrase often used to describe the stance taken by someone about to fight another person.

Temu Australia took swift action to remove the social media post, but the shirt remains on the retailer's website. Source: Facebook/Temu

Referring to the shirt in the ad, CEO of domestic violence support service White Ribbon Australia, Melissa Perry, told Yahoo, "While we cannot speak to the intentions behind the slogan on this T-shirt, clearly it displays a level of disrespect, arrogance and entitlement that could be triggering to anyone who has experienced violence or been in a controlling relationship. This sort of public-facing messaging, which is clearly aimed at a male demographic, speaks to the outdated attitudes and beliefs that continue to allow men's violence to flourish."

Story continues

When contacted by Yahoo, Temu, which is owned by Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, said its team "was not aware of the sensitivities involved in this situation" and immediately took down all adverts containing the original image. "Our team is in contact with the merchant for an investigation. However, we have already taken this clothing item offline," a spokesperson said. At the time of publication, however, the shirt remains available on the Temu site.

'We need to be doing more'

In a report released ahead of last Friday's White Ribbon Day, the organisation found more than half of Aussie men "don't know where to start" in preventing violence against women, while two-in-three men believe "not being an offender" is doing enough.

The nationwide survey of 1,000 men found 86 per cent said they had a critical a role to play in reducing gender-based violence but just 6 per cent took action to prevent it, and many struggled to identify social or psychological forms of domestic violence.

"Right now, we're faced with a shocking reality that should make all of us feel equal parts outrage and sadness: on average, one woman is allegedly murdered every nine days in Australia," Perry said. "We cannot be a society so numbed and desensitised that we view family and domestic violence as just another statistic. The time for silence and indifference has passed. As a nation, we need to be doing more to change this unacceptable set of statistics."

While the T-shirt is also available for women, experts say the slogan can be triggering to survivors of domestic violence in certain contexts. Source: Temu

Domestic violence spikes around Christmas time

Last Sunday, a 39-year-old female South Australian, who is yet to be named, was allegedly the 51st Aussie woman to die this year due to an act of violence, according to shocking statistics from Destroy The Joint's Counting Dead Women project. Since then, two more Aussie women have sadly been added to the list, both allegedly killed by men known to them, bringing this year's horrifying total up to 53.

"And we know that instances of family domestic violence traditionally spike as we head into the festive season, with issues like financial distress and an increase in alcohol and drug use fuelling this behaviour," Perry added.

White Ribbon says Aussies can help reduce domestic violence by educating themselves and others, speaking out, promoting consent and respect, using online platforms responsibly and understanding DV work policies.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, always call Triple 0.

*Name has been changed.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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
Aiken Standard reporter

Taylor Beltz is a general assignments reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers a variety of topics from business to sports.

Beltz is a University of South Carolina graduate. Follow her on Twitter @TaylorKaye09.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
After two years as a hub for local artists and musicians in West Greenville, Inchoate Art Gallery is closing Nov. 26.

It was a "death by a thousand cuts," said owner Thaddeus Inchoate, who cited gentrification in Greenville and South Carolina's liquor liability law as reasons for his departure.

If he had stayed in business, Inchoate said his liquor insurance premium would have jumped from $1,200 per year to about $5,000.

"The state's laws and taxes are horrible for small businesses," he said.

The speed of gentrification in West Greenville also worries him. Earlier this year, City Council narrowly approved the annexation and rezoning of property on Pendleton Street to become a mixed-use apartment complex called "The Woven."

"A couple years from now, you're going to have $2,000 apartments that are half full because no one can afford them," Thaddeus said. "There will be $30 martini bars and no local culture, no local art."

In December, Inchoate will move the art gallery from its spot at 46 Lois Avenue to Atlanta. He's excited to welcome local artists and musicians to his new space in the next few months. While he doesn't have an address just yet, he said his new space will likely be in the suburban Decatur area.

Upcoming in the Upstate

Ristorante Bergamo owners Kathy and Gian Petro Ferro plan to open an Italian market and deli in the heart of West Greenville early next year. The storefront will be called "Bergamo West."

Visitors can expect a place to find Italian wines by the bottle, olive oil, olives, imported meats and cheeses, and other Italian specialties, along with Italian sandwiches, espresso and pastries.

This is true Italian, Kathy Ferro told The Post and Courier. Even the salt comes from Italy.
Date Night is your weekly inspiration and themed itinerary pairing a local cultural activity or event with a corresponding dining experience in Greenville. Want to win at going out? Impress your significant other with your newfound, niche planning skills? Or simply answer the weekly what are we doing tonight? I got you. Read moreDate Night: An 'Odd' pairing with small plates
HILTON HEAD ISLAND  Though Hudson's Seafood is renowned for its fresh seafood, the meals served by the iconic Hilton Head institution on Thanksgiving were more turf than surf.

An estimated 1,400 people showed up for the community dinner that was free to all. It's an annual tradition since 1997.

The tradition of providing a meal at no charge was more about building community than offering a strictly charitable service, said Hudson's owner Andrew Carmines.

"It was not necessarily just for people who can't afford Thanksgiving, but also for people who want to be with their community on Thanksgiving," he said.

Carmines was a college student home for the holiday when his father, Brian, launched the event. They served about 300 people that first year.

"I wandered into the kitchen and it was utter chaos," Carmines said of the inaugural event. "Then it evolved and has become sort of the official, local celebration for Thanksgiving on Hilton Head."

True to the communal nature of the meal, seating in the restaurant was family style. Diners sat with whoever happened to be next to them in line.

"You get to meet people that you might never meet in your normal, day-to-day life," Carmines said.

Bob and Evy Edelman timed their visit to Hilton Head from New York to coincide with the Thanksgiving meal. It's a trip they've made before.

"We've met some great people while in line over the years," Bob Edelman said. "It gives us a chance to enjoy the local hospitality."

In the past, most of the food was paid for by St. Andrews by the Sea Methodist Church, which held fundraising events through out the year to cover the expense. This year, a couple of other churches chipped in to help defray the cost, and Sysco Corp. donated 95 turkeys.

Hudson's staff volunteers to do all of the cooking and help manage the activities of the 300 volunteers who show up to serve meals, clear tables and perform the rest of the tasks necessary to feed well over 1,000 people in just four hours. There were no problems gathering volunteers for the event as all 300 slots were claimed by mid September.
JASPER COUNTY An invasive, bee-killing hornet has been spotted in South Carolina for the first time.

A yellow-legged hornet was trapped in Jasper County Nov. 9 and later confirmed by the federal Department of Agriculture. Its arrival has raised alarm among Clemson University officials tasked with protecting the states beekeeping industry.

The species, native to Southeast Asia, has been known to wreak havoc on bee colonies but is no more harmful to humans than other hornets.

Establishment of this exotic pest in the U.S. would pose a significant threat to our already embattled beekeeping enterprises," said Ben Powell, director of Clemson Cooperative Extensions Apiary and Pollinator program.

Powell and his team have kept an eye out for the invasive hornet since August, when one was spotted in Savannah, Ga.  the first sighting in the United States.

Despite alarm bells buzzing, the detection in South Carolina doesn't necessarily indicate that yellow-legged hornets have established habitat in the state.

Hornet traps are set along the Georgia border, and only one yellow-legged hornet has been seen so far. It was found immediately adjacent to the Savannah area in Jasper County, said Steven Long, assistant director of the Clemson Department of Plant Industry.

Researchers can't say definitively how the hornets found their way to Georgia, but Long noted it's possible they came in on a ship through the Port of Savannah.

Clemson supports the beekeeping industry statewide through research and extension with its Apiculture and Pollinator Program and provides disease and pest protection through its Apiary Inspection Program. The Clemson teams say they will enhance their trapping efforts, work with federal officials to confirm sightings and respond to active hornet colonies, if they are located.
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
An Aussie influencer has captured the horrifying moment a swooping bird attacked her, forcing its entire beak into her eye as she was filming her hot girl walk.

Sarah Jade, who said she is scared of birds, detailed the traumatising incident in a TikTok posted on Wednesday, admitting she initially didnt realise how close she came to losing her eye.

In the viral clip, she can be seen looking up while speaking to the camera before a black and white bird suddenly hits the right side of her face, prompting her to shriek and hold her arm up to her face. This has to probably be one of the most traumatic things that has ever happened to me, Sarah said. It literally went in my eye!

Sarah Jade said she had no idea the bird's beak had gone in her eye until she rewatched the clip. Source: TikTok/@jadesara99

Slow-mo of 'disgusting' bird attack shocks Aussies

The social media influencer said she didnt realise the extent of her contact with the bird  which she claimed was a magpie  until she rewatched the footage.

I thought it just hit me on the side of my face until I watched back the video and I am traumatised, she said following the attack. I literally feel sick and I dont even want to show it but I feel like I have to show it because what are the chances that I got it on film.

Sarah then shows the clip of the bird hitting her in slow-mo, revealing almost its entire beak went inside her eye socket, just under here eyeball, before it darted across her face. It kinda looks like its just gliding across my face, she adds before imposing her face over a screenshot of the moment. I actually cant, it is so disgusting.

Sarah said her eye was red and so irritated afterwards, and her Google search about birds and the bacteria they can carry led her to spiral. I was going to go to the hospital today if my eye was going to fall out of my face, she continues before urging people to be on the lookout for stupid birds during swooping season and that she will no longer go on walks without a hat and sunnies.

Story continues

Bird revealed to be a peewee, not a magpie

The nauseating clip has since gained almost 1.5 million views in two days, however many viewers commented that the bird was in fact a peewee  otherwise known as a magpie-lark  not a magpie. Despite its confusing name, the native birds are not related to magpies or larks.

Sarah Jade said her eye was 'so irritated' after the swooping attack.

Luckily it wasnt a magpie, you would have lost your eye thats ruthless, one person said. That screenshot has me WEAK. How did you not lost your eye? another astonished viewer wrote. The way my entire body recalled in horror, someone else commented.

After reviewing the footage, professor in conservation and biodiversity Richard Fuller confirmed to Yahoo News Australia the bird seen swooping Sarah is indeed a peewee. Its relatively unusual for Magpie-larks to swoop people  mostly its Australian Magpies, Pied Butcherbirds, Masked Lapwings and Noisy Miners, he said. But quite a wide range of bird species will get defensive of perceived intruders near their nests or young.

My guess is that they see eyes as a vulnerable spot, and as a way to force the intruder to move away as quickly as possible.

According to birding expert Greg Roberts, peewees are not known to attack people but are known to very aggressively defend their territories. Most peewee swoops happen during the nesting period of August to January. He told the ABC in 2018 that the birds also respond aggressively to images of themselves in reflective surfaces such as car mirrors  a possible explanation for Sarah's attack with it plausible the peewee saw itself in her selfie video.

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The controversy over the Charleston County law that created the Historic Preservation Commission continues to preoccupy council members, preservation groups and residents of Black settlement communities  though it remains unclear precisely what is causing concern.

The disagreement has been presented by many as a fight to protect settlement communities. Others argue that it stems from a technical concern over the wording of the ordinance County Council passed in 2018 that established the commission. Others say its indicative of an acute existential choice between cultural and social preservation and the erasures wrought by suburban sprawl.

Despite pleas to move on, coming from several people who took the microphone during the public comments part of the meeting, County Council on Nov. 14 voted to reconsider the issue after deciding at the previous meeting not to proceed with changes to the ordinance in question.

Then council voted to postpone the next debate of the issue, the new second reading, until January, ostensibly to ensure theres time to engage with settlement community residents and others before again taking up the question of revising the law.

"The commission did its job, declared Richard Habersham, a leader of the Phillips Community. It didnt try to shut down development, only enforced the rules.

Michael German, of the Snowden Community, also objected to the prospect of revisiting councils decision.

The last time, we talked about holding meetings with African American communities before moving forward with changes, he said.

All the talk of ordinances, historic appropriateness, alleged conflicts with state law and vested rights might cause the casual observer to go numb, but at the heart of the matter is the fate of these Black communities formed in the aftermath of the Civil War and now threatened by real estate development.

New subdivisions have reached the doorstep of the Ten Mile Community near Awendaw; they surround the Phillips Community along U.S. Highway 41; and they have encroached on the Six Mile, Hamlin and Porcher Bluff communities. Other historic Black neighborhoods in the county also are feeling the squeeze: Snowden, Scanlonville, Red Top and Grimball Farm. All told, the county has about 20 such communities.
A North Charleston man was killed at a Dorchester County home in an early morning shooting the day before Thanksgiving, according to authorities.

Denver Jamarco Simmons was shot to death around 2:15 a.m. Nov. 22 on Sawmill Court, which is off Dorchester Road south of Summerville, according to the Dorchester County coroner.

The 21-year-old was already dead when sheriff's deputies, Summerville police and emergency medical crews arrived on the scene, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

No arrest has been made, but detectives assured "there is no danger to the community," Lt. Rick Carson, spokesman for the department said in the statement.

The investigation is ongoing.
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
John Ling had missed the first two presidential debates. The night of the third, though, he was at a hotel in Atlanta after a day working on an international business deal. I turned on the TV, and it was there, he recalled.

On screen was his old boss, former Gov. Nikki Haley, duking it out with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, so he decided not to change the channel. Then they started talking about China.

She welcomed them into South Carolina, gave them land near a military base, DeSantis said of Haley. That was like their No. 1 way of doing economic development.

They want to talk about the Chinese land from 10 years ago. Yes, I brought a fiberglass company 10 years ago to South Carolina, Haley responded before attacking DeSantis own history of wooing Chinese businesses.

In his hotel room, Ling, who spent 15 years recruiting Chinese businesses for the state of South Carolina, could barely believe it.

That was his project they were talking about on live, prime-time television.

Haley is running for president as a China hawk, calling for the U.S. to limit economic cooperation with the worlds second-largest economy. But as governor, Haley welcomed Chinese textile, plastics and fiberglass companies, signed off on millions in grants and tax credits to recruit them and intervened against a tariff on Chinese tires.

Gov. Haley did what I believe shes supposed to do as the CEO or governor of South Carolina, Ling said.

Haleys change of tune on China mirrors a broader shift in views among the public and policymakers from seeing the country as an economic partner to a political foe. Yet it still presents an awkward juxtaposition between Haley the governor and Haley the candidate.

Every governor running for president tried to recruit Chinese businesses to their state. Nikki Haley did it 10 years ago. Ron DeSantis is aggressively recruiting Chinese companies now, Haley spokesman Ken Farnaso said in a statement. The question is who will take on China as Xi Jinping ups the ante, and the clear answer is Nikki Haley.
BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Javier Milei on his election as president of Argentina.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said that China and Argentina, both major developing countries and emerging economies, have been committed to mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

Noting that practical cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi said that the China-Argentina friendship has taken deep roots in the hearts of the two peoples and that it has become the consensus among people from all walks of life in both countries to advance the development of China-Argentina relations.

"I highly prize the development of China-Argentina relations and am willing to work with Milei to carry forward our friendship, boost development and rejuvenation in both countries via win-win cooperation, and promote the sound and sustained growth of China-Argentina relations so as to better benefit the two peoples," the Chinese president said.

Milei, who won Argentina's presidential runoff on Sunday, is set to assume the presidency on Dec. 10.
Assemblyman John Lemondes, whose district includes the city of Auburn and a portion of Cayuga County, has been rated as one of the most conservative state legislators in New York.

The state Conservative Party released its grades for the 2023 legislative session and Lemondes, R-LaFayette, was one of 11 legislators to receive a 96% score  the highest mark in this year's ratings.

The Conservative Party reviewed votes on 25 bills, most of which the party opposes. Examples include a bill to establish a commission on slavery reparations, legislation to shift local elections to even years and a measure recently signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to automatically seal records for certain crimes.

Lemondes aligned with the party on 24 of the 25 bills. He opposed a few budget bills Conservatives criticized and certain election reform measures, including the proposal to move local elections to even years. He supported other proposals endorsed by the party, such as the creation of an organized retail crime task force and a bill to protect military monuments.

However, Lemondes split with Conservatives on a vote that's important for the area he represents, specifically the Auburn Enlarged City School District.

The state Legislature passed a bill, with Lemondes' support, to raise the debt limit for small city school districts from 5% to 10% of the taxable value of property. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill in October.

The legislation will take effect after voters approved a constitutional amendment to eliminate the 5% debt ceiling that was in place for small city school districts, such as Auburn. The amendment combined with the bill align small city schools with other school districts in the state that are subject to a 10% debt limit.

Conservatives said they opposed the bill because it would lift debt cap limits. They prefer other approaches, such as "new priorities in state leverage" and revising pay-as-you-go measures.

But Lemondes' vote was the only blemish on a voting record that received high marks from the Conservative Party.

"The people of central New York elected me to protect their values and principles in Albany and that's exactly what I've done during my time in the Assembly," Lemondes said in a statement. "Right now, we are lacking a conservative mindset in our state government."

Lemondes criticized "out-of-control spending" and proposals that "put our public safety into the hands of criminals." He thinks the state needs to return to conservative ideals.

That message was echoed by state Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar, who panned the Democratic-led state Legislature. He also explained why the party releases its annual legislative rankings.

"Voter education has always been a core tenet of the Conservative Party," Kassar said. "Taxpayers must be made aware of how their elected officials spend tax dollars and where they stand on key philosophical, cultural and eocnomic issues."

Lemondes was first elected to the state Assembly in 2020 and won reelection in 2022. For both campaigns, he was endorsed by the Conservative Party.
Mark Tapson covers the Candace Owens/Ben Shapiro controversy. Candace is apparently bidding to expand her market while otherwise exposing herself as something of an ignoramus. A cat has her tongue on precisely whom she was talking about in the tweet below.

No government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever. There is no justification for a genocide. I cant believe this even needs to be said or is even considered the least bit controversial to state.  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) November 3, 2023

It makes perfect sense to me that Tucker Carlson served as the medium for Owenss explication of her message, such as it is. For some reason or other, Israel leaves Carlson cold. He prides himself on keeping cool about Israels ordeal.

Joel Pollak provides background in the Breitbart column on understanding the dispute. Pollak harks back to the roots of America First isolationism in the Second World War, when some Democrats and Republicans (Pollak says conservatives) opposed U.S. involvement  even to save the Jews of Europe. I would say some blamed the Jews for urging American support of Great Britain. Pollak rightly adds: The debate ended when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

Lynne Olsons Those Angry Days is illuminating popular history on this subject. Among many other things, it helps readers understand the dark places America First isolationism took Charles Lindbergh. Carlson leaves a lot unsaid  for example, he calls the Hamas massacre of Israelis and others a foreign tragedy. I think the case of Charles Lindbergh may help one to fill in the blanks.

Carlson does not acknowledge the fact that some 30 Americans were killed in the Hamas massacre of October 7 or that Hamas took nine more hostage. NROs Philip Klein reminded viewers who may have forgotten.

Owens isnt intentionally funny. However, Tapson explores the Candace m.o. with an amusing example:

This is part of a pattern, by the way, of how Owens deflects criticism of her sometimes questionable positions: not by defending her stance in skillful debate (much less by confessing her ignorance), but by steering things in a different direction, turning the spotlight on her critics, and steamrolling over them with verbal diarrhea. Case in point: in an appearance on a recent episode of comedian Bill Mahers podcast Club Random, Owens acknowledged (not for the first time) her skepticism of Americas 1969 moon landing. Needless to say, Maher was taken aback, especially when she added, I just want to know why we didnt go back. We DID go back, he countered, like, ten times. To be precise, after the historic 1969 landing America went back to the moon a half dozen times, with five of those including landings. But Maher correctly added that a dozen different astronauts have walked on the moon. To cover her ignorance, Owens immediately began demanding the names of all those astronauts. Who [expletive deleted] remembers what the astronauts names were? Maher began, and she pressed, Thats a pretty big deal, to walk on the moon Who else walked on it? Maher got uncharacteristically flustered as Owens pounced to make him look like the ignorant one: What were their names? She went on to barrage him with her rapid-fire delivery about how and why he even dug up this niche topic, without ever admitting his valid point that her moon landing denial calls into question her judgment on other, more important topics.

Id love to get her thoughts on who killed JFK while were at it.

The current war has flushed out the Nazis in our midst. It has also exposed the ignoramuses.

TPUSAs Charlie Kirk provides an example of something other than ignorance. The term kookery might be apt. Jeffrey Scott Shapiro noted Kirks kookery in the October 18 Washington Times column Defaming Israel: Charlie Kirk floats theory Netanyahu let Hamas slaughter Jews to consolidate power. Owens, naturally, takes up the defense of Kirk with Carlson (he was just asking questions). Kirks kookery doesnt warrant repetition here  see Shapiros column  but it should at least be noted.

UPDATE: Since writing what I have to say here I found Dan McLaughlins NRO column Being Too Christian Isnt Candace Owenss Problem. He goes over some of the same ground I do with wider scope and greater detail. I appreciate McLaughlins verdict: It is possible  not likely, but possible  that Kirk is dense enough to believe all this. It is not plausible that Carlson is. Hes a smart guy, and he knows what hes up toMoreover, when Carlson downplays the October 7 murders as foreign  and then heads to Spain to raise alarm about events in that country  he is playing a double game with plainly unequal rules.
Sixty years ago this week, on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was gunned down, but the familys political odyssey did not end there. JFKs brother Robert F. Kennedy, who had served as attorney general, made a run for the White House but on June 5, 1968, but Jordanian immigrant Sirhan Sirhan shot RFK dead. That raised expectations for Sen. Edward Ted Kennedy.

In July of 1969, the boiler room girls, who had worked for Bobby Kennedy, gathered at Chappaquiddick Island for a drunken bash with Ted and his handlers. Ted took Mary Jo Kopechne, 28, for a ride in his cavernous 1967 Oldsmobile, but not to talk campaign strategy. The Massachusetts Democrat drove off a bridge, escaped the sunken vehicle, and abandoned Kopechne, who died by drowning.

The incident got the Hollywood treatment in the 2017 Chappaquiddick, with Bruce Dern as patriarch Joe Kennedy, Jason Clarke as Ted, and Kate Mara as Mary Jo. The film does a decent job with Teds evasive actions, but curious viewers should cross-check everything with Leo Damores Senatorial Privilege: The Chappaquiddick Cover-Up. As that masterful work shows, virtually everything Ted Kennedy said about the incident was a lie.

In the film Joe Kennedy tells his son you will never be great, but Ted Kennedy went on to be the Lion of the Senate, with the fourth-longest record at the time of his death in 2009. The intended takeaway is that Ted overcame the tragedy and did indeed become great. Liberal Democrats of the time certainly didnt think so.

In an October 18, 1987 New Republic piece headlined Hamalot: The Democratic Buffoon-in-chief. Henry Fairlie found little evidence that any wheels are turning inside his skull, and every image that the Democrats have to overcome  that they overtax the Middle Americans, try to meet social problems only with a proliferation of programs, are the junior partners of vociferous but marginal interest groups, look too carelessly at the credentials of the Third World movements and leaders, and neglect the security of the nation and of the free world  is kept alive by this buffoon.

Ted was also a pioneer in seeking the influence of hostile foreign powers in the American electoral process. In 1984, Kennedy sought help from the Soviet Union, then headed by the KGBs Yuri Andropov, an old-line Stalinist. In return for offering Andropov a hand in dealing with President Reagan, the Soviet boss would help the Democratic Party challenge Reagan in the 1984 election. The gambit failed, and Reagan won in a landslide over Democrats Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro and Communist Party USA candidates Gus Hall and Angela Davis. No film has dared to tackle Teddys collusion with Russian Communists.

By 2021, Teds brother Bobby had been resting in the family plot for 53 years. That same year, Bobby Kennedys killer Sirhan Sirhan was recommended for parole. Gov. Gavin Newsom denied it in January 2022 and Californias parole board rejected Sirhans parole bid last March. That month, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he was running for president, and in October Kennedy declared himself an independent candidate for the White House. As former occupant Donald Trump likes to say, well have to see what happens.

Kennedys quarrel with the Democrats might have something to do with The Real Anthony Fauci, released in 2021. Kennedy did his homework but Dr. Fauci is actually worse than the author contends. That is perhaps a theme for a future essay. In the meantime, happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving.
Ammo Grrrll reflects on GRATITUDE, INGRATITUDE and SHAME. She writes:

As I may have said here before  sometimes I feel like in 10 years Ive said EVERYTHING here before  Thanksgiving is at least tied with 4th of July for my favorite holiday. First of all, the menu is hard to beat  Turkey, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cornbread/Hot Sausage Stuffing, Gravy, Squash, Cranberries, Scalloped Corn, Biscuits, and Gravy. With Pumpkin Pie and Whipped Cream, hold the Gravy. Hahaha  as if theres any left! In my book, Gravy is a beverage!

Secondly, like 4th of July SHOULD BE, its a unifying all-American celebration of gratitude to our Creator and for the geniuses who thought up the very idea of America. Every religious person, regardless of race, creed or color, can take a day to make a mental checklist of blessings from The Almighty to celebrate with profound gratitude.

Atheists can just be grateful for good luck, I guess. I know several who are wonderful people who would be welcome at my Thanksgiving table any time. Although I do sometimes ponder what atheists yell out when sex is really good: Oh unbelief! Oh unbelief!? (This may be an observation of the great comic Demetri Martin  I watch so many standups that I sometimes do not know what is mine and what is unconsciously borrowed. If so, I apologize.)

One of our most joyous Thanksgiving feasts about 20 years ago featured the inclusion of recent Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine. Our guests included a mother who had become a vegetarian because she had given any scraps of meat they were lucky enough to procure in the Former Soviet Union to her daughter. Both mother and daughter had waists tiny enough to make Scarlett OHara look pudgy. The daughter was in her mid-20s and had a rail-thin husband about the same age. Who knew that starvation can actually cause weight loss?

The daughter told me about the first time she entered an American supermarket, and not even one of the upscale ones. She was so overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of food that she became nauseated, dizzy, and fearful she might faint. She covered her eyes on both sides, like blinders on a horse, and went straight to Produce where she picked up one cabbage and two potatoes. With tears in her eyes, she paid for them and fled.

Anyway, they loved the Thanksgiving meal. They ate and ate. The husband had to go to work early the next morning and he said his co-workers would surely ask about whether or not he had enjoyed his first Thanksgiving. He was seeking the names of the various dishes, but I assured him that specifics did not matter. I told him that the proper cultural response to that question was simply to say, I was STUFFED. He found that odd, but I assured him that Americans prize QUANTITY greatly. He called me the next day to say, Oh Zuzan! You were correct complittly! I said I was stuffed, and the guys say, how you know this words?

I keep reading that gratitude is even good for your health. Psychologists who treat depression and anxiety recommend keeping a little Gratitude Journal on the nightstand next to your bed. Before retiring for the night, they suggest you write just three things for which you are grateful into your journal. They say you will sleep longer and more soundly.

I would probably make my initial list lengthy and then just use ditto marks. The things for which I am grateful do not change much: Citizenship in the United States of America, the First Amendment (however in peril it is), the Second Amendment, which guarantees the First and all others, my beautiful family of origin that gave me a genetic inheritance as well as a moral one. my beloved husband and son, beautiful and steadfast friends, reasonably good health for a geezer, the opportunity to post a weekly column on Power Line, AND, last but far from least  the Total Friday Experience from the Commentariat  a free-wheeling virtual coffee klatch of fun, camaraderie, wit, wisdom, valuable factoids, and, yes, love and support.

Conservatives are the happiest people I know, particularly religious conservatives. I look at the pro-Hamas marches both on campuses and in Europe, and see throngs of miserable, shrieking, hysterical people. (Look at the repulsive face of Rashida Tlaib with her gums perpetually flapping to see evil personified. Does she look to you like someone you would enjoy spending even a minute with?) The pro-Hamas Europeans delight in accusing Israel of the most heinous crimes, including, but not limited to, genocide. And why is that?

Part of it is the invasion of millions of Islamic migrants, of course. But part is sheer ignorance. The craven media feeds that ignorance either by the deliberate omission of important context or the twisting of facts to suit whatever narrative is au courant. The New York Times and the BBC, to take just two examples, make Baghdad Bob seem worthy of a Pulitzer for journalistic accuracy.

If it werent so grotesque, it would almost be humorous that the Muslim world insists that the Holocaust is a myth made up by The Horrible Jooz. But at the same time, not ENOUGH Horrible Jooz were killed then and they intend to finish the job. Sigh.

I am not the first to notice this, but I believe that Europe contains a bottomless wellspring of SHAME which leads to projection on steroids. Europeans know exactly who it was that tried to wipe out an entire race and who came perilously close to succeeding. A German woman I met in Palm Springs, a guest of good friends of ours from Canada, said that when she found her deceased fathers SS Uniform hidden away in the attic, that she threw up. She had been told that their family knew nothing of the concentration camps.

Shame is a pretty unbearable emotion and one for which there is scant relief. So the sufferer tries to lay off some of the shame on others. Sure, I did wrong, but look at THAT (guy, country, race). The Europeans are desperate to offload their shame onto the thriving Israeli remnant that they did not manage to eliminate. See? WE may have systematically murdered six million of you, but you Israelis humiliate Gazans by having checkpoints when they come to work for you. You are just as disgusting as we were. Shame makes people do and say terrible things.

Lord knows what drives a Leftist loon like Susan Sarandon (may all her teeth fall out but one, and that should ache her) to don a kefiyyah and say its great that Jews are scared, because now they finally will know how it feels to be a Muslim. Words fail me. Her Agency has dumped her, but maybe she can get a gig speaking at Hezbollahs Salute to Terror Luncheon, if the bug-eyed old harridan can arm-wrestle Roger Waters for the microphone.

As for ingratitude, we need look no further than Ilhan Omar. She was plucked from likely early death in Somalia, educated in America, a Muslim Black woman elected to national office in this horrible, racist, sexist, Islamophobic land, not held responsible for lying to Immigration or marrying her brother. Yet with every breath with which she isnt fund-raising from Hamas, she rails against her American benefactors. But enough of shame and ingratitude!

Today we are happy, if in somewhat of a diabetic, tryptophanic coma. Yesterday we celebrated the fact that Benjamin Franklin did NOT get his way in having the turkey named the symbol of our nation. It would be sad if once or twice a year we gathered our families together to chow down on the national symbol of our great land.

Moreover, if the turkey represented America  and not just most of its leaders  instead of a raptor expert sending majestic American eagles soaring at the beginning of a SuperBowl, the field would be littered with squawking, pooping turkeys! God forbid there would be a rainstorm where those turkeys would just tilt their beaks up, drinking water until they all drowned. Bummer of a game opener. And a dangerous, slippery field of play, worse than the ice on The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-24 11:44:19

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The world of the aneurysm therapy market is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by consumer demands and technological advancements. In this report, we delve into the depths of this market to provide a profound and comprehensive analysis, catering to a diverse audience that includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our primary goal is to empower industry stakeholders with invaluable insights to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. We aim to illuminate the current status of the aneurysm therapy market while projecting its future trends.Scope and PurposeOur report is a comprehensive guide designed to equip industry stakeholders with actionable information. It covers various aspects of the aneurysm therapy market, including market dynamics, competition, growth avenues, challenges, and regional variations. This information goes beyond mere descriptions; it is intended to help stakeholders make critical decisions that can shape their strategies and endeavors in the market.Request for Sample Report:Promising Comprehensive AnalysisTo fulfill our promises, we commit to providing a comprehensive analysis that leaves no stone unturned. We pledge to unravel the factors propelling the market's growth, dissecting shifts in consumer preferences and technological breakthroughs that are driving the demand for aneurysm therapy products. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that challenges and obstacles are part of any industry landscape, and we vow to illuminate these hurdles, be it economic uncertainties or the intense competition that often characterizes such markets.Some of the major companies in the Aneurysm Therapy market are as follows: Abbott, Boston Scientific, Codman & Shurtleff, Integra Life Sciences Corporation, Medtronic Plc., MicroPort Medical Company, Pulsar Vascular, Inc., Sequent Medical, Inc., Terumo Corporation (Micro Vention), phenox GmbHGuiding the Path ForwardOur report extends an invitation to its readers to explore its contents and sets the stage for uncovering the competitive landscape. It introduces the major players in the aneurysm therapy market and their strategies, offering insights into what makes them thrive. This insight-rich analysis is meant to guide others on their path forward  whether it's to navigate the competition more effectively or to find inspiration in successful strategies.Anticipation of InsightsRecognizing that the market is not monolithic but rather a composition of various segments, the report pledges to provide a nuanced understanding of these segments. It promises to detail their sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends. This targeted knowledge assists stakeholders in carving out specialized strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.Balancing Forces and Strategic ImplicationsBy elucidating both the driving forces and potential obstacles, the report paints a holistic picture of the market dynamics. It enables industry stakeholders to navigate the competitive landscape with a deeper understanding of the forces at play. Manufacturers can align their innovation efforts with consumer preferences and regulatory trends, thereby enhancing their market position. Investors and decision-makers can be better prepared to address economic uncertainties and supply chain vulnerabilities. Overall, this section equips readers with insights to make strategic decisions that account for both growth opportunities and challenges in the aneurysm therapy market.Exploring the Competitive LandscapeThe section dedicated to the competitive landscape of the aneurysm therapy market offers an intricate exploration of the market's key players, their strategies, and their impact on the industry. This segment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics, the role of major companies, and the strategies they employ to thrive.Segment CharacteristicsThe report initiates the analysis by outlining the unique characteristics that define each segment. Whether these segments are categorized based on product types, customer demographics, use cases, or other distinguishing factors, the report provides a clear picture of how these segments are defined and differentiated.Market SizeUnderstanding the size of each market segment is crucial for gauging its significance within the overall market landscape. The report likely provides quantitative data to illustrate the market share and contribution of "Type" and "Application" segments to the entire aneurysm therapy market. This information helps stakeholders appreciate the relative importance of each segment.Growth PotentialBeyond current market size, the report delves into the growth potential of these segments. It explores factors such as emerging trends, consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and regulatory influences that could drive the future expansion of these segments. This forward-looking perspective aids stakeholders in identifying where the market's growth opportunities lie.Key TrendsThe analysis likely captures the key trends specific to each segment. Whether it's changing consumer preferences, evolving technology adoption, or shifting regulatory landscapes, the report provides insights into the forces shaping the behavior of "Type" and " Application." These trends inform stakeholders about the directions these segments might take in the coming years.Strategic InsightsThe segment analysis extends beyond descriptive data to offer strategic insights. By understanding the characteristics, potential, and trends of "Type" and "Application," industry participants can make informed decisions. Manufacturers can tailor their product development strategies to meet the demands of these segments, and marketers can create targeted campaigns to reach specific customer groups.Market Segmentation:Type: Drug, Surgery, OtherApplication: Hospital, Clinic, OtherExploring Regional DynamicsThe section dedicated to the regional analysis of the aneurysm therapy market provides a comprehensive exploration of how the market fares across different geographical areas. This analysis recognizes that markets are not homogenous and that regional variations can significantly impact market dynamics. The report delves into the intricacies of each region  North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa  to provide stakeholders with valuable insights.Closing ThoughtsIn essence, the conclusion encapsulates the report's journey. It emphasizes the report's role as a strategic tool, a navigator, and a decision-making companion in the complex world of the aneurysm therapy market. This report is more than just a document; it is a valuable resource that empowers industry stakeholders to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving market environment.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 23, 2023 / Atomic Minerals Corporation ("ATOMIC MINERALS" or the "Company") (TSXV:ATOM) Further to its news release on November 20, 2023, the Company has received TSX Venture Exchange approval for a debt settlement agreement with an arm's length third party.The Company has allotted and issued an aggregate of 579,710 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") at a deemed price of $0.08625 per Share, to settle a total indebtedness of CAD$50,000 (the "Transaction").The Company resolved to extinguish the outstanding indebtedness with Shares and preserve its cash for operations. All Shares issued pursuant to the Transaction are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period expiring on March 24, 2024.About the CompanyAtomic Minerals is a Vancouver based publicly listed uranium exploration company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, with current assets in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin and the Four Corners region of the southwest United States. The Company is led by a highly skilled management and technical team with numerous previous successes in the junior mining sector.For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.atomicminerals.ca ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS"Clive Massey"Clive H. MasseyPresident & CEOFor further information, please contact:Dave Langlais(778) 316-5105Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor their 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 certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Atomic Minerals Corporation believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Atomic Minerals Corporation management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Atomic Minerals Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corporation
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / November 23, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 2, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 22, 2019 and October 12, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of Barclays and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bcs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 2, 2024.About the LawsuitBarclays and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) contrary to false public assertions, the Company's former CEO, James Staley, had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein; (ii) if discovered, the relationship and potential criminal activity could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Company; (iii) the Company's response to an inquiry by the British Financial Conduct Authority regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; (iv) when the Company became aware of information contradicting its response to the inquiry, it failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action; and (v) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.The case is Merritt v. Barclays Plc, et al., 23-cv-9217.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against FMC Corp. ("FMC" or "the Company") (NYSE:FMC) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired FMC securities between November 2, 2022 and October 20, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/fmc Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, it is alleged that Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the diminishment of patent protection for FMC's flagship products following legal defeats in key markets including India, China, and Brazil had opened the door to increased competition from generics; (2) the Company repeatedly mislead investors about the status of such proceedings and falsely claimed that it did not and would not face generic competition in key markets until 2026 at the earliest; and (3) because of these issues Defendant's positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/fmc or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in FMC you have until January 8, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / November 23, 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
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Startup Grineo announced the beta launch of its digital currency payment card service on November 20, with support for two key digital assets USDT, USDC. The payment processor eliminates third parties and allows merchants to accept digital currencies in a custodial fashion and users to spend their digital assets as fiat.While the private beta version of Grineo is currently available to a select group of testers, the team invites interested individuals to register and experience the digital payment app for themselves. Now you can join the waitlist at grineopay.com and become one of the firsts testers. As the founders stated during the beta launch, Grineo's centralised payment processor ensures that funds go straight to the owner's wallet, giving them complete control and immediate ownership of their money. Funds are converted automatically with no action need on the merchant or consumer end.Grineo supports Australian, British, and American fiat currencies and offers full support for USDC issued by Circle, USDT issued on the TRON and Ethereum networks. The app's versatile features include the ability to generate payment URLs and buttons, as well as traditional Point-of-Sale services. For the convenience of website developers, Grineo also offers an API and plugins for an easy integration.One of the most impressive aspects of Grineo is its unique approach to KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance. The app's digital wallet generates a new payment address for each invoice and offers a solution for individuals and organizations looking to comply with KYC requirements. Additionally, Grineo's integration with the CCXT protocol allows for seamless digital currency-to-fiat transfers to any exchange."The API will allow to set an interval where funds will be automatically sent to the exchange, create an order from digital asset to fiat and lastly request a withdrawal back to the bank," Grineo's Chief Expansion Officer, Olesia Kostieieva explained.But Grineo is not without its competitors. What sets this Australia-based company apart is its lightning-fast transactions and minimal fees, as well as a strong focus on customer service. Unlike other payment processors, Grineo operates as an open-source platform, providing digital currency orders that can be paid from its digital wallet, with funds sourced from a linked debit card.Grineo has big plans to expand the beta to other chains in the future, with a physical launch of their encrypted card slated for early 2024. "This global application will allow Grineo users to enjoy ATM withdrawals in fiat currencies worldwide and use the card for in-person transactions, making everyday purchases with digital currencies a reality," says Nikolay Kalistratov, CEO of Grineo, during a product presentation at the Blockies Awards in Melbourne on November 9th 2023.Earlier in 2024, before the introduction of the physical card, Grineo will represent its virtual card and app, which supports payment services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Users will be using digital currencies for a vast majority of everyday transactions - from public transportation to dining, shopping, Uber rides, Netflix subscriptions, and many more.In the real-world the physical Grineo card primarily addresses the need for ATM withdrawals. Users with the physical card can withdraw local currency from any ATM globally. Additionally, the card increases the platform's compatibility in regions where electronic payments are still uncommon, allowing users to make in-person card swipes or tap payments.To apply for a Grineo card, interested individuals can simply join the waitlist on the company's website. After the launch, users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play, verify their identity, and apply for a physical or virtual card. It's important to note that card application fees must be pre-loaded in the form of digital currency into the Grineo wallet.It's important to note that GrineoPay serves residents of Australia, and users are advised to check the official website for relevant information before verifying their identity and making deposits.Rest assured, Grineo operates within Australia's regulatory framework, ensuring the utmost safety and legality of user assets. The platform has also established partnerships with authoritative third-party platforms to further strengthen security and compliance. KYC and transaction monitoring tools are in place to prevent illegal activities, and each user is assigned a unique blockchain address, ensuring the safety of their assets in any scenario.Currently, Grineo checks its application list against over a hundred sanction lists, including but not limited to those under the United Nations Sanctions Ordinance and the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance. For transaction monitoring (KYT), Grineo employes tools like EagleEye and Trace to monitor financial activities across the platforms, ensuring the security of users' digital assets.Furthermore, a unique blockchain address is assigned for each user, as well as separating the card from the user's assets. This ensures issues, such as the freezing of Grineo cards, don't affect the users' wallets and assets. Users can freely deposit or withdraw assets from their Grineo wallet without any restrictions.The assets of Grineo users are safely held by a licensed company in Australia. Thus, Grineo users are registered as the owners of their digital assets, ensuring ownership rights in scenarios like company bankruptcy.Since the principle behind Grineo's debit card involves users gaining fiat credit limits by depositing digital assets, there are no additional deposit fees or holding periods like other traditional digital currency cards. For users who are sensitive to security and centralization concerns, the safest approach is a "pay-as-you-go" method, ensuring financial security under any circumstance.Users are reminded that the availability of Grineo's products and services is subject to jurisdictional limitations. By using the card, users agree to the terms of service, privacy policy, and associated fee schedules.About GrineoDiscover the innovative world of GrineoPay - the ultimate gateway to the digital currency economy in Australia. Our carefully crafted suite of products, led by the Grineo Wallet+Card, is designed to cater to all levels of users with its intuitive interface and advanced trading features. Headquartered in the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, our fully regulated company, Grineo Pty Ltd, is backed by a team of banking and FinTech experts. Be a part of the digital currency revolution and join us at our headquarters on Level 14, 5 Mart
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DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / GymNation, the homegrown fitness sensation of the UAE, proudly announces a management-led buyout, signaling a transformative chapter in the company's evolution. This strategic move involves the acquisition of all equity previously held by JD Gyms and is backed by esteemed partners Tricap Investments and Ruya Partners. The GymNation founders and management team, Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki, and Anthony Martland, now emerge as significant majority shareholders of the brand they founded in 2017.Tricap Investments, a diversified principal investment group with offices in Washington D.C. and Dubai, specializes in executing both direct and fund investments, as well as private equity transactions. Ruya Partners, an independent private credit firm based in Abu Dhabi, boasts an investor base including institutional funds from the GCC. This includes UAE sovereign-backed Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, a joint venture between Mubadala Capital and Alpha Wave Global, and Jada Fund of Funds, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).Since its inception, GymNation has fulfilled its mission of making fitness more affordable and accessible for the UAE population. Transforming from a single gym startup to the leading gym operator in the UAE with 12 gyms and over 60,000 members, GymNation has garnered acclaim, being voted "The Best Gym in the UAE" on Virgin Radio's The Kris Fade Show for the last two years and amassing over 40,000 five-star Google reviews. The brand has become synonymous with being "The People's Gym," and now aims to replicate this success across the GCC.Loren Holland, Founder & CEO of GymNation, expressed his excitement about the management buyout, stating, "This marks another exciting chapter for GymNation. With the support of Tricap Investments and Ruya Partners, we are poised to accelerate GymNation's growth across the GCC." He revealed plans for expansion, including six new locations in Saudi Arabia, four more in the UAE, and company formations in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.The innovative structure of the deal has enabled GymNation to launch a groundbreaking Equity Incentivization Scheme for the wider management team, attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering direct equity in the business.Frank Afeaki remarked, "On the day of signing the deal, 15 GymNation management team members also signed their own documentation to become shareholders in the business. I am proud that we are able to reward the team in a way that no others within the industry do." As GymNation reviews their growth plans, the management team will consider a wide range of strategies for increasing revenue, customer acquisition, and market penetration. Some of the key ideas under consideration include:Technology Integration for Enhanced Member Experience: Delve into and seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as state-of-the-art virtual fitness platforms, interactive mobile applications, and innovative wearable devices. This strategic approach aims to elevate and personalize the overall member experience, fostering heightened engagement and satisfaction.Strategic Regional Partnerships: Cultivate meaningful and mutually beneficial alliances with local businesses, fitness influencers, and wellness advocates to exponentially amplify GymNation's impact in the GCC region. Engaging in collaborative ventures, co-branded initiatives, and joint promotions can not only strengthen GymNation's brand presence but also foster a sense of community and shared commitment to health and fitness within the region.Sustainable Gym Practices: Pioneer and actively implement a comprehensive array of sustainable practices within GymNation's operations, encompassing energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly sourcing, waste reduction initiatives, and community-focused environmental programs. This commitment aligns the brand with environmental consciousness and promotes responsible business practices, ensuring a positive impact on both the community and the planet.The management team expresses confidence in the GymNation growth story, with exceptional support from ongoing investments in key technology and systems that will position GymNation at the forefront of the fitness industry.The management team received advisory support from James Wigglesworth at Orca Capital (Corporate Finance), DLA Piper (Legal), Tatsu Partners (Debt Advisory), and PwC (Financial, Tax, and Commercial Vendor Due Diligence). Tricap Investments, Ruya Partners, and their advisors TAAS Partners (Legal) and Dentons (Legal) played crucial roles in facilitating the successful management buyout.About GymNationFounded in 2017 by Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki, and Ant Martland, GymNation is a homegrown UAE brand that prioritizes making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone. Guided by the philosophy "Fitness FirstNot Profits First," GymNation revolutionized the fitness industry by offering world-class facilities at a fraction of the cost. With 12 gyms across the UAE, GymNation is a trailblazer in providing inclusive fitness experiences.For more information about GymNation and its range of fitness and wellness services, please visit the official website or check out GymNation reviews at the following sites:GymNation Reviews Al QuozGymNation Reviews Bur DubaiGymNation Reviews Downtown DubaiMedia Contact:Jessica Smith | Market Newsjessica@ marketnews.comphone: 1-415-837-8371SOURCE: GymNation
Many questions have been raised about the ticketing of the Cayuga County clerk-elect for crashing into a parked car and leaving the scene the night of Nov. 11 in the town of Owasco.

Why wasn't Brian Scanlan, who won election to the office that week, ticketed for the accident until four days later? Did law enforcement investigate the cause? Can he still take office in January?

The Citizen reached out to Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck for answers to some of those questions.

Schenck said his office, assisted by New York State Police, responded to the scene of the crash, 12 Fairway Drive, at about 8:30 that night. Officers interviewed Dr. Cyndy King, who told The Citizen her Subaru was a total loss due to the damage. Callers said the car was struck by a red truck, Schenck continued, and King told officers that before they arrived the truck drove by again.

Officers also checked the area for the red truck and interviewed residents of a nearby home where several vehicles were parked, Schenck said. They denied knowing who was driving the truck.

The next day, Schenck continued, a deputy received a voicemail from an attorney representing someone involved in the crash. When the deputy arrived for work that evening he contacted the attorney, who said they had been retained by Scanlan. The sheriff's office first made contact with the clerk-elect at 10:30 Wednesday morning, Schenck said, when the attorney brought his client there.

"Being that Scanlan had retained him, we could not interview him, nor contact him unless we went through his counsel," the sheriff said.

That morning, Scanlan confirmed he was the driver of the red truck and was ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident, which is categorized by New York state law as a violation. Upon conviction, it carries a fine of up to $250, a $93 surcharge and three points on a driver's license, Schenck said. Scanlan will appear in Owasco Town Court at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Due to the nature of the accident, the sheriff's office could not determine whether alcohol was a factor, Schenck said.

However, the owner of the Fairway Drive house where the accident took place hopes that will be determined. Attorney Joe Camardo, whose mother's funeral that weekend brought King to the area from North Carolina, told The Citizen this week he intends to pursue civil action against Scanlan. He might petition the Cayuga County district attorney to seek further criminal action as well.

"(King) is traumatized over this whole thing," Camardo said.

Noting Fairway Drive has a 30 mph speed limit and his house is located about 275 feet from a stop sign, Camardo called Scanlan "a maniac." The attorney said he also intends to keep Scanlan from taking the clerk's office in January. His ability to do so after the accident is another question it has raised. But the violation is not disqualifying, as he has not yet been sworn in.

If the accident took place after Scanlan took the oath of office, it still wouldn't have been disqualifying, according to the New York State Public Officers Law.

Scanlan has not responded to a request for comment by The Citizen. An independent endorsed by the Cayuga County Democratic Committee, the retired Auburn firefighter won election with 42.6% of the vote, defeating Conservative candidate Kristine Lytle and Republican candidate Chris Petrus after a competitive three-way race. He will succeed longtime Clerk Sue Dwyer.
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Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic Emerges as a Beacon of Change in HealthcareLITTLE FALLS, MN/ ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Many experts feel that the healthcare system in the United States needs reform.According to MIT Press, sharing an essay from Daedalus, reviewing more than forty years of public opinion polling to look at trust in medicine, the health system, and public health, the American public has exceptionally low trust in the US healthcare system today. In sharp contrast, in 1958, nearly three-fourths (73 percent) of the public believed they could trust the federal government to do what is right just about always or most of the time. By 1980, trust had dropped to 25 percent, and although the level of trust has varied, at no time since 2006 has more than one-third of the public expressed trust in the federal government. Currently, only one in five U.S. adults believe they can trust the government in Washington to do what is right always, or most of the time. When President Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1965, more than three-fourths (77 percent) of the U.S. public said they trusted the government to do what is right just about always or most of the time. That is no longer the case.Time Magazine corroborates those findings, saying that more than 70% of U.S. adults feel the healthcare system is failing to meet their needs. However, in that same poll people said they want stronger relationships with their providers, and more than 65% said they believe their health would improve if they regularly worked with a trusted provider.In response to this demand for change, the Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic has emerged with a commitment to transform the healthcare landscape. Founded by Dr. Amanda Plevell, who holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Ph.D. in Natural Medicine, certification as a brain health practitioner, and a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, with a specialization in trauma nutrition and neuroscience, the Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic is hoping to fill a void in the US healthcare system.Dr. Plevell's personal journey serves as a driving force behind her mission. Having experienced iatrogenesis, a condition defined as the adverse effects caused by medical activities. She was once confined to a wheelchair. However, through sheer determination and resilience, she managed to regain her mobility, even running a 5k just six months after her recovery. Her personal struggle inspired her to create the Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic, aimed at providing solutions for individuals facing similar health challenges."I learned I was not the only one who felt let down, scared, or hopeless with a medical condition. Many others also didn't know who to trust or were discharged saying their labs were normal and nothing was wrong with them and didn't know where to turn," shared Dr. Plevell.The Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic sets itself apart by offering science-backed alternatives to conventional healthcare. The clinic's mission is to revolutionize healthcare by introducing proactive approaches, such as nutrition and evolutionary nervous system care. Their approach is centered on client-focused care coordination, aiming to rekindle the human touch in healthcare.In contrast to the conventional medical model that typically seeks quick diagnoses and "plug and play" solutions often involving medication, the Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic emphasizes holistic care. They delve into the experiences recorded by the nervous system and how these experiences impact treatment outcomes and the prevention of further health problems. Their approach aims to reduce invasiveness, potential harm, side effects, and the risk of iatrogenesis or additional trauma.One of the clinic's standout programs is the "Hidden Health Clues Intensive." This program offers an in-depth examination of nervous system memories and the timeline of events that shape nervous system responses and cellular programming. It also provides support for brain health, brain chemistry, and functional nutrition. The program is designed to create a structured plan, protocol, and strategies to follow, reducing the sense of hopelessness often experienced when seeking healthcare solutions.Perhaps there are no perfect solutions, but as the healthcare system in the United States faces increasing demands for reform, America may yet achieve the healthcare system its citizens need and deserve. Many feel the nation's health hangs in the balance.ABOUT ADVANCED NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT CLINICAdvanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic was founded by Dr. Amanda Plevell. After earning a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition specializing in trauma nutrition and neuroscience, Dr. Plevell also received and holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and a PhD in the Philosophy of Natural Medicine. For more information, visit https://anmcholistichealth.com . For additional information, visit ANMC on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.CONTACTAmanda Plevell support@ anmcholistichealth.com320-639-0044 SOURCE: Advanced Nutrition and Lifestyle Management Clinic
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WALTHAM, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / National Grid is pleased to announce that Alisha Collins has joined the company as its first Director of Community Impact & Engagement in New England. Collins will lead and expand National Grid's newly relaunched Grid for Good' program, a companywide corporate responsibility and social impact initiative supporting communities throughout Massachusetts."Alisha Collins has a demonstrated track record of creating meaningful and impactful corporate initiatives that promote positive change in the community," said Melissa Lavinson, Head of Corporate Affairs for National Grid New England. "We are excited to welcome Alisha to National Grid and look forward to growing the Grid for Good program under her leadership." Through Grid for Good, Collins will manage strategy and execution of charitable giving and volunteerism efforts across departments that align with three responsibility and impact pillars -- (1) workforce development and STEM education, (2) economic opportunity and social justice, and (3) environmental stewardship and sustainability -- and have a focus on historically underrepresented and overburdened communities.Collins brings with her extensive experience in corporate giving and development, having previously served as Vice President, Corporate Giving & Development at The Possible Zone. In this role, she successfully launched a corporate giving strategy, implemented a capital campaign, and collaborated with partners to secure funding for the program.Before her time at The Possible Zone, Collins held the position of Director, Corporate & Community Engagement at The Greater Boston Food Bank. There, she demonstrated her leadership by building and leading a team responsible for corporate outreach, events, and community engagement. She also excelled in securing multi-year large donor investments, maximizing the organization's resources. Collins has a strong background in community relations, having served as Manager, Community Relations at both Reebok International and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. Her expertise in engaging with various stakeholders has been instrumental in driving successful community-focused initiatives.Collins holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Stonehill College and a master's of science in marketing from Lasell University. She is actively involved in various advisory boards and committees, including the Women's Network Advisory Board at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the President's Advisory Council at Stonehill College, and the Board of Advisors with the West End House Boys & Girls Club. These positions reflect her commitment to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that align with her values.About National GridNational Grid (NYSE:NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future - transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.Media ContactsMichael DaloMassachusetts(781) 907-3980EmailView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from National Grid on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: National GridWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/national-gridEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: National Grid
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 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 and Grossman, LLC
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TONGZHOU, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / As time goes on, the 10th Asian Microfilm Festival was held in Lincang, Yunnan Province, the city of perpetual spring, from November 24th to 26th.Lincang, a city where nature and culture coexist in harmony, offers a vibrant cultural mosaic painted by 24 ethnic minority groups. From the legacy of the South Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative, and from the intersection of history and the future, Lincang carries the important mission of connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Asian Microfilm Art Festival, which has been held in Lincang for ten years, has transformed the southwestern city into a global hub for microfilm art exchange.Over the past decade, the blooming of each Asian Microfilm Art Festival has attracted attention from all over the world. According to last 10-year statistics, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival has received 31,327 entries from more than 30 countries, including the United States, Russia, France, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Eminent artists from different countries have witnessed the brilliant growth of Asian microfilms in Lincang, jointly promoting the prosperity of the microfilm industry. At the same time, Lincang also uses the platform of the Asian Microfilm Art Festival to tell China's stories and convey China's voice through microfilms, gradually shortening the distance between Lincang and the world.Moreover, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival in Lincang has motivated numerous outstanding artists to join the ranks of nurturing new filmmakers, providing a continuous momentum for the Asian microfilm industry. Siqin Gaowa, an old friend of the Asian Microfilm Art Festival, is a representative figure in this group. During the ten years, Siqin Gaowa and her husband established "Siqin Gaowa Scholarship" and "Siqin Gaowa Microfilm Award" for the Asian Microfilm Academy, encouraging countless filmmakers to chase their dreams. With the help of Lincang Asian Microfilm Art Festival platform and senior artists, director Yang Chengcheng successfully stepped on the stage of the Golden Rooster Award and the Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival Award(Australia), also expanding the influence of Asian Microfilm Art Festival. To this day, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival has become a unique and highly influential cultural activity brand across the country and even in Asia, as well as the most influential microfilm art festival in Asia.Half the city of Lincang is covered by lush mountains, which shine and sparkle. Over the past decade, the Asian Microfilm Art Festival and Lincang have complemented each other. Several cultural and tourism facilities related to microfilms have been built, including the Asian Microfilm Museum, the Asian Microfilm Theme Park, and the Asian Microfilm Estate, etc. These facilities have further made Lincang a stage for global microfilm art exchange. Bathed in the light of "stars, films, and the city", we believe that the future of Lincang will be more brilliant.Contact:Contact person: Wang LeTelephone:13121685784Email: 929007935@ qq.comOfficial website: https://mbd.baidu.com/ma/s/hV3jtpWpAddress: Room 1502, Unit 1, Building 101, Jinyu Tonghe Park, Tongzhou District, BeijingSOURCE: Beijing Hi La Ni ao Culture Media Co., Ltd.
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ENGAGES INVESTOR AWARENESS SERVICESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Troy Minerals Inc. ("Troy"or the "Company") (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) is pleased to announce that the first phase of drilling on the Lac Jacques REE property has been completed.Four diamond drill holes have been completed on the property totaling 832 meters of NQ core. Drilling took place on two separate pads with two holes drilled from each pad: one at -45 degrees and the second drilled at -65 degrees.The target was the historic high-grade REE exposed in a trench. Recent prospecting shows that the high-grade dyke material may have a strike length of 4+ kilometers and this drilling focused on adding initial strike length to the trenched mineralization.Drill core samples have been submitted to Activation Laboratories in Val D'or for analysis and results are expected back before the end of the year.QUALIFIED PERSONThe technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Cronk, BSc, P.Geo., who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.INVESTOR AWARENESSThe Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement with i2i Marketing Group LLC ("i2i") (email: contact@ i2illc.com; address: 1233 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa, Florida, 33556; phone: 312.725.3843) for marketing services to be provided by i2i beginning December 4, 2023 for approximately three months or until budget exhaustion. i2i will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration for a payment of $300,000 USD. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i in consideration for the marketing services. The promotional activity will occur by email, and the Google, Bing and Yahoo display ad network. i2i does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and i2i deal at arm's length.The Company also announces that it has engaged Milestone Capital Partners Ltd. ("Milestone") (email: ck@ mcp.ltd; address: 1 Rue des Genets, 9800 Monaco, Monaco; phone: +37799900691) to provide European marketing services starting on November 27, 2023 for a period of 90 days or until budget exhaustion. Milestone is an investor relations consultancy firm headquartered in Monaco providing a full-service, results-driven approach, to investor relations programs that access the European investment community. Through its proprietary database used for marketing purposes, Milestone will distribute online content, organize physical and or online presentations with interested parties, including financial advisors, bankers, institutional sales, analysts, brokers, funds, family offices and others. In consideration for the services, the Company will pay a total fee of 200,000 Euro. The Company will not issue any securities to Milestone in consideration for the marketing services and Milestone does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and Milestone deal at arm's length.The Company also announces that it has engaged Parting Clouds Media Inc., ("Parting Clouds") (email: Influence@ parting-clouds.com; address: 1771 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6G 3B7; phone: 825-901-8298;), for a two-month term commencing November 27, 2023, to provide social media services in an effort to increase public awareness of the Company. The Company has budgeted up to USD $25,000 for the marketing services which include facilitating the creation and distribution of marketing materials, on-line banners, and native ads. The Company will not issue any securities to Parting Clouds in consideration for the marketing services and Parting Clouds does not have any prior relationship with the Company and the Company and Parting Clouds deal at arm's length.ON BEHALFOF THE BOARD,Rana Vig | President and Director Telephone: 604-218-4766Email: rana@ ranavig.com About Troy Minerals Inc.Troy Minerals is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company currently holds interest in four assets;The Lake Owen project (formerly SW2) is a highly perspective Vanadium, Titanium and Iron ore rich project that consists of 91 mineral claims located approximately 50km southwest of Laramie, Wyoming USA. The property is a one billion tonne plus target in a Proterozoic Layered Mafic Intrusive host with strong magnetite-rich cumulates and accompanying V/Ti and Pt/Pd/Au/Rh-bearing sulfide horizons.The Lac Jaques project is a drive to project with close infrastructure located approximately 250 km north of Montreal Quebec, Canada and is comprised of 17 claims totaling 994 ha. The Property hosts high grade REE mineralization at the surface in a structurally controlled and steeply dipping carbonatite dike up to 25 meters thick with multi-kilometer potential.The Green Gold project, in which the Company has the right to acquire 100% interest, is comprised of fourteen (14) mineral claims with an aggregate area of 11,238 hectares, is located in central British Columbia in the Cariboo Mining Division, approximately 34 kilometers (km) southwest of the city of Prince George.The Ticktock project, a 1,065-hectare property located within the prolific Golden Triangle region of British Columbia, Canada, lies 23 km northwest of the historic Eskay Creek Mine and sits between the Enduro Metals Newmont Lake property and the Aben Resources Forrest-Kerr property.The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release was approved by William Cronk, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and a consultant to the Company.Forward-Looking StatementsStatement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that maybe deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Troy Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual
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Care Counseling Center's commitment to providing immigrants a safe haven for mental health support.SOMMERVILLE, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Mental health is a universal concern, but its significance is particularly pronounced for immigrants who often grapple with unique stressors and uncertainties. The immigrant experience can be traumatizing for many, as individuals face a multitude of challenges during their journey to a new country.According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people today is either a migrant or forcibly displaced from their homeland. These statistics highlight the vast and diverse population of individuals experiencing the upheaval of immigration.While the reasons for immigration are varied, the challenges encountered are often shared. It's crucial to understand that immigration isn't merely a geographical relocation; it's a complex process that involves obtaining work permits, citizenship, and, above all, navigating the intricate changes within language and culture.Care Counseling Center takes pride in offering comprehensive Immigration Services to those navigating the complexities of the immigration process. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges immigrants face, the center is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can seek help for their mental health needs.Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a licensed mental health practitioner with over two decades of professional experience, intimately understands the immigrant experience. She started Care Counseling Center to help others. Having immigrated from the Dominican Republic herself, she empathizes with the challenges that newcomers face. Dr. Rodriguez underscores the critical role mental health services play in helping immigrants cope with the myriad challenges they encounter during their journey.Immigrating to a new country is often accompanied by profound stress and uncertainty. The immigration process entails waiting for visa approvals, dealing with complex legal paperwork, and adjusting to an entirely new way of life. This prolonged stress can contribute to heightened anxiety and depression among immigrants. Additionally, cultural adjustment poses a significant challenge, leading to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a pervasive sense of not belonging, all of which can have a detrimental impact on mental well-being.One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of immigration is the separation of families. Many immigrants must leave behind their loved ones, sometimes for extended periods, while they establish their new lives in a foreign land. This separation often results in emotional turmoil and can exacerbate feelings of isolation and sadness.Mental health services are indispensable for immigrants, and places like the Care Counseling Center help people with this important transition. As immigrants grapple with the profound changes, uncertainties, and emotional challenges associated with immigration, a strong support system and access to mental health professionals can make a world of difference. Recognizing the importance of mental health in the immigrant experience is not only a step toward healthier individuals but also a move toward building more inclusive and compassionate communities.ABOUT CARE COUNSELING CENTERCare Counseling Center is helmed by Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an accomplished mental health professional dedicated to a compassion-first approach to helping immigrant individuals, children, and families adapt and thrive in the United States. As a first-generation American with Dominican parents, Rodriguez has cultivated a deep understanding of the myriad of challenges immigrants face as they work toward realizing their ambitious goals in a new home. Committed that immigrants can find safety, success, and community in a new country, that innate sense of hope led to the establishment of Care Counseling Center - a safe space providing support for emotional trauma, legal complexities, and practical issues that immigrants may face. Care Counseling Center offers a comprehensive range of immigrant, social, and mental health services in New Jersey to address the holistic well-being of its clients. For more information, visit www.carecounselingcenter.org . For additional information, visit Care Counseling Center on Instagram and Facebook.CONTACTMaria Rodriguez, PhDinfo@ carecounselingcenter.org908-617-3234 SOURCE: Care Counseling Center
A leading Nigerian music company, Chocolate City, may lose as much as 60 per cent of its equity to an international partner, WEA International, a subsidiary of New York-based Warner Music Group (WMG).

This is a fallout of a judgement of the Commercial Division of a High Court in London on a loan dispute between the parties.

The judgement bars Chocolate City from prepaying a $1.7 million loan it took from the American record label ahead of the loans due date in 2024, while also affirming the lenders right to choose to be paid back with 60 per cent of the borrowers shares.

The judgement, delivered on 16 November, affirmed that WEA/WMG has the right to either choose to accept the payment with full interest at the due date or convert the loan to 60 per cent of Chocolate Citys shares.

The High Courts decision put an end to the move by Chocolate City to exit the loan obligations early, to preempt the lender from taking the option of demanding 60 per cent of its shares as a means of offsetting the loan.

Chocolate City had sought to prepay the loan in 2022, whereas the loan has a term of five years, from 2019 to 2024.

In his judgement, a copy of which was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the judge, David Foxton, ruled that prepayment of the facility before the due date was not envisaged under the agreement the parties signed.

There is no right to pay off any negative balance under the ADA Distribution Agreement before the Maturity Date or termination of the Facility (implicitly under clause 17.21), the judge said.

Chocolate City, founded in 2005 by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori, obtained the loan in issue from WEA under a contractual agreement they entered into on 27 March 2019.

According to the court judgement, the agreement signed by the parties was for $1.8 million ($1,832,500) Convertible Term Loan Facilities.

A convertible loan is one which will either be repaid or, in most cases, converted into equity at a future date. It is a form of financing that ordinarily takes less time than an equity funding round, which can be costly and time-consuming.

The loan obtained from WMG was to be payable in full or convertible into 60 per cent of the equity interests of Chocolate City.

Promising deal

At the promising beginning of the deal, on 28 March 2019, a day after the agreement was signed, Warner Music Group (WMG) announced a pioneering partnership with Chocolate City.

Under the partnership listed on its official website, Chocolate City artistes would join WMGs repertoire and receive the support of the companys distribution and artiste services via its independent label services division, Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA).

At the time, WMG said that the partnership with Chocolate City would dramatically grow the reach of African artistes worldwide and create new opportunities for global superstars in the region.

Under the terms of the deal, music from the labels artistes would join Warner Musics repertoire, and they would receive the support of the companys global expertise, including distribution and artiste services via ADA.

WMG also promised financial support for Chocolate City to help achieve its mission of signing and developing the best local talent in this fast-growing market.

Chocolate City loan agreement details

Details of the loan deal were reproduced in the courts judgement on the dispute that later ensued between the parties.

The judge referenced some pre-contractual documents signed by the parties for a better understanding of the deal.

The judge said the pre-contractual documents are not legally binding but help shed light on the unclear details of the contract itself.

Some of the documents include the Letter of Interest (LOI) dated 15 August 2018 which was signed by Chocolate City and Warner Music Inc (of which WEA is a part).

There was also a non-binding Term Sheet dated 17 January 2019 signed by Chocolate City and WEA.

Certain correspondences were also cited by the judge as helping to establish the facts and details of the loan agreement.

From the Letter of Interest, the judge said, the agreement was designed for WMG or its affiliate(s) to provide financing to Chocolate City in the form of a convertible note.

The loan was to be payable in full or convertible into 60 per cent of the equity interests of Chocolate City.

The judge referenced an email dated 27 September 2018 which WMG sent to Chocolate City, explaining what the convertible loan structure that parties had been discussing entailed.

WMG explained in the email that at the end of the term loan, that is, after five years, the investor (WMG) would have the option of accepting a return in the form of principal plus interest or equity in the company.

In response to the clarification by WMG, the judge said while reviewing the documents filed by the parties to the case, Chocolate City responded by stating, We are aligned, and We are happy to move ahead with the deal.

In the Term Sheet which the parties also signed, it was stated under the Proposed Transaction section that the transaction was an investment by way of secured loan, convertible into equity in the Company at the Lenders option at the Maturity Date.

How dispute started

By 2022, Chocolate City had drawn down on the $1.8 million facility to $1.7 million.

Dispute between the parties over the facility began to rear its head when, on 8 September 2022, Chocolate City served a prepayment notice on WEA, indicating its decision to prepay the full amount of the loan together with accrued interests on or before 20 December 2022.

Citing Clauses 8.3(a) and (b) of the Facility Agreement, Chocolate City asserted its right to prepay the loan, and requested that WEA provide its bank details for prepayment to be made.

On 13 September 2022, WEA responded that Chocolate City was not entitled to make a prepayment. Therefore, WEA did not provide its bank details.

Chocolate City then filed an application in court for summary judgment seeking declarations to the effect that it is contractually entitled to prepay the amount outstanding under a convertible term loan facility ahead of the specified maturity date.

Chocolate City was represented by Nathan Searle and George Harnett of Hogan Lovells International LLP.

WEA, represented by Tamara Oppenheimer KC and Gillian Hughes of Dentons UK and Middle East LLP, cross-applied for summary judgment for a declaration that Chocolate City is not entitled to prepay the facility.

Citing Clause 7 of the loan agreement, WEA insisted that the borrower shall repay the loans in full together with any interest accrued on the Maturity Date.

Judgement

In his judgement, Mr Foxton ruled that prepayment of the facility before the due date was not envisaged under the agreement.

This finding, the judge said, tallies with WEAs rights recognised in clause 7 of the facility up to the maturity date.

He said the clause presupposes that the Facility will only be terminated on the Maturity Date or pursuant to early termination under clause 17.21.

The judge, who said WEAs interpretation of the agreement was more acceptable than Chocolate Citys, said he was satisfied that the commercial purpose of the transaction affirmed WEAs construction of the agreement.

He said the loan agreement gave WEA an embedded right to swap the outstanding debt for equity at the Maturity Date if it decided it was in its economic interests to do so.

That commercial purpose lends strong support to WEAs construction, but Chocolate Citys construction would be inimical to it, the judge said.

In conclusion, Mr Foxton noted that Chocolate City does not have a real prospect of establishing a right to prepay the loan made to it by WEA, and WEAs construction is correct. Chocolate City fails on its application for summary judgment, and WEA succeeds on its cross-application for summary judgment.

Implication for Chocolate City

The judgement, affirming WEA/WMGs interpretation of the agreement, gives the American conglomerate the discretion to accept payment in cash or convert the loan sum to 60 per cent of Chocolate Citys equity when the facility is due for repayment.

The judge ruled that it was at WMGs sole discretion to decide whether all or a portion of the loan be converted into an unrecouped balance under the Distribution Agreement.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted Chocolate Citys CEO, Abuchi Ugwu, on the phone on Wednesday to find out if the company will appeal against the judgement or has other plans to avert losing a majority of its shares to its estranged partners. Mr Ugwu asked our correspondent to email the questions to him, but he has yet to respond to our email enquiry as of the time of filing this report.

Chocolate City has been home to recording artistes such as M.I Abaga, Nosa, Dice Ailes, Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo, Jeremiah Gyang, Ruby Gyang, Pryse, Brymo, Koker, Jesse Jagz, Lemon Adisa, Mr Gbafun, Ijay, and Kahli Abdu, VHS Safari and more.

But the artistes currently on the label are Tariq, Noondave, YoungJohn, Blaqbonez, CandyBleakz and MajorAJ.

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The 24 October conviction of Femi Olaleye, the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, for raping his wifes niece, has been described as a significant development in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Lagos State.

The high-profile case was heard at the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos, where the senior medical doctor was sentenced to life imprisonment on two counts charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.

As part of his punishment, Mr Olaleye, who has been held at the Nigerian correctional facility in Ikoyi since his arraignment in 2022, will also have his name listed in the Lagos State sexual offenders register.

The convict, a connected medical doctor, tried all he could to escape justice, but the evidence placed before the court was overwhelming.

Mr Olaleye was one of the SGBV suspects the Lagos State Government was prosecuting through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

Recently, the DSVA revealed that 5,624 cases, ranging from domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, child abuse, and physical assault, among other vices, were recorded in the state between August 2022 and July 2023 via the Virtual Referral and Response Service (VRRS) and physical report.

According to the agency, the youngest victim of sexual violence was an 18-month-old baby, while the oldest who experienced domestic violence was a 79-year-old woman.

Journey to Justice

During his arraignment, the 56-year-old Mr Olaleye pleaded not guilty to the rape of his wifes 15-year-old niece before the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on 30 November 2022.

His crime came to the public domain following a public outcry by popular Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Damilola Adekoya, against him on social media in 2022.

In its reaction, the DSVA referred the case to the Gender Desk Department of the Lagos State Police Command for investigation, reiterating the state governments zero tolerance for SGBV.

During the trial, the judge, Ramon Oshodi, admitted Mr Olaleye to N50 million bail with two sureties and remanded him in Ikoyi prison pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

In March 2023, the court dismissed a no-case submission filed by Mr Olaleye, after his lawyer, Olusegun Fabunmi, argued that the prosecution  the Lagos government  had not provided sufficient evidence against him.

The prosecution subsequently called six witnesses. The minor, the defendants wife, a medical doctor and another child care expert, both of whom examined the minor, as well as two police officers involved in the investigations, testified in the trial.

Mr Olaleye testified in his defence alongside his friend of over 40 years as well as his forensic physician who faulted the medical evidence presented by the prosecution.

In his judgement, Mr Oshodi held that the Lagos State Government had proved the charge against the defendant and that the evidence against him was compelling, hence the life sentence.

His offences contravened sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 which provide that the rape of a child and sexual assault by penetration is punishable by life imprisonment.

Many other cases

Earlier in 2022, the Ikeja Special Offences Court had convicted popular Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor, a foster daughter of actress and comedienne Damilola Adekoya (alias Princess).

The case attracted public attention from the time of his arraignment on 24 June 2021, until 14 July 2022, when the judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, convicted Baba Ijesha of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault.

The judge subsequently sentenced him to 16 years in jail. He was found guilty of four of the six alleged offences; two of the charges attracted five years while the remaining two attracted three years.

He will, however, only spend five years in jail as the sentences will run concurrently.

In September, the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced to life imprisonment a 42-year-old security officer, Daniel Okon, for raping a four-year-old girl. The court also sentenced a 59-year-old artisan, Eze Chukwuma, for raping his two daughters.

Earlier in July, Emeka Orisakwe, a 45-year-old businessman, was sentenced to triple life imprisonment for raping his three underaged daughters, while a 56-year-old driver, Folarin Raufu, also got life imprisonment for raping his employers five-year-old granddaughter.

In its relentless war against SGBV, the Lagos State Government has made tremendous progress through the DSVA.

As of July, the spokesperson for the police in Lagos State, Benjamin Hundeyin, reported that 111 rape cases were recorded between April and June in the state.

Attempt to tamper with justice

According to the founder of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, Anthonia Ojenagbon, who has been at the forefront of the pursuit of justice in the case, Mr Olaleyes camp attempted to manipulate the victim.

They tried to bribe the survivor so that she would change her story. N400,000 was sent to her mother trying to convince them to do a video changing the story to say he didnt rape her, she said.

They promised to give them a balance of N2.1 million but the girl and her family stood their ground.

So he deserved what he got for turning a young girl into a sex slave. Every sexual fetish you could think of, he did it to her, including oral sex.

Mrs Ojenagbon, who is also a rape survivor, described the judgement as a big victory for all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Were very happy and grateful to the judiciary. We thank the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Director of Public Prosecution, Babajide Martins, who provided legal representation for this poor girl, she said.

Her family would not have been able to employ the services of a reputable lawyer because the accused got himself a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and this girl would never have been able to afford that.

Speaking further, Mrs Ojenagbon said Mr Olaleyes case further enlightened her about court processes and the importance of evidence gathering for rape cases.

Fight against SGBV

Describing the whole experience from Mr Olaleyes arrest by the police to the court hearing, Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, the Legal Lead for Cece Yera Foundation who was present at the court and participated in the investigation of the case, said: It was a difficult and dangerous terrain riddled with a lot of pushbacks, reprisal attacks, threats, coercion and stigma to frustrate justice.

However, Mrs Ajayi-Kayode said the Cece Yara Foundation deployed its strong inter-agency collaboration with the police and other criminal justice system actors to support the cases investigation and prosecution through its forensic interview process.

According to her, fighting SGBV means actualising the fundamental human rights of survivors to justice and safety.

It means fighting against crime against humanity. Sexual violence has been globally acclaimed to be a weapon of war and we are glad to be at the forefront of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring a safe environment for children, she said.

She added that victims should note that SGBV is a heinous crime that violates fundamental human rights. Do not suffer in silence. There is hope for you. Speak up, report it.

In recent years, the Lagos State government has also enacted laws which prohibit violence against women and girls, including the Child Rights Law and the Protection against Domestic Violence Law.

In a 2023 report by Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Lagos, Adamawa, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states topped the list of states with the highest rate of prosecuting SGBV perpetrators in Nigeria.

Titled Scorecard on sexual and gender-based violence: measuring state-level mechanism for prevention and responses in Nigeria, the report analysed the efficiency of the criminal justice system, and the financial and management capacity for SGBV response, including laws and policy adoption across states.

Zamfara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo and Taraba are the five states with the lowest prosecution of gender-based violence violators in Nigeria.

Many states were reported to be lagging in providing speedy criminal prosecution, particularly Gombe with only five SGBV cases attended to between 2020 and 2022.

More interventions for SGBV victims

Gender advocate and development journalist, Zainab Sanni, said the justice system in Lagos State has made tremendous progress, particularly on sexual and gender-based violence cases.

According to Mrs Sanni, there is an improvement in terms of the processes or support programmes available in Lagos to cater to the survival of sexual and gender-based violence.

There is seemingly an increased trust among people of Lagos such that when they have a rape case or a domestic violence case or any case that has to do with sexual and gender-based violence, somebody is likely going to refer them to the Lagos State domestic violence response team due to their proactiveness, she said.

However, I feel like there are other things that the government can do to intensify its effort in the fight against SGBV.

She noted that one key strategy for the government is to educate civil service workers involved in responding to GBV cases because more often than not at the top level and mid-level, civil servants frustrate the efforts by victim blaming.

If we have officers who are supposed to be the ones to help women in addressing GBV but you go there and they are blaming you, it defeats the purpose of interventions in the first place,  she said.

I also think its important that beyond publishing these responses, there might be a periodic assessment of cases in court.

Mrs Sanni added that it is important to proactively preach against GBV to young people, particularly in secondary schools.

We must base all of our messages on young boys in school, teenagers on the street in communities, particularly male children and emphasise to them the importance of avoiding violence or not being perpetrators of violence against women and girls, she noted.

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The 12th Africa Cement Trade Summit has kicked off in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, with the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, enlightening industry players on how the cement giant is leading the campaign to save the environment through sustainable production of cement with the utilisation of Alternative Fuels (AF).

Mr Pathak said cement production is an energy-intensive process which consumes thermal energy of about 3.3GJ/tonne of clinker produced, and its electrical energy consumption is in the region of about 90  120kWh /tonne of cement.

He noted that decarbonisation is no longer an option but a necessity, with the use of alternative fuels, such as municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastes, in the place of fossil fuels, which have been effective in emissions reduction.

Mr Pathak was delivering a paper titled Utilisation of Alternative Fuels as a Strategy for Sustainable Cement production in Africa at the Summit organised by the Singapore-based Center for Management. The summit has in attendance cement companies Chief Executives, Cement Industry Service Providers and other critical sector stakeholders from across the world.

According to the Dangote Cement Chief Executive, who was represented by the Groups Head of Sustainability, Igazeuma Okoroba, alternative fuel as opposed to fossil fuels emit less CO2 when combusted and that agricultural biomass are known to be carbon neutral.

He noted that with the level of cement consumption worldwide reaching 4.2 billion tonnes in 2020 and as population is projected to grow by 1223% in 2050 due to rapid urbanisation, the demand for cement will also grow, therefore the need to prioritise the inclusion of alternative fuels in fuel mix is crucial to address climate change concerns.

He said the cement industry, which provides a vital material to meet Africas infrastructure deficit, generates 7% of the worlds CO2 emissions as the cement value chain involves the intensive use of energy for raw materials mining, crushing, mixing, drying, firing, clinker grinding, packaging and dispatch to customers.

This, he posited, places a critical demand on fuel sourcing and controlled energy usage, as almost every stage of the cement value chain produces CO2 emissions, with the bulk of emissions emanating from the firing process during clinker production in the kiln.

From being the worlds largest bulk cement importers to self-sufficiency and now net exporters of cement to other countries, it is therefore not unexpected that Dangote Cement is one of the pioneer African companies in decreasing CO2 emissions through a fuel substitution strategy. Through reporting, Dangote Cement responds to the evolving environmental, and social challenges by disclosing investment priorities and progress on projects that address the issues.

We also leverage sustainability reporting to ignite market growth. As part of this commitment, we began reporting in 2020 and received an initial rating of C on climate change. As the companys actions improved, we rose to a B- and then achieved a B+ rating in 2022, Pathak added.

According to him, As a multinational present in many African countries, Dangote Group aims to become a regional leader in sustainability. Dangote Cement is dedicated to environmental sustainability and combating climate change. We have implemented a robust Climate Change Policy that aligns our operations with global climate goals. The Environmental Pillars of the company define the ways of entrenching sustainability by identifying, measuring and mitigating actual and potential environmental impacts of operations.

Pathak revealed that the companys goal is to continuously improve performance on energy efficiency, waste management, water consumption, and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions. As an African business, we believe that utilising alternative fuel is a critical decarbonisation lever for industries to address the continents climate change mitigation. Dangote Cements Alternative Fuel (AF) Project is an example of this mindset, he said.

The Dangote Cement boss told his audience that in the wake of global climate shocks, decarbonisation is no longer an option but a necessary component to future-proof businesses in a rapidly changing world. He added that businesses must set clear and detailed short, medium, and long-term targets and decarbonisation strategies for each transition target.

Indications are that companies that are likely to thrive in this new wave of climate consciousness are not only decarbonising but also thinking about how to shift the business into faster-growing areas.

Our Board maintains oversight over sustainability reporting, which is essential for corporate success. Through this reporting, Dangote Cement responds to evolving environmental and social challenges by disclosing sustainability commitments and actions. As part of this commitment, we began reporting to the CDP in 2020 and received an initial rating of C on climate change. As the companys actions improved, we rose to a B- and then achieved a B+ rating in 2022.

We are one of the pioneer African companies in decreasing CO2 emissions through a fuel substitution strategy. This initiative focuses on substituting fossil fuels by using alternative fuels. The consequences of this strategy are already visible. Biomass and alternative fuels are said to have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional fuels but may produce some emissions.

Dangote Cements efforts in providing access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing are consolidated in the Dangote seven sustainability pillars, themed The Dangote Way. Through the drive of the leadership on sustainability, we have a compelling challenge for deliberate programmes for the substitution of fossil fuels, with AF. This also contributes to Nigerias CO2 reduction commitments by 2060, he added.

While admitting that the emissions challenge will tarry in the industry for a while, Pathak expressed optimism that the cement industry will continue to contribute to tackling climate change, besides the consequential benefit of CO2 emission abatement.

He noted that as urbanisation contributes to increase waste generated, Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to become the prevalent region globally in terms of total waste generation, if the current trend persists. Low-income countries have also been at the receiving end of hazardous wastes from waste trades, which further compounded the waste situation.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from highly dangerous chemicals, describes the firing hazardous waste in cement kilns as the best available technique for treating dangerous waste because most cement kilns possess the conditions and equipment to treat hazardous waste. This is where Dangote Cement provides the solution to Africas waste problem, he asserted.

Beyond the management of Africas waste, AF is a lever to decarbonise cement manufacturing process. Regarding cost and policies in Africa, other options are improving the energy mix with increased use of transitional fuels, efficiency in cement production, design optimisation, and decarbonisation via CO2 sinks, such as reforestation and renewable energy for power generation, he concluded.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on the federal government to introduce a new revenue allocation formula that would give more money to states and local governments.

The forum said this in a communique issued after its meeting on Thursday in Abuja. The communique was read by the forums chairperson, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

Mr Mohammed said the opposition governors also reviewed the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal concerning governors of various states and noted the mixed outcomes.

As a forum, we once again re-state our overall confidence in the judiciary to do justice.

We believe that the Supreme Court will do justice in the cases where we recorded temporary setbacks like Zamfara and Plateau, he said.

Mr Mohammed said that the meeting also reviewed the off-season elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo.

He expressed the governors support for the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate allegations of existence of pre-filled result sheets prior to the election in some polling units to ensure the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

Some of the attendees at the meeting were: Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, and Deputy Governor of Zamfara, Mani Mummuni.

(NAN)

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 23, BYD held the delivery ceremony for the first batch of owners of the BAO 5 ("BAO" for "leopard"), the inaugural model under the FANG CHENG BAO brand ("FANG CHENG" for "formula"). Simultaneously, the company announced that the nationwide deliveries of the BAO 5 would officially commence the next day.

Photo credit: FANG CHENG BAO

This move came a day earlier than originally announced, as per FANG CHENG BAO's previous schedule, which had slated the nationwide delivery kickoff for November 24.

As BYD's newly launched professional personalized brand, FANG CHENG BAO achieved the remarkable feat of bringing its first model, the BAO 5, to market within three months of its official brand and product unveiling in August. Within the first 72 hours of its market presence, the BAO 5 secured an impressive 10,623 pre-orders.

BAO 5; photo credit: FANG CHENG BAO

The BAO 5, which went on sale on November 9, offers three trim levels with a price range of 289,800 yuan to 352,800 yuan.

In terms of dimensions, the BAO 5 measures 4,890/1,970/1,920mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2,800mm. Off-road capabilities include an approach angle of 35, departure angle of 32, longitudinal passing angle of 20, and a minimum ground clearance of 220mm. Models equipped with the DiSus-P standard intelligent control system can achieve a minimum ground clearance of 310mm.

Regarding off-road performance, FANGCHENGBAO claims that the BAO 5, along with other DMO-based models, can achieve a desert climbing height of 150 meters, showcasing its capability to tackle frequent uphill and downhill terrains without compromising on battery performance. The vehicle is designed to achieve a complete charge without losing power and can even gain charge during the process.

The model is powered by the DMO hybrid system, comprising a longitudinally positioned 1.5T efficient hybrid engine and two electric motors. The 1.5T engine has a maximum power of 143 kW and a peak torque of 274 Nm, while the front and rear dual motors enable maximum powers of 200 kW and 285 kW, respectively. The combined maximum power of the entire powertrain is 515 kW, with a peak torque of 760 Nm.

In terms of range, the BAO 5 offers a range of 125 kilometers on battery power alone and a combined range of 1,200 kilometers.

During the Auto Guangzhou 2023, Xiong Tianbo, the General Manager of the FANG CHENG BAO, revealed plans for the brand's upcoming models. In the second half of next year, the BAO 8 and BAO 3 are set to make their debuts. Providing additional insights, she disclosed that the BAO 3 would be an A-segment pure electric vehicle, while the BAO 8, riding on the DM-o platform, would be a larger model compared to the BAO 5.
The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday recommended the establishment of a National Flood Management Council to ensure effective response to flood disasters in the country.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State made this known while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the 137th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Mr Bello said that the proposed council would be domiciled in the Office of the Vice President for effective coordination of response to and mitigation of flood disasters in the country.

Upon advice from this council to the President depending on the magnitude of the flood, especially if it is category four, then the President will declare a State of Emergency.

We recommended annual budget for both states and federal and local governments. Ecological Fund for states and the federal government.

Natural Resources Development Fund, Special Intervention Fund, Disaster and Emergency, Climate Sensitive Budget Approach, Wind Bond, Blue Bond, PPP Approach and others including foreign interventions.

He expressed hopes that President Bola Tinubu would take proactive steps in ensuring the implementation of the recommendation to nip the yearly flooding across the country in the bud.

In pursuit of President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, you recalled that on 12 October, Tinubu represented by Vice President Shettima, inaugurated a Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response.

Mr President is very concerned about ensuring that there is a lasting solution to that. So this particular committee was set up in order to come up with a roadmap with a view of tackling the flood problems head on.

And we were given seven days to review the various reports of various committees set up by the federal government, and we came up with this roadmap.

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said the NEC considered a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of the African Reinsurance, a leading reinsurance company in Africa.

According to him, the company made two presentations on natural catastrophe insurance that can be utilised to protect natural disasters.

And this is particularly so as observed by the vice-president that Morocco recently had a catastrophic and devastating earthquake.

Yet Africa Reinsurance, leading other insurance companies, provided over 270 million dollars support to those who were affected because they were insured.

And the vice-president felt this is an opportunity to also introduce national catastrophe insurance to Nigeria with the likelihood that the federal government will provide the support to ensure that we have a natural catastrophe insurance.

Mr Bagudu revealed that the company also made a presentation on crop insurance which could help farmers, pastorals and small scale holder farmers to obtain insurance to protect their crops against disaster.

And again, the vice-president advised states to utilise the opportunity provided by the Africa Reinsurance in helping to deliver insurance to small scale holder participants in the agricultural space in their respective states.

Associated with this, the council resolved and directed that the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance and the Minister of Budget and National Planning work to chart a roadmap that can see us adopting both insurances, the minister said.

(NAN)

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World Health Organisation (WHO) and all the 36 states governors will sign a compact agreement to improve healthcare services delivery in the country.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said this on Thursday while briefing jurnaliats at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He explained that the decision to sign an agreement with WHO was reached at the council after a presentation on Nigerias Health Sector Renewal Programme by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.

According to him, the presentation looks at all the challenges in the health sector from financing, human capital to supervisory point of view.

He also said that the presentation reviewed the leadership level from the presidency to the local levels and the need for governors and local governments to show interest in the health sector.

Mr Mohammed noted that without the health sector being taken care of, the country may not have the necessary technological development required.

So there was a resolution of thecouncil that the World Health Organisation is coming on 15 December; all the governors will come and sign a compact agreement in terms of service compact.

Governors will be able to reiterate our determination to approach the health sector in terms of budgeting, given it the required impetus, the required attention that it deserves.

The National Economic Council (NEC) received a presentation from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on Nigerias Health Sector Renewal Programme which looked and dissected in terms of very robust sector scan on health.

From the tertiary to the primary level, looking at all the gaps, the problem and challenges of funding, and even of the need for renewed interest by stakeholders, mostly governors at the subnational level, experts, doctors and everybody.

And of course, the Renewed Hope that President Bola Tinubus administration is trying to establish in trying to bring synergy and collaboration between all the various stakeholders in the country.

And they are trying to make sure that they establish a compact in a manner that we will be able to generate resources from everywhere.

The governor said that after the presentation by the minister, suggestions were made on how to generate resources from taxes in communications, on airlines as well as taxes from the state government to bridge the gap.

Certainly, we have huge problem on human capital and the need to develop strategy to retain our own experts to take care of our own health sector., he said.

(NAN)

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored governors to work towards revamping Nigerias agricultural sector to reduce dependence on food imports and attain food self-sufficiency.

Mr Shettima made the call on Thursday during the 137th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice-president is the chairperson of NEC, a statutory body that has the mandate to advise the President on the nations economic affairs, with the 36 states governors of the federation, CBN governor, minister of finance and other relevant top government officials as members.

Mr Shettima said: Our upcoming task must be rooted in recognising the agrarian nature of our economy.

We must strive for deliberate value addition in the agricultural sector, moving away from commodity exports towards job creation.

Collaboration is vital in enabling the Specialised Agro Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).

We must develop our agricultural sector towards self-sufficiency and exporting processed agricultural products in line with the African Unions Africa 2063 Agenda.

This also aligns with AfDBs investments and commitment to establishing the SAPZ. Collaboratively, we should harness our agricultural comparative and complementary advantages across the value chains of priority crops within the SAPZ.

Mr Shettima hinted at the possibility of engaging the private sector in tackling floods and other natural disasters.

The vice-president noted that considering the financial implications of managing natural disasters, the government cannot do it alone.

I am aware of the financial implications of managing natural disasters. We cannot tackle this alone. Innovative capital pools from the private sector can help share and mitigate fiscal and economic risks posed by such disasters.

This approach has been successful in other African countries, preparing for low-probability yet highly disruptive black swan events.

Once again, we find ourselves bearing the weight of the nation. Since our last gathering, much has transpired, with each event punctuated by the nations reactions.

None of us here requires a reminder of the direction we are headed or what is required to ensure that we stand together through the storm to fulfill our promises to the people, he said.

Mr Shettima told the governors and other members of council to get involved in seeking both short-term ppalliative and enduring solutions to the consequences of reforms.

The vice-president noted that the selection of states in the next phase of the SAPZ programme would be determined by the commitment and determination of each state government.

He urged state governments to maximise the benefits of opportunities created by multilateral organisations headed by Nigerians such as the African Development Bank and AFREXIM Bank.

Mr Shettima also called for a weekly comprehensive report on the SAPZ programme from the Ministry of Agriculture.

He noted that he would personally supervise the implementation of the scheme.

The vice-president added that the Minister of Finance would release N20 billion for the project on a public-private Partnership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presentation of the SAPZ programme was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

The objective of the programme is to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria, aimed at diversifying its economy through agriculture and reduction of food import bills.

(NAN)

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Ibom Air, a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government has refuted media reports alleging it has stopped flights to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, Cross River State.

The airlines group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Aniekan Essienette, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.

The fact is that, as a result of the sudden unserviceability of one of our aircraft, we had to reduce some of our scheduled operations, including the Abuja-Calabar route. It is crucial to note that our Lagos to Calabar flights have continued to operate daily.

Mrs Essienette said the airline has notified the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the affected passengers of the situation.

We are also working to bring the unserviceable aircraft back to serviceability. Once restored to operational status, the Abuja-Calabar route will resume. We anticipate the completion of these repairs within a few days.

The airline apologised to the affected passengers and assured them of its commitment to ensure uninterrupted services to Calabar in the future.

Ibom Air, with seven aircraft (five Bombardier CR900 and two Airbus A220-300) in its fleet, flies 11 routes spanning six cities in the country  Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Lagos and Uyo.

The airline, which launched its maiden flight in June 2019, is rated as one of the most successful in Nigeria, and has won the best airline of the year for three consecutive years  2020, 2021 and 2022.

It is expanding its commercial flights to West and Central African countries, and is expecting the arrival of the first batch of the 10 brand new aircraft which its signed an agreement with Airbus in November 2021.

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An agreed ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas came into force on Friday morning.

The first pause in fighting in nearly seven weeks of war began at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and was set to last at least four days. An extension of up to 10 days is possible, mediator Qatar said.

At 4:00 p.m. local time, the first 13 hostages held in the Gaza Strip were to be released as part of the agreement between Israel and Gaza-ruling Hamas. They are women and children.

In return, three Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli prisons for each hostage. This also involves women and minors.

The fighting continued until the end. There were rocket alerts in the Israeli border area shortly before the ceasefire began. The Israeli army had previously intensified its attacks in the Gaza Strip and will keep its soldiers stationed in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire.

The break in fighting should also mean more aid deliveries for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) wants to use the ceasefire to distribute urgently needed aid.

During the ceasefire, all sides will cease their military activities, said a spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would continue its intensive fighting in the Gaza Strip for at least another two months once the short ceasefire ends.

After the end of this intense fighting, there will be a need for continued multiple operations in Gaza until there is no longer a military threat from there, the minister said.

The war is not over yet, an Israeli army spokesperson wrote in Arabic on X, formerly Twitter, shortly before the ceasefire began.

The northern Gaza Strip is still a dangerous war zone and it is forbidden to move back and forth there.

However, he said, it will still be possible for civilians to move from the north to the south of the territory, while movement in the other direction is forbidden.

(dpa/NAN)

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The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has opened registration for the 2023/24 post-UTME screening exercise.

The registration started on 23 November (Thursday) and will end on 3 December.

Mansur Alfanla, registrar of the university, said this in a press statement on Friday.

He said the institution has invited all candidates who applied for admission into the university to the post-UTME screening.

He noted that applicants for the screening must have chosen the university as their first choice, either at UTME or Direct Entry level.

The registrar called on prospective candidates to visit the university website for details of the procedure for the post-UTME screening exercise.

He said that to be eligible, UTME candidates must have scored at least 180 in the UTME examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Mr Alfanla advised candidates to log on to the university website, using, THIS or THIS and click on Post-UTME Registration.

He warned candidates against using any other link, adding that enquiries should be directed to pre-admission@unilorin.edu.ng.

(NAN)

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Some women took to the streets in Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, on Thursday, to demand climate justice for women and affirmative representation at the 28th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference.

The rally was organised ahead of UN Climate Change Conference also referred to as the Conference of the Parties (COP28), scheduled to hold from 30 November to 12 December, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The women, numbering about 2,000 from different parts of Kaduna State, staged the street rally on Thursday, from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium through Ahmadu Bello Way to Leventis Underpass.

The women, dressed in green, in tributes to Nigerias national colour, proceeded to the Yakubu Gowon Way, passed through the Independence Way and the Constitution Road and back to the Gymnasium Hall of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The rally was organised by Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) with support from Global Fund for Women.

The founder and Programme Director, WISE, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, explained, after the rally, that the goal was to ask for climate justice for women and affirmative representation at COP28.

Demands

Mrs Olugboji-Daramola pointed out that so many people were not well informed about the terrible impact of climate change in communities.

She also said that many residents do not know anything about COP.

So, we are out today to create awareness about the conference of parties, create awareness about climate change and call for climate justice for women.

Because I have heard so many leaders saying that women are the most impacted by the effect of climate and they are the first responders, but sadly, at the decision-making table, their voices are missing.

So, we are out today to call for leaders: World leaders, national leaders, and leaders at all levels to take cognisance of the fact that women need to be heard.

The concerns of women need to be heard as it concerns climate change, because so many women are still using firewood today to cook.

It is one of the greatest causes of deforestation and nobody is asking the women, what do you need, what alternatives are there, she said.

She insisted that women need to be visible in driving solutions, in creating solutions and whatever was possible, adding that women were the custodian of the future generation and should be carried along.

WISEs efforts

The programme director said that WISE had been building capacities and putting resources in the hands of women to drive solutions to climate change under different programmes and interventions.

For example, we have the COVID-19 and Climate Resilience programme that focus on repositioning women at the frontline of driving climate change solutions.

We are raising their capacities in planting trees, producing briquette, and offering them green micro financing where we put resources in their hands so that they can establish clean businesses among other interventions, she said.

Participants speak

One of the women, Hannatu Biniyat, who would be 70 years in days, called on policy makers to include women in the discussions to find lasting solutions to climate change.

Mrs Biniyat explained that women were the most affected by climate change and as such, should be given a voice when deciding on what climate actions to take.

Similarly, Larai Bako, equally stressed the need to carry women along in the planning and implementation of climate change programmes in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

Kaduna govt official reacts

Responding, Abubakar Buba, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kaduna State, commended WISE for mobilising the women to advocate for climate justice for women.

Mr Buba pledged the state governments continued support to ensure active participation of women in climate change programmes and interventions.

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The actions taken by these women are very encouraging. We will be there for them, we will support them, we will support climate action, and we will support climate justice for women.

This is going to be part of the message we are taking to COP28 in Dubai, he said.

The commissioner said that the states Climate Policy was 90 per cent completed, adding that the government had also created green economic zones to reduce carbon emission and promote a green environment.

He said that the goal was to build a greener state with less carbon emission and be part of the global community in the fight against climate change.

These policies and programmes are very sensitive to women because they are the bedrock for any development anywhere in the world.

Kaduna State has a population of over 10 million, and half of the population are women, and these women are the ones responsible for taking care of the homes and children.

So, we cannot afford to hand over a bad weather condition for our unborn children, the commissioner said.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday received Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello, and the Kogi State governor-elect, Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State.

They visited the president over the victories recorded by Messrs Uzodinma and Ododo in the 11 November governorship elections in Imo and Kogi states, respectively.

While Mr Uzodinmas victory earned him a second term in office as Imo State governor, Mr Ododos success secured his right to succeed Mr Bello as the next Kogi State governor.

Mr Uzodinma, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting with President Tinubu, said that the visit was to intimate the president on their victories and appreciate him for his support.

As the leader of the party, we came to meet with our president in respect of the victory the party had at the polls in Imo and Kogi.

The elections were an affirmation that the people have identified the quality leadership that the All Progressive Congress has been offering them.

The victory is also an affirmation of the acceptance of the leadership style of Mr President in the last few months of the administration.

By the victory of the APC in both Imo and Kogi states, Nigerians have demonstrated that the Tinubu administration would be given the needed support to succeed, Uzodinma said.

He said that the victory given to the APC in the state would be replicated with resounding development and people-oriented programmes and projects in the coming four years of his tenure.

The Imo State governor also commended the residents of the state for the support and solidarity at the polls, adding that their trust would be repaid with more dividends of democracy.

Similarly, Governor Bello of Kogi State said that the support given to the APC in the state would translate to more development and better living standards for the people.

He said that the governor-elect would hit the ground running in taking Kogi State to a new height, adding that as the outgoing governor he would not interfere in the administration of the new governor.

As Governor Yahaya Bello nobody dictated to me. I carried my cross and I believe the same thing would happen to Ahmed Usman Ododo as a governor.

I will not interfere in the government and he also has to carry his own cross just as I did.

What I will assure the people of Kogi is that they have a competent person to rule them and I have full confidence in his ability to govern well.

The state will have a smooth transition into an efficient administration, he said.

The governor-elect, Mr Ododo, also gave the assurance that his administration would ensure a smooth transition from the good works of Bello, adding that all the people of the state are in for a new treat.

He said he would ensure that all stakeholders were carried along in the new task of a continued development of the state.

(NAN)

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Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has advised groups and individuals seeking to foment trouble to desist.

He gave the warning on Friday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the flag-off ceremony of this years Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection Exercise.

I want to warn groups or individuals promoting violence by propagating fake news or hate propaganda, to desist from such.

The federal government will not accept any action or behaviour that could cause a threat to peaceful co-existence among law abiding citizens, he said.

The minister, who was responding to the high rate of fake news, hate speech and rumour mongering aimed at causing disaffection, directed security chiefs to be on the alert and deal with anyone caught.

The nation is in a democracy. Any act capable of truncating it will not be condoned, he declared.

He directed security agencies to ensure total compliance to the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria at all times.

The current administration means well for Nigerians; it is putting in every effort to make the county better for all of us and should be supported by all.

The president should be respected by the citizens; that will give his government the courage to do what it takes to make this county great.

The defence ministry will not condone any act capable of disrupting the peace and tranquillity of the country, he warned.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the minister had earlier been welcomed by the Chief of Naval Staff and other top Naval officers to the venue of this years exercise tagged, Nchewa Oshimiri 2023.

The exercise is an annual event that ushers in a new year of prosperity, hope, resilience, courage, perseverance, ability and competence.

It is expected to build, amongst officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, the courage to provide effective and efficient services in protecting the nations territorial waters.

The officers are also expected to guide against piracy, incursion and other criminal activities.

READ ALSO: Tinubu signs Defence Industries Corporation Bill

Mr Matawalle, while reviewing the exercise, said that it was part of the efforts by the Nigerian Navy, along with the Ministry of Defence, to provide adequate security to the nations territorial integrity.

The quest is to protect all national assets, especially around the Nigerian economy, so as to enhance prosperity as encapsulated in President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope agenda, he said.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu has advised governors elected on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to always put the interest of the people first and work for the good of their states.

Speaking when he received the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, the returning Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, in Abuja, on Friday, the president expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the elections, which he described as free, fair, and peaceful.

You worked hard for this victory. I am very proud of you, but the real challenge has only started, and it will stare you in the face. That is the challenge of good governance. Make sure that everyone is carried along. You are now the servants of the people. To God be all the glory for the victories, and may God guide you.

Once the people of Nigeria and their concerns are the focal point of your plans and actions, not only will governance be easier for you, but you will enhance the value of your states and the masses of the people will have new opportunities to grow and enjoy a new standard of living. This must be your driving focus as governors, but especially as governors elected on the platform of our great party.

Two out of three is not a bad way to start. We will focus not on winning the elections alone but on delivering for the people. They are sovereign, and when we achieve what we promise, voters will respect us. We will work with you at the sub-national levels, and we will uphold the strength and superior excellence that is symbolised by the eagle on our coat of arms, the president said.

The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the Governors-Elect and APC stalwarts to meet with President Tinubu, said the partys candidates conducted themselves with integrity as directed by the president during the elections, and that the party had conceded victory to the opposition in Bayelsa State.

We lost the election in Bayelsa, and we have conceded in good faith. You directed that the elections should be free, fair, and peaceful, and it was so, Mr. Ganduje said.

On behalf of the candidates who contested the elections, Mr Uzodinma thanked the president for providing strong and purposeful leadership at the centre, which enabled and energised their campaigns.

We won because of the leadership you demonstrated. The country was struggling, but the economy has been responding to the reforms and rapid-response strategy you have put in place, he said.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2023

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BYD celebrated the production of its 6 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), a BAO 5 off-road SUV under the FANG CHENG BAO brand, at its factory in Zhengzhou city, Henan province on November 24. The company accomplished the transition from the 5 millionth to the 6 millionth vehicle in just over three months.

Photo credit: BYD

BYD, currently housing 11 research institutes, boasts a global portfolio of over 40,000 patent applications and more than 28,000 authorized patents. Pioneering technologies such as the Blade Battery, the DM-i super hybrid technology, the e-Platform 3.0, the CTB (cell-to-body) technology, the e4 platform, the DiSus system, and DMO super hybrid off-road platform showcase BYD's commitment to innovation.

In October, BYD's monthly sales of new energy vehicles surpassed 300,000 units for the first time, setting a new monthly sales record. The comprehensive has been pushed ahead with its multi-brand strategy, including the BYD Dynasty & Ocean, DENZA, Yangwang, and FANG CHENG BAO. Under this diversified strategy, BYD aims to create added value in the market, catering to the diverse needs of consumers.

In addition, BYD is actively expanding its footprint in global market using a dual approach of export and local production. BYD's new energy vehicles have reached 58 countries and regions worldwide, accumulating over 200,000 units in overseas sales. BYD continues to shine on the international stage with models like the Han, the Seal, the Yuan PLUS, and the Dolphin garnering remarkable recognition among global consumers at prominent auto shows like the IAA MOBILITY and the Japan Mobility Show.
The Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, on Friday, presented an award of excellence to a former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, for his untiring efforts in the development of the university and the education sector.

The award presentation ceremony, which included two lectures on Mr Shemas role in educational development in the state, was organised by the institutions Faculty of Law.

While receiving the award, Mr Shema said he drew inspiration from late President Umaru Yaradua, who laid the foundation for the university.

The vision he (Mr Yaradua) had was to have a university in Katsina that would serve the purpose of advancement of education in Katsina and northern Nigeria as a whole. Giving quality education is to ensure the growth and development of the society. Katsina State must continue to work hard to keep that status it always had since colonial days of being the centre of western and eastern education in Nigeria, he said.

Mr Shema said the honour done him by the university is for the people of Katsina and members of the states executive council (while he was governor), who according to him, played a pivotal role in bringing the university to life.

Speaking on the awardee, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Jobe, said the former governor must be commended for his contributions to the development of the university, especially the huge financial resources invested and the efforts he made to ensure the establishment of the faculty of law.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Shehu Salihu-Muhammad, said the former governor made giant contributions to the institution that would never be forgotten.

He (Mr Shema) contributed in no small measure towards making this great institution what it is today, the vice chancellor said. He is now being celebrated by the entire university community for so many laudable projects which his administration executed during his eight-year tenure. The faculty of law of this institution deserves our special commendation for the well thought-out ideas to honour the former governor with this award,.

He said Mr Shema built a 1,500-seater auditorium, assembled qualified academic staff, provided structures and facilities, office equipment, and standard reference materials for the faculty of law.

The award was presented to Mr Shema by the Wazirin Katsina, Ibrahim Ida.

Papers were presented by Sirajo Yakubu, the head, department of international law at Nile University, Abuja and Arsalam Muhammad of the department of islamic law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Abdurazak Na Allah, a professor at the University of Abuja and Sebastine Hon, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), gave goodwill messages.

A lawyer and politician, Mr Shema was governor of Katsina State from 2007-2015. Before that, he was a member of the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and Katsina States Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2003.

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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged to secure funds from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to address the losses and damages caused by climate change in Nigeria.

He said the IPU, a global body of parliamentarians, has a budget of $30 billion to fight climate change and that he will use his office as an executive member of the union to secure some funds during the 28th Conference of Parties (COP) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address the effects of climate change back home.

Mr Akpabio said this on Thursday during an interactive session with the management of the Nigerian Ecological Office at the senate complex, Abuja.

COP is a global decision-making forum on climate change with about 198 member- countries.

The COP28 will hold in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.

I was elected into the executive committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. I have found that within that organisation itself, there are budget intervening countries through parliament in ecological matters and climate change is about $30 billion.

In the session for COP28 in Dubai, we have our own session on climate change. I will let them know that Nigeria is a place they should intervene, the senate president said.

Damage

Mr Akpabio said part of the damage caused by climate change in Nigeria is flooding that ravaged many parts of the country in recent times.

He said the flooding got worse after the neighbouring Cameroon opened its dam.

Whenever the dam in Cameroon is opened, it happens on an annual basis, the amount of water that comes normally wipes out a lot of islands including most of the uplands in Bayelsa, those houses will wash away.

It goes all the way to Ondo, down to Akwa Ibom. Most of the villages do not exist during that period of the raining season and when those dams are being built through renovation of yearly maintenance, he said.

The senate president lamented the level at which the flood ravaged many parts of the country.

Most people have to leave their villages for six months, then the other six months they look for a place to hide.

In Bayelsa, you will be surprised that without war, we have internally displaced persons as a result of climate change. Whatever we can do we will do to assist you to do more Mr Akpabio said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office, Shehu Ibrahim, complained that the funds allocated to the agency to fight climate change is not enough.

Mr Ibrahim said the ecological office receives between N2 to N3 billion on monthly from the federal government to address effects of climate change.

The first challenge we have in that office is the public misconception. The conception is that there are so much billions in that office but in reality sir, what we have is very minimal compared to the amount of requests that we have already captured in our data bank.

As at today, as I have said, we have more than 5,000 requests running into trillions of naira and what we usually get from the monthly due to the office is in the region of between N2 to N3 billion monthly, sir.

So, that misconception is a really big issue that we have always been trying to handle and this is exacerbated by the fact that we dont have much collaboration between the states and local governments.

We have been trying to reach out to the state and local government to see how we can be able to collaborate, so that whatever we have at the federal level, we can be able to match it with what the states and local governments have, but it has been a very big issue, he said.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, following his victory at the Court of Appeal as the validly elected Senator for Plateau South Senatorial District.

Mr Lalong, according to a statement by his media aide, Makut Macham, on Thursday, received the certificate from INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja.

The development indicates the minister is set to quit President Bola Tinubus cabinet to take his seat at the Senate.

Mr Lalong will replace Napoleon Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was declared by INEC as the winner of the 25 February senatorial election.

Mr Bali, a retired Air Force officer, was sacked by the Court of Appeal on 7 November.

Mr Lalong of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the immediate-past governor of Plateau State.

He was inaugurated as minister on 21 August by President Bola Tinubu.

He once served as speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

He was the director general of the APC Presidential Campaign for the February presidential election.

According to the statement, Mr Lalong expressed joy on the victory and dedicated the certificate to the good people of Plateau South for their support and cooperation over the years.

He promised never to let them down.

His wife, Regina, and children accompanied him to receive the certificate of return.

Also present at the brief ceremony were a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter; Minority Leader of Plateau Assembly, Joe Bukar, and some members of the Plateau Assembly.

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The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has secured N210 million from the American University of Nigeria in Adamawa State for the families of the Chibok girls.

On 14 April, 2014, the Islamist group, Boko Haram abducted 276 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok.

The abducted girls, many of whom have been released, are referred to as Chibok girls by the media.

Chibok is a community in Borno State.

The spokesperson of the ministry, Ohaeri Joseph, in a statement, said the gesture is part of its sustainable empowerment drive for Nigerian women.

Mr Joseph stated this following a visit to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, by the President/Vice Chancellor of the university, Dewayne Frazier.

We have been happy to work specifically with the Ministry on the Chibok project. It is a project I take personally because being on the campus and working with the Ministry and the girls has been a blessing to me.

I spoke with the Minister on the Chibok project but we still have to find a way to enable and empower the Chibok community in Borno State and allow them to live a sustainable life, Mr Joseph quoted the vice-chancellor saying in the statement.

We have about 17 to 18 million Nigerians who are facing food challenges; we are going to combat this head-on. We will invest 50 per cent of the scholarship on the Chibok community, the greatest resources of this country are the people and I want to be part of solutions for the future, Mrs Frazier added.

READ ALSO:

In her remark, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye, stated that she visited the Chibok community in Adamawa State where 79 girls survived the 14th April 2014 abduction from the Government Secondary School, Chibok.

During my visit, I noticed that the community needed our support and urged the President/Vice Chancellor of the American University to support the Ministry in this direction and he willingly agreed to earmark 50 per cent of the scholarship fund for sustainable empowerment for the family members of the girls domiciled in Chibok, Borno State.

The money will not be given to the Ministry but the American University will procure the items directly from the companies and give to the community which include 20 pieces of Rice milling machines, and 10 units of Cassava milling machines.

Others are 10 units of Fish grilling machines, 5 units of Rice packaging machines, a unit of grinding machine, 30 units of sewing machines, 30 pieces of Scissors, 20 units of branded Tricycles, and 10 units of Solar Water Pumping machines to enhance irrigation process for Rice farming, the minister said.

The minister said the support will boost agricultural production that will eventually put more food on the tables of more Nigerians in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus policy thrust on food security.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, affirmed the election of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

The three-member panel, in a unanimous judgement, dismissed the five-ground appeal filed by Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s candidate in the 18 March governorship election in the state.

The court held that the appeal was unmeritorious.

The appeal stemmed from the judgement of the Kaduna State Governroship Election Petition Tribunal, whose three-member panel had split two-to-one in its conclusions on the merit of the petition and a technical aspect of the case.

In the judgement delivered on 28 September, two members of the tribunal, in a majority decision, ruled that the petition brought by the PDP and Mr Ashiru failed because the petitioners were too late to apply for pre-hearing notice after filing their petition.

This decision essentially shot down the petition without considering its merit.

But the tribunal went further to rule on the merit, to cover the field of all the issues raised in the petition. Delivering judgement on the merit of the case, the tribunal, again, split two-to-one to rule that it would have declared the election inconclusive had the petition passed the procedural test.

Given the nature of the judgement, both sides to the dispute headed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the aspects of the verdict they found to be unfavourable.

In its judgement on Friday, the Court of Appeal resolved both the appeals and cross-appeal in favour of the APC

The court set aside the aspect of the tribunals judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election in some polling units in parts of the state.

The court also said the trial tribunal was wrong to have declared the poll inconclusive.

Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, who read the lead judgments on the main and cross-appeals,held that the 18 March election which produced Mr Sani was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.

The appeals, judgement

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the main appeal marked: CA/K/EP/GOV/KAD/39/2023, Mr Ashiru and PDP sued INEC, Mr Sani and APC; while in the cross-appeal marked: CA/K/EP/GOV/KAD/40/2023, Mr Sani and APC filed the appeal against Mr Ashiru and three others.

In the main appeal, the Court of Appeal resolved all the five formulated issues against Mr Ashiru and PDP.

The five issues bordered on alleged malpractices, over-voting, manipulation of results, and ballot stuffing.

In the cross-appeal filed by the APC, which challenged the declaration of the election inconclusive, the panel resolved the three formulated issues in favour of the party and vacated the declaration of the tribunal.

The court held that evidence relied upon by the tribunal to declare the election inconclusive were manifestly bad, unreliable and ought not to have given any probative value.

The panel of justices, headed by Justice Daniel-Kalio, was supported by James Gambo Abundaga and Mohamed Baba Idris.

But the aggrieved parties still have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court which has the final say on the governorship elections.

NAN reports that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna had, on 28 September, declared the Kaduna State governorship election inconclusive.

The petition was filed by Mr Ashiru against Mr Sani.

In a split decision of a ratio of 2:1, the three-member tribunal panel led by Victor Oviawe declared that the election was inconclusive.

The panel thus directed that a supplementary election should be held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within 90 days.

The tribunal further directed INEC to conduct election in seven wards, four local governments, 22 polling units consisting of 16,300 registered voters.

NAN reports that the PDP had headed to the tribunal to challenge Sanis election victory.

The PDP had baked its arguments on the grounds of alleged irregularities and electoral fraud, deposing that its candidate, Ashiru, won the election.

During the hearing of the petition, the PDP and Mr Ashiru called 24 witnesses and presented claims and documents to prove their case.

(NAN)

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, upheld the election of Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.

The three-member panel, in a unanimous judgement, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Aminu Bande, for lack of merit.

The court, in a judgment delivered by Ndukwe Anyannwu, resolved all the five issues formulated for determination in favour of the governor and against the PDP with its candidate.

The court held that the appellants failed to establish all the allegations brought up against the governor in their petition.

It held that the allegations of forgery of testimonial brought against the deputy governor of the state, Abubakar Tafida, could not be established as required by law.

It also held that the issues of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act in the conduit of the election could not stand because the appellants failed to proof how the allegations substantially affected the poll.

The court, consequently, affirmed the judgment of the Kebbi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal which had earlier dismissed the petition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election petition tribunal had, on 5 October, affirmed Mr Idris as the duly elected governor.

The three-member tribunal dismissed the petition by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Aminu Bande.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the March 18 Kebbi gubernatorial election inconclusive owing to massive vote cancellation and overvoting in 20 of the 21 LGAs in the state.

The commission later fixed 15 April for a supplementary election.

At the end of the exercise, Mr Idris, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scored 409,225 votes to beat Bande, who got 360,940 votes.

Mr Bande and his party rejected the result and filed a petition before the tribunal.

In the petition, the petitioners alleged that there was over-voting in some polling units and that Mr Idris was not qualified to contest the poll.

They also alleged that the deputy governor had submitted a fake secondary school testimonial to INEC.

However, in the judgment, Ofem Ofem, the chairman of the tribunal, held that the petitioners failed to prove beyond doubt that the third respondent (deputy governor) presented a fake certificate to INEC.

Mr Ofem added that the evidence presented showed that the testimonial in question was duly signed and issued to him by the then principal of Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto in 1982.

The tribunal chairman described the documents presented by the petitioners as iron cast evidence saying, we state categorically that the third respondent did not forge certificate.

On the issue of over-voting, Mr Ofem said out of the 59 polling units being questioned, irregularities were discovered in nine.

The panel deducted 1,735 votes from APC while over 900 votes were also taken away from PDPs results.

The chairman, however, said the deduction of the votes would not affect the margin between the election winner and the first runner-up.

He added that there was no substantial evidence to prove over-voting and irregularities in other polling units.(NAN)

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The State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to restrain the partys National Working Committee (NWC) from dissolving it.

Peter Ohochukwu, an executive member of the party in the state, filed the suit on behalf of other members on Thursday.

Respondents in the suit include, the APC National chairperson, Abdullahi Ganduje, Secretary, Sarajudeen Basiru; Tony Okocha, the inspector general of police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The applicant, Mr Ohochukwu, is asking the court to restrain the respondents from taking steps capable of destroying or distorting the state executive committee of the party in Rivers State.

He is seeking An interim order compelling parties in this suit to maintain status quo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The APC-NWC, on Wednesday, announced the dissolution of the Rivers State Executive Committee of the party and replaced it with a caretaker committee to run the party for six months.

The caretaker committee which was scheduled for inauguration on Friday (today) is headed by Tony Okocha, an ally of Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of the state.

Mr Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), supported the APC in last years presidential election, an alliance that fetched him an appointment as FCT Minister.

Dissatisfied with the action of the NWC, the Rivers APC executives who were elected on 16 October 2021, have asked the court to stop its dissolution.

The dissolved executive committee, which has been grappling with internal crisis for years, are loyal to Mr Wikes political rival and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Mr Amaechi, the leader of APC in Rivers State and former governor of the state, fell out with the party at the centre in June 2022, after losing the presidential primary to Mr Tinubu, who later won the presidential election.

The former minister,who did not join the party presidential campaign team, became silent at the national level, particularly, after his political rival, Mr Wike, was appointed a minister.

His last grip on the APC was the Rivers State Executive Committee, and dissolving it suggests Mr Amaechi may lose relevance both in Rivers State and at the national level.

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The Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, said it has commenced the process of manufacturing light weight electric minibus, the first by any university in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Lawrence Ezemonye, said this on Friday at the 21st convocation of the countrys first private university.

Mr Ezemonye, a professor, said that the design and fabrication that would lead to the production of the vehicles were ongoing.

Research, development and innovation are critical to scholarship and knowledge production.

The universitys efforts in this regard received a boost with the ongoing design and fabrication of Light Weight Electric Minibus, which will ultimately lead to the manufacture of light weight vehicles.

There will be periodic public lectures at various phases of the project, while the engineering students are expected to come up with research topics at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels relevant to the project, Mr Ezemonye said.

Meanwhile, the vice-chancellor has announced that 842 students graduated for the 2022/2023 session.

He said that 36 made First Class Honours, while 299 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

The Vice-Chancellor reeled out the achievements of the university in the last one year to include the establishment of a Centre for Distance Learning, campus-wide digitalisation and innovation and scholarships.

The Chancellor of the university, Gabriel Igbinedion, charged the graduates to be good ambassadors of their Alma Mater and impact the world by being the best.

ALSO READ: Electric vehicle startup MAX eyes presence in eight African countries after Nigeria launch

Mr Igbinedion, represented by his deputy and son, Lucky Igbinedion, charged them to build and create powerful networks that would open doors of opportunities for them in different spheres of life.

In a convocation lecture, a maritime expert, Felicia Mogo, called on the graduates to think outside the box by making themselves competitive in the larger society.

Ms Mogo, who is the founder, African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative, encouraged them to be steadfast in the pursuit of knowledge, exchange of diverse thoughts and experiences.

She said that this would enable them to capture the world and leverage innovation to attain greatness in life.

(NAN)

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As the feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, intensified, Mr Wike on Friday said that 27 out of 31 lawmakers in the Rivers House of Assembly are against Mr Fubara.

Rivers State has been thrown into a political crisis since late October following an attempt by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Fubara which resulted in the bombing of a section of the assembly complex.

The Rivers assembly had since then split into two factions  one loyal to Mr Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the other faction loyal to Mr Fubara.

Martin Amaewhule is the speaker of the faction backed by Mr Wike while Edison Ehie, a former leader of the assembly who was removed for not supporting Governor Fubaras impeachment is the speaker of the faction loyal to the governor.

The two factions on Tuesday held parallel sittings. The faction supporting Mr Wike reportedly held a plenary at the partly damaged House of Assembly Complex, a development that triggered the redeployment of the clerk of the assembly and his deputy by the state government.

Addressing reporters on the political crisis in the state on Friday in Abuja, Mr Wike sounded tough against Governor Fubara, implying that the impeachment plot may not be over yet.

In all circumstances be grateful. No good politician would support that kind of thing but we keep quiet. I told everybody to keep quiet.

Let me tell you, you have 31 members in the House of Assembly, 27 are against you, Mr Wike said, referring to Governor Fubara.

The interview was aired by TVC News.

Asked if he sanctioned the impeachment against his successor, the FCT minister responded, If they are impeaching you, referring to his successor, did you call me?

Continuing, Mr Wike said: Assuming I am the one who plotted your impeachment for example, did you call me and said, Sir they want to impeach me.

The minister accused the governor of sending people to go and burn part of the assembly complex as a way of fighting off the impeachment plot.

Impeachment process, is it a one-day affair? Then you raised ethnic politics. When the law speaks, hungry militants, ethnicity will run away, the law has not spoken, Mr Wike said.

I will win them, mark it today

Despite glaring evidence of a feud with Mr Fubara, the minister said he did not have a problem with the governor but that he was only asking him (Fubara) not to destroy the political structure that brought him to power. I will not let that happen, Mr Wike said.

He said all the people who cannot fight him are rallying round Mr Fubara but vowed to defeat them at the appropriate time.

First of all you have shown Nigerians that this is who I am. Some people even pretend for one or two years before showing their true colours  three months.

Mr Wike dismissed suggestions that he may be going through the same experience he caused Rotimi Amaechi to go through when Mr Amaechi was governor of Rivers and he, a federal minister in President Goodluck Jonathans administration.

Mr Wike was the chief of staff to Mr Amaechi when the latter was the Rivers governor but both men became rivals when Mr Wike became minister under President Jonathan, and have been engaged in a perennial political battle till now.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reduced the fee for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) for plots of land in Abuja from N5 million to N3.5 million.

Mr Wike had indicated days ago that there would be a downward review of the C-of-O fee, which, he maintained, is a flat rate for all sizes of land and regardless of the location of the land in the FCT.

The minister, according to a statement from his office on Friday, announced the reduction of the C-of-O fee to a flat rate of N3.5 million at a media briefing at his office in Abuja.

Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy will now cost N3.5 million, a reduction from the previously proposed cost of N5 million, the statement by the Director of Press in the ministers office said, quoting Mr Wike as saying during the media briefing on Friday.

But Mr Wike said the payment of the N3.5 million would not apply for re-certification, but only for issuance of new certificates.

Those who have C-of-O dont need to pay this money. The highest you can pay is maybe N50,000 and corporate bodies, maybe N100,000 because you already have C-of-O. All you are doing is to recertify in order to incorporate these new features, the said.

The minister said the decision to reduce the cost of C-of-O was based on the recommendations of the Task Force set up on the issuance of the certificate in mass housing estates and recovery of land use contravention fees.

The Task force had proposed the payment of N5 million which was largely objected to by key players in the real estate industry and FCT residents, according to the statement.

It added that this prompted the setting up of an interface between estate developers as well as residents associations..

The minister had, during that meeting, hinted at the possibility of a downward review of the cost of issuance of the land document.

He equally stated that new security features such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for individuals and corporate organisations, respectively, would be incorporated in the new certificates.

Read the full press statement below:

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY TO NOW COST 3.5 MILLION,

FCT MINISTER DISCLOSES IN MEDIA PARLEY

 PREVIOUSLY ISSUED DOCUMENTS TO BE RECERTIFIED, NEW BUSES AND TAXIS TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH

1. Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy will now cost N3.5 million, a reduction from the previously proposed cost of N5 million.

2. This was disclosed by the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike during his second monthly Ministerial media parley which was held on Friday, November 24th in his office.

3. Speaking on a wide range of issues, Barrister Wike disclosed that the decision to reduce the cost of C of O was based on the recommendations of the Task Force set up on the issuance of C of Os, in mass housing estates and recovery of land use contravention fees.

4. It may be recalled that the Task force had proposed the payment of the sum of N5 million which was largely objected to by stakeholders, prompting the organisation of an interface between estate developers as well as residents associations.

5. The Minister, during that meeting had hinted at the possibility of a downward review of the cost of issuance of the land document.

6. The Minister equally stated that new security features such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for individuals and corporate organisations respectively will be incorporated in the new Certificates.

7. Barrister Wike equally disclosed that payment of the N3.5 million will not apply for recertification, but will be applicable only for new issuances.

8. His words Those who have C of O dont need to pay this money. The highest you can pay is maybe N50,000 and corporate bodies, maybe N100,000 because you already have C of O. All you are doing is to recertify in order to incorporate these new features.

9. Speaking on the efforts to improve revenue generation in the FCT, the FCT Minister also reiterated that the FCT Administration will enforce the payment of property tax and ground rent, warning that those who fail to pay will have their allocations revoked. He stressed that to shore up IGR, payment of ground rent has to be enforced.

10. He said, Over the years, nobody has been able to enforce the payment of ground rent. I came on board and I said okay, it cant be business as usual. You have property, you are given a C of O to back up your property. In that C of O, you are told to be paying annual ground rent. For the past 15 years, you didnt pay. Some people, for the past 20 years, they never paid.

11. And you know Nigerians, they said nothing will happen. I came and said something will happen and they have to pay. Seeing that we mean what we have said, if you dont pay, we will revoke and we have been doing that, people are now queuing up to pay. Go to AGIS, people are queuing up and that has now increased our IGR.

12. He said IGR in the FCT has increased from a monthly collection of N14 billion to over N20 billion.

13. To ensure that capital projects get priority attention, the Minister revealed that adjustments would be made to the FCT budgeting process, with 70 per cent of the budget dedicated to capital projects, while the other 30 per cent will be utilized for overhead expenditure.

14. Speaking on critical ongoing projects in the FCT, including the Abuja mass rail transit scheme, the Minister assured that they would be completed before May 2024 to coincide with the celebration of one year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration.

15. He added that provisions have also been made for funding of the projects in the FCT 2023 supplementary budget, adding that the contractors executing the projects have given assurances that the projects will be completed within schedule.

16. The Minister equally revealed that the FCT would be launching its mass transportation buses and taxis next month to ply the routes of Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and Garki, following which tricycles, popularly called Kepe Napep, operation in the city centre would be phased out by January 2024.

17. The Minister added that the FCTA would also be spending about N600 million to repair the mass transit buses in its fleet which would also be deployed in various routes to ease the transportation.

18. We are launching vehicles for the mass transit in December. Again, its part of the supplementary budget we submitted for Mr. President to transmit to the National Assembly. The fund is there. We are anticipating that the National Assembly will pass it. We have started the procurement process so that as it comes, we will not be delayed.

19. We have the money in our account. All we are seeking for is approval by the National Assembly for us to be able to spend.

20. While lamenting the increasing wage bill of the FCT Administration, Barrister Wike, promised to carry out a forensic audit exercise of staff to determine the actual staff strength of the FCTA.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

24/11/2023

FCTA/ODP/PR/464

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Volkswagen Group announced on November 24 that Volkswagen China Technology Company ("VCTC") will launch an electric vehicle platform targeting the entry-level market within the next three years.

This new platform, a derivative of the MEB platform, focuses on entry-level battery electric vehicle (BEV) models. All the technologies and components involved will be 100% locally developed, reducing the vehicle development cycle by 30%. The platform's development cycle is only 36 months, approximately one-third shorter than previous platform development cycles of Volkswagen Group. Starting from 2026, the group plans to develop BEV models tailored to the specific demands of Chinese customers based on this platform.

VCTC Rendering; photo credit: Volkswagen Group

The first batch of four models on the China-exclusive platform will involve Volkswagen Anhui, FAW-Volkswagen, and SAIC Volkswagen, with prices ranging between 140,000 yuan and 170,000 yuan.

Ralf Brandstatter, Volkswagen AG Board Member for China, said: With our 'in China, for China' strategy, we are fully integrating ourselves into China's industrial ecosystem. This enables us to customise our products even faster to meet the needs of Chinese customers. In a dynamic market environment, a high pace of development is crucial for competitiveness. The Volkswagen China Technology Company in Hefei is the central interface between all our joint venture companies and our Chinese partners, allowing us to make all decisions on products for China directly in China and launch them onto the market quickly. This boosts efficiency, increases the speed of development, and optimises our cost structure.

The advanced production, R&D, and innovation center established in Hefei are vital pillars of the group's 'In China, For China' strategy. This center will help the group capture decisive trends in the Chinese market early and leverage the growth momentum and innovation capabilities of the Chinese market to drive its own development.

Another key pillar of this strategy, Volkswagen Anhui, is set to commence production in the coming weeks, as well as the VW Anhui Component Company, with its production facility for high-voltage battery systems.

Through VCTC, Volkswagen Group is bundling all development units and decision-making processes in Hefei to develop models for the Chinese market. The group said this approach streamlines communication between departments, significantly improving efficiency. All teams collaborate within the same time zone and focus specifically on the local market. Furthermore, the company integrates the development and procurement of vehicles and components in the early stages of product development, simultaneously enhancing speed, saving time, and optimizing cost structures.

Close collaboration with partners such as SAIC Volkswagen, FAW-Volkswagen, Volkswagen Anhui, Gotion (battery), and XPeng (electrification) in the R&D field will further optimize synergies, the group added. Simultaneously, partners such as Horizon Robotics (autonomous driving), ARK (user experience) and Thundersoft (infotainment) are also involved in close cooperation with CARIAD, Volkswagen's software unit.
In the past week, the appellate court has sacked three governors that INEC declared as winners in the March poll. All the three sacked governors are in opposition parties. They are: In Kano, Abba Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), with the declaration of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the poll. In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the declararion of the poll as inconclusive about eight months later.

The revelations in the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the Kano governorship race is the clearest indication that politics, rather than law, is determining judicial outcomes on election litigation in the country at the moment. The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Moore Adumein had nullified Governor Kabirs victory on the ground that he was not an authentic member of his political party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Consequently, the appellate court declared his closest challenger, Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the 18 March governorship election. However, the certified true copy of the judgement issued by the Court of Appeal, states in some sections that Mr Yusuf won the election but also says the opposite in other sections, contrary to its clear ruling last Friday.

The Chief Registrar of the appellate court, Mr Bangari, in reaction to revelations in the CTC, claimed that the discrepancy between what was read in open court and what was contained in the certified true copy of the judgement as a clerical error. It cannot however be a clerical error as it is not a question of a couple of misspelt words but about considered judgements contradicting each other, which means they were rewritten and someone forgot to remove what the new text was supposed to have replaced.

On Thursday, the same court reinstated Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who had previously been removed by the election tribunal. The story is clear, the courts are restoring to APC, seats that the voters have voted them out of. It is a dangerous place for Nigerian democracy to find itself.

In one instance, the appellate court declared, for example, that: I will conclude by stating that the live issues in this appeal are hereby resolved in favour of the 1st respondent (APC) and against the appellant (Governor Abba Yusuf), but went further to contradict itself in another sentence. The court said: In the circumstances, I resolve all the issues in favour of the appellant (NNPP) and against the 1st respondent (APC). The court further shot itself in the foot, declaring, Therefore, I find no merit in this appeal which is liable to be and is hereby dismissed. But in the final line of the judgement, the court set aside the judgement of the tribunal, which sacked the governor: The judgment of the tribunal In Petition No.: EPT/KN/GOV/01/2023 between: ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) v. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 2 ORS. delivered on the 20th day of September, 2023 is hereby set aside.

In the past week, the appellate court has sacked three governors that INEC declared as winners in the March poll. All the three sacked governors are in opposition parties. They are: In Kano, Abba Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), with the declaration of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the poll. In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the declararion of the poll as inconclusive about eight months later. The court ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election in three local government areas of the state. PDPs Lawal and APCs Bello Matawalle are the major contenders in the race. In Plateau, the appellate court also removed PDPs Governor Muftwang last Sunday and ordered INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to APCs Nentawe Goshwe.

The court held that the party violated the court order that a valid congress should be conducted in the 17 local government areas of the state. On Thursday, the same court reinstated Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who had previously been removed by the election tribunal. The story is clear, the courts are restoring to APC, seats that the voters have voted them out of. It is a dangerous place for Nigerian democracy to find itself.

The Court of Appeal judgments in favour of the ruling APC party are all coming out in the context of some of the judges having had their names proposed for elevation to the Supreme Court and many people think this fact has been used to blackmail some of them. For some of the others, financial inducement might be the mechanism of choice.

As Femi Falana has argued in reference to the Kano governorship election, a mistake was made by INEC and the court is using that to punish Kano voters by wasting 165,000 votes, which have been declared invalid because some electoral officers committed the error of not stamping them. In the numerous seats taken from the PDP by the court in Plateau State and given to APC, there is no argument that PDP won the elections, but technical arguments were simply marshalled to turn winners into losers. This is the pathway to dismantling Nigerian democracy.

In some of the judgments delivered, the judges made no attempt to hide their bias. In the Kano State governorship election petition decided last September, Benson Anya, a judge on the tribunal, openly pronounced that NNPP supporters are bandits in politics and decided to condemn the gang of Red Cap wearers (NNPP supporters) as being a violent and terrorist cult who chased us out of Kano and put us in the fear of our lives. How can such a judge be seen to be fair after such commentary? The Court of Appeal judgments in favour of the ruling APC party are all coming out in the context of some of the judges having had their names proposed for elevation to the Supreme Court and many people think this fact has been used to blackmail some of them. For some of the others, financial inducement might be the mechanism of choice. There have been numerous allegations of the significant escalation of bribes being directly offered to judges.

One of the most worrying issues is the lack of consistency in the use of precedent and established principles of law. Depending on the party in question, the principle of not bringing pre-election matters to the appellate court is used or thrown out. This type of behaviour makes nonsense of the law and tells litigants from opposition parties that whatever the merits of their case may be, the law will be used against them. When an APC member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi arrogantly declared that, Theyll know who we know when the matter relating to the Plateau Governorship race gets to the Supreme Court, he is telling the world to forget law and justice, they will use the courts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Its frightening. It must be resisted.

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.

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The Bauchi State House of Assembly will accelerate the passage of the Childs Rights Bill into law, the Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, has said.

Mr Suleiman made this known at an orientation workshop organised by Plan International Nigeria for members of the House of Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bauchi State is the only state in Nigeria that has yet to domesticate the Childs Rights Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003.

Mr Suleiman, who promised an end to the delay in passing the bill, said the House would immediately look into the bill to ensure its passage at the convergence of the House.

We are here today for a special assignment that is aimed at passing a decision to better the lives of our children.

I want to tell us that we are committed to these issues and the delay in not passing the bill has come to an end.

I want to assure us that immediately we go back home, we are going to pass the bill into law. The first reading has been done, we will ensure we go through the second and third readings, and thereafter, pass the bill into law, he said.

The Speaker assured Plan International Nigeria and other development partners of the Houses readiness and commitment to projects that would see to the advancement of the lives of the people of the state.

Earlier, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, said the orientation was necessary to bring the new members in speed to the passage of the child rights law.

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Mr Usie said Plan International Nigeria through its Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (ASPIRE) project was providing advocacy and technical support to the states legislators to prepare the ground for the ratification of the childs rights law.

He said the Childs Rights Bill seeks to protect the rights of children in Bauchi State.

He added, Majority of the members of the house are new, about 90 per cent of them are new and it is important that we give them an orientation.

In the last dispensation, the bill has already gone through the first reading. So new members have come in and it is right that we give them an orientation to bring them up to speed.

Mr Usie, that in May 2022, the organisation had engaged the Ministry of Women Affairs in Bauchi State on the status of the Childs Protection Bill for the state, and declared interest to support the process.

He said the Ministry informed his organisation that it had already developed the first draft of the document, but would require the groups support for the validation and finalisation of the document to facilitate submission to the State House of Assembly.

According to him, in the last quarter of 2022, Plan International supported the validation and finalisation of the document, including supporting the process of submission to the state legislators, with a pledge to continue the support until the passage of the bill into law and signed by the state governor.

Meanwhile, a Bauchi State Chief Magistrate, Amina Ahmed, called on the House to look into the grey areas of the bill, especially as it has to do with the Bauchi State Childs Protection Law, as to what was obtainable at the national level.

Mr Garba said that the bill, which has 28 parts and 255 sections, would go a long way in addressing the issues affecting children in the state.

(NAN)

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has terminated the services of the operators of taxi ranks and terminals for failing all terms and conditions of their engagement.

The Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA, Ubokutom Nyah, announced the termination during a meeting with the terminals and taxi ranks managers in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Nyah explained that having failed all the terms and conditions of their engagement, the FCTA was left with no option but to terminate their engagement.

He directed them to hand over the ranks to the FCT Administration within three months, beginning on 21 November.

He decried the infiltration of illegal motor parks within the city and expressed the readiness of the Administration to provide the capital city with befitting taxi ranks and terminals.

He disclosed that a visit to the taxi ranks, terminals and illegal motor parks in the city has provided him with firsthand information on the ugly state of the facilities.

According to him, Abuja, being the federal capital city, deserves better, adding that the state of the facilities attracts all kinds of criminal elements.

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We must rid Abuja of all these.

I have gone round the taxi ranks, and of all the places I visited, not one is worthy to be called even a village motor park.

The mandate secretary explained that the action was not meant to punish them but to reposition the sector, bring new terms of engagement and provide the federal capital with modern taxi ranks and terminals.

This, according to him, will increase the number of the terminals and ranks where necessary, and improve the revenue profile for the administration.

He, however, said that the administration would still consider the operators that can develop the taxi ranks and terminals in line with the new vision.

Mr Nyah said that the FCTA has concluded plans to rehabilitate and revamp taxi ranks and terminals to a standard befitting the federal capital.

He said that the measure was part of efforts to rid Abuja of illegal motor parks and the criminalities associated with them.

Responding, the Operator of Jahi Taxi Rank, Adebisi Lawal, commended the administrations move to modernise the taxi ranks and terminals.

Mr Lawal appealed to the administration to give due consideration to the current operators in the choice of new developers.

(NAN)

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Gunmen have killed Chiedoziem Anyanwu, a ward chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State.

Mr Anyanwu was the PDP chairperson of Ife/Akpodim/Chokoneze Ward in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The PDP leader was shot on Thursday by gunmen riding a motorcycle, according a report by Punch newspaper.

The gunmen were said to have requested to see the deceased on arrival at his house.

On identifying him, the attackers shot him dead and waited to ensure that he was dead before they fled the scene, the paper reported.

He was shot dead in his wifes presence by gunmen who requested to see him, an unnamed source was quoted as saying.

The development has brought an uneasy calm to the fold of the PDP in the state. The slain party chairman was vibrant. Nobody knew why he was killed, the source added.

The Director General of the New Media of the PDP in the state, Lancelot Obiaku, has confirmed the killing, according to the paper.

Mr Obiaku called for the arrest and prosecution of the hoodlums.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the police in Imo state, Henry Okoye, said he had not been briefed on the incident.

Worsening insecurity

Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

This latest attack occurred barely two weeks after the 11 November governorship election in the state which was won by the ruling party, APC.

The Nigerian government has accused Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

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President Bola Tinubu has waded into the political crisis in Ondo State caused by the ailment of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The president will be meeting with the states deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, members of the House of Assembly and other key stakeholders at the presidential villa, Abuja Friday afternoon, a presidential aide confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES.

Among the stakeholders who left Akure, the state capital, for the meeting in Abuja Friday morning were commissioners and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Some prominent people in the state and across the Southwest region had appealed to Mr Tinubu to intervene in the protracted crisis in the state that arose from the incapacitation of Mr Akeredolu by ill health.

A report by The Nation newspaper said the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, also confirmed the meeting.

It also quoted Mr Oladiji confirming that some lawmakers had earlier planned a plenary of the House for Friday to declare Mr Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor.

He said: Our sitting was to declare Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor. The Governor is still alive.

That session of the House was cancelled after the president waded into the crisis and invited the lawmakers to Abuja.

The lawmakers are believed to be divided over the issue with 11 of them said to be in support of declaring the governor as incapacitated and Mr Aiyedatiwa as acting governor.

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However, loyalists of Mr Akeredolu in the APC and the state executive council were as of Friday morning demanding the resignation of Mr Aiyedatiwa, to pave the way for the Speaker of the House to become acting governor.

They said elevating Mr Aiyedatiwa to the position would amount to rewarding him for disloyalty to his principal.

But Mr Akeredolus supporters also acknowledged that they do not have the number in the state legislature to force the removal of the deputy governor from office.

A commissioner, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday but asked not to be identified, said loyalists of the governor anticipated that the president may plead with them to bury the hatchets and work with Mr Aiyedatiwa as acting governor.

If the president insists on Aiyedatiwa, then there should be a consensual arrangement that would not deliver him as the winner in this dispute, the commissioner said.

If he again assumes power as acting governor  he had served in the same position for three months until September when Mr Akeredolu returned from medical leave in Germany  it would mark a stunning reversal of fortunes for Mr Aiyedatiwa.

Since the return of Mr Akeredolu to the country and his formal resumption of duty, his aides have been pushing for the sack of the deputy governor whom they accused of disloyalty to Mr Akeredolu.

The state House of Assembly had begun the process for his removal by asking the states chief judge to set up a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct raised against him by some lawmakers loyal to Mr Akeredolu.

But the deputy governor obtained an order of the Federal High Court that restrained the chief judge and the lawmakers from taking any further step in the process until the court had examined Mr Aiyedatiwas complaints

Mr Akeredolu has about a year left before the end of his tenure, having been reelected to a second term in October 2020.

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'International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women' is celebrated every year on 25 November by the United Nations to eradicate increasing incidents of violence, exploitation and harassment against women all over the world, and this is a serious problem plaguing the entire world. The United Nations organizes many events that highlight the need to do something more to eliminate this type of violence against women. Women's groups and voluntary organizations undertake various initiatives to highlight the worrying situation of women in society, and the resulting adverse effects on women's physical, mental and psychological health. Many women's rights activists and organizations support feminist movements on this day to free the world from violence against women.

The Day also honours Mirabal Sisters, whose three sisters, Patria Mercedes Mirabal, Maria Argentina Minerva Mirabal, and Antonia Maria Teresa Mirabal, were brutally murdered on this day in 1960 on the orders of political activist Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (19301961). These three sisters had strongly opposed Trujillo's dictatorship. Women's rights supporters and activists have celebrated this day since 1981 to commemorate the death of these three sisters. With the development in the country and the world, instead of subsiding, the violent thoughts towards women have been emerging in newer forms. To overcome this violent social thinking and ideology, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a day related to the existence and identity of women, which gives the message of consciousness of responsibility, a call to develop a new civilized and decent thinking towards women. This day guards those crossroads from where there are possibilities of deviation of life ideals and violence against women; it stops those aspirations whose violent pace is very fast, but which reflects the wild race of society without any aim. One of the objectives of celebrating this day is to make resolutions to control increasing violence against women. This day is a unique medium to make women powerful, progressive and cultured.

Every hour more than five women or girls are murdered by someone in their own families. Nearly one in three women has been a victim of physical and sexual violence at least once in her life. No less than 86 percent of women and girls live in countries without legal protection against gender-based violence. Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent and widespread human rights violations in the world. This crisis has intensified in a variety of settings, including workplace and online spaces, which is further exacerbated by after-effects of pandemic, conflicts, and climate change. It is estimated that 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced physical and sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that 70 percent of women have experienced physical and sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Adult women account for 51 percent of all human trafficking victims detected worldwide. The European Union reports one in 10 women have experienced cyber-harassment since the age of 15. The risk is highest among young women between the ages of 18 and 29. Violence against women is a global epidemic. No less than 70 percent of women experience violence sometimes or other in their lifetime.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data also highlights the increase in crimes against women. These crimes include rape, domestic- violence, assault, dowry harassment, acid attack, kidnapping, human- trafficking, cyber- crime and workplace harassment etc. According to NCRB data, a total of 32,559 rapes took place in India in 2017, in which 93.1 percent of the accused were close relatives. According to the report of National Crime Bureau-2017, the highest numbers of cases numbering 5562 were registered in Madhya Pradesh; while Rajasthan stood second in this list with 3305 rape cases. In Rajasthan, there has been a terrible mentality of killing girl babies as soon as they are born. With some thought and contemplation, we come to know that sexual harassment against women, including gossiping, eve-teasing, prostitution, forced pregnancy, buying and selling of women and girls, violent behaviour resulting from war and gruesome torture in prisons are rampant. It still continues against women and instead of decreasing, it is increasing.



Today, it is necessary to discuss general women of the society suffering from violence and oppression. It is unfortunate that women in developed and developing countries are under the shadow of oppression, exploitation, discrimination and harassment. Minority Rights Group International, in its annual report titled 'The Situation of the World's Minorities and Indigenous Peoples', describes how women from minority and indigenous communities around the world are more likely to be victims of violence, whether in times of conflict or peace. . Mark Latimer, executive director of this organization, said that women across the world have to suffer the brunt of physical violence due to discrimination against minorities. This situation is frightening even in the context of India. Even though the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently doing commendable work for women empowerment, yet in the modern era, not only thousands of minorities, but also common women are far away from their full rights. Even though the government has prepared hundreds of schemes for women- upliftment, there is still a lack of education and awareness among women. Ignorant of their duties and rights, the world of women has been confined to the kitchen. Women of tribal communities in India are unaware of their rights and their life is still like a tragedy.

The mentality of regarding women as inferior and of secondary status has penetrated into every fiber of the Indian society. The real question is how to change this mentality. Over the years, the tendency to hide crime and fear the criminals has started to end, from movements like MeToo or the laws made after Nirbhaya incident. Therefore, such crimes may not be complete, but still they are coming to light in large numbers. An unjust person continues to do injustice, as long as he is tolerated. To create this belief among women, a fundamental change is also needed in the justice system and mentality. People in the country do not have complete knowledge about women's rights, and it is not followed with full seriousness and will-power. Despite all the claims of women empowerment, women are far away from their real rights. They have to understand that accidents do not choose the person and the time and it is not their fault that all this happened.

Not only the polluted and distorted ways of the male society have to be changed, but also the roots of those reasons have to be uprooted due to which women are forced to drink poison again and again. World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an opportunity for non-governmental organizations, international organizations and governments to raise public awareness about violence against women. The world must pave the way for genuine respect for the human dignity of women, so that the work of securing their real rights can be practical. So that words like rape, gang-rape, women oppression, women violence cease to exist in this world.

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The campaign trail for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan has officially come to a close, with candidates making their final appeals to voters before the fate of 1863 contenders on 199 assembly seats is sealed in EVM machines on November 25. Notably, elections will not be held for the Srikaranpur seat in Sriganga Nagar district, following the tragic demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Kinnar. With this, Congress is now contesting on 198 assembly seats after a pre-poll agreement with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Bharatpur district.

The concluding day saw leaders from various parties intensify their efforts to garner support through public meetings, road shows, press conferences, and social media interactions. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, concluding his campaign in Jodhpur, stopped his speech three minutes before the deadline, while RLP leader Hanuman Beniwal faced police intervention for exceeding the allotted time for his election meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah made their final pitches in support of BJP candidates, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership. PM Modi, addressing the last public meeting in Devgarh, Rajsamand, declared the election as Modi versus Gehlot, asserting that Ashok Gehlot would not become Chief Minister again. He accused the Gandhi family of seeking revenge against Sachin Pilot for the death of Rajesh Pilot's son and raised issues like the Lal Diary, paper leaks, and alleged corruption cases against Congress.

In response, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jaipur, highlighting the achievements of the Gehlot government's Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Scheme. Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi on social media, contrasting the supportive initiatives of the Gehlot government with the alleged failures of the central government. Chief Minister Gehlot, in a press conference, vehemently responded to BJP and PM Modi's allegations, emphasizing that the people had faith in Congress and predicted a repeat government in Rajasthan.

The election campaign in Rajasthan witnessed a departure from the norm, with national leaders taking center stage. Now, as the state braces for voting, the question remains: how will these political maneuvers play out in the electoral landscape?"

Source :
The financial crisis of 2008 hit Mary Kathryn Nagle differently. As a playwright and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she saw parallels to events that negatively impacted Indigenous people centuries ago. Nagles 2018 play Manahatta has landed in New York City this winter and its just the latest in a flowering of Native storytelling. From Reservation Dogs, Dark Winds and Rutherford Falls on TV to Prey on the big screen and Larissa FastHorse becoming the first Indigenous female playwright on Broadway, barriers are being broken. Non-Native storytellers are also exploring history, with Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon and documentary-maker Ken Burns' The American Buffalo. Read moreNative American storytellers enjoying a rare spotlight, a moment they hope can be more than that
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The agrochemicals market size is expected to grow by USD 49 million from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 4.48% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The increasing use of herbicides is notably driving the agrochemicals market. However, factors such as Organic farming and viable substitutes may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Product (Fertilizers and Pesticides), Application (Cereals and grains, Oilseeds and pulses, and Fruits and vegetables), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the agrochemicals market including American Vanguard Corp., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Arysta LifeScience Corp., BASF SE, Bayer AG, Cargill Inc., CF Industries Holdings Inc., Corteva Inc., Drexel Chemical Co., Evonik Industries AG, FMC Corp., Gharda Chemicals Ltd., Haifa Group, Koch Industries Inc., Nissan Chemical Corp., Nufarm Ltd., Nutrien Ltd., Rotam CropSciences Ltd., Syngenta Crop Protection AG, and Yara International ASA. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Agrochemicals Market 2023-2027

Agrochemicals Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

American Vanguard Corp. - The company offers green solutions and precision ag technologies.

This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information.

Agrochemicals Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Product

The fertilizers segment will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. It can be also classified as synthetic and biofertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers are subdivided into nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassic fertilizers. Nitrogenous fertilizers accounted for the largest share of the fertilizers segment in 2020. Nitrogen is one of the crucial macronutrients required for the growth and development of crops. However, nitrogen provides fast growth and improves the color and texture of plants. It also enhances the overall productivity of crops as well. Urea, ammonia, and ammonium nitrate are some of the commonly used nitrogenous fertilizers.

will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. It can be also classified as synthetic and biofertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers are subdivided into nitrogenous, phosphatic, and potassic fertilizers. Nitrogenous fertilizers accounted for the largest share of the fertilizers segment in 2020. Nitrogen is one of the crucial macronutrients required for the growth and development of crops. However, nitrogen provides fast growth and improves the color and texture of plants. It also enhances the overall productivity of crops as well. Urea, ammonia, and ammonium nitrate are some of the commonly used nitrogenous fertilizers. Application (Cereals and grains, Oilseeds and pulses, and Fruits and vegetables)

Geography

APAC is projected to contribute 50% to the global market growth. One of the largest industries in the region is agriculture because of the large areas of farmland and good soil fertility, combined with the growing demand for food grains and an ever-rising population. Furthermore, APAC accounts for almost 60% of the global population and 30% of the total available land globally and has grown to be not only the largest agrochemicals market across the globe but also the fastest-growing market for pesticide consumption.

is projected to contribute to the global market growth. One of the largest industries in the region is agriculture because of the large areas of farmland and good soil fertility, combined with the growing demand for food grains and an ever-rising population. Furthermore, APAC accounts for almost 60% of the global population and 30% of the total available land globally and has grown to be not only the largest agrochemicals market across the globe but also the fastest-growing market for pesticide consumption. North America , Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa .

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a PDF Sample Report

Agrochemicals Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist agrochemicals market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the agrochemicals market and its contribution to the parent market.

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the agrochemicals market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of agrochemicals market companies

Related Reports:

The organometallics market size is expected to increase by USD 3.73 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.7%.

The powered agriculture equipment market share should rise by USD 36.58 billion from 2022 to 2026 at a CAGR of 7.08%.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Product

Market Segmentation by Application

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 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
SUZHOU, China, and ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 23 Nov, 2023, on the second anniversary of the initial approval for olverembatinib, Ascentage Pharma hosted a ceremony in Suzhou, China, marking the launch of olverembatinib in a newly approved indication and the dispatch of the first batch of the drug for the new indication.

On November 17, 2023, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved olverembatinib (HQP1351) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) resistant and/or intolerant of first-and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This approval, marking yet another major milestone for olverembatinib following its first regulatory approval in 2021 and the subsequent inclusion into the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), which will benefit a broader population of patients with CML in China.

This approval for olverembatinib is based on the results from an open-label, national multicenter, randomized-controlled, registrational pivotal Phase II study (HQP1351CC203) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of olverembatinib in patients with CML-CP resistant to and/or intolerant of first- and second-generation TKIs. Patients were randomized to either receive olverembatinib or into the control group to receive the current best available treatment (BAT). Results from the study show that compared to patients who were treated with the BAT in the control group, those received olverembatinib achieved statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of event-free survival (EFS), meeting the primary endpoint of the study. In March 2021, the Center of Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the NMPA granted olverembatinib a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to olverembatinib; and in July 2022, the New Drug Application (NDA) for olverembatinib in this indication was accepted and granted a Priority Review Designation by the CDE.

CML is a hematologic malignancy of the white blood cells. The introduction of BCR-ABL TKIs has significantly improved the management of CML. However, 20%-40% of patients fail to achieve desired treatment outcome due to resistance or intolerance to TKIs[1]-[3], thus leading to disease progression or even death. At present, resistance to TKIs is posing a major challenge to the management of CML globally and patients are in desperate need of a new generation of drugs that are safe and efficacious.

Olverembatinib is a global best-in-class novel drug developed by Ascentage Pharma with support from the National Major New Drug Discovery and Manufacturing Program in China. As the first and only China-approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, olverembatinib can effectively target BCR-ABL and a spectrum of BCR-ABL mutants, including the T315I mutation. In November 2021, olverembatinib was approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with TKI-resistant CML-CP or accelerated-phase CML (CML-AP) harboring the T315I mutation. In January 2023, olverembatinib has been officially included into the China National Reimbursement Drug List, further enhancing the affordability and accessibility of the drug. Ascentage Pharma and Innovent are mutually committed to the commercialization of olverembatinib in the China market.

Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman and CEO of Ascentage Pharma, said, "This indication expansion marks another major milestone for olverembatinib which would not have been possible without the strong support from our regulators and government agencies, as well as the trust and efforts from the investigators and patients who took part in the clinical studies of olverembatinib. We are very encouraged that a broader population of patients in China can now benefit from olverembatinib, a China-developed high-quality global best-in-class novel therapeutic, and to see our persistent innovation bringing meaningful improvement to patients' lives. Fulfilling our mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world, we will continue to investigate olverembatinib in additional indications and accelerate our clinical development programs to benefit more patients."

Dr. Yifan Zhai, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma, commented, "We are very excited by this indication expansion for olverembatinib, the first and only China-approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor and a China-developed global best-in-class novel drug. I would like to thank all branches of the Chinese drug regulator for their recognition of olverembatinib's safety and efficacy and for clearing the drug's path to bringing survival benefit to more patients. Encouraged by the latest approval, we are ever more confident in pursuing original innovation with our global R&D strategies and in bringing more China-developed globally advanced novel therapeutics to patients in need."

References



O'Brien SG, Guilhot F, Larson R, et al. Imatinib compared with interferon and low-dose cytarabine for newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Engl J Med. 2003 Mar 13;348(11):994-1004. Jabbour E, Kantarjian H. Chronic myeloid leukemia: 2014 update on diagnosis, monitoring, and management. Am J Hematol. 2014 May;89(5):547-56. Larson R, Hochhaus A, Hughes T, et al. Nilotinib vs imatinib in patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase: ENESTnd 3-year follow-up. Leukemia. 2012 Oct;26(10):2197-203.

About Olverembatinib (HQP1351)

Developed by Ascentage Pharma with support from the National Major New Drug Discovery and Manufacturing Program in China, the orally active, third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) olverembatinib is the first and only China-approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor targeting drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Olverembatinib can effectively target BCR-ABL and a spectrum of BCR-ABL mutants, including the T315I mutation.

In November 2021, olverembatinib was granted a conditional approval through the Priority Review process by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with TKI-resistant chronic-phase CML (CML-CP) or accelerated-phase CML (CML-AP) harboring the T315I mutation as confirmed by a validated diagnostic test. Subsequently, Olverembatinib was included into the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) for the approved indication. In March 2021, olverembatinib was granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Chinese Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) for the treatment of patients with CML-CP who are resistant and/or intolerant of first- and second-generation TKIs. In Nov 2023, the New Drug Application (NDA) for this indication was approved by the NMPA through the Priority Review process. In addition, the registrational pivotal Phase III study of olverembatinib for the first-line treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) has already dosed its first patient. In solid tumors, olverembatinib was granted a BTD by the CDE in June 2023 for the treatment of patients with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who had received first-line treatment.

In overseas, olverembatinib was cleared by the US FDA in July 2019 to directly enter a Phase Ib study. Since 2018, the clinical results of olverembatinib have been selected for oral presentations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meetings for five consecutive years, and was nominated for "Best of ASH" in 2019. To date, olverembatinib has been granted one Fast Track Designation (FTD) and four Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of CML, ALL, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and GIST; and one Orphan Designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of the European Union for the treatment of CML.

In July 2021, Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) and Innovent Biologics (1801.HK) reached the agreement regarding the joint development and commercialization of olverembatinib in China.

*Olverembatinib is an investigational drug that has not been approved for any indication outside the Chinese mainland.

About Ascentage Pharma

Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) is a globally focused biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B, and age-related diseases. On October 28, 2019, Ascentage Pharma was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 6855.HK.

Ascentage Pharma focuses on developing therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The company has built a pipeline of 9 clinical drug candidates, including novel, highly potent Bcl-2, and dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors, as well as candidates aimed at IAP and MDM2-p53 pathways, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ascentage Pharma is also the only company in the world with active clinical programs targeting all three known classes of key apoptosis regulators. The company is conducting more than 40 Phase I/II clinical trials in the US, Australia, Europe, and China. Ascentage Pharma has been designated for multiple Major National R&D Projects, including five Major New Drug Projects, one New Drug Incubator status, four Innovative Drug Programs, and one Major Project for the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Olverembatinib, the company's core drug candidate developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and the company's first approved product, has been granted Priority Review Designations and Breakthrough Therapy Designations by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). To date, the drug had been included into the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). Furthermore, olverembatinib has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA, and an Orphan Designation by the EMA of the EU. To date, Ascentage Pharma has obtained a total of 16 ODDs from the US FDA and 1 Orphan Designation from the EMA of the EU for 4 of the company's investigational drug candidates.

Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships with numerous renowned biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and research institutes such as UNITY Biotechnology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MSD, and AstraZeneca. The company has built a talented team with global experience in the discovery and development of innovative drugs and is setting up its world-class commercial manufacturing and Sales & Marketing teams. One pivotal aim of Ascentage Pharma is to continuously strengthen its R&D capabilities and accelerate its clinical development programs, in order to fulfil its mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world for the benefit of more patients.

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, Ascentage Pharma undertakes 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.

SOURCE Ascentage Pharma
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The bamboos market is expected to grow by USD 20.38 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. Increased demand for bamboo plates is notably driving the bamboo market. However, factors such as the availability of bamboo limited to specific geographic regions may impede market growth. The market is segmented by application (industrial products, furniture, raw material, shoots, and others), type (tropical, herbaceous, and temperate), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the bamboos market incluidng Anji Tianchi Bamboo and Wood Industry Co. Ltd., ANJI TIANZHEN BAMBOO FLOORING CO. LTD, Bamboo Australia, Bamboo Village Co. Ltd., Bamboo vision, Bamboowood, Cali Bamboo LLC, CFF GmbH and Co. KG, dasso Group, EcoPlanet Bamboo Group, Fujian HeQiChang Bamboo Industrial Co. Ltd., Moso International B.V., Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Co. Ltd., Simply Bamboo PTY LTD, Smith and Fong Co., Teragren, Wild Fibres, Xiamen HBD Industry and Trade Co. Ltd., Xingli Bamboo Products Co., and SWICOFIL AG. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a Free Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Bamboos Market 2023-2027

Bamboos Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

Bamboo Australia: The company offers bamboo products such as a wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly bamboo-based materials, including flooring, decking, and furniture.

This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information.

Bamboos Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Application

The market share growth by the industrial products segment is significant during the forecast period. There is an increasing adoption of bamboo for the production of furniture and interior design items such as chairs, tables, beds, shelves, cabinets, and decorative elements. 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 an increasing adoption of bamboo for the production of furniture and interior design items such as chairs, tables, beds, shelves, cabinets, and decorative elements. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn drives the market growth during the forecast period. Type

Geography

APAC accounts for 50% of the market growth during the forecast period. One of the main factors that is fuelling the market growth in APAC is the rising demand for bamboo products driven by increased sustainability awareness and the versatility of bamboo. Hence, such factors are driving the market growth in APAC during the forecast period.

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View Free PDF Sample Report

Bamboos Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist bamboos market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the bamboos market growth size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the bamboos market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of bamboos market companies

Related Reports:

The pulp market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.92% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 41.26 billion.

The hardwood market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.74% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 9,554.57 million.

Bamboos Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.45% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 20.38 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.23 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 50% Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Application

Market Segmentation by Type

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
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The biostimulants market size is expected to grow by USD 1.51 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 10.68% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. Increasing demand for biostimulants in the agricultural industry is notably driving the biostimulants market. However, factors such as rise in demand for fertilizers may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Product (Acid-based, Extract-based, and Others), Application (Foliar, Soil, and Seed), Type (Row crops and cereals, Fruits and vegetables, Turfs and ornaments, and Others), and Geography (Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the biostimulants market, including ADAMA Ltd., Bayer AG, Bioiberica S.A.U., Biolchim Spa, Biostadt India Ltd., Biovert SL, Crop Demetra Ltd., FMC Corp., Haifa Group, Idai Nature S.L, Italpollina Spa, Koppert, Micromix Plant Health Ltd., Novozymes AS, OMEX, RAG Stiftung, SEIPASA SA, SICIT Group Spa, UPL Ltd., and Atlantica Agricola. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Biostimulants Market 2023-2027

Biostimulants Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

ADAMA Ltd:- The company offers biostimulants such as Brevis.

This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information.

Biostimulants Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Product

The acid-based segment will be significant during the forecast period. Generally, seaweed extracts and ascophyllum nodosum are some of the most used extract-based biostimulants. These biostimulants improve soil properties, including water retention capability and soil porosity. These biostimulants facilitate microbial activities in the soil, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake and utilization in plants. However, acid-based biostimulants support vegetative growth, early flowering, flower and fruit maturity, and fruit quality. The development of this segment is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of Biostimulants, which is driven by an increase in the global demand for the Biostimulants Industry.

Geography

North America will account for 32% of the global market growth. Factors like the presence of leading biostimulant manufacturers further support market growth in the country. Furthermore, the increasing agricultural activities, including soybean, hogweed, wheat, and grapes cultivation, contribute to the rising consumption of biostimulants. Consequently, the biostimulants market in the US is expected to grow during the forecast period.

will account for of the global market growth. Factors like the presence of leading biostimulant manufacturers further support market growth in the country. Furthermore, the increasing agricultural activities, including soybean, hogweed, wheat, and grapes cultivation, contribute to the rising consumption of biostimulants. Consequently, the biostimulants market in the US is expected to grow during the forecast period. Europe , APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa .

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a FREE PDF Sample Report

Biostimulants Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist biostimulants market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the biostimulants market size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the biostimulants market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of biostimulants market companies

Related Reports:

The foliar spray market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.38% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 2,387.73 million.

The Agrochemicals Market size is estimated to grow by USD 49 million between 2022 and 2027 accelerating at a CAGR of 4.48% during the forecast period.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Application

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 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
PANAMA CITY, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior - Bladex (NYSE:BLX), TC Latin America Partners (TC Latam) and Toesca Asset Management (Toesca) announce the launch of Greenbridge Capital, a regional private lending platform, whose first factoring vehicle will be funded by Bladex.

Bladex and Greenbridge Capital - Toesca and TC Latam JV- announce launching of Latin American factoring platform

The joint venture will begin operations in Chile before the end of 2023 with plans to expand to other countries in the region such as Colombia, Peru and Mexico. The first vehicle, with a financing capacity of up to US$200 million, will focus exclusively on the Chilean factoring market.

"Chile is the first step in a regional business plan. Our extensive experience in the factoring market allows us to identify attractive opportunities in a market that is still very fragmented," said Manuel Ossa, a partner at Greenbridge Capital.

Greenbridge Capital's strategy seeks to maintain a revolving portfolio of short-term invoices from high-credit rated companies. To achieve this, it will leverage the experience of the founding team, as well as its operational infrastructure and local presence.

"We are very excited about the business plan and the potential that the participation of such a relevant regional player as Bladex in its structuring and financing represents," said Gregorio Schneider, partner at Greenbridge Capital.

Through this initiative, Bladex will enter into a line of business that will allow it to continue diversifying its product portfolio in Latin America.

"Structures of this nature are an essential part of our strategic plan and allow us to access more attractive yields without changing our risk profile through arbitrage and structuring," said Samuel Canineu, Chief Commercial Officer of Bladex.

Bladex, a multinational bank originally established by the central banks of Latin-American and Caribbean countries, initiated operations in 1979 to promote foreign trade finance and economic integration in the region. The Bank, headquartered in Panama, also has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States of America, supporting the regional expansion and servicing its customer base, which includes financial institutions and corporations. Bladex is listed on the NYSE in the United States of America (NYSE: BLX), since 1992, and its shareholders include: central banks and state-owned banks and entities representing 23 Latin American countries; commercial banks and financial institutions; and institutional and retail investors through its public listing.

Greenbridge Capital, is a joint venture between Toesca Asset Management and TC Latin America Partners, focused on making investments in the private credit sector in Latin America. The factoring platform will be the second major initiative of this alliance, after having launched in 2019 a credit platform to finance the construction of residential real estate projects in Colombia. Additionally, the firm is working on consolidating vehicles to finance renewable energy infrastructure projects in the region.

TC Latin America Partners, is an institutional investment fund manager focused on Latin America. The firm was founded in 2012, is registered as an investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and has offices in New York, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City and Santo Domingo.

Toesca Asset Management, is a fund manager specializing in alternative investments in the Americas. It was founded in 2016 by a group of independent executives who have worked together for over 20 years. To date it has raised more than US$ 2 billion for its various asset classes (infrastructure, real estate, private credit, equities and farmland).

For further information, please contact:

Bladex:

Samuel Canineu - Chief Commercial Officer

E-mail address: scanineu@bladex.com

Head Office Address: Torre V, Business Park, Ave. La Rotonda, Urb. Costa del Este,

Panama, Republic of Panama

TC Latin America Partners

Juliana Soto

jsoto@tclatam.com

www.tclatam.com

Toesca Asset Management

Daniel Moroso

[email protected]

www.toesca.com

SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex)
HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Broncus(2216.HK) is pleased to announce that, on November 23 2023 Broncus Hangzhou (a whollyowned subsidiary of Broncus, as Transferee) has entered into the Equity Transfer Agreement with the shareholders of the Hangzhou Jingliang, to acquire 100% equity interest in it.

Broncus is a pioneering medical device company in the field of interventional pulmonology which provides precise interventional diagnosis and treatment solutions for lung diseases for doctors and patients worldwide, and develops a full set of integrated interventional pulmonology platforms for navigation, diagnosis and treatment. It has addressed unmet clinical needs to a certain extent.

Surgical robots, given their ability to complete precise surgical operations in the narrow space within the human body cavity, have been an important innovative intelligent medical device for the industry. The advanced multimodal image automatic matching and integration technology of Broncus serves as the cornerstone for operations with flexible lung surgical robots. Given the existing needs for flexible operation in the narrow space of tracheobronchial lumens, to tackle the clinical pain points and to meet market demand, the deployment of natural orifice transluminal (trans-bronchial) surgical robot products in the industry is imperative.

The Target Company is a company specialized in the production and processing of medical devices and the development of software/hardware, and has the innovative manufacturing and intelligent production capabilities. With core technological advantages of Broncus, such as research and development for (i) flexible catheter product, and (ii) fiber optic navigation, software and algorithm of flexible transbronchial surgical robots, it is believed that the Acquisition can supplement related technologies such as robot control and driving system platform development to the Group, allowing the Group to leverage on the complementary resource integration and further strengthen the innovation of its existing interventional pulmonology diagnosis and treatment products offered.

Furthermore, the Acquisition is expected to strengthen the research and development capabilities and efficiency of the Company (in particular, for the flexible robot projects), enrich the current product offering of the Group through combining with the existing interventional diagnosis and treatment methods of the Company for lung diseases, and further assemble a full life-cycle interventional pulmonology diagnostic and therapeutic platform.

SOURCE Broncus Holding Corporation
The global carbon graphite market is driven by an increase in demand from the automotive sector. Carbon graphite materials are used in various automotive applications, including brake pads, clutches, and gaskets. As the automotive industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for lightweight and high-performance materials such as carbon graphite is on the rise.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Carbon Graphite Market by Product (Carbon and Graphite Electrodes, Carbon and Graphite Fibers, Carbon and Graphite Powder, and Others), and End-User Industry (Industrial, Aerospace, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the carbon graphite market was valued at $2.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $4.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

The global carbon graphite market is driven by robust demand from the aerospace & defense sectors. Carbon graphite composites are used in aerospace and defense for their lightweight and high-strength properties. The increasing need for fuel-efficient and advanced aircraft and defense systems drives the demand for carbon graphite materials. However, high costs of carbon graphite-based materials are expected to restrain the growth of the carbon graphite market.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3199

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $2.6 billion Market Size in 2032 $4.5 billion CAGR 5.3 % No. of Pages in Report 405 Segments covered Product, End User Industry, and Region. Drivers Growth in demand in the automotive industry Robust demand from the aerospace & defense sector Rise in renewable energy applications Growth in energy storage applications Escalating demand for industrial equipment Rise in demand for chemical processing and corrosion resistance applications Growth in electronics and semiconductors Opportunities Emerging applications in 3D printing and additive manufacturing Rise in green technologies High temperature applications Restraints High production costs Limited availability of high-quality raw materials Environmental concerns Competition from alternatives

The carbon and graphite electrodes segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on product, the carbon and graphite electrodes segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to two-fifths of the global carbon graphite market revenue. Carbon electrodes are a critical component in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) used in steel production. The global demand for steel continues to rise, driven by infrastructure development, construction, and industrial growth in emerging economies. As a result, the demand for carbon electrodes used in EAFs has been increasing. Moreover, carbon electrodes are essential for aluminum smelting in the Hall-Heroult process, where alumina is electrolyzed to produce aluminum. The aluminum industry's growth, particularly in emerging markets, has driven the demand for carbon electrodes. Additionally, graphite electrodes play a crucial role in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) used for steel production. The global demand for steel continues to rise, primarily due to infrastructure development, construction, and industrial growth in emerging economies. As a result, the demand for graphite electrodes used in EAFs has been increasing. These factors are expected to lead the carbon graphite market for carbon and graphite electrodes to witness significant growth.

Procure Complete Report (405 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/46syNuU

The industrial segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on the end-user industry, the industrial segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than two-fifths of the global carbon graphite market revenue. Carbon graphite offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications were reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity is essential, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. Furthermore, carbon graphite is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, making it valuable in electrical and thermal management applications. In addition to this, carbon graphite is chemically inert and resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in corrosive environments and chemical processing applications. These factors altogether have surged the demand for carbon graphite among several end-user industries; thus, fueling the market growth.

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global carbon graphite market and is projected to register the highest CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is a major hub for automotive manufacturing and consumption. Carbon graphite materials are used in the production of brake components, clutches, and other automotive parts. As the demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in the automotive sector continues to witness growth, the carbon graphite market is expected to benefit from it. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region has been rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on wind and solar power. Carbon graphite materials are utilized in wind turbine components and solar panels, contributing to the growth of the carbon graphite market. Additionally, Asia-Pacific is a significant contributor to the global EV market. The demand for carbon graphite materials in lithium-ion batteries for EVs is substantial, and the region's commitment to reducing emissions is driving the adoption of EVs. Moreover, Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant infrastructure development, including construction projects, transportation networks, and energy transmission. This creates opportunities for the use of carbon graphite materials.

Leading Market Players: -

IBIDEN

Entegris

Nippon Carbon

SEC Carbon

GrafTech International Limited

Graphite India Ltd

Schuk

Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd.

Datong XinCheng

Sinosteel Engineering and Technology Co., Ltd.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players in the global carbon graphite market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/carbon-graphite-market/purchase-options

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coffee Pods and Capsules market size is projected to increase by USD 9.46 billion from 2022 to 2027. Technavio's latest market research report estimates that the coffee pods and capsules market will decelerate at a CAGR of 6.16%. The coffee pods and capsules market is experiencing substantial growth, largely due to the convenience they offer. Since 2008, there has been a significant rise in demand for convenient products, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in developing economies. Urban consumers, particularly in North America and Western Europe, increasingly prefer ready-packaged food and beverages, leading to the growing popularity of coffee pods. These single-serving containers are favored in cafes and restaurants for their simplicity, convenience, and time-saving attributes, eliminating the need for extensive barista training or high labor costs. Consequently, the market for coffee pods and capsules is projected to expand during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for time-efficient and convenient solutions. Technavio offers in-depth market insights that assist global businesses to obtain growth opportunities. Buy the full report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Coffee Pods and Capsules Market 2023-2027

Coffee Pods and Capsules Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Product

Capsule And Plastic Cup-based Coffee Pods



Foil



Paper-wrapped Coffee Pods

Type

Coffee Capsules



Coffee Pods

Geography

Europe



North America



APAC



Middle East And Africa



South America

The segment focusing on coffee pods based on capsules and plastic cups is projected for substantial market share growth during the forecast period. Coffee capsules, akin to coffee pods, consist of pre-packaged, measured doses of coffee enclosed in a capsule that is disposed of after a single use. These capsules typically feature a foil top and are made of aluminum or plastic materials. The rising demand for instant non-alcoholic beverages has led to significant consumer adoption of coffee capsules. These factors are expected to contribute to the increased growth of this segment between 2022 - 2027.

Detail Insights on impact of each segment and make informed business decisions, download the sample report now

Coffee Pods and Capsules Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, Technavio provides a detailed analysis of around 25 companies operating in the market. Some of these companies include Luigi Lavazza SpA, The J.M Smucker Co., Nestle SA, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., JDE PEETs NV, Starbucks Corp., Inspire Brands Inc., Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd., Bestpresso Inc., McDonald Corp., Emeril Lagasse Foundation, and Coffee Capsules Inc.

The report also covers the following areas:

The coffee pods and capsules market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will decelerate. The convenience in using coffee pods will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the High price of coffee pods and capsules and availability of cheaper substitutes will hamper the market growth.

Coffee Pods and Capsules Market 2023  2027: Market dynamics

Leading trends influencing the market

Technological integration and packaging advancements drive innovation in the coffee pods and capsules market, responding to evolving demand and competitive pressures from instant coffee and RTD variants.

Key players introduce inventive products like CoffeeB's seaweed-based coffee ball, Tim Hortons' Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules, and Starbucks by Nespresso's Nespresso Vertuo, launched in October 2021 .

Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules, and Starbucks by Nespresso's Nespresso Vertuo, launched in . Anticipated launches of compostable coffee capsules during the forecast period are set to further stimulate growth within the coffee pods and capsules market.

Download the sample report now for information on the Coffee Pods and Capsules Market challenges.

Download now to uncover successful business strategies deployed by Companies of coffee pods and capsules market - Download Latest Free Sample Report in Minutes

Related Reports:

Coffee Machine Market: The coffee machine market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 8,728.19 million.

Roast and Ground Coffee Market: The global roast and ground coffee market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.89% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 27.84 billion.

TOC

Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Size Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Product Market Segmentation by Type Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, and Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis 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

Technavio Research

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
--Nefecon is the first approved medicine with an IgAN indication in China--

--The approval marks a new era of IgAN treatment for Chinese patients--

SHANGHAI, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines, announced today that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Nefecon for the treatment of primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in adults at risk of disease progression. Nefecon was the first ever treatment for IgAN approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Today's NMPA approval marks a new era of IgAN treatment in China.

China has the highest prevalence of primary glomerular diseases in the world with an estimated five million IgAN patients. Current non-targeted treatment options for IgAN, such as renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, do not fundamentally alter disease progression. IgAN patients are at risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease, which may then require dialysis or kidney transplant. There is a very significant unmet medical need for novel effective therapies among IgAN patients in China and other Asian countries. On top of Nefecon's approval in mainland China and Macau, it is expected to receive New Drug Application (NDA) approval in Singapore and Hong Kong in the near term.

"The NDA approval of Nefecon in China is not only a significant milestone for Everest, but also a landmark for Chinese IgAN patients who will finally have an approved drug with an IgAN indication to treat their illness. Chinese patients have higher incidence rates of IgAN and faster disease progression than the rest of the world. They have an urgent need for innovative therapies like Nefecon to target disease origin and delay disease progression. I would like to extend my gratitude to the regulators, experts, and our staff that made today's approval possible," said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "The NDA approval further establishes our leadership position in nephrology. While the Company will actively prepare for the commercial launch of Nefecon and bring this first-in-disease therapy to patients in China as soon as possible, we will also continue to develop other innovative drug candidates in renal and auto-immune diseases to benefit more Chinese and Asian patients."

"IgA nephropathy is the most common primary glomerular disease in China and occurs at a young age with a high probability of progressing to end-stage renal disease, imposing a heavy burden on patients and society. Compared with European and American populations, Chinese IgAN patients have faster disease progression and worse prognoses. The full results of the NefIgArd study showed that Nefecon can protect renal function, delay patients' progression to dialysis or kidney transplantation and significantly reduce urinary protein and hematuria. It is also safe and well-tolerated," said Professor Zhang Hong with Peking University First Hospital, a member of the global steering committee for the Phase 3 clinical study NefIgArd. "In the Chinese population analysis, Nefecon had a numerically higher treatment effect in renal function protection. The approval of Nefecon in China helps fill the gap in targeted treatment of IgAN and allows this first-in-disease therapy to benefit more Chinese patients."

"IgA nephropathy is highly prevalent in Asia and is one of the main causes of kidney failure in young adults in China. For a long time, the disease lacked targeted treatment options, resulting in significant unmet clinical needs. Nefecon is the world's first drug for IgAN approved in the United States and the European Union," said Professor Xie Jingyuan, Chief Physician of the Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. "Through the early-access program, the first prescription of Nefecon in China was issued at the Hainan subsidiary of Ruijin Hospital in Bo'ao on April 24, 2023. During the follow-up period, Nefecon was found to be effective in stabilizing renal function, reducing proteinuria and hematuria, and was well tolerated by the patients. Nefecon's approval in China is of great significance, bringing new hope to IgAN patients in the nation and helping doctors better manage patient compliance and disease management."

The global Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of Nefecon at a once-daily dose of 16 mg, compared to placebo in adult patients with primary IgAN on optimized RASi therapy. In the global study, Nefecon demonstrated a highly statistically significant and clinically relevant benefit compared to placebo in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the two-year period of 9-months of treatment with Nefecon and 15-months of follow-up off drug. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) observed with Nefecon treatment was also durable and the proportion of patients with microhematuria in the Nefecon group declined.

Results from Chinese subpopulation analysis demonstrated numerically greater magnitude of Nefecon treatment effect compared with placebo in kidney function, proteinuria and microhematuria. The mean absolute change from baseline in eGFR at 24 months showed approximately 66% less deterioration in kidney function with Nefecon compared with the global data set which demonstrated a smaller 50% reduction in loss of kidney function. Patients treated with Nefecon in mainland China showed a larger 43% (95% CI 8%, 65%) reduction in UPCR compared with placebo at 24 months and a greater 31% reduction (95% CI 0, 53) at 9 months. This compares to the global data analysis in which patients treated with Nefecon recorded an approximately 30% reduction in proteinuria at both 24 months and 9 months compared to placebo. Nefecon was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile in the Chinese population generally consistent with the larger global study. The Chinese patient data were presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2023.

As the first non-oncology medicine to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China, Nefecon was also granted Priority Review in the country. In August 2023, the U.S. FDA accepted the submission for a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for full approval of Nefecon (marketed in the US under the brand name TARPEYO) from our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB, granting Priority Review and setting a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of Dec. 20, 2023.

Conference Call Details:

For English Session:

Time: 9pm Beijing Time, Monday, November 27, 2023 / 8am ET, Monday, November 27, 2023

Pre-Registration Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/eventDetail/60504920

Webcast Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/meeting_live/70506817/5971?event_id=60504920

Alternatively, participants may dial in to the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States: +1 646 2543594 (EN) Mainland China: +86 10 58084166 (EN) +86 10 58084199 (CN) Hong Kong: +852 30051313 (EN) +852 30051355 (CN) United Kingdom: +44 20 76600166 (EN) International: +1 866 6363243 Password: 207456

For Mandarin Session:

Time: 9am Beijing Time, Monday, November 27, 2023/8pm ET, Sunday, November 26, 2023

Webcast Link: https://s.comein.cn/Af2JR

Alternatively, participants may dial into the conference call using below dial-in information:

Mainland China: +86-4001888938 +86-01053827720 Taiwan: +886-277031747 United States: +1-2025524791 United Kingdom +44-2034816288 Singapore: +65-31586120 Hong Kong: +852-57006920 Password: 842228

The replay of English session will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company's website at http://www.everestmedicines.com.

About Nefecon

Nefecon is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity that undergoes substantial first pass metabolism. The formulation is designed as a delayed release capsule that is enteric coated so that it remains intact until it releases budesonide to the distal ileum. Each capsule contains coated beads of budesonide that target mucosal B-cells present in the ileum where the disease originates, as per the predominant pathogenesis models.

In June 2019, Everest Medicines entered into an exclusive, royalty-bearing license agreement with Calliditas, which gives Everest Medicines exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Nefecon in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Singapore. The agreement was extended in March 2022 to include South Korea as part of Everest Medicine's territories.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company's core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

SOURCE Everest Medicines
OAKLAND PARK, Fla., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beauty Show, marking a milestone in the beauty industry's calendar. This prestigious event not only brought together beauty enthusiasts and professionals but also set the stage for GK Hair to reaffirm its dedication to groundbreaking innovation and superior quality.

Educators at the Forefront:

GK Hair's San Juan Beauty Show: Remarkable Event Success

A special acknowledgment goes to the educators, Cindy Perez and Andres Aragon, whose expertise and passion added an educational dimension to the event. Their contributions enriched the experience, making it not just a celebration of beauty but also a learning opportunity for all attendees.

Unveiling the Latest Breakthroughs in Hair Color and Lightening

The San Juan Hair Expo showcased a vibrant fusion of passion and creativity, epitomizing GK Hair's forward-looking perspective on the future of hair care. This dazzling platform seamlessly blended hair aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, introducing a range of innovative products that set new trends. Amidst the buzz, the event was a notable introduction of these exciting additions to our collection.

Introducing 125 New Shades to the Juvexin Cream Color Collection! The brand unveiled an exquisite range, offering options for individuals looking to broaden their beauty horizons. The new palette promises vibrant, long-lasting colors, ensuring that every user can express their unique style.

The event highlighted GK Hair's innovative Lightening Masque with Hyaluronic Acid, a groundbreaking product that not only brightens but also deeply rejuvenates hair with each application. Additionally, the debut of Lightening Powder Zero with Argan Oil took the stage, featuring an innovative formula that not only promises unmatched lightening effects but also nourishes and protects the hair. Both lightening products offer an impressive 9 levels of lift to the hair and boast the added advantage of being free from any dangerous goods.

The success of the San Juan Beauty Show was made possible by the unwavering support of the community, industry partners, and beauty aficionados. GK Hair extends its deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to making the event an unforgettable showcase of beauty, talent, and innovation.

As GK Hair continues to push the boundaries, the brand remains committed to enriching the beauty industry with products that exemplify quality and sophistication. With these latest offerings, GK Hair is not just following trends; it's setting them, ensuring that everyone's beauty journey is as exciting as it is transformative.

Media Contact

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Contact Person: Meghan McHugh

Phone: +1-305-390-004

Email: Send Email

SOURCE GK Hair
DUBLIN, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Market Analysis: Plant Capacity, Production, Operating Efficiency, Demand & Supply, Grade, End-User Industries, Sales Channel, Regional Demand, Company Share, Foreign Trade, 2015-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In 2022, the global demand for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) reached 800 thousand tonnes. Forecasts indicate that this market is set to expand at a compelling compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.73% through 2032. Key developments in the industry, such as a 100 thousand tonnes per annum manufacturing capacity joint venture between Grasim Industries Ltd. and Lubrizol India Pvt. Ltd. scheduled to commence operations in 2025 and Reliance Industries Ltd.'s CPVC plant expected to be operational by 2026, contribute to this positive outlook.

A Versatile Polymer with Exceptional Properties

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is a highly versatile polymer that plays a pivotal role in various industries. This thermoplastic polymer is derived from chlorinating polyvinyl chloride (PVC), endowing it with exceptional corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and resistance to acids and alkalis. CPVC's versatility is further enhanced by its ability to be fabricated and welded, making it an ideal choice for applications such as pipes and fittings, fire sprinkler systems, adhesives, coatings, and more. CPVC is available in various forms, including rods, sheets, and tubes. Its excellent corrosion resistance at high temperatures (up to 200F) makes it suitable for self-supporting buildings, while its flexibility enables use in a wide range of applications, including cleaners, tanks, and ventilation systems.

Driving Factors and Applications

CPVC is in high demand due to its electrical insulation properties, reusability, corrosion resistance, and waterproofing qualities. It is widely used across industries, with a primary focus on manufacturing pipes and fittings. The global CPVC market benefits from the increasing demand for cost-effective and durable CPVC pipes and fittings, making them a preferred choice over steel pipes. CPVC pipes offer advantages such as affordability, durability, and resistance to water and abrasion, making them ideal for residential and industrial applications. Additionally, the growing need for pipes and sprinklers in farm irrigation and the rising adoption of fire sprinklers for enhanced safety are anticipated to drive substantial growth in the global chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) market. The market is expected to reach a volume of 1400 thousand tonnes by 2032, underlining its significant growth potential.

Asia Pacific Dominance

The Asia Pacific region emerges as a dominant force in the Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) market, with approximately 60% of global demand in 2022. The region's growth is further propelled by increased demand in the building and industrial sectors. As of 2022, China leads the global production of CPVC, reinforcing its position as a key player in the industry.

Segmentation Insights

Grade: The CPVC market is segmented into Pipe & Fitting (Extrusion) Grade, Adhesive Grade, and Sheathing Grade. In 2022, Pipe & Fitting (Extrusion) Grade accounted for nearly 84% of the market share, dominating the industry.

End-User Industry: The global Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) market caters to various end-user industries, including Hot Water pipes/fittings, Industrial pipes/fittings, Fire Sprinkler pipes/fittings, Underground pipes for housing power cables, and Others. Hot Water pipes/fittings hold a prominent position, representing approximately 50% of the market share in 2022.

Key Industry Players

Major players in the global Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) market include Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Kaneka Corporation, Sekusei Chemicals Co Ltd, Hanwha Chemical Corporation, Shandong Xiangsheng New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Evonik Industries, Hangzhou Electrochemical New Material Co. Ltd., Shandong Gaoxin Chemicals Co.Ltd, Novista Group, Shangdong Yada New Material Co Ltd., Sundow Polymers Co Ltd, DCW Limited, and others.

Comprehensive Analysis and Insights

The "Global Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Market Analysis" report offers a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic market. It covers crucial aspects such as capacity, production, operating efficiency, demand, supply, grade, end-user industries, sales channels, regional demand, company share, and foreign trade. The report's insights are invaluable for industry stakeholders seeking to make informed decisions and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Report Scope

Capacity By Company

Capacity By Location

Plant Operating Efficiency

Production By Company

Demand by Grade

Demand by End-Use

Demand by Region

Demand by Sales Channel (Direct and Indirect)

Demand-Supply Gap

Company Share

Country-wise Export

Country-wise Import

Pricing Analysis & Forecast

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wdbg7j

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HILLSIDE, N.J., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for a memorable Holiday season as Chia Pet proudly announces a partnership with the one-and-only princess of rap, Ice Spice!

Chia Pet X Ice Spice, Easy To Do, Fun Chia Pet X Ice Spice TV Commercial Spot

With a storied legacy spanning four incredible decades, Chia Pets have maintained their popularity since their debut in the early '80s. Known for their quirky, do-it-yourself terra cotta planters and the iconic "Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!" jingle that has become a generational reference, Chia Pets are cultural icons. This unique collaboration between Chia Pet and Ice Spice aims to bridge together nostalgia and mainstream uniting two brands that resonate strongly across diverse age groups. Living Product is the creative engine behind the collaboration. The Chicago lifestyle brand and creative incubation studio uses a playful and disruptive approach to rethinking traditional items. With the Ice Spice Chia Pet, Living Product aims to further extend this realm of thought and creativity.

Ice Spice shared her excitement about the partnership, stating: "Like my lyrics say, 'I'm breakin' records and I'm breakin' news.' I'm not sure who stole whose look, but I'm into it and am very excited about this fun partnership. Chia Pet is an iconic brand with a dope jingle  so we have that in common."

Joel Weinshanker, CEO of Ad Populum, owner of the Chia Pet brand says: "Collaborating with Ice Spice and Living Product was a seamless choice. Ice Spice's distinctive hair style and magnetic charisma, combined with the cool vibe of Living Product, resonate perfectly with younger generations. This echoes the joyous spirit that we hold dear among our cherished Chia fans."

The launch will receive robust support through an extensive media campaign, featuring high-profile influencer seeding and a commercial airing across various platforms, including YouTube, DirectTV, Hulu, TikTok, Snapchat, and more.

"We're super excited for the discourse the Ice Spice Chia Pet will create," says Jake "JB" Brode, founder of Living Product. "As a brand our goal is to break cycles and create new stories through things that already exist. Being able to channel this vision through an artist as dominant as Ice and a brand with as much heritage as Chia Pet has been such a blessing."

This exciting partnership is poised to make waves across both the online and traditional retail landscapes, with products available on Amazon.com , www.chia.com, icespicemusic.com as well as at select brick-and-mortar locations such as Urban Outfitters, Target, and Spencer's.

This new ICE SPICE Chia Pet will join the wide collection of Chia Pets including Star Wars, Willie Nelson, Bob Ross, Chucky, Elvira and many other iconic brands.

You can find Chia Pets nationwide, whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping with Amazon and Chia.com or want to explore our in-store offerings at your local Walmart, Menards, Meijer, Target, Fred Meyer, and thousands of specialty stores.

Get ready for a Holiday season filled with excitement, uniqueness, and creativity, courtesy of Ice Spice and Chia Pet!

About Chia Pet

Chia Pet is an American icon featuring terra cotta figures styled after animals and pop culture characters. The brand's commercials and "Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia" jingle gained massive popularity in the 1980s and cemented it as a cornerstone of American consumer lore. Today, Chia Pet continues to produce new and cutting-edge planters that are easy to do and fun to grow!

About Living Product

Living Product, a Chicago-based brand, is known for its innovative approach to redefining the consumption of everyday products. From crafting hyper-realistic ear attachments for Apple's AirPods Max to revolutionizing hand-washing with their playful "BUBBLE BUTT" soap, Living Product consistently challenges conventional product norms. With a commitment to breathing new life and perspective into household goods, Living Product is at the forefront of creative and functional innovation, making waves in the world of modern consumer experiences. Instagram; @living____product. www.livingproduct.world

About Ice Spice

Born and raised in the Bronx, 23-year old Ice Spice (born Isis Gaston) quickly exploded on the rap scene and established herself as the hottest new voice in hip-hop with the release of her viral hit single "Munch (Feelin' U)" in 2022. Since then, Ice Spice has consistently delivered one hit track after another. Her debut EP "Like..?" (10K Projects/Capitol) was packed with viral hits that earned universal acclaim and garnered nearly 2.5 Billion combined global streams. One of hip-hop's fastest rising stars, her recent collaborations include Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, PinkPanthress, and Rema. In just under a year, Ice Spice has numerous accolades under her belt: Billboard's Rookie of the Year, Best New Artist at the 2023 Video Music Awards, Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, and many more. Dubbed "the people's princess," her meteoric rise is just the beginning.

For Press Inquiries: Marielle@mg-publicrelations.com

SOURCE Chia Pet
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The industrial hemp market size is expected to grow by USD 6.87 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. High demand from the textile industry is notably driving the industrial hemp market. However, factors such as Challenges associated with the production of hemp may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Product (Seeds, Fiber, and Shivs), Application (Textile, Food and beverages, Personal care, Animal care, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the industrial hemp market including 22nd Century Group Inc., Aurora Cannabis Inc., Bombay Hemp Co. Pvt. Ltd., Boring Hemp Co., Canopy Growth Corp., Charlottes Web Holdings Inc., CV Sciences Inc., Deep Nature Project GmbH, Dun Agro Hemp Group, Ecofibre Ltd., Elixinol Wellness Ltd., GFR Ingredients Ltd., Hanma Investment Group Co. Ltd., HempFlax Group BV, HemPoland Sp zoo, Liaoning Qiaopai Biotech Co. Ltd., Medical Marijuana Inc., Nutiva Inc., Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Co op. Ltd., and Tilray Brands Inc. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a Free Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Industrial Hemp Market 2023-2027

Industrial Hemp Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

Boring Hemp Co. - The company offers hemp seeds of high quality. The key offerings of the company include industrial hemp such as feminized seed and biomass.

This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information.

Industrial Hemp Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Product

The seeds segment will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. The largest share of the global market in 2022 was held by the seeds segment. Hemp milk, hemp oil, and hemp protein powder are all made with hemp seeds, which are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids.

will be significant for overall market growth during the forecast period. The largest share of the global market in 2022 was held by the seeds segment. Hemp milk, hemp oil, and hemp protein powder are all made with hemp seeds, which are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids. Application (Textile, Food and beverages, Personal care, Animal care, and Others).

Geography

APAC is estimated to account for 40% of the market growth during the forecast period. Industrial hemp is widely used in the region, with China , Japan , and South Korea among the major producers and consumers of hemp-based goods. The rising use of hemp-based products across industries and the legalization of hemp cultivation in several nations, including China , India , Bangladesh , Japan , Australia , etc., will fuel the significant growth of the market in APAC over the coming years.

is estimated to account for of the market growth during the forecast period. Industrial hemp is widely used in the region, with , , and among the major producers and consumers of hemp-based goods. The rising use of hemp-based products across industries and the legalization of hemp cultivation in several nations, including , , , , , etc., will fuel the significant growth of the market in APAC over the coming years. North America , Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa .

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a FREE PDF Sample Report

Industrial Hemp Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist industrial hemp market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the industrial hemp market size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the industrial hemp market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of industrial hemp market companies

Related Reports:

The hemp fiber market size is expected to increase by USD 4.28 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 15.32%.

The hemp-based foods market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.22% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,636.23 million.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Product

Market Segmentation by Application

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 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
DUBLIN, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Kuwait Elevator & Escalator Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2023-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering

The Kuwait elevator and escalator market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.68% from 2022-2029.

The key players in the Kuwait elevator and escalator market are KONE, T.K.E., Mitsubishi, Schindler, Otis, Hyundai, Fujitec, and Hitachi. Further, the top 5 vendors in the Kuwait elevator and escalator market include KONE, T.K.E., Mitsubishi, Schindler, and Otis hold over 52% of the market.

The Kuwait Elevator and Escalator Market are poised for significant growth, driven by various key factors shaping the country's landscape. Kuwait has seen a surge in private housing development, utilizing vast land areas, with 2022 witnessing the use of 99.45 million square meters for private housing, averaging 480 square meters per land

. The year 2023 is expected to surpass 100 million square meters as Kuwait embarks on building more cities to accommodate the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW). Notably, the land vacancy rate in Kuwait was only 20 percent in 2022, significantly lower compared to other Gulf countries, where vacancies range from 35 to 40 percent.

Kuwait is actively working to enhance its attractiveness for investments and businesses, with the Ministry of Public Works and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare spearheading multiple nationwide projects and building initiatives. Upcoming smart homes and public place projects in significant centers like Jaber Al Ahmad, West Abdullah Al Mubarak, and East Taima are aimed at meeting the growing housing demand while contributing to the expansion of the Kuwait elevator and escalator market.

Furthermore, Kuwait's thriving tourism and infrastructure projects are driving the demand for new elevator and escalator installations. The Ministry of Health and Public Works has announced a substantial project, backed by an investment of approximately USD 4.42 billion (KD 1.250 billion), to replace or expand nine operational hospitals, including both general and specialized hospitals, over the next decade. This initiative aims to add 5,400 beds, 150 operating rooms, and 500 outpatient clinics to the existing healthcare infrastructure, further enticing international investors to participate in Kuwait's infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the ongoing development of the new T2 passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, set to open in 2024, highlights the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The terminal is planned to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and will have a capacity of serving 25 million passengers annually.

Its design includes provisions for accommodating up to 21 Airbus and A380 aircraft simultaneously, with 51 boarding gates and ample parking spaces. This ambitious project is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the Kuwait elevator and escalator market.

Report Highlights



As part of its Vision 2035, Kuwait intends to entice local and foreign investors to engage in economic development projects. The construction of the southern and northern banks and the two artificial islands of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway is a crucial component of this vision. These districts will be developed into business, employment, recreation, and tourism centers.

Private housing comprises 78% of the Kuwait Metropolitan Area (K.M.A.). The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has plans to provide an additional 35,600 housing plots nationwide by 2025. Approximately 41.5% of Kuwait's population is between 20 and 49 years old. This youthful demographic is anticipated to influence the housing sector positively.

Kuwait's XZero City, to be developed by Dubai-based developer U.R.B., will have zero carbon emissions and no automobiles. Around 30,000 dwellings will be located in the 16-square-kilometer metropolis, each powered by renewable energy and outfitted with sensors for autonomous lighting and ventilation. In addition to a commercial hub, wellness centers, an autism village, educational institutions, a resort, and a wildlife conservation center, it will recycle trash and water. The project's distinctive, resilient landscape strives to advance well-being, social cohesion, biodiversity, and health.

The Directorate-General of Fire Services (DGFS) shut down 15 unlicensed elevator installation and maintenance companies in November 2021. The DGFS urged the public to verify the fire department's authorization before hiring such firms. The DGFS also stated that people who want to install and maintain electric elevators should check the company's fire department approval, which is available on the DGFS website or at the force's license department.

A company from Dubai, U.R.B., plans to build a city called "XZero City" in Kuwait. It will be a green and car-free city with up to 100,000 people. Here are some essential things about this city: It will be in the south of Kuwait on a 16-square-kilometer area, with 30,000 homes powered by renewable energy and intelligent technology, and shall recycle all their water and waste.

The development comprises offices, shops, healthcare centers, and schools. U.R.B. also plans to have a resort and nature conservation area to attract tourists. The result of this project is projected for the growth of the Kuwait elevator and escalator market.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How big is the Kuwait elevator and escalator market?

elevator and escalator market? What will be the growth rate of the Kuwait elevator and escalator market?

elevator and escalator market? What is the number of installed bases in the Kuwait elevator and escalator market in 2022?

elevator and escalator market in 2022? What are the key opportunities in the Kuwait elevator and escalator industry?

elevator and escalator industry? What are the key Kuwait elevator and escalator market players?

Key Vendors

KONE

TK Elevator

Schindler

Mitsubishi Electric

Otis

Hyundai Elevator

Fujitec

Hitachi

Other Prominent Vendors

Delmon United

Atlas Elevators

Modayan Elevators

Marafie Elevators & Escalators

Hosting Elevator

Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Co.

United Elevators

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS



Machine Type

Hydraulic and Pneumatic

Machine Room Traction

Machine Room Less Traction

Others

Climbing

Elevators

Industrial Elevators

Carriage Type

Passenger

Freight

Capacity

2-15 Persons

16-24 Persons

25-33 Persons

34 Persons and Above

End-User





Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Others

Public Transit

Institutional

Infrastructural

Product Type

Parallel

Multi Parallel

Walkway

Crisscross

End-User

Public Transit

Commercial

Others

Institutional Sector

Infrastructure

Industrial

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2edvkn

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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SOURCE Research and Markets
BEIJING, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from People's Daily Online:

As an open international cooperation platform, the upcoming first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) has received an enthusiastic response from U.S. companies.

Twenty percent of the first CISCE's international exhibitors are U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 companies and multinationals like Amazon, ExxonMobil, Apple, FedEx Express, Tesla, GE HealthCare, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Qualcomm and Honeywell. These companies will send their senior representatives to the expo.

Many U.S. companies view the CISCE as a platform for launching new products, showcasing innovations and fostering collaborations. They will present a range of new products, technologies and services.

For example, Honeywell will debut its auxiliary power unit for wide-body aircraft, and GE HealthCare will showcase for the first time its safe, stable, visible and tangible global supply chain centered on its manufacturing, supply and overseas marketing chains to share mutual growth experiences with global suppliers.

The first CISCE is hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and organized by the China International Exhibition Center Group Limited (CIEC Group), which is under the direct administration of the CCPIT. It is scheduled to run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue) in Beijing.

SOURCE People's Daily Online
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The medical exoskeleton market is expected to grow by USD 974.84 million from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 36.43% during the forecast period, according to Technavio Research. The market is segmented by mobility type (mobile exoskeleton and stationary exoskeleton), technology (powered exoskeletons and passive exoskeletons), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)). North America is estimated to contribute 41% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Due to recent advances in healthcare facilities, an increasing incidence of injury caused by SCI, and the increased demand for self-supporting exercise machines, the US is North America's biggest market contributor.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Medical Exoskeleton Market 2023-2027

This report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Read the Free PDF Sample Report

Company Profile:

Bionik Laboratories Corp., B-Temia, Cyberdyne Inc., DIH Group, Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., Exoatlet Global SA, Focal Meditech, GOGOA Mobility Robots SL, Honda Motor Co. Ltd, Marsi Bionics SL, Myomo Inc., Ottobock SE and Co. KGaA, P and S Mechanics Co. Ltd., Parker Hannifin Corp., Rehab-Robotics Co. Ltd., ReWalk Robotics Ltd., Rex Bionics Ltd., Sarcos Corp., Wandercraft, and Wearable Robotics Srl

Bionik Laboratories Corp. - The company offers medical exoskeletons such as Inmotion robotic therapy.

To gain access to more company profiles available with Technavio, buy the report!

Medical Exoskeleton Market: Segmentation Analysis

The market share growth of the mobile exoskeleton segment will be significant during the forecast period. To maintain balance, these devices help patients with spinal cord injury SCI and mobility impairment to stand and walk with crutches or walkers.

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a Free PDF Sample Report

"Besides analyzing the current market scenario, our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021"- Technavio

Medical Exoskeleton Market: Market Dynamics

Increasing usage of medical exoskeletons in rehabilitation

Increasing incidences of SCIs

Increasing insurance coverage for medical exoskeleton

Key Driver

Increasing usage of medical exoskeletons in rehabilitation is a key factor driving market growth. By increasing the standing and walking time of patients with muscular impairment, mechanical exoskeletons are used in addition to restoration of movement but also for improved exercise. In patients with paraplegia and paralysis, it is used mainly as a rehabilitation device to help them stand up when they lose movement due to reduced function of their brains resulting from the loss of erythropoietic functions or an increased risk for osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, and blood clots.

Major Trend

The launch of technologically advanced products is the key trend in the market. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market. Download a sample to gain access to this information.

Related Reports:

The hearing amplifiers market size is estimated to grow by USD 28.29 billion at a CAGR of 5.66% between 2023 and 2028.

The Otoscopes Market size is estimated to grow by USD 72.05 million at a CAGR of 5.03% between 2023 and 2028.

What are the key data covered in this medical exoskeleton market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the medical exoskeleton market between 2022 and 2027.

Precise estimation of the medical exoskeleton market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the medical exoskeleton market in North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW

A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of medical exoskeleton market companies.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by MobilityType

Market Segmentation by Technology

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
Xem them

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load
TOKYO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 23, at 1:30 p.m., an official Soka Gakkai Memorial Service was held at the Toda Memorial Auditorium in Tokyo, for Daisaku Ikeda, Honorary President of the Soka Gakkai and President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), who passed away on November 15, at the age of 95. The service was live streamed to over 1000 Soka Gakkai centers throughout Japan.

Following recitation of portions of the Lotus Sutra and the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, appreciation was expressed by Senior Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda on behalf of the Ikeda family, and national Women's Leader Kimiko Nagaishi and Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada gave tributes.

Harada stated that the condolence messages received from noted figures around the globe attest to Ikeda's greatest achievement of "forging bonds, bringing people together and connecting the inherent goodness in their hearts, transcending race, ideology, and religion." He emphasized that Soka Gakkai members are determined to continue Ikeda's legacy of paving a path for peace, aiming toward the organization's 100th anniversary in 2030.

In his tribute, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative, wrote, "He has given humankind hope and direction to face with courage the complexity and challenges of today's world. I pay tribute to his creative energy and his intellectual expanse to elaborate and articulate the dimensions of human values and ideals to bring out the best amongst each one of us."

Daisaku Ikeda was a Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, educator, author and poet who dedicated his life to promoting peace through dialogue and spearheaded the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organization's international development. He was born in Tokyo on January 2, 1928, and witnessed the horrors of World War II as a teenager. The death of his eldest brother in action in Myanmar fueled his lifelong hatred of war.

In 1947, Ikeda met Josei Toda, pacifist and leader of the Soka Gakkai who had been imprisoned by the militarist government during the war. Ikeda took Toda as his mentor and helped spread Nichiren Buddhism, which aimed to build a society based on respect for the fundamental dignity and equality of all people. Ikeda also promoted the concept of "human revolution"- inner-directed transformation that sparks societal change.

In May 1960, Ikeda was inaugurated as third president of the Soka Gakkai at 32. He encouraged people struggling amid the harsh realities of life to believe that they possess the ability to transform their destiny.

From the 1970s, Ikeda conducted dialogues across cultures with prominent figures, including British historian Arnold Toynbee and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, to find common solutions to the complex problems facing humanity. Over 80 of these dialogues have been published in book form.

He also promoted people-to-people exchange between China and Japan, believing that constructive engagement with China was fundamental to regional stability. In the mid-1970s, he also engaged in citizen diplomacy between China, the Soviet Union and the USA, to help defuse Cold War tensions.

A passionate advocate of the abolition of nuclear weapons, Ikeda was a firm believer in the central role of the United Nations as a forum for peace. From 1983 to 2022, he authored annual peace proposals offering concrete suggestions toward building a lasting culture of peace.

Read full tribute: https://www.daisakuikeda.org/

The Soka Gakkai is a global community-based Buddhist organization with 12 million members. Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) was President of the Soka Gakkai from 1960-79 and founding President of the SGI from 1975.

Contact:

Yuki Kawanaka

International Office of Public Information

Soka Gakkai

+81-80-5957-4919

kawanaka[at]soka.jp

SOURCE Soka Gakkai
LISBON, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Portugal Pathways, Quinta do Lago  Portugal is offering the best value for those looking for a four-bedroom home compared to elsewhere in Europe, US, Canada, UK, Hong Kong and many popular destinations around the world, according to new research from Property Market-Index.

The average four-bedroom property in Portugal costs 300,000, less than half the comparable property in the UK which sells for 650,000. A similar-sized property in the USA would cost 620,000, in Canada 850,000, in Hong Kong 3,000,000, in France 450,000 and in Germany 400,000.

"Real estate in Portugal has always represented fabulous value for money and these figures underline that," said a spokesperson for Portugal Pathways, a company focused on assisting wealthy individuals and their families in optimising their relocation or life strategy in Portugal. "Even though there has been significant investment in property over the last decade, the property market still offers fabulous opportunities."

Portugal has a long coastline, lush countryside, vibrant cities and 300+ days of sunshine.

"Real Estate prices in Portugal are forecast to continue to rise going into 2024 because of limited supply and high demand from affluent expats and investors. However, properties still offer fantastic value for money compared with other major international real estate markets  something which is set to continue to attract thousands of wealthy investors to Portugal's thriving property market until at least 2025," said Amanda Collison, at Property Market-Index.

About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways is a company focused on assisting wealthy individuals and their families in optimising their relocation or life strategy in Portugal. The company offers a range of services, including:

Property and relocation advice

Immigration and visa assistance

Tax and wealth management support

Lifestyle and foreign exchange concierge services

SOURCE Portugal Pathways
TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Power Nickel Inc. (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCQB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) ("Power Nickel" or the "Company") Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Nickel and founder of Save Canadian Mining, and its advisors have prepared and will file in the coming days an official complaint detailing significant and persistent position imbalances for Power Nickel's stock. This troubling imbalance is defined as a broker having an insufficient number of shares in its depository account compared to the number of beneficially owned shares for its customers. This can indicate potential naked short selling and other manipulative actions designed to artificially drive down share prices. Power Nickel is bringing this to the attention of all Canadian investors to make them aware of the non-market factors that have led to the terrible performance of the TSXV despite this being on the whole a robust commodity market.

TSXV INDEX PERFORMANCE SINCE INCEPTION (CNW Group/Power Nickel Inc.)

"The takeaway is that it is not remotely normal for our stock market to be so severely depressed. Indeed, it is clear there is something fundamentally wrong with the price action on the TSXV and indeed all Canadian exchanges. In my volunteer unpaid role as founder of Save Canadian Mining we have tried to bring this problem to the attention of Canadian politicians and regulators. However, this lobbying effort had no discernible benefit. Nothing was accomplished," commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch

Shortly Power Nickel will file a formal complaint which should cause CIRO and FINRA to investigate the investment banks we have found who have persistently and consistently maintained significant imbalances of more than 100,000 shares for a minimum period of 8 weeks. This imbalance started collectively around 3,000,000 shares and now stands at over 9,000,000 shares on the 80% of the float of Power Nickels stock that it can obtain information.

With our permission, CDS, DTC, Broadridge, our transfer agent and more, provided Power Nickel data to ShareIntel-Shareholder Intelligence Services, LLC, who through their patented DRIL-DownTM process gathers actionable intelligence on behalf of publicly traded companies who engage their services, in an effort to uncover suspicious stock trading activity. Over the last 16 weeks alone, more than 9 million excess shares of Power Nickel were traded beyond what was likely delivered. According to the top attorney in the space, Wes Christian, the remaining approximately 20% of the float not captured can historically contain even larger imbalances. This persistent gap is costing investors and sabotaging Canada's critical minerals sector.

To learn more about this issue join Power Nickel CEO and Save Canadian Mining Founder Terry Lynch, Mining Industry Legend Eric Sprott, Leading Illegal Short Selling Litigator Wes Christian and Share Intel CEO David Wenger at our Black Friday Nov 24 Emergency Short Selling Session hosted at Link below.

https://events.6ix.com/preview/defend-your-investments-black-friday-short-selling-emergency-session

For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:

Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO

647-448-8044

[email protected]



For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.

The Canadian Venture Building

82 Richmond St East, Suite 202

Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to complete its NI 43-101 report on Nisk; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements and conduct desired exploration going forward; trading patterns in the Company's shares and their impacts on the Company and the market for its common shares; the ability to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

SOURCE Power Nickel Inc.
Build a Smart Surveillance System to Protect your Home or Business on NAS

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Video surveillance provides a powerful tool for improving security, maintaining order, documenting incidents and providing critical evidence when needed. When it comes to managing video surveillance, there are some key considerations, such as installation, data storage, privacy concerns, maintenance and integration.

TerraMaster Surveillance Manager Cameras Centralized Management

TerraMaster, a professional brand focused on providing innovative storage products for homes and businesses, recently launched surveillance manager which is a video surveillance management tool through which users can set up a video surveillance system with multiple web cameras and TerraMaster NAS and store the webcam recordings into TNAS. Users can manage cameras, monitor real-time images, and view historical recordings via Surveillance Manager.

Surveillance Manager Key Features

Real-time Monitoring

The monitoring management system can monitor the images captured by cameras in real-time, providing live video surveillance to help administrators promptly understand the situation in the monitored area. Users can establish various alarm rules and thresholds. Once an abnormality occurs in the monitored area or exceeds the set threshold, the system automatically sends alarm messages to administrators, allowing them to take timely measures to prevent incidents.

Centralization Management

The system can centrally manage multiple cameras, providing unified monitoring and management. It can adapt to the addition or removal of cameras by administrators, meeting the monitoring needs of different scenarios.

Replay Traceback

The monitoring management system can record and store videos captured by cameras. Administrators can replay the recordings at any time, aiding in the investigation of events and the retrieval of evidence.

Video Storage

The monitoring management system allows for the setting of permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can view surveillance footage. Recorded video files are stored in TerraMaster NAS to prevent data loss and leaks, safeguarding the security and privacy of administrators.

Camera Compatibility

Cameras compatible with Surveillance Manager need to use the standard ONVIF protocol and support the corresponding video encoding format (H.264) as well as audio formats (G711, G726, AAC). They should also support setting event-triggered detection functions, such as motion detection, audio detection, interference detection, etc. If the camera is not compatible, there may be issues with image, sound, and event detection.

TerraMaster recommends users to refer to the recommended list for camera selection, which can be found at https://forum.terra-master.com/en/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=4685.

Follow TerraMaster on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terramasterofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerraMasters

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3wKrjmr

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3dMXGIK

Media Contact:



Yuki Shi

+86 755 81798272

[email protected]

SOURCE TerraMaster
New public art has been added to the downtown area as a project of Main Street Beatrice.

Executive Director Morgan Fox said this project has been two years in the making.

We have been fundraising for two years through various sources, she said. The Hevelone Foundation, Big Give Gage, and the Nebraska Arts Council have all contributed, as well as the Nebraska Cultural Endowment which was part of our Creative District designation.

A public request for artists to submit their work was publicized. Fox said three individual artists and one team was chosen to submit a plan.

Were so excited because there is something for everyone, she said.

The art ranges from graffiti style art to photo opportunities, a childrens mural, and ceramic tile mosaics.

All the artists are local and connected with businesses in downtown Beatrice.

I think the connection makes it even more exciting, she said. Our downtown is full of creativity. We are a community of makers.

All of the art is in the alley ways off of Fourth and Fifth Street in block between Court and Ella Street.

The art makes our downtown more beautiful. We want people to not only visit, but linger in the downtown with the art.
They say to never judge a book by its cover, but sometimes you get a really good cover.

Writer and environmental historian Betsy Gaines Quammens new book True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America, has a really good cover. Alongside pull quotes from Butte writer Kathleen McLaughin, Montanas Poet Laurette Chris La Tray and former Presidential candidate Beto ORourke, True Wests cover displays five figures.

There are two cowboys, one is morally questionable (you can tell because he has a mustache), but the other is statuesque and square jawed. Theres a blonde woman with a six shooter at her hip. The gang is rounded out by a Native American woman, and, to top it all off, a horse for all these folks to ride.

If they look plasticky and stoic, its not just because all emblems of the American West look a little plasticky and stoic now. Its because these are literally stoic pieces of plastic. The figures on True Wests cover are from the Louis Marx companys Best of the West toy line, produced from 1965 to 1976.

The cracks start coming the more you look. The man in the middle is Johnny West, the central figure of the whole line. Hes missing his arms. The horse is his steed Thunderbolt. Thats his wife Jane West with the blonde hair. Shed have trouble actually pulling out the gun on her belt because she doesnt have hands anymore. The nefarious fellow with the mustache is supposed to be Pat Garrett, the real life gunslinger who shot Billy the Kid dead. Garrett was eventually gunned down himself, and his murderer was never caught. His toy self seems to straddle the line between good and bad, and his sheriffs badge has long since rubbed off his black vest.

Most intriguing is the Indigenous woman. Her name is Princess Wild Flower, and her skin is molded out of the same orange plastic her buckskin vest and dress are made out of.

The Marx figures are a particular obvious example of Americas relationship to the West, and how its simplified, mythologized and standardized, turning a vast land of stories into a simple lesson you can easily learn. Open the book and youll find 300 pages expanding on the thesis statement laid out on the cover.

If the dolls look used, thats because they are. Theyre Quammens. She played with them growing up in Cincinnati. In a way, Quammens been examining the mythology of the West since she started walking.

Quammen spent most of her life in conservation before releasing her first book, a deep dive into the Bundy Family and their battles with the federal government called American Zion: Cliven Bundy, God and Public Lands in the West, in 2020.

In the few years since shes become a leading voice about the changes the West is seeing happen, often rapidly, and how they relate to the history of this area. Shed know. Shes been in Montana for over 30 years, ever since she got her masters degree from the University of Montana. Quammen currently lives in Bozeman, a uniquely suitable place to examine the intersection of myth and reality in the West.

Shes also on a massive book tour, with dates listed on betsygainesquammen.com/events. In light of that, the Gazette say down with Quammen to discuss her new book, why the West has been home to so many myths and what she talks about over dinner with her husband David Quammen. (This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity).

Q: Do you feel like you were ahead of the curve on this stuff? You started writing about religious extremism and white nationalism before all of us figured out how big of a problem it is.

A: I had an opportunity when I was doing my dissertation to look at the roots of the Sagebrush Rebellion, which became quite fierce in the '70s. And in some capacity or another, its continued. This was in southern Utah and Nevada, but I began to see how kinds of religious beliefs informed perceptions or ideas about ownership of public lands. As I started to move through this and meet the Bundy family, I really paid attention to these religious layers to their insistence that public land doesnt belong to the government and even that public land actually belongs to them because of various wrong interpretations of both the Constitution and water law. I saw how these religious underpinnings made things even more fierce and ardent.

When I first met the Bundys, I thought they were outliers. But in the words of journalist and writer Todd Wilkinson, weve been seeing what he called the Bund-ification of the West. What I talked about in True West is the Bund-ification of America. I was seeing how these layers were fitting. I was really panicky in October of 2020 that some big event was coming. I was seeing Stewart Rhodes (founder of the far right militia group the Oath Keepers, currently in jail for sedition charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot) talk about the election being stolen, and it hadnt happened yet. They all were waiting to do something. And they were creating these networks that were really unprecedented. People were so warped by COVID misinformation and vaccine anxiety.

Q: In True West, while talking about the creationist museum in Glendive, you analyze how COVID changed the way that people perceive science, and even truth itself. Do you think theres a way back from here?

A: Thats something Ive considered a lot. We are a county where 50% of the people dont believe in evolution. So we got a head start on our anti-science thinking. And were also a country where its our freedom to believe what we believe. Were like, Dont tell me what to think because Im an American. Thats a piece of this, too.

But, and I dont think this is uniquely American, weve become lazy, and black and white is easy. Nuance is more difficult. Social media has made us lazy, too. People are making money making us be lazy. Clicks make money. And conspiracy theory is far more exciting than the truth.

Q: You had a whole career before publishing your first book in 2020. What made you want to get into writing?

A: I worked in conservation for years, and I worked on everything from bull trout to grizzly bears to big landscape protection efforts. I began to really feel like we werent getting the audience we needed to, and that we werent speaking in ways that engaged people. Thats when I started working with religious leaders  everybody from rabbis to imams to Buddhist monks. I did work in the western United States and I also worked in Mongolia and Bhutan. I became fascinated with how landscape is viewed through religious perspectives. When I looked at some of the work we were doing, and how it was motivating communities, I also began to realize that there were religious understandings that were keeping some religious communities from being engaged in conservation. Im an environmental historian, and the origin of this is my fascination with how culture perceives landscape.

Q: What about the West specifically makes it so easy to mythologize?

A: The West, and the way the West is imagined, is foundational to what it means to be an American. Whether its conscious or not, we perceive the West as a place thats home to these ideas, which are myths, that really motivate our idea of our country. Theres the idea of unending resources of ever expanding frontiers of blank slates of free and empty lands. These are frontier ideologies that still are weirdly and dangerously embedded in the American psyche.

Because its clear that we dont have abundant resources. This is not a frontier, nor has it ever been. Its not a blank slate, its been home to countless generations of native people. Yet we still have this sort of Manifest Destiny rattling around in our brains.

One reason I wrote this book I think its really important for us to unpack these myths and look at where they lurk. We really need to understand our history, both of the West and of our country, because the West was central to the settling of this country.

Q: In True West you say that the West is a myth museum. How did you pick these places to examine?

A: I had the most marvelous experience to meet people who would tell me to meet this person, and this person and this person, and I ended up just kind of knocking into them. I started out at the creation museum in Glendive. That allowed me to talk about the trouble of Biblical literalism throughout the book, and tease out this idea that black and white doesnt help anybody. Deciding that the Bible is a book of science is dangerous.

Starting there helped me wander through the myth museum, like the myth of the agrarian West. So many homesteads went belly up. There was this idea that rain follows the plow. That was a myth, but people were making money from it. Cowboys were lonely and didnt have much money. It was not a fun job. We thought that the West was this place where we could throw off European affectations and be a real American, but so many of the large land barons were European. These things forged the American identity and it was full of failure.

Q: Hows your book tour going?

A: People are so interested in this. Im booked until next June. People are, for whatever reason, interested in this book.

Q: Thats not surprising. You walk around anywhere in Montana and you start seeing things that remind you of the book, and why it needed to be written. Its inescapable.

A: We all live through it. And the title True West is supposed to be ironic. First because its a Sam Shepard play. But the second is that there is no true west, because we all have a version of it. I really try in this book to be reflective to a number of different versions of the West, and how that ties in not only in this region, but to the American imagination.

Q: Your husband David Quammen has written 15 books  including 2012s Spillover, predicting that the next pandemic would come from animals spreading the disease to humans  and is regularly featured in National Geographic and Outside Magazine, among others. What do you guys talk about around the dinner table?

A: You know, its funny. When we were in the middle of lockdown and hanging around in the house, I think David went through one tank of gas. He didnt leave the house. We used to say that our marriage worked so well because he was always traveling for work and I was doing my own thing. After the pandemic we realized that were happy married because we lived in the same house for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During COVID he was doing a lot of interviews about COVID misinformation, and I was doing an online book tour for American Zion, and talking about the militia movement. We were looking at the interplay between militia anger and COVID anger. We talked a lot about that. Hes so well read. We just have fun.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Hong Kong: Contractor suspended from bidding

The Development Bureau has suspended the contractor involved in yesterday's fatal industrial incident on a private works site at the Peak from tendering for public works contracts pursuant to the regulating regime.

The contractor concerned was under the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works.

As the party that procures services for public works, the bureau issued a notification to the contractor concerned that evening to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in the site formation category with immediate effect.

The contractor must conduct an independent audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of its outcome, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures to demonstrate that it has an effective safety management system in place, before lifting of the tendering suspension can be considered.

The suspension from tendering is both confined to future tender exercises and those with procedures initiated but not concluded.

The relevant government department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law.

Subject to the investigation findings, the bureau will impose further regulating actions on the contractor concerned later on, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the list.

It reiterated that the Government attaches great importance to construction site safety.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Renowned American chamber music group to leave for China tour Pub Date:23-11-24 09:21 Source:Xinhua The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) is leaving for China next week for a six-city, over-two-week tour, adding further momentum to growing people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States. Editor:Zheng Chen

Related News Int'l trade fair opens in China's Tianjin China's passenger trips surge in October Profile: A British translator's devotion t... Fish fertilizer makes life sweeter for ora...
Billings is kicking into the holiday season this week. Heres everything you need to know.

Record Store Day Black Friday at Cameron Records

Instead of risking being crushed to death to save $5 on an air fryer, spend this Black Friday at one of Billings best local stores: Cameron Records. Theres a whole long slate of special, limited run vinyl records available (check out the full list at recordstoreday.com) and DJ PoliticalVinylence will be spinning tunes. Just please leave one copy of the new Olivia Rodrigo record there for your favorite arts journalist. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Billings Pow-Wow

If you want to party this weekend, look no further than the Billings Pow-Wow, held at the MetraPark Expo Center on Nov. 25 and 26. MCd by Don Racine of Lodge Pole and directed by Big Wind Windy Boy of Billings, the two days include dancing in multiple different categories, a singing contest and a litany of vendors and exhibitors. There are grand entries at noon both days, and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Get a complete schedule and buy tickets ($5$7 per day or $9$12 for the weekend) at metrapark.com.

Pazuzu and company at the Art House and Babcock

Still got family sticking around after Thanksgiving? Get them out of your house and take them to a movie! The beautiful new Art House space is still showing Killers of the Flower Moon and The Leftovers, and getting May December this weekend, which is reportedly so good that the guy who played Reggie on Riverdale is getting Oscar buzz.

The Babcock isnt slowing down at all, either. Theyre doing another of their patented ideal double features on Saturday, with the Disney musical Fantasia showing at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Its a perfect introduction to classic Disney, especially since, as an Art House Movie Buffs presentation, both showings are free.

Stick around that night for a 9 p.m. screening of The Exorcist, the 1973 William Friedkin masterpiece that is simply one of the best American films ever made. Plus if enough people show up we can probably get the theater to show the (maybe superior?) sequel The Exorcist III.

On Sunday at 2 p.m. we bid Noirvember goodbye with Kiss Me Deadly a 1955 Robert Aldrich crime drama thats good as a movie and as an opportunity to see a rare glimpse of seedy downtown Los Angeles, much of which has long since been torn down in the name of urban development.

And then round out the week with a rare Thursday movie, a 7 p.m. showing of Tommy Boy, the 1995 comedy that was hated by critics (Roger Ebert gave the film only one star), but gave Chris Farley his most iconic role.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Alberta Bair

If the turkey leftovers dont give it away, the surest sign that the holiday season is fully upon us is the return of the The Nutcracker to the Alberta Bair Theater this weekend. The annual tradition is a team-up between the San Diego Ballet Company, the Billings School of Classical Ballet and the Billings Symphony. There are three performances to choose from, on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets, which range from $20$69, are at albertabairtheater.org.

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Alberta Bair

Its that time of year where all we can think about is that beautiful, bearded icon of the Christmas season: Jesus. The big man himself is at the Alberta Bair for a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rices landmark rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28. You dont have to be religious to hit the high note in Gethsemane, but it probably helps. $72$92 tickets are at albertabairtheater.org.

Honorable mentions

DJ ArtXDamage is playing the emo jams at Emo Night at the Pub Station at 8 p.m. on Friday. $15 tickets are at thepubstation.com.

Lots happening at Kirks Grocery on Friday. First up theres music from Ashes Jessen and Help Me, Helpless, and then a Lord Video VHS night hosted by Chamber of Goo. The fun starts at 7 p.m., and $10 in advance, $12 at the door is all you need to get in.

Kirks is promising to turn up the heat to 85 degrees for the Happy Belated Birthday and South Beach All Stars show on Friday, Nov. 25, and its unclear whether thats a joke or not. Find out by showing up at 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Billings best covers band Repeat Offenders are back at the Pub Station on Saturday at 8 p.m. $15 tickets are at thepubstation.com.

The Bozeman funk band El Wencho are at Craft Local at 8 p.m. on Saturday. $15 tickets are at eventbrite.com.

Thirsty Street is doing a Songwriters in the Round show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, featuring Angie Langeliers, Kerry Sherman and Jess Allestad. $10 tickets are at thirstystreet.com.

Laughing (probably? idk?) burns calories, so head to the Pub Station at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, for Road Rippers Comedy, a 21+ show featuring Yaz Baez (Morup), Garrett Jamison, Nick Reynoldson, Chad Korb and Kenny Jacobs. $20 tickets are at thepubstation.com.
Beirut, Nov 24 : Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and military sources have reportedly said that two people were killed and five others were injured in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon.

A civilian was killed, and five others were injured in an Israeli air raid on a house on Thursday in Lebanon's southern village of Aita al-Shaab, while Hezbollah announced that one of its fighters was killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lebanese military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the news agency that Israeli drones and warplanes on Thursday carried out 13 airstrikes targeting several areas in southern Lebanon, including Iqlim al-Tuffah, 20 km from the Lebanon-Israel border.

Israeli artillery fired more than 600 shells at many villages across southern Lebanon, the sources added, stressing that the strikes were the most severe since the latest round of escalation along the borderline.

Hezbollah announced that its fighters attacked an Israeli infantry force hiding inside a house in the Al-Manara settlement, killing four soldiers, in addition to attacking several Israeli positions and the Birkat Risha site on the border.

Also on Thursday, specialized medical teams at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health trained around 1,100 health personnel in 63 hospitals to prepare for a possible expansion of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tensions for over six weeks after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel on October 8 in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day. Israeli forces responded by firing heavy artillery at several areas in southeastern Lebanon.
Dublin, Nov 24 : Protesters clashed with police in Dublin and torched several vehicles after a knife attack in the city centre on Thursday left four people, including three children, injured.

The Irish police chief blamed the unrest on a "lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology" while President Michael D. Higgins said that the earlier attack is being "abused by groups with an agenda", the BBC reported.

Public transport remained disrupted in parts of the Irish capital, and an ambulance service said that it's "extremely busy" tonight.

More than 400 Irish police officers were involved in the height of the response.

In a video statement on social media, Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin said some members of the police force had been attacked and assaulted, The Guardian reported.

However, he said no serious injuries had been reported by gardai (Irish police force) or members of the public. Gardai remained on patrol in the city centre, he said, adding: "Dublin city centre is now calm and returning to normal".

The violence broke out after three young children and a woman were attacked in Parnell Square East in the north of the city centre. Police detained a man in his 50s, who was also being treated for injuries, and said they were not seeking other suspects.
Israel expects at least 2 more months of fighting against Hamas: Defence Minister. Image Source: IANS News

Jerusalem, Nov 24 : Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that the country's war with the Hamas is expected to last for at least two more months despite the four-day humanitarian pause agreed by the two sides slated to begin on Friday.

"This will be a brief pause. When it ends, the fighting will continue forcefully, and will create pressure that will allow the return of more hostages," CNN quoted Gallant as saying while visiting Israeli troops on Thursday.

"A fighting of at least two more months is expected," he added.

The Israeli military has said the hostage handover process will be "complicated", warning there could be changes in the deal at any moment.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that "nothing is finalised until it's actually happening.

"And even amid the process, changes might occur at any moment," he said.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the Israeli army continues to fight in the Gaza Strip "at this hour," pointing out that once the pause goes into effect, the IDF soldiers will be stationed along the "truce lines" established inside the strip.

The truce line effectively keeps Israeli troops in northern Gaza, and they won't move south during the pause in fighting, an IDF spokesperson told CNN.

Meanwhile, Israel has notified the families of the hostages set to be released on Friday, the country's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, Gal Hirsch, said in a statement.

Hirsch said "liaison officers have informed all of those families whose loved ones appear on the list, as well as all of the hostages' families".

Israel has published a list of 300 names of people eligible for release in the exchange.

The vast majority are male teenagers aged between 16 to 18, although a handful are as young as 14.

The first hostages expected to be released will include members of the same families leaving together, Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in a news conference earlier Thursday.

"They will be 13 in number, all women and children, and those hostages who are from the same family will be put together in the same batch," CNN quoted Al-Ansari as saying.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group set up in response to the Hamas attack on Israel, lists 201 Israelis believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza since October 7.

That list of Israeli hostages includes 39 children aged 18 and under; 44 adult women and 89 adult men aged 19 to 64; and 29 people aged 65 and over.

The youngest is Kfir Bibas, who is 10 months old; the oldest are Yafa Adar, Shlomo Mansour and Arye Zalmanovich, who are all 85.

According to the IDF, the estimated total number of hostages -- which includes Americans and other foreign nationals -- fluctuates with the latest intelligence, but stood at 236 earlier this week.

A Palestinian official with a lead role in the planned prisoner release CNN that he has not yet received a list of names of those expected to be freed on Friday.

Qadura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Prisoners' Affairs, indicated that he expected about 30 to 35 people to be released as a first group.

All prisoners would be released at the Beitunia checkpoint, which is immediately south of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, he said.

Some 33 people on the list are women.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : With a day left for voting for the Rajasthan Assembly, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday shared Sachin Pilot's vote appeal and said that all was well in the party.

The campaigning for the 200-member Assembly came to a halt on Thursday evening.

The Chief Minister posted the video of Pilot on his X handle, where the former state unit chief is urging the voters in the state to choose Congress and change the tradition of the alternate party governments after every five years and also highlighting the works of the state government.

In the video appeal of Pilot, Gehlot and Pilot can also be seen together with former party chief Rahul Gandhi.

In the run up to Assembly elections, Gehlot and Pilot have presented a united face and also jointly addressed a public meeting in the desert state.

Pilot in the video also said that they had addressed hundreds of public meetings and were still unable to reach several areas. "Thus through video I am appealing to all my people in the state to vote for Congress and change the tradition of alternate party government in Rajasthan," Pilot appealed.

Pilot and Gehlot had been at loggerheads for several years in the state after the rebellion by the former in 2020.

However, the Congress leadership pitched in and got the matter sorted ahead of the Assembly elections and presented a united face.

In the last 20 days, Rahul Gandhi has addressed 14 public meetings in the state, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have addressed nine meetings each.

Polling for the Assembly is scheduled on Saturday and counting of votes will take place on December 3. The Congress is eyeing a second consecutive term in the desert state which has a tradition of alternate party government for the last three decades.
Jerusalem, Nov 24 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday said that an airstrike in Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, killed a Hamas naval commander.

In a statement on X, the military said: "Amar Abu Jalalah was a senior operative in Hamas' naval forces and involved in directing several terror attacks by sea that were thwarted by the IDF."

Without giving any additional details, the IDF also said that "an additional operative in Hamas' naval forces" was also killed.

Earlier this week, a senior IDF official told mediapersons that the nation believes it is having some success in removing senior Hamas military operatives,

Israel's assessment suggested the military wing of Hamas was made up of 24 battalions, 10 of which had been "hurt significantly" by Israeli strikes since October 7, CNN quoted the official as saying.

Some battalions in the north of Gaza lost more than four of their commanders, the official said, representing a loss to those battalions of more than half their senior command.

Among other things, this made it harder for the military leadership of Hamas to issue orders for counterattacks, the official said, because there was increasingly no one available to direct operations.

Replacing commanders in the middle of a war was not possible, the official added.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians have fled from Khan Younis to the north on Israel's directive, the BBC reported.

Days ago, Israel distributed flyers to Palestinians there warning them to move out of the city -- suggesting the military operations could soon move towards the south of the Gaza Strip.
Moscow, Nov 24 : A high-alert has been sounded and a number of additional measures introduced in Russia's Murmansk region to ensure the safety of local residents after Finland closed almost all of its border checkpoints, a top official has confirmed.

On Wednesday, the government of Finland announced o close almost all checkpoints on its border with Russia, except the one in the far north adjacent to Russia's Murmansk region, reports Xinhua news agency.

The decision will remain in force until December 23.

The number of foreign citizens wishing to enter Finland through Murmansk may increase several times as a result of the closure, the region's Governor Andrey Chibis said on Thursday in a post on Telegram

The Governor noted that as many as 400 foreigners were waiting to enter Finland from Murmansk on Wednesday, and only 50 of them were let through.

The number was expected to further increase.

After closing four checkpoints on the border with Russia last week, the Finnish authorities decided to temporarily close three more checkpoints on the border with Russia, leaving only the northernmost checkpoint "Raja-Jooseppi" operating, citing the deteriorating migration situation.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that Finland should have raised its concerns in order to work out a mutually acceptable solution.

She also said that Russian authorities were willing to work with Finnish officials to reach an agreement on the issues.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Social media posts of the juvenile who stabbed a 17-year-old over 70 times during a street robbery here, likely hinted at his inclination towards violence or "thirst for blood".

The accused minor shared videos on his social media account, displaying knives, firearms, and footage of himself within court premises portraying a criminal image, possibly fostering a misguided sense of pride.

"Bhai hai apna, jeil mein 302 mein andar (He's our brother, locked up on a murder charge under Section 302)," read a caption beneath a video posted by the accused on his Instagram account, in which a woman could be seen speaking to media persons about her brother's murder.

A couple of days after the 16-year-old was arrested for stabbing the teenager, disturbing visuals surfaced on Thursday showing the accused dancing over the body, "celebrating" the heinous act.

In the CCTV footage, the accused minor could be seen dragging the body into a narrow lane and repeatedly stabbing the victim on the neck to ensure his death.

He also kicks the lifeless body on the head multiple times. The disturbing scene concludes with the assailant standing over the body and engaging in a macabre dance.

The incident took place at Janta Mazdoor Colony in North-East Delhi's Welcome area.

"The reason behind murder was robbery. The boy first choked the victim and when he fell unconscious, he stabbed him multiple times before robbing him of Rs 350," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East), Joy Tirkey.

"The victim was taken to GTB Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival," he added.
Los Angeles, Nov 24 : Actor Jamie Foxx has denied sexual assault allegation against him calling the lawsuit "frivolous." "The alleged incident never happened. In 2020, this individual filed a nearly identical lawsuit in Brooklyn," a spokesperson for Foxx said Thursday. That case was dismissed shortly thereafter."

"The claims are no more viable today than they were then. We are confident they will be dismissed again. And once they are, Foxx intends to pursue a claim for malicious prosecution against this person and her attorneys for re-filing this frivolous action," reports aceshowbiz.com.

In the suit that was filed on Wednesday, the woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims the Oscar winner sexually assaulted her at a rooftop bar in New York City back in 2015.

The documents detail that the 55-year-old Hollywood star was at Catch NYC & Roof in August 2015 around 11 P.M. when the plaintiff arrived to be seated in the rooftop lounge and bar. She says she noticed the actor one table away.

Around 1 A.M., the plaintiff's friend asked Jamie if he'd take a photo with her and the plaintiff. He allegedly said, "Sure, baby anything for you," but appeared to have been intoxicated at the time.

After they took several photos together, he allegedly made flirty comments, including "Wow, you have that supermodel body" and "You smell so good," and told the plaintiff she looked like Gabrielle Union. He then pulled her by the arm to the back area of the rooftop, where he placed both hands on her waist and groped her private parts, according to the plaintiff.

The woman claimed she attempted to step away and noticed a security guard and others who saw what had happened, but they chose to walk away. He allegedly only stopped touching her when her friend came over and saw what was happening.

The woman went on to note that she was injured and had to undergo a medical treatment. She says she suffered pain and emotional distress as a result of the "sexual assault, abuse, assault and battery."

She is suing the 'Annie' actor, Catch and its employees for compensatory and punitive damages.
Berlin, Nov 24 : Healthcare workers in Germany have started two-day strike, with university hospitals hit particularly hard and many operations canceled, paralysing the entire sector.

Employees from six hospitals in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia alone had taken part in the strike that began on Thursday, Xinhua news agency quoted trade union Verdi as saying.

According to German news outlet dpa, about 300 employees from the University of Leipzig Medical Centre and 1,200 employees from several psychiatric centers in Baden-Wuerttemberg were also on strike.

Verdi's call for a strike affects all university hospitals with a state collective agreement, as well as psychiatric centers.

Employees are calling for an income increase of 10.5 per cent, but at least 500 euros ($545) per month.

"Those who care for sick people and save lives every day must be able to pay their rent and live well on their wages," said Verdi national board member Sylvia Buehler , warning of a further increase in staff shortages.

Germany already has a particularly severe staff shortage in the healthcare sector.

According to the auditing and consulting firm PwC (Germany), this could rise sharply to 1.8 million by 2035.

Only one in three doctors or nurses say they plan to continue working in their profession until they retire.

The general shortage of skilled workers in Germany has already contributed to a number of high wage settlements this year, for example in the transport sector.

However, strikes by various groups continue.
Henry Cavill is at his fiercest best in new 'The Witcher' season 3 clip. Image Source: IANS News

Los Angeles, Nov 24 : Actor Henry Cavill's departure from 'The Witcher' was a subject of great controversy and disappointment for fans of the series who were particularly taken with his portrayal of Geralt of Rivia.

One of the prime reasons why Cavill left was because the studio never took the ideas of author Andrzej Sapkowski who wrote the books.

Sapkowski, speaking at the Vienna Comic-Con last week, was asked if he gave the studio and the series writers any feedback.

Laughing at the question, he replied: "Maybe, I gave them some ideas, but they never listened to me. But it's normal."

He then broke into an impression of a Netflix executive and said dismissively, "who's this? It's a writer, it's nobody", according to 'The Hollywood Reporter'.

While the makers had revealed that they wanted to do their own thing with the source material, Cavill had made no secret his distaste with Netflix for deviating so heavily from the books.

As the actor is an avid fan himself, he wanted to portray Geralt and the world of 'The Witcher' with authenticity, and according to the books.

When the makers refused to heed the ideas of Sapkowski and Cavill, the actor made his decision to leave the series after Season 3, which ended up turning out a disaster as it was bombared with negative comments, currently holding only a 19 per cent audience rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

Months before his announced departure from the show, Cavill told 'The Hollywood Reporter' that he was committed to seven seasons "as long as we can keep telling great stories which honour Sapkowski's work".

After 'The Man of Steel' actor left the project, writer Beau DeMayo who helped in writing the first two seasons also opened up about his own distaste for Netflix, and the creative heads for deviating so much from the books in order to advance a certain agenda.

He revealed on Instagram: "I've been on a show  namely ' The Witcher'  where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material).

"It's a recipe for disaster and bad morale. Fandom as a litmus test checks egos, and makes all the long nights worth it. You have to respect the work before you're allowed to add to its legacy."
Billings and Yellowstone County leaders are moving forward with efforts aimed at reducing crime, supporting law enforcement and relieving overcrowding at the jail.

The city has offered $500,000 to help the county build a temporary lockup that would hold people arrested for misdemeanor offenses while they await their first court appearance.

The county will consult with an architect on the proposed project, Commissioner John Ostlund said during a recent meeting.

The concept is great, he said.

However, he said, the pre-arraignment lockup will likely need to be a permanent part of the jail addition, rather than a temporary structure like the city proposed. Once an extra 25 to 30 beds are available, he doesnt see the need going away. So, he said, thats what hes likely to propose next week.

The city is also considering new technology to aid law enforcement.

Billings Police Chief Rich St. John said the department is looking into Shotspotter, a controversial gunshot detection system.

Essentially, its a series of microphones that are strategically located around the city and if something goes bang, it can immediately triangulate and get a police dispatch, St. John told the City Council during a meeting Monday evening.

Shotspotter relies on acoustic sensors that record sound from the top of buildings and street lights. It uses AI to triangulate the origin of noises that sound like gunfire and alerts a human analyst.

We may have a challenge with that, St. John said, noting that some Montana lawmakers are strongly opposed to technology that watches or listens to citizens.

We tried to revisit traffic cameras and the response was hell no,  St. John told the council.

Shotspotter and similar systems have been criticized for efficacy, cost-benefit value and civil rights issues, by the ACLU and other groups.

St. John said the Billings Police Department is also working with state and federal law enforcement partners to help get a handle on crime.

State agents working on local task forces to help track suspects, and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, are coming to meet with them next week to work on public safety.

St. John said federal law enforcement partners are helping, too. BPD is expecting them to come through with money to pay overtime for organized crime and drug enforcement task force officers. The chief plans to use it to do more high-visibility enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security is also creating a task force officer position, St. John said. That helps free up money and provides an analyst to support BPD.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is letting the department use the federal ballistics tracking system. St. John said his officers are going to get more training on tracing guns.

The chief said BPD has also been learning from gang task forces for larger cities in the region and working to apply that knowledge here.

St. John said theyve found that territorialism is not an issue with young gang members in Billings.

Its nothing for one individual to go across town to hang out with another gang, he explained. Its not really so neighborhood oriented, it's a city issue and they move around.

The chief reported the gang task force has identified about 60 gang members who are ages 12 to 17.

St. John said gangs are represented in all Billings Public Schools and a number of members have been expelled.

BPD is working with school resource officers to get a handle on gang activity and is planning narcotics sweeps.

The department has also come up with a plan so officers can start enforcing the citys curfew for minors without ending up babysitting until a parent arrives, St. John said.

Were also researching holding parents accountable, he said.

However, because BPDs street crimes unit has shifted to working full-time on gangs and gun violence issues, St. John said hes concerned Billings will start seeing more stolen vehicles, burglaries and theft.

Well always be here with our hand out, he said. There are very few problems we cant solve if we throw enough money at it.
Mumbai, Nov 24 : While reflecting on his life of excess, rocker Ozzy Osbourne has said that he thinks he should have died years before his late "drinking partners".

The Black Sabbath rocker, 74, who is afflicted with Parkinson's and pain from a string of surgeries, revealed ahead of being handed the Icon Award night's first Rolling Stone UK Awards he is astounded he has outlived so many of his former hard-living pals, including Motorhead's Lemmy and UFO bass player Pete Way, who he performed with in the 1980s, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He was quoted by 'The Sun' saying about being a rock survivor: "I've been doing a lot of reflection while Iave been laid up, and all my drinking partners, I've realised theyare all dead. I should have been dead before loads of them. Why am I the last man standing? Sometimes I look in the mirror and go, 'Why did you make it'?."

"I should have been dead a thousand times. I've had my stomach pumped God knows how many times."

Ozzy, who is set to turn 75 on 3 December and has been married to his wife Sharon, 71, for 41 years, added: "I don't fear dying, but I don't want to have a long, painful and miserable existence.

"I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to Switzerland and get it done quickly. I saw my father die of cancer.

"I said to Sharon that Iad smoked a joint recently and she said, aWhat are you doing that for? It'll kill you!"

"I said, "How long do you want me to live for? At best, I've got 10 years left and, when youare older, time picks up speed. Me and Sharon had our 41st wedding anniversary recently and that's just unbelievable to me."

Ozzy is set to retire as he continues to battle a rare - but mild - form of Parkinson's. But he said it is surgeries following a fall in 2019 that have resulted in his biggest health fights.

An accident dislodged metal rods which had been inserted into his back after a quad bike accident at his home in Buckinghamshire, south-east England, in 2003 and earlier this year, the rocker underwent spinal surgery for a fourth time in a bid to repair another operation - where a tumour was also discovered.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: "The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled.

"I thought Iad be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a rod in my spine. They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. Itas pretty rough, man, and my balance is (messed) up."
Cairo, Nov 24 : Some 130,000 liters of diesel and four trucks of gas will enter Gaza from Egypt daily starting Friday amid the four-day humanitarian pause currently in effect in the war-torn enclave, according to an Egyptian official.

In a statement, Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of Egypt's State Information Service, said: "130,000 liters of diesel and four trucks of gas from Egypt will enter the Gaza Strip daily for the first time, and humanitarian aid will begin to flow from Egypt to the Gaza Strip."

He said that "200 trucks, loaded with food, medicine and water", will enter Gaza daily for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7.

"Egypt will continue to receive groups of wounded and injured children from Gaza, for treatment in the country, as well as receiving foreigners and dual nationals detained in the Gaza Strip, and facilitating their travel to the countries of which they are nationals," the official said.

He also said that for the first time since the start of the conflict, Egypt would allow in Palestinians who wished to enter Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.

The pause deal agreed by Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza at 7 a.m. on Friday, came on the 49th day of the Israel-Hamas war which erupted on October 7 after the militant group launched its unprecedented attack on the Jewish nation.

Under the deal reached on Wednesday under the mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US, the Hamas said that it will release about 13 hostages at 4 p.m. on Friday as the first stage of the agreement,.

Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza since 2007, will hand over the hostages to Egypt.

In turn, Israel will release 150 Palestinians, including women and children, from the Israeli jails.

Israel is expected to stop all its military operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the four-day pause.

Meanwhile, at least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including four fuel trucks, will be allowed into the Gaza Strip.

The ceasefire will also facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow the return of stranded Palestinians waiting in the Arish area, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.
New York, Nov 24 : Indian-American Congressmen have welcomed a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war, which came into effect on Friday after nearly seven weeks of intense fighting.

Hamas will release about 13 hostages at 4 p.m. on Friday, and the number would rise up to 50 over the four days, according to a deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

"I am encouraged by the prospects of a temporary negotiated ceasefire and strongly urge the (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu administration to accept the proposed terms being reported in return for the release of hostages and the delivery of essential humanitarian aid," Congressman Ami Bera said in a statement.

Bera, who represents the 6th district of California, hoped that President Joe Biden's administration would be able to leverage the momentary pause to advance negotiations towards a more promising future for the Israelis and the Palestinians.

"My commitment to advocating for a two-state solution remains unwavering, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace. It may seem like an impossible dream, but the alternatives are simply untenable," Bera said.

Congressman Shri Thanedar said the recently announced temporary pause offers a glimmer of hope in the "complex landscape" of the Israel-Hamas war.

"The path to peace remains challenging, but this temporary cessation of hostilities represents possibility and hope. It is my sincere desire that the conflict ends soon with the removal of Hamas, and we are able to move forward to a place of stable coexistence," Thanedar said in a statement posted on X.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said that the temporary cessation of hostilities is a "much-needed signal of progress and an important step towards safety and security for all civilians".

"I hope that this temporary ceasefire will extend further and ensure the release of every single hostage, as well be the beginning of a negotiated permanent ceasefire and the development of a political solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with security and self-determination," Jayapal said in a statement posted on her website.

The Congresswoman said she spent the last few weeks meeting with multiple families of hostages, and is "grateful" that 50 of those hostages will return to their loved ones.

The Indian-American leaders hoped that the agreement will allow for much-needed food, water, fuel, and other humanitarian aid to enter strife-torn Gaza.

At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including four fuel trucks, will be allowed into the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ceasefire will also facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow the return of stranded Palestinians waiting in the Arish area, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

The ceasefire was originally due to start on Thursday but was delayed as the two sides were finalising the details of hostage release.

According to the Israeli authorities, 235 people are held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals, and about 40 of them are reportedly children.

So far, four civilian hostages have been released by Hamas -- one Israeli soldier was rescued by Israeli forces and three bodies of hostages have reportedly been retrieved by Israeli forces.

Since the war started, more than 14,800 people have died in Gaza, over 1,200 in Israel and 223 in the West Bank.
Tel Aviv, Nov 24 : At least 78 per cent Jews believe that Israeli will be victorious in its war with the Hamas militant group, a survey conducted by a think tank revealed.

Among almost all the respondents, the need for Israel to emerge victorious is emphasised, even if victory requires unintentional harm to innocent civilians.

Participants of the survey conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) said that priority should be given to overthrowing Hamas as the main goal of the war, while only 14 per cent see the return of hostages as the key focus.

One-third of Jews want control over Gaza at the end of war, while one-quarter want to re-establish settlements in Gush Katif area.

A vast majority of Israeli Jews believe fear of attack against Jews abroad should not affect war plans (90 per cent) .

The survey also found that trust in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders were very high (86 per cent) , but the level of trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dipped to 30 per cent.

On the question of what is the main achievement that would define victory, the response that received the highest percentage was "if Gaza is no longer under Hamas control - we have won" (38 per cent).

About a quarter of respondents (25 per cent) chose the answer "if residents of the border area feel safe to return to their homes - we have won", and 14 per cent said "if the hostages return home - we have won".

There were noticeable differences in the responses based on political affiliation.

Voters from coalition parties clearly favoured ending Hamas rule as the key to victory, while among voters from opposition, the preferences were more evenly balanced between the options presented.

Among the coalition voters, almost half of the respondents (44 per cent) chose the option that includes a return to Gush Katif, and about 60 per cent chose the option of full Israeli control.

In contrast, among the opposition voters, only 9 per cent chose the option of full Israeli control of the Strip.

JPPI Vice President Shuki Friedman said: "While the fighting in Gaza is not over, Israelis are already thinking about its end. Among the political considerations guiding Israeli decision-makers, the most important thing is to ensure that Hamas does not continue to exist and that we are no longer dependent on the goodwill of others for our security."

Out of six options presented to the respondents about what would happen in Gaza after the war, about 45 per cent of the respondents chose Palestinian rule in Gaza, provided that Israel would be responsible for security, or that Gaza would be demilitarised.

Of these, a relatively small proportion (12 per cent) chose the rule of the Palestinian Authority, and a larger proportion expressed a preference for a Palestinian government that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (21 per cent).

The level of trust in IDF commanders (quite high and very high) rose from 75 per cent in the survey conducted in mid-October to 86 per cent in the survey conducted after mid-November.

The level of trust in the Prime Minister decreased from 32 per cent to 30 per cent, and the level of trust in the emergency government remained unchanged (43 per cent).

However overall, there is a decrease in the level of concern among respondents regarding the security situation.

While in mid-October, a few days after the Hamas attack, 42 oper centf the Jewish public said they were "very concerned" about the security situation, this month the figure decreased significantly to 27 per cent.

The total number of concerned individuals (very concerned and moderately concerned) decreased from 84 per cent to 74 per cent, with the more noticeable decrease in concern among voters of coalition parties.

There is also a noticeable increase in optimism compared to the previous month when respondents were asked, "are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the State of Israel?"

The percentage of respondents who answered "very optimistic" increased from 35 per cent to 43 per cent.

The change is similar among voters from both the coalition and opposition.

Prof. Yedidia Stern, president of JPPI said: "The aggressive military posture in Gaza is changing the national mood. Israelis are still worried about the security situation - but considerably less. The severe pessimism we experienced following the Hamas attack is also easing."

Interestingly there is a noticeable gap between different groups regarding the willingness to cause harm to uninvolved Gaza civilians.

Among the secular respondents, the majority (62 per cent) believe that the goal of the IDF should be "to win while making an effort not to harm innocent civilians".

In contrast, among religious groups, there is a tendency to respond "to win and it doesn't matter how" (47 per cent among religious respondents) or even "to win and seek revenge, including causing harm to as many Gaza residents as possible" (20 per cent among religious respondents).

The percentage of Jewish Israelis who agree with the goal of "not to harm innocent civilians, even at the cost of a less clear victory" is very low.

Fear of harming Jews abroad should not affect war plans. In recent weeks, the war in Gaza has manifested itself in a significant increase in anti-Semitic statements on the networks, in calls against Jews in various parts of the world, in attacks by Jews - and the Jews themselves express, including, recently, in a JPPI survey among American Jews, a growing anxiety about the strength of anti-Semitism.

In light of this, the institute's questionnaire in November included a question concerning the manner in which Israel should behave.

Should the fear of harming Jews abroad affect Israel's war plans? In the answer to this question, 90 per cent of the respondents agreed, and the differences between voters of different parties, or between different groups according to a scale of religiosity, are not large.

Among the supporters of the state camp, 92 per cent said no, and among the religious Zionist voters, 87 per cent said no.

The survey was conducted from November 15-18, with the participation of 666 Israelis.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Apple is sending a team of experts to delve deep into the issue of some Indian politicians receiving threats notifications last month, warning them of state-sponsored hackers targeting their devices.

The Apple team consists of technical and cybersecurity experts and will visit India soon to further look into the issue, reliable sources told IANS on Friday.

The threat notification probe is currently being conducted by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

In October, Opposition MPs, including Shiv Sena's (UBT) Priyanka Chaturvedi, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Congress' Pawan Khera and Shashi Tharoor, AAP's Raghav Chadha, CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said they received a notification from Apple stating that their devices were being targeted by state-sponsored attackers.

Apple had sent "threat notifications" to individuals whose accounts are in nearly 150 countries.

The company had clarified that "it does not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored attacker".

Apple that it's possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms.

"State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete. It's possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected," the tech giant had said in a statement.

Apple had said it was "unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behaviour to evade detection in the future".
Chennai, Nov 24 : Director Gautham Vasudev Menon's spy-action-thriller film 'Dhruva Natchathiram Part 1' starring Chiyaan Vikram, which was scheduled for a November 24 release, has been postponed to an unknown date due to legal issues.

Taking to X, the director who is also referred to as GVM, shared a letter of apology which stated: "Sorry. Unable to get 'Dhruva Natchathiram' to the screens today. We tried our best. But it looks like we need a day or two more."

He added: "Hoping to give everybody a good experience with advance bookings and proper screens everywhere around the world.

"The support for the film is heartwarming and has kept us going. Just a few days more and we'll arrive."

According to media reports, the delay was caused as Madras High Court slapped two cases against both GVM and his team over the release of 'Dhruva Natchathiram'.

The court had instructed the director to pay back an amount of Rs 2 crore to All In Pictures to release his film before 10.30 a.m. on November 24. As he was unable to pay the amount before the designated time, the movie's release was delayed.

The first of a two-part film 'Dhruva Natchathiram: Chapter One - Yudda Kandaam' is directed, produced and co-written by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Vikram, Ritu Varma, R. Parthiban, Vinayakan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Simran, in pivotal roles.
Kolkata, Nov 24 : In a major blow to the West Bengal government and Trinamool Congress, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday allowed the BJP to conduct its mega rally on November 29 at the place in central Kolkata where Trinamool Congress organises its annual 'Martyrs Day' rally on July 21 every year.

The rally, to be conducted as a protest against irregularities in implementation of the 100-day job scheme under MGNREGA in West Bengal, are supposed to be attended and addressed by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Giriraj Singh and Minister of State Niranjan Jyoti.

Earlier on November 20, Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Manta overruled the denial of police permission for the said rally and allowed BJP to conduct it at the place of the latter's choice. However, on November 22, the West Bengal government approached the division bench of Chief Justice T.S Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya challenging the single- judge bench order.

On Friday, the division bench too upheld the order of the single- judge bench and allowed BJP to go ahead with its scheduled programme at the scheduled place and date.

Besides that the division bench also made certain observations that were immensely embarrassing for the state government and the ruling party. The division bench clearly directed that although BJP will have to conduct the rally following the conditions and restrictions mentioned in the official website of Kolkata Police, the latter will not be allowed to impose any additional or new restriction on the organisers of the rally.

The court's observation was that if a particular programme (read Trinamool Congress' 'Martyrs Day' rally), can be conducted at that particular place in central Kolkata, there is no reason why a similar rally by any other organiser cannot be conducted there.

"In that case we will have to cancel the July 21 rally as well. Rather we will have to order for the cancellation of all public programmes. Will that be good? What is the necessity for creation of political complexities," the Chief Justice observed.

Till the time the report was filed there was no reaction from the ruling Trinamool Congress. The state unit of BJP welcomed the decision of the court.
Kiev, Nov 24 : Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he had an online meeting with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss the blockade of the Ukrainian border with some European Union (EU) countries.

Ukraine has outlined its proposals on the issue to the EU and is counting on the European Commission's help in resolving the problem, Shmyhal wrote on Facebook.

Ukraine is also rapidly developing alternative logistics routes for its exports and imports, Xinhua news agency quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Since November 6, Polish carriers have been staging protests at several checkpoints on the Ukrainian border, demanding the return of the permit regime for Ukrainian haulers crossing into the EU.

The protesters blocked roads near the crossing points, which resulted in large queues, with thousands of trucks being stalled at the border.

On Thursday, Ukraine sent an official note to the Polish Foreign Ministry demanding the urgent unblocking of the border after two Ukrainian truck drivers died in the queues.

On Tuesday, Slovakian activists seeking the return of permits for Ukrainian drivers joined the protest, blocking a major border crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine.

The EU canceled permits for Ukrainian haulers last year.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, known for his fun antics on the sets of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15', has once again left the audience spellbound by revealing his "crush".

In the episode 74 of the junior special segment, host of the quiz-based reality show Amitabh Bachchan welcomed Atyukt Behurai from Vadodara, Gujarat to the hot seat. He studies in the fifth grade.

During the conversation, Big B said: "Mr Computer here is very knowledgeable. And he's saying that you have many secrets that not just you even your sister knows. So, I'd like to ask Akriti. Can you share his secrets?"

Atyukt's sister Akriti, who was sitting in the audience, said: "There are certain things that you find awkward to discuss with parents although we can say it, we don't know how. Similarly, there are girls in his class, Some of them tell him and a few of them keep a watch on everyone. They said that Atyukt your name is written in her diary next to the word 'crush'."

On listening to his sister's words, Atyukt had hidden his face with his hands.

Big B: "Don't hide your face. So many girls have a crush on you."

Atyukt said: "I have to go back to the same school, Sir."

The 'Brahmastra' actor said: "Everyone has watched the show. You're done with."

The boy then said: "Sir, please share your secret too", to which Big B said, "I'm asking you questions and you're reversing it."

Atyukt asked: "How many girls had a crush on you?"

The 81-year-old actor then said: "We can have a crush on every woman on this planet. They're all beautiful. They're all nice. I have a crush on all the women here.I adore women. And all the men here are my friends!"

'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15' airs on Sony.
Islamabad, Nov 24 : The Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed that the nation has made a formal request to join th BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- bloc, saying it is an important group of developing countries.

"We have taken this decision after having noted the BRICS proclaimed openness to inclusive multilateralism," Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch as saying at a media briefing.

By joining the group, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalization of inclusive multilateralism, she said.

Pakistan enjoys friendly ties with most of the members of BRICS, as well as the newly invited group of countries, the spokesperson added.

"We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism," she said.

At the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa in August, Iran, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been invited to join the bloc, and their memberships will take effect on January 1, 2024.
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 Nov. 16 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 Nov. 16 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 Nov. 16 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.
Lucknow, Nov 24 : The Black Friday mood is catching on in India and the Uttar Pradesh Police's cyber cell has asked online shoppers to exercise caution and remain vigilant against a surge in cyber scams, targetting discount hunters.

Black Friday, traditionally marked as the day after Thanksgiving, is widely recognised as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season for retailers.

During this period, stores typically offer substantial discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, toys, clothing, and other popular gift items.

Superintendent of police, cyber cell, Triveni Singh, said this marks heightened risk associated with the increased usage of voucher codes and newsletter emails while seeking bargain deals during Black Friday.

"Cybercriminals exploit the excitement surrounding Black Friday by creating fake websites to persuade unsuspecting consumers into sharing sensitive information such as account passwords, payment details, or personal information.

These stolen credentials can then be used to steal identities, commit financial fraud, or cause other harm," Singh said. Singh further cautioned against clicking on links in phishing emails, texts, or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies or organisations. These links may lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information or install malware on unsuspecting devices. "Fraudsters often create fake customer support websites, Medicare or health insurance websites, package delivery websites, or airfare-booking websites to target unsuspecting individuals. These websites may request personal information or credit card details under the guise of providing services or verifying accounts," he said. The cyber cell has urged online shoppers to adopt safe practices to protect themselves from cyber scams during Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season. "Every year on the pretext of 'Black Friday' deals, scores of citizens get duped. They eagerly even wait for the next four-five days thinking they will get the benefits. However, when they get no response and the sites they had visited disappear, they realise that they were cheated," said the officer. ENDS/
Hamirpur, Nov 24 : The police have initiated action under Gangsters Act against an inter-state gangster, Keshav Babu Shivhare, having a 36-year history of land-grabbing and extortion in Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur.

The police have attached the 58-year-old gangster's illegally acquired property worth Rs 142 crore.

The police have also acted against Shivhare's associates and brothers Vishnu Shivhare, 55, and Deepak Shivhare, 38.

The three accused have a total of 43 cases registered against them, some of which are in Madhya Pradesh.

Additional director general of police, Prayagraj Zone, Bhanu Bhaskar said the first case against Shivhare was registered in 1987 for smuggling psychotropic substances. Over time, he rose to power and became involved in illegal mining activities.

"Shivhare subsequently formed his own gang and established an empire through land grabbing and extortion," said Bhanu.

Superintendent of Police, Hamirpur, Deeksha Sharma said that an extensive investigation was conducted to identify the gang's assets with the assistance of the district administration.

The attached property includes 350 acres of land, educational institutions, residential properties, five stone crusher plants, 40 trucks used for mining and Rs 36 lakh held in various bank accounts. All these assets were acquired through criminal activities.

Sharma said that Shivhare is involved in 22 cases, Vishnu in 12 cases and Deepak in nine cases. The three are currently in jail.

"We have recently registered a case under the Gangsters Act against the three accused and attached their properties. Raids are underway to locate other gang members and attach their assets as well," she added.
Panaji, Nov 24 : Senior Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader and Goa Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has said that the Congress has no scope in the coastal state as it is facing a leadership crisis.

Expressing confidence that the BJP candidate will definitely win Lok Sabha election from South Goa, Dhavalikar said that support of Congress turncoat MLAs will also help the saffron party to get votes.

"BJP candidate lost the last election hardly by 8,000 votes, why he faced defeat, everyone knows. This time South Goa seat (by BJP) will be won by a thumping majority," Dhavalikar, who supported Congress for the last Lok Sabha election, said.

"Congress has no scope in Goa. They have a leadership crisis in the state after their eight MLAs joined the BJP last year," Dhavalikar said.

Dhavalikar, now a power minister in the BJP led government, was also a minister in the erstwhile governments of Congress.

MGP had joined hands with TMC before the 2022 Assembly election, however Mamata Banerjee's party could not win a single seat in the coastal state.

Dhavalikar was dropped from cabinet in the last term (2017 to 2022) of the BJP government after his two MLAs split from the regional party and joined the saffron party then.

This forced the senior politician Sudin Dhavalikar to support Congress in 2019 Lok Sabha election, which helped grand old party's candidate Francisco Sardinha to win from South Goa by defeating BJP's then sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar.

After the results of 2022 assembly elections, BJP despite having a majority, MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar was accommodated in Pramod Sawant's cabinet.

Dhavalikar had announced before the assembly election results in 2022, that he will not support BJP in any circumstances, hoping MGP-TMC alliance will get at least ten seats. But after the results were announced with BJP emerging as the single largest party by getting 20 of the 40 seats in the state assembly, Dhavalikar had announced the unconditional support of his party's two MLAs to the BJP to help form a stable government.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested two sharpshooters of Dinesh Karala and Jitender Gogi gang wanted in an attempt to murder and extortion case, an official said on Friday.

The sharpshooters were identified as Kartik (22) and Pardeep (21), both residents of Haryana.

Recently, on November 7, Kartik and Pardeep had reached in the area of Om Vihar, Uttam Nagar and opened a discriminatory firing on the owner of the property dealer (Gaurav Homes & Builder).

Bullet hit the glass door of his office.

They also dropped a handwritten letter there on the direction of Dinesh Karala.

In the letter, they asked him to meet Dinesh Karala and also threatened that if he did not meet "Dinesh Bhai", a bullet would pierce the chest of the person found sitting inside the office and grenades would be thrown at their construction sites.

While escaping from the spot, shooters fired several rounds in the air to terrorise the public. It created a severe dent in the peace and harmony of society, and the citizens of the locality were horrified after this incident.

"During the probe, a specific input was received that active shooters of Dinesh Karalaa"Jitender Gogi gang involved in a sensational attempt to murder cum extortion case of Bindapur police station would come Delhi via Jharoda Kalan Nala for committing heinous crimes in the area of Dwarka," said the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav.

Accordingly, a trap was laid and the duo was apprehended. Dinesh Karala is lodged in Mandoli jail in MCOCA, murder and other heinous cases.

After the elimination of gang leader Jitender Gogi, Dinesh Karala took responsibility for the gang and started operating his gang from jail.

"Earlier, he assigned responsibility to Deepak Boxer for running the gang, but after the arrest of Deepak Boxer, Dinesh Karala took charge of the gang again and started demanding ransom money from satta operators, bootleggers, property dealers, builders, etc. He assigns tasks to his associates, who are out of jail to recruit the unemployed youngsters, who are in need of money. Both the arrested accused persons were also recruited by the associates of Dinesh Karala to execute the given task," said Yadav.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday mourned the death of five Army personnel, including two captains, in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and said that India stands united and strong against terrorism.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "Extremely pained by the martyrdom of five Army personnel including two Captains and three Army Jawans who have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in Rajouri area of Jammu and Kashmir."

"Salutations to Captain MV Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havildar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur for they displayed indomitable courage and valour in fighting terrorists. In this hour of grief, our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones," he said.

"India stands united and strong against terrorism," the Congress leader, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said.

His remarks came after five Army personnel, including two captains, were killed in the operation against the terrorists in the Bajimaal area in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Wednesday.

Two terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a 36-hour-long gunfight with security forces on Wednesday and Thursday.
Nagaland gears up for Hornbill Festival; US, Colombia, Germany to be country partners. Image Source: IANS News

Kohima, Nov 24 : Nagaland is gearing up for the annual Hornbill Festival starting December 1.

After holding a review meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Colombia, the US and Germany will be the country partners of the 10-day festival this year.

The Chief Minister posted on X: "Held a review meeting at Naga heritage village Kisama for the upcoming Hornbill festival. Also, inaugurated a two-day food and music festival as a prelude to Hornbill festival at Kisama."

Rio said that with the partnerships of three countries, "we are hopeful that such tie-ups will further strengthen the ties and people-to-people contact with these countries.

"We are looking forward to hosting an American music band and participation of the US in a number of events at the 'Festival of Festivals'.

"We have always had a positive relationship with the US and through this partnership, we are hopeful that the two countries will come closer for mutual benefits and enhanced collaborations," Rio said in a statement.

The Chief Minister said that German rock band 'ELM Tree' would perform at the Hornbill Music Festival, while the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Kolkata, will screen well-known German films at the Film Festival.

"Nagaland will also host a German business delegation for a round-table with the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).

"We are looking forward to another great Hornbill Festival and hope this partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two countries as we look forward to greater bilateral ties and increased people-to-people contact with Germany," Rio added.

Meanwhile, The influential Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has decided to participate in the Hornbill Festival this year.

The ENPO held an emergency meeting earlier this week in which a nine-member Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU) delegation was also present.

The ENPO will also allow cultural teams to take part in the forthcoming festival.

The ENPO, the apex tribal organisation of eastern Nagaland, had boycotted the Hornbill Festival last year in protest against the non-fulfilment of their demand for a separate state -- 'Frontier Nagaland' -- for the seven Naga tribes of eastern Nagaland.

Earlier, the ENPO had announced that it has accepted the proposal of the Government of India for the formation of a Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) with legislative, executive, administrative and financial autonomy.

On an average, 70,000 to 1 lakh tourists, including foreign visitors, take part in the 10-day long Hornbill Festival. The festival is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of Naga heritage.

Called 'Festival of Festivals', the Hornbill Festival named after a colourful forest bird coincides with the 61st Nagaland statehood day celebrations on December 1.
November 24 : Actor Sunny Hinduja, who hosted a pre-birthday bash with media and fans, said his role in YRFs debut series with Netflix, The Railway Men, was a great learning for him.

Sunny Hinduja hosted a cake-cutting ceremony with media, a pre-birthday celebration, a day prior to his actual birthday.

Talking about the birthday celebration plans, Sunny said, I am heading to Goa for my Birthday break; I am taking a little break. I will rest, refresh and come back rejuvenated and start working again.

Sunny Hinduja was recently featured in The Railways Men, a series based on Bhopal Gas tragedy along with R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Babil Khan and Divyendu Sharma.

When asked about his role in the series, Sunny said, Playing a reporter in The Railway Men was challenging, I dont think their job is all that easy, they keep other people ahead of themselves, which was a great learning for me. I read a lot about reporters and the way they dedicate themselves in the line of duty, hats off to all the journalists.

Sunny also expressed his gratitude for finding success with all his shows, he added, With Gods grace, the Sandeep Bhaiya show started on YouTube, then Aspirants of Amazon, and now The Railway Men on Netflix, I dont think I could have asked for more as an actor, I got to work on different formats, different shows for different platforms and they all are releasing. I think God has given a great gift to me, I am happy and in-return all I want is to give love and spread love.

Sunny Hinduja also shared screen-space with Kartik Aaryan in Shehzada.
Warangal : , Nov 24 (IANS) Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Friday that the KCR government in Telangana is past its expiry date.

She alleged that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, which was elected by people with a lot of hopes in the new state of Telangana 10 years ago, has betrayed them.

She was addressing an election rally at Palakurthi constituency in Warangal district as part of the Congress' election campaign.

"This government has done injustice to you at all levels. It has passed its expiry date," she said, claiming that Congress wave is sweeping the state.

Priyanka Gandhi urged people to vote out the government which failed to live up to their expectations and which indulged in large-scale corruption.

The Congress alleged that the government has failed to fulfil the promises made to people. She said thousands of crores of public money were looted by those in power.

She said that when the new state was created youth had hopes of getting jobs but the government betrayed.

"The youth worked hard for exams to get jobs but question papers leaks destroyed their future and many of them committed suicide," she said.

She promised that if voted to power, the Congress will provide 2 lakh government jobs to youth in Telangana as it has done in Rajasthan.

Stating that Telangana is one of the states with the highest unemployment rate in the country, she said the Congress will release a job calendar, giving dates of the exams, result and job notices.

"We have a vision to help the youth of Telangana stand on their feet and to empower them," she said.

The Congress leader said if voted to power, Congress will give Rs 5 lakh each for students for their education. A school with international standards will be established in every district.

Priyanka Gandhi explained six guarantees given by the Congress. Stating that women are worst affected by price rise, she said after Congress is voted to power, they will get a financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month while cooking gas cylinder will be made available for Rs 500.

"Like my sisters in Karnataka, you all will be able to travel free in the RTC buses," she said.

--IANS

ms/pgh
November 24 : In a fervent display of dedication to his craft, Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal was recently spotted at Mumbai's Mithibai College, leaving an indelible mark as he promoted the much-anticipated biopic, 'Sam Bahadur.' The film chronicles the remarkable life of India's first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, and Vicky Kaushal's commitment to the project is evident.

Arriving in style in his sleek SUV, Vicky Kaushal graced the college fest, Kshitij, with his charismatic presence. Dressed in a suave ensemble comprising a black tee-shirt, dark denims, long boots, and a beige jacket, the actor exuded charm, accentuated by his well-groomed beard and dark glasses. Before making his way into the college campus, Vicky generously posed for the paparazzi, creating a buzz among fans and students alike.

Directed by the talented Meghna Gulzar, who co-wrote the script with Bhavani Iyer and Shantanu Srivastava, 'Sam Bahadur' promises to be a biographical war drama that delves into the pivotal moments of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw's illustrious career. The ensemble cast includes notable names such as Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

Produced under the banner of RSVP Movies by Ronnie Screwvala, the film unfolds against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw's leadership during this crucial period played a pivotal role in the liberation of Bangladesh, a historical moment that the biopic aims to bring to life on the silver screen.

It is set to release on December 1, 2023.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 24 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday blamed the media for not doing a clean job, but instead acting for "vested interests".

Vijayan, presently leading the first of its kind state-wide trip with his entire cabinet from Manjeswaram and intended to pass through all the 140 Assembly constituencies before culminating in the state capital on December 23, slammed the media for "twisting facts" and airing "baseless news" after it highlighted the way he spoke to the husband of his former cabinet colleague and veteran party legislator K.K. Shailaja and later, took pot shots at her.

The incident occurred when Vijayan reached Mattannur - the Assembly constituency of Shailaja - in Kannur district early this week.

As Shailajaas husband, who is also a frontline party leader in Kannur, asked Vijayan how he saw the huge turnout at Mattannur and Vijayan curtly replied that there were bigger crowds elsewhere, leaving him flummoxed.

Then when Vijayan spoke at the public meeting, he took a dig at Shailaja saying that she spoke longer than what she was allowed and hence to keep up the time, the rest of the speakers have to keep their speeches short.

As this issue was raised at his daily media interaction, a peeved Vijayan said: "I donat understand why the media is like this as if I have something against Shailaja. The media has a particular mindset and I really donat know and understand why the media does like this. All I will say is this is not good."

During the first Vijayan government (2016-21), Shailaja won lot of applause the way she handled the Nipah attack in Kozhikode then and then the Covid pandemic. Shailaja was addressing the media daily about the way the state government was tackling Covid and Vijayan suddenly took over the daily media interaction for himself.

When Shailaja won the 2021 Assembly polls with the largest victory margin in the state - over 40,000 votes as the CPI-M-led LDF swept back to power, her name was missing from the list of the new ministers, leaving many, including in the CPI-M, shocked.
The executive director of the North Dakota School Boards Association and the president of the union that represents teachers in the state say they're happy Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed a task force to look at ways to recruit and retain educators.

The task force is to come up with suggestions to present to Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler by October 2024, in advance of the 2025 Legislature. It has 15 members: Burgum, Baesler and 13 members appointed by the governor, including two education professionals in Bismarck -- Elk Ridge Elementary first grade teacher Abby DuBord, and Erin Jacobson, coordinator of the Teacher Support System for the state Education Standards and Practices Board.

The goal is to address a chronic teacher shortage in North Dakota through recommendations to state lawmakers.

"Our hope is simply that we come up with some new ideas, not just for recruitment but for retention efforts, for all of North Dakota, but especially in our rural areas and in hard-to-fill positions," School Boards Association Executive Director Alexis Baxley told Prairie Public. "There is no one 'magic bullet' to solve the issue."

Baxley said workforce pressures have affected the teaching profession, and political and societal pressures make it harder than ever to be a teacher.

"Teachers new and old feel that," she said. "And in a place where there are more jobs than people, they have the opportunity to make a choice to not deal with those pressures on a day-to-day basis."

North Dakota United President Nick Archuleta said one of the issues the task force should face is the coarseness of the political discourse around education.

"Teachers don't become teachers because they want to be part of a political scrum," he said. "They become teachers because they want children to have the opportunity to succeed -- not just in school, but in life after school. And when we are constantly tearing down education and educators, it's very difficult for people to remain in that profession, or for young people to choose that profession."

Archuleta said the task force should look at how to make the teaching profession more rewarding -- not only in salary, but in areas such as teacher autonomy.

"We have heard from our members for years that the autonomy they've had in the classroom is gradually taken away," he said. "When that happens, you lose some of that creativity, and the ability for teachers to reach students where they are."

During the 2022-23 academic year about 5% of teaching positions in North Dakota were unfilled or irregularly filled, according to data presented to the Legislature's interim Higher Education Committee in October. "Irregularly" is a category that represents those who are provisionally licensed or credentialed, have received emergency certification or are teaching in an academic subject other than their area of preparation.

Archuleta said he believes North Dakota can do something impactful about the teacher shortage.

"We're a small state," he said. "We know each other, we like each other. And with everybody at the table, working together, we can develop a plan, or series of plans, to mitigate the effect of the teacher shortage and reverse it."
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Supreme Court on Friday took a stern view of pleas seeking probe into the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and the State Bank of India (SBI).

"You are asking the court  without a shred of evidence  to direct an investigation into SBI and LIC. Do you realise the impact of such a direction? Is this some debate in college?" a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud said.

"Do you realise the impact of the investigation direction by the Supreme Court against SBI and LIC on the stability of our financial market?" the bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, added.

It said that the petitioners have produced no material before the apex court nor have counsel appearing on their behalf made "any argument".

"As lawyers when you make the submissions, you must be responsible about the submission you make," the top court cautioned petitioner's counsel.

Against the backdrop of the Hindenburg report, pleas filed in the Supreme Court also prayed for a probe into the role of the LIC and the SBI for allegedly investing "huge amounts of public money" in the FPO of the Adani Group of companies.

"To direct the investigating agencies to investigate the role of Respondent No. 11 (LIC) & 12 (SBI) to invest huge amount of public money in the FPO of the Adani Enterprises @ Rs 3,200 per share whereas the prevailing market rate of shares of Adani Enterprises in the secondary market was Rs 1,800 per share approximately," said a plea filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur.

The apex court had earlier ordered the SEBI to probe into the allegations of stock price manipulation by the Adani Group within two months and had formed an expert committee with an objective to review and strengthen the existing financial regulatory mechanisms.

The controversial Hindenburg Research's report, inter alia, alleged that the Adani Group of companies has manipulated its share prices; failed to disclose transactions with related parties and other relevant information concerning related parties in contravention of the regulations framed by SEBI; and violated other provisions of securities laws.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : A youth was stabbed to death by three persons, including two juveniles following an old enmity in Delhi's Rohini area, a police official said on Friday.

The police have arrested an 18 and a-half-year-old-old teenager, identified as Sumit Sagar, while two juveniles have been apprehended.

According to police, on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, a call regarding the incident was received at Aman Vihar police station after which a police team rushed to the spot.

Upon reaching the spot, it was found that the injured had been shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital Mangolpuri.

"Police team reached the hospital and came to know that the injured succumbed to the injuries during the treatment.The deceased was identified as Anshul, a resident of Aman Vihar and he was stabbed on his left thigh by the alleged boys," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Guriqbal Singh Sidhu.

"The body was preserved in the hospital. Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of the IPC was registered," said the DCP.

During the probe, on the basis of CCTV footages, technical surveillance and human intelligence, the murder case was solved and the accused were arrested.

"At their instance, two knives used in the commission of crime and clothes have been recovered. Accused Sumit Sagar alias Anda has previously been found involved in many criminal cases," said the DCP.

"As per the accused, they had previous enmity with the deceased and in order to take revenge they had stabbed the deceased on his thigh," the DCP added.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : After a brief scuffle, the Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a sharpshooter of Naveen Bali-Neeraj Bawania gang, who was wanted in a case of extortion of Rs 1 crore from a hotelier in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, the police said on Friday.

The accused has been identified as Neeraj Kumar a.k.a Nishu alias Bhura (29), a resident of Nangloi.

"One sophisticated pistol with three live cartridges have been recovered from his possession," the police said.

The Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), H.G.S. Dhaliwal, said that on Wednesday, specific input was received regarding the movement of Neeraj Kumar in the Burari area.

"The police laid a trap near the CNG testing workshop on Ganda Nala Road in Burari. At about 2 p.m., Neeraj reached there. The police asked him to surrender, but the accused took out his pistol and tried to open fire to escape from the spot," said Dhaliwal.

"However, the police team apprehended him after a brief scuffle," said the Special CP.

He added that Neeraj was previously arrested in six cases, including for extortion, MV theft, and under the Arms Act.

"After coming out on bail in an extortion case in August this year, Neeraj came in contact with Naveen alias Bhanja and Chiku through social media. Both instructed him to drop a threatening note in the name of Chiku Tillu gang demanding Rs 1 crore at a hotel in Baddi, and also open fire there to create fear," said the Special CP.

Neeraj, along with his associates, handed over the threatening note to the security guard of M.G. Regency Hotel in Baddi on September 7 at about 2:30 a.m., wherein a demand of Rs 1 crore was made in the name of Chiku Tillu gang.

"Neeraj also fired three rounds in the air in front of the hotel. Naveen is lodged in a Himachal jail in a murder case, while Chiku is lodged at Tihar Jail. Both Naveen and Chiku were previously arrested for the murder of a gym trainer in Himachal," said Dhaliwal.
Chennai, Nov 24 : Tamil star Ajith Kumar has returned to Chennai for completing the shoot of his upcoming film 'Vidaa Muyarchi' after going to Azerbaijan to shoot certain scenes of the film.

Spotted at Chennai airport, the actor was surrounded by his crew and largely refused to speak much to the paparazzi who were clicking pictures of him, and probing him with questions.

The crew of the film has refused to make any comments regarding how shooting is going on.

His appearance at the airport went viral as netizens and journalists were quick to spot him.

Dragging his suitcase along with him, the aVedalama actor was all style as he donned a black coat, stylish black glasses, a white shirt, black pants, and matching shoes.

While making his exit from the airport he was constantly probed by the paparazzi though he refused to say anything and quietly stepped into his car, heading most likely to his residence.

Written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni, aVidaa Muyarchia stars Ajith Kumar, Trisha, and Regina Cassandra in the lead roles.

Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the film is backed by Lyca Productions and is gearing up to release in 2024.
Mumbai, Nov 24 : Moving swiftly, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad's (ATS) Cyber Cell on Friday nabbed, from Kerala, a man who allegedly threatened to blow up the Mumbai Airport Terminal 2, an official said.

On Thursday, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) received an anonymous email threatening to "blow up Terminal 2 within 48 hours" if the man making the threat was not paid an amount of $1 million in Bitcoin.

Following the ultimatum, the Mumbai International Airport Ltd. Lodged a complaint with the Sahar police station which swung into action.

The email, from id 'quaidacasrol@gmail.com' and received in the feedback inbox around 11 a.m., read: aSubject: Blast. This is a final warning to your airport. We will blast Terminal 2 within 48 hours unless one million dollars in bitcoin are transferred to the address. Another alert will be after 24 hours."

The Mumbai Police, along with the ATS, deployed tech-intel and managed to track down the sender of the email to Kerala. A team rushed there by flight on Friday and after pinpointing his location, nabbed him from the south Indian state and he is being brought to Mumbai shortly.

The accused, whose identity has not been disclosed, shall be handed over to the Sahar police for further investigations.

--IANS* *qn/*
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The World Children's Day, November 20, was observed during the Israel's war on Gaza, in which estimatedly 5,500 children have been killed. International humanitarian agencies are concerned about the unfolding tragedy but it looks as if the international community is sleeping and not bothered about taking any concrete action in this regard.

Reportedly, the 50 day-old war in Gaza has claimed the lives of 5,500 children, since October 7, according to a Palestinian official.

Additionally, this war has brought another acronym in wide usage i.e.WCNSF -Wounded Child No Surviving Family. An acronym, which in short describes the unfolding tragedy and reality of children of Gaza.

An additional 1,800 children are missing under the rubble, most of them presumed dead. A further 9,000 children have been injured, many with life-changing consequences. Many of these children have lived through the trauma of multiple wars.

James Denselow, the Head of Conflict and Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy for Save the Children UK, told Vatican News that children are paying the highest price in the on-going Israel-Hamas war, and those who survive will carry the scars of violence for years to come.

He describes that impact on a population of over a million children in Gaza - one of the most densely populated parts of the world - like a pyramid: "At the top of the pyramid, the greatest tragedy is reserved for those who've lost their lives."

And not to forget that below them, Denselow said, there is the entire child population that has been affected by war and will carry the scars and the mental impacts of this conflict with them as they go forward.

The Save the Children expert also highlighted the fact that even prior to this conflict, it was estimated that four out of five children in Gaza were already showing signs of depression.

In more than the 16 years of blockade imposed by Israel, the children of Gaza have suffered dehumanisation, debasement, and deprivation at the hands of the occupation forces, resulting in irreparable mental trauma, childhood depression, and major psychological complications.

Reportedly, Israel has outdone itself in the ferocity and insanity of its recent attack on Gaza, along with other occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank.

It did not even spare the premature babies gasping for oxygen in the hospitals. Since the siege of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest and the oldest - built in 1946 - and most medically advanced healthcare facility in Gaza, Israel has destroyed the station, which provided oxygen to the incubators.

Strangely, the Israeli "apathy" towards Gaza's children does not come as a surprise, since its ultra right-wing government - especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - very openly calls the Palestinians "children of darkness," misinterpreting religious scriptures, and has slammed both French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for urging Israel to stop the killing of babies, children, and women in Gaza.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one child is killed in Gaza every 10 minutes, and at least two injured. Since about half of Gaza's population of which about 2.2 million are children, they are easily killed by Israel's carpet bombing - which does not discriminate between resistance fighters and civilians, and which has become a regular fixture of Gazan childrenas lives.

Perhaps for many of these orphaned, permanently disabled children, death would have been less painful than carrying such immense trauma for the rest of their lives. In the midst of the war, the Ministry of Education in Hamas-controlled Gaza has been forced to suspend the 2023-24 school year for 625,000 students.

But in a land where children are being deprived of their basic rights to life, food, medical care, and security, their loss of education should not come as a surprise. Many of these children have already been displaced or will have been dead by the time the schools reopen.

While US President Joe Biden keeps referring to the fictitious case of 40 beheaded Israeli babies, he has done practically nothing to protect the children of Gaza who are being killed by Israeli occupation forces every day in the name of "self-defence".

On the occasion of World Children's Day, Iran's top human rights official attacked governments and international organisations for failing to protect children in Gaza, "If they consider the children in Gaza to be part of the world's children, it would be good for them to recognise the right of these oppressed children to a childhood, to continue to live and to grow," wrote Kazem Gharibabadi in a post in Farsi on the X on Monday.

In the face of mounting violations against children, international rights advocates recently called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to immediately add Israeli forces, the Al-Qassam Brigade and Islamic Jihad to his "list of shame", rather than wait until his regular annual report next year. Earlier, on November 6, Guterres said: "Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children."

Meanwhile, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, got an earful during her visit to Gaza last week. Reportedly, the local UN staff lambasted the agency's leadership during a tense private meeting.

In fact, we can surmise that there is a generation of children growing up in Gaza without family, without love, without limbs, without food, without education, without basic human rights, living in unspeakable depravity, scarred by the trauma of war.

In this background, the world should not be a silent spectator and passively watch Israel unleash the atrocities on innocent children and wipe out the future of Palestine, of Gaza. We should get up and urge the international humanitarian organisations a" lead by the UN, and the international comity to take a real stand to get this genocide stopped immediately in Palestine.

(Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political and international affairs commentator.)
Pretoria : , Nov 24 (IANS) Olympic and Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole and will be released from prison on Jan. 5. Pistorius was in jail since 2014 for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Also Known as "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, Pistorius won multiple gold medals at the Paralympics and then went on to compete at the London 2012 Olympics. He fatally shot Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013. Reeva, who was 29 when she was murdered, was a law graduate and successful model.

Pistorius was initially jailed for five years in 2014 for culpable homicide by a high court, but the Supreme Court of Appeal in late 2015 found him guilty of murder after an appeal by prosecutors.

He was sent to jail for six years in 2016 after a high court sentence. In 2017, the Supreme Court doubled his murder sentence to 13 years and five months.]

Earlier in March, The Guardian reported that Since Pistorius had not served the necessary amount of time in jail needed to qualify for parole, his request for release was denied.

However, after Pistorius's sentence was backdated to July 2016 rather than November 2017, a constitutional court decided in October that he had served half of his term by March 21 of this year, making him eligible for parole.
Kochi, Nov 24 : The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed its displeasure over the protests staged by lawyers that halted proceedings in a magistrate's court at Kottayam.

The incident took place on Thursday when lawyers shouted provocative slogans against Chief Judicial Magistrate Viveeja Sethumohan after an FIR was filed against a lawyer.

Justice Devan Ramachandran questioned why the bar was selectively interfering in such "unnecessary matters".

"What is the bar doing? For all the unnecessary things, the bar is interfering. Yesterday I saw the issue in Kottayam. Why is the bar being selective? Where are we going? (there is) no meaning," he observed orally.

Acknowledging that he was uncertain about the particulars of the incident in Kottayam, Justice Ramachandran expressed concern and wondered how such incidents would affect the public perception of the legal community.

"This is not because I am sad. I am just here for a few more years. There is a generation coming up. Nothing can be done to me. I was worried, very worried when I saw the Kottayam incident. I am not sure who is right, or who is wrong. What will the citizens think when they see all these actions?" he added.

These observations were made when the Court was considering a plea moved by a lawyer seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against another lawyer, advocate Sangeetha Lakshmana, for some posts she put up on Facebook criticising Justice Ramachandran.

The judge said that he was not sure that the plea would be maintainable and explained that he had issued notice to the respondents only to be fair.

"The third respondent (Lakshmana) being a counsel can always criticise. From the time I joined, I have heard senior advocates criticising senior advocates but in a beautiful way. There is a system unlike simply posting on Facebook. What do they expect; that judges should be transferred because of that? Who said we donat like being transferred? It is not just one person, it has been constantly happening. Ask the association, if it is an association or it just (delivers) speeches. Just because advocates attack judges, we donat do that to advocates. We donat stoop so low," he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), an organisation under the Ministry of Commerce, played an instrumental role in flagging off cashew nut shipments to the US, Bangladesh, Qatar and Malaysia to mark National Cashew Day on November 23.

Bangladesh will be receiving its first-ever shipment of cashew nuts all the way from Odisha.

After Cote d'Ivoire, India is the second largest producer and exporter of cashew nuts with a share of more than 15 per cent, followed by Vietnam.

India's top export destinations are the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the major Cashew producing states in India. India primarily exports Cashew Kernels with small quantities of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Cardanol.

With the UAE and the Netherlands remaining as the top export destinations for Indian Cashew Nuts, APEDA is working towards exploring new markets for cashew in the international markets of Japan, Saudi Arabia, UK, Spain, Kuwait, Qatar, the US and European countries.

APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev said the demand for cashew products has been on the rise, and to see the industry evolve and thrive is a heartening moment. The growth is a testament to the hard work of the farmers, processors, and exporters.

In the future, APEDA may intervene in the automation of the cashew industry. Training of professionals, registration of cashew processing units, and a traceability system will be formulated for cashew, replicating peanuts, he added.

APEDA jointly with its Regional Offices organised programmes to celebrate the National Cashew Day in seven states in collaboration with the Cashew Association, Exporters and Stakeholders. The event included a diverse range of activities such as interaction sessions with the stakeholder of Cashew, Platform for Networking, Knowledge Sharing, and discussion on industry trends and challenges faced in the sector.
Srinagar, Nov 24 : Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V.K. Birdi held a comprehensive security review meetings in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian and Pulwama districts along with DIG South Kashmir Rayees Mohammad Bhat, a police statement said on Friday.

During these meetings, the participating officers presented an overview of the steps initiated by them in their respective districts to counter any challenges and threats faced by the inimical elements at the ground level.

"The IGP Kashmir while interacting urged the officers to bolster the anti-terrorist grid with heightened intelligence efforts and intensified operations. Emphasis was placed on vigilant surveillance of terrorist associates and decisive legal measures," statement said.

"He said that it is of crucial importance to enhance security surveillance of all vital establishments and locations besides to take care of vulnerable persons to thwart away the nefarious designs of terrorists in the areas."

He reiterated the need to keep strict surveillance over the terrorist associates/anti-national elements and take all necessary measures under law against them.
Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff from Saturday until the day of interment for former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died Sunday at 96.

Burgum also encourages North Dakotans to lower flags at their homes and businesses during that time period. His directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden.

Rosalynn Carter was first lady when her husband, Jimmy Carter, served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday told the Delhi High Court that it is working on locating and arresting self-styled godman Virender Dev Dixit, who has been absconding for several years while facing multiple rape cases.

The court, which had last time, had expressed satisfaction with the attempts and progress made by CBI in the matter, continued to praise the agency's efforts.

As the division bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna perused the probe agency's status report, it observed that the CBI was making "earnest efforts" to comply with the court's directions.

The status report was filed in a sealed cover, and the court was told that the accused seems to be outside India.

"We will arrest him soon. We have taken help of Interpol," CBI's counsel told.

The court then also asked the investigating agency to file a fresh status report.

Earlier, the high court had granted the agency permission to freeze the bank accounts of Dixit.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (now elevated to SC) and Justice Sanjeev Narula had expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the CBI to locate and apprehend Dixit.

A petition was filed in 2017 by NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment, which alleged that Dixit had illegally confined several minor girls and women at his "spiritual university" and that the girls were not allowed to meet their parents.

The agency had identified certain bank accounts linked to the fugitive. The court had commended the CBI's ongoing efforts and allowed them to proceed with freezing the bank accounts in accordance with the law. It granted the CBI an additional six weeks to continue their actions and listed the matter for next hearing in November.

On May 31, the court had directed the CBI to take steps to apprehend Dixit. It was brought to the court's attention that Dixit or his followers were uploading videos on various platforms, including YouTube and social media, despite him being a fugitive.

The high court had instructed the CBI to locate Dixit and investigate accusations of illegal confinement, with reports indicating that girls and women were being kept in inhumane conditions behind metal doors within a fortress-like ashram surrounded by barbed wire. In 2022, the court had asked the ashram to justify why it should not be taken over by the Delhi government and expressed doubts about whether the inmates were living there voluntarily. It had said that no institution had the right to violate the fundamental rights of its inhabitants.

--IANS

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Ambala, Nov 24 : No. 5 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, also known as the 'Tuskers', celebrated its platinum jubilee at the Air Force Station in Ambala on Friday.

The ceremony was attended by serving personnel and veterans, who had served in the squadron throughout its illustrious history.

A special apostal covera was released by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Commodore Commandant of the squadron, on the occasion.

He said It is a tribute to all those who have contributed to building the rich legacy of the squadron.

Group Captain M.P. Verma, Commanding Officer, 5 Squadron, greeted the dignitaries, veterans and their families in his welcome address.

The audience was treated to scintillating air display by the Suryakiran Aerobatics Team, the Aakashganga para-diving team, and Rafale and Jaguar aircraft formations.

Elaborating the history, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh said that November 2, 1948 saw the birth of Tuskers under the leadership of Wg Cdr J.R.S. aDannya Dantra in Kanpur, equipped with B-24 Liberator heavy bomber aircraft.

The squadron has been pivotal in safe guarding the skies and upholding the honour of the nation, be it the operations in Congo, the 1965 war with Pakistan, or the 1971 War for Liberation of Bangladesh.

During operations in Congo In 1961, under the aegis the United Nations, 5 Squadron operated Canberra long-range attack aircraft. This type of unique capability was provided only by this aircraft to the UN for its military mission. The squadron also remains the only fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to have been deployed in a UN mission.

During the 1965 war, 5 Squadron with an offensive role raided the Sargodha and Peshawar airfields with Canberra aircraft at least six times.

For outstanding services during the 1965 war, squadron personnel were awarded one MVC, four VrCs and three VSMs.

The squadron was employed in war for the third time in 1971 and took its strikes deep into enemy territory, attacking PAF bases at Sargodha, Chander and Risalewala.

On August 1, 1981, Tuskers were re-equipped with deep penetration strike capable aircraft, the Jaguar, in Ambala. In July 1988, 5 Squadron participated in Operation Pawan in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Friday told the Supreme Court that "something is happening" in the matter pertaining to suspension of Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha.

"Something is happening, Milords! He (Chadha) met the Hon'ble Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Thereafter, some discussion has taken place. He will (possibly) be required to appear before the Committee," Mehta told a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

"Sometimes, it's good to be calm. Just read between the lines on what the Solicitor General has said," CJI Chandrachud told Chadha's lawyer, who insisted for an immediate hearing on November 28.

In a very short hearing, SG Mehta requested that the hearing on the plea filed by Chadha may be adjourned.

A formal order from the court is awaited to ascertain the next date of listing.

In an earlier hearing, the top court had asked Chadha to meet Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and tender an unconditional apology for his alleged misconduct in the House. It had said that the apology tendered by the AAP leader will be "sympathetically" considered by the Rajya Sabha Chairperson.

Chadha was suspended in August this year on charges of not taking the consent of five Rajya Sabha MPs before including their names in a select committee.

Advocate Shadan Farasat, who appeared for Chadha, said that his client had no intention to affect the dignity of the Upper House of Parliament and will not hesitate to tender an unconditional apology afresh.

He added that the lawmaker had begged pardon at earlier occasions as well. "He (Chadha) is the youngest member of the house and there is no problem in tendering the apology," Farasat said.

Chadha has petitioned the Supreme Court challenging his suspension from the Rajya Sabha contending that the Chairman of the House cannot order suspension of a member pending inquiry, particularly, when the Committee on Privileges is already seized of the investigation on the very same issue.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that Telangana was formed as there was a need to ensure economic growth in other regions of what was then part of the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh. But even after nine years of the formation of the state, per capita income in 30 out of 33 districts was below state average, which defeated the purpose of creating the state.

He also said that the foundations for Hyderabad as an IT destination was laid much much before K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and KT Rama Rao (KTR) came onto the scene.

In a post on X, Ramesh, who is also Congress communication incharge said, "One of the most important reasons leading to the formation of Telangana nine years ago was the need to ensure economic growth in other regions of what was then part of the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh. The sentiment that all development was concentrated in Hyderabad was strong and widespread in the districts that became Telangana."

He added that Hyderabad has benefited hugely through public investments made in the city going back to the 1960s. Ramesh said that this then triggered a private investment boom beginning in the late 1980s.

"Since the formation of the new state, the overwhelming bulk of investment and employment growth has been in and around Hyderabad, confined to the periphery of the Outer Ring Road built during the 2004-2009 Congress regime. The foundations for Hyderabad as an IT destination was laid much before KCR and KTR came onto the scene," Ramesh said.

"But the reality now is that per capita income in 30 of 33 districts in Telangana is well below the state average. This has defeated the very purpose of creating the state," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

He said, "All regions of the state must and will get developed, like Hyderabad has. While Brand Hyderabad will continue to be nurtured, Brand Telangana will be given the importance it deserves. This is our guarantee."

The Congress is campaigning aggressively in the state and is looking to dethrone the ruling BRS in the 119-member Assembly in the November 30 polls.

The Congress has already announced several guarantees for the state and is hoping to come to power in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.
Bengaluru, Nov 24 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that the CBI probe ordered by the previous BJP-led state government against his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar over corruption allegations did not have the consent of the Assembly Speaker, adding the opinion of Advocate General was also not considered.

He said this while speaking to the media after inaugurating the Bangalore City Safe City Command Centre building.

Responding to the questions on the decision of the Cabinet to withdraw the sanction given to the CBI to investigate the allegations against Shivakumar, the Chief Minister said: "D.K. Shivakumar was an MLA in 2019 when the probe against him was sanctioned. The investigation against him should have been legally sanctioned by the Assembly Speaker and then the Chief Minister should have ordered the investigation. But no sanction was obtained from the Assembly Speaker and the Advocate General's opinion was not considered by then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He had orally instructed the Chief Secretary. Based on his oral instruction, the Chief Secretary had handed over the case to CBI for investigation and this was unlawful.

"It is not right on the part of the government to sanction it illegally. Hence, the decision was taken to withdraw the sanction for investigation," the CM said.

Responding to a question if the government had taken this decision after having apprehensions about the court's decision to uphold the order recently, the CM said: "We will not interfere in the verdicts of the court. Let the court decide."
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Supreme Court on Friday suggested to the Kerala Governor to go through the judgment delivered by the apex court in the Punjab Governor's case.

"Our order in the Punjab matter was uploaded last night. Ask the Governoras Secretary to look into the order," a bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, told Attorney General R. Venkataramani.

The bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was hearing a plea filed by the state of Kerala against "inaction" on the part of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in giving assent to the bills passed by the state legislature.

It decided to take up the matter for further hearing on November 29 as it could not take up the matter for detailed hearing on Friday due to paucity of time.

In a very short hearing, senior advocate K. K. Venugopal, representing the Kerala government, told the apex court that the Chief Minister has met the Governor various times on the issue.

"All the Ministers have met him (Governor). The Chief Minister has met him many times," he said.

On November 20, the top court had issued notice and sought the response of the Union government and Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor.

Venugopal had said that Governors should realise that they are a part of the state legislature under Article 168 of the Constitution. He had said that as many as 8 bills are pending for assent with Governor Khan for a period ranging between 7-23 months, adding that the Governor also continues to sit on three bills which were earlier promulgated as ordinances under his signature.

According to the plea filed by the Kerala government, as many as eight bills were presented to the Governor for his assent and of these, "three have been pending with the Governor for more than two years, and three more in excess of a full year".

The plea said that by keeping bills presented to him pending for such long periods, the Governor is directly violating the provision of the Constitution, namely, that the bill should be dealt with "as soon as possible". The writ petition said that the words "as soon as possible" occurring in Article 200 of the Constitution necessarily mean that not only should pending bills be disposed of within a reasonable time, but that these Bills have to be dealt with urgently and expeditiously without any avoidable delay.

It added that the Governor's alleged inaction defeats the rights of the people of the state to the welfare measures sought to be implemented through the bills. "The conduct of the Governor, as would presently be demonstrated, threatens to defeat and subvert the very fundamentals and basic foundations of our Constitution, including the rule of law and democratic good governance," the plea said.
New Delhi, Nov 25 : A Delhi court on Friday reserved its judgement on the quantum of sentence against the convicts in the 2008 murder case of TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan.

Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey of Saket Courts who was scheduled to hear the arguments on the quantum of sentence against the convicts, reserved his order for November 25.

Last time, the court had taken on record the pre-sentence report (PSR) filed by the probationary officer in the case against five individuals convicted and noted that the verification of the affidavits filed by the convicts was not complete.

On October 18, the court had convicted four accused under MCOCA provisions and one for receiving stolen property. The judge had posted the matter for November 7 after noting that certain documents, including the PSR by the probationary officer, as well as the affidavits of the five convicts, had not yet been filed and ordered the preparation of these reports and affidavits.

Four accused -- Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Ajay Kumar and Baljeet Malik -- have been convicted under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) provisions and Ajay Sethi for receiving stolen property.

On September 30, 2008, Vishwanathan was shot dead on the Nelson Mandela Marg while returning home from work in her car. The accused were arrested in connection with the murder and have been in custody since March 2009. The police had attributed the motive for her killing to robbery, and had invoked the stringent MCOCA against the accused.

Malik, Kapoor and Shukla were previously convicted in the 2009 killing of IT executive Jigisha Ghosh. For Ghosh's murder, the trial court sentenced Kapoor and Shukla to death and awarded a life term to Malik. Subsequently, in the following year, the high court commuted the death sentences of Kapoor and Shukla to life imprisonment while upholding Malik's life term in the Ghosh's murder case.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, concluded his two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by visiting the strategically located Atlanta Bay, which has the potential of being developed into a bulk cargo transshipment hub, the government said on Friday.

The feasibility study for developing Atlanta Bay major Harbour is under process. It has a natural draft of 19/20 metres and is just a 50m distance in the sea. There is availability of a Natural break and it is well connected by road. Also, sufficient land can be reclaimed from the sea.

Currently a jetty with 5m draft is serving for berthing of inter-island vessels of 4m draft.

Considering its strategic location, in the northern side of A&N Islands, a 10m draft harbour is essential to promote high-end tourism and other essential purposes. Once developed the people of north & middle Andaman will benefit and the travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata will be reduced from 72 hours to 15 hours, according to the official statement.

This transshipment hub is on the route from East and NE India to East and SE Asia, Australia-New Zealand countries. It is also on the route,of Coal, Sand & others construction materials, Iron ore etc., to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Once operationalised, the Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port will be economically beneficial for our country as well as to our neighbors. The proposed port is 565 Km from Yangoon; 765 Km from Sittwe; 1000 Km from Chittagong; 1100 Km from Kolkata; 1000 km from Barisal ,and 80Km from the Coco Island (the Chinese Defence base).

The Minister also took an aerial survey of International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay and interacted with the various stakeholders, local residents and representatives yesterday. He also visited the Indira Point, the southernmost point of India's territory at Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and directed the concerned officials to explore the possibility of developing the Indira Point area as a tourism destination and develop required tourism amenities and facilities for the same.

In Great Nicobar Island he also visited Campbell Bay and reviewed the progress of the Berthing Jetty Extension project and later in the evening, he reviewed the various works done by ALHW at Port Blair and appreciated the work done in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by them over last 5 decades. During the review, Sonowal also advised Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) to explore reputed construction firms to work in the Islands for completing the projects in time.

As many as 58 projects worth Rs. 7,622 crores in Andaman and Nicobar are being monitored under Sagarmala programme. 15 projects worth Rs. 469 crores are being funded under Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

With the initiative marked in Maritime India Vision 2030 it is planned to develop Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands and Lakshadweep Islands for tourism and other initiatives. Initially, development plans have been focused on job creation for locals through tourism promotion and export of locally made seafood and coconut-based products. In the first phase, these plans are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep. In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands in Lakshadweep will be covered.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Three lives were abruptly cut short, including that of an electrical engineer, after a fatal electrocution incident at a local hospital in outer Delhi on Friday.

The incident took place inside a water tank in the hospital premises.

The deceased have been identified as Sarvesh Kumar (59), a resident of Sahibabad who was an electrical engineer by profession, Kunwar Pal (40) and Raman (20), both plumbers and residents of Hastal Village in Delhi,

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer), Harendra Singh, said that at 2:48 p.m. on Friday, an information was received at the Ranhola police station regarding people stuck due to an electrocution incident at the Commander Hospital in Vikas Nagar.

"A police team was rushed to the spot which found three persons lying in the water tank inside the hospital premises," the officer said.

The incident occurred when the trio had gone inside the tank to repair the motor. However, the precise sequence of events leading to the electrocution is not known yet.

"The exact cause of death will be established after receiving the post-mortem report," said the DCP.
Nizamabad : , Nov 24 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday alleged that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was involved in scams of thousands of crores and remarked that his time is over. "Time has come to remove corrupt KCR," he told an election rally at Armoor in Nizamabad district.

Amit Shah also conducted road shows in Serilingampally, Rajendra Nagar and Amberpet constituencies in Hyderabad.

Alleging that KCR destroyed Telangana in 10 years of his rule, the BJP leader said that the only thing KCR did was corruption of thousands of crores for KTR.

Amit Shah alleged that KCR government has done scams like Miyapur land scam, Outer Ring Road scam, Kaleshwaram project and liquor scam.

"KCR has done scams of thousands of crores and he believes that nothing will happen," he said, adding that he cannot sleep peacefully.

"KCR your time is over. Whatever scams you have done will be probed by the BJP government and those indulged in corruption will be thrown behind bars," he said.

The Union Home Minister also promised that those involved in leakage of question papers of TSPSC exams will be sent to jail.

He said the BJP government in Telangana will provide jobs to 2.5 lakh youth in a transparent manner.

Reiterating that the KCR government is adopting appeasement policy, Amit Shah said after coming to power BJP will scrap four per cent reservation for Muslims.

"KCR's election symbol is car but the steering of the car is in the hands of Owaisis," he remarked.

He also alleged that due to fear of Razakars and Owaisis, KCR was not celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day.

He said the BJP has decided that if voted to power the government will officially celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day.

He reiterated that the National Turmeric Board will be established in Telangana which will ensure turmeric farmers get better price for their produce, improve value chain and promote exports.

The government will also encourage research to make medicines from turmeric. Stating that Nizamabad district has large number of beedi workers, he said a 500-bed hospital will be established exclusively for beedi workers "Lakhs of people from north Telangana go to the Gulf and other countries. We will establish an NRI Ministry for them," he said.

--IANS

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The British officials who coined the phrase Made in Germany intended it as an insult. In 1887, alarmed at an influx of low-priced German products, the British government required goods imported from Germany to be labeled as such. Back then, Germany was to Britain something like China is to Europe or the United States today. It was an aggressive emerging economy with a large store of cheap labor and ambitions to become an economic superpower. But Britains attempt to shield domestic companies from competition backfired. Made in Germany became a synonym for quality.1 The story of how Germany succeeded within a few decades still tells us something about the German mindset and tradition.
Shillong: Former Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh arrives at CBI office in Shillong on Feb 11, 2019. He is being interrogated in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams. . Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Nov 24 : Outspoken Trinamool Congress spokesman Kunal Ghosh continued with his salvos against his own party leadership on Friday, saying that because of the wrong advice by some advisors at the higher level, the task of the party spokesperson is getting tougher.

Reacting to the Calcutta High Court's order allowing the BJP to hold a rally on November 29 at the same spot in Kolkata where Trinamool conducts its annual 'Martyrs Day' rally on July 21, Ghosh said that if the same mistake happens again and again, it becomes impossible for the party spokesmen to justify that.

"The task of a spokesperson is to project even a wrong decision of the party as right. But if the same mistake is repeated again and again, the task of the spokespersons becomes difficult," Ghosh told a news channel, hours after the Calcutta High Court verdict.

Ghosh, who's also Trinamool's general secretary in West Bengal, was critical of the 'adamant' attitude of the state government in not allowing any other party to hold rally at the same spot where the "Martyrs Day" rally is conducted every year.

"As a dedicated soldier of Trinamool Congress, I believe in the right of my party to conduct rallies at that venue. Similarly, as a citizen I feel that if one political party is allowed, why the same will be denied to others? The court has viewed the matter from the legal point of view. This will just help the BJP to gain mileage," Ghosh said.

On Thursday, Ghosh had made a controversial social media post, referring to his arrest 10 years back on the same day by the SIT of West Bengal police in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.

In his post, Ghosh put the Centre and the West Bengal government on the same parlance with regard to the "conspiracy behind his arrest".

"Many thought that I would be ruined. But by the grace of god I am still alive. I am still fighting my legal battle against false cases and fake witnesses. My battle is against the agencies of both the Centre and state government," Ghosh's post read.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : A day ahead of the polling in Rajasthan, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the grand old party understood the needs of the state coming and its guarantees had solution to every problem.

In a post on 'X', Rahul Gandhi said: "We heard and understood everything that came from the heart of Rajasthan - every guarantee of Congress is the solution to your problems."

Highlighting the party's guarantees, the Lok Sabha MP from Kerala's Wayanad said: "Rajasthan asked, can our government afford the most expensive treatment? Up to Rs 50 lakh of free treatment in Chiranjeevi scheme will put an end to every worry. The farmer is defeated not by his origin but by his interest. Therefore, we guaranteed interest free loans up to Rs 2 lakh."

He also said that the mothers and sisters of Rajasthan will not have to surrender to anyone.

"Our guarantee of support of Rs 10,000 per year and cheap gas cylinders will become a source of savings for every household."

He also said that studying in English-medium schools is no longer a dream of poor children, as it is becoming a reality. "Every child of Rajasthan will get free education in English medium school. Connecting college students to the digital world is not just the responsibility of parents. Free laptop or tablet is a need today, which will be fulfilled by the government," he said.

"The work which Congress started in Rajasthan, after forming the government, we will again take it forward at double speed - we will fulfill the guarantees given," he added.

Meanwhile, his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said: "Empowered the sisters of Rajasthan. KG to PG free education, scooter to girl students. Rs 10,000 help for 10th pass, help of Rs 20,000 to graduate, one crore thirty five lakh women have smartphones, 90 per cent discount on bus travel, 30 per cent reservation in government jobs, free sanitary napkin to every woman."

She said: "Our guarantees in this election: Rs 10,000 annually to the female head, smartphone for the female head of the family, CCTV in public places, security guards in every village and urban ward, cylinder worth Rs 500 will be made available for Rs 400. These are the guarantees of women's strength and Guarantee of Rajasthan's progress." Polling for the 200 member assembly elections is scheduled on November 25 and counting of votes will take place on December 3.

The Congress is eyeing a second consecutive term in the assembly elections.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, has expressed concerns over the reliance placed by the petitioners in the Adani-Hindenburg case on certain media reports to level allegations against the Adani Group and India's regulatory system.

The court said that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cannot be expected to follow what newspaper reports have said in order to make its findings.

The Chief Justice also expressed displeasure over the use of information from reports by organisations such as the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Hindenburg Research by the petitioners.

The observations came after the Supreme Court resumed its hearing in the ongoing case after a gap of almost three months.

The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, brought new facts regarding the OCCRP report to the notice of the Supreme Court.

As per Mehta, when SEBI wrote to the OCCRP seeking details and documents relied upon by the organisation while levelling allegations against the Adani Group in its August 31 report, the OCCRP did not share the details of the allegations, and said that they could instead be obtained from an NGO in India, which had provided it the information.

As per the Solicitor General, the NGO is run by Prashant Bhushan.

During the hearing, Mehta informed the Court that investigation in 22 out of the 24 cases relating to the allegations against the Adani Group were over.

"For the remaining two, we need information from foreign regulators etc., along with some other information. We have been in consultation with them. Some information has come but that is where we are not in control of the time limit for obvious reasons...," he said.

To recall, while rejecting OCCRP's allegations, the Adani Group had termed the report as yet another concerted bid by Soros-funded interests supported by a section of the foreign media to revive the meritless Hindenburg report.

The Adani Group had said, "These claims are based on closed cases from a decade ago when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) probed allegations of over invoicing, transfer of funds abroad, related party transactions and investments through FPIs.

"An independent adjudicating authority and an appellate tribunal had both confirmed that there was no overvaluation and that the transactions were in accordance with the applicable law. The matter attained finality in March 2023 when the Supreme Court ruled in our favour.

"Clearly, since there was no overvaluation, there is no relevance or foundation for these allegations on transfer of funds."
New Delhi, Nov 24 : A court here on Friday said that it will consider on December 7 an appeal filed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot against Union Minister and BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat accusing the former of defamatory statements related to the Sanjivani scam.

Shekhawat has alleged Gehlot of "misleading statements" in connection with the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam in Rajasthan.

Additional Sessions Judge M K Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court noted that both Gehlot and Shekhwat have filed their written submissions in the matter and said that his earlier directive refraining a magisterial court from passing the final order in Union Minister's complaint until the next date of hearing will now continue till December 7.

"Copies of written submissions have also been exchanged. Interim orders to continue till the next date of hearing," the judge said.

On November 8, the court had concluded hearing the arguments on Gehlot's appeal. Gehlot had earlier defended his arguments saying that his statements were truthful and cannot be categorised as defamation.

Gehlot's counsel had informed Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal of Rouse Avenue Court that Shekhawat had been served notice by the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police, which was investigating the alleged Rs 900 crore scam.

Shekhawat had responded to the notice, but Gehlot claimed that Shekhawat had concealed this fact.

Counsel had argued that Gehlot never accused Shekhawat of being "convicted" in the case, stating that "he (Gehlot) said that the complainant (Shekhawat) is also an accused in the case" and this did not constitute defamation and that Gehlot had made truthful statements.

On September 19, the court had refused to discharge Gehlot in the criminal defamation complaint by Shekhawat, saying that his request held no merit.

Earlier, the court had directed the police to investigate Shekhawat's complaint.

Jaspal had said that the investigation should be such that the three main questions -- whether complainant Shekhawat was addressed as "an accused" in the Sanjivani scam by the accused Gehlot, whether Gehlot stated that the allegations against Shekhawat stand proved in the Sanjivani scam, and whether Shekhawat or his family members have been arrayed as "accused" in the investigation of the scam -- are answered.

Shekhawat had filed the defamation case against Gehlot in March this year, stating that an investigation was initiated into the Sanjivani case but his name was not mentioned anywhere, and demanded the prosecution of Gehlot for criminal defamation under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

He also demanded appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.

Gehlot had said after a budget review meeting at the state secretariat on February 21 that the entire Shekhawat family, including his parents and wife, were involved in the Sanjeevani scam. Gehlot had also welcomed the filing of the defamation case, saying: "At least the case will move forward on this pretext."
New Delhi, Nov 24 : Noida International Airport on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with IndiGo to work together towards developing and strengthening the air connectivity within Uttar Pradesh and beyond, an airport official said.

With this development, IndiGo becomes the inaugural or launch carrier for the airport, accentuating its commitment to support the rapidly growing Indian aviation market.

"Under this arrangement, Noida International Airport and IndiGo will work together towards developing and strengthening the air connectivity within Uttar Pradesh and beyond. The partnership will also explore new and innovative ideas, aimed at gaining operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience," said the airline spokesperson.

Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, said: "We are excited to sign this MoU with IndiGo, which has a strong base both in domestic and international markets. The partnership between NIA and IndiGo will not only help bolster air connectivity but also innovate, ensuring an exceptional customer experience for our customers alike.

"By leveraging IndiGo's extensive route network and expertise, we aim to provide our passengers with unparalleled connectivity and an exceptional travel experience," Schnellmann. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: "Our operations at the airport will provide the people of Uttar Pradesh with seamless connectivity across our unparalleled network. We look forward to the inauguration of the new airport in 2024 and will continue to work with airport management to explore innovative ways to deliver an affordable, on-time, and hassle-free travel experience across the 6E network."

The first phase of the Noida International Airport will be operational by the end of 2024, with one runway, and one terminal with the capacity to handle traffic of 12 million passengers annually. After the completion of the fourth phase, the airport will have the capacity to manage 70 million passengers per year.

--IANS

ssh/pgh
Jaipur, November 24 : During a hearing in the Sanjeevani Credit Cooperative Society case, the Rajasthan High Court on Friday reprimanded the Special Operations Group (SOG) and barred it from filing a charge sheet against Jodhpur MP and Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Senior advocate V.R. Bajwa, appearing for Shekhawat, told the court that the SOG had registered the case in August 2019, but it has not completed the investigation even after four-and-a-half years.

The SOG never called Shekhawat for questioning nor was Shekhawat's name included among the accused anywhere in the charge sheets filed earlier.

The court asked that if Shekhawat was involved in the Sanjeevani case, why didn't the SOG serve him a notice in four years. The court also asked why three years after filing the first charge sheet in February 2020, a charge sheet was filed against other people in February 2023, though Shekhawat or any of his family members were not named in it.

Bajwa claimed that the state government is trying to implicate Shekhawat in the midst of Assembly elections for political vendetta.

In April this year, the lawyers appearing for the Rajasthan government had also said in the high court that Shekhawat's name was not mentioned in any FIR or charge sheet, Bajwa said.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : India and UK discussed important issues related to defence and security during a high-level meeting held here on Friday, officials said.

According to the Defence Ministry, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the annual India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting, along with his UK counterpart David Williams.

A Defence Ministry official said that in the meeting, the two sides discussed a host of regional security issues and reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation activities. They also discussed the situation and potential cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and defence industrial cooperation proposals in missile systems and electric propulsion, among other possibilities, the official added.

Both sides also planned increased interactions and joint activities in the maritime domain with focus on joint exercises, maritime domain awareness, and information exchange.

They appreciated the commencement of the India UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue, and the increased pace of military to military engagements in all domains, the official added.

Williams later laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in homage.
New Delhi, Nov 24 : The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to grant permission to the Mahila Hawkers Welfare Association for organising a religious programme near the entry gate of Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminus, provided the area is available.

Justice Subramonium Prasad noted that the police had already granted a no-objection certificate to the petitioner for holding a 'Maa Bhagwati Jagran' event on the service road near the Anand Vihar ISBT gate, scheduled for November 25.

The court said that if the area is available, the MCD should grant permission for the event, considering the police's prior approval.

The Mahila Hawkers Welfare Association, had sought permission for the religious programme and had already received an NOC from the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Additional standing counsel Prashant Manchanda, representing the Delhi Police, confirmed that permission had been granted to the petitioner, and they were duly informed. The police, in a status report, assured that the organiser would provide a fire extinguisher at the event venue and ensure no obstruction to traffic flow.
Panaji, Nov 24 : Tina Barkalaya, who directed the Russian film 'Hoffman's Fairy Tales', said on Friday that domestic violence is prevalent in every country and she has tried to bring back hope through the film.

'Hoffman's Fairy Tales' depicts the life of a Nadezhda during the turbulent times in Russia following the disintegration of Soviet Union. The film is competing for the prestigious Golden Peacock award at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) being held here.

Sharing the incident of a brutal attack inflicted upon Margarita Gracheva - a Russian woman whose both hands were shopped off by her abusive husband - Barkalaya pointed out that even in the 21st century, domestic violence is prevalent in every country, be it India, Georgia or Russia.

"I wanted this story to be a fairy tale and fairy tales always have happy endings," she said.

Throwing light on the idea and objective of the film, Barkalaya said that in a world riddled with domestic violence, her film tries to bring back hope.

"The name of the protagonist in this film is Nadezhda and it is no coincidence that the word means 'hope' in Russian. In the film, the protagonist. a librarian. is always putting a bookmark in every book she gives to the customers and the title of the bookmark also reads 'bring back hope'," she added.

Barkalaya said that her experience in short films and music videos taught her how to work quickly and effectively in the production of a feature film.

"Visual aspect is very important for me. My stint with advertising also helped me. I believe cinema is like embroidery," she said.

Though music and background score are important in cinemas, sometimes silence can be even more effective, she added.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 : The cyber crime unit of Odisha Crime Branch has arrested eight cyber criminals, including two women, from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for duping gullible victims of their hard-earned money on the pretext of upgrading insurance policies and offering loans, said Shefeen Ahamed K., IGP (Crime Branch), here on Friday.

Separate teams of Crime Branch apprehended the accused persons from different places in Delhi and Fatehpur and Mau districts in Uttar Pradesh in connection with a case registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by a person named Dillip Kumar Jalan from Bhubaneswar.

Jalan in his complaint alleged that the cyber fraudsters had duped him of more than Rs 76.15 lakh by offering to upgrade insurance policy in July this year.

"The complainant's wife had an HDFC life insurance policy with maturity amount of Rs. 20 lakh. In the beginning of July, unidentified individuals contacted him from different mobile numbers to upgrade the policy. One such offer was to upgrade the existing Rs 20 lakh policy to Rs 2.75 crore and facilitate an early release. He was convinced by the callers to deposit different amounts in four separate accounts," Ahamed said.

Jalan deposited Rs 76,15,955 into four separate bank accounts in instalments between July 5 and September 28.

During investigation, the police found that the prime accused, identified as Raghu Anand and Bhim, had prior working experience in the fields of insurance and loan. Another accused, Rupali Gupta, also used to work in the financial sector.

"Bhim used to collect information regarding policy holders or those seeking loans from various sources. These three operated like a call centre and contacted those persons. Using that experience, they allured the complainant by saying that his wife's insurance policy can be upgraded to Rs 2.75 crores by paying some charges," the IGP said.

The accused trio later transferred the amount into the bank account of accused Bhanu Pratap Yadav. Subsequently, Raghu and Bhim withdrew the money from various ATMs.

The crime branch has also arrested two elderly persons, whose accounts were shared with Jalan for the deposit of the amount.

The accused have been sent to 14-day judicial custody.
A speeding car flew, literally, into the border checkpoint at Niagara Falls, bursting into flames after the impact and killing the two people within it. It was just a car wreck, the FBI concluded, with no sign of terrorism and no evidence of explosives at the scene.

The FBI's decision late Wednesday came several hours after the vehicle raced through an intersection, hit a median and was launched through the air before slamming into a line of booths and exploding at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Local police are now handling the case as a traffic investigation. "A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified," the FBI's Buffalo office said in a statement. "The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation."

Nonetheless, various conservative figures, such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, persist in claims that it was a terrorist attacksome of them even accusing completely imaginary "islamists" of being responsible and that it came somehow from the Canadian sideopen borders!

"This confirms our worst fear: the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack. Both attackers are dead, and one law enforcement officer is injured," read Cruz's post.

You can't libel the dead, as Cruz well knows.

Fox News, at least, retracted its earlier claims along these lines (it's not clear how it sourced them, but it's usually one of its quasi-journalistic news personalities talking to a quasi-insider who knows the brief.)



We're past whatever event horizon there was abut this sort of thing. They lie from the outset and persist in the lies even after it's obvious to anyone who cares that it was just made up. The problem is that the audience doesn't care if it's a lie or has no truth beyond what Ted Cruz or whoever writes on Twitter.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 : Taking a pot-shot at Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has urged the former to not lower the dignity of the Office of Governor by making any unnecessary comments on Odisha.

Harichandan's recent comments on the poor arrangements at the Jagannath temple in Puri and tribal rights issues have triggered widespread controversy.

Addressing a press meet at the BJD office in Bhubaneswar, party spokespersons Sasmit Patra and Priyabrata Majhi said the Governors are expected to be neutral and impartial as per the rules laid down by the Constitution, adding, they are expected to be non-political, and therefore have to resign from a political position or a political party before taking the office of the Governor.

"However, over the past few days, it has been seen that Chhattisgarh's Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan has started expressing views on various subjects on Odisha which is not expected of him. We do understand that he is desperate to find a politically relevant position for his son, who never won an election in his life," said Patra.

He also stated that the party hopes Harichandan -- who is from Odisha, would not lower the dignity and respect of his office by expressing views on various subjects on Odisha which is not expected of him and has never been seen before in the state of Odisha.

"Odisha has seen Odias like Janaki Ballav Patnaik and Droupadi Murmu who were Governors of Assam and Jharkhand, respectively, but never once uttered a word which would be considered as unbecoming of their office and stature. That is the true stature of a good Governor, who keeps the sanctity and dignity of the Office of the Governor," Patra added.

Amid the uproar over the recent Cabinet nod allowing tribal land transfer to non-tribals, Harichandan had said that tribal people in the state are in a miserable condition and they should not be deprived of their rights.

He had also raised voice over the alleged plight of devotees at the Jagannath temple in Puri.

The Chhattisgarh Governor had also expressed his views on the alleged sorry state of affairs in the 12 century shrine.
Tel Aviv, Nov 24 : After spending 49 days in captivity of Hamas, 13 hostages who were kidnapped from Israel have returned home safely, an official said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement on Friday said that the 13 hostages are back in Israeli territory.

After their release, they were escorted by the IDF as well as officers from Shin Bet, the Israeli intelligence agency.

The IDF said that its officers were accompanying the released hostages till they are reunited with their respective families.

The released hostages are Channa Katzir (77), Margalit Mozes (77), Yafa Adir (85), Hannah Perry (79), Adina Moshe (74), Danille Amoni (42) and Emilia Alony (9), Ruthi Monder (79), Keren Monder (59) and Ohad Monder (9), Aviv Asher (2) Raz Asher (5) and Doron Katz- Asher (34). The 13 hostages will be crossing into Israel through Karem Shalom crossing.

Meanwhile, Qatar has announced the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners which include women and minors who were imprisoned in Israeli jails.

This release by Israel, according to Qatar authorities, is part of the prisoner swapping deal that was agreed upon between Israel and Hamas through the good office of Qatar. The families of other hostages who are still in the custody of Hamas are worried over them and Idan Baruch, whose younger brother Uriel Baroch was kidnapped from Supernova festival, said that he expected a release of all the prisoners in the custody of Hamas.

Speaking to mediapersons, Idan Baruch said: "We had hoped to see a general agreement which would bring all the hostages out, but the government has insisted that nobody would be left behind, and we have to trust in that. So at least there will be those who will be released now and we will be happy for them."
Los Angeles, Nov 25 : Actor Stephen Graham, who made his mark on the popular crime-thriller show 'Boardwalk Empire' as Al Capone, will be receiving the top award at the British Independent Film Awards called 'The Richard Harris Award'.

The award named after the late star, recognises an outstanding contribution by an actor to British film and sees Graham join a list of fellow honorees that includes the likes of Judi Dench, Daniel Day-Lewis, Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave and Riz Ahmed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The six-time BAFTA TV nominee recently landed his first BAFTA film nomination for his lead turn in hit 2022as one-shot kitchen drama aBoiling Pointa, which was also the first project from Grahamas own banner Matriarch Productions.

The studio was set up with his wife and fellow actor Hannah Walters with the aim of providing opportunities for underrepresented talent. The film has since been spun off into a BBC mini-series, in which Graham also stars.

A versatile and acclaimed actor Graham first made a name for himself on Guy Ritchieas 2000 gangster thriller aSnatcha, playing Jason Stathamas partner in crime, Tommy.

He would soon head to Hollywood for Martin Scorseseas aGangs of New Yorka, the aBoardwalk Empirea, and later in aThe Irishmanaaopposite Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

Graham can currently be seen starring in Netflixas global hit aBodiesa, an adaptation of Si Spenceras psychological-time-bending graphic novel. Heas set to lead opposite Daisy Ridley in Disneyasa'Young Woman and the Sea', chronicling the daring journey of the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926 and will also be seen starring with Saoirse Ronan inaSteve McQueenas highly anticipated London-set WWII drama aBlitza.

--IANS

anv/sha
New Delhi, Nov 25 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will host the curtain raiser for the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) on December 12 in the national capital. The prelude event will witness an evening featuring panel discussions and interactions.

UNESCO recently declared Kozhikode as the first 'City of Literature' in India, attributing this honour to the city's rich cultural tapestry, with KLF serving as a key catalyst in this journey.

KLF 2024 will witness Turkey taking the spotlight as the guest country of honour. Original Sufi dancers from Konya, Home of Rumi, with over 25 performers will stage on the beaches of Kozhikode on January 13.

Speakers and authors in attendance include M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Arundathi Roy, Kailash Sathyarthi, Piyush Pandey, T.M. Krishna, Vikku Vinayakram, Gurcharan Das, Palanivel Thiagarajan, Ankoor Warikoo, William Dalrymple, Prakash Raj, Mallika Sarabhai and more.

Renowned writer Prof. K Satchidanandan will lead the charge as the Festival Director, overseeing a diverse range of sessions that aim to map literature through discussions on science and technology, history and politics, environment, business and entrepreneurship, health, art, cinema, theatre, music & leisure, travel & tourism, gender, economy, and various facets that shape human consciousness.

--IANS

sukant/sha
New York mayor Eric Adams sexually assaulted a collegue when they were both cops in 1993, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday there. The filing comes as the state's 1-year-window to file historical sexual misconduct claims comes to an end; also sued in the law's last hours is music mogul Sean "Puffy" Combsagainamong others.

The summons comes as Adams, who was elected in 2021, faces scrutiny from the FBI, which is reportedly investigating his campaign. Its inquiry reportedly focuses on whether Adams' campaign unlawfully accepted money from the Turkish government in exchange for favors, such as pressuring the New York City fire department to speed up the opening of a Turkish consulate.On 2 November, federal agents raided the home of Adams' top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, seizing electronic devices and documents. The FBI also reportedly searched a Turkish Airlines executive's home, as well as Brooklyn construction company owned by Turkish immigrants; the executive and company had both fundraised for Adams.

If you're looking at this expiring New York law and thinking "surely Terry Richardson is being sued," you would be right.
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Evangelicals love it when Trump praises Christianity. But it turns out they love it even more when he calls them "pieces of shit."

According to The Guardian, In the new book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, author Tim Alberta, says Trump loathes evangelicals for a number of reasons:

Embarrassment about misquoting the Bible: At an event at Liberty University, Trump attempted to cite a Bible verse following the advice of Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. However, he incorrectly referred to "Second Corinthians" as "Two Corinthians," which is not the customary way the verse is cited. This mistake led to "laughter and ridicule," which embarrassed Trump.

At an event at Liberty University, Trump attempted to cite a Bible verse following the advice of Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. However, he incorrectly referred to "Second Corinthians" as "Two Corinthians," which is not the customary way the verse is cited. This mistake led to "laughter and ridicule," which embarrassed Trump. Endorsement for Ted Cruz: Adding to Trump's frustration, shortly after the Liberty University event, Tony Perkins endorsed Ted Cruz, which may have felt like a personal betrayal to Trump, as he had tried to follow Perkins' advice at the event.

Adding to Trump's frustration, shortly after the Liberty University event, Tony Perkins endorsed Ted Cruz, which may have felt like a personal betrayal to Trump, as he had tried to follow Perkins' advice at the event. Feeling of Conspiracy: Trump speculated that there was a "conspiracy among powerful evangelicals to deny him the GOP nomination." This perception likely intensified his feelings of resentment towards the evangelical community, who he believed were aligning against him.

Trump speculated that there was a "conspiracy among powerful evangelicals to deny him the GOP nomination." This perception likely intensified his feelings of resentment towards the evangelical community, who he believed were aligning against him. Personal Attacks : As the Iowa caucuses approached, and Cruz's allies began to use Trump's "Two Corinthians" mistake against him, Trump reacted with hostility. He reportedly described evangelical supporters of Cruz with derogatory terms, indicating a deep sense of anger and frustration.

: As the Iowa caucuses approached, and Cruz's allies began to use Trump's "Two Corinthians" mistake against him, Trump reacted with hostility. He reportedly described evangelical supporters of Cruz with derogatory terms, indicating a deep sense of anger and frustration. Ongoing Resentment: Alberta suggests that Trump harbored resentment towards the evangelical community for years, often using "even more colorful language to describe" them in private.

So why would evangelicals approve of being called pieces of shit? Because now they have additional leverage over Trump, who needs their voting bloc to win. They now have increased negotiation power to demand more stringent adherence to their policy priorities. Trump will deny ever having made the remark and will be even more attentive to their agenda to maintain their support.
The Indian equity markets have significantly increased in importance within the emerging market (EM) basket of stocks in recent years.

Since 2018, Indias weighting in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EM Index  tracked by passive funds with assets of nearly $500 billion  has doubled, while the number of domestic stocks has grown by almost 70 per cent.

Following the latest rebalancing by MSCI  which will come into effect at the end of this month  Indias weighting in the EM index will reach an all-time high of 16.3 per cent, and the number of stocks will rise to 131.

In 2018, Indias weighting was 8.2 per cent, with the number of stocks in the index being 78, according to data provided by IIFL Alternative Research.

The increase in weighting over the years is owing to several factors.

On the quantitative front, a growing number of Indian companies with large free-float market capitalisation have been added to the index.

In qualitative terms, India offers far better diversification across industries compared to, say, Taiwan, where there is a high concentration in just the semiconductor sector.

"Also, Chinas underperformance and Indias consistent growth and favourable demographics have helped it gain more clout in the index, said Sriram Velayudhan, senior vice-president-alternative research, IIFL Institutional Equities.

The higher representation in the widely tracked global index will help channel higher foreign flows into a large number of domestic stocks.

Abhilash Pagaria, head, Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research, said the doubling of Indias weighting is a remarkable achievement and is underpinned by factors such as the move to increase foreign ownership limits in 2020, sharp rallies in the broader markets, and the relatively underperformance of other markets, mainly China.

With a consistent flow from domestic as well as foreign participants, there is potential for India to surpass a 20 per cent share in the MSCI EM Index by 2024, said Pagaria.

Broadly, foreign portfolio flows entering the country can be classified into two: passive (exchange-traded fund, or ETF, driven) and passive (non-ETF).

The former has been gaining more prominence over the years amid the growing trend of investing through index funds.

For instance, listed global funds poured $1.3 billion into Indias equity markets in September, helping minimise overall outflows for the month to $500 million.

Indias weighting in the MSCI EM Index is second-most after China, with the gap between the two narrowing over the past few years.

A note by Axis Mutual Fund (MF) shows Indias weight in the MSCI EM Index has moved from 6.4 per cent in 2013, while that of Chinas was 42.5 per cent. Chinas weighting has now gone to 29.55 per cent.

India has had a low representation in regional benchmark indices for years. But this has been slowly changing, and India has come a long way aided by the growth of Indian companies, said the note by Axis MF.
The Reserve Bank on Friday superseded the board of the Mumbai-based Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank on concerns emanating from "poor governance" and appointed an administrator to manage the affairs of the lender.

In what can be seen as a step that should allay depositors' concerns, the central bank did not put any restrictions or moratorium on deposit withdrawals because of the comfort it gets on the bank's finances, according to people in the know.

"(The) action is necessitated due to certain material concerns emanating from poor governance standards observed in the bank.

"No business restrictions have been placed by the RBI and the bank shall continue to carry on its normal banking activities," the Reserve Bank of India said.

It appointed Satya Prakash Pathak, former chief general manager of the State Bank of India, as the administrator.

The central bank has also appointed a committee of advisors to assist him, which includes Venkatesh Hegde (former general manager, SBI); Mahendra Chhajed (Chartered Accountant) and Suhas Gokhale (former MD, COSMOS Co-operative Bank).

According to the people in the know, much of the concerns stem from the way in which the bank was run under the chairmanship of Sandeep Ghandat, its lending to his friends and relatives, a reluctance to recover, and needless hiring done to win over voters in the Parbhani district.

In a response to PTI queries, Ghandat denied any wrongdoing and said he will now ask all defaulters to pay up.

According to him, the bank has a deposit base of Rs 10,800 crore and a loan book of Rs 6,400 crore.

The bank is headquartered in central Mumbai's Parel, which was the heart of the mill-land.

However, unlike the case of PMC Bank, the regulator has not placed any restrictions on deposit withdrawals.

The people in the know said that factors like excess Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) at the bank will help ensure that it will meet all its obligations.

They also said the RBI has agreed to open its currency chest for the next three days to ensure that all ATMs of the lender dispense cash as sought by the depositors.

"The problem is with the bank management, there is no problem with the bank per se," said a person in the know, adding that the bank, which was under close watch for the last 18 months was not heeding to supervisory advice.

Ghandat said the RBI had placed an additional director on its board since 2021, and was pressing for a faster reduction in the non-performing assets due to which the action has been taken.

According to the people in the know, the father-son duo of Ghandats, who are politically active, had hired three times more people at the bank than requirements that led to the cost-to-income ratio shooting up.

On the issue of asset quality, the bank management did not act against defaulters despite the ability of the borrowers to pay, they said, adding that the inaction was due to the close links between the borrowers and management.

Ghandat said 70 per cent of the defaulters have been impacted by the Covid pandemic, but added that he has hit the road to cajole them to pay up right after the RBI action earlier in the day.

As per data posted by the bank on its website, its net profit reduced sharply to Rs 3.54 crore in FY21 from Rs 16.22 crore in the year-ago period.

Ghandat said the overall GNPAs of the bank had stood at about Rs 1,200 crore as of March 2023, which was down from the Rs 1,550 crore in the year-ago period.

He said the bank also shut two branches and shifted branches to smaller premises to reduce costs after the regulatory pressure.

He admitted that over 80 per cent of its lending is to large borrowers, comprising businesses, but was quick to add that this is in sync with its peers.

The problem area, as per the ousted chairman, was the insistence to provide for asset sales done 5-6 years ago to asset reconstruction companies for which the regulator was pressing it to provide over Rs 800 crore over a five-year period.

He said the capital adequacy of the bank is over 6 per cent, which is lower than the mandatory 9 per cent.
General Syed Asim Munir is now firmly ensconced as army chief after the May 9, 2023 upheavals, which were planned by Imran Khan's supporters to destabilise him, asserts Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

IMAGE: Pakistan army chief General Syed Asim Munir. Photograph: Official DG ISPR/Twitter

Contours of the long awaited reshuffle of lieutenant generals in the Pakistan army have finally become clearer, with two due retirements, of Lieutenant Generals Muhd Saeed, CGS, and Ali Amir Awan, Pakistan Ordinance Factories, Wah taking place.

Four more promotions were made public on November 23, 2023, to complete filling up of the sanctioned 28 three star vacancies.

Lieutenant General Asif Ghafoor, Artillery, 78th Pakistan Military Academy Long Course (PMA-LC), has been moved out from XII Corps, Quetta, and posted as Chairman, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad.

Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, Frontier Force Regiment (FFR), 82nd PMA-LC, goes from the NDU as the new corps commander, XII Corps, Quetta.

Lieutenant General Tahir Hameed Shah, Artillery, 82 PMA, goes as Chairman, Pakistan Ordinance Factories, Wah.

Lieutenant General Avais Dastagir, Armoured Corps (19 Lancers), 83rd PMA, who served earlier as director general, military operations (DGMO), picks up three star rank and is posted as chief of general staff.

Major General Kashif Abdullah, 89th PMA, is the new DGMO.

Lieutenant General Shakirullah Khattak, Armoured Corps, is also promoted. He continues in his post as chairman, Heavy Industries, Taxila.

IMAGE: General Syed Asim Munir, left, during his visit to Turkiye. Photograph: ispr.gov.pk

Others promoted from the 83rd PMA Long Course include Lieutenant General Muhd Aqeel, FFR, who was director general, weapons development at joint staff headquarters. He goes as inspector general, communications and information technology at general headquarters.

The last incumbent there, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik has moved to the National Data Base Regulatory Authority (NADRA) recently.

Also on promotion, Lieutenant General Syed Imdad Hussan Shah, Azad Kashmir Regiment, previously DG(H) at Inter Services Intelligence becomes the new corps commander, XXX Corps, Gujranwala.

Though officers from the 80th PMA still cool their heels in staff assignments at GHQ, with this set of promotions and reshuffle, General Asim Munir can be regarded to have finally settled in and is firmly ensconced as army chief after the May 9, 2023 upheavals, which were planned by supporters of now incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan to destabilise him.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'We humans may not have not created natural disasters, but we have definitely amplified their impact.'

IMAGE: Preparations to evacuate the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel that collapsed in Uttarkashi, November 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

"We need to appreciate the fact that nature comprises a variety of themes that are balanced by each other. If we reduce our intervention and unnecessary involvement, we can definitely make things better and prevent a number of problems," says Dr Naresh Rana, Assistant Professor of Geology at Delhi University.

Dr Rana's research interests include natural hazards, active tectonics and paleoclimate. He has more than 30 publications in international journals.

"We have to bear in mind the carrying capacity of the Himalayas and focus on alternative and sustainable techniques and projects," Dr Rana tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in the concluding part of his interview discussing the factors behind the tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi and the lessons it has for us.

Part 1 of the Interview: 'The Himalayas always surprise you'

How strong and safe are the other tunnels that have been constructed in the Lesser Himalayas in the past?

There are many tunnels that exist in the Himalayas. Wherever there are dams, there are tunnels.

Tunnels are considered safer as compared to roads because they do not encounter processes like landslides and debris flow.

They are safe structure if they are constructed adhering to the geotechnical configuration, providing the right treatment, taking care of the pressures and giving sufficient support system, etc.

The treatment technique of a tunnel is an extensive and expensive exercise.

There are very long tunnels in the Tehri dam and construction is going on for rail tunnels in Uttarakhand. If measures such as proper characterising of the rock mass; providing sufficient support and permanent lining are done as per criteria, tunnels can be very stable structures and will not collapse.

IMAGE: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offers prayers at a temple built at the main entrance of the Silkyara tunnel, where rescue operations to bring out the trapped workers are underway, in Uttarkashi, November 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The workers were in the process of putting the permanent lining when a part of the tunnel collapsed. What is this process all about?

After excavation and boring of the tunnel, the rough walls have to be made smooth. Concrete structures or mini beams are used to anchor the rocks to prevent them from falling. If the rock is weak, you need to put more anchor in that area and finally you make a refined plastered tunnel.

The process of plastering, fixing permanent beams and structure inside the tunnel is called lining. The excavation is followed by building a temporary support system which is followed by the permanent lining. This is how tunnel works progresses.

What must be the condition inside the tunnel for the workers?

It is good that they can now communicate with the outside world and are getting food, medicines.

But the first few days must have been terrible for them. Fortunately, the portion where they are trapped is large enough for them to walk and move about.

The work has resumed and they will soon be out of the tunnel. It is this hope that has sustained them all this while.

IMAGE: The rescue operation underway at Silkyara tunnel. Photograph: ANI Photo

What are some of the lessons that arise from this tragedy?

In the last decade there have been several accidents in the Himalayas like the two big floods in 2013 and 2021 and many floods in between.

There are different reasons for these incidents, for instance, the heavy rains that caused the Kedarnath floods or the collapse of the rock mass led to the 2021 Rishiganga floods. But there is a common thread running through these accidents which is the role of human beings.

We humans may not have not created these disasters, but we have definitely amplified their impact.

We repeat the same mistakes and follow the same pattern.

We cannot do anything about natural disasters, but we should introspect about our own role in amplifying it.

We need to appreciate the fact that nature comprises a variety of themes that are balanced by each other. Humanity has now acquired the power to disbalance this equilibrium between different parts of nature. If we reduce our intervention and unnecessary involvement, we can definitely make things better and prevent a number of problems.

We must remember that there is always some alternative, for example, building smaller and fewer dams instead of big ones.

Similarly, narrower, smaller, roads instead of wide, big roads. We have to bear in mind the carrying capacity of the Himalayas. We have to focus on alternative and sustainable techniques and projects.

We cannot go for short term development at the cost of our future.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'These frequent visits show the BJP fears that the Congress will retain power.'

IMAGE: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra D Modi at a roadshow in Jaipur, November 21, 2023, for the Rajasthan assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

Barely a week before polling day, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi took Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to a public meeting in Dausa.

He chose Dausa to tell people about the understanding and solidarity between Gehlot and Pilot because Pilot's father, the late Rajesh Pilot, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dausa.

Ever since Sachin led a rebellion against Gehlot to become chief minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party has been cashing in on the dispute between the two Congress leaders. At election meetings, Narendra D Modi, the BJP's star election campaigner, insists that all is not well in the state Congress party because Sachin was not given his due.

"There is no truth that I was being victimised by the Congress leadership because of my father's deeds," Sachin Pilot tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor Prakash Bhandari.

Mr Modi says the Congress leadership is punishing you for your father's rebellion against then Congress president Sitaram Kesri.

My father was a Congress loyalist and his unwavering loyalty towards the Gandhi family is well-known. There is no truth that I was being victimised by the Congress leadership because of my father's deeds.

Mr Modi has spoken about the dispute between Mr Gehlot and you that has impacted governance in the state.

His utterings have no substance.

I am fully devoted to the party and am doing my best to see that the party retains power. The party will retain power with a massive mandate.

One is devoted to a party first and then comes the leadership. Devotion and commitment to the party is utmost for me.

IMAGE: Rajasthan's Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and Govind Singh Dotasra with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at a meeting at Taranagar in Churu, November 16, 2023 for Saturday's assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP is playing the religious card in electioneering.

All the BJP leaders including Narendra D Modi and Amit A Shah have been talking of religion.

Yes, it's very unfortunate that the BJP in all the elections in recent years has been raking up the issue of Hindutva. This has resulted in polarisation and also fear.

Raising such issues only leads to divisions in society. While one community finds it comfortable, the other community finds themselves insecure.

The BJP leadership should give it serious thought as ours is a secular country and every individual has a right to religion.

What the BJP is doing is dangerous and will only spread hatred and distrust in society.

You were very critical of the Gehlot government once. Now you talk of the strides made by the Congress government.

I have never been critical of the various welfare schemes of the government. In all my speeches I talk about the welfare schemes which helped the poor.

Yes, I did raise the issue of the question paper leak because it impacted the youth and their labour was wasted.

They had to prepare for the examination once again. It meant a lot to me as their aspirations were not met.

IMAGE: Sachin Pilot at a roadshow ahead of filing his nomination papers from the Tonk assembly constituency. Photograph: ANI Photo

The chief minister says the Congress will retain power though Rajasthan never re-elects an incumbent party.

We will retain power with a resounding victory because the Congress government did a lot for the people on health, employment, education and the social side which is a testimony of good governance.

How do you find 2023 as compared to the 2018 elections?

We came to power in 2018 because the people of the state were fed up with the corrupt BJP government and poor delivery system.

The various welfare schemes of the BJP government were only on paper. The Vasundhara Raje government failed miserably in the health sector and their Bhamashah scheme failed to deliver.

All this collectively caused the fall of the BJP government.

We have learnt from their mistakes and made amends to ensure that we retain power.

IMAGE: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot offers prayers at the Balaji Maharaj Temple in Mehandipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

The BJP has been claiming that the Congress is a divided house in the state and this will lead your party to electoral doom.

This only shows their fear. The prime minister has been campaigning in the state for over a year now/ He has made 13 visits to the state. So has Amit A Shah and (BJP National President) J P Nadda.

These frequent visits show the BJP fears that the Congress will retain power.

Who is going to be chief minister if the Congress comes back to power?

The Congress legislature party and the central leadership will decide. Let the result come.

IMAGE: Sachin Pilot during an election campaign in Tonk. Photograph: ANI Photo

What have you done for your constituency Tonk?

You better ask the people there. I would say in the past five years the face of Tonk has changed with better roads, electricity, schools and better health facilities.

But Tonk has no rail connectivity.

Railways is a Central subject, but I am trying to get the railway connectivity there.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Actor Amitabh Bachchan has gifted his bungalow in suburban Juhu in Mumbai to his daughter Shweta Nanda, according to official documents.

IMAGE: Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan greets his fans gathered outside his residence on the occasion of his 81st birthday, in Mumbai on October 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The bungalow 'Prateeksha' is valued at more than Rs 50.63 crore. It is said to be the megastar's first property in Mumbai and one among the three bungalows the Bachchan family is known to own in the locality.

According to the documents accessed from property registration data aggregator Zapkey.com, Bachchan executed the transfer of the bungalow on November 9 as a gift to his daughter and paid Rs 50.65 lakh as stamp duty.

The bungalow in the Vitthalnagar Cooperative Housing Society is spread over two plots admeasuring 674 square metres and 890.47 square metres, which are collectively valued at over Rs 50.63 crore.

He also paid a registration fee of Rs 200 for each of the two plots which have been gifted.

The bigger plot of 890.47 square metres was owned by Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan while the smaller plot was solely owned by Amitabh Bachchan.

A reply from Bachchan's office was awaited.

Wedding ceremonies of his son Abhishek Bachchan to actor Aishwarya Rai were held in 2007 at the bungalows 'Prateeksha' and 'Jalsa'. 'Janak', the third bungalow in the locality, is used more like an office by the 81-year-old Bollywood actor.

As per some reports, it is said that the actor's poet father Harivanshrai Bachchan is said to have given the name Prateeksha to the bungalow and the property also features in one of his poems.
General Manoj C Pande, India's chief of army staff, visited military establishments in South Korea and interacted with the republic's senior military leadership.

The COAS also visited the Demilitarised Zone, which separates the two Koreas. At South Korea's cyber command, he was briefed on the effective response to the increasingly advanced cyber threats from Pyongyang.

IMAGE: General Pande at the Demilitarised Zone, here and below. Photograph: Kind courtesy adgpi/X

Photograph: Kind courtesy adgpi/X

IMAGE: The COAS with General Kim Seung Kyum, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, here and below. Photograph: Kind courtesy adgpi/X

Photograph: Kind courtesy adgpi/X

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com

Meanwhile, across the border, North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un celebrated the launch of a Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite in Pyongyang, North Korea, November 24, 2023.

IMAGE: Kim Jong Un and daughter Kim Ju Ae at a banquet to celebrate the launch of the spy satellite. All photographs: Korean Central News Agency(KCNA)/Reuters

IMAGE: Kim reads documents with space agency officials.

IMAGE: Kim is briefed by space agency officials.

IMAGE: The entire auditorium applauds -- for the supreme leader or their achievement?

IMAGE: Kim poses for a picture with scientists and engineers who contributed to the launch of a reconnaissance satellite.

IMAGE: Kim bids his courtiers farewell.

IMAGE: Kim meets with officials of the satellite launch preparation committee (whatever that means!).

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The Western New York chapter of Muslim Public Affairs Council wanted to send a very public message to Western New York that it was for the end of violence.

Our message was very simple, a message that has been adopted by many Americans in recent polls, said Dr. Khalid Qazi, former president of the organization.

But it found that doing so on billboards was not an option.

After its message ran on the outdoor signs for six days on two of Buffalos most heavily traveled expressways, Lamar Advertising removed them with no explanation, Qazi said. The billboards were supposed to have remained for two weeks.

Lamar reimbursed the money for the days the ad was not displayed. Qazi called the decision a violation of the First Amendment and the groups right of free speech and expression.

Lamar officials did not respond to a request for comment.

Carolynn B. Sozen, who is also a part of the council, said the purpose of the billboards on the Kensington and Scajaquada expressways was twofold: to send a message to community leaders and convey the voices of the people across Western New York who desperately want to see the violence end overseas.

It was also a tool to show solidarity to Muslim community members in Western New York who might feel alone, unseen and unheard, Sozen said.

Those calling for a cease-fire in Gaza have often been accused of supporting Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7.

Nobody condones any murder or kidnapping, Qazi said. We condemn all kinds of terrorism.

We want a simple thing: Stop the killing and stop the war in Gaza, said Husam Ghanim, a research associate professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo who is also a member of the Islamic Society of the Niagara Frontier.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council is trying to determine whether to pursue legal action about the billboards.

Collin Anderson, a political scientist at UB, said the incident is part of a wider debate around whether it would be seen as an infringement of free speech legally in the United States. Ethically and morally, it is a different story, he said.

This is a great example of self-censorship, he said. This isnt the government forcing Lamar to do it. Its Lamar, who is apparently afraid of the backlash that theyve been receiving, and afraid for what it means for the business, opting to just not participate in the conversation.
Thousands of people participated in a mass rally organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee in solidarity with the Palestinian people in this northern district of the state on Thursday.

IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor speaks at a rally organised in support of Palestine, in Kozhikode, Kerala, November 23, 2023. Photograph: Courtesy Shashi Tharoor on X

People from various walks of life, along with a large number of leaders and workers of the Congress party, gathered at the beach here to express support for the war-ravaged people of Palestine.

Earlier, the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist, the Indian Union Muslim League, a prominent ally in the opposition UDF, and several other parties also organised mass rallies to voice their strong protest against the war waged by Israel and express their concern over the plight of the Palestinian people.

All India Congress Committee general secretary KC Venugopal and Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor rejected the political opponents' campaign that the grand old party changed its stand on the Palestine issue and harshly criticised the Modi government's foreign policy.

Inaugurating the solidarity rally, Venugopal, a Rajya Sabha MP, strongly condemned the war unleashed by Israel in Gaza and their attacks against hospitals and refugee camps there.

Making it clear that the Congress party has only one stand on the Palestine issue, he said it was the one evolved by Mahatma Gandhi, adopted by Jawaharlal Nehru, and strongly followed by Indira Gandhi and Rajeev Gandhi.

Venugopal recalled that all the Congress governments in post-independent India had taken a strong stand against Israel's invasion and supported the fight of the Palestinian people for their right to lead a dignified life in their homeland.

Venugopal said India's stand on the issue changed only recently after the Narendra Modi government came to power.

Strongly condemning India's abstention from voting in a resolution moved by various countries in the UN to stop the ongoing war in West Asia, the MP said the union government's actions brought disgrace to the entire people of the country.

Describing Modi and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "the same type", the AICC general secretary further charged that under the Bharatiya Janata Party government, the country's external affairs policy has been used as a public relations exercise to ensure the victory of the ruling party in elections.

In an apparent dig at the CPI-M, which recently criticised the Congress's stand on the Palestine issue and raised suspicion about it, Venugopal said the grand old party has a clear and strong stand on the matter, and is not constrained by any iron curtain.

No one needs to claim the monopoly of solidarity with Palestine, he said, adding that the Congress's support for the West Asian country was not for votes.

In his address, Tharoor shared the shocking details of human casualties and the widespread destruction witnessed by Gaza in the ongoing war that erupted 45 days ago.

Describing the plight of Palestinians as a "disastrous episode in human history", he stated that they have every right to live a safe and dignified life in their homeland.

Tharoor emphasised that it is not an issue of religion but of humanity, adding that no religion urges people to kill their fellow beings.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP rejected criticism from political opponents that the Congress party had been silent on the Palestine issue in the wake of assembly elections in some states.

He highlighted that Sonia Gandhi recently wrote an article in national dailies detailing the Congress's stand, and Priyanka Gandhi mentioned the issue in her election rallies as well.

"Palestine solidarity is not a new thing for the Congress Party. It has been continuing without any change since the time of Gandhiji and Nehru," he asserted.

Strongly criticising India's decision to abstain from voting in the UN General Assembly on the resolution demanding an immediate truce in the ongoing war, Tharoor said that no Congress member could tolerate such a stance.

He also addressed the controversy surrounding some of his remarks during the Palestine solidarity rally organised by the IUML recently, stating that he has always adopted a pro-Palestine stand similar to that of the Congress party.

He clarified that he never supported Israel's attack anywhere in his speech, and further emphasised that he doesn't need to be taught the issue, as he has direct knowledge about the real situation in West Asia from his years of work at the UN.

"It is not politics, but the grief and sufferings of people that should be considered," the Congress leader said, adding that "narrow politics should not be played" by standing on the "kabar" (graveyards) of innocent children.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly VD Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala also strongly criticised the Marxist party's "attempt to reap political benefits" over the issue, alleging that the ruling party had taken a pro-Palestine stand with an eye on the vote bank.

KPCC chief K Sudhakaran, various front leaders of the UDF, and religious heads also took part in the mammoth rally.
As part of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, the first group of Israeli hostages has been handed over to the staff of the International Committee for Red Cross, The Times of Israel reported.

IMAGE: A man reads a book as he sits on an ambulance before the arrival of a vehicle carrying hostages released as part of a deal between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas at Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel, on November 24, 2023. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

The 13 Israeli hostages in ambulances are heading from southern Gaza's Khan Younis to the Rafah crossing into Israel, The Times of Israel reported citing an Israeli official.

The release of 13 hostages, who are women and children, is the first of four expected stages.

Notably, Hamas has agreed to release some 50 hostages, which include women and children over the four days of the truce with Israel.

The sides agreed that Hamas might eventually free more hostages, in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire by an extra day for each 10 Israeli hostages, according to The Times of Israel report.

The released hostages are only a small group out of some 240 people held hostage by Hamas terrorists since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel.

As per the news report, Israel is set to release 150 Palestinian prisoners held for terror offences. In return for 50 Israelis, all of the prisoners that will be released will be women and minors.

Israel will release 39 prisoners in return for the first 13 Israelis to return.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant will closely monitor the management of the operation to bring the Israelis who have been released from Hamas captivity, Israel Prime Minister's Office announced in a statement posted on X.

Taking to X, the Israel Prime Minister's Office stated, 'The Prime Minister and the Defense Minister will closely monitor management of the operation to bring the Israelis who have been released from Hamas captivity back to the country.'

He added, 'During the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will be at the IDF Operations Branch control center at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.'

In addition to the 13 Israeli hostages, Egypt's government media office said that it has successfully negotiated the separate release of 12 Thai hostages who were abducted during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, the report said.

Thailand said it believes 26 of its citizens were taken hostage on October 7.

Subsequently, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that 12 of the country's citizens have been released.

Meanwhile, the truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 7 am (local time).
India is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge from the current influenza situation in China, the government said Friday, highlighting that it is monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in that country.

Image only for representation. Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

There is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza -- H9N2-- case reported in China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness, the Union health ministry said.

Some media reports have indicated clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China for which the World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement, it said.

Based on available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks.

'The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations,' the ministry said.

Recently, a meeting was held under the Directorate General of Health Services to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of avian influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (avian influenza virus) in October in China that was reported to the WHO, it said.

'The overall risk assessment by the WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to the WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised. India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency,' the ministry added.

The WHO on Thursday said it has made an official request to China for detailed information on the spike in respiratory illnesses after Chinese health authorities reported multiple infectious respiratory diseases with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia and influenza flu among children.

The ministry said India is embarking on a 'One Health' approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues.

There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the Covid pandemic, it said.

The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched by the prime minister and it is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics and disasters, the ministry said.

In addition, India's surveillance and detection networks under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the Covid pandemic, the ministry said.
A four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday morning, with civilian hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to be freed later in the afternoon, Qatar announced on Thursday.

IMAGE: Israeli troops take position as they raid the house of a Palestinian who is believed to be an assailant, in Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank November 16, 2023. Photograph: Mussa Qawasma/Reuters

According to Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, the ceasefire will begin at 7 am local time, with 13 women and children captives set to be released at 4 pm.

According to Al-Ansari, the list of captives scheduled to be freed has been sent to the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad.

The Qatari spokesperson stated that Mossad will provide the Qataris with a list of Palestinian inmates who are likely to be released.

"Whenever we have both lists confirmed, this is when we can begin with the process of getting people out," the official went on to say, according to CNN.

The prisoners will be transferred from two jails, Damon and Megiddo, both southeast of Haifa, to the Ofer prison, south of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, for final Red Cross examinations.

Earlier on Wednesday, an Israeli official told CNN that the truce will begin at 10 am local time on Thursday, followed by the release of at least 50 women and children among the more than 230 people being held prisoner in Gaza. However, those preparations were postponed late Wednesday, just hours before the ceasefire was supposed to begin.

"Nothing is finalised until it's actually happening. And even amid the process, changes might occur at any moment," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in his daily press briefing on Thursday.

Hagari asserted that the Israeli army continues to fight in the Gaza Strip "at this hour," pointing out that once the pause goes into effect, the soldiers of the Israeli Defence Forces will be stationed along the "truce lines" established inside the territory.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Hamas terrorists seized about 240 hostages during the assault when they surged across Gaza's militarised border into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians who were massacred at their homes and at a music festival amid brutal atrocities.

The hostages were of all ages and including young children and elderly people, as well as Thai and Nepali nationals.
Rajasthan is all set to vote on Saturday to elect members of a new assembly with the Bharatiya Janata Party aiming to unseat the ruling Congress, which is fighting hard to change the trend of alternate governments in the state.

IMAGE: Polling officers with their EVMs and other polling materials leave for their respective polling booths on the eve of the Rajasthan Assembly Elections, in Ajmer on Friday, November 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in 199 out of 200 constituencies amid tight security arrangements, chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta said.

Due to the death of Congress candidate in Sriganganagar's Karanpur seat Gurmeet Singh Koonar, also the sitting MLA, election in this constituency has been adjourned.

The past few days saw a high-pitch electoral campaign with Congress focusing mainly on the works and performance of the Ashok Gehlot government, its schemes and programmes and also banked on the promise of seven guarantees if the party retains power.

The BJP attacked the Congress on issues such as crime against women, appeasement, corruption and paper leak.

As many as 1862 candidates are in the fray with the number of voters being 5,25,38,105. These include 1,70,99,334 voters in the age group of 18-30, and of them, 22,61,008 are new voters in the 18-19 age group.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra, assembly speaker CP Joshi, several ministers including Shanti Dhariwal, B D Kalla, Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Saleh Mohammad, Mamta Bhupesh, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Rajendra Yadav, Shakuntla Rawat, Udai Lal Anjana, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, Ashok Chandna and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot are among the Congress leaders contesting the elections.

In BJP, leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore, deputy leader of opposition and former state president Satish Poonia, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, MPs Diya Kumari, Rajyavardhan Rathore, Baba Balaknath and Kirodi Lal Meena are in the fray.

Gurjar leader late Kirodi Singh Bainsla's son Vijay Bainsla is also contesting as BJP candidate.

At the same time, former chief secretary Niranjan Arya is trying his luck in politics as a Congress candidate.

The BJP has given tickets to 59 MLAs, including defected Congress MLA Girraj Singh Malinga and six Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha member while the Congress has fielded 97 MLAs including seven independents and one from BJP -- Shobharani Kushwah who was expelled from the saffron party last year.

One of the major faces who joined the BJP from the Congress is former MP from Nagaur Jyoti Mirdha, who is contesting the assembly election.

Nagaur MP and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) convener Hanuman Beniwal is also contesting the assembly elections. RLP is contesting the election in alliance with Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) led by Chandrashekhar Azad.

BJP is contesting on all seats while Congress has left one seat -- Bharatpur -- for its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) like the 2018 elections.

The RLD currently holds the Bharatpur seat and Subhash Garg, who is the sitting MLA, is contesting the elections as the party candidate.

Apart from the BJP and the Congress, other parties including the Communist Party of India-Marxist, the RLP, the Bharat Adiwasi Party, the Bhartiya Tribal Party, the Aam Aadmi Party, the All India Mjalis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen are also contesting the elections.

Over 40 rebels of both BJP and Congress are also in the fray.

At present, the Congress has 107 MLAs, the BJP 70, 3 RLP, 2 each of the CPI-M and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), 1 Rashtriya Lok Dal, 13 are independents and two seats (Udaipur and Karanpur) are vacant.

On the other hand, all the preparations for the elections have been completed.

Meanwhile, in a show of unity, Gehlot on Friday posted a video on social media platforms in which Pilot is making an appeal to people to vote for the Congress.

The video post assumes significance as the Pilot-Gehlot power tussle has found frequent mention in the campaigning for the Rajasthan assembly polls with the prime minister also referring to it.

Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta said that polling stations have been set up at a total of 36,101 places in the state.

"A total of 10,501 polling stations have been set up in urban areas and 41,006 in rural areas. Live webcasting will be conducted at a total of 26,393 polling stations. These polling centers will be monitored from the district level control room," he said.

Across the state, 65,277 ballot units, 62,372 control units and 67,580 VVPAT machines including reserves will be used for voting.

He said that to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of assembly elections, 6,287 micro observers and 6247 sector officers with reserves have been appointed, who will immediately resolve any kind of problem by continuously coordinating with the polling parties.

One additional EVM machine will also be given to all sector officers who will take action for repair and replacement if any EVM related defect is reported.

As many as 2,74,846 polling personnel will conduct the voting. 7960 women polling personnel will take command at women managed polling stations and 796 disabled polling personnel will take command at disabled managed polling stations.

Wheel chairs have been arranged for voting at all the polling booths, taking advantage of which the disabled people and voters above 80 years of age can cast their vote without any inconvenience.

A total of 1,02,290 security personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful voting. A total force of 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard and RAC personnel have been deployed and 700 companies of CAPF have been deployed.

Three flying squads and as many Static Surveillance Teams (SST) will be deployed in each assembly constituency for intensive checking and monitoring on the voting day.

One additional FS and SST each will be deployed in expenditure sensitive polling stations on polling day. There will be availability of at least three QRTs at each polling station, he informed.

Sealing and checking action will be taken at the check posts along the 4,850 km long interstate border with the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab with the aim of preventing the entry of unwanted outsider elements.

Security arrangements have been tightened and more than 1,70,000 personnel including companies of central paramilitary forces (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, RPF etc.) and armed forces of 18 other states slated to be deployed.

DGP (Law and Order) Rajeev Sharma said more than 70,000 Rajasthan Police personnel, 18,000 Rajasthan Home Guards, 2,000 Rajasthan Border Home Guards, 15,000 Home Guards of other states (Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh), 120 RAC Companies will also be involved.
The Supreme Court has directed Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to decide on the Bills passed by the legislative assembly during its "constitutionally valid" session held on June 19 and 20, saying the governor's power cannot be used to "thwart the normal course of lawmaking".

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann felicitates Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit meeting of the Northern Zonal Council, in Amritsar .

The top court, in its November 10 judgement which was uploaded on Thursday night, decided on the plea of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab which alleged the governor was not granting his assent to four bills which were passed by the assembly.

The Punjab government had also sought a judicial declaration that the assembly session held on June 19 and 20 was "legal and that the business transacted by the House is valid".

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, in the 27-page judgement, held the assembly sessions were valid and this aspect was not open to the governor after the Speaker took the decision.

"We are of the view that there is no valid constitutional basis to cast doubt on the validity of the session of the Vidhan Sabha which was held on June 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and October 20, 2023.

"Any attempt to cast doubt on the session of the legislature would be replete with grave perils to democracy. The speaker who has been recognised to be a guardian of the privileges of the House and the constitutionally recognised authority who represents the House, was acting well within his jurisdiction in adjourning the House sine die," the CJI, who wrote the judgement for the bench, said.

The judgement stated, "The Governor, as an unelected Head of the State, is entrusted with certain constitutional powers. However, this power cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the state legislatures."

Casting doubt on the validity of the session of the House is not a constitutional option open to the governor, it said, adding the legislative assembly comprises duly elected MLAs and is governed by the decisions taken by the speaker.

"We are, therefore, of the view that the Governor of Punjab must now proceed to take a decision on the Bills which have been submitted for assent on the basis that the sitting of the House which was conducted on 19 June 2023, 20 June 2023, and 20 October 2023, was constitutionally valid," it said.

The top court also clarified that it has not expressed any opinion regarding the manner in which the governor will exercise his jurisdiction on the Bills in question presented to him.

"In a Parliamentary form of democracy, real power vests in the elected representatives of the people. The governments, both in the states and at the Centre consist of members of the State

Legislature, and, as the case may be, Parliament.

"Members of the government in a Cabinet form of government are accountable to and subject to scrutiny by the legislature. The Governor as an appointee of the President is the titular head of State," the judgement said.

The bench said if the governor decides to withhold assent to a Bill, then he has to return the bill to the legislature for reconsideration.

"If the governor decides to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200, the logical course of action is to pursue the course indicated in the first proviso of remitting the Bill to the state legislature for reconsideration.

"In other words, the power to withhold assent under the substantive part of Article 200 must be read together with the consequential course of action to be adopted," it said.

On November 10, the top court had said the governor was "playing with fire" as it held that being the titular head of the state he cannot cast doubt on the validity of an assembly session or withhold his decision indefinitely on bills passed by the House.

It had said under Article 200 of the Constitution, when a bill is presented to the governor, he shall declare either that he assents to the bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the bill for the consideration of the President.

Governor Purohit is locked in a running feud with the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

On November 1, Purohit gave his approval to two of the three bills sent to him, days after he wrote to Mann saying he would examine all proposed laws on their merit before allowing them to be tabled in the assembly.

The governor's approval is needed to table money bills in the House.

Purohit has approved the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Four other bills -- the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2023 -- are awaiting the governor's assent.

These bills were passed during the June 19-20 session of the Punjab Assembly. The governor had termed such an extended session as "patently illegal".
The Army on Friday said the search operation in the forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri to flush out any hiding terrorists was still underway, a day after two foreign terrorists of proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit including the mastermind behind various attacks were eliminated.

IMAGE: View of a cave being used by terrorists as hideout in the forests of Rajouri area. Photograph: ANI Photo

Commander of 14 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Soumeet Patnaik informed that security forces safely evacuated trapped civilians, including women and children, from the scene of the encounter and paid rich tributes to the five fallen soldiers, saying 'their sacrifice for the country gives us the motivation to finish off terrorism'.

Five army personnel -- Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havaldar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur -- laid down their lives in the gunfight in Dharmsal belt's Bajimaal forest area.

Capt Pranjal, who led a search party, faced heavy fire as he came out from his security cover to help trapped women and children flee to safety while continuing to engage the terrorists along with his team to ensure that they did not escape, according to Brigadier Patnaik.

Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Quari, who masterminded several attacks including the killing of 10 civilians and five army personnel, and his associate were killed in the two-day encounter which ended on Thursday afternoon.

"The encounter has ended but the search of the forest area (to flush out any other hiding terrorist) is still underway," Brig Patnaik, flanked by other army and police officers including Deputy Superintendent of Police, operations, Shammi Kumar, told reporters at Rashtriya Rifles headquarters in Kalakote.

Briefing the media, he said the operation was an example of synergy between various security agencies on the ground and 'this synergy will continue for more success'.

Brig Patnaik described the killing of the two foreign terrorists as a major success for the security forces as Quari was a 'trained sniper and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) expert who was trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan'. He masterminded civilian killings including that of Dhangri (on January 1) and five security personnel in Kandi.

"The recovery of huge quantity of arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists indicates that they were in the area to step up terrorist activities and create fear among the local populace," he said.

He said credible information was received on November 19 about the presence of two terrorists in Kalakote and accordingly all security agencies were activated.

At 8.30 am, a search operation was launched in the forest area around some dhoks (mud houses). The search party led by Captain Pranjal came under heavy fire from the hiding terrorists, he said.

The officer said Captain Pranjal came out from his security cover to help trapped women and children flee to safety while continuing to engage the terrorists along with his team to ensure that they did not escape.

The other columns which were also operation ready were launched to join Captain Pranjal who, in the meanwhile, received a bullet in his head and sacrificed his life, he said, adding the terrorists taking advantage of undergrowth, boulders and difficult terrain moved inside the forest.

The brigadier said three more soldiers were fatally injured when the special forces and others came close to the terrorists inside the forest.

"The cordon was further tightened and throughout the night, UAVs, night-enabled cameras and other modern equipment were pressed into service to keep a close watch on the area.

"The next day at around 7.40 am, one of the terrorists tried to break the cordon but was engaged by paratrooper Sachin who also got injured and later succumbed," he said.

He said at around 1.30 pm on November 23, the second terrorist was also eliminated.

"We are very proud of them (fallen soldiers). They fought well and they fought very hard, they fought for their brothers. They gave their lives for their country and it gives us the motivation to continue the operations to finish terrorism," the officer said.

He said Lance Naik Bisht had also taken part in an encounter with terrorists in Budhal area of Rajouri on November 17 that had left one terrorist dead.

J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, army officers and police on Friday paid floral tributes to the five soldiers.

The mortal remains of the personnel were brought to the Army General Hospital in Jammu from Rajouri where a wreath-laying ceremony was organised.

The coffins were airlifted to their native places from Jammu for their last rites, officials said.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the general officer commanding-in-chief of Northern Command, on Friday said some of the terrorists who have crossed over into India from across the border are retired Pakistani soldiers.

IMAGE: Four fallen soldiers were accorded a tearful farewell in Jammu, November 24, 2023. Havaldar Majid was given a farewell in Poonch. Photograph: ANI Photo

Speaking to media-persons after paying his last tributes to five soldiers, including two Army captains, who lost their lives in the Rajouri firefight, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "While we lost five of our brave soldiers in the encounter, we also eliminated two dreaded terrorists. Our boys went after the well-trained and equipped foreign terrorists without giving any thought to their personal safety. This (taking out the dreaded terrorists) has dealt a major blow to the terror ecosystem and Pakistan. As per our estimation, 20-25 terrorists could still be operating in the area. We should be able to control the situation in a year's time with the help of locals."

Lt Gen Dwivedi added that the terrorists were involved in the killing of innocent civilians in Dangri, Kandi and Rajouri and their elimination was a priority for the joint forces team involved in the operation.

"They may have received training in many countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were very well trained, which is why it took us some time to eliminate them. Our boys fought with courage. Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht had promised to eliminate them within seven days, and the statement given by Captain MV Pranjal's father in Bengaluru (about how the family was waiting to hear from him and, instead, received his mortal remains) will motivate our soldiers to discharge their salient duties against all odds," Lt Gen Dwivedi added.

He said since Poonch, in Rajouri district, is connected with the rest of the country through a highway, there is a high probability of more terrorists lurking there.

"In the last year, 10 civilians lost their lives to terrorist incidents here. The security forces are in high spirits. We received information about some terrorist hideouts through local sources. They were also involved in the Dangri attack. Some of the terrorists who have crossed over from across the LoC, have been identified as retired Pakistani soldiers," the Northern Command chief added.

Earlier, on Friday, a sombre wreath-laying ceremony was held for the army personnel who lost their lives in the fierce firefight in the thickly forested terrain in Kalakote in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The mortal remains of the four fallen soldiers -- Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur -- were brought to Jammu where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with senior officials, accorded a tearful farewell at the wreath-laying ceremony.

A similar send-off was given for Havildar Abdul Majid, in Poonch where he resided.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

While the forces suffered five casualties, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.

The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of 'war like stores' from the encounter site.

Quari is believed to have orchestrated several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas.

His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.
Opposition parties on Friday alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders displayed insensitivity in handing over a compensation cheque to the inconsolable mother of Captain Shubham Gupta, who was killed fighting terrorists in J-K, and lashed out at them for using the occasion as a 'photo-op'.

IMAGE: Family and friends mourn as mortal remains of Captain Shubham Gupta are brought to his residence in Agra on Friday. Photograph: ANI on X

Before the arrival of the mortal remains of the army officer at his home, Uttar Pradesh Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay and local MLA G S Dharmesh tried to hand over the cheque of Rs 50 lakh in front of mediapersons to Capt Gupta's wailing mother, who said she did not need it and kept insisting not to drag her in this 'pradarshini' (exhibition).

"Mere liye pradarshini mat lagao," she said and cried that she wanted her son back as some of the people around her asked her to hold the cheque.

The Congress and other opposition parties slammed the minister for using the occasion as a 'photo-op'.

'Giddh' (vulture), said the Congress while sharing the video from its official X handle.

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP and deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Priyanka Chaturvedi used the words 'shameless, insensitive' while sharing the video.

''Pradarshini na lagao', the mother is pleading while inconsolable yet the minister continues with his photo op. What shamelessness is this? Won't even allow the martyr family to grieve in peace minus the cameras. Heartless,' she said in another post on X.

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also said, 'The B in BJP should stand for Besharm and P for Publicity.'

'Captain Shubham Gupta made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter in the Rajouri sector. His mother is grieving and eagerly awaiting her son's mortal remains.

'In the midst of her inconsolable sorrow, UP government's BJP Minister Yogendra Upadhyay shamelessly persists on having a photograph taken for his PR - this, despite the mother's plea to refrain from turning her grief into a spectacle. Shame,' Chadha said in a post while sharing the video.

Some former top Army officials also expressed unhappiness over the conduct of the leaders.

''Don't hold this exhibition brother'. The crying mother of 27 year old martyr Captain Shubham Gupta told BJP government minister Yogendra Upadhyay and sycophants. He had arrived with a cheque of Rs 50 lakh,' Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said.

AAP Youth Wing also shared the video and said on its X handle, 'Condolences to Captain Shubham Gupta's grieving mother. Amidst her pain, a UP BJP Gov Minister exploits her sorrow for PR, offering a check before the camera.'

'As his remains reach Agra today, let's honour his valour and sacrifice,' it said.

Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed pain at the loss of five army personnel during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir and said the country stands united against terrorism.

'Extremely pained by the martyrdom of five army personnel including two captains and three jawans who have made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists in Rajouri area of Jammu and Kashmir,' he said in a post on X.

Five army personnel, including two captains, were killed in the operation against the terrorists in the Bajimaal area in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Wednesday.

Those killed in the operation are Captain M V Pranjal of Karnataka's Mangalore area, Captain Shubham Gupta of Uttar Pradesh's Agra, Havaldar Abdul Majid of Ajote in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, Lance Naik Sanjay Bist of Uttarakhand's Halli Padli area and Paratrooper Sachin Laur of Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh.

Two terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a 36-hour-long gunfight with security forces on Wednesday and Thursday.
IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party star campaigner Narendra D Modi during a roadshow for the Rajasthan assembly elections in Jaipur, November 22, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

All the 200 seats in Rajasthan will vote on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

1,875 candidates will contest the polls.

Touch And Go Seats

Data collected by Association for Democratic Reforms show 13 seats in which the margin of winning candidate was less than 1 per cent in the 2018 assembly elections.

Of these, 7 were won by the Bharatiya Janata Party, five were won by the Congress and one went to an Independent candidate.

The victory margin for the BJP candidate from the Asind assembly constituency was a mere 154 votes.

Abbar Singh Sankhala of the BJP polled 70,249 votes while Congress candidate Manish Mewara polled 70,095 votes.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's overall passenger trips reported robust expansion last month, the Ministry of Transport said Thursday.

The country's inter-regional passenger traffic rose 50.2 percent year on year to 5.34 billion in October 2023, the ministry's spokesperson Sun Wenjian told a press conference.

Among all types of transport, civil aviation trips led the way, rocketing 252 percent year on year in October, followed by 194.1 percent railway-trip growth and a 117.3 percent rise in waterway trips, while road trips increased by 44 percent, Sun said.

In October, commercial cargo transport went up 11.7 percent year on year to 4.82 billion tonnes, while cargo throughput at China's ports increased by 8.1 percent to 1.49 billion tonnes, the spokesperson added.

Fixed-asset investment in transport reached 3.23 trillion yuan (about 453.58 billion U.S. dollars) from January to October, marking 4.3 percent year-on-year growth.

This laid a solid foundation for reaching the annual investment target and provided strong service support for promoting overall economic recovery, said Sun.
BY MATT GLYNN

Nov. 23, 2023

Banks exiting insurance opens door to Gallagher's growth

Remember when banks were snapping up insurance businesses as another source of revenue?

It's been a different story lately in the Buffalo Niagara region.

Evans Bank just agreed to sell its Evans Agency subsidiary for $40 million to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm.

About a year ago, M&T Bank finished selling its M&T Insurance Agency to Gallagher, resulting in a $136 million gain for the bank.

Going back a few years, KeyBank in 2018 sold its Key Insurance & Benefits Services business to USI Insurance Services, recording a $78 million gain from the sale.

Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter (copy) The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

Why are some banks exiting the insurance business? Each has its own reasons. Evans received an offer that it decided was too good to pass up, and will redeploy the proceeds elsewhere. Key had acquired an insurance business as part of its 2016 deal for First Niagara, but insurance wasn't core to Key's operations, and the bank found a buyer in USI.

Nationally, Bank Director reported that for the first time in two decades, divestitures of bank-owned insurance brokerages this year have outpaced announced acquisitions.

The industry as a whole is refocusing its effort on its core business," said David Nasca, Evans' president and CEO. "They dont want to hold capital in ancillary businesses, so theyre monetizing them to be able to refocus that capital into their core.

That trend is allowing Gallagher to build up its presence in the Buffalo area.

Gallagher, which is publicly traded, ranks as the fourth-largest insurance brokerage in the world, based on brokerage revenue. The firm has 49,000 employees worldwide.

But don't let the large size of the firm, which is based in suburban Chicago, fool you, said Bart Kresse, Gallagher's area president.

"Everyone I meet at Gallagher, it feels like they could live in Buffalo," said Kresse, who led M&T's insurance agency before joining Gallagher.

Kresse said Gallagher has a "family feel," despite its vast size. Members of the family that founded the firm nearly 100 years ago are still in leadership roles.

At the same time, Kresse said Gallagher's large scale gives employees access to more resources and expertise to serve their clients.

Mergers and acquisitions are a driving force of Gallagher's growth  the firm completed 36 deals last year  but Kresse said the firm still looks for the right fit before making an acquisition.

"Gallagher, with this (Evans) acquisition, is showing the marketplace and showing our employees here in Western New York that they're willing to invest," he said.

Gallagher has been making inroads in the Buffalo market in other ways, including employee volunteering and sponsorship deals with the Buffalo Bills and Shea's Buffalo Theatre.

The firm plans to close its deal for the Evans Agency by the end of the year. All 63 Evans Agency employees will join Gallagher, and the Evans Agency name will remain in use through a transition period.

Gallagher will maintain the Evans Agency's office in Wellsville, giving the firm a presence in Allegany County. But Gallagher is still working out where it will combine its employees in the Buffalo area. Its local offices are downtown on Delaware Avenue.

Gallagher found a lot to like about the Evans Agency, including its markets, book of clients and personnel, Nasca said. Gallagher saw the Evans Agency as a high-performing business "with a talented young team in an industry thats aging," he said.

There was also a big financial upside for Evans Bank in the deal.

"The purchase of this agency is effectively fast forwarding 18 to 20 years' worth of earnings with this purchase price, back into our capital," Nasca said. "That's a significant impact."

Not all banks around the Buffalo Niagara region are exiting the insurance business.

SDN Insurance Agency "has, and continues to be, an excellent complement to our diversified financial services offerings, along with retail banking, commercial banking and wealth management, and an important driver of non-interest income for our company," said Martin K. Birmingham, president and CEO of Financial Institutions, the Warsaw-based parent of Five Star Bank.

In 2014, Financial Institutions bought Scott Danahy Naylon, an Amherst-based agency, in a deal valued at $16.9 million in cash and stock. The business was renamed SDN Insurance Agency in 2018 as part of a rebranding.

Since making the deal, Financial Institutions has grown SDN Insurance organically and through other deals, "allowing us to expand our reach and enhance capabilities to better serve our customers," Birmingham said.

Citi cuts watch

Citigroup has begun cutting jobs as CEO Jane Fraser follows through on her plan to streamline the organization.

The bank isn't saying whether the reductions are hitting its sophisticated financial hub in Getzville.

Citi has cut 300 senior managers across the bank, but many more reductions are expected. The Wall Street Journal reported future rounds of job cuts will "spread to thousands of lower-level workers," and that Citi aims to finish the reductions by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Fraser is under investor pressure to turn things around at Citi, whose stock has been in a slump.

The prospect of more job cuts creates uncertainty for members of the workforce heading into the holiday season.

Citi is an anchor tenant of CrossPoint Business Park. The bank did not provide a current headcount for its Getzville site, but in recent years, it has had a workforce there of nearly 2,000 employees.

The financial hub supports multiple business units, mostly in corporate and investment banking, and is connected to operations around the world.

Want to know more? Three stories to catch you up:

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What's the latest on the Buffalo Bills stadium construction project?

Buybuy Baby is coming back.

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Union workers at the General Motors engine plant in the Town of Tonawanda voted against a tentative contract agreement.

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ICYMI

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. Why do grocery stores move stuff around? There's a lot of science that goes into it, but the bottom line is increasing sales.

2. The Buffalo Niagara job market is stuck. But it's not sick.

3. Delaware North's new chief operations officer comes with a reputation as a 'game changer.'

4. Plug Power is in deep financial trouble. What that means for its big plans in Genesee County.

5. Flexlume is aglow over its new Lackawanna home.

The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.

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The World Hindu Congress on Friday renounced the word Hinduism, contending that the term reflected oppressive and discriminatory and embraced Hindutva and Hindu Dharma to refer to the 'eternal' religion.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The third World Hindu Congress (WHC) adopted a declaration here asserting that the word Hindutva was more accurate as it includes the gamut of all that the word 'Hindu' implies.

'In the term 'Hindu Dharma', the first word, i.e, 'Hindu' is an unbounded word. It signifies all that is Sanatan or Eternal. And then there is Dharma, which means 'That, which sustains',' read the declaration adopted at the end of the first day of deliberations of the WHC.

It said that in contrast, Hinduism is totally different because it is suffixed with an ism , which is a term defined as an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief.

'It is for such reasons that many of our elders preferred the term 'Hindutva' over Hinduism as the former is a more accurate term since it includes the gamut (spectrum) of all that the word 'Hindu' implies. We agree with them and should do the same,' the declaration read.

The assertion in the declaration came against the backdrop of a row that erupted after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders made certain controversial remarks about Sanatan Dharma at a symposium with the theme 'Abolition of Sanatana'.

The declaration said that Hindutva was not a complicated word and simply meant Hindu-ness.

'Others have used the alternative 'Sanatan Dharma', often abbreviated as 'Sanatan'. Here the term 'Sanatan' works as an adjective indicating Hindu Dharma's eternal nature,' it said.

The declaration noted that many academicians and intellectuals portray Hindutva as the antithesis of Hindu Dharma, out of ignorance.

'But most are anti-Hindutva because of their visceral hatred and biases against Hindu Dharma. Many politicians driven by political agendas and personal prejudices have also joined that group, and are criticizing Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan with increasing regularity and vitriol,' it added.

The WHC condemned such attacks and urged Hindus worldwide to unite to overcome those who are engaging in such bigotry and emerge victorious.

Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the WHC, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said India will show the path of happiness and satisfaction to the world which is stumbling from experiments with materialism, communism and capitalism.

He appealed to Hindus across the world to reach out to each other and connect with the world together.

"We have to reach out, connect with every Hindu. And Hindus together will connect everybody in the world. As Hindus are connected in more numbers, the process of connecting with the world has also started," Bhagwat said at the gathering of thinkers, activists, leaders, and entrepreneurs, from across the world.

The quadrennial event began with the blowing of the conch by Swami Vigyanananda, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation with delegates from over 60 countries participating in the three-day event.

Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Milind Parande, WHC organising committee chair Susheel Saraff, Bharat Sevashram Sangh Working President Swami Purnatmanand, Hinduism Today-USA Publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami among others.
In 1666, Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji escaped from the Agra Fort, one of the most miraculous escapes in India's history.

A fascinating excerpt from Colonel Anil A Athale's book, The Legacy Of SHIVAJI The Great.

Aurangzeb was stung by the disgrace of Shaiste Khan and resolved to teach the Marathas a lesson.

In December 1664, Rajput General Jai Singh, along with Diler Khan, was sent to Maharashtra with a huge army numbering over fifty thousand.

This army captured many towns including Poona and the nearby forts at Chakan and Supa.

At all these places the Marathas offered stiff resistance and the deeds of valour of Murarbaji Deshpande were truly inspiring. But the people suffered untold miseries and Shivaji tried to find a way out through compromise.

He wrote several conciliatory letters to Aurangzeb even as he attempted to woo the Rajput general to his cause.

Neither Jai Singh, the Rajput general, nor the emperor paid much heed to Shivaji's plea for peace. The Mughals continued with their depredations in Maharashtra.

At this point, Shivaji placed the welfare of his subjects above everything else and decided to accept a humiliating peace.

The Treaty of Purandar was concluded on 12 June 1665, under which Shivaji handed over twenty-three major forts to the Mughals including Sinhagad, Purandar, and Torna, and agreed to serve the Mughal emperor.

The Mughals saw this as an opportunity to conquer the Sultanate of Bijapur, a feat that had eluded three emperors before Aurangzeb.

Under the terms of the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji was obliged to join the Mughals in the war against Bijapur.

A strange thing happened thereafter. Shivaji's most trusted General, Netaji Palkar, had a 'quarrel' with him and in a huff went away with a sizeable force and joined the Bijapur Sultan.

The Mughal generals, Jai Singh and Diler Khan, accompanied by Shivaji with a token force launched a major offensive against Bijapur.

The Bijapur forces comprising Netaji Palkar and a large Maratha force fought bravely and defeated the Mughals. After a year's fighting, the Mughals finally gave up their attempt to conquer Bijapur.

All this while, Shivaji continued his peace offensive with the Mughal Emperor. He wrote him a letter pledging his 'loyalty' to the empire and requested that he be appointed the subedar (governor) of the Deccan.

Aurangzeb was extremely sceptical of this expression of loyalty by Shivaji and suspected that once he gathered strength, Shivaji would become an independent king in the Deccan.

At the time he was trying to get the Mughal emperor to accept his position in the south, Shivaji also was working on another track, wooing the Rajputs.

Shivaji was keenly aware that a majority of the so-called Mughal army was in reality a Rajput-Mughal force.

Rajputs formed close to sixty percent of the army. In numerous meetings with Jai Singh, Shivaji tried to convince the Rajput general to join him in his quest for Hindavi Swarajya. He even offered to serve under the Rajputs for this purpose.

For his part, Jai Singh tried to convince Shivaji to join the Mughals and rule the south as part of the Mughal Empire.

The Maratha resistance at small fortresses like those of Supa, Chakan, and later Purandar had convinced Jai Singh that this was the best option for the Mughals.

The inability to subdue Bijapur further convinced him of the value of a Mughal-Maratha alliance.

Shivaji desperately needed peace to consolidate his Swarajya. As a last attempt to try to avoid conflict with the Mughals, he accepted Jai Singh's suggestion to visit Agra and personally convince Aurangzeb about the proposed collaboration.

In agreeing to go to Agra, Shivaji was taking a calculated but grave personal risk.

Jai Singh gave Shivaji his word of honour, promising the latter's safety.

Shivaji was confident that even Emperor Aurangzeb would not dare to go against the Rajput word of honour.

Aurangzeb's ruthlessness was well-known; after all, he had come to occupy the throne after killing two brothers and imprisoning his father.

On Monday, 5 March 1666, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji left Raigad for Agra accompanied by a retinue comprising some of his closest friends and a small contingent of bodyguards.

Such a visit would enable him to obtain first-hand knowledge about the inherent strength of the empire, to study men and matters on the spot, and thus to make it feasible for him to carry into effect his life's mission of a Hindu Padshahi (Hindu Empire).

He meditated on the subject in his mind and spent days in consultation with his mother and advisers.

He was constantly in touch with Jai Singh who sent solemn oaths about his safety as did his son Ram Singh, who served at the court.

Aurangzeb was to celebrate his accession to the throne at Agra on 12 May 1666, taking his seat on the peacock throne, his father Shah Jahan having died earlier in January.

That day the Diwan-e-Am (open court) of Agra presented a unique spectacle; all the Mughal splendour was on display. Shivaji was late and was led to the emperor in the Diwan-e-Khas (private court).

The Mughal prime minister, Asad Khan, led Shivaji and his son into the presence of the emperor.

Both father and son made their obeisance and offered the customary nazar (gifts), after which they were asked to stand in the third row of the nobles.

Shivaji noted the affront and burst out in open defiance as he complained of the breach of the terms that had been agreed upon.

The emperor noticed the outburst and sent Ram Singh to pacify Shivaji.

In the meantime, Shivaji left his place and moved to a corner, vehemently protesting.

The emperor closed the durbar and asked Shivaji to be taken away. Shivaji was placed under house arrest in Ram Singh's palace.

The emperor consulted Jai Singh but concluded that the only option was to do away with Shivaji.

The problem was how to do it without offending the Rajputs.

To do this quietly, Shivaji was moved to a secluded palace. From 12 May to 18 August 1666, Shivaji was confined to Agra.

All the while he was thinking of ways to escape from the prison. He ultimately devised an ingenious plan.

He began to pretend that he was ill. After pretending illness for some time, he sent away most of his followers because he did not have money to pay them.

The Mughals were happy when the 300-odd soldiers left. Shivaji began the practice of sending baskets of fruit and sweets to beggars and fakirs to pray for his early recovery.

On the afternoon of 19 August, he and his son squeezed themselves into two separate baskets of sweetmeats hanging from a bamboo pole on the shoulders of porters.

They were carried away without being detected by the guards on duty. His bodyguard occupied the bed with a bejewelled hand deliberately dangling outside the bedspread to allay any suspicions of the sentry.

After some time even the bodyguard slipped away with the request not to disturb the ailing Shivaji. The great escape was discovered only the next day.

That night, Shivaji went towards Mathura in the north rather than in the direction of Maharashtra which lies to the south, thus eluding the search parties that were sent out the next day.

From Mathura he went due east to the holy city of Prayag (Allahabad), possibly dressed as a sadhu.

He also separated from his son to avoid suspicion. After walking long distances and successfully evading Mughal soldiers searching for him, he reached Rajgad on 12 September 1666, to the immense relief and joy of the entire population of Maharashtra.

Excerpted from The Legacy Of SHIVAJI The Great by Colonel Anil Athale has been used with the kind permission of the publishers, Indus Source.

Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) is a military historian who has studied counterinsurgency in Kashmir, North East, Northern Ireland, South Africa and Sri Lanka. His columns can be read here.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers early with some clearing overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Workers at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum are attempting to unionize.

The AKG Workers United Organizing Committee has notified museum director Janne Siren and the museums board of directors, and has announced the campaign on social media.

The workers are seeking to join the Workers United union, said Casey Moore, a union spokesperson.

Its a very positive campaign, and theyre hoping the AKG leadership will respect their right to organize and voluntarily recognize their union at some point.

If the campaign succeeds, the union would represent over 100 workers at the museum, Moore said. Organizers are still determining which museum jobs would be part of the bargaining unit, she said.

In a statement posted on social media, the organizing committee said it believes that unionizing is the best path to ensure that we, the workers at the Buffalo AKG, can all take pride of ownership and feel a secure sense of belonging in our workplace and the broader community.

Andrea Harden, the Buffalo AKGs director of human resources, said in a statement: The Buffalo AKG supports the right of workers to organize. Our employees are absolutely vital to our community, and we are grateful for their efforts to ensure that the museum is a welcoming resource for all. We look forward to productive conversations ahead.

Workers United also represents workers at employers including Starbucks, Spot Coffee and the Lexington Co-Op.
China recently formalized the use of unofficial personnel by its embassies and consulates, a rights group says.

Chinas ambassador to the Czech Republic, Feng Biao [third from right], met with consular volunteers [certificate holders] in April 2023.

The Chinese Communist Party is running a global network of "consular volunteers" through its embassies and consulates who form part of its United Front influence and enforcement operations on foreign soil, according to a new report, prompting calls for democratic governments to investigate.

While Chinese embassies and consulates have been using such informal networks for at least a decade, they were recently formalized through a State Council decree that took effect on Sept. 1, yet the networks remain largely undeclared to host countries, the Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders said in a report published this week.

Consular volunteers are mostly drafted in to help with administrative tasks linked to consular protection, risk assessments, and even "warnings and advisories" to overseas citizens and organizations, the report said, citing multiple online recruitment advertisements and other official documents.

This gives them full access to individuals' personal information, and "may also dangerously enhance their function of control over overseas communities and dissenters," the report warned.

China is already known to rely on an illegal, overseas network of "police service centers" that are sometimes used as a base from which to monitor and harass dissidents in other countries.

Since taking power in 2012, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has launched an accelerated expansion of political influence activities worldwide, much of which rely on overseas community and business groups under the aegis of the United Front Work Department.

Under the radar

While Beijing has shut down some of its overseas police service centers following protests from host countries, the "consular volunteer" network has managed to fly under the radar until now, further enabling China's overseas influence and illegal transnational law enforcement operations, according to the report.

According to the State Council decree, "The state encourages relevant organizations and individuals to provide voluntary services for consular protection and assistance."

The state also "encourages and supports insurance companies, emergency rescue agencies, law firms and other social forces" to take part in consular work, it says.

A building [with glass front] suspected of being used as a secret police station in Chinatown for the purpose of repressing dissidents living in the United States on behalf of the Chinese government stands in New York Citys lower Manhattan on April 18, 2023. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images





The decree also requires Chinese nationals overseas to "abide by the laws of China," regardless of location.

Organizations and individuals that "make outstanding contributions to consular protection and assistance" are to be commended and rewarded, it says.

And official reports on volunteer commendation ceremonies and training events show that they are  under the supervision of individuals with "direct and demonstrable ties to the CCPs United Front," the Safeguard Defenders report said.

"The [consular volunteer] network runs through United Front-linked associations and individuals and shows the involvement of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office," it said, adding that the Office was labeled an "entity that engages in espionage" by the Federal Canadian Court in 2022.

Global effort

A March 2023 recruitment drive by the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic posted to an official website called for volunteers from among "overseas Chinese, international students, Chinese employees of Chinese-funded enterprises and other individuals in the Czech Republic, overseas Chinese groups, Chinese-funded enterprises and other organizations, institutions and groups."

Similar notices have been seen in Trinidad and Tobago, Botswana, Turkey, Malaysia, Johannesburg, Equatorial Guinea, Chile and Japan, the report said, adding that the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office has also been directly named as a participant at training events for consular volunteers in Rio de Janeiro and Florence, Italy.

According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, "the United Front system acts as a liaison and amplifier for many other official and unofficial Chinese organizations engaged in shaping international public opinion of China, monitoring and reporting on the activities of the Chinese diaspora, and serving as access points for foreign technology transfer.

The Safeguard Defenders report called on democratic countries to review the practice of "consular volunteering" by Chinese diplomatic missions, and warned them not to take part in United Front-linked events.

French current affairs commentator Wang Longmeng described consular volunteers as quasi-spies.

"The so-called assistance in providing consular services actually means collecting financial support from overseas Chinese individuals," Wang said. "This can help the Chinese Communist Party control overseas Chinese remotely, making them loyal to party and state, as well as helping China to steal Western technology and intelligence."

"These people are also collecting information on dissidents, and many dissidents family members back home are also being threatened," he said. "This is a quasi-espionage organization and an integral part of the Chinese Communist Partys transnational repression network."

Wang said European countries have been fairly slow to catch on to such practices, compared with the United States.

"That encourages the Chinese Communist Party to extend its long arm even further," he said. "Their intention was never to stop transnational repression and United Front work," he said, calling for EU legislation to curb such activities "as soon as possible."

APEC summit

Zhou Fengsuo, executive director of the U.S.-based Human Rights in China, said China's consulate in San Francisco had engaged in the large-scale mobilization of patriotic protesters during President Xi Jinping visit last week to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in the city..

"The Chinese Communist Party will take up every bit of space it can in democratic societies to extend its rule and engage in state persecution," Zhou told Radio Free Asia. "Consulates wield a great deal of power overseas."

"Much like it did with overseas police stations, the international community needs to face up to this form of [Chinese] government control."

After Chinese international student Tian Ruichen took part in protests supporting the "White Paper" movement of November 2022 and the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, he was unsettled to find he'd been doxxed  a common tactic employed by supporters of Beijing.

He told Radio Free Asia that overseas dissident communities need far more protection from the long arm of the Chinese Communist Party than they are currently getting.

"The latest China strategy document of the German federal government states that overseas dissident communities will be protected, so they can exercise freedom of speech and engage in political activism," Tian said.

"We hope that the German government will establish safe channels to contact the Chinese dissident community and actively collect information on cases of transnational repression by the Chinese Communist Party, he said, calling for an investigation into overseas Chinese networks like the "consular volunteers."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim says she will 'trust but verify' Beijing's denial of invasion plan.

Hsiao Bi-khim, vice presidential candidate for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and former envoy to the United States, speaks to the media during a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan November 23, 2023.

War with China is "not an option," Taiwanese election hopeful and former U.S. envoy Hsiao Bi-khim said on Thursday, as she set out further details of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's campaign platform for presidential elections in January.

Hsiao, who is running mate to incumbent vice president Lai Ching-te and has twice been sanctioned by Beijing, brushed aside concerns that the pair would be stymied in any peace negotiations by the Chinese Communist Party's mistrust of them as "independence" agitators.

"War is not an option," said Hsiao, who joins the 2024 presidential race as opinion polls show that less than 10% of Taiwanese trust China, while 82.7% of respondents believe that the threat from Beijing has intensified in recent years.

"We remain open to dialogue [and] we are also committed to the status quo," Hsiao told reporters, in a reference to China's territorial claims on Taiwan, which has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party nor formed part of the 73-year-old People's Republic of China, and whose 23 million people have no wish to give up their democratic way of life to submit to rule by Beijing.

She called on the international community to make it clear to Beijing "that dialogue is the only way to resolve differences."

While Chinese leader Xi Jinping has refused to rule out the use of force to achieve his stated goal of "unification," he recently denied to President Biden in San Francisco that China plans to invade Taiwan by 2027 or 2035, according to U.S. officials.

"Naturally, we hope and anticipate that President Xi Jinping's statement that there is no timetable for attacking Taiwan was sincere," Hsiao told a news conference in Taipei.

"We also wish to seek the greatest area of common ground with the other side, which is to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

Hsiao referenced a phrase used during the early years of the Reagan administration during negotiations with the Soviet Union -- "trust but verify."

"We too are willing to grasp any opportunity for peace-making with goodwill," Hsiao said. "But we also need to build up our own strength, to face the other side with more confidence -- confidence that we can ensure continuing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

That confidence includes educating the island's voters to spot disinformation and attempts at political influence from China, she said.

"Ever since our first direct presidential elections in 1996, we have seen China exert its influence in every election," Hsiao said. "I'm sure we will see a diverse range of attempts to influence the elections in the weeks ahead, including various cognitive warfare operations."

"We must keep educating ourselves ... identify disinformation, as well as various kinds of external influences," she warned.

Authorities in China last month announced a tax audit into Foxconn, owned by presidential hopeful Terry Gou, which many see as a bid to get him to step down and relinquish voters who might otherwise vote for the opposition Kuomintang which favors closer ties with China.

Asked about the move, Hsiao said: "Businesses should not become the victims of the Chinese Communist Party's ambitions."

"If we want to see healthy and orderly trade and economic exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, we need the other side to understand that ... political pressure isn't helpful," she said.

Taiwanese people to determine their future

Hsiao and Lai are campaigning on a platform of "defense, deterrence, economic security, strong international partnerships and 'pragmatic' relations with Beijing," she said.

She said her labeling  along with Lai  as an independence advocate by Beijing was also "not constructive."

"The Chinese Communist Party has a habit of categorizing and labeling people, so as to struggle against them," Hsiao said. "But over the past few decades, we have seen that this kind of labeling isn't very constructive."

"We continue to insist on freedom and democracy ... and we will continue to defend our legitimate rights, and our values of freedom and democracy ... and the ability of the Taiwanese people to determine their own future," she said.

Hsiao, who described her role as Taiwan's envoy to Washington as "a delicate balance" needing the careful tread of a cat, said the island's relationship with the United States would be prioritized as part of that process.

"We have been put in a situation where the geostrategic challenges are formidable, and a rock-solid partnership with the United States is critically important right now," she said. "We have to forge bipartisan and unified support for Taiwan."

Hsiao said she had traveled around the United States during her 3 1/2 year tenure as envoy, citing her experience of Taiwan's thriving grassroots political scene as an advantage in building support beyond the confines of Washington politics.

"We cannot afford to let Taiwan become an issue of partisan difference in American politics ... [and] we have to expand our support among the American public and the American people," she said.

Hsiao's candidacy also comes as the main opposition Kuomintang, which lost the presidency to incumbent Tsai Ing-wen for two successive terms amid ongoing fears of Chinese Communist Party infiltration, was in talks with the Taiwan People's Party to revive plans for a joint campaign.

Opinion polls have shown that a combined opposition ticket could outweigh support for the Lai-Hsiao ticket.

"Opinion polls have been up and down throughout [multiple] democratic elections in Taiwan, ever since the lifting of martial law [in 1987]," Hsiao said in response to a question about her view of a potential blue-white opposition alliance.

"The best thing we can do is improve ourselves, to win more recognition from the Taiwanese people, rather than just standing by and waiting to see if they fall out or make up," she said.

Hsiao's first stop on the campaign trail will be in the eastern county of Hualien, which she once represented in the island's Legislative Yuan, and where she "spent a decade of my youth," she said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.
The meeting offers a crucial opportunity for China to assess the policy stances of Seoul and Tokyo, says an expert.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin interact at the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia August 4, 2022.

South Korea, Japan, and China are set to convene their first foreign ministers meeting in four years in the South Korean port city of Busan on Sunday, where the major geopolitical players in Asia will address a comprehensive array of topics, including both economic and security issues.

The meeting on Nov. 26, will be hosted by South Koreas Foreign Minister Park Jin and see participation of his Japanese and Chinese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Wang Yi, the Souths foreign ministry said on Friday.

The ministers are set to extensively exchange opinions on various topics, including preparations for the 9th Trilateral Summit and the overall direction of trilateral cooperation development, as well as regional and international circumstances, the ministry added without elaborating further.

Annual meetings of foreign ministers from the three countries started in 2007 on South Koreas Jeju Island, and persisted until their 9th gathering in Beijing in August 2019. Since then, the meetings have been on hold, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary focus of the upcoming talks revolves around whether all three parties can agree on a date for the trilateral summit. The last trilateral summit took place in 2019 in Chengdu, China.

Whether China would want to continue the trilateral summit platform has long been a question. As China emerges as a global power, its focus within the region, in a relative sense, has somewhat lessened. The increasing collaboration of South Korea and Japan under the trilateral framework with the U.S. also has been a source of discomfort for China.

In fact, with South Koreas new conservative Yoon Suk Yeol administration, Seoul has been more vocal about criticizing China on the international stage  with concerns ranging from Beijings decision to repatriate North Korean defectors back to the Kim Jong Un regime to Chinas coercive behavior towards the self-governed island of Taiwan.

However, with South Korea and Japan increasingly aligning with the U.S., China could see the revival of the trilateral summit, which usually puts heavy emphasis on economic cooperation, as a strategic move to regain its influence in the region.

The combined economic weight of the three countries accounts for more than 20% of the global economy, and reaches around 80% in the ASEAN+3 region, according to data from South Koreas finance ministry.

Another key point of interest is whether China will agree to issue criticism regarding North Koreas illegal satellite launch late Tuesday. The trilateral foreign ministers meetings have usually included a consensus on security issues in the Korean peninsula. However, it is uncertain whether Beijing would consent to condemn the Norths latest actions.

Rocket technology can be used for both launching satellites and missiles. For that reason, the U.N. bans North Korea from launching a ballistic rocket, even if it claims to be a satellite launch.

Following the launch, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stressed that he was dedicated to implementing countermeasures against the dangerous and aggressive moves of the hostile forces  an apparent reference to the U.S. and its regional allies.

The possession of a reconnaissance satellite is a full-fledged exercise of the right to self-defense. The DPRK armed forces can neither concede even a bit nor stop, even a moment, Kim said, referring to North Koreas formal name, as cited by the state-run Korean Central News Agency Friday.

Unlike previous occasions, when Chinas foreign ministry often expressed its regrets, Beijing refrained from issuing a public criticism of North Koreas latest launch, as the strategic value of Pyongyang has been raised due to intensifying U.S.-China relations.

This upcoming foreign ministers meeting is particularly significant as it takes place amidst the strategic competition between the U.S. and China, said Wang Son-taek, director of the Global Policy Center at the Han Pyeong Peace Institute, adding that it appears to be an opportunity for China to step in and manage the deteriorating bilateral relations it has with both South Korea and Japan.

From Chinas perspective, the foreign ministers meeting will be a crucial juncture to assess the policy stances of Seoul and Tokyo towards Beijing, which may ultimately influence Beijings decision on whether to proceed with the summit, the pundit added.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
Poisoned water in Kachin state is giving residents lesions all over their bodies, locals said.

Residents of Momauk township's Khaung Par village say they are contracting skin diseases from chemical mining waste.

Residents in northern Myanmar are contracting diseases from nearby chemical waste, residents told Radio Free Asia. In Kachin state, rare earth mining produces toxic chemicals that end up in water sources, they said.

In Momauk townships In Khaung Par village, locals said they are getting skin diseases after contact with water in a nearby stream.

Liquid waste from mining sites is drained into a stream near In Khaung Par village, said a villager who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, and has affected the skin on his legs, palms and body. Many residents reported symptoms like peeling skin, rashes and sores on their hands, arms and legs.

This has never happened before. Our village mainly uses stream water. There has never been a disease [from it]. Last year the mining work began near the village, he said. A harsh liquid waste like acid was released from the rare earth mining ponds and poured into the stream. People use [the water] and get sores.

More than 1,000 people live in In Khaung Par, and the majority have noticed symptoms from the chemical waste runoff, according to local residents. Along with skin lesions, some residents have also passed out.

Despite the seriousness of the disease, most locals cant afford treatment and have not gone to Momauk Hospital, the villager added. Most of the locals work in agriculture and are only using traditional medicine to treat themselves.

Rare earth mining near In Khaung Par village started in 2021 with the permission of the Kachin Independence Organization, locals said.

RFA called Kachin Independence Organization information officer Col. Naw Bu about the outbreak, but he did not respond by the time of publication.

Rare earth minerals are widely used in technology and major supply chains around the world, and are heavily relied on by neighboring China. However, the industrys growth has come at a high cost to local communities, including environmental destruction, land confiscation, along with providing funds for Myanmars military.

Kachin residents have protested the mines, and told RFA they strongly object to the industry, whose sites have expanded to take up roughly as much land as Singapore. However, the Kachin Independence Army has not made any commitments to relocating or removing sites they said.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Three carriers ply waters near where China has been engaged in a rising number of provocations.

UPDATED at 9:50 am ET on Nov. 27.

Fighter jets roared off the aircraft carriers flat top into the night, their afterburners glowing.

The scene aboard the USS Carl Vinson  visited recently by Radio Free Asia journalists  came during recent joint exercises by American and Japanese naval vessels in the Philippine Sea that included two U.S. aircraft carriers and one Japanese helicopter carrier.

It was a show of force in a patch of ocean where Chinese provocations have increased. Farther south, in the South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard ship collided with a Philippine fishing boats last month.

Naval officers aboard the ships said the exercises were simply meant to maintain freedom of the seas and improve cooperation between their navies, not send a warning signal to China or North Korea  at least overtly.

The engine exhaust of a fighter jet glows in preparation for take off aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson during an exercise in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 5, 2023. Credit: Eungyu Lee/RFA

We don't have any kind of intention to respond to that kind of frustration, Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota of Japans Maritime Self Defense Force told reporters at a joint press conference Nov. 6 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, another aircraft carrier, also visited by the RFA journalists.

We just conducted the joint exercise or activities for maintaining the free and operating Indo Pacific Ocean and also for or improving our interoperability, just as our normal activity, he said.

Are we ready? Absolutely

For its part, China has bristled at the exercises. The state-run Global Times cited Chinese military experts saying the joint drills "tightened the instability of the region, and definitely are not in the interest of the regional countries.

Come what may, Rear Admiral Patrick Hannafin said the U.S. Navy would be ready.

We are not directing this exercise for our activities or training against any particular crisis, Hannafin said during a separate news conference. Are we ready to respond to any crisis across the world whether it's this theater or others? Absolutely.

Ships sail through the Philippine Sea during a joint U.S.-Japan exercise, Nov. 6, 2023. Credit: Eungyu Lee/RFA





Radio Free Asia journalists were among several invited by the U.S. 7th Fleet, headquartered in Yokosuka, Japan, to spend two days aboard ships involved in the exercises earlier this month.

Taken for a helicopter ride over the fleet, the RFA journalists got a birds eye view of the two U.S. aircraft carriers  the USS Ronald Reagan as well as the USS Carl Vinson  churning through the water.

Nearby sailed Japans Hyuga, a light carrier equipped with helicopters, an Aegis destroyer and a cruiser escort, among other support ships.

Sailors talk on the bridge of the carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Nov. 6, 2023. Credit: Eungyu Lee/RFA





All told, the United States has 11 aircraft carriers total, and deploying two to the same exercise is somewhat unusual. Both the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Ronald Reagan are Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, carrying about 5,000 crew and more than 60 aircraft, including F/A-18s, with the former ship also carrying F-35s.

Not strained

The exercises should dispel notions that crises in different parts of the world leave the U.S. overextended, said Harry Harris, the former ambassador to South Korea and a retired admiral who was once commander of the U.S. Pacific Command.

This is a highly visible depiction of America's resolve and immense capability to defend our national interests and our allies in the Western Pacific, he said. It answers those naysayers who believe that the U.S. is overextended in the Middle East and Europe. Nothing could be further from the truth.

An F/A-18 Super Hornet prepares to take off from the carrier USS Carl Vinson, Nov. 5, 2023. Credit: Eungyu Lee/RFA





Gen. Vincent Brooks, a former commander of the U.S. Forces in Korea, said that the exercises underscored the importances of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US took advantage of two carriers available to practice naval operations in the area, said Brooks. The US is a global power and presumptions of the US being distracted are dangerously ill-founded.



The exercises are meant to reassure American allies in the region and dissuade potential adversaries in different regions simultaneously, said Patrick Cronin, chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute.

A flight deck crew member gives the thumbs up aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson, Nov. 5, 2023. Credit: Eungyu Lee/RFA





Chinese PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) forces regularly conduct peacetime confrontation operations designed to make the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and others feel anxious and uncomfortable, he said.

Beijing wants others to comply with their wishes and to change any behavior they dislike.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Updated to clarify that collision between Chinese coast guard vessel and Philippine fishing boat happened in South China Sea, not Philippine Sea.
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.
Hennesys Disla didnt just participate in the University at Buffalos Cultivator program for startup companies, it became the catalyst for her moving from Brooklyn to Buffalo in April.

She saw coming to Western New York as an opportunity to scale her business, ArmHug, an e-commerce company that supplies portable medical kits to nurses and phlebotomists.

So far, shes had no regrets.

Not only did Cultivator provide Disla the resources she needed to grow her business, but shes also made helpful local connections that have provided referrals to potential investors and experts in the industry.

Disla moved her team and companys manufacturing to Buffalo  the Cultivator requires participant companies to reside in Western New York  and now many of ArmHugs customers are also from the area.

Moving her startup to Buffalo for Cultivator has been reminiscent of what companies have done for nine years after winning the 43North competition.

Cultivator, which provides mentorship and funding for promising local businesses, has become a significant link to the chain of support for startups. And it is part of UBs expanding efforts to become a linchpin for Buffalos startup ecosystem.

Its been really fruitful to see how the business has grown and moving to Buffalo has helped a lot, said Disla, who discovered Cultivator through LinkedIn and then started to make local connections in November by attending Startup Week in Buffalo. I didnt think I would have made a move to Buffalo, of all places, but I didnt know that the resources were there.

ArmHug is one of three companies to graduate in September from Cultivator, a program housed in UBs downtown incubator at the Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. To date, 50 startups have participated in Cultivator and 16 have graduated.

Tonawanda native Kevin MacVittie may not have moved back to Buffalo specifically for Cultivator, but it was something he prioritized shortly after returning to the area last year and spinning his company out into V-Markings, which provides data to build, augment and maintain high-definition maps. He began by working with airports before pivoting to clients doing road and highway work.

MacVittie was once responsible for innovation programs at Clarkson University, so he got in touch with a colleague doing similar work at UB, who pointed him toward Cultivator. The timing couldnt have been better.

It was an exceptional process, MacVittie said. The people and the support are incredible. I really like the approach of trying to work with you by meeting you where you are and for us, they focused right at the start.

Managed by UBs Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships team, Cultivator provides startups with mentors and sets them up with partners in the local startup ecosystem, such as Launch NY, 43North, the Buffalo Angels and the Western New York Impact Investment Fund.

We pair founders with experienced entrepreneurs who have walked in their shoes and can help them answer critical questions about the problem their business solves and the market it serves, said Peter Burakowski, a former 43North executive who now leads the Cultivator as associate director of startup ventures at UB.

Medina native Mercedes Wilson was referred to the program by a few people who thought her business, Sadies Relish, could flourish with the help of Cultivator.

Funding for startups in their early stages is critical, yet traditionally difficult to obtain, especially for people from underserved communities. Startups participating in Cultivator receive a $100,000 investment from UB. It helps them meet key early milestones, gain proven traction and create a larger pipeline.

Wilson put the money she received in February toward increasing production capacity of the product, helping Sadies Relish get into more stores.

Her relish, a family recipe passed down by her father, Kelvin Holloway, was initially sold only at Niagara Produce but now is in close to 130 retailers, including Tops, Wegmans, Lexington Co-op and Market32.

Im a foodie and Ive done food on television, but getting in the food business is a totally different world, Wilson said. Every day, Im thankful for this program. It opens doors. In any business, once people see you building momentum, then they naturally want to help. It draws in community and people who want to offer their expertise.

The program also aims to help prepare companies for future investment from other funding sources.

For startups in their earliest, riskiest stages, funding often comes from wealthy friends and family, but not all founders have these relationships, said Richard Kim, director of startup ventures at UB. We believe there are talented entrepreneurs in every corner of Western New York. Cultivator democratizes access to funding and provides more founders with opportunities to successfully build and scale business.

In the first phase of the program, founders have weekly meetings with experienced entrepreneurs who provide practical solutions, feedback and guidance in what to focus on. Phase two gets more into road mapping the companies growth plans.

When youre starting a new company, there are thousands of things you could be doing, and they do a great job of helping you focus on the one or two things you should be doing, MacVittie said.

Mentorship may be the most important part of the program for founders, but meeting biweekly among the fellow entrepreneurs in the program also helps as they discuss successes and failures.

The main thing is that you realize that youre not alone, Wilson said.

Guidance is provided to company founders on how to tell the story of their business and ask for money  something that does not come easy for everyone, Wilson said. She also now feels more well versed about what shes doing in the food space.

Company founders also are encouraged to think bigger, Disla said. She has clients locally, as well as throughout the U.S., but shell soon start focusing on global growth after raising another round of funding. Her sales have quadrupled over the past few months.

Theyre very future focused, Disla said. Youre building long-lasting relationships, which is great.

Among the Cultivators graduate companies is Arbol, a financial wellness platform that helps colleges and universities reduce student dropout rates. Arbol announced in June that it closed a $350,000 pre-seed funding round led by the Western New York Impact Investment Fund.

Cultivator was a game-changer for us. We came into the program with an idea and, a few months later, launched the company with funding, said Favio Osorio, co-founder of Arbol.

Companies that have completed the program continue to talk among one another and know they can always reach out to their program mentors. In fact, MacVittie recently reached out for advice as he goes through a pre-seed funding round.

Especially having just moved back to the area, the opportunity to meet other people in the same space has been fantastic, he said. We made it through this program and got the support we needed while doing it.
RFE/RL correspondent Maryan Kushnir traveled with a Ukrainian demining team as they tried to clear roads in territory retaken from Russian forces near Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region. The team is trying to secure safe passage for Ukrainian troops as they attempt to advance, but the sappers say it could take decades to fully demine the region.
Kurt P. and Monica Villani, who died Wednesday when their car exploded at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, were a kind and hardworking couple who were closely tied to their Grand Island community and the family hardware business Kurts father started nearly 40 years ago, their friends said Friday.

The couple, both age 53, were on their way to Toronto to see a Kiss concert after stopping at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino when something went wrong. Multiple videos from the scene show their 2022 Bentley speeding in the plaza of the Rainbow Bridge going toward the bridge. The vehicle flew into the air and then exploded into flames.

Hochul: 'No indication' of terrorism in fatal car crash, explosion at Rainbow Bridge A car that crashed and exploded Wednesday morning on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, killing two people, does not appear to be an act of terrorism, Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a news conference. "There is no sign of terrorist activity with respect to this crash. We have identified that this is a local individual," she said.

The explosion prompted fears of terrorism. But the FBI and other assisting agencies concluded within hours that the explosion was not a terrorist act and rather a terrible accident  possibly caused by a medical incident or a vehicle malfunction. In 2021, the Australian government issued a limited recall of Bentleys over problems with the accelerator getting stuck.

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert M. Restaino told The Buffalo News he has been a longtime friend of the Villani family. Kurt Villani Sr., who died last year, started the familys business, Guis Lumber and Home Center, in 1986, according to its website. It has since grown to seven Ace Hardware stores throughout Western New York.

I also knew Kurts dad, who died last year, through my father. Our families have known each other for decades. I knew Kurt and Monica, two kind, easygoing and very hardworking people, Restaino told The News on Friday. This was just a tragic, horrible incident, and because of the condition of the vehicle and sadly the human remains, we may never find out exactly what happened.

The Villanis had a son and a daughter, and are also survived by Kurt Villanis mother, the mayor said.

Eric Fiebelkorn, president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, said the Villanis were well-known on the island, especially in the business community.

Everybody knows everybody on Grand Island, Fiebelkorn said. ... Its the smallest town of small towns. There are some people who are always plugged in. Their family always was.

The Villanis were always happy to help with charitable causes and community projects, he said.

They are a very generous and community-oriented family, Fiebelkorn said. With the loss or Kurt Sr. last year, and now this tragic loss of Kurt Jr. and Monica, it leaves a void in our small-town business community that will be very difficult to fill. Our prayers and our thoughts certainly go out to their family and staff. The membership of the Chamber of Commerce will be available to help them in any way we can.

The Villanis had recently purchased land in the town center to develop. We were excited to see what they were going to do with that, he said.

Niagara Falls police: It will be 'some time' before Rainbow Bridge investigation is completed The occupants of the fast-moving car that went airborne over an 8-foot fence and crashed and exploded at the American side of the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday appear to have stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino just before the fatal crash.

News spread quickly through the town about the crash as residents heard that it involved a Bentley and people from Grand Island, he said.

Its a nice community, but not too many of us have Bentleys, he said.

The town will be mourning the tragedy for some time, he said.

Its so sudden. Almost, really unbelievable, Fiebelkorn said.

The Villani family, along with the Maniccias  Monica Villanis family  and Guis Lumber released a statement Friday through the Erie County Sheriffs Office: We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing. Thank you.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation Friday.

On Wednesday night, Gov. Kathy Hochul said that it may take a while to determine what happened. This vehicle basically incinerated; there is nothing left but the engine, she said. Photos from the scene on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge showed charred bits of debris strewn all over the toll inspection area.

Restaino said that based on his conversations with police, a medical emergency or a mechanical problem with the couples Bentley luxury car are seen as the most likely causes of the fiery, high-speed crash.

The Niagara Falls mayor said police are aware that some Bentley vehicles  other than the model that Villani was driving  have been recalled in recent years because of problems with stuck accelerator pedals.

Im not saying they have decided that was the cause, but they are certainly looking into it, Restaino said.

In 2021, the Australian government issued a limited recall of about 400 Bentleys manufactured between 2018 and 2021  Continental GT and Flying Spur  for issues involving the accelerator.

If the accelerator pedal is fully pressed whilst driving and is unable to return to its resting position, the vehicle will continue to accelerate, even when the drivers foot is removed from the accelerator pedal, the recall notice said. ...This could increase the risk of losing vehicle control, potentially resulting in a collision and/or serious injury or death of vehicle occupants and other road users.

As of 12:40 p.m. Friday, a spokeswoman for the company that sells Bentleys in the United States said she was unaware of any contact between the company and police regarding the crash.

We saw the videos of the accident and Bentley is certainly going to help out any way we can, once we are contacted by the police, said Erin Bronner, spokeswoman for Bentley USA.

There have been safety recalls for Bentley Flying Spur vehicles that were produced in the years 2018-2021, she said, but those were vehicles sold outside the United States, and on those vehicles the driver sits on the right side of the car.

Bronner said she could not say for certain Friday whether the Villanis car ever had a problem with the accelerator pedal.

Until we get the VIN number and information on the service records of the car, I could not answer that question, Bronner told The Buffalo News.

She said Bentley will absolutely cooperate with any police investigation into the crash.

Restaino told The News that, to his knowledge, the Villanis were riding in a 2022 Flying Spur when it crashed.

Restaino said he would be astonished if the crash was a purposeful event.

I know police are looking into every possibility, but from my conversations with investigators, that appears very unlikely, Restaino said.
Memorial services for Jerry are Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, Montana with Pastor Barb Haugerud officiating. A luncheon will follow the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Gerald will be laid to rest in Richland Memorial Park Cemetery, Sidney, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran World Relief, the Foundation for Community Care, the MonDak Heritage Center, or a charity of your choice. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, MT is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Gerald Jerry Grawunder Roger Redlin was born in Sidney, Montana on May 16, 1924, to Ernest and Hedwig Hattie (Grawunder) Redlin. He grew up on the family farm in the Three Buttes community, initially attending the rural school there. His father's determination that his sons all receive an advanced education led him and his brothers to also attend schools in Minneapolis and Seattle, as the family's situation was buffeted by the Great Depression and the onset of WWII. Every spring, however, the family would return to the Montana farm.

With the world at war, Jerry was drafted into the army in 1944, attending basic training in California and Officer Candidate School in Georgia, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He boarded a troop ship to Japan in October 1945, where he was a member of the occupation forces, initially heading up a tank battalion motor pool because the military figured a farm boy would know his way around the machinery. The devastation he saw in fire-bombed Tokyo, and later in a specially authorized tour of war-torn Germany in 1948, made him a lifelong pacifist.

After mustering out of the Army in 1946, Jerry had an opportunity to attend the Encampment for Citizenship program in New York City which brought together young people from all over the world to live and study together for several weeks. While there he was notified that he had received a one-year scholarship to Ruskin College in Oxford, England to study economic theory. He sailed for England in 1948. His time in Tokyo, New York and Oxford afforded him several surprising encounters for a Montana farm kid, including a courtroom view of Tojo's war crimes trial, a car ride with Eleanor Roosevelt, a concert with a young Pete Seeger, and a meeting with then Princess Elizabeth, to name just a few.

In 1949, with his classes at Oxford completed, Jerry returned to the family farm and enrolled in Business College at Minot, ND, earning an associate degree in accounting. Jerry had an entrepreneurial streak and in those early years started or helped start businesses leasing minerals, fabricating fiberglass burial vaults and dune buggy bodies, and selling steel quonset buildings.

Jerry met his future wife Elsie Hoversten on a visit to Crosby, ND in 1952. Two years later on Feb. 7, 1954, they were married. They made their first home in Sidney and began their family with the arrival of twin sons Jonathon and Jeffrey, and daughters, Bethany and Meredith. The young family moved to Wolf Point where Jerry worked as an insurance adjuster and son Nathaniel was born, but once again they returned to the Sidney area, this time to take over the family farm. For the next 28 years, they lived in the Three Buttes Community near Lambert, MT and raised their family  now including youngest sons, Bradley and Marcus. To help support their growing family, Elsie returned to teaching at Lambert High School for a short period, and Jerry started a machinery dealership (with his brother, Ernie) on the home farm.

While family always came first for Jerry, church and community were close seconds as he strove to provide his family with well-rounded lives that took into account those in less fortunate circumstances. Jerry, along with Elsie, was an active member and leader in the local Democratic Party. Jerry also served his community through his work with the local Farmers Union organization and grain elevator, the First Lutheran Church in Lambert and later Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, and the rural Three Buttes Elementary School (the same one he had attended as a child).

Jerry also served 36 years on the Montana Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Board, and 20 years on the board of directors for the Grain Terminal Association, now Cenex Harvest States, a farmer owned cooperative and Fortune 100 company.

In 1991, Jerry and Elsie retired from farming and moved into Sidney where he lived for the next 30 plus years. In retirement Jerry continued to serve on various boards, including the Sidney Health Center board when plans for a new assisted living center, The Lodge, were initiated. He joined Kiwanis. He and Elsie worked as volunteers with the hospice program in Sidney. It was also in retirement that Jerry joined many lifelong (and new) friends for coffee and spirited conversation, meeting 5 days a week for more than two decades. It became a highlight of his day, even as his health failed.

Jerry and Elsie had another passion-traveling to new places to expand their appreciation for the diverse peoples and cultures of the nation and the world. They were able to travel extensively, including trips to Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, Japan, England, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Turkey, and more. For Jerry's 90th birthday, his children returned with him to England where he shared stories and haunts from his time there as an Oxford student.

Jerry's greatest joy and biggest challenge in retirement was completing a two-year lay ministry program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church alongside Elsie. The two of them accepted interim positions at three different multi-point parishes across northeastern and central Montana, serving as lay pastors for nearly three years.

Jerry was a very warm, kind and generous man, who could strike up a lifelong friendship as easily as he did a conversation with a stranger. A caretaker by nature, he lovingly nursed two brothers and his beloved wife in their last days. His children were blessed to care for him, in turn.

Jerrys greatest joys throughout his ninety-nine years of life remained his faith, friends, and always his family. He passed on peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 21, with his children at his side.

He is survived by his seven children and spouses, Jeffrey (Misty) Redlin, Jonathon (Karen) Redlin, Bethany (Dan) Redlin Mocko, Meredith Redlin, Nathaniel Redlin, Bradley (Erin) Jordahl Redlin, and Marcus (Karen) Redlin. Jerry is also survived by sixteen loving grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren including: Jen (John) McFadden and Mahayla; Steven Paulson; Jared (Chelsea) Paulson, Elly, Jesse, Neve, and Calum; Julian (Katie) Paulson; Jeanne (Chris) Sessing, Mattias and Olivya; Jacquie Redlin and Xavier; Stacey Redlin; Ian (Jeni) Redlin, Isabel and Finley; Melissa (Doug) Hagenbuch, Mason, Lily, and Maddalen; Rhea (Wes) Christensen, Molly and Jorgen; Devon Redlin; Eli and Asa Jordahl Redlin; and Emma, Kellyn and Daniel Redlin. He is also survived by 9 nephews and 9 nieces, with whom he also shared a special relationship.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife of 58 years, Elsie Redlin; brothers, Ernie, Rolland, Ward, and Robert Redlin; sisters-in-law Thelma Golden and Christine Redlin; brother-in-law Ted Hoversten; nieces Julie Kottsick, Kristi Redlin; and nephew Bruce Redlin.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Latest News

Commitment to Agricultural Prosperity: CM Bhagwant Mann Addresses Press after Meeting

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Latest News: In a significant development for Punjab's agricultural sector, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a pivotal announcement regarding the impending increase in the price of sugarcane. The announcement followed a crucial meeting between CM Bhagwant Mann and leaders of various farmers' unions, where discussions centered on the agricultural policies and the welfare of sugarcane farmers.

Highest Sugarcane Rate for Punjab: CM Bhagwant Mann Assures Farmers

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During the subsequent press conference in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his commitment to the agricultural community by assuring them of the highest sugarcane rate in the country. He conveyed that this promise was a result of discussions and agreements reached during the meeting with farmers' union leaders. The Chief Minister emphasized that the new and elevated sugarcane rate for Punjab would be officially announced in the coming days.

Crucial Meeting Concludes: Future Agricultural Policies in Focus

The meeting between CM Bhagwant Mann and farmers' union leaders was marked by discussions surrounding the broader agricultural landscape in Punjab. The Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the farmers and reiterated his government's dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural community.

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With the assurance of an upcoming hike in sugarcane prices, Punjab's sugarcane farmers can anticipate a positive shift in their economic prospects. CM Bhagwant Mann's commitment to securing the highest sugarcane rate in the country reflects the government's proactive stance in supporting and uplifting the agricultural sector in the state.


Afghanistan Embassy News

Official Statement Confirms Closure: Afghanistan Ends Diplomatic Mission in New Delhi

Afghanistan Embassy News: In a significant diplomatic move, Afghanistan has officially announced the permanent closure of its embassy situated in Delhi. The decision, effective from November 23, 2023, comes as a response to the persistent challenges faced by the Government of Afghanistan in its dealings with India. The Afghan Embassy conveyed that this step is taken in the hope of a more favorable approach from the Government of India for the resumption of normal embassy operations, emphasizing that the decision is not indicative of internal conflict.

In a statement released to a News Agency, the Afghan Embassy expressed gratitude to the understanding and support received from the Afghan citizens in India. The embassy highlighted its efforts to serve the Afghan people despite resource constraints and the absence of a recognized government in Kabul. Regrettably, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline in the last 2 years and 3 months, with students and businessmen leaving the country.

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Decline in Afghan Presence

The Afghan Embassy disclosed that the number of Afghans in India has decreased by half since August 2021, with limited new visas issued during this period. The decline is attributed to challenges faced by the Afghan community, compounded by the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul. It is noteworthy that the Indian authorities, having permitted the operation of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi with staff appointed by the ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, have not recognized the Taliban government that assumed power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

India had evacuated its employees from Afghanistan two years ago, resulting in the absence of Indian diplomats in the country. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, approximately one-third of the 40,000 registered refugees in India are Afghans. However, this figure does not encompass unregistered Afghan refugees residing in the country. The diplomatic strain reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics following the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan.

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(For More News Apart from Afghanistan Embassy News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman)


China Pneumonia News

Prompt Response from China: WHO's Concerns Addressed Within 24 Hours

China Pneumonia News: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reached out to China seeking clarification on a surge in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia clusters affecting children. China swiftly responded, assuring the global health body that no unusual or novel pathogens were identified in the cases under investigation.

Data shared by China indicated a connection between the rise in illnesses and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The presence of well-known pathogens such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus was observed. Despite the increase, the WHO emphasized that there is currently no advisory against travel or trade, and the situation is under close monitoring.

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Chinese health authorities conducted a press conference on November 13 to openly discuss the surge in respiratory diseases. They underscored their active management of the situation and highlighted that no unusual pathogens were found in Beijing and Liaoning province, providing transparency in their communication.

The WHO's proactive outreach to China reflects a commitment to transparency and early information sharing, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has requested additional information on the circulation trends of known pathogens and their impact on healthcare systems. Ongoing collaboration with Chinese authorities, clinicians, and scientists is facilitated through established partnerships and networks.

(For More News Apart from China Pneumonia News, Stay Tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Spain's producer prices declined for the eighth successive month in October amid cheaper energy costs, the statistical office INE said Friday.

The producer price index fell 7.8 percent year-over-year in October, following an 8.5 percent decline in September. Prices have been falling since March.

Excluding energy, producer price inflation moderated to 1.3 percent from 1.8 percent.

On a monthly basis, producer prices declined 1.5 percent in October, reversing a 1.5 percent increase seen in September.

The annual fall in overall producer prices was driven by the sharp 23.7 percent decline in energy prices. Intermediate goods prices also showed a fall of 5.4 percent.

Meanwhile, prices for capital goods and consumer goods grew by 2.7 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively, in October from last year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Mexican expanded as initially estimated in the third quarter, the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, showed on Friday.

Gross domestic product advanced an unadjusted 3.3 percent year-over-year in the September quarter, slightly below the 3.4 percent growth seen in the June quarter. That was in line with the flash data published on October 31.

Regarding large economic activities, the primary sector expanded the most, by 5.7 percent annually in the third quarter, faster than the 2.6 percent gain in the previous quarter.

The secondary activity grew at a slightly faster pace of 4.3 percent versus 3.9 percent expansion in the second quarter. Meanwhile, the growth in the tertiary sector eased to 2.7 percent from 3.1 percent.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP advanced 1.1 percent sequentially in the third quarter, revised up from the 0.9 percent estimated initially.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Chinese government has decided to allow visa-free travel for citizens from six countries on a trial basis.

Under the unilateral visa-free policy, passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia can visit the country for a year, its foreign ministry said in a statement.

This will be implemented from December 1.

Until November 30, 2024, passport holders from these countries can travel to China without a visa for , tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for 15 days.

According to the foreign ministry, the new lenient foreign policy will help "promote China's high-quality development and opening up."

Currently, China allows citizens of Singapore and Brunei to visit the country for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes for a period of 15 days.

The experimental change in policy comes at a time China's inbound tourism sector has slowed after the pandemic.

The number of foreign tourists visiting China has decreased considerably from pre-pandemic levels that will have negative implications for foreign investment and diplomacy in China's tourism industry, a recent report quoted experts as saying.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Buffalo Schools have bolstered building security by hiring personnel, locking doors, leading active shooter trainings and establishing check-in procedures, as schools across the country strive to prevent building access to outsiders with violent intentions.

But are the districts more than 60 sites equipped with modern safeguards to stymie intruders?

They are headed in the right direction  with plans for shatter-resistant windows, flashing blue emergency lights and new lock systems to secure classrooms from the inside  in part because of Superintendent Tonja M. Williams commitment to safety, but also because the state says so.

In response to Gov. Kathy Hochuls signing of the Safe Schools By Design Act last month, the district has not only laid out its ongoing building improvements, but also detailed prevention tools that will be hardwired into any future small- or large-scale school reconstruction projects.

Amid rise in violence, Buffalo Schools superintendent outlines safety, prevention efforts Violence in and around Buffalo Schools this school year has prompted questions from parents, teachers and board members about whether district administration is fulfilling its duty to keep students safe.

School districts are required by state law to develop a five-year capital plan, including expected costs for repairs and renovations, as well as metrics such as energy usage. The October amendment to that law urges districts to consider modern safety and security features in the design process for any future project. Grant funding is offered to districts that establish avenues for community input in facility planning.

Modern equipment eyed by Buffalo Schools, and recommended by the state, is intended to close loopholes through which school shooters have entered buildings en route to violent acts. But any technology also must ensure quick exit in case of building fires and remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The shooter who killed three students and three adults at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., shot the glass out of window panels in doors to enter, according to Reuters. In the Uvalde, Texas, shooting that killed 21 people, ABC News reported the gunman entered through an unlocked door. Initial reports, which proved inaccurate, said he had entered through a door that had been propped open.

After-school behavior warnings from Buffalo superintendent spark parent concerns Buffalo Schools parents are accustomed to being peppered with robocalls, but a repeated theme in district messages over a nine-day span has caused three official parent groups to voice concerns.

During a School Board committee work session this month, David Hills, Buffalo Schools chief operating officer, highlighted tools that might be intrinsic to future building projects.

Access-controlled double-portal doors and possible vestibules create another layer of defense if someone threatening approachesd the building, Hills said. Blue warning lights on building exteriors would flash to signal that a school is locked down. A ballistic glazing film applied to glass windows would make them shatter-resistant.

It doesnt block bullets, but it avoids spidering of the glass, he said.

Attention to classroom door locks will be key, too. Hills referred to state guidance last year that suggested doors that could be locked from the inside in an emergency situation. Media outlet Education Week cited national statistics from 2020 that said one in four public schools lacked doors with this capability. Deadbolts are not an option, Hills said, because of the fire code, but push-button locks were among possibilities recommended.

Buffalo Public Schools demonstrates new walkthrough weapons detection system at I-Prep As students entered International Prep on Friday, they were greeted by a new piece of technology: the Evolv Express weapons detection system. The school was the test site for a high-tech security system expected to be in all district high schools by the end of February.

Buffalo Schools have found other funding for past and ongoing safety upgrades. Sixty-five walk-through Evolv Weapons Detection Systems, which use artificial intelligence to detect objects that might be weapons, were purchased for about $2.7 million in Covid-19 relief funds.

Money from then-Gov. Andrew Cuomos Smart Schools Bond Act in 2014 is still being used, too, with long-term projects including the implementation of key card access systems, new intercoms, upgraded security cameras, Knox Box access for first responders and panic alarm buttons in main offices nearing completion.

One of the higher-tech measures being implemented is a door prop alarm system, which Hills said was recently demonstrated at Academy School 131. If a door to the outside is propped open, an alarm sounds and a camera in the main office automatically zooms in on the propped door.
Oil prices fell sharply on Friday, with traders awaiting the crucial meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (collectively known as OPEC+) next week.

OPEC+, originally scheduled to meet on November 26th, announced earlier this week that the meeting has been postponed to November 30th.

The meeting has reportedly been postponed as oil producers are struggling to come to a consensus on production levels.

West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for January ended lower by $1.56 or about 2% at $75.54 a barrel.

Brent crude futures settled at $80.58 a barrel today, down $0.84 or about 1% from the previous close.

Slightly easing geopolitical concerns following the release of some hostages in Gaza eased concerns about supply interruptions and contributed a bit to the drop in oil prices.

The OPEC+ group is widely expected to extend their current output cuts, but traders appear to have turned cautious due to the meeting postponement.

"While I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see leaks or comments over the weekend that still have an impact on the oil price on the open next week, the actual meeting now occurring Thursday could put traders' minds somewhat at ease," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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Head of the School of Languages and Literatures, Dr Bulelwa Nosilela

By Zindzi Nkunzi

In celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language, Rhodes University hosted a celebratory event at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. The event was supported by Rhodes University; the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB); Amazwi South African Museum of Literature; Makana Municipality; Home of Legends; South African Library for the Blind (SALB); Republic of South Africa, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, and the Province of the Eastern Cape, Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture.

This day commemorated the remarkable work done to help develop and preserve the isiXhosa language. Furthermore, the day was hosted to discuss and address possible ways to empower African languages now and in the future.

The Executive Mayor, Councillor Yandiswa Vara, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, distinguished guests, learners, and all attendees. In her welcoming remarks, she shared that all tribes are differentiated by their languages. The isiXhosa nation is living today because of those that have paved the way and our history. Language is the greatest weapon given to us to differentiate ourselves and dominate all creation, she said.

Councillor Vara highlighted the importance of preserving African languages as they are viewed and seen as inferior. The use of your home language does not make you look illiterate, she said.

Programme Director for the day, Mr Siyabulela Makwethu shared, We all know that some isiXhosa speakers mix the language with English, but it is important to acknowledge that some can speak the language fluently without mixing. Our languages will be preserved by us.

Head of the School of Languages and Literatures, Dr Bulelwa Nosilela, gave historical background to the use and writing of the isiXhosa language. Today, we are celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language, based on the first written text by John Benny in 1823. However, other people paved the way prior, as they had started writing words. She extended a hand of gratitude to all supporters and attendees of the event. I am happy that we are all gathered here to celebrate this special and important day, she added.

Director-General for Basic Education, Mr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli shared that, our cultures are different; however, we have other elements that unite us. Additionally, he urged every isiXhosa language speaker to pride themselves in their home language and continue to honour and celebrate it every day instead of only on certain days. It is important for us to use our languages in all disciplines and not only acknowledge them when we celebrate them on a particular day, he said.

Honourable MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe highlighted the importance of celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language. She said, We must be proud of our languages. She encouraged the youth to be proud of their culture and languages. The young generation are leaders of tomorrow, she said.

She encouraged everyone to work on doing something to contribute to the empowerment and preservation of African languages. We must not blame the government for everything; we must work on doing something, she said.

A panel discussion facilitated by Senior Manager-Languages Services DSRAC, Ms Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe took place.

Rhodes University School of Languages and Literatures, Research Associate Dr Vulindlela Mona spoke about the history of the isiXhosa language. He echoed the same sentiments as MEC Kontsiwe, I do not believe we should blame the government, but we ought to work for our languages.

The School of Languages and Literatures lecturer, Professor Ncedile Saule, shared information about literature writing. Senior Provincial Manager, Dr Xolisa Tshongolo spoke about the recent changes and developments in spelling and writing rules in the isiXhosa language. Dr Buyiswa Mini discussed the use of the isiXhosa language in the educational sector. Speaking English is not an indication of intelligence, she said. Additionally, she shared that mother-tongue bilingual-based education (MTBBE) advocates for the use of African languages in educational settings.

The event was filled with traditional dances, cultural performances by Kuyasa School, and poems from different attendees.
#RURises against Gender-Based Violence in South African universities

By Mo Senne, Senior Communications Officer, Rhodes University

In a world where gender-based violence (GBV) shadows the lives of many, Rhodes University (RU) has stepped into the light, championing change with its #RURises campaign. Coinciding with #16DaysOfActivism, this initiative is a testament to the Institution's unwavering commitment to tackling GBV head-on, not just in words, but in transformative action.

#RURises, an embodiment of Rhodes University's stance against GBV, sees the active participation of executive staff, including University leaders and faculty heads. This involvement is crucial, demonstrating that the fight against GBV is not just a student concern, but a universal priority.

In recent years, the issue of GBV at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa has gained significant attention. This alarming situation necessitates a focused response to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign is an opportunity to reflect on the strides made in addressing GBV, particularly in university settings, and to reinforce ongoing efforts to create safer educational environments.

GBV in South African universities  a closer look

The prevalence of GBV in South African universities is a critical concern. Protests and activism around the country since 2016 have brought to light the severity of sexual violence on campuses. While there is increasing awareness, a lack of nationally-representative research and the under-reporting of incidents, especially sexual violence, obscure the true extent of GBV in these institutions.

GBV at South African HEIs encompasses various forms, including domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and homophobic bullying. These forms of violence have profound impacts on the victims, influencing their sense of safety and well-being. For instance, surveys at Rhodes University revealed significant gender differences in perceptions of safety, with a notably higher proportion of female students feeling unsafe on campus, particularly at night.

Rhodes University's response to GBV has been proactive and multifaceted. Recently, the university organised dialogues exclusively for male students, focusing on the intricacies of GBV. These sessions, facilitated by Dr Gcobani Qambela, a distinguished researcher and Rhodes University alumnus, aimed to raise awareness and strategise early intervention against GBV. Held across various dining halls on campus, the talks provided a safe space for students to explore gender and patriarchy, fostering a culture of open dialogue and introspection. This initiative illustrates Rhodes University's dedication to creating a more gender-equitable society and promoting safety and respect within its community.

These dialogues are part of a larger initiative to address GBV at Rhodes University. They consist of two phases: an exploration phase, where students discuss gender and patriarchy in a non-judgmental space, and an action plan phase, where students devise strategies to tackle GBV on campus. The initiative reflects the University's commitment to creating a more gender-equitable society and providing a safe environment for all students

Vulnerable groups and contributing factors

Younger female students at HEIs are often at increased risk of GBV. The typical student age group of 1823 years falls within the peak period for both perpetration and victimisation of violence. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the transition to a new and less supervised social environment that university life represents. Additionally, gender-inequitable attitudes and societal norms, such as male superiority and entitlement, play a significant role in the perpetration and normalisation of GBV.

Legislation and policy frameworks

The South African government, recognising the urgency of the situation, has introduced significant legislative reforms. President Cyril Ramaphosa, acknowledging the severity of GBV, signed three key bills into law on 28 January 2022, aimed at bolstering efforts to combat GBV in the country:

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Act: This law introduces new offences such as sexual intimidation, expands the National Register for Sex Offenders, and includes additional protections for vulnerable groups, including women under 25 at universities. The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act: It amends existing laws to further regulate bail, evidence presentation, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in legal proceedings. The Domestic Violence Amendment Act: It broadens the definition of domestic violence and introduces new terms like "controlling behaviour" and "coercive behaviour." Importantly, it expands the scope of the Act to cover forms of harm occurring through electronic communication, a particularly relevant aspect for university students.

Institutional response and challenges

Institutional and social norms within universities significantly influence the occurrence and reporting of GBV. The lack of clear, comprehensive, and well-implemented policies addressing GBV is a major institutional shortcoming. This deficiency, along with the varied nature of policies across different institutions, contributes to the normalisation of GBV and hinders effective reporting and response mechanisms.

At Rhodes University, all first-time entering students (FTENs) are furnished with a physical copy of the Sexual Offences Policy for Students, which includes contacts and a visual representation of the sexual assault reporting process.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence provides a platform to highlight the ongoing struggle against GBV in universities and to call for sustained efforts to address this issue. It is imperative that universities align their policies with the new legislative frameworks and develop comprehensive strategies that address both individual and institutional factors contributing to GBV. This period of activism should serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment and action, ensuring that universities in South Africa are safe spaces for all students, free from the threat of gender-based violence.
Toyota Innova Hycross waiting period now stretches to one year with its hybrid variants commanding more attention over its petrol counterparts

The peak of the festive season in October 2023, coupled with strong market acceptance for products in the Toyota lineup has steered the company to a 45.24 percent YoY growth in sales in the past month. Models such as the Hycross, Glanza and HyRyder propelled the company to its success with 20,542 units sold in domestic markets while 1,337 units were exported in October 2023. The company has however been paying more attention to global markets with the Hilux MHEV revealed for Europe while the Toyota Crown Signia made its official debuts in USA.

Toyota Sales Breakup October 2023

Toyota sales have grown significantly on a YoY basis to 20,542 units up 45.24 percent from 14,143 units sold in October 2022. This was a volume growth of 6,399 units. It was the Toyota Hycross that received the most attention last month with 5,018 units sold to command a 24.43 percent share in the company portfolio.

At No. 2 was the Glanza hatchback with 4,724 units sold last month, a YoY growth of 25.40 percent from 3,767 units sold in October 2022. The Glanza was also on the list of top 10 best-selling hatchbacks in October 2023, featuring at No. 9 after the Tata Altroz and Tiago. Toyota HyRyder sales improved by 17.82 percent YoY to 3,987 units, up from 3,384 units sold in October 2022.

This was a 603 unit volume growth. More recently, both the Urban Cruiser HyRyder and its Grand Vitara counterpart have been updated with the ADAS feature though launch is expected to take place early next year. While Innova Crysta sales dipped 15.35 percent YoY to 3,165 units in October 2023 from 3,739 units sold in October 2022, that of Toyota Fortuner improved by 21.86 percent to 2,475 units.

There was also the Rumion on the sales list with 792 units sold last month while Camry sales grew by 234 percent to 197 units from just 59 units sold in October 2022. Toyota Camry was also at No. 10 on the list of top 10 sedans sold last month. The company also sold 181 units of the Hilux and 3 units of the Vellfire, though Vellfire sales fell by 96.59 percent YoY from 88 units sold in October 2022.

Toyota MoM Sales de-growth in October 2023

Toyota has reported a 7.29 percent MoM dip in sales in October 2023. Sales fell to 20,542 units in the past month from 22,157 units sold in September 2023. Most models on the company lineup have seen MoM de-growth except for the Hycross, HyRyder and Hilux.

Toyota Hycross sales grew by 11.86 percent MoM to 5,018 units from 4,486 units sold in September 2023 while commanding share improved from 20.25 percent to 24.43 percent MoM. MoM sales of the Glanza fell marginally by 0.06 percent to 4,724 units from 4,727 units while HyRyder reported a 4.81 percent MoM growth from 3,804 units sold in September 2023.

Thereafter, MoM sales of the Crysta dipped by 28.30 percent from 4,414 units sold in September 2023 to 3,165 units in the past month, while that of the Fortuner fell by 13.88 percent to 2,475 units from 2,874 units on a MoM basis. Sales de-growth was also reported for the Rumion by 45.79 percent to 792 units sold in October 2023 from 1,461 units sold in the previous month.

While Camry sales dipped by 23.94 percent to 197 units from 256 units MoM. Toyota Hilux sales grew 37.12 percent MoM to 181 units in October 2023 from 132 units sold in September 2023 while there were also 3 units of Vellfire.
The simplest way to grasp Ina Jovita Fergusons impact on Buffalo is to consider the people who spoke at her home-going service last weekend at True Bethel Baptist Church.

Three union leaders. Two New York State senators. The Buffalo School Board president. A Buffalo Community Parent-Teacher Association member, a nonprofit leader and a litany of family members, including one of her 13 grandchildren.

They all remembered the life of Ferguson, who died Nov. 6 at age 58, after being hospitalized for a stroke.

The representation from all walks of Fergusons busy life was unsurprising. Her eager participation was integral to her identity. She was a fighter and an advocate, in the words of Maurice Brown, political director for health care union 1199SEIU, in which Ferguson was an active member. She was a pillar in Buffalo Public Schools as a teacher aide and student advocate. She wore purple  her favorite color  to show union pride, and was devoted to reform in areas such as sustainability, food insecurity, restorative discipline and literacy.

Some of the most poignant words came from Scott Ruff, Fergusons cousin who lives on Long Island.

Goodness, are there five of you? Youre in the union, youre in schools, youre everywhere, Ruff said at True Bethel. That fills me with pride. Shes holdin down Buffalo.

Fergusons personality  a blend of loving and blunt  shined through during the service, as well as remembrances at the November Buffalo School Board meeting. She was quick to hand out nicknames  usually positive  calling her best friend Danielle N. Judge-Freeman Ms. Obama and Brian Freeman, who played trumpet at her memorial service, Mr. Obama. Buffalo Schools student support worker Heath Frisch recalled, with a smile, that Ferguson called him boyfriend, of which his wife did not approve.

True Bethel Pastor Darius G. Pridgen in his eulogy said Ferguson told him she considered running for public office. The pastor was thankful she never did.

Her tongue was not bridled for votes, said Pridgen, who grew up alongside Ferguson. I think she got more done without being elected, because when she walked in the room, it was, Oh, here comes Ina!  That sense of authority and persuasive power, he said, was balanced by an overarching mission to help students and families, and softened by a sense of humor.

Ferguson grew up in Hamlin Park, a neighborhood on Buffalos East Side, and graduated from Holy Angels Academy in 1983. She began her higher-education studies at Columbus State Community College and eventually earned her associate degree from SUNY Erie Community College.

Space Station sendoff finally arrives for Buffalo's young 'Spud Launchers' The three girls  who attended Hamlin Park School 74 together  will test whether 20 tiny potatoes squeezed into a small, half-inch tube can survive space

Her commitment to Hamlin Park did not waver. Through the community taxpayers association, she worked with Sharon Belton-Cottman, now the Buffalo School Board president, to develop the WNY STEM Hub. That endeavor encouraged Buffalo students to consider following science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways, and was capped by three Hamlin Park students chosen to execute a science project with NASA to send potato spuds to space.

Ferguson buoyed a long stint as a teacher aide at Early Childhood Center School 17 into myriad community advocacy and union efforts in retirement, which were still strong at the time of her stroke. Last year, she chartered the Buffalo Community Parent Teacher Association as part of outreach efforts from the Western Region PTA. The PTAs foundation in Buffalo focused on diversity and inclusion in student literacy resources.

Both Gloria Hunley, whom Ferguson encouraged to serve as secretary of the Buffalo chapter, and Hunleys son Michael described how quickly Ferguson forged bonds with them. Michael said he grew close to Ferguson this summer, when she served as his mentor. I know shed be proud to see me standing here right now, he said at True Bethel.

Ferguson was close friends with Buffalo Schools Superintendent Tonja M. Williams, who recognized the overall impact of the longtime teacher aide and consoled Fergusons family and friends at the board meeting held at Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction. That Williams and the

School Board could only touch on a few of Fergusons efforts was a testament to her remarkable involvement.

Ferguson supported Open Buffalo, an environmental justice group, through trainings and volunteering, recently visiting Michigan in August to learn more about brownfield cleanups, according to Open Buffalo Executive Director Franchelle Parker. Ferguson was president of Groundwork Buffalo, which worked with East Side youths and tried to combat food insecurity.

The power of her personality got things accomplished, said Racheal Tarapacki, Groundworks executive director.

No one told Ina no,  Tarapacki said. You just dont do that.

Fergusons recent efforts were noticed, too. The Buffalo School Board chose her for the 2023 Outstanding Parent Award, while her health care union dubbed her Community Activist of the Year and Western Region PTA honored her excellence in programming. She is survived by her fiance Marcus Downing and five children in their blended family, as well as 13 grandchildren.

Even Fergusons professional contacts knew family gave her joy.

It was always about her grandbabies, it was about her family, said Peter DeJesus Jr., president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation.
CITY COUNCILS

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad City Council met in special closed session Tuesday to discuss litigation. In regular session, the council discussed and approved a resolution to prepare a request for proposals for services for its Homeless Response Plan. Staff was authorized to recommend placement of portable restrooms where it was found to be necessary. The council also approved a zoning amendment to allow auto repair within the P-M Planned Industrial Zone with a minor conditional use permit, changed permit requirements for auto storage in several industrial zones, and set screening requirements for auto repair and auto storage uses.

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DEL MAR

The Del Mar City Council met in special session Monday to discuss fiscal year 2017-18 council priorities. The council heard a report from its representative to the San Diego County Water Authority, and also discussed its use of Measure Q funds, which come from a ballot measure that increased the citys sales tax by 1 percent. The council voted to ask the mayor to create a draft mission statement for a project team to advance the undergrounding of utility lines with Measure Q money.

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas City Council canceled its regularly scheduled meeting for Wednesday. A special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in council chambers, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., to discuss proposed district maps.

ESCONDIDO

The Escondido City Council canceled its scheduled closed session for Wednesday to discuss labor and property negotiations. In regular session, the council approved a rent increase for Town and Country Mobile Home Park of $14.30 per space per month. A bid of $541,228 was approved to buy 19 2018 Ford Interceptor utility vehicles from North County Ford.

SAN MARCOS

The San Marcos City Council met Tuesday and approved the first reading of an ordinance amending city code to prohibit cannabis operations and activities, including possession, cultivation, manufacture and distribution. The council also agreed to join the California Municipal Finance Authority for a joint powers agreement to approve a $67.5 million bond issue to finance and refinance the acquisition of mobile home parks (and other low-income multifamily housing) by the Caritas Corporation.

SOLANA BEACH

The Solana Beach City Council canceled its regularly scheduled Wednesday meeting.

VISTA

The Vista City Council met Tuesday in City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, to consider a resolution revoking changes to an ordinance on dog-walking and return to allowing dogs off-leash in South Buena Vista Park and excluding off-leash dogs at Buena Vista Park. The council asked staff to further study the matter, and asked that signs be posted at parks to alert people to public meetings where they can give feedback. The council held a hearing and agreed, 4-1, to amend the downtown Vista specific plan to allow a drive-thru restaurant, Raising Canes, at 303 Vista Village Drive. The council approved, 4-1, a funding request for $140,000 for Solutions for Change, in the form of a contract for services offered, with the city manager having oversight.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

DEL MAR

The Del Mar Union School District board met Monday for a facilities and funding workshop. The board also met in closed session at 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss litigation. In open session, the board approved the final draft of its facilities master plan, and heard a report on summer projects.

ESCONDIDO

The Escondido Union School District board met for a study session Thursday on facility needs.

FALLBROOK

The Fallbrook Union High School District board met in closed session Monday to discuss personnel and litigation. In open session, the board heard updates on the Magee Scholarship fund and the International Baccalaureate program.

OCEANSIDE

The Oceanside Unified School District board met in special closed session Monday to discuss contract negotiations and the superintendents evaluation. In closed session Tuesday, the board continued the superintendents evaluation, followed by a workshop on the Spring 2017 Smarter Balanced Assessment data. In regular session, a discussion about a commemorative plaque at the OHS Performing Arts Center was removed from the agenda. The board then returned to closed session to discuss labor negotiations. The board also met Wednesday for a workshop on the Rights, Respect, and Responsibility K-12 Sexuality Education curriculum.

SAN MARCOS

The San Marcos Unified School District board met in closed session Oct. 17 to discuss litigation. In regular session, the board heard a presentation by Pivot Charter School on its request to be authorized by the district. The district also considered new names for Alvin Dunn Elementary School, and chose La Mirada Academy, an IB World School. Richland Elementary staff gave a presentation on its STEAM program, in which all students rotate through classes monthly. The board also heard a presentation on the budget and preparing for adjustments and reductions. Information is also available at www.smusd.org. The board also met in closed session Tuesday to discuss labor negotiations.

SOLANA BEACH

The Solana Beach School District board met in special session Monday to discuss labor negotiations.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
The Niagara Falls Police Department has identified the two occupants killed in the fiery car crash Wednesday at the Rainbow Bridge border checkpoint.

Grand Island residents Kurt P. Villani and his wife, Monica Villani, both 53, died after their vehicle raced through an intersection, hit a median and went through the air before slamming into border booths and exploding. The Villani family owns Gui's Lumber, which has seven ACE Hardware stores in Western New York.

The FBI investigated and declared the incident was not a terror attack. The crash had caused the Rainbow Bridge and three others between Western New York and Canada to shut down until it was better understood what happened.

The Villani family, along with the Maniccia family and Gui's Lumber put out a statement Friday: "We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing. Thank you."

President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were informed of the incident as the FBI investigated.

The incident is under investigation by the NFPD Crash Management Unit.
Waymo ready to go in the snow

Waymo, the self-driving taxi company, wants to get a better feel for how its vehicles perform in harsh weather. So, the California-based company is doing research in Buffalo.

You may have spotted Waymos signature white Jaguars, equipped with its sensor technology and logo, driving around town. The vehicles arrived early this month and will be here through the end of November.

During this test phase, the Waymo cars are being operated by a driver, just like a conventional car, said Sandy Karp, communications manager with Waymo. The vehicles will essentially map out the city and surrounding freeways, providing context for the vehicles to operate within later on.

Waymo plans to bring its vehicles back to Buffalo in January, when the snow is flying, to see how they perform under those conditions, Karp said. During that phase, the vehicles will operate autonomously, but with a person inside monitoring everything.

Still, youll have to wait before you can hitch an autonomous taxi ride with Waymo around here.

We have no plans to share for a commercial service in Buffalo at this time, Karp said.

 Matt Glynn

Caught on camera

WKBW-TV reporter Kristen Mirand found herself in the right place at the right time earlier this month.

Mirand was out at the CSX railroad bridge over Young Street in the City of Tonawanda on Nov. 7. Thats where many, many, many trucks have struck the bridge because their drivers ignored warnings about its low height.

Retired Police Capt. Fred Foels diligently documented the crashes, which have reached 75 since 2000, according to Capt. Kevin Ulmer.

The bridge remains structurally sound, but city officials have struggled to prevent the crashes, largely blamed on out-of-town drivers using GPS technology that doesnt factor in the bridges height. A federally funded, $1.2 million program relying on infrared sensors hasnt been installed.

Mirand was on Young Street to report on a State Police program this month meant to prevent bridge strikes by over-height vehicles.

As she collected video, a tractor-trailer drove into the shot and under the bridge, which shredded most of the trucks roof.

The driver, an Ontario man working for a Calgary-based firm, wasnt injured but was issued numerous citations, according to a police report.

Its unbelievable, Ulmer told us, still amazed at Mirands lucky timing. I told her, Todays your day to play the lottery.

 Stephen T. Watson

The quote of the week

The narrative that Western New York could experience a population boom as a result of the effects of climate change has gotten attention in the past.

CNN weighed in on the topic earlier this month.

The networks chief climate correspondent Bob Weir did a positive story about our potential climate change refuge status thanks to our inland location with access to tons of fresh water. The report included interviews with Mayor Byron Brown and a couple of college professors.

Weir started it with the old Buffalo joke about there being two seasons in Buffalo  winter and the Fourth of July. But by the end, Weir found a new Western New York resident happy to have moved here. She noted it is called The City of Good Neighbors.

And then Weir tied the story  and the community  in a nice bow:

So it is not just the latitude but the attitude, he suggested. She agreed.
One of the largest seasonal artisan markets in the area, Yuletide in the Country, returns to the Events Center at the Hamburg Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3.

The 28th annual event features more than 150 mostly local artisans, along with spa-quality bath products, hand-poured aromatic candles and holiday decorations. It will also feature jewelry, gourmet food, craft spirits and wine, and holiday gift items.

Local charities will also be present to raise money for various causes. Hamburg/Eden Animal Rescue will hold a raffle of handmade gifts donated by participating artisans.

Tickets will be available at the door and are $6 per person, with children under 12 free.

 Harold McNeil
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has issued President Mnangagwa a 30 November ultimatum to appoint commissioners to the Independent Complaints Commission. Mnangagwa has dragged his feet for more than a year, depriving citizens of protection envisaged by the constitution.The commission is mandated with receiving, investigating and providing remedies to complaints from aggrieved members of the public about the security services.In a letter written to President Mnangagwa on behalf of Harare resident Nesbert Munyuki, lawyer Kossam Ncube protested that Mnangagwa has spent more than a year since enactment of the Independent Complaints Commission Act in October 2022, without appointing commissioners.
A foreign trade company in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, recently announced that it will implement a four-day work week, allowing its employees to enjoy a paid day off every Wednesday, in a bid to boost their efficiency and creativity. The company's manager, surnamed Xu, said that the decision to introduce the four-day work week was made after considering the needs of its employees, many of whom have children. As a result, the company has adjusted its working hours to start at 10 am and end at 4:30 pm. "Since we are a small company with only six staff members and everyone treats it like their own, if there's an urgent matter, employees will handle it even outside of office hours," explained Xu. Several companies in China have experimented with the four-day work week this year. In August, education company Fengxue Weilai, founded by online influencer Zhang Xuefeng, introduced a rest-on-Wednesdays schedule. Additionally, companies such as Nike Greater China, LeEco, and Ctrip have also implemented shorter or flexible work weeks. The news has been met with envy and admiration from netizens, many of whom commented that they are "companies of others" and saying that these work policies should be implemented more widely. However, for the majority of company workers in China, such flexible work arrangements are still not available. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the average weekly working hours for company employees nationwide in October was 48.7 hours, equivalent to working 6.1 days based on an eight-hour work day.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Advocate Thabani Mpofu, one of Zimbabwe's most prominent lawyers, has ruthlessly torn asunder opposition political activist Sengezo Tshabangu's case of recalling main opposition CCC MPs, senators and councillors, saying he has admitted that the grounds upon which he stood executing his mission were precariously shaky politically and legally to sustain his disruptive and undemocratic subversion of the people's will.Initially, Tshabangu said his mission was to "restore sanity" by addressing impositions of candidates in CCC, particularly Shona candidates in Bulawayo, a mainly Ndebele-speaking city.However, Tshabangu went further than that recalling MPs everywhere without showing how they were imposed, raising questions about his underlying motives and political agenda.Mpofu says Tshabangu had no locus standi and jurisdiction in the party where he claims to be an interim secretary-general to begin with, but also did not produced evidence to prove and support various allegations to justify his disruptive recalls.He only succeed so far largely because the Speaker of Parliament and the High Court, in particular, misdirected themselves.In his heads of argument in a Supreme Court appeal against a recent High Court judgement by Justice Munamato Mutevedzi dismissing 14 CCC MPs' challenge against the recalls, Mpofu asks relevant and fundamental questions which were ignored by the Speaker of Parliament and Mutevedzi in enforcing the recalls by what the legislators have described as an impostor.Mpofu says Tshabangu admits he he has no political standing to do what he did as he made the recalls as an individual to "restore sanity" in the party and to remove Shona people who were elected MPs in Bulawayo, a mainly Ndebele-speaking city.In the heads of argument filed on behalf of 14 CCC appellants' Supreme Court appeal, Mpofu argues that Tshabangu's case is fundamentally flawed and unsustainable.He says the High Court failed to establish the facts, resolve the root cause of the dispute and uphold the rights of legislators, and ultimately the voice of the electorate."It must, if at all, take exceptional circumstances for people's political choices, constitutionally expressed through a process of adult universal suffrage, to be ignored by anyone, let alone the courts. Whilst it belongs to political actors to make and score political points against each other, a court of law must, when confronted with a matter, never lose the essence. Regrettably the court aquo completely lost its path and did not consider, that in matters electoral, the voice of the electorate is sacrosanct; that any perceived procedural inadequacies cannot trump the clearly expressed voice of the people, and that for a court of law, there is really no choice between sense and nonsense. A document which is completely dispositive of this matter and appears at record page 165 was not had regard to aquo. The appeal ought to succeed. The facts necessary to dispose of this matter resolve it without any analysis and are these:"a. Appellants were in August of this year elected as members of the house of assembly on the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)1 political party ticket. They were sworn in as members of the House of Assembly sometime in September 2023.b. The fourteen never resigned their membership with the CCC neither were they at any point in time expelled.c. On the 4th of October 2023, a few days after they were sworn in, first respondent wrote to second respondent. In that letter he advised that:i. He was the interim Secretary General of the CCC. He did not explain whether he had been voted into office at a congress or otherwise appointed and if so by whom.ii. He had a copy of the constitution of the CCC which he shared with the second respondent.He did not explain who had authored this constitution or whether it had been adopted by the CCC at any congress or some such gathering. Crucially, there was no reference to whether the membership of the appellants had been acquired and subsequently lost in terms of that constitution.iii. First to fourteenth appellants had ceased being members of the CCC. He did not explain whether such cessation of membership was because of their deliberate acts or the acts of the political party the CCC.iv. That second respondent was as a result asked to proceed in terms of the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013. Such provisions not having been identified, it is curious why second respondent thought the letter required him to activate the recall provisions.d. At round about the same time, second respondent also received correspondence from Advocate Nelson Chamisa (Chamisa) which advised him that on matters relating to the CCC, he only had to receive and act on correspondence from his office and that the correspondence he had received from first respondent did not reflect the position of the CCC party. Chamisa an officer of the High Court, is the leader of the CCC party, a fact accepted by the first respondent.e. On the 6th of October 2023, second respondent wrote third respondent advising that there were now vacancies in appellants' constituencies. This triggered an urgent court application filed by the appellants whose dismissal has now led to this appeal.f. On the 11th of October 2023, first respondent issued a statement (at record page 165) in terms of which he explained that:i. The recall of appellants was his own act and not that of the CCC political party.ii. That it had been necessitated by the fact that appellants had in his view, been corruptly elected during the internal CCC election process and that some of them were Shona people in Ndebele territory.iii. That the fourteen had in fact not ceased being members of the CCC party.iv. That Chamisa was the leader of the CCC political party.1.3 It must take an unfortunate willing suspension of disbelief for anyone to claim, let alone conclude, that honourable members who took oaths of office representing a political party in September had, without being dismissed, renounced such oaths by the 4th of October. It would equally take a cruelty beyond comprehension for anyone to require the masses that queued up for 24 hours in August in order for them to cast their votes to queue up again in December for the same process. At a level that we must all accept; the law is meant to serve the people and meet their legitimate aspirations. The duty to state this is intrinsic in the authority granted the Supreme Court by the people of Zimbabwe. Much is given to this court; justifiably, from it, much is expected.1.4 The law governing recalls is clear and straightforward. The court below set it out with consummate ease. Section 129(1)(k) of the constitution provides as follows:"The seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant(k) if the Member has ceased to belong to the political party which or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the Member has ceased to belong to it.In Madzimure & Ors v Speaker of Parliament & Ors CCZ-8-19 the apex court considered that this provision contemplates and is triggered by, in paraphrase, the following:a. The member should have been sponsored by the political party upon their entry to Parliament. This is indubitably true of all appellants.b. The member should have ceased, as a matter of fact, to belong to the political party that sponsored their entry to Parliament.Disagreements with that political party or members, real or imagined, do not scale the constitutional threshold. The legality of the process of cessation stands quite apart from the fact of existence of such process Hwende v Speaker of National Assembly & Ors HH-341-21 and Hlalo v MDC-T & Ors HB-98-16.c. Cessation should either be by withdrawal of membership through the act of the member, or via expulsion from the political party through the act of the political party concerned. For this reason, there must be objective evidence of such cessation.Evidence of this kind, on the basis upon which constitutional processes are made to depend must when required be readily produced.The political party should give written notice of the cessation of membership to the Speaker. There is thus need for there to be an act of the political party. This is both a factual and legal requirement. The notice is ineffectual unless and until it is the act of the political party concerned. In this regard there is a difference between the act of a member, real or imagined, of a political party on the one hand and that of a political party on the other hand.e. The notice given by the political party must contain a declaration. There is a difference between notifying the Speaker of the cessation of membership on one hand and declaring that there has been such cessation, on the other. The need for a declaration speaks to the solemnity of the adopted position. The declaration must when evaluated meet the test of being a correct reflection of the situation on the ground- Prebble v Huata [2004] NZSC 29. A notification without a declaration is legally invalid.1.6 Beyond setting out the law and with respect in less than the detail it merited, the court aquo otherwise did not become engaged with these requirements. That is the bedrock of its many misdirections. It simply did not use the requisite work tools, purposefully given it by the law.1.7 It is also important to point out that a person or authority seeking the activation of these requirements must comply with them in full. A person cannot activate these requirements unless the person against whom they seek to activate them was:a. A member of the political party concerned upon being elected to office.b. Had as a matter of fact ceased to belong to the sponsoring political partyc. Such cessation is susceptible to objective proof, that is to say, can be proven either by a resignation or an expulsion. A notice highlighting this objective cessation has been given by the political party and not simply by someone claiming to act on behalf of the political party.e. There is in the notice a declaration bearing on the solemnity of the cessation- Mutasa & Anor v Speaker of the National Assembly & Ors CCZ-18-19 and Khupe & Anor v Parliament of Zimbabwe & Ors CCZ-20-19.1.8 Thus apart from applying the constitutional standard, the court aquo was required to also apply it in favour of the first respondent if his actions were to pass muster. The standard could not be applied in the air. The court aquo ought to have satisfied itself that first respondent, whoever he is, met the requirements that must be met by a person seeking to activate provisions of section 129(1)(k) before he assayed to do so.Regrettably, the court aquo did not even become engage with this issue. It also ignored the document at record page 165 which was dispositive of the matter.1.9 In relating to section 129(1)(k), the court must bear in mind that this is a provision that prima facie negates the will of the voter. The will of the voter will only be negated if it was expressed in favour of a scoundrel or a representative who subsequently becomes a scoundrel. Put differently, if people vote for a person who subsequently flies from their colours, the court will allow a political party triggering this provision to negate the will of the voter. If the member has not however, deserted the standard, the will of the voter becomes paramount and remains at all times and for all purposes sacrosanct. For that reason, the court in Madzimure said: "Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution is a provision clearly intended to benefit a political party in order to protect it from members who abandon its cause. The provision is meant to avert floor-crossing. It is the political party concerned which is ultimately answerable to the people. The object of s 129(1), as read with s 129(1)(k), of the Constitution, like the anti-defection provisions of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India, is to preserve and promote democracy. The vacancy is created in a seat of a Member of Parliament, who has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected, to give the electorate the right to decide in a bye-election whether to give the mandate to represent them in Parliament to the political party concerned or to the same person who lost the seat if he or she stands as an independent candidate or as a candidate sponsored by another political party.A court of law must therefore not be astute to find that the will of voters stands to be negated. It has an obligation towards the voter. This is because the voter is never party to these proceedings. A compelling case for such negation must therefore be made. If such negation cannot be justified on the basis of the Madzimure standard, then it may not be justified at all. Indeed, a court of law must look with suspicion to an allegationthat a member of parliament, has less than a month of being sworn in under the ticket of a certain political party, ceased to be a member of such political party. This court lives in the real world and indeed section 24(3) of the Civil Evidence Act (Chapter 8:01) enjoins it to take judicial notice of notorious matters known to all.2.2 Key questions arose on the pleadings aquo. The court aquo did not allow those questions to confront it. In the result, it did not answer them. The result is that it did not exercise its function over and in respect of the dispute that was before it. When a court fails to resolve the dispute placed before it, its judgment must be vacated. When it comes to resolving disputes, the court must resolve the nub of such disputes. It is no use following rabbit holes and fastening attention onto some unedifying aspects of the dispute with the result that the essence is not addressed. It is for that reason that onappeal, this court will interfere not only with the direct dictates of a judgment but also with its effect- Williams & Anor v Msipha N.O & Ors SC-22-109.2.3 The following key questions arise from the court record:a. When did the appellants cease being members of the CCC party?b. How did they cease being members of the CCC?c. Is such cessation reflected in a document, perhaps a written resignation or expulsion such as would afford objective evidence of the fact?d. Is there a statute on the basis upon which such membership ceased?e. Where does that statute come from? How does it work? Is it that statute that made them members in the first place?What is the effect of the constitution served upon second respondent by first respondent? Is it the one that regulates the question of the membership of the appellants?g. If there is not statute governing the question of the cessation of the membership of the appellants, is there an unwritten process that is known to the CCC party by which the question of cessation of the membership of the appellants is governed?h. Is the first respondent the CCC political party?i. Does the CCC as a political party consider as a matter of fact, that the appellants' membership with it has ceased?j. In the face of the letters written by Chamisa, how did the speaker conclude that he had a credible position from first respondent?k. Faced with two letters that prima facie say different things, how did first respondent decide which letter he was going to act on?l. In the face of the concession by first respondent at record page 165, was there still a dispute for the court to relate to?2.4 The provision of answers to all these questions was indispensable to a proper discharge of function in the dispensation of simple justice as between men and men. Put differently, this matter could not be resolved unless and until these questions were answered. Whether the speaker was also required to answer these questions is irrelevant. At the point of challenge, the court must answer the questions.
Transport technology company Aurrigo International announced an agreement with the Digital Testbed Cargo Project Consortium (DTAC) on Friday to conduct autonomous cargo transport trials at Stuttgart Airport.

The AIM-traded firm said the trials would involve the deployment of Aurrigos Auto-DollyTug, an autonomous vehicle designed for cargo handling.

Scheduled for deployment in March, the Auto-DollyTug would undergo testing at Stuttgart Airport for an initial four weeks.

That collaborative project was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and was set to be executed under the academic leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and the Frankfurt University of Applied Science as part of the broader Digital Testbed Air Cargo initiative.

We are absolutely delighted to win this first deployment in Germany and this is an endorsement of our strategy to concentrate on aviation, a sector where there is a clear demand for autonomous, electric vehicles to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and allow for continued growth in passenger volumes, despite a shortage of security cleared ground staff, said chief executive officer David Keene.

We look forward to exploring additional opportunities to work with Stuttgart and DTAC following the initial trial period.

At 1023 GMT, shares in Aurrigo International were up 0.49% at 103p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Solid-state battery technology developer Ilika reported significant progress in its operations in a trading update on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said that in the first half, it continued to expand its Stereax business by delivering stacked M300 batteries from its UK manufacturing facility to customers.

Notably, a licensing and royalty agreement was signed with Cirtec Medical in August, allowing Stereax production to be transferred to Cirtecs manufacturing facility in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Ilika said it had already dispatched essential equipment for Stereax battery manufacturing to Cirtec, except for the cathode manufacturing process, which remained in the UK.

Collaborating with Cirtec, Ilika said it was also working closely with a portfolio of 20 customers to support their development plans and launch schedules.

The Goliath programme - another of Ilikas important initiatives - made significant progress during the period that ended 31 October.

Technical parameters were reportedly improved, and production scale-up plans were implemented.

The company confirmed the achievement of its D4 technical milestone and remained on track to achieve lithium-ion energy density parity by the end of 2023, aligning with the guidance set in November 2022.

To support its development efforts, Ilika secured grant funding through the Faraday Battery Challenges HISTORY project, involving collaboration with BMW and Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE).

Additionally, the Automotive Transformation Fund supported the SiSTEM project, where Ilika collaborated with Mpac and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) for scale-up work since October.

Ilika said it was actively engaging with global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to share Goliath P1 prototypes for evaluation in the first half of the 2024 calendar year, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing through licensing.

In terms of financial performance, Ilika expected to report revenue of 1.3m for the period - a significant increase compared to 0.2m in the first six months of the 2023 financial year, primarily due to increased grant funding from the HISTORY programme and the newly-announced SiSTEM grant.

However, the company did not expect that positive income trend to continue in the second half of the financial year due to the phasing of grant activity.

The EBITDA loss, excluding share-based payments, for the six months through October was expected to be 1.9m, another significant improvement compared to the loss of 4.1m a year earlier.

That improvement was attributed to the transfer of Stereax production technology to Cirtec.

At the end of the period, Ilikas cash and cash equivalents stood at 13.2m, down from 18.6m in the first half of 2023.

Ilika said it would release its half-year results for the six months ended 31 October on 23 January.

At 1342 GMT, shares in Ilika were up 3.68% at 44.58p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Bank of America has lifted its target price for business software group Sage , saying the company is "ticking all the boxes" with its solid top-line growth, margin expansion and a new share buyback.

Sage impressed the market on Wednesday with its results for the year to September 2023, in which revenues grew 10%, with recurring revenues increasing 11%, and a 140 basis-point increase in operating profit margins to 20.9%.

The company also guided to similar revenue growth in current financial year, ahead of consensus estimates of 9.3%, and announced a new 350m buyback equivalent to 3.5% of its market cap.

Bank of America said the results showed "no sign of macro pressure as demand remains unabated".

"We see Q4 as another strong data point supporting our positive thesis on Sage," the bank said, citing impressive recurring revenue growth, a supporting pricing environment, and a strong recovery in margins after they dropped over the past four years.

Bank of America also highlighted the stock's valuation, with the EV/EBITDA multiple at just 19.6x, which remains at a 40% discount to its US-listed peer Intuit at 32.7x.

The bank has raised its target price for the shares from 1,150p to 1,300p and reiterated its 'buy' recommendation.

Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on food manufacturing group Cranswick from 4,620.0p to 4,694.0p on Thursday, stating it expects to see the group's market share gains continue.

Berenberg said Cranswick's competitive moat was expanding as its market share increases on the back of the outperformance of its key customers, as well as capital investment that has delivered capability improvement.

The German bank, which reiterated its 'buy' rating on the stock, said Cranswick's interim results had depicted this phenomenon, with Cranswick's key customers outperforming peers and delivering market share expansion to the firm on the back of "significant investment" in productivity and efficiency improvements.

Berenberg also noted that Cranswick will now look to continue to pursue investment in capability expansion and partner with its key customers to deliver growth in underdeveloped opportunities such as pet food, the result of which it expects to be an increase in return on capital employed, top-line growth acceleration and a possible rerating catalyst.

"ROCE expanded 54 basis points year-on-year to 16.4% in H1 2024, reflecting management's commitment to expand capability in pursuit of underdeveloped growth opportunities. The commitment to capability enhancement was rewarded in H1 2024 through newly won value-added

poultry business. We expect the ramp-up of pet food volumes in FY 2025 to enable ROCE to further expand towards the high-teens level to which management intends to return (we model pre-tax ROCE of 18.1% in FY 2026)," said Berenberg.

"Further, we highlight the strength of the balance sheet, the strong cash generation, and the opportunity pipeline ahead as levers for management to pull in order to widen the capability gap versus peers."

JPMorgan Cazenove lifted its price target on BAE Systems on Thursday to 1,300p from 1,150p, after hosting the companys chief executive and chief financial officer at its UK Leaders Conference.

The bank said it came away from the event "incrementally positive" on BAEs investment case.

"BAE faces a decade of growth and visibility," JPM said. "It has strong free cash flow, which should mean it continues to pay an attractive dividend and buy back stock every year (which we assume in our forecast through to 2027)."

JPM noted that BAE has a five-year rolling business plan. The latest plan - just completed - sees 5-7% organic sales growth for the next five years.

"However, CEO Charles Woodburn expects similar growth in the following five years driven by the two major wins of the last 12 months: the GCAP fighter jet (UK/Italy/Japan) and AUKUS submarine (Australia/UK/US)," it said.

The bank said it also believes that BAE has a far lower risk profile today than in the past.

JPM rates the shares at overweight.
Barclays is reportedly working on plans to save as much as 1bn, which could result in as many as 2,000 job losses, mainly in the bank's back office.

Reuters cited a person with direct knowledge of the proposals as saying that managers at Barclays, led by chief executive C.S. Venkatakrishnan, are reviewing proposals to bolster its profitability.

As part of these, 1,500 to 2,000 jobs could be cut if implemented in full, the person said.

It was understood the potential cuts would primarily be at Barclays Execution Services, known internally as 'BX', and would form part of an overall target of reducing expenses by up to 1bn across the group over several years.

According to Reuters, the BX headcount discussions are ongoing and the bank could decide to prioritise layoffs in other areas.

A second source told Reuters that managers across teams within BX have been working with effectively frozen budgets this year and told that costs must be reduced in 2024.
P&O Cruises and fellow cruise firm Cunard have made provision to fire and rehire more than 900 UK-based crew unless they accept salary cuts and more flexible working arrangements. The affected crew include officers on the British flagship, the luxury ocean liner Queen Mary 2, and nine other ships operated under Carnival UK, which is part of the $18bn-listed Carnival group.  Guardian

John Lewis is to team up with Covid testing firm Randox Health to open clinics within its shops in the latest effort to draw in customers amid tough trading conditions. The clinics, which will be run by Randox staff, will offer full-body health checks including tests for vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances and key health concerns, among other services.  Guardian

The Armed Forces should be empowered to buy more foreign weapons to save money, a think tank has said. The Ministry of Defence should take more bids from foreign weapons contractors and get private companies to manage jobs like housing troops, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has said.  Telegraph

The UKs competition watchdog has been ordered by ministers to support business and economic growth and speed up its decision-making processes following criticism over its handling of Microsofts $69 billion bid for Activision Blizzard. In a perceived rap over the knuckles for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the government told the regulator in a strategic steer that it needed to realise the importance of minimising the burdens on businesses that were engaging with it.  The Times

Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber is not named on the website of the Abu Dhabi fund bidding for the Telegraph titles and his Wikipedia page contains no reference to his role in shaping the countrys censorship regime. Al-Jaber is, however, poised to become a prominent figure in UK media as chairman of International Media Investors (IMI) and led his nations censorship agency for five years. The boss of the United Arab Emirates state oil company  who is now heading the Cop28 climate talks  has been accused by human rights activists of overseeing laws against free expression. Amnesty International criticised him for exercising strict control over local and international media as chairman of the National Media Council between 2015 and 2020. During that time, a popular Dubai website was banned for reporting on the liquidation of failed property projects.  The Times
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Trevor Ncube, a local media publisher who owns Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), has revealed that opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa does not listen to anybody.A Chamisa adviser told The NewsHawks:"We have seen the video and remarks by Mr Trevor Ncube in which he attacks our leader Nelson Chamisa and says all sorts of things about him. We have no problem with Ncube or anyone for that matter legitimately criticising Chamisa as a leader, a hugely popular one at that. Ncube has a constitutional and legitimate right to criticise him and other political leaders. That's what should happen in a democracy."However, Ncube must stop crudely misrepresenting and manipulating one meeting he had with Chamisa seven years ago for cheap political capital, publicity and relevance. In fact, he must stop lying about it. We have kept quiet throughout his lies and drama for far too long. I think we now need to set the record straight in the public interest and stop this charade."The facts are very clear on this issue. Ncube invited Chamisa to his office in Graniteside, Harare, where AMH operates from on 5 August 2016 to discuss local political issues, including the formation of APA. Ncube wanted Chamisa to be part of that process led by Nkosana Moyo. At that meeting Ncube told Chamisa that he had held many consultative meetings in Zimbabwe and South Africa on the APA project, which he claimed was supported by telecoms mogul Strive Masiyiwa and many other prominent business people, some of whom ended up with him as Mnangagwa's advisers."At the time, Chamisa had just been appointed one of the three vice-presidents of the MDC-T by the late Morgan Tsvangirai the month before, that is in July 2016. So he was not the leader of the MDC-T at that time and didn't even know one day he will lead the party.In that meeting, Chamisa told Ncube upfront that while he appreciated the invitation to join APA he was not able to do so because he wanted to help Tsvangirai rejuvenate the MDC-T post the 2013 elections and prepare for the 2018 elections. So Chamisa politely declined Ncube's offer to join APA. The idea was to use Chamisa's growing social base to back Moyo as APA leader in his presidential election bid in 2018."The meeting, which ran for close to two hours from around 9am to just before 11am (that photo was taken at that time), ended on a somewhat sour note with fake smiles because Chamisa had rejected the APA invitation, saying he is a loyal MDC-T member and one of the leaders. Interestingly, it ended with a prayer."Ncube gave Chamisa a book by Harvard Business School professor Bill George with Peter Sims titled True North, which is about leadership.Since then, Ncube has not spoken to Chamisa, not even once, except on 14 July 2021 when he sent a condolence message to him after a family bereavement.So Ncube is lying that he has engaged Chamisa on political issues and he doesn't listen. There is no such thing; it's just a needless malicious campaign and posturing. Chamisa talks to many people and takes ideas and proposals from them. He implements what is strategic and practical for the CCC given political conditions and circumstances. The claim that Chamisa doesn't listen, does not have structures, works alone and is a dictator is nonsense. He is a democratic leader who believes change can only be secured through democratic elections. Some may not like his style, but that is normal in politics. There is a difference between style, strategy and substance.In any case, why should Chamisa listen to advice coming from his rival's advisers? Ncube is a known Mnangagwa ally and now he works with his son-in-law at his media business. So why on earth would Chamisa listen to advice from that sort of a dishonest person who even lies about a meeting held seven years ago in a totally different setting, time and space? That's ridiculous. Let's must learn to discuss ideas, not people and events; this noisy mediocrity which pervades our polity masquerading as insightful leading lights of our politics is now part of the problem rather than the solution.He has his own system and team that he works with. It's ridiculous to suggest that Chamisa won 44% of the vote going by official results, which we reject as a fraud, and all those seats in parliament alone. How is that possible really? Is he superhuman? He works with others, but it is also true that other people are not happy. That's what happens in politics. He is also fully aware of critical issues that he needs to address urgently, that is the limitations and weaknesses from a political, structural, organisational and strategic point of view.Chamisa welcomes ideas and criticism from well-meaning people, not some malicious malcontents and bullies. He is a bona fide opposition leader who genuinely wants a solution to the country's problems and he is open to working with other people who seriously want to resolve national issues, not noise-makers and impostors. It's time we challenge these false and negative narratives by people who are more opposed to the opposition than the ruling party. Chamisa is an opposition leader trying to help a find a solution to our country's problems, he is not the leader of the country and the problem. He is the alternative to a failed leadership and its policies that have ruined the country with devastation consequences for all, especially the poor and vulnerable. He may have his own weaknesses like all of us, but he is the best alternative at the moment. Anything else is just mere wishful thinking and drama."
Amazon India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, to introduce a novel method of transporting customer packages via inland waterways. This pioneering move aims to utilize containerized cargo movement and create a network for cargo shipment through the country's inland waterways, as per Amazon India.

As a part of a strategic partnership, Amazon India and IWAI will collaborate to explore the integration of inland waterways into Amazon's supply chain. The e-commerce giant plans to launch a pilot run on the Patna to Kolkata waterway, on the National Waterway 1, with the support of IWAI and its carriers. According to government statistics, India has 111 notified national inland waterways, covering approximately 20,275.5 km and enabling the transport of nearly 55 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, commended the collaboration, stating, "This MoU with Amazon India marks a significant step towards harnessing the potential of India's inland water transport." He emphasized the government's focus on enhancing cargo movement through river systems as a more sustainable and economical mode of transport.

The initiative comes nearly a year after Amazon launched its air cargo network, Amazon Air, in India, utilizing the complete cargo capacity of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft for expedited deliveries. Abhinav Singh, VP of Operations at Amazon India, expressed enthusiasm about the waterways initiative, calling it a transformative offering that opens up new possibilities for all ecommerce companies to leverage India's extensive inland waterways.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told exiled G40 politician Mandi Chimene to "come back home" after the former Zanu-PF rivals met in Mozambique Thursday through the facilitation of the neighbouring country's leader Filipe Nyusi.Chimene took refuge in Mozambique November 2017 when the Zimbabwe military ousted then President Robert Mugabe and installed Mnangagwa in his place.A former ally to the late founding leader, Chimene was among some Zanu-PF politicians coalescing under the moniker Generation 40 (G40) who found themselves united by their resistance against Mnangagwa, then vice President, succeeding Mugabe.The controversial politician met Mnangagwa in Mozambique's Manica province for the first time in six years with Mnangagwa, considered a vengeful politician, telling his nemesis to return home."He said come back home and I said I am coming," Chimene said with a gay chuckle while talking to state media.The former Manicaland political heavyweight said caught up with Mnangagwa after Nyusi had suggested she makes time to meet the Zimbabwean leader upon his planned Thursday visit to the neighbouring country for the official commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Machipanda railway line.Chimene played down her long absence from home saying she was in Mozambique to join her maternal uncles whom she was assisting with farming projects."I am here not because I am a refugee. No, I am not a refugee. I am actually a niece here. I am in my uncles' home," she said in Shona.The controversial politician said she would prolong her stay in Mozambique to see through her uncles' farming projects before she could consider returning home.She denied ever taking sides in Zanu-PF's factional wars."I was never on any of the sides; both factions were uncertain about my affiliations," Chimene said, adding that both factions tried to lure her to their camps but she rubbished their advances.Narrating her escape to Mozambique, the former Manicaland minister of state said she got wind of the coup while at the airport in China November 2017 when "alarmists" told her soldiers had besieged Zimbabwe's main airport and her home in Mutare.Chimene said she was forced to change destination for Mozambique fearing for her life.
The Indian Union IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has arranged a meeting with social media representatives to address the growing concern about deepfakes. The government is intensifying its efforts to combat the misuse of technology and is urging digital platforms to take stringent actions against deepfakes. The meeting has been scheduled following the recent viral circulation of 'deepfake' videos targeting prominent actors, which has heightened worries about the potential misuse of technology to create fabricated content and narratives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern about the potential impact of deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence. He warned that this technology could result in a major crisis and contribute to social unrest. The Prime Minister has called on the media to raise awareness about the misuse of deepfakes and educate the public on this issue, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Ashwini Vaishnaw has underscored that the safe harbour immunity clause will not be applicable unless platforms take sufficient measures to remove deepfakes. The government had issued a notice to companies on this matter, and although platforms responded, the minister emphasized the need for more proactive efforts in addressing such content. In a statement to reporters last week, Vaishnaw stated, "They are taking steps but we think that many more steps will have to be taken. We are very soon going to have a meeting of all the platforms, maybe in the next 3-4 days, and we'll call them to brainstorm on that and make sure that platforms make adequate efforts to prevent (deepfakes) and clean up their system".
Jio Financial Services, the demerged entity of energy-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), has asked for the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) approval for conversion into a core investment company (CIC). Jio Financial announced that it has submitted an application with the RBI for converting to a CIC from a non-banking financial company (NBFC) after a regulatory mandate. "This is to inform you that as mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (while granting its approval for change in the shareholding pattern and control of the Company pursuant to the demerger of the Financial Services Business from Reliance Industries Limited into the Company), the Company has submitted the application for conversion of the Company from NBFC to CIC", Jio Financial Services said in a regulatory filing.

CICs are NBFCs that invest in the equity shares, preference shares convertible bonds, or loans of their group companies. They hold control over their group companies and do not trade in their shares except for the purpose of dilution or disinvestment. CICs are passive holding companies and do not engage in any other financial activity.

As per RBI guidelines, CICs are NBFCs carrying on the business of acquisition of shares and securities on several conditions and must hold at least 90% of its net assets in the form of investment in equity shares, preference shares, bonds, debentures, debt or loans in group companies. "This move necessitates JFS to invest at least 90% of its net assets within its group companies, focusing on equity shares, preference shares, bonds, and debentures", said Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner KS Legal & Associates.

Meanwhile, Jio Financial Services recently received RBI approval for the appointment of Isha Ambani, Anshuman Thakur, and Hitesh Sethia as its directors. Jio Financial Services had reported a net profit of 668.2 crore in the quarter ended September 2023, doubling from the previous quarter led by higher income from operations. The companys total revenues rose 47% sequentially to 608 crore.

This was the first financial result of the company after it got listed on the stock exchanges on August. After the demerger of the financial services business of Reliance Industries , Jio Financial Services plans to enter consumer finance, asset management and insurance. At Reliance Industries Annual General Meeting (AGM) in August this year, its chairman Mukesh Ambani announced that Jio Financial Services will enter the insurance segment to offer life, general and health insurance products.

The company had earlier partnered with the worlds largest asset manager BlackRock to set up an asset management company with a combined investment of 300 million. JFS had said that the joint venture, Jio BlackRock, would deliver "tech-enabled access to affordable, innovative investment solutions for millions of investors in India".
During the 'DATE with Tech' event, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the importance of raising public awareness about cyber fraud. She highlighted the need to take control of technology to prevent scam artists from exploiting the system. Sitharaman also emphasized the government's proactive measures, including periodic reviews by public sector banks, RBI's assessments of its systems, and similar actions by insurance companies, to combat cyber fraud.

Sitharaman expressed concern about the vulnerability of individuals receiving unsolicited calls and falling prey to scams, resulting in financial losses. Emphasizing the need for heightened alertness among citizens. She said, Those people who game the system probably are one notch ahead of us in terms of using and misusing technology. On that, there is a lot of work required. It is a never-ending game because technology is such an animal that keeps moving and racing much ahead of you. You have to be sure that you got the reins in your hand".

She highlighted the necessity for large institutions to maintain robust technological infrastructures and adequately trained teams capable of safeguarding against cyber threats daily. Moreover, Sitharaman addressed the issue of fraudulent callers, stating, On the other hand, we have concerns about people calling you and asking you to transfer money and bringing some legitimacy in the conversation by knowing some details about you and you tend to believe that it could be a genuine thing", she said.
Gopal's electoral success is a constructive indicator for the Democratic Party, highlighting their continued resonance with voters. Simultaneously, it underscores the growing political prominence of the Indian-American demographic within the state.

Senator Vin Gopal an Indian-American hailing from New Jersey, has successfully secured his third consecutive term in a fiercely contested election. Securing an impressive victory with close to 60 percent of the votes, this electoral is notable for being the most financially significant in the history of the state. Democrats made substantial investments to overturn the traditional Republican leanings of the congressional district, making this election highly competitive. Gopal faced strong opposition from Republican candidate Steve Dnistrian but emerged victorious in this historic election held on November 7, 2023.

In this fiercely contested legislative race, Senator Gopal centered his campaign on issues such as abortion, tax relief, and increased school funding. His emphasis on unity and political decorum significantly contributed to his success in the election against Dnistrian.

The legislative framework of New Jersey consists of the Senate and Assembly, totaling 120 members distributed across 40 districts. Each district appoints one representative to the Senate and two to the Assembly, with terms lasting four and two years, respectively. The particular note is the political landscape of the 11th District in New Jersey, which historically favors the Republican Party and serves as a crucial target for the GOP in upcoming general elections. Republicans had devised a strategy to leverage offshore wind and LGBTQIA+ issues in schools, hoping to influence the outcome against Democratic candidates potentially.

The Expensive Legislative Races in New Jersey

In the expensive legislative races of New Jersey's political history, Democrats reportedly amassed a substantial campaign fund totaling $3.4 million with expenditures commensurate to their fundraising efforts. In contrast, Republicans contended with financial constraints, managing to raise $460.33 k while expending $444 k. Gopal, the current officeholder, won convincingly with 58 percent of the votes. Gopal said he owes his success to helping people well and working with both political sides. He thanked his supporters for helping him make history.

Presently serving as the Senate Majority Conference Leader and presiding over the Senate Education Committee, Gopal previously chaired the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Having initially been elected in 2017 and subsequently reelected in 2021, he remains a prominent and influential figure in the political landscape of New Jersey.

More about Vin Gopal

Gopal, functioning as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee and a member of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus on the local economy, he established a districtwide coalition comprising business, community, church, and nonprofit leaders. Holding a Master's in Public Administration from Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University, he demonstrates a commitment to addressing public health and economic issues.

Vin Gopal's successful re-election to the New Jersey State Senate is a momentous triumph for both the Democratic Party and the Indian-American community. This outcome attests to Gopal's unwavering commitment and diligence in serving the constituents of the 11th District. Beyond a personal victory, his re-election conveys a broader message, underscoring the increasing influence and significance of the Indian-American community in the political landscape of New Jersey.
The India-US 2+2 dialogue underscores commitment to rules-based global order, emphasizing defense and tech cooperation. Diplomatic efforts aim for growth, connectivity, and a secure Indo-Pacific, reflecting a shared vision.

In a significant stride towards fortifying the defense alliance, the United States and India have taken noteworthy steps to enhance their collaborations, with a shared commitment to upholding a resilient and rules-based international order. The US Ambassador to India underscored this commitment, emphasizing the joint efforts to safeguard a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing an event in the national capital, the US ambassador Garcetti remarked that the joint statement from the 2+2 dialogue reflects the determination of both countries to promote a rules-based international order, highlighting the role of the Quad and other global metrics in addressing critical issues. The ministers engaged in conversations about the humanitarian repercussions of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Garcetti expressed anticipation for increased visitor numbers, highlighting the prospects of substantial investments by US private sector companies in Indian technology. He underscored the significance of government-to-government discussions, particularly in space, defense, and production. Notably, pointed out the efforts made in strengthening the major defense partnership, citing initiatives like the US-India roadmap in industrial cooperation and defense as catalysts for growth.

Stressing the necessity for New Delhi and Washington to deepen their conversation on AI, the US envoy highlighted the potential for collaboration in emerging domains beyond the traditional focus on weapons development. Underscoring the operational facet of military cooperation, he asserted its pivotal role alongside equipment. Garcetti urged the two nations to explore ways to enhance science and technology partnerships, channeling technology for global benefits rather than harm.

Highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts, he revealed discussions between the US administration and the Indian government to augment staff at consulates and expedite visa processing. The ambassador expressed optimism about the trajectory of India-US relations, underlining the multifaceted nature of collaboration, encompassing defense and technology and diplomatic initiatives aimed at facilitating people-to-people connections.

During the recent India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh from India actively engaged with their US counterparts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. As a crucial platform for high-level discussions, the dialogue allowed leaders from both nations to explore critical bilateral and global issues, with a specific emphasis on unfolding developments in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dialogue showcased their dedication to a rules-based international order and collaboration on global challenges. Garcetti highlights the deepening defense partnership, technological cooperation, and the imperative for sustained dialogue on emerging domains like Artificial Intelligence. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the nations aspire to foster growth, connectivity, and well-being. The future promises increased bilateral engagements, reflecting a shared vision for a secure and harmonious Indo-Pacific landscape.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Its been a year since several battery energy storage systems (BESS) were introduced in residential sections of New York City, promising to remove pressure from our stressed grid and help the state meet its ambitious environmental goals.

A range of renewable energy developers have started construction since then or have announced their intentions to do so. Heres a look at six companies with plans to build in the borough:

NineDot Energy

Founded in 2015 and based at the NYU Urban Future Lab in Brooklyn, NineDot Energy calls Staten Island one of the highest need areas of New York City on its website. The company, which is currently constructing a 5-megawatt site on Giffords Lane in Great Kills, maintains a mission of making the urban electric grid more resilient, reliable, clean and less costly.

We do this by developing New York City, Westchester and Long Island properties into valuable and important community-scale energy resources, helping New York City and New York state achieve their decarbonization goals, the company noted.

NineDot currently has projects in both the operation and development phases in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Long Island.

Summit Ridge Energy

Launched in 2017, Summit Ridge Energy is one of the nations largest commercial solar companies, located in Arlington, Virginia. It is working on four energy storage systems in New York City, one of which is located at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in Eltingville.

According to a press release, its projects in Brooklyn and Staten Island are focused on stabilizing the grid and improving resiliency as more renewable energy sources are added to the power mix, including off-shore wind energy.

Hecate Grid

This independent power producer is currently developing more than 30 standalone storage projects in the United States. Launched in 2018, the platform is jointly owned by Hecate Energy and InfraRed Capital.

Headquartered in Chicago, Hecate is planning to construct an 8-acre BESS at 3861 Victory Blvd. Titled Swiftsure, construction is estimated to cost $300 million and is expected to commence in winter 2025, with an anticipated connection date of 2027. When complete, it will store enough energy to power 500,000 homes.

Convergent Energy

Founded in 2011, Convergent noted on its website that it has over 500 megawatts of storage and solar-plus-storage capacity operating or under development. In 2021, the company announced its acquisition of a 5-megawatt battery energy storage opportunity in Staten Island.

The system, once operational, will become one of the largest battery storage systems within the five boroughs, the company noted. It is unclear where this system is located or if construction has begun.

New Leaf

Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, with employees and projects spanning the country, New Leaf Energy was officially formed in July 2022. The company has attempted to develop two projects here on Staten Island  one, slated for construction at 405 Arthur Kill Rd., next to Holtermanns Bakery, was denied unanimously by Community Board 3, the other, proposed for the parking lot of Our Lady of Pity R.C. Church in Bulls Head, was withdrawn from consideration after parishioners of the church fought alongside Moore Catholic High School President Gina DeSantis last December to halt construction.

Elevate Renewables

Boston-based Elevate Renewables is actively developing a pipeline of over 15 utility-scale energy storage projects that are co-located at existing power generation facilities throughout the United States. Here on Staten Island, the company has plans to build a BESS at the Arthur Kill Generating Station located at 4401 Victory Blvd.
STATEN ISLAND, NY -- In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Ann Sara Herman(Legacy)

Ann Sara Herman, 84, died on Nov. 6 in Arlington, VA. Born and raised in London, England during World War II, Ann hid from German bombings as air raid sirens wailed, while wearing a child-size Mickey Mouse gas mask given by her parents. Ann survived the war, married an American G.I. stationed in England, and then moved to New York City where she raised four children. She earned a Bachelors from the College of Staten Island and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. She provided mental health support for battered women and veterans at various clinics and hospitals in New York and Charleston, South Carolina. Read the full obit on SILive.com.
A woman is missing and feared dead after she was attacked by a shark while diving in the Bahamas, according to an MSN.com report. The 47-year-old, who is from Germany, was on vacation and took part in a diving expedition in the Grand Bahamas West End on Tuesday when she was mauled by the animal.

The woman was reportedly pulled below the surface by the shark and never reappeared. A search party was dispatched to aid in her rescue, but only her diving gear was recovered.

According to the report, the purpose of the diving expedition was to encounter tiger sharks. Unfortunately, she came across an aggressive, massive tiger shark, which is believed to be the culprit in Tuesdays attack.

Tiger sharks can grow up to 18 feet in length and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.

The attack took place at 10:30 AM and reports noted that the woman had only briefly been in the water before the tragic encounter. There has been no trace of her since.

The same report highlighted another attack in the Bahamas back in June, which resulted in a 73-year-old woman losing her leg to a shark attack. Heidi Ernst, from Iowa, was climbing onto a boat when a shark latched onto her leg.

The aftermath of that attack required the leg to be amputated.

There has seemingly been a rise of reported shark attacks in the Bahamas and other areas in recent years. Last summer, the New York/New Jersey area also saw a rise in attacks and experts offered these tips.
Changpeng Zhao had long cultivated the image of the rugged pugilist of the cryptocurrencies world.

When his rival Sam Bankman-Frieds crypto empire collapsed a year ago, Zhao, or CZ as his fans call him, was in the middle of it all, yanking his money in a very public way and helping trigger the ultimately fatal run on the firms. Years earlier he claimed the companys headquarters was wherever he happened to be, a thinly veiled salvo against regulators trying to nail down jurisdiction. And this March, when US regulators charged Zhao and his firm, Binance Holdings, with violating US securities laws, his on-line response was 4, which is Zhao code for dismissing something as unworthy of his attention.

Changpeng Zhao with his Binance tattoo in Paris. Credit: Bloomberg

On Tuesday, though, Zhao cut a very different image in a Seattle courtroom. Dressed in dark suit and pale blue tie before a federal judge, he pleaded guilty to criminal charges for anti-money laundering and US sanctions violations, including allowing transactions with Hamas and other terrorist groups, under a sweeping deal with the Justice department designed to keep the biggest crypto exchange operating. Binance itself agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges and pay over $US4 billion ($6.1 billion) in penalties. Zhao stepped down as CEO and will pay a $US50 million fine.

Zhaos capitulation in many ways is the culmination of a multi-year dragnet by international regulators who sought to rein in and impose regulations on Binance - and, by extension, the broader industry.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ZIMBABWE, as a land-linked country, continues to benefit from use of Mozambican ports, railways and road infrastructure for the movement of both imports and exports, and, in that regard, the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated US$200 million Beira-Machipanda railway line will reduce transportation costs of cargo between the two countries and the region, President Mnangagwa has said.Speaking at the commissioning of the railway line in Manica, Mozambique, yesterday, the President, who was guest of honour at the event, said not only will the rehabilitated 318-kilometre railway line reduce transport costs but will also ease congestion at Forbes Border Post in Mutare, which is presently handling between 300 to 500 trucks per day.Host President Filipe Nyusi invited President Mnangagwa to the event when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the recent inaugural Saudi Arabia-Africa Summit in Riyadh."To my dear brother President Nyusi, I say to you . . . I congratulate you and the people and Government of Mozambique for successfully rehabilitating and upgrading the Beira- Machipanda railway line, which today I have also witnessed. For many years, it had remained dilapidated, but because of my dear brother's vision, today we are witnessing the modernisation and operationalisation of this railway line. Congratulations, my brother!" said President Mnangagwa."Zimbabwe is a landlocked or land-linked country and continues to benefit from the use of Mozambican ports, railways and road infrastructure for the movement of both imports and exports. We thus welcome this important development, as the use of trains and locomotives along the Beira-Machipanda railway line will reduce the transportation costs of goods between our two countries and the world beyond."He said the new railway line  which stretches from Beira to Forbes Border Post and was built using local skills  would be integral to regional trade.It is envisaged that the newly refurbished infrastructure would significantly boost trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique."I am happy that my dear brother President Nyusi has the vision to build this country on the basis of materials and manpower of the people of Mozambique; not borrowed skills, but domestic skills."This development, which we are witnessing today, is going to increase trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique from 600 000 metric tonnes to 3,5 million metric tonnes," said the President."We are seeing the philosophy of integration by the SADC region so that together when we build this infrastructure in our respective countries, we are actually increasing trade amongst ourselves, modernising our infrastructure, growing our economies, not in isolation but in partnership. I say to my dear brother, keep on this vision; it is not for the benefit of Mozambicans, but for the benefit of our region  SADC."Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa said, had been able to withstand the effects of sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union because of support from countries such as Mozambique."We in Zimbabwe are 23 years under imperial sanctions imposed by our former colonial masters because we reclaimed our land, but because our brothers and sisters in Mozambique have stood by us, Zimbabwe is progressing, Zimbabwe is growing, Zimbabwe is modernising, (and) Zimbabwe is on the march," he said."We have been seeing kilometres and kilometres of trucks on the Mozambican side; kilometres and kilometres of lined up trucks on the Zimbabwe side. With the inauguration of the railway line, all that cargo will now move to Beira, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and DRC by rail. And it becomes cheaper . . . This line was dead for more than 26 years."The President challenged Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona to work on a similar railway line on Zimbabwe's side of the border, even if it meant the country had to outsource skills from its neighbouring country.As part of the multi-pronged strategy to ease the movement of goods between the two countries, Zimbabwe has already roped in a contractor  Leengate Private Limited  to build the Christmas Pass bypass road, which circumvents the route through Mutare's Central Business District.A dry port is also being considered."I came here with several ministers from Zimbabwe, and I was telling them as we were moving on the train that none of them must sleep until they invite me to travel on a similar train in Zimbabwe. No sleeping!" said President Mnangagwa, who had the opportunity to share the train ride from Manica to the border with his host."And I said if we do not have skills, if we do not have machinery, the people of Mozambique have demonstrated that they have the skills and that they have the machinery. We can get that skill into Zimbabwe, and we can get that machinery into Zimbabwe. I want the job done yesterday."Cooperation between regional countries, he added, could help them develop through leveraging on their abundant resources, skilled manpower and vision.President Mnangagwa also said Harare and Maputo must "march together and assist each other because we are one family"."I want to conclude by appealing to us all: We want peace, we want harmony, we want unity, we want love during the day and night. We must love each other," he said.President Nyusi said Zimbabwe and Mozambique shared a deep bond and the newly rehabilitated infrastructure would, therefore, boost trade between the two countries and the region."From the onset, we would like to thank you, Mr President, for having accepted our invitation so that together we celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation of the strategic railway line," said President Nyusi."Your presence emphasises the vital effect of the Beira-Machipanda railway system for the two countries and global trade, and expresses the relevance and commitment of your Government to cooperate with Mozambique, particularly in terms of making the Beira corridor viable."
In her memoir, Karen Hughes, a former US presidential advisor, tells the story of being on a beach holiday when she saw a small plane dragging an advertising banner across the sky. It said, Come back Jill, I am miserable without you. Love, Jack. She thought: Bad message Jack - too much about you, not enough about her.

Companies, their chief executives and boards, often act like Jack amid corporate crises. Its all about them, and not enough about the customer, which in Hughes example, is Jill.

One of the worst examples of this was in 2010 when BPs chief executive Tony Hayward was managing the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It was the largest marine oil spill in history, which left 11 workers dead and 17 injured.

In the midst of the crisis, the very highly paid Hayward complained: I want my life back.

In Australia, corporate scandals are becoming a regular feature of the landscape. This past year there have been crises at Qantas, PwC Australia and Optus. Unfortunately, rather than moving quickly to own the problem and allay the concerns of all stakeholders, the initial reaction in those instances was to protect the company, which can end up doing greater damage.
When she takes to the stage tonight at Qudos Bank Arena in the worlds largest annual variety show, Juliette Andersen-Allen will be celebrating not just 40 years of the NSW Schools Spectacular, but also three generations of family involvement.

The clan Spectacular: from left Annette Andersen her grand-daughter Juliette Andersen-Allen and daughter Genevieve Andersen, all of whom have taken part in shows over 40 years of NSW Schools Spectacular. Credit: Alyssa Terese

The 15-year-old student from Newtown School of Performing Arts, a featured dancer in Under the Milky Way (pictured below) will be one of 5000 NSW public school students from hundreds of schools across the state to take part in the Friday and Saturday night shows.

Its so exciting, but it makes it even better having my family here who understand what its like because they have been involved since the beginning, said Andersen-Allen.

Her mother Genevieve Andersen, a teacher at Paddingtons Glenmore Road Public School whose students are performing in this years shows, played the French horn in the Spectacular orchestra when she was a student at Ku-ring-gai High.
Someone said to me the other day that Sydney isnt really a city. Its more like a collection of villages; little hamlets spread over a vast plot of land, and separated by bodies of water and big freeways and idiosyncratic identities  and money.

We love to split ourselves up, whether its by local government area, or school catchment, or train line  or a more general divide between east and west, north and south, urban and suburban. And this, my friend observed, makes planning especially difficult.

A city of villages, or a city of fractured fiefdoms?

All cities do this to a degree, and its inevitable that in a metropolis as geographically large and sparsely populated as Sydney, some subdivision will take place, whether official or colloquially.

But this sectarianism has contributed in a very real way to the housing crisis that is threatening home ownership, smashing renters and starving our city of key workers and creatives. Boosting supply became an us-versus-them proposition. In a city divided, its easy to cast something as someone elses problem. But as we all know, a house divided must fall.
Felons Brewing Co is turning five years old and, to celebrate, its shouting everyone a beer at its riverside brewpub this Sunday.

The all-day birthday party will also include free brewery tours, roving entertainers, live art from Brisbane-based visual artist Phoebe Paradise, and a performance by the Steele Syndicate in Felons Barrel Hall at 4pm.

Felons Brewing Co is celebrating its fifth birthday this Sunday.

Food specials on the day will include $10 bug rolls, and $15 prawn and bug buckets from the Felons Fish n Chipper.

The main event, though, will be a 2.30pm cake cutting  the Felons team wheeling out a 23-kilogram cake in the shape of a Felons Galaxy Haze pale ale can  along with a round of beers for everyone in the venue at the time.
WA Premier Roger Cook has confirmed 18 homes and 31 other buildings have been destroyed by the bushfire still burning in Perths north, and five more homes have been significantly damaged.

Animals and livestock have also been lost, but totals are not yet known.

New shots from the fire. Credit: DFES

The fire has burned through almost 1800 hectares of land across the cities of Swan and Wanneroo.

Cook said it was a devastating loss, but that it was extraordinary that despite the unforgiving conditions that have fuelled this bushfire emergency, there has been no loss of human life.

The premier cut short a trip to China, concerned about the weather conditions over this weekend with two 39-degree days predicted.

Ive just come straight from the airport  Ive decided to return from my trade visit early due to the evolving fire situation, he told media gathered on Friday.

I was anxious to get back.

People whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed by the fire will be eligible for $4000 through the Premiers Relief Fund.

Those whose homes have been damaged, but not as severely, will receive $2000 payments.

I want to be able to speak to the victims of this bushfire emergency. This stuff is harrowing  they must be really hurting today, Cook said.

What has been obvious is the extraordinary sacrifice many, many people have made to do what they can to save lives and to save property.

People are exhausted, people are emotional. That is understandable, but that hasnt stopped them at all.

This has been a particularly nasty  heatwave and I think it foretells a particularly nasty summer. Everyone needs a bushfire plan ready.
Just five minutes before Aaron Malloys home of 11 years went up in flames, he didnt know the Wanneroo fire was anything to worry about.

On Wednesday afternoon hed received no alerts or messages, and all he had to go by was a look at the smoke.

The founder of Edge Radio, Aaron Malloy, lost everything in the Wanneroo bushfire. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt

I drove down, looked at the head of the fire which was 800 metres away, I kind of assessed it and went, its behind the quarry and waterworks  nothing to worry about, the community radio professional said.

When I got home, there was smoke everywhere, but it seemed to be OK. We made the assessment that we better throw a couple of things in the car, but it was all very casual.
Australias immigration detention centres are not jails, yet we send minor offenders to mix with serious criminals in a form of incarceration where violence is commonplace and staff act with impunity like guards in a tawdry prison drama.

The Heralds investigative reporter Charlotte Grieve has exposed reprehensible conditions in the understaffed and outsourced detention centres operated by Serco, a British company with massive government and profitable contracts, that are nothing short of a national disgrace.

The Villawood facility is run by Serco, on behalf of the Australian government. Credit: Fiona-Lee Quimby

Interviews with detainees and staff backed up by leaked documents, videos and photographs reveal a dysfunctional system where staff are trained to use spit-hoods, handcuffs and body belts but feel unable to maintain security while detainees are held in prolonged incarceration in broken centres rife with drugs and unaddressed mental illness problems. The glaring holes in the healthcare of detainees, particularly in mental health, is particularly gobsmacking given the strain imposed by uncertain detention.

The revelations reveal the worm in the heart of the Serco culture at a time when the Albanese government is scrambling to respond to a High Court decision earlier this month that found keeping people in detention centres indefinitely was illegal, and prompted the release of more than 100 people. There are still thought to be some 800 in detention not covered by the court decision. Many do not know when they will get a decision on their character assessment or are awaiting their day in court.
Bill Shortens push for state governments to lift support for students with extra needs will lay the ground for a fresh school funding stoush, with principals warning they will need more money to help children with autism on school grounds so that families arent forced to rely on the ballooning National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Shorten, the federal minister responsible for the $40 billion NDIS, this week said it could not be a surrogate school system as his government prepares to release a year-long review that will call on states to step up disability services for most Australians through their own systems or risk the scheme buckling under pressure.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Schools in particular will be a target of national cabinet discussions as a higher-than-forecast number of young children have joined with autism and developmental delay because they struggle to find support in the classroom or afford services on their own.

About 9 per cent of children aged five to seven are now participants  a figure that has grown every quarter and is a major reason the NDIS is one of the federal governments biggest budget pains, set to cost $100 billion by 2032 without major changes.
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 2015, Andrew Giles helped lead a last-ditch effort by the Labor Partys Left faction to stop a profound policy shift. Bill Shorten, the then-leader, wanted the ALP to officially shift position and support the turnback of asylum seeker boats when it was safe to do so. The Coalitions Operation Sovereign Borders, promised by Tony Abbott and implemented by Scott Morrison, had stopped the flow of asylum seeker boats and the then-opposition leader wanted to cauterise the wound, which dated back to the Rudd-Gillard days. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at the previous Labor National Converence in 2015. Credit: Andrew Meares In Shortens view, there was no path back to government for Labor without taking the issue off the table  voters simply wouldnt back the ALP if they didnt trust them to be equally tough. Giles, fellow rising star Murray Watt and other members of the Left had other ideas. They moved a motion at the Labor national conference to stop Shortens plan, which Richard Marles had carriage of as then shadow minister for immigration.

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They were backed by Anthony Albanese, who had the courage of his convictions to support them in the conference floor vote, and by other senior Left members, including Tanya Plibersek and Penny Wong, who had proxies cast their votes for them. But it was not to be, with Giles, Watt, Albanese and the Left rolled in probably the hardest-fought internal ALP debate of the past decade. Giles position was not surprising. Fourteen years earlier, he was a lawyer acting on behalf of refugees in the legal team that defended hundreds of asylum seekers rescued by Norwegian freighter MV Tampa in international waters about 140 kilometres north of Christmas Island. An Australian Army vessel patrolling the waters near the Norwegian freighter Tampa in 2001. Credit: AP The MV Tampa was a Norwegian container ship that had picked up a sinking Indonesian fishing boat with 438 Afghan asylum seekers on board in the Indian Ocean in August 2001. The boat sought passage to Christmas Island, but then-prime minister John Howard refused its entry to the Australian territory, and sent in the Special Air Service regiment to ensure it didnt happen. Even as the incident created international headlines and brought opprobrium on Australia, Howards hardline stance played well at home headed into the November election  and it became a defining moment for the Labor opposition too, dividing the party and arguably swinging momentum back towards the Coalition.

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Fast-forward to today and Giles holds the immigration portfolio, one of the most politically fraught for the federal ALP. Along with Watt, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy and Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing Tim Ayres, he is also one of Albaneses most trusted factional lieutenants. Following the High Courts landmark decision this month that indefinite immigration detention is illegal, which overturned a 20-year precedent established by the 2004 Al-Kateb ruling, Giles and his senior minister, Clare ONeil have been under the microscope like never before. For decades, immigration policy and asylum seekers has been a vexed issue for Labor, with the party often divided between a Left faction that wants a kinder, more inclusive approach to the issue and a Right faction that wants to nullify the issue politically and match the Coalitions stance. The courts ruling meant that 92 people held in indefinite detention had to be freed, a figure that could rise to 340 people, once the reasons for the ruling are eventually published, which may not be until February. The decision on November 8 has revived memories in Labor of the courts 2011 ruling against Julia Gillards Malaysian solution, in which Australia would have accepted 4000 people certified as refugees from Malaysia in return for the Asian country taking 800 asylum seekers who had arrived on Australian shores. This border crisis has erupted as the Albanese government is under pressure over the cost of living, much as the Howard government had been in August 2001, months after the introduction of the GST.

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Into this political maelstrom step ONeil  the minister for Home Affairs  and Giles. The irony of a Labor Left faction powerbroker who acted for the MV Tampa asylum seekers and fought boat turnbacks being charged with helping implement a law-and-order response to the courts decision has not been lost on Giles colleagues. The contrast between Giles and ONeil is stark, too: while both are Victorians and went to prestigious private schools in Melbourne (Scotch College and Loreto Mandeville), thats where the similarities end. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles (centre) and Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil (right) in parliament pushing through the migration amendment in the wake of the High Court decision, as Leader of the House Tony Burke listens in. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen ONeil, 43, is seven years younger than Giles and seen as a rising star of the Right faction. Shes been on a path to high office since becoming mayor of Greater Dandenong aged just 23. She has law and arts degrees from Monash, a masters degree in public policy from Harvard, was a Deans scholar and Fulbright scholar, worked briefly for former treasurer Wayne Swan and then spent time as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co, entering federal parliament in 2013 at the age of 32. ONeil came late to preselection for the seat of Hotham, which had once been held by Labor leader Simon Crean, after candidate Geoff Lake had been sent packing by Kevin Rudd, and she arrived with the backing of Bill Shorten, who was soon to become party leader.

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Though shes still in Shortens political orbit, factionally shes isolated: the Right-aligned union that backed her into parliament, the National Union of Workers, merged a few years ago with the larger, more powerful and Left-aligned United Voice union to create the United Workers Union. She also did herself no favours by briefly standing against Richard Marles (who is from the larger, Stephen Conroy-aligned Victorian Right sub-faction) in 2019 for the deputy position, a move that set her back. Though shes not in any danger of losing her seat in an internal tussle, the merger makes it more difficult for ONeil to create a power base. Clare ONeil was catapulted into the demanding Home Affairs role after Kristina Kenneally was defeated in the 2022 election. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen ONeil was shadow minister for ageing, which is not a cabinet post, before the 2022 election. She was catapulted into cabinet, and one of the most difficult portfolios, after former Labor senator Kristina Keneally failed in her bid to move to the lower house seat of Fowler. A Victorian Labor colleague, speaking on background to discuss internal matters, noted that few in the caucus would have put their hand up for the portfolio. Chris Bowen and Tony Burke were both immigration ministers when it was a senior portfolio in the Rudd-Gillard years, and knew first-hand that the job has been a poisoned chalice. Its a job that no one else wanted to do. No one sets out to be minister for Home Affairs. Its a similar test for ONeil to the one Rudd gave Bill Shorten with disabilities and bushfire reconstruction  if you do well, great, and if you fail, also great, they said.

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Currently, most travellers need a visa to enter China

China is trialling visa-free travel for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year, its foreign ministry said.

From December to 30 November 2024, ordinary passport holders from these countries can do business or travel in China without a visa for up to 15 days.

This is to help "promote China's high-quality development and opening up", spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday.

Currently, most travellers need a visa to enter China.

The rare examples of those exempt include citizens of Singapore and Brunei, who are entering China for business, tourism, family visits and transit for no more than 15 days.

It was only in March that China began issuing all types of visas again. In March 2020, it had imposed strict travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

For three years, China had some of the world's strictest Covid curbs, with travel restrictions, numerous lockdowns and frequent testing requirements.

Its zero-Covid policy, which hit the economy hard, was only lifted last December.

Tens of millions of international visitors came to China each year prior to the pandemic.
Cape Town: Former Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius could be granted parole on Friday after spending nearly 10 years in prison for murder.

Its the latest turn in the story of the double-amputee athlete who was one of the worlds most admired sporting figures before he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, by shooting her multiple times through a toilet door at his home.

Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius in Johannesburg in 2012. Credit: AP

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, was sent to prison in late 2014 and has been given a second chance at parole after he was wrongly ruled ineligible for early release at a first hearing in March. That was due to an error made by an appeals court over when Pistorius jail sentence officially started and if hed served the required time.

He was initially convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Steenkamp in the early hours of Valentines Day in 2013. That conviction was overturned, and he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. They also appealed against an initial sentence of six years for murder, and Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.
Singapore: Sirul Azhar Umar, the convicted Malaysian assassin controversially released from Australian immigration detention along with more than 92 other detainees, has issued a tearful appeal to the community to accept him.

The former police commando and bodyguard to Malaysian prime ministers and kings had spent almost nine years inside Sydneys Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, having fled to Australia shortly before he was sentenced to death in 2015.

Sirul Azhar Umar is now living in Canberra. Credit: Screengrab/Al Jazeera

A fortnight ago he was set free after the High Court ruled that immigration detainees with no prospect of being returned to their home countries could no longer be held indefinitely.

Sirul was among the cohort because of an Australian government policy not to send anyone back to a jurisdiction where they face execution.
And while I love Israel as the Jewish homeland, I despise Israels military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank. I condemn the brutality of the extremist Israeli settlers and the denial of Palestinian freedom.

What a ghastly war. It started in utter barbarism by Hamas. I cannot accept that this mass murder of innocent families and young lives should be depicted as an act of resistance, no matter how much I support a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

I was transported back to that other October day  October 6, 1973  day one of the Yom Kippur War. It was the other time in living memory that an attack on Israelis shook Jews around the world to their core as we feared for our present and our future. Fifty years and a day later, the cruel ironies of 1973 had rung forward in time to 2023.

October 7 is a day that will live in infamy. Until that day last month, it was inconceivable that Roosevelts words after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour could again ring true.

However, Israel has the lawful right to use military force to defend its citizens against Hamas. The world has largely responded to this increasing ferocity between Israel and Hamas by blaming Israel, accusing it of war and humanitarian crimes while largely ignoring that it has been Hamas that has violated the neutrality of apartment blocks, mosques and hospitals for its operations. As far back as 2007, the US Public Broadcasting Service reported that Hamas had built a command centre under the al-Shifa Hospital. In 2010, The Washington Post reported the use of civilian installations by Hamas.

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But I believe that we, as Jews, are in danger of seriously compromising our basic humanity in our rush to defend Israels right to self-defence. In the aftermath of the naked inhumanity of October 7, the sense of outrage among Jews has overpowered so many of us. We have forgotten that Gazas civilian population has itself been a hostage of Hamas. In the face of Palestinian civilian deaths, some have simply turned their backs, others have covered their eyes and ears, while others have evaded the moral reality.

Acknowledging that Palestinian civilian deaths have been caused by  yes, caused by  the Israel Defence Forces attacks on Hamas is not an admission of moral equivalence between the IDF and Hamas. It is an acknowledgment of the tragedy of this war (and all wars) in which we know that innocent people are killed. It is an acknowledgment of the humanity of Palestinians. Indeed, such an acknowledgment would be the real face of defeat for Hamas.

But there are other villains who bear responsibility for this cycle of Gaza conflicts. Hamas has been in power since 2007. Benjamin Netanyahu has been prime minister of Israel for almost all that time, since 2009.
Dubai: Seven weeks in captivity have ended for 24 hostages abducted last month after a delicate exchange that marked the first stage of a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas.

Thirteen Israeli mothers and children were freed on Saturday, along with 10 Thai nationals and one Filipino, in exchange for 39 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons  24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences such as throwing stones.

A helicopter carrying hostages released by Hamas lands at Schneider Childrens Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, Israel on Friday (Saturday AEDT). Credit: AP

More were expected to be released on day two. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it had received a new list of names.

Hamas will release 14 Israeli hostages in exchange for Israel freeing 42 Palestinian prisoners Saturday as part of the ongoing swap during the truce, according to a senior Egyptian official.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Saturday, November 25, 2023, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) students will be at the Orange Grove Pharmacy to provide information about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM which is part of CPSs Community Action Day activities.



This activity is part of a collaborative effort between CPS and the AUC campaign in observance of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), which is from November 18-24.



It is AUCs 15-year anniversary of Community Action Day, which occurs three times annually. On Community Action Day, more than 200 students participate in service activities that contribute to positive health outcomes and environmental sustainability throughout Sint Maarten.



AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.



This year, the theme of WAAW remains the same as in 2022, Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together. The WHO calls on all sectors to encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials and to strengthen preventive measures addressing AMR, working together collaboratively through a One Health approach.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Its that time of year again, and the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as part of its annual calendar of observances, is calling on the community to ensure safe holiday experiences for the entire family.



The 2023 holiday season is here, and CPS advises shoppers that one of the key points this holiday season is to make sure that whatever gift you buy for a child, make sure that it's safe  Shop Smart, Shop Safe. Check the safety information of toys before you purchase them.



Before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly any intended for a child, double-check to make sure the gifts do not pose a hazard or put the child at risk of danger. Carefully read the safety instructions and conditions attached to the gift and ensure that it is age-appropriate.



Here are some safety tips for holiday season shopping: select toys suitable for a child's age, abilities, skills, and interest level; for infants, toddlers, and all small children, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.



Avoid toys with sharp edges and points, especially for children under age eight; read the labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide in your holiday shopping.



Magnets  For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.



Small Parts  For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.



Ride-on Toys  Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should always be sized to fit and worn when operating the aforementioned. Help instil safety discipline and road safety.



Projectile Toys  Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.



Chargers and Adapters  Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.



One of the most important gifts of all to give a child is time spent with you as a parent/guardian this holiday season. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, let us be mindful of how precious time is, stay close to home with immediate family and enjoy quality time from all the hustle and bustle.
NEW GLARUS  Spotted Cow was nowhere in the business plan.

When Deb and Dan Carey began making beer in a former appliance shop along the Sugar River, they were each 33 years old, had two young girls and had mortgaged their home to help fund the fledgling business.

They hoped their New Glarus Brewing Co. would someday brew 8,000 barrels of beer a year, become profitable and provide an outlet for Dans enthusiasm for making beer.

But this month, 30 years after the first batch of Edel-Pils was pumped into kegs and delivered to a few bars and restaurants in New Glarus and Monroe, the Careys have four grandchildren and one of the most recognized brands in the craft beer industry.

There are plans for more expansion and an eye on a succession plan that has nothing to do with hedge fund investors or bigger brewing companies looking to buy up the competition.

And those production numbers? The company expects to brew about 230,000 barrels of beer this year, 30% of which will be Spotted Cow, a farmhouse ale born in 1997. The beer, which can be found in most bars and restaurants in the state, a rarity for craft beer, has helped fuel the brewerys growth and create a cult following not only in Wisconsin but around the country.

New Glarus, according to the Brewers Association, is the 12th-largest craft brewery in the country, even though its 20 beers are only sold within the states borders.

Breweries kind of take on a life of their own, and breweries are incredibly demanding, said Deb Carey, who leads the business side of the brewery after thinking shed only stick around a few years to help out.

It just takes a lot of time, energy and attention to take a little hard piece of barley and make it into something as elegant as a beer. Its like a bratty 2-year-old that never grows up.

Changing landscape

The Careys business, with 125 year-round employees, is one of the most mature craft breweries in the country at a time when brewers are battling to find shelf space in retailers and tap lines and cooler space in bars and restaurants. When New Glarus began brewing in November 1993, there were only 110 microbreweries in the entire country, and the beer market was dominated by players like Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Coors.

In Wisconsin, there were only a few microbreweries like Capital Brewing in Middleton and Sprecher Brewing in Milwaukee. Great Dane Pub & Brewing was still a few months away from opening in Downtown Madison and it was 13 years prior to the launch of the now-defunct Ale Asylum on Madisons North Side.

Wisconsin was pretty much Miller Lite country at that time, Dan Carey said. Most places had three or four beers on tap. It was a completely different world.

Today, there are more than 9,552 craft breweries in the country, contributing 460,000 jobs and $72 billion to the U.S. economy while holding 13.1% of overall beer sales, according to the Brewers Association. In Wisconsin, there are now 249 craft breweries, which in 2022 produced just more than 1 million barrels of beer and had a $2.5 billion economic impact on the states economy, according to the Brewers Association.

New Glarus sold just less than 3,000 barrels of beer in its first 12 months of operation but in less than 10 years was busting out of its 10,000-square-foot facility, which had been upgraded with a new and larger brewhouse in 1997, shortly after the first batch of Spotted Cow was made. By 2006, the company was making 65,000 barrels of beer and began developing plans for what ultimately would become a $21 million larger and more modern facility on a hill overlooking the village.

The older Riverside Brewery, as its called, is still used for specialty beer production, such as the companys Scream IPA and its fruit and sour beers, and includes 18 wooden barrels that can each hold 200 barrels of beer. Theres a grain mill from 1916, while the two copper brewing kettles were constructed in 1962 in Germany and replaced the smaller kettles in which the first batch of Spotted Cow was made. That brewhouse is now at a brewery in Portland, Oregon.

Its sort of like, kind of like, talking about coffee and Starbucks, Dan Carey said. It used to be in 93 people drank coffee out of Styrofoam cups at a gas station and now theres a Starbucks on every corner, and now theres pretty much a brewery on every corner. So, there are lots and lots of breweries.

More growth

During the past 16 years, another $21 million has been poured into additional expansions and improvements at the newer Hilltop Brewery. Those include a high-speed canning line and the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and a system to capture and reuse carbon dioxide emissions. Another $5 million warehouse expansion is underway, along with a two-year, $8 million project to upgrade the piping system in the brewerys beer cellar.

Next on the list, perhaps in the next two years, according to Deb Carey, are more parking and a new visitor center to accommodate the 100,000 visitors the brewery draws annually, which has been a tourism boon to this Green County village.

It goes beyond economic impact, said Bekah Stauffacher, executive director of the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce. Theyre part of the fabric of the community. Not just from financial contributions, but theyre a wonderful employer and they supply some of our identity. We get a lot of public face time that we would not otherwise get.

Master brewer

Dan Carey, who has a master brewer diploma from the Institute of Brewing in Great Britain, started up microbreweries in Montana, where he met Deb in 1983. He served as a consultant to numerous microbreweries across the country, worked in breweries in Bavaria and spent two years working for Anheuser-Busch at its Fort Collins, Colorado, brewery. The Careys decided to start their own brewery in Wisconsin so Deb could be closer to her hometown of Milwaukee and so they could raise their daughters in a smaller community.

Besides Edel-Pils, there would be Uff-Da bock and, shortly thereafter, the award-winning Belgian Red, a fruit ale made from Door County cherries. Other notable beers in the roster include Moon Man pale ale; Two Women lager; Fat Squirrel, a nut brown ale; and Staghorn, a Bavarian-style Octoberfest.

But Dan Carey, the companys brewmaster, doesnt see himself straying into more exotic creations with high alcohol content or delving into seltzers and other non-traditional alcoholic drinks.

We have a message, we have a marketing idea and a brand image weve cultivated over the past 30 years, and weve really stayed the course with that, he said. We havent taken alternative routes. Were just trying to improve our efficiencies and every day try to find better and better raw materials.

Those ingredients include barley grown by Wisconsin farmers and malted in Manitowoc and hops from 50 growers in the state. Bottles are made in Burlington and cans in Fort Atkinson.

But the brewerys growth also has caused tension between the Careys and their initial investors.

In 2021, a group of longtime minority shareholders accused Deb Carey of consolidating control over the business and funneling profits to side projects in ways that have kept them from reaping the benefits of the brewerys success. In a lawsuit filed in Dane County Circuit Court, the investors have asked a judge to order Carey to buy the plaintiffs shares at fair value, force the company to distribute dividends, and remove Carey as a company director, appoint independent directors, or both. The case is pending.

The community

Over the past three years, the brewery also has formalized its charitable giving by forming a nonprofit that has funded a wide range of programs and projects. They include contributions to the Hunger Task Force, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Heroes Hunt for Veterans and Green County First Responders. The company also purchased 30 wooden chalets that serve as vendor booths for the villages Christkindli Market, which will mark its third year Dec. 1-3 in the communitys downtown.

Earlier this year, Deb Carey received the Ken Hendricks Memorial Seize the Day award, which celebrates entrepreneurial leaders who have been crucial to Wisconsins economic growth. She was also first runner-up for the 2011 National Small Business Person of the Year and met with President Barack Obama on small-business issues in late 2012. A few months later, in February 2013, she sat with first lady Michelle Obama during the State of the Union speech.

In 2022, New Glarus Brewing had sales of $64 million, with employees owning about 25% of the company through an employee stock ownership plan created in 2014. Carey said employees could become majority owners in the next 10 years, a move that would help transition the Careys out of the day-to-day operations of the business as teams are being groomed on both the production and business sides of the company.

It gives everybody time to sort of become comfortable with new responsibilities, Deb Carey said. My vision, really, is to try to keep the brewery going long after were dead. Id like it to be like it is in Europe, where its 300 years old and is profitable and still providing jobs and income for investors and others.
The Columbus Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at the Columbus Senior Center (old hospital), 3111 19th St. Use the door on the north side.

The presenter will be Adam Lassen. There will be information and conversation about Alzheimers and dementia.

For more information, contact Lassen at 402-910-8111 or Martha Davidson at 402-910-8580.
John Blowers, managing director of Investegate, said: With more than 700bn now held by UK investors in these tax-exempt ISAs, government consensus seems to be that the deal is just too good. So rather than perhaps encouraging those investors with bountiful portfolios to start looking at backing the UK growth companies Mr Hunt is so keen to promote, he has instead elected to pull up the drawbridge and leave the allowance unchanged for another year.
He said Dean knew full well he shouldnt take drugs (from the hospital) or use them in this way, but that he would not sentence him on the basis it was all his idea.
No other country in the world would haul one of its most highly trained officers before a court for responding to one of the most serious incidents we can deal with and doing their utmost to preserve life

Sir Mark Rowley
Britain is known for its tolerance and decency, and we know that the people of this country stand with the Jewish community in this difficult time. That is why those who stand with British Jews, from up and down the UK, will be marching in London this Sunday in solidarity against antisemitism.
The Metropolitan Police said firearms officers were called to a terraced property in Weston Green, Dagenham shortly before 8pm on Thursday by an occupant who said he planned to take his own life.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Adelekan said: We will put all the protection that we put around any march around that antisemitism march, and we are working very closely with the Jewish community.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, Mr Johnson said: You will remember that after Brexit everyone was wailing about the thought of EU workers fleeing Britain, and business was worried about shortages. So the Migration Advisory Committee put the minimum at only 26,000  not much more than the living wage.
The former PM, who was appointed Foreign Secretary this month in a shock return to frontline politics, said that the Asian power had become much more aggressive, much more assertive since he left office in 2016.
The Prime Minister continued: Were continuing to work with all our partners in the region, whether thats America, Israel and Egypt and others to make sure that this deal sticks and we can continue to do what we want to support everyone in Gaza, get more aid in and to ensure the safety and release of all hostages.
Justice minister Mike Freer said his department treats all losses and thefts seriously and have processes in place to ensure that when a device is reported as lost or stolen, action is taken immediately to disable the device.
A tiny village in western Nebraska owes the federal government more than $260,000 after the village clerk stopped making payroll tax payments to the Internal Revenue Service when the agency switched to an electronic payment system, according to the state's auditor.

Dix, the Kimball County village of fewer than 300 people that sits 30 miles east of the Wyoming-Nebraska border, went nearly a decade without making quarterly payroll tax payments from late 2013 until early this year because the village clerk "could not figure out how to make the payments," auditors said in a report issued last month.

In the village's 10-year pause on payments, Dix racked up $145,915 in unpaid taxes and another $117,498 in interest on late penalties, according to the report assembled by four staff members in Auditor Mike Foley's office.

Altogether, Dix owes $263,414 to the IRS, according to the report, which also laid bare various other discrepancies and an apparent lack of oversight in the village's bookkeeping.

Dix's former clerk resigned before the Village of Dix Board of Directors was ever made aware of the mounting back taxes, according to the village's response to the audit included in the report.

"This issue was never brought to the boards attention until after our previous clerk/treasurer submitted her resignation and we received a phone call and found multiple unopened letters in our office," the village said in a written statement to the auditor.

That the board didn't know about the years of unpaid taxes was the subject of a recommendation from auditors, who suggested the village "implement procedures to ensure municipal employee taxes are remitted timely" as required by federal law.

"That community deserves better from their public servants," Foley said in a statement. "What we found in Dix is both disturbing and unacceptable."

Though that sum of unpaid tax bills makes up the bulk of the village's troubles, Dix's bookkeeping issues stretch far beyond the non-payments to the IRS  and have been the subject of previous audit reports warning the village board of shoddy record-keeping, unapproved payments and over-payments to service providers.

In this year's report, auditors also found that the clerk had been writing village employees  including herself  annual $2,080 checks for a Health Savings Account plan, which is a type of savings account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax income to be used for medical expenses.

The village didn't have a written policy in place regarding an HSA plan, according to the report. Auditors recommended the village implement a formal policy clarifying the purpose of an HSA and where and how payments should be made.

The clerk had also paid annual $250 Christmas bonuses to herself and a pair of maintenance employees dating back to at least 2020. The clerk paid the bonus to herself and one maintenance employee in 2020 and 2021, adding a second maintenance employee last year, according to the audit.

The payments  which totaled $1,750 over the three-year period documented by auditors  "appear problematic," auditors said, noting the checks seem to run afoul of state law that prohibits bonus payments to public employees.

Auditors also raised concerns over 215 checks and debit card transactions totaling $165,848 that didn't appear to have been submitted to the Village Board for approval, even while other expenses were passed along for the body's review.

The report only included unapproved transactions that occurred between January 2020 and April 2023.

State auditors had brought similar concerns to the Village Board's attention two years prior, when the auditor's office approved Dix's audit waiver request for Fiscal Year 2020 but noted "certain internal control or compliance" issues within the village, according to a March 2021 letter.

In the letter, auditors pointed to three payments totaling $1,798 made in January 2020 without the board's written approval, recommending Dix "implement procedures to ensure all claims are approved by the board prior to payment."

The March 2021 letter wasn't the first time auditors had raised such concerns.

In a November 2019 report, auditors identified numerous checks, totaling $1,095.31, that were paid without the board's written approval. Again in that case, auditors recommended the village's leaders implement procedures to ensure all claims were approved by the board.

In a response to the November 2019 letter, Village Board officials said they were familiar with each payment auditors had flagged.

"We addressed payment of the items either through telephone or text polls, and some at board meetings," unnamed officials wrote to the auditor. "The omission in the billing list on the minutes of the meeting was an oversight."

Dix officials also told auditors that the clerk had implemented new procedures to ensure that all payments received written board approval. But the auditor's office's reviews in 2021 and this year suggest such procedures weren't always followed.

In this year's report, auditors also said the clerk had paid out $166,021 across 206 transactions from 2020 into 2023 prior to board approval in apparent violation of state statute.

Auditors had raised the same issue in a March 2022 letter, highlighting 10 checks totaling $3,296.95 issued before the board approved the payments.

Foley's staff also noted concerns in this year's report over payments that exceeded the amount the board had approved.

Auditors pointed to 11 payments made between May 2020 and April 2023 in which the clerk had written checks for more than what the board had approved, resulting in a $3,806 difference between what the board had approved and the amount the clerk had actually paid out.

Examiners had, again, raised prior concerns about over-payments. In 2019, auditors flagged a check the clerk had written for $5,107 more than what the board had approved  an over-payment that Dix officials attributed to a clerical error in which additional invoices that made up the difference weren't listed on the board's meeting minutes.

Still, the board promised auditors that the clerk "has implemented a new procedure to ensure that these last-minute items are documented."

In their written response to auditors this year, the Dix Board of Directors said they were working with the IRS and had hired an independent consultant to help with the process of paying their outstanding tax balance.

The board hopes "some penalties will be reversed," Chairwoman Linda Rasmussen said at a board meeting earlier this month, according to the Western Nebraska Observer.

"We are working on the matter. We will get it figured out," she said at the meeting, adding: "I've taken a lot of crap, but I'm not going to quit."

The village also hired a new clerk, who is being trained by the independent consultant "to ensure all claims submitted are approved by the board before paid and that these claims will always require supporting documentation."

And Dix officials have implemented new guidelines for HSA accounts, taken steps to address the suspect bonus payments and plan to replace the village's debit card with a credit card "to have better control of purchases and so we have more of an audit trail of monies spent," the board told auditors.

In their letter to Foley's office, they also said they found more than $58,000 in uncollected water bills that auditors hadn't mentioned in their letter.

Auditors hadn't mentioned the uncollected bills this year  but did so four years ago, warning in 2019 that the clerk "was significantly behind in sending utility bills to the village customers."

In their response to the 2019 audit, Dix's Village Board said they were aware of the issue, had corrected it in the months since the auditors' review and had "set procedure to maintain timeliness in billing," before providing an explanation:

"Our clerk received no training at the time of her hire, and this is one procedural issue that has not been addressed well," the board wrote.

Photos: The business of governing in Nebraska in 2023
London Labour said in a message to members that a hustings, due to take place on Saturday, had been cancelled, and any votes for the four candidates already cast had "been voided".
Ms Naqvi said: "A few weeks ago I was still a Labour Party member desperately trying to get our Mayor and councillors to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Labour leaders disgraceful comments to LBC was for me the final straw...like many others I left the Labour Party and as a result was persuaded by Newham Independents to be their candidate in the Plaistow by-election.
Nicolas Kent, Oxford Films executive producer said: With this film we set out to tell the story of this historic year from the inside looking out, rather than from the outside looking in, and weve been lucky to get privileged access to do just that.
Lord Cameron said: We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza.
"My expectation and hope is that as we move forward, the rest of the Arab world and the region is also putting pressure on all sides to slow this down, to bring this to an end as quickly as we can."
When is Black Friday?

Wallets at the ready! The official date of this years Black Friday is November 24, but we can expect to see a trickle of online sales begin before then.

What is Black Friday?

The Black Friday sale is a mecca for bargain hunters. It occurs each year on the fourth weekend of November, and involves a whole host of retailers slashing their prices in time for Christmas. From beauty to fashion, tech to homeware, there is an endless supply of irresistible deals to uncover.

Black Friday originally started out as an American post-Thanksgiving holiday, but is now a major annual occurrence in the UK.

When does Black Friday end?

Black Friday will end on November 27, on what is known as Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is your last chance to score a serious saving before the sale draws to an end.

What kind of gaming deals can we expect?

We can expect to see some great deals return to the fold. Sony has knocked 100 off the RRP for the PS5, while brands such as Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo are regular price-slashers during the Black Friday sales.

Are there any gaming discounts available now?
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: Monty Don is truly inspiring in his field, with interests that span the natural environment, health and wellbeing, and the community.
The expectations are different on you all the time and it affects how you behave, whether youre buying into it, whether youre rejecting it or whether youre doing something in between.
Terra Founder Do Kwons Extradition Approved by Montenegrin Court  Heres the Latest

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.

A court in Montenegros capital, Podgorica, has approved the extradition of Do Kwon, the founder of Terra, to either South Korea or the United States.

According to a recent update on the judiciarys website, the final decision on the country of extradition will be taken by the Montenegrin Justice Minister.

However, before the extradition process takes place, Kwon will serve a four-month prison sentence in Montenegro for the crime of document forgery.

Kwons arrest took place in March at Podgoricas airport, where he was apprehended with falsified documents.

Kwons legal troubles extend beyond Montenegro.

In addition to the charges of document falsification, he faces multiple counts of fraud levied by U.S. federal prosecutors.

US prosecutors have claimed that Kwon made a series of false and misleading statements during a TV interview about the extent to which the Terra blockchain had been adopted by users.

The disgraced crypto boss also made a series of purportedly misleading statements about the effectiveness of the TerraClassicUSD stablecoin to keep its peg with the US dollar, as well as Kwons alleged involvement in trading strategies that were designed to alter the market price of assets.

Furthermore, he is also dealing with civil charges in the U.S., as well as an ongoing investigation in South Korea related to the collapse of TerraUSD last year.

Just recently, the Montenegro High Court upheld the four-month prison sentence for Kwon and his associate Han Chang-Joon.

The court rejected their appeal, deeming the sentence appropriate. After serving his sentence in Montenegro, Kwon faces the possibility of extradition to either South Korea or the U.S.

Terra Co-Founder Indicted in South Korea



In a separate but related development, Daniel Shin, co-founder of Terraform Labs, was indicted in South Korea for violations of capital markets laws.

Prosecutors have frozen $185 million in assets.

Shin, however, has denied any involvement in the collapse of the company, stating that he left two years prior to the incident.

Shin is the founder of Chai, which established a business partnership with Terra.

He has claimed the partnership discontinued in 2020, but a 2022 interview on a YouTube channel showed Shin explaining that Chai products could be topped up at Terra stations  an indication that the partnership was still live in early 2022.

The video in question was posted three weeks prior to the Terra ecosystem crash.

Shin maintained that the video and its contents were misinterpreted, and his legal team clarified in a statement to SBS that Shin has not participated in Terras management since parting ways with Kwon in 2020.

His team further added that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had issued charges against Kwon.

However, the team noted that charges made no mention of Shin, an indication that the SEC did not think he was connected with fraud or securities-related violations.

Terras algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD used a mix of algorithms and trader incentives involving a sister token, Luna, to maintain its $1 peg.

However, the stablecoin lost its dollar peg in May last year after a wave of sell-offs hit the crypto market.
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An Orange County man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

Larry Allen Young Jr., 25, changed his plea the day after he appeared in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 8 on three motions he had filed: one to dismiss and two to suppress. Young is representing himself.

He is accused in the Feb. 28, 2022, death of Darrian Hayward, 29, at his home in the Graves Mill area of Madison County.

All three of Youngs motions were denied.

On Nov. 9, the defendant appeared back in front of Judge David B. Franzen, this time in Orange County Circuit Court due to scheduling. Young pleaded guilty to all charges, including several felonies: first-degree murder, armed burglary, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, malicious discharge of a firearm in an occupied dwelling and larceny of a firearm.

He also pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge: attempt to purchase or transport a firearm while subject to a protective order.

According to evidence presented by Madison County Commonwealths Attorney Clarissa Berry during a preliminary hearing, Hayward was discovered deceased at the bottom of the stairs in his familys Rivendell Lane residence by his father and his sister.

A gun cabinet had been broken into and a .270 rifle was missing. An investigator testified several firearms were obtained from Young after he was arrested by University of Virginia police. They responded to a possible armed robbery in the Central Grounds Parking Garage on Emmet Street on the same day as the death in Madison County.

Young was located in the construction area behind Alderman Library on Grounds. Police negotiated with him before making the arrest.

After the incident in Charlottesville, the investigator said several items were obtained from Young, including two handguns, a shotgun and a .270 rifle.

The string of events led to Young being indicted and convicted on an abduction charge in Albemarle County, charged with the Madison crimes as well as hit with numerous charges related to crimes against children in Orange County.

Young entered a conditional guilty plea in Madison court earlier this month. This allows him to retain his right to appeal his three motions and an earlier denial in September, something he requested.

Should the appeal be successful, Young could receive a new trial.

Franzen ordered a presentencing report with sentencing guidelines be prepared. Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 21 in Madison County Circuit Court. Young faces up to 74 years and one month incarceration.

He was previously sentenced to 10 years, with seven suspended, in the Albemarle case. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the Orange County charges Dec. 11.

While nothing will bring Mr. Hayward back, I hope this guilty plea brings closure to his family and friends, Berry said. My office is grateful to Sheriff Weaver and the Madison County Sheriffs Office for their outstanding work on this case. This case covered several jurisdictions, and I am also thankful for their assistance: the Virginia State Police, the Town of Orange Police, the University of Virginia Police Department, and the Charlottesville Police Department. Todays outcome is the result of teamwork by a dedicated group of public servants, and Im honored to work alongside them.
12 Romanian citizens and family members evacuated from Gaza Strip arrive in Romania

A group of 12 Romanian citizens and family members evacuated from the Gaza Strip arrived in Romania on Friday aboard a flight operated by TAROM national airline, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

The 12 citizens arrived on Wednesday on the territory of the Arab Republic of Egypt through the Rafah border point, and were later taken over by representatives of the Romanian Embassy in that country.

A mobile team of the Foreign Ministry task force then accompanied them to Cairo, from where they were taken to Romania. MAE is continuing the dialogue with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities in order to facilitate the evacuation of the other Romanian citizens and family members in the Gaza Strip who have requested support in this regard, depending on the developments on the ground and the agreement of the parties involved.

So far, 249 Romanian citizens and their family members have been evacuated from the Gaza Strip.
The Minister of Justice, Alina Gorghiu, stated, on Friday, at the Targu Mures Court of Appeal, that one of her objectives is for justice to become more friendly for the business environment, through the Specialized Courts and the National Trade Registry Office (ONRC).

"I want you to know that one of the objectives that I, as Minister of Justice, have set for myself is to somehow make the justice system more friendly to the business environment as well. It is generally said, in an overwhelming proportion, about natural persons, but I believe that the Romanian state has the obligation to be a predictable public service for the economic environment in Romania as well, and the smooth development of this can be achieved through an extensive digitization process. The ministry is working intensively, we have that national electronic file, until the end of 2026, ECRIS 5 will be a project that we are finalizing, but I think that I will have to start talking in front of you and other institutions that help justice to be healthy and the business environment to be satisfied. A meeting I will have tomorrow will be with those from ONRC. I usually don't talk about them, but I will make it a good habit to talk about them too, because it is one of the most digitized institutions in Romania," the Minister of Justice said, agerpres reports.

The minister said that she was absolutely surprised to see that the procedure for setting up companies and their branches can be done exclusively and entirely online, with the ONRC, if the beneficiary wishes.

"And an example that few people know, but I tell everyone, is that if today at 4:00 p.m., for example, a person submits a complete file to the ONRC, by e-mail or through the registry, tomorrow this file is resolved and tomorrow the decision can be ready, if there is an urgent need. So we are a real partner of the business environment through ONRC, I am convinced that we will be just as friendly through the specialized courts. I am convinced that we will manage to find the best legislative solutions to keep up with these needs in Romanian society regarding the good things we do," the Minister of Justice added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu received on Friday H.E. Mr Ilir Tepelena, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Bucharest, on a farewell visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) said.

According to the cited source, the Romanian side expressed the hope that the recent launch of direct flights between Bucharest and Tirana will lead to a significant increase and diversification of bilateral trade and contacts, agerpres reports.

At the same time, Luminita Odobescu voiced her support for the objective of effectively opening accession negotiations with the Republic of Albania, stressing, in this context, the importance of continuing reforms. In this regard, she confirmed her willingness to continue to provide Romania's expertise in the process of Albania's accession to the EU.

The Romanian minister appreciated Albania's active role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2022-2023 term, especially the essential role of Tirana in promoting Security Council resolutions condemning the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine.Ambassador Ilir Tepelena praised the excellent cooperation with the Romanian authorities during his mandate in Bucharest and presented the main achievements, with emphasis on boosting the political-diplomatic dialogue and cooperation in the economic and commercial fields, justice, defence, culture, tourism.
Ex-PM Citu: My entire activity was under the sign of obeying the law as I trust justice

Former prime minister Florin Citu, a National Liberal Party (PNL) senator, says that his entire activity has been under the sign of good faith and respect for the law, told Agerpres.

"Considering the information that appeared in the public space, I want to say that my entire activity, regardless of the public functions and offices I held, was under the sign of good faith and respect for the law, to the service of the Romanians. I have full confidence in justice and I am convinced that the procedures underway will lead to finding out the truth," Citu wrote in a social media post on Thursday evening.

On Thursday, the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) announced that it has sent to the Attorney General with the Supreme Court of Justice and Cassation the report of a case to ask the President of Romania and the Senate to allow the criminal prosecution of three persons for the commission of abuse of office related to the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to judicial sources, the three people would be former prime minister Florin Citu and former health ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila.

PNL sources said that PNL will vote for stripping Citu of immunity when the matter will be discussed in a plenary session of the Senate.
In Vienna, MEP Negrescu presents Romania's last arguments for its Schengen area accession

MEP Victor Negrescu, a member of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, has presented in Vienna Romania's latest arguments for joining the Schengen area. He handed the representatives of the Austrian government a document with the steps taken by Romania in the last year, to be sent to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, according to a press statement released on Friday by the office of the Romanian MEP.

Ahead of a December 4-5 meeting of the Council of Justice and Internal Affairs, Negrescu, a quaestor of the European Parliament, presented to the representatives of the Austrian government a synthesis addressed to the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, highlighting the important and constructive role that Romania has and can play it in the Schengen area by strengthening the protection of external borders and improving the operation of the free movement area.

"For over 12 years, Romania has met all the criteria specific to the Schengen area. Despite that, my country's accession to the free movement zone was blocked without any legal justification. Unfortunately, last year, when all the arguments were on Romania's side, through the veto expressed by Austria, my country's path to the Schengen area was blocked, although Romania was technically more prepared than Croatia. The arguments presented by your government have nothing to do with my country and unfortunately damage the extraordinary friendly relationship that has united Austria with my country Romania for many years."

Both in the document and in his conversations with Austrian officials, Negrescu says that although Romania was not accepted in Schengen, in the past eleven months since December 2022 Romania has continued to actively participate, with human and technical resources, in operations under the auspices of the Frontex agency.

In addition, this summer Romania posted a representative to the Joint Operational Office in Vienna. The consolidated co-operation, through the Contact Point in Oradea, the joint patrols at the Romanian-Hungarian border, provided for in a newly signed co-operation document, strengthen the efficient border security system.

"Managing migration, in co-operation with neighbouring countries, is a constant priority of Romania, which could be observed on the ground during last year's voluntary visit."

"In the 11 months since December 2022, Romania has continued its efforts to maintain standards at the highest level. Romania's actions were directly aimed at the European level, mainly in terms of providing support to member states in difficult situations or in order to support the adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The recently registered agreement, including with Romania's backing, regulating migration and asylum crisis and force majeure creates optimistic premises for winning a political agreement within the current legislature over the entirety of this package."

According to Negrescu, last but not least, Romania has continued to manage in an exemplary manner the lives of millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, ensured the security of the external borders of the EU without any syncope or major event and through its actions, ensuring a climate of safety and security for all member states.

On his visit to Austria, Negrescu had working meetings with Mayor General and Governor of Vienna Michael Ludwig; Special Envoy for Global Affairs of the Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer; ambassador Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, as well as various officials and decision-makers from the federal government and the Austrian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Attending on Friday the launch, at the Gaudeamus Book Fair, of the volume 'Afghanistan - Faces of War' written by Radio Romania News journalist Ilie Pintea, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana emphasized that the sacrifice of the Romanian service people in the Afghanistan theaters of operations should not be forgotten, as it belongs to the history and memory of the Romanian nation.

"It's a difficult subject, because Afghanistan was war, it was complicated and it left traces. I have colleagues at NATO who even had problems readjusting to work in Brussels, after we had to pull out from there, to leave behind many people, Afghans who put in effort and worked for us, our friends. Even more so we should remember those moments, because in politics and in international life, a subject often gains public prominence, war even more so, and when it ends, a sort of selective amnesia sets in. We are not allowed to forget. We are not allowed to forget those who sacrificed themselves, the Romanians who fought under the NATO flag, for the country," Geoana said, declaring himself "deeply grateful" for the sacrifice of the Romanian troops, agerpres reports.

"We are proud of you, we congratulate you, and if you would do us the honor, I would take some copies of the book to the NATO Library. (...) You are part of the history and memory of this nation, we are deeply grateful. It's easy for us to talk, when we haven't been through such difficult moments. There are many who laid their lives down, there are many families who are still suffering," Geoana said.

Also attending the event were the widow and daughter of the posthumously promoted sub-lieutenant Madalin Stoica from the 280th "Brave Hearts" Infantry Battalion, killed in the line of duty in a booby trap attack, and Major Florin Jianu, who signs the preface of the volume."Humanity has one eye on Ukraine and one eye on Israel, these are the world's hot spots at the moment. And it is very easy to forget recent history, these people who did something for Romania and who are now perhaps anonymous, I'm not only talking about those who died in Afghanistan, but also about those who passed through there. There are 30,000 soldiers who for 20 years passed through Afghanistan, who faced danger every day there, who contributed to changing people's lives for the better, because that's what the Romanian Army did in Afghanistan. Beyond the combat missions, those civil-military cooperation missions were extremely important for the people there," author Ilie Pintea said.According to him, it is essential that those who lost their lives and those who fought and returned home are not forgotten.Ilie Pintea accompanied for five times the Romanian battalions deployed to Afghanistan, bringing back hundreds of photos from the Kandahar military base. These were presented in an exhibition dedicated to Madalin Stoica's memory, which was opened in December 2017, on Romania's National Day. The exhibition was also mounted at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest, at the Radio Romania Press Center, in Los Angeles, and at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.In 2018, Ilie Pintea was awarded the Emblem of Honor of the Defense General Staff for his activity alongside the Romanian troops in the Afghanistan theater of operations.
PM Ciolacu: My colleagues will vote for lifting former prime minister Citu's immunity

Social Democratic Party (PSD) chairman and prime minister Marcel Ciolacu said that the Social Democrats will vote for lifting the immunity of National Liberal Party (PNL) senator Florin Citu.

"One thing I remember saying when we were in the opposition, while we were at home, big business was being done in Romania. This is one of the businesses, the purchase of vaccines, there are others, remember the isolated stretchers, non-compliant masks. Always finding out the truth makes a society more settled and freer. I have never commented on a magistrate's decision, I won't do it this time either. My colleagues will definitely vote for lifting the immunity," said Ciolacu, after attending the Ziarul Financiar Gala, when asked about the fact that the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) has requested the lifting of immunity for former prime minister Florin Citu and former health ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila in the vaccines case.

On Thursday, the National Anti-Corruption Directorate announced that it had sent to the prosecutor general of the Public Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice the report of a case for referral to the president of Romania and the Senate for the formulation of requests for criminal prosecution against three persons regarding the commission of offences of abuse of office related to the purchase of COVID vaccines.

According to judicial sources, they are former prime minister Florin Citu and former health ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila.

Liberal sources announced that the PNL would vote for lifting the immunity of former prime minister Florin Citu when discussed in the Senate.
Former Health Minister Ioana Mihaila is a dedicated, honest professional, REPER Party co-chair, MEP Ramona Strugariu said on Friday in connection with the investigation initiated by the anti-corruption watchdog into the procurement of Covid vaccines.

"Justice must do its job and investigate. There is no shred of a doubt here, this goes for any individual of a state, whether an official or a common citizen, the law applies equally to everyone. Ioana Mihaila is an honest professional. That's how I know her, that's how we worked together. I am perfectly confident that she will provide the law enforcement authorities with all the necessary information to clarify this case," Strugariu said in a statement, agerpres reports.

According to the REPER politician, "what is important to know is that none of the Health ministers in the Citu government - Ioana Mihaila or Vlad Voiculescu - had anything to do with establishing the price, the amount or suppliers of the Covid vaccines."

"All these elements had been decided by the European Commission on behalf of all the member states, based on preliminary estimates, amid an unprecedented crisis and in a huge transnational effort against the clock to save millions of lives. We didn't know which the winning vaccine would be. The European Commission itself ordered 10 times more doses than the EU population, over 4 billion shots, in order to secure stocks and make sure that we have enough of those that prove effective," the MEP explained.The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) announced having submitted to the Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice the report on a case, for the President of Romania and the Senate to approve the next step for the prosecution of three persons for abuse of office in connection with the purchase of Covid vaccines.According to judicial sources, the three are former Liberal Prime Minister Florin Citu and former Health ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila.
USR's Drula: USR will vote for lifting Citu's immunity, support Voiculescu to run for EP

Save Romania Union (USR) MPs will vote next week for lifting the immunity of senator Florin Citu, as requested by the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), leader of the Union, MP Catalin Drula, said on Friday.

"So, every citizen, whether a parliamentarian or not, is equally responsible before the law. So we will vote 'in favour,' as we would vote in any kind of case," Drula told the press after attending a debate organised by USR and the Renew Europe group.

Asked if Vlad Voiculescu's candidacy on the USR lists for the European Parliament is still valid, he said that Voiculescu is a victim, therefore he will run for the European Parliament.

According to him, what is happening "is an obvious political attack, an aberrant judicial action," and the decision to purchase covid vaccines belonged to both the Government and president Klaus Iohannis.

"Remember that it was a situation where we wanted to vaccinate people every day, because it meant lives saved and the economy opened faster. It is a decision that belonged to the prime minister at the time, Florin Citu, that belonged to president Klaus Iohannis, who attended the European Council meeting, and there are minutes in which he agreed to this mechanism," Drula explained.

He maintained that the aim is to prevent the formation of a right-wing pole in Romania.

"We have been warned that if we make the right-wing pole, and do not calm down, and if we fight the current power as a democratic opposition, we will lose it. That's what's happening these days. (...) They are desperate because they have destroyed the economy, they have destroyed the budget and after 2024 they know they will not be there and they will not govern," the USR chairman said.

The National Anti-Corruption Directorate announced that it had sent to the prosecutor general of the Public Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice the referral of a case to the president of Romania and the Senate for the formulation of requests for criminal prosecution against three people for committing crimes of abuse of office regarding the purchase of COVID vaccines.

According to judicial sources, they are former prime minister Florin Citu and former health ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihaila.
US-based smart building solutions provider Johnson Controls said it is closely watching China's green development to better tap the local market's vast business potential. At the just concluded sixth China International Import Expo held in Shanghai, Johnson Controls demonstrated its advanced intelligent manufacturing achievements in China, some of which were debuting globally, and fully researched, developed and manufactured locally. "Currently, China is promoting the construction of advanced manufacturing highlands, advocating the deep integration of digital technology and the real economy, and promoting green industrial development," said Anu Rathninde, president of Johnson Controls Asia-Pacific. "Since China introduced its 'dual-carbon' goals in 2020, the country has been vigorously promoting an energy revolution, driving industrial green and low-carbon transformation and advocating eco-friendly lifestyles. The green and low-carbon transformation has now become an industry consensus," Rathninde said. China's future strategic focus on green development, he noted, has made the concepts of green, low-carbon, resource efficiency, and environmental protection integral to the country's long-term development philosophy and approach. This strategy strongly aligns with Johnson Controls' vision of creating smart, healthy and sustainable buildings and cities of the future, he added. According to a recent survey conducted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, 98.2 percent of the nearly 400 multinational corporations and foreign business associations that were surveyed in the country said they had faith in the economic development prospects of the nation this year. Specifically, new industrialization and green low-carbon industries have become priority investment directions for many foreign enterprises in China, and Johnson Controls is one of them. Throughout its nearly 30-year presence in China, Johnson Controls has been consistently driving its own green transformation in local operations and production. For example, the company's two manufacturing sites in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, are constantly committed to energy conservation and carbon reduction, looking for opportunities to save energy and reduce consumption in product design, production and supply chain. The company's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai has achieved over 45 percent energy savings and more than 42 percent water conservation. In addition, Johnson Controls' refrigeration, and heating ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, products have achieved 100 percent localized production and have more than 96 percent local engineering research and development capability. Up to 70 percent of its products manufactured in local factories are sold domestically and are beginning to be supplied globally. Chen Jia, a researcher at the Renmin University of China, said: "The resilience of China's economy demonstrated through the three-year COVID-19 pandemic greatly enhanced MNCs' confidence in investing and localizing production in China. Localization reduces costs and helps them take advantage of China's relatively mature industrial R&D capabilities." Speaking of China's business environment for MNCs, Rathninde said this year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The country's commitment to advancing high-standard opening-up policies has continuously provided MNCs with more investment and cooperation opportunities. On Nov 5, Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed that the country will continue to ease market access and implement policies to remove all restrictions on foreign investors' access to the manufacturing sector. The country will further deepen reform in various areas, create more platforms for opening-up, and build a globally oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, Li said. In light of the opportunities arising from a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Johnson Controls said that China is actively championing the global exchange of innovative elements and participating in comprehensive collaborations, particularly in domains like the digital economy and green, low-carbon initiatives. This proactive approach is propelling sustainable economic development on a global scale. "In the future, Johnson Controls will remain dedicated to our long-term commitment to the Chinese market. We will persist in driving green innovation, serving local market demands, advancing our research and manufacturing capabilities, and fostering broad partnerships within the industry," Rathninde said.
An Augusta County sheriffs deputy has been charged with multiple offenses in connection with a September pursuit after an independent investigation by the Virginia State Police.

The pursuit started in Augusta County and ended in Albemarle County. Adam Ryan Martin, 38, of Gordonsville, was charged with felony obstruction of justice, felony eluding, felony assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, and other felony charges as a result of the investigation.

Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said as a result of the state police review, Sgt. William Mikolay of the sheriffs office has been charged with felony malicious wounding and misdemeanor assault and battery. The sheriff said Mikolay was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond and is on paid administrative leave while the case is being tried.

Sgt. Mikolay was charged at the direction of the Albemarle County Commonwealths Attorney, Smith said. The criminal justice arena will now review the facts surrounding both sides of this case.

According to a Sept. 29 release from the sheriffs office, a pursuit of a black Infiniti vehicle started in Augusta County after a registration check revealed the car had been involved in numerous recent pursuits.

The release said the car refused to stop and entered Interstate 64 heading east towards Albemarle County. Albemarle County police deployed tire deflation devices to stop the car, but the vehicle continued to disregard deputies. The car continued on Dudley Mountain Road in Albemarle County, pursued by two Augusta County deputies.

The car lost control on Dudley Mountain Road and crashed into an embankment at the intersection of Dudley Mountain and Red Hill Road.

The male suspect, later identified as Martin, eluded the Augusta County deputy and disregarded commands to stop. The sheriffs statement said when the deputy came close, the suspect turned on the deputy in a fighting stance and an altercation ensued.

Martin was taken to University of Virginia Medical Center for treatment of injuries.
Q  Will Amazon Prime continue Three Pines? It ended with a cliffhanger.

A  And the cliffhanger remains unresolved. The Quebec-set policy mystery starred Alfred Molina and Elle-Maija Tailfeathers and originally ran for eight episodes on Prime Video in December 2022. A second season was not ordered.

Based on novels by Louise Penny, the show had admirers besides you. Brian Tallerico of rogerebert.com called it a very solid procedural and said that cases are elaborately ridiculous in a way that pushes on the edge of disbelief, but Molina sells them.

Still, according to TV Insider, showrunner Emilia di Giorlamo was told that Prime and the production companies all wanted to bring the show back but were unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

That, by the way, means that two series with Indigenous actors in major roles have been canceled after a single season this year, the other being Alaska Daily. Of Three Pines, Tailfeathers said, It has been difficult to process the news that there will be no second season.  It meant the world to me knowing that this show resonated with such a massive global audience.  Our stories matter and this show demonstrated that audiences, regardless of background, are hungry for Indigenous content.

Q  Any idea if there will be new Star Trek movies in the next two years or so?

A  While there have been several new Star Trek TV series in recent years (and I especially like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), there hasnt been a major movie since Star Trek Beyond in 2016. Although that makes me skeptical about a new movie arriving anytime soon, some reports at least say one is in the works. After the writers strike ended in September, Variety reported that Paramount hoped it can now have writers fine-tuning the script for a planned reboot of Star Trek, the fourth movie in the Chris Pine-starring sequence.

Producer J.J. Abrams told Esquire magazine earlier this year that the fourth film had a compelling story in the works. But "Star Trek" films have long had difficult paths  with those for the latest film including the accidental death in 2016 of Anton Yelchin, who had played Chekov; changes in writers and directors, and relatively disappointing box-office returns for the third film (good but not Avengers good, as Esquire put it). And Id still be in line if a new movie happens.

Q  I really enjoyed The Paper Chase on, I think, Showtime starring John Houseman. About students in law school, it lasted a couple of seasons. Can you give me any information about it now?

A  First, some information about it then. The Paper Chase began its screen life in 1973 as a movie based on the novel by John Jay Osborn Jr. The movie starred Timothy Bottoms as law student James Hart and John Houseman as the formidable professor Charles Kingsfield. Houseman won a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance.

In 1978 CBS premiered the TV series The Paper Chase with Houseman back as Kingsfield and James Stephens now playing Hart. Much praised, with an Emmy nomination for best drama, the series nonetheless had a relatively small audience and CBS dropped it after one season. But reruns on PBS proved an audience draw. Showtime then picked up the series in 1983, with Houseman, Stephens and several supporting players returning. The series lasted three more seasons, ending in 1986.

Now, about finding the show. There are DVD releases of the entire series which you can still find for sale, for example on Amazon. (You may also want to see if your local library carries it; mine here in Ohio does.) It also appears that the entire series is on YouTube.

By Rich Heldenfels, Tribune News Service

Send questions to Rich Heldenfels, P.O. Box 417, Mogadore, OH 44260, or brenfels@gmail.com.
Monkey Paw is a 8-year-old beagle mix who came to the Humane Society of Missouris Macklind Avenue headquarters in October as an owner surrender. Monkey Paw is good on a leash and housebroken. Celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month by making Monkey Paw part of the family.

To adopt  Call the Macklind Avenue Headquarters at 314-951-1562, or visit hsmo.org/adopt.

Lucille is a 9-year-old female Appaloosa quarter horse. Lucille has a spunky personality and has been working with Longmeadows groundwork team. Unfortunately, Lucille does not remain sound for riding. She has numerous lameness issues but is perfectly comfortable being a pasture companion. Through November, horse adoption fees at Longmeadow are half off.

To adopt  Call Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union at 636-583-8759 to schedule an interview.

Brownie is a 3-year-old pit bull terrier mix who came to the Humane Society of Missouris Maryland Heights shelter as an owner surrender in August. Brownie loves belly rubs and going for walks.

To adopt  Call the Best Buddy Pet Center in Maryland Heights at 314-951-1588, or visit hsmo.org/adopt.

Last weeks pets  A dog named Jordan was adopted. A dog named Emma and a horse named Hali are still available.

More info  You can support these pets and others by making a donation at hsmo.org/donate.

Brownie is a 3-year-old pit bull terrier mix who came to the Humane Society of Missouris Maryland Heights shelter as an owner surrender in August. Brownie loves belly rubs and going for walks.
U.S. health officials recalled three more brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes Friday as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week.

Nearly 100 people in 32 states, including Missouri and Illinois, have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nine people in Missouri and four in Illinois have been sickened by the contaminated fruit.

Investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.

Consumers who have the products in their homes should throw them away.

The products were sold between Oct. 16 and Nov. 10 and recalled earlier this month.

Officials in Canada are investigating an outbreak involving the same strain of salmonella, which they detected in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupe.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.
Within a few days of the latest war in Gaza, I sent a series of texts to both our college-aged children.

I urged them to refrain from posting anything on social media that could be taken out of context or used to malign them or misrepresent their views. Emotions are inflamed. Students are being doxxed and unfairly characterized as supporting terrorists, I wrote.

They both bristled at the advice. To be fair, I felt uncomfortable saying it.

I remember vividly how I felt when I was in college while the war in Bosnia raged and more than 100,000 civilians were killed, up to 50,000 women raped and 2.2 million forced to flee their homes.

It was decades before social media existed, so I could only follow the reports in newspapers and had no digital platform to share my outrage and anguish. Had my parents told me to refrain from writing a column about it for my college paper, I would have questioned their sense of humanity.

The campus protests against the Vietnam War were before my time, but I was well versed in the history of student activism and the role it played in anti-war movements.

Weve taught our children to speak up when they see injustice. Weve raised them to be thoughtful and considered in how they express themselves. So, why now did I feel anxious about what might appear in their private Instagram stories?

It had a lot to do with the news constantly showing up in my own feeds  doxxing trucks with students names and personal information on campuses labeling them as anti semites, a student suspended for allegedly saying Free Palestine, job offers rescinded and equating those calling for peace as pro-Hamas.

My parental instinct to protect was triggered. This desire was heightened by all the reports I was reading of parents who were powerless to protect their children  those murdered at a desert rave, those held hostage, those buried under the rubble of bombs.

Our young adult children have respected my wishes. But Ive wrestled with what it means to stifle ones voice. When wars are subsidized with billions of American tax dollars, citizens have a responsibility to be educated on whether those funds are being used to fight a just war that adheres to international laws. Its not an easy task to sift through all the disinformation circulating online, but it is a question for each of us to answer. We have to be exposed to a variety of sources and viewpoints in forming our judgments. I did not want to discourage our children from being engaged or informed about the world.

I turned to author Devorah Heitner, who recently published Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. Ive followed her thoughtful work on helping children navigate the complexities of growing up online.

I think the current situation does seem to be especially challenging to navigate, but anytime we post whether it is about Black Lives Matter, our views on climate change or Me Too, or perspectives on conflicts at home or abroad, we are in a situation where someone could see and judge, she said. Thats true, but students were not getting doxxed, blacklisted, suspended or losing jobs and opportunities for posting on those other issues. This moment is particularly precarious for students.

Granted, social media has never been a good place for nuanced conversation.

People tend to pile on, engage with a lot of intense outrage or live in their own filter bubble, Heitner said. She suggested that another way to approach these issues is by learning more about them. Reading, going to teach-ins and other events to learn more and doing things to support people who need help. She pointed out that in this particular conflict, there are a longstanding set of conflicting ideas, along with painful and traumatic histories.

We need to think about what our posts accomplish, as opposed to other actions. What we post doesnt tend to sway others who may feel entrenched. In-person conversations and thoughtful listening (when possible and safe) can offer a more productive place to grow and to really learn and engage. Ideally, colleges would offer a facilitated space for learning and conversations with trained facilitators.

I agree that these kinds of honest, facilitated discussions should be taking place.

But I havent even seen this happening among adults. The chilling effect on dissent is that it has silenced any number of thoughtful voices.

As a middle-aged parent, I can understand why.

Just dont ask me to justify it to the 20-year-old version of myself.
ST. LOUIS  Leonard Griggs, the gruff former Air Force colonel who ran St. Louis Lambert International Airport for more than 21 years, died Monday at St. Lukes Hospital in Chesterfield. He was 92.

Griggs was Lamberts director under five St. Louis mayors, from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1993 until his retirement at the end of 2004.

A major milestone in his tenure was the push for federal approval of a highly controversial $1 billion runway expansion to the west aimed at improving operations in inclement weather and backed by business leaders.

The move required the buyout of about 2,000 homes and businesses in Bridgeton and spurred heated, prolonged opposition there.

If it hadnt been for Len Griggs, that runway would never have been built, said James Brown, Lamberts longtime Washington lobbyist who worked on the project and many others with Griggs.

Critics have said the new runway, proposed years before Lambert lost its hub status and much of its flight schedule following the demise of Trans World Airlines, wasnt needed in the end.

But Lamberts current director, Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, said the runway, which opened in 2006, is a significant asset for Lamberts future as it continues to work to get airlines to begin or add service here.

Griggs also oversaw about $300 million in other construction and renovation. That included adding gates, building new concourses and expanding Lamberts east passenger terminal, now known as Terminal 2. During that time amid its TWA hub status, Lambert was one of the busiest airports in the country.

He cared greatly about the airport and what it meant to the economic value of the region, Hamm-Niebruegge said. He fought in Washington for every (federal) dollar that was available.

Hamm-Niebruegge also commended Griggs for assembling a strong operational team that she inherited when she became director in 2009.

Griggs, who sported a distinctive handlebar mustache, also was known for his military demeanor and brusque, rapid-fire manner of speaking.

That rubbed some the wrong way in the world of politics and government  at St. Louis City Hall, which oversees the city-owned airport, and in north St. Louis County municipalities upset with the runway plans and airline noise.

He had a very military way of how to run things, said former St. Louis Aldermanic President James Shrewsbury. Thats not bad, but it doesnt necessarily work in government.

Griggs made no apologies for his brash personality, which was as aggressive as his squash game. He said in a 1998 interview that he didnt regard himself as autocratic but I will lead...and I think theres got to be one boss.

Les Sterman, who for years headed what is now the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, said Griggs also played a key role winning federal approval of funding for the original MetroLink line and was the citys point person in pushing the project in Washington.

The initial line that opened in 1993 ran from downtown St. Louis to Lambert. Unlike some other cities where new rail systems would only come close to the airport, he was determined to bring it right into the airport, Sterman said.

Griggs over the years was criticized for getting a waiver allowing him to live in Chesterfield despite St. Louis residency rule for city employees. After Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. ordered him to move into the city in the mid-1990s, Griggs and his wife began renting a Central West End apartment  but kept their house.

Griggs grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before spending 23 years in the Air Force, including service as a decorated combat pilot in Vietnam. His honors included a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.

He had a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a masters in international affairs from George Washington University. He was a graduate of the Naval War College and Army War College.

His Air Force career eventually took him to Scott Air Force Base in 1974, where he became director of command and control of the Military Airlift Command.

Three years later, he was hired by then-Mayor Jim Conway to run Lambert. In 1987, he was ousted by the mayor at the time, Vincent Schoemehl Jr., over what Griggs was told were irreconcilable differences. He was rehired in 1993 by Bosley, Schoemehls successor.

In between his Lambert stints, Griggs was an executive with an engineering firm and a construction company and then was named to a high-level post with the Federal Aviation Administration. In that role, he was in charge of distributing airport construction money.

Later, after his retirement from Lambert, he worked several years as a consultant.

A daughter, Julia Blair Griggs of Nashville, Tennessee, said her father dedicated his life to Lambert when he was director and that he really loved inspecting the airport every morning.

Among other survivors are his wife, Denise T. Griggs of Chesterfield; two other daughters, Margaret Roslyn Griggs of St. Augustine, Florida, and Virginia Laraine Griggs of Washington; a stepdaughter, Deborah Ann Branham of St. Louis; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be at noon Dec. 5 at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Boulevard, Olivette, preceded by visitation from 11 a.m. to noon.

Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in south St. Louis County. Griggs family has arranged for the procession to the cemetery to pass by the airport he was so strongly identified with.
Distraught by a romantic breakup, 16-year-old Kenny Batson vented his hurt by stomping out the windshields of cars on a for-sale lot. He landed in juvenile detention, but that was only the beginning of his trouble.

Over the ensuing years, Batson stole cigarettes, booze and cars for drunken joyrides while bouncing in and out of prison and substance abuse treatment programs. At age 20, he beat a man nearly to death, stopping only when friends pulled him away.

Now 50, Batson is a Christian pastor, a reformed man who has been pardoned for his crimes.

The governor who pardoned him knows a bit about transformations.

For a dozen years as a rural sheriff, Mike Parson was the face of justice, the man ultimately responsible for catching and locking up local lawbreakers. Now governor, Parson also has become the face of mercy by pardoning more than 600 people in the past three years, more than any Missouri governor since the 1940s.

I still believe in law and order. I believe criminals need to be treated as such, and theyve got accountability, Parson said in an interview with The Associated Press.

But it doesnt mean theyre a criminal all their life, Parson added. I think youve got to be able to look at it.

Parsons pardoning pace in Republican-heavy Missouri coincides with a national movement to restore citizens rights and reputations after they have served criminal sentences. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, recently set a new state record for the number of pardons.

Minnesota also could be in store for more pardons after the Legislature this year revamped the states clemency process to allow for pardons without unanimous votes by a three-person board composed of the governor, attorney general and chief justice. The governor still must be one of the two votes.

At the federal level, President Joe Biden last year pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession and encouraged governors to do the same.

The movement marks a step back from the tough-on-crime politics of the late 20th century and a return to an earlier American era when pardons and commutations were much more common.

Though the process varies, every state allows some form of clemency. Commutations shorten the length of sentences. Pardons function like official forgiveness for crimes, restoring rights such as the ability to own firearms and clearing hurdles for employment.

For Batson, the pardon helped restore a sense of self-worth by obliterating the felon label. The official document arrived in a manilla envelope more than five years after his wife put together a thick packet of recommendation letters for his clemency application.

I literally cried and screamed when I got it. It was amazing, Batson said.

In Missouri, clemency requests are first screened by the Board of Probation and Parole, which makes confidential recommendations to the governor. There is no deadline for the governor to make a decision.

Parson inherited nearly 3,700 clemency applications when he was suddenly elevated from lieutenant governor following the resignation of scandal-plagued GOP Gov. Eric Greitens in June 2018. Some of those cases, including Batsons, dated to the tenure of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who served from 2009-2017.

Parsons staff began systematically tackling the backlog in December 2020, even as more requests poured in. They set a goal of evaluating around 100 cases each month, weighing applicants work and education history, community involvement, character references and contrition for their crimes. The types of crimes, how young offenders were and how much time had passed also came into play as Parson made his decisions.

So far, Parson has denied about 2,400 clemency requests while granting 613 pardons and 20 commutations. Thats the most since Republican Gov. Forrest Donnell granted almost 1,700 pardons from 1941-1945.

In Wisconsin, Evers has granted 1,111 pardons since taking office in 2019, surpassing the record of 943 set by Republican Gov. Julius Heil from 1939-1943. Evers actions are particularly notable because his predecessor, Republican Gov. Scott Walker, had disbanded the pardons board and issued no pardons during his eight years in office.

As a result of Parsons actions, Missouri is now categorized by the Restoration of Rights Project as one of 16 states granting frequent or regular pardons. A predictable schedule, like Parsons monthly announcements, can help dispel impressions that the process is corrupt, said Margaret Love, executive director of the nonprofit Collateral Consequences Resource Center, which runs the project.

The thing about regular pardoning is the public comes to have confidence in it, and they understand what the governor is doing, said Love, a former pardon attorney for the U.S. Justice Department.

In Wisconsin, Evers pardon announcements have been accompanied by a brief summary of each persons crimes and subsequent accomplishments.

Parson has publicized only the names of those granted clemency. But details of each persons criminal offenses and the dates and counties of their convictions are included in clemency documents filed with the secretary of states office, which the AP obtained through open-records requests.

Of those granted clemency by Parson, 42% had been convicted of drug crimes, 28% of theft and 14% of burglary, according to an AP analysis. The next most common felony convictions were for driving while intoxicated, forgery and passing bad checks. On average, nearly 28 years had passed since their last convictions.

Two notable exceptions were Mark and Patricia McCloskey. The St. Louis couple who gained national attention for waving guns at racial injustice protesters were pardoned by Parson on July 30, 2021, just six weeks after Mark McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and Patricia McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment.

At least three people were pardoned for crimes committed in Polk County while Parson was sheriff there from 1993 to 2005. They include Pete Underdal, whose frequent drinking and driving landed him in prison, and Dave Galloway, who was caught selling methamphetamine from his home.

Parson knows both men and has since been a customer of Galloways locksmith business. But Parson said his hometown connections played no role in their pardons.

More important are the testimonials of others, such as the law enforcement officer who raided Galloways house and years later vouched for his transformed character.

When you get people in your community that you live in and they start saying things about you, how you changed and such, it does have an impact. It does on me, Parson said.

Galloway said he applied for clemency in 2010 but heard nothing for years. He was shocked when his request was granted in 2022.

For Governor Parson to look at me and to recognize that rehabilitation is real and not just stuff that somebody says, based on your actions and not on your words, was huge, Galloway said.
NEW DELHI  Manju Devi suffered in pain for two months last year as she worked on a farm near Delhi, unable to break away from duties that sometimes had her standing for hours in the waist-deep water of a rice paddy, lifting heavy loads in intense heat and spraying pesticides and insecticides. When that pain finally became too much to bear, she was rushed to a hospital.

The doctors verdict: Devi had suffered a prolapsed uterus and would need a hysterectomy. She hadnt said a word to her family about her discomfort because of societal taboo over discussing a women's illness, and with two grown children and three grandchildren looking to the 56-year-old widow to help put food on the table, Devi had relied on painkillers to stay in the fields.

I endured excruciating pain for months, scared to speak about it publicly. It shouldnt take a surgical procedure to make us realize the cost of increasing heat, she said, surrounded by women who told of undergoing a similar ordeal.

As the annual U.N.-led climate summit known as COP is set to convene later this month in Dubai, activists are urging policymakers to respond to climate changes disproportionate impact on women and girls, especially where poverty makes them more vulnerable.

Their recommendations include securing land rights for women, promoting women's cooperatives and encouraging women to lead on developing climate policy. They also suggest that countries  especially developing countries like India  commit more money in their budgets to ensure gender equity in climate policies.

Group of 20 leaders who met in New Delhi in September also recognized the problem, calling for accelerating climate action with gender equality at its core by increasing womens participation and leadership in mitigation and adaptation.

Devi is a farmworker in Syaraul, a village of about 7,000 a couple of hours southeast of Delhi in Uttar Pradesh, India's biggest and most populous state. Several other middle-aged and older women from the village described similar injuries leading to hysterectomies.

The link between phenomena like uterine prolapse and climate change is indirect but significant, said Seema Bhaskaran, who tracks gender issues for the nonprofit Transform Rural India Foundation.

Women in rural, climate-affected communities often bear the brunt of physically demanding agricultural work, made more strenuous by climate change-related challenges like erratic weather and increased labor needs," Bhaskaran said.

About 93 miles away, in Nanu village, 62-year-old farmworker Savita Singh blames climate change for a chemical infection that cost her a finger in August 2022.

When her husband moved to Delhi to work as a plumber, she was left alone to tend the couple's fields. As rice and wheat yields fell due to shifting climate patterns and a surge in pest attacks, Singh's husband, who retained decision-making power, decided to increase the use of pesticides and insecticides. It was up to Singh, who had opposed the increases, to apply the chemicals.

With the rise in pest attacks in farms, we have started using more than three times pesticides and fertilizers in our farms and without any safety gears my hand got burned by the chemicals and one of my fingers had to be amputated, she said.

In Pilakhana, another Uttar Pradesh village, 22-year-old wage laborer Babita Kumari suffered stillbirths in 2021 and this year that she attributes to the heavy lifting she endured daily in working a brick kiln for long hours in intense heat. Climate change at least doubled the chances of the heat wave that hit the state this year, according to an analysis by Climate Central, an independent U.S.-based group of scientists that developed a tool to quantify climate change's contribution to changing daily temperatures.

My mother and her mother all have worked in brick kilns all their lives but the heat was not this bad even though they worked for more than eight hours like me. But for the past six-seven years the situation has worsened and heat has become unbearable to withstand but what option do we have than to endure it, said Kumari, who lives in a makeshift camp with her husband.

Bhaskaran noted that women in India often assume primary roles in agriculture while men migrate to urban areas, which makes the women especially vulnerable to the direct effects of climate change. A government labor force survey for 2021-22 found that 75% of the people working in agriculture are women. But only about 14% of agricultural land is owned by women, according to a government agriculture census.

Poonam Muttreja is a women's rights activist who also directs the Population Foundation of India, a non-governmental organization that focuses on issues of population, family planning, reproductive health, and gender equality. She said it's essential that COP28, the meeting in Dubai, take concrete action to help women.

She said COP28 should go beyond providing financial aid, and actively promote and facilitate the inclusion of gender considerations within all climate-related policies, initiatives, and actions.

It must prioritize awareness programs that emphasize the specific health challenges women face in the wake of climate change as a critical step towards increasing public knowledge. These efforts will also serve as a call to action for governments, institutions, and communities to prioritize womens health and well-being as a central component of their climate initiatives, she added.

Climate change is lengthening growing seasons: How it's impacting every state How climate change is impacting farmers and gardeners Western vs. Eastern US Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennesee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
In the broader scheme of things, half a million dollars isnt going to make or break the municipal budget of the city of St. Louis. But its still a significant pile of cash  enough to fund some badly needed additional policing or shore up the citys uneven garbage collection or repave some crumbling streets.

So news that St. Louis has just lost roughly that amount in uncollected tax revenue, due to what appears to be bureaucratic incompetence at City Hall, should be more than a little aggravating to the citys taxpayers.

And the fact that, even now, its unclear exactly who it was who dropped the ball should be a lot aggravating.

As the Post-Dispatchs Austin Huguelet reported this week, the city wont be collecting somewhere between $480,000 and $600,000 in marijuana tax revenue that was supposed to be collected in the current three-month fiscal quarter from a new 3% recreational marijuana tax that city voters approved in April.

Thats because no one filed the paperwork with the state in time to begin collecting the new tax in the quarter that began in October. So now it cant be collected until the next quarter begins in January.

It gets worse. The oversight wasnt even noticed until last week  fully four months after the state filing deadline had passed to implement the tax and more than a month after the tax collection itself was supposed to have started.

The oversight was finally discovered a week ago Monday by a city finance employee, who alerted Mayor Tishaura O. Jones office.

Were grateful that they told us, a mayoral spokesman told Huguelet, because we had no idea.

Clearly.

The mayors office gamely describes scrambling to address the situation after it was discovered. The city filed the paperwork with the Missouri Department of Revenue last week (which was supposed to have happened by the end of June) and quickly got approval to implement the tax. The mayor herself pulled strings in Jefferson City to secure a waiver so the tax collection could begin in January instead of April.

Fine, spin is spin, but come on  this is ridiculous. How does a city government not catch an oversight like this until a staffer randomly comes upon it months after the fact?

Part of the problem is that its unclear whether the paperwork is supposed to be filed by the mayors office, the city comptrollers office or the city Board of Elections. If in fact that isnt specified anywhere in statute, it needs to be.

City spokesman Nick Dunne told Huguelet the mayors office is looking at what we can do to more clearly define lines of responsibility. Better late than never.

The snafu is especially vexing because a major selling point for legalizing marijuana in the first place was that it could be taxed, giving something back to local governments. But in St. Louis this year, pot buyers got a bargain, while the city  and the residents who rely on its services  got nothing.
America is needlessly missing out on a migrant workforce

Migrating to a new country reflects the idea of pursuing a better life. By several means, millions of individuals enter the U.S. borders in the hope of getting a well-paid job, a decent house, and a proper education for themselves and their families. Even though there are 11 million undocumented immigrants in America who desire to get legalized for the workplace, the U.S. ironically needs people to fill many job positions, such as long-term caregivers, with hopes of attracting foreigners to take those offers.

The U.S. labor market may seem attractive for those willing to live the American dream. Lack of job opportunities is not a problem in this country, as reports have shown that some professions have a shortage of 300,000 positions since COVID-19. And what has the U.S. government done to fill these gaps (again, just for one type of profession)? Nothing. There are millions of illegal immigrants craving to become authorized workers who could easily fill these gaps, but due to the Immigration Reform Control Act (IRCA) provision makes them ineligible to get a job for not holding a legal immigration status, the American dream is far from reality.

The only thing left is a nightmare where many immigrants continue to come and settle, while many job positions in the U.S. are left open. I advocate that the policymakers review IRCA to allocate undocumented immigrants in the employment gaps, so the U.S. government does not need to prospect for an external workforce that already exists.

Raul De Castro  St. Louis
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Nextech3D.AI (the "Company") (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:EP2) is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche of its previously announced private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to which it has issued an aggregate of 3,631,722 units ("Units") at a price of $0.12 per Unit, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $435,806.

Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"); with each whole Warrant exercisable to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.17 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance thereof.

An aggregate of 3,127,183 of the Units issued in the second tranche were issued pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") in accordance with Part 5A thereof (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Units offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://www.nextechar.com/. The balance of the Units issued in the second tranche of the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on March 25, 2024.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company paid a finders fee of $22,080.00 to eligible registrants assisting in the first tranche of the Offering, and issued an aggregate of 184,000 broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") to such registrants, with each Broker Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Share at $0.12 for a period of 36 months.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About Nextech3D.ai

The Company is a diversified augmented reality, AI technology company that leverages proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) to create 3D experiences for the metaverse. Its main businesses are creating 3D WebAR photorealistic models for the Prime Ecommerce Marketplace as well as many other online retailers. The Company develops or acquires what it believes are disruptive technologies and once commercialized, spins them out as stand-alone public companies issuing a stock dividend to shareholders while retaining a significant ownership stake in the public spin-out.

On October 26, 2022, the Company spun out its spatial computing platform, "ARway.ai" as a stand alone public company. ARway.ai is disrupting the augmented reality wayfinding market with a no-code, no beacon spatial computing platform enabled by visual marker tracking. The Company retained 13 million shares in ARway and distributed 4 million shares to Nextech3D.AI shareholders. ARway.ai is currently listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:ARWY), in USA on the OTCQB (OTC:ARWYF) and Internationally on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE:E65).

On June 14, 2023, the Company completed its second spinout of Toggle3D.ai, a groundbreaking SaaS solution that utilizes generative AI to convert CAD files, apply stunning 4K texturing, and enable seamless publishing of superior 4K 3D models. The Company retained 13 million shares in Toggle3D.ai and distributed 4 million shares to Nextech3D.AI shareholders. Toggle3D.ai is trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:TGGL) and in the USA (OTC:TGGLF).

To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

Julia Viola

[email protected]

Nextech3D.AI

Evan Gappelberg

CEO and Director

866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the anticipated size and timing of Offering, insider participation in the Offering, and the receipt of all applicable approvals in connection therewith.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca

The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any for-ward looking statements, other than as required by law.

SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai

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The frequently arrested woman whose false rape allegations about a local grocery store manager cost him more than two years behind bars has been arrested again.

Buckingham County Circuit Court records show that 31-year-old Chelsea Eileen Steiniger has been charged with more than 20 offenses and held without bail.

Transported last month to Albemarle County General District Court to resolve several other criminal cases, Steiniger appeared jovial despite her handcuffs and leg irons standing before Judge Matthew Quatrara. He found her guilty of the Albemarle charges, which included contempt and check larceny, but imposed suspended sentences on most of them. The judge did, however, assign her 30 days on a charge of driving under the influence.

This is an exceptional outcome that youre getting, Quatrara told Steiniger during the Oct. 17 hearing.

With 63 arrests, according to a state database, Steiniger is one of the most often arrested people in Central Virginia. One of her recent convictions involved the theft of a nurses scooter from University of Virginia Medical Center. In February, Charlottesville General District Court Judge Andrew Sneathern accepted her guilty plea to that caught-on-video crime, but he assigned no active jail time and gave her a year to pay restitution to the nurse.

The most extensive criminal case involving Steiniger positioned her as the supposed victim. That was her 2012 claim that she was abducted by a local man who gave her a ride in his car. Mark Lawrence Weiner served more than two years in jail before winning release in 2015 after sworn defense evidence portrayed Steiniger as a fabulist who concocted a tale of rape inside an abandoned house to anger a boyfriend.

Five years ago, federal Judge Norman K. Moon branded Steinigers testimony false, but she has never been prosecuted for any crime pertaining to her allegations. Moon dismissed Weiners wrongful prosecution suit on the basis that government employees cannot be sued.

While Steinigers current slate of 21 charges in Buckingham include allegations of identify theft, trading in stolen goods and entering a house to commit assault and battery, many of her current and past charges also involve drugs.

Ms. Steiniger, asked Quatrara at her recent hearing, what is the longest period youve been drug-free?

Six months, she answered.

Im happy to see you alive, said the judge. When I didnt see you for a long time, I was concerned that your issues had gotten the best of you and that I was going to read your obituary in the newspaper.

Quatrara seemed intrigued by Steinigers assertion that she once thrived while working in construction and living with her mother on the Eastern Shore.

Why dont you go there? he asked

Her answer, if any, was not audible in the Albemarle County General District courtroom.

Her number of arrests exceed those of anyone else that Ive ever heard of, veteran Charlottesville lawyer Scott Goodman told The Daily Progress.

Goodman said that people eventually grow out of committing crimes, but until then the justice system gets clogged by the crimes of drug addicts.

Its become a philosophy that you dont want to put someone in prison for a low-level, low-dollar-amount crime, Goodman said. Its basically treated as a sickness as much as it is a crime these days. If you show any kind of an effort that youre trying to overcome your addiction, that goes a long way with the courts.

Now held at Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Steiniger has her next hearing slated for Jan. 22 in Buckingham Circuit Court.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 24, 2023 / Sleep Junkie unveils an exclusive selection of Black Friday 2023's best mattress deals, each rigorously vetted by our sleep health experts for quality and comfort.

Dr. Miho Tanaka, a surgeon and sleep specialist, highlights the importance of foam mattresses, stating, "Studies have shown that foam mattresses can help reduce the development of pressure injuries when compared to standard mattresses."

For individuals contending with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), chiropractor Dr. Jordan Burns recommends the Amerisleep AS2. He explains, "The medium-firmness of the AS2 mattress, coupled with its five zones of targeted support, makes this mattress an ideal choice for those with DDD." Dr. Burns adds, "It offers the requisite support to maintain spinal alignment across various sleeping postures."

Those diagnosed with spinal stenosis can also discover relief in the right mattress. Dr. Burns points out, "Firmer mattresses like the Amerisleep AS2 are known to provide pressure-relief support, which can be instrumental in alleviating pain associated with spinal stenosis" Moreover, he underscores, "Mattresses that ensure cooler body temperatures, like the Zoma, are proven to enhance overall sleep quality and comfort." Dr. Burns offers a holistic solution by recommending the Vaya Mattress, emphasizing, "The Vaya Mattress fosters a healthy spinal alignment for all sleepers, making it a top pick for those with spinal stenosis aiming to minimize pain and optimize sleep quality."

Snoring, a common disruptor of peaceful sleep, can be effectively addressed with the right mattress selection. Dr. Burns suggests the Amerisleep AS3 for side sleepers, asserting, "Memory foam mattresses, exemplified by the Amerisleep AS3, offer the spinal support side sleepers need to significantly reduce snoring." He also endorses the Zoma Mattress for its unique attributes in combating snoring, noting, "The Zoma Mattress, with its medium firmness and cooling gel, offers a sleep surface that's both comfortable and effective against snoring."

For health-conscious families, Sleep Junkie has thoughtfully compiled a list of the best fiberglass-free mattress brands, addressing their unique preferences and needs.

Explore Sleep Junkie's handpicked Black Friday deals which extend through Cyber Monday too and find the perfect mattress for your unique sleep needs.

Contact Information

Harrison Wall

Sleep Analyst

[email protected]

347-709-5499

SOURCE: Sleep Junkie

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Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani reiterated an In Line rating and $33.00 price target on HP, Inc. (NYSE: HPQ)The analyst ...

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CEO and Chairman will attend climate conference to promote pathways to an accelerated and fair energy transition

Company will host knowledge and solution-sharing sessions, release new research

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today called for greater collective action to decarbonize the global economy and ensure a fair and inclusive transition to net zero, and detailed the actions it is taking at the upcoming COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference to support these efforts.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124697413/en/

Ahead of COP28, Schneider Electric calls for greater action on decarbonization and inclusion (Photo: Business Wire)

Thousands of government and private-sector leaders, climate experts, NGOs, youth groups and other stakeholders will gather for the event, which takes place in Dubai on November 30-December 12, to foster collaboration, ideas and initiatives to tackle climate change and deliver on common sustainability ambitions. A key focus will be the publication of the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress achieved since the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

With energy at the heart of over 70 per cent of carbon emissions, Schneider Electric delegates will highlight the untapped potential of electrification, automation and digital technologies and showcase the social and economic benefits of deploying such solutions in industries, buildings, homes, data centers, infrastructure, and transportation.

We have plenty of technologies at our disposal today. Its time to recognize that deploying these at much greater speed and scale brings social, environmental, economic and job-creation benefits, that they can lower emissions and costs faster than many realize  and that inaction is simply not an option, said Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric.

The company will host discussions and showcase solutions in the COP28 Technology & Innovation Hub. Schneider Electric delegates will participate in a number of panel discussions to share news and insights on corporate decarbonization, youth empowerment and supply chain engagement. In addition, Schneider will:

release fresh geographically relevant insights on ways to accelerate decarbonization, building on its Back to 2050 research

extend several Schneider Electric Foundation partnerships, in line with its longstanding mission to support the empowerment of younger generations and women through education and training in the energy sector

announce new strategic partnerships and initiatives to extend the decarbonization of its supply chain and launch a report on supply chain decarbonization developed in partnership with Women Action Sustainability (WAS).

As the worlds population and economies continue to grow, we must develop energy efficiency as well as clean, affordable energy. New technologies of digitization of everything leveraging IoT, big data and AI, as well as low-carbon electrification are the two major disruptors of our relationship to energy. Accelerated adoption of these technologies and new ways of designing are essential pillars of innovative, collective, fair and inclusive climate action, said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric. The corporate world, including impact companies like ours, needs to be a player and enabler of sustainability action worldwide, inspiring and supporting governments, societies, the academic and business world, and others, to accelerate action.

Related resources:

See Schneider Electrics dedicated site on COP28 for more insights and commentary

Schneider is regularly recognized for its environmental, social and governance performance. See the Awards page on SE.com for more.

About Schneider Electric

Schneiders purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

https://www.se.com/ca/en/

Discover Life Is On Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Hashtags: #SchneiderElectric #ImpactCompany #COP28UAE

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124697413/en/

Media:

Media Relations - Edelman on behalf of Schneider Electric

Juan Pablo Guerrero, Phone: +1 416 875 7173, Email: [email protected]

Source: Schneider Electric
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CI Global Asset Management (CI GAM) announces that it has updated its Responsible Investing Policy (Policy) in accordance with guidance from staff of the Ontario Securities Commission on ESG-related investment fund disclosure. The update clarifies that the Policy covers all in-house actively managed strategies, except for asset classes or investment strategies which do not reasonably lend themselves to environmental, social and governance factor consideration, such as money market funds, passive index funds, cryptocurrency funds, commodity-based funds, covered call funds and fund-of-funds strategies where the portfolio manager does not have a comprehensive view of the underlying securities.

Please visit CI GAMs website for its Responsible Investing Policy and a list of non-ESG consideration funds.

About CI Global Asset Management

CI Global Asset Management (CI GAM) is one of Canadas largest investment management companies. It offers a wide range of investment products and services and is on the Web at www.ci.com. CI GAM is a subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. (TSX: CIX), an integrated global asset and wealth management company with approximately $421.0 billion in assets as at September 30, 2023.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Please read the prospectus before investing. In case of Money Market Funds note that mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. Important information about mutual funds and ETFs is contained in their respective prospectus. Mutual funds and ETFs are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of an ETF on recognized Canadian exchanges. If the units are purchased or sold on these Canadian exchanges, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the ETF and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them.

This communication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase mutual funds managed by CI Global Asset Management and is not, and should not be construed as, investment, tax, legal or accounting advice, and should not be relied upon in that regard. Every effort has been made to ensure that the material contained in this document is accurate at the time of publication. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding any particular investment. Investors should consult their professional advisors prior to implementing any changes to their investment strategies. These investments may not be suitable to the circumstances of an investor.

CI Global Asset Management is a registered business name of CI Investments Inc.

CI Investments Inc. 2023. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124590877/en/

Murray Oxby

Vice-President, Corporate Communications

416-681-3254

[email protected]

Source: CI Global Asset Management
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- dynaCERT Inc. (TSX: DYA) (OTCQX: DYFSF) (FRA: DMJ) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") a global leader in carbon emission reduction technology has entered into an agreement with the French team, HoleShot Competition, to support their MAN Dakar Rally race truck at the 2024 Dakar Classic event.

The French teams #915 MAN Dakar Classic Rally race truck has been fitted with a HydraGEN HG1 Unit that is designed to provide hydrogen and additional oxygen to the trucks engine. dynaCERTs proprietary HydraGEN Technology is designed to reduce emissions of Greenhouse Gases, NOx, CO2, THC and particulate matter when compared to other diesel trucks that will race at the Dakar Classic Rally.

The Dakar Classic Rally is a very demanding off-road race that reveals the competitors' capacity for resistance in long distance stages in the desert. The 2024 edition of the Dakar Classic Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia, where the race will cover an equivalent distance of 5,000 kilometers and 14 days of racing, including only one day of rest at mid-distance.

The Dakar Classic Rally will be a way to demonstrate the performance of dynaCERTs on demand hydrogen production units in an environment facing hot weather, hard impacts and vibrations and in a demanding operational mode.

Alexandre Lemeray, Holeshot Competition Team manager, who has participated 10 times at the Dakar Classic Rally, stated, We are proud to partner with an international company such as dynaCERT that is focused on reducing carbon emissions. For us, the purpose of being supported by dynaCERT is to show that motorsport can be less polluting, which is the starting point of our discussion with the company asking them to join us in our Dakar Classic Rally journey. HydraGEN is already used by road transport trucks, so I'm delighted to be able to show that it's possible to hybridize diesel engines with hydrogen energy with this technology in truck racing, all the more so in an event like the Dakar Classic Rally which takes place in the middle of nature. ASO, the organizer of the Dakar Classic Rally, has been making major efforts for years to reduce the carbon footprint of its events. We're delighted to be able to make our own contribution to their efforts.

Stephane Gervais, Vice President Marketing of IPMD SAS, the distributor of dynaCERT in France, stated, Contributing to improve the sustainability of racing trucks is a new challenge for dynaCERT. We are very happy to be teaming up with the Holeshot Competition Team for the 2024 Dakar Classic Rally as they have a strong experience in this kind of competition. Partnering together at the hardest and iconic endurance off road race as our first steps into motorsport is a challenge we are looking forward to experience on both technical and human sides.

Enrico Schlapfer, Vice President International Sales of dynaCERT stated, The close collaboration with the HoleShot Competition Team and our French distributor, IPMD SAS, based in Chambly, France, makes it possible to present our HydraGEN Technology to a broad audience during the Dakar Classic Rally and to promote decarbonization in motorsport and the transport industry. The hybridization of diesel engines with HydraGEN Technology is designed to enable users to reduce emissions on a broad scale today and make the industry as a whole cleaner and greener.

About dynaCERT Inc.

dynaCERT Inc. manufactures and distributes Carbon Emission Reduction Technology along with its proprietary HydraLytica Telematics, a means of monitoring fuel consumption and calculating GHG emissions savings designed for the tracking of possible future Carbon Credits for use with internal combustion engines. As part of the growing global hydrogen economy, our patented technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through a unique electrolysis system and supplies these gases through the air intake to enhance combustion, which has shown to lower carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Our technology is designed for use with many types and sizes of diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, reefer trailers, off-road construction, power generation, mining and forestry equipment. Website: www.dynaCERT.com.

READER ADVISORY

This press release of dynaCERT Inc. contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dynaCERTs actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In particular, information relating to IPMD SAS, Dakar Classic Rally, and HoleShot Competition or HoleShot Competition Team cannot be independently verified. 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. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. This news release is not intended for distribution to U.S. news services or for dissemination in the United States.

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance of achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

On Behalf of the Board

Murray James Payne, CEO

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231123397458/en/

For more information, please contact:



Jim Payne, CEO & President

dynaCERT Inc.

#101  501 Alliance Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M6N 2J1

+1 (416) 766-9691 x 2

jpayne@dynaCERT.com



Investor Relations

dynaCERT Inc.

Nancy Massicotte

+1 (416) 766-9691 x 1

nmassicotte@dynaCERT.com

Source: dynaCERT Inc.
HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global technology service provider FPT Software and one of Germany's leading energy companies, RWE, recently celebrated 10 years of strategic partnership. Building upon this foundation, FPT Software aims to further support RWEs goals with expanded offerings to other RWEs business units and diversified offshore delivery locations from Vietnam.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124795869/en/

FPT Software and RWEs 10-year partnership anniversary ceremony was hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam with presence of both sides senior executives. (Photo: Business Wire)

The partnership includes services delivery from FPT Softwares strategic offerings, namely Cloud and Data, Cybersecurity, Sharepoint Migration and Support, Application Managed Services, and most notably, SAP. In 2022, both companies started implementing Managed Services in SAP  an adaptive and scalable model that allows FPT Software to be the single preferred partner that provides continuous support services to RWEs operations.

The collaboration also allows RWE to leverage FPT Softwares diversified Best-Shore delivery models, using both nearshore and offshore workforce to boost efficiency while optimizing cost and human resources. With an extensive investment and growth strategy, RWE will expand its powerful, green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts internationally by 2030. RWE is investing more than 50 billion gross for this purpose in this decade. FPT Software is a reliable strategic partner that can contribute to the expansion of the workforce and digital transformation.

The 10-year partnership anniversary celebration was hosted during RWE executive visit to FPTs headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam. Speaking at the event, FPT Software Chairwoman Chu Thi Thanh Ha said: "We are delighted to celebrate 10 years of an excellent partnership with RWE. The world is undergoing remarkable changes to push for a more sustainable future, and FPT Software is committed to doing our best to accompany RWE as a global leader in energy transformation, by reinforcing our talent workforce, diversifying delivery models, and integrating the latest in technology in our services and solutions.

FPT Software is an important partner that has already contributed to great results in key areas such as cloudification, SAP, data platforms, and cyber security. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership, said Edgar Aschenbrenner, Chief Information Officer of RWE AG.

About FPT Software

FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $803 million in revenue (2022) and over 27,000 employees in 28 countries. The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with over 1,000+ clients worldwide, 89 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124795869/en/

Media contact

Mai Duong (Ms.)

FPT Software

PR Manager

[email protected]

Source: FPT Software
Winner and Three Friends Will Win Private Flight, Hotel and Pregame Sideline Passes for January 7th Game Against Tennessee Titans

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vaunt, a platform for connecting travelers to private flights, today announced a promotion with the Jacksonville Jaguars offering Jaguars fans the chance to win a round-trip experience to see the Jaguars play the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on January 7, 2024. Fans can enter the sweepstakes from November 24, 2023 through December 22, 2023.

One winner and up to three guests will receive the following grand prize.

Prize: One (1) Grand Prize:

Four (4) tickets to the Jaguars vs. Titans Away Game in Nashville, TN

Round-Trip Private Flight to the away game city

One (1) hotel room for one (1) night for up to four (4) guests in the away game city

Four (4) sideline passes (based on availability) to watch pregame warmups

"Vaunt was created so that people can share the magic of flying private with others," said Tim Graves, Vice President, Brand & Product Marketing for Vaunt. We are excited to give fans the opportunity to support the Jaguars, watch them play the Titans in a crucial divisional game, and travel to Nashville and back in style on a private jet."

The sweepstakes promotion is part of a three-season partnership between the Jaguars and Vaunt.

Sponsored by Fly Vaunt, LLC

Promotion Details

To enter the sweepstakes, participants must register on www.FlyVaunt.com/Jags. Participants are required to download the Vaunt mobile app and register for an account (no membership purchase necessary) during the entry period. Registrations will be accepted beginning at 10:00 am ET on November 24, 2023, until 11:59 pm ET on December 22, 2023. Eligibility to participate in the Promotion or to win a Prize is limited to persons who are 18 years of age or older as of November 17, 2023, and legal residents of the states of Florida or Georgia.

How To Sign Up for the Vaunt App

Vaunt is currently available for download through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Members have a rewarding referral system to share Vaunt with their friends. More information on Vaunt is available at www.flyvaunt.com/home/faq/. Terms and conditions apply.

After subscribing for Vaunt, members can view available flights in the Vaunt mobile app and express interest to be added to the waitlist. When the waitlist for a flight closes, the Vaunt member in the #1 position reserves the entire plane. Users can choose up to three friends or family members to travel along, for a total of four passengers. There is no additional cost to the member or their guests to take their flight.

Trips are one-way, and members can choose to book a return trip at their option through either a commercial airline or other transportation alternative.

About Vaunt

Vaunt is a new app tackling one of private aviations biggest challenges: empty-leg flights. Leveraging propriety software and a mobile consumer app, Vaunt makes it easy and affordable for spontaneous and frequent travelers to have a chance to fly private while addressing this empty-leg issue. All Vaunt flights are operated by its DOT/FAA- authorized air carrier affiliate or by an approved vendor air carrier.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124487504/en/

[email protected]

Source: Vaunt
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- STEMCELL Technologies, Canadas largest biotechnology company, has received the Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2023 award by Waterstone Human Capital. This national awards program recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizations for fostering high-performance corporate cultures that help sustain a competitive advantage.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124800056/en/

STEMCELL Technologies, Canadas largest biotechnology company, has received the Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2023 award by Waterstone Human Capital. This national awards program recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizations for fostering high-performance corporate cultures that help sustain a competitive advantage. (Photo: Business Wire)

Being named to Waterstones list of Canadas Most Admired Corporate Cultures is a testament to the human-centered approach that every STEMCELL colleague brings to their role, said Helen Sheridan, Chief Human Resources Officer, STEMCELL. Our diverse and dynamic team of over 2,400 employees has always been guided by our five core values of innovation, responsiveness, quality, collaboration, and integrity; this award is a welcome acknowledgment that our team sees that living these values has been key to our success over the past 30 years.

In addition to being included on Waterstone Human Capitals list of Canadas Most Admired Corporate Cultures, STEMCELL recently received the Company of the Year  Anchor Award at the 2023 Technology Impact Awards, which recognizes outstanding employers in British Columbia. In 2023, STEMCELL was also named one of Canadas Best Managed Companies by Deloitte and recognized as an I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer by BioTalent Canada.

STEMCELLs corporate culture is a reflection of our people. Delivering on our commitments as Scientists Helping Scientists simply would not be possible without creating an environment that attracts the best and brightest talent, said Dr. Allen Eaves, President and CEO, STEMCELL. Innovation and advancing science are at the heart of everything we do and we are proud to provide a rewarding, inclusive, and enriching culture that enables STEMCELL colleagues to achieve their full potential.

About STEMCELL Technologies

STEMCELL Technologies supports life sciences research with more than 2,500 specialized reagents, tools, and services. STEMCELL offers high-quality cell culture media, cell separation technologies, instruments, accessory products, educational resources, and contract assay services that are used by scientists performing stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapy research globally.

About Waterstone Human Capital

Founded in 2003, Waterstone Human Capital is a leading cultural talent management professional services firm for organizations across North America that see culture as their single greatest asset. Their team of leadership advisors provides services designed to meet clients leadership training, recruitment, and culture and engagement measurement and assessment needs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124800056/en/

For more information and to arrange an interview:

Ryan-Sang Lee

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, STEMCELL Technologies

[email protected]

Source: STEMCELL Technologies
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 17/11/2023 FR0013230612 1,911 20.2357 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 20/11/2023 FR0013230612 27,000 20.1011 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 21/11/2023 FR0013230612 26,963 20.0005 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 22/11/2023 FR0013230612 12,000 19.9993 XPAR TIKEHAU CAPITAL 969500BY8TEU16U3SJ94 23/11/2023 FR0013230612 10,911 19.9964 XPAR TOTAL 78,785 20.0399

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124987089/en/

Tikehau Capital

Source: Tikehau Capital
An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. China Daily via REUTERS/File Photo

(This Nov. 24 story has been corrected to add weekly loss data in paragraph 2 and show that there was no weekly oil price gain in the headline and paragraph 1)

By Laura Sanicola

(Reuters) - Oil fell on Friday as the release of some hostages in Gaza reduced the geopolitical risk premium ahead of next week's OPEC+ meeting to decide on production cuts in 2024.

Brent crude futures settled down 84 cents, or 1%, at $80.58 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.56, or 2%, from Wednesday's close to $75.54. There was no settlement for WTI on Thursday owing to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Brent settled 3 cents lower on the week while WTI fell 35 cents from last Friday's settlement.

The first group of hostages freed from captivity in Gaza returned to Israel on Friday, on the first day of a planned four-day truce during which further exchanges of hostages for Palestinian detainees are due to take place.

"The fact that they followed through was significant for reducing the risk premium," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

Both contracts had their first weekly gain in five weeks as OPEC+ prepares for a meeting that will have output cuts high on the agenda after recent oil price declines on demand concerns and burgeoning supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers.

The OPEC+ group, comprising of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, surprised the market on Wednesday by delaying its Nov. 26 to Nov. 30 after producers struggled to reach a consensus on output levels.

OPEC+ has moved closer to a compromise with African oil producers on 2024 output levels, three OPEC+ sources have told Reuters.

"The most likely outcome now appears to be an extension of existing cuts," said IG analyst Tony Sycamore.

The surprise delay had initially brought Brent futures down as much as 4% and WTI by as much as 5% in intraday trading on Wednesday. Trading remained subdued during Thursday's U.S. holiday.

"While I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see leaks or comments over the weekend that still have an impact on the oil price on the open next week, the actual meeting now occurring Thursday could put traders' minds somewhat at ease," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.

A bright spot came in the form of the near-term economic outlook in China. Recent Chinese data and fresh aid to the indebted property sector can be "positive for the oil market's near-term trend", said CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng.

Yet those gains could be capped by higher U.S. crude stockpiles and poor refining margins, leading to weaker demand from U.S. refineries, analysts said.

"Fundamentals developments have been bearish with rising U.S. oil inventories," ANZ analysts said in a note.

Still, China's longer-term outlook remains lukewarm. Analysts say oil demand growth could weaken to about 4% in the first half of 2024 as the property sector crunch weighs on diesel use.

Non-OPEC production growth is set to remain strong, with Brazilian state energy company Petrobras planning to invest $102 billion over the next five years to boost output to 3.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) by 2028, up from 2.8 million boepd in 2024.

(Additional reporting by Paul Carsten and Natalie Grover in London and Colleen Howe in Beijing; Editing by David Goodman, Louise Heavens and Marguerita Choy)
Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD announced Friday the debut of its premier Han sedan in the United Arab Emirates this week.

Additionally, BYD's local website indicates the availability of its ATTO 3 model for purchase in the UAE.

This development signifies a continued effort by Chinese enterprises to penetrate the Middle Eastern market, particularly as geopolitical challenges hinder their entry into the U.S. and expansion in Europe.

BYD has experienced rapid growth within China's domestic auto market and has steadily extended its passenger car operations globally.

Rival electric automaker, Nio (NYSE: NIO) announced in June that the company had secured $738.5 million in funding from a fund owned by the Abu Dhabi government.

The company introduced the Han sedan to the Chinese market back in 2020.

Available in hybrid and all-electric versions utilizing BYD's innovative "blade battery," the Han swiftly secured a position among the top 10 best-selling new energy vehicles in China for that year.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) today announced that it filed its Q3 2023 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company also announced changes to its finance and accounting leadership team.

We are a growth company with innovative design and strong market appeal. There was a series of events that led to us filing late, Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker said. We are committed to developing the infrastructure required to support our rapid expansion. With accelerating revenue growth, it is critical that we provide accurate and timely financial information to our shareholders. In order to achieve these objectives, we are scaling our systems, processes and people to match our high-quality vehicles and will redouble these efforts moving forward to advance sustainable growth.

I am 100% dedicated to execute on our business plan, mature our organization, and drive long-term shareholder value. Our team is working day and night to deliver and sell even more vehicles, continued Fisker.

Delays to Fiskers Q3 2023 Earnings and Subsequent 10-Q Filing

Fiskers Q3 2023 earnings and 10-Q filing were delayed earlier this month due to accounting personnel changes, material adjustments to financial information, identification of material weaknesses in internal controls, and increased business complexity and transactional volume, which collectively impacted the companys financial close for the third quarter. Subsequent to the release of our preliminary earnings results on November 13, 2023, we identified approximately $20 million of expenses that were related to services performed after the start of production of salable vehicles. The expenses were incorrectly recorded primarily as selling, general and administrative expenses in our preliminary earnings results, but were later determined to be associated with production set-up activities and are now appropriately reflected in cost of revenues. Additionally, other inventory adjustments were recorded resulting in a $4.0 million increase in net loss subsequent to the preliminary earnings results. No material prior period misstatements were identified. With todays filing of the 10-Q, Fisker is now current with the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

Expanding Finance Team Resources and Expertise to Support Global Growth

Total current assets grew by over 70% from the second quarter to the third quarter, significantly increasing the volume of transactions that required detailed analysis and reconciliation after the end of the quarter. Fisker is bolstering its finance and accounting resources and broadening its leadership teams to support business growth. Eric Sand, recently promoted to Corporate Controller, brings over two decades of finance and accounting experience managing complex processes and systems. In addition, Dan Quirk joins Fisker as Executive Vice President, Finance and Accounting. Dan joins Fisker after a 30+ year career with Ernst & Young LLP, where he spent the last 18 years as an Assurance Partner within the firms Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility practice. Across his seasoned career, he helped a variety of Fortune 500 and emerging growth companies with strategies to improve business and financial performance across controls, processes, long-term profitability, and strategic planning. Fisker will continue to invest in its people, processes, and technology to be an enabler of business growth.

New sales and deliveries strategy

Fisker has also reorganized its sales and delivery strategy. The company opened several new facilities in the past few weeks, including two locations in New York and one in California and expects to open several more facilities throughout the rest of the year. The company also changed the internal delivery team set up and process to expedite sales and deliveries. Fisker is also improving its logistics capabilities to transport vehicles from the manufacturing facility in Austria to markets in North America. In Europe, Fisker started delivering vehicles in two new countries in the past few weeks, after having already delivered most of the Ocean Ones sold in Europe and commencing deliveries of the Extreme trim. Last week, Fisker reported a new daily delivery record of 107 vehicles, up more than 120% from a month earlier. Overall, Fisker can now see that its delivery strategy is working and the company is ready to scale.
Nissan announced Friday that the company has committed to invest 1.12 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) in its British manufacturing facility.

The substantial investment aims to produce electric variants of two current Nissan models, providing a significant lift to the UK's automotive sector. The plan also aligns with the Prime Minister's efforts to entice foreign capital into the country.

The Japanese automaker outlined plans to create electric versions of the Qashqai and Juke, produced in Sunderland, northeast England. The plan will require a total investment of up to 2 billion pounds, including a third battery plant in Britain and infrastructure projects partially financed by partners.

The project is expected to receive government support.

For years, Nissan has been producing its electric Leaf model in Sunderland and will continue production, sourcing batteries from a small plant located on the site.

In 2021, Nissan unveiled a substantial $1.4 billion investment plan aimed at constructing a second 9 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery plant in Sunderland through a collaboration with Chinese partner Envision AESC.

This significant deal marks the commencement of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Global Investment Summit scheduled for next week. During this summit, Sunak aims to rekindle interest from international companies.

"Making the UK the best place to do business is at the heart of our economic plan," Sunak said in a statement on Friday.

Nissans investment in EVs comes despite the five-year delay to a ban on sales of new gas powered cars, which Sunak announced in September.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
Volkswagen (VW) announced Friday its plans to create a new platform for affordable electric vehicles in China.

The company aims to incorporate more locally sourced components to reduce expenses while targeting a resurgence in the world's largest automotive market.

Ralf Brandstaetter, Volkswagen's China chief, highlighted that the upcoming A Main Platform will be tailored to meet the preferences of Chinese consumers, particularly in aspects such as battery technology, electric propulsion, and motor design.

Brandstaetter shared this information with reporters during his visit to Volkswagen's recently established EV development and procurement center in Hefei, a central city in China.

Chinese new car buyers are younger, tech savvy and like an immersive digital experience from their cars, he added.

Based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), Volkswagen's current electric-only platform established in 2019, the new platform will heavily rely on Chinese suppliers and is anticipated to be market-ready by 2026. This timeline marks a significant improvement, being a third quicker than previous platform development durations.

Volkswagen has outlined its intention to launch an additional 10 electric vehicle models worldwide by 2026. To achieve this goal, the company aims to accelerate its new model launch timeframe from four years to the 2.5-year average for its Chinese counterparts.

Brandstaetter emphasized that China represents a highly price-sensitive market, requiring Volkswagen to prioritize cost optimization strategies.

When (EV) volume goes up,  its important that we are profitable to be sustainable. Therefore we drive the technologies, the speed and cost efficiency."

VW plans to develop four models on the new platform. Priced between 140,000 yuan ($19,400) and 170,000 yuan, the new models will compete with rivals in a segment currently dominated by gasoline cars.

According to Brandstaetter, the vehicles would be produced by VW's joint ventures with SAIC and FAW.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Friday is upon us, and Cyber Monday (November 27) and Travel Tuesday (November 28) are right around the corner. Canadian travellers can expect to find significant travel savings, according to leading online travel agency CheapOair.ca.

Started in 2017, Travel Tuesday, or Travel Deal Tuesday as it is more formally known as, takes place the day after Cyber Monday. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known to have more general shopping sales, Travel Deals Tuesday serves as the main day for travel companies to offer discounts on hotels, cruises, flights, and packages.

Historically, the start of Black Friday has found significant savings on a number of airline, hotel and cruise packages, with savings varying depending on the destination, said Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager for CheapOair.ca.

Daniel added that travellers have more ways to save by taking advantage of CheapOair.cas comprehensive booking engine, which allows Canadians to not only compare rates by airlines but compare by alternating nearby airports which may cost less.

CheapOair.cas mission is to educate and aid consumers and travel professionals in both planning their travel accommodations and staying current on the most popular destinations. Canadians can find up-to-date travel-related guidelines to destinations worldwide via the Ready for your next trip section on CheapOair.ca.

Note to media: Additional quotes and tips can be arranged upon request.

About CheapOair.caCheapOair.ca is an online travel agency that specializes in providing cheap flights and great last-minute flight deals for travellers worldwide. Consumers can book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone or by live chat. Part of Fareportal's family of travel brands, CheapOair.ca bridges the gap between an online travel agency and a traditional agency with travel agents available worldwide to help find great deals on flights to global destinations on over 500 airlines, a million lodgings, and hundreds of car rental companies. Follow CheapOair.ca on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for travel inspiration and helpful travel tips.

Jerry Grymek LMA Communications 416-918-2043 [email protected]

Source: CheapOair Canada
SINGAPORE, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX, a leading Web3 technology company, has issued updates for November 24, 2023.

OKX Wallet Now Integrated with Web3 Platform CPIToken OKX today announced that it is now integrated with CPIToken, a Web3 platform in the global consumer finance sector. With this addition, OKX Wallet users can access CPIToken's decentralized global tool for capital funding, investment, business and consumer financing via web extension. To access CPIToken via web extension, users simply need to:

1. Download the OKX Wallet web extension (available as a Chrome and Firefox browser add-on)

2. Create a new OKX Wallet or add an existing one

3. Connect their OKX Wallet to CPIToken via web extension

Users can also access CPIToken via OKX Wallet's Discover section, which is accessible via both web and mobile. Discover gathers over 10,000 dApps, DEXs, blockchain games, NFTs and supplementary tools. For more information, please visit the OKX Support Center.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

About OKX

A leading global technology company driving the future of Web3, OKX provides a comprehensive suite of products to meet the needs of beginners and experts alike, including:

 OKX Wallet: The world's most powerful, secure and versatile crypto wallet which gives users access to over 80 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes MPC technology which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallets account abstraction-powered Smart Account enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction.

 DEX: A multi-chain, cross-chain decentralized exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported.

 NFT Marketplace: A multi-chain, zero-fee NFT marketplace that gives users access to NFT listings across seven top-tier marketplaces including OpenSea, MagicEden, LooksRare and Blur.

 Web3 DeFi: A powerful DeFi platform that supports earning and staking on about 70 protocols across more than 10 chains.

OKX partners with a number of the world's top brands and athletes, including English Premier League champions Manchester City F.C., McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

As a leader building innovative technology products, OKX believes in challenging the status quo. The company recently launched a global brand campaign entitled, The System Needs a Rewrite, which advocates for a new paradigm led by Web3 self-managed technology.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

Source: OKX
Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move, Gold Rush Global Group Pty Ltd, an Australian-based financial services powerhouse, has announced to enter the global market with an expanded suite of online trading services. Founded with the mission to promote rapid development and business expansion, the company's comprehensive financial services will now reach investors worldwide.

Gold Rush Global Group, headquartered in Australia, has been a prominent player in the local financial landscape. The company's decision to extend its services globally underscores its commitment to offering stable and excellent online trading services to professional investors across the world.

Expanding its business scope to Southeast Asia, Europe, North & South America, and the United States, Gold Rush Global Group specializes in online trading services for global financial derivatives. The company is poised to provide exchange rate risk hedging and liquidity docking services to institutional corporate customers on a global scale.

With a strategic focus on service response speed and an extremely fast transaction experience, Gold Rush Global Group simplifies the account opening process, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience for clients. The company's system automatically screens quotes from a diverse range of banks and liquidity providers, offering investors the lowest spreads and the most advantageous options.

Operating on the STP direct mode without traders, Gold Rush Global Group ensures that all customer orders can be directly traded in the international market, fostering a fair and transparent trading environment. Customers also benefit from the flexibility to adjust the trading margin ratio according to their own funds, ranging from 1:100 to 1:400 times for effective risk management.

Moreover, the company's global connectivity with major banks facilitates swift fund injections and withdrawals, providing customers around the world with quick and efficient financial transactions.

Gold Rush Global Group's entry into the global market positions it as a formidable force in the international financial arena. The company's Australian roots add a distinctive edge to its global expansion, bringing a wealth of expertise and innovation to investors worldwide.

About Gold Rush Global Group

Gold Rush Global Group Pty Ltd is a dynamic financial services provider dedicated to delivering a wide range of online trading solutions to professional investors globally. Focused on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company has rapidly expanded its presence in key markets, providing clients with unparalleled trading experiences.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, or intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing in or trading securities and cryptocurrency.
MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 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 inform shareholders that it closed the its Non-Brokered Private placement financing announced on October 16, 2023. In addition to the 1,225,500 units as announced on November 16, 2023, the company announces the closing of additional 981,818 units at a price of $ 0.275 per unit for a gross proceed of $ 269,999.94, bringing the total amount raised at $ 607,012.44 and the total number of units issued at 2,207,318.

Successfully raising more than $ 600,000 at a premium of almost 9% to market, in these less-than-ideal market conditions, is another demonstration of the interest in the HPQ value proposition, said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc.

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.

In connection with the placement, Stephen Avenues Securities Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, received a cash commission equal to $ 9,075 and the Company issued to them 33,000 broker warrants, and Research Capital of Toronto, Ontario received a cash commission equal to $ 1,500 and the Company issued to them 5,454 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.

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:

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. 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. Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. 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.
Torontos Meghan Victoria brings inclusivity to the eyewear industry

Sol Kyst founder, Meghan Victoria, pitches her business on Dragons Den

TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sol Kyst, a Canadian eyewear brand founded by Meghan Victoria, appeared on CBCs Dragons Den last night, receiving an investment offer from Michele Romanow. The company's innovative wide face friendly sunglasses wowed the Dragons with their quality, size-inclusivity and ability to provide for an underserved market. After thoughtful negotiations, the founder ultimately accepted a $100,000 deal for a 25% stake.

For the past decade, Meghan Victoria has been a leading Toronto-based makeup artist, hair stylist and content creator. As she faced the uncertainty of the lockdown the thought of creating a sunglasses brand arose. A brand for those who were never able to wear any sunglasses both in fashion - feeling beautiful and confident and in function - no tension headaches or ear pulling due to the tightness of standard frames.

With this knowledge and experience, Meghan set out to create the perfect pair of sunglasses that not only fit a wider face but truly flattered the face through proportion and thoughtful design. She used techniques from her career as a makeup artist through the use of line work to create the illusion of a more chiseled jawline and really highlighting the cheekbones.

I created a product for a completely underserved market. From the beginning it was important to me that I wasn't just widening the measurements of basic sunglasses, said Meghan Victoria, Founder and Creative Director of Sol Kyst. The goal is truly honing in on the features associated with a wider face and bringing them to life with a brand new, thoughtfully crafted design. My product is specifically crafted for us, wide face babes.

Founded during the pandemic in 2021, Sol Kyst was created as an eyewear brand and a way to give back to an underserved niche while providing the best quality product available. After announcing her first prototype through her social media, that one video generated 120,000 views and in turn, over $10,000 of revenue of orders in the first 24 hours.

The frames are made from acetate - a superior material that is extremely durable, long lasting, lightweight and comfortable to wear. The light, flexible and high optical quality lenses are made of nylon, making them a greener and higher quality option than traditional plastic lenses.

After two years of being self-funded, the opportunity to explore partnerships and investor funding arose with Dragons Den.

Appearing on Dragons Den was a dream come true, said Meghan. The opportunity to showcase my product, tell my story and make the dragons really believe in the power of my brand has been a tremendous experience. This partnership with Michele will allow us to strategically flourish into a global brand.

Click here to watch the Dragons' Den segment.

Instagram: @shop.solkystTikTok: @shopsolkystWebsite: www.solkyst.ca

About Sol KystSol Kyst was founded in 2021 as an eyewear brand and a way to give back to an underserved niche while providing the best quality product available. The frames are made of acetate - a superior material that is extremely durable, long lasting, lightweight and comfortable to wear. The light, flexible and high optical quality lenses are made of nylon, making them a greener and higher quality option than traditional plastic lenses. Sol Kyst is dedicated to creating thoughtfully crafted eyewear for wider faces. The Canadian eyewear brand is truly size inclusive, with sizes ranging from 135-158mm. Infused with insights from the beauty industry, Sol Kyst's eyewear goes beyond traditional standards, creating a worldwide community that celebrates individuality. For more information on Sol Kyst, please visit solkyst.ca.

Contact:Megan DunscombeAccount Manager, MAVERICK Public Relations[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24bbb554-408d-4953-8e5f-dda2c147a0d6

Sol Kyst founder, Meghan Victoria, pitches her business on Dragons Den Sol Kyst founder, Meghan Victoria, pitches her business on Dragons Den

Source: Sol Kyst
Shenzhen, China, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hosted by Shenzhen Municipal Peoples Government, organized by Industry and Information Technology Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, undertaken by Shenzhen Industrial Design Profession Association (SIDA), the 11th Shenzhen International Industrial Design Fair (the Fair) started in the afternoon of 23rd November at Hall 2 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre. Thomas Garvey, President of the World Design Organization, Ren He, the Overseas Specialist of COMAC, and other guests from related fields and government leaders attended this fair.

With the theme of Design Reboot: Symbiosis, Shenzhen International Industrial Design Fair 2023 will be held for four days from 23rd to 26th November. Focusing on intelligent transport, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and other cutting-edge design and technology, this fair is centred on the three dimensions of design empowering industry, design empowering cities and design empowering social sustainability. We apply the mode of combing the main venue and Nanshan, Futian, Qianhai and the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters, which integrate the global and Shenzhen features and fully demonstrates the best practical achievements of industrial design empowering the high-quality development of the industry.

With an area of 15,000 square metres, our fair cover seven exhibition section, including National Industrial design Section, New DesignNew Commerce Section, New Consumption Trend Section,  Well-known Brands Section, Shenzhen Design Centre Section, CMF Trend Section, Global Creative Design Exploration Section, Inspiration Camp, International Design Forum Section, and invite more than 300 innovative design institutions from all over the world to participate, and massively showcasing more than 6,000 pieces of design masterpieces from 30 countries and regions, such as Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Turkey. During this fair, more than 30 activities will be held, including Global Design Value Summit, Design Awards Activities, Industrial Design Empowers Eastern, Western, Northern Guangdong Series Events, To Innovate Infinity  Seminar by Indiegogo, Brilliance in Future Award Ceremony, Design Forum, New Product Launch. With design as the engine and innovation as the impetus, global high-quality innovation forces will be assembled, actively promoting the deep integration of the innovation chain, industrial chain, capital chain and talent chain, and providing solid support for Shenzhen to promote the high-quality development of new industrialization.

The exhibition continues the combinations of online and offline style, using modern information technology means such as 5G, VR/AR, big data. By applying a multi-level online exhibition by combining online and offline scenarios such as cloud display, cloud interaction and cloud negotiation, this fair creates a multi-level and cutting-edge online exhibition, which reshape the method of displaying scenarios, improve service, build a 24-hour, cross-space platform with online and offline channel.

Shenzhen International Industrial Design Fair has been successfully hosted for ten years, exploring and making efforts in many fields with a comprehensive way, such as talents, funds, industrial policies, international cooperation, design education, bring top-notch international design concepts and products to Shenzhen, creating. Batch after batch of emerging design teams in Shenzhen have been established and grown, significantly elevating the development level of design in Shenzhen and its international influence. This has further driven industrial innovation and development, creating a series of innovative products. Shenzhen Design has effectively propelled high-quality economic and social development, improved the quality of life for citizens, and enhanced the efficient governance of the green city. It has become an international platform leading in innovation, future-oriented design, and the integration of design and industry. Shenzhen Design has emerged as a new urban brand, following in the footsteps of Shenzhen Speed and Shenzhen Quality.

In the modern and vibrant international metropolis of Shenzhen, full of charm, dynamism, vitality, and innovation, as of now, there are nearly 22,000 industrial design institutions, over 700 high-tech industrial design enterprises, and more than 150,000 industrial designers and practitioners. There are 14 national-level industrial design centers, 123 provincial-level industrial design centers, and 102 municipal-level industrial design centers that have been established. The number of industrial design centers in Shenzhen ranks first in the country, and it was awarded the first batch of service-oriented manufacturing demonstration cities of the country in industrial design. Since 2012, Shenzhen enterprises and designers have won a total of 2,360 iF design awards and 1,524 red dot design awards, reaching record highs for 12 consecutive years, providing strong support for promoting the high-end, intelligent and green development of the manufacturing industry, and building a world-leading and significant centre of advanced manufacturing. The economic and social development of Shenzhen has continued to step into a new stage with the help of industrial design.

The design drives innovation, innovation creates value. Industrial design is a creative activity that communicates science and technology with art, coordinates humanities with engineering, and connects demand with production, which perfectly fits the innovative and creative atmosphere and development needs of Shenzhen. Relying on the advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area construction, Shenzhen will expedite the construction of an innovative industrial design system based on design + research and development + services. It actively harnesses the supportive and guiding role of industrial design in industrial innovation and development, paving the way for new patterns of innovation and development in Guangdong and providing robust support for the high-quality development of the real economy. This fully showcases Shenzhens unique charm as the City of Design, highlighting the design prowess of Chinese modernization, with Shenzhen at its forefront.

Ivy Yang ivy.yang-at-szida.org

Source: Shenzhen Industrial Design Profession Association
GPR35 is a novel target with an established genetic association to IBD

UK regulatory approval received to commence first-in-human studies

Independent commercial analysis supports a worldwide peak sales opportunity of more than US$3 billion for GSK4381406 with its unique target product profile

Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, UK, 24 November 2023  Sosei Group Corporation (Sosei Heptares or the Company; TSE: 4565) announces it has initiated discussions with GSK to regain full ownership of GSK4381406, a highly selective first-in-class, oral GPR35 agonist in development under a Global Collaboration and License Agreement with GSK as a potential new treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). GPR35 is an important orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with an established genetic association to IBD, for which there remains significant unmet need for millions of sufferers worldwide.

GSK4381406 was designed by Sosei Heptares using its proprietary structure-based drug design (SBDD) platform and licensed to GSK in 2020. Since then, Sosei Heptares and GSK have advanced GSK4381406 through a joint development program, generating promising mechanistic, preclinical and safety data suggesting that it may have the potential to improve barrier function and reduce visceral pain in gastrointestinal indications such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

These data enabled Sosei Heptares and GSK to gain approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in mid-2023 to enter GSK4381406 into first-in- human studies (NCT05999708).

The Company is to regain full ownership of the GSK4381406 program following a decision by GSK to deprioritize and discontinue its development due to changes to both its immunology research strategy and immunology research leadership. The decision was not based on any scientific, preclinical or safety data related to GSK4381406. Under the terms of the 2020 agreement between the companies, Sosei Heptares has the right  for no upfront payment  to regain full ownership of the GSK4381406 program, together with all associated intellectual property licensed by Sosei Heptares to GSK, and preclinical data generated under the partnership. GSK becomes eligible for a low single digit royalty from Sosei Heptares on net sales of GSK4381406 should it become commercially available.

Sosei Heptares strategy is to advance novel or best-in-class products through early clinical development before seeking a partner to develop and commercialize in major markets. Following the Companys acquisition of Idorsias pharmaceutical businesses in Japan and Korea, Sosei Heptares also now has full clinical development and commercialization capabilities in the Japan/Asia-Pacific regions (ex-China).

Upon completion of the process to regain ownership of the GSK4381406 program, Sosei Heptares expects to proceed with the planned Phase 1 trial in the UK itself while determining the optimal strategy for the further clinical development and/or re-partnering of the program. The event reported today has no immediate impact on the consolidated financial results for the accounting period ending December 2023. Should any impacts or other matters that require an announcement be identified, the Company will announce such matters promptly.

Chris Cargill, President & CEO of Sosei Heptares, commented: We are delighted at the prospect of regaining ownership of GSK4381406 from GSK. This exciting program has already delivered highly promising preclinical data that support its potential as a new therapy for IBD and is poised to enter a Phase 1 clinical trial.

We have enjoyed a productive partnership with GSK over the past few years and understand and respect its decision as the result of a reprioritization of its immunology pipeline. For Sosei Heptares, this represents a significant opportunity, and one we have capitalized on several times over recent years, to regain and re-partner promising programs that have benefited from external collaboration and investment to validate their potential and advance them through development.

The return of the GPR35 agonist program, with its first-in-class mechanism of action and potential to address major unmet needs in IBD worldwide, would be a welcome addition to our growing clinical pipeline. We have already commissioned an independent commercial analysis and believe GSK4381406 has global peak sales potential of more than US$3 billion given its unique target product profile. This presents a strong rationale and clear opportunity for Sosei Heptares to further advance this program, either alone by leveraging our expanded development and commercialization capabilities, and/or in partnership.

About the Agreement with GSKSosei Heptares and GSK entered into a Global Collaboration and License Agreement in December 2020, under which GSK licensed global rights to a portfolio of GPR35 agonists, including GSK4381406, that were designed by Sosei Heptares using its StaR technology and structure-based drug design (SBDD) platform. Sosei Heptares and GSK jointly conducted the research and early preclinical development phase, and GSK was to lead clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization. Further details of the agreement can be found by clicking here.

* Compound code to be changed to Sosei Heptares format in future.

-ENDS-

About Sosei Heptares

Sosei Heptares is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing life-changing medicines based on world-class science to patients globally. Our vision is to become one of Japans global biopharmaceutical champions.

Our global business combines our world-leading GPCR-targeted StaR technology, structure-based drug design and early development capabilities in the UK with a highly experienced clinical development capability and a commercial operation in Japan.

We are leveraging these capabilities to generate and advance a broad and deep pipeline of novel medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, gastroenterology and inflammatory diseases. We intend to develop these opportunities for patients in Japan and globally both internally and through our partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies and emerging technology companies.

Sosei Heptares operates from key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea).

Sosei Heptares is the corporate brand and trademark of Sosei Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). Sosei, Heptares, the logo and StaR are trademarks of Sosei Group companies.

For more information, please visit https://soseiheptares.com/LinkedIn: @soseiheptaresco | Twitter: @soseiheptaresco | YouTube: @soseiheptaresco

Enquiries:

Sosei Heptares  Media and Investor RelationsKentaro Tahara, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory DisclosuresMaya Bennison, Communications Manager+81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 | [email protected]

MEDiSTRAVA Consulting (for International Media)Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Erica Hollingsworth+44 (0)203 928 6900 | [email protected]

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development, and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei Group Corporations actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Sosei Group Corporation
Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL PTY LTD, a prominent Australian financial service provider, continues its commitment to revolutionizing the trading landscape by introducing mobile versions for its innovative trading platforms. Additionally, the company is bolstering its dedication to trader education through an expanded array of educational resources, empowering users to make informed decisions and navigate the financial markets confidently.

Mobile Platforms Redefining Accessibility:

TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL is thrilled to announce the launch of mobile versions for its trading platforms, catering to the evolving needs of traders who seek flexibility and accessibility in their trading activities. The TIES for iPhone and iPad, as well as TIES for Android platforms, offer full functionality, allowing users to build and close positions, monitor the market, and conduct technical analysis using pre-installed indicators.

In an era where traders are increasingly relying on mobile solutions, TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL recognizes the importance of providing seamless on-the-go experiences. These mobile platforms are designed to ensure that users can manage their trades effortlessly from their smartphones and tablets, enhancing the overall trading experience.

"At TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL, we understand that traders need flexibility in their trading activities. The launch of our mobile platforms is a strategic move to meet this demand and provide traders with the tools they need, wherever they are," stated Anthony Yoseloff, Chief Investment Officer at TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL.

Investing in Trader Education:

Complementing the introduction of mobile platforms, TIES CAPITAL is expanding its commitment to trader education by offering a comprehensive array of educational resources. These resources cover a range of topics, including market analysis, risk management strategies, and in-depth insights into the various financial instruments available on the platform.

The educational resources are crafted to cater to traders of all levels, from beginners looking to understand the basics of financial markets to seasoned professionals seeking advanced strategies. TIES CAPITAL believes that an educated trader is an empowered trader, and these resources are aimed at providing users with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

"We are not just providing a platform; we are committed to equipping our users with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the financial markets. Trader education is a key pillar of our ethos," added Anthony Yoseloff

An Invitation to Explore and Learn:

TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL invites traders to explore the new mobile platforms and take advantage of the wealth of educational resources available. By combining advanced technology with a commitment to education, the company aims to empower traders to navigate the complexities of financial markets successfully.

"For us, this isn't just about technology; it's about providing a holistic trading experience. We invite traders to explore, learn, and join us in this journey of continuous improvement and empowerment," concluded Anthony Yoseloff.

Disclaimer: This announcement is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Any projections or opinions expressed in this release are subject to change and should not be relied upon for making investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments carry a high degree of risk, and the mentioned asset is not regulated by any government or regulatory authority. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

For media inquiries, please contact: Mark Allen TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL PTY LTD support(at)tiesrack.com

Source: TIES CAPITAL GLOBAL
Investing.com -- Thai Airways is mulling a possible order for as many as 90 mainly widebody jets from U.S. planemaker Boeing (NYSE: BA) and its rival Airbus (EPA:AIR), according to Bloomberg News.

Citing unidentified people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg said the carrier is aiming to add as many as 80 twin-aisle aircraft through firm orders, options and purchase rights. It is also considering leasing about a dozen smaller narrowbody planes, the report noted.

Thai Airways, which has seen its fleet shrink to 65 from 103 before the COVID-19 pandemic, has not made a final decision on the details of the agreement, some of the people told Bloomberg. Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri said earlier this year that the company it is eyeing adding about 30 new widebody planes, along with more A321neos for its Thai Smile division, in a bid to renew its fleet as travel demand recovers.

The Thai flag carrier has had to sharply overhaul its operations, including through widespread layoffs, during a court-supervised bankruptcy debt restructuring process.

Boeing officials did not respond to a request for comment and Airbus said it would not discuss customer negotiations before they are announced, Bloomberg said. Thai Airways also declined to comment to the news service.
Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Evertz Technologies Limited (TSX: ET), will release its 2024 second quarter (Q2) financial results on December 6, 2023 at approximately 4:00 p.m. (EDT).

The Company will hold a conference call with financial analysts to discuss the results on December 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). Media and other interested parties are invited to join the conference call in listen-only mode. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 416-764-8646 or Toll-Free (North America) 1-888-396-8049.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a rebroadcast will also be available until January 6, 2024. The rebroadcast can be accessed at 416-764-8692 or Toll-Free 1-877-674-7070.

The pass code for the rebroadcast is 982737.

About Evertz

Evertz Technologies Limited (TSX: ET) designs, manufactures and markets video and audio infrastructure solutions for the television, telecommunications and new-media industries. The Company's solutions are purchased by content creators, broadcasters, specialty channels and television service providers to support their increasingly complex multi-channel digital, and high and ultra-high definition television ("HDTV" and "UHD") and next generation high bandwidth low latency IP network environments and by telecommunications and new-media companies. The Company's products allow its customers to generate additional revenue while reducing costs through efficient signal routing, distribution, monitoring and management of content as well as the automation and orchestration of more streamlined and agile workflow processes on premise and in the "Cloud".

For further information please contact:

Doug Moore, CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer

(905) 335-3700

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188638
Wellington, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - November 23, 2023) - New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ)("NZEC" or the "Company") announced today that Mr. Frank Jacobs and Mr. Michael Adams (who served as the CEO of NZEC from 2015 to 2021) have been appointed as directors of the Company.

NZEC also announced that Mr. Mark Dunphy and Dr. David Llewellyn have resigned as directors. The Company expresses its thanks for the efforts of Messrs. Dunphy and Llewellyn who have helped guide the Company to its present position where the Company now has meaningful growth targets it can pursue.

NZEC also announced that, further to its 24 October 2023 news release, it expects to complete a closing of an initial tranche of its non-brokered private placement offering of common shares of the Company (the "Private Placement") in the next few weeks, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company anticipates that a proposed investment by Vliet Techniek B.V. ("Vliet"), a company wholly-owned by Mr. Frank Jacobs, will result in Vliet becoming a holder of more than 20% of the issued capital of the Company and therefore a new Control Person (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of the Company. Approval of the creation of the potential new Control Person will be submitted for approval by the disinterested shareholders of the Company at the upcoming annual general and special meeting to be held on 29 December 2023.

The Company further confirms that there is no undisclosed material information concerning NZEC or its business.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"James Willis"

Chairman

New Zealand Energy Corp.

New Zealand Energy Contacts

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.newzealandenergy.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding: the proposed Private Placement and the creation of a potential new Control Person. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects NZEC's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to NZEC and on assumptions NZEC believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of NZEC and its common shares; TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Private Placement; NZEC's general and administrative costs remaining constant; and the market acceptance of NZEC's business strategy. 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 NZEC 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; industry condition; volatility of commodity prices; imprecision of reserve estimates; environmental risks; operational risks in exploration and development; 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 NZEC; 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 risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in NZEC's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Although NZEC 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 NZEC as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, NZEC 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188581
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) ("QeM" or the "Company") is thrilled to announce that Greybox Solutions, in collaboration with its partners in the Continuum project (CHUM, Medtech, and Bohringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd), has been honored with a prestigious award at the 2023 ADRIQ Innovation Awards Gala hosted by the Association des directeurs de recherche industrielle du Qubec.

The esteemed recognition underscores the outstanding achievements of the Continuum project, highlighting the innovative strides made in the field of digital therapeutics. Conveying his enthusiasm for Greybox Solutions' merited accolade, Francis Bellido, CEO of Quantum eMotion, underscored the paramount significance of superior cybersecurity in fortifying the protection of sensitive patient data amidst the rising tide of data breaches.

Bellido highlighted QeM's groundbreaking security platform, Sentry-Q, as a state-of-the-art cybersecurity technology. Comprising a QRNG2 (Quantum Random Numbers Generator), EaaS (Entropy as a Service), and a Crypto-library, Sentry-Q stands as a formidable guardian, ensuring the highest levels of protection for patient healthcare data. This recognition not only applauds the innovative prowess of Greybox Solutions but also underscores the commitment of QeM to advancing secure healthcare technologies.

The award follows closely on the heels of Greybox Solutions' recent success in deploying its remote patient monitoring and digital therapeutics platform (DTx) to treat heart failure outpatients. This groundbreaking achievement not only validates the platform's efficacy but also positions it for commercial success. Francis Bellido remarked, "This is very good news for QeM, as our commercial agreement with Greybox is based on a revenue-sharing model."

As healthcare continues to evolve with digital solutions, the partnership between QeM and Greybox Solutions remains at the forefront of driving innovation. The ADRIQ Innovation Award serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and groundbreaking advancements in digital therapeutics, further solidifying the position of QeM and Greybox Solutions as leaders in the healthcare technology landscape.

About QeM

The Company's mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware security for connected devices. The patented solution for a Quantum Random Number Generator exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced security for protecting high value assets and critical systems.

The Company intends to target the highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

For further information, please contact:

Francis Bellido, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 514.956.2525

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.quantumemotion.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188625
Introducing the First-of-its-Kind Solution: Integrating Web3 Wallets for Enhanced Security and Full User Control Over Personal Data

Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - Rehide, a trailblazing web3 password manager, is proud to announce its official launch, a solution set to revolutionize data protection and personal information security. Departing from traditional methodologies, Rehide offers a unique approach that allows users to securely store their passwords and confidential notes by leveraging the encryption capabilities of their web3 wallet.





Rehide Launches Revolutionary Web3 Password Manager: A New Era of Unparalleled Data Security and User Empowerment



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In today's digital age, where data security is of utmost importance, Rehide emerges as one of the first web3 password managersto offer seamless integration with popular web3 wallets, including most EVM-compatible wallets. This advanced integration not only provides unparalleled security for stored information but also grants users complete control and ownership over their sensitive data. Rehide's innovative framework enables users to enhance the security of their passwords and confidential notes, all within a single, user-friendly system.

Rehide differentiates itself from traditional password managers by granting users full control and ownership of their data, thereby eliminating dependence on third-party entities for security. The platform cleverly utilizes web3 wallets, which are traditionally used for cryptocurrency storage, to offer a novel approach to securing passwords and notes. This strategy offers a level of security and control previously unattainable in personal data protection.

The core of Rehide's concept is recognizing the underused potential of web3 wallets in securing personal data. By bridging this gap, Rehide provides a secure, user-controlled password management solution that utilizes decentralized storage. Encrypted data is stored through IPFS, removing the need for intermediaries and bolstering overall security.

Rehide ensures users maintain complete ownership and control over their data. It offers a zero-knowledge system, meaning the data remains private and only accessible to the user. The non-custodial approach ensures the encryption process is conducted client side.

Prior to its launch, Rehide successfully completed a comprehensive security audit performed by F.I.G Security, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and the highest level of data protection. The audit results are available for public review, underscoring Rehide's commitment to transparency and security.

For more information, please visit https://rehide.io/.

About Us: Rehide is a pioneering, non-custodial password storage manager offering zero-knowledge encryption. It enables users to encrypt their confidential information using their web3 wallet and securely store it as confidential NFTs in their personal vault.

Contact Info:

Name: Daniel Montoya

Email: [email protected]

Organization: Rehide

Website: https://app.rehide.io/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188609
Macao, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - The 2023 Shenzhen New Energy Vehicle Industry (Macao) Conference was held on 22nd November at the Wynn Palace in Macao. It comprehensively showcased the achievements of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry development and promoted the market-oriented, rule-of-law, and internationalized business environment in Shenzhen. The event welcomed and encouraged various sectors in Macao to seize the opportunities for the development of China's new energy vehicle industry. Mr. Wang Shourui, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Yang Hao, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macau SAR, Zhang Zuowen, Director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Zan Dong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum (Macao) (appointed by Portuguese-speaking countries), Jiang Likun, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Shenzhen, and representatives from various sectors of government and business in Shenzhen and Macao, totaling nearly a hundred people, attended the event.





2023 Shenzhen New Energy Vehicle Industry (Macao) Conference



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Vice Mayor Wang Shourui emphasized that transitioning to new energy vehicles represents the sole pathway for China to evolve from merely a large automotive manufacturer to an automotive powerhouse. The new energy vehicles serve as a fresh avenue for transforming, elevating, and fostering high-quality growth within China's automotive sector. For eight consecutive years, China has maintained the top spot globally in both the production and sales of new energy vehicles. Shenzhen, a pinnacle and exemplar city in the new energy vehicle realm. The city has a population of 860,000 new energy vehicles, achieving a penetration rate surpassing 60%, a leading position worldwide. Given the ongoing development in the scientific and technological evolution, Shenzhen aims to leverage its industrial strengths in high-tech clustering. Simultaneously, Macao seeks to maximize its position as a gateway for Greater Bay Area with its global connectivity. Collaboratively, Shenzhen and Macao aim to harness their respective strengths, enhancing multi-faceted cooperation, particularly in the new energy vehicle industry. Their joint endeavour to explore international markets promises to significantly contribute to enriching the "one country, two systems" framework and expediting the attainment of advanced scientific and technological self-reliance.

Director Zhang Zuowen commented that the automotive industry is transitioning toward green, digital, and intelligent advancements. Shenzhen's automotive sector has spearheaded the progress in developing new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, leading China in advocating for and implementing new energy vehicle technology. Its robust competitiveness in key technological innovation continues to grow. Within the context of the high-caliber collaborative efforts shaping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and guided by the operational framework of the Shenzhen-Macao Cooperation Conference and the Special Cooperation Class, Macao intends to fully leverage the institutional advantages afforded by the "one country, two systems" model. Macao also aims to amplify the role of its "Connect the World" business cooperation service platform. This involves deepening collaboration with Shenzhen across multiple fronts, including new energy vehicles, ecological preservation, and environmental protection. The objective is to aid Shenzhen's new energy vehicles in exploring global markets, particularly those in Portuguese-speaking countries, while supporting the advancement of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and the establishment of a "new generation world-class automotive city."

Deputy Secretary-General Zandong highlighted that Portuguese-speaking countries possess strategic geographical locations and abundant natural resources, presenting significant potential for economic development. Their economic and trade ties with China are progressively deepening, fostering expansive prospects for collaboration. China's new energy automobile industry is rapidly gaining recognition in the global automotive industry for its advance technology development. The conference gathering offers a rare opportunity for Portuguese-speaking countries to grasp the dynamics within Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and seize the developmental possibilities it offers. The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum between China and Portuguese-speaking countries pledges to remain a facilitative platform for fostering exchanges and cooperation between China and these nations. It aims to support both Shenzhen and Macao in actively expanding their market presence within Portuguese-speaking countries. Furthermore, it intends to comprehensively fortify economic and trade cooperation across various sectors with these nations.

Director Jiang Likun emphasized that the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area stands as a significant national strategy personally envisioned, planned, and advocated by President Xi Jinping. This conference centers on the theme of "expanding the global market presence of this new energy vehicles" and aims to promote high quality advancement of new energy automotive industry within the Greater Bay Area. Shenzhen will intensely focus on the objective of establishing an international hub for science and technology innovation within the Greater Bay Area. It is determined to grasp firmly the developmental necessities of the "20+8" industrial cluster. Additionally, it aims to enhance understanding among Hong Kong, Macao, and the global community regarding Shenzhen's industrial policies, investment milieu, and its future developmental. The goal is to encourage Hong Kong and Macao to actively participate in the holistic development of the country. This collective endeavour is to spearhead development of advance technology hub in the Greater Bay Area for both domestic and international market growth in tandem. Thereby the vision is contributing significantly to the establishment of an advance world-class bay area.

At the event, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology presented the "Shenzhen Three-Year Action Plan (2023-2025)" aimed at expediting the creation of a "New Generation of World-Class Automobile City." Additionally, six companies, including BYD Co., Ltd., Skyworth Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen University, Hongde Automobile Industry Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Bihu New Energy Automobile Technology Co., Ltd., Dahang Science and Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Infineon Technology Co., Ltd., delivered specialized speeches on the new energy vehicle industry's development.



Contact:

[email protected]

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/188622
Xiamen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 24, 2023) - The BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition 2023 opened at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center on November 16, 2023.

The exhibition covers an area of 11,000 square meters and features the BRICS Innovation Base Pavilion, Country Pavilion, Fujian Pavilion, Professional Pavilion, and Innovation Zone. It has attracted over 180 well-known domestic and foreign companies and institutions.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Initiative and the third anniversary of the establishment of the BRICS Innovation Base. As an important series of events under the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership, the BRICS Exhibition has been successfully held two times and has become a grand industry event showcasing new products, new technologies, and new business forms in the field of the BRICS New Industrial Revolution.

The 2023 BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition focuses on the theme of "Deepening Partnership Cooperation, Promoting the New Industrialization of BRICS Countries," based on the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the manufacturing industry in BRICS countries. It concentrates on showcasing practical cooperation achievements in the field of the BRICS New Industrial Revolution, strives to build a platform for industrial supply-demand connection among BRICS countries, and actively supports quality projects in expanding market space.





The BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition 2023 opens in Xiamen

On November 16, 2023, the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Forum was held in Xiamen, Fujian Province. Zhao Long, governor of Fujian province, Zhang Yunming, vice- minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Cui Yonghui, secretary of the Xiamen Municipal Party Committee, Lin Ruiliang, vice-governor of Fujian province, Huang Wenhui, mayor of Xiamen, and representatives from BRICS and "BRICS Plus" countries, including Marcos Galvo, the Ambassador of Brazil to China, Alexey Gruzdev, deputy minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Sabino Vaca Narvaja, the Ambassador of Argentina to China, and Giuseppe Yoffreda Yorio, the Ambassador of Venezuela to China, as well as representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the New Development Bank attended the event in person or via video.

During the exhibition, a series of heavyweight events were held, including the 5th BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Forum, the final of the 2023 BRICS Industrial Innovation Competition, and the inaugural BRICS Innovation Base Entrepreneur Forum. Representatives from various sectors in BRICS countries in the fields of politics, industry, academia, and research were invited to have in-depth exchanges and discussions on the opportunities and challenges of the new industrial revolution, and to jointly provide suggestions and ideas for the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry in BRICS countries.

Xiamen Welcomes Friends from All over the World for BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition 2023.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAvFdfxGoQ

Media Contact

Contact: Sun bin

Email: [email protected]

Source: https://article.xuexi.cn/articles/index.html?art_id=7050624357517023906&item_id=7050624357517023906&study_style_id=feeds_opaque&t=1700378820320&showmenu=false&ref_read_id=7eb9fa21-1bfe-4597-b924-39eb9caf77e1_1700394235515&pid=&ptype=-1&source=share&share_to=wx_single

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TOKYO , Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 23 , at 1:30 p.m. , an official Soka Gakkai Memorial Service was held at the Toda Memorial Auditorium in Tokyo , for Daisaku Ikeda , Honorary President of the Soka Gakkai and President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), who passed away on November 15 , at the age of 95. The service was live streamed to over 1000 Soka Gakkai centers throughout Japan .

Following recitation of portions of the Lotus Sutra and the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, appreciation was expressed by Senior Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda on behalf of the Ikeda family, and national Women's Leader Kimiko Nagaishi and Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada gave tributes.

Harada stated that the condolence messages received from noted figures around the globe attest to Ikeda's greatest achievement of "forging bonds, bringing people together and connecting the inherent goodness in their hearts, transcending race, ideology, and religion." He emphasized that Soka Gakkai members are determined to continue Ikeda's legacy of paving a path for peace, aiming toward the organization's 100th anniversary in 2030.

In his tribute, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury , former UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative, wrote, "He has given humankind hope and direction to face with courage the complexity and challenges of today's world. I pay tribute to his creative energy and his intellectual expanse to elaborate and articulate the dimensions of human values and ideals to bring out the best amongst each one of us."

Daisaku Ikeda was a Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, educator, author and poet who dedicated his life to promoting peace through dialogue and spearheaded the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organization's international development. He was born in Tokyo on January 2, 1928 , and witnessed the horrors of World War II as a teenager. The death of his eldest brother in action in Myanmar fueled his lifelong hatred of war.

In 1947, Ikeda met Josei Toda , pacifist and leader of the Soka Gakkai who had been imprisoned by the militarist government during the war. Ikeda took Toda as his mentor and helped spread Nichiren Buddhism, which aimed to build a society based on respect for the fundamental dignity and equality of all people. Ikeda also promoted the concept of "human revolution"- inner-directed transformation that sparks societal change.

In May 1960 , Ikeda was inaugurated as third president of the Soka Gakkai at 32. He encouraged people struggling amid the harsh realities of life to believe that they possess the ability to transform their destiny.

From the 1970s, Ikeda conducted dialogues across cultures with prominent figures, including British historian Arnold Toynbee and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev , to find common solutions to the complex problems facing humanity. Over 80 of these dialogues have been published in book form.

He also promoted people-to-people exchange between China and Japan , believing that constructive engagement with China was fundamental to regional stability. In the mid-1970s, he also engaged in citizen diplomacy between China , the Soviet Union and the USA , to help defuse Cold War tensions.

A passionate advocate of the abolition of nuclear weapons, Ikeda was a firm believer in the central role of the United Nations as a forum for peace. From 1983 to 2022, he authored annual peace proposals offering concrete suggestions toward building a lasting culture of peace.

Read full tribute: https://www.daisakuikeda.org/

The Soka Gakkai is a global community-based Buddhist organization with 12 million members. Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) was President of the Soka Gakkai from 1960-79 and founding President of the SGI from 1975.

Contact:

Yuki Kawanaka

International Office of Public Information

Soka Gakkai

+81-80-5957-4919

kawanaka[at]soka.jp

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/memorial-held-to-commemorate-buddhist-leader-daisaku-ikeda-301997056.html

SOURCE Soka Gakkai
Social organizations (environmental, immigration, and other groups) gather at an event revolving around tolerance, protection of the rule of law and equal rights for all, following a Dutch election that saw far-right leader Geert Wilders book major gains

By Esther Verkaik

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - More than a thousand people gathered in Amsterdam on Friday in support of groups facing discrimination in the Netherlands, after major gains for a far-right political party this week.

In Amsterdam's central Dam Square people lit candles or held up cellphone lights in a mostly silent protest, two days after the general election in which the Freedom Party (PVV) of anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders won the most seats.

Wilders, who is now trying to build a governing coalition, has vowed to close Dutch borders to immigrants and cut spending on climate change, cultural and foreign development programmes.

Organisers of the "Together for Solidarity" protest included Amnesty International, Greenpeace, groups supporting gay rights, the arts, peace and refugees, as well as anti-racism activists and left-leaning political parties.

They said they wanted to show that they would continue to defend the rule of law and a country that is 'for everyone.'

"I feel sad about the election results ... And I'm really worried about our country," said Sara Coster.

"I was most proud of the Netherlands because we welcome people and everybody can be who you are and I'm really flabbergasted and shocked and angry," the 58-year-old added.

Another demonstrator, Jan Jaap van Oosterzee, 62, said he felt Wilders' win was "against every thing we're standing for, and that I'm personally standing for".

Wilders party "stands for exclusion of my colleagues, of my children, of denying climate change," he said.

"Really everything that's dear to us and that we find important is at stake here," Oosterzee added

Muslim groups are planning a demonstration in Amsterdam on Dec. 2 to protest against "populism and sowing hate". Muslims, who make up around 5% of the Dutch population of almost 18 million people, have expressed shock at the election result.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Alexander Smith)
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's President-elect Javier Milei said on Friday that the closure of the country's central bank, a signature campaign pledge, was a "non-negotiable matter", according to a statement from his office posted on social media platform X.

The comments, in response to what he called "false rumors", come as the outsider libertarian economist races to put together his team ahead of taking office on Dec. 10, with some signs that he is picking a more moderate Cabinet that expected.

Argentina's social security administration ANSES, a key institution given Milei's pledge to slash state spending and subsidies, will be lead by economist Osvaldo Giordano from the key central Cordoba region, the statement added.

That marks a shift from a previous plan that Milei would appoint a close ally to lead the administration.

Horacio Marin, a private energy sector executive, was also confirmed as the incoming chief of state oil company YPF.

Milei faces major hurdles to implement his more radical reform plans, which include dollarizing the economy, shutting the central bank and privatizing state companies like YPF, which will take time if they can be done at all.

His libertarian coalition has a limited number of seats in Congress and no provincial governors. Milei also has to juggle demands from the more mainstream conservative bloc, whose public backing was key to him winning the run-off election last week.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo and Adam Jourdan)
FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators attend a protest in support of Palestinians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Muharraq, Bahrain, November 18, 2023. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo

By Alexander Cornwell

MANAMA (Reuters) - Bahrain has been walking a political tightrope since war erupted in Gaza as it seeks to ease public fury at a conflict that has killed thousands of Palestinians while preserving a deal with Israel that brought the Gulf state closer to the United States.

For tiny Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet, close U.S. relations are a vital bulwark against Iran, a vast Muslim Shi'ite nation across the Gulf that Manama has long blamed for stirring up its own majority Shi'ite population against Bahrain's Sunni monarchy.

The deal to normalise ties with Israel, signed in 2020 by Bahrain when Donald Trump was president, brought few business benefits to Bahrain, unlike those it offered United Arab Emirates, a regional commercial hub which signed at the same time. But the other strategic gains Bahrain secured are too valuable to jeopardise, sources and analysts said.

Six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters Bahrain would not abandon its ties with Israel, even though parliament - a body that remains subservient to the monarchy - has made a strident statement suggesting Israel relations were in the freezer.

Bahrain is trying to preserve the relationship with Israel while also managing public opinion, one of the sources said.

Bahrain's government communications office did not respond to emailed questions on the status of relations with Israel.

"They can't abandon normalisation with Israel without endangering this whole strategic framework," said Kristin Smith Diwan, a researcher at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

She said the framework was not just about keeping close to the U.S. but also Bahrain's signing of the deal brought it closer to the wealthy UAE and offered a counterweight to the influence of Saudi Arabia, which has long bankrolled Bahrain whose oil resources long ago dwindled to almost nothing.

"Bahrains adoption of the Abraham Accords is as much about its relations with other countries as it is with Israel," she said, using the term for the normalisation deals Israel signed with Bahrain and the UAE.

Yet it requires a balancing act by Bahrain, as it seeks to keep the deal intact while reflecting its deep disagreement with Israel's fierce military campaign in Gaza, whether through criticism of Israel by the Bahraini crown prince at a security summit in Manama this month, parliament's statements or the government allowing public protests on the issue.

AMBIGUITY ABOUT ISRAEL

On Nov. 2, the elected parliament, which has no authority over foreign policy, issued an unusual statement saying the ambassadors of Israel and Bahrain had departed and economic ties had been cut.

"The Zionist entitys (Israel) ambassador has left from Bahrain, hopefully not to return," parliamentarian Mamdooh Al Saleh said in parliament in the days after the announcement.

The fact that the statement on diplomatic and economic ties came from the parliament, not the foreign ministry, stirred ambiguity about whether or not Bahrain had formally cut ties.

Israel responded that relations were stable and a subsequent statement by Bahrain's government only mentioned the envoys had already left without clarifying any reason. The Bahraini government made no mention of economic ties, which are modest.

The six sources familiar with the matter said parliament's announcement did not reflect government policy.

The sources said the public confusion over relations with Israel appeared to have eased pressure on the government in its efforts to balance domestic outrage and ties with Israel.

In Jerusalem, a senior Israeli official told Reuters the envoys would return "when the situation allows".

On the street, emotions are running high over Israel's assault on Gaza which began after fighters from the Palestinian group Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. More than 14,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

PROTEST RALLIES

Hundreds of Bahrainis have marched at rallies to show solidarity with Palestinians and protest at the kingdom's ties with Israel, demonstrating in a nation that has typically clamped down on any form of protest, particularly if it targets government policy.

"People are angry. The government needs to release the pressure," said Smith Diwan, referring to a decision by the authorities to allow citizens to stage weekly protests. She described apparent state tolerance of the protests as "jarring", reflecting a contrast with Bahrain's normally tight security.

The government came down hard on protests in 2011 when demonstrators, many from the Shi'ite majority, rose up to demand the downfall of Bahrain's monarchy in the Arab Spring. Bahrain partly blamed that unrest on Iran, an accusation Tehran denied.

Almost a decade later when Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords, worries about Iran again formed the security backdrop, with the Islamic Republic still seen by Gulf Arabs as an expansionist security threat to much of the Middle East.

Western officials said the accords reinforced Bahrain's U.S. ties, pointing to a defence pact signed this year.

Israel, largely cut off economically and politically for decades from its Middle East neighbours, saw the accords as a shift in regional dynamics and an opening for new trade ties.

"I've seen here clear signals from the Arab Gulf countries that they don't want to let go of what has been achieved in the last three years," Tobias Lindner, a German foreign office minister of state told Reuters at a summit this month in Manama.

"The government of the Kingdom of Bahrain is a staunch supporter of the Abraham Accords," he said.

The UAE, a regional power, also intends to maintain its relationship with Israel, which has yielded billions of dollars in trade and close security cooperation, sources have said.

In contrast, Bahrain-Israel trade remains modest, worth about $30 million since 2021, according to Israeli government data.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Manama, additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai, Ari Rabinovitch and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Editing by Michael Georgy, William Maclean)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden answers a question from a journalist outside the Nantucket Fire Department in Nantucket, Massachusetts, U.S, November 23, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo

By Jeff Mason

NANTUCKET, Mass. (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that the chances were "real" of a truce between Israel and Hamas being extended and he expressed hope that U.S. citizens taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group would be freed soon.

Biden also praised U.S. diplomacy behind the truce and Friday's release of 24 hostages who were taken by Hamas to Gaza in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, saying it was the start of what he expected would be further releases in coming days.

"Beginning this morning, under a deal reached by extensive U.S. diplomacy, including numerous calls I've made from the Oval Office to leaders across the region, fighting in Gaza will halt for four days," Biden told a press conference.

Asked whether the truce could be extended, Biden said: "I think the chances are real."

Biden declined to speculate about how long the Israel-Hamas war would last. Asked by a reporter what his expectations were, Biden said Israel's goal of eliminating Hamas was a legitimate but difficult mission.

"I don't know how long it will take," Biden told reporters.

"My expectation and hope is that as we move forward, the rest of the Arab world and the region is also putting pressure on all sides to slow this down, to bring this to an end as quickly as we can."

Under the terms of the truce, 50 women and children hostages are to be released over four days, in return for 150 Palestinian women and children among thousands of detainees in Israeli jails. Israel says the truce could be extended if more hostages are released at a rate of 10 per day.

Both sides have promised a return to fighting.

Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, said in a video message that this was a "temporary truce" and called for an "escalation of the confrontation ... on all resistance fronts", including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant spoke similarly, calling the pause "short" and saying that at its conclusion "the war (and) fighting will continue with great might."

Israel has retaliated against Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack in which the government says Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized about 240 hostages.

The Israeli military has bombarded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, killing about 14,000 Gazans, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

The civilian death toll has generated international outcry and protests even in the United States, a staunch ally of Israel.

Biden spoke to reporters on Friday while vacationing with his family on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket.

As Biden and his wife, Jill, walked around Nantucket after his remarks, some in the gathered crowd loudly shouted: "Free Palestine!"

Biden said earlier that he had raised civilian casualties with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I've encouraged the prime minister to focus on trying to reduce the number of casualties while he is attempting to eliminate Hamas, which is a legitimate objective," Biden told reporters.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Kanishka Singh, Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Leslie Adler and Grant McCool)
FILE PHOTO: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a meeting on installation of the G20 National Commission, with his ministers, president of the Central Bank and president of the Supreme Court at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazi

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has decided to veto a bill which was set to extend a payroll tax exemption to some 17 sectors until 2027, the country's official gazette showed late on Thursday.

The move comes as the government searches for ways to increase its revenue in order to improve public accounts, with the goal of erasing its fiscal deficit by next year. The bill, passed by lawmakers in October, could have harmed those efforts.

Reuters had reported on Thursday, citing two sources familiar with the matter, that the leftist leader would veto the bill.

In a message sent to Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco justifying his decision, Lula argued that extending that tax exemptions originally set to expire on Dec. 31 was unconstitutional and goes against the public interest.

Lula's veto, however, could still be overturned by the Congress. For that, absolute majorities in both the lower house and Senate would have to vote to override it.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Writing by Peter Frontini; Editing by Kylie Madry and Steven Grattan)
NVIDIA HGX AI Supercomputer on display during the annual Foxconn Tech Day in Taipei, Taiwan October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Regulators in the European Union, China and France have asked for information on Nvidia's graphic cards, with more requests expected in the future, the U.S. chip giant said in a regulatory filing.

Nvidia is the world's largest maker of chips used both for artificial intelligence and for computer graphics. Demand for its chips jumped following the release of the generative AI application ChatGPT late last year.

The California-based company has a market share of around 80% via its chips and other hardware and its powerful software that runs them.

Its graphics cards (GPUs) are high-performance devices that enable powerful graphics rendering and processing for use in video editing, video gaming and other complex computing operations.

The company said this has attracted regulatory interest around the world.

"For example, the French Competition Authority collected information from us regarding our business and competition in the graphics card and cloud service provider market as part of an ongoing inquiry into competition in those markets," Nvidia said in a regulatory filing dated Nov. 21.

The French watchdog raided Nvidia's local office in September, a person familiar with the matter had told Reuters.

"We have also received requests for information from regulators in the European Union and China regarding our sales of GPUs and our efforts to allocate supply, and we expect to receive additional requests for information in the future," Nvidia said in the filing.

Separately, Nvidia has delayed the launch of a new China-focused AI chip, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Susan Fenton)
A view of closed gates at the Raja-Jooseppi international border crossing station before its opening in Inari, northern Finland on November 24, 2023. Finland closed all other checkpoints on Finland's border with Russia because of the flow of third-country

By Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Russia must stop sending asylum seekers across its frontier into Finland in what amounts to a "hybrid attack", Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Friday, after the Nordic nation temporarily shut all border passenger crossings bar one.

More than 800 migrants from nations including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen have entered Finland via Russia in recent weeks, an increase from less than one per day previously, according to the Finnish Border Guard.

Helsinki says Moscow is funnelling them to the border in retaliation for its decision to increase defence cooperation with the United States, a charge the Kremlin denies. Finland infuriated Russia earlier this year when it joined NATO, ending decades of military non-alignment, due to the war in Ukraine.

"We want to send a clear message to Russia: this must stop," Orpo told a press conference.

"It is not at this moment a question of asylum seekers, it is a question of hybrid attack and national security," he said.

Having shut four border stations last week, Finland closed three more overnight for a month, leaving open only its northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi, located in the Arctic region.

Raja-Jooseppi opened its gates for traffic at 0800 GMT on Friday and stayed open for four hours, the Border Guard said.

But Helsinki signalled that this too could be shut.

"If necessary, closing the entire eastern border is possible," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in a statement.

The government also decided at an extraordinary session on Friday that people arriving from Russia without the required travel documents must stay in supervised centres until their identities have been established.

ASYLUM RIGHTS

Finland's ombudsman for non-discrimination said the remote location of Raja-Jooseppi prompted concerns that Helsinki was jeopardising the right to seek asylum.

"If there is no genuine and effective access to the asylum procedure, there is an obvious danger of violating the absolute ban on return and the ban on mass deportation," the ombudsman's office said in a post on social media platform X.

The Finnish Border Guard expects dozens of officers from the European Union's Frontex border agency to help patrol the 1,340 km (833 mile) border with Russia from next week.

"Their task will primarily be to patrol the land border under the supervision of the Finnish Border Guards and to support them," Border Security Expert Arttu Maaranen told Reuters.

He said the border guards were preparing for all scenarios, including one in which migrants attempted to cross into Finland through forests spanning the frontier.

"We have requested equipment needed for monitoring and surveillance, including a thermal camera vehicle," he said.

Frontex already has nine border guard officers working in Finland. It said on Thursday it would deploy another 50 border guard officers and other staff to Finland along with equipment such as patrol cars to improve security.

Norway has experienced "no irregularities" so far on its border with Russia, which runs to the north of Finland's, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Friday during a visit to the Estonian capital Tallinn.

He said Norway was ready to take the necessary measures to have order at the border if the situation changed.

Estonia and Latvia, like Finland, have accused Moscow of sending migrants to their borders with Russia in what all three nations have described as "hybrid attack" operations.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen in Helsinki, additional reporting by Victoria Klesty and Terje Solsvik in Oslo, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Gareth Jones)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Friday four Germans were among the 24 hostages released from captivity in Gaza on the first day of a four-day truce in the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

They were among the around 240 people abducted by Hamas gunmen who rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7.

"I am so incredibly relieved that 24 hostages were just released from Gaza, among them four Germans, and that a father, after 49 days of hell, of unbelievable fear, can finally embrace again his two small daughters and his wife," Baerbock said on the sidelines of a party conference of her Greens party.

"The release of all the remaining hostages, especially the Germans among them, remains a top priority," she added.

The minister said the government also acknowledged the suffering of the people of Gaza. Northern parts of the enclave have been cut off from outside help for weeks, with one U.N. spokesperson describing it as a "hell on earth".

"The ceasefire must last as long as possible now to ensure the people of Gaza receive vital goods like medicine, food, water and aid," Baerbock said.

(Reporting by Alexander Ratz and Scot Stevenson; Writing by Sarah Marsh;Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
QUITO (Reuters) -Businessman Juan Carlos Vega seems set to become Ecuador's economy and finance minister, though he has not yet been sworn in, according to an official's social media post on Friday, a day after new President Daniel Noboa took office.

Noboa, 35, has pledged to reduce violence and create jobs via urgent legislative reforms in the South American country, which is facing deep economic challenges that have pushed thousands to migrate and spiking violence blamed on drug gangs.

Vega, a veteran executive of several companies in Cuenca and Quito, including a home appliances manufacturer, has a masters in economics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, according to a resume shared with journalists.

Energy Minister Andrea Arrobo said on social media on Friday that she, Vega and Environment Minister Sade Fritschi had met to discuss the country's energy crisis, which has led to planned black-outs as a drought hits hydro-electric production.

The ministry of finance told journalists Vega has not yet been sworn in and would only be officially in the post once he had been. Most other members of the cabinet took their oaths of office on Thursday.

Vega appeared in photographs of meetings that Noboa held on Friday with Sergio Diaz-Granados, president of the Development Bank of Latin America(CAF), which were published on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The communications ministry did not respond to a request for comment but said a photograph of Noboa with the entire cabinet is expected for Sunday.

Noboa's first reforms, which have not yet been proposed to lawmakers, are expected to include an economic law meant to encourage hiring and lower value-added tax on construction materials and a second reform focused on the electricity sector.

A legislative coalition with the conservative Social Christian Party and Citizens' Revolution, the party of leftist ex-President Rafael Correa, is likely to help Noboa push the reforms through.

Noboa has already toured the U.S. and Europe to sound out investors and lenders, but has warned he will balance meeting foreign debt obligations - totaling some $47.4 billion - with the needs of Ecuadoreans.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Oliver Griffin; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Richard Chang)
FILE PHOTO: Passengers walk at Benito Juarez International airport after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Thursday it has upgraded Mexico's air safety rating, a move that will allow Mexican carriers to expand U.S. routes and add new servi

By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - LATAM Airlines was the market share leader among companies flying between Brazil and the U.S. in the quarter ended in October after resuming non-stop flights to Los Angeles, data from local authority ANAC showed on Friday.

The Chile-based company, which leapfrogged U.S. majors American Airlines and United Airlines, transported more than 260,000 passengers between the countries in the period.

Average load factor in those flights, LATAM told Reuters, reached 89%.

LATAM had last led the ranking for three months in a row between November 2019 and January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted air travel around the world, ANAC figures show.

Brazil has the U.S. as its No. 1 market for international flights in number of passengers transported, with an 18% share so far this year, above Argentina (15%) and Portugal (12%).

"The leadership reflects the sustainable recovery of our international operations and the first year of our joint venture with Delta," LATAM Brasil sales director Aline Mafra said in a statement to Reuters.

The results, according to ANAC, secured LATAM a 26% market share for flights between the two most populous countries in the Americas in the August-October period, above American Airlines' 22% and United Airlines' 20%.

Year to date, American Airlines still leads the ranking with a 23.7% market share, slightly above LATAM's 22.4%, considering the number of passengers transported.

LATAM resumed flights between Sao Paulo and Los Angeles in August, making it the sole non-stop flight between Brazil's largest city and the U.S. West Coast, and hopes to transport more than 110,000 people per year in the route.

It had also launched Sao Paulo-Boston flights last year, saying 74,000 people have flown between the two cities so far, with an average load factor of 80%. The carrier also operates flights to Miami, Orlando and New York.

LATAM and Delta have been working on implementing their joint venture since October last year, and claim that so far they have managed to increase their capacity by 75%.

Delta in December is set to relaunch flights from Rio de Janeiro to New York and Atlanta. In 2023 the U.S. carrier has so far ranked fifth in U.S.-Brazil traffic, also lagging behind Azul.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Steven Grattan and Marguerita Choy)
FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks during his regular press conference where he said that his government will help Cuba, including providing it with oil, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico October 16, 2023. Mexico

MEXICO CITY/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - A Danish fund will invest $10 billion in a development hub in southern Mexico to produce green hydrogen for ships and to replace fossil fuel use, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

One of Lopez Obrador's key infrastructure projects is the development of an industrial corridor connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in Mexico's poorer south.

"It is a financial economic fund from Denmark, they are going to invest in a development hub (...) $10 billion, because they are going to produce green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels," the president told a press conference.

In August, Lopez Obrador said that Danish asset manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) was going to begin construction of a green hydrogen plant in the southern port of Salina Cruz to supply ships with the fuel.

At the time, the president did not mention the size of the investment, and a spokesperson for CIP said on Friday that its plans for Mexico were known.

"We can confirm that we are involved in a large-scale green hydrogen project in the Oaxaca region in Mexico. Further development will take place in collaboration with local authorities and partners," CIP said when contacted on Friday. "We will provide further updates as the project progresses."

The CIP spokesperson said they did not know whether Lopez Obrador was talking about the same project on Friday and declined to confirm the sum he cited as its planned investment.

Lopez Obrador, a strong proponent of fossil fuels since taking office in late 2018, said that new vessels around the world will use the green hydrogen obtained through wind and solar energy via electrolysis.

"We are talking about the era of non-pollution, of everything being done to prevent climate change," the president added, without providing further details on the investment or its timeline.

Denmark's embassy in Mexico did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president's comments.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez; Additional reporting by Dave Graham in Mexico City and Johannes Birkebaek in Copenhagen; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Alistair Bell)
RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Israel will on Friday release 39 Palestinians prisoners, among them 24 women and 15 teenaged males, in the occupied West Bank in exchange for 13 hostages due to be freed from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, a Palestinian official said.

The inmates, all of them from the occupied West Bank or Jerusalem, will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross at Israel's Ofer military jail around 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), said Qadura Fares, Palestinian commissioner for prisoners.

That would coincide with the planned handover at the Gaza-Egypt border of 13 women and children who were among some 240 people taken hostage by Hamas gunmen during a deadly Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel.

"After the Red Cross receives the (Palestinian) prisoners, the ones from Jerusalem will go to Jerusalem and the ones from the West Bank will gather in Betunia municipal council where their families will be waiting, Fares told Reuters.

The prisoner release was part of an Israeli-Hamas ceasefire that began at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and appeared to be holding shakily with no major reports of bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks, although both sides were accused of violations.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Editing by Howard Goller)
Released Palestinian prisoner Marah Bkeer reacts with a family near her house after hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Jerusalem November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Latifeh Abdellatif

By Ali Sawafta

BEITUNIA, West Bank (Reuters) - For the families of Palestinian detainees freed by Israel under a hostage deal agreed with the Islamist group Hamas, Friday brought relief tinged with sadness at the fighting that is set to continue in Gaza after the expiry of a four-day truce.

Thirty nine Palestinian women and minors detained on various charges were freed under an accord brokered by Qatar that also saw the release of 13 Israeli hostages seized by Hamas gunmen during their assault on Israel last month.

"There is no real joy, even this little joy we feel as we wait," said Sawsan Bkeer, the mother of 24-year-old Palestinian prisoner Marah Bkeer, jailed for eight years on knife and assault charges in 2015. Israeli police were seen raiding her Jerusalem home before her daughter was released.

"We are still afraid to feel happy and at the same time, we do not have it in us to be happy due to what is happening in Gaza," she said.

More than 100 more Palestinian prisoners are due to be released over the coming four days and more may be freed if the truce is extended.

In Beitunia, a city near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, a large crowd, mostly of young men, greeted freed prisoners by cheering, honking car horns and marching in the street carrying Palestinian flags.

Some in the crowd also carried the flag of the Hamas militant group that rules blockaded Gaza and chanted in support of Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson of the group's armed wing.

"I can't express how I feel. Thank God," said 17-year-old Laith Othman, who was detained earlier this year on suspicion of throwing an incendiary device and released on Friday. "The situation inside (prison) is very difficult," he said as he was carried along the street on someone's shoulders.

Israeli commanders have vowed to free all the hostages as they prepare to pursue the campaign in Gaza launched in the wake of the Hamas attack, in which 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed, according to Israeli tallies.

Around 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the ground operation launched last month and the military says it is preparing for the next stage of the operation once the truce ends.

Ismail Shaheen, speaking from the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem, said he was waiting to see his daughter Fatima, who was arrested earlier this year, accused of an attempted stabbing.

The 32-year-old computer scientist, who has a 5-year-old daughter, was shot during her arrest. Shaheen said he was surprised to see his daughter in a wheelchair when he was first allowed to visit her in prison, months after she was detained.

"Thank God she was released in this exchange deal," he said. "We were happy that she was going to be released but only slightly so, because we cannot ignore the dire conditions of our brothers in Gaza, where thousands have been killed."

(Additional reporting by Yosri AlJamal; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) -Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 14 people in an attack on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday night, a local official, a civil society leader and a survivor said on Friday.

The assailants are believed to be rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan armed group based in east Congo that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and frequently raids villages, sometimes with machetes and hatchets.

The militants attacked the village of Makodu at night when locals were sleeping in their homes.

Nobody was expecting it, civil society leader Marcel Nzanzu and survivor Dieudonne Kakule told Reuters.

The mayor of Oicha, the town located in eastern North Kivu province, told Reuters that ADF rebels killed civilians with knives and firearms before fleeing.

"For the time being, calm has returned to the area, even if the residents are afraid," said mayor Nicolas Kikuku, adding that some bodies have arrived at Oicha's morgue.

Nzanzu said that after the attack some residents headed for areas considered to be safe.

(Reporting by Erikas Mwisi Kambale; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Kirsten Donovan)
BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand expects 3.4-3.5 million visitors from China this year, below its target, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Friday, despite rolling out a visa-free programme to attract Chinese tourists.

About 3.01 million Chinese tourists have visited the country so far this year, it said. China has been a key source market for Thailand's vital tourism industry, with 11 million Chinese visitors in pre-pandemic 2019, accounting for more than a quarter of all arrivals that year.

"China's slowing economy makes people worry about spending on tourism," Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT's deputy governor for international marketing in Asia and South Pacific, told a briefing.

A recent mall shooting in Bangkok also affected tourist confidence, he added.

The TAT in June had expected about 4-4.4 million Chinese tourists this year, he said. That was down from the government's initial target of 5 million.

Overall foreign tourist arrivals were at about 23.88 million since the start of the year, Chattan said.

The government is targeting 28 million arrivals versus a pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2019 who spent 1.91 trillion baht ($54.37 billion).

"The Chinese side has always encouraged China and Thailand to strengthen tourism cooperation," said Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"We, like Thailand, look forward to more mutual visits of tourists to each other's countries," said Mao, when asked at a regular news conference on Thailand's tourist estimate.

($1 = 35.13 baht)

(Reporting by Satawasin Staporncharnchai; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor)
Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen's CEO of the VW Passenger Cars Brand speaks with Reuters about the future of VW production in Africa, in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 24, 2023. REUTERS/Sumaya Hisham

By Joe Bavier

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A senior Volkswagen executive involved in a global cost-cutting strategy said on Friday he was "very worried" about the future of the company's operations in South Africa, which is fighting persistent power cuts and logistics snarls.

The company's VW passenger car brand is in the midst of defining the key measures of a global scheme to boost its flagging margin - the first of a series of savings drives aimed at improving group profitability and staying competitive in the transition to electric cars.

The German automaker has been in South Africa for nearly 80 years. Factors like competitive labour costs once placed it among the company's higher-ranking bases globally, VW brand chief Thomas Schaefer said during a visit to the country.

But the costs of mitigating power outages caused by chronic production shortfalls at state-owned utility Eskom as well as rising labour costs and logjams on railways and at ports have eroded that advantage, he said.

"Eventually you have to say, why are we building cars in a less competitive factory somewhere far away from the real market where the consumption is?" Schaefer said. "I'm very worried about it ... We're not in the business of charity."

He said the company's team in South Africa had done what it could to overcome what he called an "uphill battle" but that ultimately the South African government needed to step up to solve the problems.

Volkswagen produced some 132,200 Polo and Vivo models at its South African facility in Uitenhage last year, most of them for export.

Those export markets now risk disappearing, however, as wealthy countries move to electric vehicles (EVs).

The European Union and Britain are planning to ban sales of new internal combustion vehicles from 2035.

Schaefer said there were no current plans to introduce EV manufacturing in South Africa, since electric cars are currently priced out of the reach of most domestic consumers. Producing them for export would not be environmentally sustainable, he said.

With the proper government policies aimed at leveraging the country's proximity to critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, however, it could become a battery manufacturing hub, he said.

"There's a realistic chance that South Africa, with enough focus, with all the raw materials in the neighbourhood, they could be a champion," Schaefer said.

(Additional reporting by Victoria Waldersee in Berlin; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Anna Voitenko

KYIV (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday said that Ukraine needed to secure three key "victories" abroad, including the approval of major aid packages from the U.S. Congress and the European Union, and a formal start of accession talks to join the EU.

Zelenskiy also announced the latest dismissals in the military, four deputy commanders in the national guard, but gave no reasons for their removal. The president and other officials have vowed to make the military's operations more efficient and responsive to the needs of servicemen.

Twenty months into Russia's full-scale invasion, fatigue has crept into the West's relations with Kyiv, which heavily relies on its allies for military, economic and humanitarian aid to battle on against the Kremlin's troops.

"We need three victories. The first one is the victory with U.S. Congress. It's a challenge, it's not easy, but Ukraine is doing everything," Zelenskiy told a news conference in Kyiv.

President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve many billions of dollars in assistance for Ukraine last month, but Kyiv's funding was omitted from a stop-gap spending bill passed last week, raising concerns it may not get through.

A vocal bloc of Republicans oppose sending more aid to Ukraine. Opponents have said U.S. taxpayer money should be spent at home, but a majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress still support supplying aid.

Zelenskiy also zeroed in on a 50 billion euro package from the European Union that was announced earlier for Ukraine, but has not yet been approved and is so far opposed by Hungary.

"The second is we need the help from the EU on the 50 billion euro package," the Ukrainian leader said. "And the third is to open a dialogue about our future membership."

Kyiv hopes the European Union's members will agree at a summit on Dec. 14-15 to formally launch the long process of talks for Kyiv to join the bloc, a move which Zelenskiy said would be good for Ukrainian morale.

Zelenskiy made the comments at a news conference alongside Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who said he was sure the EU aid package would pass, though he added that it could take longer than expected.

The dismissal of the four deputy commanders was made public by presidential decrees -- along with three new appointments. No reasons were given for any of the moves.

Zelenskiy this week announced the removal of the commander of Ukraine's medical forces, saying "a new level of medical support" was needed for Ukraine's servicemen.

A Ukrainian news outlet had suggested earlier this month that her dismissal was imminent along with others.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Kirsten Donovan, Ron Popeski and Leslie Adler)
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Table of Contents

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

Mark One

 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to _______

Commission File No. 333-265518

NATICS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wyoming (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 7200 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Number) 98-1660105 (IRS Employer Identification Number)

App 6, Yehuda Gorodiski 1

Rehovot , Israel 7623101

Telephone: +1 307 2220096

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered N/A NONE N/A

Indicate by checkmark whether the issuer: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T ( 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell Company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No 

At October 31, 2023, the number of shares of the Registrants common stock outstanding was 5,495,300 .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

NATICS CORP.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

NATICS CORP.

BALANCE SHEETS

As of October 31, 2023

(Unaudited) April 30, 2023

(Audited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash on hand $ 29,169 $ 20,620 Total Current Assets 29,169 20,620 Non- Current Intangible Assets Mobile Application and Website Development 30,094 34,396 Total Non-Current Intangible Assets 30,094 34,396 Interest receivable 5,375 3,225 Total Assets $ 64,638 $ 58,241 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Interest Payable $  $  Total Current Liabilities   Long term Liabilities Director Loan 14,140 14,140 Promissory Note 49,450 47,300 Total Long term Liabilities 63,590 61,440 Total Liabilities 63,590 61,440 STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY Common stock, $ 0.0001 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; 5,495,300 and 5,280,300 shares issued and outstanding respectively; 550 528 Additional paid-in-capital 24,704 22,575 Accumulated deficit ( 24,205 ) ( 26,302 ) Total Stockholders Equity 1,048 ( 3,199 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity $ 64,638 $ 58,241

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4

NATICS CORP.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Three months

ended

October 31, 2023 Three months

ended

October 31, 2022 Six months

ended

October 31, 2023 Six months

ended

October 31, 2022 REVENUES $ 6,000 $  $ 18,920 $  OPERATING EXPENSES General and Administrative Expenses 4,563 4,785 16,823 17,404 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 4,563 4,785 16,823 17,404 NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 1,437 ( 4,785 ) 2,097 ( 17,404 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 1,437 $ ( 4,785 ) $ 2,097 $ ( 17,404 ) NET LOSS PER SHARE: BASIC AND DILUTED $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING: BASIC AND DILUTED 5,495,300 3,000,000 5,429,190 3,000,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

NATICS CORP.

STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Unaudited)

Common Stock Additional

Paid-in Deficit

Accumulated

during the

Development Total

Stockholders Shares Amount Capital Stage Equity Inception, February 21, 2022  $  $  $  $  Shares issued for cash at $0.0001 per share on February 21, 2022 3,000,000 300   300 Net loss for the year ended April 30, 2022    ( 200 ) ( 200 ) Balance, April 30, 2022 3,000,000 $ 300 $  $ ( 200 ) $ 100 Net loss for the period ending July 31, 2022    ( 12,619 ) ( 12,619 ) Balance, July 31, 2022 3,000,000 $ 300 $  $ ( 12,819 ) $ ( 12,519 ) Net loss for the period ending October 31, 2022    ( 4,785 ) ( 4,785 ) Balance, October 31, 2022 3,000,000 $ 300 $  $ ( 17,604 ) $ ( 17,304 ) Sale of common stock at $0.01 per share as of January 31, 2023 1,840,300 184 18,219  18,403 Net loss for the period ending January 31, 2023    ( 5,335 ) ( 5,335 ) Balance, January 31, 2023 4,840,300 $ 484 $ 18,219 $ ( 22,939 ) $ ( 4,236 ) Sale of common stock at $0.01 per share as of April 30, 2023 440,000 44 22,575  22,626 Net loss for the period ending April 30, 2023    ( 3,363 ) ( 3,363 ) Balance, April 30, 2023 5,280,300 $ 528 $ 22,575 $ ( 26,302 ) $ ( 3,199 ) Sale of common stock at $0.01 per share as of July 31, 2023 215,000 22 24,704  24,726 Net loss for the period ending July 31, 2023    660 660 Balance, July 31, 2023 5,495,300 $ 550 $ 24,704 $ ( 25,642 ) $ ( 389 ) Net loss for the period ending October 31, 2023    1,437 1,437 Balance, October 31, 2023 5,495,300 $ 550 $ 24,704 $ ( 24,205 ) $ 1,048

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

NATICS CORP.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

Six months

ended

October 31, 2023 Six months

ended

October 31, 2022 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) $ 2,097 $ ( 17,404 ) Accumulated amortization 2,150 2,150 Interest Payable ( 2,150 ) ( 1,075 ) CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2,097 ( 16,329 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Mobile Application and Website Development 4,302 4,302 CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 4,302 4,302 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Related Party Loans  11,927 Capital Stock 2,150  CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 2,150 11,927 Net increase in cash and equivalents 8,549 ( 100 ) Cash and equivalents at beginning of the period 20,620 100 Cash and equivalents at end of the period $ 29,169 $  Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for: Interest $  $  Taxes $  $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7

NATICS CORP.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SINCE INCEPTION ON FEBRUARY 21, 2022 TO OCTOBER 31, 2023

NOTE 1  ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION NATICS CORP. (referred as the Company, we, our) is a development stage company formed to commence operations concerned with online workouts. We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Wyoming on February 21, 2022. We are providing the useful healthy and effective type of online sport service, for adolescents and adults, for men and women available from anywhere using the phone and internet connection. Our online service provides a high quality sport trainings, through our mobile application Sport Natics for Android and iOS mobile OS. Our executive and business office is located at App 6, Yehuda Gorodiski 1, Rehovot, Israel 7623101, and our telephone number is +13072220096.

NOTE 2  GOING CONCERN The Companys financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. As reflected in the financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit from Inception to October 31, 2023 of $ 24,205 , and a net loss of $ 1,437 for the three months ended October 31, 2023. The Company has Promissory Notes on a balance sheet of $ 49,450 at October 31, 2023. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is attempting to commence operations and generate sufficient revenue; however, the Companys cash position may not be sufficient to support the Companys daily operations. Management intends to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to commence operations and generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Companys ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenue and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering. The financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The extent of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on the financial performance of the Company will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and related advisories and restrictions and the impact of COVID-19 on the overall economy, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the overall economy is impacted for an extended period, the Companys future operating results may be materially adversely affected.

NOTE 3  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Companys year-end is April 30. 8 The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements of the Company. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of the Companys financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with US GAAP. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 30, 2023. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year or any other interim period. Revenue In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is measured based on a consideration specified with a customer and recognized when we satisfy the performance obligation specified with a customer. During the three and six month periods ended October 31, 2023, we have generated $ 6,000 and $ 18,920 revenue. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with the original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company issued 3,000,000 common shares for $ 300 at par value $0.0001 for the purpose of taking care of financial operations for the Company by the director Guy Pirotsky. Mobile Application and Website development - amortization The Company is using straight - line amortization for our mobile application and website since they are fully operational as of April 30, 2022. Mobile Application and Website  $ 43,000 Term of amortization  60 months ( 5 years ) As of October 31, 2023 the companys accumulated amortization was $ 4,302 . Interest Payable Note The Company holds Promissory note payable of $ 43,000 , as per contract the company has to pay interest of 10% annually. As of October 31, 2023 the Companys Interest payable is $ 5,375 . Fair Value of Financial Instruments AS topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. 9 These tiers include: Level 1: defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2: defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3: defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The carrying value of cash and the Companys loan from shareholder approximates its fair value due to their short-term maturity. Income Taxes Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred tax assets that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. Basic Income (Loss) Per Share The Company computes income (loss) per share in accordance with FASB ASC 260 Earnings per Share. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive loss per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. As of October 31, 2023, there were no potentially dilutive debt or equity instruments issued or outstanding. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 718. To date, the Company has not adopted a stock option plan and has not granted any stock options. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

NOTE 4  LOAN FROM DIRECTOR As of October 31, 2023, the Company owed $ 14,140 to the Companys sole director, Guy Pirotsky for the Companys working capital purposes. The amount is outstanding and payable upon request. The company compensated the director by issuing common shares 3,000,000 at par value $ 300 towards incurred companys expenses as of February 22, 2022.

NOTE 5  COMMON STOCK The Company has 75,000,000 , $ 0.0001 par value shares of common stock authorized. On February 22, 2022 the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock to a director for services rendered estimated to be $ 300 at $0.0001 per share. 10 During the quarter ended January 31, 2023 the Company issued 1,840,300 common shares at $0.01 per share to 27 shareholders in consideration of $ 18,403 . There were 4,840,300 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2023. During the quarter ended April 30, 2023, the Company issued 440,000 common shares to few individuals at $0.01 per share in consideration of $ 4,400 . There were 5,280,300 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2023. During the quarter ended July 31, 2023, the Company issued 215,000 common shares to few individuals at $0.01 per share in consideration of $ 2,150 . There were 5,495,300 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2023.

NOTE 6  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Our sole officer and director, Guy Pirotsky, has agreed to provide his own premise under office needs. He will not take any fee for these premises, it is for free use.

NOTE 7  INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform Act). The legislation significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Reform Act permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The reconciliation of income tax benefit (expenses) at the U.S. statutory rate at 21% for the period ended as follows: Reconciliation of income tax October 31, 2023 Tax benefit (expenses) at U.S. statutory rate $ ( 302 ) Change in valuation allowance 302 Tax benefit (expenses), net $  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets are as follows: Schedule of deferred tax asset October 31, 2023 Net operating loss $ 5,083 Valuation allowance ( 5,083 ) Deferred tax assets, net $  11 The Company has accumulated approximately $ 24,205 of net operating losses (NOL) carried forward to offset future taxable income up to 20 years, if any, in future years which begin to expire in year 2038. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on the assessment, management has established a full valuation allowance against all of the deferred tax asset relating to NOLs for every period because it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

NOTE 8  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In accordance with ASC 855-10 the Company has analyzed its operations subsequent to October 31, 2023 to the date these financial statements were issued, and has determined that it does not have any material subsequent events to disclose in these financial statements. The extent of the impact of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") outbreak on the financial performance of the Company will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and related advisories and restrictions and the impact of COVID-19 on the overall economy, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the overall economy is impacted for an extended period, the Companys future operating results may be materially adversely affected.

12

Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this Form 10-Q that are not historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements often can be identified by the use of terms such as "August," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "approximate" or "continue," or the negative thereof. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors for such statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Any forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment as to what April occurs in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and important factors beyond our control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical results of operations and events and those presently anticipated or projected. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Employees and Employment Agreements

At present, we have no employees other than our officer and director. We presently do not have pension, health, annuity, insurance, stock options, profit sharing or similar benefit plans; however, we August adopt such plans in the future. There are presently no personal benefits available to any officers, directors or employees.

Results of Operation

Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and realization of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in operation.

We expect we will require additional capital to meet our long term operating requirements. We expect to raise additional capital through, among other things, the sale of equity or debt securities.

Three Months Ended October 31, 2023:

During the three and six months ended October 31, 2023, we have generated $6,000 and $18,920 revenue.

Our net loss for the three and six months ended October 31, 2023 was $1,437 and $2,097. Operating expenses consist of mainly professional fees, consulting expenses and depreciation expenses.

During the three and six months ended October 31, 2022, we have not generated any revenues.

Our net loss for the three and six months ended October 31, 2022 was $4,785 and $17,404. Operating expenses consist of mainly professional fees, consulting expenses and depreciation expenses.

13

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of October 31, 2023, our total assets were $64,638 consisting of escrow account and Mobile Application and Website Development and Interest receivable.

Current Liabilities Interest Payable $  Total Current Liabilities  Long term Liabilities Director Loan 14,140 Promissory Note 49,450 Total Long term Liabilities $ 63,590

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

We have generated positive cash flows from operating activities. For six months ended October 31, 2023, net cash flows used in operating activities was $2,097 consisting of:

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) $ 2,097 Accumulated amortization 2,150 Interest Payable (2,150 ) CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ 2,097

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

We have generated positive cash flows from investing activities. For six months ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, net cash flows used in investing activities was $4,302 for both periods.

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Related Party Loans $  Capital Stock 2,150 CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES $ 2,150

Plan of Operation and Funding

We expect that working capital requirements will continue to be funded through a combination of our existing funds and further issuances of securities. Our working capital requirements are expected to increase in line with the growth of our business.

14

Existing working capital, further advances and debt instruments, and anticipated cash flow are expected to be adequate to fund our operations over the next three months. We have no lines of credit or other bank financing arrangements. Generally, we have financed operations to date through the proceeds of the private placement of equity and debt instruments. In connection with our business plan, management anticipates additional increases in operating expenses and capital expenditures relating to: (i) acquisition of inventory; (ii) developmental expenses associated with a start-up business; and (iii) marketing expenses. We intend to finance these expenses with further issuances of securities, and debt issuances. Thereafter, we expect we will need to raise additional capital and generate revenues to meet long-term operating requirements. Additional issuances of equity or convertible debt securities will result in dilution to our current shareholders. Further, such securities might have rights, preferences or privileges senior to our common stock. Additional financing August not be available upon acceptable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we August not be able to take advantage of prospective new business endeavors or opportunities, which could significantly and materially restrict our business operations. We will have to raise additional funds in the next twelve months in order to sustain and expand our operations. We currently do not have a specific plan of how we will obtain such funding; however, we anticipate that additional funding will be in the form of equity financing from the sale of our common stock. We have and will continue to seek to obtain short-term loans from our directors, although no future arrangement for additional loans has been made. We do not have any agreements with our directors concerning these loans. We do not have any arrangements in place for any future equity financing.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of the date of this Quarterly Report, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared "assuming that we will continue as a going concern," which contemplates that we will realize our assets and satisfy our liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

No report required.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commissions rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuers management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

An evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Such officer also confirmed that there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting since Inception on February 21, 2022 ended October 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

15

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Management is not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by any governmental authority or any other party involving us or our properties. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, no director, officer or affiliate is (i) a party adverse to us in any legal proceeding, or (ii) has an adverse interest to us in any legal proceedings. Management is not aware of any other legal proceedings pending or that have been threatened against us or our properties.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

No report required.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

No report required.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

No report required.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

_____________

* Filed herewith. ** Furnished and not filed

16

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

November 24, 2023 Natics Corp. By: /s/ Guy Pirotsky Guy Pirotsky, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer and Sole Director

17

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION

XBRL SCHEMA FILE

XBRL CALCULATION FILE

XBRL DEFINITION FILE

XBRL LABEL FILE

XBRL PRESENTATION FILE

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 1 to

FORM 10-Q

 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended

OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from_________to_________

Commission File No. 000-56557

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada None (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Units 2613-18 , 26/F., Shui On Centre

6-8 Harbour Road , Wanchai

Hong Kong

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

Tel: ( 852 ) 8102 3633

(Registrants telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes . No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes  No 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12,13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes  . No 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

As of June 9, 2023, there were 154,394,750 shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of this Amendment No. 1 (this Amendment) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2023 (the Form 10-Q/A) is to correct the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on June 9, 2023 (the Form 10-Q). The registrant has corrected the Form 10-Q from a non-shell company to a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act due to no revenue was recorded for the six-month period ended April 30, 2023.

This Form 10-Q/A makes no other changes to the Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on June 9, 2023, and no attempt has been made in this Form 10-Q/A to modify or update the other disclosures presented in the Form 10-Q. This Form 10-Q/A does not reflect subsequent events occurring after the original filing of the Form 10-Q (i.e., those events occurring after June 9, 2023) or modify or update in any way those disclosures that may be affected by subsequent events. Accordingly, this Form 10-Q/A should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC.

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

QUARTERLY

REPORT ON FORM 10-Q/A FOR THE PERIOD

ENDED APRIL 30, 2023

INDEX

2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of Global Leaders Corp., a Nevada corporation (the Company), contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, should, could, expects, plans, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about our market opportunity, our strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as we pursue our business plan, and the adequacy of our available cash resources. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Actual results may differ materially from the predictions discussed in these forward-looking statements. The economic environment within which we operate could materially affect our actual results.

Our management has included projections and estimates in this Form 10-Q/A, which are based primarily on managements experience in the industry, assessments of our results of operations, discussions and negotiations with third parties and a review of information filed by our competitors with the SEC or otherwise publicly available. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward - looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

3

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF APRIL 30, 2023 AND OCTOBER 31, 2022

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

April 30, 2023 October 31, 2022 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 150,364 $ 797 Prepayments 623 2,041 Total currents assets 150,987 2,838 TOTAL ASSETS $ 150,987 $ 2,838 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities Accrued liabilities $ 3,822 $ 10,000 Due to officer/principal shareholder 6,329 56,297 Total current liabilities 10,151 66,297 Commitments and Contingencies - - STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) Preferred stock, $ 0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2023 and October 31, 2022 Common Stock, $ 0.0001 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized; 154,394,750 and 153,726,000 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively 15,439 15,372 Additional paid in capital 1,424,320 889,387 Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,332 3,332 Accumulated deficit ( 1,302,255 ) ( 971,550 ) Total stockholders equity (deficit) 140,836 ( 63,459 ) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) $ 150,987 $ 2,838

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2023 AND 2022

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Unaudited)

2023 2022 2023 2022 Three months ended April 30, Six months ended April 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenues: Service revenues $ - $ 2,560 $ - $ 2,560 Total revenue - 2,560 - 2,560 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of service revenues - 1,536 - 1,536 General and administrative-related parties 107,558 12,517 253,900 26,094 General and administrative-other 30,703 2,773 76,805 16,609 General and administrative 30,703 2,773 76,805 16,609 Total operating costs and expenses 138,261 16,826 330,705 44,239 Loss from operations ( 138,261 ) ( 14,266 ) ( 330,705 ) ( 41,679 ) Net loss ( 138,261 ) ( 14,266 ) ( 330,705 ) ( 41,679 ) Other comprehensive income: -Foreign currency translation income - 2,420 - 3,116 Comprehensive loss $ ( 138,261 ) $ ( 11,846 ) $ ( 330,705 ) $ ( 38,563 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) Weighted average number of shares outstanding 154,394,750 153,726,000 154,339,021 153,726,000

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2023 AND 2022

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

Three months ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

Number Amount Capital Income Deficit Equity Common Stock Additional Paid-in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Accumulated Total Stockholders Number Amount Capital Income Deficit Equity Balance, January 31, 2023 (Unaudited) 154,394,750 $ 15,439 $ 1,424,320 $ 3,332 $ ( 1,163,994 ) $ 279,097 Net loss - - - - ( 138,261 ) ( 138,261 ) Balance, April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) 154,394,750 $ 15,439 $ 1,424,320 $ 3,332 $ ( 1,302,255 ) $ 140,836

Six months ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

Common Stock Additional Paid-in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Accumulated Total Stockholders Equity Number Amount Capital Income Deficit (Deficit) Balance, October 31, 2022 153,726,000 $ 15,372 $ 889,387 $ 3,332 $ ( 971,550 ) $ ( 63,459 ) Common Stock issued for cash in private placements 668,750 67 534,933 - - 535,000 Net loss - - - - ( 330,705 ) ( 330,705 ) Balance, April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) 154,394,750 $ 15,439 $ 1,424,320 $ 3,332 $ ( 1,302,255 ) $ 140,836

Three months ended April 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

Common Stock Additional Paid-in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Accumulated Total Stockholders Number Amount Capital Income Deficit Deficit Balance, January 31, 2022 (Unaudited) 153,726,000 $ 15,372 $ 752,338 $ 855 $ ( 889,642 ) $ ( 121,077 ) Foreign currency translation - - - 2,420 - 2,420 Net loss - - - - ( 14,266 ) ( 14,266 ) Balance, April 30, 2022 (Unaudited) 153,726,000 $ 15,372 $ 752,338 $ 3,275 $ ( 903,908 ) $ ( 132,923 )

Six months ended April 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

Common Stock Additional Paid-in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Accumulated Total Stockholders Number Amount Capital Income Deficit Deficit Balance, October 31, 2021 153,726,000 $ 15,372 $ 752,338 $ 159 $ ( 862,229 ) $ ( 94,360 ) Foreign currency translation - - - 3,116 - 3,116 Net loss - - - - ( 41,679 ) ( 41,679 ) Balance, April 30, 2022 (Unaudited) 153,726,000 $ 15,372 $ 752,338 $ 3,275 $ ( 903,908 ) $ ( 132,923 )

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2023 AND 2022

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Unaudited)

2023 2022 Six months ended April 30, 2023 2022 Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net loss $ ( 330,705 ) $ ( 41,679 ) Change in operating assets and liabilities: Prepayments 1,418 ( 419 ) Accrued expense due to related party - ( 50,000 ) Accrued liabilities and customer deposit ( 6,178 ) ( 32,716 ) Net cash used in operating activities ( 335,465 ) ( 124,814 ) Cash Flows From Financing Activities (Repayment to) advances from officer/principal shareholder ( 49,968 ) 114,505 Proceeds from shares issued for cash in private placements 535,000 - Net cash provided by financing activities 485,032 114,505 Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents - 3,116 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 149,567 ( 7,193 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 797 11,822 Cash and cash equivalents, ending of period $ 150,364 $ 4,629 Supplementary Cash Flow Information Cash paid for: Interest $ - $ - Income taxes - -

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2023 AND 2022

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of business Global Leaders Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the Company), was incorporated in the State of Nevada on July 20, 2020. Mr. Yip Hoi Hing Peter (Mr. Peter Yip), founder of the Company, is Chief Executive Officer, President and sole director of the Company. The Company plans to develop professional consultancy services to management executives of small and medium enterprises in Hong Kong. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2022, included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 7, 2023. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with that report. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending October 31, 2023. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary Global Leaders Corporation, a company incorporated in Anguilla. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Going Concern The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, for the six months ended April 30, 2023, the Company has failed to generate any revenue, incurred a net loss of $ 330,705 and used cash in operating activities of $ 335,465 . These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that these financial statements are issued. In addition, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Companys October 31, 2022, financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. At April 30, 2023, our cash balance was $ 150,364 . Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through the next three months. The Companys ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Companys ability to implement its business plans and continue receiving financial support from its officers and shareholders. No assurance can be given that any future financing, if needed, will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company can obtain additional financing, if needed, it may contain undue restrictions on its operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for its stockholders, in the case of equity financing. COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, workforces, customers, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The Company monitors guidance from national and local public health authorities and has implemented health and safety precautions and protocols in response to these guidelines. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have on the Companys business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict and quantify at this time. 8 Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include estimates for the accruals of potential liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents Cash consists of funds on hand and held in bank accounts. Cash equivalents includes demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, including money market funds. SCHEDULE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS As of

April 30, 2023 As of

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents Denominated in United States Dollars $ 6,782 $ 217 Denominated in Hong Kong Dollars 143,582 580 Cash and cash equivalents $ 150,364 $ 797 Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash. As of April 30, 2023, substantially all the Companys cash was held by a major financial institution located in Hong Kong, which management believes is of high credit quality. 9 Fair value measurements The Company follows the guidance of ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, with respect to financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value. ASC 820-10 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 : Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2 : Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 : Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions The Company believes the carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accrued liabilities, due to officer/principal shareholder, and due from or due to a related party, approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Foreign currency translation The reporting currency of the Company is the United States Dollars (US$) and the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been expressed in US$. In addition, the Companys operating subsidiary uses Hong Kong Dollars (HK$) as its functional currency and maintains its books and records in the reporting currency US$, respectively. In general, for consolidation purposes, assets and liabilities of the Companys subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the US$, are translated into US$ using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates prevailing during the period. The gains and losses resulting from translation of financial statements of a foreign subsidiary are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders equity. Translation of amounts from the local currencies of the Company into US$ has been made at the following exchange rates for the period: SCHEDULE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION As of and for the six months

ended April 30, 2023 2022 Period-end HK$ : US$1 exchange rate 7.85 7.85 Period-average HK$ : US$1 exchange rate 7.83 7.81 Net loss per share The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed like basic net loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common stock equivalents had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. As of April 30, 2023, the Company has no potentially dilutive securities, such as options or warrants, outstanding. Concentrations For the three and six months ended April 30, 2023, one vendor accounted for 73 % and 71 % of the Companys operating expenses, respectively. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2022, one customer accounted for 100 % of the Companys revenue. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2022, one vendor accounted for 74 % and 59 % of the Companys costs and expenses, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Credit Losses  Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets, including accounts and notes receivables. The standard will replace todays incurred loss approach with an expected loss model, under which companies will recognize allowances based on expected rather than incurred losses. Entities will apply the standards provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The standard is effective for the Company beginning on November 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Companys present or future financial statements. 10

NOTE 2 - STOCKHOLDERS Shares issued for cash in private placement During the three months ended April 30, 2023, the Company did not issue any shares of Common Stock. During the six months ended April 30, 2023, the Company sold 668,750 shares of restricted Common Stock to eighteen (18) individuals in a private placement at a price of $ 0.80 per share, for total proceeds of $ 535,000 . The proceeds will be used to fund expansion of the Companys operations. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2022, the Company did not issue any shares.

NOTE 3 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In 2020, Mr. Peter Yip, CEO, purchased 30,100,000 shares of restricted Common Stock issued to founders for $ 3,100 and is a 19.50 % shareholder in the Company. In addition, in 2020, two companies owned by Mr. Peter Yip, CS Global Consultancy Limited (CS Global) and CSG Group Holdings Limited (CSG Group), each purchased 30,000,000 shares of restricted Common Stock issued to founders for $ 3,000 and are each 19.43 % shareholders in the Company. In November 2022, the Company entered into two contacts with CS Global that have a term from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023. In the first contract, CS Global is to provide management services, as defined, to the Company for a monthly fee of $ 10,000 per month. In the second contract, CS Global is to provide monthly services, including office usage and manpower support as defined, to the Company for a monthly fee of approximately $ 24,000 (HKD 187,200 ) per month. The Company also agreed to pay CS Global a one-time non-refundable fee of approximately $ 80,000 (HKD 624,000 ) associated with the execution of the contracts. As the fee is non-refundable, and is not expected to have alternative future use, the $ 80,000 was expensed during the six months ended April 30, 2023. For the three months ended April 30, 2023, fees paid to CS Global totaled $ 101,567 consisting of management fees of $ 29,873 and office usage and manpower support of $ 71,694 . For the six months ended April 30, 2023, fees paid to CS Global totaled $ 235,393 consisting of management fees of $ 59,787 , other office usage and manpower support $ 95,606 , and the one-time fee of $ 80,000 . For the three and six months ended April 30, 2022, the Company did not incur any fees to CS Global. As of April 30, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the Company owed Mr. Peter Yip $ 6,329 and $ 56,297 , respectively, for advances made to the Company for operations. The advances are due on demand, are unsecured, and are non-interest bearing. Greenpro Capital Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively Greenpro), is a 5.83 % shareholder in the Company. In addition, three executives of Greenpro are collectively 10.36 % shareholders in the Company. For the three months ended April 30, 2023, the Company incurred total fees to Greenpro of $ 5,991 , consisting of accounting fees of $ 5,736 and company secretarial fees of $ 255 , respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2023, the Company incurred total fees to Greenpro of $ 18,507 , including accounting fees of $ 16,812 , administration fees of $ 640 , advisory fees of $ 800 and company secretarial fees of $ 255 , respectively. During the three months ended April 30, 2022, the Company incurred professional fees to Greenpro of $ 12,517 . During the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Company incurred professional fees to Greenpro of $ 26,094 .

11

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following information should be read in conjunction with (i) the financial statements of Global Leaders Corp., a Nevada corporation, and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q/A together with (ii) the more detailed business information and the October 31, 2022 audited financial statements and related notes included in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 7, 2023. Statements in this section and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q/A that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Global Leaders Corp. (the Company or we) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on July 20, 2020 and has a fiscal year end of October 31.

GOING CONCERN

For the six months ended April 30, 2023, the Company incurred a net loss of $330,705 and used cash in operating activities of $335,465. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that these financial statements are issued. In addition, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Companys October 31, 2022, financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

At April 30, 2023, our cash balance was $150,364. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through the next three months. The Companys ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Companys ability to implement its business plans and continue receiving financial support from its officers and shareholders. No assurance can be given that any future financing, if needed, will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company can obtain additional financing, if needed, it may contain undue restrictions on its operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for its stockholders, in the case of equity financing.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include estimates for the accruals of potential liabilities.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised services, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. The Company recognizes revenue following the five-step model prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts, which includes (1) identifying the contracts or agreements with a customer, (2) identifying our performance obligations in the contract or agreement, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (5) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the services it transfers to its clients.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to Note 1 in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

12

PLAN OF OPERATION

We started our business in 2020 and have a limited operating history. Our business commenced in 2020 and we intend to continue to expand the scope and geographic reach of our services by extending our coverage to service more clients in different regions. Such plans are based on current intentions and assumptions. Our expansion plan may be hindered by factors beyond our control, such as general market conditions, our ability to attract qualified employees, government policies relevant to our industry, our ability to maintain our existing competitive advantages and new market entrants. For example, there may be ownership restrictions in new jurisdictions where we intend to expand. For us to operate as a management consultancy services provider in these jurisdictions, we may be required to identify suitable local partners to enter such new markets. If we are unable to successfully implement our growth strategy, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

Our anticipated future growth will likely place significant demand on our management and operational efficiency. Our success in managing our growth will depend, to a significant degree, on our ability to attract more new clients and retain existing clients and launch new services, and successfully monetize them, to increase our revenue. In addition, we will have to successfully adapt our existing services to changing industry and user conditions, and expand, train and manage our employees. The market in which we operate is highly dynamic and may not develop as expected. Our clients may not fully understand the value of our services and potential clients and candidates may have difficulty distinguishing our services from those of our competitors. If we are unable to manage our operations properly and prudently as we continue to grow in this dynamic and evolving market, or if the quality of our services deteriorates due to mismanagement, our brand name and reputation could be severely harmed, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended April 30, 2023 and 2022

We recorded no revenues and cost of revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2023.

We recorded $2,560 of service revenues and $1,536 of cost of service revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2022.

For the three months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, general and administrative expenses were $138,261 and $15,290 and included $107,558 and $12,517 of general and administrative expenses to related parties for the three months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Six Months Ended April 30, 2023 and 2022

We recorded no revenues and cost of revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2023.

We recorded $2,560 of service revenues and $1,536 of cost of service revenues for the six months ended April 30, 2022.

For the six months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, general and administrative expenses were $330,705 and $42,703 and included $253,900 and $26,094 of general and administrative expenses to related parties for the six months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At April 30, 2023, our cash balance was $150,364. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through the next three months. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is can obtain additional financing it may contain undue restrictions on its operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for its stockholders, in the case of equity financing. We do not have any financing arrangement and we cannot provide investors with any assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient funding to fund our operations and ongoing operational expenses. In the absence of such financing, our business will likely fail. There are no assurances that we will be able to achieve further sales of our Common Stock or any other form of additional financing.

In November 2022, the Company sold 668,750 shares of restricted Common Stock to eighteen (18) individuals in a private placement at a price of $0.80 per share, for total proceeds of $535,000.

13

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

As a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act), we are not required to provide the information called for by this Item 3.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of April 30, 2023. This evaluation was carried out by Mr. Yip Hoi Hing Peter (Mr. Peter Yip), our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who also serves as our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, respectively. Based upon that evaluation, Mr. Peter Yip concluded that, as of April 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the presence of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the companys annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

We continue to have material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting disclosed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, in that (i) the Company did not maintain a functioning independent audit committee and did not maintain an independent board; (ii) the Company had inadequate segregation of duties; and (iii) the Company had an insufficient number of personnel with an appropriate level of U.S. GAAP knowledge and experience and ongoing training in the application of U.S. GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements commensurate with the Companys financial reporting requirements.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

14

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is not currently subject to any legal proceedings. From time to time, the Company may become subject to litigation or proceedings in connection with its business, as either a plaintiff or defendant. There are no such pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party that, in the opinion of management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

As a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act), we are not required to provide the information called for by this Item 1A.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

15

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation SK.

* Filed herewith.

(1) Previously filed and incorporated by reference to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-251324), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2020. (2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with SEC on June 4, 2021. (3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with SEC on June 23, 2021. (4) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed with SEC on September 24, 2021.

** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

16

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GLOBAL LEADERS CORP. (Name of Registrant) Date: November 24, 2023 By: /s/ Yip Hoi Hing Peter Name: Yip Hoi Hing Peter Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

17

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Federally Chartered Corporation 000-51397 13-6400946 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

101 Park Avenue , New York , New York 10178-0599 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: ( 212 ) 441-6616

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instructions A.2. below):

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered None N/A N/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 ( 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ( 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (the "Bank") obtains most of its funds from the sale of debt securities, known as consolidated obligations, in the capital markets. Consolidated obligations, which consist of bonds and discount notes, are by regulation the joint and several obligations of the eleven Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Banks are regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the "Finance Agency") and Finance Agencys regulations authorize the Finance Agency to require any Federal Home Loan Bank to repay all or a portion of the principal of or interest on consolidated obligations for which another Federal Home Loan Bank is the primary obligor. Consolidated obligations are sold to the public through the Office of Finance using authorized securities dealers. Consolidated obligations are backed only by the financial resources of the eleven Federal Home Loan Banks and are not guaranteed by the United States government.

Schedule A sets forth all consolidated obligation bonds and discount notes committed to be issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks, for which the Bank is the primary obligor, on the trade dates indicated, other than discount notes with a maturity of one year or less that are issued in the ordinary course of business. Schedule A also includes any consolidated obligations with a remaining maturity in excess of one year, if any, for which we have assumed the primary repayment obligation from another Federal Home Loan Bank.

We may elect to change our method of reporting information on the issuance or assumption of consolidated obligations at any time. In reviewing the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, please note:

 although consolidated obligations issuance is material to the Bank, we have not made a judgment as to the materiality of any particular consolidated obligation or obligations;  Schedule A does not address any interest-rate exchange agreements (or other derivative instruments) which we may enter into as a result of our asset and liability management strategies and that may be associated, directly or indirectly, with one or more of the reported consolidated obligations;  Schedule A will not enable a reader to track changes in the total consolidated obligations outstanding for which we are the primary obligor because Schedule A generally excludes consolidated obligation discount notes with a maturity of one year or less and does not reflect whether the proceeds from the issuance of the reported consolidated obligations will be used to, among other things, satisfy called or maturing consolidated obligations. We will report the total consolidated obligations outstanding for which we are the primary obligor in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and  the principal amounts reported on Schedule A represent the principal amount of the reported consolidated obligations at par, which may not correspond to the amounts reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles contained in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, because the par amount does not account for, among other things, any discounts, premiums or concessions.

2

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Schedule A, containing information pertaining to consolidated obligations. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Date: November 24, 2023 By: /s/ Benjamin Tan Name: Benjamin Tan Title: Assistant Treasurer

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AUBURNAs fans from all over the state prepared to flood Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch the iconic Iron Bowl matchup, there was one group of students encouraging fans to pay attention to something else entirely.

Student veterans from Auburn University and the University of Alabama put their rivalry aside to bring awareness to the epidemic of veteran suicide through Operation Iron Ruck.

For the players, the Iron Bowl is about sportsmanship. For the fans, its about fellowship and cheering for their team, said Veterans Resource Center Director Puck Esposito. But for my fellow veterans and myself, its about an opportunity to fulfill our responsibility to our fellow men and women in uniform.

Each day, 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide, a startling statistic that inspired Operation Iron Ruck (OIR) six years ago. Since 2018, in the three days before the Iron Bowl, members of the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association and Auburn Student Veterans Association march 151 miles from stadium to stadium to bring awareness to this issue, give back to their communities and build camaraderie.

To anyone who has ever been a part of this event, once youve done it, you realize how much you needed it, said OIR Coordinator Clayton Buchanan.

On Nov. 22, participants departed from the Walk of Champions in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to begin the ruck to Jordan-Hare Stadium carrying a game ball. Veterans from both schools will also carry a 22-pound backpack that represents the 22 veteran lives lost each day along with 22 blank dog tags. Each backpack, also called a rucksack, is filled with items collected from the public that are then donated to organizations that support veterans and their families.

OIR is no small task, both physically and logistically. From organizing participants to planning the Thursday Thanksgiving dinner, student veterans from both schools have dedicated much time and energy in support of the event. Uniquely, this is exactly what OIR was created for: to create community centered around a common mission.

Iron Ruck takes a village. It takes a lot of people to get this thing off the ground, but theres a reason we do it year after year, Buchanan said. Iron Ruck is bigger than me, its bigger than all of us.

Thanks to the hard work of the veterans associations at both schools along with their many partners, this years ruck will be the largest in OIR history. Because of this, the event needs volunteers and donations.

There are many ways to support OIR from donating items for rucksacks to serving Thanksgiving dinner, and anyone interested in donating may find the full list of volunteer opportunities online. State Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Kent Davis encourages Alabama citizens to get involved with the event, and he has no doubt it will make a difference.

Suicide prevention is a serious topic and a sad one, but its one we all need to talk about because it will take everyones involvement to overcome this issue, Davis said. Campaigns like Iron Ruck have a significant impact in Alabama and far beyond getting the word out.

When the planning and marching is all over, the heart of Operation Iron Ruck is what really stands out. Auburn Student Veterans Association President Drew Lufkin wants fellow veterans to feel encouraged long after the ruck is over.

If you are a man or woman who has served this country, and it feels like the walls are closing in, Ive been there and I know how you feel. Keep pushing, Lufkin said. We are your family, and the Auburn Family takes care of each other.
(ii)

The purchase price of a Share (or portion thereof) tendered will be its net asset value as of the close of business on December 29, 2023 or a later date determined by the Fund if the Offer is extended (in each case, the Valuation Date), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Repurchase. Reference is made to the Cover Page, Section 2 Offer to Repurchase and Price and Section 6 Purchases and Payment of the Offer to Repurchase, which are incorporated herein by reference. Each Shareholder that tenders Shares that are accepted for purchase will be sent a letter (the Acceptance Letter) notifying the Shareholder that the Fund has received and accepted their tender. Such Shareholder will be issued payment in cash or a non-interest bearing, non-transferable debt obligation, which may or may not be certificated, entitling the Shareholder to receive payment in satisfaction of the repurchase of Shares tendered and accepted for purchase by the Fund, determined as of the Valuation Date. The form of the Acceptance Letter is attached as Exhibit (a)(1)(iv) and incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Marines abandon ship during man overboard drills off the coast of Finland, Nov 14, 2023. The Marines are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and are participating in exercise Freezing Winds 23. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps)

U.S. Marines are among more than 4,000 allied personnel participating in a Finland-led military exercise that is drawing Russian concerns over NATOs growing might in the Baltic Sea.

Freezing Winds 23 is the first major maritime exercise led by Finland since it joined NATO in April, the Finnish navy said in a statement earlier this month.

The exercise takes place in the Gulf of Finland and Archipelago Sea.

Former Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Ordzhonikidze on Thursday said the exercise could serve as practice for Finland taking over Russian islands in the Baltic should a conflict arise, according to the state-controlled Tass agency, which cited the newspaper Izvestia.

Finlands NATO membership makes a potential naval blockade of Kaliningrad a possibility, according to the Tass report. Any blockade would involve control of the islands, the report stated.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division operate a Finnish G-Class landing craft off the coast of Finland, Nov. 2, 2023. The drill was part of preparations for Freezing Winds 23, a Finnish-led maritime exercise. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps) U.S. Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, unload gear from a Finnish landing craft during Freezing Winds 23 off the coast of Finland, Nov. 2, 2023. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps) A Marine assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division operates during Freezing Winds 23 off the coast of Finland, Nov. 2, 2023. During the exercise, NATO partners and allies practice logistics and amphibious operations along Finland's Baltic Sea coast. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps)

The exclave of Kaliningrad has long been viewed as key to Russias strategy in the event of conflict with NATO nations.

The nearby Baltic nations, each of which were annexed by the Soviet Union during World War II, have long been wary of Russias intentions. That wariness has grown since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. However, reinforcing the war in Ukraine has also thinned Russias defenses in the Baltic region, according to security analysts.

When asked about the Russian comments on Friday, the Finnish navy said the exercise is defensive in nature and similar to last years drills.

Freezing Winds includes Marines assigned to Marine Rotational Force-Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. The exercise includes mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal, among other objectives, according to the Nov. 15 statement.

The drills are a demonstration of NATOs interest in and commitment to the protection of underwater infrastructure, Finnish navy Capt. Juhapekka Rautava, commander of the exercise, said in the statement.

High profile incidents, such as the sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline last year, have demonstrated the vulnerability of underwater communications and energy lines in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Philip McLaughlin changes batteries on an R80D Skyraider during a test flight in Dragsvik, Finland, Nov. 13, 2023. McLaughlin is a motor vehicle operator assigned to Combat logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps) A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, guides vehicles during Freezing Winds 23 at Hanko, Finland, Oct. 31, 2023. The Finnish-led maritime exercise practices cooperation among NATO partners. (Christian Salazar/U.S. Marine Corps)

No U.S. ships were among the 30 vessels taking part in the exercise, which includes Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the U.K. and Poland.

But F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 were among participating aircraft, the Finnish navy said.

Other participating U.S. units include Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and Marine Air Control Squadron 2, according to the Defense Departments media website.
(Matt Millham/Stars and Stripes)

Laumersheim, Germany, Dec. 15, 2012: Volunteers carry a piece of metal recovered from the site of a World War II plane crash outside Laumersheim. They believed the wreckage was that of the Lancaster ED 427, a British bomber that went down in April 1943, killing its seven-man crew in the crash. The volunteers carefully extracted any bone fragments found on the site and handed them over to the British authorities for identification.

Read the original story of the excavation here.
()

A growing number of military-connected authors are out there telling great stories, tackling tough topics or doing both, and offering fresh perspectives on the military life through their writing. Books are my go-to gifts all year long, and I especially appreciate books that are born of military experience and reflect the ways it is changing. Now that its time to begin Christmas shopping  or maybe finish it up, for the over-achievers among us  here are a few gift ideas for the military-connected readers on any Christmas list:

The Islanders: Search for Treasure, by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May. This chapter book for middle-grade readers is about Jake, the son of an Army dad and Air Force mom and the friends he meets while visiting his grandmother on Dewees Island, S.C. Search for Treasure is a sequel to the NYT bestseller The Islanders, and continues the nature-loving adventures of Jake and company. This Christmas is a good time to give both of these books, so young readers can get caught up and ready for the third book in this series, The Islanders: Shipwrecked, due out in next summer.

Military Culture Shift: The Impact of War, Money, and Generational Perspective on Morale, Retention, and Leadership, by Corie Weathers. Heres the ideal gift for anyone who leads or aspires to lead in the military community. That includes active-duty members, family support organizations, spouse groups, educators, contractors  anyone whose influence touches the military community. Weathers, a licensed counselor and leadership consultant, as well as military spouse, helps her readers understand how military culture has been shifted by world events, past leadership decisions, and generational differences, and offers leadership strategies for clear communication and positive change.

The Waiting World, by Andria Williams. This is a second novel from an author skilled at creating historical fiction imbued with the immediacy of contemporary fiction. Set in 1929, this story of three friends  two Irish-immigrant women and a Black war veteran  and the discovery of an unusual treasure, has a backdrop of economic and social issues that still resonate today. As with her debut novel, The Longest Night, set in the 1960s, Williams experience in military life shows through in the military-connected characters she creates. This book is for anyone who enjoys literary fiction, historic fiction, and a well-crafted story.

Sweet Dreams, Air Force, by Taryn Coakley. A bedtime story written by an Air Force wife for her own son, this picture book teaches children about the important roles and missions of Air Force units. With rhyming text and bright illustrations, it shows how successful missions of all kinds require teamwork.

The Memory Keepers, by Sarah Allison. Sometimes the gift of a story is to provide a way to help young children understand difficult topics. Teacher, author, and Marine spouse Sarah Allison has written that kind of story in her picture book, The Memory Keepers. The book is about two girls, each with a grandparent diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. In the course of the narrative, the girls learn how to talk about their experiences and become keepers of memories for their loved ones. A thoughtful gift for anyone with aging relatives facing dementia-related diagnoses.

Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through our Stories, by Jen McDonald. Multi-generational stories from military spouse stories are at the heart of this book, told alongside the authors own story of her three decades as a military spouse. While squarely facing the challenges of military life, McDonald has created an uplifting narrative that highlights adventures of military life and the tenacity of military spouses and families across generations. This encouraging and informative book is for those living military life today or for anyone who wants an inside look at the experiences that forge strong military families.

Terri Barnes is a book lover, book editor and author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, based on her long-running column in Stars and Stripes. Find her online at terribarnesauthor.com.
The Hoegne River transforms from a slow-flowing stream to a rushing torrent in the stretch covered by the Promenade de La Hoegne in Jalhay, Belgium. Hikers on the route see small waterfalls, rapids and distinctive globs of foam as well as lush forest scenery. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

Within an hours drive of Spangdahlem Air Base are two awe-inspiring hiking trails, each boasting the added attraction of being near a charming city begging to be explored.

The farther of the two, an hour away, is Belgiums Promenade de La Hoegne, whose name refers to the river alongside which it rambles. Speaking of water, the path is a short distance from Spa, the Belgian city whose name is synonymous with hydrotherapy.

Fall foliage surrounds the sandstone formations of the Gorge du Loup in Echternach, Luxembourg, on Nov. 4, 2023. The natural wonder is right on the doorstep of Echternach, which was founded in 698 and is Luxembourg's oldest town. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

A 40-minute drive south leads to the stony splendor of Luxembourgs Gorge du Loup and neighboring Echternach, which was founded in 698, making it the countrys oldest town.

I sought to time my trips so I would be hiking at the peak of the surrounding foliages fall coloration. The weather, however, was less than cooperative, to put it charitably. But thats the tradeoff in these parts, and I encountered a surprising amount of company.

The Hoegne River runs through Belgiums High Fens, an area characterized by bogs and heavy precipitation. It abruptly picks up speed in the vicinity of the Centennial Bridge near Jalhay. The Promenade de la Hoegne, bursting with fall color on Oct. 28, 2023, takes hikers along this fast-flowing stretch of the river. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

Promenade de La Hoegne

Signage bills the Hoegne valley as wild and picturesque and one of the most beautiful in Belgium. This treasure of Wallonia definitely was as advertised.

The river looked like a roiling torrent of Guinness, complete with suds and foam, as it hurtled down its rocky channel and formed eddies near the edges.

Halfway into the hike, I paused to read information explaining that the froth is produced as organic matter decomposes, creating compounds that reduce the waters surface tension.

The Belleheid Bridge trailhead for the Promenade de la Hoegne in Jalhay, Belgium, as seen Oct. 28, 2023. For about 2 miles between the Belleheid Bridge and the Centennial Bridge, the trail courses through the scenic Hoegne River valley. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

Two small waterfalls  one named after Queen Marie Henriette and the other after her husband, King Leopold II  are among the highlights on this stretch of the Hoegne.

From the trailhead at the Belleheid Bridge, where the river flows unimpeded over the road leading into the parking lot, the Promenade takes visitors on a hike of about 6 miles round trip.

The trail consists of walking paths and a series of bridges, meaning hikers alternate riverbanks throughout the journey. The estimated completion time is three hours.

Traffic is light Oct. 28, 2023, around the Pouhon Pierre le Grand in Spa, Belgium. The name of the building, which now also houses a visitor information center, refers to a mineral springs there made famous by Russian Tsar Peter the Great during a 1717 visit. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) The spires of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Saint Remacle peek out from behind the roof of the expansive casino in Spa, Belgium, on Oct. 28, 2023, (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

By the time I made it back to my car, Spa was sounding especially inviting, and not just for its famed waters. As an architecture buff, I was there for the free pleasure of sightseeing in a sea of exquisite buildings.

A brew pub now occupies the Pavillon des Petits Jeux, a Belle Epoque building in Spa, Belgium. It is on the grounds of Parc de 7 Heures, or 7 o'clock Park, so named because doctors used to tell treatment seekers in Spa to take therapeutic evening walks there. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

The stroll along the main drag, Avenue Reine Astrid, took me past the striking facade of the Pavillon des Petits Jeux, the Spa casino and the Pouhon Pierre le Grand, which envelops an iron-rich springs named in honor of a 1717 visit by Russias Peter the Great.

Later I learned that the funicular railway I had stopped to gaze at whisks people up to the new hilltop bath complex, the Thermes de Spa. Maybe next trip Ill reserve some time there for a relaxing soak.

Passengers ride the funicular railway in Spa, Belgium, on Oct. 28, 2023. At the top of the hill is the health resort citys modern bath complex, the Thermes de Spa. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

For fans of quirky museums, the Musee de la Lessive, or Laundry Museum, with its exhibitions about the work of washerwomen and the evolution of clothes laundering, fits the bill.

Among the highlights of Luxembourg's E1 and E4 trails is the forested canyon known in French as the Gorge du Loup. Near this section of the trail is a rocky spire whose similarity to the obelisks of ancient Egypt earned it the name Cleopatra's Needle. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

Gorge du Loup

Meaning wolfs gorge in French, the Gorge du Loup is an area of sheer sandstone cliffs and other rock formations shrouded in forest on the doorstep of Echternach. Visitors will also see its Luxembourgish name, Wollefsschlucht, on signs in the vicinity.

I left the car in a parking area near the Grand Hotel and set out for a strenuous uphill climb. Its advisable to make a pit stop at Camping Officiel Wollefsschlucht, near the E1 trail marker pointing into the forest, because thats the only bathroom I came across along the way.

Circular indentations in the walls and roof of Huel Lee cave near Berdorf, Luxembourg, attest to its past as a source of millstones. The cave is one of numerous scenic stops on Luxembourg's E1 trail, an 8.4-mile loop between Berdorf and Echternach. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

The Gorge du Loup can be accessed from either the 6.8-mile-long E4 trail or the 8.4-mile-long E1, which also features a fascinating cave called Huel Lee near the town of Berdorf.

Once in the canyon, I was awed by the scenery and majesty. In some places, standing beside the high rock faces felt a little like being in a cathedral. No wonder this region of Luxembourg is known as Little Switzerland.

The Gorge du Loup, or Wollefsschlucht as it is called in Luxembourgish, features vigorous walks, towering sandstone walls and a thick forest canopy. In good weather, it affords spectacular views of Echternach, the hub of the Little Switzerland region of Luxembourg. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

Also, the sandstone spire dubbed Cleopatras Needle for its resemblance to an Egyptian obelisk is quite the spectacle.

Local legend holds that the gorge is guarded by a count who lusted for money and hid riches in the areas caves, but was turned into a wolf as punishment for his avarice.

Its also said that anyone who places a rosary in the right cave will restore the count to human form and be rewarded with the treasure.

Place du Marche, or Market Square, is another showpiece of Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg. The stately Town Hall is surrounded by restaurants and shops. The E1 and E4 loop trails lead from the square to the Gorge du Loup and points beyond. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) The Basilica of St. Willibrord is part of the abbey complex around which the town of Echternach, Luxembourg, was created. The abbey museum introduces visitors to the beautiful manuscripts produced in the scriptorium during medieval times. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes)

A rosary might also be handy for those who step inside the basilica at Echternach Abbey, around which the town grew up. The church can be the starting point or the end point of the hike, depending on which direction one wants to traverse the trail.

After spending about 15 minutes touring the basilica, I wandered around the Place du Marche, a lovely nearby square dominated by the gabled Town Hall. The mix of vibrant modernity and storied past of Echternach was exhilarating, even in the rain.

On the QT

Address: Promenade de La Hoegne, Roquez 49, Jalhay, Belgium; Gorge du Loup, 27 Route de Diekirch, Echternach, Luxembourg

Hours: Hiking trails available 24 hours a day year-round. Thermes de Spa open Saturday and Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; holiday hours Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Cost: Parking is free at the Belleheid Bridge lot (high-clearance vehicles recommended) and on the surrounding street. Limited free parking is available outside the train station in Spa and at the Trooskneppchen lot or near the Grand Hotel in Echternach. At the Thermes de Spa, discounted admission of 26 euros is offered after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and nonholidays. Otherwise, 41 euros for the full day, 30 euros for three hours, 25 euros for students age 15 and up for three hours.

Information: www.tourismejalhaysart.be/en/promenade/promenade-55-la-hoegne/; www.visitluxembourg.com/destinations/mullerthal; www.thermesdespa.com/home/; https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/musea/discoveries/musee-de-la-lessive-laundry-museum-in-spa/9258
(iStock)

Ill admit, it was my own fault. I not only created the monster, I nurtured and enabled it, until it became an unruly beast, with razor-sharp claws and gnashing teeth, hell-bent on turning my family against me and crushing my holiday spirit.

It all started long ago, when our family was young. Back then, I believed naively that being a good mom meant that I had to work hard to give my family magical holiday experiences. So, while my Navy husband, Francis, was busy with work, travel and deployments, I was home with our kids, creating an elaborate schedule of family traditions for every holiday, complete with special foods, activities, crafts, music, experiences and surprises.

When the kids were in elementary school, I ran our 101-house neighborhoods annual Halloween parade, pumpkin carving contest and party. I also insisted on sewing our three kids costumes, serving as homeroom mom and reading only Halloween-themed books at bedtime. Pure idiocy!

During Thanksgivings, I cooked elaborate dinners while Francis cozied up with the kids to watch the Macys parade. I considered cooking all day a labor of love and took pride in watching my family ooh and ahh as they took their seats around our candle-lit Thanksgiving feast. Never mind the fact that our kids mostly just ate the dinner rolls. Oh, the stupidity!

The Christmas season was the holiday that I really screwed up. I went overboard every year, creating the most cozy, cinnamon-spiked, wood-burning, pine-scented, twinkle-lighted atmosphere I could muster. Id cart our family to bonfires, tree lightings, neighborhood caroling and mall Santa visits, all while guzzling gallons of hot cocoa stirred with peppermint sticks. Id break out Christmas-themed books for bedtime, ramping up anticipation so that Christmas became an impossible, sugar-plum vision of present-heaped joy. What a fool I was!

As embarrassing as it is to admit these heinous mothering crimes now, its my hope that other moms will learn from my mistakes. When I thought I was creating wonderful family traditions, I was really creating impossible family expectations that would come back to bite me in the holidays to come.

The first nip happened one Thanksgiving when the kids were teenagers. As usual, I got up at the crack of dawn to prep the turkey, chop onions, simmer the giblets and begin the million other tasks required for the holiday.

Francis appeared mid-morning in search of coffee. By that time, I was ready for company, but he soon disappeared from the kitchen. An hour later, I saw him out the window, laughing with a neighbor. An hour before dinner, I found Francis and the kids in our living room, draped on the sofas, enjoying the Macys Day parade television broadcast in their slippered feet.

Food about done, Hon? Im getting hungry, Francis yawned, as I stared back at him, irritated. An hour after dinner, I found him asleep in his recliner, a crust of pie perched on his sweater.

This scene would repeat itself on December 24th, when I found myself alone in the kitchen, cooking the elaborate Christmas Eve meal my family had come to expect  bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin, sausage stuffed mushrooms, homemade macaroni and cheese, onion-Swiss bread and steamed asparagus  while I seethed with resentment.

It took an unflattering holiday meltdown in front of my family for me to finally kill the monstrous expectations that Id created so long ago. Not only did I have to come to terms with the fact that my beloved traditions were unsustainable, my family now understands that everyone has to pitch in to help on the holidays.

Last year, I started a wonderful new tradition of delegating holiday duties. Last week, I emailed a written Thanksgiving Day Plan to our three adult children, an invited boyfriend and Francis. It began with the following warning, Listen up! This is extremely important! The family will NOT spend the entire day lounging in the family room watching the Macys parade while Mom cooks the whole Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen all by herself.

I finally wised up and realized that good mothers avoid monstrous holiday expectations. And my family now understands that Happy Holidays happen when Mom gets to have fun, too.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com
Nigeriens, some holding Russian flags, participate in a march called by supporters of coup leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani in Niamey, Niger, on July 30, 2023. Three West African nations led by military juntas met this week to strengthen a newly formed alliance described by some analysts on Friday as an attempt to legitimize their military governments amid coup-related sanctions and strained relations with neighbors. In his first foreign trip since the July coup that brought him into power, Nigers junta leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani held separate meetings Thursday Nov. 23, 2023 with his Mali and Burkina Faso counterparts. (Sam Mednick/AP)

ABUJA, Nigeria  Three West African nations led by military juntas met this week to strengthen a newly formed alliance described by some analysts on Friday as an attempt to legitimize their military governments amid coup-related sanctions and strained relations with neighbors.

In his first foreign trip since the July coup that brought him into power, Nigers junta leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani held separate meetings Thursday with his Mali and Burkina Faso counterparts.

During their meetings, the leaders pledged security and political collaborations under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a partnership the three countries announced in September as a measure to help fight the extremist violence they each struggle with and across the Sahel, the vast arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert.

The alliance provides a path of sovereignty for the countries and for their citizens, Gen. Tchiani told reporters after his meeting with Malian leader Col. Assimi Goita. Through this alliance, the peoples of the Sahel affirm that  nothing will prevent them from the objective of making this area of the Sahel, not an area of insecurity, but an area of prosperity, Tchiani said.

In reality, though, the partnership is in part an effort to entrench and legitimize (their) military governments more than to tackle the violent extremism which they have limited capacity to fight, said Nate Allen, an associate professor at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

The violence across the Sahel has contributed to a recent surge of coups in the region and militaries that claimed they took over power to help tackle their countrys security challenges have struggled to do so.

On Thursday, Gen. Tchiani partly blamed the violence on foreign powers, repeating claims his government has often made against France  which had been influential in the three countries before being forced out after their militaries took over  and against West Africas regional bloc of ECOWAS, which has heavily sanctioned Niger as a measure to reverse the surge of coups in the region.

The new partnership also offers the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger an opportunity to say, we are not internationally isolated and we actually have partners that share our ideology and philosophy, said James Barnett, a researcher specializing in West Africa at the U.S.-based Hudson Institute.

Some analysts, however, believe that by pooling their resources together, those countries are able to reduce individual reliance on foreign countries and tackle the security challenge with one front.

The merit of this new alliance, despite its limited means and capabilities, lies in its initiation by concerned members, said Bedr Issa, an independent analyst who researches the conflict in the Sahel. Its long-term success depends both on the resources that member countries can mobilize and the support that Africans and the broader international community could provide, he added.

In the Malian capital of Bamako, 35-year-old Aissata Sanogo expressed hope that such a partnership could be useful.

Its important that we take charge of our own security, said Sanogo. Thats what Im expecting from this alliance.

Associated Press journalist Baba Ahmed in Bamako, Mali, contributed to this report.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrates the countrys recent rocket launch in this image released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 22. (KCNA)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Pyongyang has scrapped a peace agreement designed to ease border tensions that was partially suspended by Seoul following a spy satellite launch late Tuesday.

Our army will never be bound by the Comprehensive Military Agreement, the Norths Ministry of National Defense announced in a statement published Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

We will withdraw the military steps, taken to prevent military tension and conflict  and deploy more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware in the region along the Military Demarcation Line, the ministry said.

The line, created after an armistice agreement ended fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, is the land border separating North and South within the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone.

The Comprehensive Military Agreement was a set of deconfliction terms signed in 2018 by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The accord, which established no-fly zones and prohibited armed troops at the border, was meant to be the first step toward bringing peace, prosperity and unification to the peninsula, according to its text.

North Koreas statement came a day after the South partially suspended the agreement. South Koreas military announced Wednesday it would restart reconnaissance flights at the border that were previously prohibited.

Seouls decision was made hours after Pyongyang launched a Chollima-1 rocket carrying a spy satellite. KCNA reported Wednesday that the satellite was successfully placed into orbit.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff has been analyzing whether the satellite is operational.

Pyongyang is entirely responsible for Seouls decision to partially suspend the agreement, South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesman Heo Tae-keun said at a press conference Wednesday.

North Koreas behavior shows again that it has no will to comply with the agreement, he said.

South Korea will punish the North if it carries out a provocation under the pretext of suspending the agreement, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said Thursday at a parliamentary hearing in Seoul.

Pyongyang has been banned by the U.N. Security Council from conducting ballistic missile tests since 2006. U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies have accused the North of using their satellite launches as cover for its ballistic missile program.

The space launch vehicle used ballistic-missile technology and was directly related to [North Koreas] intercontinental ballistic missile program, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement Wednesday.

The communist regime has fired 22 ballistic missiles in 15 days of testing so far this year.

It launched a short-range ballistic missile late Wednesday. The weapon was fired toward the East Sea, or Sea of Japan, at 11:05 p.m. from the Sunan area of Pyongyang, according to the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A text message to reporters from the Joint Chiefs said the missile had failed but did not provide additional details.
Members of Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia vist a training site with Indonesian Marines ahead of last year's Keris Marine exercise in November 2022. (Ryan Pulliam/U.S. Marine Corps)

A relatively new Marine Corps rotational force is practicing coastal defense in Indonesia, the latest sign of strengthening ties between the United States and this predominantly Muslim nation bordering the contested South China Sea.

The Keris Marine exercise, now in its second year, involves about 150 members of Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia and 150 Indonesian marines training on the island of West Java, the Marines said in a statement Thursday. The drills began that day and run through Dec. 11.

The exercise offers a pivotal opportunity for Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia as we immerse ourselves in jungle warfare training in Indonesia, the rotations commander, Col. Thomas Siverts, said in the statement. This is more than a training opportunity; its a chance to strengthen our relationship with the Indonesian Marines and enhance our mutual capabilities.

The rotational force participated in the inaugural Keris Marine exercise in Indonesia last year. So far this year, the units members have trained in the Philippines and Malaysia.

Indonesias Natuna Islands, northeast of Singapore, are near parts of the South China Sea claimed by China. Indonesian fisherman have reported intimidation by Chinese coast guard vessels in recent years.

Beijing, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory, has built military facilities on contested islands in the sea and frequently harasses foreign vessels and aircraft operating there.

The Keris Marine training includes coastal defense, joint fires, rocket artillery and small drones. The Marines will engage with local communities and swap knowledge, according to the Marine statement. The drills will conclude with platoon-level infantry rehearsals.

A radio operator with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia takes part in last year's Keris Marine exercise in November 2022. (Kevin Seidensticker/U.S. Marine Corps)

In this very exciting training situation, we need to make the most of this valuable opportunity, Col. Bambang Dillanto, a spokesman for the Indonesian Marines, said in the statement. We hope that the relationship between our Marine Corps will be stronger to support each other in facing complex problems in the future.

The training follows a Nov. 16 visit to Jakarta by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who signed a defense cooperation agreement with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. Hes seen as a possible successor to President Joko Widodo, whose term ends next year.

The Defense Cooperation Arrangement unlocks new opportunities for advanced cooperation that the United States will explore with Indonesia, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement the next day.

Austin told reporters that the agreement followed the largest-ever iteration of Super Garuda Shield, a September exercise in Indonesia involving 4,000 American and Indonesian troops. In that exercise, we had seven participating countries with 11 observer nations.
A car burns as Irish policemen stand at the scene of an attack in Dublin on Nov. 23. (Brian Lawless/PA via AP)

LONDON  Violent clashes broke out in central Dublin on Thursday evening, with vehicles torched and riot police attacked, after a 5-year-old girl was seriously injured in a knife attack earlier in the day that also saw a woman and two other young children hospitalized.

Irish police said the girl was receiving emergency medical treatment in a Dublin hospital following the attack outside a school. Soon after that announcement, at least 100 people took to the streets, some armed with metal bars and covering their faces.

Police said over 400 officers including many in riot gear, were deployed in Dublin city center to contain the unrest, which they said was caused by a small group of thugs. A police cordon was also set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.

There were clashes with riot police as some demonstrators let off flares and fireworks, while others grabbed chairs and stools outside bars and restaurants.

A number of police vehicles and a tram were damaged during the disorder, while a bus and car were also set on fire on the citys OConnell Bridge.

Shop windows were routinely smashed and a Foot Locker store was looted. All public transport in the city  trams and buses  was suspended and many firms have urged their staff to work from home on Friday.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence, said Irelands top police officer, Drew Harris.

Police and politicians called for calm and warned against misinformation over the attack earlier in the day.

The scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city center cannot and will not be tolerated, said Justice Minister Helen McEntee. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Earlier, police said a man in his 50s, who also was seriously injured, is a person of interest in their investigation. No other details about his identity were revealed.

At a press briefing in the evening, Harris was asked about a potential terrorist link, and he didnt rule it out.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack  all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, he said.

That appeared to be a slight change in stance from earlier, when Superintendent Liam Geraghty said police were keeping an open mind in terms of the investigation but were satisfied there is no terrorist link.

A woman in her 30s also suffered serious injuries during the knife attack shortly after 1:30 p.m. The two other children, a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, sustained less serious injuries. and the boy was discharged from a hospital,

Geraghty said at a media briefing that preliminary indications are that a man attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

He said that police believe that it was a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

Geraghty confirmed earlier witness reports that a knife was used in the attack, but he couldnt provide more details on the nature of the injuries. He also confirmed that witnesses sought to disarm the man as soon as they saw what was going on.

My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves, Geraghty said.
Heres a recap of recent funding developments from Australia, India, the US and beyond.

Main Sequence Ventures Backs Avarni with $2.5m in latest funding round

Main Sequence Ventures, the CSIRO VC fund, continues its support for Avarni, a carbon accounting software startup, by leading a $2.5 million fundraising effort. Brisbane early-stage fund Sprint Ventures and Afterwork Ventures also contribute to this initiative.

White Box Enterprises raises $12m

White Box Enterprises successfully secures $12 million from a group of High Net Worth investors and philanthropic foundations. The funds will be used to establish a non-profit commercial laundry in Byron Bay, generating employment opportunities for individuals facing disadvantage. Notable contributors include Richard Uechtritz, former CEO of JB Hi Fi, and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.

Aerologix accelerates growth with $2m capital raise

Australian drone technology startup Aerologix announces a $2 million capital raise and the strategic acquisition of Brazilian mapping software company Mappa. Lindsay Phillips Nightingale Partners leads the funding round, reinforcing its commitment to Aerologix. Ellerston Capital also supports the companys ambitious expansion plans.

MediCann Health secures $1.5m through crowdfunding

Medicinal cannabis company Medicann Health successfully raises $1.5 million through crowdfunding. The funds will be utilized to expand medicine inventory, introduce new products to the Australian market, establish a Cannabis Dispensary in Perth, and continue vital clinical trials focusing on Concussion, Parkinsons Disease, and MND.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division return fire during a platoon-level exercise at Nurispalu Training Area, Estonia, June 25, 2023. (Oscar Gollaz/U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  Russias battlefield losses in Ukraine have eliminated the military advantages it once held over NATO allies in the Baltic region, a new think tank report says.

Russia has effectively lost its position of power and the capacity to threaten its neighbors with projections of military power, Pavel Baev wrote in a November report for the French Institute of International Relations.

Baev, a longtime Russia expert who once worked at a research institute inside the Soviet Unions defense ministry, argues many Western policy planners havent grasped the long-term implications of what the war in Ukraine means for security in the Baltics.

While some in the West see Russias weakened position as transitional and a Russian comeback inevitable, Moscow sees the loss of its conventional military edge in the Baltics as both unacceptable and irreversible, Baev said.

The Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were annexed by the Soviet Union during World War II. Since becoming independent in the 1990s, their forces always have been far smaller and less developed than Russias.

However, they have welcomed training with U.S. troops and other NATO allies, which are required to collectively defend the Baltic nations if they are attacked, in line with the alliances treaty.

Soldiers from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fire missiles during exercise Iron Spear in Adazi, Latvia, Nov. 13, 2023. Since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014, NATO has added multinational battlegroups in the Baltics and Poland, and ramped up rotations of other combat forces in the region. (Bernabe Lopez III/U.S. Army)

Russias war in Ukraine has taken an extreme toll on its military and challenges its ability to maintain a large force on its western flank with NATO, the report said. The study argues that Moscows strategic goal of turning its military exclave of Kaliningrad into a launching pad to dominate the central part of the Baltic region has effectively been canceled.

Moreover, Ukraines ability to target Russian military infrastructure around Crimea has exposed weaknesses in Russias coastal defense weapon systems. Those vulnerabilities also apply to the Russian military along the Baltic coast.

Beyond the tactical weaknesses, Russian capabilities were compromised as assets moved to the war front. Many of the Baltic units tasked with guarding Russias western border with NATO countries have been decimated during the nearly two years of fighting in Ukraine, according to the report, which cites a lengthy list of damaged units.

Whatever the scope of the outcome of the war, Russia will not be able to rebuild a position of military superiority in the Baltic theater or even to set an approximate balance of forces with NATO, which is implementing a new plan to strengthen its posture in this reconfigured direction, Baev said.

Moscow could be forced to rely more on long-range missiles and talk up its nuclear capability for deterrence purposes, to make up for its conventional military disadvantages.

Troops from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the U.K. and the U.S., assigned to NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland, stage their vehicles before a firepower demonstration in Adazi, Latvia, Nov. 13, 2023. (U.S. Army)

Plain strategic logic dictates that weakness of conventional forces necessitates greater reliance on nuclear capabilities, and the Baltic theater may see applications of this logic, the report says.

Regardless of the outcome of the war, Russia also will need to position forces along its southern border with Ukraine for the long-haul, the report says.

For years, the Baltics have been a focal point for the American-led NATO alliance, which has strengthened its position in the region amid concerns that it was outgunned by Russia. Many of the alliances changes were prompted by Russias initial 2014 intervention in Ukraine, which shattered old post-Cold War assumptions about a more secure Europe.

In the years before 2014, many NATO militaries drastically reduced defense spending, shrunk the sizes of their militaries and regarded the prospect of large-scale conflict on the European continent as an anachronism.

The U.S. military also sharply scaled back on the Continent, removing the last of its battle tanks from Europe just months before Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

The diminished NATO force prompted angst among security analysts at the time. Those concerns were reinforced by a large war game, carried out by the Rand Corp. think tank with the assistance of numerous American military commands between 2014 and 2015.

It found a Russian offensive in the Baltics would overwhelm lesser-armed alliance forces and seize the Estonian and Latvian capitals in a matter of hours.

The Rand war game, which garnered much attention at the time, said the outcome was, bluntly, a disaster for NATO.

Since then, NATO has added multinational battlegroups in the Baltics and Poland and ramped up rotations of other combat forces in the region, including U.S. Army tank units.

That, along with the addition of Finland into NATO and eventually Sweden, tipped the balance in the Baltics to NATOs favor, Baev said.

With the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, the Baltic theater is reconfigured so profoundly to Russias disadvantage that no amount of effort could make Fortress Kaliningrad defensible, the report said.
Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right party PVV, or Party for Freedom, seated, Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, right, and Frans Timmermans, of the center-left two party bloc of Labor Party and Green Left, rear left, arrive for a meeting with speaker of the House Vera Bergkamp, two days after Wilders won the most votes in a general election, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Nov. 24, 2023. (Peter Dejong/AP)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands  A senator from the Netherlands Party for Freedom was appointed Friday to investigate possible governing coalitions after the far-right partys election victory, while the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it would support a center-right administration in parliament but not join the next government.

The Party for Freedom, or PVV, led by veteran anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, won 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house, indicating a seismic shift to the right for the Netherlands. Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy won 24 seats, 10 fewer than in the previous election, according to a near complete count of Wednesdays votes.

After a meeting of party leaders at the parliament, PVV Senator Gom van Strien was appointed to investigate possible coalitions. Newly elected lawmakers will debate his findings on Dec. 6.

Van Strien said that he would begin meetings with party leaders on Monday.

Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, the new leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, tweeted that after losing 10 seats in the election, the longtime ruling party would make possible and constructively support a center-right Cabinet with good policies, but wouldnt join a government.

Wilders called the decision, which was announced before formal coalition talks had begun, extremely disappointing.

The election result and appointment of Van Strien pave the way for Wilders to take the lead in forming a new coalition and potentially to succeed Rutte as prime minister. However, he will likely have to convince potential coalition partners that he would tone down some of his anti-Islam policies.

His partys election platform states that the Netherlands is not an Islamic country. No Islamic schools, Qurans and mosques.

Speaking Friday at a meeting of far-right leaders in Portugal, Marine Le Pen of France called Wilders win a vote of conscience that attests for the defeat of those that have been in power for the past 30 years.

One potential coalition partner for Wilders is the recently formed New Social Contract party, or NSC, which won 20 seats. The partys centrist leader, Pieter Omtzigt, said he couldnt accept unconstitutional policies.

Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution outlaws discrimination on grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or on any other grounds.

In an election-night victory speech, Wilders pledged not to push any policies that would breach Dutch law or the constitution.

His foreign policy also has raised concern among the Netherlands allies, Dutch caretaker Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Friday.

Wilders election program says we will not send our money and defense equipment such as F-16s to Ukraine.

I hope and expect that the support will remain, Ollongren told reporters in The Hague. She said she had received concerned calls about the issue since the election.

The caretaker administration led by Rutte will remain in office until a new coalition is formed.

In August, Rutte said that the Netherlands and Denmark would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help the fight against Russias invading forces. An international training hub for F-16 pilots including from Ukraine was opened earlier this month in Romania.

Rutte tweeted Friday that he had held one of his regular calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Netherlands stands with the people of Ukraine and supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, Rutte said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 14, 2023. A Russian lawmaker and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin, Mironov has denied media allegations that he adopted a 2-year-old girl who was seized from a Ukrainian childrens home and changed her name in Russia. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

LONDON  A Russian lawmaker and staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin has denied media allegations that he adopted a missing 2-year-old girl who was removed from a Ukrainian childrens home and changed her name in Russia.

Sergey Mironov, 70, the leader of political party A Just Russia, asserted on social media that the Ukrainian security services and their Western partners concocted a fake report to discredit true Russian patriots like himself.

His statement, posted on X, followed the BBC and independent Russian news outlet Important Stories publishing an investigation Thursday that said Mironov adopted a child named Margarita Prokopenko who was allegedly taken to Moscow at the age of 10 months by the woman to whom he is now married.

Mironov accused the two news organizations of having only one goal  to discredit those who take an uncompromising patriotic position.

You are trying in vain, he wrote, adding that Russia would win its war in Ukraine.

The office of the Ukrainian parliaments human rights commissioner told The Associated Press it was looking into the news report.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the commissioner for childrens rights in Putins office, accusing them of committing war crimes through their involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Bill Van Esveld, associate director of the Childrens Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said Friday that the agency could not independently confirm the BBC and Important Stories findings. But he thinks the deportation of the girl to Russia, her adoption and her name change would be a black and white war crime.

The investigation by the BBC and Important Stories said Margarita was collected in August 2022 from a home for children needing specialized medical care or missing parents in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which was occupied by Russian soldiers at the time.

The news organizations identified a woman who had visited the baby in Kherson before a group of Russian men removed the child from the home as Inna Varlamova, 55, who later married Mironov. The investigation also cited a birth record created several months later that listed Mironov and Varlamova as the parents of child named Marina who was born Oct. 31, 2021  Margaritas birthday.

Ukrainian authorities have estimated that around 20,000 children were sent out of the country without their parents knowledge or under false pretenses since Russia invaded in February 2022. A study by Yale University found 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.

The AP reported in Oct. 2022 that Russian officials deported Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, told them they werent wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship.

Vira Yastrebova, director of Eastern Human Rights Group, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization, said Russian authorities were increasingly placing children into Russian foster families for eventual adoption instead of temporary guardianship.

Because Russian law makes it very difficult to find information about adoptions, it is therefore easy to hide any information about the children, Yastrebova said.

The Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, maintained in September that Russia does not kidnap Ukrainian children but is saving them. Russia has said it will return children to their families once a parent or guardian requests it. But, because many Ukrainian families do not know where their children were taken, they are unable to make the requests.

Even when children are located, reuniting them with their families during the ongoing war often is a complicated process, involving a lot of paperwork and international border crossings. Pope Francis tasked his Ukraine peace envoy earlier this year with trying to get young Ukrainians returned to their country.

The transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia will affect them profoundly and have a lifelong impact, Van Esveld told the AP in a phone interview Friday.

They have no opportunity to go back to their community or country and their development, right to education and right to form their own identity without coercion is impacted, he said. Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn contributed to this report.
A federal appeals court upheld the dismissal of DODEA teacher Tamica Smithson's lawsuit alleging disability discrimination. ()

The Defense Department did not discriminate against a former teacher in Germany who was required to use sick leave when arriving up to two hours late to work due to health issues, a federal court ruled this week.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower courts finding that Tamica Smithson could not perform her job as a science teacher at Vilseck High School while missing time each morning.

Smithson also asked for a less repetitive class schedule and to be excused from dealing with angry people as part of her disability accommodations, according to court documents.

Smithson, a Department of Defense Education Activity teacher since 2004, sued under the Rehabilitation Act. She alleged disability discrimination and failure to make a reasonable accommodation for a disabled person.

The appeals court on Monday said DODEA demonstrated why it was essential to have teachers at school and that federal law allows employers to require sick leave for an absence due to illness, when in-person attendance is necessary.

A delay in arrival that consumes twenty-five percent of the school day on a regular basis is not a reasonable accommodation as a matter of law, circuit judge Ilana Rovner wrote.

Smithson, a military veteran, began teaching at the U.S. Army base in Vilseck in 2006.

Smithson is afflicted with migraines, affective disorder, vertigo, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and intracranial hypertension, a buildup of pressure around the brain that can cause headaches and other symptoms. She struggles with balance, has difficulty walking and driving, has breathing problems and suffers from impaired vision, speech and memory, court documents state.

Initially, Smithson asked to report 15 minutes late on certain days, depending on her symptoms. She told her principal in 2010 she didnt expect this to happen often and would make the time up at the end of the day, court documents say.

Over the next eight years, Smithsons condition worsened and her list of accommodation requests grew.

She asked for immediate relief in the classroom during anxiety attacks; immediate communication of any concerns about her performance; to be excused from situations she found frustrating, such as irate parents or co-workers; memory aids such as email reminders and extra time to complete grading, paperwork and training.

In 2017, Smithson asked for a more varied schedule to avoid getting bored after she was asked to teach five sections of biology, according to court documents.

The following year, Smithson asked for software and a tablet computer so she could monitor students research and assist them from her desk since she could no longer move around the classroom.

The school tried to accommodate Smithson, the court found.

But the stumbling block was a request for a flexible reporting time of up to two hours, the main point of contention in this lawsuit, the court wrote.

Smithsons doctor said she needed to work in a dark area in the mornings to alleviate her symptoms and the side effects of medication.

DODEA did not dispute Smithsons disability or her teaching ability, court papers state. Principal Marc Villareal testified that when shes here and shes well, shes a fully successful teacher. Shes a very good teacher.

Smithson said her late arrival wouldnt result in missing any classes she had to teach. But the agency asserted she could not perform all her duties if routinely absent early in the day, when training, teacher collaboration, interaction with parents and ad hoc instruction occurs.

Smithson contended she wasnt required to take sick leave before when late, and that due to school policy, she would have to use half-day increments of sick leave for missing two hours.

Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic resolved the situation, the court noted. Smithson was hired to work full-time from home as a teacher in DODEAs virtual school in August 2020. Even so, she filed her appeal during the pandemic.

Smithson said Wednesday her symptoms are worse in the mornings. Being able to work from home with the virtual school was perfect, she said. But DODEA removed her from the program in June and she was medically retired Nov. 13, she said.

All in all, they lost a great educator, Smithson said. Ill return to education online once I decompress from the trauma that DODEA has caused.

Smithson had filed an earlier, separate suit against DODEA alleging discrimination because of her race, color, gender and disability. An Indiana court in December 2022 rejected the case, saying the allegations describe perfectly innocuous workplace incidents that are objectively inoffensive and  have nothing to do with Smithsons membership in protected classes.

A DODEA-Europe spokeswoman said Wednesday the agency does not comment on court rulings.
Marah Bakir, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released by the Israeli authorities, is welcome at her family house in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The release came on the first day of a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas during which the Gaza militants have pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (Mahmoud Illean/AP)

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides.

Israel  wrenched by the abduction of nearly 240 people in Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war  cheered as 13 Israeli women and children emerged free from Gaza. Most were in their 70s or 80s, and the youngest was a 2-year-old. Also released were 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines.

In Gaza, the truces start Friday morning brought the first quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling and desperate from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

Increased supplies of food, water, medicine and fuel promised under the deal began to roll into Gaza, where U.N. officials had warned that Israels seal on the territory threatened to push it to starvation.

But relief has been tempered  among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce leaves Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Israel says the cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it had received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday.

But Israel has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

First hostages freed

Under the deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners over the four days. Both sides were starting with women and children. Israel said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

After nightfall Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt carrying the freed hostages, as seen live on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV. The freed Israelis included nine women and four children 9 and under.

The released hostages were taken to three Israeli hospitals for observation. The Schneider Childrens Medical Center said it was treating eight Israelis  four children and four women  and that all appeared to be in good physical condition. The center said they were also receiving psychological treatment, adding that these are sensitive moments for the families.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis celebrated at the news.

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking. That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yaels 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remained in captivity. Both were kidnapped on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother, Keren Munder, and grandmother Ruti Munder. The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

The plight of the hostages has raised anger among some families that Netanyahus government was not doing enough to bring them home.

Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenagers held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. In the West Bank town of Beituna, hundreds of Palestinians poured out of their homes to celebrate, honking horns and setting off fireworks that lit up the night sky.

The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers, and others who had been arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker whose 17-year-old son, Iyas, was freed. But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.

Iyas had been taken last year into administrative detention, without charges or trial and based on secret evidence. Israel often holds detainees for months without charges. Most of those who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often dont follow due process, human rights groups say.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

Cease-fire takes hold

Fridays halt in fighting brought Gazas uprooted population a moment to catch its breath after weeks of fleeing for shelter, searching for food and fearing for family.

After the truce began Friday morning, four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Israel has barred all imports into Gaza throughout the war, except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 34,340 gallons (130,000 liters) of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than 1 million living in U.N. schools-turned-shelters. The calm brought a chance for displaced residents of the south to visit homes and retrieve some belongings.

But the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south were warned not to return in leaflets dropped by Israel. Israeli troops hold much of the north, including Gaza City.

Still, hundreds of Palestinians tried walking north Friday. Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Sofian Abu Amer decided to risk checking his home in Gaza City.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

A longer peace?

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the latest number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where communications have broken down.

The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Federman reported from Jerusalem, Jeffery from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed.
Wounded Palestinians lie in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

RAFAH, Egypt  The Israeli government said Friday it would summon the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors following remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo on the war between Israel and Hamas.

The announcement came after the two leaders criticized Israel for the suffering of Palestinian civilians under Israeli military operations in Gaza. Sanchez also called for European Union recognition of a Palestinian state, saying Spain might do so on its own.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza on Friday, Sanchez said the time had come for the international community and the European Union to once and for all recognize a Palestinian state. He said it would be better if the EU did it together, but if this is not the case  Spain will take their own decisions.

Sanchez was speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Egypt with de Croo. Spain currently holds the EUs rotational presidency and Belgium takes over in January.

Sanchez reiterated comments made Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the killing of civilians.

I also reiterate Israels right to defend itself but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case, Sanchez said. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.

De Croo did not comment on recognition of a Palestinian state, but said, first things first, lets stop the violence. Lets liberate the hostages. Lets get the aid inside ... the first priority is help people who are suffering.

De Croo stressed the need and hope for a permanent cease-fire, adding that this needs to be built together. And it can only be built together if both parties understand that the solution to this conflict is never going to be violence. A solution to this conflict is that people sit around the table.

A military operation needs to respect international humanitarian law. The killing of civilians needs to stop now. Way too many people have died. The destruction of Gaza is unacceptable, he said.

We cannot accept that a society is being destroyed the way it is being destroyed, he added.

Israel later lashed out at the two prime ministers for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred our citizens and used the Palestinians as human shields.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed the countries ambassadors to be summoned for a sharp reprimand. We condemn the false claims of the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism, Cohen said.

Israel is acting according to international law and fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than (the Islamic State group) that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Residential and commercial skyscrapers are seen in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on April 10, 2022. (Christopher Pike/Bloomberg)

Middle Eastern wealth funds are facing greater scrutiny on U.S. deals from the Biden administration, part of a broader pushback on entities perceived to have close ties with China, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States is reviewing several multibillion dollar deals this year on concerns they could pose national security risks, said the people, who requested anonymity as the matter is private. Officials in President Joe Bidens cabinet are currently reviewing more than half a dozen acquisitions, including deals from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Mubadala Investment Co. and Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, they said.

While the US remains a preferred investment destination for the regions largest wealth funds, China has emerged as an increasingly attractive jurisdiction. The value of acquisitions and investments by Gulf funds into the Asian country has climbed to $2.3 billion in 2023 from about $100 million last year, according to boutique adviser Global SWF. That coincides with Beijings push to bolster political ties in the region since President Xi Jinpings December visit to Riyadh.

An area where were starting to see increased sensitivity is with the Gulf states, Stephenie Gosnell Handler, a Washington-based partner at Gibson Dunn, said on a webinar last month. We have been seeing CFIUS start to ask more questions.

In recent months, Biden officials have expressed mounting concerns that critical technology, infrastructure and data that get to the UAE could potentially end up in the hands of Beijing, people familiar with matter said. The scrutiny is particularly acute for Abu Dhabi because decisions on national security, foreign policy and international investments are made by the same few royals, the people said.

CFIUS has requested access to the internal books of several Gulf funds to assuage US concerns, though the Middle Eastern entities have balked at the idea of opening up their full records to a foreign government, the people said.

Mubadalas plan to buy a stake in Fortress Investment Group is among deals being reviewed by authorities and the fund is exploring options including bringing on board a US investor to obtain regulatory sign-off, Bloomberg News has reported. SoftBank Group Corp.s deal with Fortress had also faced a CFIUS review, the Financial Times reported at the time.

Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAEs Ambassador to the US, called the bilateral relationship a decades-long success story that had fueled innovation in supercomputers, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, while noting that the Gulf state had been the top destination for US exports in the Middle East for over a decade.

The UAE is working closely and positively with the US, including CFIUS, to facilitate and expand trade and investment while securing and protecting sensitive technologies, data and intellectual property, he said.

In response to questions from Bloomberg News, a UAE official said the nation is one of the worlds most important trade and investment hubs and that Abu Dhabi is fully aware of its responsibilities in protecting the integrity of the global finance system.

CFIUS is an inter-agency committee chaired by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and includes representatives from across President Bidens cabinet. A spokesperson for the Treasury said the CFIUS is committed to taking all necessary actions within its authority to safeguard US national security.

Consistent with law and practice, CFIUS does not publicly comment on transactions that it may or may not be reviewing, the Treasury spokesperson said. ADIA and Mubadala declined to comment, while representatives at PIF didnt respond to requests for comment.

The US committee routinely scrutinizes inbound deals in strategically important sectors - referred to as covered transactions. The number of covered transaction notices from the UAE rose to six last year compared with zero in 2021 and two in 2020, according to the latest CFIUS annual report. Saudi Arabias increased to four in 2022 compared with three and zero in the preceding years, the data show.

To an extent, increased interactions with CFIUS reflect an uptick in investments by Gulf funds into the US. Of the $89 billion these entities spent on investments in 2022, $52 billion went into Europe and North America, according to Global SWF. Thats continued into 2023, with the wealth funds participating in US deals worth more than $23 billion dollars, data compiled by Global SWF show.

China Ties

Mubadala is among Abu Dhabi state-backed investors ramping up operations in China, Bloomberg has reported. G42, which has been at the forefront of a push by the United Arab Emirates into AI, has tapped a former executive from JD.com Inc. for its $10 billion tech fund and has built up a China team.

G42 counts Abu Dhabis Mubadala as a shareholder and is chaired by UAE national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose business empire includes investment firm Royal Group, wealth fund ADQ and the $1 trillion ADIA.

Gulf officials have said their push into China isnt aimed at replacing the US as their principal investment partner. Even so, the links to Beijing have raised concerns in Washington at a time when the Biden administration has broadly tightened its scrutiny of investments to and from China.

Last month, the US House Select Committee on China sought information about Sequoia Capitals investments into artificial intelligence, semiconductor and quantum computing companies in the Asian country. US lawmakers called out investments in firms, including ByteDance - alleging they are Sequoia Capital Chinas problematic publicly-known partnerships.

And trade was at the top of the agenda when Biden and Xi met this month at a summit in San Francisco for the first time in a year.

As the Gulf states continue to try to diversify their economies and make big investments in the tech sector globally, one would expect a certain amount of their investments to flow through CFIUS, even if they ultimately receive approval, said Emily Kilcrease, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security who previously led the US Trade Representatives work on CFIUS.

With assistance from Henry Meyer, Nicolas Parasie, Matthew Martin, Daniel Flatley and Dinesh Nair.

Visit bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
In this photo provided by Thailand's Foreign Ministry, 10 freed Thai hostages pose with an officer, fourth from left, at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel after their release by Hamas militants on Nov. 24. (Thailand Foreign Ministry via AP)

BANGKOK  Hamas freed 10 Thai nationals Friday alongside Israeli hostages who were part of the first swap under a new cease-fire deal  including four who had not been officially listed as abducted, Thailands Foreign Ministry announced Saturday morning.

Thais were the single biggest group of foreigners taken hostage when Hamas took some 240 people during its Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel. Thais working in Israel are mostly employed as semi-skilled farm laborers, at wages considerably higher than those at they can earn at home.

The ministry said the group of 10 Thais in all  nine men and one woman  were undergoing health checks at a medical center in Israel. They were to stay there for at least 48 hours before flying home to Thailand. It released photos of the freed hostages in the Israeli hospital where they were taken Friday after their release.

There was confusion overnight about the number of those freed, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 12 had been freed.

Thailands Foreign Ministry said that figure came from the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. However, it revised the number downward after the spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, Majed al-Ansari, posted on X that the number was 10. Qatar played a key role in making arrangements for the hostage releases.

The release of four Thais previously not known to be held by Hamas militants leaves 20 currently listed as being held captive.

On Friday night, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara wrote online that he was overjoyed at news of the release. He had traveled more than three weeks ago to Egypt and Qatar to seek their help in obtaining the hostages freedom.

Thailand thanked Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

It is our deep hope that all remaining hostages will be taken care of, and will be safely released at the earliest opportunity, the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

The Thai foreign ministry said the released workers crossed into Israel, where they were taken to Hatzerim Airbase for processing, after which they went to the Shamir Medical Center, where embassy officials met with them.

A spokesperson for the hospital said staff were informed around 4 p.m. local time Friday that they would be receiving the Thai hostages  approximately the same time Thailands prime minister and Egyptian officials made the news public.

One other Asian with the group of released Thais was Gelienor Jimmy Pacheco, a 33-year-old Philippine national. He had been caring for an elderly man who lived in Nir Oz, one of more than 20 towns and villages in southern Israel that was ambushed in the sweeping assault by Hamas launched from the embattled Gaza Strip.

The village said Friday that it welcomed Pachecos return, calling him the devoted carer of the late Amitai Ben-Zvi, who was murdered during the terrorist attack.

The Israeli Embassy in Manila said Pacheco was also undergoing medical evaluation at Shamir Medical Center, and that the Israeli government is committed and will do whatever is needed to bring the rest of the more then 200 hostages home.

I salute the work of the Philippine Foreign Service in securing his release, and once again thank the State of Qatar for their invaluable assistance in making Jimmys release possible, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrote Saturday on X, adding that the government remains concerned about the whereabouts of Philippine national Noralyn Babadilla, who is reportedly one of the foreigners held hostage by Hamas.

The missing workers were among about 30,000 Thais employed mostly in Israels agricultural sector. According to Thailands foreign ministry, 39 were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks. More than 8,600 workers have been voluntarily repatriated since the attacks, the Labor Ministry said.
Changpeng Zhao exits federal court in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 21, 2023. (Chloe Collyer/Bloomberg)

Binance Holdings Ltd. had such lax controls over cryptocurrency transactions on its exchange that terrorists, hackers and sanctions violators used it for years to move billions of dollars, US prosecutors said.

Binance and Chief Executive Officer Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to criminal charges Tuesday, admitting they failed to take basic anti-money laundering steps that are the bedrock of government efforts to check the flow of dirty money worldwide. Binance will pay $4.3 billion, while Zhao will step down as CEO and pay a $50 million fine.

The stunning turn of events means Zhao, the most powerful crypto figure in the world, faces prison time and will no longer run the industrys largest exchange. It comes after a multiyear investigation by federal prosecutors and the fraud conviction earlier this month of Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of the collapsed FTX exchange.

Employees at Binance were engaged in a wide array of misconduct, and many were aware of the consequences of allowing millions of illegal transactions, according to the Justice Department and the Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN.

Binance turned a blind eye to its legal obligations in the pursuit of profit, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. Its willful failures allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers through its platform.

Because of those failures, the US said, Binance allowed the following to take place:

 The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, used Bitcoin transactions to raise money for the Palestinian resistance. Hamas, which has been designated by the US as a terrorist organization, murdered more than 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7. Binance failed to file suspicious activity reports with the US about Hamas fundraising, according to FinCEN.

 Binance allowed Bitcoin transactions with other terrorist organizations, including al-Qaida and ISIS, FinCEN said.

 At least 1.1 million transactions valued at $899 million were conducted by people living in Iran, in violation of US sanctions, the company admitted.

 Exchange users in Cuba and Syria, as well as the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, engaged in millions of dollars in transactions in violation of US sanctions, Binance admitted.

 Binance users made $275 million in deposits from BestMixer, a crypto platform that helped obscure the digital money trail, the company said. Dutch authorities shut it down in 2019, saying it was probably used to conceal and launder the criminal flows of money.

 Customers transferred $106 million in Bitcoin from Hydra Market, the Russian darknet marketplace, to Binance wallets between 2017 and 2022, the company admitted. US and German authorities seized Hydras servers in 2022, calling it the worlds largest and most prominent darknet market. It sold hacking software, fake IDs and illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine and LSD.

 Binance addresses handled tens of millions of dollars in transactions involving 24 strains of ransomware, with names like SamSam, Satan and WannaCry. While the company worked with law enforcement when notified, it deprived authorities of critical information about those attacks, FinCEN said. In 2021, the US indicted three North Korean military hackers over WannaCry attacks.

 More than 1,000 transactions took place involving three marketplaces that dealt in child pornography and related material, FinCEN said. An administrator of one of those sites, Dark Scandals, was indicted in 2020. The site featured violent rape videos.

With assistance from Daniel Flatley and Ava Benny-Morrison.

Visit bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
FBI agents load boxes into a van while the federal agents raid the Medoc Health Services company in Dallas on May 9, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Five years after federal agents left a northwest Dallas office building in May 2018 with boxes holding the documents of a healthcare company, five of seven defendants have pleaded guilty in a medical kickback scheme.

In addition to the guilty pleas, which included two top executives at Medoc Health Services, the government won judgments for millions of dollars in a related civil fraud lawsuit, court records show. The two remaining defendants are scheduled to go on trial next month.

Medocs owners are accused of bilking government healthcare programs out of about $2 million by steering prescriptions of compound pain creams and other medications to pharmacies in exchange for kickbacks. Prosecutors say some kickbacks were disguised as a salary paid to one of the defendants, Michael Schneider, a Medoc partner, who then split the money with the other defendants using shell companies.

All of the defendants understood that the [employment] agreement was a sham designed to pay the Medoc defendants kickbacks, government attorneys wrote in court documents.

The conspiracy focused on paying Medoc, the pharmacies and the doctors as much money as possible, prosecutors said. The interests of the patients were not the primary consideration, court records show.

The Medoc case is one of several big health care fraud prosecutions in North Texas involving compounded pain creams, which for a time provided pharmacies and doctors with a lucrative income. The compounded medications appeared on the market several years ago in response to the nations opioid crisis, ostensibly as a safe alternative treatment for chronic pain. But fraud was endemic in the industry, and cases across Texas and the nation continue to result in convictions.

The latest guilty pleas, which strengthened the governments case against Medoc, came from Kevin Kuykendall, its chief executive, and Sabrina Kuykendall, his wife and Medocs vice president of finance. The Kuykendalls pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks, which comes with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Kevin Kuykendalls plea deal calls for an agreed sentence of three years in federal prison, court records show. His wifes agreed sentence is 36 months probation, records show. Their attorneys could not be reached for comment.

The Kuykendalls owe at least $4.4 million in restitution as part of their plea agreements, court records show. They are scheduled to be sentenced in February by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr in Dallas.

Trial for Michael Schneider and another defendant  his brother, Mark Schneider  is scheduled for Dec. 4. Their attorneys either declined to comment or could not be reached.

All of the defendants were released from custody after the 2020 indictment.

The government also is suing all seven defendants and Medoc in a related civil fraud lawsuit stemming from a whistleblower claim. The whistle-blower, Mark Adams, filed his lawsuit against Medoc in October 2017, and the government agreed to join it and take the lead in July 2019. The U.S. attorneys office filed a 115-page civil complaint against Medoc, its partners and others, alleging violations of the federal False Claims Act, fraud and unjust enrichment.

The Kuykendalls and Schneiders were charged with seven counts of soliciting and receiving kickbacks. The indictments allegations are almost identical to those in the civil whistle-blower lawsuit.

The Medoc owners steered prescriptions of compound pain creams and other medications to three North Texas pharmacies in exchange for kickbacks from January 2015 through August 2016, the indictment says. The compounding pharmacies paid kickbacks to Medoc from earnings they received from Medicare, Tricare (the militarys health plan) and Department of Labor insurance programs, federal authorities allege.

Two of the pharmacies  Total RX Care and Midcities Pharmacy  signed sham employment agreements with Michael Schneider in order to use his supposed salary to hide the kickbacks, authorities allege. A third pharmacy, Doctors Specialty Pharmacy, also paid kickbacks to Medoc, the governments lawsuit says.

The doctors

Kevin Kuykendall, 59, and Mark Schneider in January 2015 founded Medoc, which entered into relationships with doctors who prescribed various medications, often compound pain creams, according to Kuykendalls plea filing.

Federal agents raided Medoc Health Services in Dallas in 2018. (Jae S. Lee/TNS)

Medoc created more than 20 subsidiaries co-owned by small groups of physician-investors, the governments lawsuit said. Medoc paid the doctors based on the number of patient referrals they sent to Medoc, according to government lawyers. Medoc then sent the prescriptions to pharmacies of its choosing to be filled.

Medocs objective was to generate [patient] referrals to pharmacies for pain creams, metabolic supplements, and other products with high reimbursement rates  as high as tens of thousands of dollars for some products, the federal lawsuit said. The Medoc defendants created a network of physicians that they could and did pressure for referrals.

Medoc rewarded doctors who wrote the most prescriptions with higher payments while those with a lower volume were either cut off or given lower payments, the lawsuit said.

Kevin Kuykendall sent an email in May 2015 in which he addressed under-performing doctors.

Hes a great guy but not a huge scripter at this point, he allegedly wrote about one doctor. However, he could be, if mentored.

Medoc prepared pre-printed prescription pads for the doctors with preferred scripts for topical creams like pain and scar creams as well as other products with high reimbursements rates, the federal lawsuit says. Doctors were urged to write prescriptions for their patients based on what paid the mostrather than simply on the patients needs, authorities allege.

That resulted in higher payments to the doctors and Medoc, according to the federal lawsuit. The scheme also prevented patients from using their regular pharmacy.

By limiting the patients choice, Medoc was in a position to extract commissions from pharmacies, the federal lawsuit said.

Medoc patients received packages with various pain creams and lotions in the mail. After receiving multiple shipments, one patient called a Medoc-connected pharmacy and told them to stop sending the creams, court records show. The patient was told the medication had to be sent because the doctor prescribed it, according to court filings.

One patient got so many packages of pain creams, they needed to be stored in the garage, the federal lawsuit said.

Court documents do not say what civil or criminal actions, if any, were taken against the prescribing doctors. The U.S. attorneys office in Dallas declined to comment.

Guilty pleas

Also charged in the scheme were Trenton Moody, a Medoc partner; Moky Cheung, Medocs chief information officer; and Cuong Michael Nguyen, a licensed pharmacist who was Total RXs president and chief executive.

All three men pleaded guilty early in the proceedings.

Cheung and Nguyen are awaiting sentencing. Moody, 44, served his year-long sentence and was released from prison. He could not be reached for comment.

Total RX was struggling financially prior to joining the Medoc conspiracy, court records show. Mark Schneider and Kevin Kuykendall told Nguyen they had developed relationships with physicians and could generate substantial prescription referrals for his Rowlett pharmacy.

They did not exaggerate.

Physician referrals immediately started pouring into the pharmacy, government lawyers said in court documents. These compounding prescriptions soon represented almost all of Total RXs business.

Nguyen, 48, admitted in his plea papers that Total RXs relationship with Medoc became lucrative.

Cheung, 43, said in his plea documents that the Michael Schneider employment agreement with Total RX was a way to paper up the illegal kickback scheme. His attorney could not be reached for comment. Cheung owes $300,000 in a civil judgment.

Nguyen said in plea documents that in order to continue running his Total RX pharmacy, he agreed to turn over 50% of it to a company that was run by the same people who ran Medoc.

Nguyen agreed to a $2.2 judgment against him, court records show. His attorney could not be reached.

2023 The Dallas Morning News.

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ABeam Consulting is one of the leading shifts from MT-based systems to MX operations in the banking industry across Asia, including Vietnam.

ISO 20022 helps enhance information quality and interoperability through the creation of financial messaging standards. Photo courtesy of Freepik

ISO 20022 is a universal standard for electronic data interchange between financial institutions. It provides a framework for creating financial messaging standards, enhancing the quality of information exchanged between financial institutions, and enabling greater interoperability.

The ISO 20022 standard uses an XML-based syntax, referred to as MX, replacing the older MT syntax used in SWIFT messaging.

ISO20022 impacts' graphic. Graphic by Abeam

The transition from MT to MX is driven by several factors. The MT syntax, based on a text format, could be improved in its ability to handle the increasing complexity and volume of financial transactions. MX, on the other hand, is a more flexible and robust format, capable of carrying more data and supporting a wider range of financial services.

Moreover, SWIFT, the global provider of secure financial messaging services, has announced that it will discontinue the use of the MT format for certain categories of messages by the end of November 2025.

This effectively means that banks that fail to comply with the MX format will not be able to execute cross-border remittances.

Graphic by Abeam

ABeam Consulting, with industry knowledge and project management experiences, is assisting banks with this transition.

The company's services span from analyzing current (as-is) business operations to designing future (to-be) operations and managing the entire ISO project.

ABeam's support extends beyond project management. The team also provides training and knowledge transfer, helping banks build in-house capabilities for managing the new MX-based systems. This ensures a smooth transition with minimal disruption to the banks' operations.

The adoption of the MX format is not limited, but all countries, especially in Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia... are also transitioning to the MX format for domestic remittances.

This trend suggests that the SBV may soon require Vietnamese banks to adopt the MX format for domestic remittances as well.

The shift to the MX format is just the beginning of a broader transformation in the banking industry.

ISO 20022's richer data and infrastructure interoperability enable business transformation for financial institutions.

Banks that take the lead in this transition can gain a significant competitive advantage, offering their customers a more seamless and efficient banking experience.

As of October 2023, many Vietnamese banks are already in the process of migrating to ISO 20022. For example, Vietcombank, the largest bank in Vietnam, announced in August 2023 that it had successfully completed the migration of its cross-border payments to ISO 20022.

Other major Vietnamese banks, such as BIDV, Agribank, and Techcombank, are also expected to complete their migrations to ISO 20022 by the November 2025 deadline.

The adoption of ISO 20022 by Vietnamese banks is expected to bring a number of benefits.

First, it can increase efficiency and automation. ISO 20022 is a more structured and data-rich standard than the current SWIFT MT messaging standard. This will enable Vietnamese banks to automate more of their cross-border payment processing, which will lead to faster and more efficient transactions.

Second, it helps with reducing costs. ISO 20022 will also help Vietnamese banks reduce their costs associated with cross-border payments. Because its messages are more efficient to process and require less manual intervention.

Finally, it can improve transparency and compliance. ISO 20022 messages contain more detailed information about each payment, such as the purpose of the payment and the parties involved. This will make it easier for Vietnamese banks to monitor and comply with anti-money laundering and other regulations.

Vietnamese banks are making strides in embracing the ISO 20022 standard. The ABeam Consulting team is actively supporting these banks by sharing best practices and lessons learned from the Japanese Mega Banks' experiences.

The support is not limited to the transition to MX but also includes helping Vietnamese banks, as well as the opportunity to improve operational efficiency, including customer processes.

The transition to MX is a complex and challenging process, but it also presents significant opportunities. ABeam Consulting, with its extensive experience and deep industry knowledge, is well-positioned to support banks through this transition.

The firm's work with the Japanese Mega Banks and its ongoing support for Vietnamese banks demonstrate its capabilities and commitment to driving the banking industry's shift to the ISO 20022 standard.
Stephen Hovanic, chief of staff for Defense Department schools in the United States, was among 26 people arrested during a two-day operation by Coweta County Sheriffs Office in Georgia. (Coweta County Sheriffs Office)

The Department of Defense Education Activity administrator arrested recently for allegedly soliciting a prostitute during a human trafficking sting in Georgia has been freed on bond and is on leave from the agency.

Stephen Hovanic, 64, of Sharpsburg, Ga., was among 26 people arrested during a two-day operation by the Coweta County Sheriffs Office, according to a social media post Tuesday by neighboring Haralson County Sheriffs Office, which provided support for the operation.

The chief of staff for Defense Department schools in the United States was released from custody Nov. 16 on a $2,675 bond, according to a release report provided by Coweta County.

Hovanic is on leave from the agency, DODEA spokesman Will Griffin wrote in an emailed statement Wednesday. He did not specify the type of leave or whether it is paid or unpaid.

We are aware of an alleged incident involving a DoDEA employee in the Americas Region, Griffin wrote. As there are ongoing legal processes, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Griffin referred further questions to the Coweta County Sheriffs Office. A spokeswoman there referred questions to the departments open records clerk, Missy Gravitt, who supplied the incident, booking and release reports but declined to provide more information.

The sting was initiated Nov. 15 by members of the Coweta County Sheriffs Office, according to the post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Coweta is approximately 25 miles southwest of Atlanta.

Hovanic was arrested on a pandering charge at 4:29 p.m. on the stings first day, the incident report said. He was taken into custody at a SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Newman, which is approximately 12 miles west of the DODEA-Americas headquarters in Peachtree City.

Hovanic is accused of soliciting sex from an undercover officer in a hotel room where the sheriffs office had set up the sting, Fox 5 Atlanta reported Wednesday. The report said he told officers he thought he was purchasing a massage, not sex.

Hovanic was booked the next day and released at 5:37 p.m.

Of the 26 arrests, 12 were for prostitution, 10 for pandering and four for pimping, the X post said. Six trafficked victims were rescued and three of the arrested individuals are under investigation for human trafficking and drug charges.

Pandering is the legal term for paying or attempting to pay for sex. It  along with pimping  is a misdemeanor under Georgia law.

Hovanic, an honorably discharged veteran who attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has worked for Department of Defense Education Activity for nearly three decades, the past 13 years as chief of staff for the Americas region, according to the activitys website.

He joined DODEA in 1996 as an assistant principal at Quantico Middle-High School after working for 14 years in the Virginia public school system. He also served as principle of Dahlgren Unit School, according to his DODEA biography.

In 2008, Hovanic moved to Peachtree City as an instructional systems specialist and was named chief of staff two years later, the biography states.
Natalia Mitchell, whose son Morris Mitchell was shot to death in March 2022, holds up the Metropolitan Police Departments homicide reward flyer in Washington, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (Susan Walsh/AP)

WASHINGTON  Though its no longer the homicide capital of the United States, the nations capital is witnessing a multiyear spike in the number of homicides but solving far fewer of them.

And for families of the victims, the issue of unsolved killings cuts deep.

Asiyah Timimis husband, Aqueel, was stabbed in a dispute in January 2021 and died several days later. You just dont feel safe until theyre caught, Timimi said. I could be walking past the person that killed my husband.

Natalia Mitchell wants justice for her son Morris, who was fatally shot in March 2022, and closure for herself. A successful arrest of her sons killer, she said, doesnt bring Morris back, but it would help.

The percentage of homicides that are solved by the Metropolitan Police Department has declined sharply in 2023, leaving the city on track to record its lowest so-called clearance rate or closure rate in more than 15 years.

As of Nov. 13, only 75 of the 244 homicides committed this year have been solved by police. Factoring in the 33 prior-year homicides cleared thus far in 2023, the overall closure rate stands at around 45%. That would be the lowest rate dating back at least to 2007, according to statistics provided by the MPD.

Nationally, the average clearance rate tends to hover between 50% and 60%, said Rick Rosenfeld, a professor of criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

A low closure rate, particularly on homicides, can erode police morale and community trust in the police and lessen the public cooperation between citizens and police that is vital for many investigations, said Christopher Herrmann, an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former crime analyst supervisor with the New York Police Department.

That whole process can kind of spiral down, where the community doesnt trust the police that much anymore or theres a lack of faith, he said. Theres much less cooperation between the community and the police. And once the police see a lack of cooperation from the community, some of them will kind of throw their hands up in the air and say, Why should we care when no one in the community wants to help?

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lyndsey Appiah acknowledged that closure represents some sense of justice for victims.

In addition, she said, The surety of consequence is a deterrent to crime. So its important that we are, as quickly as possible, closing cases and solving cases.

The drop in homicide closures is just part of a complicated public safety crisis facing the nations capital. Appiah, in testimony to the House Judiciary Committee this year, flatly acknowledged the scope of the problem.

Oxford defines a crisis as a time of intense difficulty, trouble or danger, she testified. So I would say there is a crisis.

Homicides in Washington are up 33% this year over last year. Violent crimes involving juveniles also are rising steadily, as are carjackings, with a U.S. congressman and a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates among the recent victims.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Appiah cited police staffing issues and difficulties with crime scene analysis among the potential factors impacting the clearance rate.

Its at around 3,300 officers this year -- down from 3,800 in 2020.

The MPD is at around 3,300 officers this year, down from 3,800 officers since 2020  a decrease of 500 over three years. Police union officials have publicly blamed the D.C. Council for what they say are anti-police policies that have driven away officers and stifled recruiting efforts. The mayor, however, wants to get the number of officers up to 4,000.

D.C.s crime lab, the Department of Forensic Science, also lost its accreditation in spring 2021 over allegations of flaws in its analysis. Appiah said the lab hopes to regain its accreditation early next year; in the meantime, the city is outsourcing its crime scene analysis, a process that consumes time and money, she said.

Appiah said that 10 months into the year is too soon to judge the success of homicide investigations that can take months or years. And, in fairness, the MPD just arrested a man in late October for a killing that took place in 2009. In cases like that, the arrest counts as part of this years clearance rate.

But with just a few weeks left in the year, it would take a remarkable run of successful arrests to prevent 2023 from having the lowest homicide clearance rate in more than 15 years.

The impact of these unsolved killings can have a corrosive effect in multiple directions.

It devastates the Black family, and it can devastate the police department, said Ronald Moten, a community activist who, in his youth, spent time in federal prison on drug charges. It always gives the family some sense of relief if theres a closure. It doesnt help you heal by itself, but its part of the healing process.

Motens half-brother was slain in 1991, during the period when homicides in D.C. regularly exceeded 400 per year. The case was never solved.

It hurts because you feel like somebodys gotten away with killing your child with no consequences, Moten said. Thats painful. You want closure, and you want somebody to be held accountable.

Preventing that negative cycle from becoming entrenched is one of the citys top priorities. To close cases, police need residents to help uproot violent criminals from their communities, said Appiah, the deputy mayor.

We need their help. And they need to trust that if they come forward with information and help us, that it will move towards accountability, she said. If they provide us tips on someone engaged in a shooting and then that person is just back in the community, they will not trust MPD in the same way. ... We need the community to help us close cases, and then we need the rest of the system to work to help keep them safe.

Timimi, whose son Khalil was shot outside of Washington in neighboring Prince Georges County in Maryland about six weeks after her husband was stabbed, now cares for her paralyzed son and runs a charitable organization teaching modern life skills to urban youths.

She said she fears a return to the days when Washington routinely led the nation in per-capita killings. Two of her former neighbors have lost children to gun violence in recent years, and in 2021 her godson was caught in a crossfire and killed while he was home from college because of the national COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

In the 80s and 90s, I remember going to a funeral every week, she said. And when its unsolved, you just feel like theyve forgotten you.
Dr. Christopher Athari stands beside Army veteran David Green. (Smiles for Veterans/Facebook)

MESA, Ariz. (Tribune News Service)  As the nations military veterans celebrated last weekend, one Ahwatukee veteran was smiling especially broadly.

David Green, a disabled veteran who fought in Iraq 2008-09 when he was in the Army, said he owes that smile to a nonprofit and Mesa dentist Dr. Christopher Michael Athari of Affordable Dentures & Implants.

He has given me my smile back, said Green, who was the beneficiary of $30,000 worth of work on his mouth and some work on his wifes teeth as well.

Greens dental problems date back to what happened after his he completed his service in the Army.

After my deployment, I struggled severe depression and PTSD to the point that I didnt keep with my dental hygiene, he explained. I destroyed my teeth and have lost several teeth and ruined my smile.

Worse, Green is confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, left paraplegic as the result of a motor vehicle accident in 2019 that he attributes to his mental challenges.

Then, Green stumbled on Smiles for Veterans, a Green Valley nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable access to dental treatment.

Founded in 2016, the nonprofit notes that the Veterans Administration provides dental care to only 8% of veterans and other state agencies do not cover complex procedures or long-term care.

SFV is passionate about facilitating critical dental care for veterans at little to no cost to them, it states as its mission.

Veterans submit a request form and upon identification, health and financial needs verification, Smiles for Veterans arranges a free consultation with a dental partner.

They were able to provide financial assistance for some of the cost of the bill, Green explained. The remaining cost I would need to cover.

I reached out to Dr. Athari via his personal email to explain why I couldnt cover the remaining cost currently due to financial obligations and being on disability and VA disability is a set income

He already knew of my military service and of my deployment to Iraq from 2008-2009 from Smiles for Veterans. He personally called me to tell me that he would cover the remaining part of the bill and gave me his personal contact.

Since then, Athari has been rebuilding Greens mouth with implants and bridges while also being available for Green outside his clinic for calls or emails when Green has run into post-procedure difficulties or questions.

And in the process, Althari has made Green a new man.

My biggest insecurity after coming to terms with my mental healthcare was my teeth, Green said. I would go out of my way to hide when speaking with people or trying to avoid conversations.

Now, he continued, Althari and Smiles for Veteran have given me my confidence back and allowed me to focus on several of my original goals  things that I wanted to do when I got out of the Army.

Green said he volunteers with Ahwatukees only veterans organization, American Legion Post 64.

Greens wife and primary caregiver also needed some expensive dental work that Althari covered as well.

But Green said he feels more confident as he builds a better life.

This has been such a blessing and godsend, he said.

Now I have the confidence to work on those and start assisting other veterans that have been through similar situations and guide them to find the right assistance.

(c)2023 East Valley Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)

Visit East Valley Tribune

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Chief Judge Ural Glanville sits in his Fulton County courtroom office with his service dog, Jack, on Sept. 26, 2023. (Steve Schaefer, right/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Jack is one of the most beloved workers at the Fulton County Courthouse, even if he did once swipe someones lunch.

He shows up dutifully and takes his job seriously, although many are probably unaware hes there. At least until the bell on his collar announces his presence.

A 2-year-old black lab, Jack is a service dog who accompanies Chief Judge Ural Glanville while the judge presides over lengthy hearings and trials. While Glanville hears arguments and rules on motions, Jack is nearby to help the Army veteran manage his PTSD.

Just having him here is a comfort, said Glanville. Hes my buddy and we go pretty much everywhere.

The mild-mannered pup is well-loved around the bustling courthouse, particularly among staff members who greet the dog each morning and play with him on their breaks. His second birthday party at an Atlanta dog park in April drew a crowd of attorneys, courthouse staffers and other judges, many of whom brought their own pooches.

Hes part of our family, Glanville said as he rubbed Jacks belly during a recent lunch break in his office.

He got Jack in early 2022 from the Georgia-based organization Tails of Hope, which connects service animals with veterans, first responders and those with special needs. The rescue dog was a little shy at first, but quickly acclimated to his new role, both at home and at work, the judge said.

Glanville joined the ROTC during his time at Brevard College in North Carolina, later enlisting to help pay his way through school. He transferred to the University of Georgia as a junior, studying history as an undergraduate in Athens and then getting his law degree in 1987.

In addition to his civilian jobs as a prosecutor, defense attorney and eventually a judge, Glanville spent more than three decades in the Army Reserves, reaching the rank of Brigadier General and serving as chief judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. He was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2012 to 2013, serving as a Rule of Law field force commander.

Glanville retired from the military in 2019. At the time, he served as commanding general over the United States Army Reserve Legal Command.

Ive had just about every job that any military attorney could have, said Glanville, who also heads Fulton Countys Veterans Court.

Glanville is currently presiding over two high-profile cases: the ongoing Young Slime Life gang and racketeering case involving Atlanta rapper Young Thug and the upcoming trial of Robert Aaron Long, who pleaded guilty to four shooting deaths at a Cherokee County spa and faces the death penalty in fatal shootings at two Fulton County spas.

Judge Ural Glanville and court reporter Kristina Weaver are seen during a trial in Atlanta on Oct. 31, 2023. At right, Glanvilles service dog, Jack, relaxes in the judges office on Sept. 26, 2023. (Arvin Temkar, left, and Steve Schaefer, right/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)

Jack is so well-behaved that people in Glanvilles courtroom might not know hes there. But that doesnt mean the happy pup wont help himself to an unattended snack back in chambers, a lesson some of Glanvilles staff members have learned the hard way.

Wes, did he get your sandwich? Glanville asked staff attorney Wesley Kerns as Jack trotted into the judges office with something in his mouth.

The bell on Jacks collar jingles when he stretches, stands up or pilfers a nibble, a practice Glanvilles court reporter affectionately refers to as counter-surfing.

Everybody loves Jack, said Kristina Weaver, whos been Glanvilles court reporter the last five and a half years. She planned the dogs birthday party in the spring.

At work, she keeps her desk stocked with treats in an effort to win Jacks affection and likes to play with him any chance she gets. Some employees who run into the judge and his dog have a habit of greeting Jack first, Weaver laughed.

If theyre coming down the hall together or if Im just getting there Ill be like, Hey, Jack! Oh, good morning, Judge, she said.

Jack has come to know the rhythms of the courtroom. Hell remain still for hours, but when Glanville tells prosecutors and defense attorneys theyre taking a brief recess, Jack knows thats his cue to stand up and stretch.

At home, Jack is affectionate and sweet with the judge and his family, and gets excited each morning when its time to put his service vest on.

His little tail wags and everything because hes knows hes going to work, Glanville said.

Fultons chief judge acknowledges that Jack can be the star of the show, but he doesnt seem to mind sharing the spotlight outside the courtroom.

Everybody likes him, Glanville chuckled. I mean, theyll come visit him before they visit me.

Fulton Countys jury services manager, Amy von Kelsch, a dog enthusiast herself, said she loves having Jack around. She helped Weaver organize the birthday party earlier this year, which included a bone-shaped cake and goodie bags for all the canine guests.

He can be a little shy when you first meet him, but once he warms up hes your best friend, said von Kelsch, who comes by to visit Jack and dole out pets any chance she gets. Hes very quiet and he has these soulful eyes ... Hes a good boy.

2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Visit at ajc.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Man took nearly 180k off customers, which included a sensory room for an autistic child

A building contractor who defrauded unsuspecting customers out of almost 180,000 by taking deposits  up to 50% of total costs in some cases  but never completing the work has been jailed.

Paul McAloon (38) from Eshnadarragh Road, Enniskillen was arrested at Belfast International Airport in March 2022 as he disembarked from a flight.

He admitted 30 counts of fraud by false representation.

Offending occurred between April 2020 and March 2022.

Dungannon Crown Court heard McAloon, who initially denied the charges before later changing his plea, ran a successful building company.

However, it ran into financial difficulties.

He began taking money from victims as deposits for work, claiming this would commence as soon as possible. However, it never did.

In addition, McAloon would obtain materials from building suppliers which were never paid for.

Addressing McAloon directly, Judge Brian Sherrard said: Your business capacity was to complete on eight to 10 large jobs a year, and youve offered no credible explanation (for) taking on the unsustainable workload within these timeframes.

You could not have believed you could have completed the work you were promising.

He noted money paid into McAloons bank account was paid out instantly and he was defaulting on payments owed to suppliers.

Victims all reported him as presenting in a charming and confident manner while seeking significant deposits to secure jobs.

Thereafter you made excuse after excuse, said the judge.

On occasions you would attend to do small quantities of work, all in an effort to stall complaints.

You also promised to return money but it never was. The deposits were used to pay running costs, wages and suppliers for other jobs in progress and not for the work promised.

No stock from suppliers was found at your yard.

Mr Sherrard held McAloon reached a point with his victims where he dishonestly misrepresented his intentions to carry out the work and its clear you need their money to pay the bills for other jobs and keep you company afloat.

When your credit with suppliers ran out you knew you could never have completed the jobs started with your determined promises.

Mr Sherrard said McAloon had a previously good work record, although I temper that with the realisation that your work has caused you to come before the court.

It must have become apparent to you that the obligations made may not be met. You effectively took this money and then fobbed people off who had already given you money with other reassurances which were also false, he added.

The judge accepted the fraud was not to maintain a high-value luxurious lifestyle but rather was to fund McAloons failing business, but it became a roller-coaster which had gone out of control.

However there was some degree of planning involved and you continued when it was quite apparent your obligations would not be met, Mr Sherrard said.

Imposing a term of two years imprisonment to be divided equally between custody and on licence, the judge concluded: The most significant aspect for me is that so many people were affected by your fraud.

These are people who worked hard and saved hard for the home improvements they paid for but did not receive.

Windows were left unfinished as was a dog run and even a sensory room for a child with autism was left uncompleted. The inconvenience, loss, stress and distress of the victims is obvious.
At the Family Law Court, the judge said that the man signed off one letter to the dog Woof, Woof, Woof

A judge has found that a man breached a Safety Order to his ex-wife when addressing post to the couples dog at the womans home.

At the Family Law Court, the judge said that the man signed off one letter to the dog Woof, Woof, Woof.

The letter was one of a number of communications sent in the post to the dog in May and June of last year that also included a copy of the Irish Constitution and a bag of dog food that prompted gardai to arrest the man for the alleged breach of the Safety Order in July of last year after the woman lodged a complaint.

Finding that the communications with the dog were a breach of the Safety Order granted to the woman, the judge said: "I am not at all satisfied that those letters should have been sent."

He said: "The constitution and letters to the dog? I just dont think that they are appropriate."

The three year Safety Order granted to the woman in April 2022 stipulated that there would be no communication from the man to the woman.

The man told the judge that he didnt believe that he was breaching the Safety Order as the post was addressed to the dog.

The judge asked the man that given that the dog couldnt have read the letter addressed to him and it was his ex-wife that was going to read the letter, would he not have thought sending the letter was intimidatory with the history that was there between the estranged couple.

The man said: No."

He added: "I really think that this is a female issue. It is a gender issue in my opinion."

He said that he sent the dog a bag of dog food and she goes berserk. He said: "Where is the rationale in that? If I was sending her a knife or something

The couple separated a number of years and are now divorced and in court the man gave a sworn undertaking not to have contact his ex-wife in any form in the future.

The man said that after gardai arrested him following the letters addressed to the dog, I havent sent any food to him since.

He said: I wasn't doing it out of malice.

Under cross examination, the man admitted that he sent the post addressed to the dog and sent 80 for grooming.

He said: "The only reason I sent those things was because the dog is my dog as well as my ex-wifes.

He said: My ex-wife refused to say whether he was groomed so I think he is in a bad state at this stage. I dont like that for the poor dog.

The man said that felt the onus was on him to care for the dog.

He said: Up to two years old, I took care of him fully. I couldnt leave the house with him."

"On one occasion, I left the house one afternoon and he chewed a big hole in the settee. I feel an obligation to him and that is why I sent him that stuff."

"My ex-wife gave away the dog food - I dont know what she feeds him. She is not grooming him - she would never pay for his grooming.

In evidence, the woman said that she has experienced "a campaign of harassment from her ex-husband.

On the 80 for the dog, the woman commented: "This was the same man who wouldnt give me one single penny in maintenance.

The woman said that the letters to the dog were part of an effort by her ex-husband to poke, infiltrate, to get control and trying to make his presence felt.

She said: He was well aware that he shouldn't communicate with me and that is why he twisted it around to communicate with the dog."

She said: "He had the order not to communicate in any form with me. He knew that he shouldnt be sending those things.

The woman said that since the first communication from her ex-husband after the granting of the Safety Order "I have never lived in peace in my house since. If he was trying to take away my peace of mind he has succeeded.

The judge also found that the man breached the Safety Order after sending 16 to 18 legal documents over a number of days.

=The judge said: "18 attempts day after day after day is not acceptable. It is a form of torment to the victim here and is just not acceptable behaviour.

The judge said that he would adjourn sentencing to February to allow the Probation Services to carry out a Probation Report on the man.

The judge said that the Safety Order remains in force and it will be open to his ex-wife to make a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing.
Charlie Darcy (35), of John's Lane West, appeared before Judge Orla Crowe in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.

A man who took a pizza delivery driver's car without his permission and possessed property stolen from a student flat has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Charlie Darcy (35), of John's Lane West, appeared before Judge Orla Crowe in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to counts of taking a vehicle without the consent of its owner and possession of stolen property on separate occasions between December 14 and 16, 2021.

Garda Colm Reynolds said that at 9.30pm on the evening of the first incident, a pizza order was made by phone to Four Star Pizza in Kilmainham. The customer provided a delivery address at Camac Crescent Apartments, Dublin 8.

When the delivery driver arrived at the apartment block, he called the customer and arranged a meeting place. The driver saw two men come out of the apartment and approach the gate where he was parked.

The driver got out of the car and went to get the pizzas from the boot, when the two men told him to hand over the keys and his wallet. They pushed him backwards and he fell on the ground.

The men demanded money and the keys to the car, but when one of the men saw they had been left in the ignition, they both got in and drove away.

The driver reported the incident to the gardai, but wasn't able to provide an accurate description of the men because they had their hoods up. He used an app installed on the stolen phone to track the car to an address in Ballyfermot.

Gardai later carried out a search of the address after following up on the burglary of a student flat. Four Star Pizza boxes were found.

Read more Prolific criminal who burgled Dublin pub owned by Conor McGregor is jailed

In a victim impact statement handed in to the court, the driver said: The fear in the first few weeks after the robbery was terrible. Letters in the car showed the address where he and his family lived, and he said, Any little noise in the night was scaring us.

At one point, he thought one of the men who took the car came to the pizza shop where he worked and he called the police. He described it as a terrible life experience.

Darcy also pleaded guilty to another charge which occurred two days after the robbery of the pizza delivery man.

Detective Garda Mark Kelly told the court that on December 16, 2021, Darcy had in his possession items stolen from a student flat. This included cash, jewellery, headphones, a motorised skateboard and a hard-drive.

The two students were living in a flat on Clanbrassil Street. They had both left the apartment to go to the nearby university.

When one of the tenants returned at 9pm that day, he saw the door was open. He spoke with a neighbour and found out the gardai had already been at the property.

When their flatmate arrived, they called gardai and gave an account of what was missing from the house.

CCTV from a nearby restaurant showed Darcy and another man with items stolen from the house. Gardai got a warrant and searched Darcy's house.

The headphones were found, but the rest of the stolen property was not. Darcy was arrested and detained by gardai.

In a victim impact statement to the court, the person living at the address said My home still doesn't feel the same. He described how the newly reinforced door frame is a constant reminder of what happened.

Darcy was on bail at the time of both offences for a burglary of the Marble Arch pub in Drimnagh. When arrested for this crime, he was found possessing an imitation firearm.

Darcy has 57 previous convictions including for attempted murder, possession of controlled drugs, possession of an imitation firearm, assault, burglary, theft, robbery, and handling stolen property.

Keith Spencer BL, defending, said Darcy witnessed violence from a young age and had spiralled completely out of control at the time of the offences and was taking drugs.

He said that Darcy was under direct pressure because he had accumulated a debt and that in a bid to repay that, he was trying to acquire property.

Mr Spencer said Darcy was at the bottom of addiction and in a dark place when he committed the crimes, but that he is capable of recovery.

He said that since entering custody Darcy has tried to better himself, but that the real test of that will be upon release.

He said Darcy knows that the house of cards will come collapsing down upon him, should he reoffend.

The court heard that Darcy is in custody serving a sentence in relation to the burglary of the Marble Arch pub.

When that sentence concludes early next year, he will begin a two-year sentence for these offences.

Imposing the consecutive two-year sentence, Judge Orla Crowe noted that Darcy is doing remarkably well in custody and is an excellent student, earning certificates in food safety and overdose prevention, among others.

The judge accepted that Darcy wishes to draw a line under his offending.
This little child is currently in a critical condition in hospital and is clinging to life.

Gardai with riots shields on the streets of Dublin

An education worker aged in her 30s has been hailed as a hero tonight after she intervened when a man randomly attempted to stab children who were in her care.

This heroic woman is being treated tonight for serious stab injuries to her body that she suffered when she tackled the knifeman this afternoon.

It is understood that before she could intervene with the attacker he had stabbed a five-year-old girl in the neck.

This little child is currently in a critical condition in hospital and is clinging to life.

This all happened in a matter of seconds and after her very brave actions another two children suffered superficial stabbing injuries to their chest and shoulder in what was a frenzied incident, a senior source said.

She defended those children with all her strength  all that she was doing was trying to protect those little kids and people in what was is a very built up area in the city centre saw what was happening when they passed the school.

At this stage a number of very brave members of the public including pedestrians and cyclists arrived on the scene and the suspect was taken down after he was hit with a motorcycle helmet in the face, the source added.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and is being treated tonight in a Dublin hospital after he suffered facial injuries when members of the public became involved.

The children he had targeted were lined up under supervision outside the school as they went from one class to another.

Gardai have ruled out a terrorism motive in relation to the activities of the Algerian national who had been living at various addresses in Dublin over the past number of years.

Read more Violence erupts across city as protestors attack gardai after children stabbed in Dublin

Early investigations indicate that he has no link to the school.

One line in the investigation is that the suspect may have suffered a psychotic episode and there has been reports he was seen near the highly respected school in the minutes before the horrific attack at lunchtime today.

Gardai are not looking for any other suspects in relation to the horror attack.

Protestors in Dublin city centre

Meanwhile, violence has erupted across the city centre tonight as protestors clashed with gardai after three children were stabbed outside a school.

Protestors - mostly young men - posted videos on social media showing them attacking gardai and damaging property.

In one clip, a young man could be seen setting fire to a garda car to cheers from the crowd.

A separate video showed protestors throwing items at gardai who carried sheilds to ward them off.

A Dublin Bus has been also been set ablaze on O'Connell Street.

A Foot Locker shop has been broken into and people have been seen running away with items.

Gardai with riots shields on the streets of Dublin

A separate video shows a Luas tram badly damaged and on fire while a group of people look on.

Earlier this evening, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee labelled the scenes "intolerable", and said a "thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc".

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely, the minister said.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris also said a "complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology" is behind disorder in the capital.

"We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. I've given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Protestors face off with Gardai

"It's our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

"The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes."
The criminal, who has been on a one-man crime wave all year, is the chief suspect for the callous carjacking incident

Gardai have issued a fresh appeal for information after a woman in her 70s was injured when a convicted sex offender stole her car in Castlerea, Co Roscommon on Tuesday.

The criminal, who has been on a one-man crime wave all year, is the chief suspect for the callous carjacking incident which led to the OAP being hospitalised with injuries to her face, arms and legs.

It is understood he flagged down the woman who was driving her car and falsely told her she had a flat tyre at approximately 5.30pm on the Williamstown Road.

The serial offender, who is originally from Co Tipperary, than bundled the woman out of the car and drove off.

The woman was then dragged along the road for a short period because she had her hand on the car door.

Gardai are appealing to anyone with information on the incident to come forward and are seeking information relating to a 08 RN registration red Volkswagen Fox hatchback.

A woman in her 70s was injured during the course of this incident and later received treatment at Sligo University Hospital Sligo for treatment, gardai said.

They added that no arrests have been at this time but are following a definite line of enquiry. A family liaison officer has also been appointed.

Gardai are appealing to anyone with information on this incident to come forward to them. In particular, anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of a 08 RN registration red Volkswagen Fox hatchback.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai at Castlerea Garda Station 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

The carjacker is described as middle-aged Irish man, of strong build, with dark hair. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans, and brown shoes.

The Irish Independent revealed earlier that the man is a convicted sex offender who is wanted by gardai all over the country for various theft crimes committed this year.

He is suspected of currently being in possession of the stolen car and was recently involved in a terrifying incident in which he rammed a gardas car.

Separately, earlier this month, he is suspected of stealing a Ford Galaxy car in Athy, Co Kildare.

This came after he was arrested in Enniskillen and charged with stealing a car in the Co Fermanagh town.

His address at that time was understood be in Newry, Co Down, and gardai issued an alert about the criminal after being informed by the PSNI of his arrest in the North.

The man is linked to a series of thefts over the space of 10 days in August after he stole a car in Co Longford.

Using the stolen Toyota Corolla, the gangster then went on a one-man crime spree targeting people all over the country, from Sligo to Wicklow and even Cork.

The offences range from impersonating gardai while stealing victims wallets in Co Louth to driving off without paying for fuel at a Co Cork petrol station.

The man is also suspected of stealing a bag from a person at a Co Wicklow beach and impersonating gardai during some of his recent crimes.

It is not an exaggeration to say that gardai in almost every county in the country have an interest in speaking to this individual, a source added.
Organizers of the pop group Westlifes HCMC concerts said they did not create or distribute items seen at the shows that displayed the logo of an unauthorized cryptocurrency trading platform.

Do Thu Giang from event organizer AMO Vietnam met the press on Thursday to answer their questions regarding the incident.

Prior to the meeting, many concert-goers pointed out on Wednesday, the second night of the concerts, that the logo of an unauthorized cryptocurrency trading platform was featured on various items present, including bandrolls inside and outside the venue, as well as fans and glow sticks distributed to the attendees.

Current laws have not accepted Bitcoin and other virtual currencies as legal currencies and means of payment in Vietnam.

It is reported that the bandrolls mentioned had been placed outside the stadium several days before the show, and thousands of concert-goers had taken photos with them.

Local police were informed and arrived at Thong Nhat Stadium, the events venue, after the shows concluded to make a record of the case.

A concert-goer takes photos with a bandroll allegedly prepared by Westlifes Vietnamese fan club, which reportedly features a censored image of the logo of an unauthorized cryptocurrency trading platform. Photo by Hue Nguyen

Giang reported that the fans and glow sticks given to concert-goers were distributed by third parties and 100% not related to AMO.

She also said the bandrolls featuring the trading platforms logo were prepared by Westlifes Vietnamese fan club, not AMO.

"Concert organizers approved fans request to prepare promotional bandrolls at the venue," she said. "But we had asked them to censor the logo of the organization, which did not have any connection to the concerts."

She added that organizers had held an internal meeting to reflect on the mistakes they made out of carelessness as soon as they spotted the irrelevant logo.

Admitting that this was the first time that AMO Vietnam had organized such a large-scale event, Giang said it was impossible to avoid mistakes. She said her organization would learn from the situation and improve in the future.

The incident is not the first controversy AMO encountered with this event. Many concert-goers also complained about the last-minute addition of standing-room tickets, restricted views of the stage, an irrational ticket map, and dirty seats. These issues prompted AMO Vietnam to apologize.

Irish pop group Westlife. Photo from AMO Vietnam's Facebook

Westlife were formed in 1998 in Dublin with five members. The group disbanded in 2012 before reuniting again in 2018. The current lineup consists of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne.

They are holders of four Guinness World Records, including the top-selling group in the 21st century in the United Kingdom.

Part of their "The Wild Dreams Tour," the groups recent shows in HCMC marked their second time performing in Vietnam, after their 2011 show in Hanoi.

As the shows concluded, the artists departed from Vietnam for India, the next stop of their ongoing tour, on Thursday.
A suspected Croatian drug lord who was on Interpol's most wanted criminal list has been pictured on his knees as he was arrested in a Turkish bolt hole.

The moment Nenad Petrak was detained in Istanbul was captured in video which shows the wanted criminal boss on his knees surround by masked police officers.

He was apprehended in the Uskudar district in what was a large-scale operation conducted by the Istanbul police following a major international operation lasting more than two years.

Petrak is believed to be the mastermind behind an international network involved in large-scale drug trafficking between South America and Europe.

Petrak who is also accused of violence and murder, has been linked to the discovery of 1,000 kilos of cocaine that was seized in Spain in 2020.

In October, 21 suspected members of his organisation were arrested as part of a crackdown on his gang.

One day after the cartel's leader was captured in Uskudar, Istanbul police also apprehended another Croatian criminal, Christijan Palic, in the city's Besiktas district.

Palic has been identified as one of the leaders of the Western Balkan Wing who was the so-called overseer responsible for the flow of drugs in the Balkan countries.

Palic had been the subject to an Interpol Blue Notice, which is specifically used to collect additional information about a person issued by European countries and Brazil, and was captured by police on November 19.

The international investigation has revealed how the cartel played a key role in establishing connections with criminal organisations in South America, where they procured the cocaine, collaborated with drug cartels in Europe, and engaged in money laundering the proceeds from their illicit activities.

The unraveling of Petrak's drug network, spanning nine countries, began in September 2020 with the seizure of 34 million euros worth of cocaine on a sailing boat in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a report by the daily Hurriyet.

Following the identification of addresses and identities of Petrak's cartel members, the Interpol-coordinated Adriatica Operation was launched across Europe.

As they sought the ringleader Petrak many of his associates were apprehended and incarcerated. Meanwhile, Petrak was also the subject to a red notice by Interpol in connection with a murder in Croatia.

After Adriatica Operation was launched, Petrak fled from Croatia and escaped to Turkey where, based on Interpol-derived intelligence, security forces discovered that Petrak had arrived in Istanbul and was staying in a residence in Uskudar.

Petrak was apprehended in the room where he was staying, brought to his knees and handcuffed after a raid on the residence was conducted with the support of special operations police.

Subsequent searches in Petrak's room led to the seizure of a substantial amount of money.

Petrak was the eighth cartel leader who was wanted by Interpol and apprehended in Istanbul, the daily reported.
There has been many comments Ive watched online of that type which are absolutely disgraceful, Mr Marin told reporters.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has criticised comments from Conor McGregor as absolutely disgraceful in the wake of an outbreak of violence on the streets of Dublin.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs was asked to respond to comments posted online by McGregor where he said Ireland, we are at war and you reap what you sow.

While Mr Martin did not name McGregor, he said comments of that type are essentially inciting hate.

There has been many comments Ive watched online of that type which are absolutely disgraceful, Mr Marin told reporters.

We have a parliamentary democracy, we value that, Irish people do as well.

Micheal Martin

Isolated voices like that and voices that essentially are inciting hate and to some degree incitement is unacceptable.

Following the comments, McGregor hit back with a scathing response, referencing the Ashling Murphy murder trial.

Blame anyone but themselves. Typical. Worthless you are Michael. Worthless and spineless. Ryan Casey called you all out last week grieving the love of his life, stolen by pawn scum, and nothing but waffle from you all since. Zero action!

McGregor continued: Everything from our lax border with gravy train benefits, to our pitiful mental health services, to our country in flames is ON YOUR WATCH! And still no plan of action!! Where is our plan of action? What are we going to do to ensure this stops happening?

How are we going to ensure this ceases to continue in our country? Ireland is fed up of you and YOUR TYPE. We are not stopping here until real change is implemented. We need safety. We need security. We need leadership! As of now we have none of the 3. Shame on you and YOUR TYPE.

On Thursday, the Crumlin MMA star launched an astonishing attack on allowing immigrants to vote on his X account declaring: Ireland, we are at war.

In a series of messages posted on his feed he adds: Do not let any Irish property be took over (sic) unannounced. Evaporate (sic) said property. Its a war.

Rioting on the streets of Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 23.11.2023

It follows earlier messages where he retweeted a comment by news website Gript, which criticised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for stating everyone resident in Ireland can vote in Local Elections, regardless of nationality or visa status.

Retweeting the Gript comment that offers three reasons why allowing migrants to vote is ludicrous, McGregor wrote: Imagine a mega power nation allowing this absolute foolishness!!

Imagine the United States! This is the most preposterous, ridiculous, scheming attempt at gaining votes this government has attempted yet.

"A real showing of the lack of care they have for the common Irish citizen. As it stands they do not have my vote. Shame on them!

As violent scenes, including looting and attacks on gardai and public transport, broke out across Dublin city centre last night putting people in danger, McGregor continued to post incendiary comments.

Just after 10pm last night following the outbreak of chaos he wrote: I dont care about president higgins statement. Or Varadkars statement. Or Mary Lous. Or Justice McEntees. Or Garda commissioners. Announce our plan of action!! What are we waiting for? Your statements of nothing are absolutely worthless to the solving of this issue. Take Action!! Fix this situation IMMEDIATELY!

The statements had been made after three children and a woman were stabbed by an Algerian man outside a school on Parnell Street just after 1pm yesterday.

During shocking violence last night, 13 shops were significantly damaged or subject to looting, 11 garda vehicles destroyed through arson or extensively damaged and three Dublin Buses and a Luas tram were destroyed.

Rioting on the streets of Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 23.11.2023

Later on last night, McGregor posted a photo of vehicles on fire on OConnell Street and wrote:  What would Daniel O Connell say I wonder? What would our Irish leaders past say on the situation we face today? God bless Ireland.

Earlier, McGregor posted an angry response to video footage of an interview with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris last night where he condemned the "disgraceful scenes" in Dublin.

The garda commissioner said that a "hooligan faction driven by far right ideology" is behind the violence on the streets.

Innocent children ruthlessly stabbed by a mentally deranged non-national in Dublin, Ireland today. Our chief of police had this to say on the riots in the aftermath. Drew, not good enough. There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place, and there has been zero action done to support the public in any way, shape or form with this frightening fact. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Make change or make way. Ireland for the victory God bless those attacked today, we pray.

Earlier, McGregor wrote: You reap what you sow.

While there was some support online, McGregor was accused of stoking tensions online.

Others criticised McGregors comments online with one person writing: Conor McGregor is an embarrassment to Ireland and has to be held accountable for his role in inciting tonights attacks in Dublin.

Another wrote: Ah yes, Conor McGregor - known protector to Irish women everywhere and lest we forget the time he clattered a pensioner for not wanting to drink his rank whiskey.

McGregor has a conviction for assault after punching a man in the Marble Arch pub in Drimnagh, south Dublin.

In 2019 he also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct over a melee at the Barclays Centre in New York earlier that year.

Felony charges against him where dropped meaning he avoided a jail term and a criminal record.

He is currently before the courts in Dublin on dangerous driving charges arising from an alleged incident in last year.

McGregor was stopped by gardai on the M50 interchange near Palmerstown on March 22 and arrested.

The worlds highest paid athlete in 2021 was driving his 191 Bentley Continental GT, worth around 170,000, at the time.

McGregor, with an address in Straffan, Co Kildare, was initially charged with two counts of dangerous driving before later being charged with an additional four offences.

They include driving without a licence and insurance, failing to produce both within 10 days of the alleged incident, and careless driving.

Conor McGregor missed his last court appearance because he had the flu and his case is next listed for December.
Caio Benicio managed to stop the frenzied attacker by hitting him with his helmet.

A Deliveroo driver who tackled a man who stabbed three children in the city centre has said he was just in the right place at the right time.

Caio Benicio, who is originally from Brazil, managed to stop the frenzied attacker by hitting him with his helmet.

A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the mass stabbing which occurred yesterday afternoon on Dublins Parnell Street.

Mr Benicio has been hailed as a hero on social media and has been praised for his bravery.

However speaking to RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland, Caio said he was at the right time in the right place.

"At first I thought it was a fight with a man and a woman, he said.

"Then, I just saw a little girl, and a woman who couldnt get the girl from the man. And then the man grabbed another [child].

"When I saw the knife, I pulled up my bike and it was my initiative.

Yesterday, the suspected attacked was arrested at the scene and was taken to a Dublin hospital after he suffered facial injuries when members of the public became involved.

Gardai have ruled out a terrorism motive in relation to the activities of the Algerian national who had been living at various addresses in Dublin over the past number of years.

He said he wanted to remind people he was an immigrant and he tried to help the situation.

"There are protests against immigrants and I am immigrant and I was there, right there to protect Irish people you know.

"They don't even know what's happened. I think the people there on the streets like put fire on the garda car and they should know what happened before, you know.

"We are here to work. Most of the people are here to work hard. And make the economy of the country go better. The work we do here is good for the country. It's good for themselves, you know, they just have hate."

In a sperate interview with Otempo newspaper in Brazil, Deliveroo driver Mr Benicio said, initially, he thought it was just a street fight.

"I saw the guy pulling the teacher, picking up the child. I stopped to see what was happening. I thought it was a normal fight.

"Then the teacher pulled the child, the guy pulled another child and pulled a knife. A five-year-old child!

"Man, I threw the bike on the ground and went after the guy. The guy stabbing the girl... I didn't even think about it. I took my helmet off and hit... which knocked the guy down.

"I think I managed to knock the guy down with the helmet, I hit him in the head." It's understood that others then advanced on the attacker and were able to restrain him until gardai arrived.

Mr Benicio also told The Journal that he has two children himself, and felt he "had to do something". "People were there but they couldn't step in because he was armed, but I knew I could use my helmet as a weapon," he said.

He added his thoughts are with the five-year-old girl who was seriously injured. "I am praying, it's all I'm thinking of. I saw her in the ambulance, she looked so vulnerable, I had to go with gardai then. I am waiting for news about her. I am hoping," he said.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has this morning confirmed a total of 34 arrests for public order offences so far overnight.

Mr Harris described last nights scenes as disgraceful and said 32 of those arrested will appear before the courts this morning.

He said 13 shops have been significantly damaged or subject to looting, 11 garda vehicles destroyed through arson or extensively damaged, three Dublin Buses destroyed and a Luas tram.

Mr Harris said one member of An Garda Siochana has regrettably been seriously injured and numerous other members have been injured.

He said the motive for the attack yesterday afternoon is still not clear and he will not engage in speculation. He added that there will be a very heavy garda presence throughout the city today.
It follows a night of chaos in Dublin which left around 60 officers injured

Riot Garda deployed in Dublin after a night of violence following the stabbing of three children (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Water cannon is often used by police in Northern Ireland during disturbances.

Two PSNI water cannon are being sent from Northern Ireland to Dublin to assist with policing any further public order situations in the city over the weekend.

It follows a request from the gardai after a night of chaos in Dublin which left around 60 officers injured.

Rioting broke out across Dublin on Thursday evening after three children and a woman were injured in a knife attack in the city centre several hours earlier.

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital while the female care assistant, in her 30s, is in a serious condition.

The two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries. That girl remains in hospital but the boy has been discharged.

Damage to public infrastructure in Dublin could cost tens of millions of euros to repair, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Some 34 people were arrested with Mr Varadkar saying about 500 people were involved in the disturbances. Several shops, police vehicles, and forms of public transport were also destroyed.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed it had received a mutual aid request from An Garda Siochana in response to the rioting.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland has dispatched two water cannon in response to a Mutual Aid request from An Garda Siochana," they said.

Water cannon, which are devices typically operated from police vehicles and eject a powerful jet of water, typically used to disperse a crowd, have been frequently used in incidents of disturbances across Northern Ireland.

The PSNI also said the devices would be solely operated by An Garda Siochana officers.

A mutual aid request allows police to draw on other forces for support in terms of personnel and equipment. Typically the PSNI receives mutual aid requests during large international events such as a notable visit.

It comes as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said Irish justice minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris should resign.

Mr Harris formerly served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI.

Speaking to reporters on Friday near the scene of the knife attack, Ms McDonald said there had been an "unacceptable failure to keep people safe" on Thursday night.

She said she has "no confidence" in Ms McEntee and Mr Harris.

Responding, Ms McEntee said the police force has all the resources necessary to keep people in Dublin safe over the weekend.

She rejected calls from the Sinn Fein president for her and Mr Harris to resign.

Ms McEntee said: I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

If Sinn Fein wish to debate law and order, if Sinn Fein wish to debate how we can support the gardai, I have no problem in standing over Fine Gaels record of law and order, Fine Gaels record of supporting members of An Garda Siochana.

I do not believe Sinn Fein can stand over their record.

Ms McDonald said there had been a "an unacceptable, unprecedented collapse in policing" and that a problem leading to Thursday's riot had been "building for months".

"I do not say the following lightly, but it must be said, the Sinn Fein politician said.

"I have no confidence in how Dublin is being policed.

"The people of this city have the right to be safe on their streets, in their homes and in their communities.

"The gardai (Irish police) have my full support but, given the catastrophic operational failures last night, I have no confidence in the Justice Minister, and no confidence in the Garda Commissioner."

She later added: "They should resign, both of them.

"We clearly now need a change in government, but also a change in leadership of An Garda Siochana."

Earlier, Mr Harris blamed the riots on a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology.

He said what unfolded was huge destruction from a riotous mob who were in effect responding, and trying to break into and disrupt the crime scene. Order was restored between 8.30pm and 9pm as we deployed more resources," he said.

An Garda Siochana responded to this entirely and in an extraordinary fashion. Members from across the country responded, returned to duty, public order units from all over Ireland responded to Dublin.

But we could not have anticipated that in response to a terrible crime, the stabbing of school children and their teacher, that this would be the response. In effect, those filled with hate and the hate directed towards An Garda Siochana, that they would attempt to storm through our cordon and disrupt a crime scene and then engage in violence, looting and disorder."

Meanwhile, asked about the scale of the damage, at a meeting of the British-Irish Council at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: We dont have a figure on it yet, but its likely to be in the tens of millions, rather than the millions.

He said there was a discussion with the Garda Commissioner on Thursday on whether to deploy the Irish military as the violence unfolded, but it was deemed that it wasnt warranted.

He added: Our advice is that it is safe to come into the city. The riots that occurred last night only occurred in a relatively small part of it, thankfully, and were contained within hours.

While some shops may not be open the vast majority are, and were saying to people it is safe to come into the city, and that there will be a heightened Garda presence.

Politicians and police have also hailed as heroes members of the public who intervened to halt the attacker at the scene on Parnell Square East, including a Brazilian Deliveroo driver.

Caio Benicio is originally from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and arrived in the Republic of Ireland a year ago.

He described how he used his helmet to hit the man who had attacked three young children and the female creche worker.

A GoFundMe set up to thank Mr Benicio had raised more than 200,000 euros in the first 10 hours.
Protestors - mostly young men - posted videos on social media showing them attacking gardai and damaging property

Protesters clash with gardai and set patrol car on fire as violence erupts after children stabbed in Dublin

Violence has erupted across the city centre tonight as protestors clashed with gardai after three children were stabbed outside a school.

Protestors - mostly young men - posted videos on social media showing them attacking gardai and damaging property.

In one clip, a young man could be seen setting fire to a garda car to cheers from the crowd.

A separate video showed protestors throwing items at gardai who carried shields to ward them off.

A Dublin Bus has been also been set ablaze on O'Connell Street.

A Foot Locker shop has been broken into and people have been seen running away with items.

A separate video shows a Luas tram badly damaged and on fire while a group of people look on.

Read more Footage shows tense scenes as protestors confront gardai after children stabbed in Dublin

Earlier this evening, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee labelled the scenes "intolerable", and said a "thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc".

We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division. I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely, the minister said.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris also said a "complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology" is behind disorder in the capital.

"We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. I've given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

"It's our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

"The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes."

Luas tweeted an update this evening: "Please be advised that there are no Green Line services running between St Stephens Green to Dominick. This is due to a non Luas related incident at Parnell. Luas tickets are valid for travel on Dublin Bus during this disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Commuters in the capital have been hugely disrupted as the protests have made areas in the city centre off-limits for public transport.

All traffic and public transport through O'Connell Street has been blocked.

A number of buses cannot pass the group to turn onto the street, while the Green line Luas also remains suspended.

A Garda armed support unit vehicle was forced to turn around after a group of protestors blocked the path forward.

At one point protesters have since broken through a garda cordon and could be heard chanting get them out". At least one garda car was set on fire while another was smashed up.

Earlier, the Taoiseach has said that the nation is shocked following the attack.

Leo Varadkar said that he does not want to speculate on the motive behind the attack.

On public order issues at Parnell Square, the Taoiseach said that the gardai have deployed extra resources.
Three protected native geckos have been returned to the wild after years in illegal captivity.

The release of the lizards in the Southern Alps came just a few days before the man responsible for their long stint in unpermitted captivity appeared for sentencing in the Palmerston North District Court.

Halcombe man Richard Brosnan faced two representative charges under the Wildlife Act relating to the unauthorised holding of 63 geckos and skinks  from 11 different species  and the case taken by DOC culminated today when he was fined $7000.

The fine will be paid to DOC.

The majority of the animals DOC seized have been rehomed with authorised keepers across the country, as they couldnt be released to the wild after being held in captivity for a long time.

DOC principal investigations officer Matt Davis says DOC became aware of Brosnans unauthorised keeping and trading of the animals through a series of Facebook posts.

In November 2022, DOC executed a search warrant at a residential address where Brosnan was living, and discovered several cages in which he was keeping the animals.

In an interview with DOC investigators, Brosnan claimed he had been authorised to keep lizards by the Wildlife Service  a government entity which ceased to exist after the creation of DOC in 1987.

However, he couldnt provide a copy of the permit, and DOC staff could not find any record of it despite extensive efforts searching archives.

Matt says DOC had authorised Brosnan to keep Grand and Otago skinks but those authorisations expired in 2013 and 2016.

He did not apply to renew them, and when DOC investigated in 2022, he was not authorised to keep any of the 11 species he had in captivity.

Mr Brosnan knew from his previous experience what his obligations and responsibilities were  and he continued keeping lizards despite not holding the relevant permit.

For DOC, that is unacceptable, and it motivated us to take action which has led to todays court hearing  an outcome which couldve been avoided.

DOCs investigation resulted in good information about where the three West Coast green geckos (Naultinus tuberculatus) had come from, and how long they had been in captivity, so they were able to be returned to their natural habitat.

The effort to recover the three geckos returned to the South Island was supported by Wildbase (Massey University), where staff played a crucial role in care for the animals, including surgery to remove infertile eggs from the three West Coast green gecko.

Air New Zealand supported the release of the geckos by flying them south from Palmerston North to Christchurch for the translocation.

We were really pleased to put these precious animals back into their natural habitat. Its a small but important win for conservation, and for the species.
Southerly winds are set to bring cooler temperatures to much of New Zealand on Friday and into the weekend.

It would be a big shock after summery highs were reached Thursday - Blenheim hit 29.5C and Ashburton 27C.

In Tauranga, temperatures are expected to reach around 21 degress today before dropping down to 10 overnight.

MetService meteorologist John Law told Morning Report the cooler weather will make its way up from Marlborough into Wellington and along the East Coast of the North Island throughout Friday.

"A real dramatic change yesterday, about 20C drop from Christchurch high yesterday to what we've got at the moment, around about 6C there (this morning).

"I think that difference is going to be much more noticeable after that warm day yesterday."

He says a change of wind direction means cold air from the Southern Ocean is being pushed across the country.

John warns the cold wet weather is expected to stick around throughout the weekend.

MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Hawke's Bay north of Napier and Tai Rawhiti from Friday afternoon until Sunday.

"So it's worth keeping an eye on there."

In Tauranga, showers are expected to develop in the afternoon. Heavy falls with thunderstorms and hail is also possible, says the MetService on its website.

Wellington, eastern Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura coast have a strong wind watch for Friday afternoon and evening.

"Those southerlies set to pick up as we head through this afternoon as well and perhaps some stronger gusts there, perhaps even around about 90km/h, but that's going to add to those temperatures making it feel a fair bit cooler as well."

It follows a particularly wet and windy October and comes ahead of drought and fire fears this summer.

John says spring is always a volatile time of the year and while the changing winds aren't a classic El Nino pattern, he expects that weather cycle to take over as summer nears.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche Advisory is warning of a moderate avalanche risk for alpine areas at Mount Aspiring, rising to high alpine terrain for Aoraki Mount Cook and Arthur's Pass.

It says the strong winds and rain means lower freezing levels which could reduce the risk but that depends on the snow on Friday.

-RNZ.
More than 800 students from 28 local schools will march and chant through downtown Mount Maunganui in the name of road safety next Thursday, November 30.

The intermediate and primary school students will be waving self-created banners in the Schools Road Safe Orange Walk  a joint initiative between Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils Travel Safe team and NZ Police, with support from Road Safe Traffic Management.

Were celebrating the road patrollers and how we helped people cross the roads safely, says Selwyn Ridge Primary School student Ella Montgomery, who is set to participate with her peers.

Each November students across Tauranga and WBOP create banners to highlight a road safety issue or active travel promotion that is significant to them and their school.

WBOP Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter says the banner competition is a highlight of the day and judges will have a hard time on their hands if previous years entries are anything to go by.

These kids have a real awareness of the roads around their schools, and the safety and active travel messages they are sharing are very relevant to them and their communities.

Road safety rules are your best tools. Thats the message on our banner, says Selwyn Ridge Primary School student Dashmeet Bains.

TCC transport network safety and sustainability manager Anna Somerville says the event is a chance to celebrate and reward the contribution of student volunteers for their important road safety work throughout the year.

The day begins 9.15am at Coronation Park with speeches from Commissioner Bill Wasley and WBOP Mayor James Denyer.

The walk starts 9.30am, following a route along Maunganui Rd, around the roundabout at Pacific Ave and back to the start. Temporary road closures will be in place.

Friends, family, locals and visitors are encouraged to line the route, make some noise and show their support for the students, who have collectively volunteered more than 7000 hours in 2023.

After the walk students will head to Baywave for a swim and celebratory barbecue cooked by police. For event updates, visit: facebook.com/travelsafebop
Demolishing flood-hit elder housing in Waihi Beach is the most sensible decision as the units are deemed unsafe to live in, a councillor says.

Seven pensioner homes will be demolished after flash floods ripped through the seaside town on May 29.

Elderly residents were among the 27 people forced to evacuate that day. The water reached waist height in some of the 11 flooded pensioner units on Beach Road.

The decision to demolish them was made at a Western Bay of Plenty District Council meeting yesterday.

A Tonkin and Taylor report commissioned by the council said the seven dwellings were exposed to a flood hazard risk as high as H3, which meant it was unsafe for elderly, children and vehicles.

One area of the units was classed H4, unsafe for all people and vehicles.

The other four units have been repaired and have people living in them again. These were classed as H2, unsafe for small vehicles.

Deputy mayor John Scrimgeour said it was disappointing to lose housing. Photo: Alisha Evans/SunLive.

Deputy mayor John Scrimgeour said given the report it would be irresponsible of the council to reinstate the units and expect people to live in them.

Its disappointing to lose the opportunity that these houses accommodate, and I certainly do feel for those people involved in that.

Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge asked staff if the upgrading the existing stormwater infrastructure would help.

Council general manager infrastructure services Cedric Crow said if there was another similar flood, upsizing stormwater pipes would not be enough and the risk to life was still too high.

Councillor Anne Henry said they were very fortunate that no one died on May 29 and had it been night when the flood came through they may have.

Councillor Allan Sole said they had little choice but to demolish them.

Councillor Allan Sole said the most sensible thing was to demolish the units. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

At first he questioned whether it was necessary and if they could fix the stormwater that had caused the flooding but the report made it clear they couldnt, he said.

The most sensible thing to do is proceed [with the demolition].

It is better for people to be able to age in their communities and to stay there with friends.

I hope from this that we can move on and re-establish some new homes there [Waihi Beach] in the future.

The demolished units will likely be turned into car parking for the residents that remain at the flats.

Council operations manager Kerrie Little said this would likely be made of gravel so water could still drain away.

Speaking in the public forum Katikati - Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association chair Keith Hay said it was unacceptable that the flats could be demolished and not replaced.

The flats were built with money gifted by local families to the Waihi Beach community.

They may legally belong to council, but they really belong to the [Waihi] Beach community.

Pensioner Phoebe Hansen in her former home after it flooded. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Phoebe Hansen described the water coming toward her house on May 29 as Niagara Falls.

She was forced to evacuate and lost most of her belongings. Hansen was housed in accommodation nearby and recently moved back into one of the refurbished flats.

Her previous one will be demolished.

She said it makes sense that they will be bulldozed and she didnt want to move back in unless something was done to stop them flooding again.

Hansen has lived at the flats for 27 years and said Its home to me.

I didn't like the idea of having to shift areas and go somewhere else.

Accommodation has been found for the tenants who cannot return to the Waihi Beach site.

The seven units will be demolished once a contractor was found.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
SUR in English Gibraltar Friday, 24 November 2023, 13:53 Compartir Copiar enlace

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HRH The Princess Royal was the guest of honour at the Gibraltar Literary Festival (Friday, 17 November). The sister of Britain's King Charles arrived just in time after her plane was diverted to Malaga due to fog.

The royal first went 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 then attended an official dinner to open the festival at the Sunborn Hotel and stayed 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.

As part of her busy schedule, the princess also visited the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Association on Saturday accompanied by the Rock's governor and chief minister.
Germany-based machine tool manufacturer Schwaebische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH, also known as SW Germany, said it will increase investment in China, including a further 5 million euros ($5.36 million) to be spent on the third phase of its factory in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, in the next three years. SW Germany will also invest 100 million yuan ($13.7 million) to upgrade its Chongqing plant in the coming 3-5 years, the parent company's executives said. As its performance in China has been robust over the past five years, SW Germany has long-term confidence in the nation's machine tool manufacturing market, they said. SW Germany entered the Chinese market in 2010. Construction of its Suzhou factory's first phase started in 2016. To date, it has over 400 employees and more than 100 customers in China. "About 35-40 percent of our global income came from China last year and we think the market here still has big potential for further growth. We expect this year's revenue of SW Asia in Suzhou to grow to 1.3 billion yuan," said Kai Pieronczyk, chief financial officer of SW Germany. SW Asia is SW Germany's largest manufacturing and research and development unit globally. The Chongqing and Suzhou units contributed around 1.29 billion yuan to SW Germany's total revenue last year, with the Suzhou unit alone contributing 1.18 billion yuan. Speaking of the impact of the slowdown in new energy vehicle sales in China on SW Asia, Pieronczyk said, "Although there was a slowdown in SW Asia's revenue growth since last November because of the COVID-19 impact and the slowing NEV sector, we observed that there has been a recovery (in demand for auto parts) since July, and we expect busy production for the rest of the year." In October, the second phase in Suzhou, built with an investment of 18 million euros and covering 20,000 square meters, started operations with an annual production capacity of 250 sets of machine tools. Pieronczyk said:"We anticipate SW Asia's share in our global business to rebound to 40 percent by the end of this year  same as last year. "If we see sustainable growth or very high demand, we could even go fast with the third phase extension of SW Asia." Stefan Weber, chief technology officer of SW Germany, said, "We are stepping up efforts to support Chinese vehicle brands to go overseas." SW Germany, Weber said, is setting up a new subsidiary in Hungary and expanding its existing one in Mexico to better serve Chinese auto players venturing abroad. He said:"We saw an impressive growth in the Chinese market. Our customer base grew significantly with big demand for machines. We were also impressed about the capabilities of our employees in China. "Within a short period, it became clear that the first factory was too small to serve big market needs. There is still significant market growth and there is continuous technical development in China, which we believe will further boost the need for new products. Our customers in China are looking for long-term partnerships, and so are we. Our partnerships have a very good basis for future growth."
Chinese man Liao Zhi Huai is accused of running a drug ring that transported 1.3 tons of ketamine into Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the police

A Chinese man in Hanoi has been accused of forming a drug trafficking ring that brought 1.3 tons of ketamine into Vietnam.

The drug-crime investigation division under the Ministry of Public Security on Friday said Liao Zhi Huai, 43, along with six others, had been put under investigation for illegal drug trading.

Huai said he and others established a pharmaceutical firm abroad, then bought chemicals to create narcotics. The drugs were then transported to Vietnam by land, before being shipped to a third country.

In September, six Taiwanese suspects entered Vietnam, rented hotels, vehicles and interpreters to buy 100 tons of cement, before collecting it at a storage facility in Hai Phongs Hong Bang District.

The police said the cement was used to hide batches of drugs worth millions of U.S. dollars, which would be shipped overseas.

On September 20, Hoai and another person who operated the drug trafficking ring entered Vietnam, and travelled to Hai Phong to arrange transportation of the drugs.

Two days later, the police busted their operation, seizing 30 bags of cement, weighing 25 kg each. Forensic analysis revealed that the bags contained 750 kg of ketamine.

The police said that over the past year, companies belonging to the drug trafficking ring have imported 9,000 tons of 64 chemicals, worth over $5.7 million, to create the drugs.

In the first 11 months of 2023, Vietnamese police had busted around 24,800 drug cases, arresting around 38,700 drug-related suspects and seizing tons of narcotics of various kinds.
SUR in English Gibraltar Friday, 24 November 2023, 16:21 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The Gibraltar government is asking for the public's opinion on lowering the voting age on the Rock to 16, as promised in its recent election manifesto. Details were given in the Gibraltar Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

In June 2021, 16 and 17 year olds from Gibraltar had the right to vote for the first time in a referendum on abortion.

The consultation paper discusses the pros and cons of potentially lowering the voting age in elections to 16 and seeks the public's views as to whether the law should be amended in order to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, said: "The arguments both for and against are complex, persuasive and varied, and it is important that the views of Gibraltar's voters are properly considered by the parliament in its deliberations. This consultation is an important and valued aspect of Gibraltar's democratic process."
SUR in English Madrid Friday, 24 November 2023, 13:55 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The newly reappointed Spanish minister for Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, has said he will soon make contact with new British foreign secretary Lord Cameron to discuss issues including the outstanding agreement between the UK and the EU on the status of Gibraltar after Brexit.

Cameron, who rejoined the UK government after a seven-year absence last week, contacted the Spanish government on Tuesday to ask for a conversation with Albares.

"Our teams are looking to set up a time," confirmed Albares to the press, pointing out that both men are due to see each other at a Nato summit next week. Albares said he hoped for a Gibraltar agreement as "soon as possible" but did not give timescales.

The EU still has to sign a deal with Britain over Gibraltar's future relationship with Brussels and Madrid, however there are outstanding areas, especially over how to handle border controls at Gibraltar's airport and port if free movement is to be maintained with Spain.

"If it was down to us, this agreement would already have been signed," said the Spanish foreign minister, adding that the two sides had been very close to a deal before a Spanish general election was called in the spring, halting the process.

Albares added that he assumed Britain was keen to tidy up the loose ends "very quickly" as well.
Alba Tenza Guadalhorce Friday, 24 November 2023, 17:19 Compartir Copiar enlace

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November brings one of the most eagerly awaited autumnal fruits. The pomegranate comes from a deciduous tree that can reach a height of eight metres, and is now in its harvesting period. Pomegranates arrived in Spain when it still bore the name of Al-Andalus - as it was known in its Islamic period - and several centuries later it maintains its close links with Andalucia.

"The pomegranate has always been associated with the Guadalhorce valley," explained Alejandro Hevilla, who grows pomegranates among the numerous walnut and avocado trees on his farm in Coin. The fruit has more than 80 years of history in his family, as it was his grandfather who first started growing the trees.

The origin of this fruit is South Asia, native to Persia and Afghanistan, and it is highly appreciated in desert areas for its thick, leathery skin which allows it to keep well. From mid-September onwards, Hevilla picks some of the pomegranates grown on his land although other later varieties are harvested in October and November.

In the Guadalhorce valley there are several varieties, each with different flavour and characteristics. Among them, Hevilla highlights the safarina, an ancient variety that has stood the test of time.

"We also grow other well-known varieties such as the mollar, which in turn is divided into different types and has soft and sweet seeds," added the farmer, who explained that the optimum time for harvesting is between October and the beginning of November, although it depends to a large extent on rainfall. He also said that in recent years new types of pomegranate have appeared such as the 'wonderful' variety, which is used to make juices, with a more acidic flavour.

According to the variety of the pomegranate tree, there are three types of fruit: the common sweet fruit, the sour fruit whose flowers are used as decoration and the seedless fruit produced in the Middle East. Another factor that influences the differentiation of the types of pomegranate is the acidity and ripeness of the fruit, which categorises them as sweet, sweet-sour or sour.

A bad year

Drought is a constant challenge for growers in the Guadalhorce valley, as the lack of water directly affects the quality and quantity of the harvest.

"This year we have lost around 40 per cent of our production compared to previous years. Despite having around 300 pomegranate trees, the crop is very much affected by the drought," Hevilla said.

However, once it rains, the pomegranates must be harvested because the water can make them completely useless. "When it rains, the pomegranate opens up, so they have to be harvested earlier," said Hevilla.

How do you know when a pomegranate is ready to be picked?

The Coin farmer said that there are several factors that determine the moment of harvesting, such as weight or size, however, the key point when deciding whether to pick and eat or sell is to look at its rosy colour.

"If the pomegranate is exposed to too much sun or heat, it runs the risk of becoming discoloured or stained," said Hevilla.

Despite the fact that the pomegranate has been grown on the Hevilla estate for more than eight decades, the farmer said that the reason why they keep this fruit, apart from its optimal benefits, is because it allows them to have two crops in the same area at different times.

"This increases profitability with a product that is not so demanding," said the farmer, who grows pomegranates alongside his numerous walnut and avocado trees.

"This crop is traditional, hardy and very much associated with marginal wetlands, as well as irrigation ditches, which is why it is largely irrigated naturally," the farmer explained, adding that the clay soils of the Guadalhorce are well suited to this crop.

Health benefits

In addition to its unmistakable flavour, the pomegranate is known for its health benefits, as it is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a fruit with anti-carcinogenic properties.

Its versatility is not only a treasure in the Guadalhorce valley, but also in the kitchens themselves, as is the case with the sauces prepared for salads or its juice: grenadine, a star ingredient in the creation of recipes for dishes, ice creams or cocktails.
Jose Antonio Guerrero Ronda Friday, 24 November 2023, 17:11 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The hand of Saint Teresa of Avila attracts dozens of pilgrims every day to the small convent of the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Ronda. The legendary relic is the same left hand (with the little finger missing) that Franco kept by his bed in Madrid and which, after the death of the dictator, was returned to the convent in Ronda from where it had been stolen by militia at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

Sheathed in a silver glove, the jewel of this Ronda convent is believed to have miraculous powers. And in recent years it has been particularly revered by women with fertility problems who want to get pregnant.

"We have an album full of photos of children and some very miraculous ones, like the baby of a 46-year-old woman who had been married for 25 years without getting pregnant," says Sister Jennifer, the prioress, a cheerful Gibraltarian who prays that Saint Teresa will now lend them a hand again and work another miracle.

This one affects the 'fertility' of the convent itself, so that it may continue to live on instead of joining the black list of monasteries that close forever: around twenty every year, according to the Spanish episcopal conference.

The small community living in this convent founded in 1924 is made up of four nuns of four different nationalities: Sister Isabel, 83, from Malaga; Sister Maria Jose, 43, from Vietnam; Sister Teresa, 60, from Kenya; and Sister Jennifer, 62, the British nun from Gibraltar who has been in charge of the group since Covid began to take its toll and the family was reduced to just four, one of them with growing health problems caused by old age.

Nito Salas

"There were 16 of us," says Sister Jennifer, who is well aware that Rome's directive to close monasteries and convents with fewer than six residents is hanging over their 16th-century building.

Number of monks and nuns in each monastery or convent Cuando hay menos de 6, el monasterio tiene que cerrar 2013 12.6 2014 11.2 2015 11.1 2016 11.5 2017 11.5 2018 11.7 2019 11.6 2020 11.5 2021 11.5 2022 11.1 Number of monks and nuns in each monastery or convent Cuando hay menos de 6, el monasterio tiene que cerrar 2013 12.6 2014 11.2 2015 11.1 2016 11.5 2017 11.5 2018 11.7 2019 11.6 2020 11.5 2021 11.5 2022 11.1 Number of monks and nuns in each monastery or convent Cuando hay menos de 6, el monasterio tiene que cerrar 2013 12.6 2014 11.2 2015 11.1 2016 11.5 2017 11.5 2018 11.7 2019 11.6 2020 11.5 2021 11.5 2022 11.1 Number of monks and nuns in each monastery or convent Cuando hay menos de 6, el monasterio tiene que cerrar 2013 12.6 2014 11.2 2015 11.1 2016 11.5 2017 11.5 2018 11.7 2019 11.6 2020 11.5 2021 11.5 2022 11.1

"It is true that in just a few months we were reduced to four, but a convent cannot be closed overnight. They are going to give us a reasonable amount of time to see if things pick up again," says Sister Jennifer, who is busy with a thousand tasks to combine her spiritual life (mass, prayers, readings, adoration of the Jesus Christ, meditation...) with her real life (administration, shopping, paying the bills, answering the phone, making her famous cakes and even acting as a nurse). All while trying not to make it look like there are more tasks than hands.

"We should be in bed by twelve o'clock, but there are always things to do!" she adds.

153 closures in ten years

The ageing demographic of nuns and the lack of new callings are leading to the closure of dozens of convents in Spain, a former 'powerhouse' of cloistered nuns that is in decline. Although there are still 712 active monasteries and convents, the empty-church phenomenon in Spain is spreading as its communities grow older and are unlikely to be replaced.

Number of monasteries in 2022, by sex 677 35 men's monasteries women's monasteries 7,440 454 nuns monks 11 monjas per monastery 13 monks per monastery Number of monasteries in 2022, by sex 677 35 men's monasteries women's monasteries 7,440 454 nuns monks 11 nuns per monastery 13 monks per monastery Number of monasteries in 2022, by sex 35 677 men's monasteries women's monasteries 454 monks 7,440 nuns 11 nuns per monastery 13 monks per monastery Numero de monasterios en 2022, segun sexo 677 35 men's monasteries women's monasteries 454 monks 7,440 nuns 11 nuns per monastery 13 monks per monastery

Some of these time capsules rich in history and art are resisting their fate in their tiny communities while others have thrown in the towel. For example, the monastery of San Placido, in Madrid's Malasana neighbourhood, pulled down the shutters last May after four centuries of monastic life. Ten Benedictine nuns lived there before the pandemic, but they were reduced to five in 2022, almost all of them in their nineties, with no replacements in sight and with an added problem: they did not accept nuns who were not born in Spain.

Change since 2013 Source: Conferencia Episcopal Espanola

This is thankfully not the case of Sister Jennifer's community, which only exists thanks to foreigners like her. The three members from outside Spain do everything, including running the bakery, where they make homemade cakes that they sell to cover their expenses. The menu is mouth-watering, their range of cakes, biscuits and sweets including magdalenas, pastas, roscos de San Jose, cortadillos, coquitos, mantecados, bizcochos, tortas, hojaldrinas, pestinos... and yemas de Santa Teresa, which are similar to the famous Yemas del Tajo, typical of Ronda.

Jennifer's favourite delicacy are her delicious 'lenguas de gato', but at two and a bit euros a dozen the numbers don't add up. However, she has no plans to put the price up. "Everything is very expensive: oil, flour, eggs... but people deserve to be able to eat something sweet, don't they?"

Nito Salas

So how are they making ends meet? "I have no idea - it's a mercy that never ceases to amaze me. We don't owe anything to anyone. Don't ask me how we do it, because I'm not sure. But the Lord has his way. People are generous. If something is worth 5.50, they give you 6 euros and tell you to keep the change. It's 50 cents and that's how we get by. The people from Ronda and those from elsewhere are all very kind and have respect for the nuns."

As if that were not enough, the busy mother superior has now taken to making necklaces with little crosses and bracelets with knots of St Francis. "If it's a euro, that's a euro that comes in. If we didn't make them, nothing would come in," she says.

Michael Portillo

Lately the convent has been receiving a steady stream of foreign visitors. In the summer, former Conservative politician Michael Portillo, a celebrity in the UK for his television documentaries combining tourism and train journeys, visited the convent. Portillo, who has a home in Carmona (Seville) and is the son of a Spanish Republican exiled in England, went to the monastery in Ronda, attracted by the hand of Saint Teresa, and told its story in his new series Portillo's Andalucia, aired on the UK's Channel 5 last week.

"People come asking about the arm of Saint Teresa. I no longer bother correcting them. Here we have the saint's hand, H-A-N-D! Her arm with the rest of her incorrupt body is preserved in the monastery of Alba de Tormes," explains Jen, as her friends from her native Gibraltar call her. There, she was a young and carefree girl who never imagined that Saint Teresa, the founder of the Discalced Carmelites, would one day cross her path.

Born into a Gibraltarian family of Greek origin on her mother's side (her second surname is Licudis), Sister Jennifer del Corazon de Jesus, as she is now known, used to be a teenager who loved spearfishing, who never missed a party at one of the British-style social clubs on the Rock and who left school at fifteen because she "couldn't stand" the school nor the teachers. "I wanted independence, and look how well I did, I locked myself away; I couldn't have been more independent," she laughs.

She explains that although she was a churchgoer, she was not at all devout. "I used to go to mass but the mass didn't really go with me."

This was until she was invited to a spiritual retreat for a weekend and accepted just to stand up a potential boyfriend. "He was a boy I liked and I went on the retreat just to make him miss me." That weekend trip changed her life. "I found what I was looking for, the truth of God."

After a few years that she describes as "learning the ropes", in which faith came and went like a boomerang, Jen immersed herself in the spirituality of Saint Teresa and her soul mate, Saint John of the Cross, until she decided to become a nun.

The Ronda convent. Nito Salas

"I was going to go to London, to the Discalced Carmelites in Notting Hill, but a priest told me about the community in Ronda. My idea was to go to England because I was better at English and I thought that if I had to study in Spanish I would die, but it wasn't like that."

Jennifer landed in Ronda at the age of 24 and has been at the convent for 38 years, the last three as its leader. "When I was chosen I thought it was nonsense. I laughed, but I said to myself 'the Lord will know what he's doing'."

And what happened to the boy she left behind in that social club? "My friends told me that he was still single," she laughs again.

Sister Jennifer now has her work cut out to keep open what has been her only home since 1985. She is not losing hope of making it at least to 15 October next year, when the convent will celebrate the centenary of its foundation on St Teresa's day in 1924.

Jennifer also hopes to stay open for the sake of Sister Isabel, as the nun, now in her eighties, is losing her memory: "She has been here for more than 60 years and knows where her cell is, where we pray, where mass is, where we eat... this is a small convent, if you move her to a bigger one, she'll get lost."

The mother superior is ready to sacrifice herself for Sister Isabel, to look for money and new religious callings and leave no stone unturned, although she admits that the decision is not hers.

"The Lord has helped us and I hope he will continue to help us because this convent is very much alive."

So alive that they receive a daily flow of 300 pilgrims wanting to see the hand of Saint Teresa.

Whenever a Gibraltarian comes by, Jennifer switches to her best English accent and catches up on local news or shares her worries about her recent hernia operation... and Brexit. "Oh Brexit, my goodness. I'm having a hard time. After 28 years in Ronda, they gave me permanent residency in Spain and now they've taken it away and I have to do the papers again; what a hassle this Brexit is," she laughs.

Jennifer has been asked many times whether she feels Spanish or British, whether her King is Felipe VI or Charles III.

"Without wishing to offend people, I feel Gibraltarian. But I have to say that Ronda has welcomed me with incredible affection, and we still joke about whether Gibraltar is Spanish and all that stuff... We laugh a lot, but I don't get involved in politics," she says, gesturing with her left hand, the same left hand of Santa Teresa that she guards, and the same one she will use to keep her convent open.
Galo Martin Cuenca Friday, 24 November 2023, 17:25 Compartir Copiar enlace

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trip to Cuenca has two sides to it. On the one hand there is the city, a World Heritage site that brings you to relaxation through serene walks along its streets, alleys, and narrow passages that lead to the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and the Jucar river. Local restaurants line the streets turning local gastronomy into a form of art. Just like the abstract art exhibited in its museums, notable ones being the Science and Paleontology museums. Art is found everywhere, including in the form the engineering work of the houses that hand over the Jucar river. And on the other side of the river is an untouched, enchanted place of nature where the archaeological sites tell us about its past dwellers.

The city

The Cathedral of Cuenca is a series of complex architectural structures built throughout many centuries, allowing visitors to envision different artistic styles of each era. Its original architectural style was gothic, which has been preserved in some parts such as the ribbed vault ceiling design and the triforium gallery. The citys Museum of Abstract Art hosts the Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses), both unique and hypnotising. Visitors will also find an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Spanish abstract artists from the fifties and sixties who shaped Spanish art trends throughout the mid-twentieth century.

View of the historic centre of Cuenca from the Paleontology Museum. David Blazquez

A visit to this museum can be topped off with the Roberto Polo Collection and the Antonio Perez foundation. Within the old town, in the Plaza de la Merced, is the Science Museum of Castilla-La Mancha. A space that consists of two buildings which are divided into several parts: Astronomy and the Planetarium, the Time Machine, Treasures of the Earth, History of the Future and the Laboratory of life. Outside the city centre is the Paleontology Museum of Castilla-La Mancha. A visit to this museum takes you through the last 550 million years of earths history.

The heart of the collection is made up of old paleontological sites Las Hoyas (from the Early Cretaceous age) and Lo Huelco (from the Late Cretaceous age), although the rest of the paleontological sites in the region are also part of the collection. A visit to this museum is not complete without doing the Ruta de los Dinosaurios.

The province

Outside its city limits, the province of Cuenca is also very rich in culture and heritage. Its great attraction is the Serrania de Cuenca Nature Park. A place with great flora, fauna, water features and geology, for example the Tormagales that look like magical cities constructed by fairies and elves, Los Callejones or the Enchanted City of Valdecabras, which has been declared a Natural Site of National Interest; and not forgetting the gorges and canyons naturally formed by the Jucar and Escabas rivers.

Noheda. Yacimiento Arqueologico Visitable de Nohed

El Hosquillo is a a hunting park where species are bred for sustainable hunting, creating an environment where bears, wolves, mountain goats, deer, wild boars, as well as vultures and eagle owls can live in conditions similar to their natural environment. As for places of archaeological interest, the Yacimiento de Noheda is important to note, a Roman villa from between the 1st Century BC and the 6th century AD, as well as the Archaeological Park of Segobriga, where you can see the aqueduct, the necropolis, the city, the theatre, the wall and the main gate, the forum, the baths, the basilica, the acropolis, the ampitheatre, the circus, and much more. Visiting this place allows you to really immerse yourself in the roots of an empire in the middle of La Mancha, a real adventure.

Good food and drink

Its cuisine and wines earned Cuenca the title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2023

Like its geography, food from Cuenca is varied. Local recpies include morteruelo, ajo arriero, chorizos, zarajos, lamb, partridges, trout, cheeses y alaju. A special mention also has to be made to the excellent local wines and liqueurs: Resoli and Aguardiente de la Sierra. A cuisine and winery that has earned Cuenca the title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2023.

This highly rated gastronomy and wine from Cuenca has ambassadors who advertise them to the rest of their world, boasting their restaurants Soles awarded by Repsol, the Spanish version of Michelin stars. Some of these ambassadors are: Jesus Segura, from the Casas Colgadas restaurant, which offers a unique tasting menu largely consisting of dishes based on sauces and creams using local products but with a modern twist. Miguel Escutia, from the Raff San Pedro restaurant, in Cuencas old town , where the menu takes you on a journey through the regions history through its recipes, smells, flavours, textures and memories. Olga Garcia and Alex Paz, from the Fuentelgato restaurant, in Huerta del Marquesado, an oasis that gives the Serrania de Cuencas gastronomic power a renewed power.
Kino Verdu Estonia Friday, 24 November 2023, 17:24 Compartir Copiar enlace

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There are an infinite number of reasons to travel, and in this case travel to the other side of Europe. One of these reasons to travel which has gained traction as of late is to find beauty through building designs and constructions. Not just museums, or the houses where rich people live, or ancient remains, but above all modern, cutting-edge architecture that can speak volumes about the way of life and spirit of a whole town.

This is the case in Estonia, a country which connects Scandinavia, Central Europe and the East across the Gulf of Finland. Surrounded by the Baltic Sea to the West, more than half of its land mass is covered by forests. The country has a population of 1.3 million, greater than that of Denmark and The Netherlands, and is also home to over 2,000 islands (the majority inhabited). Estonia's Viking and medieval legacy is still evident in some places, such as in Tallinn, the capital, which is on the Unesco World Heritage Site list and one of the best-conserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. Now we know where it is on the map, let us explore its beauty, in particular its architecture.

Tradition and modernity

Between the old town of Tallinn, the bridge and the Viru square (a crossroads and the official centre of the city), stands the Rotermann Quarter, which has completely changed its appearance, transforming itself into an urban space where old industrial buildings have been restored for people who love 21st century architecture. We should give some context to these buildings, and tell their story.

Tallinn. Marten Vaher

The year is 1828. An entrepreneur, Christian Barthold Rotermann, builds factories for alcohol, starch and a salt and chicory mill. His son continues to expand the buildings with a flour mill and a macaroni factory. And his grandson did more of the same, but in his case cars and linen. The story continues with a sawmill, porcelain and glass workshops, a vodka cellar...

In short, a collection of facilities that after a few years of ups and downs and some apathy, was restored, rehabilitated with bold constructions, 'cool' fashion shops, cafes, art galleries, cinemas, just to name a few. And even an old salt warehouse made from limestone was transformed into the Museum of Architecture and close by stands the Tallinn Design House, a tribute to the rich creativity in this place.

Living among the trees

Moving away from Tallinn, we find ourselves at Maidla, a tiny village (barely a hundred habitants) belonging to the municipality of Rapla. Virgin forests, wetlands, silence, lush vegetation, peace, pure air. This is the setting that shelters the Maidla Nature Villas, where architectural audacity merges with an overwhelming scene of sustainability and nature.

View of the sea. Vaas/Transpordiamet

A pair of fifteenth-century palaces also live within this resort, with three chameleon-like villas designed in an Estonian studio named 'b210', founded by architects Mari Hunt and Arvi Anderson. Angular parallelepipeds, with sharp corners, made from wood and steel that rise half-hidden by the trees... they are the trees themselves of the 21st century. Large windows merge the interior with the exterior, bringing to life the words of great Estonian designer Bruno Tomberg: The forest is my cathedral". The villas are called Kaseke, Kabi and Poku, each one with its own particularities, shapes and appearances, but each one fused with the foliage and the grassland. Continuing on this path of contemporary architecture, we find the Arvo Part Centre, located in the coastal village of Laulasmaa, around 35 kilometres west of Tallinn.

It is a tribute to the illustrious composer Arvo Part, designed by the Spanish studio Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos. The project had one premise: to protect the pine trees in the forest, and one intention: to let music flow around the trees through a zinc roof. Nieto Sobejano's project report explained that interpreting the work of Arvo Part in architectural terms means finding a balance between the intimacy of his musical compositions and the powerful and beautiful Estonian landscape. Empty space is seemingly everywhere. Is it not true that emptiness is the true protagonist of architecture? And likewise, that of silence in music?
Eugenio Cabezas Torrox Friday, 24 November 2023, 12:42 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Torrox took centre stage at the inauguration of the IV German Film Week at the Albeniz cinema in Malaga city on Tuesday 21 November. With some 2,000 registered Germans out of a census of 20,000 residents, and another four thousand unregistered residents, the eastern Costa del Sol town has been attracting German nationals for more than five decades due to its mild climate and its beaches. The town is one of the principal drivers for the week-long film event, organised by the Goethe Institute, Friends of the Goethe-Institute Spain, the consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Malaga, and our sister newspaper SUR deutsche Ausgabe

Mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, accompanied by various members of the local authority, which sponsors the film week with various other bodies, attended the opening of the event where the movie Roter Himmel (Afire), was screened. Also present was the deputy mayor, Paula Moreno, and the Torrox councillors Sandra Extremera and Vanessa Lopez among others. Medina addressed the audience, in both German and Spanish, as did several other speakers. Among them was the German consul in Malaga, Franko Martin; the coordinator of the cultural programme of the Goethe Institute in Madrid, Ana Perez; and the director of the film festival and editor of SUR deutsche Ausgabe, Uwe Scheel.

The film Afire won the Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlinale, and was directed by Christian Petzold (who addressed the audience in a recorded video), and was produced by Anton Kaiser, who was present at the Albeniz.

This year's film festival screened original version movies, subtitled in Spanish, at the Albeniz and it will draw to a close on Saturday 25 November.
The scammers make out that the real person's phone is lost.

Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Friday, 24 November 2023, 12:43 Compartir Copiar enlace

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National Police officers have arrested two locals in Velez-Malaga who allegedly served as 'banking mules' for a network of fraudsters that operated throughout Spain.

The detained women, aged 22 and 25, have been identified as the owners of bank accounts to which the money of at least four victims who fell for scams, such as the well-known "child in trouble".

The victims received a SMS text message, making them believe that their child had lost their mobile phone and was therefore communicating from another number, urgently needing money.

The scammers then asked their victims to make a transfer to a bank account. One of the people scammed transferred a total of 14,351 euros.
Lorena Cadiz Benalmadena Friday, 24 November 2023, 16:39 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Benalmadena town hall is negotiating with Tremon, the owner of the Tivoli World amusement park and the Pueblosol underground car park in the centre of Arroyo de la Miel, about the reopening of the latter.

The council has commissioned a company to assess what works would be necessary to reopen the facility, given that the 800-space car park has been closed to the public since 2017.

The idea is to "reactivate trade in the central area of Arroyo de la Miel," said the council. "If people can park at a reasonable price, they will come to shop, otherwise they will go to the shopping centres.
SUR Mijas Friday, 24 November 2023, 13:00 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The Idiliq foundation has donated 12,000 euros to the Malaga, Fuengirola, and Mijas branches of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) at a presentation in Mijas on Tuesday 21 November.

An emotional meeting was attended by representatives from Idiliq, as well as authorities from Malaga, Mijas and Fuengirola accompanied by employees of the company.

The money wasraised from a series of fundraising activities carried out in October, such as the sale of pink Idilq foundation T-shirts, AECC ribbons and bracelets, charity breakfasts and lunches, Zumba classes and raffles.

Idiliq foundation president, Juan Miguel Marcos, thanked all employees for their effort and enthusiasm. He said: "Thank you very much for your collaboration and dedication in organising this charity event. For us, it is a source of pride that this great family has once again achieved such an incredible goal." The president also highlighted the important work carried out by AECC to alleviate and prevent, as far as possible, the suffering caused by cancer in people, regardless of their place of residence and personal circumstances.

The provincial president of AECC, Joaquin Morales, also thanked all those present. "To be worthy of your solidarity and to see your commitment to the Spanish Association Against Cancer is for us a reinforcement of our commitment to breast cancer patients. Your contribution helps us to maintain services, such as psychological care or to start new ones such as the informative and practical pelvic floor talks that we are already starting up. On behalf of all the patients, thank you very much."

Mayor of Mijas, Ana Mata, also highlighted the great solidarity of the Idiliq Group staff who maintain a close link with the social demands of the town throughout the year, especially in October and in the fight against this disease.

The centrepiece of this campaign was on 19 October when more than 300 employees, dressed in pink Idiliq foundation T-shirts, marked World Breast Cancer Day.
A man in northern Vietnam has received jail terms for breaking into two stores and stealing 42 phones while working as a police officer.

A court in Hai Duong Province sentenced Nguyen Viet Khanh, 26, to nine years in prison on Thursday.

According to the verdict, Khanh was a police officer working at a detention center of the Police Department in Quang Ninh Province, which borders Hai Duong.

In June, he was in need of money so he decided do a burglary.

On June 14, he drove a motorbike from Quang Ninh to Hai Duong, bringing along a hammer, chisel, and crowbar.

He broke into a fashion store in Kinh Mon Town using the tools and stole one smartphone, some cash, and several clothes that cost a total of more than VND3 million (US$123).

The next day, he burgled an FPT Shop store in the town at 2 a.m. and took 41 smartphones worth more than VND935 million.

A security team of FPT caught him on a security camera. He was caught red-handed before he could leave the store.

Before the trial, Khanh resigned as a police officer. Khanhs family has compensated FPT Shop VND15 million and the fashion shop VND2 million.
Ignacio Lillo Friday, 24 November 2023, 16:53 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Lo Spirito di Stella is not just another boat among the luxurious vessels of the megayacht marina at Malaga port. The catamaran, which moored in the city this Friday morning, is crewed by people with reduced mobility, and is making a world tour to promote the elimination of barriers and raise awareness of disability.

The vessel is called WoW (Wheels on Waves) and will be moored in Malaga from this Friday until Monday 27 November. The project has selected IGY Malaga Marina as one of the only two stops it will make in Spain. During its stay, the crew of the catamaran will receive members of associations and groups with disabilities on board, as well as people interested in the project.

The boat is sponsored by the Italian Ministry of defence and its goal is to sail around the world between 2023 and 2025 to promote the elimination of barriers for people with reduced mobility and to raise public awareness in the ports where it calls.

On board the expedition boat are military victims of job-related accidents and other people with physical disabilities. The vessel was created as an initiative for armed forces personnel who have suffered mutilations or injuries during service.

During its stay in Malaga port, the boat will open its decks to the public (with prior registration) and will receive associations of disabled people who want to learn about the project first hand. The time slots for visits will be from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Those interested should contact the commander of the Spirito di Stella, Stefano Locci, in advance on the following telephone number (+39 340 559 2362) or the naval captain and defence attache at the Italian Embassy, Massimiliano Siragusa, on his number (609 56 18 48).

After calling at Malaga, where the IGY marina will provide supplies, it will continue its voyage to Tenerife, where it will be moored between 3 and 6 December.
Olatz Hernandez Brussels Friday, 24 November 2023, 12:00 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The European Commission will closely monitor the Spanish government's amnesty deal with Catalan separatists after heated debate on the controversial matter reached Brussels.

European Partido Popular, Ciudadanos and Vox claimed during a fiery debate at European Parliament that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's deal for an amnesty for those involved in the regional governments failed independence referendum in 2017 in exchange for votes "violates the rule of law". The Socialists defended the move as a "national matter" during the plenary on Wednesday 22 November.

European commissioner for justice Didier Reynders said the Commission will "carefully" examine the amnesty law to ensure it does not violate the EU treaties. "I can assure you that the European Commission will follow this issue very closely in an independent and objective manner," he said. The new law will first need to be processed in Spain before Brussels provides its opinion, but until then remains a Spanish "internal matter".

Pedro Sanchez won a third term as Spanish prime minister today on 16 November in a majority vote by MPs. The PSOE leader's reappointment relied heavily on deals with smaller independence parties to ensure he picked up 179 votes, three more than the 176 majority required in parliament in a first vote. The deal that sparked the most furor was with Catalan separatist party Junts, which promised Sanchez the support of its seven parliamentary members in exchange for an amnesty for those involved in the regional governments failed independence referendum in 2017.

Fiery debate

During the heated two-hour debate in Brussels Vox leader Santiago Abascal revealed he went to the European Parliament in Strasbourg to denounce the amnesty law, calling Sanchez a "coup leader". European Partido Popular leader Manfred Weber also criticised the Spanish government: "President Pedro Sanchez cannot grant amnesty, it is unconstitutional. We must put an end to separatism."

Meanwhile, the European Socialists accused Partido Popular of "instrumentalising" European Parliament for national issues. Socialist president Iratxe Garcia defended the legitimacy of the new government of Sanchez and assured the amnesty bill is a "commitment to the path of dialogue, understanding and reconciliation".
SUR in English Malaga Friday, 24 November 2023, 17:06 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister visits the Costa del Sol next weekend to round off a tour of talks in Spain and Italy to accompany the publication of his new book Now Is Better.

Beautiful Numbers is the New York-based designer's way of looking at the world from a longer term perspective, a surprisingly positive view based on facts and figures.

The talk takes place on Saturday 2 December from 7pm at the Marbella Design Academy in Monda and rounds off the 10th Moments Festival.

Admission is free but invitations must be requested from https://sagmeisteratmarbelladesignacademy.cargo.site/ or send a text message or WhatsApp 679 74 36 83.
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Hollywood icon Brad Pitt has reportedly expressed no reaction to his and Angelina Jolies adopted Vietnamese-born son Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt allegedly calling him a world-class asshole on social media.

Actor Brad Pitt poses during a photocall for the film ''Babylon" at the Grand Rex in Paris, France Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Reuters

A source close to Pitt denied a recent report characterized the actor as "depressed" and "frustrated" by the news, telling Page Six on Tuesday that "nothing could be further from the truth."

The source said that Pitt, who has not been seen publicly with Jolie-Pitt since 2016, will continue to remain silent on the matter.

Pitts representative has not responded to Page Sixs request for comment.

The controversy arose when screenshots of a post from Jolie-Pitts alleged private Instagram account circulated online, reported the DailyMail.

In the post from Fathers Day 2020, Jolie-Pitt reportedly criticized his estranged father, accusing him of being a "terrible and despicable person."

The post detailed grievances about Pitts alleged lack of empathy and its impact on the family.

This revelation came in the wake of Zahara Jolie-Pitt, another adopted child of the ex-couple, reportedly dropping her surname "Pitt" while being inducted into a sorority at Spelman College, according to The Independent. She introduced herself as "Zahara Marley Jolie."

It was also revealed that Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the superstar ex-couples oldest child, reportedly does not use Pitt as his last name on non-legal documents and has expressed a desire to "legally change it to Jolie," a move not supported by his actress mother, according to an exclusive 2021 report by US Weekly.

Pax Thien, 20, was abandoned by his biological mother shortly after he was born in Ho Chi Minh City. He was then sent to a local orphanage, where people gave him the Vietnamese name Pham Quang Sang. He lived there until he was adopted by Jolie and her ex-husband Pitt in 2007.

He is now working as a visual artist whose works have strong abstract influences.

Jolie, 48, has six children with Pitt, 60: Maddox, Pax Thien, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox Jolie-Pitt. Along with Pax Thien, Maddox and Zahara are the ex-couples adopted children, from orphanages in Cambodia and Ethiopia, respectively. Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox are the couples biological children.

The actors have been embroiled in a custody battle ever since Jolies divorce filing in 2016. Jolie was initially granted physical custody of the children, while Pitt was given joint custody in 2021. However, the legal battle between the two stars is still ongoing.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Three women were arrested after refusing to stop for police while in a stolen car in Syracuse on Thursday, police said.

At 9:29 p.m. police attempted to stop a stolen Honda Accord at the intersection of South Salina Street and West Calthrop Avenue, said Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police.

The Honda continued about 330 feet to the next intersection of South Salina Street and West Lynhurst Avenue, Malinowski said.
To the Editor:

November is National Family Caregivers Month. In New York, 546,000 family caregivers are providing care worth over $19 billion to their loved ones with dementia. Though these caregivers offer significant savings to the state with their hours of unpaid work, they arent supported in return. The funding for New Yorks Alzheimers Disease Community Assistance Program (AlzCAP), which offers support groups, educational programs and other services, has been stagnant for years, while the number of people who need these services continues to grow.

I have seen firsthand the work, dedication and struggle that goes into caregiving. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimers around 2011, and my grandmothers hard work kept him home as long as feasible, minimizing costs and increasing his quality of life. After he moved into a full-time care facility, she has continued to visit him twice a day to feed him his meals and ensure he gets proper medical treatment. Her story is a testament to how family caregivers continue their hours of unpaid care, even with full-time care.

Taking care of someone with Alzheimers is expensive and many caregivers struggle with mental health issues. One study found 47% of family caregivers have cut back on food, transportation and their own healthcare expenses to pay for a loved ones care. This is unacceptable.

New York can do better in supporting caregivers. Please join me in calling on Sen. Rachel May and the other members of the New York state Legislature to increase funding for AlzCAP.

Sarah Elizabeth Jones

Volunteer Advocate

Alzheimers Association

Syracuse
LONDON (AP)  Irish police arrested 34 people after suspected far-right protesters in central Dublin attacked police, damaged shops and set fire to vehicles Thursday night following the stabbing of three children by an unidentified man earlier in the day.

The head of the Irish police, Commissioner Drew Harris, said one officer was seriously injured in the violence that began after news spread that a 5-year-old girl was receiving emergency medical treatment at a Dublin hospital following the attack outside a school. At least 100 people took to the streets, some armed with metal bars and covering their faces.

Harris described the protesters as a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology.

Police said over 400 officers, including many in riot gear, were deployed throughout the city center to contain the unrest, which they said was caused by a small group of thugs. A cordon was set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and mounted officers were dispatched to nearby Grafton Street.

These (riots) are scenes that we have not seen in decades, but what is clear is that people have been radicalized through social media and the internet, Harris told reporters on Friday.

But I dont want to lose focus on the terrible event in terms of the dreadful assault on schoolchildren and their teacher. Theres a full investigation ongoing. Theres also a full investigation in respect on the disorder.
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A group of four Indian students in Singapore has been sentenced with jail terms as they were found stealing apparels from a Uniqlo store by removing their price tags.

The logo of Uniqlo is pictured at Myeongdong shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 22, 2019. Photo by Reuters

Their sentences of between 40 and 65 days in jail were read out by a local court on Wednesday, reported The Straits Times.

The group reportedly had several other accomplices, all of whom were Indian nationals, and together they have carried out at least two shoplifting attempts on Oct. 12 and Oct. 16.

During the former date they managed to steal 64 pieces of clothing, worth a total of $1,788, by removing their radio-frequency identification price tags before putting them to tote bags and processing as if they had paid, according to The Times of India.

Meanwhile, a security officer interfered with their process on the latter occasion, leaving their attempt of shoplifting 72 items with a total value of $2,271 incomplete. A store sales assistant then reported the case to police, and the group was quickly nabbed.
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Teagasc celebrates 60 years of academic publishing

Teagasc recently launched the 60th Anniversary Special Issue of the Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research (Volume 61, Issue 1).

Pictured at the launch of the Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 60th anniversary issue are members of the editorial board and Teagasc senior staff and authority members (from left): Triona OBrien, Food Editor; Owen Fenton, Environment Editor; Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc; Liam Herlihy, Chairperson of the Teagasc Authority; Deirdre Hennessy, Senior Editor; Pat Dillon, Director of Research, Teagasc; Cathal Buckley, Economics Editor, Catriona Boyle, Editorial Consultant.

This special issue consists of 12 papers, compiled in 2021  the journals anniversary year, and highlights scientific advancements made over the last 60 years, as well as looking to the future to see how current knowledge, methods and tools can help us to meet the grand challenges facing the sector and wider society, as well as identifying gaps in knowledge that need to be filled by new research. This issue contains scientific papers on topics including forestry, potato breeding and production, pig production, milk quality and processing, meat processing, ruminant nutrition, ruminant breeding, the Agricultural Catchments Programme, grassland, animal health and welfare, and the role of social science in agri-food research.

Speaking at the launch of a special edition print version to commemorate the 60th anniversary issue, Professor Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc, said: Irish agriculture is in an ever-changing environment. Farmers and food processors are faced with a range of challenges on an on-going basis. Research that provides farmers and food processors with technical solutions to meet these challenges in a sustainable manner is as important as it ever was. This issue of the Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research reviews research over 60 years and highlights how current knowledge can be used to address current and future challenges.

Dr Deirdre Hennessy, Senior Editor of the Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research and Lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture at University College Cork, added: This special issue brings together a wealth of research knowledge from the last 60 years, and provides a great reference resource of Irish agriculture, which will be of benefit to researchers, students, farmers and the wider agricultural industry.

The Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research is a peer-reviewed open access journal. The journal was first published in October 1961 as the Irish Journal of Agricultural Research, evolving over the years to the current title Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, in 1992, which is an amalgamation of the Irish Journal of Agricultural Research, Irish Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and the Irish Journal of Food Science and Technology.
Nissan and its partners have announced a 2bn plan to build three electric car models at its Sunderland factory. The Japanese firm will build electric Qashqai and Juke models at the plant alongside the next generation of the electric Leaf, which is already produced there. The scheme could help preserve the jobs of about 6,000 workers directly, and thousands more across the UK. Nissan said that alongside this, a major new battery plant known as a gigafactory will also be needed. This is in addition to the current factory adjacent to the car plant, and a further gigafactory already being built by its partner, AESC. BBC

Elon Musk has decried a wave of insane strikes focused on Tesla workshops in Sweden, as workers target the US electric car manufacturer in a strike calling for collective bargaining rights. In what has been portrayed as the largest fight in decades to save Swedens union model from global labour practices, the powerful trade union IF Metall has been leading a strike across eight Tesla workplaces in Sweden for five weeks. The Guardian

Samsungs involvement with the rumored AR headset and the potential rival to the Apple Vision Pro is picking up steam through rumors and leaks. According to the latest trademark filing by the UKIPO (UK Intellectual Property Office), the Korean giant seemingly refers to its next head-mounted wearable as Samsung Glasses. The tipster notes that the trademark was filed on November 10, with mass production expected to happen in December. WCCFTech

UKIPO has registered the Samsung Headset Trademark Samsung Glasses It registered at November 10, and mass produced in December with 30,000 units. pic.twitter.com/x7C2UhOHbY  Connor /  /  (@OreXda) November 23, 2023

Lenovo is suing Asus for infringing four patents related to software. hardware, and connectivity used in a number of the companys laptops. As Ars Technica reports, the four patents in question relate to minimizing the delay when uploading data wirelessly, wireless wake-on-LAN power management, diagonal scrolling on a touchpad, and a hinge mechanism that allows a 2-in-1 device to transition from a clamshell to a tablet mode. In a press release, Lenovo claims it offered a cross-licensing deal as a possible solution to Asus, but is now taking legal action to protect, its significant contributions to technology innovation and industry firsts over the past 39 years.

A rare and extremely high-energy particle has been detected falling to Earth by astronomers. Named after the Japanese sun goddess, Amaterasu, it is one of the highest-energy cosmic rays ever detected, according to scientists. The Amaterasu particle has an energy exceeding 240 exa-electron volts (EeV) and comes only second in recorded history to the Oh-My-God particle, another ultra-high-energy cosmic ray which was detected in 1991, possessing 320 EeV of energy. Sky News

OnePlus just announced the colors for the upcoming OnePlus 12  White, Green, and Black. The company has put some thought behind the colors  white is a touch of blank space, green is a pale rock among thousands of rivers and mountains, while black represents ten years of hard work, a nod to the companys ten-year anniversary.



The official colors of the OnePlus 12

These colors will likely be the official ones for the Chinese market, where the OnePlus 12 will launch on December 4. Its not clear whether the global variant of the phone will have the same options  the OnePlus Open is Black only in Europe and Green elsewhere. Speaking of global, the OnePlus 12 is expected to go global sometime in January. GSM Arena
WTF?! If you've been saving up for an RTX 4090 but found that the flagship card is out of stock and priced well above MSRP right now, here's why: Chinese companies bought thousands of them ahead of the US government's export ban to the country. Rather than being a move to satisfy the demand of gamers, the 4090s are being transformed into "AI" solutions with blower-style coolers.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced tightened restrictions on tech exports to China in October, adding the H800, A800, and RTX 4090 to the list of banned products.

Before the ban went into effect a few days ago, RTX 4090 prices started creeping upward and availability worsened as China bought thousands of the cards and Nvidia reportedly told AIB partners to prioritize sending a large number to the country.

According to reports, an insider from Baidu Forums has revealed the existence of factories within China that had been receiving the RTX 4090s ahead of the ban, dismantling the components, and reusing them in different boards with blower-style coolers so they can be sold to AI firms.

The images show pallets full of RTX 4090 cards worth tens of thousands of dollars from various manufacturers, including Palit, Asus, Gigabyte, and Gainward.

The RTX 4090 usually has a 3- or 4-slot design, which isn't ideal for an AI server rack that packs multiple cards into a tight space. Putting their core components into blower-style coolers makes them more effective in AI-farm clusters.

The newly assembled cards are tested on a suite of software programs, including AI apps, to ensure they are up to the job, before being sold to Chinese AI customers. With Nvidia bringing TensorRT and TensorRT-LLM to Windows 11 PCs, large language models perform even faster on RTX GPUs.

Even the leftover parts from the original cards, including the coolers and stripped boards, are sold.

Now that the ban is in effect, the factories will no longer be able to import the RTX 4090 cards en masse, so we'll hopefully see prices and availability return to normal levels. That's welcome news for gamers, who still have memories of card prices skyrocketing and availability disappearing the last time they were in demand for something other than playing games.
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After more than four years of study, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the owners of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project have released a draft progr. . .
Forward-looking: Full-array mini-LED displays employ an LED-based backlight which can support over a thousand full-array local dimming zones, providing an enhanced viewing experience with HDR content. Redmagic now claims that it can up the ante in the 4K display business even further.

A sub-brand company created by Chinese smartphone manufacturer Nubia in 2018, Redmagic is mostly known for its 5G smartphones with cooling fans and other devices aimed at eSport enthusiasts. The latest products coming from the Asian company are all about display quality, with a couple of new gaming monitors designed to provide seemingly exceptional specs to cater to specific userbases.

Redmagic's new products include a "5088miniLED 4K" gaming monitor, and a 27-inch screen with a 3840 x 2160 resolution and an AU Optronics Fast IPS panel. The 4K display boasts a 160Hz refresh rate, support for adaptive sync on Nvidia and AMD GPUs, support for DisplayPort and 2x HDMI connections along with USB type-C and some additional USB data ports.

The most interesting feature of the 5088miniLED 4K display is its alleged ability to provide 5,088 local dimming zones or "partitions" through its Mini LED backlight. These high-density local dimming zones would guarantee richer black levels with reduced blooming, providing a great viewing experience for HDR content and Blu-ray Ultra HD releases, which are mostly HDR-only these days.

The 5088miniLED 4K's high-density dimming zones allow the monitor to reach very high peak brightness levels, with 2,200 nits, according to Redmagic, and a VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification for "true" HDR viewing capabilities. Other specs of the 5088miniLED 4K display include support for 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 99% of the DCI-P3, with factory calibration to close the deal.

Even though the 5088miniLED is certainly the most interesting product shown by Redmagic, the company is also introducing an additional display designed for the ultrawide audience. The 49" QD-OLED curved monitor features the same Samsung Display QD-OLED panel as the Samsung Odyssey OLED G95SC gaming monitor, with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms G2G response time.

The monitor also includes the same connection capabilities as its 4K sibling, with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and 90W USB type-C for charging duties. Two 5W built-in speakers and mic support are included as well. Redmagic provided no details about prices, though the Samsung Odyssey curved monitor is currently available for purchase for around $2,000 US.
In context: The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) is the regional Internet address registry (RIR) for the Asia-Pacific region. The nonprofit organization provides number resource allocation and registration services for providers and other internet companies, and according to its chief scientist, it should not be solely responsible for investigating major internet outages as well.

Geoff Huston is calling for the creation of a hypothetical "routing police," a third-party organization that should thoroughly investigate internet service providers when a major outage leaves millions of users with no internet connection. The APNIC chief scientist recently published a post about an outage affecting Australian service provider Optus, the exact nature of which is still being investigated.

Optus is a large provider in Australia, Huston says in his post, and the aforementioned outage left around 10 million users, companies and public organizations without communication services for hours, or even days in some instances. It appears that one of Optus' peer BGP networks mistakenly advertised a very large route collection to the Optus BGP network, causing the routers to malfunction in "some manner."

If the Optus incident were a bank heist, Huston remarks, the site would "no doubt be saturated with investigators" from the police force. But this was a "routing heist," as the BGP routing system effectively seized control of the operator's network and put it out of action. Now we need to understand the exact nature of the triggers for this outage, Huston says, and identify if Optus was somewhat negligent and amplified a minor issue into a major incident for millions of internet users.

Internet governance organizations such as APNIC, standard bodies and network operators shouldn't be left alone in untangling the mess related to a major routing incident, Huston added. They are not the right entities to take on the task, and the same goes for national regulatory agencies as the internet is a borderless, global inter-network communication system in nature.

Huston suggests people in power should take inspiration from the aviation industry, which can seemingly provide a better model for a potentially global incident response. Outages should not push companies and internet organizations to sweep responsibilities "under the closest rug," Huston says.

In the airline industry, the object of an investigation is not necessarily to blame someone, but to unearth the root causes of an incident and potentially propose effective preventive measures. The global digital network has effectively become a public service, Huston suggests. Therefore, we should begin treating internet service providers and infrastructure as a matter of public safety.
What just happened? Dbrand, the skins/wraps company that has repeatedly dared gaming giants to sue it for potential copyright infringement, has launched a lawsuit of its own against Casetify. Dbrand says the rival firm blatantly copied the design of its own "transparent" Teardown products in its Inside Out line.

Dbrand Teardown products are created in collaboration with Jerry Nelson, the gravel-voiced star of YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, which regularly puts new devices through physical stress tests and examines their internals.

The Teardown decals and cases are designed to look exactly like the internals of the devices they cover, giving them the appearance of having a transparent casing.

Nelson and Dbrand say they "go to extreme lengths to ensure that every Teardown skin is an accurate representation" of each device's insides. They are taken apart, the internals are scanned using a commercial-grade machine, and the images edited to remove elements such as screws and to ensure the design fits on its intended phone, laptop, or tablet.

Dbrand has listed what it claims is evidence that Casetify's Inside Out steals its Teardown design, and it's pretty compelling. The first sign is that the catchphrase "GLASS IS GLASS AND GLASS BREAKS," coined by Nelson and used in the Teardown designs but not within any devices, appears on Casetify's products.

Exhibit A: The phrase "GLASS IS GLASS AND GLASS BREAKS".



This is a catch-phrase coined by Teardown co-creator @ZacksJerryRig. This tagline does not exist on the internal hardware of any smartphone, yet somehow appears on @Casetify's products. (2/6) pic.twitter.com/UpB2u5zg3M  dbrand (@dbrand) November 23, 2023

Elsewhere, the digits 11 11 11, Dbrand's founding date, is also on its the Inside Out line, as is the "all seeing eye" that the company regularly uses, the "R0807" tag, and the 11.11 watt-hours label  another reference to its founding date and not related to a device's battery.

Exhibit E: The "11.11" watt-hours.



This is, again, a reference to our founding date. This erroneous watt-hour metric is not on the battery of any smartphone, yet somehow appears on @Casetify's products. (6/6) pic.twitter.com/3S6Ahu49K3  dbrand (@dbrand) November 23, 2023

Back in March, Dbrand posted a video apparently showing how Casetify's Inside Parts line recycled the same images of device internals across multiple designs. A few months later, the company released its Inside Out series with the accurate internals that Dbrand says are stolen and slightly rearranged to hide the theft.

Dbrand says in its Canada-filed suit that Casetify infringed upon its copyrighted works with 45 Inside Out products. It's asking for eight figures in damages. Casetify has now removed every Inside Out product from its website.

Despite what looks like a mountain of evidence against it, Casetify responded to the accusations by referring to itself as a "bastion of originality." It is investigating the copyright claims, as well as a DDOS attack that disrupted its website when the allegations surfaced, apparently.

Back in May, Dbrand released some very Zelda-like themed decals for the Switch that included a coded message in the stickers that read "Go fu*k yourself, lawyers."

In February 2021, Dbrand made black PS5 faceplates that gave the console a look closer to its predecessors. the company even taunted Sony by telling it to "go ahead, sue us," which it threatened to do a few months later. Dbrand's response to Sony's cease-and-desist letter came a week later in the form of a new design for its faceplates that differentiated them from the PS5. "Checkmate, lawyers," was the message it sent to the Japanese gaming giant.
What just happened? More bad news for China's sanctions-hit artificial intelligence industry. Nvidia has reportedly told customers in the country that its new AI chip designed specifically to comply with the latest US export rules is being delayed until the first quarter of next year. Nvidia's share price fell around 4% on the back of the claims, though it has recovered slightly since then.

Citing two sources familiar with the matter, Reuters writes that the delayed chip is the H20, the most powerful of three AI-focused products Nvidia has developed to comply with the new US restrictions announced in October.

The latest rule updates extended the US government's export ban to include the made-for-China A800 and H800, which are reduced versions of the A100, A100X, and H100 chips that were already prohibited from export to the Asian nation. Even the RTX 4090 isn't allowed, which led to companies stocking up on the gaming GPU ahead of time and repurposing them as AI accelerators.

The launch of the new China-specific AI product, designed to comply with US regulations, was initially anticipated for November 16, but it has now been postponed to February or March next year. Sources say the reason for the delay is due to issues server manufacturers were having in integrating the chip.

As for the two other, less-powerful chips, sources say the L20 is not facing any delays and will launch according to schedule - November of December. It's unclear if the final chip, the L2, will also be delayed or stick with its original release date of December or January.

A delay of a few months might not seem like a big deal for a company that dominates the AI market, but Nvidia is facing competition in China from local firms such as Huawei, which has sold a sizeable number of AI chips to Chinese internet giant Baidu.

Nvidia announced this week that its revenue had tripled compared to the previous year, with net income up 1,259% year-over-year, elevating CEO Jensen Huang to one of the thirty wealthiest people in the world. However, with around 25% of Team Green's data center revenue coming from China, there was a warning that sales to the country would decline significantly during the next quarter.
A hot potato: Germany's Federal Constitutional Court recently ruled that the government's decision to reallocate 60 billion of unused funds from pandemic support to the Climate and Transformation Fund in 2022 was unconstitutional. Plans will need to be reshuffled, and the planned subsidies for Intel, TSMC, and other chip companies could disappear overnight.

The German government aimed to finance the green transition with 60 billion reallocated from unused funds from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the country's highest court deemed this reallocation measure unconstitutional, as it violated a constitutional provision capping the government's borrowing capacity. Consequently, Germany now faces an outstanding 60 billion deficit in its budget.

Germany is the largest economy and industrial manufacturing nation in Europe, but the decision by the Constitutional Court has essentially removed 60 billion from the government plan to strengthen the country's transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. Berlin authorities have now two choices: they can either find "other means" to make up for the missing funds, or they will be forced to cut some planned allocations within the aforementioned green transition in the state's draft budget for 2024.

The court's ruling is expected to impact subsidies earmarked for new chip manufacturing plants planned by major industry players in Germany. Berlin had committed 10 billion to support Intel's proposed wafer fabrication facility in Magdeburg, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The total investment for this project amounts to 30 billion, meaning that federal funds would cover a significant portion of the overall building cost.

In August, Taiwanese chip foundry TSMC announced a new chip manufacturing venture outside the city of Dresden, collaborating with European chip companies NXP, Infineon, and Bosch. The overall cost for this venture is expected to be 10 billion, with subsidies covering approximately half of that amount.

Michael Kellner, Germany's State Secretary for Economic Affairs, highlights that the absence of previously allocated green transition funds puts both new chip manufacturing ventures at risk. The coalition government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had also intended to revitalize the solar industry in East Germany using the now-vanished funds.

When questioned about Germany's budget cuts and the future of their European investments, Intel and TSMC have not provided any comments thus far. The Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, is facing an unprecedented crisis, leading to the suspension of all budget decisions. The government is now contemplating an extreme solution, such as incurring additional debt to compensate for the missing funds.
European Union's artificial intelligence regulations, dubbed as the 'AI Act' has reportedly caused businesses and tech groups to voice out their concerns, warning the EU that over-regulation of AI foundation models could prove fatal to startups, stifling innovative players.

The warning, according to Reuters, came from the group DigitalEurope, which comprises some of the biggest tech companies like Apple Google, as well as Ericsson, LSE, and SAP.

(Photo : KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

A picture taken on May 5, 2021 shows a flag of the European Union flying outside the European commission headquarters in Brussels. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

The group stated that whilst seeing a significant opportunity in foundation models and new creative companies, players, startups emerging in the artificial intelligence field, it is imperative not to "regulate them out of existence before they get a chance to scale, or force them to leave."

The statement was also reportedly signed by 32 European digital associations amidst EU's last round of talks for its 'AI Act' regulation.

The signatories of the warning statement have previously backed a France, Germany, and Italy proposal, limiting the scope of AI guidelines to that of the application of AI, rather than the actual technology.

Read Also: Deepfake Crackdown: India Takes Action to Regulate Harmful AI Content

A Softer 'AI Act'

Various businesses and tech groups, mostly within the U.S., have long been proposing to soften the proposed E.U. regulation, according to TIME. A call to help "promote AI innovation."

Another concern of the group is that the current broad reach of the draft AI guidelines may conflict with existing legislation in specific industries, such as healthcare.

A spokesperson from Siemens Healthineers, Georgina Prodhan, echoed this notion by stating that there is a lack of attention to the implications for the medical profession amidst 'AI Act talks.

DigitalEurope also voiced out its concerns on the copyright laws that creative industries have called for by saying that the EU's comprehensive copyright protection and enforcement system can already assist in addressing AI-related copyright challenges, such as the text and data mining exemption and equivalent requirements.

EU's AI Act Progress

According to TIME, the European Union's AI Act was initially suggested in 2021, and negotiations are now at the last 'trilogue,' stage of the E.U. The legislative procedure in which the European Parliament and the member states negotiate to reach an agreement on a version of the Act.

The goal is to complete the 'AI Act' before the 2024 European Parliament elections, which might push its passage until early 2025. If approved, the E.U. The 'AI Act' would be one of the world's strictest and most comprehensive AI legislation. However, there is still a dispute over how foundation models should be controlled.

PYMNTS reports that the implications of EU's 'AI Act' regulation will significantly help determine the future of AI development not only within the EU but also internationally, establishing a norm that other countries may follow, a norm that the EU has previously stated to be one of its aims.

Related Article: Italy Launches Probe Into AI Training Practices Over Personal Data Gathering

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Dolomite, a naturally occurring mineral that scientists have yet to reproduce without any defects or staggering difficulty, has finally been reportedly reproduced by a team of scholars from the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan, after scientists have tried for nearly 200 years.

This latest scientific achievement addresses a long-standing geological mystery known as the "Dolomite Problem," due to scientists failing to quickly reproduce and replicate the rare mineral without any defects.

(Photo : NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)

Remi Martinaeu, archeologist and researcher for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Dijon, poses in a hypogeum (an underground tomb) dug into the chalk near Vert-Toulon, on June 8, 2017.

The feat done in an educational laboratory proved to be successful in producing dolomite by removing faults in the mineral structure as it grew. Water proved to be successful in removing these faults as when the mineral is rinsed with water, the flaws dissolve first.

Rinsing away these faults repeatedly, for example, with rain or tidal cycles, permits a dolomite layer to develop in a matter of years. Dolomite mountains can form throughout geologic time.

Failure to remove any defects with water would slow down dolomite development to a halt, implying that one layer of ordered dolomite would take 10 million years to form.

Read Also: 'Cookie Monster' Rock from Brazil: Real or Fake?

Geological Achievement with Technological Benefits

Even in previous dolomite replication studies, "crystal growers who wanted to make materials without defects would try to grow them really slowly," as reportedly said by Wenhao Sun, the Dow Early Career Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at U-M and the corresponding author of the paper published today in Science.

The Dolomite Problem's insights can help understand how dolomite develops in nature, leading to the development of new ways to promote the crystal formation of current technology materials.

Thus potentially helping engineers create higher-quality materials for semiconductors, solar panels, batteries, and other technology.

Joonsoo Kim, a doctoral student of materials science and engineering and the study's first author stated the study's benefits as "our theory shows that you can grow defect-free materials quickly, if you periodically dissolve the defects away during growth."

Dolomite Defect Removal

The actual process of removing the defects while growing the dolomite proved to be complex, as the scientists chose to employ atomic simulations to determine how tightly or loosely the defects adhered to an existing dolomite surface.

They then collaborated with the Japanese Hokkaido University to verify their notion that water may truly serve to eliminate flaws from lab-grown Dolomites using transmission electron microscopes.

After putting a tiny dolomite crystal in a calcium and magnesium solution, the researchers and their new collaborators softly pulsed an electron beam 4,000 times over two hours. They discovered that following the pulses, the Dolomite expanded around 100 nanometers-roughly 250,000 times smaller than an inch and equal to 300 layers of the material.

This was a remarkable accomplishment given that more than five layers of Dolomite had never been made in the lab previously.

The American Chemical Society PRF New Doctoral Investigator grant, as well as the U.S. The Department of Energy and the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science are both involved in the study reportedly published in the journal 'Science'.

Related Article: Australian Researchers Unveil How Rare Pink Diamonds Formed During Ancient Supercontinent's Breakup

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google's Android 14 features the most advanced and feature-rich operating system for applicable devices, and Samsung is looking to bring it to more than 50 Galaxy devices, as per leaks. This centers on the company's full rollout of the One UI 6 in the future, following its priority update for flagship smartphones in its lineup including the Galaxy S23 series which got it first.

Android 14 is Coming to More than 50 Samsung Galaxy Devices

(Photo : Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for Samsung)

SamMobile got ahold of a roadmap for One UI 6's rollout in Germany, detailing the expected schedule of Android 14's availablity to the other Samsung Galaxy devices, with as much as 50 slated to receive the update.

As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series (S23 base, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra) already received the One UI 6 update. Starting this November until early 2024, Android 14 is making its presence available to eligible devices listed below.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 - November 2023

Galaxy Z Flip 5 - November 2023

Galaxy A54 5G - November 2023

Galaxy A34 5G - November 2023

Galaxy Z Fold 4 - December 2023

Galaxy Z Fold 3 - December 2023

Galaxy Z Flip 4 - December 2023

Galaxy Z Flip 3 - December 2023

Galaxy S22 - December 2023

Galaxy S22 Plus - December 2023

Galaxy S22 Ultra - December 2023

Galaxy S21 - December 2023

Galaxy S21 Plus - December 2023

Galaxy S21 Ultra - December 2023

Galaxy S21 FE - December 2023

Galaxy A72 - December 2023

Galaxy A53 5G - December 2023

Galaxy A52 - December 2023

Galaxy A52 5G - December 2023

Galaxy A52s 5G - December 2023

Galaxy A33 5G - December 2023

Galaxy A14 - December 2023

Galaxy A14 5G - December 2023

Galaxy M53 5G - December 2023

Galaxy M33 5G - December 2023

Galaxy XCover 6 Pro - December 2023

Galaxy A23 5G - January 2024

Galaxy A13 - February 2024

Galaxy A13 5G - February 2024

Galaxy A04s - February 2024

Galaxy M23 5G - February 2024

Galaxy M13 - February 2024

Read Also: Samsung Will Introduce AI Live Translate Call for its Smartphones by 2024

Samsung's Galaxy Tablets Set to Receive OneUI 6

Galaxy Tab S9 - November 2023

Galaxy Tab S9 5G - November 2023

Galaxy Tab S9+ Plus - November 2023

Galaxy Tab S9 Plus 5G - November 2023

Galaxy Tab S6 Lite - November 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 5G - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 Plus - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 Plus 5G - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 5G - December 2023

Galaxy Tab S7 FE - January 2024

Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G - January 2024

Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro - January 2024

Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro 5G - January 2024

Galaxy Tab A8 - February 2024

Galaxy Tab A7 Lite - February 2024

Samsung and Google's Android

It is widely known that Android's latest release came the earliest for the Pixel, but almost immediately, Samsung also gets the update for its flagship devices.

Back in the early beta testing of Android 14, the industry has seen the latest Galaxy S23 Ultra running the One UI 6, particularly with software on Geekbench.

Android 14 is the latest of what Google has to offer for developers, with the open-source OS soon rolling out to more Samsung Galaxy devices for users to get the best Android experience there is via One UI.

Related Article: Samsung's More Affordable Foldable Phones to Start at Half the Regular Release Price-How Cheap?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Chinese companies are adapting their strategies in response to recent export controls implemented by the United States. Tech giants have proactively stockpiled AI chips, anticipating a potential tech conflict, whereas smaller AI players are grappling to keep up with these developments.

(Photo : JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images)

This photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a night view of the city skyline in Shenzhen, China's southern Guangdong province.

Anticipating an Escalating Tech Conflict

Prior to the U.S. export restrictions on high-performance graphic processing units from Nvidia to China, the country's tech giants had been stockpiling these components, anticipating an escalating tech conflict between the two nations.

As revealed by the company's CEO Robin Li during an earnings call this week, Baidu has successfully secured a substantial quantity of AI chips, ensuring the continuous training of its ChatGPT counterpart, Ernie Bot, for at least the "next year or two.

Li also emphasized the company's confidence in using less powerful chips for inference, supported by their chip reserves and exploration of alternative sources, enabling them to sustain various AI-native applications for end-users.

In response to U.S. export controls, other financially robust Chinese tech companies, including Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba, took proactive measures. Financial Times reported that they collectively placed orders for about 100,000 units of Nvidia's A800 processors, amounting to a substantial investment of up to $4 billion.

Also Read: Biden Administration to Target Export Controls to China Despite Revenue Loss for Some US Firms

Additionally, these companies acquired $1 billion worth of GPUs scheduled for delivery in 2024. These strategic moves underscore the industry's commitment to navigating challenges and seeking alternatives to ensure the uninterrupted progression of AI development in China.

The substantial initial investments required to compete in the Large Language Model (LLM) race may act as a deterrent for many startups. However, exceptions arise for those able to secure significant investments promptly.

An example is 01.AI, founded in late March by prominent investor Kai-Fu Lee, which managed to obtain a substantial number of high-performance inference chips through loans. The company successfully repaid its debt after raising capital resulting in a valuation of $1 billion.

In a strategic move, Baidu, leveraging its reserve of GPUs, recently introduced the Ernie Bot 4. CEO Robin Li asserted that this latest creation is not inferior in any respect to GPT-4.

The assessment of LLMs poses challenges due to the intricate nature of these AI models. Many Chinese AI firms resort to ranking boosting by meticulously meeting the criteria set by LLM charts. However, the true effectiveness of these models in real-life applications is still awaiting comprehensive judgment.

Struggling to Keep Up

Meanwhile, TechCrunch reported that smaller players in the AI landscape, constrained by limited financial resources to accumulate chip reserves, will likely opt for less potent processors not subject to U.S. export controls.

Another avenue available to them is to patiently await potential acquisition opportunities. Li envisions that a convergence of factors, encompassing the scarcity of advanced chips, soaring demand for data and AI expertise, and the significant upfront investments required, will propel the industry toward a forthcoming "consolidation stage."

Related Article: US Broadens Export Controls Targeting Chip Transfers to China

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The Telescope Array has detected the second-highest-energy cosmic ray ever observed, marking a significant milestone in astrophysics.

This groundbreaking discovery follows the famed Oh-My-God particle detected by the University of Utah Fly's Eye experiment in 1991, which defied conventional understanding due to its extraordinary energy levels.

The Telescope Array

On May 27, 2021, the Telescope Array experiment, led by the University of Utah and the University of Tokyo, recorded the second-highest extreme-energy cosmic ray, boasting an energy level of 2.4 x 10^20 electron volts (eV).

To put this into perspective, the energy of this single subatomic particle is equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height. The experiment, situated outside Delta, Utah, comprises 507 surface detector stations covering an expansive 700 km.

The incident activated 23 detectors in the northwest sector of the Telescope Array, covering a span of 48 km. Interestingly, the path of this cosmic ray seemed to initiate from the Local Void, a vacant expanse in space adjacent to the Milky Way galaxy.

Telescope Array co-spokesperson John Matthews explained the puzzle surrounding these high-energy particles by saying: "The particles are so high energy, they shouldn't be affected by galactic and extra-galactic magnetic fields. You should be able to point to where they come from in the sky."

"But in the case of the Oh-My-God particle and this new particle, you trace its trajectory to its source and there's nothing high energy enough to have produced it. That's the mystery of this-what the heck is going on?," he added.

Researchers named this ultra-high-energy cosmic ray the Amaterasu particle, drawing inspiration from the sun goddess of Japanese mythology. The observations raise questions about particle physics that are yet known to science.

Cosmic rays, remnants of violent celestial events, travel through space at nearly the speed of light, hitting Earth's upper atmosphere and generating secondary particles that rain down onto the surface. The Telescope Array's unique setup, with detectors covering a vast area, allows researchers to study the trajectory and energy of these cosmic rays.

Read Also: [LOOK] NASA's Picture of the Day Reveals Stunning View of a Hidden Spiral Galaxy

Surpassing the Limit

Astrophysicists computed a theoretical boundary called the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin (GZK) cutoff, representing the highest energy a proton can retain when traveling significant distances before interactions with microwave background radiation deplete its energy.

Both the Oh-My-God and Amaterasu particles significantly surpass this limit. The researchers noted that composition of the particle is likely a proton, which ultimately introduces an additional element of mystery.

According to particle physics, a cosmic ray surpassing the GZK cutoff should possess too much power for the microwave background to alter its trajectory. Back-tracing its path leads to empty space, further complicating the puzzle.

Telescope Array co-author John Belz suggests unconventional possibilities and said: "It could be defects in the structure of spacetime, colliding cosmic strings. I mean, I'm just spit-balling crazy ideas that people are coming up with because there's not a conventional explanation."

The Telescope Array, situated in Utah's West Desert, aims to capture more cosmic events and shed light on the perplexing nature of these ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.

The Telescope Array has reportedly since observed over 30 ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, but none approaching the Oh-My-God-level energy. No observations yet reveal their origin or how they can travel to the Earth.

As astrophysicists grapple with this cosmic mystery, the expanded Telescope Array aims to unravel the secrets hidden within these extraordinary particles. The team's findings were published in the journal Science.

Related Article: NASA James Webb Space Telescope Dives Deep into the Heart of the Milky Way

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NVIDIA is currently embroiled in a legal dispute after French automotive supplier Valeo filed a lawsuit against the tech company.

According to Bloomberg, the crux of the matter revolves around allegations of trade secret theft stemming from an accidental screen-sharing incident involving one of NVIDIA's engineers, Mohammad Moniruzzaman.

The Lawsuit Against NVIDIA

The incident reportedly occurred during a joint meeting between Valeo and NVIDIA in 2022. Moniruzzaman, an engineer at NVIDIA and a former employee of Valeo, unintentionally displayed source code files from his computer while sharing his screen.

This blunder did not go unnoticed by Valeo's employees, who quickly recognized the proprietary code and captured screenshots before informing Moniruzzaman of his mistake.

The backdrop of this meeting was the collaboration between the two companies on advanced parking and driving assistance technology.

The relationship between Valeo and NVIDIA had evolved from a prior arrangement wherein Valeo was responsible for the software and hardware aspects of a manufacturer's parking assistance technology.

However, in 2021, the larger corporation won the contract for developing parking assistance software, resulting in a shift in responsibilities. Valeo alleged in its lawsuit that Moniruzzaman sought to leverage this information to his advantage at NVIDIA.

The main point of Valeo's complaint is the claim that Moniruzzaman, after realizing his diminished role at Valeo, accessed Valeo's systems unauthorized using his personal email. He allegedly stole "tens of thousands of files" and 6GB of source code.

Moniruzzaman has departed from Valeo and assumed a senior position at NVIDIA, carrying the alleged ill-gotten information with him. Notably, he continued working on the same project he was involved with Valeo, explaining his presence at the video conference where the screensharing incident occurred.

Valeo asserted that its former employee admitted to the theft, and German authorities reportedly discovered Valeo's documentation and hardware displayed in Moniruzzaman's residence during a police raid. In September, a German court convicted the engineer of infringing on business secrets, imposing a penalty of 14,400 ($15,750).

Read Also: GPU Vulnerability: Sensitive Information Access Discovered with 'Pixel-Stealing' Attack on Renowned Brands

NVIDIA's Representatives

In response to these allegations, NVIDIA's legal representatives, in a letter dated June 2022, asserted the company's disinterest in Valeo's code or alleged trade secrets.

They claimed that NVIDIA had promptly taken concrete steps to protect its client's rights. Despite this assertion, Valeo filed a lawsuit, claiming that NVIDIA had accrued substantial profits - potentially in millions - by unlawfully appropriating its trade secrets.

Related Article: NVIDIA CEO's Meeting With India's PM Raises Speculations of Chip Factory Building in the Country

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Today, Nov. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a strong warning against Western countries, which he said were monopolizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Reuters reports that in a high-profile address at an AI conference in Moscow, Putin emphasized the peril of allowing Western platforms to gain an unchecked monopoly on AI advancements.

He underscored the urgency of countering this dominance, unveiling an ambitious and comprehensive Russian strategy to propel the nation to the forefront of global AI innovation.

Putin's AI Concerns

Putin's concerns stem from the burgeoning technological dominance of the United States and China in the AI race.

Both nations have surged ahead in AI development, triggering apprehensions among global leaders, who foresee AI's potential to reshape societies akin to the computer revolution of the late 20th century.

However, Russia's aspirations to establish itself as an AI powerhouse have encountered formidable obstacles. The conflict in Ukraine prompted an exodus of skilled scientists from Russia, exacerbating the challenge.

Additionally, Western sanctions have impeded the country's access to critical high-tech imports, hindering its technological advancements. In early 2022, the US government stepped in to prevent Russia from gaining access to low and high-tech goods overseas.

Read Also: EU Warned by Experts, AI Models Could be Over-Regulated "Out of Existence"

Russia's New National Strategy for AI

During his address alongside Sberbank CEO German Gref, Putin unveiled a pivotal step in Russia's response to this challenge: the imminent approval of a new national strategy for AI development.

This strategy, set to be initiated through a presidential decree, promises significant reforms. It emphasizes augmenting both fundamental and applied research in generative AI and large language models, key areas pivotal for AI advancement.

Putin stressed the necessity of legislative and investment alterations to foster a conducive environment for AI development within Russia.

While Russia bolsters its strategy, a pivotal shift in the global dialogue on AI's implications in nuclear weaponry emerges.

US and China Talks on AI War Risks

As NewScientist reports, recent discussions between the US and China, as a part of bilateral talks, have gravitated toward controlling AI's role in nuclear weapons.

Both superpowers acknowledge the need to maintain human control over nuclear escalation and contemplate restrictions on AI applications in these systems.

Experts, however, urge caution. They highlight the complexities and risks associated with integrating AI into nuclear forces. Concerns about evaluating the capabilities and intentions of rival nations loom large, potentially escalating nuclear risks.

Despite the positive stance on discussions, verifying agreements between the US and China on AI's role in nuclear arms control remains challenging.

In light of these developments, Putin's call to action stands as a pivotal moment in the global AI landscape. Russia's revamped strategy signals a determined effort to compete with the technological prowess of the US and China.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Chinese AI Companies Strategize Amidst US Export Restrictions, Stockpiling AI Chips, Exploring Alternatives

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OpenAI recently made headlines with the sudden and drastic turn of events it went through that changed the struggle for the future of artificial intelligence (AI), with far-reaching implications.

Once a relatively modest business, OpenAI rose to fame a year ago with the release of ChatGPT, a groundbreaking AI tool praised for its human-like attributes like producing high-quality and coherent text.

However, a recent and tumultuous boardroom shakeup, centered around former CEO Sam Altman, has significantly altered the dynamics of the tech industry. As per The Verge, the power shift became evident on November 17 when OpenAI's board announced his immediate departure from the company he co-founded.

Subsequent attempts to reinstate Altman failed, leading to the appointment of Emmett Shear, former Twitch boss, as the interim CEO. According to CNN, this move triggered a potential exodus, with hundreds of OpenAI employees, including notable figures like former interim CEO Mira Murati and board member Ilya Sutskever, expressing their intent to join Microsoft unless Altman was reinstated. After intense negotiations, an agreement in principle has been reached for the return of Sam Altman to the helm, along with President Greg Brockman.

First TechTimes Twitter Space to Delve into The OpenAI Turmoil

The OpenAI turmoil has brought to light vulnerabilities that raise concerns about the stability of the tech company that has become synonymous with generative AI, jeopardizing the momentum it had steadily built over the past year, per a Financial Times report. The OpenAI turmoil has left many to question how the renowned generative AI company found itself entangled in such upheaval, featuring unexpected twists and turns that have reshaped the landscape of the AI race.

The first TechTimes Twitter Space event will explore "The OpenAI Turmoil," an engaging examination of the narrative that is developing in the field of artificial intelligence. This event, which Tom Kong, the founder of the AGI Adventist Community, is hosting, offers an interesting discussion featuring prominent individuals deeply involved in the AI world.

Read Also: Elon Musk's Chatbot 'Grok' Set to Debut on X's Premium+ Next Week: What to Know

This Twitter Space event brings together a stellar lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The discussions will offer a unique opportunity to gain insights into the challenges, breakthroughs, and the overarching narrative surrounding OpenAI.

A group of influential voices influencing the future of AI is presenting this Twitter Space event, which includes the following notable resource speakers:

Howie Xu: Distinguished SVP of Engineering AI/ML, Stanford guest lecturer, and ex-CEO of TrustPath.

Xiaoyu Xu is the managing partner of Amino Capital, renowned for investing in over 260 projects, including 17 unicorns.

Lu Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner at Fusion Fund is recognized as one of the Best 25 Female Early-Stage Investors.

Qiang Bai, co-founder of iFlytek and mastermind behind UniView Technologies, brings a wealth of experience in network solutions and RFID.

How to Join TechTimes Twitter Space #1

Follow TechTimes (@TechTimes_News) on X (formerly Twitter) to join the space on November 24 at 7 p.m. (Pacific Time) or 10 p.m. (New York Time) for a better understanding of the complexities of the OpenAI Turmoil issue and its impact on the broader landscape of AI.

Related Article: Best Productivity Apps to Lighten Your Daily Load [2023]

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Amazon workers across Europe initiated a widespread strike on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, protesting against the e-commerce giant's working conditions.



The "Make Amazon Pay" campaign, run by the UNI Global Union, saw strikes and protests from Black Friday through the weekend in over 30 countries, as reported by Reuters.



Black Friday, traditionally associated with long lines at physical stores in the US, has increasingly become a global online shopping event, with Amazon leading the charge. This year, Amazon's holiday discounts, advertised from November 17 to November 27, set the stage for the labor unrest.

Thousands of Amazon Workers Demand Higher Wage

In Germany, Amazon's second-largest market, around 2,000 workers participated in strikes across six fulfillment centers. Notably, 500 workers in Rheinberg, constituting nearly 40% of the workforce, and 250 workers in Leipzig, accounting for about 20%, joined the strike.



Despite this, an Amazon spokesperson in Germany downplayed the impact, citing a small number of workers involved and affirming fair wages with a starting salary exceeding 14 ($15.27) per hour. The spokesperson assured customers of reliable and timely delivery of Black Friday orders.



In Coventry, UK, approximately 200 Amazon warehouse workers went on strike to continue a salary dispute. Workers exclaimed for 15 ($18.69) per hour salary hikes. The labor action in the UK marks the 28th day of strikes against Amazon in 2023.

Read Also: The OpenAI Turmoil: TechTimes Twitter Space Explores How the Controversy Impacts the AI Landscape



Conflicting reports emerged from Italy, where trade union CGIL claimed over 60% of the strike participation at the Amazon warehouse in Castel San Giovanni. In contrast, Amazon stated that more than 86% of workers attended, with no operational impact. In Spain, the CCOO union called for one-hour strikes on each shift on "Cyber Monday," the final day of Amazon's ten-day sale.



In France, Amazon's parcel lockers in various locations became a focal point for protests organized by the anti-globalization group Attac.

Attac, critical of Black Friday as a "celebration of overproduction and overconsumption," targeted lockers in train stations, supermarket car parks, and street corners, according to a report from Business World. The group anticipated a broader protest than the previous year, aiming at 100 Amazon lockers across France.

Amazon Assures Services Will Continue

Despite the widespread Black Friday strikes, an Amazon spokesperson in the UK assured customers of no disruption, emphasizing competitive wages and benefits, per Sky News. The spokesperson highlighted the online retail company's commitment to reviewing pay regularly and cited a planned increase in minimum starting pay to 12.30 ($15.50) and 13 ($16.38) per hour by April 2024, representing a 20% increase over two years and a 50% increase since 2018.



Despite the employee unrest, Amazon remains popular in Europe, maintaining a substantial user base compared to its rising competitors, Shein and Temu.

Related Article: Apple Facing New NLRB Charge for Alleged Illegal Union-Busting Tactic

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A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has unveiled an astonishing discovery: 63 colossal celestial entities known as Giant Radio Galaxies (GRGs), Phys.org reports.

These cosmic giants have emerged from the depths of the universe, each spanning over 2.3 million light years, shedding light on an extremely rare cosmic phenomenon.

GRGs have long fascinated scientists as these radio galaxies have proven elusive in the vast expanse of space. Hidden within low-density cosmic landscapes, these giants emit radio waves with sizes exceeding 0.7 megaparsecs.

Astronomers discovered this using cutting-edge technology and the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty cm survey (FIRST).

The Team Behind the Discovery

Led by the ingenious Soren Ramdhanie from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this team harnessed the power of the DRAGNhunter algorithm, a tool designed explicitly for uncovering double-lobed radio galaxies.

"DRAGNhunter identifies DRAGNs by pairing cataloged extended radio sources based on their separation and relative alignment, then uses the likelihood ratio approach to search for the probable host galaxy in the AllWISE catalog," the researchers explained.

This algorithm sifted through the data collected by the Very Large Array (VLA) and unveiled a treasure trove of 63 previously unknown GRGs.

Read Also: NASA's Picture of the Day: Jupiter Looking Sharp in These Breathtaking New Rooftop Telescope Images

What This Discovery Holds

With their immense sizes, these GRGs hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of radio sources' birth and growth. Many manifest as double-lobed radio galaxies, a testament to the active galactic nuclei (AGN) at their cores.

However, these colossal entities often evade detection due to the complexity of radio surveys, where their lobes might appear as separate sources.

The discovered GRGs unveiled a cosmic diversity. Spanning redshifts between 0.51 and 1.32, these mammoth entities showcased a staggering array of sizes and luminosities.

The largest, DELS J093016.68+114241.4, dazzles with a projected size of nearly 4 million light years, while its counterpart, DELS J234027.85+003057.4, though smaller at 2.3 million light years, holds its cosmic significance at a redshift of 1.01.

What's Next?

But the mysteries are far from unraveled. With 1.4 GHz luminosities varying between 25.34 and 27.09 W/Hz and flux density scattered from 7.14 to 337.85 mJy, these GRGs beckon for further scrutiny.

Astronomers stress the need for deeper investigations to decipher their properties and origins, contemplating the potential presence of previously cataloged yet unidentified cosmic colossi.

The discovery of these 63 GRGs not only expands our cosmic atlas but also underscores the limitless wonders the universe holds, inviting us to peer deeper into its cosmic mysteries.

In Other News

The Telescope Array has discovered the second-highest-energy cosmic ray ever observed, marking an important step forward in astrophysics.

This discovery comes on the heels of the famous Oh-My-God particle discovered by the University of Utah Fly's Eye experiment in 1991, which defied conventional understanding due to its extraordinary energy levels.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Telescope Array Captures the 2nd Highest-Energy Cosmic Ray Ever Observed

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In 2017, a gray wolf was spotted in Nevada for the first time in nearly 100 years. It was at Fox Mountain, west of the Black Rock Desert and probably wandered east from Californias Shasta pack. The last Nevada sighting before that was in 1922, near Elko Countys Gold Creek. Nevada has probably always been poor wolf habitat and never carried a large population.

Yet Nevada is literally surrounded by wolf populations. The closest is a wolf pack roughly 40 miles from Reno. (All these mileages are very approximate.) So more of these predators are likely to wander into Nevada in the future.

The largest source of gray wolves is Idaho. In 2022, Idaho contained about 1,337 wolves. The closest known wolf pack to Nevada is near Mountain Home, about 100 miles north of Jarbidge. The wide Snake River Plain seems to hold back any wolf migration to the south.

Idahos Department of Fish and Game website does not show any wolves near Nevadas northern border and does not list any livestock depredation there, either. The draft Idaho Gray Wolf Management Plan, 2023-2028, does appear to show a few wolves killed (hunted or trapped) in Idaho near the northeastern corner of Elko County.

The next best wolf source is Oregon, with 178 wolves in 24 packs (April 2023). A map of wolf packs shows the closest pack near Lakeview, about 50 miles from Nevadas northwest corner.

Coming up fast in terms of wolf numbers is California. It has 30 wolves in 4 packs (November 2022). The Beckwourth Pack is roughly 40 miles northwest of Reno. The Lassen Pack is near Susanville, also roughly 40 miles from Nevada. A new pack with five wolves was discovered this year in Tulare County, around Sequoia National Park. These wolves are about 80 miles from Nevada.

Utah has no documented wolf packs but has confirmed sightings of 20 wolves in the state. Most wolf activity is in the northeast corner, away from Nevada.

Arizona and New Mexico have 240 Mexican gray wolves, in 59 packs (2022). These are mostly found in New Mexico, not close to Nevada.

I am going to predict the next confirmed wolf sighting in Nevada will be a wolf from California, or maybe a wolf from Oregon. This seems unfair given Elko Countys abundant wildlife, with our herds of mule deer, elk and moose.

In the past, wildlife like black bears and moose have migrated into Elko County from Idaho, through Utahs Raft River Mountains, then to Nevadas Goose Creek area and on to the Jarbidge Mountains. I predict any wolf from Idaho will come in using that route.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife receives lots of reports of wolf sightings and I have heard people say they saw wolves. The problem is everyone carries a camera now, yet there has not been a single documented sighting in Nevada in recent years. But wolves will get here.
Sighting after more than 80 years: Sniffer dog sniffs out gold mole rat thought to be extinct

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Sighting after more than 80 years: Sniffer dog sniffs out gold mole rat thought to be extinct

DAZN: Most expensive subscription package offers new customers less performance for the same money

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"

Welfare institutions set out from the "dream" to hold up a beautiful life for special children

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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

"Impersonation" awarded 350.<> million yuan in compensation, and the protection of trade secrets was further upgraded

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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"

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The analyst predicted the dollar exchange rate in December in the range of 88-92 rubles

Zelensky announces the entry of the war with Russia into a new phase and Kiev drops 18 marches

The criminal investigation into the truck accident on the E22 is closed

Ministry of Education: Strictly investigate and deal with the behavior of training institutions that are "difficult to refund" and "run away with money".

The implementation plan for the Beijing Junior High School Academic Proficiency Examination was announced, and the examination time for each subject was clarified

Peskov: The Kremlin proceeds from the fact that sanctions have been imposed for many years

Beijing clarified how to test the experimental operation of physics, chemistry and biology subjects in the high school entrance examination

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 first woman to marry an AI: "We don't rule out the idea of having children"

The UN climate chief quotes Yoda from Star Wars: "Do or not do. There is no try"

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"

"Playing ahead of the curve": how OPEC+'s decision to further reduce oil supplies may affect its price

In Ghana, the fight for food sovereignty in the face of land grabbing

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Sanchez coincides with the president of Israel in Dubai in the midst of the diplomatic conflict, but without foreseen contact

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
The UN peacekeeping chief on Tuesday expressed appreciation for China's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, emphasizing China's vital role in these efforts.

The 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, on Dec. 5 to 6. Lacroix said he looks forward to having conversation with China at the meeting.

Cilck here to watch the video
Vice Chairman of HCMC's Vietnam Fatherland Front Pham Minh Tuan offers flowers and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh.(Photo: SGGP)

The visit is part of the Journey to the Origin that is held for individuals and 130 organizations for their outstanding and silent contributions to the social community in the city in 2014-2022 by the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)'s Council of Emulation and Commendation.

The delegation visited the traditional three-room house of Mr. Nguyen Sinh Sac, President Ho Chi Minhs father, in Sen Village. The house was built by the locals after he succeeded in the Junior Doctorate exams in 1901. In the house, two sets of plank beds, a bed, a wooden box, a cabinet, and a black wooden tray are preserved.

The delegation offered incense and flowers to President Ho Chi Minh at his memorial house in Sen Village.

On the same day, the delegation also visited the tomb of Mrs Hoang Thi Loan, Uncle Ho's mother, on Dong Tranh Mountain peak and Truong Bon National Historical Relic Site which was used to transport supplies to the southern battlefield during the American war. Truong Bon saw 1,240 of them laying down their lives on the battlefield./.
A literacy class in Gia Lai province (Photo: VNA)

The information was released at a conference held by the Ministry of Information and Communications in Hanoi on November 23 to provide monthly updates about human rights and external information affairs.

Tran Chi Mai, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Governments Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, said that joining CERD in 1982, Vietnam has successfully defended the national reports on the CERD implementation four times, in 1983, 1993, 2000 and 2012.

The report defence is a chance for the country to introduce its achievements in human rights protection along with the Party and States viewpoints and policies on ethnic minorities and foreigners in Vietnam. This will help refute slander and distortions of hostile forces and also enhance the mutual understanding between Vietnam and the international community, she noted.

The fifth national report covers legislative, administrative and judicial measures and the implementation results of those measures taken during 2013 - 2019 to protect human rights and fight acts of racial discrimination against ethnic minority people and foreigners in Vietnam.

The report also presents the countrys achievements in protecting human rights for ethnic minorities and foreigners, points out difficulties and advantages in the CERD implementation during the reviewed period, and identifies implementation orientations for the time ahead, Mai said.

Elaborating on the reports content, she said it affirms that the Vietnamese Party and Governments consistent viewpoint and policy on ethnic minority groups as enshrined in Article 5 of the 2013 Constitution completely match Article 1 on racial discrimination prevention in the CERD.

The report shares the countrys attainments in ethnic minority affairs since 2013. During 2013 - 2019, Vietnam obtained many remarkable results in promoting the great national solidarity and assisting ethnic minority groups in socioeconomic development, poverty reduction, and preservation of their traditional values, languages, and scripts.

It also stresses Vietnams commitment to exercising the rights and obligations of a CERD member state by highlighting the countrys achievements in aligning its legal system with international standards and protecting the universal values on human rights, as well as Vietnams efforts to help eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, according to the official./.
Faimon Roberts III covers rural communities in Louisiana. His work is supported by a reporting grant from the Microsoft Journalism Initiative and is administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

He can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com.
The brains trust that turned OpenAI into the worlds best-known artificial intelligence startup huddled at Sam Altmans home in San Francisco on Tuesday for another day of fighting with the companys board to reinstate him as the chief executive officer in what had already become one of the most dramatic corporate power struggles in Silicon Valley history.

Still working on it, Mira Murati, OpenAIs chief technology officer and very briefly its interim CEO, wrote in a Slack message on Tuesday to the entire company, which was viewed by Bloomberg News.

Sam Altman is a back at OpenAI. Credit: Bloomberg

She included a picture of her and other top executives sitting in a semi-circle at Altmans home, with the ousted CEO wearing bright green sweatpants and staring intently at his screen. The photo received hundreds of supportive emoji reactions from employees who had spent the previous five days uncertain about their jobs, their equity and the direction of the company.

Late on Tuesday, employees finally got an answer. OpenAI announced that it had reached an agreement for Altman to return as CEO alongside an overhauled board led by Bret Taylor, a former co-CEO of Salesforce. The other directors on the initial board are Larry Summers, the former US Treasury secretary, and existing member Adam DAngelo, the co-founder and CEO of Quora.
That firm is Simon Greenstone Panatier, founded by Jeffrey Greenstone, who recently helped the state of Texas extract $US1.9 billion from big pharmaceutical firms over their role in the US opioid abuse crisis. Loading The shift is significant, says Kysar, because it suggests mainstream firms see profitable avenues to attack the fossil majors that once did not exist. In part this is due to the intensity of extreme weather events, and in part it is due improvements in what is known as attribution science  scientific research linking individual extreme weather events to climate change. But it is also because taking on of the worlds biggest industries is expensive, and now that these firms are cashed-up from prior successes, they have war chests with which to fight. Greenstone argues the case is clear and strong. This was not a natural weather event, it is not one of those mysteries of Gods will, he told this masthead.

In the aftermath of this catastrophe, several scientific studies were conducted having nothing to do with litigation by some of the leading climate scientists in the world, and all of them reached the same conclusion. This heat dome was caused by fossil fuel pollution that superheated the Earths surface, dried out the regions soil and intensified a high-pressure system to turn this county into a convection oven. We contend that this catastrophe was not caused by an act of God, but rather by several of the largest energy companies in the world playing God with the lives of innocent and vulnerable people by selling as much oil, gas and coal as they could while lying. Excellent scientists within Exxon modelled and predicted global warming with, frankly, shocking skill and accuracy. Geoffrey Suprane, Harvard. This statement is worth unpacking. Multnomah County is claiming two things here. Firstly, that as extreme weather events intensify, the scientific methods used to link them to climate change are improving. Kysar agrees  so-called attribution science is becoming central to climate litigation, he says.

The second is the claim that fossil fuel companies knew this would happen and lied about it. This claim too is becoming more common in these suits. In January this year, in a paper called Assessing ExxonMobils Global Warming Projections, researchers from Harvard and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact demonstrated that the companys scientists accurately predicted climate change decades ago. What we found is that between 1977 and 2003, excellent scientists within Exxon modelled and predicted global warming with, frankly, shocking skill and accuracy only for the company to then spend the next couple of decades denying that very climate science, Geoffrey Supran, lead author and former research fellow in the History of Science at Harvard told the Harvard Gazette. Loading Sher Edling has been able to construct a timeline going back to 1958, using external and internal documents, to show how sophisticated oil companies knowledge of climate change was, and the industrys efforts to downplay the threat.

ExxonMobil did not respond to request for comment for this story. In September, the state of California launched a suit against five companies  ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips and Chevron  claiming they deliberately mislead the public about the dangers of their products. In a statement to The New York Times, Ryan Meyers, general counsel of the American Petroleum Institute, said: This ongoing, coordinated campaign to wage meritless, politicised lawsuits against a foundational American industry and its workers is nothing more than a distraction from important national conversations and an enormous waste of California taxpayer resources. Climate policy is for Congress to debate and decide, not the court system. Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, said: These folks had this information and lied to us, and we could have staved off some of the most significant consequences. Its shameful. Its sickens you to your core. How these cases will play out is not yet clear, but in April, some of the jurisdictions bringing them had a win when the US Supreme Court ruled that they should remain in state courts, where they are thought to have more chance of success than in federal courts.
The UK gave us mini skirts, bumster jeans and bustles, courtesy of Mary Quant, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. Now Australian designers are repaying our countrys style debt.

In the rush towards Christmas, the racks of London department stores are heaving with Australian labels.

Rebecca Vallance is stocked in three of Londons biggest department stores, as the British embrace Australian design. Back from a special event at Harrods, Vallance poses in her new Brisbane store. Credit: Glenn Hunt

Harrods, in the midst of a 200 million ($382 million) makeover, stocks 18 Australian fashion brands. Across the road at Harvey Nichols there are 11 Australian labels, while a brisk walk through Hyde Park takes you to Selfridges where there are 16.

The London woman is the same as the Australian woman, says Rebecca Vallance, who was named Marie Claire magazines Designer of the Year on Tuesday and is stocked in all three UK stores. She loves to get dressed up for an event, whether its Ascot, the festive season or a night on the town.
Born in strife-torn Sierra Leone, an orphan at nine, Moses Kellie arrived in Australia aged 21 with a humanitarian visa in hand and the dream of a new life. Thirteen years later, Kellie was found dead in his cell at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

Kellies tale is not just about a young man who lost his way, but also one of several deeply troubling accounts of serious failings in Australias justice and immigration detention systems uncovered through a series of investigative articles by The Ages Charlotte Grieve.

Those articles have exposed a rottenness at the heart of the immigration detention system just as the government is scrambling to prop it up after a High Court finding that indefinitely incarcerating people is unlawful. Thursdays news that a boat had arrived carrying 12 people from Indonesia will only increase scrutiny on the immigration and detention systems here and offshore.

The Villawood Immigrant Detention Centre. Credit: Fiona-Lee Quimby

The investigative series casts an extremely unflattering light on an area many Australian policymakers would prefer was never discussed amid accepted political wisdom that punching down on immigrants, particularly those with a criminal conviction, is often a vote winner.
Sitting at an outdoor table with wraps, chips and a fattoush salad for us to share, Dixon, 63, explains how the school, where he started his career as a newly qualified music teacher in 1985, has undergone major change, particularly in the past five years. Its former reputation as a tough school has faded, as hes pushed to transform it into a place where expectations are high and enrolments are rising. Weve had some tough times, difficult times. But I dont want to focus on that too much. The school is so different compared with when I look back to how it was 10 years ago, he says. Our boys have to compete with everyone else in the state, says principal Noel Dixon. Students at Granville Boys have access to free tutoring sessions on Saturday mornings. Credit: Edwina Pickles Turning around an underperforming school is like turning around a semi-trailer in a one-way street, Dixon says. Its a tough gig. But it is possible, and I want this to be a school where people want to send their kids. There are 152 students enrolled for year 7 next year, about twice the number of new pupils admitted in 2019.

Part of the drive to lift results has been a decisive move to an explicit teaching model, which favours clear instruction over inquiry or student-led learning. The public school, which is partially selective, has zeroed in on improving literacy skills in all subjects, lifting attendance and boosting gifted education and extracurricular programs. Three years ago, Dixon hired an external tutoring company, James An College, to run free lessons in all subjects on a Saturday, with more classes offered to students before sitting their HSC exams. Funding for the program was partly drawn from money allocated to schools for the COVID catch-up tutoring program, and the remainder from a decision to cut back on the number of deputy principal positions at the school. Principal Noel Dixon in the barbers workshop at Granville Boys High. Credit: Edwina Pickles We had three deputies, and we moved to two, so there were funds from that we could use. Our boys have to compete with everyone else in the state. If students from other schools are attending tutoring classes on weekends, then why shouldnt we have that too? he says. We run free tutoring for all students from 8 to 11am on a Saturday for all who want to attend. We want them to achieve in their exams. So I am here every weekend. They do their classes, and then play some sport. We work hard, and we have to be competitive.

NAPLAN results have improved since 2018, and last years HSC average scores in advanced and standard English and maths have risen when compared with five years ago. The truth is our selective students used to leave us for private schools. Now they are staying as weve expanded enrichment programs, including robotics classes. In 2019, I changed our structure. You have to have explicit teaching as the basis of all learning in a school. Particularly for boys. We also raised expectations of parents and students, he says. Granville Boys High enrolments have risen between 2019 and 2023. Credit: Edwina Pickles The greatest gift for a student is helping them achieve the best HSC results they can. That solves a lot of problems. It removes some of the worry because they have more options. We have so many successes, there are students who go on to university and many running their own businesses. That success isnt always academic, he adds. It is different for everyone, and opening up different programs has given students more opportunities to enjoy school.

The bill. Credit: SMH Granville Boys has attracted publicity for its hugely popular barbershop program, where students learn to cut hair in twice-a-week sessions for students in year 7 and up. He also set up a school Scottish bagpipe band, with students going on tour in Queensland and regional NSW. He believes there are some advantages to single-sex education, but also benefits to co-ed. Our robotics program, and competitions students have joined as part of that, have allowed boys to interact with girls from nearby schools more often. Thats so important. Dixon grew up in south-west Sydney, and was among the first year 7 cohort at Casula High when the school opened in the early 1970s. He gained his teaching qualification and then went on to the University of New England where he completed an arts degree majoring in music. His first position was at Granville. He then landed music teaching roles at Sarah Redfern High in Minto, Punchbowl Boys and Ashfield Boys, before moving to England where he did a short stint at a co-ed school in Wembley in north-west London. He returned to Granville as deputy principal about 10 years ago. In late March 2016, while in the playground, Dixon was attacked by a student who grabbed him by the throat in an assault that was filmed and aired on television news that evening.

I was really shaken up by it. But I came back the next day, and was back on playground duty. I spoke at the assembly and just told the kids this is not our school. This is not us. We lost good kids because the playground wasnt safe enough. There was fighting, but we dont have that any more. Student behaviour is something Dixon could discuss for hours, but the essence of how to improve it, he says, is focusing on the importance of building relationships with each child. Im not an expert, I just know what works at Granville Boys. It is about connecting with each kid. Its harder, and takes longer, but unless you do that they wont listen to a word you tell them. They need to trust you because you cant keep hitting them with a bigger and bigger stick. I suspend them when I need to, but we try hard to make sure we support them, and we have success, but we need to keep improving. As we finish the last of the salad, Dixon tells me about a professional learning program he runs with a head teacher, Tarek El Homsi, for new teachers when they start at the school. We run through a checklist of how to handle different scenarios in the classroom. How do you get students to be quiet when you need them to; what to do when they arrive in the classroom; how do you get their attention. And if they are misbehaving, explaining what you can do as a teacher in that moment. How to set up routines. I show them whats been successful for me.

Loading Its about encouraging students to do their best work, but not being superficial about it. Because you have about seven seconds worth of raising your voice in any lesson, and after that, youve lost them, he says. The school is not without its problems, he says. One major challenge, facing many schools, is ongoing teacher shortages. On the Monday we meet, dozens of students are in the assembly hall: year 8 and 10 classes had been merged. Some days we dont have enough teachers, thats the truth. He credits Granvilles deputy principal, Maina Ram, for picking up a lot of the work that normal principals do including drafting annual and strategic reports and other administrative workload. I do everything else. Im creative, constantly thinking of ways we can improve as a public high school, what we can offer to our students, he says. I dont want anyone paying a cent for what we give them here. I want the best school money cant buy.
Heated debates over the Israel-Hamas war have increased tensions within Victorian councils, with one banning calls for a ceasefire, another considering backflipping on a motion of solidarity with Gaza and, at another council, death threats have been made against a councillor.

A pro-Palestinian rally in Federation Square on October 27. Credit: Joe Armao

Maribyrnong City Council this week voted in favour of a motion by councillor Jorge Jorquera that the council strongly condemn the war crimes being carried out by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Jorquera, a member of the Victorian Socialists, also called for an immediate ceasefire in the motion and an end to Israels indiscriminate bombing, expressing distress at the number of children killed so far.

Hundreds of schools destroyed, most hospitals gone, imagine everything you depend on in daily life gone, Jorquera said at a council meeting this week.
At least 20 people have died waiting for an ambulance since 2020, new figures provided to Victorias budget estimates show.

A parliamentary committee also heard that more than 9500 nurses had left the states health sector in 2022.

Paramedics made it to 62.8 per cent of urgent Code 1 call-outs within 15 minutes in 2022-23  below the target of 85 per cent. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Speaking at Victorias public accounts and estimates committee on Friday, Department of Health secretary Euan Wallace confirmed the number of sentinel events reported by Ambulance Victoria and investigated by officials.

These are defined as incidents where a patient has called an ambulance, but one was not available in time.
Police union members have voted to take industrial action after pay negotiations with Victoria Police and the state government stalled ahead of their enterprise bargaining agreement expiring next week.

The union has called for a 4 per cent pay rise and for officers to be paid for slightly longer shifts.

Potential industrial action could include members stopping work when it is safe to do so, police vehicles being used to promote messages about their industrial fight and a ban on members working beyond rostered hours without claiming overtime.

They have also threatened to park police cars with flashing lights at fixed or mobile speed cameras and red light cameras, in locations where the speed limit is below 80km/h.
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 After three queens and six seasons, The Crown is drawing to a close, with the final instalment of Peter Morgans frequently soapy, always polarising drama to hit Netflix in two instalments. The creator is the first to admit his writing is a right royal mix of fact and fantasy and Morgan has again taken some creative liberties in season six and the streaming service has repeatedly stressed that the series is a fictional dramatisation. Elizabeth Debicki as Diana with Prince William (Rufus Kampa) and Prince Harry (Fflyn Edwards) in the final season of The Crown. Credit: Netflix The first three episodes of the series centre on Diana, Princess of Waless final summer, shadowing her as she reluctantly dispatches her sons William and Harry to Balmoral before decamping to the Al-Fayed yacht in the South of France, and, ultimately, making her way to the Ritz in Paris and into the Pont de lAlma tunnel. Meanwhile, episode four  titled Aftermath  homes in on the publics reaction to her death, and the way in which it transformed the Windsors position in British society forever, closing with William and Harry sombrely escorting Dianas coffin down The Mall. When I write ... there are the things that I want to be the case and there are the things that are the case, Morgan once said. There is a constant push-pull ... Ive learnt, to my cost, that when youre really only focused on research, the drama suffers. You have to come at it as a dramatist. You have to come at that almost from an emotional perspective and sort of imagine what people are feeling and thinking at this particular time rather than where were they on which particular day and what words did they use when addressing the following people in public.

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But none of this has stopped television critics, historians or indeed members of the royals and their friends from criticising how the series depicts the family and those swept into its orbit. To help inquisitive fans see the full picture, weve read biographies, scoured newspaper clippings and watched grainy television interviews. Just how much of season six is fact and how much is fiction? With the exception of Princess Margaret, did Charles family snub Camillas 50th birthday? The scene: As The Crown makes clear, the party (held in mid-July 1997) was essentially a test run to see if the British public would accept Charles (Dominic West) dating Camilla (played by Olivia Williams). Camilla (played by Olivia Williams) and Charles (Dominic West). Credit: Netflix Charles is shown as being desperate for his mother to accept his lover and to recognise her officially by attending the 50th birthday celebrations, but the Queen (Imelda Staunton) declines to attend, citing a long-standing engagement at a Rolls-Royce factory in Derbyshire, while commenting of Parker Bowles that she had broken up two perfectly good marriages. It is suggested that, although the rest of the royal family boycotted the party, Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville) attended, and later telephoned her sister to ask her to be more sympathetic towards Camilla for the sake of Charles happiness.

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In The Crowns telling, Charles makes a sentimental toast to Camilla that includes Captain Wentworths famous letter from Jane Austens Persuasion. The truth: According to reporting at the time, 80 guests were invited to Charles Highgrove estate, gathering for canapes, a five-course meal, cake, and dancing. Even though the event was private, papers ran aerial photos of the party tent, while The Mirror noted that Camilla arrived in the passenger seat of a Vauxhall Omega estate car that was driven slowly past photographers. There is no record of Margaret being present at the event  although she did know Camilla, and had been at her wedding to Andrew Parker Bowles. The Queen was unwilling to endorse her eldest sons relationship with Camilla at that stage, and Charles was years away from actively seeking his mothers approval. Charles did not speak nor was there a birthday cake. Camillas son, Tom Parker Bowles, was the sole speaker, saying, Happy birthday, Mummy, and thanking Charles for hosting the party. Was Dianas landmine campaign derailed by the news of her new romance? The scene: Elizabeth Debickis Diana is shown consoling victims and walking through a minefield wearing a flak jacket and face visor. Her trip coincided with the publication of Mario Brennas photographs in August 1997, which proved a big distraction. The Crown depicts a press conference being overwhelmed by questions about her relationship with Dodi Al-Fayed (Khalid Abdalla), overshadowing her landmark tour.



The truth: Dianas famous landmine walk happened in January 1997 in Angola. Though its true she visited Bosnia for the same issue during her last summer, The Crown takes creative liberties and combines the two trips into one. Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana visiting minefields in Bosnia with a badge of a New Zealand-based charity called ReliefAid. Credit: Netflix

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The Crowns creators changed one key detail in Dianas outfit: replacing the Halo Trust branded protective vest with a badge of a New Zealand-based charity called ReliefAid. Staff at the Halo Trust, which clears deadly landmines left in conflict zones, are reportedly baffled by the snub. There was no press conference as depicted in the show however it was reported at the time by The Observer that there was an air of farce around her effort to deliver some prosthetic feet to an injured man. Did Diana choose a ring for herself from a jeweller in Monte Carlo after being chased there by photographers? The scene: In the third episode, Dis-Moi Oui, Diana and Dodi stop for ice cream in Monte Carlo one evening where theyre spotted by onlookers. The pair end up running away and taking refuge in a jewellery store. Diana is on the verge of tears, and Dodi lightens the moment by asking if there is anything she likes in the shop. Despite explaining that she doesnt need anything, Dodi reiterates that he is asking what she likes, prompting Diana to motion towards an impressive diamond ring before the two are spirited out a back door. Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana and Khalid Abdalla as Dodi al-Fayed. Credit: Netflix The truth: Jeweller Alberto Repossi confirmed after the couples death they had come into the Monaco store only for about four or five minutes because they already knew which ring they wanted - a ring with the inscription Dis-moi oui, which means Tell me yes in French. He said it was unexpected and about 10 days before the accident that killed them. There are many versions of the story, with the price of the ring ranging from $14,000 to $200,000. Repossi said it was not immediately available, with Dodi calling a few days later asking him to resize the ring for the end of August.

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In the show, Dodi picked it up from Repossis Paris store. Dianas friends, however, have insisted that it could not have been of her choosing because it was too garish for her taste. The Daily Mail reporter Richard Kay, one of her confidants, described it as vulgar. There is no evidence that photographers chased them through the streets, forcing them to take refuge in the store as depicted in The Crown, or that Diana commented, Thats quite nice, while looking at the ring. Did Dodi propose to Diana on the night they died? The scene: The show offers a new take on whether Dodi popped the question at their suite in the Ritz on the night of August 30. When he asks Diana for her hand, she recoils, exclaiming: No, no, no, I cant bear it, this is madness  I cant make your father love you more by me becoming your wife. She then advises him to level with his father, break free from him and live far away. The truth: The tabloid speculation was rampant in the press following their deaths that they were engaged, but it is widely accepted that the couple were not. Even if Dodi had wished to present the Princess of Wales with a lavish engagement ring, there was no indication at the inquest that he ever gave the ring to Diana. The Metropolitan Polices investigation into their death, Operation Paget, revealed separate conversations the day before her death with her friend Lady Annabel Goldsmith and her daughter Jemima Khan, where Diana used identical language when they asked how serious she was about Dodi: I need another marriage like a bad rash on my face.

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Chinese robot vacuums, or floor-sweeping robots, had captured nearly 50 percent of the overseas market by the end of 2022 thanks to continuous technological innovation, Yicai reported on Wednesday. Chinese brands in 2022 had 68 percent and 55 percent of the market share in Southeast Asia and Europe, respectively, the report said, citing data from market research company GfK. Ecovacs unveiled its first office in Singapore on Nov 20, whilst Roborock inaugurated a new factory this year in Huizhou, Guangdong province, contributing to further expansion of their export business. The overseas revenue of Dreame, another Chinese sweeping robot maker, had surged 110 percent year-on-year in the first seven months of this year, an official of the company told a journalist from Yicai. "Singapore serves as a crucial bridge connecting Asia and the world, with the potential to act as a logistics hub in Southeast Asia, linking important markets such as Europe, Australia and the Middle East," said Qian Cheng, vice-chairman and CEO of Ecovacs. As a commercial hub for the group in the Southeast Asian market, the Singapore office aims to further drive Ecovacs' global business development, Qian said. In H1 of 2023, Ecovacs' overseas business revenue increased 26.5 percent year-on-year, and that of intelligent household appliances such as Tineco floor scrubbers grew 24.2 percent on a yearly basis, according to the companys financial report and public data. In the third quarter of this year, Ecovacs Robotics and the Tineco brand witnessed a 47 percent and 53 percent year-on-year increase in overseas revenue respectively, surpassing the overall revenue growth rate of the group. Relevant data indicates that from 2023 to 2030, the Asia-Pacific smart home appliance market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22 percent. Since entering the Southeast Asia market in 2017, Ecovacs has continued to expand its product lines overseas, including floor-sweeping robots, window-cleaning robots, air purifiers, smart lawnmowers, as well as floor scrubbers and cooking appliances. The company has also collaborated with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopee and Lazada to expand its market share in Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. Dreame has expanded its presence in several regions, including Southeast Asia, Russia, Northeastern and Southwestern Europe, and newly entered emerging markets such as the Central and East Africa, India, and South America in 2023. From January to July 2023, Dreame witnessed a 110 percent year-on-year growth in overseas business revenue. During this year's Singles Day promotion, Dreame's total sales in the Southeast Asian market surpassed 100 million yuan ($13.99 million). The company aims to further enhance its layout in overseas markets in the future. "China's vacuum cleaner industry has already established a leading position in technological innovation and the entire upstream and downstream industry chain," said Ma Jia, senior manager of GfK's Home Appliance Division China. Apart from floor-sweeping robots "going global", Ma notes that as floor scrubbers outside the Chinese market are still in their nascent stages, this is the opportune time for Chinese brands to capture overseas markets. Ma anticipates a certain form of integration between the functionalities of floor scrubbers and floor-sweeping robots, and sustained technological innovation is expected to be the driving force for the future development of the cleaning appliance industry.
A military aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs arrives at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

SHENYANG, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Since 2014, China and the ROK have completed 10 such repatriations in a row, thanks to a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

Two J-20 stealth fighter jets escort a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs on Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A J-20 stealth fighter jet escorts a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs on Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

A J-20 stealth fighter jet escorts a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs on Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo by Huang Can/Xinhua)

A military aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs is honored with a water salute after landing at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A soldier stands beside the coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

The convoy carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs passes the Shenyang Youth Street in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

People pay tribute to the coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are escorted to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

A soldier escorts the coffin containing the remains of a Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyr at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are escorted to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs are escorted to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Editor: JYZ
Dubai: A delicate four-day truce between Israel and Hamas has begun, marking the first break in the war that has devastated the coastal strip, and heralding the first major release of hostages 49 days after their capture in Israel.

The humanitarian ceasefire followed weeks of painstaking diplomatic negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt, with the first group of Hamas-held hostages expected to be released to Israeli authorities from 4pm (1am Saturday AEDT).

At least 50 women and children held captive in the Gaza Strip are expected to be released over four days, in return for a pause in fighting and the release of 150 Palestinian women and minors imprisoned in Israeli jails.

Qatari officials said 39 Palestinians  three for every freed hostage  were expected to be released from jails on day one, but only after the first 13 hostages were returned to Israel.
Lebanon: The mastermind of the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the worst Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed in generations is a secretive figure, feared on both sides of the battle lines.

In Gaza, no figure looms larger in determining the future trajectory of the war than Yahya Sinwar. Obsessive, disciplined and dictatorial, he is Hamas top leader inside the Palestinian territory, a rarely seen veteran militant who learnt fluent Hebrew during years in Israeli prisons and carefully studied his enemy.

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in 2018. Credit: AP

Israeli officials have vowed to kill him and crush the militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007. But seven weeks into the war, the 61-year-old Sinwar remains alive, in hiding, and at the helm of Hamas fighters as they battle Israeli forces. He also controls the groups negotiations over the fate of nearly 240 hostages that militants captured during the October 7 attack.

With the devastating toll from Israels bombardment and ground invasion, Sinwars political fate may now depend on how the war ends and whether Palestinians feel they gained anything from their immense losses.
Visitors are seen at the booth of China Merchants Group during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

SHENZHEN, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 China Marine Economy Expo kicked off on Thursday in south China's Shenzhen Municipality, showcasing China's latest achievements, cutting-edge science and technology, and international cooperation in the marine industry.

On the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing," the three-day expo will attract the offline participation of 658 enterprises, institutions and organizations in the marine field from 16 countries and regions, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 60 percent.

Covering a record area of 112,500 square meters, this year's expo also displays innovative application scenarios and new technologies and products in sectors such as ocean engineering and marine electronic information.

The expo will also hold more than 20 professional forums, during which more than 200 global guests from the arenas of politics, academia and business will hold offline discussions on marine science and technology, marine industry, ports and shipping, marine civilization, ocean governance, and other topics.

Signe Brudeset, Norwegian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, attended the expo's opening ceremony. She said that China is one of Norway's largest trading partners in Asia, and the expo provides a good platform for many Norwegian companies to contact their Chinese counterparts and enhance exchanges and cooperation, to promote bilateral trade between Norway and China. 

A visitor is pictured during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about a model of drilling platform during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about the integrated solution for hydrogen energy production, storage, transportation and application during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors are seen at the booth of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors are seen during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows the booth of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about an unmanned helicopter during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about an underwater robot during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about an underwater robot during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors learn about mangroves during the 2023 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The 2023 CMEE under the theme of "Open Cooperation and Win-win Sharing" kicked off in Shenzhen on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Editor: JYZ
People conduct rescue work among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday.

The deal on a four-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza for a swap of at least 50 hostages kidnapped in Gaza and some 150 Palestinian detainees held in Israel, as well as for more humanitarian aid to enter the war-stricken Palestinian enclave, was initially agreed by the two warring parties on Wednesday and is due to take effect on Thursday.

However, in an announcement late Wednesday, Israel's National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi said the Qatari-mediated deal was postponed, while the Israeli strikes were going on overnight in Gaza.

An Israeli army spokesperson reported in a statement that heavy fighting continued in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, adding that more than 300 sites were struck over the past day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday afternoon that it had apprehended the director of Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmeia, accusing him of allowing Hamas to exploit the hospital as a command and control center.

On Israeli TV broadcasts, large clouds of black smoke were seen rising above northern Gaza.

The army re-issued a call for residents of Gaza City to evacuate southward. "We address the residents of Gaza City, especially in the neighborhoods of Jabalia and Shuja'iyya, to evacuate immediately for your own safety," the IDF wrote in Arabic on the social media platform X.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with commanders inside the Gaza Strip to assess the situation on the field. In video footage released by the army, Halevi was heard telling the commanders, "We are not ending the war. We will continue until we are victorious."

The conflict has led to massive destruction in Gaza, including whole neighborhoods razed by Israeli strikes, and the killing of at least 14,532 people, mostly civilians, according to official Palestinian figures. According to Israeli figures, about 1,200 people were killed, and about 240 others were held as hostages during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that triggered the conflict.

Amid the persistent fighting, on Thursday afternoon, the mediator Qatar announced that the Gaza truce would officially take effect at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.

On the Lebanon front, Hezbollah said in a statement on Wednesday that its fighters fired 48 rockets at Israel, the largest salvo toward Israel since the beginning of its border clashes with Israel.

The rockets triggered air raid sirens throughout the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that about 35 rockets, in addition to several anti-tank missiles and mortars, were fired from Lebanon toward various locations in northern Israel.

An unspecified number of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system, according to the army.

No casualties have been reported but Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority said two anti-tank rockets hit two residential homes in the community of Kibbutz Manara.

Israeli artillery and aircraft struck the area from which the projectiles were fired, as stated by the army. The statement mentioned that one of the launchers was hit by the "Iron Sting," a dual guidance system utilizing both laser and GPS, which was introduced into combat within the past month.

According to figures released by Hezbollah, at least 85 militants have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the beginning of the escalation, while a Lebanese military source told Xinhua on Wednesday that a total of 115 people on the Lebanese side had been killed in clashes with Israel.

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

A man conducts rescue work among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

People conduct rescue work among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

People walk through the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

Editor: ZAD
31 Locations raided by NIA To foil revival of CPI(Maoist) revival





NEW DELHI,

THE NIA on Thursday raided 31 locations in Bihar as part of its efforts to expose and foil a conspiracy by members of the proscribed CPI-Maoist to revive its organisation in the Magadh zone, an official said. The raids were conducted at the premises of accused and suspected persons in Aurangabad, Rohtash, Kaimur, Gaya and Saran (Chhapra), a spokesperson of the federal agency said. During the raids, the involvement of top CPI (Maoist) commanders in the conspiracy to revive the outfit and its cadres in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh was found, the official said. Two country-made pistols, over Rs 3.53 lakh cash, a host of digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards, SD cards and hard discs, and incriminating documents were seized during the searches, the spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said.

The raids were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation in two separate cases registered this year, the official said. The spokesperson said the places where the searches were conducted were identified as residential premises of four arrested people who are commanders of the CPI (Maoist). Places of 27 suspected over ground workers, supporters and sympathisers of the outfit were also searched, the official said. The investigations have revealed that the four people had co-conspired with other accused persons to revive and strengthen the cadres of the CPI(Maoist) in the Magadh Zone, the official said. A case was initially registered at the Tikari police station in Gaya on August 10 following the arrest of the chief of the Eastern Regional Bureau of the CPI(Maoist), Pramod Mishra, and the Sub-Zonal Commander, Anil Yadav, the agency said.

They were conspiring with other associates to commit unlawful activities and strengthen the cadres of the CPI (Maoist) in Magadh (Gaya and Aurangabad) area. The NIA took over and re-registered the case on August 31, the spokesperson said. The official said the other case was initially registered on August 7 at the Goh police station in Aurangabad and re-registered by NIA on September 26. The case relates to recovery and seizure of two booklets pertaining to the CPI (Maoist) Magadh Zonal Sangathnic Committee, along with arms and ammunitions, from the possession of accused persons Rohit Rai and Pramod Yadav, the spokesperson said. The official said the duo, along with their associates, were conspiring to commit unlawful activities and were also extorting levy from contractors and brick kiln owners to promote the violent activities of CPI (Maoist).
Agra mourns demise of Captain Shubham Gupta in J&K encounter





AGRA,

RESIDENTS here on Thursday mourned the loss of the citys braveheart son Captain Shubham Gupta who was martyred in an encounter with the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district. Captain Gupta laid down his life while fighting with the terrorists in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Wednesday. He is survived by his father Basant Gupta, a district government counsel at the civil court here, his mother Pushpa Gupta, a homemaker, and a younger brother Rishabh Gupta. Captain Guptas family members said he joined the Indian Army in 2015 and was commissioned in 2018 with the 9 Para Special Force and deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.

His parents said they were planning to get him married soon.

As the news of the demise of the 27-year-old Army captain spread in the city, well-wishers, dignitaries and neighbours visited his family to share their condolences. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Affairs SP Singh Baghel, who represents the Agra constituency in the Lok Sabha, reached Captain Guptas house along with Fatehpur Sikri (Agra Rural) MP Rajkumar Chahar and other local leaders to console the family members. It is a great loss to our city. May god give strength to his family to bear this huge loss.

Captain Shubham Gupta has made the entire city proud while sacrificing his life for the nation at his young age, said Jay Bhardwaj, a local resident. The residents of the city also condoled the loss on social media and shared photos of Agras brave son Captain Gupta. The family members have said that the martyrs mortal remains are expected to reach home later in the day or late at night. The legal fraternity in Agra also mourned the Army captains demise and decided not to work on Thursday.
CEASEFIRE DEAL





THOUGH a ceasefire deal has been struck between Israel and Hamas, given the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the intricacies involved, peace may prevail until the next trigger. Since the attacks on Israel by Hamas served as the trigger of the latest conflict, Hamas has to make a conscious effort for temporary tranquility to bloom into prolonged peace. Whenever a conflict breaks out, narratives are built from both the parties involved. If one side presents a picture of atrocity by the other side, another party also presents contesting pictures of greater atrocity heaped by the former. In case of Israel-Palestine conflict, smoke billowing out of the targets struck by either sides clouded the global opinion. Various powers of the world, instead of taking a rational stand, resorted to politically (read, interest-serving) correct stand. Given the present global scenario, peace is the best interest that the global community must work to secure. It is probably out of this consideration that Qatar, Egypt, and the US have mediated for the four-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In these four days, Hamas will release 50 hostages in exchange of 150 Palestinian detainees. Israel has promised one more day of respite with release of every 10 additional hostages held by Hamas.

This is a major breakthrough in the conflict that has placed Israel in a resolutely firm position since it first broke out because of aggressive terrorist actions by Hamas on October 7. After advancing into the Hamas strongholds also, now Israel has agreed to the ceasefire. This reflects the willingness of Israel for peace to prevail, from a position of strength. It is against this backdrop that Hamas and its supporters in countries around Israel and elsewhere need to show their willingness for peace through sustained positive calm. If Hamas and its supporters indulge in any kind of radical acts by way of resorting to misadventure, they will solely be responsible for the escalation of the situation. In such a case, the global community will definitely suspect Hamas intentions. In fact, most of the global powers may be constrained then to form a united response against Hamas extremists, out of the consideration for stability in global supply chains. For, any act of aggression snowballing into a regional conflict affects global supply chains in a negative manner. This has been proven not so long ago during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the post-COVID recovery of global economy, Russia-Ukraine conflict posed a major challenge at different levels.

In this context, the appeal of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, from the forum of virtual G20 Leaders Summit, bears significance. Mr. Modi has appealed to the global leaders to ensure that Israel-Hamas war does not take the shape of a regional conflict. His appeal is not only consistent with Indias stand but also with the interest of humanity. Because, if Israel-Hamas war takes the shape of a regional conflict, thanks to some elements in that region extending support to Hamas, it may have a disastrous effect on global trade and stability. In the present situation, the world cannot afford to face two supply chain disruptions -- one in Russia-Ukraine theatre and another in Israel-Hamas theatre. The world and its citizens, who are rebuilding their lives after the COVID-19 pandemic, are weary of violence leading to migration of millions of people from certain countries to developed economies, and subsequent disturbances in host societies. This weariness may force the people and their respective countries to adopt a stand against countries or organisations that stoke trouble for the whole world.
Indian Tourists Get Global





By K Raveendran

BOOSTED by rising economic prosperity and a fast-growing economy, India is set to be an important global source market for leisure travel and the world could see a wave of Indian travellers as destinations try to delight and attract them, global consulting agency McKinsey says in a special report on Indian tourists. India is now the fifth-largest economy, and the population has surpassed Chinas to become the largest in the world, at over 1.4 billion people, the report pointed out. Another significant aspect is the population is young, with the median age being 27.6, more than ten years younger than that of most major economies. It also cites the fact that consumption of goods and services, including leisure and recreation, is forecast to double by 2030. Adding a strong post-pandemic travel recovery, and a growing appetite for international travel, these factors point to Indias significant potential for outbound tourism, McKinsey says. McKinsey sees a wave of Indian travellers setting out to see the world, spurred by the countrys forecast growth in GDP per capita, accompanied by a growing propensity for international travel. If India follows Chinas outbound travel trajectory, then Indian tourists could make 80 million to 90 million trips a year by 2040. India is already one of Asias key outbound tourist markets.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indias outbound tourist market was among the fastest-growing markets in Asia. India has already recovered 61 per cent of its pre-pandemic market, with 13 million outbound tourists in 2022. This represents a much quicker recovery than most Asian countries. There are a few steady favourite destinations for Indian tourists, the top pick being the United Arab Emirates. The report attributes this preference to proximity. In fact, around 70 per cent of travellers choose nearby destinations. With a travel time of less than four hours, and a large Indian diaspora, the Middle East is a destination of choice for around one-third of Indian travellers, closely followed by South Asian destinations. For long-haul trips, North America and Western Europe stand out as preferred choices. While the top destinations have remained fairly consistent over the past decade, others are shaking up the rankings, the report notes. In 2022, India was the largest source market for leisure travellers to Dubai. The city is known for its luxury offerings and, perhaps surprisingly, also offers a wide range of accommodations, such as 3-star options. And flights from India are affordable when compared with flights of similar distances.

Taken together, these factors make the luxury of Dubai accessible to Indian travellers, the report points out. An important finding of the report is that destination preferences vary across regions. For example, travellers from North India constitute a large share of travel to the United States and Canada, while two-thirds of travellers from Kerala prefer destinations in the Middle East. Purpose of travel, distribution of the diaspora, and cultural linkages play a role in destination choice. The US and Canada attracts a large number of travellers from North India, particularly centres such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi and Srinagar. Two-thirds of travellers from Kerala visit the Middle East, which is the only region with traffic from non-international airports, indicating connectivity with smaller airports. Compared with other destinations, the UAE attracts a more balanced range of Indian travellers. McKinsey proposes key decision points for destinations looking to harness the full potential of the growing Indian market. These could include accessibility, connectivity, affordability and travel experience. The report points out how over the past decade, Thailand has been carrying on marketing campaigns specifically for Indian consumers, travel agents, and niche businesses. For example, marketing campaigns directed at Indian wedding planners and couples positioned Thailand as a top choice for weddings and honeymoons. Campaigns for travel agents showcased Thai culture and tourist attractions, catering to budget travellers and high-spending groups alike.

The report cites the case of Azerbaijan to show how easy visa process greatly helps in boosting leisure travel. Complicated visa application processes, or long waiting periods, can influence decisions around vacation destinations. Leisure travellers can be swayed by how difficult or easy it may be to obtain a visa. In 2017, Azerbaijan introduced the ASAN system that processes electronic visas within three working days of application. Popularity with Indian tourists skyrocketed thereafter, with annual arrivals increasing five-fold by 2019. Combined with direct flights from India, and restaurant and accommodation options suitable for Indian tourists, the country became increasingly attractive for Indian travellers, the report points out. While only 9 per cent of Indian travellers focus on long-haul destinations in Western Europe, Switzerland has been an Indian top-20 destination for over a decade. The report attributes the Bollywood connection to Switzerland for this popularity. Many Bollywood hits feature Swiss attractions, there are plenty of Indian restaurants and cultural festivals, and English is widely spoken there. (IPA)
iNSPiRE opens new store on London Street





Business Reporter

iNSPiRE - Apple Authorised Reseller Store recently launched its store at Orange City Mall, London Street in the city, offering customers access to the newest and widest range of Apple products and accessories. The store is designed to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, where they can explore and experience the latest Apple products in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The fourth iNSPiRE store in Nagpur aims to bring the best of Apple technology to the gadget lovers in South Nagpur. Customers can find the latest range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and accessories. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is on hand to assist customers in making the right purchase decisions and to provide expert advice and support for all Apple-related needs.
Silkyara ops 12 metres to go NDRF to pull out trapped workers on wheeled stretchers





UTTARKASHI,

DRILLING through the rubble of the collapsed Silkyara tunnel was put on hold again Thursday after the platform on which the equipment is mounted developed some cracks, in yet another setback to the effort to rescue the 41 workers trapped inside. The rescue workers will stabilise the platform on which the 25-tonne auger machine is mounted before drilling is resumed, officials said. Sections of steel pipes were being inserted through the rubble of the collapsed portion for the workers, trapped for 11 days, to be brought out. Rescue operations to evacuate 41 workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel resumed on Thursday after an overnight hurdle delayed the drilling by several hours. Former advisor at the Prime Ministers Office Bhaskar Khulbe, who was at the site, said an iron obstruction that had come in the path of machine drilling an escape path for the workers was removed in the morning. The setback delayed drilling through the 57-metre stretch of the rubble by six hours, dampening somewhat the previous evenings enthusiasm over the imminent rescue of the workers. They have been trapped for 11 days after a portion of the under-construction tunnel on Uttarakhands Char Dham route collapsed.

At 10 am Thursday, Khulbe told reporters it would take 12 to 14 hours of drilling to insert six-metre sections of steel pipes through the debris. Section-by-section a steel pipe is being pushed through the rubble as the auger machine drills. Once the chute emerges from the other end, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) men will enter it to help bring out the trapped workers one by one. The worker would lie on low-height wheeled stretchers that will be pulled out of the horizontal chute using ropes. This process is likely to take another three hours, Khulbe said. The trapped workers are being sent food, medicines and other essentials through a new six-inch wide tube, which is also being used for communication. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V K Singh and NDRF Director General Atul Karwal were at Silkyara Thursday to review the rescue effort. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also arrived in Silkyara. We have come to arouns. We are very close to you now, he told the trapped workers through the communication system that uses the six-inch wide tube. The Chief Minister asked two workers, Gabbar Singh Negi and Saba Ahmad, about the condition of others and praised them for their morale. Three scientists from the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Roorkee, including tunnel expert R D Dwivedi, are also at the site. International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix said, It seems we have reached the door and knocking at it.

We know people are at the other side of the door. Till 6 pm on Wednesday, up to 44 metres of the escape pipe, had been inserted into the debris, according to an official statement. When the workers come out, they will be rushed in ambulances through a green corridor under police escort to a 41-bed special ward set up at the community health centre in Chinyalisaur in Uttarkashi district. If needed, they will then be transferred to other medical facilities. The NDRF DG said the trapped workers appeared to be in good spirits. Once the rescue pipe breaks through the debris at the Silkyara tunnel, NDRF personnel plan to pull out the trapped workers one by one with the help of wheeled stretchers tied to ropes, a senior official said on Thursday. Workers trapped are likely to be rescued in the next few hours or by Friday, NDMA member Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said on Thursday evening. The drilling work to pull out 41 trapped workers encountered obstacles, which resulted in a temporary stoppage of rescue efforts. I expect that in the next few hours or by tomorrow, we will be successful in this operation, Hasnain said. The NDMA member also said that the horizontal drilling to rescue workers may face 3-4 more hurdles. The trenchless team entered into pipe manually twice to confirm the clearance of the rescue pipe.
NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers flocked to the streets in Manhattan to witness the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday mooring as the weather was sunny and mild.

On the occasion of the holiday for family reunion, gratitude and relaxation, organizers extended the duration of the parade by half an hour to offer more to spectators.

The event features character balloons, magical floats, marching bands, performance groups, clowns and music stars, and it was aired on multiple TV channels in the United States.

However, the parade was interrupted briefly by scores of people protesting Israel's war in Gaza. The protesters carried a banner reading "Genocide then - Genocide now."

Another group of protesters wearing white jumpsuits glued their hands on the 6th Avenue and called for "Liberation for Palestine and Planet."

The parade was diverted as a result and some protesters were handcuffed.

Escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflicts in Gaza since Oct. 7 has heightened racial tensions in the United States and triggered many protests across the country.

Editor: ZAD
This op is just like war Timelines should not be assumed: NDMA on tunnel rescue operation





NEW DELHI,

MEMBER of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain on Wednesday said that the rescue operation which is underway at Uttarkashis Silkyara tunnel where 41 workers remain trapped is like a war and no such specific timelines should be assumed by anyone. The NDMA member said that this operation is just like a war situation where one keeps guessing about enemy moves. He further mentioned that in this operation Himalayan geology is the enemy. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Syed Ata Hasnain said, Many experts are giving opinions that they might be rescued today evening, tomorrow morning but remember these operations are like a war. These operations should not be given a timeline. In wars, we dont know how will the enemy react. Here Himalayan geology is our enemy. From which angles the tunnel has collapsed we dont know. Stating that such timelines put pressure on the rescue workforce, Hasnain said, This is challenging work. To keep expecting that rescue will be done in the next two hours puts pressure on the workforce. This is wrong.

In this situation, both the trapped workers and the rescue team are at risk. We have to cater for the safety of both. He further stated that NDRF is rehearsing at the spot of the rescue operations. NDRF DG is himself present there. NDRF is rehearsing the evacuation process for the workers. Government is also providing support in every way possible, he said. However, later to a reporters question, the NDMA member gave an estimation that the rescue operation can be completed in the next 4 to 5 hours and could be stretched till tomorrow afternoon depending on the situation in the tunnel. Earlier on Thursday, Inspector-General (IG) of Police Garhwal Range KS Nagnyal said on Thursday that the stipulated time of the rescue cannot be decided as it is machinery work. The attempt at the rescue is in progress and rescue is expected to be carried out very soon.

It is machinery work so a stipulated time cant be decided. The rescue work will go on at night as well, IG said. A total of 41 ambulances have been arranged at the spot of Uttarkashis Silkyara tunnel where 41 workers remain trapped. Mukesh Nautiyal, the Project Manager of Operation 108 Ambulance initiative said that out of 41 ambulances, 31 ambulances are of 108 while the other 10 have been provided by the administration. On November 12 a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside. The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.
Top LeT commander among two terrorists killed





RAJOURI/JAMMU,

TWO terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a gunfight with security forces on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, officials said. On Wednesday, four Army personnel, including two captains, were killed and two others injured in the operation against the terrorists in the Dharmsal belts Bajimaal area. The officials said firing was halted in the night and the area was put under cordon. Firing resumed on Thursday morning, and two terrorist were killed, they said and added that the operation is in its final phase. Earlier in the day, a defence spokesman said in the firing, a Pakistani terrorist has been killed. Later, officials said another terrorist has been eliminated. The area was cordoned off and more security personnel were deployed in the night to ensure the terrorists do not escape from the thickly forested area, the officials said. On the Pakistani terrorist killed, the defence spokesman said he has been identified as Quari, a Pakistan national and hardcore terrorist. He has been trained on the Pakistan and Afghanistan front. He is a highly ranked terrorist leader of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, he said. Quari, a top LeT commander, was active in Rajouri-Poonch along with his group from past one year, police said, adding that he is also believed to be mastermind of Dangri and Kandi attacks.

He was sent to revive terrorism in the region, they said. Quari was an expert in IEDs, a trained sniper and operated from caves. The identity of the other terrorist is being verified. The two injured Army personnel -- a major and a jawan -- are admitted at the Armys Command Hospital in Udhampur. Those who lost their lives include Captain M V Pranjal of 63 Rastriya Rifles, a resident of Karnataka, Captain Shubham of the Special Forces, resident of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Havaldar Abdul Majid of the Special Force, a resident of Poonch in J-K, and Lance Naik Sanjay Bist of Nainital in Uttarakhand. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps of the Army said based on specific intelligence, joint operations were launched in the Kalakote area of Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri on Sunday. Contact established on 22 November and intense firefight ensued. The terrorists have been injured and surrounded and operations are in progress, amidst acts of valour and sacrifice by their own brave hearts in trying to prevent collateral damage to women and children in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, it said.
VFJ awarded for excellent implementation of Rajbhasha





Staff Reporter

Maharashtras Governor Ramesh Bais has awarded the administration of Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) for excellent implementation of Rajbhasha in the official premises. Maharashtras Governor Ramesh Bais and Union Home Minister for State Ajay Kumar Mishra bestowed Vehicle Factory Jabalpur with second prize for excellent implementation of Rajbhasha during the Sanyukt Kshetriya Rajbhasha Sammelan held at Mumbai recently. On behalf of the factory administration, Kamlesh Kumar, General Manager and Rajbhasha Adhikari and Shailendra Singh, Junior Works Manager and Department Officer Rajbhasha received the award.
This photo taken on Nov. 22, 2023 shows books of Spanish-Chinese version of "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Madrid, Spain. The launch ceremony of the Spanish-Chinese version of the book was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance." (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

MADRID, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The launch ceremony of Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights (Spanish-Chinese version) was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance."

Attending the event, Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, hailed China's efforts in human rights protection.

Noting that human rights protection is the mission of every country and the rights to subsistence and development are the primary basic human rights, Centella said that China gives prior attention to rural and less developed areas, and has lifted a huge number of people out of poverty, creating a more equal, democratic, just and safe social environment for the Chinese people.

The book showed the world China's visions and practices in respecting and protecting human rights, said Marta Montoro, manager and director of Institutional Relations of "Catedra China" in Spain.

She was echoed by Antonio Segura, founding president of Association of Lawyers Friends of China.

Qu Xun, minister of the Chinese Embassy in Spain who also attended the event, said China has made great achievements in promoting the cause of human rights.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Spain, and the past half-century has witnessed a sound and smooth development of bilateral ties, Qu said.

This is because both sides have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit which guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, and stuck to the right path of seeking friendly coexistence among countries with different cultures and systems, Qu added.

There is no one-size-fits-all human rights development path in the world and there is always room for improvement when it comes to the protection of human rights, Qu added.

Compiled by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the book uses nine themes to systematically record the remarks of Xi on respecting and protecting human rights.

In 2022, the Central Compilation and Translation Press published the English-Chinese, French-Chinese, Russian-Chinese, Spanish-Chinese and Japanese-Chinese versions of the book.

A man reads a book of Spanish-Chinese version of "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 22, 2023. The launch ceremony of the Spanish-Chinese version of the book was held here on Wednesday, together with a seminar on "Human Wisdom for Global Governance." (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Editor: WXL
This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" during a promotional event in Kathmandu, Nepal. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- A promotional event was held in the Nepali capital on Thursday for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China."

Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, told the event that he found "a visionary outlook of building socialism in China in a very innovative and constructive way" by reading previous volumes of the book.

In the books, readers could find "real socio-political and philosophical answers" to questions related to China's rapid development and transformation, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song voiced his belief that the release of the new volume of the book in Nepal will help Nepali people enhance their understanding of why the Communist Party of China has been successful, and deepen their understanding of China's path, governance and principles, thus further promoting the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

The event was hosted by China's Foreign Languages Press and the China International Book Trading Corporation.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song addresses a promotional event for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 23, 2023. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) will be held from November 30 until December 12, at the Expo City, Dubai.
Director of the Climate Change & Environmental Advisory Unit Rochelle Newbold speaks about the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference during the Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday.
DeSantis again says US would flatten Bahamas if it attacked Florida
Director of the Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit Rochelle Newbold speaks about the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference at the Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday. Torrell Glinton
Ukrnafta publishes list of 290 filling stations that will serve customers in event of power outage

In the event of a power outage, customers will be served by 290 gas stations of PJSC Ukrnafta throughout Ukraine, the company said in a press release on Thursday.

At the same time, 47 filling stations operate in the "invincibility points" mode and are ready to receive people.

"Each of the 'invincibility points' is equipped with additional generators so that visitors can warm up, drink hot tea or coffee, and have an Internet access point to charge mobile phones and contact loved ones," the company noted.

Currently, the company has purchased another 111 generators with a capacity of 20 to 60 kW, which will increase the number of filling stations operating without light and invincibility points.

Ukrnafta has published a list of filling stations that can operate in conditions of lack of electricity at the link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOtfvsPuVg6KMdLwuCPBOl9ywp0jKBWS0EUTPkMLD-U/edit.
The baseless and provocative allegation of the former Inspector-general of Police and current chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC, Mr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, against youths of the Southeast on November 19 is condemnable. In a press release signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations of PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC reviewed the statistics of applicants in the ongoing recruitment of constables into the Nigeria Police Force. Anambra State with 1664 applicants was said to be the least among the states of the federation. From the rear, Ebonyi State with 2134 applicants came second; Lagos State with 2324 applicants was third; while Bayelsa State which had 2651 applicants and Abia State with 2796 applicants ranked fourth and fifth respectively. Imo State was not mentioned probably because from the Buhari presidency, Nigerian security agencies had allegedly declared war against youths in Imo State who are not members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. Furthermore, Mr. Ani stated that the PSC chairman, Arase, "... appealed once again to the youths of the South-East to change its (sic) indifference to police work, insisting that embracing anti-government criminal gangs will not lead them anywhere ..."

This criminal allegation against, and blanket criminal profiling of, the entire youth constituency of the Southeast is as unfounded as it is unfortunate. People have expressed disappointment over the gaffe of Arase who, before the bogus and insensitive outburst, was allegedly mistaken for a responsible statesman. It is trite that given the statistics of the recruitment applications as put forward by the commission, Arase had no justification for his incitive tantrum against Southeast youths: One, the PSC cannot recruit up to 1000 applicants from each state of the federation! So, Arase already had more applicants than necessary from states of the Southeast. He was merely out to play on the emotions of the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths. Two, the population of Lagos State is about that of the entire Southeast put together. If Lagos State whose former governor is President Tinubu, Arase's principal, had only 2324 applicants, Arase should equally tell the world the criminal gang that Lagos youths had embraced. Arase should give same explanation for his native Edo State which did not record any number worthy of mention in the PSC recruitment data review. Three, that Lagos, Bayelsa and Arase's native Edo States were equally indifferent to the police recruitment exercise as other states of the federation including those of the Southeast all amount to a deafening vote of no confidence in the police force which Arase claimed to be building.

Which youth will truly want to pursue a career in Arase's police force which in the 21st century lacks basic technological equipment and so relies on manual and analogue methods of crime prevention and investigation which expose personnel to avoidable harm and unwarranted deaths? How many Nigerian youths will want to join a police force which will retire him at the prime of his/her career just to prevent him from reaching peak ranks forbidden for people from his part of the country? Which youth will want to pursue a career in a force where retirees pass through the eye of the needle to access their gratuities and pensions while no insurance policies exist for families of those killed in active service? Which Nigerian youth will want to pursue a career where Arase beats his chest for "approving the promotion of deserving officers" as if he did an unmerited favour? Singling out Southeast youths for attack over a collective apathy for the police recruitment gives Mr. Arase out as an incorrigible ethnic bigot who rather than look inwards for solutions to the battered confidence of Nigerian youths in the force over which service he superintends, chose to pass the blame on some tribes and generate security tensions in the country in order to divert attention from his shortcomings and frustrations in the PSC. All that the resilient Nigerian youths need to thrive are good roads, improved power supply, security of lives and properties, good healthcare, functional education etc.

For the records, youths of the Southeast who are unassailably the most decorous in Nigeria have the opportunity of a globally-recognized traditional business mentorship programme which have become a subject of study of various universities including the Havards Business School. The autochthonous opportunities it presents are more attractive and rewarding than a career in the regimented police service under an ethnic bigot which Arase seemingly personifies; and Arase's infantile blackmail further compounds the repugnance of the police service. Arase's tantrum merely betrayed his base tribal bias against the Southeast!

This piece shares the stern condemnation of Arase's unwarranted criminal profiling of Southeast youths as contained in the rejoinder of Mr. Moses Idika, convener of Worried Nigerian Citizens, WNC, a civil rights group, on November 20. Mr. Idika urged President Tinubu to call Mr. Arase to order. In Idika's words, "Nigeria is currently divided along ethnic lines due to the ... utterances of the likes of Mr. Arase who have arrogated to themselves the right to classify Nigerians and their behaviour along ethnic and regional lines even when such classifications are squarely rooted in crass prejudices and lies." I dare to add that Mr. Arase should withdraw his baseless criminal allegations against youths of the Southeast and tender unreserved public apology to them.
Finland is providing EUR 3 million in additional support to improve food security in Ukraine, the official portal of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Suomi ulkomailla" ("Finland Abroad") reported on Friday.

"The funding supports the transportation of grain from Ukraine to countries whose food security situation is affected by the consequences of Russia's war of aggression. Part of the funds will be used to clear mines in the Ukrainian countryside so that agricultural production can be resumed," the ministry said.

Finland supported the World Food Programme (WFP) and grain supplies from Ukraine to mitigate the consequences of the Russian aggressive war: grain is purchased from Ukraine and delivered to African countries suffering from a food crisis.

"Of the support currently provided, EUR 2 million will go as humanitarian aid to the Grain from Ukraine initiative implemented by the WFP. In the past, Finland supported grain transportation for EUR 11.5 million," the ministry said.

At the same time, Finland supports mine clearance in Ukraine, for which WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a project that combines mine clearance, humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. The project was prepared in close cooperation with the Ukrainian administration.

The additional funding increases Finland's support for humanitarian demining in Ukraine to a total of approximately EUR 8.25 million, it said.

"By supporting the restoration of Ukraine's agricultural sector in war-torn regions, we are helping to restore the country's food security and economic activity," Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio said.

On November 25, Ukraine will organize a food security summit, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the impact of the Russian aggressive war on food security. A recorded speech by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will be presented at the summit.
Since September of 2023, the format of the work of Ukraine Defense Contact Group has been reoriented towards long-term strategic planning in matters of strengthening Ukraine's capabilities, acting director of the Department of International Defense Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Colonel Hennadiy Kovalenko said.

"Yesterday I really liked that Celeste Wallander, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Austin, said that in fact, starting in September of this year, we switched to the Ramstein 2.0 format. Ramstein 2.0 is a transition, let's say, from meeting immediate needs, or quick needs in English, to more systematic, planned and long-term work," he said at a briefing on Thursday.

Kovalenko said this format provides for strategic long-term planning of support for Ukraine within the framework of existing "coalitions of opportunity."

In turn, the head of the press and information department of the Ministry of Defense, Ilarion Pavliuk, said Ukraine very positively assesses the results of the 17th meeting in the Ramstein format.

"And I want to say that we are very pleased with how involved and interested our partners are in the process of supporting Ukraine. In particular, it is very important that yesterday our key partner the United States, namely Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, effectively removed any speculation about the United States supposedly having to choose between Israel and Ukraine," he said.
In a video uploaded to YouTube, Christian Clark, 25, explained he came across nine boxes and a bunch of posters belonging to his late grandfather Dane Clark, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 59.
Russian forces in Ukraine continue to suffer mass casualties from Ukrainian long-range precision strikes well behind the frontline, the UK Ministry of Defense said, citing intelligence data.

" On 10 November 2023, likely over 70 Russian troops were killed in a strike on a convoy of trucks 23km behind the front line in the village of Hladkivka, Kherson Oblast. Subsequently, on 19 November 2023, a strike on Russian troops attending an award ceremony or concert in Kumachove, 60km inside Russian-controlled territory, likely caused tens of casualties," the ministry said on X.

It is clarified that similar incidents also occurred in Ukraine: a Russian ballistic missile killed 19 members of Ukraine's 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade at a medal ceremony on 3 November 2023.

"Deployed soldiers are typically well aware of the ranges of their adversary's weapons systems. However, faced with the reality of very long combat deployments, commanders face an acute dilemma. They must balance the best practice of keeping the troops dispersed, and less vulnerable to strikes, and the day-to-day requirement to gather units together to conduct administration and to maintain morale," the British ministry said.
Justice Ravindra Bhat, former Judge of Supreme Court spoke about the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence. He was the keynote speaker at Dr Debi Prasad Pal Memorial Lecture at the National University of Juridical Sciences in Salt Lake recently. Justice Bhat said AI should be used with utmost care and human interference cannot be ruled out.

The lecture was organized by the Income Tax Bar Association, Calcutta, as a part of its centenary celebration. The session was chaired by Justice RV Easwar, former judge of Delhi High Court. SK Tulsiyan, president of the Bar welcomed the guests and spoke about the illustrious career of Dr Pal. Professor NK Chakrabarti, vicechancellor NUJS and senior advocate JP Khaitan were present at the meeting. Himadri Mukhopadhyay, secretary of the Bar gave the vote of thanks.

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Zee Studios, in collaboration with Makhijafilm, is all set to captivate audiences with their highly anticipated survival thriller, Joram, slated for release on December 8. The recently unveiled trailer teases an intense cinematic experience, featuring acclaimed actors Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Smita Tambe, portraying characters that showcase a fresh dimension of their acting prowess.

Director Devashish Makhija weaves a compelling narrative, immersing viewers in a raw and rustic portrayal of Manoj Bajpayee as a father navigating lifes challenges with a baby strapped to him. The trailer provides a glimpse into the world of Joram, where an outcast fights for survival, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Shariq Patel, Chief Business Officer at Zee Studios, expressed pride in the creation, describing Joram as an exceptional blend of harsh reality and intense storytelling. The film has already gained international acclaim, with official selections at prestigious film festivals such as the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Sydney Film Festival. Notably, it secured the Best Cinematography award at the Durban International Film Festival 2023.

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Writer-Director Devashish Makhija shared his excitement, emphasizing the films exploration of human resilience against all odds. Makhija expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and Zee Studios for their unwavering support, eagerly anticipating the global audiences experience of their hard work.

Lead star Manoj Bajpayee commended Joram for pushing boundaries and extended gratitude to Zee Studios and Makhija for their belief in the project. Co-stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Smita Tambe echoed the sentiment, with Zeeshan highlighting the transformative experience of portraying his character, Ratnakar, a city cop facing unfamiliar challenges.

As the film gears up for its December 8 release, Joram stands as a testament to impactful storytelling. With a powerful narrative, exceptional performances, and soul-stirring music by Mangesh Dhakde, the film is poised to become a cinematic milestone, eagerly awaited by audiences and critics alike. As the countdown begins, Joram promises an immersive and compelling journey into the depths of survival, poised to leave an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.


Recently, our reporter Changsheng arrived at JAC Automotive Technology Center located in Hefei, Anhui, and experienced JAC's newly launched electric vehicle EV3. What are the novel features of this car? Let's follow the footsteps of the journalist and take a look together.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte discussed strengthening air defense and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula.

"We discussed strengthening our defense capabilities, in particular we talked about strengthening air defense, as well as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. The focus of the conversation was energy security, restoration of justice, seizure of frozen Russian assets," Shmyhal said on the Telegram channel.

According to the prime minister, a separate block of issues that was discussed was promoting the Euro-Atlantic and European integration of Ukraine.

"The Lithuanian government has full support in both directions," Shmyhal said.
Veteran actor Siddharth Randeria on Thursday said that Gujarati cinema needs more platforms like IFFI to reach wider audiences.

He was speaking during the press conference ahead of Gala Premier of the film Hurry Om Hurry at 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today.

Gujarati cinema needs more platforms like IFFI to reach other regions and people within our country. To break barriers and reach wider audiences is the need of the hour for Gujarati cinema, Siddharth Randeria, adding they produce cinemas with original stories.

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He said that the creating awareness about the beauty of Gujarati films and the essence of its captivating storytelling is very important.

He said that since last two to three years Gujarati film productions have been increasing.

Actor Raunaq Kamdar while expressing happiness about the Premier of Hurry Om Hurry at the 54th IFFI said that in the recent years a number of critically acclaimed Gujarati films like Hillaro have had a chance to reach audiences through the medium of IFFI.

Speaking about the storyline of the film Hurry Om Hurry Director Nisarg Vaidya said the nuances in the film connect to the emotions of the Gujarati community and reflect their culture.

The idea is to connect to the audience and be as real as possible with the story. Every region has its own culture that is why it is unique. The humorous and fun part of the film will definitely keep the audience hooked to the screen, said Vaidya.

A film about longtime friends, Om and Vini who found their lives taking an unforeseen turn when Vini decides to propose marriage to Om however their once-promising union encounters stumbling blocks as Om begins to drift away, leaving Vini with a profound sense of betrayal. Just when all hope seems lost, a strange encounter shakes Oms world, promising to alter the course of everything.
Mohan Bhagwat Chief of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh on Friday said that all our Hindu traditions, despite intellectual differences, are examples of Dharma and that all Sampradayas in Bharat need to be purified to follow discipline.

The world is one family and we will make everybody Arya that is culture. Although the word culture is not sufficient, for a better world I have to say culture. Satya and Ahimsa are basic principles of Vijaya. All our Hindu traditions, despite intellectual differences, are examples of Dharma. All Sampradayas in Bharat need to be purified to follow discipline. We go everywhere and touch everybodys heart they may agree they may not agree but we have to connect with all, said RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat while addressing World Hindu Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

The World Hindu Congress which takes place every four years, is being hosted currently in the Thai capital. Organised by the World Hindu Foundation, the event opened on Friday and will culminate on November 26.

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We have Dharma Vijay, the Vijay that stands on Dharma, the process that depends on Dharma Niyams (Dharma Rules) and the resultant is also Dharma that is the duty, he added.

Mohan Bhagwat said that India witnessed Dhana Vijay (Material), Asur Vijay (aggression)

To acquire possession of all means of material happiness, people try to fight and dominate each other. We have experienced this, the second is Dhana Vijay- to acquire all means of material happiness, but intention is not good, intention is self-centred. We have experienced Asur Vijay- they committed aggression on other societies, they have ruled for 5200 years, and reaped destruction and havoc in our land. We have experienced Dhana Vijay for over 250 years, India was looted, Mohan Bhagwat said.

Meanwhile, expressing his delight over the scheduled consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 next year, Swami Vigyanananand, founder and global chairman of World Hindu Foundation (WHF) and chief organiser of World Hindu Congress, on Friday said the ceremony will be telecast live in Bangkok and Hindus from across the globe will converge at the event, engaging in kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitation.

The World Hindu Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on art and culture. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi. The theme for the World Hindu Congress this year is Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah, which translates to dharma, the abode of victory.
The special PMLA court in Kochi allowed the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to provide its voluminous chargesheet to the 55 accused in Karuvannur bank scam case as digital documents.

The order issued by Special judge Shibu Thomas on Friday can be considered as a landmark one. It may be noted that the Supreme Court has not yet taken a decision on whether a voluminous charge sheet can be given to the accused in electronic format.

The ED on November 10 moved the special court trying the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank scam case to allow it to furnish soft copies of the complaint and the copies of the documents to the 55 accused in the case.

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It will be practically impossible to furnish the hard copies of documents and the complaint, which runs into 26,000 pages to the accused. It would cost Rs 12 lakh and require 13 lakh sheets of paper to provide them the hard copies, the ED submitted before the court.

The probe agency has submitted 55 sets of final complaints and related documents in pen drives to the court to be supplied to the accused.

The accused has the l right to get copies of documents to be relied upon by the prosecution during the hearing.

However, it has not been insisted in any of the laws that hard copies of documents shall be supplied to the accused. The documents are supplied to the accused to give adequate notice to them on the material to be used against them so that they will not be prejudiced during trial, the counsel for the ED contended.

Every accused may not require every copy of the documents produced by the prosecution. If the court directs to serve the hard copy of each document to each of the accused, it will require more than 13 lakh sheets of paper.

It would go light on the environment if the accused individually take the copies of documents required for them to defend the case, and save hundreds of trees from being axed for producing paper, the EDs counsel further argued.
Taking note of the reported H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness among children in China, the health ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the outbreak in the neighbouring country.

It said there is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza as well as the clusters of respiratory illness reported in China. However, it said it is prepared for any health exigency that may emerge from the current situation.

Citing media reports which indicated clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China, the ministry said, Based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.

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The ministry informed that a meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of avian influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognized, it said.

India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency. India is embarking on a one health approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic, the ministry said in a communique.

The Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics /disasters, it said.

Apart from that, Indias surveillance and detection networks under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, it added.
The Indian Army and the Patanjali Yogpeeth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) after reaching a consensus on working together in the fields of Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and wellness, health care of military personnel, Ayurvedic research and Information Technology etc.

The momentous landmark outcome was commemorated on Friday at the Indian Army Headquarters North India, Bareilly.

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (GOC-in-C, Central Command), Lieutenant General RC Tiwari (GOC-in-C North India), Brigadier Aman Anand (Commander, Headquarters 9 (Independent) Mountain Brigade Group), and Major Vivek Jacob (CLAW Global) decorated the important occasion.

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This gathering was driven to showcase the importance of Yoga, Ayurveda, wellness, and to share the intensive research on Ayurvedic medicines that is crucial for the wellbeing of our military personnel stationed in the high-altitude biodiverse Himalayan regions.

The MoU was executed between the Patanjali Institutions and the Indian Army to progress with research on medicinal plants and the diverse applications of IT and automation in the Indian Army. Additionally, the Patanjali and its affiliated organisations expressed their deep commitment to prioritise hiring of retired military personnel for various services at Patanjali.

The discussion also elaborated on the fundamental issues like controlling migration from the mountains, sustaining border protection, promoting VIBRANT village, and on generating local resources for employment, particularly in adventure-related forefronts.
Indias appeal against the death penalty for eight former Indian Navy officers who were sentenced to death last month in an alleged espionage case has been approved by a court in Qatar. According to sources, the Qatari court will review the appeal before scheduling a hearing.

The eight men were reportedly detained for espionage in August 2022 by Qatars intelligence service. However, the accusations against them have not yet been made public by the Qatari authorities. The Court of First Instance in Qatar rendered a ruling against them last month after their bail pleas were denied many times.

Granted consular access to them, Indian authorities have been working to secure their release.

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The arrested Indian Navy veterans are Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.

With a stellar service record spanning up to 20 years in the Indian Navy, all of the former Navy officers have held significant roles, including instructor in the force. The sister of one of the former officials in custody, Meetu Bhargava, had approached the government for assistance in getting her brother released. She had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in in a post on X on June 8. Her message, which was tagged to Prime Minister Modi and Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, said, These Ex-Navy officers are the pride of the nation & again I request our Honble Prime Minister with folded hands that it is high time that they are brought back to India immediately without any further delay.
The issue of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) of government employees has resurfaced again  a demand to scrap the New Pension Scheme and restore the old It is showing the potential to become a major poll narrative at the national level, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled early next year.

A delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) led by General Secretary Ravindra Himte, submitted a memorandum to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman demanding Guaranteed Pension under NPS like Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on Wednesday.

BMS has conducted a huge demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi in which thousands of employees belonging to Defence, Railways, Postal, Central Government establishments, State Government and Local Body have participated. BMS has welcomed some of the major changes but the present system does not provide an assured pension scheme in the New Pension Scheme (NPS). So there is a demand to scrap the NPS and restore the Old Pension Scheme.

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Responding to BMS demand, the Finance Minister assured that the Government is considering employees issues seriously and will look into it to take some positive steps.

Speaking to The Statesman, General Secretary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh We have submitted our demands pointing out the important things that are not there in the NPS. And the minister has assured that the respective committee will look into it.

This can become a major electoral headache for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An indication towards this unfolding phenomenon was on display at the Ramlila Maidan in the National Capital recently. A massive Pension Shankhnaad rally was organised under the banner of National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS).

The huge number of protestors present at the venue got the support of farmers and some other sections of society. The rally is a pointer to a couple of important factors. The first is the return of employee politics to the centre of the poll narrative.

The increasing social insecurity, job losses, contractual mode of employment, loss of social security benefits has compelled people to critically examine the New Pension scheme. And most of the employees unions want the old pension scheme back in totality.

This has been particularly critical after the economic crisis emerging from the Covid lockdown. The OPS demand has the potential to impact the poll outcomes. The biggest example of this were the results delivered by the hill state of Himachal Pradesh where the Congress returned to power in the Assembly polls less than a year ago. After Himachal Pradesh, the governments of the Congress ruled Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan announced reverting to the OPS.

The Punjab cabinet also took a decision in this direction some months ago while Sikkim and Telangana are also believed to be moving in this direction. It is plainly an issue of social security which is the right of the employees, explained President of National Movement for Old Pension Schemes (NMOPS) Vijay Kumar Bandhu.

We have already announced that we want the Old Pension Schemes (OPS) in totality. So we will not compromise in any given situation. If the government pays no attention to our demands we will launch a Vote Pe Chot campaign that would carry the single line message of Vote For Pension, added Bandhu, the NMOPS president.
Northern Army Commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday said that Pakistan was pushing in retired soldiers of its Army to revive terrorism in the Rajouri and Poonch districts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu division.

Addressing media persons here after paying tributes to the five soldiers killed during the encounter in Rajouri, Lt General Dwivedi said, Some of the terrorists have been found to be retired soldiers of Pakistan Army. As there are no local recruits, Pakistan is trying to push in foreign terrorists. We are trying to eliminate them.

The Northern Army Commander said: Though we lost five of our brave soldiers in the encounter, we eliminated two dreaded terrorists. Our boys went after the well-trained and equipped foreign terrorists without giving any thought to their personal safety. This has dealt a major blow to the terror ecosystem and Pakistan. As per our estimation, 20-25 terrorists could still be operating in the area. We should be able to control the situation in a years time with the help of locals, he said.

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Since Poonch and Rajouri districts are connected with the rest of the country through a highway, there is a high probability of more terrorists hiding there.

Ten civilians were killed by these terrorists during the year. The security forces are in high spirits. We received information about some terrorist hideouts through local sources. They were also involved in the Dangri attack where seven innocent persons were killed. We have received considerable support from the local populace and if this continues we will be able to eradicate terrorism within a year. Even this time, locals reported the movement of these two terrorists, he said.

Lt General Dwivedi further said: These terrorists might have received training in many countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were very well-trained and thats why it took us some time to eliminate them. Our boys fought with courage. I presented a commendation card to Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht of 9 Para SF a week ago at Budhal and asked him what he will do in the near future. He had told me that he would eliminate these terrorists within seven days and show results. But he laid his life fighting these terrorists.

Citing the statement of slain Captain M V Pranjals father in Bengaluru about how the family was waiting to hear from him and instead received his mortal remains, the Army commander said: Captain Pranjals supreme sacrifice will motivate our soldiers to discharge their salient duties against all odds.

Earlier in the morning, a wreath-laying ceremony was held here for the martyred Army personnel. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, DGP (J&K) R R Swain and civil and military officers paid tributes to the fallen soldiers.

A similar ceremony to pay tributes to Havildar Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, was held in Rajouri.
The preliminary probe by police has revealed that the bomb threat emails sent to over 15 schools in Bengaluru have some jihadi content, said sources on Friday.
Rajasthan will face the ballot on 199 assembly seats on Saturday where over 5.26 crore electorate will decide the fate of 1,875 candidates.

A total of 51,507 polling booths, including 10,415 urban ones, have been set up for the voting exercise.

Though the voting was scheduled on 200 seats but election on one seat of Karanpur was postponed after Congress candidate Gurmeet Kunnars death, Praveen Gupta, Chief Election Officer here said on Friday.

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Voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm.

Of 5.26 crore voters, 21.9 lakh new young voters (18-19 years) and 18,462 voters above the age of 100 years.

Besides two major political parties, BSPs 188 candidates, AAPs 87, Rashtriya Loktantrik Partys (RLP) 77, Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP) 5 and CPI-Ms 17 contestants are vying the election. Out of 1875 candidates, the Congress has fielded 200 (with one alliance of RLD), BJP 200, Independents 737, BSP 185, AAP 86, RLD 78, and CPI-M Three.

Twenty-six ministers including Gehlot are also trying hard to return to their constituencies. Seventeen rebels of Congress, and 23 of BJP are among other third front parties facing triangular contests on at least 85 seats.

Congress has given tickets to contest polls only to 27 women (13.5 percent), and BJP 20 (10 percent). Besides the BJP, all other parties have given opportunities to muslims to try their luck for legislators.

Congress Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Sachin PIlot, CP Joshi, Govind Singh Dotasara, Dr B D Kalla and BJPs Vasundhara Raje, Rajendra Rathore, seven sitting BJP MPs and one of the RLP are among the 1875 contestants who are in the fray.

Rajasthan Police have deployed 1.70 lakh employees to provide fool proof security and a free and fair atmosphere to voters. This included 70,000 of police personnels, 18000 home guards, 2000 border home guards, 15000 home guards from other states, and paramilitary forces, and personnels of CRPF, CISF, SSB, and RPF.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte signed a joint statement and agreement on technical and financial cooperation.

"In the statement, we underlined the importance of creating a special tribunal that should condemn those responsible for this war and crimes against Ukraine. In addition, Lithuania expressed full support for the Peace Formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," Shmyhal said on the Telegram channel.

The parties also signed an agreement on technical and financial cooperation, which should simplify the implementation of assistance projects to Ukraine from Lithuania, in particular, in terms of the supply of various equipment, technology transfer, and the introduction of reforms on the way to the European Union.

"We highly appreciate the assistance that the Lithuanian people and the Republic of Lithuania have been providing us since the very beginning of the full-scale invasion," Shmyhal said.
The rescue operation for the 41 workers trapped in a section of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, following its collapse over a week ago, has once again been suspended. On Friday evening, the rescue team encountered a technical issue during the drilling process using the American-made auger machine, leading to a pause in the operation.

Meanwhile earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami provided updates on the rescue operation, stating that it is in its final stage. He mentioned the collaboration between central and state government agencies and assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation.

Talking to the PM on Friday afternoon, Dhami informed that besides monitoring the ongoing relief and rescue operation directly on the ground level he has also temporarily shifted CM camp office at Matali-based ITBP centre, 45 kilometres from the accident site.

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Regarding the drilling machine, Additional Secretary Technical, Road and Transport Mahmood Ahmed mentioned that the auger drilling machine, which developed cracks, has been reassembled. After welding a new pipe, they aimed to push it further inside the tunnel, hoping to face no obstacles this time. Ahmed stated that two more pipes of 6 meters each need to be inserted to achieve a breakthrough.

Bhaskar Khulbe, a former advisor to the Prime Ministers Office, provided insights into the challenges faced during the rescue operation. He mentioned the compression of a 2-meter part of the inserted pipe due to friction, requiring cutting it off. The platform on which the auger drilling machine was mounted developed cracks, causing a temporary halt. Despite setbacks, the rescue team remained optimistic about extricating the trapped workers by Friday.

The rescue operation commenced after a portion of the under-construction tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping the workers. The trapped individuals are located in a 2 km-built portion that is complete and provides safety through concrete work. The rescue team encountered challenges, including cracked platforms and compressed pipes, but ongoing efforts aim to ensure the safe extraction of the workers.
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Centre to propose a panel of names, out of which the Delhi Government may choose one to be the Chief Secretary of the national capital.

Asking the Central government to give a panel of names for the appointment of the Chief Secretary, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud heading a bench also comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra said that leaving it to Centre to propose the shortlisted names for the post of Chief Secretary would take care of their (centre) concerns.

The Chief Justice Chandrachud sought the names as his initial suggestion of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Harish Salve to talk to each other and decide on the name was received with reservations given the prevailing complexities.

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The bench asked why Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cannot meet and amicably discuss names for the post.

Give us a workable solution. The government should work without the need to go to court. Give us a way out, the CJI said.

The observation from the Chief Justice Chandrachud came in the course of the hearing of the Kejriwal governments plea seeking direction to the Centre to either appoint a successor of incumbent Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar or extend his tenure. Naresh Kumar, will demit office on November 30.

The Aam Aadmi Party government is resisting any move by the Centre to unilaterally appoint a new Chief Secretary without consulting it.

Appearing for the Delhi government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that in the past it was always the Delhi government that appointed the Chief Secretary. Now there is a generic Ordinance under which I am objecting to the unilateral decision of the LG.

Singhvi was referring to the Delhi Services Bill brought by the Centre which gave the Central government control over posting of senior bureaucrats.

Referring to the Delhi Services Bill, the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said that the Union Home Ministry made these appointments even prior to the impugned amendment.

However, Singhvi said that the Ministry would only make appointments based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

At this point, the Chief Justice Chandrachud said: Why doesnt LG and Centre propose a panel of names? Ultimate choice will be from a panel made by you. You suggest a panel. Then they (the Delhi government) will pick up one name.

As the bench posted the matter for November 28, Solicitor General Mehta said that he will come back with instruction.

Singhvi said that the proposed names may be given to the court master by 10.25 am and by the time court assembles, Delhi government will make its choice.

As a caution, it was suggested that the names may not reach social media, in case Delhi government decides not pick any of the proposed names.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, notified in August, gives the Centre control over bureaucracy in Delhi and an authority was created under it for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers.

The plea alleged the 2023 Amendment Act is in violation of the 2023 Constitution bench judgment which renders the Delhi government a mere observer in the appointment of the most crucial member of the permanent executive, the Chief Secretary.
Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan on Friday said that the UDF would initiate legal action against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanbfor his call for violence.

Satheesan was referring to the Chief Ministers open endorsement of DYFI workers, who had smashed flowerpots and helmets on the heads of Youth Congress workers waving black flags at the Chief Minister and Ministers, who were returning from the Nava Kerala Sadas in the Kalliassery constituency.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had the other day termed the attack on Youth Congress workers as an exemplary rescue work by DYFI.

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Youth Congress activists who waved black flags to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues, returning from the Nava Kerala Sadas in the Kalliassery constituency, were brutally beaten up by CPI-M-DYFI workers in Pazhayangadi near Kannur on Monday.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday, Satheesan said that the Chief Minister was standing by his words even after the police registered an FIR against them. The FIR clearly says it was an attempt to murder, the Opposition Leader said.

The attack was so brutal that one of the Youth Congress workers had lost hearing on one side, another had internal bleeding, and a female worker had her arm broken. Even after all this, he considers this exemplary and exhorts his cadres to persist with it, Satheesan said.

Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday once again reiterated his earlier stance and defended the acts of DYFI workers in Kannur who engaged in a tussle with Youth Congress workers.

See I dont support any sort of violence. In that particular situation, I think the DYFI workers actually saved the lives of Youth Congress protestors. Otherwise, they would have been hit by the bus, he said on Thursday.

Satheesan said that he is the least apologetic about terming the Chief Minister as someone with a criminal mind.

What is wrong in describing such a person as one with a criminal mindset? Why am I in this position if I cant use strong words to counter the irresponsible and dangerous utterances made by a person holding the Chief Ministers post with the clear intention of inciting violence, Satheesan said.

Commenting on Satheesans crticicm against him, Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that his comments did not suit well with the post he was holding.

VD Satheesans tone and language have taken a turn for the worse. Is it of his own volition, or is the Opposition Leader receiving the wrong advice, Pinarayi Vijayan asked on Thursday.
Escape passage drilling to rescue 41 workers trapped inside Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkhand could not be resumed even after 20 hours of it being halted. The operation was put on a pause yesterday.

Rescuers say now the work will go on unhindered as all hurdles were cleared and thermal imaging radar detected no blockades ahead.

At the time of filing of this report, officials overseeing rescue operations at the collapsed tunnel site informed that drilling work which was paused on Thursday afternoon was yet to resume. NDRF and SDRF technicians were trying to cut and clear steel girdles and iron rods that obstructed the auger machine work. Apart from this, experts were also working to reset the launch-stage of auger machine that was unsettled due to reoccurring hurdles caused by the metallic girdles under the debris.

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Officials, however, assured that drilling for escape passage will resume as soon as removal of obstacles happens. They informed that a special radar was also deployed by the experts to scan debris profile ahead of 46 metres for which drilling and insertion of MS steel pipe had been completed. Nearly 60 metres escape passage has to be made to reach trapped workers.

We have been told that thermal scanning of debris profile was done with the help of a special radar to detect metallic or any other hard obstacle on the planned drilling path. Apparently, no obstacle has been detected in remaining part of the debris said Arpan Yaduvanshi, SP Uttarkashi while talking to The statesman.

Horizontal drilling by American auger machine at Silkayara village-end of the tunnel has hardly moved ahead after November 22 till when 45 metres of escape passage work had been completed.

However, as claimed by Neeraj Khairwal, Uttarakhand government nodal officer for rescue operation, drilling was stopped the same evening owing to a big steel girdle rendering the auger machine dysfunctional. It took more than 10 hours to remove the girdles and resume drilling on November 23 morning. Auger machine stopped drilling again the same afternoon due to more metallic girdles and rods coming on the way.

Once the obstruction is fully cleared escape passage drilling will go on unobstructed as no hurdle was detected by the radar beyond that. We are praying to the almighty to evacuate stranded workers soon Yaduvanshi said.

As many as 41 construction workers are trapped on the other side of the collapsed tunnel for more than 12 days as a portion of it collapsed under a landslide on the early morning of November 12.
The case filed against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) adds another thread to the ongoing saga of regional tensions. Pannun, associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is accused of threatening Air Indias global operations, citing danger to passengers lives. This incident sheds light on the persisting challenges India faces in reconciling its diverse cultural and religious identities. The NIAs response, invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code, reflects the gravity with which India regards such threats. The move comes after the 2019 ban on SFJ as an unlawful association and the subsequent designation of Pannun as an individual terrorist in 2020.

The legal measures underscore Indias commitment to national security but also raise questions about the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing such transnational threats. Pannun, a resident of the United States with reported dual citizenship in Canada, exemplifies the challenges posed by the global reach of such movements. SFJ, with offices in Britain, Canada and the United States, operates beyond Indias borders, making it a complex entity to contain. Interpols rejection of requests for a red corner notice against Pannun further highlights the limitations of international mechanisms in dealing with individuals associated with separatist ideologies.

The resurfacing of demands for Khalistan reflects historical tensions. While the movement holds little sway within India today, it remains a symbolic challenge to the nations unity. The violent movement in the 1980s paralysed Punjab, leaving a lasting impact on the regions socio-political fabric. Air India, historically entangled in the complexities of the separatist movement, now finds itself again in the crosshairs of such threats. The 1985 bombing of an Air India Boeing 747, attributed to these very militants, resulted in the tragic loss of 329 lives. The recent warnings by Pannun resurrect memories of that dark chapter, highlighting the enduring nature of security concerns faced by the now privately-owned national carrier.

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The international dimension of this issue becomes more pronounced as investigations span multiple countries, including Canada. Allegations linking Indian government agents to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in June have strained ties between the two nations. The interplay of diplomatic relations, accusations, and counterclaims underscores the intricate web of global politics in addressing issues of sovereignty and security. While the demand for Khalistan may not resonate within India today, fostering dialogue and understanding with stakeholder nations like Canada, USA and Britain can contribute to a more harmonious future.

In navigating these turbulent skies, India faces the delicate task of safeguarding its national interests while embracing the principles of pluralism that define its identity. The Pannun case serves as a reminder that the pursuit of national security must be balanced with a commitment to upholding the values that make India a vibrant and diverse democracy. Furthermore, it reveals how duplicitous Western nations can be on matters that concern Indias security interests.
Jokes about Raj Bhawans/ Raj Niwases being old age homes for political geriatrics are passe. In an era of openly XYZ-mukt politics (read, opposition free), where the only sliver of hope to defend the federal spirit, contrarian perspective and therefore the opposition governments linger, these very Raj Bhawans/Raj Niwases are duly invoked. The role and relevance of gubernatorial appointees is sadly and increasingly more partisan than constitutional, especially in opposition-ruled states.

But to suggest that this is a completely new phenomenon would be equally partisan. The reality is all governments irrespective of their ideological persuasion have been guilty of misusing the apolitical and constitutional offices. Indeed, the infamous Article 356 that allows the Governor to call for Presidents Rule has been imposed 132 times, and mostly by those on opposition benches today. However, the stated belief of the Governor that there has been a failure of constitutional machinery in the state is thankfully given to extra rigour, necessities, and consideration by the landmark case of Bommai vs Union of India (1994), which insists on, before her/his individual opinion amongst other measures, the passing of a No-Confidence Motion in the State Assembly. With the arbitrariness of the process withdrawn to a great extent, the frequency of abusing the provisions have largely stalled. Also, Indian democracy has matured to take disdain to such brazen disruptions of democracy.

But perhaps the more abiding reason for lesser misuse of the constitutional post by the first citizen of a State/Union Territory was owing to the personal commitment to democratic moorings and federal spirit by the politically disparate likes of IK Gujral, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh ~ none of them sought any variation of XYZ-mukt era.

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They were given to a certain genteelness, political refinement and personal dignity that abhorred the illiberal and authoritarian streak that had peaked with the proclamation of Emergency in 1975. Each of them fought the opposition hard, but fair and square.

In that era of relatively empowered institutions, freer media and more independent offices of constitutional posts, it was not uncommon to see the President of India return the file for reconsideration (constitutionally polite, but effective way of conveying disagreement at the Governments suggestion ~ many of which entailed recommendations by Governors).

The constitutional system of checks-and-balances was in place and working effectively. Despite original partisan affiliations, those like the brilliant President KR Narayanan cut short Governor Romesh Bhandaris wily attempt to pull the rug from under the Kalyan Singh Government in Uttar Pradesh. Then Prime Minister IK Gujral had quietly acquiesced, without innuendoes, theatrics or aspersions. In many ways, the restrained ways of the national executive and its political leadership influenced the tenor of the office of the Governors as these too reflected the overarching political sensibilities of the times.

Recent years have birthed a decidedly more muscular and winner-takes-it-all sort of political environment that seemingly encourages all to shun the restraint, rectitude and sobriety of the recent past and partake in more visible aggression. Sadly, many supposedly (though never really so) apolitical institutions and even constitutional offices are increasingly seen to be eerily silent, accommodating and even championing partisan causes. Healthy dissent is again, almost gone.

Expectations of the sort of template for the ideal gubernatorial appointee were inadvertently framed when a particularly active and engaged appointee who had the most inelegant, indecorous and vituperative run-ins with his Chief Minister (who undoubtedly was at her combative and fiery self), was soon promoted to the second-highest constitutional post of India. The cue was taken and soon the Raj Bhawans/Raj Niwases from Delhi, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai et al were at the forefront of what seemed to be partisan tilts. Again, to reiterate, even prior to current times one can confirm from personal experience that many times one had to confront requests from clearly partisan ranks on the assumption that one would heed to the same owing to assumed co-partisanship.

I clearly remember taking up some of these jarring instances with the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh himself and I clearly recollect his reassuring message to stay focused on Relief and Rehabilitation work (Andaman & Nicobar Island had been hit by a devastating Tsunami and Dr Singh had tasked me with very specific deliverables) and not worry about such distractions at all. I had never enrolled in any political party before joining the constitutional post (nor after relieving the same) and yet to his credit, Dr Singh had retained my tenure for over six years and added yet another Union Territory, later.

My non-party card holding status was not held against me. It wasnt necessarily about the party in power then, as much as it was about the political leadership at a given time, much like the equally liberal and democratic spirit of the dispensation and personal preferences of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, prior to Manmohan Singh era. But now the environment is again sullied with unprecedentedly fractious and bitter exchanges between the gubernatorial appointees and the opposition-ruled States.

While dismissing Governments may no longer be the deployed medium, the refusal to provide assent to various bills and constant bickering and one-upmanship that sounds and looks like petty partisan disagreements (as opposed to constitutional concerns) seems to be the norm. Again, it is not to suggest that the elected Chief Ministers are necessarily measured in their approach or speech (but politicians have never been so) ~ but the Governors as the conscience keeper of the Constitution are expected to be the bigger people in the argument with far more dignity, as opposed to out-slanging the politicians.

Today, the Supreme Court (perhaps the last bastion of contrarian views) had to intervene and pull up a State Governor for indefinitely sitting over bills passed in the State Assembly and warning that you are playing with fire! Ironically, a resolution that was tellingly titled Centres assault on the federal structure of the Indian Union that was passed by the current ruling partys National Executive in 2010 (when it was in the opposition, then) had quoted Sarkaria Commission, The Commission had also made some specific recommendations about the role of Governors and also proposed that active politicians should not be appointed to that post.

However, Governors in several states are flouting these norms, obviously at the Centres instigation. Today, only the tables have turned as those in opposition then are in power now and the same flouting of spirit, propriety and constitutional morality continues unabated, only perhaps shriller than ever before. There is clearly no party with a difference ~ perhaps only individuals with a difference who can frankly come up from either of the main ideological alternatives e.g., Manmohan Singh or an Atal Bihari Vajpayee

(The writer is Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), and former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry)
In the race toward a sustainable automotive future, the global push to liberate electric vehicles (EVs) from the shackles of rare earth materials dominated by China is gaining momentum. The recent surge in efforts by European, US and Japanese automakers to explore alternatives signals a pivotal moment in the quest for a more diversified and resilient supply chain. For years, automakers have relied on rare earth-based permanent magnets to power EV motors efficiently. However, this reliance has increasingly become a cause for concern, given Chinas stranglehold on the mining and processing of these critical materials.

The recent restrictions on gallium and graphite exports from China have highlighted the vulnerability of the supply chain, prompting a strategic shift in the industry. A noteworthy turning point in this quest came with a significant announcement earlier this year, as a prominent player committed to phasing out rare earths from its next-generation EVs. This commitment, however, is not an isolated move. Several industry leaders are actively exploring or have already implemented technologies with reduced or brought to zero the reliance on rare earth content. One notable alternative that has gained traction is the use of magnet-free externally excited synchronous machines (EESMs). This approach, previously deemed impractical due to size and efficiency issues, is now being made commercially viable, driving the industrys fervour for diversification. Notably, suppliers have made strides in developing EESM motors that match the performance of traditional permanent magnet motors, marking a crucial step toward reducing dependence on a single source.

Beyond geopolitical concerns, theres a growing recognition of the environmental impact associated with rare earth extraction and processing. The conventional methods involve the use of solvents and generate toxic waste, posing challenges to the industrys sustainability goals. Opting for alternatives not only addresses supply chain vulnerabilities but aligns with broader efforts to adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices. The volatility in rare earth prices adds an additional layer of complexity to the equation. While prices have experienced fluctuations, the unpredictability poses risks for automakers. Technologies that steer clear of rare earths, such as those developed by various companies, offer a more stable solution, shielding EV manufacturers from the uncertainties linked to traditional rare earth magnets. As the industry pivots toward these alternatives, a fundamental question arises. What lies beyond the horizon? The dual approach taken by certain entities, concurrently developing both EESM motors and permanent magnet motors with phased-out rare earths, hints at a nuanced and adaptable strategy.

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The industry is not merely abandoning one technology for another. It is proactively diversifying its technological portfolio to navigate an evolving landscape. This transition is not solely about motor innovation. It encompasses a broader transformation. The reduced reliance on heavy rare earths in various components, including sound system speakers, exemplifies a holistic commitment to sustainability. Thus, industry players are not only navigating geopolitical challenges but are also steering toward a more sustainable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible era.
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and military sources have reportedly said that two people were killed and five others were injured in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon.

A civilian was killed, and five others were injured in an Israeli air raid on a house on Thursday in Lebanons southern village of Aita al-Shaab, while Hezbollah announced that one of its fighters was killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lebanese military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the news agency that Israeli drones and warplanes on Thursday carried out 13 airstrikes targeting several areas in southern Lebanon, including Iqlim al-Tuffah, 20 km from the Lebanon-Israel border.

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Israeli artillery fired more than 600 shells at many villages across southern Lebanon, the sources added, stressing that the strikes were the most severe since the latest round of escalation along the borderline.

Hezbollah announced that its fighters attacked an Israeli infantry force hiding inside a house in the Al-Manara settlement, killing four soldiers, in addition to attacking several Israeli positions and the Birkat Risha site on the border.

Also on Thursday, specialized medical teams at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health trained around 1,100 health personnel in 63 hospitals to prepare for a possible expansion of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tensions for over six weeks after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel on October 8 in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day. Israeli forces responded by firing heavy artillery at several areas in southeastern Lebanon.
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%.
Since July, more than 13.500 Ukrainians have returned through the humanitarian corridor in Sumy region, the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories has reported.

Since the start of the resumption of work in July 2023, through the humanitarian corridor of Sumy region, more than 13,500 Ukrainians have returned to Ukraine from the territory of the Russian Federation. Of these, 1,653 are children and 131 people with limited mobility, the ministrys press service said.

It is noted that a Transit Center was set up for people crossing the border, on the territory of which a Point of Indestructibility was organized, as well as a shelter.

Currently, work is underway to install a mobile shelter for 100-150 people, the message says.
South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius granted parole, will be released from prison on Jan. 5

Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole more than a decade after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world
Violent clashes break out in Dublin after knife attack that injured 3 children, one seriously

Violent clashes have broken out in central Dublin after a 5-year-old girl was seriously injured in a knife attack that also saw a woman and two other young children hospitalized
Laura Slover is the founder and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Education Solutions. These two essays were written for InsideSources.com .
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Headquarters on Friday on issues of mobilization, demobilization, the work of territorial recruitment and social support centers, as well as military medical commissions.

Staff Headquarters meeting. Difficult issues: mobilization, demobilization, Territorial Recruiting Centers, military medical commission, rotation, conscripts, Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel.

The President said that at Headquarters they heard reports from Minister of Defense Umerov, Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny, Chief of the General Staff Shaptala, Minister of Health Liashko, Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Klymenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kuleba, Director of the State Intelligence Bureau Sukhachiov and First Deputy Minister of Defense Pavliuk.

I instructed their departments to prepare comprehensive solutions, Zelenskyy concluded.
Job Title: Senior Manager  Marketing & Customer Value Management

Organisation: MTN Uganda Limited

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: General Manager, Growth and New Business

About US:

MTN-Uganda is the leading telecommunications Company in Uganda, providing payphone, fixed lines, fax/data, internet and mobile services.

Job Summary: The Senior Manager Marketing and CVM will mainly develop and execute the overall Home Broadband marketing strategy for the acquisition and retention of customers; and grow the value of those subscribers in liaison with the Chief Marketing Officer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides strategic input in developing the overall strategic direction for Home Broadband.

Assisting in the development of the HBB business and marketing plan up to the gross revenue line.

Responsible for determining HBB product and service range, development of such products and ensuring they remain competitive and operationally sound with the market.

Liaise with Brand and Communications team to develop advertising and brand strategies, execute advertising plans and establish a comprehensive communication plan.

Coordinate HBB research requirements from primary, secondary research to competitive intelligence.

Provides analysis of actual market performance against plans and prepares reports appropriately.

Develops company tariffs and pricing for all existing and for new products and services under HBB.

Drive the ROI of base management activities through ensuring the provision and continuous improvement of actionable insights, analysis, CVM reports and dashboards together with the CVM team

Provide input into proposition development process through engagement and provide technical advice on the Base management implications regarding prioritization of specific initiatives.

Manage delivery of insight for customer base to the rest of the business, including actionable value- and needs-based segmentation linked with competitor intelligence, and market research.

Analyze commercial impact of BTL programs on HBB product penetration/uptake, ARPU and value churn and conduct operational analysis of base to identify opportunities to apply products and tariffs to maximize value.

Monitor campaign results, including compilation of periodical activity, budget compliance and feedback reports to design new value propositions.

Evaluate customer propensities to respond to campaigns and forecast the impact of campaigns on customer usage and behavior.

Design and develop CVM daily, weekly and monthly dashboard to monitor HBB health and profitability.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant for the MTN Uganda Senior Manager  Marketing & Customer Value Management job must hold a bachelors degree in marketing, Administration, Commerce or a related field from an accredited University.

Masters in business administration, Statistics or Business Computing is an added advantage.

Five years of experience of marketing or commercial experience in Telecoms Industry

Three years experience in telecommunications and business management with strong understanding of telecommunication industry products and emerging markets

At least one year of experience in managing customer analytics and business intelligence projects and initiatives.

Proficient with MS Office application especially Excel and Power Point

Statistical analysis and machine learning model development

Business analysis and intelligence

Customer value management (customer analytics and campaign management)

Business management training. Performance Management.

Advanced accounting training and statistical modelling

Strategic understanding of the Telecommunications environment.

Advanced knowledge of SQL, python and any other data manipulation modules

Knowledge of the Business Strategy.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Effective Business writing skills.

Exemplary Planning and Time Management skills.

Good interpersonal skills.

Must have attention to detail.

Conceptual Thinker, Problem Solver, Improvement Driver, Culture and Change Champion, Relationship Manager, Results Achiever, Operationally Astute

NB: Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

All candidates who wish to join MTN Uganda Limited in this capacity should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 27th November 2023

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court on Friday, upheld Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu's 13-year prison sentence. Wu was convicted in November 2022 and sentenced to prison by the Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court for rape and assembling a crowd to engage in promiscuous activities.



He would be deported at the end of his imprisonment. Wu had lodged an appeal with an intermediate court. It was heard earlier this year. The court said the evidence presented in the case was sufficient and the sentence was reasonable.

Wu was detained in July 2021 after an 18-year-old Chinese student publicly accused him of inducing her and other girls, some of them younger than 18, to have sex with him.

The court said Wu gathered a crowd to engage in lewd activities and was the ringleader, therefore his behaviour constituted the crime of group licentiousness, and it would maintain the original ruling, Reuters reported. Wu was convicted of taking advantage of the drunkenness of women to have sexual relations with them.

Wu's relatives and a few officials from the Canadian embassy attended Wu's verdict announcement. A pop star, Wu made his Hollywood debut with the 2017 movie XXX: Return of Xander Cage. He was an ambassador for 15 luxury brands including Bulgari, Lancome, Louis Vuitton and Porsche, all of which immediately severed ties with him after he was convicted.
The Afghanistan embassy on Friday announced the permanent shutdown of its operations in New Delhi owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.

In an official statement announcing the closure of the diplomatic mission, the Afghan embassy said: "Effective from November 23, 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."

It further stated that despite an eight-week-long wait, the objectives of visa extension and a shift in the Indian government's conduct were not realised. Given the constant pressure from the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice.

Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".

Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period.

"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.

It further stated that there are no diplomats from the 'Afghan Republic' remain in India. The only individuals present in India are those associated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.






Amid outrage over a series of deepfake videos that surfaced on social media recently, the Union government is considering multiple measures to tackle the menace. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Friday that the government will appoint an officer to check deepfakes and take appropriate action.

The Minister of State for Electronics and Technology said the government has raised the issue with social media companies and added that they have been given seven days to align their terms of use as per Indian IT rules.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) will develop a website on which users can register their concerns about IT rule violation by social media platforms. "Meity will assist users to notify it about violation of IT rules and assist them in filing a First Information Report or FIR," the Union Minister said.

"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 advisory to social media platforms stated.

On Thursday, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology and Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw called deepfakes a 'new threat to society' and had said the government will announce new measures to regulate it. The minister said that the government will come out with measures revolving around four pillarsdetection of deepfakes, spreading the spread of such content, strengthening reporting and spreading awareness on the issue.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the need to regulate the use of AI. The issue of deepfakes and the misuse of AI are being discussed widely especially after a deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna went viral recently. This was also followed by fake photos of Katrina Kaif and Sara Tendulkar as well.

Deepfake refers to a technology that uses artificial intelligence to generate fake videos or photos by altering the face and physical features of one person to make him/her look like someone else.
A Kerala resident was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday for sending a threatening email to the Mumbai International Airport Limited. The arrested man, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly threatened to blow up the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport if he was not paid "one million US dollars in Bitcoin."



The man remains under the custody of the Sahar Police after being brought to Mumbai.

It was around 11:05 AM on November 23, Thursday, that the said mail landed in the Mumbai International Airport Limited's feedback inbox. It said that Terminal 2 of the Mumbai airport would witness a blast if "one million US dollars in Bitcoin" was not delivered within 48 hours.

Soon, the airport authority alerted the ATS, who launched a probe. The ATS cybercell successfully traced the IP address of the sender to Kerala, following which a team flew to the southern state and nabbed the accused.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered under IPC sections 385 (putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion) and 505 (1) (b) (statements made with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public or against the public tranquillity) at the Sahar police station, the PTI report said.
The rescue efforts at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi will continue into the 13th day as a technical snag on Thursday night delayed the last leg of the mission. Drilling operations were halted after cracks were identified in the platforms supporting the Auger drilling machine.

The fresh hurdle came after operations resumed on Wednesday, after a six-hour delay to cut through an iron girder that came in the way of the 25-tonne auger machine. According to officials, minor tremors were also recorded on Thursday afternoon and the drilling was pushed back slightly to reassess the situation.

Till now, rescuers have drilled up to 46.8 metres in the tunnel. The drilling will resume later on Friday. While the nation awaited the news of their safe rescue on Thursday, officials of the National Disaster Management Authority likened the operations to 'a war', and added that it is not possible to give a timeline. These operations should not be given a timeline. In wars, we don't know how the enemy will react. Here Himalayan geology is our enemy. From which angles the tunnel has collapsed we don't know," Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain, member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.

Hasnain added that the horizontal drilling operations could encounter further obstacles, potentially up to three or four more.

International tunneling expert Arnold Dix said that the machine was facing some difficulties because it has not been designed to be put through this level of stress. He also warned against rushing as it might complicate things and create problems we cannot imagine".

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami camped overnight at the rescue site to monitor operations.

Once the steel pipe, that is being pushed through the rubble, enters the other side, the rescue teams will implement a detailed step-by-step process to bring the trapped men out to safety. While the rescuers had earlier considered getting the workers to crawl out one by one, the NDRF is looking at other ways considering the health condition of the men who have stayed behind the debris for over 12 days without full meals.

As per plans, the NDRF men will go through the pipe and once they reach the workers, they will use their equipment to start sending them out of the tunnel. According to the officials, the workers will lie upon low-height, wheeled stretchers and rescuers will pull them out using ropes. The personnel have gone through multiple rehearsals and are prepared in every way, Hasnain said.

When the workers come out, they will be rushed in ambulances through a 'green corridor' to a 41-bed special ward set up at the community health centre in Chinyalisaur in Uttarkashi district.




Qatar has accepted India's appeal against the death sentence awarded to eight former Indian Navy personnel, in an alleged case of espionage. The eight men, including officers who have commanded major Indian warships, were working for a private firm that provided training and services to Qatar's armed forces.

The Court of First Instance in Qatar will now decide a date for the appeal hearing, The Quint reported.

The eight men were arrested in August 2022 on charges of spying. The death sentence was pronounced in October, sending shock-waves in diplomatic circles. Their bail pleas have been rejected multiple times and Indian authorities have been working hard to secure their release.

The arrested Indian Navy veterans are Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar. Earlier in June, Meetu Bhargava, sister of one of the former officers detained had sought the government's help to bring back her brother, NDTV reported.



Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source told The Week earlier last year that a friendly conversation by the Navy personnel with an Indian diplomat posted at Doha sparked suspicion among Qatari authorities that secret information may have been exchanged.
Two foreign terrorists of proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) , including its top commander, have been killed in a joint operation of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Rajouri.

The slain LeT terrorist leader has been identified as Quari who, according to officials, had been active in the Rajouri-Poonch area for quite sometime.

"During the last few days, there were continuous inputs of the movement of two terrorists in general Area Kalakot and all the intelligence agencies were working relentlessly to eliminate them, officials were quoted as saying by ANI.

On the night of November 19, a confirmed input of a high-ranked terrorist leader of LeT namely 'Quari' who was active in the Rajouri- Poonch area, along with one more accomplice, was received. Immediately coordinated joint operations by the Indian Army, JKP and intelligence agencies were launched, they said.

Unmanned aerial vehicles, night-enabled cameras and other modern equipment were deployed to keep the area under surveillance as the operation continued overnight.

One of the terrorists was killed on November 22 while the second terrorist was eliminated on the following day.

Five security personnel, including two Army captains, have also lost their lives in the operation.

According to officials, Quari was one of the most wanted terrorists, having been trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The LeT commander is believed to the mastermind of civilian killings at Dhangri in January this year and the attack on security forces in Kandi.

The Army on Friday said the search operation in the forest area of Rajouri is still under way.

Commander of 14 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Brigadier Soumeet Patnaik informed that security forces safely evacuated trapped civilians, including women and children, from the scene of the encounter and paid rich tributes to the five fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifice for the country gives us the motivation to finish off terrorism.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Friday that the mission to rescue workers trapped in the partially collapsed Silkyara tunnel is in its last step and expressed hope that the mission will be completed soon.



Talking to reporters, Dhami said, The rescue operation is in its last step. PM Modi takes all the updates about the difficulties that workers might face and discusses the solutions. All the agencies of both the central and state governments are working together for the rescue operation. We hope that soon this operation will be completed and all the workers will come out, ANI reported.

Earlier, Dhami tweeted that he had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he gave detailed information to the prime minister about the rescue operation. Prime Minister was informed about the solution to the problem arising in front of the auger machine, the condition of the workers, the food and other daily items given to them as well as the health facilities prepared for the workers when they come out of the tunnel, Dhami said.

Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary Technical, Road and Transport visited the tunnel site on Friday and said, "The auger drilling machine has been reassembled. A new pipe will be put in after the welding which process will take two hours. After two hours, we will push the pipe in (inside the tunnel). I hope we face no obstacles. Two more pipes of 6 metres length each have to be inserted. The first pipe will reach 51-52 metres, with the next 6-metre length, we hope to breakthrough."
The Verkhovna Rada plans to adopt a bill on national minorities, which is necessary to open negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union, at one of the next plenary sessions, Head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia has said.

"We held a preparatory meeting to register a bill on national minorities, which should streamline our legislation on this issue with the that of the EU. We plan to consider it as soon as possible, at one of the upcoming meetings," he said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

The parliamentarian noted that the adoption of the relevant law is the last requirement for opening negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
Finland has temporarily closed all but one of its eight passenger crossings to Russia in response to an unusually high inflow of migrants for which the Nordic country accuses Moscow.



More than 700 migrants from nations including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, have in the past few weeks entered Finland via Russia. Helsinki says Moscow is funnelling them to the border, a charge the Kremlin denies.

Having last week closed four border stations, Finland overnight closed all remaining passenger crossings except its northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi located in the northern Arctic region, for a month.

Raja-Jooseppi opened its gates for traffic at 0800 GMT on Friday and will continue to accept asylum applications during its four daily opening hours, the Finnish Border Guard said.

On Thursday, 92 illegal migrants arrived at the Salla and Vartius border crossings before they shut but no migrants turned up overnight outside opening hours, it added.

Separately, the Finnish Border Guard said on Friday it expects dozens of officers from the European Union's Frontex border agency to help patrol the 1,340 km (833 mile) border with Russia from next week."Their task will primarily be to patrol the land border under the supervision of the Finnish Border Guards and to support them," Border Security Expert Arttu Maaranen told Reuters.

He said the border guards were preparing for all scenarios, including one in which migrants attempted to cross into Finland through forests spanning the frontier."We have requested equipment needed for monitoring and surveillance, including a thermal camera vehicle," he said.
The riot that broke out in Dublin after the stabbing incident, severely injuring three young children, turned violent with many including police officials injured. According to Irish Police, 34 were arrested in connection with the riot.

"Overall we have 34 arrests, 32 of which will be appearing before the courts this morning," Police Commissioner Drew Harris told a press conference.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the situation as very volatile. There could be prison sentences of up to 12 years for attacking gardai, she said.

At least 100 people took to the strerts with some armed with metal bars and covering their faces on Thursday evening. The riot police had to intervene to calm the situation on the streets with the rioters torching the vehicles and attacking stores.

Following the attack outside a school, the girl was grievously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment in a Dublin hospital. The two others injured in the incident was also undergoing medical treatment.

Over 400 police officers were deployed in Dublin city centre to contain the unrest.

A police cordon was also set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.

A number of police vehicles and a tram were damaged during the clashes, while a bus and car were also set on fire on the city's O'Connell Bridge.

Several stores were looted amid the riots as well. Public transport in the city including trams and buses was suspended. Many companies urged their staff to work from home on Friday.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence," said Harris.

Police and politicians called for calm and warned against misinformation over the attack earlier in the day.

Justice Ministe said that the scenes we were witnessing this evening won't be tolerated.

Earlier the police had said that they have not ruled out the potential terrorist link as the motive behind the attack.

Irish police also said one police officer was seriously injured in Dublin riot.

After three young children was stabbed, it had sparked a night of rioting rarely seen before the capital.

Police blamed the far right agitators for starting the violence after a small group of anti-immigrant protesters arrived at the scene of the stabbing attack beside the main thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and clashed with police.

(With agencies inputs)
The Israel Air Force (IAF) claimed that Amar Abu Jallah, a senior naval commander of Hamas naval forces, was killed in an air strike in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip.

IAF said Abu Jallah was involved in the Gaza war from the beginning and was responsible for plotting and carrying out several attempted naval attacks that were foiled by Israeli forces.

"The Air Force, guided by the intelligence of the Navy, AMN and Shin Bet, eliminated Amr Abu Jallah (sic), the commander of the Hamas naval force in Khan Yunis, and another terrorist from the organisation's naval force," said IAF.

"Omar Abu Jallah (sic) was a senior in the naval force, and was involved from the beginning of the fighting in sending a number of naval attacks that were foiled by our forces," it added.

Hamas weapons warehouses, coastal tunnel sites, training posts and observation posts located by an IDF naval intelligence ship were destroyed in the airstrike. IDF said these airstrikes were carried out in a bid to cripple Hamas naval capabilities and prevent future terror attacks.
Nagpur, Nov 24 (PTI) The Maharashtra government plans to acquire 5,000 hectares of land in Gadchiroli district, affected by Left Wing Extremism, for industrial development, Industries Minister Uday Samant said on Friday.

He made the announcement during a review meeting of the industries department and the District Planning Committee.

Samant highlighted the interest of several major industrial houses in establishing their units in Gadchiroli which has created the need for substantial land acquisition.

The minister informed about the proposed Rs 22,000-crore investments by companies like Lloyds Metals and Varad Ferro in the district, for which he said, MoUs have been signed and notifications are set to be published soon.

Plans to acquire land for new industries were outlined at the meeting, covering areas like Chamorshi, Mulchera, Armori and Sironcha, totalling approximately 5,000 hectares, he said.

Ambuja Cement, JSW and other companies have expressed willingness to set up units in Gadchiroli which would position the district among the top five in the state in terms of industrial development, said Samant.

To support employment initiatives and industrial projects, an Udyog Bhawan will be constructed at Gadchiroli with an investment of Rs 14 crore, he added.
UDAIPUR, India, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIMU) launches its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, designed exclusively for ambitious professionals seeking uninterrupted career growth. Commencing on May 18, 2024, this two-year online program combines flexibility with academic excellence, featuring two one-week on-campus modules to foster networking and interaction. Managed and delivered directly by IIMU, the EMBA program employs a high-touch approach with live sessions, interactive learning experiences, and exclusive C-suite interactions, providing participants with valuable insights from industry leaders. This program will provide an ideation platform to encourage participants to discuss business ideas leading to possible new business ventures that would get support from the IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre.



The curriculum is a comprehensive 1250 contact hour program covering Business Foundations, Functional Foundations, and Managerial Toolkit, complemented by diverse electives. This is the first IIM EMBA Program to offer flexibility through multiple entry and stage-wise completion. Participants benefit from credit-based waivers, acknowledging their prior academic achievements. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a Master of Business Administration by IIM Udaipur. They will also be given the status of Alumni of IIM Udaipur.



Extending a welcome to potential professionals seeking a reputed degree with flexible options, Prof. Tushar Agrawal, Chairperson - EMBA Program, said,



"Many professionals yearn for an opportunity to enhance their skill set, elevate their careers, and contribute meaningfully to their organisations without disrupting their current roles. The EMBA Program at IIM Udaipur is designed exclusively for modern-day working professionals seeking to elevate their careers without putting their current commitments on hold. Our program prioritises your needs and aspirations, offering unparalleled flexibility in learning formats and schedules. The Executive Master of Business Administration program at IIM Udaipur is not just about earning a degree; it's about empowering professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead and excel in the dynamic business world."



The admission cycle started on November 15, 2023.



Embark on unparalleled learning and career growth with IIM Udaipur's EMBA program. For more information, visit the IIMU EMBA Program website or contact the Admissions Office at 7230001227 (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM) or emba.admission@iimu.ac.in.



About IIM Udaipur:



IIM Udaipur is well on its way to becoming a globally recognised B-School. It has broken new ground by focusing on world-class research and transforming students into tomorrow's managers and leaders. The Institute arrived on the global education stage by securing accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in merely eight years of its establishment. With this accreditation, IIM Udaipur is counted in the same league of global institutes, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the MIT Sloan School.



IIM Udaipur is ranked 16th by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 of the HRD Ministry. IIM Udaipur is the only IIM in the Top 100 of the prestigious FT Masters In Management World Rankings consecutively for 5 Years since 2019. Ranked #5 amongst IIMs in the list of 2023. Indian Institute of Management Udaipur featured in the prestigious Masters in Management (MIM) QS World University Rankings 2024 for the fifth consecutive year. IIMU is also currently ranked 4th in India, after ISB, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, for research in management according to the methodology used by UT Dallas, which tracks publications in the leading global journals.



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2284346/IIMNewCampus.jpg



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183220/4214974/IIMU_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Billionaire Warren Buffet-backed Berkshire Hathaway Inc on Friday divested its entire 2.46 per cent stake in Paytm's parent company One97 Communications for Rs 1,371 crore through an open market transaction.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc through its affiliate BH International Holdings sold more than 1.56 crore shares of fintech company Paytm on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to the bulk deal data available with the NSE, BH International Holdings offloaded 1,56,23,529 shares, amounting to a 2.46 per cent stake in Noida-headquartered Paytm.

The shares were disposed of at an average price of Rs 877.29 apiece, taking the transaction value to Rs 1,370.63 crore.

Meanwhile, Copthall Mauritius Investment picked up 75,75,529 shares and Ghisallo Master Fund LP acquired 42.75 lakh shares, amounting to a 1.19 per cent and 0.67 per cent stake in Paytm, respectively.

The shares were purchased at an average price of Rs 877.20 per piece, taking the aggregate deal value to Rs 1,039.52 crore.

Details of the other buyers could not be ascertained.

Shares of One97 Communications declined 3.08 per cent to close at Rs 895 apiece on the NSE on Friday.

In October, Fintech company One97 Communications, which operates under the Paytm brand, reported the narrowing of consolidated loss to Rs 291.7 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal.

The company had posted a loss of Rs 571.5 crore in the year-ago period.

The consolidated revenue from operations of the company increased about 32 per cent to Rs 2,518.6 crore during the quarter from Rs 1,914 crore a year ago.
Chennai, Nov 24 (PTI) Tamil star Vikram's action movie "Dhruva Natchathiram" has been pushed from its Friday release, film's director Gautham Menon has announced.

In a statement shared on his page on X, Menon said the team needs "a day or two more" to finalise the release.

Sorry. Unable to get Dhruva Natchathiram to the screens today. We tried our best, but it seems we need a day or two more. Hoping to provide everyone with a great experience with advance bookings and proper screens worldwide. The support for the film is heartwarming and has kept us going. Just a few more days, and well arrive," the director posted.

"Dhruva Natchathiram" is a spy action film, which has been in production since 2018. The makers had announced recently that the movie will hit theatres on November 24.

The film also stars Ritu Varma, Parthiban, Aishwarya Rajesh, Simran, Radhika, Arjun Das and Divyadarshini. Soundtrack is composed by Harris Jayaraj.
Panaji, Nov 24 (PTI) Actors don't need to be categorised in boxes, says Divya Dutta, a versatile performer who is happy that female artistes are finally getting the space to experiment without being pigeonholed.

In a career spanning over 25 years, Dutta has delivered critically-praised performance in films such as "Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh", "Veer-Zaara," "Delhi-6," "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and "Badlapur" to name a few.

The actor believes that earlier the industry standards were different for male actors when they would venture out of their comfort zone and try something new with their characters.

"I have seen that male actors are still given that leeway of being called actors whatever they might do. If you have Nawaz, you had Irrfan (Khan), Manoj (Bajpayee) and now it is Vijay Sethupathi, they can just cross over, do any role and then come back to what they were doing and do it so brilliantly. But with women, it was a little less when you had a woman doing a different role, especially the pre-OTT era," Dutta told PTI in an interview.

The 46-year-old actor said when she tried to experiment with her roles, people would find different labels to describe her.

"For female actors, I think that gradually happened. Now I'm called an actor. But I do feel it's nice to not follow that cliche norm of belonging to a box. We don't belong in any boxes. We make our own skies, we shine and just star in them," Dutta said.

The actor recalled that someone used the term "unconventional" to describe her as an artiste and she now owns it.

"When OTT wasn't there and when I was doing only feature films, people didn't know where to place me because I wasn't really romancing the hero but I had the best role in the film. So they didn't know what to call me. So they started calling me the unconventional heroine. And I just loved it because it's nice to carve your own path rather than just follow something that's there."

Dutta said she is glad to have a career where she "can cross the images and the roles that are given".

"I love to play a villain, I love to do comedy, I love to romance my hero. I'm doing all three of those and yet I don't have an image. So I'm happy about that," she said.

The Ludhiana-born actor currently serves as a jury member for the best web series (OTT) award at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

The award category, incorporated at the festival with the current edition, will be presented to a show for its artistic merit, storytelling excellence, technical prowess and overall impact.

The jury is headed by filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and also includes Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, filmmakers Krishna DK and Utpal Borpujari.

"It's first a matter of great honour. It's the first time this kind of award has been inculcated... It is also a huge responsibility because what I'm advised to watch as an audience is different, but when you watch as a jury, then you have such a wide diversity of shows and they're all so good.

"So it becomes difficult, but I think it's a process which when you sit with like minded people will come to a conclusion."

Dutta has been part of two OTT shows -- "Special OPS" and "Hostages" -- which premiered on streaming service Disney+ Hotstar.

She said she has worked on two-three more projects that will be released in the coming year.

"For an actor, it doesn't really make much of a difference, except that there is an increase in the number of dates. But then it's a role and you play it in a different medium, it's just that. I think things have changed for the production, for directors and writers more so than for actors," Dutta said.
Peshawar, Nov 24 (PTI) Two school students were killed in a crossfire between police and a wanted terrorist during a search operation in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Friday.

In the exchange of fire during the search operation conducted on the intelligence-based reports in the Kot Azam area of the Tank district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province on Thursday, the wanted terrorist was killed, they said.

Two eighth-grade students were also killed as they were caught during the lethal cross-firing, police said.

Police said they have recovered a sub-machine gun, ammunition, two hand grenades and a motorbike from possession of the slain terrorist.

There has been an uptick in terrorism incidents by militants and separatist groups in Pakistan in recent months as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant outfits have intensified actions against security forces. It has prompted the security forces and the local police to intensify operations against the terrorists.

In a fresh wave of terrorism, nine people, including two soldiers, were killed and several others injured in four different terror incidents in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday.

In another restive province, Balochistan, Pakistani security forces killed at least four terrorists in a gunfight on Thursday and recovered a cache of weapons, including pistols, grenades, an improvised explosive device-fitted motorbike, and other arms during the operation.
Kathmandu, Nov 24 (PTI) Two Indian nationals were arrested on Friday for allegedly possessing narcotic drugs, police said.

Chand Shah, 19, was arrested along with 25 grams and 200-milligram brown sugar-like substances, according to a Nepal Police News Bulletin.

Shah was arrested from Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan city in Banke district of Western Nepal, said the police.

He was arrested while travelling to Nepal from India, crossing the border carrying the banned substance.

Similarly, Sonu Kumar Chaudhari, a 27-year-old Indian national, has also been arrested from Duhabi Municipality of Sunsari district, police said on Friday.

Chaudhari and a Nepali man were arrested on Thursday for possessing 70 grams and 5 milligrams of brown sugar, the police said.

Police have launched an investigation into the matter involving the two Indian nationals, they said.
A local resident was killed as a result of the Russian occupation forces' artillery attack on the village of Dniprovske in Kherson region, Head of Kherson Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Prokudin has said.

"At around 16:00, the occupiers shelled Dniprovske. They used artillery systems. A 50-year-old local resident sustained injuries incompatible with life. He was outside at the moment of the attack," he said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

A woman, 44, was hospitalized with injuries as a result of the attack, Prokudin said. She suffered a blast trauma and shrapnel wounds in abdomen and arm. The woman is receiving medical aid.
Leicester (UK)/Joondalup (Australia), Nov 24 (The Conversation) Paying for things digitally is so common, most of us think nothing of swiping or tapping our card, or using mobile payments. While doing so is second nature, we may be more reluctant to provide card details over the phone.

Merchants are allowed to ask us for credit card details over the phone  this is perfectly legal. But there are minimum standards they must comply with and safeguards to protect consumer data.

So is giving your card details over the phone any more risky than other transactions and how can you minimise the risks?



How is my card data protected?



For a merchant to process card transactions, they are expected to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This is a set of security requirements designed to protect cardholder data and the trillions of dollars of transactions each year.

Compliance involves various security measures (such as encryption and access controls) together with strong governance and regular security assessments.

If the information stored by the merchant is accessed by an unauthorised party, encryption ensures it is not readable. That means stealing the data would not let the criminals use the card details. Meanwhile, access controls ensure only authorised individuals have access to cardholder data.

Though all companies processing cards are expected to meet the compliance standards, only those processing large volumes are subject to mandatory regular audits. Should a subsequent data leak or misuse occur that can be attributed to a compliance failure, a company can be penalised at levels that can escalate into millions of dollars.

These requirements apply to all card transactions, whether in person, online or over the phone. Phone transactions are likely to involve a human collecting the card details and either entering them into computer systems, or processing the payment through paper forms. The payment card Security Standards Council has detailed guides for best practice:

A policy should be in place to ensure that payment card data is protected against unauthorised viewing, copying, or scanning, in particular on desks.

Although these measures can help to protect your card data, there are still risks in case the details are misplaced or the person on the phone arent who they say they are.



Basic tips for safe credit card use over the phone



If you provide card details over the phone, there are steps you can take to minimise the chance youll become the victim of fraud, or get your details leaked.



1. Verify the caller



If you didnt initiate the call, hang up and call the company directly using details youve verified yourself. Scammers will often masquerade as a well-known company (for example, an online retailer or a courier) and convince you a payment failed or payment is needed to release a delivery.

Before you provide any information, confirm the caller is legitimate and the purpose of the call is genuine.



2. Be sceptical



If you are being offered a deal thats too good to be true, have concerns about the person youre dealing with, or just feel something is not quite right, hang up. You can always call them back later if the caller turns out to be legitimate.



3. Use secure payment methods



If youve previously paid the company with other (more secure) methods, ask to use that same method.



4. Keep records



Make sure you record details of the company, the representative you are speaking to and the amount being charged. You should also ask for an order or transaction reference. Dont forget to ask for the receipt to be sent to you.

Check the transaction against your card matches the receipt  use your banking app, dont wait for the statement to come through.





Virtual credit cards



In addition to the safeguards mentioned above, a virtual credit card can help reduce the risk of card fraud.

You probably already have a form of virtual card if youve added a credit card to your phone for mobile payments. Depending on the financial institution, you can create a new credit card number linked to your physical card.

Some banks extend this functionality to allow you to generate unique card numbers and/or CVV numbers (the three digits at the back of your card). With this approach you can easily separate transactions and cancel a virtual card/number if you have any concerns.



What to do if you think your card details have been compromised or stolen?

Its important not to panic, but quick action is essential:



- call your bank and get the card blocked so you wont lose any more money. Depending on your situation, you can also block/cancel the card through your banking app or website

- report the issue to the police or other relevant body

- monitor your account(s) for any unusual transactions

- explore card settings in your banking app or website  many providers allow you to limit transactions based on value, restrict transaction types or enable alerts

- you may want to consider registering for credit monitoring services and to enable fraud alerts.



So, should I give my card details over the phone?

If you want to minimise risk, its best to avoid giving card details over the phone if you can. Providing your card details via a website still has risks, but at least it removes the human element.

The best solution currently available is to use virtual cards  if anything goes wrong you can cancel just that unique card identity, rather than your entire card. (The Conversation) NSA

NSA
Bangkok, Nov 24 (PTI) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said India will show the path of happiness and satisfaction to the world which is stumbling from experiments with materialism, communism and capitalism.

Addressing the inaugural session of the third World Hindu Congress (WHC) here in Thailand's capital, Bhagwat appealed to Hindus across the world to reach out to each other and connect with the world together.

"We have to reach out, connect with every Hindu. And Hindus together will connect everybody in the world. As Hindus are connected in more numbers, the process of connecting with the world has also started," he said addressing a gathering of thinkers, activists, leaders, and entrepreneurs, from across the world.

He said the world, particularly after the Covid pandemic, has realised and is unanimous in thinking that India will provide the way to happiness and satisfaction.

Bhagwat said the world was now stumbling after experiments with materialism, Communism and capitalism in search of happiness and was now turning towards Hinduism.

"Today's world is now stumbling. For 2,000 years they have performed so many experiments to bring happiness, bliss and peace. They have tried materialism, communism and capitalism. They have tried various religions. They have assumed material prosperity. But there is no satisfaction," he said.

"After the Covid period, they have started rethinking. It seems they are unanimous in thinking that Bharat will provide the way," Bhagwat said.

"We have to go and contact everybody, connect with him and bring him to us by our service. We have that spirit. We have an edge over the world in the matter of selfless service. It is in our tradition and values. So, reach out and conquer nothing but hearts," he said.

The three-day conference will provide delegates with an opportunity to discuss challenges facing Hindus across the world.

Bhagwat said Hindus have to play a key role in spreading the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  the entire world is one family.

"For the fulfilment of that, we have to come together, stay together and work together  Everybody will not fall in a particular uniform .. but we should have the knack to take everybody together," he said.

"Everybody has to have some contribution to the world. We also recognise their specificity. We have respect for everyone. Our ancestors recognised this, but we have forgotten this knack and were broken into pieces and then conquered. We have to come together now," Bhagwat said.

He said anger, hatred, hateful speech, envy and ego prevent the coming together of individuals and break society or organisation and made a strong pitch to win people over with selfless service.

The quadrennial event began with the blowing of the conch by Swami Vigyanananda, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation with delegates from over 60 countries participating in the three-day event.

Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandmayi Devi, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Milind Parande, WHC organising committee chair Susheel Saraff, Bharat Sevashram Sangh Working President Swami Purnatmanand, Hinduism Today-USA Publisher Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami among others.
Islamabad, Nov 24 (PTI) Describing Imran Khan as a "darling of the courts", Pakistan's caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti has said that the facilities provided to the former prime minister in prison were not given to any premier and a common citizen cannot even imagine them.

The 71-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is currently detained in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after being arrested in the leakage of the cipher (secret diplomatic cable) case.

In an interview with the Independent Urdu published today, Bugti said: The facilities provided to him (Khan) are more than those provided to an ordinary prisoner or a prime minister behind bars as he is, after all, a laadla (darling) of the courts."

The kind of facilities being provided to him in jail, they werent given to any prime minister and a common citizen cannot even imagine them, he said.

The caretaker interior minister also mentioned former chief justice Umar Ata Bandials good to see you remarks for Khan, saying that such instances strengthen his argument.

We direly need judicial reforms here, he said.

Bandial made these remarks during Khan's appearance before the Supreme Court after his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case sparked violent protests by his supporters on May 9.

Bandial later clarified that it was part of court etiquette and carried no political connotation.

Asked about the special courts directives to present the ex-premier and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi before the court on November 28 in the cipher case, Bugti said he would follow the court orders to the letter.

In the cipher case, Khan and Qureshi are accused of violating the secrecy laws of the country.

The caretaker interior minister further said that most of the cases filed against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif were baseless, but at the same time asserted that no favours were being given to the party.
Islamabad, Nov 24 (PTI) After courting controversy by proposing a one-state solution to the Palestine problem, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi has now said that Islamabad supports a just and peaceful resolution of the vexed issue, based on the two-state solution.

Alvis comments walking back on the earlier stance came during a meeting with Dr Saleh bin Abdullah Humaid, Imam Khatib at Masjid Al-Haram, and adviser at Saudi Royal Courts of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, according to a report in the newspaper Dawn.

President Dr Arif Alvi has reiterated that Pakistan firmly supports a just and peaceful resolution of the Palestine issue, based on the two-state solution. He said that the world must realise the pain of the Palestinian people and play its role in ending the Israeli atrocities in Gaza that had killed thousands of innocent people, including women and children, an official press release issued by the Presidency said on Friday.

At the meeting on Thursday, which discussed the situation in Gaza, Islamophobia, and other challenges faced by the Muslim world, Dr Humaid stated that the Muslim world had unanimously adopted a stance on the Palestine issue, advocating for Palestinians rights based on the two-state solution.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on its territory that killed 1,200 people and held over 200 people hostage, Israel has been pounding the Gaza Strip killing more than 12,000 persons.

Earlier last week and prior to that on November 11, the Presidency had issued a statement quoting President Alvi suggesting a one-state solution to the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict during a telephone conversation with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas. But the office later sent a revised version of the press release with no mention of the presidents suggestion.

Not being in line with the countrys principled and historic stance on the issue, Alvis proposal of the one-state solution was widely panned by one and all in Pakistan.

In fact, President Alvi's statement on November 22 also prompted the caretaker government to distance itself from the remarks made and calls for his resignation in the Senate.

If the two-state solution was not acceptable to Israel, then the one-state solution was the only way where Jews, Muslims and [a] good percentage of Christians could live to exercise equal political rights, the original press release quoted Alvi as telling Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas last week.

Almost all news TV channels ran the presidents statement, which was also released by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan. The Presidency later retracted the press release and issued a new one, which omitted any mention of the controversial proposal.
Jerusalem, Nov 24 (AP) A four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war began on Friday morning in Gaza as part of an agreement that Qatar helped broker. The deal also includes the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, which was to begin later on Friday.

With the deal comes increased shipments of fuel and supplies into Gaza  though still only enough to dent the needs of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, according to aid groups. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 litres of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce.

More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza after a dayslong pause in its casualty report, which it attributed to the health system's collapse in northern Gaza making it impossible to provide a detailed count.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will press ahead with the war after the cease-fire expires. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.



Here's what's happening in the war:



FRANCE CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES, INCLUDING 8 FRENCH CITIZENS, AND A LASTING TRUCE

BEIJING  French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called Friday for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, including eight French citizens, and a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas.

'It is essential that international law is applied there (in Gaza) as elsewhere,'' Colonna said during a trip to Beijing. 'All states have the right to defend themselves, but we must cooperate so that terrorism is contained.''

She called for a durable truce so that 'the wounded can be treated, and humanitarian aid can arrive and ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.''

The eight French hostages in Gaza include three children. The French president, foreign minister and defense minister have traveled to the region in recent weeks to push for their release and a long-term peace.

Forty French citizens were killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, and two French citizens have been killed in attacks on Gaza, according to the Foreign Ministry. France has sent flights and warships to bring humanitarian aid for Gaza.



AMBULANCES ARRIVE AT ISRAELI MILITARY BASE AHEAD OF HOSTAGE RELEASE

HATZERIM MILITARY BASE, Israel  Ambulances arrived at Hatzerim military air base in southern Israel on Friday, hours before hostages were expected to arrive after being released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials said that after arriving at the air base escorted by Israeli soldiers, the released hostages will be flown or driven to five different hospitals across the country for medical treatment, as needed.

Gaza's ruling Hamas group has pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in their deadly October 7 attack on Israel. In turn, Israel is to free three Palestinian prisoners for each released hostage. The releases are to take place in stages over the next four days.



ISRAELI FORCES KILL A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN THE WEST BANK

JERUSALEM  Israeli forces shot and killed a 12-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said on Friday, as violence surges in the territory under the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The boy was killed on Thursday in the village of Beita near the flashpoint city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the officials said.

The Israeli military said Palestinians threw stones when soldiers entered the village and that troops responded with live fire. The military said it was looking into the circumstances of the boy's death.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began seven weeks ago, the West Bank has seen one of the deadliest periods in at least two decades. Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 229 Palestinians, including 52 children and minors under the age of 18, in arrest raids and violent confrontations, according to UN figures.

The war was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel in which about 1,200 people were killed.

ISRAELI TROOPS FIRE AT PALESTINIANS ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO NORTHERN GAZA, KILLING TWO

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli troops fatally shot two Palestinians and wounded 11 others as they headed toward the main combat zone in northern Gaza despite warnings by the Israeli army to stay put.

An Associated Press journalist saw the two bodies and the wounded as they arrived at a hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah in the southern half of Gaza. The injured had been shot in the legs.

Friday's shooting came hours after the Israeli military warned hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who sought refuge in southern Gaza not to attempt to return to their homes in the northern half of the territory, the focus of Israel's ground offensive.

The military had dropped leaflets on southern Gaza saying that returning to northern Gaza is prohibited and dangerous.

Since a four-day truce went into effect Friday morning, hundreds of Palestinians were seen trying to head to northern Gaza.

Witnesses said Israeli troops are opening fire on people trying to head north.

Since the early days of the war triggered by the Hamas attack on southern Israel seven weeks ago, hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes in the north at the orders of the Israeli army.



'EVERYONE IN RETURN FOR EVERYONE,' PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD LEADER SAYS

BEIRUT  The leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said Friday that Israeli soldiers among the 240 hostages held by militant groups in Gaza will only be released in exchange for all the Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Islamic Jihad is reportedly holding about 40 of the hostages who were captured by Hamas and other militant groups during their October 7 attack on southern Israel. Over the next four days, 50 hostages are to be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with both sides releasing women and children first.

In a televised speech on the first day of what is meant to be a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war, Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh said that the enemy's military prisoners will not be released without the freedom of our prisoners and this is linked to the end of the aggression. He said that Israel would be forced to eventually reach a deal of everyone in return for everyone.

It was not immediately clear how many of the hostages held in Gaza are currently serving in the military and whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.

Close to 7,000 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel on security charges, including about 1,800 arrested since the start of the war. (AP)





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Kyiv (Ukraine), Nov 24 (AP) Ukraine launched one of the biggest drone attacks on the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula since the full-scale war that started with Russia's invasion 21 months ago, Russian officials said Friday.

At the same time, Ukrainian officials reported that the Kremlin's forces escalated their weekslong and costly attempt to storm Avdiivka, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine.

The stepped-up efforts came as both sides are keen to show they are not deadlocked as the fighting approaches 2024. Neither side has gained much ground despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in June, and analysts predict the war will be a long one.

With winter weather setting in, bringing snow and freezing temperatures to the battlefield, Ukraine and Russia are looking to take ground that could provide platforms for future advances.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russian-occupied part of southern Ukraine's Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Crimea early Friday. He claimed that dozens of drones were shot down over the province and the northern part of Crimea.

Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world considered illegal, and has used it as a staging and supply point during the war.

The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 13 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and three more over southern Russia's Volgograd region.

It was not possible to independently verify either side's battlefield claims.

Russia has been trying to capture Avdiivka since October 10, using heavy bombardments and reportedly taking heavy losses. The city is wrecked, and the battle has become reminiscent of the fight over the eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut, which was largely destroyed during nine months of fighting before Russian troops eventually captured it.

Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy. Avdiivka's location grants Ukrainian forces artillery advantages over the city and could serve as a springboard for them to liberate Donetsk.

After intense artillery and aerial bombardments, Russian troops attacked the heavily fortified city from an additional direction and spread along the line of contact whereas before they attacked in columns, Vitalii Barabash, the head of Avdiivka's military administration, said Friday.

The city is enduring up to 40 bombardments daily, he said. (AP) NPK

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Islamabad, Nov 24 (PTI) Contrary to former prime minister Imran Khans position, Pakistans top investigating agency has claimed that the secret diplomatic cable that he is alleged to have leaked at a public meeting in March 2022 was never declassified, a media report said on Friday.

Khan, 71, was arrested in August this year after a case was filed against him for allegedly violating the Official Secrets Act by disclosing a secret diplomatic cable  called the cipher  sent by the country's embassy in Washington in March last year.

Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party chief, is incarcerated along with the foreign minister in his government, Shah Mahmood Qureshi in what is now known as the cipher case.

The much-discussed 7th March 2022 cipher, received by the Foreign Ministry from the then Pakistani ambassador to the US, was never declassified, The News International reported, quoting sources in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The FIA, which had probed the cipher case and gone through the cabinet meetings record, disclosed the sources to the newspaper and said, The question of declassification of the cipher was discussed in a few meetings during the dying days of the Imran Khan government, but it was never allowed. These cabinet meetings were held after Imran Khan had already waved the copy of the cipher in a public rally.

It is learnt that the Foreign Ministry had strongly opposed the idea of declassifying the cipher. The matter was also referred to the Law Ministry, which, the sources said, also opposed the proposal for declassification of the secret cable.

The sources further said that the Cabinet later only approved the proposal of providing a copy of the cipher to the President, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Speaker National Assembly, and Chairman Senate.

Further providing details that may prove a deterrent to Khan, the sources said that the proposal for declassification of the cipher was first discussed in the cabinet meeting on March 30, 2022 -- three days after Khan had waved the cipher copy in a public rally that he had addressed in Islamabad.

The 30th March cabinet meeting decided against the declassification of the cipher, The News International said.

Khan, Qureshi, and other leaders of the PTI have always claimed that the cipher was declassified.

The newspaper quoted Shah Khawar, senior lawyer and head of the prosecution team in the cipher case, who, too, said that the cipher was never declassified and there is no such Cabinet decision.

Foreign Office spokesperson declined to comment on the issue as it is a sub judice matter, the report said.
Beijing, Nov 24 (AP) French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Friday that China's cooperation is vital on an issue that has divided it and much of Europe: ending the war in Ukraine.

She encouraged China to continue working on its Ukrainian peace proposal while also ensuring that Chinese entities do not aid Russia in what she called the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine  phrasing the Chinese side would disagree with.

France underlines once again how its cooperation with China is essential to promote a just and lasting peace, she said after talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "We are counting on the vigilance of the Chinese authorities so that no structure in China, particularly private, contributes directly or indirectly to Russia's illegal war effort in Ukraine.

Her meetings in Beijing underscored an effort by both sides to continue a dialogue despite their growing differences, whether on the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war or Europe's huge trade deficit with China. The talks in some ways foreshadowed an EU-China leaders meeting next month.

In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang earlier in the day, Colonna said their countries should work together to address issues such as climate change and biodiversity. A major UN climate conference starts next week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

As big powers, we both share the responsibility to tackle global challenges ... and we can make concerted efforts in alleviating tensions around the world, she said.

China has been critical of US efforts to seek the help of its allies, including in Europe, in its competition with China over trade, technology and security. It has accused the US of building groupings to contain China's development and rise.

Wang warned against the politicizing of issues and protectionism. The European Union has been taking a tougher line on China, launching a trade investigation into subsidies given to Chinese electric vehicle makers.

We believe that as long as China and Europe work together, there will be no confrontation between camps, no division of the world, and no new Cold War," Wang said.

The Chinese government has refrained from criticising Russia's invasion or the Hamas attack that sparked its latest war with Israel, taking a different stance than many in Europe and the United States.

It has accused the West of prolonging the European conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine and called for an end to the fighting in both wars.

Colonna said that dialogue with China on the Gaza situation, and even cooperation, would be useful. She called for the release of all the hostages, including eight French-Israeli citizens, three of whom are children.

Every state has the right to defend itself, but we must cooperate so that terrorism is contained and so that what happened cannot happen again, she said.

Her trip came shortly after a delegation of foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries and territories visited China and France as part of a series of meetings with permanent members of the UN Security Council to push for a cease-fire in Gaza. A four-day truce in the war started on Friday.

Despite their differences, China has been trying to repair its relations with major trading partners including Europe, the US and Australia. The lifting of China's pandemic restrictions last December has helped, making it much easier to hold in-person meetings.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited China in April followed by Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire in July.

Relations between China and France are getting better and better in all aspects, Premier Li, the country's No. 2 leader, said. In particular, our exchanges at all levels are now becoming more frequent because many of the mechanisms have been restored.

Wang tried to reassure European companies that China remains a good and safe place to do business. New regulations have added uncertainty to the business environment and made foreign investors wary at a time when China is seeking investment to help revive a sluggish economy.

We will listen to the voices of the European business community, earnestly solving the problems of investors in China, he said. (AP) PY

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Tel Aviv, Nov 24 (AP) Ofri Bibas Levy has been haunted by nightmares since October 7, when her brother, sister-in-law and their two young children were snatched by Hamas militants from their homes and dragged into the Gaza Strip.

In those dreams she sees her captive relatives, all except for her brother Yarden. That subconscious omission may reflect her ordeal: Only women and children are expected to be among the 50 hostages released during a four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that started on Friday.

All of the men, and many women, will remain captive in Gaza for now. It was not clear if all children were expected to be freed.

It's a deal that puts the families in a situation that is inhuman. Who will come out and who won't? Bibas Levy asked. The children come out, but my brother and many other people stay?

The deal will bring relief to dozens whose relatives are captive  as well as to Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of bombardment and dire conditions.

But with some 240 hostages in militant hands, only a fraction of families will be reunited under the current arrangement. There is some hope that the agreement could be expanded: Israel has said it will extend the truce one day for every 10 hostages freed.

But many families are expected to be left to endure the torment of not knowing the fate of their loved ones.

The plight of the hostages  who include men, women, babies, children and older adults  has gripped Israelis. The captives' families have embarked on a campaign to free their loved ones that has tugged at the heartstrings of many and ratcheted up pressure on the Israeli government to make concessions and secure deals for their release.

That pressure and the families' widespread public support could force the government into extending the cease-fire even though it has pledged to keep fighting once the current truce expires.

Securing the freedom of all hostages, especially the soldiers among them, could prove difficult. Militants in Gaza see the captives as a critical bargaining chip in their war with Israel.

The leader of Islamic Jihad, a militant group allied with Hamas, said Friday that Israeli soldiers who were taken wouldn't be freed until all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel are released.

Bibas Levy has put her life on pause to devote herself to fighting for her family's release  her nephews age 10 months and 4 years were some of the youngest taken captive. The occupational therapist who moved out of a targeted southern Israeli community two months before Hamas' attack, said she will keep battling until all her relatives return.

Dani Miran  whose son Omri was taken hostage  has been distraught over his son's well-being. With the unbearable uncertainty and without a sign of life for seven weeks, he is plagued by difficult thoughts.

My son is not on the list. He's 46 years old. and I hope that he is in a health condition where he can cope with all the hardship that there is there, that they didn't wound him, didn't torture him and didn't do things that are inhuman," Miran said.

For many families, the news of a deal has sparked a mix of emotions  grief in cases where they don't expect their loved ones to be freed and hope that it may lead to further releases.

I wish that all of them would come back, and I believe that all of them will come back. But we must have patience, and just be strong, said Yaakov Argamani, whose daughter Noa, 26, was taken captive, along with dozens of other young adults from a music festival that came under attack.

Many families have said they cannot endure listening to the news because all the twists and turns of the negotiations are incapacitating. The current deal, brought about after weeks of fitful negotiations, appeared definite until a last-minute snag prompted a one-day delay.

It's like a roller coaster, said Eyal Nouri, the nephew of Adina Moshe, 72, who was kidnapped after militants killed her husband, Said.

Nouri said the nightmare for many won't end even if their relatives are released. After the joy of the reunion, those freed will need to reckon with the trauma of their captivity, their dead loved ones, their destroyed communities and their country at war.

She has nothing. No clothes, no house, no husband, no town. Nothing, said Nouri. Once she's released she'll need to build her life from scratch, at 72 years old. Our lives are completely different. (AP)

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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (HACC) ruled to detain a businessman from Khmelnytsky, who is an accomplice of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Serhiy Labaziuk suspected of attempting to bribe Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov, with an alternative of over UAH 12 million bail.

"On November 24, 2023, the investigative judge of the HACC, at the request of NABU [National Anti-Corruption Bureau] detectives, agreed by the SAPO [Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office] prosecutor, selected for the top manager of an enterprise, who, together with an MP, was exposed for providing undue benefits to senior officials in the field restoration, a preventive measure in the form of detention with an alternative of posting UAH 12.078 million bail," the SAPO said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

The term of detention is until January 21, 2024.

The suspect is also charged, in particular, with the obligation not to leave Khmelnytsky without the permission of the detective, prosecutor or court, hand over documents for leaving the country for safekeeping and wear an electronic means of control.

As reported, the SAPO and the NABU notified incumbent MP of the For the Future group Serhiy Labaziuk, who is a member of the parliamentary committee on agrarian and land policy, of suspicion. He tried to bribe senior restoration officials. According to the investigation, Labaziuk wanted to receive orders for the restoration of infrastructure facilities worth UAH 1 billion for his enterprise. To do this, he turned to Kubrakov in August and promised to give 3-5% of the cost from each contract. Subsequently, the suspects provided persons occupying a particularly responsible position with a portion of this unlawful benefit in the amount of $150,000.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengaluru-based defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Saturday and review the ongoing work at its manufacturing facility, officials said.

"The prime minister will review and visit the HAL's manufacturing facility, including the facility for Tejas jets," a source said.

Modi has been pushing for indigenous production of defence products and has highlighted as to how his government has boosted their manufacturing in India and also their exports.

Several countries have shown interest in buying Tejas, a light combat aircraft, and US defence giant GE Aerospace had inked a pact with HAL to jointly produce engines for the Mk-II-Tejas during the prime minister's state visit to the US.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had noted in April this year that Indias defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-2023. It is a remarkable achievement for the country, he had said.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) India's Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and his UK counterpart David Williams co-chaired the annual India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting here on Friday, discussing a host of regional security issues and defence industrial cooperation.

According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, Aramane and Williams, the Permanent Secretary of the UK's Ministry of Defence, reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation activities, discussed the situation and potential cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and defence industrial cooperation proposals in missile systems and Electric Propulsion, among other possibilities.

Both sides planned for increased interactions and joint activities in the maritime domain with a focus on joint exercises, Maritime Domain Awareness and information exchange.

They appreciated the commencement of the India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue and the increased pace of military-to-military engagements in all domains.

Williams later laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the bravehearts.
Jammu, Nov 24 (PTI) Pakistan is making attempts to push foreign terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi said on Friday, and highlighted that there is a presence of retired soldiers of that country in militant ranks.

He made the remarks after paying his last respects to the five army personnel, including two captains, killed in gunfights with terrorists during an encounter in the Bajimaal area of Rajouri district's Dharmsal belt on Wednesday and Thursday.

Two terrorists, including a Pakistan-based top LeT commander Quari trained in Afghanistan, were killed by security forces during the encounter.

Talking to reporters, the Lt General said operations have been intensified in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch to clear the region of more than two dozen foreign terrorists within a year. The killing of the two dreaded foreign terrorists is a major setback for Pakistan's plans to destabilise the region, said the army commander.

Asked about the presence of some special forces' personnel of Pakistan among terrorist ranks, the Lt General said that "when we tried to seek identification of terrorists, we came to know that some of them are retired army personnel (of Pakistan)".

"Pakistan is making attempts to push foreign terrorists into this region due to lack of support from the local population, especially the youth who are reluctant to get recruited in terrorist ranks. Our efforts are on to neutralise the foreign terrorists," Lt General Dwivedi said.

Asked if Pakistan intends to push more terrorists in the coming months to disrupt upcoming elections, including the Lok Sabha polls, he answered in the affirmative without going into details.

On the number of active terrorists in the south of Pir Panjal, he said the number of terrorists in the Rajouri-Poonch belt fluctuates as the area is connected with the national highway. "Roughly there is a possibility of 20 to 25 terrorists operating in the area but the way army, police and other intelligence agencies have intensified their operations, we are sure to control the situation within one year," Lt General Dwivedi said.

Mentioning the killings of the terrorists in the Bajimaal encounter, he said, "They have created an ecosystem and their killing has dealt a severe blow to Pakistan to disturb the region."

He said the sacrifice of the five soldiers led to the neutralisation of the two dreaded terrorists and it is a big achievement. "The two terrorists were active for the last one year and we were not able to find them. Someone was providing weapons, ammunition and also information," Lt General Dwivedi said.

It was very important to neutralise them as they were responsible for 10 civilian killings in Dhangri and TCP in Rajouri town besides masterminding attacks on security forces at Kandi in which five army personnel lost their lives, he said.

The army commander said it was possible that they were trained in several countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"They were highly trained foreign terrorists and our brave soldiers without paying attention to their safety got into the operation and eliminated them. The troops have done a laudable job," he said.

Lt General Dwivedi, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, Lt General Sandeep Jain, Director General of Police R R Swain, Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Vijay Kumar, and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, were among those who laid wreaths on the coffins of the fallen soldiers of the Bajimaal encounter.

"I bow to our army bravehearts, Captain MV Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havaldar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, Paratrooper Sachin Laur martyred while protecting the motherland during an anti-terror operation in Rajouri. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Condolences to their families," the Lt Governor posted on X after the wreath laying ceremony.

Referring to his recent interaction with Captain Bhist, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "I handed him a commendation card myself and asked him what he wants to do in the future. His reply was that he will do something big within seven days. He sacrificed his life for the nation."

He also referred to a statement of Captain Pranjal's father lauding his son's bravery. He said it has boosted the morale of the troops and motivated them to do more such operations for the country, the army official said.

"The killing of Quari is not only a big achievement for the security forces, but also a morale booster for the civilians who were living under fear. This fear has now gone and more people will come forward to help in neutralisation of the active terrorists," he said.

He also lauded the local populace for their support and said the latest success was because of their to support the army.
Chandigarh, Nov 24 (PTI) A tractor trolley carrying pilgrims from Punjab to a temple in Rajasthan overturned near a village in Haryana's Sirsa, leaving four people dead and 18 others injured, police said on Friday.

The accident took place on Thursday evening when the hook of the tractor trolley came off, Station House Officer of NathuSari Chopta police station, Ishwar said.

He said the pilgrims were headed from different villages near Patran in Punjab's Patiala district to Gogamedi in Rajasthan when the accident occurred.

"Four people, including two children, died in this accident. Eighteen others were injured and they were taken to a hospital. The accident occurred when the hook of the tractor trolley came off and it overturned," the police official said.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) The Delhi Police has arrested two Haryana-based sharpshooters of Dinesh Karala-Jitender Gogi gang from Dwarka in southwest Delhi, officials said on Friday.

Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav said the arrested duo have been identified as Kartik (22) of Jind and Pradeep (21) of Rohtak, who had opened fire on a properly dealer in the Om Vihar area of Uttam Nagar here on November 7. They had also dropped a handwritten letter on the direction of their a gang leader Dinesh Karala.

In the letter, the duo asked the property dealer to meet Karala and threatened to blow up his construction sites using grenades. While escaping, the shooters opened fire again to terrorise the public, Yadav said.

A case was lodged for attempt to murder and under provisions of Arms Act and the accused were identified using CCTV footage, the officer said.

A tip-off was received that the shooters would come to Delhi and they were eventually nabbed from Dwarka's Jharoda Kalan area on Thursday, he added.

Two pistols, four live cartridges, and a stolen scooter were recovered from their possession, the police said.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) The Delhi High Court Friday directed the MCD to grant permission to a hawkers association to organise a religious programme near the Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminus gate, provided the area is available.

The high court also noted that the police have already granted a no-objection certificate to petitioner Mahila Hawkers Welfare Association for holding a 'Maa Bhagwati Jagran' -- to be held on Saturday -- on the service road near the 'In' gate of Anand Vihar ISBT.

"It is stated by the counsel for the petitioner that they have already received the NOC from the Deputy Commissioner of Police. However, no sanction has been received from the MCD.

"In view of the fact that police has already granted permission, in case the area is available, the MCD is directed to grant permission to the petitioner for the said event," Justice Subramonium Prasad said.

During the hearing, additional standing counsel Prashant Manchanda, representing the Delhi Police, said permission was already granted to the petitioner and they were informed about it.

In a status report, police also said that the organiser will ensure they keep a fire extinguisher at the event venue and there will be no obstruction to the flow of traffic.

In the plea, the petition also sought a direction to the police to produce before the court the guidelines or notification for regulation of religious functions in terms of the provisions of the Delhi Police Act.
\R Important cases heard in the Delhi High Court on Friday, November 24:



- HC has asked the state government and jail authorities to file a report on why the facility of e-mulakat should not be extended to all prisoners whose relatives stay outside the national capital.



- The HC was told by the CBI that it was taking steps to secure the arrest of absconding self-styled preacher Virender Dev Dixit who is facing rape charges.



- HC upheld the extradition of a man from Uttar Pradesh to Oman to face a criminal trial on charges of murder there.



- HC cautioned domain name registrars (DNRs) against non-compliance of judicial orders and said if they want to do business in India, then they should follow its directions on taking action against those indulging in illegal activities online, or run the risk of being "blocked" by MEITY.



- HC directed the MCD to grant permission to a hawkers association to organise a religious programme near an Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) gate, in case the area is available.
Chennai, Nov 24 (PTI) A massive leak at a chemical factory in Tamil Nadu's Ranipet which resulted in toxic fumes spreading around, triggered panic in the area on Friday, a senior fire department official said. There were however no casualties. The watchman at the private chemical manufacturer and supplier fainted inhaling the fumes and he was rushed to a hospital.

His condition is stable, the official said. A few workers at the factory were also rescued.



"A huge storage container holding 30 KL of aluminium chloride burst at the bottom while the workers were handling it and the acid rapidly spread around," said Ranipet district Assistant Fire Officer B Thirumurugan.

About 15 personnel of the fire and rescue services department under the Ranipet district fire officer S Lakshminarayanan and Thirumurugan, battled with the acid for nearly two-and-a-half hours and finally managed to contain its spread.



Polyaluminium chloride is used in effluent treatment plants (ETP) as a coagulant and pulp and paper industry as a sizing agent.

The private factory located on the Musiri Road in Ranipet manufactures and supplies non-ferric alum cake, poly aluminium chloride liquid, and non-ferric alum powder.

"We can't spray water to contain its spread, as it is ineffective. So, we had to use lime and sand to prevent it from advancing," he told PTI and added that inhaling the fumes would cause suffocation, allergy or eye irritation.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and an NDRF team from Arakkonam visited the factory at Thenkadapanthangal village, Walajapet taluk, Ranipet, for an on-the-spot assessment.
Kozhikode (Ker), Nov 24 (PTI) The Catholic church in Kerala has prohibited a priest, currently facing investigation for alleged violation of his order's disciplinary norms, from performing sacred duties and receiving holy communion until the conclusion of the trial by an ecclesiastical court recently established for this purpose.



The Thamarassery diocese of the Syro Malabar Church has imposed stringent restrictions on Fr Thomas 'Aji' Puthiyaparambil, a month after initiating a Collegiate Tribunal to address charges of breaching ecclesiastical norms.



These measures include barring him from overnight stays anywhere other than the Diocesan Priests' residence without permission and restricting his ability to write and publish through mass media.



Crying foul, Father Puthiyaparambil claimed that the decree was an attempt to religiously and socially 'ostracise' him.



In his recent directive, Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil of the diocese stated that the imposed prohibitions and restrictions aim to prevent scandal within the Eparchy of Thamarassery and beyond, arising from the priest's refusal to comply with the bishop's orders and reside in the specified residence within the territory of Thamarassery.



Until the conclusion of the penal trial, Puthiyaparambil is permitted to celebrate the Divine Eucharist exclusively in the private chapel of the Diocesan Priests' Home, as per the order.



The directive explicitly states that he is "prohibited from exercising sacred orders, including the celebration of the Divine Eucharist and other sacraments and sacramentals, in any Catholic churches or chapels, or administering them to any Catholics until the conclusion of his penal trial."



Furthermore, if he participates in a Divine Eucharist celebration, he is not only barred from con-celebrating but also from receiving Holy Communion, according to the directive.



In the order, the bishop additionally stated that the priest is not allowed to reside overnight in any other place without explicit permission from the Director of the Priests' Home.



For visits to his parental home, no permission is required. However, Puthiyaparambil must inform the director about his travel. All other travel requires permission from the relevant authorities, it said.



According to the bishop's decree, while staying at the Diocesan Priests' Home in Marikunnu, he will receive free food and accommodation and is expected to participate in the community prayers.



The decree also prohibits the priest from writing and publishing anything through mass media channels.



"Until his case is definitively decided, he is forbidden from participating in any events, conducting such events, and delivering speeches in public meetings."



It emphasised that any violation of these prohibitions will result in canonical penalties without further warning.



Reacting to the decree, Puthiyaparambil said, "First, they set up a Collegiate Tribunal for my trial. Now, they are trying to ostracise me....it is like keeping me under house arrest. It may be a move to scare me."



Talking to PTI, he mentioned that the trial by the church tribunal had not yet begun because he had not appeared before the panel.



Asked if he plans to fight it legally, the priest said that a legal battle is not his aim. "My fight is against the decadence and degradation the church is facing," Puthiyaparambil said.



Last month, the Thamarassery bishop appointed a Collegiate Tribunal to initiate a penal judicial process to investigate alleged offences by Puthiyaparambil.



In the order, the bishop had stated that the Tribunal aimed to address the "damages and scandal" caused by the priest's acts of "disobedience and anti-ecclesial activities, violating the disciplinary norms of the Church."



The bishop alleged in the order that, although Puthiyaparambil was appointed as vicar of a local church, he did not accept the appointment and suddenly left after publishing a note on social media.



This was deemed "grave disobedience," causing "irreparable damage and public scandal."
Kozhikode (Ker), Nov 24 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took a dig at the opposition Congress on Friday for its decision to boycott the state government's ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas programme, stating that its leadership has failed to convince even their own party members about it.

Directing his criticism at the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, the CM alleged that the Congress leader threatened the chairperson of the Paravur Municipality in his constituency for allocating Rs one lakh for the government's programme.

The Leader of Opposition's actions against the municipality were deemed an attempt to exert control over local self-government bodies, hindering their free functioning, the Chief Minister alleged.

Vijayan made these statements while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Nava Kerala Sadas in this northern district.

He claimed that it was a unanimous decision by a democratically elected municipal council to allocate funds for the government's outreach programme.

"His threat to remove the chairperson from the post if funds were allowed for the event is unacceptable," the Chief Minister said, adding that such actions should not have been taken by Satheesan, who is also the MLA of the constituency.

Quoting media reports on this matter, he also said that the municipality's decision was withdrawn through the intimidation of the chairperson and by

convening the council.



He alleged that the local self-government system was manipulated in an anti-democratic manner with a "narrow and malicious intent".

Claiming the ordinary Congress workers' support to the Nava Kerala Sadas, Vijayan said the decision to boycott the outreach programme, made by the

Congress leadership, was not accepted even by their local representatives.



"They failed to convince even their own party members," he said, mocking at the opposition leaders.

Vijayan claimed that people attending the Nava Kerala Sadas are not doing so out of compulsion but because they recognise various pro-people initiatives implemented by the state government.
Ukraine and Lithuania are planning to work on the creation of joint ammunition and drone production facilities, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said.

"I had a very fruitful and friendly meeting with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte today. We talked about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula, restoration of Ukraine, energy security, and confiscation of frozen Russian assets. We also paid a lot of attention to the issues of military cooperation. We are planning to work on the creation of joint military production facilities, in particular [for the production of] ammunition and drones," he said at a government meeting on Friday.

According to the prime minister, production of modern weapons, hardware and various military technologies with all main allies is an ambitious goal of Ukraine.
Chennai, Nov 24 (PTI) After actor Mansoor Ali Khan apologised to actress Trisha Krishnan on Friday for his sexist comment, she accepted the apology.

With this, the controversy appeared to have come to an end though a police complaint against him on the matter remained.



Against the background of Khan appearing before police for inquiry after an FIR was filed against him, the actor said he expressed regret to the police officer when he was told that Krishnan had been anguished over his comment.



The well-known Tamil actor, who has essayed villain roles in a multitude of films, said: "Forgive me Trisha, my colleague in the film industry."



In her response, Trisha Krishnan said on X: "To err is human, to forgive is divine." She, however, did not make any direct reference to Khan's apology.



Khan had said days ago that he would not apologise. Also, he had said that his remark had been misconstrued.



In a statement here, he said he prayed to the Almighty to give him an opportunity to 'bless' Krishnan at the time of her wedding. He also praised women and their role in the society.



On November 19, 2023, actors' association, (The South Indian Artistes' Association-SIAA, also known as Nadigar Sangam), strongly condemned actor Mansoor Ali Khan for his comments against Krishnan and demanded that he make a public apology.



The SIAA had said Khan's comment 'in the name of comedy,' was objectionable and disrespectful against Trisha. Also, the reference he had made to two other actresses, Khushbu and Roja, was also objectionable and similar in nature, the actors' body had said.



Following a complaint from the National Commission for Women, the Thousand Light All Women Police here had registered an FIR against Khan.
New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) A man was thrashed by a man in Sangam Vihar area of north Delhi for allegedly spilling water on his motorcycle while cleaning a balcony of a hotel, police said on Thursday.

"On Wednesday, police got information that one Sameer was rushed to a hospital after he was thrashed by two men. A team from Wazirabad Police Station reached the spot and started an investigation," a senior police officer said.

Police said that Sameer was cleaning the balcony of a hotel, when water got spilled on a motorcycle parked nearby.

Two persons who had come to a local gym, including the motorcycle owner, thrashed Sameer and fled. "We have registered an FIR and started an investigation into the matter," the officer said.
Maharajganj (UP) Nov 24 (PTI) Four people were arrested along the Indo-Nepal border after 85 kg of charas with a street value of Rs 49 crore was allegedly found in their possession, a senior police officer said on Friday.

Superintendent of Police, Kaustubh, said the four identified as Santosh Paswan, Deepak Mishra, Ramavatar Yadav and Sanjay Yadav were stopped for a routine check and the drugs were recovered from their vehicle.

A case has been registered against the accused under the NDPS Act and further investigations are on, he added.
Puducherry, Nov 24 (PTI) Gurmeet Singh, the Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry Central University has demitted office after his tenure came to an end.



Singh handed over the charge to the senior most faculty in the University K Tharanikkarasu who would hold the post of Vice Chancellor as in charge, a release from the office of PRO of the University said on Friday.



Singh thanked all the staff, students and employees of the University for their cooperation during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University.



Gurmeet Singh assumed the office of Vice Chancellor on November 29, 2017. He got an extension, which ended on Thursday.



The release said that the Executive Council of the University constituted a two-member committee at its meeting on November 22 to form a search panel for appointment of the new Vice Chancellor of the University as required under the provisions of the Pondicherry University Act. Steps were being taken to call for applications for the appointment of new Vice Chancellor, it added.






South Korea has concluded that Russian support likely enabled North Korea to put a spy satellite into orbit for the first time this week, and it should be clear in several days whether it is functioning properly, officials said Thursday.

The launch has deepened regional animosities, with both Koreas threatening to breach a past reconciliation deal and take hostile actions along their heavily armed border.

After two launch failures earlier this year, North Korea said it successfully placed its Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Tuesday night. South Koreas military has confirmed that the satellite entered orbit, but said it needs several more days to verify whether it is working properly.

In a closed-door briefing, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers on Thursday that Russian assistance was likely the main reason the launch was successful, according to lawmakers who attended the meeting.

The National Intelligence Service cited Russian President Vladimir Putins earlier mention of a promise to support North Koreas satellite program. It said it also obtained intelligence that North Korea had sent Russia the design and other data for its new Chollima-1 rocket used in the two previous failed launches. The intelligence showed that Russia returned its analysis of the North Korean data, according to lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum, who attended the NIS briefing.

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told a separate parliamentary committee meeting Thursday that Russia appears to have been providing technological assistance for North Koreas satellite program.

The same satellite and rocket were used in all three launches. The two earlier attempts in May and August failed due to technical problems with the rocket.

There has been speculation that Russia is providing technological support for North Koreas satellite and other programs since leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia to meet Putin and visit key technology and military sites in September. The Kim-Putin summit was held at Russias main space launch center.

Asked whether Russia would help North Korea build and launch satellites, Putin told Russian state media at the time that thats why we have come here. The (North Korean) leader shows keen interest in rocket technology. Theyre trying to develop space, too, Putin said.

The U.S., South Korea and Japan accuse North Korea of seeking to obtain high-tech Russian military technologies in return for supplying conventional arms for Russias war in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea have denied the alleged deal.

North Korea said its Malligyong-1 satellite will begin its official mission on Dec. 1. But it said the satellite has already transmitted images of military facilities in the U.S. territory of Guam and that Kim saw them. North Korea hasnt released the images.

Many foreign experts are skeptical about the satellites ability to take high-resolution images and whether it is militarily meaningful. After recovering debris from the first failed launch attempt, South Koreas military said the satellite wasnt sophisticated enough to perform military reconnaissance.

Defense Minister Shin said he worries that Russia could help North Korea produce higher-resolution satellite photos.

Shin said South Korean, U.S. and Japanese authorities will be able to determine whether the satellite is functioning normally as early as this weekend or early next week.

South Korea, the U.S. and Japan strongly condemned the satellite launch, saying North Korea is using it to improve its missile technology as well as acquire a space-based surveillance system.

U.N. Security Council resolutions ban any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as disguised tests of long-range missile technology. North Korea says it has a sovereign right to launch spy satellites to cope with what it calls U.S.-led military threats. It says spy satellites would allow it to better monitor its rivals moves and enhance the precision-strike capability of its nuclear-capable missiles.

In response to the satellite launch, South Korea said it has partially suspended a 2018 agreement to reduce tensions with North Korea and will resume flying surveillance aircraft and drones along their border.

North Koreas Defense Ministry slammed the South Korean decision on Thursday, saying it will deploy more powerful weapons at the border in a tit-for-tat measure. It said it wont be bound by the 2018 deal any longer and will reverse all the steps it has taken to ease front-line military tensions under it.

South Koreas military replied that it would strongly punish North Korea if it acts provocatively.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, but the launch likely failed. It was North Koreas first known weapons launch in more than two months.

Kim has publicly vowed to acquire spy satellites and other high-tech weapons systems. Since last year, North Korea has test-fired about 100 ballistic missiles in an effort to expand its nuclear arsenal. Experts say Kim ultimately wants to use his enlarged arsenal to wrest greater concessions from the United States if they resume diplomacy.

(AP)




New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been accused of assaulting a woman in 1993, according to a legal summons filed Wednesday.

The three-page filing does not contain details of the alleged assault but names Adams, the transit bureau of the New York Police Department and the New York Police Department Guardians Association as defendants.

Plaintiff was assaulted by Defendant Eric Adams in New York, New York in 1993 while they both worked for the City of New York, the summons reads.

The filing seeks a trial and $5 million in relief. It was filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. The womans attorney did not immediately return an emailed request for comment on Thursday.

In remarks to reporters on Thursday, Adams denied assaulting anyone and said he did not remember meeting the woman.

It absolutely did not happen. I dont recall ever meeting this person and I would never harm anyone in that magnitude. It did not happen, Adams said, according to a video posted by a reporter to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. It did not happen, and that is not who I am and that is not who Ive ever been in my professional life and, you know, its just something that never took place.

It should be noted that the woman who filed this lawsuit has a lengthy history of suing people, and even wrote a book called How to Sue People and Get Away With It.

Adams, a Democrat, was a New York City police officer who rose to the rank of captain before entering politics. He served as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president before becoming mayor.

The summons was filed under the Adult Survivors Act, a special New York law that has cleared the way for a wave of lawsuits against famous men accused of inappropriate conduct. The law has led to more than 2,500 lawsuits, including a case against former President Donald Trump.

The filing comes as Adams has been dogged by an FBI investigation into his 2021 campaign that prompted agents to seize his phones and raid the home of his chief campaign fundraiser.

The New York Times and New York Post have reported that part of the investigation involves examining whether Adams inappropriately tried to help the government of Turkey get city approval to open a 35-story skyscraper housing diplomatic facilities in 2021, despite concerns about the towers fire safety systems.

Adams has sidestepped questions about the FBI investigation but has maintained he did nothing wrong.

(AP)




By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

By day, Dr. Boruch Adler is a dentist. And no one ever doubted that he could drill deep (in order to remove all decay). But who could imagine that at night, when he apparently wrote this sefer, that Rabbi Boruch Adler could dig so deep?

This Sefer, (513 pages, English, and published by Menorah Press) Dancing With the Parsha is filled with precious pearls from Rabbi Boruch Adlers Rosh Yeshiva and Rebbe Muvhak, Rav Yitzchok Hutner ztl and interwoven with Torah thoughts by Yeshiva Chaim Berlins mashgiach, Rav Avigdor Miller ztl, along with the Mattesdorfer Ravs thoughts as well. The sefer is a work of deep machshava. How do we know that dreams are real?

In the aftermath of the October 7th murders, a question came to light that Rabbi Adler answers beautifully (and he is probably even unaware of the question  until he reads this review!)

A resident of the southern border of Eretz Yisroel had a dream that Shabbos night. His deceased Rebbe, who advised him to move into that community came to him and told him, Flee immediately! Drive on Shabbos and go as quickly as possible back to Eretz Yisroel! Initially, he ignored the dream, but then the dream repeated itself. Is he allowed to violate the halacha and drive on Shabbos just on a dream?

In Parshas Vayetzei, Yaakov dream of a ladder set earthward, and its top reached the Heavens. The ladder dream, Dr. Adler points out, represents Klal Yisroels relation with Hashem and guaranteed Klal Yisroels ownership of Eretz Yisroel, its strength in confronting her enemies, and Hashems unabated loyalty to Klal Yisroel.

But Dr. Adler asks, how did Yaakov know that it was real? Perhaps it was nonsense or a fantasy?

Dr. Adler explores the sources in which we can find the answer (and this Sefer was printed long before the October 7th massacre). The Midrash (Bereishs Rabba 89:5) points out that early morning dreams have validity; the Maharzav explains that two dreams in quick succession indicates its truth; the Maharsha in Brachos 55b classifies dreams into three categories and states that if a dream has only one possible interpretation  then treat it as real. Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein shlita ruled on the case that he was correct to be mechalel Shabbos based on the same sources that Rabbi Adler has marshalled.

In Vayishlach, Dr. Adler provides a remarkable review of Devorah, the nursemaid that Yaakov Avinu mourned along with his mother. He cites the view of Rav Chaim Kanievsky ztl that she was actually Rivkahs mother  the wife of Besuel and the overriding influence that allowed Rivkah Imeinu to emerge as a Tzadaikes. Extraordinary!

In Parshas Vayechi, Rabbi Adler explains the different aspects of the name Yaakov and of the name Yisroel.

In Parshas Bereishis, Rabbi Adler unfolds deep insights into how and why each day of Maaseh bereishis was infused with Chessed and the ability to do Teshuvah.

In Mikaitz, Rabbi Adler provides an almost exhaustive exposition as to the parameters of Bitachon and Hishtadlus. He cites Rabbeinu Yona that states that one must always realize that it is Hashem who is behind it all  even though we are obligated in doing Hishtadlus.

The sefer is filled with anecdotes as well. Rabbi Adler recalls how his Mashgiach, Rav Avigdor Millerm would fondly recall a story that was part of the lore of the Slabodka Yeshiva. There was a Vaad HaMussar and the question was what to learn next. It had to have been that someone from the hanhalla of the Volozhin Yeshiva was present in Slabodka and gave the suggestion that Emes be the topic of study that month. The Alter of Slabodka rejected the idea, explaining that Absolute Emes is only the domain of Hashem Alone  Hashem Elokaichem Emes. This reviewer does not fully comprehend the intent of the Alter here, because so many Mussar Seforim tell us of our obligation to emulate this Aspect of Hashem. And emes is the signet ring of Hashem.

Throughout the Sefer, Rabbi Adler demonstrates an uncanny ability to weave seemingly disparate Torah sources and create a wonderful tapestry with remarkable insights into the very depth of the topic. He is at home with the writings of the Vilna Gaon, with Kabbalistic sources, with the Abarbanel, and with the Gedolei HaMussar of yesterday (Rav Gedaliah Shorr ztl, and the great Chassidish masters too. The Sefer is aptly named because when learning it, the inspiration is so tangible and evident that one is prompted to truly dance. In his acknowledgment he mentions the careful polishing of his writings by his wife, his partner in all that they do. Dancing With the Parsha is available through Shirah Distributors (718) 871-8652 and wherever fine Torah seforim are sold.

The reviewer can be reached at [email protected]




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Amichai Shindler of Kibbutz Kerem Shalom miraculously survived the October 7th massacre but was left with severe injuries.

Kerem Shalom is a mixed religious-secular kibbutz that is less than 100 meters [.06 miles] from the Gaza Strip. That Shabbos/Simchas Torah morning, Amichai, 33, and his wife and six children went into their safe room when they heard rocket sirens blare early in the morning. When they heard the sound of terrorists shouting in Arabic inside their home. Amichai ran to the door and held it shut, while his wife and small children huddled inside. Amichai held the door shut for hours, fending off the terrorists but eventually, the Hamas animals threw an explosive device at it. The resulting blast seriously injured Amichai, blowing off one of his forearms, breaking his other arm, and crushing his face and jaw. Amichai fell to the floor of the room  still conscious but bleeding profusely. He lay there for three and a half hours until IDF soldiers reached the kibbutz and evacuated Amichai to the hospital. Fortunately, his wife and children were physically unharmed.

Amichai is now undergoing rehabilitation at Sheba Hospital, learning to live with his severe injuries, with one arm cut off right below the elbow and the other severely injured. One of his first requests after regaining consciousness was to meet with HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein.

Once Amichai was in rehabilitation, he had two more requests  to meet the Gerrer Rosh Yeshivah, HaGaon HaRav Shaul Altar, whose Torah hes enjoyed in recent years, and to start using Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin.

HaRav Shlomo Raanan, the head of Ayelet HaShachar, which oversees shuls and kollelim in secular kibbutzim including those in the Gaza border area, conveyed the requests to his friend, the philanthropist HaRav Tzvi Reisman of Los Angeles, who asked HaRav Altar to visit Amichai.

HaRav Altar was very moved by Amichais story and he told those close to him that he has the tefillin of his grandfather, the Imrei Emes, ztl, in his possession, adding: I dont dare to use the tefillin since Im not worthy of them. But a Jew like Reb Amichai is worthy. However, Harav Raanan found a different pair of Rabbeinu Tam tefillin for Amichai.

HaRav Altar went to visit Amichai last week and told him     you can learn emunah from your hands.

They also spoke about tying tefillin and how Amichai will light Chanukah candles  Amichai related that he asked the physical therapists to practice lighting candles with him. The Rosh Yeshivah was moved, saying that its a   that these are the requests of a Jew in such a situation.

They also spoke about whether Amichai should say Shechiyanu when donning tefillin DRabbeinu Tam for the first time. After the Rosh Yeshivah heard that HaRav Zilberstein told Amichai to recite Shechiyanu, he said that he doesnt dare to disagree but he should recite it not because of the mitzvah [of putting on tefillin] but for the simcha [of receiving new tefillin]  like you say Shechiyanu on new clothing.

Regarding Amichais injuries, the Rosh Yeshivah said: Its not an individual tzaar  its a tzaar of all of Klal Yisrael. But we know that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is in charge.

When word got around that HaRav Alter was in the hospital, he received requests to visit other patients. The Rosh Yeshivah, accompanied by the director of the unit and Baal Chessed Shuki Brif, visited a number of wounded IDF soldiers, including senior officers. They all requested that the Rosh Yeshivah give them brachos for a speedy recovery so they could return to the battlefield and win the war against Hamas.

In a related note, Chareidi journalist Moshe Weissberg published a photo of fallen IDF soldier Eitan Dov Rosenzweig, Hyd, at HaRav Altars tisch. Weissberg said that Eitan, Hyd, considered HaRav Altar to be his Rav Muvhak.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Benjamin Neel, the former director of NYU Langone Healths Perlmutter Cancer Center, has filed a lawsuit against New York University and the hospital, claiming his firing was due to his pro-Israel social media posts.

According to Washington Square News, NYUs student newspaper, Neel asserts he was terminated without due process and faced discrimination based on his religion. He had served as the director for nine years and remains a tenured professor at the university, though he no longer practices patient care.

Neels social media activity included retweeting posts criticizing those who support violence against Israelis. One of the shared cartoons depicted protesters with signs reading BEHEADING IS RESISTANCE and I HEART HAMAS. Another retweet showed a caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in talks with a Hamas member, displaying a note DEMANDS  DEATH TO ALL JEWS.

In response, NYU Langone Health changed its employee conduct standards, and Steve Ritea, a spokesperson for the hospital, told Fox News Digital, Dr. Ben Neel, as a leader at our institution, disregarded these standards in a series of public social media posts. The hospital remains resolute in its decision and is prepared to defend it in court.

Ritea also accused Neel of publicizing internal emails to pressure the hospital, noting that some emails criticized university leaders for their handling of discriminatory speech and the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.

Neel was initially suspended before his eventual termination on Nov. 10. His 20-page complaint alleges that he only had a brief human resources interview and was not part of any formal process prior to his firing.

Milt Williams, Neels attorney, labeled the firing a travesty, defending Neels social media conduct as balanced in relation to Israel-related issues.

The lawsuit also claims Neel became a sacrificial lamb in the hospitals effort to appear impartial during the termination of Dr. Zaki Masoud, a resident at NYU Langone Winthrop Hospital, for his anti-Semitic remarks. Masoud faced removal for posting a message in support of Palestinians. Neels lawsuit argues his dismissal was a strategic move to justify Masouds termination. A petition supporting Neels reinstatement has amassed over 89,000 signatures.

Dr. Neel became a political casualty of NYULHs 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, the lawsuit states.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
EU ready to continue to impose sanctions against Russia and support Ukraine in various areas, European Council President Charles Michel said on Friday.

We support Ukraine and will support it as long as it is necessary, he promised during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyyen in Canada.

The head of the European Council said that he is optimistic about further EU measures in support of Ukraine. He assured that the EU is ready to make additional decisions, in particular, to introduce new sanctions against the Russian Federation.

In addition, Michel recalled that the EU had already allocated assistance to Ukraine totaling EUR 83 billion in various areas. We are talking, among other things, about financial and military assistance.




Hill Harper, a Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, was reportedly approached with a $20 million campaign contribution offer from businessman Linden Nelson. The catch: Harper was to withdraw from his Senate race and instead challenge Rep. Rashida Tlaib in the primaries.

Nelsons proposed deal involved splitting the sum into $10 million for Harpers campaign and another $10 million in independent expenditures. Despite the lucrative offer, Harper reportedly declined.

The offer, though unsuccessful, underscores the growing political backlash against Tlaib, who has faced criticism for her outspoken stance against the Israeli government, especially following the recent conflict with Hamas. More than 20 Democrats joined Republicans in voting to censure Tlaib this month for her use of a pro-Palestinian slogan perceived as a call for Israels eradication. In the midst of these tensions, pro-Israel Democrats are actively seeking a candidate to challenge Tlaib in the primaries.

Meanwhile, Harpers political positioning as a progressive in the primary to succeed retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow has been overshadowed by Rep. Elissa Slotkins lead in polls and fundraising. Harpers advocacy for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza aligns him with other congressional progressives, potentially making him a less ideal candidate for a pro-Israel government stance against Tlaib.

The controversy extends beyond Harper and Tlaib. Reps. Summer Lee, Cori Bush, and Ilhan Omar, known for their critical views on Israeli policies, are also facing pro-Israel challengers.

Harpers legal residence, located in Rep. Shri Thanedars district, not Tlaibs, further complicates any potential challenge. Tlaib, representing a district with a substantial Arab American population since 2019, has consistently won her primary elections against multiple Democratic challengers.

Nelson, a known donor to various Michigan Democratic candidates and with ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has actively opposed Tlaib in the past. However, an AIPAC spokesperson clarified that the organization had no involvement in this matter and that Nelson had not contributed to AIPAC in over a decade.

The legality of Nelsons alleged donation offer, had Harper accepted it, remains unclear.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




A group of anti-Israel protesters targeted the Brentwood, California, home of Michael Tuchin, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), including by throwing smoke bombs pouring of red paint on the sidewalk.

Videos posted on social media by the group Stop Antisemitism show individuals clad in black, chanting and allegedly throwing smoke bombs into Tuchins yard. A subsequent video captures a chilling scene where red paint covers the sidewalk, beside small white-sheeted objects intended to represent the dead bodies of Gazans killed in the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

Stop Antisemitism expressed its alarm in a post accompanying the first video, drawing disturbing parallels: HORRIFYING- the home of AIPACs President was targeted by pro-Palestinian radicals who ignited smoke bombs outside of his residence and proceeded to spill red paint, signifying blood. Whats next? The burning of Synagogues and schools like in 1939 Germany?

The protest was claimed by Peoples City Council LA on its social media page. In a provocative message, they stated, RIGHT NOW: people are out in front of @AIPAC president Michael Tuchins house in Los Angeles for a holiday wake-up call! AIPAC spends tens of millions to control pro-genocide congressmembers. [Expletive deleted] your holiday baby killer! #FreePalestine.

The demonstration outside Tuchins home has further raised serious concerns about the nature and implications of such protests, particularly in the context of the broader issue of antisemitism and the heated debate over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




At precisely 7 a.m., the four-day ceasefire, brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, came into effect.

In the hours leading up to this temporary truce, rocket sirens blared in Israeli towns along the Gaza border, and there were reports of intense IDF shelling in Gaza as the military aimed to advance its mission against Hamas in the final moments before the pause.

At 4 p.m., 13 hostages held in Gaza will be released, followed by an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, as per Qatari mediators.

During the upcoming four days, a minimum of 50 women and children are scheduled to regain their freedom, leaving approximately 190 still in the custody of Palestinian militants.

In the same timeframe, around 150 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and minors, some convicted of attempted murder, are anticipated to be released.

The agreement encourages further hostage releases, with Israel agreeing to extend the ceasefire by an extra day for every ten additional hostages released by Hamas.

Moreover, the agreement facilitates the delivery of fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza during this ceasefire. This marks the first cessation of hostilities since Hamas initiated the war nearly seven weeks ago when its terrorists carried out a rampage through southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and the taking of 240 hostages.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




During a visit to the Rafah border crossing in Egypt on Friday morning, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stating that the current temporary truce is insufficient, and Sanchez declaring that Israel is violating international law and is carrying out indiscriminate killings in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, following directions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, summoned the Ambassadors of Belgium and Spain for a reprimand. The move was in response to statements made by the leaders of these countries at the Rafah crossing. Cohen expressed strong disapproval of the comments, accusing the Spanish and Belgian Prime Ministers of supporting terrorism.

We condemn the false claims of the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism, Cohen stated. He further asserted, Israel is acting according to international law and is fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than ISIS that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Cohen also emphasized Israels commitment to continuing its fight after the ceasefire, focusing on the elimination of Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of all abductees.

Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed Cohens sentiments, strongly condemning the remarks of the Belgian and Spanish leaders. He criticized them for not fully acknowledging the actions of Hamas, including the indiscriminate massacre of Israeli citizens and the use of Palestinians as human shields.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




24 hostages after seven weeks of captivity in the Gaza Strip, including 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen.

The hostages, women and children, were undergoing medical checks before they were to be transferred to Israel. They are to be taken to Israeli hospitals and reunited with their families.

An elite unit of the IDF and a force of the Shin Bet are now accompanying the abductees returning to Israel, remaining with them them until they reach their families in the hospitals.

The 13 freed Israelis are all from Kibbutz Nir Oz. They are:

Aviv Katz, 2

Raz Katz, 4

Emilia Aloni, 5

Ohad Mundar, 9

Doron Katz, 34

Danielle Aloni, 44

Keren Mundar, 54

Adina Moshe, 72

Hanna Katzir, 77

Ruth Mundar, 78

Margalit Mozes, 78

Channa Peri, 79

Yaffa Adar, 85

We will continue to work together with the bodies of the security system for the return of all the abductees, the IDF said.

NETANYAHU: We have now completed the return of the first of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each and every one of them is an entire world, said Netanyahu.

But I stress to you  the families, and to you  the citizens of Israel: We are committed to the return of all our hostages, he added.

This is one of the goals of the war and we are committed to achieving all the goals of the war, stated Netanyahu.

The hostages are the first of 50 people to be released from Gaza during a four-day truce that began Friday. Israel is to release 39 Palestinian prisoners later Friday, the first of a total of 150 Palestinian prisoners to be freed under the cease-fire.

There were no reports of fighting in the hours after the truce began. Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians saw quiet after seven weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment, which has flattened vast swaths of the territory. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

The release of the first group of Israeli hostages was to be followed in the evening by the freeing of 39 Palestinian prisoners  24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offenses like throwing stones.

Israel has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the cease-fire ends.

Under the deal, at least 50 are to be released  bringing relief but also bitterness that not all will be freed. It was not clear if the Thai captives were included that figure. Israel is to free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Ahead of Friday evenings release, thousands of Israelis gathered in what has been dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, singing songs to welcome Shabbos.

My emotions are mixed, said Shelli Shem Tov, the mother of 21-year-old Omer Shem Tov, told Israelis Channel 12 at the square. Im excited for the families that are going to hug their loved ones, Im jealous, and Im sad, mostly sad that Omer is not coming home yet.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed in a tweet the release of 12 Thai nationals.

Footage from Egypts Rafah crossing showed a line of ambulances emerging from Gaza.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it had delivered a total of 24 hostages to the Egyptians. But it declined to provide details on their nationalities, or explain the discrepancy in the numbers.

After the truce began Friday morning, an increased flow of aid promised under the deal began. Four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Since the war began, Israel barred all imports into Gaza, except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day.

A number of soldiers are among the hostages held by militants in Gaza. The Islamic Jihad terrorist group, which is reportedly holding about 40 captives, said soldiers will only be released in exchange for all Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

It is not clear how many of the hostages are currently serving in the military or whether the militants also consider reserve soldiers to be military hostages.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians on security charges or convictions, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

(AP)
Mothercare shares rose on Friday as a sales slowdown in its key Middle East market was overshadowed healthy profit growth in the first half.

The retailer, which now operates a franchise model after shuttering UK stores in 2019, saw a 17 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profit to 3.4million in the 26 weeks to 23 September.

But international retail sales by franchise partners were down by 15 per cent year-to-year to 137.2million, with the Watford-based firm pinning the lame on difficult trading conditions in the Middle East, where sales sank 20 per cent.

The Watford-based firm said a decline in international retail sales reflected difficult trading conditions in the Middle East which is down 20 per cent on last year

Mothercare shares are up by 10.64 per cent to 5.20p in morning trading on Friday.

Revenue was down to 29million to 38.5million over the same time period a year earlier.

The firm attributed solid profit growth to 'tighter control of costs'.

Clive Whiley, chairman of Mothercare, said: 'These results are testament to our continued drive to preserve the strength of the Mothercare brand in a fast changing retail and macroeconomic trading environment.

'Against significant headwinds in the Middle East, one of our core markets, we are pleased that our business model and disciplined approach to cost has resulted in an increase in profitability for the first half.'

The group has endured a torrid few years, culminating in its UK division entering administration in 2019 amid mounting losses and fierce competition from supermarket chains.

It is now run as a franchise business. In the UK, it sells its goods such as baby clothes, toys and bedding through Boots.

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown said: 'Mothercare is in need of some self-care, after warning more of its franchise stores could close.

'Tough trading conditions, especially in the Middle East, are causing problems for a company that's already had to peddle extremely hard to stay afloat.

'An area that needs a laser-like focus from management is the net debt pile, which stands at many times the amount of the group's cash profits. There's also a sizeable pension deficit to clear.

'For now, profits are being supported by deep cost cuts, but these can only go on for so long and won't be enough in the long run.'
Savers who transferred money to NatWest's best buy two-year cash Isa in the summer have been facing transfer delays of up to four months, This is Money can reveal.

Last week, we revealed how NatWest took more than two months to transfer a customer's 20,000, leaving their money in limbo and losing out on interest it was supposed to be building at a rate of 5.9 per cent.

It was only after This is Money stepped in that the money was tracked down and the account sorted.

Since then more than a dozen cases have come to light, with customers missing six figure sums in the worst cases, suggesting the bank hasn't been able to cope with demand.

The total value of missing Isa transfer money reported by 15 of our readers is 941,887.84.

Broken: Customers who took out NatWest's best buy two-year cash Isa over the summer have faced transfer delays of up to four months

This is Money asked NatWest to look into the majority of the cases we've been sent and explain what's going on - and the high street giant says that 'extremely high demand' is to blame.

One customer, David McKay, had 170,000 go missing for four months between now and when he opened the Isa in July.

The 74-year-old retired headteacher from Exeter, Devon, opened NatWest's two-year fixed rate Isa on 4 July 2023.

He transferred his life savings from a stocks and shares Isa over worries about how the stock market has been performing and wanted the guaranteed return of NatWest's 5.9 per cent Isa over two years.

It wasn't until two months later on 6 September that NatWest finally accepted the transfer out of his stocks and shares Isa.

To his dismay, by 14 September the transfer had been returned to his stockbroker due to 'invalid details.'

His stockbroker was advised by NatWest to send the sum to a NatWest holding account from where NatWest would be able to internally transfer it to David's Isa.

The money has still not reached David's Isa, over four months since he opened the account.

David said: 'I am very worried that my money has been missing for this length of time because it is a significant chunk of my assets that I don't know there whereabouts of.

'I am 74 years of age now and retired and as you get older you just don't deal with stress well.

'I have received no communication from NatWest. Despite my pleas for them to move the money into my Isa or return it to me to put into another Isa, I have had no response other than an automated messages.

'I had to travel five miles to a branch in Exmouth to get any information about where the money was as no one on the phone could help me.

'Even in the branch no one could tell when my money would be moved to my NatWest Isa or why it was sitting in a NatWest Holding account.'

NatWest is still investigating the botched transfer, with the money still in limbo.

Two month wait... and no compensation

Charlie Northey, a supply teacher from Brecon, Wales, opened NatWest's two year fixed-rate Isa on 9 August 2023.

The transfer request of 131,870.77 from his Nationwide easy-access Isa was finally accepted over a month later on 12 September 2023.

By 13 September his Nationwide Isa had been closed and the funds sent to NatWest.

Charlie received a letter from NatWest dated 15 September saying it could not proceed with the transfer because Nationwide had rejected it, despite Nationwide sending Charlie a Chaps reference number and closing statement.

131,870,77 may be pocket change to NatWest but these funds are my entire life savings. The stress of this ordeal has brought on such bad vertigo that I have been off work for six weeks.' Charlie Northey

Charlie was told by a NatWest agent to ignore this letter as it was automatically generated and to wait for the funds to materialise.

Finally, on 9 October, the funds arrived in Charlie's NatWest Isa without any notification or explanation as to the delay.

According to the Financial Ombudsman Service, transfers to a cash Isa from another cash Isa with a different provider should take no longer than 15 days.

Charlie had to wait two months between opening the account and the funds being transferred.

One of the main problems Charlie faced was that no one at NatWest would confirm in writing that the bank had his funds, even when he asked if they could.

Charlie says: '131,870,77 may be pocket change to NatWest but these funds are my entire life savings.

'The stress of this ordeal has brought on such bad vertigo that I have been off work for six weeks.'

Extreme stress: Some customers are missing whole chunks of their retirement money which has caused health conditions like vertigo in one case and sleepless nights in others

Charlie claims NatWest categorically rejected that the transfer delay was its fault.

He says: 'One time when I rang, a NatWest agent practically screamed down the phone and told me, 'stop calling us, this is nothing to do with us', blaming Nationwide for the delay.'

'To keep customers in the dark wondering where their funds are and disappear to is unprofessional and a poor reflection of a UK regulated bank.

Charlie has asked for compensation for the time he has been forced to take off work due to stress-induced vertigo.

Customers affected by delays Case 1: 170,000 from Pershing Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 2: 131,870.70 from Nationwide cash Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 3: 110,000 from Vanguard Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 4: 100,000 from a Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 5: 75,000 from Vanguard Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 6: 45,000 from Santander cash Isa to Lloyds cash Isa Case 7: 41,341 from Nutmeg Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 8: 39,941.71 from Vanguard Stocks and Shares Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 9: 33,734 from a Saga Isa to NatWest cash Isa Case 10: 20,000 from RBS current account to RBS two-year Isa Case 11: 20,000 from NatWest current account to NatWest two-year Isa Case 12: 20,000 from a Marcus savings account to NatWest easy-access Isa Case 13: 13,000 from Virgin Money cash Isa to NatWest two-year Isa Case 14: 10,000 from an Isa to NatWest Isa *Case 15 did not want to be mentioned.

Months of waiting for these savers

NatWest topped the table with its two-year fixed-rate Isa in the summer with 5.9 per cent interest. That same Isa now pays 4.65 per cent.

After our story last week, 14 more cases have come to light, including that of Szliard Nagy - whose surname we've changed at his request.

He transferred 110,000 to NatWest's two-year fixed rate Isa from a Vanguard Stocks and Shares Isa.

He has been waiting over three and a half months for his money to be transferred to the NatWest Isa.

The Isa was opened on 12 July and NatWest confirmed by text that it had received the transfer request on 3 August. However, the funds have not arrived.

He has lost months of interest and said he had to rearrange his financial goals and planning because of his savings going missing for this length of time.

Leslie Smith, whose name we have changed at her request, applied for NatWest's two-year fixed rate Isa by post on 13 July.

Like Szilard, on 3 August, she was told by text that NatWest had received her transfer request and aimed to complete it within 30 days.

She has heard nothing from NatWest about where her money has gone apart from messages saying the bank is 'working on it'.

'What do I want for Christmas?' the Isa I took out in July' she tells us.

Frances and David Reeve, a couple from Surrey, have been missing over 80,000 between them.

Frances transferred 41,341.36 to NatWest's two-year fixed-rate Isa on 8 August 2023 and David transferred 39,941.71 on the same date.

David's NatWest account was credited with his Isa funds on Friday 17 November, 95 days after his transfer request. He was given no indication of whether the interest will be backdated and received no compentation.

Frances' money is still missing after three months and both Frances and David have lost thousands of pounds in interest.

Another customer who does not wish to be named has been waiting for their 100,000 life savings to be transferred since the end of October.

Sarah Robinson, whose name we have changes at her request, has been missing 20,000 of savings since she transferred them to an RBS (part of NatWest Group) two-year fixed-rate Isa on 29 August 2023.

Graham Woodhouse from South Cumbria had 20,000 of savings go missing between the NatWest Isa he opened on 31 August 2023 and his NatWest current account. The money was eventually deposited into his NatWest Isa on 4 October 2023.

Philip West, whose surname we have changed at his request, is still missing 13,000 which he transferred from Virgin Money to a NatWest Isa on 2 August 2023.

He has spent six documented hours waiting on the phone trying to track down his money.

What's gone wrong?

Almost all of the cases reported to This is Money relate to NatWest's two-year fixed-rate Isa, which topped the best buy tables for most of the summer.

The Isa proved more popular than NatWest anticipated, and the bank quickly became overwhelmed by a flood of demand.

Some customers were told by NatWest agents that they were working through a 'backlog' of applications.

Anna Bowes, a savings expert and founder of website Savings Guru says: 'It is unusual to have a high street bank at the top of the best buy tables.

'NatWest Is one of our big banks, so of course it's going to be popular and NatWest should have been able to anticipate the demand.'

NatWest declined says it has 'increased the resources' to cope with high demand and backlog.

Savings expert Anna Bowes says it is unusual for a highstreet bank to have an account at the top of the best buy tables but a big bank should have been able to cope with demand

NatWest says: 'We apologise for the delay some customers have experienced in transferring their Isa.

'All customers will get the rates they signed up for and we are backdating all interest so no customer will be left out of pocket.

'Extremely high demand has led to some customers waiting longer than usual for their Isa to be switched and we are working hard with other financial institutions to resolve the few outstanding cases.'

Slow Isa transfer? Get in touch: editor@thisismoney.co.uk

Some customers were told their money was being kept in a NatWest holding account, gaining no interest at all.

Pleas from customer to release the money to their NatWest Isas or the original accounts from fell on deaf ears.

NatWest declined to comment on why customers' money was moved to NatWest holding accounts instead of their Isas and whether this was standard procedure.

Bowes says: 'That doesn't sound right at all that the money was moved into a holding account.

'This would be stressful for customers because their life savings are in limbo earning no interest in any account.'

What are your rights?

A transfer from a cash Isa to another cash Isa should take a maximum of 15 days, while a transfer from a stocks and shares Isa to another stocks and shares Isa with a different provider should take a maximum of 30 days.

A spokesman from the Financial Ombudsman Service says: 'If consumers are concerned that they haven't been treated fairly, they should contact our service and we'll see if we can help.

We have details online on how consumers can complain about a financial firm.

'If we uphold a complaint, we'll put the consumer back into the position they'd have been in if the mistake or error didn't occur, which could mean awarding compensation for financial loss.'

Anna Bowes says: 'I would think that there has to be some compensation due to these readers even if it's just a case of the interest being backdated.

'It is not the customers' fault that the new provider is messing up these transfers and the customers should not be out of pocket because of this.'
Millions face the highest energy bills on record this winter, triggering warnings that it will 'cost lives'.

Industry watchdog Ofgem announced a 5 per cent rise in the energy price cap from January 1, increasing the average annual bill by 94 to 1,928.

Experts say millions will effectively be paying 46 more for the January-March period than last year after the Government withdrew measures to help households with bills.

Richard Neudegg, of price comparison website Uswitch.com, said: 'This rate increase will bite during the coldest period of the year when households need to use the most energy. Energy bills are likely to be the highest they've ever been for most homes this winter.'

He pointed out that, unlike last winter, high tariffs are not being offset by the Energy Bill Support Scheme, which gave households a 67 monthly discount on their bills.

Industry watchdog Ofgem yesterday announced a 5 per cent rise in the energy price cap from January 1, increasing the average annual bill by 94 to 1,928 (Stock Image)

But energy giants are continuing to post huge profits as consumers struggle with costs. British Gas reported profits of 969 million for the first six months of 2023, up almost 900 per cent from 98 million in the same period last year.

Fi Waters, of the Warm This Winter campaign, said: 'The price cap rising again in January is yet another kick in the teeth to ordinary people, particularly as in the last few weeks we've seen energy companies lining up to announce hundreds of millions of pounds worth of profits.'

She added: 'It's clear our energy system is broken. The relentless roll call of obscene profits, and now a hike in energy bills in the new year, is not only hugely unfair, it's costing lives, damaging health and wasting money as our reliance on fossil fuels is keeping bills sky high.'

Emily Seymour, the energy editor of Which?, said it was 'disappointing' that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt did not announce any new energy bill support in the Autumn Statement.

The consumer group, charities and industry leaders have been lobbying ministers for the introduction of a cheaper social tariff on energy bills to help the poorest and most vulnerable.

Ms Seymour said: 'A properly targeted social tariff is desperately needed to ensure the most financially vulnerable are able to heat their homes.'
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of PolyMet Mining (NYSEAMERICAN:PLM  Free Report) (TSE:POM) in a report published on Monday. The firm issued a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock.

PolyMet Mining Price Performance

Shares of PLM stock opened at $2.10 on Monday. PolyMet Mining has a 52-week low of $0.75 and a 52-week high of $3.22. The stock has a market cap of $408.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.13 and a beta of 0.52. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.03.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD purchased a new position in shares of PolyMet Mining during the first quarter valued at about $27,000. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in shares of PolyMet Mining during the third quarter valued at about $30,000. UBS Group AG grew its position in shares of PolyMet Mining by 70.1% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 10,704 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 4,410 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its position in shares of PolyMet Mining by 38.8% during the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 44,540 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 12,456 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC purchased a new position in shares of PolyMet Mining during the third quarter valued at about $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 3.09% of the companys stock.

About PolyMet Mining

PolyMet Mining Corp., through its subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc, engages in the exploration and development of natural resource properties. Its primary mineral property is the NorthMet project, a polymetallic project that hosts copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, gold, and silver mineralization covering an area of approximately 5,980 acres located in northeastern Minnesota, the United States.

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Royal Bank of Canada reissued their underperform rating on shares of Experian (LON:EXPN  Free Report) in a report published on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a GBX 2,450 ($30.65) target price on the stock.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 2,880 ($36.03) target price on shares of Experian in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 3,700 ($46.29) price objective on shares of Experian in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Experian in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 3,026 ($37.86).

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Experian Stock Performance

Experian Cuts Dividend

Experian stock opened at GBX 2,917 ($36.49) on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of 26.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 4,289.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 0.54. The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 2,698.22 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 2,805.80. Experian has a 1-year low of GBX 2,366 ($29.60) and a 1-year high of GBX 3,160 ($39.53). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.44, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.76.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.54%. Experians dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8,676.47%.

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.

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to prepare a comprehensive mobilization plan.

You know how complex the issues of mobilization are and very relevant: Territorial Recruiting Centers, military medical commissions, mobilization, demobilization. A complex task has been set. Today there was a comprehensive report on how to solve this issue, what to do, what legislative changes [are needed], who should do this - this whole plan will be worked out and all the answers will be provided. Next week I will see this plan," he said at a press conference with the President of Latvia in Kyiv.

As Zelenskyy emphasized, he would like people to understand the whole plan of action  where we are going, what the challenges are, so that people can see all this.

In mobilization, it is very important that we leave point A and understand where we are going  to point B. We must know where we must go and with what forces. Therefore, a comprehensive plan on this issue will be next week. At least, this task has been assigned to Zaluzhny, Umerov, and Shmyhal, because there are also economic issues. They will all report comprehensively next week," the head of state said.
Mizuho started coverage on shares of Sunnova Energy International (NYSE:NOVA  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm issued a buy rating and a $20.00 price target on the stock.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on NOVA. KeyCorp reduced their price target on Sunnova Energy International from $31.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a $12.50 price target (down from $23.00) on shares of Sunnova Energy International in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Susquehanna cut their price target on Sunnova Energy International from $32.00 to $25.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Citigroup raised Sunnova Energy International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $22.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Sunnova Energy International from $29.00 to $18.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Sunnova Energy International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $22.86.

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Sunnova Energy International Price Performance

NOVA opened at $10.48 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.23, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $10.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion, a PE ratio of -4.87 and a beta of 2.14. Sunnova Energy International has a 52-week low of $7.61 and a 52-week high of $24.56.

Sunnova Energy International (NYSE:NOVA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported ($0.53) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.34) by ($0.19). Sunnova Energy International had a negative net margin of 34.79% and a negative return on equity of 14.83%. The company had revenue of $198.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $197.21 million. On average, equities research analysts predict that Sunnova Energy International will post -1.86 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NOVA. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its position in shares of Sunnova Energy International by 23.4% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 4,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $387,000 after buying an additional 907 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in Sunnova Energy International by 185.3% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 41,819 shares of the companys stock worth $964,000 after acquiring an additional 27,160 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Sunnova Energy International by 199.6% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 47,501 shares of the companys stock worth $1,095,000 after acquiring an additional 31,646 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE boosted its holdings in shares of Sunnova Energy International by 168.8% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 2,809 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 1,764 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sunnova Energy International by 53.6% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 47,065 shares of the companys stock worth $1,085,000 after purchasing an additional 16,426 shares during the last quarter.

About Sunnova Energy International

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Sunnova Energy International Inc provides energy as a service in the United States. The company offers electricity, as well as offers operations and maintenance, monitoring, repairs and replacements, equipment upgrades, on-site power optimization, and diagnostics services. As of December 31, 2022, it operated a fleet of residential solar energy systems with a generation capacity of approximately 1,627 megawatts serving over 279,000 customers.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Tuesday morning.

A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on LPG. Pareto Securities upgraded shares of Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $27.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $37.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.58.

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Dorian LPG Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:LPG opened at $42.30 on Tuesday. Dorian LPG has a fifty-two week low of $15.81 and a fifty-two week high of $43.12. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $32.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.61 and a current ratio of 2.63. The firm has a market cap of $1.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.68 and a beta of 1.12.

Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The shipping company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.73 by $0.12. Dorian LPG had a net margin of 51.81% and a return on equity of 28.85%. The firm had revenue of $144.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $135.02 million. On average, analysts expect that Dorian LPG will post 7.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Dorian LPG Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a Variable dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 20th were paid a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 19th. Dorian LPGs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.39%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Dorian LPG news, EVP Alexander C. Hadjipateras sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.62, for a total value of $249,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 70,853 shares in the company, valued at $2,948,901.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Dorian LPG news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.61, for a total value of $940,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 186,866 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,028,030.26. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Alexander C. Hadjipateras sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.62, for a total value of $249,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 70,853 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,948,901.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 46,000 shares of company stock worth $1,703,370 over the last quarter. 15.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Dorian LPG

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. American International Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 2.1% during the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 17,202 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $441,000 after purchasing an additional 362 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in Dorian LPG by 43.8% during the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,412 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 430 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its stake in Dorian LPG by 4.1% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 12,235 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $314,000 after acquiring an additional 478 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in Dorian LPG by 2.1% during the third quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 26,192 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $356,000 after acquiring an additional 537 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its stake in Dorian LPG by 63.2% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,413 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 547 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.01% of the companys stock.

About Dorian LPG

(Get Free Report)

Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

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StockNews.com downgraded shares of Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Tuesday morning.

Chunghwa Telecom Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CHT opened at $37.25 on Tuesday. Chunghwa Telecom has a twelve month low of $34.61 and a twelve month high of $41.58. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $37.59. The company has a market capitalization of $28.90 billion, a PE ratio of 24.03 and a beta of 0.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08.

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Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE:CHT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter. Chunghwa Telecom had a return on equity of 9.50% and a net margin of 16.82%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter.

Institutional Trading of Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom Company Profile

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CHT. Macquarie Group Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom in the 1st quarter valued at $86,880,000. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Chunghwa Telecom by 18.8% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,723,138 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $106,475,000 after purchasing an additional 431,350 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers bought a new stake in Chunghwa Telecom in the second quarter valued at $12,000,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its position in Chunghwa Telecom by 152.7% in the 1st quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 340,919 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $13,330,000 after buying an additional 206,020 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mondrian Investment Partners LTD bought a new stake in Chunghwa Telecom in the 3rd quarter valued at about $4,223,000. Institutional investors own 2.16% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Chunghwa Telecom Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local long distance services comprising of local calls, cloud switchboard, and value-added local calls.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Tuesday.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on PBR. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. They set a buy rating and a $21.20 target price on the stock. Citigroup cut shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $19.00 to $14.00 in a report on Thursday, August 10th. UBS Group raised Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $13.10 to $17.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. Bank of America raised shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the company from $15.00 to $14.50 in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $15.34.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Stock Down 1.7 %

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Increases Dividend

PBR stock opened at $15.30 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $15.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $14.12. The stock has a market cap of $99.79 billion, a PE ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 1.58. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a fifty-two week low of $8.88 and a fifty-two week high of $16.55.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 24th will be given a dividend of $0.243 per share. This is a boost from Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. This represents a $0.97 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.35%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 22nd. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass dividend payout ratio is currently 7.77%.

Institutional Trading of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda boosted its position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 109,540.6% in the second quarter. SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda now owns 6,964,368 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $96,317,000 after acquiring an additional 6,958,016 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd bought a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in the third quarter worth $62,049,000. RWC Asset Advisors US LLC raised its stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 117.2% in the third quarter. RWC Asset Advisors US LLC now owns 5,666,762 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $84,945,000 after purchasing an additional 3,057,798 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 9.7% during the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 29,221,292 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $404,130,000 after purchasing an additional 2,582,327 shares during the period. Finally, Driehaus Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the second quarter worth about $35,559,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.57% of the companys stock.

About Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

(Get Free Report)

Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. It also engages in prospecting, drilling, refining, processing, trading, and transporting crude oil from producing onshore and offshore oil fields, and shale or other rocks, as well as oil products, natural gas, and other liquid hydrocarbons.

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Piper Sandler reiterated their overweight rating on shares of Duolingo (NYSE:DUOL  Free Report) in a report issued on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $217.00 target price on the stock.

A number of other research firms have also commented on DUOL. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on Duolingo from $180.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Duolingo from $140.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $188.00 price target on shares of Duolingo in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Barclays upped their price target on Duolingo from $136.00 to $149.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on Duolingo in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. They set a buy rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $176.78.

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Duolingo Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:DUOL opened at $218.57 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 3.49 and a quick ratio of 3.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -809.52 and a beta of 0.33. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $170.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $154.99. Duolingo has a fifty-two week low of $64.73 and a fifty-two week high of $223.00.

Duolingo (NYSE:DUOL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.14. The company had revenue of $137.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $132.14 million. Duolingo had a negative return on equity of 1.72% and a negative net margin of 2.06%. The businesss revenue was up 43.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.46) earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Duolingo will post 0.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Duolingo

In other Duolingo news, CFO Matthew Skaruppa sold 2,698 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.77, for a total value of $571,355.46. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 50,974 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,794,763.98. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Duolingo news, CEO Ahn Luis Von sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.00, for a total value of $200,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Matthew Skaruppa sold 2,698 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.77, for a total value of $571,355.46. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 50,974 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,794,763.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 415,496 shares of company stock valued at $73,360,476. 19.85% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Duolingo

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Duolingo by 112.9% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 59,291 shares of the companys stock worth $5,640,000 after buying an additional 31,446 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of Duolingo by 40.7% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 9,201 shares of the companys stock worth $876,000 after buying an additional 2,661 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Duolingo by 95.6% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 822,978 shares of the companys stock worth $78,275,000 after buying an additional 402,222 shares in the last quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC grew its holdings in shares of Duolingo by 73.8% during the first quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 216,817 shares of the companys stock worth $20,621,000 after buying an additional 92,031 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought a new position in shares of Duolingo during the first quarter worth about $342,000. 76.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Duolingo Company Profile

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Duolingo, Inc operates as a mobile learning platform in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers courses in 40 different languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese through its Duolingo app. It also provides a digital language proficiency assessment exam.

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Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:CEV  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 21,772 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $9.82 per share, with a total value of $213,801.04. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 814,269 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,996,121.58. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of CEV stock opened at $9.82 on Friday. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust has a 12 month low of $8.83 and a 12 month high of $10.78. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $9.28 and a 200-day moving average of $9.70.

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Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 20th. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th were paid a dividend of $0.0342 per share. This represents a $0.41 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.18%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th.

Institutional Trading of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust

Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Company Profile

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CEV. Wealthspire Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust in the first quarter valued at about $147,000. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $185,000. Raymond James & Associates bought a new stake in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $162,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $156,000. Finally, LPL Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust by 20.9% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 13,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $131,000 after purchasing an additional 2,267 shares during the period. 26.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Free Report)

Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. It invests in the fixed income markets. The fund invests primarily in debt securities issued by education, hospital, housing, insured-education, insured-electric utilities, insured-hospital, insured-transportation, insured-water and sewer, transportation, and other sectors.

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Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reaffirmed by research analysts at Berenberg Bank in a report issued on Thursday, Digital Look reports. They presently have a GBX 6,000 ($75.07) target price on the stock. Berenberg Banks price target would suggest a potential upside of 9.67% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on RIO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,550 ($69.44) to GBX 5,500 ($68.81) in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,100 ($63.81) to GBX 4,800 ($60.05) in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three research analysts have 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 a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 6,140 ($76.82).

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Rio Tinto Group Price Performance

About Rio Tinto Group

Shares of LON:RIO opened at GBX 5,471 ($68.45) on Thursday. Rio Tinto Group has a one year low of GBX 4,509.50 ($56.42) and a one year high of GBX 6,406 ($80.15). The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 5,197.15 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 5,054.79. The company has a market capitalization of 68.39 billion, a PE ratio of 1,295.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.39, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 1.99.

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities.

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Covestor Ltd reduced its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE:TPH  Free Report) by 16.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,405 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 662 shares during the period. Covestor Ltds holdings in Tri Pointe Homes were worth $112,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,230,217 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $245,584,000 after acquiring an additional 329,990 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in Tri Pointe Homes by 1.7% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,466,923 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $214,379,000 after purchasing an additional 141,025 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Tri Pointe Homes by 0.4% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,796,047 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $80,909,000 after purchasing an additional 16,907 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management increased its position in Tri Pointe Homes by 0.6% in the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,938,920 shares of the construction companys stock worth $63,713,000 after buying an additional 11,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 4.5% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,920,811 shares of the construction companys stock worth $48,635,000 after buying an additional 82,322 shares during the period. 97.59% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on TPH. Oppenheimer raised Tri Pointe Homes from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $36.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Tri Pointe Homes from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $38.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Tri Pointe Homes from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Wedbush upped their target price on shares of Tri Pointe Homes from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Tri Pointe Homes in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $36.80.

Tri Pointe Homes Price Performance

TPH stock opened at $29.33 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.85 billion, a PE ratio of 7.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.53. The companys fifty day moving average price is $27.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $29.77. Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. has a one year low of $17.52 and a one year high of $34.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 1.72.

Tri Pointe Homes (NYSE:TPH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The construction company reported $0.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.22. Tri Pointe Homes had a return on equity of 14.36% and a net margin of 10.53%. The company had revenue of $825.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $766.05 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.45 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 22.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. will post 3.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Tri Pointe Homes Profile

(Free Report)

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through a portfolio of six regional home building brands comprising Maracay in Arizona; Pardee Homes in California and Nevada; Quadrant Homes in Washington; Trendmaker Homes in Texas; TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado, and the Carolinas; and Winchester Homes in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

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Capital International Investors increased its holdings in shares of Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI  Free Report) (TSE:CNR) by 64.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,910,698 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,525,722 shares during the quarter. Capital International Investors owned approximately 0.59% of Canadian National Railway worth $473,561,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Modera Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the second quarter valued at $246,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in Canadian National Railway by 8.1% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 146,378 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $17,248,000 after acquiring an additional 10,907 shares during the last quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC lifted its stake in Canadian National Railway by 318.2% in the second quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 3,906 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $473,000 after acquiring an additional 2,972 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the first quarter valued at $214,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its stake in Canadian National Railway by 64.4% in the first quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 518 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 203 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.60% of the companys stock.

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Canadian National Railway Price Performance

CNI stock opened at $113.81 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Canadian National Railway has a 12 month low of $103.96 and a 12 month high of $129.89. The firm has a market cap of $73.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 0.91. The companys 50-day moving average price is $109.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $114.04.

Canadian National Railway Cuts Dividend

Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNR) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The transportation company reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.03). Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 29.08% and a return on equity of 23.53%. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.01 billion. On average, analysts anticipate that Canadian National Railway will post 5.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a $0.5734 dividend. This represents a $2.29 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio is currently 42.41%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Canadian National Railway in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $112.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $119.00 to $116.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $125.00 to $122.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, CIBC dropped their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$175.00 to C$173.00 and set an outperformer rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $144.22.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian National Railway

Canadian National Railway Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in rail and related transportation business. The company offers rail services, which include equipment, custom brokage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services including temperature controlled cargo, port partnership, transloading and distribution, logistic parks, customs brokerage, trucking, and moving grains in containers.

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Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. grew its holdings in Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH  Free Report) by 0.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,464 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the quarter. Capital Group Private Client Services Inc.s holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $1,646,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 0.5% in the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 6,315 shares of the companys stock worth $1,766,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 1.0% in the second quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,302 shares of the companys stock worth $995,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 0.4% in the first quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 8,454 shares of the companys stock worth $2,261,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 12.7% in the second quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 301 shares of the companys stock worth $12,106,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. increased its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 3.0% in the second quarter. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. now owns 1,238 shares of the companys stock worth $373,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.11% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Bank of America increased their price objective on Molina Healthcare from $340.00 to $350.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $374.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday. StockNews.com upgraded Molina Healthcare from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $349.82.

Molina Healthcare Stock Up 1.3 %

MOH stock opened at $364.87 on Friday. Molina Healthcare, Inc. has a twelve month low of $256.19 and a twelve month high of $369.50. The company has a market cap of $21.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.57. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $343.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $315.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $5.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.87 by $0.18. Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 34.85% and a net margin of 2.80%. The company had revenue of $8.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.24 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $4.36 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 20.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.96, for a total value of $369,638.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 19,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,290,702.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of Molina Healthcare stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was 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 of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,290,702.04. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 692 shares of Molina Healthcare stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $328.15, for a total value of $227,079.80. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 8,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,798,463.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

(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.

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The Third International New Materials Industry Conference with the theme of "New Materials Create New Values" was inaugurated in Bengbu on November 24th. The conference was jointly organized by the Anhui Provincial People's Government, the International Commission on Glass, China Building Material Group Co., Ltd., and China Baowu Steel Group Corporation. Keynote speeches and presentations were held, and the Anhui New Materials Industry Theme Fund, opportunities and capabilities in the field of new materials industry, as well as the top ten enterprises, parks, and landmark events in the province's new materials industry were announced. A total of 83 projects are planned to be signed at the conference with an investment totaling 88 billion yuan.

At the same time, in order to fully display the development achievements of the new materials industry in recent years, the conference adopted a combination of online and offline approaches. The offline exhibition area is about 5,000 square meters, with four independent exhibition areas: preview hall, preface hall, advanced basic materials, key strategic materials, cutting-edge new materials, and major application scenarios. More than 500 new material enterprises from home and abroad brought more than 2,400 exhibits to participate in the exhibition.

Reported by Li Xu and Li Xueshun

Source: anhuinews.com
President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics has arrived in Ukraine and held a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he discussed relations at the level of European Union institutions and issues of European integration of Ukraine.

We discussed our relations in detail at the level of the institutions of the European Union. Latvia fundamentally supports the full accession of Ukraine to the EU. Thank you for your willingness to maintain the existing energetic approach to cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine. We expect that the European Union will fulfill its promise to begin negotiations in response to Ukraines full compliance with all recommendations," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Friday.
Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Owens Corning (NYSE:OC  Free Report) by 107.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 860 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 446 shares during the period. Covestor Ltds holdings in Owens Corning were worth $112,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of OC. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Owens Corning by 3.7% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,301,672 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $338,154,000 after acquiring an additional 155,155 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Owens Corning by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,406,960 shares of the construction companys stock worth $230,575,000 after purchasing an additional 37,793 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management grew its position in Owens Corning by 6.3% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 2,236,846 shares of the construction companys stock worth $291,908,000 after purchasing an additional 131,951 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Owens Corning by 25.1% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,233,829 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $209,578,000 after purchasing an additional 448,175 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in shares of Owens Corning by 24.9% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,556,181 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $149,082,000 after buying an additional 310,487 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.22% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Owens Corning

In other Owens Corning news, Director W Howard Morris sold 350 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.05, for a total value of $42,717.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 41,045 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,009,542.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Owens Corning from $168.00 to $155.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Owens Corning from $180.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Argus upped their price target on Owens Corning from $120.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Owens Corning from $135.00 to $115.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Owens Corning from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $95.00 to $133.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Owens Corning presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $138.00.

View Our Latest Analysis on Owens Corning

Owens Corning Price Performance

Shares of NYSE OC opened at $132.24 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 1.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The companys 50-day moving average price is $127.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $128.13. Owens Corning has a 52 week low of $83.98 and a 52 week high of $147.00. The stock has a market cap of $11.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.19, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.49.

Owens Corning (NYSE:OC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The construction company reported $4.15 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.89 by $0.26. Owens Corning had a net margin of 12.31% and a return on equity of 25.59%. The business had revenue of $2.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.54 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.57 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Owens Corning will post 13.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Owens Corning Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 16th were given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 13th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.57%. Owens Cornings dividend payout ratio is currently 16.02%.

Owens Corning Profile

(Free Report)

Owens Corning engages in manufacture and sale of insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Composites, Insulation, and Roofing. The Composites segment manufactures, fabricates, and sells glass reinforcements in the form of fiber; and glass fiber products in the form of fabrics, non-wovens, and other specialized products.

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Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Free Report) by 34.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 3,768 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 970 shares during the period. Covestor Ltds holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $124,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. grew its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 3.4% in the second quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. now owns 11,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 67,661 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,236,000 after buying an additional 5,100 shares in the last quarter. Mission Creek Capital Partners Inc. grew its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 86.9% in the 1st quarter. Mission Creek Capital Partners Inc. now owns 13,832 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $499,000 after buying an additional 6,430 shares during the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 2,686.8% during the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 87,032 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,138,000 after acquiring an additional 83,909 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co lifted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 13.9% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 2,590 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $86,000 after acquiring an additional 317 shares during the last quarter. 75.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on USB. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $40.00 to $37.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $41.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Bank of America dropped their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $45.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.90.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other U.S. Bancorp news, insider James B. Kelligrew purchased 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Sunday, August 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $54.40 per share, for a total transaction of $27,200.00. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 940 shares in the company, valued at $51,136. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Over the last quarter, insiders bought 654 shares of company stock worth $30,148. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

U.S. Bancorp Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of USB opened at $36.83 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $57.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.96, a PEG ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.02. U.S. Bancorp has a 52 week low of $27.27 and a 52 week high of $49.95. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $33.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $34.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $7.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.02 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 14.39%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.18 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.32 EPS for the current year.

U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th were issued a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.21%. U.S. Bancorps payout ratio is 57.14%.

U.S. Bancorp Company Profile

(Free Report)

U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Consumer and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Investment Services, Payment Services, and Treasury and Corporate Support segments.

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Korea Investment CORP trimmed its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 18.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,706 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 3,018 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $29,317,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Addison Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 350.0% during the 1st quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 18 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares during the period. IMA Wealth Inc. lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 185.7% during the first quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 20 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the period. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 240.0% during the second quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 17 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Tradition Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 320.0% in the first quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 21 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter worth about $44,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.19% of the companys stock.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

NYSE CMG opened at $2,218.93 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $1,945.59 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,986.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.33. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $1,344.05 and a fifty-two week high of $2,224.80.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The restaurant operator reported $11.36 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.46 by $0.90. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.26% and a net margin of 12.27%. The business had revenue of $2.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.47 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $9.51 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 44.04 EPS for the current year.

In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total value of $1,911,511.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,747,189.65. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,044 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,830.95, for a total value of $1,911,511.80. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $42,747,189.65. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Patricia Filikrushel sold 57 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,049.81, for a total value of $116,839.17. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 686 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,406,169.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 4,642 shares of company stock valued at $9,041,139 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on CMG. Raymond James decreased their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,300.00 to $2,100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $2,280.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,391.00 to $2,260.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,250.00 to $2,150.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,300.00 to $2,250.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,161.33.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

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Korea Investment CORP trimmed its position in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR  Free Report) by 38.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 594,171 shares of the companys stock after selling 376,240 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.08% of Kroger worth $27,926,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in KR. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Kroger by 12.2% in the first quarter. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,880 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,000 after acquiring an additional 205 shares during the period. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV lifted its holdings in Kroger by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 17,802 shares of the companys stock valued at $879,000 after purchasing an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its position in Kroger by 20.6% in the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 1,277 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of Kroger by 1.9% during the first quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 11,571 shares of the companys stock worth $664,000 after buying an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Kroger by 3.4% in the first quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,693 shares of the companys stock valued at $384,000 after acquiring an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.98% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have issued reports on KR shares. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of Kroger in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Kroger in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Kroger in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a hold rating and a $52.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.57.

Insider Activity at Kroger

In other Kroger news, SVP Timothy A. Massa sold 23,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.46, for a total value of $1,045,580.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 194,956 shares in the company, valued at $8,862,699.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, VP Carin L. Fike sold 4,798 shares of Kroger stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.52, for a total transaction of $218,404.96. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 4,156 shares in the company, valued at approximately $189,181.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Timothy A. Massa sold 23,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.46, for a total value of $1,045,580.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 194,956 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,862,699.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 33,798 shares of company stock worth $1,542,985. 1.38% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Kroger Price Performance

Shares of KR stock opened at $43.82 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $44.53 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.78. The Kroger Co. has a 52-week low of $42.10 and a 52-week high of $50.41. The stock has a market cap of $31.52 billion, a PE ratio of 19.56, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.50.

Kroger (NYSE:KR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, September 8th. The company reported $0.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.05. Kroger had a return on equity of 30.61% and a net margin of 1.10%. The business had revenue of $33.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.12 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.90 EPS. The firms revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that The Kroger Co. will post 4.52 EPS for the current year.

Kroger Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.65%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Krogers payout ratio is 51.79%.

Kroger Profile

(Free Report)

The Kroger Co operates as a food and drug retailer in the United States. The company operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. Its combination food and drug stores offer natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers, fresh seafood, and organic produce; and multi-department stores provide apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products, and toys.

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Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 0.8% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,844,742 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 30,470 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $164,094,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. grew its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 8.3% during the second quarter. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. now owns 8,400 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 642 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 2,366,481 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $101,001,000 after buying an additional 176,418 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Inc. CA grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 384.1% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Inc. CA now owns 86,795 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,704,000 after acquiring an additional 68,867 shares during the period. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 69.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 61,833,769 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,638,987,000 after acquiring an additional 25,268,032 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. now owns 1,058,929 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,195,000 after acquiring an additional 108,348 shares during the period. 72.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Wells Fargo & Company

In related news, Director Richard K. Davis purchased 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of $41.22 per share, for a total transaction of $144,270.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WFC has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. HSBC began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $45.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the company 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 assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $48.31.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

Wells Fargo & Company stock traded up $0.19 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $42.97. 1,064,125 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 19,243,248. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12-month low of $35.25 and a 12-month 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 stock has a 50 day moving average of $40.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $41.83. The company has a market cap of $156.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.24, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.17.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its 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 net margin of 17.06% and a return on equity of 11.18%. The firm had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.30 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.06 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be paid a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is 30.24%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

Further Reading

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Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 850,908 shares of the companys stock after selling 93,254 shares during the quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC owned approximately 0.05% of Philip Morris International worth $83,066,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter valued at about $753,000. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $36,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new stake in Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new stake in Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $40,000. Institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

PM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Barclays lowered 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. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on 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. Redburn Atlantic assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $109.36.

Philip Morris International Price Performance

NYSE:PM traded up $0.49 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $94.31. The company had a trading volume of 335,108 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,249,935. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $105.62. The firm has a market cap of $146.41 billion, a PE ratio of 18.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.77. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $92.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.23.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 129.48% and a net margin of 9.62%. The business had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.21 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.53 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 27th were issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 26th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.51%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 100.97%.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Further Reading

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Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report) by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 144,977 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,997 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co.s holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $34,988,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LH. WealthPLAN Partners LLC bought a new stake in Laboratory Co. of America during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 93.3% in the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 174 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 84 shares during the period. Old North State Trust LLC increased its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 429.3% in the first quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 921 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 747 shares during the period. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 38.7% in the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 215 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.37% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently commented on LH shares. Mizuho decreased their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $257.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $259.00 to $261.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $251.00 to $237.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 18th. HSBC initiated coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $210.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Three investment 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, Laboratory Co. of America presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $243.67.

Laboratory Co. of America Stock Performance

Shares of LH opened at $211.60 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $203.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $212.58. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 52 week low of $174.20 and a 52 week high of $222.33. The stock has a market cap of $17.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.29 and a beta of 1.07.

Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The medical research company reported $3.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.37 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $3.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.99 billion. Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 14.09% and a net margin of 4.88%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $4.68 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 13.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Laboratory Co. of America Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 8th will be given a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 7th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.36%. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.50%.

Insider Activity at Laboratory Co. of America

In related news, CAO Peter J. Wilkinson sold 1,384 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.71, for a total value of $291,622.64. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,087 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $439,751.77. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.65% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Laboratory Co. of America

(Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development.

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System cut its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 902,790 shares of the companys stock after selling 27,454 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 0.9% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $423,390,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Towerpoint Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% in the second quarter. Towerpoint Wealth LLC now owns 4,239 shares of the companys stock worth $1,988,000 after buying an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Pacific Sage Partners LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% during the second quarter. Pacific Sage Partners LLC now owns 1,591 shares of the companys stock valued at $746,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Lathrop Investment Management Corp lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the second quarter. Lathrop Investment Management Corp now owns 1,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $684,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Stevard LLC lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% during the second quarter. Stevard LLC now owns 982 shares of the companys stock valued at $461,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SP Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 2,390 shares of the companys stock worth $1,121,000 after buying an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total value of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the 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 completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 470,659 shares of company stock worth $20,845,330,120 in the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently commented on LLY shares. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $710.00 target price (up previously from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Barclays increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $590.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $385.00 to $470.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $630.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and nineteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $557.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.2 %

NYSE:LLY traded up $6.85 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $601.94. The companys stock had a trading volume of 684,928 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,082,608. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $309.20 and a 1 year high of $629.97. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $577.87 and a 200-day moving average of $513.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $571.43 billion, a PE ratio of 107.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 0.33.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. The firm had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.75%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 81.88%.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System reduced its stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 2.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,569,736 shares of the retailers stock after selling 45,813 shares during the quarter. Walmart accounts for approximately 0.5% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned about 0.06% of Walmart worth $246,731,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 30.3% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 4,634,280 shares of the retailers stock valued at $728,416,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078,836 shares during the period. Masso Torrence Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Walmart by 6.5% in the second quarter. Masso Torrence Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,758 shares of the retailers stock valued at $276,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the period. Stableford Capital II LLC bought a new position in shares of Walmart during the second quarter valued at about $859,000. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Walmart in the second quarter worth about $529,000. Finally, Huntington National Bank increased its holdings in Walmart by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 517,028 shares of the retailers stock valued at $81,267,000 after purchasing an additional 18,606 shares during the period. 33.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Walmart

In other Walmart news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 9,708 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.40, for a total value of $1,576,579.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,461,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $237,349,061.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 9,708 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.40, for a total transaction of $1,576,579.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,461,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $237,349,061.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 90,436 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.90, for a total value of $14,098,972.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 234,917,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,623,642,147.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,456,612 shares of company stock worth $227,495,349 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock.

Walmart Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of WMT stock traded up $0.97 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $155.64. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,204,452 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,013,010. The stock has a market cap of $418.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.65, a PEG ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.85. Walmart Inc. has a 52-week low of $136.09 and a 52-week high of $169.94. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $161.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $157.89.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. The business had revenue of $160.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $159.65 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 2.55%. Walmarts revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.50 EPS. Research analysts predict that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently issued reports on WMT. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Walmart from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 14th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 13th. Roth Mkm lifted their target price on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $179.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 18th. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $200.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on Walmart from $162.00 to $167.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $179.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WMT

Walmart Company Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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Zelenskyy believes there will be no challenges to Ukraines support from Netherlands in near future

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that no negative challenges in the issue of support for Ukraine from the Netherlands are expected in the near future after the victory of the far-right Freedom Party there.

"As for the Netherlands: I ask you not to be shocked. I think we are on good terms. The status of our relations today also continues and is supported by the Prime Minister [of the Netherlands] .I am confident in Rutte. I think that there will be no calls in the near future, he said at a press conference with the President of Latvia in Kyiv.

As reported, in the early parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, according to preliminary exit polls, the far-right PVV (Freedom Party) won. Its leader Geert Wilders is a supporter of supporting Russia and reducing aid to Ukraine. The official results will be announced by the Dutch Electoral Council at 10.00 on December 1.
Gardai have given an update on the health of a child stabbed in Dublin on Thursday.

The girl, aged five, was one of five people injured in a stabbing incident which also saw two other school kids injured when they were stabbed on the street.

An Garda Siochana say they continue to investigate all the circumstances of the serious assault which occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1:30pm on Thursday.

"The scene of the incident at Parnell Square East remains preserved at this time. The road is currently closed to traffic and diversions are in place," gardai said.

"The girl, aged 5, who was seriously injured during the incident remains in a critical condition in CHI Temple Street," they added.

The girl, aged 6, continues to receive medical treatment for less serious injuries in CHI Crumlin.

The boy, aged 5, was discharged from CHI Crumlin yesterday evening.

The adult female, aged in her 30s, remains in a serious condition in The Mater Hospital.

The adult male, aged in his 50s, also remains in a serious condition in a hospital in the Dublin Region.

An Garda Siochana is appealing to any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardai. Investigating Gardai are also appealing to any person who may have mobile phone footage of the attack or the immediate aftermath to make this footage available to An Garda Siochana.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station 01 666 8600 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

An Garda Siochana are not in a position to provide any further information at this time.
[November 23, 2023] Africa Data Center Colocation Market Outlook 2023-2028: South Africa's Allure as an Investment Hub is Unmistakable with Over 60% of the IT Power Capacity Tweet

DUBLIN, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Africa Data Center Colocation Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Africa data center colocation market is expected to reach a value of $1.23 billion by 2028 from $670 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.64% from 2022-2028. South Africa takes center stage in the African data center colocation market, wielding its influence as the primary driver of capacity in the region. With over 60% of the IT power capacity, South Africa's allure as an investment hub for data center facilities is unmistakable. Other African nations, including Nigeria and Kenya, follow suit, making substantial investments in data center infrastructure. The impetus behind this regional data center expansion extends beyond South Africa, propelled by the rise of smart cities, special economic zones, free trade zones, and government incentives. The African continent is witnessing the emergence of smart cities, exemplified by projects such as Lanseria and Nkuna smart cities in South Africa and Nigeria's Eko Atlantic City, all contributing to the burgeoning data center landscape. This growth is further amplified by increased demand across various industries, with acquisitions and joint ventures opening doors for new players to enter the market, attract customers, and secure a larger market share. Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption is another driving force behind regional data center investments, exemplified by strategic partnerships like Huawei and ITDIA's "Spark" initiative in Egypt, aimed at promoting AI-based investments and initiatives. The connectivity landscape is evolving as well, with the deployment of new submarine cables such as Africa-1, 2Africa, India Europe Xpress (IEX), Equiano, Medusa Submarine Cable System, and SeaMeWe-6, all set to enhance connectivity in the African data center colocation market during the forecast period. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Deployment of 5G Network Services The introduction of 5G in Africa will likely generate substantial data, further increasing investment in data centers. High internet connectivity, bandwidth, and less processing time is the feature of 5G technology. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Ethiopia have witnessed the commercial launch of 5G in the region, while countries like Ghana, Algeria, Tanzania, and Congo were in the initial stages of their development. Vodacom, MTN, Ericsson, Orange, Ethio Telecom, and Rain are the main telecom operators in Africa involved in the commercial deployment of 5G services that partially or entirely cover 5G services in the country. Several pilot 5G projects are underway and expeced to be deployed in the forecasted period.



Procurement of Renewable Energy Sources Due to the unavailability of proper power infrastructure in the African region, data centers were forced to develop their renewable energy infrastructure for power generation.

MTN, a South Africa-based telecom company, operates four facilities in Kenya and other African countries, uses renewable energy to power its data center, and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040. It has introduced the "Project Zero" program. In June 2022, Vantage Data Centers signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SolarAfrica, in which the company will procure 87 MWp of solar energy that will be used to power its new facility. SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS Data centers invest in power infrastructure with a minimum N+1 redundancy. In 2022, UPS systems accounted for a market share of more than 30% of the total electrical infrastructure in data centers. Data centers are investing in cooling infrastructure due to the high-temperature climate in some African countries. In 2022, cooling systems accounted for a market share of more than 65% of the total mechanical infrastructure in data centers. Air-based cooling contributed to more than 70% of the cooling technique in the African region. There has been significant growth in establishing data centers in the region, specifically in the Tier III and Tier IV certification categories. Many private and public entities, including those in the BFSI, education, and government sectors, have obtained Uptime Institute certifications during the design phase or for their completed facilities. This demonstrates a strong commitment to high reliability and operational excellence in data center infrastructure. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How big is the Africa data center colocation market?

data center colocation market? What is the growth rate of the Africa data center colocation market?

data center colocation market? What is the estimated market size in terms of area in the Africa data center colocation market by 2028?

data center colocation market by 2028? What are the key trends in the African data center colocation market?

How many MW of power capacity is expected to reach the Africa data center colocation market by 2028? Market Opportunities & Trends Increase In Smart City Initiatives

Government Support For Data Center Development

Growing Adoption Of Artificial Intelligence

Migration From On-Premises To Colocation & Managed Services

Rise In 5G Network Connectivity And Edge Data Center Deployments Market Growth Enablers Increasing Adoption Of Cloud Services

Growth In Penetration Of Big Data & Iot

Rise In Renewable Energy Adoption

Increase In Submarine Cable & Inland Connectivity Market Restraints Low Budgets & Investment Constraints In Data Center Development

Location Constraints On Data Centers

Dearth Of Skilled Workforce

Security Threats In Data Centers VENDOR LANDSCAPE Equinix expanded its footprint in the region by completing the acquisition of MainOne, including MDXi, in H1 2022. Digital Realty acquired a major stake of around 55% in Teraco. Key Data Center Investors 21st Century Technologies

Africa Data Centres

Digital Realty

Digital Parks Africa

Equinix

Galaxy Backbone

IXAfrica

Medallion Communications

Paratus Namibia

NTT Global Data Centers

Rack Centre

Raxio Data Centres

Telecom Egypt

Wingu New Entrants Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria

Cloudoon

Gulf Data Hub

Kasi Cloud

Khazna Data Centers

Open Access Data Centres

Vantage Data Centers SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS Segmentation by Colocation Service Retail Colocation

Wholesale Colocation Segmentation by Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

General Construction Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgear

Power Distribution Units

Other Electrical Infrastructure Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems

Racks

Other Mechanical Infrastructure Segmentation by Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units

Chiller Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

Other Cooling Units Segmentation by Cooling Technique Air-based Cooling Technique

Liquid-based Cooling Technique Segmentation by General Construction Core & Shell Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Fire Detection & Suppression

Physical Security

DCIM/BMS Solutions Segmentation by Tier Standard Tier I & II

Tier III

Tier IV For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/czm5jj 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:

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[November 23, 2023] Luxury Gifting Redefined: The Black Box Co. Unveils a Seamless Gifting Experience Tweet

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury gifting, The Black Box Co. stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision and dedication. Co-founded by sisters Swati and Rashi Biyani, this dynamic duo has taken the concept of gifting to new heights, weaving together sophistication, personalization, and a commitment to excellence. What began as a niche men's gifting brand has now evolved into a comprehensive solution that goes beyond the ordinary. The Black Box Co. prides itself on offering premium, vegan, cruelty-free, and handcrafted products that resonate with a diverse clientele. From the boardrooms of LinkedIn to the glitz of IIFA, the brand has carved a niche for itself in the competitive world of luxury gifting. At the heart of this creative venture is Swati Biyani, the artistic force behind The Black Box Co. Swati's meticulous attention to detail and innovative product design breathe life into each creation. Every stitch tells a purposeful story, and it is this commitment to craftsmanship that sets the brand apart. Whether it's a bespoke corporate gift or a personalized token of appreciation, Swati ensures that each product brings joy to the recipient, embodying the essence of luxury gifting. Driving the business forward is Rashi Biyani, the elder sister, and the strategic mind behind The Black Box Co. Rashi's business acumen and execution are the driving forces that propel the brand's success. As the head of marketing, she tirelessly works to globalize the brand, positioning it as the go-to platform for those seeking a premium gifting experience. Her dedication to securing the finestdeals for consumers reflects the brand's commitment to providing a superior and luxurious service.



Beyond the products themselves, what truly sets The Black Box Co. apart is the bond shared by the Biyani sisters. Swati and Rashi work in unison, turning the daily grind into a passionate endeavor. Their collaboration goes beyond mere business; it is a shared commitment to delivering exquisite, handcrafted gifts that deepen the bond between the giver and the recipient. This strong sisterly bond forms the foundation of The Black Box Co., and it is this unity that resonates with consumers, fostering one of the industry's highest customer retention rates. The brand's commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its choice of materials. Each gift from The Black Box Co. is crafted from premium materials, ensuring the highest quality while adhering to ethical practices. This dedication to sustainability adds an extra layer of value to the brand, resonating with consumers who prioritize both luxury and social responsibility.

Navigating the intricate world of gifting can often be a cumbersome task, and The Black Box Co. seeks to simplify this process. From ideation to personalization and packaging, the brand ensures a seamless journey for consumers. Recognizing the time-consuming nature of gifting, The Black Box Co. offers a user-friendly approach. Visitors to their website can explore a curated selection of unique offerings, turning the potentially stressful act of gifting into an exciting and personalized experience. In essence, The Black Box Co. invites readers to redefine everyday luxuries. Dive into their curated world and become part of a community where gifting transforms from a source of anxiety into a thrilling and fulfilling experience with just one personalized encounter. Luxury gifting has found a new home, and its name is The Black Box Co. "At The Black Box Co., we've transformed the act of gifting into an art form, where every detail matters, and every creation tells a meaningful story. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the seamless fusion of luxury and personalization defines not just our brand but the exceptional experience we offer to our valued customers." - Swati & Rashi Biyani, Co-Founders of The Black Box Co. About The Black Box The Black Box Co., founded by visionary sisters Swati and Rashi Biyani, redefines the art of gifting by seamlessly blending luxury, personalization, and commitment to excellence. From its origins as a men's gifting brand, the company has evolved into a premium, vegan, cruelty-free, and handcrafted gifting solution. Every creation, meticulously designed by Swati, reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability, while Rashi's strategic vision propels the brand as a go-to platform for a superior gifting experience. With an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and an industry-leading customer retention rate, The Black Box Co. invites you to explore a curated world where gifting transcends tradition, becoming a thrilling and fulfilling experience. Website: www.theblackboxco.com/

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Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics is confident that the European Union will make a decision on financial support for Ukraine.

"I am confident that this will be done, but maybe it will take more time. I think that Ukraine needs help now, and there are many needs in Ukraine, and needs not only on the battlefield, but also in other areas of government. And I would also like to say that, of course, we constantly emphasize the need to start the negotiation process between the EU and Ukraine as soon as possible and that the decision should be, in fact, already in December, Rinkevics said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday after negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But, the Latvian president noted, there are certain complex technical aspects here.

And this process requires constant political pressure from friends of Ukraine at the level of expert meetings, at the level of meetings between ministries in the European Council, Rinkevics noted.
[November 23, 2023] CMC Telecom Announces the Official Opening of the National Internet Exchange Station (VNIX PoP) at CMC Data Center Tan Thuan Tweet

HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 21, 2023, the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) and CMC Telecommunications Infrastructure Corporation (CMC Telecom) celebrated the official opening of the VNIX Point of Presence (PoP) and interconnection hub at CMC Telecom's Tan Thuan Data Center (DC). This momentous event followed the signing of the Cooperation Agreement on November 9, 2023, in Hanoi, aimed at expanding the National Internet Exchange Station (VNIX PoP). CMC Telecom's Tan Thuan DC, recognized as one of Vietnam's most secured and advanced-technology data centers, comply with all the strict environmental conditions and physical connection availability requirements set by VNIX. Organizations and businesses using CMC Telecom DC Tan Thuan services can now directly connect to the National Internet Exchange Station (VNIX), establishing direct connections with over 50 networks of major ISPs, content and OTT players across Vietnam. This streamlined connection to VNIX enables cost optimization, eliminating the need for additional independent physical circuits, thereby reducing latency and enhancing service quality. The integration of the Internet Exchange Station (IX) and Data Center (DC) aligns with the current international trends and standards in Internet industry. This combination facilitates direct connections for data center customers to Internet Exchange Stations. For CMC Telecom, VNNIC has selected the initial VNIX PoP location at CMC DC Tan Thuan, which recently launched in 2022 as a fully carrier-neutral data center and is currently the most secured, advanced-technology with international standard and hyperscale capacity in Vietnam (IT load up to 10MW, Uptime Tier 3 certifiations in Design, Facility and upcoming Operation one. It also marks the first Data Center in Vietnam to meet the TVRA standard)



The VNIX PoP site at CMC Telecom DC Tan Thuan is established following the local peering model and international standards in internet connection, supporting the new generation Internet protocol IPv6 for optimal development and secure exchange of Vietnam's internet traffic, reducing latency and improving service quality. In a significant move to support organizations and businesses hosting at DC Tan Thuan, CMC Telecom commits to offer the most secured connection to VNIX PoP inside the DC with SLA 99.99%. This initiative ensures seamless connectivity to over 50 networks of major ISPs, content and OTT players in Vietnam, leading to cost optimization and improved service quality without additional physical circuits.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Tran Thanh Binh, Director of Tino Group Joint Stock Company, expressed his pleasure as one of the first members connecting directly to VNIX via the VNIX PoP at CMC DC Tan Thuan. He emphasized the expanded internet peering connections to networks such as Viettel, VNPT, CMC Telecom, Mobifone, VNG, as well as the national DNS system and so on. This expansion enables access to a broader customer base with enhanced cost efficiency and internet connection quality, improving overall service and business efficiency. The collaboration between the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center and CMC Telecom aims to foster the development of more VNIX members at Tan Thuan DC and deploy additional VNIX PoP at CMC Telecom DCs nationwide. This strategic partnership aligns with the shared goal of promoting development, ensuring safety for Vietnam's internet, fostering the growth of the digital ecosystem, and positioning Vietnam as the new Digital Hub in the region in line with the government and Information and Communications industry's vision. The National Internet Exchange Station (VNIX) operates under the Vietnam Internet Center, established by the Ministry of Information and Communications. Operating on non-profit principles, VNIX supports the safety and stability of the entire Vietnam Internet network, enhances quality, reduces service costs, and promotes the transition of Vietnam's Internet to IPv6. With over 50 connected member networks, including VNNIC (national DNS system), Viettel, VNPT, CMC Telecom, and VNG, VNIX plays a crucial role in Vietnam's internet landscape. Globally, there are approximately 730 IXPs out of 1126 established IXP connection points (source: PCH.NET). IXPs are essential for internet development, addressing connectivity issues, improving service quality, and reducing internet connection costs. According to the results of VNNIC's research involving 150 typical IXPs worldwide, 99% of IXPs are situated in neutral IDCs, hosting numerous network systems, particularly those of content providers, banks, financial institutions, Fintech, Cloud, CDN... in addition to their primary locations in large IDCs, IXPs have established numerous expansion points in other IDCs (referred to as IXP expansion POPs). This strategy aims to offer the closest connection infrastructure to members whose network infrastructure is situated in IDCs, thereby enhancing the quality of peering services. Some prominent international IXPs have multiple POP in IDCs, such as LN-IX UK with 63 POP points, DE-CIX Frankfurt Germany with 49 points, AMS-IX Netherlands with 16 points, DE-CIX Berlin Germany with 14 points, BBIX Japan with 19 points, SGIX Singapore with 12 points, and MyIX Malaysia with 5 points... View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cmc-telecom-announces-the-official-opening-of-the-national-internet-exchange-station-vnix-pop-at-cmc-data-center-tan-thuan-301996962.html SOURCE CMC Telecom

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[November 24, 2023] Scania turns green supply target into requirements Tweet

SODERTALJE, Sweden, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Determined to use its spending power to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, Scania now turns its supply chain decarbonisation target into mandatory purchasing requirements. "We are excited to announce this transformative move, prepared in close collaboration with our suppliers and partners. Implementing green purchasing requirements is both a question of making sustainable transport a reality and ensuring access to low-carbon material in a rapidly increasing competition," says Christian Levin, CEO at Scania.



Scania has introduced an industry-leading strategy to significantly remove supply chain emissions. By 2030, the company targets 100 percent green purchases of steel, batteries, aluminium and cast iron for its European operations.



These four hotspots constitute around 80 percent of carbon emissions arising from Scania's production materials. Scania's definition of 'green' requires eliminating the main sources of emissions by utilising new technologies, green electricity and/or recycled material. In batteries, for example, access to green energy in production is decisive. In flat steel production, replacing coal with green hydrogen is key.



Now, as arguably the first company in the industry, Scania implements these levers as mandatory purchasing requirements. Requirements on technologies mentioned will be on the table in negotiations of future contracts as well as in reviews of existing ones regarding deliveries of batteries, steel, aluminium and cast iron for Scania's European production.



Supplier engagement is foundational for preparedness and success in the green transition, and important progress is being made. This spring, Scania placed its first order of green steel from H2 Green Steel. Mid-November, a joint target was announced with SSAB to decarbonise all current steel deliveries in 2030. Green steel supplies for Scania's European production are targeted to start in 2026. When it comes to batteries, Scania and Northvolt have developed a battery cell specifically designed for heavy-duty transportation with world-class performance and a uniquely low carbon footprint.



"We are now working on extending the scope of the decarbonisation target, so that the strategy eventually will cover the entire global supply chain," says Christian Levin. CONTACT: Erik Bratthall

Corporate Public and Media Relations

[email protected] The following files are available for download:







https://news.cision.com/scania/i/green-supply-16x7,c3242642 green-supply-16x7 https://news.cision.com/scania/i/infographic,c3242643 Infographic

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scania-turns-green-supply-target-into-requirements-301997011.html SOURCE Scania

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[November 24, 2023] FICCI organises session on 'Renewable Energy Transition for Commercial and Industrial Consumers: For the Eastern Region' Tweet

KOLKATA, India, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), jointly with AmpIn Energy Transition, organized an interactive session on Renewable Energy Transition for Commercial and Industrial Consumers, to showcase renewable energy solutions and technologies available for Indian industrial consumers, supporting their transition towards decarbonization and the net-zero journey. Mr. Pinaki Bhattacharyya, Senior Member of FICCI Renewable Energy CEOs Council and Managing Director & CEO of AmpIn Energy Transition, in his welcome address, said, "The eastern region is poised for an energy transition, offering industries potential savings of 2030% by adopting renewable energy. The declining costs of renewable energy make it imperative for industries not to delay the shift. Renewable energy providers should adopt a long-term vision, recognizing the availability of funding from international investors and the equity market's interest in the sector. Collaboration between industry, solution providers, the financial sector, and government at both central and state levels is crucial for a successful transition." Presenting the trends of adopting renewable energy (RE) solutions by commercial and industrial consumers, Mr. Anish Mandal, partner at Deloitte India, highlighted how India has to achieve its net-zero goals. "India is performing admirably compared to the global scenario in renewable energy generation, experiencing an annual growth rate of 67%. Almost half of the demand stems from the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, which has established its decarbonization objectives and attracted substantial investments. Additionally, both the Centre and state governments have introduced a range of initiatives to support and further this progress." While addressing the seminar, Mr. Debasish Banerjee, Managing Director, CESC Ltd, said, "Affordability is of utmost importance, and the storage costs are very high. It's time for battery costs to come down. A balanced approach to energy affordability, security, and transition is essential. Once storage costs decrease, stored renewable energy can be an effective backup, especially during peak seasons. This summer, peak demand within our jurisdiction rose by 2530%, reaching temperatures of 5253 degrees Celsius. The total renewable energy capacity in the eastern states is approximately 80 GW, and efforts should be made to increase this capacity." Mr. Anil Razdan, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, stated, "The transition has been gradual, but the prospects are promising. Imperatives like global warming and rising sea levels compel us to embrace renewable energy solutions. Energy efficiency is a necessity, demanding a reduction in consumption. Our aspirations, mindsets, and lifestyles must undergo change. Collaborative efforts are needed to create pump storage facilities, tapping into every source of renewable energy, be it tidal power or electricity generation from river water." Mr. Ajay Kumar Pandey, Director (Regulatory & Trading), West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company, Government of West Bengal>, said, "In West Bengal, we have been taking many steps; one of the oldest running hydro plants in Asia is situated here. Since 2007, we have had a fully operational 900 MW pump storage in Purulia, and plans are underway for four additional pump storage of similar capacity in the same location. Government clearance has already been obtained for a 500 MW floating solar unit. The primary challenges lie in mindset and commercial aspects, which must be addressed and overcome."



Mr. Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Odisha, in his virtual address, spoke, "Energy efficiency and conservation are crucial, and it's essential to encourage commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers to procure renewable energy from distributors through effective regulatory mechanisms, a practice already underway in Odisha. Assistance should be extended to industries with captive power plants, facilitating their transition to renewable energy despite the associated investments. In Odisha, we offer incentives to industries transitioning to renewable energy and actively encourage renewable energy solution providers to invest in the region, including setting up necessary plants." Mr. Hemant Verma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission, said in his virtual address, "Transitioning to renewable energy is now a necessity, not an option, with significant potential in the eastern region. The Government of Chhattisgarh is offering incentives for both industries to shift to renewable energy and solution providers to establish plants in the state. A collaborative approach is deemed the most effective way forward."

Mr Lalit Bohra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, highlighted steps the Centre took to encourage C&I to go in for the transition. "India is a prominent player in the renewable energy market, holding the fourth position in installed capacity. The government actively promotes renewable energy, encouraging commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers to adopt it. Viability gap funding for energy storage has been introduced to facilitate the integration of large amounts of renewable energy into the grid. A significant milestone occurred with the notification of Green Open Access Rules 2022, enabling industries to transition to net zero. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is seeking recommendations from both generators and consumers to accelerate the decarbonization journey further." The first panel discussion on 'Implementation of Green Open Access in the Eastern States' highlighted the interventions and conducive policy support provided by states that have taken the lead in paving the way for energy transition. The panel discussion in round one emphasized upon implementing green open access in the eastern states. The discussion touched upon renewable energy policies, potential in states for RE transition, ease of doing business & cost of operations in the state, infrastructure development, and virtual metering and financing of rooftops. The second panel discussion was on the policy environment of states to support RE transition in the Eastern Region, enabling policy framework, state infrastructure, investment potential, and support provided by state governments to support renewable energy development in the states. The role of renewable energy in industries is multifaceted and can significantly impact the industry and vision for sustainability, decarbonization, cost competitiveness and environmental goals. As this sector plays a critical role in RE transition, the viability of scaling up energy transition in states, and takeaways from RE-rich states, it can play an essential part in enabling the structural shift to clean energy. The third panel discussion acknowledged the key building blocks needed for decarbonizing the electricity sector and developing a roadmap for a 100% renewable energy transition, which shall commit to adopting green energy and look for solutions best suited to their operations. The final discussion highlighted the significance of the strategic initiatives in the Eastern Region  green hydrogen, manufacturing, energy storage and floating solar enabling the building of a robust ecosystem of derivatives  solar manufacturing, BESS, floating solar and hydrogen in the country. This shall help in formulating the policy support and incentives required to scale up domestic manufacturing and ecosystem development and tackling the major challenge of captive GH2 billing in customer network along with the market development considering Incentives for Industry to purchase much costlier GH2 for betterment in incentivization for domestic production & exports. Such FICCI platforms facilitate this interaction between the two sectors of renewable energy and industrial consumers. About FICCI Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organization in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies. A non-government, not-for-profit organization, FICCI is India's business and industry voice. From influencing policy to encouraging debate, and engaging with policymakers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies. FICCI provides a platform for networking and consensus building within and across sectors and is the first port of call for Indian industry, policymakers and the international business community. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/ficci-organises-session-on-renewable-energy-transition-for-commercial-and-industrial-consumers-for-the-eastern-region-301997015.html

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[November 24, 2023] PATSNAP MAKES STRONG FORAY INTO JAPANESE MARKET Tweet

To date, the world's leading AI-powered innovation intelligence platform has successfully acquired 150 corporate clients and grew more than 100 per cent on average over the past two years in Japan. TOKYO, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Patsnap, the world's leading AI-powered innovation intelligence platform, has made successful inroads into the Japanese market in a bid to catalyse a surge of innovation in the East Asian country. At the recent Growth Industry Conference (GRIC) 2023 held in Tokyo, Guan Dian, Patsnap's co-founder, unveiled the company's strategic plans in Japan for the future. GRIC 2023 is Japan's largest hybrid global conference and community specialising in the growth industry with the goal of elevating the country's startup ecosystem to global standards. During a panel session at the conference moderated by Nikkei's Tsubasa Suruga, Guan and Carmen Yuen, general partner of Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, shared more on Patsnap's global strategy ahead. Vertex Ventures is one of the early backers of the Singapore-founded tech unicorn. Reiterating Patsnap's commitment to the Japanese marketand underscoring the soaring demand for data integrity from Japanese clients, Guan assured the audience that the global leader in innovation and intellectual property intelligence is geared to meet their requirements and needs.



To date, Patsnap has successfully acquired 150 corporate clients in Japan, bearing testimony to its strong presence in the top-tier corporate market. Over the past two years, Japan has also emerged as Patsnap's fastest-growing market, boasting an average annual growth rate of more than 100 per cent, according to Guan. Recognising Japan's rich landscape of innovative companies and substantial investments in research and development, Patsnap plans to augment the local office to capitalise on the opportunities, as well as foster the generation of groundbreaking solutions in various industry sectors.

Guan added: "We are excited about furthering our investment in Japan and are looking to expand our team. This way, we can acquire more customers and enhance our capability to provide timely and customised services tailored to clients' needs. The positive feedback and support from our customers fuel our determination to strengthen our presence in Japan, in order to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our growing client base." In the detailed discussion, Guan also elaborated on how Patsnap gained global recognition for utilising advanced AI technology to efficiently process vast amounts of information to support enterprises and individuals in discovering new opportunities in highly competitive environments. For its current user base of more than 12,000 customers in 50 countries, the company serves as an indispensable resource for accessing market technology, competitive intelligence, and patent insights essential for guiding product development from ideation to successful commercialisation. About Patsnap Founded in 2007, Patsnap is the company behind the world's leading AI-powered innovation intelligence platform. Patsnap provides global businesses with a connected, easy-to-use platform that helps them make better decisions in the innovation process. Customers are innovators across multiple industry sectors, including agriculture and chemicals, consumer goods, food and beverage, life sciences, automotive, oil and gas, professional services, aviation and aerospace, and education. www.patsnap.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patsnap-makes-strong-foray-into-japanese-market-301997030.html SOURCE Patsnap

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[November 24, 2023] Fueled by a Thriving Startup and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Tainan Advances in Sustainability Initiatives Tweet

Celebrating Milestone Achievements in Smart Transformation TAINAN, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the WinWin Innovation & Incubation Base ("WinWin"), located in Tainan's Xin-ying District, celebrates the third anniversary of its establishment, its member companies are readying to showcase their achievements at the "2023 Smart Life in Tainan" event. The event, taking place in ICC Tainan's East Exhibition Area from November 24 to 26, 2023, will highlight their progress in smart transformation and sustainable development. Tainan's Mayor, Huang Wei-che, confirmed that the collaboration between the city government and the Tainan City Council led to the creation of the Base. Since its inauguration on November 24, 2020, the facility has become a crucial hub for entrepreneurial. It actively supports an entrepreneurial service ecosystem, offering classes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and networking events, alongside providing guidance on start-up essentials such as business proposal writing, marketing, operationalplanning, and fundraising.



Lin Jung-chuan, Director General of the Economic Development Bureau of Tainan City Government, highlighted that WinWin offers a variety of supportive facilities including entrepreneurial workshops, collaborative team spaces, and live broadcast studios, for startups eager to participate. The initiative aims to establish a collaborative network by merging external industry resources with the combined expertise of business professionals, academics, and researchers. It also focuses on building ties with local associations and professional organizations, all directed towards nurturing and growing emerging companies. The approach has led to the creation of 46 startups over the last three years, significantly boosting the economy north of the Zengwun River. Four teams from WinWin are poised to participate in the "2023 Smart Life in Tainan" exhibition. The lineup includes Happy Food Ltd., championing intergenerational co-farming and smart agriculture; Feng Sheng Shui Qi Enterprise Co., which focuses on reducing primary agricultural product losses through innovative processing; Hao Guang Nong Food, creating distinctive souvenirs in partnership with local farmers; and Hemisferio Sur Ltd., promoting the enrichment of food culture by combining experiences from Taiwan and Latin America. These companies represent the dynamic blend of Tainan's technological advancements and everyday life.

In 2024, Tainan will commemorate its 400th anniversary, a milestone year designated as "Tainan 400." Leveraging its rich cultural and historical heritage, the city government is committed to supporting new creative talents, providing them with opportunities to thrive in the marketplace and positively impact the local economy. This initiative is focused on promoting sustainable business development, ensuring steady economic growth, spurring industrial innovation, and advancing ongoing community progress. Contact: WinWin Innovation and Incubation Base Email: [email protected]

TEL: +886-6-6336777 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fueled-by-a-thriving-startup-and-entrepreneurial-ecosystem-tainan-advances-in-sustainability-initiatives-301997006.html SOURCE Tainan City Government Economic Development Bureau

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[November 24, 2023] QYOU Media Hosting TownHall Meeting - CEO Curt Marvis and India Group CEO Raj Mishra to Review Overall Corporate Initiatives Tweet

Wednesday November 29, 2023 at 4:15 PM EST TORONTO, MUMBAI, India and LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - QYOU Media Inc. (TSXV: QYOU) (OTCQB: QYOUF), a company operating in India and the United States, producing content created by social media stars and digital content creators and distributing via television, OTT platforms, mobile devices and apps, announced today that QYOU Media CEO and Co-Founder Curt Marvis, along with recently appointed India Group CEO, Raj Mishra, will host a one hour live conference call and live stream on Wednesday November 29th, 2023 at 4:15 PM Eastern Standard Time. A live Q & A will follow the discussion which will focus on the overall initiatives of the company closing out 2023 and heading into FY 2024. To watch or listen to the call please click here to access the livestream link. <>Management will accept questions via the chat, and individuals wishing to ask a question during the call can do so at any time.



An archive of the call will be available on QYOU's YouTube channel and website following the call. About QYOU Media

One of the fastest growing creator-media companies, QYOU Media operates in India and the United States producing, distributing and monetizing content created by social media influencers and digital content stars. In India, via our flagship , The Q and on channels Q Kahaniyan, Q GameX, Q Comedistaan, Sadhguru TV and Bollywood Hungama we curate, produce and distribute premium content across television networks, VOD and OTT platforms, mobile phones, smart TV's and app-based platforms. In addition, QYOU has numerous additional content destinations, apps and gaming platforms engaging over 125 million Indian households weekly. Our influencer marketing company, Chtrbox, has been a pioneer in India's creator economy, leveraging data to connect brands to the right social media influencers. QGamesMela is a recently launched casual mobile gaming business leveraging access to the large audience enjoyed by Q India products. In the United States, we power major film studios, game publishers and brands to create content and market via creators and influencers. Founded and created by industry veterans from Lionsgate, MTV, Disney and Sony, QYOU Media's millennial and Gen Z-focused content reaches more than one billion consumers around the world every month. Experience our work at www.qyoumedia.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qyou-media-hosting-townhall-meeting---ceo-curt-marvis-and-india-group-ceo-raj-mishra-to-review-overall-corporate-initiatives-301996897.html SOURCE QYOU Media Inc.

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[November 24, 2023] Digital Health Market Size Anticipated to Hit USD 939.54 Billion by 2032| Precedence Research Tweet

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global digital health market size surpassed USD 262.63 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to hit around USD 939.54 billion by 2032.

The global digital health market is expected to expand at a remarkable CAGR of 13.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2032. The U.S. digital health market size reached USD 56.86 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach around USD 211.6 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2032. Market Segmentation, By Technology Telehealthcare

mHealth

Digital Health Systems

Health Analytics Global Digital Health Market, By Technology, 2022-2032 ($Million)







Technology 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 CAGR% (2022-2032) Telehealthcare 1,02,965.6 1,24,399.4 1,48,618.6 1,75,968.0 2,06,574.2 2,40,465.0 2,77,541.6 3,17,565.8 3,60,146.4 4,04,742.9 4,50,681.2 15.40 % mHealth 80,610.00 94,495.20 1,09,741.7 1,26,368.0 1,44,335.8 1,63,539.5 1,83,800.0 2,04,862.4 2,26,400.1 2,48,025.9 2,69,310.2 12.30 % Digital Health Systems 47,699.60 54,508.00 61,787.60 69,373.80 77,175.20 85,065.40 92,885.20 1,00,446.4 1,07,540.4 1,13,949.7 1,19,461.3 9.10 % Health Analytics 31,357.50 36,527.70 42,209.30 48,368.80 54,987.10 62,019.70 69,398.10 77,024.80 84,778.30 92,516.90 1,00,085.1 11.90 % Total 2,62,632.7 3,09,930.3 3,62,357.3 4,20,078.5 4,83,072.2 5,51,089.6 6,23,624.9 6,99,899.3 7,78,865.2 8,59,235.4 9,39,537.7 13.10 %

Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/1145 Market Segmentation, By Component Software

Hardware

Services Global Digital Health Market, By Component, 2022-2032 ($Million) Component 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 CAGR% (2022-2032) Software 45,974.00 53,929.30 62,673.10 72,217.80 82,543.00 93,589.00 105,256.60 117,399.90 129,832.90 142,333.90 154,656.20 12.40 % Hardware 45,349.40 53,157.70 61,719.60 71,039.80 81,090.20 91,803.70 103,071.20 114,740.30 126,618.70 138,480.20 150,076.10 12.20 % Services 171,309.30 202,843.30 237,964.60 276,820.90 319,439.00 365,696.80 415,297.20 467,759.10 522,413.60 578,421.30 634,805.50 13.50 % Total 262,632.70 309,930.30 362,357.30 420,078.50 483,072.20 551,089.60 623,624.90 699,899.30 778,865.20 859,235.40 939,537.70 13.10 % By Region North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Global Digital Health Market, by Region 2022-2032 ($Million) Region 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 CAGR% (2022-2032) North America 70,065.60 83,230.40 97,948.50 1,14,291.9 1,32,282.7 1,51,880.3 1,72,970.9 1,95,361.0 2,18,776.2 2,42,866.8 2,67,221.6 13.80 % Europe 93,248.90 1,08,743.3 1,25,619.4 1,43,869.2 1,63,418.9 1,84,119.0 2,05,739.5 2,27,969.9 2,50,426.4 2,72,666.6 2,94,212.0 11.70 % Asia Pacific 68,984.00 83,274.10 99,543.10 1,17,930.0 1,38,524.1 1,61,348.0 1,86,341.2 2,13,347.9 2,42,110.2 2,72,268.7 3,03,373.5 15.40 % Latin America 17,559.40 20,105.50 22,786.00 25,580.50 28,456.00 31,366.90 34,255.60 37,053.80 39,685.80 42,072.50 44,136.50 9.10 % MEA 12,774.70 14,577.00 16,460.20 18,406.90 20,390.40 22,375.40 24,317.80 26,166.70 27,866.70 29,360.80 30,594.20 8.60 % Total 2,62,632.7 3,09,930.3 3,62,357.3 4,20,078.5 4,83,072.2 5,51,089.6 6,23,624.9 6,99,899.3 7,78,865.2 8,59,235.4 9,39,537.7 13.10 % Digital health refers to the use of technologies, information, and communication tools to improve various aspects of healthcare. It involves a wide range of applications and services that use digital solutions to effectively enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the management of health-related data. The component of digital health includes Electronic Health Records, Telehealth and Telemedicine, mHealth, Health Information Exchange, Health Analytics. Digital health refers to the use of computing platforms, connectivity, software, and sensors for healthcare and related purposes. It includes various categories such as mobile health (mHealth), health information technology (IT), wearable devices, telehealth, telemedicine, and personalized medicine. These technologies have a wide range of applications, from general wellness to medical devices, and can be used to improve access, reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, increase quality, and provide more personalized healthcare for patients. The Full Study is Readily Available | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/1917 Digital health tools have the potential to improve the ability to accurately diagnose and treat diseases, enhance the delivery of healthcare, and empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their health. The application areas of digital health include personal health management and wellness, diagnostics and triage, virtual care and telehealth, remote monitoring, and data and analytics. Digital healthcare offers a range of possibilities and may improve the quality of patient care by incorporating tools such as machine learning, mobile applications, sensors, wearables, and telehealth. The digital health market is segmented based on component, technology, and region. Factors such as increasing adoption of digital healthcare, rising need to curb healthcare costs, rising incidence of chronic diseases, increasing accessibility of virtual care, focus on patient-centric healthcare solutions, are driving the growth of the market. However, the data privacy and security concerns, lack of interoperability, stringent regulatory, lack of reimbursement, digital divide, and cybersecurity threats are limiting the growth of market. Furthermore, personalization of care, prevention and early detection of diseases, improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, development of New AI-powered diagnostic tools, development of remote patient monitoring platforms are expected to offer ample opportunities. Personalized Your Customization Here: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/customization/1145 Key Insights: The services segment has captured the major market revenue accounting 65.2% market share in 2022.

The telehealthcare segment has held the largest revenue share of 48%.

North America accounted revenue share of around 28.4% in 2022.

accounted revenue share of around 28.4% in 2022. Europe has generated revenue share of around 31.3% in 2022. Supply Chain Analysis of Digital Health Market: Digitizing the supply chain allows health care providers to deliver the right product to the right patient at the right time at a lower cost. Building a digital supply chain will also put healthcare businesses in a better position to take advantage of technological advancements that will increase data flow and analytics, provider-patient connectivity, asset tracking, and regulatory compliance. Several difficulties confront healthcare companies, encouraging them to consider establishing digital supply networks (DSNs): Optimizing costs: Changes in payment models brought on by healthcare reform, growing prices, and narrowing margins, and the healthcare industry's shift from volume to value are forcing providers to find new methods to manage resources and cut costs across the board. Limiting variation: By digitizing typical operations, hospitals can lower the chance of poor results owing to mistakes and unpredictability while also freeing up personnel to work on higher-value tasks. Increasing patient satisfaction: Having an effective digital supply chain not only saves hospitals money, but it can also contribute to higher patient satisfaction by redirecting staff time to patient care, reducing waiting times, and decreasing the number of rescheduled appointments. Taking on new value-creation challenges: Health-care executives are paying more attention to areas like brand loyalty, operational agility, and resource engagement and management. To excel in these areas, it's necessary to examine current processesincluding supply chain managementand make adjustments that will encourage clinical and business innovation. A way to unlocking value for health care providers starting their DSN transformation from the ground up is to digitize the core. Digitizing the core is an enterprise-wide initiative in which data from major business areas such as finance, purchasing, supply chain, marketing, and others is linked and shared through a common technological platform, commonly an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. By collapsing the old, linear supply chain and building a connected, smarter, faster, and more responsive digital supply network, health care providers can address supply chain concerns. Traditional supply chains are linear, with a discrete sequence of design, plan, source, manufacture, and delivery. Many supply chains, on the other hand, are evolving from a static sequence to a dynamic, linked system that can more easily accommodate ecosystem partnerssuch as health care providers and life sciences companiesand grow to a more optimal state over time. This change from linear, sequential supply chain activities to an interconnected, open system of supply operations could pave the way for future competitiveness. To drive the physical process of production and distribution, digital supply chains integrate data from a variety of sources and locations. The result might be a virtual environment that reflects and informs the real world. DSNs offer integrated views of the supply chain network and rapid use-case-appropriate latency reactions to changing situations by leveraging both the old and the new, such as sensor-based data sets. Plan, source, deliver, and supportthe four component elements or nodes that act as the main operating levers within the industry's supply chain life cycleare the primary emphasis of health provider digital chain suppliers functioning within an integrated ERP system. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at [email protected] | +1 650 460 3308 Regional Insights: North America region is growing significantly during the forecast period owing to the increased prevalence of chronic illnesses in the United States and Canada. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes affects more than 38 million Americans. Additionally, the availability of advanced healthcare infrastructure, advancements in internet connectivity, and profitable financial alternatives is expected to drive the growth of the market. Moreover, the Europe region is also expected to grow faster during the forecast period with Germany and UK holding a major share in digital health. Asia Pacific is expected to grow faster during the forecast period due to improvements in IT infrastructure and the emergence of startups, rising adoption of digital technologies in healthcare, rising awareness of digital health, and increasing accessibility of virtual care. The North America digital health market size surpassed USD 70.06 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach around USD 267.22 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to 2032.

digital health market size surpassed in 2022 and is expected to reach around by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to 2032. The Asia Pacific digital health market was valued at USD 68.98 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to hit around USD 303.4 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2023 to 2032.

digital health market was valued at in 2022 and is anticipated to hit around by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2023 to 2032. The Europe digital health market was accounted at USD 93.24 billion in 2022 and is predicted to hit around USD 294.21 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2023 to 2032. Component Insights The hardware segment is expected to grow faster during the forecast period. The hardware segment includes a wide range of devices aimed to transform healthcare by collecting, transferring, and storing health-related data. Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, have grown in popularity, functioning additionally as watches but also as health monitoring tools with functions such as heart rate tracking and sleep pattern analysis. Connected glucometers and blood pressure monitors, for instance, enable users to manage chronic illnesses by giving real-time data for remote healthcare monitoring. Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart medical devices and sensors, are critical in establishing a linked healthcare ecosystem and improving patient care and treatment outcomes. Video conferencing equipment, for instance, helps in the spread of telehealth services by enabling effective interaction between healthcare professionals and patients. Furthermore, data storage technologies, such as health information management systems and cloud storage solutions, make secure storage and management of electronic health records possible. The integration of hardware and software solutions for comprehensive data analysis, a focus on interoperability between different devices and platforms, and the continuous evolution of advanced sensor technologies ensure the development of more accurate and effective health monitoring devices. Technology Insights The mHealth segment is growing rapidly during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by technological advancements in technologies. Fitness applications, which include features such as workout programs and nutritional assistance, are becoming increasingly popular fueling the augmented reality and social involvement. Additionally, medical applications are becoming more prevalent, allowing users to manage their medications and track chronic diseases. Wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, play an important role in providing real-time health monitoring by easily connecting with mHealth apps. Diabetes and hypertension are better managed using specific apps linked to health monitoring devices like glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/1145 Market Dynamics Drivers: Healthcare Analytics The healthcare sector creates a large amount of data from various sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging, wearable devices, and mobile health apps. Efficient data analysis is critical for improving overall healthcare system performance. Healthcare analytics is critical in providing clinicians with real-time data to make informed disease diagnosis decisions. Predictive analytics in healthcare analytics uses machine learning algorithms to identify persons at risk of acquiring specific conditions, allowing for early intervention for prevention and management. Furthermore, healthcare analytics techniques enable in the effective administration of public health. Shilling, a startup based in the United States, exhibits this by providing Health Analytics-as-a-Service via a digital health platform that uses AI for patient analytics and capacity planning. The technology actively monitors provider capacity, allowing professionals to manage appointments and improve patient care through personalized dashboards that analyze patient health. Additionally, Swiss firm NXGEN Medical Services offers NXGEN Medico, a cloud-based data analysis platform that integrates AI, macroeconomics, and population data with medical data. This enables healthcare workers to forecast client demand, assisting in resource allocation and planning based on data-driven insights. In simple terms, healthcare analytics improves hospital operations such as appointment scheduling and staff administration, but it also enables proactive healthcare decision-making for improved patient outcomes. Restraints: Data Privacy The field of digital health presents major challenges to data security and privacy, ranging from potential breaches and illegal access to weak encryption and vulnerabilities to third parties. Instances including the Anthem data breach illustrate the susceptibility healthcare companies are to cyberattacks, which can result in identity theft and financial fraud. Weak authentication, a lack of encryption, and insufficient control of third-party vendors all offer the complex task of safeguarding sensitive health information. Regulatory compliance, employee training, and the risks connected with IoT devices all increase this issue. Browse More Research Reports: eHealth Market - The global market size was valued at US$ 128.99 billion in 2022 and is expected to hit US$ 707.23 billion by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 18.6% from 2023 to 2032.

The global market size was valued at in 2022 and is expected to hit by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 18.6% from 2023 to 2032. Individual Health Insurance Market - The global market size reached USD 124.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit around USD 233.16 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.50% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

The global market size reached in 2022 and is projected to hit around by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.50% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Digital Brain Health Market - The global market size was valued at USD 199.97 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit around USD 412.53 billion by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.51% between 2023 and 2032.

The global market size was valued at in 2022 and is projected to hit around by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.51% between 2023 and 2032. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Animal Health Market - The market size was estimated at USD 0.99 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit around USD 5.76 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.30% from 2023 to 2032.





The market size was estimated at in 2022 and is projected to hit around by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.30% from 2023 to 2032. Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market - The global digital patient monitoring devices market was valued at US$ 80.61 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach over US$ 451.54 billion by 2030, growing at a remarkable CAGR of 21.1% from 2021 to 2030.

The global digital patient monitoring devices market was valued at in 2021 and is expected to reach over by 2030, growing at a remarkable CAGR of 21.1% from 2021 to 2030. AI in Medical Coding Market - The global market size was valued at USD 2.06 billion in 2022 and is expected to be worth around USD 7.15 billion by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Opportunities Advancement in Electronic Health Records in digital health Electronic health records (EHRs) have seen an innovative development that focuses on patient data accuracy, accessibility, and usability. EHRs, which are at the core of healthcare, enable real-time access to a patient's entire medical history, improving diagnosis, treatment, and continuing health monitoring. The need for enhanced interoperability, quicker access, and data exchange among healthcare professionals across different systems is the main objective in EHR advancement. Startups are leading EHR advancements in the digital health market. The use of AI into EHR solutions offers specific diagnostics and targeted treatment solutions. Voice recognition technology, enabled by natural language processing (NLP), enables simplified data documentation, decreasing manual entry errors and saving healthcare worker's important time. For instance, CloudPital, a Saudi Arabian firm, provides a global Healthcare Information System. The platform merges clinical operations and patient involvement, making appointment booking easier and automating medical billing processes for faster and error-free financial workflows. Furthermore, CloudPital enables in-depth analysis of patient experiences, ensuring recent data availability through digitizing shifted medical data. Recent Developments In Nov 2023 , Evinova, a health technology firm launched by AstraZeneca, aims to expand the global application of its digital health solutions to clinical research institutions, trial sponsors, care teams, and patients. Evinova will use proven digital technologies to streamline clinical trial design and delivery, ultimately saving time and money in pharmaceutical development. In addition, the company plans to focus on digital remote patient monitoring and medicines.

, Evinova, a health technology firm launched by AstraZeneca, aims to expand the global application of its digital health solutions to clinical research institutions, trial sponsors, care teams, and patients. Evinova will use proven digital technologies to streamline clinical trial design and delivery, ultimately saving time and money in pharmaceutical development. In addition, the company plans to focus on digital remote patient monitoring and medicines. In Nov 2023 , The European Commission has launched a call for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme 2023-2024, investing 42 million to improve digital skills. The plan requires to reach 20 million ICT specialists by 2030, with funds supporting education initiatives and the development of cybersecurity capabilities

, The European Commission has launched a call for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme 2023-2024, investing 42 million to improve digital skills. The plan requires to reach 20 million ICT specialists by 2030, with funds supporting education initiatives and the development of cybersecurity capabilities In Oct 2022 , Galen Growth and FINN Partners join forces to produce the inaugural "Global State of Digital Health Report." Drawing insights from 200 million data points and over 12,000 digital health ventures globally, the report focuses on emerging trends, growth areas, and innovations in the digital health sector. The collaboration aims to offer decision-makers practical insights beyond equity funding, providing a concise and comprehensive view of the dynamic digital health market. Key Market Players BioTelemetry Inc

eClinicalWorks

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc

iHealth Lab Inc

AT & T

Honeywell International Inc

Athenahealth Inc.

Cisco Systems

McKesson Corporation

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

AdvancedMD Inc.

Cerner Corporation Market Segmentation By Component Software

Hardware

Services By Technology Telehealthcare

Telehealth



Video Consultation





LTC Monitoring



Telecare



Remote Medication Management





Activity Monitoring

mHealth

Apps



Fitness Apps





Medical Apps



Wearables



Glucose Meter



BP Monitor





Pulse Oximeter





Neurological Monitors





Sleep Apnea Monitor





Others

Digital Health Systems

E-prescribing Systems



Electronic Health Records

Health Analytics By Geography North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/1145 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at [email protected] | +1 650 460 3308 Unlocking Market Insights through Data Excellence The "Precedence Statistics" flexible dashboard is a powerful tool that offers real-time news updates, economic and market forecasts, and customizable reports. It can be configured to support a wide range of analysis styles and strategic planning needs. This tool empowers users to stay informed and make data-driven decisions in various scenarios, making it a valuable asset for businesses and professionals looking to stay ahead in today's dynamic and data-driven world. Access our Premium Real Time Data Intelligence Tool, Visit: www.precedencestatistics.com About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com

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Linkedin | Facebook | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2264617/Precedence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-health-market-size-anticipated-to-hit-usd-939-54-billion-by-2032--precedence-research-301997312.html SOURCE Precedence Research

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[November 24, 2023] DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, inaugurates Espace Quantique 1 Tweet

SHERBROOKE, QC, Nov. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Today marks another milestone for Sherbrooke's Quantum Innovation Zone, with the inauguration of Espace Quantique 1 (EQ1) and its Quantum Technology Development Laboratory (DevTeQ). Both an innovation centre and an international showcase, EQ1 is intended to serve as a gateway to the Sherbrooke and Quebec ecosystem, and indeed to Canada and North America. This announcement follows PINQ2's unveiling of the computer IBM Quantum System One last September. Located at 1950 rue Roy in Sherbrooke, Espace Quantique 1 (EQ1) is a vast 50,000 sq. ft. space entirely dedicated to the quantum technology industry. EQ1 provides startups, companies and other organizations in the ecosystem with private office space and shared workspaces. A 20,000 sq. ft. world-class shared laboratory, called the DevTeQ, is also part of the building. Some fifteen companies and partners will share this unique space, totalling over one hundred highly qualified professionals. This new Innovation Center gies companies access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for the development of quantum technologies and accelerates their adoption by industry.



This initiative is supported by the Quebec government to the tune of over $28.77 million, for a total investment of $40.8 million. Espace Quantique 1 will further structure the development of this field of expertise, facilitating the transition from research to commercialization and job creation. In addition, Desjardins is contributing $1 million. "We're delighted to be able to bring all these quantum companies together under one roof, fostering a collaborative atmosphere conducive to innovation and partnerships. We're here to support them and make it easier for them to set up in the Zone, and we're ready to welcome all quantum companies," emphasizes Martin Enault, General Manager of DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone.

The Zone continues to contribute to the growth of the city of Sherbrooke and to position Quebec as a competitive player on the international scene in quantum science and technology, notably with the announcement of an investment of more than $90.6 million over five years by the company PASQAL, resulting in the creation of more than 50 jobs. "The Gouvernement du Quebec strong financial support through Investissement Quebec and its unique vision for DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, were decisive factors in our decision to unhesitatingly deploy our ambitious industrial strategy on a global scale. Espace Quantique 1 represents an opportunity for companies operating in this field. It brings together the key players in the value chain, from research to industrial applications. This close collaboration promises to lead to major innovations in the future, by identifying access routes to uses with high economic value," emphasizes Raphael de Thoury, CEO, PASQAL Canada. ABOUT DISTRIQ, QUANTUM INNOVATION ZONE DistriQ, Sherbrooke's Quantum Innovation Zone, is a non-profit organization (NPO) that brings quantum technologies to life by supporting all stages of innovation, from university research to commercialization of quantum technologies. DistriQ supports the development of Sherbrooke's collaborative ecosystem, by bringing together quantum players, offering research infrastructure and building bridges with major companies that are potential users of quantum technologies. SOURCE DistriQ, zone innovation quantique

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Friday follow-up . . .

Our blog community doubted a recent bi-state feel good commercial.

Now . . . The newspaper offers even more reason to doubt efforts encouraging amicable disagreement going into an election year . . .

"First, its relatively easy for Kelly and Parson to be civil to each other. They might be from different parties, but they also live and govern on different sides of the state line. The two governors dont compete with each other for political power or have to put their differing philosophies on abortion, taxes and public education to test against each other.



"Its easy to be civil when theres not much at stake, when there are no winners or losers. The ad might have been more impressive if Kelly was sharing barbecue and good feelings with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, the Republican she defeated in 2018 to become governor.



"That would be something.



"Another reason for skepticism: Its not clear the commitment to civility goes both ways. The National Governors Association Disagree Better initiative offers a host of resources on civil debate  including a link to the nonpartisan Common Ground Scorecard, which ranks public officials on their willingness to engage in listening and productive conversation across party lines.



"Kelly scored 80 points on the scorecards matrix. Parson received zero."





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Land Reform in Wartime  Medium- and Small-Sized Agricultural Enterprises Opposing Increase of Limits on Land Sale"

On Monday, November 27, at 13.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled "Land Reform in Wartime  Medium- and Small-Sized Agricultural Enterprises Opposing Increase of Limits on Land Sale," at which farmers will address the President of Ukraine and provide further proposals for maintaining equal rights to participate in the purchase of land for all market participants in the interests of the government, taking into account military farmers defending Ukraine.

Participants include Chairman of the Ukrainian Agrarian Council Andriy Dykun; Director of the Andriivka private enterprise (Kharkiv region) Mykola Pyvovar; Director of the Kalyna Loshnevska farm (Ternopil region) Alla Stechyshyn; agrarian-soldier (Zaporizhia region) Oleksandr Mohylevtsev (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Admission of journalists requires press accreditation. Details at phone: (066) 754 4129.
(Photo: Emanuel Tadeu from Pexels)

Brazilians know one thing for sure: how to celebrate properly. So, it is hardly surprising that numerous cultural festivals and celebrations take place in Brazil throughout the year. Tourists should definitely visit some of them if they have the opportunity because they can experience the very special joie de vivre of the Brazilians firsthand.

And we're not just talking about the legendary carnival. There are also numerous other popular festivals, religious celebrations, and events that are celebrated to excess by the Brazilians. The following article presents the most recommended of these.

Ano Novo  Happy New Year!

In Brazil, New Year, or Ano Novo as it is properly known here, is celebrated in style. Every year on January 1st, an impressive boat procession called Bom Jesu dos Navegantes takes place in Salvador.

Those wishing to spend the next New Year in Brazil should find out in advance about the entry and visa requirements that apply to their nationality. Expedited passport services can also help with this.

Carnival  A Nationwide Party

Brazil is, of course, particularly famous for its carnival. It can be compared to a huge folk festival. Not only the Brazilians celebrate exuberantly, but also numerous international touristsfor several days in a row.

The carnival in Rio is particularly legendary. During this event, the city's samba schools organize a parade in which they compete against each other with their skills. However, there are numerous other cities in Brazil that are ideal for experiencing carnivals, such as Olinda, Recife, Salvador, and Sao Paulo.

The Most Impressive Popular Festivals

Many smaller and larger folk festivals take place in Brazil throughout the year, embodying the pure joy of life.

At the Festas de Cavalhadas in Pirenopolis, for example, everything revolves around horses. Historical equestrian games are held, and there is also a large horse parade.

The June festivals are among the most popular festivals in Brazil. A particularly large number of them are held around June 24, the Dia de Sao Joao. These popular festivals are mainly concentrated in the north-east of the countrywhere their popularity is in no way inferior to Carnival.

The Religious Festivals of the Brazilians

Brazilians place a particularly high value on Easter, which they call Pascoa. Although Christmas plays an even more important role in Brazil, the Easter celebrations in the country are also impressive. The celebration takes place during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Monday. Passion plays are even held in Nova Jerusalem near Recife.

In some regions of the country, the Festa do Divino Espiritu Santo is celebrated ten days before Pentecost. Numerous church services and processions are held, especially in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Maranhao, and Goias. However, Pentecost itself is not very important to Brazilians.

An important date for devout Brazilians is October 12, as this is the day on which Brazil's patron saint, Nossa Senhora de Aparecida, is honored. On this day, thousands of Brazilians travel to the city of Sao Paulo to visit the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The largest religious festival in the country takes place on the second Sunday in Octoberin Belem, which is located in the Amazon region. The Cirio Nazare includes impressive processions with more than a million visitors.
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When it comes to choosing the right car accident lawyer in Brooklyn, NY, there are several factors that one should consider in order to make an informed decision. Given that the outcome of your case and the compensation you receive for your injuries can be significantly impacted by the lawyer you choose, it is important to carefully evaluate your options before deciding.

Personal Referrals from Trusted Sources

One of the most reliable ways to find a op-rated car accident lawyer in Brooklyn is through personal referrals from trusted sources. If you have friends or family members who have been in a similar situation and had a positive experience with a particular attorney, their recommendation can be invaluable. Additionally, if you have worked with a lawyer in another area of law, they may be able to refer you to a reputable car accident lawyer.

Online Reviews and Testimonials

However, not everyone has access to personal referrals, and in such cases, turning to online reviews and testimonials can be a helpful alternative. There are various websites and platforms where clients can leave reviews and ratings for Personal Injury Law Firm they have worked with. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the lawyer's communication style, legal expertise, and success rate in handling car accident cases.

When looking at online reviews, it is important to pay attention to recurring themes and patterns. Look for comments that highlight the lawyer's professionalism, knowledge, and competence in handling car accident cases. Additionally, consider the overall tone of the reviews and whether clients seem satisfied with the outcome of their cases.

Lawyer's Reputation

In addition to online reviews, it is also important to consider the lawyer's reputation and standing within the legal community. Top-rated lawyers often have a strong reputation among their peers, which can be a good indicator of their expertise and ethical standards. Consider looking into professional associations, awards, and recognition's that the lawyer has received, as these can be a testament to their qualifications and standing within the legal profession.

Karasik Law Group

One law firm that stands out in Brooklyn, NY for their top-rated car accident lawyers is Karasik Law Group. With a commitment to delivering the highest standard of legal representation, Karasik Law Group has built a reputation as one of the best personal injury law firms in New York City. Their team of knowledgeable and competent attorneys are dedicated to providing expert legal guidance and pursuing maximum compensation for their clients.
A nurse in the public health care system says she is in charge of a clinic in which she is a
Finland will provide 3 million in additional support to improve food security in Ukraine. In particular, the funds will be used to support grain exports and to help demine villages.

This was reported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukrinform reports.

2 million euros of the funding will be allocated as humanitarian aid to other countries. With the support of Finland, the World Food Program (WFP) purchases grain from Ukraine and exports it to African countries affected by the food crisis. Earlier, Finland has already provided support for Ukrainian grain exports worth EUR 11.5 million.

Finland is also supporting demining in Ukraine to help farmers reclaim their land for cultivation.

The program was prepared in cooperation with the Ukrainian government.

The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that Finland's total contribution to humanitarian demining in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war is approximately EUR 8.25 million.

As Ukrinform reported, the Finnish government has submitted to the parliament a draft supplement to the budget for 2024, which includes, among other things, proposals to support Ukraine.

Earlier it became known that Finland had decided to provide Ukraine with a new defense assistance package.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Kyrgyzstan has high hopes for the activity of a joint fund with Azerbaijan, Vice Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan Kanat Abdrakhmanov told Trend.

"In August, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan had another meeting within the intergovernmental commission. The protocol of this meeting included key directions and a consensus on creating a mechanism for financing joint projects by establishing a Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani fund with the authorized capital of $25 million," he said.

According to the vice minister, the headquarters will be located in Bishkek and it is expected that the next meeting of the fund's board members will be held in the near future to discuss further joint financing of projects that meet the requirements of economic feasibility, viability, repayment and urgency.

"We have already defined the main internal regulatory documents and determined on which areas the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani fund will emphasize," he said.

According to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan from January through September 2023 amounted to $35.3 million, which is 5.9 times more compared to the same period of 2022 (over $6 million).
In the dynamic realm of international education, the 2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards offer a comprehensive snapshot of the experiences of 126,000 international students across 126 countries. Notably, the United States stands out as the only country among the top four study abroad destinations to surpass the world average for student satisfaction.

The US: A Standout Performer

As the sole top-tier study destination exceeding the global satisfaction average, the United States affirms its appeal to international students. The survey's criteria, spanning admissions processes, teaching staff support, online learning, student diversity, quality of life, and career development, position the US as a leader in providing a satisfying educational experience.

The diverse and inclusive academic atmosphere, coupled with robust support systems and an immersive online learning experience, has contributed to the US's positive standing. Students' satisfaction with career development opportunities further solidifies the nation's reputation as a destination that not only offers quality education but also prepares students for success beyond academia.

READ ALSO: OECD Chief Emphasizes Vocational Courses, Says Entering Universities Not Necessary

Mixed Fortunes for the Big Four: UK, Australia, Canada

While the US enjoys a position above the global average, three of the Big Four - the UK, Australia, and Canada - fall below the global satisfaction benchmark. The United Kingdom, known for its esteemed institutions and rich academic heritage, faces challenges in meeting the expectations of its diverse international student body.

Australia, with its stunning landscapes and high-quality education, also grapples with aspects like admissions processes and support from teaching staff, which contribute to a rating below the global average. Canada, however, shows promise with an upward trajectory in satisfaction rates since the 2021 survey, indicating a positive shift in its appeal to the global student community.

Hungary, Germany, and Portugal emerge as the global leaders in overall student satisfaction. Hungary's commitment to student diversity, Germany's excellence in admissions processes, and Portugal's substantial increase in satisfaction levels since 2021 showcase these nations as destinations prioritizing the holistic well-being and academic fulfillment of their international students.

Insights from Top-Performing Universities

The University of Navarra in Spain claims the top spot for overall student satisfaction, showcasing a commitment to providing a diverse and enriching academic atmosphere. Dublin City University in Ireland takes the lead in career development, indicating a dedication to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

In specific categories, two US institutions shine - the University of the People for the online learning experience and Denison University for student-teacher interaction. Other notable performers include the University of Klagenfurt in Austria for student diversity, University West in Sweden for admissions processes, and Semmelweis University in Hungary for the quality of student life.

Studyportals CEO's Perspective

Studyportals chief executive Edwin van Rest acknowledges the Global Student Satisfaction Awards as a unique program recognizing universities from the student perspective. Despite celebrating high satisfaction levels across various categories globally, van Rest highlights challenges faced by the Big Four. He stresses the imperative for these nations to address issues, particularly as English-taught programs outside the Big Four gain popularity, intensifying global competition for students.

Encouragingly, the survey indicates an overall improvement in the student experience since 2021. This positive trend suggests that universities worldwide are actively responding to the evolving needs of their international student population, enhancing various aspects of the academic journey for a more enriching experience.

While the US stands as a beacon of student satisfaction, the survey serves as a call to action for other nations. As the global higher education landscape becomes more competitive, the emphasis on providing a holistic, supportive, and enriching experience for international students becomes pivotal for sustained success and global appeal. Institutions worldwide can draw inspiration from the survey's insights to navigate the evolving landscape and ensure their offerings align with the expectations of the diverse and discerning global student community.

RELATED ARTICLE: UK's High Potential Visa Goes Beyond Borders For Global Academic Talent
Tensions are escalating within the California State University (Cal State) system as faculty members from four campuses prepare for one-day strikes next month if a contract agreement remains elusive.

The California Faculty Association, representing approximately 29,000 Cal State employees, has been engaged in protracted negotiations with the university system, grappling with contentious issues such as pay raises, parental leave, and workplace conditions. As the strike threat looms, it underscores broader challenges in higher education labor relations, with faculty demanding fair compensation and improved working conditions.

Stalemate in Contract Negotiations

The faculty union members at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State LA, San Francisco State, and Sacramento State have each designated a different day in December for the planned strikes, emphasizing their determination to address pressing concerns. Contract negotiations have reached a standstill, with crucial matters like pay raises and parental leave unresolved. The faculty union's request for a 12% salary increase for the current fiscal year faced rejection from the Cal State system, which countered with a proposed 15% increase over three years, at 5% annually-an offer subsequently rejected by the union.

Parental leave, another contentious issue, remains a sticking point in negotiations. The faculty association seeks improvements in parental leave policies, advocating for better work-life balance for its members. The university system's response to these demands will significantly impact the course of negotiations and potentially influence the faculty's decision on whether to proceed with the strikes.

READ ALSO: Auckland Star Academic's Legal Battle Unveils Systemic Challenges

Workplace Conditions and Gender-Inclusive Facilities

The contract dispute extends beyond financial matters, highlighting broader concerns about workplace conditions and inclusivity. Faculty members are pushing for gender-inclusive restrooms and lactation rooms in every campus building. However, the Cal State system has deemed these accommodations too costly to implement. This clash reflects the ongoing struggle within higher education institutions to balance financial constraints with the need for inclusive and equitable workplace environments.

Union President Charles Toombs emphasized that faculty members are unwavering in their commitment to fair compensation and improved working conditions. Toombs asserted that Cal State management needs to recognize the value of its faculty and address the legitimate concerns raised by the union. The looming strikes signal that faculty members are prepared to take decisive action to secure what they believe they deserve.

Larger Implications in the National Higher Education Labor Landscape

The faculty strikes at Cal State contribute to a broader trend of labor activism within higher education. Earlier this year, graduate workers at Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Michigan staged prominent strikes, drawing attention to labor issues within academia.

The significance of the Cal State strikes is magnified due to the system's sheer size, enrolling nearly 458,000 students and employing approximately 53,000 faculty and staff. The impact of potential disruptions resulting from the strikes could ripple through the expansive Cal State system, affecting students and faculty alike.

In response to the impending strikes, the Cal State system has developed contingency plans to minimize disruptions caused by the walkouts. The system remains hopeful that a tentative agreement can be reached with the faculty union to avert the strikes. While only some classes may be canceled during the walkouts, the potential for disruptions underscores the urgency of finding common ground between the faculty union and the university system.

The looming one-day strikes at California State University highlight the complex dynamics surrounding higher education labor relations. As faculty members stand firm on their demands for fair compensation, improved working conditions, and gender-inclusive facilities, the outcome of these negotiations holds implications not only for the Cal State system but also for the broader national discourse on labor rights within academia.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the parties can find common ground or if the faculty strikes will become a reality, making a lasting impact on the landscape of higher education labor relations in California and beyond.

RELATED ARTICLE: Professor At Indian Premier University Resigns Due To Stifled Academic Freedom
The track from community college to a fulfilling career often appears uncertain and opaque to students. To address this challenge, a set of transformative reforms known as guided pathways has gained popularity over the past decade.

Launched in 2015, the American Association of Community Colleges' Pathways Project has been instrumental in implementing these reforms. From 2016 to 2022, 30 community colleges participated in the project, committing to redesign their student experiences.

Reforming Onboarding

A recent report from the Community College Research Center highlights the onboarding process as a pivotal area of revision for colleges undergoing guided pathways reforms. Done correctly, onboarding helps students understand, select, and enter their programs of study. Community college leaders have shared their successful strategies in reshaping this crucial phase.

A key component of the guided pathways framework is the development of "meta-majors." These group individual programs into broader fields of study, such as health sciences, providing students with a clearer understanding of their options. Hana Lahr, director of applied learning at the CCRC, emphasizes that the true utility of meta-majors emerges when integrated into various onboarding processes.



READ ALSO: OECD Chief Emphasizes Vocational Courses, Says Entering Universities Not Necessary

St. Petersburg College's Innovative Approach

St. Petersburg College in Florida has successfully incorporated meta-majors into its application process. Recognizing that listing all majors can overwhelm prospective students, the college implemented a two-step process. Students first select a meta-major, then choose from a shorter list of majors within that specific area. Additionally, advisers are assigned based on students' fields of study, allowing for specialized guidance.

Participating colleges also considered labor market trends, questioning whether each certificate or degree led to employment opportunities at family-sustaining wages. Laurel Williamson, deputy chancellor and college president at San Jacinto College in Texas, emphasizes the importance of aligning programs with local job markets to ensure students are on paths that lead to meaningful employment.

Tailoring Support to Individual Needs

Colleges implemented various methods to help students understand and select their programs. St. Petersburg's advisers assess the certainty students have about their chosen pathways, tailoring guidance based on individual needs. At San Jacinto College, advisers engage students directly in discussions about their career aspirations, providing valuable information about potential jobs and their associated pay scales.

St. Petersburg College stands out for its incorporation of the Holland Codes, a widely used career aptitude system, into its onboarding process. All students take a test to assess their interests in six personality areas, and advisers use the results to guide discussions about career choices. This personalized approach helps students align their career goals with their skill interests, ensuring a more fulfilling and successful educational journey.

Guided pathways are proving to be a transformative force in community colleges, bringing much-needed clarity to the often ambiguous journey from education to career. By integrating meta-majors, aligning programs with labor market demands, and adopting personalized onboarding processes, these colleges are empowering students to make informed decisions and embark on pathways that lead to meaningful and sustainable careers. As community colleges continue to evolve, guided pathways offer a promising blueprint for enhancing student success and bridging the gap between education and the workforce.





RELATED ARTICLE: Study Without Breaking The Bank: 7 Inclusive And Diverse Colleges
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) amid paucity of funds has decided to generate revenue by charging fees to individuals and institutions for holding activities in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), protected area. Chairperson, IWMB, Rina Saeed Khan made the important announcement at the launching ceremony of the new and updated website of IWMB here on Friday

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) amid paucity of funds has decided to generate revenue by charging fees to individuals and institutions for holding activities in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), protected area. Chairperson, IWMB, Rina Saeed Khan made the important announcement at the launching ceremony of the new and updated website of IWMB here on Friday.

Rina Saeed Khan said many educational institutions, civil society and non-governmental organisations, private and corporate entities used to hold hiking and trekking tours in the national park and many other awareness activities.

However, previously all those activities were for free but now all and sundry would have to fill out a one-page form prior to seeking permission, whereas the Board would allow one-day permission, she added.

The Chairperson said the Board was cognizant of the fact that this move would be resisted by public circles but the IWMB could not allow free visits further. She said the new website was built by a volunteer AbuBakar who had charged a very nominal amount for the task.

Rina Saeed said the previous website of the Board was outdated and not up to the mark to provide any information or an outlook of the wildlife board that had gone through several transformative phases over the years.

The updated website was launched by the Chairperson IWMB and the web developer AbuBakar It comprised application forms for guided tours and one-day activities, a special tab for IWMB donations and other associated nonprofit organizations assisting the Board in managing the national park on a volunteer basis.

Prior to the web launch, the Chairperson showcased two short documentaries. One made by the Dawood Foundation titled, "Margalla Urban Wilderness: Margalla Hills National Park" was eight years old and shed light on the National Park's creation, biodiversity, risks and challenges faced by it and its potential in replenishing nature.

Chairperson, IWMB Rina Saeed Khan informed that the stone crushers depicted in the documentary were shut down under the Supreme Court orders.

However, littering is a huge problem in the national park further marred by plastic pollution that was massive in MHNP, she added. Due to a shortage of funds, the Board apart from its limited staff was relying more on its 200 dedicated volunteers who regularly pick up trash on Sundays.

"Mansoor Khan Sherwani is an example for others and we need more such volunteers who dedicatedly visit the National Park and educate masses on nature protection and conservation," Rina Saeed said.

She also presented another documentary on the Leopard Preserve Zone at Trail-6 titled "Margalla Hills Leopard Kingdom".

The Board was offering guided tours to people visiting Trail-6 that are paid with the goal to preserve nature.

"Mohibullah, IWMB volunteer has data of leopards and another volunteer Anoushe, a wildlife photographer was doing photography of leopards which was done night in a guarded chamber that she could not leave for the whole night," she said.

The Wildlife Board had successfully controlled hunting and poaching, whereas those incidents were reported in the Quaid-e-Azam University vicinity, she said.

The Board's wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre established at the old Islamabad Zoo had emerged as the only source of trained staff to handle injured and traumatized wild, stray and domestic animals.

"We wanted to convert it into a rehab centre for wildlife as we receive numerous calls to rescue wild animals. We have seven rescued black bears, one rescued Bengal tiger and many monkeys," she added.

The Board, she said not only rescued bears, and pangolins but also a wild leopard that was rescued from DHA and later released secretly into the MHNP to avoid creating panic.

Deputy Director, IWMB, Sakhawat Ali and Sana Raja, volunteers were hurt badly by that leopard and were provided medical care. She also introduced Nicole, Charles, and Lia of Second Chance Wildlife who stepped up to help IWMB voluntarily for the rescue of animals and were assisting in running the wildlife rescue centre.

Charles, Second Chance Wildlife said the nonprofit group was created a few months later to assist rescue and relief of wildlife. He said his organization needed everybody's help and requested all to donate as it costs Rs100,000 a week to feed all animals at a rehab centre.

Nicole, Second Chance Wildlife said it was a not-for-profit group assisting IWMB. However, education and educating the next generation to respect animals and the environment was important.

Lia Saifullah, Second Chance Wildlife also addressed the gathering. "We are raising funds for the rescued Bengal Tiger to be sent to the sanctuary and will send a volunteer girl for training to handle big cats as it was a holistic effort and not a limited one."

Deputy Director, of Research and Planning, Sakhawat Ali said he along with the entire Board staff went through a tough journey of conservation starting from awareness. He said the senior wildlife expert, Dr Z.B. Mirza trained the staff on educating children on wildlife conservation.

Anila Umair, an animal lover working with Wildlife Animal briefed the participants about securing domestic and wild animals as necessary for the ecosystem.

Mansoor Sherwani, the Man of Awareness IWMB, briefed the participants on his journey to recognition. He said that he was raising awareness of monkey feeding and littering which is the Board's biggest campaign. "People started listening to my exhortations and the IWMB board also respected my opinion as my awareness really bears results.

Our goal is to save the national park from builders hunters and people polluting it. If this national park survives then we will survive. We have to conserve it for our coming generations," he added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 24. President of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf has met with the Chairman of the Board of the Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas Magzum Mirzagaliyev on November 23, 2023, Trend reports.

During the meeting, the parties expressed their satisfaction with the effective growth of Azerbaijan-Kazakh relations in all areas, particularly the energy sector.

It was specifically mentioned that there is a lot of opportunity for SOCAR and KazMunayGas to work together more.

The parties expressed their optimism that the road map signed in October of this year will assist to the development of partnerships in a variety of directions.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the supply of crude oil and petrochemical products, digitization, the sustainability of the oil and gas industry, and other matters of mutual interest during the meeting.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) Pakistan and Sweden held their 17th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Stockholm on Friday and reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment and education.

Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, led the Pakistan delegation, while the Sweden side was co-led by Director General and Head of Global Department Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt and Acting Head of Department for Asia and the Pacific Oscar Schlyte of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides expressed confidence in the trajectory of bilateral cooperation noting that next year, Pakistan and Sweden would celebrate 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

They also agreed to promote bilateral dialogue and mutually beneficial engagement and cooperation.

The Additional Foreign Secretary congratulated Sweden on successfully completing the term of EU Presidency this year and expressed Pakistans desire to further enhance cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, waste management, information communication technology, and rehabilitation and development.

He welcomed more Swedish companies to take advantage of the business-friendly environment in Pakistan, the Foreign Office said in a statement issued here.

The Swedish side reaffirmed its commitment to forge a broad-based bilateral relationship anchored in strong economic and political cooperation.

The two sides also discussed important regional and global developments. Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan briefed the Swedish side on the security situation in South Asia including Afghanistan and India, highlighting the gross human rights violation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Swedish side briefed the Pakistan side on the EU Presidency, the Nordic region and steps taken to combat Islamophobia and promote interfaith harmony.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at international fora, including at the UN, and agreed to continue supporting each other. They also agreed to remain in close contact to maintain the momentum in bilateral relations.

Ambassador Shafqat Khan also called on State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Jan Knuttson.

The next round of Pakistan-Sweden Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday said Saudi Arabia always stood with Pakistan in difficult times and extended support to it in diverse fields

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday said Saudi Arabia always stood with Pakistan in difficult times and extended support to it in diverse fields.

Talking to Imam-e-Kaaba Dr Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the prime minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were tied in the strong historical relationship, based on commonalities of religion, values, and traditions.

PM Kakar expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for providing development assistance to Pakistan in the fields of education and health.

He said that the Saudi government was extending exemplary support to the Pakistani manpower working in the Kingdom.

The prime minister highlighted that recently, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince expressed unconditional support for the Palestinians by convening the emergency session of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

PM Kakar, during the meeting, strongly condemned the atrocities committed against Palestinians and the massacre of the children in Gaza.

He emphasized the opening of a corridor for uninterrupted supply of humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza.

On Islamophobia, the prime minister stressed the need to educate the young generation through documentaries on Islamic teachings, history, and culture.

He said the translation of these documentaries into different languages and their broadcast across the world, could help project the true essence of Islam.

In this regard, he said, the platform of the Union of OIC news agencies was important in disseminating the correct narrative from an Islamic perspective.

The Imam-e-Kaaba termed the ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as brotherly and exemplary.

He lauded the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the development and progress of Saudi Arabia.

He emphasized the upbringing of the young generation on the lines of Islam and its teachings.

The Imam-e-Kaaba thanked Pakistan for the excellent hospitality extended to him during his visit to the country.

Interim federal ministers Aneeq Ahmed and Madad Ali Sindhi, PM's Special Assistant Tahir Ashrafi, Saudi ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Al-Malki and senior officials were present.
New Delhi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) India's aggressive infrastructure push into the ecologically fragile Himalayan mountains has been given a "wake-up call" by the collapse of a road tunnel that trapped 41 men, environmental experts say.

The partial cave-in of the under-construction Silkyara road tunnel in northern Uttarakhand state nearly two weeks ago -- with the desperate men still awaiting rescue on Friday -- was only the latest disaster in the geologically unstable region.

Added to that are the challenges caused by rising global temperatures unleashing a cascade of extreme weather that scientists warn will get worse.

"The scale and extent of the infrastructure development needs a complete rethink," Shripad Dharmadhikary, an environmental researcher and veteran activist, told AFP.

India's monsoon rains mean flooding is common, but major infrastructure projects in the mountains -- including hydroelectric dams, railways and roads -- are being built in areas hit ever harder by storm surges and landslides.

"It is one thing to build roads for local connectivity," Dharmadhikary said.

"But roads for big hydropower projects are much wider, increasing vulnerability and risk... Scale makes a big difference."

- 'Risks ignored' -

Raghav Chandra, ex-chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), warned Friday that "building a tunnel through a mountain is perilous", but dangers were multiplied when such large-scale projects are poorly carried out.

"The accident is a wake-up call about the perils of undertaking massive construction projects in the fragile Himalayan range, which is under threat from intense human activity and the vagaries of the climate crisis," Chandra wrote in the Hindustan Times, alongside another top ex-NHAI official, BS Singla.

The Himalayas -- the world's highest mountain range, with peaks driven upwards by colliding continental plates -- is one of the globe's most seismically active regions, with earthquakes common.

Scientists say glaciers in the Himalayas are melting faster than ever due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters.

Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Himalayan regions were struggling with rapidly melting glaciers, warning on a visit to neighbouring Nepal that the "rooftops of the world are caving in".

The Silkyara tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's infrastructure project aimed at cutting travel times between some of the most popular Hindu temples in the country.

The 4.5-kilometre (2.7-mile) passage is meant to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest sites.

For Modi, leader of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the grand projects help burnish his appeal, with elections due next year.
(@FahadShabbir)

Sweden's government said Friday that video clips circulating of a slip-up by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, purportedly showing him saying Israel had a right to genocide, were a "distortion" and part of a "disinformation campaign"

Stockholm, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) Sweden's government said Friday that video clips circulating of a slip-up by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, purportedly showing him saying Israel had a right to genocide, were a "distortion" and part of a "disinformation campaign".

The clips originate from a question and answer session Kristersson held in Gothenburg on Tuesday when he begins to talk about the Israel-Hamas conflict and appears to misspeak.

"Right now, there are circulating clips with inaccurate translations and distortion of what the Swedish Prime Minister said during an open meeting in Gothenburg," Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Civil Defence Minister, said in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

"The purpose is obvious: To damage Sweden's image abroad and contribute to further polarisation and division," Bohlin added.
As the first group of Hamas hostages are released, AFP retraces 10 key moments in the nearly seven-week war between Israel and Hamas

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) As the first group of Hamas hostages are released, AFP retraces 10 key moments in the nearly seven-week war between Israel and Hamas.

The war began after the Palestinian militant group broke through Gaza's border with Israel, killing 1,200 people in a surprise attack on October 7.

Israel's ensuing bombing campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 15,000 people, according to the Hamas government.

- Hamas attack -

At dawn on October 7, during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, rockets rain down on southern Israel as hundreds of Hamas fighters infiltrate the country by land, sea and air from Gaza.

Around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, are killed in communities near the Gaza border and at a desert music festival.

The militants also take about 240 people hostage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of "savagery not seen since the Shoah" -- Hebrew for the Holocaust.

He vows to "crush" Hamas, designated a "terrorist organisation" by the United States, Britain, Israel and the European Union.

- Israel retaliates -

Israel rapidly retaliates, pounding Gaza with air strikes as it battles Hamas fighters still inside Israel.

On October 9, Israel announces a "complete siege" of Gaza, cutting off power and food deliveries, then water supplies to its 2.4 million residents.

Four days later it calls on northern Gaza's citizens to move south within 24 hours, declaring the north a war zone. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians flee as Israel begins a relentless campaign of bombardments that wipes out entire families and city blocks.

- Gaza hospital hit -

On October 17, a deadly strike leaves scores dead at Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital compound, AFP images show.

Hamas accuses Israel and says at least 471 people were killed.

Israel denies responsibility, blaming a misfired rocket launched by Islamic Jihad militants -- a claim backed by the US.

Western intelligence sources meanwhile suggest the death toll is significantly lower.

- Five hostages freed -

On October 20, Hamas releases two hostages -- an American woman Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie.

Three days later it frees two elderly Israeli women: Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, and Nurit Kuper, 79.

On October 30, Israel announces it has liberated a female soldier, Ori Megidish.

- Tanks enter Gaza -

On October 26, Israeli tanks carry out a raid in Gaza to prepare the way for the start of a ground offensive the next day.

On October 28, Netanyahu announces the second stage of the war and tells Israelis to brace for a "long and hard" offensive.

- First evacuations to Egypt -

On November 1, following a Qatari-mediated deal with Israel and Hamas, Egypt opens the Rafah crossing, the only Gaza border crossing not controlled by Israel.

Dozens of wounded Palestinians and hundreds of foreigners and dual nationals leave the territory.

- Gaza City surrounded -

After almost a week of ground fighting in northern Gaza, Israel's army announces on November 2 it has surrounded Gaza City.

On November 3, Israel begins sending back thousands of Palestinian workers stuck in Israel since hostilities started.

- Death toll tops 10,000 -

On November 6, Gaza's health ministry announces that the death toll in Israel's bombardments has surpassed 10,000, the majority civilians including thousands of children.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, saying Gaza has become a "cemetery for children".

- Al-Shifa hospital raid -

On November 15, Israeli troops launch a night-time raid on Al-Shifa hospital, Gaza's biggest medical facility where bodies had been piling up after food, fuel and anaesthetics ran out.

The raid causes an international outcry. Hundreds of people flee the facility.

Israel claims that Hamas is running a command centre below the hospital. Hamas denies that.

The Israeli army shows off what it says are weapons -- mostly assault rifles -- found at the compound and later releases images of what it says is a vast underground network of tunnels under the hospital it claims was used by Hamas.

- Truce and hostage swap -

On November 22, Israel confirms that it has struck a deal with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, on a four-day truce, during which Hamas will release 50 hostages in four batches.

Israel says it will release 150 Palestinian women and children being held in Israeli prisons in return.

On November 24, the truce goes into effect.
Dublin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2023) Protesters on Thursday fought running battles with police, torched vehicles and looted shops in Dublin, after three young children were injured in a knife attack outside a school.

Police in riot gear stood guard on the streets in the Irish capital as crowds taunted them with chants and set off fireworks.

Near O'Connell Bridge, over the River Liffey, flames rose from a torched car and bus, while crowds broke into stores and looted goods on one of the city's main shopping streets.

The unrest -- the worst in Dublin in years -- came after a five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries in a suspected stabbing in Parnell Square East, north central Dublin.

Two other children and two adults -- a woman and the suspected perpetrator of the attack -- were taken to hospital after the incident shortly after 1:30 pm (1330 GMT).

Police chief Drew Harris blamed the unrest on a "complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology".

He warned against "misinformation" as rumours spread on social media about the suspected attacker's nationality.

One protester told AFP that "Irish people are being attacked by these scum."

Ireland has been facing a chronic housing crisis, with the government estimating that there is a deficit of hundreds of thousands of homes for the general population.

But widespread dissatisfaction has fed into a backlash against asylum seekers and refugees, and far-right figures have promoted anti-immigration sentiment at rallies and on social media with claims that "Ireland is full".

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the scenes in the city centre, including attacks on police, "cannot and will not be tolerated" and promised to take action.

"A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc," she said, calling for calm.

Thursday's incident, which police said was not thought to be terror-related, involved a man armed with a knife stabbing victims outside the school, according to media and eyewitnesses.

Witnesses told how a man had been disarmed and prime minister Leo Varadkar said a suspect had been arrested.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty later told media that "a young girl aged five years has sustained serious injuries" and was receiving emergency medical treatment.

A five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl sustained less serious wounds and the boy has since been discharged, he added.

The woman was being treated for serious injuries in hospital, while the man, said to be aged in his 50s, was a "person of interest" for police, revealed Geraghty.

Siobhan Kearney said the scene was "absolutely bedlam" as she initially watched events unfold from the other side of the street.

"Without thinking, I just took across the road to help out," she told Irish national broadcaster RTE.

"We got another young man, disarmed him (the attacker) with the knife, another man took the knife and put it away for the (police) to find it."

Kearney added a group of people restrained the suspect on the ground, as some of those injured were taken back inside the school.

Varadkar said he was shocked by the incident.

"The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that," he said in a statement.

"Gardai have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry."

Local lawmaker Aodhan O Riordain, of the Irish Labour Party, said the incident was "disturbing".

"Hope injuries are not serious but it will (be) extremely traumatising regardless for all involved," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Mary Lou McDonald, leader of the Sinn Fein opposition party, said she was "horrified" by what had happened.

"There is shock throughout the community. I have just spoken to the Principal of Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire and relayed my support to the school community," she said in a statement.

"I want to send my solidarity to the families of those attacked. As a parent, I can only imagine what they are going through right now," she added, praising the police for their swift response.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. After Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist activity conducted on August 3 last year, Armenians together with 7 cyber groups carried out intensive DDoS attacks on 72 information resources of Azerbaijan, Head of the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security Ilgar Musayev said, Trend reports.

He spoke about it in an interview to Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) magazine.

He noted that 15 of the targets were state structures. As a result of taken preventive measures, uninterrupted activity of information resources connected to the AzStateNet network was ensured.

"In our recently established modern Security Operations Center such cyberattacks are monitored and measures are taken to prevent them throughout the day," Musayev added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Students in Californias public schools could soon start learning about Cambodias long history and vibrant culture, after a law was passed in October setting in motion a model curriculum that will be made available across the state.

Sponsors of the bill, SB 369, are hopeful that the curriculum could be adopted in other states too. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) earlier this month, the law funds the creation of a Cambodian curriculum  as well as separate Vietnamese and Hmong curricula  by 2024.

Sen. Lena Gonzales, a Democrat, represents a district that includes Long Beach, Calif., which is home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia. She said officials in the northeastern state of Massachusetts, the second largest Cambodian-American community, have also expressed interest.

It's pretty neat for us to know that we started here with an ideaand now this is moving to other places across the nation, the state lawmaker said.

The Orange County Department of Education has been contracted to develop the curriculum, which will be made available statewide. Department spokesperson Vicky Nguyen said they are aiming to complete the curriculum by June 2024.

Following this, OCDE will lead the rollout of the curriculum to ensure that educators who are interested have the necessary resources and support for effective implementation, Vicky Nguyen told VOA Khmer.

The model curriculum will provide teachers with everything they need to integrate Cambodian culture history and curriculum into their courses or classes, such as lesson plans, primary documents and teaching strategies.

Cambodia has a lot to offer

Richthida Bovannak, 20, was among the young Cambodians who joined community discussions during the development of the bill. She studies fashion at the University of California, Long Beach, and grew up in the city. Despite growing up surrounded by Cambodian culture and regularly visiting Cambodia Town in Long Beach, she said her home country was rarely mentioned in classes at schools she attended.

They'll have one mention of like, oh, Vietnam and Cambodia are next to each other. And that will probably be the only mention. And I'll be like, dang, I wish they talked about Apsara or like Angkor Wat, that'd be so cool for my classmates to know, she said, referring to the classical Cambodian dance and iconic ancient temple complex.

So hearing that students now will probably learn more about the rich culture of other Southeast Asian places it will definitely make them more aware of other cultures that exist. Even though we're small, we're still equally as important as others, Richthida Bovannak told VOA Khmer.

The Cambodian curriculum was initially introduced in 2018 with a narrow focus on Cambodias genocide in the 1970s, during which some 2 million Cambodians were killed by the murderous Khmer Rouge in their extremist agrarian revolution.

But that changed earlier this year, when the bill was amended to expand its focus to Cambodias full history and cultural heritage. That revision was driven largely by the advocacy of Leakhena Nou, a Cambodian-American sociology professor at University of California, Long Beach.

Richthida Bovannak said she also felt it was important to cast a broader lens on Cambodias history, including the experience of Cambodian-Americans like her.

I think Cambodia has a lot to offer in terms of arts. Even from the beginning  like the golden age of Cambodia before like genocide happened  it was this rich age of art and expression, she said.

When you go there too, there's just so much architecture, so much special fabrics, jewelry, dance, like there's just so many aspects that I think are really beautiful, that are not shared to the world. I think when people do learn about it, they'll be amazed.

Sovanna Pouv had a similar memory of how often his home country was mentioned in school  rarely and mostly in relation to the Vietnam war. As a field representative in Sen. Gonzaless office, he said he was proud to be part of changing that for the next generation.

From my personal experience, many people know about Cambodia either through to genocide or Angkor Wat, he said. That also applied to fellow Cambodians who are part of generation 1.5, the children of immigrants and refugees, he added.

We look forward to seeing that come to fruition and to empower our children to like, learn about our history in detail and to not only learn about the dark times, but also the bright times before the genocide and after the genocide as well, Sovanna Pouv said.

And we hope this will fill people up with the history of the countryand give people an understanding of why people in the Khmer community have so much pride and culture behind our history as well, like why we want to hold on, why we don't want to let it go.

Rocky road to passage

Leakhena Nou, the sociology professor, began her push to expand the focus of the legislation in 2022. She ultimately drafted new language that was largely adopted into a revised bill in March, just in time for the deadline for it to become law this year.

But she isnt celebrating its passage. She says the bills sponsors  state Sens Janet Nguyen (R) and Gonzalez  are taking credit for her work, and shutting her out of the very history she helped write.

They're lying to the Cambodian people, she said of the sponsors. And I'm saying this to all the Cambodian people that are listening. I request that you challenge these politicians and ask them the genesis of this bill. Who wrote the bill and who pushed for the amendment?

Leakhena Nou wrote two open letters, in December 2022 and May 2023, first demanding the legislation be revised to expand its purview beyond the Khmer Rouge, and then demanding due credit for her contributions.

Gonzalez, during an interview with VOA Khmer earlier this month, said that Leakhena Nou was one of many voices who contributed to the final product.

She's been very, very active and providing her thoughts on what this could look like, the senator said, noting that other academics, grassroots advocates and community groups were also involved.

But I don't know what else she really needs from us because we were there with her holding her hand and listening to her every step along the way, the senator added.

Nareth Muong, a Khmer language access specialist for the city of Long Beach, said he joined the debate over the bill around the same time that Leakhena Nou did, and worked with her on the push for change.

Dr. Leakhena Nou is really the bread and butter of this whole process from the very beginning, Nareth Muong said.

However, he added she took a very kind of tough road in her approach in dealing with this, and left other elders, educators and officials involved in the process feeling upset by the way she addressed the issues.

But then, to kind of kick her out of the loop by not really acknowledging her work. To me. its not ethical, he said.

At the end of the day, the Cambodia-focused curriculum will be the first of its kind in Americas public schools, which is really a big thing, he explained.

Gonzales noted that a new chapter of Cambodian-American history had recently begun in Long Beach, with Suely Saro becoming the first Cambodian elected to its city council. And she said the model Cambodian curriculum needed to account for that evolution.

I really do feel like it was a pivot point just locally for us to start thinking broadly, about how we need to uplift the voices of the successful stories, she said, noting Cambodians were also leaders in the arts, academia and in restaurants.

And not just having that context for Long Beach, but across California, and really, hopefully, across the nation as well.
Human rights organizations and activists in the United States are calling for a congressional hearing in response to violent assaults on Chinese dissidents who protested against Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to the APEC summit in San Francisco November 15-17.

Pro-Xi welcoming groups and anti-Chinese government groups clashed in several locations in San Francisco ahead of and during the APEC summit, resulting in many injuries among anti-Chinese government protesters.

Demonstrators opposing Beijing's human rights violations and supporting independence for Taiwan were confronted by Xi's supporters wielding with metal rods, flagpoles, closed umbrellas and pepper spray at San Francisco International Airport, the Moscone Center where the summit was held and the St. Regis Hotel where Xi stayed, among other landmark locations in the city.

Topjor Tsultrim, a member of San Francisco-based Students for a Free Tibet, told VOA that at least 30 Tibetan protesters were assaulted by pro-China groups.

Tsultrim said that on November 17, at the protest site near the airport, three Tibetan college students were beaten by more than 20 Chinese men with metal rods. He said they also broke one of the Tibetans' phones and threw another phone into a waterway. Two of the Tibetans suffered head and body injuries as well as broken bones and were taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Tsultrim said he was kicked in the chest and thrown to the ground by pro-Xi demonstrators while trying to protect a woman in his group.

Li Delong, a member of the Chinese Democracy Party Los Angeles committee, told VOA, "On November 16, I was assaulted near the Moscone Center. After the police mistakenly pushed me into a group of Xi's supporters, two pro-Xi people pulled me down, and one of them beat me on my head with a blunt instrument. I passed out for a while and was bleeding on my head.

"It is deeply unsettling that the Chinese Communist Party dares to export violence onto the U.S. soil, openly assaulting those of us who protest against communism," Li said.

Wang Dan, a student leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square movement and currently a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution, told VOA the organized assaults against Chinese overseas democracy activists should be seen as a serious political event.

"The main instigators behind this violence are pro-China forces within the United States, Wang said. We are collecting relevant information and will submit it to Congress and other relevant authorities, urging the U.S. government and Congress to pay high attention to this event.

Not only the perpetrators but also the political forces behind them should be held accountable."

Wang said the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco should be closed immediately if there is evidence that it directed the violence.

In short, the U.S. government should not tolerate the use of violence by authoritarian forces on its soil, he said.

Chen Chuangchuang, executive director of the Chinese Democracy Party, told VOA the violence against the demonstrators was possible only because of long-term infiltration into the U.S." by the CCP.

Chen believes the San Francisco city government either favored the pro-communist side or was negligent and unprofessional in handling the security and protests during Xi's visit.

"When the [pro-Xi] greeters caused trouble and beat close to a hundred [anti-Xi] protesters in three days, they never arrested the pro-communist thugs, he said. But two self-defenders were arrested and prosecuted. The [anti-Xi] protesters called the police many times but received no intervention from them."

Tsultrim said the police didn't help when he and his group were followed and assaulted by a pro-Xi group on November 15.

"We actually have a video of us telling the police that these people had been following us, and the police did nothing to stop them. The police said, 'OK.' And we kept walking. But the police allowed these Chinese thugs to keep following us," he said.

Zhou Fengsuo, executive director of Human Rights in China, a nonprofit based in New York and Hong Kong, said his organization would gather evidence of pro-China groups assaulting people and of selective law enforcement by the police.

He said that evidence would be submitted to the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and the congressional Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

"I hope they can hold a hearing on this matter, Zhou said. We will request further investigations so that the American public can be informed that the Chinese government could organize such large-scale violent assaults overseas, which is intolerable."

On Monday, VOA went to the San Francisco Police Department to inquire whether anyone supporting Xi had been arrested last week. The police officer at the reception said he had not heard of any such arrests.

Steven Miller, a police officer with the South San Francisco Police Department, told VOA that he knew of only one case in which an anti-Xi protester reported a crime after being beaten.

VOA sent a letter to the San Francisco Police Department's Office of Media and Public Relations seeking a response to the complaints that police officers ignored violence by Xi's supporters and requests for help from anti-Xi protesters.

By the time of publication, VOA had not received any response.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Although the national poll body of Bangladesh has announced parliamentary elections will be held on January 7, opposition parties, rights activists and political analysts are saying that the situation in the country is not suitable for elections at all.

With a massive crackdown continuing against the opposition political parties, and party leaders and activists still being arbitrarily arrested across the country, the election cannot be free and fair, rights activists said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is rapidly filling Bangladesh's prisons with her opponents ahead of the general election in January. In just the last month, Human Rights Watch has documented cases of enforced disappearance, torture, extrajudicial killings and mass arbitrary arrest of the political opposition, HRW senior Asia researcher Julia Bleckner told VOA.

"The ongoing systematic crackdown on opposition members, critics and human rights activists by Bangladesh security forces makes a free and fair election impossible, she said.

The opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) boycotted the 2014 general elections. In 2018, the general elections were marred by widespread allegations of vote rigging by Hasinas ruling Awami League (AL).

Since last year, the United States and other countries have urged the Hasina government to hold the next general election in a free and fair manner. In September, the U.S. announced that it had started taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals who were found complicit in undermining the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.

Following the announcement of the next general elections schedule, the BNP and its allies have continued to demand the resignation of Hasina. An anti-opposition crackdown by government security forces has led to hundreds of opposition leaders and activists being arrested every day.

Jails full of political prisoners

The countrys 68 prisons, with the capacity to house 42,700 inmates, are severely overcrowded. Bangladeshs home minister put the figure at 77,200 in September.

Among the inmates, at least 25,000 are political prisoners from the BNP and its allies, a party statement said.

The government actually wants to keep the countrys largest opposition party away from the election, BNP Senior Joint Secretary-General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told VOA.

The government has arrested almost all our senior leaders, including the BNPs secretary-general [Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir] and thousands of party activists, after filing false cases against them, so that our party cannot utilize its full strength to participate in the election, Rizvi said. To avoid arrest, hundreds of thousands of BNP leaders and activists are in hiding, away from their homes. The condition for a free, fair and acceptable-to-all election does not exist in the country now.

Its pointless for the BNP to participate in the general election, Rizvi added.

Mohammad Faruk Hossain, spokesperson for the Dhaka metropolitan police, said that the accusation of filing false cases against the opposition was baseless.

After we receive reports of the BNP or other opposition parties being involved in some violent activities like cocktail bombing, attack[s] on police, et cetera, a primary investigation is conducted by the police," he told VOA. "The police arrest and file cases against someone only if the allegation of the person being involved in a criminal incident is found to primarily true in our investigation."

In recent days over 400 former lawmakers, senior leaders and activists from the BNP have been sentenced by courts. Among those sentenced were some prospective candidates, a BNP statement said.

Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman of the Capital Punishment Justice Project, who has been documenting rights violations in Bangladesh for more than 15 years, said that Hasina systematically uses Bangladeshs judiciary as a tool to punish dissidents.

The judiciary has been complying with the Hasina regime by convicting the main opposition political leaders en masse prior to the unilateral national election, Ashrafuzzaman told VOA. The judiciary, law enforcement agencies, intelligence units and the Election Commission are complementing each other to facilitate a sham election that the people of Bangladesh have already apparently rejected.

Not a 'genuine' election

Bangladesh is going to hold yet another one-sided election, said Badiul Alam Majumdar, founder of Dhaka-based pro-democracy group Citizens for Good Governance.

Election, by definition, involves an act of choosing by voters from alternative candidates, who are comparable, and the voters enjoy the freedom to choose," Majumdar told VOA. "In Bangladesh's election, we have two major, comparable brands  Awami League and BNP  and in the absence of one of these two, despite the participation of other fringe and king's parties, the voters will be deprived of the opportunity to choose from worthy candidates in a one-sided election.

Such an exercise, where who will win is almost predetermined, cannot be called a genuine election.

Ali Riaz, professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that a Bangladesh election excluding the major opposition parties and engineered like the previous two general elections would have serious consequences, not only politically but also economically and diplomatically.

The 2024 election is heading to be the most consequential election in the history of the country," Riaz told VOA. "How the election is conducted will determine which way the country will be heading  a de facto one-party state like Cambodia or reverse to the democratic path.

The mass arrests of the BNP leaders and activists ahead of the election and the conviction of them in unprecedented speed, even in unfounded cases, have clearly shown that the ruling party wants to hold an engineered election, he said.

The unilateral announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission has added fuel to the fire, Riaz added. "The EC is acting as a tool for implementing the ruling partys design of the engineered election. Any way to have a meaningful election is now almost impossible.
Organizers of the coming COP28 climate conference, believing nuclear energy must play a role in weaning the world off fossil fuels, are likely to be comfortable with Chinese plans to make nuclear power a major part of its energy future.

While high-profile accidents at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima have tarnished the image of nuclear power in much of the world, China  the worlds biggest carbon emitter  is pressing ahead with ambitious plans for new nuclear construction.

Beijing has approved at least 21 new power units since 2021, and each year, six to eight new nuclear units are expected to be greenlit, according to a September report in Xinhua, the state-controlled news agency.

The country, which already generates more power through nuclear energy than any country except the United States, aims to meet 10% of its national power needs with nuclear by 2035 and 18% by 2060, the report said.

That effort can be expected to sit well with Sultan Al Jaber, president of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 28, which opens Nov. 30 in Dubai. Jaber told Agence France-Presse earlier this year that he supports expanding nuclear power, calling it a robust bridge in energy transition.

However, China has a long way to go and several obstacles to surmount if it is to reach its goal. Nuclear currently accounts for only 2.2% of its installed electricity generation capacity and ranks last behind other green energy sources including thermal, hydro, wind and solar.

Safety concerns after Japans devastating Fukushima incident in 2011 have hampered the growth of nuclear energy in China, according to Philip Andrews-Speed, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies.

"What happened after Fukushima was [China] suspended the construction of all new [nuclear] plants. They also sustained this policy that no inland nuclear power plants [can be built]," Andrews-Speed told VOA in a video call.

The plants that will be built are expected to dot the coastline as it takes a lot of fresh water for them to operate, and its considered less risky to discharge highly radioactive wastewater into water bodies nearby.

Compared to other clean energy plants such as solar and wind plants, nuclear plants take longer to build and put into operation because of their complex nature and safety concerns, the nuclear expert added. China currently has a shortage of skilled workers in this field.

Thus far, there are about 55 nuclear power plants in China, and more than 20 under construction. Achieving 10% of the energy mix in 2035 could be difficult, according to Bing Lam Luk, laboratory manager at the City University of Hong Kong and the chairperson of the Hong Kong Nuclear Society.

"It takes on average about 10 years or more to build one plant, so unless authorities speed up greenlighting new plants, reaching 10% can be hard.  Another issue is that its increasingly difficult to find a new site along the coast to build it," Luk said in an audio call.

Although there has never been a serious nuclear accident in China, some communities are resistant to having a plant nearby. A plan to build a nuclear fuel center in Guangdong was aborted in 2013 because of public opposition, Luk pointed out. He said more public education will be needed to change that perception.

At the same time, safety is becoming less of a concern because of the emergence of fourth-generation and small modular reactors with which, Luk said, a large-scale accident would be "nearly impossible." He said this could make it possible for China to change its policy and start building more nuclear plants inland.

Small modular reactors are more energy efficient than their larger counterparts and easier to transport and install, Luk said. He said the fourth-generation technology now being tested by Tsinghua University in Beijing replaces water coolant with helium, which is more heat resistant, reducing the risk of an explosion.

But a study from Stanford and University of British Columbia found that these reactors, touted as the future of nuclear energy, can produce more radioactive waste than conventional ones.

International cooperation

Chinas development of fourth-generation reactors is expected to benefit from the long-established sharing of technical information among countries including China, the United States, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain.

The cooperation between China and France, for instance, started a few decades ago. Chinas first two nuclear plants were built near Hong Kong in the mid-1980s with imported technology and managed by state-owned energy firm Electricite de France.

Many joint ventures in China followed and the two countries published a joint statement in April this year on "developing pragmatic cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy." They pledged to cooperate on the reprocessing of nuclear waste.

France is ahead of China in the reprocessing of spent fuel, so the two can work on this together, said Andrews-Speed. France is building a center where radioactive waste can be disposed of 500 meters below ground, set to open in 2035. China will only begin constructing a waste site by the 2040s at the earliest.

Geopolitical tensions between China and the West can also be a hurdle. Britain last year removed a Chinese company from its Sizewell nuclear project amid souring U.K.-China relations.

Recently, the U.S. also clamped down on its nuclear trade with China after decades of cooperation owing to "national security interests" and "common defense." China has, however, started exporting its nuclear technology to other countries such as Pakistan.

Asked about nuclear energys role at COP28 this year, Luk said nuclear is likely to remain one of the main directions for energy transition discussions.

"Energy storage remains an issue for renewable energy  so nuclear path will likely keep growing steadily," he said.

This report was prepared with support from a Climate Tracker Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship.
A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza in return for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days. During this period, Gazas ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on Oct. 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides will release women and children first. Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

The truce-for-hostages deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.

The agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it was determined to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as telling troops Thursday that their respite will be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

A first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas will be freed Friday afternoon, according to Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson of the Qatari foreign ministry. Three Palestinian prisoners, also women and minors, are to be released for every freed hostage.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses.

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home. Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza "as soon as possible," al-Ansari said Thursday. The hope is that the "momentum" from this deal will lead to an "end to this violence," he told reporters.

Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

Israel cut off all imports at the start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers. Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile prisoners in return for soldiers.

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since Nov. 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Israeli airstrikes continued in the final hours ahead of the truce.

On Thursday afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby Aqsa Hospital.

One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble.

"It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead," he said, bursting into tears.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

"We will continue it until we achieve all our goals," Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to U.S. President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

In Gazas city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war.

"God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire," said Jihan Qanan. "People have had houses brought down on their heads, theyve been expelled ... Theres no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked."
Daniel Noboa, an inexperienced politician and heir to a fortune built on the banana trade, was sworn in Thursday as Ecuador's president, a role that citizens are demanding he use to restore the public safety that drug cartels and other criminal organizations robbed them of at the decade's start.

Noboa's term will run through May 2025, which is what remains of former President Guillermo Lasso's tenure. Lasso cut his term short when he dissolved the National Assembly in May as lawmakers pursued impeachment proceedings against him.

The head of the country's newly elected legislature, Henry Kronfle, placed the presidential sash on Noboa during a ceremony in Quito, the capital.

In a brief speech, Noboa said his government's main objective is to "reduce violence and make progress a habit." He acknowledged that it is "a hard and difficult task" to tackle in the short term he will serve.

"I am not anti-anything, I am pro-everything," he said. "Let us join forces  let us leave the old political schemes and concentrate on solving the big problems that afflict Ecuador."

Jump in violent deaths

Under Lasso's watch, violent deaths in Ecuador soared, reaching a record 4,600 in 2022, which was double the number from the year before. Killings, kidnappings, robberies and other criminal activities became part of Ecuadorians' everyday life.

The assassination of presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio as he left a campaign rally in August underscored the country's fragile security situation.

Noboa's only experience in government was as a member of National Assembly that Lasso dissolved. He is inheriting a weakened economy and serious fiscal challenges as well as the leadership of a country mired by violent crime,

But any actions he wishes to take to address Ecuador's crucial issues will first require him to negotiate with the National Assembly, where his party lacks enough seats to govern on its own.

The spike in violence is tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru. Mexican, Colombian and Balkan cartels have set down roots in Ecuador and operate with assistance from local criminal gangs.

Noboa has made a range of proposals to improve security, from using barges to house inmates to getting more police gear. While those ideas helped him get elected on October 15, he now faces the challenge of leading a population frightened to the point of opting to stay home as much as possible.

"We have been kidnapped by organized crime," Alejandro Zabala, a professor at the University of Las Americas, said.

Cleanup, help are needed

But Zabala thinks the heavy-handed policies imposed by Lasso were "an absolute failure" and suggested the government must clean up the ranks of law enforcement, invest in equipment for police, and join regional and international efforts against organized crime as Ecuador "cannot win this war alone."

Like Lasso, a conservative former banker, Noboa's wealth puts him at the top of Ecuador's elite. His father, Alvaro Noboa, is among Ecuador's richest people thanks to a conglomerate that started in the growing and shipping of bananas and now includes more than 128 companies in dozens of countries.

The elder Noboa unsuccessfully ran for president five times.

The younger Noboa opened an event organizing company when he was 18 and then joined his father's Noboa Corp., where he held management positions in the shipping, logistics and commercial areas. His political career began in 2021, when he got a seat in the National Assembly and chaired its Economic Development Commission.

Veronica Abad, a politician and businesswoman, was sworn in as vice president during Thursday's ceremony.

The only foreign president to attend the ceremony was Colombia's Gustavo Petro. The vice presidents of Brazil and Honduras were also present.

Ecuador's fiscal mess is in part the result of declining revenues from tax collection and oil exports, on which the country largely depends.

Data from the Ministry of Finance show state coffers received $991 million from oil between January and July. That's less than half of the $2.3 billion the state received during the same period last year. Meanwhile, tax collections this year fell by $137 million.

The country's fiscal deficit is expected to be around $5 billion by the end of the year, or more than 5% of its gross domestic product.
A four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has taken hold. Hamas has released the first group of hostages, and Israel has allowed tanker trucks loaded with fuel and cooking gas into Gaza. Qatar has emerged as one of the main negotiators in the talks between Israel and Hamas. How did this come to be? VOA Urdus Faiza Bukhari gets the answer from Dan Arbell, Scholar at Center for Israeli Studies at American University. Ukraine prepares to evacuate stranded truck drivers near the Polish border. What foreign policy recommendations can be made from researching anti-American propaganda on the X platform in Arabic speaking countries like Saudi Arabia? VOAs Steve Miller speaks with the two of authors of the upcoming paper detailing the study: Craig Albert and Ahmed Aleroud, both from Augusta University in Georgia. Ahead of the COP28 climate conference, China is pressing ahead with ambitious nuclear energy expansion plans. Can nuclear generation help the worlds largest carbon emitter to make the transition to clean energy?
Western powers have been reluctant to get tough on Tehran for fear of aggravating Middle East tensions as Iran grows its nuclear program and reduces cooperation with the United Nations watchdog, diplomats say.

Worries of a wider regional conflict have sharpened since Hamas' October 7 attack and Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive aimed at destroying the Palestinian militants in Gaza.

At this week's Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the United States and the so-called E3 group  France, Germany and the United Kingdom  condemned Tehran's lack of cooperation.

Despite saying that Iran's actions had "pushed unprecedented boundaries," they held off on submitting a binding resolution.

"The picture is pretty bleak, but the fact at the moment is that there is no appetite to provoke a reaction in Iran in the context of the war in the Middle East," a senior diplomat said in summing up the current deadlock.

Israel says Hamas broke through Gaza's militarized border to kill about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

Retaliatory strikes and a ground offensive by Israel have killed about 15,000 people, the Hamas government in Gaza said.

'Very serious blow'

The 2015 deal curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief started to unravel in 2018 when then-U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it and reimposed sanctions.

Iran retaliated by stepping up its nuclear activities.

Efforts to revive the deal have been fruitless so far with European-led talks on hold since 2022.

Last week's confidential IAEA report showed that Iran now has enough uranium enriched up to 60%  just short of weapons grade  to theoretically manufacture three bombs.

"That's quite an amount, especially if you don't use it for anything," said a diplomatic source.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

While Iran has been dragging its feet on reinstalling IAEA monitoring equipment it disconnected last year, it also recently withdrew the accreditation of several agency inspectors.

According to diplomats, eight inspectors from France and Germany have been affected by Tehran's decision.

Earlier this year, another IAEA inspector  a Russian  had been barred following the detection of a technical modification in centrifuges that had caused enrichment to peak at 84%.

Iran's barring of experienced agency inspectors has dealt a "very serious blow" to the IAEA's ability to monitor Tehran's nuclear program, IAEA head Rafael Grossi said Wednesday.

'Wrong signal'

Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association think tank said that while the reluctance of the IAEA Board of Governors to act is "understandable," it also constituted "a case of geopolitics trumping nonproliferation norms."

Viewing Iran "in a vacuum" and failing to hold it accountable over its advancing nuclear program "sends the wrong signal to Tehran and other would-be proliferators," she cautioned.

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and Iran "on the threshold of nuclear weapons, there is an increasing risk that the United States or Israel will miscalculate Iranian nuclear intentions," she told AFP, calling on the Biden administration to break the deadlock.

In an effort to avoid stoking tensions in the region, the Western powers' reluctance to rebuke Iran has, however, "emboldened" Tehran, as it benefits from Moscow's "protection," said the senior diplomat.

The international community especially fears an extension of the Israel-Hamas war to the border between Lebanon and Israel, which has seen escalating exchanges of fire, primarily involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, along with Palestinian groups.

"Given that we don't know how closely Tehran is linked to these groups," Western leaders take "as many precautions as possible," said Heloise Fayet, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations.
Ambulances were on standby Thursday as Indian rescuers dug through the final meters of debris separating them from 41 workers trapped in a collapsed road tunnel for nearly two weeks.

Rescue teams have specially fitted stretchers with wheels, ready to pull the exhausted men out through 57 meters of steel pipe, once it is driven through the final section of the metric tons of earth, concrete and rubble blocking their escape.

Emergency vehicles and a field hospital stood ready, preparing to receive the men who have been trapped since a portion of the under-construction tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand caved in 12 days ago.

"We have done rehearsals on how to get people safely out," National Disaster Response Force chief Atul Karwal told reporters Thursday.

"The boys will go in first," he said. "We have put wheels under the stretchers so that when we go in, we can get the people out one by one on the stretcher  we are prepared in every way."

Himalayan geology is the enemy

But rescue efforts have been hit with repeated delays, including more debris falling, fears of further cave-ins and drilling machine breakdowns, as progress on Thursday was slowed by further mechanical problems.

"The 10 to 12 meters remaining  we don't know what can come up, but we are ready to handle it," Karwal said, adding that the trapped men were "keeping up their morale."

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the work was on a "war footing," with a "team of doctors, ambulances, helicopters and a field hospital" set up.

Syed Ata Hasnain, a senior National Disaster Management Authority official, refused to say when the men might be freed.

"This is like battle," the retired general told reporters. "You cannot put a timeline on it. In battle, you don't know what the enemy is going to do.

"Here, the land is your enemy. Himalayan geology is the enemy.  It is very challenging work."

Experts have warned about the impact of extensive construction in Uttarakhand, large parts of which are prone to landslides.

"The rescuers and the workers stuck inside are at equal risk," Hasnain added.

Arnold Dix, president of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, told AFP that the fact that the men were safe was a gift.

"Normally when I am responding to a rescue, there is some flooding or we're running out of oxygen or something terrible is happening," he said, noting the areas where the men were was stable.

Prayers for safe release

There was much activity in the area, with worried relatives gathered outside the site. Nearby, a Hindu shrine has been erected, with a priest holding prayers for the safe rescue of the trapped men.

"The day they will come out of the tunnel, it will be the biggest, happiest day for us," said Chanchal Singh Bisht, 35, whose cousin Pushkar Singh Ary, 24, is trapped inside.

In case the route through the main tunnel entrance does not work, rescuers also started blasting and drilling from the far end of the unfinished tunnel, nearly half a kilometer long.

Preparations have also been made for a risky vertical shaft directly above.

The workers were seen alive for the first time on Tuesday, peering into the lens of an endoscopic camera sent by rescuers down a thin pipe through which air, food, water and electricity are being delivered.

Though trapped, they have plenty of space, with the area inside 8.5 meters high and stretching about two kilometers in length.

The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's infrastructure project aimed at cutting travel times between some of the most popular Hindu sites in the country, as well as improving access to strategic areas bordering rival China.
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A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas will begin Friday morning. Fifty Israeli hostages and about 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released. Protests break out in Dublin after Irish police said a 5-year-old girl was attacked with a knife.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. France should build very strong relations with Azerbaijan; it is a gate to Central Asia, CEO of Paris-based Lagazetteaz.fr online newspaper Jean-Michel Brun said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"Even the future of Armenia depends on having good relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Azerbaijan is in the center of everything; it is the gateway of the Caucasus to Central Asia. Normally, we should build very strong relations with Azerbaijan. We need to have very strong economic, but also cultural, links," he said.

Talking about France's supplying military equipment to Armenia, he said that it's a stupid policy.

"But the consequence of the domestic policy is just to show the right-wing parties that we are "saving our civilization against the invasion of the Muslim world". It's completely stupid. But it's not very serious. It's just because the French media say the same thing every day. But as soon as they stop providing this information, everything will change," Brun added.

Double standards in France's foreign policy

"If you are seeking any coherence in the French foreign policy, it will be very difficult for you. The main problem is that usually the enemies of our friends are our enemies, and the friends of our friends are our friends, but it's very different. For instance, France is the friend of Armenia and the enemy of Iran, but Iran is the friend of Armenia. So it's not coherent at all. In fact, I think that French foreign policy is ruled by domestic policy. We have a huge Armenian diaspora of 800,000 people in France, and this diaspora is very powerful because they lead most of the media. They are able to vote in the election, and so on. They are very powerful and concentrated in the three main cities in France: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. This is, of course, a reason," he said.

Brun believes the second reason is that the French policy is now far right-wing.

"And they, with the complicity of Armenia, are trying to turn this conflict into a civilizational conflict. That means that we are supporting Christian Armenia against Muslim Azerbaijan. Everybody knows that Azerbaijan is a secular country. So it's stupid, but it's the way they do politics. So don't be surprised by this incoherence with this double language. We have the same language, for instance, for the Middle East conflict now. So it's the way France is working now," he said.

The French journalist noted that the Armenian diaspora in his country is strong because "we let it be strong, in fact". Armenians put millions of dollars into communication because it was their last fight, he added.

"I remember a few weeks ago, the Azerbaijan ambassador in France, Leyla Abdullayeva made some interviews on the television channel. And these interviews were very powerful. I received phone calls from everywhere, even from the United States. And they said "this is wonderful; we have learned something". Because in the French media, we say that Azerbaijan has "attacked the Armenians" and "occupied Karabakh". It's exactly the opposite. So she said, it's exactly the opposite. Of course, we have four United Nations resolutions saying that Karabakh is Azerbaijani. When the Armenians left Karabakh, Khanrendi, they left not because Azerbaijan wanted them to leave but because they decided to leave. So it's very important to communicate. Some journalists, like me, do their best. Of course, you have this tremendous weight of Armenian communication. But we can do something, of course," said Brun.

Growing nationalism in France

Brun noted that when a country feels weak, it's trying to find a common enemy.

"Nothing is going on in France. We have a lack of doctors and teachers, and the taxes are very heavy. We have to be proud again to be French, because, really, the French are now desperate. The question is, what exactly does it mean to be French? You can't answer this question. And when you ask this question, it leads to racism and xenophobia. They found some domestic and foreign enemies. Domestic enemies are said to be Muslims. We have 10 million Muslims in France. And abroad, the enemies are said to be the so-called Muslim countries, like Turkiye and Azerbaijan. This is a problem. In France, the Muslims have a really hard time. They forbid people to demonstrate their support for Palestine. You went to a demonstration supporting Palestine and got a fine," he said.

He believes that not only the government but also the political parties are making a big mistake, thinking that they can grab their voices only from the far right.

"I know it's stupid; it's racism and xenophobia. It's because Sarkozy lost his re-election after Hollande lost his re-election. When you want to have a foreign policy, you need a vision. And these two former presidents and this one have no vision at all. So when you have no vision, you have no foreign policy. And they don't realize that the world is changing," added Brun.

He highlighted the importance of the Baku-hosted international conference on decolonization held a couple of days ago.

"We had in Baku this huge conference of the Non-Aligned Movement about the struggle against colonialism. France does not realize that colonialism is over now. For years and years, France stole the human resources and the earth resources of all these countries. If you have in front of you a big bowl of sweets and you can eat as much as you want, and one day the people say we take this bowl out, of course you are angry and hungry. And that's exactly what happened. They don't understand that the earth does not belong to any of the three countries in the world anymore. The French Empire, the British Empire, and the Spanish Empire don't exist anymore. We have people in France who have this kind of nostalgia for the time of the colonies. Some people think that Algeria should still belong to France. We have to change their minds. And what happened in Baku is very interesting because we had representatives of all 18 lands of France together, saying that they wanted autonomy and independence. And I think it was the first time that all of them said they wanted to be free. I think that it will really change things," Brun said.

Failure of Macron in Africa

"I think Macron is not realistic. When he's abroad, he looks ridiculous with his behavior. Once, there was a meeting between Macron and the presidents of African countries. Macron asked the president of an African country to fix the air conditioning. It is ridiculous. He is in a world that doesn't exist. He's living somewhere else. And that's why French people are not satisfied at all. Macron is an opportunist. A few days ago, we had a big demonstration against anti-Semitism, but it was obvious that this demonstration was turning into an Islamophobic one, and he didn't attend it. All the government was there, but not him. But when he feels that Islamophobia is a good thing for him to fight against immigration, against Muslims, he uses it," he noted.

Brun believes that African policy was a failure of not only Macron but also Hollande, Sarkozy, and even Chirac.

"Because they don't accept that there is no more French empire. We grew up with the idea of a French empire. They used Africa or Polynesia as a place for taking resources. The French industry was developed thanks to Algerian oil, and nuclear weapons could be developed thanks to Polynesia because we made the bombing test in Polynesia. After they wanted to keep it as French property But the world is changing; we know what liberty really means," he said.

The future of relations between Azerbaijan and France

"I'm sure that strong links between Azerbaijan and France will be profitable to everybody. We have strong cultural links between France and Azerbaijan. I think in the future, we will have very strong links between Azerbaijan and France. I think everything will be fixed, maybe sooner than we think, because the French people don't care about Armenia at all. They even don't know where Armenia is. I don't think that we will be more involved in the Caucasus," he noted.

Brun pointed out that all the people he knows who have visited Azerbaijan all say it's a wonderful country.

"I don't know anybody who says they don't like Azerbaijan. They love this country," he concluded.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
When Niyaz Abdullah accepted an award this month, the Iraqi Kurdish journalist used her speech to highlight the challenges for Kurdish media, activists and politicians.

As I stand here, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have transformed into a harrowing ordeal for journalists, Abdullah told an audience in New York.

The Committee to Protect Journalists honored Abdullah for her unflinching coverage of Iraqi Kurdistan, despite risks to her own safety.

Abdullah had been due to receive the International Press Freedom Award in 2022 but was unable to travel at that time. Still, in her acceptance speech she called attention to her journalism colleagues  Sherwan Sherwani, Guhdar Zebari and Qaraman Shukri  who are jailed in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Their plight is a consequence of their unwavering commitment to exposing and publicizing human rights violations and corruption, Abdullah said.

Abdullah knows those challenges well. The freelance journalist has faced legal harassment over her criticism of Masrour Barzani, who is prime minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Over the years, Abdullah has been arrested, detained and survived kidnapping attempts, she said.

I dont know how I survived until now, she told VOA.

The Kurdistan Regional Government did not reply to VOAs request for comment.

Abdullah in 2021 fled to France, where she now lives in exile. She still reports on Iraqi Kurdistan from afar, with a focus on politics and human rights.

Kurds are one of the largest stateless groups, with an estimated population of 30 million spread across Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq, journalists are often charged with national security crimes in relation to their work, Abdullah said.

That parallels broader press freedom trends on the global stage, where there is an increased criminalization of journalists  in particular, using non-speech related charges against them, CPJ president Jodie Ginsberg told VOA during a trip to Washington before the gala.

Mainstream media rarely covers the challenges facing Kurdish journalists, according to Kiran Nazish. The founder of the Coalition for Women in Journalism previously reported from Iraqi Kurdistan.

[Abdullahs] case brings a spotlight on to the larger issue of how Kurdish journalists and Kurdish women journalists are treated, Nazish told VOA.

Violations are high. They get arrested all the time, they get detained all the time, sometimes their equipment gets seized. There are lawsuits. Any journalist who reports on corruption knows that theyre going to face a lawsuit, she added.

The stakes are particularly high for women journalists in the region.

When youre a woman journalist, the challenges and threats will be much more. First as a journalist, second as a woman, Abdullah told VOA.

In her acceptance speech, Abdullah dedicated her award to journalists and activists jailed in the Badinan area of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The prisoners in Badinan find themselves in a situation where they have become symbols of defending freedom of expression and revealing the truth despite the pressures they face, Abdullah told VOA Kurdish.

I am grateful that, despite all the threats and dangers they have encountered over the past few years, they have not wavered in their commitment to conveying the truth, she added.

Abdullah also called attention to Mahsa Amini, the Iranian-Kurdish woman killed in police custody in 2022 in Tehran.

Amini and others epitomize the struggle for freedom of expression or political freedom, she told VOA Kurdish. I see it as an award for all brave journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Although Abdullah is safer living in France, she says she has still endured online harassment via social media and attempts to hack her accounts. Family members who still live in the region are also harassed over the journalists work.

I am always grateful to my family for bearing all the pressures during my years of work, she said.

VOAs Kurdish Service contributed to this report.
The second round of hostage releases will be delayed until Israel is committed to allowing more aid trucks to enter northern Gaza, the armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said Saturday. The news comes as Hamas fighters are expected to release 14 Israeli hostages in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel on Saturday, according to Israeli officials. It is the second day of the cease-fire after seven weeks of a war that has killed thousands of people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that he is determined to bring back all the hostages, whatever the circumstances.

"We just completed the return of the first of our hostages: children, their mothers, and additional women. Each of them is an entire world. But I emphasize to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel, we are committed to returning all the hostages. This is one of the aims of the war, and we are committed to achieving all the aims of the war.

U.N. emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, expressed hope Friday that this first day of the humanitarian pause is followed by many others and that it leads to a longer-term humanitarian cease-fire  for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond.

The pause has allowed the U.N. to increase its humanitarian assistance into and across Gaza. On Friday, 200 trucks were sent from Nitzana to the Rafah crossing, and 137 trucks of goods were offloaded at the reception point in Gaza by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.

Four tanks of fuel and four tanks of cooking gas were transferred from Egypt to U.N. humanitarian aid organizations in the southern Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. The fuel and cooking gas are designated for operating essential humanitarian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of Gaza residents are leaving communal shelters and makeshift encampments to discover what has become of their homes.

For many of the 2.3 million people who live in the tiny Gaza Strip, the pause in the near-constant air and artillery strikes has offered a first chance to safely move around, take stock of the devastation and seek access to the humanitarian aid pouring into Gaza.

Over the course of the cessation in fighting, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners, as part of an agreement struck during talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States. London demonstration British police arrested a protester Saturday in London during a pro-Palestinian rally on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

Officers spotted him carrying a placard with Nazi symbols on it," police said.

Tens of thousands of people poured onto central London's streets for the march calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, while more than 1,500 police officers have been called on duty for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

The National March for Palestine, which aimed to finish in Whitehall, central London, was the latest of several huge protests staged in the British capital every weekend since the Israel-Hamas war began last month.

Released hostages

Twenty-four hostages, including 13 Israeli women and children, ranging in age from 2 to 85, were released Friday evening. Additionally, Hamas released 10 Thai nationals and a Filipino who it also had taken hostage, according to the Qatari government.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government freed 39 Palestinian women and male juveniles who had been imprisoned or detained.

Israel said the four-day stop in fighting would be extended an extra day for every 10 additional hostages freed by Hamas. A Qatari spokesperson said Doha hopes to broker another agreement to release more hostages from Gaza by the cease-fire's fourth day.

"Chances are real" for an extension of the temporary halt to the war, U.S. President Joe Biden said in Friday remarks. He added that two American women and a 4-year-old American child remain among those missing.

"Teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross on Friday began carrying out a multiday operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian detainees to the West Bank. The operation will include the delivery of additional, much-needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza," the ICRC said in a statement about the four-day cease-fire brokered by Qatar.

After nightfall Friday, television images aired live on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV showed a line of ambulances carrying the freed hostages from Gaza into Egypt through Rafah Crossing.

After their release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We have just completed the return of the first batch of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each and every one of them is a world in itself.

"But I stress to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel: We are committed to returning all our hostages," he said.

In Tel Aviv, crowds of Israelis celebrated the news, while in the West Bank town of Beituna, hundreds of Palestinians honked horns and lit fireworks to mark the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas confirmed on its Telegram channel that attacks from its forces will also pause. The group has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.K., EU and others.

Care for released hostages

Israeli public health official Dr. Hagai Levine said some of the elderly hostages have chronic conditions like diabetes. And the children have not seen daylight in almost seven weeks, he said.

"We do not know, we need to be prepared, to hope for the best and prepare for the worst," Levine said.

The Associated Press reported that Israels Schneider Childrens Medical Center is treating eight freed Israeli hostages  four children and four women. According to the medical center, all eight appeared to be in good physical condition.

Relief for Gaza residents

For Palestinians, the cease-fire means a respite from almost seven weeks of Israeli airstrikes that have killed more than 14,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-affiliated health ministry.

Jason Lee, the West Bank director for Save the Children, said children in Gaza have been inordinately affected.

"We now have a situation where one child is killed every 10 minutes," Lee said. "The numbers of civilians that have been injured are increasing as well. Over 30,000 civilians are injured, and again, indicating the asymmetry of this conflict, almost 70%  that's seven out of 10  is a woman or a child."

Israel said it will allow large quantities of humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

"Four tankers of fuel and four tankers of cooking gas were transferred from Egypt to U.N. humanitarian aid organizations in the southern Gaza Strip via the Rafah Crossing," according to the Israel Defense Forces. About 200 trucks crossed into Gaza with humanitarian aid from Friday morning, according to Biden. It was the largest humanitarian convoy to enter the territory since the war began. Before the war broke out between Israel and Hamas, about 500 trucks entered the Palestinian territory daily.

International reaction

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who hosted the Spanish and Belgian prime ministers Friday, said in a televised address that international leaders, including Biden, have told him that Palestinians will not be forced out of Gaza and into Egypt. He said that living conditions in Gaza are impossible, and that this will push people to leave the area. The Egyptian leader said he spoke with Biden, who assured him that the United States would not permit the forced migration of Palestinians out of Gaza.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told journalists during a visit to Egypt's Rafah border crossing Friday that the European Union is hoping to get more aid into Gaza than is currently entering the strip.

Sanchez called for Hamas to release all remaining hostages and urged Israel to show more restraint.

"I also reiterate Israel's right to defend itself, but it must do so within the parameters and limitations imposed by international humanitarian law, and this is not the case," he said. "The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, is completely unacceptable. Violence will only lead to more violence."

Sanchez went on to propose an international peace conference to discuss the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict and to stress the need to implement a "two-state solution" between Israel and Palestinians.

Visiting Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated the goals of the European Union's mediation between Israel and the Palestinians were a "permanent cease-fire" and to allow the entry of the massive back-up of humanitarian aid supplies on the Egyptian side of the border. He also criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza, while condemning the Palestinian Hamas group, which runs Gaza.

"On the other side of this border, horrific fighting has taken place, too many civilians have been killed, and as always, the first victims are women and children, families have been torn apart, communities have been destroyed," De Croo said. "Israel has a right to defend its citizens. The whole of Hamas is barbaric, and Hamas needs to do everything to release all the innocent hostages."

In response to the comments by the Spanish and Belgian prime ministers, the Israeli foreign ministry Friday summoned the ambassadors of both countries for a "harsh rebuke" and accused the European leaders of "supporting terrorism."

The back and forth comes two weeks after Arab and Islamic leaders called for an unconditional cease-fire and efforts by the international community to implement a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians during a joint Arab-Islamic summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Biden reiterated his stance Friday to pursue a two-state solution so Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side.

"Its now more important than ever," he said.

Linda Gradstein wrote from Jerusalem and Steve Herman from Washington. Edward Yeranian contributed to this report from Cairo. Some information for this article was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A Thai-backed hydropower dam is under construction on the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos. It aims to export electricity to neighboring Thailand. But it is also raising alarm over the future of this scenic UNESCO heritage site. Tom Fawthrop reports from Luang Prabang, Laos. Camera: Houmphanh
An activist who documented murders in one of Mexico's deadliest cities has himself been killed, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Adolfo Enriquez was killed in the city of Leon, in north-central Guanajuato state. The city has the third-highest number of homicides in Mexico, trailing only the border cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.

Enriquez described himself on his social media profiles as an "activist, demanding a country with the rule of law."

For years, Enriquez has posted a simple, moving tally of each murder in Leon, writing just hours before his death that "murder number 55 in Leon so far in November just occurred in the Margaritas neighborhood."

He himself became murder victim No. 56 late Tuesday, local police confirmed, without providing details on the attack. State prosecutors confirmed his death and said it was under investigation.

Local media reported Enriquez was shot to death after leaving a restaurant, and that the attacker fled on a motorcycle.

The number of murders in Leon in November was not remarkable. In October, the city saw 64 murders, according to official figures.

Enriquez also posted videos of crimes like robberies and muggings, and appealed to the public for help in identifying the thieves.

He rose to national attention after he posted a compelling, tragic security camera video of the stabbing death of a woman in Leon in August. The video helped spur authorities into action and arrest the man who attacked her.

Leon is an industrial hub which, like the rest of Guanajuato, has been the scene of bloody turf battles between the Jalisco drug cartel and local gangs backed by the Sinaloa cartel.

Crimes against activists in Mexico are depressingly common.

Six volunteer search activists who looked for disappeared relatives have been killed in Mexico since 2021.

In perhaps the most famous case involving those who documented drug cartel violence, blogger Maria Elizabeth Macias was murdered in 2011 in the northern border state of Tamaulipas. Her body was found along with a note purportedly signed by the Zetas cartel: "Here I am because of my reports." A computer keyboard and headphones lay next to her severed head.

According to a 2022 report by the nongovernmental group Global Witness, Mexico was the deadliest place in the world for environmental and land defense activists in 2021, with 54 killed that year.
Officials in Pakistan have defended charging fees on Afghan nationals leaving the country or waiting for Western-sponsored resettlements, saying the decision complies with local immigration laws.

The targeted community comprises tens of thousands of people who worked for the U.S.-led NATO military mission in Afghanistan and fled the country fearing reprisals after the then-insurgent Taliban seized power in August 2021.

A Pakistani immigration official confirmed Friday that each Afghan asylum-seeker waiting to depart to a third country would be charged more than $800 for overstaying their visas or not possessing documents to stay legally.

The government is doing a big favor to them. Otherwise, they would have to pay such amount every week in penalties, the official told VOA anonymously because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

U.S. officials have reported that about 25,000 Afghans could be eligible for relocation to the United States under a special immigration program. Britain has announced it would resettle more than 20,000 people from Afghanistan in the coming years.
An Iranian in his early 20s who was executed in a case connected to the 2022 protests has been buried amid a heavy security force presence, a rights group said on Friday.

Milad Zohrevand, who was executed at dawn on Thursday in a prison in the western city of Hamadan, is the eighth convict to have been executed over the protests that shook Iran starting in September last year.

The protests erupted after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurd who had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress rules for women.

Zohrevand was buried in Hamadan with 20 family members present, the Norway-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said.

He had been sentenced to death in the killing of a Revolutionary Guards officer during a protest in the town of Malayer in November last year. Rights groups have said he was not given a fair trial.

Hengaw said the Revolutionary Guards had not allowed the family to transfer his body to his hometown of Malayer, insisting that the funeral take place in the provincial capital, Hamadan, instead.

Hengaw, which focuses on Kurdish issues, said that Zohrevand's execution was carried out in secret. He had received notification that his execution was imminent and was not granted a final meeting with his family.

The execution of Zohrevand has not been reported by media inside Iran.

The German foreign ministry condemned the execution, saying in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that "demonstrating against injustice is a fundamental right and not a crime."

Iran had executed seven more men in cases related to the 2022 protests. The last such executions related to the protests were of three men in May.

"Like the execution of other protesters, Milad Zohrevand's execution without due process or a fair trial is a criminal act and Islamic republic authorities must be held accountable for this crime," said Oslo-based Iran Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.

Iran launched a sweeping crackdown to snuff out the protests that saw hundreds killed and thousands arrested, according to rights groups and the United Nations.

Iran has executed at least 684 people this year, mostly on murder and drug-related charges, according to Iran Human Rights. Germany warned that "Iran is executing more people than it has for a long time."

Amiry-Moghaddam said Iran had paused protest-related executions for some months because of "the strong international backlash."
Russia continues to face mass casualties from Ukrainian long-range precision strikes well behind the front line the British Defense Ministry said Friday in its daily intelligence update on the war.

The ministry said that on November 10, more than 70 Russian troops were probably killed in a strike on a truck convoy 23 kilometers behind the front line in Hladkivka, a village in Kherson oblast. Then, the ministry said, a November 19 strike on an award ceremony or concert in Kumachove, 60 kilometers behind the lines, probably caused tens of casualties.

Ukraine, though, has suffered similar casualties, the update said, adding that a Russian missile killed 19 members of a Ukrainian brigade at a medal ceremony November 3.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian senior officials and soldiers said Thursday that Russia, which had bombarded the eastern city of Avdiivka for weeks, is now sending waves of troops toward the destroyed but strategically important spot in eastern Ukraine and is suffering terrible losses.

"The fields are just littered with corpses," Oleksandr, (one name) a deputy of a Ukrainian battalion in the 47th mechanized brigade, told Agence France-Presse.

"They are trying to exhaust our lines with constant waves of attacks," he said. He did not provide his full name for security reasons.

It is a strategy similar to the one Russia used against Bakhmut, a city it eventually captured.

Since mid-October, Russia has been trying to wrest the small city from Ukraine with no success, the Ukrainians say. The city sits on the front line 5 kilometers from Donetsk, the Russian-controlled capital of the region, one of four regions Moscow said it annexed from Ukraine.

Russia-backed separatists captured Avdiivka in 2014 and held it briefly before Ukrainian forces took it back and have been fortifying it ever since.

About 1,400 residents remain of the citys prewar population of 32,000, said Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration, who described the Russian onslaught as fierce.

"As regards the city, there is an average number of eight to 16 to 18 air attacks per day. Sometimes 30. We don't have time to count them," Barabash told Channel 24 television on Thursday. Russian reports on the war rarely mention Avdiivka.

Reuters could not independently verify battle reports from either side.

Earlier Thursday, four people were killed and five were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraines southern region of Kherson, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said more than 60 residential and infrastructure buildings also were damaged in the attack.

It is preliminarily known that the shelling was carried out with cluster munitions, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraines presidential office, said on Telegram. VOA could not independently verify that report.

The Russian army abandoned Kherson late last year but still regularly targets the area from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

Meanwhile, Russian state television said Thursday one of its journalists died after being hurt in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine.

The Russian network announced the death of Boris Maksudov a day after the Russian defense ministry said he was hit while working in Zaporizhzhia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used part of his nightly address Wednesday to highlight new military aid packages from allies that he said include help for his countrys air defenses.

Zelenskyy said the aid would better protect Ukraines cities and towns from Russian attacks and that Ukraines sky shield is getting more powerful literally every month.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Russia, which had bombarded the eastern city of Avdiivka for weeks, is now sending waves of troops toward the destroyed but strategically important spot in eastern Ukraine  and suffering terrible losses, Ukrainian senior officials and soldiers said Thursday.

"The fields are just littered with corpses," Oleksandr, a deputy of a Ukrainian battalion in the 47th mechanized brigade, told Agence France-Presse.

"They are trying to exhaust our lines with constant waves of attacks," he said. He declined to provide his full name for security reasons.

It is a strategy similar to the one Russia used against Bakhmut, a city it eventually captured.

Since mid-October, Russia has been trying to wrest the small city from Ukraine with no success, the Ukrainians say. The city sits on the front line 5 kilometers from Donetsk, the Russian-controlled capital of the region, one of four regions Moscow said it annexed from Ukraine.

Russia-backed separatists captured Avdiivka in 2014 and held it briefly before Ukrainian forces took it back and have been fortifying it ever since.

About 1,400 residents remain of the citys prewar population of 32,000, said Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration, who described the Russian onslaught as fierce.

"As regards the city, there is an average number of eight to 16 to 18 air attacks per day. Sometimes 30. We don't have time to count them," Barabash told Channel 24 television on Thursday. Russian reports on the war rarely mention Avdiivka.

Reuters could not independently verify battle reports from either side.

Earlier Thursday, four people were killed and five were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraines southern region of Kherson on Thursday, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said more than 60 residential and infrastructure buildings were damaged in the attack.
South Africa, Colombia and other countries that lost out in the global race for coronavirus vaccines are taking a more combative approach toward drugmakers and pushing back on policies that deny cheap treatment to millions of people with tuberculosis and HIV. Experts see it as a shift in how such countries deal with pharmaceutical behemoths and say it could trigger more efforts to make lifesaving medicines more widely available.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, rich countries bought most of the worlds vaccines early, leaving few shots for poor countries and creating a disparity the World Health Organization called a catastrophic moral failure.

Now, poorer countries are trying to become more self-reliant because theyve realized after COVID they cant count on anyone else, said Brook Baker, who studies treatment-access issues at Northeastern University.

One of the targets is a drug, bedaquiline, that is used for treating people with drug-resistant versions of tuberculosis. The pills are especially important for South Africa, where TB killed more than 50,000 people in 2021, making it the countrys leading cause of death.

In recent months, activists have protested efforts by Johnson & Johnson to protect its patent on the drug. In March, TB patients petitioned the Indian government, calling for cheaper generics; the government ultimately agreed Johnson & Johnson's patent could be broken. Belarus and Ukraine then wrote to the company, also asking it to drop its patents, but with little response.

In July, Johnson & Johnsons patent on the drug expired in South Africa, but the company had it extended until 2027, enraging activists who accused it of profiteering.

The South African government then began investigating the companys pricing policies.

It had been paying about 5,400 rand ($282) per treatment course, more than twice as much as poor countries that got the drug via a global effort called the Stop TB partnership.

This addresses any misconception that access to our medicines is limited, the company said.

Christophe Perrin, a tuberculosis expert at Doctors Without Borders, called Johnson & Johnson's reversal a big surprise because aggressive patent protection was typically a cornerstone of pharmaceutical companies' strategy.

Meanwhile, in Colombia, the government declared last month that it would issue a compulsory license for the HIV drug dolutegravir without permission from the drugs patent-holder, Viiv Health care. The decision came after more than 120 groups asked the Colombian government to expand access to the World Health Organization-recommended drug.

This is Colombia taking the reins after the extreme inequity of COVID and challenging a major pharmaceutical to ensure affordable AIDS treatment for its people, said Peter Maybarduk of the Washington advocacy group Public Citizen. He noted that Brazilian activists are pushing their government to make a similar move.

Still, some experts said much more needs to change before poorer countries can produce their own medicines and vaccines.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Africa produced fewer than 1% of all vaccines made globally but used more than half of the worlds supply, according to Petro Terblanche, managing director of Afrigen Biologics. The company is part of a WHO-backed effort to produce a COVID vaccine using the same mRNA technology as those made by Pfizer and Moderna.

Terblanche estimated about 14 million people died of AIDS in Africa from the late 1990s into the 2000s, when countries couldnt get the necessary medicines.

Back then, President Nelson Mandelas government in South Africa eventually suspended patents to allow wider access to AIDS drugs. That prompted more than 30 drugmakers to take it to court in 1998, in a case dubbed Mandela vs. Big Pharma.

Doctors Without Borders described the episode as a public relations disaster for the drug companies, which dropped the lawsuit in 2001.

Terblanche said that Africa's experience during the HIV epidemic has proven instructive.

Its not acceptable for a listed company to hold intellectual property that stands in the way of saving lives and, so, we will see more countries fighting back, she said.

SEE ALSO: Report: Ending AIDS Is Political, Financial Choice Challenging pharmaceutical companies is just one piece to ensuring Africa has equal access to treatments and vaccines, Terblanche said. More-robust health systems are critical.

If we cant get [vaccines and medicines] to the people who need them, they arent useful, she said.

Yet some experts pointed out that South Africa's own intellectual property laws still haven't been changed sufficiently and make it too easy for pharmaceutical companies to acquire patents and extend their monopolies.

While many other developing countries allow legal challenges to a patent or a patent extension, South Africa has no clear law that allows it to do that, said Lynette Keneilwe Mabote-Eyde, a health care activist who consults for the nonprofit Treatment Action Group.

The South African department of health didn't respond to a request for comment regarding drug procurement and patents.
Double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was granted parole Friday, 10 years after shooting his girlfriend through a toilet door at his home in South Africa in a killing that jolted the world. He will be released from prison on January 5 but will be constantly monitored by parole officials for five years until his sentence expires, the Department of Corrections said. Pistorius' parole will come with other conditions, Department of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said outside of the prison where Pistorius has been incarcerated in the South African capital, Pretoria.

Pistorius will not be allowed to leave the area of Pretoria without permission from authorities. He will also attend a program to deal with anger issues and another program on violence against women. He will have to perform community service.

"Parole does not mean the end of the sentence. It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility," Nxumalo said. "What will happen is that Mr. Pistorius will be allocated a monitoring official. This official will work with him until his sentence expires."

Nxumalo said the monitoring official would need to be notified of any major events in Pistorius' life, including if he wants to move or get a job.

"We have to be informed of each and every activity," Nxumalo said.

Pistorius will not wear a monitoring bracelet as that is not part of South African parole procedure, Nxumalo said. Pistorius' sentence will expire on December 5, 2029.

The decision to grant parole was made at a hearing at the prison earlier Friday.

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, has been in jail since late 2014 for the Valentine's Day 2013 killing of model Reeva Steenkamp, although he was released for a period of house arrest in 2015 while one of the numerous appeals in his case was heard. He was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half of their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has done.

Pistorius was at the height of his fame and one of the world's most admired athletes when he killed Steenkamp. He shot her multiple times in the bathroom of his Pretoria villa in the predawn hours with his licensed 9-millimeter pistol.

Pistorius' parole hearing was his second in the space of eight months. He was wrongly ruled ineligible for early release at a hearing in March. That was due to an error made by an appeals court over when the sentence officially started.

Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Steenkamp. That conviction was overturned, and he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. They also appealed against an initial sentence of six years for murder, and Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

Pistorius testified at his murder trial that he killed Steenkamp by mistake when he fired four times through the door thinking she was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom in the middle of the night. Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and reality TV star, had fled to the toilet cubicle during a late-night argument and that Pistorius killed her in a rage.

Pistorius was eventually convicted of murder on a legal principle known as dolus eventualis, which means he acted with extreme recklessness and should have known that whoever was behind the door would likely be killed. It's comparable to third-degree murder.

Steenkamp's father, Barry Steenkamp, died in September. Her mother, June Steenkamp, did not oppose Pistorius' parole but said in a statement before the hearing that she did not believe Pistorius had been fully rehabilitated and was still lying about the killing.

Rob Matthews, a South African man whose 21-year-old daughter was murdered in 2004 and who became a Steenkamp family friend, read out June Steenkamp's statement. She said she was not opposing Pistorius' parole and didn't attend the hearing because "I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage."

Nevertheless, "I do not believe Oscar's version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar," June Steenkamp said in the statement. "In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life. ... I believe he knew it was Reeva."

While out on parole, Pistorius is expected to live at his uncle's luxurious mansion in a wealthy Pretoria suburb, where he stayed during his murder trial.

There have been only occasional glimpses of Pistorius' life behind bars. His father has said he has been holding Bible classes for fellow prisoners, while a criminologist who worked with him said he had been driving a tractor at a part of the prison where vegetables are grown.

Pistorius' lawyers have said he has been a "model prisoner." There have been flashes of trouble, though, including an altercation Pistorius had with another inmate over a prison telephone that left him requiring medical treatment.

Pistorius killed Steenkamp just months after he had become the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics. He was also a multiple Paralympic sprinting champion and one of sport's most marketable figures, having overcome the amputation of both his legs below the knee as a baby to run on specially designed carbon-fiber blades. He was known as the "Blade Runner."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. A protest rally against France is taking place in New Caledonia, Trend reports.

During the rally, along with the flag of New Caledonia, the flag of Azerbaijan was raised.

Despite demands from the French police to remove the Azerbaijani flag, the protesters refused to comply.

Will be updated
The effort to ease tensions in the Asia-Pacific region begun at last weeks U.S.-China summit is expected to continue at coming talks among three Northeast Asian powers, but experts say South Koreas close alignment with Washington leaves little room for major improvement. Trilateral talks among the foreign ministers of South Korea, China and Japan are expected to take place as early as this weekend in Busan, South Koreas second-largest city. They come little more than a week after Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met on November 15 near San Francisco, the site of an APEC summit.

Biden said afterward that the meeting was aimed at managing the competition between the worlds two leading powers and preventing it from veering into conflict. The meeting became possible through multiple efforts by Washington to repair a relationship that had soured after a Chinese spy balloon was spotted drifting across the U.S. in late January and February.

Evans Revere, who served as the acting assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs during the George W. Bush administration, told VOA via email, The main accomplishment of the presidents meeting was that the two were able to meet at all.

He continued, The gaps between Washington and Beijing are wide and strategic  competition between the two is likely to remain the key characteristic of bilateral ties for a long time to come.

He said, The Biden-Xi meeting will hopefully have the effect, at least in the near term, of reducing regional tensions, and the upcoming trilateral talks should provide an indication of whether Beijing is willing to improve ties with Seoul.

Beijing opposes Seouls policies in the Indo-Pacific, which closely align with U.S. efforts to defend freedom of navigation in the region, defend Taiwan and push back against Chinese territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said China should play a responsible role in the Indo-Pacific, in an interview with the Telegraph, a British newspaper, published Monday.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on the same day that Yoon should remain silent on issues pertaining to Taiwan and the South China Sea.

South Korea is not a party to the South China Sea issue, and theres no point in getting involved, said the spokeswoman. We dont need to be told what to do or not to do. The Taiwan question is entirely Chinas internal affairs.

Mao went on to blame the United States for aggressive behavior by North Korea, which this week claimed to have successfully launched a military reconnaissance satellite in violation of U.N. sanctions.

SEE ALSO: State Media: Newly Launched North Korean Satellite Snaps Photos of US Base in Guam She said the United States holds the key to resolving the issue, claiming the frequent visits of U.S. strategic bombers and aircraft carrier battle groups to South Korea threaten the North.

Yoon and Biden have been calling on China to play a constructive role with North Korea throughout the year.

China long ago stopped condemning Pyongyangs unlawful behavior and calling for an end to its nuclear program. Revere said that is because North Korea is an important tactical and strategic partner and ally for the PRC in the latters effort to challenge the U.S.-led liberal international order and particularly the U.S.-led alliance system in the Indo-Pacific region.

He continued: Washington is also determined to assist its allies and partners, including Japan, the ROK, Taiwan and Australia, build up their military capabilities in the face of Chinas rapidly growing military, the PRCs aggressive military and diplomatic posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

A day before the Biden-Xi meeting, the Pentagon announced the preliminary approval of the sale of SM-6 missiles to South Korea, saying the sale would support U.S. national security objectives and improve Seouls security in the Indo-Pacific. On the day of the meeting, the Pentagon announced another proposed sale of AIM-9X sidewinder missiles to Seoul for the same reasons.

Two days after the Washington-Beijing summit, the Pentagon announced a proposed sale of 400 Tomahawk missiles to Japan for the same purpose.

Robert Rapson, who served as charge daffaires and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul from 2018 to 2021, told VOA via email, Beijing certainly has the potential to influence North Korea on key strategic issues.

He continued, However, Beijing has chosen not to exercise this power for variety of reasons, which include viewing Pyongyang and its activities as useful for its posturing and policies toward the U.S., ROK and Japan.

Nevertheless, Dennis Wilder, who served as senior director for East Asia affairs at the White Houses National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration, told VOA via email that Washington should never stop trying to get China to use its leverage with North Korea.
A Chinese dissident who fled across the Yellow Sea on a Jet Ski-style watercraft is free in South Korea after three months in detention, at least for now.

A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced Kwon Pyong, 35, to one year in prison for entering the country illegally but suspended the sentence for two years, effectively ending his detention.

Kwons request for asylum in South Korea is still pending, meaning he still faces the threat of being deported to China if his request is rejected. He has also asked to be permitted to seek asylum in a third country if he cannot stay in South Korea.

Kwon, held in Incheon detention center for the past three months, arrived on the Korean coastline on the night of August 16 after a 300-kilometer sea crossing from the Chinese province of Shandong.

He was wearing a life jacket and helmet and was equipped with binoculars and a compass when he was found. He told authorities he had towed five barrels of fuel behind him in order to complete the long voyage.

Kwon previously served 18 months in prison in China after being convicted of "inciting subversion of state power" in 2017 and was still subject to an exit ban when he fled China. His crime was protesting against Chinese leader Xi Jinping by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with satirical nicknames for the communist leader.

Gu Yi, a Chinese activist and doctoral student at the University of Georgia who said he knows Kwon, told VOA's Mandarin Service that South Korea had come under pressure from Beijing to deal harshly with Kwon. He urged South Korea to allow his friend to seek asylum in a third country.

"Although Kwon has been temporarily released, he is still far from true freedom, Gu said. Originally, according to Article 31 of the Convention on the Status of Refugees, signed by South Korea, Kwon should not be punished for illegal entry as an asylum-seeker.

But South Korea has been under tremendous pressure from Beijing from the beginning.  I hope it will allow Kwon to go to a third country that will accept him."

According to Yonhap News Agency, the court ruled that Kwon had attempted to enter the country illegally and had dumped waste into the sea.

Quan He, Kwon's father, told The Guardian in an interview that his son was an honest and sincere person who began to question Chinas one-party rule after studying aerospace engineering in the United States, where he graduated from Iowa State University in 2012.

The father said he hoped that the Korean government could give his son a way to live."

At a preliminary hearing last month, Kwon told the judge, "I did not secretly enter South Korea to damage buildings or violate the law. After I was sentenced in China, I lived without freedom and could not leave the country in a normal way."

South Korea provides asylum to only a small number of refugees each year. It has taken in fewer than 4,000 asylum-seekers over the past 20 years, mostly from Yemen and Syria.

VOA reached out to both the Chinese and South Korean embassies in the United States for comments and had not received any response by publication.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 14 people in an attack on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday night, a local official, a civil society leader and a survivor said on Friday.

The assailants are believed to be rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, a Ugandan armed group based in eastern Congo that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and frequently raids villages, sometimes with machetes and hatchets.
Taiwans January presidential election is emerging as a three-way race analysts say will be a referendum on China relations. The opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan Peoples Party, both of whom want to renew talks with China, failed this month to agree on a joint presidential ticket. The Kuomintang will run Hou Yu-ih, a former police chief, for president with media commentator Jaw Shaw-Kang as his running mate. The Taiwan Peoples Party ticket will be former doctor and mayor Ko Wen-je for president with Cynthia Wu, a member of Taiwans legislature, the Legislative Yuan, for vice president.

SEE ALSO: Taiwan Opposition Talks on Presidential Bid Teeter After Bitter Live TV Showdown The ruling Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate is Taiwans current vice president, Lai Ching-te, who is also a former doctor and mayor and has been leading in the polls in recent months. On Monday, he picked Taiwans former envoy to the United States, Hsiao Bi-Khim, as his running mate.

Foxconn founder Terry Gou, who had been a potential fourth candidate, announced his withdrawal from the race Friday. He did not say who he might support in the brief statement shared on his Facebook page.

Now that we have the vice presidential candidates in line, Taiwanese voters have to pick who they think is going to better preserve Taiwans autonomy, Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone.

With public discussion and media reports largely focusing on the opposition parties attempt to join forces over the last few months, some experts say they think the selection of their presidential candidates will help redirect the focus back to more substantive election issues.

After all the candidates are confirmed, the election will at least temporarily return to policy issues, including the debate on cross-strait relations between different candidates, Yen Wei-ting, an Taiwan politics expert at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, told VOA in a written response.

Serious ramifications for cross-strait relations

Current President Tsai Ing-wen will step down after May because of term limits, so the election could have serious ramifications for cross-strait relations. China views Taiwan as its territory and has traditionally closely monitored the islands political developments.

For Beijing, Lai is a threat. During a daily press conference on Tuesday, Beijings Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson said Lai attempted to hide that he is a pursuer of Taiwan independence and an instigator of war.

Since announcing his intention to run for president this summer, Lai has vowed to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait while highlighting the importance of Taiwan maintaining close relations with like-minded democracies such as the United States and Japan.

On the other hand, the Kuomintangs Hou Yu-ih has been campaigning on the promise of reducing tension across the Taiwan Strait and restarting dialogue with China, arguing that the election will be a choice between war and peace.

To present his party as an alternative for Taiwanese voters, the Taiwan Peoples Partys Ko said he would make communication and deterrence the two pillars of his China policy and try to restart engagement with China in lower-risk areas.

Nachman told VOA he thinks that since the Kuomintang vice presidential candidate is known for pro-China rhetoric, China will show a clear preference for the Kuomintang.

Jaw is going to be someone that Beijing looks at and says, we can endorse this ticket properly now, he told VOA.

If the KMT is able to pose a competitive fight against the DPP, I think Beijing might tone down its rhetoric during this election cycle, he said, adding that a resounding Democratic Progressive Party victory could push China to maintain the same aggressive attittude toward Taiwan consistent with what theyve shown over the last few years.

Voters look beyond the China factor

Some Taiwanese voters, though, say cross-strait relations may not be the key factor determining their vote.

The Kuomintang and Democratic Progressive Party have long dominated Taiwanese politics, and they always fail to put forward concrete policies on domestic issues, Stanley Chung, a 34-year-old banker, told VOA by phone. I will vote for the third-party candidate Ko Wen-je, because I think he can help address the issue of corruption that has long plagued Taiwans politics.

Since all presidential candidates have laid out their stance on cross-strait issues, other voters think their policy proposals on issues such as unaffordable housing prices and low wages for young people will have more impact on their final decision.
Three journalists have been kidnapped in southern Mexico's Guerrero state over the past few days, two press rights organizations reported Thursday, demanding urgent government action.

The groups Article 19 and CIMAC said in a statement that journalist Marco Antonio Toledo, director of the El Espectador weekly and a correspondent for various media outlets, had been kidnapped by armed men in the Guerrero town of Taxco on November 19 along with his wife and son.

The state prosecutor's office on Thursday announced a search for the journalist.

The organizations also reported that journalists Silvia Arce and Alberto Sanchez had been kidnapped on November 22, also in Taxco, a mountain town about 180 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. Both journalists work for the digital media site RedSiete.

"The organizations urge federal and state authorities to coordinate urgently and expeditiously to find these journalists alive," the statement added.

Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world to practice journalism, according to the organization Reporters Without Borders.

On November 16, photojournalist Ismael Villagomez was shot and killed in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez. So far three people have been arrested in the killing.

At least five other journalists have been slain in Mexico in 2023, and more than 150 since 2000, according to RSF.
A 2018 military agreement, once hailed as a historic attempt to reduce tensions between North and South Korea, appeared to reach its demise this week, after both countries announced measures to step away from the pact.

Hours after the successful Tuesday launch of North Korea's first military spy satellite, the administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a partial suspension of the accord, known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement, or CMA.

As part of the announcement, South Korea said its military will resume reconnaissance and surveillance flights in border areas. Such activity was banned under the CMA, which established buffer zones, no fly zones, and prohibited a wide range of other military activity near the border.

In response, North Korea on Thursday announced it would "immediately restore all military measures" halted under the deal and vowed to "deploy more powerful armed forces and new-type military hardware" in the border region.

The CMA was perhaps the most concrete outcome of the 2018-19 diplomacy between the two Koreas, which saw three meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his then South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-in.

In Seoul, debate raged over who is to blame for the collapse of the accord, the latest in a cycle of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Moon Chung-in, who played a key role in the inter-Korean diplomacy as a foreign affairs advisor for ex-president Moon, said Yoon had been determined to kill the CMA for ideological reasons, and that North Korea's satellite launch provided an occasion for him to do it.

In Moon's view, the CMA served as a "last guardrail" to prevent accidental clashes in the border region, which will now become "a much more volatile and dangerous place."

"The problem is that there is a greater chance for the escalation of these accidental clashes into a full-blown conflict, even the North Korean potential use of tactical nuclear weapons," he told VOA in an interview.

North Korean violations

The conservative Yoon, who has slammed what he calls the "fake peace" initiative of his liberal predecessor, had for months threatened to scrap the CMA, pointing to North Korean violations of the agreement.

In one particularly high-profile violation, North Korea last year sent five small reconnaissance drones across the border, with one making it all the way to the northern edge of the capital, Seoul.

North Korea has also fired artillery shells into areas designated by the CMA as maritime buffer zones.

This week, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said North Korea had regularly violated the military pact by failing to cover the barrels and close the gun ports of coastal artillery and other weapons within a maritime buffer zone.

North Korea's actions have consistently eroded the trust underpinning the CMA and other inter-Korean agreements, effectively nullifying the deals, argued Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat turned conservative South Korean politician, in a Facebook post this week.

How we got here

Much inter-Korean tension can be traced to the breakdown of nuclear talks between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kim and Trump met three times in 2018-19, but ultimately failed to agree over how to pace sanctions relief and other U.S. concessions with steps to dismantle North Korea's nuclear program.

Around the time Kim walked away from talks with the United States, he also abandoned negotiations with South Korea, in part because U.S. and international sanctions restricted Seoul's ability to offer concessions to Pyongyang.

Since then, North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of major missile tests and steadily added to its nuclear arsenal, which it now says can be used for preemptive strikes, if necessary.

Yoon, who took office in May of last year, favors a more military-focused approach to North Korea. At times, Yoon has adopted an explicit "tit for tat" response to North Korean provocations, accelerating a cycle in which each side blames the other for raising tensions.

Some observers in Seoul say that dynamic played out this week, eventually leading to the death of the CMA, which had served as a crucial tension-reducing mechanism.

But others argue that the inter-Korean military pact had already lost much of its value as a means to reduce risk, given North Korea's decision to reject dialogue and pursue a more combative and inward-facing policy.

Sydney Seiler, who until earlier this year was the national intelligence officer for North Korea in the U.S. National Intelligence Council, told VOA earlier this week that abrogation of the CMA "will be the result of deteriorated inter-Korea relations and escalatory steps by North Korea, not the cause."

How the US feels

For years after the CMA was signed, U.S. military officials and diplomats in South Korea were publicly supportive of the pact.

As the Yoon administration's criticism of the CMA grew louder in response to North Korean provocations, U.S. officials' public statements became more cautious.

On Wednesday, a State Department spokesperson told VOA that South Korea's decision to suspend one provision of the CMA was a "prudent and restrained" response to persistent North Korean violations of the agreement.

While the CMA "helped reduce tensions," North Korea's failure to adhere to the deal "created untenable challenges" for South Korea's security, added the U.S. spokesperson.

However, even if many U.S. officials privately continue to support the CMA, they would not publicly criticize the decision of a key ally such as South Korea, said Moon, the former foreign affairs advisor.

"The Biden administration's basic stance on the Korean Peninsula is the stable management of the status quo," said Moon. "There could now be a higher probability of accidental military clashes, and that won't be helpful to U.S. strategic interests."

Chun In-bum, a retired lieutenant general in the South Korean army, said regardless of the outcome of the CMA, or its potential for success in the first place, it represented a "good effort, especially with a new North Korean leader and the threat of conflict at the time."

"It is unfortunate for everyone that the CMA is now declared defunct," said Chun. "Why does it matter whose fault this is?"
BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired more than 50 rockets at military posts in northern Israel on Thursday, a day after an Israeli airstrike on a home in southern Lebanon killed five of the group's senior fighters.

The waves of rockets sent over the border represented one of the most intense bombardments since Hezbollah started attacking Israeli posts in the country's north at the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.

Hezbollah has said that by heating up its actions on the Israel-Lebanon border, it is easing pressure on the Gaza Strip, where Israel's crushing aerial, ground and naval offensive has left more than 13,300 Palestinians dead and caused wide destruction in the sealed-off enclave.

The war was triggered by an October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that left about 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and resulted in about 240 hostages being taken to Gaza.

An agreement for a four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel was set to take place Thursday, but it was later announced in Qatar, a main mediator, that the truce would go into effect Friday morning.

Hezbollah said in a series of statements Thursday that the volleys it fired toward Israeli posts included 48 Katyusha rockets that were directed at an Israeli army base in Beit Zeitem, about 10 kilometers south of the border.

Flurry of Hezbollah claims

In another attack, Hezbollah said its fighters monitored four Israeli soldiers as they took positions inside a house in the Manara Kibbutz, then fired an anti-tank missile that destroyed the house and killed the soldiers. Israel's military did not comment on the claim.

Hezbollah released at least 21 statements claiming attacks on Thursday alone, a one-day record since the fighting began last month. The group said its fighters also struck Israeli tanks.

The intense fire followed an Israeli airstrike on a house in Beit Yahoun, a village in southern Lebanon, that killed the five senior fighters, including Abbas Raad, the son of the head of Hezbollah's 13-member parliamentary bloc in Lebanon, Mohammed Raad.

The deaths brought the number of Hezbollah fighters killed in seven weeks of fighting to at least 83.

Thousands of people, including senior Hezbollah officials, attended Raad's funeral in the southern village of Jbaa. After a Thursday afternoon ceremony in the main square, the coffin, draped in Hezbollah's yellow flag, was carried to a cemetery for burial.

"When Netanyahu accepts to abide by a truce, this means he is not capable of wiping out the resistance," top Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine said in a funeral speech, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday in Gaza as part of an agreement that Qatar helped broker. Thirteen Israeli hostages were released, according to Israeli media, and 12 Thai hostages were also freed. The deal includes the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

With the truce deal comes increased shipments of fuel and supplies into Gaza  though still only enough to dent the needs of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, according to aid groups. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce.

More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza after a dayslong pause in its casualty report, which it attributed to the health system's collapse in northern Gaza making it impossible to provide a detailed count.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will press ahead with the war after the cease-fire expires. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.

Currently:

 A four-day truce begins, setting the stage for the release of dozens of hostages.

 Families of hostages not slated for release from Gaza during current truce face enduring nightmare.

 Palestinians in Gaza seeking refuge from war find their world is shrinking.

 Hezbollah fires rockets at north Israel after an airstrike kills 5 of the groups senior fighters.

 Thousands led by Cubas president march in solidarity with Palestinians.
A truce between Israel and Hamas will begin Friday at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), with the first group of hostages set to be released from Gaza at 4 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the foreign ministry of Qatar, which is helping to negotiate the deal.

The truce  the first since the war began last month  will include a comprehensive cease-fire in north and south Gaza, spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told journalists in Doha.

According to the deal, 50 women and children who were abducted from Israel by the militant group Hamas on October 7 will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and minors jailed in Israel.

Thirteen hostages will be released from Gaza on Friday, and additional groups of hostages will be released each day of the cease-fire until 50 are freed.

We all hope that this truce will lead to a chance to start a wider work to achieve a permanent truce, Al-Ansari said.

At the request of the Israeli government, child abuse experts from Jerusalems Haruv Institute have developed guidelines on how Israeli soldiers should handle the minors once they are released from Gaza.

Israel has received an initial list of the hostages who are to be released from Gaza on Friday, the Israeli prime ministers office said Thursday.

The relevant authorities are checking the details of the list and are presently in contact with all the families, the prime ministers office said in a statement.

Under the deal, Israel is to pause its attacks on Gaza for four days. Additionally, Hamas confirmed on its Telegram channel that attacks from its forces also would pause.

The truce could last beyond the initial four days, Israel said, if Hamas releases at least 10 hostages per day. The Qatari spokesperson said Doha hopes to broker another agreement to release more hostages from Gaza by the truces fourth day.

The 50 hostages were initially expected to be released on Thursday. Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, said in a statement late Wednesday that negotiations were continuing and that the first hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would not be released until at least Friday.

None of the identities of those being freed has been disclosed, but U.S. officials said they believe some of the nine American hostages believed to be held by Hamas would be among those released.

Egypt, which is also involved in the negotiations, is receiving lists of hostages and prisoners who are to be released, Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypts state information service, said in a statement. He called on both sides to honor the agreement.

Israel and Hamas have both said they will return to fighting once the truce concludes.

The spokesperson of Hamas armed wing on Thursday called for the escalation of hostilities with Israel.

We call for escalation of the confrontation with the occupation throughout the West Bank and all resistance fronts, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson of the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, said in an audio message aired by Al Jazeera TV.

Israels military said Thursday it carried out aerial attacks on 300 Hamas targets during the past day, including tunnels, warehouses and anti-tank positions used by the militant group. Operations will continue until troops get the order to stop, an army spokesperson said.
A swap was underway Friday in the Middle East, with the Hamas militant group releasing 13 Israeli women and children and 12 Thai nationals who were abducted in Israel on October 7, while the Israelis were freeing about 150 Palestinian prisoners.

The Israelis were handed over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, which was transporting them to Egypt, according to officials in Jerusalem. The Thai abductees, according to officials in Bangkok and Jerusalem, crossed into Israel on Friday evening and were to undergo health checks at the Shamir Medical Center, southeast of Tel Aviv.

The exchanges come hours after a scheduled four-day truce between Israel and Hamas went into effect. The truce includes a comprehensive cease-fire in north and south Gaza, Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told journalists in Doha earlier.

According to the deal, 50 women and children who were abducted from Israel by Hamas are to be released in exchange for Palestinian women and minors held in Israeli prisons.

We all hope that this truce will lead to a chance to start a wider work to achieve a permanent truce, Al-Ansari said.

Under the current deal, Israel is to pause its attacks on Gaza for four days. Additionally, Hamas confirmed on its Telegram channel that attacks from its forces also would pause.

Israel said the four-day stop in fighting would be extended an extra day for every 10 additional hostages freed by Hamas. The Qatari spokesperson said Doha hopes to broker another agreement to release more hostages from Gaza by the truces fourth day. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it could assist with any release.

Israel and Hamas have both said they will return to fighting once the truce concludes.

The truce with Hamas is a short pause, after which Israels military will resume operating with full force, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Friday just prior to the prisoner exchanges.

The spokesperson of Hamas armed wing on Thursday called for the escalation of hostilities with Israel.

We call for escalation of the confrontation with the occupation throughout the West Bank and all resistance fronts, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson of the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, said in a speech aired by Al Jazeera TV.

Israels military said Thursday it carried out aerial attacks on 300 Hamas targets during the past day, including tunnels, warehouses and anti-tank positions used by the militant group. Operations will continue until troops get the order to stop, an army spokesperson said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to ensure Hamas is unable to attack Israel in the future. He said in a news conference late Wednesday that following the end of a cease-fire period, Israels military would resume its campaign in Gaza.

I want to be clear. The war is continuing. The war is continuing. We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said.

Israel began its military campaign to wipe out Hamas after the U.S.-designated terrorist group launched a cross-border attack on October 7. Israel said 1,200 people were killed that day and about 240 hostages taken back to Gaza.

Israel announced Thursday it had detained the head of Gazas Shifa Hospital for questioning over his role in what it said was the hospitals use by Hamas as a command center.

International concern has centered on the targeting of Gazas hospitals. Hospitals in northern Gaza are no longer functional, the territorys Health Ministry said.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 13,300 Palestinians, including at least 5,000 children, have been killed in Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military says it has detained more than 1,850 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began, mostly suspected Hamas members. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed there, mainly during battles triggered by army raids. Attacks by Jewish settlers have also surged.

The pause in fighting will also allow for more humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza. Such assistance has been sharply curtailed since the fighting began.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 80 trucks reached the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday, bringing the total during the past month to 1,479 truckloads of aid. The agency said an average of 10,000 truckloads of commercial and humanitarian commodities were reaching Gaza each month prior to the conflict.

The United Nations said more than 1.7 million people have been displaced within Gaza, including 945,000 people staying at over-capacity U.N.-run shelters.

VOAs Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this report. Some information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. There are quite a few failed and dependent states worldwide trying to sit on two or more chairs, aiming to serve several patrons and eager to turn their countries into an arena of a standoff between bigger states. One of them is Azerbaijans neighbor, Armenia, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports.

"Such countries cannot be viewed as truly independent. The foreign policy of these countries is not based on their peoples will, and their fate lies in the hands of foreign sponsors. Meanwhile, SPECA Member States are truly independent because they pursue independent foreign and domestic policies," the Azerbaijani leader noted.
Rights groups are preparing for the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates with trepidation, fearing surveillance and detention under the oil-rich monarchy's strict criminal justice system.

Highly attuned to international scrutiny, the UAE, where unauthorised protests are illegal, has said it would permit demonstrations in designated areas of the COP28 site, a far-flung development in the Dubai suburbs surrounded mostly by desert.

But those assurances, and a pledge to host the "most inclusive" edition yet of the United Nations climate talks, have done little to assuage campaigners, who say they plan to raise human rights issues during COP28.

"We are deeply concerned about people being detained and arrested," said Asad Rehman, lead spokesperson for the Climate Justice Coalition, which is planning actions on the ground.

"Then there is the wider concern about the scale of surveillance, particularly digital surveillance," the activist told AFP, adding: "We know the UAE has the technology to monitor digital communications."

The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms, bans unauthorised protests, outlaws homosexuality and prohibits criticism of rulers and speech that is deemed to create or encourage social unrest.

Defamation as well as verbal and written insults, whether published or made in private, are prosecutable by law.

The country's penal code also criminalises offending foreign states or jeopardising ties with them.

In 2020, a Jordanian resident of the UAE received a 10-year prison sentence over Facebook posts criticising the Jordanian royal family and government, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

- The 'last defender' -

Amnesty International and HRW have accused the UAE of detaining at least 64 Emiratis for political reasons. Authorities, however, accuse them of links to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

The Emirati detainees include Ahmed Mansoor, who has been described by activists as "the last human rights defender" in the UAE.

Mansoor, who openly criticised the authorities, was arrested in 2017 under the Gulf state's cyber-crime law.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison the following year after being convicted of spreading false information on social media and harming the reputation of the state.

"The UAE has suppressed any kind of domestic civil society forming by imprisoning... Emiratis who have expressed even mild criticism," Devin Kenney, Amnesty's UAE researcher, told AFP.

"Not for the first time, a COP gathering is being held in a highly repressive state."

To soothe concerns ahead of the summit, the UAE has said "there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard" at COP28.

But guidelines drafted by the UAE's COP28 team and published on the UN's website for the climate talks warned that the "laws of the UAE prohibit the spread of disinformation, fake news or making defamatory statements verbally or on social media".

In a message tailored specifically to LGBTQ attendees, it asked "all visitors and residents to respect the UAE's cultural and societal values".

Broader restrictions issued by the UAE Media Regulatory Office and posted to the website of the UN climate agency last month have since been removed.

The guidelines requested that journalists "refrain from publishing anything that could offend directly or indirectly the ruling regime" of the UAE or that "could be offensive to the national unity and social cohesion" of the country.

In a statement to AFP, the UAE's COP28 team called the document "an old guide," saying "its content is out of date and not relevant for media" attending the talks.

- Rare protests -

Large protests have been common at most previous COPs. Limited rallies were allowed at the last UN climate talks in Egypt, where authorities regularly crack down on demonstrations and detain activists.

This year, protests will mostly be confined to the "Blue Zone" of the COP site which is managed by the UN rather than UAE authorities.

"No actions, no events from civil society are taking place outside the COP venue because of security concerns," said Rehman.

He said activists at COP28 are planning to denounce the UAE's treatment of migrant workers, its detention of civil society actors, as well as its fossil fuel production -- all taboo subjects for authorities.

"We have been open with the COP28 presidency and the UN and they are well aware... that one of our calls is that there will be no climate justice without human rights," Rehman said.

A Kenyan activist who has participated in three previous COPs, including the one in Egypt last year, added another layer of worry.

"The safety and security concerns I have right now as someone going to COP is that I am a trans girl and I would have to mask that," said the activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

bur/dr/lb
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Sebastian Chacon, the actor who drummed as Warren Rojas in Daisy Jones & The Six, has been sued for sexual assault by three women over alleged incidents between 2017 and 2022. The lawsuit was filed under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily lifts the statute of limitations and expires tomorrow. Chacons attorney said in a statement to People that the actor vehemently denies the allegations. Per a copy of the complaint obtained by Deadline, the first Jane Doe accuser claimed that Chacon groomed her under the guise of a romantic relationship in the summer of 2017  when she was 16, and he was 24. In December 2017, when she was still underage, she alleged that he encouraged her to have multiple alcoholic drinks at an event before allegedly performing oral sex and forcibly penetrating her vagina without consent at his apartment. The second and third Jane Does have accused Chacon of strangling them during intercourse and continuing to have sex with them while they were unconscious. They claim they were in romantic relationships with him in 2018 and 2022, respectively, and have both accused him of love bombing. The lawsuit further accuses Chacon of physical and emotional abuse, as well as allegedly taking nonconsensual nude photos of the second plaintiff when she was unconscious.

All three women claimed in the complaint that they attempted suicide or had suicidal thoughts after their alleged experiences with Chacon. Their lawsuit requests a trial by jury, plus compensatory damages for all physical injuries, emotional distress, psychological harm, anxiety, humiliation, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and other harm.

Chacons attorney, Jeff Chabrowe, alleged in a statement to People that the anonymous accusers have been harassing and threatening Chacon to try to get millions of dollars from him. Mr. Chacon will fully cooperate with any investigation and provide any evidence necessary to prove his innocence, Chabrowe said. We have complete faith in our legal system and trust that the truth will ultimately prevail. Meanwhile, the attorney for the accusers, Aurore DeCarlo, said in a statement to People that the facts alleged in the complaint speak for themselves. DeCarlo added, I just think its a huge testament to the strength and courage of these women that they found each other. They realized that they had experienced that same pattern of abuse or a very similar pattern of abuse and theyve banded together to hold this individual accountable.
The musical adaptation bowed with a series of packed preview screenings last week, where the effusive audience response doubled as a show of force. This is a mainstream crowd-pleaser that feels destined to light up the holiday box-office (even if critics are more likely to be respectful than besotted). Its big, winning cast seems a natural fit for a Best Ensemble spot at SAG, and considering the pedigree and source material, a blockbuster haul could push the button that opens up a Best Picture nod. In a race full of arthouse fare, Purples only competition in the accessible lane is Barbie, and theres definitely room for two.

Up

Maestro

In a sign of Netflixs hopes for Maestro, Bradley Coopers Leonard Bernstein biopic is opening in theaters a full month before itll hit streaming. Like A Star Is Born, the film seems on track to deliver acting nominations for its stars, Cooper and Carey Mulligan, though the next hurdle is ginning up enough passion to become a major contender. Says Scott Tobias, Cooper and Mulligan both deliver remarkable performances, but they also have to do a lot of work filling the blanks left by a film that wants to dazzle with almost every scene, only rarely stopping to take a breath. Maestro is so prestige-y that Ive seen signs of a brewing villain narrative online, though thats not the kind of issue that should affect its fortunes in real life.
Its very on-brand for Godzilla that it took an atomic bomb for things to really get going. The third episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is the best one yet, as it clarifies what the narratives of both timelines will be going forward. We have stakes and clear objectives! We dont know the answer to the mysteries yet, but at least we have some understanding of what the questions are: How did Monarch become the shady organization it currently is, and what information did Billy Randa and Hiroshi have that was so important they wanted to hide?

Also, Godzilla is actually in this one. It rules! (Even if the circumstances of his appearance continue to hammer home the fundamental metaphor failure of the MonsterVerse.)

In the Wyatt Russell timeline, its 1954, two years since Lee, Keiko, and Billy first encountered a giant monster in the Philippines. Since then, theyve been studying other Titans, including the monster we all know to be Godzilla. They found and took a cast of his massive footprint in Indonesia, but Lee thinks its time they get more resources, though the scientists are worried about what this could mean for their independence. (Rightfully, itll turn out.) The recently promoted general who first assigned Lee to escort Keiko is aghast  first by the idea that a creature big enough to make that footprint could be out there and then again by the trios request that they need 150 pounds of uranium to lure Godzilla out (Titans absorb radiation).

The general agrees, though Billy is clearly irritated at his interference and at the idea that he has to bite his tongue for a bunch of gun-toting Neanderthals. Keiko reminds Lee that hes one of the good gun-toting Neanderthals, basically, but adds that Billy has a point. If we hide who we are and what we do, then theres no point in doing it at all. This is basically the future of Monarch and the outline of this plot in a nutshell. Were going to see how Monarch went from a bunch of scrappy scientists looking to discover hidden truths to a secret, somewhat nefarious agency that keeps those truths hidden. In 2015, Shaw echoes this sentiment, saying that Billys notes represent what they wanted Monarch to be before they lost their way. Chasing you guys instead of monsters. But well get back to 2015 in a minute, because its time to watch Oppenheimer 2.

It turns out that the general made good on his promise of 150 pounds of uranium, but in bomb form. Bikini Atoll, site of several real-life U.S. nuclear weapons tests, is meant to be Godzillas resting place. The general explains that all of the higher-ups agreed they should attempt to kill this giant monster when they have the chance. Lees disappointed, Billy is disappointed but not surprised, and Keiko is distraught, going as far as to make a last-ditch effort to stop the detonation herself when Godzilla shows up before Lee stops her.

Godzillas arrival to the Marshall Islands is exciting stuff, and it has the benefit of being new, although technically we saw glimpses of this effort to kill Godzilla during the opening credits of the 2014 movie. That was nothing like this, though, and the King of the Monsters imposingly saunters up to a nuke that promptly explodes in his face.

Its a devastating and consequential moment for our heroic onlookers, but it doesnt really matter that much for Godzilla, even as the army seems to think they destroyed him. The Monsterverses take on kaiju recasts them as Titans who were here long before mankind. Whereas Godzilla was originally conceived as a walking, fire-breathing metaphor for the horrors of nuclear war, in the Monsterverse, hes a big semi-benevolent lizard who, to quote Lee in the premiere, thinks the A in A-bomb stands for appetizer. The franchises decision to sever Godzilla from the darkness of his atomic roots is a loaded one. Godzilla doesnt always need to be about nuclear death (indeed, most of the movies are very stupid, in a good way), and while Monarch doesnt come close to the nadir of King of the Monsters  which had Ken Watanabe looking at a wristwatch that survived Hiroshima as he blew up a nuke to revive Godzilla and save the day  its a little jarring if you know the real-life importance of Bikini Atoll to Godzilla. In 1954, a Japanese fishing vessel named the Lucky Dragon No. 5 was caught in the fallout of a test at Bikini Atoll, causing the crew to become very sick and eventually leading to the death of one sailor. This incident was the direct inspiration for the original movie. Monarchs take on Bikini Atoll, framing it as an unsuccessful attempt to kill a monster who already exists, does away with any sense of being complicit. Thats not an unforgivable sin for this fun show, which is part of a long-running, malleable franchise about big monsters, but its worth taking time to note.

After the test, Keiko and Billy are wallowing. Lee, though, arrives with some good news. He made what he thought was an insane request for future funding, figuring there was nothing left to lose. Instead, the general gives him a blank check and a mandate to find more monsters. Although thrilled, Keiko and Billy know its something of a poisoned gift  continuing to work with the army implicitly means working toward the armys goals. Although hes an army man, Lee recognizes this, too, and he and the scientists make an agreement of sorts. Hes bound to report everything he knows to his superiors. But Lee trusts them, and he trusts that they will tell him everything he needs to know. As Keiko says, theres a difference between a secret and a lie, a line that has stuck with Shaw for over six decades.

In 2015, Shaw convinces Kentaro (easily) and Cate (less easily) to join him in escaping Monarchs retirement home/prison and trying to find their father, whom he describes as more like a son to me than a nephew. After an amusing little sequence where Shaw cant figure out the button-starts on these newfangled cars, he evades Monarchs security and drives them all away. Upon hearing that May digitized all the files, he asks her to look for anything she can find about Alaska, Hiroshis last known location. Theres something in the files that he didnt want Monarch to know about, and Shaw reckons that if they find whatever that is, theyll find Hiroshi.

Shaw gets them out of Japan and into Korea, where they meet up with an old buddy of his, Dae-Ho, who helps them escape customs in Pohang. Dae-Ho has an old bomber that will take the five of them to Alaska, and during the flight, Mays able to figure out where, exactly, they should go. One of the files had a bunch of coordinates Randa had written down, and Hiroshi had crossed off all of them except for a set that would lead them to Alaska. Thats where theyre headed, but Cate is wary. Shes mad that her dad was part of Monarch, an agency she watched do nothing helpful when Godzilla and the MUTOs attacked San Francisco the previous year. Shes mad that her dad was lying about what he really did, going off on Monarch missions, though Shaw quotes her grandmother, saying that Hisohsi wasnt lying. He just had a secret, which is different.

After a rough landing in a sudden storm, everybody gets out into the frigid wastes and inspects the wreckage of Hiroshis plane. The pilot is dead, but Hiroshi is not there  nor is he inside the tent they discover nearby. Clearly, though, Hiroshi survived the crash, but before they can investigate further, Dae-Ho discovers monstrous claw marks on the destroyed fuselage. He attempts to get their plane back into the air, but a Titan that looks like some combination of a giant pangolin with the face of one of those creepy star-nosed moles and some sort of ice breath emerges from the snow. Dae-Ho becomes a Popsicle, and the creature destroys the plane as everyone else watches in horror.

Reasonable quibbles about the role that nuclear weapons should play in a franchise originally conceived as a metaphor for the horrors of the atomic bomb aside, Monarchs third episode is a breezy, tight outing. After two somewhat fuzzy episodes, the stakes are now clear. Monarchs legacy isnt necessarily a good one, and were going to find out how that happened and what secrets remain.

Up From the Depths

 Tim, the Monarch agent who got nailed in the nose with a cell phone last episode, gets a chewing-out from a Monarch higher-up who steps out of a swanky private plane and name-drops Dr. Serizawa, Ken Wantabes character from the 2014 and 2019 movies whose name is an Easter egg referencing the original film. Tims co-agent saves his ass, and it seems the two of them will be hot on Cate, Kentaro, and Shaws trail.

 On the boat out of Japan, May is talking to someone on the phone, telling them that she might be coming back soon and that she means it for real. May has the potential to be an interesting character, though whether or not Monarch has the narrative space for another mystery is unclear.

 The cut to Keikos somber face when the general remarks that 150 pounds of uranium is more than we dropped on Hiroshima is indicative of the MonsterVerses attitude toward nuclear weapons. It knows theyre a serious subject and a major part of Godzillas history, but beyond that feint, theres no engagement with the topic.

 Monarch was founded in the late 40s. Wouldnt that make you, like, 90 years old? What can I say, good genes?

For the record, Kurt Russell is 72 years old, but this is a cute little bit of lampshade-hanging about how the two timelines are just far enough apart that it should strain credulity. Its fine! A show with Kurt Russell is better than a show without him.

 Maybe its the glowing blue lights on the ending Titans little tentacles, but this looks like a creature better suited to fighting Gipsy Danger than Godzilla.

 R.I.P., Dae-Ho. If an old friend called on me to help get him out of the country and had me fly them to the middle of Alaska, and then I got frozen to death by a giant monster, Id be so pissed.
I never like it when the main thing you take away from an episode is that the elimination is wrong. Or: How the heck did the judges (and producers and editors) get us here when it seems to make so little sense? Thats how I feel this week after Tasha is sent home, just missing the final and making it an all-male final. While this group of finalists has been named Finalists We Most Want to Smooch by the editors of Brian Moylan Magazine, I still would have puckered up for Tasha even if PE teacher dreamboat Matty went home instead.

So, how did we get here? It starts with the dreaded Patisserie Week, where you are going to see more lamination than in every kindergarten classroom in all the land. Its never my favorite week because not only do the bakes seem overly complicated and time-consuming, but I also dont love the treats that come out of it. I mean, a financier is one thing, but Id rather have one standing next to me at the altar than have one in my hand fresh from the oven.

Thats the signature bake, two different types of financiers highly decorated and worth more than Bernie Madoff before the scam was discovered. Just like with all of the challenges this week, there arent any major disasters, but it doesnt mean Matty isnt plotting one. He asks Noel if his offer to turn up the other contestants ovens still stands. While he thinks the trick will work on Dan, he says Josh is way too smart and would notice it. However, Tasha is so good he wants Noel to sabotage her oven and refrigerator.

It turns out he wont even need the help; the judges will do it themselves. There was also some telegraphing of who would win Star Baker as Prue points out that Josh is the only one left in the tent who hasnt won two. Not anymore!

Mattys treats are up first. Despite worrying they werent in the oven long enough, Paul says his chocolate-and-coffee-flavored bake is actually overdone. They like his mango, lime, and coconut combination better, but they think there was too much cake in both. Tashas look wonderful, especially her hazelnut-and-coffee combination, which both of the judges like. Theyre not so keen on her raspberry-and-pistachio combination where she curdled the buttercream, and the judges think theyre too much of a mess.

Joshs, as always, look gorgeously uniform, like a bunch of financiers streaming into the JPMorgan office, but both of them seem to be strikeouts. There is too much almond extract in his Bakewell-inspired financiers (which is a combo of almond and cherry), and the chocolate, orange, and hazelnut has great flavors, but the cake is drier than Paul Hollywoods ashy knees.

The only one to really triumph is Daddy Dan, who gets a handshake for two amazing renditions, the first a pistachio, matcha, and pink peppercorn, which seems like Dan is throwing everything and the kitchen sink into the kitchen sink and turning it into a bake. Even after making fun of his hated matcha and the idea of putting so many ingredients into a tiny sponge, Paul loves it. Hes equally gaga over his orange-and-peach cakes with peach and raspberries on top. The best part of his win, though, is finally someone says what I have been thinking for years now: Hed rather have a fist bump from Prue than a handshake from Paul. Can we please make this a thing?

The technical is to make an apple tart in the French style with a pastry case that is blind-baked, a layer of frangipane, and apple puree topped with sliced apples in a rosette pattern. There wasnt a ton of difficulty from the bakers, but my brain almost bled when Alison was talking to us about cracked pastry cases, even though she wasnt in the tent this week. I assume she was home with English COVID, a disease where you just say youre ill and disappear for a few days but never tell anyone about the positive test.

Tasha comes in the bottom since her pastry case fell apart and she and Daddy Dan didnt quite figure out how to arrange the apples in the appropriate concentric circles. Everyones favorite Daddy comes in third with Matty on top of him (get your mind out of the gutter) and Josh on top of him (I really mean it this time).

For the showstopper, they have to make a highly decorated millefoglie, which is the Italian version of a French mille-feuille. In both languages, it means a thousand layers, but what differentiates the Italian version? It seems like absolutely nothing to me. Also, arent all pastries, at their core, French in one way or another? Why are we insisting this is Italian rather than French? Did Channel 4/Netflix get some tax breaks from the Vatican? I have no idea.

Everyone has to make real puff pastry, which means lots of rolling out of dough, a lot of hammering of butter, and lots of chilling of fridges. Sorry, that sentence has either too many or not enough layers. I already hate this challenge. Its Tashas birthday, so she decides to make life difficult for herself and do inverted puff pastry where the butter goes on the outside. I dont know; this sounds like a risk that is not worth the reward. Not only is it a harder technique, I dont know that the dividends will really pay off. But, then again, at this stage, anything that can make you stand out even the slightest bit could be what tips the scales.

In this case, it clearly wasnt worth it since she went home, and she was also terrified halfway through preparation that her pastry wasnt going to have any layers. Matty is also worried about his pastry because it isnt as dark as Josh and Daddy Dans. Paul tells him not to second-guess himself and listen to his instincts. Its too bad his instincts are the same ones he used on every math exam hes ever taken: copy the bloke next to him.

When the cakes all come out, Joshs square slab looks absolutely perfect with some gorgeous rosettes and a pile of fruit in the top in the center. This looks like it could not only be in a shop but at a Jean-Georges in a Vegas hotel. The bake is inspired by his grandmother because the only two things Josh ever bakes for are his grandmother and Christmas. At least he has one more trick than the proverbial pony. Prue is especially impressed with how he got gelatin in his mousses to keep them both firm enough to hold their structure but not too rubbery.

Speaking of rubbery, thats just what they say about the blue mirror glaze on the top of Daddy Dans electric-blue-guitar dessert. I like that he tried something a little bit different with his tiramisu-flavored instrument, but it looked a bit juvenile compared to everyone elses. Everything else is pretty much good, including the flavors and the bake. It looks like Daddys home (to the finals), and we know that Josh wins Star Baker, so its between Matty and Tasha.

Neither of them gets very high marks. Mattys looks like a big, three-layered wedding cake, as intended, but neither judge likes his pastry. He used a cake tin to cut out the shapes so it squashed down all the edges. Then the rest of the pastry rose, keeping the edges down and the layers from fully forming. I dont care if your flavors are great and Mattys trio of booze-inspired layers killed, the hero here should be the pastry, and if you screw that up, you should go home.

Tasha, on the other hand, seemed to make the cardinal sin of having a grainy mango curd. Her lamination was good, but Paul didnt like how messy the final result was and how it wasnt as flat or square as some of her competitors. Maybe that is what finally sent her home. They described all three of her bakes as a little bit messy, sure, but cant being untidy but delicious take her to the end? Especially compared to Matty, who fundamentally flubbed the key element of the week? I say give it to Tasha, but again, I dont get to give handshakes or even fist bumps; I just get to complain about it when its all done.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The economic forum, held on the sidelines of the SPECA Week in Baku, will contribute to fostering business ties between our countries, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports.

"We welcome the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the 25th anniversary of SPECA. We consider establishing the SPECA Trust Fund under the auspices of the UN as a commendable step. I am pleased to announce that Azerbaijan will allocate 3.5 million US dollars to the Trust Fund. The exhibition in the Baku Expo Center vividly portrays the development in our countries.

Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia are bound by centuries-long historical and cultural ties. Azerbaijan and Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural and geopolitical space, with increasing strategic significance. This September, I was invited for the first time to the Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, as the guest of honor. Once again, I express my gratitude for the invitation. I consider todays Summit as a logical follow-up to the Dushanbe meeting," the President of Azerbaijan underlined.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Currently, we are implementing large-scale restoration and reconstruction works across the liberated territories. We are building new cities and villages from scratch, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports.

As an initial step, we are planning to restore 100 residential settlements, including nine cities and eight settlements. Former internally displaced persons are returning to their ancestral lands under the Great Return Program. 140 thousand IDPs will return to their homes by the end of 2026, the head of state pointed out.
We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic Middle School teacher to join our team in this unique opportunity as we open our Bilingual Middle school in September 2024. We follow the Cambridge English Curriculum and believe in offering a well-balanced, rigorous and holistic learning experience for our students.

Candidates must have:

English mother tongue

QTS

Experience teaching the Cambridge English Curriculum

European passport or already have the right to be employed in Italy

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Safeguarding, teaching and learning as top priorities

Candidates should apply by sending their CV and application letter to info@bigbritishschool.it. Applicants must ensure at least two referees from previous employer/s. An offer of employment will be subject to criminal background checks and immigration authorisation if applicable.

Start date: 1st September 2024

Apply by: 31st January 2024

Salary: Undisclosed, Full time permanent

For info: +390697843845 - www.bigbritishschool.it
Rallies to take place on Saturday in Rome and Sicily.

Italy marks the 2023 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with major demonstrations in Rome and Messina on Saturday 25 November.

The rallies come amid an outpouring of anger and national debate sparked by the recent killing of 22-year-old student Giulia Cecchettin in Italy's northern Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

Elena Cecchettin, who has called for her sister Giulia to be remembered with a minute of noise instead of silence, said on Friday that she might attend the Rome demonstration.

Organised by feminist movement Non Una di Meno, the protest in Rome is scheduled to start at the Circus Maximus at 14.30 before making its way to Piazza S. Giovanni.

Busloads of people are due to travel from all over Italy to attend the Rome rally, with a parallel demonstration being staged in the Sicilian city of Messina on Saturday morning.

The Italian parliament on Wednesday approved new measures to clamp down on violence against women, following unanimous support from the senate and lower house.

Among the measures being introduced is a campaign in schools to address sexism, machismo and psychological and physical violence against women.

Protests have been taking place across the country since last weekend when Cecchettin's body was found wrapped in plastic at the bottom of a ravine near a lake north of Venice.

Her corpse showed signs of a brutal murder, with multiple, deep knife wounds to the head and neck.

The murder suspect - Cecchettin's former boyfriend Filippo Turetta - was arrested in Germany on Sunday, eight days after fleeing the country.

The 22-year-old is due to be extradited on Saturday, the same day that Italy marks the Giornata Internazionale per l'Eliminazione della Violenza sulle Donne.

Photo credit: Vincenzo Nuzzolese / Shutterstock.com.
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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina  Former President Donald Trump has told Argentinas President-elect Javier Milei that he plans to travel to the South American country so the two can meet, Mileis office said Thursday. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The office did not give a date for when Trump intends to be in Buenos Aires. The inauguration of Milei, a right-wing populist who has expressed admiration for Trump, is scheduled for Dec. 10.

The president-elect received a call last night from the former president of the United States, Donald Trump, who congratulated him and pointed out his triumph by a wide margin in last Sundays election had a great impact on a global scale, a news release from Mileis office said.

A local journalist who was first to report the news, Luis Majul, wrote on X early Thursday that the lawmaker son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Eduardo Bolsonaro, was the one who facilitated the contact between Milei and the GOP front-runner. Thats right, Milei posted in response.

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Trump celebrated Mileis victory with a social media post of his own on Tuesday.

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I am very proud of you. You will turn your country around and truly make Argentina great again, Trump said in a video published on social media Tuesday.

Milei has often been compared to Trump, whom he praised in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson earlier this year. During the interview, Milei called on Trump to continue with his fight against socialism, because hes one of the few who fully understood that the battle is against socialism, that the battle is against the statists.

His conversation with Trump on Wednesday took place a few hours after Milei spoke with President Joe Biden.

The White House said Biden congratulated Milei and spoke of the strong relationship between the United States and Argentina on economic issues, on regional and multilateral cooperation, and on shared priorities, including advocating for the protection of human rights, addressing food insecurity and investing in clean energy.
Optus executive Matt Williams. Credit: Dallas Kilponen Bayer Rosmarin had already made up her mind to depart Optus top job, Optus sources with direct knowledge of the situation said, before fronting the fiery two-hour Senate inquiry that laid bare widespread anger that such a critical service  the nations telecommunications infrastructure  could go down and for so long. The Optus outage blocked more than 200 emergency triple-zero calls and shut down rail networks as well as hospital communications services, in a 16-hour event that has been universally deemed unacceptable. Optus is searching for a new chief executive, with sources suggesting that despite Gladys Berejiklians name being bandied about as a hot tip, Singtels board will most likely opt for an external replacement, and possibly an executive from another country entirely. Such a move would give Optus the chance at rebuilding its reputation and communicate to customers  many of whom remain incredibly angry  that the telco has fresh leadership.

The local governance structure Optus has is not designed to help manage it through a crisis. Ziggy Switkowski, former Telstra and Optus CEO Alongside Berejiklian, the head of Optus consumer division, Matt Williams, has also been touted as a potential CEO, with some of his colleagues praising him as a savvy operator and calm under pressure. He also was present for the data breach, however, and Optus sources say he was directly involved in the decision to offer Optus customers 200 gigabytes in compensation, a move that has been widely panned. Optus chair Paul OSullivan, who does not have a say in the appointment, said in interviews this week the next CEO should be someone with some experience in the telecommunications sector. A fresh start seems likely. Ziggy Switkowski holds the unique distinction of being a former chief executive of both Optus and Telstra. Optus was simply not match fit, Switkowski said in an interview.

Switkowski, who led Telstra between 1999 and 2004 after leading Optus, knows the ins and outs of a corporate crisis better than most and says Telstra would have handled a similar outage far differently, and likely more successfully. Ziggy Switkowski says Telstra would have handled the outage differently. Credit: Attila Csaszar Telstra has a long history of working ministers and the government, and it also has the responsibilities of dealing with shareholders. It also has a local decision-making structure and a local board. Its quite clear the line of decision-making and who is accountable. The local governance structure Optus has is not designed to help manage it through a crisis, he said. Canberra has made it clear that Bayer Rosmarins resignation or even change at Optus parent company will mean little compared to ensuring that this months outage will never be repeated, a process that will encompass the whole sector and likely mean new rules and regulations.

The appetite for a crackdown  or at least the perception of a crackdown  is strong. This was never about which individual is CEO, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said directly after Bayer Rosmarins resignation. This is about ensuring millions of Australians have access to what is an essential service ... including the ability to call triple zero in an emergency, access government services, contact loved ones, and make and take essential payments. Her inquiry is examining stronger regulations for the nations telcos, so that, in the words of Hanson-Young, in the event of outages and network failures the community can have confidence that their public interests and safety are protected. Other inquiries are yet to kick off, including a probe by the communications watchdog into the triple-zero emergency system and a separate inquiry by the department of communications led by minister Michelle Rowland.

Executives at Optus rival telcos  Telstra and TPG  have closely watched the events of the past two weeks, and submissions made to last Fridays Senate inquiry into the outage highlight their anxiety about potential new regulations. Margins are already anaemic across the sector, with telcos making little from postpaid plans or home internet offerings. Optus itself swung to a $79 million loss in 12 months to March 31, its latest accounts reveal. Telco executives contacted by this masthead are quick to point out that far from rubbing their hands with glee, as might have been expected, theyre wary about new potential regulations, and the extra spotlight being shone on the industry from Canberra. They saw how quickly senators from across the political spectrum united in their condemnation of Optus handling of its outage, which is a regular occurrence for every telco, though not nearly to that extreme. Former Optus chief Kelly Bayer Rosmarin and executive Lambo Kanagaratnam face questioning by Senator Hollie Hughes (left) and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (centre) in Canberra after the outage. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Were looking now at whether new regulations might lead to higher costs, whether that might have to be passed on to customers, these are the sorts of things were talking about, one executive said, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity to speak freely. Questions were raised after the Optus outage about why affected customers could not roam on to Telstra or Vodafones network instead. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman says it has received complaints that customers caught up in the outage were unable to pay for food or bills, make sales or attend medical appointments. The government is already working with mobile operators to enable temporary roaming during natural disasters, but some industry figures are calling for roaming to be allowed more broadly including during outages. Telstra, in its submission to the Senate inquiry, warns that it would be too expensive and too risky for it to be forced into sharing its network with rivals in the event of another outage. This is because roaming, even temporarily, requires authentication of the end user by their mobile network operator and ultimately the routing of their traffic back to the core network, Telstra wrote.

Loading Even if a TDR (temporary disaster roaming) capability, as currently being considered, had been available on November 8, it would not have been able to provide service to Optus customers, as all communications with the Optus core network were disrupted. Louise Hyland, the chief executive of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA)  the peak body for the nations telco industry - agrees with Telstras assessment. Roaming to other networks in the event of a major outage poses significant technical and operational challenges, she said in her submission to the Senate inquiry. Most importantly, if the outage disables access to the core of the network then roaming from other networks is not possible as they are unable to authenticate and connect the impacted user devices. Even in situations where roaming is technically possible, there is high risk of the other networks also failing or becoming congested due to the massive surge in the number of devices attempting to connect and communicate with them.

TPG, on the other hand, says there remains a basis for the government to reconsider mandating domestic roaming, given the benefits it would deliver in rural communities. Mandated domestic roaming should be considered as a practical option to bring greater choice and connectivity to regional Australia, TPG argued in its submission. This would also create incentives for increased investment in regional areas and reverse the trend of weakened competitive dynamics. A permanent roaming solution would also have the benefit of providing a much higher degree of network resilience for Australians living in regional areas. Meanwhile, The Department of Home Affairs used its submission to argue that the Optus outage highlights the degree to which Australias critical infrastructure sectors are deeply interconnected. Significant disruption in one sector may have severe, cascading and compounding impacts and consequences on the delivery of other critical infrastructure services, the department said.

The Optus outage has highlighted the consequences which can occur as a result of this interdependency, with the event impacting the availability of other critical infrastructure services, including hospital services, financial services and public transport. It also demonstrated the flow-on impact to businesses, which also act as key third-party service providers to other sectors (as well as individuals) across the economy. This adds to the significant impact of the outage on the day-to-day operation of tens of thousands of businesses and millions of individual Australians. The department said that longer-term consequences of significant incidents impacting critical infrastructure can often lead to reputational damage and loss of confidence in a system, market, entity or nation  and as a result cause damage to Australias national interests. The loss of services, regardless of the cause, resulted in significant impacts on a business and personal level, and caused huge consumer distress. The government is considering possible avenues to ensure legislative levers are sufficient to manage these consequences. According to Switkowski, Australias telcos should co-operate on whatever recommendations come out of inquiries into the outage.

Loading Some elements of the solution, whether they be too expensive or too commercially risky, have to simply be confronted and accepted. Thats a process and a cost in the modern world, and you cant avoid it, he said. Sharing access may be necessary, but should be a realisation of the carriers, not imposed by the government. That should be a last-resort action. He adds that the lessons out of the Optus incident are clear not just for other telcos, but for the corporate sector more broadly, which has recently grappled with high-profile successive failings from Qantas, PWC, Crown and many others. The problem of poor behaviour is not new, there are examples everywhere, he says. What is new is the speed and the strength of reaction to them.
Do you ever get the sense that some of our biggest companies seem to slowly gobble up more of their smaller rivals, thereby gaining more and more power to set prices?

If so, youre not alone. The competition watchdog has long shared this fear. Indeed, the fact that so many industries are dominated by a few corporate giants  an issue called market concentration  is a growing concern around the world, including here. Now the government wants to do something about it.

Australian households could well be paying quite a cost for the high level of concentration in the marketplace, which can result in higher prices, weaker wages, less innovation and less productivity. Credit: Chris Hopkins

This week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers kicked off consultation in a process to assess if our regime for approving corporate deals is too permissive, and making competition feebler than it should be.

While no policy action has been decided yet, the federal governments competition review is looking at whether to shake up the approvals that larger companies need to get when buying out a rival.
With a string of No. 1 hits like Rich Girl, Maneater and Shes Gone in the 1970s and 80s, followed by a more recent cultural resurgence, Daryl Hall and John Oates have long been one of pop musics most celebrated duos.

But over the decades, there have been hints that things were not entirely copacetic between the two men whose names are almost always uttered in sequence. (Oates is the one with the famous moustache.)

Daryl Hall and John Oates (without his famous moustache).

In the 80s the group went on hiatus, and both members have at times pursued solo work. In 2020, they announced plans for a 19th studio album, but it never came to fruition; this year, the musicians performed separate tours.

Now, the discord is undeniable as Hall, 77, has filed a lawsuit in Nashville, Tennessee, against Oates, 75, the partner with whom he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Because a judge allowed the complaint to be filed this month under seal, details on the disagreement are scant, but court records classify it as a contract lawsuit.
The day Doctor Who premiered on British television (November 23, 1963) is curiously knitted to the fabric of modern history. It was the day after the assassination of US president John F. Kennedy and the debut episode, An Unearthly Child, was delayed so the BBC could air a newsreel on the presidential assassination that had arrived via airplane from the US.

While it is tempting to use that connection to explain the inexplicable cultural immortality of Doctor Who, the shows returning executive producer and writer Russell T. Davies believes everything pivots on another date  a month later  when the episode The Dead Planet aired, introducing audiences to the terrifying bathroom plunger-armed Daleks.

Back in the Tardis: David Tennant as The Doctor. Credit: BBC, Disney+

You look back and there was Beatlemania, and Dalekmania, Davies says. Theres an entire generation that has grown up with that as a memory. The success of the Daleks is extraordinary and strange, and still unquantifiable in many ways. But they absolutely, definitely worked. The Kennedy thing looks like a nice piece of history, and it is, but really the show did its own work.

Davies and I first met on the set of the reboot in 2004, during filming of the episode Dalek at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, in Wales. At that point, Davies had been handed the keys to the kingdom in the hope he would breathe new life into Doctor Who. What followed was transformational, both in terms of its ambition and also its subtle (and sometimes overt) genuflection to the shows decades-long history.
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 This will be the worst 30 seconds of your life, but I promise Ill make it as quick as I can. Dr Jack Dawkins is holding a large knife above a man who is lying on a table with a crushed leg. The crowd in the operating theatre of the hospital is chanting cut, cut, cut and, well, Ill let you imagine the rest. Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Dr Jack Dawkins, aka the Artful Dodger. Its a bloody re-introduction to one of Charles Dickens most famous characters, the Artful Dodger  pickpocket, traitor to Oliver Twist  now reimagined as a surgeon living a more respectable life in Port Victory in 1850s Australia. But Dawkins hasnt quite left his past behind: Fagin, the master criminal who trained him in the art of thievery, is back. Its also the quick-fire opening sequence to Disneys second locally produced scripted series, The Artful Dodger, an eight-part comedy-drama starring Brits Thomas Brodie-Sangster and David Thewlis as Dawkins and Fagin, who are aided and abetted by the governors daughter and aspiring surgeon Lady Belle (Maia Mitchell) and thwarted by Captain Gaines (Damon Herriman) and Darius Cracksworth (Tim Minchin). Rounding out the cast are Australian favourites Kym Gyngell, Susie Porter, Miranda Tapsell, Damien Garvey and Luke Carroll. It is less a stuffy BBC drama and more Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, with added Wolfmother on the soundtrack. David Thewlis plays Fagin, who conveniently escaped the noose at the end of Oliver Twist and has now landed in Australia. Hes trying to make himself into a better man, says Brodie-Sangster of Dawkins. Because he was an unloved boy. Hes an orphan who hasnt really experienced love. The only thing that has come close to that is the character of Fagin  and thats it. No ones really ever given him the time of day. And hes come to Australia, he has a chance to make a new life and Fagin comes in and potentially could completely disrupt that. Thats terrifying. So [Fagin] kind of pulls him back into his wicked ways. But he keeps trying to fight to be good.

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(If youre thinking, hang on, didnt Fagin die at the end of Oliver Twist, youre not wrong. He was sent to the gallows, but seems to have made a quick recovery for this series). Maia Mitchell stars as Lady Belle, the governors daughter who is an aspiring surgeon. Were on location in Parramatta, in a large white shed with a Tesla dealership across the road. But as soon as you step inside, its the Royal Hospital. Theres the operating theatre, set up in the round, with sawdust on the floor and bloodied bandages strewn about. Under the stairs is a room full of prosthetics  legs and arms dangling from the rafters, eyeballs goggling about. Another set of stairs leads to the mortuary. Then, if you turn left, its a corridor dotted with marble columns (the magic is broken somewhat once the columns are given a tap  its not marble, just the unmistakably hollow sound of plastic). Brodie-Sangster is on a break from filming and sitting in the professors office, a stuffy study lined with books that looks like it belongs in a historical house instead of a shed. The 33-year-old Brit first came to attention in Love Actually (20 years ago, this year), as Sam, the lovestruck stepson of Liam Neeson, as well as roles in Game of Thrones and The Queens Gambit. A young Thomas Brodie-Sangster in Love Actually with Liam Neeson, who played his stepfather. He is tall and lean, with a flourish of blond hair, not at all like the flat-browed, common-faced boy that Dickens describes in Oliver Twist. Nor are his eyes little, sharp, ugly. He even indulges me  ever so slightly  when I jokingly ask if he still gets people running after him at airports in the style of Love Actually. Depends on the airport, depends on what time of day it is. What does he think drives Dawkins, apart from escaping the noose?

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He does what he loves to do, and he does it for good reasons, says Brodie-Sangster. He enjoys helping people, saving people. Hes very much aware of his background and where he comes from. And hes proud of that, so he wants to help people that need it the most. Hes also a very naughty boy, but he has morals in the right places. And I think thats whats important. Now, if the idea of Dawkins and Fagin meeting in Australia sounds far-fetched, astonishingly its partly based on truth. About 25 years ago, the shows co-creator and co-executive producer David Taylor was on a motorbike ride around Tasmania. While in Richmond, just outside Hobart, he read a plaque on a door that said, In this cell resided Ikey Solomon, the master criminal who was sentenced to 14 years transportation to Van Diemens Land in 1831 for receiving stolen goods. His trial in London caused such a stir, and was covered extensively in pamphlets at the time, its thought thats where Dickens drew his inspiration for Fagin. The colonial-era Royal Hospital, where Jack Dawkins performs his operations, was built inside a disused shed in Parramatta. [Solomon] was an East End crook that ran a team of pickpockets, says Taylor. And we just thought that was a really cool idea that Fagin is buried in Hobart. And then just knowing at the end of Oliver Twist that Jack Dawkins gets transported [to Australia], we thought, imagine if Fagin and the Artful Dodger reunited in the colonies. But the story engine came when we stumbled across some articles from the 19th century that talked about street urchins being taken on as apprentices by surgeons. Surgery was a very different thing in the 19th century, it was more of a trade, it wasnt a respected medical profession. Damon Herriman (middle) plays Captain Gaines, who has a penchant for the noose and runs Port Victory. Then, when weve looked at the timeline of everything, when Twist was set, if Jack has reinvented himself as a surgeon in the colonies, 15 years later, and when we started chatting with Jim [James McNamara, co-creator and co-executive producer], theres this 25-year period when modern medicine came to being  they discovered anaesthetic, they discovered germs, they discovered that surgery could be more than lopping off limbs.

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McNamara, it turns out, as well as being a screenwriter, has a PhD in surgeons in 19th-century literature. Its become very commercially relevant, McNamara says, laughing. I got a scholarship to go to Oxford after undergrad and I was just always really fascinated by doctors at that time and how they were represented in literature. So I was able to sit for four years and just read bloodstained Latin surgery books at the Bodleian Library, so that gave me an angle into breathing fresh life into Fagin and Dodger. That early life of crime works in Dawkins favour when it comes to surgery  his quick instincts and nimble fingers make him perfect for the job. And while Dawkins learnt his trade in the Navy, where he served in the Crimean War, for Brodie-Sangster it was Skype calls with a retired surgeon that helped him through each operation. The surgery scene basically looks like [in the script], And they perform surgery. Thats how its written, he says. And you go, OK, well, theres a lot more to that. So I [had to work out] exactly the beats that are important [in the operation] and the rest of it is, I realised, elbows. Thats the effort. Its all elbow acting. Hes a street guy. And hes very overconfident. But in terms of actual surgery, no, I dont know what Im doing. I just know how to make it look good. Jack Dawkins and Lady Belle are a pair of sickos with a love of surgery, says Maia Mitchell. Could he stitch someone up? Im not bad at sewing And while the shadow of Dickens looms over The Artful Dodger, the shows creators say they never felt beholden to him or the characters he created. Instead, it was a chance to reimagine two of his most complex characters and give them a fresh start.

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Theres something really delicious about the king and the Prince of Thieves in a land of convicts, where anyone can rise above their station if theyre capable enough, says David Maher, another of the shows co-creators and executive producers. So theres a real Australian emancipation story at the core of it. Its not just a rigid class system in the colonies, someone like Jack, who started on the streets of London, was penniless and starving, can go into the Navy and a few short years later, become a surgeon on the other side of the world. And theres a truth to that. Loading That liberty also allowed them to create new characters from scratch, such as Lady Belle. Played by Australian actor Mitchell, Belle has more modern medical smarts than most of the blokes in Port Victory. She is this brilliant, independent, stubborn medical genius who is stuck in this gilded cage, says Mitchell. Shes massively ambitious, shes outspoken but because of her position in life, and the time it is set, she has no opportunity to follow that through. So shes deeply bored and dissatisfied, and Dodger brings her life back into her, through that kind of shared love of medicine. Shes ahead of her time in a lot of ways  shes set in this time period, but her sensibility is of a modern woman. That sensibility also extends to Belles love life. She swats away potential suitors, preferring medicine to marriage. Thats until she meets Dawkins, of course. I think our first date is over the top of a cadaver, she says. Theyre cutting it open and thats, sort of, a romantic moment. Theyre sickos, Belle and Jack, but I kind of love it.

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Opinion Eating outAussie icons Yes, Australian sushi exists. Get over it, argues Adam Liaw An Aussie woman was called a coloniser for opening a NY shop selling Australian sushi. But Adam Liaw says its very much a thing  and anyone who disagrees simply hasnt done their homework. Adam Liaw November 23, 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

If youre not an extremely online person whos also into food, you might have missed a little controversy that spiced up the US online commentariat a few weeks ago, and it goes to the very heart of one of Australias favourite foods: sushi. In a nutshell, Australian lawyer Alex Mark quit her job to open Sushi Counter, a small takeaway place in New Yorks Greenwich Village selling Australian sushi. American chef Eric Rivera took issue, calling Mark a coloniser and accusing her of cultural appropriation, leading to a small but vocal band of online attackers against Mark and her venture. Salmon avocado rolls at Sushi Hub in Sydneys CBD. Sushi Hub opened its first store in 2006 in Cabramatta and now has almost 200 across the country. Flavio Brancaleone We could dissect the politics of this all day, from wondering whether the online pile-on would have been so vocal if Marks hadnt been a pretty white woman in activewear, to questioning the completely absurd hypocrisy of Rivera planning to open a Puerto Rican izakaya in Seattle, blending Puerto Rican cuisine with Japanese because its apparently not cultural appropriation when he does it. Instead, its probably faster to advise everyone online to log off for a while and touch some grass.

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What the whole discourse managed to avoid is that Australian sushi is very much a thing and anyone who thinks it isnt simply hasnt done their homework. So what is Australian sushi? Australian sushi is a thick hand roll made from half a standard sheet of nori. Its shape is distinct from Japanese temaki hand rolls, which are often cone-shaped, as well as from futomaki thick rolls, which are similar in shape but usually served sliced. Japanese convenience stores sell rice balls and sometimes even similar shaped rolls with fillings like natto (fermented soybeans), tuna mayonnaise and the like, but as every Australian knows, its the range of fillings that makes our sushi truly unique. Teriyaki beef and cucumber, raw salmon and avocado, tempura prawn, and fried chicken are all standard, but Ive even seen Peking duck and sweet and sour pork rolls, too. Sushi Hub staff preparing teriyaki beef rolls for the lunch rush. Flavio Brancaleone

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When we first moved to Australia from Japan, my wife would take photos of Australian sushi to send to her friends, often with quite a few shocked emojis. Sushi has come a long way in Australia in a relatively short period of time. Japanese restaurants here served sushi through the 70s and 80s, and it was considered both exotic and expensive. RecipeTin Eats' step-by-step guide to making sushi rolls But after the Japanese economic bubble burst in the late 1980s, affordable Japanese food options proliferated around the world and in 1993, Australias first conveyor belt sushi train opened on the Gold Coast. As sushis popularity grew, it became even more simplified into the unsliced form we know today, eaten just as we would a sausage roll.

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Sushi rolls being prepared for the lunch rush at Sushi Hub. Flavio Brancaleone Today you can find our proudly Australian version of sushi in every food court, airport and central business district in the country. Its adored by children and adults alike, and isnt found this way anywhere else in the world. If Australian sushi doesnt exist, then what the hell are the things were all eating every day? The evolution of food Australia is far from the only country to have adapted its own style of sushi. On the west coast of America, there are California and dragon rolls, and in Hawaii, musubi is sushi rice topped with slices of teriyaki Spam. Gimbap, a Korean dish of seaweed-rolled rice and fillings, only evolved in the country after the 1950s, but nobody pretends it doesnt exist.

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Japan itself has developed entire cuisines from naturalising foreign foods to the Japanese palate. Yoshoku (Japanese-Western food) encompasses katsu, curries, omurice and dozens of pasta variations containing everything from sea urchin to seaweed. Chuka (Japanese-Chinese food) is responsible for dan dan ramen, prawns with mayonnaise, mapo eggplant and even ramen and gyoza. Katsu chicken and avocado rolls. Flavio Brancaleone This is by no means an isolated affair. Sweden has its own versions of pizza. Ethiopia serves spaghetti with banana. British Indian food is a cuisine that is quite different from its subcontinental origins, and American-Chinese food of lemon chicken, fortune cookies and General Tsos chicken are entirely home-grown affairs. The online carbonaraineiri (my word for the Italian food police), who angrily denounce any dish that is vaguely Italian but not made like it was in a tiny hillside village a hundred years ago, have conditioned us to believe adaptation is bad and offensive, when in fact adaptation is axiomatic of food everywhere.

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Its unfortunate that our cultural cringe writes off so much of Australian food as poor imitation rather than as triumphant local variants. I love our decadent banh mi, overflowing laksas and Aussie bolognese  all very different from their overseas inspiration. Theres nowhere in the world that loves a roast chook as much as we do, and yes, our own version of sushi is proudly and patriotically true blue. Our Australian cafes are higher quality, more fun and serve better coffee than their predecessors in Italy. And theres a reason theyre loved from New York to Shanghai, where Chinese coffee aficionados call a flat white an ao bai (an Australian white). After the firestorm surrounding its opening, social media sleuths report Marks sushi place is selling out daily, with hundreds of happy customers. I am proud as punch that Australian food in all its forms is making news on the world stage. EASY How to master Adam Liaws Australian bolognese Stop the culinary cringe, its time we redefined what is Australian food
JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, November 24. Hungarian KESZ construction holding will build a school in Soltanli village of Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district for free, General Director of the holding Otto Izso said, Trend reports.

Otto Izso spoke at the ceremony of laying the foundation of Soltanli village in Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that the school will be built by the Hungarian government as a gift to Azerbaijan. He added that this initiative is intended to strengthen friendship between the two countries, and emphasized the importance of international cooperation.

Izso noted that KESZ will actively participate in the construction of not only the school, but also other buildings in the village, which will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region and support the local community.

A solemn ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village liberated from Armenian occupation took place.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts of East Zangezur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture Anar Guliyev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, as well as villagers attended the ceremony.
A leading domestic violence advocate has called for the City of Perth and the state government to end the political tit-for-tat over the future of the womens safe night space in East Perth which will close its doors next Friday.

The womens safe night space at the Rod Evans Community Centre in East Perth has been funded by the City of Perth since March 2021 but in February this year the city announced it would cease at the end of November.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. Pictures: Supplied

The decision has sparked another political skirmish between the state government and City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.

Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey recently offered $3.1 million to the city to keep the centre running, but that was rejected by Zempilas who said it had come too late and to keep the centre running would go against the wishes of East Perth residents.
At Munich Airport last month, after standing in the Thai Air Business Class check in line for 75 minutes, my issued boarding pass was not for my selected seat of a mid-cabin window but rather a centre seat in the very back row. I had selected my seat five months earlier and had confirmed it was there through the My Booking page on the Thai website, only days previously. The airline staff said that the seat issued was the one in their system, and did not answer my point that my selected seat had been changed without my knowledge or agreement. The unaccompanied man occupying what should have been my seat told my wife (whose seat was as originally selected for her) that his secretary had made his booking. He refused to move. All I can say is bye bye Thai. Ross Petersen, Kew, Vic

We recently returned from an Alaskan cruise which included four days in Denali National Park, one of the largest national parks in the US. Denali definitely deserves a mention in terms of great national parks of the US (Traveller, November 11). The landscape is epic and unspoilt, spectacular valleys, flowing rivers, majestic snow-capped mountains and vast grass plains. Vehicle access is limited but hikers have unlimited access and are encouraged to explore off track to avoid creating pathways. We saw bears, moose, caribou, squirrels and Dalls sheep and it was a privilege to walk in such a pristine environment. The park is a restorative place to connect with nature on a grand scale.

Susan Nash & Susan Chalmers, Preston, Vic

Oh, Vienna

I had to smile at your extraordinarily accurate description of your article, The art of being Viennese (Traveller, November 21). My Austrian husband is certain that if Dr Sigmund Freud had been brought up and educated elsewhere than in Vienna, he would not have developed the science of psychoanalysis or reached the conclusions he did, as nowhere else would have provided such a potpourri of characters and neuroses. Perhaps for that reason it is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Merran Loewenthal, Vienna, Austria

Follow the leader

It seems Virgin Australia is following suit with Qantas and treating their customers with disregard. Recently booked on a flight from Sydney to Ballina, NSW, at 10.50am. I drove an hour to the train, spent three hours travelling on the train and arrived at the airport an hour before my flight. Ten minutes before we were meant to board, the flight was cancelled. All I was offered was a flight two days later. The reason? No air traffic controllers at Ballina airport. Why, then, were other flights on their way to Ballina? I had to repeat my travel home with no compensation. I am disgusted with air travel.

Sue Harrison, Narrawallee, NSW
An end-to-end Time Release Study (TRS) was jointly launched by Eswatini and South Africa at the Oshoek-Ngwenya land border on 13 November 2023. The TRS takes place with the support of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by the United Kingdoms His Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as part of its multi-year partnerships with Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) and South African Revenue Service (SARS). The coordination between both countries illustrates the importance of the Oshoek-Ngwenya border as one of the busiest land borders between South Africa and Eswatini, with an average of 600 trucks crossing daily.

Speakers at the launch included Mr. Beyers Theron, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Director of Customs, Ms. Thobile Dlamini, Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Acting Commissioner General, Mrs. Gugu Mahlinza, ERS Commissioner of Customs, and Mr. Nathi Dlamini, Co-Chairperson of the Eswatini National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC). Senior executives of other governmental agencies and private sector stakeholders also attended the launch.

During the launch, on behalf of SARS, Mr. Theron explained the importance of the TRS as a widely recognized tool to identify bottlenecks in border processes. This enables border agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such processes with the aim to convert borders into smart borders led by technology. He also emphasized the need for collaboration between all agencies and the private sector with a national approach to make the TRS successful. On behalf of the Eswatini NTFC, Mr. Dlamini added that the findings of the TRS will be critical in implementing activities outlined in the National Trade Facilitation Road Map of Eswatini. He appreciated the support provided by the WCO and the government of the United Kingdom through HMRC.

The TRS is seen as a vital initiative to empirically measure cargo clearance performance at the border through an end-to-end approach capturing time stamps/data from the time a truck enters the border from the South African side until it exits the border on the Eswatini side and vice-versa. Moreover, the TRS serves to identify bottlenecks and make recommendations to overcome them. The respective reports of key findings are expected to be published in April 2024.

Through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programmes blended approach to capacity building and technical assistance, initial preparations for the TRS took place online with the respective technical working groups before the in-country engagement. In line with the WCOs Customs-to-Customs model and the spirit of knowledge exchange between Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme partner countries, the WCOs assistance was supported by TRS specialists from partner countries Namibia and Zambia.

The WCO looks forward to its continued partnerships with ERS and SARS under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme for sustainable development and economic growth through an enhanced business-enabling environment.

For more information on the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.

For more information about WCO capacity building, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan will allocate 3.5 million US dollars to the SPECA Trust Fund, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports.

"We welcome the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the 25th anniversary of SPECA. The SPECA Trust Fund was established under the auspices of the UN. Azerbaijan will allocate 3.5 million US dollars to the Trust Fund.

The economic forum, held on the sidelines of the SPECA Week in Baku, will contribute to fostering business ties between our countries. The exhibition in the Baku Expo Center vividly portrays the development in our countries.

Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia are bound by centuries-long historical and cultural ties. Azerbaijan and Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural and geopolitical space, with increasing strategic significance. This September, I was invited for the first time to the Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, as the guest of honor. Once again, I express my gratitude for the invitation. I consider todays Summit as a logical follow-up to the Dushanbe meeting," President Ilham Aliyev said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. A gift by Kazakhstan, a creativity center named after Kurmangazy, is under construction and will be unveiled next year in Fuzuli, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), Trend reports.

"Currently, the large-scale restoration and reconstruction works are being carried out across the liberated territories. We are building new cities and villages from scratch. As an initial step, we are planning to restore 100 residential settlements, including nine cities and eight settlements. Former internally displaced persons are returning to their ancestral lands under the Great Return Program. 140 thousand IDPs will return to their homes by the end of 2026.

A school for 960 students named after Mirzo Ulugbek which is Uzbekistans present to Azerbaijan, was inaugurated this August in the city of Fuzuli. A gift by Kazakhstan, a creativity center named after Kurmangazy, is under construction and will be unveiled next year in Fuzuli. Once again, I thank President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev for this brotherly support," President Ilham Aliyev said.
By PA reporters

The Garda Public Order Unit was stationed outside Leinster House late on Thursday evening as they responded to unprecedented scenes.

Buses and trams have been torched and a shop looted during riots in Dublin city centre after a woman and three young children were injured in a knife attack near a school.

Gardai and politicians called for calm amid warnings against misinformation as violence escalated from a demonstration that began on Thursday afternoon at the scene of the incident.

There were clashes with riot police as some demonstrators let off flares and fireworks, while others grabbed chairs and stools outside bars and restaurants.

A cordon was set up around Leinster House, and officers from the Garda Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee labelled the scenes intolerable and said a thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology was behind the disorder.

The violence broke out after three young children and a woman were attacked in Parnell Square East in the north of the city centre on Thursday afternoon.

A five-year-old girl was undergoing emergency treatment for her injuries, gardai said.

The woman was seriously injured while the two other children, a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, suffered less serious injuries.

A bus and car on fire on OConnell Street (Brian Lawless/PA)

Gardai said a man who sustained serious injuries is a person of interest in their investigation.

Earlier on Thursday, Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said officers were keeping an open mind in terms of the investigation but were satisfied there is no terrorist link.

However, at an evening press conference Mr Harris was asked about a potential terrorist link, and said: I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack.

Until were sure what the motive is then we have to keep an open mind as to why this happened.

The scene of the incident is close to Irish language medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

A Garda public order unit was deployed in the area around Parnell Square and OConnell Street just before 7pm as protesters started to scuffle with officers and flares and fireworks were thrown at the Garda cordon.

As the violence escalated, a Garda car was set alight, a Luas tram and several buses on OConnell Street were set on fire, and a bus and car were torched on OConnell Bridge.

Rioters looted a Foot Locker store in OConnell Steet as bottles were thrown at gardai on the famous Dublin street.

In a series of co-ordinated presses, gardai dispersed a large portion of the crowd on to nearby roads.

Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a Garda helicopter monitored the situation from overhead.

Dublin Fire Brigade responded to a large fire that had engulfed a Luas tram on OConnell Street, which appeared to have spread to buses parked nearby.

Ms McEntee said: A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Please be advised that all Luas services have been suspended due to a non Luas related safety incident at Parnel Street.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.  Luas (@Luas) November 23, 2023

I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view. We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division.

I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.

Speaking to media at Mountjoy Garda Station on Thursday evening, Mr Harris called for calm and spoke out against the spreading of misinformation.

He confirmed that a number of Garda vehicles had been damaged.

He said some individuals were using a tragic event which is under investigation for their own ends and a hooligan faction who are only interested in causing damage and mayhem in the city centre and theyre using the opportunity for that as well.

An Garda Siochana face off against protesters at the scene in Dublin city centre (Brian Lawless/PA)

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he said.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear and a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.

Mr Harris said the motive for the afternoon attack is not clear to us at this moment in time.

Officers put a cordon around the scene of the attack earlier in the day (Brian Lawless/PA)

Earlier, Mr Geraghty said: Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region. These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street.

The male in his 50s is a person of interest to An Garda Siochana in this investigation and An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person at this time.

The officer said he believed a knife was used, adding: It would appear to be a standalone attack, and we need to determine the reasons behind that.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty speaks to the media outside Mountjoy Garda Station (Brian Lawless/PA)

My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

Were aware that the public are concerned about the activities that have happened today. The message to them is that we believe that this is a standalone incident, not necessarily connected to any wider issues that are ongoing in the country or in the city, and we need to identify the exact reasons for that happening.

So wed ask for people not to jump to conclusions and not to make rash judgments on what may have happened.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square.

A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.
A local Aontu representative has said that crime in Ireland has hit a dangerous tipping point.

Paul Lawless, an Aontu candidate in the Claremorris Municipal District for next years local elections said that crime figures are clearly moving in the wrong direction.

We have been shocked to hear of the stabbing of young children in Dublin City Centre, and we recently learned of the criminal Dublin based gang using an AirBnb in Knock to carry out a spree of burglaries.

Whilst the details of both incidents are still emerging it is clear that all of the crime figures are moving in the wrong direction. Ireland is becoming a more violent and dangerous place.

Mr Lawless said that rape and sexual assault crime has doubled in the last ten years and crimes rates for murder, theft, human trafficking, harassment, stalking and assault or obstruction of Garda is increasing too.

In Mayo, we saw a 20% increase in burglaries, the highest spike recorded in the country (April 2022 - March 2023), he said.

It's quite clear that we have reached a dangerous tipping point in terms of crime and antisocial behaviour.

He added there is no doubt that there is a correlation between the collapse in Garda numbers and a spike in violent crime.

The scene in Dublin city centre yesterday after five people were injured, including three young children, following a serious public order incident which occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm.

Mr Lawless said that data released to his party by the Minister for Justice last week show that so far in 2023, just 237 Gardai have been recruited compared to 605 in 2019. 434 Gardai have retired, an increase on 2019s figure of 333. In October 2023, 13 of the 25 members who exited the force resigned from the Gardai.

Shockingly, resignations were the majority cause of exit from the force last month. Gardai are voting with their feet and leaving well before their retirement date, said Mr Lawless.

The spike in violent crime that is unfolding in towns and villages across the country has not happened by accident. Garda numbers are at their lowest in 5 years.

Rank and file garda numbers are at the lowest in 6 years. Indeed, Ireland now has one of the smallest per capita police forces in the whole of the EU.
It is hoped that an appraisal will be carried out next year on a dangerous road in East Mayo.

Paul Hyland, from Mayo Co Councils National Roads Office, informed councillors at last weeks Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting that the council is hoping to source funding in 2024 to appraise the 5km bypass on the N5 at Swinford, to look at various interventions that would improve safety along the bypass.

We hope that this can happen in the next six months, Mr Hyland said.

Fianna Fail Cllr Adrian Forkan said something has to be done because the 5km stretch has 13 junctions.

I know its not going to be a quick fix or an easy fix, but something has to be done. There was an accident at the Ballyglass turn-in only last week. The Culmore and Corrib Oil junctions are two serious ones. If youre coming out of Corrib Oil and are going towards Castlebar, you have two lines of traffic to cross. Its absolutely lethal there.

Mr Hyland informed Cllr Forkan that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is advocating to get funding from the Department for Transport because they recognise it is a serious accident location that needs a variety of interventions.

Cllr John Caulfield said he was delighted to hear that progress was being made on safety measures for the Swinford bypass.

We all know people have lost their lives on it, Cllr Caulfield said.

Fine Gael Cllr Neil Cruise said he remembers it being proposed in preliminary discussions with TII that they close the Dump Road in Swinford and that a number of junctions are grouped and two overpasses built along the N5.

Where is that process at now with TII? Has it moved forward or has there been any progress made? Because I was firmly of the viewpoint that a lot of these junctions should be taken out and replaced with two overpasses, Cllr Cruise said.

Sinn Fein Cllr Gerry Murray said he hopes that the same urgency is applied to the N5 bypass as was applied to the N17 Lisduff junction in Claremorris.

We want it to be a state-of-the-art package, not a yellow-pack one, Cllr Murray said.

Mr Dolan said the bypass was built in the early 1990s and there were different specifications at the time. He said that the council needs short-term solutions and warned councillors that some junctions may have to be closed for good.
JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, November 24. By the end of this year, around 5,500 people will have returned to several settlements in Azerbaijan's Karabagh region, said Chairman of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Guliyev at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village of Jabrayil district, Trend reports.

According to him, Soltanli village has become the fifth settlement in Jabrayil district where reconstruction works will be carried out.

Anar Guliev stated that the process of preparing master plans for the regions recovered from occupation is now ongoing, and that this year it is expected to conclude master plans for around 80 villages out of 100, which are scheduled to be restored until 2026.

A solemn ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village liberated from Armenian occupation was held today, November 24.

The ceremony was attended by Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts of East Zangezur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Guliyev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, as well as villagers.
Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo has submitted an application to the Department of Education for the establishment of an Irish-medium secondary school in Castlebar.

The submission represents the culmination of tireless efforts by the Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo campaign to provide essential educational opportunities in the region.

The application demonstrates the context and relevance of introducing an Irish-medium secondary school in Mayo.

The establishment of Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo is a crucial and well-timed response to the growing demand for Irish-language education in the community, said Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo in a statement.

The submission underscores the precedent for such a school and the significant level of support it has garnered from the local community.

The campaign was founded in 2020 by Emer Mayock and Frainc O Clochartaigh who have since been joined by Freda Nic Giolla Chathain and Therese Ruane.

Over the past three years, despite the challenges presented by pandemic lockdowns, there has been excellent progress in garnering support and building a strong foundation for Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo.

Accompanying the application are letters of support from local and national politicians, as well as endorsements from teachers and representatives from local sport and cultural organisations.

These letters underscore the depth and breadth of support Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo enjoys across various sectors of our society, said the promoters.

A number of key national organisations are standing in support of the campaign, among them An Foras Patrunachta, Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge and Gaeloideachas.

The submission of this application is a significant step in a robust campaign which has been successful in advocating for the inclusion of the Gaelcholaiste in the Irish language plan for the town which will see the implementation of initiatives that align with the role of Castlebar as a Baile Seirbhise Gaeltachta  Gaeltacht Service town.

The campaign leaders have met with members of Castlebar Municipal District and have received unanimous support for the campaign. The promoters have also recently attended meetings with key politicians at Dail Eireann.
There are calls to make a level crossing in southeast Mayo safer following an accident there.

Independent councillor Richard Finn put forward a motion at a recent meeting Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting calling on the area manager to request that Mayo County Council write to Iarnrod Eireann to ascertain what upgrades they plan on making at the Garryredmond level crossing, between Claremorris and Ballyhaunis, in the interest of health and safety.

It comes after a train collided with a car there in September. The adult male driver of the vehicle and the teenage male front passenger were both airlifted to Galway University Hospital, but survived the collision. The two males were brothers from Clifden, Co Galway.

Cllr Finn called on roads users who are crossing the level crossing to close the gates after they are finished using them. He counted nine signposts coming off the N60 warning motorists who are approaching the level crossing in Garryredmond.

He believes that the area needs to be better lit, however, as the ESB have not connected electricity yet. He questioned why a solar-powered lighting system cannot be installed there.

Fine Gael Cllr Tom Connolly agreed with Cllr Finn, saying he could not understand why they wont use solar panels in Garryredmond.

Cllr Patsy OBrien worked with Iarnrod Eireann for many years and said he walked that particular section every Monday morning and he would have to close the gates. He also believes that it is very important that the ESB bring electricity to light up the area.
Tubbercurry

South Sligo Summer School 2024

The organising committee of the South Sligo Summer School are looking for self-catering accommodation and shared accommodation for next year's Summer School in Tubbercurry 14 - 20 July 2024. Contact the committee on 089 6111375 or email anseo@southsligosummerschool.com for details.

Active and Sustainable Transport consultation

A consultation is taking place on November 30, in the Clayton Hotel on Active and Sustainable Transport in County Sligo. Transport is a critical issue across the entire community and for every generation in Sligo. While many current transport discussions are framed around important environmental and climate change implications, the issue of transport also has significant implications for access to healthcare, education, employment and social engagement.

Members of the Sligo PPN Secretariat are leading this consultation to find out what are the needs and challenges around transport in Sligo county, and what ideas the community have to solve some of the issues we are currently facing.

The feedback from the consultation will be used in a variety of ways by PPN representatives and also be available to all member groups. If access to appropriate transport affects the quality of life for you or people you know, then please come along and have your views recorded. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sligo-county-active-and-sustainable-transport-consultation-tickets- 757332119757?aff=oddtdtcreator or email ppn@sligococo.ie.

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Banada.

Month of November, Month of Remembrance and Fear

The leaves have fallen from the trees, the flowers are faded and gone. Nature is taking a rest and winter has come upon us. The four seasons are drawing to a close. Spring starts off with the rebirth of nature, buds come on the branches and grass begins to grow, summer sees it bloom, autumn sees it mellow and winter sees it fade back into the clay from whence it came.

People too have their spring. They grow into their prime in summer strong and full of life, mellow somewhat in middle age, and then grow old and pass away. Not all are that fortunate and make it through the four seasons of life.

In November the days are short the nights long, during which much time is spent indoors. November is the time when people pause and remember the past, those family members, friends and neighbours who have gone into eternity. Graves are tended, prayers are offered and those departed thought of and remembered in special ways. November was a scary month in the past. People were petrified of the dark and kept indoors. There were Seanachies that sat by the hob and told long ghost stories that frightened the wits out of young and old. They told of Droichead An Diabhal where the devil waylaid travellers at night, and tales of spirits roaming about and of the danger of meeting them if one was foolish enough to venture out.

Going back a hundred and five years a great war raged across Europe. 1918 on November 11, the great war came to an end. Millions of young men from all walks of life had died on the battle fields believing in one cause or another. Many left their homes thinking they were going to set the world right by joining up. Thousands of young Irishmen in 1915 and 1916 joined the British army and went to fight on Flanders fields, Mons and Chateau Thiery. Many died, some survived. Peace came on the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month in 1918. It was a happy day for all living and bells rang out in cities round the world. Among those who died was one Thomas Kelly, of Drimina, Tourlestrane. He perished aboard a British naval vessel and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Memorial Medallion with the inscription He died for freedom and honour. His medallion is now on display in the Banada Tourlestrane Museum at Corpus Christi Village.

Another unfortunate casualty was that of a young man named Cunnane from the neighbouring village of Tullamoy, who died on the November 12, 1918, a day after the ceasefire. He had gone out for a peaceful walk the morning after and was shot by a German sniper who was said to be unaware of the ceasefire of the previous day. This war of four years brought sorrow, distress and loss to the homes of many and broke the hearts of fathers and mothers who saw their reared sons go forth never to return. They were remembered last week on Armistice Day amid pageantry when ceremonies took place. Those young men came from every parish and village in Ireland and many had little choice but answer the call as they were conscripted.

Their faded photos in uniform still grace many a mantlepiece in homes countrywide.

November weather-wise will be a bleak cold month with little activity outdoors, but it has another side, as it is the month before Christmas. The days will be taken up with promotions and activities, encouraging people to spend, spend, spend, as if there will be no tomorrow. The throw thrift to the wind, eat, drink and be merry, will be the mantra. Its ok to do so in moderation but to follow encouragement and ads on TV to the limit spells trouble. Not withstanding all that, work continues in the home, on the farm and factory. Life goes on nowadays regardless of the darkness.

Breaking the Food Chain

Everything that grows out of the ground is there for a purpose. It is to be used in some form or other as something must die so that something else may live. The grass is there for the cow to graze in order to give milk, flies are there for birds to catch to feed their young and the rabbits were there for the fox and other carnivorous creatures to live on. At one time forty or fifty years ago, there were millions of them all over Ireland and they lived in large warrens. They eat the grass bare from fence to fence. Warrens existed in high dry fences and in dry sandy soil. Burrows were made in flat fields and horses and cattle when running about, broke legs and had to be put down.

Farmers were at their wits ends as to how to rid their fields of such a menace. During years of the second world war there was a demand for the rabbits in England as the English nation at war was hungry and short of food. Bands of young unemployed men in Ireland made a living on the rabbits. They went from farm to farm armed with white ferrets. They placed nets at the mouths of the burrows and put in the ferret. The ferret a harmless creature and didnt kill the rabbits. The sight of them simply scared the daylights out of the rabbits. Ferrets were tame but they looked like stoats or weasels, and the scared rabbits ran out of the burrows in fear where outside they were trapped in the nets. After dispatch they were paunched, packed in a box and mailed to an agent who exported them to the English markets.

A good sized rabbit earned on average one shilling and sixpence and so young men made a living and farmers escaped from being eaten out of grass. With the end of the war, the rabbit trade died off and rabbit population grew at an enormous rate. Then a disease developed in Australia, came the way, and it spread like wildfire among rabbits. It was a cruel way of getting rid of them and it should never have been introduced. Foxes and other animals that lived on them had their food source wiped out. The food chain was broken and all the wild animals as feral cats, foxes and dogs had to go hungry or else find another source. They, then in turn centred on nesting birds, hares and other small animals. Now there is no curlew call, no grouse on the bog, no partridge in the fields. All that life has gone due mostly to the great break in the food chain. The wiping out of the cute little animals with the white tails caused a major upheaval.

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Gurteen.

The late Patrick (Pat) Tighe

The death took place at Sligo University Hospital on Monday, November 6, of Patrick (Pat) Tighe, Taverane, Cloonloo, in his 92nd year. Predeceased by his wife Mary Ellen on March 2, his brothers John and Terence and brother-in-law Tommy Oates. Pats remains reposed at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Martina and Gerry Mullen, Boyle, on Wednesday evening, November 8, and removed to St Joseph's Church, Cloonloo for Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday celebrated by Fr Joe Caulfield PP, Gurteen, with burial afterwards in Templeronan Cemetery.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his sons Francis, Gerard and John, daughter Martina, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers Gerry and Ton, sister Mary and her husband PJ, sisters-in-law Molly, Breege, Marie and Phyllis and husband Gerry, daughter-in-law Yvonne, son-in-law Gerry, nephews and nieces and many friends. May he rest in peace.

Cemetery collection

Thanks all who contributed last Sunday to the collection for the upkeep and improvements of Mount Irwin Cemetery where a total of 726 was collected.

Christmas party

Gurteen Community Care are organising the Christmas Party for Sunday, December 3, in the Dapper Duck, Gurteen. Music will be by Mary Rose and Enda and doors will open at 1pm with dinner served at 2pm. To book your place telephone one of the following; Madeline at 086 3315713: Paddy 087 7870013: Pakie 086 2380375 or give the name into Gurteen Day Centre. Names need to be in by Monday, November 27.

Gurteen Celtic

The numbers drawn in the Gurteen Celtic lotto on Sunday night last were 18, 22, 23, and 28 and the winner of the 50 was Dorota Kosciolek, Gurteen. The jackpot will be 6,600 next week and the draw will be held in Donegans, Ragwood.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides.

Israel  wrenched by the abduction of nearly 240 people in Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war  cheered as 13 Israeli women and children emerged free from Gaza. Most were in their 70s or 80s, and the youngest was a 2-year-old. Also released were 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines.

In Gaza, the truces start Friday morning brought the first quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling and desperate from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

Increased supplies of food, water, medicine and fuel promised under the deal began to roll into Gaza, where U.N. officials had warned that Israels seal on the territory threatened to push it to starvation.

But relief has been tempered  among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce leaves Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Israel says the cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it had received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday.

But Israel has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

FIRST HOSTAGES FREED

Under the deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners over the four days. Both sides were starting with women and children. Israel said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

After nightfall Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt carrying the freed hostages, as seen live on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV. The freed Israelis included nine women and four children 9 and under.

The released hostages were taken to three Israeli hospitals for observation. The Schneider Childrens Medical Center said it was treating eight Israelis  four children and four women  and that all appeared to be in good physical condition. The center said they were also receiving psychological treatment, adding that these are sensitive moments for the families.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis celebrated at the news.

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking. That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yaels 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remained in captivity. Both were kidnapped on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother, Keren Munder, and grandmother Ruti Munder. The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

The plight of the hostages has raised anger among some families that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to bring them home.

Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenagers held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. In the West Bank town of Beituna, hundreds of Palestinians poured out of their homes to celebrate, honking horns and setting off fireworks that lite up the nights sky.

The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers, and others who had been arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker whose 17-year-old son, Iyas, was freed. But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.

Iyas had been taken last year into administrative detention, without charges or trial and based on secret evidence. Israel often holds detainees for months without charges. Most of those who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often dont follow due process, human rights groups say.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

CEASE-FIRE TAKES HOLD

Fridays halt in fighting brought Gazas uprooted population a moment to catch their breath after weeks of fleeing for shelter, searching for food and fearing for family.

After the truce began Friday morning, four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Israel has barred all imports into Gaza throughout the war, except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than 1 million living in U.N. schools-turned-shelters. The calm brought a chance for displaced residents of the south to visit homes and retrieve some belongings.

But the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south were warned not to return in leaflets dropped by Israel. Israeli troops hold much of the north, including Gaza City.

Still, hundreds of Palestinians tried walking north Friday. Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Sofian Abu Amer decided to risk checking his home in Gaza City.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

A LONGER PEACE?

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the latest number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where communications have broken down.

The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Federman reported from Jerusalem, Jeffery from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed.

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
ALLENTOWN, Pa.  Two prominent Lehigh Valley businesses are once again joining forces to create delicious products this holiday season.

Bru Daddy's Brewing Co., at 732 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, has announced another collaboration with The Kiffle Kitchen Bakery, at 589 Moorestown Drive in Moore Township, for a festive and unique beer release.

The local companies teamed up last year to create two kiffle-inspired double sours  Raspberry Kiffle Sour and Apricot Kiffle Sour  for the holidays.

This year, theyve added Blueberry Kiffle Sour and Walnut Kiffle Golden Stout to the lineup, and they will introduce all four beers on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Bru Daddys.

This year, the Raspberry Kiffle and Apricot Kiffle beers will be available at restaurants and on bar taps throughout the Lehigh Valley, as well as regional beer stores and retailers.

The new Blueberry Kiffle and Walnut Kiffle Golden Stout varieties will be available only at Bru Daddys in downtown Allentown.

The beers are made with fresh kiffles made at the Kiffle Kitchen Bakery near Bath.

The beers are packed with real fruit and we actually use the kiffles in the recipe, said Todd Reinhardt, Bru Daddys head brewer.

Bru Daddys will release all four holiday kiffle beers at its release party, featuring live music, on Saturday. Flights of all four holiday kiffle beers will be available for $15 and will include free kiffles with each purchase.

A kiffle is a traditional Hungarian pastry dessert that is light and flaky and hand-rolled with delicious fillings such as apricot, lekvar and walnut. The varieties are plentiful, and they are especially popular around the holidays.

The Kiffle Kitchen, started by Lee Kociolek in 1985, is a family-owned and -operated business known for its authentic hand-rolled kiffles.

It also produces other tasty treats such as thumb print shortbread butter cookies, nut tossies and kolachi (Hungarian rolls with sweet fillings), which are made from scratch using an authentic, eastern European recipe.

Today, Kociolek's two sons, Nick and Chris, are running the day-to-day operations, with The Kiffle Kitchen producing over 10,000 kiffles daily. The business ships its fresh, hand-rolled kiffles around the world and has been featured (and sold out) on QVC on multiple occasions.

We love working with the Kiffle Kitchen on this collaboration, said Kevin Ryan, Bru Daddys COO. They are a family business, just like us, and they are good people to work with.

Bru Daddys Brewing Co. began distributing their beer in the Lehigh Valley through Banko Beverage earlier this year. Most recently, the brewery signed a distribution agreement with Brewery Products Co. to represent the brand in south/central PA.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  A popular Northampton County pub  known for its extensive beer menu, made-from-scratch pizzas and friendly atmosphere  is planning to welcome customers at its newest Lehigh Valley location next week.

Pints & Pies Neighborhood Pub, which opened 10 years ago at 2049 Northampton St. in Wilson, will open its second dining establishment at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 21 E. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem.

The Christmas City spot is the former home of 21 Crafthouse and Kitchen, which closed in November 2022 after about three years of business.

Pints & Pies co-owners John Kehm and Jose Pinargote spent the past year extensively renovating the buildings interior and exterior.

We literally ended up gutting the entire space, including the kitchen, Pinargote said. Everything is brand new  the flooring, plumbing, electrical work, stainless steel appliances, everything.

The Bethlehem property, about twice the size of Pints & Pies' original location, also has housed other drinking and dining establishments, including Trapper's, Silver Star Saloon, McGillicuddys, Our Beer Belly's and Roosevelt's 21st.

Since closing on the property last December, Kehm and Pinargote have been working alongside a team of contractors on the improvements, which also include new ceiling fans, pendant track lighting, porcelain tile flooring and stone and shiplap walls.

Industrial touches include granite bartops, metal cages for bar storage and corrugated metal accents below the bar.

The new Pints & Pies location also will feature a digital jukebox and around 15 big-screen TVs, including a video wall above the central bar, allowing different programs to be shown on each screen or one program to be shown collectively on all of the screens.

We wanted to update the space with modern touches while also keeping that classic, neighborhood pub feel, Kehm said. Were really excited to create in Bethlehem what weve already created in the Easton area  an approachable spot where people can enjoy great food, beer and company.

The partners, who operate under The Good Life Group LLC, have been eyeing the Elizabeth Avenue property for a while as it features many hallmarks of their original location in Wilson, Kehm said.

"Just like our Wilson location, the Bethlehem location is on a main thoroughfare in a similar neighborhood with residential housing all around," Kehm said. "We love that because we love being a part of the community where we operate."

In Bethlehem, Kehm and Pinargote built two new bars  a replacement along the wall near the entrance and a rectangular bar in the front of the dining room, where new glass windows open to the front patio.

"So, it would essentially be an inside and outside bar," Kehm explained. "We could open the window during nice weather and serve guests on the patio."

Additionally, the partners have installed a top-of-the-line pergola, featuring lights, ceiling fans, a gutter system and louvers that open to allow for natural light and close during inclement weather.

They plan to make the al-fresco area available a majority of the year, with heaters keeping customers warm during the colder months.

"We're super excited," Kehm said. "The louvered pergola will have a really state-of-the-art system with a rain sensor on it. So, when it rains, it closes on its own. It also has a remote. So, if it's too sunny, you could close it any percentage that you desire."

There will be around 40 bar seats and another 75-80 seats at low- and high-top tables in the dining room, Kehm said. Outside, there will be seating for approximately 40 customers.

Another exterior highlight is a SteelStacks mural, painted by local artists Kyle Edwards and Justin Klement, on the side of the building.

We cant wait to be part of another great neighborhood, Pinargote said. Weve already had so many neighbors stopping in to welcome us, and in turn, weve welcomed them in and gave them tours. A supportive community is everything, and were happy when our neighbors are happy. So, we truly cant wait to once again be that welcoming place  a place where you can relax and have fun with family and friends.

Pints & Pies has built a loyal following thanks to its extensive craft beer selection and high-quality pub fare, including wings, burgers and cheesesteaks.

Twelve-inch pizzas, or "pies," featuring made-from-scratch-daily dough and other fresh ingredients, are especially popular.

More than a dozen signature varieties include a "Cheeseburger Pie" (American cheese, cheddar, ground beef, bacon and pickles drizzled with Thousand Island sauce), "Mixed Pie" (upside-down-style with cheese on the bottom and garlic and red sauced mixed on top), "Godfather Pie" (classic red pie topped with pepperoni, bacon, steak meat and sausage) and "Buffalo Chicken Pie" (white pie topped with crispy chicken tossed in wing sauce, diced celery and drizzled with blue cheese or ranch).

Top sellers include the "Pub Pie" (Pints & Pie's twist on the classic Neopolitan-style pizza) and "Classic Red Pie" (upside down-style with the cheese on bottom and sauce on top), Kehm said.

There will be some menu items unique to each location, but the business' mainstays will continue to be offered in Bethlehem.

Other menu highlights include salads, wraps, chicken finger and shrimp baskets, classic sandwiches such as pork roll and Brooklyn chop cheese and snacks such as street tacos, beef empanadas, mac and cheese bites, Bavarian soft pretzels and gator fries (crinkle-cut fries dusted with gator seasoning and served with white cheese sauce).

"Our 'Dirty' wing flavor is our biggest seller as it's a sweet and spicy garlic mix," Kehm said. "We'll also continue to offer our burgers, cheesesteaks and classic chicken sandwiches."

The Bethlehem location will feature more than 100 beers, including well-known domestics and local craft varieties, Kehm said. Two dozen will be available on tap.

"We have a large variety of beers - a bunch of sours, sessions, wheat beers and also a 'Hoppy' section with various IPAs," Kehm said.

Another draw of Pints & Pies is its "casual and friendly neighborhood vibe," Kehm said.

Customers are like family to Kehm, Pinargote and the pub's staff, and they enjoy being nestled within the tight-knit community that they serve.

"We especially love that we're right down the street from Liberty High School," Kehm said. "We like getting involved in different high school booster clubs, sponsoring teams and so forth. We also welcome these teams, families and other groups to celebrate with us."

Pinargote and Kehm, who plan to host weekly events such as karaoke and trivia at the Bethlehem Pints & Pies, also operate the three-year-old Elegance Barber Lounge in Palmer Township.

Additionally, Pinargote operates another restaurant, Adobo Latin Kitchen in Palmer Township, with his wife, Nilda Pinargote.
EAST BANGOR, Pa. - Northampton County will check interior home water-supply lines for hazards, including lead, for residents served by the East Bangor Municipal Authority.

Older homes are more likely to have lead in service lines and in plumbing fixtures, according to a statement from the county.

"We are concerned because lead exposure has been shown harmful to very young children and has been linked to affect brain development, contribute to learning-behavior problems and lower IQs," Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure said in a statement.

The county is working with Slate Belt Rising, Community Action Lehigh Valley and the East Bangor Municipal Authority to check for hazards. The program may be expanded to other parts of the county.

The program is free to those served by the East Bangor authority. If the tests find lead, items such as water meters and plumbing fixtures that contain lead will be replaced at no charge to homeowners.

Eligible residents will be notified by mail. For more information, contact Brian Fenstermaker at Slat Belt Rising, 484-523-0900. Residents may also apply Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bangor Borough Building, 197 Pennsylvania Ave., Bangor.

Slate Belt Rising promotes the boroughs of Bangor, Wind Gap, Pen Argyl and Portland. It is a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley, which describes itself as an anti-poverty non-profit group.
U.S. health officials recalled three more brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes Friday as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week.

Nearly 100 people in 32 states have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list Friday.

Health officials say anyone who bought the recalled fruits should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.

AP Health Writer JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
LONDON (AP)  Irelands prime minister on Friday condemned anti-immigrant protesters who rampaged through central Dublin after three young children were stabbed, saying the rioters simply wanted to cause chaos, not protect the countrys way of life.

Police made a number of further arrests on Friday evening as they mounted a significant security operation in Dublin to ensure that there was no repeat of Thursday's disorder. A number of people were taken away in police vans following sporadic altercations.

Police arrested 34 people after Thursday night's rioting when up to 500 people looted shops, set fire to vehicles and threw rocks at crowd control officers equipped with helmets and shields.

The violence began after rumors circulated that a foreign national was responsible for the attack outside a Dublin school on Thursday afternoon. Authorities havent disclosed the suspects nationality.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Irelands capital had endured two attacks, one on innocent children and the other on our society and the rule of law.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland, they did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people, they did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped, Varadkar told reporters on Friday morning. They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos and they love causing pain to others.

A 5-year-old girl was in critical condition at a Dublin hospital and a teachers aide was in serious condition, police said. A 6-year-old girl continues to receive treatment for less serious injuries and another child was discharged overnight. The alleged assailant, who was tackled by witnesses, remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Thursdays unrest came amid rising tensions over immigration in Ireland that mirror trends in other parts of Europe. Earlier this year, people carrying signs reading Ireland is full demonstrated in Dublin, and protesters blockaded a hotel housing asylum-seekers in County Clare on the west coast.

An analysis of more than 13 million social media posts over the past three years found that right-wing groups were increasingly using platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, to stir up opposition to immigration. Recent activity has characterized the refugees and asylum-seekers as an existential threat to Ireland, according to a report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a London-based group that seeks to combat extremism.

Ireland received more than 141,000 immigrants in the 12 months through April, the highest total since 2007, the latest government statistics show. The influx of migrants drove an 11.7% increase in Irelands population over the past 11 years, contributing to a steady increase in housing prices.

When he was questioned about anti-immigration tensions earlier this year, Varadkar told Irelands parliament that there was always a place for peaceful protest, but violence, intimidation and racism were never legitimate.

I think when it comes to this matter, we should never lose sight of the bigger picture  were facing a major refugee crisis not just here in Ireland but all across Europe, he said in May.

Commissioner Drew Harris, head of Irelands national police force, described those who took part in Thursdays unrest as a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology.

More than 400 officers, including many in riot gear, were deployed throughout the city center to contain the violence. A cordon was set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and mounted officers were dispatched to nearby Grafton Street.

One officer was seriously injured in clashes with the rioters, some of whom were armed with metal bars and covered their faces.

These (riots) are scenes that we have not seen in decades, but what is clear is that people have been radicalized through social media and the internet, Harris told reporters.

But I dont want to lose focus on the terrible event in terms of the dreadful assault on schoolchildren and their teacher. Theres a full investigation ongoing. Theres also a full investigation in respect on the disorder.

Varadkar praised people of multiple nationalities who intervened to stop the attack as it unfolded, describing them as real Irish heroes.''

One of them was Caio Benicio, a Brazilian delivery driver who stopped when he saw the teacher's aide trying to save the children. Spotting a knife, he ripped off his helmet and slammed it into the attacker with all his strength.

I pray for her to survive,'' Benicio said of the child in critical condition. Im a parent myself, I have two kids and I know how hard it is.

Benicio told Britain's Press Association that the disturbances seemed to be caused by a small group of people who wanted an excuse to do what they did.''

Im here for about 20 years now, I dont know politics here deeply to have an opinion about it, he said. What I can say is I know the protest is against immigrants and for me it doesnt make sense, because Im an immigrant myself and I was the one who helped out. For me it doesnt make sense.

Pan Pylas contributed to this report.
ROME (AP)  Rome prosecutors asked a judge Thursday to effectively close an investigation into Italian and U.N. health officials over Italys 2020 COVID-19 response without charges, on the grounds that no crimes were committed, a lawyer said.

Rome prosecutors Claudia Terracina and Paolo Ielo asked to archive the investigation that had grabbed headlines given Italys huge toll as t he first epicenter of the pandemic in Europe. While the judge can override the request, such a decision is highly unlikely.

Already prosecutors had closed their case without filing charges against three of Italys past health ministers. On Thursday, they asked a judge to archive the case against nine other officials, including a former top official at the World Health Organization, Dr. Ranieri Guerra, said his lawyer Roberto De Vita.

The investigation initially focused on whether delayed lockdowns in the hard-hit northern city of Bergamo contributed to the toll, but expanded to include whether Italys overall preparedness going into the crisis played a role.

Included was controversy over a WHO report into Italys response that was published by the U.N. health agency in May 2020 and then taken down a day later and never republished.

A former WHO official, Francesco Zambon, had suggested that WHO spiked the report to spare the Italian government criticism that its pandemic preparedness plan hadnt been updated. WHO said it was pulled because it contained inaccuracies and was published prematurely.

Guerra had been the former head of the department of prevention in the Italian health ministry until 2017 and was a WHO envoy to Italy during the pandemic. De Vita said prosecutors determined the pandemic plan was in the process of being updated.

He welcomed the decision to archive the case, saying it should have been closed two years ago as soon as Guerra provided documentation to prosecutors showing he had acted correctly.

In a statement, Guerra said his reputation had been gravely harmed by the controversy and lashed out at those who had accused him of not protecting Italy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. The 7th meeting of the Joint Committee on Visa Facilitation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union was held in Baku on November 23, Trend reports, referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

The meeting was attended by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and other state structures, as well as representatives of the UN Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), employees of the European Union Delegation in Azerbaijan and consuls of diplomatic missions of the European Union member states accredited in Azerbaijan.

The sides had a constructive and detailed discussion on the mechanisms of application of simplifications resulting from the provisions of the Visa Facilitation Agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union, signed on November 29, 2013, and the prospects for enhancing useful cooperation between the European Union and our country in this field.

With reference to the statistical indicators for 2022 and as of November 15, 2023, it was emphasized that there is a significant increase in the number of mutual visits between the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union.

During the meeting, the difficulties faced by the citizens of Azerbaijan in applying for visas at the diplomatic missions of the European Union member States operating in the Republic of Azerbaijan were brought to attention, and an exchange of views was held on mechanisms to eliminate those difficulties.

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Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 698 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $215,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Sageworth Trust Co increased its position in Accenture by 872.7% in the 1st quarter. Sageworth Trust Co now owns 107 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Accenture in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Accenture by 74.0% in the 1st quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 134 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the period. 70.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Accenture Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of ACN traded up $1.19 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $334.32. 159,977 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,221,905. Accenture plc has a 52 week low of $242.80 and a 52 week high of $335.53. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $310.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $309.42. The company has a market cap of $209.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.05, a PEG ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 1.23.

Accenture Increases Dividend

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 28th. The information technology services provider reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.65 by $0.06. Accenture had a net margin of 10.72% and a return on equity of 29.74%. The business had revenue of $15.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.07 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.60 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 12.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were paid a $1.29 dividend. This is an increase from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.54%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.91%.

Accenture announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, September 28th that permits the company to buyback $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the information technology services provider to reacquire up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ACN has been the subject of several recent research reports. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $390.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $332.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $340.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Piper Sandler Companies decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $314.00 to $312.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a $358.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Accenture currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $337.26.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $291.41, for a total value of $2,622,690.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 35,830 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,441,220.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total transaction of $1,567,020.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 20,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,048,697.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $291.41, for a total transaction of $2,622,690.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 35,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,441,220.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 36,334 shares of company stock valued at $10,939,027 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Accenture Profile

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Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC decreased its holdings in AerCap Holdings (NYSE:AER  Free Report) by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 1,132,477 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 48,732 shares during the quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLCs holdings in AerCap were worth $71,935,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in AerCap by 90.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,767,535 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $289,992,000 after purchasing an additional 2,743,035 shares during the period. Perpetual Ltd acquired a new position in AerCap in the 1st quarter worth approximately $150,159,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in AerCap by 15.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 19,343,396 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,087,679,000 after purchasing an additional 2,616,549 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in AerCap in the 4th quarter worth approximately $70,546,000. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of AerCap by 112.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,155,846 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $108,396,000 after buying an additional 1,142,547 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.00% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of AerCap from $75.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of AerCap from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Barclays assumed coverage on shares of AerCap in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an overweight rating and a $80.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of AerCap in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of AerCap from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $82.50.

AerCap Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of AerCap stock traded up $0.41 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $67.59. 79,902 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,374,404. The company has a market cap of $14.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.95. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $62.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $61.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.51. AerCap Holdings has a 52 week low of $49.58 and a 52 week high of $69.50.

AerCap (NYSE:AER  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The financial services provider reported $2.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.44 by $0.37. The business had revenue of $1.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.89 billion. AerCap had a net margin of 33.62% and a return on equity of 15.03%. AerCaps revenue for the quarter was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.21 EPS. Equities analysts expect that AerCap Holdings will post 10.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About AerCap

(Free Report)

AerCap Holdings N.V. engages in the lease, financing, sale, and management of commercial flight equipment in China, Hong Kong, Macau, the United States, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers aircraft asset management services, such as remarketing aircraft and engines; collecting rental and maintenance rent payments, monitoring aircraft maintenance, monitoring and enforcing contract compliance, and accepting delivery and redelivery of aircraft and engines; and conducting ongoing lessee financial performance reviews.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Monday morning.

A number of other analysts have also commented on the company. TheStreet raised Armstrong World Industries from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Loop Capital boosted their price objective on Armstrong World Industries from $75.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Armstrong World Industries from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their target price on Armstrong World Industries from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $84.75.

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Armstrong World Industries Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE AWI opened at $83.38 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $75.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $72.97. The firm has a market cap of $3.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.31. Armstrong World Industries has a one year low of $62.03 and a one year high of $84.23.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The construction company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $347.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $330.42 million. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 41.76% and a net margin of 17.54%. Armstrong World Industriess revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.36 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries will post 5.13 EPS for the current year.

Armstrong World Industries Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 2nd were paid a $0.28 dividend. This is a positive change from Armstrong World Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 1st. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 22.36%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Armstrong World Industries

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AWI. Southpoint Capital Advisors LP purchased a new stake in Armstrong World Industries during the 1st quarter valued at about $121,108,000. Capital International Investors increased its position in Armstrong World Industries by 17.4% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,896,692 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $359,711,000 after buying an additional 727,241 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 649.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 678,011 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $48,303,000 after purchasing an additional 587,484 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 103.1% during the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 13,456 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $923,000 after purchasing an additional 450,050 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Armstrong World Industries during the 4th quarter valued at $30,725,000. 98.93% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Armstrong World Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells ceiling and wall systems in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers suspended mineral fiber, soft fiber, fiberglass wool, and metal ceiling systems, as well as wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum, and felt ceiling and wall products; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings and walls for use in commercial settings; and facade and partition products.

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Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Bank of America from $60.00 to $49.00 in a research note released on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Bank of America currently has an underperform rating on the utilities providers stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on BKH. TheStreet lowered shares of Black Hills from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of Black Hills from $56.00 to $53.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Black Hills in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Black Hills from $68.00 to $61.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Black Hills from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $59.83.

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Black Hills Price Performance

Shares of Black Hills stock opened at $51.19 on Monday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $50.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $56.43. The firm has a market cap of $3.48 billion, a PE ratio of 13.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.01 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. Black Hills has a 12-month low of $46.43 and a 12-month high of $73.98.

Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $407.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $579.85 million. Black Hills had a net margin of 10.08% and a return on equity of 8.01%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.54 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Black Hills will post 3.85 EPS for the current year.

Black Hills Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.625 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $2.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.88%. Black Hillss payout ratio is 64.77%.

Institutional Trading of Black Hills

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. State Street Corp grew its position in Black Hills by 7.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,963,935 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $479,907,000 after buying an additional 526,334 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Black Hills by 2.2% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,969,058 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $472,015,000 after buying an additional 151,038 shares during the period. Macquarie Group Ltd. grew its position in Black Hills by 0.4% during the first quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 2,554,967 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $161,218,000 after buying an additional 9,330 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors grew its position in Black Hills by 5.2% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 2,038,746 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $122,855,000 after buying an additional 100,000 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Black Hills by 7.5% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,411,214 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $85,040,000 after buying an additional 98,435 shares during the period. 86.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Black Hills Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan's work on its liberated territories will create new opportunities for cooperation, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

"The colossal creative work carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan will definitely serve to create new opportunities for the development of regional cooperation," he emphasized.

Mirziyoyev emphasized that during the fruitful presidency of Azerbaijan, regional cooperation within SPECA has reached a completely new level.

"This important platform, the foundation of which was laid in Tashkent, has clearly demonstrated its relevance as an effective mechanism of regional partnership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also mentioned that more than 400 projects have been implemented within SPECA to expand practical cooperation in trade, communications, transport and logistics, digitalization, energy, water resources, environment, gender equality and other spheres, and strategies on trade facilitation and innovative development have been adopted.

Baku is hosting a summit dedicated to the 25th anniversary of SPECA.

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998. At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC raised its position in Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Free Report) by 38.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,168,771 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 326,687 shares during the quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC owned approximately 0.15% of Newmont worth $49,860,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S raised its stake in Newmont by 66.6% in the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 32,609 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,391,000 after purchasing an additional 13,038 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in shares of Newmont by 101,647.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 547,513,832 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $23,356,940,000 after purchasing an additional 546,975,720 shares during the period. Wintrust Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Newmont by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Wintrust Investments LLC now owns 31,297 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,335,000 after purchasing an additional 1,738 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA lifted its position in shares of Newmont by 62.5% during the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,233 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 474 shares during the period. Finally, Howe & Rusling Inc. lifted its position in shares of Newmont by 15.4% during the 1st quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 75,772 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,714,000 after acquiring an additional 10,112 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.53% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 11,000 shares of Newmont stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.60, for a total transaction of $413,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 234,039 shares in the company, valued at $8,799,866.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.60, for a total value of $206,800.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 65,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,453,437.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 11,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.60, for a total value of $413,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 234,039 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,799,866.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 50,049 shares of company stock valued at $1,901,528 over the last quarter. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on NEM shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $52.00 price target on shares of Newmont in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Macquarie started coverage on shares of Newmont in a research report on Tuesday. They set an outperform rating and a $45.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Newmont in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Newmont from $53.00 to $42.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 29th. Finally, TD Securities cut their price objective on shares of Newmont from $55.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $55.52.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Newmont

Newmont Trading Up 0.2 %

NEM stock traded up $0.08 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $37.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,863,471 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,399,725. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.12. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $37.88 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $40.45. Newmont Co. has a 1 year low of $33.58 and a 1 year high of $60.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -36.59, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.41.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The basic materials company reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.42 by ($0.06). Newmont had a negative net margin of 7.35% and a positive return on equity of 6.28%. The company had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.20 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that Newmont Co. will post 1.72 EPS for the current year.

Newmont Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -155.34%.

About Newmont

(Free Report)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Ghana. As of December 31, 2022, it had proven and probable gold reserves of 96.1 million ounces and land position of 61,500 square kilometers.

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Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. increased its position in shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH  Free Report) by 0.7% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 5,464 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 38 shares during the quarter. Capital Group Private Client Services Inc.s holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $1,646,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of MOH. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in Molina Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. acquired a new position in Molina Healthcare during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 2,950.0% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 122 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 85.9% during the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 132 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. acquired a new position in Molina Healthcare during the 2nd quarter worth about $51,000. Institutional investors own 98.11% of the companys stock.

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Molina Healthcare Stock Up 1.3 %

MOH stock opened at $364.87 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $343.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $315.13. Molina Healthcare, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $256.19 and a fifty-two week high of $369.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. The company has a market cap of $21.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.57.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Molina Healthcare ( NYSE:MOH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly 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. Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 34.85% and a net margin of 2.80%. The business had revenue of $8.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.24 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $4.36 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 20.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 target price on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. StockNews.com raised Molina Healthcare from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $374.00 target price on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price objective on 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 issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Molina Healthcare presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $349.82.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Molina Healthcare

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.96, for a total transaction of $369,638.64. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 19,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,290,702.04. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Molina Healthcare news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 692 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 8,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,798,463.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.96, for a total value of $369,638.64. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 19,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,290,702.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

(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.

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Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF  Free Report) by 161.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 924 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 571 shares during the quarter. Covestor Ltds holdings in e.l.f. Beauty were worth $106,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ELF. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in e.l.f. Beauty during the second quarter valued at $891,000. Hollencrest Capital Management purchased a new position in e.l.f. Beauty in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty in the 1st quarter worth about $963,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 89.7% during the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 385 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.44% of the companys stock.

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e.l.f. Beauty Price Performance

Shares of ELF opened at $113.76 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 2.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The company has a market cap of $6.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.16, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.53. The firms 50 day moving average price is $105.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $110.88. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $48.10 and a fifty-two week high of $139.85.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

e.l.f. Beauty ( NYSE:ELF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $215.51 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $197.27 million. e.l.f. Beauty had a return on equity of 29.82% and a net margin of 15.88%. On average, research analysts forecast that e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. will post 2.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several brokerages recently commented on ELF. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on e.l.f. Beauty from $147.00 to $137.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $150.00 to $139.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 12th. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. They issued a buy rating and a $138.00 price target on the stock. DA Davidson upped their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $176.00 to $178.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of e.l.f. Beauty from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $110.00 to $115.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, e.l.f. Beauty presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $132.42.

View Our Latest Analysis on e.l.f. Beauty

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 11,760 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.60, for a total transaction of $1,159,536.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 128,155 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,636,083. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other e.l.f. Beauty news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 11,760 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.60, for a total transaction of $1,159,536.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 128,155 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,636,083. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Tiffany F. Daniele sold 1,253 shares of e.l.f. Beauty stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.09, for a total value of $174,279.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 4,813 shares in the company, valued at $669,440.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 107,741 shares of company stock valued at $13,483,075. Insiders own 5.20% of the companys stock.

About e.l.f. Beauty

(Free Report)

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Monday.

Grupo Simec Stock Down 5.8 %

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:SIM opened at $30.30 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $4.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.34 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $34.91. Grupo Simec has a fifty-two week low of $28.00 and a fifty-two week high of $38.22.

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Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The basic materials company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $554.20 million for the quarter. Grupo Simec had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 9.25%.

Institutional Trading of Grupo Simec

Grupo Simec Company Profile

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Grupo Simec stock. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Grupo Simec, S.A.B. de C.V. ( NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Free Report ) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 7,455 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $273,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 0.17% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products.

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Krane Funds Advisors LLC boosted its position in Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV  Free Report) by 18.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 77,645 shares of the auto parts companys stock after acquiring an additional 12,183 shares during the period. Aptiv comprises approximately 0.4% of Krane Funds Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Krane Funds Advisors LLCs holdings in Aptiv were worth $7,927,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of APTV. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora grew its position in shares of Aptiv by 0.4% in the second quarter. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora now owns 23,036 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $2,352,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Czech National Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Aptiv by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 32,022 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $3,269,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Aptiv by 3.3% in the third quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 3,320 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $260,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Aptiv by 4.4% in the first quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,650 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $297,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, BSW Wealth Partners increased its position in Aptiv by 2.7% during the first quarter. BSW Wealth Partners now owns 4,198 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $471,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. 89.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Aptiv news, CFO Joseph R. Massaro sold 1,900 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.87, for a total transaction of $193,553.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 206,773 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,063,965.51. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock.

Aptiv Stock Up 2.0 %

Shares of Aptiv stock traded up $1.64 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $83.27. 374,513 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,986,274. The company has a quick ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. Aptiv PLC has a twelve month low of $71.01 and a twelve month high of $124.88. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $89.59 and a 200-day simple moving average of $96.81. The company has a market cap of $23.55 billion, a PE ratio of 10.20, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 2.06.

Aptiv (NYSE:APTV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The auto parts company reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.10. Aptiv had a return on equity of 13.91% and a net margin of 11.54%. The company had revenue of $5.11 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.28 EPS. Aptivs revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Aptiv PLC will post 4.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Aptiv from $138.00 to $112.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 6th. StockNews.com began coverage on Aptiv in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Aptiv from $100.00 to $90.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Aptiv from $112.00 to $106.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Aptiv from $143.00 to $141.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Aptiv currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.63.

Read Our Latest Analysis on APTV

Aptiv Profile

(Free Report)

Aptiv PLC engages in design, manufacture, and sale of vehicle components worldwide. The company provides electrical, electronic, and safety technology solutions to the automotive and commercial vehicle markets. It operates in two segments, Signal and Power Solutions, and Advanced Safety and User Experience.

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Shares of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the six ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $1,302.29.

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,300.00 to $1,100.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,425.00 to $1,270.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,520.00 to $1,300.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 13th. TheStreet cut Mettler-Toledo International from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Mettler-Toledo International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, November 19th.

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View Our Latest Analysis on MTD

Insider Transactions at Mettler-Toledo International

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mettler-Toledo International

In other Mettler-Toledo International news, Director Roland D. Diggelmann acquired 315 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $1,026.54 per share, for a total transaction of $323,360.10. Following the transaction, the director now owns 405 shares in the company, valued at $415,748.70. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock.

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in MTD. Ancora Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 100.0% during the first quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 20 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International during the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Gladius Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 37.5% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 33 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Huntington National Bank boosted its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 34.6% during the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 35 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. 93.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Mettler-Toledo International Stock Down 0.6 %

NYSE:MTD opened at $1,078.58 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $23.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.49, a PEG ratio of 5.52 and a beta of 1.17. Mettler-Toledo International has a twelve month low of $928.49 and a twelve month high of $1,615.97. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $1,056.31 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $1,204.87.

Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The medical instruments supplier reported $9.80 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.63 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $942.46 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $947.10 million. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 1,852.05% and a net margin of 22.24%. Mettler-Toledo Internationals revenue for the quarter was down 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $10.18 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Mettler-Toledo International will post 39.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

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.

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Element Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 5.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,473 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,284 shares during the period. Element Capital Management LLCs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $1,545,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of TAP. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 71,854.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 526,000,917 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,631,900,000 after acquiring an additional 525,269,895 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage in the 4th quarter valued at about $83,092,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,329,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,138,589,000 after acquiring an additional 1,235,013 shares during the last quarter. Dodge & Cox raised its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 28,120,054 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,453,244,000 after acquiring an additional 1,032,150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Liontrust Investment Partners LLP acquired a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,391,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.95% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and issued a $77.00 price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $68.00 to $66.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a sell rating to a hold rating and increased their price target for the company from $57.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $72.00 to $69.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $63.00 price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.50.

Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance

Molson Coors Beverage stock opened at $60.00 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $12.94 billion, a PE ratio of 52.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.92. Molson Coors Beverage has a 52-week low of $48.49 and a 52-week high of $70.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The companys 50 day moving average is $60.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.26.

Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $1.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $3.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.24 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 9.16%. On average, research analysts expect that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Molson Coors Beverage Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.73%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 142.61%.

About Molson Coors Beverage

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands.

Further Reading

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System cut its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 2.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,232,069 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 158,771 shares during the period. Pfizer makes up 0.5% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings, making the stock its 29th largest position. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned approximately 0.11% of Pfizer worth $228,592,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Krane Funds Advisors LLC raised its position in Pfizer by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Krane Funds Advisors LLC now owns 16,916 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $620,000 after buying an additional 619 shares during the last quarter. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the second quarter worth $10,304,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A raised its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 0.7% during the second quarter. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A now owns 53,977 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,980,000 after purchasing an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer during the second quarter valued at $671,000. Finally, Shakespeare Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at $218,000. 68.05% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Pfizer Price Performance

Shares of NYSE PFE traded up $0.32 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $30.64. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,217,972 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,434,813. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.93 and a 1-year high of $54.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $173.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $31.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.05.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The business had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.77 billion. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.35%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 89.62%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PFE has been the subject of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on Pfizer from $62.00 to $42.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 16th. TheStreet downgraded shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Monday. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.50.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PFE

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lessened its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 901,481 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 39,728 shares during the period. Mastercard accounts for approximately 0.8% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest position. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings in Mastercard were worth $354,552,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Bornite Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the first quarter valued at $21,442,000. United Bank grew its holdings in Mastercard by 34.5% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 6,007 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $2,147,000 after purchasing an additional 1,541 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in Mastercard by 30.1% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 272,358 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $97,335,000 after purchasing an additional 63,040 shares during the period. First Western Trust Bank bought a new stake in Mastercard in the first quarter worth about $1,168,000. Finally, Bridgewater Associates LP purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard during the first quarter valued at approximately $12,926,000. 74.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Mastercard Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of Mastercard stock traded up $1.29 on Friday, reaching $411.62. The stock had a trading volume of 294,913 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,641,177. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $386.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $394.64 and a 200 day moving average price of $392.28. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1 year low of $336.43 and a 1 year high of $418.60.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The credit services provider reported $3.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.21 by $0.18. Mastercard had a net margin of 44.85% and a return on equity of 188.83%. The business had revenue of $6.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.53 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.68 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.16 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 9th. Investors of record on Monday, October 9th were given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 5th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is currently 19.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Mastercard

In other news, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $397.28, for a total transaction of $2,947,420.32. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 39,007 shares in the company, valued at $15,496,700.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Hai Ling sold 3,324 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $415.00, for a total value of $1,379,460.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 17,577 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,294,455. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Timothy H. Murphy sold 7,419 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $397.28, for a total value of $2,947,420.32. Following the sale, the insider now owns 39,007 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,496,700.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 533,424 shares of company stock worth $206,051,295. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MA has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Mastercard from $443.00 to $439.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Mastercard from $435.00 to $450.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $441.00 to $432.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $460.00 to $475.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price objective on Mastercard from $453.00 to $452.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $450.09.

Get Our Latest Report on MA

Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers other payment-related products and services.

Further Reading

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System decreased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 3.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 902,790 shares of the companys stock after selling 27,454 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for 0.9% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned approximately 0.10% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $423,390,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 1,954,511 shares of the companys stock valued at $916,627,000 after buying an additional 23,825 shares during the last quarter. Stableford Capital II LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $6,866,000. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $117,000. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth $327,000. Finally, Huntington National Bank raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% during the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 316,862 shares of the companys stock valued at $148,602,000 after buying an additional 36,448 shares during the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 1.2 %

LLY stock traded up $6.85 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $601.94. The stock had a trading volume of 684,928 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,082,608. The firm has a market cap of $571.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 107.81, a PEG ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $309.20 and a twelve month high of $629.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $577.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $513.45.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.88 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.55% and a return on equity of 48.12%. As a group, research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be given a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.75%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 81.88%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $565.00 to $633.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $673.00 to $722.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $615.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Argus raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nineteen have issued 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 $557.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Eli Lilly and Company

Insider Activity

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 completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 215,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total value of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,404,028,326.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was 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 disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 470,659 shares of company stock valued at $20,845,330,120 in the last 90 days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

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Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Methodical exercises were held with the participation of officers specializing in "Organization of Educational Work and Psychology", Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

The exercises were held according to the relevant order of the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Representatives of the Department for Ideological Work and Moral-Psychological Support of the Main Department for Personnel held meetings on the organization of educational work in several military units.

In the meetings held with the officers, recommendations were given on improving the moral-psychological training of servicemen, studying the individual-psychological features of newly recruited conscripts, their adaptation to the service, maintaining the service safety and health, as well as strengthening military discipline.

During the meetings, the servicemen were provided with information on strengthening the material-technical base of the Azerbaijan Army, as well as on the work aimed at improving the social and living conditions of the servicemen.

Officers' duties and responsibilities in fulfilling relevant upcoming tasks were once again explained in detail.
State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System trimmed its stake in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 14.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,834,105 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 305,620 shares during the quarter. Chevron makes up about 0.6% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned 0.10% of Chevron worth $288,596,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in CVX. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Chevron by 13.1% in the 2nd quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,255,000 after purchasing an additional 1,661 shares during the period. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA lifted its position in shares of Chevron by 13.4% in the second quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 79,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $12,582,000 after buying an additional 9,477 shares during the last quarter. Kooman & Associates boosted its stake in shares of Chevron by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Kooman & Associates now owns 1,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $247,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the period. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 30.6% during the 2nd quarter. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,659 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,048,000 after acquiring an additional 1,561 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Great Lakes Retirement Inc. raised its stake in Chevron by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. now owns 7,789 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,226,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have commented on CVX shares. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Chevron from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Raymond James dropped their price target on Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 30th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Chevron in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, HSBC increased their price objective on Chevron from $180.00 to $184.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $187.89.

Chevron Price Performance

Shares of CVX stock traded up $1.21 on Friday, reaching $145.54. The company had a trading volume of 1,860,659 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,339,203. The stock has a market capitalization of $274.74 billion, a PE ratio of 10.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The businesss 50-day moving average is $156.94 and its 200 day moving average is $157.83. Chevron Co. has a one year low of $140.72 and a one year high of $187.81.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. The company had revenue of $54.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.41 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.56 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Chevron Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be issued a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.15%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 44.84%.

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lessened its position in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 1,569,736 shares of the retailers stock after selling 45,813 shares during the period. Walmart makes up about 0.5% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings in Walmart were worth $246,731,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. AMI Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Walmart by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,269 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,231,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. grew its stake in shares of Walmart by 36.8% during the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 4,820 shares of the retailers stock worth $718,000 after acquiring an additional 1,296 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Walmart by 31.7% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,162 shares of the retailers stock valued at $173,000 after acquiring an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC raised its position in shares of Walmart by 123.9% in the 1st quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 10,566 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,573,000 after purchasing an additional 5,847 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in Walmart by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 857,839 shares of the retailers stock worth $127,749,000 after purchasing an additional 13,985 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 33.18% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

WMT has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Walmart from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $168.00 price target on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, November 17th. StockNews.com lowered Walmart from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 17th. Bank of America upped their target price on Walmart from $175.00 to $190.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Walmart has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $179.00.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total transaction of $161,370.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 169,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,390,136.95. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Walmart news, EVP Rachel L. Brand sold 16,840 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.04, for a total value of $2,627,713.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 166,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,941,650. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total transaction of $161,370.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 169,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,390,136.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,456,612 shares of company stock worth $227,495,349 over the last three months. Insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock.

Walmart Price Performance

Shares of WMT traded up $0.97 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $155.64. 2,204,452 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,013,010. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a current ratio of 0.85. Walmart Inc. has a 1-year low of $136.09 and a 1-year high of $169.94. The stock has a market cap of $418.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a 50 day moving average of $161.45 and a 200-day moving average of $157.89.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 16th. The retailer reported $1.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.53. The firm had revenue of $160.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $159.65 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 2.55%. The businesss revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.50 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Walmart

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF  Free Report) (TSE:SLF) by 1.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,280,430 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 126,634 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned about 1.24% of Sun Life Financial worth $379,403,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James & Associates lifted its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 2.0% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 31,331 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,749,000 after acquiring an additional 614 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Sun Life Financial by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 24,648 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,376,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 3.5% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 34,234 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,911,000 after buying an additional 1,144 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Sun Life Financial by 9.4% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 14,075 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $786,000 after buying an additional 1,207 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Sun Life Financial during the first quarter worth $67,000. 44.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have commented on SLF. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on Sun Life Financial from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 10th.

Sun Life Financial Price Performance

Shares of Sun Life Financial stock traded up $0.57 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $51.58. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,050,621 shares, compared to its average volume of 530,619. Sun Life Financial Inc. has a one year low of $43.53 and a one year high of $53.21. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $48.36 and a 200-day moving average price of $49.49. The stock has a market cap of $30.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.01.

Sun Life Financial Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th will be given a dividend of $0.5637 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 28th. This represents a $2.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.37%. Sun Life Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.96%.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

(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.

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Xero Limited (ASX:XRO  Get Free Report) insider Steven Aldrich acquired 1,400 shares of Xero stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The shares were bought at an average price of A$101.80 ($66.97) per share, for a total transaction of A$142,520.00 ($93,763.16).

Xero Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 101.59, a current ratio of 6.26 and a quick ratio of 5.24.

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Xero Company Profile

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Xero Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a software as a service company in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers Xero, an open platform that connects small businesses to a range of solutions, which helps to manage their finances. It also provides Xero mobile app; and accountant/bookkeeper tools, including Xero HQ, Xero Practice Manager, Xero Workpapers, and Xero Cashbook or Xero Ledger.

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This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" during a promotional event in Kathmandu, Nepal. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. [Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua]

KATHMANDU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua)  A promotional event was held in the Nepali capital on Thursday for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China."

Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, told the event that he found "a visionary outlook of building socialism in China in a very innovative and constructive way" by reading previous volumes of the book.

In the books, readers could find "real socio-political and philosophical answers" to questions related to China's rapid development and transformation, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song voiced his belief that the release of the new volume of the book in Nepal will help Nepali people enhance their understanding of why the Communist Party of China has been successful, and deepen their understanding of China's path, governance and principles, thus further promoting the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

The event was hosted by China's Foreign Languages Press and the China International Book Trading Corporation.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song addresses a promotional event for the English version of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 23, 2023. Jhala Nath Khanal, former prime minister of Nepal, attended the promotional event here on Thursday. [Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua]

(Source: Xinhua)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. A meeting was held between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, Foreign Ministry told Trend.

During the meeting, issues on the agenda of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as prospects of development of relations were discussed.

At the same time, Azerbaijan's participation in a number of regional forums, especially within the framework of cooperation mechanisms with Central Asian countries, was emphasized.

Minister Bayramov noted that the Baku week of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) chaired by Azerbaijan and the summit, as well as the agreements reached will give additional impetus to cooperation in the region.

Talking of Azerbaijan's ties with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the basis of historical friendship, mutual respect, support and solidarity, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that they contribute to mutually beneficial cooperation within the Council.

The current state and prospects of joint projects with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in economic, energy, transport, tourism, education and other spheres were noted, the need for further development of cooperation in the field of investment, use of the existing potential for joint economic forums was emphasized.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also informed about the situation in the region in the post-conflict period, prospects for peace.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest.

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While outright genocide is taking place against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, leaving millions of people around the world stunned and taking to the streets, Germanys official cultural policy is turning into a shameless instrument of war policy.

documenta 15: Installation by the collective Taring Padi. [Photo: documenta 15 / Frank Sperling]

Cultural functionaries, journalists and establishment politicians seek to outdo each other with their bizarre distortions and lies in order to present the mass murder of children, old people and women, the bombing of hospitals, the cutting off of electricity, the water supply and food for 2.3 million people as Israeli self-defence. In a grotesque verbal perversion, they use the accusation of antisemitism to subject culture and art to aggressive German great power politics and justify war crimes.

Most recently, this repulsive campaign has once again been directed against the Documenta in Kassel, which was already subject to attack last year. This most important international exhibition of contemporary art is now even threatened with cancellation. The thoroughly reactionary Commissioner for Culture and the Media Claudia Roth (Green Party) has threatened to halt the funding of the exhibition.

In the second week of November, the media, led by the Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), mounted a shrill smear campaign against the renowned Indian author and cultural scholar Ranjit Hoskote, who was part of a six-member committee to find a new artistic director for the next exhibition in 2027, the 16th Documenta. The previous director, Sabine Schormann, resigned during Documenta 15 last year after right-wing Zionist circles attacked the Indonesian curatorial team Ruangrupa as antisemitic. Her successor was Andreas Hoffmann.

After an article by Nele Pollatschek in the SZ on November 9 sparked renewed debate, the newspapers cultural correspondent in New York, Jorg Hantzschel, stoked the fire. Accordingly, Ranjit Hoskote was accused of having signed an antisemitic appeal in August 2019, protesting a discussion hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai on Zionism and Hindutva [extremist Hindu nationalism], which was also supported by representatives of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign against Israel. It was antisemitic, Hantzschel avers, to describe Zionism as a racist ideology which calls for a settler colonial and apartheid state in which non-Jews have unequal rights, and which in practice has been based on the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians for seven decades.

Immediately after the article appeared, other media outlets raged against the Documenta exhibition and called for its end. The Green Partys in-house newspaper, taz, ran with the headline The only thing that will help now is to stop funding and accused Hoskote of Jew-hatred. It was a scandal, according to these reactionaries, that even the new Documenta management had not succeeded in changing anything about the organised irresponsibility of this event. The promise to no longer allow hatred of Jews was just lip service. News weekly Der Spiegel accused Documenta of ignorance, and the notoriously right-wing Jurgen Kaube asked in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: When will Claudia Roth take action?

For her part, the deplorable Roth declared that the statement signed by Hoskote was clearly anti-Semitic and bristling with anti-Israel conspiracy theories. She threatened: There will only be a financial contribution from the federal government for the next Documenta if there is a joint plan and visible reform steps towards clear responsibilities, a genuine opportunity for the federal government to participate and standards to prevent anti-Semitism and discrimination. I do not yet see a basis for this.

Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger and Ranjit Hoskote [Photo by Bracha Ettinger, flickr / Harald Krichel, wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ranjit Hoskote then announced his resignation from the selection committee, followed by the Israeli artist, philosopher, psychoanalyst and theorist Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger. A few days later, the other four members of the commission, Simon Njami, Gong Yan, Kathrin Rhomberg and Maria Ines Rodriguez, also resigned. In their letter of resignation, they explain: If art is to take account of the complex cultural, political and social realities of our present day, it needs suitable conditions that allow for its diverse perspectives, perceptions and discourses.

They defend Hoskote and go on to write that the dynamics of the last few days, with the unchallenged media and public discrediting of our colleague Ranjit Hoskote, which forced him to resign from the selection committee, make us very doubtful as to whether this prerequisite for an upcoming edition of Documenta in Germany is currently in place. ...We do not believe that under the current circumstances in Germany there is room for an open exchange of ideas and the development of complex and nuanced artistic approaches that Documenta artists and curators deserve.

These words are clear: the active participation of the German bourgeoisie in the war against the Palestinians is destroying both democracy and artistic freedom!

Artists are not decorative accessories to politics

Ettinger, 75, had vainly asked that the decision on the 2027 Documenta directorship be postponed in view of the situation in the Middle East. She felt it was necessary to allow time for reflection and pause. In view of the events in Israel and Palestine, she did not feel able to continue in her role. Innocent civilians suffered and died, and my heart weeps for every dead person on all sides. Every life is precious, reads her letter of resignation.

And she continues: The art world as we imagined it has collapsed and fragmented. ... What can art contribute in our dark times? And adds: The question of the meaning of being human is closely linked to the meaning of art. Artists are not there to be decorative accessories for politics. Managing Director Hoffmann, however, refused to postpone the decision-making process for procedural reasons.

Hoskote justified his resignation from the selection committee on November 12 with moving and remarkable words, which we would like to reproduce here in detail:

Dear Andreas, the last few days have been some of the most deeply upsetting days of my life. The outrageous accusation of antisemitism was levelled against my name in Germany, a country that I regard with love and admiration and to whose cultural institutions and intellectual life I have contributed for several decades as a writer, curator, and cultural theorist. German reporters, who do not know my life and work, have condemned, denounced, and stigmatised me on the basis of a single signature on a petition that was taken out of context and not approached in a spirit of reason. I have been written about with harshness and condescension, and none of my detractors have thought it important to ask me my point of view. I have a strong feeling that I have been subjected to a kangaroo court.

A system that has lost its moral compass

Hoskote complains that he is being asked to accept a sweeping and untenable definition of antisemitism that lumps the Jewish people together with the Israeli state and accordingly casts any expression of sympathy for the Palestinian people as support for Hamas. Like many Jewish intellectuals, he rejects any equation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism.

He emphasises: A system that insists on such a definition and such restrictionsand that chooses to ignore both criticism and compassionis a system that has lost its moral compass.

He ends his letter with a sober enumeration of facts that should make the blustering propagandists of the Greens and the official media blush.

Firstly, he said he wants to emphasise that I hold the Jewish people in the highest esteem and have always felt the deepest sympathy for their historical suffering and admiration for their glorious cultural achievements. He refers to his own biography: I grew up in a pluralistic family that was proud of Indias diversity, including the centuries-long presence of three different Jewish communities among usthe Bene Israel, the Cochini Jews and the Baghdadi Jews.

His first mentor and friend was the Indian poet and art critic Nissim Ezekiel, a member of the Bene Israel community. One of his great-aunts, Kitty Shiva Rao, was born Kitty Verstandig in a Jewish family in Vienna. He adds, Im no stranger to the Shoah; its one of the strands of my own family history.

Secondly, he is against the positions of the BDS boycott campaign because it will further weaken and isolate our liberal, progressive, critical and inclusive colleagues in Israel. ... My sympathies are with both the Jewish and Palestinian people who have endured more than seven decades of uninterrupted fighting in West Asia.

He also lamented the deaths of innocent people as a result of the Hamas attack on October 7, but he could not ignore the brutal programme of extermination that the Israeli government has launched in retaliation against the Palestinian civilian population. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to bring the communities of Israel and Palestine together.

Invitation from the Israeli Consulate General in Mumbai 2019

In relation to the third point, Hoskote refers to a fact that is particularly significant in the current German debate: the invitation to the 2019 event in Mumbai on Zionism and Hindutva, which he protested against, featured a portrait of Theodor Herzl, the founding figure of Zionism, next to a portrait of V.D. Savarkar, a founding figure of the nationalist Hindutva. I found this highly ironic as Savarkar was known to be an admirer of Hitler and openly expressed his admiration for Nazi ideology and methods.

Savarkar, who was among the killers of Mahatma Gandhi, considered the Nazi methods as a model for India to suppress the religious minorities. None of the German commentators who denounced me wondered why the Israeli Consulate General even thought it appropriate to equate Zionism with Hindutva.

In the end, Hoskote emphasises that he has dedicated his life to resisting authoritarian forces and discriminatory ideologies. For him, this commitment remains the cornerstone of my life.

The clamour of the media and politicians in Germany against this serious Indian artist and scholar ultimately exposes them: It is not the statement that Zionism is racist that is antisemitic and can be compared to Nazi ideology. On the contrary, the ethnic cleansing and extermination of the Palestinian population, which is currently taking place in Gaza, places Zionism in the locus of Nazi fascism, which is so admired by Hindu nationalists. It is also directed against the Jewish population and their democratic rights.

The aggressive smear campaign against the important international Documenta art exhibition makes it painfully clear how the German ruling class is simultaneously mobilising intellectually and culturally in its renewed attempts to act militarily as a Great Power. This recalls its traditions in the 20th centurythe fatal appeal to the cultural world during the First World War, which celebrated the destruction, hostage shootings and massacres of civilians in invaded Belgium as a German cultural achievement, and the self-imposed conformity, book burning and expulsion of Jewish and left-wing artists under the Nazis.
In recent weeks, pediatric hospitals across China have been inundated with patients suffering from a variety of respiratory illnesses, causing growing alarm across the country and internationally.

The public health crisis in China began in mid-October and has only worsened. On October 23, a social media post from a parent in the Pediatrics Department at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital noted that there were 100 people in line, and they had to wait for three hours for their child to be seen by a doctor. A comment replying to the post stated that more than 900 patients were in line at the door of Tianjians Childrens Hospital, while another noted that more than 2,000 children were then on intravenous therapy at Beijing Childrens Hospital roughly 85 miles away.

A man comforts a child at a children's hospital in Beijing. [AP Photo/Dake Kang]

By mid-November, there were growing reports of schools being forced to close due to the spread of disease. Under a November 13 social media post on schools closing in Shenzhen, numerous comments were left sharing similar experiences from Yunnan, Shandong, Beijing, Guangdong, Jilin and Hebei.

Over the past week, reports have indicated a further deterioration of the situation.

On November 19, officials at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing announced, The number of patients waiting to be seen in pediatrics now exceeds 400, and the wait time is estimated to be over 6 hours. We suggest going to nearby pediatric clinics to help reduce the pressure here. Similar wait times and experiences were reported at Capital Institute of Pediatrics in Beijing, as well as other hospitals throughout the country.

It is not yet clear what pathogen or pathogens are responsible for the deluge of child hospitalizations, but government reports are stating that the primary infection spreading has been mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as influenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

There is also speculation that the spike in hospitalizations could be attributable to the fact that mycoplasma pneumoniae is acquiring resistance to the macrolides class of antibiotics. In recent years, China has experienced a greater degree of antibiotic resistance than most countries, with reports that Zithromax, the most widely prescribed macrolide in the country, is now ineffective in up to 80 percent of children.

Finally, there are also concerns that a dangerous novel pathogen or influenza, A/H9N2 (bird flu), could unknowingly be spreading due to inadequate public health surveillance in China. The possibility of H9N2 circulating was raised by Epiwatch, an Australia-based artificial intelligence-driven pandemic early warning system, which detected reports of possible H9N2 infections.

On Tuesday, the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED), one of the largest publicly available emerging diseases and outbreak reporting systems in the world, published an abridged version of a report on the crisis from Taiwan-based media outlet FTV News, with commentary from ProMED Rapporteur Dan Silver.

The FTV News report described the growing crisis in Beijing and Liaoning, which are separated by 800 kilometers, stating, With the outbreak of pneumonia in China, childrens hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning and other places were overwhelmed with sick children, and schools and classes were on the verge of suspension. Parents questioned whether the authorities were covering up the epidemic.

The article quoted a Beijing citizen who stated, Many, many are hospitalized. They dont cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature (fever), and many develop pulmonary nodules.

The report went on to note, Some school classes have even been canceled completely. Not only are all students sick, but teachers are also infected with pneumonia.

Commenting on this report, Silver wrote:

This report suggests a widespread outbreak of an undiagnosed respiratory illness in several areas in China as Beijing and Liaoning are almost 800 km apart. It is not at all clear when this outbreak started as it would be unusual for so many children to be affected so quickly. The report does not say that any adults were affected suggesting some exposure at the schools. ProMED awaits more definitive information about the etiology and scope of this concerning illness in China. It is too early to project whether this could be another pandemic but as a wise influenza virologist once said to me The pandemic clock is ticking, we just do not know what time it is.

In response to this report and the lack of adequate data from Chinese officials, on Wednesday the World Health Organization (WHO) submitted an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children, as documented in a WHO press release the same day.

Reviewing the immediate background to this crisis, the WHO statement notes:

At a press conference on 13 November 2023, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China. Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.

The WHO added:

On 22 November, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism. We have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems. WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China.

On Wednesday, the official local Beijing government website posted an article reporting that Beijings CDC deputy director and chief epidemiologist Wang Quanyi said that judging from the number of visitors to the Childrens Hospital and Capital Institute of Pediatrics outpatient, the spread of mycoplasma pneumoniae has declined to fourth in ongoing childrens respiratory infectious diseases. Ranked in the top three are the influenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.

The report added, Wang Quanyi said that due to the simultaneous spreading of multiple pathogens, there will be an upward trend in the overall number of infections, which may lead to a prolonged plateau period where the number remains high. This will also give rise to an increase in healthcare demand. Healthcare organizations need to be prepared to cope with such pressure.

The lifting of Zero-COVID and the collapse of public health

It remains to be seen precisely what pathogens are now spreading across China and why so many children are being hospitalized, but the underlying cause of this crisis is undoubtedly the collapse of public health in China and internationally over the course of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As noted in the November 13 briefing by the Chinese National Health Commission, the present surge of respiratory infections is directly attributable to the lifting of the Zero-COVID policy one year ago.

While they do not state this, the fact is that this comprehensive public health elimination program was incredibly successful at stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and had the unintended byproduct of drastically limiting many other respiratory pathogens. This phenomenon was seen throughout the world in 2020 and much of 2021, when even limited mitigation measures are believed to have eliminated the Influenza B/Yamagata family of flu viruses, while nearly eliminating other strains of influenza, as well as RSV.

Chart showing the number of confirmed weekly RSV infections in the US, from October 2020 to October 2022.

Outside of China, the total scrapping of all mitigation measures in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021 led to the mass infection and reinfection of the majority of the global population with SARS-CoV-2 and a resurgence of RSV, influenza, adenovirus and other pathogens. One year ago, in the aftermath of this ending of all semblance of public health, a similar horrific wave of child hospitalizations ripped through the United States and many other countries.

The universal response of the bourgeois media and political establishment was to do nothing to improve public health and prevent the spread of these pathogens. Rather, they proclaimed that the youngest generation had simply accrued an immunity debt during months or even weeks of lockdowns in 2020 and limited mitigation measures through 2021. Significantly, this baseless right-wing term immunity debt is now circulating on social media in China.

At the time, immunologist Dr. Anthony Leonardi debunked this unscientific claim, writing, We mustnt delude ourselves into thinking infections actually confer a benefit or are a debt that must be paid. They are more like a tax we make the children pay for our civilization not being developed enough to prevent viral illnesses that hospitalize thousands of children per year.

Dr. Leonardi drew attention to the large body of research demonstrating that COVID-19 can cause significant damage to ones immune system.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) abruptly lifted Zero-COVID in China in November-December 2022, in response to a ruthless offensive by US and European corporations, including Nike and Apple, who threatened to shift production to India and other countries. Serving as the guarantor of cheap labor for world capitalism and determined to maintain its own vast profits, the capitalist CCP regime sacrificed the health of the Chinese population to ensure that its relations with the West were not severed.

Every corporate media outlet, as well as those of the pseudo-left political parties which falsely claim to be socialist, propagandized on behalf of the Western imperialist powers in agitating for the lifting of Zero-COVID. Only the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International opposed this reactionary policy, calling for the expansion of a global elimination strategy utilizing all available public health measures to stop the pandemic once and for all.

The consequences of ending Zero-COVID were horrific, as the countrys 1.4 billion people were subjected to a catastrophic wave of mass infection and death, with estimates that nearly the entire population was infected by late December and between 1-3 million perished by late January.

The model-inferred daily cases (orange bands) during the three policy periods (zero-COVID, 20 Measures, and 10 Measures) near the end of 2022, and official case counts (points). Shades of orange show the median, 50% credibility interval (CrI), and 95% CrI. [Photo by Goldberg, E.E., Lin, Q., Romero-Severson, E.O. et al. / CC BY 4.0

Since then, China experienced a second wave of mass infection in April-July 2023. After this, cases plateaued at a very high baseline, similar to that seen in the rest of the world after the second wave of mass infection with the Omicron BA.2 subvariant in spring 2022.

COVID-19 reinfections have now become ubiquitous in China. On October 15, the keyword a fourth [COVID] infection increased by a staggering 707,621 percent. Social media posts about fourth, fifth and even sixth infections are now increasingly common across the country. Every day, one can find multiple posts of new Long COVID patients suffering from often debilitating conditions, including extreme fatigue, neurological disorders, heart conditions, difficulty breathing and more.

In response to an online poll asking how many times people have been infected with COVID-19, 38 percent replied once, 38 percent replied twice, 15 percent replied three times or more and only 9 percent replied never. Given that this poll was conducted by a blogger who advocates strict protection against COVID-19, the percentage of people who have never been infected or only infected once is likely much higher than in the general population.

With what is known about the damage that COVID-19 can cause to the immune system, the mass infection and reinfection of the entire Chinese population is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the present spike in child hospitalizations.

Fundamentally, what is required is the prevention of disease transmission, including that of SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza, adenovirus, RSV and all other infectious diseases, both within China and internationally.

Significantly, all of the diseases identified so far as spreading in China are respiratory pathogens known to spread through airborne transmission. Thus, the modernization of ventilation systems and the universal use of N95 masks in indoor public places would rapidly reduce the present disease burden. Combined with mass testing, contact tracing and other public health measures, these viruses could quickly be eliminated in China and throughout the world.

Such a global elimination program, for all of these pathogens and more, requires a vast expansion in public health funding and resources. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that nothing short of the socialist reorganization of global society will ensure that such resources are provided. The ICFI is the only political party in the world fighting for such a socialist public health program, and we urge all those in China and globally who support this program to contact us today.
Around the world millions of people are mobilising in mass protests and demonstrations to oppose the Israeli governments illegal military assault on Palestinians in Gaza and the backing of the genocide by all the imperialist powers.

Australian health workers, horrified by the destruction of hospitals and medical facilities and the rising death toll of their colleagues in Gaza, have organised independent protests in Sydney and Melbourne, and initiated online petitions demanding the Albanese Labor government call for a ceasefire.

Protesting healthcare workers in Melbourne last month

Last week a petition, titled Ceasefire Now: Australian Health Care Workers and signed by over 40,000 health workers, was tabled in the federal parliament.

Launched on November 2 by Dr Safiyyah Abbas and Dr Ella Tracey, who are paediatric registrars, and Dr Kate Ahmad, a neurologist, the petition states: We cannot stand by silently and allow this to continueto do so would betray our medical ethical principles. We urge you to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Presented to the parliament by the Greens, it elicited not a single comment from the Labor government.

Another online petition, which was launched by the Australian Healthcare Students Palestine Action Network (AHSPAN), calls on the Labor government to demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to the illegal Israeli occupation in all Palestinian territories.

The petition declares that the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) must abide by the fundamentals of the health profession and urgently and publicly support the ongoing movement for Palestinian liberation, justice and health.

It also states that these bodies, which have a combined membership of over 350,000 doctors and health workers, must denounce war crimes relating to the decimation of health infrastructure, withholding of health resources, and the killing of health and aid workers.

Most importantly it also calls on the AMA and ANMF to cease the censorship of health workers and students speaking against genocide and protect health workers and students who speak up against genocide from penalisation.

Both organisations have played a duplicitous role in response to the bloody onslaught in Gaza.

On October 31, the AMA endorsed the World Medical Associations calls that all parties involved in the conflict must not use health facilities as military quarters or depots, nor to target health personnel facilities and vehicles.

In other words, the AMA gives sustenance to the Israeli governments false claims that Gazan hospitals are being used as military facilities, for which there is not a shred of evidence. Whatever its statements to the contrary, the AMAs promotion of the Israeli propaganda legitimises the bombardment of hospitals.

Likewise, the ANMFs national biennial conference on October 1213 passed an anodyne resolution that condemned the conflict in the Middle East and called for a ceasefire. The union, it said, remains committed to seeking peace and safety for all peoples and for all nurses and midwives who are trying to care for their communities in the midst of terrible conflicts. The resolution, in other words, evaded any direct denunciation of Israel, the party that is attacking medical facilities and health workers, and presented the one-sided and genocidal bombardment as a conflict.

Israels unrelenting assault on Gazan hospitals and other health facilities has killed at least 521 people, including 16 medical workers. Some 137 direct attacks on health care in Gaza had been perpetrated by the Israeli military as of November 12. This has not moved the ANMF and AMA leaderships to issue any other statement about these war crimes.

The Health Services Union, which has over 47,000 members in New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, has not issued a single statement on the Gaza genocide.

Mental health workers have forthrightly challenged their professional associations response to the Israeli onslaught against Gaza. A petition initiated by Australian Mental Health Professionals has so far been signed by over 4,500. The petition contains an Open Letter describing the Israeli attacks as collective punishment and in blatant violation of humanitarian and international law. It opposes an October 12 statement by the Australian Psychologists Society (APS).

The letter says the APS statement is contradictory to the ethical standards they hold Australian psychologists to and is dismissive of the 75-year-long ethnic cleansing and genocide of the indigenous Palestinians, creating concern and distress amongst psychologists, including APS member psychologists, and the broader communities they support.

The letter says the APS ignores the myriad of war crimes committed by Israel which provide context to the current escalation in the region, thereby exhibiting selective bias and condemnation.

It then accuses the APS of failing to uphold the organisations own code of conduct to prevent our own biases and limits to objectivity from influencing a situation, act with integrity, and treat all people with dignity and respect.

These online petitions and the active participation of thousands of health professionals in the mass protests in Australia further reveal the vast gulf between the sentiments and professional standards fought for by tens of thousands of health workers across Australia and the institutions purporting to represent them.

The same health sector associations and unions have collaborated with federal and state governments to lift basic COVID-19 safety measures and enforce decades of brutal spending cuts to public health and essential services.

Appeals to the Albanese Labor government, which through its military and political alliance with the US government continues to oppose any ceasefire and assert that Israel has the right to defend itself, will fall on deaf ears. In fact, Australian governmentsLiberal-National Coalition and Labor alikehave issued permits for 322 defence exports from Australia to Israel since 2017. The exact character of these exports is shrouded in secrecy.

Medical practitioners and health professionals opposing the mass murder of men, woman and children and the wholesale destruction of health and other vital services in Gaza must organise independently of the organisations that falsely claim to represent them.

The Health Workers Rank-and- File Committee (Australia) supports and encourages all health workers initiatives to mobilise against the Gaza genocide. We urge health workers to contact us to discuss taking this forward.
The major powers continue to fully support the Netanyahu regime and its murderous war against the Palestinians in Gaza. Millions of people around the world have been protesting against this for more than a month.

In Germany, too, many thousands are defying the pro-Israel stance of the Social Democrat-led Federal Government and Bundestag (parliament), to participate in pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Demonstration in Dusseldorf, Germany on November 4, 2023

In Berlin, a demonstration of more than 5,000, including whole families with children, moved from the main train station to the Groer Stern on Saturday afternoon. Slogans included Freedom for Gaza, Freedom for Palestine, and Germany finances, Israel bombs. Another chant was, The German media is lying, dont let them deceive you! At 4:00 p.m., out of respect for the victims in Gaza, the entire demonstration was transformed into an impressive silent march for 15 minutes.

A large police force was present. The lead organiser of the demonstration stated at the outset to applause: We are not here to show hatred, but peace. We are not here because we hate Jewswe are here because we stand up against injustice in Palestine. We have lived peacefully alongside the Jews in the Middle East for centuries. Protests have been taking place each week in the German capital.

People also took to the streets in many other cities last weekend. There were about 1,000 in Leipzig, over 2,000 in Stuttgart and more 1,500 in Dusseldorf. In Hamburg, all protests against Israels ethnic cleansing have been banned for five weeks. Pro-Palestinian meetings are prohibited by general order of the police. This edict, first issued on October 16 for three days, has been extended nine times since.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, in addition to Dusseldorf, protests against the genocide took place in Cologne, Bielefeld, Paderborn, Herne and Munster. In Cologne, around 3,000 participants responded to the appeal from the Palestinians and Jews for Peace initiative and took part in a peace march on Sunday afternoon. The protest was registered for 1,000, but three times as many came.

In Munster, an originally permitted pro-Palestine demonstration was banned 45 minutes before the start and limited to a smaller rally without flags in the city centre under the most stringent restrictions. An earlier police ban had been lifted by the Administrative Court of Munster the day before.

The various court decisions concerned the assessment of a slogan that the Munster police and the Munster Administrative Court evaluate differently. The police chief of Munster, Alexandra Dorndorf, deemed the slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free a criminal offence. She claimed that the statement not only called into question the right of the State of Israel to exist but also called for the destruction of the Israeli people. On the other hand, the Administrative Court of Munster correctly held that the slogan could also mean the equal coexistence of all people on the territory of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Demonstration in Berlin, Germany on November 4, 2023

With over 1,500 participants, one of the largest demonstrations in North Rhine-Westphalia took place last Saturday in Dusseldorf. The demonstrators not only had to defy the pouring rain but also bans and police harassment. Initially, the police wanted to impose conditions banning two German words for genocide in Dusseldorfas before in Berlin and other cities. But the applicants prevailed in court, and thus the Socialist Equality Partys (SGP) posters, which demand an immediate halt to the genocide, could also be displayed.

The main slogan was For Freedom, Justice, Human Dignity and Peace in Palestine. In the speeches, the role of the German governmentnotably of Scholz, Habeck and Baerbockwas sharply criticised. The most frequently chanted slogan was: Shame on you! Many hand-painted posters also had a similar orientation and expressed outrage that, for example, German Palestinians were being deprived of basic democratic rights. Equal human rights for all was one demand.

In Gottingen (Lower Saxony), a rally with strong participation by students took place on Saturday afternoon. A poster referring to the genocide was banned by the police. It said, If youve ever wondered what youd have done during slavery and European colonialism, the Holocaust and Canadas genocide of Indigenous peoples, look at whatever youre doing now for Gaza, Palestine.

At the SGPS table, IYSSE flyers opposing the censorship of their event at Humboldt University in Berlin were received with great interest by students. Several visitors to the information booth expressly thanked the WSWS for openly countering the intolerable government propaganda.

In Stuttgart, hundreds of police officers were present in the city center on Sunday. They could not prevent a loud rally of over 2,000 participants on Schillerplatz and a demonstration through the city center. Nevertheless, here, as elsewhere, protesters faced harassment, confiscations and criminal investigations. A 32-year-old woman is under investigation for allegedly including prohibited content in her speech.

A WSWS team distributed a WSWS perspective as a flyer describing the events in Gaza as a warning: The imperialist ruling classes, desperate and cornered, will stop at nothing to secure their global interests, including mass murder. The necessary response was clearly laid out in the statement: The future of humanity requires breaking the stranglehold of the financial oligarchy over society, which requires the building of a mass socialist movement of the working class.

The team was able to discuss this perspective with numerous participants. They strongly objected to the official accusation that the demonstrators were antisemites. One young woman explained: We are not here because we are antisemitic, but we are here because we want to stop the killing and expulsion. Theres nothing more to it than that. Those who say otherwise are liars or people who want to incite people against us.

Another said: The accusation that we are antisemitic is a big lie. The people here stand for justice and against the oppression and murder of so many people in Gaza. We have come here to stand up for the Palestinians, who have been trying to live in an open prison for 75 years.  What is being done to them is a huge injustice.

One participant stated: We are being called antisemites simply because we are protesting against Israels war crimes and genocide. We are not against Jews. On the contrary, there are Jews among us. We are not antisemites, but we are against this genocide, we are against children dying and against the idea that an entire people should be exterminated.

Several spoke out clearly against the German governments unequivocal support for Israel. One participant said: I dont think its good at all that Germany supports Israel, that they send weapons, for example, or that they generally only support Israel in public. One woman stated: We also want to show the government in Germany that their support for Israel is completely wrong right now.

A participant named Erna objected to the general war development and the governments massive spending on armaments. She said, I am absolutely against the war. We need to invest much more in peace, but not in [German arms manufacturers] Heckler & Koch or Rheinmetall or Mauser. She described austerity measures targeting education and social spending as a mess, and added, Education is the essential thing that can save us from war and social inequality.

Reporters repeatedly held lively discussions with protesters about what the solution could be and whether it was possible for Palestinians and Jews to live together peacefully in the Middle East. In this context, the program of the International Committee of the Fourth International calling for the United Socialist States of the Middle East aroused great interest, and many took the SGP manifesto for the European elections to study it.

Muhammad explained, For me, the demand for equality among people is a logical demand that I support. A young Palestinian woman, when asked what she thought of the demand for Israeli and Palestinian workers to join forces, replied: I think thats right, its correct.

Mustafa, holding a poster that read: Stop the war! declared that he wanted to alert people to what is happening, in order to stop the war. People, children, families who have nothing to do with politics are dying, he said. You have to take action. We all live in the same world, we all have a heart, and almost all of us have the same problems. No matter what happens, you have to stop the war.
There were only brief Australian media reports on a recent High Court ruling in favour of residents in a remote indigenous community against their landlord, the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Housing.

The corporate and government media outlets substantially covered up the details of the appalling conditions the public housing tenants have faced at the hands of successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike.

Aboriginal father with his grandchildren at Alice Springs town camp, Northern Territory, Australia, April 2008. [Photo: Photo by John Hulme/WSWS/WSWS]

Kwementyaye Young, an elderly resident of Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa, approximately 85 kilometres from Alice Springs in central Australia, was one of 70 tenants who fought for basic social rights against the NT government.

Under one government after another, the NT housing department refused to rectify critical, even potentially life-threatening faults such as the lack of a back door, no air-conditioning, water leaks, broken toilets and insect infestation.

Young herself had gone without a back door and perimeter fence for nearly six years.

On November 1, after a more than seven-year legal battle, during which Young tragically died in July, the High Court decided that the NT department had breached the territorys Residential Tenancies Act and was due to compensate some tenants or their remaining family members.

The case sheds light on the squalid conditions that NT governments have imposed upon these residents, and the protracted fight that tenants had to wage through tribunals and courts to secure redress.

For the most part, this struggle was against the NTs current Labor government, which took office in August 2016. That was six months after residents first took their case to the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, arguing the dwellings in which they lived had been left in a state of shocking disrepair and were unsafe for habitation.

This record further exposes the claims of the NT Labor government, together with the current Albanese federal Labor government and other state and territory Labor governments, that this years October 14 failed referendum on inserting an indigenous Voice assembly into the Australian Constitution would have meant better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The evidence from the case demonstrates that Labor governments have long ruthlessly denied better outcomes to indigenous people, knowing full well the harm they were causing. That was not because of the lack of a Voice institution at the heart of the governmental and parliamentary ruling establishment.

Young was 71 years old at the time her tenancy agreement began in 2011. She spoke little English, and was unable to read the lease, as her first language was Eastern Arrernte.

Initially, in 2016, the NT tribunal examined a sample of four out of the 70 cases, those belonging to Young, Jasmine Cavanagh, Mr Conway and Clayton Smith. The evidence before the tribunal was damning.

Young, who testified through a translator, showed that a shower and drain had been leaking for 2,117 days, and that she had no back door for 2,090 days and a toilet that flushed poorly and failed to clear waste for 534 days. In a community where animals roamed freely, the perimeter fence was bent all the way to the ground for 2,328 days.

The absence of a back door was a significant security and safety danger in circumstances where, as Young described, wild horses may have bent the fence around the property, and where snakes may have entered the house.

Young, who was in her late 70s when she brought the case, also had no air-conditioner for 2,121 days, in the often-scorching heat of central Australia, and no fully-functioning stove for 170 days. She still had to pay $4,735.80 in rent to the NT government despite living in an uninhabitable environment.

Conway had a home infested with insects for 1,035 days and, on account of leaking water, had slept in the kitchen for 1,989 nights.

As the case was fought, the NT government tried to find any excuse to avoid its legal obligations. For example, it claimed that a back door was not a necessary safety feature and that the residents were excluded from receiving compensation for distress or disappointment in their housing conditions.

As a result, Youngs claims for compensation were rejected by both the tribunal and the full court of the NT Supreme Court. The tribunal ruled that an external door was not a security device within the meaning of the NT Residential Tenancies Act and therefore the tenancy agreement had not been breached.

On appeal, in a hearing by a single judge of the NT Supreme Court, the housing department CEO conceded that an external door was necessary to ensure that the premises were reasonably secure, and that the department had therefore failed to comply with a term of the tenancy agreement.

On further appeal by the NT government, however, in February 2022 the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court ruled any award of damages for the tenancy agreement breach was restricted to physical (not mental) inconvenience, thus excluding compensation for distress or disappointment.

Eighteen months later, the High Court of Australia finally reversed that reactionary ruling. There was media speculation that the outcome could open the door for similar claims by tenants nationally. However, governments and landlords could stymie such legal actions by amending the language of leases or legislation.

While the case was going through the courts, the NT Labor government announced plans to change the way it charged rent in remote communities. It would impose a flat rate of $70 per bedroom per week, leading to rent hikes of some 40 percent for more than two-thirds of residents. Ostensibly, the higher rents, which began early this year, were designed to fund maintenance and repairs in community housing. According to reports from residents, however, little has improved.

Such conditions have existed for decades. They worsened after the 2007 NT military-police National Emergency Response, or intervention, conducted by the former federal Liberal-National government of Prime Minister John Howard and extended by his successor, Labors Kevin Rudd. The right to manage community housing was taken from residents, with an emergency lease handed to the NT government.

Later, the federal government convinced residents to sign over the housing stock on a 40-year lease to the government in exchange for maintenance and funding for repairs. Once the lease was signed, the federal government sublet the entire arrangement to the NT government, which has had responsibility ever since.

These conditions are not confined to the NT. Thousands of tenants are reported to be living in substandard public housing in remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Similar conditions have been reported in remote housing in Queensland and South Australia in particular.

The corporate media barely mentioned the horrific conditions revealed by Youngs case, before quickly moving on. That is not least because growing numbers of working-class tenants nationally also face poor conditions and soaring rents, at the hands of the same governments and housing authorities, as well as private landlords.
Throughout the Southeastern US, state residents seeking medical care are seeing a raft of hospital closures and attacks on health programs while healthcare workers face increasingly deteriorating conditions.

In Alabama, two local hospitalsPrinceton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, and Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabasterclosed their programs for pregnancy and maternal care on October 25. Additionally, Monroe County Hospital is slated to close its labor and delivery unit in November.

Speaking with CBS 42, Dr. Elizabeth Sahlie, a general pediatrician at Simon Williamson Clinic Pediatrics located on the Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, expressed concerns about the impact of eliminating obstetric services at these three Alabama hospitals. That puts you at risk, she said, adding, Then if something, lets say you go into pre-term labor and youre that far away from the hospital, thats a really dangerous situation for a woman.

A recent report from March of Dimes indicates that a majority of patients that would seek out such services are largely poor and working class, with 27.9 percent of women in Alabama having no access to a birthing hospital within a 30-minute drive, in contrast to the national figure of 9.7 percent. The closest trek ranges between 60 and 90 minutes out. This becomes particularly challenging for those without reliable transportation, public or otherwise.

Moreover, a study recently published by the Alabama Board of Nursing indicates that 38,725 nurses intend to exit the profession over the next four years. Despite an influx of nurses entering the workforce and migrating from other states, the study anticipates a precipitous fall in the overall number of nurses in Alabama annually by 2027.

Since 2019, court records revealed that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has initiated legal action against more than 8,000 patients in pursuit of unpaid medical bills. Within the Arkansas court system, UAMS is the second most prolific filer of debt collection lawsuits, surpassed only by the state tax office.

According to a 2021 US Census Bureau report, the median household income in Arkansas is $52,123 while average household income is $73,346. Currently, some 500,000, or 17 percent, of Arkansans live below the states poverty line. The poverty rate before the COVID-19 pandemic was 16.2 percent. This rate has exploded as a result of the pandemic, as federal and state government allowed the coronavirus to ravage the nation.

Notably, UAMSs utilization of legal recourse has surged during the pandemic. While filing a meager 35 lawsuits in 2016, this number surged a hundred-fold in 2021.

In Georgia, Republican Governor Brian Kemps new health plan for low-income adults has enrolled only 1,343 people through the end of September, about three months after launching. The new health plan requires people to work to be qualified for coverage under Medicaid.

The state launched the Pathways plan in July just as it began a review of Medicaid eligibility following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May. Federal law prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid during the three-year emergency.

The state previously said it delayed the reevaluations of 160,000 people who were no longer eligible for traditional Medicaid but could qualify for Pathways to help them try to maintain health coverage. However, observers have said they have detected little public outreach to target populations.

Thirty-nine states have expanded Medicaid eligibility to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, $20,120 annually for a single person and $41,400 for a family of four. North Carolina will become the 40th state to do so in December. None of those states require recipients to work to qualify.



Louisiana is grappling with an alarming increase in infant mortality rates, placing it at the 48th position among US states. Furthermore, data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation for 2021 revealed 35 percent of children have parents who lack stable employment, 27 percent of children live in poverty, and 11 percent of teenagers are either unengaged in school or unemployed, all surpassing national averages.

In Mississippi, Republican Governor Tate Reeves has said he remains opposed to Medicaid expansion and derisively calls the proposal welfare expansion. The governors Democratic challenger Brandon Presley, meanwhile, has pledged to make access to healthcare a priority in his campaign platform and has promised to expand Medicaid on day one, should he be sworn into office. This promise is belied by the fact that the Democratic Party failed to codify Roe v. Wade; has expanded detention centers for migrant children, which are notorious for failing to provide proper medical care, hygiene and hygiene products; and is preparing to make further cuts in social welfare programs.

Traffic passes the publicly owned Greenwood Leflore Hospital, in Greenwood, Miss., Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. The hospital closed its labor and delivery unit on Nov. 30, 2022. The closure means the area's women will need to travel about 45 minutes to give birth at a hospital, and without focused hospital support, the city's only OB/GYN clinic could struggle to provide maternity care. [AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis]

According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, 34 of Mississippis 74 rural hospitals are at risk of closure. The struggling hospitals cite major losses on uncompensated services rendered, or services provided to people without health insurance coverage. With resources being used by the poor and working class, emergency rooms by law cannot turn patients away, regardless of their coverage status, meaning that hospitals are providing care without financial compensation from the state and federal governments. Mississippis hospitals lose about $600 million on uncompensated care annually, which would be alleviated through the nationalization of medicine and health care.

Lastly, in Tennessee, the decision to close the Baptist Minor Medical Center in the city of Bartlett, Baptist Minor Medical Center in Memphis, and Baptist Minor Medical Center in Olive Branch was made on October 22 with the aim to better serve its patients, as stated by the hospital.

The strike by Kaiser Permanente workers in October was the largest-ever healthcare workers strike in the US. The strike by more than 85,000 health care workers, which could have crippled the private profiteers of the healthcare industry, was isolated to a three-day strike by the Coalition for Kaiser Permanente Unions (CKPU).

This capitulation of the unions to the diktats of Kaiser Permanente and the policies of the Biden administration, which is funding Israels genocide of the Palestinians with billions of dollars, is a warning for all healthcare workers.

Although the Kaiser strike did not have a physical presence in the southeastern US, healthcare workers are subject to the same exploitation, along with state and federal anti-democratic and discriminatory laws and policies.

The conditions facing healthcare workers are worsening by the day. The way out of the deepening crisis facing healthcare and other workers lies in the working class struggle for the socialist reorganization of society through the formation of rank-and-file committees. Wresting power out of the hands of the corporatist union bureaucrats, these committees must wage their struggle independently of the ruling establishment, as well as against the pro-capitalist policies of pseudo-left reformists like the Democratic Socialists of America and the Movement for a Peoples Party, which tirelessly work with the capitalist parties and union bureaucrats to tether the rank-and-file to the corporations, ushering in sellout contracts, blackmailing workers, and isolating strike action.
In an event dripping with cynicism and hypocrisy, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton came together on Wednesday in a bipartisan display of unity for the reopening of Melbournes Holocaust Museum. It had been closed since the beginning of hostilities in the Middle East last month.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Jason Edwards]

Among those in attendance were elderly Holocaust survivors, victims of the worst crime of the 20th century. That the atrocities they suffered and the horrors they witnessed must be continuously recalled and brought to the attention of new generations is clear. Their experiences have a particular relevance today, under conditions of the growth of fascist and far-right movements internationally, and an eruption of imperialist militarism reminiscent of the 1930s.

But that was not the aim of Albanese or Dutton. Instead, the transparent purpose of their presence was to exploit the worst imperialist atrocity of the last century, to legitimise the worst imperialist atrocity of the 21st, the genocide in Gaza. The two leaders, moreover, sought to blackguard opposition to the mass murder of the Palestinians as antisemitism, in line with a filthy official campaign that has only escalated over the past month.

Albanese declared: This Museum stands because we must never forget the Holocaust. Not the scale of it, not the depths of its cruelty. A savagery that was long in the planning and cold in its calculation.

Dutton said it was necessary to visit the museum To hear the voices of those who died and those who survived. To understand how hateful ideas so easily transform into evil deeds. He recalled the refrain never again and stated that it was of particular importance now.

Of course, the government and the opposition have no interest in hearing the voices of those who died and those who survived the last six weeks in Gaza. Whatever their differences on secondary questions, Albanese and Dutton have been as one in their complete support for the Israeli bombardment, their angry hostility to any suggestion of a ceasefire and their denunciations of those protesting the war crimes.

Albanese has repeated, as a mantra, Israels right to defend itself. Liberal opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie described, without rebuke from his party leader, Israels genocidal response to the October 7 uprising as one of great restraint.

One of the defining characteristics of the Holocaust, the use by an advanced state of industrial methods of mass murder against an oppressed population, is clearly what has occurred in Gaza.

The Israeli bombing has targeted residential buildings, schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, with the deliberate aim of murdering civilians, including children, at least 5,500 of whom have been killed. United Nations and other legal experts have noted that what is usually the most difficult element of a genocide to establish, intent, is very plain, with senior Israeli leaders openly proclaiming their plans to clear Gaza of Palestinians and describing them as animals worthy of death and displacement.

In that context, the use of the refrain never again, as they are supporting again right now, sounds like the cruel and twisted humour of a sadist. How will figures such as Albanese, Dutton and others greenlighting the Israeli onslaught be depicted in a future Gaza genocide museum?

Both connected the Holocaust to the present, but in the most twisted manner.

Albanese declared: Since the atrocities of October 7, Jewish Australians have been bearing a pain you should never have had to bear again. And you are feeling fear. Anxious that the long shadows of the past have crept into the present. He added: As the conflict continues, antisemitism is on the rise. But we will not let it find so much as a foothold here.

Socialists, as part of their fight for the international unity of the working class, are the most intransigent opponents of all forms of racism, including antisemitism. Antisemitism, moreover, as a modern political phenomenon, has particularly been associated with attempts by the ruling elite to mobilise declassed petty bourgeois layers against the workers movement and its socialist leadership identified with the most far-sighted elements of the Jewish intelligentsia, beginning with Karl Marx.

Socialists are thus more committed than any political tendency to an irreconcilable struggle against antisemitism, understood as racial and/or religious prejudice against Jewish people and its incitement.

This is, however, not what the political and media establishment is talking about. Instead, they are branding as antisemitic any opposition to Israel, its genocidal war and Zionism.

That was made more or less explicit by Dutton, who declared: We stand here today having been filled, through our television screens, of the hate-fuelled mobs marching through major democratic cities, calling for the slaughter of Jews. Despite the awkward and grammatically incorrect character of the remark, it was clear that Dutton was talking about the mass protests that have erupted globally opposing the bombing of Gaza, against which he has railed for weeks.

Those protests are not calling for the slaughter of Jews, but for an end to the slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. Some of the most powerful actions, especially in the United States, but also in Australia, have been organised by anti-Zionist Jews, who have angrily condemned the exploitation of their historical suffering to justify an unfolding genocide.

Duttons comment was a particularly crude enunciation of the general campaign by the media and political establishment to label opposition to Israeli crimes as antisemitism. This line is itself antisemitic, falsely identifying Jewish people with the garrison state of Israel as it commits atrocities. It also goes hand in hand with the denial and downplaying of the actual dangers of antisemitism, manifested in the rise of fascistic and far-right forces in a number of countries.

In that context, it may be noted that Dutton is associated with moves in the direction of transforming the Liberal Party, amid its deepgoing crisis, into something approaching the alt-right populism of Donald Trump.

Duttons leadership has long been associated with right-wing dog-whistling, including to anti-Aboriginal and anti-refugee prejudice, positions that have currency in far-right circles that are also saturated with genuine antisemitism.

It is striking, moreover, that forces associated with the promotion of the far-right are among the leaders of the campaign branding hostility to Israel as antisemitism.

The Murdoch-owned Australian publication has been at the forefront, publishing increasingly hysterical articles on a daily basis, denouncing opponents of the genocide and justifying every act undertaken by the Israeli military.

In its weekend edition of November 10, the Australian published a feature, Anti-Semitism is having a rebirth. But did it ever die? It declared that European antisemites fall into three categories. First on the list were affluent bourgeois Leftists who, marinated in anti-racist discourse but unwilling to give up any material privilege, launder their souls using Jews. The second were Muslim fundamentalists.

Under conditions where fascistic and far-right parties are in the parliaments of a growing number of European countries, including Germany, the article made the astounding assertion that There is the old style [of antisemitism], which is waning. In other words, fascism is of no great concern. The dangers are the left and Muslims. That such a position has nothing to do with a fight against antisemitism should be self-evident.

Some of the most strident Australian commentators on the issue of antisemitism themselves have troubling views and connections.

In recent weeks, the Australian has published two articles by Claire Lehmann, again accusing the left of antisemitism because of its opposition to the Israeli war. Lehmann is the founder of Quillette, a right-wing online publication.

In 2019, Quillette published an article targeting anti-fascist activists. It accused several national reporters in the US of relying on the activists as sources in their reportage of the far-right. The story was predictably picked up by fascist groups, and two of the reporters claim they received death threats.

And, as per Wikipedia: Quillette has published articles supporting the human biodiversity movement (HBM), which attempts to reintroduce ideas from eugenics and scientific racism into the mainstream. HBM refers to beliefs that human behaviours are impacted by inherited genes, and certain predispositions are unique to certain ethnic groups.

When all the verbiage and media hysteria is stripped away, one is left with extreme right-wing forces waging an aggressive campaign in support of genocide.

A final point should be made. In discussing the Holocaust, neither Albanese nor Dutton mentioned the record of their own political organisations in the 1930s and 40s, with good reason.

Dutton heads a party, whose founder and most famous figure is Robert Menzies. In 1938, Menzies toured Nazi Germany. On his return, he enthused that the abandonment by the Germans of individual liberty and of the easy and pleasant things of life has something rather magnificent about it they have erected the state, with Hitler as its head, into a sort of religion which produces spiritual exaltation that one cannot but admire.

Archival documents show that even into 1939, as war clouds were gathering and Hitler was unleashing mass violence against the Jewish people, the right-wing Australian politician favoured appeasement with the Nazis.

Menzies, unsurprisingly, was hostile to Jewish migration throughout the 1930s. Records have also revealed that Labors post-war immigration minister, Arthur Calwell, sought to limit the number of Jewish refugees admitted into the country after the horrors of the Holocaust. Calwell was a notorious racist who subscribed to Labors founding White Australia policy until his death in 1973.

The current support of the Labor and Liberal-National Coalition for the genocide of the Palestinians is not a deviation from this rotten and reactionary legacy but its continuation in a new garb.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Armida Alisjahbana, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week being held in Baku. Participation of UNESCAP executive secretary in the summit, organized for the first time within the framework of Azerbaijan's chairmanship in SPECA and timed to the 25th anniversary of the Program, was highly appreciated.

UNESCAP was assessed as an effective platform in terms of enhancing multilateral cooperation. The importance of the resolutions adopted by the commission on the initiative of Azerbaijan on the development of transport links and sustainable energy was emphasized.

Successful cooperation of Azerbaijan with Central Asian countries was mentioned at the meeting, good prospects for further development of this cooperation within SPECA in trade-economic, transport-transit, energy and all other spheres of mutual interest were noted.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
High school students across the city of Melbourne went on strike Thursday against Israels genocide in Gaza. A crowd of students, estimated at over 1,000, gathered outside Flinders Street Station in the city centre. This marked the first of a series of planned school strikes around Australia this week, including today in Sydney, Adelaide and Wollongong.

A section of the school strike for Palestine in Melbourne on 23 November, 2023

Students on strike included those from schools in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, such as Brunswick, Northcote, Preston, Caulfield and Pascoe Vale. Students told WSWS reporters that most had come from schools in the outer northern and western suburbs. One student said that the entire student body at Tarneit Senior College, in Melbournes working-class west, walked out at lunchtime.

The school strike is part of a global wave of mass protests, against the genocidal war on Palestinians by the Israeli state. Similar school walkouts have been seen in the US, Canada and Britain.

High school children at the school strike for Palestine in Melbourne on 23 November, 2023

The Melbourne strike was particularly significant given the widespread denunciations of students opposing genocide by the mainstream media and the entire political establishment, from the Labor Party state and federal governments to the extreme right. These forces attempted to intimidate schoolchildren from participating, ordering them to stay in school and slandering them as antisemitic for opposing the Israeli bombardment.

After rallying at Flinders Street to hear speeches, the crowd marched up Swanston Street and staged a sit-in inside Melbourne Central Station. The students chants denounced the complicity of the Australian government in Israels genocide and targeted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden, as well as Victoria state Labor premier Jacinta Allan, who insisted in the lead-up that students not attend the strike.

Since the strike, politicians and the media have gone into overdrive, venomously attacking the children who protested. They have been defamed as ignorant and having been manipulated, but in the comments below to the WSWS, striking students make very clear why they participated.

Daniel, 14 years old, said, Im not surprised about Australias support for Israel. The colonial state of Israel has always been propped up by the Western powers, who have carried out colonialism in the past too, for example in Rhodesia and South Africa.

Lachie, who is the same age, added, Albanese has gone back on everything he said in his past. The genocide in Palestine takes a back seat to his political career.

Daniel and Lachie

Both agreed that Labor was a party of imperialist war and of the Australian ruling class. Labor and the Liberals are completely united in their foreign policy and support for war, said Daniel. They are both capitalist parties. Theyre basically the same party, but a different colour.

Lachie spoke on the appalling situation in Gaza. This has been going on since 1948, and even before with the Zionist militias that helped establish the modern state of Israel. The fact that its continued this long without change is absurd. Students here today are the same age as children being murdered in occupied Palestine.

Daniel spoke on the government figures pressuring students to stay at school: Its very hypocritical for them to condemn us. The Australian government says we can protest over climate change, but not over Gaza, not over the brutal mass murder of people every single day.

On learning about protests and workers actions targeting weapons shipments to Israel, they exclaimed, Thats great! Thats a powerful move. Lachie raised, When workers come out in support of the Palestinians, that really scares the government and the people in power. And I think, especially when the younger generation shows that its enthusiastic about this, that also scares them.

Anna, 14, and her friends were familiar with the World Socialist Web Site.

She said, I think its important that people, especially students, gather to protest against the actions of the Israeli government Jewish people in no way equate to their government I know for a fact that students are not here to oppose Jewish people or Israeli citizens, but rather to oppose the actions of the Israeli government.

Answering the government officials discouraging students from missing school, Anna said, Its two periods, were not missing several weeks! There are kids in Gaza who are missing school, who are dying!

Anna agreed that workers had to be mobilised to stop genocide and war. Its good for workers of the world to unite, for workers from different countries and different political beliefs to band together against the ruling class and war.

Joskun (right) and Tory

Joskun, 17, had been following events in Gaza on social media. Ive been seeing lots of posts on Instagram, that there were donations for people in Palestine. Even though its struggle street for lots of us, they were still donating money to this which is great.

I also saw how big companies like Macdonalds and Starbucks were giving free food to the Israeli military. Its not great, but it says a lot about the forces supporting them.

Billy, 18, had just completed his final exams but wanted to show support for Palestinians and put a light on whats happening so that the world knows. He said that the media and government are scared about opposition from young people. Theyre scared that many people will come and the worlds going to see it.

Many students expressed anger at the dishonest claim that opponents of Zionism were fuelling antisemitism. Sarah said: Thats wrong! Its not about being antisemitic, its anti-genocide. Theyre killing kids, and they think its about being antisemitic?

The Israeli government was presenting itself as the victim, she noted, but Theyre killing women, men, theyre bombing hospitals, refugee camps, and they think that theyre the victim.

She went on, Its not about Muslim rights, its human rights Everyones here: non-Muslims, kids, adults. But politicians who sit behind their big desks are not here.

School is not as important as saving kids lives. Were able to sit in a classroom, to go to school safely, no bombs are dropping on us. But they get bombed in their beds We need to fight for them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. On November 24, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Tatyana Molchan, Trend reports citing The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.

The importance of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Week held in Baku was emphasized, and the participation of the UNECE Executive Secretary in the summit, organized for the first time during Azerbaijans chairmanship of SPECA and dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the program, was highly appreciated at the meeting.

It was noted that Azerbaijan cooperates widely with SPECA member countries in various fields, both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the program. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan plays the role of a trade and transit hub between East and West for the SPECA countries, and the integration of the existing infrastructure of the region will contribute to the development of the economies of the countries of the region and increase the potential of international transport corridors passing through their territory, and projects such as the Baku International Maritime Trade the port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will play an important role in this cooperation. Considering that the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor) passes through the geographical region covered by SPECA, the joint efforts of the participating countries to improve the efficiency of this corridor have been highly appreciated. In this regard, the importance of adopting the Road Map for the digitalization of multimodal information exchange along the Middle Corridor was noted at the Summit.

Information was presented on the work done towards the development of road transport infrastructure in Azerbaijan in recent years. It was noted that the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from occupation created new opportunities for the development and diversification of regional transport and logistics routes. Attention was drawn to Azerbaijan's work in the field of green transformation, the development of renewable energy sources, and the fight against climate change. In the context of SPECA, it was emphasized that the fight against climate change and green development should always remain on the agenda as priority issues. It was noted that important work has been done in this direction in Azerbaijan, and the country has begun implementing projects related to the production of solar and wind energy together with foreign investors. It was especially emphasized that this approach is also applied during restoration work carried out in territories liberated from occupation. It was noted that Azerbaijan, together with other partners, began construction of a green energy bridge to Europe.

Regarding environmental issues, Ali Asadov said that it is unacceptable to carry out activities that could have a transboundary impact, in particular in the mining industry in border areas. The importance of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context  the Espoo Convention in terms of preventing such activities was emphasized.
The Family Chantel star Chantel Everett has finally started her dream career as a nurse injector and shaded her ex-husband, Pedro Jimeno, by hinting he needed a Dominican Dk Lift procedure.

The TLC personality, 32, took to an Instagram Live session on Tuesday, November 21, alongside Dr. Chad Deal, the owner of the medical spa where she works, and discussed what a DDL was after being asked by a viewer.

My ex-husband was Dominican, maybe he needed one of those, Chantel added before bursting out in laughter.

The doctor explained that a DDL was a girth shot available to men and joked it was the equivalent of a woman undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.

The women have always had something for body, breast and buttocks but the men havent had something for them, he continued, adding the clinic was offering a Black Friday special. The guys out there actually come into the medical spa and then 30 minutes, girth! Yes, its now a real thing.

This isnt the first time Chantel has publicly spoken about her sex life with Pedro since their split. The Atlanta native revealed during season 5 of The Family Chantel that she stayed with her husband through his erectile dysfunction.

He didnt have sex with me for an entire year. I mean, maybe it was more of erectile displacement, Chantel told producers during the November 20 episode, hinting at the Dominican Republic natives alleged infidelity. But he didnt get it up for me.

Pedro and Chantel separated in April 2022, with Pedro filing for divorce from the nurse one month later. In his filing, he claimed their marriage was irretrievably broken, according to court documents obtained by In Touch.

The real estate agent has maintained that he was never unfaithful to his wife throughout their marriage. However, six weeks after Pedros initial divorce filing, Chantel filed her own counterclaims in July 2022 where she accused Pedro of adultery and cruel treatment. Additionally, the health professional claimed that their marriage is irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation.

Fans will watch during season 5 of the spinoff as Chantel confronts Pedro one last time in the Dominican Republic as she claims he had sex with another woman.

You wanna believe that I using you, believe I using you, Pedro said in a teaser clip, before adding, I was in love with you.

Chantel responded, You know what you did Pedro. Fk you.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and you know what that means -- family fun activities are a necessity.

With Christmas just a month away, here are some places near Shreveport-Bossier where you can get into the holiday spirit.

Where can you find Christmas lights in Louisiana?

Shreveport

Christmas in Roseland at the American Rose Center Thursday evening, November 17, 2023.

Christmas in Roseland is a Shreveport favorite during the holiday season, with its array of Christmas lights and Christmas Cards to the Community. This walking trail event is perfect for families to grab a cup of hot chocolate and stroll down the festive lanes of the American Rose Center.

This year, Christmas in Roseland will be open the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, and will remain open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to Dec. 17.

The week of Dec. 18, the Roseland will be open Monday through Saturday.

Tickets into this season long event are $10 a person, children younger than two get in for free. For more information on tickets visit www.rose.org.

More: Who won the Christmas Cards to the Community program at Christmas in Roseland?

Alexandria

See the Alexandria Zoo in a different light this holiday season.

Casually stroll through the Zoos colorful environment sparkling with thousands of lights and whimsical lighted animal figures.

This year's Holiday Light Safari will start Nov. 24. This event will be on select nights, take a look at the dates:

Nov. 24-26 (Fri-Sun) Dec. 15-17 (Fri-Sun) Dec. 1-3 (Fri-Sun) Dec. 20-23 (Wed-Sat) Dec. 8-10 (Fri-Sun) Dec. 26-28 (Tue-Thu)

For more information visit thealexandriazoo.com.

Minden

Don't miss the old-world Christmas lights spectacular in Minden.

Every night through New Years Day, Minden will be putting on a show of lights. Also, you can't miss Minden's life-sized nutcrackers that line the streets of its historic downtown, a nod to Minden's German heritage.

Visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com for more event info, dates and times.

Natchitoches

Check out the United States' oldest community-based holiday celebration. Since 1927, Natchitoches has been hosting its Christmas Festival.

It started as a one-day festival but has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. This Christmas Season begins every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on Jan. 6, Epiphany.

With more than 300,000 lights the public can enjoy walking the river front and stopping into downtown shops to grab hot chocolate.

To learn more, visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com.

Where can you find Christmas lights in Texas

Marshall

With more than 10 million lights, including illumination of the entire town courthouse, the Wonderland of Lights Extravaganza in Marshall rivals light displays across the country.

Here's a rundown of this years events:

Wednesday, Nov. 22 (5:30 p.m.): Courthouse Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, Nov. 25 (1 to 5 p.m.): Wassail Walk on Main Street

Saturday, Dec. 2 (6 p.m.): Christmas Parade

Saturday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m.): Christmas Car Show

Saturday, Dec. 16 (10 a.m.): Outdoor Christmas Market on Main Street

For more details on activities during the Wonderland of Lights Extravaganza, visit www.east-texas.com.

Longview

Carmela's Magical Santa Land is a drive-thru Christmas light display located of off Highway 259 and is nearly a mile long with 4 million lights, dancing trees, Nativity scenes, Mickey Mouse and more.

Carmelas Magical Santa Land is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The cost to enter is a donation.

Where can you find Christmas lights near Shreveport-Bossier?

Tyler

Santa Land is a drive-thru Christmas light display. According to its website, it will be open every night from Nov. 13 through Jan. 4, seven days a week, rain or shine.

Pricing for all vehicles including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and personal trailers.

$30 per vehicle (up to 10 people)

$60 per vehicle (11 to 20 people)

More than 20 people is $5 per person.

Read: Did you know Dolly Parton recorded in Louisiana? Here's what you need to know

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter for The Shreveport Times. You can contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Christmas lights displays near Shreveport, Louisiana
As the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials are expected to drop soon, fans are curious about their air dates and the release times. Here are the air dates and release times of the specials.

When are the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials air date?

There are three Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials, which will air weekly on November 25, December 2, and December 9.

The following are the names and release dates of the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials:

The Star Beast  November 25, 2023

Wild Blue Yonder  December 2, 2023

The Giggle -December 9, 2023

All three specials will first drop in the United Kingdom on BBC One and will then be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The episodes will also drop on Disney Plus in the United States and the rest of the world shortly after.

David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor on Doctor Who between December 2005 and January 2010, will take on the role of the Fourteenth Doctor for the first time. He will be joined by both returning cast members who will reprise their roles from Doctor Who, such as Catherine Tates Donna Noble and Jacqueline Kings Sylvia Noble, and new cast members such as Yasmin Finneys Rose Noble and Neil Patrick Harris Toymaker.

The story of the three specials will see Tennants Fourteenth Doctor and Tates Donna Noble try to solve the mystery of the formers uncanny resemblance to the Tenth Doctor while also trying to stop the machinations of Harris Toymaker.

What are the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials release times?

All three specials of Doctor Whos 60th Anniversary will first drop on BBC One in the United Kingdom at 6:30 p.m. GMT and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer shortly after.

The three specials will also drop on Disney Plus in the United States and the rest of the world during the following times:

11: 30 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturdays

12:30 p.m. Central Time on Saturdays

1: 30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays

4:00 a.m. Australian Central Standard Time on Sundays

4: 30 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on Sundays

For more Doctor Who content, here is a sneak peek of Yasmin Finneys character in the 60th Anniversary Special. Also, Sophia Di Martino has expressed interest in seeing more of Sylvie in the MCU.

The post Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials Air Date & Release Time appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Seth Meyers reveals his plans for the never-made 'Stefon' movie.

The Stefon movie would have had everything.

On the latest episode of Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers' Las Culturistas podcast, Late Night host and former Saturday Night Live star Seth Meyers revealed his plans for a never-made Stefon movie that would have featured Bill Hader as his beloved recurring city correspondent character and a fictionalized version of Meyers.

"It should start with Stefon at Weekend Update, and when its over, Im once again disappointed that as the city correspondent you did not bring, whatever, St. Patricks Day tip,'" Meyers recounted. "And he said, Look, to make it up for you, just come out, have a night  me and you together, at Stefons New York. And Im like, All right, one night.

But that night on the town would end with one major twist  the (fictional) death of Meyers. After a cold open consisting of "superfast cuts of he and I at all these crazy clubs, Meyers continued. "Then it would end with me in a body bag. And Stefon would say, Hes dead. Then the title splash: Stefon: The Movie.

Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Bill Hader and Seth Meyers on 'Saturday Night Live'

Stefon, a character devised by Hader and John Mulaney, was a city correspondent who would appear on Weekend Update to give tips to Meyers at the news desk. But his tips for things to do in the city would devolve into a summation of everything on offer at New York's hottest clubs, which would include off-the-wall features such as midgets, leprechauns, and more. Stefon was known for his signature jester of covering his face with his hands, as well as for his increasingly obvious crush on Meyers.

After debuting in a sketch in 2008, Stefon became a Weekend Update regular beginning in 2009. Stefon made his formal goodbye in the 2013 season 38 finale, which was Hader's final episode as a cast member. He returned in 2014 to bid adieu to Meyers in his final Weekend Update.

Studios did apparently approach Hader and Meyers about making a Stefon movie, but the idea never made it past the early pitching stages.

You can listen to more on the latest episode of Las Culturistas, below.

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Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 25. Three years have passed since the liberation of Azerbaijan's Kalbajar district from Armenian occupation, Trend reports.

As a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, Armenia was forced to sign an act of surrender and leave the territory. In accordance with the tripartite Declaration signed by the President of Azerbaijan, the President of Russia and the Prime Minister of Armenia, the Armenian Armed Forces left the Kalbajar district on November 25. Thus, 147 settlements were liberated from occupation, including the city of Kalbajar.

In the very first days of the Patriotic War, the Azerbaijani army liberated the strategic heights of Kalbajar from occupation, which made it possible to control the transport and communication infrastructure of the Armenians.

Like other territories liberated from occupation by the Azerbaijani army under the leadership of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev as a result of a glorious victory, life is also returning to Kalbajar.
The 'Jersey Shore' alum had an eventful Thanksgiving, which was also her birthday!

Snooki/ Instagram Nicole Snooki Polizzi and Jionni LaValle with their three children

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is spending some quality time with her kids this Thanksgiving.

On Thursday, the Jersey Shore alum, 36, shared a family photo with her three kids  Angelo James, 4, Giovanna Marie, 9, and Lorenzo Dominic, 11  as well as her husband Jionni LaValle.

Thankful for my beautiful family  Happy Thanksgiving everyone! & thank you for all the birthday wishes!!! Love all of you! Now lets celebrate , the reality star captioned her Instagram post.

In the photo, the family stood in front of their Christmas tree with Snookis hubby by her side holding their dog as the couples kids gathered from tallest to shortest. Angelo stood in the very front wearing an orange shirt with a picture of a turkey on it.

Over on her Instagram story, the MTV star showed off what she had in store for her family's holiday dinner when she snapped a video of a framed menu.

LaValles Thanksgiving Menu, it read, along with Happy Birthday Nicole, written just below as the family celebrated two major events on Thursday, including the reality star's 36th birthday.

Their festive food featured potato leek and pumpkin spice soups for the appetizers and three main courses  roasted turkey, pineapple spiral ham and filet mignon wrapped in bacon.

The savory food didnt end there! The family also had an ample amount of side dishes, including corn bread, collard greens, mac and cheese and green bean casserole. They topped off their celebrations with yummy desserts, including apple pie, pumpkin pie, and of course, birthday cake!

Once the family was full from their Thanksgiving and birthday combo meal, it was nap time.

My little turkey is out, Snooki wrote on a video of Angelo fast asleep.

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Snooki Instagram Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi with her family

Related: Snooki Poses with Her Three Children as They Celebrate Halloween: 'My Squad'

For Halloween this year, the mom of three shared some adorable photos of her kids as they celebrated the holiday. Lorenzo pulled double duty, first dressing up as Waldo of Where's Waldo fame and later dressing as the Joker.

Angelo dressed up as a spider alongside the family dog, while mom served as the spiderweb and LaValle was the fly. Giovanna dressed up as Harley Quinn for the sweet family photo.

In September, the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star celebrated a special accomplishment for her little girl as she walked at the 13th Annual Rookie USA Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week.

Holding hands with another model, Giovanna smiled and laughed as she made her way down the runway.

"So proud of my beautiful baby girl! You can do it all my baby!" Polizzi wrote in an Instagram story caption about the accomplishment at the time. " (You can totally tell I'm a cheer mom with me yelling.)"



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President Biden's granddaughter, Naomi, posted a family photo after the plunge, which she called an "annual" tradition

Naomi Biden/Twitter The Biden family

The Biden family is jumping back into their Thanksgiving Day tradition!

On Thursday, President Joe Biden's granddaughter, Naomi Biden, shared a photo of the family bundled up in towels after they took a dip into cold water in Nantucket, Massachusetts, as part of their holiday ritual.

Annual Biden fam polar bear plunge, Naomi captioned the post on X (formerly Twitter). Happy Thanksgiving!

The Bidens traditionally spend Thanksgiving in Nantucket, and arrived on the island earlier this week.

Related: Joe and Jill Biden Share Unifying Message During Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 'We Must Come Together'

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The family plunge photo came hours after President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden called for unity on the Today show during NBC's coverage of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The pair called in to speak with Al Roker, who missed last years Thanksgiving Day coverage for the first time in 27 years due to blood clots.

When Roker asked the president what message he wanted to send to viewers on Thursday, he said he would like Americans "to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth."

"And that's real," he continued. "We've made extraordinary progress. There's nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. So today is about coming together, giving thanks to this country we call home, and thanks to all the firefighters, police officers, first responders and our troops, some of whom are stationed abroad. I've never been more optimistic, Al. We're delighted to be with you, even by telephone."

Josh Wingrove via the White House The president and the first lady calling in to "Today."

Related: Joe Biden Jokes About Turning 81 with Fiery Cake: You Run Out of Space for Candles!'

He went on to say that despite differing political views, he hopes people can focus on shared goals for the nation.

"We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together, and stop the rancor," he said. "We have to bring the nation together and we have to [create] a little bit of decency, and I think thats where the vast majority of the American people are.

Every year since he has taken office, President Biden and the first lady have called in to Todays Thursday morning Thanksgiving broadcast.

Shutterstock

Its been a week of traditions for President Biden. On Monday, he participated in the annual White House turkey pardon, in which he pardoned two turkeys named Liberty and Bell, who were raised in Willmar, Minnesota. He was also celebrating his 81st birthday on Monday, and he even snuck in a joke about his age during the event, bringing in laughs from the crowd.

"This is the 76th anniversary of this event," he said of the pardoning ceremony. "I want you to know I wasn't there at the first one. I was too young to make it up."



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Read the original article on People.
Suicide Squads David Ayer is a fan of James Gunn.

Replying to a debate among Twitter users over whether the directors cut of 2016s Suicide Squad will ever be publicly released, Ayer chimed in to say that he has nothing but admiration for Gunn and his decision to helm DC Studios alongside Peter Safran.

I absolutely cant wait to see Gunns Superman, Ayer tweeted. I have to say this. Gunn is the bravest man in Hollywood these days. Hes taking charge of the hardest ship to Captain in this industry. We make movies. We are entertainers. Not elected officials leading a nation. Everyone please chill.

Following the release of 2016s Suicide Squad, some DC fans have started a #ReleaseTheAyerCut campaign in an effort to get Warner Bros. to release Ayers final vision of the DCEU movie.

In August 2023, Ayer tweeted, All I know is my unseen film plays much better than the studio release. The interest in my cut being show seems real and organic. And Gunn told me it would have its time to be shared. He absolutely deserves to launch to launch his DC universe without more drama about old projects.

James Gunn and Peter Safran are creating a new DC shared universe

In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery hired Gunn and Safran as co-CEOs and co-chairmen for DC Studios. They are now launching a brand-new DCU which begins in 2024 with an animated Creature Commandos series. Then, in 2025, Gunn is releasing a new Superman movie, Superman: Legacy, starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Skyler Gisondo, and more.

Ayer, meanwhile, is getting ready to release a new Jason Statham-starring movie next year. Hitting United States theaters on January 12, 2024, The Beekeeper also stars Josh Hutcherson, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Minnie Driver, Phylicia Rashad, and Jeremy Irons.
Let's be honest: as much as we all love a shark, orcas are definitely in with a shout of earning the title of Most Metal Animal In The Sea. Firstly, they're absolutely massive. Secondly, they feast on other animals. Thirdly, they wear corpsepaint. Fourthly, they're nicknamed killer whales! The defence rests.

All jokes aside, you'd be pretty terrified if a pod of these big animals came hurtling towards you while you were out at sea, and with various (sometimes unsubstantiated) news reports emerging this year of aggressive orcas attacking boats, you can understand why sailors are trying out new techniques to deter them from coming too close.

One unexpected tactic that is currently doing the rounds in the marine community is to blast heavy metal at the fearsome sea mammals. According to a new report in the New York Times, Captain Florian Rutsch and his crew found themselves in uncomfortably close proximity to a pod of orcas around the Iberian Peninsula earlier this month, and attempted to drive them off with a specially curated playlist of metal bangers titled Metal For Orcas. The mix included cuts by death metal mainstays such as Aborted, Dying Fetus and Ingested, and was played via an underwater speaker.

Unfortunately for the crew, it didn't work: the orcas attacked the rudder of their catamaran, causing enough damage to leave the boat stranded and its occupants requiring rescuing via local authorities. Captain Rutsh described the situation as "scary", adding: "No one knows what works, what doesnt work.

In their own investigation into the subject, Business Insider spoke to Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, who explained that playing such loud, abrasive music could, in fact, inadvertently attract the orcas to the boat. "Initially, the playing of loud sounds underwater might mask the signature sounds of sailboats," he said, "but ultimately the whales would catch on and use it to more easily locate vessels playing it."

Others within the sailing community insist that heavy metal works as an orca deterrents, with one user in the Orca Attack Reports Facebook group stating that "rattling the hull by playing full volume east European thrash metal" helped them keep the animals at bay. Others have pointed to both metal and dance music as useful repellents.

The data seems a little unclear on this one, so for now, we'll say this: heavy metal might make a kickass soundtrack for your boat trip, but we probably wouldn't suggest you rely on it to scare away massive sea creatures. Plus, lest we forget: they were here first, to be fair.
If you like your coffee served quickly and conveniently, you're likely a fan of drive-thru coffee. Introduced in the 1970s by the fast-food industry, the drive-thru concept evolved in the 1990s when coffee shops entered the scene. On-the-go coffee soon became an ordinary, if not necessary, part of life for busy commuters and coffee lovers alike, and just about every major coffee chain in the United States offers drive-thru service today.

For most shops, the drive-thru is complementary to an indoor cafe. However, there are also many that operate solely as drive-thrus. Although coffee in the drive-thru is no longer a novel concept, drive-thru-only coffee shops represent a distinct business model within the wider coffee industry. These drive-thru establishments cater specifically to customers who prefer to acquire their cup of joe from the comfort of their vehicles.

While these drive-thru coffee shops have been around for some time, they have gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing demand for on-the-go and contactless service. Even though they may not offer the typical coffeehouse vibe and refuge for weary laptop workers, the drive-thru shops have their own unique assets and charms. We scoured the internet for customer reviews and recommendations, taking particular note of each shop's service, acclaim, and, of course, quality of coffee. Ultimately, we identified 12 drive-thru-only coffee shops across the country worth visiting.

Read more: 31 Coffee Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best

Dutch Bros Coffee

Person holding DutchBros coffee - dutchbroscoffee / Instagram

Originating in Grants Pass, Oregon, with a single coffee pushcart and espresso machine more than 30 years ago, Dutch Bros Coffee now has nearly 800 drive-thru locations across 16 states. Although the shops are primarily located on the West Coast, they have expanded as far east as Tennessee and plan to open locations in Florida as well.

It only takes a quick glance at this shop's extensive drink menu to see how far Dutch Bros has come from the simple espresso beverages of the early drive-thru days. The offerings now include blended frozen coffees, shakes, smoothies, flavored teas, lemonades, chai, sodas, and Rebel, its customizable energy drink.

If you're more of a traditional coffee drinker, you can pick from an Americano made with Dutch Bros Private reserve coffee blend or a cold brew, which is available cold or toasted. You'll find creative espresso concoctions throughout the classic and seasonal menu categories, such as an Irish cream breve called the Kicker, an extra double shot vanilla mocha named Double Torture, or the holiday-inspired Hazelnut Truffle Mocha.

dutchbros.com

The Human Bean

People waving around window - thehumanbean/Instagram

You may not expect meaningful human interactions at a drive-thru window, but that's the mission at The Human Bean. Founded in southern Oregon in the late 1990s, the company has expanded to hundreds of drive-thru-only franchise locations across the United States with the mission to "make your day, one drink at a time."

The menu at The Human Bean includes common coffee beverages, such as lattes, mochas, cold brew, cappuccino, and even a basic cup of coffee. You'll also find frozen coffees, smoothies, and energy drinks to customize with your favorite kinds of milk and syrups. In fact, nearly every beverage on the menu appears to allow for a complete customization. And if you keep updated with the company's blog, or perhaps download its own rewards app, you'll know about the latest drinks featured on the secret menu.

The Human Bean believes in giving back to their local communities and does so in several ways. Three of their key efforts include planting a tree for every drink sold on Earth Day, partnering with food banks to fill shelves with food in the summer, and raising funds that support breast cancer treatment.

thehumanbean.com

Shadrachs Coffee Roasting Company

Shadrachs coffee shop sign - shadrachscoffee/Instagram

Shadrachs Coffee Roasting Company, located in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, started in 2004, seeking to provide a blend of taste, speed, and friendliness. Unlike some of the other drive-thru-only coffee shops out there, Shadrachs doesn't just serve up coffee to its customers; it also roasts its own Arabica coffee beans to ensure quality and freshness no matter which of its 14 locations you visit.

The menu at Shadrachs' includes drip coffees, cold brews, and several sweet and flavorful espresso drinks for all tastes and preferences. Pick from classics like the Mad Shad, which includes white or regular chocolate blended with caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut. Or perhaps you'll want to try something from the secret menu, like the Cinnamon Roll Mocha or En Fuego - a mixture of white chocolate, hazelnut, and an impressive six shots of espresso. Aside from espresso, Shadrachs also features its energy drink line called the Rad Shaddy and catchy lemonade flavors like Sour Patch Kiddo, Mermaid Tears, and Fizzy Unicorn.

shadrachscoffee.com

T.H.I.N.K. Coffee

Drive-thru coffee window - thinkcoffeearkansas / Instagram

T.H.I.N.K., short for Therapy in a Kup, is a small family-owned chain of drive-thru coffee shops in Arkansas. The shops focus on speedy service and giving back to their communities. The owners started the business in 2018 to provide Arkansas with a locally-owned alternative to the big coffee companies and to offer charitable contributions to families with special needs children.

On the menu at T.H.I.N.K. you'll find brown sugar shaken espresso, lattes, mochas, macchiatos, and cold brew coffee. For those seeking alternatives to espresso, there are several options available including tea drinks like London Fog, matcha lattes, chai, smoothies, and non-caffeinated beverages suitable for kids and pets. Muffins, bagels, scones, and breakfast sandwiches are all available if you need a bite while you're there. You can guarantee an even quicker time in T.H.I.N.K.'s drive-thru line by placing your order in advance using the online order form on its website.

thinkdrivethru.com

7 Brew

Colorful drinks in hands - 7brewcoffee/Instagram

7 Brew was founded with the desire to transform the drive-thru coffee model into an enjoyable experience where kindness and joy are served along with unique espresso beverages and personalized energy drinks. With 160 stands across the Midwest and Southern United States, it prioritizes not only quality and speed but also building connections with its customers and its staff.

All the classic coffee beverages, in addition to teas, smoothies, shakes, and fizzy drinks, are on the menu at 7 Brew, along with its customizable energy drink, Seven Energy. Expect seasonal flavors, including creme brulee, pumpkin roll, smores, eggnog, and snickerdoodle, which vary depending on the time of year. Fans on social media often express fond appreciation for 7 Brew's superior service and unique drink flavors compared to some of the larger coffee shop businesses.

One fun program 7 Brew is running at its shops in 2023 is 7 Brew Heroes. Each month, customers can nominate a local person who has impacted their community to win $500 and a year of free coffee. At the end of the year, one of these winners will be named Hero of the Year and won't receive a $10,000 grand prize.

7brew.com

Sorrento's Coffee Drive Thru

Coffee shop order window - sorrentoscoffee_atx / Instagram

Sorrento's is a quaint family-owned coffee shop situated in Austin, Texas. Here you can enjoy a variety of beverages, including classic hot and iced coffee drinks, Italian sodas, matcha, fruit smoothies, homemade chai, teas, and milkshakes. For those needing an extra caffeine boost, the extra-large espresso beverages include an energetic four shots of espresso.

In addition to a drive-thru window, the shop serves pedestrians at a walk-up window where, at either window, you can order any of its beverages and items off the food menu. You may be surprised to find locally made kolaches, a sweet fruit pastry from the Czech Republic. Sorrento's kolache, however, is savory and includes egg, cheese, spinach, and meat varieties. Another food item worth noting is tacos, an unexpected find at a drive-thru coffee shop possibly anywhere but Texas. If gluten-free and vegan options are important to you, you'll find them at Sorrento's as well.

sorrentoscoffeedrivethru.com512-419-93303021 West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78757

Jolt

Drive-thru coffee building - joltdrivethrucoffee/Instagram

Jolt is also a family-owned drive-thru coffee shop with three locations in Texas - two in New Braunfels and one in Universal City. The business had a humble start in the garage of the owners where they served neighbors who would line up around the block to sample their coffees. Today, Jolt provides its customers with an unforgettable experience and beverages to help beat the scorching Texas heat.

Signature espresso drinks are at the heart of Jolt's menu, with flavors like the Sticky Mocha, which includes a combo of buttery caramel and mocha, and the White Lighting, which includes cream, vanilla, and white chocolate. Blended frozen beverages are also available, as well as classic coffee options, smoothies, tea, soda, and Jolt's own energy drink, Aura Energy.

Reviewers comment about their appreciation for the quality service, great-tasting beverages, and value for their money. Regular customers will want to take advantage of the Jolt app, where they can receive points for purchases, notifications about specials, and take advantage of freebies.

jolt-austin.com

Drip Thru Coffee

Coffee stand with cars - dripthrucoffee/Instagram

Drip Thru was founded in 2013, inspired by the coffee culture of the Pacific Northwest. It was established to cater to the busy commuters around Atlanta, providing them with quick and high-quality coffee. The company serves locally roasted, organic, and fair trade certified coffee, believing that speed shouldn't compromise the quality of service and coffee itself.

You'll find coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, chai, matcha, hot chocolate, coffee frappes, smoothies, and more at either of Drip Thru's two Atlanta locations. Beverages can be made hot or iced, flavored with seasonal and sugar-free syrups, include dairy or dairy-free milk alternatives, and contain various other add-in options. For food, Drip Thru has pastries, oatmeal, and snack bars to complement your beverage selection. Boxes of coffee are also available if you need to serve up to 10 people, and Drip Thru's own branded coffee beans are for sale if you'd like to brew your coffee at home.

dripthrucoffee.com

Scooter's Coffee

Coffee at drive-thru shop - scooterscoffee / Instagram

Scooter's Coffee began 25 years ago in Nebraska and has grown to over 700 locations nationwide. The company values the relationships it cultivates with everyone involved in its coffee-making process, from the farmers who grow the beans, to the employees, customers, and suppliers. Scooter's Coffee takes pride in using only the top 10% of the world's specialty coffee beans in its roasts.

The Caramelicious is the signature drink at Scooter's Coffee. It's a combination of smooth caramel sauce, frothy hot milk, and espresso that's topped with whipped cream and drizzled with even more caramel. The extensive menu has something for everyone, from basic coffee drinks to blended frozen coffee creations, not to mention smoothies and teas.

Hungry customers will appreciate the numerous food options, including burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. When you can't make it to a Scooter's Coffee location, you can order its coffee beans and flavored blends through its website and join a coffee subscription to receive a regular shipment at your door.

scooterscoffee.com

Florence Coffee Company

Coffee shop sign with trees - florencecoffeeco / Instagram

Florence Coffee Company has 24 drive-thru kiosks in 13 western Montana towns, and this family-owned and operated business features dozens of specialty coffee and energy drink flavors. If you're unsure what you'd like to drink, that's not a problem, as the company is so confident in its quality that it'll let you try samples before placing your order.

You'll find ample specialty coffees on the menu at Florence Coffee Company with names such as Captain Crunch, Cream Puff, Andes Mint Mocha, Lavender Cream, and dozens of others. But if you'd rather have an energy drink than an espresso-based beverage, the Lotus Energy Drink is the way to go, available in its own expansive list of color and flavor combinations. The Care Bear, for instance, is a mix of pink and purple Lotus drinks with lavender and huckleberry flavors, cream, and a topping of whipped cream and sprinkles.

florencecoffeeco.com

Auto-Drip Drive-Thru

Coffee shop doors and flag - autodripdrivethru / instagram

Auto-Drip Drive-Thru in Kittery, Maine, may be known as a coffee shop, but it offers much more than expected. In addition to serving Green Mountain Coffee, they have chai, smoothies, frappes, and Red Bull-infused energy drinks. Auto-Drip is also a popular stop for a speedy lunch, providing a range of food beyond just coffee.

It offers a selection of breakfast sandwiches and daily sandwich and soup specials featuring items such as a pesto chicken sandwich on toasted sourdough, a hot meatloaf sandwich on a toasted sub with American cheese and honey mustard, and corn and haddock chowders. Auto-Drip's food specials and baked goods are always changing, making it worth a regular stop to see what's fresh.

But perhaps what's most unique about this drive-thru business is that it also functions as a local grocery and convenience store. So if you need a half-gallon of milk or a bottle of wine to take away with your cup of coffee and sandwich, this is the place for you.

auto-drip.com(207) 439  5554165 State Road, Kittery, ME 03904

Moka

Drive-thru coffee shop - mokacoffeeshops / Instagram

Moka has 18 drive-thru coffee locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It believes in helping its customers start their day right by crafting an excellent blend with the best beans and the highest quality milk. It provides its customers with a memorable cup of coffee using coffee beans roasted by a family-run roastery where seasoned oak wood logs are used to gently roast the beans to perfection.

On Moka's menu are traditional espresso-based beverages, specialty mochas, drip coffee, its version of cold brew called cool brew, tea lattes, smoothies, and shakes. You can ensure even swifter service by placing your order ahead of time through its website where you can customize your drinks just the way you like and add on other items, such as fresh, locally made baked goods. Or, if you'd rather just brew your coffee at home, Moka's beans are available for sale.

Head to Moka's if you want a drive-thru coffee shop committed to quality coffee.

mymokacoffee.com

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Medically reviewed by Gagandeep Brar, MD

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer. In contrast, actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition that sometimes turns into skin cancer.

If you have actinic (solar) keratosis (AK) lesions, you are at a heightened risk for two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is more likely to progress into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than BCC.

This article will discuss the differences in appearance between actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. It will also detail the causes and treatments for both conditions.

Reproduced with permission from A DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023 Actinic keratosis on ear and basal cell carcinoma under eye

How Actinic Keratosis and Basal Cell Carcinoma Look



Basal cell carcinomas have been known to be misdiagnosed as AK lesions, though this is rare. In general, these conditions don't resemble each other physically.

If you suspect you have one or more AK or BCC lesions, a specialist, such as a dermatologist, may make a preliminary diagnosis by examining your skin. To do this, they may view the lesions and surrounding areas of skin noninvasively with a magnifying lens called a dermatoscope.



AK and BCC may have the following characteristics:



Actinic Keratosis

Small size

Scaly, rough, or crusty texture

Red, tan, white, pink, or flesh-toned in color. In some instances, several colors may appear within one patch

Can be raised or flat

May feel dry to the touch

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Open sores that dont heal for weeks or months, or that reemerge after healing; may bleed, ooze, or crust

Red, irritated patches of skin that are painful or itchy

Small, shiny bumps that vary in color, including being tan, brown, or black in dark-skinned people or pink, red, white, or clear in light-skinned people

Tiny pink growths with raised, rolled edges and crusted, indented centers that may have visible surface blood vessels

Scar-like areas of skin that have poorly defined borders that may look shiny or waxy

Positive Pathology Findings

Basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis are definitively diagnosed through a biopsy (removing a sample tissue for examination in the lab). These conditions do not resemble each other under a microscope.

To get a skin sample to biopsy, part or all of the suspicious lesion will be removed for laboratory analysis. If you have multiple lesions, samples may be taken from some or all.

A pathologist will analyze the skin samples under a microscope, to check for evidence of cancer. If cancer cells are found, these findings are said to be positive for cancer.

The pathologist will also use the skin samples to determine if you have a different diagnosis, rather than skin cancer or AK. Conditions that mimic skin cancer include benign moles (nevus) and psoriasis.







Differences and Similarties Between BCC and SCC

Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma most commonly affect areas of unprotected skin that have been exposed consistently to sunlight.

BCC and SCC are both forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Both types may spread into nearby tissues when they're not caught early. Neither type is likely to metastasize into distant regions of the body.

Around 75% to 80% of nonmelanoma skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. These skin cancers start in basal cells located in the outermost layer of the skin.

Around 20% of nonmelanoma skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. These skin cancers start in squamous cells located in the outer or middle layers of the skin.

SCC is faster-growing than BCC. It is also more likely to spread into nearby tissues or grow deeply into the skin's inner layers.







Actinic Keratosis Progressing to Basal Cell Carcinoma

Not every AK lesion becomes cancerous. Around 1% to 10% of AK progresses to SCC. Actinic keratosis may also transform into basal cell carcinoma, but this is less common.

The transformation of actinic keratosis into squamous cell carcinoma is thought to be faster than the progression of AK into basal cell carcinoma. Both transformations may take up to two years.

Sun Exposure: Actinic Keratosis vs. Basal Cell Carcinoma

Long-term sun exposure of unprotected skin is the main risk factor for basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. That's why these lesions typically manifest on the face and on areas of the body that get the most sun.

If you don't protect your skin with sunscreen containing a high sun protection factor (SPF), clothing, or hats, you may be putting yourself at risk for all types of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, the deadliest form. Outdoor workers, exercisers, and sunbathers are all vulnerable populations.

Since damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is cumulative, older adults are at a heightened risk. However, anyone of any age can get skin cancer.

Other Causes

In addition to the sun, exposure to UV radiation from human-made sources can put you at risk for precancers and cancers of the skin. These include:

Tanning beds, tanning booths, and sunlamps

Black-light lamps

Phototherapy (UV therapy)

Additional Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer. However, certain risk factors may make you more vulnerable:

Being older

Light skin tone

Blue or green eyes

Blond or red hair

Having skin that burns, reddens, or freckles easily

Having many moles

Family or personal history of skin cancer



Living in a geographic area where sunlight is strong and prevalent throughout all or most of the calendar year

Treatment Differences

The treatment options for these conditions have some overlap but may vary. When your treatment plan is being determined, several factors will be considered, including your personal preferences, age, and general health.

The size, location, and number of lesions you have will also be a factor. In general, BCC is treated more aggressively than AK, especially if it has spread.

Precancerous Actinic Keratosis

It's not possible to predict which AK lesions will become cancerous and which won't, so destroying or removing the lesion or lesions is typically recommended. You may also wish to have AK lesions removed for cosmetic reasons, or to eliminate symptoms, like itching or pain.

Some AK treatments may be done in one or two sessions at a dermatologist's office. They include:

Cryosurgery : This procedure uses liquid nitrogen or another freezing substance to freeze off the AK lesion within a few days. One or two sessions may be needed before results are seen.

Chemical peel : Unlike cosmetic chemical peels, this medical-grade peel completely destroys and eradicates the top layer of treated skin.

Curettage : Thick or deep AK lesions may be removed via curettage. During the procedure, AK is scraped out of the skin with a tool called a curette. The scraped area may then be treated with heat (electrodesiccation) to destroy any remaining cells.

Photodynamic therapy : This treatment is typically used on recurring AK lesions. Your dermatologist will apply a solution to your skin, which will remain in place for an hour or longer. The solution will then be activated with blue or red light. A follow-up treatment is usually done three weeks later.

Laser resurfacing: AK lesions on the lips (actinic cheilitis) are often treated with laser resurfacing. During this treatment, the surface layer of the lesion will be removed via a laser so that new, healthy skin can emerge.

If you have many AK lesions or lesions that can be felt but not seen, your dermatologist may recommend at-home treatment instead of an in-office procedure. You will apply topical medication for several weeks or longer. Medications used for this purpose include:

Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Efudex or Carac (5-fluorouracil) cream, a topical chemotherapy drug

Aldara (imiquimod) cream, an immune response modifier

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) ointment, a microtubule inhibitor (targets dividing cells)

Cancerous Basal Cell Carcinoma

Several treatments are used to eradicate BCC tumors. Surgical removal is often recommended. The surgical procedures most commonly used for BCC are:

Curettage and electrodesiccation : This procedure is also done to remove AK lesions.

Wide-local excision : During this procedure, the tumor plus a surrounding margin of healthy tissue will be cut out (surgically removed).

Mohs surgery: Your surgeon will painstakingly remove very thin layers of skin, one at a time, to examine for cancerous cells. This procedure produces minimal scarring, so it is often done to treat BCC lesions on the face.

Other treatments may be recommended if you aren't a candidate for surgery or have very superficial BCC lesions. They include:

Radiation

Cryotherapy

Topical chemotherapy

Photodynamic therapy

Immune response modifiers

Targeted therapy

Immunotherapy

Risks of Untreated Symptoms

AK may progress into squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. When left untreated, these skin cancers can cause disfigurement, as well as discomfort. SCC can also, in some instances, become deadly.

Always have a specialist, like a dermatologist, assess any lesions you have on your skin. They can best determine if treatment is needed and, if so, which kind makes sense for you.

Summary

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition that sometimes progresses into skin cancer. It is most likely to transform into squamous cell carcinoma. It may also transform into basal cell carcinoma.

AK lesions do not typically resemble basal cell carcinoma visually or under a microscope. A dermatologist can diagnose both conditions and guide you towards the best treatment option.



Read the original article on Verywell Health.
The year after American model Camille Kostek graced the cover of the 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue, she returned to the brand's set for yet another feature in the annual magazine. She traveled to the Dominican Republic with photographer Kate Powers for her third consecutive appearance in the issue.

From a young age, Kostek understood that making things happen for herself was a matter of hard work. My mom really always taught me to go after anything I wanted, even if the dream seemed so wild or too big, she said of early lessons in perseverance and developing a work ethic.

If I was scared to do something she would say, Thats your gut or your instinct telling you you should probably go for it. And if you fail, go back and try it againhow bad do you want it? Maybe that failure will lead you to something better.

It was that sort of hard work that led her to pursue a feature in the 2018 issue through the first Swim Search, and it was her perseverance that earned her the title of co-winner in that years open casting call. When people ask her how she has gotten to such heights in her career, she tells them, I go in there and I [say] Im going to get this, and then does it, she said during her 2020 photoshoot.

With that kind of attitude, its no surprise that all of Kosteks SI Swimsuit features have been incredible, the 2020 appearance chief among them. Below are some of the epic snaps from that trip to the Dominican Republic.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

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On this day in history, November 24, 1874, the first commercially successful barbed wire is patented

Barbed wire is a commonly used product in agriculture, transportation and other industries.

The unique design and structure make this wire creation sturdy  and sometimes harmful to the touch.

And on this day in history, Nov. 24, 1874, the first commercially successful barbed wire was patented by Joseph Farwell Glidden.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, NOVEMBER 23, 1859, WESTERN OUTLAW BILLY THE KID IS BORN IN NEW YORK CITY

Glidden was an American farmer originally from Charlestown, New Hampshire.

After growing up in Clarendon, New York, and finishing school, he returned to his fathers farm to work, according to Britannica.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A portrait of inventor Joseph Farwell Glidden is shown here  at the center of an advertisement for Glidden Steel Barb Fence Wire.

Years later, he landed in De Kalb, Illinois, and obtained a farm of his own.

After seeing a sample of barbed wire at the De Kalb Count Fair in 1873, Glidden decided to make some improvements of his own on the product  and ultimately applied for a U.S. patent.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, NOVEMBER 18, 1883, NORTH AMERICAN RAILROADS CREATE TIME ZONES, RESHAPE GLOBAL LIFE

But he was not alone.

Two other men also applied for a barbed wire patent with changes of their own: lumberman Jacob Haish and merchant Isaac Leonard Ellwood, according to Encyclopedia online.

Glidden, however, was the man who was awarded the patent.

Patent drawing for Joseph F. Glidden's Improvement to barbed wire, 1874.

The original patent on barbed wire was filed in the United States in 1867, but Glidden obtained the patent on the new and improved form in 1874, according to Britannica.

Barbed wire normally consists of two long wires that are twisted together to form a cable.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, OCTOBER 24, 1861, TRANSCONTINENTAL TELEGRAPH COMPLETED, CONNECTING COAST FOR THE FIRST TIME

The wire comes in many varieties, depending on its uses.

"Barbed wire will discourage unwanted entry and is suited to a variety of containment needs," according to the Home Depot website about store-bought barbed wire.

Glidden's barbed wire became widely popular  and continues to be used across the country today.

"It can also be used with chain link or other fencing barriers for an additional layer of security."

Shortly after obtaining the patent, Glidden also developed a machine to help with producing the new and improved barbed wire.

Glidden then asked Isaac L. Ellwood to join him in creating a fencing company: Barb Fence Company of De Kalb.

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The two worked together to create the product, which served as a way to protect livestock on their land.

The option of wood fencing was always there; however, it was expensive for landowners with hundreds of thousands of acres.

Barbed wire is commonly used as fencing for livestock on ranches.

Barbed wire, however, was cheaper and easier to install.

Just one year after creating the fencing company, Glidden sold his half of the business to the Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, according to Encyclopedia online.

Glidden was thought to have received more than $60,000 and royalties for life on the patent.

Just 15 years after the creation of barbed wire, fenced-in land replaced the once-open range in the western United States, according to Britannica.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .





Original article source: On this day in history, November 24, 1874, the first commercially successful barbed wire is patented
Paolo Macchiarini could have been plucked from the pages of a Mills & Boon novel. The handsome Italian thoracic surgeon speaks six languages and a decade ago gained global attention for his pioneering use of plastic windpipes. His ultimate aim was almost godlike: ending the need for human organ donation.

The world was charmed. Stockholms Karolinska Institutet  home of the Nobel Prize for Medicine  gave him surgical teams and access to funding, sick patients sought him out and begged him to save their lives, and journalists from around the world lined up to meet him.

Benita Alexander was one of them. In her mid-40s in 2013 and an award-winning producer for NBC News, she was no naive ingenue. Macchiarinis plastic trachea transplants, which were coated in the patients own stem cells prior to implantation, had caught her eye and she planned to profile him as he operated on a two-year-old girl who had been born without a windpipe.

What followed was a love affair between Alexander and Macchiarini that would ultimately upend her life. But at that point all she saw was a man who had found the solution to two of medicines biggest problems: organ rejection and the lack of donors.

Macchiarinis intention was clear: to one day be able to replace every organ in the human body with stem-cell coated plastic implants - Alamy

Now I believe that he is, at a minimum, a pathological liar, but more likely a sociopath or a psychopath, but then, I thought he would change the world, says Alexander over Zoom from her home in New York. He is like a spider who slowly draws you into his web  but it is done with such skill that you have no idea whats happening.

Her story is the subject of two upcoming TV programmes: Dr Death, a true crime drama starring Mandy Moore and Edgar Ramirez, which is due to be released around Christmas on Peacock TV; and a Netflix documentary, Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife, which premieres on Wednesday.

Footage in the Netflix series shows the first meeting between Alexander and Macchiarini, who was 54 at the time. He comes across as a hugely appealing figure  gently talking to the sick toddler and her parents, and flirting with Alexander.

I was very vulnerable and thats when men like him pounce, says Alexander, who was dealing with a separation and her ex-husbands brain cancer diagnosis. As for why he chose her: I think it was partly the thrill  the smarter the woman and the bigger the institution he conned, the greater the rush. But he also might have guessed what was brewing in Sweden and thought I could one day help him.

Soon, she was breaking one of the cardinal rules of journalism: dont fall in love with the interviewee. Straight away it felt like I was floating in clouds. I was giddy, she says. And yet during the same period that Macchiarini was whisking her off to Venice and Greece, his medical work was being questioned.

Monsters disguised as heroes are well-known tropes. They terrify and fascinate us  and egotistically we tend to think we wouldnt fall for their lies. So when Matthias Corbascio, Karl-Henrik Grinnemo and Oscar Simonson, three Swedish surgeons working alongside Macchiarini at the Karolinska, started to suspect that their colleague was lying about the success of his surgeries, they initially doubted themselves.

Oscar Simonson: It would have revolutionised medicine if it had worked. Thats why I was totally star-struck by him, as were the professors

I was the first of the whistleblowers to work with him, says the softly-spoken Simonson. He was extremely charming and had a lot of charisma. I remember his first presentation about his vision  he arrived in his Italian suit and scarf, and he talked very quietly so we all had to lean forward to hear, but he completely took over the room.

Macchiarinis intention was clear: to one day be able to replace every organ in the human body with stem-cell coated plastic implants. It would have revolutionised medicine if it had worked, says Simonson. Thats why I was totally star-struck by him, as were the professors.

For the Karolinska, he was a surgeon who could bring not only its next Nobel prize but huge financial rewards in the form of an out-patient clinic where people from around the world could benefit from his plastic organ transplants. So when some of Macchiarinis patients died within weeks or months of their surgeries, there was concern.

One, Christopher Lyles, had throat cancer and flew from his home in the US to be treated by Macchiarini. A few months later he was dead  and yet footage from Netflix illustrates the dangerous extent of Macchiarinis ability to charm. The 30-year-olds heartbroken mother is filmed thanking the surgeon profusely, despite the fact that his intervention could have hastened her sons death.

Another patient, Andemariam Beyene, lived in Iceland and had undergone surgery following throat cancer. He was, according to Macchiarini, doing very well and was often cited as a major success story. He died in January 2013. Hannah Warren, the toddler from the NBC documentary, was operated on in April and was dead by July, while a handful of patients in Russia succumbed to a similar fate. Nearly all spent their last weeks slowly suffocating and starving to death as their windpipes stopped working.

Christopher Lyles, who had throat cancer, flew from the US to be treated by Macchiarini

But it was the arrival of Yesim Cetir at the Karolinska that made some of Macchiarinis surgical colleagues reassess everything. She was a healthy young woman from Turkey whose windpipe had been damaged by a minor operation to stop her from sweating excessively, but lived a largely normal life. She took a commercial flight to Stockholm and the night before her surgery (which Macchiarini had personally persuaded her to undertake) she ate a Big Mac. It would be the last normal meal of her life.

It was late 2012 when he operated on her, and throughout 2013 and 2014  when the surgeon was giving lectures around the globe and flying Alexander to secluded Greek islands  the three whistleblowers would tend to Cetir, who was by then living a life that Corbascio describes as pure torture.

Simonson says: All the other patients went back to Iceland and the States so we missed the aftermath, but Yesim we followed very closely. From the day she stepped into the Karolinska, her nightmare began. She was with us for more than three years in total agony and all the complications were related to this synthetic windpipe.

Every four hours, she gagged as her windpipe was forcibly cleared by doctors. The problem was becoming clear: the stem cells that supposedly stopped the body from rejecting the man-made trachea werent working, which meant it was constantly clogged up by cells from her own immune system.

I operated on her a number of times, says Corbascio, over Zoom. She was so depressed and fell into such a deep, dark place. I never spoke to her  her life was completely wrecked  and she hated all of us, but she didnt realise we were on her side. Such was the dire quality of her life that the whistleblowers say they were relieved when they heard she had died.

Around this period, the three men discovered that Macchiarini had never performed a single animal trial before implanting his tubes in human patients, which is illegal. I was immediately convinced that he had lied about everything, says Grinnemo.

As this was unfolding in Stockholm, Alexander was living a fairytale. Macchiarini had proposed at Christmas 2013 but explained that she must leave the entire planning of their wedding to him. He was, he told her, part of a secret network of doctors who operated on the most powerful people on the planet and as a result the guest list was to include the Obamas, the Clintons, Vladimir Putin, Nicolas Sarkozy and other world leaders. Andrea Bocelli would sing at the ceremony, Pope Francis would officiate, and his papal palace in Castel Gandolfo would serve as the venue.

Matthias Corbascio: [Cetir] was so depressed and fell into such a deep, dark place

This was, of course, completely fabricated, but Alexander likens hearing it all to being a frog in boiling water. If she ever questioned him, he would concoct another story  and while in the documentary she can sometimes appear confusingly naive, on Zoom she comes across as highly intelligent.

As to why he bothered with such outlandish lies, Alexander believes it gave him a thrill. Nobody understands this type of mind because people like him dont have therapy; they dont feel guilt or remorse or empathy but they do enjoy the high of getting away with something.

The wedding was planned for July 2015 and as the date approached, Alexander started to worry. Why could she not speak to the wedding planner or the venue? And why  despite criss-crossing Europe and America with her fiance  had she still not been able to visit the house in Barcelona that was his main residence?

By this point, Alexander had agreed to quit her job and move to Spain with her teenage daughter to live with her future husband. But the day after her NBC leaving drinks in May 2015, a colleague sent her an email showing that the Pope would be in South America at the time of her wedding.

Suddenly all the red flags made sense, she says. He was such an adept manipulator and so skilled at dismissing my concerns, but in that one moment I saw the truth.

When she confronted him, he cut off contact and so she went in secret to Barcelona where  sitting in the back of a hot taxi wearing a blonde wig  she watched the man she thought was the love of her life walk down the steps of his house with a woman and two children. Later she would realise that they had never been engaged, as he was already married.

I was consumed with rage and that got me through it in a way, she says. But there was profound sadness, and humiliation and embarrassment that I had fallen for this. It was very complicated.

A year earlier, Corbascio, Grinnemo and Simonson had started gathering evidence. They had learnt about patients in Russia  one of whom, like Cetir, had mild tracheal damage and normal life expectancy but who then went on to die in agony after Macchiarinis interventions. Like lambs being led to slaughter, says Grinnemo.

Once their case was prepared, they took it to the Karolinska board, but in a parallel of the Lucy Letby tragedy here in Britain, senior management not only refused to listen to their concerns, but disciplined the three surgeons  ordering them to apologise and punishing them by slowly cutting them off from funding and any promotional opportunities. Macchiarini, by contrast, was vindicated by his employers in an in-house investigation and continued to take on new patients.

It would take until 2016 before his fall from grace. Within the space of two months, an interview with Alexander was published by Vanity Fair and a Swedish documentary was released about Macchiarinis medical failings. Finally, the Karolinska bowed to pressure and announced it would not be renewing its star surgeons contract. In 2018, the Lancet journal retracted two papers by Macchiarini.

And in 2022, he was found guilty of bodily harm in a Swedish district court and handed a suspended sentence.

But for Alexander, the three whistleblowers and the relatives of his patients, relief only came in June this year, when prosecutors appealed that verdict and Macchiarini was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail for causing the deaths of three people between 2011 and 2014. The Svea Court of Appeal concluded that there were no emergency situations among two of the three patients who later died, while the procedure on the third could not be justified. The patients have been caused bodily harm and suffering, the appeals court said of the two men and one woman. The patients, it concluded, could have lived for a not insignificant amount of time without the interventions.

Benita Alexander: He is like a spider who slowly draws you into his web  but it is done with such skill that you have no idea whats happening

Macchiarini has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing. He told the Associated Press news agency that he felt he was being treated like a war criminal. He said: We did the transplant in good faith. His lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, said they would appeal. We have not given up; this match is not over, he was quoted as saying by Swedish media.

For the three whistleblowers who were all but forced out of their jobs, it was too little, too late. They [the Karolinska] have not been punished enough: at a minimum, they should give the families of the patients who were killed reparations, says Simonson. All three argue that doctors like Macchiarini will always exist, but that institutions must learn they cannot continue to put patients lives at risk in their desire to protect their reputations above all else. As a result of the whistleblowers efforts, the case is now being examined by the European Court of Justice. The Karolinska has conceded that the whistleblowers should have been taken seriously much earlier.

As for Alexander, she is living in New York, in a new relationship, and hosting a podcast in which she interviews other women who have fallen victim to conmen. She has refused to stay silent. The victim shaming and the humiliation is part of what keeps you quiet, but I owe it to other women to speak out, she says. Paolos punishment still doesnt fit the crime, but at least his reputation is tanked and for a man like that  who doesnt care about how many lives he has destroyed  there is nothing worse.

A Karolinska Institutet (KI) spokesman said: There is much to criticise in Karolinska Institutets actions related to the Macchiarini case. The events have been thoroughly investigated and measures implemented: KI has improved review procedures, tightened rules, and increased awareness of ethical considerations in research.

KIs president at the time resigned as a result of the Macchiarini case, but the fact remains that it was the individual researchers who made the mistakes and were responsible for the dishonesty and culpability.

There is no doubt that the whistleblowers should have been taken seriously much earlier. This fact has been admitted by various KI representatives in the past, and an apology has also been made on several occasions.

Mr Macchiarini said he denied the derogatory information about him and is considering legal action against anyone who insults his honor through false accusations.

Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife is released on November 29 on Netflix

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Four-time SI Swimsuit model Marquita Pring made her debut with the magazine in a gorgeous, unique Western-inspired photoshoot with Ruven Afanador in Saratoga, Wyo., in 2020, and has returned to the fold every year since.

The New York native first gained popularity in 2011, when she walked in Jean-Paul Gaultiers Paris Fashion Week show and appeared in a historic and groundbreaking Vogue Italia cover story alongside Candice Huffine, Robyn Lawley and Tara Lynn.

She has traveled to Sacramento, Calif., Barbados and most recently, Puerto Rico with the brand, where shes showed off her impeccable modeling skills and fun, sweet personality.

Weve made quite a mark on the industry and it was an amazing learning experience, Pring, who is cofounder of ALDA, a coalition of models coming together to empower women and change societys perception of beauty, shared. Together we really accomplished a lot. Im very proud of that project.

The former face of Levi Strauss & Co. and LOreal beauty ambassador is constantly using her platform to champion diversity in size, age and skin tone.

Marquita is a natural fit for our brand. She is effortless to photograph and a pleasure to be around. She is smart, competent, established and possesses a hunger and dedication to changing the industry, SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day said. Her voice is powerful, and it is an important one for the world to hear. She represents so many different types of women and we are incredibly lucky to be a part of her story.

Below are five of our favorite photos from Prings 2022 photoshoot with Ben Watts in Barbados.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Montce. Earrings by Maria Tash and Pamela Love. Rings by Pamela Love.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear. Earrings by Maria Tash and Pamela Love. Rings by Pamela Love.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by MIKOH. Earrings by Maria Tash, Pamela Love and vintage. Rings by Pamela Love. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Montce. Blazer by Rowing Blazers. Earrings by Maria Tash, Pamela Love and vintage. Rings by Pamela Love.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Matte Collection. Earrings by Maria Tash and Pamela Love. Rings by Pamela Love. Anklet by KBH Jewelry. Shoes by Circus by Sam Edelman.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Fuzuli continue, Trend reports.

Another group of citizens was sent from the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku on November 24. At this stage, another 25 families (72 people) moved to the city of Fuzuli.

The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Fuzuli residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Fuzuli has been provided for 283 families - 1000 people.
Samir Hussein

This story is reposted in collaboration with Made for Us and The National Archives.

If you watched Killers of the Flower Moon in disbelief, you werent alone. After the movie premiered, Google searches for Osage increased 75%, and one of the most searched-for phrases was is Killers of the Flower Moon true?

This is often the reaction whenever a chapter of our history is made into media for public consumption. But the storyand proof of ithave been in the National Archives for decades. Heres how this tragedy was uncovered.

The Story of the Osage Nation

The Osage Tribe has deep roots in our nation, first emerging as a people around 700 B.C. Osage means People of the Middle Waters and likely relates to where their tribe first developed: in the valley of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Centuries later, they remained close to the water as they migrated west and settled where the Mississippi met the Missouri River.

It was here that they claimed their ancestral lands, establishing a powerful presence throughout the Midwest. They were feared and respected by other tribes and white settlers because they were a nation of brilliant warriors, strategic traders, and skilled hunters. Their trading posts were key to the economic prosperity of the West, and the Osage nation flourished as they established relationships with French fur traders.

But after the Louisiana Purchase, things for the Osage began to turn. Early after the land acquisition, famed explorer Meriwether Lewis advised President Thomas Jefferson that the powerful Osage would become a problem. The population of the eastern United States was growing, and pioneers were eager to venture off into unsettled lands. Because the Osage were much too powerful for the U.S. government to take on, it became a quiet, but deliberate, strategy to goad other tribes into war with them. As the government was forcing tribes in the east off their lands, the Osage saw them not as displaced nations, but as invaders. While settlers moved west and claimed acreage for themselves, tribes were fighting among one another for parcels of land that were shrinking every day.

The 19th century was painful for the Osage. In the 1830s, missionaries and settlers descended on the tribeand they brought smallpox with them. The casualties were severe and devastating. By the time the Civil War erupted, the Osage were residing in modern-day Kansas, but the soon-to-be state was embroiled in its own conflict about whether it would join the Union as a free or a slave state. Although the Osage attempted to stay neutral as the Civil War escalated, geography was not their friend. They were surrounded on all sides by Union and Confederate forces, and both sides raided the Osage nation for food and supplies. As a result, the Osage suffered a devastating famine, and by the 1870s, they had lost half of their population.

By the end of the Civil War, the Osage were ready to abandon their battle-torn Kansas lands. They sold their territory to the Grant Administration, andin a rare move for tribal nationspurchased their own reservation in Indian Territory, now modern-day Oklahoma. Although they owned their new land, the Osage were worn down after years of disease, war, displacement, and poverty. Until they struck gold.

Osage Riches

In 1894, oil was found under the Osage reservation in Indian Territory. Despite a government-imposed cap that restricted the Osage to 10% of the oil profits, their ownership of their lands mineral rights was immensely profitableso profitable, in fact, that the tribe made between $10-30 million per year, making them the richest people per capita in the world at the time.

Then, on March 3, 1921, Congress enacted a guardianship program, ostensibly to help the Osage manage their funds. Any individual who was more than half Indian blood or an Osage minor had to have a guardian who would be appointed until they could prove that they were competent enough to manage their own funds. Guardians had total control over how much money an Osage person received, and even how they spent it. Plus, they were entitled to payment for their services, which they often took directly out of Osage profits. Whether a member of the Osage nation was competent or incompetent was noted on Indian census rolls, ensuring that incompetent Osage could not receive funds without a guardians presence or permission.

The guardianship program didnt protect the Osageit put a target on their backs. Wanting a piece of the profits, white settlers flocked to Oklahoma, and unscrupulous businessmen, lawyers, and others attempted to swindle the Osage out of their mineral rights. But the most insidious attempts came from white male settlers who married Osage women to assert their rights as a spouse, become their guardian, and gain control over their money.

Killers of the Flower Moon follows the true story of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman married to a white man, Ernest Burkhart. Mollies large family-owned multiple properties on the Osage reservation, and they were thriving off the profits generated from their mineral rights. But in 1918, Mollies sister Minnie died of a mysterious wasting illness. Just a few years later, her mother, Lizzie Q, died of a similar disease. In May 1921, Mollies sister, Anna, was found dead in a ravine with a bullet in the back of her head. Less than two years later, Mollies cousin Henry Roan was shot and killed. And in a particularly violent incident, Mollies third sister Rita and her brother-in-law Bill were killed when an explosion leveled their house.

Mollie and her family werent the only victims. Across the reservation, the Osage were dying mysterious and violent deaths that local authorities were too quick to declare accidents, suicides, or alcohol poisoning. But the Osage knew the truth. In 1925, they petitioned a new federal law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to look into these crimes. The Bureau's director, J. Edgar Hoover, was eager to investigate.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

FBI agents went undercover within the tribe and among settlers. As they began untangling the web of lies, death, and destruction, one name was at the center of it all: William Hale.

Hale was a local rancher, but he was also known by another moniker, King of the Osage Hills. Cunning, determined, and ruthless, Hale understood the potential profit he could reap by swindling the Osage out of their mineral rights. He also forged life insurance policies, taking one out on Mollies cousin, Henry Roan, for $25,000, of which he was the sole beneficiary. Two weeks later, Roan was dead. When his cons failed to produce the kind of money he was looking for, Hale turned to murder. But he didnt work alone. One of his conspirators was another local, John Ramsey. The other was his nephew: Ernest Burkhart.

Suddenly, the pieces of the puzzle made sense. Under the guardianship program, Ernest had applied for and had been granted guardianship over Mollie. When members of her family began mysteriously dying, their mineral rights were transferred within the family. Soon, she was the only one left.

Hale and his co-conspirators were arrested, and in 1926, Hale, Ramsey, and Burkhart were all indicted on charges of conspiracy and murder. At first, Ernest pleaded not guilty, but two months into his trial, he had a change of heart. With this change of plea came his story: Hale was the mastermind behind all the murders. Knowing to whom mineral rights would transfer upon a death in the family, Hale had carefully plotted the order in which Mollies family members were murdered. Once she had inherited all the mineral rights from the rest of her family, she would be murdered last so Ernest could reap the maximum reward.

During Ernests trial, it was revealed that Mollies attempted murder was already in progress when doctors found poison in her bloodstream. Fortunately, she made a full recovery.

Hale and his co-conspirators were eventually convicted of the murders of Mollies family. But more than 60 deaths had occurred on the reservation over the seven-year period the Osage called the Reign of Terror. Many of these murders still remain unsolved.

Bringing the Truth to Light Decades Later

Before the debut of the blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro, and Lily Gladstone, this dark chapter of our history remained relatively unknown. So how do these little-known stories get uncovered? For author David Grann, it started with a visit to the Osage Nation museum in Pawhuska, Oklahoma in 2012. On one of the walls was a beautiful panoramic photo of members of the Osage nation alongside white settlers. But one of the panels had quite obviously been cut out. When Grann asked the museum curator why, she said, The devil was standing right there.

The devil was William Hale. But Grann didnt want to center his book on the person who caused so much destruction. Instead, he chose Mollie, the sole survivor of her family and a person who worked tirelessly to seek justice. At great peril to her own life, she crusaded for justice. I didnt think you could understand these events without her perspective, said Grann.

To tell Mollies story, Grann began his research at the National Archives Museum in Fort Worth. Hearing of his compelling research, Archives staff worked to help David pull more than 3,000 documents relevant to the Osage, including:

Original accounts from Osage who lived through that time

Records from private investigators who tried to both solve the crimes and cover them up

Secret grand jury testimony

Records from J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI director who took on the case that made the Bureau what it is today.

Grann also conducted oral history interviews with descendants of the Osage who lived through the Reign of Terror.

According to Grann, The museum director had removed the photograph of the killer not to forget what happened, but because the Osage cant forget. And yet too many Americans, including myself, had either forgotten or never knew about this part of history....I think this episode is a further reminder that much of our history is scattered in archives, crying out to be told.

The story that Killers of the Flower Moon projects onto the big screen is one thats hard for many of us to confront, and the horrific nature of the events might even cause some viewers to chalk it up to creative Hollywood writers. But the great majority of the events of the film are, unfortunately, accurate. The exploitation and pain of the Osage, the evil of William Hale and his co-conspirators, and reluctance of local authorities to investigate are all truths pulled directly from museums and archives. We may not always like what we see when we look into the mirror of our collective past, but learning about and confronting it can lead to a better path forward.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Hikers rescued a Bernese mountain dog that had been missing for seven weeks from a Colorado trail on Sunday, marking the second canine miracle in the state this month. Just last week, we reported on the loyal dog that stood watch over her owner's body for 10 weeks.

The two hikers were walking on a trail in Meyer Ranch Park north of Conifer when they spotted the dog who appeared to be injured and alone. When they tried approach the scared dog, she bit one of the hikers, so they called for help.

When animal control and park rangers arrived at the trailhead, they soon discovered the dog was none other than Nova Riley, a service dog in training who had slipped out of her harness seven weeks earlier at a supermarket parking lot.

Nova Riley has been missing ever since, during which time there have been two snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures in the mountainous area west of Denver which sits at over 8,000ft above sea level. The courageous canine lost about a quarter of her body weight also sustained a broken leg during her traumatic time in the wild.

Fortunately, officers were able to coax the pooch to safety using tasty treats. She needs to have her broken leg amputated and won't be able to resume her duties as a service dog, but the Denver Post reports that she has been reunited with her owner.
The world's first treatment that uses CRISPR gene-editing technology has been approved.

Exa-cel, also known by its brand name Casgevy, received its first regulatory approval on Nov. 16, 2023 from the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat two debilitating blood disorders: sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia . Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the drug was safe for clinical use in late October, and the FDA itself is expected to rule on whether to approve the treatment by December.

The MHRA's historic decision to approve Casgevy may signal the start of a new era of gene therapy . However, questions remain surrounding the treatment's affordability and its long-term safety.

Here's what we know so far about Casgevy.

Related: A teen's cancer is in remission after she received new cells edited with CRISPR

What does the first approved CRISPR therapy treat?

The MHRA approved Casgevy to treat sickle-cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. These are lifelong, genetic disorders caused by mutations in the genes that code for hemoglobin, a protein that red blood cells need to transport oxygen around the body.

More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to have SCD, but the rates are higher for some populations than others. For instance, 1 in every 365 Black babies is born with SCD. The disease changes the shape of a person's red blood cells so that they become C-shape, rather than round. The sickle-like cells die quickly and also stick to each other, blocking blood vessels . As a result, patients develop anemia and often experience bouts of severe pain called pain crises .

beta-thalassemia affects around 1 in 100,000 people worldwide, and it disproportionately affects those of Mediterranean, Asian, African and Middle Eastern descent . Patients with beta-thalassemia don't produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to severe anemia, whereas sickle-cell anemia stems from a lack of healthy red blood cells. "Transfusion-dependent" means that the disease is so severe that patients must have regular red blood cell transfusions throughout their lives.

How does Casgevy work?

Casgevy is based on a revolutionary gene-editing technique called CRISPR which was first developed in 2012 .

The CRISPR system cuts genes out of DNA using an enzyme called Cas9. These "molecular scissors" are guided to target DNA by a molecule of RNA . The technology was adapted from a natural defense mechanism that bacteria and other simple organisms called archaea use against viruses.

Casgevy targets a gene called BCL11A . The gene codes for a protein that would normally regulate the switch from the fetal version of hemoglobin to the adult version shortly after birth. However, in patients with SCD and beta-thalassemia, the adult hemoglobin is defective.

The goal of Casgevy is to disable BCL11A and thus allow the body to keep making fetal hemoglobin, since the adult version doesn't work. To do this, blood-making stem cells are taken from a patient's bone marrow and the BCL11A gene is edited using Casgevy in the lab. The newly-modified cells with functioning hemoglobin are then infused back into the patient's body. Before the infusion, the patient must take a chemotherapy drug called busulfan to eliminate the unedited cells still in their bone marrow, STAT News reported .

This process of adjusting to the new, edited cells is lengthy. "Patients may need to spend at least a month in a hospital facility while the treated cells take up residence in the bone marrow and start to make red blood cells with the stable form of hemoglobin," the MHRA said in a statement .

In two late-stage clinical trials, Casgevy restored hemoglobin production in most patients with SCD and beta-thalassemia and alleviated their symptoms. Twenty-eight out of 29 patients with SCD didn't experience any severe pain crises for at least a year after being treated with Casgevy. Similarly, 39 out of 42 patients with beta-thalassemia didn't need red blood cell transfusions during the same post-treatment period. The remaining three patients were more than 70% less likely to need a transfusion.

Artwork showing normal red blood cells (round), and red blood cells affected by sickle cell anaemia (crescent shaped)

Is Casgevy safe?

No serious safety concerns were flagged in either of the two late-stage clinical trials of Casgevy, although some transient side effects, such as fever and fatigue were reported. Both of these trials are ongoing and Casgevy's long-term safety continues to be monitored by regulatory bodies, such as the MHRA and the FDA, and by the therapy's manufacturers, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics .

However, there are still some concerns about the safety of CRISPR-based therapies, in general. Namely, there's concerns about "off-target" effects, which occur when Cas9 acts on other parts of the genome that weren't intended to be changed and cause unwanted side effects.

"It is well known that CRISPR can result in spurious genetic modifications with unknown consequences to the treated cells," David Rueda , chair of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics at Imperial College London, told the U.K. Science Media Centre . "It would be essential to see the whole-genome sequencing data for these cells before coming to a conclusion," he said. This would involve surveying all the DNA in Casgevy-edited cells to see if there are any off-target effects.

Related: 2 women earn Chemistry Nobel Prize for gene-editing tool CRISPR

Where has Casgevy been approved?

As of mid-November, only the U.K has approved Casgevy. The MHRA cleared the treatment for people over the age of 12 .

But according to Vertex , the treatment is currently being reviewed by the European Union's European Medicines Agency, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the FDA. It is expected that the FDA will approve Casgevy on or before Dec. 8, STAT News reported.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing complex and cells, illustration. The CRISPR-Cas9 protein (blue and pink) is used in genome engineering to cut DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It uses a guide RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequence (orange) to cut DNA (purple) at a complementary cleavage site.

When will Casgevy be available to patients?

It's unclear when Casgevy will become available, but its reach will largely depend on its cost. Gene therapies can cost millions of dollars and it looks like Casgevy will be no exception. This could make it inaccessible for many people who need it.

"The challenge is that these therapies will be very expensive so a way of making these more accessible globally is key," Kay Davies , a professor of anatomy at the University of Oxford, told the U.K. Science Media Centre.

Vertex has yet to set a price for Casgevy in the U.K., a spokesperson from the company told Nature , but is "working with the health authorities to secure reimbursement and access for eligible patients as quickly as possible."

What other CRISPR therapies are in development?

Intellia Therapeutics is developing CRISPR therapies to treat inherited diseases from inside the body, STAT News reported.

RELATED STORIES

CRISPR used to 'reprogram' cancer cells into healthy muscle in the lab

Meet 'Fanzor,' the 1st CRISPR-like system found in complex life

CRISPR-edited fat shrank tumors in mice. Someday, it could work in people, scientists say.

In addition, a tweaked version of CRISPR called "base editing" that can target the individual building blocks of DNA is being tested as a way to treat disease. For example, Verve Therapeutics is testing such an experimental treatment for heart disease . Another promising new type of therapy, called " prime editing ," involves CRISPR but also "incorporates additional enzymes and genetic instructions to insert, delete or rewrite short segments of DNA," STAT News reported.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun ? Send us your questions about how the human body works to community@livescience.com with the subject line "Health Desk Q," and you may see your question answered on the website!
A mass of Canadian super pigs are threatening to breach the US border, but northern states are putting tactics in place to stop this wild hog invasion.

Super pigs have appeared in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada after crossbreeding between different pig species created their super-swine form.

The pigs have been destroying crops and degrading water quality, but there is no stopping these feral hogs as they also can breed excessively and continue to multiply in their masses, according to the University of Saskatchewan.

Wild pigs are ecological train wrecks. They are prolific breeders, making them an extremely successful invasive species, said Ruth Aschim, a PhD student from the university who led research on the super pig species.

The researchers called the mutant wild pigs the most prolific invasive mammal in Canada.

The US already has a massive issue with feral hog populations, costing landowners billions each year in crop and land destruction, so northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are taking action to stop the super pigs encroaching on US territory.

Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and expert on the growing super pig population, said that Montana has already banned raising and transporting wild pigs into the state.

However, if the country really wants to prevent the boars from crossing the border, he said more extreme measures need to be put in place.

The only path forward is you have to be really aggressive, and you have to use all the tools in the toolbox, Mr Brook said, according to AP.

This could entail using large ground traps, guns that fire nets from helicopters, tracking programs or even poisons like sodium nitrate, although scientists fear this could also harm other wildlife.

The director of Minnesotas Wildlife Services, Gary Nohrenberg, said that as far as he knows, no wild pigs have made their way into the state.

In 2016, the USDA Wildlife Services shot and killed a group of feral pigs entering Minnesota, but not before they started to reproduce and destroy a wildlife preserve.

While the battle between the super pigs and the US authorities wages on, the diminishing of their population does not seem to be in the near future.

Two feral hogs caught in a trap on a farm in rural Montana in 2019 (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Research from the university said the pigs are a hybrid between wild boar and domestic swine, and have adopted helpful qualities from both to create a successful survivor of harsh Canadian winters.

Weighing between 120 and 250 stone, the super pigs live in pigloos burrowed in the snow and can withstand very cold temperatures, even breeding in harsh conditions.

Mr Brook said to AP that his research team documented 62,000 sightings in Canada and explained that even if 65% of the wild pig population is killed each year, their numbers would still increase due to their super breeding.

The rapid rise in their population is due to the pigs becoming sexually mature as early as four to eight months old, having around six piglets per litter, with the whole family surviving off most farmer crops and insects, birds, reptiles and small mammals.

The invasive population poses a risk most significantly to the survival of agriculture and livestock, the effects of which have already been felt in Canada.

Canadian farmers have already reported their destructive behaviour by frightening their livestock, destroying crops, using their long snouts to root up soil, and tearing up the ground.

According to the USDA, 9 million wild pigs already inhabit the country and have severely impacted landowners, and more lethal methods of eradication are used to diminish the population.

In 2021, 9,857 feral hogs were killed by the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership, with 54,000 hogs killed in the state since 2016.

However, it is not just the conservation of land that the potential new influx of super pigs threatens. In 2019, a woman in Texas was killed by a group of feral hogs after being attacked while on her way to work.

The US hopes to eradicate the feral hog population and prevent any super pigs from invading their land, but the road to full eradication may be a long way off due to their ability to multiply rapidly.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nearly 60 years ago Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada began hosting its annual Thanksgiving feast for those experiencing homelessness. Its an opportunity to provide a hot meal, bring together the community, and offer a connection to resources to those who need it most.

Cancer survivor Kintesha Bedell stays at a shelter and arrived Thursday morning for her first Thanksgiving at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.

It means everything to me, the fact that people took the time and decorated the table and gave us everything, Bedell said. I am just very grateful.

Shes one of the 700-plus people getting the meal of hope with all the trimmings.

Chief Operating Officer, Steve Schmitt, said the help goes beyond the food.

We also have case managers walking around to try and talk to people and find out why they are in the situation theyre in.

Bedell connected with a staff member for housing options. Shell return on Monday. I have been going everywhere. I come here every day at 10 oclock to eat lunch. Its sometimes the only time I eat.

She also connected with others like Mike Oakes who shared he has been homeless off and on for three years.

Now, hes grateful to be at the shelter onsite.

I am autistic which makes it basically impossible to hold a job for more than six months, Oakes said about his situation.

The simple gestures of kind words and a hot meal can make a big difference to some. Jesus Ramos was overwhelmed by the kindness and feeling of home.

Circumstances, you know one thing leads to another. I used to be embarrassed to come here but now I am so thankful, he said. This is a chance to get back on our feet.

Schmitt, humbled to serve, and heartbroken over the rising costs bringing families in.

We see home prices rising, more and more families with young kids coming in today and the fact that we can give those families something normal like a Thanksgiving meal is really a blessing.

Schmitt advised people to support organizations such as Catholic Charities, instead of dropping off food, because they can get people out of the cold and in front of a case worker.

The massive feast involved 300 pounds of oven-roasted turkey, 300 pounds of garlic mashed potatoes, 300 pounds of sauteed green beans, 300 pounds of turkey stuffing, 20 gallons of cranberry sauce, 20 gallons of turkey gravy, 60 gallons of hot cocoa, and 750 slices of pumpkin pie.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Children learn to make chicken fried rice at Tally Town Kids Club with owner Paige Lewis on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Paige Lewis grew up in Tallahassee and remembers visiting Lake Ella Motor Court Swimming Pool in what is now midtown Tallahassee as a kid and hanging out in the park.

Now, she rents a cottage there and hosts the Tally Town Kids Club to serve as a creative space for kids ages 5-12 to participate in art, cooking and science classes.

"I think kids are looking for somewhere to belong and something fun to do that's no pressure," Lewis told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Students in Tally Town Kids Club participate in art classes for $25 a class.

The Tally Town Kids Club cottage at 1656 Legion St. was previously home to The Sharing Tree, another local kids' social group, before it moved to a different location.

The 58-year-old mom has a background in teaching and as a pediatric nurse and lived in Virginia and Alabama for 28 years before moving back to Tallahassee in 2022 to care for her parents.

Lewis decided to continue a passion project she created in Alabama called Cleveland Street Kids Club, but with a goal of targeting the larger community of Tallahassee.

"I had the Cleveland Street Kids Club because I lived on Cleveland Street. I did that for about three years, and it was really a success. It was a small town, with nothing much for kids to do and people loved it," Lewis said of her original kids' club in Headland, Alabama.

She originally started the Alabama club for her 10-year-old daughter Quincy, and her friends, who wanted to do "artsy things."

The crew started as a group of five kids in 2019, and by the time she left Alabama in 2022, she had a total of 94 students attending classes regularly.

Children learn to make chicken fried rice at Tally Town Kids Club with owner Paige Lewis on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Lewis said her Lake Ella cottage is twice the size of the backyard studio she had in Alabama. She says the central location and history of Lake Ella drew her to rent the cottage and start the club.

This is much bigger, which allows us to do more, Lewis said. This has always been a dream of mine, and this is a fun job.

After opening Tally Town Kids Club in September, Lewis has been able to host a backyard bonfire, offer exclusive homeschool classes and help parents find low- to no-cost activities for kids on the weekends.

She now offers four classes a week. The classes are $25 each which includes a meal after class, supervision and supplies. Different class activities include homemade butter and waffle making, painting with magnets and science projects learning about static electricity.

"This gives parents something that their kids can do that they don't have to feel guilty about. They're not dumping their kids somewhere, they're providing an opportunity for their child to grow in a different area while they go get something else done," Lewis said.

Students participate in cooking classes at Tally Town Kids Club for $25 a class.

Classes are held on Fridays through Saturday, and exclusively for homeschool students on Monday afternoons. She also hosts classes at Maclay School for its afterschool program three times a week.

Ariel Nosso, a mother to a homeschooled student who attends the Monday classes, said she discovered the club on Facebook and her son loves it.

The positive impact of these classes is greater than I would have ever thought. My son is schooled virtually, from home, and the interactions, learning, and fun he gets from these classes has benefited him greatly, Nosso said of her son, Noel.

Nosso said her son came home from the first class excited to go back and learn more.

Children learn to make chicken fried rice at Tally Town Kids Club with owner Paige Lewis on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

"My son typically enjoys staying home and it has been hard to find something he consistently enjoys. Now, he begs me every week to attend as many classes at Tally Town Kids Club as possible," Nosso said.

For parents looking to sign their kids up for classes, Lewis can be reached at (334) 435-2038 or on the Tally Town Kids Club Facebook page.

More: Woodville K-8 educator named Glenn-Howell Distinguished Teacher of the Year

More: CSC reluctantly rejects Children's Advocacy Center emergency funding amid federal cuts

Alaijah Brown is with the Tallahassee Democrat and can be reached at abrown1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Spotlight: Tally Town Kids Club, a new creative space at Lake Ella
SWANTON  Right after she won the election on Sunday, Nov. 12, to be the new chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, Brenda Gagne started getting the same question over and over: Now that she was chief, was she going to step down from leading Circle of Courage, an after-school program for at-risk, mostly Abenaki kids?

Gagne was emphatic in her answer. Absolutely not. She credits Circle of Courage, which she founded 20 years ago, for making her known throughout the Abenaki community and giving her an edge in the election. She wasn't going to give up teaching its core values of mastery, belonging, independence and generosity.

Brenda Gagne, newly elected chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, as seen on Nov. 15, 2023.

"I think if the kids have those core values, they're going to have good lives ahead of them," Gagne said.

Gagne won the Nov. 12 election by three votes, 58-55, over Chris LaFrance. The vote count, Gagne said, might sound low, but it was about triple the usual number who turn out for an election.

"Even though the number wasn't as good as we'd like it to be, it was much better than it's been for the last several years," she said.

Gagne, 58, declined to say how many tribal members the Missisquoi band has, but said she believes the increased turnout shows people are ready for a change.

"I think they know I'm a go-getter, I don't take crap and I'll fight for what I believe in and we don't leave anything unturned when we're doing it," Gagne said.

Embezzlement shatters Abenaki community's sense of trust

Gagne's top priority as chief is to return a sense of community and trust to the Missisquoi band, following an embezzlement of federal funds intended to promote economic development that shattered it.

Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Chief Brenda Gagne moments after raising her tribe's flag at Gertrude Chamberlin School in South Burlington on Nov. 14, 2023. The green flag depicts the dawn, the water and the forest, important symbols to the "People of the Dawn."

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont announced in May 2022, that Louise Larivee was sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and federal program embezzlement. Larivee worked for the Abenaki Self Help Association Inc. in Swanton, an arm of the Abenaki Nation, from 2013-2017 as the director of a federal grant program administered by the U. S. Department of Labor. The program received tens of thousands of dollars every year to promote economic and social development through education and jobs.

Candy Thomas worked with Larivee as an office worker and bookkeeper, and together they embezzled more than $100,000 by writing checks and giving cash to Larivee far in excess of her authorized salary. Larivee also received travel reimbursement checks based on inflated mileage claims. Thomas helped cover up the fraud by filing tax forms that concealed the true amount of money being paid to Larivee.

Thomas, who testified against Larivee, was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution. Larivee was ordered to pay $96,700 in restitution, in addition to her prison sentence.

Gagne said she has received confirmation from the court that both women are paying their restitution.

The van Chief Brenda Gagne uses for her Circle of Courage after-school program, as seen on Nov. 15, 2023.

Gagne wants to see people comfortable returning to the tribal headquarters building on Grand Avenue in Swanton.

"We need to get our community back," Gagne said. "We need to be able to have people be OK with coming back to the building. So much has happened. We've gone through embezzlement. That turned people's stomachs, so they stopped going as much."

Gagne will respond to 'pretendian' allegations from Odanak Abenaki in Quebec

Another priority for Gagne is to respond to the allegations being made by the Odanak First Nation of Abenaki in Quebec that the Vermont Abenaki are frauds, so-called "pretendians," who are not really Native Americans. In addition to the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, based in Swanton, the state of Vermont has recognized three more tribes and bands of Abenaki, most recently in 2011 and 2012, by former Gov. Peter Shumlin:

Chief Don Stevens, leader of Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, in an undated photo.

The Abenaki in Vermont do not have federal recognition, as the Odanak have in Canada. In 1995, the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenaki  now the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi  petitioned the Bureau of Indian Affairs for federal recognition and were refused, failing to meet four of seven federal criteria, including "proof that the group's membership consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe." Vermont's attorney general concurred in the federal decision.

As chief, Gagne will not renew the quest for federal recognition.

"I don't want anything to do with that," she said. "It takes tribes millions of dollars. We don't have that kind of money. Because you have to have a lobbyist, and lobbyists cost money and we don't have that."

Gagne will, however, push back against the allegations being made by the Odanak. The controversy is part of the reason she ran to be chief.

"It makes my blood boil and nobody has said a word from Missisquoi," she said. "We got to have a voice. Somebody has to say something."

More: Abenaki drumming and flag raising give S. Burlington students dose of Indigenous culture

Gagne said she taking some time to "get my facts in order, then no holds barred."

"I think it's important for our people that our voice has at least been spoken," she said. "Whether it changes (minds) or not, but for our people to know there's somebody standing up for us, because there's not been that."

Blue lunch ticket brings segregation and ridicule to Abenaki kids

Gagne is no stranger to being doubted and dismissed for her Abenaki identity. She was born in Malone, New York, to an Italian father and an Abenaki mother, and moved to Swanton when she was 12. She has been a card-carrying member of the Abenaki Nation of the Missisquoi since she was 15.

"Our constitution says we're old enough to vote, so that's when we're legal to have a card," Gagne said.

Brenda Gagne, newly elected chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, said her first task is to bring a sense of trust back to her community, as seen on Nov. 15, 2023.

Growing up, at Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Swanton, Gagne said she and other Abenakis were made to feel "useless, not wanted, like we didn't belong."

"We had a principal who used to call us Johnny-come-latelys and welfare bums," she said. "That's not a feeling kids want to feel."

Gagne and her fellow Abanakis were also segregated and ridiculed, she said, because they were poor. The instrument of segregation was a lunch ticket. If you paid for your lunch, your ticket was green. If you paid half the cost of your lunch, your ticket was yellow. If you received a free lunch, your ticket was blue. That led to Abenaki kids going hungry, according to Gagne.

"Why would you go pick up the blue ticket if everybody else had yellow or green?" she asked.

Today, an electronic card has replaced lunch tickets. No one knows if you're paying for your lunch or not. That's at least progress, Gagne said.

"My mission has always been children," she said. "I must have been a bad parent in the last lifetime and I'm making up for it, because everything in my life is about kids."

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosi@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Brenda Gagne is elected new chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi
Lava hotlines and captivating infernos: Inside the volatile world of volcano tourism in Iceland

Thirteen years after the Eyjafjallajokull volcano famously spewed ash into European airspace, multiple eruptions across Iceland have spawned an unlikely new travel trend - volcano tourism.

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, with an eruption occurring roughly every three to five years, much to the delight of adventure seekers hoping to catch a glimpse of mesmerising lava flows.

The Nordic island is currently bracing for a new, localised eruption, as officials warn that a volcano near the region of Hagafell could erupt at any time.

Thousands of tremors have recently shaken the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest part of the country, and evacuation orders have been issued for the town of Grindavik.

But while Icelandic residents are fleeing, specialist travel operators are busy fielding enquiries on potential volcano viewing.

The rise of volcano tourism in Iceland

In recent years, visitor interest in volcanic eruptions has been booming, with the March 2021 eruption at Fagradalsjall attracting thousands of curious spectators.

According to the Icelandic Tourism Board, more than 356,000 tourists visited the smouldering site while the eruption was ongoing.

Long queues along the main walking paths often formed, and many visitors reportedly stayed near the lava field until evening, waiting to take enviable night-time photos of the fiery spectacle.

One of Iceland's most recent eruptions, Litli-Hrutur, generated massive interest from locals and tourists when it spewed crimson lava and ash clouds.

The spectacular eruption began on 10 July 2023, following heightened seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula area - just 30 km southwest of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.

Here, part of the Fagradalsfjall mountain split open and started blasting molten lava and gas plumes into the air, creating Litli-Hrutur - dubbed 'Earth's newest baby volcano.'

As soon as Icelandic authorities controlled the blazing fires, the brand-new volcano quickly became a unique natural attraction, with a trail established to the captivating inferno.

In light of the recent volcanic activity, we must emphasise that due to the country's geological landscape, such occurrences are a part of Icelandic life, says the head of Tourism in Iceland, Lina Petra orarinsdottir.

All Icelandic infrastructure is planned and executed with this in mind, and the Icelandic Met Office and teams of scientists are constantly monitoring all volcanic activity, orarinsdottir adds.

People look at the lava flowing on Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland on 3 August 2022. - AP Photo/Marco Di Marco

How to visit Icelands volcanoes safely

The Icelandic authorities prioritise having information about safety and accessibility readily available, and the Reykjanes Peninsula eruption was no exception.

orarinsdottir explains that tourists and Icelanders were provided regular updates about the eruption site and urged to follow instructions and safety information.

Travel agents were keen to capitalise on the eruption and set up specialist volcano tours, with volcano chasers flying out within hours of the first volcanic activity.

Specialist tour operator Discover the World was one of the first to allow travellers to see the live volcano eruption at Fagradalsfjall earlier this year.

Just days after the eruption began northwest of the peninsular at Litli-Hrutur, the Iceland specialist waited for the authorities to check the site and give the green light for their three-day volcano tour offering.

We closely liaise with the official authorities in Iceland to ensure that we follow their guidelines, and we only start arranging visits to see the eruption once it has been declared safe to visit, says Georgina Hancock, marketing director of Discover the World.

We ensure our clients understand that the situation at the site will be constantly monitored, and we may need to change their arrangements locally. Still, safety will always be our number one concern, Hancock adds.

Discover the World already has a following of loyal volcano enthusiasts and launched its Volcano Hotline in 1986 to offer the first-ever Iceland trip to view a live eruption.

The unique lava hotline is still operating today to inform clients about potential trips to witness new eruptions in Iceland.

A person walks near lava emerging from a fissure of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near the Litli-Hrutur mountain, 10 July 2023. - AP Photo/Marco Di Marco

Is it safe to visit an active volcano?

However, travelling to an active volcano isn't without risks and ethical questions. Lava chasing can be the thrill of a lifetime or a fatal error.

Between 2010 and 2020, at least 1,143 people are estimated to have been killed in volcanic explosions. New Zealand's popular tourist site, Whakaari volcano, suddenly erupted on 9 December 2019, killing 22 tourists and injuring 25 others.

Safety depends on the conditions, accessibility and type of eruption, says Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Iceland.

Most people visiting the recent eruption and previous eruptions in the last two years at the Reykjanes Peninsula site go there at their own initiative, and the trips are not guided, Gudmundsson adds.

He also explains that although these eruptions produce lava, they are only mildly explosive, and flows only occur at the vents.

They are not really dangerous if you approach them with respect and keep a safe distance between yourself and the lava.

The danger for tourists hiking in Iceland is mainly the weather and the possibility of getting lost, not finding the right way, he adds.

People walk to get a view of the eruptions on Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland on 3 August 2022. - AP Photo/Brynjar Gunnarsson

What are the risks of visiting an active volcano?

Despite the flurry of glowing lava snaps on social media, not all eruptions in Iceland are as tourist-friendly, and there are inherent dangers for visitors attempting to access these volatile locations.

Eruptions often produce poisonous gases - like SO2 (sulphur dioxide), which can cause lung damage.

Due to dangerous gases released during a sizable Holuhraun eruption in Iceland in 2014-15, a large area was closed to all traffic except for scientists and civil protection, who had the necessary protective gear.

During the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, certain areas were also banned for tourists due to the risk of flooding from melting glacier waters.

So, how can people visit erupting volcanoes in Iceland responsibly and safely?

A system of organised, marked paths is critical, says Gudmundsson, so people don't get lost.

He explains that the recent eruptions on Reykjanes have had low magma discharge, and gas release has not been at dangerous levels - meaning these volcanic sites are safe, to some extent, to visit.

With Icelandic rangers and responders also controlling things, visitors can book specialist volcano tours or follow marked trails and tracks to witness the snaking lava flows from a safe distance.

According to a 2021 study, managing volcanic sites and opening them up to spectators is possible thanks to strong collaboration between Icelandic scientific institutions and civil protection agencies.

The 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption presented an opportunity to tune, test and validate hazard assessment models and improve safety information delivery to the public.

This cooperation meant no serious mishaps or human fatalities have occurred during the most recent eruptions, allowing Iceland to continue capitalising on volcanic tourism.

A close-up of the lava flowing from Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland on 3 August 2022. - AP Photo/Marco Di Marco

Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now?

Despite the current seismic activity, flights continue to arrive and depart as usual in Iceland, and the Foreign Office isn't advising against travel to Iceland - meaning holiday companies can operate as usual.

Current advice to British travellers from the FCO states, While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur. It adds that the Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely.

The message from the Icelandic tourism board is also resolute: Iceland is highly prepared for volcanic events, its website states.

While the town of Grindavik and the world-famous Blue Lagoon remain closed, its business as usual in the Land of Fire and Ice, so pack your binoculars and hope you can witness an awe-inspiring eruption from a safe distance.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Return of former refugees to Azerbaijan's liberated Fuzuli continues in accordance with the order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

Another group of returning citizens (25 families of 72 persons) departed to Fuzuli from Gobu Park 3 apartment complex (Garadagh district of Baku city).

The families in Fuzuli were met by the employees of the State Committee For Affairs Of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons Of The Republic Of Azerbaijan and the special representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation (except Shusha district) included in the Garabagh economic region.

Having met their compatriots already settled in Fuzuli, the former refugees shared with them the joy of returning home.
Ocean explorers mapping the seabed off the coast of Guatemala have discovered a mountain twice as high as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, hiding deep beneath the waves.

The 5,250-foot-tall (1,600 meters) formation is a seamount  a large, underwater geological feature typically formed from an extinct volcano. Scientists discovered the cone-shaped seamount 7,870 feet (2,400 m) below sea level during an expedition organized by the Schmidt Ocean Institute this summer, according to a statement shared with Live Science.

"A seamount over 1.5 kilometers tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover," Jyotika Virmani , the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute, said in the statement.

The towering feature covers 5.4 square miles (14 square kilometers) and sits in international waters in the Pacific Ocean, 97 miles (156 kilometers) from Guatemalan waters. The researchers detected the seamount using multibeam sonar mapping during a six-day crossing from Costa Rica to the East Pacific Rise  the boundary between six tectonic plates, including the Pacific plate to the west and the North American plate to the northeast.

Related: Scientists discover ancient, underwater volcano is still active  and covered in up to a million giant eggs

Seamounts provide crucial rocky habitats for deep-sea corals, sponges and a host of invertebrates, as hard substrate can be difficult to come by in the ocean, with the majority of the seabed covered in loose, muddy sediment.

Three researchers look at a screen showing a map of the seabed.

"Seamounts can be too steep for mud to stick to, and some animals really thrive on the sides," Jon Copley , a professor of deep-sea ecology and ocean exploration at the University of Southampton in the U.K, previously told Live Science . "When one sticks up, it creates strong currents for filter feeders to grow up into the water and catch food."

Satellite data suggest there are more than 100,000 unexplored seamounts that will come to light through continued seafloor mapping. "A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our ocean," Virmani said. "It's exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time!"

The chief officer of the expedition stands in the control room looking at a digital maritime map.

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'Mind boggling' array of 19,000 undersea volcanoes discovered with high-resolution radar satellites

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Scientists discover giant crater from ice age explosion that has methane-spewing mud volcano inside it

In April, a research team on a Schmidt Ocean Institute mapping expedition aboard Falkor (too) revealed three new hydrothermal vent fields on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In August, they announced the existence of a hidden underworld filled with sea creatures on the East Pacific Rise. Scientists aboard the same vessel also recently discovered two uncharted seamounts and pristine coral reefs near the Galapagos Islands .

The latest find is "yet another breathtaking discovery," Jamie McMichael-Phillips , the director of the Seabed 2030 project, which aims to map the entire seafloor by the end of the decade together with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and other partners, said in the statement.
According to Pocono Mountain Regional Police, a man from Philadelphia drowned on Thanksgiving Day.

While kayaking in the area of Beaver Dam Road in Long Pond, 31-year-old Miguel Lopez entered the water to help a juvenile, who he was accompanying and who was wearing a lifejacket, after his kayak overturned.

After being unsuccessful in turning the kayak upright, Lopez, who was not wearing a lifejacket, was unable to stay above water as he and the juvenile swam back to shore.

Lopezs body was recovered by search and rescue teams later in the day and he was pronounced deceased.

Pocono Mountain Regional was assisted by Coolbaugh Township Fire, Germania Fire, Lake Harmony Fire, Lake Winola Fire, Lehighton Fire, Mahanoy City Fire, Ryan Township Fire, Scott Township Fire, Tafton Fire, Thornhurst Fire, Tunkhannock Township Fire, Tunkhannock (Wyoming) Fire, Pocono Mountain Regional EMS, the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management and other Pennsylvania search and rescue teams.

"The loss of Miguel has devastated all of us to the core," Lopez's wife, Maria Munoz, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign. "This holiday season was supposed to be a time of celebration and instead we are mourning the loss of someone who would give you the shirt off his back."

As of Nov. 28, the campaign has raised $12,860, surpassing the listed goal of $10,000.

Max Augugliaro is the public safety and government watchdog reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach him at MAugugliaro@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Man kayaking in the Poconos drowns on Thanksgiving Day
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Now, two days on, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash which has left the couples upstate New York community of Grand Island in mourning.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

Surveillance footage of the moments before the crash (AP)

On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department  which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism  carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

The married couple, both 53, had been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto on Wednesday night, law enforcement sources previously told CNN.

But the gig was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley becoming ill with the flu, and so the couple stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino instead.

The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the casino, told The Independent it was cooperating with law enforcement to review and hand over any information related to the vehicle.

It was after a brief stop at the casino that the vehicle made the mile-long, ill-fated trip towards the US-Canada border crossing.

Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, flew into the air and travelled over a fence before crashing into a border patrol booth.

The car instantly burst into flames with thick black smoke and roaring flames billowing up to the sky.

The Villanis were both killed in the blast and a Border Patrol agent also suffered minor injuries.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an accident just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack, Ms Hochul said.

Several lanes of the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between closed Wednesday (AP)

She added: Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I wont call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life  but at this time: no known terrorism activity.

The FBIs Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that no terrorism nexus was identified.

The bureau said it had turned the investigation over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

The three other bridges  the Peace Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge  connecting New York state and Canada reopened on Wednesday after being shuttered for a few hours. The Rainbow Bridge finally reopened to the public on Thursday.

On Friday morning, Niagara Falls Police identified the couple as Kurt Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53.

The couple lived in the upstate New York community of Grand Island, where they owned several businesses.

Devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones spoke out paying tribute to them.

The couples friend Chuck Meyer told WGRZ of his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didnt know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars, he told the local outlet on Thursday.

I thought, Oh, theyre having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, thats really nice. And then about an hour later, heard the news and Im like, oh my God.
Igors Bobirs was detained in August, with authorities in Riga claiming he could have been working for the Russian Federal Security Service secret service - KONTRAST-FOTODESIGN/E+

A man detained in Latvia on suspicion of spying for Russia has died in detention after developing sudden health problems, prison authorities said.

Igors Bobirs was detained in August, with authorities in Riga claiming he could have been working for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) secret service.

The Prison Administration of Latvia said on Wednesday that 53-year-old Bobirs  who had still not been officially charged  had died one week earlier, after being admitted to hospital.

It did not give a cause of death for the Russian-born man, but said there had been a rapid deterioration in his health.

The LETA news agency, a Latvian media organisation, said police had launched an investigation and post-mortem and toxicology reports were ordered.

High-profile espionage trial

Bobirs and three other suspects were detained after their names came up in the high-profile espionage trial of Janis Adamsons, the former Latvian interior minister.

Adamsons, a former navy deputy chief, was convicted this month of spying for Russia and sentenced to eight and a half years in jail. The 67-year-old had reportedly been able to transmit information of varying degrees of secrecy to Russia for four years.

Erlens Ernstsons, the Riga City Court judge, stated at the time: Adamsons collected secret and unclassified information for the Russian secret services, in an illegal, systematic and targeted way.

Latvia is a former Soviet republic that is now a Nato and EU member. Its relationship with Moscow has strained as it staunchly supports Ukraine against Russias invasion.

Two weeks ago, Latvias president told the Associated Press that countries must keep supplying arms to Ukraine, or Russia would have a green light for threatening others in the future.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Gas prices are continuing to drop ahead of Thanksgiving travel, according to AAAs latest gas report.

For Thanksgiving week, gas prices in Oregon are dropping nine cents to $4.11 a gallon, compared to the national average for regular gas dropping to $3.30 a gallon, AAA says.

Pump prices should continue to decline in most markets through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Many gas stations in Oregon are already selling regular for less than $4 a gallon and more will join soon, explained Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Oregon mom convicted for preventing daughter from receiving surgery for liver cancer

Several Oregon cities are averaging below $4 per gallon, including Salem, Eugene, Hood River, and Lincoln City.

Overall, Oregonians will see a 40-cent drop in gas prices compared to Thanksgiving 2022, AAA said.

Western states are seeing higher gas prices with Oregon ranking as the fifth most expensive state at $4.11 per gallon, the report shows. California ranked first at $4.96 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $4.73, Washington at $4.43, and Nevada ranked fourth at $4.24 per gallon.

Its very disappointing: PPS board members speak out after their homes were targeted by vandals

Diesel prices have also dropped with Oregon seeing $4.72 per gallon compared to the national average of $4.28 per gallon.

AAA projects Thanksgiving 2023 to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since the organization started tracking travel trends in 2000.

The company adds that 785,000 Oregonians will be traveling for Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2022. Across the United States, AAA says 55.4 million Americans are travelling.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
So, who knew that Pensacola Junior College was the first junior college in the nation to have its own nuclear reactor and was primed to lead and educate a new generation of nuclear physicists and engineers during the rather warm Cold War.

Say what?

That's right, PJC, now Pensacola State College, received its Lockheed-built sub-critical nuclear reactor in February 1961 after it received approval from the Atomic Energy Commission to purchase and house a nuclear reactor. The college received a federal grant to purchase the reactor for $34,500.

It was going to be a big deal and put Pensacola at the forefront of nuclear training. There were even large color advertisements in magazines across the United States touting PJC's nuclear reactor and training program.

As evidenced by the magazine advertisements and numerous articles in newspapers across the nation written about the college's rare reactor, PJC hoped to use it not only for research and training, but to increase its prominence.

Then-PJC President Henry Ashmore told the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce at the time that the college's nuclear program was "aimed at training technicians so that men with masters and doctor (sic) degrees could be freed to do the more difficult jobs in the atomic program." He said the reactor would bring Pensacola and PJC "great prestige" (Yeah, we noticed the "so that men with ..." part too. It was 1961. "That Girl" wouldn't even be out for five more years).

So how did that "great prestige" thing work out?

PJC sold the reactor just three years later to an unnamed Florida engineering school, according to a 1964 PNJ article. It quoted one school official, despite the former fanfare, as saying PJC's nuclear program "has not proved feasible."

This 1960s-era advertisement highlights a short-lived nuclear physics program at what was then Pensacola Junior College.

Pensacola voice actor Robin Rowan contacted the Pensacola News Journal recently about the reactor after finding one of the advertisements and a visitor's guide PJC used to promote the nuclear reactor.

"I had never heard of it before," Rowan said of seeing the advertisements. "Had you?" (No. Thanks Robin).

The advertisements were sponsored by The Southern Company, which was then the parent company of Gulf Power, now Florida Power & Light. The ads were featured in publications such as U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, the Saturday Evening Post, Business Week and many more. The advertising caught millions of eyes, for sure.

The reactor, which used "enriched fuel," according to Ashmore, would be used "for training students in the application of nuclear engineering fundamentals." The enriched fuel source Ashmore referred to was Uranium 238 enriched with a 20% mixture of the more-potent Uranium 235. The reactor's core was 10 inches in diameter and 14 inches long. PJC's reactor was housed in the college's Science building.

One PNJ article said that some students had vowed not to park or walk near the reactor's vicinity.

But Thomas Wellock, official historian for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said there probably wasn't much to worry about at the college, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. (PJC became PSC in 2010.)

"It wasn't what we really think of as a nuclear reactor," Wellock said. "It was a subcritical reactor which means it wouldn't quite get there." "There" being, you know, nuclear accidents, fallout and all the things that make disaster movies awesome.

Wellock said there are no real records of PJC's reactor, and he too wondered what happened to it. But he said there was a push across South in the second half of the 20th century to showcase the technology achievements and potential of the then oft-maligned region. (Yeah, it's still maligned.)

He said it was because it was a sub-critical reactor that there is little recorded information on it. Wellnock suspects the college dropped the program and sold the reactor for a what could be a variety of reasons, from insurance costs to the expense for upkeep. That also happened across the South as more and more reactors were manufactured.

He agreed with PJC's admission at the time of the sale that the nuclear reactor at PJC wasn't feasible.

More like this: See PSC's new, state-of-the-art $22.5M math and technology center

"It was just too complicated for a junior college,'' he said.

PSC President Ed Meadows said he had heard about the reactor years ago, but admitted he didn't have much information about it. And despite the college abandoning its nuclear program - too bad, the Atomic Pirates sounds cool - Meadows said PSC is still committed to instructing its students in advanced technology and partnering with companies and agencies to help students land jobs in fields ranging from robotics to artificial intelligence.

PSC's new Bear, Jones, Moore, and Reeves Advanced Technology Building on the campus has its grand opening on Oct. 30. The more than 46,000-square-foot facility will be used for math and computer science classes and include an emerging technology lab, computer and information center science labs, a 3D prototyping area, a rooftop terrace, faculty offices and more. (No nuclear reactor or that sort of thing, though). The facility cost about $23 million.

(That kind of money apparently would have bought you about 666.666 nuclear reactors back in the early 1960s when they were practically giving them away, apparently.)

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola State College once had nuclear reactor training program
Prince William has said he wants to go a step further than his family have done in the past by bringing change instead of just raising awareness about important causes.

The future king outlined his plan to serve the country through impact-focussed, social campaigns that create real-world change.

William, 41, was addressing a press briefing in Singapore on Wednesday (8 November), one day after he attended the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony.

Speaking to travelling British media, William reportedly charted his course to the UKs throne, including going deeper and longer about issues that he is truly passionate about, rather than simply spotlighting and raising awareness about good causes.

William said: I care about so many things and previously the family have been very much spotlighting brilliantly and going round and highlighting lots  I want to go a step further.

I want to actually bring change and I want to bring people to the table who can do the change if I cant do it, he continued, as per a report by The Telegraph.

Singapore Prince William (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In his first year as the Prince of Wales, William launched Homewards, a five-year initiative aimed at ending homelessness in the UK as well as a mental health scheme for the farmer tenants of Duchy of Cornwall.

Speaking at this years Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, launched by his Royal Foundation charity in 2020, William also expressed his desire to expand the programme into a global movement with a laser-sharp focus supporting green innovators on a mission to tackle the climate crisis.

The thing that ties all of these different initiatives together, he told reporters in Singapore, is social leadership.

William added: Ive been in the homelessness sector for a long time now, and so rather than just being patron, I want to do more. I want to actually build the homes, I want to provide them with the mental support, all the employment and the education they might need.

So its all these wraparound services, its kind of going deeper and longer than it is the case of just having loads of causes that you sort of turn up and keep an eye on.

The Earthshot Prize was launched 10-year program offering 1m ($1.2 million) each to five winners every year who developed solutions for the planets environmental threats.

Britains Prince William, left, and Singapores deputy prime minister Lawrence Wong visit the Central Catchment Nature Reserve of Singapore (Vincent Thian/AP) (AP)

This year, an Indian maker of solar-powered dryers (S4S Technologies), a soil carbon marketplace (Boomitra), and groups that work to make electric car batteries cleaner (GRST), restore Andean forests (Accion Andina), and deter illegal fishing (WildAid) were awarded the prize, during a ceremony hosted by Emmy-winning star Hannah Waddingham.

We are going to go from being a prize to becoming a platform and becoming a movement, William told an Earthshot conference, one day after the five 2023 winners were named.

Climate anxiety will no longer be something that the next generation fear, he added. We will have many more champions and role models to follow and people who can lead us in this transition. It will not be so daunting, time consuming or difficult, everything will become easier.

Thats my version of 2030.

(PA)

Back home in Britain, however, a new Bill ensuring that new North Sea oil and gas licenses are awarded every year was announced during his father, Charless first ever Kings Speech since being crowned.

This legislation was pushed through despite prime minister Sunaks pledges to reach net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.

In his 64-year tenure as Prince of Wales, before succeeding his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles served as a patron to over 400 charities, supporting a wide range of causes associated with the environment, arts, rural communities, healthcare, and education.

Meanwhile, William is patron to a much smaller number of charities, with the heir to the British throne expressing his desire to show my intent more without spreading himself too thin across multiple causes.

You have to remain focused, if you spread yourself too thin you just cant manage it and you wont deliver the impact or the change that you really want to happen, he concluded on Wednesday.
The new rector of one of Britains most prestigious universities has sent an email to students accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and linking to a website claimed it killed its own citizens in the Hamas terror attack.

Hundreds of St Andrews University students, alumni and their families have demanded that Stella Maris, who was elected to her role last month, apologises and retracts her remarks or resigns.

In the message to students on Tuesday this week, Ms Maris described how a vigil was held at the university earlier this month following weeks of genocidal attacks by the Israeli government against Gaza.

Condemning actions she said had been internationally regarded as war crimes, she said: These include practices such as apartheid, siege, illegal occupation and collective punishment, which have been observed in the treatment of Palestinians.

The email included an internet link to websites about the region including one called The Electronic Intifada, which was topped by a story headlined: The evidence Israel killed its own citizens on Oct 7.

Ms Maris, a former English and philosophy graduate at the university, has since filled a series of student representation roles. In a statement to The Telegraph, she said she would not resign.

Dismayed at message

She rejected accusations that the message was anti-Semitic and argued that her application of the terms genocide and apartheid were supported by numerous human rights organisations.

She said The Electronic Intifada provide evidence for their claims in their articles. The one at the top of the site said a retired Israeli army major had admitted his country had probably killed some of the 1,200 people Hamas murdered on Oct 7.

While people may disagree with the evidence presented, disagreement should be based on contradictory evidence, not simply because the notion is unpleasant, she said.

But the universitys leadership team  led by Dame Sally Mapstone, the principal and vice-chancellor  signed a joint statement in response saying they were dismayed at the message.

Although they said Ms Maris was entitled to her personal views, they added she had put her right to freedom of expression ahead of her duty to represent all students, and to be concerned for their welfare.

Some students gave her their backing on social media but more than 1,400 people signed an open letter and petition demanding she apologises for her inflammatory and unfounded accusations or quits.

They accused her of using the international reputation of the university, where the Prince and Princess of Wales met while undergraduates, to spread a certain narrative that drives anti-Semitism around the world and said her email had ignored a recent attack on Jewish students, who were reported to have had eggs thrown at them.

I will continue to advocate for peace

Instead, they claimed her accusations of genocide, apartheid, and occupation concerning the Jewish State will further embolden attacks and hatred against the Jewish students whom you were elected to care for.

In the immediate term, we request that you put forward  at a minimum  a retraction and clarification of your remarks, as well as an unreserved apology for this abuse of your university position and accessible resources (of which you only recently were elected into), they said.

In the event that you choose to reject our request, we, the undersigned, reasonably have no other choice than to call for your immediate resignation, they concluded.

Ms Maris said she regretted not mentioning the reported attack on Jewish students in her email and pledged to work towards ensuring St Andrews University and town was a safe space for all but concluded: I maintain my stance and will not apologise for speaking up about these issues.

The conflation of my statement with anti-Semitism is unfounded, and I will continue to advocate for peace and human rights for all.

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.
People stand outside the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi (Associated Press)

Afghanistan announced that it was permanently shutting down its Delhi embassy on Friday due to lack of support from prime minister Narendra Modis administration.

The Afghan embassy said in a statement that the decision to close the mission fell in line with the previous announcement of ceasing operations from 1 October when it had pointed out the lack of support from India and no legitimate administration in Kabul.

The earlier decision came in the hope that the Indian governments stance would evolve favourably for the normal continuation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the Indian capital.

However, the missions ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, said that exit of the envoys picked by the Ashraf Ghani administration can see the Taliban and New Delhi forging ties.

As the Afghan Republics mission in India closes its doors, marking the end of a golden era, the Taliban will now seize the only strategic capital beyond their control for over two years, he told The Independent on Friday.

The cooperation between Taliban with New Delhi unfolds an ironic chapter, highlighting how alliances built on self-interest undermine shared democratic values, he said, referring to lack of solidarity India exhibited towards the democratically elected Afghanistan administration which was ousted by the Taliban in August 2021.

Press Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 24th November, 2023



The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi.



The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its 1/6 pic.twitter.com/3WXSwWhJTu  Farid Mamundzay     (@FMamundzay) November 24, 2023

These alliances (New Delhi and Taliban) based on short sighted merits jeopardise long-term regional stability, Mr Mamundzay added. The ambassador has previously voiced concerns about the lack of diplomatic support seen from Indias Ministry of External Affairs.

However, on Friday, the statement shared by him said the Afghan embassy was faced with a difficult choice due to constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control.

"As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic remaining in India. Those who served the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have safely reached third countries. The only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings, the embassys statement said.

It added the outgoing diplomats of the Afghan Republic have now handed over the mission solely to the Indian government.

It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to the Taliban diplomats, the embassy said.

The Independent has reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for a comment.

The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi was run by staff appointed by the previous government of ousted Afghan president Ghani, with permission from Indian authorities but was frequently running into financial and diplomatic strains due to no support from Kabul after the Taliban took over. The embassys closure marked the end of 22 years of Afghan Republics diplomatic presence in India.

India has, however, not rejected the attempts made by the Talibans Amir Khan Muttaqi-run Foreign Affairs ministry to establish diplomatic ties with India.

Delhi will follow the lead of the United Nations in deciding whether to recognise the Taliban government, Indian officials have said.
JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district's residents will be able to return to their homeland starting from 2024, said Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts of East Zangezur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev during the groundbreaking ceremony of Soltanli village, Trend reports.

He noted that presently 33 houses (including 712 apartments) are being built in Jabrayil city, and the work will wrap up next year.

Referring to the reconstruction in Soltanli village, Hajiyev noted that the project is being implemented in partnership with Hungarian companies. He also added that the residents of the village will soon return to their homeland.

A solemn ceremony of laying the foundation stone of Soltanli village, liberated from Armenian occupation was held today.

The ceremony was attended by Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts of East Zangezur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Guliyev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, as well as residents of the village.
Tiffany Haddish has been arrested after she was reportedly found asleep behind the wheel of her stopped car in Beverly Hills, California.

The 43-year-old comedian was found by police slumped over the wheel of her stopped vehicle with the engine still running on early Friday (24 November) morning, according to reports. The night before, Haddish had been performing at comedy club The Laugh Factory for their annual free Thanksgiving event in West Hollywood.

In footage published by TMZ, two police officers can be seen escorting Haddish in handcuffs to the back of the squad car.

The Afterparty star had not been involved in an accident when officers reportedly received a call around 5:45am local time. Haddish was charged with driving under the influence, the Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed to The Independent.

The Independent has contacted Haddishs representative for comment.

In January 2022, Haddish was arrested for a similar incident in Atlanta, Georgia, after she was found asleep at the wheel on a highway. Police officers believed she had been under the influence of marijuana and charged her with a DUI. She only remained in police custody for a few hours after posting $1,666 (1,218) bond, with her trial scheduled to take place next month.

Later that year, Haddish and fellow comedian Aries Spears were accused of child sexual abuse by a 22-year-old woman. Under the pseudonym Jane Doe, the woman alleged that the actors had forced her and her 15-year-old brother separately to perform inappropriate acts on camera when they were both children.

Tiffany Haddish (Getty Images FOR ESSENCE)

Representatives for Haddish and Spears denied the allegations in separate statements. On 20 September, Doe asked the judge to dismiss the case, which they agreed to. However, in an interview shortly after the dismissal, Haddish claimed that the damage to her career had already been done.

I lost everything, she told TMZ at the time. All my gigs, gone. Everything, gone I dont have no job. I dont have no job, bro.

In the year since Haddish was accused of sexual abuse, she has starred in several projects, including the sci-fi comedy Landscape with Invisible Hand, Disneys family horror comedy The Haunted Mansion, and the second season of Apple TV+s whodunnit series The Afterparty.

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
[Source]

A video showing an Indonesian pilot offering comfort and support to a Palestinian passenger has touched hearts on social media.

What happened: The video, which was posted by the passenger on TikTok, shows the Indonesian pilot greeting people around the cabin when he came across him. After learning he was from Palestine, the pilot gave him a hug.

The pilot then knelt in front of him, looked in his eyes and said, With our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice for you, Al-Aqsa. In response, he said God willing.

Trending on NextShark: Beijing couple discover theyve been drinking toilet water for half a year

Reactions: The passenger goes by the handle @mahmoud_abdallall on TikTok. His video has gone viral with over 11 million views and has been reposted on other platforms.

"Indonesia always stands for Palestine," one TikTok user wrote.

"We are like flesh and blood, once one hurts, the other one feels," another commented. "That's the brotherhood the Prophet left for us."

Trending on NextShark: New Costco in Florida to feature unique storefront design

Similar comments appeared on X. One user declared Indonesians as "one of the kindest people on Earth."

Thats beautiful, another X user wrote, with another one stating, I felt that hug.

this is so touching   Alpha Amirrachman (@AlphaARachman) November 21, 2023

Indonesians are our far but close brothers.  Abror Aliboyev (@AliboyevAbror) November 22, 2023

State of war: Israel and Hamas reportedly agreed to a four-day truce and an exchange of prisoners. The ceasefire begins Friday at 7 a.m., local time.

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Seattle artist Emily Counts showcases a coven of glowing, ceramic matriarchs, as well as paintings and soft sculptures, at studio e through December. (Courtesy of Emily Counts and studio e gallery)
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JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, November 24. Soltanli village in Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district will become even more beautiful than before the occupation, thanks to active restoration work, former IDP Gumbat Aliyev told Trend.

He emphasized that the village has significant cultural heritage, and recalled spending his entire childhood in Soltanli until the residents were forced to leave in 1993, during the first Karabakh war.

At the moment there is not a single building, not a single wall so that we can somehow identify our houses. I'm very glad to be here today and participate in the ceremony of laying the foundation of our village, he added.

In addition, Aliyev expressed deep confidence that Azerbaijan will restore all destroyed territories and revive the region in the nearest future.

The Soltanli village was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 2020 second Karabakh war.

A somber ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone of Soltanli village, which had been liberated from Armenian occupation.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts of East Zangezur Economic Region Vahid Hajiyev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture Anar Guliyev, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, as well as former IDPs from the village attended the ceremony.

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Ministrul Economiei, Radu Oprea, pas cu pas, catre Bruxelles

Ministrul PSD al Economiei, senatorul de Prahova Radu Oprea, nu prea mai are trecere la organizatia care l-a propulsat, fapt pentru care se pregateste sa faca o mutare politica oarecum surprinzatoare. Senatorul Radu Oprea nu prea mai are mare trecere la organizatia PSD Prahova, [citeste mai departe]
China to allow visa-free entry to citizens from 5 EU countries The Chinese government on Friday announced that French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Malaysian citizens will be able to travel visa-free to China for a year starting December 1, according to Politico. China has decided to apply unilateral visa-free policy to more countries on a trial basis, which involves extending visa-free treatment to travelers holding [] The post China to allow visa-free entry to citizens from 5 EU countries appeared first on Stiri online, ultimele stiri, presa online, ziar online - Sursazilei.ro . Citeste articolul mai departe pe sursazilei.ro

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- Israel announced it restarted its military campaign in Gaza early Friday, just as its extended truce with Hamas was due to expire, according to Politico. The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on X. The IDF claimed

- Guvernul chinez a anuntat vineri ca cetatenii francezi, germani, italieni, olandezi, spanioli si malaezieni vor putea calatori fara vize in China timp de un an, incepand cu 1 decembrie, potrivit Politico. China a decis sa aplice politica unilaterala de scutire de vize pentru mai multe tari, pe baza

- Guvernul chinez a anuntat vineri ca cetatenii francezi, germani, italieni, olandezi, spanioli si malaezieni vor putea calatori fara vize in China timp de un an, incepand cu 1 decembrie, potrivit Politico. China a decis sa aplice politica unilaterala de scutire de vize pentru mai multe tari, pe baza

- The first captives held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas are set to be released on Friday afternoon as part of a prisoner exchange, as a four-day cease-fire deal with Israel came into effect at 7 a.m. local time (6 a.m. CET), according to Politico. The BBC reported that what appeared to be Israeli

- German police raided 15 properties in four regions over connections to the militant group Hamas and Samidoun, a pro-Palestinian organization, the interior ministry said Thursday, according to Politico. We are continuing our consistent action against radical Islamists, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser

- The use of Euro-English and Globish, a simplified version of English used by non-native speakers, may have become widespread in the EU, but France has never given up hope of Brussels bureaucrats speaking French, according to Politico. On the contrary, Paris is now attacking the bloc for hiring some

- The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, urged China on Friday to redress economic and trade imbalances or efforts by Europe to reduce its dependence on China may accelerate far more than is good, according to Reuters. Borrell is on a three-day visit to China and is expected to have

- European Union leaders will debate on Friday how their bloc can strengthen its competitiveness, be at the forefront of new green and digital technologies and reduce its reliance on third countries, notably China, according to Reuters. In a letter to leaders before the summit, European Council president
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Weapons and ammunition were found in a library in Azerbaijan's Khojaly, Azerbaijani Internal Affairs Ministry's regional press service told Trend.

Khojaly District Police Department employees found three machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber, 5 Kalashnikovs 12.7 mm caliber, 42 automatic rifles of different caliber, one 30-mm grenade launcher of "AGS-17", 4 grenade launchers of "RPG-5" and a large amount of ammunition in Ballija village library.

Recently, Spokesman of the Defense Ministry Colonel Anar Eyvazov said that a large number of weapons and military ammunition have been found at civilian facilities in Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenian occupation after anti-terrorist activities.
The European Council has decided to release 900 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Facility to finance projects approved in the RePowerEU chapter which aims to ensure affordable, secure and sustainable energy supplies.

The Council noted the disbursement under the RRF was possible pending Hungary satisfactorily implementing 27 super milestones set by the European Commission to ensure the protection of the EUs financial interests and to strengthen judicial independence.



Hungarys REPowerEU chapter includes measures to strengthen and modernise the electricity sector, accelerate deployment and use of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, promote sustainable transport, upskill and reskill the workforce for the green transition, decarbonise industry and invest in green technologies and value chains linked to the green transition, the EC said.



Tibor Navracsics, the regional development minister, told MTI the allocation of EU funds to Hungary had begun, adding that talks will continue.



The minister welcomed the news that the EU was finally allowing Hungary to access funds. We will of course continue talks since our goal is to ensure that Hungary receives the entire amount of the funding it is entitled to as soon as possible.
The board of Tempus Public Foundation adopted the principles and concept of a new 10 billion forint (EUR 26.2m) international relations programme drawn up jointly with the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, Pannon University, the University of Debrecen, Szechenyi Istvan University, Obuda University and Semmelweis University, Balazs Hanko, the state secretary for higher education, said.

Hanko, who arrived to Brussels to attend a meeting of EU education ministers, said the scheme would offer opportunities for around 8,000 students, educators and researchers to participate in exchange programmes.



It will initially cover institutions that have undergone a government-funded reform and are run by foundations, he added.



Tempus will first call applications from universities on Jan 15 so students can submit their applications in March and participate in exchange programmes  including exchanges with non-European universities  from autumn next year, Hanko said.



He expressed hope that the new programme would help achieve the governments goals that at least one Hungarian university would be among the top 100 universities in the world, three Hungarian universities would be ranked among the top 100 European universities, and the number of students participating in international exchange programmes would double by 2030.



On the matter of the suspension of Erasmus scholarship funding for Hungary, Hanko said the government had sent its latest proposal to the European Commission around two weeks ago, but as usual, the answer had not arrived on time.



The Commission should know that in the Erasmus system, Hungarian universities had until February 23 to apply, and nine months are available to conclude the funding contracts, the deadline for which is today, but of course the Commission can decide to postpone this. We are negotiating; we trust that the Commission will accept the proposals we made in response to their comments, in order to ensure adequate protection of EU resources, and that they will not follow their earlier tactic of always introducing new criteria, which has only served to delay the process so far, he said.
Experienced and associated with 7 hotels and restaurants, Created and decorated Thai, Japanese, and modern Asian cuisine for more than 25 years.

Prepared impressive dishes, resulting in return customers, Design unique menus using seasonal products, also catered events.



Currently owning "Im-oon Thai food" restaurant in the heart of Budapest.



1. Where did you grow up, and when did you arrive to Hungary?

Udon Thani Province, Thailand. Udon Thani is located in the northeast part of Thailand. I arrived in Budapest in 2006 because I wanted to gain more and more experience in my field of work (not only from Thailand). I got a position as a Tepanyaki chef which was related to my experience. Later I moved to other countries, and finally, I moved back to Budapest in 2013.



2. Who was the best cook in your family?

My father



3. What is your fondest food memory?

Thai Beef Salad. When I was young, my father usually cooked Thai-style beef salad. I pretended to cook as my father did. This is the first dish that I cooked by myself.



4. What was the first recipe you learned?

Thai-style beef salad.



5. What is your favourite food to eat?

Thai-style beef salad.



6. How often do you 'play with food' to create new dishes?

In Im-oon Thai food, I usually create new dishes every three months.



7. Which chef do you admire most and why?

Chef Chumpon Jangprai, Iron Chef Thailand.



8. When did you start cooking, and why?

Since 1997, I started to cook.



9. What was your funniest kitchen incident?

While I was trying to open the ketchup bottle, it suddenly splashed to cover my face.



10. What was the luckiest moment in your life so far?

While I was staying in Chiang Mai, Thailand (2014), an earthquake happened. My family and I left the building as quickly as we could. Finally, we are here at Im-oon Thai food.



11. How do you like to relax?

Playing the guitar and singing songs with my close friends.



12. What is your most treasured possession?

My family



13. Apart from temptation, what can't you resist?

Just let go as it be.



14. What single thing would improve your quality of life?

Good food.



15. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Ticket validator man.



16. What job would you definitely never want?

Security officer.



17. What achievement in your life are you most pleased with?

I can have my own restaurant just one month before the COVID-19 situation. Finally, Im-oon Thai food is still alive with a Cooking with Love vision.



18. What behaviours do you most like in others?

Cheerfully and Happily



19. What would you say is your personal motto?

Cooking with Love



20. What is your professional goal for the next 5 years?

I would like to present modernized Thai food as I do in Im-oon Thai food to the whole world. If it is possible, I would like to open new branches of Im-oon Thai food in European Union countries and also the whole world.



21. Is there anything else you would like to mention?

Budapest makes my dream comes true.
Artificial intelligence is already a workhorse in the technology that allows tractors to identify weeds and tailor herbicide spraying, determine when a crop is ready to harvest and weave together satellite and soil data to make efficient use of fertilizer.

But Senate Agriculture Committee members said last week that AIs potential to bring more advances in agriculture comes with risks regarding farm data protection; the affordability of technology, particularly for small farms; consolidation in the sector; and other, unforeseen consequences.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said the committee and Congress will have to balance policies that encourage innovation but protect against excesses. He told witnesses that he is working on legislation to put up guardrails while maintaining a light touch on regulations.

One witness at the panels hearing urged senators to include provisions in the farm bill that would allow farmers to get loans from the Agriculture Department that would encourage adoption of AI and precision technology. Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., suggested such provisions look likely.

Lawmakers have passed a continuing resolution that extended the 2018 farm bill to Sept. 30, 2024. The bill expired on Sept. 30 and the extension gives Congress time to write a new farm bill. The House passed the CR on Tuesday and the Senate passed it on Wednesday.

Jose-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University in South Dakota, which has a focus on AI, cyber and quantum computing, called for a measured approach on regulation.

I do believe strongly in a lighter touch than heavy-duty regulation because the moment regulation gets to be too much, innovation shrinks naturally, Griffiths said. I think it is important that we ensure that innovation can occur but at the same time have these guardrails to mitigate risks.

Stabenow and ranking member John Boozman, R-Ark., convened the hearing to delve into the potential promise and peril of AI in food production, processing and related areas. The hearing follows several special briefings open to all senators on the broad use of artificial intelligence and an Oct. 30 presidential executive order directing federal departments and agencies to promote AI use while also ensuring the technology is safe and free of bias.

Stabenow, who used AI to write part of her opening statement, said the technology opens new pathways to address the climate crisis, increase production, lower input costs and automate planting and harvesting.

But she also cautioned that placing vast amounts of data in the hands of a few private companies could accelerate the trend of consolidation in the agricultural industry or perpetuate bias that has harmed small farmers and farmers of color for decades.

Boozman also had words of caution.

While AI holds great potential, we should ask tough questions about the potential risks, he said.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said lack of access to reliable high-speed internet services is a major hurdle for farmers and ranchers who might be willing to shoulder technology costs. Fischer and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., have legislation that would establish a USDA program with a mission to make broadband available to farmers and ranchers so they can use precision agriculture as they work in remote fields. Fischer said other USDA broadband efforts focus on reaching households or businesses.

Jahmy Hindman, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Deere & Co., said the next farm bill should include provisions from that legislation as well as from another bill from Fischer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that would set up a USDA loan program to cover the cost of precision technology.

Hindman said the provisions were essential for farmers to fully leverage the benefits of AI and precision technologies.

Stabenow agreed, telling Fischer that she and Boozman had discussed her legislation and having your work become part of what were doing in the farm bill.

Sens. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Lujan raised questions about access to AI products for small or non-English-speaking producers.

Its an opportunity for bigger ag where you can spread the costs over time, but for a lot of smaller producers theres a lot of skepticism about whether they can get a return on investment, Welch said. With the entry cost, how can we do things that will help the smaller farmers when they are not going to be able to take that risk with the higher front costs?

Mason Earles, an assistant professor at University of California, Davis, who is part of the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems, said small farmers could use AI as a tool for helping them make decisions about their operations, much in the way they have worked with USDA extension agents.

Earles also said smartphones could be a lower-cost way to use some AI systems without the overhead costs of more complex technology.

I think there is an opportunity for using things people already own. Our phones are loaded with many types of sensors. We may not realize it but there are probably 15 different types of sensors on your cameras. So I think there is an opportunity for smaller farmers, he said.

Lujan asked about the ease of Spanish-speaking farmers or workers making use of AI products in the U.S.

Earles, who has founded an agriculture startup, said that market shouldnt be ignored.

If someone is not doing this, then the technology is not going to penetrate the market, he said, adding that not adapting creates an obstacle if there is not an effort to make Spanish first, or at least bilingual, in these tools, especially specialty crops where we have predominantly Spanish-speaking workers.

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Hyundai launched the Hyundai Smart Care Clinic campaign. Delighting the customers with exciting offers, the 10-day nationwide customer connect program, will provide after-sale offers along with special year-end offers and benefits. The Hyundai Smart Care Clinic campaign is an initiative introduced to encourage customers to maintain their Hyundai cars throughout the year and enjoy their drives. With an aim to educate customers about the importance of regular maintenance and encourage them to drive towards a greener tomorrow, Hyundais Smart offers will be in place from 20th to 29th Nov '23. Along with exciting offers, 1000+ lucky customers will also get a chance to win prizes every day from a bouquet of exciting rewards.

Also Read - Upcoming Mahindra XUV.e9, BE.05 Electric SUV Spied On Test: Check Pics

Commenting on the launch of Hyundai Smart Care Clinic, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO, of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, The year 2023 has been a milestone year for Hyundai Motor India. Our newest SUV - Exter has taken the industry by storm and already received an overwhelming response with close to 100,000 bookings. IONIQ 5 has also received an astounding response with more than 1000 vehicles sold so far since its launch in early 2023. Adding more to this celebration, we are glad to announce the nationwide Hyundai Smart Care Clinic campaign that offers a wide range of benefits to our beloved customers. Hyundai has always been a customer-centric brand offering unmatched after-sales experience while keeping sustainability at its core.

The nationwide Hyundai Smart Care Clinic offers a wide range of benefits for customers such as:

 Free 70-point checkup

 10% Discount on Mechanical Parts

 Up to20% Discount on Mechanical Labor*

 15% Discount on wheel alignment & balancing

 20% Discount on Interior & Exterior beautification

 20% Discount on dry wash

 Exciting rewards for 1000+ lucky customers**T&C Apply

Hyundai Motor India is committed to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of customers. Discount offers on services such as  mechanical parts and labor, will encourage the customers to avail the long due periodic maintenance, leading to better health of their cars. Hyundai Smart Care Clinic, is also providing smart offers on dry wash which will help in reducing water wastage and give customers a chance to contribute towards building a greener tomorrow.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the use of solar energy in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government plans to transform the Bundelkhand Expressway into the state's first solar expressway. The government intends to establish solar power plants along the Bundelkhand Expressway under the PPP model, targeting the generation of 550 MW of solar power. For this initiative, the government has identified 1700 hectares of land on the Bundelkhand Expressway. Several prominent companies have shown interest in participating in this project.

Once completed, the project has the potential to illuminate one lakh houses connected to the expressway every day. The expected lifespan of this project is 25 years, with a payback period set at 10 to 12 years.

Also Read - Hyundai Launches Nation-Wide Service Camp For Creta, Venue, Verna Owners: Details

Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is currently busy giving shape to this project. The Due Diligence Study related to the project has been completed in addition to the Expression of Interest (EOI stage), which was completed in August 2023.

Besides, the RFP for the selection of developers for the project is also being finalized. The bidding process is likely to start soon. Eight leading solar power developers completed presentations in October 2023 which include Tusco Ltd., Torrent Power Ltd., Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 3R Management Ltd., Avaada Energy Ltd., Atria Brindavan Power Ltd., Erisha E Mobility and Mahapreit.

The completion of the expressway project is expected to fulfil energy needs and serve as a foundation for e-mobility and development along the expressway in the future. The project will generate a significant amount of green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a decrease in the rate of climate change.

There will be an increase in energy sources, leading to economic growth in terms of enhanced open grid access. This initiative will also generate local employment opportunities. Moreover, the generated electricity can be used by nearby communities. Additionally, electric vehicle charging and other energy requirements will be fulfilled on the expressway.

Furthermore, developing the Bundelkhand Expressway as a solar expressway will bring substantial benefits to UPEIDA. The UPEIDA also has the potential to earn an income of four crore through lease rent. The sale of the generated energy could result in an annual profit of Rs 50 crore. Installing solar plants on the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow, and Gorakhpur Expressways could bring an annual benefit of six crore to UPEIDA in terms of energy consumption.

The Bundelkhand Expressway provides an excellent opportunity for the development of solar power plants. The primary reason is the easy availability of land in this region. Additionally, it is a dry region (arid area), and along with clear weather, it receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 800-900 mm. The Bundelkhand Expressway is also counted among the modern and well-equipped expressways.

This 296 km long highway with four lanes is divided into two parts as a main carriageway and a service lane. In the space between these two, a strip of land approximately 15 to 20 meters wide is currently vacant throughout the expressway, which is used to separate agricultural land and install fencing. Now there is a plan to cover this area with solar panels and with this, the entire expressway will be able to take an unprecedented step towards becoming an expressway equipped with solar energy.
New Delhi: Although technology won't replace people, according to billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, it might make a three-day workweek feasible. During an interview with South African writer and comedian Trevor Noah for his podcast "What Now," the millionaire expressed his opinions.

AI won't replace work, according to the 68-year-old Microsoft pioneer, but it will "change it forever." The billionaire discussed how artificial intelligence and technology may significantly alter life during the 45-minute chat. (Also Read: Latest SBI vs HDFC vs PNB vs ICICI Bank's Home Loan Rates 2023 Compared; Check Here)

In response to a question from Mr. Noah regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment, Mr. Gates hinted that humans "may not have to work so hard" in the future. (Also Read: Bank Holidays In December 2023: Bank Branches To Be Closed For 18 Days - Check City-Wise List)

Gates painted a picture of a world where machines take over labor-intensive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more meaningful endeavors. He drew parallels between generations, highlighting how a diverse range of jobs has evolved from when farming was seen as the only "real" job.

Contrary to common belief, Gates pointed out that only 2 percent of Americans are now employed in farming. He believes that technological progress can be a positive force if it occurs at a reasonable pace, and governments play a role in helping people adapt to these changes.

According to Gates, learning new skills is crucial for a smooth transition in the face of automation.

The billionaire tech pioneer also expressed his belief in the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He likened the development of ChatGPT to his experience with the graphical user interface in the 1980s, describing it as a groundbreaking technological demonstration.

Gates stressed the importance of providing access to AI-driven tools, especially for low-income nations and marginalized communities. He sees AI as a means to enhance productivity, leading to smaller class sizes and better assistance for the elderly.

Despite the potential for reduced human labor, Gates emphasized that possessing the necessary skills remains crucial for accomplishing positive outcomes.
AILET 2024: The National Law University in Delhi is expected to release All India Law Entrance Test admit card today. Previously, the admission card was scheduled to be distributed on November 20. AILET 2024 Admit Card will be available today for those who have registered for the exam. AILET 2024 admit card will be available on the university's official website, nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.The test for BA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD degrees is scheduled on December 10, 2023, from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. The organising authority has not specified an official release date. When the admit card is available, it will be posted here. Candidates should be aware that either the admit card link or the candidate login on the homepage will be made available.

AILET 2024: Steps to download here

1. Visit the official website of NLU Delhi atnationallawuniversitydelhi.in.

2. On the homepage, click on the admit card link

3. Enter your login credentials

4. Submit the details and download the admit card

5. Take its printout for future reference

The AILET 2024 exam will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions. According to the Latest AILET Syllabus 2024, the exam will include three sections: English language (50 points), current affairs and general knowledge (30 marks), and logical thinking (70 marks).
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Teslas Indian entry is on the cards as per recent reports, and the government is finally making a fix on the import of American carmakers electric cars. The USA-based EV maker will be setting up a production unit in the country within a period of 24 months after its official entry, reports suggest. Although no official statement has been released from either party, one could be made at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, which is scheduled for next year. With the confirmation made, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat, are expected to be participating in the race to house the Teslas production unit.

The EV giant is likely to invest at least USD 2 Billion to establish a production unit in the country with high standards of localisation for electric cars. Reports suggest that Tesla could locally source components worth USD 15 billion. Earlier reports have claimed that the carmaker will be producing the battery packs domestically to keep the cost of its EVs down.

While the cost of electric vehicles have reduced when taking into consideration the larger, more practical, and luxurious offerings, Tesla Inc. could set the example of localisation to new heights. Several reports reveal that the first made-in-India product of Tesla could cost Rs 17 lakh only. For reference, the top-spec trims of the Mahindra Scorpio-N - Z8L, costs Rs 20.02 lakh, ex-showroom.

Also Read - Vande Sadharan Express: Heres All About It - Design, Coaches, Routes, Top Speed, Features

The entry of Tesla now certainly seems realistic as the ties between the Indian government and the brand have also improved. Recently, the Union Minister for Commerce visited Tesla's factory in the USA. Since Elon Musk was ill and could not meet Piyush Goel, he later apologised on the social media platform X. Minister Piyush Goel was delighted with his visit to the state-of-the-art manufacturing unit.
NEW DELHI: In a groundbreaking development, sources on Friday said that a court in Qatar has officially accepted the appeal documents challenging the death sentences handed down to eight former Indian naval personnel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had filed the appeal against the death penalty, emphasizing the confidentiality of the judgment and cautioning against speculation due to the sensitive nature of the case.

MEA chief spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated on November 9 that the judgment remains confidential. He urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasizing the sensitivity of the case. Bagchi confirmed that consular access was granted to the Indian embassy on November 7, and the legal team is actively pursuing further legal steps, including the already filed appeal.

Bagchi revealed that the Qatar court passed judgment on October 26, sentencing the retired naval personnel to death on undisclosed charges. The legal team is diligently navigating through the legal process, and India vows to remain engaged with Qatari authorities on this matter.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been actively involved, meeting with family members of the sentenced naval personnel. The Indian embassy in Doha secured another consular access on November 7. Diplomatic channels are being fully utilized, reinforcing India's commitment to providing legal and consular support.

Espionage Allegations

The eight former Indian Navy personnel, employees of Dahra Global, were arrested in August 2022 on allegations of espionage. India strongly condemned the ruling, describing it as 'deeply shocking.' The families and friends of the detainees express hope for early relief.

Families Refute Allegations

Families and friends of the detainees refute espionage allegations, asserting that the ex-naval personnel went to Qatar to assist with the country's naval program, not engage in espionage. They express concern over misinformation circulating in West Asian media and urge for a more sensitive handling of the situation. The families emphasize the impeccable service record of the detained personnel and call for accurate reporting.

S Jaishankar Meets Families

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met with the families on October 30, assuring them of full government support. The families, grappling with the trauma of their loved ones' year-long detention, seek a fair and accurate representation of the circumstances, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in reporting this complex and evolving situation.
Gaza: A temporary ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas forces took hold in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the first respite in 48 days of conflict that has devastated the Palestinian enclave, but both sides warned that the war was far from over. No big bombings, artillery strikes or rocket attacks were reported although Hamas and Israel both accused each other of sporadic violations.

The ceasefire, which began at 7 am (0500 GMT), involves the release later on Friday of 13 Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additional aid is to flow into Gaza, which has been gripped by a humanitarian crisis under weeks of Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands of Palestinians.

Reuters journalists saw Israeli tanks moving away from the Gaza Strip at the northern end, and aid trucks rolling in from Egypt at the southern end. There was no sound of Israeli air force activity above northern Gaza, nor any of the contrails typically left by Palestinian rocketfire.

In Khan Younis town in southern Gaza, housing thousands of families displaced from the north, streets filled with people venturing out of home and shelters. "We are full of hope, optimism, and pride in our resistance. We are proud of our achievements, despite the pain this caused," resident Khaled Abu Anzah told Reuters.

Hamas confirmed that all hostilities from its forces would cease. But Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, later stressed that this was a "temporary truce". In a video message, he called for an "escalation of the confrontation with (Israel) on all resistance fronts", including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Israeli military also said fighting would resume soon. "This will be a short pause, at the conclusion of which the war (and) fighting will continue with great might and will generate pressure for the return of more hostages," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, according to a Defence Ministry statement. The Israeli military also told Palestinians not to try to return to homes in the northern part of Gaza, which it described as a "dangerous war zone".

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters burst across the border fence into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing about 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, Israel has rained bombs on the Hamas-ruled enclave, killing some 14,000 Gazans, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Hundreds of thousands of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes to escape the violence as conditions grew ever more desperate, with food, drinking water, fuel and other basic supplies running short.

It is the bloodiest episode in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. Israel's stated intention is to eradicate Hamas once and for all.

QUIET ON THE FRONT

Reuters observed the quiet after dawn from southern Israel, across the fence from the war zone in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, scene of intense ground combat since the start of the month. Dozens of Israeli military vehicles, including tanks, could be seen moving away from the Gaza Strip.

Arab media reported that Israeli forces were preventing residents from returning to their homes in Gaza's north. Soldiers opened fire in one incident, Al Jazeera said, but there was no indication that it resulted in casualties. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Sirens sounded in two Israeli villages outside the southern Gaza Strip, warning of possible incoming Palestinian rockets. An Israeli government spokesman said Hamas had fired rockets in violation of the truce but there were no immediate reports of damage.

Fighting had raged in the hours leading up to the truce, with officials inside the enclave saying a hospital in Gaza City was among the targets bombed.

The Indonesian Hospital was operating without light and filled with bedridden old people and children too weak to be moved, Gaza health officials said. Al-Jazeera quoted Mounir El Barsh, the Gaza health ministry director, as saying a patient, a wounded woman, was killed and three others injured.

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the reported incident.

Egypt said it was maintaining contact with Israel and Hamas to consolidate the truce and prevent violations.

WOMEN, CHILDREN HOSTAGES TO BE FREED

The first hostages, including elderly women, would be freed at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), with the total number rising to 50 over the four days, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in Doha. All were seized in the initial Hamas assault on southern Israel.

The hostages were expected to be released to the Red Cross and an Egyptian security delegation that travelled to Gaza on Thursday, then brought out through Egypt for transfer to Israel, Egyptian security sources said.

Israel will release 39 Palestinians prisoners, among them 24 women and 15 teenagers, in the occupied West Bank in exchange for the 13 hostages due to be freed from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, a Palestinian official said.

"We all hope that this truce will lead to a chance to start a wider work to achieve a permanent truce," he said.

Under the agreement, desperately-needed aid began to be delivered to Gaza. By mid-morning, 60 trucks carrying aid had crossed from Egypt at the Rafah border point, according to Gaza border authorities.

Two of the first trucks to enter sported banners that said, "Together for Humanity." Another said: "For our brothers in Gaza." Egypt has said 130,000 litres of diesel and four trucks of gas will be delivered daily to Gaza and that 200 trucks of aid would enter Gaza daily.

Israel's COGAT agency, which liaises with the Palestinians on civilian affairs, said four tanks of fuel and four tanks of cooking gas were transferred from Egypt to U.N. humanitarian groups in southern Gaza via Rafah.

Egyptian authorities said some Palestinians stuck in Egypt were starting to return to Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing. People in southern Gaza who had evacuated homes in the early days of the war to shelters deeper west, started to go to their home areas to check on their houses.
New Delhi: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday launched a blistering on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his 'panauti' and 'jaibkatra' (pickpocket) jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leader in the poll-bound state said a senior leader of a national party should maintain a level of dignity in his or her speech and the words used by Rahul Gandhi for the man who is the Prime Minister of the country are below the belt, that should not happen. Raje emphasized that PM Modi has delivered on all his promises, unlike Rahul Gandhi and his party, who failed to fulfill any of their commitments.

"Leadership should uphold a certain standard in their speech and behavior, considering the person they are talking about. Prime Minister Modi is someone who has honored all his commitments. What promises have Rahul Gandhi and his party actually fulfilled?" said Raje.

#WATCH | Jhalawar: On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remark on PM Modi, Rajasthan Former CM and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje says, "A leadership should maintain a level in their speech & conduct and watch for whom we are saying what...He (PM Modi) is a person who has pic.twitter.com/sJ4wF5uGWw  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Former CM Raje criticized the Congress-led government in the state, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in Rajasthan, particularly the rise in atrocities against women. Raje underscored the challenges faced by students in the state due to recurrent incidents of paper leaks.

"The prevailing law and order situation in Rajasthan, particularly the alarming increase in atrocities against women, has become a daily occurrence, causing distress among the people. Incidents of paper leaks, totaling around 19 times, have added to the troubles faced by students. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the promises made were merely announcements with little substance when examined on the ground," said Vasundhara Raje.
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday declared no 'non-veg day' for November 25 to mark the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sadhu TL Vaswani. As per the notification issued all slaughterhouses and meat shops in the state will remain closed on Saturday.

The UP government in its notification said, "In honor of Sadhu TL Vaswani's birth anniversary and to uphold the principles of non-violence advocated by eminent leaders, a "no non-veg day" will be observed on November 25. Consequently, all slaughterhouses and meat shops will be closed on this occasion."

To promote the principles of non-violence, Uttar Pradesh has officially designated "no non-veg days" on the birth anniversaries of Buddha, Bhagwan Mahavir, and Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, the state observes a 'No non-veg' day on the occasion of Shivaratri.
New Delhi: A demonstration of how to bring out the 41 workers stuck in a part of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi was conducted by the NDRF personnel on Friday. The workers have been trapped for 12 days since November 12, when a section of the tunnel under construction on the Char Dham route caved in and blocked the exit. The rescue operation is said to be in its final stages. The NDRF personnel, who entered the pipeline for the demo, said they had no trouble breathing and moving inside.

Bhaskar Khulbe, a former PMO advisor, said a 2-metre piece of the pipe had to be removed as it got squeezed due to friction during drilling. This happened after the auger heavy-duty driller hit an obstacle and applied more pressure on Thursday, he said.

Khulbe also said that the platform where the Augur drilling machine was placed developed some cracks on Thursday, but they have been fixed. The 25-tonne platform, which supports the heavy American Auger machine, has been reinforced with a fast-setting concrete agent, and the rescue operation is expected to resume soon, he said. The platform cracked while the horizontal drilling through the debris was going on Thursday and the process had to be stopped.

Last night, we had to repair the platform where the machine is mounted. However, Parsons Company used a ground penetration radar, which showed us that there is no metal obstruction for the next 5 metres (inside the tunnel). This means that our drilling, once it resumes, should be smooth. When we were clearing the debris, we found two twisted pipes, Khulbe said, hoping that the trapped workers will be rescued by Friday.

The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete, including concrete work that provides them safety, after a part of the tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed on November 12, causing the debris to fall in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel.
Jammu: Signalling a major crackdown against terror groups, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, on Friday made a big disclosure that some of the terrorists infiltrating into India from across the border and eliminated in anti-terror operations are ''retired Pakistani soldiers.''

Lt Gen Dwivedi also vowed to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir within one year. Addressing the media after honouring five fallen soldiers, including two Army Captains, who lost their lives in the Rajouri firefight, Lt Gen Dwivedi revealed critical insights about the ongoing anti-terror operations in J&K.

Despite the tragic loss of five soldiers, the operation resulted in the elimination of two notorious terrorists. The Northern Command Chief saluted the bravery and commitment of the troops in confronting well-trained foreign terrorists.

Big Blow To Terror Ecosystem In J&K

The operation, targeting terrorists responsible for civilian killings in Dangri, Kandi, and Rajouri, dealt a significant blow to the terror ecosystem and Pakistan. Lt Gen Dwivedi highlighted the ongoing threat, estimating that 20-25 terrorists could still be operating in the region. However, with the cooperation of locals, he expressed confidence in controlling the situation within a year.

Detailing the training and the origins of the terrorists, Lt Gen Dwivedi acknowledged their expertise acquired in various countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. The high level of training poses a challenge, but the Indian forces are determined to finish them. The commitment of soldiers, like Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, who pledged to eliminate the terrorists within a week, exemplifies the unwavering resolve of the forces, he added.

Strategic Focus On Poonch

Lt Gen Dwivedi emphasized the strategic significance of Poonch, connected to the rest of the country through a highway, making it a potential hotspot for terrorist activities. The region has witnessed a loss of civilian lives to terrorism in the past year. The Northern Command Chief urged heightened vigilance, revealing information about terrorist hideouts obtained from local sources.

Rajouri Encounter

The intense firefight between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police occurred in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala. Despite five casualties on the Indian side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and a sniper named Quari, were neutralized. The recovery of 'War Like Stores' from the encounter site indicated the evil design and the scale of slain terrorists.

Quari, the eliminated terrorist, was identified as a top LeT commander responsible for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas. The army official stated that Quari's elimination marked a significant setback to the revival of terrorism in these districts.

Wreath-Laying Ceremony For Fallen Heroes

Meanwhile, a sombre wreath-laying ceremony was held for the fallen soldiers, including Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, and Paratrooper Sachin Laur. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with senior officials, bid a tearful farewell to them in Jammu. Havildar Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, will be honoured in a similar ceremony later in the day. In poignant scenes from the wreath-laying ceremony, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades, underscoring the gravity of the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.
New Delhi: A new angle has emerged in the controversy surrounding actor Mansoor Ali Khan and Trisha Krishnan. Mansoor has now been booked by the Tamil Nadu Police for allegedly making disparaging remarks about his 'Leo' co-star Trisha.

According to a report by The Hindu, Mansoor was booked by the Tamil Nadu Police for his derogatory comments against the actress. The actor was booked under Sections 354 A (sexual harassment) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage modesty of woman) of the Indian Penal Code, stated the report.

Earlier, actor, BJP MP and NCW member Khushbu Sundar had vowed to act against Mansoor. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "As a member of NCW, I have already taken up the issue of Mansoor Ali Khan with my senior and will be taking an action on it. Nobody can get away with such a filthy mind. I stand with @trishtrashers and my other colleagues where this man speaks in such a sexist disgusting mindset about them, including me. When we are fighting tooth and nail to protect women and bring dignity to them, such men are like a bot in our society."

During a press conference on Tuesday, Mansoor maintained his position and declined to issue an apology for his remarks. He said, "I didn't mean (it) personally. If there is a rape or murder scene, is that real in cinema? Does it mean raping someone for real? What does murder in cinema mean? Does it mean they are murdering someone for real? Why do I need to apologise? I didn't say anything wrong. I respect all actresses."

Earlier, Mansoor made this controversial remark which invited a lot of flak, "When I heard that I was acting with Trisha (in Leo), I thought there would be a bedroom scene in the film. I thought that I could carry her to the bedroom just like I did with other actresses in my earlier movies. I have done so many rape scenes in several movies and its not new to me. But these guys didnt even show Trisha to me on the sets during the Kashmir schedule."

Trisha swore she would never work with Mansoor after hearing this comment. Several other celebrities from the Tamil film industry, such as Chiranjeevi, Nithiin, Chinmayi Sripada, Leo director Lokesh Kanagaraj, and others, denounced Mansoor for his offensive remark.
Washington: In a devastating turn of events, Aaditya Adlakha, a 26-year-old Indian doctoral student, met an untimely end after being shot inside a car in the state of Ohio. The incident, labelled as "sudden, tragic, and senseless" by his medical university, has left the community in shock and mourning.

Aaditya Adlakha was in the fourth year of his doctoral journey in the molecular and developmental biology program at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. His promising academic career, described as novel and transformative, focused on unravelling the complexities of neuroimmune communication and its potential role in pain and inflammatory processes related to ulcerative colitis.

On November 9, tragedy struck when Cincinnati Police responded to a vehicle crash on the upper deck of the Western Hills Viaduct. Inside the crashed car, officers discovered Aaditya Adlakha, critically injured from gunshot wounds. The ShotSpotter, a gunfire locator service, indicated gunfire in the area around 6:20 am, highlighting the early morning violence.

Passersby, alarmed by the disturbing scene, dialled 911 to report a vehicle riddled with bullet holes and a person inside who had been shot. The victim was swiftly transported to the UC Medical Center, where he battled for two days before succumbing to his injuries. The assailant shrouded in mystery, remains at large, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the community.

Who Was Aaditya Adlakha?

Aaditya Adlakha's journey to the United States from north India for his education in medicine was a testament to his dedication and pursuit of knowledge. Having obtained his bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Delhi and a master's degree in physiology from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, his academic prowess was evident.

"He was much-loved, exceedingly kind and humorous, intelligent and sharp," remarked Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Andrew Filak. The loss of a bright mind and a compassionate soul has left the University and the medical community grieving. As condolences pour in, the mystery surrounding Aaditya Adlakha's tragic end underscores the urgent need for answers and justice.

Investigation On, No Arrests Yet

As the Cincinnati Police intensify their efforts to unravel the circumstances leading to this heinous crime, the lack of arrests adds complexity to an already perplexing case. The University, in a statement, extended its deepest condolences to Aaditya Adlakha's family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the profound impact he had on those who knew him.

This chilling incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fostering a community that stands united against senseless acts of violence.
Nissan Magnite has just received a couple of updates, the most prominent one being the new AMT box. The AMT-equipped version of the compact SUV is launched in South Africa as well. The SUV will be manufactured at the brands Chennai-based facility and will be exported to South Africa. The export-spec Magnite is interestingly identical to the model sold in the Indian market. In India, the Magnite rivals the likes of the Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. Some of its Indian rivals are also on sale in the South African market.

In South Africa, the Magnite AMT is launched at a starting price of R234,900, which in Indian Rupees is Rs 10.36 lakh. However, in the Indian market, the Nissan Magnite AMT has a starting price of Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-showroom. Also, the variant line-up for the South African market is slightly different, as it includes - Visia, Acenta, and Acenta Plus.

In India, the Magnite EZ-Shift is available in XE, XL, XV, XV Premium variants and the recently launched Nissan Magnite KURO Special Edition. A new dual-tone Blue & Black colour is also introduced for the Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift.

It also has Dual Driving Mode, Intelligent Creep function, anti-stall and kick-down features for a smooth and efficient drive experience. The Nissan Magnite 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers enhanced fuel efficiency of 19.35 kmpl for the Manual variant and 19.70 kmpl for the EZ-Shift variant.

Also, Nissan has announced the introductory price offer for all bookings made till 30 November 2023 for the all-new Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift (Automated Manual Transmission). The introductory price is for all customers who take a test drive and make bookings for the all-new Magnite EZ-Shift. Launched at an introductory price of Rs 6,49,900 on 10 October 2023 the Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift is the most affordable AMT in the segment
Hong Kong: Business leaders urged to vote

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today wrote to about 400 trade and industrial organisations in Hong Kong to call on business leaders to lead by example and cast their votes in the 2023 District Council (DC) Ordinary Election to be held on December 10.

Mr Yau noted that as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions first large-scale citywide election after reforming the DCs and improving the district governance system, it is of great significance.

He pointed out that the new district governance structure and the DCs are closely connected to the happiness and well-being of every citizen and relate to the good governance as well as the stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong SAR.

Mr Yau called on business leaders to motivate their members to actively participate in the election and jointly fulfil their civic duty, by putting in place flexible arrangements for employees at work on polling day to allow them to cast their votes.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Azerbaijan and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have discussed the implementation of the Trans-Caspian Corridor digitalization roadmap, Trend reports, referring to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan.

Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean during SPECA week (the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia) held in Baku.

At the meeting, the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) between Azerbaijan and UNECE, as well as close cooperation within the SPECA program, were noted. SPECA Week held in Baku is useful in terms of developing relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries in the trade and economic sphere, digitalization of transport infrastructure, transition to a 'green' economy, energy, and other spheres. Azerbaijan's efforts in this regard were highly appreciated.

The sides exchanged views on priority directions of Azerbaijan-UNECE cooperation and agenda issues, development of trade, innovations, and public-private partnerships, prospects of relations within the SPECA region, and opportunities for the implementation of the roadmap for digitalization of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998. At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

Baku is hosting the SPECA from November 20 to 24, 2023.
A Hyderabad-bound international flight of IndiGo made an emergency landing in Pakistan's Karachi after a passenger experienced a medical emergency on board, the airline said on Thursday. The passenger could not survive and was declared dead on arrival. The incident was reported on Wednesday. "There was a medical emergency on board IndiGo flight 6E 68 operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad. The captain diverted the flight to Karachi, where the passenger was attended to by a doctor on arrival," the airline said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the passenger did not survive and was declared dead on arrival," it said.

"The flight departed from Karachi after completing formalities and landed in Hyderabad at 0908 IST," the airline added.

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In a similar incident reported in August this year, an Indigo flight from Mumbai to Ranchi was diverted to Nagpur after a medical emergency on board. The passenger was offloaded and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

Talking of IndiGo, it has recently announced the extension of its codeshare agreement with Australian flag carrier Qantas. Under this agreement, IndiGo customers will now be able to access four new destinations in Australia - Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, an airline spokesperson said. It will start with Melbourne, after which Sydney, Perth and Brisbane will go online in the coming weeks

With the new codeshare routes, IndiGo customers can now fly to Singapore and connect seamlessly to Qantas' flights between Singapore and Melbourne. This partnership signifies the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, as a part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, said the spokesperson.

In 2022, Qantas and IndiGo had finalised a codeshare partnership enabling the Australian carrier's customers flying on non-stop flights between the two nations to connect to 21 destinations in India on IndiGo.
NEW DELHI: After winning millions of hearts with 'Dhak Dhak', Sanjana Sanghi is all set to amaze her fans with her next film, 'Kadak Singh'. The trailer of the film was recently launched at IFFI, Goa.

The film also had a special premiere at IFFI last evening, making audiences go awe-inspired with the storyline. The viewers were all praises for Sanjana Sanghis character 'Sakshi' in the film.

Sharing the poster of Sakshi, Sanjana mentions, Sharing this poster with you all today feels every bit surreal. From the moment @aniruddhatony, @writish1 & @virafsarkari narrated Sakshi & Kadak Singhs world to me and had that unwavering faith that Ill be able to bring her to life on celluloid, it instantly felt like Kadak Singh was going to be a journey that was going to shift something within me. And boy, did it do that and so much more. Every single moment of being, becoming, and living her has felt meditative. I can't wait for you all to meet her and our world."

KADAK SINGH

'Kadak Singh' is a story about a father who forgets his own daughter. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi and will release exclusively on ZEE5 on December 8, 2023. The plot showcases the perplexing journey of AK Shrivastav, played by Pankaj as he battles retrograde amnesia, uncovering a web of conflicting narratives from his past. Apart from Pankaj Tripathi and Sanjana Sanghi, the film also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Jaya Ahsan in lead roles.

The much-awaited trailer of 'Kadak Singh' was unveiled at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) recently in Goa.

The films official description reads, "The film unfolds as AK is admitted in the hospital and is presented with conflicting narratives about his past, compelling him to discern fact from fiction. Amidst the maze of half-baked memories, he is determined to uncover the truth behind him mysteriously landing up in a hospital and behind a significant financial crime, all of this while saving his family from falling apart."

MAIN ATAL HOON

Pankaj Tripathi will be seen in a completely new avatar in the film, which will be a treat for his fans, Besides 'Kadak Singh', Pankaj will also be seen in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's biopic 'Main Atal Hoon', which is slated for release on December 25, 2023. The upcoming biography has been directed by Ravi Jadhav and written by Utkarsh Naithani. Its poster was released on 25 December 2022, on the 98th occasion of the birthday of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The music for 'Main Atal Hoon' is composed by Salim-Sulaiman with lyrics by Sameer, while Sonu Nigam rendered the vocals for the motion video announcement. 'Main Atal Hoon' is presented by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, and produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan and Kamlesh Bhanushali, co-produced by Zeeshan Ahmad and Shivv Sharma.
JEE Advanced 2024: The JEE Advanced exam dates have been released! According to the schedule, the exam will be held on May 26, 2024. Candidates interested in taking the exam can register on the official website - jeeadv.ac.in - beginning April 21, 2024. IIT Madras will administer the exam. The exam will be held in two shifts on January 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. According to the schedule, registration will begin on April 21, 2024 at 10 p.m., and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.

The deadline for payment is May 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. Candidates should be aware that the admit card will be accessible from 10 p.m. on May 17, 2024 and can be downloaded until 2.30 p.m. on May 26, 2025.

JEE Advanced 2024: Important Dates

Online Registration April 21 to 30, 2024 Last date for fee payment of registered candidates May 6, 2024 Admit Card May 17 to 26, 2024 JEE (Advanced) 2024 Examination May 26, 2024 Paper 1: 9:00-12:00 noon Paper 2: 2:30- 5:30 pm Copy of candidate responses May 31, 2024 Online display of provisional answer keys June 2, 2024 Feedback and comments on provisional answer keys June 2 to 3, 2024 Final answer key and Results of JEE (Advanced) 2024 June 9, 2024 Online registration for Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) 2024 June 9, 2024 to 10, 2024 Tentative Start of Joint Seat Allocation (JoSAA) 2024 Process June 10, 2024 Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) 2024 June 12, 2024 Declaration of results of AAT 2024 June 15, 2024

Students who pass the JEE Main 2024 tests are eligible to take the JEE Advanced exam. Those who place in the top 2.5 lakh in the JEE Main exam can apply for the JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced 2024 registration will open on April 21, 2024. Students have until April 30, 2024 to submit their applications. The registration and application processes will only be available online.
Ophthalmologists in Delhi are observing a sharp rise in the number of patients suffering from eye problems like allergy, burning of eyes and itching due to high levels of pollution in the capital. Air quality across Delhi continued to be in the 'very poor' category with AQI at 324.

"With severe air quality and high level of pollution in Delhi-NCR, we are observing an increase in number of patients coming to us with complaints of redness, Itching, and watering in the eyes," said Dr Ikeda Lal, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Specialist, at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi.

"Patients with pre-existing dry eyes are experiencing exacerbation due to high pollution. We are observing an almost 40 percent rise in the number of patients coming to us with eye related problems," he added.

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Dr Lal explained that pollutants and dust in the air is one of the major reasons for causing eye allergy and eye related problems. Delhi has been witnessing a steep increase in AQI levels after a marginal improvement on Sunday.

The city's AQI stood at 348 at 4 pm on Monday, deteriorating from 301 on Sunday. The increase in AQI levels comes after the Centre on Saturday had removed stringent curbs, including a ban on construction work related to linear projects and the entry of polluting trucks, in Delhi following a drop in pollution levels due to favourable wind speed and direction.

"The increase in the incidence of dry eye and ocular allergy is causing discomfort even in normal eyes. It aggravates the eye complaints in eyes that are prone to dryness and allergies. If care is not taken immediately, some of these eyes can have reduced vision due to this problem as well," said Dr Rajesh Sinha, Professor of Ophthalmology at RP Centre AIIMS New Delhi.

While lubricating eye drops and the use of sunglasses are helpful options, contact lenses and eye makeup should be avoided until the eyes are healed completely, Dr Lal said.

Doctors advised to not rub eyes if they itch, wash eyes with clean water; repeat if it still feels uncomfortable. They suggested that cold compresses can help relieve mild itching and to see an eye doctor as soon as possible and avoid prolonged exposure of eyes to pollution.
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, the Afghanistan embassy has officially declared the permanent closure of its mission in New Delhi, pointing to what it describes as 'persistent challenges from the Indian government.' The embassy released an official statement on Friday, announcing that the closure is effective from November 23, 2023. This decision comes after the embassy ceased operations on September 30, anticipating a favourable change in the Indian government's stance. Despite the hope for a normalized mission, the embassy faced ongoing challenges, leading to this permanent closure.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/PV1AxiXQ0h  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Not An Internal Conflict, But Broader Policy Changes

Addressing potential misinterpretations, the embassy acknowledged that some might view the closure as an internal conflict involving diplomats aligning with the Taliban. However, it emphasized that the decision stems from broader changes in policy and interests.

"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," the statement added. Despite limitations in resources, the embassy highlighted its tireless efforts for the betterment of the Afghan community in India. Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community has witnessed a significant decline, with the embassy noting a nearly halved number since August 2021.

Efforts to tarnish the embassy's image and hinder diplomatic efforts were acknowledged, with the embassy asserting its commitment to the interests of Afghanistan. It exerted diplomatic pressure to advocate for an inclusive government and girls' right to education.

The release confirmed the absence of diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India, with those who served safely reaching third countries. Diplomats affiliated with the Taliban are the only individuals present, attending regular online meetings.

"The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government," the statement declared. The responsibility now rests with the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, including the possibility of involving Taliban diplomats.

The statement concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of India for their support over the past 22 years. It acknowledged the historic events and current circumstances leading to the closure, emphasizing a continued commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and exploring avenues to support the nation in challenging times.

Notably, the closure was initially announced on November 1, citing a "lack of resources" and the "failure to meet Afghanistan's interests" by the Taliban regime. The embassy also made an "unequivocal statement" against certain consulates aligned with the Taliban, considering them inconsistent with the objectives of a legitimate government.
After devastating 49 days of war, Israel's offensive against Hamas came to a temporary halt with the ceasefire agreement that is scheduled for the next 4 days. In Today's DNA, Zee News anchor Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed the possible outcomes of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas released 13 hostages in return for which Israel set free 49 Palestinian prisoners. Under a pre-arranged agreement, Hamas handed over 13 hostages to the Red Cross team at Rafah Border, later the Red Cross team handed over the hostages to the Israel Defense Force.

Israel is releasing 3 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one hostage, thus in four days, while Hamas will release 50 hostages, in return Israel set free a total of 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire comes as a relief for nearly 23 lakh people of Gaza after 7 weeks of continuous offensive from both sides. As per the ceasefire agreement, Gaza will receive 1 lakh 30 thousand liters of fuel, 200 trucks of relief material and 4 trucks of cooking gas every day during the ceasefire period.

Although Israel has negotiated for the ceasefire after 49 days of offensive against Hamas, the country has made it clear that it will not go soft on the Palestinian terror outfit and will resume the operation to eradicate it with strong attack as Israeli PM Netanyahu is adamant to eliminate Hamas.

The question that arises is what will happen after the ceasefire is over or if the agreement is violated before its scheduled time. A total of four scenarios can be set as the possible outcomes considering the ceasefire. First, the 4-day ceasefire is completed as per its schedule, second, it is violated before its timeline. The third scenario involves the extension of the ceasefire while in the fourth scenario, the deadline for ceasefire expires.

If the 4-day ceasefire is implemented properly, then from Hamas' point of view it will be successful as it will set 150 prisoners free and the people of Gaza will be able to get maximum humanitarian aid in 4 days. If we look at it from Israel's point of view, Israel will free its 50 hostages, which will reduce the pressure on Netanyahu from the hostages' families. If the 4-day ceasefire is successful, there will be pressure on the international community to take it forward.

On the other hand, if Israel breaks the ceasefire agreement, in that situation three things will happen, first, the regional conflict will increase. Secondly, Netanyahu's credibility will fall at the international level. And thirdly, Hamas will launch more rocket attacks on Israel.

If Hamas breaks the ceasefire agreement, in that situation two things can happen, first Israel will become more aggressive and attack Hamas terrorists. Secondly, anger against Hamas will increase in Western countries.

If the ceasefire extends beyond 4 days, then from Hamas' point of view it will be successful in freeing more of its people from Israeli jails. Also, more humanitarian aid will reach Gaza. On the other hand, more Israeli hostages will be freed by Hamas which will help Israel to accelerate the army operation in the West Bank. Apart from all this, moving the ceasefire forward may end the current situation of war, and the chances of ending the war will increase. But contrary to all this, if the ceasefire expires, then war will start again in Gaza.
HYDERABAD: While addressing a rally in Armoor City, Nizamabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BRS government in Telangana, accusing Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of a decade-long reign marked by corruption and nepotism.

KCR Just Made Wealth, Did Nothing: Shah

Shah asserted that KCR had failed to deliver on promises made to the people, instead focusing on channelling corruption funds amounting to thousands of crores for the benefit of his son, state minister KT Rama Rao (KTR). Promising accountability, Shah declared that if the BJP is elected, an inquiry commission would be established to investigate all scams and frauds committed by KCR's administration. He boldly proclaimed, "Every single individual found guilty of corruption will be put in jail."

Ticketing Scandal

Adding fuel to the fire, Shah accused the BRS of distributing tickets to individuals implicated in corruption cases, revealing a pattern of the party "trading" party tickets. He highlighted instances where legislators allegedly seized government land intended for bus depots and instead built shopping malls. Shah questioned KCR's decision to endorse such candidates, laying bare the alleged malpractices within the ruling party.

Hyderabad Liberation Day Row

In a strategic move, Shah took a swipe at KCR, suggesting that the Chief Minister's reluctance to celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day was due to fears of upsetting AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and the influence of the Razakars. Shah pledged that under BJP's rule, the Hyderabad Liberation Day would be celebrated with vigour every year.

Education Scandal: Paper Leaks, Failed Job Promises

Shah promised decisive action against those involved in the leak of exam papers under the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). He outlined the BJP's commitment to offering jobs on merit to 2.5 lakh youth in Telangana, vowing to identify and prosecute those responsible for the paper leaks.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing an election rally in Telangana's Nizamabad, says, "In the last seven years, exam papers in six categories under TSPSC were leaked. We have decided that we will give jobs on merit to 2.5 lakh youth in Telangana. The accused in the pic.twitter.com/lBjtzcPpJs  ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

Centre's Big Move For Turmeric Farmers

In a bid to connect with the state's agricultural community, Shah announced PM Narendra Modi's commitment to establishing a National Turmeric Board in Telangana. The board aims to ensure fair remuneration for turmeric farmers, create a robust value chain, and promote research in the medicinal applications of turmeric.

Triangular Contest In Telangana

As Telangana braces for the upcoming polls on November 30, the political landscape is set for a triangular contest between the ruling BRS, Congress, and BJP. Shah underscored the significance of the elections, highlighting that the BRS, formerly known as TRS, secured a dominant victory in the 2018 Assembly elections with 88 out of 119 seats and a 47.4% vote share. The stage is now set for a decisive political showdown, with results slated for December 3.
Jaipur: With the high-pitch electoral campaign coming to an end in the western state of Rajasthan on Wednesday evening, polling will be held across 199 out of 200 constituencies on November 25. The results of the high-stakes assembly elections will be declared on December 3rd.

Stakes & Statistics

Polling will be held in 199 seats due to the unfortunate demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Konoor from Sriganganagar's Karanpur seat. The electorate comprises 5,25,38,105 voters across these 199 assembly constituencies.

Campaign Dynamics

The ruling Congress has centred its campaign on the accomplishments of the Ashok Gehlot government, emphasizing schemes, programs, and the promise of seven guarantees. In contrast, the BJP has targeted the Congress on issues such as crime against women, appeasement, corruption, and paper leaks.

Leaders On The Frontlines

Key leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Ashok Gehlot, have led a series of election meetings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spearheaded the BJP's campaign, conducting multiple meetings and road shows in Bikaner and Jaipur. Other prominent figures like BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and chief ministers from various states have addressed public meetings across Rajasthan.

Post-Campaign Restrictions

The Election Commission has enforced strict regulations, concluding campaigning at 6 pm. Polling is scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm on Saturday, with results declared on December 3. Violation of regulations can result in imprisonment or fines, as specified by Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta.

The Election Commission has directed that individuals not directly associated with the constituency, either as voters, candidates, or MPs/MLAs, cannot remain in the area after the campaign concludes.

Key Constituencies To Watch For

Lachhmangarh: A fierce duel unfolds as Govind Singh Dotasra, Congress stronghold and state president, faces off against BJP's Subhash Maharia in this Jat and Muslim-dominated constituency.

Sawai Madhopur: A triangular tussle looms in this diverse constituency, with BJP's Kirodi Lal Meena, Congress's Danish Abrar, and independent Asha Meena vying for victory.

Nathdwara: Witnessing a clash of legacies, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar of BJP challenges Congress's five-time MLA CP Joshi, presenting a choice between royal heritage and development.

Hawa Mahal: A symbolic seat with a shift in representation, as RR Tiwari replaces Mahesh Joshi for Congress, facing BJP's newcomer Balmukund Acharya, and AAP's Pappu Qureshi.

Khinvsar: A Jatland spectacle, featuring Hanuman Beniwal (RLP), Tejpal Mirdha (Congress), and Revant Ram Danga (BJP) in a high-stakes confrontation.

Sardarpura: A Congress bastion since 1998, with Ashok Gehlot seeking a historic fourth term, facing the challenge from BJP's Shambhu Singh.

Tonk: A battleground with Sachin Pilot (Congress) against BJP's Ajit Singh Mehta, navigating the complex demographic mix of Gujjars, Meenas, and Muslims.

Jhalrapatan: A BJP stronghold with Vasundhara Raje, securing her position since 2003, combating Congress's Manvendra Singh.

Udaipur: BJP's fortress since 2003, challenged by Congress's Gourav Vallabh, promising an intriguing showdown between Tarachand Jain and Vallabh.

Jhunjhunu: Arch-rivals Brijendra Ola (Congress) and Nishit Kumar (BJP) engage in a decisive contest, echoing Ola's three-term legacy.

Jhotwara: Olympian Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) aims for a triumphant return against Congress's Lalchand Katariya, invoking the spirit of 2018.

Churu: BJP's citadel, guarded by Rajendra Rathore, faces a challenge from Congress's Maqbool Mandelia, portraying a narrative of political resilience.

Key Issues In Rajasthan

Anti-Incumbency: A resounding narrative, as the electorate contemplates a change of guard, with the BJP confident of an anti-Congress wave.

Paper Leak Scams: The spectre of paper leak scandals haunts the electoral discourse, with eight RPSC examinations cancelled, prompting the Rajasthan Assembly to intensify punishments.

Safety Of Women, Dalits: A battleground for women's honour, emphasized by Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani, encapsulating the broader concern for safety in the state.

As the political tapestry unfolds, Rajasthan stands at the brink of a defining electoral chapter, with each constituency echoing the aspirations and dynamics of its diverse populace.
New Delhi: 'Tiger 3' actress Katrina Kaif gave a sweet glimpse into her father-in-law and veteran action director Sham Kaushal's birthday celebration.Taking to her Instagram story, Katrina posted an image that captured Sham Kaushal cutting his birthday cakes with the entire family including Vicky Kaushal, his mother, Sunny Kaushal and Katrina. Captioning the picture, Katrina wrote, "Happy Birthday Papa."

Veteran action director Sham Kaushal has worked in blockbuster hit films like 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Rajneeti', 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Baadshah' and many more.

On the work front, Katrina is basking in the success of Salman Khan-starrer 'Tiger 3'. 'Tiger 3' has minted an estimated Rs 400.50 crore gross worldwide in just 10 days of its release. The third instalment of the 'Tiger' franchise has made part of the YRF Spy Universe with the likes of 'War' and 'Pathaan'.

The audience was smitten by Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's presence and a post-credit scene that featured Hrithik Roshan. Just like the two previous installments - 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai' - the film focuses on a new mission involving RA&W agent Tiger (Salman) and ISI agent Zoya (Katrina Kaif).

Actors Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are among the most loved Bollywood on-screen pairings.

The duo has worked in several films such as 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya', 'Bharat', 'Yuvvraaj', 'Partner', 'Ek Tha Tiger', 'Tiger Zinda Hai', and the recently released action thriller film 'Tiger 3'.

Salman's on-screen chemistry with Katrina is much-loved across the country. The 'Dabangg' actor told ANI, "I liked the characters of Tiger and Zoya very much. I believe the same chemistry wasn't there in the earlier movies that we did together. Though viewers were fond of our on-screen pairing, we didn't have chemistry till the 'Tiger' franchise came along. We did a film called 'Yuvvraaj' in which there wasn't much chemistry on show. Thereafter, we did the 'Tiger' franchise in which there was a lot of chemistry as our characters were sketched very well. So the chemistry you see is not the Salman-Katrina chemistry but Tiger and Zoya's chemistry."

'Ek Tha Tiger', released in 2012 that was helmed by Kabir Khan. In 2017, the franchise came up with a sequel titled 'Tiger Zinda Hai'. Its sequel was directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

Katrina will be next seen in the thriller film 'Merry Christmas' alongside Vijay Sethupathi.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. In Azerbaijan's Zangilan and Aghband, bridges are being built across the Araz River to cross into Iranian territory, and construction of land and railroad lines to Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan continues from there, said transportation expert Rauf Aghamirzayev told Trend.

"The mentioned projects will increase transit potential in the region. The flow of cargo in the North-South or East-West direction continues towards Azerbaijan. We observe this dynamic. There are objective and subjective reasons for this," the expert said.

Rauf Aghamirzayev noted that as transit grows, its risks also increase.

"The dependence on one direction can lead to congestion. This can cause delays. Such cases prompt the creation of alternative roads and corridors. Therefore, the said road-rail element is of utmost importance. It will also allow unblocking Nakhchivan," Aghamirzayev added.

Full version of the interview:
NEW DELHI: B-Town divas Tara Sutaria, Kriti Sanon, Yami Gautam, Raveena Tondon's daughter Rasha Thadani, Pooja Hegde, Alaya F, Sharvari Wagh, Rakul Preet, Arpita Khan-Aayush Sharma among others attended the birthday bash of 'Shehzaada' actor Kartik Aaryan, who turned a year older on November 22.

It appeared that 'Black' was apparently the dress code for the party as several celebrities including the host Kartik turned up at the event wearing black ensembles.

Tara Sutaria, who is lately rumoured to be dating Kartik Aaryan, nailed the fashion game as she arrived at the bash donning a stylish black strappy dress. The actress completed the look with black heels, a sling bag, diamond bracelets, and rings. Nude makeup and open hair added to her glam picks.

Kriti Sanon turned up at the event donning a monotone mini dress. Her outfit featured an asymmetrical hem and a ruched detail at the waist. She styled it with minimal makeup, brown earrings and neck piece, and gleaming black loafers. She was also seen carrying a black sling bag.

Rakul Preet Singh, who too was seen at the bash, arrived wearing a stunning red bodycon dress that is sure to have delighted all fashion enthusiasts. The dress featured a sweetheart neckline, power shoulders, full sleeves, and a bodycon fit.

Speaking of Kartik, the actor hosted a bash for his industry friends and colleagues in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. A fan page shared a couple of inside pictures from the party. In one picture, Kartik Aaryan can be seen posing with Tara Sutaria and Raveena Tandon's daughter Rasha Thadani by his side. They can be seen dressed in black outfits.

Talking about his upcoming project, the actor is currently shooting for 'Chandu Champion', which is directed by Kabir Khan. The film is based on the extraordinary real-life story of a sportsperson and his spirit of never giving up. The film also stars Katrina Kaif and Shraddha Kapoor. The film is expected to release on June 14, 2024.
TEL AVIV: In a significant development, a four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is set to kick off on Friday morning, as announced by Qatar on Thursday. The cease-fire, scheduled to commence at 7 am local time, will witness the release of 13 women and children hostages at 4 pm.

Hostage Lists Exchanged Between Qatar, Mossad

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, disclosed that the list of captives earmarked for release has been shared with Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service. The reciprocal exchange of lists between the two parties is a crucial step before the release process can begin.

"The confirmation of both lists is pivotal to initiate the process of freeing people," emphasized Al-Ansari, as reported by CNN.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal

Under the deal outlined earlier, 150 Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli jails. The prisoners concerned are women and children, Hamas said Wednesday, adding that the agreement also involves the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies and fuel to all parts of the besieged territory. The Israeli government on Wednesday published a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners for possible release, as Israel is offering a potential second phase of exchanges.

The list includes the ages of the prisoners, and the charges on which they are being held  throwing stones and harming regional security are among the most common. Others are listed as detained for supporting illegal terror organizations, illegal weapons charges, incitement, and at least two accusations of attempted murder.

Prisoner Transfer And Red Cross Examinations

The 13 captives are slated to be transferred from Damon and Megiddo jails, situated southeast of Haifa, to Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank. The final step involves Red Cross examinations at Ofer prison, ensuring the well-being of the released individuals.

Delay In Ceasefire

Initial plans for the cease-fire, which was supposed to start at 10 am local time on Thursday, with the release of over 50 women and children prisoners in Gaza, faced a delay. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, highlighted the unpredictability of the situation, stating, "Nothing is finalized until it's actually happening."

Hagari also noted that the IDF continues its operations in the Gaza Strip at present, underlining that once the cease-fire takes effect, Israeli soldiers will be positioned along the designated "truce lines" within the territory.

Netanyahu's Warning

Netanyahu warned on Thursday, however, that getting the first group of hostages out of Gaza is not without its challenges. We hope to get this first tranche out, and then were committed to getting everyone out, Netanyahu said during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

Officials and analysts in Israel have long cautioned that any deal would be precarious up until the hostages were safely across the border.

Gaza War

The escalation in Gaza traces back to the October 7 attack by Hamas, where approximately 2,500 militants breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip. This incursion resulted in casualties and the capture of hostages, totalling around 240 individuals. Hamas terrorists, during the assault, infiltrated southern Israel, leading to the tragic loss of about 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians. The hostages, spanning all age groups and including individuals from diverse nationalities, were taken during the brutal attack.

The Times of Israel reported that the victims included not only Israeli citizens but also Thai and Nepali nationals, emphasizing the widespread impact of the conflict. As the cease-fire comes into effect, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a respite in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.

The Fighting Will Continue Forcefully: IDF

The IDF had continued ground and air operations in Gaza on Wednesday ahead of the expected start of the truce, carrying out strikes in the north-eastern and central parts of the Gaza Strip. Areas further south, including Khan Younis and Rafah, were also hit, according to Palestinian accounts.
New Delhi: The IDF announced that it had killed the head of Hamas naval force in Khan Yunis, Amar Abu Jallah, in a targeted air strike, news agency ANI reported. Abu Jallah was responsible for planning and executing several naval attacks against Israel since the start of the conflict in Gaza, but they were all thwarted by the Israeli forces.

The IDF also said that it had destroyed various Hamas assets near the coast, such as weapons depots, tunnel entrances, training camps and observation posts, with the help of a naval intelligence ship. The IDF said that these strikes were aimed at crippling Hamas naval capabilities and preventing further terror attacks from the sea. Further details awaited.
DUBLIN: In a shocking turn of events, Dublin became a battleground on Thursday evening as protesters clashed with police following a brutal knife assault earlier in the day that left five people injured, including three children. According to RTE, a prominent Irish news outlet, protesters targeted officers of the state police force, Garda, and even set a Garda car ablaze. The chaotic scenes unfolded on O'Connell Street and Parnell Square East, with rioters hurling pyrotechnics and bottles at law enforcement.

Knife Assault Sparks Public Outcry

The clashes erupted hours after a knife assault occurred outside a central Dublin school around 1:30 pm (local time) on Thursday. A 5-year-old child is undergoing emergency medical treatment, while a woman and two other children sustained injuries. A 6-year-old girl's injuries were less severe, and a boy was discharged from the hospital.

Police Identify 'Person of Interest'

Despite the severity of the incident, Irish police stated they were not treating it as terror-related. A man in his 50s, hospitalized with serious injuries, is currently a "person of interest." The police emphasized having a "definite line of inquiry" and stated they are not actively seeking anyone else involved in the school incident.

Appeal For Calm

Addressing the escalating situation, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris condemned the ongoing clashes, describing the public disorder in the city as "disgraceful." At an evening press conference, he urged people to "calm down, go home, and allow us to conduct our duties and investigations properly."

'Appalling Attack Will Not Be Tolerated'

Ireland's Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, expressed deep shock over the "appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman." She emphasized that the city's instability "will not be tolerated" and called for restraint. McEntee warned against allowing a "thuggish and manipulative element" to exploit the tragedy for havoc.

Housing Crisis, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Notably, some protesters carried signs reading "Irish Lives Matter" and waved Irish flags in a neighborhood with a significant immigrant community. The incident comes against the backdrop of Ireland's chronic housing crisis, with dissatisfaction fueling a backlash against asylum seekers and refugees. Far-right figures have amplified anti-immigration sentiment, claiming that "Ireland is full." The situation highlights the broader societal challenges that may be contributing to the unrest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Kazakhstan is ready to increase export of its products to SPECA countries, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the first summit of heads of state-participants of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

"Our countries have great opportunities for expanding trade and mutually beneficial cooperation. Already today, we are noticing progressive growth of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and other SPECA member states," he emphasized.

According to Tokayev, the volume of mutual trade grew by a third last year and amounted to about $10 billion.

"I believe that in the foreseeable future we have every opportunity to double this figure. We are able to provide each other with various goods at competitive prices, reducing imports from other countries. Kazakhstan is ready to increase its exports to SPECA countries for 175 non-raw material commodity items for the amount of $2.3 billion," he said.

Tokayev pointed out that creation of "green" corridors and elimination of various barriers will give a significant impetus to trade cooperation, including such sectors as construction, chemical and food industries.

"We are also ready to consider relevant proposals of our partners," said the president.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Mutually beneficial cooperation will fortify the status of the Caspian Sea as a sea of peace and new opportunities, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports.

Tokayev made the remark at the first summit of heads of state of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

Kazakhstan's president emphasized the need of launching cooperation scientific, research, and practical work on environmental and climate challenges, as well as transboundary water resource management.

These difficulties touch all SCO countries, and success cannot be accomplished individually, he said, citing the Aral Sea disaster, the consequences of which are felt not just in the area but far beyond its borders.

"Next year, Kazakhstan, as the chair of the International Fund for Saving the Aral, will focus on intensifying efforts to prevent the degradation of the environment of what was once one of the world's largest closed water reservoirs," Tokayev also said. "The complex ecological situation in the Caspian Sea, related to shallowing, a sharp reduction in water flow, a decrease in biore sources, and anthropogenic pollution, raises significant concern."

"Saving the Caspian should be a top priority for long-term international cooperation. I urge all interested parties to collaborate on developing a common action plan to improve the condition of this unique water body," he added.

Baku is hosting a summit dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998. At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged SPECA leaders to intensify joint efforts on issues of transition to alternative energy sources, Trend reports.

He spoke at the first summit of the heads of state-participants of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

He also called on SPECA leaders to support Kazakhstan's initiative to establish a Central Asian Project Office on Climate Issues in Almaty.

"Interaction between digital technologies and artificial intelligence offers numerous opportunities. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence presents critical issues for the transformation of manufacturing, labor markets, and services. In our country, more than 90 percent of public services are delivered electronically, and the percentage of cashless transactions has surpassed 80 percent. Last year alone, the volume of IT exports increased fivefold. By 2026, we hope to have increased this sum to $1 billion," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. I would also like to propose Kazakhstan as a venue for one of the next SPECA summits at a mutually agreed time, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his speech at the first summit of the heads of state participants of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku, Trend reports.

The Kazakh President emphasized that Astana supports the process of institutionalizing SPECA, designed to fully unlock its enormous potential to effectively promote multifaceted trade, economic, and investment cooperation among the countries of the region.

"Moreover, in the future, we would be happy to see new SPECA participants - representatives of partner states and UN institutions. I propose our governments establish a special working group of SPECA," Tokayev said.

"In addition, taking advantage of this occasion, I propose holding a special SPECA panel discussion on the sidelines of the upcoming Astana International Forum, which will be held in June. This high-level event is intended to bring together the worldwide community's efforts to identify unified responses to our time's exceptional problems. I'd also like to offer Kazakhstan as the location for one of the upcoming SPECA summits at a mutually convenient time," he added.

Tokayev concluded his speech by expressing confidence that today's summit will allow us to work out specific mechanisms to increase the effectiveness of SPECA and further strengthen friendship and strategic partnership between the countries.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 24. The European Union has extended the validity of the GSP+ General System of Preferences for Uzbekistan until December 31, 2027, Trend reports.

As per data from Uzbekistans Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, the GSP+ allowed Uzbek exporters to save 28 million euros on import duties in 2022.

The ministry says that this is a major contribution of the EU to the development of the private sector in Uzbekistan, as over the period from 2019 to 2022, it has grown more than tenfold.

Meanwhile, under the GSP+ framework, Uzbekistan experienced a notable increase in its textile product exports to the European market, reaching $177.4 million and marking a substantial 26.4 percent growth in 2022.

Chemical products also saw a remarkable surge, totaling $138.3 million, representing an almost fivefold increase. Additionally, there was a significant uptick in food supplies, reaching $19.7 million (a 3 percent increase), and electrical equipment at $9 million (a 17 percent rise).

On April 10, 2021, Uzbekistan became an official member of the special system of preferences of the European Union. Before joining GSP+, Uzbekistan utilized the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), allowing for the export of 3,000 goods to the EU without customs duties and an additional 3,200 items at reduced rates. Under GSP+, this scope expands significantly, with over 6,200 goods eligible for duty-free importation, providing a substantial boost to Uzbekistan's trade relations with the European Union.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed to work out a concept of SPECA program's development, Trend reports.

He spoke at the summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

"I propose to work out a concept of SPECA's development jointly with UNECE and ESCAP," he said.

Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan is a supporter of turning SPECA into an open and even more effective regional platform for expanding economic cooperation.

"The time has come for a cardinal increase in the effectiveness of working groups on the main directions of partnership and strengthening the institutional framework of SPECA," he emphasized.

He also expressed support for the establishment of the SPECA Trust Fund, and noted that it is important start practical work next year.

"This is primarily about introducing the world's best practices and experience in eliminating existing barriers and harmonizing measures of technical regulation of export-import operations," he said.

Moreover, Mirziyoyev mentioned that it would be advisable to develop a Joint Action Plan to stimulate regional trade.

"Analysis shows that there are all possibilities to bring mutual trade turnover of our states from the current $52 billion to $100 billion by 2030, the share of industrial products in its structure - 70 percent," he added.

Baku is hosting a summit dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998. At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed to hold an international "Digital Transport Corridors" forum next year with participation of transport ministers, heads of logistics companies, cargo carriers, industrial enterprises and leading experts in the sphere, Trend reports.

He spoke at the summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan is committed to full implementation of the roadmap adopted today on digitalization of the process of data and document exchange within the Trans-Caspian multimodal corridor.

"We also intend to actively promote major projects on strengthening transport interconnectivity in the region with specialized institutions of the United Nations," he said.

Baku is hosting a summit dedicated to the 25th anniversary of SPECA.

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998. At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. French people don't care about Armenia at all; they even don't know where Armenia is, the CEO of the Paris-based Lagazetteaz.fr online newspaper, Jean-Michel Brun said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

Talking about France's supplying military equipment to Armenia, he said that it's a stupid policy.

"But the consequence of the domestic policy is just to show the right-wing parties that we are "saving our civilization against the invasion of the Muslim world". It's completely stupid. But it's not very serious. It's just because the French media say the same thing every day. But as soon as they stop providing this information, everything will change," Brun added.

He noted that even the future of Armenia depends on having good relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Azerbaijan is in the center of everything; it is the gate of the Caucasus to Central Asia. Normally, we should build very strong relations with Azerbaijan. We need to have very strong economic, but also cultural, links. I'm sure that strong links between Azerbaijan and France will be profitable to everybody. We have strong cultural links between France and Azerbaijan. I think in the future, we will have very strong links between Azerbaijan and France. I think everything will be fixed, maybe sooner than we think, because the French people don't care about Armenia at all. They even don't know where Armenia is. I don't think that we will be more involved in the Caucasus," Brun said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again accused Russia of destabilizing the situation in the country, Trend reports.

He spoke with citizens of Armenia via live broadcast and touched upon the work of Russian TV channels in the country.

Pashinyan said that since 2020, an agreement on cooperation in the field of broadcasting has been in force between Armenia and Russia, regulating broadcasting conditions. One of the conditions was the non-interference in internal affairs of the country and prevention of destabilization of the internal political situation in the country.

"Recently, there have been violations, contrary to the broadcasting agreements signed between our countries. We are talking about interference in internal affairs, destabilization of the situation inside the country," he said.

The wave of negativity towards Russia continues from Pashinyan, who not long ago announced a change in the country's foreign policy vector. Pashinyan stated that he would no longer engage in the work of the CSTO and the CIS, and that he was looking for a substitute for both organizations.

He also mentioned that Western partners have made a number of intriguing promises in a variety of fields.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Prisoners held in Gaza Strip have been released to be sent to 'Rafah' checkpoint, head of Egypt's state information service said, Trend reports.

According to him, 13 Israeli prisoners as well as 12 Thai nationals were released from Gaza and handed over to the Red Cross organization.

"Israel is also expected to release 39 Palestinian prisoners," the state information service said.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 24. Israel completes first phase of return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, Trend reports.

The Prime Minister said that the country's authorities intend to achieve the release of all prisoners and fulfill all the objectives of the military operation in the enclave.

He also added that Israel is obliged to return all abducted citizens of the country.

A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air.

Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists.
The unique crystalline sound developed by Chopard resounds in a new chiming in passing watchmaking masterpiece

Chopard is deploying its expertise in chiming watches by unveiling its new L.U.C Strike One model. The latter chimes the passing of each hour on a Chopard-patented monobloc sapphire in a manner combining incomparably rich acoustics and emotional depth. Equipped with the L.U.C 96.32-L movement, this refined 40 mm-diameter timepiece in ethical 18-carat white gold is chronometer-certified and bears the Poincon de Geneve quality hallmark. Its solid gold grey-green dial is hand-guilloche with a honeycomb motif. With its crown-integrated pusher, its slender 9.86 mm size and its crystal-clear sound, the L.U.C Strike One model endows the passing of time with an elegantly resonant dimension.

To mark the L.U.C collections 25th anniversary in 2022, Chopard Manufacture presented an original series of horological masterpieces showcasing its mastery of chiming watches. It admirably confirmed the knowledge and experience acquired with its L.U.C Full Strike model, its minute repeater watch launched in 2016 and winner of the Aiguille d'Or best-in-show award at the 2017 Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve. Today, with its L.U.C Strike One model, Chopard offers the only chiming watch with a sapphire gong directly attached to the crystal.

A virtuoso accomplishment

The L.U.C Strike One timepiece picks up the aesthetic codes inaugurated with the L.U.C XPS 1860 model, starting with its solid gold grey-green dial bearing a snailed rim and a hand-guilloche centre adorned with a honeycomb pattern. The beehive is one of the emblems that Louis-Ulysse Chopard chose to represent his workshops.

At 1 o'clock, the dial features a cut-out revealing the mirror-polished steel hammer that generates the chime through a likewise hammer-shaped opening. The periphery of the dial bears a railway-type minutes track, engraved on the sapphire crystal. Just below this is the element that makes the L.U.C Strike One so exclusive: a monobloc sapphire gong.

L.U.C Strike One  Chopard

The chime-in-passing mechanism rings out only when the minutes hand reaches 12 o'clock. Twenty-four times a day, on the hour, its hammer is automatically armed and strikes the gong, just once. The sound thus produced resonates alone and must therefore feature exceptional intensity, clarity and length. In this solo performance, the chime represents a distillation of the expertise acquired by Chopard Manufacture in the field of striking mechanisms.

Unequalled mastery of chiming watches

The new L.U.C Calibre 96.32-L features the typical architecture of L.U.C calibres, with its automatic winding via a micro-rotor in engraved ethical 22-carat gold. In addition, the Chopard Twin technology, with its double barrel, ensures a 65-hour power reserve even when the chiming mode is activated. This stability demonstrates the quality of Chopard's developments and its management of energy issues.

While Chopard Manufacture had already made a name for itself in 2006 with its first chiming in passing movement, the L.U.C 96.32-L  presented for the first time in 2022  is packed with innovations. The first is that the pusher controlling the chime, previously located at 10 o'clock, is now integrated into the crown. It is this pusher that enables the wearer to switch between silence and striking mode, indicated by a gold-ringed aperture at 12 o'clock. More discreet and also more comfortable on the wrist, this layout remains a Chopard-specific feature to date. In addition, the thinness of the movement measuring a mere 5.60 mm enables the case of the new L.U.C Strike One model to be less than ten mm thick, placing it firmly within the tradition of understated elegance characterising the L.U.C collection, as reflected in its grey alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone alligator lining, secured by a pin buckle in ethical 18-carat white gold.

L.U.C Strike One  Chopard

A crystal-clear sound unique in the world

So as to optimise and perpetuate the acoustic richness of the monobloc sapphire crystal/gong system derived from the L.U.C Full Strike, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has envisaged each of the chiming watches like a musical instrument that goes beyond simply telling the time to generate emotions.

The glass protecting the dial and the gong providing an audible indication of time are one and the same. Machined all of a piece from a block of sapphire, without soldering, screws or glue, it endows the watch with unique sound intensity. This construction with its unalterable sound that remains unequalled, was the subject of one of the many patents registered by Chopard. In 2017, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve recognised this feat by awarding the Aiguille d'Or best-in-show award to the L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater model in rose gold.

The L.U.C collection: a blend of heritage and modernity

Since 1996, Chopard Manufacture has been reflecting the inspired vision of the Maisons Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. More than 25 years after presenting its first movement, the Manufacture has acquired a degree of maturity enabling it to provide a range encompassing the entire spectrum of horological complications  all in-house crafted through an alliance of tradition and innovation.

From movement development to adjustment and quality control, along with finished product design, gold casting, the stamping and machining of cases as well as movement components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, gemsetting, surface treatments, polishing and assembly: its workshops in Geneva and Fleurier enable Chopard to master the entire production process involved in each creation composing the L.U.C collection. The work of experienced artisans, these timepieces with their simple and pure design express a high degree of mechanical sophistication.


When it comes to dial design, theres no limit to watchmakers creativity. These days, many watch dials are taking cues from cartoon strips. Spider-Man, Popeye, Kermit and even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle are all helping us tell the time

The dial of a watch is often called its face; its the creative canvas on which watchmakers deploy their talents to win over potential customers. And the effect has to be immediate. A watch designer must be genuinely creative, and willing to welcome inspiration from all directions, even the most unexpected. This is one reason why cartoon heroes are making an appearance in watchmaking. The current trend has seen characters as varied as Spider-Man, Popeye, Kermit the frog and even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle giving us the time, and even the date, in their own quirky fashion. Their arms are pressed into service as hands, and their faces set the visual tone for the watch. Cartoon strips and watchmaking creativity: a marriage made in heaven? Who knows, but it has certainly produced some very charming and original offspring.

Audemars Piguet weaves its web with Spider-Man, heroically bestriding the skeleton movement of a Royal Oak.

Royal Oak Concept Spider-Man in titanium and ceramic, 42 mm diameter, manual winding skeleton movement with tourbillon escapement, interchangeable rubber strap. Limited to 250 pieces. CHF 220,000  Audemars Piguet

Oris unveils an eye-catching watch with a dial in the iconic green of Kermit the Frog, the inimitable presenter of the Muppet Show. Kermits face appears in the date window at 6 oclock on the first of each month.

Pro-Pilot Kermit Edition in titanium, 39 mm diameter, automatic movement with window date, titanium bracelet. CHF 4,000  Oris

Reservoir features the muscular, tattooed arm of Popeye indicating the minutes, while the hours are displayed in a window at 6 oclock. The design is both whimsical and serious, showcasing two complications: a retrograde minute hand and a jumping hour.

Ref RSV04.PO in titanium, 41.5 mm diameter, automatic movement with jumping hours and retrograde minutes, leather strap. CHF 4,700  Reservoir

Ulysse Nardin embraces sensuality, celebrating Italian erotic comic book artist Milo Manara. To mark the 40th anniversary of Manaras album Il gioco, the artwork on the dial features one of his heroines in a seductive pose.

Classico Manara in steel, 40 mm diameter, automatic movement, leather strap. Limited to 40 pieces. CHF 39,000  Ulysse Nardin

Hublot showcases a different kind of sensuality with the assistance of artist Marc Ferrero, renowned for his depictions of 21st-century women as sexy, mysterious and powerful. One of his iconic femmes fatales graces the dial of this Big Bang.

Big Bang Marc Ferrero in steel, bezel set with spinels, 39 mm diameter, automatic movement, interchangeable leather and rubber strap. Limited to 50 pieces. CHF 16,400  Hublot

Who said that high fashion has to be serious? Here, Chanel has fun with a caricature of the iconic Mademoiselle, whose delicate arms indicate the hours and minutes.

Mademoiselle J12 Cosmic in ceramic and white gold, diamond-set bezel, 38 mm diameter, automatic movement, ceramic and white gold bracelet. Limited series of 55. CHF 150,400  Chanel

Swatch introduces the humorous character of Master Roshi (Kame Sennin) from Dragon Ball. The grand design of this Swatch New Gent features one of the greatest human martial arts masters of the Dragon Ball universe.

New Gent in plastic, 41 mm diameter, quartz movement, silicone strap. CHF 100  Swatch

The last word on the subject comes from Louis Vuitton. The exquisite dial of the Tambour Opera Automata pays tribute to the ancient art of Bian Lian from the Sichuan Opera, featuring a traditional Chinese mask that moves and changes its expression on demand. The dial is created using the artistic crafts of miniature painting and enamelling.
Love can indeed do miracles, and for Lalla Aisha Mubarka it was more than a miracle. Known as Zaydana, the woman was the chief spouse of the strongest sultan in the history of Morocco. Sold to Moulay Ismail as a concubine, Aisha Mubarka was notorious for her strength and influence. Throughout history, the Sultans wife who died in 1716 was mother to Moulay Zaydan who fought for survival in a harem full of women.

It all started for Zaydana when she was purchased and sold as a slave. In an account provided by a Dominican priest called Dominique Busnot who traveled to Meknes three times to redeem Christian captives, he described the Sultans wife as : a black woman of an enormous height and size. She was a slave to Moulay ar-Rashid, from whom Moulay Ismail bought her for sixty ducats.

The Sultan's favorite wife

What was surprising about Zaydanas story and relationship with Moulay Ismail is that she has been able to interfere in the political matters of the State and influence some of the Sultans decisions. This was confirmed by Busnot who added saying :

No-one can conceive by what means she has endeared herself to the Sultan, that she has power over his mind, and often manages him as she pleases.

Zaydanas reputation had invaded the whole Kingdom, as reported by the priest who insisted that some Moroccans attributed her influence on the Sultan to magic.

As a mother trying to secure her sons right to succession, Lalla Aisha Mubarka, was reputed for sowing seeds of mistrust between the ruler and one of his dearest sons. And as her husband was father to an enormous amount of sons, Zaydana felt challenged and engaged in a vicious plot against one of the Sultans sons. According to the book Black Morocco : A History of Slavery, Race and Islam (2012), by Chouki El Hamel, Zaydana was a powerful woman who held great influence with the Sultan. She was the mother of one of the sons whom she designated as Ismails successor, named Moulay Zaydan, the first of the Sultans sons.

Sowing seeds of mistrust between the Sultan and his son

In fact, the ambitious woman did everything she could in order to seize power in the palace. Based on the account provided by the same book, Zaydana plotted against Moulay al-Alim, son of Sultan Ismail and an Irish lady called Mrs. Shaw. The Sultan appointed his son al-Alim governor of Marrakech for his natural leadership qualities. This visibility made him a strong potential future Sultan but caused envy in the Sultans intimate circle, said El Hamel.

Indeed, Zaydana was one of the first individuals to feel challenged by this appointment. With the help of her son, she successfully managed to convince the sovereign that his al-Alim was a traitor. This was confirmed by the aforementioned book, stating that Moulay al-Alim was removed from his position as governor of Marrakech.

As soon as he realized al-Alims innocence the Sultan appointed him governor of Taroudant, though three years later the Sultan once again dismissed him.

Having had enough of his fathers treatment, al-Alim eventually rebelled against and claimed the governorate of Marrakech. As a result, the Sultan tasked Zaydanas son with defeating his brother and taking his position in 1706.

Zaydanas influence did not stop there, as the Sultan captured his son and ordered to amputate his opposite hand and leg in order to send a message that any disobedience would mean severe punishment or death, even for his favorite son. Al-Alim died later on due to his injuries.

Avenging her son Zaydan

Despite her vicious plots, Zaydanas son was not as wise as she expected. According to the same account, Moulay Zaydan, unlike his brother, was not fit to rule; he showed contemptuous behavior against his father and gave himself to drunkenness.

Moulay Zaydan ended up being killed by his father in a secret fashion in order not to anger his beloved wife.

Moulay Ismail sent two beautiful young women as a present to his son and instructed then to kill him but he kept it as a secret from Zaydana in order to avoid her resentment.

However, the strong woman knew about her husbands plan and avenged her son her way. Zaydana later passed away in 1716 and was buried in Moulay Mohammad al-Alim Mausoleum at Meknes leaving behind a Sultan who outlived her for a decade.
72-year-old British actress and producer Jane Seymour, known for her role as 007's girlfriend, and 73-year-old musician John Zambetti of The Malibooz, have shared the secret of their happy relationship. The woman describes them as "a gift at this age".

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The Daily Mail managed to talk to the lovers. Before her new love, the actress was married for 4 times.

Reflecting on how this novel differs from her previous ones, Seymour said: "We just came to the conclusion that whatever it is, we don't need to qualify or quantify the relationship. We don't need to name it. We just both really appreciate what we have now."

The woman was generous with her compliments, saying that her partner was caring, sweet, wonderful, a talented musician, and a good father.

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John Zambetti made no attempt to hide the fact that he was in love with Seymour. "We're so happy and just enjoying the fact that we found each other," he said, "We're not burdened by rules or expectations or anything else. She is an amazing woman."

The lovers met through Zambetti's sons. They attended a party together in honor of the producer's new project. The man almost immediately showed great support for Jane, which was noticed by everyone present.

The spark between the couple instantly flared up: the lovers "talked for hours" over lunch at the actress's house the next day. The same night, Seymour invited Zambetti to meet her family, who were to visit the United States.

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"He met my family in a few days," she said. - "Now I'm part of his world and we seem to get along really well, we have a lot of fun. Indeed, Zambetti even convinced his beloved to join his band for one night only during a special performance at Parkside Lounge.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you about the secret of the successful marriage of 90-year-old Dynasty star Joan Collins with her husband, who is 58.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Millions dream of becoming a Hollywood star, but only a few succeed. Peter Dinklage was born with achondroplasia, a disease that leads to dwarfism. When his height stopped at 135 centimeters, he realized that he had almost no chance in the movies. However, this "almost" did not mean that Dinklage was going to give up on his dream.

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The actor boasts a number of prestigious awards, such as Emmy and Golden Globe. He has dozens of mega-popular projects in his filmography. He also has a multimillion-dollar army of fans, a loving wife, and two children. OBOZ.UA decided to tell the story of a 135 cm tall star who overcame a thorny path to recognition and eventually achieved what he wanted.

Childhood, bullying and the desire to become an actor

Dinklage was born to a music teacher and an unemployed insurance agent. He also has a brother who plays the cello. Everyone in the celebrity's family is of normal height and only he was born with the disease.

As a teenager, Peter faced severe bullying because of his disability. He would later call bullying "an epidemic no one is safe from." However, it was during this period that the unusual boy realized that he wanted to pursue acting. He was reclusive and insecure, but he revealed himself on the stage of the drama club, where he became an actor until he graduated from high school.

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"When I was younger, I was angry with the world around me, so I built a wall of cynicism around it. But the older you get, the more clearly you realize that you need to approach everything with a joke. As a result, I realized that this disease is not my problem, it's the problem of those around me," the actor said in an interview.

No gnomes, elves, or leprechauns

Turning his "disadvantage" into an advantage and a unique trump card was the challenge Dinklage faced when he realized he wanted to act in movies. Nevertheless, the actor promised himself not to play gnomes, elves, or leprechauns. But, as expected, these were the roles he was offered.

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Due to the lack of work, the ambitious actor's life was plagued by debts. Peter had to live in an apartment with rats and no heating. Eventually, Dinklage achieved his goal and made his film debut in 1995 in the comedy Living in Oblivion, where he played himself, as one might say, which was an actor with dwarfism who complains about stereotypical roles.

In 2003, the movie The Station Agent was released, which brought Dinklage the first prestigious Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. In 2004, the actor fulfilled a long-held dream: he played Richard III in Shakespeare's play of the same name at the New York Public Theater.

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However, the actor did go against his principles and accepted the role of a dwarf. In this character, he appears in the iconic Chronicles of Narnia. And although all the films in this franchise are considered legendary, Peter himself eventually regretted betraying his own beliefs.

One of the latest films featuring Dinklage is a prequel to the equally iconic Hunger Games. In the Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the actor played the dean of the Academy, Casca Highbottom, who is one of the main enemies of the young Coriolanus Snow.

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Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones

There's no arguing that the most significant role in the actor's career was his role in the iconic TV series Game of Thrones. The author of the novels, George Martin, said that Dinklage was the only one of the entire cast who did not go through any auditions or casting calls as he was the only candidate for the role of Tyrion Lannister.

When Peter was officially approved, he said, "No fake beards! No slippers with bent noses! I want to play a personality!"

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The fact that Dinklage has done a great job is evidenced by the numerous awards for his work in Game of Thrones.

These include three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

In addition to recognition, Dinklage also received considerable fees. For an actor who had to live in an apartment with rats, earning more than $2 million for one episode of the series was a truly unprecedented upward leap. Peter is currently the richest actor in Game of Thrones, with a net worth of over $10 million.

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Family happiness

However, the greatest reward and achievement for the actor is his loving wife and children. The movie star has been married to theater director Erica Schmidt since 2005. The woman is of average height and admits that she doesn't feel any difference with her beloved because he is a real man, a talented actor and a wonderful father.

By the way, the couple became parents for the first time in 2011. They had a daughter, who was named Zelig, which means "blessing" in German. In 2017, their family became bigger with the addition of a son.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about how the actors from Game of Thrones have changed. Not everyone can be recognized in the photo with a difference of 12 years. See them here.

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The famous American socialite, actress and model Paris Hilton has allegedly become a mother for the second time. The celebrity's first child was born to a surrogate mother. The artist apparently did not give birth to her second daughter herself either because the star posed without a characteristic belly in the latest photos.

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The girl was named London. According to the Daily Mail, the socialite came up with this name 10 years ago. A photo hinting at the birth of her daughter appeared on Paris Hilton's Instagram.

"Grateful for my daughter," the star wrote, attaching a photo of a tiny suit with the newborn's name embroidered on it.

In the photo, the star also added sunglasses and a knitted bunny toy. Paris Hilton will raise the girl in a marriage with businessman Carter Reum, whom she has known for 15 years. It was only in 2020 that a romance broke out between them. In 2021, the couple got married.

Although there is no direct evidence of London's birth, fans have no doubt that the artist shared this news with them. In 2023, she revealed that she dreamed of naming her daughter London during a podcast. It should be added that Paris is the capital of France.

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It is not new for her to hide a surrogate mother's pregnancy. On January 25, Paris announced the birth of her first child, although she had not made any hints that she had turned to a surrogate before.

For the first time, the socialite showed a photo of her son, who was named Phoenix (after a city in the United States - ed.), a month after his birth. Since then, she has often posted pictures with the baby, but the child's appearance in the recent photo confused the star's subscribers.

In less than a day, the actress received almost 20 thousand worryful responses that something was wrong with the boy. Fans asked why the child had such a "strange" head shape. Read what Paris Hilton had to say about it here.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about other stars who had children with the help of surrogate mothers. Some of them frankly say that pregnancy is not part of their plans and can hinder their career, while others have health problems.

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The Holosiivskyi District Court of Kyiv has found Ukrainian actor Ostap Stupka guilty in the case of a drunken car accident on April 4 in the capital. He was sentenced to a 3-year prison term, which neither the actor nor the prosecution agreed with.

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The star will also be charged about 10 thousand hryvnias, which were spent on examinations, and his driver's license will be taken away for 8 years. This was reported by Suspilne correspondents. OBOZ.UA was informed that the prosecutor's office is preparing to appeal the decision.

The actor is obliged to report to special institutions to perform community service for three years, the publication writes. The verdict will come into force in a month, and until then, Stupka will be subject to a measure of restraint: nightly house arrest from 00:00 to 05:00 in the morning.

The culprit of the accident considers the decision unfair. The star's lawyers are preparing an appeal.

"I agree with my defense lawyer that this is a rather unfair decision. There are many mitigating circumstances. We could have settled for a fine, which would have been more appropriate and fairer for the state because the amount is not small. The minimum is 170 thousand hryvnias. The fate of the seized property has not been decided either," the actor said.

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As a reminder, at the last hearing, Stupka was charged with violating traffic safety rules while intoxicated, which caused serious bodily harm to the victim. Prosecutors in court asked for a sentence of three years in prison.

As OBOZ.UA has learned, the prosecutor's office also plans to appeal the court's decision.

"The court passed a verdict: it found him guilty, sentencing him to 3 years of restraint of liberty with deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for 8 years. The prosecutor's office will appeal this decision because we asked for a real punishment in the form of imprisonment. We do not agree and will appeal," the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office told OBOZ.UA.

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The victim, named Yaroslav, who was hospitalized after the accident, said that he spent three days unconscious in intensive care, underwent surgery, and continues to undergo treatment. According to the driver of the Mitsubishi that the actor's Range Rover hit, he saw the culprit only a few times.

The accident occurred on Fedorov Street in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv. Investigators found that Stupka drove into the oncoming lane and crashed into a parked car driven by a 38-year-old driver.

He then said that he did not consider himself a criminal, calling it a pure accident. Moreover, according to the celebrity, this incident was sent to him by fate or "a father from heaven."

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Ivan Franko National Academic Theater publicly reacted to the accident. They believe that the accident is not a reason to fire the actor. Stupka himself has recently confidently stated that he is thankful to God that "everyone is alive and well," and that this story is supposed to end soon.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Recently, a mysterious glow was spotted near the village of Svityaz in Volyn - it looked like a pillar of light coming down from heaven to earth. Eyewitnesses managed to capture the unusual natural phenomenon on camera.

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There were many hypotheses about the origin of the amazing solar column. The local edition of Kompetitor asked experts to comment on the cause of the glow.

Petro Trokhymchuk, an associate professor of the Department of Theoretical and Computer Physics at Volyn National University and a lecturer in astrophysics, explained that, in his opinion, the cause was the turbulence (heterogeneity) of the atmosphere. There were a lot of disordered clouds in the sky at that moment, so there was a scattering of light at the time of sunset.

The phenomenon is relatively rare, although it is not unusual from the point of view of science. This was emphasized by Anatolii Vasylenko, a researcher at the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

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The expert explained the cause of the solar column. In fact, it is a vertical column of light that usually stretches upward or, less often, downward from the Sun. Such phenomena can be seen at dawn or at sunset.

"Sunlight is reflected from the surfaces of "tile-like" hexagonal (hexagonal) ice crystals, which sway from side to side and fall down in the atmosphere," Vasylenko said.

And these crystals are associated with clouds at high altitude. It must be a thin type of cloud, such as cirrus clouds.

Visually, the witnesses saw a pillar, but in fact the phenomenon is not associated with vertical rays as such. The column is formed by a combination of glare from millions of ice crystals.

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The color of such pillars can be different - it all depends on the weather conditions, the sun and clouds. There have been cases when the glow was yellow or red, but it can also be white or even purple.

After sunset, the pillars visually lengthen and begin to brighten. And depending on the location of the crystals in the clouds, the phenomena can look like spots of light that seem to be vertically strung together.

The employee of the Main Astronomical Observatory added that there are two terms: sun pillars and light pillars. We can see the latter almost every day - they arise from street lamps, but the physics of their appearance is similar - it is simply light reflected from flat ice crystals in the atmosphere.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the red sky that Ukrainians recently saw turned out to be not quite the Northern Lights.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
The current war unleashed by Russia against civilian Ukrainians in particular will leave a significant mark on all of us. Many people will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the rest of their lives, which will sometimes affect them in a very noticeable way. This will be especially true for the military who will return home from the front.

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Those Ukrainians who suffer from PTSD will have to deal with it - this is quite possible if they seek help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. But their loved ones will also have to learn how to behave with a traumatized relative or friend. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine, together with Ksenia Voznitsyna, director of the Lisova Polyana Center for Mental Health and Rehabilitation, has developed recommendations on what to do and what not to do when your loved one has PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD occurs as a mental response to a traumatic or terrible event (death, destruction), great danger (explosions, shelling, fires) that a person has experienced or sometimes witnessed. It is manifested by intrusive thoughts about traumatic events, dreams or flashbacks, a sense of constant danger, and hyper-excitability. A person with this syndrome may also constantly avoid mentioning the experience and/or suffer from physical manifestations, such as panic attacks, heart palpitations, chest pain, shallow breathing, nausea, and an unrelenting sense of fear. People with PTSD often start abusing alcohol, drugs, smoke a lot, they can withdraw from their loved ones, and even destroy very strong relationships. And the worst thing is that people with this trauma can have suicidal thoughts.

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The insidiousness of this disorder is that you never know when it will manifest itself, under what circumstances and in what form. The reaction can be triggered by external factors - the so-called triggers, but thoughts, emotions, or bodily sensations, i.e. internal manifestations, can also serve as a trigger. As a rule, triggers in one form or another bring a person back to the moment that caused them to experience PTSD. These can be sounds, words, places, smells, and situations that remind you of what you experienced. The task of loved ones is to understand how they can minimize the risk of triggering situations and events for the traumatized person.

How to reduce the risk of triggers?

The easiest way to avoid triggering situations is if you know exactly what the trigger is that sets off a stress response. Then you simply do your best to prevent your loved one from getting into these circumstances. But it's not always possible to know. Therefore, psychologists advise the following:

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Do not take a person with PTSD to crowded places unnecessarily;

avoid any harsh sounds - from phone ringtones to musical toys;

try not to create loud sounds yourself - do not slam doors, do not raise your voice, and if you do something loud, try to do it in a closed room, etc;

minimize surprises - even pleasant surprises will have to be forgotten;

do not touch the traumatized person without their permission, ask for it even if you just want to hug them.

What should you not do if a person has PTSD?

The main taboo in communicating with a person with PTSD is asking them to talk about their traumatic experience. By diving into memories, someone with this disorder can easily experience retraumatization. It is unlikely that any of you will be able to cope with it quickly on your own. So don't ask about it, even if you're curious.

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What else not to do under any circumstances:

Devalue the experience - phrases like "oh, what did you hear there, one explosion and that's it?" can trigger an uncontrollable mental reaction, so don't do it;

heroize;

demanding (or asking) that a person get a grip on themselves - along with this disorder, there are big problems with emotional control that cannot be overcome easily;

blame and reproach because of the way a person reacts and manifests emotions;

condone avoidance of psychological and physical symptoms;

saying that you know and understand what a traumatized person feels - you do not understand and do not know, the experience of each person is unique;

telling a person that they are lucky to have survived - people who have experienced traumatic events often do not feel happy, and your words will not fix this at best;

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say that it is time to stop behaving like a war;

saying that time heals;

abruptly change joint plans.

How to support a person with PTSD?

This list of limitations can be confusing - but how can you help a loved one if all the common methods that help in everyday life do not work and even harm?

Psychologists advise taking the following steps.

Take care of the basic needs of a person with PTSD: prepare a meal, take care of other household chores if possible, or help find someone who can solve this issue.

Help them find contacts of psychologists, organizations and support groups.

Offer support and warmth. Be balanced, careful, and cautious.

Don't go to extremes - don't devalue or be too demanding of your traumatized loved one.

Sometimes people with PTSD voluntarily start talking about their traumatic event. And they often do so over and over again, retelling the story in a circle many times. This can be annoying, but be patient - give them the opportunity to talk as many times as they need.

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Do normal routine activities together.

Make plans together and talk about the future. Often people with PTSD suffer from the feeling that there is nothing ahead of them, only a void. Making plans for the future can help overcome this feeling.

Avoid drugs, alcohol, and smoking at home and in your environment. These temptations should be kept away.

If the person's condition is very serious, do not leave them alone.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, military psychologist Andriy Kozinchuk explained why not all Ukrainians will suffer from PTSD after the war.
Scientists know that periods of prolonged heat provoke wars and unrest on Earth. For example, it can be said that this is caused by crop failures and water supply problems, which ultimately cause ac effect. However, a new study shows that the heat itself can have a negative impact on individuals, causing them to become aggressive.

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This is stated in a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research as a working paper. The details are reported by LiveScience.

The researchers found that those who are most affected by the heat are those who already feel marginalized. These are the people who are rejected by society and the political system, as well as those who are representatives of national minorities, migrants, people from rural areas, etc.

"Given the climate change that's happening around the world and the temperature changes, we think this is an important area of research," said Robert Pickmans, co-author of the new paper and a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley.

The scientist said that, unlike other studies with small and limited sample sizes, the new study involved about 900 participants from Berkeley (USA) and 1,000 from Nairobi (Kenya).

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The volunteers were placed in two separate rooms, one of which was kept at 22 degrees Celsius and the other at 30 degrees Celsius. In these rooms, they were given a standard set of tests for decision-making and cognitive abilities, after which the scientists compared the data obtained, even though they had stopped making decisions, trusting their intuition.

It turned out that there were not many differences. In the hot room, people complained of drowsiness, but in general, their decision-making ability did not deteriorate.

But an interesting result was obtained during a task called "the joy of destruction." During this test, the participant was given the opportunity to erase part of the savings of another subject. At the same time, the person who did this was not promised any monetary or other reward. That is, as the scientist explained, the task was only related to the desire to release aggression.

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In most cases, the heat did not affect how people played the "joy of destruction" in Berkeley, but participants in the hot room in Nairobi were more ruthless.

Further research found that this effect was because the participants belonged to ethnic groups that were marginalized by the disputed elections that upended daily life in Kenya at the time.

Pickmans noted that the results of this game may show a link between temperature and political violence.

In the future, the scientists intend to conduct similar tests, but to increase the time spent by the participants in the experiment in the rooms, as well as to raise the temperature in the hot room above 30 degrees Celsius.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, scientists suggest that global warming could kill a billion people in 100 years.

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A mobilized Russian from Buryatia faked his own death to avoid returning to the war against Ukraine and to be with his wife, who threatened to commit suicide. He bought a fake death certificate, but the deception was discovered and a Russian military court sentenced him to five years in a maximum security prison for desertion.

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The case was reported by Russian media. According to the Telegram channel Baza, it is about a "mobik" named Zorigto Arabzhaiev.

In September 2022, his eldest son died in an accident, and in November the man was mobilized into the army of the aggressor country. His wife "constantly worried and talked about suicide," the channel writes.

On March 2, Arabzhaiev was granted a ten-day vacation, went home and never returned. At the end of April, the military police started looking for him.

When the security forces came to Arabzhayev's home, his younger son opened the door. He showed his father's death certificate, according to which Zorigto Arabzhaiev died on March 7, 2023.

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The security forces took a picture of the document and left.

After examining the "certificate," it turned out to be a fake. Arabzhaiev bought it from an unknown person to stay close to his wife and not worry about her life. On May 4, the security forces visited the family again and found Zorigto at home.

On November 2, the garrison military court in Ulan-Ude sentenced the "mobik" to five years in a maximum security prison for desertion.

As OBOZ.UA reported, the occupiers continue to complain about the difficult conditions of the "special operation". Messages about the problems of "mobiles" appear in chats of their relatives and comments under the posts of the governors.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A fake photo depicting a 'soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine' in a snowy trench has once again gone viral. In reality, this photo does not feature a Ukrainian defender.

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Moreover, the photo itself is over 10 years old, as reported by fact-checkers from the project 'The Other Side of the News.'

'Ukrainians pay the highest price in the war against Russia for their existence - with their health and lives. The conditions of service for our military may vary, but these are NOT Ukrainian soldiers in the photo. This photo is more than 10 years old,' the statement reads.

Similarly, photos allegedly showing Ukrainian soldiers sleeping in snowdrifts are circulating on social media. These posts are accompanied by a poem:

'Don't be happy that it's beautiful, like in a fairy tale,

The snow has fallen from the clouds,

Because there is someone in a trench, wearing a cold helmet,

Someone's husband or son is freezing...'

Fact-checkers noted that the debunked fake, refuted countless times, is circulating again on social media, and people are once again falling for it en masse.

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'This is a photo fake. Anything can happen in war, sometimes you have to sleep in the snow, but it's a shame when Russian occupiers are being passed off as Ukrainian defenders. These are not Ukrainian soldiers in the photo. These photos were taken before the Russian-Ukrainian war, at least ten years ago. They show the so-called Russian special forces training for survival,' they explained.

The author of the quoted poem, Yuliia Pospolita Levchenko, mistakenly illustrated it with photos of Russian occupiers. However, this was an unintentional mistake.

'I thought it was ours (the soldier - ed.). I wrote the poem because last year on this day the first snow fell. And then I searched for photos on Google using the words 'Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier, winter, snow,' and this photo came across my eyes,' she explained.

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Previously, this photo has been used to illustrate tearful Ukrainian poetry, posts raising funds for warm clothes for the Ukrainian military, patriotic posts in Georgia 'about the price of peace,' and even news from December 2014 about 'ATO soldiers sleeping in the trenches under a 'blanket' of snow.'

Last year, these photos were also shared on Facebook with the words: 'The price of a free Ukraine.'

'All of these are cyclical fakes, the survivability of which is enviable. Few lies, which are conscientiously refuted every year, continue to live on as if nothing had happened,' the fact-checkers added.

We would like to remind you that there is an online spread of news claiming that Ukrainian youth is allegedly emigrating to the Russian Federation 'in search of better living conditions.' This is an outright lie propagated by the terrorist state itself, which is also waging an information war against Ukraine.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, the aggressor country Russia has launched another fake against Ukraine, claiming that Zaluzhnyi and Budanov are 'preparing a coup.' The Russians attempted to disguise the fake news as foreign 'sources,' but they did so extremely poorly.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The film "The Palace" by Polish-French director Roman Polanski was edited in two minutes in Russian cinemas. The cuts were made due to the removal of jokes about Russians and an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is often criticized for his authoritarian style. Journalists who watched the original film at the Venice Film Festival noted these alterations.

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Scenes featuring the dictator's New Year's address, the ambassador's wife falling face-first into a plate of black caviar, and other instances where Russians were ridiculed were reportedly excised from the film. This information was reported by Russian media.

The Russian film distributor did not deny that the film was mysteriously edited before the screening. However, they did not specify which scenes were objected to by the Russian authorities.

The premiere in Russia occurred the day before, on November 23. The narrative of the film unfolds in a luxurious Swiss hotel on the eve of the New Year 2000 celebration, interweaving the destinies of the guests and the staff serving them.

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The main roles were played by actors from the United States (Mickey Rourke), France (Fanny Ardant), Germany (Oliver Masucci), Great Britain (John Cleese), and, surprisingly, Russia. Actor Alexander Petrov portrayed one of the characters in "The Palace."

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the Ukrainian State Film Agency named the highest-grossing Ukrainian films of the year, contributing significantly to the budget. Read more about successful films here.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall forfakes!
Dogs can recognize the difference between speech and gibberish and even distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar languages. This ability only grows with the age of the animals.

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According to the Daily mail, citing a study by scientists from the University of Eotvos Lorand (Hungary), dogs respond to familiar and unfamiliar speech in different parts of the brain. And while the familiar language is perceived by the auditory cortex, the secondary auditory cortex is responsible for the perception of unfamiliar speech.

The scientists made their conclusions based on a study of the brains of eighteen dogs that were given excerpts from books in Hungarian and Spanish, as well as gibberish in them.

One of the authors of the study, Mexican Laura Cuaya , explained that she moved from her home country to Hungary a few years ago for work. She decided to take her dog Kun-kun with her.

"I used to speak only Spanish with my dog. So I was wondering if Kun-kun had noticed that people in Budapest spoke another language. This was the reason for the study," said Kouai.

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To find out how well dogs can distinguish between languages, experts scanned the animals' brains using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). At this time, the dogs were played excerpts from the 1943 children's book The Little Prince, written in Hungarian and Spanish. They were also played "encrypted versions of these passages that sounded completely unnatural to see if the dogs could detect the difference between language and non-language."

The researchers found that the brain activity of dogs while listening to gibberish manifests itself differently, regardless of whether it was said in a familiar language or not.

"The dog brain, like the human brain, can distinguish between language and non-language. However, the mechanism is somewhat different than in humans," the study says.

The team also found that dogs can distinguish between familiar and foreign languages, and older dogs do it better than younger ones.

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"Our results show that dogs pick up auditory patterns in the language they encounter while living with people," said Quaye.

She emphasized that this study is the first to show that the non-human brain can distinguish between two languages.

Scientists have suggested that perhaps the dogs' ability to distinguish between languages was acquired in the course of evolution, during the time when humans and dogs lived together. The experts intend to continue the research.
Polish activists blocked all 4 checkpoints for trucks weighing more than 7.5 tons. A queue of thousands of trucks has formed at the border, and the situation is only getting worse. Farmers joined the protesting carriers, and the action was extended until February 1.

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Local farmers led by the Deceived Village Association joined the protest of Polish carriers at the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint. According to Danylo Hetmantsev, MP from the Servant of the People party, they are blocking truck traffic from both directions, constantly moving across the pedestrian crossing.

The MP emphasized that the current transportation rules were adopted at the level of the European Union and are binding on all its member states. That includes the rules of customs policy. Therefore, this is "not a matter for Poland, Slovakia or any other country."

The second fatality was recorded on the Ukrainian-Polish border. The driver of a car with Kharkiv license plates died. According to the vice president of the Association of International Road Carriers of Ukraine, Volodymyr Balin, the driver died in a parking lot in Korczowa.

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At the same time, the Ukrainian side is seeking negotiations with the participation of Poland and the EU. The losses of the carriers are only part of Ukraine's economic losses. As Iryna Kosse, a research fellow at the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, explained to OBOZ.UA, the losses of the entire Ukrainian economy are much higher, given the failure of companies to fulfill contracts and the suspension of production. Poland also has problems and they are proportional to those of Ukraine. "Polish business will also suffer losses from this blockade. And these losses may be comparable to the Ukrainian ones," the expert noted.

Meanwhile, the strike is only gaining momentum: as of November 24, a queue of thousands of trucks has formed at the border, and four checkpoints have been blocked: Yahodyn-Dorohusk, Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne, Krakovets-Korczowa, and Medyka-Shehyni. Ukraine plans to hold talks with Poland and the European Commission this week to unblock the Ukrainian-Polish border, where "Polish carriers" are rallying.

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Who is behind it

Ukrainian carriers claim that only one association of Polish carriers, which had previously been actively working with Russia, supported the border blockade. It was politically represented by Polish politician Rafa Mekler. His party has a small representation in the Sejm. He represents the far right, which is against Poland's integration into the EU and in favor of limiting ties with Ukraine. However, the far-right does not enjoy much support in Poland (it has only 6 seats out of 460 in the parliament).

Mekler represents the far-right party Ruch Narodowy. He actively spreads Russian propaganda fakes about Ukraine, telling his voters about "Banderites." A few days after the outbreak of a full-scale war and the influx of Ukrainian refugees into Poland, he declared the "need to preserve the ethnic system."

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According to Mykola Solskyi, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the situation is complicated by the specific demands of the strikers. It is "difficult to find any solid arguments that would please them".

As reported by OBOZ.UA, due to the blockade of the border by the Polish far-right, Ukraine's economy is suffering significant losses, in particular, due to a decrease in the number of goods imported into the country. However, there is no need to talk about a critical decline in imports and an impending shortage of certain items as businesses are actively looking for other ways to import goods or offer Ukrainians affordable alternatives.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Russian blogger Valentina Karnaukhova (known as Valia Carnival) complained about "Russophobia". The woman was outraged that she had paid a lot of money for a vacation in the Maldives, but was met with contempt.

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The Russian woman ranted about her "problem" in a YouTube blog. She did not say anything about why many foreigners have a negative attitude towards Russia (to watch the video, scroll to the end).

Karnaukhova, 21, said that one of the waiters approached her in a restaurant, saying that she was "very beautiful."

"I said: "Thank you very much". To which I receive a question in English: "Where are you from?". I said: "Russia". He looked at me as if he wanted to take it back and said: "I don't like Russia" I asked: "Why?" He said:"Europe is Europe, Russia is Russia. I don't like Russia," the blogger said.

Valia Carnival admitted that this was not the first time, similar situations have happened to her "repeatedly".

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"When you go on vacation, where you pay fabulous money, and the staff can 'insult' your homeland, your home... I think it's strange," the Russian woman cried.

She believes that the opponents of the Russian Federation need to "adhere to at least some minimal ethics" and "keep their opinions to themselves."

"To be honest, my vibe has gone bad. I want to go back to the last island, they didn't say such things there," the blogger cried.

As OBOZREVATEL previously wrote, Feodosia in the temporarily occupied Crimea has a special offer for vacationers - a paid opportunity to lie in the shade. The Russians who came to the resort were outraged that a vacation in Turkey would cost them less.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
On Wednesday, January 19,2022, French actor and model Gaspard Ulliel died in an accident at a ski resort in the Alps. His life was cut short at the age of 37. The star's last work was the Marvel series Moon Knight, which was broadcasted on Disney Plus in March 2022.

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The celebrity started his career in movies in 1999 when he was 15. Gaspard managed to star in almost 40 projects - films and TV series. Read the OBOZREVATEL article about the best films with Uliel in them, which are worth watching.

1. "Hannibal: Hannibal Rising (2007)

The movie is based on the book of the same name by Thomas Harris. It tells the story of Lecter's evolution from a Nazi hunter to a cannibalistic serial killer. Uhlel played the main role. His character had to go through a difficult journey that awakened his animal instincts and cruelty. Find out what tragic stories changed Hannibal.

2. "Saint Laurent. The Passion of the Great Couturier" ("Saint Laurent", 2014)

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In this movie, Gaspard plays the main role of Yves Saint Laurent. It tells the story of the period when the legendary fashion designer had a significant impact on haute couture. Yves knew that the time would come when the world would look at clothes through his eyes.

The character of Yves often changed in character: he was cruel and sometimes gentle. His face would occasionally express emotions that were difficult to identify: boredom or admiration. By the way, all the sketches in the movie were created by Gaspard himself.

3. "A Very Long Engagement (2004)

Gaspard's first and most successful role was in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's A Very Long Engagement. It tells the story of the First World War. Five soldiers are being led to execution. To do this, they are left on the territory between the French and German troops, where there is almost no chance of rescue. Manek (Gaspard) is among these unfortunates. His fiancee learns from a mutual acquaintance that one of the soldiers has survived. She hires a detective to solve the case.

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4. "Juste la fin du monde (2016)

Louis (Gaspard) hasn't been home for 12 years because he's been doing everything he can to become a successful playwright. The man managed to realize himself. Then the hero returns to his family to tell them the bad news - he is terminally ill. The reaction of the family surprised Louis: everyone began to switch to their own affairs, and they did not pay attention to the main character of the film. He felt lonely and broken when he was with his family.

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5. "On the Edge of the World (Les confins du monde, 2018)

The first Indochinese War. Robert (Gaspard) is the only French soldier who managed to survive the fierce battle. His brother dies in front of him. The man decides to find the killers and take revenge on them. Suddenly, a person appears in his life, whose acquaintance gives rise to doubts about his intentions.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about the details of Gaspard Ulliel's death. The movie star was skiing without a helmet, which later led to his death.
Since the beginning of the large-scale war, Ukraine and Russia have conducted nearly 50 prisoner exchanges. More than 2,500 citizens held by the Russian invaders have returned home.

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Since the end of summer, Russia has effectively frozen the process of exchanging prisoners of war. However, the negotiations are continuing, said Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, on the air of Yedyni Novyny.

He emphasized that the Ukrainian side is making every effort to return the defenders captured by the enemy.

"More than 2.5 thousand Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity and almost 50 exchanges have taken place, and the work on this is ongoing," the DIU official emphasized. He noted that human life is much more valuable for Ukraine than for Russia.

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"We state the fact that despite the recent public statements by [Sergei] Shoigu and other officials of the aggressor state that it is important for them to return the prisoners, they are not making any real efforts to do so. Nevertheless, the negotiations have not stopped all this time and are ongoing, and we are counting on the result, preparing for it in accordance with international law and actively replenishing the exchange fund," Yusov said.

The DIU did not disclose data on how many Ukrainians may be in Russian captivity. However, Yusov pointed out that Ukraine continues to work on registers.

"Independently of public information, the register of the National Information Bureau is working, which collects data on both prisoners of war and civilian prisoners held by the Russians," the military intelligence representative reminded.

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As OBOZ.UA wrote:

- The Ministry of Reintegration previously stated that more than 2,300 Ukrainians are still in Russian captivity.

- As of November, more than 250 occupants voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian captivity through the "I Want to Live" project.

- The head of the press service of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Petro Yatsenko, noted that the aggressor country has now effectively frozen exchanges. The last one took place in August 2023. 22 servicemen returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine at that time.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The head of the US Department of Defense, Lloyd Austin, speaks about the absence of a "magic wand" to resolve the war in Ukraine, particularly emphasizing that modern Western weapons cannot be considered such a "wand," and "somewhat underestimates" the situation. In reality, the secret behind the Ukrainian army's success is quite simple.

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This viewpoint was expressed by military expert Vladyslav Seleznov in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA. "The fact is that there is a 'magic wand' on the battlefield. This was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Zaluzhnyi. This 'wand' is the systematic, full, and timely provision of the Ukrainian army's needs to fulfill the missions it is entrusted with," he said.

Selezniov is convinced that with F-16 fighters and ATACMS missiles, the Ukrainian Defense Forces would have demonstrated much greater success on the battlefield. He also drew attention to the amount of the latest US military aid package to Ukraine, totaling $100 million, which is a multiple of previous packages.

"These figures are incomparable with the level and intensity of the fighting," he emphasized.

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"The intensity of combat operations involves the use of a huge amount of artillery ammunition, but in the military-technical assistance package, we will receive one - I emphasize one! - HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. Accordingly, we will receive missiles for it. Can a single MLRS system seriously change the situation on the battlefield, given that the front is 1450 kilometers long? The answer is obvious. No," the expert said.

He also suggested that Austin's ambiguous statement about the absence of a "magic wand" was directed at "an unknown audience that covers other non-public negotiations."

As previously reported by OBOZ.UA, on November 20, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin paid an official visit to Kyiv. During this visit, he made several statements, including one about a "magic wand" to end the war in Ukraine, assuring that no such thing exists.
The occupants once again tried to encircle Avdiivka but failed. Meanwhile, the Defense Forces are holding their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River and conducting counter-battery combat in the Kherson direction.

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This is stated in the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 06.00 on November 24. 64 cases of military clashes took place on the frontline over the past day.

The enemy launched 2 missile strikes and 42 air attacks and fired more than 53 times from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of our troops and local settlements. These terrorist attacks resulted in loss of life and injuries among the civilian population. Private houses and other civilian infrastructure were either destroyed or damaged.

The enemy attacked Ukraine again at night, using 2 X-59 guided missiles and 3 Shahed-136/131 attack drones. All the attack drones were destroyed by Ukrainian air defense forces.

The airstrikes targeted the following settlements: Kostobobriv in the Chernihiv region; Oleksandriia in the Sumy region; Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Kupiansk, Kurylivka, Ivanivka in the Kharkiv region; Stelmakhivka, Serebryanske forestry in the Luhansk region; Spirne, Chasiv Yar, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, Toretsk, Avdiivka, Marinka, Novomykhailivka, Vodiane, Urozhaine in the Donetsk region.

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More than 120 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kherson regions were shelled with artillery.

The situation in the area of responsibility of the North operational and strategic grouping of troops in the Volyn and Polissia directions has not changed significantly.

The enemy continues to maintain a military presence in the border areas in the Siversk and Slobozhansk directions, as well as actively conducts sabotage operations to prevent the movement of our troops to key areas and lays minefields along the state border in the Belgorod region.

Enemy forces conducted assault operations In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia operational and strategic grouping of troops in the vicinity of Synkivka in the Kupiansk direction with air support, where the Defense Forces repelled three attacks.

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The enemy did not conduct any offensive operations in the Lyman direction.

The enemy tried to launch assault operations near Klishchiivka and Andriivka in the Donetsk region in the Bakhmut direction but our defenders repelled 11 attacks. Ukrainian forces continue their offensive south of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment, as well as holding their positions.

The enemy tried to surround Avdiivka in the area of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops in the Avdiivka direction with the support of aviation but our soldiers are steadfastly defending and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. The enemy's offensive actions east of Novokalynove, Avdiivka and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region were unsuccessful, where the Defense Forces repelled 20 attacks.

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Ukrainian troops repelled 14 enemy attacks in the areas of Marinka, Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region in the Marinka direction.

The enemy made unsuccessful attempts to storm positions in the southwestern direction near Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region in the Shakhtarsk direction.

The enemy tried to attack west of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia direction but was unsuccessful.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces continued their offensive in the Melitopol direction, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment, as well as depleting the enemy along the entire front.

The Odesa operational and strategic grouping of troops holds its positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson direction, conducting counter-battery combat and striking at the rear of the enemy forces.

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The defense forces conducted air strikes on 11 areas where enemy troops were concentrated with personnel, weapons and military equipment.

Missile units struck at 3 areas where personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated, and also destroyed a command post, an ammunition depot, an air defense facility and 4 enemy artillery pieces.

Earlier it was reported that Ukraine's air defense forces repelled another Russian air attack with Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones on the night of November 24. The defenders shot down all three UAVs in the sky over different regions.

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Germany predicts that the coming winter could be very difficult for Ukraine due to Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure. The German government helped Ukraine to defend itself against future attacks by providing 4 IRIS-T systems.

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Also in winter, Germany will deploy another Patriot system in Ukraine. This was stated by German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger in an interview with Ukrinform.

According to the diplomat, Germany shares Ukraine's concerns, which were formulated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who said that our country is currently preparing for the "worst winter in history."

"The situation in the winter may become very difficult. The Ukrainian side has done everything possible to prepare for this situation, and we have helped with the preparations.... Currently, 4 IRIS-T systems delivered from Germany are already in place. During his visit, the Minister announced that we will supply additional systems in the coming years... In addition to the mentioned IRIS-T systems, another Patriot system from Germany will be deployed here in the winter," Jaeger said.

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He also noted that Germany has allocated funds to help prepare the Ukrainian power grid for winter.

"We supplied many generators and provided other support. Thus, we managed to make a significant impact on the situation. In both years, we paid a total of EUR 200 million to the Energy Support Fund, making us the largest contributor. The total amount of support last winter, including generators, amounted to 260 million euros, and for this year, for this winter, our support will reach about 300 million euros," said the German Ambassador to Ukraine, answering a journalist's question.

Earlier, German Vice Chancellor, Minister of Economy and Energy Robert Habeck assured that Germany would continue to support Ukraine with weapons, money, and reconstruction.

On November 21, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Ukraine. While in Kyiv, he announced a new 1.3 billion package of military aid to Kyiv, which will include, among other things, four IRIS-T systems, 20,000 155 mm shells, and anti-tank mines. Germany will not be transferring Taurus missiles to Ukraine yet.

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In the communities of Kherson region temporarily occupied by the Russian invaders, the invaders are demolishing monuments to the Holodomor victims. The Holodomor Museum called on law enforcement agencies to investigate these cynical crimes and identify all those involved in the destruction of the monuments.

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This was reported by the co-founder of the NGO "Decolonization. Ukraine" co-founder Vadym Pozdniakov said. The Museum's statement was published on its official website.

"In the Kherson region, freaks are demolishing monuments to the victims of the Holodomor. And we still have "fools " that complains about monuments to Pushkin, Shchors, and Soviet soldiers," he said.

Local resident Yulia Smirnova clarified that the first monument to be demolished in the temporarily occupied Kalanchak was a monument to the ATO soldiers, followed by a monument to the Holodomor victims and finally a monument to the poet Taras Shevchenko.

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The press service of the Holodomor Museum clarified that the occupiers explain their actions by saying that the memorials to the Holodomor victims are just a tool for manipulating history, "artificially created to incite hatred towards Russia."

They emphasized that the denial of the Holodomor has long been a part of the historical policy of modern Russia. Manipulating public opinion about the communist past is an important tool for the Russian authorities to attract new supporters of the anti-Western political course of the Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin.

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In addition, the deliberate silencing and distortion of the Holodomor serves as one of the tools of the information war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. At the same time, over the past decade, Russia has seen the moral rehabilitation of Joseph Stalin, to whom more than a hundred monuments have been erected in Russia.

"Such a policy of denying Stalin's crimes, in particular the Holodomor-genocide of Ukrainians in 1932-1933, mocking the memory of the victims, distorting historical facts, eventually led to open armed aggression against Ukraine, accompanied by numerous killings and violence against Ukrainian civilians," the Museum representatives believe.

They said they were outraged by the actions of the occupiers. The museum also appealed to law enforcement agencies to investigate these cynical crimes and identify all those involved in the destruction of the monuments.

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"We sincerely hope for a fair punishment for the participants in these acts of outrage against the memory of millions of Holodomor victims," they summarized.

As a reminder, Russian occupation forces, fleeing from the temporarily occupied Kherson, stole street monuments. We are talking about the monument to Alexander Suvorov and Fyodor Ushakov.

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Another air attack by Russia using Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones was successfully repelled by Ukrainian air defense forces on the night of November 24. The defenders shot down all three UAVs in the sky over different regions.

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Simultaneously, the enemy also employed airstrikes, as reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the military, the invaders launched three Shaheds and two X-59 guided missiles at Ukraine during the night.

The Air Force added that the Russian kamikaze drones were approaching Ukraine from the southeast.

"All three were destroyed by the Air Defence Forces. Together - to victory!" the statement said.

In particular, the defenders shot down one enemy drone in the sky over the Mykolaiv region last night, as reported by the UIA.

It is also known that during the air alert, air defense forces were in operation in the Khmelnytsky district. No information on casualties, property damage, or fires resulting from the wreckage of the attack UAVs was reported to local services.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of November 22, air defense forces shot down all 14 Shahed drones. The occupiers also launched an X-22 cruise missile, but it did not reach its target, falling in the open in the Zaporizhzhia region.

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Russia has once again complained of an alleged attack by "Ukrainian" drones on the temporarily occupied Crimea. At the same time, they traditionally boasted of the "successful" downing of all targets. They reported as many as 16.

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According to the invaders, the drones were flying not only over the peninsula but also in the territory of the Russian Federation. This information was shared by the aggressor country's Ministry of Defense.

It should be noted that on Friday night, residents of Dzhankoi complained about the explosions. Some of the occupiers' supporters claimed that "air defense systems were working," while others reported seven hits.

However, the Russian Defense Ministry assured that there were no strikes and that the nighttime explosions were the result of "the intention of the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack" on Russian targets using UAVs.

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Russian air defense allegedly "shot down" 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula and three more over the territory of the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation.

As usual, the occupiers claimed that everything went off "without casualties, injuries, or any damage."

As OBOZ.UA reported, it took Russia ten days to recognize the death of Ensign Denis Nikitin as a result of a drone strike in Crimea on November 10 when Ukrainian intelligence officers sent two small landing ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet to the bottom. Earlier, the occupiers reported that they had successfully repelled that attack.

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On Friday, November 24, Russian occupation forces once again targeted the Kherson region. In Beryslav, Russian troops dropped explosives from a drone on a civilian.

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The man was subsequently taken to the hospital, as reported by the press service of the Kherson Regional Military Administration.

"The attack on a resident of Beryslav from a drone by the Russians was stated in the announcement."

It is noted that the assault occurred in the morning. At that moment, the 45-year-old man was returning home from the store when the Russian army dropped an explosive device on him from a drone.

As a result of another war crime by the Russian Federation, the victim was diagnosed with an explosive injury, a leg injury, and a broken arm. He was transported to the hospital for medical care.

We would like to add that on the afternoon of November 23, the occupiers resumed shelling in the Kherson region. They targeted Beryslav with attack drones, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man who was riding a bicycle on the street.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, the adversary attacked a high-rise building in Kherson, causing a fire in which one person died.

"As soon as the rescuers began to extinguish the fire, the enemy opened fire again. Despite the danger, the rescuers managed to extinguish the fire," stated the State Emergency Service of Ukraine officials.
The Russian occupiers could have accumulated up to 900 long-range precision missiles on the eve of winter. It is likely that terrorists could use them to attack Ukraine.

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This was reported by Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on the air of the telethon of the United News. He drew attention to the fact that for several months there has been no such shelling as there was in the summer.

"If you summarize, more than 100 rockets were used each summer month. In the fall months that have already passed, there have been no such intense missile attacks. We see more X-59s and X-31s. But there are also "Iskander-M" and "Iskander-K"," the spokesman said.

According to him, in the fall, the occupiers used several dozen missiles per month for attacks. In this regard, Russia could have accumulated up to 900 long-range precision missiles.

"Russia's GUR announced its capabilities. They can produce 100 missiles a month. Therefore, we can make a certain mathematical conclusion that 870 or maybe even 900 (missiles - ed.). This is the number of high-precision long-range missiles, in addition to aircraft missiles (X-59, X-31, X-35), as well as Onyx, S-300 missiles. We are talking only about long-range missiles," Ihnat explained.

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Earlier, a representative of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, said that Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure could take place in winter, but it is possible that there will be fewer of them than last year. The Russian army is still stockpiling missiles for future attacks on Ukrainian cities.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ihnat, warned that since the enemy at this stage of the war mostly resorts to single missile strikes, Russia is probably stockpiling weapons for future large-scale attacks.

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Ukraine retains a clear advantage in artillery warfare with Russia, whose troops were more numerous and better equipped at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. But despite all the alleged modernization, the Russian "gods of war" have become much weaker against the systems now available to the Defense Forces.

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Ukrainian artillery and UAV groups are hunting for large-caliber weapons, as well as the occupiers' multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), which perform a similar function at shorter distances. So today, the artillery of the Russian army is being depleted, according to the Newsweek article.

Analysts noted that from September to November 2023, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 2272 artillery systems and 167 enemy MLRS. For the same period in 2022, this figure was 789 and 108, respectively.

"This is a really big problem for the Russians. This is not just a cliche, this is not Ukrainian "propaganda". Over the past five months, Russia has been very active in using old-style artillery. Not of the late Soviet era, but of the mid-50s and 60s - artillery such as towed howitzers D30 and D20 with a maximum range of 15-18 km," commented Ivan Stupak, a former SBU officer and now an advisor to the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence.

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According to him, this is a very short distance, for example, compared to the Swedish Archer self-propelled artillery system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which has a range of 30-60 km, depending on the projectile. Stupak emphasized that Russian artillery stocks are completely exhausted, and the occupiers are using existing systems "because they have no other choice."

The publication noted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is transforming the country's economy into a military-based one, but increasing the production of spare parts for artillery is a difficult task and partly depends on Western technology, to which Moscow currently has limited access.

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Newsweek said that the Kremlin's problem is only becoming more urgent as advanced Western munitions arrive in Ukraine. It said that the summer and fall increase in the number of reportedly destroyed Russian artillery systems coincided with the arrival of cluster munitions in the Ukrainian armed forces.

"Now Ukraine also has long-range cluster munitions of the MGM-140 missile system, known as ATACMS, launched by HIMARS. Ukrainian artillerymen are aided by increasingly sophisticated counter-battery radars, which are used to quickly detect firing Russian guns," analysts say.

This opinion is shared by American combat veteran Dan Rice, who was previously a special adviser to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny. He noted that the Ukrainians now have "firepower" over the Russians, as well as more advanced and effective weapons systems.

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"The full-scale deployment of cluster artillery shells and missiles has entered a new phase of the war. That is why Putin is offering 'peace talks' and calling it a 'tragedy'. Now Moscow is forced to deal with deep strikes against large concentrations of its troops and any artillery or MLRS," Rice said.

Instead, experts agree that both sides will need much more ammunition to continue the war.

"Kyiv has a lot of problems with the delivery of artillery shells from European countries... We were promised about 1 million shells, but so far we have only about 300,000. Russia has a million shells from North Korea and Iran, and it is trying to buy them in different countries where it used to supply them," stated former SBU officer Ivan Stupak.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, in October 2023, Ukraine's defenders eliminated almost 23 thousand Russian occupiers. They also destroyed about 3.5 thousand weapons and equipment of the Russian Armed Forces, including a record number of tanks.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
This year's winter in Ukraine is expected to be milder than last year's. Ukraine has prepared for it, and Russia no longer has as many resources as it did at the beginning of a large-scale war.

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However, it is too early for Ukrainians to relax. This was stated by Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, on the Kyiv24 TV channel.

He noted that this is the second winter for Ukrainians in a full-scale war. In this regard, Ukraine already has experience, and this year it has been better prepared.

Pletenchuk clarified that, in addition to infrastructure, the threat response system has also been prepared.

He also pointed out that Putin's army no longer possesses the resources it had at the beginning of the full-scale war. This includes a shift in tactics for utilizing these resources.

"This winter should be easier for us than the last one," the spokesman emphasized.

At the same time, he urged Ukrainians not to relax and not to ignore the alarms.

"But we should not relax; we should not ignore the air alerts. The missile threat is serious. And when discussing Kalibr missiles, the Russians have a logistical gap. They redeployed their ships to Novorossiysk, while the missiles remained in Sevastopol," Pletenchuk added.

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Earlier, a representative of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Andrii Yusov, stated that Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure could occur in winter, but there may be fewer than last year. The Russian army is still accumulating missiles for future attacks on Ukrainian cities.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat, warned that, at this stage of the war, the enemy mostly relies on single missile strikes, suggesting that Russia is likely stockpiling weapons for future large-scale attacks.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On Monday, November 27, President of the European Council Charles Michel will undertake an official visit to Hungary. In Budapest, he will engage in a bilateral meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

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This information was provided by Catherine Kasinje, the spokesperson for the President of the European Council. The visit occurred amidst the Hungarian Prime Minister's obstruction of EU assistance to Ukraine.

"On Monday, President of the European Council Charles Michel will journey to Hungary for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orban in anticipation of the European Council meeting," stated the release.

This visit follows information about a letter sent by Orban to Michel. In the letter, the Hungarian Prime Minister issued a threat to block all EU assistance to Ukraine and impede the country's accession to the European Union unless the leaders of the association reconsider their strategy in supporting Kyiv.

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According to Orban, no decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine, the commencement of negotiations for its EU accession, or the imposition of further sanctions against Russia should be made until this "strategic discussion" among EU leaders takes place at their meeting in Brussels in mid-December.

In his letter, Orban questioned why Europe should continue supporting Ukraine, especially when the United States, the primary provider of military aid to Kyiv, might face challenges in sustaining funding due to uncertainties over future support.

Orban hinted that Budapest might exercise its veto power to obstruct the disbursement of the planned 50 billion in aid to Ukraine, crucial funds required for the Ukrainian government as its Armed Forces resist the Russian invaders.

In addition to the 50 billion, Orban is threatening to block the planned 500 million in military aid to Ukraine.

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Previously, Orban stated his intention to prevent the commencement of negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession, dismissing Brussels' commitment to initiate them as a mistake.
After blocking Estonia's Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe chairmanship in 2024 , Russia prevented an alternative vote in which Malta was to be elected as the chairing state. At the same time, Russia also blocked the election of four top officials of the organization, including the secretary general.

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This was reported by Radio Liberty's Brussels correspondent Rickard Jozwiak. According to him, the Russians are demanding that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov be present at the OSCE ministerial meeting in North Macedonia next week to make the final decision.

According to the journalist, Russia has once again resorted to blackmail, taking advantage of the fact that all decisions in the OSCE are made by consensus, and blocked the election of Malta as the organization's presiding state in 2024.

"Russia has already blocked Estonia's OSCE chairmanship in 2024. Now it does not agree to an alternative vote for Malta's chairmanship and four top positions in the organization as a package (including the Secretary General)," Jozwiak wrote.

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Currently, the Russian delegation is demanding that the Russian foreign minister be received at the OSCE ministerial meeting that begins on November 30.

"They want Lavrov to be received in North Macedonia next week during the OSCE ministerial meeting to make a final decision," the journalist emphasized.

Earlier, Lavrov complained that he could not attend the meeting of OSCE foreign ministers in Skopje, North Macedonia. He even sent a letter to the government of this country, which currently holds the OSCE chairmanship, demanding that it "ensure his presence in Skopje."

However, North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani emphasized that the country's airspace is closed to Russian aircraft, so "there are several problems with this demand."

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On Friday, November 24, eight Ukrainian citizens were taken out of the Gaza Strip to Egypt. Another 26 of our compatriots were taken to Moldova on a chartered plane from Egypt.

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This was stated by the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko, in a comment to OBOZ.UA. He said, that 259 people in total have been evacuated from Gaza.

"During this day, 8 Ukrainian citizens have been evacuated from Gaza to Egypt, and 26 citizens have been taken by charter flight from Egypt to Moldova. Our diplomats assisted them in moving to Ukraine. In total, during the first stage of evacuation, Ukraine managed to evacuate 259 people from Gaza," the diplomat noted.

Nikolenko also added that Egypt, Israel, Qatar and other partners helped to organize the evacuation of Ukrainians from Gaza, for which Ukraine is very grateful.

"The efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to help citizens in the Gaza Strip are under the special control of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba," Nikolenko added.
World leaders take center stage at UN climate talks in Dubai on Friday, under pressure to step up efforts to limit global warming as the Israeli war on Gaza casts a shadow over the summit.
US President Joe Biden affirmed the United States firm rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Egyptian territories in a telephone call with Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi Wednesday evening.

According to the White Houses readout of the telephone call, Biden spoke with El-Sisi of Egypt to express his appreciation for Egypts efforts to reach the deal for the release of captives held by Hamas together with a humanitarian pause in Gaza.

The White House already issued a statement earlier that President Biden had thanked Egyptian President El-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday for their "critical leadership and partnership" in reaching a deal to secure the release of captives in Gaza.

The President reiterated that under no circumstances will the United States permit the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, or the besiegement of Gaza, or the redrawing of the borders of Gaza, the White House said in its statement.

According to the Egyptian Presidency, El-Sisi reiterated in the telephone call from the US President Egypt's efforts as part of its commitment to preventing bloodshed and achieving stability in the region.

He emphasized the need to build on the current humanitarian ceasefire to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensuring the delivery of required relief aid and fuel to all areas of the Gaza Strip.

Both presidents highlighted the importance of working towards a political solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution.

The White House stated that under no circumstances can Gaza remain a sanctuary for Hamas where they can threaten Israel and Palestinians alike and imperil any pathway to a durable peace.

The two leaders also discussed coordination to further surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

They agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days as the deal to release captives is fully implemented, according to the statement.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said the deportation of Palestinians is a red line for Egypt, and it will not be permitted.

"We strongly oppose the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan," said El-Sisi.

These remarks were made during a speech the Egyptian president delivered before thousands of Egyptians at an event in support of Palestine held at Cairo International Stadium.

The Egyptian president added that the Palestinian issue faces an extremely dangerous and sensitive curve amid an unpredictable and inhumane escalation.

This escalation adopts collective punishment and commits massacres as a means to impose a reality on the ground, leading to the liquidation of the issue, the deportation of the people, and the seizure of land, El-Sisi said, adding that stray bullets have not differentiated between a child, a woman, or an elder.

The machinery of senseless killing spins without guidance or conscience, becoming a disgrace on the forehead of all of humanity, he said.

El-Sisi revealed that a crisis management cell had been formed the instant the Israeli war on Gaza broke out.

This cell, he said, was composed of all the relevant state institutions and worked actively around the clock.

We have made a firm and irrevocable decision that reflects Egypt's commitment as a country and a people to stand at the forefront of supporters of our brothers in Palestine, the Egyptian president said.

Egypt, he said, has made enormous sacrifices for the Palestinian cause, and Egyptian blood has for seven decades been mingled with that of the Palestinians.

History and geography dictate that Egypt remains the foundation in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian brothers, El-Sisi said.

Furthermore, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's firm and decisive rejection of plans to forcibly deport the Palestinians in either Gaza or the West Bank to Egypt and Jordan.

He also stressed that Egypt stands firmly against any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian issue or harm Egyptian national security.

Here, I express gratitude to the countries worldwide, particularly the United States, which affirmed its support for the Egyptian position and rejected any attempts in this regard, El-Sisi said.

Moreover, El-Sisi recounted Egypts efforts to prevent the escalation of this war on all levels.

He said that on the political level, Egypt held the first international summit in Cairo, in which several countries convened to secure international approval for ending this conflict and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In addition, Egypt participated actively in the Arab-Islamic summit, whose outcomes aligned with the general Egyptian stance, El-Sisi said.

These Egyptian efforts coincided with the Egyptian state's unrelenting and intensified contacts with regional and international leaders and officials, he added.

On the humanitarian level, the Egyptian president spoke about the significance of Egypt's decision to keep the Rafah border crossing open for food, medical aid, fuel, and for receiving the wounded and injured.

The aid provided by the Egyptian state to the Gaza Strip amounted to around 12,000 tons, transported by 1,300 trucks.

The state contributed 8,400 tons through the Egyptian Red Crescent, the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, and the Long Live Egypt Fund, accounting for 70 percent of the total aid, El-Sisi affirmed.

Egypt, in collaboration with the United States and our brothers in Qatar, successfully reached a four-day humanitarian ceasefire agreement, which could be extended," he said.

He added that he hoped the ceasefire would commence in the coming days without delay.

A new humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi affirmed that the Egyptian state has never closed the Rafah border crossing.

He also gave the green light to launch the latest and biggest humanitarian aid convoy from Cairo to Gaza.

Furthermore, El-Sisi reaffirmed that Egypt has never closed the Rafah border crossing at any point.

"I am accentuating this point to dispel any misconceptions. We have no intention or plans whatsoever to close the crossing. The crossing shall remain constantly open, and we have prepared for such a scenario."

The Egyptian president further noted that some channels have misrepresented the facts and that the Rafah crossing has never been closed.

He also highlighted that additional preparations were underway on the other side of the crossing to allow the entry of "assistance."

The responsibility is not ours alone. You must be aware of this, El-Sisi added.

The Egyptian president noted that as a country that adheres to international law, Egypt has to apply measures to facilitate the entry of aid, stressing that Egypt will not escalate the situation further to prevent any interference with its responsibilities.

I say to all Egyptians and people worldwide that the Rafah crossing has never been closed and will never be closed to aid entering the Gaza Strip," he said, adding that the crossing was shelled four times by the Israeli forces from the Palestinian side.

It was crucial for us to preserve the lives of people transporting aid and to be cautious about the procedures, El-Sisi said, adding that Egypt ultimately wants the aid to reach its destination safely.

In addition, upon his arrival at Cairo Stadium for the "Long Live Egypt-Palestine" event, the Egyptian president said, "Before the events of October 7, approximately 500 trucks used to enter daily. When faced with a significant crisis, it is not in our nature or principles to shut down the crossing."

He added that all Egyptians, whether through organizations or initiatives like the Presidential initiative Hayah Karima (Decent Life), have participated in alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Despite our challenging circumstances, I want to tell you that the volume of aid, compared to what was brought in during the past few days, is 75-80 percent of what the whole world contributed, El-Sisi said, adding that he was not trying to boast but to convey how Egypt acted responsibly and how it promptly provided aid to the people in Gaza.

In conclusion, President El-Sisi expressed gratitude to all those involved in preparing aid for the people of Palestine, particularly the Egyptian people, regardless of class or any differences, and civil society organizations.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called on the international community to recognize the Palestinian State and admit it to the United Nations, during a press conference with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium on Friday.

Sisi said that the revival of the two-state solution idea over 30 years hasn't yielded significant progress.

"There is a need for a different approach, one that involves the international community's recognition of a Palestinian state and its entry into the United Nations," he added.

The State of Palestine attained recognition as an observer state of the United Nations General Assembly in November 2012.

"The only solution to the Palestinian issue," as explained by El-Sisi, is "the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, within the borders of 4 June (1967), with East Jerusalem as its capital."

El-Sisi expressed readiness to accept a demilitarized Palestinian state, potentially with the presence of international forceswhether from NATO, the United Nations, or American or Arab forcesto guarantee security for both the Palestinian and Israeli states.

 :              #__2024#__#_ pic.twitter.com/NNUHpD5u91  ON (@ONTVEgy) November 24, 2023

Regarding Egypt's stance on Palestinians' displacement from Gaza, El-Sisi adamantly reiterated, "We will not permit the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip."

He emphasized, "I sensed a genuine and real understanding by the international community on our rejection of the displacement issue."

The Egyptian president, whose country brokered a ceasefire in Gaza alongside Qatar and the United States, voiced his hope for the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of continuous humanitarian aid to the strip.

El-Sisi detailed that his tripartite discussions with the Prime Ministers of Belgium and Spain focused on the provision of adequate aid to Gazans and the establishment of safe zones across the Strip.

The President also explained how Egypt has helped citizens from over 30 countries exit the Gaza Strip, contributing significantly to regional stability.

He proudly declared, "Cairo has provided 70 percent of the aid that entered the Gaza Strip, underscoring the nation's substantial role in supporting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians."

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the continuous operation of the Rafah border crossing for the delivery of aid. "Rafah Crossing has not and will not close," he stressed.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez asserted that a permanent truce must be achieved in Gaza alongside the continuous flow of humanitarian assistance into the Strip.

Sanchez emphasized the importance of reaching a two-state solution, explaining that it will not be easy to achieve, but is essential to pursue to resolve the century-old Israeli-Arab conflict.

The Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo also stressed the importance of achieving a permanent truce in Gaza and providing more humanitarian aid to the Strip.

He thanked Egypt for evacuating more than 100 Belgians from the Gaza Strip.

Moreover, he demanded Israel open more border crossings for the entry of more humanitarian aid.

De Croo also announced that he will visit the Rafah border crossing along with Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez on Friday.

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The Head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS) Diaa Rashwan stated on Friday that Egypt has secured the release of 12 Thai nationals, along with 13 Israelis, including children and women, held in captivity in Gaza.

Cairo anticipates their release within the next hour through the Rafah border crossing, Rashwan said.

He added that preparations are underway at Rafah to receive the detainees released by Hamas, for transfer to Israel.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on a 4-day humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation.

The deal involves both sides agreeing to stop hostilities and end Israeli military operations throughout Gaza. It also includes the release of 50 Israeli prisoners, including women and children under 19. In return, 150 Palestinian women and children under 19 will be released from Israeli detention, based on seniority-based criteria.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called in a press conference held at the Rafah crossing on Friday for a permanent solution to the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Related Sisi urges international recognition of demilitarized Palestinian State

Pedro Sanchez and Alexander De Croo visited the Rafah crossing after they met with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi earlier on Friday.

During the press conference, Sanchez described the ongoing situation in Gaza as the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times.

What is happening is a disaster, and we have dealt with it effectively, managing to stop the firing, leading to the arrival of aid, and we thank President Sisi for these achievements, as he helped us deliver humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza, Sanchez stated.

Sanchez also welcomed the recent release of hostages and emphasized the importance of securing the release of all individuals affected.

The Spanish PM cautioned against the cycle of violence, stating that further aggression will only lead to more violence.

He urged the international community to formally acknowledge the state of Palestine, highlighting the need for diplomatic recognition.

We may decide to recognize the state of Palestine if the European Union does not, Sanchez stated.

Furthermore, he called for an international peace conference that would bring both Palestinians and Israelis and stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue.

Sanchez stressed that the conference should be built on mutual recognition between the conflicting parties.

For his part, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called on Israel to cease the killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

De Croo stated that the destruction of the Gaza Strip is unacceptable and urged Hamas to exert all possible efforts to release all hostages.

He also emphasized that the temporary 4-day ceasefire in Gaza needs to transition into a permanent and lasting cessation of hostilities.

We don't have time to waste; we must stand up and help, De Croo said, expressing his gratitude to the leadership of Egypt for their significant assistance in sending medical aid and assistance of all kinds.

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Journalists at Reuters' Cairo office have initiated a 24-hour strike beginning at midnight and extending until the end of November 23rd to voice their dissatisfaction with what they consider an unjust salary structure.

Khaled El-Balshy, the head of the Egyptian Press Syndicate, announced the strike on Wednesday, citing concerns over wages that do not align with Egypt's economic conditions since March 2022.

According to El-Balshy, the journalists argue that the existing salary structure fails to shield them from economic fluctuations and does not correspond to the salary scales implemented in other regional offices.

This protest follows a demonstration by journalists within the Cairo office on November 4th, with ongoing negotiations and discussions taking place between the journalists, the union, and agency management in recent months.

A delegation from the journalists' union is scheduled to visit their colleagues on the strike day to express solidarity with their legitimate demands, affirming the full support of the union until those demands are met.

The striking colleagues emphasise that their goal is to establish a balanced work equation that upholds their right to fair salaries commensurate with the substantial effort they contribute to delivering comprehensive coverage of events in Egypt, the Middle East, and international news, especially in light of the challenging regional events.

Reuters has notified subscribers that the Arabic bulletin will be suspended for 24 hours during the strike, as reported by Al Qahera News Channel.

In a separate development on Wednesday, a delegation from the Council of the Journalists Syndicate, led by El-Balshy, successfully negotiated with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Wafd newspaper, Ayman Mohsab.

The agreement reached implements the institutions minimum salary at LE3,500, with a stipulation for a 100% salary increase for colleagues not covered by the minimum decision, according to a fixed-term written agreement.

This strike at Reuters' Cairo office follows a 10-day strike by staff at the BBC's Cairo office in August, their third in as many months, demanding fair pay.

In September, after two weeks of negotiations, the BBC agreed to salary increases ranging from 75 to 142 percent for entry-level positions.

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Calm returned to Lebanon's southern border Friday as a temporary truce took effect in Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, according to state media, residents and an AFP journalist.

Since Israel's Gaza war erupted on October 7, Lebanon's southern border with Israel has witnessed deadly exchanges of fire, primarily involving the Israeli army and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, as well as Palestinian resistance groups.

Hezbollah has yet to say whether it will comply with the terms of the agreement that was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

"A precarious calm reigned on the southern border, with the humanitarian truce in Gaza coming into effect at 7:00 in the morning (0500 GMT)," Lebanon's official National News Agency reported.

The four-day truce in the Gaza Strip will see Hamas exchange 50 captives seized from Israel during the October 7 operation for 150 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli jails.

An AFP journalist in the Marjayoun border region said he had heard exchanges of fire 10 minutes prior to the truce, before the guns fell silent.

A resident in the Alma al-Shaab border region also said the situation was calm and that he could no longer hear Israeli planes or reconnaissance drones flying overhead.

On the eve of the truce, Hezbollah had intensified its cross-border attacks on the Israeli army, while Israeli forces pounded southern Lebanon.

On Friday, the powerful Iran-backed Shia group claimed responsibility for 22 attacks on Israeli positions from southern Lebanon, where it lost seven of its fighters during the day.

Hezbollah says it has been acting in support of the Palestinians, where its air and ground invasion has killed nearly 15,000 people in the Palestinian territory, the majority of them women and children.

The cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have claimed 109 lives in Lebanon, at least 77 of them Hezbollah fighters and 14 civilians, according to an AFP count.

Among those killed were three journalists, the son of the head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc and an official from Hamas's military wing in Lebanon.

On the Israeli side, six soldiers and three civilians have been killed, according to the Israeli authorities.

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The fifth edition of Africas Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale commenced in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, calling for an increased role of the private sector in financing African entrepreneurs who still grapple with financial constraints.

Participants stressed the continent's untapped business opportunities and the pressing need for strategic financial planning, particularly amid ongoing global challenges adversely affecting Africa.

The ABH Summit, marking its fifth anniversary, serves as a platform for the ABH Prize Competition, where five Egyptian entrepreneurs competed in September to secure spots among the top 10 finalists. Ayman Bazaraa, the Founder of Sprints, an e-learning and e-training platform, emerged as the sole Egyptian entrepreneur among the finalists.

Sprints offers a comprehensive solution to address the tech talent gap, encompassing talent assessment, customised learning journeys, job placement, and ongoing career support. Sprints stands out as the sole social enterprise in the Middle East and Africa, providing guaranteed hiring programs, with graduates only paying fees upon successful hiring, structured as 0% interest payments over three years.

In its four years of operation, Sprints has facilitated over 50,000 learning experiences, graduated more than 15,000 learners, and delivered over 1.3 million learning hours across 13 high-demand technology fields. The pricing model ranges from $50 to $400 based on the learning programs objective and duration.

Sun Lijing, Partner of Alibaba Partnership and Board Member of the Jack Ma Foundation, emphasised the pivotal milestone of the event's fifth year. The ABH Summit has witnessed the participation of nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs from all 54 African nations and engaged over 900 esteemed entrepreneurs and investors as judges. Lijing highlighted the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit powered by the digital economy in both China and Africa over the past five years.

He further underscored the fusion of digital technology with entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for young Africans to address societal challenges in education, healthcare, and the economy. African entrepreneurs have demonstrated unwavering resilience despite facing global challenges in the last two years.

Lijing noted the heightened attention garnered by the 2023 competition, bringing together Africa's finest entrepreneurial minds. The event symbolises the continent's vast innovative and entrepreneurial potential, with over 27,000 participants from all 54 African nations and women representing an all-time high of 34%.

The ABH Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the renowned Chinese Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, is dedicated to supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors, aiming to foster a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the continent's future.

Over a decade, ABH has committed to recognising 100 African entrepreneurs and allocating grant funding, training programs, and support to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation, conceived the prize following his inaugural trip to Africa in 2017, inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he encountered.

Since its inception in 2019, entrepreneurs across Africa have applied for the competition annually, undergoing rigorous evaluation by ABH judges. The selection of finalists is based on their demonstration of visionary entrepreneurship, embodying innovation, resilience, growth potential, and impact on Africa. ABH aims to honour entrepreneurs leading successful businesses and running mission-driven organisations that contribute to growth in their local communities.

In general, ABHs top 10 finalists have achieved remarkable milestones, raising over $153 million in investment, serving over 37.5 million customers and users, receiving $7 million in prize money, operating in 52 countries across Africa, creating over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs, and reporting revenues exceeding $252 million.

Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Partnerships & Programs at ABH, emphasised the commitment of 45 speakers from 19 countries during the summit. Entrepreneurs, investors, economists, and experts united to support African entrepreneurship under the theme "African Innovation, Insights & Impact."

During the event, the ABH summit delved into key themes such as African innovation, impact, and insights.

Since 2018, 10 finalists have been selected annually to compete in the ABH Grand Finale, live-streamed online, vying for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding. The winner secures $300,000, the first runner-up $250,000, and the second runner-up $150,000. The remaining seven finalists each receive $100,000; the remaining $100,000 is distributed among all finalists for additional training programs post-competition.

This year marked the inauguration of ABHs Journalism Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding journalists in North, South, East, West, and Central Africa and those covering pan-African issues. Doaa Abdel-Moneim, Head of the Business and Economic Affairs Desk at Ahram Online, emerged as the best journalist in North Africa and will be honoured during a ceremony at the Kigali Convention Center on Friday.

In September, five Egyptian entrepreneurs vied for a place among the top three winners in the fifth edition of the ABH Prize Competition's semi-finals in Kigali.

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As the 48-day-long war rages on, Israeli occupation army assaults persist, with at least four Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Jabalia refugee camp. The captives' release and ceasefire deal have been delayed, to take effect on Friday.

23:00 A Palestinian doctor said Thursday at least 27 people had been killed and 93 more injured in an Israeli strike on a United Nations school in Gaza.

The strike hit a UN-run school where thousands of displaced Palestinians were sheltering in Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, the doctor at a hospital in the camp said on condition of anonymity.

20:50 Late on Thursday, King Abdullah of Jordan conveyed a message of solidarity in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

"We stand united with our sister Egypt in one trench. The stance articulated today by my brother, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, affirming Egypt's rejection of the deportation of our Palestinian brothers from their land as a red line, reflects our joint position and will be etched in the annals of Egypt's Arab solidarity history", he said.

20:40 Following the arrest of the director and medical team of Al-Shifa Hospital earlier today, Israel has now detained the director of the medical clinic in Khan Yunis.

Awni Khattab was apprehended on Wednesday during the transit of a convoy carrying wounded individuals from Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza through a checkpoint dividing north and south Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

Expressing deep concern, the PRCS has called on the international community to uphold the protection of their medical teams in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, emphasising, "In no way should medical teams be targeted."

PRCS is deeply worried about Awni Khattab, our colleague the head of Khan Younis Medical Center, #Gaza. Israeli forces arrested him and now his whereabouts are unknown. The arrest took place yesterday while the convoy of the wounded from Al-Shifa Hospital was traveling pic.twitter.com/amr9JoBewL  PRCS (@PalestineRCS) November 23, 2023

20:20 Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Thursday that the occupation army is poised to resume intense fighting for "at least two more months" once the short-term temporary pause concludes. Addressing troops of the Navy Special Operations unit, Gallant emphasised, "The respite will be brief. Expect at least two more months of active engagement."

20:00 Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, emphasized in a recent video that the Israeli plan in Gaza is destined to fail due to its lack of a clear military objective, resulting instead in genocidal acts and barbaric killings of civilians.

He reiterated Al-Qassam's commitment to targeting concentrations of occupying military forces, often engaging at close range. Abu Obaida provided details of recent operations, citing a significant event on Tuesday in the northern region of Litwan that resulted in the elimination of at least 5 occupying forces.

Another group was neutralized near Rantisi Hospital in the north, and in Beit Hanoun, an additional group was engaged. On Wednesday, a successful operation occurred north of Jabalia camp.

Al-Qassam Brigades also asserted that Israel is concealing its actual losses and facing difficulty in withdrawing its dead and wounded from Gaza.

    :                      # #_ pic.twitter.com/25XapvHEgL    (@AJArabic) November 23, 2023

19:00 The Gaza government's media office reported late Thursday that over 14,854 individuals, comprising 6,150 children and 4,000 women were killed since the start of the Israeli war on the Palestinian strip.

18:30 Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that the diportation of Palestinians is a red line for Egypt, and it will not be permitted.

"We strongly oppose the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan," said El-Sisi.

These remarks were made during a speech the Egyptian president delivered before thousands of Egyptians at an event in support of Palestine held at Cairo International Stadium.

18:00 Egypt confirmed the commencement of the agreed-upon ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at 7:00 AM on Friday, head of the State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, announced on Thursday.

Rashwan added that Cairo has already received lists of captives and detainees from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides in preparation for an exchange of prisoners.

He added that the Palestinian side would hand over 13 captives, both male and female, to Israel on the first day of the ceasefire.

Rashwan concluded by urging the parties involved in the ceasefire to adhere to the agreed-upon plan.

Egypt announced on Thursday that the Rafah border crossing will open on Friday for Palestinian citizens who have been stranded in North Sinai and wish to return to the Gaza Strip.

17:00 Minister of Health Dr. Mai Alkaila has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation forces' arrest of Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the Director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, and several other doctors.

The doctors were arrested at an Israeli military checkpoint along the Salah Al-Din Road connecting the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip.

Alkaila stated that this arrest adds to the series of crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip.

She highlighted previous incidents where Israeli occupation forces bombed and raided numerous hospitals in Gaza, resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and displaced patients.

"We have appealed to the United Nations General Assembly, international human rights institutions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all international bodies to exert pressure on the occupation to halt its aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," she said.

"However, the Israeli occupation continues to turn a blind eye to all international laws and humanitarian conventions."

16:30 A Gaza truce and hostage release will start on Friday morning, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said.

"The pause will begin at 7:00 am on Friday ... and the first batch of civilian hostages will be handed over at approximately 4:00 pm on the same day," Majed Al-Ansari said Thursday, adding that the number of people freed will be thirteen.

13:45 Aryeh Deri, a member of the Israeli ministerial team, said "We are prepared to extend the period of calm to 10 days."

12:47 Six Palestinians, including three children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in Rafah, in the southern area of Gaza.

A Palestinian medic and civilians carry an injured man after an Israeli strike on Rafah, AFP

12:36 The Israeli army ordered residents of Shuja'iyya and Jabalia in Gaza City to immediately evacuate their residential areas, according to Al-Arabiya.

Earlier, the Indonesian charity Medical Rescue Committee (MER-C), which funded the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza when it was built in 2011, said the hospital has completely evacuated and its volunteers moved to Rafah, Al-Jazeera reported.

Earlier, the director general of Health Ministry, who was inside the hospital, said the Israeli army forced people in the facility to evacuate it in four hours.

The Indonesian Hospital is now empty, and our volunteers have been moved to a school near the European Hospital. Our volunteers are sheltering at the school with thousands of others," he said.

11:50 Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday said his country is in favour of the recognition of a viable Palestinian state "in the very short term."

The existence of a Palestinian state "will be the best guarantee for peace in the Middle East," he said in an interview with Spanish radio station RNE.

11:45 Egypt announced it will open the Rafah crossing on Friday to facilitate the voluntary return of Palestinians stranded in North Sinai to Gaza.

Egyptian officials affirmed that other Palestinians stranded in Cairo and other cities will also have the opportunity for voluntary return to Gaza starting Saturday.

11:20 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at an undisclosed location in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese news website Naharnet.

Amir-Abdollahian arrived Wednesday in Beirut for his second visit to Lebanon since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza.

After his arrival, he told the Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen news channel that the Gaza war is likely to spread unless the truce between Israel and Hamas, which is supposed to enter into force Friday, is maintained.

If this ceasefire does not continue the conditions in the region will not remain the same as before the ceasefire and the scope of the war will expand, he said.

11:10 Hezbollah group says it has launched 48 rockets from south Lebanon at the Israeli settlements in the Upper Galilee area, making it the largest barrage since the beginning of the fighting on the northern border.

Two houses in the settlements of Menara in the Upper Galilee were hit by anti-aircraft fire from Lebanon, Israeli media reported.

The Israeli occupation army said a number of rockets had been intercepted over the area, and forces, in response, attacked the sources of the rocket fire with artillery.

10:40 An Egyptian official source informed Al-Qahera News channel that Egypt is actively collaborating with all involved parties to finalize the implementation procedures for the ceasefire agreement.

"Ongoing negotiations and communications between Egypt, Qatar, and the United States persist in expediting the ceasefire... The exact timing for the commencement of the ceasefire will be decided within the next few hours," the source added.

10:00 The Israeli occupation army has arrested the director of the Al-Shifa Hospital Mohamed Abu Salmiya while in the humanitarian corridor heading to the southern Gaza Strip with several other medical personnel.

"Doctor Mohamed Abu Salmiya was arrested along with several other senior doctors," said Khaled Abu Samra, a chief of department at the hospital which has been a major focus of the Israeli attacks on the Palestinians.

On its Telegram english channel, Hamas condemned the arrest of Abu Salmiya, saying "We see it a despicable act, lacking all sense of humanity and morals. It is also a flagrant violation of international norms and charters, that guarantee no attacks against medical personnel, even during the time of war."

9:55 Over 14,128 people have been killed in Gaza, 74 percent of whom reportedly children and women, the UNRWA said.

Almost 1.7 million people -- nearly 80 percent of the population -- have been displaced since the war began, UNRWA added.

"We are on the eve of a water borne disease outbreak," the head of UNRWA said during a visit to the southern town of Khan Younis.

Philippe Lazzarini said an increase of skin diseases was also impacting the people of Gaza which he said was unsurprising considering the unsanitary conditions there.

He described the situation for most as "desperate" as "people are lacking everything."

9:35 A US warship patrolling the Red Sea launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Thursday, the US Central Command said.

"On the morning (Yemen time) of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen," CENTCOM said on X.

"The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury," it added.

The Israeli war on Gaza has raised the spectre of a broader Middle East conflagration, with the frontier between Lebanon and Israel also seeing near-daily exchanges of fire.

The Houthi in Yemen have launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel since the October 7 start of the war, and on Wednesday, Israel said it had intercepted a "cruise missile" heading for the south of the country, a shot claimed by the Houthi rebels.

9:30 At least four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in the north. Another Israeli raid hit the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

9:00 A Palestinian official told AFP Thursday that a delay in the implementation of a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was due to "last minute" details over "the names of the Israeli hostages and the modalities of their release."

Under the agreement, Hamas will free 50 of the Israeli captives and in return, Israel will release at least 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow nearly 300 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Around 8,300 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli jails, 2070 of them are being held in what Israel calls "administrative detention" without trials. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Society, Israel arrested up to 2,070 Palestinians since 7 October in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in that month alone, among them 145 children, 55 women and 17 journalists. Last night @SkyNews presented me with Israeli assertions that our children are terrorists. Our children are children! They need love, protection, and comprehensive #CeasefireNOW

to stop the carnage. pic.twitter.com/h5fJ6Cbxsg  Husam Zomlot (@hzomlot) November 23, 2023 Listen to what the head of Palestinian Mission to the UK, Husam Zomlot has to say on that:

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A four-day truce in Israel war on Gaza took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of captives held in Gaza in return for Palestinians detained by Israel.

The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of brutal Israeli bombardment, and vast killing of nearly 15,000 Palestinians.

The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days.

If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Gaza 49 days ago.

During this period, the resistance group Hamas pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 captives it and other resistance group took on 7 October and Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners of the 8000 detainees it holds.

Both sides will release women and children first.

Israel occupation army said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 captives freed.

The truce-for-detainees deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States serving as mediators.

A first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas will be freed Friday afternoon, according to Majed al-Ansari, the spokesman of the Qatari foreign ministry. Three Palestinian prisoners, also women and minors, are to be released for every freed hostage.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year without trial.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday.

Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza as soon as possible, al-Ansari said Thursday. The hope is that the momentum from this deal will lead to an end to this violence, he told reporters.

Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities.

Israel cut off all imports at the start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators.

No end

The agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it was determined to resume its massive attack for at least "two extra months" once the truce ends.

Israel continued to strike throughout the night ahead of the truce, the occupation army said.

An Egyptian source speaking to Sky News Arabia said that contacts with Israel and Hamas are being made to stabilize the truce agreement and prevent violations after Israel opened fire in the vicinity of the Indonesian hospital.

The Israeli occupation army, which is converting hospitals into military facilities, entered the Indonesian hospital in the morning, killing a wounded woman, and arresting three injured individuals.

The Indonesian hospital, which accommodates over 200 patients and individuals wounded by recent Israeli airstrikes, is now under siege, as indicated by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In Gaza's largest refugee camp Jabalia, a Palestinian doctor said Israel killed at least 27 people and wounded 93 Thursday in a UN-run school where thousands of displaced civilians were sheltering.

No return for the displaced

The Israeli occupation military dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, warning hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians who sought refuge there not to try to return to their homes in the northern half of the territory. Israel has said it would block attempts to return.

Video shows forcibly displaced Palestinians fleeing as Israeli forces opened fire to stop them returning to northern Gaza during the temporary truce.



Before the truce, Israel dropped leaflets warning Palestinians not to return to the area  pic.twitter.com/8U10heEt65  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 24, 2023

Almost 1.7 million people -- nearly 80 percent of the population -- have been displaced since the war began, according to UN figures.

"The war is not over yet," the leaflets read. "Returning to the north is forbidden and very dangerous!!!"

The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed nearly 15,000 people, 6,150 of them children, according to the Health Ministry, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war.

The ministry had stopped publishing casualty counts since 11 November, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health systems collapse in the north.

The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble.

Israel says it has killed thousands of the Palestinians resistance fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

In Gazas city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war.

God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire, said Jihan Qanan. People have had houses brought down on their heads, theyve been expelled ... Theres no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked.

For many Palestinian, the truce came too late.

"The last thing he said to me was that he was waiting for the truce on Friday," Fida Zayed, a Gazan whose 20-year-old son Udai was killed in a recent air strike, told AFP.

"The living here are the ones who are dead."

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Egypt communicated with Israel and Hamas to secure the 4-day humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, after Israel opened fire near the Indonesian hospital, informed sources told Al-Qahera News TV Channel on Friday.

The ceasefire commenced at 7am local time (0500 GMT) on Friday and will last at least four days.

The Israeli occupation army, which is converting hospitals into military facilities, entered the Indonesian hospital in the morning, killing a wounded woman, and arresting three injured individuals.

The Indonesian hospital, which accommodates over 200 patients and individuals wounded by recent Israeli airstrikes, is now under siege, as indicated by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

During the initial hours of the humanitarian ceasefire, trucks laden with fuel and two ambulances entered the Gaza Strip via the Egyptian Rafah border crossing, according to informed sources.

Further plans include the imminent delivery of approximately 60 trucks loaded with essential humanitarian aid. These supplies are set to undergo inspection at the Nitzana crossing before entry, the sources said.

In the past hours, the sources also reported the arrival of 15 injured Palestinians, accompanied by their escorts, at the Rafah crossing.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on a 4-day humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation.

If this ceasefire holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Gaza 49 days ago.

The deal includes a mutual cessation of hostilities and the cessation of Israeli military operations in all areas of Gaza.

Additionally, it involves the release of 50 Israeli captives, including women and children under 19, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children under 19 from Israeli prisons, based on seniority.

Nearly 15,000 people, 6,150 of them children, have been killed by Israel in this war.

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Press Release

November 24, 2023 SPEECH OF SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA AT THE 31ST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM (APPF 31)

November 24, 2023, PICC, Pasay City Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, good morning. I stand before you today with a profound sense of responsibility and a shared commitment to addressing the critical challenges that confront our region. A man of letters who goes by the name Albert Einstein once said that "peace cannot be kept by force; it can be achieved by understanding." And I couldn't agree more. As representatives of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, we bear the weighty task of fostering cooperation, dialogue, and concerted action to promote regional peace and stability. The Asia Pacific region, with its diverse cultures, histories, and economic landscapes, stands at a crucial juncture in history. The complex geopolitical dynamics and emerging global challenges necessitate a united and resolute response from our nations. This annual gathering is a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration, and it is within this spirit that I wish that the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum addresses a matter of grave concern that requires our collective attention. As representatives of our respective governments, it is incumbent upon us to raise serious concerns over recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, which refers to parts of the South China Sea over which the Philippines has sovereign rights, and jurisdictions, as they have the potential to undermine the peace and stability that our nations have collectively worked towards over the years. It is in our purview as representatives of the people to address this issue with the utmost diplomatic care and urgency. Let us be clear - the concerns we express are not intended to assign blame or take sides. Instead, they reflect our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order. It is through these rules that we can navigate the complexities of competing claims and interests in a manner that fosters understanding and preserves regional stability. Today, I present a call to action to harness our collective strengths, wisdom, and diplomatic acumen in working collaboratively for the greater good of over 4.6 billion people in our region. First and foremost, let us acknowledge the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and mitigating tensions. The Asia Pacific region has had its fair share of historical disputes and territorial conflicts. However, it is through open and respectful communication that we can find common ground and build bridges towards lasting peace. I urge each member to engage in dialogue actively, seeking understanding and cooperation, even in the face of differences. It is through our collective diplomatic efforts that we can send a strong message of unity, urging all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, and cooperation over competition. The Asia Pacific region has thrived when we have worked together, and it is in this spirit that we address the current challenges in the South China Sea. The Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been consistent in trying to address the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means, in the hope of decreasing tension in the area. President Marcos met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the recently concluded APEC Summit in San Francisco, California. They affirmed that the situation in the South China Sea does not comprise the entirety of Philippines-China relations, and that maritime issues should be managed properly. Interdependence among states is a fundamental aspect of international relations. The Philippines and Japan, both maritime nations, are currently working on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that will enhance their defense cooperation. The RAA will provide a legal framework for joint military exercises and operations, which will improve the military capabilities and interoperability of both nations. Once finalized, agreement is expected to be submitted to the Philippine Senate for concurrence. The RAA implementation will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, which aims to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region. I also urge each delegate to urge their respective governments to affirm multilateralism. Cooperation between key nations can set an example and in turn encourage other states to likewise engage in collaborative security initiatives. It is in this light that we seek your support for the Philippines' bid to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028. If elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, the Philippines will uphold the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in advancing and maintaining international peace and security. Considering the enduring significance of peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms, I strongly recommend incorporating a promotion of the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes. This historic declaration, endorsed by the international community, encapsulates principles that are vital in maintaining harmonious relations between nations. The 1982 Manila Declaration underscores the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. It also affirms that resorting to judicial processes should never be considered an unfriendly act. By highlighting the principles enshrined in this declaration, we can reaffirm our collective dedication to fostering international cooperation, preventing conflicts, and upholding the rule of law. The Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum has the potential to drive positive change in our region. I urge every member to answer this call to action, to approach our shared responsibilities with commitment, and to work tirelessly to promote regional peace and stability. Together, we can establish a legacy of cooperation, understanding, and prosperity for future generations. This year's theme "Resilient Partnerships for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainability" encapsulates the essence of our collective aspirations and responsibilities as representatives committed to the well-being of our nations and the global community. Resilient partnerships for peace are not just a necessity; they are the moral imperative of our time. Let us choose dialogue rather than conflict, cooperation instead of force or intimidation, and unity over division. Together, let us lay the foundations for a more secure, stable, and progressive Asia Pacific region. May our deliberations in this forum be marked by a shared commitment to resilient partnerships, and may our actions reflect the enduring spirit of cooperation that defines our collective pursuit of a better world. Thank you.
Egypt received 3 humanitarian aid planes from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman at El-Arish Airport, en route to the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

In the early hours of Friday morning, with the onset of the humanitarian ceasefire, Egypt facilitated the passage of fuel trucks and dispatched two ambulances to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing, according to informed sources cited by Al-Qahera News TV channel.

The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC) also confirmed that they received two ambulances and 85 trucks laden with humanitarian aid from the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) through the Rafah crossing.

These trucks are loaded with vital supplies such as food, water, medical equipment, and medicine.

Moreover, Egypt received 17 injured Palestinians from Gaza through Rafah for medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals.

In the preceding hours, 15 injured Palestinians accompanied by their escorts were also received at the Rafah crossing.

The King Salman Relief Center announced the arrival of two relief planes at Arish International Airport, transporting four ambulances out of a total of twenty intended for the injured Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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With children and pets in their arms and their belongings loaded onto donkey carts or car roofs, thousands of displaced Gazans headed home Friday as a four-day truce began.

The din of Israel's war was replaced by the horns of traffic jams and sirens of ambulances making their way through crowds emerging from hospitals where they had taken refuge.

For nearly seven weeks, Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip had been relentless.

But on Friday morning, no more shots were heard in Khan Yunis, in the south of the Palestinian territory.

Hayat al-Muammar was among those hurrying to take advantage of the truce deal, under which captives seized from Israel will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

"I'm going home," said the 50-year-old, who had been sheltering in a school.

"We fled the death, destruction and everything," she told AFP.

"I still don't understand what happened to us -- why did they do this to us?" she asked.

The lives of Palestinians in the Gaza strip have been turned upside down since an air and ground invasion launched by Israel killed nearly 15,000 people, around two thirds of them women and children.

Some 1.7 million of the territory's 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced, the United Nations says.

With more than half of homes damaged or destroyed according to the UN, Gazans were unsure if would still have a roof over their heads when they return.

'War not over'



Whipping a donkey pulling his cart, Ahmed Fayad, 30, hit the road heading back to his village with 70 members of his family who he said had taken refuge in a school.

An elderly man walked by with a bag on his shoulder, saying he felt safe enough to return to his home near the border with Israel.

Around them, a multitude of men, women and children travelled on foot, carts or tuk-tuks with the few belongings they had taken with them when the Israeli aggression started.

One woman carried her cat in her arms through the streets.

Large parts of Gaza have been flattened by thousands of air strikes, and the besieged territory faces shortages of food, water and fuel.

However, Israeli warplanes over southern Gaza dropped leaflets threatening people not to head back to the north.

"The war is not over yet," they read. "Returning to the north is forbidden and very dangerous!!!"

According to Palestinian medical officials speaking to Al-Sharq, Israeli occupation army killed at least two Palestinians and injured others who attempted to return home in the northern Gaza.

Khaled al-Halabi left his home in northern Gaza at the start of the war, heading for Rafah in the far south on the Egypt-Gaza border.

"I wish I could go and see my house," he said.

He did not plan to risk the journey home, but at least with the truce "we will finally breathe after 48 days", he said, welcoming the arrival of aid trucks from neighbouring Egypt.

Raed Saqer, who took refuge in Rafah, said he hoped the promises of increased aid would come true.

"We needed this truce to treat the wounded, so that people could recover a little, because people displaced from the north are experiencing an unspeakable tragedy," he said.

"We hope it's the first step towards a definitive ceasefire," he said.

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Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Friday, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, after a truce between Hamas and Israel in Gaza came into effect on Friday morning.

One of those who were killed, a 22-year-old boy, sustained critical injuries from Israeli fire in an army raid on the Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, located south of Jericho, according to medical sources.

He was pronounced dead a short time later, sources added.

The other death came after a 27-year-old man succumbed to wounds from an Israeli drone strike earlier this month in Tulkarm, north of the occupied West Bank, according to medical sources.

WAFA added that at least six Palestinians were killed during the Tulkarm incursion in early November.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up temporary checkpoints in the occupied West Bank on Friday impeding movement on roads connecting the village of Yanoun and the town of Aqrab.

At the checkpoints, Israeli forces physically assaulted Palestinian civilians and subsequently arrested five others while seizing their vehicles.

Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented local Palestinian farmers from harvesting olives in their own lands west of Yanoun village and forced Palestinians to leave the area.

Over seven weeks, Israel's war on Gaza has killed some 15,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The truce that came into effect this morning includes a four-day ceasefire in the war-torn strip and an exchange of captives and prisoners between Hamas and Israel.

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Low-priced goods are one of the few business sectors that are doing well as consumers tighten their purse strings amid an economic slump.

One-price shop Daiso sells coffee mugs, dish sponges, tupperware and other products priced between W500 to W5,000 (US$1=W1,088). The average price tag is W1,200.

Since opening its first store in Cheonho-dong in 1997, Daiso Korea achieved W1 trillion in annual sales for the first time this year. That means it sold some 2.39 million products for W1,200 each every day.

Around 500,000 customers on average visit Daiso shops here every day. The company's CEO Park Jung-boo said, "Rather than adding a margin on the purchase price of a product, we first set an adequate price tag and look for ways to cut costs."
Geert Wilders, the outspoken Dutch far-right leader who has frequently been compared to former U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to begin negotiations on forming a government after his shock win in Wednesday's election.

However, Wilders is still dozens of seats short of a working majority, and it remains unclear whether other parties are willing to work with him and enter into a coalition government. Negotiations are expected to take several months.

 Political Earthquake

Dutch voters sent political shockwaves across Europe late Wednesday as exit polls showed a clear lead for the Freedom Party, led by Wilders. His party won 37 of the 150 seats available, easily beating his closest rival, a joint Labor and Green party ticket, which secured 25 seats.

The center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte won 24 seats in a disappointing night. Wilders has long been a provocative figure in Dutch politics but has never before enjoyed this level of success. Following the result, the 60-year-old doubled down on his anti-migrant rhetoric.

"The people have spoken. The people said, 'We are sick and tired of this. We will make sure the Dutch people will be number one again,'" he said. "The Dutchman also has hope. The hope is that people get their country back. That we make sure that the Netherlands is for the Dutch again. That we will limit the asylum tsunami and migration," Wilders told cheering supporters in The Hague as the scale of his victory became clear Wednesday.

 'Less Islam'

Wilders' party manifesto promises "less Islam in the Netherlands." In 2016 he was convicted of inciting hatred and discrimination after leading a crowd chanting for fewer Moroccans in the country.

Minority groups have voiced concern at the election result, in a country where Muslims make up around 5 percent of the population. "We have great concerns about the future of Islam and Muslims in the Netherlands," Muhsin Koktas of the Dutch Muslim organization CMO told Reuters.

Following his victory Wednesday, Wilders appeared to tone down his anti-Islam rhetoric. "If I become prime minister, I will be that for all Dutch people, regardless of who they are, their gender or religion, where they come from. For everyone," he said.
The nationalist leader, who has butted heads with Brussels over alleged democratic backsliding by his government and over attempts to reform the EU's asylum policies, has recently launched a public campaign hostile to the commission.

Brussels' announcement came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was accused of being ready to veto further EU aid to Ukraine and stall Kyiv's push for membership talks in order to unblock the frozen funds.

The European Commission said Thursday that the money, which it termed a "pre-financing," would go towards a greening of Hungary's energy production, once EU member states signed off on it.

The EU is poised to give 900 million euros ($980 million) to Hungary as an advance on its part of post-COVID pandemic recovery funds which remain frozen in a dispute over the rule of law.

The EU executive on Thursday said it had given approval of Hungary's plan to spend 10.4 billion euros set aside for it from the post-coronavirus recovery and resilience fund -- but that disbursement of the bulk of it was suspended until Budapest met rule-of-law conditions.

That 900-million-euro advance, however, was not subject to those conditions, a European Commission spokeswoman, Veerle Nuyts, said. She said it was being given to Budapest because of the "urgency" to provide "the necessary liquidity" to Hungary, whose economy is in a fragile state, and to get energy projects off the ground.

To unlock the rest of the EU money, Hungary has to meet 27 conditions imposed by Brussels called "super milestones", covering areas such as judicial independence, the fight against corruption and rules about public procurement.

The commission spokeswoman said the EU would not pay out any requests from Hungary to tap the fund "until we find that the Hungarian plan satisfactorily complies with all the 27 super milestones."

She said the "pre-financing" amount would be deducted from any future disbursements and the commission "will recover" them if no disbursements end up being made.

As well as the billions frozen in the post-COVID recovery fund, Brussels has placed a hold on 22 billion euros in separate cohesion funds for Hungary until it can prove reforms have been taken to ensure the independence of judges, the rights of LGBTQI+ minorities and the independence of academics.

Hungary has adopted some changes it asserts meets demands related to the judiciary in a bid to receive 13 billion euros of that money. Nuyts said those changes were viewed as "a good step in the right direction."
A Korean appellate court on Thursday overturned a lower court ruling and ordered the Japanese government to compensate victims of wartime sexual slavery.

The Seoul High Court ordered Japan to pay W200 million to each of the 16 victims (US$1=W1,298). It said Tokyo must pay reasonable compensation as the country's "illegal acts are recognized" when mobilizing the so-called "comfort women" on the Korean Peninsula in World War II.
President Yoon Suk-yeol concluded his state visit to the U.K. on Wednesday and flew to Paris to pedal last-minute support for Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. On arrival in Paris, Yoon had a dinner with representatives from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), where he sought support for Busan. He plans to meet individually with representatives of member countries over the next two days to woo their support.

A Hyundai electric car promoting Busan's bid to host the World Expo in 2030 passes by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, in this file photo from June 19. /News1

Korea has blotted its copybook with the disastrous hosting of the World Scout Jamboree earlier this year but is pulling out all the stops until the BIE General Assembly on Nov. 28, where the host city will be decided. Major business leaders including Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG's Koo Kwang-mo, Lotte's Shin Dong-bin will join him in a final appeal for votes.

A poster advertises Busan's bid to host the World Expo in 2030 at a Fnac store in Paris on Oct. 9. /News1

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Busan mayor Park Hyung-joon and SK chairman Chey Tae-won are also heading to Paris for the decisive moment. On the day of the General Assembly, 182 member countries will vote during the final and fifth presentation from candidate cities that also include Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome, Italy. The presidential office has only hinted that a figure with "international influence" will give the Busan presentation.
A Brit telling the story of the French Cesar. A tale that begins with a mistake (Napoleon Bonaparte attending the beheading of Marie Antoinette, which didnt happen) and ending with an unfurling of the number of the deaths he left in his wake across Europe (subtext: he was a forerunner of Hitler and Stalin). Even worse: the Empereur and the rest of the protagonists speak in English. What could go wrong?

Ridley Scotts film, which debuts this week, has touched a nerve in France. There arent many world leaders whose tombs are located in the center of a nations capital: Lenin, Mao and Napoleon, whose remains rest in the Les Invalides monument. Its impossible to understand this country without the man who embodied the last real moment of French power in the world, and who laid the groundwork for its modern state.

Im a stalwart Ridley Scott fan, historian Jean Tulard said on Tuesday evening. Apart from being a fan of the director of Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator, Tulard is also one of Napoleon, or at least, he is one of his most distinguished scholars and a biographer of note. Tulard was speaking at a colloquium organized by the magazine Le Figaro Histoire at LArlequin, a Parisian movie theater where the audience had just attended a preview of Napoleon. The historian said, I am speaking to you as a film buff.

It was an important distinction. Because, following that statement, Tulard and the other historians participating in the colloquium proceeded to dismantle  elegantly, but relentlessly  the film we had just seen. Some of the assessments heard on the LArlequin stage: It hides the political landscape; I was disappointed by the setting, during the battle of Austerlitz, you cant understand a thing; it is an incomplete Napoleon; at times, monolithic.

Tulard, who at nearly 90 years of age boasts a bibliography of dozens of books on Napoleon Bonaparte, came clean at the end of the talk when he was asked if the new film was a good entry point for a person who is unfamiliar with Napoleon. His answer: I admire Ridley Scott, but as a Sorbonne history professor, I would advise against seeing this film. Applause rang out amid the aisles. As a film buff, yes, he summed up. As a historian, no!

Joaquin Phoenix, in a scene from 'Napoleon'. KEVIN BAKER

As with any fictional recreation  from the Puy du Fou theme park to the best historical novel  the criticism of Scotts Napoleon unfolds on two levels. The first is that of the facts. Here, the French are perhaps more prickly and irritable than other audiences, because the protagonist is one of their own. There is a feeling, even if the expression is not used, of cultural appropriation. We tend to speak of cultural appropriation when a member of a majority uses the symbols or traditions of an oppressed minority. In this case the appropriator would be an Englishman and the appropriated, a Frenchman.

For example, Tulard points out that Napoleon never carried a saber at Waterloo, although he is lenient because its a Gladiator thing, and Ridley Scott is forgiven. Another historian who specializes in the era and the historical figure, Patrick Gueniffey, has called out more errors in the weekly news magazine Le Point. One is the previously mentioned presence of the future dictator at the beheading of Queen Marie Antoinette, when at the time Bonaparte was at the siege of Toulon, just shy of 500 miles from Paris. The bombing of the Pyramids is another one of the films invented scenes.

There is another level to this criticism, that of the image of Napoleon that Ridley Scott transmits. Its not that France overlooks the rulers sins, such as the dictatorship, his reestablishment of slavery or his endless wars. But it rankles that the protagonist appears as the caricature of an ambitious, Corsican ogre, a lout who sulks and who at the same time is unkind to his wife, says Gueniffey. Ridley Scott, he adds, does not realize that this is a logical absurdity: how did a character so dumb, so mediocre and ridiculous come to write such a fate?

The historian and author of the monumental Bonaparte thinks that Scott takes up the old caricature that was made of Napoleon just after his fall, and that came from the Restoration or from the English enemy around the time of the Congress of Vienna. Visibly, he does not love Napoleon, Gueniffey laments. And here emerges an idea that runs through the reception of the movie in France: Its an anti-Napoleon film. Certainly, he does not deserve accolades, but its made without nuance or intelligence. It is a film, he concludes, that is very anti-French.

Anti-French? The ending is, says Tulard as he leaves the theater. The tallying of the dead soldiers, which appears without warning, shows that there is a desire to be hostile towards Napoleon. Another participant in the colloquium, Geoffroy Caillet, editor in chief of Le Figaro Histoire, adds: Ridley Scott tends to make people believe that the Empire can be reduced to a story of death, but the Empire is something else: the foundation of modern France after the chaos of the Revolution and also the recovery of part of the monarchical heritage, and this entire dimension, unfortunately, disappears.

The reference to the three million dead, which concludes two hours of battles and love affairs, disgusts him. We must remember that Napoleon did not commit genocide. We are talking about the dead of the battlefield, says Caillet. He sums up his thoughts: It is not an anti-French film, but it does carry a very Anglo-Saxon worldview. The uncomfortable and polemical ending conjures other British visions of the emperor, such as that of Paul Johnson, author of a short biography that concludes: No dictator of the tragic 20th century from Lenin, Stalin and Mao Zedong to pygmy tyrants like Kim II Sung, Castro, Peron, Mengistu, Saddam Hussein, Ceaucescu and Gadaffi was free from the echoes of the Napoleonic prototype.

During the screening at LArlequin, no one left the room, no one booed. There was no applause either. One spectator sighed when he saw the three million figure. Another commented, Its not that its an anti-French film, its that simply empty. Critics have not been enthusiastic. In some cases, theyve been outright hostile, across ideologies. Left-wing daily Liberation wrote: Without really adopting a particular point of or approach, Napoleon is a quietly indecent film, very sure of its inanity. You dont mess with Napoleon. Or you mess with him with care. At the end of the colloquium in LArlequin, various people shouted: Long live the Emperor!

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Press Release

November 24, 2023 TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON CNN PH'S THE SOURCE WITH PINKY WEBB Q: It's already been known according to the DFA through the spokesperson, Ambassador Daza that they are making all diplomatic representations. The Department of Migrant Workers or DMW also saying they are constantly in touch with the families of the hostages. Are you satisfied with the government's move? Or do you have any suggestions on what needs to be done? SRH: Well, first of all thank God talaga. Salamat sa Diyos ligtas sila. That was my first call to the DFA and DMW when this crisis was first brought to all our attention. And I hope that throughout this hostage-taking that both departments stayed in close touch with the families of our 17 kababayan to keep them updated, especially on the efforts that have now borne fruit in their safe rescue or release. I hope that they will eventually be brought home safely to their families and to our country. At kapag nangyari na yun, I hope, especially DMW, will step up to rehabilitate, including through psychosocial counselling and reintegration after this traumatic incident. At sana para maiwasan moving forward further incidents like this. It just brings to our attention how urgent passing legislation is like the Magna Carta of Seafarers. At sana doon sa batas na iyon, which we will be working on in bicam, pushing it towards passage, sana manatiling sentro ng batas na ito ang ating mga seafarers. I continue to pray with all our kababayan that if our 17 Pinoy seafarers so far are safe that they can be rescued and brought home to their families and to our country. Q: Senator, you are a co-author of the Magna Carta of Seafarers, if I'm not mistaken? SRH: Yes, very proud co-author. Q: Tell us how this will protect our seafarers. SRH: It will be the first Philippine law giving flesh to our international commitments to uphold and promote and protect the rights and welfare of FIlipino seafarers as working people, sea-based overseas Filipino workers. Their rights and welfare vis-a-vis their employers, the shipping companies, their rights and welfare in relation to the manning agencies that are really lording it over thes sector, their rights and welfare in terms of our government and the host governments of their shipping companies. So importanteng binabantayan po namin yan ngayon moving forward because there were important concerns raised by the seafarers and their organizations during interpellations and I'm really hoping that both the amendments and also the undesirable amendments we're guarding against will be reflected in the final bicam version. Q: Let's talk about what's happening in the House right now. There are three resolutions calling on government to cooperate with the ICC. One was by the Makabayan bloc that was filed last month in October. One by Congressman Lagman. And the other, according to Congressman Benny Abante, this is him, and Congressman Ramon Gutierrez, he filed this, I was able to interview him yesterday, Tuesday. So just a couple of days ago before it was actually taken up because he is chairman of the Committee on Human Rights. But this is the first time a member of the majority has actually filed this. What's your take on this development? SRH: Well, whether it's majority members like Chair Abante or members of the minority, especially the recognized genuine minority, Representative Edcel, whether it's majority or minority who filed these, I always welcome moves, especially on our part in the legislature, to protect the rights and to bring justice to human rights violations victims, such as victims of the extrajudicial killings. Yung mga biktima mismo, yung mga balo nila, yung mga ulila nila. And I hope the executive will also pay heed to these senses of legislators about important issues, human rights, important institutions and processes like the International Criminal Court. The President, no less, has spoken about human rights, including in his foreign visits to different countries, pati sa United Nations. So I hope, and the least that he can do, is to put his money where his mouth is. Sabi niya Bagong Pilipinas, di ba? So dapat Pilipinas yan that no one is left behind. So I hope he would really command the executive to make way for that process, lalo na dumadami ang ugnayan mga panawagan mula mismo sa House of Representatives din. Q: When I asked you about what your take is on this development is, again, on this premise that a member of the majority actually filed this. Again, because a similar resolution was filed by the Makabayan bloc a month ago, hindi po ito napansin. Siyempre pupunta po ito sa Rules, pupunta po ito sa komite. But this time by a member of the majority almost instantaneously discussed at the committee level. Do you see- Nagkakaroon ho ba, siguro sa Tagalog, nag-iiba ho ba ang ihip ng hangin? SRH: I really hope so. Yung hangin na yun, we've been stirring it up since seven years ago, panahon pa ni Duterte, when the EJKs were raging sa gitna ng madugo nilang war on drugs. And mabuti nakita natin sa House. Sinamahan na ng majority ang mga panawagan ng minority doon. So I hope it will also create a more conducive environment para kalaunan bumalik na tayo sa Rome Statute at bilang miyembro ng ICC. Q: Just a couple of reactions. We have one from Senator Imee Marcos with regards to this resolution calling for government to cooperate with the ICC. Nakakahiya daw po yun, Senator Risa. In fact, I think there was also a part of that interview that Senator Imee was saying matibay ang ating korte, in fact she even said look at the former Senator Leila de LIma, she's out on bail. SRH: Well, I'm really, really glad na napalaya na sa wakas, nakapag-post ng bail si Sen. Leila. That's the least that the administration could do: Tuparin ang kanilang sinabi nung simula ng administrasyon that they would cease delaying, they would cease obstructing the legal process for Sen. Leila. Now, that's one of how many cases of illegal detention. Kaya sa ganap na paglaya ni Sen. Leila, we are all inspired that all persons deprived of liberty unjustly should also be set free. At walang nakakahiya kung kasabay ng mga ganitong few and far between pero celebrated na mga legal victories ng mga biktima ng inhustisya, walang nakakahiya kung kasabay niyan aandar ang isang international process sa pamamagitan ng isang international institution tulad ng ICC para sabayan at suportahan din yung mga domestic legal and judicial procedures natin. Mas nakakhiya kung in the face of tens of thousands of EJK victims and survivors, yung mga widows and orphans nila, mas nakakahiya kung hindi natin bibigyang daan ang tulong at suporta, solidarity ng international community. Which the President's own statements to the UN and to other countries, in spirit, should welcome. Q: But let me add this also, Senator Risa. Even the Vice President, basically, was saying this is unconstitutional. To quote, "To allow ICC prosecutors to investigate alleged crimes that are now under the exclusive jurisdiction of our prosecutors and our courts is not only patently unconstitutional but effectively belittles and degrades our legal institutions." I'd like to ask for a reaction from you on that. SRH: There's no belittling or degrading at all. Gaya ng binanggit ko kanina, mayroon tayong mangilan-ngilan na mga legal victories dito sa ating bansa. At yan talagang tagumpay ng mga victim-survivors, ng mga legal teams nila, at pati ng mga korte, ng mga judges at justices na nagbigay daan sa mga ganyang few and precious legal victories dito sa ating domestic judiciary. And there's nothing unconstitutional about being a member of nations. Maging sa ating Konstitusyon may mga ganyang prinsipyo. And the Vice President should be minded na yung tinatawag niyang "alleged crimes" na ina-assail diyan sa ICC case date from 2011, eight long years bago nag-withdraw ang ating bansa sa pamamagitan ni Duterte, kanyang ama sa Rome Statute at sa International Criminal Court. Q: There was a resolution filed at the House of Representatives, defending the former President, President Rodrigo Duterte. This was filed in February. A similar resolution was also filed by Senator Robinhood Padilla at the Senate defending the President, the former President Rodrigo Duterte and the war on drugs. How does one, can we, are able to actually reconcile this when in February there was a resolution in the HOuse, in the Senate defending the former President, and now in the HOuse saying, "Please, Philippine government, please, president Marcos, cooperate with the ICC." SRH: I supposed irreconcilable yung dalawang magka-kontrang resolusyon na iyon. At at least sa House of Representatives, alam na natin yung sense of the House kung bibigyan daan nila yung pinakabagong mga resolusyon. Ang reading ko, bilang counterpart nila, ang sense ng House o at least yung mga resolusyong iyon ay bigyang daan na yung ICC at humarap na si Duterte. Q: Will a similar resolution be filed in the Senate? Yun pong katulad sa House? SRH: It could be. It well could be. Q: Will you file it? SRH: I could. Q: You plan to do it? SRH: I'm seriously considering it. Q: Pag-usapan natin yung Christmas convoy. Because yun pong Atin Ito, hindi ho ba, you're passionately supporting this. NSC's Deputy Director General Malaya is actually discouraging this planned Christmas convoy to the BRP Sierra Madre. Basically, sinasabi niya, kung yung Philippine COast GUard natin, yung mga commissioned boats natin na-harass, nagkaroon ng laser pointing, nagkaroon ng water cannon, papaano pa itong mga civilian boats? Is this something that the group should seriously reconsider? SRH: Well as far as I know, Atin Ito, they have been coordinating with the Philippine C0ast Guard which is a part of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, which also participates in the NSC, from the very beginning na kinonceptualize nila itong civilian convoy resupply mission. So sana hindi kaagad discouragement, hindi unang discouragement yung sinabi ni Usec. Malaya, pero salamat naman sa NSC statement nila, in-appreciate nila yung pagnanais ng sibilyang grupong ito na Atin Ito na suportahan yung ating mangingisda at frontliners lalo na diyan sa BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal. And I'm sure yung Atin Ito, they will continue to coordinate with the PCG and weigh all the advice ng executive branch. And moving forward, at least bukas na yung channel para sa continuous communication at coordination dito sa usapin ng pagsuporta ng ating mamamayan sa pambansang interes sa West Philippine Sea. Q: Quick reaction on the joint air and sea patrols by the Philippines and the United States? SRH: Well, I've been calling for continuous and more joint air and sea patrols between the philippines not just the US, our traditional ally but more and newer allies in the growing coaltion that supports the Philippines, supports our arbitral awards, joins with us in upholding the rule of law at sea as rules-based resolution in the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, our exclusive economic zone and the whole south china sea I've always said that a bigger coalition is a better coalition and that coalition upholds freedom of navigation as well so the more joint sea and air patrols with more countries at dumarami sila the better Q: In fact, Ambassador Babe Romualdez was saying we are looking into something that's been talked about in the past, possibly South Korea, Japan, Australia and other countries but here's the thing, obviously China is unhappy about this, their ministry of defense said that he's actually accusing the philippines with enlisting foreign forces to patrol the South China Sea and stirring up trouble, SRH: Wow talk about super gaslighting. Sino ba naman ang nagle-laserlighting sa ating tropa, sino ba naman ang nanghaharass sa ating mga mangingisda, who are dredging our Philippine sea bed to create artificial islands within our exclusive economic zone, militarize them and then use them to claim that our territory is theirs? Who's stirring up trouble? Who's harassing our vessels and preventing them from resupplying our people on the BRP Sierra Madre; it's not us, so to now accuse us of what they're doing, that's like double gaslighting right there. Q: I wanna talk about POGO right now because you inspected that POGO hub in Pasay City sometime November second week where authorities previously discovered torture chambers, spa, KTV rooms mayroon pa ngang aquariums that you yourself saw. Tell us what happened because I know that there was a hearing after cause you chair the committee on women and children let me just add this, siguro tanong ko lang talaga, how could this happen na katabi niya ang police station, a stone throw away sa Senado, a stone throw away sa DFA. Why so brazen? Bakit gamitp katapang at nagagawa po nila ito? SRH: Ganyan ka-brazen, ganya nsila katapang dahil it was practically a state policy since the time of Duterte that POGO should have such free access into and inside our country. Maaalala natin that in the past investigation of Senate committee on women about POGO-related prostitution, illegal recruitment, and detention we spend many months on that pastillas scam and that was a scam to corrupt Bureau of Immigration officials and personnel to allow more and more Chinese employees of this POGO who victimized Filipino women and children so itong mga Pogo hub centers actually became what IACAT is calling human trafficking hubs and centres and they want to actually introduce that term in the expanded anti-trafficking in persons act. We've been investigating also human trafficking outbound and inbound at dito sa Pilipinas. We have this human trafficking hub and centers na naging hub na talaga ng iba't ibang mga krimen laban sa mga kababaihan at sa mga kabataan dito and it's not only a Philippine it's a regional problem, it's even a global problem yung cryptoscamming na ginagawa through these human trafficking hubs and centers, they are known in the West where they are called pig butchering it is a global problem of which unfortunately our government and country simula noong panahon ni Duterte have become a terrible part of. And we are left with those issues now, those violations of the rights of our women and children and nagpapasalamat lang ako na pati yung iba't ibang government agencies which took cognizance of our investigations since three years ago lalo na sa pamamagitan ng IACAT now are coordinating more and more with each other and with us in the Senate to expose these and to crackdown on them. Q: To follow up on what you were saying, ang problema ho kasi dito ang nakita doon sa Pasay mayroon pang mga passport so lumabas yung sinasabi nyo na 500,000 ibinibenta ang passport saan ho ba nanggagaling ito and how can this be stopped? SRH: My God grabe talaga we have to find out the answers to those two questions... so far naitanong namin sa BIR at saka sa PhilHealth and we'll need to ask the same question to the other agencies kasi paanong binibili? or nakukuhang through illegal means and Philippine birth certificates para makapagkunyari silang Pilipino to secure these other government-issued IDs and documents including Philippine passports including through sale at bakit para they'll have the same status like us. Q: Exactly, hindi po ba nanggagaling yan sa PSA? Hindi ko po sinasabing ano ha, para po makakuha ng kahit na ano kailangang kumuha ng certification mula sa PSA for example sa birth certificate, your marriage certificate, so it comes from there. Were these legitimate PSA birth certificates na ginamit po sa passport narating nyo na po ba un? SRH: Natanong namin separately to BIR at PhilHealth are these genuine IDs procured illegally or are they fake IDs they said either case at sabi pa nga nila they could be genuine IDs but used for fake identities of these foreigners particularly these Chinese. Now that you highlighted the PSA, di ba kamakailan lang hinack daw ang PSA. There are strange things going on some may be related to each other some may be isolated incidents from each other, pero clearly, the integrity of our databases are under attack and to what purpose? Q: Senator, sa budget, let's talk about it, quickly, ano na ho ba kayo, amendments, the committee on finance? SRH: Yes committee on finance is working on amendments tapos ihaharap ulit sa plenary namin for approval. Q: What are your concerns regarding the budget kapag hinarap na po sa plenaryo? SRH: Well, top of mind since last year, confidential and intelligence funds kasi kailangan nakatapak sa lupa yung ating budget so definitely confidential and intelligence funds, for example, as augmented by the contingent funds by the office of the president should be prohibited, and yun yung isang amendment ko na disallowance for OP contingent funds for example to augment confidential and intelligence funds of the OVP and then where should these funds instead properly be lodged? Doon sa confi at intel funds ng mga ahensya natin like the philippine coast guard na mayroon talagang mandate at expertise sa national defense and public safety. Q: Pero itong confidential funds coming from the OP na nilipat sa OVP, this is already been questioned before the Supreme Court SRH: It is being questioned so maganda mayroon tayong laban tungkol dyan in at least two branches of government so far, the legislature and the judiciary. Q: And I remember there's an inquirer.net editorial that I wanted to ask basically, it was saying now that the lawmakers have had the courage or have moved into taking away confidential funds. Should there be legislation? Actually, that was what the editorial was saying. You should come up with legislation to be able to determine who can have confidential funds. SRH: We certainly should mukha lalong dumami masyado yung civilian agencies na nasanay humingi ng CIF from 22 to 28 according to one observer. And also importante yung pinoint out ni dating minority leader Sen Frank Drilon, na bakit pati yung intelligence funds may kaunting accountability to the President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Commission on Audit chair pero mukhang mas maluwag pa yung accounting processes para sa confidential funds. That's an irony and I think a very important area of future, soon, legislation Q: Just also quickly there are because when you talk about confidential funds, tinanggalan na po ang confidential funds ng OVP at ng DepEd hindi po ito kinukuha ni dating pangulong Duterte then let's talk about impeachment, it's loose talk of course the House is talking there's no truth to it. Personally, do you think that it's fair to even, I know this is a political, a number's game, but when you look at it, could there be basis to impeach the VP considering that kung nakuha naman niyang confidential funds ay nanggaling naman po at naapruba ng Executive, ng Office of the President through the DBM. Your thoughts on that SRH: That's why tinatanong namin yung propriety sa OVP at sa DBM din I suppose yun ang punto ng kaso sa Supreme Court and though it is also a numbers game, pero sa ngayon nakatutok talaga kami sa usapin ng accountability sabi nyo nga wala namang sinasabi ang House na impeachment process or complaint and if ever they will come up with one anytime in the future titingnan naman muna nila kung ano ang grounds, kung may basis talaga basta nakatutok kami in this budget process sa usapin ng accountability for past receipts and expenditures na hindi maayos na nasagot ng OVP sa interpellation at nakatutok kami sa moving forward how to make the use of taxpayers money government's money in this very very tight fiscal space na mataas ang deficit natin, mataas ang debt natin how to properly appropriate it for optimal impact on poverty alleviation social protection and definitely upholding the national interest in the whole of the territory of our archipelago. Dapat tamang paggastos, at tamang pag-kwenta at account nitong kaperahang ito.
In 1965, the famous psychic Jeane Dixon predicted that what is today known as the John Hancock Center in Chicago was going to collapse. A year later, the construction engineer responsible for the project received a terrifying call: The building is sinking into the ground. A race began to save not only that skyscraper, but all the skyscrapers in the world. A race that  without anyone noticing  had actually already begun three years earlier.

In 1962, architect Bruce Graham  from the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)  asked engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan to tell him which was the most economical structure possible to build a skyscraper. The question was a question of survival because, at that time, the world of architecture was wondering if skyscrapers had stopped making sense. A mid-rise tower was still being built here and there, but superskyscrapers  such as the Empire State Building  seemed to be a thing of the past. They were simply too expensive to build.

So, when Bruce Graham was commissioned to build a residential tower in Chicago, he asked his engineer to design the cheapest possible structure. Khan, however, didnt answer immediately. He told Graham to wait and went down to a flower shop.

Fazlur Khan  who was only 33-years-old at the time  was a kind of entertainer: a talkative and charming guy who liked to tell jokes and do magic tricks. He returned from the flower shop and  like a magician in a theater  showed Graham what he had bought: a bamboo stick. This is the most economical and most efficient structure for building a skyscraper.

The John Hancock Tower in Boston, built in 1976 Alamy Stock Photo

The tallest building that Bangladesh-born Khan had seen during his childhood was three or four stories high. In fact, he didnt see a skyscraper until he emigrated to Chicago in 1950, when he was 21-years-old. However, when his architect colleague asked him for the most effective structure possible, Khan remembered the forests around his home in Bangladesh: he recalled how he had marveled at the resistance of a plant as light as bamboo.

He was absolutely right. The best structure for a skyscraper wasnt the typical framework of steel beams and pillars. Rather, it was a tube  like a bamboo stick. How come? Well, for two essential reasons. On the one hand, its the structure that best resists wind (wind being the number one enemy of a skyscraper). And, on the other hand, by placing the support structure on the facade, the pillar floors are freed up, resulting in more and better-distributed surface area. This, in turn, leads to more units and more profit.

Using the tubular frame system, Graham and Khan built the DeWitt-Chesnut Apartment Building in Chicago. Inaugurated in 1965, its a very elegant building with 42 floors. It offered the men training for the assignment that would change their lives.

In 1964, developer Jerry Wolman  then-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles  commissioned them to build a superskyscraper on Chicagos Magnificent Mile. Wolman wanted a monumental tower  the tallest building in Chicago  which would reach at least 90 floors. But there was a condition imposed by the John Hancock Life Insurance Company, the firm that was financing Wolmans project: it had to cost less than $100 million (about $970 million in todays money).

At first glance, this may seem like a huge sum. Although, if we recall that the Twin Towers cost about $200 million each  or about $3.8 billion total in todays money  in reality, the undertaking seemed impossible. Unless, of course, you were Fazlur Khan.

When the dilemma was raised in the office, Graham asked the Bangladeshi-American engineer again: Could a 90-story building be built with $100 million?

No, Khan replied. With $100 million, we can build a 100-story skyscraper.

An image from the documentary Reaching New Heights. Fazlur Rahman Khan is pictured on the far left. Next to him is the architect Bruce Graham. Both men are looking at a model of the John Hancock Center

In reality, with the conventional exterior tube system, it was very difficult to achieve what Khan promised but he had an ace up his sleeve. The amount of materials utilized in the facade could be reduced, so long as the entire facade was also acting as a support structure. Thanks to a system of diagonals that he designed with one of his students from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Khan transformed the facade of the future skyscraper into a kind of superbeam  a supertruss that distributed all the force of the wind across the facade. Whats more, to ensure that the system was as efficient as possible, Khan turned to two young computer engineers, who calculated the entire structure using the nascent computers of the time. An iconic design was born.

With that design, Khan and Graham assured Wolman that the tower would measure 100 stories and cost $100 million. The project was approved and appeared in all the newspapers and all the architectural magazines. The future Wolman Building was going to be the second-tallest building in the world (behind the Empire State Building) and was practically double the height of the tallest building in Chicago. The windy city would, once again, be the city of skyscrapers.

But, like the wind, destiny is sometimes treacherous. In December of 1965, the famous psychic Jeane Dixon wrote an ominous prophecy in her column for Parade Magazine: The new 100-story skyscraper [thats under] construction in Chicago is going to collapse before the work is completed. The prediction wouldnt have gone beyond gossip in the society pages if it werent for the fact that Dixon was, actually, quite famous. She was a big name because, in 1956, she had predicted the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which occurred seven years later.

The work continued, but some of the bricklayers and workers suddenly jumped at any strange noise. And then, in July of 1966  when 20 floors of the skyscraper had already been built  Khan received a terrifying call: The tower is sinking into the ground.

A worker welding steel beams at the John Hancock Center, in Chicago Bettmann (Bettmann Archive)

Khan stopped the work immediately and went to the site to find out what was happening. Indeed, the building was sinking too much. They had planned for the foundation to settle when the tower was finished, after a drop of about three feet but it had already dropped by three feet with only 20 floors complete.

What had happened? How was it possible that Khan and the computer engineers had made such a mistake in their calculations? Well, what had happened was something that had happened many times before (and would happen many times after): the construction company, wanting to save money, had unknowingly caused an incipient catastrophe.

The problem was that the soil in Chicago is very soft and very muddy. Itss essentially identical to the bed of Lake Michigan. Hence, the foundations Khan designed were similar to those used in the pylons of bridges that cross rivers. This type of foundation  called a foundation pit  works through a system that sinks very slowly and deliberately as its built. Its very effective for these soils but it has to be done carefully. The builder working on Khans design hadnt been cautious.

Through a series of ultrasonic tests, Khan discovered that the construction workers had been pouring concrete while the drills were still inside the wells, disrupting the setting process. This was even more dangerous, because not only had the foundation pit sunk too much  it had also tilted an inch away from its vertical axis. Extrapolated to all 1,128 feet of the skyscraper, this would cause an unacceptable deformation.

Although the mistake wasnt his and had nothing to do with the diagonal tube system he had designed, Khans reputation was at stake, because if the building didnt reach completion, he wouldnt be able to demonstrate that his structure was the most effective one available. So, he stopped everything for six months, until the wells settled. The tilted foundation pit was then rebalanced and  with the new calculations  Khan ordered work to resume, ensuring that there would be no further problems.

A view of the Chicago Harbor and Lake Michigan. Alamy Stock Photo

In the end, Wolman couldnt make his loan payments, at which point the financier  the John Hancock Life Insurance Company  took ownership of the building, retaining both the architect and the engineer. This is how the financial company ended up getting its name on the skyscraper: the John Hancock Center.

Inaugurated in 1969 and  despite delays  at a cost of just $100 million, the John Hancock Center marked the coronation of Fazlur Khan as an engineer. It also marked a paradigm shift in structural engineering around the world. Starting with the Chicago project, superskyscrapers were, once again, an object of desire. In fact, most were (and continue to be) built using some variation of Khans structural system. This is how the Twin Towers, the Citigroup Center and even the brand new ultra-skyscraper at 432 Park Avenue were built.

Fazlur Rahman Khan died in 1982 of a heart attack. He was only 52-years-old. When he died, he was still the engineer of the worlds tallest building: the Sears Tower, also in Chicago (now renamed the Willis Tower). On one of the floors of the tower, theres a small bas-relief dedicated to Khan, which reads: One of the greatest structural engineers of our time. But he was far more than that: Khan was the man who saved all the skyscrapers in the world.
The YPF Tower in Buenos Aires, on November 20. AGUSTIN MARCARIAN (REUTERS)

Argentina has been here before, but a privatization of the state energy company, Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales (YPF), will not be like it was the first time in the 1990s. After the government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner expropriated it in 2012, a legal trial was opened in the United States that remains unfinished. Furthermore, a large percentage of the shares are in the hands of the oil provinces in Argentina. Neither U.S. law nor international law can prevent a second sale from taking place, but the road will be uphill for president-elect Javier Milei.

Founded 101 years ago, YPF was the first state-owned company outside the Soviet Union. Between 1990 and 1998, President Carlos Menem privatized a handful of banks and state companies, including YPF, which generated $19.3 billion in revenue for the government, according to estimates by the academic Richard Huizar, a political science researcher at William Patterson University in New Jersey. According to Huizars analysis, the sale of YPF at that time occurred because the country stopped depending on oil revenues and there was a weakening of the unions. Its shares were listed on the Buenos Aires and New York stock exchanges.

It was then that Spanish oil company Repsol became a majority shareholder of YPF. At the end of 2011, Repsol announced the discovery of Vaca Muerta, then the largest oil field in history (for both Argentina and Repsol). A few months later, President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced that she would expropriate the company, taking control of 51% of the shares. The Spanish company responded with a legal suit in the United States, which it eventually sold to the American fund Burford Capital.

In September, Burford scored a victory when a judge in New York ruled that the Argentine State must pay compensation of $16 billion to Burford and other affected companies. For Burford, payment from the Argentine government would imply a return on its investment of 37,000%, according to what its investment director told Bloomberg, but the payment has not arrived. The Argentine government responded that it will appeal the ruling.

In terms of U.S. law and international law, I see no impediment to the sale being made, said Diego Duran de la Vega, director of Latin American disputes at the Washington-based law firm Hughes Hubbard. YPF is already partially private, with 49% of its shares on the stock market and if Argentine law allows it and following the established process, it could sell its 51% position to private investors, added the specialist. Investors reacted with optimism in both New York and Buenos Aires,

As for the conviction in the United States, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that even though the case for which they condemned Argentina is related to YPF, the conviction is against the Argentine State, regardless of what happens with YPF, Duran clarified.

Finally, a second obstacle that Milei will have to overcome to make the sale of YPF a reality is to get the oil provinces, members of the Federal Organization of Hydrocarbon Producing States (OFEPHI), to agree to the privatization: 51% of the shares are owned by the state, while 49% belong to Rio Negro, Tierra del Fuego, La Pampa, Santa Cruz, Chubut, Neuquen, Salta, Mendoza, Jujuy and Formosa. This means that 24% of the companys total shares are in the hands of the provincial governments. In 2012, when Kirchner confronted Repsol, the provinces where the oil company operated withdrew, one by one, the licenses, exerting pressure for expropriation.

Given Mileis announcement of his intention to privatize state companies, including the energy company Enarsa, as well as the public media outlets, the markets reacted with optimism, boosting the price of YPF shares as well as sovereign bonds. But analysts warn that privatizations are not guaranteed. Milei has proposed fast and radical measures to address these imbalances, including dramatic cuts to federal spending, full dollarization, closure of the central bank and privatizations, analysts at credit risk and analysis firm Fitch wrote on Tuesday.

Yet the dubious technical feasibility of these plans and the recent moderation in his rhetoric make it uncertain how ambitious an agenda he will pursue, Fitch warned.
The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, together with the vice president, Veronica Abad, speaks during the appointment of his Cabinet on Thursday in Quito. Jose Jacome (EFE)

Daniel Noboa arrived at the National Assembly of Ecuador Thursday with an air of renewal. The new president  son of millionaire Alvaro Noboa, who himself ran as a candidate five times  took the oath of office that he will exercise for 18 months and received the presidential sash in an atypical ceremony at which Colombian President Gustavo Petro was the only foreign leader in attendance, and he arrived half an hour late.

Faithful to the profile he projected during the campaign, Noboa delivered a speech lasting only seven minutes, thus breaking the pattern of lengthy discourses in a ceremony that previously could last for up to three hours. We cannot keep repeating the same policies of the past expecting to have a different result, said Noboa. I invite everyone to work together against the common enemies of violence and misery. The job is hard and difficult and the days are few.

I am not an anti-anything; I am pro Ecuador, the 35-year-old continued, while vindicating the idea of the different and the young. A lot of people see youth as a synonym of naivety. For me its a synonym of strength to defeat the challenges that are imposed on us.

Noboa added that he could not be pigeonholed into old political and ideological paradigms, in front of an assembly of legislators, the majority of whom represent those old paradigms and who, in addition, were dismissed by a presidential decree issued by outgoing president Guillermo Lasso in May, and with whom Noboa has reached an agreement  which has not been made public  with the Citizen Revolution Movement, tied to former president Rafael Correa, and the right-wing Social Christian party, to designate the authorities of the Assembly. Noboa did not go into who would constitute his ministerial cabinet following two departures in recent days.

Since he won the elections, Noboa has made few references to what decisions he will make in his first days in office, but in his speech he made security a priority: To fight violence we must fight unemployment. The country needs jobs and to create them I will send urgent reforms to the assembly, which should be treated with responsibility and by putting the country first, he said. A tax reform, of which no details have been announced, will be one of the first bills sent before the legislature and will provide a testing ground for the pact reached with the other political formations.

Noboa will assume office in a country with a fiscal deficit of more than $3.2 billion and a level of indebtedness that exceeds 62% of Ecuadors GDP, with blackouts throughout the country due to an electricity crisis that the outgoing government failed to resolve. Ecuador is also facing a serious security emergency with one of the highest crime rates in the world: 38 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, due to the neglect of the countrys political organizations. Drug cartels have moved into the security vacuum and are waging a war among themselves for the control of trafficking routes.
The University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP)  a private Mexican university  examined the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. A group of researchers carefully analyzed  on a country-by-country basis  what the region is doing to mitigate climate change and facilitate access to climate justice. The results turned out to not be as ambitious as the critical situation demands.

According to the 2023 Environmental Impunity Index  presented this past Wednesday in the Senate of Mexico  the average performance score is 54.86 out of 100. The region invests only 0.18% of overall GDP into preserving the environment, despite the fact that global warming hits Latin America and the Caribbean in a disproportionate manner. This lack of financing reflects the lack of political will, laments Azucena Chaidez Montenegro, a co-author of the index. While theres consensus about the need to act, the institutional response lacks teeth, it lacks resources.

The index notes that climate migration is the most pressing consequence stemming from the lack of political will to take climate action. According to data collected by a census report prepared in 2021, at least 1.18 million people in the region have been internally displaced due to climatic factors. Brazil is at the top of this list: almost half-a-million people have migrated internally due to climate-related disasters. In Haiti, the figure is around 220,000. In Cuba and Uruguay, its 194,000 and 160,000 respectively. For Celeste Cedillo  a professor at UDLAP and a co-author of the index  these figures are very scary and she warns that the data indicates that the number of climate displaced people will grow more and more.

Institutional capacity is one of the most disparate parameters studied between countries, according to the index. Bolivia (58.8), Mexico (56.6) and Brazil (54.97) obtained the best performance, while Haiti (14.71), Saint Vincent (13.27) and Trinidad and Tobago (8.41) were the worst-rated in this category. In the research, Chaidez explains, they worked hard to shape scales that could compare countries such as Brazil and Barbados, which have very different population densities, budgets and political factors. The objective of the index is to put all countries in front of a mirror and draw a roadmap for the optimization of public policies and environmental justice.

The enormous gaps between one nation and another warn of the high levels of vulnerability and inequality that countries in the region  which have little state muscle when it comes to environmental matters  are subject to. Latin America is an incredibly unequal region, [especially in rural areas]. This has a direct impact on the social effects of the environmental crisis, the accompanying report reads.

Wood seized by Brazil's environmental agency from an illegal sawmill, in January of 2023 UESLEI MARCELINO (REUTERS)

Mexicos environmental failure: good policies, bad results

Although larger countries have better institutional capacity, they score very poorly when it comes to environmental degradation and crimes. The Commonwealth of Dominica (71.54), Panama (70.92) and Saint Vincent (70.21) are in the best positions, while Brazil (53.95), Barbados (52.9) and Mexico (45.35) occupy the last spots. This result warns that countries with greater resources cannot necessarily make them function effectively, nor fully guarantee their citizens right to a healthy environment. For Celeste Cedillo, the most paradigmatic example of this is Mexico: It has good federal [environmental] policies, but it fails to ground them at the subnational level. That is, the results arent seen at the local level. Its a very obvious failure.

Mexico also faces environmental conflicts, which range from the murders of environmentalists to territorial disputes linked to extractivism. Mexico, Brazil and Colombia are the countries with the most environmental lawsuits in the region. These three countries represent 49.8% of the total number of conflicts, with Mexico being the country with the most in the region, at 19.8% of the total. Latin America as a whole, meanwhile, has the dishonorable title of being the deadliest region in the world for environmental activists. Nine out of 10 of the violent deaths of these activists take place in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 2012, this represents a total of 1,910 people.

The lack of legal protection is also a weak point in the region. 63.6% of the countries studied dont explicitly recognize the right to a healthy environment in their constitutions, while only 9% of Carribean, Central and South American countries have courts that specialize in environmental matters.

Miners detained by the police are evacuated from an illegal mine, in the Madre de Dios region of Peru, in July of 2015 Sebastian Castaneda (Getty Images)

All of these deficiencies contribute to the term environmental impunity

These arent just crimes that havent been solved, Chaidez clarifies by phone. [They havent been solved] because theres no law, or it cannot be applied. It has to do with the inability of the state to generate legislation, policies or resources.

After analyzing more than 50 variables, the index divides the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean into three large groups, according to their score. Those with medium-low impunity have the best scores (from 64.76 to 59.42) and are: Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Nicaragua and Panama. Theyre followed by Venezuela, Mexico, Dominica, El Salvador, Brazil, Cuba, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Guatemala, Bahamas and Barbados. And finally, there are the nations with the worst ratings: Honduras, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Paraguay, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

Chaidez bemoans the particularly poor performance of smaller countries or those with more poverty, since theyre the ones that face the highest levels of risk and vulnerability stemming from climate change. This is despite the fact that they only minimally contribute towards harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Experts are urging for greater technical assistance to these small, low-income countries, as well as assistance to help them formulate public policies, processes of institutional change and risk management, and evidence-based systems of prevention and climate adaptation.

The lack of data is a big problem across the board, resulting in a lack of comparable information from one country to another. This is  for both experts consulted in this report  the biggest Achilles heel in Latin America. Both indicated that they had to resort to information from civil society organizations that collect data as a response to the institutional vacuum.

Not reporting the information is keeping [environmental] impunity alive, Chaidez sighs. This only brings obscurity to processes that have to be evaluated and monitored. And weve realized that states arent taking the task of documenting what they do seriously.
Families of the hostages and others watch news broadcasts as captives are released into Egypt before being brought into Israel, outside the Museum of Tel Aviv on November 24, 2023.

Following the beginning of a truce between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect Friday morning, the Islamist militia has released the first hostages kidnapped during the October 7 attacks on Israel. The 24 hostages released on Friday include 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and 1 Filipino citizen, according to Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, who made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter.

Qadura Fares, the Palestinian commissioner for prisoners, told EL PAIS that 39 Palestinian prisoners have been released from Israeli jails in exchange. Of these, 24 are women and 15 are minors, all from the West Bank.

Qatar, which brokered the prisoner swap agreement and a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, announced the truce would enter into force Friday at 7.00 a.m. local time. As part of the framework of the deal, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majed Al Ansari, quoted by Reuters, also announced that Hamas would release 13 of the approximately 240 Israeli hostages captured predominantly by the Palestinian militia and Islamic Jihad, at 4 p.m. local time.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were at the Kirya base in Tel Aviv, the headquarters of the Israeli army, to oversee the release of the 13 Israeli hostages, who were expected to leave Gaza along with the Thai and Filipino captives on Friday afternoon. According to Israeli media, the hostages are already in the care of the Red Cross and being moved to the Rafah crossing, which connects the south of the Gaza strip with Egypt. The head of government information in Egypt said Friday the authorities are preparing now to receive the hostages released by Hamas in preparation for their transfer to the Israeli side.

The Thai hostages released by Hamas are part of a group of 23 Thai nationals kidnapped on October 7 and represent the largest group of foreigners among the captives. Thirty-two other foreign nationals were killed during the militia attacks on Israel. About 30,000 Thais live and work in Israel, mainly in the agricultural sector.

50 Israeli hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners

The agreement between Israel and Hamas is for 50 of the Israeli captives to be returned over the course of the four-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. In both cases, those released will be mainly women and children, as confirmed by Al Ansari. If there were a group of hostages from the same family they will be released together in this first batch, said the Qatari spokesman, who did not offer details on the Palestinian prisoners who will benefit from the exchange.

Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari specified that troops in Gaza would remain behind a ceasefire line during the truce but did not provide details of where this would be located. These will be complicated days and nothing is certain... Even during this process there could be changes, Hagari said as quoted by Reuters, before adding that control of northern Gaza is the first step of a long war, and we are preparing for the next stages.

Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for Hamas armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam brigades, on Thursday night referred to the temporary truce with Israel in a video message in which he also called for an escalation of the confrontation on all fronts of resistance, including in the occupied West Bank.

Al Ansari had stated hours earlier that compliance with the terms of the truce and the prisoner exchange will be monitored from a coordination center in Doha. Qatar will maintain, he said, a very clear line of communication with Israel, the Hamas political office in Doha and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Al Ansari stressed that this monitoring center will ensure that the environment which the hostage transfer will happen will be a safe one.

Qatar hopes to negotiate an extension of the agreement to release additional Israeli captives before the fourth day of the ceasefire expires. We all hope that this truce will lead to a chance to start a wider work to achieve a permanent truce, Al Ansari said. Israel, for its part, has left the door open for a possible extension of the temporary cessation of hostilities, of an additional day for every 10 further hostages released by militias in Gaza.

In addition to the exchange of prisoners and the ceasefire the truce, which represents the biggest diplomatic milestone in the conflict so far, includes allowing the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza via Egypt.
Eamon Gilmore in Brussels, in a file image. Yves Logghe (AP)

Eamon Gilmore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, arrived in Havana on Thursday, just one day after a wake was held for Luis Barrios, a 37-year-old political prisoner who died this week after being transferred from jail to hospital due to advanced bronchopneumonia.

Gilmore announced his trip on Thursday on his X account, saying he would meet with members of the Cuban government, institutions, and civil society. I will be discussing a wide range of issues, he wrote without elaborating further. Between Thursday and Friday, the official will co-chair the EU-Cuba Human Rights Dialogue, as established in 2017 in the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. Gilmores visit to the island had been announced in May by the High Representative for European Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell.

Various Cuban organizations have said they expect a gesture from Gilmore. They have urged him to visit hospitals, meet with relatives of prisoners and even go personally to see prisons. The visit comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing a historic migratory exodus that has reached 400,000 people in the last two years, food shortages that have even been acknowledged by the authorities, a health crisis in a country that prides itself on being a medical powerhouse and constant complaints of human rights violations.

Investigating Barrios death

Gilmores visit is also taking place amid shock over the death of Luis Barrios, who was arrested during the massive and unprecedented protests that took place throughout Cuba on July 11, 2021, and sentenced by the Municipal Court of Arroyo Naranjo, in Havana, to nine years behind bars for the alleged crime of public disorder and assault, the same charges that the government has reserved for some of the more than 1,000 people jailed after the demonstrations.

Luis Barrios in an image circulating on social media.

In the afternoon of November 19, Barrios, who has a six-year-old child, died at La Covadonga hospital. Since August he had been suffering from respiratory problems. Although the Covadonga medical staff informed authorities that it was necessary for Barrios to remain admitted in hospital, they decided to return him to prison because they did not have fuel to guarantee permanent surveillance of the political prisoner as made public by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH). Last Saturday he underwent urgent surgery, but died due to respiratory complications.

Cuba ranks fifth for the highest prison population rate in the world, according to a report by the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research, and keeps more than 1,500 people imprisoned for political reasons. Since 2022, 20 cases of people dying in state custody have been registered in Cuba, according to lawyer Laritza Diversent, director of the legal advisory group Cubalex. Barrios is the first political prisoner to die in the last two years. Aisel Roque Rivero, 18, a participant in the July 11 protests, died in police custody in February. According to the official version, he committed suicide, but his relatives insist that he died from a beating.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has demanded that the government investigate Barrios death quickly and impartially, while the United States Embassy in Cuba has called on the government to respect human rights. No one should be imprisoned in Cuba or anywhere for publicly expressing their political opinions, they added in a statement published on X.

Diversent explains that, in the event that a person deprived of their liberty should die in the custody of the state, the latter must open an investigation. But she believes that, since there are no independent institutions in Cuba, it is likely that this will not happen and that the family will not have the possibility to demand justice beyond filing petitions through international bodies that the islands government usually ignores.

While the Cuban government continues to remain silent, various civil organizations are holding the Cuban State responsible for Barrios death. Yaxys Cires, director of strategies at the OCDH, says that on several occasions Barrios family communicated to prison authorities their concern about the obvious deterioration of his health, but the authorities did not pay attention to these complaints, resulting in his death.

The denial of medical assistance for months to a person in a serious state of ill health, and held in prison by a state, is the responsibility of the state, says Javier Larrondo, director of the NGO Prisoners Defenders. He acquired the disease in prison and was not treated at the express wish of the authorities.

For the activist Camila Rodriguez, coordinator of the group Justicia 11J, which has recorded 964 incidents associated with political prisoners in the protests, most of them related to the use of harassment and repressive practices, state officials use health as a coercive mechanism to silence opponents, something that Diversent agrees with. The denial of medical care as a method of torture is something we have been observing, she says. Her organization has also documented lack of drinking water and poor hygiene conditions in the countrys prison institutions, human rights violations that often remain invisible.

Cuban organizations and activists have demanded access to Cuban prisons by international organizations, but since the late 1980s, not one international organization has been inside a Cuban penitentiary. For this reason, civil groups consider it urgent that the European official learn about the situation of political prisoners during his visit, some of whom are serving sentences of up to 30 years.
Wednesdays arrest of Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, alias El Nini, has left question marks in the Mexican city of Culiacan over what comes next. Salas, head of security for Los Chapitos, one of the branches of the Sinaloa Cartel headed by the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, was one of the highest-profile figures in this criminal organization and a top priority for the United States. However, his arrest opens the door to a rearrangement in the hierarchical structure of the cartel that is expected to result in a fight for succession and a wave of internal violence, as has happened on previous occasions. El Nini gained prominence in 2019 following a bloody confrontation with the leader of Los Rusos, one of the armed factions of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Ismael El Mayo Zambada, which operates north of Sinaloas capital.

As a sort of calm before the storm, state authorities on Thursday said they had reported no incidents as part of the cartels response to the arrest of El Nini, who was at the head of a group operating within the structure of Los Chapitos known as Los Ninis. According to documents leaked by the Mexican army, this was an organization of young hitmen between the ages of 20 and 35 that was mostly dedicated to security tasks. Los Ninis will now have to find a new leader, which has placed Culiacan on high alert; successions within cartels have historically brought extensive bloodshed in Mexico. Sources familiar with the cartel structure, who prefer to remain anonymous for security reasons, expect the arrest of Salas to lead to more violence: not necessarily very visible, but they expect the realignment to result in the settling of scores and deaths.

Los Chapitos appeared on Washingtons radar due to the groups links to fentanyl production and distribution. Pressure from the United States led to the arrest and extradition last January of El Chapos youngest son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez. The latest blow was dealt this week to the security chief, who is accused of being a hitman operating under the orders of Oscar Noe Medina Gonzalez, alias El Panu, who is also the right-hand man of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, the current leader of Los Chapitos. The U.S. Justice Department has charged Salas with cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, possession of firearms and explosive devices, and witness intimidation.

The security convoy transporting El Nini to the Specialized Prosecutor's Office. Isaac Esquivel (EFE)

For nearly three years, El Nini has been one of Mexicos and the United States most wanted criminals, indicted by the United States for his roles in perpetrating violence and illicit fentanyl trafficking into the United States, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement. I want to thank President Lopez Obrador and the Mexican army and special forces for effectively capturing El Nini.

Salas gained visibility in 2019 as an internecine war broke out in the Sinaloa Cartel between his faction and Los Rusos, who answer to El Mayo Zambada, El Chapos former partner. Versions on how and why the bloody feud broke out differ. Sources familiar with the cartels operations say it started when a member of Los Ninis assassinated an in-law of El Ruso, a senior Zambada lieutenant in Agua Caliente, north of Culiacan. El Ruso, who is known as Jesus Alexander Sanchez Felix by some and Miguel Angel Gaxiola Quintero by others, asked El Nini to hand over the assassin. When Salas refused, he responded by carrying out a revenge killing of one of El Ninis men. The confrontation lasted for several months and escalated until El Mayo put an end to it by sending El Ruso to another area, according to the same sources. The internal conflict ended there, but Zambadas faction broke off ties with El Nini.

Joe Biden during a message to the media regarding the flow of fentanyl into the United States. SHAWN THEW / POOL (EFE)

The Mexican army tells a very different story. The leaked Mexican Defense Ministry (Sedena) documents trace the origin of the feud to November 2019, when Los Rusos attacked a group of municipal police officers working for Los Chapitos. The reasons for the internal war, according to security forces, are linked to a turf battle for dominance in drug production and sales. Sedena describes Gaxiola Quintero as Zambadas security chief in a document dated March 2020 and interprets the fight between the two groups as a confrontation between different factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Authorities also link Salas to two violent episodes known as the Culiacanazos. The first took place in October 2019, when the military detained Ovidio Guzman and then released him by order of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador after a day of blockades, shootings, and kidnappings in response by the cartel. The authorities credit these attacks to El Nini, who they point to as the main orchestrator. In that first episode, however, all factions of the Sinaloa Cartel united to defend The Mouse, as El Chapos youngest son is known. In the second Culiacanazo  the response to the January 2023 arrest of Ovidio Guzman  Salas is also accused of coordinating the cartels hours-long backlash, which included shooting at commercial airliners and laying siege to the city, resulting in the deaths of 29 people.
Only a wandering, starving dog managed to cross the Qalandia checkpoint on Tuesday without waiting two hours in line at the nine-meter-high concrete Israeli wall that, like a wound, separates East Jerusalem from the land that surrounds it: the West Bank. When September 13 marked three decades since the Oslo peace accords those two pieces of Palestine  which were to be the capital and part of the territory of a Palestinian state  had been torn apart for years by the wall. Today it is Israel, which the United Nations terms the occupying power in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, that decides whether a Palestinian can cross at Qalandia to travel through the land of their ancestors. Before Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, and Israel responded by unleashing its war in Gaza, the two-state solution, which was believed to have been enshrined in Oslo, was gathering dust in the drawer of forgotten causes. However, in the context of the current conflict, the political path to establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel is now back on the table.

On October 25, U.S. President Joe Biden advocated the two-state solution and he has repeatedly referred to it since, most recently last Saturday in The Washington Post. On October 27, the European Council endorsed a proposal from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for an international conference to seek peace between Israel and Palestine based on that formula. Even Pope Francis has joined the chorus, repeating an idea in which some however view a smokescreen to mask the dispossession of the Palestinian people, as defined by the former director of the New York office of the UN high commissioner for human rights, Craig Mokhiber, who resigned in October because of the failure of the UN to prevent a text book case of genocide in Gaza.

In Ramallah, the capital of the West Bank, a Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) official who requested anonymity repeats another of Mokhibers arguments: that the United States and Europe are complicit in Israels war in the Strip and at the same time reviving the two-state solution - the application of which they have never imposed on Israel. Sanchez on Thursday advocated a viable Palestinian state during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, but the PLO official points out the easiest thing Spain [which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union] can do to move towards that goal is to recognize the Palestinian state.

The Palestinian official also notes that neither Biden nor any of the other leaders who now point to the two-state path have referred to what in his opinion is the indispensable condition for a viable Palestinian State: The end of the Israeli occupation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) shakes hands with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) next to Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo during their meeting in Jerusalem. BORJA PUIG DE LA BELLACASA (Pool / Moncloa)

The Israel-Palestine conflict

The history of the struggle between Israel and the Palestinian people has since 1948 featured a constant that Edward Said once defined as the monotonous undercurrent of land alienation by the former. That state, said the Palestinian philosopher, is the fruit of a basically European ideology, Zionism, a movement that for decades defined itself as colonialist. In 1947, a year before the creation of the State of Israel, the United Nations adopted a plan for the partition of the British mandate of Palestine into two states that was manifestly unjust, says the PLO official. In the partition, 70% of the indigenous Arab population was granted only 45% of the land, while 30% of the Jewish population was granted 55%, a distribution that the Arab countries rejected, thus triggering the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948, in the aftermath of which Israel took over 77% of the territory. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, Israel occupied the remainder of the lands allocated to the Palestinian people by the United Nations.

In signing the Oslo Accords of 1993-1995, the PLO settled for negotiating only 22% of that territory for the Palestinian state; the pre-1967 borders. In exchange, Israel accepted the establishment of an interim autonomous administration in Gaza and the West Bank, managed by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which was to last for five years but still exists in the West Bank. Gaza has been in the hands of Hamas since 2007. The PNA only acceded to partial control of two of the territorys three areas, A and B. The rest, 60% of its land total, is Area C, which remains under Israeli control, despite the fact that the Oslo agreement provided for its handover to the Palestinian authorities.

In the three decades since the signing of this framework, the reality of Israels faits accompli on the ground shows that the Oslo Accords, far from leading to a Palestinian state, have served for Israel to legitimize itself, covering up its occupation; a colonization that has reached stratospheric levels, says Isaias Barrenada, professor of international relations at the Complutense University of Madrid.

The main instrument of this policy to blur the two-state solution has been illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and in the area of the West Bank that Israel controls completely. In 1993, when the first Oslo agreement was signed, these settlers numbered around 130,000. Today, according to the UN, there are almost 700,000. A plan frozen by Benjamin Netanyahus government in July 2020 envisages incorporating these settlements and the roads built for them into Israeli territory  Palestinians are forbidden to drive on them  thus annexing at least 30% of the West Bank.

Ignacio Alvarez-Ossorio, professor of Arab and Islamic studies at the Complutense University, points out that a future Palestinian state would not only have no physical space but also no territorial continuity, in reference to the fact that the two areas under Palestinian authority are not contiguous. They resemble islets surrounded by the area under full Israeli control. The PNA also lacks several of the fundamental attributes of a state: control of the territory and its population, well-defined borders, and a monopoly on the use of force, which remains in the hands of Israel.

To this reality, other obstacles to the two-state solution have now been added. Barrenada cites two. The first is that the extreme violence with which Israel is acting in Gaza ruins any chance of the parties sitting down together for the next 50 years. The second is that, the willingness of the parties to negotiate after the war being ruled out, the only alternative would be [the same thing] as happened in Oslo; the United States forcing Israel into dialogue.

Barrenada says this is a remote possibility, pointing out that between 1972 and October 2023, Washington has used its veto power in the UN Security Council on 34 occasions to avoid condemning Israel for its occupation of Palestine. Sanchezs proposal for a Middle East peace conference is naive, adds the expert, who sees only one possible solution to the conflict: an end to the international impunity enjoyed by Israel.

Moderates on both sides

Nadav Tamir, head of international affairs at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv, is more optimistic. What October 7 showed us all is that you cant keep the conflict going, that it needs to be resolved. Tamir is confident that moderates on both sides will reach a new agreement and that one of the conditions for this is a change of government in Israel, which is definitely going to happen after this huge failure, and Palestinian elections in which a legitimate leader is elected for both Gaza and the West Bank.

The PLO official disagrees: Israel has never recognized the two-state solution or the rights of the Palestinian people. It is as simple as asking an Israeli official if they believe in two states: they can say whatever they want, but the official policy is that there are not two states, there is only one: Israel. If you dont want two independent states and you dont want a democratic state for all, what choice is left? Either genocide, like what is happening now in Gaza, or what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have denounced: apartheid.

Barrenada clarifies that, despite the difficulties, the idea of the two states is still a reference point but it has lost relevance because it is perceived as increasingly difficult. However, he stresses that a state of their own is an inalienable right of the Palestinians, as enshrined in UN Resolution 3236 of 1974. The conditions on the ground, which make it hardly viable, can change, he notes, concluding: Everything is reversible.
Lynn Wencus, of Wrentham, Mass., holds a photograph of her son Jeff while seated in a garden at her home, in Wrentham, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

The agreement by the maker of OxyContin to settle thousands of lawsuits over the harm done by opioids could help combat the overdose epidemic that the painkiller helped spark. But that does not mean all the victims are satisfied.

In exchange for giving up ownership of drug manufacturer Purdue Pharma and for contributing up to $6 billion to fight the crisis, members of the wealthy Sackler family would be exempt from any civil lawsuits. At the same time, they could potentially keep billions of dollars from their profits on OxyContin sales.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Dec. 4 over whether the agreement, part of the resolution of Purdue Pharmas bankruptcy, violates federal law.

The issue for the justices is whether the legal shield that bankruptcy provides can be extended to people such as the Sacklers, who have not declared bankruptcy themselves. The legal question has resulted in conflicting lower court decisions. It also has implications for other major product liability lawsuits settled through the bankruptcy system.

But the agreement, even with billions of dollars set aside for opioid abatement and treatment programs, also poses a moral conundrum that has divided people who lost loved ones or lost years of their own lives to opioids.

Ellen Isaacs 33-year-old son, Ryan Wroblewski, died in Florida in 2018, about 17 years after he was first prescribed OxyContin for a back injury. When she first heard about a potential settlement that would include some money for people like her, she signed up. But she has changed her mind.

Money might not bring closure, she said. And by allowing the deal, it could lead to more problems.

Anybody in the future would be able to do the exact same thing that the Sacklers are now able to do, she said in an interview.

Her lawyer, Mike Quinn, put it this way in a court filing: The Sackler releases are special protection for billionaires.

Lynn Wencus, of Wrentham, Massachusetts, also lost a 33-year-old son, Jeff, to overdose in 2017.

She initially opposed the deal with Purdue Pharma but has come around. Even though she does not expect a payout, she wants the settlement to be finalized in hopes it would help her stop thinking about Purdue Pharma and Sackler family members, whom she blames for the opioid crisis.

I feel like I cant really move on while this is all hanging out in the court, Wencus said.

Purdue Pharmas aggressive marketing of OxyContin, a powerful prescription painkiller that hit the market in 1996, is often cited as a catalyst of a nationwide opioid epidemic, persuading doctors to prescribe painkillers with less regard for addiction dangers.

The company pleaded guilty to misbranding the drug in 2007 and paid more than $600 million in fines and penalties.

The drug and the Stamford, Connecticut-based company became synonymous with the crisis, even though the majority of pills being prescribed and used were generic drugs. Opioid-related overdose deaths have continued to climb, hitting 80,000 in recent years. Thats partly because people with substance abuse disorder found pills harder to get and turned to heroin and, more recently, fentanyl, an even more potent synthetic opioid.

Drug companies, wholesalers and pharmacies have agreed to pay a total of more than $50 billion to settle lawsuits filed by state, local and Native American tribal governments and others that claimed the companies marketing, sales and monitoring practices spurred the epidemic. The Purdue Pharma settlement would be among the largest. Its also one of only two so far with provisions for victims of the crisis to be compensated directly, with payouts from a $750 million pool expected to range from about $3,500 to $48,000.

Lawyers for more than 60,000 victims who support the settlement called it a watershed moment in the opioid crisis, while recognizing that no amount of money could fully compensate victims for the damage caused by the misleading marketing of OxyContin.

In the fallout, parts of the Sackler family story has been told in multiple books and documentaries and in fictionalized versions in the streaming series Dopesick and Painkiller.

Museums and universities around the world have removed the familys name from galleries and buildings.

Family members have remained mostly out of the public eye, and they have stepped off the board of their company and have not received payouts from it since before the company entered bankruptcy. But in the decade before that, they were paid more than $10 billion, about half of which family members said went to pay taxes.

Some testified in a 2021 bankruptcy hearing, telling a judge that the family would not contribute to the proposed legal settlement without being shielded from lawsuits.

Two family members appeared by video and one listened by audio to a 2022 court hearing in which more than two dozen people impacted by opioids told their stories publicly. One told them: You poisoned our lives and had the audacity to blame us for dying.

Purdue Pharma reached the deal with the governments suing it  including with some states that initially rejected the plan.

But the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, an arm of the Justice Department responsible for promoting the integrity of the bankruptcy system, has objected to the legal protections for Sackler family members. Attorney General Merrick Garland also has criticized the plan.

The opposition marked an about-face for the Justice Department, which supported the settlement during the presidency of Donald Trump, a Republican. The department and Purdue Pharma forged a plea bargain in a criminal and civil case. The deal included $8.3 billion in penalties and forfeitures, but the company would pay the federal government only $225 million so long as it executed the settlement plan.

A federal trial court judge in 2021 ruled the settlement should not be allowed. This year, a federal appeals panel ruled the other way in a unanimous decision in which one judge still expressed major concerns about the deal. The Supreme Court quickly agreed to take the case, at the urging of the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Purdue Pharmas is not the first bankruptcy to include this sort of third-party release, even when not everyone in the case agrees to it. It was specifically allowed by Congress in 1994 for asbestos cases.

They have been used elsewhere, too, including in settlements of sexual abuse claims against the Boy Scouts of America, where groups like regional Boy Scout councils and churches that sponsor troops helped pay, and against Catholic dioceses, where parishes and schools contributed cash.

Proponents of Purdue Pharmas settlement plan often assert that federal law does not prohibit third-party releases and that they can be necessary to create a settlement that parties will agree to.

Third-party releases are a recurring feature of bankruptcy practice, lawyers for one branch of the Sackler family said in a court filing, and not because anyone is trying to do the released third parties a favor.

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 24, 2023 - 14:08 | All, World

A four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas began in the Gaza Strip on Friday, with Israel committing to a pause in its offensive in return for the freeing of around 50 women and children from among the hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.

The cease-fire, which was brokered by the United States and Qatar, began at 7 a.m. local time, with the first 13 women and children set to be released at around 4 p.m.

It is the first truce agreed by the two parties since Hamas launched a surprise cross-border attack on Oct. 7, followed by a protracted air and ground assault into Palestinian territories by Israel in response.

Gaza is set to receive humanitarian aid during the period, consisting of 200 aid trucks and another four trucks with fuel per day.

The International Committee of the Red Cross will support the hostage release. The Qatari government has expressed hope the cease-fire period will be extended.

International focus is on whether the cease-fire will be honored as Israel continued its ground offensive into Thursday night. About 30 people were reportedly killed, according to Hamas, following an attack by Israeli forces on a school run by the United Nations in a refugee camp in northern Gaza the same evening.

The Israeli government said it contacted families of the hostages that are expected to be released, while Hamas said three Palestinians held by Israel will be returned per hostage.

Israel's bombardment has killed over 14,800, according to the latest figures released by Gaza authorities on Thursday. Israel says its death toll is at around 1,200 people.

Related coverage:

Israel approves 4-day cease-fire with Hamas for hostage release

Poverty in Palestine may rise 45% in month 3 of Israel-Hamas war: UN

APEC leaders' declaration makes no reference to Israel-Hamas conflict
Poe on amnesty for rebels

The grant of amnesty strikes a powerful chord with the Filipinos who shun violence and conflict.

Rebel groups waging armed struggle out of their political conviction will no longer feel the sword hanging over their heads that they could be arrested or charged any time.

We hope the amnesty program will provide a comprehensive package for the rebels,

including training, livelihood and employment opportunities.

This will fully reintegrate the rebels into the mainstream society as peaceful, productive and law-abiding citizens.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 24, 2023 - 10:28 | World, All, Japan

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country's launch of a military reconnaissance satellite earlier this week was "an exercise of the right to self-defense," official media reported Friday.

Kim said possessing the satellite will "actively deter, control and manage various kinds and forms of the dangerous and aggressive moves of the hostile forces," the Korean Central News Agency reported, in an apparent reference to the alliance of the United States, South Korea and Japan.

The North Korean leader visited the National Aerospace Technology Administration on Thursday to congratulate the scientists who contributed to the launch of the Malligyong-1 spy satellite, according to KCNA. It reported earlier that the satellite, launched Tuesday, will officially begin operation on Dec. 1.

Kim said the satellite would constantly grasp the "military intention and moves of the hostile forces with our space guard and powerful sighting telescope," according to KCNA.

The scientists' achievements had "remarkably bolstered war deterrence" and the launch of the satellite contributed to the goal of developing the country's aerospace reconnaissance capacity, as set forth by the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

Related coverage:

North Korea says satellite to start reconnaissance mission from Dec.

North Korea claims it successfully put satellite into orbit

North Korea launches military reconnaissance satellite, sparks backlash
KYODO NEWS - Nov 25, 2023 - 08:02 | All, Japan

A government panel on Friday compiled a final report on a new system to replace Japan's controversial trainee program for foreigners, featuring improved rights protection with increased flexibility for workplace changes and tougher oversights.

The final report will set the stage for the government to submit a bill to the ordinary parliamentary session next year to introduce the new system, which will end the Technical Intern Training Program that has been in place since 1993.

Originally designed to transfer skills to developing countries, the program has been criticized as a cover for importing low-cost labor as Japan's working-age population shrinks. Many trainees ran way due to unjust treatment, including unpaid wages and harassment.

According to the final report, the new system will focus on "securing and developing human resources" while easing the current program's stringent rules that have largely prohibited trainees from changing workplaces unless there are compelling reasons, thus allowing them to transfer to similar jobs more flexibly.

Transfers will be allowed in principle for trainees who have worked for at least a year at one place and have passed a skills test and the easiest level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

As there have been concerns of potential trainee outflow from rural to urban areas due to workplace changes, the panel had also explored the option of permitting transfers after two years of work.

In the final report, it ended up mentioning the need to consider "necessary transitional measures" to address abrupt changes, suggesting the possibility of extending the one-year period on an industry-by-industry basis.

Under the new system, after around three years of work, technical interns are expected to have acquired enough expertise to apply for a specified skilled worker system, introduced in 2019, which allows for stays of up to 5 years with the potential for obtaining permanent residency.

To become a specified skilled worker, trainees will have to pass a skills test and become more fluent in Japanese.

The report also called for tightening requirements and oversight of supervising organizations, which act as brokers and supervise companies accepting foreign trainees.

The Organization for Technical Intern Training, an entity that oversees the program, will also increase personnel to strengthen support and protection for foreigners involved.

The report additionally called for a mechanism to ease the financial burden on trainees, who are often saddled with debt due to expenses associated with entering Japan.

The report will be submitted to Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi in the near future. As of the end of June, foreign technical interns totaled around 358,000 and specified skilled workers around 173,000.

Related coverage:

Japan's new foreign trainee program to be more flexible for workers
KYODO NEWS - Nov 24, 2023 - 15:09 | All, World, Japan

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said Friday the government has confirmed that "some object" launched by North Korea is "orbiting the Earth," after Pyongyang launched what it said was a reconnaissance satellite earlier this week.

Kihara told reporters that the latest assessment was made in collaboration with the United States and South Korea, but he refrained from commenting on whether the North's launch was successful.

He added Japan will carefully analyze whether the object has been functioning as intended since its launch, which occurred about an hour before the start of a pre-noticed nine-day window from Wednesday.

North Korea claimed through its official media on Wednesday that it had "successfully" launched a new rocket carrying a reconnaissance satellite the previous day and had placed it "accurately" in orbit.

Pyongyang also said the satellite will officially begin operation on Dec. 1. After failed attempts in May and August, North Korea announced it would conduct another launch in October but did not follow through.

Initially, Japan, which had urged North Korea not to conduct a launch using ballistic missile technology, said it had not confirmed whether the payload had entered space. U.N. resolutions ban the use of ballistic missile technology by Pyongyang.

South Korea said Thursday that the North's launch was successful and that the payload had been put into orbit, adding Pyongyang received technological assistance from Russia.

In May, Japan issued an order for its Self-Defense Forces to shoot down any projectile on course to fall in the country's territory using ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles and Aegis-equipped destroyers.

With the possibility of additional launches by North Korea, Kihara said his ministry would "make an appropriate decision" on whether to maintain or lift the order "while analyzing and assessing various information."

In a related move, a website run by the U.S. Space Force showed the nation's military had given the North Korean satellite a number, suggesting Washington acknowledges it has entered into orbit.

The U.S. Defense Department, however, said whether North Korea succeeded in the satellite launch was still under analysis.

Related coverage:

North Korea says satellite to start reconnaissance mission from Dec.

North Korea claims it successfully put satellite into orbit

North Korea launches military reconnaissance satellite, sparks backlash
KYODO NEWS - Nov 24, 2023 - 20:34 | All, Japan, World

The brother of a French woman who went missing in 2018 during a trip to a tourist spot north of Tokyo said Friday he believes she was likely a victim of a crime, despite police investigations failing to determine whether there was an accident or nefarious activity.

"We want the investigation file to be handed to the (French) authorities," Damien Veron said at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondent's Club of Japan in Tokyo, as that should give the family information that has, so far, been difficult to access.

The missing woman, Tiphaine Veron, 41, was expected to spend two nights alone at a lodging house in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, from July 28, 2018. But she disappeared on the morning of the second day with her luggage and passport remaining at her accommodation.

Damien has traveled back and forth between Japan and France multiple times to conduct his own investigations, with his latest trip involving time spent in Nikko from mid-October.

He said he has identified some discrepancies in information he and the local police have discovered, such as in positioning data from her mobile phone.

He said he wants access to the findings of the Japanese authorities but finds it difficult to navigate the Japanese justice system to make that possible.

Despite the difficulties he has faced, Damien showed gratitude for the assistance received.

"I would also like to say we would have never been able to do all the search and investigations that we have done without the help of the Japanese people," he said.

"We are going to fight. Please don't forget Tiphaine."

Related coverage:

Kin of missing French woman renews call for Japan to do more
KYODO NEWS - Nov 24, 2023 - 19:08 | World, All, Japan

South Korea said its foreign minister will meet with his counterparts from Japan and China in the port city of Busan on Sunday, setting the stage for the countries' first leaders' summit in four years.

Friday's announcement of the trilateral foreign ministerial meeting came amid a thaw in Japan-South Korea ties, long marred by wartime issues, while Beijing's relations with Tokyo and Seoul, both U.S. security allies, remain strained.

The three nations last held a summit among their leaders in December 2019 and an in-person foreign ministerial meeting in August of that year, both in China.

South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and his Japanese and Chinese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Wang Yi, will attend the upcoming talks.

In preparation for what will be their ninth trilateral summit since 2008, the three countries are expected to exchange views on the direction and development of mutual cooperation as well as regional and international matters, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.

In late September, senior officials from the three nations affirmed at a meeting in Seoul that they aim to hold a foreign ministers' meeting "in the next few months," and a summit "as early as possible."

South Korea currently serves as the rotating chair of the trilateral framework and is seeking to host the summit, which usually follows working-level discussions and foreign ministerial talks, by the end of this year.

On the sidelines of the trilateral gathering, Kamikawa is arranging bilateral meetings with Wang on Saturday afternoon and with Park on Sunday morning, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

It will be the first time Kamikawa has met Wang bilaterally since she was named foreign minister in mid-September.

Related coverage:

South Korea proposes top diplomat talks with Japan, China in late November
The Shikoku Shimbun - Nov 24, 2023 - 16:00 | All, Japan

An event featuring dinosaurs running along a beach in support of children battling physical and mental health issues was held earlier this month at Ariake Beach in Kanonji.



Roughly 120 people, including children, from within Kagawa Prefecture and beyond took part in the T-Rex Race in Ariake Beach dressed in dinosaur costumes on Nov. 3.



Adorned in vibrant colors, the dinosaurs thrilled spectators as they energetically moved their short arms and legs while twisting their bodies along the sand.

The race originated in the United States and is now held throughout Japan.



Organized by the T-Rex Race in Kagawa executive committee led by Yukiho Kawaguchi, the event has gained popularity since its inception last year. Entries were open from September and reached maximum capacity within a week.



With the guiding principle of bringing a smile to the faces of struggling children, the event extended special invitations to four families with children who had experienced extended hospitalization or prolonged absence from school.



The festivities commenced with participants engaging in radio calisthenics. Next, they were categorized into three groups: adult male, adult female, and children. The participants then embarked on an 88-meter race, named after the 88 sacred places on Shikoku Island.



While some charged straight toward the finish line, others succumbed to the force of their momentum, eliciting hearty cheers from onlookers.



Kimika Teraji, a nurse from Kyoto, said, "It was fun to be among T-Rexes in various outfits. This is my first time coming to Kagawa. I don't usually have a chance to see the ocean, so it's a good memory for me to run along the beautiful sandy beach."



Kawaguchi emphasized the success of the event in supporting children facing difficulties, saying, "High school students who have been out of school joined the management staff and did a great job."



The T-Rex Race in Ariake Beach, held for the first time in November last year, won the bronze award at the JACE Event Awards held in June by the Japan Association for the Promotion of Creative Events to honor outstanding events.

The Shikoku Shimbun

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Kenyan trainees are seen during a training in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Nov. 23, 2023. Chinese technology firm, Supermap International, signed an agreement with Kenya's Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the East African nation's proficiency in geospatial technology. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

NAIROBI, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese technology firm, Supermap International, signed an agreement with Kenya's Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the East African nation's proficiency in geospatial technology.

The agreement entails training for over 70 Kenyan government officials, academics and private sector individuals in advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) over the course of one year, said Director of DRSRS Moses Akali. "The collaboration between DRSRS and Supermap International seeks to bolster Kenya's institutional capacity in utilizing space-derived products, services and customized tools for diverse needs in natural resource management, planning, and monitoring," Akali said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2023 Supermap GIS software innovation conference, themed "GIS Innovations for Rapid Spatial Data Analysis and 3D Modeling for Sustainable Development in Kenya and Beyond," Akali stressed Kenya's interest in harnessing Supermap's advanced technologies in such fields as big data, artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, distributed GIS and cross-platform GIS, which would enable the country to develop robust solutions for urban planning, cadastral mapping, natural resource management, traffic monitoring and land valuation planning.

Moreover, Akali said that by integrating remote sensing data processing and interpretation capabilities into GIS technologies, Supermap would facilitate Kenya's more efficient application of geospatial data, which could extend to areas such as food security, natural disaster monitoring and management, climate change and carbon emission control.

Roger Wang, president of Supermap International, expressed the company's commitment to establishing partnership relationships with various Kenyan agencies, including influential universities and companies.

He noted that this partnership would serve as a solid platform for Supermap to better support Kenya's socioeconomic development. 

A staff member of Supermap International instructs Kenyan trainees in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Nov. 23, 2023. Chinese technology firm, Supermap International, signed an agreement with Kenya's Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the East African nation's proficiency in geospatial technology. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A staff member of Supermap International (R) instructs Kenyan trainees in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Nov. 23, 2023. Chinese technology firm, Supermap International, signed an agreement with Kenya's Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the East African nation's proficiency in geospatial technology. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday expressed the hope that the result of the Taiwan leadership election in 2024 would be conducive to cross-Strait peace and stability, and that it would help bring relations back onto the right track of peaceful development.

"We respect the current social system of Taiwan region," said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, when commenting on media reports concerning candidate registration for the 2024 election.

Taiwan is standing at a crossroads, with peace and prosperity in one direction, and war and recession on the other, Chen said.

The mainland hopes that Taiwan compatriots will safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation, uphold the 1992 Consensus, oppose "Taiwan independence" and make the right choice at the critical moment, he said. 
KAMPONG CHHNANG, Cambodia, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) on Friday donated 2,024 bicycles to Cambodian primary schools so that they can distribute them to underprivileged students.

A bicycle distribution ceremony was held at the Chhork Kandoal Primary School in central Kampong Chhnang province's Tuek Phos district in the presence of Kampong Chhnang Provincial deputy governor Yang Phirum and CFRD's representative Wang Haoyu.

Phirum expressed his profound gratitude, saying that the bicycles would be very useful for underprivileged students.

Phirum said this generous donation will not only positively impact the lives of underprivileged students, but also contribute further to deepening the bond of friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China.

"The donation is a testament to the close bond of friendship between the peoples of the two countries," Wang said. "I'm confident that underprivileged students who have received these bicycles will have easier access to their schools, and hope they will study hard for their bright future."

The donation was made through the Cambodia's Civil Society Alliance Forum (CSAF). 
JAKARTA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday inaugurated a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production unit in Teluk Bintuni in the eastern province of West Papua.

The unit, with an annual production capacity of 3.8 million tonnes, will increase the total capacity of the British oil company BP's Tangguh facility to 11.4 million tons per year.

The mega-project will also employ a lot of workers who are local talents, Widodo said. "At present, 70 percent of the total number of operating workers in the project were from West Papua and Papua."

Tangguh LNG has been operating since 2009 and currently is the largest natural gas producer in the archipelagic country which aims to meet its national gas needs. 
Press Release

November 24, 2023 31st APPF: As the youngest senator, Sen. Mark Villar Co-Chairs Roundtable Discussion of Young Parliamentarians As the youngest parliamentarian of the Philippine Senate, Senator Mark Villar co-chaired the Roundtable Discussion of Young Parliamentarians at the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. "We are all witnesses to how digitalization is rapidly changing our economic and social landscape. In fact, our roundtable today is not a fixture in the past Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forums, which signifies the imminent need for our intervention in digital technology," Senator Mark said in his opening remarks. The APPF is a forum of Asia-Pacific countries that promotes multilateralism and parliamentary dialogue. After nearly three decades since the Philippines first hosted the APPF in 1994, it had the privilege to host it again this year. With the overall theme of "Resilient Partnerships for Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability," the forum also includes meetings for women and young parliamentarians, in addition to the fixed forums of political and security, economic and trade, and regional cooperation. The young parliamentarians' discussion, in which Senator Mark participated in, presented the plans and current situation of digital technology in each member country. "As the impact of digitalization has become more apparent each day, I fully support the e-governance digitalization plans of our government. However, I also recognize the points that need to be addressed first before we fully embed our government in the digital world," Senator Mark said. Senator Mark emphasized that the pursuit of a digital future should be founded on strong safeguard measures and effective digital infrastructure. He further claimed that the recent cyber attacks against government websites have shown how dangerous it will be for the government and the people should digital technology fall into the wrong hands. "One of the most pressing issues that we need to look into is the strengthening of the country's cybersecurity...stronger safeguards and effective digital infrastructure are needed to be achieved before we pursue e-governance. This is to ensure that our e-government will both be efficient and secure for our people," Senator Mark added. Senator Mark further identified AI technology as an important aspect of digital technology. He encouraged the other member countries to pursue collaborative efforts for the regulation, adoption, and use of AI, given its advantages and disadvantages. "...we also recognize the risks that AI technology possesses such as the possibility of job displacement, the widening of income inequalities, as well as the exacerbation of biases. Most importantly, it has the risk of compromising national security. It is urgent that we formulate regulations for AI to prevent any untoward events from happening," Senator Mark said. After the roundtable discussion, Senator Mark joined the delegates in a luncheon where they further diplomatically conversed on possible collaborations regarding digital technology.
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday announced a reconstruction plan for communities in the southern state of Guerrero devastated by Hurricane Otis, which claimed 50 lives, left 30 missing and caused severe material damage.

Otis hit the Pacific Coast state on Oct. 25 as a category 5 hurricane, causing massive destruction, especially to hotel infrastructure and homes, in the popular tourism destination of Acapulco, nearby Coyuca de Benitez and other places.

"The essence of the reconstruction of Coyuca and Acapulco, in general, is to rebuild homes," the president said at his daily press conference, adding more than 250,000 homes need to be rehabilitated.

Ariadna Montiel Reyes, the secretary of Welfare, said that the federal government will begin distributing aid, including household supplies and cash, to victims from Nov. 29.

Each household impacted by the hurricane will receive between 35,000 and up to 60,000 pesos (about 2,000 and up to 3,500 U.S. dollars), which will be delivered in two installments starting Dec. 9.

In addition, the economy ministry will offer financial support, including exemptions from value-added sales tax and income tax, applicable from October 2023 to February 2024. Electricity service will be provided free of charge for four months. 
Workers harvest saffron flowers in Herat province, Afghanistan, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

"The main problem that we are facing is money transaction via the banking system due to sanctions, and we cannot receive money from our customers through the bank," Afghan businessman Abdul Shakor Ehrari said.

by Abdul Haleem

HERAT, Afghanistan, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Walking on his saffron farms in west Afghanistan's Herat province, local businessman Abdul Shakor Ehrari said the U.S.-imposed sanctions on Afghanistan have undermined the export of saffron, a cash cow for locals, as the exporters cannot receive money from their clients via the banking system.

"The main problem that we are facing is money transaction via the banking system due to sanctions, and we cannot receive money from our customers through the bank," Ehrari told Xinhua recently.

Nevertheless, the businessman said, "Anyhow, the condition for exports in the bazaar is easy, and we can easily export our products outside the country."

Afghan workers harvest saffron flowers in Herat Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

Following the withdrawal of the U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan, Kabul's assets worth more than 9 billion U.S. dollars were frozen by the United States as part of its sanctions on the new rulers of impoverished Afghanistan.

To further mount pressure on the Taliban-run administration, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a decree in February last year, allowing the allocation of 3.5 billion dollars from the frozen Afghan assets to the families of the 9/11 terror attack victims.

Holding Afghanistan's assets in U.S. banks has worsened the economic problems of the already impoverished country and undermined its banking system.

However, Ehrari was happy over the expansion of saffron farming in his home province Herat, saying the planting area of the precious plants has increased.

"The saffron cultivation has increased from one hectare in the past to five hectares this year. The saffron plantation has increased about 30 percent," Ehrari, who is also the head of the committee of Saffron National Union Exports, told Xinhua.

Afghan workers harvest saffron flowers in Herat Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

Afghanistan's saffron is popular in the world, and the country exports it to several countries, including China and India, annually.

The post-war country, according to its agricultural authorities, produced 21 tonnes of saffron in the last harvest season, and those involved in the business expect to see a double harvest of the product in this harvest season.

Afghan workers pick and sort saffron threads by hand in Herat Province, west Afghanistan, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)



Saffron plantations will also provide job opportunities for women in Herat province.

"Since the crisis of unemployment is high, particularly for women, it is a good opportunity for women to work for 20 or 25 days on saffron fields to collect saffron flowers and do processing and drying work," Ehrari said.

Mursal, an Afghan girl working on the saffron farm, said, "I clean flowers to obtain saffron."

"I come to work on saffron farms to earn money and support myself and my family," Mursal, wearing a red scarf and a mask to cover her face, told Xinhua. 
This photo taken on Nov. 20, 2023 shows Absemet Kerem posing for pictures at Qianmen street in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

URUMQI, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- After 280 days of trekking over 5,000 km, Absemet Kerem finally made it from Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing.

The 24-year-old was so excited when he arrived in the capital that he could not fall asleep. He rushed to Tian'anmen Square at midnight just to get the perfect spot in the first row. "In my hometown, we raise the national flag once every Monday at the village committee. My father is in the front row every time," he said.

Watching the national flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square was his childhood dream. "The story of Kurban Tulum has touched many people in Xinjiang, and is also encouraging me to realize my dream," he said.

A landless poor peasant in Yutian County, Xinjiang, Kurban finally had his own land after the liberation of Xinjiang. Though he was already in his 70s in the 1950s, he tried several times to ride a donkey from Xinjiang to Beijing to express his gratitude. He was persuaded to give up, but eventually made it to Beijing, though not on donkey, and met Chairman Mao Zedong.

Absemet Kerem trekked across the Taklimakan Desert, China's largest desert, and Duku Highway, one of China's most beautiful roads, in 2022. At the beginning of this year, he decided to walk from Kashgar to Beijing.

He spent more than a month preparing for this trip and made himself a trolley which contained tents, kitchen utensils and other supplies. After the Spring Festival, he started his journey on Feb. 7, accompanied by his dog named Shunfeng.

"I have witnessed the development and changes of my hometown over the years. I want to take this opportunity to bring the love of the people in my hometown for our motherland to Beijing," he said.

The 5,000-km journey rewarded him with breathtaking views -- deserts, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and dangerous peaks. He visited the National Museum of Chinese Writing and the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

"I have a brand-new understanding of the vast land and abundant resources of my country," he said.

Cold weather in winter, heat in summer, sandstorms, and heavy rains all posed challenges on his journey, and he was once hospitalized for a bacterial infection. However, he was also warmed by the help and kindness of strangers, who gave him food and welcomed him to stay during rain and snow.

His story has gone viral on social media and he has over 430,000 followers on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. He has posted videos along his 280-day trek and received encouragements from netizens.

"Trekking is a process through which you enrich yourself, make friends and know the world," he said. "Although modern means of transportation such as planes and trains are very convenient, my experience of realizing my dream by foot is quite different."

Trekkers never settle. Absemet Kerem is planning to walk to Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, next year. "No matter how big the challenge is, I will never stop trekking," he said. 

This photo taken on Nov. 20, 2023 shows Absemet Kerem tasting Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack of candied fruit, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
YANGON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and another six people injured after a truck collided with a car in central Myanmar's Mandalay, a local rescue group said on Friday.

The crash between the two vehicles happened Friday morning on the Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin road, secretary from the rescue organization U Aung Thu told Xinhua.

The truck reportedly collided with a parked car due to brake failure and fell into a ditch, he said.

Three were killed at the scene and another one was later pronounced dead. Three men and three women were injured in the crash, he added. 
Hamas confirmed Thursday that a four-day truce would take effect in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning. Over six weeks into the conflict, Gaza residents express hope that there will be lasting peace in the war-ridden enclave. #GLOBALink





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
A Palestinian official said that 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israel's Ofer military prison on Friday, as the truce between Hamas and Israel entered into force earlier in the day.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
TIRIN KOT, Afghanistan, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have started the construction of 15 health centers in south Afghanistan's Uruzgan province, Mohammadullah Rouhani, the head of the provincial public health department, said on Friday.

Costing 6 million U.S. dollars, the construction project will provide health services to local people who have no access to them, the official said.

Welcoming the step as vital for reviving the local services, local residents have called for the establishment of different construction projects for the well-being of the people of the region, he added.

As part of efforts to rebuild war-torn Afghanistan, the Afghan caretaker government, besides launching development projects, has also called upon domestic and international companies to invest and create job opportunities for poverty-stricken Afghans. 
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and the Global Supply Chain Innovation and Development Forum as well as relevant activities, and deliver a keynote speech, an official announced Friday.

The opening ceremony will be held in Beijing on Nov. 28, said Zhang Shaogang, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. 
The remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). The remains will be buried in a martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, with a burial ceremony due to be held Friday.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers flocked to the streets in Manhattan to witness the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday mooring as the weather was sunny and mild.

On the occasion of the holiday for family reunion, gratitude and relaxation, organizers extended the duration of the parade by half an hour to offer more to spectators.

The event features character balloons, magical floats, marching bands, performance groups, clowns and music stars, and it was aired on multiple TV channels in the United States.

However, the parade was interrupted briefly by scores of people protesting Israel's war in Gaza. The protesters carried a banner reading "Genocide then - Genocide now."

Another group of protesters wearing white jumpsuits glued their hands on the 6th Avenue and called for "Liberation for Palestine and Planet."

The parade was diverted as a result and some protesters were handcuffed.

Escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflicts in Gaza since Oct. 7 has heightened racial tensions in the United States and triggered many protests across the country. 
Hong Kong: Officials visit Nanjing

Director of the Chief Executives Office Carol Yip led a delegation of politically appointed officials to visit Nanjing over the past two days to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience in promoting high-quality development.

Today, the delegation met CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee Standing Committee Member and Nanjing Vice Mayor Deng Zhiyi.

They also inspected projects related to industrial technology and research, ecological technology, the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit systems, and smart city management.

The officials wrapped up their day at the Qinhuai River to learn more about Nanjings experience in capitalising on its historical heritage to promote the development of cultural and tourism industries.

Yesterday, the delegation departed from Beijing for Nanjing and visited the Treaty of Nanjing Historical Archives Museum. They also toured Yuejiang Tower to experience Nanjings long-standing history and culture.

At the delegations meeting with Jiangsu Vice Governor Fang Wei, Ms Yip noted that the provinces gross domestic product ranks second in the country. Over 100 Jiangsu enterprises are listed in Hong Kong with a total market value of nearly $950 billion.

Noting that in recent years, Jiangsu, like Hong Kong, has been actively promoting the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry, Ms Yip said the two places can complement each others strengths and jointly promote high-level co-operation.

Ms Yip also expressed hope that the officials, through visiting Nanjing, could deepen their understanding of the countrys various efforts in promoting I&T, new industrialisation, smart cities, ecological conservation, culture and tourism, as this could enhance exchanges and facilitate their work in the related fields, with a view to helping Hong Kong achieve better development.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
ECNS-- Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said in an interview with ECNS that the civilizations of both China and France have a long and profound history, but modern people do not fully grasp the differences between the two civilizations.

Over the past few decades, the Chinese people have shown remarkable courage in paving the way for modernization, and China has undergone tremendous changes, however, much of this is not widely known by the Europeans, Raffarin noted.

"Encouraging the study of Chinese in Europe and promoting the learning of French in Asia and China is of paramount importance. Only through such initiatives can we delve more deeply into mutual understanding," he said.


BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday published a document titled "Vision and Actions for High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Brighter Prospects for the Next Decade."

The document was formulated by the Office of the Leading Group for Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

It presents the vision and measures for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the next decade, on the basis of summarizing BRI achievements and experience over the past decade, Xu Jianping, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Friday.

Over the past 10 years, the BRI has developed into a popular international public good and a cooperation platform that adds new growth drivers to the global economy, with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations participating in it, Xu said.

Data shows that from 2013 to October 2023, total imports and exports between China and participating countries surpassed 21 trillion U.S. dollars, and China's direct investment in BRI partner countries topped 270 billion dollars, according to Xu.

"The prospects of jointly building the BRI are tremendously bright," Xu said.

According to the document, in the next decade, all parties will be encouraged to strive toward equal cooperation and mutual benefit, propelling Belt and Road cooperation into a new phase characterized by high-quality development.

The document specified five objectives, namely building a smoother and more efficient connectivity network, ensuring comprehensive and practical cooperation to reach new levels, elevating the sense of gain and fulfillment for the peoples of all participating countries, establishing a new system to support China's open economy at a more advanced stage, and popularizing the vision of a global community of shared future.

Policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, people-to-people ties and cooperation in new fields are the key areas and directions for Belt and Road cooperation in the next decade, according to the document.

Guo Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the press conference that one of the major moves for the next stage would be building closer ties with BRI partners on infrastructure connectivity.

Together with other parties, China will take part in the building of a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct road transportation and the trans-Caspian international transport corridor, according to Guo. 
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to open up the service industry, and push ahead with a national demonstration zone focused on the sector in Beijing, according to the Ministry of Commerce Friday.

The renewed commitment comes alongside the publication Thursday of a work plan, which proposes over 170 pilot tasks to support Beijing in deepening the construction of the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening up the Services Sector, the ministry said.

From September 2020 to September this year, the demonstration zone attracted a total of 45.75 billion U.S. dollars of foreign investment in the service sector, accounting for 11.2 percent of all foreign investment into the service sector across China, Ling Ji, vice commerce minister told a press conference.

Looking ahead, the country will align high-standard international economic and trade rules, and deepen the whole-chain reform and opening up in the service industry alongside the development of the demonstration zone, he added. 
The UN peacekeeping chief on Tuesday expressed appreciation for China's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, emphasizing China's vital role in these efforts.

The 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, on Dec. 5 to 6. Lacroix said he looks forward to having conversation with China at the meeting.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A selection of the best press photos from Xinhua.

The Chinese honor guards escort the coffins containing remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs to an air force plane during a handover ceremony at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Nov. 23, 2023. China and South Korea held here a ceremony on Thursday to transfer the remains and belongings of 25 Chinese soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

A J-20 stealth fighter jet escorts a Y-20 military transport aircraft carrying the remains and belongings of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs on Nov. 23, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Since 2014, China and the ROK have completed 10 such repatriations in a row, thanks to a handover agreement signed between the two countries. (Photo by Huang Can/Xinhua)

Soldiers escort coffins containing the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

A visitor is pictured at the second Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 23, 2023. The second Global Digital Trade Expo kicked off in Hangzhou on Thursday morning, with an eye on global digital trade cooperation. The expo, themed "Digital Trade, Global Access," has attracted 68 international organizations and business associations, as well as over 800 enterprises. (Xinhua/Liu Lingyi)

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 in southwest China's Guizhou Province shows a section of the expressway linking Guiyang and Jinsha of Guizhou Province and Gulin of southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Guiyang-Jinsha-Gulin Expressway, which is scheduled to be officially opened to traffic on Friday, is going to cut the travel time from Guiyang to Jinsha County by half from 2 hours to about 1 hour. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 23, 2023 shows a view of Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Qinghai Lake is key to maintaining the ecological balance in western China. It is also a natural barrier for controlling the eastward spread of desertification and ensuring the safety of agricultural areas in eastern China. In recent years, with various ecological projects carried out in the Qinghai Lake, the environment here has been greatly improved. (Xinhua/Wang Yan)

People gather at a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Nov. 23, 2023. Israel continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning since the ceasefire deal reached between the country and the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement did not, as expected, come into effect on Thursday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

The balloon of Stuart the Minion is seen during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the United States, on Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan police have seized a variety of arms and ammunition during an operation in east Afghanistan's Ghazni province, the provincial police office said in a statement on Friday.

The military equipment has been discovered in the Dah yak district, including 20 SPG-9 shells and thousands of bullets and projectiles, the statement said.

The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to collect arms and ammunition from anyone outside security organs as part of efforts to restore law and order in the war-ravaged country. 
YANGON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The launching ceremony of the sixth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) special fund projects was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Thursday.

Present on the occasion were the Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung, Head of Chinese Liaison Office in Nay Pyi Taw Zhang Zhonghua, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations, among others.

The union minister said at the ceremony that the projects being carried out with LMC special funds have been implemented for the sixth time. The aim of the project was to reduce the poverty of rural people in the Lancang-Mekong region, to develop socio-economic life, and to lessen the development gap between countries of the Lancang-Mekong region.

With the LMC special funds, 35 projects will be implemented in relevant fields. He added that he appreciates China's great support.

Over 12.18 million U.S. dollars were granted to implement 35 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation special fund projects. Among them, five projects with LMC Special Fund 2017, nine projects with LMC Special Fund 2018, six projects with LMC Special Fund 2020, four projects with LMC Special Fund 2021, and seven projects with LMC Special Fund 2022 were implemented in Myanmar.

Four projects are being implemented under the LMC Special Fund for this year, which will facilitate the trade of Myanmar agricultural products, advance crop energy by planting soybeans after paddy, construct a foot and mouth disease-free zone, boost local chicken genetics, and identify diseases.

The projects contribute to improving the socio-economic lives of local people who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods and reducing poverty, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation. 
GAZA/JERUSALEM, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- After more than six weeks of bloody conflict, Israel and Hamas are poised to implement the first truce as part of a swap deal, under which Hamas will free some hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Under the deal reached on Wednesday under the mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S., a four-day humanitarian ceasefire will start at 07:00 am local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.

Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, said in a press statement that it would release about 13 hostages at 04:00 pm on Friday as the first stage of the deal.

Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza since 2007, will hand over the hostages to Egypt. In turn, Israel will release 150 Palestinians, including women and children, from the Israeli jails.

Israel is expected to stop all its military operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the four-day ceasefire. Meanwhile, at least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including four fuel trucks, will be allowed into the Gaza Strip, Hamas explained.

The ceasefire will also facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow the return of stranded Palestinians waiting in the Arish area, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed receiving an "initial list of names" of detainees set for release tomorrow.

The Israeli army said it was ready to implement the ceasefire, but warned Hamas that "even the slightest violation would result in a severe response."

The ceasefire was originally due to start on Thursday but was delayed as the two sides were finalizing the details of hostage release. Meanwhile, Israel continued its airstrikes on various areas of Gaza, resulting in more casualties and injuries.

Palestinian medical sources reported that 10 people were killed in Israeli shelling on a residential building in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City.

The Hamas-run health ministry said that six people, including three children, were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes targeting two houses in the Shouat area in Rafah, southern Gaza.

In the meantime, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, and the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, separately launched mortar shells at Israeli military positions inside and on the outskirts of Gaza.

The upcoming Israel-Hamas ceasefire will mark the first cessation of hostilities between both sides since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, during which 1,200 people were killed and over 200 hostages were taken to Gaza by Hamas militants. Israel retaliated by launching relentless airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, which have killed over 14,000 Palestinians so far. 
Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

SHENYANG, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

The burial ceremony began at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang at 10 a.m. as a military band began to play.

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen martyrs entered the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers with the national anthem playing in the background.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.

Over 70 years ago, the CPV crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army and civilians of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, eventually winning the war after arduous fight that lasted almost three years. More than 190,000 Chinese people sacrificed their lives.

Since 2014, the remains of 938 CPV soldiers have been repatriated and buried in China, an exercise that has lasted ten years.

"We have learned about the stories of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in our textbooks. I greatly admire the spirit of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for our country," said Chen Yanjun, a student from the Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School in Macao. "I will carry forward the aspirations of the martyrs and contribute to the development of our great motherland."

More than 300 representatives from central and local authorities, the military, descendants of the CPV martyrs, teachers and students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as teenage students from the mainland attended the ceremony. 

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2023 shows the memorial wall of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

People line up to present flowers to the memorial wall of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Soldiers fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Soldiers fire a gun salute during a burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2023 shows the burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Guards of honor escort the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2023 shows the burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2023 shows the burial ceremony for the remains of 25 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Guards of honor carrying the caskets of the fallen Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs enter the cemetery escorted by Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers during a burial ceremony at the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 24, 2023. The remains of 25 CPV soldiers killed in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were buried Friday in a cemetery in Shenyang.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were returned to China from the Republic of Korea on Thursday. It was the 10th such repatriation since 2014, following a handover agreement signed between the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Long Lei)
KIEV, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday he had an online meeting with European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss the blockade of the Ukrainian border with some European Union (EU) countries.

Ukraine has outlined its proposals on the issue to the EU and is counting on the European Commission's help in resolving the problem, Shmyhal wrote on Facebook.

Ukraine is also rapidly developing alternative logistics routes for its exports and imports, Shmyhal said.

Since Nov. 6, Polish carriers have been staging protests at several checkpoints on the Ukrainian border, demanding the return of the permit regime for Ukrainian haulers crossing into the EU.

The protesters blocked roads near the crossing points, which resulted in large queues, with thousands of trucks being stalled at the border.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine sent an official note to the Polish Foreign Ministry demanding the urgent unblocking of the border after two Ukrainian truck drivers died in the queues.

On Nov. 21, Slovakian activists seeking the return of permits for Ukrainian drivers joined the protest, blocking a major border crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine.

The EU canceled permits for Ukrainian haulers last year. 
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The shipping throughput of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project, had reached 160 million tonnes as of 6 p.m. Thursday, surpassing the highest level recorded in previous years, the Ministry of Transport said Friday.

Breakdown of the figures showed the dam's ship locks had a throughput of 156 million tonnes, while the dam's ship lift had a throughput of 4.38 million tonnes.

"Passenger and cargo transport on the Yangtze River has boomed this year, leading to a high throughput of the dam," said the ministry.

Since the beginning of the year, 546,100 tonnes of key materials have been transported via the dam and almost 2.15 million travelers have visited the site, which bolsters the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, according to the ministry.

The Three Gorges project is a multi-functional water-control system, consisting of a 2,309-meter-long and 185-meter-high dam, five-tier ship locks on the north and south sides, and 34 turbo-generators with a combined power generating capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts. 
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Jean Kaseya has hailed Africa-China cooperation in public health.

Speaking to Xinhua recently, the Africa CDC chief underscored capacity-building support from China as a vivid manifestation of the positive outcomes of Sino-African cooperation in the health sector.

"We are so proud as Africans to have this kind of collaboration with China that will help us to push our agenda for global health security," Kaseya told Xinhua.

Kaseya said Africa, which has long been suffering from various disease outbreaks, is in urgent need to improve its disease control system.

He said cooperation with China is enabling the Africa CDC, the African Union's specialized healthcare agency, to play its leading role in coordinating disease prevention, surveillance and control on the continent, where on average two new outbreaks occur per week.

The China-aided state-of-the-art reference laboratory, which was inaugurated recently inside the premises of the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, is the latest outcome of successful China-Africa cooperation in public health, he said.

"This is a game changer in terms of public health in Africa," Kaseya said. "This laboratory will serve as a referral lab for Africa. We do not want to see African countries sending samples out of Africa again."

Kaseya said strong commitments from the two sides would further strengthen the cooperation toward better health security in Africa.

Earlier this year, the Africa CDC inaugurated its China-aided headquarters in the southern suburb of Addis Ababa, equipping the African continent with a stronger public health agency to advance health initiatives and manage public health emergencies. 
A man is seen inside a house damaged in an Israeli bombing in the town of Mhaibib, Lebanon, on Nov. 24, 2023. Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), warned on Friday that any further escalation in southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), warned on Friday that any further escalation in southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences.

"I am concerned by the ongoing intensification of the exchanges of fire along the Blue Line that has already claimed too many lives, caused significant damage, and jeopardized livelihoods," he said in a statement posted on UNIFIL's account on the social media platform X.

He called on warring parties to halt the "cycle of violence" and seek long-term solutions to deal with the root causes of conflict.

Earlier in the day, the humanitarian cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, took effect in the besieged Gaza Strip. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that cautious calm prevailed on Friday along the southern Lebanese border, where tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah fighters soon after the Hamas Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite military group, fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

According to Lebanese military sources, a total of 125 people have been killed in Lebanon since Oct. 8, including 86 Hezbollah members, 14 Hamas members and Islamic Jihad movements, a member of the Amal Movement, and 24 civilians. 

Photo taken on Nov. 24, 2023 shows a house damaged in an Israeli bombing in the town of Mhaibib, Lebanon. Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), warned on Friday that any further escalation in southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

A man is seen inside a house damaged in an Israeli bombing in the town of Mhaibib, Lebanon, on Nov. 24, 2023. Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), warned on Friday that any further escalation in southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

People check on a building damaged in an Israeli bombing in the town of Mhaibib, Lebanon, on Nov. 24, 2023. Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), warned on Friday that any further escalation in southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met on Friday with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna in Beijing.

Li said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the relationship between China and France has enjoyed stable development.

China stands ready to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China next year to build more stable and vibrant China-France relations, Li said.

Li pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and France have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, which is a precious asset in bilateral relations.

Li called on the two sides to uphold mutual respect and mutual trust, work together for mutual benefit and win-win results, continue to strengthen high-level exchanges, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, and continue to implement the comprehensive strategic partnership.

China will continue to promote high-level opening-up and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, said the premier, adding that China hopes that France will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory market environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in France, and actively promote the EU side to adhere to the spirit of market openness and the free trade.

In the face of increasing global challenges, Li said China is ready to work closely with France to jointly address such pressing issues as climate change and biodiversity conservation, actively implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Colonna said France and China are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and shoulder the common responsibility of safeguarding world peace and development.

France is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with China to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen political mutual trust, further deepen exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, culture and other fields, said Colonna.

She said that France will keep the market open, and jointly deal with global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity protection with China to play a major role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. 
BEIRUT, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Samira Abu Ali, a 56-year-old Syrian woman taking refuge in southern Lebanon, was displaced once again after the confrontation intensified between Israel and Hezbollah along the border since early October.

To escape the constant bombardment, Abu Ali abandoned her tent in al-Wazzani village near the borderline and relocated to a construction site in the Marj Al-Zuhur village in the Nabatieh governorate, further north of the border.

Taking shelter in a dark room with her five children with no living necessities, Abu Ali said, "We would have never thought of leaving our tent in al-Wazzani if the bombing in southern Lebanon had not escalated to kill and wound civilians."

Around 10,000 out of the 86,000 displaced Syrians residing in southern Lebanon have left border villages and towns, with some seeking shelter at their relatives' houses or tents in southern Nabatieh and Tyre governorates, Talal Al-Halabi, head of the Lebanese Red Cross Disaster Management Committee in Nabatieh, told Xinhua.

Like Abu Ali, many of the Syrians failed to find proper shelters and some even got into worse scenarios.

Samir Hassan, in his sixties, escaped Lebanon's southeast town of Shebaa on his motorcycle with his family of four and arrived at the eastern Lebanese town of Rashaya, only to find that he was not allowed to stay there as the Lebanese interior minister in early October ordered municipalities to stop receiving new displaced Syrians.

Lebanese officials have repeatedly insisted on returning Syrian refugees to their homeland, saying the large number of Syrian refugees weighed heavily on Lebanon's already fragile economy and infrastructure.

Abu Jihad, a sergeant in Lebanon's eastern camp of Bar Elias, said displaced Syrians do not have financial means to rent houses and are often not welcomed in many places. These challenges forced many Syrians to stay in border villages despite the heavy bombardment.

Ibrahim al-Ahmad, a 60-year-old displaced Syrian in the Sarda camp in southeast Lebanon, told Xinhua he prepared along with his three children several deep holes next to their tent which they hoped could serve as a shelter for them when artillery shelling comes.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tensions for over six weeks after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day. Israeli forces responded by firing heavy artillery at several areas in southeastern Lebanon.

A Lebanese military source said a total of 125 people, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, have been killed in Lebanon as of Friday. 
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The largest aid convoy since Oct. 7 arrived in Gaza on Friday with 137 truckloads of aid and 129,000 liters of fuel, UN humanitarians said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that on the first day of the humanitarian pause in hostilities, the world body was able to scale up the delivery of humanitarian assistance into and across Gaza.

It said 200 trucks were dispatched to the Rafah crossing and 137 reached the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), where they were offloaded, making it the biggest humanitarian convoy received since the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel war on Oct. 7.

Some 129,000 liters of fuel and four trucks of gas also crossed into Gaza. Twenty-one critical patients were evacuated in a large-scale medical operation from the north of Gaza, it said.

Hundreds of thousands of people were assisted with food, water, medical supplies and other essential humanitarian items. Humanitarian teams from the United Nations and partners will continue to ramp up humanitarian operations to meet the needs of people throughout Gaza in the coming days, said the office, referring to the negotiated four-day humanitarian pause.

Over 1.7 million people in Gaza are estimated to be internally displaced, with about 1 million staying in at least 156 UNRWA shelters across the Gaza Strip, OCHA said. The shelters are accommodating far more people than their intended capacity, and despite being unable to accommodate new arrivals, people continue to arrive.

As of Thursday, about 200 patients and medical staff at the Indonesian hospital in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza awaited evacuation, the humanitarians said.

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general, said after his most recent visit to Gaza that the streets in Rafah and Khan Younis were almost empty, with solid waste piled up everywhere, and that most shops and pharmacies were closed under a constant bombardment.

He said one of the UNRWA shelters "looks like an overcrowded prison with substandard living conditions with few toilets and sewage flooding."

Skin diseases and diarrhea increased due to unsanitary conditions that became worse by rain. In some places, the rates of diseases were 45 times higher than in previous years, he said. 
GAZA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- As a truce deal between Israel and Hamas entered into force Friday morning, 24 hostages kidnapped by Hamas were released from the Gaza Strip.

Under the mediation by Qatar and Egypt, Hamas and Israel reached on Wednesday a four-day humanitarian cease-fire to force a temporary halt of the fighting between the two sides, starting from Friday.

According to the agreement, Hamas will release at least 50 Israeli hostages, mainly children and women, in exchange for 150 female and teen Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Earlier in the day, Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released 13 Israelis, some of whom were dual nationals, and 10 Thai and one Filipino citizens, escorted by crews from the International Committee of the Red Cross to Egypt through the Rafah crossing.

A Hamas security source, who requires anonymity, told Xinhua that the release process was carried out in accordance with strict security measures imposed by the Al-Qassam.

Israeli media reported that Israeli army helicopters took off from the Hatzeri base to receive the released hostages from the Egyptian side.

After initial reception procedures, including medical treatments, the hostages were transferred to hospitals to reunite with their family members.

Meanwhile, buses carrying about 39 Palestinian prisoners departed on Friday night from the Israeli Ofer prison, located near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The prisoners released, including 24 women and 15 children, were transferred to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 
RABAT, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Mauritania on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance energy collaboration, the official news agency MAP reported.

The MoU was signed by Abdellatif Bardach, the chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) of Morocco, with his counterpart from the Regulatory Authority of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (ARE), Ahmed Ould Mohamedou.

Under the deal, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the various fields of energy regulation, notably electricity, the MAP report said.

Moreover, the signing of the MoU paves the way for an electricity interconnection project involving three countries, including Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, with the aim of achieving interconnection with the West African Power Pool.

Bardach said that this MoU represents a "valuable opportunity to boost the future creation of an integrated continental electricity grid."

For his part, Mohamedou welcomed the signing of the MoU, which aims to "boost collaboration between the two friendly countries in the field of energy regulation, while strengthening the fraternal ties that unite them." 
RABAT, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy on Thursday intercepted and rescued 76 illegal immigrants on board an inflatable boat off the Atlantic coast, the official news agency MAP reported.

A Moroccan navy unit on Thursday intercepted the boat near the Laayoune port while heading toward Spain's Canary Islands, the MAP quoted a military source as saying.

After receiving necessary medical care, the rescued migrants of sub-Saharan African nationalities, including 15 women and three minors, were handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie in the Laayoune port for the usual administrative procedures, the source added. 
TUNIS, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia is working to restore its economic and financial stability, increase investment, and maintain and further enhance social benefits to overcome economic difficulties, said Tunisian Minister of Finance Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia on Thursday.

Nemsia, who is also the interim minister of economy and planning, made the remarks during her meeting with a visiting delegation from the German Parliament.

She expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between Tunisia and Germany, a strategic partner, according to a statement released by the Tunisian Finance Ministry.

The German delegation stressed that Tunisia has important capabilities to overcome the current difficulties, while voicing Germany's readiness to further strengthen the economic ties between the two friendly countries.

It also stated that the visit presented an opportunity to learn about the economic situation in Tunisia and study the possibilities and ways to advance German investments in the North African country. 
Students walk their Chinese-donated bicycles at the Chhork Kandoal Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, Nov. 24, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

KAMPONG CHHNANG, Cambodia, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Hong Raksa, a 12-year-old underprivileged student in central Cambodia, was thrilled on Friday after receiving a Chinese-donated bicycle, saying that it would be a "memorable gift" in her life.

The sixth grader at the Chhork Kandoal Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province's Tuek Phos district is one of 2,024 underprivileged primary school students in Cambodia to receive bicycles from the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD).

With their parents being poor farmers, Raksa, the youngest of her five siblings in the family, said the bicycle was the first big gift in her life and promised to use the bike with care.

After receiving the donated bike, she looked at her new bike with a sweet smile on her face, and touched the handlebars and clicked the bell before riding it several times between the primary school's gate and the main building.

Raksa, whose house is about 5 km from the school, said the new bike would replace her old and rusty one, which was quite difficult to ride.

"My old bike was small. When its chain fell off, it was difficult to put it back on, and sometimes its tire went flat during a ride," she told Xinhua.

Raksa said she sometimes had to walk to school and arrived late when her old bike broke down.

"I feel elated to receive this new bicycle, so I will be able to get to school on time. This bicycle is nice and I like it," she said. "I will try to study hard in order to get a good grade, and I want to be a teacher when I grow up."

Raksa's mother Seang Vanny said she was happy that her daughter got the bicycle.

"I would like to thank the donors for providing the bicycle to my daughter, so she can travel to school on time," she told Xinhua. "If there was no this donation, I could not afford to buy it because we lived from hand to mouth."

Vanny said she would encourage her daughter to give a ride to neighbors' children because they don't have a bike to go to school either.

"I hope that my daughter can be a teacher in the future to help our country cultivate more talents," she said while laughing with a gentle gaze settled on her daughter.

Pen Sovanvathana, another sixth grader at the Chhork Kandoal Primary School, who also received a bike from the CFRD, said his house is about 3 km from the school and it takes around 45 minutes to walk to school every day.

"When I walked, I sweated a lot because it was hot and sunny, and my clothes became stained with sweat," he told Xinhua. "I feel very happy because I have never had a bicycle before."

Sovanvathana thanked China for donating the bikes to poor students in Cambodia, promising to study hard as he wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

"This bicycle has given me a new hope, I promise to study hard to gain a good grade so as to fulfill my dream," he said.

Ly Silin, principal of the Chhork Kandoal Primary School, said the donation has put a smile on the face of Cambodian underprivileged students, giving them new hope for a bright future.

"These bicycles are very useful for the students to ride to school on time and they have also helped reduce their families' expenses on the means of transportation," he told Xinhua.

He said that if parents spend their own money to buy a bicycle for their children, it would cost about 250,000 riels (62.5 U.S. dollars) each.

"With the donation of bicycles from Chinese donors, each of them has saved 250,000 riels, so they can use this money to spend on other things such as stationery and clothes," Silin said.

He added that his school had received 100 bicycles to distribute to poor students and those whose houses are from 3 to 5 km away from school.

CFRD's representative Wang Haoyu said the bicycles could significantly reduce students' commuting time to school, allowing them to spend more time studying in the classroom. Moreover, the bicycle could be used by their family members during the students' free time.

He said public primary schools in rural areas are given a priority to get the bikes.

"We hope that they can understand Chinese culture and realize that there is a group of Chinese people, although thousands of kilometers away, are caring for them, caring about their lives, growth and education," he told Xinhua.

"In this way, we hope to plant the seeds of China-Cambodian friendship in their hearts, with the aspiration that they will grow up to be bridges of friendship between China and Cambodia," he added. 

A primary school student cleans her Chinese-donated bicycle at her home in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, Nov. 24, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

Students walk their Chinese-donated bicycles at the Chhork Kandoal Primary School in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, Nov. 24, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)
National Party's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (C) speaks at the parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Nov. 24, 2023. Three New Zealand political parties announced on Friday the lineup for a new coalition government after weeks of negotiations. The new coalition government of National Party, ACT New Zealand party and New Zealand First party will be stable, effective and will deliver for all New Zealanders, National's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said during the signing ceremony at the parliament. (Prime Minister Office of New Zealand/Handout via Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Three New Zealand political parties announced on Friday the lineup for a new coalition government after weeks of negotiations.

The new coalition government of National Party, ACT New Zealand party and New Zealand First party will be stable, effective and will deliver for all New Zealanders, National's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said during the signing ceremony at the parliament.

NZ First's leader Winston Peters will be deputy prime minister for the first half of the three-year parliamentary term, and ACT's leader David Seymour will be deputy prime minister for the second half of the term.

Peters will be foreign minister and Seymour will be minister for regulation assessing the quality of new and existing regulations.

The 20-strong cabinet will have 14 National ministers, three ACT ministers and three NZ First ministers. National's Nicola Willis will be the finance minister.

The new government will be sworn in on Monday.

"Despite the challenging economic environment, New Zealanders can look forward to a better future because of the changes the new government will make," Luxon said after signing the deal to form the new coalition.

The incoming prime minister said the new government will ease the cost of living and deliver tax relief, restore law and order, and deliver better public services.

The National Party won the general election on Oct. 14, with the Labor Party to step down after six years in office. However, with no party winning a majority of seats, the formation of a new government depended on the outcome of interparty negotiations to form a coalition government.

New Zealand uses the Mixed Member Proportional voting system to elect its parliament. Under this system, the government is usually formed by two or more parliamentary political parties. 

National Party's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks at the parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Nov. 24, 2023. Three New Zealand political parties announced on Friday the lineup for a new coalition government after weeks of negotiations. The new coalition government of National Party, ACT New Zealand party and New Zealand First party will be stable, effective and will deliver for all New Zealanders, National's leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said during the signing ceremony at the parliament. (Prime Minister Office of New Zealand/Handout via Xinhua)
BANGKOK, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is striving to revive its vital tourism industry with the help of social media influencers and key technology partners from China, the largest source of visitors to the Southeast Asian country before the pandemic.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with leading Chinese social media platforms, mobile payment providers, online travel agencies, and airlines to showcase its diverse attractions and promote quality tourism to travelers from China, said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT deputy governor, on Friday.

The TAT is implementing initiatives to attract Chinese tourists, including organizing roadshows and familiarization trips for Chinese media and travel agents, developing targeted marketing campaigns on Chinese social media, and offering special promotions for Chinese tourists, Chattan told a news conference.

Focusing on user-generated content and first-hand travel experience to create the country's positive image, Thailand hopes these efforts will help regain confidence in the Chinese market, Chattan said.

Thailand has received over 3.01 million visitors from China so far this year, he noted, adding that the Southeast Asian nation hopes to more than double the targeted Chinese tourist tally, from 3.5 million in 2023 to 8.2 million in 2024.

In pre-COVID 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for about 28 percent of the nearly 40 million foreign tourists to Thailand. Tourism, the key driver of the kingdom's economic growth, contributes about 12 percent of its gross domestic product. 
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- A cold wave advisory has been issued across South Korea as the temperature fell below zero nationwide, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday citing the weather agency.

The temperature dropped seven to 15 degrees centigrade on Friday morning compared to the previous day, falling below zero across the country, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The KMA issued a cold wave advisory for the capital Seoul Thursday night as the morning low was forecast to stay below minus 12 degrees for at least two straight days or drop by more than 10 degrees to below minus 3 degrees the following day.

The advisory was also given to areas in the Gyeonggi province, surrounding Seoul, regions in the eastern Gangwon province and southeastern regions, including the southeastern port city of Busan.

The cold spell was expected to last through the weekend.

The interior ministry raised its cold wave warning level by one notch from "attention" to "caution." 
NAHA, Japan, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Residents of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, during a large-scale anti-war rally, have vehemently opposed the attempts by the Japanese government and U.S. military to turn Okinawa into a military fortress.

They called for opening a path to peace through dialogue during the rally held on Thursday in the capital city of Naha, which was participated by about 7,500 people from various parts of the prefecture.

Chobin Zukeran, co-representative from the organizing citizen group of the rally, stated that the main purpose of the rally is to absolutely prevent Okinawa from being involved in war again.

He emphasized the need for unity to create a peaceful society, asserting that Okinawa does not need military bases, missiles, or wartime shelters but a peaceful environment for secure living.

The Japanese government and U.S. military are attempting to turn Okinawa into a military "breakwater," another representative from the organizer, Takamatsu Gushiken, told Xinhua.

This implies that Okinawa residents might again become victims, and without voicing opposition, the future survival of the people in Okinawa could be at risk, added Gushiken, who has long been involved in collecting the remains of those who died in the Okinawa battle of World War II.

Hiromori Maedomari, professor from the Okinawa International University, pointed out in his speech that Okinawa is viewed by the United States as a "drain."

He urged people in Okinawa to persist in the path of peace, emphasizing that while most people in mainland Japan may adopt a bystander attitude towards Okinawa becoming a battlefield again, local residents should strive for peace through their own efforts.

"Okinawa has experienced war, and now the base issue frequently makes newspaper headlines. I do not want to experience war and do not want future generations to go through it either," said local high school student Ichiro Uehara, who was collecting anti-war and peace signatures at the event.

Representatives from anti-war groups in various regions, including the prefecture's Ishigaki Island, Miyako Island, and Yonaguni Island, voiced their concerns and opposition to Japan's plans to turn southwestern islands into Self-Defense Force missile bases and enhance joint military exercises with the United States.

The rally was concluded by the issuance of a declaration titled "Dialogue to establish trust is the path to peace," calling for the diffusion of anti-war activities from Okinawa to the entire country and urging the prevention of the Japanese government from recklessly heading toward war. 
This photo shows the inauguration ceremony of the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Nov. 22, 2023. The first Confucius classroom in Bangladesh, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom, has been officially unveiled here, with a ceremony attended by over 100 individuals. (Xinhua)

DHAKA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Confucius classroom in Bangladesh, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom, has been officially unveiled here, with a ceremony attended by over 100 individuals.

Yao Wen, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, said in his remarks on Wednesday that the official inauguration is a new starting point and a milestone in the development of the classroom, adding that he hopes the students will seize the opportunity to learn Chinese and carry forward the friendship between China and Bangladesh.

Hong Bo, chairman of Honghe University Council, said his university is willing to work with Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology to actively carry out Chinese language teaching, cultural exchanges, teacher training and scientific research cooperation, so as to better meet the needs of Bangladeshi people to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture.

Mustafizul Hoque, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, said his university will work with Honghe University to continuously promote the high-quality development of the classroom.

After the ceremony, an opening and awarding ceremony of a painting exhibition jointly participated by students of Honghe University and Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology was held at the Confucius classroom.

Established collaboratively by Honghe University in China and Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology in Bangladesh in 2021, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom currently has more than 400 registered students. 

Students perform at the inauguration ceremony of the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Nov. 22, 2023. The first Confucius classroom in Bangladesh, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom, has been officially unveiled here, with a ceremony attended by over 100 individuals. (Xinhua)

A woman poses for photos at a painting exhibition in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Nov. 22, 2023. The first Confucius classroom in Bangladesh, the Shanto Mariam-Honghe Confucius Classroom, has been officially unveiled here, with a ceremony attended by over 100 individuals. (Xinhua)
BERLIN, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Healthcare workers in Germany began a two-day strike on Thursday, with university hospitals hit particularly hard and many operations canceled.

Employees from six hospitals in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia alone had taken part in the strike, trade union Verdi said. According to German news outlet dpa, about 300 employees from the University of Leipzig Medical Center and 1,200 employees from several psychiatric centers in Baden-Wuerttemberg were also on strike.

Verdi's call for a strike affects all university hospitals with a state collective agreement, as well as psychiatric centers. Employees are calling for an income increase of 10.5 percent, but at least 500 euros (545 U.S. dollars) per month.

"Those who care for sick people and save lives every day must be able to pay their rent and live well on their wages," said Verdi national board member Sylvia Buehler on Tuesday, warning of a further increase in staff shortages.

Germany already has a particularly severe staff shortage in the healthcare sector. According to the auditing and consulting firm PwC (Germany), this could rise sharply to 1.8 million by 2035. Only one in three doctors or nurses say they plan to continue working in their profession until they retire.

The general shortage of skilled workers in Germany has already contributed to a number of high wage settlements this year, for example in the transport sector. However, strikes by various groups continue. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows part of the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

Fu said he believes there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, either geopolitically or economically.



BRUSSELS, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Fu Cong on Thursday dismissed a recent claim that China is exporting its overcapacity of electric vehicles (EV) to the European market.

"I want to emphasize the fact that the Chinese companies are selling cars in Europe does not by itself signify an overcapacity," the ambassador said during the Europe-China Forum held here by Friends of Europe, a Brussels-based non-profit think tank for EU policy.

Some 300 participants, including policymakers, businessmen and researchers, attended the event.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows a BYD Seal electric car during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

The overcapacity arguments emerged in the bloc as it was preparing for a bilateral summit with China, reportedly scheduled for next month.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted, "There is clear overcapacity in China, and this overcapacity will be exported," claiming this is the reason behind the EU launching the anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese EVs.

Rejecting such claims, Fu posed a question: "If finding an overseas market can be interpreted as overcapacity automatically, then what are the European companies doing in the Chinese market?"

He raised concerns about the fairness of the investigation's launch and its procedures, expressing the hope that "common sense can prevail" during discussions on the issue.

Visitors are seen at the booth of NIO during the Smart China Expo 2023 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Chu Jiayin)

Fu reassured the business sector that China is committed to reform and opening up, and promotes high-quality development. "This means more opportunities for European companies."

Noting China's robust economic rebound with one of the highest growth rates among major economies, Fu mentioned China continues to be the largest contributor to global growth, contributing one-third in 2023.

He cited the fact that the International Monetary Fund recently revised upward its forecast of China's growth in 2023 by 0.4 percentage points.

Fu also urged the two sides to develop "a right perception of each other."

"We see ourselves as a beneficiary of the current international order. And we will steadfastly safeguard the United Nations (UN)-centered international system underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," he said.

Fu said he believes there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, either geopolitically or economically. "Yes, the two sides have differences on a range of issues, but the good thing is that the two sides are talking to each other," he said. 
BRUSSELS, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the European Union (EU) Fu Cong on Thursday dismissed a recent claim that China is exporting its overcapacity of electric vehicles (EV) to the European market.

"I want to emphasize the fact that the Chinese companies are selling cars in Europe does not by itself signify an overcapacity," the ambassador said during the Europe-China Forum held here by Friends of Europe, a Brussels-based non-profit think tank for EU policy.

Some 300 participants, including policymakers, businessmen and researchers, attended the event.

The overcapacity arguments emerged in the bloc as it was preparing for a bilateral summit with China, reportedly scheduled for next month.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted, "There is clear overcapacity in China, and this overcapacity will be exported," claiming this is the reason behind the EU launching the anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese EVs.

Rejecting such claims, Fu posed a question: "If finding an overseas market can be interpreted as overcapacity automatically, then what are the European companies doing in the Chinese market?"

He raised concerns about the fairness of the investigation's launch and its procedures, expressing the hope that "common sense can prevail" during discussions on the issue.

Fu reassured the business sector that China is committed to reform and opening up, and promotes high-quality development. "This means more opportunities for European companies."

Noting China's robust economic rebound with one of the highest growth rates among major economies, Fu mentioned China continues to be the largest contributor to global growth, contributing one-third in 2023.

He cited the fact that the International Monetary Fund recently revised upward its forecast of China's growth in 2023 by 0.4 percentage points.

Fu also urged the two sides to develop "a right perception of each other."

"We see ourselves as a beneficiary of the current international order. And we will steadfastly safeguard the United Nations (UN)-centered international system underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," he said.

Fu said he believes there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, either geopolitically or economically. "Yes, the two sides have differences on a range of issues, but the good thing is that the two sides are talking to each other," he said. 
The balloon of Pikachu and Eevee is seen during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the United States, on Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

The event features character balloons, magical floats, marching bands, performance groups, clowns and music stars, and it was aired on multiple TV channels in the United States.

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers flocked to the streets in Manhattan to witness the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday mooring as the weather was sunny and mild.

On the occasion of the holiday for family reunion, gratitude and relaxation, organizers extended the duration of the parade by half an hour to offer more to spectators.

The event features character balloons, magical floats, marching bands, performance groups, clowns and music stars, and it was aired on multiple TV channels in the United States.

Performers attend the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the United States, on Nov. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

However, the parade was interrupted briefly by scores of people protesting Israel's war in Gaza. The protesters carried a banner reading "Genocide then - Genocide now."

Another group of protesters wearing white jumpsuits glued their hands on the 6th Avenue and called for "Liberation for Palestine and Planet."

The parade was diverted as a result and some protesters were handcuffed.

Escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflicts in Gaza since Oct. 7 has heightened racial tensions in the United States and triggered many protests across the country. 
Did the 2014 Maidan make Putins invasion inevitable 24 November, 11:00 PM Investigation into dispersal and shooting of Maidan demonstrators is almost finished (Photo:Nataliya Kravchuk / NV)

People ask me whether Russia would have started a war if it realized that it was losing ground in Ukraine.

I evaluate Euromaidan in the context of all those movements that began with the Arab Spring and ended with protests in Belarus and Kazakhstan. It was a decade of revolution. Most of these revolutions have failed. Some statistics show that this was the least successful period in terms of revolutions. In that context, Euromaidan was one of the few exceptions when the revolution won.

Video of day

A victorious revolution. Why do I say "won"? Because of the tragic events that followed. People ask me whether Russia would have started a war if it had realized that it was losing ground in Ukraine. I answer that Russia had plans for a large-scale military aggression against Ukraine long before the Maidan.

According to my sources and the sources of my colleagues who know about this, these plans were determined at the end of 2008. The only thing they didn't expect was that it would happen in this way, in the way of the Maidan, because the expectation was that there would be, as they said, massive unrest in Ukraine in 2015. Yanukovych would run for president again, and it was clear he would resort to manipulation. At that time, it was believed that this was the best time for Russia to invade Ukraine to bring order to the country and save it from chaos. Therefore, we cannot say that Russia immediately "punished" Ukrainians for the revolution. It had a plan. This is, in fact, what happened in 2014.

Putin's plan consisted of three parts.

The first part was that the so-called Novorossiya, the Russian-speaking part, would be annexed to Russia along the line, relatively speaking, of Kharkiv-Uman. Russia would annex the south and east of this line as Novorossiya. Putin was not interested in western Ukraine. He is still not interested. This is a toxic territory, so let it go wherever he wants, even to the devil. There will be a kind of Ukrainian version of Belarus  Malorossiya from that small Ukrainian territory. Agrarian, without large industry, and entirely under the influence of Russia. A puppet state under the leadership of the Kremlin. Kyiv will have its own president, a president with a more human face than Yanukovych, but will be much more loyal and manageable than Yanukovych himself.

Putin was not interested in western Ukraine. He is still not interested

One of the options was that Western Ukraine would go to Poland. And Radoslaw Sikorski, the former Polish foreign minister, admitted this in an interview. After that, he kept silent when he realized he had given away a secret. But Putin directly offered Poland to take Lviv. Please note that this is very similar to the partitions of Poland in the 18th century, and then the partitions of Poland by the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. The rhetoric is very similar.

You may recall that on the eve of the Orange Revolution, the Russians launched fakes, which, as it turned out, were backed by the late former Kremlin political strategist Gleb Pavlovsky. At the time, they spread these fakes about three types of Ukrainians. This was clearly aimed at dismemberment. This technology was launched inside the country. That is, this division of Ukraine has been practiced for decades. I want to say that this is the idea of the Russian opposition government that came out of the protest against the communists. This is Yeltsin's environment. We remember that Putin began his career in this very environment as a former student of Sobchak, one of the nonleading leaders of the Russian opposition, and later the mayor of St.Petersburg, and it was there that Putin appeared. So, the idea was to let Ukraine break away and become independent, but under the right conditions. They believed that Ukraine was a fictitious nation, it would never be able to build its own state, and when the collapse happened, Ukraine would return. So, the whole idea was to get Ukraine back one way or another.

It was clear that time was passing and Ukraine was not returning. So they did it all in different ways, just to weaken it. In 2004, as we now know (in particular, Mykhailo Zygar's book shows this well), the Kremlin invested vast amounts of money to put Yanukovych in office and to pull Ukraine back into Russia's orbit. Despite this considerable amount of money, despite the efforts of Pavlovsky, to quote a liberal and other liberals, it did not work, and Putin had the impression that this was not just a coincidence. It must be a Western subversive operation. Putin himself had never seen mass demonstrations. He believed that something must inspire mass demonstrations because they are unnatural. And this is how he treated Ukraine.

From what those who know Putin say, Putin's most dramatic turn toward Ukraine actually occurred in 2001, when he visited Ukraine for the first time. First Kyiv, then Crimea. Putin had never been to Ukraine and was very excited about Kyiv. He had no idea that something like this existed. When he came to Crimea to attend the opening of the Church of Vladimir the Great in honor of the Baptism of Rus, he felt like a new Vladimir. Something happened in Putin's mind that made him realize that this beauty had to be returned.

I want to remind you that around 2002, there was another liberal project, the so-called Ladoga Project. This project aimed to come up with the idea that the state of Russia did not begin in Kyiv, but in Ladoga, in Novgorod. Where Rurik and his brothers allegedly landed. And a whole event was specially prepared in Ladoga. Putin went there on his yacht. Like a Varangian  he copied Viktor Vasnetsov's painting The Varangians. He came there to show that a new cultural capital should be created here, one that could compete with Kyiv. To show that Russia has greater rights to Russia than Ukraine. Putin came and spent one or two days there. He visited the excavations and the monastery. And then he said: no, this is not Kyiv at all, we need Kyiv.

In other words, Putin's sharp turn toward Ukraine occurred somewhere in the early 2000s. The first offensive of this turn was the Tuzla Island conflict. We must pay tribute to Leonid Kuchma's behavior at that time; how it would have ended was not known. Tuzla showed that Ukrainians are ready to fight for their territories. What did the Russians conclude? The Russians concluded that it was necessary to go the other way, through Kyiv, by changing the government there and installing a more loyal one.

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.

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Brennan Schlagbaum quit his CPA job in 2021 to run his business Budgetdog full-time. Courtesy of Brennan Schlagbaum

Brennan Schlagbaum and his wife paid off six-figures in debt and now have a net worth of nearly $2 million.

The couple invests in index funds across various investment accounts, from IRAs to a brokerage account.

Of all of his different types of accounts, his favorite is his health savings account (HSA).

Brennan Schlagbaum has a simple approach to investing  he puts most of his money in three index funds  but he does have a lot of accounts to juggle.

The 31 year old, who paid off more than $300,000 worth of debt with his wife Erin before building a net worth of nearly $2 million, has his investments spread across seven different types of accounts.

He and Erin have three types of retirement accounts: two individual retirement accounts (IRAs), a solo 401(k), which is an individual 401(k) plan specifically for business owners like Brennan who don't have employees, and Erin's employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) from her previous employer.

Additionally, they have a health savings account (HSA), a taxable brokerage account, a 529 plan (a type of investment plan that offers tax-free earnings and withdrawals for qualified educational expenses), and a high-yield savings account, which is where they set aside money for property taxes that they owe at the end of each year.

"Since we don't have a mortgage, we owe property taxes at year end," explained Schlagbaum. He and Erin, who own their primary residence in Texas outright, owe $12,000 in property taxes each year, so they send $1,000 a month to a high-yield savings account to cover that expense. High-yield savings accounts, which earn multiple times more than a traditional savings account, typically return between 3.40% APY and 4.25% APY.

Of all of his accounts, "my HSA is my favorite by far," said Schlagbaum, who quit his CPA job in 2021 to focus on his financial education business Budgetdog full-time.

Insider verified the Schlagbaums net worth by looking at account screenshots and a copy of their personal balance sheet.

Story continues

Maxing out his HSA, not touching the money, and letting it grow tax-free

An HSA is a savings vehicle that lets you contribute pre-tax dollars for health costs, but it can also be used as an investment tool and to supplement your retirement accounts.

Similar to an IRA, you can make annual contributions to an HSA (the contribution limits for 2023 are $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for families) and you get significant tax perks. In the case of an HSA, you actually get a triple tax advantage: You can contribute pre-tax dollars (which reduces your taxable income), your contributions and earnings grow tax-free over time, and you can withdraw your money tax-free to cover qualified medical expenses. (Also like an IRA, you can invest your HSA balance in mutual funds, stocks, or ETFs, depending on what the plan offers.)

If you withdraw money for something other than a qualified medical expense (which include things like doctor's office visits and co-pays, lab fees, and vaccines), you'll pay ordinary income taxes on the withdrawal and owe a 20% early withdrawal penalty. (That's if you're under 65; after 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty.)

The Schlagbaum family. Courtesy of Brennan and Erin Schlagbaum

The Schlagbaums happen to have a lot of medical expenses currently, as their daughter was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome in 2022.

"Her medical bills have totaled quite a bit," said Schlagbaum. "In 2022, they were $200,000. Of course, insurance does cover a lot of that." But for whatever out-of-pocket expenses they're on the hook for, "we have the ability to pull that money tax-free at any point in the future. It gives us a lot of flexibility down the road."

HSA accounts, unlike FSAs (flexible spending accounts, which are another type of account that can help with health care costs) don't have a "use it or lose it" policy. Any unused funds in your HSA automatically roll over to the next year.

While the Schlagbaums can use their HSA funds for their medical costs right now, they opt not to. They're in a financial position where they can afford to pay out-of-pocket with the cash flow from Brennan's company, meaning their HSA money can continue to grow.

"I'm going to let that money sit there and invest for years to come," said Schlagbaum. "It's a really good strategy, not to mention, at 65, the HSA becomes a traditional IRA. So we have flexibility from that angle too; I could treat this as a hybrid retirement account. Or, I could use all those savings eventually for any medical costs that we have at that point in time."

He contributes the maximum amount each year, he said: "The limit this year is $7,750 per year, so every two weeks that equates to about $298.07."

The fact that there's a contribution limit is "a sign that it's a really good account from a tax-savings perspective, he added. "There's a reason they put a cap on it. So, if we put all of our $7,750 in there, we want to make sure all of that is invested and not touched."

Note that, to use an HSA, you have to be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP), a type of health insurance plan that typically comes with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.

This type of plan is not the best choice for everyone. It's typically well-suited for people who are very healthy and don't plan on seeking medical care frequently.

"If you're a healthy individual or you're single and you don't have a lot of medical visits, the HSA can be a great route," said Schlagbaum. "The opposite side of the spectrum is me and our family: the person that has the babies and the health concerns. That can get expensive."

They can afford to pay their deductible upfront, though, and are comfortable with their plan's out-of-pocket max, which is the most you could spend on covered health care in a year.

If you're interested in going the HSA route, look closely at the deductible and out-of-pocket max when comparing plans.

"You have to be aware of the potential cost that could come if you do have to go to the doctor," said Schlagbaum. "A lot of people go down this route and they get an HSA because they hear someone online talk about it, but all of a sudden it becomes a nightmare because they're out-of-pocket all this money."

Depending on your medical and financial situation, going with an HDHP "could end up being more expensive," he warned. "You have to make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket max."

This story was originally published in July 2023.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: An electric vehicle charging station is seen at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto

FILE PHOTO: An electric vehicle charging station is seen at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto

By Rod Nickel

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Canada needs to shift gears on its strategy of building electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country, advocacy groups and government officials say, but they are trying to steer Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government down different roads.

Trudeau's rollout strategy is focused on building EV ports in populous public areas and multi-family residential buildings, which experts warn may not be enough to rapidly increase EV adoption and help meet the government's ambitious climate goals.

Canada's best opportunity to rev up its charging network build-out is to focus on single-family homes, where more than 80% of charging occurs, some advocacy groups say. The country's Office of the Auditor General and other groups argue, however, that the world's second-largest country by area should do more in remote and low-income communities, a task the private sector is unlikely to take on.

Trudeau's government plans to phase out sales of new light-duty combustion vehicles by 2035, part of Canada's broader target of curbing greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by at least 40% by 2030, a goal it is likely to miss. Transportation accounts for 22% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.

The country's sprawling national highway system spans 38,049 km (23,643 miles) and cold winters reduce battery efficiency, creating additional challenges for building an effective charging network.

The government-controlled Canada Infrastructure Bank agreed last week to loan up to C$210 million ($153.08 million) to fuel retailer Parkland Corp to help spur expansion of its existing EV charging network in British Columbia, a Western Canadian province where EV adoption is high.

The bank's financing raised its total charging commitments to C$445 million. Parkland, nevertheless, said it is looking for further outside investment to build out its charging network.

Story continues

Trudeau's government should make it cheaper for owners of older homes to upgrade their electrical systems, work that costs C$2,000-C$3,000, said Daniel Breton, the CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, an advocacy group. Breton also is co-chair of a government working group on charging infrastructure.

"People seem to forget that the backbone of the infrastructure is not public charging, it's home charging," Breton said.

'SERIOUS CHALLENGE'

Breton said that 30% of the cost of installing a home EV charging station in the U.S. is covered by a federal tax credit, while California residents can receive rebates for upgrading charging stations and electric panels.

Most Canadians drive short distances to work, meaning that public charging is mainly necessary for longer-haul travellers, Breton said.

A Nov. 7 report from Canada's Auditor General said Natural Resources Canada, the main government agency providing financial support for charging stations, is on track to meet an interim target of installing 33,500 ports nationally by 2026. Canada had 19 EVs per public charging point in 2022, while the number was 24 in the U.S., according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency.

Canada is spending more than its neighbor on EV chargers on a per capita basis, according to calculations from the Clean Energy Canada program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, a rare example of Canada outpacing the U.S. in the transition to a future less reliant on fossil fuels.

Ottawa needs to expand its financial support to homeowners without sacrificing other areas, said Brian Kingston, the CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and a co-chair of the government working group on charging infrastructure.

"It's a serious challenge for an older home," Kingston said.

The Office of the Auditor General reported that Canada had overwhelmingly funded charging ports in populous provinces and should do more to build charging stations in remote parts of the country.

Those areas and multi-unit buildings should be the government's top priorities for funding because they are the ones least likely to attract private investment, while many homeowners can afford the upgrades themselves, said Joanna Kyriazis, director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, which also has a role on the infrastructure charging government working group.

Natural Resources Canada said it is reviewing gaps in the country's charging infrastructure and seeking collaboration from the private sector and provincial governments to meet its goals.

Trudeau's government plans to subsidize 84,500 new charging stations by 2029, hoping to spur the private investment needed to expand the network to at least 442,000 public chargers by 2035.

($1 = 1.3718 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Denny Thomas and Paul Simao)
Antoine and Bernard Arnault in Paris on June 15, 2023. Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

In a major reshuffle for LVMH (LVMHF), the luxury conglomerate behind brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian dior (CHDRY), Antoine Arnault will be leaving his position as CEO of shoemaker Berluti. Antoine is the eldest son of Bernard Arnault, the conglomerates leader and the worlds second wealthiest person.

Antoine and Bernard Arnault in Paris on June 15, 2023. Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

Bernard Arnault, 74, last year raised the companys leadership age limit from 75 to 80. While he has not announced plans to step down from LVMH, any hints of his succession plans have been closely monitored. His five children, who all currently hold executive roles at the conglomerate, have for years been integrating into the LVMH group with the expectation that one of them will take over.

Antoines departure from Berluti is an opportunity for the 46-year-old to take on an additional role in the family business. He will step down by January and be replaced by Jean-Marc Mansvelt, who has been CEO of jeweler Chaumet, another LVMH company, since 2014.

I am very happy and quite emotional to welcome Jean-Marc as the new CEO of the exceptional Maison Berluti, building on values of elegance, audacity and unique savoir-faire, said Antoine in a statement. He noted in an internal memo that new adventures await me, to be announced shortly, as reported by Vogue Business.

Succeeding Mansvelt at Chaumet will be Charles Leung, who has headed the jewelry brand FRED since 2018. A search is currently underway for a replacement for Leung, according to LVMH.

What is Antoine Arnaults involvement in LVMH?

Stepping down from Berluti marks the end of an era for the luxury footwear company, which has been helmed by Antoine for more than a decade. Under the leadership of Antoine, it has emerged from the pandemic with a great positioning and remarkable revenue and profit growth, said Toni Belloni, group managing director of LVMH, in a statement. Shortly taking over, Arnaults son oversaw a rise in annual revenue to $130 million from $45 million.

Story continues

He has also been recognized for negotiating LVMHs 150 million euro ($163 million) sponsorship deal with the Paris Olympics in 2024. Alongside participation from other LVMH companies, Berluti will dress the French team for the Opening Ceremonies of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games.

Antoine will stay on as chairman of Berluti while maintaining his concurrent positions as chairman of cashmere brand Loro Piana and head of image and environment for LVMH. Initially joining his fathers business in 2005 as head of marketing for Louis Vuitton, Antoine spearheaded the companys successful core values campaign, which saw cultural icons like Keith Richards and Muhammad Ali pose with handbags in photographs taken by Annie Leibovitz. In December 2022, he was announced as CEO and chair of Christian Dior SE, the holding company owning the majority of the Arnault stake in LVMH.

Despite his dominant role in the family business, Antoine isnt the only Arnault child poised to become a CEO. Bernard Arnault, who has an estimated net worth of $193.2 billion, in December of 2022 appointed his daughter Delphine as CEO and chair of Christian Dior, the conglomerates second-largest brand. Meanwhile, his three youngest sons all hold roles in family-owned companies. Alexandre is the executive vice president of Tiffany & Co, while Frederic heads watchmaker TAG Heuer and Jean is director of marketing and development in Louis Vuittons watch department.

Trending Observer Stories

Read the original story Antoine Arnault Steps Down as CEO of Berluti in LVMH Shakeup and others by Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly at Observer.
I would like to ask them why: An 84-year-old Alabama woman is being pushed out of her family home  that sits on land worth an estimated $20 million. Heres why she's being forced to sell

An elderly Alabama woman living on a plot of land thought to be worth over $20 million will soon be kicked out of her longtime home after an ownership tussle with private investors.

Corine Woodson, aged 84, has lived in the same home on the outskirts of Auburn for over 60 years. But her American Dream has now turned into a nightmare.

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Woodsons house sits on a 40-acre plot of gold  at least thats how the investors who want to buy her land see it. The land is jointly owned by dozens of members of her family through a tenancy-in-common arrangement.

Over the years, several family members have sold their stake in the land to a private company, which is now seeking to buy the prime real estate outright  a move that would force the octogenarian from her home.

I would like to ask them why, Woodson told WTVM. I cant figure it out. Thinking about it, wondering about it  its not easy, I can tell you that.

Heres what you need to know about tenancy in common and why Woodson will have to pack up her things and leave decades of memories behind.

What is tenancy in common?

Woodson came to live on the prized plot of land through her late-husband Willie Woodson, whose father bought the land in Moores Mill, just south-east of Auburn, in the early 1900s.

When Willies father died, the land was left to his children or their designated heirs, which now means that dozens of people have a stake in the 40-acre property.

Rocket Mortgage defines tenancy in common as equal or unequal undivided ownership [of a property] between two or more people. When one of the owners dies, their stake in the property passes onto their heirs, which is how Woodsons property has so many co-owners.

Story continues

With tenancy in common, all areas of the property are owned equally by the group, even if tenants have a different share of the ownership. So, an owner with a 10% share would have the same rights  and the same liability for debts, property tax and so on  as an owner with a 90% stake.

This type of ownership structure is more common in certain types of real estate, like investment properties, vacation homes and commercial real estate than it is for family homes.

There are several benefits to owning fractional shares of property. Whether you do it through tenancy in common or invest through an online platform, purchasing fractional shares allows investors to pool their resources to invest in higher-value properties that may have otherwise been out of reach. And tenancy-in-common agreements also mean youre splitting the cost of maintaining the property can also be more cost-effective than covering the bills solo.

But there are also downsides to this type of property ownership and Woodson found this out the hard way.

Read more: Invest in rental properties effortlessly: cash in on prime real estate with just $20 and zero landlord duties

A difficult break-up

The issue that 84-year-old Woodson has come up against  which is one of the big challenges related to tenancy in common  occurs when one or more of the owners wants to buy out the other tenants or sell the property.

If the tenants cannot agree on how to move forward, a court can order a partition of the property and even force a sale  the proceeds of which will be split fairly among the tenants according to their ownership stake.

When a partition begins, the courts will provide a deadline for any owner to come forward to buy the property. But Woodson missed her deadline to apply for total ownership  because she thought she already owned her property. The problem is, she doesnt fully own the land it sits on.

Woodsons daughter Melissa, a licensed realtor, said she told her elderly mother: Nobody can just put you off of your property and other immediate family members agreed. But she admitted to WTVM: We were not up to par on the law.

Over the years, several of Woodsons extended family members have sold their ownership shares to a private company called Cleveland Brothers, which now has a 49% stake in the land. When the court partition began, Cleveland Brothers filed a motion to buy the property outright.

If successful, this could result in the company owning the 40-acre plot of prime real estate, which is thought to be worth around $20 million, according to WTVM  a prediction based on the fact that two-acre lots within three miles of the Woodson property have sold for $500,000 each.

Cleveland Brothers said 84-year-old Woodson could remain in her home for one year after the purchase is complete, but that is still a painful pill to swallow for the family.

Melissa reacted: Its happening right before our eyes and the sad thing is theres very little that we can do about it.

It is clear there are both pros and cons to tenancies in common  and the complexities of these arrangements will only grow as ownership shares are passed down through generations of heirs and beneficiaries. If youre considering this type of living and financial arrangement, it may be wise to consult with a financial adviser or legal professional who can help you to ensure its the right financial move for you.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Forget the four-day weekMicrosoft founder Bill Gates is anticipating a three-day work week could be possible thanks to artificial intelligence.

Amid fears that mankind will struggle to compete against computers leading to mass unemployment, Gates is refreshingly predicting a utopian world where machines can make all the food and the stuff, and we dont have to work as hard.

In the near-term the productivity gain you get from AI is very exciting, Gates recently said on Trevor Noah's "What Now?" podcast. Its taking away part of the drudge work

While many leaders view increased efficiency as the chance to get more out of their workers, he thinks itll provide the working population with the chance to dial back their efforts.

"If you eventually get a society where you only have to work three days a week, that's probably OK," the fourth richest man in the world said.

"If you free up human labor, you can help elder people better, have smaller class sizes - you know, the demand for labor to do good things is still there," he added. "And then if you ever get beyond that, you have a lot of leisure time and youll have to figure out what to do with it."

Overall, at 68 years old, the tech entrepreneur-tuned-philanthropist has gained a more philosophical view on the importance of work: If you zoom out, the purpose of life is not just to do jobs.

Leaders cant agree on whether AI will displace or support workers

Gates isnt the first tech leader to predict that people wont have to work a five-day-plus work week to earn a living thanks to AI.

JPMorgans CEO Jamie Dimon recently echoed that the next generation of workers will only have a 3.5-day workweek and "will live to 100" because of technology.

Even Tesla and X owner, Elon Muska strong proponent of burning the midnight oil and sleeping in the office to prove your dedication to the jobthinks AI will eradicate the need to work at all and create universal high income.

Story continues

You can have a job if you want to have it for personal pleasure. But AI could do everything, Musk told Britains prime minister Rishi Sunak at the U.K. AI Safety Summit.

At the same time, investment bank Goldman Sachs has estimated that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs globally in the coming years.

Meanwhile, IBMs CEO Arvind Krishna predicted repetitive, white-collar jobs will be automated first but adds that doesnt mean humans will be out of jobs.

People mistake productivity with job displacement, he said at Fortunes CEO Initiative conference.

As an example, he points to jobs created by the invention of the internet. In 1995 no one thought there would be five million web designersthere are, Krishna said.

However, not all leaders agree.

If youre getting productivity gains out of your existing workforce, you will need less workers. Carl Eschenbach, co-chief executive officer of Workday told Bloomberg.

One CEO, Suumit Shah, the CEO of India-based Duukan, proved as much when he sacked 90% of his workforce and replaced them with AI and called it a no brainer.

Meanwhile, Indeed recently made sweeping layoffs in the companys recruitment department, but none in its AI arm of the business. Now, the employment platform chief, Chris Hyams, wants to create cyborg recruiters that play to the strengths of both humans and AI.

The shorter week is already here (for some)

While Gates is predicting a shorter week is yet to come, the reality is some are already enjoying one.

Americas Got Talent creator Simon Cowell recently revealed hes stopped working on a Friday because its pointless, and major employers like Samsung have started giving staff one Friday off each month.

In Iceland, where the four-day workweek was trialed between 2015 and 2019, workers represented by unionsclose to 90% of the workforcehave now won the right to request a shorter workweek.

Likewise, in 2021, the Japanese governments annual economic policy guidelines included a recommendation that companies let employees opt for a four-day workweek.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - WaterPower Canada (WPC) hosts its annual national conference and trade show to enable a renewable future through collaboration and collective action.

2023 Canadian Waterpower Week (CNW Group/WaterPower Canada)

The federal government's commitment to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2035 is possiblebut only through a concerted industry effort. By working together, Canada can achieve these goals with electricity as the foundation of its renewable future.

WPC seeks to play an integral role in facilitating the important discussions required to empowering a net-zero future. On Nov. 27 and 28, WPC hosts the Canadian Waterpower Week Conference & Trade Show to explore where opportunities for cooperation exist to accelerate progress and where challenges and barriers remain. The Conference brings together key decision makers, industry experts, policymakers and business influencers from Canada's largest electricity companies that want to take collective action.

"WaterPower Canada and its members are committed to working with governments, Indigenous groups and communities to move Canada toward net-zero," says WPC President Gilbert Bennett. "Achieving our 2035 goals will require unprecedented, concerted and sustained efforts, and we are committed to elevating the important discussions necessary to form these essential partnerships."

Taking place in our nation's capital, this year's Conference will offer an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices and pressing issues. The theme, Charging Ahead: Powering Through a Changing World, will cover wide-ranging topics such as the changing role of hydropower in our electricity system, what it takes to rapidly electrify our economy and how industry and governments can solve issues together.

This year's conference speaker and panel highlights include:

Former Globe and Mail political journalist and Senior Vice President of NATIONAL Public Relations, Atlantic Jane Taber will be this year's Conference Host & MC.

"Industry Leaders in Conversation", the Monday morning opening plenary sponsored by Kiewit will be hosted by David Cochrane , host of CBC's Power & Politics . Cochrane will moderate and engage with executives from Ontario Power Generation, GE Vernova - Hydro Power, AtkinsRealis, Kiewit, and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to explore the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a net-zero economy.

"Getting the Job Done", Monday's lunch plenary moderated by Michelle Branigan , CEO of Electricity Human Resources Canada, will discuss industry challenges and solutions to attract and retain the people required by our industry. The panel will include leaders from BC Hydro, the Canadian Building Trades Union, Barnard Constructors of Canada, and TurbinePROS, the plenary sponsor.

Best-selling author, elite athlete and motivational speaker Sebastien Sasseville will conclude the Conference's first day at the Gala Dinner keynote presentation, sponsored by EnerServ and MV2 Hydro.

Tuesday's "Planning for a Net-Zero Future", sponsored by Hydro-Quebec, this plenary will focus on the unprecedented development required in Quebec to achieve net-zero by 2035. It will discuss the massive challenges and opportunities to plan, design, effectively engage communities and ultimately build large scale energy projects.

The closing plenary "Powering Through a Changing World", sponsored by Manitoba Hydro, will summarize and engage with the Conference's many topics and proposed solutions. Moderated by Francis Bradley , President & CEO of Electricity Canada, this closing panel will feature leaders from Natural Resources Canada, Manitoba Hydro and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

Story continues

It's not too late to join uson Monday, Nov. 27 and Tuesday, Nov. 28at The Westin Ottawa for this year's Canadian Waterpower Week! Visit waterpowerweek.ca to register and for more information on the conference program, our speakers, our sponsors and much more.

About WaterPower Canada

Founded in 1998, WaterPower Canada is the national, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to representing the waterpower industry. Its many members span the breadth of the sector and include hydropower producers, manufacturers, developers, engineering firms and other organizations. WaterPower Canada members represent more than 95% of the waterpower installed capacity in Canada, advocating for the responsible development and use of waterpower to meet our present and future electricity needs in a sustainable manner.

Follow us on LinkedIn .

Subscribe to our newsletter .

Become a member .

Learn more at waterpowercanada.ca .

SOURCE WaterPower Canada

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2023/24/c3242.html
Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Peter Brown, the CEO of top hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, slept 2,000 nights in his office.

In an interview with Goldman Sachs, he said he valued the uninterrupted time with his colleagues.

"The job is so demanding, I really don't see how I could do it otherwise."

The chief executive officer of Renaissance Technologies, the secretive and massively successful hedge fund, said he has spent 2,000 nights sleeping in the officeand he has no regrets about putting in such long hours.

In an interview with Goldman Sachs' podcast host Raj Mahajan, Renaissance's Peter Brown explained his work habits and family situation working in a different town from where his wife lives.

Brown answered "yes" in response to Mahajan's question as to whether it was true he spent nearly 2,000 nights sleeping in his office.

"My wife works in Washington DC," Brown said. "And my experience has been that when a husband and a wife work in two different towns, the husband commutes. Psychologically, if I'm going to be away from my family, I have to work. I sleep in my office when I'm in Long Island."

It's taxing on his relationships, but there are upsides as far as his work, the executive added.

"For me, productivity-wise it's really fantastic being able to spend nearly 80 straight hours each week with no interruptions except sleep thinking about work before spending three more normal days at home." Brown said.

"Of course, I really miss my family. But the freedom to concentrate nonstop on work while surrounded by my colleagues is hugely valuable. And the job is so demanding, I really don't see how I could do it otherwise."

He added that he sleeps very little anyway, and that he typically doesn't sleep well, though not by choice. That leads to many 2 a.m. emails, Brown said.

Renaissance Technologies, meanwhile, is one of the most successful and mysterious hedge funds in the world. Its flagship Medallion Fund generated roughly 66% annualized returns, before fees, from 1988 to 2020. After fees, those stood at 39%.

Story continues

Brown's nighttime activity once indirectly led to him giving a colleague a raise so that he could justify calling him in the middle of the night.

"So, it was around 1 o'clock in the morning and I picked up the phone to call [a colleague]," Brown said. "And Jim says to me, 'Wait. You can't call this guy in the middle of the night. He doesn't make enough money.' So, I said, 'Fine. How about this? I'll call him. I'll tell him we're going to give him a raise. And then ask him our question.' And so, that's what we did."

Story was originally published in September 2023.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: A Citi sign is seen at the Citigroup stall on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange

By Tatiana Bautzer

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A top Citigroup executive asked employees to speak up if they see inappropriate behavior after a managing director sued the company this week, alleging she was sexually harassed by a manager in equities.

"No colleague should ever be discriminated against or harassed," Andy Morton, Citigroup's global head of markets, wrote in the memo sent on Tuesday, which referenced a recently filed lawsuit. "We will take decisive action when we determine unacceptable behavior has taken place."

Bloomberg reported the memo earlier on Wednesday.

Managing director Ardith Lindsey sued the bank in New York, saying it downplayed her complaints about Mani Singh, who had been North America Markets head of cash equity execution services before he resigned last November.

Lindsey accused Citigroup of tolerating a "notoriously hostile" environment in its equities division and said Singh subjected her to sexual harassment and abuse, including death threats.

Requests for comment made to a lawyer who represented Singh in an unrelated lawsuit were not immediately answered.

Citigroup said in an earlier statement that it will defend against Lindsey's claims.

"Part of everyone's role in creating a culture of the highest standards involves stepping in at the moment we see something wrong," Morton wrote. "If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, you can raise your concerns through official channels without fear of retaliation," including with managers, human resources or the company's ethics hotline.

(Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Lananh Nguyen and Daniel Wallis)
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.

The head of state hailed the participation of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the SPECA Summit, noting that Azerbaijan enjoys very close partnership with the member states of the organization. President Ilham Aliyev said that he has personal friendship with the heads of state of the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and hailed the successful development of cooperation with these countries in various areas. The head of state pointed out that there are great prospects for further expansion of cooperation in investments, renewable energy, tourism and other fields. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that political stability is fully ensured in Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, and praised the rapid development of the countries in terms of political, economic, and demographic factors.

The head of state described the process of integration of Azerbaijan with the Central Asian region as dynamic, Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries as a single geopolitical, economic and political space, and the Caspian Sea as a value that unites us. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the existence of great prospects for future cooperation among Azerbaijan, Central Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council member countries.

The head of state noted that Central Asian nations and Azerbaijan come together not only within SPECA but also the Organization of Turkic States, and underlined the need for building institutionalized cooperation between the Organization of Turkic States and Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Secretary-General extended his congratulations on Azerbaijans hosting the SPECA Summit. He pointed out that the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries place a special emphasis on comprehensive development of relations with Azerbaijan and Central Asian nations, underlining development of relations in a variety of fields. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi noted that there are great prospects in the political and economic areas and for boosting investments.

The meeting also saw discussions on global islamophobia trends and the ways to combat them.


















855684128 / iStock.com

Costco has already started offering Early Black Friday deals, but its Cyber Monday deals wont be available until Nov. 27, 2023. If youre a frequent Costco shopper, chances are you already know that the warehouse club is going to put out some great deals this year  just like it has in previous years.

Stores With Layaway in 2023: Extending Your Purchasing Power

Find Out: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

But its important to remember that not all of Costcos Cyber Monday deals are going to be as high-quality or worth the money as they might seem. Before you shop, make sure you do your research and compare prices and products to ensure youre truly getting the most bang for your buck possible.

Here are some of the top upcoming Cyber Monday deals at Costco that just arent worth waiting around for.

Sponsored: Open a new checking account and earn early paycheck access; up to 2 days early with Discover Cashback Debit with Early Pay

Overpriced Electronics

While Costco often offers enticing deals on Cyber Monday, its crucial to exercise caution and avoid impulse purchases, said Adam Hardingham, CEO of Rivmedia.

One incredibly popular Cyber Monday deal is electronics  that is, home security systems, video games, smart TVs, cameras and more. But while some of these products will drop to a great price, that doesnt mean youre getting the best deal.

Costco may advertise discounts on high-end electronics, but its essential to compare prices with other retailers to ensure youre getting the best deal, said Hardingham. Sometimes, you might find better deals elsewhere, even without considering Cyber Monday promotions.

Check Out: The Single Best Thing To Buy at Costco This November

Certain Bulk Buys

Costco is home to bulk items, which is great for large families who frequent the store or for those looking for some low per unit prices. But you should still be careful when shopping in bulk this Cyber Monday. If you dont get around to using what you buy, you could be losing money rather than saving.

Story continues

Costco often promotes bulk purchases, but its important to consider your actual usage before stocking up on large quantities, said Hardingham. If youre unsure whether youll use an item in sufficient quantities to justify the bulk purchase, its better to avoid it.

Small Household Appliances

Costco sells an array of small household appliances, including blenders, juicers, espresso machines, tea kettles, air fryers, food processors and slow cookers. Many of these items make for a great addition to your home, but some have surprisingly short lifespans. If youre not careful, you could end up with something that breaks or malfunctions well before you get enough use out of it to justify your purchase.

Appliances like kitchen gadgets or small appliances may seem like attractive deals, but consider their durability and lifespan, suggested Hardingham. If theyre prone to breaking or becoming obsolete quickly, the initial discount might not outweigh the cost of frequent replacements.

Low-Quality Pet Supplies

Just like you, your pets deserve high-quality food and supplies. The good news is that Costco has a large selection of these items. Even better is that you might find some of them on sale this Cyber Monday  or even now with the retailers ongoing Black Friday deals.

But just because something is on sale doesnt mean its worth the money.

Its essential to be cautious and prioritize quality over discounts when it comes to your pets well-being. While there can be some enticing deals, its crucial to consider whether the products truly benefit your furry friends, said Dr. Mollie Newton, the founder of PetMeTwice and doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Prioritize reputable brands known for using top-notch ingredients that cater to your pets nutritional needs.

But its not just pet food that you should think twice about before buying. Carefully review different pet toys and accessories for quality and durability, as well.

Smart Home Lighting Solutions

Being a co-founder of an LED light business, Ive observed that not all Cyber Monday deals at Costco are created equal, especially smart home lighting, said Jessica Wilson, editor and co-founder of Inyouths LED Mirrors. While the notion of a discounted smart lighting kit may sound appealing, its essential to scrutinize the included features.

In particular, check out Costcos discounted bundles or kits. Some of them might include accessories you dont need but that still increase the overall price. Others might not be compatible with your current smart home ecosystem.

Rather than shopping Costcos lighting solution bundles this Cyber Monday, Wilson suggested purchasing these items individually. That way, youll get what you need without paying extra.

Extended Warranties

Another major Costco Cyber Monday deal, and one that youre bound to find throughout the year, is the warehouse clubs extended warranties. Before you add one to your purchase, consider whether its actually worth the money.

Costco often offers extended warranties on electronics and appliances. However, consider the actual risk of breakdown for these products, suggested Hardingham. If theyre known for their reliability, an extended warranty might not be worth the additional cost.

Haircare Products

Costco sells an array of haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners and treatments. Some of these items may go on sale this Cyber Monday, but the discount might not be worth waiting for if you need something now. Not only that, but the quality varies across different brands and products, meaning your money might be better spent elsewhere.

As a hair systems marketing director, Ive learned to navigate Cyber Monday deals with discernment, especially at Costco. One category that often falls short of value is bulk hair care products, said Adam Garfield, marketing director of Hairbro.

While the initial allure of massive quantities may seem like a great deal, these super-sized packages often compromise product freshness and effectiveness, continued Garfield. Instead of investing in these large bundles, I recommend looking for curated sets or specialized products tailored to individual hair needs.

Home Decor or Apparel

This Cyber Monday, Costcos bound to have some steep discounts on home decor and apparel. And while its completely understandable to pick up what you need, you might want to shop around before adding these items to your cart.

Resist the urge to buy things that dont align with your personal style or long-term needs, said Hardingham. In general, its always a good practice to research product reviews, compare prices and assess your actual needs before making any Cyber Monday purchases, even at Costco.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Costco Cyber Monday Deals That Are Not Worth Waiting For
(Bloomberg) -- South Africa is being subjected to the deepest level of nationwide power cuts in months as the state-owned power company confronts generation capacity constraints and diesel shortages.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. implemented so-called Stage 6 outages, taking 6,000 megawatts off line to prevent a total collapse of the grid, due to the shortage of generating capacity and emergency reserves, it said in a statement Friday. The return of this level of electricity rationing  expected to last through Monday  is a step backward for South Africas government, which has prioritized stabilizing the system.

Eskom last instituted Stage 6 blackouts in September. Warmer weather in the southern hemisphere typically results in less electricity demand.

South Africas rand extended losses after the announcement, weakening 0.6%. Eskoms inability to meet demand, along with port and rail bottlenecks are limiting economic growth in Africas most-industrialized economy.

Read more: Karpowership Gets Approval for Second South African Site

Eskoms open-cycle gas turbines intended for use during peak demand have been run for longer periods to offset breakdowns and the diesel used to run them needs to be replenished, South African Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said at a press conference with Eskom executives. Weve over-committed our reserves.

Last week, the minister said South Africa will cap diesel for the auxiliary units at 30 billion rand ($1.6 billion) for the current fiscal year.

Time is also needed to refill reservoirs with water used to power turbines at pumped-storage plants, another type of peaking unit.

Story continues

Kusile, Eskoms newest coal-fired plant, is expected to return generating capacity in coming weeks, while other repairs will be accelerated, Ramokgopa said.

--With assistance from Arijit Ghosh.

(Updates throughout with detail from briefing)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Factbird's innovative Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions strengthen the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. A large international investment will accelerate the company's already explosive growth in the market.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, November 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Danish tech company Factbird, which supplies intelligent, cloud-based technology for the optimization of manufacturers production lines, has once again landed a large multi-million dollar investment. This time, it is USD 16 million.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124761732/en/

With the additional funding, Factbird intends to further its global expansion and improve its manufacturing intelligence solutions. (Photo: Business Wire)

The money comes from the English capital fund Expedition Growth Capital and Denmark's Export and Investment Fund, EIFO. The funds will help Factbird's international expansion after its 2021 separation from consulting firm Emendo Consulting Group as an independent tech company.

"We have experienced two fantastic years in the ownership circle of Factbird. Together with the owners behind the Emendo Group, we have shown that it is possible to lift a software company out of a consultancy, infuse it with venture DNA, grow at rocket speed, and attract international growth capital. It has been fantastic to see Factbird take shape as an independent company, and we look forward to the future of the company with the new co-investors," says Jesper Lilledal, Partner, Direct Investments at EIFO.

David Olsson, Principal at Expedition Growth Capital, states, "One of the biggest problems in manufacturing today is the lack of real-time operational data. Factbird's manufacturing intelligence solutions solve that problem for both small and large manufacturers. There is also huge potential in combining data from Factbird with the latest machine learning and AI technology, which can be part of the solution to the challenges that manufacturing companies face today and in the future. As an investment company with a focus on fast-growing European software companies, we could not be prouder to collaborate with the team at Factbird and make them our first investment case in Denmark."

Story continues

Rapid growth in Germany, England, and the US

Factbird has grown by 300% since 2021. The customer portfolio today counts more than 250+ companies within the pharmaceutical, packaging, industrial equipment and devices, and food and beverage industries across the key markets in the Nordics, USA, Germany, and England.

"We have taken the next step and are hungry for more. When we look beyond our key markets, we see historically strong manufacturing countries that rely on digital solutions to stay competitive more than ever. Our ambition is that, through our unique lean technology, we help companies become more efficient without resorting to an outsourcing strategy," says Sren Schnnemann, CCO and Partner at Factbird.

Stays true to its values and rewards employees

Despite its massive growth and status as a scaleup, Factbird consciously sticks to its startup DNA. This is expressed, among other things, via a warrants program and employee shares.

"Warrant programs are here to stay. From the beginning, we wanted to share our success with our employees. All full-time employees are involved in the program, and it means we all have a stake in the success of Factbird. When we succeed in this journey, it will affect us all. For some, the value will be the down payment on a house, and for others, it will perhaps be the springboard for a new startup," says Peter Savnik, CPO and Partner at Factbird.

About Factbird

Factbird is a pioneering provider of Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions. With a focus on real-time data collection and analysis, Factbird empowers companies to optimize operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity. For more information, visit www.factbird.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231124761732/en/

Contacts

Sren Traumer Schnnemann

Chief Commercial Officer and Partner

+45 51 55 85 15

sts@factbird.com
Company Logo

Dublin, Nov. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT Drug Insight and Market Forecast - 2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report offers comprehensive insights into Fluzone Quadrivalent, a vaccine used for seasonal influenza, across the six major markets. It provides a detailed overview of Fluzone Quadrivalent for seasonal influenza in the 6MM (United States, EU4: Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and the United Kingdom) during the study period from 2019 to 2032. The report offers an in-depth description of Fluzone Quadrivalent for seasonal influenza.

Fluzone Quadrivalent is an inactivated influenza vaccine with four components, produced in the US. It contains two Type A antigens and two Type B antigens, offering enhanced protection against a broader range of circulating influenza virus strains. Fluzone Quadrivalent, also known as FluQuadri, is available in 13 countries, including the US, for use in children over 6 months, adolescents, and adults. The standard dose of Fluzone Quadrivalent is 0.5 mL QIV, with 15 g/strain, and it is approved for individuals aged 6 months and older.

The report provides insights into its mechanism of action, dosage and administration guidelines, research and development activities, regulatory milestones, and other developmental initiatives. Additionally, it includes future market assessments, encompassing a market forecast analysis for Fluzone Quadrivalent in seasonal influenza across the 6MM, SWOT analysis, analyst perspectives, a comprehensive overview of market competitors, and a brief overview of other emerging therapies for seasonal influenza.

Fluzone Quadrivalent Analytical Perspective

In-depth Fluzone Quadrivalent Market Assessment



This report provides a detailed market assessment of Fluzone Quadrivalent for seasonal influenza in the six major markets, i.e., the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom. This segment of the report provides forecasted sales data from 2023 to 2032.



FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT Clinical Assessment



The report provides the clinical trials information of Fluzone Quadrivalent for seasonal influenza covering trial interventions, trial conditions, trial status, start and completion dates.



Report Highlights

In the coming years, the market scenario for seasonal influenza is set to change due to the extensive research and incremental healthcare spending across the world; which would expand the size of the market to enable the drug manufacturers to penetrate more into the market.

The companies are developing therapies that focus on novel approaches to treat/improve the disease condition, assess challenges, and seek opportunities that could influence Fluzone Quadrivalent dominance.

Other emerging products for seasonal influenza are expected to give tough market competition to Fluzone Quadrivalent and launch of late-stage emerging therapies in the near future will significantly impact the market.

A detailed description of regulatory milestones, and developmental activities, provide the current development scenario of Fluzone Quadrivalent in seasonal influenza.

This in-depth analysis of the forecasted sales data of Fluzone Quadrivalent from 2023 to 2032 will support the clients in the decision-making process regarding their therapeutic portfolio by identifying the overall scenario of the Fluzone Quadrivalent in seasonal influenza.

Story continues

Key Topics Covered:



1. Report Introduction



2. FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT Overview in seasonal influenza

2.1. Product Detail

2.2. Clinical Development

2.2.1. Clinical studies

2.2.2. Clinical trials information

2.2.3. Safety and efficacy

2.3. Regulatory Milestone

2.4. Other Developmental Activities

2.5. Product Profile



3. Competitive Landscape (Marketed Therapies)



4. Competitive Landscape (Late-stage Emerging Therapies)



5. FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT Market Assessment

5.1. Market Outlook of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in seasonal influenza

5.2. 6MM Analysis

5.2.1. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in the 6MM for seasonal influenza

5.3. Country-wise Market Analysis

5.3.1. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in the United States for seasonal influenza

5.3.2. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in Germany for seasonal influenza

5.3.3. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in France for seasonal influenza

5.3.4. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in Italy for seasonal influenza

5.3.5. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in Spain for seasonal influenza

5.3.6. Market Size of FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT in the United Kingdom for seasonal influenza



6. SWOT Analysis



7. Analysts' Views



8. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5xu79x

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




Key Insights

Genting Singapore's significant public companies ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public

Genting Berhad owns 53% of the company

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

Every investor in Genting Singapore Limited (SGX:G13) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that public companies own the lion's share in the company with 53% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Meanwhile, individual investors make up 38% of the companys shareholders.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Genting Singapore, beginning with the chart below.

View our latest analysis for Genting Singapore

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Genting Singapore?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that Genting Singapore does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Genting Singapore's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Genting Singapore. The company's largest shareholder is Genting Berhad, with ownership of 53%. This essentially means that they have extensive influence, if not outright control, over the future of the corporation. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 1.8% and 1.6% of the stock.

Story continues

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Genting Singapore

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our information suggests that Genting Singapore Limited insiders own under 1% of the company. 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 S$43m worth of shares. It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 38% stake in Genting Singapore. 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.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 53% of Genting Singapore. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Genting Singapore you should know about.

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.
Owner Erin Freeberg stands for a portrait inside Feed & Foster on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Indianola.

Hazel Hereid's home in New Hampton, Iowa was a gathering place.

The coffee pot was always turned on. The cookies were freshly made. Breads and baked goods sat neatly on plates and platters. Taste of Home magazine's newest recipe was available at the ready.

"This is where I learned the art of effortless entertaining," her granddaughter Erin Freeberg said. "Seated around her dining table listening to women discuss family traditions, recipes and life updates while sipping from mismatched coffee cups."

The exterior of Feed & Foster in Indianola.

Freeberg is the founder of Feed & Foster, a provisions and housewares shop that sits on the town square in Indianola, a small city about 20 minutes from Des Moines where she grew up.

The whole concept of Feed & Foster is modeled after my grandmother, who gave me this love of reading cookbooks and teaching hospitality, Freeberg said.

In Hereid's home, heart and heritage became hallowed ground at a dinner table fit for 12 guests. Now, dozens of customers from the Des Moines metro have made Freeberg's small shop a day trip destination on weekends.

Feed & Foster owner left behind corporate life to follow dream of owning a store

In 2012, the Indianola businesswoman opened her first store, Adorn, a charming gift shop, on the suburban town square. She left her job in corporate America where she worked in event planning, fundraising and communications.

Feed + Foster owner Erin Freeberg and mom Jane Whalen after receiving the "Emerging Business of the Year" Award from the Indianola Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

My dream was always to own a store and then I kind of just kept taking pay cuts and finally, it was like, I think I could just I think I could do this, Freeberg said.

Adorn, which caters to a female customer base, offered select kitchen items for a time.

But then, Freeberg dreamt up another idea: A local destination for purchasing housewares and provisions. She believed the shop could sustain itself among patrons in Indianola and the Des Moines metro area.

Merchandise for sale is seen inside Feed & Foster in Indianola.

Its kind of a different customer. The person who loves to cook there's more males that shop in here, Adorn is very female based, she told the Register.

Story continues

'Let's stay home': Feed & Foster owner guided by simple gatherings

In August 2020, she opened the doors to Feed & Foster. The opening was delayed due to an onslaught of COVID-related issues, but the pandemics pause on normalcy helped Freebergs business model.

(During) COVID, housewares boomed because everyone was home. Everybody was home eating cheese and drinking wine and enjoying their space, she said.

Merchandise for sale is seen inside Feed & Foster in Indianola.

The shop offers home goods from dipping cups, platters and plates to towels, glasses and graters.

Flowers are available for purchase from childhood friend and fellow Indianola native Maya Boettcher, who runs the Ingersoll Avenue floral company Wildflower. Chips, cheeses, charcuterie, bottles of wine and dips are also on display.

Freeberg believes in a guiding principle: Entertaining, gathering and hospitality should be simple.

We have a little tagline of like, Let's stay home. That it doesn't have to be going out and you don't have to wait until your house is perfectly decorated or you paint your living room or whatever it is, she said in an interview.

Grandmother's legacy lives on at Feed & Foster's front counter

Hereid left a lot of simple rules behind.

You don't need a drawer full of 1,000 gadgets  just a special spoon and can opener. Read cookbooks to imagine what the recipe tastes like. Inviting people in through the front door doesn't have to be perfect.

Merchandise for sale is seen inside Feed & Foster in Indianola.

"It's truly housewares with an entertaining and hospitality focus," Freeberg said of her shop. "It's having a really great hand soap. It's having a potholder that is clean and fits your hand or whatever the case may be."

This August marked one year since Hereid died at 95-years-old. Her legacy lives on at Feed & Foster's front counter.

That's where her granddaughter sits now  to greet customers and gather.

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Erin Freeberg's Feed & Foster shop follows simple legacy in Indianola
Key Insights

Infineon Technologies' estimated fair value is 54.22 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Infineon Technologies is estimated to be 38% undervalued based on current share price of 33.50

Our fair value estimate is 22% higher than Infineon Technologies' analyst price target of 44.36

How far off is Infineon Technologies AG (ETR:IFX) 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. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

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. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Infineon Technologies

The Method

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. 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 discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 1.55b 1.95b 3.12b 3.78b 4.34b 4.79b 5.15b 5.43b 5.64b 5.80b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x10 Analyst x10 Analyst x2 Est @ 20.94% Est @ 14.80% Est @ 10.50% Est @ 7.49% Est @ 5.38% Est @ 3.90% Est @ 2.87% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 7.2% 1.5k 1.7k 2.5k 2.9k 3.1k 3.2k 3.2k 3.1k 3.0k 2.9k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 27b

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 7.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 5.8b (1 + 0.5%)  (7.2% 0.5%) = 87b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 87b ( 1 + 7.2%)10= 44b

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 71b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 33.5, the company appears quite good value at a 38% discount to where the stock price trades currently. 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. 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 Infineon Technologies 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 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.338. 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 Infineon Technologies

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Semiconductor market.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the German market.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the German market.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it 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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Infineon Technologies, we've put together three additional elements you should assess:

Financial Health: Does IFX have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does IFX's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- Klarna Bank AB won approval to offer credit and payment products in the UK, though the new authorization excludes the companys popular buy-now-pay-later loans.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Financial Conduct Authoritys new authorization allows it to continue operations in the UK market just as a temporary approval it received in the aftermath of Brexit was due to expire in just five weeks, according to a statement. The Stockholm-based company established a UK-based entity, Klarna Financial Services UK, to offer all of its consumer-facing products in the country.

The firm, which has a full European banking license, had rolled out term loans and card products in the UK in recent years, which are covered under the FCAs authorization along with the open banking-based payment services it provides. The firm said it has long argued that its buy-now-pay-later offerings should also be regulated.

The FCA approval puts Klarnas successful UK business on a secure regulatory footing ahead of the expected regulation of BNPL, Abby Vickers, head of Klarna Financial Services UK, said in the statement.

Earlier this month, the fintech reported its first quarterly operating profit in four years, giving it a boost as it lays the groundwork for an initial public offering. Klarna, once Europes most valuable startup, offers credit to about 150 million shoppers globally looking to spread out the cost of online purchases.

Being authorized for regulated lending means that the FCA has assessed a firms approach to ensuring interest bearing loans are affordable for consumers and that firms are offering suitable forbearance to consumers in financial difficulty, the FCA said in a post on its website on Thursday, which did not mention Klarna by name. Amongst other things, firms are required to demonstrate their approach to dealing with vulnerable customers.

Story continues

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Jim Chanos CNBC/Getty

Famed short seller Jim Chanos is shuttering his hedge funds as the marketplace has changed.

His funds have fallen 4% this year, while the S&P 500 has surged 18%.

Here are some of his most famous short bets from across the years.

Short-selling legend Jim Chanos is closing the door on his hedge funds, ending a four-decade career of betting against overpriced assets that include the likes of Enron.

"The marketplace for what I do has changed," Chanos told The Wall Street Journal last Friday. It's a reference to difficulties that have hit short bets in 2023, as equities have held strong against bearish expectations.

"It is no secret that the long/short equity business model has come under pressure and interest in fundamental stock pickers has waned," he added in an explanatory letter to clients.

For Chanos, this has blunted the performance of his funds, which have fallen 4% this year while the S&P 500 has surged 18%.

His firm Chanos & Co. will limit its operations to an advisory and research capacity for clients, while running separately managed accounts, WSJ said.

Since the company's 1985 inception, Chanos funds have brought in over $5 billion in profit. Here's a look back at some of the most notable bets he has made.

Enron

The short that Chanos best known for is his 2001 bet against Enron, a Wall Street favorite that came crumbling down that same year.

Chanos detected red flags in Enron's annual report, and went on to become one of the few voices warning against the market leader.

Eventually, off-the-books accounting was uncovered, with special-purpose entities hiding unprofitable assets and mounting debt piles.

Before the energy giant's historic downfall, shares peaked at $90.75. As the firm collapsed into bankruptcy that December, shares dropped to $0.26.

Tesla

Chanos' bet against the electric vehicle maker represented a major defeat. He had to reduce his 2016 short after Tesla jumped into the S&P index four years later. Since then, the company has surged 714%.

Story continues

But he didn't back down from his bearish stance on Tesla. In a November interview, he reiterated his view that Elon Musk's company was driven by "hopes and dreams," instead of financial realities.

Its stock price is extremely overvalued, Chanos has previously said, inflated by the idea that artificial intelligence technology will transform it into more than just a carmaker.

Wirecard and Luckin Coffee

Chanos made nearly $100 million shorting the German payments company Wirecard in 2020, which was falsely inflating profits, and had failed an audit.

That same year, Chanos had closed a short position on Chinese company Luckin Coffee, after getting a tip from another short seller. The firm was similarly found to be fraudulent, and Chanos closed his bet as its stock plunged 70%.

He has been a long-standing cynic on China, predicting a downturn that took years to manifest into a 2015 Chinese stock wipeout.

He continues to hold a bearish outlook on the country overall, characterizing its economic model as a "treadmill to hell." In a 2021 interview, he renewed his projections of a Chinese property market bust, which have played out in 2023.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dive Brief:

Medtronic received a CE mark for its single-shot pulsed field ablation (PFA) system, paving the way for the company to expand its portfolio of European atrial fibrillation devices.

The CE mark covers the PulseSelect System. Medtronic previously received a CE mark for Affera, which integrates PFA with radiofrequency to treat abnormally fast heart rhythms. Medtronic is now the only company to offer two approaches to PFA.

PulseSelects CE mark coincided with the clearance of the Nitron CryoConsole in Europe. The CE mark for Nitron covers the use of the console with Medtronics cardiac cryoablation catheters.

Dive Insight:

Boston Scientifics Farapulse became the first CE marked PFA device early in 2021. That product uses a catheter designed for single-shot isolation of the pulmonary veins. Using focal, rather than single-shot, ablation could enable the placement of other linear lesions. Medtronic established a foot in both camps by buying Affera to complement its existing work on PulseSelect.

Affera won a CE mark in March, providing a focal catheter alternative to Boston Scientifics single-shot approach. Now, Medtronic has expanded its portfolio by adding a single-shot challenger to Farapulse.

Analysts have delivered a mixed verdict on the prospects of Medtronics PulseSelect in what looks set to be a highly competitive market. BTIG analysts called the safety profile seen in a single-arm trial of PulseSelect impressive, highlighting the zero esophageal complications, no evidence of [pulmonary valve] stenosis and no reported evidence of phrenic nerve injury as strengths.

Mohit Turagam, a cardiac electrophysiologist who spoke with the analysts, said the results were similar to data from Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific.

Still, J.P. Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus has told investors he is more bullish on Affera and Boston Scientifics Farapulse, arguing that they are both built with PFA in mind and therefore have a slight edge in terms of efficacy and usability in our view.

Story continues

The CE mark for PulseSelect sets up a commercial resolution to the debate by clearing physicians in the European Union to choose between the three PFA devices. The European market is a warm-up for the larger upcoming competition for market share in the U.S., where Farapulse and PulseSelect could be authorized for use next year.

Stifel analysts see the devices as a threat to Abbotts electrophysiology unit.

This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter.
Distinguished Visitors Day of Do?u Akdeniz-2023 international exercise was held on November 23 in fraternal Turkiye, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

The Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, Admiral Ercument Tatl?o?lu, representatives of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, and other friendly and allied countries attended Distinguished Visitors Day.

The guests watched the fulfilment of tasks for the next episodes of the exercise. According to the scenario, the tasks of evacuating citizens, including the wounded, from the shore to the TCG Anadolu vessel were successfully accomplished due to the earthquake.

The servicemen who waved Azerbaijani and Turkish flags while descending from helicopters to the vessel aroused great interest.

The progress of the Do?u Akdeniz-2023 international exercise, in which a group of military personnel of the Marine Special Forces of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces were also involved, was evaluated positively.








Sam Altman returned to OpenAI days after the company's board fired him. JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

OpenAI reinstated CEO Sam Altman after a dayslong saga kicked off with the board firing him Friday.

Hundreds of employees threatened to quit unless Altman was re-hired.

Some of these staffers make as much as $800,000 per year, Bloomberg estimated.

OpenAI staffers who threatened to quit this week over CEO Sam Altman's firing are making up to $800,000 per year, according to Bloomberg.

The tech industry is known for high salaries, with many employees at firms including Meta, Google, and Amazon pulling in well over six figures annually.

Tech firm engineers who focus specifically on artificial intelligence, however, can make 8% to 12.5% more than other engineers, according to compensation data platform Levels.fyi, per Bloomberg.

Most engineering roles at OpenAI pay between $200,000 and $370,000, according to job postings reviewed by Bloomberg, with some highly specialized roles offering closer to $450,000.

But tech-firm salaries don't include bonuses or stock awards, which can bring total compensation for some OpenAI engineers closer to $800,000, Bloomberg said.

Thanks to the AI boom, a slew of companies want to hire workers skilled in machine learning. But despite the high demand for talent, there are aren't many people who understand the technology, so companies value these workers with high salaries as well as influence. Some AI researchers can make north of a million dollars in annual salary, according to The New York Times.

At OpenAI, these employees played a key role in Altman's eventual rehire at the AI startup following his surprise ouster last week.

On Friday, OpenAI's board announced his firing and said in a statement that Altman "was not consistently candid in his communications with the board" but did not give further details.

Chaos unfolded over the next few days as Altman entered talks with OpenAI leadership to return to the company, which ultimately fell apart. Along with other members of OpenAI's leadership team who resigned in support of him, Altman announced he was joining Microsoft  which has a large stake in OpenAI  to lead its new advanced AI research team .

Story continues

On Monday, more than 700 OpenAI employees signed a petition threatening to quit the company if Altman was not reinstated as CEO, a sign of how much loyalty he inspired among his staff.

OpenAI on Tuesday "reached an agreement in principle" for Altman to return to the startup as CEO, it posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Following multiple days of drama, it is unclear what will become of the AI giant's valuation: earlier this fall, the company was seeking a $90 billion valuation in an existing share sale.

Read the original article on Business Insider
sefa ozel/Getty Images

Oil prices fell on Thursday after OPEC delayed its meeting from November 26 to November 30.

It's set to take place virtually, suggesting members have made an agreement, says Anas Alhajji.

There could be additional cutbacks not anticipated by the markets, he added.

As the US Thanksgiving holiday puts the stock market at a standstill, oil prices are still on the move.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), a benchmark for oil prices, has been in free fall since Wednesday after OPEC members delayed a meeting from November 26 to the 30th that was set to determine crude oil supply output for 2024.

It's good news if you're at the pump but bad if you're a trader who had bet on prices going up. US crude traded at around $76.01 on Thursday, down by about 2.4% from the previous day.

A surplus in supply has dragged down the price of a barrel by almost 19% since September. As a result, traders anticipated an announcement that OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, would agree to production cuts to keep the commodity's price steady. The expectation caused markets to react prematurely, leading to a rally over the weekend before reversing.

Traders weren't wrong  they were just too early, according to 30-year energy expert Anas Alhajji, who believes that we should be bracing for a potential surprise announcement from Saudi Arabia.

Alhajji, a managing partner at the research and advisory firm Energy Outlook Advisors, says the initial impression from the meeting's delay is that OPEC+ has issues agreeing on production quotes with countries like Nigeria and Angola, pushing to increase their output. But with no official post from the organization about the reason for the delay, this is all speculation, he noted.

However, since the November 30 meeting is virtual, it suggests that the members have already agreed on their quotas, and the meeting will be a short formality, he said. It also coincides with the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, which many ministers will be attending, he added.

Story continues

There are three levels at which production can be pulled back: through OPEC+, an extension of the existing voluntary cuts, and new voluntary cuts.

Markets should expect production cutbacks from OPEC+, and on the voluntary level from Saudi Arabia and its allies extending into January or the first quarter of 2024, Alhajji noted. This is because demand seasonally declines in the first quarter. But, what he anticipates could happen is an announcement about additional voluntary cuts from Saudi Arabia.

"Why all of this?" Alhajji said. "Because we believe that the only way the Saudis can be in the driver's seat in the oil market without anyone else with them is if we are in backwardation, where today's prices are way higher than the following month's prices."

Right now, it's the opposite, he said. The futures market is in contango, which means futures contracts are higher than current prices. This incentivizes investors and companies to store oil, causing inventories to rise. If Saudi Arabia does implement additional cuts, then this will flip the futures curve into backwardation, he noted.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The "Shark Tank" investors wouldnt bite because Donny McCall wouldnt budge.

But McCalls invention for pickup trucks survives and thrives more than a decade later because a Des Moines metro company made the promise the celebrity investors wouldn't: It would make the product in America.

Here's the previously little-told story.

"Shark Tank" entrepreneurs turned down Donny McCall's Invis-A-Rack invention when he insisted it be manufactured in the United States. Now it is, at the Des Moines metro's Dee Zee Inc.

McCall gained a share of fame on the legendary ABC "Shark Tank" show in 2012, where he pitched his invention called Invis-A-Rack  a rack for hauling ladders, light boats and other hard-to-transport items that fits on pickup trucks and is retractable onto the bed rails when not in use.

He was seeking $100,000 for 10% of the company but was adamant that manufacturing of the product had to be done in the United States.

The product piqued the interest of the Sharks, but in the end, the celebrities balked, saying long-term profitability would rest on production being done overseas, where manufacturing costs are lower and profit margins would be greater.

More: Des Moines metro's Dee Zee takes home national manufacturing award

McCall ultimately walked away, losing a deal with the Sharks but gaining widespread admiration from around the country for sticking to his guns in insisting on domestic production of his invention. He had hoped a deal from the Sharks would help him set up production in his hometown of Sparta, North Carolina.

"Let's just say that a manufacturer in Asia could make that for $150 ... in quantities of, let's say, 1,000," entrepreneur Kevin Mr. Wonderful O'Leary told McCall on the episode. "That puts you in business right there, my friend. ... And yet you're saying, 'No.'"

"It's not what I'm going to do with my company," McCall responded, effectively locking himself out of a deal.

Dee Zee of Des Moines, maker of pickup accessories, comes to the rescue

Inventor and "Shark Tank" participant Donny McCall looks over his invention, the Invis-A-Rack, which is being manufactured at Dee Zee Inc. in Des Moines.

While famous Sharks like OLeary and Mark Cuban shunned the product, help came soon after from the shark-less cornfields of Iowa in the form of Des Moines-based Dee Zee Inc.

Story continues

For Dee Zee, already an established and renowned manufacturer of car light truck accessories, the product fit right smack in the middle of the companys wheelhouse. Dee Zee acquired the worldwide, exclusive licensing rights to manufacture and market the Invis-A-Rack, and continues to sell it, as made in its Des Moines metro factory.

McCall said in a recent interview with the Des Moines Register that Dee Zee officials contacted him soon after the show aired.

When I looked at their (Dee Zees) array of products and the size and scope of their capabilities, it just made sense to accept its offer, he said.

McCall said he has a licensing deal with Dee Zee that pays him a percentage based on sales.

More than 10 years later, were still going strong, he said.

The exposure the product got from "Shark Tank" and the admiration McCall received from viewers for wanting the product manufactured in the United States has helped sales along the way, said Scott Moyer, director of marketing for Dee Zee.

Customers have not forgotten McCalls dedication to keeping the manufacturing in the United States, as shown in customer reviews like this one on the Dee Zee website: AWESOME. Well worth the money. Kudos to Donny McCall for not sending the manufacturing to China!

Every time that episode gets aired somewhere, we can see a spark in sales, Moyer said.

While pricing has naturally gone up over the years (the list price on the Dee Zee site is $1,119.95, but it can be found at lower prices from other venders), Moyer said sales are still very good.

McCall, who calls himself an entrepreneurial patriot, is still involved in businesses in Sparta, including as president of Perrycraft Inc., which also produces car and truck accessories such as roof racks.

I guess this whole story shifted from a Made in the USA theme to a Made in Iowa story, McCall said.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Inventor who insisted on US manufacturing finds home at Iowa's Dee Zee
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore proposed additional regulations that further harden its stance against retail speculation in cryptocurrencies, including barring individual investors from borrowing to trade.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Digital payment token service providers wont be allowed to offer any incentives for retail trading in cryptocurrencies or provide financing, margin or leverage transactions, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a statement on Thursday. They also wont be able to accept locally issued credit card payments, the MAS said.

The central bank also expanded the retail rules to encompass all investors regardless of residency. Before, its retail curbs only covered investors based in the city-state. It also made clear that incentives like referrals, learn-and-earn programs and similar promotions will be covered by the restrictions.

The expanded measures will be gradually phased in from mid-2024.

Singapore, one of Asias main crypto hubs, has been distancing itself from speculation in digital assets after being hit by a series of high-profile crypto blowups like the collapse of hedge fund Three Arrows Capital. Earlier measures to restrict retail participation include plans to ban lending and staking.

Still, even the proposed measures cannot insulate customers from losses associated with the inherently speculative and highly risky nature of cryptocurrency trading, Ho Hern Shin, MAS deputy managing director for financial supervision, said in a statement. People should not deal with unregulated entities, including those based overseas, Ho said.

The final guidelines were released after the MAS received feedback on its proposals on so-called digital payment token services that came out in October last year.

Story continues

Other requirements set to be imposed include maintaining high availability and recoverability of critical systems, much like how banks must do. Crypto firms should also have processes in place to handle customer complaints and resolve disputes, the MAS said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
South Korean Central Bank Will Start CBDC Payment Pilot With 100K Citizens Next Year

The central bank of South Korea, the Bank of Korea (BOK), has announced plans to invite 100,000 Korean citizens to take part in a pilot program for its central bank digital currency (CBDC). The primary objective of this initiative is to assess the viability and effectiveness of the CBDC in real-world payment scenarios. The testing phase is scheduled to commence between September and October of 2024 and will span a duration of three months.

According to the Korea Times, participants selected for the pilot program will be restricted to utilizing the CBDC exclusively for making payments, without the option to store, exchange, or transfer it to other users. The BOK aims to evaluate the issuance and distribution aspects of the digital currency during this phase.

Moreover, the BOK has announced plans to collaborate with the Korea Exchange in order to integrate the CBDC into a simulation system designed for carbon emissions trading. This collaboration will enable the central bank to assess the feasibility of delivery versus payment transactions within the context of the digital currency.

While the BOK has expressed its willingness to consider separate pilot projects proposed by banks, the central bank's main focus is to garner valuable insights from this pilot program, which will subsequently inform the future development and implementation of the CBDC.

In October, the BOK had initially unveiled its plans for the CBDC pilot, which will involve the participation of private banks, public institutions, and technical support from the BIS. The BIS has been actively engaged in multiple global CBDC initiatives, collaborating with central banks worldwide to explore and develop digital currencies.

Let us know what you loved about this article, what could be improved, or share any other feedback by filling out this short form.
SPINEWAY

Press release

Ecully, November 24, 2023  8.45 a.m.

SPINEWAY

International rollout of the VEOS implant range

First implants in Spain

New approvals in Colombia and Indonesia

The Spineway Group, a specialist in innovative implants for the treatment of severe spine disorders, announces the accelerated rollout of its range of VEOS implants for intervertebral fixation by posterior approach into new markets.

This technology, which addresses the largest segment of the spine implant market, estimated to be worth nearly US$12 billion,1 has received CE/MD marking and 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the strength of these approvals, Spineway is rolling out sales of its VEOS system in France, via direct sales to healthcare facilities, as well as in Europe and the export market through a network of importer-distributors.

First implants in Spain

In Spain, the distribution of the VEOS range has been entrusted to one of the major players in the distribution of orthopedic and spinal implants, and the first implants were performed on patients in hospitals in Barcelona on November 13 and 15. These operations went well, and the Spanish surgeons were very satisfied with the VEOS instruments and implants, which enabled them to perform the correction and fixation procedures they had planned for their patients with precision. These first successful surgeries confirm the good fit between Spineway products and the needs of the Spanish spine surgery market.

New approvals in Colombia and Indonesia

Supported by US FDA approval in October 20232 and the product presentations given at the NASS (North American Spine Society) Congress in Los Angeles,3 the Spineway Group has just received approvals from health authorities for the VEOS range to be marketed in Colombia and Indonesia.

Entry into these new markets should contribute to sales growth for this range in 2024 and strengthen the Groups positions in Latin America and Asia.

Story continues

These new achievements consolidate Spineways position in the field of spine surgery and confirm its aim of becoming an innovative player in France and internationally, a leader in less invasive spine treatments.

SPINEWAY IS ELIGIBLE FOR PEA-SME (EQUITY SAVINGS PLANS FOR SMES)

Find out all about Spineway at www.spineway.com

This press release has been prepared in both English and French. In case of discrepancies, the French version shall prevail.

Spineway designs, manufactures and markets innovative implants and surgical instruments for treating severe disorders of the spinal column.

Spineway has an international network of over 50 independent distributors and 90% of its revenue comes from exports.

Spineway, which is eligible for investment through FCPIs (French unit trusts specializing in innovation), has received the OSEO Excellence award since 2011 and has won the Deloitte Fast 50 award (2011). Rhone Alpes INPI Patent Innovation award (2013)  INPI Talent award (2015).

ISIN: FR001400BVK2 - ALSPW

Contacts:





SPINEWAY



Shareholder-services line



Available Tuesday through Thursday



+33 (0)806 706 060



AELIUM



Investor relations



Solene Kennis



spineway@aelium.fr





1 Source: iData Market Research 2022

2 Press release of October 19, 2023

3 Press release of November 2, 2023

Attachment




(Bloomberg) -- Italian telecom operator Fastweb is exploring a potential deal for Vodafone Group Plcs local operations, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Fastweb, which is owned by Swisscom AG, is among suitors that have been studying a potential combination with Vodafone Italy, the people said, asking not to he identified because the information is private.

Vodafone has also continued to hold on-and-off discussions in recent months with French billionaire Xavier Niels Iliad SA about a potential merger of their Italian businesses, the people said, adding that there is no certainty whether Vodafone will decide to proceed with any transaction.

Shares of Vodafone were up 1.5% at 9:20 a.m. Friday in London, giving the company a market value of about 19.5 billion ($24.5 billion). Swisscom shares were little changed in Zurich.

Italy has one of the worlds most competitive telecom markets. The pending sale of Telecom Italia SpAs network is set to reshape the industry, potentially triggering a wave of further dealmaking among carriers.

Vodafone rejected an 11.25 billion ($12.3 billion) bid for its Italian unit from an Iliad-backed consortium last year, saying the offer wasnt in shareholders best interests. Iliad entered the Italian mobile market in 2018, sparking a cutthroat price war with its positioning as a no-frills operator.

Representatives for Fastweb, Iliad, Swisscom and Vodafone declined to comment.

--With assistance from Tommaso Ebhardt.

(Updates with share move, Swisscom response.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. And in our experience, buying the right stocks can give your wealth a significant boost. For example, long term DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (KLSE:DKSH) shareholders have enjoyed a 70% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market decline of around 5.8% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 8.5% , including dividends .

Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

See our latest analysis for DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During five years of share price growth, DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 16% per year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 11% over the same period. Therefore, it seems the market has become relatively pessimistic about the company. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 7.05.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

Dive deeper into DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's key metrics by checking this interactive graph of DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad, it has a TSR of 100% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad shareholders gained a total return of 8.5% during the year. But that was short of the market average. On the bright side, the longer term returns (running at about 15% a year, over half a decade) look better. It may well be that this is a business worth popping on the watching, given the continuing positive reception, over time, from the market. 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 2 warning signs for DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (1 is significant) that you should be aware of.

But note: DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Agreement includes the use of Fliggy platform to promote Thailand's tourism experiences and a 24/7 hotline for Chinese customers

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Fliggy, a leading online travel platform and wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen their partnership and enhance cooperation in promoting Thailand's tourism and improving Chinese tourists' travel experiences in Thailand.

In the presence of Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Vice President of the Alibaba Group, CEO of Fliggy, Mr. Zhuoran Zhuang, the LOI was signed between Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Mr. Tyrion Tong, Vice President of Fliggy. Also present at the signing ceremony at the TAT Head Office in Bangkok were executives of both parties.

Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: "This signing of the LOI is set to pave the way for cooperation between TAT and Fliggy to consistently promote Thailand. TAT and Fliggy have been strategic partners over the years, and this agreement will further strengthen our relationship and formally outline areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two parties."

The LOI will formalize the TAT-Fliggy partnership, while further enhancing the cooperation in several areas.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: "The partnership with Fliggy will provide TAT with a broader platform to showcase the charm of "Amazing Thailand" and a diverse range of tourism products and services. We look forward to working with Fliggy to attract more Chinese tourists to our country."

Both parties will identify pilot locations and leverage technology to promote "smart scenic destinations" to improve Chinese tourists' experiences. In addition, they will collaborate on developing and promoting emerging Thai destinations, dubbed "Potential Hidden Gems".

Story continues

Mr. Zhuoran Zhuang, CEO of Fliggy, said: "Cross-border tourism is showing a promising recovery trend. As a leading platform for Chinese outbound independent travel, Fliggy has formed a deep partnership with TAT to collaborate on service upgrades, experiential innovation, promoting travel destinations, and talent development. This collaboration will bring people more diverse and high-quality travel options to Thailand, thus further strengthening the confidence of local businesses and the tourism industry."

The LOI will also see this strategic collaboration on promotional contents and campaigns specifically for Chinese tourists, particularly during special events such as Double 11, Golden Week, and Chinese New Year.

To help ensure the safety and create a better experience for tourists at any destination across Thailand, a 24/7 Chinese customer service hotline will be set up to communicate with Chinese tourists and address their concerns.

Fliggy, the travel service platform under the Alibaba Group, is one of China's leading online travel service providers. Previously, Fliggy and TAT initiated joint campaigns to communicate the readiness of Thailand to welcome Chinese tourists post-pandemic, including online travel programs and livestream broadcasts promoting Thai travel experiences and special packages.

About Fliggy

Fliggy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), and is one of the leading online travel platforms in China. Fliggy places a strong emphasis on innovation in its products and services, catering to the increasingly personalized and diversified needs of consumers both in China and overseas markets.

Leveraging Fliggy's advantage as part of the Alibaba ecosystem, merchants can benefit from the vast user base within the Group. Fliggy also collaborates with partners through a full-service management format, helping more merchants, especially small and medium-sized ones, easily and efficiently share opportunities enabled by digitalization.

Fliggy's long-term strategy is to promote the digital transformation of the tourism industry, using an open platform and mechanisms to help the industry make better use of the digital business infrastructure for their operations.

Media Contacts

Fliggy

FliggyMedia@alibaba-inc.com

Paradigm Consulting

Vivienne Lam

fliggy@paradigmconsulting.com.hk

+852 2377 1408

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SOURCE fliggy
DUBLIN, Nov. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo



United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period, 2024- 2028

The United Kingdom is actively seeking to collaborate with international partners to develop the green hydrogen market. The government has signed agreements with several European countries to explore cross-border hydrogen cooperation, which could lead to increased demand for United Kingdom Green Hydrogen.



The United Kingdom (U.K.) is set to become a global leader in the production and use of green hydrogen, with the government aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Green hydrogen is a clean fuel source that can be produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

The U.K. Green Hydrogen Market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with numerous initiatives and investments already underway to promote the adoption of this sustainable energy source. Moreover, The U.K. is actively seeking to collaborate with international partners to develop the green hydrogen market. The government has signed agreements with several European countries to explore cross-border hydrogen cooperation, which could lead to increased demand for U.K. green hydrogen.



The government's Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, released in November 2020, identified hydrogen as a key component of the country's decarbonization strategy. The plan sets out a target of 5 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, which would be enough to power over 3 million homes, as well as heavy-duty transport, industry, and power generation.

To achieve this goal, the U.K. government has committed to investing USD 500 million in the development and deployment of low-carbon hydrogen production, transportation, and storage infrastructure. The funding will support the construction of new facilities and the repurposing of existing infrastructure, such as natural gas pipelines, for the transport of hydrogen. The U.K. has already made significant progress in the deployment of hydrogen technologies.



Growing demand for clean energy



Clean energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the global energy mix, as countries around the world seek to reduce their carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Green hydrogen, a fuel source produced using renewable energy, is emerging as a key solution to help meet this growing demand for clean energy.

Story continues

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The resulting hydrogen can be used as a fuel source in a variety of applications, including transportation, heating, and electricity generation, without producing any harmful emissions.

The demand for green hydrogen is growing rapidly, as more and more countries set ambitious targets for reducing their carbon emissions. The European Union, for example, has set a goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, with hydrogen playing a key role in achieving this target.



Rising Use of Green Hydrogen in the Automotive Sector



The automotive sector is one of the key areas where green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in the coming years. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, can be used as a fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which offer several benefits over traditional combustion engine vehicles.

One of the main benefits of FCEVs is that they produce zero emissions when powered by green hydrogen. This contrasts with traditional combustion engine vehicles, which emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. As governments around the world set increasingly ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, FCEVs are emerging as a key solution for reducing emissions in the transportation sector.

In addition to their environmental benefits, FCEVs also offer several advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). FCEVs have a longer range and can be refueled more quickly than BEVs, which require longer charging times. This makes FCEVs a more practical option for applications such as long-haul transportation, where range and refueling times are critical.

Policy & Regulatory Landscape

The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative is made up of 31 energy infrastructure operators, including Fluxys (Belgium), ONTRAS and OGE (Germany), National Grid (UK), and Gasunie (Netherlands). The vision of the EHB is for a climate-neutral Europe enabled by a competitive, liquid, pan-European renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market.

In Furtherance of the European Commission's objective to establish a 20.6 Mt renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market in Europe, the EHB envisions five pan-European hydrogen supply and import corridors emerging by 2030, connecting industrial clusters, ports, and hydrogen valleys to regions of abundant hydrogen supply. By 2040, this infrastructure would expand to roughly 53,000 km across all of Europe and be mostly based on repurposed natural gas infrastructure.

According to the Energy Security Strategy, which was published in April 2022, the UK has committed to using a twin-track approach to develop hydrogen, meaning both green and blue hydrogen will be pursued. However, there is growing emphasis on the former, as evidenced by its new 10GW low carbon hydrogen production capacity target for 2030, with 'at least' half coming from green hydrogen.

Competitive Landscape



Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies in United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market.

Geopura Ltd

Siemens Energy Limited

Statkraft UK Ltd

Levidian Nanosystems Limited

Octopus Energy Group Ltd.

HIIROC Limited

ITM Power plc

Tevva Motors Ltd

Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S

Linde plc

Report Scope:



United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market, By Product Method:

Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Proton Exchange Membrane

Solid Oxide Electrolysis

United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market, By Renewable Source:

Wind

Solar PV

Others

United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market, By End-Use:

Power Generation

Automotive

Chemicals & Petrochemicals

Others

United Kingdom Green Hydrogen Market, By Region:

Scotland

South-East

London

South-West

East-Anglia

Yorkshire & Humberside

East Midlands

Rest of United Kingdom

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n71s6e

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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SOURCE Research and Markets
The Summit of heads of state and government of the Member States of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia  SPECA has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the Summit.

President Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government participating in the Summit.

They posed together for a group photo.

The head of state addressed the Summit.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear heads of state and government,

Dear representatives of the international organizations,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I extend my sincere greetings to you and welcome our guests.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Currently, Azerbaijan holds the Chairmanship of SPECA. Multifaceted relations between our countries have developed successfully in the past 25 years, yet it is the first-ever Summit of the SPECA Member States. I express my gratitude to the heads of the Central Asian states for supporting Azerbaijans initiative on holding the Summit. Today, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan cooperate successfully across a number of multilateral platforms. Upon my invitation, the prime ministers of Georgia and Hungary and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council are attending the Summit as the guests of honor. I am confident that the Summit with such a composition will pave the way to a broader format of economic cooperation.

At the time of SPECAs inception, the Member States were taking their first steps as independent countries. We were facing a multitude of problems and challenges. In the last 25 years, we have overcome the major challenges, strengthened our state sovereignty, become valuable members of the international community and achieved rapid economic development. Another factor uniting our countries is the political stability. Without stability, no economic growth can be achieved. Today, wars, conflicts and bloody clashes are raging in various regions across the globe, whereas, our countries enjoy peace, stability and security, with successful growth and development processes underway. This is a significant accomplishment and success of our states and peoples.

There are quite a few failed and dependent states worldwide trying to sit on two or more chairs, aiming to serve several patrons and eager to turn their countries into an arena of a standoff between bigger states. One of them is Azerbaijans neighbor, Armenia. Such countries cannot be viewed as truly independent. The foreign policy of these countries is not based on their peoples will, and their fate lies in the hands of foreign sponsors. Meanwhile, SPECA Member States are truly independent because they pursue independent foreign and domestic policies.

We welcome the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the 25th anniversary of SPECA. The SPECA Trust Fund was established under the auspices of the UN. Azerbaijan will allocate 3.5 million US dollars to the Trust Fund.

The economic forum, held on the sidelines of the SPECA Week in Baku, will contribute to fostering business ties between our countries. The exhibition in the Baku Expo Center vividly portrays the development in our countries.

Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia are bound by centuries-long historical and cultural ties. Azerbaijan and Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural and geopolitical space, with increasing strategic significance. This September, I was invited for the first time to the Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, as the guest of honor. Once again, I express my gratitude for the invitation. I consider todays Summit as a logical follow-up to the Dushanbe meeting.

Azerbaijans robust economy enables the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. In the last 20 years, Azerbaijans GDP has grown by four times. Budget revenues have increased by 30 times and foreign trade turnover by more than 10 times.

Azerbaijans direct foreign debt currently accounts for 10 percent of its GDP. Foreign exchange reserves exceed our direct foreign debt by 10 times. The poverty level has dropped from 50 to 5.5. percent.

We have succeeded in creating a favorable investment climate in our country. 310 billion USD have been invested in Azerbaijan in the last 20 years, nearly 200 billion USD of which being invested in the non-oil sector of our economy.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has invested billions of dollars in its transportation infrastructure, becoming one of Eurasias transportation and logistics hubs located along the East-West and North-South transportation corridors.

Dear colleagues,

In the early years of our independence, nearly 20 percent of our internationally recognized territory was occupied by Armenia. As a result of Armenias policy of ethnic cleansing, over one million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their ancestral lands.

Almost 30-year-long negotiations yielded no results, as Armenia aimed to perpetuate the occupation. The statement by Armenias prime minister in the then-occupied city of Khankendi Karabakh is Armenia, full stop completely ruined the negotiations.

In November 2020, the Azerbaijani people gained the brightest victory of our history. Azerbaijan defeated Armenia in the 44-day Patriotic War and put an end to occupation. We ourselves enforced the four UN Security Council resolutions of 1993 that had remained on paper for 27 years.

Regrettably, even after that, Armenia failed to comply with its obligations. Around 15-thousand-strong military contingent of Armenias armed forces were left stationed in Azerbaijans sovereign territories. Our military servicemen fell victim to their military provocations.

To counter these threats and to eliminate the grey zone, we conducted an anti-terror operation in Karabakh on 19-20 September. In just one day, we fully restored sovereignty over our entire territory, including the town of Khojaly, where a genocide against our people had been committed in 1992. Azerbaijan eradicated aggressive separatism in its territory. I express my gratitude to all countries who have congratulated Azerbaijan on this historic victory.

Currently, the large-scale restoration and reconstruction works are being carried out across the liberated territories. We are building new cities and villages from scratch. As an initial step, we are planning to restore 100 residential settlements, including nine cities and eight settlements. Former internally displaced persons are returning to their ancestral lands under the Great Return Program. 140 thousand IDPs will return to their homes by the end of 2026.

A school for 960 students named after Mirzo Ulugbek which is Uzbekistans present to Azerbaijan, was inaugurated this August in the city of Fuzuli. A gift by Kazakhstan, a creativity center named after Kurmangazy, is under construction and will be unveiled next year in Fuzuli. Once again, I thank President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev for this brotherly support.

In conclusion, I am grateful to the heads of state and government for accepting my invitation and attending the Summit. I express my confidence that this Summit will give a new impetus to our relations.

x x x

Then, other heads of state and government, as well as heads of international organizations made a speech.

Noting that the Summit will create a good foundation for the further development of cooperation between the participating countries, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said:

- Distinguished heads of state, dear participants. First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to His Excellency Ilham Heydar oglu, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for organizing the SPECA Summit in the beautiful city of Baku, the pearl of the Caspian Sea. I would also like to say that I want to greet the heads of state of Central Asian countries and other guests participating in today's Summit.

This year marks the chairmanship of Azerbaijan in SPECA. I believe that the results achieved will create a good foundation for our cooperation in many areas, which will be continued on the basis of transparency, sincerity and mutual trust.

x x x

Thanking Azerbaijan for the successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov noted:

- Honorable President Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, honorable heads of delegations, dear ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for the traditional hospitality, active and successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), and excellent organization of our anniversary Summit.

x x x

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for having managed to achieve positive solutions to many issues during the chairmanship.

- His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

Dear ladies and gentlemen.

Dear colleagues.

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, my friend and brother Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who has made sure that this Summit is organized at the highest level. I want to congratulate brotherly Azerbaijan on its successful chairmanship of the UN Special Program.

I also want to note that you personally, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, were the author of at least two major breakthroughs in the direction of SPECA. First, for the first time in SPECA's 25-year history, you raised it to the level of the heads of state of participating countries. Secondly, the establishment of this Trust Fund had been pending for a long time, but you managed to achieve a positive solution to this issue during your chairmanship.

x x x

Touching upon the importance of the Summit for the member countries, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said:

- I also join the words of appreciation addressed to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev. As you know, the SPECA Summit is taking place today and I want to express our gratitude to him for the warm welcome.

We want to note that state-of-the-art trade and logistical centers and special economic zones are being established in border areas. From this perspective, we highly value the restoration of historical justice in the liberated districts of Azerbaijan under the leadership of Honorable Ilham Aliyev and would like to point to the incredible construction work Azerbaijan is implementing in those places. In fact, I am sure that positive and promising changes will open up new opportunities for the development of regional cooperation.

x x x

Expressing his gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for inviting him to participate in the Summit in Baku, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili noted:

- Dear Mr. President, dear Prime Ministers.

Dear Summit participants.

I am greeting my beloved Azerbaijan and SPECA.

It is a great honor for me to participate in this meeting as a guest of honor. First of all, I want to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the hospitality. Thank you very much. Thank you for inviting me to the beautiful city of Baku.

I want to congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of this organization. This organization is a great platform for sustainable development of the region.

Azerbaijan is our valuable neighbor and strategic partner. We are proud to state that wonderful relations have been developing at the highest level between our countries for centuries.

x x x

Congratulating President Ilham Aliyev for his personal efforts both in this region and in global politics, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban said:

- Dear Mr. President.

Dear colleagues.

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the kind invitation. Coming to the beautiful city of Baku is a very pleasant occurrence for me. I bring the warmest greetings from Hungary and want to congratulate you on reviving the SPECA initiative.

The friendship between Azerbaijan and Hungary is not only about gas. We are building a fraternal relationship. We are brotherly countries and very strong energy relations have recently been established between our countries.

We support this development initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. The trade turnover between our two countries has started to set records. We want to be more active in investment. The first natural gas from Azerbaijan has already reached Hungary.

In conclusion, President Aliyev, I would like to congratulate you once again for your personal efforts both in this region and in global politics. You are promoting the principles of mutual trust and respect in global politics. Hungary is ready to participate in the development of Central Asian economies in all forms. Thank you on behalf of Hungary.

x x x

Emphasizing that today's Summit is a platform that creates great opportunities for the economic development of the countries of the region, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khojamurad Geldimuradov said:

- First of all, I convey President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's greetings and wishes for the success of this event to all participants in the SPECA Summit and to President Ilham Aliyev.

I would like to sincerely congratulate all of you on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of SPECA. This is a rare platform, a platform that creates great opportunities for the economic development of states of the region.

x x x

Stressing the importance of this event in terms of discussing urgent issues to be resolved by SPECA member countries, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Tatiana Molcean said:

- Please allow me to express my gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan and especially to President Ilham Aliyev for the warm hospitality extended to us and for organizing this event  the Summit and SPECA week in general  at such a high level.

As you may know, after 25 years, SPECA is still gaining momentum by means of such events. As you know, a special resolution on SPECA was recently adopted at the session of the UN General Assembly in New York. I want to congratulate Azerbaijan and all other participants on such an important occasion.

The initiative has been voiced here to create the Trust Fund. We would also like this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. We are aware that there will be mainly voluntary transfers of funds here. We welcome Azerbaijan's decision to voluntarily allocate funds. We look forward to other partners following this example.

x x x

Thanking the Azerbaijani side for the high hospitality, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said:

- I want to express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. President Aliyev and the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting this remarkable Summit.

x x x

Noting that the Summit will give impetus to the strengthening of relations between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the countries of Central Asia, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said:

- Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion I would like to once again express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for inviting me here. I want to thank the Government and people of Azerbaijan for inviting me here. This step  the joint efforts of both sides  is aimed at strengthening the relations between countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and those of Central Asia.

x x x

Concluding the summit, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Thank you, dear friends.

Two draft documents to be adopted at the current Summit  the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor  have been discussed by delegations of the SPECA participating countries and agreement has been reached on the texts that can be considered acceptable to all parties.

Are there any further ideas on these documents?

Thank you.

Thus, in conclusion of the SPECA Baku Summit, the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor, are considered to have been adopted.

This concludes the Summit.

I would like to thank the heads of state and government and heads of international organizations for participating in the summit.

Thank you.

x x x

The Summit ended with the adoption of the Baku Declaration and the Road Map on Digitalization of the Middle Corridor.
















After all the awards shes received in recent years for her work in developing GPS, Gladys West is hardly a hidden figure anymore.

The King George County woman was part of the team that developed the Global Positioning System in the 1950s and 1960s. When she went to work at the Dahlgren Navy Base in 1956 as one of the first four Black professionals hired, it was still known as the Naval Proving Ground.

West spent 42 years at Dahlgren, but it wasnt until 2018, when fellow sorority sister Gwen James learned of her work and shared it with The Free LanceStar, that the accomplishments of the quiet and humble woman became known globally.

Her story has resonated nationally and internationally, said Gwen James, a fellow sister in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who discovered Wests work.

Since then, West has been inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame, recognized on the Senate floor of the General Assembly in Richmond and heralded as one of the 100 influential and inspirational women of 2018 by BBC News in London. Shes been featured in the Department of Defenses media services, the Association for Women in Sciences magazine and a Spanish digital newspaper, El Informante.

Last month, two more accolades were added to the ever-growing list.

The National Museum of the Surface Navy gave her its first-ever Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award. It recognized her spirit to propel society beyond its limits, pioneering research and developing technologies that impact the knowledge and capabilities of people around the world.

West also was proclaimed the Mother of GPS  and celebrated her 93rd birthday  at the National Center of Womens Innovations inaugural event in Alexandria. She was one of two women innovators honored, received letters of congratulations from state and city representatives and was serenaded in the ballroom of the The RitzCarlton in Pentagon City with Happy Birthday.

West and her husband, Ira, who met while working at Dahlgren, still live in their King George home, but dont travel as much as when the invitations first started pouring in to awards presentations. The Wests werent able to go to Los Angeles for the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner aboard the Battleship USS Iowa, but they did tune into the live event.

In an interview with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Gladys West said how honored she was to be the first recipient of the award.

I am elated  very happy to be recognized, pleased that others get to see the work that we did at Dahlgren, West said. Thank you to all who had a part in my receiving this award.

Lt. Cmdr. Gareth BrownHebert, executive officer at NSWCDD, accepted the award for West and said it was no exaggeration that, after many hours of ocean transit, he was indebted to her.

I personally owe my life and safety to her pioneering innovation in GPS technology, BrownHebert told about 250 active duty and retired military, government and community leaders.

He said that Wests mathematical prowess was critical in developing a model of the Earths surface that was integrated into the foundation of the World Geodetic System, according to an NSWCDD news release.

Although this model has been refined several times in the intervening years, current GPS modeling is rooted in her brilliant work, BrownHebert said.

Retired Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris called her another one of those hidden figures in our military that play a critical role.

However, her work affected not just the militarys ability to fire missiles accurately, Harris told NSWCDD, but has helped everyone whos picked up a smart phone and tried to find something.

The Wests have been featured in several exhibits, including at the Dahlgren Heritage Museum where in July 2022, a new display was unveiled called Pioneers of the 20th Century: The Story of the Wests.

In addition, the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation helped establish a mathematics scholarship in 2020 in honor of the couple, to be given to a graduating senior in King George. The West family and the Dahlgren Heritage Museum believe in the hidden power of an education rich in math and sciences, according to the website.
Throughout the year, you may notice the Dodge County Assessor's Office in cities/towns/villages and/or rural areas conducting six-year property reviews, damaged property reviews, sales reviews, personally requested reviews and/or any other review as needed.

When possible, every attempt is made to notify the property owner on record as well as the local authorities of an impending visit. However, more often than not, Dodge County Assessor Debbie Churchill said you will simply notice the countys appraisers on site taking exterior measurements, updating exterior photos, comparing data on record, etc. The public should not be alarmed

We are there to do our job, mandated by Nebraska State Statute, quickly and to the best of our ability, while valuing all properties in the area as accurately as possible, Churchill said.

All appraisers are easily identifiable, wear a brightly colored Assessors Office neon vest and name badge, carry business cards, a tape measure, camera, clip board, other pertinent equipment, and drive a county-licensed vehicle. They will knock on the front door to notify you of their presence and leave a door hanger if no one answers.

If someone is home, appraisers welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your property, although you do not need to do so. Unfortunately, Churchill said, without verification from the property owner as to the condition and maintenance of the interior, appraisers must use their best judgment as to the types of improvements/renovations, finishes, basement updates, number of bathrooms, type of attic, etc.

Any questions or concerns may be addressed to the assessors office at 402-727-3911. The assessors office thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and cooperation.
For the past 14 years, Emily and Reed Fair have owned and operated 45 Degrees in Old Colorado City, an art gallery and custom framing shop representing 30 local artists.

"It's really a lifetime of experience to get this final product," Emily Reed told Gazette news partner KOAA. "It's such a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season."

They say this time of year is a great time for business, with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday upon us.

The Small Business Development Center in Colorado Springs says many small businesses in the area rely on the extra income that's generated from these holidays.

"The rising tide raises all ships, our community is very much like that," said Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Small Business Development Center. "I would say that a lot of local merchants have e-commerce stores nowadays, and when you look at what's happening this time of year, a lot of stores have really great specials."

The Reeds and SBDC are encouraging the community to shop locally, with a reported 70 cents of every dollar spent at a local small business staying in our economy.

Small businesses also account for hiring around 50% of the local workforce, according to the SBDC.
A mid-fall snow storm moved into Colorado on Thanksgiving night Thursday, bringing snow to the urban corridor, foothills around metro Denver and mountains state wide.

Denver International Airport has received 1.2" so far.

Here are some snow totals for the storm as of 11 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Current statewide totals:

Wolf Creek Pass - 23"

Virginia Dale - 17.1"

Coal Bank Pass - 14"

Horsetooth Mountain Park - 11"

Pagosa Springs - 11"

Durango - 10.5"

Fort Collins - 10.1"

Lyons - 10.1"

Boulder - 9"

Mt. Audubon - 6"

Eldora Ski Area - 6"

Cattle Creek - 6"

Meeker Park - 6"

Skyway - 4.5"

Evergreen - 4.1"

Brainard Lake - 4"

Grant - 4"

Genesee - 4"

Windsor - 4"

Niwot - 3.5"

Longmont - 3.3"

Bailey - 3.3"

Nederland - 3"

Westminster - 2.8"

Greeley - 2.5"

Louisville - 2.4"

Arvada - 2"

Mt Crested Butte - 2"

Littleton - 2"

Rabbit Ears Pass - 2"

Denver - 1.6"

Lone Tree - 1.3"

Monument - 1"

Whiteout daily snow report
Editor's note: The spelling of Neil MacEahern's name was corrected after the story initially appeared on page A3 in the Nov. 24 edition of The Gazette.

Colorado Springs police put a callout on social media this week acknowledging that the department is still seeking answers in a 45-year-old homicide.

Neil MacEahern was shot and killed at the Candlelight Inn in Colorado Springs on Nov. 22, 1978. Despite an investigation with multiple interviews and numerous pieces of evidence collected by police, according to the social media post, MacEahern's killer was never found.

According to previous reporting by The Gazette, MacEahern was a 63-year-old retired Air Force colonel and detectives at the time stated that the incident "looks like a robbery."

Police found the bullet-riddled body MacEahern while on routine patrol at 11 p.m., according to archive accounts of The Gazette. Police spotted the body on the front seat of a red Volkswagen in front of the Candlelight lounge in the 3800 block of North Nevada Avenue and, thinking it was someone sleeping, stopped to investigate.

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MacEahern was a former Air Force veterinarian who worked for the Colorado Racing Commission, according to Gazette archives.

Described by a Candlelight employee as an off-and-on customer, MacEahern entered the lounge only about 45 minutes before he was found dead.

He had a cocktail, talked to a couple of people for about 30 minutes, and left by himself, the employee said. The next thing we knew there were police inside asking questions.

Colorado Springs police in its social media post said that the investigation into MacEahern's death remains open, and to contact police at 719-444-7000 if you have any information about the case.
As many southern Colorado residents enjoyed their Thanksgiving afternoons at home with family and friends, a handful of people chose to celebrate the holiday in a different way.

On Thursday afternoon, the Salvation Army hosted its Thanksgiving free meal program at several different locations in southern Colorado.

Jorge Granados, the executive chef for the Salvation Army, told The Gazette that the Salvation Army was running five different free meal programs in southern Colorado on Thursday. Granados said that the Salvation Army expected to serve over 3,000 meals consisting of all the Thanksgiving classics such as turkey, stuffing, gravy and most importantly to Granados  pie.

Granados said that at the Colorado Springs location alone they expected to serve over 1,500 meals.

"My favorite part of the day is the chaos," Granados joked. "Trying to organize everything, trying to make sure everyone has what they need, trying to help out all the volunteers. ... It's been a blessing working here."

At the Manitou Springs free-meal location, Ashley Lohse, who has been running the program at Manitou Springs since 2007, said that the turnout was "excellent" on Thursday and that they were expecting to serve between 500 and 600 meals.

"This year, I think it's been super-busy," said Susan Bell, the kitchen manager at the Manitou Springs location.

According to Bell, the food for the 3,000 meals made by the Salvation Army came primarily via donations, and the majority of the food served was cooked at the kitchens of Fort Carson. Several Fort Carson military members were present at the Colorado Springs Salvation Army location on Thursday, speaking with volunteers and community members.

For the first time in three years, the Salvation Army ran its free meal program in Fountain, and although the turnout was lower than expected, Salvation Army Capt. Eric Wilkerson said he was still very pleased to serve 60 meals in person and deliver over 150 to members of the community.

Wilkerson said that meals in Fountain were being delivered to several older community members who struggle to leave the house, as well as to the fire department and sheriff's office.

"Community holiday meals are really important," Wilkerson said. "I'm glad to be doing it here (Fountain) again."

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While feeding those in need is a pivotal part of the reason many volunteer for the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving, many spoke about how it's equally important to provide a sense of community for people to enjoy the holiday with others, rather than alone.

"A lot of people have trauma surrounding the holidays," Peggy Schiebold, a volunteer at the Fountain location, said. "This is the high trauma point in the year for people."

"It's so important (to do the holiday meals) because it helps the community," said Lisa Washington, an eight-time volunteer at the Colorado Springs location. "A lot of people are going through hard times, don't have family to spend the day with, so being here and supporting this (program) is awesome."

Granados spoke about how, before moving to Colorado, he worked at restaurants all across Los Angeles, but that the sensation of giving back and helping other made his work at the Salvation Army better than any restaurant job he held previously.

"It's the people, it's the community," Granados said when asked what made the job so special. "Getting to serve all of these amazing people in our town, it gives you a good purpose."

Wilkerson has worked with the Salvation Army since the 1990s and said that, for him, he has no interest in spending his time any other way.

"If you want to further your own well-being, help someone else," Wilkerson said. "I've been doing this for 30 years. ... For me its a calling in life, a calling from God."

Other volunteers on Thursday spoke about not just the sense of community they try and provide for those in need, but the gratifying feeling of so many community members helping out, and choosing to spend their Thanksgiving serving the community.

"I love doing this," Bell said. "It feeds me."

"It's really touching that so many people came out (to volunteer)," Lohse said. "It really helps for a lot of people to know that they aren't alone, and that they do have a community they can turn to."
The Colorado Springs Police Department has finished installing all 20 sets of red-light cameras across Colorado Springs throughout notably dangerous city intersections, a means to combat traffic violations and promote public safety.

The city's red-light camera program is now operational at 20 intersections throughout the city. According to CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford, the city's five-year contract with photo-enforcement vendor Verra Mobility began last April following the installation of the final camera at the intersection of Woodmen Road and Campus Drive.

The first installation happened in May 2019 at the intersection of Lexington Drive and Briargate Boulevard.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nearly 350 U.S. communities across 22 states have red-light programs in place to deter vehicle crashes at dangerous intersections.

Additionally, red-light running crashes caused approximately 139,000 injuries and 846 fatalities nationwide in 2018 alone.

The city tried a red-light camera program at four intersections in 2011, but quickly abandoned it due to mixed effectiveness and accusations that it was designed more for generating revenue for the city than for safety.

Ford said much of the city's new red-light camera program data about its effectiveness is still being processed and more time is needed to evaluate whether the cameras are having the desired impact.

However, data from the Lexington and Briargate camera intersection "shows there has been a reduction in violations, and we have not had serious injury crashes at this location which indicates a positive change in driving behavior," Ford said.

According to Ford, the revenue generated by the cameras pay for the program in its entirety, and excess funds go back to the city's general fund.

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Per Colorado state legislation, AVIS (Automated Vehicle Identification Systems) laws set statewide parameters for photo enforcement across Colorado. The 2019 law restricts a photo-based red-light violation fine at $75 and a photo speeding violation at $40.

CSPD's Municipal Security Unit handles the civil cases of individuals captured through the red-light camera program.

"The officers review all violations to determine probable cause. Once a violation is accepted, our vendor sends out the notice of violation to the registered owner of the vehicle with directions on how to contest or pay," Ford said.

An enforced civil order, warrants are not issued against those carrying overdue fines. Instead, notices are sent to collections.

"The low amount of the fines pretty much ensures no one will hire a lawyer to fight such a ticket," Denver-based defense attorney Scott Robinson said. "These are civil penalties, so no jury trials, and perhaps most importantly, no points against your driving privilege."

Robinson added that he is unaware of an instance where any city, to his knowledge, sought to enforce collection.

Robinson's advice in navigating these new systems is simple.

"Pay the civil penalty and slow down. Pay attention," Robinson said. "Statistics show that AVIS systems, when consistently used, reduce accidents."

For more information on red light cameras in Colorado Springs, Click or Tap Here.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan said on Friday that an Australian warship had sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the sensitive and narrow waterway that separates the democratically governed island from China.

The island's defence ministry did not name the ship but said it entered the strait on Thursday and sailed through it in a southerly direction, adding that Taiwan's military kept watch throughout. It gave no more details.

An Australian official confirmed the ship, the Toowoomba, transited the international waters of the Taiwan Strait as part of its regional deployment.

Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the Australian navy has regularly transited through the Taiwan Strait but "choose not to publicise it".

The sailing has come at a difficult time in Australia-China military relations even as the two countries seek to get ties back on track.

China's foreign ministry said the country's position on the issue has been "consistent and clear".

"We urge the parties concerned to refrain from taking provocative actions and causing trouble towards the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a regular briefing.

Last week, Canberra complained of an incident involving a Chinese warship and the same Australian navy vessel in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone in which an Australian military diver was injured.

The U.S. Navy sends ships through the strait about once a month in what it calls "routine" transits. China routinely objects to the voyages.

Graham said the Australian navy transits through the Taiwan Strait because it is the shortest route between the East China Sea and South China Sea, and he warned against reading too much into the timing of the latest sailing.

"It's a befitting coincidence but shouldn't be misinterpreted as Australia going out of its way to make a point to China, after the sonar incident," he said.

"Transits through the Taiwan Strait shouldn't be controversial, just lawfully going from the East China Sea to the South China Sea via the shortest route."

Taiwan has over the past four years complained of repeated Chinese military activity around the island, especially in the strait.

Taiwan, which rejects China's sovereignty claims, is gearing up for presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 13.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Diane Craft, Stephen Coates and Jamie Freed)
By Ethan Wang and Joe Cash

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will temporarily exempt citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from needing visas to visit the world's second-largest economy in a bid to give a boost to post-pandemic tourism.

From Dec. 1 to Nov. 30 next year, citizens of those countries entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days, will not need a visa, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

China has been taking steps in recent months - including restoring international flight routes - to revive its tourism sector following three years of strict COVID-19 measures that largely shut its borders to the outside world.

The government is also looking to re-establish its image around the world after clashing with many Western countries on various issues including COVID, human rights, Taiwan and trade.

A recent Pew Research Center survey in 24 countries revealed that views of China were broadly negative, with 67% of adults expressing unfavourable views.

More than half of the respondents said China interfered in the affairs of other countries and did not take into account the interests of others.

"This decision will facilitate travel to China for many German citizens to an unprecedented extent," Germany's ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We hope that the Chinese government will implement the measures announced today for all EU member states," she said.

Visa-free travel to Germany for Chinese nationals would only be possible if all members of the European Schengen Agreement approved, she said.

The head of foreign trade at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) hailed the announcement of a temporary visa exemption as "an important signal that can boost both tourism and economic exchange".

"Above all, the regulation facilitates the maintenance of German machines, the assurance of quality 'Made in Germany', entrepreneurial exchange and the cultivation of interpersonal contacts," Volker Treier said in an interview with Reuters.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who is in Beijing, wrote on X: "An excellent new announcement on the occasion of my visit from my counterpart Wang Yi!"

This month, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries to include citizens of Norway.

In August, China scrapped all COVID test requirements for inbound travellers. It resumed 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei in July.

International flights in and out the country, while recovering more slowly than services on the domestic network, have been picking up.

China's aviation authority said in October that 16,680 weekly flights were expected from November through March, with passenger flights expected to reach 71% of the total four years ago.

The European Chamber of Commerce in China also said the move would help boost business confidence. "It is a positive that the authorities are taking steps to facilitate people-to-people exchanges," it added.

(Reporting by Joe Cash, Ethan Wang, Ryan Woo and Rene Wagner; Editing by Kim Coghill, Miral Fahmy and Toby Chopra)
President Joe Biden heads into Thanksgiving having notched a foreign policy win after Israel agreed to a temporary ceasefire, yet that victory could be short-lived as the president returns to Washington after the holiday.

Biden and his top negotiators succeeded in securing the release of 50 hostages and a temporary pause in fighting in Gaza, a blip of good news for the White House given the recent slate of negative polls showing the public leaning toward former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical 2024 general election rematch.

ANATOMY OF A DEAL: HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS PLAYED OUT

The president is spending Thanksgiving in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with his family, but when he returns to the White House, he'll be forced to navigate a series of headaches that have implications for his domestic and foreign policy agenda.

Despite the humanitarian pause, Biden faces continued pressure from his left flank to end the war in Gaza, and he will also return to fights over aid for Ukraine, government funding, and a possible impeachment vote by House Republicans.

President Joe Biden is heading into Thanksgiving after notching a major international win, yet that momentum could quickly stall when the president returns to Washington after the holidays. Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

The Biden administration announced on Monday $100 million in new security assistance for Ukraine, representing the 51st disbursement of U.S. aid to Ukraine since August 2021 that all but exhausts the funding previously appropriated by Congress to assist Ukraine in its efforts to fight off a Russian invasion.

The Senate hopes to bring a supplemental funding measure to a vote sometime after the Thanksgiving holiday that would fund Ukraine but also Israel, Taiwan, and the Department of Homeland Security. However, Republicans in both chambers have voiced opposition to further Ukraine assistance unless tied to substantive policy changes at the southern border.

Beyond the president's supplemental request, Congress will also look to tackle funding the government for the rest of the year after passing two short-term measures. Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) successfully ushered a "laddered" continuing resolution to Biden's desk earlier in November. The first tranche of funding is set to run out in late January, with the remainder expiring in early February.

Despite Biden's four-decade-long Senate career, the president has virtually no past relationship with Johnson, who entered the House in 2017.

White House aides have privately expressed concerns that their unfamiliarity with Johnson could complicate passage of both a supplemental funding request and the full appropriations legislation, especially after many Republican lawmakers came out against the stopgap measure Johnson backed that kept federal spending at current levels.

Furthermore, Johnson appears more supportive than his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), of House Republicans' attempts to impeach Biden.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) issued subpoenas of Biden's son, Hunter, and brother, James, earlier this month. The committee could conclude depositions in December, setting up a vote on impeachment articles for early January.

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None of this takes into account a growing divide in the Democratic Party over Biden's handling of the war in Israel and consistently poor polling.

The RealClearPolitics polling aggregate showed Biden's economic approval rating hovering just above 38% on Wednesday, and the New York Times, CNN, YouGov, NPR, and others have released polls in recent weeks showing the president trailing Trump in six of seven battleground states.

Meanwhile, Democrats both in and outside the government are calling on Biden to do more to promote a permanent ceasefire in Gaza despite the recently brokered deal to free 50 hostages and temporarily pause fighting.

Those efforts have been led by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the sole Palestinian American member of Congress.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"A temporary pause in the violence is not enough. We must move with urgency to save as many lives as possible and achieve a permanent cease-fire agreement," Tlaib wrote in a statement Tuesday evening. "When this short-term agreement expires, the bombing of innocent civilians will continue. We need a permanent cease-fire that saves lives, brings all the hostages and those arbitrarily detained home, and puts an end to this horrific violence."

"We must demand an immediate end to Israel's indiscriminate bombing," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), another top progressive voice, wrote in a Wednesday op-ed for the New York Times. "There must also be a significant, extended humanitarian pause so that badly needed aid  food, water, medicine and fuel  can get into Gaza and save lives."

Original Location: Biden finds fleeting Thanksgiving win with Israel war ceasefire

Washington Examiner Videos
Abbas Ganbay

The summit of the member states of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the program has ended in Baku. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the summit, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev met the heads of states and governments participating in the Summit.

Then a joint photo was taken. The head of state made a speech at the summit.

The Baku Declaration was adopted at the end of the event.
A younger generation of Democrats have shelved their presidential ambitions to support President Joe Biden next year despite mounting concerns over his age.

Biden, who turned 81 on Monday, announced he would run for reelection in April, ending months of speculation about whether he would pursue a second term, but he continues to be dogged by hand-wringing about his fitness to serve.

TALKING TURKEY: THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS SET TO CLOG SKIES AND ROADS IN HISTORICALLY BUSY TRAVEL SEASON

Biden has drawn one reasonably influential Democratic challenger, 54-year-old Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), who is attacking Biden's electability while promoting his own relative youth, and party insiders such as David Axelrod have questioned publicly whether Biden can win in 2024.

Yet, by and large, the president has kept his would-be successors at bay.

All of the bigger names, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD), and Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY), have gotten in line behind Biden and insist he's their pick for next year.

That has not stopped the worrying headlines, such as a Messenger/HarrisX poll released Tuesday that found 40% of Democratic voters believe Biden should not run for another term, while just 25% of Republican voters said the same for former President Donald Trump. A weekend NBC News poll found that 70% of voters aged 18-34 disapprove of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

But party strategists insist that the question of who's next can wait until after 2024.

"I'm very confident about Biden and his prospects," Democratic strategist Michael Stratton said. "He demonstrates every day that he's a strong, steady leader. People are going to be asked to make a choice between leadership and something else, and I think people are going to choose leadership."

Meanwhile, Republicans are salivating over the prospect of a second Trump term and eyeing the polls too. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Democrats are growing desperate as each subsequent survey brings fresh headaches.

"What you are seeing on the Left is a desperation that's literally a survival function," Gingrich said on Fox News. "We have never seen this, maybe the South in 1860, but other than that, we have never seen this level of desperation in American politics. It's going to get worse. They have a candidate that's hopeless. You look at Joe Biden. No, he's not going to win and they can't get rid of him."

But just as Republicans focus on Biden's unpopularity, Democrats shine the spotlight on Trump. Biden's successful 2020 campaign and his party's overachieving midterm results hinged largely on an anti-Trump, anti-"MAGA" message.

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"If Trump is on the ballot, young voters will turn out," said Sasha Tirador, a Democratic strategist in southern Florida. "They will not be voting for Biden, they will be voting against Trump."

Tirador said she would be more worried if the GOP candidate were former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who consistently outpolls Biden, or even Trump-bashing spoiler candidate Chris Christie. But so far, Trump is more than 40 points above any of his competitors, and Tirador sees The Donald as a polarizing figure against which Biden will seem the safe, centrist choice.

"Just because moderate voters don't have a party any more, that doesn't mean we're not here," Tirador said. "It doesn't mean we cease to vote."

Biden will eventually leave the stage, though, and the next round of left-leaning stars are busy building resumes to be the next name up in 2028.

"You'll have an incumbent vice president in Harris, you'll have the governor of California [Newsom], a host of other governors like Gov. [Roy] Cooper (D-NC) and Beshear," Stratton said. "I think the Democratic bench is quite strong for 28."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Harris, as vice president, would be the natural choice, though she consistently polls worse than Biden and does not seem to be connecting with the party's base. The name getting the most attention, Newsom, is doing so for good reason, according to Tirador.

"I think he is a rock star in politics," Tirador said. "Our last rock star was Barack Obama. So when people take a look at Gavin Newsom in Florida, where his campaign placed ads against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), I think that motivated a lot of Democratic voters who have been calling for a more aggressive stance from the party against Republicans."

Original Location: Democratic rising stars bide their time as 81-year-old Biden runs for reelection

Washington Examiner Videos
Federal law enforcement has determined that a car crash on the United States-Canada border that led to two deaths and one injury is not connected to any terrorist group.

Alarms were raised late Wednesday morning after a Bentley exploded near Niagara Falls, killing a couple and injuring a border guard. The couple was traveling at a high speed when their vehicle struck a curb at a New York checkpoint and then hit a guardrail, which sent it airborne into a screening area where it exploded. The Federal Bureau of Intelligence reported that they have not found any connection to terrorism or explosives on site.

ANATOMY OF A DEAL: HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS PLAYED OUT

"I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers: At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized at a Wednesday press conference.

The investigation was handed over to the Niagara Falls Police Department, the Buffalo branch of the FBI stated.

"Two individuals died in the vehicle," Hochul added, noting that a western New York resident owned the car.

The vehicle was traveling at an "extraordinarily high rate of speed" when it hit the border crossing around 11:30 a.m., Hochul said. The impact sent the vehicle soaring several feet into the air before it crashed into a Customs and Border Protection booth and erupted into flames. The vehicle was "basically incinerated," and pieces of the wreckage were scattered across a dozen checkpoint booths.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Investigators believe the man who died had plans to attend a KISS concert in Canada. However, they visited a casino in the U.S. instead when the concert was canceled. The crash occurred after the couple departed the casino.

The explosion caused local authorities to close all four bridges between Canada and the U.S. on one of the year's busiest travel days. Three of the bridges reopened, but Rainbow Bridge remained closed as of the time of this article's publishing.

Original Location: FBI says car crash on US-Canada border not terrorist attack

Washington Examiner Videos
The operator of a power grid in the mid-Atlantic is warning that the planned shutdown of a coal-fired power plant could disrupt and short-change electrical supply before people can replace it.

PJM Interconnection, the company that manages wholesale electricity in parts or the entirety of 13 states and provides electricity for more than 65 million Americans, said that they expect the shutdown of the Brandon Shores coal power plant outside of Baltimore to disrupt the power there and leave it wanting. The plant's owner, Talen Energy, made a deal with the environmentalist group Sierra Club to deactivate it by 2025 in order to diminish carbon dioxide outputs. That deal may not be good for residents, however.

ANATOMY OF A DEAL: HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS PLAYED OUT

"The PJM region and the state of Maryland are facing future reliability challenges as a result of the announced retirement of the Brandon Shores units," Jeff Shields, a spokesperson for PJM Interconnection, told Fox News Digital. "Specifically, PJM analyses showed that the deactivation of the Brandon Shores units would cause severe voltage drop and thermal violations across seven PJM zones, which could lead to a widespread reliability risk in Baltimore and the immediate surrounding areas."

PJM predicts that prematurely shutting down Brandon Shores could create an imbalance in the local power grid. The plant generates about 1,295 megawatts, which is enough to power more than a million homes. Grids can sometimes transfer power from other areas, but the upgrades required to do so will not be finished until 2028  three years after Brandon Shores is scheduled to shut down.

The company has demanded that Brandon Shores remain in operation until those upgrades are finished but notes that the Talen agreement with Sierra Club bars this from being the case.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Local regulators are working on accounting for these problems. "We are always mindful of regional electric system reliability and how it relates to electricity consumers in Maryland," Maryland Public Service Commission spokeswoman Tori Leonard told Fox News.

Original Location: Power grid operator warns that shut down of coal plant may disrupt millions

Washington Examiner Videos
The Israeli government confirmed that all 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas are now in Israel.

"The first hostages  women and children  are back in Israel," Eylon Levy, a spokesman for the Israeli government, said in a social media post. "Hamas is still holding around 215 other hostages in the dark, and is keeping their families in the dark. None of us are free till ALL of them are free."

ANATOMY OF A DEAL: HOW THE ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS PLAYED OUT

Israel also released 39 Palestinian women and children who were detained as part of its deal with Hamas, according to the Qatari spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As part of the deal agreed to by Hamas and Israel, all fighting will stop for four days, Hamas will release 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel will release three detainees for every Israeli hostage who is released.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

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Another part of the deal is that humanitarian aid is set to come into Gaza, which began Friday morning.

Hamas is estimated to have taken nearly 240 hostages from its Oct. 7 attack on Israel. This is the first hold on fighting since the invasion.

Original Location: Thirty-nine Palestinians released as hostages returned to Israel

Washington Examiner Videos
GUEST COLUMN: What if Biden bows out of the race?
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and host of The Jimmy Sengenberger Show Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on News/Talk 710 KNUS. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
Colorado Court of Appeals Judge David Furman asks a question during oral arguments in the second of two Colorado Court of Appeals cases being held in the library of Conifer Senior High School as part of the Courts in the Community educational outreach program on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Conifer, Colo. (Timothy Hurst/Denver Gazette)
David is an award-winning Senior Investigative Reporter at The Gazette and has worked in Colorado for more than two decades. He has been a journalist since 1982 and has also worked in New York, St. Louis, and Detroit.
The dust is still settling on the last of Colorado's off-year elections, but it's not too soon to glean conclusions from the results dealt by the state's voters in a series of local and statewide plebiscites.
Pakistan has filed an official request to join the BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has told, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"Yes, I can confirm that Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, which we believe is an important grouping of developing countries," Baloch said.

In her words, Pakistan has friendly relations with the majority of BRICS members and countries that were recently invited to join the organization.

"We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalizing inclusive multilateralism," Baloch added.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

Project SC Butler: Sentence Correction (SC1)

THE PROMPT

Quote:

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exist

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established

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given to

freedom!

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limitations on freedom

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D) some limitations on the freedom given to a thirteen-year-old were necessary

some limitations . . . were necessary.

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E) it is necessary that some limits have to be on the freedom given to a thirteen-year-old

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. . . some limits have to be placed on the freedom given to a 13-year-old.

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Horrible diction

. . . some limits have to be on the freedom given to a 13-year-old.

NOTES

EXISTENTIAL THERE and PRESENTATIONAL THERE

there

there is

there are

there

in the final position

there

There is relief coming soon.

There is rank corruption at the highest levels of government.

There are five kinds of truffles in that package.

there

existential there

Existential there

Presentational there

Presentational there

There

there

there has

Correct

has

limit

there have

Correct

COMMENTS

everyone
harish555 wrote:

GMATNinja

I request gmatninja to give explanation for this question



Posted from my mobile device I request gmatninja to give explanation for this question

Quote:

Which of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy between physicians perceptions and the change in the actual time spent?



A. Patients are more likely to be in a hurry nowadays and are less willing to wait a long time to see their physician.

waiting

with

Quote:

B. Physicians today typically have a wider range of options in diagnosis and treatment to consider with the patient before prescribing.

Quote:

C. Physicians are increasingly likely to work in group practices, sharing the responsibility of night and weekend work.

Quote:

D. Most patients would rather trust their physicians than their insurance companies to make decisions about their treatment.

Quote:

E. Since the insurance companies pay physicians a set amount for each office visit, it is to physicians financial advantage to see as many Patients as possible.

Notice the contradiction in this passage. On the one hand, most physicians believe the requirements of insurance companies now "prevent them from spending enough time with patients." Yet at the same time, the "average amount of time a patient spends with a physician during an office visit has actually increased somewhat over the last ten years."So although physicians feel they're spending too little time patients, ever since the requirements were implemented ten years ago, they've actually been spending more time with patients. The correct answer should help resolve this "apparent discrepancy."Let's now consider the answer choices:This concerns the time patients spendto see physicians, not the amount of time they spendphysicians. Since it doesn't affect the amount of time physicians actually spend with patients, we can discard (A).If physicians had a wider range of diagnosis and treatments options to consider today, they may need more time with patients than they did in the past. This could explain why physicians today feel they get too little time with patients DESPITE having more time than they did in the past. Let's hold on to (B).The fact that physicians are in group practices wouldn't affect the amount of time they'd spend with patients in any clear way. Discard (C).The question of trust has no direct relation to the length of physician office visits. Get rid of (D).This would give physicians a financial incentive to shorten their office visits with patients. It would not, however, explain why physicians today feel they get too little time with each patient DESPITE having more time than in the past. (E) is out.That leaves us with (B), the correct answer.I hope that helps!_________________
Sherri Saunders-Goldson made the trek from Hampton back to her hometown of Danville on Thanksgiving Day just to volunteer at The Salvation Army.

Shes been doing it for almost the entire 31 years the nonprofit organization has hosted a Thanksgiving meal for the community.

This is just a wonderful blessing to me to be able to come back, she told the Register & Bee moments after arriving at The Salvation Army on Henry Street.

She was greeted with cheers, hugs and laughs, as if walking into a family get-together.

In a sense, she was.

This is my family, my friends, this is my home, she said. This is a wonderful way to give thanks.

Growing up, her family received help from The Salvation Army.

Now shes giving back.

Serving the people, is what she finds most gratifying about helping out.

Saunders-Goldson was one of about a dozen volunteers helping to dish out food, clean up or do just about anything they needed with the community meal.

We can cook the food, but we need your help, David Terrell, the kitchen supervisor, told volunteers just before opening the doors at about 11 a.m.

When he unlocked the front glass door, most people knew him.

Weve got a good hot meal for you today, he said, before explaining theyd receive the Thanksgiving feast in a box so they could either sit down and dine inside or take it home with them.

We are just thankful for you guys, he told a few dozen people lined up outside. You give us purpose, and we want to give you this meal and just let you know we think about you today because you are our family.

Lt. Shawnte Hodges gave the blessing before the crowd headed inside.

Even though we may not be a natural family, God, but we are a family because of you, she said in prayer.

Once inside, people went through a line with volunteers cheerfully asking exactly what each person wanted.

No gravy? No problem.

While some were going through the line, Lt. Antonio Hodges, of The Salvation Army of Danville, was all smiles greeting folks outside and welcoming them.

They can come sit down with us, talk about the week and talk about how things have been going, he told the Register & Bee a few minutes before the meal began.

They had prepared food for at least 200 people.

Its been a staple to serve a Thanksgiving meal with our community, he said. Im excited to just sit around the table this year and talk.

With the help of volunteers earlier in the week, Terrell prepared and organized the feast that included 17 turkeys.

Hes been there for three decades and noted this is the 31st Thanksgiving meal.

His day started at 6 a.m.

Nothing is cooked, except for the turkeys, until today, he said, naming the other fixings like stuffing, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and green beans.

Volunteers started Monday helping get things going, in addition to the normal meals they serve during the week.

Whats the most gratifying thing to him?

The need and to feel like you are accomplishing something in life by helping other people that the world may see as not worthy, however we see a different side of that, he explained to nods around the room. We have a lot people that come in here that we see as our friends.

Margaret Terry has been volunteering on Thanksgiving since she moved back to Danville after living in New York for 60 years.

I want to help somebody on Thanksgiving, she told the Register & Bee of why she came Thursday. This right here makes me feel good to reach out and help others.

She also likes being a servant so people can come in, sit back and enjoy the food.

Its so good, she said of the meal prepared.

Ricky White, whos been there helping out on Thanksgiving Day for east least 10 years, does it because he likes to gratification to help the hungry.

Give back, thats what its all about, he said. Be thankful for what you have, instead of what you dont have.

White also praised The Salvation Army for helping many residents.

They give away a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of things, he said.

Lt. Antonio Hodges said The Salvation Army is seeing an uptick in its feeing program serving about 100 people from all walks of life a day.

People have told him the hot daily lunch helps them financially, so they can save money ordinarily spent for a midday meal on something else.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, they are turning their attention to the Christmas season.

The iconic bell ringers will be out in force soon raising money for the programs throughout the year.

Those also are made up of volunteers from civic groups.

We can always use more volunteers to ring bells, Hodges said.

They also have an angel tree program to help children.

So we have a busy Christmas season, he explained.
RALEIGH  Alexis de Tocqueville once described history as a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies. Right now, in contested regions across the world, enemies of freedom and decency are adding new works of horror to this already gruesome gallery.

Some American leaders have risen to the challenge of the moment. One of them, North Carolinas own U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, has been a voice of moral clarity and resolve.

In September, for example, Tillis and his Democratic colleague Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement calling the Ukrainian resistance to Vladimir Putin a fight for democracy and freedom in every corner of the world, arguing that if we let authoritarians like Putin dictate the futures of sovereign countries, respect for human rights and democratic values will deteriorate, the global economy will suffer and any autocrats, including Xi Jinping, will be emboldened to follow suit.

And just two weeks ago, Tillis defended Israels military operations in Gaza.

The only two nations in recent history that have consistently welcomed Jews and provided them with a safe home are Israel and the United States, Tillis wrote in an op-ed. The only way that can be preserved is by destroying Hamas and rooting out antisemitism here at home.

Alas, in too many ears, the phrase never again lacks the powerful resonance it should invoke. Consider three notorious genocides of the 20th century  and their ominous parallels today.

Shortly after the start of World War I in 1914, the supposedly modernist Young Turks who ran the Ottoman Empire embarked on a systemic expulsion of Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians and other ethnic minorities whod lived in Asia Minor for countless generations.

The Armenians, in particular, were subjected to forced migration and murder on a massive scale. Of the approximately 1.5 million Armenians then under Ottoman rule, as many as 1.2 million died  either killed outright by Turkish soldiers or marched into the deserts of Syria and Iraq to die of exposure, disease or starvation.

Two decades later, another ruthless gang massacred another ethnic minority. The culprits were Joseph Stalin and his communist thugs. The victims were Ukrainians. Some had actively resisted Stalins tyranny. Others wanted only to live unmolested in their rural villages.

Although the communists executed many Ukrainians outright, their primary tool of genocide was starvation. After forcibly collectivizing all agriculture, Russians repeatedly confiscated Ukrainian harvests and used violence to keep peasants from leaving home to find food elsewhere.

Ukrainians call it the Holodomor, the Great Starvation of 1932-1934. Estimates of the death toll vary, but 4-5 million is a reasonable guess, amounting to about 15% of Ukraines population.

At about the same time, Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party initiated their own campaign of persecution against the Jews of Germany. Six million Jews  about two-thirds of all the Jews in Europe  died during the Holocaust, as did some 3.3 million Soviet prisoners of war, 1.8 million Poles, half a million Romani, and hundreds of thousands of other ethnic and religious minorities, political dissenters and homosexuals.

Here we are, nearly a century later, and what horrors do we confront? In September, the military forces of Azerbaijan, aided by Turkey, invaded the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing some 100,000 Armenians to flee a place their ancestors called home for centuries. In Ukraine, Putin continues his bloody war of conquest, which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives. And in the Middle East, Jews again face genocidal foes  not just Hamas but their allies in Lebanon, Iran, Yemen and elsewhere.

This time, however, Jews possess the military might to fight back. And they do not face their foes alone. Most Americans stand, rightly, with them.

Throughout history, Sen. Tillis wrote, we have seen the tragic consequences of what happens when antisemitism is allowed to metastasize. It can never happen again.
828 Jerk Grill opens on Eldorado

For those who aren't ready to give up the heat, the Caribbean style restaurant, 828 Jerk Grill, located at 1011 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, is now welcoming customers into its westside restaurant.

The hours are 5 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday.

Jonnie Phresh gave his restaurant the name after the Bible verse Romans 8:28. In all things God works for the good of those who love him.

Its more about the person who is called to do Gods will, Phresh said.

The westside of the building currently advertises another name the owner attempted to use, De Island Curve. Phresh previously owned a restaurant by the same name in Florida, before he moved to Central Illinois. He changed the name of the local restaurant to reflect his relationship with God. He is foremost up front of anything I do, he said.

No alcohol is served, but the menu has plenty of spice to offer diners.

The owner has created a selection of American and Caribbean foods. Jerk chicken with rice, peas and cabbage tops the menu. Reggae bones are ribs fried with Caribbean seasons. Curry chicken and wings, as well as fish boats and shrimp boats, have also been popular with the community so far. Other menu items are concoctions made up by Phresh, such as Bam Bam Wingz, a hot jerk-style wing.

Jerk is always going to have a spice, he said. If Jerk doesnt have a spice, its not Jerk.

Jimmy Johns set to open South Shores shop

Jimmy Johns newest restaurant in Decatur, located at 398 W. 1st St. in South Shores, is set to open on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

It will replace the shop at 1130 W. Wood St. near Millikin University, which will close the next day.

The phone number and other contacts will remain the same.

A small dining area will have limited seating. But we will have a drive-thru, said owner Suzi Rotz.

The added drive-thru helped the owner decide to close the westside restaurant and move it to a more conducive location. Since the Millikin location was based in a rental space, Rotz is unaware of its future.

Drive-throughs make a huge difference, she said. We had a goal to keep both open, but it wasnt going to work out at this time.

The pandemic didnt help sales in the college campus area. Especially with more online classes, Rotz said.

23 Decatur restaurants from our past Blue Mill Brown Jug Carlos O'Kelley's Chili Parlor Country Cupboard Dante's Restaurant Elams Root Beer Stand Jimmy Ryan's Lone Star Mr. G's Ponderosa Steak House Rax Restaurant Red Wheel Restaurant Redwood Sandy's Shaw's Restaurant Shenannigans Stoney's Restaurant Swartz Restaurant Tater's Tokyo Garden Tom's Grill Tops Big Boy
DECATUR  Macon County mayors will compete to see who can raise the most for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign through bell-ringing.

Mayor Jim Peck of Forsyth will ring at Hobby Lobby from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, while Mayor Luke Williams of Mount Zion will ring the same hours that day at Walmart, 4625 E. Maryland St. at the pharmacy door.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, Mayor Ryan Wilkey of Maroa will ring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hobby Lobby and Mayor Aaron Keathley of Oreana will be at Melisty Mart in Oreana from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Red Kettle donations support The Salvation Army's programs throughout the year. To donate online, visit saDecatur.org.

Close Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Stacey Armstrong and Kiwanis Club Golden K volunteer Al Henrichs share a laugh while Henrichs pushes a shopping cart for Armstrong during the Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Brittany Goin selects a toy for her son during the Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 PHOTOS: Salvation Army Toy Distribution Event Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Stacey Armstrong and Kiwanis Club Golden K volunteer Al Henrichs share a laugh while Henrichs pushes a shopping cart for Armstrong during the Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Brittany Goin selects a toy for her son during the Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014 Herald & Review, Jim Bowling The Salvation Army toy distribution event at the Decatur Salvation Army Tuesday December 16, 2014
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas, has announced the launch of the Challenger Programme in partnership with Aurora 50.

The Challenger Programme, under the patronage of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, brings together major industries in the UAE that are traditionally male-dominated and share the goal of promoting gender diversity. The first companies joining EGA in the Challenger Programme are Adnoc, Ducab, Emirates Steel Arkan, Siemens, Strata, Taqa and TechnipFMC.

EGA has set itself ambitious goals for gender diversity. The company aims to increase the proportion of supervisory roles held by women to 25% by 2025, and for 15% of all positions at EGA to be held by women by 2026.

Gender diversity

The goal of the Challenger Programme is to make quicker progress on gender diversity by sharing innovation and best practice on practical challenges all the companies face, from redesigning worker accommodation to amending policies and procedures, and together advocating for more women to join industry.

The Challenger Programme was launched at Aurora 50s Inclusion Summit in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, said: As a responsible global energy provider, Adnoc is committed to driving gender diversity. We are very pleased to join The Challenger Programme which will help accelerate gender diversity and build a more inclusive workforce across the energy industry.

Business performance

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Diversity drives business performance, and is also good for society. Promoting gender diversity is an important priority at EGA as part of our bold aspiration to become a talent-driven organisation. I am convinced that we can make even faster progress working together with like-minded companies, and I thank all our partners for joining EGA in the Challenger Programme.

Abdulla Ali Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of Domestic Worker Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said: The launch of the Challenger Programme supports the ministrys strategy to accelerate gender diversity in workplaces. The UAE has emerged as a global leader in gender balance in light of national legislations and government initiatives that support diversity and equality.

He added: "The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation won the fifth edition of the Gender Balance Index for the Federal Government. The award reflects the ministrys focus on implementing polices that reduce the gender gap in the workplace. Our goal is to drive updated practices to further womens participation in different sectors as well as their economic contribution."

EGA women count 471

EGA currently has 471 women working at all levels, including over 160 in Operations. Some 100 UAE National women joined EGA last year.

Two members of EGAs Executive Committee are women, and EGA has appointed women to nine positions on subsidiary boards within the group. Last month, EGA hired women as utility operators - frontline non-supervisory roles in Operations - for the first time. EGA opened its National Training Programmes, which develop UAE National high school leavers for technical positions, to women in 2022.

EGA has become a signatory to the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles in 2022.

Mohammad Almutawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ducab, said: Ducab is committed to fostering gender diversity, recognising its fundamental value in driving innovation and progress within industries. Understanding the importance of diverse perspectives, Ducab advocates for inclusive environments that empower women in these sectors. Acknowledging the untapped potential, the company believes in collaborative efforts among businesses to advance gender equality, and strives to break gender barriers and stereotypes, and encourage women's participation in technical roles. Indeed, women now account for 24% of the group's management roles, distributed between top and middle management, as well as 21% of its engineers and 24% of office staff.

Enhancing decision making

Embracing diversity not only enriches the workforce but also enhances decision-making, driving industry transformation. Ducab believes that a collective effort is essential to accelerate gender diversity in these industries.

Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel Arkan, stated: "Emirates Steel Arkan's commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment characterised by diversity, equality, and empowerment is resolute. Our participation in the esteemed Challenger Programme alongside other Founding Members exemplifies this dedication. Within the UAE's heavy industry, we take pride in leading by example, actively attracting and retaining highly skilled female professionals, championing gender diversity within our organisation, and serving as a beacon of inspiration for more women to enter this sector. Undoubtedly, the Challenger Programme will play a pivotal role in advancing and significantly enhancing gender balance throughout the entire industrial ecosystem."

Helmut von Struve, the Chief Executive Officer of Siemens in the Middle East, said: We are proud to join 'The Challenger Programme, led by EGA, to drive gender balance in the UAEs industrial sector. At Siemens, we recognise the underrepresentation of women in our workforce, and we're committed to systemic change with a goal for at least 30% female leadership by 2025. This initiative fits with our global strategy to build a diverse foundation to drive future innovation and growth.

Breaking barriers

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters, UAE Investments Platform- Mubadala, and Managing director & Chief Executive Officer of Strata, said: "Joining the Challenger Programme is a testament to Strata's commitment to breaking barriers into new industries. At Strata, we believe that diversity isn't just a metric, it's a powerful catalyst for innovation, progress, and strength. We at Strata stand firm in the conviction that it's our responsibility and our privilege to foster a culture of inclusivity. By collaborating with other industry leaders, we aim to rewrite the narrative, proving that when we come together, we can truly accelerate the pace of change for diversity in advanced industries.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, said: "At Taqa, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion and its role in driving the companys growth and excellence. We believe that through our collaboration with the Challenger Program, we will further encourage a culture that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and forward-thinking. As industry leaders, we are committed to enhancing gender diversity and ensuring fair opportunities within our sector. A more diverse workforce, supported by inclusive and equitable working practices will help improve decision-making, enhance performance, and drive innovation and creativity, each critical in our efforts to reinforce our position as a leading low-carbon power and water champion.

Thierry Conti, President, Surface Technologies, TechnipFMC, said: "At TechnipFMC, our purpose is to drive real change in the energy industry. We know that how we do business is as important as why we do business, and we strive for a culture that is diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking. We are proud to be part of the Challenger Programme and together with other Founding Members, look forward to making a positive impact to the gender diversity challenge facing our industry."--TradeArabia News Service
A grandmother. A teenager. A military veteran. A drug addict.

They all have the same thing in common: A loved one whose life has been strangled or snuffed out by addiction. These readers contacted me in response to my recent column about "Friends" TV star Matthew Perry, my late brother and hundreds of empty bottles in the wake of their deaths.

After reading your article, I felt it would be appropriate to reach out. Families of addiction come in all shapes and sizes, wrote James G. of Glens Falls, New York.

I am a 56-year-old father of a 31-year-old son with addiction. I am a neurosurgeon and my son's younger brother, who is 27, is an engineer at Tesla.

His older sons addiction problems started with smoking pot as a teenager at a skate park, then progressed to OxyContin abuse, and later to heroin.

He has been to jail. He has been to rehab seven times, his father wrote. He has been sober since January, living with other sober individuals, paying rent and working a job from six in the morning till six or seven at night.

The simplest of achievements are often heralded by loved ones of addicts.

I love the fact that we have a relationship now with the person I always knew was inside of him, the father wrote.

This is a common dynamic within families of addicts, including my family. We are forced to live with two versions of our loved one. This dilemma is especially true for parents who are typically more committed to loving their troubled child.

Matthew Perry Matthew Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series "Friends," died Oct. 28, 2023. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dea

The pain we feel cannot be quantified other than to say that it is only matched by the unconditional love of a parent for a child, James G. wrote.

Another reader echoed what many others told me about my late brother, Joe.

The name Joe could easily be changed to my brother, then change it again to my dad. Same story, same senseless loss of life. Same devastating damage affecting all the people in their lives, she wrote. Loved them both dearly and at times hated them too. Although its been years I still wonder why. Why them? Why our family? Why not me?

I often wondered the same thing about my brother, who took a lot of drugs in a futile attempt to feel better.

Billy P., a reader from Iowa, summed up perfectly the deadly relationship between emotional pain and substance abuse: Addiction becomes the uncontrollable response to deal with pain. We all want to manage our sins thinking somehow we are in charge.

Readers showed unexpected empathy toward my brothers demons and surprising compassion for other addicts troubles.

I wanted to tell you how moved I was by your editorial in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. You made your brother come alive in the retelling, wrote Matrice Schafers, from Ballwin, Missouri.

Your article that parallels your brother's life with Perry's really engaged me. The description of your many mixed feelings and the effect on other family members is exactly what Perry would have wanted you to write, Cindy Felton wrote.

I have never emailed or written a newspaper columnist before but felt compelled to. I read your article concerning your brother's alcohol/drug addiction and it was so moving and heartfelt. Thank your for sharing so honestly and may your brother now be at peace, Laurie Willis wrote.

A reader from Madison, Wisconsin, was one of many people who were shocked by my gift of prescription pills to my brother on this birthday.

Your birthday gift of pills was shocking, yet Im sure I probably gave my brother a bottle of alcohol for Christmas before I realized it was an issue. I just love the way you brought this age-old problem to the forefront with the personal touch about your brother and personal experience, she wrote.

An Indiana reader told me: In recovery myself for over 20 years, I read it with admiration and appreciation for your reiterating Matthew Perrys statement about the importance of helping others.

More than a dozen readers stressed the underlying message of my initial column, which remains the same message for todays column.

I hope your article encourages others to seek help. Never, never give up, a reader told me.
As Americas immigration crisis expands and evolves, migrants are being bused to urban centers in the interior of the U.S., putting an unprecedented strain on cities that have never had to grapple to this extent with challenges deeply familiar to American border communities.

New York and Chicago have experienced the brunt of these relocations, with more than 12,000 migrants arriving on buses since spring 2022 from Texas, Florida and even Denver after the Mile High City decided to cap the number of migrants it would take on itself.

These migrants, an increasing number of whom are escaping tough conditions in Venezuela, have been living in police stations, repurposed commercial buildings and even OHare International Airport as many seek formal asylum. Many have even been forced to live on the streets in subfreezing temperatures. The status quo is untenable.

With their cities the new epicenters of the migrant crisis, New York Mayor Eric Adams and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have called on Washington and the White House to do more to provide critically needed federal assistance.Adams and Johnson have also taken decisive action at home.

Johnson, for example, just months into his role, has moved quickly to advance the citys efforts to expand temporary housing, case management and medical support infrastructure for the 20,000 migrants who now call Chicago home in advance of the frigid Midwestern winter.

The city has opened two dozen emergency shelters in unused buildings across the city and is repurposing several vacant lots to accommodate the thousands still without shelter  and those still to come  in winterized encampments staffed by professionals, with climate control, meal and shower facilities and security.

This is a daunting task  in governing and execution. Chicago will likely have spent $360 million on the migrant surge by the end of this year, with local leaders and residents demanding more answers and solutions than what city leaders, navigating what is clearly uncharted territory, have developed.

Johnson is doing the best he can with what he has.

Chicagoans, understandably frustrated by the citys efforts to balance resources for feeding and sheltering migrants with the needs of the citys own citizens, are generating immense political pressure for the mayor. That kind of pressure had, until last summer, been reserved for border communities and the federal government. And, as they learned long ago, its the kind of decisions that must ultimately be balanced against the harrowing human reality of the migrant crisis. As so many communities are learning for the first time, it is a nearly impossible situation, with no easy answers.

In New York, Adams also has worked to honor the citys role as a migrant destination by matching local resources with federal support. He has called on President Joe Biden to launch a decompression strategy for newly affected cities and recently made headlines for a more immediate decompression by offering migrants one-way plane tickets to leave the Big Apple. It was a move that followed months of strained social services, the closure of several shelters for asylum-seekers due to safety concerns and relocation of some to other cities in New York, including Buffalo.

There are no easy solutions to Americas growing immigration challenges. Migrants have a right to seek asylum when they encounter a U.S. border official, a mechanism established by international law following the atrocities of the Holocaust and World War II and later adopted by Congress in 1980.

Under U.S. law, a person can seek asylum if they feel they face persecution at home due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Once their claim is made, they have the right to remain in the United States as they begin a complex process involving the Departments of Justice, State, Health and Human Services, and the court system.

If status is granted, asylum-seekers qualify to work and may apply to become a permanent resident and eventually an American citizen if they meet the criteria of U.S. citizenship.

While vital today, temporary housing and services are, by definition, not a long-term solution. Any significant, durable relief from our immigration challenges will come only through changes to our immigration laws in Congress, a body that has kicked this can down the road for decades without meaningful progress.

And, until those changes come, the new mayors of two of Americas largest and most welcoming cities should be recognized for continuing to meet this incredibly challenging moment.
THUMBS UP! To a safety reminder. A continuing robbery occurrence is victims being lured to locations believing they are going to complete deals made on Facebook Marketplace. Police are encouraging people to know what's around where the transactions are to be completed. An ideal Decatur spot is the police headquarters building at 707 W. South Side Drive. The video-monitored lobby is designated a safe site for e-commerce deals.

THUMBS DOWN! To a novel new tax effort. Decatur is just one of the cities around the United States pondering implementing a tax on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Cities have the authority to make such taxes without state government approval. The justification, however, is questionable. The companies that laid the cable have already paid for the delivery method. No one has suggested that streaming services should be like cigarettes or alcohol and have "sin tax" applied. Streaming services are not a utility. This requires further examination.

THUMBS UP! To a finished portion of road construction. U.S. 51 at the edge of Forsyth and heading north is a much smoother ride with construction work done. That section of the road was particularly in need of repair. The entire road going through Decatur and Forsyth still has its share of car-rattling spots, but this is a taste of something better that officials say is on the drawing board.

THUMBS UP! For academic achievement. Warrensburg-Latham Middle School received the "exemplary" designation  among the top 10% in the state  this year on the Illinois State Report Card for the first time. Schools in the Macon-Piatt region that received a designation of "exemplary" also include Cerro-Gordo Elementary School, Bement Middle School, Mount Zion High School, Monticello High School, Maroa-Forsyth High School and Maroa-Forsyth Grade School. Further afield, Shelbyville High School also received an exemplary designation.

THUMBS DOWN! To worsening air travel. Consumer complaints about airlines nearly doubled in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year and kept soaring in April and May. The U.S. Transportation Department received 24,965 complaints about airline service in the first three months of the year, up 88% from the first quarter of 2022. Consumers filed another 6,712 complaints in April, up 32% from a year earlier, and 6,465 in May, an increase of 49%. The department is investigating "several domestic airlines" for possibly offering flight schedules they are unlikely to be able to perform.

THUMBS DOWN! To the Social Security Administration. The government agency has been attempting to recover $23 billion in overpayments without much success. That's a lot of money, and the SSA is demanding repayment. One of the problems is some overpayments were made years ago, and penalties -- issued despite no wrongdoing by the individual -- have grown thanks to interest due. These are not people who have conspired to dupe Social Security. They're the people Social Security was designed to help.

THUMBS UP! To an effort to keep technology under control. YouTube has issued rules for artificial intelligence content. At a time when users can find whatever truth they want to find, attempting to control the falsification of information is an admirable endeavor. Those violating the YouTube rules face suspension or removal of content.

of something better that officials say is on the drawing board.
I am a retired firefighter proudly having served 34 years with the Decatur Fire Department. As part of the Citys services, the fire departments mission is: To promote life, safety, and property conservation for the citizens of Decatur, Illinois through compassionate, professional service. It was my job to go into the fire to protect our community and I did so willingly.

I have been on many calls related to clients at Heritage for a variety of reasons. Most of them were EMS calls for clients that had passed out or being belligerent or abusive due to their addictions. We would find people on sidewalks, in doorways of adjacent buildings and alleys around the facility. I would do my duty to get them safely to where they needed to be; doing it with compassion knowing that they were facing challenges that at times felt overwhelming. Heritage is doing the needed work to give their clients opportunities to get themselves well and on a path toward a better life.

The students, faculty, and administration at St Teresa deserve the same consideration. Those kids deserve to have the opportunities to better themselves through education. And most importantly, they deserve to feel safe. During my career, I have seen first-hand the fears that St Teresa has and placing Heritage near St Teresa, or any school, will endanger those opportunities and sense of security from happening.

The City Council has chosen to sit this one out. Not a single word has been spoken by any member for or against such a move. What kind of an example are you setting by not actively engaging in this debate? You are obligated to do what you can to protect all our citizens, to go into the fire, including those dealing with mental health/substance abuse challenges and our children alike.

Timothy McElroy, Decatur
The Sullivan County Planning and Zoning Department will host a community meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss zoning and growth issues along the South Fork of the Holston River.

Back in January, the Sullivan County Commission passed a resolution to amend zoning regulations along the river and imposed a one-year moratorium on the rezoning of properties within a quarter mile of the river.

Commissioners said the river has a reputation for trout fishing.

In addition, the commission said property owners have been petitioning Sullivan County to rezone their properties for use as rental property, construction of rental cabins, camping, overnight stays and other uses related to fishing.

It appears that there is not proper zoning regulation nor adequate public services in said area to support such use and development, the resolution stated.

Ambre Torbett, the director of planning and community development for Sullivan County, said the goal is to study existing and proposed land uses, as well as rezoning requests along the watershed.

As a result, Torbett said the county might be able to ensure sustainable development while protecting the natural aquatic resources.

Torbett said the South Holston River is known for trout fishing, but there are concerns that the river is being overfished. There are also concerns that other uses and the development of cabins and campgrounds might have an impact on the water quality, she said.

The study includes input from the community, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the U.S. Forest Service, fishing guides, local businesses and residents.

Our goal is to develop a comprehensive plan to serve as a development guide for the Planning Commission and County Commission for any future rezoning requests, Torbett said. The plan will eventually include a countywide study, but current focus is the watershed from South Holston Dam to Boone Lake Dam.

Torbett said her department may ask for an extension to the moratorium to give the Planning Commission more time to review a draft plan, data and public input.

The Sullivan County Planning and Zoning Department will host a community meeting to seek public input on Nov. 30 at the Sullivan East High School cafeteria.
CONCORD  Wreaths Across America is again coming to Cabarrus County. National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announces that again this year Oakwood Cemetery in Concord will be joining in the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, as an official location for 2023.

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nations fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for us to live freely. This year, there will be more than 3,700 participating locations placing veterans wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day  Saturday, Dec. 16  with more than two million volunteers coming together.

Wreaths will be placed on Cabarrus County veterans graves on Saturday, Dec. 16, with a ceremony beginning at noon, followed by placing of the wreaths. Please help Remember and Honor the veterans at Oakwood Cemetery by sponsoring one of the 1,600 wreaths needed.

The goal is to raise enough funds to place 1,600 sponsored veterans wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

You and your family are invited to support this effort to honor our local veterans by:

Sponsoring wreaths by Tuesday, Nov 28, to help provide the 1,600 wreaths needed to remember and honor the veterans at Oakwood Cemetery.

Helping place wreaths at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 16, beginning at noon.

Helping pick up wreaths on Saturday, Jan. 27, beginning at 10 a.m.

Sponsoring wreaths or volunteer to help by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NC0329.

Have a question? Email wreathsacrossamericaoakwood@gmail.com.

We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time and effort to fulfilling our mission all year long, said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day, and without their continued support, Wreaths Across America would not exist.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event open to all people.

All Wreaths Across America Day events are nonpolitical/nonreligious events, open to all people.

Wreaths Across America at Oakwood Cemetery is being coordinated by Cabarrus Black Boys Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.
100 years ago,

Nov. 24, 1923

MATTOON  A new complaint was lodged against Dr. C.S. Hayward by Mrs. J.C. Crane late on Friday afternoon, charging him with violation of the new city ordinance forbidding the operation of a veterinary hospital within 300 feet of a residence. The case is to be brought up one day next week when Emery Andrews, lawyer for Dr. Hayward, returns to the city. The Hayward veterinary hospital is at 317 South Eighteenth Street, to the rear of the veterinarians' residence, while Mrs. Crane and her family live next door to it. The allegation of Mrs. Crane is that the noises made by the animal surgical patients disturb her peace. City Attorney Hannah will prosecute the case...DANVILLE  Danville continued to be flooded with counterfeit $10 bills of the 1914 issue of the United States treasury with a vignette of President Andrew Jackson. Where they come from no one seems to know. A customer in a department store was nabbed by the police for attempting to pass one and easily proved that he was a porter at the hotel and had been sent by one of the women guests, a prominent tourist, to make some purchases. The woman was questioned and was surprised to find two other $10 counterfeit bills in her possession. She claimed to have obtained them in Chicago.

50 years ago, 1973

CHARLESTON  Police report that Charleston High School was burglarized and vandalized sometime after 9 p.m. Thursday. The building was entered by breaking out a window in the basement boiler room. Police Chief Thomas Larson said most of the offices in the high school were ransacked. Two soda machines were broken into and $7 was taken from a desk in one of the offices, said Larson. An air-powered drill from the school's shop was used in an unsuccessful attempt to enter a wall safe in one of the offices...MATTOON  Groceries valued at $15 were taken from a car belonging to Bob Guess of 2317 DeWitt at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Guess told police the car was parked in the 2000 block of Prairie when the theft occurred...MATTOON  A 12-guage shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol were stolen from a local resident's car over the Thanksgiving holiday, police report. Mark Smith of 1112 S. 15th told police that he left the weapons in the vehicle at noon Thursday. He discovered the theft at about noon Friday. Entry was made by breaking a window in the car.

25 years ago, 1998

CHARLESTON  A Mattoon man was sentenced Monday to two years in prison and ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution for injuries he caused to an EIU student earlier this year. Arthur Dixon, 23, 612 Moultrie Ave., pleaded guilty on Oct. 8 to an aggravated battery charge alleging he hit Paul Lechtenberg, who was a member of EIU's wrestling team, with a tire iron during a fight on Feb. 20. Lechtenberg and others reportedly confronted Dixon outside of Mother's tavern, 506 Monroe Ave., Charleston, after an argument involving the two men and others inside the bar...MATTOON  Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company engineers are reconstructing a chain of events this weekend, which apparently began with a scampering squirrel and ended with local and long distance phone service, 911, paging and cellular service being knocked out for several hours. The "power bump," lasting a quarter of a second, was attributed to a squirrel coming in contact with high voltage lines at an AmerenCIPS substation north of Cross County Mall that left sections of the east side of Mattoon without power. The problem affected businesses on the far east side of town, such as Super Wal-Mart, and Big K-Mart. Both were closed for approximately one hour because of the power outage.
Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec, had showcased the latest version of one of the worlds top firefighting helicopters, Kamov Ka-3211, at the recent Dubai Airshow.

The upgraded rotorcraft, since its international debut, has become an instant hit with the global expert community.

The new model represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Ka-3211VS with several game-changing features including the newest Russian-made digital-controlled engines, the digital navigation system, and the state-of-the-art firefighting and rescue operations equipment.

The Ka-3211 comes with SP-32, the newest Russian-produced fire-extinguishing system, with a capacity of 4,000L of water and 400L of a foam agent.

The crafts biggest perk, though, is that water is electrically heated, which helps sustain firefighting operations at 20C. This is the never-before-used innovative technology.

A water cannon ensures that the Ka-3211 is capable of performing horizontal firefighting manoeuvres on high-rises  which is essential for the UAE  and on oil and gas facilities amid heavy smoke. The rotorcraft can optionally be kitted out with the VSU-5 helibucket.

At the Dubai Airshow, we had rolled out some one-of-a-kind helicopters with a high export potential, including the Kamov Ka-3211, which drew the attention of experts and possible customers. The Ka-32 familys efficiency has earned it international acclaim. Over 180 of these helicopters are operated in 20 countries worldwide. Should the operators say so, we can upgrade all of them to the Ka-3211 specs, said Dmitry Zuykov, Marketing Director at Russian Helicopters.

The VK-2500PS-02 engines feature enhanced power when used at maximum and emergency capacity, which is largely due to fine-tuned temperature adjustments facilitated by the BARK automated digital controls. These engines help the helicopter operate in hot climates and in mountainous areas, which is a big advantage when it comes to wildfires and rescue operations.

The helicopter comes with a flight display digital navigation system, referred to as the glass cockpit, which helps crew better cope with challenging conditions and boosts situational awareness.

One of the Kamov Ka-3211s fortes is its augmented manoeuvrability and ability to withstand the toughest flight conditions aided by the coaxial dual-rotor design. It makes the helicopter easier to pilot, compared to the traditional design, helps maintain a steady hovering flight, renders it more manoeuvrable, and ensures a high thrust-to-weight ratio.

This is instrumental in rescue operations, logging operations, cargo transportation, and firefighting in high-risk ground settings as well as in dense urban areas, including close to high-rises, when both the motion and the hover may be hindered by dangerous wind shear.

National Helicopter Center Mil & Kamov was established in 2019, merging the capabilities of the Mil Helicopter Plant and Kamov JSC. These two companies designed over 20 main helicopter configurations and multiple modifications thereof.

Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec) is one of the leading helicopter manufacturers globally and the only helicopter design and production company in Russia.

It comprises five helicopter plants and a national helicopter centre with merged capabilities of two design bureaus as well as spare part production and maintenance facilities, repairs shops, and a service company, providing after-sales support for both Russian and international customers.-TradeArabia News Service
Purple Crows major expansion initiative has cleared another pivotal step with the food manufacturer completing Wednesday the purchase of a major Whitaker Park property for $11 million.

Purple Crow bought the 850,000-square-foot building from Cook Medical, who paid $4 million in July 2021 for the property that features 39.3 acres.

The building once served as the front door of the former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. plant.

Purple Crow committed to the Whitaker Park project on Oct. 4 where it plans to establish a new headquarters for its food distribution operations.

Meanwhile, for Cook Medical, the decision to sell the Whitaker Park property is an example of one companys pandemic work-from-home pullback becoming another companys expansion godsend.

Purple Crow serves as a distributor supplying more than 3,000 Hispanic products to stores and restaurants along the East Coast.

The manufacturer has pledged to add up to 274 jobs at an average annual wage of $72,000, as well as spend $50 million in renovating the Whitaker Park building. The facility is projected to be operational by end of 2024.

In return, the company has been made eligible for up to $694,218 in performance-based incentives from the Winston-Salem City Council, as well as nearly $712,000 from Forsyth County.

Our new facility will help us keep up with the growing demand for our products, Dan Calhoun, Purple Crows president and chief executive, said Oct. 4.

We started our family business here almost 38 years ago and are grateful that we will be able to remain in this community. Winston-Salem is a great place to raise a family and grow a business.

The company plans to consolidate operations from a 160,000-square-foot warehouse and office facility at 2900 Lowery St., as well as an additional 200,000 square feet of distribution and warehouse space in the area.

The savings generated by just consolidating the operations will largely pay back the cost of the building, Calhoun said.

Core Purple Crow details

Seizing business opportunities as they appear has proven to be a key ingredient in Hispanic foods distributor Purple Crows major growth spurt during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purple Crow primarily serves Hispanic food vendors, typically small businesses, in the Carolinas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia.

The company said the brand remains distinctive among the competition for providing deeply authentic Mexican products.

According to Calhoun, business has nearly quadrupled in revenue since 2019.

Calhoun credited much of Purple Crows growth during the pandemic to the timely and fateful investment by private investors. Those investors include: billionaire Ken Langone, a co-founder of The Home Depot and founder and chief executive of Invemed Associates; Thomas Teague, president and chief executive of Salem Corp. of Winston-Salem and a partner in Invemed; and Al Carey, executive chairman of Unifi and a former chief executive of PepsiCo North America.

The owners/investors, as Calhoun puts it, are himself, his brothers Nat and Phil, and Ken Langone, Teague and Carlos Evans. The companys board of directors consists of the three brothers, Bruce Langone, Carey and Evans.

Calhoun said Purple Crow officials are quite confident that the Whitaker Park space will not be too much to manage.

Whitaker Park occupants

Purple Crow becomes an anchor tenant in Whitaker Park, a 220-acre redeveloped manufacturing complex near Winston-Salems central business district.

Whitaker Park, named after former Reynolds Chairman John Whitaker, had more than 2,000 middle- and upper-middle class workers at its peak.

The nonprofit Whitaker Park Development Authority was created by Winston-Salem Business Inc., the Winston-Salem Alliance and Wake Forest University for the sole purpose of shocking a heartbeat back into the campus after Reynolds American Inc. pledged in 2015 to donate the 1.7 million square feet of space.

A key crossroads came in April 2017 when Reynolds handed over the keys to WPDA for 120 acres and 13 buildings.

Not included in the donation was the central property, where Reynolds has tobacco processing and warehousing operations. Those consist of 18 buildings and 100 acres.

Robert Leak Jr., president and chief executive of Whitaker Park Development Authority, said the Purple Crow expansion will create new jobs and revitalize one of the iconic buildings in our park.

Other prominent new tenants at Whitaker Park include Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolinas new headquarters, a 139,192-square-foot facility at 3330 Shorefair Drive in Winston-Salem.

The new facility provides much-needed and much-appreciated additional space for expanded culinary and kitchen hands-on training, community meal preparation, freezer and cooler space that allows for additional and extended storage space for frozen and perishable foods, and doubling the number of receiving docks to four.

Residential renovation work for Whitaker Park Lofts is under way on the historic Buildings 2-1 and 2-2. The plan is creating 164 residential units.

In March 2022, Brennan Investment Group of Rosemont, Ill., acquired the property, along with an adjacent 8.85 acres where it built an 110,000-square-foot distribution facility. Brennan is a private real-estate investment firm that acquires, develops and operates industrial properties throughout the United States.

Both Brennan properties are for lease, according to Leak.

In August 2021, Natures Value, based in Coram, N.Y., paid $10.5 million for the 426,800-square-foot 601-11 building, where it had plans to relocate its headquarters and consolidate production at the site.

Natures Value has pledged to create more than 183 new jobs along with relocating 50 jobs from Lexington and putting $19 million toward investments including advanced manufacturing and testing equipment.

PHOTOS: Whitaker Park through the years 1958 1960 1961 1961 1961 1961 1968 proposal Whitaker Park Plant 1980 1981 1982 1987 2005 2005 2005 2005 2009 2010 2013 2015 2015 2015 2015 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017

Whitaker Park history WHITAKER PARK pho WSJ_0108_Whitaker pho WSJ_0108_Whitaker pho WSJ_0108_Whitaker pho WSJ_0108_Whitaker WSJ_0108_Whitaker Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park Plant2.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours1.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours2.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours3.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours4.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours5.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Tours6.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tours1.jpg Business Houses R.J.R. Tobacco Co Whitaker Park Plant.jpg Business Houses R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park2.jpg Business Houses R.J.R. Tobacco USA Whitaker Park Plant1.jpg Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park Plant.jpg Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park Plant5.jpg Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park2.jpg Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park3.jpg Business Houses Reynolds Tobacco Co Whitaker Park5.jpg WARE, BRINTLE and BENTLEY RHYMES and KNIGHT President Bush visit WHITAKER PARK WHITAKER PARK WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE WHITAKER PARK PLANT
The Daily Minute is the Journal Star's morning news briefing where you can get the latest news in about a minute each weekday. Previous Daily Minute videos are archived here.

UNL reveals budget cuts

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will close open faculty positions and cut 30 staff positions as part of its plan to close a $12 million budget deficit this year.

UNL published a more detailed plan this week for reducing a structural budget deficit created through several years of declining enrollment and an increased cost of doing business.

Roughly 20 percent of the proposed cuts will come from eliminating unfilled positions on the faculty, including not filling vacancies after they come open this year, either through planned separations or retirements.

Kiewit to oversee Memorial Stadium upgrades

An Omaha construction company will be responsible for managing the renovation and upgrade of Memorial Stadium beginning at the end of the Huskers' 2024 season.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will hire Kiewit Building Group as its construction manager-at-risk for the massive project, according to the board's Dec. 1 agenda.

LPS improves state test scores

After falling a level during the pandemic, Lincoln Public Schools jumped back up a classification rating this year on a statewide assessment that is heavily based on state test scores  going from good back to great.

Each year, the Nebraska Department of Education releases data assessing the proficiency of public schools across the state.

The report shows LPS had one less school at the needs support for improvement level than the year prior. Those schools were Northeast and Northwest high schools.

Eighteen schools in the district improved their ratings compared to last year and three schools went from needs support for improvement to good. Those schools were Saratoga Elementary School, and Culler and Dawes middle schools.

Thats it for Friday, Nov. 24. Stay in the know with Lincolns longest-standing news source at Journal Star dot com and well see you back here Monday.
Regenerative farming, the documentary Common Ground argues, can make small farming profitable, reverse industrial agriculture, eliminate the stranglehold of agri-chemical companies on food production and supply and, most importantly, save the planet by saving the soil.

And, the followup to directors Josh and Rebecca Harrell Tickells Kiss the Ground makes that argument in high style, with beyond-usual documentary cinematography, graphics and editing, well-placed songs from artists like Billie Eilish and Aretha Franklin, and a cast of actor/activist narrators that includes Jason Momoa, Donald Glover, Woody Harrelson, Rosario Dawson and Laura Dern.

But the heart of the film is the testimony of the scientists, activists and especially the farmers who are making regenerative agriculture work  and have, at last, grabbed the attention of Congress and the USDA and a few corporations, like General Mills.

North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown provides something of a through line for the sprawling film that looks at everything from the application of regenerative farming  which involves no-till, no use of pesticides and insecticides, crop rotation and other techniques that return the land to a more natural state and, thereby, restores the soil  to the history of post-World War II industrial agriculture and the power and influence of agri-chemical and seed companies.

The latter focuses on Monsanto, and its sale to Bayer, which now produces the herbicide Roundup that includes a cancer-causing chemical, as established in multiple court cases and by one of the leading treatments for the cancer that the chemical creates in a "circle of profit."

Those companies and their legion of lobbyists that flood Washington and largely control the development of the farm bill and its implementation through the USDA and, concurrently, research at land grant universities, like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, get subtly labeled by Eilishs Bad Guy."

Brown, who was diagnosed with ALS, which is often caused by exposure to pesticides and herbicides, provides a contrast with his cover-cropped land next to his neighbors highly eroded ground, along with a small vegetable farm in upstate New York, and an Ohio operation that has gone entirely no-till. These are the films U.S. examples of in-the-ground regenerative agriculture success.

And the cameras go south of the border to a giant ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico, where running cattle in a designated grazing plan has restored grasses in the desert, revitalizing the environment via techniques that the rancher and the scientists say could end much of the global warming threat as the plants could sequester the carbon being released into the atmosphere into the soil.

That alone should make regenerative agriculture of interest to lawmakers who are dealing with the climate crisis. And Common Ground finds exactly that occurring with the Ohio farmer testifying before a congressional committee and meeting with a senator and Harrrelson speaking to a roomful of congressional aides.

Theres far more in Common Ground  connecting centuries-old Native agricultural practices, like burning prairies, to todays regenerative agriculture, looking at George Washington Carvers research that was largely abandoned by industrial agriculture and examining the steep decline in the number of Black farmers.

All of that, however, combines to make the films case for regenerative agriculture and, usual for this sort of documentary, gives Common Ground a hopeful, near-uplifting message.

20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art 20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art Hammamet, Tunisia: Paul Klee London: Jimi Hendrix Lake Geneva, Switzerland: Mary Shelley Bruges, Belgium: Martin McDonagh Rishikesh, India: The Beatles Chicago: The Hairy Who Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Pacific Crest Trail: Cheryl Strayed Hydra, Greece: Leonard Cohen Walden Pond, Massachusetts: Henry David Thoreau Montserrat, Caribbean: Sir George Martin Various locations, New Mexico: Georgia O'Keefe Antebellum South: Kara Walker Mount Fuji, Japan: Katsushika Hokusai New York City: Maira Kalman Pamplona, Spain: Ernest Hemingway Paris: Meret Oppenheim Bali, Indonesia: Elizabeth Gilbert Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles: Joni Mitchell, et al. Santiago de Compostela, Spain: Paulo Coelho
An Omaha man allegedly shot his 10-year old son to death outside their Omaha house late Thursday, possibly as a car alarm sounded outside the home.

Omaha police found the child, Kendrick McDonald, suffering from a gunshot wound when they were called about 11:30 p.m. Thursday to a report of a shooting at 1112 N. 31st Ave. Omaha Fire Department personnel took Kendrick to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he later died.

Police arrested Will McDonald, 47, on suspicion of criminal homicide, illegal use of a gun and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was being held without bail at the Douglas County Jail.

Homicide investigators were trying to piece together what happened. It appeared a car alarm may have predicated the shooting.

"Obviously, we're still pretty early," Omaha Police Capt. Jeremy Christensen said. "We do know that there was allegedly a car alarm going off, and for whatever reason, the suspect/father went outside to maybe investigate that. We're not 100% on that, but we are receiving information that a car alarm was going off. ... As to exactly what transpired and the why of it, we're still trying to piece that together through our investigation."

Asked whether Will McDonald mistook his son for a car thief, Christensen said police weren't sure.

"We're still trying to figure out the ins and outs of that through the investigation," he said.

Police recovered a handgun at the scene, Christensen said. He declined to comment on how many times the boy was shot.

He said other children were in the house Thursday night. It was unclear whether Kendrick McDonald's mother was there.

Prosecutors could file formal charges by Sunday, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. He said his office had received preliminary information and are awaiting a formal briefing from police, who were "still doing a lot of work" Friday.

"It's obviously very tragic," Kleine said. "But we have to determine if he (Will McDonald) was justified in doing what he did. ... At this point in time, it doesn't appear that he was justified in firing."

But many questions remained Friday, he said.

"You hear this, and you go, oh no, it's just horrible," Kleine said. "A little boy's death like this. It's just senseless."

Police said in a press release about the shooting that "The Omaha Police Department offers its deepest condolences to Kendrick's family for their loss."

Will McDonald spent time in prison in the 1990s, and from 1998 to 2003, after being convicted of felony theft and felony robbery. He was charged in 2005 in Douglas County with illegally possessing a gun as a convicted felon, making terroristic threats and using a firearm to commit a felony, according to Nebraska court records. The case was sent to Douglas County District Court for trial, but it was unclear Friday from court records available online what happened with those charges.
A prison inmate is suing the director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for his decision not to retroactively apply the sentencing reform bill passed by lawmakers earlier this year.

Kirk Robinson said Director Rob Jeffreys issued a memo to the incarcerated population that the department would not be recalculating any incarcerated individual's sentence decided before Sept. 2, the date LB50 took effect.

The law, which passed in a 34-15 vote, covers a wide range of criminal justice reforms, including increasing Nebraskas problem-solving courts and making certain offenders eligible for parole earlier.

It was the latter that has raised questions, among Jeffreys and Rosalyn Cotton, chairperson of the Nebraska Board of Parole, who sought a formal opinion on the interpretation and constitutionality of LB50 from Attorney General Mike Hilger's Office.

Lawmakers made their intention clear that the law was to be applied retroactively, but Hilger's office on Sept. 6 issued an opinion that it likely was a violation of the separation of powers and, therefore, unconstitutional.

His office since has filed a lawsuit challenging that portion of the law.

They sought first to directly file the case with the Nebraska Supreme Court, which denied the move. The case now will be heard by Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong.

In response to the opinion, which isn't binding on courts, Jeffreys said the department would not impose the new requirements retroactively on inmates sentenced before Sept. 2, the day LB50 took effect.

In the petition for injunctive relief seeking to force the state to apply the law, Robinson, who is representing himself and is a prolific lawsuit filer, said he is currently housed with a cellmate in a cell designed for only one person, due to overcrowding.

According to the prisons' website, NDCS is at 150% of design capacity, as of fiscal year 2022.

Robinson said a new prison, which lawmakers approved funding for last session, may not be needed if LB50 was applied as intended, which would reduce the tax burden.

"LB50 does not make parole mandatory. It merely intends to try to expedite the parole process. The parole board still can deny an individual parolee if it so chooses," he wrote.

Before passing, LB50 faced pushback this year during every round of debate, primarily from a handful of Republican lawmakers and the County Attorneys Association, concerned among other things that it could reduce sentences for repeat offenders and substantially decrease the time inmates would serve in prison before being granted parole.

Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, who sponsored the bill, argued it was essential to the success of Nebraska's criminal justice system and said measures in it could help reduce recidivism rates contributing to Nebraska's prison overcrowding problem.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
RAYMOND  The Raymond School superintendent plans to resign, as the school district faces additional scrutiny for its recent actions, including a lawsuit.

During Mondays Raymond School Board meeting, Superintendent Michael Garvey announced his resignation effective Dec. 31.

Board members voted to accept Garveys resignation.

In his resignation letter, Garvey wrote that he is stepping down because he has recently been subjected to nonstop hostility from vindictive staff and community members.

My health and wellbeing and the toll this is taking on me and my family demand that I ask for relief from my contract, Garvey wrote.

Before stepping down next month, Garvey said he plans to provide the leadership as I am allowed.

I wish you the best as the district tries to move forward and as the toxic environment hopefully is neutralized, Garvey wrote.

Garvey wrote that a barrage of legal claims against the district this year have made his job difficult.

We cannot be effective if all of our time is spent doing everything other than our specific duties, he wrote. The fiscal resources of the district are being drained because of the need to engage legal counsel.

Lawsuit filed

Raymond School, 2659 76th St., is a K-8 building with about 400 students, and Garvey and the Raymond School Board have come under intense scrutiny in recent months.

During a Sept. 27 special meeting, the School Board voted 4-1 in favor of a motion to consider nonrenewal of Principal Jeff Petersons contract.

Peterson was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 28, pending the results of a district investigation into his conduct. That investigation is ongoing.

After being placed on leave, Peterson filed a complaint alleging the school district is discriminating against him because he is gay.

In a Sept. 28 statement, the Raymond School Board said any notion that the school district or its board members would tolerate any discrimination, including that which is based on sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification, is ridiculous and extremely disappointing.

A lawsuit was filed Nov. 10 in Racine County Circuit Court before Circuit Judge Mark Nielsen alleging that the Raymond School Board acted illegally by not following the motions approved during an August community meeting.

During the Aug. 23 annual community meeting, Raymond residents passed two motions.

One motion directed the Raymond School Board to pursue legal proceedings to end Garveys contract as superintendent.

The second motion prohibited the school district from defending against illegal action or utilizing any district funds to obtain legal services or counsel for the defense of any discrimination claim brought forth by any district employee involving allegations of discrimination conducted by either Michael Garvey or by the Board of Education.

The lawsuit filed by attorney William Sulton seeks to end Garveys superintendent contract, end contracts with attorneys hired by the school district in relation to Petersons complaint and receive damages from School Board members for the legal fees paid to those attorneys.

It doesnt matter whether people believe that the voters made the right decision, the wrong decision or somewhere in between (at the Aug. 23 community meeting), Sulton said. What matters is that thats the decision they made, and its legally binding.

The suit is filed on behalf of five Raymond electors: Shelly Kurhajec, Jennifer Hribar, Jennifer Hansen, Julie Mausing and Dawn Peterson. It lists all five Raymond School Board members  Audrey Kostuch, Janell Wise, Gwen Keller, Amanda Falaschi and Amy Helvick  and the school district as respondents.

Kostuch, the board president, did not respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit.

Sulton said he and his clients had a lukewarm response to Garveys resignation announcement.

Its not an immediate resignation, and it needs to be, Sulton said. Any reasonable superintendent in his position would have resigned in August after the voters voted to terminate his contract. You dont stay on and continue to wreak havoc in the district.

Sulton said his clients were also very concerned with Garvey asking the School Board to indemnify him from future legal liability.

I will ask that you also relieve me from any liquidated damages being assessed, Garvey wrote in his resignation letter.

The School Board doesnt have the authority to do that, Sulton said. I thought that was very appalling, and I also thought it was close to an admission of wrongdoing on his part.

Sulton said he has not received a response from the school district regarding the lawsuit.

He hopes for a hearing on the case next week, but a date has not been scheduled.

Sulton said he has been an attorney for 15 years and that he has never seen a case like this.

This is so beyond the pale, Sulton said. Its people who believe that they dont have to follow the law and theres no repercussions, and its my hope that Judge Nielsen will disabuse them of that.

ACLU records request

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin last week filed an open records request related to Peterson and his discrimination complaint against Raymond School.

On Nov. 17, the ACLU requested all communications from July 2021 to the present from Garvey and School Board members regarding Peterson and investigations of Peterson for alleged misconduct or board policy violations.

It also requested all records from July 2021 to the present from board members or district administrators which evidences, describes or discusses the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in school curriculum or material.

July 2021 is when Petersons contract as Raymond School principal began.

In an email, James Stein, ACLU of Wisconsin deputy advocacy director, said the ACLU filed the records request because of the serious accusations in Petersons discrimination complaint.

We filed the open records request to try to get a better picture of what transpired and understand the motivating factors for School Board decisions that impact the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Raymond schools, Stein wrote. We also think, for transparency purposes, that its good for students, parents and faculty at Raymond  as well as the community  to get a better understanding of whats happening, and these records could help.

The ACLU said it has not received a response from the school district.

In its request, the ACLU noted that state law requires that requested documents be produced as soon as practicable and without delay.  The Wisconsin Department of Justice policy is that 10 days is ordinarily a reasonable time for response to an open records request.

Sixteen photos of a Raymond School Board Oct. 24 meeting Berman, DaPra and Rios Jillian Berman, from left, Kelly DaPra and Megan Rios demonstrate Tuesday, Oct. 24 before a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 26 Kostuch, Garvey Audrey Kostuch, left, and Michael Garvey stand for the pledge of allegiance Tuesday, Oct. 24, during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond Mitchell Berman and Gwen Keller Mitchell Berman, left, presents recall petitions to board clerk Gwen Keller on Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymo "Silenced but still roaring" A few dozen attendees demonstrated Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Alison Ebert Parent Alison Ebert talks Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Dianna Bartelt Dianna Bartelt was one of about 60 attendees to a Tuesday, Oct. 24 Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Michael Garvey Superintendent Michael Garvey talks Tuesday, Oct. 24, during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. During the Nov. 2 Janell Wise Board vice president Janell Wise speaks Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Bermans Mitchell Berman, left, and Jillian Berman listen Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Gwen Keller Board clerk Gwen Keller listens Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Audrey Kostuch Board President Audrey Kostuch listens Tuesday, Oct. 24, during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Amy Helvick Board member Amy Helvick listens Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Mitchell Berman Mitchell Berman, left, and Jillian Berman were two of about 60 attendees at a Tuesday, Oct. 24 Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, Garvey and Keller Superintendent Michael Garvey, left, and board clerk Gwen Keller head into a closed session portion Tuesday, Oct. 24, during a Raymond School  Jillian Berman Parent Jillian Berman talks Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Board members, attorney Tuesday, Oct. 24 during a Raymond School Board meeting at Raymond School, 2659 76th St. Raymond School Board Raymond School Board2
1. Yes. The platform takes up too much time and is often abused by speakers. Get rid of it.

2. Yes. The Citizen Petitions section is unworkable and generally results in a gripe session.

3. No. The platform is the only way residents can discuss non-agenda items. Keep it around..

4. No. Killing it will discourage public input. Keep it or broaden Citizen Comments criteria.

5. Unsure. It can be a drain on the councils time, but it does serve a purpose for residents.

Vote

View Results
Jazeera Airways, Kuwaits leading low-cost carrier, emerged a winner at the ICT Leadership Awards 2023, organised by CXO Insight Middle East. The ICT Leadership Awards honour companies and individuals in the Middle East whose ICT practices have driven innovation and business agility.

Curated by the editors of CXO Insight Middle East, the awards provide a platform to celebrate technology leaders from diverse industries for their outstanding leadership, innovative approaches, and the tech providers behind their transformative projects.

Jazeera Airways was recognised from the aviation sector, for its ground operations control system, that provides a centralised platform for real-time data input and management of crucial flight parameters.

This system seamlessly integrates with multiple airline and airport operations systems, including flight and crew management, fuel providers, ground handling service providers, and cargo service providers.

Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways said: We are pleased to be recognised by CXO Insight Middle East for our technology leadership. Over the year, at Jazeera Airways we have continued to drive efforts for digital transformation across our business. With our ground operations control system, we introduced multiple dashboards that offer different departments a common platform to make quick decisions based on real time information from across the network.

This system not only ensured accurate information but the data analytics also helped improve our on-time performance by five minutes. We also achieved a cost saving of 8% to 10% by auto reconciliation of invoices from different service providers. What makes us even more proud is that all of this was done in-house by our IT team in cooperation with all the other operational departments.

In the last few years, the airline has also introduced several other digital transformation initiatives including business process automation, contactless operations, AI-powered chatbots for customer service, personalization with big data and AI, optimisation of flight paths for fuel efficiency, digital platforms to offset carbon emissions and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), the mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones that pilots can use to access flight information and manuals.

Jazeera Airways operates a network of 64 destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe with a fleet of 22 aircraft transporting more than 4 million passengers a year. The airline also owns and operates its own airport terminal, Jazeera Terminal 5 in Kuwait offering more convenience and connectivity for business, leisure, religious and weekend travellers.
Volunteers packed, served and delivered thousands of free Thanksgiving meals to La Crosse residents Thursday as part of an annual nonprofit giveaway.

People were invited to dine on a full holiday meal between the hours 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the La Crosse Center. Dozens of volunteers helped heat and serve meals and set the tables for visitors.

It went really well, said Ruth McQuiston-Keil, board president of the nonprofit group that orchestrates the event. We ran out of turkey just after 2 p.m.

McQuiston Keil, who has been involved with The La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner Inc. for more than 30 years, said the groups volunteers hand-delivered over 1,000 meals in the morning, but that she didnt know how many more meals were served that afternoon in the dining hall of the La Crosse Center.

Nothing went to waste, as volunteers set to work packaging the leftovers into takeaway boxes toward the end of the afternoon.

Jodi Gerkhe inspired her family members to volunteer together this year after their Thanksgiving meal.

Jodie volunteers several hours a week, each week, so she was the inspiration, said Anne Seehafer, one of Gerkhes extended family members who was there with her husband and kids.
Need time away from the kids to shop, wrap, bake, or just relax? English Lutheran Church will host a community Christmas for Kids event on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the English Lutheran Church fellowship hall, 741 North East Avenue, Viroqua.

All children ages 3 years old through fifth grade are invited. This years program is called Away in the Manger. Children will hear the Christmas story, sing Christmas songs, participate in crafts and games, and decorate cookies. Lunch will also be served. This is a free event. Parents are also welcome to stay, if they prefer. Registration is not required, but encouraged. To register, call 608-637-2605 or complete the online form at www.englishlutheran.com.
NEW DELHI  Manju Devi suffered in pain for two months last year as she worked on a farm near Delhi, unable to break away from duties that sometimes had her standing for hours in the waist-deep water of a rice paddy, lifting heavy loads in intense heat and spraying pesticides and insecticides. When that pain finally became too much to bear, she was rushed to a hospital.

The doctors verdict: Devi had suffered a prolapsed uterus and would need a hysterectomy. She hadnt said a word to her family about her discomfort because of societal taboo over discussing a women's illness, and with two grown children and three grandchildren looking to the 56-year-old widow to help put food on the table, Devi had relied on painkillers to stay in the fields.

I endured excruciating pain for months, scared to speak about it publicly. It shouldnt take a surgical procedure to make us realize the cost of increasing heat, she said, surrounded by women who told of undergoing a similar ordeal.

As the annual U.N.-led climate summit known as COP is set to convene later this month in Dubai, activists are urging policymakers to respond to climate changes disproportionate impact on women and girls, especially where poverty makes them more vulnerable.

Their recommendations include securing land rights for women, promoting women's cooperatives and encouraging women to lead on developing climate policy. They also suggest that countries  especially developing countries like India  commit more money in their budgets to ensure gender equity in climate policies.

Group of 20 leaders who met in New Delhi in September also recognized the problem, calling for accelerating climate action with gender equality at its core by increasing womens participation and leadership in mitigation and adaptation.

Devi is a farmworker in Syaraul, a village of about 7,000 a couple of hours southeast of Delhi in Uttar Pradesh, India's biggest and most populous state. Several other middle-aged and older women from the village described similar injuries leading to hysterectomies.

The link between phenomena like uterine prolapse and climate change is indirect but significant, said Seema Bhaskaran, who tracks gender issues for the nonprofit Transform Rural India Foundation.

Women in rural, climate-affected communities often bear the brunt of physically demanding agricultural work, made more strenuous by climate change-related challenges like erratic weather and increased labor needs," Bhaskaran said.

About 93 miles away, in Nanu village, 62-year-old farmworker Savita Singh blames climate change for a chemical infection that cost her a finger in August 2022.

When her husband moved to Delhi to work as a plumber, she was left alone to tend the couple's fields. As rice and wheat yields fell due to shifting climate patterns and a surge in pest attacks, Singh's husband, who retained decision-making power, decided to increase the use of pesticides and insecticides. It was up to Singh, who had opposed the increases, to apply the chemicals.

With the rise in pest attacks in farms, we have started using more than three times pesticides and fertilizers in our farms and without any safety gears my hand got burned by the chemicals and one of my fingers had to be amputated, she said.

In Pilakhana, another Uttar Pradesh village, 22-year-old wage laborer Babita Kumari suffered stillbirths in 2021 and this year that she attributes to the heavy lifting she endured daily in working a brick kiln for long hours in intense heat. Climate change at least doubled the chances of the heat wave that hit the state this year, according to an analysis by Climate Central, an independent U.S.-based group of scientists that developed a tool to quantify climate change's contribution to changing daily temperatures.

My mother and her mother all have worked in brick kilns all their lives but the heat was not this bad even though they worked for more than eight hours like me. But for the past six-seven years the situation has worsened and heat has become unbearable to withstand but what option do we have than to endure it, said Kumari, who lives in a makeshift camp with her husband.

Bhaskaran noted that women in India often assume primary roles in agriculture while men migrate to urban areas, which makes the women especially vulnerable to the direct effects of climate change. A government labor force survey for 2021-22 found that 75% of the people working in agriculture are women. But only about 14% of agricultural land is owned by women, according to a government agriculture census.

Poonam Muttreja is a women's rights activist who also directs the Population Foundation of India, a non-governmental organization that focuses on issues of population, family planning, reproductive health, and gender equality. She said it's essential that COP28, the meeting in Dubai, take concrete action to help women.

She said COP28 should go beyond providing financial aid, and actively promote and facilitate the inclusion of gender considerations within all climate-related policies, initiatives, and actions.

It must prioritize awareness programs that emphasize the specific health challenges women face in the wake of climate change as a critical step towards increasing public knowledge. These efforts will also serve as a call to action for governments, institutions, and communities to prioritize womens health and well-being as a central component of their climate initiatives, she added.
On 23 November Nicaraguas unicameral legislature approved changes to the countrys constitution, removing a provision (Art. 159) which establishes that a minimum of 4% of the national state budget goes to the judiciary.

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On 23 November the attorney generals office in Mexicos Guerrero state (FGE) announced an investigation into the disappearance of five people, including three journalists.

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Major automakers are seeking new ways to make electric vehicle (EV) motors that depend less on rare earth minerals.

China controls most mining and processing of a group of 17 metals known as rare earths. These minerals are used to produce permanent magnets. Many experts consider permanent magnets to be the most effective way to power EVs.

But new motor designs show that permanent magnets are not necessary to produce a commercially successfully EV. And some Western EV makers are finding new solutions to produce motors that avoid rare earth minerals.

EV market leader Tesla announced earlier this year it planned to remove rare earths from its next-generation EVs.

Other automakers are also in the process of researching or developing EV motors that use little or no rare earth minerals. These include General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and BMW.

Nissan says it plans to develop newer motors with low rare earth content, as well as permanent magnet motors that will one day no longer need the minerals.

German technology supplier ZF has developed a new kind of motor the company says is very similar to the size and performance of permanent magnet motors. This kind of motor, known as EESM, uses electricity to produce a magnetic field.

ZFs Chief Technology Officer, Otmar Scharrer, told Reuters news agency such development is an important contribution to making us a little more independent of China.

ZF is in talks with U.S., European and Chinese automakers to supply the motor and could start producing EV models within two years, Scharrer said.

Besides being mostly controlled by China, some rare earth development produces poisonous waste that can harm people and the environment. The problem could also be helped by using motors that do not depend on rare earth minerals.

"If you get it right, you've got a much more sustainable product," said Ben Chiswick. He directs engineering business development for Detroit-based Drive System Design. The company is working to create rare earth-free motors with three different automakers.

Some companies, like BMW, say they have already made great progress after years of research. "It was not a home run... but it works very well without rare earths," said Uwe Deuke of BMWs latest development efforts. He leads engineering efforts for the companys EESM motor planned for its next-generation EVs.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

commercial  adj. related to buying and selling things

contribution  n. something that is done to help produce or develop something

sustainable  adj. causing little or no damage to the environment

home run  n. an impressive success or accomplishment
Thomas Gnocchi, head of office, EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau, suggested there are political topics on which the EU and China did not agree.

On the sidelines of a business event, Gnocchi was asked, after the resumption of normality, how Macau is represented in overall EU-China relations.

He stated that EU and China have a lot of shared interests, providing sustainability and environmental protection as examples. Green topics, sustainability and climate change are topics that will be discussed not only with mainland China, but also with Macau.

Gnocchi was then asked about topics that both sides did not agree upon.

We have spoken to the Macau authorities on areas such as the National Security Law and legislative assembly elections  Probably, these two areas We believe they have an impact on One country, two systems, Gnocchi said.

When asked about how Macau can attract talented individuals to develop its economy, the EU official admitted that talented people are needed in many areas in Macau. His suggestion is that Macau should consider how it can make itself attractive to European interests.

Although many European companies possess the know-how, they must be able to bring in experts [if they choose to expand to Macau], Gnocchi added.
The Macau European Chamber of Commerce celebrated its first decade of establishment with The Green Way Macao forum yesterday.

The Green Way forum is an initiative to discuss eco-friendly solutions and has been held twice in Hong Kong. This event is the first time it has been held in Macau.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong and Ambassador Thomas Gnocchi, head of office, EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau were officiating guests. In addition, Lionel Leong, Council of Advisors member at Boao Forum for Asia, gave a keynote speech.

In his speech, Lei, thanked the EU Office and the chamber for bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to the event, offering valuable opportunities to enjoy the rich dialogue and contribute in this Green Way context.

He then reiterated that Macau is working towards economic diversification through the strategy of 1+4, which identifies the four auxiliary sectors that are supported by the main pillar of tourism.

Meanwhile, Gnocchi pointed out that to achieve sustainability and a green economy, governments, businesses, academics and civil society should work together to discuss solutions and take action.

He also stated that the EU had reduced carbon emissions by 25% since 1990, while the economy had grown by 60%. Decarbonization doesnt have to come at the expense of economic growth, he concluded.

The next EU target is to cut net emissions by 55% by 2030 and to become the worlds first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. Gnocchi described the target as ambitious.

Leong presented his proposal for a series of targets starting with the letter A. He said that the world should seek alternatives and foster accountability to gain awareness while adding value that provides affordability; all as a call to action targeting an agenda with all effort under an armistice.
Fijis leader says that after meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping, he hopes to collaborate with China on upgrading his nations shipyards and ports.

Sitiveni Rabuka made the remarks to lawmakers in Parliament yesterday [Macau time].

Rabuka is generally viewed as leaning less toward China than his predecessor Frank Bainimarama, and in a visit to Australia last month, Rabuka emphasized he was more comfortable dealing with traditional friends such as Australia.

But in his remarks, Rabuka highlighted the economic ties his small South Pacific island nation has forged with China over 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Rabuka said that in his meeting with Xi last week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, he discussed how Chinas assistance was pivotal to Fijis post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

Rabuka said Chinas Belt and Road Initiative aligned with Fijis development agenda and that China had contributed toward a number of grants and assistance packages.

As we navigate economic challenges, discussions are underway to address our debt crisis responsibly, Rabuka said.

He said a key focus of creating sustainable economic growth in Fiji was the comprehensive upgrade of infrastructure, particularly port facilities and shipyards.

I anticipate potential collaboration with China in that endeavor, given Chinas globally competitive shipbuilding, Rabuka said.

Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing that China and Fiji are good friends and partners, and have previously cooperated on infrastructure.

The goal is to support island countries in making life better for their people and achieving development and prosperity, Mao said.

Fijis move comes as China looks to expand its influence in the Pacific. Last year, China fell short in an ambitious attempt to get 10 small Pacific nations to sign to a sweeping deal covering everything from security to fisheries. The attempt came soon after Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China, a move that raised alarm throughout the Pacific. NICK PERRY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP
Hawaii leaders want to make it easier for tourists from Japan to visit the U.S. state by creating a pre-clearance program allowing travelers from the country to save time at the Honolulu airport by completing immigration, customs and agricultural inspections before departure.

Gov. Josh Green and other state officials proposed the idea during a recent visit to Tokyo. Green hopes the program will help boost tourism to the islands, Hawaii News Now reported.

Tourism from Japan, Hawaiis top international visitor market, has been sluggish since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawaii is keen on bringing more travelers from Japan back because thats the tourist that knows how to carry themselves in Hawaii and how to care for our aina and so on, Green said, using the Hawaiian word for land.

A pre-clearance program, which has been discussed for many years, could open direct routes to other islands, including Maui, Green said.

Soon after a deadly wildfire wiped out much of the west Maui town of Lahaina, the Japan government donated $2 million in humanitarian aid.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki, who joined Green on the trip, said Japan officials were concerned about how much the program would cost and how it would be implemented and enforced.

Green said he will ask Hawaiis delegation in U.S. Congress to help make the program possible. MDT/AP
Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong confirmed at the AL that government has been reducing spending on renting private spaces and venues to host public services.

In response to an inquiry from lawmaker Lei Chan U, the Secretary disclosed that annual spending on rent has decreased from the previous MOP70 million to the current MOP54 million.

Still, the Secretary noted that there is still a lot of work to do as most of the government departments and services due to vacate private buildings have yet to do so as the public facilities that will host them are not yet complete.

He also acknowledged that while some of the MOP16 million in savings comes from moving services into publicly owned spaces, the majority comes from successful renegotiation of rental fees with landlords, particularly during the pandemic period.
Two former air-conditioning maintenance contractors in Hong Kong have been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of bribing an executive at a Macau hotel.

The news was announced by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in a statement earlier this week.

According to ICAC reports, the bribes amounted to over HKD1 million, while the intended service contract was valued at about HKD34 million.

Woo Tak-hoi, 56, the then director of Wai Luen Air-conditioning Limited, received a two-year prison sentence after being convicted of two counts of conspiracy to offer advantages to an agent.

Li Kin-wang, 60, previously the senior sales manager of Oh Luen Air Conditioning Equipment Limited, received a jail term of one and a half years. He pleaded guilty to the two bribery charges along with three other counts of offering advantages to an agent.

Since 2013, Oh Luen had been an approved supplier of resort operator Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. The court heard that Li became acquainted with a then director of Wynn in 2014. The then director solicited bribes from Li in exchange for opportunities for Oh Luen to submit quotations or tenders to Wynn for air-conditioning system maintenance services. Both Woo and Li agreed to provide kickbacks to the director to secure more businesses for Oh Luen.

Between June 2014 and July 2015, Li offered three bribes totaling over HKD450,000 to the director via cheque or bank transfer in Hong Kong. During the period, business between Oh Luen and Wynn increased.

Between November 2016 and January 2017, Woo and Li conspired in Hong Kong to pay two bribes totaling HKD560,000 to the director.

ICAC enquiries revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Wynn had awarded numerous air-conditioning maintenance contracts worth around HKD$34 million in total to Oh Luen.

The ICAC expressed gratitude to the local Commission Against Corruption for its assistance during their investigations.
Anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders won a huge victory in Dutch elections, according to a near complete count of the vote yesterday, in a stunning lurch to the far right for a nation once famed as a beacon of tolerance.

The result will send shockwaves through Europe, where far-right ideology is on the rise, and puts Wilders in line to lead talks to form the next governing coalition and possibly become the first far-right prime minister of the Netherlands.

With nearly all votes counted, Wilders Party for Freedom was forecast to win 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, two more than predicted by an exit poll when voting finished Wednesday night and more than double the 17 he won at the last election.

I had to pinch my arm, a jubilant Wilders said.

Political parties were set to hold separate meetings to discuss the outcome before what is likely to be an arduous process of forming a new governing coalition begins today.

Despite his harsh rhetoric, Wilders has already begun courting other right and center parties by saying in a victory speech that whatever policies he pushes will be within the law and constitution.

Wilders election program included calls for a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, a total halt to accepting asylum-seekers and migrant pushbacks at Dutch borders.

It also advocates the de-Islamization of the Netherlands. He says he wants no mosques or Islamic schools in the country, although he has been milder about Islam during this election campaign than in the past.

Instead, his victory seems based on his campaign to rein-in migration - the issue that caused the last governing coalition to quit in July - and tackle issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages.

I think, to be honest, very many people are very focused on one particular problem, which is immigration, voter Norbert van Beelen said in The Hague yesterday. So I think thats what people voted for, immigration and all the other aspects of leaving the European Union looking very inward as opposed to outward are just forgotten. Its all about immigration.

In his victory speech, Wilders said he wants to end what he called the asylum tsunami, referring to the migration issue that came to dominate his campaign.

The Dutch will be No. 1 again, Wilders said. The people must get their nation back.

But Wilders, who has in the past been labeled a Dutch version of Donald Trump, first must form a coalition government before he can take the reins of power.

That will be tough as mainstream parties are reluctant to join forces with him and his party, but the size of his victory strengthens his hand in any negotiations.

Wilders called on other parties to constructively engage in coalition talks. Pieter Omtzigt, a former centrist Christian Democrat who built his own New Social Contract party in three months to take 20 seats, said he would always be open to talks.

The closest party to Wilders in the election was an alliance of the center-left Labor Party and Green Left, which was forecast to win 25 seats. But its leader, Frans Timmermans, made clear that Wilders should not count on a coalition with him.

We will never form a coalition with parties that pretend that asylum seekers are the source of all misery, Timmermans said, vowing to defend Dutch democracy.

The historic victory came one year after the win of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, whose Brothers of Italys roots were steeped in nostalgia for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Meloni has since mellowed her stance on several issues and has become the acceptable face of the hard right in the EU.

Wilders was long a firebrand lashing out at Islam, at the EU and migrants - a stance which brought him close to power but never in it, in a nation known for compromise politics.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who boasts of turning Hungary into an illiberal state and has similarly harsh stances on migration and EU institutions, was quick to congratulate Wilders. The winds of change are here! Congratulations, Orban said.

During the final weeks of his campaign, Wilders somewhat softened his stance and vowed that he would be a prime minister for all Dutch people, so much so that he gained the moniker Geert Milders.

The election was called after the fourth and final coalition of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte resigned in July after failing to agree to measures to rein-in migration.

Rutte was replaced by Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, a former refugee from Turkey who could have become the countrys first female prime minister had her party won the most votes. Instead, it was forecast to lose 10 seats to end up with 24.

The result is the latest in a series of elections that is altering the European political landscape. From Slovakia and Spain, to Germany and Poland, populist and hard-right parties triumphed in some EU member nations and faltered in others.

In The Hague, Dutch voter Barbara Belder said that Wilders victory is a very clear sign that the Netherlands wants something different. MIKE CORDER & RAF CASERT, THE HAGUE, MDT/AP
In Ridley Scotts Napoleon, Joaquin Phoenix portrays the legendary French emperor in a film that defies the traditional grandeur of historical epics. With a runtime of two hours and thirty-eight minutes, the movie introduces us to a Napoleon who is far from the stoic conqueror of history textbooks. Instead, we see a young Bonaparte riddled with fear and impulsivity, qualities that persist throughout the film as he ascends to power and leads his armies across Europe with reckless abandon.

Scotts biopic is more critical than celebratory, painting Napoleon not as a Great Man but as a petulant child in the guise of an emperor. This character-driven narrative focuses on Napoleons internal struggles and the chaotic manner in which he gains and exercises power. His infamous ego is on full display, particularly in his confrontations with the British and his dismissive reactions to personal news during the Egyptian campaign.

The film also delves into the complexities of Napoleons relationship with Josephine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. Their romance and subsequent marriage are fraught with tension and betrayal, yet its a relationship that humanizes the often mythologized figure. As the story unfolds, the film portrays Napoleons rise and reign as a series of tumultuous events, leading to his ultimate demise.

Scotts depiction of historical events like the siege of Toulon, the coup of 1799, and the Battle of Austerlitz is meticulous, yet the screenplay by David Scarpa seems to question the authenticity of Napoleons legacy. The film juxtaposes his public persona with his private vulnerabilities, making it difficult to reconcile the image of the legendary emperor with that of the insecure man presented on screen.

Napoleon offers a satirical look at the emperors life, as well as a critical assessment of the male ego in power. The film is a visual spectacle that showcases Scotts expertise in creating grand cinematic experiences. Yet, despite its ambitious scope, the narrative sometimes struggles to integrate Napoleons military genius with his flawed character, leaving the audience to wonder how such a man could have risen to such heights.

The movie is also expected to have a longer, four-hour directors cut, which may provide a more in-depth look at Napoleons life and times. This cut could potentially balance the personal and political aspects of the story more effectively.

Scotts Napoleon stands out for its unorthodox approach to the historical epic genre. It challenges the glorification of historical figures by exposing their weaknesses and failures. The film, like Scotts previous work The Last Duel, is a commentary on the destructive nature of male ambition. This thematic choice is clear in the films final moments, which depict Napoleons downfall both literally and metaphorically.

While not everything in Napoleon may work seamlessly, the films unique perspective and critical stance offer a thought-provoking and unconventional look at one of historys most iconic figures. Its a bold move from an accomplished director, one that suggests a continued interest in examining and demystifying the great men of history through the lens of cinema. MDT/AP

Napoleon, an Apple Studios release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong violence, some grisly images, sexual content and brief language. Running time: 158 minutes.
Policy support, innovation and strong investment have seen the country leapfrog global competitors. Hou Liqiang reports.

More than four decades ago, lacking the necessary technology and research and development capabilities, China was only able to manufacture micro turbines for off-grid power generation.

In stark contrast, however, news about the giant leap forward in Chinas wind power development has repeatedly hit the headlines over the past two years.

In February last year, a 13-megawatt offshore wind turbine, which had the largest single-unit capacity in Asia at the time, rolled off a production line in Fujian province.

Only nine months later, the facility was dwarfed by a 16-MW offshore wind turbine, which was also assembled in Fujian and led the world in terms of single-unit capacity. In June, a 20-MW wind turbine produced in Shandong province set another record.

The contrast is indicative of the significant progress China has made in the development of renewable energy from a laggard to a leader, which has helped sharply bring down the cost for renewables, experts said.

While the achievement has not been easy, China has accumulated vast experiences that are instructive for other nations, especially developing states, in promoting energy transition on a large scale, they said.

Consistent and comprehensive policy support and the great importance attached to capacity building and production standards are among the factors that have helped China top the world in renewables, they added.

According to the National Energy Administration, the total capacity of grid-connected wind turbines across China only stood at 1.06 million kilowatts in 2005. By the end of last year, the capacity had soared to 365 million KW.

During that period, China saw its combined installed capacity for photovoltaic power jump from just 70,000 KW to 392 million KW. Its proportion of the global total skyrocketed from less than 1.4 percent to more than 33 percent.

By the end of June, the installed capacity of renewable energy in China had exceeded 1.3 billion KW, surpassing the installed capacity of coal-fired power for the first time.

Policy-driven process

The development of large-scale renewable energy in China has significantly brought down the global cost of renewables, said Wang Weiquan, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association. China deserves all the credit, he said.

Thanks to Chinas contribution, the cost of photovoltaic power generation is now as low as 1 cent for 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity in the Middle East, where the costs of land use and financing are relatively low, he said.

Wang attributed the remarkable achievement to consistent, systematic and tailor-made policies introduced during different development stages. We have a sound system for renewable energy development, he said.

Driven by these policies, a broad market for renewable energy development was formed. This then boosted the development of upstream manufacturing industries and also the entire industry chain, he noted, citing the subsidized price for renewable energy, or the feed-in tariff, as an example.

The feed-in tariff  a surcharge on electricity bills  guaranteed solar and wind companies above-market prices for their energy, which helped attract a large number of investors to the sector, he added.

China also introduced a dedicated renewable energy law in 2005, has incorporated renewable energy development into its five-year plans since 1996, and established a sound mechanism to guarantee the absorption of newly added renewable energy output, Wang said.

In another move, the country set up the Renewable Energy Development Fund to support development of the sector, he added.

In 2009, the countrys top legislature amended the Law on Renewable Energy to require electricity grid companies to buy all the power produced by renewable energy generators.

Winds of change

Hou Yuhan, group marketing director of Goldwind Science & Technology, a leading Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, underscored the importance of continuity, stability and sustainability in the countrys policies for the development of the wind energy sector.

Since the 1990s, Chinas central and regional governments have introduced a slew of policies concerning the renewable energy sector, creating a stable policy environment and favorable conditions for wind energy development, she said.

Hou added that the introduction of Chinas dual-carbon targets in 2020 and the national policy framework to implement the goals have propelled the renewable energy sector to a key development stage.

In 2020, China announced that it aimed to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and realize carbon neutrality before 2060.

The country has released a raft of new policies to guide the energy transition, which have prioritized green, low-carbon energy development, scientific and technological innovation, institutional innovation, regulatory efficiency and international cooperation, Hou said.

Du Zhongming, president of the China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute, said China has dynamically adjusted its policies concerning renewable energy.

Based on situations and needs at different development stages, these policies are adjusted accordingly to make the best use of the circumstances, he said.

As technology develops and economic efficiency improves in the renewable energy sector, for instance, the subsidies for renewable energy in China were gradually reduced, he said.

After six adjustments to the subsidies for wind power and eight for solar PV power, he said, the on-grid power tariffs of these two types of renewable energy equal those of coal-fired power.

The feed-in tariff has played a role in giving a leg up to the wind and solar PV power sectors to get them going, he added.

On Jan 1, 2021, China ended feed-in tariffs for new solar and onshore wind projects that had been in place for more than a decade. Before halting the tariffs, China introduced a mechanism in 2019 to guarantee consumption of renewable energy, setting minimum levels of regional consumption.

International cooperation

Wang, from the renewable energy industries association, emphasized the importance of a complete national standards system and international cooperation for the development of a robust renewable energy industry in China.

Without the standards, enterprises in the sector will be sheep without a shepherd and produce products with diversified models that dont match each other and are of mixed quality, he said.

China has introduced many standards that cover not only manufacturing, but also the construction and operation of power farms, which guarantee the long-term and sustainable development of the sector and have helped reduce costs, Wang said.

In the early stages of its renewable energy development, China, then a global laggard in the sector, engaged heavily in bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Wang said.

A series of demonstration projects were implemented thanks to aid from international organizations and leading countries in wind power development, such as Germany and Denmark, he added.

China improved its capacity building from such cooperation, and a large number of talented people, including policymakers, entrepreneurs and skilled workers, were developed, Wang said. Many senior executives now at leading solar and wind power companies in China participated in training programs during the period of cooperation, he added.

International companies also invested in China, and these investments were mutually beneficial, he said. While those companies made profits in the Chinese market, China managed to master the technologies it needed to develop the industry.

The development of Chinas wind power industry has been closely linked to the wind power technology acquired through international cooperation, Goldwinds Hou said.

As early starters, developed nations wind power industries had accumulated abundant capital and technology. However, they also needed to expand their markets when Chinas wind energy sector was in its infancy, she said.

Against the backdrop of globalization, Hou said China saw its earliest batch of wind power projects launched with support from international companies, which brought opportunities for companies like Goldwind to learn about advanced equipment and technologies used overseas. Hou said Goldwind also seized all available opportunities to go overseas to learn.

Wu Gang, the companys chairman, has led study tours many times to European countries that are leaders in wind power development.

By consistently digesting, absorbing and upgrading (international technologies), Goldwind embarked on the path of independent research and development, ultimately succeeding in manufacturing Chinas own big wind turbines, Hou said.

Li Chuangjun, director of the National Energy Administrations new energy and renewable energy department, underscored the role of innovation, which was fueled at the very beginning by international cooperation during Chinas renewable energy industry boom.

He said innovation in Chinas renewable energy sector has introduced, digested, absorbed, and re-innovated various technologies.

The countrys wind power sector has surpassed international levels in terms of large-scale technology and floating units, with breakthroughs in building key components such as spindle bearings for high-power units and ultra-long blades, he said.

Through international cooperation, China managed to rapidly narrow the gap to international leaders by learning from their strong points and eventually surpass them, he said.

Hou Liqiang, China Daily, Courtesy China Daily
Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, confirmed at the Legislative Assembly (AL) that the absence of funds injected into eligible residents Provident Fund accounts over the past three years will not be compensated.

Lei reiterated that under law, the government can only utilize surplus funds to distribute MOP7,000 to each permanent resident, clarifying that this distribution is not a mandatory annual payout. As such, there is no basis to compensate for the shortfall, as the government has fulfilled its obligations under the law and is not authorized to make a special distribution without a law that supports the measure.

The Secretary remarked that during the three-year period, the government provided special support to the population. Such support measures were of a much higher value than the funds usually injected into the Fund accounts.

Responding to calls for more support and benefits, Lei previously stated that the government has already allocated approximately 30% of the 2024 annual budget to benefits, tax exemptions, and other welfare measures. RM
An agreement for a four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of dozens of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel appeared to have hit a last-minute snag when a senior Israeli official said it would not take effect until today, a day later than originally announced.

The diplomatic breakthrough promised some relief for the over 1.7 million Palestinians who have fled their homes under weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones captured during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

Israels national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced the delay yesterday [Macau time], without providing a reason. Israeli media reported that some final details were still being worked out.

The Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, which played a key role in mediating with Hamas, said yesterday that a new time for the agreement to go into force would be announced in the coming hours. It was originally set to begin at 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) Thursday. The U.S. and Egypt also helped negotiate the deal.

The Gaza Health Ministry meanwhile resumed its detailed count of Palestinian casualties from the war, saying over 13,300 have been killed. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where services and communication largely broke down earlier this month.

The Health Ministry stopped publishing casualty counts after Nov. 11, saying later that they had lost the ability to produce accurate counts as communications collapsed.

NETANYAHU SAYS TRUCE WONT END WAR

The agreement had raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, now in its seventh week, which has has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a nationally televised news conference that the war would resume after the truce expires, with the goal of destroying Hamas military capabilities, ending its 16-year rule in Gaza and returning all of the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups.

The war is continuing. We will continue it until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to U.S. President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war.

Israeli troops hold much of northern Gaza and say they have dismantled tunnels and much of Hamas infrastructure there. Israeli forces on Wednesday revealed what they said was a major Hamas hideout in a tunnel beneath Shifa Hospital. The territorys largest medical center has been at the heart of a fierce battle of narratives over both sides allegedly reckless endangerment of civilians.

Shifas director, Mohammed Abu Selmia, was detained by Israeli soldiers, according to Medhat Abbas, the director of the Gaza Health Ministry. There was no immediate comment from the army.

Israel meanwhile ordered the full evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in the north, Dr. Munir al-Boursh, a Health Ministry official inside the facility, told Al-Jazeera. He said hospital officials were trying to organize buses to evacuate some 200 patients, including children with burn injuries. Fighting has raged outside the hospital for days, and hundreds of people have already been evacuated to the south.

Despite the advances in the north, Israeli officials acknowledge that much of Hamas infrastructure remains intact. Israel has threatened to launch wider operations in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people who fled the north have crammed into overflowing U.N.-run shelters with dwindling food, water and basic supplies.

For Hamas, the cease-fire would provide an opportunity to regroup after weeks of apparently heavy losses. Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar, who is believed to be alive and in hiding in Gaza, is likely to claim the release of Palestinian prisoners as a major achievement and declare victory if the war ends.

HOSTAGES TO BE FREED IN STAGES

Under the truce deal, 50 hostages will be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will release women and children first, and Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed by Hamas.

The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home.

Qatar said the cease-fire would allow a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid to enter Gaza, including fuel, but it gave no details on actual quantities. Israel cut off all fuel imports at the start of the war, causing a territory-wide blackout and leaving homes and hospitals reliant on generators, which have also steadily been forced to shut down.

Netanyahu said the deal includes a provision for the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages in captivity.

Israels Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as Israeli soldiers.

Israel has a long history of agreeing to lopsided prisoner swaps with militant groups, and Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the soldiers.

HEAVY TOLL ON GAZA

The Health Ministry in Gaza does not differentiate between civilians and militants, but says some two-thirds of the dead have been identified as women and minors. It says some 6,000 people have been reported missing and are feared to be buried under rubble.

The ministry says it has been unable to update figures from northern hospitals since Nov. 11, so the true toll from the war is likely higher than the 13,300 it reported yesterday.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, though it has presented no evidence for its count.

Three-fourths of Gazas population of 2.3 million have been displaced in the war. Many, if not most, will be unable to return home because of the vast damage and the presence of Israeli troops in the north.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said that more than 1 million Palestinians were seeking shelter in 156 of its facilities in Gaza, where many have been forced by overcrowding to sleep on the streets outside as a cold, rainy winter sets in.

Israel has barred imports to Gaza since the start of the war, except for a trickle of aid entering through Egypts Rafah crossing. Humanitarian aid groups operating in Gaza said the truce was too short and the Rafah crossings capacity was insufficient to meet urgent needs. WAFAA SHURAFA & KAREEM CHEHAYEB, DEIR AL-BALAH, MDT/AP
The driver of a sedan was killed when a semi struck the car early Thursday morning on Interstate 39/90, authorities reported.

State troopers were responding to reports of a disabled Toyota Corolla in the northbound lanes of I-39/90 near Edgerton just after 4 a.m. when the semi struck the sedan, according to State Patrol Sgt. Erica Ballweg-Larsen.

The driver and sole occupant of the sedan, a 52-year-old Madison man, died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.

Names were not released pending further investigation. The Wisconsin State Patrol is handling the investigation.

These are the highways in Wisconsin with the most fatalities. These are the highways in Wisconsin with the most fatalities.
A neo-Nazi group marched through Madison last weekend.

They wanted to spread hate. And they counted on attracting media attention to do so.

The newsroom didnt see the value of giving this group what it wanted by reporting on their activities or running a photo of the march in the newspaper.

Reporters have been working on a story about how community leaders have been working to combat a rise in anti-Semitic acts, and looking deeper into the hate group that has come to south-central Wisconsin twice in recent months.

Those stories can provide more context and insight than the coverage of a rally by less than two dozen people.

But we should have written about the condemnation of the hate group from Gov. Tony Evers and others.

We dont want to give any attention to a hate group that is craving it. They want people to notice them, and we dont want the paper to be the vehicle to do that.

Kelly Lecker: Packers photo highlights importance of visual journalists Nobody shows the heartbreaks and triumphs of Madison and Wisconsin better than our team of visual journalists

But I realize this is sometimes outweighed by the publics desire and need to know what is happening.

Readers didnt know that we were working on deeper stories, or that we worried about giving this group any attention. They only noticed our silence.

The community cant take a stand against hate groups if they dont know theyre out there. And because of social media, photos and information were out there anyway, without the much-needed context the media can provide.

Weve written about anti-Semitic acts and racism on the UW-Madison campus and elsewhere in the news pages, and called out hateful acts in editorials.

There is no room for this hate in Madison or any community, and Im heartened to see how many of you weighed in on our coverage of these hate groups. Community leaders from the mayor to the UW-Madison chancellor are quick to call out haters for who they are.

We still are unlikely to run photos or video of the hate group as others did, unless there is a compelling reason to do so. But we will make sure we keep you informed this is happening in your community.

I appreciate the feedback from readers, this week and always. This is your community newspaper, and it depends on us all to provide the best coverage possible.
Victorian author Ouida observed, A just chastisement may benefit a man, though it seldom does; but an unjust one changes all his blood to gall.

Idaho is testing this centuries-old maxim, as political leaders on two sides of the state levy discipline. In Boise, Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder has chastised three senators, removing two from committee leadership. In Idaho Falls, GOP District 32 Chair Doyle Beck has charged legislators with platform violation, threatening to strip their identity as Republicans.

The contrast could not be more obvious. While some beneficial effect may come from one, nothing but gall will result from the other.

Sen. Winder is calling out the practice of maligning the motives of colleagues with whom the accused sit in committees. Sens. Scott Herndon of Sagle, Glenneda Zuiderveld of Twin Falls and Brian Lenney of Nampa are allowed to raise intellectual arguments and reasoning to support their positions. But Senate Rules do not allow assailing the motives of colleagues with whom you disagree.

Attack policy, not people is an ancient rule of deliberative bodies dating to the 3rd Century A.D. and the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo. This rule is clear and unambiguous in Masons Handbook, the rulebook governing procedure in the Idaho State Senate.

By contrast, Beck charges violation of Idaho Republican Platform, not to be confused with the partys national platform. The Idaho document was created by Beck and his island of misfits after they violated party rules and stacked the June 2022 GOP convention with non-inclusive slates of delegates. That platform didnt exist in May when Sen. Kevin Cook, and Reps. Wendy Horman and Stephanie Mickelsen won their partys nomination to serve as Republicans in the Idaho Legislature.

That honor required winning the votes of thousands of their Republican friends and neighbors.

Beck butchered the previously existing Republican Platform, stripping all mention of stopping the flow of illegal drugs, and forcing sincere new conservative converts to wait twelve months before exercising voting rights. He did this under authority of a few hundred of his carefully hand-picked delegates.

Quote Attack policy, not people is an ancient rule of deliberative bodies dating to the 3rd Century A.D. and the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo. This rule is clear and unambiguous in Masons Handbook, the rulebook governing procedure in the Idaho State Senate.

Winders judgment fulfills an obligation to preside over a thoughtful, deliberative, and orderly chamber of lawmakers. Violating rules of civility destroys the entire bodys ability to function.

Furthermore, his penalty simply removes an honor granted, not a right earned. Committee leadership is bestowed by the body, acting through the Pro Tem, on senators who agree to serve the needs of the committee. Winder simply observed that Zuiderveld and Lenneys disrespectful treatment of fellow senators is disqualifying in practice, even if not prohibited by Senate Rules.

Winders actions are a matter of public record and were not imposed in secret.

Becks tribunal should, by right, be open to every Republican the committee supposedly represents. A secret meeting with vague charges in front of an exclusive small panel empowered to threaten a legislators reelection? If thats not fertile ground for corruption, nothing is.

Winder has been patient, tolerating repeated offense all year before taking adverse action. Becks investigative authority he helped to write into Idaho Republican Rules at the 2023 Summer Meeting in Challis. He wasted no time putting his new-found tin dictatorial power to use.

It is rumored Becks real gripe is legislators who supported Idahos LAUNCH job training program, aimed at getting able-bodied workers off couches and into productive jobs. The Idaho GOP platform doesnt mention LAUNCH but does support education and professional technical education to develop a well-trained workforce. So, its likely just Becks platform interpretation that may be violated.

Winders chastisement asks senators to treat colleagues with respect, even while disagreeing. Beck uses chastisement to force agreement, disrespecting the choice of voters he supposedly represents.

You decide if one of these chastisements falls short of being just.
With the holiday season upon us, Im reminded of the ways in which we care for one another.

One of the best ways we do this as Idahoans is through Medicaid. It provides necessary care for our children, pregnant Idahoans, seniors who need nursing home care, and both adults and children with disabilities. Medicaid delivers developmental screenings to our kids, substance use disorder treatment, cancer care, and much more.

And it demonstrates a fundamental belief we share: We never want Idahoans to go without health care due to an inability to pay.

Idaho voters continue to express strong support for Medicaid. They passed Medicaid expansion in 2018 with 61% in favor and the policy has only become more popular. Recent polling commissioned by Idaho Voices for Children shows that 73% of voters favor keeping Medicaid expansion. Additionally, voters resoundingly oppose cuts to Medicaid services.

Unfortunately, Idahos Republican supermajority isnt getting the message. They have made repeated attempts to roll back Medicaid expansion and take coverage away from Idahoans, chronically underfunded Medicaid services, and threatened to make cuts to a critical lifeline.

Todays direct care worker crisis illustrates what happens when budget setters starve a crucial service. Direct care workers help seniors and individuals with disabilities with daily tasks, like eating and dressing themselves. This support allows Idahoans to live independently in their homes and is typically funded through Medicaid. But a new report from the Office of Performance Evaluation reveals that this workforce faces a 3,000-person shortage and workers can earn 36-39% higher wages in other industries. Idahoans requiring this assistance can be forced into the more costly and less desirable option of moving into an institution when there are no direct care workers available.

There are clear steps the Idaho Legislature must take to protect Idahoans who rely on Medicaid.

First, we must bolster reimbursement for Medicaid services, especially direct care workers so that Idahoans can live as independently as possible. We should also reject proposals that cut Medicaid services.

Second, we need to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to mothers for one year after birth. This is a key recommendation that Idahos Maternal Mortality Review Board made after studying how we can best prevent maternal deaths in our state

Third, we must reject attempts to dismantle Medicaid expansion.

Too many Republican politicians prioritize their anti-government ideology over peoples needs. And while some lawmakers do not believe that the public sector should solve problems and help Idahoans access health care, voters clearly do. Voters want to ensure a strong Medicaid program is there when they, their loved ones, and their neighbors need it.

Idaho Democrats will continue working to protect and strengthen Medicaid to keep all Idahoans healthy.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is pursuing three major reforms designed to help the Philippine financial market catch up with those of other Southeast Asian countries.

Kelvin Lester Lee, the supervising commissioner of the SECs Markets and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD) and the Information & Communications Technology Department (ICTD), said these reforms include Project 300, the approval of short selling and stricter monitoring and regulation of unregistered stock market trading and cryptocurrency trading by foreign platforms.

Lee said several unregistered cryptocurrency and online trading platforms would soon be subject of advisories by the SEC with the aim of banning them from operating in the Philippines. He said such steps are necessary to protect investors and the public-at-large.

First and foremost, the SEC has to protect the credibility of our marketsand this can only happen if it is assiduous in efforts to secure investors against potential and actual harm. Part of these efforts is to be strict in the agencys regulatory function: we only allow entities, whether local or foreign, to operate in the Philippines once they are registered with the SEC or other Philippine regulators. Allowing unregistered entities to operate only increases investors exposure to risk; and normal, everyday business already has risks. Lets not add to that, said Lee.

The SEC also embarked on Project 300a campaign to increase the number of publicly listed companies (PLCs) in the country to 300 by 2025. Our initial goal is the listing of 15 initial public offerings near-term. This year, three companies have already expressed interest in filing IPOs with the support and encouragement of the SEC, said Lee.

This project is aligned with the 888@88 initiative the SEC announced in 2021, where the commission aims to have at least 888 companies that would have tapped the capital markets for their capital raising activities. These include crowdfunding participants, hospitals and PDEX registered companies that raised capital through the capital markets.

Lee said the SEC took steps to make it easier for companies to hold IPOs. The regulator commited that IPO registration would be completed within 45 days, with the required financial information submitted by IPO applicants reduced from four years to just three years.

The SEC also allowed short-selling in the Philippine Stock Exchange after a wait of nearly three decades. Lee said the milestone was achieved after years of collaboration by both the SEC and the PSE. Short selling is expected to help boost trading activity in the Philippine equities market.

The SEC earlier issued several documents that would allow short-selling. Lee said that since June 2018, the commission en banc approved the Philippine Stock Exchange guidelines on short selling transactions which applies to all PSE index (PSEi) member companies and exchange traded fund (ETF) companies.

It also approved in December 2019 the Capital Markets Integrity Corporations (CMIC) implementing guidelines on SBLs and short selling to address concerns over the effect of SBL and short selling transactions on trading participants books and records, error transactions and the possible impact on trading participants risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA) ratio.

The SEC en banc in December 2022 approved the request of the PSE to allow offshore collaterals in SLB, subject to the condition that it be confined to participants that are qualified buyers.

It approved in July this year the application of the Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. (PDTC) Lending Agency Service (LAS) for equity securities under the PSEs SBL program.

Lee underscored the importance of continuing the reform-oriented mindset at the SEC in the years to come.

It is my hope that in the current administration and the administrations to come, the reforms we initiated at the SEC will be followed through, and given the chance to achieve their goals. The SEC has been quite active and effective these past few years in fulfilling its mandate to the Filipino people, especially in ensuring that our markets and securities ecosystem continues boosting business and trade. The momentum is already there, and it would be a win-win for all stakeholders if these reforms are maintained until their fruition, said Lee, who was appointed to the SEC in January 2019.

Lee won multiple international awards for his efforts including the Digital CEO Award from Spark CIO Academy Asia in November 2023; Most Outstanding Contribution to Digital Innovation at the AI and Blockchain Conference in July 2023; and Outstanding Fintech Innovation Leader in the Philippines at the Asian Digital Finance Forum & Awards in March 2023.
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday said the 17 Filipino

seafarers who are among the hostages in the ship seized by Yemens

rebel group Houthi in the Red Sea are fine.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Houthi members have been

consistent in indicating that they will not hurt the hostages.

The good news is that we do know that our seafarers are fine and that

the Houthi rebels have been indicating consistently that they do not

intend to harm them, De Vega said, in an ANC interview.

De Vega said while he cannot predict when the Pinoy hostages will be

released, there have been instances before that Filipino seafarers

were taken in Yemen and all of them were eventually released.

The government is still doing what it can. Were on top of the

situationWell get them out, De Vega said.

The DFA official added that some of the Filipino seafarers were able

to contact their families.

According to De Vega, the Houthi rebels were saying that they will

continue to do this as long as Israel kept on occupying and attacking

Gaza.

With the four-day truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group

Hamas set to start on Friday, De Vega said the Philippine government

is optimistic that it will also lead to the release of the hostages in

the ship.

On Wednesday, the DFA said 17 Filipino seafarers were among the

foreigners held hostage by Houthis earlier this week.

President Marcos has instructed the DFA to do everything to ensure the

safety of the Filipinos held hostage in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, an ally of Iran, have been launching long-range missile

and drone salvos at Israel in solidarity with the Hamas militants

fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Continuing former President Rodrigo R. Dutertes peace initiatives, President Marcos granted amnesty to former members of communist groups and rebel organizations to encourage them to return to the folds of law.



This after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Executive Order No. 47, but President Marcos amnesty program does not cover kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, other gross violations of human rights, among others.



In 2021, President Duterte signed presidential proclamations to grant amnesty to members of the communist and rebel groups who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.



Both chambers of Congress concurred with President Dutertes amnesty program in January 2022, when there were about 7,691 prospective amnesty applications before the former administrations Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).



Among those granted amnesty were former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade; Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National liberation Front.



Likewise, under President Marcos directive, there was no need to change the functions of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) formed by President Duterte to accommodate the new process for application of amnesty.

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COXS Bazar, Bangladesh  At least two more boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees set sail from Bangladesh this week, a monitoring group said, the latest in a wave of migrations that has seen more than 1,000 asylum seekers arrive on Indonesian shores.

Bangladesh is home to around one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled a violent 2017 crackdown by the Myanmar military that is now subject to a United Nations genocide probe.

Conditions for Rohingya refugees in the overcrowded, dangerous and under-resourced relief camps in Bangladesh are tough.

The mostly Muslim Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar, and thousands risk their lives each year on long and expensive sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

This month has seen a spike in journeys to Indonesias westernmost province of Aceh  a journey of about 1,800 kilometres (1,120 miles)  with more than 1,000 arrivals in the biggest such wave since the 2017 crackdown in Myanmar.

Two boats left, one in the night of 20th to 21st, and one on the night of 21st to 22nd, said Chris Lewa, director of Rohingya rights organisation the Arakan Project.

We are sure two boats are on the way. They should arrive in eight days.

The first one was carrying around 200 people while the second was holding up to 150 people, both likely with the aim of reaching Indonesia by next week, she said.

They left from Bangladesh. They are always arriving in Indonesia because Malaysia is not going to let them in, Lewa, who is based in Thailand but has a team in Bangladesh, told AFP.

So the best way is to land in Indonesia.

In Myanmar, those Rohingya who remain are facing new challenges to their movement.

The UN said last week that renewed fighting between Myanmars military and an armed group belonging to an ethnic minority in Rakhine state  where many Rohingya are from  has displaced thousands and restricted movement.

No Rakhine boat is going to leave right now, said Lewa.

More than 2,000 Rohingya are believed to have attempted the risky journey to other Southeast Asian countries in 2022, according to the UN refugee agency.

Nearly 200 Rohingya died or went missing last year while attempting hazardous sea crossings, the agency has estimated. AFP
Seoul The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and China will hold their first trilateral talks since 2019 tomorrow in Busan, Seouls foreign ministry said Friday.

The Sunday meeting in the southern port city will see Park Jin, Yoko Kamikawa and Wang Yi huddle against the backdrop of Beijings growing concerns over Tokyo and Seouls deepening security ties with Washington.

The announcement comes days after North Korea successfully placed its first military spy satellite into orbit, prompting the suspension of a five-year-old military accord between the two Koreas intended to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned earlier this month that military ties between North Korea and Russia were growing and dangerous and called on China, Pyongyangs main ally, to restrain the nuclear-armed North.

At Sundays meeting, the foreign ministers plan to exchange opinions extensively on the direction of development of trilateral cooperation, regional and international situations, Seouls foreign ministry said in a statement.

The top diplomats will also set the table for a future trilateral summit between the three countries leaders, it added.

No leaders summit has been held since 2019, in part due to diplomatic and historical disputes between South Korea and former colonial ruler Japan.

Legal disputes over Japans 1910-45 rule over the peninsula persist between the two countries.

On Thursday, a South Korean court ruling ordered Japan to compensate 16 women for forced sexual slavery during World War II, overturning a lower-court ruling that had dismissed the case.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa said the ruling was clearly contrary to international law and agreements between the two countries and absolutely unacceptable.

Beijing, meanwhile, is Seouls biggest trading partner, but also North Koreas main ally and economic benefactor.

With the increasing threat presented by the nuclear-armed North, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has moved to strengthen ties between Seoul and long-standing ally Washington.

He has also sought to bury the hatchet with Japan, another close US ally.

In August, they said a new chapter of close three-way security cooperation was beginning after a historic summit at Camp David in the United States.

Beijing lodged complaints over a statement released at the summit in which the three allies criticised Chinas aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea.

China also claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, vowing to seize it one day, and officials in Washington  Taipeis most important ally  have cited 2027 as a possible timeline for an invasion.

In April, South Koreas Yoon said tensions over Taiwan were due to attempts to change the status quo by force.

The comment resulted in a diplomatic tit-for-tat, with Beijing lodging a protest that Seoul condemned as a serious diplomatic discourtesy. AFP
Some of the 17 Filipino seafarers who are among the hostages in the ship seized by Yemens rebel group Houthi in the Red Sea have already been able to contact their families, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said this development was consistent with the statement of the rebels that they will not hurt the hostages.

The good news is that we do know that our seafarers are fine and that the Houthi rebels have been indicating consistently that they do not intend to harm them, De Vega said in an ANC interview.

While he said there is no indicator yet as to hostages will be released, De Vega said there have been instances before that Filipino seafarers held hostage in Yemen were all eventually freed.

The government is still doing what it can. Were on top of the situationWell get them out, the DFA official said.

With the four-day truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas set to start, De Vega said the government is optimistic that it will also lead to the release of the hostages in the ship.

Yemeni rebels seized the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader and held captive its 25 crew members, including the 17 Filipinos, in retaliation for Israels offensive in Gaza, the DFA said. The other hostages are from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico.

The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader, with ties to Israeli businessman Abraham Rami Ungar, is operated by a Japanese firm.

President Marcos on Wednesday said the government is in close contact with various countries to secure the safe release of the Filipino hostages.

Our seafarers are not alone. The government is doing everything in our power to bring them safely home, the President said in a Facebook post.
China strongly objected to Indonesias draft resolution on maritime security at the 31st Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31), which gathered parliamentary officials from 27 countries in Manila to discuss issues affecting the region.

In an interview, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa noted that China opposed almost all the paragraphs in Indonesias resolution, which deals with territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

While the Philippines espouses adherence to international law and wants to work through international bodies, China wants to stick to bilateral negotiations as a way to settle disputes, Dela Rosa said. This means that other bodies like the United Nations or any other international agencies should not interfere.

China doesnt like to recognize them, Dela Rosa said. China opposed (the Indonesian draft) so we have to follow the rules (of the APPF),  said Dela Rosa, who presided over the subcommittee on security matters in the forum.

The rules state that there should be no division of the house and there should be a consensus.

This means if theres a comment, reservation, or opposition towards a draft resolution, it will be rejected.

Although its just 1 percent of the delegates and 99 percent support the draft resolution, even if only one voices opposition to it, the resolution will be set aside, Dela Rosa said.

He said, however, that a working committee could still hammer out a resolution that the Chinese would accept.

In a speech at the forum, Senator Jinggoy Estrada exhorted each member to engage in dialogue actively, seeking understanding and cooperation, even in the face of differences.

He called on all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, and cooperation over competition.

The Asia Pacific region has thrived when we have worked together, and it is in this spirit that we address the current challenges in the South China Sea, he said.

He said the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Marcos., has been consistent in trying to address the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means, in the hope of decreasing tension in the area. He said President Marcos met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the recently concluded APEC Summit in San Francisco, California.

They affirmed that the situation in the South China Sea does not comprise the entirety of Philippines-China relations and that maritime issues should be managed properly.

He said the Philippines and Japan, both maritime nations, are currently working on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that will enhance their defense cooperation. With Charles Dantes (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

The RAA will provide a legal framework for joint military exercises and operations, which will improve the military capabilities and interoperability of both nations.

He also called on each delegate to urge their respective governments to affirm multilateralism. Cooperation between key nations can set an example and in turn, encourage other states to likewise engage in collaborative security initiatives.

It is in this light that we seek your support for the Philippines bid to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028, he said.

Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. on Friday admitted that he felt exhausted after his recent six-day trip to the United States but is now fine.

In an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) at the Arca South Estate in Taguig City, Mr. Marcos said there is nothing to worry about his health.

Basically, [I] just ran out of steam. I have not fully recovered from my recent travels. I suppose I just needed rest. I am fine now. Thank you for your concern, he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Mr. Marcos issued the statement after he skipped the dinner reception for the 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanan Palace in Manila on Thursday night.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who chairs this years APPF, said Mr. Marcos was not feeling well following his three-leg trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles in California and Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Presidents cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, delivered his keynote speech on his behalf.

Despite his failure to attend the Palace event, Mr. Marcos was still able to attend the situation briefings in Catarman, Northern Samar following the widespread floods caused by the effects of the shear line and low-pressure area and General Santos City after the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

In his visit to General Santos City, the President inspected damaged structures in quake-hit areas and met with local chief executives to evaluate the actions taken by the local government units.

Mr. Marcos also had a media interview after the distribution of government assistance to quake victims.

The President, in a briefing, ordered all concerned agencies to ensure the swift delivery of assistance to those affected in Northern Samar.  With Charles Dantes
President Marcos Jr. on Friday admitted that he felt exhausted after his recent six-day trip to the United States but is now fine.

In an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) at the Arca South Estate in Taguig City, Mr. Marcos said there is nothing to worry about his health.

Basically, [I] just ran out of steam. Hindi pa ako nakapag-recover sa byahe (I have not fully recovered from my recent travel). I suppose I just needed rest. I am fine now. Thank you for your concern, he said.

Mr. Marcos issued the statement after he skipped the dinner reception for the 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanan Palace in Manila on Thursday night.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who graced the event at Malacanan, said Mr. Marcos was not feeling well following his three-legged trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles in California and Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Presidents cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, delivered his keynote speech on his behalf.

Despite his failure to attend the Palace event, Mr. Marcos was still able to attend the situation briefings in Catarman, Northern Samar following the widespread floods caused by the effects of the shear line and low-pressure area and General Santos City after the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

In his visit to General Santos City, the President inspected damaged infrastructures in quake-hit areas and met with local chief executives to evaluate the actions taken by the local government units.

Mr. Marcos also had a media interview after the distribution of government assistance to quake victims.

The President, in a situation briefing via a virtual conference, directed all concerned agencies to ensure the swift delivery of assistance to those affected in Northern Samar. with Charles Dantes
President Marcos on Friday urged the public to take advantage of the services and programs for cancer care, prevention and treatment.

Mr. Marcos made the call, as he expressed elation over the inauguration of the countrys first cancer hospital, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) at the Arca South Estate in Taguig City.

The opening of the HCCH will go a long way in improving access to quality cancer care for many Filipinos. Moreover, this endeavor highlights our strong partnership with the private sector in strengthening our healthcare system, which is aligned with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan and the Integrated Cancer Program, he said during the launch of the hospital.

All of this is geared towards our goal of universal healthcare. With the help of the HCCH, we can revolutionize the cancer care service industry in the Philippines through modern, state-of-the-art equipment coupled with leading medical professionals and oncologists, he added.

The hospitals establishment is beneficial to cancer patients and those who need early detection and testing, he said, noting that early detection is vital in combating cancer, which remains one of the most dreaded illnesses.

So, I encourage the public to maximize these programs, services, and facilities for cancer care, prevention and treatment, as the government strives to bring healthcare closer to the people, Mr. Marcos said.

Early detection allows for patients the best chance in fighting this disease. We therefore encourage all Filipinos to get regular checkups, now that we have the facilities by going to community health centers.

The HCCH is a premier healthcare institution that offers a wide and comprehensive range of cancer services from screening, diagnosis, and treatment to post-cancer care.

The cancer care services include radiation oncology, surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.

Apart from the HCCH, Mr. Marcos said the country has 25 specialty centers and cancer care in select hospitals run by the Department of Health nationwide.

He said the PhilHealth Konsulta Primary Care Team is also available to provide free diagnostic examinations and laboratory tests.

Mr. Marcos added that the government has also established the Cancer Assistance Fund, which will pay for the cost of cancer diagnostics and laboratories not covered by PhilHealth, considering the great financial burdens to cancer treatments.

Cancer is now the third leading cause of death nationwide, with lung cancer ranking number one in mortality.

The President encouraged public and private stakeholders to support the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan and invest in building more health facilities similar to the HCCH.

This is as he reiterated his administrations commitment to establishing a more accessible, efficient and responsive healthcare system.

Rest assured that the government remains committed to nurturing an environment that upholds the total well-being of our people, of course, with the continued support of our private partners and investors in healthcare, Mr. Marcos said.

So, let us work hand in hand as we take the challenges in public health and deliver quality medical services to our people all over the country. With all of us striving together in this pursuit, I am confident that we will succeed in bringing forth a stronger and healthier Philippines in the future, he added. with Charles Dantes
President Marcos has granted amnesty to former New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

Marcos issued Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406 on Nov. 22 for the granting of amnesty to rebels and insurgents to encourage them to return to the fold of the law, as part of the administrations comprehensive peace initiatives.

Under Proclamation 403, Marcos granted amnesty to the members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, specifically those who committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws.

Marcos also issued Proclamation 404 granting amnesty to the former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) or their front organizations who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

He also issued Proclamations 405 and 406, granting amnesty to the members of the MILF and MNLF, respectively, who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal Laws to advance their political beliefs.

Based on the proclamations, the clause crimes committed in pursuit of a political belief shall include, but shall not be limited to, acts and omissions performed or undertaken as part of a plan, program of action, or strategy decided by the rebel leadership to overthrow and replace the National Government, any of its political subdivisions, or duly constituted authority, with or without the use of arms.

Amnesty is granted to rebels who committed crimes whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; and inciting to rebellion or insurrection.

Other offenses include sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; and inciting to sedition; illegal assembly; illegal association; direct assault; indirect assault; resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person; tumults and other disturbances of public order; unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances; and alarms and scandals.

Also covered are illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, or explosives, provided that these crimes or offenses were committed in furtherance of, incident to, or in connection with the crimes of rebellion or insurrection; and those charged, detained, or convicted of common crimes but who can establish by substantial evidence that they have actually committed said crimes in pursuit of political beliefs.

The proclamations, however, shall not cover kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.

Any rebel who has committed any act or omission in pursuit of political belief, including those detained, charged, or convicted for such acts or omissions, may file an application for amnesty, provided that the crime for which it may be granted must have been committed prior to the issuance of the proclamations.

A person who has already been granted amnesty under previous amnesty proclamations will no longer qualify to apply.

An applicant must admit guilt of the offense for which he is criminally liable and turn over whatever firearms, weapons, and/or explosives in his possession upon application for amnesty.

The filing of an application shall not ipso facto (by the fact itself) result in a grant of amnesty, according to the proclamations.

Applicants who are found qualified, upon due deliberation of the commission created for this purpose and approved by the President, shall be issued the corresponding Certificate of Amnesty, the proclamations read.

National Amnesty Commission



Marcos also signed on Nov. 22 Executive Order (EO) No. 47, amending EO 125 issued in 2021 to amend and update the functions of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to cover the processing of the applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

Under EO 125, the NAC was created with the mandate to receive and process applications for amnesty under Proclamations 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 also issued in 2021.

There is hereby created the National Amnesty Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be primarily tasked with receiving and processing applications for amnesty and determining whether the applicants are entitled to amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406, EO 47, which takes effect immediately, said.

The commission created under EO 125 shall continue to exist and will be dissolved upon completion of its mandate or as may be determined by the President, according to EO 47.

Under EO 47, the NAC will utilize existing budgetary and funding sources from available funds and other funds as identified by the Department of Budget and Management.

For the succeeding years, the funding requirements of the commission will be included in its budget proposal. With Charles Dantes
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday turned the tables on China after it accused the Philippines of stirring up trouble in the West Philippine Sea with its joint patrols with the US military.

Who was encroaching on the South China Sea? Especially the West Philippine Sea? It is China, Teodoro said in an ambush interview.

The Philippines is not stirring up trouble. This is a reverse of the truth. Its an absolute falsity for China to say that and it is once again reversing the truth consistent with its narrative, he added.

Teodoro said the Philippines is only upholding its sovereign rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China, on the other hand, can only claim to follow international maritime laws while doing the exact opposite, the Defense chief said.

I think their credibility is very, very low, he said.

News reports earlier quoted the Chinese military as saying that the Philippines has enlisted foreign forces to patrol the South China Sea.

The Philippines enlisted forces out of the region to patrolstirred up trouble and engaged in hype, undermining regional peace and stability, the Southern Theatre Command of the Chinese military said.

The Philippines and US conducted joint patrols in the WPS area for three days this week.

For his part, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano described Beijings narrative as unfounded.

The joint patrols conducted by the Philippines with the United States are well within our rights as a sovereign nation and in accordance with international law, the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Visiting Forces Agreement, he said.

The joint patrols were conducted within 40 to 140 nautical miles from mainland Luzon and Palawan and are well-within the countrys exclusive economic zone. Chinas claim that our actions are allegedly stirring up trouble in the region is unfounded.

We will continue to exercise our rights and fulfill our obligations to maintain peace and stability in the region in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We reject any attempt to undermine our legitimate actions to safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, Ano said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the joint maritime and air patrols in the WPS were successful despite Chinas shadowing activity.

We are confident that we are now more able to operate with our ally, the US, Brawner said.

On Thursday, three ships  two Filipino and one American  were sailing together at 30 nautical miles off the Malampaya gas field facility in northern Palawan when they spotted a Chinese Peoples Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) vessel that, Brawner said, appeared to be shadowing them from a distance of 6.5 nautical miles.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros rebuked China for committing provocative actions in the WPS.

Our country should be free to patrol our waters with whomever we choose, whenever we want. This is our right as a sovereign nation, she said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said 10 of the 26 Filipinos who are still in Gaza are set to cross the border to Egypt to escape the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega expressed optimism that the Filipinos will be able to exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with their Palestinian spouses.

Of the 111 Filipinos who have already left Gaza, 108 of them have been repatriated to the Philippines while three decided to reside in Cairo, Egypt. A baby born in Cairo 12 days ago became the 109th Filipino repatriated.

A four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on Friday, with hostages set to be released in exchange for prisoners in the first major reprieve during seven weeks of a war that has claimed thousands of lives.

The two sides had agreed to silence guns and stop bombings from 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) in a conflict that erupted after Hamass murderous raids into Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 240 residents and taking them to Gaza as hostages.

As part of the agreement, 13 women and children held hostage in Gaza were due to be freed at 4:00 p.m., followed by a number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to Qatari mediators.

Over the four days, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Hamas militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released.

For Gazas 2 million-plus residents, the deal brings a promise of respite from weeks of sustained Israeli bombardment.

The territorys Hamas government says the war has so far killed about 15,000 people. According to the United Nations, 1.7 million of the territorys 2.4 million people are estimated to have been displaced.

At dawn, thousands of people who had fled to areas near Gazas border with Egypt were preparing to return to their villages.

In Khan Yunis, Palestinians loaded their belongings onto carts, strapped them to car roofs, or slung bags over their shoulders, crowding streets to return to their homes in the citys east after leaving temporary shelters.

Minutes after the truce took effect, 16-year-old Omar Jibrin emerged from a hospital in the south of the territory where he and eight family members had sought refuge.

Im going home, he said as he began the journey.

However, Israeli warplanes over southern Gaza dropped leaflets warning people not to head back to the north.

The war is not over yet, the leaflets read. Returning to the north is forbidden and very dangerous!!!

Around 15 minutes after the truce began, sirens warning of incoming rockets sounded in several communities along Israels border with Gaza, the Israeli military said, without providing further details.

About two hours into the pause, dark plumes of smoke could still be seen rising over northern Gaza.

The exact number of casualties in the war is impossible to independently confirm, but for many Palestinian and Israeli families, the truce came too late.

The last thing he said to me was that he was waiting for the truce on Friday, said Fida Zayed, a Gazan whose 20-year-old son Udai was killed in a recent air strike.

The living here are the ones who are dead.

Preparing for the worst

Qatari officials said the first batch of 13 hostages released would be women and children from the same families.

Speaking to the Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity, a Hamas official said the hostages would be released by 4:00 p.m. at the latest.

Teams of Israeli trauma experts and medics await them  along with specially trained soldiers who, according to guidelines, will promise to keep them safe.

They will also carry a childs favorite food item, be it pizza or chicken schnitzel.

An Egyptian security source told AFP that Israeli security officials, International Red Cross-Red Crescent staff, and an Egyptian team would deploy to Rafah, on the Egypt-Gaza border, to receive the hostages, who will then be flown to Israel.

AFP has confirmed the identities of 210 of the roughly 240 people abducted during cross-border attacks by Hamas on military posts, communities, and a desert music festival.

At least 35 of those taken hostage were children, with 18 of them aged 10 or under at the time of the Hamas attack.

Israel says around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the unprecedented Oct. 7 attacks when Hamas terrorists broke through Gazas militarized border.

Little is publicly known about which hostages remain alive, or in what conditions the hostages have been held.

Given the barbaric nature of the attacks and captivity we can only prepare for worst-case scenarios, said Moty Cristal, a retired Israeli military official with experience in hostage negotiations.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it had received a first list of names of those due to be released and been in contact with the families. It did not specify who was on the list.

Weve already been on an emotional roller coaster for 47 days and today is no different, said Eyal Kalderon, a cousin of Ofer Kalderon, who is among those held captive in Gaza.

Maayan Zin, whose eight- and 15-year-old daughters Ela and Dafna, are also among the hostages, posted on X that she had been informed their names were not on the list.

This is incredibly difficult for me; I long for their return, she wrote.

Asked if he expected kidnapped American toddler Abigail Mor Idan to be in the first batch of hostages to be released, US President Joe Biden said: Im keeping my fingers crossed.

A safe environment

Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will also be freed on Friday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said, adding a list of names had been approved.

The agreement entailed a complete ceasefire with no attacks from the air or the ground and the skies clear of drones to allow for the hostage release to happen in a safe environment, Ansari said.

Israel has published a list comprising the names of a total of 300 Palestinians who could be released, should the truce outlive the initial four-day period.

Among them are 33 women and 267 children and youths. The list also includes 49 Hamas members.

The armed wing of the Islamist Hamas movement agreed to the truce deal, which is also intended to provide aid to Gazans struggling to survive with shortages of food, water, and fuel.

Palestinian prisoners will be released from three jails in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, then taken to the Ofer military camp on buses, an Israeli official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that they were expected to be freed in the evening.

Governments around the world have welcomed the agreement, with some expressing hope it will lead to a lasting end to the war.

Israeli officials, however, say the truce will be only temporary.  With AFP
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted amnesty to various rebel and insurgent groups as the administration continued its efforts to push for peace and unity.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Friday the militant groups were granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406.

Included in the amnesty are former members Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Additionally, members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) were also granted amnesty.

The PCO said the amnesty was granted to allow former rebels to return to the fold of law and reintegrate themselves back into society.

However, the proclamation stated that it would not cover grave offenses such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, and other crimes committed for personal ends.

Moreover, crimes in line with the violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights were also excluded from the proclamation.

Earlier this week, the President issued EO No. 47 amending EO No. 125 series of 2021, which created the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).

The President said there was a need to revise the functions of the NAC to process applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that the government remained alert against terrorism and extremism, following the amnesty granted by President Marcos Jr. to four rebel groups.

At the same time, Teodoro said the amnesty complemented government efforts to end the insurgency as some rebels refused to surrender because they had existing warrants of arrest.

Teodoro said the amnesty would need the concurrence of Congress.

The National Amnesty Commission would vet the qualified recipients of amnesty. At the same time, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity will provide livelihood and other forms of assistance to the former rebels.

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano expressed optimism about the amnesty.

The National Security Council expresses its full support and gladly welcomes the amnesty proclamations issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aimed at fostering lasting peace in our country through comprehensive peace initiatives, he said in a statement.

We recognize these proclamations as significant steps towards national healing and peacebuilding. By providing a path for former rebels to return to the fold of the law, the national amnesty program contributes to the overall stability and unity of our nation.

These amnesty proclamations will undoubtedly create a climate conducive to peace and reconciliation, pave the way for the former rebels reintegration into society, and provide them access to socio-economic services of the government. It is a clear and unmistakable instrument of peace and reconciliation.

Ano also urged the rebels to take the chance to rejoin mainstream society and be part of the nation-building for the betterment and prosperity of the country.

We urge all former rebels to take this once-in-lifetime opportunity to return to mainstream society and become productive citizens of the country once again. Help us build a better and more prosperous country, Ano said.

Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said they were committed to accelerating the implementation of the amnesty.

The Task Force is committed to work and expedite the full implementation of the proclamations that grant amnesty for former members of various rebel groups, the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement.

The task force called on the remaining members of the concerned rebel groups to surrender to authorities.

Let us move forward together, transcending past conflicts and differences, towards a future where peace reigns supreme, it said.

Our collective efforts today lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Philippines tomorrow.

Senator Grace Poe said the amnesty strikes a powerful chord with Filipinos who shun violence and conflict.

She noted that groups waging armed struggle out of their political conviction will no longer feel the sword hanging over their heads.

We hope the amnesty program will provide a comprehensive package for the rebels, including training, livelihood, and employment opportunities, Poe said.

She said this would fully reintegrate the rebels into mainstream society as peaceful, productive, and law-abiding citizens.
Hamas said a group of 25 hostages13 Israelis and 12 Thaisseized in the deadliest attack in Israels history were handed over on Friday as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting.

FIRST DAY OF TRUCE. International Red Cross vehicles reportedly carrying Israeli hostages released by Hamas cross the Rafah border point in the Gaza Strip on the way to Egypt, from which they would be flown to Israel to be reunited with their families on Friday. AFP

During the four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, 10 of them immediately, officials said.

It was unclear if two Filipinos also held hostage by Hamas would be released along with the first batch, the Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier.

Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed to the Red Cross who will take them to the Egyptians at the Rafah crossing, a source close to Hamas told AFP.

Israeli security forces were already standing next to ambulances waiting outside the helipad of Tel Avivs Schneider medical center. AFP

A source in the military wing of Hamas confirmed the handover, adding: This is the first group under the agreement.

A first tranche of 13 women and child hostages were expected to go back to Israel on Friday under a deal that followed weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Israel is set to release three times as many Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails  women and teenage boys.

A dozen Thai hostages kidnapped during Hamass Oct. 7 raids into Israel were also released on Friday, Thailands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced.

Pictures released by the Israeli army showed bright pink and blue headphones sitting on the seats of a helicopter ready for the released hostages to use, along with toys and teddy bears waiting at a reception center where they were being taken to.

During a four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinians prisoners are expected to be released.

Hamas broke through Gazas militarized border with Israel on Oct. 7 to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

It was unclear if two Filipinos also held hostage by Hamas would be released along with this first batch, the Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier.

The families of the 13 hostages  all but one of whom hailed from the same kibbutz (settlement)  were on their way to hospitals in Israel, where they were to be reunited later, the Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces withdrew from Gazas largest hospital Al-Shifa on Friday, the Hamas-run health ministry said, on the first day of the temporary truce.

The Israeli military raided Al-Shifa last week, targeting what it said was a Hamas command center in a tunnel complex beneath the medical facility. The Palestinian militant group and hospital officials have repeatedly denied the claim.

Al-Shifa has been a major focus of Israels ground offensive in the Gaza Strip following attacks by Hamas across southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Since the Israeli raid, many of the estimated 2,300 patients, staff and displaced civilians sheltering in the Al-Shifa complex have been evacuated to the south of the Gaza Strip.

In Manila, the DFA on Friday said 10 of the 26 Filipinos who are still in Gaza are set to cross the border to Egypt to escape the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega expressed optimism that the Filipinos will be able to exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with their Palestinian spouses.

Of the 111 Filipinos who have already left Gaza, 108 of them have been repatriated to the Philippines while three decided to reside in Cairo, Egypt. A baby born in Cairo 12 days ago became the 109th Filipino repatriated.

But the World Health Organization was extremely concerned about the safety of the estimated 100 patients and health workers remaining at Al-Shifa, spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.

Hamas health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra, said the Israeli military had withdrawn but the people remaining at Al-Shifa were in a battered complex whose main generator is destroyed along with numerous buildings.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

Were working on further evacuations from hospitals as soon as possible, said Lindmeier, with recent Israeli operations focusing on the Indonesian Hospital, another medical facility in northern Gaza.

Lindmeier said the latest evacuation convoy had left Al-Shifa with 73 severely ill or injured patients including some in need of critical care.

On Thursday, Israeli forces arrested Al-Shifa director Mohammad Abu Salmiya, who has been frequently quoted by international media about conditions inside the complex.

Israeli soldiers escorted journalists to a tunnel shaft they said was part of an underground network used by Hamas.

Al-Shifa hospital has been the scene of an extended Israeli special forces operation as part of its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run government says nearly 15,000 people have been killed, most of them women and children.

On Friday, a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war began, with hostages set to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

We hope that this humanitarian pause leads to a longer term humanitarian ceasefire for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and beyond, said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA. With Rey Requejo
Taipei  Taiwans opposition parties registered separate tickets on Friday for Januarys presidential election following the dramatic last-minute breakdown of a proposed alliance to topple the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

The lead-up to the self-ruled islands Jan. 13 poll is being closely watched  including by policymakers in Beijing and Washington  as it could determine the future of Taiwans relations with an increasingly bellicose China.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, detests the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has halted high-level communications with President Tsai Ing-wens administration.

To increase their chances against DPP candidate Vice President Lai Ching-te, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT)  the islands leading pro-Beijing party  had initially sought to join forces with the less-established Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP).

But the negotiations broke down in spectacular fashion on live TV Thursday night, when a televised meeting between the parties  arranged by Foxconn tycoon Terry Gou in a last-ditch attempt to bring them together  descended into cross-talk and arguments.

The failure of the (KMT-TPP) coalition has disappointed 60 percent of the public, KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih said at a Friday press conference before going to register his candidacy separately.

I called Ko at the last minute, but he did not answer. We have waited until the last moment.

Hou named former KMT legislator Jaw Shaw-kong  better known in Taiwan as a media personality  as his running mate.

The two parties disagreement stemmed from whether it should be Hou or TPPs Ko Wen-je standing as the presidential candidate.

Ko, whose party is smaller, has performed above expectations, and has recently been polling neck and neck with Hou.

He arrived Friday morning to register his own candidacy and that of his running mate, Cynthia Wu, who used to run a Taiwanese financial conglomerate and has served as a TPP legislator for a year.

There is a lack of long-term planning in policies, only short-term spending, which increases the burden on the next generation, Ko said, criticizing the DPP.

As a leader in the opposition, I will step forward, he added.

DPPs Lai  whose running mate Hsiao Bi-khim is Taipeis former envoy to the United States  said Thursday that their opponents were still in disarray.

I ask you, fellow citizens  would you dare to entrust the task of governing the country to this group? he said during a campaign event.

Both Lai and Hsiao are hated by Beijing, which has blasted them as an independence duo for their refusal to acknowledge Chinas claim on Taiwan. AFP
Miss Global Philippines 2023, Empress Pearl Hung, is set to compete in Miss Global 2023 in Cambodia. Hung, who grew up as an orphan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, had to overcome lifes challenges. With courage and determination, she triumphed and became a successful businesswoman.

A self-made woman, 30-year-old Hung is the founder of the Elites Empire, a business community of passionate and modern entrepreneurs who seek to change lives by ultimate dream. It has grown rapidly and now includes members from all over the world.

Hung, an advocate for financial literacy education in the Philippines, authored inspirational inspirational books namely The Breakthrough Book and #Pearl Notes  Magical Insights of Awareness.

To represent my country, is already an accomplishment for me, but I believe in the exponential effect that life can give us, and as we represent the Philippines on a larger scale, I am aiming for an accomplishment to another accomplishment, Hung posted in her official Facebook.

Hung, Miss World Philippines 2018 Second Princess, was appointed by Pauline Sofia Laping, national director of Miss Global Philippines, and was crowned by reigning Miss Global 2022 Shane Tormes. She undergoes rigid training under Kagandahang Flores led by Rodgil Flores. She now aims for a back-to-back win in Miss Global 2023 which features more than 30 candidates from around the world. The pre-pageant will be held in Vietnam and Indonesia, while the coronation finals will be in Cambodia in January 2024.
Uptown Bonifacio, Megaworlds flagship mall in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, welcomed the Christmas season with a grand festivity dedicated to celebrate and shine the spotlight on the rich Filipino art of weaving and textile.

A Festive Filipino Christmas, launched in partnership with CulturAid, a non-profit organization leading the empowerment and cultural preservation of indigenous communities, highlights the rich tapestry of handcrafted creations of weavers and artisans from various communities from all over the Philippines.

The centerpiece of the joyous celebration is the 40-feet Christmas tree towering over the Uptown Mall Atrium and adorned with more than a thousand woven ensembles of ornaments and decorations made from locally-sourced materials and handcrafted by indigenous communities from Lanao Del Sur, Marawi, Aklan, Iloilo, Albay, and La Union.

The bows and highlights, meanwhile, were handcrafted by CulturAIDs artisans from sinamay and abaca twine from Bicol, while the ticog wet grass banig were shipped from their crafters in Mindoro, Aklan, Leyte, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo. Also adorning the mall are decorations and ornaments made by CulturAIDs partner communities from the provinces.

This collaboration with CulturAID is a testament to our commitment to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. We believe that the holiday season is the perfect time to showcase the beauty of our traditions and to create meaningful connections with our community, shared Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham Coates.

Guests can show their support to the weaving communities supported by CulturAID by shopping for handwoven and handcrafted ornaments and products on display at the Threads That Unite Us booth at the Ground Floor of Uptown Mall, near the Concierge.

CulturAID is a non-profit organization that aims to document, safeguard, revitalize and promote the practice and relevance of Philippine cultural heritage through Philippine artisan craft, textile weaving production, immersive cultural travel and indigenous community preservation.

For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or follow Uptown Bonifacio on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UptownBonifacio) and Instagram (@UptownBonifacio_).
A Martinsville man, arrested last month on racketeering charges in an alleged drug distribution ring, was indicted by a grand jury on Monday for an altercation he had with Henry County deputies in July.

Deputy Tiffany Boyd responded to a motor vehicle accident on Figsboro Road on July 28. The 911 caller reported a black truck that had been driving erratically had wrecked into a tree line at the intersection of Figsboro Road and Apple Tree Circle, Boyd wrote in her complaint.

When Boyd arrived, Waylon Cox-Ingram grabbed Patricia Beth Cox-Ingram, his wife, and began using her as a body shield and pulling her into the road where moderate traffic was going both ways, Boyd stated.

Patricia Beth Cox-Ingram, along with Waylon Allen Cox-Ingram, Vincent Tanelli Ingram, Quincy Leon Penn, Jenise GreNet Draper, and Anthony Joseph Albanese were all charged with money laundering and racketeering on Oct. 4. Waylon and Patricia were also charged with two counts of distribution of 100 grams of methamphetamines, distribution of cocaine2nd offense, two counts of endangering the life of a child, two counts of conspiring to distribute more than 100 grams of methamphetamines, and conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Boyd wrote that she managed to get one cuff onto Waylon Cox-Ingram when he broke away, ran to Boyds patrol vehicle, got behind the wheel and tried to close the door. When Boyd tried to pull him out of her car, Cox-Ingram resisted and struggled with Boyd, grabbing at her gun.

Cox-Ingram assaulted me by grabbing me by the legs and attempting to pull me to the ground, Boyd wrote.

Another deputy began assisting Boyd and Boyd wrote that the other deputy was also assaulted by Cox-Ingram.

Cox-Ingram was acting erratically and once he was placed in cuffs and was being moved to the back of my patrol vehicle, Cox-Ingram became unresponsive and had to be administered NARCAN twice, Boyd wrote. It was also apparent that Cox-Ingram was under the influence of narcotics and it was confirmed that he was the driver of the vehicle that had wrecked.

As a result, Cox-Ingram, 39, was indicted by a Henry County Circuit Court grand jury Monday on two counts of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, attempt to disarm a law enforcement officer, attempted carjacking, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine2nd offense.

Other indictments

In this term, 75 indictments were certified and 66 were direct for a total of 141 indictments against 59 people.

An indictment is not an indication of guilty. It is the grand jurys determination that enough evidence exists to hold a trial.

Tony Cecil Ashby, 52, on or about June 23: Possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute3rd or subsequent offense.

James Robert Ballard, 46, on or about June 7: Strangulation of a family or household member.

Sipriano Bautista, 33, on or about April 30: Aggravated malicious wounding.

Jamie Lee Best, 37, on or about July 23: Possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possess firearm by a felon, possess ammunition by a felon, possess firearm while possessing schedule II drugs with intent to distribute, possess hydrocodone and acetaminophen, elude police.

Randy Lee Blankenship, 35, on or about Aug. 18: larceny with intent to sell or distribute, sell or distribute stolen property, two counts of obtaining money by false pretense, petit larceny, grand larceny.

Nathan Eugene Bray, 20, on or about July 14: Carjacking.

James Douglas Brown III, 41, on or about June 1: False statement to a firearms dealer.

Benjamin Chace Bullins, 24, on or about June 26: Break and enter dwelling in the nighttime with intent to commit larceny, six counts of grand larceny of a firearm, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, grand larceny.

Montel Montoya Carter, 29, on or about July 18: Possess oxycodone and acetaminophen.

Brenton Harvey Cooper, 44, on or about Aug. 8: Felony failure to appear.

Rebecca Wyatt Dotson, 48, on or about Nov. 28, 2022: False statement to a firearm dealer.

Jonathan Michael Easter, 38, on or about July 19: Elude police. On or about July 22: Attempt to murder a law enforcement officer, assault and batter a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a violent felon, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, possess fentanyl, possess methamphetamine, possess hydrocodone and acetaminophen, possess a firearm while possessing schedule I/II drugs.

Madison Grace Ferrell, 21, between Nov. 18, 2022 and Jan. 31: Endanger life of a child.

Tyler James Flowers, 25, or on about June 4: Strangulation of family or household member.

Stanley Calvin Francis Jr., 50, on or about Jan 31, 2020: Felony failure to appear.

David Keith Fulcher, 64, on or about July 9: Possess methamphetamine, possession of an unlawful chemical compound by a prisoner.

Tavia Brook Grant, 23, on or about Aug. 27: Four counts of felony hit and run.

Shantel Marie Hairston, 28, on or about March 18: Endanger life of a child.

Timothy Blair Hairston Jr., 38, on or about June 16: Strangulation of a family or household member.

Montreia Sharmane Hagwood, 43, on or about Sept. 11: Three counts of perjury.

Brandon Rayne Hale, 24, on or about Sept. 15, 2022: Possess methamphetamine, possess fentanyl, possess cocaine, possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Darrell Jason David Harris, 43, on or about July 13: Receive stolen property.

Bobby Ronell Helms, 44, on or about Sept. 19: Possess with intent to sell cocaine3rd of subsequent offense, possess with intent to see fentanyl3rd of subsequent offense, possess a firearm while possessing schedule I/II drugs with intent to distribute.

Dustin Lyn Hylton, 36, on or about Jan. 24: Break and enter a dwelling while armed with a deadly weapon, petit larceny, aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony2nd or subsequent offense.

Brian Edward Janey, 46, on or about April 23: Possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Aaron Deon Johnson, 36, on or about Aug. 12: Possess cocaine.

Jerome Johnson, 62, on or about May 21: Robberyuse of a firearm, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon.

Ivy Madeline Jones, 22, on or about July 18: Felony hit and run resulting in personal injury, four counts of endangering the life of a child.

Cornett Devon Kidd, 38, on or about June 10: Strangulation of a family or household member, assault and batter a family member3rd or subsequent offense.

Matthew Ryan King, 34, on or about May 21: Utter a forged bank note, obtain money by false pretense.

Orian Blaize Kuhn, 24, between Nov. 18, 2022 and Jan. 31: Endanger the life of a child.

Michael Randall Lamkin, 48, on or about June 29: Two counts of assault and batter a law enforcement officer.

Jordan Kobie Miller, 25, on or about May 29: Abduction, malicious wounding of a household or family member.

April Irvette Millner, 44, on or about July 23: Possess hydrocodone and acetaminophen, possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Daniel Glenn Mullins, 41, on or about Aug. 9: Felony fail to appear.

Jessica Dawn Nutter, 39, on or about Aug. 27: Felony animal cruelty.

Douglas Lashon Penn, 36, on or about June 14: Felony destruction of property.

Juan Carlos Perez, 27, on or about July 26: Assault and batter a family member3rd or subsequent offense.

Larry Dean Perkins, 28, on or about Aug. 26: Elude police.

Adam Michael Polzella, 43, on or about July 26: Possess methamphetamine.

Kendrick Lorenze Redd, 48, on or about July 29, 2021: Obtain money by false pretense.

Cody Lee Risaliti, 20, on or about July 24: Two counts of felony fail to appear.

Ronald David Robinette III, 26, on or about May 16: Grand larceny of a motor vehicle, felony fail to appear.

Sherard Elliott Robinson, 44, on or about July 12: Grand larceny of a motor vehicle.

Cole A. Russell, 24, between March 1 and April 30: Object sexual penetration.

Marcus Lee Spencer, 24, on or about June 3, 2022: Possess methamphetamine.

Corey Christopher Stephens, 36, between June 15 and July 3: Assault and batter a person subject to a protective order, malicious wounding of a family or household member, abduction.

Kary Lee Taylor Jr., 52, on or about July 25, 2022: Two counts of distribute cocaine3rd of subsequent offense.

Courtney Renee Thomas, 29, on or about July 26: Attempted malicious wounding, maliciously shoot at an occupied motor vehicle, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Billy Lee Towler, on or about 34, on or about June 6, 2022: Four counts of forgery by use of computer or computer network, four counts of utter forged account information by use of computer or computer network, four counts of obtain money by false pretense.

Carlton Scott Vaughn, 40, on or about June 29: Grand larceny of a motor vehicle.

Dylan Shane Vernon, 31, on or about March 15: Practice as a contractor without a license, operate business without a license.

Robert Leon Via, 35, on or about July 8: Strangulation.

Katherine Cardwell Vipperman, 54, on or about Aug. 9: Felony failure to appear.

Stuart Alan Ward, 38, on or about April 21: Grand larceny of a motor vehicle, possess methamphetamine, possess fentanyl, driving while intoxicated1st offense.

Steven Lamont Watkins, 51, on or about June 28: Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Larry David Whorley Jr., 49, or or about Aug. 13: Two counts of assault of a law enforcement officer.

John Andrew Wood, 46, on or about July 15: Two counts of grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
The Rotary Club of Marion is now accepting applications for its fall 2023 local small grants program.

McDowell County nonprofits and service organizations can now submit applications for Rotary of Marions small grants. The deadline for grant submission is Monday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Marion has a total of $10,000 for a special small grant program this fall for local nonprofits and service organizations. The grants must be for specific projects that further the work of the nonprofit or service organization in McDowell County. Requests must be for at least $500 but cannot be more than $1,500. Projects must be able to be completed by September 1, 2024, according to a news release.

While the Rotary Club will consider all requests, the club members are focusing locally during this grant cycle on promoting:

Health and human or animal welfare

Community resource development, and

Education or youth programs

Grants shall not cover capital requests, staff training, salaries, annual fundraising campaigns, sponsorship, or general operating expenses. At this time, the club is not accepting grant applications from schools. If you received grant funds from Rotary in May of 2023, you are not eligible for the fall small grant program but will be for the spring 2024 grant program, according to the news release.

Requests must be for at least $500 but cannot be more than $1,500. Groups requesting consideration should submit a two-page or less explanation with the following information and an attached budget for the project. The information required includes:

1. The legal name of the tax-exempt group (or fiscal agent) requesting the grant. Submit your IRS tax exempt notification letter with TIN or statement that you are a governmental agency with the grant request.

2. Provide full contact information (full name, physical and mailing address, e-mail, and phone number) for the president/principal/executive director of the requesting organization, the person submitting the grant, and all grant partners.

3. A description of the project, why the funds are needed, and when the project will begin and end.

4. The anticipated number of people/animals/organizations who would be helped by these grant funds.

5. The amount requested from Rotary for the grant. Provide as an attachment, the budget for this program and include all other planned revenue sources. Please be specific, with no abbreviations.

6. Will these funds be matched or used as a local match for other funding? If so, from whom is that funding expected and has that funding been formally committed? If not yet committed, when will a decision regarding the commitment of the other funds be made?

7. How would having the requested funds further the work of the organization? Who would be helped?

8. When did you last receive funds from the Rotary Club of Marion, how much were those, and for what were the funds used?

If there are questions about your request, Rotary Club representatives will call the contact person listed on the application. Incomplete applications (and without a budget or tax-exempt documentation) will not be considered.

Grant requests and documentation must be received by this years Rotary Small Grant Coordinators Cecilia Reel or David Watson on or before 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22. Your submission and documentation may be sent via email to Cecilia Reel at cecilia@mtnlakerealty.com or David Watson at dhwatson58@gmail.com or by mail to Rotary Club of Marion, P.O. Box 1213, Marion N.C. 28752 so long at it arrives before 3 p.m. on Dec. 22.

Questions may be directed to either Reel at 828-442-5923 or Watson at 908-902-4741 by email or by phone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday. After reviewing all grant requests, Rotary will notify you whether your request has been approved, denied or partially funded. The club anticipates that funds would be available by end of February 2024. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024. Rotary will expect a short grant report at the end of your grant or by June 30, 2024, detailing how the grants funds were spent and providing digital photos, according to the news release.

The Rotary Club of Marion meets Thursday at noon at the Community Building and the club welcomes new members. If you or someone that you know is interested in learning more about Rotary or attending a meeting, contact Arthur Parks at AWParks@aol.com.
Guinea-Bissau on Thursday received an underwater drone to monitor garbage on the Bijagos islands, the gift of an expedition that set off from Portugal with sailors of various nationalities to draw attention to the archipelago considered a paradise.

The 88 islands of the Bijagos, 20 of which are inhabited, are a protected area where the currents of the Atlantic Ocean carry garbage from different sources, which the local authorities recognize as a problem for biodiversity.

The Bijagos expedition, a civil society initiative, handed over a drone to Guinea-Bissaus Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), which will allow it to monitor the aquatic environments in the archipelago and obtain information on biodiversity and the formation of garbage deposits on the seabed.

Miguel Teixeira was the driving force behind the initiative, which started on the island of Madeira in Portugal and brought together sailors of various nationalities, as well as the 1,300 euros to buy the drone.

As he explained at the handover, which took place at the Portuguese Embassy in Bissau, this equipment will give a more accurate idea of what happens up to 50 meters deep, because what you see at the surface of the water is around 10% of whats down there.

As he stressed, the Guinean archipelago is a paradise that is being violated by waste that is not produced locally.
In Kenya, the question of funds allocated to El Nino prevention is causing controversy. For the past ten days, the country has been suffering from torrential rains that have caused major flooding, particularly in the eastern coastal regions.

In September, the government announced that 10 billion shillings (around 60 million euros) would be released to deal with the consequences of this climatic phenomenon. But the governors of the affected regions are contesting this.

This duel is played out in press conferences. On November 22, 2023, the Board of Governors stated that it had not received a single shilling to deal with the El Nino phenomenon.

Vice President Rigathi Gachaguas response was swift: We are shocked to hear governors complaining that they havent received any money for El Nino from the government. Governors are supposed to use emergency funds from their financial provisions and reallocate funds from their budgets to intervene. The government, for its part, has released 2.5 billion shillings [about 15 million euros, editors note] and will continue to release funding in the future.

The Board of Governors, meanwhile, estimates that the government owes the various counties 62.5 billion shillings, or around 375 million euros, just for the regular budget from September to November.

Ahmed Abdullah, Governor of Wajir County in the north-east of the country, says: To date, not a single county has received any money to respond to the consequences of El Nino. Governors should not be intimidated. They should be supported. They shouldnt be pitted against people or against each other. Governors are not in competition.

According to the authorities, the floods have already killed around 50 people and affected almost 80,000 homes.
The national director of the Cape Verdean Judicial Police (PJ), Ivanilda Mascarenhas, has resigned for undisclosed reasons, and efforts are underway to replace her, the Minister of Justice, Joana Rosa, announced on Thursday.

We are working within the legal framework so that we have a new national director of the Judicial Police who has the profile required for the job and can better carry out his duties, she said on the sidelines of a public event in Praia.

Joana Rosa said she was focused so that there is no deterioration in the image of the PJ, a very important entity.

Asked about the reasons for her resignation, the minister referred the question to Ivanilda Mascarenhas.

The deputy national director, Heidmilson Frederico, who was appointed in May, also resigned, according to the online newspaper Santiago Magazine, which reported on the departures on Wednesday.

Judge Ivanilda Mascarenhas had taken office as director of the PJ on December 23, 2022, with the aim of preserving gains, projecting the institution to a new level, and giving particular attention to crime.
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:

Patient and spell characteristics. (A) Distribution of age at onset and age at diagnosis of breath-holding spells in our cohort. (B) Overview of the semiology of the spells. One patient could have more than one type of semiology in different spells or in one spell, shown here as overlap. (C) Overview of heredity in relation to the BHS patient. Five patients had both a sibling and a parent with a history of breath-holding spells. Credit: Acta Paediatrica (2023). DOI: 10.1111/apa.17020

Breath-holding spells are common in young children and are benign. Yet children often undergo unnecessary diagnostic interventions when seeking medical care. This is because there are no national or international guidelines on how to assess children in these cases.

A team of researchers at Lund University, Sweden has now proposed guidelines to reduce the number of emergency and unplanned medical visits and to provide more equitable and structured care for children with breath-holding spells. The recommendations are published in the journal Acta Paediatrica.

Breath-holding spells are episodes during which a child temporarily stops breathing and are triggered by an emotional reaction, such as anger, fear or pain. They are common in young children and are harmless. Some children will have occasional spell, but it is more common for them to be recurrent.

About 25% of children aged 0 to 5 years will experience simple breath-holding spells, during which they do not lose consciousness. About 5% will have severe spells which result in a brief loss of consciousness. The older the child gets, the less frequent these episodes become and normally the child will have outgrown the condition by the time they start school.

"The pattern is quite clear. The spell is always caused by an emotion. Even if the child has fallen over and hurt themselves, it is still fear or pain that triggers the episode. The color of the child's face changes and turns pale or blue. The spell is short, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. These symptoms were described in the medical records of more than 90% of the children in our study," says Kees-Jan Pronk, a researcher at Lund University and pediatrician at Skane University Hospital who led the study.

While breath-holding spells are a familiar concept in health care, there are no diagnostic criteria or guidelines on how to assess these children when they seek medical care. This leads to uncertainty about how to investigate and take care of the patients, and also what might be an appropriate follow-up. Breath-holding spells can also be frightening for family members and often results in urgent but unnecessary medical visits even after the child has been diagnosed.

Sanna Hellstrom Schmidt is a speciality registrar in pediatrics at Skane University Hospital, a doctoral student at Lund University and the first author of the study.

"This is why we need clear diagnostic criteria, to standardize assessment and treatment. At present, many doctors treat these spells as something between a first-time seizure and a fainting episode, which is not correct."

The Lund University study examined more than 500 children who had been diagnosed with breath-holding spells in Skane Region in Southern Sweden, between 2004 and 2018. Almost half of the children were investigated with an ECG, which measures the electrical activity of the heart, and a third with an EEG, which measures the electrical activity of the brain. None of these ECG and EEG investigations in the study showed abnormal test results which could explain the spells in these children.

"These unjustified diagnostic interventions are stressful for both children and their parents and can cause unnecessary worry. Furthermore, it uses health care resources that could be used elsewhere. At the same time, it is of course compulsory to perform an ECG in cases where there are symptoms or suspicion of disorders such as hereditary arrhythmias," says Hellstrom Schmidt.

It may seem a bit controversial to suggest fewer diagnostic tests, but with an accurate and detailed patient medical history and background information on what happened to the child, the doctor can easily diagnose breath-holding spells without these tests, argues Hellstrom Schmidt.

In a previous study, researchers showed that children with breath-holding spells are more likely than the general population to have low blood counts or iron deficiency. If the child is treated with iron supplements, the number of episodes may be reduced or stop altogether. However, there is uncertainty about treatment using iron supplementation and in reality, few children receive it. The new guidelines will make it clearer when children need an ECG and when they should have a blood test to check their blood count and iron status.

The next step for the researchers is a six-year study starting in 2024. This means that children in Skane who seek medical care with typical symptoms of breath-holding spells will be assessed and treated according to the researchers' new guidelines. In this way, they hope to improve and validate the guidelines and ultimately increase their usefulness.

"We expect the number of ECG investigations to decrease significantly with our guidelines, and the use of EEG is not suggested at all. At the same time, we hope to see more blood tests to check for iron deficiency or anemia, which is desirable given the link between abnormal blood counts and breath-holding spells. We anticipate that the limited use only of ECG will make it possible to use the guidelines also in countries with less resources in health care compared to Sweden.

"It is also important to note that anemia and iron deficiency are more commonly observed in children in many of these low-income countries, and for these children it is an advantage that our guidelines propose more liberal blood sampling," concludes Kees-Jan Pronk.

More information: Sanna Hellstrom Schmidt et al, Overuse of EEG and ECG in children with breathholding spells and its implication for the management of the spells, Acta Paediatrica (2023). DOI: 10.1111/apa.17020 Journal information: Acta Paediatrica
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:

Financial crises are periods characterized for some by devastating losses of income, work, a certain future, and a stable family life. The effect on mental health can be catastrophic. But what does the evidence tell us about who is most at risk, and in what ways?

We are the first team to do a systematic review of global research linking financial crises and mental harms. The evidence from almost 100 eligible studies (out of nearly 7,000 we considered) shows that these crises have consistent, long-term negative effects on the well-being of whole groups of people, including increases in depression, anxiety and risk of suicide.

But not everyone is affected equally. Your gender, age, job and whether you have a family are all key factors in determining how vulnerable you are to the stress and poor mental health associated with financial loss and insecurity.

Manual workers (such as farmers, tradespeople and those working minimum-wage jobs) are vulnerable as they typically have less of a safety net, while small business owners are particularly susceptible to financial pressures and worries.

People at either end of the age spectrum are also more vulnerable as they have fewer resources. Others at higher risk include families, people with lower levels of formal education, and those with long-term health conditions.

Suicide mortality rates increase both during and after periods of financial crisisa risk that is always higher among men.

However, women are more at risk of suffering poorer mental health in general during a financial crisis, as they tend to take on more responsibilities both at work and homeincluding increased emotional labor supporting others who may be struggling financially.

Stigma, stress and social roles

Our research highlights three broad challenges to the mental well-being of people struggling in a financial crisis. Understanding how to address them could help make people more psychologically resilient in the face of future financial downturns. Here are some recommendations based both on the study's findings and our combined research knowledge and expertise in health psychology.

1. Social stigma and support

The stigma of mental illness is decreasing in many societies, as we've become more comfortable talking about our well-being. It's less clear, though, if we are okay talking about our finances. Encouraging people to be more open about financial distress with trusted friends, family members and partners, free of any judgment, can be especially important during periods of economic uncertainty.

Higher levels of trust in other people offer another defense against mental distress during periods of financial crisis. The reduced stigma around discussing mental health and suicide can buffer against some of the most devastating outcomes. Research shows that talking about suicide can save lives.

2. Stress and insecurity from loss of resources

Even if your job feels secure, financial downturns can lead to increasing pressures at work as a result of greater workloads and reduced staff.

If you are an employee, check whether your employer subscribes to an employee assistance program that delivers legal and financial advice and psychological support when needed.

Alternatively, join a unionmost provide legal advice and financial support. Practical support for business owners is also available.

When feeling threatened with loss of income or job security, connecting with people in similar positions both in-person and online, such as via parent groups, can help you feel you're not alone and is a good way of sharing resources. You should also be able to get help from your local council.

3. Challenges to identity, social roles and meaning

Losing your job or income understandably damages your sense of self. But identity and meaning can be found in various aspects of life, not only work.

Be careful not to think of yourself as "just one thing"whether a breadwinner or a caregiveras this can create a sense of fragility. Strive to find greater meaning through family, hobbies, organizations and community work.

And we all need to encourage understanding that it's not the sole responsibility of women to be the emotional caregivers in families and other care situationsa perception that can damage their sense of identity. Household work and childcare should be divided as evenly as possible at all times, but especially among periods of crisis when people are feeling highly stressed.

Saving lives and the economy

Declines in mental health should not be regarded as an unavoidable cost of financial crisesthis is wrong economically as well as morally. Supporting a nation's well-being could save a struggling economy billions by reducing mental illness-related sickness and disability, and ensuring that optimal work practices can continue.

Our review highlights that the way societies are structured affects the impact of financial crises on their populations' mental health. It is perhaps not surprising, for example, that countries with particularly strong welfare systems, such as Iceland, reported minimal to no increases in suicide rates following a financial crisis.

At a national level, having strong welfare, accessible health services and progressive attitudes towards mental health are shown to reduce suicide and mental illness. On an individual basis, reaching out to others, having supportive social networks, rethinking our identities and developing financial knowledge may help us all weather current and future crises.

Whatever stage in life you are in, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with available mental health services. In the UK, for professional help, contact your GP, use the NHS e-referral platform or check out the NHS talking therapies services. Charities and organizations such as Mind, Samaritans and the Mental Health Foundation also provide expert advice and professional support.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Image from the 'One Drink' campaign by the WA Mental Health Commission and the Cancer Council WA. Credit: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100102

New research published Nov. 21 is putting alcohol use during pregnancy in the spotlight, prompting calls from public health experts for ongoing investment in hard-hitting campaigns to support alcohol-free pregnancies.

The new study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, analyzed adults' views on alcohol and pregnancy to evaluate the impact of a public education campaign that aired in Western Australia from January 2021 to May 2022.

The "One Drink" campaign, developed by the WA Mental Health Commission in collaboration with Cancer Council WA, features a video of a baby-shaped glass being filled with red wine to illustrate that any amount of alcohol a mother drinks, the baby drinks too. The campaign has recently recommenced airing in WA.

Public health experts say the research findings suggest many Australians of childbearing age do not understand the risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy but are much more likely to abstain when informed of the risks.

Lead author Prof. Simone Pettigrew from The George Institute for Global Health says there is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy, and the community has a right to know the facts so they can make an informed decision.

"Previous research has found that around 35% of Australian women use alcohol at some stage during their pregnancy," she said.

"Similarly, in this study we found that before seeing the campaign, almost one-third of men and women aged 18 to 45 were confused about the risks and thought it was okay for women to drink some alcohol during pregnancy."

Pettigrew says there haven't been many mass media campaigns about pregnancy and alcohol, and therefore there is limited evidence available about their impact.

"This research was an important opportunity to evaluate a distinctive campaign that ran in WA and see how successful it was," says Pettigrew.

To evaluate the campaign, researchers surveyed male and female Western Australians of childbearing age, both before and after the campaign ran.

"We found that 76% of survey respondents recalled seeing the campaign. We also uncovered really positive signs that the campaign would help dissuade pregnant women from drinking," Pettigrew says.

"Additionally, we found that after the campaign had aired, 95% of women reported intending to abstain from drinking when pregnantand both males and females were more likely to agree that pregnant women shouldn't drink any alcohol.

"We had previously found that one in two people who viewed the campaign agreed that it contained new health information. This latest research suggests that potential mothers are likely to stop drinking if they are well informed of the risks."

Pettigrew added that the latest research should send a message to Government about the need to continue to fund these types of confronting, attention-grabbing campaigns.

"There is often contention around whether hard-hitting health campaigns are effective, but this is one of the best campaign evaluations I've seen. It shows that campaigns with strong imagery, clear health warnings and new information about pregnancy and alcohol are an effective, worthwhile investment."

Adjunct Prof Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia says alcohol is still one of the biggest public health challenges in Australia.

"Alcohol isn't just an issue in pregnancy, but also a significant public health challenge when it comes to mental health and injury. It also plays a role in over 200 chronic health problems including cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, nutrition-related conditions, cirrhosis, and overweight and obesity.

"We need comprehensive Government action to address the negative impact Australia's drinking culture continues to have. As well as hard-hitting health campaigns, we need nationwide minimum alcohol pricing, controls on availability, marketing restrictions to protect children, and warning labels."

More information: Simone Pettigrew et al, Evaluation outcomes of a Western Australian campaign designed to reduce alcohol use in pregnancy, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100102 Journal information: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Provided by Public Health Australia
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Ahead of the winter respiratory virus season, many parents were relieved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a shot to combat respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for infants and toddlers this summer.

But the shot is hard to come by.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults who recover in a week or two, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that's not the case for infants and toddlers, who are at higher risk of the virus becoming severe or life-threatening.

The first vaccine for RSV was approved in May and was targeted for older adults.

Two months later, federal regulators approved the first long-lasting shot for infants younger than eight months who are entering their first RSV season. According to the CDC, Nirsevimab, which is made by AstraZeneca and sold under the brand name Beyfortus, reduces the risk of severe RSV by 80%. One dose lasts about five months, the length of the average RSV season.

The shot does not activate the immune system the way a vaccine would, but instead introduces antibodies to protect against RSV. Health officials with the CDC say once the antibodies are out of a baby's system, the immunity is also gone.

Amid the peak of RSV season, there has been unprecedented demand for the shot and not enough supplies to go around.

The CDC recently announced the release of more than 77,000 additional doses to be distributed immediately to physicians and hospitals through the Vaccines for Children Program. The CDC and FDA are working with drug manufacturers to ensure availability through early next year.

What preventive measures can parents can take?

Children at high risk include those six months and younger, infants born prematurely, those younger than two with congenital heart disease and those with weakened immune systems who have neuromuscular disorders, according to the American Lung Assn.

Previously, the only immunization against severe RSV for babies was a shot women could get during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. That shot is still available and recommended September through January.

There also are everyday preventive measures to help reduce the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses, according to health agencies such as the CDC, American Lung Assn. and the California Department of Public Health:

Stay home if you're feeling sick.

If you need to leave your home, consider wearing a mask in crowded or indoor areas.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.

Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands and sharing cups and utensils.

Clean frequently touched surfaces, including doorknobs and mobile devices.

What are the signs of RSV?

RSV affects both the upper respiratory system, which includes the nose and throat, and the lower respiratory system, which includes the lungs.

The virus is highly transmissible. You can catch it if the droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze get in your eyes, nose or mouth; if you touch a surface (such as a doorknob) that has the virus on it and then touch your face before washing your hands; or if you have direct contact with the virus (for example, by kissing the face of a child with RSV). Being in crowded places with people who may be infected or having exposure to other children or siblings who may be infected are common ways to pick up the virus.

RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails; it has a shorter life span on softer surfaces such as tissues and hands.

A person infected with RSV is usually contagious for three to eight days. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for as long as four weeks, even after their symptoms go away, according to the CDC.

Virtually all children get an RSV infection by the time they are two, but the virus can cause complications, the CDC said.

Health agencies recommend parents reach out to their health care provider if their child is showing signs of infection.

According to health officials at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the most common symptoms are runny nose; fever; cough; short periods without breathing; trouble eating, drinking or swallowing; wheezing, flaring of nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing; breathing faster than usual or trouble breathing; and turning blue around the lips and fingers.

These symptoms can seem like other health conditions, so the hospital advises parents to have their child see a health care provider for a diagnosis.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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In this handout photo released by MSF, Dr. Aminu, left, on a routine check up on patients at the diphtheria treatment centre of the Murtala muhammad specialist hospital in Kano, Nigeria, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday Nov. 23, 2023 that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease. Credit: Ehab Zawati, MSF via AP

Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease.

At least 573 people out of the 11,640 diagnosed with the disease in Nigeria have died since the current outbreak started in December 2022, though officials estimate the tollnow on the decline because of treatment effortscould be much higher across states unable to detect many cases.

In Niger 37 people had died out of the 865 cases as of October, while Guinea has reported 58 deaths out of 497 since its outbreak started in June.

"As far as the history that I am aware of, this is the largest outbreak that we have had," Ifedayo Adetifa, head of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, told The Associated Press.

The highly contagious bacterial infection has been reported in 20 of Nigeria's 36 states so far.

A major driver of the high rate of infection in the region has been a historically wide vaccination gap, the French medical organization Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, said in a statement on Tuesday.

In Nigeria, only 42% of children under 15 years old are fully protected from diphtheria, according to a government survey, while Guinea has a 47% immunization rateboth far below the 8085% rate recommended by the World Health Organization to maintain community protection.

In this handout photo released by MSF, A health worker prepares a Diphtheria Antitoxin before administering it to patients at the murtala muhammad specialist hospital in Kano, Nigeria Monday, Oct 23, 2023. Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday Nov. 23, 2023 that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease. Credit: Georg Gassauer, MSF via AP

In this handout photo released by MSF, a health worker educating a group of male patients and care givers on the symptoms of Diphtheria at the Murtala muhammad specialist hospital in Kano, Nigeria Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday Nov. 23, 2023 that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease. Credit: Ehab Zawati, MSF via AP

In this handout photo released by MSF, a health worker registers patients in Kano, Nigeria, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Authorities in several West African countries are trying to manage their huge diphtheria outbreaks, including in Nigeria where a top health official said Thursday Nov. 23, 2023 that millions are being vaccinated to cover wide gaps in immunity against the disease. Credit: Georg Gassauer, MSF via AP

The fate of the affected countries is worsened by the global shortages of the diphtheria vaccine as demand has increased to respond to outbreaks, the MSF said.

"We're not seeing vaccination happen, not at the scale that is needed," said Dr. Dagemlidet Tesfaye Worku, emergency medical program manager for MSF in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. "What is needed is a truly massive scale-up of vaccination, as soon as possible."

The Nigerian government is ramping up vaccination for targeted populations while assisting states to boost their capacity to detect and manage cases, said Adetifa, the Nigeria CDC head.

But several states continue to struggle, including Kano, which accounts for more than 75% of cases in Nigeria but has only two diphtheria treatment centers, according to Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the state's top health official.

"Once people have to travel or move significant distances to access treatment, that becomes a challenge," Adetifa said.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Chet Phillips doesnt think of himself as an evangelist  except when it comes to the Lowell School after-school program.

His three children, two in fifth grade, one in third, play Dungeons and Dragons on Wednesday evenings and participate in a slew of other enriching activities through a partnership with the elementary school, the city and a variety of local organizations.

I know that for my family and other families here, said Phillips, especially working families here in Missoula, knowing there is a structured, safe and fun after-school program that the kids have that is free  that has been an absolute game changer.

The free Lowell after-school program launched as a collaboration with Missoula Parks and Recreation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, three years later, about half of the elementary schools student population participates.

I have never experienced anything like the kind of sense of real community and a community of dedicated teachers and staff (like Lowell), said Phillips, who attended public schools all his life.

Phillips, and many other advocates of the program, want to see more support for Lowell and expansion into other area schools.

The field trip that started it all

When Barbara Frank was principal of Lowell School in 2019, she and Parks and Recs Meg Whicher took a field trip with students to look at playgrounds around the community. To the womens dismay, the students showed little familiarity with the range of play equipment in many parks.

When the field trip switched to a kickball game, Frank and Whicher realized they had to teach many students how to run bases. Theyd never had an opportunity to play a game like kickball on their own. And from there, the Lowell School after-school program idea was planted.

Lowell is considered a Title 1 school due to its socioeconomically underserved population in the Northside and Westside neighborhoods of Missoula. At the time of the eye-opening field trip, Lowell also had the citys highest ACES scores, which identify various risk factors in students lives such as trauma or family member substance abuse. Throughout Missoula County Public School District, Lowell also had the highest level of single-parent households.

We were understanding what the parents were facing, said Whicher. They could really use some support.

Together, Whicher, Frank and a host of collaborators leaned into the Community Schools model, which takes a multi-generational approach to students well-being. Community Schools is a program that considers mental, physical and behavioral health, as well as numerous influences that emerge outside the classroom.

This paradigm informed Whicher and Franks vision for the Lowell after-school program. For instance, Parks and Rec staff who work after-school hours interface with teachers at Lowell to understand what went on during the school day, so that they are better prepared to meet students unique needs.

Its a true cohesive team, said Whicher, where the child and the family are being served from 8 in the morning to 5:30 at night.

With a heavy staffing model and a focus on relationships to build socio-emotional resiliency, the Lowell program quickly produced major impacts. There was a documented decrease in out-of-classroom behavioral incidents, paired with a drastic increase in academic performance.

Were seeing statistically, said Whicher, not just qualitatively, that this is working.

Today Lowell, tomorrow the world

But from day one, Whicher, Frank and their partners wanted to make their programming broad-based. The goal was to serve other Title 1 elementary schools in Missoula, of which there are four total.

But to do so, Whicher pegged the total cost at about $2.5 million per year. Most of that funding, she said, would go to staffing.

Frank was, according to Phillips, visionary in getting the city to support Lowells fledgling program through its general fund. Additional support came from the Lowell School PTA, grants and the Washington Foundation.

Its a model that is clearly having an impact. But how to expand and support it remains a pressing question.

Our goal, said Frank, is to scale up what weve got at Lowell to every one of our Title 1 elementary schools, and middle and high school in the next three to five years. Its a pretty ambitious goal.

Thanks to 21st Century funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Franklin School now has a similar after-school program that serves a smaller number of children, about 55 students. The Boys and Girls Club of Missoula County manages another after-school effort at Hawthorne that supports about 40 to 50 students. And 20 students also get after-school programming at C.S. Porter Middle School.

Waitlists arent huge, Whicher said, but shes eager to find more funding for the programs across Missoula.

If we had more funding, she said, we would be able to expand the programming.

Frank agreed: Funding is our biggest obstacle. Our goal is for it to be free and thats pretty lofty, so we can really get to the kids who need it most.

Along the campaign trail, Missoula municipal election candidates of all political stripes lauded the Lowell School program as a shining example of a local partnership thats working. But whether those newly elected will financially back an expansion of the programs remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Frank, who now works at MCPS, seeks out grants of all sizes to buttress the program.

We want this community to be vibrant, she said, full of youth and multi-generational groups.

Many of the families at Lowell School, Frank said, tell her they would have to leave Missoula if not for the after-school program.
Indigenous Made Missoula, an organization that empowers and supports Native artists, will host a Winter Market event on Saturday to showcase Indigenous art, culture and craftsmanship.

Located at the Missoula Fairgrounds, the market will feature work from more than 50 Indigenous artists. It begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m.

People may also buy frybread tacos and drinks from Native-owned food trucks "Fat Baby Frybread" and "Your Cousin's Coffee."

And at 10 a.m. just before the market opens, the Montana ACLU is hosting a "We Are Still Here" rally to celebrate Indian Education for All and honor the resilience of Native communities. Speakers include Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, Montana Teacher of the Year Kevin Kicking Woman, Akilah Maya Deernose and Cecelia Spencer.

The event is sponsored by All Nations Health Center, Missoula Democrats and United Way of Missoula.

For more information, visit Indigenousmademissoula.com.
Burke County commissioners took another step Tuesday night to use what was previously restricted tax revenue for school capital and apply it to general school funding.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a budget amendment to recognize a funding change for sales tax revenue the county receives for the school system.

For years, Burke County had Article 39, which was a 1 cent sales tax; and Article 40 and Article 42, which were both half-cent sales tax. All of Article 39 and 60% of Article 42 were set aside for school capital. Article 40 sales tax revenue went to the county. The articles stemmed from several times the school system over the years sued the county over funding.

In September, county commissioners and school board members held a joint meeting to request legislators to pass a bill that would change how certain tax revenue had to be spent.

On Oct. 25, Senate Bill 68 was ratified, which repealed previous session law that mandated that the tax revenue had to be spent for school capital needs.

Burke County Manager Brian Epley told commissioners that at their two-day March budget retreat, the board developed focus areas and goals related to public education. He said those areas and goals included being more competitive in the countys operational funding for schools.

At that retreat, we started talking about the difference between total funding and cash flow and how we may be at a disadvantage in some areas as it relates to how we can spend some of the allocation that are being provided to the school system, Epley said.

In addition, the board wanted to find additional and dedicated funding for teacher supplements, and then review ways to try to move the needle forward toward a more competitive student-teacher ratio, Epley said.

He said when they looked at the countys functional allocation of the budget, the educational side seemed to be lagging compared to other counties in the region. He said Burkes educational allocation made up about 22% of the countys budget, while other similar counties in the region educational allocations around 30% of their budgets.

However, there was a robust amount of total funding but a large proportion of it was restricted for capital funding, Epley said.

He said because those funds were restricted, it didnt allow commissioners and the school board to make decisions about local public education policy and hindered the ability to use the money in areas of priority on the operational side of school funding.

Repealing the mandate will allow them to regain control at a local level, Epley told commissioners.

Epley said there are three changes that need to happen to the county budget:

Change how the county receipt sales tax revenue from Articles 39, 40, 42 and 44.

Consolidate the two school capital funds into one school capital reserve fund. Currently, the school systems restricted capital fund is $37.5 million, and that will remain there for capital projects, Epley said.

Modify the current expense budget by adding an additional $1.5 million, roughly 8.1%, that would be funded through prospective revenue.

Chairman Scott Mulwee said the board has been laser-focused on this issue for a long time and thanked state officials and the school board.

And I specifically want to point you out because its been a tangled mess and you came in and resolved this spiderweb, Mulwee said to Epley. We all understand it now but it was not understood for years and so the work youve put in, staffs put in working with our friends at the school system, the work theyve put in this is quite remarkable to get to this day where we can actually do this.

Commissioner Johnnie Carswell called the previous lawsuits against the county for the funding unwarranted.

We have not done our children right in Burke County for many, many, many years, Carswell said. We have not done our teachers right for many, many, many years. This corrects probably the most egregious problem that I think weve ever had between a board of county commissioners and a board of education.

In other business, the board:

Approved a request from Ashkenazic Investments LLC to rezone 6.84 acres located off Exit 107 on Morganton Furniture and Drexel roads from Residential Three to General Business. Ashkenazic Investments is an LLC whose registered agent is Edward Mintz of Valdese, according to the North Carolina Secretary of State.

After the commissioners approved the rezoning Tuesday, Mintz posted on the Facebook page Grow with Drexel that commerce would soon be starting at the site.

Commenting under a post he made to the page on Nov. 2, Mintz said the property was being rezoned so a distillery and restaurant can be built.

Approved a request from Debbie Watson  AAH Homes LLC, Robert Parker  Cornerstone Upholstery Inc and Gary Nolan  Ace Tire Sales Inc. to rezone three parcels totaling 3.48-acres located off Airport Rhodhiss Road from Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3) to General Business. One of the three parcels is at the corner of Bailey Drive and the other two parcels have access from Lake View Drive.
Butte-Silver Bows top official says Animal Services can focus solely on its core mission now that its a stand-alone department within local government.

It had been part of the Community Enrichment Department for years but Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher told commissioners this past summer that he wanted it to be a separate entity.

The council capped off weeks of procedural steps on Nov. 15 by giving final approval to ordinances formally establishing the Animal Services Department with an Animal Services Board as its advisory group.

Gallagher also elevated Animal Services Coordinator Lynette Hogart to a manager who oversees the departments budget, contracts and employees and reports directly to the chief executive.

Gallagher said Community Enrichment probably took on too many functions outside of its mission of combating community decay, and when longtime director Ed Randall retired this past summer, it was an opportunity to make changes.

We have decided that the Animal Services program manager should now report directly to the chief executive, as stated in the B-SB Charter, Gallagher told The Montana Standard this week. This change will allow us to have a more focused approach and ensure that the needs of Animal Services are given the attention they deserve.

Gallagher said Animal Services was placed under the direction of Community Enrichment years ago due to ongoing issues with animal control and the animal shelter.

This arrangement successfully addressed the immediate needs of the community at that time, he said. However, we believe that now is the right time to separate these two programs and allow Animal Services to stand alone.

I want to emphasize that the Animal Services program under Community Enrichment was successful in creating a thriving Animal Control officer program and addressing the needs of the animals at the shelter, he said. However, we believe this new structure will further enhance our ability to focus solely on the needs of Animal Services.

Gallagher reiterated what he told commissioners and the Standard in August  that Hogarts leadership qualities and experience make her a perfect fit to be the departments manager.

Within weeks of the promotion, Hogart announced that major renovations were about to begin at the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter that will finally allow $82,000 in new dog kennels purchased through a Helena mans dying wishes to be utilized.

Butte-Silver Bow is spending another $78,000 in shelter donations on contractor work and county crews will do additional things themselves, including some interior demolition, lighting and electrical work, she told the Standard in late October.

The renovations are now underway and based on previous timeline estimates could be finished in January.

If things go as planned, a second round of renovations could be made sometime next year.
A federal report suggests Iowa has one of the nations worst ratios of nursing home inspectors to care facilities, and that the states use of private contractors to inspect homes is extraordinarily costly to taxpayers.

The report, published earlier this year by the majority staff of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, highlights some of the issues Iowa regulators have acknowledged with regard to nursing home oversight.

One of the Iowa homes that recently caught the attention of regulators is the Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines. This past July, state officials visited the home to conduct an inspection, but not before the home had racked up 13 complaints  the oldest of which dated back 109 days, to March 3.

Over the next several weeks, an additional 12 complaints were filed against the home, and a second inspection took place. Eventually, all of the 25 complaints were substantiated by inspectors and Pine Acres was cited for 62 regulatory violations  some of which pertained to neglect that allegedly resulted in the amputation of a residents leg.

State and federal records show the timeliness of Iowas response to complaints has been an issue for years, predating the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, and then growing worse. In some cases, Iowans have died or suffered serious injuries in care facilities where complaints were pending, having not yet been investigated by the state.

Data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which handles complaints against nursing homes, shows the agency has made progress catching up on complaints, in part by paying outside contractors to handle some of the inspections.

However, the Senate staff report, based largely on fiscal year 2022 data, found that Iowa ranks 49th in the nation in terms of its ratio of inspectors to care facilities, and that the use of contractors is expensive and risky.

Inspection delays endanger nursing home residents, the Senate staff report states. A growing number of states have turned to inspectors employed by private companies to bridge gaps  costly contractual arrangements worth millions of dollars that should be subject to additional scrutiny from federal regulators, watchdogs and the press.

When asked about the report, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing said it employs 46 long-term care inspectors and is in the top eight states in the country with regard to inspectors positions that are filled and not left vacant. The agency acknowledged that it contracts with others, on behalf of the federal government, to complete inspections, adding that it has worked closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, on ways to ensure resident safety in long-term care facilities.

John Hale, a consultant who advocates for Iowa seniors, said the federal report should be of great concern to Iowans with family members in nursing homes.

An analysis of the data shows that the Department is significantly understaffed, deals with the under-staffing by contracting out inspection functions to private companies, and ends up paying more to get less, Hale said. The legislatures oversight committees should be  but arent  routinely meeting with the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing and other state agencies to ensure that they are giving taxpayers their moneys worth. Their failure to do so is appalling.

Among the reports specific findings:

 Few inspectors: In 2022, Iowa had 46 state inspectors overseeing 414 nursing homes. Some states that have a comparable number of homes had twice that many inspectors on staff. Michigan, for example, had 93 inspectors for 433 homes, and North Carolina had 96 inspectors for 424 homes.

 Higher workload: Only one state, South Carolina, had a worse ratio of inspectors per nursing home. For every inspector Iowa had on staff, it had nine care facilities to oversee. By comparison, Kansas and Nebraska each had 5.7 facilities per inspector, Missouri had 2.7, Minnesota had 4.5, and Illinois had 2.2.

 Unfilled positions: The number of vacant positions for Iowa nursing home inspectors has increased over time. In 2002, there were no such vacancies. In 2022, 9% of the positions were vacant.

 Cost to taxpayers: Iowa has incurred significant expense hiring contractors to handle inspections in place of state employees. The pay range for a registered-nurse inspector working for the state of Iowa is $66,600 to $93,800. But Iowa has paid a private company, CertiSurv, $33,300 per inspection for each facility with 96 to 174 beds. In addition, the company charged the state $40,950 for a single inspection of any nursing homes with 175 or more beds.

 Quality of work: There are only a few private companies qualified to handle care facility inspections, and several states have reported problems with the quality of the contractors work. Iowa, however, has taken the opposite view and, according to Senate investigators, state officials have praised the brevity and conciseness of the published inspection reports produced by contractors, even instructing their own employee surveyors to emulate the writing style.

 Conflicts of interest: Some of the companies that states have contracted to handle nursing home inspections have pre-existing contracts to provide consulting services for the nursing homes themselves  raising questions about conflicts of interest and the diligence of the hired contractors. Iowa officials told Senate investigators there is no mechanism to track consulting services provided by contractors, according to the report.

State Sen. Claire Celsi, a Des Moines Democrat, said Monday the findings in the federal report may provide an answer as to why Larry Johnson, the director of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, has not answered some of her questions.

This totally solves the mystery of the silence from Larry Johnson, who is completely stonewalling me every time I ask why the inspections are so far behind and why, basically, we arent having more inspections, she said. The mystery is solved: We simply dont have enough people.

In April, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that while the state had made significant headway in clearing up its backlog of uninvestigated complaints, the number of complaints had been increasing. At that time, there were 48 uninvestigated complaints that were at least 90 days old  a dramatic reduction from 2022, when two dozen complaints had languished more than a year without being investigated.

One of the delayed investigations pertained to Connie Roundy, who lived at Rose Vista Home in Woodbine in January 2020, when her granddaughter complained to the state about issues at the home. The complaint wasnt investigated by the state until March 2021, six months after Roundy died.

Celsi said legislators can try to address some aspects of the problem, but it could take years for Republican lawmakers to be persuaded the issue needs to be addressed and reach a consensus as to what should be done.

We should make it mandatory that we have X-number of inspectors for the number of nursing homes we have, absolutely, she said. But I have a feeling that nursing homes are not on the governors priority list.

Celsi said that during the upcoming 2024 legislative session, the public will probably see a change in the way Democrats talk about this issue in the Legislature and that will put some pressure on Gov. Reynolds to do something.

Dean Lerner, who served as director of the inspections department under Democratic Gov. Chet Culver, said hes not surprised by the reports findings with regard to Iowas oversight of care facilities.

This information tells the whole story of the Reynolds administrations attitude toward the health, safety and welfare of our most vulnerable seniors, he said. Its an abomination.

Gov. Kim Reynolds office did not respond to a request for comment.

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RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides.

Israel  wrenched by the abduction of nearly 240 people in Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war  cheered as 13 Israeli women and children emerged free from Gaza. Most were in their 70s or 80s, and the youngest was a 2-year-old. Also released were 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines.

In Gaza, the truces start Friday morning brought the first quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling and desperate from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

Increased supplies of food, water, medicine and fuel promised under the deal began to roll into Gaza, where U.N. officials had warned that Israels seal on the territory threatened to push it to starvation.

But relief has been tempered  among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce leaves Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Israel says the cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it had received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday.

But Israel has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

FIRST HOSTAGES FREED

Under the deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners over the four days. Both sides were starting with women and children. Israel said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

After nightfall Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt carrying the freed hostages, as seen live on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV. The freed Israelis included nine women and four children 9 and under.

The released hostages were taken to three Israeli hospitals for observation. The Schneider Childrens Medical Center said it was treating eight Israelis  four children and four women  and that all appeared to be in good physical condition. The center said they were also receiving psychological treatment, adding that these are sensitive moments for the families.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis celebrated at the news.

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking. That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yaels 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remained in captivity. Both were kidnapped on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother, Keren Munder, and grandmother Ruti Munder. The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

The plight of the hostages has raised anger among some families that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to bring them home.

Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenagers held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. In the West Bank town of Beituna, hundreds of Palestinians poured out of their homes to celebrate, honking horns and setting off fireworks that lite up the nights sky.

The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers, and others who had been arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker whose 17-year-old son, Iyas, was freed. But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.

Iyas had been taken last year into administrative detention, without charges or trial and based on secret evidence. Israel often holds detainees for months without charges. Most of those who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often dont follow due process, human rights groups say.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

CEASE-FIRE TAKES HOLD

Fridays halt in fighting brought Gazas uprooted population a moment to catch their breath after weeks of fleeing for shelter, searching for food and fearing for family.

After the truce began Friday morning, four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Israel has barred all imports into Gaza throughout the war, except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than 1 million living in U.N. schools-turned-shelters. The calm brought a chance for displaced residents of the south to visit homes and retrieve some belongings.

But the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south were warned not to return in leaflets dropped by Israel. Israeli troops hold much of the north, including Gaza City.

Still, hundreds of Palestinians tried walking north Friday. Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Sofian Abu Amer decided to risk checking his home in Gaza City.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

A LONGER PEACE?

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the latest number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where communications have broken down.

The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

Federman reported from Jerusalem, Jeffery from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed.
The government says that it chose the Government-to-Government oil deal in response to a potential refusal by oil marketing companies to import fuel.

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura defended the contentious G-to-G deal on Thursday, insisting that it was conducted with transparency and adherence to established standards.

The Government-to-Government oil purchase arrangement was arrived at following a threat of failure by Oil Marketing Companies to supply petroleum products due to their inability to access the products as a result of US dollar liquidity scarcity and coupled with outstanding subsidy arrears owed by the government to OMCs, he said.

Mwaura highlighted that the threat was apparent in multiple instances of fuel shortages at retail petrol stations. He explained that the marketers faced challenges due to the requirement to pay for imports in US dollars within a five-day window, leading to the inconvenience of navigating between different banks to secure the necessary dollars.

All this persisted until the Kenya Kwanza government came to power in an effort to prevent the economy from the brink of shutdown over the paralysis in the petroleum supply chain in the country. The new administration had to look for a quick and viable solution resulting to the Government to Government mode of supply, said the spokesman.

Mwaura emphasized that this approach aligns with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, opting for a value chain model over a supply chain to protect Kenyans from cartel-like practices in pricing and supplying essential commodities.

He also explained that the government issued a tender on March 1, 2023, inviting bids from government-owned international companies based in oil-producing nations. The terms included a six-month deferred payment arrangement with a contract duration of nine months for the supply of petroleum products.

By the conclusion of the tender on March 6, 2023, Mwaura reported that bids were submitted by seven oil marketing companies, namely Emirates National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Saudi Aramco, Petrosa and Trafigura, Vitol Bahrain, OQ Trading, and the State-Owned Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Out of this, two private companies were not qualified, while the other five government-owned were shortlisted. Three of them qualified, according to the terms and conditions set out by the Energy and Petroleum Authority, (EPRA).

Mwaura said the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on March 10, 2023.

The MoU came into effect when the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum entered into a Master Framework Agreement with Aramco Trading Fujairah FZE (ARAMCO), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Global Trading Ltd and Emirates National Oil Company (Singapore) Private Limited (ENOC).

The Government Spokesman noted that this signaled the commencement of the Government-to-Government supply of petroleum products with an extended credit term of 180 days.

Mwaura insisted that the entire process underwent rigorous examination by pertinent government agencies, including the National Treasury and the Office of the Attorney General.

Supporting documents, he noted, include Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), the Master Framework, the Agreement, the Letter of Support, and the Operational Government (involving Banks, the Nominated Oil Marketing Companies, and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum).

He refuted claims by certain leaders suggesting that the government selectively picked and nominated the involved Oil Marketing Companies.

Mwaura emphasized that the discussion surrounding the oil deal has been manipulated to cast Cabinet Secretaries of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the National Treasury, and affiliated agency management in a negative light.

Kenyans are about to realize favourable pump prices as the Government-to-Government arrangement takes full effect in the short and medium term, Mwaura said.
Nairobi, the bustling capital city of Kenya, stands as a beacon of growth and development in East Africa.

Yet, like many growing metropolises, it faces its share of challenges, even as it strides towards progress. From environmental concerns to economic growth, Nairobis current affairs paint a picture of a city grappling with contemporary issues while forging a path forward.

This article delves into the latest happenings in Nairobi, including President Rutos stance on climate change and the emerging financial opportunities with firms like Equiti.

President Ruto and Climate Change

In recent developments, President Ruto has made headlines with his call for bold action in tackling climate change, a move that resonates deeply in Nairobi. As a city that has experienced the brunt of environmental degradation, Nairobi stands at the forefront of these challenges.

President Rutos statement is not just a declaration but a necessary call to action for a city that has seen the consequences of climate change firsthand, from irregular weather patterns to the threat to its wildlife and natural resources.

Its a step towards acknowledging and addressing the environmental issues that directly impact Nairobi and its surroundings.

Economic Growth and Challenges

Nairobi continues to be an economic hub in the region, with businesses and investors flocking to the city.

However, this growth is not without its challenges.

The city faces issues of urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. In addressing these, theres a need for a balanced approach that accommodates economic expansion while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity.

The Rise of Financial Firms: Spotlight on Equiti

The financial sector in Nairobi is experiencing a renaissance, with companies like Equiti leading the charge. Equiti, a global brokerage firm, is part of a growing financial industry in Nairobi, offering trading and investment opportunities.

The presence of such firms not only highlights Nairobis position as a financial center but also brings advanced financial services and expertise to local and regional investors.

This growth in the financial sector is crucial for Nairobis economy, offering diversification from traditional industries and creating new job opportunities.

Technological Advancements and Innovation

Nairobi is also a hub for technological innovation in Africa. The city has been at the forefront of digital innovation, with numerous startups and tech companies driving change.

This tech boom has transformed various sectors, from finance and telecommunications to transportation and retail, making Nairobi an African Silicon Valley.

Social Issues and Development

However, Nairobi also faces social challenges. Issues like housing, education, and healthcare remain at the forefront of public discourse.

Addressing these social issues is crucial for the overall development of the city.

Efforts by the government and private sector to improve infrastructure, provide affordable housing, and enhance public services are key to ensuring that Nairobis growth is inclusive and sustainable.

Nairobis Role in Regional Politics

Nairobis strategic position in East Africa also makes it a pivotal player in regional politics.

The city often hosts important political discussions and serves as a mediator in regional conflicts. Nairobis role in fostering regional stability and cooperation cannot be understated, as it continues to influence political dynamics in the East African community.

Cultural Vibrancy and Diversity

Culturally, Nairobi is a melting pot of traditions, arts, and cuisines.

The citys cultural scene is vibrant, with a blend of traditional Kenyan culture and modern influences. From art galleries and music festivals to culinary experiences, Nairobi offers a rich cultural tapestry that adds to its charm and appeal.

Conclusion

Nairobi, a city of contrasts and convergence, continues to navigate its way through various challenges and opportunities.

President Rutos call for bold action on climate change and the rise of financial firms like Equiti are just snapshots of the citys current affairs.

As Nairobi marches towards the future, it holds the promise of being a city that not only leads in economic and technological advancement but also in addressing environmental and social issues. Its a city on the move, embodying the spirit of Africas growth and potential.
Self-taught chef Dennis Ombachi is set to collaborate with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya for the upcoming Chinese Food Extravaganza.

This culinary cultural event is scheduled to take place on December 2 at Panari Hotel in Nairobi.

As per a statement on his Twitter account(X), Ombachi announced his collaboration with Chinese Chef Lui Longfei for the upcoming event.

Humbled by this opportunity to foster international relations between China and Kenya in appreciation of the diverse cuisines and culture, the Roaming Chef tweeted.

Last month, Ombachi also shared his enthusiasm about the prospect of meeting a Michelin-starred chef. The retired rugby player will be collaborating with renowned Italian Chef, Luca Mastromattei in food diplomacy through the Italian Embassy.

Meet Italian celebrity Michelin chef, Luca Mastromattei Ambassador of the Italian taste to the world.

We will be working together in food diplomacy courtesy of the Italian embassy building up to the launch of the Italian cuisine in the world week here in Kenya, Ombachi wrote on X.

Ombachi cultivated his passion for the culinary world through his social media pages, amassing an impressive following of over 1.2 million fans.

Working with a MICHELIN star chef has always been a dream of mine and when such opportunities come calling you have no option but to say YES!

As I transition to my next chapter in life & career, sports taught me to always remain coachable and keep ticking the small boxes, he added.
Two women are facing charges at the Makadara Law Courts for causing grievous harm, stemming from a double stabbing incident that occurred at the residence of their shared love interest.

The first accused is Ms Susan Maina, charged with causing grievous bodily harm to her ex-husband, Peter Njogu, at his home in Patanisho area of Soweto within Embakasi in Nairobi on November 12.

The court heard that Mr Njogu and Ms Maina had separated before the accused went to the complainants house, where she found him with his new lover, Esther Wangui.

Before the incident, Susan Maina had called Njogus phone but Wangui answered the call and instructed her not to contact him again.

Senior Principal Magistrate Gerald Mutiso heard that Ms Maina later showed up at her ex-husbands, knocked on the door, and forced her way in as soon as Wangui opened it.

An argument ensued, spiraling into a physical fight that saw Maina allegedly grab a knife and stab her ex-husband in the stomach. Wangui intervened to save him and allegedly used the same knife to stab Ms Maina.

Wangui and Njogu raised an alarm, prompting their neighbors to respond. Together, they intervened, subdued Ms. Maina, and ejected her from the house.

The incident was reported to the police after Mr. Njogu was taken to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Embakasi for medical treatment.

While Ms. Wangui initially filed a complaint against Ms. Maina, police investigations later revealed that Ms. Maina had, in fact, injured her boyfriends ex-wife. Consequently, the 40-year-old is facing charges of assault and causing actual bodily harm for the injuries inflicted upon the 28-year-old.

The two love rivals denied the charges, with a lawyer informing the court that negotiations were ongoing to resolve the matter.

Magistrate Mutiso summoned Mr. Njogu to appear in court on December 14 to confirm the charges.

Ms. Maina was released on a bond of Sh200,000 with a surety of a similar amount, without the option of a cash bail.

Ms. Wangui, on the other hand, was released on a bond of Sh100,000 and an alternative cash bail of Sh20,000.
The National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Wednesday, November 23 declared a maximum licensing fee of Ksh1 million for alcohol trade. The government entity specified that all businesses involved in importing or exporting alcoholic drinks in Kenya are required to pay this license fee.

In a statement, NACADA also announced that it had assumed licensing responsibilities from the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee.

Fees payable are according to the volumes intended to be imported or exported in the coming period of twelve months, the statement read in part.

Traders involved in importing or exporting one million liters will be obligated to pay an annual licensing fee of Ksh1 million.

For quantities ranging from 500,000 to 999,999 liters, the licensing fee is set at Ksh500,000, and for amounts below that threshold, the fee will be Ksh250,000.

NACADA clarified that the certificate will be processed within 14 days following the submission of an application.

Applying for an alcohol license in Kenya involves several steps. Here is a general guide to the process:

Download the Application Form: Prospective applicants should visit the NACADA website to download the official application form. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the downloaded application form accurately and thoroughly. Submission of Application: Submit the duly filled application form to the designated receiving officer within the legal department. Ensure that all required documents are attached to the application. Review by NACADA Licensing Committee: The NACADA Licensing Committee will convene to review the submitted applications and assess whether the applicant qualifies for an import/export license. Consideration of Approval: Based on the committees assessment, a decision will be made regarding the approval of the import/export license. The committee will consider factors such as compliance with regulations and other relevant criteria. Notification of Approval: If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified by the committee. Payment of License Fees: Upon notification of approval, the applicant will be required to pay the prescribed license fees. Details on the payment process will be provided at this stage. Issuance of License: Once the requisite license fees are paid, the official import/export license will be issued to the applicant. Compliance and Operations: Adhere to all regulations and guidelines outlined by NACADA to ensure ongoing compliance. This includes responsible business practices and any additional requirements specified in the license. Renewal and Ongoing Compliance: Stay informed about the licenses expiration date and initiate the renewal process as needed. Continue to comply with all regulations to maintain the validity of the license.

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the specific requirements outlined by NACADA and ensure that their applications align with the established criteria for import/export licenses.

Only the applicants who have been approved and communicated to as such will be requested to pay the license fees, NACADA stated.

Once the license is ready for collection, the applicant shall be informed, upon which the same may be picked from the NACADA offices.
Whos up and whos down? When the news broke late Tuesday that new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas picked new committee chairpersons and canned others, the Sacramento political sphere was immediately abuzz with talk of winners and losers.

The winners include Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, the Winters Democrat who was named Assembly majority leader, and Encino Democrat Jesse Gabriel, who is taking over the budget committee, though at a time of budget deficits. Hes replacing Assemblymember Phil Ting of San Francisco, who said that the eight state budgets he helped put together have boosted Californias efforts on child care, climate change and access to higher education and health care.

An apparent loser: Culver Citys Isaac Bryan, kicked from the majority leader position to be made chairperson of the Natural Resources committee, who noted that the switch left the new speakers inner leadership circle devoid of Black members.

But theres another big victor to emerge from Rivas late-night reorg: YIMBYs.

Yes In My Backyard activists  who promote legislation meant to make it easier to build housing of all kinds, even if that comes at the expense of local control over development decisions  have been on a winning streak this year.

The chorus of lawmakers willing to argue that the state doesnt face a housing shortage, or that the state need not get involved has dwindled in recent years. By the end of the most recent legislative session, with Rivas at the helm of the Assembly, the Legislature passed an array of bills that fast-track any flavor of affordable housing you could possibly want to build.

This latest round of appointments puts an exclamation point on that trend heading into the 2024 session. By elevating aggressively pro-housing members and demoting those who are less so, Rivas seems to be laying the institutional groundwork for an aggressively pro-housing legislature next year.

Speaker Rivas has been consistent in his leadership on housing and also his desire to make the Legislature a place that passes more transformative housing policy, Matthew Lewis, a spokesperson for California YIMBY, said Wednesday. From our perspective these committee assignments pretty much reflect that.

Some of the appointments, he added, are about as good as it gets, Lewis added.

Topping the list of changes that pro-development activists are likely to be thankful for: San Diego Democrat Chris Ward is the new chairperson of the Assemblys housing committee.

Ward will be replacing Oakland Democrat Buffy Wicks, who is about as reliable a pro-housing legislator as one can find in the Legislature. But Wicks was an ardent Rivas backer and instrumental whip during his tumultuous play for the speakership position last year and her promotion to a higher position was assumed. But by swapping Wicks for Ward, Rivas is maintaining that committees predictable pro-density course.

Wards selection may send an additionally potent pro-housing signal. Last year, he introduced a strikingly ambitious bill that would have prioritized dense urban development while putting a cap on sprawl across the state. The idea went down in flames, torched in part by builders lobby. This appointment suggests that Rivas isnt inclined to punish Ward for his overreach.

Wicks, in the meantime, was given the top spot on the powerful appropriations committee.

In the Legislature, where virtually every bill with a price tag has to go before approps and where the chairperson has virtually unchecked power to pass, gut or kill bills without any of the normal checks that hamstring less chairs, that in itself is yet more good news for YIMBYs and their allies.

But Wicks ascension is also a notable change for the committee. Current chairperson Chris Holden, a Democrat from Pasadena, has been a reliable ally of organized labor and defender of tenant rights, but has also been more likely than Wicks to safeguard local control over development decisions. Rivas is removing Holden from the committee entirely. Unlike the other committee appointments that take effect immediately, this switch takes effect Jan. 22.

Over at the transportation committee, the elevation of first-term Suisun City Democrat Lori Wilson bodes well for proponents of dense development near public transit hubs. Before joining the Legislature, Wilson was director of finance for the national homebuilding company, KB Homes.

Even the apparent demotion of Bryan from Assembly majority leader to mere chairperson of the Natural Resources committee carries significant implications for state housing policy. Earlier this year, that committees chairperson, Arleta Democrat Luz Rivas, used her post to temper density-boosting bills along the coast and limit the scope of legislation that will let religious institutions build housing more easily.

Bryan, a member of the Assembly renters caucus, is widely expected to be less of a YIMBY antagonist, especially when it comes to bills that boost affordable housing.

Bryans successor as majority leader, Aguiar-Curry, was appointed by Rivas as speaker pro tem in July. In a statement, she said she shares Rivass commitment to collaboration with all Assembly members, the Senate and the Newsom administration.

But Aguiar-Curry clashed with the Newsom administration after the governor vetoed her bill to require a human backup driver in autonomous big rigs. Calling this proposal a ban is a disheartening mischaracterization of the intent and process outlined in the bill, she said in a statement.

Crime and conflict of interest

And some moves were telegraphed: Assembly Democrats got caught in the crossfire in July when the Public Safety committee held a bill to increase penalties for child sex trafficking. Rivas intervened, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, and the committee reversed itself. The bipartisan bill became law  a departure from Democrats general goal of reducing incarceration.

Now, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, a Los Angeles Democrat who became a focal point of the criticism, is losing his leadership of the committee.

The new Public Safety chairperson: Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, a Sacramento Democrat who has been leading education committees and who supported Rendon. He pledged balanced and commonsense policies on crime.

In a statement, Rivas thanked Jones-Sawyer for his work to bring needed reforms to our justice system, but also said Californians have a right to be safe in their homes and on their streets. Last month, Rivas appointed a select committee to tackle the surge in high-profile smash-and-grab retail crimes.

In another noteworthy move, Assemblymember Mia Bonta of Oakland is out as chairperson of the Budget subcommittee on public safety after questions were raised about conflict of interest because her husband is Attorney General Rob Bonta. She eventually recused herself from decisions affecting his budget.

Her consolation prize: Leadership of the Health Committee, where shell take over from Assemblymember Jim Wood, who gets to be speaker pro tem in his final session, since hes already announced he isnt seeking reelection next year.

While Rivas is elevating many of his supporters, he maintained that Assembly Democrats are not divided heading into an election year when all 80 seats are on the ballot.

The Assembly is unified and ready to deliver, Rivas said in a statement. Thats what Californians expect from their Legislature and thats what this team will achieve.

PHOTOS: Napa's annual Turkey Chase
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and EU member states accredited in Armenia, the PMs office informs.

Issues related to Armenia-European Union cooperation and joint programs, in particular, the agenda of reforms in Armenia and the continuous support of the EU to the strengthening of democratic institutions, were discussed.

The sides exchanged ideas on the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region. Reference was made 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 highlighted.

Issues related to regional security and stability, the process of normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations were discussed.

Also, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan answered the ambassadors' questions and presented the views of the Armenian government.
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US dissatisfied with Turkey

Newspaper: Armenia national air carrier suspending flights

Archaeologists to soon reveal Great Pyramid of Gizas main secret

Fast & Furious 9 movie producers fined $1M

Armenia, mediators are to blame for military aggression against Karabakh Armenians, Azerbaijan FM claims

Armenia did not participate in the meeting of representatives of the CSTO member states

The OSCE Chairmanship supports the dialog aimed at concluding a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan

We need Azerbaijan to stop rejecting proposals of facilitators to meet and finalize the peace treaty. Ararat Mirzoyan

Representatives of CSTO member states met in Northern Macedonia

Nassim Taleb: Painful that Mt. Ararat is in Turkey, Armenia is having territorial reductions

Nassim Taleb predicts 3 major global risks: pandemic, financial collapse, rising debt

Armenian captive Gagik Voskanyan not brought to court, Azerbaijan media report

Mirzoyan to Colomina: Azerbaijan public position on territorial integrity mutual recognition is of paramount necessity

Lavrov: Russia ready to contribute to normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Mirzoyan presents to Lavrov Armenia positions regarding Russia steps

Ararat Mirzoyan, Javier Colomina discuss Armenia-NATO partnership

Kremlin: Russia considers Armenia an ally

France envoy to Armenia: Karabakh refugees have the right to return to their homes

Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation commissions 5th meeting held at border

Poland First Lady arrives in Armenia

The PM, no longer the president, to appoint and dismiss Armenia National Security Service director and deputies

Armenia president travels to Dubai for UN Climate Change Conference

Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting not planned in North Macedonia

International law expert: Torture, inhumane treatment of Armenian detainees continues in Azerbaijan

US deputy assistant secretary of state for education, cultural Affairs is in Armenia

FM to France official: Armenia sent recommendations package to Azerbaijan to move settlement process forward (PHOTOS)

Monument Watch: Azerbaijan propaganda machine circulates new theory

Armenia FM, EU foreign policy chief confer about South Caucasus security

Maragos: There is move towards situation stabilization on the ground ever since EU mission deployment in Armenia

EU ambassador: Armenia citizens largely benefit from Visa Facilitation agreement

Armenia, Azerbaijan border delimitation state commissions meeting kicks off

Ambassador Maragos: EU hopes Armenia, Azerbaijan will come to some understanding during border delimitation talks

Yerevan hosting international conference on Armenian communities of Middle East

Ararat Mirzoyan, David Cameron speak about South Caucasus developments

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies aged 100

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India's G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism

Newspaper: Armenia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs to meet today in Tavush Province

Mirzoyan, Blinken discuss South Caucasus security, stability

Ararat Mirzoyan underscores Netherlands support to Armenia sovereignty

EU reiterates support to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization based on 1991 Almaty Declaration

Deputy PM Mher Grigoryan stresses EU programs strategic importance for Armenia

Envoy presents vision of Armenias Crossroads of Peace project to Greece lawmaker

Armenia, Georgia security councils chiefs discuss regional security, stability (PHOTOS)

Another judicial farce to begin in Azerbaijan against another Armenian

Opposition MP: Armenia will face serious economic problems next year

Karabakh ex-official says he does not consider signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty possible at this phase

Dollar, euro go up in Armenia

Armenia premier meets with big businessman from Egypt

Armenia economy minister: Situation at Upper Lars checkpoint is strange

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus discusses peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Turkey

Amazon Web Services representative to Armenia PM: We are in active discussions with high-tech ministry

The banks should help the customers in making right decisions when managing their own funds. Saribek Sukiasyan

Armenia FM to attend OSCE Ministerial Council

Armenia-UK 6th strategic defense consultations held in London (PHOTOS)

Gagik Aghajanyan: Upper Lars border checkpoint closure means Armenia-Russia relations termination

Vahan Kerobyan: Armenia, Russia representatives will discuss situation at Upper Lars border checkpoint

Kremlin: Currently no plans for Russia President-Armenia PM contacts

Freight-forwarding company director: Yerevan is 2nd largest cargo-container hub in South Caucasus

Armenia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs meeting to be held in Tavush-Kazakh sector of border, media report

Russia MFA pays attention to dispute over Armenian Gardens in Jerusalem

Armenia parliament speaker: I tried to grasp who these people are who dont want to live side by side with Azerbaijanis

Media: South Caucasus to be discussed at Turkey security council

Karabakh former official Samvel Babayan speaks about negotiating with Azerbaijan

Karabakh ex-official: Artsakh issue cannot be resolved at any time

Japan space agency hit with cyberattack

Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh wins right to host Expo 2030 world fair

Newspaper: Armenia ruling force MP ready to live in Azerbaijan if his safety is ensured

World's largest iceberg moves, leaves Antarctica after nearly 40 years of 'rest'

Armenian-made satellite to be launched into space on Friday

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan continues blocking matter of sending UNESCO mission to Karabakh

Turkey deputy FM, Toivo Klaar discuss South Caucasus, media report

Armenia deputy PM receives World Bank regional director

Dollar, euro drop Armenia

Cyprus to host 30 children forcibly displaced from Karabakh, for 12 days of entertainment

"Gyumri" branch of AMIO BANK was reopened under a new brand (PHOTOS)

Alen Simonyan: Armenia should attend EAEU summit in St. Petersburg

Armenia legislature head: Karabakh issue was resolved in 2016

PM Nikol Pashinyan receives delegation led by head of the Lithuania-Armenia interparliamentary friendship group

Some Armenia trucks sent back from Upper Lars checkpoint on Georgia-Russia border

National Assembly speaker: Nagorno-Karabakh issue does not exist for Armenia

Alen Simonyan: No agreement on new meeting between Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Armenia legislature speaker: Peace agreement can be signed within next 15 days if Azerbaijan shows political will

Armenia legislature head: Our political relations with Russia are bit tense

Irakli Garibashvili to Armenia PM staff chief: Georgia ready to assist peace process in region

Armenia parliament chair: We are ready to return Azerbaijanis enclaves to them

Amaryan Charitable Foundation Commits initial 122 mln AMD in Support to Syunik Region

Armenia National Assembly speaker: We have 31 villages whose territories are under Azerbaijan occupation

Embassies to be opened in Armenia, S. Korea on reciprocity basis

Armenia legislature head: I don't understand what Azerbaijan delaying time will give it or to the region

Alen Simonyan: Azerbaijan attempts to erase Armenian trace from Armenian highlands are unacceptable
Yerevan will consider the matter of Armenia joining the documents adopted at the CSTO meeting. Ani Badalyan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), informed this on the air of Public Television of Armenia.

A meeting of heads of CSTO countries was held Thursday in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. The Armenian side, however, did not participate in the summit.

At the start of the discussions, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko had stated that they will discuss the situation in the Caucasus as well.

And before that, Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik had announced that after the summit, the CSTO Secretary General will go to Yerevan to convey the decisions made to their Armenian partners.
Ancient Assyrian Artefacts Should Not Be Returned to Iraq

Visitors contemplate an Assyrian stone carving at the British Museum as seen in this 2009 London, United Kingdom, cityscape photo. ( George Rose/Getty Images) A team of French archaeologists last month unearthed a long-buried Assyrian winged bull, otherwise known as a lamassu, in Mosul, north Iraq, that dates back to the reign of King Sargon II from 722-705BC.

The priceless carving now exposed to the atmosphere and at risk of erosion won't have to contend with the weather conditions for too long because the Louvre has promptly, much to the chagrin of many Iraqis, vacated a spot to accommodate the piece.

As an Assyrian, the relationship I have with my ancient heritage can be conflicting. Growing up in the UK, the British Museum is like a second home. I have lost count of the number of times I've traipsed down the Assyrian galleries, with their depictions of war, lion hunts and eagle-headed winged genies. The contents are as close as I can physically get to my homeland.

Each visit would fill me with a combination of awe, and amusement at the uncanny similarity of the alabaster faces to that of my grandad's. Underlying these emotions is the sorrow of how they got there in the first place. Many miles from where they were found, ancient Assyrian heritage mirrors the modern Assyrian diaspora, scattered predominantly in the western world, and severed from their native land.

The official line is that the British Museum obtained its collection legitimately. Austen Henry Layard, a diplomat, was the first to excavate Nineveh and Nimrud in what was Mesopotamia in the mid-19th century. He swiftly received sponsorship and then embarked on a mammoth journey by ship, transporting the huge carved stone reliefs to England. Layard's visit inspired other Europeans to follow and swell their public -- as well as private -- collections of treasures.

The region, under Ottoman rule, granted permission for removal of the antiquities although there is scant information about the nature of the transactions, and it appears highly improbable that locals were consulted in the process.

While I ultimately believe that these items belong in the land where they originated, I have several reservations about repatriation. Circumstances over the past few decades have made it challenging for Iraq to manage its antiquities. My mother recalls a trip to the aqueduct of Sennacherib in Jerwan in the late 1960s. The site, dating back to the seventh-century BC, was crawling with security guards, one of whom scolded her for attempting to reach out to touch a pebble.

Now it is unattended, which is sadly an all-too-common observation at similar archaeological sites. Last year, Chatham House published research detailing the extent to which Iraqi institutions lacked the funding to deliver the security and conservation gravely needed for these areas.

The recently found winged-bull sculpture in Mosul is, in fact, incomplete. The head was stolen during a previous excavation that was abandoned at the start of the Gulf War. The conflict and subsequent sanctions shattered the country economically and prompted an illegal trade in the trafficking of ancient goods.

This continued during the 2003 invasion when occupying troops setting up bases at historically significant grounds inflicted considerable damage, and peaked with the horrendous looting of the museum in Baghdad. Some of the artefacts found their way on to eBay; an example that stood out was an invaluable cuneiform slab being sold for $10 as a "coaster".

It is thought that, in all, Iraq has lost hundreds of thousands of cultural objects. While some have been recovered, the occasional glimpse of others in private collections has sparked controversy. Perhaps most notable was a 3,000-year-old panel of gypsum depicting a deity called Apkallu sold at auction by Christie's New York in 2018. It had been acquired by an American Episcopal seminary in 1859 through Dr Henri Byron Haskell, a US missionary who was intrigued by artefacts with biblical relevance.

The auction provoked restitution claims from the Iraqi ministry of culture, with officials petitioning Unesco and Interpol to intervene, but to no avail. Christie's addressed Iraq's position, putting out proof of provenance of the item. It added it had contacted law enforcement authorities before publishing details of the sale to ensure the documentation for the alabaster relief met "applicable laws governing its sale".

That piece went under the hammer to an anonymous buyer for $31 million -- three times the estimated value -- arguably because of ISIS taking a pneumatic drill to monuments of a similar era at the palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud a few years earlier.

What ISIS did not destroy they traded on the black-market, generating millions of dollars. Little coverage was given to the fact that, at the same time the statues were being demolished, the descendants of those who built them were being systematically massacred by the very same terrorist organisation.

That disconnect between modern and ancient Assyrians within the narrative about Iraq is not coincidental. At no stage in Iraq's history has the constitution acknowledged us as an ethnic group, still less our indigeneity. Our direct lineage to ancient Assyrians, despite linguistic, cultural, geographic and genetic evidence, is often questioned.

The Arab nationalist policies of Baathism reclassified Assyrians as "Arab Christians", but that didn't stop Saddam Hussein fashioning himself as king Nebuchadnezzar in murals across the country nor his somewhat problematic restoration of Babylon, where he ensured his name was inscribed on every brick.

In May, Iraq's president requested the return of approximately 6,000 artefacts that were "borrowed" in 1923 for "academic purposes". Given the British Museum's track record of declining previous calls to repatriate items, it is interesting that this request was granted unchallenged.

In Baghdad, a lavish ceremony took place to mark the occasion with President Abdul Latif Rashid at the helm, a man who has been an instrumental member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party. The party's core ideology is establishing a state with a singular Kurdish identity.

With that in mind, seeing a politician salivate over our cultural heritage, proclaiming the goods as symbolic of national unity, was stomach turning. More so if you are aware of the role the party has had in marginalising Assyrian communities.

Dig a few inches down in Iraq and you will more than likely stumble upon something a few thousand years old. That's exactly what happened to journalist Hormuz Mushi in the town of Fayda in 2019. After alerting the relevant authorities of his accidental find, Mushi was assaulted and detained by Kurdish security forces.

The bizarre response makes sense when understanding the objectives of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) which presides over that part of Iraq. Such discoveries are viewed as a threat to the pursuit for Kurdish independence that has partially relied on discrediting Assyrian indigeneity.

The KRG are famed for co-option of Assyrian material heritage, adopting historical revisionism as a key tactic. A report by the Assyrian Policy Institute described disturbing examples, such as incorrect labelling of museum exhibits, frequent vandalisation of archaeological sites as well as tangible heritage being torn down altogether -- or, as was the case with the Khinnis rock reliefs, being renovated into an outdoor swimming pool.

I can't help but feel that Assyrian history is the one aspect of Mesopotamia's back story that appears to belong to everyone but Assyrians. I laughed when my grandad first snorted "I could do with my portrait back" before a trip I made to the British Museum as a child. Now, as I remember those words, there is a poignancy to them that emphasises the lack of ownership we possess over our own past.

Michael Rakowitz, an American artist, wrote a letter to the British Museum in January requesting repatriation of a lamassu to Iraq. In exchange, he offered the Tate a contemporary version of the sculpture he had created.

To many Assyrians, this seemed like nothing more than a gimmick. If he succeeded, he would have achieved what no one else had done before, as well as immortalise himself with an artwork in a world-renowned gallery.

The recent thefts at the British Museum have been an unexpected twist in the timeline of the institution. In August, the museum reported that a number of items, including gold jewellery and precious stones, appeared to be missing or damaged. The incident, under investigation by police, led to the museum director Hartwig Fischer resigning. It emerged that concerns about possible thefts first raised by an art historian more than two years ago had gone unheeded. It has been suggested that inadequate cataloguing and lapses in security may have contributed to the losses. Fischer quit after accepting responsibility for the museum's failure to properly respond to warnings about the suspected thefts of thousands of objects as far back as 2021.

Until this point, I had always maintained that Assyrian artefacts were best placed where they are, in the British Museum. Iraqi authorities, on the other hand, have repeatedly failed to guard our physical heritage and are yet to realise the need to protect our modern communities, the numbers of which are continually dwindling. Until they can prove otherwise, I can't help but feel that these relics are far safer underground.

Jenan Younis is a comedian and BBC New Voices Winner based in London.
The international community should consider the possibility of creating mechanisms for the protection of tangible and intangible heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh. This was stated by Fabian Salvioli, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, at a press conference following his visit to Armenia

He noted that the visit coincided with the forced displacement of over 110,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. I met with refugees and their host communities. I saw pain in the eyes of the refugees and listened to their problems. I saw the colossal work of the authorities, the special rapporteur noted.

According to him, despite the efforts of the authorities, international assistance is needed for medium-term solutions, and it is also necessary to facilitate registration mechanisms, regardless of the civil status of refugees.

The refugees noted that the documents remained in NK and it is necessary to preserve them, emphasizing the need to protect graves and monuments. In this regard, I urge the negotiating parties and the international community to consider the possibility of creating mechanisms for the protection of tangible and intangible heritage. It is necessary to return prisoners and hostages, and compensate the relatives of the victims. This must be done under the auspices of the international community to ensure that violence does not recur. And this should be reflected in the future peace agreement, said the UN special rapporteur.

I am leaving Armenia with a broken soul, said Fabian Salvioli, emphasizing the need to strive for a peace treaty.
Fabian Salvioli, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, has presented at a press conference the preliminary conclusions on the results of the 10-day official visit to Armenia.

He said that he visited Syunik, Jermuk, Yeghegis, met with refugees, relatives of victims, the media, civil society, diplomats, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Security Council, the National Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the interdepartmental commission on prisoners, hostages and missing persons, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ombudswoman, deputies.

The purpose of the visit is to establish truth and justice, human rights violations. The final report is addressed to the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and international structures; it will be presented in September 2024 at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.

The report touches on almost all areas of the entire history of RA independence  starting with the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, victims of repression during the Soviet period, violations of the rights of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and deportation in September 2023, dubious deaths in the Armed Forces, cases of torture in prisons and prisons, violations of electoral right.

The special rapporteur touched upon the creation of a National Assembly commission to investigate the events of March 1, 2008 and noted that those who killed 10 people during these events were not identified, the commissions on the 4-day war of 2016 and the 44-day war of 2020. He touched upon the issue of transitional justice, noted that reforms in the legal system and the recent ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

According to the special rapporteur, despite the reforms, efforts to punish officials are still insufficient. As an example, he cited the use of unlawful force by police against demonstrators, with the police continuing to act in the same spirit as in past years.

There are many complaints about non-combat deaths in the Armed Forces and the judicial system, Salvioli noted. He placed particular emphasis on the imperfection of legislation regarding the payment of compensation to victims of human rights violations, starting with victims of repression during the Soviet era. Another problem is that victims of rights violations are given three years to file a complaint and demand compensation, which limits opportunities; only monetary compensation is provided, and the amount is relatively small.

The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial is dedicated to the memory of 1.5 million victims of genocide committed by the authorities of the Ottoman Empire. There is a memorial to those killed in the massacre in Azerbaijan and in the war, the Day of the Missing is celebrated, but officials do not always participate in events on this date, the special rapporteur noted, speaking about issues of preserving memory. In the same part, he noted that representatives of civil society are talking about the possible political exaggeration of including texts about the events of March 1, 2008 in the school curriculum.

In the part about guarantees of non-repetition, he noted the reforms of different years in the law enforcement system, penal institutions, and the judicial system. In terms of combating corruption, specialized investigative anti-corruption structures have been created. In general, according to him, the administrations that have led Armenia since independence have implemented a number of measures to eliminate human rights violations and transition to democracy or compensate for damage. But progress has been inconsistent, the special rapporteur believes.

Fabian Salvioli called on the authorities to establish an independent body to investigate human rights violations in the categories identified in this statement. He called on prosecutors and the courts to redouble their efforts to carry out their duties and investigate questionable deaths in the army and prisons.

He stated that after the velvet revolution of 2018, certain measures were developed, but progress is slow due to the coronavirus pandemic and the escalation of the conflict with Azerbaijan. There were also reports of a lack of transparency in appointments, he said. I urge the countrys authorities to deepen reforms and free government agencies from corruption and political influence. Respect for democracy is impossible otherwise, said the UN special rapporteur.
As of now, it is still not obvious or clear whether Azerbaijan agrees, reaffirms to sign a peace agreement with Armenia based on three principles or not, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a live press conference.

"The first of these principles is the following, that Armenia and Azerbaijan recognize each other's territorial integrity, with the understanding that Armenia's territory is 29,800 square kilometers, Azerbaijan's is 86,600 square kilometers.

The second principle is that the basis of delimitation is the Almaty Declaration. That declaration is the justification why we say that the titular territory of Armenia is 29,800 square kilometers. Because RA was formed on the territory of the Armenian SSR. An understanding was reached that the maps of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces of 1974-1990 should be used for the delimitation of the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. These nuances need to be refined.

The third principle is that communications between the two countries should be opened respecting the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the countries, based on the principle of reciprocity and equality.

We cannot confidently claim that Azerbaijan refuses to sign a peace treaty based on those three principles. However, we also cannot say that Azerbaijan reaffirms its loyalty to those three principles. There is a need to clarify these issues during the negotiations. As you saw, such a discussion, at least regarding maps and borders, is planned for November 30, in the format of demarcation commissions.

We will draw conclusions from those discussions, and if there are other negotiations, we will also draw conclusions from them whether Azerbaijan is ready to go to negotiations on the basis of those principles or refuses those principles.

The fact is that we do not have such confidence until now. Although Azerbaijan made a statement that Azerbaijan recognizes the territorial integrity of Armenia. But here we need specifics on what they mean by the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. The clarification of these issues is the main task of the upcoming negotiation processes," Pashinyan stated.
Since December 30, 2020, an agreement on cooperation between the two governments in the domain of mass telecommunications has been in force between Armenia and Russia; this contract regulates our relations regarding the broadcasting of Russian TV channels in Armenia and Armenian TV channels in Russia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted this while answering, on live broadcast Friday, peoples video questionsand addressing the question why Russian TV channels that broadcast programs containing insults to Armenia and its leader are not banned in Armenia.

According to Pashinyan, there is a clear regulation in that contract that no efforts should be made to interfere in the internal affairs of the country, and to destabilize the internal political situation in the country.

"In recent months, our state institutions () have recorded certain problems that, in our opinion, violate the mentioned contracts. Taking into account the existing friendly relations between Armenia and Russia and the existing realities, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry [of Armenia] has invitedwith an official letterthe Russian side to consultations in order to discuss this situation and understand what the outcomes and conclusions should be. I hope that these consultations will take place as quickly as possible so that we can settle this matter in a friendly and normal atmosphere," said Pashinyan.
Whenever things have started to unravel, there has always been work to throw myself into. Ive been lucky to always find an outlet. By the end of the summer of 2013 I had gotten out of a bad relationship that I was still reeling from, and I was also questioning everything about everything as a result of my parents abrupt separation and divorce the year before. And I was about to enter my senior year at MICA with nary an idea of what Id do with a degree in painting. So I quit one of my jobs to take a then-unpaid editorial internship at City Paper, back when the staff cranked out an issue each week at a creaky, old, and beautiful mansion on Park Avenue, and spent the rest of my time obsessing in my studio or crying in my living room at 3 a.m., trying to file a draft that I was struggling with.

On Park Avenue I started to learn how a story comes together. I learned it in reverse, by fact-checking, by calling sources and emailing writers and reading documents and so on. I also started to become a better writer over there, thanks largely to then-arts editor Baynard Woods thoughtful evisceration of my first drafts. Some of those first drafts included a review of David Brewsters whiplash-inducing, phenomenological landscape and horse paintings at C. Grimaldis Gallery; another review where I made a connection between Morris Louis paintings on view at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the patchy graffiti-cover-up paint jobs you often see on the Howard Street bridge, and elsewhere. These were exercises in understanding little things about art and the world around it at the same time. At some point early on, Baynard sat down with me and went through what I wrote, line by line, explaining how a certain sentence works or totally doesnt work at all; please, never do that again. I could write a whole other essay on how the culture of City Paper allowed us all to take formal and conceptual riskswe knew wed be challenged by our editors if something was too outlandish or heavy-handed or weak, so we werent afraid to follow our weird, experimental trains of thought. And I think if I were to write that Brewster review today, Id try to find a way to work in that famous, goofy @horse_ebooks tweet, Everything happens so much.

After finishing my internship and a brief stint with an office job unrelated to my interests (which allowed me some brain space to submit a couple freelance pieces to City Paper), I took a job at the end of summer 2014 as the fact-checking coordinator/intern coordinator/arts writer (and eventually all of that still but with the title of visual arts editor) for City Paper, a few months after the Baltimore Sun Media Group bought us. I was now part of this ramshackle alt-weekly, all of us tackling an incredibly demanding (edifying, frustrating, Sisyphean) workload. There hasnt been much time in the last three-plus years to take stock of all that Ive learned here, but I can tell you that Ive learned mostly everything I know from working at City Paper.

Often it was the artists whose work I wrote about that taught me something. Their work and words stay with me; in small ways, they helped me break down some of the roadblocks that art school built up in me. When I interviewed the artist Jeffrey Kent, right as he was about to close SubBasement Artist Studios, the massive underground art gallery and studio space way underneath a fancy apartment building near Lexington Market, he told me that art helped him recover from drug addiction: Idle time is the real killer, he said to me in 2014. And thats where I realized how art saved me. My idle time is now spent stayin busy!?

Melani N. Douglass, an artist and curator whose Family Arts Museum asserts that art can be anywhere and everywhere around you and it can heal you, co-organized an event featuring music, poetry, sculpture, and capoeira, among other things, at a laundromat of all places during the Baltimore Uprising. Id rather talk about how to move past that trauma, she told me at the time, and use artists to celebrate redemption and make something beautiful out of something tragic. And later on I encountered Katie Bachler, whose multitudinous art practice with the BMA Outpost encouraged people to be active participants in the world around them: Its really important that places feel like our own, she told me in 2016. So much of life is scripted [about] where to go and how to be in a space.

Theres no script for a life in the arts and you dont always have to pander to gallerists and people with money. Ive witnessed these and many other Baltimore artists who have demonstrated in different ways time and again that equity in the arts requires active participation, that passivity promotes stagnancy. These artists have showed how art can rupture the ordinary, how it can be radical and challenge power, how art can shock, how it can heal.

About a week after my dad died suddenly last fall, I got to talk to Malcolm Peacock about his piece Let the Sun Set on You, which was going to take place at Druid Hill Park as part of Ginevra Shays curatorial project Rose Arcade. For two and a half hours that day in September, Malcolm and I mostly talked about death, because it had to do with his art, but also because he didnt want to give me too many details in terms of what the reader could expect if they came to the park to experience the piece (as it turns out, it was everything, it was a lot of things; we named it 2016s Best Experience). Underneath this artwork, not latent but not obvious, was Malcolms yearning question about the ways that deathparticularly the deaths of black people at the hands of racist police, racist citizens, and racist lawsspawns movements throughout history. It was interesting how history affects death, and how death affects history, he told me, depending on who dies, depending on what dies, what will determine how its spoken about.

The papers whole approach was to think critically and push back against the powers that be, and in the arts section that meant we tried to look at everything in context of the things around it. Artists had been discussing for years how the arts scene is siloed and segregated, how the scene and its many factions replicate in miniature issues that plague the whole city. Kalima Young wrote an essay on that very thing for our 2014 fall arts guide, and then the following year CPs Performing Arts Editor Maura Callahan and I compiled SCUM (Segregated Communities and Upward Mobility), a piece that echoed, in part, what many people were already saying along the lines of equity and inclusion. Those questions of equity came up again late last year when the tenants of the Bell Foundry, many of whom were queer and/or black folks, were suddenly evicted by the city from the DIY stalwart theyd made a home. And then people in the arts community did what a community does: They helped the tenants move their belongings out and offered places to store their stuff; some gave people places to sleep.

And then Maura and I were able to take four months reporting, researching, and writing our cover story from a few months ago, Abuse and Accountability in the Arts Scene: A Reckoning. That was the most difficult thing Ive ever worked on, partly because the story was long overdue, and we wanted to do it right. We wanted to take all of the information and radical thought that had informed us, to present the reader with a cogent, coherent (but open-ended, non-authoritative) piece that brought together survivors voices and ideas for how, perhaps, things could change. City Paper is the only outlet we could have written that for, and I couldnt have contributed to that piece without spending these formative years at the paper.

Since my dad died, most of my thinking and writing has been tinged by death, in some wayeither theres a greater urgency to all of it, because Im remembering that one day Im going to die and what if its sooner than I expected, or Im just interpreting a work of art or an event or a piece of news through some lens of loss or trauma or something harder to pin down with a word.

And of course weve been reckoning with the papers imminent death, speeding toward it and putting words in these papers and contemplating just what our gasping legacy might be.

These experiences accumulate and melt together and when I try to pull apart the past three years (or four if you count my internship), when I spell it out like this, it doesnt seem like enough. (I didnt even give a proper shout out here to all the writers and editors that I got to work with every day at City Paper.) And three years seems like a short amount of time even when its been packed full and the papers have stacked up with thoughtful and complicated stories on Baltimore news and artists and activists and movements and cronies. Im going to miss being on this side of the process, working with everyone to edit and fact-check and proofread pieces before they go to press, letting ourselves breathe for a day or less afterward and then plodding on toward the next issue. But now there wont be a next issue, and it feels wrongit feels incorrectlike many deaths do.

Rebekah Kirkman is the visual arts editor and intern coordinator at City Paper.
RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan received on Friday the Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos. They discussed a number of issues of the comprehensive and ambitious agenda of the RA-EU partnership.

According to a press release by Armenias Foreign Ministry, the two diplomats exchanged thoughts on the achievements and existing prospects in the fields of democratic institutions, rule of law and protection of human rights, as well as in other key fields.

Both sides appreciated the steps taken for the implementation of the RA-EU comprehensive and extended partnership agreement, as well as the effective implementation of the RA-EU economic and investment plan, the expected future dynamics were emphasized.

Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that RA's partnership with the EU is based on common values and its further enrichment is aimed at ensuring significant, tangible results for RA citizens and society.

Also a reference was made to the latest developments in the process of normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the vision of establishing long-term stability in the region, regional programs aimed at its implementation, including with the involvement and support of the EU.
The Armenian government implements multi-billion dollar projects throughout the republicand in Syunik Province, in particular. In the last five years, we have made the biggest investments in Syunik province; we have invested 100 billion drams in Syunik, with various projects. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted this while answering, on live broadcast Friday, peoples video questionsand referring to the future of Syunik Provinceand Meghri city, in particular.

"The border customs post with Iran is being reconstructed in Meghri, we are creating a modern customs post with the support of the EU, and this will be a serious boost for many jobs. We recently signed an agreement, the construction of the North-South [road corridors] Agarak-Kajaran section will begin. The EU has already made quite large allocations within the framework of the investment and economic plan to increase Syunik's resilience. We have already launched the airport in Kapan. Of course, there are certain problems related to periodicity, technical adequacy; flights are canceled due to weather conditions. (). Why are we doing this? To send a clear political message that all our plans related to Syunik are connected with strategic development, welfare, economic activity, etc.," Pashinyan announced, in particular.

He added that even in that context, he does not accept that Syunik Province or Meghri city should be considered separate in Armenia in terms of security issues.

"() these security issues should neither be underestimated nor overestimated. It is in order to solve these problems that we have adopted the peace agenda and have ensured quite a strong international consolidation around the protection of Armenia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and democracy. (). It is my conviction that 100 percent security can be ensured by only one thing: lasting, de jure-recorded mandatory peace," emphasized Nikol Pashinyan.

He noted that Syunik Province is one of the most economically active parts of Armenia because a considerable part of the countrys imports and exports is carried out through the customs office of Meghri.
The issue of captured Armenians in Azerbaijan is at the center of our daily attention. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a live press conference, answering questions from citizens of Armenia and compatriots from the diaspora.

I must express my sorrow that this essentially humanitarian issue is being used for political purposes, which, in my opinion, is somewhat illogical. We expressed our readiness to show flexibility on this issue and begin to work with Azerbaijan to return our prisoners. Negotiations are one way to resolve this issue.

At the same time, we expressed our readiness to transfer Azerbaijanis convicted in Armenia to Azerbaijan, exchanging them for our prisoners, according to the principle 'all for all, giving the issue an exclusively humanitarian character.

The second way to resolve the issue is the legal one. In all cases, Armenia has appealed to the ICC and other possible legal structures, but the work done cannot be considered sufficient while our brothers are in captivity. We will continue to work to resolve this issue and make every effort to do so. I am dissatisfied that progress has not been made on this issue to date, and I apologize to both our captured brothers and their families, he said.

At the same time, Nikol Pashinyan reminded that from 2020 to this day, more than 100 Armenians have returned from Azerbaijani captivity.
Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Samvel Shahramanyan disclosed a number of facts during the discussions at the meeting of the Inquiry Committee for Studying the Circumstances of the Hostilities Unleashed on September 27, 2020 of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia. The chairman of this committee, Andranik Kocharyan, announced this while speaking with reporters at the NA.

"Realities were revealed to me that no one would have been able to receive on another platform," Kocharyan said, in particular.

He explained that it is about the post-war events because the 44-day war did not end there, after the war there were events that were directly related to the days of this war and the period of forced deportation of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to Kocharyan, the aforesaid inquiry committee is now vested with constitutional powers. He believes that this is the right decision that enables such a platform to be used in order to record some political realities that would not have been visible without this committee.
Yes. There is the issue of enclaves. But what does that issue mean? And where does it come from? And why does it exist? Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted this while answering, on live broadcast Friday, peoples video questions.

"One of the principles of the peace treaty is that Armenia and Azerbaijan mutually recognize each other's territorial integrity on the territories of Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan. And when we say the territory of Armenia of 29,800 square kilometers, it does not include the exclaves/enclaves that belonged to Azerbaijan during the USSR. And the 29,800 square kilometers of Armenia includes Artsvashen [village], which is an [Armenian] exclave surrounded by the territory of Azerbaijan. This issue must be addressed in some way. Even if I want to, I cannot say that there is no such issue. Artsvashen is the territory of sovereign Armenia; I cannot simply say we have nothing to do with this piece of the sovereign territory of Armenia. When we raise the issue of Artsvashen, Azerbaijan, in turn, raises the issue of the [Azerbaijani] enclaves that existed de jure according to its description and the maps and decisions of the USSR. If we say that there is no issue of enclaves, then we must say that there is no issue of exclaves as well, and [therefore] there is no issue of Artsvashen; but both issues exist. Those two issues should be settled in the peace process," said Pashinyan.

He emphasized that there are several ways to solve this problem.

"Let's say, we reaffirm our sovereignty over Artsvashen, Azerbaijanover the de jure existing enclaves. There are many questions here. First, the territory of that exclave must be drawn, reestablished. Secondly, we [Armenia] do not have a direct border with Artsvashen. How are we going to cross the territory from our border to Artsvashen? And Azerbaijan, respectively, in its case? Many problems arise here.

"Another solution can be found here that the exclaves that are surrounded by the territory of Armenia start to be considered de jure the territory of Armenia, the territories that are surrounded by the territory of Azerbaijan start to be considered the territory of Azerbaijan. But this is already a topic of a concrete agreement which must also be ratified by the National Assembly of Armenia," Pashinyan stressed.

The Armenian premier announced that there were discussions on this topic during the peace talks with Azerbaijan.

"At the moment, there is no very specific, objective arrangement, agreement on this topic. If we are going to take action, you will know about it, we will discuss [it]," Pashinyan said.

He assured that there is no option to solve this problem whose resulting parallel solutions are not possible and thought out on the spot.

"The tensions over this issue are much more than it is worth to have tensions over this issue," the Armenian PM added.
Of course, the signing of the peace treaty with Azerbaijan is a necessity, as well as the establishment of lasting peace in our region. I have held that opinion for decades. Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia, told this to reporters in front of a Yerevan court Friday, recalling that since the mid-1990s, he has talked about compromises and settling the problem through negotiations.

"Two decades ago, I announced from the NA [(National Assembly)] podium that Aghdam is not my homeland. And some time ago, people who consider themselves patriots, who know a lot, who think about the future of Armenia, took pictures in Aghdam and said: Aghdam is our homeland. They thought they were stinging me, not realizing that they were talking nonsense. And the end will be like this," said Sargsyan.

He emphasized that he does not know the text and form of the peace agreement that the Armenian PM is going to sign with Azerbaijan.

"We draw certain conclusions only from certain leaks, from the press of other countries, and we see that every time we make new concessions, every time. And how can it be called a peace treaty? If such a treaty is signed, then it would be correct to call such treaty a forced peace treaty; and a forced peace treaty is the same capitulation.

You remember that after the publication of the document of November 9, [2020] how the word capitulator was tattooed on him [i.e. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan]. And I am sure that if such a peace treaty is signed, he will be called double capitulator. Unfair peace is the cause of a new war," said Serzh Sargsyan.
Two-hundred police and federal agents from as far away as Georgia raided 13 locations in and around Baltimore yesterday morning searching for drugs, money, and guns from an East Baltimore crew that for years operated from the 1100 block of N. Montford Avenue.

I can say, without question, that East Baltimore is safer today, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. told assembled reporters in Acting Maryland U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Schennings office.

Thirteen people ranging in age from 18 to 55 have been indicted for selling heroin and cocaine, and having and using illegal guns. This is an organization that operated in that area of Montford and Chase for quite some time, Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Dean Palmere said. He said the department is still investigating.

The federal investigation began in September of last year, after two of the alleged leaders of the crew beat an attempted murder charge in state court. Ernest McRae, age 37, and Jackie Bagley, 38, extended credit to another drug dealer, who then declined to pay for his heroin and was shot in the head, according to an account in the search warrant affidavit that was unsealed today. The victim is not named in the affidavit.

Along with Bagley and McRae, the indictment charges Rodney Addison, 39; Deandre Anderson, 22; Kurt Atkins, 55; Vernon Bartee, 51; Johntae Brown, 19; Dominic Durham, 18; Wilbur Forrester, 38; Keith Johnson, 46; Antonio Jones, 23; Andrew Manuel, 21; and Stancil McNair, 20. All but Manuel and Durham face possible life in prison. All are in custody except Jones, Durham, and Forrester, who are fugitives.

With controlled drug-buys, long-term surveillance, confidential informants, and wiretaps arrayed against men with long and mainly successful criminal careers, the case looks like several recent federally-led roll-ups of Baltimore City drug crews. From 2013 through 2016 the U.S. Attorney made dozens of cases against warring Cherry Hill gangs, and announced cases last year against the Murdaland Mafia Piru in the citys northwest. In March they indicted 11 people (including the head of the east sides vaunted Safe Streets program) dealing out of Latrobe Homes, and in June they took down a Sandtown crew they said was responsible for five murders.

These followed late-2000s cases against Tree Top Piru and PDL Bloods, Black Guerilla Family and Dead Man, Inc. factions.

In each case, high-ranking federal agents said the operation made Baltimore safer. No ones naive enough to say we won the war, Palmere told reporters.

So far this year, 290 people have been murdered in Baltimore.

Click here for more from Edward Ericson Jr. or email Edward at eericson@citypaper.com


23:48





The fire that broke out at around 7 am on the second floor engulfed the fourth, fifth and sixth floors of the shopping mall, but it was not clear what caused it.





Twelve fire tenders, a snorkel and around 50 firefighters were called to control the fire and rescue around 42 people in the building.





Chief Fire Officer Mubin Ahmed said that 11 people were killed and six injured in the blaze mostly due to smoke inhalation and panic as the electricity to the building had to be cut off to control the blaze.





Karachi Fire Rescue Commander Humayun Khan said the fire was probably caused by a short circuit.





Taking to X, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said, "Fire has been extinguished & cooling process is going on. I can so far confirm 10 casualties & 22 persons have been injured."





However, police official Summaya Syed said that so far 11 bodies have been brought to two hospitals. Nine bodies were brought to Jinnah Hospital while two others were taken to Civil Hospital, she said, adding that the condition of six of those rescued was critical.





Mubin said they were still investigating the reason for the fire but just earlier this week, city planners and engineers at a seminar said they were sure some 90 per cent of structures in Karachi -- residential, commercial and industrial -- did not have fire prevention and firefighting systems.

A massive fire tore through a shopping mall in Pakistan's Karachi city on Saturday, killing at least 11 people and injuring six, officials said.
Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.

The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of ''War Like Stores'' from the encounter site.

Quari was infamous for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri''s Poonch areas.

His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

Meanwhile, in heart-wrenching visuals from the wreath laying on Friday, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades. (ANI)
This followed the safe return of 15 fishermen from Rameshwaram on Thursday, who had also been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, another group of 15 fishermen, previously held in Sri Lankan prisons, reached Chennai airport.

All fishermen were sent to their homes with the State Government Fisheries Department arrangements.

A total of 64 fishermen who belong to Rameshwaram and Mandapam were arrested in three separate arrests by the Sri Lankan navy, allegedly for cross-border fishing, in the month of October. Their boats and fishing nets were also taken by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Fishermen were produced before Sri Lankan courts and imprisoned.

Following this, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wrote to the External Affairs Minister to make efforts to release fishermen. Also, various political party leaders requested that the Union government intervene in this matter.

With the efforts of the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka and following the talks, 63 fishermen were released. They didn't release one fisherman, as he was allegedly caught a second time and sentenced to two years of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka made arrangements to send the fishermen back to their places.

The other 21 fishermen are also expected to arrive in one or two days. (ANI)
The event will feature a memorial talk on the father of India's White Revolution and the launch of a comprehensive cattle insurance policy in the state, according to a state government release issued on Friday.

J Chinchurani, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development will inaugurate the function at Adlux Convention Centre. Parliamentarian Benny Behanan will roll out Milma's comprehensive cattle insurance policy on the occasion.

Human resources expert Nirmala Kurien will deliver the Dr Verghese Kurien memorial lecture, recounting the pioneering contributions of her father and social entrepreneur, who enabled India to become the world's largest milk producer with a strong cooperative dairy movement since 1970, top Milma functionaries said today.

The Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, is among the key speakers at the function, which will be chaired by MLA Roji M John.

Milma Chairman KS Mani, Milma Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers' Union (ERCMPU) Chairman MT Jayan, Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers' Union (TRCMPU) Administrative Committee Convener Mani Viswanath and State Dairy Farmers Welfare Fund Board Chairman VP Unnikrishnan, besides functionaries of civic bodies, will be present.

KCMMF was established as a state adjunct of the National Dairy Programme 'Operation Flood' in 1980 with 450 dairy farmers and producing a total of 52,000 litres of milk.

Today, the cooperative societies under Milma total 3,300 and the milk procured has risen to more than 14 lakh litres a day. Every day, Milma distributes more than 17 lakh litres of milk, while its dairy products come out in 100-plus varieties, clocking an annual turnover of Rs 4,000 crore.

In fact, when Milma last raised the price of its milk (in December 2022) by six rupees a litre, the federation decided to give 83.75 per cent (Rs 5.02) to the farmers. (ANI)
Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India], November 24 (ANI) In a major boost for Make in India in the defence sector, the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy will acquire 15 C-295 transport aircraft that are being manufactured in India in a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.

The proposals for the acquisition of these 15 aircraft are at an advanced stage in the defence ministry, in which nine planes would be procured by the Navy while six would be taken by the Indian Coast Guard.

The transport aircraft would be equipped with the required radars and sensors and turned into a maritime patrol plane by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), defence officials said.

Speaking about his force's projects, Indian Coast Guard Chief Director General Rakesh Pal told ANI, "There are plans for acquiring long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, which the Air Force has taken, and the contracts will be signed with TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited), wherein we are about to get six C295 transport aircraft."

He said, "The Ministry of Defence is giving us adequate funds to ensure that our acquisition processes are all fast-tracked."

The Coast Guard chief informed that shortly his force was also set to sign contracts for nine more advanced-light helicopters, the ALH Dhruv manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Indian Air Force recently inducted the first C-295 transport aircraft manufactured in Spain.

While the first 16 will come from Spain in fly-away condition, the remaining 40 will be produced in India at a Tata facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The order from the Navy and Coast Guard, if approved by the government, will take the Tata Airbus order book to 71 from the existing 56.

The C-295 is being used by some of the operators of the plane in maritime patrol roles. (ANI)
The carnage continues.

Tuesday, Oct. 24

2:22 p.m. Kendel Lecompte, a 27-year-old African-American man, was on the 1000 block of W. North Avenue in Reservoir Hill, when someone shot him. He died soon after at Shock Trauma. Lecompte had lived on the 5100 block of Chalgrove Avenue.

4:43 p.m. Antwan Bond, a 26-year-old African-American man, was on the 3100 block of Wylie Avenue in the Central Park Heights neighborhood when someone shot him. Police found him and medics brought him to Sinai Hospital, where he died. Police give Bonds address as the 2600 block of W. Cold Spring Lane.

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Thomas Chambers, a 49-year-old African-American man rendered quadriplegic by gunfire on the 1600 block of E. Eager Street on August 22, 1990, died on Aug. 10 of this year. This week the Medical Examiners Office ruled his death was the result of the 27-year-old shooting, and so Chambers, of the unit block of S. Athol Street, is added to this weeks homicide list.

Thursday, Oct. 26

3:44 p.m. Elijah Johnson, a 31-year-old African-American man, was near the intersection of Belwood and Benton Heights avenues in the Waltherson neighborhood when someone shot him. Medics took him to Bayview Hospital, where he died. Johnson had resided on the 5400 block of Belle Vista Avenue.

Friday, Oct. 27

11:00 p.m. Reginald Jefferson, a 29-year-old African-American man, was working as a security guard on the 1500 block of Eutaw Place when someone shot him. Another security guard flagged down a police officer, and medics pronounced Jefferson dead.

11:18 p.m. Melvin Ford, a 35-year-old African-American man, was driving on the 2500 block of Greenmount Avenue when someone shot him. He crashed his car into another vehicle, and medics and police who were summoned to the crash found a gunshot wound in Fords upper body. Ford died soon afterward at a hospital. The other driver was also hospitalized.

Saturday, Oct. 28

9:50 p.m. Phillip Johnson, a 44-year-old African-American man, was sitting in the corner carry-out on the 1800 block of Edmondson Avenue when a man burst in and shot him in the upper body. He died soon after at a hospital. As the shooter ran away, someone else shot him in the arm and back. The man, who police identified as Michael Campbell, age 32, was arrested at St. Agnes Hospital, and police say they recovered a gun. Campbell, now charged with murdering Johnson, is a repeat violent offender, according to police. Court records show convictions for armed robbery and first-degree assault. Johnson, who in 2005 was himself sentenced to 12 years for attempted murder, was the sixth person killed this year in the Harlem Park neighborhood.

Sunday, Oct. 29

2:04 p.m. Anthony Cheeks, a 17-year-old African-American boy, was on the 900 block of N. Carey Street in Sandtown-Winchester, when someone shot him. He died on the street. He was the ninth person murdered in Sandtown-Winchester so far this year. Last year there were eight.

Updates:

The person killed on the 2400 block of Barclay Street on Oct. 17 was Julio Valdes, a 42-year-old African-American man, who resided on the 1500 block of Myrtle Avenue.

On Oct. 23 Baltimore detectives and U.S. Marshalls arrested Raekwon Thornton on the Eastern Shore. Thornton, who faced two separate gun charges since 2015, and served about 18 months in jail in exchange for a guilty plea in one of them, is now charged with the Sept. 4 murder of Tyrone Ray on the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue.

Police have identified the person murdered on Oct. 10 in Brooklyn as Derrean Mills, a 24-year-old African-American man of the 2200 block of Lafayette AVenue. Mills was shot to death on the 3700 block of 5th Street.
Hearing the Adani-Hindenburg matter, the Supreme Court on Friday remarked that it is easy to make allegations against anyone and opined the petitioners to show some responsibility while levelling charges against any party. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra passed the remarks when one of the petitioners raised questions over members of the expert committee. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners, told the court about one of the members of the expert committee Somashekhar Sundaresan, noting that he has been a lawyer representing Adani in various forums including in the SEBI Board. CJI DY Chandrachud raised an objection to the petitioner's submission and remarked that if one goes with the theory that a lawyer who appeared 17 years ago can now not be appointed to the committee and like this, no lawyer who has appeared for an accused should become a High Court judge. CJI DY Chandrachud remarked that he is not an in-house counsel he was a lawyer and he appeared in 2006 and this conflict arose 17 years later. There has to be some responsibility for the allegations being levelled, SC remarked. During the hearing, the court also remarked that it is easy to make allegations and one must be also very careful. "We are not giving a character certificate to anyone," SC noted. When the hearing commenced today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the top court that SEBI is not seeking an extension of further investigation matters relating to the Hindenburg report. Out of 24 cases in the Adani-Hindenburg matter, investigations in 22 cases are over For the remaining two cases, they need information from foreign regulators and others and they have been in consultation with them, SG Mehta informed the court. The court then said that it had intervened in the matter due to the extreme volatility of the stock market and sought to know what is SEBI planning to do for such kind of volatility and planning to protect investors in cases like short selling. SG Tushar Mehta took the court through the recommendations of the Expert Committee which SEBI has agreed with in principle. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, told the SC that there were many factual revelations in the Hindenburg report. He raised doubts about SEBI's role in the matter and says a lot of information was available to it in 2014. Bhushan informed the SC about a letter written in 2014 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence regarding substantial money siphoned to Mauritius. SG Mehta questioned Bhushan over this and said that DRI concluded the proceedings in 2017. The court remarked that to advocate Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, it is easy to make allegations and one must be also very careful. SG Tushar Mehta urged the top court to stop these kinds of allegations. The court remarked that SEBI, a statutory body looks into stock market frauds. SG Tushar Mehta said that there is a growing tendency to plant stories outside India to influence decisions within India. After hearing the matter in length, the court reserved the order on various aspects related to the issue. Earlier, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) filed a status report before the Supreme Court apprising it that out of 24 investigations arising out of the Hindenburg report, 22 are final in nature and 2 are interim in nature. The investigation was carried out in compliance with the directions of the top court's order dated March 2, 2023, SEBI has investigated 24 matters. In the mid of May, the top court gave three months more time to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to conduct a probe into the Hindenburg report SEBI was granted time till 14th August 2023 to conduct the probe. On March 2, the apex court directed the capital market regulator SEBI to investigate any violations of securities law by the Adani Group in the wake of the Hindenburg report, which led to a massive wipeout of more than USD140 billion of the Adani Group's market value. Supreme Court, on March 2, set up an expert committee on the issue arising from the Hindenburg Research report on Adani Group companies. The committee will consist of six members, headed by former apex court judge Justice AM Sapre. The top court had then asked SEBI to file a status report within two months. The apex court was then hearing petitions pertaining to the Hindenburg report, including the constitution of a committee relating to regulatory mechanisms to protect investors' interests. The January 24 Hindenburg report alleged stock manipulation and fraud by the conglomerate. The Adani Group has attacked Hindenburg as "an unethical short seller", stating that the report by the New York-based entity was "nothing but a lie". A short-seller in the securities market books gains from the subsequent reduction in the prices of shares. (ANI)
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command at Jammu and Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta at Poonch paid homage to these Army personnel.

The mortal remains of four fallen soldiers, Captain M V Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht and Paratrooper Sachin Laur were brought to Jammu.

The wreath-laying ceremony of Hav Abdul Majid, a resident of Poonch, was held in Poonch.

Five soldiers, including two Army Captains, lost their lives in the firefight carried over from Wednesday.

The encounter broke out between terrorists and a joint team of the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bajimaal area of Dharamsala.

While the forces suffered five casualties on its side, two terrorists, including a top LeT commander and sniper, identified as Quari, were also neutralised on Thursday.The army informed further that it recovered large quantities of 'War Like Stores' from the encounter site.

Quari was infamous for orchestrating several attacks, including the Dangri incident, where six innocent civilians lost their lives on January 23, and the Kandi attacks in Rajouri's Poonch areas.His elimination marks a significant blow to the revival of terrorism in these districts, according to an army official.

Meanwhile, in visuals from the wreath laying on Friday, army officers and soldiers were seen paying their last respects to their fallen comrades. (ANI)
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for the National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) Plus to elevate the capabilities of Odisha's young cadre on Friday. NSTI Plus, under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), the apex organisation of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will train 500 instructors in Phase 1 under the Craftsmen Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) and will further incorporate another 500 instructors for upskilling and reskilling. The foundation stone-laying ceremony was graced by Odisha's Minister of State for Skill Development, Pritiranjan Gharai, BJP Bhubaneswar MP, Aparajita Sarangi, and others. Aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India the Skilling destination of the World, MSDE is introducing several fresh and innovative initiatives and NSTI Plus is a robust step in this direction, enabling the State of Odisha to harness the potential of its youth. Constructed on a 7.8-acre campus in Jatni, Bhubaneswar, NSTI Plus will not only accommodate institutions like the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Skill India International Centre (SIIC), but also emerge as a potential hub for diverse skill development activities, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said in a release. The envisioned NSTI Plus will also serve as a nucleus for emerging start-ups, an incubation centre, and a versatile hub for cultivating various skills. It also has the potential to serve as a prototype training facility for other states, the ministry added. Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan, said, "I am delighted to lay the foundation stone for National Skill Training Institute at Jatni, Bhubaneswar under the NSTI Plus Initiative. Every effort of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is a step towards empowering India's YuvaShakti and realising the vision of a developed India by 2047." "Furthermore, NSTI will emerge as a modern gurukul to equip candidates as well as trainers with industry and future-ready skills. I am confident that the upcoming state-of-the-art integrated campus of NSTI will empower the youth of New India by providing them with cutting-edge skills and knowledge required to excel in the 21st century, encourage entrepreneurship, equip master trainers with expertise aligned with current and future industry demands and help realize the vision of Viksit Bharat," he said. Currently, there are 524 ITIs in the region with seating capacity of 1,04,134, and institutions with flexible learning models like NSTI Plus will advance the vocational training framework to be more accessible, inclusive and innovate in its embodiment. NSTIs will also take on the role of capacity-building centers for educators in schools. The selection of courses and training programs will be meticulously designed in association with industries to meet the needs of the local community. To fuel further growth, collaborative efforts will be made to develop an integrated 4.0 campus for entrepreneurs with modern new-age skills. Another core aspect is the strategic location of the institute. Surrounded by premium institutions like National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Skill Development Institute (SDI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) helps in improving the engagement of students with vocational training institute. By offering specialized training programs, the mega-hub institute unlocks the potential of youth across diverse domains; including Engineers, supervisors, technicians, executives, and faculty members of educational institutions that caters to the needs of both national and international markets. On the completion of the training, the ministry will provide certificates to students in collaboration with IGNOU, NIOS and NIESBUD to propel vertical and horizontal mobility of the candidates. (ANI)
Ahead of the November 30 Telangana assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that research in turmeric will be taken up in Nizamabad district so that turmeric farmers can get more money for their produce. "Orders were issued for the establishment of the National Turmeric Board. The research will be taken up in the next phase. Processing units will also be established," Amit Shah said while addressing a public meeting as part of the election campaign in Nizamabad on Friday. Amit Shah said that the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government made a "mess of everything" in the last 10 years. "The ruling BRS in the last 10 years made a mess of everything. It has failed to implement promises it had made to the public in the previous elections...I was informed that the local MLA occupied the lands allotted for the bus complex about 30 years ago. A shopping complex was built. Why did Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao give the ticket to the one who occupied the land?" asked Amit Shah. Shah also promised to establish an exclusive hospital for beedi workers and an NRI (Non-Resident Indians) Ministry to address the problems of NRIs from Telangana. Referring to Telangana Liberation Day, the Union Home Minister accused Chandrasekhar Rao of not organising the programme fearing All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Shah promised to celebrate Telangana Liberation Day officially if his party came to power in the state. On alleged corruption in Kaleswhwaram, he said, "Those involved in the corruption will be punished and they will be forced to cough out the money they got illegally." He also spoke on alleged corruption in Miyapur lands, awarding Outer Ring Road (ORR) contract, Mission Kakatiya and liquor scam. Amit Shah also promised to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) on petrol and diesel, Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3,100 for paddy, to buy boiled rice and to extend the benefits of Fasal Bima Yojana without any premium from farmers. Shah alleged that Ministries will be given to those who offer money to both Congress and BRS. He added that his party is committed to appointing a Backward Classes Chief Minister as he had promised in the past. The Home Minister said that the Congress has stopped the construction of the Ram Temple for about 70 years and now Prime Minister Narednra Modi has performed Bhoomi Pooja and now Prana Pratishta will be held on January 22 at Ayodhya. Shah also offered free travel to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya if his party came to power in Telangana. (ANI)
A range of factors will be at play in the Rajasthan assembly polls on Saturday with BJP seeking to oust the Congress government in the state by vociferously raising issues concerning farmers, women and youth and alleged corruption and both parties seeking to woo voters with tall promises. The Congress is hopeful of returning to power on the basis of the schemes it has launched and promises made in its manifesto such as doubling the insurance sum under the flagship Chiranjeevi health insurance from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, 10 lakh jobs including 4 lakh government jobs and continuing Old Pension Scheme. Voting will be held for Rajasthan assembly polls from 7 am to 6 pm on Saturday and both Congress and BJP leaders have talked of their parties winning the poll battle. No party has been able to come to power in Rajasthan in successive polls in the past 30 years. While Congress hopes to buck the trend banking on Gehlot's "welfarism", the BJP has majorly highlighted the paper leak cases and the law and order situation in the context of crimes against women besides the communal tensions witnessed earlier in some parts of the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply attacked the Congress in his rallies and highlighted how the people were paying more in the state in terms of prices of petrol and diesel. To counter the Congress narrative, he also said that a BJP government will not stop schemes started by state government but improve them. Congress has laid thrust on Old Pension Scheme and caste census. BJP apparently has faced some questions in some parts of the state over the change in the recruitment policy for armed forces. Many youth from the state aspire to join the armed forces. The Gehlot government sought to counter "exam paper leak" allegations by bringing strong laws against those who commit the crime. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) cancelled eight examinations between 2019 and 2022 owing to 'paper leak'. It led to the filing of several FIRs and the arrest of hundreds. Having battled the feud between Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot, the Congress sought to put up a united face in the polls. The Congress government suffered a near rebellion over the leadership issue in the state from Pilot and his supporters. BJP leaders repeatedly referred to 'red diary' allegations against the Gehlot government, aired by sacked minister Rajendra Gudha. The BJP leaders have also accused the Congress of "appeasement politics". Both BJP and Congress have rebels in the fray and the role of smaller parties is also crucial. BSP has won seats in the state. Aam Aadmi Party is also in the fray. The smaller parties include the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, Bharatiya Adivasi Party, CPI-M, Jannayak Janata Party and Azad Samaj Party. The BJP fielded some senior leaders including MPs in the fray and the party appeared to fight an election under a collective leadership. Gehlot campaigned for the party throughout the state and senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also campaigned in the state. For BJP, apart from PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among leaders who sought support for party nominees. BJP and Congress have made a series of promises to the people of the state. Congress promises also include legal measures for hate speech. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday hit out at the Rajasthan Chief Minister over his remarks about an "undercurrent" in favour of Congress and said Gehlot held similarly underestimated support for BJP in the 2013 assembly polls when the party won 163 seats. Shekhawat, who is Union Minister of Jal Shakti, told ANI that the Ashok Gehlot government has betrayed every section of society and people have made up their minds to vote it out in the assembly polls to be held on Saturday. "In 2013, when BJP had got 163 seats and Congress was reduced to 21, even then he (Ashok Gehlot) had felt an undercurrent. He was not aware of this feeling then that the vibration they were feeling was a tsunami for the removal of their government," Shekhawat said. "The people of Rajasthan have made up their minds...The present Ashok Gehlot government has betrayed every section of society and did not fulfil even a single promise made in 2018. The people feel betrayed. The people are united, this time the rule will change and it will change in such a way that a new history will be created," he added. Gehlot had said earlier in the day that there is a strong undercurrent in favour of the ruling Congress in the state. "They (BJP) were trying to topple our government. It is a sin to topple an elected government. The people will take revenge for this. There is an undercurrent in favour of Congress. I can feel that in the whole state, there is a wave of Congress. Villages that were previously supporting the BJP are now supporting Congress due to our schemes and policies," Gehlot said. Shekhawat said the Gehlot government did not address major issues in the state and did not fulfil promises made in the 2018 elections. "They made fake promises. They were involved in corruption on the pretext of welfare schemes. Our leaders have raised five major issues in the state including those of farmers, violence against women, unemployment, and paper leak, which were not addressed by the ruling Congress. The way farmers were betrayed because of which many farmers were pushed to the edge of committing suicide. Isn't this an issue we should be discussing?" he asked. "Over 20000 farmers lost their land because Congress did not fulfil their promise given to the farmers. Isn't this an issue? The future of more than 17 lakh youth is in darkness. Their families' dreams were shattered. Many times, there was a paper leak. Wasn't all this an issue? More than two lakh women were violated, even children, and little girls facing crimes. Isn't this an issue that should be addressed?" The Union Minister alleged there is not one state department "that was not involved in corruption". Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday expressed confidence of Congress winning the assembly polls in Rajasthan and said that people have made up their minds and the party will return to power in the polling to be held on Saturday. "Leaders must speak on development issues in rallies, what is the planning for the future, what is the report card now. If the public issues are given priority, then a good narrative will be created in the elections. Congress' campaign was very positive. Though BJP tried to personalize it, to stir up emotional issues, I think their campaign did not catch the public eye," Pilot told ANI. "People have made up their mind and voting tomorrow will be in favour of Congress," he added. Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark about alleged victimisation with him in the Congress, Pilot said when BJP feels that they are losing, they start saying such things to divert from issues. "Eight crore people live in Rajasthan. When government is formed, there is support of everyone - be it the farmers, youth, forward or the backward. Efforts should be made to bring everyone together. I think caste politics or religious politics is not a healthy sign for a democracy. We should set an example for the next generation...But whenever BJP feels that they are stumbling and they are not going to get majority and they will lose, they say things like this to create distractions. But people understand everything...I am satisfied that we will get good results on December 3," he said. PM Modi, in his election rallies in the state earlier this week, alleged that Sachin Pilot was being victimised because his father Rajesh Pilot had challenged the Gandhi family once in the 1990s. He also accused the Congress "royal family" of depriving "Gurjar son" Pilot of the chief minister's post. Pilot said "caste politics and religious politics" can be a threat to democracy. He also called upon people to exercise their franchise on the voting day in large numbers. Polling will be held on 199 of 200 assembly seats as elections have been adjourned in a seat due to the death of a Congress candidate. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 along with four other states. (ANI)
A four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday morning, with civilian hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to be freed later in the afternoon, Qatar announced on Thursday, according to CNN. According to Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, the cease-fire will begin at 7 am local time, with 13 women and children captives set to be released at 4 pm. According to Al-Ansari, the list of captives scheduled to be freed has been sent to the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad. The Qatari spokesperson stated that Mossad will provide the Qataris with a list of Palestinian inmates who are likely to be released. "Whenever we have both lists confirmed, this is when we can begin with the process of getting people out," the official went on to say, according to CNN. The prisoners will be transferred from two jails, Damon and Megiddo, both southeast of Haifa, to the Ofer prison, south of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, for final Red Cross examinations. Earlier on Wednesday, an Israeli official told CNN that the truce will begin at 10 am local time on Thursday, followed by the release of at least 50 women and children among the more than 230 people being held prisoner in Gaza. However, those preparations were postponed late Wednesday, just hours before the cease-fire was supposed to begin. "Nothing is finalised until it's actually happening. And even amid the process, changes might occur at any moment," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in his daily press briefing on Thursday. According to CNN, Hagari asserted that the Israeli army continues to fight in the Gaza Strip "at this hour," pointing out that once the pause goes into effect, the soldiers of the Israeli Defence Forces will be stationed along the "truce lines" established inside the territory. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Hamas terrorists seized about 240 hostages during the assault when they surged across Gaza's militarised border into southern Israel to kill around 1,200 people, mostly civilians who were massacred at their homes and at a music festival amid brutal atrocities, The Times of Israel reported. The hostages were of all ages and including young children and elderly people, as well as Thai and Nepali nationals. (ANI)
Branding his country's launch of a military spy satellite as "deploying of a space guard", North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said it was an "exercise of the right to self-defence," Yonhap News reported. Kim's remark came during his visit to the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA), according to the official space agency of North Korea. "He highly appreciated that the eye-opening event of deploying the reconnaissance satellite constantly grasping the military intention and moves of the hostile forces with our space guard and powerful sighting telescope is the precious victory," Yonhap News reported, citing KCNA. Emphasising that the ownership of a spy satellite constitutes a comprehensive exercise of the right to self-defence, Kim urged endeavours to realise both the immediate and long-term objectives of advancing aerospace reconnaissance capabilities, according to KCNA's English-language dispatch Kim visited the facility with his daughter, believed to be named Ju-ae, and held a photo session with those involved in the satellite programme. North Korea's latest satellite launch took place around 10.42 pm (local time) on Tuesday and the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite was placed in orbit about 12 minutes later, Kyodo reported, citing the official Korean Central News Agency. South Korea's defence chief Shin Won-sik said on Thursday that a partial suspension of a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction deal is "a proportional response" and "a minimal defensive measure" against the North Korean regime following Pyongyang's controversial satellite launch, Yonhap News reported. Shin's comments came hours after North Korea's defence ministry vowed to immediately restore all military measures halted under the Comprehensive Military Agreement and warned that the South must "pay dearly" for its decision. A 2018 accord that calls for setting a no-fly zone around the Military Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas, was suspended on Wednesday by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. "North Korea's launch of what it calls a military spy satellite on November 21 is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and a serious provocation against the international community, once again showing it has no will to abide by the military agreement," Shin said in a parliamentary session, according to Yonhap. "Therefore, the partial suspension of the agreement is an essential measure to protect people's lives and safety. It is a corresponding response to North Korea's provocation and a minimal defensive measure," he said. Shin stated South Korea will resume aerial surveillance operations near the border region an appropriate response to the growing threat posed by the North. "If North Korea stages provocations under the pretext of the suspension, we will respond immediately, strongly and until the end," Shin said. Shortly after the suspension of the motion, surveillance drones and reconnaissance aircraft were deployed near the border. North Korea supposedly fired an unspecified ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday night, but the launch appears to have failed, the South Korean military said, Yonhap News reported. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, currently docked at a naval base in the southeastern port city of Busan is expected to join naval drills between South Korea and the US, as well as trilateral drills involving Japan, scheduled over the weekend, Yonhap News reported. (ANI)
The truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 7 am (local time). In the lead-up to the temporary ceasefire, there were rocket sirens in Israeli towns near Gaza, and the IDF conducted intense shelling in Gaza to advance its mission against Hamas, The Times of Israel reported. At 4 pm, 13 hostages in Gaza are set to be freed, followed by an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Over the next four days, around 50 women and children will be released, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian groups. Additionally, 150 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and minors, are expected to be released, as reported by The Times of Israel. The deal offers incentives for more hostage releases, with Israel agreeing to an extra day of truce for every ten additional hostages released by Hamas. The truce allows for an influx of fuel and humanitarian supplies to Gaza, marking the first cessation of fighting since the conflict began seven weeks ago when Hamas massacred roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Thursday afternoon (local time) that the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas would take effect on Friday at 7 am. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the receipt of an "initial" list of names of abductees expected to be released, updating families of those set to return and providing information to relatives of those not included in the list. Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated that Doha had received the list of names of civilians the terror group would release on the first day of the deal. Originally expected to commence on Thursday morning, the truce was delayed late on Wednesday night, with Israel's National Security Council chairman Tzachi Hanegbi stating that the release of hostages would not begin before Friday. Despite planning to halt combat operations on Thursday, Israel indicated it would continue as usual until the deal came into effect, The Times of Israel reported. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the new demands put forward by Hamas included a stipulation that the hostages released from Gaza be transferred directly to Egypt rather than to the Red Cross, as previously stated. A reason was not provided. Following news of the delay, spokesman al-Ansari said that Qatar was continuing to work, along with the US, to "ensure the rapid start of the truce and to provide what is necessary to ensure the parties' commitment to the agreement." Even though Israel has given no public reason as to why the deal was delayed, several unconfirmed reports have emerged. Speaking to CNN, one Israeli official dismissed the delay as the result of "fairly minor implementation deals." The claims were echoed by the United States, and Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the White House's National Security Council, told the Wall Street Journal that the relevant parties were merely ironing out the "final logistical details," adding that the US's primary objective was to ensure that the hostages were brought home safely, as reported by The Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials told the Wall Street Journal that Hamas' failure to provide a full list of hostage names to be released, as well as its failure to sign off on the deal, were the reason behind the delay. Speaking to UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron during his wartime visit to Israel on Thursday afternoon, Benjamin Netanyahu was confident that the deal would go through. "We hope to get our hostages out -- it's not without its challenges, but we hope to get this first tranche out and then we're committed to getting everyone out," The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying. Israel expresses optimism that the number of hostages released by Hamas during the ceasefire may exceed the initially agreed-upon 50. Hamas plans to use the pause to locate additional women and children held by various cells. Both parties have agreed that for each additional 10 hostages freed, an extra day of calm will be observed. Israeli authorities estimate that Hamas could potentially identify around 30 more Israeli mothers and children. As per the current understanding of the deal, each group of hostages released by Hamas daily will be transferred to Israel through one of Gaza's border crossings. Upon verifying that the released hostages are the Israeli citizens agreed upon, Israel will release its predetermined group of Palestinian prisoners. Upon arrival on the Israeli side, the freed hostages will undergo a brief medical examination before being flown to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families, according to The Times of Israel. Israel has committed to refraining from initiating military action during the ceasefire. However, if Hamas breaches the truce and attacks soldiers stationed in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops will be authorized to retaliate. Israel also aims to utilise the pause in fighting to strategize for the subsequent steps in the ongoing conflict. Israel's war cabinet has vowed to continue its war effort, with the declared aims of destroying Hamas and securing the return of all hostages, after the pause in fighting lapses. During a Wednesday evening press conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hamas' Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar could "try all kinds of tricks" and said that the government was prepared for that eventuality. He stressed that the ceasefire agreed upon with Hamas did not apply to Hamas chiefs abroad, saying that there was "no such obligation." And he said he had "instructed the Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are." Defence Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu's warning. "You can convey to (Hamas leaders) that they are living on borrowed time," he told a reporter. "As far as I'm concerned, the fight against Hamas spans the entire globe, from the terrorists who travel with a Kalashnikov in fatigues and battle [our] soldiers in the field to those who travel in luxury planes and enjoy themselves while the actions of their emissaries are perpetrated against women and children. They all face death," The Times of Israel quoted Gallant as saying. (ANI)
The Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs of Afghanistan said that approximately 2,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Iran voluntarily or forcibly compulsively amid the ongoing migration process, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. According to Taliban-led ministry on Wednesday said that 1,957 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing. The Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs, citing the head of the Herat border authority, has said that 24 families, comprising 91 people, were forcibly repatriated, according to Khaama Press report. In addition, 23 families, comprising 87 people, returned to Afghanistan voluntarily. Moreover, 734 people were repatriated involuntarily, while another 1,045 people opted to return to Afghanistan voluntarily. According to the Taliban-led ministry, 341 people among these returning migrants have been identified as needing assistance. It further said that these people have been referred to the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) for support. Taliban-led Ministry of Migrants' Affairs has revealed that 2,000 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan amid a recent rise in the deportation of Afghan citizens from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, Khaama Press reported. On Wednesday, more than 3000 Afghan migrants arrived in Afghanistan, with both forced and voluntary returns from Pakistan and Iran. The repatriation of Afghan migrants demonstrates the migration dynamics in the region. The return of more than 3000 Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday highlighted the ongoing challenges during a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. Earlier this month, a significant number of Afghan migrants who recently returned from Iran complained of mistreatment by the Iranian security forces, according to TOLO News reported. In addition to physical abuse, these refugees report enduring severe psychological harm due to verbal mistreatment by the Iranian military. Local officials in Nimroz province confirmed the distressing situation and disclosed troubling statistics. In the past two months, out of the 120,000 Afghan refugees who returned from Iran, an alarming 90 per cent of them were reportedly forcibly deported, according to TOLO News report. Abdullah Ryaz, the provincial head of Refugee and Repatriations in Nimroz, stated, "In the last two months, nearly 120,000 refugees returned from Iran and other countries to Afghanistan, and 90 per cent of them were forcibly deported." Waisuddin, one of the refugees from Iran, said, "We wanted to go to work when they deported us, but they sent us back to the camp, where there was no food, no water, and we faced curses and physical abuse from the authorities."Zekrullah, another returnee, revealed, "Those whose passports had expired also faced deportation." (ANI)
These used to be the servants quarters. The Irony is not lost on us.

That, or something to that effect, was what former City Paper editor Lee Gardner told me as he showed me around the top floor of a grand old house at 812 Park Ave., the papers headquarters, after my job interview.

It was once a mansion with a huge main stairway, fireplaces, and incredible plasterwork. Save for a few places, most of those design details were now gone, the building fitted out to include desks, computers, office supplies, and so on. The intact features were painted in wild colors and there were funky posters and ephemera on the walls, at least.

At some point the servants quarters on the top floor had been converted into small apartments, the remnants of which were divided up among the papers editors and reporters. (Or maybe they were made apartments for the servants? I dont know for sure.) Edward Ericson Jr.s tiny office, for example, still had the tilework, drain pipe, and toilet stub-outs from when it served as a bathroom. Van Smith worked in a converted closet.

Spartan offices or not, this is where I needed to be. After graduating from the University of Maryland, I held several entry-level jobs as an editorial aide at The Washington Post. Jumping to City Paper was, in my view, the best chance to make a career of reporting and writing. The music stories I had written as a freelancer, and the edits I got on them, were key in developing my voice and storytellingtwo hallmarks of City Paper journalism.

This was in October 2011, and though I didnt get the calendar editor job then, I did wind up in that role nearly a year later. By that point, the paper had almost completely turned over, with Evan Serpick and Baynard Woods at the helm. It ended up being everything I wanted and more. I never could have dreamed that my job would take me to the White House in the last days of the Obamas or get me on the phone with Johnny Fuckin Marr or allow a trip to Orioles spring training during the workweek with detours at a Trump rally and Hulk Hogans sex tape trial. Those all happened because of City Paper. But I also came to understand what Lee meant after that first interview.

Mondays were always a bear. Most of the staff would work late into the night poring over pages of copy, and wed all crowd into the office of the art director, Joe MacLeod, to add our changes. The staff was smaller than ever, but we managed to put out an issue that still had stories dedicated to Music, Eats & Drinks, Stage, Art, and Books week after week, in addition to the regular stuff like a cover story with a word count in the thousands, Mobtown Beat, Murder Ink, and my domain, the calendar.

And by some miracle of God we would put out special issues like Sizzlin Summer and EAT. For reasons lost to time, Sizzlin Summer had to include farmers markets on the Eastern Shore, camping spots and parks all across the state, and a lot of other info we wouldnt ordinarily cover. And EAT involved all of us mindlessly cranking out short blurbs about most of the citys restaurants, even if the individual writer had never eaten there. OK, it wasnt divine intervention so much as many hours of overtime.

We all did it, at low pay, because we loved City Paper, because, to us, its legacy of in-depth reporting and a critical eye meant something and we wanted to preserve that as best we could. The inherent benefit to that was and is having great freedom to engage with the city and its people and to write about what you discovered, or to challenge it, in a way the mainstream press wouldnt or couldnt. I think thats what many of us treasured most.

The news, in August 2013, that CP was for sale presented the first of many hurdles. Even back in my college days journalism professors were warning of the radical shake-ups facing the industry. So it always felt inevitable that I would be part of a sale or downsizing or a total closure in my lifetime. I just didnt think it would be so soon.

When we all found out in early 2014 that The Sun, the citys daily and our primary competitoror, at least, the paper we see ourselves as the antidote towas the buyer, it felt like certain death. The Sun already had a free weekly, b, so it seemed like either they would merge us and kill the spirit of what we did, take the name and slap it on something else, or God knows what.

In all honesty, once we finally moved over to Calvert Street, it wasnt all bad. It was weird to go from the servants quarters to a cube farm, but The Sun let us be us. Our first issue under their ownership was Jenn Ladds oral history of the soon-to-close video store Video Americain, and I remember a lot of care was given to make sure everything looked right. Eventually, we were able to bring on Brandon Soderberg, Rebekah Kirkman, and Maura Callahan in various roles.

(Quick aside: Callahan inherited the calendar from me, and shes a goddamn saint for it. There was a point where the program for spitting out listings became such a headache that she decided it would be easier to type listings out by hand. Think about that for a moment.)

The Baltimore Uprising changed everything. From the start, Woods, Soderberg, and photo editor J.M. Giordano, in particular, were out covering the protests after Freddie Grays death in police custody. When rioting started on that Monday, as we were closing the issue on the protests, they bolted out the door to cover it. Once it was clear a small group had moved through downtown, smashing windows along Charles Street, I headed south to the Inner Harbor, which by this point had already been secured by riot police. Just west of there, some people had placed signs in their windows indicating the businesses were black-owned in the hopes they would be spared. It was a surreal scene.

After everyone came back that night, each member on staff pulled together to get everything written, edited, and fact-checked as best we could.

I still remember looking out our kitchen window, toward Hopkins, to see the sun rise over Baltimore as we finished up. There was a calm in that orange glow over a quiet city, but questions about what would come next remained. And so we continued to report, covering clean-up, protests, and curfew. Ive never been as proud to be a working reporter as I was then.

Since that point, weve covered social justice issues with more consistency. Until the hirings of Lisa Snowden-McCray, Reginald Thomas II, and Kenneth Breckenridge sometime later, we were an entirely white staff with a largely white readership in a majority black city. Continuing to cover the protest movement and pointing out things like institutional racism seemed to alienate some of the hipsters, punks, and bros who were ostensibly our audience. There was plenty of pushback in the way people discussed our work, with many coming to the conclusion that City Paper had gone downhill since its heyday in the 1990s and early 00s. We also gained new readers that way and pushed ourselves to be more thoughtful about covering this truly messed up city of ours, people who are on the margins, and those working to create change, which seems more meaningful anyway.

Over the years the masthead continued to evolve, and when Woods and Serpick left one after the other, it felt like the paper was once again in a perilous place. Karen Houppert coming on board quickly changed that. Suddenly, some of our old conventionslike the need for certain sections to be in every single issuewere thrown out the window. That may have reduced our page count, but it also helped us keep our sanity. At the same time, all of the writers were encouraged to try out new ideasnothing was off the table. If it cost lots of money, wed figure out all the details later to make it work. That was unimaginable before. After Houppert left, Soderberg maintained the same culture of authorial autonomy and the willingness to change on the fly.

Im biased of course, but I really believe we were hitting our stride in the last two years or so and keeping up the pace, Facebook trolls be damned. Now, that run is over. To modify a tweet from my colleague Ed Ericson, Baltimore will keep on Baltimorin, and thats the case with or without City Paper. Even our most vocal supporters will eventually move on. For me, and I think for everyone else who worked here, the paper will always mean so much more.

Brandon Weigel is the web editor at City Paper.
A person is dead after a shooting at a Springfield bar late Thursday.

Around 11:30 p.m. Springfield police and medics were called to reports of a shooting at Club Hollywood in the 900 block of East Pleasent Street, according to Springfield Police Department.

>> Were not ready; Employee speaks out after Walmart reopens doors days after mass shooting

Police confirmed that someone was found with a gunshot wound and died from their injuries.

Information about suspects or what led up to the shooting was not available at this time.

We will continue to follow this story and update as new information becomes available.
HYATTSVILLE, Md. (DC News Now)  Police were investigating after a person was shot in Hyattsville on Thursday evening.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) responded to the 7100 block of Webster St. around 7:15 p.m.

One person was shot and taken to the hospital. Police said that the person was in critical condition.

Families of elementary school students killed in Maryland van crash grieving

PGPD said that the investigation was ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A four-day cease-fire began Friday morning in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, thanks to an agreement that the nation of Qatar helped broker. The truce not only entails a lull in bombing, but also the release of dozens of hostages.

So far, 24 hostages have been released, according to CNN, which cited the Red Cross and a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson. That tally includes 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and one individual from the Philippines. Another 26 Israeli hostages are reportedly expected to be freed over the next four days. In return, Israel has promised the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners.

There have been no reports of fighting since the cease-fire kicked off, according to the Associated Press. The war began 49 days ago on Oct. 7, after "several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers."

Weeks of strikes in retaliation have killed nearly 15,000 people, according to the ABC News, who cited the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. "As of Nov. 3, 67% of all deaths in Gaza were made up of women and children while thousands more have been injured, according to several U.N. agencies, including the UNRWA," Bill Hutchinson reported.

Health officials in Gaza have said they can no longer accurately count the dead due to the collapse of the local health care system. Thousands of individuals remain missing.
2 men in the hospital after shooting at each other, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two men who were shooting at each other on Friday morning in Fresno led to both being hospitalized, with one listed in critical condition, according to the Fresno Police Department.

Around 4:00 a.m., officers from the Southwest Policing District say they responded to a call of a shooting at the intersection of West Kearney Boulevard and Marks Avenue.

The caller who reported the shooting said they heard multiple shots being fired and when they looked out their window, it appeared as if the people of the two vehicles were shooting at each other.

Officers say they searched for the two vehicles but were unable to locate them, however, they did find shell casings at the scene.

While still on scene, a local hospital contacted the Fresno Police Department reporting that two gunshot victims had just been dropped off.

Officers say when they arrived at the hospital, one shooting victim was being rushed into surgery. The other shooting victim was treated for what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. At the time the victim who is currently in surgery is listed in critical condition.

Police say both shooting victims are both males in their early 20s.

Detectives from the departments Felony Assault Unit say they are currently responding to the scene and the local hospital to begin their investigation.

The intersection where the shooting took place will remain closed as this is an ongoing investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
A 2-year-old girl who was seized from a Ukrainian orphanage was adopted by a Putin ally: BBC

Then Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (C) and then chairman of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, Sergey Mironov (R) on May 8, 2011 in Moscow, Russia. Sasha Mordovets

Russian politician Sergey Mironov adopted a Ukrainian child, reports say.

The child was stolen from a Ukrainian orphanage, according to the BBC.

Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, says the UN.

A political ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin adopted a girl who was taken from an orphanage in occupied Ukraine, according to a BBC investigation.

Sergey Mironov, leader of the Just Russia political party, adopted the girl and changed her name after she was taken from a children's home in the occupied Kherson Oblast, reported BBC News.

Mironov denied the accusations, describing them in a statement to Business Insider as "fake," and blaming them on "Ukrainian special services and their Western curators."

According to the report, Mironov's wife, Inna Varlamova, visited Kherson in August 2022, and saw a 10-month-old child, Margarita Prokopenko, in a children's hospital.

Later, the report said, Russian men, some in military fatigues, came and took Prokopenko from the children's home where she lived and deported her to Russia, with the rest of the children in the orphanage deported weeks later.

According to documents obtained by the publication, Mironov and his wife changed the girl's name to Marina Sergeevna Mironova, and her place of birth from Kherson to Podolsk, near Moscow.

The report said that Prokopenko's biological mother had given up custody after her birth, and her father's whereabouts are unknown.

Under international law, the removal of children from occupied territory and their adoption are considered to be war crimes.

According to the Ukrainian government, around 20,000 children have been taken by Russian authorities since the war began. The International Criminal Court in the Hague earlier this year issued arrest warrants for Putin and his children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Russia has claimed it is removing the children to Russia for their safety.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Legends Arcade, which opened last spring in the Olympia Press Building (the big orange building at State Avenue and Capitol Way) has a second act: expanding into a corner space in the same location and opening Legends Kitchen and Bar.

The space, which is right on the corner of State Avenue and Capitol Way, used to be home to a wine bar called Happy Hour Olympia that closed over the summer.

Now, arcade owners Patrick and Christina Costelo are working on the site to get it ready for a December or early January opening. It will serve paninis, hot dogs, sandwiches, small bites, plus have a full-service bar that offers mixed drinks, including a cocktail they plan to call, The Pac-Man.

Although the arcade serves beer, hard seltzers and snacks, customers wanted more food and beverage options, Christina said.

Legends Kitchen and Bar also will have a childrens menu so that parents can order food and have it delivered to the arcade, she said.

The arcade, which opened in March, has video games, pinball machines and other activities.

Christina said the business has been well received and has become a destination for birthday parties and company events.

The kitchen and bar hours will mirror the arcade hours, operating 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays, noon to 1 a.m. Saturdays and noon to 11 p.m. Sundays.

Other business happenings

The downtown restaurant and bar known as Cove Olympia at 311 Capitol Way is also expanding with a new event space, the business announced on Facebook.

It can comfortably fit up to 65 people and includes an 82-inch TV, sound system, bar, and microphone for speaking, the post reads. It is the perfect spot for your meetings and work functions, celebrations, catering, or any other large party needs.

The business will begin taking reservations for the space on Dec. 10, the post reads.

Burial Grounds Coffee Collective at 601 Capitol Way S. will close Dec. 17, the business announced.

Thank you everyone for everything over the years, the message reads.

Burial Grounds was previously on Fifth Avenue, across from the Capitol Theater, and later moved to a corner location at Capitol Way and Legion Way.

Real Estate

A desire to make a text amendment to the Evergreen Park PUD in west Olympia is set to come before the Olympia Hearings Examiner, the city announced.

Why make a text amendment? Because the Evergreen Park area, which includes the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake on Evergreen Park Drive, does not allow multifamily housing.

And yet the owner of the hotel would like to make that change to possibly convert the hotel into apartments.

The public hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Olympia City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E. The meeting also can be watched online.

Portland-area architect Philip Stewart is representing the hotel owner, California Investment LLC.

A Falls Terrace update, a hotel might become housing and tenants line up for Craft District

A new restaurant opens in downtown Olympia and Tumwater gets another major housing pitch

Hotel acquired, arcade biz coming, motocross park closes, health care services pitched

If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people of a deadly Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh cut fruit. At least two people in North Carolina have fallen ill as a result of contamination.

The CDCs latest numbers show nearly 100 people in 32 states have fallen ill. An additional 45 people have been hospitalized. The CDC, which first issued news on Nov. 17 about an investigation, reports two people in Minnesota died.

Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings show that cantaloupes are making people in this outbreak sick, the CDC says. The first two people became sick on Oct. 17 and so far the worst illness day is Oct. 24 when nine people were sickened, according to the CDC.

What to look out for

People in North Carolina should be aware of the Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes.

Consumers should be on the lookout for several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes.

CDC

Whole cantaloupes

Might have a sticker that says Malichita or Rudy, with the number 4050, and Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique

Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes

Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys

Sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10, 2023

Most have a yellow label with Vinyard, and some have a red label with Fresh

ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products

Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging

Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31, 2023

Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes

Includes cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes

Packed in clear square or round plastic containers

Best-by dates between November 7 to November 12, 2023

Sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia

The CDC says investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.

What You Should Do

Do not eat any recalled cantaloupes and other fruit products. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled fruit using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms: Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102F Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving Bloody diarrhea So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down Signs of dehydration, such as: Not peeing much Dry mouth and throat Feeling dizzy when standing up



Salmonella Symptoms:

The CDC says most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment after within a week. people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness,

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
The Iowa caucuses begin in less than 60 days, and the 2024 presidential hopefuls are wasting no time in appealing to voters. Thanksgiving Day is no exception.

In posts sprinkled across social media, candidates on both sides of the aisle shared their gratitude and advice.

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From controversial favorite dinner items to family time to physically running for the presidency, heres what they had to say.

Joe Biden

FILE - President Joe Biden speaks after pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, Nov. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

President Biden speaks after pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington on Nov. 20.

President Biden and his family continued their tradition of spending the holiday on Nantucket, Mass.  an Island off Cape Cod.



Biden took time on Thursday to thank military service members and first responders.

This Thanksgiving, Jill and I spoke with members of our Armed Forces to offer our sincere gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to protect our freedom, he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Theyre the best of us.

The first family also spent time at the Nantucket Fire Department.

In a call to NBCs Al Roker during the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, the president called on Americans to come together even amid political differences.

On this Thanksgiving, Al, we have to come together, the president said. We can have different political views, but we have one view. The one view is that were the finest, greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that.

We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together and stop the rancor, he added.

Donald Trump

Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump speaks during a rally Nov. 18, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. (AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave)

Former President Trump wished his supporters a Happy Thanksgiving Thursday, while also slamming his political opponents  including New York Attorney General Letitia James, the judge overseeing his civil fraud trial, President Biden, and the Radical Left Lunatics.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL, including the Racist & Incompetent Attorney General of New York State, Letitia Peekaboo James, who has let Murder & Violence Crime FLOURISH, & Businesses FLEE, Trump wrote on Truth social.

He continued: [and] the Radical Left Trump Hating Judge, a Psycho, Arthur Engoron, who Criminally Defrauded the State of New York, & ME, by purposely Valuing my Assets at a tiny Fraction of what they are really worth in order to convict me of Fraud before even a Trial, or seeing any PROOF, & used his Politically Biased & Corrupt Campaign Finance Violator, Chief Clerk Alison Greenfield, to sit by his side on the Bench & tell him what to do.

He also accused the president of weaponizing the Justice Department.

In a video message posted later, Trump expressed his gratitude for his family, service members and first responders. He also used his platform to allude to the 2024 election.

This is a difficult time for our country, but do not lose heart or lose hope, he said. Because, by the time we celebrate next Thanksgiving, our nation will be well on its way to being stronger, safer, more prosperous and greater than ever before.

Nikki Haley

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley greets supporters after signing papers to get on the Republican presidential primary ballot at the New Hampshire Statehouse Oct. 13 in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (R), who has recently seen a rise in the polls, chose to focus on family in her message.



Haleys husband, Maj. Michael Haley, was deployed in June as a staff officer with the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in the Horn of Africa. Her daughter, Rena, was also absent.

She said that while they are apart, they are together in spirit.

We are missing part of our family today: Michael who is deployed overseas and Rena who is working at the hospital, she wrote on X. While on this Thanksgiving Day our family is not together in person, we are together in spirit.

Thankful for the blessings of faith, family, and country, Haley added. Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Such a reminder of how blessed we are to live in America.

Ron DeSantis

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a meet and greet, Nov. 3, 2023, in Denison, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a meet and greet Nov. 3 in Denison, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in his Thanksgiving message vowed to turn this country around if elected next November, noting the political divide that has emerged.

As we get ready to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner with our family this time, we see the problem with our country, DeSantis said in a video posted on X. We see that weve hit the skids in a lot of different ways, but we should be thankful to be Americans.

We should be thankful that we live in a country that was founded on principles of human freedom, he added. We are going to turn this country around and were going to get the job done.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the Pray Vote Stand Summit on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the Pray Vote Stand Summit on Sept. 15 in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (R) reminded his supporters that hes running for the White House by joining the annual Des Moines Turkey Trot in Iowa.

Running for President in Iowa today. Literally, Ramaswamy posted on X with a video of him running alongside other racers and pushing a stroller.

Happy Thanksgiving! he added, saying the same to those who passed him on the trail.

In a separate video around the 5-mile marker, the 2024 hopeful joked about taking the road less traveled.

Chris Christie

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie holds a Tell it Like It Is town hall at the Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene, N.H., on Sept. 29. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said he spent his Thanksgiving with extended family and friends.

We hope you have had a great celebration as well, he posted on X. We are thankful for the blessings of family, friends and the chance to live in the freest, bravest country the world has ever known.

Christie, one of Trumps most vocal critics on the campaign trail, made sure to get another hit on the GOP front-runner before the holiday weekend.

Lets make sure this Thanksgiving is the last one where we let @realDonaldTrump divide us at the dinner table, he wrote Wednesday night.

Your family and friends are more important than him, he added, with a link to his campaign website.

Asa Hutchinson

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks at the Republican Party of Iowas 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, July 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) focused his message on food and the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Yes, my favorite pie is Susans Apple pie, he wrote Thursday on X. Later I will be making Jalapeno Duck Poppers.

A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas is expected to begin early Friday, allowing for the release of about 50 hostages taken captive by the Palestinian militant group during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

This Thanksgiving my prayers are for the hostages held by Hamas. May they all be home for Hanukkah, Hutchinson posted.

Doug Burgum

Republican presidential candidate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Republican presidential candidate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks at the Republican Party of Iowas 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, July 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) on Thursday listed out all the things Americans have to be thankful for.

Whether its the right to free speech, the right to assemble, or the right to vote, were blessed to live in a country that protects freedoms that are absent in so many other parts of the world, Burgum posted on X, accompanied by a video. Wishing all of you a gratitude-filled, exceptional Thanksgiving!

The long-shot candidate also shared his controversial opinion: Im more of a sauce guy than a sides guy.

He specifically highlighted two sauces that are part of his familys recipe book: a mustard sauce and a raisin sauce.

When weve got a North Dakota-grown sweet potato buried in butter, thats pretty good, he added. I mean, the sweet potato is kind of a vehicle to get the butter into the system. That one of the things Ill be looking forward to this weekend.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. - Three men have been charged after allegedly robbing a Midlothian liquor store Wednesday morning.

Gentree Mcelroy, 53, of Hometown, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a controlled substance and a parole violation warrant.

Lourenzie Conner, 52, of Chicago, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery and aggravated fleeing to elude a peace officer.

Michael D. Lewis, 35, of Chicago, is charged with aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery.

Around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, police were called to Emporium Liquor, located near 147th Street and Pulaski Road, for a report of an armed robbery.

"Upon arrival, officers saw one subject coming outside with proceeds, another subject was coming out behind that individual wearing a ski mask," said Chief Daniel Delaney, Midlothian Police Department. "The subject that was carrying the proceeds fled to an awaiting van."

As one suspect sped off with police in pursuit, the offender wearing the ski mask re-entered the business, according to Delaney.

"We later found out there was a third subject that was holding the witnesses and employees at gunpoint," said Delaney.

Michael D. Lewis, 35 (right), Gentree Mcelroy, 53 (middle), Lourenzie Conner, 52 (right)

Meanwhile, inside, hostages were forced onto the ground, according to police.

Once SWAT teams arrived, officers moved in.

"As soon as the officers entered the store, [the offenders] retreated into the cooler area, no longer having hostages, and the officers were able to get those individuals out safely," said Delaney.

With those customers and employees safe, police spent hours negotiating with the barricaded gunmen.

Around 1:30 p.m., the suspects surrendered.

As for that third offender, he only made it about 15 miles and was arrested near Englewood.

None of the hostages were hurt, and police say no shots were fired during the incident.

All three suspects will be transported to Markham Courthouse for a detention hearing.

The Village of Midlothian is reminding residents to enroll in its emergency alert system called CodeRED.
A woman was killed and her child was hospitalized Thursday after a driver crashed into a group of pedestrians near a bus stop in the Manchester Square neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The child and a third person are currently in critical condition, officials said.

The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on the 1700 block of W. 83rd Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A man, woman and the child, possibly an infant, were all transported to a regional trauma center by LAFD paramedics.

Around 5 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed that one of the victims died from their injuries. Police later said the woman was killed, adding that she was the childs mother.

The collision involved two vehicles, police said. One vehicle was exiting a private lot when it was struck by another vehicle. The first vehicle then crashed into the pedestrians who were on the sidewalk at or near a bus stop, authorities said.

The driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence, police officials confirmed Thursday.

The names of those involved in the crash have not been released and the investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Carroll County Board of Education is working to create a strategic plan that better aligns the county public school system with new initiatives prescribed by the Blueprint for Marylands Future legislation.

Carroll County Public Schools will prioritize increasing the number of internships and apprenticeships available to students, hiring more teachers to allow for greater professional learning time for educators, maintaining class sizes under 30, and boosting student success in math and English, according to a draft of the strategic plan for 2023-26.

These are big-picture goals, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Nicholas Shockney told board members at a meeting on Nov. 8, and we want them to be big-picture goals because that helps our departments, that helps our schools, that helps our teams, and helps our teachers break down and align their work to our plan.

The school board is seeing feedback on the proposed plan. Anyone who wishes to comment may do so online at https://bit.ly/3RJEYFv

The Blueprint for Marylands Future is a multibillion-dollar public school reform effort entering the second year of its decade-long rollout. It is designed to make Marylands schools among the highest performing in the country by redesigning the public education funding formula, providing more time for teachers to plan lessons and develop skills outside the classroom, and offering universal prekindergarten for 3-year-olds, among other initiatives.

The Carroll County Public Schools strategic plan has four pillars that categorize the ways in which the system seeks to improve: pathways for student success, family and community partnerships, developing and supporting the school system workforce, and establishing positive learning environments.

The school system will seek new community partnerships to grow the number of apprenticeships available to students from two to 25, and increase the number of student internships from 385 to 424 over the course of the next three years, according to the plan. The system aims to create six new apprenticeships and 13 new internships during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the document.

While 70% of county public schools currently participate in Community Advisory Council meetings, the plan indicates a goal of full participation across every school in the system by 2026.

In accordance with a Blueprint initiative in which students college and career readiness is evaluated at the end of 10th grade based on their understanding of English and math, the system will endeavor to increase the number of Carroll students deemed college and career ready from 21% to 35% by 2026. A student who scores proficient in 10th-grade English and Algebra 1 is considered to be college and career ready, which will allow students to access academic and workforce readiness programs under Blueprint.

Students deemed college and career ready by the end of their 10th-grade year will have a choice from among three pathways: career and technical education, dual enrollment, or Advanced Placement, according to the Blueprints College and Career Readiness pillar. Students may choose an International Baccalaureate program instead of AP.

Students who do not qualify for a pathway are considered to be on the support pathway so they can receive the resources necessary to become college and career ready.

The State Board of Education may update standards for college and career readiness next month. While students who pass both English 10 and Algebra 1 exams will continue to be considered college and career ready, new standards would allow students with a grade-point average of 3.0 and above to also be considered college and career ready, provided they also demonstrate competence in mathematics by achieving a score of proficient or higher in Marylands Algebra 1 comprehensive assessment or achieving at least a C in their Algebra 1 class.

The system aims to increase the percentage of students proficient in Algebra 1, as measured by the Maryland Comprehensive Exam, from 21% to 35%. The county public school system also has selected the third-grade English MCAP as a benchmark test and will endeavor to raise student proficiency in the subject from 62.8% to 75% within the next three years.

The Blueprint also requires that teachers spend a maximum of 60% of their work time teaching, with the other 40% reserved for planning and attending professional learning programs. To accommodate Blueprints phased rollout, which will require teachers to spend less time in the classroom, the public school system will seek to hire 30 additional full-time teachers or their equivalent in hours worked by the end of this school year, and a total of 60 full-time equivalent roles by the end of 2026.

Carroll County Public Schools hopes to keep average class sizes below 30, according to the plan, which indicates that the system will try to maintain fewer than 225 high school classes and fewer than 200 middle school classes with more than 30 students

Shockney said 184 middle school classrooms and 147 high school classrooms have more than 30 students, but no elementary school classroom does. He said a 30-student class is considered standard, and school staff closely monitors any class with 25 students or more.

School board President Marsha Herbert predicted that class size numbers will increase in several years due to her expectation that county resources will be strained by implementation of the Blueprint for Marylands Future.

The system also plans to boost teacher credentials by increasing the number of National Board Certified Teachers by 25% each year, from 70 to 124 by 2026, and by increasing the percentage of teachers eligible for state licensure or certificate by 1% each year for the next three years, from 94.39% to 97.39%.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the busiest shopping days of the year, and with the increase in shoppers comes the increased chance for shopping scams.

Several ways scammers dupe consumers are through the use of fake stores, gift cards and shipping notifications, local law enforcement officials said.

According to the Glendale Police Department, one tactic scammers employ is the use of fake stores to advertise great deals on social media.

When you click on the link it takes you to a lookalike website of a major brand, Glendale police said. However, the gifts you order will never arrive.

To avoid these types of scams, law enforcement officials recommend checking the spelling of the URL, as fake sites often have one letter that is off.

L.A. shoppers heading out early to snag Black Friday deals

Fake gift cards are another common type of scam.

Scammers like to watch sites that sell gift cards, law enforcement officials said. They look for opportunities to steal [consumers] financial information and send gift cards with no balance.

The Glendale Police Department suggests that shoppers perform a reverse search to confirm if the seller is legitimate.

Another popular scam involves the use of fake shipping notifications where scammers send emails or texts of delivery updates with tracking links.

Those tracking links are not real, and instead are used to steal identities, police said.

To prevent being scammed by fake tracking links, authorities recommend tracking packages exclusively on official shipping sites, such as UPS, USPS or FedEx.

Not sure what to buy for yourself or your loved ones this weekend? Click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Irish police arrested 34 people Thursday night in Dublin after rioters stormed across the capital city, torching cars and clashing with police in response to a stabbing attack near a school.

Irelands national police service, An Garda Siochana, said 32 of the people who were arrested were charged for participating in rioting and destruction across the city.

Rioters damaged seven vehicles, including three buses and a tram, Irish police wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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Another 11 police vehicles were extensively damaged, authorities said, and 13 properties were attacked and substantially damaged.

Police officers who clashed with rioters were also injured, authorities said, but its unclear how many were injured and to what extent.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said approximately 500 people were involved in the riot, the BBC reported. Irish authorities said they will launch a formal investigation into the incident.

Those involved have brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves, Varadkar said, according to The New York Times. This is not who we are. This is not who we want to be, and this is not who we will ever be.

The riots broke out after a knife attack seriously wounded a 5-year-old girl and hospitalized a woman and two other young children.

Garda has not established a motive in the stabbing yet, but the suspect is in his late 40s and was seen loitering around the area of the knifing, an aftercare center, according to The Irish Times.

Irish authorities have blamed far-right groups for fomenting the unrest that followed the stabbing, including false claims that the stabbing suspect may have been a foreign national, the BBC reported.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said in a press briefing that some people were trying to break into the crime scene and the rioting broke out shortly after. He added that people were radicalized across the internet and promised a formal investigation.

Yesterdays events were just terrible, Harris said Friday. Just disgraceful scenes from start to finish.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Georgia State Patrol is investigating several crashes that left multiple people dead and several injured over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

As of early Monday morning, at least 23 people died in car crashes across the state.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The travel period lasted from Wednesday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

On Thanksgiving morning, a busy Henry County interstate was shut down for several hours due to a crash involving an Amazon tractor-trailer.

According to the investigation, an Amazon tractor-trailer was driving north on I-75 when it hit the back of a Toyota SUV. As it continued north, the Amazon semi hit a second tractor-trailer, forcing it to end in a jack-knifed position across all lanes of I-75 north.

TRENDING STORIES:

GSP officials added that troopers were called to investigate fatal crashes in Hinesville, Columbus, Newnan, Griffin, Brunswick, Sylvania and Dublin however, they have not released any additional information.

The conditions and identities of all of the victims have not been released.

All of the crashes remain under investigation.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
People react as they hear the news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides.

Israel  wrenched by the abduction of nearly 240 people in Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war  cheered as 13 Israeli women and children emerged free from Gaza. Most were in their 70s or 80s, and the youngest was a 2-year-old. Also released were 10 people from Thailand and one from the Philippines.

In Gaza, the truces start Friday morning brought the first quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling and desperate from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.

Increased supplies of food, water, medicine and fuel promised under the deal began to roll into Gaza, where U.N. officials had warned that Israels seal on the territory threatened to push it to starvation.

But relief has been tempered  among Israelis by the fact that not all hostages will be freed and among Palestinians by the briefness of the pause. The short truce leaves Gaza mired in humanitarian crisis and under the threat that fighting could soon resume.

Israel says the cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it had received a new list of hostages to be released by Hamas on Saturday.

But Israel has vowed to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. That has clouded hopes that the deal could eventually help wind down the conflict, which has fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

FIRST HOSTAGES FREED

Under the deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners over the four days. Both sides were starting with women and children. Israel said the four-day truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.

After nightfall Friday, a line of ambulances emerged from Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt carrying the freed hostages, as seen live on Egypts state-run Al-Qahera TV. The freed Israelis included nine women and four children 9 and under.

The released hostages were taken to three Israeli hospitals for observation. The Schneider Childrens Medical Center said it was treating eight Israelis  four children and four women  and that all appeared to be in good physical condition. The center said they were also receiving psychological treatment, adding that these are sensitive moments for the families.

At a plaza dubbed Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis celebrated at the news.

Yael Adar spotted her mother, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar, in a TV newscast of the release and was cheered to see her walking. That was a huge concern, what would happen to her health during these almost two months, she told Israels Channel 12.

But Yaels 38-year-old son, Tamir Adar, remained in captivity. Both were kidnapped on Oct. 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Everyone needs to come back. Its happiness locked up in grief.

The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother, Keren Munder, and grandmother Ruti Munder. The fourth-grader was abducted during a holiday visit to his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people  nearly a quarter of all residents of the small community  are believed to have been taken hostage.

The plight of the hostages has raised anger among some families that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to bring them home.

Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenagers held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. In the West Bank town of Beituna, hundreds of Palestinians poured out of their homes to celebrate, honking horns and setting off fireworks that lite up the nights sky.

The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers, and others who had been arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.

As a Palestinian, my heart is broken for my brothers in Gaza, so I cant really celebrate, said Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker whose 17-year-old son, Iyas, was freed. But I am a father. And deep inside, I am very happy.

Iyas had been taken last year into administrative detention, without charges or trial and based on secret evidence. Israel often holds detainees for months without charges. Most of those who are tried are put before military courts that almost never acquit defendants and often dont follow due process, human rights groups say.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group, Israel is currently holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

CEASE-FIRE TAKES HOLD

Fridays halt in fighting brought Gazas uprooted population a moment to catch their breath after weeks of fleeing for shelter, searching for food and fearing for family.

After the truce began Friday morning, four trucks of fuel and four trucks of cooking gas entered from Egypt, as well as 200 trucks of relief supplies, Israel said.

Israel has barred all imports into Gaza throughout the war, except for a trickle of supplies from Egypt.

Its ban on fuel, which it said could be diverted to Hamas, caused a territory-wide blackout. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries and shelters have struggled to keep generators running.

During the truce, Israel agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day  still only a small portion of Gazas estimated daily needs of more than 1 million liters.

Most of Gazas 2.3 million people are crowded into the southern portion of the territory, with more than 1 million living in U.N. schools-turned-shelters. The calm brought a chance for displaced residents of the south to visit homes and retrieve some belongings.

But the hundreds of thousands who evacuated from northern Gaza to the south were warned not to return in leaflets dropped by Israel. Israeli troops hold much of the north, including Gaza City.

Still, hundreds of Palestinians tried walking north Friday. Two were shot and killed by Israeli troops and another 11 were wounded.

Sofian Abu Amer decided to risk checking his home in Gaza City.

We dont have enough clothes, food and drinks, he said. The situation is disastrous. Its better for a person to die.

Israels northern border with Lebanon was also quiet on Friday, a day after the militant Hezbollah group, an ally of Hamas, carried out the highest number of attacks in one day since fighting there began Oct. 8.

Hezbollah is not a party to the cease-fire agreement but was widely expected to halt its attacks.

A LONGER PEACE?

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

The hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to this violence, said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which served as a mediator along with the United States and Egypt.

But hours before it came into effect, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops that their respite would be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

Netanyahu has also vowed to continue the war to destroy Hamas military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the hostages.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the latest number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where communications have broken down.

The ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls.

Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count.

___

Federman reported from Jerusalem, Jeffery from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed.

___

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
DAYTONA BEACH  As Art and JoAnn Soucie unloaded cold drinks from the trunk of their bright orange Dodge sports car, it was like settling into a home-away-from-home on Friday at the 50th annual fall Turkey Run in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

Were here every year, said Art, a retired freight driver from Palm Coast. This has been our same spot for 20 years, for 22 years, to be honest.

The Soucies were among the throng of classic-car enthusiasts that arrived early Friday for the golden anniversary edition of the annual fall event, a four-wheeled holiday weekend feast that is expected to draw more than 150,000 lovers of carburetors and chrome through Sundays closing day.

Classic-car fans fill the infield for the 50th annual fall Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway. The annual event runs through Sunday in Daytona Beach.

For Art Soucie, its a chance to show off his 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, a factory-built street-legal drag edition powered by a 6.2-liter, fuel-injected supercharged hemi engine that delivers a speed-limit obliterating 810 horsepower.

If youre interested, hes willing to sell, for an asking price of $189,900. For that investment, the driving experience is unmatched, he said.

To me, its the ultimate, the feeling you get; its better than drugs or alcohol, as far as Im concerned, he said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. Plus, its a chick magnet, too. Dont tell my wife that.

Its more than the horsepower and custom paint jobs that have inspired the couple to return annually with such devotion, he said.

The camaraderie is absolutely impressive, Soucie said. Everyone is friends. Ive never seen any problems here in over 20 years. If youre not a car person when you come here, youll be one when you leave. Ive met so many friends here.

Each custom car comes with a story

Throughout the Speedways massive infield, there were thousands of classic and custom vehicles, each accompanied by an owner with a story to tell.

For Jon Kessler, his Gone Postal street rod was once merely a 1975 U.S. Post Office mail truck that he transformed into a funky street rod equipped with a small-block 350-cubic inch engine, oversized tires and the rear suspension of a 1986 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck.

For style points, the air intake is housed in a brightly painted white mailbox adorned with Gone Postal in black lettering.

More: Daytona's Turkey Run offers feast for classic-car fans

Kessler and his wife, Ariel, traveled from their home in Summersville, West Virginia, to spend a week in Daytona Beach timed to the Turkey Run as well as the couples fourth wedding anniversary. In all, they have attended about a decades worth of Turkey Runs, starting when they both lived in Brevard County.

A classic Packard hood ornament gleams on Friday at the 50th annual fall Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway. The event runs through Sunday in Daytona Beach.

We started the tradition down here, and now weve just kept it going, said Kessler, who owns a metal cutting business in West Virginia.

Accessories, celebrities and famous cars also in the mix

Over 5,000 collector cars are showcased at the events car show in the eastern portion of the Speedway infield. In addition, another 1,500 collectible vehicles are displayed for sale or trade in the Car Corral.

Beyond all that, the event offers a sensory overload powered by the scents of exhaust fumes, grilled sausages and cigars accompanied by vintage rock n roll soundtrack (think Chuck Berry and the Beach Boys) punctuated by rumbling tailpipes.

In addition, more than 2,000 vendors are selling every imaginable classic-car part or accessory in the events daily swap meet, everything from crankshafts to towlines.

Classic-car enthusiasts look for specality items on Friday at the swap meet as part of the 50th annual fall Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway. The event runs through Sunday in Daytona Beach.

The latter is a specialty of Mr. Strapman, a family-owned vendor of tow lines and related accessories that has traveled from St. Paul, Minnesota to the Turkey Run for more than 35 years.

This is one of our best events, said Netti Mrs. Strapman Johnson, who owns the business with her husband, Dick. Although occasional raindrops briefly slowed customer traffic on Friday, the weekend outlook was bright, she said.

We have a lot of loyal customers who come looking for us.

The event also features meet-and-greets with Joe and Mandi Martin, of MotorTrend TVs Iron Resurrection, on Saturday, as well as opportunities throughout the weekend to meet Chad Hiltz and Jolene Macintyre, hosts of Discoverys Bad Chad Customs custom-car show.

On Friday, many Turkey Run visitors also were eager for a glimpse of the classic Batmobile and Batbike from the campy 1960s TV series starring Adam West.

Caped crusaders Walker Flury, 2, and Wyatt Flury, 4, hang out with the Batmobile at the 50th annual fall Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway. The event runs through Sunday in Daytona Beach.

The iconic vehicle, one of seven Batmobiles built on 1960s Ford Galaxie frames, was a major attraction for Melanie and Nick Flury, of Forsyth, Georgia. The couple arrived with their two young sons, Wyatt, 4, and Walker, 2, dressed as Batman and Robin, for pictures next to the famous car.

Those were their costumes for Halloween, Melanie said, so when we saw that the car would be here, we knew they had to wear the costumes.

If you go

The Turkey Roll continues through the weekend from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

Admission at the gate is $20 on Saturday; $15 on Sunday. Ages 11 and younger are free. Visit turkeyrun.com for details.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona's Turkey Run marks 50th year with army of classic-car fans
ADHD can show up in a variety of ways at work.

ADHD can show up in a variety of ways at work.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often persists untreated into adulthood. Although approximately 10 million people are estimated to have it in the U.S., only 1 in 10 have received treatment for it.

Many adults with ADHD lead successful careers, but the condition can create job challenges. Impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattentiveness are hallmarks of ADHD, though symptoms vary.

Each person with ADHD is unique, and the symptoms of ADHD can differ from one person to the next, said Sean Abraham, a licensed clinical social worker at Grow Therapy. While one person with the condition might not enjoy or thrive in one type of career because of their symptoms, another might succeed in the same position.

Below, clinicians shared personality traits and work behaviors that are commonly associated with ADHD:

1. Needing everything to be perfect.

There can be an overlap between people who have ADHD and employees with perfectionists tendencies, said Dede OShea, a psychologist based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who is also a clinical faculty member at Tufts University.

ADHD does affect a part of the brain that controls how you direct your attention. People with ADHD, that control area is not working properly. So they really cant put their focus onto what they need to get done. It just keeps going back and forth between all of these different ideas. And so sometimes that perfectionism can come about as a way to try to cope with that and think, OK, if I get everything done correctly, then I can get started, OShea said.

Thats where they get into trouble, because they never get to that point where they feel like everything is perfect enough to be able to really get started.

2. Procrastinating until the very last minute.

Of the popular work archetypes, the procrastinator would be one way that adult ADHD presents, said Dr. Deepti Anbarasan, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. This can be attributed to their difficulty with executive functioning and with structuring their tasks in a timely manner.

For employees with ADHD, the inability to meet deadlines can often be due to anxiety.

Work archetypes among people with ADHD are as diverse as in any other group. Some might exhibit a procrastination-defeatist style, where overwhelming anxiety leads to paralysis, said Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist. Others might use urgency as a motivator to combat procrastination.

3. Consistently running late to meetings and work.

People with ADHD may have trouble showing up on time to meetings and to work despite their best efforts. Being your own boss or meeting deadlines might be difficult, Abraham said.

While many of us are occasionally late, people with ADHD experience what is known as time blindness, where they might have difficulty really gauging how much time they need to get to where they want to go, or they only have in their mind the time that they need to arrive, OShea said.

What I hear a lot is that they are supposed to be at work at 9 a.m., and so they have in their mind 9 a.m. and thats when they leave the house, because all they could think in their mind was 9 a.m.

4. Having meltdowns when work gets stressful.

Your brains prefrontal cortex controls your attention and your emotional responses, and for people with ADHD, that area can be underdeveloped, OShea said.

When they cant control all of those different thoughts, all of those different emotions that are going on in a high-stress situation, then that can lead to the dysregulation, having kind of a mental breakdown, really not being able to get ahold of their feelings, she said. Many people either just go blank with that dysregulation, or have an outburst as well and become really emotional, really irritable, under that high pressure, high-stress environment.

At work, that can mean having excessive reactions whenever theres an unexpected new task or setback.

Because people with ADHD already are prone to having difficulty with their reactivity, Whenever theres a change, something unexpected, or out of their usual routine, that additional piece can lead to that emotional dysregulation, OShea said.

5. Habitually emailing with mistakes.

Executive functioning is like the manager in your brain  its what helps you stay organized, OShea said. And for people with ADHD, their executive functioning can be impaired, and they can have trouble focusing when they need to and a tendency to rush through what theyre doing, she said.

They might feel like, OK, Im on task ... but theyre still not able to control that attention to read and fully process all of the information thats in front of them, OShea said. Its hard for their brains to stay stimulated long enough to really do that kind of especially tedious, more boring tasks that are like reading emails, looking at paperwork. The ADHD brain needs a lot of constant stimulation.

If colleagues are always having to follow up or fix what you do as a result of you making careless mistakes or you missing key details from emails or paperwork, that can be a sign of how ADHD is affecting your work, OShea said.

6. Brainstorming creative ideas that you later have trouble executing.

People with ADHD tend to be creative problem-solvers, but because of their impaired executive functioning, these employees can also have trouble with making those creative solutions happen.

In the workplace, people with ADHD can be known as great creative thinkers, really passionate, someone who you want on the team to really be imaginative, OShea said. But they can still have trouble at the same time because of that difficulty with knowing how to come up with stuff to actually work on the project, and be able to focus on how to actually get things done.

What to do next if you suspect you have ADHD

OShea said it can help to first get a sense if how people see you at work is in line with how you are viewing yourself.

You can do this without directly disclosing that you think you have ADHD. Ask a trusted colleague: How do you see my behaviors in the office? Am I having any trouble with getting things done, with meeting the deadlines that were laid out? Do other people in the office have the same kinds of problems? Like, is everyone under stress? she said.

That way, you can gauge how you are doing, compared to the productivity and stress levels of others on your team.

If you do think you have ADHD, a good starting point is consulting with your primary care provider or a clinical psychologist specializing in adult ADHD, said Neff.

Online ADHD screeners can be an initial step, but its important to keep in mind that these are just single data points, and high scores could be due to various reasons, Neff said. For some, medication might be beneficial, but this requires an official diagnosis and consultation with a health care professional. Starting the conversation with your primary care physician is often the best first step towards an assessment.

After that, you can get started on a treatment plan.

Adult ADHD can respond well to both behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Effective treatment can significantly improve quality of life and functioning, not just in the workplace, but also personally and socially, Anbarasan said.

For adults with ADHD, a treatment plan may also include asking your company for workplace accommodations. Abraham gave the example of moving to a desk with fewer distractions, using project management software for better organization, and providing written instructions instead of spoken instructions as a few examples of what those adjustments could look like.

You should highlight that the accommodations will help you provide the best results for your company and allow you to take advantage of your skills and abilities, Abraham said.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  As you can imagine, Downtown Austin is quiet because of Thanksgiving, but one Sixth Street bar decided to stay open for the holiday.

Along with serving up drinks, Friends Bar distributed food to Austins unhoused community. Its the third year the bar has hosted its Friends-giving event.

Give a little bit back

Along with giving out 200 plates of hot food, the bar distributed blankets as well. The idea came to the bars Kitchen Manager Jorge Trejo.

Were lucky we have a meal and everything, Trejo said. Theres people out there that dont, so we try to give a little bit back.

Trejo said he wants people to feel loved and supported.

Theyre not alone, Trejo said. Theres people actually that care for them.

You feel that support

Michael Moon said hes excited for the turkey and rolls.

I opened it, Moon said. It smells so good.

But ultimately, Moon said this food means more to him than just a warm meal.

You feel that support. So its great. Its nice to have, Moon said. It means a lot. Really it does. Thats what the holidays are about.

The bar staff also collected clothes, blankets and shoes Thursday. They plan on passing those out on Christmas Day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
DALLAS - Among the thousands of runners at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot was a participant who joined the race for only her second time.

But, at 92 years old, she and her family made the most of it.

"Its just a fun thing, and to be happy, have fun. Everybody out here is in a good mood," Marilyn Perdew said.

Its Perdews second straight year tackling the course, which started more than 50 years ago at White Rock Lake, but now starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall Plaza.

She calls it an ideal way to begin the holiday with her daughter, Jennifer Dominguez, and her 23-year-old granddaughter, runner Sydney Dominguez.

"Family has always been special. We always find things to do together. Christmas is coming, its a nice day, positive," Perdew said.

"Its really special for Thanksgiving to have three generations out. Of course proud of my mom at 92 to be out here at all, walking the 5K, and then my daughter training for the marathon. Its something we need to share together," Pardews daughter said.

Perdew, a retired social worker, moved from Florida to North Texas three years ago to be closer to her family.

Another son who inspired their Turkey Trot participation could not attend this year.

The familys gratitude on this Thanksgiving Day, like their steps, could stretch for miles.

"For life. Others. People that care. And just good times," Perdew said.

"Family, friends, and our good health," Pardews daughter added.
Snow is looking more likely for parts of the Kansas City area, but depending on where you live will determine how much snow you will see, according to the National Weather Service.

Although Friday and Saturday morning are expected to remain dry, cold air is moving into the area which will keep temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s.

Rain and a wintry mix of rain and snow is expected to move into the area Saturday afternoon, gradually transitioning to all snow after sunset north and west of the Kansas City area. For some areas south of Interstate 70, the rain is expected to remain a mix of rain and snow, the weather service said.

Areas north of Kansas City will likely see more snow. A swath of 1 to 2 inches of snow is likely from northeastern Kansas through St. Joseph and north of U.S. 36 highway into north-central Missouri., according to the weather service. Some areas could see as much as 3 inches of snow.

Snowfall totals in Kansas City, where more rain and snow mix is expected, remain uncertain. The mix of precipitation is expected to greatly affect snowfall totals, the weather service said.

For those in the KC Metro, its looking likely a tale of the haves and have nots when it comes to accumulating snow, the weather service said in its forecast discussion.

Between a trace and 1 inch of snow is likely, with the heavier amounts falling in Kansas Citys Northland.

The winter-like conditions are expected to impact post-Thanksgiving travel in parts of the area, as slick roads are possible along with reduced visibility.

Travelers heading west into central Kansas on Saturday should be aware of winter storm watches in effect for most of the day. Between 3 and 6 inches of snow is possible, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

The watches were issued for Republic, Washington, Marshall, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Cloud, Clay, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Morris and Lyon counties.

The storm system is expected to move out quickly, leaving behind sunny but cold conditions on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s, tumbling into the teens overnight.

Temperatures Monday morning will be frigid, about 15 to 20 degrees below normal, and will climb to just a few degrees above freezing during the day. Typically this time of year in Kansas City, temperatures range from a low of 29 degrees to a high of 49 degrees.

Temperatures will rebound slightly, climbing back into the 40s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Its one step forward and three steps back as the Portland Association of Teachers said they are now moving further away from a deal after coming close earlier in the week.

Over last weekend, progress was made towards reaching a deal, with PPS Chair Gary Holland sharing at a press conference that both parties were close to an agreement, however now the PAT said they have moved farther away.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the PAT claimed that PPS has backtracked on certain aspects of their near agreement and there are now additional issues in the way of settling the dispute.

Officer-involved shooting closes several Salem streets

This all comes in the wake of a news blackout, which the PAT said was to help the parties focus on resolving issues. However, they also claim that PPS backtracked on the blackout agreement.

Over the course of the week, protesters for Portland teachers made multiple demonstrations marching through downtown and also congregating outside of city hall.

PPS board members also faced multiple incidents of vandalism, with messages spray painted on driveways, cars and homes.

According to PPS, the teams have been negotiating since Friday morning, and the district is expected to provide updates later this afternoon.

Oregon, Washington petitioning disastrous PNW gas pipeline expansion

A district spokesperson said that some issues thought to be resolved earlier this week  such as compensation and student safety and discipline- were not officially signed off on and now disagreements have resurfaced.

For parents, its been four weeks of juggling and some have had to be creative since schools closed.

Shes getting some temporary child care, said PPS parent Allison regarding her third grade daughter, Hazel. But its really been a struggle for our family.

I miss my friends and also I just miss my teacher, added Hazel. I miss my learning.

Mount Scott Community Center closes until 2025

I think were fortunate, commented another PPS parent, Craig Higdon. I work from home, so Im able to keep an eye on him and make sure hes doing the things. A lot of parents dont have that luxury. So I think its its definitely a concern.

The district is trying to figure out when the missed school time will be made up. But the district says figuring that out will not get in the way of students returning to the classroom if a deal is reached.

Read the full statement from the Portland Association of Teachers below:

At the districts suggestion, we agreed to a news blackout in order to focus on resolving issues with PPS so Portland students can get back to school. Unfortunately, the district chose to backtrack on their commitment to a news blackout  just as they backtracked on the agreement we reached Monday morning. There are now additional issues other than the class size committee that PPS has insisted on reopening that need to be addressed in order to settle a fair contract. PATs team is focused on finalizing a settlement.

This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Paris and Baltimore have the same ambition for the coming year  to make local waters swimmable.

Paris has been cleaning up the Seine for the 2024 Summer Olympics, while all good souls devoted to a cleaner Baltimore Harbor want to have a public swim next spring, weather and effluents permitting.

We should praise both ambitions because they are great causes. Without idealists who work toward the common good  and clean water is a way-high common good  then we are doomed to some dark dystopian hell instead of a healthy, civilized life within a liberal democracy.

Its important to point out that the desires for a swimmable urban river in Paris and a swimmable harbor in Baltimore turn on the quality of sewer systems in these cities.

No doubt, Baltimores system still has problems, while the legendary system under Paris has lingering issues as well. These words from a news report about the cleanup of the Seine sound familiar: Heavy rains overwhelm the citys outdated sewage system  That is historically what causes the waters around Baltimore to become polluted  a sewer system of pipes easily overwhelmed in big storms.

Baltimore Harbor is not a bathers paradise, and no one has been permitted to swim in the Seine for 100 years. The Queen City of the Patapsco still has a lot of work to do  and more millions to spend  to fix our pipes and treatment plants, while the Queen City of the Seine invests $1.5 billion to clean up the river before the Olympics.

But, its also a fact that, way back when, both cities built sewer systems for the common good  to reduce filth, odors and mainly disease.

Perhaps Im just pointing out the obvious. But I take nothing for granted in these strange times. Its no longer a given that sufficient numbers of Americans understand the concept of the common good, so Im using sewer systems as an example.

In Paris, the sewer tunnels not only improved public health and the general quality of life; they were part of a massive undertaking that wrought changes to the way the city looked, with wide boulevards and sidewalks, parks and grand public spaces. (Today theres a museum devoted to the history of the Paris sewers; I got to visit it in September.) The construction of the sewer system improved water quality in the Seine. Fifty years ago, only a few species of fish swam in the river; today more than 30 do. In the Baltimore Harbor, anglers have caught plenty of rockfish during their urban migrations. Twenty years ago, few of us would have thought that possible.

Other obvious examples of the government and private sector serving the common good: roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, marine terminals, courthouses and prisons.

Some people believe it should stop there, that the government has no business doing much else, that private capital and commerce should be the drivers of society, and never mind about national health insurance or even Social Security, Head Start and public education.

Though they benefit from it mightily, many Americans have no sense of what devotion to the common good wrought in the nations history. To many, the common good sounds like socialism, something that must be vanquished. You hear that with more frequency in the cynical and incoherent rhetoric of Donald Trump, the chief MAGA Republican. He refers to government as a sinister deep state, and never a force for good.

These anti-government attitudes, the mindless ridicule and dismissal of science and the hyper-partisanship that creates gridlock in Congress all work against progress. We have wasted a lot of time arguing over nonsense  and giving tax breaks to the wealthy  instead of tending to basic things that should have been fixed by now. Even in a growth economy, ours remains a polarized, violent nation with declining life expectancy.

I dont know when or how Americans come to understand the benefits of the common good. But it should be taught in schools because it lives right alongside the concept of democracy.

In the ideal, citizens in a democracy take part in the democracy by voting. You feel heard when you vote, feel part of something. When the people we elect to office take action, we feel weve had some say in the matter.

If, as appears to be the desire of some Americans, we lived in an autocratic state, with a powerful leader, the common good would be myth, no matter how beneficent the leader. In an autocracy or dictatorship, things are done mainly to help the leader or the state, not the people.

Robert Reich, writing on this same subject recently, defined the common good: A set of shared commitments to the rule of law, to democracy, to tolerance of our differences, to equal political rights and equal opportunity, to participating in our civic life, to sacrificing for the ideals we hold in common, to upholding the truth.

Maybe Im wrong; maybe even an extreme MAGA Republican understands, in quiet moments away from all the noise, that were all in this together.

I still want to believe that a majority of Americans understand that.

Acts of government for public benefit are more likely to happen, and bear much greater meaning, in a democracy where the common good is paramount, where people rise up and demand accountability, progress and clean, swimmable water.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) cut a rape kit backlog, but now its fighting another. This one has to do with getting into suspects phones and computers, with TBIs director admitting the wait has grown to more than a year.

Digital evidence has played a major role in recent cases in the state, including the investigation into the death of Caitlyn Kaufman.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The Nashville nurse was killed in a road rage shooting on Interstate 440 in December 2020.

Police had no video., no witnesses. But one of the first breaks in the case came from cell phone data analyzed by Metros digital forensics team.

GPS data told police shed been shot hours before she was found. One of the first things we started looking was at her phone, if we could identify an acquaintance that may be involved, there was zero, said Metro Nashville Detective Chad Gish during Kaufmans murder trial in January 2023.

The evidence was enough for a jury to convict the shooter, Devaunte Hill, who was found guilty of second-degree murder.

Jurors found the alleged driver not guilty.

Metro relied on its own digital forensics team for Kaufmans trial, but smaller agencies use the TBI.

Last year, TBI Director, David Rausch, asked Governor Bill Lee for more funding to cut a rape kit backlog. This year, he wants four more people to process digital evidence.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Rausch said he thinks the added staff could cut the wait in half, Its too much evidence, not enough personnel to process.

In Nashville, that evidence mightve made the difference between justice or lingering questions in Kaufmans murder investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
People are seen outside the Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi has closed as diplomats appointed by the Afghan government ousted by the Taliban two years ago failed to secure visa extensions from their Indian hosts, the outgoing ambassador said in a statement on Friday.

India does not recognise the Taliban government which seized power in 2021, and had allowed Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and mission staff to stay in place, issuing visas and handling trade matters.

In September, however, the ambassador and senior staff left for Europe and the U.S. to seek asylum, and the embassy said it was suspending operations.

An embassy statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday said that period in limbo was over, and the embassy was shutting and the keys had been given to the host government. It also said that pressure from both the Indian government and the Taliban had forced the decision.

"Unfortunately, despite an eight-week wait, the objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in the Indian government's conduct were not realised," ambassador Mamundzay said in the statement.

"Given the constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice," the statement added.

Afghan diplomats in India appointed by Ghani's government have reached third countries and there are none remaining in India, the embassy statement said.

"The only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings," the statement said.

The statement made no mention of the status of the Afghan consulates in other cities, including Mumbai.

India's foreign ministry and the Taliban-run Afghan foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Shivam Patel; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Aitana Lopez is racking up fans on Instagram and Fanvue. The Clueless Agency

Aitana Lopez is an AI-generated creation by a Spanish agency that grew tired of booking real models.

Lopez can make just over 1,000 euros, or $1,090, per advert and is featured in images on Fanvue.

Fanvue's CEO previously told Insider that AI-generated characters would thrive and become common.

A Spanish modeling agency said it's created the country's first AI influencer, who can earn up to 10,000 euros, or $11,000, a month as a model.

Euronews reported the news, based on an interview with Ruben Cruz, founder of the Barcelona-based modeling agency The Clueless, which created the influencer.

The AI-generated woman, Aitana Lopez, is a pink-haired 25-year-old. Her account has amassed 124,000 followers on Instagram.

Cruz told Euronews he decided to design Lopez after having trouble working with real models and influencers. "We started analyzing how we were working and realized that many projects were being put on hold or canceled due to problems beyond our control. Often it was the fault of the influencer or model and not due to design issues," he said.

"We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias, or who just want to make a lot of money by posing," he added.

At the time of publication, 56 photos had been shared on Lopez's Instagram account. Images of her dressed in lingerie have also been posted on Fanvue, a subscription platform similar to OnlyFans.

Her most recent Instagram Stories show her drinking cocktails on a night out and going to the gym. The agency created the images using Photoshop.

Cruz said she was created with a "personality" and "based on what society likes most," per Euronews.

She is described as a "strong and determined woman," and "a passionate Scorpio," with a love for video games and fitness, in a post on agency's website.

She can make just over 1,000 euros per advert and earns anywhere from 3,000 euros to 10,000 euros a month.

Business Insider's Marta Biino recently reported that the number of AI models was rising and that they were finding success on social media and adult content platforms. Some examples include Emily Pellegrini, an AI influencer, who has just over 100,000 followers on Instagram and is also present on Fanvue.

Fanvue's CEO, Will Monange, told Biino that he believed AI-generated characters would thrive and soon be as widespread as human creators.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Alex Salmond has warned Nicola Sturgeon she faces a day of reckoning as he launched legal action against the Scottish Government for its botched investigation of sexual misconduct claims against him.

The former first minister has lodged a petition at the Court of Session, Scotlands highest civil court, seeking significant damages and compensation for loss of earnings that could total millions of pounds.

He is alleging malfeasance by various former and current Scottish Government civil servants, with his lawyer arguing that they conducted themselves improperly, in bad faith and beyond their powers, with the intention of injuring Mr Salmond.

Among those named in the action are Ms Sturgeon, his successor as SNP leader and first minister, and Leslie Evans, the Scottish Governments former permanent secretary.

Gordon Dangerfield, Mr Salmonds lawyer, alleged that they had taken part in the criminal leaking of confidential documents, the concealment of documents in defiance of court orders and a criminal warrant, the misleading of the court during judicial review proceedings, the soliciting of false criminal complaints, and ultimately the commission of perjury at a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr Salmond won a judicial review in 2019 when the court found that the way the Scottish Government handled the investigation into the allegations against him was tainted with apparent bias.

The investigation started in early 2018, and a senior civil servant was appointed the investigating officer despite previously having contact with the two complainants.

The Scottish Government only conceded the judicial review case at the 11th hour, resulting in Mr Salmond being handed 512,250 of taxpayers money to cover his legal costs.

Tawdry business

The former SNP leader was cleared of 14 sexual assault charges in a separate criminal trial in 2020.

He alleged at the time there was a conspiracy among senior SNP figures around Ms Sturgeon to imprison him.

Ms Sturgeon vigorously denied being part of a cover-up or conspiracy, although she admitted that the scandal had resulted in the breakdown of a relationship that had been very important to me, politically and personally, for most of my life.

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said: Nicola utterly refutes Salmonds claims, as she has always done. She answered questions before a parliamentary committee for eight hours in 2021, and was also investigated and cleared by the independent advisor on the ministerial code.

Salmonds actions are a matter for him, and the conduct of the case is a matter for the Scottish Government.

Unveiling his latest legal action, Mr Salmond said: Throughout this tawdry business I have done my talking in court or in front of Parliament. That has resulted in victory in the Court of Session and being cleared of all charges in the High Court of Justiciary. I intend to continue with that practice.

Despite his judicial review victory and a subsequent parliamentary inquiry that examined the conduct of Ms Sturgeon and Ms Evans, he said not one single person has been held accountable. With this court action that evasion of responsibility ends.

Mr Salmond said he had agreed to sist, or pause, his action for damages pending the outcome of a separate criminal investigation into alleged leaking of confidential information and perjury.

However, the calling of the action signals that the day of reckoning for the Scottish Governments record of misfeasance on this grand scale will inevitably come, he concluded.

Mr Dangerfield alleged that public officials decided at an early stage that Mr Salmond was to be found guilty of allegations against him, regardless of the actual facts.

He claimed that this was done for political reasons, and specifically to injure Mr Salmond and accused the Scottish Government of concealing documents related to the case.

Handling of review seriously flawed

A major aim of Mr Salmond in bringing this action is to obtain disclosure of this vital evidence and to blow apart the Scottish Government cover-up which has gone on now for far too long, he said.

Mr Salmond contested a reported figure that suggested he is seeking 3 million in damages.

His spokesman said: It will be for the court to determine damages once the case on misfeasance has been won. They will be significant.

A damning Holyrood inquiry into the affair concluded that Ms Sturgeon misled parliament and her government badly let down the women who had lodged complaints.

The specially convened committee that conducted the investigation found in 2021 that the Scottish Governments handling of the complaints and the judicial review was seriously flawed.

However, a separate inquiry by James Hamilton, an Irish lawyer, concluded that she had not broken the ministerial code of conduct.

Ms Evans also kept her job as the Scottish Governments most senior civil servant, although she chose to resign from the post at the end of that year.

Speaking at a press conference at the British-Irish Council in Dublin, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: Unsurprisingly to anyone listening or watching, the Scottish Government will defend its position robustly, but Ill say no more because thats a live case.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: It would not be appropriate to comment on live litigation.

Ms Sturgeon was approached for comment.

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.
One Chico familys Thanksgiving turned sour after a resident arrived home Thursday and reportedly saw two people fleeing their home with some of their belongings, authorities said.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office was able to arrest one 57-year-old Chico man on suspicion of burglarizing the home, a news release said. But another suspect remains at large, the Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies were called about 3:50 p.m. to the 1100 block of Henshaw Avenue after an alarm company notified authorities of the burglary, the news release said.

The resident gave deputies descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle type used to get away. A deputy later arrested the 57-year-old man based on the description and found him with a small amount of property stolen from the house, the news release said.

A spokeswoman with the Butte County Sheriffs Office didnt immediately know the contents taken.

Anyone with information about this incident may call the Butte County Sheriffs Office at 530-538-7321, and ask for Deputy Ryan Rubinoff.
Left to right: Eric Chu, chairman of Taiwans main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT); Hou Yu-ih, KMT presidential candidate; Ma Ying-jeou, former Taiwan president; and Ke Wen-je, Taiwan Peoples Party presidential candidate, in Taipei, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit - Sam YehAFP/Getty Images

A hastily assembled press briefing at Taipeis Grand Hyatt Hotel descended into chaos on Thursday evening, as some of Taiwans most recognizable political figures bickered in front of reporters and millions of viewers on live television, hurling playground insults and reading private text messages aloud.

The acrimonious meeting, an eleventh-hour attempt at cobbling together a previously promised alliance for the upcoming presidential election in January, ended with the main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) walking out of the venue. By Fridays deadline to register their candidacy, the opposition parties had officially gone their separate ways.

Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP) registered his bid with lawmaker Wu Hsin-ying as his vice presidential running mate, and the KMTs Hou Yu-ih partnered with media personality Jaw Shaw-kong. (Meanwhile, Foxconn founder Terry Gou, who had launched an independent campaign in August, said on Friday that he was dropping out of the race and expressed his hopes for an opposition victory.)

The dramatic falling out marks the collapse of a short-lived Beijing-friendly alliance that, after it was announced on Nov. 15, many speculated may have been a threat to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and its presidential nominee William Lai Ching-te, who is the current vice president and has been leading the polls for much of the year. The upcoming Taiwan election is widely considered to be one of the most consequential for the self-governing islands relationship with mainland China, regional stability, and the already turbulent U.S.-China rivalry.

Read More: Why Protecting Taiwan Really Matters to the U.S.

The TPP and KMT threatened to shake up the race last week when they agreed to put their two strongest candidatesbased on opinion pollson a joint ticket. But tensions quickly surfaced and discussions spiraled in the following days over how to interpret opinion polling and who should be nominated.

Hou, the KMTs presidential nominee, said on Tuesday that he was determined to cooperate with the TPPs Ko, even if it meant running as a vice presidential candidate, and would wait until the last minute for him. But the parties political divisions proved irreconcilable, and observers say their separate tickets are set to dilute opposition votes in the upcoming election.

I think collapse of the alliance is likely to consolidate both the KMTs and the TPPs vote base on the one hand, as intensified conflicts usually can promote vote base consolidation and unity, Qi Dongtao, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapores East Asian Institute, tells TIME. On the other hand, swing voters who have no stable identification with either party will be less likely to vote for [either of] them.

The very public disintegration of the alliance has already become a talking point for Lais campaign: Should we dare to hand over the business of running the country to these people? the DPP candidate questioned at a campaign event on Thursday.

The DPP, which has strongly advocated for an independent Taiwanese national identity, is loathed by Beijing, which claims the island as part of Chinas territory.

As speculations of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan have bubbled for years, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his ruling Chinese Communist Party have made clear that theyre closely following Taiwans upcoming election and would prefer to unify politicallybut havent ruled out force.

Read More: Both Wary of War, Taiwans Voters Eye China and China Eyes Taiwans Voters

Look, peace is all well and good, a senior U.S. official quoted Xi as saying when the Chinese leader met President Joe Biden last week in San Francisco, but at some point we need to move toward resolution more generally.

The official also told reporters that Xi had underscored that this was the biggest, most potentially dangerous issue in U.S.-China relations, and that while Xi noted Beijings preference for peaceful reunification, he moved immediately to conditions that the potential use of force could be utilized.

For Beijing, the collapse of the alliance means it has to prepare to deal with a pro-independence hardliner administration in Taiwan in the coming four years or even longer period of time, says Qi. Peaceful unification will be more difficult to achieve; and military, economic, and diplomatic deterrence against Taiwan will be strengthened by Beijing.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An alligator spotting in Texas' Brazos River has sparked concerns among nearby residents.

The alligator was seen Sunday by Shelbi Todaro, a resident of Waco, a city about 100 miles south of Dallas. The gator was swimming underneath the suspension bridge at Indian Spring Park. Todaro captured the video of the reptile swimming and posted the videos to Facebook.

Watch the alligator float in the river below.

Todaro told MySA that she spotted the animal while she was running on the sidewalk by the river. She initially thought it was a snapping turtle but discovered it was an alligator upon closer inspection.

"I was really excited," Todaro told USA TODAY. "I love all animals, especially reptiles. I stayed for about an hour and just watched it float along."

Clouds gather west of the Brazos River in Knox County on Dec. 26, 2018.

'Really lucky': Florida woman bit on head by 9-foot alligator walks away with scratches

Previous spotting

Lerrin Johnson, a Wildlife Public Information Officer at Texas Wildlife Department told USA TODAY that the department's staff believes that, based on size and location, the alligator spotted Sunday is the same one that was seen in the area in September.

"Though they are not commonly seen in the Waco area and do not have a breeding population, it is still on the western edge of the normal range for the American Alligator," said Johnson.

Reptile transported

When the alligator was spotted back in September, city officials had told the Waco Tribune-Herald that it was unlikely the alligator had reached the Brazos River on its own. They believed that someone had probably transported the alligator to the river.

Based on looking at the head and size of its body parts, that is most likely a wild alligator transported from Louisiana or East Texas and released, Brian Henley, an animal care supervisor at the Cameron Park Zoo had told the Tribune-Herald.

Henley said that the alligator did not look more than 3 or 4 years old.

Alligator spotted swimming in Brazos River in Texas

'Let the gator be'

City and state game warden officials said they intend to let the alligator be, though they warn the public to avoid harassing or feeding it.

The officer further said that the alligator is "exhibiting normal foraging behavior" and that his office will continue to monitor the reptile's location.

"TPWD does not currently see a need for removal as long as the public steers clear of the alligator and does not harass or feed it," said Johnson.

What to know: Mysterious respiratory dog illness detected in several states

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alligator in Brazos River concerns Waco, Texas residents: Watch video
More than 1,000 workers went on strike at an Amazon hub in Coventry, England (Darren Staples)

Amazon was hit by strikes at various locations in Britain, Germany and Italy during the annual "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza as workers demand higher wages and better working conditions.

UNI Global Union said Amazon would face strikes and protests in more than 30 countries around the world, including the United States, as part of a "Make Amazon Pay" campaign.

"Workers know that it doesn't matter what country you're in or what your job title is. We are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas and a voice on the job," said Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union.

"That's what workers in Coventry are striking for and that is why workers around the world are standing up to Make Amazon Pay," Hoffman said.

Held the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, "Black Friday" is increasingly copied in Europe and beyond, with stores offering big discounts to kick off shopping for the holiday gift-giving season.

More than 1,000 workers went on strike at an Amazon hub in Coventry, England, which employs 2,300 people and supplies other warehouses, said Stuart Richards, spokesman for the GMB union.

In Germany, the industrial action called by Union Verdi began in the night to Friday, affecting five out of the US e-commerce giant's 20 logistic sites in Europe's biggest economy.

Amazon said the strikes in the UK and Germany would have no impact on customers.

Workers at the Amazon hub in Piacenza, near Milan, joined the strike, with a "very high participation" rate, said Roberto Brambilla of the Filcams Cgil union.

"The mood music is souring for Amazon over this important time as industrial action over pay and conditions by warehouse staff could threaten performance," said Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

This "will be something monitored closely by investors," she added.

- 'Turning point' -

In Britain, the GMB union said Amazon has refused to talk to workers.

"The pressure GMB members have put on the company has led to Amazon offering pay rises across the board but what they offer is still a long way short of what workers want," Richards said.

Workers want their pay to rise from 12 ($15) per hour currently to 15 per hour.

An Amazon UK spokesman said the company regularly reviews its pay "to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits".

He said starting pay in the UK will rise to between 12.30 and 13 per hour depending on the location, from April -- a 20-percent increase over two years and 50 percent since 2018.

In Germany, Amazon said workers already had a "fair wage and good additional benefits".

Starting wages are at 14 euros ($15.30) and above per hour, the company said, higher than Germany's minimum wage of 12 euros.

But Verdi is pushing for the company to recognise the regional collective agreements of the retail and mail order sector.

In Italy, the union complained about "unacceptable" pay increases as well as a failure by Amazon to raise the amount of meal vouchers and a lack of attention to health issues, among other reasons.

"Today will go down as a turning point in Amazon's history," said GMB official Amanda Gearing.

"With industrial action escalating and workers joining strike action in Europe and the USA, it's clear this strike is inspiring Amazon workers worldwide to fight to force the company to change its ways," Gearing said.

burs/lth/rl
More than 1,000 workers went on strike at an Amazon hub in Coventry, England (Darren Staples)

Amazon was hit by strikes at various locations in Britain, Germany and Italy during the annual "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza as workers demand higher wages and better working conditions.

UNI Global Union said Amazon would face strikes and protests in more than 30 countries around the world, including the United States, as part of a "Make Amazon Pay" campaign.

"Workers know that it doesn't matter what country you're in or what your job title is. We are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas and a voice on the job," said Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union.

"That's what workers in Coventry are striking for and that is why workers around the world are standing up to Make Amazon Pay," Hoffman said.

Held the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, "Black Friday" has been increasingly adopted in Europe and beyond, with stores offering big discounts to kick off shopping for the holiday gift-giving season.

More than 1,000 workers went on strike at an Amazon hub in Coventry, England, which employs 2,300 people and supplies other warehouses, said Stuart Richards, spokesman for the GMB union.

In Germany, the industrial action called by Union Verdi began overnight Thursday, affecting five out of the US e-commerce giant's 20 logistics sites in Europe's biggest economy.

Amazon said the strikes in the UK and Germany would have no impact on customers.

Workers at the Amazon hub in Castel San Giovanni, between Piacenza and Milan, joined the strike.

Citing trade unions, Italys Ansa news agency reported that 60 percent of permanent employees and 50 percent of temporary workers at the site took part in Fridays strike.

"The mood music is souring for Amazon over this important time as industrial action over pay and conditions by warehouse staff could threaten performance," said Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

This "will be something monitored closely by investors," she added.

- 'Turning point' -

In Britain, the GMB union said Amazon has refused to talk to the workers.

"The pressure GMB members have put on the company has led to Amazon offering pay rises across the board but what they offer is still a long way short of what workers want," Richards said.

Workers want their pay to rise from 12 ($15) per hour currently to 15 per hour.

An Amazon UK spokesman said the company regularly reviews its pay "to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits".

He said starting pay in the UK will rise to between 12.30 and 13 per hour depending on the location, from April -- a 20-percent increase over two years and 50 percent since 2018.

In Germany, Amazon said workers already had a "fair wage and good additional benefits".

Starting wages are at 14 euros ($15.30) and above per hour, the company said, higher than Germany's minimum wage of 12 euros.

But Verdi is pushing for the company to recognise the regional collective agreements of the retail and mail order sector.

In Italy, the union complained about "unacceptable" pay increases as well as a failure by Amazon to raise the amount of meal vouchers and a lack of attention to health issues, among other reasons.

The actions in Italy coincided with a strike called across the whole of northern Italy against Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis budget. In Spain, one-hour work stoppages are planned for "Cyber Monday" on November 27 and the following day, according to the CCOO union, which pointed to poor working conditions and "persistent problems" with human resources at the company's Spanish sites. "Today will go down as a turning point in Amazon's history," said GMB official Amanda Gearing.

"With industrial action escalating and workers joining strike action in Europe and the USA, it's clear this strike is inspiring Amazon workers worldwide to fight to force the company to change its ways," Gearing said.

In France, there were no strikes at any Amazon facilities, according to the company.

burs/lth/rl/gv/pvh
Amazon workers in multiple countries went on strike for Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, to protest the e-commerce giants labor practices.

The strike is organized by the UNI Global Union, which represents workers around the world and said it has mobilized workers from more than 30 countries, including Italy, Germany and the U.S., to speak out against Amazons treatment of employees.

Hundreds of workers were striking Friday at warehouses in Coventry, U.K., and in multiple German cities, Reuters reported. Additional walkouts were expected later in the day in other countries.

Best Black Friday Deals

Officials with the GMB Union, a large trade union in the U.K. that organized protesters there, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the strike on Friday was the the biggest industrial action in Amazons history.

The effort is part of the Make Amazon Pay campaign, which has organized strikes for the past four years. Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, said workers around the world are standing up to Make Amazon Pay.

This day of action grows every year because the movement to hold Amazon accountable keeps getting bigger and stronger, Hoffman said in a statement. Workers know that it doesnt matter what country youre in or what your job title is, we are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas, and a voice on the job.

Strikers argue that Amazon pays warehouse workers lower wages compared to employees in other sectors of the company and for better health and safety policies. Some also raise concerns about the e-commerce corporations environmental footprint.

Jessie Moreno, an Amazon Teamsters member from Local 396 in California, said she and other works are on strike against Amazons unfair labor practices.

We have taken our picket line across the country and now were joining our colleagues from around the world to demand respect, fair wages, and a workplace where our health and safety are a priority, Moreno said in a statement. Amazon is no match for the power of its workers united.

Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said the vast majority of these allegations are false or misinformed.

The fact is Amazon has created millions of good jobs, while helping create and support hundreds of thousands of small businesses around the world. We offer great pay and benefits for our employees, Paradis said in a statement to The Hill, with great career opportunities, and provide a modern and safe working environment for all.

We continue to invest in the countries and communities where we operate, and were proud to be the worlds largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, Paradis added. Thats part of our drive to be net zero carbon by 2040, with billions already invested in packaging reduction, clean energy and electric vehicles.

Updated at 10:51 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If President Joe Biden is to be reelected, then an issues-oriented campaign must be subordinate to one that combats the antipathy directed toward him. A recent New York Times and Siena College poll showed Donald Trump leading Biden in five of the six key swing states, due in part to a negative portrayal of Biden by Republicans as being in cognitive decline.

Cognitive function is a legitimate concern for voters, especially when both presumed presidential candidates are of advanced age, but accusations of impairment are serious and must be supported by medical science not dirty tricks politics.

Studies show that Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), a mental health condition marked by frequent impulsive anger outbursts, is associated with cognition decline and dementia risk. Donald Trump could be the IED poster person. His uncontrollable angry outbursts, followed by incoherent utterances, not only meet the definition of this anger disorder, they should sound the alarm bell that Trumps mental health, not Bidens, is problematic for the electorate (Political violence threatens to intensify as the 2024 presidential race heats up, Nov. 18).

 Jim Paladino, Tampa, Florida

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey was evacuated on Black Friday, as state police investigated a bomb threat.

Someone reported there was a bomb inside the mall shortly before 7:15 a.m., according to New Jersey State Police.

Gov. Phil Murphy said on social media the mall was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

"If you're on site, all customers, tenants, and employees should follow guidance from law enforcement and walk to the nearest exit and safely evacuate the building out of an abundance of caution," the governor posted.

People in the area received emergency alerts on their phones saying to use the nearest exits and to avoid elevators.

A police bomb unit and K-9 unit did a sweep of the mall, but did not find any explosives.

Shoppers were allowed back inside about two hours later once the all-clear was given.

"American Dream was evacuated this morning following what was later deemed a non-credible threat. This was done out of an abundance of caution, as the safety of our employees and guests is and will always be our priority. The center has already re-opened," a mall spokesperson said in a statement. "We look forward to a joyous and safe holiday season."

The governor later posted there was "no imminent threat" at the mall.

"We will remain vigilant to ensure everyone stays safe this holiday season," he wrote.

State police say the investigation continues, and it's unclear if anyone will face charges.

The New York Jets, who are scheduled to play next door at MetLife Stadium, said the stadium is not impacted and parking lots will open as planned at 10 a.m.

2 dead in vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge U.S.-Canada border crossing, sources say

Ex-Obama official charged with hate crime in alleged harassment of halal food cart worker

Hamas releases 13 Israeli hostages from Gaza during short cease-fire
The JFK truth

As Americans observe the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedys murder, we will as a nation again ask ourselves the nagging questions: Who killed JFK? Why? And does it even matter now? In 1964, the Warren Commission was tasked by the new president, Lyndon Johnson, with answering the first two questions.

As nearly everyone of a certain age knows, the commission failed to answer these questions to anyones satisfaction. Even so, the government was happy to embrace the conclusion that a lone nut, Lee Harvey Oswald, killed the president.

Over the years, independent researchers have repeatedly called those findings into question. A restless population has wondered, with good reason, whether the government was lying about what happened.

A look at history will show that Kennedy, an ardent Cold Warrior when he entered office, became disillusioned with the militarist views of his national security advisers. Over time, he appeared to revise his thinking about how the U.S. should handle its foreign policies.

In June 1963, he delivered perhaps the most hopeful speech ever given by an American politician. His Pax Americana, or Peace Speech, is on YouTube. Kennedy was shot and killed five months later.

- Shane Smith, Olathe

Your own ideas

Effective leadership expects vigorous opinions from numerous points of view, while blind loyalty requires the bobbing head nods of gutless sycophants.

- Phil Anderson, Manhattan, Kansas

Trust in God

One of the most effective strategies of the enemy is to attack individuals generationally because of genetics, tendencies and upbringings. The attacks that work on the parents will prove effective on the children, but you can choose a different path.

Children practice what they have learned on their own and what they have gathered from generations before them. The Bible says in Numbers 14:18 the Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving, iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

Some curses are passed down to you. This includes living the same lives your parents did  using drugs and alcohol, poverty, abusive relationships, not considering childrens feelings and not teaching your children life skills. But you have the power to change this.

Make sure it stops with you. Learn about family history, take accountability for wrongs you have done and dont be afraid to ask for help. Trust in God to help guide you and be aware of all destructive patterns.

- Qiana S. Moody, Kansas City

Reduced reports

Kansas businesses will see a positive change when submitting required filings with the secretary of states office in 2024. During the 2021 legislative session, my office introduced a bill that became law to reduce the filing requirements with our office and cut government paperwork.

Every year, Kansas business owners have been required to file reports with the secretary of states office. This will soon change.

Starting in January, each Kansas business will file an Information Report every two years instead of annually. Although the content of the reports will remain the same, the transition from annual filings to biennial filings will reduce paperwork for Kansas business owners, allowing them to focus more on their businesses and less time with the government.

A business filing year will be determined by the year in which the business was formed. Those formed in even years will file in even years, and those formed in odd years will file in odd years.

For more information about biennial filing or to get your business formation and filing date, please visit sos.ks.gov

- Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Topeka
By Andrew MacAskill, Michael Holden and Sarah Marsh

LONDON/BERLIN (Reuters) - European security officials are seeing a growing risk of attacks by Islamists radicalised by the Israel-Hamas war, with the biggest threat likely to come from "lone wolf" assailants who are hard to track.

More than 10 intelligence and police officials in five European countries including Britain, Germany and France told Reuters they are increasing surveillance of Islamist militants.

This will put a further burden on resources already stretched by dealing with perceived threats from Russia, China and Iran, in what London police chief Mark Rowley calls "one of the most challenging convergence of threats I have ever seen."

A British security official said the war in Gaza was likely to become the biggest recruiter for Islamist militants since the Iraq war in 2003, and that calls for attacks on Jewish and Western targets had risen in Europe. A German source briefed by intelligence services said the threat to civilians was the highest in Germany's recent history, with dangers coming from Islamist militants, far-right groups and Russia.

Two Islamist militant attacks in France and Belgium last month killed three people, and these two countries, Austria, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina have raised their terrorism threat alert levels. Italy has reimposed border controls with Slovenia, citing the risk of militants entering the country.

"There is going to be a blowback that is going to be felt for years," the British official said.

Deaths from Islamist assaults in Europe surged between 2004 and 2006, when attacks were fuelled by al Qaeda, and peaked again in 2015 to 2018, when they were inspired by Islamic State.

The threat to Europe now is likely to look very different.

Islamic State and al Qaeda recruited thousands of foreign fighters and had the capability to plan orchestrated, synchronised assaults in Europe from the relative safety of enclaves in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Islamic State and al Qaeda are now in retreat, and Hamas' main target is Israel.

LONE WOLVES

Security officials say the main danger for Europe is probably from attacks by "lone wolves"  assailants who are radicalised, often online, but have no formal links to more established groups.

The severity of the security threat could depend on how long Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza, launched in response to the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, and the extent of the damage to the Gaza Strip.

Although a truce has come into effect in Gaza, both sides have said the war is far from over.

Jochen Kopelke, a police officer who heads Germany's largest police union, said officers were warning suspected militants they were under surveillance and carrying out raids, but the main threat was people who are "self-radicalised".

"It's only a question of time until these people carry out crimes," he said. "It's not always about them having a bomb. They can drive with a car into a gathering or attack with a knife."

Kopelke said Christmas markets that will soon be opening were potential targets. An attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 killed 12 people.

Many Muslims have been angered by the ferocity of the Israeli offensive, and some say European governments should have done more to restrain Israel.

Peter Knoope, former deputy director of policy at the Dutch National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, said European counter-terrorism officials found after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States that the best way to stop attacks was a combination of military power with prevention work based on understanding motives and grievances.

He said visits by the British, French and German leaders to Israel last month had angered some Muslim, as had some of the language used by European leaders.

"The result is that it will create an 'us-and-them' feeling with the Muslim community. It is like we have learnt nothing," Knoope said. "I am very worried when I see the polarisation and I see the language being used."

ONLINE DISINFORMATION

Muslim leaders in Europe say there has been an increase in attacks on Muslims and mosques since the Oct. 7 Hamas raid, and describe a climate of fear as disinformation spreads online.

"I have never seen our society so polarised," said Iman Atta, director of British Muslim group Tell Mama (Measuring anti-Muslim Attacks).

Germany's Kopelke said a network of Salafists - ultra-conservative Islamists - had resurfaced, and a new group of pro-Hamas influencers had emerged on Instagram and TikTok.

One Salafist preacher has 55,000 followers after creating an account on video app TikTok after the Hamas attack, and has shown videos questioning Israel's right to exist.

A host of militant groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda have called for attacks in the West and violence against Jews although intelligence officials say the overall threat from Islamic State and al Qaeda has receded.

Only two of 16 completed "terrorist attacks" in the EU last year were "jihadist", according to Europol. Thirteen were attributed to left-wing and anarchist groups, and one to a right-wing group.

"What you have now is a threat that is more diffuse and more diverse," said Thomas Renard, director of the International Centre for Counter-Terorrism think tank, who said there is more radicalisation occurring online than in places such as mosques.

(Additional reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro, Angelo Amante, Johan Ahlander, and Phil Blenkinsop, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
A former executive assistant to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who had accused him of groping her has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment.

Brittany Commisso, who worked for Cuomo starting in 2017, filed the lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act, which had expanded the time limit under which people could sue for sexual assault or harassment that had previously been beyond the statue of limitations. The window to sue expired at midnight Thursday.

Cuomo ultimately resigned as governor in August 2021 following sexual misconduct allegations by Commisso and several other women. He has denied the allegations.

"The continuous sexual harassment by defendant Cuomo included unwelcome sexual advances, sexualized comments about appearance and personal matters, relations, their dating, their sex life, and her marriage, assignment of humiliating and demeaning tasks, hugs, kisses, sexual touching of the buttocks, and forcible touching of the breast all of which was objectively unreasonable and abusive and reasonably perceived by plaintiff as being abusive and an adverse alteration of the conditions and terms of employment she was required to suffer to maintain her employment and avoid adverse changes in the condition and terms of employment which, in fact, she later suffered in retaliation for rejecting and reporting the same," the lawsuit alleges.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo prepares to board a helicopter after announcing his resignation, Aug. 10, 2021, in New York. / Credit: Seth Wenig / AP

The lawsuit claims then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul demoted Commisso "from the position of Executive Assistant to the Governor, removed her from the Executive Chamber front office, and assigned her to the demeaning task of answering telephones in the Lieutenant Governor's office until moved to other offices, including loss of overtime, ostracism, given little or no work, demotion, and loss of career opportunities and Advancement" after Commisso allegedly rejected Cuomo's offer to date her.

Rita Glavin, an attorney for Cuomo, said in a statement on Friday that "Ms. Commisso's claims are provably false, which is why the Albany District Attorney dismissed the case two years ago after a thorough investigation. Ms. Commisso's transparent attempt at a cash grab will fail. We look forward to seeing her in court."

Commisso had previously filed a misdemeanor criminal complaint against Cuomo, accusing him of "intentionally and for no legitimate purpose, forcibly place[d] his hand under the blouse shirt of the victim and onto her intimagte body part. Specifically, the victim's left breast for the purposes of degrading and gratifying his sexual desires."

The forcible touching charge was later dismissed.

"It disgusts me that Andrew Cuomo is even considering running for public office in the wake of (New York City) Mayor Adam's alleged sexual harassment when he himself will not accept responsibility or even acknowledge his sexual harassment of me, aside from numerous other victims, while the governor of our state," Commisso told CBS News in a statement Friday through her attorney.

In an interview with "CBS Mornings" in 2021 before Cuomo resigned, Commisso alleged that Cuomo groped her twice, first in Dec. 2019 and again in Nov. 2020.

"I know the truth. He knows the truth. I know what happened and so does he," she said. "I don't believe that there were 10 staff there that day. I don't believe his family was there that day. And if that's what he has to say to make himself feel better, I really, I feel sorry for him."

Commisso, a single mother, told "CBS Mornings" that she never planned on going public with her allegations, partly because she was worried about what might happen to her daughter. But in March 2021, Cuomo denied other sexual harassment allegations, saying he "never touched anyone inappropriately."

Commisso was one of 11 women whose allegations were featured in a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

White House aids in Hamas hostage negotiations

Louisiana man who's beaten the odds against glioblastoma has something new to be thankful for

Flurry of sexual assault lawsuits filed before temporary New York law expires
A visitor poses for a photo next to a Jani Leinonen artwork called Mc Jesus, at Barcelona's Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona, Spain, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. In 2019, the Christian community in Haifa demanded de removal of Leinonen artwork from the city's museum, considering it offensive. A new museum in Barcelona is offering a second chance to controversial artworks that have suffered censorship for religious, sexual, political or commercial reasons. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Nov. 17-23, 2023

Protests around the world continue as a four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas begins Friday morning. Pope Francis appears for his weekly audience. People in Prague celebrated the 34th anniversary of the pro-democratic Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule in 1989.

This gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published in the past week by The Associated Press from Europe and Africa.

The selection was curated by AP photographer Alexander Zemlianichenko in Moscow.

____

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
While scrolling through actor Mark Wahlbergs Instagram, youll come across some posts under which Wahlberg has written Stay prayed up with the hashtag #HallowPartner.

Hallow is an app primarily aimed at Catholics which claims to be the No. 1 prayer app in the world.

Wahlberg isnt the only celebrity who can be found on the app. Liam Neeson and Jonathan Roumie (yes, the actor who plays Jesus on The Chosen) are also featured on the app. So is Giavani Cairo, who plays Jude Thaddeus.

Neeson struck up a partnership with the app to read parts of C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia, according to Fox News.

Ive partnered together with Hallow for this project to help guide folks through some beautiful meditations, Neeson told Fox News.

If you join the challenge Neeson is part of (along with Roumie and Sister Miriam James Heidland), you also gain access to hymns from Andrea Bocelli.

Its always been a dream of ours to do a challenge with C.S. Lewis incredible writings, Hallow CEO Alex Jones told Fox News. They changed my own life and were honored to be able to pray through them this Advent.

Related

How the Hallow app works

The Hallow app is a spiritual meditation app.

Jones told Fox News that he was inspired by meditation apps like Headspace. He wanted to make an app that combined meditation and spirituality, and then discovered this rich, beautiful tradition of contemplative and meditative prayer.

The app tries to take that experience and make it applicable to a 21st century smartphone user. Theres even a prayer tracker at the bottom of the app (345,660,853 prayers were prayed with Hallow at the time of writing this article). The app has free elements to it, but a subscription will run you around $5 a month.

I downloaded the app to experience it firsthand. Heres what I learned.

How do you want to pray?

The app asks you how you would like to pray and lets you select options like:

Sleep meditations.

Scripture reflections.

Quick prayers.

Night prayer.

Intro.

Bible in a year.

What are your goals?

After you select how you would like to pray, the app tells you to choose you goals from a list that includes:

Patience and humility.

Reduce stress.

Reconnect with my faith.

Sleep better.

Your personalized experience

The app then unlocks access to the type of content you selected. For example, on my screen, it suggested that I listened to Roumie read the Beatitudes.

There were several different options for activities, like a sleep playlist with songs like Abide With Me and What Wondrous Love is This.

Some of the featured content included an invitation to join the Advent Pray25 challenge  Advent is the sacred season that leads up to Christmas.

Liam Neeson, Jonathan Roumie and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, will guide you in daily prayer for four weeks of Advent with reflections based on different works of Lewis, including The Four Loves, Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, and more, The Hallow website said.

There is also content for Thanksgiving, like a playlist of Thanksgiving prayers and a series on food and faith by Father Leo Patalinghug.

My top five favorite things about the app:

The sound quality. I enjoy listening to scriptures, and the Hallow app adds the unique experience of hearing someone read who has experience speaking clearly. The quality on the app is high, the sound is clear and the pacing was just right. The personalization. In addition to what I mentioned above, my app also recommended a womens devotional to me, as well as plenty of content for before bedtime. The app makes it easy for me to choose something relaxing over other options because it let me personalize my experience. While the app is directed toward Catholics and Im a Latter-day Saint, there was a lot of content that felt applicable to me. The interactivity. Theres an option to add an intention  something that youd like to pray for or about. You type it in a box and only you can see it. Its a helpful feature that makes the experience feel interactive and personal. The courses. When scrolling through the courses, I noticed that scholar Arthur Brooks (affectionally called the professor of happiness) had a course on happiness. The course wasnt overwhelming in terms of time. It was broken up into listening sessions of around 20 minutes, which was great for me. The daily scripture reading is available with text or audio. The readings follow the liturgical schedule the Roman Catholic Church uses. I appreciate that there were recordings of the passages, as well as the text  It makes the app more accessible for people and it made it easy to incorporate the reading into my day.
The 8.5% rise in pensions will be included in February's Isle of Man Budget for 2024-25

Mirroring the UK's 8.5% rise in state pensions on the Isle of Man will cost 14m, the treasury minister has said.

Alex Allinson said the increase was "absolutely the right thing to do" after previously committing to follow the UK on the triple lock principle.

However, he said UK changes to National Insurance (NI) would have to be considered carefully.

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a 2% reduction in the main rate and the abolition of Class 2 contributions.

While the island had maintained an 11% rate, which is 1% lower than the UK's current 12%, in order to "remain competitive", the effect of any reduction on the National Insurance Fund would need to be looked at, Dr Allinson said.

He said politicians had "already expressed concerns about the long-term viability" of the close to 1bn fund, which a government actuarial report had said would "run out by 2047 if we don't make changes".

Alex Allinson said any changes to NI contributions would have to be carefully considered

The treasury needed to be "really quite careful" that the "amount of money coming into the fund is sustainable" to provide future pensions and benefits, Dr Allinson continued.

However, he said having the rate of the April pension increase confirmed would not only allow the treasury "to know what we're dealing with in terms of a budget for next year", but would also be helpful for pensioners going into the winter months to know that the increase was coming in the spring.

Due to the island's reciprocal agreement over VAT, the extension of a zero rating for building materials and its extension to women's sanitary products would also be introduced.

But that would not have a "huge amount of impact" on the island's VAT share, Dr Allinson said.

Increases in tobacco duty, which are also directly linked to the UK, were also implemented on Wednesday evening.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk
The number of Ukrainian children attending Polish schools and kindergartens in Poland currently stands at 286,534.

Source: Polands Rzeczpospolita, citing data from Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science (MES)

Details: The ministry's data, obtained by the media outlet, indicates that 183,461 students from Ukraine are those who arrived in Poland following the start of the full-scale Russian invasion and enjoy refugee status, with another 103,073 being Ukrainians with no such status but who had been in the country before.

The statistics of the MES reveal differences between the two groups, such as that the largest number of students from Ukraine who moved to Poland before the full-scale war  almost 39,000  study in secondary schools, and another 32,000 in primary schools.

Over 11,000 refugees are enrolled in higher education institutions, and almost 113,000 are in primary schools. There are 42,500 Ukrainian children in kindergartens, including 28,000 who have refugee status.

Government data indicates that 1,719,257 Ukrainian citizens legally reside in Poland and have war-related refugee status, 35.8% of whom are under the age of 18. Another 1.5 million represent Ukrainians who were in the country before the war.

Background:

Earlier, the European Union completed all the procedures necessary to extend the temporary protection regime for refugees from Ukraine for one year, from 4 March 2024 to 4 March 2025.

On 19 September, the European Commission proposed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the EU interior ministers reached a political agreement on 28 September.

Media reports indicated that Poland had raised certain objections to the extension of temporary protection. Warsaw demanded more funding from the EU for refugees. However, the mechanism extension requires a unanimous vote, so vetoing the decision was impossible.

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Art Basel wants collectors to purchase new artworks and donate to charity at the same time.

Art Basel, the premier international art fair brand, announced its new program Access by Art Basel, an online marketplace designed to encourage philanthropy. The platforms launch coincides with Art Basel Miami Beach, which opens to the public at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Dec. 8.

Collectors donations will go toward their choice of The Miami Foundation, which supports local organizations, or The International Committee of the Red Cross.

The first Access sale will open on Monday. Collectors can submit requests on artworks until Dec. 10 and view the works in person at the fair. For each purchase request made on an artwork, collectors are required to pledge a charitable donation that is at least 10% of the artworks price tag.

Art Basel plans to donate $25,000, split evenly between The Miami Foundation and ICRC, according to the fairs statement. The platform was developed with Arcual, a technology company.

The art community is deeply engaged in the world around it, said Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz in a statement. We wanted to deliver a platform that meaningfully and effectively supports the causes that matter to our galleries and their artists, while allowing them to remain the beneficiaries of 100% of the sale on artworks.

Over a dozen galleries are participating in the platforms launch, including Pace Gallery, Hauser & Wirth and Miami-based Frederic Snitzer Gallery. Exhibitors are selling works by world renowned artists, like Katherine Bradford, Jenny Holzer and Miamis own Hernan Bas.

This story was produced with financial support from The Perez Family Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
HENDERSONVILLE - An Asheville man is dead following a reported shooting in the early morning hours of Nov. 24 in the parking lot of Henderson Crossing Plaza parking lot, and according to police, the suspect is still on the loose.

According to a news release from the City of Hendersonville, at approximately 2:36 a.m., Hendersonville Police officers were dispatched to Orchard Bar & Grill at Henderson Crossing in reference to a disturbance involving gunshots in the parking lot.

police tape

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Elijah Edward Timmons III of Asheville, police said.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male on the ground in the parking lot who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, the release said. A firearm believed to belong to the deceased was located and secured by officers.

The preliminary investigation has revealed Timmons was engaged in an altercation with a suspect before being fatally shot. The suspect remains at large; however, this is believed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety, according to the release.

More: Hendersonville Police's October report addresses ongoing fentanyl epidemic

Lt. Alan Bonanno told the Times-News on Nov. 24 there were no other details to provide and that the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact Bonanno at 828-697-3025. Tips may also be submitted through the Hendersonville Police Department App which can be downloaded from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store by searching Hendersonville PD.

This marks the second shooting fatality this year for the city of Hendersonville, the police department said. The other was on Oct. 10, when police reported that Sam Antwan Ivey, 35, an employee at the McDonald's on Four Seasons Boulevard, allegedly shot and killed 30-year-old Jacklyn Marie Reed of Johnson City, Tennessee. The McDonald's is owned by U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards.

More: Update: Shooting death reported at McDonald's in Hendersonville owned by Chuck Edwards

Ivey was charged with second-degree murder, and according to court records, his next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 14.

This story will be updated.

Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Asheville man fatal gunshot wound in Hendersonville shopping center
Two more teenagers have been arrested as part of a police investigation into the murder of a sixth form student.

Ashraf Habimana, 16, died from stab wounds in Nunnery Lane, Luton, on 29 September.

The two teens were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

They have been released on bail with conditions whilst the investigation continued.

Three teenage boys have been charged with murder in connection to the incident, in which another teenage boy suffered serious injuries.

Det Insp Graham Newton, Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "We all have a responsibility to challenge any sort of attitude or behaviour that suggests violence or carrying a knife is okay.

"In policing, this means taking a strong stance against anyone who arms themselves with a weapon or threatens to use it.

"These deplorable scenes that led to the death of Ashraf have understandably raised concerns and an overwhelming response from our communities.

"We are determined to do everything we can to get justice for Ashraf's family."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
Ashton Kutcher is breaking his monthslong silence since he resigned from his anti-sex abuse organization Thorn in September after writing a letter of support for his former "That '70s Show" co-star Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women more than two decades ago.

Kutcher wished his followers a happy Thanksgiving in a post on X on Nov. 23, in addition to his reflections on being present.

"In addition to life, love, health, & friendship. This year lets acknowledge being present. Being present isnt responding and reacting to every inbound stimulus. Its experiencing, then having the wherewithal to not react. Digest, feel, learn, take inventory, & square this new experience with past experiences. Create a refined perspective to live with until something else refines it further. Thats being present," Kutcher said.

Happy Thanksgiving. In addition to life, love, health, & friendship. This year lets acknowledge being present. Being present isnt responding and reacting to every inbound stimulus. Its experiencing, then having the wherewithal to not react. Digest, feel, learn, take  ashton kutcher (@aplusk) November 23, 2023

He added: "Im Thankful for 'No comment', thankful for learning, thankful for listening. Thankful for sharing this life with you."

Kutcher and his wife, fellow "That '70s Show" star Mila Kunis, came under fire in September over letters they submitted to a Los Angeles court prior to Masterson's sentencing.

Kutcher wrote that Masterson was an "excellent" role model and was a "dedicated and loyal" husband.

"While Im aware that the judgment has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice," Kutcher wrote. "I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing. I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would be a tertiary injustice in and of itself."

Kunis wrote in her letter Masterson "prioritizes his family, education, and happiness above all else," and instilled in his daughter "values that reflect integrity, compassion, and respect for others."

"Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me," she wrote. "His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally."

Kutcher and Kunis addressed the letters in a video posted to Kutcher's Instagram account on Sept. 9, a day after the letters went public.

In the video, Kutcher said he and his wife wrote the letters after Masterson's family asked them to characterize "the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing," though the pair acknowledged they were "aware of the pain" the letters had caused.

"They were intended for the judge to read," Kutcher said. "And not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that. And were sorry if that has taken place."

"The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jurys ruling," Kunis said.

Kutcher later resigned from his role as board chair of Thorn, a nonprofit he co-founded in 2012 to combat child sexual exploitation.

Kutcher's decision to step down was "rooted in the recognition of recent events," the organization said in a statement on Sept. 15.

"After my wife and I spent several days of listening, personal reflection, learning, and conversations with survivors and the employees and leadership at Thorn, I have determined the responsible thing for me to do is resign as Chairman of the Board, effectively immediately, Kutcher said in a letter dated Sept. 14 and shared by Thorn.

"I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve," he continued.

Kutcher also issued an apology "to all victims of sexual violence and everyone at Thorn who I hurt by what I did."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
[Source]

Police in Bloomington, Illinois, are investigating a string of burglaries that have targeted Asian small business owners in recent weeks.

Victim areas: The burglaries reportedly occurred in homes on the east side of the city, particularly the areas between Veterans Parkway, Towanda Barnes Road, G.E. Road and Empire Street. The residences were unoccupied when the crimes took place.

About the suspects: Police described the suspects as a group of Hispanic males between 30 and 40 years of age. What they took or whether they managed to take something at all in the three incidents reported is unknown.

Warning residents: Police issued tips to help residents prevent further incidents. These include paying attention to ones surroundings to avoid being followed, installing home security systems and reporting suspicious vehicles near ones home or business, to name a few.

Trending on NextShark: S. Korean lawmaker proposes imposing fines on video game hackers

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is asked to contact Detective Pedro Diaz at 309-434-2532 or pdiaz@cityblm.org. Tips can also be submitted at 309-434-2963, by email to CIAU@cityblm.org or by texting 84711, beginning the message with BPDTIPS.

Trending on NextShark: China hails 'good old friend' Henry Kissinger, who visited country over 100 times

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Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Ocean Front Tattoo artist Mikey Ekimoto wears Korean symbols on his ring finger that translate to "Every moment is precious." On his pinkie finger, it reads, "Work hard and sacrifice one's self." (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Chinese language is difficult, and perhaps no one has struggled more with it than the inkers and bearers of Americas Chinese-character tattoos.

Most infamous was probably the tattoo on Britney Spears' hip, which intended to be the character for "mysterious," but ended expressing something closer to "strange."

Another popular choice is the Chinese character for "freedom," which mistranslates to mian fei, or "free of charge." I've also seen tattoos intended to represent the Chinese character for "power" represented as dian, which means "electricity" rather than "strength."

I got my first tattoo in 2014 at My Tattoo in Alhambra, a road map of Los Angeles in black and red. My second came from a tattoo parlor in a neon lit alley in Shihlin Night Market in Taipei, a Chinese family stamp that depicts the meaning of my last name, a bear.

A Chinese dragon is one of the featured tattoos on display at Jelly Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Each tattoo attempts to express something different that is important to me, and I often considered using Chinese. But I could never see the Chinese character tattoo as anything more than an embarrassing stereotype. I associated it with exoticizing Asian culture, robbing it of meaning, except as decoration. I joked that getting one might pigeonhole me as one of those guy who owns one too many kimonos.

There's probably no need to get this tangled up over a tattoo. But I don't think I'm alone. Asian Americans often grow up with mocking, racist or alienating representations of our culture. And sometimes that has the ironic, contradictory effect of making us feel stereotyped by our own cultures.

Mainstream cultures version of Asian American identity can feel like a costume you never agreed to wear. To construct an identity that could contain all parts of myself, I felt like I had to shed that skin and create some distance from it.

Now, conical rice paddy hats, the sound of a gong, and kung-fu have all become things I find very hard to enjoy or appreciate. These basically harmless aspects of Chinese cultures, through the lens of past pain, can still hurt.

When I moved to Venice Beach two years ago, I saw Chinese tattoos on skaters, lifters, pickleball players, surfers and tourists, hardly any with Chinese heritage. Some tattoo parlors advertised with giant posters of translated Chinese characters in the window. None of them seemed self-conscious or apologetic about it, which made my hesitation feel unnecessary. I envied their nonchalance.

I decided to ink a Taoist verse in a line down my forearm. I met my tattoo artist, Shane, at Devocean Tattoo, a tiny storefront shop. He asked a lot of questions about the characters before getting started  as a white tattoo artist he's all too aware of the inaccurate Chinese tattoo stereotype.

Tattoo artist Mikey Ekimoto tattoos the Korean symbol for "taste, savor, flavor" on Frank Shyong's wrist at Ocean Front Tattoo in Venice. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

The pain of a tattoo always seems to land just short of intolerable, depending on where you get it. When the tattoo guns twin needles pierce your skin, it stings enough that the body instinctively seeks to stop the pain, whether by flinching or flooding your brain with endorphins. It's enough pain to frustrate your attempts to avoid thinking about it.

But the most important thing about the pain of a tattoo is that it will end, as with most pain in life. What you're left with is a feeling of victory over suffering. Or at least, a sense that you have less to fear from it than before. I used to see tattoos as talismans of pain, but now I believe they also represent healing.

When the words on my arm healed, my anger faded with the pain.

There are no easy rules that neatly separate cultural appropriation from cultural appreciation because there is no single way to respect people's pain. Trying to determine which Chinese-character tattoos are the most authentic or appropriate is pointless, because the most culturally accurate thing to do is to never get one.

Preserving the body is considered an important aspect of filial piety within the context of Confucianism, and that precept encourages long hair, forbids suicide and is interpreted as prohibiting tattoos.

Chinese American tattoo artist Em Jia has a Chinese character tattoo on the back of their neck. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

I spoke to a Chinese American tattoo artist, Em Jia, who has a tattoo that plays with this concept. Their mother used to eye Jia's tattoos with distaste, warning them that all the luck was bleeding out of their body. So Jia inked the words fu chi dou mei you, which means "luckless."

Tattooing the words was their way of refusing shame and practicing self acceptance, a "way of finding freedom," Jia said.

But they're still uncomfortable about seeing Chinese-character tattoos on non-Asian people. They feel protective of their connection to Chinese culture and language. I think it's a natural reaction for anyone growing up with Long Duk Dong from the 1984 movie "Sixteen Candles" and racist Asian jokes on prime-time TV.

Now I open a bag of shrimp chips and I dont give a f about what anyone says, said Jia, 26.

Later that day, I met Mike Cho, a Korean American from Philadelphia and the owner of Ocean Front Tattoo in Venice Beach for the last 11 years. Cho said the store experiences steady demand for Chinese tattoos, as does pretty much every other tattoo parlor on the boardwalk.

Korean American tattoo artist Mike Cho wears, among others, a tattoo on his neck with Korean figures that translate to his last name. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

His skin has enough ink to print a whole newspaper, with tattoos pretty much everywhere but his face. His last name is inked in Korean on his throat, and the Korean characters for the number 17 tattooed on his neck, because he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 with just $1,700 in his pocket.

I told him that I wanted to get a Korean word tattooed after traveling to Seoul last year, and wondered what he thought.

At the time I was struggling to find pleasure in food following a difficult breakup. At Gwangjang Market, after I spotted a golden brown seafood pancake sizzling on a flattop grill, I ordered one and devoured it. It was the first meal I remember enjoying in more than a year, and I wanted to memorialize the feeling with a tattoo of the Korean character for "savor," mas.

Cho, 45, had no problem with me, a Taiwanese guy, getting a Korean character tattoo. Actually, he found the question a bit confusing. He had never thought twice about getting his own Asian-language tattoo.

"Just thought it was cool," Cho said. "I was more worried about what my parents would say. I didn't go home for five years!"

I'll likely meet other Korean Americans who will be bothered by my tattoo. But I can accept that, because I'm trying to imagine a future in which all of these clashing feelings can find some equilibrium. And before pain heals, it has to find expression.

When a tattoo is finished, the area is red, throbbing and swollen. The wound oozes and scabbing cracks the skin. Soon a soft outline of new skin forms around the cuts, peeling and flaking for a while, until one day, you wake up, and there is no scar, just your skin.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- In the worlds biggest ESG fund class, portfolio managers are getting more comfortable with holding military assets against a backdrop of mounting political pressure and industry profits.

Most Read from Bloomberg

At the end of the third quarter, 1,238 funds claiming to promote environmental, social and good governance goals held stocks in the industry classification code Aerospace & Defense, according to Morningstar Inc. data. Thats roughly 25% more than in March last year, right after Russia invaded Ukraine. A large portion of those funds converted to ESG during the period, Morningstar said.

The development is playing out amid a campaign to get ESG investors to support Europes military capability, as geopolitics in the wider region become increasingly fraught. Alexander Stafford, chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on ESG, told Bloomberg that the violence thats followed the invasion of Ukraine has cemented to me the ESG case for defense-related investment.

And within military circles, investing in weapons is being held up as the ethical thing to do. Last month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for more money to be allocated to weapons, arguing that theres nothing unethical about defending our freedom.

Yet the issue continues to divide ESG investors. And the war between Israel and Hamas has underlined whats at stake, as the world looks on in horror at the growing list of civilian fatalities.

Identifying whether investments are being deployed for defense or aggression is a very difficult due diligence to undertake, said Sonali Siriwardena, global head of ESG at law firm Simmons & Simmons. Ultimately, its a question of how do you ensure that these investments are being used for a defensive purpose as opposed to indirectly contributing to offensive action.

Sasja Beslik, chief investment strategy officer at SDG Impact Japan, says its hard to claim that investments in defense are aligned with the United Nations 16th Sustainable Development Goal, which targets peace, justice and strong institutions.

I have no problem with people investing in weapons companies or stock, but dont do it under the sort of umbrella of ESG or sustainability, because its not, he said. These are products that kill people.

While the worlds largest ESG fund class is more exposed to defense assets now than in March 2022, its a different picture in other corners of the industry.

In the EUs smallest  and strictest  ESG classification (known as Article 9), funds are retreating from defense assets. And among funds that claim to be promoting ESG  known as Article 8  the rise in exposure to defense stocks still only leaves such holdings at 0.44% of total assets, which Morningstar puts at about $5 trillion.

Morningstar also points out that much of the increase in the number of Article 8 funds holding defense assets comes after the fund class absorbed a wave of upgrades from a non-ESG fund portfolio category known as Article 6.

James Penny, chief investment officer at TAM Asset Management and an ESG investing veteran, said the issue remains very difficult.

On the margin, I would still agree with the assertion that these arent ESG companies and Id feel quite comfortable putting that into our portfolios as a red line, he said.

Jens Munch Holst, chief executive at Danish pension fund AkademikerPension, said his red line starts at producers of controversial weapons, such as cluster munitions and nuclear arms. But after that, the fund is open to investing in defense companies that demonstrate good governance and good returns, he said.

AkademikerPension holds SAAB AB, which makes the Gripen fighter jet, and Kongsberg Gruppen, which recently sold a coastal missile system to Poland to help it bolster its defenses against Russia.

The defense industry lives fine without our investments, he said. We don't think it's credible that we would be able to influence them on the products they sell, and especially when it comes to nuclear weapons."

Funds building up their exposure to the defense sector are enjoying considerable price gains. A Goldman Sachs Group Inc. basket of European stocks exposed to defense has climbed about 13% since the first week of October, and is up almost 90% since late February 2022.

James Alexander, chief executive officer of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), said hes not aware of any regulatory restrictions preventing ESG managers from holding defense assets (save for controversial weapons). The main requirement is that funds provide transparent, high-quality reporting, he said.

Funds classified as Article 8 can hold any security from any sector, said Hortense Bioy, global director of sustainability research at Morningstar. Even for the stricter Article 9 ESG fund designation, European regulations leave too much room for interpretation, she said.

Legal & General Investment Management, the UKs biggest fund manager, is among firms that include Aerospace & Defense stocks in its Article 9 offering.

There is no reason in principle why investing in certain defense companies cant be consistent with responsible investing, as long as theyre not producing controversial weapons or providing conventional arms to high-risk countries, LGIM said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. As a fiduciary, we will continue to cater to different client needs and preferences across our range of funds and solutions and we believe that countries have an inherent right to self-defense.

The defense industry has been lobbying hard in Europe to persuade officials to consider including weapons in the blocs official list of designated sustainable activities. The EU only just put the finishing touches on its green taxonomy, and has delayed work on a social chapter, in part due to the intense controversy surrounding the subject.

In a letter sent to the European Commission in June, a Czech EU lawmaker representing the chambers center-right European Peoples Party said the EU was inadvertently weakening defense companies by not including them within the realm of sustainable finance.

In a response sent three months later, the EUs commissioner for financial services and markets, Mairead McGuinness, appeared to offer some support for the industrys position.

The EUs executive arm acknowledges the need to ensure access to finance and investment, including from the private sector, for all strategic sectors, McGuinness said in September. Defense is a crucial contributor to the resilience and security of the EU, and therefore to peace and social sustainability, she added.

But within the EUs many institutions, theres considerable disagreement. The European Investment Bank has said it wont cave in to pressure to invest in the defense industry. And a key advisory group to the EU Commission, the Platform for Sustainable Finance, has recommended against including defense assets in the EUs social taxonomy.

Read More: ESG Managers Skewer Ridiculous Idea of Embracing Arms Stocks

McGuinness has stressed, however, that the EU Commission isnt bound by such advice. She also noted that the blocs existing sustainable finance framework doesnt impose any limitations to financing any specific sector.

--With assistance from Lisa Pham.

(Adds fund comment in 16th paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
An Atlanta man was sentenced for pandemic-relief fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Jeremy Graves, 39, was found guilty of theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft for stealing identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims during the pandemic.

According to the charges presented in court, between around July and October 2020, Graves filed approximately 39 unemployment insurance claims using 37 different stolen identities in Georgia, Arizona, California, Maryland, and Nevada.

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U.S. Attorney Buchanan said Graves directed payment of the benefits to designated debit cards and directed those cards to be sent to various addresses around the Atlanta area near his residence, in an effort to conceal his identity.

Overall, Graves received over $200,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from Georgia and California.

Graves was sentenced to three years, 11 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $209,214 in restitution.

He was convicted on Aug. 23 after he pled guilty.

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This image from bodycam video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Johnny Hollman Sr. speaking with Officer Kiran Kimbrough on Aug. 10, 2023 in Atlanta. The police officer responding to a minor car crash deployed a Taser on the church deacon who disregarded multiple commands to sign a traffic ticket, shocking the man after he repeatedly said he could not breathe, police body camera video released Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 shows. Hollman Sr. became unresponsive during his arrest and later died. (Atlanta Police Department via AP)

ATLANTA (AP)  An Atlanta police officer responding to a minor car crash deployed a Taser on a church deacon who disregarded multiple commands to sign a traffic ticket, shocking the man after he repeatedly said he could not breathe, police body camera video released Wednesday shows.

Johnny Hollman Sr. became unresponsive during his arrest late on the night of Aug. 10 and later died. An autopsy determined the 62-year-old's death was a homicide, with heart disease also a contributing factor, and his family has called on prosecutors to charge Officer Kiran Kimbrough with murder. An attorney for Kimbrough, who was fired, says the officer acted lawfully.

The roughly hour-long video shows Kimbrough arriving at the scene of the crash and gathering information from Hollman, the other driver and a passenger before the confrontation.

Relatives have said Hollman was driving home from Bible study at his daughters house and bringing dinner to his wife when he collided with another vehicle while turning across a busy street just west of downtown Atlanta.

In the video, Hollman repeatedly insists the other driver hit him, but otherwise follows Kimbroughs orders to move his car and stay by it. The encounter escalates after Kimbrough tells Hollman he failed to turn his white Chevrolet Silverado pickup correctly and was at fault for the crash.

Hollman immediately begins protesting, saying repeatedly, I didnt do nothing. Kimbrough tells Hollman he can contest the finding in court, but he needs to sign the citation. He also accuses Hollman of screaming and repeatedly warns him that he will be jailed if he doesn't sign.

Kimbrough's attorney Lance LoRusso said in an emailed statement Wednesday that before the officer arrived, the other parties in the collision called 911 to report Hollman was disorderly and they were concerned for their safety.

Mr. Hollman violently and unlawfully resisted Officer Kimbroughs lawful efforts to arrest him, LoRusso said. The Atlanta Police investigation confirmed Officer Kimbrough deployed his city-issued TASER and used force in a manner consistent with his training and Georgia law.

In the video, Hollman says he will sign the ticket after Kimbrough steps closer to him. Kimbrough's body camera gets blocked, obscuring exactly what happens next, but the two men begin to struggle.

Kimbrough demands Hollman's arm, but Hollman says his right arm hurts. Within seconds, Hollman is on the ground, saying he didnt do anything and asking the officer why hes doing this.

I'm an old man. I'm an old man, Hollman says.

Kimbrough yells at him to sign the ticket and says he is going to use his Taser on him.

"Put your hands behind your back now. Put your arms behind your back, Kimbrough shouts before engaging his Taser in what police have said was a warning arc.

The tussling continues, with Kimbrough continuing to tell Hollman to put his hands behind his back and Hollman repeating over and over, I cant breathe.

The officer then uses his Taser to shock Hollman  a maneuver police have called a drive stun.

The video also shows the aftermath of the struggle. Another first responder arrives and helps Kimbrough get handcuffs on Hollman, who is lying face down and is no longer fighting. Kimbrough rolls Hollman over, checks his pulse and tells him to sit up. But Hollman is unresponsive, lying on the ground with a bloody face.

When other officers arrive a couple of minutes later, Kimbrough explains Hollman protested when instructed to sign a ticket, resisted when told to put his hands behind his back and looked like he was going to hit the officer. Kimbrough said he punched Hollman a couple of times, stunned him and put him in handcuffs.

I dont know whats going on with him now," Kimbrough says. "Hes still breathing, though.

The videos release came after Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum fired Kimbrough on Oct. 10. Schierbaum said Kimbrough, who like Hollman is Black, violated department policy when he didnt wait until a supervisor arrived to arrest Hollman.

LoRusso said Georgia law doesnt require an officer to seek approval from a supervisor before making an arrest and said Kimbrough has appealed his firing.

Mawuli Davis, a lawyer for the family, said at a news conference Wednesday that Hollman was doing nothing wrong.

What he was doing was he was making his case, like so many of us do when someone is going to issue us a ticket, Davis said. He later added, Instead of listening and being patient and using his training of de-escalation, instead this officer treated him as if he were not an elder.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has completed its inquiry into Hollman's death and handed over its investigative file to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who will decide whether to seek charges. The district attorneys office investigation is ongoing, and its not clear when that decision will be made, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Hollman's daughter, Arnitra Hollman, said she's grateful to Willis for releasing the video, but that's only the first step.

Now moving forward, we need him jailed," she said of Kimbrough. "We need him prosecuted to the fullest extent because our fathers life means so much, not just to us but to people in the community.

Hollmans death has contributed to discontent with police among some Atlantans that centers on a proposal to build a large police and firefighter training facility that opponents call Cop City.

It also prompted Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to instruct the police department to do a top-to-bottom review of its standard operating procedures and training curriculum. That review led to some changes, notably a rule change that says officers should write refusal to sign on a traffic ticket instead of arresting someone who wont sign.

In a statement Wednesday, Dickens said many people, especially Hollman's family, will find the video difficult to watch.

I continue to extend my deepest sympathy to them and hold them close in my thoughts and prayers," he said.
Atlanta police officers say eight Pro-Palestine Ceasefire demonstrators were arrested Friday afternoon at a street corner in front of Lenox Mall.

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Police said a large group of demonstrators had gathered on Lenox Road, near the MARTA station adjacent to the busy mall. They said several of them made their way into the street, blocking some holiday shoppers from getting to the mall.

Officers said the group would not clear the street for traffic and thats when the eight people were arrested.

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A police spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News they had no problem with the group demonstrating on the sidewalks, but once they entered the street it became a safety issue. They did not release the names of the people taken into custody.

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BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - Police in Balch Springs are seeking help from the public to find a 38-year-old man accused of stabbing his wife to death earlier this week.

According to police, Luis Pardo stabbed Hilda Gurrola to death just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Officers were called about the stabbing in the 11300 block of Erich Drive.

Gurrola was found dead inside her home.

Pardo fled before officers arrived, but police identified him as a suspect in Gurrolas death.

Anyone with information on Pardo is asked to call Det. Sgt. Traughber at 469-853-2670 or email traughber547@balchspringspd.com.
One complaint related to a report by Jon Donnison, a BBC correspondent in Jerusalem, that suggested an air strike at Al-Ahli hospital was by the Israeli military

The BBC has not upheld a number of complaints raised about its reporting of the Israel-Hamas war following an investigation.

Concerns about a report on Oct 17 in relation to the blast at Al-Ahli hospital as well as other news bulletins were raised by the law firm Mishcon de Reya on behalf of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).

Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, referred the complaints to the corporations executive complaints unit (ECU), which considered them in light of their editorial standards of accuracy and impartiality.

It comes as BBC employees have reportedly been banned from attending a march against anti-Semitism on Sunday.

Both organisations complained that the BBC news show The Context wrongly attributed the air strike at Al-Ahli hospital to the Israeli military, which Israel has suggested was caused by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants.

Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, referred the complaints to the corporations executive complaints unit - Derek French/Shutterstock

During the show, Jon Donnison, a BBC correspondent reporting from Jerusalem, said: Now the Israeli Defense Forces, the Israeli military, have been contacted for comment and they have said that they are investigating.

But, you know, its hard to see what else this could be, really, given the size of the explosion, other than an Israeli airstrike or several air strikes, because, you know, when weve seen rockets being fired out of Gaza, we never see explosions of that scale.

The ECU stated that the complaint has been resolved because it judged that Mr Donnison had made it clear to viewers that the Israeli military had not made any substantive comment, and although he had stated there was a strong probability of Israeli involvement, it deemed that he had not offered a definitive judgment.

However, it accepted that it was not consistent with the BBCs standards of due accuracy to offer any view about responsibility for the incident at a point where so little reliable information was available.

The complaints unit noted that BBC News had posted a statement on their corrections and clarifications page stating that Mr Donnison was wrong to speculate on the causes of the blast and an apology was added to the statement when the latest ruling was published.

The CAA also complained about a tweet, push notification and post in relation to the reporting of the events of Oct 17.

The ECU did not uphold the complaints about inaccuracy in the report as it referred to BBC Verifys coverage and stated that the BBC cannot yet establish as fact who was responsible for the blast.

The Israeli military has suggested that the air strike at Al-Ahli hospital was caused by a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants - Shadi Al-Tabatibi/AFP

Another complaint that was not upheld questioned the BBCs impartiality in relation to the broadcaster not using the term terrorist in relation to Hamas.

The Board of Deputies argued that use of terms as bomber, attacker, gunman, kidnapper, insurgent and militant fell short because they did not convey the full horror of Hamass actions on Oct 7.

The ECU accepted that none of these terms on their own conveyed the full horror of the actions but added that there was room for doubt that even the word terrorist did this.

It added that it was the reporting of Hamass actions, rather than the terminology, that was the test of whether justice has been done to the events.

A BBC spokesperson said: The BBC is clear that anti-Semitism is abhorrent.

We have established guidance around marches, which explains that different considerations apply depending on what you do for the BBC.

Corporately, we have not issued any staff communication on any specific march this weekend, but this does not mean discussions which consider the guidance have not taken place between colleagues.

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.
One of the last full moons of 2023 will peak in Central Kentucky soon, and it will appear full for about three days.

Novembers full moon is called the beaver moon, and its also known as the frosty or long nights moon, according to Forbes.

The celestial event is called the beaver moon because its the time of year when beavers shelter in their homes for the winter, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. The almanac uses moon names from Indigenous, colonial American and European folklore.

The moon will become full at 4:16 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, NASA reports. It will appear close to full the evening of Sunday, Nov. 26, as well. The moon will rise in Lexington at 4:42 p.m. Sunday and set at 7:56 a.m. Monday.

Lexington residents might face some weather-related challenges viewing the full moon this month, however. The National Weather Service forecasts a 40% chance of showers Sunday night and partly cloudy skies Monday night, as of Wednesday.

To get the best view of this months beaver moon and other sights in the night sky, NASA scientists recommend scoping out a dark, more rural stargazing spot if possible.

The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club typically hosts stargazing events at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill from March through October each year. Dates have not yet been posted online for 2024 events, but the group may hold a winter meeting in the coming months.

The next and final full moon of the year, the cold moon, will occur Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Stargazing tips to see the full moon

If youre looking for a good place to stargaze with low light pollution, NASA offers these tips:

Head at least 20 to 30 miles from urban areas.

Try to find a space on the side of a large wilderness area or body of water.

Look for higher altitude locations.

Go to an area with open views, such as a lake shore or meadow, so trees dont interfere with your line of sight.

Make sure to avoid trespassing.

Do you have a question about the environment in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
One of the last full moons of 2023 will peak over southwestern Illinois soon, and it will appear full for about three days.

Novembers full moon is called the beaver moon, and its also known as the frosty or long nights moon, according to Forbes.

The celestial event is called the beaver moon because its the time of year when beavers shelter in their homes for the winter, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. The almanac uses moon names from Indigenous, colonial American and European folklore.

The moon will become full at 3:16 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, NASA reports. It will appear close to full the evening of Sunday, Nov. 26, as well. The moon will rise in Belleville at 4:03 p.m. Sunday and set at 7:20 a.m. Monday.

Forecasters expect Sunday night to be partly cloudy, but Monday night should be mostly clear in Belleville with a low around 24 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service St. Louis office.

To get the best view of this months beaver moon and other sights in the night sky, NASA scientists recommend scoping out a dark, more rural stargazing spot if possible.

The next and final full moon of the year, the cold moon, will occur Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The St. Louis Astronomical Society will host a stargazing event the evening of Friday, Dec. 1 outside McDonnell Planetarium, weather-permitting.

Stargazing tips to see the full beaver moon

If youre looking for a good place to stargaze with low light pollution, NASA offers these tips:

Head at least 20 to 30 miles from urban areas.

Try to find a space on the side of a large wilderness area or body of water.

Look for higher altitude locations.

Go to an area with open views, such as a lake shore or meadow, so trees dont interfere with your line of sight.

Make sure to avoid trespassing.

The St. Louis Astronomical Society offers a list of potentially dark stargazing locations, but cautions people to seek permission before heading out as facilities may close at night.

While most state facilities have sundown or after dark restrictions, most state park rangers are very understanding and even encouraging, the St. Louis Astronomical Society website says. Always be courteous and dont assume you have a right to be there without proper permission.

Here are some of the locations SLAS recommends for stargazing:

Danville Conservation Area

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

Washington State Park

William G. and Erma Parke White Memorial Wildlife Area
One of the last full moons of 2023 will peak over Pennsylvania soon, and it will appear full for about three days.

Novembers full moon is called the beaver moon, and its also known as the frosty or long nights moon, according to Forbes.

The celestial event is called the beaver moon because its the time of year when beavers shelter in their homes for the winter, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. The almanac uses moon names from Indigenous, colonial American and European folklore.

The moon will become full at 4:16 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, NASA reports. It will appear close to full Sunday evening, as well. The moon will rise in State College at 4:06 p.m. Sunday and set at 7:38 a.m. Monday.

Showers are likely Sunday night, the National Weather Service State College office forecasts, and Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

To get the best view of this months beaver moon and other sights in the night sky, NASA scientists recommend scoping out a dark, more rural stargazing spot if possible.

The next and final full moon of the year, the cold moon, will occur Dec. 26.

The Central Pennsylvania Observers held free stargazing events from April to October this year. Stargazing dates for 2024 have not been posted yet, but the organizations next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11.

Stargazing tips to see the full beaver moon

If youre looking for a good place to stargaze with low light pollution, NASA offers these tips:

Head at least 20 to 30 miles from urban areas.

Try to find a space on the side of a large wilderness area or body of water.

Look for higher altitude locations.

Go to an area with open views, such as a lake shore or meadow, so trees dont interfere with your line of sight.

Make sure to avoid trespassing.
One of the last full moons of 2023 will peak over Kansas soon, and it will appear full for about three days.

Novembers full moon is called the beaver moon, and its also known as the frosty or long nights moon, according to Forbes.

The celestial event is called the beaver moon because its the time of year when beavers shelter in their homes for the winter, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. The almanac uses moon names from Indigenous, colonial American and European folklore.

The moon will become full at 3:16 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, NASA reports. It will appear close to full the evening of Sunday, Nov. 26, as well. The moon will rise in Wichita at 4:35 p.m. Sunday and set at 7:49 a.m. Monday.

The nights of Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 should offer mostly clear skies to view the moon, according to the National Weather Service Wichita office, but its expected to be cold with lows around 19 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

To get the best view of this months beaver moon and other sights in the night sky, NASA scientists recommend scoping out a dark, more rural stargazing spot if possible.

Kansas state parks such as El Dorado, Cheney and others could provide a good stargazing location, but you might want to check in advance to make sure the park will be open to avoid potentially trespassing.

The next and final full moon of the year, the cold moon, will occur Dec. 26.

Stargazing tips to see the full moon

If youre looking for a good place to stargaze with low light pollution, NASA offers these tips:

Head at least 20 to 30 miles from urban areas.

Try to find a space on the side of a large wilderness area or body of water.

Look for higher altitude locations.

Go to an area with open views, such as a lake shore or meadow, so trees dont interfere with your line of sight.

Make sure to avoid trespassing.
Alex Salmond launching a fresh legal case against the Scottish government is the latest development in five years of political and personal controversy.

The former first minister is believed to be seeking damages and loss of earnings of 3m.

It relates to the botched handling of an investigation into harassment claims made against him.

Throw in a criminal trial in which Mr Salmond was cleared of sexual assault charges and you have a story that goes to the heart of how Scotland is run.

So, what is the background?

This runs all the way back to 2018. The Scottish government had just set up a new procedure for investigating harassment complaints against ministers and former ministers.

The very first use of it was for two internal complaints against Alex Salmond.

But he immediately complained that the process was unfair.

And before the outcome of the investigation was announced - which we now know was to uphold the complaints - he launched a judicial review in the courts.

That concluded with the government admitting defeat and that the application of the new process had been unlawful.

It had been "tainted with apparent bias", because the official who carried out the investigation had had contact with the complainers prior to the probe.

The government had to apologise to Alex Salmond, and to the women who had made complaints.

It was a huge embarrassment, ultimately leading to a parliamentary inquiry - which dominated the run-up to the Holyrood election in 2021.

That came a separate criminal trial, which saw Alex Salmond cleared of charges of sexual assault - on the day the country went into lockdown in 2020.

The inquiry saw people like Mr Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon give hours of evidence, and laid bare the problems in the government's attempts to defend the judicial review after legal advice was published.

Mr Salmond was very critical of people in Ms Sturgeon's government and at the top of the SNP - he said there was a malicious plot against him - and he said his successor had misled parliament in what she had said about it all.

Ms Sturgeon denied that there was any conspiracy against Mr Salmond, and while the committee was critical of her she was ultimately cleared of breaking the ministerial code by her independent adviser.

Mr Salmond accepted the outcomes of the inquiries, but he has long talked of going back to court.

Now, he says he is suing for misfeasance - which means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

What is misfeasance, anyway?

It's a civil law term which is basically a way for Alex Salmond to claim damages for injury to him.

In this case it's not about physical injury, but how he feels he lost out due to his treatment by government officials.

His lawyer Gordon Dangerfield - known previously for representing former MSP Tommy Sheridan - says government officials acted "improperly, in bad faith and beyond their powers with the intention of injuring Mr Salmond".

He says they decided at an early stage of the harassment investigation that he was guilty, and that in pursuit of proving this the situation "snowballed" into a whole range of other problems - all specifically aimed at "injuring" his client.

While the government did concede that its investigation was mishandled, ministers have never accepted this version of events. They have always described the failings in the probe as being more technical and bureaucratic.

Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs repeatedly that there was no grand plot against Mr Salmond, nor was there any evidence of one.

It's that sort of evidence which her predecessor is aiming to be able to bring out via this case.

Hasn't Alex Salmond already won a payout?

The government had already been ordered to pay Mr Salmond half a million pounds.

That was for legal costs incurred during the judicial review - the cost of hiring lawyers and going to court, despite the fact the case collapsed relatively quickly when the government gave in.

But very quickly after the inquiry there was a suggestion that he could sue for damages too.

Now that is in part a question of money - the Herald newspaper is talking about a claim of 3m for damages and lost income, his team say they don't recognise that but that it would be "significant".

But this is about a lot more than money. It's about accountability.

Mr Salmond was very critical that nobody from the Scottish government took the fall for the botched investigation.

He had specifically called for the Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans - the top civil servant who had a big role in drawing up the complaints process, and who was singled out for criticism by the inquiry - to lose her job.

Rather, she had her contract extended, and left office in 2022. She is named in this legal action, as is Ms Sturgeon.

So there is clearly some unfinished business there for Mr Salmond.

He was also frustrated that he couldn't put certain evidence on the record which he believed supported his position, because there were legal barriers. He talked about his submission being "censored" during the inquiry.

Those legal barriers still exist - which makes some of this quite difficult to talk about - but he seems determined to bring this to the fore again.

What happens next?

There has been an initial hearing at the Court of Session, essentially to lay the groundwork for a future case.

It seems likely there will be a case, because Humza Yousaf has pledged to defend the action "robustly".

But we are a long way from it actually coming to court as it stands.

It's been put on hold for now while a couple of other investigations take place - into complaints Alex Salmond has made about events around the original case, about leaks to the media and claims of perjury.

On the latter, the Crown says they are considering correspondence from Mr Salmond's lawyers and are going to respond in due course. It's understood the matter is being looked at by independent counsel.

That means it's hard to say when this case might see the light of day again.

But Mr Salmond says that a "day of reckoning" is coming for the government.

What is the political impact?

Ultimately this litigation is a legal matter - it'll be decided in court, where judges will weigh up the merits of the arguments.

But the people involved are politicians - and prominent ones - so there is a political impact too.

The last case, and the inquiry, was intensely difficult for the government - it threatened the position of Nicola Sturgeon as first minister.

Her successor Humza Yousaf can of course say it was all before his time, but a big court case like this is still the last thing his government needs.

It's also interesting for Mr Salmond, whose new-ish Alba Party has been pushing for a "Scotland United" deal with the SNP.

The idea is to put the infighting behind them and unite the independence movement .

But if he is to resume his criticism of senior figures in the party and government - while chasing them through the courts - any hopes of a political rapprochement seem remote.
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.

Hospitals in Beijing and northern China are grappling with a surge of children with respiratory illnesses as the country enters its first winter since relaxing stringent Covid-19 controls nearly one year ago.

Wait times to see doctors stretch for hours, with hundreds of patients queuing at some childrens hospitals in major cities across northern China, according to CNN reporting and Chinese state and social media.

An official at the Beijing Childrens Hospital told state media Tuesday that the current average of more than 7,000 daily patients far exceeds the hospitals capacity. The largest pediatric hospital in nearby Tianjin broke a record on Saturday, receiving more than 13,000 children at its outpatient and emergency departments, according to a local state-run outlet.

When CNN called to inquire about appointment slots at the Beijing Friendship Hospital on Thursday, a staff member said it could take all day to see a pediatrician.

Right now, we have a lot of kids here. Those who booked an emergency appointment yesterday still werent able to see the doctor this morning, the staff member said.

Health officials in Beijing and other major cities in northern China have said typical seasonal illnesses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as mycoplasma pneumonia  a bacterial infection that typically causes mild infection and commonly affects children  were driving causes.

The surge in cases across northern China comes amid a rise in seasonal respiratory infections around the northern hemisphere, including in the United States, where RSV is spreading at unprecedented levels among children.

But the situation in China raised global concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday asked China to provide more information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children, citing a post from open-source surveillance system ProMED.

After speaking with Chinese health and hospital officials Thursday, however, the WHO said the data indicated an increase in outpatient consultations and hospital admissions of children due to mycoplasma pneumonia in May and common seasonal illnesses RSV, adenovirus and influenza virus since October.

Some of these increases are earlier in the season than historically experienced, but not unexpected given the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, as similarly experienced in other countries, WHO said.

The agency added that Chinese authorities said there had been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations.

Outside experts monitoring the situation also noted there was no evidence of a novel pathogen at work, but called for China to share more information about the situation with the public.

We dont think there is an unknown pathogen hidden somewhere, Jin Dongyan, a virologist at the University of Hong Kongs School of Biomedical Sciences, told CNN. Theres no evidence for that.

Catherine Bennett, an epidemiologist at Deakin University in Australia, said the main concern is if the rise in childhood pneumonia were to indicate a new pathogen, or new levels of disease severity.

So far we have not heard reports of either, Bennett said, adding that it was important to monitor sources of infection to rule out such concerns.

Children receive intravenous drips at a children's hospital in Beijing on November 23, 2023. - Jade Gao/AFP/Getty Images

Crowded hospitals

Over recent weeks, Chinese parents have complained on social media about the crowded situation at hospitals, where it takes hours for children to see a doctor before more lengthy waits to get a blood test or intravenous drip.

Given Chinas relatively underdeveloped primary care system, sick people typically head to hospitals or emergency rooms as a first point of contact. Those facilities can become overcrowded during peak seasons.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, a widely shared photo showed a hospital screen notifying patients the queue had more than 700 people with an estimated wait time of 13 hours.

At a pediatric hospital affiliated with the Capital Institute of Pediatrics in Beijing, the halls were so full that some children with intravenous drips sat on the laps of their parents, who lined the hallways on folding stools, videos on social media showed.

Chinas national health authorities and hospital officials have repeatedly urged parents not to rush children directly to large pediatric facilities, instead calling for them to take kids to be diagnosed at other health centers offering primary care or general services.

The National Health Commission (NHC) warned parents on Thursday that large hospitals could have long wait times and a high risk of cross-infection, directing them to other kinds of facilities for triage.

In a statement, the NHC said it had instructed all localities to strengthen their case management and treatment systems  including identifying severe cases among the influx of patients.

Beijings municipal government meanwhile republished a state media article featuring a doctor telling parents that they didnt need to ask for intravenous fluids as soon as a child has a fever.

The WHO on Thursday said Chinese officials reported that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities.

Post-Covid surge

The surge in hospital visits coincides with Chinas first full winter without its zero-Covid controls, which saw people maintain strict social distancing and wear face masks.

The controls were abruptly relaxed last December after rare protests erupted against pandemic measures which included strict lockdowns.

Its unclear if theres been an increase in respiratory illnesses or severe cases among children relative to pre-pandemic years because of limited public data released by China.

During zero-Covid, these (common respiratory) diseases would be under-estimated (as people avoided hospitals), and because everyone was practicing some social distancing the incidence was low, said Jin, the virologist at Hong Kong University.

Its absolutely normal that this year compared to last year would be a big increase. But whether its a big surge compared to 2018, 2019, thats still to be determined. he said.

Social factors could be at play in the current situation, Jin added, as parents may also be more concerned about their childs health following the pandemic, prompting more to seek medical help.

More attention is being paid to disease outbreaks following the emergence of the pandemic coronavirus in late 2019. There are also calls for more transparency  including from China, which has been accused of hindering investigation in the origins of the virus and obscuring early information about its spread.

Christine Jenkins, a professor of respiratory medicine at UNSW Sydney, said a rise in viral respiratory tract infections in children at this time of year is not unexpected and is a phenomenon that has been observed over many decades worldwide at the onset of winter.

However, in the context of the pandemic due to a relatively new virus such as (the novel coronavirus) and the potential for other new viruses or mutations to cause respiratory tract illness, prompt reporting and monitoring are essential, she said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Were being forced; Employees unhappy as Walmart reopens days after mass shooting for Black Friday

Just days after a mass shooting at the Beavercreek Walmart that injured four people, the store is reopening its doors in time for Black Friday.

Four days ago, a shooter that the FBI said was partially inspired by racially motivated violent extremist ideology opened fire on a store full of Thanksgiving shoppers.

>> PHOTOS: Beavercreek Walmart reopens for Black Friday

Many shoppers told News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz that the tragedy is on their minds but they are treating this like a normal Black Friday.

Some Walmart employees feel differently about coming in on one of the busiest shopping days of the year after such a traumatic event.

An employee who spoke with News Center 7 anonymously to protect their job says they and others are not ready to return to the store after the shooting.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Were not ready; Employee speaks out after Walmart reopens doors days after mass shooting

Everybody Ive talked to is either saying no, Im not ready, or saying I wasnt even asked. For a lot of people, this is not what we want. We are not ready for this. Were being forced, they said.

Walmart said they will do whatever they can to help employees that may be worried about being back here today.
With early voting for the Dec. 9 special election for the El Paso City Council District 2 seat kicking off Monday, the field of candidates has been decided.

Along with lawyer and activist Veronica Carbajal, school board trustee Josh Acevedo and longtime city staffer Judy Gutierrez, voters can elect Ben Mendoza.

The four candidates are vying for the seat being vacated by current District 2 city Rep. Alexsandra Annello, who is resigning from the post to campaign for the District 77 seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

If none of the four candidates can secure 50% of the vote, the District 2 race will be decided with a runoff. The winner will serve the remainder of Annello's term, which ends December 2024.

The election will only be open to residents of District 2.

More: El Paso city Rep. Alexsandra Annello looks to leap from City Council to Texas Legislature

"I think I'm much more seasoned than my opponents," Mendoza said. "I bring a plentitude of experience, life experiences, as well as the fact that I have a great sense of common sense."

From a degree in criminal justice and writing for two national publications to serving on multiple city committees and running three businesses over the years, Mendoza believes he is ready to take on the District 2 job.

"I've seen a lot of things and see where some things need to be corrected or improved," he said. "I just think the fact that I have that keen sense of seeing where things need to be improved would be an asset and it would give me an opportunity to be able to administer oversight over some of the project or some of the issues that need to be addressed."

From El Paso to Cupertino and back

Born and raised in El Paso, Mendoza graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in criminal justice, which he paid for by working in real estate.

From there, he worked in TIME Magazine's college bureau for 10 years before becoming educational director for Newsweek. This position allowed him to rub elbows with one of the world's foremost visionaries.

More: Here's what you need to know about upcoming El Paso City Council special election

"It was real heady back then when I did it because, when I worked for Newsweek, we also became what is known as Apple developers," he recalled. "That was when Apple was just coming out."

Through that development work, Mendoza said he worked closely with Apple innovator Steve Jobs at his headquarters in Cupertino, California.

"We collaborated quite a bit with their software," Mendoza said. "We worked on putting software together so that we could use it at Newsweek."

Mendoza eventually returned to El Paso, where he once again began investing in real estate, opening three Al's Formal Wear stores in El Paso and Las Cruces.

On top of that, Mendoza served as district executive for the local Boy Scouts and was elected to the city Charter Commission.

He also served on the city's Administrative Committee, as well as the Finance and Taxation Committee.

"We met regularly and I can honestly say I never missed a meeting," he continued. "It was a non-compensatory position, we didn't get paid, it was totally volunteer, and a lot of people never went to the meetings, but I never missed a meeting. So, I am conscientious."

Eventually selling off the three stores, Mendoza now works as a mediator between contractors and subcontractors.

Mendoza unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the El Paso Independent School District board of trustees in 2019 and El Paso City Council in 1982.

Focused on District 2

For Mendoza, the plight of his beloved District 2  an abundance of vacant houses caused by skyrocketing tax bills leading to a rise in vagrancy and crime  drew him into the race.

"I'm really concerned with what's going on in the district," Mendoza said. "I'm concerned with the high taxes and so are the people."

Mendoza would like to see parks in the district reopened and streets maintained. He also supports the creation of a citizen police commission to bolster an El Paso Police Department he believes is short on officers.

More: El Paso City Council moves ahead with plan for additional disclosure from political donors

"I really believe there needs to be a citizen police commission that oversees the hiring and firing of police officers," Mendoza said. "There is a shortage of police officers on the force and they're hiring people they probably shouldn't be hiring. I think that needs to be screened not just by (Human Resources) but by a citizen police commission."

Mendoza would also like to establish a fast-track program for small businesses in District 2, where he said there has been somewhat of a boom in recent years.

"I think we need to grow the business aspect, not necessarily bars and restaurants, but other businesses," Mendoza said. And I believe there needs to be a mentorship and that's what I would like to set up for District 2."

Mendoza hopes voters will take his district-centric mindset to heart and "weigh the ballot and see who they believe is the most qualified to be an open-minded spokesperson for their issues and concerns."

"Basically, this position is not really a position where one legislates policy," he said, "it's a position where one gives constituent services; where when people have a problem or an issue with the city, they should be able to come to their representative so he or she can get them through that issue."

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ben Mendoza rounds out field in El Paso City Council District 2 race
Walt Disney World goes big for the holidays.

Even super fans may not know the Magic Kingdom transforms from Halloween to Christmas overnight.

Travel experts told Insider their best tips about Disney during the holidays.

Around the holiday season, Disney becomes a magical experience. At Walt Disney World, fans can see 1,300 decorated trees and 8.5 million lights throughout the resort, according to The Walt Disney Company.

But have you ever wondered what Disney's best-kept holiday secrets might be?

From Magic Kingdom's overnight Christmas transformation to when the Christmas parade is actually filmed, here are the tips that travel experts revealed to Insider about visiting Disney during the holidays.

Magic Kingdom transforms into a Christmas wonderland overnight

Even the iconic Disney characters are all dressed in Christmas attire. Getty Images

Christmas at Disney World is already special, Kelsey Capps, a vacation planner for The Magic Travel Company , told Insider, but it surprises people to see the overnight transformation of the Magic Kingdom.

"People are shocked to find out that Christmas decorations go up the very next day after the Halloween party stops," Capps said.

Magic Kingdom's famous transformation is a sight to see, but the entire resort is slower to shift fully into the holiday season, Rachael Saldana, a Disney travel-planning expert at Allonsy Travel , said.

"Magic Kingdom is first to change, then Hollywood Studios, then Animal Kingdom changes around the same time, but Epcot is still going through the Food and Wine Festival until mid-November," Saldana explained. "So if you want the full Christmas experience across the parks, that's not going to be until closer to Thanksgiving."

Disney World does not film the Christmas parade on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

Fireworks explode above Cinderella Castle as dancers and Disney characters perform while taping a segment of the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" at the Magic Kingdom. Handout/Getty Images

One well-kept secret about Disney's Christmas parade is that it's filmed weeks in advance, according to Saldana, who goes by @rachaelplansdisney on TikTok.

"It is an issue that Disney guest services have to deal with every single year  people go to Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day thinking they're going to get to be on TV for the national broadcast of this parade, and guest services have to tell them, 'That was three weeks ago, and no, you can't have a refund,'" Jill Knonenborg, a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations, told Insider.

For those looking to catch the parade in person, it's typically filmed in November, Saldana said, so if you go to the park at that time, there's a chance you can catch it then.

Each resort hotel has its own elaborate Christmas displays

A view of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort's main entrance at Walt Disney World Orlando Sentinel/Getty Images

Disney "resort hopping" is best during the holiday season, according to Knonenborg, who shares her park advice with her 78,000 followers on TikTok .

"Disney chefs spend weeks creating elaborate gingerbread house displays, candy displays, sometimes of the resort itself or a Christmas-y, North Pole scene," she said.

For example, the famous Victorian Gingerbread House at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is 16 feet tall and baked with 1,050 pounds of honey, The Ledger reported. This is by far the biggest and most popular one  and they sell gingerbread out of it.

Saldana's favorite, however, is at Disney's Beach Club Resort, where the life-sized gingerbread carousel is functional and features chocolate ponies, hand-painted flowers, candy cane poles, and hand-crafted portraits of Disney characters.

Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, and Animal Kingdom also have their own gingerbread displays, and the one at Animal Kingdom is even giraffe-themed.

The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a free event included with your park admission

Chris Pratt narrates the story of Christmas during the annual Candlelight Processional. Handout/Getty Images

Epcot  which the travel agents we spoke to said is a must-see park during the holidays  has an experience called the Candlelight Processional.

The event features more than 200 guest choirs and several celebrity guest narrators of the Bible story of Christmas.

Amber Travis, a Missouri-based Disney travel agent with Mickey Travels , said even if you're not a person of faith, it's still a beautiful performance.

While the performance itself isn't a secret, some guests may not realize it's a free event included in your park admission, unless you decide to purchase the dinner package for it.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party becomes a part of the daily programming after December 22

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is an after-hours event from November 9 to December 22. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

A common misconception is that you can see the Christmas parades and the Christmas fireworks at any time, but you actually need a special ticket for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Travis said.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a time when fans can see a special Christmas parade and fireworks after hours, but it's also pretty pricey at upwards of $159 for anyone over 10 years old and $149 for those under.

But Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled to end on December 22 this year, and then the parade becomes a part of the daily schedule, Knonenborg said.

"If your main draw is like, 'Oh, we want to do all the Christmas things in Magic Kingdom,' just move your trip up a little bit, and you don't have to then spend $160 a ticket to go to the special event," she added.

The decorations at Magic Kingdom may stay up until the beginning of January

If you miss out on the Christmas season, you might be able to sneak a trip in to see the remaining holiday decor still up in January. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

One last secret: The decorations at Magic Kingdom tend to stay up a week or two past the holidays and the prices drop significantly, according to Capps, who has a TikTok following of 209,000 followers.

"If you just couldn't make a Christmas trip happen in December, if you go to Magic Kingdom within the first week or two of January, you might still get to see some of the holiday decorations around the parks before they've taken it all down," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
U.S. President Biden delivers remarks following a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Nantucket

U.S. President Biden delivers remarks following a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Nantucket

By Jeff Mason

NANTUCKET, Mass. (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that the chances were "real" of a truce between Israel and Hamas being extended and he expressed hope that U.S. citizens taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group would be freed soon.

Biden also praised U.S. diplomacy behind the truce and Friday's release of 24 hostages who were taken by Hamas to Gaza in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, saying it was the start of what he expected would be further releases in coming days.

"Beginning this morning, under a deal reached by extensive U.S. diplomacy, including numerous calls I've made from the Oval Office to leaders across the region, fighting in Gaza will halt for four days," Biden told a press conference.

Asked whether the truce could be extended, Biden said: "I think the chances are real."

Biden declined to speculate about how long the Israel-Hamas war would last. Asked by a reporter what his expectations were, Biden said Israel's goal of eliminating Hamas was a legitimate but difficult mission.

"I don't know how long it will take," Biden told reporters.

"My expectation and hope is that as we move forward, the rest of the Arab world and the region is also putting pressure on all sides to slow this down, to bring this to an end as quickly as we can."

Under the terms of the truce, 50 women and children hostages are to be released over four days, in return for 150 Palestinian women and children among thousands of detainees in Israeli jails. Israel says the truce could be extended if more hostages are released at a rate of 10 per day.

Both sides have promised a return to fighting.

Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, said in a video message that this was a "temporary truce" and called for an "escalation of the confrontation ... on all resistance fronts", including the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant spoke similarly, calling the pause "short" and saying that at its conclusion "the war (and) fighting will continue with great might."

Israel has retaliated against Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack in which the government says Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized about 240 hostages.

The Israeli military has bombarded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, killing about 14,000 Gazans, around 40% of them children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

The civilian death toll has generated international outcry and protests even in the United States, a staunch ally of Israel.

Biden spoke to reporters on Friday while vacationing with his family on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket.

As Biden and his wife, Jill, walked around Nantucket after his remarks, some in the gathered crowd loudly shouted: "Free Palestine!"

Biden said earlier that he had raised civilian casualties with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I've encouraged the prime minister to focus on trying to reduce the number of casualties while he is attempting to eliminate Hamas, which is a legitimate objective," Biden told reporters.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Kanishka Singh, Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Leslie Adler and Grant McCool)
President Biden conceded to critics within his party Friday that calls to put specific conditions on aid to Israel are a worthwhile thought amid the countrys war against Hamas in Gaza.

But at a press conference marking a four-day truce in the war to free 50 hostages taken by Hamas, Biden also implied that those conditions could hamper diplomacy.

I think thats a worthwhile thought, but I dont think if I started off with that we ever would have gotten to where we are today, Biden said. We have to take this a piece at a time.

The president has been under immense pressure from a growing group of Democrats who have criticized the Biden administration for strongly backing Israel in the conflict, despite a growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza.

The blank check approach must end, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote in a New York Times op-ed published Wednesday. The United States must make clear that while we are friends of Israel, there are conditions to that friendship and that we cannot be complicit in actions that violate international law and our own sense of decency.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 12,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,600 children, since it began early last month, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Biden said he has repeatedly pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to better consider the lives and well-being of Gazan civilians.

Ive encouraged the Prime Minister to focus on trying to reduce the number of casualties while he is attempting to eliminate Hamas, which is the legitimate objective use, Biden said. Thats a difficult task.

And I dont know how long it will take, he continued. My expectation and hope is that as we move forward, the rest of the Arab world and the region is also putting pressure on all sides to slow this down to bring this to an end as quickly as possible.

Progressive Democrats have pushed the Biden administration to call for a long-term cease-fire in the conflict, arguing that the Israeli military strategy puts too many Palestinian civilians at risk. They have been joined by hundreds of former Biden campaign staffers and have sparked division in the State Department.

In his op-ed this week, Sanders described the Israeli strategy as one of indiscriminate bombing.

The Netanyahu government, or hopefully a new Israeli government, must understand that not one penny will be coming to Israel from the U.S. unless there is a fundamental change in their military and political positions, Sanders said in the statement.

The U.S. already requires that all counties that receive military aid, by law, abide by international law. The progressives argue that the measure has entirely been ignored in the case of Israel.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said the U.S. applies conditions for virtually all other  allies, and doing so for Israel is the responsible course.

The United States has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that public resources do not facilitate gross violations of human rights and international law, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. Dean Phillips is giving up a sure thingnamely, his district west of Minneapolisto pursue his unlikely bid to deny President Joe Biden the 2024 Democratic nomination. Phillips revealed to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Friday that he will not seek a fourth term in Congress, and instead commit his energies totally to his intra-party battle against Biden. The businessman-turned-pol, who moved to Washington, D.C. after his 2018 election and now owns an estate in Virginia, cast his decision as a selfless one, telling the outlet it would be irresponsible to both his constituents and other contenders for the House seat.

Read it at Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Read more at The Daily Beast.
President Biden said Friday that he expects Americans to be among dozens of hostages released by Hamas in Gaza this week during a truce deal in the Israel-Hamas war.

At a press conference Friday, Biden said he could not confirm the health status of the approximately 10 Americans believed to be held hostage by Hamas, but that he expects some of them to be among the 50 hostages planned to be released in the coming days.

We dont know when that will occur, but we expect it to occur, Biden said on the release of American hostages.

The truce deal, announced Wednesday, began early Friday as 12 Thai and 13 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas. As part of the deal, 39 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel were released to the West Bank.

No Americans were among the first wave of released hostages.

A total of 50 hostages are expected to be released over four days, with fighting between Israel and Hamas on pause. Biden said he is hopeful that the four-day truce will be extended and more hostages will be released.

Thats our goal, Biden said of an extension to the deal.

He celebrated the deal Friday as a triumph of diplomacy between the U.S., Qatar, Israel and Hamas, as well as other regional powers.

Today has been a product of a lot of hard work and weeks of personal engagement, Biden said. The moment Hamas kidnapped these people, I along with my team, have worked around the clock to secure their release.

All of these hostages have been through a terrible ordeal, and this is the beginning of a long journey of healing for them, he continued. The teddy bears waiting to greet those children at the hospital are a stark reminder of the trauma these children have been through and such a very young age. Jill and I and our children with me are keeping them all in our prayers.

The hostage deal was a culmination of weeks of negotiations involving the White House and foreign governments. It is also expected to advance humanitarian aid in Gaza, which Biden said is a priority of his administration.

Note, this extended pause in the fighting brings a critical opportunity to deliver much needed food, medicine, water and fuel to the civilians in Gaza, he said. And we are not wasting one single minute.

Biden said that more than 200 trucks filled with humanitarian aid arrived at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Friday, including trucks with critical fuel supplies. The enclave ran out of fuel last week, plunging hospitals into darkness and threatening the water supply.



And hundreds more trucks are getting in position as well, ready to enter Gaza over the coming days to support the innocent Palestinians who are suffering greatly because of this war that Hamas has unleashed, Biden continued. Hamas doesnt give a damn about them.

The president also reiterated his administrations support for a two-state solution in Israel and an independent Palestinian government in Gaza, free from Hamas. Israeli leaders have denounced such plans in recent weeks, despite pressure from the Biden administration.

As we look to the future, we have to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East, Biden said. We need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side-by-side in a two-state solution with equal measures of freedom and dignity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden on Friday framed Hamas initial release of two dozen women and children as a sign of progress but emphasized that the deal was just the beginning of a challenging road ahead as the U.S. works to free the remaining hostages, including American citizens.

Today has been a product of a lot of hard work and weeks of personal engagement, Biden said, speaking from Nantucket, Massachusetts, where hes spending the Thanksgiving holiday with his family. From the moment Hamas kidnapped these people, I, along with my team, have worked around the clock to secure their release.

Hamas released the first hostages Friday  13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino. Their release marked the first wave in a deal to trade several hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israel under a four-day cease-fire. Biden said more details will be unveiled about the next round of hostages in the coming hours, but its not yet clear if that list will include Americans.

We dont know when that will occur, but we expect it to occur. And we dont know what the list of all the hostages are or when theyll be released, but we know the numbers when theyre going to be released. So my hope and expectation is that it will be soon, Biden said, responding to a question from a reporter about when Americans will be released.

Under the agreement announced earlier this week, Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners, all women and teenagers. The deal, which emerged from talks involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, the U.S. and several outside groups, could be seen as a rare bright spot amid several weeks of death and devastation. More than two hundred trucks also arrived in Gaza on Friday, carrying fuel, food, medicine and cooking gas, Biden said, and hundreds more are expected to arrive in the coming days.

I dont trust Hamas to do anything right, Biden said of the ongoing negotiations. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure.

While several administration officials say the deal is evidence that their strategy toward the Israel-Hamas war is working, the president didnt take a victory lap on Friday, as roughly 200 hostages will remain in captivity.

The hostages suffered immeasurable trauma, Biden said.

All of these hostages have been through a terrible ordeal. And this is the beginning of a long journey of healing for them, Biden said. The teddy bears waiting to greet those children at the hospital are a stark reminder of the trauma these children have been through at such a very young age.

Hamas killed 1,200 people Oct. 7, and Israels response has killed more than 13,000 people.

The political challenge facing the president is far from fading as progressive-minded Democrats ramp up calls for a cease-fire. Biden said Friday that hes encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to focus on trying to reduce the number of casualties, while trying to eliminate Hamas, which he called a legitimate objective.

Biden also faces an uphill climb in securing aid for Israel, as some members of his party call for conditions attached to aid for Israel, such as a reduction in bombing.

I think thats a worthwhile thought, Biden said. But I dont think if I started off with that that we wouldve ever gotten to where we got today. We have to take this a piece at a time.
President Joe Biden welcomed the initial release of hostages held in Gaza, calling Fridays release of 13 Israelis a positive start toward the goal in the coming days of securing at least 50 women and children hostages, including three Americans.

Its only a start, but so far, its gone well, Biden told reporters in Nantucket Friday afternoon. He also noted the release of several Thai nationals who had also been kidnapped by Hamas.

The three American citizens who fall into the category of women and children, including now-4-year-old Abigail Edan, were not part of this first release, but Biden renewed his commitment to seek their return.

We also will not stop until we get these hostages brought home and an answer to their whereabouts, he said.

Biden said he expects to soon get the names of those among the second wave of hostages who will be released Saturday, saying he was hopeful its as we anticipate. He said he did not know when the three Americans would be released, but confirmed he still does expect it to occur.

My hope and expectation is itll be soon, he said of the possibility of the release of the three Americans.

Biden suggested it is possible that the pause in fighting could extend by additional days to bring more than the expected 50 hostages home, telling reporters, I think the chances are real.

But asked whether all of the 10 unaccounted-for Americans are alive, he said, We dont know all of their conditions.

And he offered a bleak assessment of Hamas objectives when asked whether he trusts the Palestinian militant group.

I dont trust Hamas to do anything right. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure, he said, later adding that Hamas does not give a damn about innocent Palestinian civilians.

The president also speculated on the reasoning behind Hamas October 7 attack: I believe one of the reasons why Hamas struck when they did is that they knew I was working very closely with the Saudis and others in the region to bring peace to the region by having recognition of Israel and Israels right to exist, he said, adding that he will continue to work on those efforts.

Biden cast the initial hostage release as the product of extensive US diplomacy and numerous calls he held with world leaders in the region, including the emir of Qatar, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He thanked each for their personal partnership during the painstaking, weeks-long negotiations and noted he would remain in close touch with the leaders to ensure the deal stays on track. He said that he has been in constant contact with his team and will remain engaged over the course of the implementation process.

Biden also pointed to the humanitarian aid going to Gaza as part of this pause, saying those in the region are not wasting one single minute to bring in critical supplies like fuel, medicine, cooking gas and food. US special envoy David Satterfield is monitoring the progress on that front and Biden said he has asked Satterfield to keep him updated minute by minute.

Biden reiterated the need for a two-state solution in order to bring peace to the region in the long term.

As we look to the future, we have to end this cycle of violence in the Middle East. We need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side by side in a two states solution with equal measure of freedom and dignity, two states for two people and its more important now than ever. Hamas unleashed this terrorist attack because they fear nothing more than Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace, he said.

Biden said that he and the first lady were keeping the hostages in their prayers as they begin a long journey of healing, expressing empathy for the trauma the group has experienced.

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Rep. Dean Phillips, a long-shot candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, announced Friday that he will not seek election to a fourth term representing Minnesotas 3rd District in the House.

A one-time vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Phillips described a nation facing a crisis of cooperation, common sense, and truth in a statement released by his office.

Civility matters, respect matters, listening matters, and effective governance matters, he said. No party has a monopoly on solutions, and we must stop fighting one another and begin fighting for one another  before it is too late.

Phillips is taking on a herculean task in challenging President Joe Biden in a primary. While polls show that many Democrats arent satisfied with Biden as their nominee, theres scant evidence to suggest that Phillips or anyone else has a legitimate shot at beating him  or that most voters have ever heard of Phillips.

An NBC News survey released earlier this month showed Biden taking 77% of Democratic primary voters nationally. Marianne Williamson was the choice of 12%, and Phillips had just 4%. Hes also up against history: He would be the first president elected directly from the House since James Garfield in 1880.

His presence in the race has been a nuisance to the White House  more because of the message it sends about concerns with Biden than for any fear that he poses a threat to the presidents chances in the primary. Part of the challenge for Phillips in distinguishing himself as a candidate is his affinity for voting with Biden. FiveThirtyEight.com found that he sided with the presidents position 100% of the time in the last Congress.

Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., (Charles Krupa / AP file)

Congressman Phillips has voted for nearly 100% of President Bidens policies, and the President will miss his support for the Biden-Harris legislative agenda, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement responding to Phillips announcement.

Already, Phillips, who is Jewish, has run into trouble explaining his position on the Israel-Hamas war in New Hampshire, which is expected to be the first state to hold a Democratic primary next year. He has described himself as caring deeply about both sides  Israelis and Palestinians  which has upset some voters.

[T]he fact that people are taking only one side or the other right now is exactly the problem, he said recently.

Phillips was first elected to the House in 2018, defeating Republican Erik Paulsen as part of a voter backlash against then-President Donald Trump. He was twice re-elected handily, but not overwhelmingly, with more than 55% of the vote in 2020 and nearly 60% in 2022.

Phillips could still change his mind  the deadline to register to run for his Minnesota seat isnt until the middle of next year, long after the critical primary voting day of Super Tuesday.

Because of those victories, and redistricting following the 2020 census that made the district marginally better for Democrats, his seat has been considered fairly safe for his party.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
US President Joe Biden speaks about the release of hostages from Gaza, while visiting Nantucket, Massachusetts, on November 24, 2023 (Brendan SMIALOWSKI)

US President Joe Biden said Friday's release of a first group of hostages taken by Hamas was just a "start" and that there were "real" chances to extend a temporary truce in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he was spending the Thanksgiving holiday with his family, Biden also said it was time to "renew" work on creating a two-state solution to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

A total of 24 hostages -- 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and a Filipino -- were turned over Friday to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza by Hamas, while Israel freed 39 women and minors held in its prisons, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

Biden, who led US efforts to secure the pause in the brutal fighting between Israel and Hamas militants controlling Gaza, said "I think the chances are real" for extending the truce.

He welcomed the way the start of the process had gone as the four-day truce to facilitate the hostage and prisoner releases held.

"This morning I've been engaged with my team as we began the first couple days of implementing this deal. It's only a start, but so far it's gone well," he said.

Asked about the American women and children hostages who could be released as part of the deal, Biden said he did not know when they would be set free but "we expect it to occur."

He also urged a broader effort to emerge from the crisis toward creating a viable Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel, citing the "need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution."

Protesters across the United States have called for Biden to push for a permanent ceasefire, with a demonstration on Thursday even interrupting the country's largest Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.

As the president attended the Nantucket Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, a group of about 10 protesters chanted "Biden, Biden you can't hide, we charge you with genocide," while holding a banner that read "Free Palestine."

Earlier in the day, as the president walked about, a handful of people shouted "free Palestine" and "ceasefire now."

Hamas's October 7 attack sparked an air and ground offensive by Israel, which has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militants.

In Gaza, nearly 15,000 people, 6,150 of them children, have been killed in the war, officials in the Hamas-run territory said.

About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel during the October 7 attack and around 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

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President Biden said he believes Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel was inspired by progressing diplomacy in the region, especially with Saudi Arabia, spurred on by his administration.

In a press conference Friday falling on the beginning of a four-day truce in the conflict to release 50 hostages held by Hamas, Biden remarked on one of his theories for why Hamas began the conflict.

I cannot prove what Im about to say, Biden said. But I believe one of the reasons why Hamas struck when they did was they knew that I was working very closely with the Saudis and others in the region to bring peace to the region by having recognition of Israel and Israels right to exist.

The Israel-Hamas war began Oct. 7 after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in border communities, sparking weeks of deadly airstrikes and an Israeli ground campaign in Gaza that have killed thousands of Palestinians.

Diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Israel has significantly warmed in recent years, with the U.S. working toward normalizing relations between the two countries. Biden suggested that the Saudis were about to officially recognize the statehood of Israel, a major breakthrough in regional diplomacy, just before the attack.

He previously made the connection at a campaign fundraiser last month.

On Friday, Biden specifically pointed to his administrations work at this years Group of 20 Summit planning a massive rail project connecting India to Europe via the Middle East. The project included Israel, the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia among other partners.

The whole idea theres overwhelming interest, and I think most Arab nations know that and are coordinating with one another to change the dynamic in their region for longer term peace, Biden said. And that is what Im going to continue to work on.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden called into the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, urging Americans to come together and put unity above politics over the holiday weekend  and beyond.

On this Thanksgiving, Al, we have to come together, the president told NBCs Al Roker. We can have different political views, but we have one view. The one view is that were the finest, greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that.

We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together and stop the rancor, he continued. We have to bring the nation together and treat each other with a little bit of decency, and I think thats where the vast majority of the American people are.

Best Black Friday Deals

The president and first lady Jill Biden called in from their vacation in Nantucket, Mass.  an island off Cape Cod  where they traditionally spend Thanksgiving.

The first family also took time to call service members of each military branch to offer sincere gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to protect our freedom, the president posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

We have to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth, Biden said earlier in his call with Roker. Today is about coming together, giving thanks for this country we call home.

And thanks to all the firefighters, police officers, first responders and our troops, some of whom are stationed abroad, the president added.

They also made a stop at the Nantucket Fire Department, according to pool reports. The first lady was seen carrying two pumpkin pie boxes tied with purple ribbons into the building while another man followed behind with more boxes.

Upon their exit from the department, Biden inspected a fire truck and spoke with a firefighter, the note reported.

He briefly took questions from reporters about the pending short-term truce in the war between Israel and Hamas militants.

The temporary cease-fire is expected to begin Friday, according to Qatari negotiators. Under the four-day truce, 50 hostages are expected to be released  including three Americans.

Asked about the truce, Biden said he is keeping his fingers crossed that a 3-year-old American girl is safely returned. But, he declined to say more about the deal until it is done.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. and Germany allegedly hope to nudge Ukraine to negotiate with Russia through a carefully targeted scope of arms deliveries, the German tabloid Bild reported on Nov. 24, citing an anonymous government source.

U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reportedly do not plan to directly pressure Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiation table, Bild said.

Kyiv's two leading military donors instead plan to provide the exact quantity and quality of arms to ensure that Ukraine can hold the front and have a strong negotiating position, but not enough to fully liberate its territory, according to the news outlet.

"Zelensky should realize that things cannot go on like this. Without any external request," the source told Bild.

"He should address the nation of his own free will and explain that negotiations must be launched."

In case Kyiv and Moscow do not agree to open talks, Berlin and Washington hope that the front line solidifies, resulting in a frozen conflict without any formal agreements.

"It's like Minsk, only without Minsk," the source told Bild, referring to the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements that sought to end the Donbas war but instead resulted in a static war in Ukraine's east.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the report.

As the stability of the pro-Kyiv alliance faces growing challenges, media reports emerged earlier claiming that the West plans to push Ukraine into negotiations with Russia, even at the cost of concessions.

Western officials denied these reports, insisting that any peace talks with Moscow are up to Ukraine's decision.

"We are not aware of any conversations with Ukraine about negotiations outside of the peace formula structure," U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

Zelensky also denied that he would be under pressure from allies to enter peace talks.

"No one among our partners is pressuring us to sit down with Russia, talk to it, and give it something," the president said earlier in November.

Read also: Germany pledges $1.4 billion military aid package for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Some of those arrested were subjected to torture, rights groups say

Chad's military-led government has issued an amnesty to security forces responsible for killing at least 50 opposition protestors.

In 2022 people took to the streets to oppose interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno extending his rule.

The authorities responded with a brutal crackdown which officials say left 50 people dead on what has been called "Black Thursday".

Human rights groups put the number of dead much higher, at more than 300.

Over 600 people were arrested, including 83 minors and sentenced in mass trials.

The amnesty is part of a deal signed with opposition leader Succes Masra to foster national reconciliation.

But some members of the opposition have criticised it, describing it as an attempt to evade justice.

"It's just an intelligent way for the junta to cover its crimes on the altar of peace and reconciliation," Yaya Dillo, president of the Socialist Without Borders Party, told the BBC.

He is encouraging victims of last year's incident to seek judicial redress at international levels.

More than 943 people were arrested and 265 convicted, according to Amnesty International.

Those convicted were found guilty of "unauthorised assembly, destruction of property and arson".

In April 259 were pardoned and released by the president.

President Deby was proclaimed leader of the Central African country following the death of his father, in 2021, who ruled Chad with an iron fist for 30 years.

He promised to return power to civilians through elections at the end of an 18-month transition period.

But at the end of the transitional period he extended it by two years, sparking the protest.

There have been renewed promises that the government will announce a date for free elections in December and move to civilian rule.

More BBC stories about Chad:
Former South African track star Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole, more than 10 years after murdering his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp

The Olympic athlete, 37, who earned the nickname "Blade Runner" for the futuristic carbon-fiber prosthetics he used for competitions, had been sentenced to 13 years and five months after he was convicted of murdering the TV reality star in the early morning hours of Valentines Day, 2013.

On Friday, the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa granted him parole, effective Jan. 5. He will be subject to conditions, including that he not leave the area of Pretoria where he is set to live without permission from authorities.

Pistorius will also attend a program to deal with his anger issues and will have to perform community service. Pistorius parole conditions will be in place for five years, the Department of Corrections said. Serious offenders in South Africa must serve at least half of their sentence to be eligible for parole, which Pistorius has done.

Oscar Pistorius weeping in court in 2014 during trial. Pistorius was granted parole on Friday, more than 10 years after killing his girlfriend.

BLADE RUNNER OSCAR PISTORIUS: A LOOK BACK AT THE OLYMPIAN'S METEORIC RISE AND FALL

Pistorius testified at his murder trial that he killed Steenkamp by mistake, thinking she was a dangerous intruder hiding in his bathroom in the middle of the night when he fired four times through the door with his licensed 9mm pistol.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp, 29, had fled to the toilet cubicle during a late-night argument and Pistorius killed her in a rage.

Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide  a charge comparable to manslaughter  for killing Steenkamp. That conviction was overturned and he was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. They also appealed against an initial sentence of six years for murder, and Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.

A photo combination showing Reeva Steenkamp celebrating her last birthday on Aug. 12, 2012, and, on the right, a relative clutching a funeral program six days after Oscar Pistorius shot her to death Feb. 14, 2013.

The disabled athlete, the first to compete against able-bodied men, was once hailed as the most inspirational figure in sports.

But that image was shattered when he fired four shots into a bathroom stall in his Pretoria home in an upscale gated community, killing Steenkamp, his girlfriend of three months.

OSCAR PISTORIUS DOCUMENTARY DETAILS OLYMPIAN'S FALL FROM GRACE AFTER MURDER CONVICTION, DIRECTOR SAYS

Pistorius was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a congenital abnormality that left him without a fibula bone in either of his lower legs.

His legs were amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old  but his mother taught him that his disability was not an excuse and pushed him to participate in sports.

A photo of Steenkamp with Pistorius on Jan. 13, 2013, left, and a portrait of Steenkamp, right. Pistorius fired four shots into a bathroom stall in his home killing Steenkamp, his girlfriend of three months. He was granted parole on Friday.

After obtaining his first carbon-fiber prosthetics, Pistorius competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens and won gold in the 200 meters. He soon became the worlds most famous disabled athlete.

At the 2008 Paralympics, Pistorius won gold in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, setting world records in all three categories.

He also began competing against non-disabled athletes, but many critics complained that his carbon-fiber blades gave him an unfair advantage.

At the pinnacle of Pistorius career, he competed at the 2012 London Olympics , becoming the first amputee to race in an Olympic track event, and he was chosen to carry South Africas flag at the closing ceremony.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius granted parole 10 years after killing girlfriend on Valentine's Day
An exclusive survey of over a thousand teachers by YouGov, commissioned by Policy Exchange, confirms that teachers, tasked with encouraging young minds to be inquisitive and think critically, are concerned about being accused of offending religious sensibilities. A small but significant proportion of them  16 per cent  are self-censoring.

As concerning as this is, it is hardly surprising  the shadow of Batley still looms large. More than two years after the Batley Grammar School protests, the teacher who received death threats for showing a caricature of the prophet Muhammad to a religious studies class remains in hiding. Former Education Secretary Nadim Zahawi, writing in the foreword to the survey report, rightly describes this as a national disgrace.

Half of British teachers believe that if blasphemy-related protests led by activist groups occur outside their schools, there would be a risk to their physical safety. In the East Midlands, the proportion of teachers fearing this risk rises to around six in ten. And a large proportion of teachers believe that images of Muhammad should never be used in classrooms, regardless of a teachers intentions and even whilst teaching Islamic art or ethics. Despite occurring over two years ago, the Batley protests appear to have had a significant impact on teachers willingness to use an image of Muhammad: in addition to the 55 per cent of teachers who would not personally use an image of Muhammad anyway, a further 9 per cent said they personally were less likely to use it as a result of the events in Batley.

Concerns regarding de facto blasphemy codes in schools are not confined to teaching staff. In February this year, in Wakefield, a 14-year-old autistic student received death threats after allegedly scuffing his own copy of the Quran. Although the headteacher of the school said there was no malicious intent, West Yorkshire Police initially treated the incident as a non-crime hate incident. The previous home secretary acted swiftly. Less than two weeks later she announced new statutory guidance for the police on the recording of non-crime hate incidents to prioritise freedom of expression. Under the new code of practice, personal data may only be included in a non-crime hate incident record if the incident is clearly motivated by intentional hostility and if there is a real risk of significant harm or a criminal offence.

However, the Government is yet to deliver on the promise, made in the wake of the events in Wakefield, to provide clearer and firmer guidance for schools in the event of blasphemy-related incidents. Disappointingly, the Department for Education has said it has no plans for new guidance and it is doubtful that the Home Office will develop such plans. In April, Lord Sharpe, speaking on behalf of the Home Office, said that the Government has been repeatedly clear that there is no blasphemy law in Great Britain and that there are no plans to produce guidance for blasphemy-related incidents.

Indeed, it is a welcome thing that blasphemy is no longer a crime in England, Scotland and Wales. But it is not good enough to dismiss blasphemy as a crime of the past, when blasphemy-related incidents have become increasingly frequent, and when teachers are self-censoring and fear for their physical safety in the event of activist-led protests outside schools.

According to Policy Exchanges survey, 40 per cent of teachers say that their schools do not have any guidance for teachers on avoiding offence from teaching materials or lesson content. Many schools thus lack a code of practice for dealing with blasphemy-related incidents and similar situations where unintentional offence could lead to protests or even violence. Teachers and students should not have to rely on strong individual headteachers or governing bodies. It is imperative to establish national statutory guidance in this area, especially given the potential security risks.

Blasphemy-related extremism was recognised in William Shawcrosss Independent Review of Prevent, published in February, which said the Batley protests were precisely the type of challenge where Prevent should institute urgent additional resources.

It remains unclear, however, what the Government has done or plans to do to meet this challenge. And the Governments approach should not be confined to Prevent. It is not just a matter of countering terrorism or ideologically-driven violence. It is fundamentally about protecting and championing national values. As schools increasingly become sites of protest activism, the Government needs to up its game and provide clearer and firmer support for head teachers to protect our teachers and the liberal values of our country.

Our teachers  and our pupils  deserve nothing less.

Dr Damon L. Perry is a Senior Research Fellow at Policy Exchange

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Mr Bubbles, a blind duck, is searching for his "special forever home" in Jersey

A blind duck is searching for his "special forever home", an animal charity has said

Mr Bubbles was found alone in a field in Jersey about three weeks ago and has been staying at JSPCA's animal shelter.

JSPCA said the new owner would need to have previous experience caring for ducks or poultry, but that Mr Bubbles was just "looking for a quiet place to enjoy his retirement".

Emma Duncan, from the charity, said the runner duck needed a home with female ducks to socialise with.

She said: "Usually ducks are a little bit chattier but we think this could change if he's got sort of a familiar presence, and maybe a couple of female ducks, in his new home.

"He's just very good at finding his food, he's very inquisitive, he peeks over the side of his enclosure and tries to find out what's going on."

The charity said Mr Bubbles would need a small enclosed area to stop him getting lost or disorientated, and that although he could not join in and swim in ponds - "a small amount of water to wet his bill will be plenty".

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  More than 24 hours after a vehicle reportedly crashed into the Tennessee River at a popular Hardin County boating spot, divers recovered a missing motorists body.

According to the Hardin County Fire Department, firefighters and members of the Special Operations Response Team responded to the Saltillo Main Street boat ramp shortly before 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23 for a report of a vehicle in the water.

Tired of pulling bodies out: Popular Hardin County boating spot prone to drownings

When crews arrived at the scene, they said they discovered a vehicle had gone into the water about two hours earlier amid the heavy fog. Even though there were reportedly two people inside the vehicle when it entered the river, only one made it to shore.

Fire officials said Hardin County divers recovered the vehicle, but by Thursday afternoon, one person was still missing.

Then, just after 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, the department announced the missing persons body had been recovered. There is no word on the individuals identity at this time.

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Hardin County Fire Department)

Hardin County officials thanked members of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Bolivar Police Department dive team, and the Braden Fire Department dive team for their assistance with the operation.

No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding the crash or the recovery of the body.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Bodycam video footage of the interaction between an Atlanta deacon and a police officer has been released, clarifying what exactly happened in the moments leading up to the officer fatally tasing the man.

The incident took place on 10 August, when the 62-year-old deacon, Johnny Hollman, was getting arrested by Officer Kiran Kimbrough after a minor car crash.

The bodycam footage, which spans almost an hour, captures Officer Kimbrough talking to Hollman and the other driver at the scene of the collision.

Hollman repeatedly insisted that the other driver hit him. The exchange escalated after the officer told the deacon that he didnt turn his car properly, again blaming him for the crash.

At one point, the officer, who has since been fired, can be heard repeatedly telling Hollman: Sign the ticket. Although Hollman clearly doesnt want to sign it, he eventually concedes as the officer approaches him, saying hell sign the ticket. Thats when the physical altercation begins.

The officer tried grabbing Hollmans arm, but Hollman swatted his arm away, while complaining, My right arm really hurts, man. Seconds later, Hollman is on the ground, with the officers hands pressed up against his back.

I aint doing nothing, Hollman yelled. Why are you hurting me like this, man?

This image from bodycam video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Johnny Hollman Sr. speaking with Officer Kiran Kimbrough on Aug. 10, 2023 in Atlanta (Atlanta Police Department)

Sign the ticket! the officer yelled back, before saying, Im gonna tase you, put your arms behind your back now.

Hollman then flips around so that his back is on the ground while Officer Kimbrough keeps telling him to put his arms behind his back. I cant breathe, Hollman screams repeatedly  at least 12 times, the footage shows.

The officer then tases the grandfather.

After the videos release, Arnitra Hollman, the deacons daughter, said: Were asking for the officer to be jailed and prosecuted to the fullest extent because what he did to our father was senseless.

It makes me angry. Im bitter... because I want my daddy back. We want our father back, she continued.

Hollman family lawyer Mawuli Davis also said at the press conference: What he was doing was he was making his case, like so many of us do when someone is going to issue us a ticket. He later added, Instead of listening and being patient and using his training of de-escalation, instead this officer treated him as if he were not an elder.

An autopsy report ruled that Hollmans death was a homicide, with his history of heart disease, as well as the electrical shock from the taser, contributing to his death.

Our position is that it was an unwarranted, unjustifiable assault that led to a death, Hollman family lawyer Mawuli Davis said last month. And in my book, that is murder.

An August release from the Atlanta Police Department said: The officer attempted to issue a traffic citation to the at-fault driver. However, the driver became agitated and uncooperative.

The officer attempted to take the driver into custody, but he resisted, and a struggle ensued, the release continued.

Mr. Hollman violently and unlawfully resisted Officer Kimbroughs lawful efforts to arrest him, Mr Kimbroughs attorney Lance LoRusso told the AP. The Atlanta Police investigation confirmed Officer Kimbrough deployed his city-issued TASER and used force in a manner consistent with his training and Georgia law.

The release of the footage comes after a suspense-filled delay, as Atlanta police previously said the video wouldnt be released until after the investigation was completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Since the bureau completed its probe into the deacons death, it handed over the investigation to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The DAs office said on Wednesday the probe is ongoing but didnt make clear when a charging decision would be made.
Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton reiterated his belief Thursday that the short-term truce between Hamas and Israel is a bad deal.

Hamas is playing a game of psychological warfare against the people of Israel, and the people of the United States as well, Bolton argued in an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Thanksgiving Day, just hours before the temporary cease-fire was set to begin.

Theyre trying to distract Israel from its strategic mission of eliminating Hamas, and trying to focus on the question of the hostages [and] the question of the condition of civilians in Gaza, he added.

While acknowledging that he believes the situation is heart-wrenching for the families of the hostages, the former White House official said Israels mission of eradicating the Palestinian militant group is much more important.

He argued that Hamas wants to turn the four-day pause into permanent cease-fire by attempting to break the morale or the resolve of the Israeli military  thus benefitting the militants over Israel.

Now, I dont think theyre going to achieve that at the first iteration. But theyre trying to put the onus on the Israeli forces, he told Collins.

I dont think this one event is necessarily going to be the Alpha and Omega, Bolton added. But if this sets a precedent that undermines Israeli resolve to achieve what theyre legitimately entitled to achieve  the elimination of Hamas as a threat  itll be a huge victory for the terrorists.

His comments come as a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas is set to begin Friday at 7 a.m. local time.

Bolton further asserted that the longer it takes to eradicate Hamas, the more they will become willing to negotiate with them.

What I worry about is the pause, if it begins in a few hours, is just the opening wedge to achieve that objective, he said.

Bolton made similar comments on Wednesdays edition of the Cats & Cosby show.

The deal itself, at least as I understand the terms as theyve been announced, is a very bad deal for Israel, he told host John Catsimatidis. Its another swap of hostages  innocent victims  for criminals that are in Israeli jails at a ratio of 3:1 in favor of the Hamas terrorists.

The deal, which was reached by the groups earlier this week and will allow for the release of 50 hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting, marks one of the most significant developments in the more than six-week war. Israel will also release 150 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.

According to a spokesperson for Qatar who handled negotiations, the first batch of captive civilians  including 13 women and children  will be delivered around 4 p.m. local time.

Despite the temporary pause, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war against Hamas until the militant group is eliminated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ukraine has suggested that Poland open an additional checkpoint or several crossing points for letting empty trucks enter the country.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: The official said losses from the border blockade have reached hundreds of millions of hryvnias.

Vysotskyi noted that the idea of opening one or more crossing points for empty vehicles is currently being discussed with Poland.

The deputy minister believes this will galvanise truck traffic in both directions, improving the performance of both Ukrainian and Polish hauliers.

Regarding the results of the trilateral talks between Ukraine, Poland and the European Commission on 23 November, the official said the vision of Ukraine and the European Commission coincided  the rally organised by Polish hauliers did not pursue the stated goals.

"We see cases when humanitarian cargo is not allowed through. Therefore, this is a violation of basic international conventions regarding the free movement of critical goods," Vysotskyi noted.

This argument will be presented during the talks between the Ukrainian and Polish governments on Saturday, 25 November.

The final amount of damage caused by the blockade is challenging to estimate, but reports suggest it is already in the hundreds of millions of hryvnias.

"We hope that it will eventually come to an end, and the losses will not reach millions of euros," Vysotskyi said.

Background: As of 09:00 on 24 November, three areas on the Polish-Ukrainian border were still blocked: Yahodyn, Rava-Ruska and Krakivets. Polish border guards reported that 2,300 trucks are queuing up to enter Ukraine.

Polish farmers who joined the blockade of hauliers on the border with Ukraine plan to extend their protest until 3 January.

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The Dublin knifeman was foiled by a Deliveroo driver who smashed the attacker with his helmet, it has emerged.

Brazilian Caio Benicio, a 43-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, was driving past on his motorbike when he saw the attack in which four people, including three children, were injured outside a school in Dublin city centre on Thursday afternoon.

He said he was saddened by the anti-immigrant riots that broke out in the wake of the stabbings, marking the worst violence in decades in the Irish capital.

It looks like they hate immigrants. Well, I am an immigrant, and I did what I could to try and save that little girl, he said.

Garda officers made 34 arrests during Thursday nights disorder, in which rioters injured numerous officers, looted an array of shops and damaged 11 police vehicles along with three buses and a tram.

Thinking fast during the attack earlier in the day, Mr Benicio hopped off his bike and hit the knifeman, a man in his 50s, with his helmet.

I didnt even make a decision, it was pure instinct, and it was all over in seconds. He fell to the ground, Mr Benicio, a father of two, told TheJournal website.

I have two kids myself, so I had to do something. I did what anyone would do. People were there but they couldnt step in because he was armed, but I knew I could use my helmet as a weapon.

Mr Benicio told Irelands public broadcaster RTE that he saw a creche worker pulling one girl out of the path of the knifeman. She was very, very brave, you know, he said, the little girl ran away and the man, he grabbed another one.

Creche worker protected children

The creche worker, who is in her 30s, reportedly stepped in to protect children after the knifeman stabbed a five-year-old girl in the neck outside the school.

She is being treated for serious wounds to her body after tackling the assailant to protect pupils who were lined up outside, on their way to class. The five-year-old child is in a critical condition in hospital.

She defended those children with all her strength  all that she was doing was trying to protect those little kids, a source told the Belfast Telegraph.

This all happened in a matter of seconds and after her very brave actions another two children suffered superficial stabbing injuries to their chest and shoulder in what was a frenzied incident.

Suspect taken down by delivery driver

Two other young children are being treated for their injuries after the attack on Parnell Square East, which police have said is not being treated as terror-related and was reported to have been carried out by a naturalised Irish citizen.

A fundraising effort called Buy Caio Benicio a pint was set up on Friday, with the organiser on GoFundMe saying: The mans a hero and the least we can do is buy him a pint. So Im asking you to donate the price of a pint of Guinness to Caio so that he knows the people of Dublin appreciate him.

Pedestrians and cyclists who arrived on the scene described Mr Benicios intervention as critical, describing how the suspect was taken down by the delivery driver.

A number of people then rounded on the knifeman, kicking him on the ground, before forming a ring around the suspect until police arrived on the scene.

Eyewitness Siobhan Kearney described hearing screaming before she spotted a guy with a stabbing motion across the road.

So I took across the road and there was fellas there and they pulled the guy off the children. There was a good few kids, she told the Irish Times.

The suspected attacker was injured and remains under police guard in hospital.

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John McFall is assisting with tests to find out whether it is possible to send disabled astronauts into space - ESA/NOVESPACE

When former Paralympian John McFall was selected to be the European Space Agencys (ESA) first disabled astronaut last November, he knew there would be testing times ahead.

But nobody could have guessed one stumbling block would be that his prosthetic leg might poison the air on board the International Space Station (ISS).

The leg is made from a mixture of carbon fibres, resin and high-density foam and so may give off toxic gas that could build up over time and prove dangerous to astronauts on board.

Experts at the ESA are testing the leg to make sure it complies with Nasa standards. In 2015, the crew of the ISS were forced to evacuate the US part of the satellite following a rise in ammonia levels.

Its stuff you dont necessarily think of, Mr McFall told The Telegraph. The socket is carbon fibre and its got like a high-density foam on the inside. The carbon fibre socket is impregnated with a resin. The foam is made with polymers.

Those materials will continue to give off gases to one degree or another and in an environment like the ISS where the air is constantly recycled, any significant amount of gases that are produced from a material will be amplified over a period of time because theyre not filtered out.

It is one of a number of revelations that Mr McFall has helped ESA uncover as part of the feasibility project to find out whether it is possible to send disabled astronauts into space.

There are nearly 100 requirements that astronauts must pass to be able to fly, including moving safely around the ISS and SpaceX Crew Dragon module, being able to carry out emergency procedures and experiments, fitting into space suits and maintaining good health in orbit.

Ensuring that Mr McFall's prosthetic leg is safe and continues to fit correctly in microgravity is proving challenging - Tony Jolliffe/BBC

Although the team originally thought that wearing a prosthesis in space may not be necessary, tests have shown it is likely to prove crucial for maintaining good fitness, balance, and for being able to evacuate quickly in an emergency.

But making sure it is safe and continues to fit correctly in microgravity is proving challenging. Astronauts bodies change in space because of microgravity, meaning Mr McFalls legs could shrink or expand, and his prosthetic no longer fit.

To determine what might happen in space, he is undergoing experiments in Cologne on tilt tables in which he is tipped at an angle with his head lower than his feet, to mimic the effect of fluid rising up the body in microgravity.

Most of the evidence so far suggests that fluid shifts up to your centre up to your trunk, and actually you lose some volume from a fluid point of view and your lower limbs, he said.

But we just need to prove that because a reduction in stump volume is easier to manage by padding it out a little bit with some extra material, but with an increase in stump volume you would need to make a socket that actually gets bigger.

The commonest question I get asked is do you need legs in space? and for floating around, maybe not necessarily, but it is useful in stabilising yourself so that you free up your hands for experiments.

But weve found out I would need to wear a prosthesis on orbit to undertake the exercise countermeasures to maintain bone density and muscle mass.

Mr McFall, 43, who was born in Surrey and grew up in Somerset, had his right leg amputated when he was 19 after a motorbike accident. But after learning to run again, he became a professional athlete, winning bronze in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in the 100 metres T42 event.

Mr McFall (left) represented Great Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, winning a bronze metal for the 100 metres T42 event - Andrew Wong/Getty Images

He also retrained as a doctor, working in the NHS for several years, and has recently completed his final exams specialising as an orthopaedic surgeon.

The astronaut feasibility study is due to end in 2025, when the ESA will present a case to European ministers, who will decide whether to fund a mission.

It will be at that point when they make a decision about whether they want to support a flight for me or someone with an equivalent disability. Hopefully me, he said.

There are no red flags or no showstoppers at any level so far. I think a long duration mission to the space station is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn about someone with a physical disability living and working in space.

Astronauts dont get a lot of choice in when or where they fly but I would absolutely love to go to the Moon.

The married father of three has recently moved his family to Germany to support his training. In fact, the only stumbling block to his spaceflight may come from something more mundane. He is missing being a doctor.

I think the change of direction has been psychologically hard, rather than the astronaut training itself, he said.

I do miss the day-to-day hands-on of operating. Im a very practical guy and this phase of the feasibility study is slightly less hands-on.

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The scene in Madrid where Alejo Vidal-Quadras was shot - Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images

A British woman arrested in Spain in connection with the shooting of a Right-wing politician has been named as the daughter of a high-profile businesswoman in the UK expat community.

Sasha Brooks Wong, 29, was arrested on Tuesday along with a man who is reported to be her partner, Spanish citizen Naraya Gomez.

Both were being held by Spanish police as suspects in an apparent assassination attempt against Alejo Vidal-Quadras, the co-founder of the Vox Party, in Madrid on Nov 9.

Late on Friday, Ms Brooks Wong was released on bail, suggesting police are not convinced she knew of the plot to kill the veteran politician.

The 78-year-old former vice-president of the European Parliament has now left hospital, where he received surgery on a broken jaw after being shot in the face.

Mr Vidal-Quadras has blamed Iran for trying to kill him in response to his political campaigning against the regime in Tehran and support for an exiled opposition group.

Mr Gomez, reportedly a convert to Shia Islam, became a target of the investigation after being spotted in Madrids wealthy Salamanca neighbourhood where the shooting took place around the time of the attack and in the days leading up to it.

Alejo Vidal-Quadras pictured in 2014 - Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty Images

According to the newspaper El Pais, police investigators believe Mr Gomez hired a gunman who is a Tunisian resident of France.

Mr Gomez reportedly paid a man from Mijas, who has also been arrested, to buy a motorcycle used by the gunman to flee the scene. The vehicle was later found partially burned, but investigators were able to identify its registration number.

Ms Brooks Wong and Mr Gomez were arrested in a house they were renting in Lanjaron, a town near Granada. According to their LinkedIn accounts, both worked for a company called Pension Life, whose CEO is Ms Brooks mother, Angela Brooks.

The site lists Ms Brooks Wongs job title as Pension Lifes media director, while Mr Gomez is listed as operations manager.

Sasha Brooks was arrested on Tuesday

Pension Life represents hundreds of British residents in Spain who are involved in a class action lawsuit against Continental Wealth Management, a financial firm that collapsed in 2017 and swallowed up around 35 million in pension plans.

Angela Brooks has lived in Spain for more than a decade, having also held many company directorships based in the UK. The Telegraph tried to contact Ms Brooks but did not receive a reply.

Eric Escobedo, mayor of Lanjaron, said Angela Brooks and her daughter were well known in the town and that Ms Brooks Wong had gone to a local school.

Mr Escobedo told El Mundo that people didnt know what Ms Brooks Wong did for a living but added that her family have money.

Naraya Gomez worked with girlfriend Sasha Brooks for her mother

Mr Gomez, from Orgiva, in the province of Granada, posted images of himself posing with sports cars and comments about making his first million.

The police said they are unsure whether Ms Brooks Wong had any involvement in or knowledge of the shooting, as they investigate the possibility that it was ordered by the Iranian government.

Mr Vidal-Quadras was placed on a list of terrorists drawn up by Iran in 2022 owing to his support for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition organisation.

Mr Gomez and Ms Brooks are expected to appear in court in Madrid on Friday or Saturday, where a judge will decide whether to remand them in custody as the investigation proceeds.

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Two brothers who admitted planning to travel to Afghanistan to join a branch of the Islamic State (IS) have been jailed.

Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan, 21, and Muhammad Hamzah Heyder Khan, 18, both pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to preparing for acts of terrorism.

Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan was jailed for 10 years

His younger brother was given an eight-year custodial sentence.

The pair, from Ward End, Birmingham, were each handed an extended period on licence of four years.

They changed their pleas to guilty less than a week into their trial in July.

The court heard how the brothers, who were arrested on 2 November last year, became "increasingly radicalised" over the course of 2022.

Both researched how to travel to Afghanistan to join the terrorist organisation known as Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP).

They had also completed application forms to join IS, the court heard.

IS was proscribed by the home secretary in 2014 and ISKP is recognised as one of its "regional branches".

Explaining the sentence, Judge Melbourne Inman KC said there remained a "significant risk" that the pair could cause "serious harm" and he said he needed to ensure the public was "properly protected".

"Up until trial, it is a very relevant fact that you were both advancing a completely dishonest account, that you did not hold any extreme views," he said.

"I consider it necessary to impose an extended sentence of imprisonment in each of your cases, which means that there will be an extended licence period in each case of four years."

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Pile of subfossil yew trunks on the edge of an agricultural field, north of Peterborough, UK. Photo credit: T. Bebchuk

The buried remains of vast forests of ancient yew trees that once covered the Fens could shed light on the history of climate change, researchers said.

Hundreds of tree trunks dug up by Fenland farmers during ploughing were studied at Cambridge University.

They said the trees were "a unique climate and environmental archive".

It is thought a rapid rise in North Sea levels flooded the area with salt water, causing the woodlands to disappear about 4,200 years ago.

Much of the Cambridgeshire Fens was a wetland until it was drained between the 17th and 19th Centuries using artificial drainage and flood protection.

Today, the area is home to some of the most productive farmland in the UK thanks to its rich peat soil and it is dominated by fields of potatoes, sugar beet, wheat and other crops.

However, its history means that "a common annoyance for Fenland farmers is getting their equipment caught on big pieces of wood buried in the soil, which can often happen when planting potatoes, since they are planted a little deeper than other crops," said Tatiana Bebchuk, a PhD student from the University of Cambridge Department of Geography.

"This wood is often pulled up and piled at the edge of fields," she said.

The team took samples of the logs away, and were surprised by how well-preserved they were - "as if they were cut down just yesterday", she said.

This cross-section of a subfossil yew trunk contains 380 tree-rings, providing the age when it died

Analysis by the Cambridge Tree-Ring Unit found some of the ancient trees were 400 years old when they died, providing "unique climate information for over a millennium from around 5,200 years ago until about 4,200 years ago".

"Finding these very old trees in the Fens is completely unexpected - it would be like turning a corner in rural Cambridgeshire and seeing an Egyptian pyramid - you just wouldn't expect it," said Ms Bebchuk.

She added: "Wood rots and decomposes easily, so you just don't expect a tree that died five or four thousand years ago to last so long."

Researchers said the period when the Fen woodlands died coincided with major climatic changes elsewhere in the world at roughly the same time, including a "megadrought in China and the Middle East [that] was a possible trigger of the collapse of several civilisations".

"We want to know if there is any link between these climatic events," Ms Bebchuk said.

"Are the megadroughts in Asia and the Middle East possibly related to the rapid sea level rise in northern Europe? Was this a global climate event, or was it a series of unrelated regional changes?

"We don't yet know what could have caused these climate events, but these trees could be an important part of solving this detective story."

Professor Ulf Buntgen, the senior author of the study, said: "This is such a unique climate and environmental archive that will provide lots of opportunities for future studies, and it's right from Cambridge's own backyard.

"We often travel all over the world to collect ice cores or ancient trees, but it's really special to find such a unique archive so close to the office."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
Ukraine's Ministries of Defence and Digital Transformation have established an interagency working group to build military engineering and fortification structures with involvement from businesses that are prepared to sponsor the construction of two to three lines.

Source: Press service of Ukraines Defence Ministry; Mykhailo Fedorov, Digital Transformation Minister, on Telegram

Quote: "The interim advisory body will coordinate the efforts of all military command and control bodies and central and local executive authorities with regard to the building of military engineering and fortification structures to ensure that the work in this area is systematic."

Details: The group is reportedly planning to implement reform to define areas of responsibility.

This means that military formations will build fortifications at the first line of defence, while the State Agency for Infrastructure Recovery and Development will build them at the second or third lines with the involvement of private contractors.

The working group has already established a volunteer business community that has expressed willingness to act as sponsors to provide prompt assistance in constructing fortifications in the hottest areas.

A proposal will be put forward to the government regarding the approval of a new effective model for the construction of fortifications with funds sourced from the State Agency for Infrastructure Recovery and Development, oblast military administrations, and private contractors.

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Developer Rishi Kapoors first luxury condominium high-rise project near downtown Coral Gables looked like a picture of success from the outside.

Wealthy buyers flocked to the 39-unit, 13-story building  with a resort-style pool, saunas, weight rooms and other fitness amenities  which appeared to be completed last year.

One of them was Daniel Flores, a Miami businessman who signed a purchase agreement in December 2021 with Kapoors development company, 515 Valencia SPE, to acquire a penthouse unit on the 12th floor for $6 million.

But after putting down at least $4 million towards the purchase and upgrades on the penthouse, Flores finds himself unable to complete the transaction and move in because the unit isnt completed and Kapoors signature project at 515 Valencia Ave. is entangled in liens and lawsuits involving lenders, investors and contractors, according to a breach-of-contract suit filed by Flores company, Mironest CG LLC.

In the suit, Mironest claims that Kapoor  who was forced out as the CEO of his parent development company, Location Ventures, in July amid scrutiny by local and federal investigators looking into his ties to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and others  diverted the buyers money to his own firm and never completed the interior work on the penthouse.

Mironest claims the unit was supposed to be completed by October 2022, as promised in Flores purchase contract.

READ MORE: FBI investigates developers payments to Miamis mayor as SEC digs into companys finances

Mironest also alleges the seller is in default on the contract, noting that the penthouse is uninhabitable: A photo included in the suit shows that the unit is a blank, concrete shell with minimal framing. Legally speaking, Flores attorneys say, even if Flores and his family wanted to move into penthouse unit 1202, the city of Coral Gables would be unable to issue a certificate of occupancy.

Nearly two years since Flores signed the purchase contract, the apartment is nowhere close to finished, says the suit, filed earlier this month in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. Construction was stymied to a halt by what [the buyer] now knows to be a massive fraud perpetuated by Mr. Kapoor, 515 Valencia SPE, Location Ventures and others, including the projects general contractor, investors and lenders, the lawsuit alleges.

Reached by email Friday, Kapoor rejected the allegations in the lawsuit, saying it is an attempt by buyers Daniel and Rebecca Flores to throw anything at the wall to prevent the loss of their penthouse purchase.

Kapoor said the couple took over a year to finalize custom plans for their unit, countering that these threshold issues and delays fundamentally contributed to the Villa Valencia team ... being unable to [make] progress [on] permitting and the buildout, unlike the successful completion of 36 other units in the building.

Unfortunately, those delays ran them into the current issues, he added. I have no personal involvement in the matter, and I wish the remaining parties could work together for an amicable resolution with a buyer apparently willing to close.

READ MORE: Former executive at firm that paid Suarez $170K says CEO improperly redirected loan funds

Since Kapoors departure as Location Ventures CEO, his development company has been temporarily taken over by a former Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge, Alan Fine, who was hired by the firms board of directors to liquidate assets and pay off creditors. In an interview this week, Fine told the Miami Herald that that there has been a breach of the buyers contract to acquire the penthouse unit and that hes willing to turn over a quit claim deed to Flores transferring ownership to him based on what he has paid so far. Under those terms, however, Flores would have to complete the interior work on the penthouse unit at his own expense, he said.

Fine described Flores lawsuit as an opening salvo to get those liens cleared, but he added: We cant clear those liens for him.

Jennifer Recine, a lawyer with the New York law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres, which is representing Flores company in the suit, said that Fines offer on the quit claim deed is hollow because the liens on the condo property as a whole still pose significant barriers to the buyer taking ownership of the penthouse unit.

Recine said that her client rejected Fines offer because it doesnt go nearly far enough to resolve all the legal problems preventing him from attaining ownership of the penthouse and moving into it.

Location Ventures and 515 Valencia SPE, LLC should be seeking to invalidate liens and claw back monies paid improperly to contractors, other insiders, and even shareholders, Recine said in a statement provided to the Miami Herald on Friday. If they did so, they could deliver clean title to Mironest CG, in which case Mironest CG remains fully prepared to step in and fit out the concrete box that is Unit 1202 of Villa Valencia, so its owners can finally move into their home.

But Recine said that Location Ventures and 515 Valencia SPE refuse to do so, claiming to now be insolvent despite collecting over $104 million in sales and deposits from Villa Valencia buyers.

This picture included as an exhibit in the lawsuit filed this month by Mironest CG LLC purportedly shows the interior of one of the two penthouses planned on the 12th floor of Villa Valencia, a project by Location Ventures. Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts

In total, property records show that almost all of the 39 units at Villa Valencia have been sold for $1.5 million to $6 million over the past three years, with closings completed and buyers moving into their units. The exceptions are the two penthouses on the 12th floor, and the single penthouse on the 13th floor. While Flores is trying to acquire his penthouse through a court action, the other two penthouses remain unsold. All three have unfinished interiors.

To complete the interiors of those penthouse units, which promised to deliver substantial profits on the Villa Valencia project, Location Ventures and its development entity, 515 Valencia SPE, borrowed about $2.7 million from a Coral Gables private lender, Robert Gutlohn. They also still owed Gutlohn another $1 million on a prior loan for Villa Valencia.

In recent months, Gutlohns lending companies have sued Location Ventures or Kapoor over a series of loans for a handful of luxury condo projects in Miami-Dade County, including Villa Valencia. According to one lawsuit, Gutlohn is seeking to foreclose on the three unsold penthouse units at Villa Valencia to recover the debt on his loans.

RELATED CONTENT: Developer who hired Mayor Suarez has lost his company  and now may lose his $6M home

Gutlohn also sued Kapoor in a foreclosure action on his $6 million waterfront home in the Cocoplum area of Coral Gables because, Gutlohn says, he has failed to keep up on his mortgage payments.

In the latest suit, Flores company, Mironest, accused Kapoor of misappropriating Gutlohns loan to complete the interiors of the penthouse units at Villa Valencia. Instead of using the Gutlohn financing to complete construction of the remaining floors, including [Flores unit 1202] defendant Kapoor stole the monies to repay [Location Ventures] stakeholders.

In addition to Flores claim, another Villa Valencia condo buyer, Juan Gronlier, has sued 515 Valencia SPE and Kapoor, accusing the developer of selling his nearly $2 million condo unit on which he had made a down payment of $792,000 to another buyer and then withholding his deposit.
The battle among Democrats over U.S. policy on Israel has found a new front this month in the form of liberal calls to set conditions on any new military aid delivered to Tel Aviv.

A number of leading progressives in both the House and Senate have warned in recent days that they would oppose any aid package that fails to apply new limits on Israels forceful engagement with Palestinians in the wake of Hamass brutal attacks on Israeli civilians last month, including strikes in Gaza that have killed thousands more Palestinian civilians.

Behind Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the liberal critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus tactics want to withhold new aid to his government unless it agrees to new constraints designed to minimize those civilian casualties.

The blank check approach must end, Sanders wrote in a New York Times op-ed published Wednesday. The United States must make clear that while we are friends of Israel, there are conditions to that friendship and that we cannot be complicit in actions that violate international law and our own sense of decency.

The demands have sparked a backlash from some of Capitol Hills most ardent pro-Israel Democrats, who are lashing out at the pro-Palestinian bloc with warnings that restricting Israels response to the Oct. 7 attacks would only empower Hamas, which the United States deems a terrorist group, and heighten the threat it poses to Israel.

Neither Palestinians nor Israelis will know peace so long as Hamas holds hostages, controls Gaza, and retains its ability to attack Israelis, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), a staunch Israel supporter, said over the weekend. Conditioning aid to Israel will move peace further away, threatening both Israeli and Palestinian lives rather than saving them.

The internal clash has highlighted the long-standing Democratic divisions when it comes to the decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict, creating fresh challenges for party leaders, including President Biden, who are backing Israels forceful response while also scrambling to placate the liberal critics  a key branch of the partys base  who are accusing Israel of committing human rights crimes in Gaza.

Those ruptures have been on full display within the House Democratic Caucus since Oct. 7, arising during a pair of votes to affirm Congresss support for Israel  both rhetorically and financially  and later in another series of votes that ended in the formal censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), one of just three Muslims in Congress and the only Palestinian American, for her sharp criticisms of Israel.

The tense debate is sure to resurface in the coming weeks when Democratic leaders are hoping to approve Bidens $14.3 billion request for Israel aid  part of a much broader proposal that also features military funding for Ukraine and humanitarian assistance in Gaza  in the short window that remains before years end.

Sanders, a liberal icon with an army of followers, foreshadowed the tough battle to come when he issued a statement over the weekend outlining the stipulations needed to win his support for more Israel aid.

His six-point plan calls for an immediate end to what he considers indiscriminate bombing in Gaza thats resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians; a significant pause in Israels military operations to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid; affirmation that displaced Gazan families will retain the right to return to their homes; assurances that Israel will neither continue its blockade on Gaza, nor occupy the region long-term, when the hostilities end; a prohibition on the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank; and a commitment to earnest peace talks designed to clinch an elusive two-state solution.

The Netanyahu government, or hopefully a new Israeli government, must understand that not one penny will be coming to Israel from the U.S. unless there is a fundamental change in their military and political positions, Sanders said in the statement.

He is hardly alone. Alongside Tlaib, a number of House liberals  many of them representing the far-left squad  have also been highly critical of Israels historic policies toward Palestinians broadly and Netanyahus handling of the current military operations in Gaza in particular.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) argued that the United States applies conditions to virtually all other  allies, and doing the same toward Israel is simply the responsible course to ensure that American taxpayers arent financing human rights abuses.

The United States has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that public resources do not facilitate gross violations of human rights and international law, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Israels most vocal Democratic defenders have different ideas. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (Fla.), a first-term lawmaker, denounced the conditional approach, vowing to block any such provisions from an Israel aid package if they were under consideration in the House.

I am absolutely for humanitarian aid to Gaza, Moskowitz wrote on X. But if Bernie Sanders puts political requirements on the Aid to Israel, I will work in the House to remove those conditions or condition Aid to Gaza that requires the removal of Hamas.

The Democratic collision over Israel reflects the broader debate around the country, pitting those supporting Israels military strategy, in the name of self-defense and self-preservation, against those critical of Tel Avivs human rights record in Gaza and the West Bank.

That debate has grown more fierce as both the country and Congress have grown more diverse. Some lawmakers said its only natural that the conversation would change with the arrival of new members with distinctive backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Weve never had this before, said Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), a member of the squad. Weve never had three Muslims before, two Muslim women before. So if weve never had that  its going to be very contentious and difficult and challenging to understand each other on Day One.

My hope is that on Day 1,000 there is a collective understanding and we begin to have conversations that center on empathy and compassion and humanity  for all people. And we dont have that right now. Its pro-Israel, and thats it, he continued. We dont even talk about the occupation, the conditions in Gaza, the 50 percent poverty, the 50 percent children, a siege happening when the language thats being used is clearly to dehumanize, conflating Hamas with Palestinian.

Thats whats happening  from the White House on down.

Across the aisle, Republicans are largely united in their support for Israel aid, though there are disagreements within the GOP over whether the new funding should be accompanied by other budget changes designed to defray the costs.

Newly installed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), as his first legislative act with the gavel, passed a $14.3 billion Israel package earlier in the month, which also featured steep cuts in IRS funding to satisfy conservatives  an addendum that added billions of dollars to deficit spending and eroded almost all support from Democrats.

The next steps on Israel aid are expected to begin in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats who oppose any offsets to emergency spending bills. It remains unclear how, or if, Johnson would bring such a bill to the House floor and risk a conservative revolt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Lord Cameron was reportedly paid as much as 7 million over three years working as an adviser to Greensill - Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, was dragged into a new lobbying row on Friday over claims that Britains pharmacies could go bust without a Covid bailout from finance company Greensill Capital.

The threat to pharmacies during the pandemic was investigated by the Treasury, which authorised payments to keep them afloat.

As part of its business model, Greensill paid pharmacies earlier than if they waited for the NHS to reimburse them for prescriptions. Greensill would then collect its money from the NHS, having already taken its cut.

The prospect of pharmacies being shut alarmed ministers at a time when they were needed for the rollout of Covid vaccines. Greensill, which employed Lord Cameron as an adviser, went bust in March 2021 at a time when millions of people needed the jabs.

Rishi Sunak, who was then chancellor, was so alarmed he asked Richard Sharp, an adviser in the Treasury and former Goldman Sachs banker, to investigate.

It is understood Mr Sharp began phoning the major pharmacy chains - about 30 in total - and found only a handful used Greensills Pharmacy Early Payment Scheme facility.

Mr Sharp, who was subsequently appointed chairman of the BBC, concluded there was little risk of pharmacies closing without the Greensill loans.

The Treasury authorised the NHS to make payments to ensure the few affected stayed afloat.

In the year before Greensill went bust, Lord Cameron had run an intensive lobbying campaign to try to ensure the financing company was given access to Covid loans.

The re-igniting of the lobbying row casts a spotlight on Lord Cameron following his return to government as Foreign Secretary.

It is reported Lord Cameron was paid as much as 7 million over three years working as an adviser to Greensill.

In one text message to Sir Tom Scholar, the former permanent secretary to the Treasury, Lord Cameron highlighted Greensills role in paying pharmacies early.

In the message, sent on April 2 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, Lord Cameron wrote as part of a lobbying campaign to secure access to cheap Government loans for Greensill:

The Treasury refused Greensills application for cheap loans under its Covid Corporate Financing facility.

In a message to Sir Charles Roxburgh, the then second permanent secretary to the Treasury, an official whose name has been redacted in emails released as part of a parliamentary investigation, wrote on March 21 2020 of his scepticism over the need for Government to extend loan facilities to Greensill.

The official questioned why Lex Greensill, the founder of Greensill, had not been able to agree to share a list of the largest investors whose cash flow had dried up during Covid. I may be being unduly sceptical, wrote the official, adding: It would be very useful to know what the Banks instincts are. The official also requested information on their importance to the NHS (in particular advances to pharmacies) that would be helpful.

A subsequent parliamentary inquiry found that only 14 per cent of pharmacies participated in the scheme, far fewer than the Departments [Department of Health] anticipated participation rates of 60-80 per cent.

Neither scheme delivered what it promised

The report by the Public Accounts Committee said that both the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS took up schemes Lex Greensill advised the government on and promoted through his company - Greensill Capital - from 2018 until the companys collapse in March 2021.

But the report concluded: Neither scheme delivered what it promised and there was no clear rationale for why they were introduced.

It went on: The Pharmacy Earlier Payment Scheme was introduced to accelerate reimbursement through use of a private financing arrangement. Lex Greensill advised government that this would deliver savings of 100 million per year. But the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department) cannot provide evidence of any realised benefits.

Other inquiries into the collapse of Greensill and Lord Camerons lobbying on its behalf found the former prime minister had bombarded ministers and officials with 68 messages - including 19 calls, texts and emails in one day - in his bid to increase access to Covid loans for the firm.

In various messages he said he was genuinely baffled by the Treasurys refusal, and described the decision as bonkers, nuts and likely to be based on a simple misunderstanding that I can explain.

In a subsequent statement, Lord Cameron said by making representations to Government on behalf of Greensill, he was breaking no codes of conduct and no Government rules.

He stressed his proposals were not taken up by the Government, but sought to clarify the use of messages and email, as a means of communication.

I understand that concern, but context is important: at that time the Government was - quite rightly - making rapid decisions about the best way to support the real economy and welcomed real time information and dialogue, he said.

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Brothers Zachary Green, from left, and Joshua Green, co-founders of MYSA speaks with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the Genesis Demonstration Fair at the Emera Innovation Exchange during the Canada-EU Summit in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP)

ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland (AP)  Canada and the European Union said Friday they are making strides toward new partnerships on green energy, digital transformation and research funding, as a Canada-EU Summit got underway in the Atlantic coast province of Newfoundland.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during opening remarks Thursday evening that Canada is joining Horizon Europe, a $100 billion scientific research program. Afterward, the two parties said in a joint statement on Friday that substantive negotiations are complete and they are working toward its prompt signature and implementation.

Canadian companies are already benefiting from Horizon and have for many years, but there is much more that well be able to access now that we are full partners, Trudeau said.

It is an exciting articulation of what have been long-standing partnerships between scientists on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ottawa and Brussels started negotiations on Canada joining it a year ago, with an initial goal of signing the agreement this past spring.

Canada has also worked out a deal to build water bombers and ship them to the EU, after both regions faced devastating forest fires this past summer.

And Canada and the EU have announced what they are calling a new Green Alliance, which is focused on deepening existing partnerships on fighting climate change, halting biodiversity loss and intensifying technological and scientific co-operation.

A new digital partnership was also part of the package of announcements on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Canada is a perfect match for Europes resource needs, and she urged Ottawa to join a global partnership on the issue that the EU will launch within weeks.

Trudeau also said Canada and the EU are committed to helping Ukraine continue in its fight against the Russian invasion, and announced that Canada is donating additional small arms and ammunition to the country.

___

Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
(Bloomberg) -- Canada is looking to restore ties with President Nicolas Maduros socialist government in Venezuela, falling in line with other allies after a push to install a rival leader collapsed.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government has long opposed Maduros regime, sanctioning the president in 2017 before many other Group of Seven peers. Canada enthusiastically backed the US-led effort to install former National Assembly President Juan Guaido as Venezuelas leader, but that effort failed and Guaido was ousted by the opposition in January.

Since then, western nations have reassessed their stance toward Maduros regime. The US suspended sanctions on oil, gas and gold last month as a gesture of goodwill ahead of a Nov. 30 deadline for Maduro to clear a path for all opposition candidates to run in next years election and to release political prisoners.

Now, Trudeaus administration is preparing to open up lines of communication with Venezuela as part of a new pragmatic approach to diplomacy and an effort to engage with non-like-minded countries, according to an internal Canadian government memo seen by Bloomberg.

Canada is seeking to reestablish diplomatic relations with Venezuela, the government says in the document, which summarizes a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and her Peruvian counterpart at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. An agreement has been reached to send lower-level diplomats to Venezuela and vice versa, but a final decision on restoring ties will hinge on the Venezuelan government delivering on its pledge to hold free elections.

The move would represent a sharp turnaround in the Trudeau governments approach to Venezuela since it refused to replace its ambassador in 2018 after Maduros reelection in a vote Canada called illegitimate and anti-democratic. But the cautious reopening of diplomatic channels would also keep the northern nation in lockstep with its allies.

Canadas foreign-affairs department is recommending to Jolys office that it reopen lines of communication with Venezuela through limited, low-level engagement, according a person familiar with the plan who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters. The level of engagement would be lower than that of the US, which is awaiting Maduros response after temporarily easing sanctions, as well as the UK, whose embassy is open as it continues to engage directly with the regime.

The person said being able to directly communicate with Venezuela would allow Canada to better defend its interests in Latin America, including supporting Canadians in the country. The approach is still under consideration, the person said.

Perus foreign ministry declined to comment on the issue. It recognized Maduro in 2021, four years after launching the Lima Group effort that Trudeaus government aggressively championed in hopes of finding a peaceful solution to the democratic crisis in Venezuela. Canada hosted a meeting of the Lima Group in 2019 and Guaido visited Ottawa the following year.

A spokesperson for Trudeaus foreign ministry said Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing political, social and economic crisis in Venezuela, but welcomes the Maduro governments deal with the opposition to set the stage for fair elections.

We are closely monitoring developments in Venezuela and expect Venezuelan authorities to show clear signs that they are implementing the agreement in good faith, Jean-Pierre Godbout said in a statement. Canada will work with our international and other partners to address the urgent needs of all Venezuelans inside and outside their country and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

--With assistance from Marcelo Rochabrun and Patricia Laya.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Candace Owens lost support from a group that helped launch her career bashing Black people after her comments about the Israel-Gaza War received a rebuke from David Horowitz, the founder of the conservative anti-Islam group David Horowitz Freedom Center.

Horowitz wrote a statement published by Front Page Magazine accusing Owens of comparing Israel to the South during segregation and implying that the Israeli government was committing genocide against Palestinians. He also condemned Black Lives Matter for what he calls ignorant Apartheid State slander.

Candace Owens on Instagram. (Photo: @realcandaceowens / Instagram)

Horowitz stated he discovered Owens on YouTube before she became a national figure after meeting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at a DHFC event. The 84-year-old continued by saying he now is so disappointed in what she has become.

The conservative went on to condemn Owens for giving a platform to anti-Israel voices like Andrew Tate and accuse her of promoting Hamas genocidal lies.

For example, she has falsely compared Israel to the segregated South. This is the sort of ignorant Apartheid State slander that we expect from Black Lives Matter  and the Jew-killers of the Middle East, he wrote. When Candace implied that Israel was engaged in genocide for defending itself against the atrocities committed by Hamas, thats the kind of genocidal lie we expect to hear from Hamas.

Horowitz added that Owens, who remains a commentator for The Daily Wire, a conservative media magazine founded by Ben Shapiro, was obsessed with her own fame and playing the victim for financial gain and publicity.

Candace Owens has become obsessed with her own fame, stirring up drama to compensate for a lack of real achievement, he continued. Her comments about Israel and her promotion of people like Andrew Tate are part of a pattern. Candace tackles a subject she knows nothing about, never bothers to learn anything about it, and then rides the backlash by playing the victim to generate more fame and money.

Owens announced on Twitter that she did not support George Floyd and the medias depiction of him as a martyr for black America after he was murdered by officers from the Minneapolis Police Department in 2020. She was also a staunch Donald Trump supporter who was widely criticized for her negative views on the Black community.

X users reacted to the news on the former Twitter platform and noted the irony of Owens being condemned by the group.

See how racist they all are, wrote one. They funded her talking about Black people, and now they are trying to silence her when shes talking about them.

Candace Owens has been dropped by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, which helped put her on the map. David Horowitz is a long-time anti-black racist who claims to oppose political correctness. And now hes canceling Candace Owens for her free speech, added another.

Owens also recently butted heads with Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro over her stance on Israels invasion of Gaza.

Candace, if you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means quit. https://t.co/qachKhAuHo  Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 15, 2023

More than 13,300 people have died in Gaza since Israel began bombing the area following a surprise attack by Hamas fighters on Oct. 7 that killed some 1,200 Israelis. According to Reuters, Hamas also took 240 hostages, but the two sides agreed to a four-day cease-fire that began on Nov. 24.

Hamas released 13 hostages on Friday, and Israel will release 150 Palestinian women and children who are detained in Israel.

On Nov. 3, Owens wrote on X, No government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever. There is no justification for a genocide. I cant believe this even needs to be said or is even considered the least bit controversial to state.

No government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever.



There is no justification for a genocide.



I cant believe this even needs to be said or is even considered the least bit controversial to state.  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) November 3, 2023

Horowitz ended his statement with, Goodbye Candace, we will continue to support those who truly strive to raise up the movement for liberty and life, not selfishly tear it apart.
Of all the names that might be on the ballot next year running for Cook County states attorney, one that will assuredly not be is Kim Foxx.

Yet the political shadow of the outgoing states attorney will loom large over the March primary election as potential successors will be measured up against Foxxs roles as both an unabashed leader in the national progressive prosecution movement and a frequent focus of barbs about Chicago crime.

So far, three candidates have announced campaigns to replace Foxx, though that list might grow throughout the next week as hopefuls must begin turning in petitions to be placed on the ballot.

Theres no doubt Foxxs policies during her two terms in office  unwinding wrongful convictions, emphasizing mitigation and rehabilitation rather than high conviction rates alone, a shift from prosecuting lower-level and nonviolent crimes, and staunch support of the statewide elimination of cash bail  will become major issues on the trail.

Though one has received backing from Foxx mentor Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, both Democrats in the race began their legal careers in the states attorneys office and are campaigning for a more balanced approach to prosecutions and progressivism. Still, both also say they will keep in place many of Foxxs policies, such as community courts and first-time offender diversion.

While neither is seeking the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, both Democrats have spoken about resetting relations with the Chicago Police Department as well as the need to boost morale in the office after months of attrition.

The two tout different strengths.

After spending nearly her entire career in and around the courtroom as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and judge, Eileen ONeill Burke argues her breadth of experience makes her the right fit to oversee an office of more than 1,400.

Clayton Harris III, who is backed by Preckwinkle and the Cook County Democratic Party, argues his management skills from multiple stints across Illinois government and his time in policing policy and in academia make him the best choice.

The race also has attracted one declared Republican, former Chicago alderman and attorney Bob Fioretti, who has described Foxxs tenure as a disaster that turned the office into a social service agency instead of the prosecuting arm of the people.

ONeill Burke: Quietly competent

Of the two Democrats running for the office, ONeill Burke puts a stronger emphasis on getting violent crime under control.

Raised in a family of cops  her father, grandfather and great-grandfather were police officers  ONeill Burke said in a late September interview she knew when pursuing her degree at the Chicago-Kent College of Law that she wanted to focus on criminal law. Its there she met her husband, attorney John Burke, now a partner at Ice Miller.

ONeill Burke joined the states attorneys office in 1991 and stayed for a decade. She handled heavier juvenile cases and took them through investigation, trial and sentencing, also working in appeals and felony review. After having twins, her third and fourth children, she moved to criminal defense and eventually started her own practice. The change, she said, helped balance her viewpoints and better inform her decision-making as a judge.

In 2008, she ran for a judicial position in Cook County Circuit Court and handled an array of assignments, bouncing from civil court to criminal court, preliminary hearings and the law division. In 2016, she ran unopposed for the states 1st District Appellate Court in Cook County, where she remained until stepping down this summer.

A big believer in the recently passed but controversial SAFE-T Act reforms to bail practices, ONeill Burke said she would plan to ask for detention and jail time in cases where defendants  including first-time offenders  were in possession of automatic weapons or guns with an extended magazine or bump stock.

For accused juveniles, she said she would move to mandate after-school activities such as job training or trade school so they are busy until 10 oclock at night.

She said she would request detention for those charged with armed robberies, carjackings or violent crimes on the CTA.

I have four children. My hearts in my throat every time theyre taking the CTA. Thats not right, she said.

She also signaled she would end Foxxs early policy not to prosecute certain shoplifting offenses as felonies unless the value of the stolen goods is over $1,000. Its not appropriate to say were not going to enforce the law as it is written, she said. The deterrence for crime is not the severity of punishment. Its the certainty of a consequence. People have to be held accountable.

ONeill Burke also pledged to bring a twofold approach to the office: a felony prosecution bureau for the hard chargers who want to be trial attorneys and a restorative justice bureau that would handle nonviolent cases such as juvenile, drug and mental health-related cases, with a focus on actually getting people back on track.

This approach, she said, would be key to attracting a range of attorneys who want to chart careers as public defenders, in public interest advocacy law or in trial law.

The office struggled with prosecutor churn after the pandemic, though numbers have improved. As of mid-October, the office had 90 vacant assistant states attorney positions out of a budgeted 797.

Whats pushing that attrition? ONeill says overwork from too-heavy caseloads and smaller teams working each case, a sentiment Foxx has agreed with.

During her October budget hearing, Foxx noted she requested fewer attorneys  783  and shifted funding to hire more paralegals and administrative staff members to ease the burden of paperwork and data entry. Through Nov. 1, criminal and special prosecutors had the highest caseload: 334 per attorney, according to Foxxs office, while civil attorneys each had 101 new cases this year and juvenile attorneys had 76.

Of Foxxs national status, ONeill Burke said she planned to be the opposite: Kim became very much an icon. She has a beautiful back story. She is an articulate speaker and she became a nationwide icon. Im not gonna be an icon.

Government is supposed to keep our citizens safe. And were not doing that now. If we can get our crime rates down, and people want to pay attention, thats great, ONeill Burke said. Im gonna be quietly competent in this office. Thats where I want to go with it.

Harris: Safety and justice

A military brat, Clayton Harris III initially studied aerospace technology at Middle Tennessee State University. His early resume included a stint at the Pentagon working on ballistic missile defense before pursuing a law degree at Howard University.

His initial goal was to become a lawyer helping adjudicate international outer space disputes. He ended up much closer to the ground. In 1998, between his second and third year of law school, he interned as a clerk at the states attorneys office, and then became an assistant states attorney in 1999. He stayed with the office for less than four years, but during that time worked on criminal appeals, traffic, preliminary hearings and narcotics special prosecutions.

The same reason he left is the one that brings him back, he said: It was taxing to just see Black men coming through the system constantly. Period. Just Black men.

One day I was standing in arraignments at 26th Street, and the defendant was Clayton Harris. I mean, it was just surreal, he said.

In another incident, a police officer was asked to identify a suspect during trial.

He never turned, he just says, Yeah, the African American male to my left, standing about 6 feet tall. Hes about 180 pounds. Baldheaded with a goatee. And I was like, Well, you just described me. And he looked at me and said, Oh, and IDOC jumpsuit, Harris recalled. It just stirred something in me.

When given an opportunity to work in intergovernmental affairs in Mayor Richard M. Daleys office in 2003, Harris took it. He organized for more stringent assault weapons laws and better criminal sexual assault laws before becoming general counsel at the Chicago Department of Transportation in 2005. He then became chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he oversaw the 2006 reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, at the time the biggest road rehab in Chicagos history.

From there, Harris became deputy chief of staff for infrastructure in Gov. Rod Blagojevichs administration, right before the collapse.

The day Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris (no relation), were arrested, Harris recalled getting a strange text message on his way into work at the Thompson Center that morning, Is it true? And then he got an odd look from a state trooper in the building. Federal agents had swarmed the governors offices. Harris recalls gathering employees in a conference room, setting up workstations and asking at least one person to stop crying.

I was like, You werent arrested. You havent done anything wrong. Youve got to do your job. Thats how I became chief of staff, he recalls. The chaos continued, however, including an incident in which he said he was directed by Blagojevich to fire the entire legal department. He didnt.

Harris doesnt highlight his work for Blagojevich on campaign materials.

That omission is because people will take it and run with it under a very specific narrative, Harris said, adding he was not close to the former governor, never contributed to his campaign funds and didnt work on his political campaigns.

Really, my role was keeping the state operating, he said.

After Gov. Pat Quinn cleaned house of Blagojevich-affiliated officials at the state, Harris went to work in intergovernmental affairs at the construction firm CH2M Hill, later was the executive director of the Illinois International Port District and then moved to ride-share company Lyft, where he worked for two years in intergovernmental relations.

That work included increasing access to rides in disenfranchised communities and launching discussions about getting partial benefits for independent contractors, he said.

Harris also began lecturing at the University of Chicago in 2009, teaching Process and Policy in City and State Government and Policing in America: Black, White and Blue.

Harris said he would continue Foxxs programs to divert first-time and nonviolent offenders, and also keep community courts. But he also would seek to regularly highlight special prosecutions of organized crime, gun offenses and carjackings, he said.

I think its important to tell our story so that people know that their states attorney is ensuring that they are safe, he said. My platform is very simple: safety and justice. But safety doesnt necessarily mean just going out and arresting everyone and certainly doesnt mean everyone goes to jail because theyve been arrested. So it is holding everyone accountable, but its how we hold them accountable.

Hed also work to bridge gaps in the relationship between the office and law enforcement.

He said he has already met with the FOP to discuss changing the narrative that the states attorney is not prosecuting the cases that the police are bringing forward.

Fioretti: Ive got your back

Bob Fioretti faces an uphill battle. Not only have voters rejected his candidacies for mayor of Chicago, Cook County Board president and states attorney since he left the City Council in 2015, no Republican has won the race since Jack OMalley in 1992, and no Republicans currently hold countywide office.

Fioretti is a graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Law and a partner at the firm Roth Fioretti, where he has focused on civil litigation.

Even so, Fioretti, a former Democrat and founding member of the City Councils progressive caucus, said he believes persistent worries about crime and its impact on the citys reputation as a business and tourism hub will win over voters from both parties.

To the experienced prosecutors who have left in frustration, come back. I will extend an offer to reinstate you at the same grade and level as if you had never left, he said at his campaign launch earlier this month. To the police officers out there, Ive got your back.

He sees no difference between Foxx and the two Democratic candidates.

They want to keep the same system and they have nothing to offer, he said.

Its unclear whether Fioretti will be the only name on Republican primary ballots.

Former state lawmaker Jim Durkin, who led the Republican minority in the Illinois House for nearly a decade before stepping down in January, has said he is still mulling a bid.

aquig@chicagotribune.com
A family traveling from Las Vegas to LA got stranded in the desert after following Google Maps.

Along with several other cars, they were led down an off-road trail. They eventually called 911.

In the end, they abandoned their vehicle and had to fly home, according to a TikTok.

A family ended up calling 911 for help after Google Maps led them into the middle of the Mojave Desert, leaving them stranded for several hours and badly damaging their car.

Shelby Easler was traveling back to Los Angeles with her family on November 19 after attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Her brother, Austin, was driving and used Google Maps to try to find an alternative route back after it told them that a dust storm was causing delays on Interstate 15, according to SFGate.

"We were just listening to Google Maps," Easler said in a TikTok video shared on Wednesday.

The group followed the navigation app only to be led down an off-road rail, with the TikTok video showing several other cars being similarly misled.

"We were kind of sheep and we were just following the cars in front of us because we were like, it must lead somewhere," Easler said in the video.

She added that their attempts to turn the car around were unsuccessful because "the path was dug into the ground" and because other stranded vehicles were blocking them in.

"We kind of got pinned," she said.

At one point, Easler said the car in front managed to turn around and started trying to cut a path through bushes.

They followed, but the attempt led to their car getting "so scratched up" before they eventually got trapped again, according to Easler's TikTok.

In the video, she said the family eventually decided to call 911 because they were "pretty far out in the desert, it was getting late," and they were out of ideas on how to get home.

According to SFGate, the California Highway Patrol then told them they weren't able to help because they were occupied dealing with the ongoing dust storm.

The CHP did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment, which was sent outside of working hours.

Eventually, after being stranded for several hours, the Easler family made it to a gas station. She said in the video that their car was badly damaged by the journey and that they had to wait for it to be towed.

They ended up leaving the vehicle in Nevada and flying home instead, Easler said.

She told SFGate: "In the future, I'll stick to the road I know and double-check somewhere else if the route seems sketchy."

Easler did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
A Caribou Coffee shop will open Tuesday, Nov. 28, in Brookfield, and customers can get a dollar off certain drinks in its first month of business.

The newest location of the coffeehouse franchise, at 17065 W. Capitol Drive, will feature a drive-thru and both indoor and outdoor seating, according to a news release. The Brookfield shop will be Wisconsin's 21st Caribou Coffee location.

When does Brookfield's Caribou Coffee open?

Tuesday, Nov. 28, will be the first day the chain's new location will open, but the store will have a grand opening celebration on Friday, Dec. 1.

What will the hours be for the Caribou Coffee in Brookfield?

Here are the hours of operation for the new coffeehouse:

Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How to get $1 off your Caribou Coffee at the Brookfield coffeehouse:

Guests who visit the Brookfield location in its first month of business can get $1 off certain Caribou Coffee drinks:

Nov. 28 to Dec. 2: $1 off a hot or iced medium mocha.

Dec 3 to 9: $1 off a medium Espresso Shaker, including the new Ho Ho Mint Mocha Espresso Shaker.

Dec. 10 to 16: $1 off hot or iced medium Crafted Press.

Dec. 17 to 23: $1 off a medium Caramel High Rise.

Additionally, for every visit on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, Caribou will donate $1 to Childrens Wisconsin.

The Brookfield Caribou Coffee location is hiring for team members and shift leaders and those interested in employment can learn more online, according to the release.

You can reach Bridget Fogarty at bfogarty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brookfield's new Caribou Coffee opens on Nov. 28
The sight of hostages being freed by Hamas is a hugely welcome sight. For almost seven weeks they must have endured the very worst things imaginable. The prospect of a ceasefire, too, will bring other advantages: the international community can lead the humanitarian effort and get aid required to feed, shelter, and get hospitals up and running again. Our very own Foreign and Commonwealth Office, led by the admirable Andrew Mitchell are, apparently looking at all means to get aid into Gaza from the air, sea and by road. There are enough Royal Navy assets off the coast and aircraft in Cyprus to lead this effort, which presumably Lord Cameron is organising on his gallop around the Middle East.

Yet it is vital to remember that a lasting peace in the Middle East needs to not only recover 240 hostages but also to neutralise Hamas. That effort must not be allowed to be derailed.

So far, the Israeli Defence Force has achieved many notable successes to destroy the terrorists capabilities. Hamas are increasingly politically isolated as a result of their military failures; the Iranians publicly withdrew support, and there are even protests by Palestinians in Gaza against them. It only seems to be Putin in his lair in Moscow, and Hamas leaders living in luxury in Qatar who are urging their foot soldiers on. Not even Hezbollah has their back.

This juxtaposition between the terrorist fighters on the ground and their backers holding their coats at a distance truly signals an end to their tyranny. Successful leadership in war is achieved at the front not from afar, even for terrorists. But Hamass leaders stand no chance of entering the country safely. So it really is only a matter of time, as things stand.

The only way Hamas can survive, therefore, is if Israel is forced to stop their operation due to international pressure. This is not implausible. The longer the pause lasts, the harder it may be for Israel to receive backing to continue destroying the terrorist enclaves. The deal that has been struck will allow this peace to last for some time if Hamas continues to release hostages; at a certain point, that may not be to Israels advantage.

Those thousands of people marching for a Free Palestine must see that this objective is only possible with the destruction of its biggest obstacle: radical terrorists willing to murder and kidnap children to achieve their aims. Until they do, then Hamas has a lifeline, and one they will clasp too tightly as things get increasingly desperate.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon is former Commanding Officer of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment

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Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts from sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 15. And for those days and festive nights, youre going to need something to eat and events to gather for celebrations.

The holiday  also spelled Chanukah  marks the Maccabees uprising against the Syrian Greek army and the miracle that followed. Just enough oil was found to illuminate the menorah, or lamp, in the newly rededicated Holy Temple in Jerusalem for one day, but it lasted for eight full days.

Traditional foods eaten during the Jewish celebration the include challah, brisket, latkes, rugalach and sufganiyot (which are jelly-filled doughnuts).

In the Charlotte area, there are several events planned, as well as places making food for the holiday.

Charlotte Hanukkah events in 2023

Celebrate the holiday with these gatherings in the Charlotte area:

Location: 6619 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270

When: Dec. 7-15

Activities will continue throughout Hanukkah.

Price: Varies

Location: Birkdale Village, Sam Furr Road and Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC 28078

When: Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Light up the night in celebration of Hanukkah with Birkdale Village and Chabad of Lake Norman. Enjoy childrens crafts, doughnuts, latkes and gelt and more during a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, hosted in The Grove.

Price: Free

Location: StoneCrest Shopping Centers Fountains Plaza, 7832 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

When: Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

The StoneCrest menorah lighting will include music, kids activities, latkes and donuts, plus goody bags with crafts.

Price: Free

Location: Ink N Ivy, 222 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202

When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7-10:30 p.m.

Dress in cocktail attire and head to the Chabad Young Professionals of Uptown Charlotte and the Jewish Federations Drinks + Dreidels 6.0 event. It will feature an open bar and photo booth, a doughnut and latke bar, a menorah lighting and more.

Price: Tickets start at $34 per person, and sponsorship levels are available.

Location: Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

When: Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30-9 p.m.

After the 6 p.m. Chanukah Shabbat Evening Service, join Temple Beth El for a congregation-wide Chanukah celebration. Dinner will be baked chicken, veggies, latkes and doughnuts.

Price: $15 for adults and $10 for ages 3-12, but must RSVP by Dec. 4.

Location: Levine JCC Lerner Hall, 5007 Providence Road, Unit 220, Charlotte, NC 28226

When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 9:30-11 a.m.

The family breakfast will celebrate Hanukkah with book reading, crafts, breakfast and Clifford.

Price: $10

Location: Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:30-6 p.m.

Southern Fried Chanukah will feature latkes, fried chicken and traditional candle lighting and singing.

Price: $12 for adult members and $15 for non-members; $8 for child members and $0 for non-member children. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Location: Le Meridien Charlotte, 555 S McDowell St Tower, Charlotte, NC 28204

When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

Nissim Black, an African-American convert to Orthodox Judaism formerly known as D. Black, offers storytelling and message-driven rap. The festivities begin with a menorah lighting ceremony, highlighting the core Chanukah themes of light triumphing over darkness and the holidays miraculous history.

Price: Adults are $36, and kids, teens and students are $18 for general admission. (Those who cant pay can also contact Chabad of Charlotte for assistance.) Hot dog meals are available for pre-order. VIP admission for $100 per adult or $180 per couple is available with premium seating and a backstage pass.

Location: Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105

When: Monday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.

The menorah lighting ceremony by the town of Matthews will include kids activities.

Price: Free

Location: East North Main Street at the Overhead Bridge



When: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.



Ballantyne Jewish Centers Waxhaw Menorah Lighting will include activities for the whole family, crafts, music and, of course, traditional Hanukkah doughnuts and latkes. Hot drinks will be available, too.



Price: Free





Hanukkah meals in 2023

Pre-order food for the holiday from this Charlotte business:

Location: 6619 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270

This kosher food service offers individual servings of options including bagels and lox, sandwiches, hummus bowls and salads, or deli platters for serving larger crowds.

Menu

Price: Prices vary, as items are a la carte. A bagel and lox box is $14 per person, or platters are available for 10+ people, starting at $160.

How to order: Order online

Deadline: Two hours notice is needed Monday-Thursday. Shabbat takeout orders are due Wednesday by midnight. Daily menu orders for Friday are due by Thursday midnight. Kosher Charlotte is closed Saturday and Sunday but is available for weekend catering events.

Pickup: Pickup or delivery is available.

Location: 11025 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Location: Park Road Shopping Center, 4205 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209

The bakery  which is closed at both locations Mondays and Tuesdays  will offer raspberry sufganiyot throughout December for pre-orders and walk-in customers, although the treats sell out frequently.

Menu

Price: $4.50 each

Deadline: When you set it.

Pickup: When you set it. Delivery is also available.
(Photo/Intertribal Agriculture Council)

Friday, November 24, 2023 has been designated as Native American Heritage Day. In recognition of the Native American Heritage Month, the Intertribal Agriculture Council released the following statement:

Today, Native agricultural producers are at the forefront of connecting culture to innovation and sustainability. Whether it's reinvigorating food economies, stewarding ancestral lands, or integrating regenerative practices, American Indian and Alaska Native communities are transforming the future of agriculture. These contributions extend beyond farms and ranches to influence policy change that builds the Native food connection.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Across our work nationwide, the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) celebrates the tenacity of 574+ Tribes in their efforts to reclaim agricultural heritage and preserve traditional ecological knowledge. IAC brings together individuals, farmers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, producers, and gatherers to build resilient food systems in Indian Country. In the past year, IAC addressed the need for service expansion by adding Interregional Manager positions for the Technical Assistance Network, Business Development Specialists for the American Indian Foods program, and two new positions for the Regenerative Economies program. We are committed to improving community food systems through its diverse program offerings in support of Native producers' current challenges and future opportunities.

On Native American Heritage Day, we honor the contributions of Native people for stewarding the land, taking care of their communities, and protecting the vital natural resources connected to our cultural practices. We give thanks to the Native wisdom and prevailing spirit that is creating collaborative partnerships, community-driven solutions, and rematriation of culture and food systems across Indian Country.

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Help us ensure that the celebration of Native Heritage never stops by donating here.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
One of the vigils took place in Folkestone

Vigils have been held to mark the second anniversary of a mass migrant drowning in the English Channel.

On 24 November 2021, a boat carrying 33 people sank, leaving only two survivors.

Vigils were held on beaches in Folkestone, Kent, Hastings, East Sussex and in Dunkirk and Paris in France.

The government said it was prepared to do "whatever it takes" to stop people-smugglers bringing people across the Channel.

Relatives of the victims have released an open letter, which said: "We demand that the division and fear of anti-migrant rhetoric used by some political leaders is replaced with the empathy and respect that many people and communities across Britain show to refugees every day."

Sangar, an Iraqi Kurd who made the crossing a month after the sinking, lost several friends, including one from childhood.

"I lost seven wonderful friends in that tragedy" he said. "It can never be forgotten in all my life."

Sangar lost seven friends in the drowning

This week a BBC South East investigation discovered migrants said they were not deterred from making the dangerous crossing.

Charities have called for safe routes to be created for people who want to claim asylum in the UK.

Bridget Chapman from the Kent Refugee Action Network said: "We've got to stop people feeling like they've got no other option than to put themselves into the hands of people-smugglers.

"We have to give them safe and legal routes and that would destroy the people-smugglers' business overnight."

Campaigner Bridget Chapman says creating legal routes to the UK would stop refugees making the dangerous crossing

A government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the families of all those who lost their lives in the Channel two years ago.

"We will do whatever it takes to end these perilous and fatal journeys, encouraging people to seek safe and legal passage.

"Our priority is to stop the boats - and thanks to the work of the Small Boats Operational Command, alongside our French partners, small boat crossings are down by a third from the same point last year."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
Six-year-old Kinsley Jorgensen raises money to shop for a family for the Charlevoix Community Christmas Project. Her parents grew up in Charlevoix and she regularly visits her family in the community.

CHARLEVOIX  For more than 43 years, the Charlevoix Community Christmas Project has ensured that local children in need wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

Started in 1982 by former school secretary Beverly Boss  who would buy lunch for students in need with her own money  the program assisted only 13 families in its first year.

Now, decades later, it has grown to serve over 250 families through a network of community support that includes donations from every church in the city, local businesses and nonprofits, service and school clubs and individual citizens.

Long-time project volunteer Karen Wolletz, who started helping in 2004 when the donation list had grown to upwards of 40 families, said that although the population of Charlevoix has decreased since 1982 the cost of living of has increased to such a degree that the need is greater now.

The cost of living has gone up so the need has increased, said Wolletz, who also acknowledges the increased recognition of the assistance they provide to the community.

We dont advertise, she said. The only way people know about us is by word of mouth.

In the Charlevoix Public Schools district, over 55 percent of the student population is eligible for free and reduced meals, according to Michigan.gov.

Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you

Families in need or those who would like to donate or volunteer can sign up by contacting volunteer leader Rebecca Jeakle at (231) 675-3588 or cvx.christmas@gmail.com.

The deadline for family requests is Dec. 1 and volunteers try to fill as much of the Christmas wish lists as possible.

Distribution day is scheduled from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 11906 U.S. 31 in Charlevoix.

Sign-ups for meals are also available at the Charlevoix Food Pantry located at 100 W. Hurlbut St. in Charlevoix. The phone number is (231) 237-9490.

Meal distributions will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14.

 Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix Community Christmas Project fills need more than ever
Charlie Peters, who changed American politics through the low-budget magazine he created and the generations of journalists it trained, died on Thursday. He was 96.

Peters was the founder and longtime editor of the Washington Monthly, which he launched in 1969 after a career in politics that included a brief stint in the legislature of his native West Virginia and then a job in the administration of President John F. Kennedys Peace Corps.

Peters became disillusioned with politics during the Vietnam War, he would later say, and was inspired by longtime Time publisher Henry Luce that the way to promote change was through journalism  and, more specifically, by establishing a publication with a clear point of view.

Peters was a self-described New Dealer. But he had also come to believe that the Democratic Party, its constituent groups and some cherished ideas about liberalism needed more scrutiny, because he thought they were undermining the broader liberal cause.

Peters was a longtime champion of national health insurance, for example, but believed bloated government bureaucracies frequently ran programs inefficiently or provided public services poorly. He loved to preach the virtues of equality and despised Americas increasing social stratification, but was regularly critical of unions that he said were unresponsive to their own members and had made the economy less dynamic.

Those beliefs made Peters one of the original promoters of neoliberalism, a term many credited him with introducing to the political lexicon, although as American politics and the Democratic Party drifted to the right in the 1980s and 1990s, Peters became remained vocal in his insistence that government take action to guarantee economic security and check corporate power.

Peters believed that probing, aggressive journalism was a key part of his broader project to steer American politics. That included old-fashioned investigative journalism, like an article on rocket booster problems in the space shuttle that appeared years before the booster problems destroyed the shuttle Challenger after liftoff. It also included scathing social commentary, including a 1975 essay called What Did You Do In the Class War, Daddy? on how richer kids had used deferments to avoid the Vietnam draft.

James Fallows, author of the article on Vietnam, wrote in a remembrance Thursday that Peters believed America should be patriotic but not jingoistic, that it can respect the military without being pro-war, that it can celebrate ambition and entrepreneurship without forgetting those left behind, that it should be skeptical of government failures precisely because effective government is so crucial to Americas success.

Fallows wrote the Vietnam draft article when he was just a few years out of college, at the beginning of a distinguished career that has included decades of writing for The Atlantic and several books. That was an altogether typical trajectory for Monthly writers, whom Peters would recruit at young ages and dispatch to write articles that would inevitably catch the eyes of hiring editors at bigger publications.

Prominent Monthly alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Katherine Boo, Taylor Branch and Jon Meacham; longtime New Republic writer and editor Michael Kinsley; former New Yorker correspondents and award-winning authors Nicholas Lemann and Suzannah Lessard; and literally dozens of other journalists who now staff newsrooms and broadcast studios across the country.

Also among the Monthlys high-profile alums is former Clinton White House speechwriter Paul Glastris, who took over the publication in 2001 and has presided over it ever since.

Over the past two decades, the Monthly has cut its print frequency while publishing more online, like most publications of its vintage have. It has also introduced some new features, including an alternative college rankings guide that emphasizes support for social and economic mobility  something very much in line with Peters preachings.

Peters remained involved with the magazine even after stepping down as editor-in-chief, and in 2017 published a book called We Do Our Part that  among other things  reaffirmed his belief in the importance of public service, especially for the wealthiest and best-educated Americans who had lost touch with the experience of average Americans.

Peters reminds us that government service was once a broadly shared and elite experience and value, Glastris wrote in the Monthly after the books publication. To cure the fever, todays liberals must figure out how to make it so again.

Peters is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of more than 60 years, along with a son and two grandchildren, according to accounts in The New York Times and Washington Post.
People set up a carpet on a rooftop overlooking the old town of Dali

People set up a carpet on a rooftop overlooking the old town of Dali

By Laurie Chen

DALI, China (Reuters) - In this mountain town in China's southwest, drifters and tarot card readers rub shoulders with tech entrepreneurs and artists. Many are former city-dwellers in search of an elusive prize in authoritarian China: Space for open discussion and exchange of ideas.

In one co-working space, a group of young adults asked questions about the effect of Trump-era populism on U.S. media during a discussion led by a Chinese journalist about the American position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. In a nearby cafe, others discussed art, sexual harassment and the listlessness of China's youth.

As President Xi Jinping tightens his grip on the restricted personal freedoms of Chinese citizens and the economy stutters, exacerbating a youth unemployment crisis, Dali in Yunnan province has become a haven for those seeking to escape the pressure.

They are drawn by the cheap rents, mild climate, stunning scenery and a history of relative tolerance, which were popularised by a television drama this year about a digital nomad.

Dali's Old Town district, administratively part of a city of 650,000, has attracted culture workers since the late 1990s, said Minhua Ling, an expert on Chinese migration at the Geneva Graduate Institute, adding that the normalisation of remote work and Dali's less restrictive policies during China's zero-COVID crackdown also increased its appeal.

In November, searches for "Dali" on WeChat were up 7% from a year ago, having surged some 290% on one day in late July, when many Chinese were booking summer trips.

Reuters interviewed 13 Chinese migrants to Dali, who described a refuge on the fringes of mainstream society, but also one that implicitly challenges Xi's "China Dream" of a prosperous nation ideologically loyal to the Communist Party. Many of them spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government retaliation.

"When younger generations are materially sufficient but spiritually lost, of course they will seek personal growth and freedom," said Bai Yunxi, a Dali-based 33-year-old civil servant-turned-astrologer.

Six of the people expressed concern about increased police scrutiny of their activities, citing abrupt cancellations of large-scale events and police raids.

Dali city's propaganda bureau did not respond to a faxed request for comment on the crackdowns and Dali's efforts to attract young skilled workers.

'IDEAL KINGDOM'

With youth unemployment at a record high this summer - when China stopped releasing the statistic - and a stagnant rural population due to low fertility rates and urban migration, Beijing has tried to enlist young people in "rural revitalisation".

Xi has urged graduates to "return to their hometowns" and "actively seek hardships", alluding to his experience during the Cultural Revolution. But the message does not appear to resonate with urban youths who grew up with expectations of prosperity but now find social mobility hard to attain.

Dali, where several of the people interviewed by Reuters said they found an escape from the conservative social values of rural China, is an exception to the flight of youth to large cities that has occurred since China's economic modernisation.

Bai moved to Dali in September, quitting her government job to give online astrology readings. She shares a three-storey house with her partner, a friend and three cats. "My living situation provides enough space to develop my career and personal life without interference from others," she said.

She also referenced Dali's nickname, "Ideal Kingdom" - a pun on its Chinese characters that also reflects its 10th-century status as an independent state - as part of its appeal.

Recruitment startup founder Chen Zhengyun, 37, said living in Dali freed him from societal pressure to get married early, as state calls for matrimony grow louder amid China's demographic crisis.

"There are some personal topics that you can't bring up elsewhere that you can talk about here," said Chen, adding that the concentration of like-minded young people, social events and tolerance for diverse lifestyles allowed him to explore open relationships.

POLICE OVERSIGHT

The local government has sought to attract young tech talent and in September asked digital nomads for input on policies, two community organisers told Reuters.

But the town's population also includes many young people who say they are sceptical of Beijing's attempts to shape their personal lives.

A large digital nomad conference with art and tech-related seminars was abruptly cancelled on Nov. 2, a week before its scheduled start, due to "deep consideration of various factors", the organiser, co-working space NCC, wrote on social media.

NCC declined to elaborate publicly, citing sensitivities.

During a recent visit, Reuters saw a police surveillance camera trained on NCC's main communal area.

Three people familiar with event organisers in Dali said the November forum - like another conference on decentralised internet technologies planned last year - was cancelled after the government abruptly withdrew funding and support.

Many digital nomads who use co-working spaces are involved with technologies like blockchain, according to organisers, which they say has drawn scrutiny from local authorities.

Two other co-working spaces were shut down unexpectedly for months, with one also visited by local police earlier this year, according to three people familiar with the matter.

China banned cryptocurrency mining and trading in 2021, part of a broader crackdown on the tech sector.

"We are more low-key and don't emphasise digital nomads in our marketing anymore," one co-working space staffer told Reuters, adding that conservative local governments in rural towns like Dali are "cautious of emerging technologies".

Such state monitoring efforts do not surprise Ling, the academic. Since digital nomads, unlike university students, "are not subject to structured discipline, they are harder to manage", she said.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen; Editing by Katerina Ang)
WASHINGTON  Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips spent part of his Thanksgiving Day playing clean up on comments he made about Vice President Kamala Harris.

Phillips, who is challenging President Joe Biden for the party's presidential nomination, drew blowback from fellow Democrats for repeating criticisms of the vice president and her capabilities in an an interview that published earlier in the week. He later apologized to the vice president on social media.

The Minnesota congressman said in an interview published Tuesday in The Atlantic that while he'd personally had "thoughtful" conversations with Harris and was not of that opinion, I hear from others who know her a lot better than I that many think shes not well positioned, well prepared, of the right disposition, of the right competencies to execute that office."

Its pretty clear  that shes not somebody that people have faith in," Phillips said.

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) speaks to members of the press after handing over his declaration of candidacy form for President to the New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, on October 27, 2023 in Concord, New Hampshire. While touting the accomplishments of President Biden, Rep. Phillips believes that new democratic leadership is needed and has joined the 2024 presidential race.

Apparently Dean Phillips is floundering so hard that hes now resorting to attacking Vice-President Harris. He better keep the VPs name out of his mouth and apologize. No one will support him so hes going to torch his entire reputation on the way out. Sad to see. pic.twitter.com/8fBhlLgBfj  Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) November 21, 2023

I am not sure which "others" Dean Phillips has been speaking to, but I know @KamalaHarris as someone who is:

1. Intelligent

2. Dependable

3. A proven leader https://t.co/Cs9Ubo19Az  Lisa Blunt Rochester (@LisaBRochester) November 21, 2023

His comments drew pushback from Biden and Harris supporters, including Democrats who serve with Phillips in Congress.

"Apparently Dean Phillips is floundering so hard that hes now resorting to attacking Vice-President Harris. He better keep the VPs name out of his mouth and apologize. No one will support him so hes going to torch his entire reputation on the way out. Sad to see," said Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., a freshman lawmaker and former mayor of Long Beach who endorsed Harris for president during her 2019 bid.

Democratic strategist Karen Finney said in a post on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, that Phillips "should apologize" for the slight and accused him of attempting to score "cheap political points" by repeating gossip about Harris.

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Delaware congresswoman and a national co-chair of Biden's campaign, piled on with a post of her own that said, "I am not sure which "others" Dean Phillips has been speaking to, but I know @KamalaHarris as someone who is: 1. Intelligent 2. Dependable 3. A proven leader."

Tuesday evening, Phillips appeared on CNN. Host Abby Phillip asked him during the interview why he shared those criticisms, if they are not his experience.

"I did not articulate that distinctly. That was asked of me," he said.

Phillips said he has been "impressed" by his interactions with Harris. "She's been kind. She's been thoughtful, and decent," he said. Phillips argued polls are showing Americans do not want the Biden-Harris ticket.

He then attempted to walk back the Harris criticisms. "I do not recall saying those words. I recall those words being shared with me and saying that's what people have been saying," Phillips said on CNN. "I do not recall saying those words. Let me say this though, I am defending the vice president, because I think she's a good person. I think she is well-prepared. But I'm telling you, the country has a different opinion."

i owe an apology.



in the atlantic, i shared kind words about @VP harris because thats been my personal experience and i respect her.



i shouldnt have referenced other peoples opinions. i own that and apologize to her and everyone whos been affected by similar circumstances.  Congressman Dean Phillips  (@deanbphillips) November 23, 2023

A day later, on Wednesday evening, Phillips apologized to Harris via social media.

"i owe an apology," he said on X. "in the atlantic, i shared kind words about @VP harris because thats been my personal experience and i respect her. i shouldnt have referenced other peoples opinions. i own that and apologize to her and everyone whos been affected by similar circumstances."

He responded to several users on the platform on Thanksgiving morning, one of whom he reached out to again on Thursday evening after offering to answer questions about his candidacy.

Phillips said in one of the replies that he was "troubled" that Harris is being "portrayed so unfairly by the media" and that "it was wrong to repeat the unkind words of others."

"if anything, perhaps she should be running instead of the president," Phillips said. On Friday, Phillips announced he wouldn't be running for reelection to Congress in 2024, instead focusing on the presidential race.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dean Phillips under fire for saying Americans lack faith in VP Harris
The Chernobyl Spirit Company produces apple schnapps and vodka from fruit and grain grown in the so-called Zone Two - HO/AFP/Getty Images

Vodka produced in the abandoned zone at Chernobyl has been labelled a propaganda exercise by a victims charity.

The Chernobyl Spirit Company, a social enterprise which creates apple schnapps and vodka from fruit and grain grown in the so-called Zone Two, sells the drinks to tourists and in the UK. It launched pear and plum versions of its schnapps in 2022.

While previous scientific inquiries have found that the liquor does not contain radiation, the drinks have faced criticism from victims charities for making light of the risk of radiation poisoning.

Linda Walker, executive director at the Chernobyl Childrens Project, which works with people who have disabilities caused by the accident, said the spirit production was inappropriate.

She pointed out victims of the disaster are still suffering long-term health effects from the fallout of the 1986 disaster.

Ms Walker said: Its just such a bizarre thing to do. Its so easy to grow apples, apples are grown everywhere, absolutely all over the place in Belarus and Ukraine.

To choose to grow them in the area heavily contaminated by Chernobyl, its to make a point, adding: Its a very strange propaganda exercise.

Following the explosion in 1986, a 36-mile wide exclusion zone was created around the sites radioactive core - Petr Shelomovskiy

Ms Walker said health problems continue in the region, especially in areas where people were hunting and eating contaminated foods.

She explained: Especially where people were either hunting and eating wild boar and rabbits, or people were eating the food from the contaminated area.

Thats continued to cause all sorts of health problems in both children and adults.

It comes after some 1,500 bottles of the apple schnapps were seized by prosecutors in Ukraine in 2021, and were only released after a thorough investigation.

It is thought the bottles were taken as a result of confusion over whether the right tax had been paid on the spirits.

The companys vodka was launched in 2019 and the drinks are made by the Palinochka Distillery in Ukraine before being shipped to the UK.

The profits from the alcohol are put back into communities who were impacted by the 1986 nuclear disaster.

Chernobyl Spirits 2022 accounts reveal that it made a profit of more than 10,000, after making a donation of 15,000 to the Ukrainian war effort.

Portsmouth Universitys Professor Jim Smith started the social enterprise in 2019 - Getty Images/AFP

Professor Jim Smith, of Portsmouth University, who started the social enterprise in 2019, said scientific evidence suggests the levels of radiation in mammals and fish in the area were not higher than in similar places nearby.

He said: You could grow apples safely and eat them, in many areas in this semi-abandoned area. You could grow all sorts of crops safely. The farmers know the crops, they know the kind of fertilisation they need to make crops which are below the Ukrainian limit and well below the EU and UK limits.

The professor added the Narodychi District, where the crops are grown, is contaminated to a very low level, and no more contaminated than Cornwall with natural radiation.

He added that the area was suffering from very low investment, meaning there was a poor level of healthcare and a lack of jobs for the population that remains.

Following the explosion in 1986, the Soviet Union created a 36-mile wide exclusion zone around the radioactive core.

A new concrete sarcophagus was placed over the site in 2016, reducing the remaining radiation in the nearby area, but the authorities have struggled to decide what to do with the abandoned land.

Ukraine is planning to build one of Europes largest wind farms in the exclusion zone, powering 800,000 homes in and around Kyiv.

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CHICAGO - A man was shot in the arm in Englewood Thursday night.

At about 6:10 p.m., a 32-year-old man was in the 6800 block of South Green when he was approached by two unknown offenders, who displayed handguns and fired shots, police said.

The man was struck in the arm and self-transported to an area hospital in good condition.

No offenders are in custody. Area detectives are investigating.
[Source]

China has responded to the World Health Organizations request for data regarding a spike in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia among children in the country.

Catch up: Chinese authorities announced an increase in respiratory diseases on Nov. 13, attributing them to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens. More than a week later, reports on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia among children north of the country made rounds.

Known pathogens: The pathogens reported include influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been circulating in China since May, while influenza, RSV and adenovirus have been circulating since October, according to Reuters.

What the WHO asked for: It remains unclear whether the pair of surges are related. On Wednesday, the WHO sought additional epidemiological and clinical information  including laboratory results from the pneumonia cases  from China through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

Trending on NextShark: S. Korean lawmaker proposes imposing fines on video game hackers

What China is saying: In compliance with the rule, China reportedly responded within 24 hours. Aside from providing the requested data, local authorities said they have not detected any new or unusual pathogens.

Possible causes: Experts reportedly attribute the rise in cases to factors such as the arrival of winter and lack of prior immunity in children. This will be Chinas first full winter since it lifted coronavirus restrictions in December.

Since China experienced a far longer and harsher lockdown than essentially any other country on Earth, it was anticipated that those lockdown exit waves could be substantial in China, said Francois Balloux, a professor at University College Londons biosciences division, as per AFP. He added that there is no reason to suspect a novel pathogen unless new evidence emerges.

Trending on NextShark: China hails 'good old friend' Henry Kissinger, who visited country over 100 times

Why this matters: The lack of information has caused fears of another coronavirus-like outbreak. Several news outlets have dubbed the situation a mystery illness.

China has long faced criticism for its alleged lack of transparency in reporting the earliest cases of COVID-19. The U.S. intelligence community has also remained divided on the origins of the pandemic, suggesting it might be impossible due to Beijing's official obstruction of independent reviews.

Trending on NextShark: Man wanted for attempted burglaries of Vietnamese temples in San Diego

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Back on December 31 2019, World Health Organisation staff in China picked up the first indications of a health scare in Wuhan from local media and a report by ProMed, a surveillance programme run by the International Society for Infectious Diseases. The WHO immediately sought clarification from the Chinese authorities; three days later, they replied, referring to a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause.

What many now believe to be the managed flow of incomplete, ambiguous and unreliable data fed to the WHO by the Chinese government has gone down in history as a major potential contributor to the subsequent spread of Covid-19. But could there now be a risk of history repeating itself?

On Tuesday this week, ProMed issued a notification concerning an apparent epidemic of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. On Wednesday, the WHO requested the Chinese authorities to provide clinical data and lab test results on the outbreak, as well as background on recent official indications of a general uptick in respiratory diseases and related burdens on the Chinese healthcare system. Separately, the WHO has reached out directly to its network of Chinese clinicians and scientists for independent information.

The November 21 ProMed report draws on a detailed, but hitherto uncorroborated, account of the new outbreak published on the same day by FTV News, a Taiwanese media outlet. FTV describes childrens hospitals, in both Beijing and Liaoning province to the north-east, crowded with children affected with symptoms potentially associated with pneumonia. Significantly, it also indicates that adult teaching staff are infected as well.

The world must watch closely how the Chinese government responds to this crucial request from the WHO. It is made under the terms of the International Health Regulations which the Chinese government has signed up to, but largely ignored during the vital early stages of the Sars-CoV-2 outbreak.

There is, as yet, no evidence that the reported child pneumonia outbreak is related to a new Covid variant. This latest outbreak may well be the consequence of Chinas reopening after stringent lockdowns enforced as part of its disastrous Zero Covid strategy. Here in Britain, there was a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial viruses in the months following Freedom Day.

But until its nature is fully and reliably reported by the Chinese government, the stories of how Sars and Covid-19 began as epidemics in China that then became international pandemics, in part due to fear, cover-ups and systemic political dishonesty, should underlie our expectations.

Beijing has twice failed to fulfil its fundamental responsibilities to its own citizens and the rest of the world. It has done so facilitated by a WHO which has appeared to put efforts to stop the world blaming the Chinese ahead of limiting the spread of infectious diseases.

Despite this dire precedent, co-operation on global health could still provide scope to reduce current tension between China and the West.

But the question we ought to be asking is: will China now be forthcoming, or will the inexcusable errors of Sars and Covid-19 be repeated?

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.
(Reuters) -A convoy of trucks bringing goods into Myanmar from China has gone up in flames in what state media reported on Friday was an insurgent attack, compounding surging insecurity that has raised concern in neighbouring China.

The fire in the town of Muse came as China's ambassador to Myanmar met top officials in the Myanmar capital for talks on stability on the border after recent signs that their relationship has been coming under rare strain.

"Due to this terrorist act ... about 120 out of 258 vehicles carrying household goods, consumer goods, clothes and building materials were destroyed by fire," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, referring to an opposition alliance that launched an offensive against the junta a month ago.

Li Kyar Win, a spokesman for one of the insurgent forces, denied torching the convoy saying it did not conduct attacks that would "destroy the people's interests".

Myanmar's military has lost control of several towns and military outposts in the northeast and elsewhere around the country as it grapples with the biggest coordinated offensive it has faced since it seized power in a 2021 coup.

More than 2 million people have been displaced in different parts of the country due to the surge of fighting, the United Nations says.

Earlier in the week, at least 10 people were killed in Laukkai town, which like Muse is also in Shan State on the border with China, media reported, when a rocket hit a vehicle of people trying to flee the fighting.

Spokespeople for the junta and a rebel group operating in the area both condemned the incident and denied responsibility.

Reuters could not independently verify the death toll in the attack.

China has called for peace and stability in Myanmar and the latest unrest came as its ambassador, Chen Hai, was meeting Myanmar's military-appointed foreign minister, Than Swe, and military officials in the capital, Naypyitaw.

They discussed "bilateral relations, continued implementation of mutually beneficial bilateral projects" and "cooperation in peace and stability and rule of law along the borde", Myanmar state media reported.

China's embassy in Myanmar issued a notice late on Friday asking Chinese nationals stranded in Laukkai to evacuate as soon as possible, citing "high" safety risks.

CRACKDOWN ON CRIME

Before the latest insurgent offensive, Chinese and Myanmar junta officials had launched a crackdown in the region on gangs operating internet fraud centres that China blames for cheating many of its people.

As part of that drive, Myanmar handed over tens of thousands Chinese telecom fraud suspects this month.

The fighting close to the border and the drive against the online fraud gangs, many organised by Chinese criminals, has shone a spotlight on the neighbours' relations.

China has been supportive of the Myanmar military since it seized power in 2021 but Chinese authorities have for years had complex cross-border relations with factions in northeast Myanmar often outside the control of the central government.

Myanmar authorities have long suspected China of meddling in support of some militia factions.

On the weekend, in a rare rally in Myanmar since a sweeping crackdown on dissent, dozens of nationalist protesters gathered outside the Chinese embassy in the main city of Yangon with banners and posters critical of Beijing.

"We request China government don't support northern terrorist groups," read one of their posters, in English.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun later said the protesters were opposed to the insurgents. He did not refer to their call for China not to support the rebels but accused the Western media of trying to destroy Myanmar's relations with China.

(Reporting by Albee Zhang, Ryan Woo in Beijing, and Reuters staff; Editing by Edmund Klamann, Robert Birsel)
BEIJING (Reuters) -A court in China's capital Beijing on Friday denied the appeal of Chinese-born Canadian pop star Kris Wu, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for crimes including rape.

The former member of K-pop group EXO returned to China in 2014, where he built a lucrative career. In 2017 Wu made his Hollywood debut in the film "XXX: Return of Xander Cage".

"Wu violated the will of women and took advantage of the drunkenness of multiple victims to have sexual relations with them. His behaviour constituted the crime of rape," the court said in a statement.

Wu, 33, was detained in July 2021 after an 18-year-old Chinese student publicly accused him of inducing her and other girls, some younger than 18, to have sex with him.

Affirming the trial court's ruling, Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court ruled that Wu gathered a crowd to engage in lewd activities and was the ringleader, therefore his behaviour constituted the crime of group licentiousness.

His close relatives and officials from the Canadian embassy in China attended the verdict announcement.

Wu, who could not be contacted, has previously denied the accusation. Reuters did not have access to his relatives or his legal representatives for comment.

"The Government of Canada is aware that a final decision was rendered in the case," said Jeremie Berube, spokesperson at Global Affairs Canada, which manages the government's diplomatic and consular relations.

Consular officials have been actively engaged on Wu's case and are providing consular assistance to him and his family, Berube said in a statement to Reuters.

The Canadian government said in July that its diplomats had been denied access to the start of Wu's appeal trial. Beijing said it notified the embassy of the appeal trial in advance but it was not open to the public to protect the privacy of the victims.

At the time of his detention, Wu was an ambassador for 15 brands, including Bulgari, Lancome, Louis Vuitton and Porsche, all of which immediately severed ties with him.

(Reporting by Ella Cao, Ryan Woo and Casey Hall; Editing by Jamie Freed and William Mallard)
Workers saving for retirement may no longer need to worry about losing touch with multiple workplace pension pots, thanks to a new proposal outlined by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday.

In the Autumn Statement, Mr Hunt has introduced a new pot for life system, which would mean employees could be given a legal right to choose their own pension provider, instead of automatically saving into their employers default arrangement.

This is part of a raft of pension reforms, which include already-announced measures such as consolidating smaller defined benefit pension schemes, and encouraging pension schemes to invest savers pots into higher-risk UK investments.

Together, the Chancellor says the changes will provide an extra 1,000 a year in retirement for an average earner saving from 18.

Having more autonomy over workplace pensions could be great news for people who move jobs frequently and have amassed lots of different small pots, which can be expensive and difficult to combine.

This way, it could become much easier for people to stay with one provider throughout their career, and pay more attention to their retirement savings.

But picking the right provider can be a minefield. At this point, its not clear which providers will be able to offer this service, but when the choices become clearer youll want to consider investment performance, which can vary hugely, as well as customer service, and provider charges.

If your provider charges very high fees it can stop your pension pot from growing as much as it could.

Holly Mackay, of the consumer group Boring Money, said: Fees and charges are the most popular way in which people filter for Isa and pension products.

If we move to greater employee choice, employees will want to see and compare fees, to review investment performance, to understand features such as sustainable credentials and  importantly  to read reviews from other employees and users.

Who are Britains biggest pension providers?

Some of the largest pension providers are Fidelity, Legal & General, Now: Pensions, Nest, Aviva, and The Peoples Pension.

If you do not make an active decision about where your money is invested, your pension will be invested in a default fund. The returns your savings achieve will vary according to your age, as the professional investor managing your funds will generally take more risk with your money if you are younger.

This could mean higher returns when the market is doing well, but much lower returns when it is going through a downturn.

But while the big pension providers may have similar strategies, they can deliver vastly different investment returns. For example, Nest, which is one of Britains biggest pension providers, has an ethical fund that has delivered an average 4pc return over the past five years.

But its higher risk fund has delivered 5pc, and its Sharia fund has delivered 13pc. Now: Pensions diversified growth fund has an annualised return of 7pc over the same period.

Around a quarter of people who are looking for a pension provider want a build your own element, according to Boring Money.

If you want to DIY your retirement savings, you could opt for a self-invested personal pension, otherwise known as a Sipp. Most workplace pensions will restrict what you can invest in, but a Sipp will let you choose from a wide range of assets.

The most expensive provider in Which?s analysis of nine Sipp providers was Hargreaves Lansdown. Savers would pay 1,125 a year for a 250,000 pot, compared to just 156 with Interactive Investor, the cheapest.

Over 15 years, a saver with a 270,000 pot would be 21,700 better off (assuming 3pc investment growth) if they picked a pension with Interactive Investor as opposed to Hargreaves Lansdown.

Interactive Investors monthly flat fee of 12.99 (paid on pots worth 50,000 or more) makes it far cheaper than its competitors  particularly for those with bigger portfolios.

One of the cheapest Sipp providers is Vanguard, with a holding fee of just 0.15pc, capped at 375 a year for accounts worth more than 250,000.

A Sipp allows you to choose exactly how your pension is invested. Every spring, we pick our favourite funds for the year  our guide reveals our picks for 2023.

We aim to pick funds that can stand the test of time  for a get rich slow strategy, we like the Personal Assets investment trust, Vanguards LifeStrategy fund range which invest in a mix of global stocks and bonds, and Ruffer Investment Company.

Recommended

Five ways to shield your money from a Labour government

Read more

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.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H.  Dean Phillips isnt likely to hurt Joe Biden in New Hampshire. But his entry into the Democratic primary could spoil Nikki Haley and Chris Christies electoral math here.

The two Republicans are polling better than any other candidate with New Hampshire independents who are likely to pull a GOP ballot in the states open presidential primary. Thats a major boost in a state where independents make up the largest share of the electorate  and where the lack of a serious contest on the Democratic side meant many of them were poised to vote in the Republican primary.

But by challenging Biden, Phillips gave those voters another choice. Less than a month after launching his campaign, the Minnesota lawmaker is already pulling in 10 percent support among independents in a recent poll of likely Democratic primary voters.

And suddenly, Haley and Christie are encountering independent voters at their town halls who may not vote in the Republican primary after all.

I would like to hear Dean Phillips, Larry Gray, a Newcastle independent, said about an hour after telling Christie at a recent business roundtable that he was backing the former New Jersey governor.

Diane Noble, a Nashua independent whos interested in Haley and Christie, said at a town hall for the former South Carolina governor that shell absolutely be doing her due diligence on the Democratic side now that Phillips is in.

If Dean Phillips runs the kind of race that he says hes going to run  then all independents will be up for grabs, said Mike Dennehy, a veteran GOP operative in New Hampshire.

And that, he said, is harmful to Chris Christie and to Nikki Haley.

Its difficult in this notoriously late-breaking state to predict the extent to which a Democratic contest  and a messy one, with Biden not on the ballot and his allies running a write-in campaign on his behalf  will affect Haley and Christies vote counts. And Christie is dismissing Phillips as a threat to his chances in the state where both candidates are staking their campaigns.

Dean Phillips doesnt really concern me at all. I think well be fine, Christie told reporters after a recent campaign stop in Derry. The Republican primary is a much more attractive option for stopping Donald Trump, and I think thats what a lot of independents want to do.

But both Christie and Haley have been rising in recent polls of the first primary state in no small part because of the support theyre earning from independents. Polling averages now show them in second and third place, respectively, in New Hampshire, where even a marginal shift in the electorate could alter the trajectory of their campaigns.

Independents make up just over 39 percent of the states voters with Republicans and Democrats both around 30 percent. More than 3,500 Democrats switched to unenrolled  New Hampshires term for independents  ahead of the states early October deadline to change party affiliation for the Jan. 23 primary.

Pro-Christie groups had urged Democrats to switch ahead of the deadline. Now, both Phillips and the Democrats running the Biden write-in effort say theyre looking to pull independents back to their side.

This gives independents now a chance to focus on where they want to cast their ballots, Jim Demers, one of the architects of the Biden write-in effort, said in an interview. Knowing that Donald Trump in all likelihood is going to win here in New Hampshire, I think there may be some independents who are rethinking about maybe Ill write in Joe Bidens name instead.

Phillips is already drawing some independent support at the margins. Nine weeks out from the 2024 primary in New Hampshire, a University of New Hampshire/CNN poll showed 10 percent of independents likely to vote in the Democratic contest would cast ballots for the Minnesota lawmaker, compared to 61 percent who said they would write in Bidens name.

Independents have a long history of changing the course of presidential primaries in New Hampshire. They boosted Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman to second and third place, respectively, in the 2012 GOP primary. Exit polls also show they helped hand Trump his first primary win in 2016 and powered Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side that year.

This year, its Haley and Christie who appear to be benefiting the most from independents interest as they vie to be the main contender against the former president. A University of New Hampshire/CNN poll of 994 likely Republican primary voters showed Haley with 25 percent support among independents and Christie and Trump with 24 percent apiece. No other candidate got above 15 percent support from independents in the online survey conducted Nov. 10-14.

A recent Monmouth University/Washington Post poll showed similar results. Christie was pulling 35 percent support among respondents who identified as independents or Democrats. Haley was at 31 percent among that group. Trump trailed at 12 percent. The poll of 606 potential New Hampshire GOP primary voters was conducted online and by phone from Nov. 9-14. Haleys campaign did not respond to a question about how its assessing the Phillips factor, though spokesperson Ken Farnaso said, Nikki is the best challenger to beat both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

But if the Democratic primary becomes more competitive, both Haley and Christie could suffer. David Paleologos, the polling director at Suffolk University in Boston, said thats especially true of Christie, a fierce Trump critic who is drawing support from independent voters in New Hampshire who primarily lean Democratic.

Christies support in New Hampshire may be smaller than it seems, Paleologos said, because those voters might just enter in the Democratic primary.

In interviews with nearly a dozen independent voters across campaign events for Phillips, Christie and Haley over the past few weeks, some were thinking of doing just that.

Im panicked that [Biden] might get nominated, we dont want that. But we also dont want it to be Trump versus Biden, because we dont want either of them, Dale Boyle, a Nashua independent, said at a Christie town hall in the city this week.

Boyle still feels shell have more impact voting in the GOP primary. But Phillips is turning some other independents heads to the left.

Colin Reynolds, an independent from Manchester, said he was considering voting for Haley and that Christie might be second on my list. But he was curious enough about Phillips that he came to see him at a town hall.

Im interested in the idea of a Democrat running against Biden, he said.

Steven Shepard contributed to this report.
The conversation about immigration is characterised by a stumbling awkwardness.

Not just at Westminster. But in society at large.

Conflicts and contradictions, wherever you look and listen.

There are the numbers. There is the economics. There are the practicalities.

There are industries, there is the health service, and there are some parts of the UK keen to lure people in.

But this is a debate about emotion, sentiment, belonging, identity - and sometimes fear too: some communities rapidly altered; public services strained.

It has been a conversation that has been a near constant soundtrack to the Conservatives' 13 years in office so far, since 2010.

When the now Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron was prime minister, he promised to cut net migration to the tens of thousands.

It is a pledge that has never come close to being met and became a motivating factor for some to back Brexit.

And yet net migration has soared since.

And that contributes to a ripple effect into other equally fraught political themes - such as planning, the demands for more housing.

Graph show migration adds 672,000 to UK population

The reaction of our political parties to these numbers is worth unpicking.

The Scottish National Party lashed out at what it sees as Westminster's obsession with driving the numbers down.

The SNP says Scotland needs more immigration of people of working age, not less - to help public services function and the private sector to thrive.

Compare that to the language of the Conservatives and Labour - and what comes across as an attempt to out do each other in their anger.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the figure was "shockingly high".

The prime minister's official spokesman said it was "far too high".

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman claimed the numbers were "unsustainable" and "a slap on the face to the British public".

And yet at the heart of all of this is an essential truth.

Brexit offers a clarity.

The responsibility for immigration policy, from anywhere, lies at Westminster.

The vote for Brexit may have been two general elections ago, in 2016, but the next election will be the first fought with the UK no longer a member of the European Union.

As a member of the EU, there was free movement of people around the club, including to and from the UK.

It meant politicians could, and did, blame it for not being fully in control of immigration.

But come the general election campaign, each party, for the first time, will have to set out its approach to immigration knowing where the buck now stops.

Each will have to articulate their instinct and attitude and their policies.

Each will know that if they form a government, the six monthly numbers published by the Office for National Statistics will be for them solely to justify, to defend.

They can no longer blame anyone else.
Weighing the question of whether to approve or reject a set of draft rules for the new Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission, the Georgia Supreme Court declined to act, citing the separation of powers.

According to the Court, state justices will not decide to approve or reject the rules drafted by state lawmakers due to a lack of judicial power to do so.

However, the reason for their stated lack of jurisdictional power is hinged, in their own writing, as based upon the method of the legislations wording.

The 2022 law, which has drawn combinations of support and opposition from residents and political figures, states that the rules presented can only take effect if the Georgia Supreme Court reviews and adopts them.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the states highest court, the wording does not mandate that they do so, which the court said made it doubt whether they had the judicial authority to adopt the rules, within the framework of the Georgia Constitution.

Because we are under no legal directive to take action, the most prudent course for us is to decline to take action without conclusively deciding any constitutional question, the court said in its decision.

As a result of grave doubts we have the constitutional power to take any action on the draft standards and rules, the justices declined any additional actions, potentially leaving the laws enactment in limbo.

TRENDING STORIES:

Based on the lack of action by the Supreme Court, Georgias commission remains active but as yet not in use. The commission itself officially started their work on Oct. 1, per the provisions of SB 92, the legislation which created it.

A group of four Georgia District Attorneys, including DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston, sued to block the law from taking effect, citing the commissions potential to punish prosecutors the commissions eight-member panel may politically disagree with, saying it would silence a community of voices and override the will of the people.

Among the four DAs suing over the law, Jonathan Adams, a Republican district attorney for Butts, Lamar, and Monroe counties said the commission could strip prosecutors of their discretion and independence.

In opposition to those viewpoints, the legislations sponsors, and Georgias Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, said the law is meant to provide oversight to what they called rogue prosecutors and that if prosecutors do their jobs, they wont need to be worried about the commission or its responsibilities.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A burn ban has been lifted for the City of Lenoir, the citys fire marshal announced on Thanksgiving.

Burn ban lifted for 30 counties in western North Carolina as conditions improve

While the county of Lenoir (Caldwell County) announced a burn ban lift Wednesday, the City of Lenoir rescinded the ban at Noon on Thursday.

Caldwell County was one of 30 North Carolina counties to rescind burn bans due to a dry spell and the risk of wildfires.

While recent rainfall has decreased fire danger and provided some relief from persistent dry conditions, I cant stress enough how important it is for the public to be careful, ready, and responsible when burning outdoors, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said earlier this week.

No rain is in the forecast for the next eight to 10 days, Lenoir city officials said Thursday. Although the ban has been lifted, please remember that the city and the county is still experiencing drought conditions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
This embedded content is not available in your region.

Black Friday bargain-hunting is well and truly under way. But while many are still seeking out the best deals on the latest brands, others have caught on to the growing trend of "thrifting", resulting in a second-hand sales boom. But what are the reasons for it? The BBC spoke to a series of "thrifty" shoppers to find out.

'Fast fashion is not great for the environment'

Ms Plant credits her mother with her sustainable shopping habits

Elanor Plant has been buying second-hand clothes her entire life.

She said her mother made her realise how important it was to recycle clothes.

"As a kid I used to find it really annoying as I didn't want to be dragged around every shop," she said.

"But honestly she raised me well."

The 21-year-old graphic design student, from Winchester, said old-fashioned stigma around charity shops was lifting and they are now becoming more and more popular.

"The variety is more fun... it's cheaper - which is great when you're a student .

"And fast fashion is just not great for the environment, so it's nice to know that something had a home first and then you give it a second lease of life."

The Charity Retail Association, which represents 470 charity members from across the UK, said sales from charity shops have increased by 10% in the past months.

Sustainability is one of the biggest reasons for such a rise, the group said.

'It's not going in landfill'

Steph Hettle hopes to see more people buy second-hand clothes

Primary school teacher Steph Hettle said she could afford to buy new clothes but preferred second-hand shops.

"I quite like that I am helping the environment," the 27-year-old from Southampton said.

"I am keeping things reused - it's not going in landfill basically and I think that's important."

So-called "fast fashion" is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, water and air pollution, creates problematic levels of waste, and often comes with poor working conditions in other countries.

The fashion industry is considered responsible for 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN.

'It's a responsibility for my generation'

Molly Billingsley often goes shopping at the Oxfam Superstore in Oxford

Molly Billingsley, 29, from Thame in Oxfordshire, decided to start buying and selling second-hand clothes a couple of years ago.

"I realised I buy lots of stuff, wear it twice and then what happens to it? It's sat in a wardrobe.

"But it's not good for the planet and it's not good for me financially."

She believes people are becoming more aware of climate change and the need for sustainable fashion.

"We need to all be pulling together.

"We know what's happening in the world, we know the changes that we need to make - so it is a responsibility for my generation, and above and below."

'Gen Z are driving the change'

Zara Canfield changed her shopping habits in 2019

In 2019, Zara Canfield, a volunteer marketing manager at Oxfam, decided not to buy new clothes for one year.

Four years on she still has stuck to that pledge and said she has seen many other young people exploring second-hand shopping at Oxfam.

The 30-year-old said Gen Z are driving the change in shopping habits.

"I do think climate change is now at the top of people's minds," she said.

"So it is a driving factor in terms of people's shopping habits and people are looking for small ways to change their lifestyles and shopping second-hand is a really small way and an easy way."

'There's a backlash against fast fashion'

The Charity Retail Association (CRA) has recorded 10.8% growth in like-for-like in-store income in 4,309 charity shops between July and September 2021 and the same months in 2022.

The organisation said 57 charities representing 4,385 shops also reported a 8.5% growth in like-for-like in-store income in April-June 2023 compared to the same period of time the previous year.

Robin Osterley, the CRA's chief executive officer, said charity shops have been particularly benefitting from "sustainability shoppers" in the past five years.

He added: "I think there's a growing backlash - if that's the right word - against the whole fast fashion thing.

"A lot of fast fashion results in really excessive over-manufacture of clothing, we make too much stuff, and I think people are starting to realise that."

'It's an important solution'

Dr Brown has said that second-hand shopping is only one of the many actions needed to tackle the current climate crisis

Sass Brown, course leader in sustainable fashion at Kingston University, said the number of people buying second-hand clothes worldwide is outstripping the one of those buying first-hand items.

She explained that the biggest problem was the mainstream fashion system of consumption and of discarding poor quality clothing, and said that second-hand shopping is one of the many solutions that could help solve the problem.

"It's actually not a small component of it, because if the basis of our problem is the scale of consumption and waste, then keeping clothing in use for longer is a very viable response to the impacts of discarding it. So it is an important one," she said.

She said the forecast is for the second-hand market to continue to grow, but that more solutions to climate change will also be needed.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
A cluster of sunspots 15 times the size of Earth rolled into view.

These have been fizzing with activity and could send solar weather toward Earth as early as Saturday.

Space weather is mostly harmless, though scientists are looking out for a rare once-a-century superstorm.

A cluster of sunspots has rolled into view of Earth and may send a solar storm our way as early as Saturday.

The cluster includes about a dozen sunspots that are around 125,000 miles wide about 15 times bigger than our planet, Space.com reported.

The group is very active. It had already shot out three M-class and several C-class solar flares before it came into view, per spaceweather.com.

M-class flares are medium-sized eruptions. When directed toward Earth, they can cause brief radio blackouts, according to the European Space Agency. C-class solar flares, meanwhile, are minor and have little effect when they hit Earth.

The sun was sporting a cluster of sunspots on November 23, 2023 SDO/NASA

Space-weather experts will be keeping a close eye on the cluster as it lines up with Earth, Daniel Verscharen, an associate professor of space and climate physics at University College London, told Business Insider.

"Groups of sunspots are regions that we pay close attention to. They are areas in the sun's photosphere where the magnetic field is particularly strong and often complex," he said.

"These complex magnetic fields are more likely to become sources of flares and mass ejections," he said.

Simulations from the European Space Agency, using the EUHFORIA computer code, suggest that if the cluster releases a mass ejection, it could reach Earth as early as Saturday evening ET (just after midnight Sunday morning), per Verscharen.

Scientists will keep watching the cluster until it rolls away from Earth. The cluster should be in full alignment with the Earth within a day or two, Matt Owens, a professor of space physics at the University of Reading, told Business Insider in an email.

Verscharen and Owens noted that it's very difficult to predict the strength of solar weather that could come from the sunspots  if they release any Earth-directed particles at all.

"The spots are fairly big and complex, which suggests they're likely to produce some space weather," said Owens.

"Sometimes huge spots produce a tonne of activity before and after they pass Earth, but nothing at that critical time when they're pointed right at us," he added.

As of Friday evening, the US and UK agencies that monitor space weather forecasted a low risk of any type of dangerous solar weather in the coming days.

It is the latest in a slew of bizarre observations as our sun is getting closer to a near-decadal peak of solar activity.

Scientists have recently spotted brilliant auroras, solar "tornados," coronal holes, and more.

Solar weather is mostly harmless. The overwhelming majority of the charged particles sent by the sun are bounced back by the Earth's magnetic field.

Every so often, solar flares and eruptions can temporarily overwhelm our planet's protection, and most of these events can be mildly disruptive, for instance causing radio blackouts that can affect the aviation industry.

The concern is that a peak of solar activity can increase the chance of a very rare once-a-century solar storm, which would be so strong that it could pierce through our planet's protection and surge our infrastructure, with little advanced warning.

It's not clear how our electrical, communication, and satellite system would fare in that scenario, as such a storm hasn't been spotted in decades, in which time humans have become much more reliant on technology.

Correction  November 27, 2023: An earlier version of this story misstated the number of days it would take for the sunspots to align with Earth. This was changed to reflect that they would align within a day or two.

Read the original article on Business Insider
As Serhiy Ostapenko hunkered down in his pickup truck, hiding under trees for cover in the dead of night, the crashing booms of Russian bombardment rumbled around him.

The enemy is shelling us 24 hours a day. I dont remember the last time there was silence for more than an hour, said the 32-year-old Ukrainian drone pilot, speaking from the right bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine  one of the new frontlines in a grinding war thats now entering its second winter.

Ostapenko is a member of the Sons of Thunder drone unit, part of Ukraines operation to cross the Dnipro, pushing back Russian forces and establishing a sustained presence on the left bank. Earlier this month, Ukraine said it had gained a foothold on the bank, a potentially significant advance in what has so far been a lackluster counteroffensive.

But during CNNs exclusive access with Ostapenko, his night mission had just been aborted because the Russians had identified his units position on the right bank  forcing them to take shelter.

Thats another one  I think it was a rocket, he told CNN as another boom rang out, his face lit only by a dim red light. Every time I enter this zone  I say goodbye to my life every time, because I realize that my life can be ended at any moment, because either a rocket or a shell will strike. You get used to it, but it is unpleasant.

Advancing on the Dnipro

The 2,200 kilometer (1,400 mile) long Dnipro is Europes fourth longest river, flowing from Russia, through Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea.

It winds through the marshlands of Russian-occupied Kherson region  with Russian troops forced to retreat across the river last November after being pushed out from Kherson city by Ukrainian fighters.

The liberation of the city, after eight months of brutal occupation, was a euphoric victory and a key moment in Ukraines war effort. But the year since has brought little relief, with Kherson city and its surrounding region still under relentless bombardment by Russian forces across the river.

The Dnipro, which at some points stretches a mile wide, serves as a natural defensive barrier for Russian troops  which is partly why it has become a major target for Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have previously staged cross-river raids, but establishing a firm bridgehead across the river and pushing back the Russians could help better protect Kherson city by putting more distance between civilians and enemy artillery.

Drone footage of the Dnipro River obtained by CNN. - Obtained by CNN

A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard next to the Dnipro River, in an undisclosed location in the Kherson region, on November 6, 2023. - Roman Pilipey/AFP/Getty Images

And  at least theoretically  an advance on the left bank could give Kyiv a launching place to push further south toward occupied Crimea, the peninsula Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Ukrainian armed forces say theyve pushed back Russian troops 3 to 8 kilometers (2 to 5 miles) back from the river.

Now our (troops) are advancing on the other side of the Dnipro. It is very difficult, we are making a lot of effort to make it possible and to build up our strength on the other side of the Dnipro, said Ostapenko.

He added that certain connections had been established across the river, allowing Ukrainian troops to transport weapons, ammunition, food, fuel to their partners on the other side.

His aerial reconnaissance unit, meanwhile, works to provide cover for soldiers crossing the river, to surveil Russian troops and movements, and to help mask the locations of Ukrainian troops and equipment.

Its dangerous work; Ostapenko described facing a daily barrage of kamikaze drones, I think its Shaheds, rockets, most likely Grad rocket launcher, mortars, and tanks.

But, he added, the bombardment could be seen as a good sign: The enemy is trying to resist as much as possible, which indicates that we are doing everything right. We are causing them many problems, and (they are) trying to fight it.

We have to survive

All the while, in Kherson city, the jubilation of last years liberation has faded for some residents as they focus on just getting through each day.

When it is quiet, it is even scarier than when there is shelling, said 54-year-old Inna Balyoha. Youre waiting, youre constantly listening, turning the radio down. So that you can hear the sounds outside the window, so that you can react in time to the shelling.

Kherson resident Inna Balyoha stayed in the city through Russian occupation and liberation. - CNN

Shes one of roughly 73,000 residents still in Kherson  less than a quarter of its original population of 300,000. Between having to care for her 4-year-old grandson and frail 87-year-old mother, the decision not to leave was made a long time ago, she said.

But living in the midst of war has taken its toll. One of her grandsons first words was alarm, she said. He knows how to react if there is an air raid siren. He knows where to go. If explosions are heard outside the window, he has a little hiding place in the hallway.

The shelling has gotten so bad that theyve stopped going outside for short walks, mostly staying at home now. Right now, Im doing everything that depends on me to keep the child safe, she said. Our main task is to survive. That was the main task during the occupation. And it is now. We have to survive.

Destroyed buildings are seen on an island in the middle of the Dnipro River in Kherson, Ukraine, on November 5, 2023. - Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Anadolu/Getty Images

Attacks on Kherson have intensified in the past month, at one point reaching 700 incoming rounds in one day, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson regions military administration.

Russian troops are hitting residential areas more often because our defenders are advancing, and they are trying to intimidate ordinary citizens in places close to the Dnipro River, said Prokudin. This is revenge, and now it is felt more, because our soldiers are already on the left bank of the Kherson region. The civilians of the Kherson region feel this revenge more.

But, he added, each Kherson resident was an example of courage. As tough as conditions are, Kherson is still free from Russian occupation  meaning people can communicate freely, walk freely on our land, he said. Home gives people strength. They are holding on because they are at home.

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This image from police body-worn camera video shows Paul Pelosi, right, fighting for control of a hammer with his assailant, David DePape. (San Francisco Police Department via AP)

A unicorn costume, a hammer and a belief that pedophiles are using public schools to destroy democracy: The trial of David DePape for attacking Paul Pelosi was strange and disturbing.

But take away the costume and the hammer, and the reasoning for DePape's vicious attack is alarmingly mainstream  pedophile panic.

By that, I mean the outrageous effort not just by hate-mongering conspiracy theorists to frame LGBTQ+ individuals as deviant and dangerous, lumping them in with criminals who sexually abuse children. But also a cynical bid by some politicians, clergy and grifters to do the same.

Anti-LGBTQ+ attacks are everywhere, both physical and political. Hysteria about pedophiles, driven by conspiracy theories, has trampled truth.

As DePape explained it on the stand, he is concerned about "groomer schools," where teachers are "queering the students, pushing transgenderism to confuse children about their identities to make them more vulnerable to abuse and Marxist indoctrination."

Sound familiar? It could have been a quote from a Huntington Beach City Council meeting, a Republican presidential rally or a debate on the floor of the Florida Legislature, where the controversial "don't say gay" bill last year was described by an aide to Gov. Ron DeSantis as an "anti-grooming" law.

The quote is, in fact, DePape's summary of what he learned from right-wing podcaster James Lindsay about one of DePape's top targets, a professor of feminist theory and queer studies whose house seemed, to DePape, too difficult to break into. So he went to Pelosi's brick mansion instead.

Read more: Fears of political violence are growing as the 2024 campaign and conspiracy theories heat up

When a San Francisco jury came back with a guilty verdict against DePape, it was hardly a bombshell. It is fact that DePape smashed a hammer into Pelosi's skull, a brutal act caught on camera and uncontested even by his own lawyers.

What was lost with the quickness of the in-an-out, no-surprises trial  and what should be chilling to any supporter of civil rights  was the defense team's argument about why DePape created his elaborate plot, which was going to involve donning the unicorn costume while interrogating the victim's wife, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, about government corruption, and, you guessed it, pedophiles.

It wasn't conventional politics. It wasn't even aimed at Nancy Pelosi. The powerful San Francisco Democrat was somewhere down a list that included the mother of DePape's two sons, Tom Hanks, George Soros, Hunter Biden and performance artist Marina Abramovic.

DePape was propelled by the hyper-drive conspiracies that have bled out from internet chat rooms onto streets and into school boards  amped-up paranoia about threats not just to the white Christian values that some perceive as intrinsic to our country's identity, but to the safety of our children.

"It's not just that she's a pedo-activist. It's that she wants to turn all the schools into pedophile molestation factories," DePape said of the queer studies professor he was targeting.

"She wants to destroy children's sense of identity because it's her opinion that this will lead them to grow up dysfunctional and unhappy. And if they're dysfunctional and unhappy, they will be maladjusted to society, hate society, and want to become communist activists," he said.

Those kind of beliefs, ugly and untrue, can no longer be considered extreme, or extremism.

Take, for example, this commentary from earlier this year by Jonathan Butcher, a fellow at the ultraconservative and ultra-influential Heritage Foundation:

"For parents, rejecting radical gender theory is a matter of protecting their children. The rest of us, though, should reject queer theorys attempt to gain control of the next generation," he wrote.

Or the mugshot meme Donald Trump posted not too long ago insinuating that pedophiles were out to get him.

Or Trump's recent sit-down interview with conservative activists Moms for America, in which he lamented that the "indoctrination programs" at public schools are "out of control" and promised quickly to end them if elected.

Jared Dmello, an expert on extremism and an incoming senior lecturer at University of Adelaide in Australia, told me that mainstream politics is "driving an anti-LGBTQ ideology."

Where once conspiracy was relegated to dark corners, it now has a symbiotic relationship with the mainstream, he said, each building off whatever "evidence" or current events play into the narrative with such speed and force that the sheer amount of information makes it seem like it must be true.

"The whole goal is to introduce so much chaos into the atmosphere that it's hard to distinguish what is fact from fiction," he said.

Read more: Lizard people, deadly orgies and JFK: How QAnon hijacked Hollywood to spread conspiracies

Mission accomplished.

A recent Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll on threats to American democracy found 59% of Republicans think that what children are learning in school is a critical issue facing the United States. A 2022 poll by USC found that while roughly 60% of Democrats support teaching high school students about gender identity, gay and transgender rights or sexual orientation, only about 30% of Republicans feel the same.

Of course, parents have good reasons to be concerned about public schools, especially in the wake of the pandemic when teachers are burned out, budgets are tight and students are coping with sky-high levels of mental health challenges.

But Joan Donovan, an expert in disinformation and a professor at Boston University, told me that while violence remains rare, vigilantes such DePape aren't the lone wolves we like to believe. She said violence, whether by individuals or groups, is going to increase as the 2024 election nears.

"I wish it were the case that they were fringe, but they do seem to represent a larger sentiment online," she said. "Of course taking action in the form of assaulting or attempting to murder people is in and of itself horrendous, but if you look at the kind of discourse that emboldens these people, its the natural outcome."

Support for political violence has increased over the past two years, with nearly a quarter of Americans now agreeing that "because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country." That comes from the recent PRRI poll on threats to American democracy.

That percentage has increased from 15% in 2021.

But get ready for it: 41% of Republicans who like Trump agreed violence may be necessary, and 46% of Trump supporters who believe the election was stolen also believe violence may be an answer. That's nearly half.

By all accounts, DePape was just a lonesome loser, unremarkable and peaceful, until he started delving into conspiracy theories during the pandemic. Living in a Bay Area garage that didn't even have a bathroom, he spent his free time  hours every day  playing video games while listening to conspiracy podcasters pushing what we were then calling QAnon.

Read more: Accused Pelosi attacker David DePape spread QAnon, other far-right, bigoted conspiracies

I won't go so far as to say he was a victim, but he was a vessel for a fire hose flow of propaganda, holding it all in until doing nothing seemed unconscionable. He is accountable for his violence, but it is clear he has lost the ability to parse truth from that swamp of what he calls research.

Somewhere along his journey, DePape began believing that a secret cabal of so-called elites was ruling the world and participating in a cult that sexually abused children.

That's how DePape came up with his list of targets  most of those on it are somewhere in QAnon lore  a set of conspiracies that QAnon expert and Michigan State University professor Laura Dilley told me "absolutely are endemic now."

At its core, the political turmoil caused by these falsehoods is not much different from the satanic panic that ruled in the 1980s, driven by discomfort with more women joining the workforce and leaving their children in day care. Then, too, conservatives vilified the LGBTQ+ community to fuel fear that children were in danger and American society was on the brink of collapse.

And Donovan points out that even the KKK focused on children and education in the 1920s, with the same arguments about American values.

So none of this is new.

But we are capable of not repeating the past. Hate and conspiracy aren't normal. They aren't American values, to be debated as valid political positions.

David DePape was fighting an enemy conjured by lies. That enemy may not be real, but the danger of those lies is.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Police cordoned off a lane near the crash in Colwyn Bay

A woman has been charged with murdering a 65-year-old man killed in a crash.

Lauren Harris, 29, of Colwyn Bay, in Conwy county, will appear before magistrates on Saturday.

North Wales Police said officers were called at 02:15 GMT on Monday to a single vehicle crash in the town's Princes Drive.

Two men previously arrested have been released on conditional bail as inquiries continue.
Former UFC fighter Conor McGregor criticized the Irish police and other leaders for their response to a stabbing this week in Dublin, arguing Ireland is facing danger from crime and authorities have failed to combat it.

McGregor, who is Irish, weighed in on social media as Irish authorities condemned rioters for taking to the streets after rumors spread that a foreign national was responsible for the stabbing outside a school in Dublin.

The BBC later reported that the suspect is an Irish citizen in his late 40s.

Best Black Friday Deals

There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place, and there has been zero action done to support the public in any way, shape or form with this frightening fact. NOT GOOD ENOUGH, McGregor posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Announce our plan of action!! What are we waiting for? Your statements of nothing are absolutely worthless to the solving of this issue, he wrote in another post while dismissing statements from Irelands president, prime minister and other officials.

McGregor has spoken out repeatedly to call for immigration reform in Ireland. He has voiced outrage over the death of Irish teacher Ashling Murphy, who was killed in a stabbing last year. A Slovak national was found guilty of murder in Murphys killing last week.

Irish police said two adults and three children were wounded in the stabbing attack near an aftercare center in Dublin on Thursday. A 5-year-old girl was in critical condition and a woman was in serious condition as of Friday, The Associated Press reported.

Around 500 protesters took to the streets and damaged at least seven vehicles, including torching a bus, according to authorities. They also damaged 13 nearby properties and clashed with police.

Irish police Commissioner Drew Harris has blamed the rioting on far-right protesters and said people were radicalized across the internet and social media.

Irelands prime minister condemned the rioters Friday.

These criminals did not do what they did because they love Ireland, they did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people, they did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters. They did so because theyre filled with hate, they love violence, they love chaos, and they love causing pain to others.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After more than 25 years practising law at my firm of solicitors in Lancaster, and being on screen since 2009 as the resident lawyer in 15 series of the BBC1 consumer programme Rip Off Britain, I have seen countless examples of businesses treating their customers in a manner which is clearly unfair, yet may not be unlawful.

Which means that, in many cases, the businesses got away with it.

Its why I think we need to make Consumer Duty a big deal  but youd be forgiven for not knowing what it is, or how it affects you. Here, Ill set out everything you need to know.

What is Consumer Duty?

Consumer Duty regulations were introduced in July 2023, and broadly aims to set higher and clearer standards of consumer protection across financial services.

Put plainly, it means things like bank fees and charges should be fair value, set out clearly to customers before they sign up, and providers should make sure customers get support when they need it.

The regulations are enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the city watchdog which regulates the financial services industry in Britain. It covers bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans, savings, pensions and investments.

Insurers are dual regulated in the UK with standards and policies under the ambit of The Prudential Regulation Authority (part of the Bank of England) and the FCA regulating conduct issues.

Sometimes FCA-regulated products pop up in unexpected places. Such as buying a new big-ticket item (white goods or electricals or even a bed) and taking out a credit agreement to pay, or even purchasing a funeral plan.

To achieve these objectives, the FCA has set out the following key standards that you should expect when dealing with an FCA-regulated business:

Helpful and accessible customer support : it should be just as easy to sort out a problem, switch or cancel your product, as it is to buy it in the first place

Timely and clear information: this should be easy to understand, so customers are enabled to make good financial decisions. This means important information should not be buried in lengthy terms and conditions

Products and services that are right for the individual : there shouldnt be attempts to push products and services that are not really needed

Provide fair value : customers should not be ripped off, or pay unexpected costs. Note that a fair price does not always mean the best or cheapest deal, so the onus is still on you to shop around

Consider vulnerable customers: overarching it all, firms should consider whether customers are in a vulnerable situation  this could be due to poor health or financial troubles

How can you use Consumer Duty to your advantage?

A paradigm shift has occurred in the burden of proof when making a complaint against an FCA-regulated business.

It is now up to the business to demonstrate how they are delivering good customer outcomes, and not for the consumer to have to prove how and why they have been treated unfairly.

This is significant; it means that if you make a complaint, the business is immediately on the back foot, as it must rebut the complaint, rather than sit back and ask you to prove their case.

Before the Consumer Duty was launched, the FCA expected consumers to prove how the FCA rules had been breached, and how they had been adversely impacted. The same emphasis applies to many of the consumer protections under the Consumer Rights Act.

But the Consumer Duty puts emphasis on businesses to show their workings out and show what they have done to treat their customers in line with the rules. This immediately strengthens the position of the consumer and gives a new vigour to any complaint.

The key is getting a handle on what financial businesses should be doing, and what kind of behaviour could warrant a complaint.

How should the Consumer Duty work in practice?

Here are my thoughts on how I see the key outcomes set out in the FCA Consumer Duty working in practice:

Helpful and accessible customer support

Good news for: push payment fraud victims. The new rules require good customer service to be in place so that everyone can sort out problems, and switch or cancel products just as easily as when they signed up.

Push payment fraud is where people are tricked into handing over their bank details, or unwittingly transferring money to a fraudster. People have a short window of opportunity to contact their banks when they realise theyve been tricked.

Phone lines should be easy to find and answered quickly. Yet in the past people have waited in the phone queue for excessive amounts of time or not been able to call fraud teams  and the money has been lost as a result.

Now, the new rules mean that people should be able to get through to customer service lines quickly, and get the help they need there and then.

If this doesnt happen, the company would have to prove that you were given quick and easy access to its fraud team when the issue took place. If it cant, your complaint may stand a better chance of being upheld.

Timely and clear information

Good news for: insurance claims. This means that any contract created should be easy to understand and fair  and the important information should be given to you upfront so you know what youre getting into.

There are endless examples of insurance claims turned down due to obscure, ambiguous or unfairly applied terms and conditions.

The new rules mean insurance companies  as well as other financial businesses  should not bury important info in the terms and conditions. They have to tell you about all the important information you might need to know.

At the same time, they also have to tidy up their terms to make sure they are easy to understand.

So, if you were to have an insurance claim denied, with reasons for the denial buried in your policy terms, you may have a case for complaining under the Consumer Duty, and the firm would have to prove whether it had clearly set the information out to you.

Products and services that are right for you

Good news for: mis-selling mass claims. Financial businesses must make sure that anything they sell to you suits your needs. They shouldnt push products on to you that you dont want or need.

From payment protection insurance (PPI) and packaged bank accounts to equity release, there have been several mis-selling scandals in the past, which arose because businesses had set sales targets and forced staff to sell products despite knowing they were not always suitable.

The new rules mean customers should not experience the hard sell from financial businesses. And if a new mis-selling scandal does emerge, the change in emphasis of the burden of proof should drastically cut the need for years of legal wrangling for customers to prove they were mis-sold. The business will have to provide evidence proving they did not mis-sell.

Products and services to provide fair value

Good news for: saving account rates. The rules state financial products should be fairly priced, with no hidden costs or extras. So everything from excessive fees and sneaky add-on charges should not be allowed, along with unfair pricing systems.

This also counts for things like savings returns. In the past, it was common to find better savings account rates online than elsewhere, meaning only the financially-savvy or well-informed were able to find the best deals.

Other customers may therefore miss out on good deals, or get charged more each year for staying loyal to brands.

The new rules mean that these inconsistencies should not apply anymore, and firms should take steps to make it much easier to compare and contrast prices.

Once again, if this doesnt fit with your experience, you may be able to complain citing Consumer Duty rules, and providers will need to prove you wrong.

Supporting vulnerable people

Good news for: all consumers. Businesses should consider whether a customer is vulnerable, and factor their situation into how they deal with them.

Vulnerability can mean anything from being older, being in ill-health or having a disability, to having financial difficulties, or experiencing a challenging life event, like a divorce or loss of job. In short, it could be any situation that might affect someones ability to enter into a contract, or follow through with an existing one.

The new rules mean businesses have to assess the needs of their customers. Not all vulnerabilities will be obvious, but if a person explains their vulnerability, the business should act appropriately  selling financial products responsibly, for example, and coming up with solutions to support people who are struggling.

This also bolsters the position of customers who do not have the IT skills or financial resource to buy products and services online.

Are businesses actually making changes?

It seems the FCA is expecting businesses to self-police the new Consumer Duty measures. I suspect it is hoping the publicity drive about the new rules will cause businesses to improve their behaviour.

This may work in the short-term, but I hope complaints where the new duty is referenced are upheld both within the businesses internal complaint procedures, and when such complaints are escalated to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

FCA-regulated businesses should already know about the Consumer Duty, but we need consumers to start being aware of it as well, and to actively use it in complaints.

The FCA has given consumers the tools  they now need to be used so that many of the issues I have seen over the years will now cross the line into being viable complaints, with the clout of the Consumer Duty to back them up and succeed.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly by an FCA-regulated business, ask it to show how it has complied with the Consumer Duty. They all have to prove their case.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Could your students school devices be violating their privacy, in ways it could be used against them?

A new report said the student surveillance company called Go Guardian and others like it have access to sensitive data that does just this.

Gun violence, historical topics, political parties and even news along with counseling and therapy websites are just some of the content being flagged by student surveillance company Go Guardian. Thats acording to a report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for rights online in the digital world.

We just got these huge datasets where go guardian was flagging, as they call it, students for just doing their homework for looking for jobs online for doing the things that you expect kids to do, said Dave Maass, director of investigations at EFF.

According to EFF, 88% of districts report using a student activity monitoring software, the most common being Go Guardian. Three school districts in Texas  Lake Travis ISD, Alvord ISD and South West ISD  handed over data in which EFF analyzed.

Each one of these alerts, these flags essentiallyattached to a particular student, which could flag that student for attention for discipline could reveal things about that student that they would prefer to be private, may eventually even make its way to law enforcement, Maass said.

Lake Travis ISD said its had the software since 2015, and hasnt had any issues or concerns with the software.

While we responded to EFFs request for records via the Texas Public Information Act, Lake Travis ISD was not directly made aware of the final report or its findingsGoGuardian Admin is used solely for content filtering of potential harmful or obscene content when accessing the internet. Lake Travis ISD does not use the software feature Flagged Activity to monitor or flag content or sites, and all Flagged Activity Notifications are disabled. The protection and maintenance of student data is of utmost concern. Access to such data is highly secured and limited to senior IT administrators only. We will continue to do everything possible to provide safe and secure access to digital resources that support student learning. Lake Travis ISD

But other districts are using this feature, getting as many as 50,000 warnings a day, according to EFF. Some of those warnings tied to historical descriptions of slavery, the Holocaust and sexual discrimination.

In some cases, the software gave districts the option to track trends in student search histories to identify at risk students.

EFF created a Red Flag Quiz, using real data from Go Guardian it obtained from a few school districts to show which keywords are triggering alerts.

The Texas Public Policy foundation said its a difficult topic.

Parents in particular for their kids should know when information is being collected on them, said David Dunmoyer with TPPF. They should be able to exercise the right to opt out of that, if thats something theyre not comfortable withtheres still such a pressing need to ensure kids are kept safe from harmful content.

Maass said he doesnt think most data being flagged by Go Guardian is useful.

Its hard to really say that, you know, like this is on the whole is having a more positive impact than a negative one, Maass said. I honestly dont know how they even find the dangerous stuff in there. I look at a month worth of data, I see 15,000 minimum items in there. I dont even know how you would find a student whos having problems. Its just that much stuff to sort through.

Go Guardian told us it does take student privacy into consideration.

Schools have a responsibility to keep students safe in digital spaces and on school-issued devices. Go Guardian provides educators with the ability to protect students from harmful or explicit content as required by federal law, while giving access to legitimate education tools. To learn more about Go Guardians proactive approach to student privacy, please visit https://www.goguardian.com/privacy-information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Kyiv Pechersk District court ruled to seize assets of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleksandr Dubinskyi, who is suspected of high treason, as well as property of his family members, according to the court document released on Nov. 22. The assets include an array of real estate and vehicles.

Although the report did not name the current MP by name, the presented evidence points to Dubinskyi's family.

The investigators have determined that the MP, along with his mother and now ex-wife, engaged in high-risk financial transactions totalling millions, including substantial cash transactions, spanning the period from 2008 to 2023. These transactions substantially surpass their officially declared income, suggesting potential involvement in money laundering through the acquisition of highly liquid assets and the transfer of funds to deposit accounts.

A total of 39 real estate objects, in particular, 23 apartments in Kyiv, eight land plots, two houses in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast and 15 cars belonging to Dubinskyi and his family members have been seized, according to a report published by the State Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 23.

Ukrainian law enforcement officials detained Dubinskyi on Nov. 14. Four years ago, Dubinsky assisted Rudy Giuliani in his unsuccessful efforts to uncover information about Joe Biden at the behest of then-President Donald Trump. He now faces charges of treason, accused of collaborating to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Putin visits Belarus; Russian parliament passes budget with record military expenditures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
What on earth is the point of the Covid Inquiry? Lockdown was arguably the most controversial policy to be implemented in British peacetime history. It had huge ramifications for the nations health, its economy and for an entire generation of children. The impact is still being felt, with nearly 7.8 million patients languishing on NHS waiting lists. Wednesdays Autumn Statement laid bare the stultifying effect it has had on the UKs growth rate and the eye-watering sums it has added to our national debt.

We needed a thorough investigation into whether the coronavirus cure was worse than the disease; a forensic cost-benefit analysis of whether shutting down the country for months on end was the right policy.

But we havent got that. Far from it. Instead, we have an embarrassing merry-go-round of blame that is repeatedly failing to answer the central and most important question of all: how many lives were actually saved by lockdown, and was it really worth it?

In June, researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Lund University examined almost 20,000 studies on measures taken to protect populations against Covid across the world. Their findings suggested that lockdown in spring 2020, when compared with less strict policies adopted by nations like Sweden, prevented as few as 1,700 deaths in England and Wales. To put that into context: in an average week there are around 11,000 deaths in England and Wales. Flu deaths hit a five-year high of 15,000 in England last winter.

The reports authors said their study showed that the draconian measures had a negligible impact on Covid mortality and were a policy failure of gigantic proportions. They concluded: The data are in: the deaths saved were a drop in the bucket compared to the staggering collateral costs imposed.

The data are in. Information we desperately lacked at the start of the pandemic we now have in droves. Yet is any of it being properly pored over by the inquiry? No. Are any lessons being learnt or meaningful conclusions being drawn? It appears not.

This week, we heard evidence from Sir Patrick Vallance, the governments former chief scientific adviser, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, and his deputy, Jonathan Van-Tam. Sadly, it disclosed nothing we didnt know already. We were told that the government was woefully ill-prepared for a pandemic, that the first lockdown probably came too late, that the second one probably could have been avoided, that Dominic Cummings caused rows and that the politicians followed the science, except when they didnt. Mass gatherings in March 2020 were a mistake. It was wrong to plug for herd immunity. And, as far as the experts are concerned, any mistakes were largely the governments fault.

We will hear from the politicians next, who will doubtless blame the scientists. And on and on it will tiresomely go as the main protagonists desperately try to cover their backs. Tens of millions of pounds of taxpayer money have been spent on this exercise so far, and the British people are none the wiser.

Rather than asking difficult questions, as did the researchers at Johns Hopkins, or exploring important issues like the origins of the virus, the inquiry appears to be operating on the foregone conclusion that if wed locked down earlier, longer and harder, we would have been better off  despite mounting evidence to the contrary. The probe seems to be firmly set within the bounds of a centrist political consensus that the dysfunctional government  and its former prime minister  messed it all up and should be held responsible.

Yet even on this point, its exploration of the advice structure around Boris Johnson appears wholly inadequate. We have heard virtually nothing on why scientists with opposing views on lockdown were shut out of the decision-making process inside No 10, and why some sought to destroy their reputations. The inquiry appears obsessed with the importance of following the science yet is unwilling to entertain the notion that some of that science may have been flawed or wrong altogether.

There has similarly been scant scrutiny of supposedly science-led decisions which seem to have been made on the basis of little or no evidence at all. Is the inquiry going to examine the extent to which the modelling was wrong, and unpick why it was so heavily relied upon? If you look at the graphs of infection and hospitalisation and death, some have pointed out that, to a large extent, they seem to rise and fall in natural geometric curves.

The inquiry should therefore surely be clarifying which interventions worked and which didnt. It should be sharing everything it knows about the efficacy of different measures, including social distancing, contract tracing and mask wearing. It should be drawing lessons from the care homes scandal, and explaining how we should protect the elderly and vulnerable in future. It should be carrying out a comprehensive audit of how badly children were affected by lockdown  both educationally and psychologically  and drawing a conclusion on whether schools should ever be closed again.

Fundamentally, it should be telling us whether lockdown worked and to what extent, rather than getting lost in a trivial maze of pointless tittle-tattle and name-calling, none of which proves anything about government efficiency or decision-making. The inquirys chairwoman, Baroness Hallett, urgently needs to take hold of proceedings and reframe the debate.

She should start by stopping people from observing the inquiry while holding up images of their dead relatives. I dont say this to be heartless. I have the utmost sympathy with those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. In January 2021, I wrote a heartbreaking story about one of my old school friends losing both of her parents within months of each other.

But the presence of largely Left-wing groups purporting to represent the victims is further skewing what should be an impartial, dispassionate process. It is placing undue weight on those who died of Covid compared with those who died because of lockdown. It was estimated in 2020 that the average age of a death from Covid was 82.4 years old. Any death is a tragedy. And that means we should also be examining whether the young mums who succumbed to breast cancer because people were staying at home, saving lives and protecting the NHS could have been avoided. The inquiry should look as closely at excess deaths as it has Covid deaths.

During the next pandemic, any future government will look back to this investigation for guidance on the efficacy of lockdown. If the inquiry fails to answer that key question, then it is going to be found guilty of a total dereliction of duty.

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LIVINGSTON, Ky. (AP)  A chemical fire at a Kentucky train derailment that caused evacuations has been extinguished and people can return to their homes, rail operator CSX said Thursday.

CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker said in an email Thursday afternoon that the fire is completely out. He said that authorities and CSX officials reviewed air monitoring data and decided it was safe to let displaced return home.

The CSX train derailed around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near Livingston, a remote town with about 200 people in Rockcastle County. Residents were encouraged to evacuate.

Two of the 16 cars that derailed carried molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached, CSX said in a statement.

Its believed that the fire released the potentially harmful gas sulfur dioxide, but officials have not released results of measurements taken from air monitoring equipment that was being deployed Wednesday night.

The derailment meant some Livingston residents woke up on Thanksgiving in a middle school shelter.

Cindy Bradley had just finished cooking for the big meal Wednesday when an official knocking loudly urged her to leave her small Kentucky home as soon as possible because a train had derailed.

She ended up at Rockcastle County Middle School in Livingston  unsure what was to come next.

Its just really scary. We dont know how long this is, Bradley told WTVQ-TV on Wednesday night, surrounded by dozens of cots.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, depending on the concentration and length of exposure. The gas is commonly produced by burning fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial processes, the EPA says.

Evelyn Gray noticed a problem when her back door was opened by someone telling her to evacuate.

As soon as he opened the back door to come in the chemical hit me, and I had a real bad asthma attack, Gray told the TV station.

The danger from sulfur dioxide tends to be direct and quick, irritating the lungs and skin, said Neil Donahue, a chemistry professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

It is just nasty, caustic, and acidic stuff that hurts. Its unpleasant to be in, Donahue said.

Once the fire was put out, the threat from the chemicals was expected to diminish quickly, Donahue said.

CSX is now working to clean up an additional spilled chemical and restore the area.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county, assuring crews all the help from the state they need. He asked the public to keep in mind the emergency workers and people forced to spend Thanksgiving away from home.

Please think about them and pray for a resolution that gets them back in their homes. Thank you to all the first responders spending this day protecting our people, the governor said in a statement Thursday.

CSX promised to pay the costs of anyone asked to evacuate, including a Thanksgiving dinner.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A leading cruise ship company is being accused of planning to fire more than 900 staff members if they do not accept new terms and conditions for their job.

Carnival UK, owner of P&O Cruises and Cunard, notified authorities of the "fire and rehire" plan one day after beginning talks with union members.

The Nautilus union said it showed the cruise firm had "no real intention to engage" in meaningful negotiations.

Carnival UK said it was "categorically not making any redundancies".

Last year a separate company, P&O Ferries, became embroiled in a dispute over the sacking of 800 of its workers by its owner DP World. The firm sacked staff without notice, replacing them with foreign agency workers who were paid less than the UK minimum wage.

Later, the firm's boss admitted the sackings were illegal.

Under UK law, employers planning to make 20 or more staff redundant within any 90-day period, must first consult staff and speak to trade union representatives.

Nautilus, which represents hundreds of those potentially affected, said Carnival UK had notified authorities in the UK and Bermuda of its intention to change employment terms and conditions for 919 crew across 10 vessels including the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2.

In a statement, Nautilus referred to Form HR1, a document outlining a company's redundancy plans that is submitted to the UK government.

"Negotiations with the union opened on November 14 but the union was only notified of the HR1 on the evening of November 22," it said, adding that Carnival had included the statement: "Dismissal and re-engagement may be considered if agreement cannot be reached on new terms."

Nautilus said the move suggested that Carnival "never had any intention of 'meaningful negotiation'".

Carnival UK said: "We are categorically not making any redundancies and we will not dismiss and re-engage staff. In fact we have significantly increased our headcount across our fleet."

It added: "This is an annual pay review process with our maritime officers onboard our ships which will ensure alignment. This will empower our staff, deliver the right teams across our fleet and attract and retain talent to work on our ships."

The union said the cruise company effectively wanted to "enforce a cut in 20% of their working days", which amounted to a drop from 243 days worked per year, to 200 days, and a drop in income.

It said changes were being enforced and were "not negotiable", leaving members upset, especially as it seemed that the company were "taking away flexibility" in terms of when the work could be done.

Nautilus has written to the company calling for it to withdraw the threat of "fire and rehire", and engage in meaningful negotiations.

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said history was "repeating itself".

"The lives of hundreds more seafarers are once again being upended by bad bosses who know they can get away with it", she said, adding ministers have ignored "warning after warning" that this would happen again without changes in employment law.

Nautilus's senior national organiser Garry Elliot called on the government to learn lessons from last year's P&O Ferries scandal "and outlaw the coercive practice of fire and rehire". He added: "Employers cannot be allowed to treat their employees with contempt and force through fundamental changes to terms and conditions by playing with their employees' livelihoods."

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the union umbrella body, the TUC, said ministers had failed to stop workers from "being treated like disposable labour".

The government had reneged on a pledge to introduce a bill strengthening workers' rights he added.

The BBC has contacted the government for comment.

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo arrives to depart in his helicopter after announcing his resignation in Manhattan, New York City

By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - A woman who in 2021 accused former New York governor Andrew Cuomo of groping her when she was working for him has filed a civil lawsuit against her one-time boss.

Brittany Commisso, whose accusations had led to criminal charges that were later dropped, in a summons filed Wednesday in Albany, New York state court, said she was "continuously subjected" to sexual harassment while working for Cuomo, beginning in December 2019, including sexual comments and unwanted touching.

A lawyer for Cuomo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The governor, a Democrat, resigned in August 2021, after an inquiry by New York Attorney General Letitia James found he had sexually harassed 11 women.

Commisso had previously filed a criminal complaint accusing the governor of touching her breast in the governor's mansion in December 2020, leading to a misdemeanor sex offense charge in October 2021. It was the only criminal charge brought over the allegations against Cuomo.

Albany's district attorney in January 2022 dropped the case, saying that he found Commisso "cooperative and credible" and was "deeply troubled" by her allegations, but could not prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Commisso said in her lawsuit that she was demoted in retaliation after she complained about the 2020 incident. She is seeking an unspecified amount of money damages.

Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, sued Cuomo for sexual harassment in September 2022. Cuomo has denied the allegations, and the case remains pending.

Commisso's lawsuit is one of a recent series filed under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York state law allowing such cases to be filed in court even if the statutes of limitations have run out. The deadline for the special one-year window for such complaints under the law expired Thursday.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi; Editing by Alistair Bell)
On November 24, 1971, a passenger who became known as "D.B. Cooper" hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight from Portland, Ore., parachuted south of Seattle with a $200,000 ransom collected from the airline -- and disappeared. Composite Image courtesy of the FBI

Nov. 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1859, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was published.

In 1863, Union Gen. U.S. Grant launched the U.S. Civil War battle of Chattanooga in Tennessee.

In 1869, women from 21 states met in Cleveland to organize the American Women Suffrage Association.

In 1874, Joseph Glidden received a patent for barbed wire, which altered the development of ranching on the Great Plains.

A U.S. Navy underwater demolition team swimmer assists the Apollo 12 crew during recovery operations in the Pacific Ocean on November 24, 1969. File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 1917, nine officers and with the Milwaukee Police Department and two civilians were killed by a bomb, believed to have been made by Gallean anarchists. Prior to the attacks on September 11, 2001, this was the single most fatal event in U.S. law enforcement history.

In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was fatally shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby in the Dallas police headquarters basement two days after Kennedy was slain.

On November 24, 1917, a bomb killed two civilians and nine officers at the Milwaukee Police Department in deadliest event in U.S. police history until 9/11. Photo courtesy Milwaukee Journal

UPI File Photo

In 1969, Apollo 12 returned to Earth with astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., Richard Gordon and Alan Bean. It was NASA's second moon-landing mission.

A U.S. soldier hands out toys to children in Diyala province, 65 kilometers north of Baghdad on August 14, 2008. On November 24, 2007, a brigade of 5,000 U.S. troops left Diyala province in Iraq. It was considered the first significant pullback of American forces from the country. File Photo by Ali Jasim/UPI

In 1971, a passenger who became known as "D.B. Cooper" hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight from Portland, Ore., parachuted south of Seattle with a $200,000 ransom collected from the airline -- and disappeared.

In 1985, Arab commandos forced an Egypt Air jetliner to Malta and began shooting passengers, fatally wounding two. Fifty-seven other people died when Egyptian commandos stormed the jet.

On November 24, 1992, the United States lowered its flag over the last U.S. base in the Philippines, ending nearly a century of military presence in its former colony. File Photo courtesy the U.S. Navy

In 1992, the United States lowered its flag over the last U.S. base in the Philippines, ending nearly a century of military presence in its former colony.

In 1995, Irish voters passed a referendum removing a constitutional ban on divorce.

In 2007, a brigade of 5,000 U.S. troops left Diyala province in Iraq. It was considered the first significant pullback of American forces from the country.

In 2009, two men were executed in China for involvement in the country's 2008 tainted milk scandal, which sickened 300,000 infants, killing six.

File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

In 2012, at least 112 people were killed in a fire that swept through a clothing factory outside Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In 2014, Cleveland police fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was holding a toy gun. The officers involved were not charged, but the city agreed to pay his family $6 million to settle a lawsuit.{link:

In 2021, a Georgia jury found three men guilty of murder for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in 2020.

File Stephen B. Morton/EPA-EFE
Tiffany Hddish has found herself on the wrong side of the law again. The star was arrested on DUI charges on Black Friday.

According to TMZ, she fell asleep and was found slumped over the wheel in Beverly Hills. Footage showed her handcuffed as police escorted her to a squad car during the early morning hours of Nov. 24.

The LA native spent Thanksgiving Day helping out The Laugh Factory for their holiday feast. She also performed an impromptu comedy set at the annual gathering.

Tiffany Haddishs celebrity status helped gain her entry into an African club in Los Angeles after initially being turned away. (Photos: @tiffanyhaddish/Instagram, @Emma_habesha_restaurant/Instagram)

Based on TMZs coverage of the arrest, she was still in the same clothes from the event.

This marks the second DUI she has received in the past year. In January 2022, she was arrested after falling asleep behind the wheel in the metro Atlanta suburb of Peachtree City. Haddish later explained the incident was the result of her grieving the death of her grandmother.

Prior to her post-Thanksgiving run-in with the law, Haddish was using her celebrity status as the perfect flex after she was initially denied entry into a popular Inglewood establishment.

Im trying to go to the Habesha party to get my East African on; you know, I been partying with the white people, now Im trying to party with my East Africans, and they wont let me in the club, said Haddish as she recorded herself standing outside of Emma Habesha Restaurant. The actress was in tow with three men she referred to as her brothers.

Tiffany Haddish arrested AGAIN for a DUI in Beverly Hills after she allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel.



Haddish performed at the Laugh Factory the night before. This is the second DUI arrest for Haddish, who was also busted under similar circumstances back in January 2022 https://t.co/ACi3uGCnly pic.twitter.com/gSBMINzOFk  Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) November 24, 2023

The video was posted on Nov. 23, however, Emma Habesha flyers for a Friendsgiving event took place on Nov. 22.

Prior to showing up at the family-owned eatery, the Night School star shared an hour-long livestream of herself enjoying Yachtley Crew, a yacht rock band that covers hits from the 70s and 80s, at the El Rey Theatre. Dn I been turned away from fancier places, added the comic before noting that the restaurant is known for serving good food.

Its a party in there, cars parked all up and down the street, but they wont let the Haddish in. They said they aint letting nobody else in, continued the Emmy-winning actress, alluding to the fact that capacity concerns were likely the real reason she had to wait to enter.

After a brief exchange with an employee at the door, Haddish gained entry into the venue. Her brothers remained outside as Haddish spoke with another employee inside the venue about them being met with resistance at the door.

I got three of my brothers out here. They didnt want to let me in, and they wont let me brothers in; if I wasnt famous they wouldnt have let me in, she said. The brief video ends with her dancing to the live band.

Do they not you are a queen, wrote a fan after watching the footage. Another person joked, Tiff you gon crash someones party girl. A third comment suggested Haddish not let her celebrity status go to her head. Bruh.dont ever expect anything. Stay Humble haddish, they wrote.

The She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood! comic doesnt just have an appreciation of East African cuisine and festivities; its also part of her heritage. Her father, Tsihaye Reda Haddish, and paternal grandparents are from Eritrea, a country she gained dual citizenship from in 2019.

In 2021, the star rung in the new year when she returned to her late grandfathers village, Geza Keren, where she acquired her Eritrean ID and land. Haddish previously paid homage to her heritage when she attended the 2018 Academy Awards dressed in a traditional zuria gown.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported two carjackings on Thanksgiving, bringing the number of carjackings as of Nov. 23 to 901.

Thats more than double the amount MPD reported within the same time frame in 2022.

The carjacking page of the Metropolitan Police Departments website provides in-depth information about the crimes and gives visitors a visual representation of the monthly number of carjackings in the District, beginning with January 2018.

When it comes to 2023, as of Nov. 23, among other things:

77% of carjackings involved guns.

66% of the 157 arrests involved minors.

The age of most of the people arrested was 15.

12-year-old DC carjacking suspect turned in by mother

MPD formed its carjacking task force in January 2021, expanding it the following January. In February 2022, the Metropolitan Police Department and Prince Georges County Police Department said they would collaborate in addressing the growing issue of carjackings.

Some recent efforts in the District to fight the trend and deter further crimes included handing out free dashboard cameras to delivery and rideshare drivers.

Police departments throughout the DMV have acknowledged a regional increase in the number of carjackings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A small group of Belleville residents led by a former congressman spent more than two years fighting a development project that they said would disrupt and change the character of their historic neighborhood.

Earlier this fall, it appeared that they had lost, based on a series of Zoning Board of Appeals recommendations and City Council approvals. Then on Monday night, they won.

The City Council effectively terminated an agreement with developer Kathy Mordini, who was poised to buy a derelict two-story brick storefront from the city, renovate it, move her real-estate office upstairs and turn the first floor into a special-event center.

Aldermen voted 10-6 to reject a revised sale contract that included a new company name and an extended closing date, despite a unanimous Zoning Board recommendation to issue the necessary permits.

They railroaded it, Mordini said. They railroaded the project, so Ill just have to turn it over to my attorney. I spent quite a bit of time and money on this, and then to have them approve it and approve it and approve it and approve it and then deny it when we were one step away from it being done?

Mordini reiterated her longstanding claim that Mayor Patty Gregorys administration has thrown up hurdles throughout the negotiation process for political reasons, including Mordinis support of her opponent, the late former Mayor Mark Eckert, in the 2021 election.

Gregory and city officials have strongly denied that claim, saying the project has been subject to the same rules and procedures applied to any developer.

At Monday nights meeting, Ward 6 Alderman Chris Rothweiler told other aldermen that he had tried to work out differences between the neighbors and Mordini, who wanted to host gatherings with food and liquor inside the building and outside in a fenced courtyard.

Rothweiler said he wasnt opposed to the indoor operation, noting that he voted with the rest of the City Council to approve its liquor license at a earlier meeting, but he agreed with neighbors concerned about noise and crowds with an outdoor operation.

We listen to the residents, he said. ... They have to live there. They have to put up with it and deal with it.

Rothweiler said he wouldnt want to live near a venue that hosts outdoor parties, some with live music, that may last until 10:30 or 11 at night with people going in and out.

Vote breakdown

The 1887 storefront at 123-127 Mascoutah Ave. is in Ward 6. Its just within the border of Old Belleville Historic District, a mostly residential neighborhood, while also part of the downtown business district.

Rothweiler and Ward 6 Alderwoman Mary Stiehl voted not to accept the revised contract with Mordini, as did Bryan Whitaker and Lillian Schneider of Ward 1, Scott Ferguson of Ward 3, Raffi Ovian of Ward 4, Ed Dintelman of Ward 5, Phil Elmore and Dennis Weygandt of Ward 7 and Kara Osthoff of Ward 8.

Voting to accept the revised contract were Carmen Duco and Jamie Eros of Ward 2, Kent Randle of Ward 3, Johnnie Anthony of Ward 4, Shelly Schaefer of Ward 5 and Nora Sullivan of Ward 8.

Several neighbors have appeared at past City Council and Zoning Board meetings to criticize the project itself. But at Monday nights meeting, former U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart stood up during a public-participation period and questioned Mordinis personal credibility.

Public court records show that she has been sued for breach of contract at least four times in St. Clair County Circuit Court, he said. She has multiple city offenses for accumulation of trash, failure to make required repairs and health and safety violations.

She also has had two domestic-violence protection orders and one non-stalking order entered against her to protect fellow business persons and neighbors from her actions.

St. Clair County court records show that three people have petitioned for orders of protection against Mordini, most recently in 2014. Each was denied.

Four breach-of-contract lawsuits were filed against her in small claims court between July 2008 and June 2009. At least one was dismissed. Another was settled. Outcomes of the other two are unclear because digital court files are incomplete, and small claims paperwork prior to 2013 has been destroyed.

Belleville police issued Mordini four tickets within a two-month period in 2009, two for accumulation of trash, one for failure to make repairs and one for a health-and-safety hazard.

Mordini said the 14-year-old tickets related to her work on a storefront at 124-126 E. Main St. in Belleville, one of several historic-building renovations she completed successfully over the years.

Considering what I did for the property, I think thats pretty minor, she said.

Mordini declined to comment on Enyarts other statements, except to say that some were flat-out lies and some were family matters, and she was disappointed that he would try to destroy her reputation given her community involvement over the years.

Mordini has operated several businesses, including Broadway Center of Arts in the Main Street building, which she no longer owns; and volunteered with organizations such as Belleville Mural Project.

Bill Enyart should be ashamed on the direction he took to stifle (the Mascoutah Avenue) project, she said. I want to do good things for the community, and I dont have time for their political games of twisted lies.

They just keep throwing garbage at the wall until something sticks, she added.

Evolving plan

The brick storefront at 123-127 Mascoutah Ave. has been vacant for 27 years. The family of Mark Kern, a former Belleville mayor and current St. Clair County Board chairman, donated money so the city could buy the building in 2010 and vacant lot in 2009 for back taxes. It was going to be used as a welcome center for the landmark Gustave Koerner House, but that never materialized.

Kathy Mordini operates Avenue Realty Associates at 122 Mascoutah Ave. across the street. She and her daughter, Kinsey Mordini, first expressed interest in renovating the vacant storefront in early 2021.

The city twice published requests for proposals the following year, and the Mordinis were the only developers to submit plans. They estimated it would cost $200,000 to install utilities, make other improvements and adhere to historic-district requirements for the exterior.

Initially, the Mordinis proposed creating a small-business incubator with outdoor kiosks for open-air markets and a commercial kitchen for cooking classes. The City Council rejected that plan after Enyart and other neighbors warned that the kiosks would attract homeless people.

Kathy Mordini changed the plan to consist of a special-event center on the lower level and her real-estate office upstairs. In June, she agreed to buy the property for $48,816 with a September closing date.

The deal likely would have gone through on an extended October date if not for the City Council voting last month to table a decision on whether to allow Mordini to serve food and drinks outside. That led her to seek another extension.

I didnt want to buy a property if I wasnt going to be able to use it as I had proposed, she said.

Mordini said she also discovered that she had signed the first sale contract using a new company name, Avenue Development, not realizing that the name already was taken in Illinois, so she had to go back to her existing company name, Avenue Realty Associates.

Enyart argued on Monday night that Mordini had breached the contract and lost her grandfathered-in right to open a special-event center in Belleville. The City Council approved an ordinance in July limiting the number of such venues due to their rapidly increasing numbers.

Ms. Mordinis proposal would be the sixth venue establishment within a half-mile radius, Enyart said. The ordinance prohibits more than one within a mile.

Before the vote, aldermen briefly discussed whether Mordini had actually breached the contract when she failed to close on the sale in October. City Attorney Garrett Hoerner said a breach had occurred, but the sale could go forward if the City Council accepted the revised contract.

The 10-6 vote against the contract represented the projects collapse.

Fence question

Another neighbor who has voiced opposition to Mordinis project is Barb Swantner. She and a partner are renovating a historic brick storefront across the street that they bought this summer. They plan to reopen Charlies bar with loft apartments upstairs.

In a letter to aldermen, Swantner, who lives a half block away and initially supported Mordinis plan, argued that she had repeatedly changed details and that a fence around the courtyard would violate historic-district rules.

The Zoning Board recommended that the City Council issue a special-use permit for outdoor dining, but only if it was surrounded by a six-foot-high fence.

I asked what the size of the pergolas (in the courtyard) will be and she wasnt willing to answer, Swantner wrote, referring to a meeting that she and Mordini attended. I believe we all want to see that corner developed but not with a developer that wont even try to work with the neighbors.

She has submitted many nice letters (from project supporters), but most of them do not live in the area we are discussing, so if they are getting information off of social media, of course it sounds like a great idea.

Mordini rejects the claim that her plan kept changing and insists that many people in the neighborhood were supportive. She said Rothweiler didnt talk to them, and some are angry enough to make sure that hes defeated in the next municipal election.

Mordini questioned why her project was so heavily scrutinized by the city while the owners of Charlies, which will be a bar with late hours and a gambling parlor, were able get plan approval, a special-use permit for outdoor dining and a liquor license within weeks.

Everything I requested they got, and they were praised for it, and we were chastised for the exact same thing, she said.

Cliff Cross, director of economic development, planning and zoning, said he and other city officials will reevaluate what to do next with the city-owned Mascoutah Avenue property. He said he doesnt like to see vacancies, but he wants to make sure future plans are solid.

Does Mordini see her chances for renovating the building as over for good?

As of right now, it is, she said. But that buildings not going anywhere. Maybe in two years, when we have a different administration thats not politically driven to kill projects ... Well hold it out. Well do it after we get a new administration.
"This is the most resourceful country in the world," says Deborah Fairlamb who years ago quit her Wall Street job and moved to Ukraine, a country where she chose to raise her daughter. When Russia launched the full-scale invasion, Deborah, then as an American contractor, was forced to leave. Now, shes back, having launched Green Flag Ventures, which aims to invest in brilliant Ukrainian tech startups.

With American Joe Lindsley, host of the Land of the Free podcast, Deborah discusses the reality of corruption in Ukraine versus the USA, and she explains why Ukraine, especially in wartime, is a place of innovation and excellence.

You can learn more about Deborah here: https://www.greenflag.vc

Subscribe to the YouTube channel of Ukrainska Pravda!
The Ukrainian government will earmark Hr 175 billion ($4.8 billion) for the purchase of shells and missiles as part of the country's 2024 defense budget, said Deputy Defense Minister Yurii Dzhyhyr on Nov. 24.

Dzhyhyr also said that another Hr 80 billion ($2.2 billion) will go towards the purchase of military equipment. Another top priority is to repair damaged military equipment, as well as purchase spare parts, he added.

As much as possible, the Ukrainian government will try to make purchases from domestic suppliers.

"According to our estimates, more than Hr 190 billion ($5.2 billion) from the funds that will be contracted next year will remain with domestic producer(s)," Dzhyhyr said.

The delivery of shells from the U.S. has dropped in recent months as the stability of continued aid from Ukraine's largest supplier of military aid increasingly comes into question.

Hopes that Ukraine's European allies may be able to fill in the gaps in shell provisions were also likely proving to be overly optimistic, as Bloomberg reported on Nov. 10 that the EU pledge to deliver one million shells to Ukraine by March 2024 was behind its target.

At the same time, Russia has dramatically increased the size of its military budget for 2024 and has reportedly received over one million shells from North Korea.

Read also: Investigation: EU inability to ramp up production behind acute ammunition shortages in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A man has been arrested over the leak of graphic crime scene photos taken from the wooded trail where teenage best friends Libby German and Abby Williams were brutally murdered.

In what marks the latest twist in tragic Delphi murders case, 41-year-old Mitchell Westerman, of Westfield, Indiana, was taken into custody this week and charged with one count of conversion.

Mr Westerman is a friend and former coworker of Andrew Baldwin, one of the two attorneys who was representing accused killer Richard Allen up until last month when they dramatically quit over the leaked photo scandal.

Court documents reveal that Mr Westerman  who used to work in Mr Baldwins law firm but was no longer employed at the time of the leak and never worked on the Delphi murders case  confessed to being behind the leak.

The 41-year-old told law enforcement that he would often stop by Mr Baldwins office for a visit and, during one visit, he came across a trove of evidence from the high-profile case spread out in the conference room.

Among the documents lay the graphic crime scene photots.

While alone in the room, Mr Westerman said he took photos of the pictures on his cellphone and sent them onto another man, the court documents state.

That individual, from Fishers, then shared the images further to a man in Texas, who sent them to several YouTubers and podcasters and shared the images online.

The leak came to light in early October when The Murder Sheet podcasters  journalist Aine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee  received the images from a source and notified law enforcement.

We were very disturbed by what we saw, Ms Cain told The Independent in an interview at the time.

The discovery is under a protective order by the court so that it cant be leaked or disseminated in any way. So its not only disturbing to see these images but its disturbing in terms of what it means for the case.

Mitchell Westerman pictured in mug shot (Johnson County)

The individual from Fishers died by suicide after a police investigation into the leak was launched.

According to court documents, Mr Westerman admitted to Mr Baldwin on 9 October that he was the source of the leak.

In an affidavit, he also admitted that neither Mr Baldwin nor Mr Allens other attorney Brad Rozzi had given him permission to take photos of the sensitive evidence in the case or share it with others.

Mr Baldwin has described his friends actions as a betrayal.

Despite Mr Westermans confession, the leak derailed the high-profile murder case  leading to Mr Allens attorneys being removed from the case and his trial being delayed by almost another year.

A court hearing was arranged by Judge Fran Gull for 19 October to address the leak but  before the hearing could go ahead  Mr Baldwin and Mr Rozzi both told the court that they were quitting the case.

Weve had an unexpected turn of events, ladies and gentlemen, said Judge Gull at the start of the hearing.

Earlier this afternoon, the defence attorneys have withdrawn their representation of Mr Allen.

Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together (Facebook)

Mr Baldwin made an oral motion to withdraw from the case, while Mr Rozzi later submitted a written motion to withdraw.

While the two attorneys voluntarily withdrew from the case, they have since claimed that the judge coerced them to quit in what they described as a pre-meditated ambush  and are calling for her to be removed from the case.

In a dramatic move, the pair also filed a motion offering to work for free on Mr Allens case, saying that they would represent him pro bono if they were barred from working as his public defenders.

Mr Allen also sent a letter to the court asking that the attorneys be allowed to stay on his case.

Judge Gull ruled against it and pushed back the trial of Mr Allen  the local Delphi man accused of the 2017 killings of Libby and Abby  from 24 January 2024 to 15 October 2024, so his new attorneys can get up to speed with the wealth of evidence.

Mr Rozzi and Mr Baldwin continue to fight the judges rulings and have since taken their request to the Indiana Supreme Court, asking it to intervene in the high-profile case and reinstate them as Mr Allens legal team.

Richard Allen in mug shot (Indiana State Police)

This marks the latest twist in the tragic case which left the teenage victims families desperately searching for answers for years before an arrest was finally made in October 2022.

It began back on 13 February 2017 when Libby and Abby set off on a walk along the Monon High Bridge in their hometown of Delphi.

During the walk, Libby posted a photo of her best friend on Snapchat as they walked along the Monon High Bridge.

Minutes later, Libby captured a video of a man  known as bridge guy  dressed in blue jeans, a blue jacket and a cap walking along the abandoned railroad bridge.

In the footage  found on Libbys phone following their murders  the man tells the two girls: Guys, down the hill.

Later that day, the teenagers were reported missing when they failed to return to a spot where a family member was picking them up.

The next day  Valentines Day 2017  their bodies were discovered in a wooded area less than half a mile off the trail along the side of Deer Creek.

Flowers are placed at the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In October 2022  over five years later  Mr Allen was arrested and charged with their murders.

Following his arrest, the case has continued to be fraught with controversies.

Mr Allens former attorneys have repeatedly claimed that the suspect is being treated poorly as he is held behind bars in a state correctional facility.

Since his arrest, Mr Allen has confessed to the 2017 murders multiple times  including in a jailhouse phone call with his wife, dramatic court documents revealed back in June.

While prosecutors say that the accused killer admitted several times that he carried out the brutal murders, Mr Allens attorneys claim that his confession cannot be believed due to his current mental state.

Meanwhile, in another twist, the legal team made the bombshell claim in September that Libby and Abby were killed  not by the suspect  but as part of a ritualistic sacrifice at the hands of a white nationalist cult called Odinists.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) treated Capitol riot defendants like heroes and gave some of them hugs during a visit to a Washington, D.C., jail earlier this year.

Garcia was one of two freshman Democrats who joined Greene on the tour in March as members of the House oversight committee.

The first thing she does is ... greets them and hugs them and prays with them and apologizes and is treating them like heroes, and Im sitting there going, this is disgusting, Garcia said during a recent interview with MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas. These people attacked our government, they tried to overthrow our government.

The Associated Press reported in March that Greene was handshaking and high-fiving the prisoners, who had been arrested and charged for their roles in the violent Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. Garcia said at the time she treated the defendants like celebrities.

Greene, who has repeatedly rewritten history about the riot, has been on a long crusade for justice for the hundreds of people charged over the attack, claiming they are political prisoners and victims of a weaponized justice system.

Robert Garcia says Marjorie Taylor Greene was hugging and apologizing to J6 defendants during the congressional visit to the DC Jail pic.twitter.com/sl2EEDtiC8  Acyn (@Acyn) November 24, 2023

Garcia looked back on Greenes behavior after he was asked about a conspiracy theory that Greene and other conservatives, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), pushed over the weekend after House Republicans released hours of raw footage from Jan. 6, 2021.

It centered on an image of a man who was convicted of storming the Capitol and entering the office of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Right-wingers suggested the man was an undercover federal agent, disguised as a Donald Trump supporter, holding a police badge.

In reality, the item in his hand was a vape.

Garcia said the story was totally insane.

The fact that Marjorie Taylor Greene and others are claiming that these folks were just peaceful is sickening, he told Meiselas.

Greene just released her memoir, MTG, to shocking reviews and fact-checks over her dishonest version of how the Capitol riot went down.

Related...
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A large group of demonstrators marched with signs, chanting as they made their way through the streets of Georgetown Friday afternoon.

Many in the group held signs with messages centered around support for Palestine. Some called on the United States to end all help to Israel. All seemed to call for a lasting cease-fire in Gaza.

The protest, described as the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) as peaceful, caused traffic issues for drivers who tried to make their way along Wisconsin Avenue NW and M Street NW as well as feeder streets in the area.

Union Station blocked by demonstrators calling for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war

Many people shared images and videos of the demonstration on the X platform as well as the impact the demonstration was having.

Some images from the Virginia side of the Potomac River showed traffic moving across the Key Bridge from Arlington into the District at a standstill.

By late afternoon, traffic in the area seemed to moving normally.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(Bloomberg) -- A broad majority in the Danish parliament agreed to boost military support for Ukraine in the coming years, which the government said will help the Nordic nation meet the spending target of the NATO defense bloc through 2030.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Denmark will raise military funding in its so-called Ukraine Fund by 2.3 billion kroner ($340 million) in 2023 and by 23.5 billion kroner over the period 2025-2027, the government said.

Together with other funding allocations and newly proposed initiatives, Denmark will be able to meet the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations guidelines for members to spend 2% of gross domestic product already this year and through the end of the decade, the government said. It had previously committed to meet that requirement no later than 2030.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Since the start of the September 2022 mobilization in Russia, a staggering 4,000 criminal cases linked to the desertion of military personnel have been brought before Russian courts, Russian online publication Mediazona reported on Nov. 24.

Read also: I want to live Russian surrender hotline sees 70% surge in calls after Nightingale Mi-8 defection operation

As of Nov. 21, there have been 4,121 such criminal cases, with an average of approximately 100 verdicts issued weekly since June 2023, according to data extracted from military court websites. The peak in verdict announcements occurred in August, with a total of 457 verdicts declared.

Notably, many of these cases resulted in suspended sentences, allowing deserters to rejoin the conflict in Ukraine. An accompanying infographic in the report illustrates a year-on-year escalation in cases of desertion from Russian military units, with over 3,000 cases documented in 2023.

Read also: Russian deserter from brigade accused of war crimes in Kyiv Oblast seeks asylum in Spain

In addition to criminal cases involving voluntary departure from military units, reporters uncovered 317 instances of non-compliance with command orders. These cases predominantly surfaced in Rostov, Kaliningrad Oblast, the Primorsky Krai, and Kamchatka in Russia.

Courts also adjudicated 96 cases of desertion by Russian occupiers, with the infographic indicating that Sevastopol, a temporarily occupied city, witnessed the highest number of desertion cases, totaling nine.

Read also: Ukraine captures deserter fighting for Russians, he faces life sentence

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
When the Seychelles government announced it would allow a Canadian company to explore for oil in its waters in September 2022, it said it hoped it would never have to extract the oil.

The small archipelago nation, off the eastern coast of Africa, is at threat from crushing sea level rise as the world continues to burn planet-warming fossil fuels. But long-promised finance from rich countries to help it make a green transition simply hasnt arrived, President Wavel Ramkalawan told CNN in May. So they have had to look elsewhere.

Were hoping that whilst we do the exploration, all these promises will be fulfilled, Ramkalawan said, meaning they could leave the oil in the ground. But, he added, at the end of the day, its about survival.

While not among the poorest developing countries, the Seychelles highlights a paradox faced by many in the Global South: How to grow their economies and cope with the expenses of climate-fueled disasters they did least to cause, while also responding to international pressure to stop burning fossil fuels.

Its into this space that Sultan Al Jaber has stepped  the Emirati minister and businessman who will preside over the UN-backed COP28 climate talks in Dubai starting on November 30.

Al Jabers appointment as COP28s leader has been met with fierce criticism among some media organizations, civil society groups and even politicians in the Global North. Thats because, while he serves as the UAEs climate envoy and head of its renewables company, he also runs the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). More than 100 members of the US Congress and the European Parliament in May called for him to be replaced as COP28 president-designate.

But Al Jabers decision to focus on increasing finance to help developing countries shift to renewable energy is helping his popularity in the Global South.

The money must flow smoothly and fast to where it needs to go so that the Global South does not have to choose between climate action and development, Al Jaber told delegates at a pre-COP opening ceremony in Dubai, in October.

For some leaders, this contrasts with a string of broken promises on finance from developed countries.

Countries in the West promise and dont deliver, but yet they tell you you have to keep protecting the planet, Ramkalawan said. He said the UAE has funded wind and solar plants in the Seychelles, adding, I think the commitment of the UAE speaks volumes.

Under Al Jabers leadership at the pre-COP28 talks, countries reached an agreement on how to run a loss and damage fund that would provide some money to developing countries to pay for the outsized impacts of climate change they have experienced.

It was a welcome development for some after the rich world had for two years failed to deliver the annual $100 billion to developing nations that it agreed back in 2009. That money was supposed to reach the most climate-vulnerable countries by 2020 to help them tackle and adapt to the climate crisis. Even though the goal was finally reached in 2022, developing nations say its nowhere near enough.

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and president of COP28, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference on Oct. 2, 2023. - Christopher Pike/Bloomberg/Getty Images

But many critics have cited the UAEs plans to expand production of planet-heating fossil fuels as a conflict of interest in the COP28 talks.

ADNOC plans to invest $150 billion into scaling up its operations over the next five years. It is currently expanding its production capacity, aiming for 5 million barrels of oil a day by 2027, while the UAE government has said it plans to extract its very last barrel of oil 50 years from now, when its reserves are projected to dry up. Thats despite scientists saying society should be winding down oil and gas use now.

Al Jaber and ADNOC deny allegations of a conflict of interest, saying that having someone who knows both fossil fuels and renewables to lead the talks makes sense. ADNOC told CNN that there was no one more qualified than Al Jaber to lead the talks, pointing to his 20-year career across the renewable energy and conventional energy sectors and his decade-long history in climate diplomacy.

Despite its plans to expand production, ADNOC previously told CNN that it was still aiming to achieve net zero by 2045 backed by an initial $15 billion allocation.

Struggling to keep up

Like the Seychelles, Kenya too is facing the challenge of how to cope with the expenses of climate-fueled disasters and rapidly scale up renewable energy without adequate funding.

When Kenyan President William Ruto, widely considered one of Africas leading climate champions, was asked if he was concerned about the oil-producing UAE hosting COP28, he told CNN he had no issue because the country is also among the biggest investors in renewable energy.

The UAE recently pledged $4.5 billion to finance clean energy projects across Africa. And in June, Masdar  the state-owned renewables firm founded by Al Jaber  was part of a group that signed a deal worth $10 billion to develop a 10GW wind farm in Egypt, billed as the biggest on the continent.

We are spending inordinate resources to try and manage the effects of climate change, Ruto said. He referred to Kenyas catastrophic multi-year drought, which scientists found was made 100 times more likely by the burning of planet-heating fossil fuels.

Women transporting water to their village in Turkana, Kenya in February 2023. Kenya's catastrophic multi-year drought would not have been possible without climate change, scientists found. - Simone Boccaccio/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Even if the Global North has finally delivered the promised $100 billion of annual funding, its still a drop in the ocean compared to what some experts say is needed to help developing countries cope with the escalating impacts of the climate crisis and transform energy systems. A 2022 UN-backed report calculated developing countries will need about $2 trillion a year by 2030.

Harjeet Singh, the head of global political strategy for the Climate Action Network, said the reality is Western nations have not delivered. We have seen the West only being extractive and very opportunistic, and actually kept developing countries dependent on fossil fuels, he said.

Although he remained heavily critical of the UAEs fossil fuel expansion plans, he told CNN that the country has actually made some right noises in terms of offering investments in renewable energy, which seems promising.

But others are more skeptical.

Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East North Africa Program at Chatham House, said ultimately, the UAE is looking to protect its interests in the energy transition.

It needs to buy more time to diversify its economy further and wants to capitalize on its energy resources for as long as possible, Vakil told CNN. By positioning itself at the forefront of the conversation, the UAE helps preserve its own interests while seeming to champion those of the Global South.

In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the COP28 team said the challenge we all face is transitioning to a new energy system while keeping the lights on.

The spokesperson said the COP28 team was committed to ambitious, achievable, and substantial action, which means, holding back emissions, not progress, by ensuring energy security, accessibility, and affordability. Otherwise, we risk slowing down socio-economic progress and undermining support for ambitious climate action.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Totaled Recall

The International Space Station has been continuously hosting astronauts for 23 long years now  and its age is really starting to show, including in the form of cracks and leaks.

Now, NASA is discussing how best to dispose of the station in the early 2030s. And the price tag of the plan is staggering.

As Scientific American reports, the space agency estimates that it'll likely cost almost $1 billion to safely decommission the ISS, inducing it to harmlessly burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. That price is likely inflated due to the agency's refusal to use Russian vehicles, per the report, a complicating factor given the station's reliance on these craft.

The plan will also mark the end of decades of peaceful scientific cooperation in our planet's orbit, a symbol of international unity, especially when it comes to US-Russia relations.

"In terms of civilian cooperation, I think many would describe it as the biggest project ever embarked upon in human history," Maia Cross, a political scientist at Northeastern University, told SciAm.

ISS Inferno

Broadly speaking, there are two options to get the ISS out of orbit. Engineers could either simply have the station plummet uncontrollably towards the Earth's atmosphere  or they could orchestrate a more careful descent, using a special spacecraft to point it in the right direction.

In the case of the former, there's a risk of giant pieces of space station striking populated areas back on the ground.

"An uncontrolled reentry could significantly impact people on the ground, including fatalities, injuries and significant property damage," George Nield, president of the company Commercial Space Technologies, told SciAm.

Either way, scientists now have the task of minimizing the amount of debris that could fall on people down below, which is far easier said than done since the station orbits the entire planet every 90 minutes.

Ideally, it should stay pointed in the right direction as it's burning up in the atmosphere, which is made even harder by the uneven and unpredictable thickness of the Earth's protective layer.

As a result, NASA will have to develop and construct a custom-built vehicle that's powerful enough to deorbit and also accompany the station as it makes its descent.

Even with the help of Russia's Progress vehicles, it still would be a "challenge," Nield told SciAm, but given worsening US-Russia relations, even that option isn't on the table.

But if there's one certainty, it's that the ISS will go out with a bang, a bright inferno in the sky marking the bittersweet end to decades of international cooperation and scientific breakthroughs.

More on the ISS: NASA Astronauts Let a Tool Bag Drift Away and You Can Now Spot It With Binoculars
Several security guards who worked at the General Motors Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit have been booted from the premises by the order of automaker executives following serious claims of harassment, assaults, and heinous crimes against Black guests and visitors.

The officers removal comes after one of the centers longtime Black security officers, Robert Barnes, filed a lawsuit this week that disclosed vile acts of racial violence at the hands of white guards. Those officers worked for a security force that General Motors established to patrol its property that is majority-owned by G4S Secure Solutions, an international security company the automaker contracted.

The Renaissance Center, also known as RenCen, is a glass skyscraper complex on Detroits riverfront built in 1977. It houses smaller companies and has a Marriott hotel. Since GM bought it in 1996, it has been used as the automakers global headquarters.

Rappers Snoop Dogg, left, and Obie Trice, right (Photo: Instagram/realobietrice)

Barnes, who has worked at the iconic downtown center for 32 years, claimed in his lawsuit that the security culture deteriorated when G4S employee Larry Payne became the centers security director in 2017.

My management went rogue, Barnes told Fox 2 Detroit. Then I called Larry Payne and explained the situation. I was like it happened again. Thats when he made the comment that General Motors wants us to be more aggressive with 211s, Barnes recalled. 211 (is) our radio code for undesirables.

That code is reportedly used to identify a person. When calls were made using the code, it directly led to seemingly unprompted, unprovoked and racist attacks.

The Detroit Free Press was the first outlet to report the allegations, which were included in multiple federal lawsuits naming GM, G4S, and the Renaissance Center Management Company. Those complaints recount numerous instances in which white officers assaulted, targeted, harassed, and even unlawfully detained Black people in a basement cell of the Renaissance Center that has gone unchecked for years.

At least two dozen reported incidents that date back to as early as 2011 have been documented in those court filings.

In one of those incidents, officers are accused of targeting Black hotel guest Demarko Brown, who stayed at the center for his birthday in 2020. A lawsuit states that during his stay, a group of guards allegedly harassed and antagonized him, then detained him for hours in a holding cell in the buildings basement for hours before assaulting him so violently that he was left with brain damage.

Browns attorney, Danielle Safran, recounted another alleged incident from a different lawsuit filed earlier this year in which a Black woman claimed officers illegally held her in the centers basement for so long that she urinated on herself.

In 2017, Detroit-based rapper Obie Trice alleged five guards attacked him after he tried to find a bathroom for his girlfriend to use at the Renaissance Centers Riverfront Marriot hotel. An arrest report cites him for disorderly conduct, but Trice filed a lawsuit that said officers were the ones who profiled him after he tried to book a hotel room, then violently escalated the encounter when they choked, beat and pepper sprayed him.

One of the more disturbing encounters took place in August 2022 when a security guard beat a homeless woman who was allowed inside the center to find refuge from a rainy night.

Local news outlets obtained video showing one security guard starting a violent confrontation with the 61-year-old woman. He slammed her to the ground and then punched her in the head multiple times. She was also detained in the buildings basement and then taken to the hospital. Neither the woman nor the guard were charged with any crime.

Barnes said his superiors never discussed nor did they discipline the officers involved in these incidents, even after he reported violations. He started preserving video evidence but claims he witnessed one supervisor deleting that evidence.

General Motors released a statement, saying its disturbed by the allegations and has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination.

We are taking the matter seriously and are reviewing the alleged incidents where bias and use of excessive force are claimed, Allied Universals practices and protocols, and our contractual relationship with the company, General Motors wrote in its statement.

G4S Secure Solutions was acquired by Allied Universal in April 2021.

General Motors is also at the center of another lawsuit that involves one of its factories in Toledo, Ohio, where racial harassment is reportedly an ongoing issue. A lawyer representing a group of Black workers filed a complaint in 2018 after factory employees discovered nooses and whites-only bathroom signs at the plant in 2017.
People ask me whether Russia would have started a war if it realized that it was losing ground in Ukraine.

I evaluate Euromaidan in the context of all those movements that began with the Arab Spring and ended with protests in Belarus and Kazakhstan. It was a decade of revolution. Most of these revolutions have failed. Some statistics show that this was the least successful period in terms of revolutions. In that context, Euromaidan was one of the few exceptions when the revolution won.

A victorious revolution. Why do I say "won"? Because of the tragic events that followed. People ask me whether Russia would have started a war if it had realized that it was losing ground in Ukraine. I answer that Russia had plans for a large-scale military aggression against Ukraine long before the Maidan.

According to my sources and the sources of my colleagues who know about this, these plans were determined at the end of 2008. The only thing they didn't expect was that it would happen in this way, in the way of the Maidan, because the expectation was that there would be, as they said, massive unrest in Ukraine in 2015. Yanukovych would run for president again, and it was clear he would resort to manipulation. At that time, it was believed that this was the best time for Russia to invade Ukraine to bring order to the country and save it from chaos. Therefore, we cannot say that Russia immediately "punished" Ukrainians for the revolution. It had a plan. This is, in fact, what happened in 2014.

Putin's plan consisted of three parts.

The first part was that the so-called Novorossiya, the Russian-speaking part, would be annexed to Russia along the line, relatively speaking, of Kharkiv-Uman. Russia would annex the south and east of this line as Novorossiya. Putin was not interested in western Ukraine. He is still not interested. This is a toxic territory, so let it go wherever he wants, even to the devil. There will be a kind of Ukrainian version of Belarus  Malorossiya from that small Ukrainian territory. Agrarian, without large industry, and entirely under the influence of Russia. A puppet state under the leadership of the Kremlin. Kyiv will have its own president, a president with a more human face than Yanukovych, but will be much more loyal and manageable than Yanukovych himself.

Putin was not interested in western Ukraine. He is still not interested

One of the options was that Western Ukraine would go to Poland. And Radoslaw Sikorski, the former Polish foreign minister, admitted this in an interview. After that, he kept silent when he realized he had given away a secret. But Putin directly offered Poland to take Lviv. Please note that this is very similar to the partitions of Poland in the 18th century, and then the partitions of Poland by the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. The rhetoric is very similar.

You may recall that on the eve of the Orange Revolution, the Russians launched fakes, which, as it turned out, were backed by the late former Kremlin political strategist Gleb Pavlovsky. At the time, they spread these fakes about three types of Ukrainians. This was clearly aimed at dismemberment. This technology was launched inside the country. That is, this division of Ukraine has been practiced for decades. I want to say that this is the idea of the Russian opposition government that came out of the protest against the communists. This is Yeltsin's environment. We remember that Putin began his career in this very environment as a former student of Sobchak, one of the nonleading leaders of the Russian opposition, and later the mayor of St.Petersburg, and it was there that Putin appeared. So, the idea was to let Ukraine break away and become independent, but under the right conditions. They believed that Ukraine was a fictitious nation, it would never be able to build its own state, and when the collapse happened, Ukraine would return. So, the whole idea was to get Ukraine back one way or another.

It was clear that time was passing and Ukraine was not returning. So they did it all in different ways, just to weaken it. In 2004, as we now know (in particular, Mykhailo Zygar's book shows this well), the Kremlin invested vast amounts of money to put Yanukovych in office and to pull Ukraine back into Russia's orbit. Despite this considerable amount of money, despite the efforts of Pavlovsky, to quote a liberal and other liberals, it did not work, and Putin had the impression that this was not just a coincidence. It must be a Western subversive operation. Putin himself had never seen mass demonstrations. He believed that something must inspire mass demonstrations because they are unnatural. And this is how he treated Ukraine.

Read also: Whats next: three main scenarios for Ukraine

From what those who know Putin say, Putin's most dramatic turn toward Ukraine actually occurred in 2001, when he visited Ukraine for the first time. First Kyiv, then Crimea. Putin had never been to Ukraine and was very excited about Kyiv. He had no idea that something like this existed. When he came to Crimea to attend the opening of the Church of Vladimir the Great in honor of the Baptism of Rus, he felt like a new Vladimir. Something happened in Putin's mind that made him realize that this beauty had to be returned.

I want to remind you that around 2002, there was another liberal project, the so-called Ladoga Project. This project aimed to come up with the idea that the state of Russia did not begin in Kyiv, but in Ladoga, in Novgorod. Where Rurik and his brothers allegedly landed. And a whole event was specially prepared in Ladoga. Putin went there on his yacht. Like a Varangian  he copied Viktor Vasnetsov's painting The Varangians. He came there to show that a new cultural capital should be created here, one that could compete with Kyiv. To show that Russia has greater rights to Russia than Ukraine. Putin came and spent one or two days there. He visited the excavations and the monastery. And then he said: no, this is not Kyiv at all, we need Kyiv.

In other words, Putin's sharp turn toward Ukraine occurred somewhere in the early 2000s. The first offensive of this turn was the Tuzla Island conflict. We must pay tribute to Leonid Kuchma's behavior at that time; how it would have ended was not known. Tuzla showed that Ukrainians are ready to fight for their territories. What did the Russians conclude? The Russians concluded that it was necessary to go the other way, through Kyiv, by changing the government there and installing a more loyal one.

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
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The US Department of Agriculture, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is investigating lengthy delays for Texans needing assistance, according to Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Austin.

USDA officials came to Austin recently to meet with officials from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which oversees SNAP, Doggett said. He will be briefed on the findings, and potential corrective actions next week, he told KXAN on Nov. 22.

Well be gathering for Thanksgiving with families, often for a Thanksgiving feast, said Doggett. And, just keep in mind as you do that, that theres 60,000 Texans who have not gotten their applications properly processed to get food on the table.

Thousands of families in Texas are struggling to put any food on their tables. For more than a year, KXAN has investigated backlogs for Texans receiving federal food benefits through SNAP, which helps low-income households buy groceries.

Sept. 2022: SNAP benefits backlog continues, state workers say they need help too

Gov. Greg Abbott gives out food with Meals on Wheels Central Texas on Thanksgiving (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)

A responsibility tothose who may be lacking

On Thanksgiving morning, Gov. Greg Abbott served up food with Meals on Wheels Central Texas to homebound seniors in Austin.

We have a responsibility to make sure that we are giving back to those who may be lacking, Abbott said.

However, a series of whistleblower letters, say Texans who are lacking the most are waiting longer than ever for food assistance. The anonymous letters, sent to Abbott and others, claim to come from concerned Texas HHSC employees. They allege SNAP recipients are waiting more than six months and could be waiting longer than 200 days next month.

In September, we brought to your attention that the delay had increased to over 100 days and expected to exceed 200 days by the end of December, a letter dated Nov. 21 said. These things have happened just as we warned. The delay is currently over six months (more than 180 days) from when an individual applies to when their application is assigned to one of our staff to process. As we approach the holiday season, thousands of Texans are still waiting to receive the much-needed food assistance they applied for over six months ago. Governor Abbott and [HHSC Executive] Commissioner [Cecile] Young, how can you reasonably expect anyone in the situation we have placed our citizens in to have a happy Thanksgiving or a merry Christmas while they are contemplating how they will feed their families?

READ: Texas Democratic Congressional delegation letter to USDA

Congressman Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, at KXANs office on Nov. 22 (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)

In an interview at KXANs offices on Wednesday, Doggett called the allegations credible and extraordinarily troubling.

Theres no reason that poor Texans should have to struggle so much to get federal funded food on their table, particularly at this time of year, he said.

In September, 13 Democratic members of Congress from Texas, including Doggett, cited the whistleblower concerns in a letter urging the USDA to investigate Texas handling of SNAP benefits.

Federal law requires States to process SNAP applications and recertifications within 30 days, a requirement Texas has failed to meet since July 2021, the letter, dated Sept. 25, said. We strongly urge you to immediate find Texas out of compliance with application processing time requirements and proceed directly to corrective action procedures.

Among the potential corrective actions the USDA could take, Doggett said, is to withhold money from the state  something he doesnt want to see happen.

The way the program is set up now, you can withhold funds from the state in that area, said Doggett. And thats the primary sanction.

But isnt that hurting the people who need the help the most?, asked KXAN investigative reporter Matt Grant.

It might, said Doggett. You point to the very problem that applies in so many of these federal programs. That simply denying money for food might lead to more delays.

The exterior of the Texas Health and Human Services headquarters in Austin. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant)

READ: One of the Texas HHSC whistleblower letters

HHSC is moving aggressively to reduce the backlog

On Thanksgiving, KXAN asked Abbott about the USDA investigation and the long wait times reported by SNAP recipients.

My office is working with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to make sure that they fix any problem that is causing any delay whatsoever, said Abbott. Because we want to make sure that the people who are eligible for SNAP are going to be getting the food that they deserve.

On Wednesday, his office said Texas HHSC is moving aggressively to reduce the backlog caused by increased strain on staff who had to re-determine eligibility for millions of Medicaid recipients, after a temporary rule protecting people from losing coverage during the pandemic ended this year.

The governors office said, now, Texas HHSC is:

Moving 250 staff from other projects to focus on expediting SNAP applications

Sending 600 newer staff to Medicaid training, which will increase the capacity to process combined applications.

The majority of backlogged SNAP applications are people who are applying for SNAP and another benefit program, such as Medicaid or TANF, which requires workers trained in both programs to process the application, said the governors press secretary Andrew Mahaleris.

HHSC expects these actions will cut the backlog in half by the end of December, he added.

Advocacy groups like Every Texan and local nonprofits, including Feeding Texas and Hill Country Ministries, say they are seeing an increased need for assistance this time of year, including longer wait times for families who rely on SNAP benefits.

All I want is to see that the problems these whistleblowers courageously identified get resolved, said Doggett. To not meet the needs of these poor people is outrageous.

KXAN reached out to the USDA and the whistleblowers on Wednesday but did not hear back. HHSC said on Wednesday it couldnt comment due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Due to the holidays, we will provide you a response next week, said Texas HHS deputy chief press officer Jose Andres Araiza.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Stuffed animals and cushions await the arrival of children who have been held hostage in the Gaza Strip

Stuffed animals and cushions await the arrival of children who have been held hostage in the Gaza Strip

By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The first Israeli women and children to go free from Gaza on Friday under a truce with their Hamas captors will be flown home under military guard, with measures meant to reduce the duress and attend to any immediate medical complications.

Ahead of the 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) release of the 13 hostages, who have not been identified, Israel's air force published images of dolls, colourful throw-rugs and personal hygiene kits set up at locations scheduled to receive them by helicopter.

Hamas is due to deliver the group - among around 240 people held in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militants' Oct. 7 killing spree in southern Israel - to neighbouring Egypt. In return, Israel will release 39 Palestinians from its jails.

The swap is part of a temporary ceasefire that took hold in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the first respite in 48 days of an Israel-Hamas conflict that has devastated the Palestinian enclave.

"Today is the first light at the end of the tunnel," an air force lieutenant colonel was shown saying in a video briefing. "We are all in this together."

A military statement asked the public to respect hostages' privacy. After landing in Israel, they will receive preliminary medical care and be sent to several hospitals for reunions with their families.

An Israeli official said military transport helicopters would take part in the repatriation, suggesting they would pick the hostages up at an Egyptian airport - perhaps in El Arish, near Gaza. That has not been formally confirmed by Cairo.

The helicopter crews would include a commando squad, doctors and liaison officers with training in communication and counselling - the first Israelis to greet the former captives.

"The personnel will introduce themselves by name, with a visible face and a smile, and maintain eye contact and distance in order to allow the caregivers and support teams to do their work in the best possible way," the Israeli official said.

Among other measures designed to reduce stress would be the issuing of noise-cancelling headphones, including for the children among them, "to make the flight experience easier and provide them with peace and quiet," the official said.

Health officials have said separately that the hostages would receive psychological attention and specialised care for any who may have suffered sexual assault.

While the adults released can expect to be questioned by Israeli security officials for information about their captivity and the fate of the others still held by Hamas, the child hostages will be spared this, local media reports have reported.

Four hostages have been returned alive previously while a fifth was rescued by Israeli troops. Israel has recovered the bodies of at least two more. The condition and locations of the remaining hostages was unclear.

(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Howard Goller)
Police arrested a Washington County man after a Thanksgiving Day police chase that weaved through the city of Washington around 4 p.m.

Police say this started as a domestic dispute. Demoreaze Betts is accused of breaking into a womans home by removing an air conditioner and climbing through the window, threating to kill her at gunpoint. The woman called 911 after Betts left, but he came back and police spotted his vehicle, giving chase.

The chase ended on Addison Street after Betts crashed his car and took off running with a gun in his hand.

He took our guys on a mile, mile and a half chase, that lasted about 8 minutes, said Chief Dan Rush.

When he exited the vehcile the officer saw he was in possession of a firearm. They ordered him to stop. He did not do so they deployed their tasers.

He said Betts fell from a small staircase when he was tased, and was sent to the hospital with face injuries. But

Chief Rush praised his officers for the way they handled the situation, saying it could have escalated.

No police officer ever wants to discharge their firearm, but Im proud of my guys they did show restraint It could have went a lot differently... but Im glad they opted for the less lethal option. We were able to take Mr. Betts into custody with minimal injury but hes still alive.

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With the serious recent cyberattack plaguing the Kansas courts electronic systems, temporarily making clerk offices inaccessible for electronic filings, protecting online users privacy has understandably come to the top of the states mind. Under the guise of supposedly safeguarding Kansans data, bad actors have been trying to pass crony bills that would advance their business interests over the states health welfare.

One such bill is S.B. 234, legislation that would seemingly allow one health care technology company to sell more of its product through the force of government muscle.

The legislation appears to be written so that health care workers could use few other pieces of software besides one companys technology to manage Kansans medical referrals.

Predictably, the one company in question testified before the Legislature that passing the bill is necessary to provide guardrails for how sensitive information is obtained and shared. But every health care worker familiar with HIPAA, the federal law restricting the release of medical information, understands that guardrails already exist.

Patients must already consent to their providers sharing their information with other professionals, and those professionals must adhere to strict regulations to protect that data. One thing that the law doesnt specify, though, is that county governments, health facilities and social care organizations must utilize one companys technology to do so. Fixing this so-called problem appears to be why S.B. 234 came to be.

The Kansas health care community has been clear: Passage of this bill would hurt Kansas patients.

The Saline County Health Department wrote to the Legislature that S.B. 234, if passed, would have serious negative consequences on providing and coordinating social care services to our populations. It also made it clear that privacy laws protecting health information, like HIPAA, already exist, so this bill is far from necessary. The Sedgwick County Health Department echoed Saline Countys concerns. It wrote that we are not sure what this bill is trying to solve, since this data is already protected and all the bill would do is put up roadblocks to coordinated care solutions.

Other health organizations that have expressed opposition to this purported giveaway include Kansas Action for Children, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization, that said S.B. 234 would impact the ability of Kansans to be referred to and access critical services like child care, and the Kansas Association of School Boards, which expressed concern that the bill could prohibit school personnel from providing information about a student who is in crisis.

Why would lawmakers ever consider moving a bill that the near entirety of the Kansas public health community opposes?

According to a monthslong Kansas City Star investigation, Kansas runs one of the most secretive state governments in the nation, and its secrecy permeates nearly every aspect of service. One would hope that the Legislature would behave better when dealing with matters of public health. I suppose time will tell.

Catherine Hudgins is a registered nurse in the Kansas City area.
If you've driven downtown in Hanover, you may have noticed something: the "Christmas shrimp" are gone, replaced this year by brand new decorations.

Wait, what exactly is a "Christmas Shrimp," anyway? More on that later.

Thanks to sizable donations from the community, Christmas in Hanover has been able to replace the holiday pole decorations for the first time in over 50 years, at no cost to the borough.

"We, as a committee, have been wanting to replace the decorations for a number of years now," said Christopher Arter, a Christmas in Hanover committee member and Christmas super fan who also runs Christopher Cringle's at the Hanover market. "It just wasn't at the forefront of our fundraising efforts."

With the committee successfully completing other goals, such as replacing the famous Santa cabin and other small projects, their eyes turned to replacing the Christmas decorations that deck the poles of downtown Hanover.

The first new Hanover Christmas decorations in 50 years hang on utility poles, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in downtown Hanover.

Christmas in Hanover committee member Justine Trucksess, who also runs Main Street Hanover, attributes those other projects in growing the support for new decorations.

"I think it made people more willing to give for our next large project," she said. "I think a lot of people saw it worth investing into," Arter added.

With Christmas in Hanover being a committee presented by Main Street Hanover, the organization was able to use Main Street Hanover's wealth of knowledge on the grant writing process to reach out to local foundations, Trucksess said.

The committee reached out to the Powdermill Foundation in York, and the Warehime Foundation in Hanover about support for the capital campaign for pole decoration projects, she said.

"They were incredibly excited to support this," said Trucksess.

Thanks to significant support from the Powdermill Foundation and the Warehime Foundation, the committee's quest to replace the aging decorations was able to come to fruition.

Along with that strong support, the committee also received numerous donations from the community, which ensured that all of the decorations could be replaced at once instead of piecemeal. That included a large donation by the Hanover Lions Club, which donated in memory of late member Carl Waldmann, also a Christmas in Hanover committee member.

"It really was a large group effort," said Trucksess.

The first new Hanover Christmas decorations in 50 years hang on utility poles, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in downtown Hanover.

Arter and Trucksess hope the new decorations can continue to inspire and grow the community's local holiday traditions.

"It's all building on our age old traditions and creating this sense of Christmas magic in town," said Arter, who noted that the Santa Cabin is likely one of Hanover's oldest continuing traditions.

"That never happens"

When the committee started to look into redoing the decorations, they first weighed refurbishing the existing ones.

With the existing decorations having been over 50 years old, the committee felt that new decorations would hold up better, be more energy efficient, and would bring a brighter, fresh feel to the community, said Arter.

The group decided to keep the number of decorations the same downtown, to avoid dealing with adding any right-of-way issues, said Arter, with many poles having different ownerships that had already approved existing locations.

When time came to decide on the new design and took a vote of their favorites, Trucksess thought the committee would have a variety of opinions.

Incredibly, Trucksess says, without much discussion the whole committee was immediately unanimous on their favorite choice: the candle and poinsettia.

"I think that was so special," said Trucksess, "that never happens."

Trucksess said that after reading about the symbolism of the candle and poinsettia, she was brought to tears.

"The symbolism behind candles and poinsettias really spans across different cultures, different religious practices, and different holiday celebrations," said Trucksess.

The first new Hanover Christmas decorations in 50 years hang on utility poles, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, on Eisenhower Drive in Hanover Borough.

"Poinsettias are celebrated in a multitude of different cultures," she added, noting their welcoming symbolism of goodwill and community spirit.

Along with the decorations downtown, the committee was also able to replace the decorations on Eisenhower Drive.

With the poles on Eisenhower having more room, the committee elected to choose a second, larger twin poinsettia design for the poles.

"I wanted to see something more substantial out there," Arter said of the larger design, which is 12 feet tall.

Arter notes that when the original decorations were bought, Eisenhower drive didn't exist.

"When they laid out Eisenhower, they decided, well, we have these extras, so we're gonna use them down there," he said of the decision decades ago to put up the decor on Eisenhower.

Trucksess added that, while many think of Christmas in Hanover just occurring downtown, the committee wants to make sure all of Hanover feels the holiday spirit, including the borough's main shopping district on Eisenhower.

Andrea's legacy

The project coming to fruition was a bittersweet moment for the Christmas in Hanover committee, with the project having been first spearheaded by longtime Hanover volunteer Andrea Goodson. Goodson suddenly passed away in April of this year at the age of 59.

Andrea (Niehoff) Goodson was named "Volunteer of the Year" at Pennsylvania Downtown Center's Townie Awards Ceremony in Harrisburg last summer. Goodson passed away suddenly in early 2023.

More: 'Her heart was so big': Hanover community mourning loss of tireless volunteer

"This was her final gift that she gave to the community," said Trucksess. "We all feel a big sense of loss this season, being the first one without her."

"I like to think of these decorations as part of her legacy," she said, "it's something very tangible that we can all look at all holiday season that she was so passionate about making it a success."

As Arter began to speak, he laughed, "She probably might not like us talking about her."

"Yeah, definitely," Trucksess replied with a smile. "She's shaking her head at us, but that's OK."

"She was so much of a behind-the-scenes person, but there were so many things that just appeared that were 100% her doing," said Arter, noting Goodson's reluctance to take credit for her hard work.

"Many people didn't realize all that she did," he said, "is continuing to do, and is inspiring of people."

Andrea (Niehoff) Goodson (right) and Mindy Crawford smile for a photo with Santa inside his cabin during the final night of the season, December 23, 2022.

Since her passing, people have reached out to the committee asking how they can help and get involved because of Goodson. "I think that is a legacy she would be very, very proud of for sure," said Arter.

The project first began under Goodson's lead, Arter said.

"Andrea was a huge push for it," said Arter, noting she worked tirelessly to talk to people in the community and make connections to make the Christmas decorations happen.

Trucksess hopes that as people enjoy this holiday season downtown, they think of Goodson and feel her presence in the community.

"She was a huge part of this effort," said Trucksess. "This is kind of the gift that she has given us that we know will live on for 50 plus years."

An ode to the Christmas shrimp

Christmas in Hanover committee members Justine Trucksess, left, and Christopher Arter, right, pose for a photo with the new(left) and old(right) downtown Hanover Christmas decorations.

At this point, you're probably still itching to know what a "Christmas shrimp" is.

The nickname began several years ago, when Arter had friends inquire about the borough's green Christmas decorations.

"Well, what are they?" they asked Arter. "I know the stars, but what's that bracket?" he remembered being asked.

When Arter told his friends that the bracket was simply a green festive tinsel bracket to hold the stars, they told him they had already had a name for the decorations.

"We call them the shrimp," they told him.

"Once you see it, you can't unsee it," said Arter, noting the way the green brackets look like a shrimp tail.

The nickname stuck, and the Christmas in Hanover committee along with borough public works employees began referring to the old decorations as the "Christmas shrimp."

In a file photo, the "Christmas shrimp" are seen in the background of the 2021 Hanover Christmas Parade.

"It's just another Hanover quirk," said Arter.

Despite his excitement for the new decorations, seeing the "shrimp" go is bittersweet for Arter.

Thanks to Goodson, though, the "shrimp" won't be forgotten, Arter explains.

Before her passing, Goodson had reached out to the National Christmas center in Elizabethtown, to secure a place to display one of those "shrimp."

Arter, Christmas in Hanover committee member Don Hamme and Goodson's husband, Brian, took some of the "shrimp" out to the museum and were given a tour. The group was shown where the "shrimp" will spend their retirement, in a main street exhibit at the museum.

Hamme, who is also a member of the Hanover Historical Society, also secured one or two of the "shrimp" for Hanover's own local exhibitions at the historical society, Arter said.

"There's ways we're trying to keep the idea of the Christmas shrimp alive," said Arter.

The borough still owns the "shrimp," said Trucksess, who hopes they may be able to be sold at auction to a smaller community looking for decorations for the holidays. The decorations, despite their over 50 years of age, are still in great shape, said Arter, who notes they have been refurbished over the decades.

"I always want to see main street communities be successful around the holidays," said Trucksess, noting many communities might not have the fundraising available to purchase new decorations.

Anyone interested in helping the committee ring in the holidays can find more information at their facebook page, Christmas in Hanover, PA. Additional volunteer opportunities are available at www.mainstreethanover.org, where people can additionally donate towards the Christmas efforts.

Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for The Evening Sun. Contact him at hjones@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Donors bring new Christmas pole decorations to Hanover, Pa.
(Bloomberg) -- After a week of dramatic twists and turns, Taiwans most pro-US candidate has a clearer path to victory in next years presidential election, in an outcome likely to frustrate Beijing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

While the ruling Democratic Progressive Partys candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te, has been ahead in polls all year, a much-hyped alliance between the main opposition camps had threatened to wipe out his lead.

That unity ticket imploded when the Kuomintangs Hou Yu-ih and the Taiwan Peoples Partys Ko Wen-je had a spectacular public falling out at a Thursday press conference. Both men filed rival bids on Friday, effectively splitting the Beijing-friendly vote hours before the deadline.

The collapse of the joint ticket is set to disappoint Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose government has blasted Lai over his stance on cross-strait relations. A government in Taipei more open to restarting talks with Beijing would minimize Xis need to further ratchet up pressure on Taiwan and exacerbate an already sensitive flashpoint in Chinas relationship with the US.

US President Joe Bidens government already has strong links to Taiwans ruling party led by Tsai Ing-wen, and has pledged $480 million to bolster the islands military capabilities in the face of Beijings increased military aggression. Another DPP government would likely be a smooth transition for his administration  especially with Hsiao Bi-khim, the islands former envoy to the US, named as Lais running mate.

This definitely releases some pressure off of Washingtons shoulders as Lais attitude has always been US-friendly, said Chu Chao-hsiang, professor at the Graduate Institute of Political Science, National Taiwan Normal University. Beijing will now increase its pressure on the Lai campaign and make sure Lai doesnt say or do anything to test its red lines.

China earlier this year called Lai a troublemaker seeking Taiwan independence, saying his comments on maintaining the peaceful status quo were a lie and that he brings the risk of war to the island.

Dramatic Week

Just one week ago, it looked like Taiwans ruling party, which rejects Chinas claim to sovereignty over the island, may lose its bid to retain the presidency in elections in January. That would have opened the door for Xi to forge stronger ties with Taiwan, which is separated from China by only 100 miles (160 kilometers) of ocean.

But a series of extraordinary events this week saw that alliance implode in public fashion. After months of on-and-off negotiations over who would lead a joint ticket between the KMT and TPP, the two camps convened at a luxury hotel in Taipei on Thursday, where they traded insults on live television for 90 minutes.

Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, of the KMT, sat on stage silently throughout the mud-slinging, physically refusing to take the microphone. Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou  who dropped out of the presidential race on Friday after consistently polling in fourth place  said Ma hadnt been invited to the event.

That unprecedented display of acrimony will likely be remembered as one of the most chaotic moments in Taiwans political history. The unflattering performances could now hurt Hou and Kos prospects with voters, said Niu Tse-hsun, a professor at the Chinese Culture University, who likened their unity talks to a soap opera.

In my heart I understand very well that during this period, everyone expected a unity ticket, Hou wrote in a Facebook post on Friday. But since, in the face of public opinion and in pursuit of sincerity, were unable to get that kind of result, the KMT is duty-bound to continue its political mission without hesitation!

Market reaction to the failed alliance was muted. The Taiwan dollar slipped 0.3% against the US dollar on Friday amid broad dollar gains against Asian currencies. The currency had jumped after Xi last week said Beijing has no plans for invasion of Taiwan.

While the KMT supports dialogue with Beijing under the premise the island is part of China, Taiwans ruling party insists talks can only go ahead as equals, a notion Xi cannot accept. That deals a blow to the Communist Party which has made closer ties with Taiwan all the way up to unification a priority.

Those tensions between the DPP and the Communist Party were on display in August 2022, when Tsais government welcomed then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taipei. That caused ties between the worlds largest economies to crater, as Beijing responded with unprecedented military drills around the island and froze military talks with Washington.

Both the US and China have reasons to keep tensions from spiraling again in Taiwan. Xi is trying to stabilize Beijings geopolitical ties and boost his nations slowing growth. Investors have cited geopolitical turbulence as a barrier to investing in the worlds second-largest economy.

Biden is facing an election year in 2024, and will want to reduce instability and avoid any escalation of tensions around Taiwan, according to Huang Kwei-bo, a professor at the National Chengchi University.

Washington now will keep a close watch on whether Lai can successfully convince both internal and external parities that hes capable of keeping cross-strait relations stable, he added.

--With assistance from Jennifer Creery and Adrian Kennedy.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
By Saurabh Sharma

SILKYARA, India (Reuters) - Hopes for the imminent rescue of 41 men trapped in a highway tunnel in the Indian Himalayas for nearly two weeks were dashed by recurring problems with the drilling equipment, officials said on Friday.

The men, construction workers from some of India's poorest states, have been stuck in the 4.5-km (3-mile) tunnel being built in Uttarakhand state since it caved in early on Nov. 12. Authorities have said they are safe, with access to light, oxygen, food, water and medicines.

Attempts to pull them out by drilling through the debris of rock, stones and metal and pushing through an evacuation pipe have been slowed by snags.

Rescuers had hoped to finish the drilling late on Thursday but had to suspend it after the platform on which the auger machine is placed was damaged, and subsequently a metal pipe was found stuck to the machine, requiring it to be reassembled, a government statement said.

An estimated 10-12 metres (33-39 feet) of the debris pile is left to be drilled through. Work resumed on Friday evening only to be suspended soon after as the machine ran into a new obstacle, officials said, without elaborating.

Authorities have not said what caused the tunnel collapse, but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods.

The tunnel did not have an emergency exit and was built through a geological fault, a member of a panel of experts investigating the disaster told Reuters on the condition of anonymity on Friday.

The rescue plan involves pushing a pipe wide enough to pull the trapped men out on wheeled stretchers. Rescue workers rehearsed the evacuation by going into the pipe and being pulled out on stretchers, a video clip provided by authorities showed.

A second plan to drill vertically from atop the hill is also being pursued and the drilling machines are being assembled, the statement said.

The men have been getting cooked food since a larger lifeline pipe was pushed through earlier this week and the statement said they were sent 200 rotis or Indian round flat bread, lentils and vegetable curry.

More than a dozen doctors, including psychiatrists, have been at the site, talking to the men and monitoring their health.

They have been told to do light yoga exercises, walk around in the 2-km space they have been confined to, and keep talking to each other. Rohit Gondwal, a psychiatrist, told Reuters they were also considering sending playing cards and board games such as ludo and chess.

The collapsed tunnel is on the Char Dham pilgrimage route, one of the most ambitious projects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

It aims to link four key Hindu pilgrimage sites with 890 km (550 miles) of two-lane road, at a cost of $1.5 billion.

(Writing by YP Rajesh; Editing by Stephen Coates and Toby Chopra)
TAMPA, Fla. - A suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County after leading a Florida Highway Patrol trooper on a chase before crashing into a power pole early Thursday morning.

Troopers said they tried to pull over the driver, later identified as 54-year-old Ross Jones, when they spotted his car without tail lights on and failing to maintain lanes on US 98 and Griffin Road in Lakeland.

The suspect didn't come to a stop and sped off, leading FHP on a chase. According to authorities, he ran at least two red lights before speeding down I-4 toward Hillsborough County.

READ: Dead man in trunk, suspect with gunshot wound found at Inverness home: Deputies

Troopers said the driver reached speeds of up to 123 miles per hour before getting off I-4.

The trooper who was chasing after the suspect said they tried to conduct a PIT maneuver on the vehicle to stop the driver. After that, the suspect's vehicle went off into a ditch and struck a power pole, according to FHP.

Courtesy: The Florida Highway Patrol.

Officials said the power pole fell onto a nearby business.

Jones got out of the now disabled car, and took off running, investigators said. The trooper chased after him and saw the suspect drop a handgun on the ground during the pursuit.

CRIME: Man arrested after mom stabbed, infant killed in Daytona Beach apartment fire, chief says

The trooper pointed their gun at the suspect, and Jones got on the ground and was handcuffed.

The suspect was taken to Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated fleeing with damages and driving with a suspended license.

TECO told FHP that the estimated cost of damages to the power pole were about $2,000.
A Derbyshire man in his 70s who carried out numerous serious sexual assaults on a vulnerable child has been jailed for 14 years.

Roger Anderson, 76, from Dronfield Woodhouse, assaulted the girl on multiple occasions earlier this year.

He was jailed on 17 November after jurors found him guilty of all the charges against him.

Police said the judge described him as a "very dangerous man" during an eight-day trial at Derby Crown Court.

Anderson was found guilty on 10 counts of assaulting a child under 13 by touching and two counts of assault by penetration.

'Beyond comprehension'

He was was also sentenced for engaging in sexual communication with a child, as well as a charge of harassment without intent.

Derbyshire Police said he had harassed the victim's carer.

Anderson received a "special custodial sentence" due to the risk he poses to the public.

Det Con Jodi Wood, who led the investigation into his crimes, said: "The crimes that Roger Anderson committed are beyond comprehension.

"Not only did he force his victim through a trial in the face of overwhelming evidence, but he actively tried to blame her for the offences which he committed against her.

"The judge understood the risk that Anderson poses to the public and imposed a special custodial sentence due to the concern about his offending."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
A violent mob descended on Dublin on Thursday night, bringing about what police described as Irelands worst public disorder for decades.

Officers arrested 34 people for their involvement in the unrest, which was sparked after stabbings outside a primary school in the afternoon.

What happened?

Shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon, a man in his 50s started attacking children with a knife outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire primary school on Parnell Square East.

A crowd of 500 hard-Right protestors then descended on Dublins city centre that evening after unsubstantiated online rumours that the knifeman was an Algerian immigrant. The Gardai, the Irish police force, has not confirmed the suspects ethnicity.

A total of 13 shops, mostly on Dublins OConnell Street, were looted. Several vehicles were set alight, including buses and a Luas tram. A total of 11 police cars were damaged or destroyed.

A massive clean-up operation is under way on Friday.

How many were injured?

Five people were injured in the stabbings: two girls, aged five and six, a boy, five, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 50s who is the polices only suspect. None have been named.

Police said on Friday morning that the five-year-old girl and the woman in her late 30s were in a serious condition in hospital. The six-year-old girl and five-year-old boy suffered less serious injuries.

In the riots that followed, one police officer was seriously injured and is in hospital after protesters launched flares, fireworks and other projectiles at them.

Police said numerous other officers received less serious injuries.

One police officer was seriously injured after protestors launched flares, fireworks and other projectiles at them - Peter Murphy/Getty

What drove the riots?

Rumours began to circulate online that the suspect was an Algerian immigrant, fanning speculation among the hard-Right that the stabbings were an Islamist terror attack.

Some protestors waved the Irish tricolour as they confronted police officers.

Police initially said they did not believe the attack was terror-motivated but later added that they were not ruling anything out.

What officials are saying

Leo Varadkar, Irelands Taoiseach has called the rioters criminals who are filled with hate.

Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves, he said in a televised address on Friday morning.

Micheal Martin, his deputy, said the country was obviously very, very concerned about the lawlessness and the rioting that occurred last evening in our city.

Helen McEntee, Irelands justice minister, added that the rioters could be imprisoned for up to 12 years if they are found guilty of attacking police officers.

A number were intent on causing nothing but havoc, on looting, on rioting and causing disruption and they will be dealt with appropriately, she said.

Who was the attacker and what was his motive?

Irish newspapers have reported that the polices suspect is an Irish citizen who was not born in the country but is a long-term resident of Dublin.

He has not been arrested and is being treated in hospital under police guard. The motive for the attack has not been established.

Supt Liam Geraghty said on Thursday afternoon that the Garda was satisfied there is no terrorist link in the initial stabbing.

But this claim was then walked back by the police on Thursday afternoon, with Commissioner Drew Harris saying he would not rule out a potential terrorist motive.

I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack... all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack, he said.

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Hundreds of rioters who brought chaos to Dublin in the aftermath of an attack in which three children were stabbed, are criminals filled with hate, the Irish prime minister said as details of the knifemans identity emerged.

Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves, said Leo Varadkar, describing the rioters as criminals.

The knife attacker, who has not been named, stabbed the three young children as they left their primary school in central Dublin at around lunchtime on Thursday.

Irish media said the man, who was also injured, is an Irish citizen who had lived in the country for several years but was not born there.

He had been living at various addresses in Dublin over the past few years, according to the Irish Independent. Police have not commented on his nationality.

Police have so far arrested 34 people after a night of rioting in which shops were looted and vehicles set on fire. It was the worst violence in Dublin for decades.

Rumours on social media about the nationality of the assailant, who police only described as a man in his 50s, fuelled the unrest. Several police officers were injured, one seriously.

So far, 34 people have been arrested after a night of rioting in which shops were looted and vehicles set on fire. It was the worst violence in Dublin for decades, with Mr Varadkar saying the cost would run into the tens of millions.

He added that further unrest in the capital was expected over the weekend.

They [the rioters] did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people, said Mr Varadkar. They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

They did so because theyre filled with hate. They love violence. They love chaos, and they love causing pain to others.

He said the government would use the full resources of the law, the full machinery of the state to punish those involved in yesterdays grotesque events.

Ireland would modernise laws regarding hate and incitement and pass new laws to enable police to make better use of CCTV evidence, he added.

Police in Dublin also received two water cannon from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on Friday, to be used in the events of any further riots or violent protests.

A bus was smashed and set alight by rioters in Dublin - CLODAGH KILCOYNE/REUTERS

A five-year-old girl suffered serious injuries in the stabbing attack and is in a critical condition. Two other children and a woman who tried to protect them were also injured and taken to hospital.

Around 400 officers, including many in riot gear, were deployed throughout the centre of Dublin to tackle the unrest after the stabbing.

Drew Harris, the Garda Commissioner, said: What we saw last night was an extraordinary outbreak of violence. These are scenes that we have not seen in decades.

More than a dozen shops had been damaged or looted and the riotous mob had caused huge destruction, he said.

Mr Harris said police had not ruled out any motive, including whether the attack might have been terrorism-related.

On Friday, the president of Sinn Fein called for the resignation of Mr Harris and Helen McEntee, the minister for justice, over the police response.

Mary Lou McDonald said: People for a long time have not felt safe in Dublin city centre and elsewhere. There has not been a proper response from government or from the Garda Siochana, and that means that those responsible for those failures have to face the consequences of their failures.

Defending the commissioner in the face of criticism about the speed of the police response, Micheal Martin, Irelands deputy prime minister, said officers were on the scene quickly and dealt with a difficult situation.

A heavy police presence remained in Dublin throughout Friday, with dozens of police stationed on OConnell Street. Several schools in the capitals north inner city, where Thursdays stabbing took place, reportedly shut early to ensure the safety of pupils.

Many shops and businesses in the city centre, including Arnotts, Irelands oldest department store, which was looted in the riots, closed their doors early so their staff could get home safely.

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A fast-food courier who saw children being stabbed outside their school in Dublin has described how he helped to stop the attacker.

Three children and a school care assistant were injured in the stabbing on Thursday in Dublin city centre.

Caio Benicio, a fast-food courier, was riding past the scene and stopped to intervene.

"I didn't think about being brave - instinct just kicked in," he told BBC News NI.

It happened outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire, a primary school in the city centre at about 13:40 local time.

Two of the injured are critically ill, including a five-year-old girl and the school care assistant, who is in her 30s.

The knife attack was followed by hours of rioting in Dublin city centre, which left several police officers injured, one seriously.

Mr Benicio, a father-of-two from Brazil, has been living in the Republic of Ireland for the past year and works as a fast-food courier for Deliveroo.

"I realised there was a little girl involved and a man just pulled the girl from the woman - I found out later she was a teacher and she was very, very brave," he said.

His role in stopping the knife attack was first reported in The Journal.

'I acted on instinct'

"He grabbed the girl and he pulled out a knife," he said.

"When I saw the knife I stopped my bike straight away. I didn't think if I'm afraid or brave or not. I acted on instinct."

It all happened "quickly".

Mr Benicio told BBC News NI he took off his helmet and hit the man on the head strongly and he fell down.

He said the scenes were still stuck in his mind.

"I am just praying for the girl to make it and for good news."

He said the emergency services came quickly.

'I am an immigrant'

Mr Benicio has been praised and called a hero - but it is not a label he would choose for himself.

"I am a dad with two kids and I was in the right place at the right time.

"You see a man with a knife with a little girl - there is nothing else to do. You just have to act," he added.

In the aftermath of the attack violence and riots broke out.

"I don't have a lot of knowledge of what's going on in Ireland.

"People say the protests are against immigrants. I am an immigrant myself and I was the one to help," he said.

"They might have used the attack in the morning as an excuse to do what they did," he added.

Mr Benicio feels happy and safe living in Dublin.

"I know some people complain about the treatment of immigrants but for me it has never happened to me," he added.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar paid tribute to all those who stepped in to help, saying they "risked their lives to save lives".

He said the school care assistant "threw herself in harm's way" to protect the children, and he described the woman as heroic.

He also pointed out that "those who intervened weren't just from Ireland - they were from other countries as well".

"They are real Irish heroes, whatever their nationality," added the taoiseach.
People in Dublin have been urged to work from home today after violent riots broke out across the city over a knife attack that left at least five people injured.

Police said significant levels of public disorder and criminal damage were carried out with trams, buses, cars and other public properties set on fire during the clashes.

Labelling them disgraceful scenes, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in the capital.

This comes after an attack unfolded shortly after 1.30pm in Parnell Square East, near the Irish-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire, which left five people injured.

The casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male. Two girls are receiving treatment for serious injuries, while a five-year-old boy has been discharged. Both adults remain in hospital after suffering serious wounds.

Police believe the attack was a standalone incident and is not terror-related. The scene remains cordoned off, while a man in his 50s has been arrested and named as a person of interest in the investigation.

Key Points

People told to work from home after riots

Girl, five, among those injured in attack

Protestors fire flares and fireworks as violent scenes unfold

Police chief says protests driven by far-right ideology

Attack believed to be a standalone incident

Calls for calm amid disgraceful scenes after children injured in knife attack

04:00 , Holly Evans

Police and politicians have called for calm amid warnings against misinformation as violence broke out in Dublin following a knife attack on a woman and three young children near a school.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee labelled the scenes in the city centre intolerable, and said a thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in the capital.

Read more here

Calls for calm amid disgraceful scenes after children injured in knife attack

More than 400 officers deployed to calm the unrest

03:28 , Shweta Sharma

Police said more than 400 officers in riot gear were deployed to control the violent protests after a stabbing incident that left five injured.

A police cordon was also set up around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and officers from the Mounted Support Unit were in nearby Grafton Street.

Violent clashes on the streets saw people setting fire to police vehicles, buses, cars and trams, causing disruption of all the public transport services.

Shop windows were routinely smashed and a Foot Locker store was looted. All public transport in the city  trams and buses  was suspended and many firms have urged their staff to work from home on Friday.

Dublin city centre calm and returning to normal'

03:18 , Shweta Sharma

In a video statement, chief superintendent Patrick McMenamin said police forces are on patrol on the streets after the situation returned to normal in Dublin city centre.

Dublin city centre is now calm and returning to normal, he said, adding that Gardai remained on patrol in the city centre.

He said significant levels of public disorder and criminal damage were carried out by small groups of violent individuals.

Public Transport was attacked, Garda vehicles were damaged and some commercial businesses were attacked, he said.

Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported by the public as a result of tonights violence.

Some of my colleagues were attacked and assaulted, thankfully none were seriously injured and I commend them all on their bravery to protect our community.

Police identify man in his 50s as person of interest

03:05 , Shweta Sharma

Dublin police have said a man in his 50s is a person of interest in their investigation into the stabbing incident that triggered violent riots in the city.

The male is also being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in the Dublin region.

No other details about his identity were revealed.

But police said they are not looking for any other person at this time.

Five-year-old girl left with serious injuries after suspected Dublin stabbing

03:00 , Holly Evans

Complete lunatic faction responsible for violence

02:00 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in Dublin this evening.

He said a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he told media during a press conference at Mountjoy Garda Station.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Pictures of riots breaking out in Dublin

01:00 , Holly Evans

The scene on Parnell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

A bus on fire on O'Connell Street (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

A bus and car on fire in Dublins city centre after violent protests erupted following a stabbing attack (PA)

Riots in Dublin after children and woman injured in knife attack

00:00 , Holly Evans

Clashes have broken out in Dublin city centre between police and far-right protesters after five people, including three children were stabbed in an appalling attack on Thursday afternoon.

The suspected knife attack happened outside a primary school in the bustling Parnell Square East on the north side of the Irish capital shortly after 1.30pm.

A woman in her 30s and a man in his 50s remain in hospital with serious injuries while a five-year-old girl is receiving emergency medical treatment at a childrens hospital in Temple Street.

Read the full article here

Riots in Dublin after children and woman injured in knife attack

Police urge public not to listen to 'misinformation and rumour'

Thursday 23 November 2023 23:00 , Holly Evans

Trinity College Dublin closes its gates

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:30 , Holly Evans

Due to the ongoing violence in the centre of the city, police have instructed Trinity College Dublin to close all gates.

In a post on social media, they said: Because of the disturbances in Dublin city centre Gardai have instructed Trinity College Dublin @tcddublin to close all gates. Kinsella Hall, GMB and 1937 Reading Room remain open to keep students safe. Please stay safe. We will keep you updated.

UPDATE 23 NOV 8.50PM- Because of the disturbances in Dublin city centre Gardai have instructed Trinity College Dublin @tcddublin to close all gates. Kinsella Hall, GMB and 1937 Reading Room remain open to keep students safe. Please stay safe. We will keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/lREnDZ68gs  Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) November 23, 2023

Dublin bus engulfed in flames as riots break out after attack in Parnell Square

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:00 , Holly Evans

Dublin bus engulfed in flames as riots break out after attack in Parnell Square

Violence causes disruption to pedestrians and vehicles

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:40 , Holly Evans

The violence in Dublin city centre has caused severe disruption for vehicles and pedestrians.

Roads around the OConnell Street have been blocked by public-order gardai.

On a nearby bridge over the River Liffey from Tara Street, protesters blocked the road with construction signs and barriers.

A traffic light was also smashed at the gridlocked junction.

Public transport in Dublin suspended

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:20 , Holly Evans

Tram services in Dublin city centre have been suspended, operator Luas has confirmed on social media.

The Dublin Bus service has also told customers that none of its vehicles are running via Parnell Square East or OConnell Street - areas where clashes have been reported.

Please be advised that all Luas services have been suspended due to a non Luas related safety incident at Parnel Street.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.  Luas (@Luas) November 23, 2023

Luas tram up in flames amid disorder in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:06 , Holly Evans

Ambulance service 'extremely busy'

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:05 , Holly Evans

Dublin Fire Brigades Ambulance Service says on social media that it is extremely busy tonight, and asks for patience as it deals with the most serious illnesses and injuries first.

It warns that those needing non-life-threatening treatment could face substantial waiting times.

Dublin Fire Brigade's Ambulance Service is extremely busy tonight



Please be patient as we deal with the most serious illnesses and injuries first



Please consider other treatment options as non life-threatening incidents will have substantial wait times pic.twitter.com/1gTe8zuXyR  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) November 23, 2023

Images showing military vehicles on fire have no connection to riots

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:59 , Alexander Butler

Images showing Irish military vehicles on fire have no connection to ongoing riots in Dublin this evening, the Irish Defence Forces have warned.

Images circulating of Defence Forces vehicles in Dublin City Centre are not from this evening, but from a separate routine operation and have no connection to this evenings events.

We ask everyone to be sensitive to the spreading disinformation, and to take care, the forces said on X, formerly Twitter.

PSA



Images circulating of Defence Forces vehicles in Dublin City Centre are not from this evening, but from a separate routine operation and have no connection to this evening's events.



We ask everyone to be sensitive to the spreading disinformation, and to take care.  Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) November 23, 2023

Pictured: Cars and buses on fire in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:48 , Alexander Butler

A bus and car on fire in Dublins city centre after violent protests erupted following a stabbing attack (PA)

An Garda Siochana at the scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured in an attack (PA)

Rioters loot shoe shop

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:40 , Alexander Butler

Rioters have looted a Foot Locker shop on a famous Dublins street, according to reports.

People were seen throwing bottles at gardai as others carried metal bars and smashed shop windows.

In a series of co-ordinated presses, gardai dispersed a large portion of the crowd onto nearby roads. Smoke from bus and car fires filled the air while a garda helicopter is monitoring the situation overhead.

Wanton violence: Irish deputy prime minister condemns protests

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:25 , Alexander Butler

The Tanaiste has condemnded violent protests in Dublin as wanton violence and said they were completely unacceptable.

Micheal Martin added that the anger at todays attack was understandable but it was important to allow gardai to get on with the investigation.

Mr Martin previously said he was deeply shocked by the stabbings in Dublin and his thoughts and prayers were with those affected.

Deeply shocked by the serious incident in Dublin which has left several people injured, including a woman and a number of children.



Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, their families, friends and the emergency services who responded so quicky at the scene.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 23, 2023

A bus is set on fire on OConnell Bridge in city centre

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:03 , Holly Evans

A bus and car are on fire on OConnell Bridge in Dublin city centre as disorder continues on Thursday night after three children and a woman were attacked near a school earlier in the day.

A fire has also broken out inside a damaged Luas tram as violence continues on OConnell Street.

Violence erupts in Dublin after children seriously injured in city centre stabbing

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:53 , Holly Evans

Irish justice minister condemns thuggish few spreading division

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:51 , Holly Evans

In a statement, Irish justice minister Helen McEntee said: The horrific attack today in Dublin city centre was an appalling crime that has shocked us all.

An Garda Siochana are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else regarding this crime. The perpetrator will be brought to justice.

However, the scenes we are witnessing this evening in our city centre cannot and will not be tolerated. A thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc.

(PA)

I have spoken to local TDs from all sides of the Dail and we are of the same view. We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division.

I would appeal for calm in the city centre as An Garda Siochana carry out their work  attacks on members of An Garda Siochana must be utterly condemned and will be dealt with severely.

I am meeting the Garda Commissioner this evening to discuss the policing plan in the city tonight. Most importantly, we must remember the real tragedy of today and allow the investigations take their course.

Protesters attack tram and set cars alight

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:38 , Holly Evans

Rioters have attacked a Luas tram on OConnell Street, smashing several of its windows, while several police vehicles have been torched.

Police are tackling protests in Dublin city centre (PA)

Several police vehicles have been set alight (PA)

(PA)

Garda commissioner warns against rumours being spread for malevolent purposes'

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:34 , Holly Evans

Speaking to reporters, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris warned against rumours and speculation regarding the attack.

He said: We are drafting in resources to deal with that and that will be dealt with properly. Ive given full direction to our resources here in respect of making arrests and bringing offenders to justice.

Its our responsibility to make sure that we police the streets, and part of that is we ask people to act responsibly and not to listen to the misinformation and rumour that is circulating on social media.

The facts are being established, but the facts are still not clear on a lot of the rumour and the innuendo is being spread for malevolent purposes.

(PA)

Police chief says protests driven by far-right ideology

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:27 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said a complete lunatic faction driven by far-right ideology is behind disorder in Dublin this evening.

He said a number of Garda vehicles have been damaged.

I think theres disgraceful scenes in terms of a major investigation, the maintenance of a scene and the gathering of evidence, he told media during a press conference at Mountjoy Garda Station.

We have a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology, and also then this disruptive tendency engaged in serious violence.

Garda Commissioner condemns disgraceful protests

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:22 , Holly Evans

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described disgraceful scenes in Dublin on Thursday night as he called for calm heads and warned against misinformation as violence flared following an attack outside a school.

Police have clashed with protesters (AFP via Getty Images)

Teachers union says thoughts with school

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:10 , Holly Evans

The Irish National Teachers Organisation says its hearts are with the entire school community of Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire following the horrendous incident that has taken place today.

We are thinking of the children, their families and the schools staff during this unimaginably difficult time, the statement adds.

The Irish-medium school has around 172 pupils and is based in a four-storey Georgian building.

Pictures of protesters

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:08 , Holly Evans

Riot police walks next to a burning police vehicle (REUTERS)

Clashes have broken out near the scene (PA)

Violent scenes are unfolding close to the site of the attack in Dublin city centre (PA)

Protestors fire flares and fireworks

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:57 , Holly Evans

Protesters are firing flares and fireworks at the Garda cordon in Dublin, while a car has also been set on fire.

Gardai with shields have been fending off violent demonstrators attempting to kick and punch them.

Many of those attacking gardai have hoods up and their faces covered.

Violent scenes unfolding near police cordon

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:50 , Holly Evans

Violent scenes are unfolding close to the site of the attack in Dublin city centre as crowds of protesters gathered.

A Garda public order unit has been deployed in the area around Parnell Square, Parnell Street and OConnell Street.

Some protesters have been involved in scuffles with gardai while others threw bottles at officers.

Children reportedly queuing for after-school care when attack unfolded

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:22 , Holly Evans

Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock was in the area after the incident and says the children who were stabbed were queueing up to go to after-school care when they were attacked.

Today is a harrowing day, she told the BBC.

Our thoughts are with all the whole school community.

While it is all very real today, I think the impact of the trauma tomorrow, next week and the time after is really going to be very difficult.

Attack believed to be a standalone incident

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:04 , Holly Evans

Moving to reassure the public, Supt Geraghty said: I dont have a specific reason why the children or any of their carers or teachers may have been on the street but its a public road, its outside their school, its a normal activity for them to be going to or from their school. We need to determine the reasons behind the attack.

Supt Geraghty reiterates that gardai believe it was a standalone incident unconnected to any wider issues in the country or the city.

He appeals to people not to jump to conclusions and not to make rash judgements on what may have happened.

Police believe the attack to be a standalone incident (PA)

Parents of children involved were made aware very quickly

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:56 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said the parents of the children involved in the Dublin incident were aware of the incident very quickly.

We are dealing, not just with the parents of the three children, but parents of the wider group that would have seen and potentially be traumatised as a result of what happened this afternoon, the Garda officer said.

My understanding is that the first emergency services were ambulances, and they were there within minutes, followed by An Garda Siochana.

My understanding is members of the public did intervene at a very, very early stage and we would applaud those members of the public for getting involved in such a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for themselves.

Police are appealing for mobile phone footage

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:53 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty says Gardai are appealing to anyone with information or mobile phone footage to contact them and make this footage available to An Garda Siochana.

Police do not believe attack was 'terror related'

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:46 , Holly Evans

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Superintendent Liam Geraghty said An Garda Siochana continues to have an open mind at this early stage of the investigation, but are satisfied there is no terrorist link.

This is a very early stage of the investigation which is not even four hours old at this stage, but at this time An Garda Siochana is satisfied from our inquiries that there is no terror-related activity or related to any wider aspects in relation to this matter, he said.

It would appear to be a standalone attack, and we need to determine the reasons behind that.

Supt Geraghty said his understanding is that a knife was used in the attack, but he could not provide more detail on the nature of the injuries.

Police are satisfied the incident is not terror-related (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Man in his 50s is a person of interest

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:37 , Holly Evans

Superintendent Liam Geraghty told a press conference that an examination of the scene remains onoing, and that a man in his 50s is a person of interest.

He said: The scene remains sealed off at this time and a technical examination of the scene is ongoing.

An incident room has been established at Mountjoy Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.

An Garda Siochana is following a definite line of inquiry.

The male in his 50s is a person of interest to An Garda Siochana in this investigation and An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other person at this time.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said that police were following a definite line of inquiry (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

One child discharged while three others remain in hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:33 , Holly Evans

A boy who is five and a girl who is six were taken to CHI Crumlin with less serious injuries and the boy has already been discharged, Supt Liam Geraghty told reporters.

An adult woman in her 30s is being treated for serious injuries at the Mater Hospital.

An adult man in his 50s is being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in the Dublin region.

Girl, five, among those injured in attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:23 , Holly Evans

A five-year-old girl is receiving emergency medical treatment following a serious assault in Dublin city centre, Irish police have said

Superintendent Liam Geraghty said: An Garda Siochana continue to investigate all of the circumstances of a serious assault which occurred on Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon.

Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East.

Five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin region.

These casualties include three young children, an adult female and an adult male.

One girl, aged five years, has sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment in CHI Temple Street.

(PA)

Attack happened outside a primary school

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:21 , Holly Evans

The scene of the incident is close to Irish language-medium primary school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

The school has 172 pupils and is based in a four-storey Georgian building, with some accounts saying that the attack occurred as children were emerging onto the street.

The knife was thrown under trees on the opposite side of the road outside the Rotunda hospital, the Irish Times reported.

Dublin mayor describes attack on innocent children as evil'

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:07 , Holly Evans

In a statement posted on social media, Dublin Lord Mayor Daithi de Roiste said: On behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, I want to express my complete shock and sadness at the attack in Parnell Square today.

To think that evil like this could happen, particularly to innocent children, is just devastating.

The thoughts of our city are with the families involved this evening and, like everyone else, I am praying that these children and the adult involved will make a full recovery.

I want to thank the brave members of the public who assisted at the scene, the emergency services who responded within minutes and the hospital staff who are caring for those attacked.

Sinn Fein president says community is stunned and horrified

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:53 , Holly Evans

Speaking at the scene of a stabbing attack in Dublin, Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald said children who witnessed what happened have been traumatised.

Our heart goes out to the whole school community, to the children, the parents, the teachers, she said.

I know that the gardai acted very swiftly in this matter, but this is certainly the last thing that any of us expected on a Thursday afternoon where children should come safely from school and be collected by their parents.

I pray the injured make a full recovery.

The community is stunned, stunned and horrified.

Sinn Fein leader Mary-Lou McDonald at the scene (PA)

More pictures from the scene in Dublin

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:43 , Holly Evans

People gathering at the scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured (PA)

The scene in Dublin city centre after the serious incident (PA)

Police officers work near the scene of a suspected stabbing (REUTERS)

Sinn Fein leader says incident is beyond words

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:35 , Holly Evans

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident in Dublin city centre had caused shock and horror.

In a social media post, Mrs McDonald said: Violent attack at Gael Cholaiste Mhuire Parnell Square has sent shock and horror throughout the community.

My heart goes out to all the hurt and injured, the parents, teachers but especially the children who have been so traumatised.

This is beyond words.

Violent attack at Gael Cholaiste Mhuire parnell Square has sent shock and horror throughout the community. My heart goes out to all the hurt and injured, the parents, teachers but especially the children who have been so traumatised. This is beyond words.  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 23, 2023

Witness saw man making a stabbing motion towards children with a knife

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:22 , Holly Evans

Siobhan Kearney said she witnessed what she believes was a man attacking children during an incident in Dublin.

She described what she saw as absolutely bedlam.

Ms Kearney told RTE she watched people disarm a man who she said had a knife.

I looked across the road and I see the man and the stabbing motion with a load of children so I flew across the road.

The man was after stabbing two children as far as I could make out, and we got the children up to the left with the women that were there, and the teachers I presume, she told the broadcaster.

People were trying to attack the man so me and an American lady, we formed a ring around the man, and then about three minutes later the ambulance came for the children and then another ambulance and fire officers came for the man on the ground.

Deputy premier says he is deeply shocked at incident

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:15 , Holly Evans

Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin said he is deeply shocked at a serious incident in Dublin which he said has left several people injured, including a woman and a number of children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, their families, friends and the emergency services who responded so quicky at the scene, he posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Deeply shocked by the serious incident in Dublin which has left several people injured, including a woman and a number of children.



Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, their families, friends and the emergency services who responded so quicky at the scene.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 23, 2023

Several children injured after stabbing near school in Dublin city centre

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:12 , Holly Evans

A woman and three young children have been injured in an appalling attack in Dublin city centre, as emergency services respond to the major incident in a busy shopping street.

The stabbing happened in the bustling Parnell Square East shortly after 1.30pm on the north side of the Irish capital.

The woman and one of the children, a girl, are in hospital in a serious condition. A man and the two other children have been taken to hospital sustained less serious injuries, the Irish police force, the Garda, has said.

Read the full article from Alex Ross here

Several children injured after stabbing near school in Dublin city centre

Angry scenes break out near police cordon

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:08 , Holly Evans

A crowd has gathered at the cordon on Parnell Square East amid angry scenes.

Some members of the public are shouting abuse towards gardai.

Where did the incident take place?

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:05 , Holly Evans

The incident took place shortly after 1.30pm in Parnell Square East, which is based in the north side of Irelands capital Dublin.

Irish minister says thoughts and prayers with the victims

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:58 , Holly Evans

Irish Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims of a very serious incident in his Dublin Central constituency.

I am aware of an extremely serious incident that has taken place at Parnell Square in my constituency of Dublin Central, he said.

My thought and prayers are with the victims of this very serious incident, and their families.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street police station.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says gardai have detained a suspect

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:55 , Holly Evans

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said gardai have detained a suspect following the incident in Dublin city centre.

We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square, the Irish premier said.

A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families.

I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice who is keeping me updated. The facts in this matter are still emerging.

The emergency services responded very quickly and were on site within minutes. I thank them for that.

Gardai have detained a suspect and are following a definite line of inquiry.

Pictures from the scene

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:50 , Holly Evans

Police remain at the scene in Parnell Square East (REUTERS)

The scene in Dublin city centre after five people were injured (PA)

Three young children are among those taken to hospital (PA)

Irish justice minister says she is deeply shocked by attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:41 , Holly Evans

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was deeply shocked by the appalling attack on three innocent children and a woman in Dublin city centre.

Ms McEntee said: All our thoughts are with those injured, especially with the children, their parents and families, during this extremely difficult period.

I have been briefed by the Garda Commissioner and will remain in close contact with him and senior Gardai.

It is my understanding that Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for any other person at this time.

This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice.

However, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time.

Garda police following a definite line of inquiry

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:38 , Holly Evans

Irish police said they are following a definite line of inquiry following the serious incident in Dublin city centre.

A Garda spokesperson also said they were not looking for any other person at this time.

An adult female is being treated for serious injuries and an adult male for less serious injuries.

The scene at Parnell Square East remains sealed off.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Five people have been taken to hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:31 , Holly Evans

Irish police said there have been five people injured, including three young children, following the serious public order incident which occurred on Parnell Square East in Dublin shortly after 1.30pm.

A Garda spokesperson said: Five casualties have been taken to various hospitals in the Dublin region.

The casualties include an adult male, an adult female and three young children.

One child, a girl, has sustained serious injuries, the other two children are being treated for less serious injuries.

An Garda Siochana is in contact with parents of all three injured children.

Welcome to our live coverage

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:31 , Holly Evans

Welcome to our live coverage after an attack in Dublin city centre left five people with serious injuries, including three children.

Well be bringing you all the latest updates here.
A bus burns during a demonstration in Dublin, Ireland, on 23 November 2023

More than 30 people were arrested during a riot in Dublin on Thursday, following an earlier knife attack in the city centre which left four injured.

One police officer was also seriously injured in the unrest and many more were hurt.

So what do we know so far?

How did the events unfold?

Gardai (Irish police) were called shortly after 13:30 local time on Thursday to an incident, in which a woman and three children were hurt in a stabbing near a primary school.

A man in his late 40s, who was also seriously injured, is a person of interest, police said.

While they are not looking for anyone other than a man involved in the incident, investigators are "keeping an open mind" about any motive.

Hours after the stabbing a riot broke out.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who is Ireland's most senior police officer, said there had been an "element of radicalisation" to the riot.

He said gardai had been "constantly monitoring" social media in the aftermath but the "crowds who were filled with hate were then supplemented by crowds only interested in looting and disorder".

In the unrest that followed, rioters set off flares and fireworks, looted shops and attacked police in Dublin during several hours of disorder.

The "extraordinary outbreak of violence" had come after "hateful assumptions" were made based on material circulating online in the wake of the stabbings, he added.

It is understood that included false claims that the attacker was a foreign national.

Sources have indicated to the BBC that the man suspected of carrying out the attack is an Irish citizen in his late 40s who has lived in the country for 20 years.

Public transport was disrupted in parts of the Irish capital throughout the night, while the ambulance service said it was "extremely busy".

Many people had to walk home because they could not get a taxi or public transport.

Calm was restored between 20:30 and 21:00, police said.

Who was injured?

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition following the knife attack. Another six-year-old girl sustained head injuries and a woman in her 30s is seriously ill.

A boy, aged five, has minor wounds and has been discharged from hospital.

In the riot that followed one police officer was seriously injured.

Has there been other damage?

More than a dozen shops were damaged or looted, while 11 police vehicles, three buses and a tram were destroyed.

A clean-up operation in the city is ongoing and a burned-out tram has been taken away.

Reflecting on the events, Commissioner Harris told the press what had happened was "extraordinary", adding that such scenes have not been seen "for decades".

The Taioseach (Irish PM) Varadkar said the cost of repairs and clean-up is likely to be in the "tens of millions" of euros.

He adds that there will be government help available for businesses whose premises were damaged by rioters.

Who is behind the violence?

Mr Harris said there was "huge destruction from a riotous mob", which police have blamed on a "lunatic, hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology".

Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said it was not something that "we have seen before" and that a "violent mob of thugs and criminals whose sole focus was to wreak havoc," was responsible.

Social media comments have played a role in the riots according to the Irish government and Gardai.

There were 34 arrests with 32 before the court on Friday morning.

Twenty-eight men and four women are facing various charges including theft and public order offences.
Rioters who torched vehicles and looted shops in Dublin following a knife attack outside a school brought "shame" on Ireland, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Friday, condemning the worst violence in decades which authorities blamed on right-wing groups.

Thursday night's unrest came after three children were injured in a stabbing near the centre of the Irish capital.

The violence -- which resulted in 34 arrests -- started when a group broke through a police cordon around the attack area in Parnell Square East, north central Dublin.

The protesters set buses and trams alight and looted shops in one of Dublin's most famous throughfares, O'Connell Street.

"Those involved brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland and brought shame on their families and themselves," a visibly angry Varadkar told reporters, describing the rioters as "criminals".

A five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries in the stabbing incident, which took place around 1:30 pm (1330 GMT) on Thursday.

Two other children and two adults -- a woman and the suspected perpetrator of the attack -- were taken to hospital with lesser injuries.

Rumours on social media about the nationality of the assailant, who police only described as a man in his fifties, helped fuel the ensuing unrest.

"They (the rioters) did not do what they did because they wanted to protect Irish people," Varadkar said. "They did not do it out of any sense of patriotism, however warped.

"They did so because they're filled with hate. They love violence. They love chaos, and they love causing pain to others," he added.

The government would use the "full resources of the law, the full machinery of the state to punish those involved in yesterday's grotesque events", Varadkar said.

New laws would be passed in the coming weeks to enable police "to make better use of" CCTV evidence, he said.

Ireland would also "modernise" laws regarding hate and incitement.

"As a country we need to reclaim Ireland. We need to take it away from the cowards who hide behind masks and tried to terrify us with their violence," Varadkar said.

- 'Scenes not seen in decades' -

Police Commissioner Drew Harris told a press conference that several officers were injured, one of them seriously, as projectiles were thrown at them.

"What we saw last night was an extraordinary outbreak of violence," Harris said.

"These are scenes that we have not seen in decades."

Harris said 34 people were arrested after "huge destruction" by the "riotous mob" with 13 shops significantly damaged or looted.

Some in the mob let off flares and fireworks while others flung chairs and stools grabbed from outside bars and restaurants.

A police cordon was set up around the Irish parliament building, Leinster House, late on Thursday night, amid concerns that the violence could spread.

- 'Lunatic, hooligan faction' -

Harris blamed a "complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology" for the disorder.

He said calm was restored in the city shortly after midnight.

Harris added that "all lines of inquiry" are open to determine the motive for the knife attack.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the chaos was "intolerable" and that a "thuggish and manipulative element must not be allowed to use an appalling tragedy to wreak havoc".

"We will not tolerate a small number using an appalling incident to spread division," she said.

pmu-srg/pdh/ach
Will Geert Wilders and Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius come to an understanding? - SEM VAN DER WAL/AFP

The leader of the Netherlands ruling liberal party has said it could support far-Right firebrand Geert Wilders becoming prime minister  but it would not officially join his government

Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, whose VVD came third in Wednesdays Dutch elections, said her party would only support a Right-wing coalition from the sidelines, and in the hope of softening its policies.

The move could pave the way for an alliance between Mr Wilders far-Right, anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) and the centre-Right New Social Contract (NSC).

Mr Wilders, who secured a surprise election victory with 37 seats, said Ms Yesilgoz-Zegeriuss decision to rule out a coalition before any negotiations was very disappointing.

We are going to facilitate a cabinet of winners

The big winners are the PVV and NSC. After 13 years, a different role suits us, Ms Yesilgoz-Zegerius told reporters in The Hague on Friday.

But we will make a centre-Right cabinet possible. We will support constructive proposals, so it is a form of tolerance, she added, hinting at a confidence and supply agreement to prop up a minority coalition.

We are going to facilitate a cabinet of winners.

Her decision could serve as both a boost and a blow to Mr Wilders, who is vying to become Dutch prime minister after more than two decades as an outspoken, but isolated, politician.

Mr Wilders responded to the VVDs move by saing: I hope they change their minds because governing is better than tolerating.

Without the liberals, the PVV leader will struggle to make up the 76 seats needed to form a majority government.

In the run-up to Wednesdays national election, Mr Wilders, who campaigned to ban mosques, the Koran and Islam faith schools, toned down his incendiary rhetoric.

Pieter Omtzigt, the NSC leader, refused to be drawn on speculation over whether he could join a coalition with Mr Wilders, arguing: It will indeed be complicated, everyone can see that from the results.

Mr Omtzigt confirmed he would sit down on Monday with Gom van Strien, a PVV member of the Dutch upper house, who has been appointed as the official negotiator tasked with finding a coalition agreement.

He said it was very special that the liberal VVD had dropped out of the process before formal talks could be held.

During the campaign, Mr Omtzigt said he would not rule with Mr Wilders PVV as long as it wanted to ban Islam from the Netherlands.

Caroline van der Plan, the leader of the BBB farmers party, said she was willing to join a minority government if it has to, then it has to.

In my opinion, its about the people and voters wanting something, she added.

MPs brought to parliament by tractors

Her newly elected MPs were brought to the parliament building by seven tractors, one for each politician.

The coalition talks are expected to last for months, especially with so many parties concerned over backing Mr Wilders and his far-Right views.

The VVDs decision to not join the cabinet leaves Mr Wilders 12 short of a majority, but only if the NSC and BBB both sign up.

It is likely any agreement to form a government will see the firebrand forced to fully drop swathes of anti-Islamic policies and a plan to hold a Nexit referendum on the Netherlands membership of the European Union.

The last Dutch government took a record 299 days to form, with it expected to take even longer this time around.

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(Bloomberg) -- Geert Wilders edged a step closer to securing the majority he needs to form a working government after a center-right rival said it is prepared to lend him its parliamentary support, even while it ruled itself out of taking up seats in his cabinet.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, will support a center-right cabinet as kind of a tolerating partner, its leader Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius said in The Hague on Friday ahead of a meeting with other party heads in parliament.

Wilders hopes of forming a working majority now hinge on the decision of the party that came fourth in Wednesdays election, after the Left alliance which came second ruled itself out of cooperation.

The VVDs surprising move will make the formation process harder, Pieter Omtzigt, the head of that fourth-placed party, said on Friday.

Yesilgoz-Zegerius qualified offer of support echoes the predicament of Ruttes first coalition, which ruled via a minority government that rested on external votes from Wilders and ended up lasting only 18 months.

We will make a center-right cabinet possible. We will support constructive proposals, so it is a form of tolerance, Yesilgoz-Zegerius said.

Of her partys decision to avoid cabinet seats, she added: After thirteen years, a different role suits us. The voters also said: VVD, skip a round. The decision honors a pledge she made before the election not to serve under Wilders were he to become prime minister.

If the VVD ends up supporting Wilders government with its votes, his surest path to a working majority  and by extension, a claim to the prime ministerial role  would be via the support of Pieter Omtzigts New Social Contract, or NSC, which has 20 seats.

We have a big responsibility, and that is why it is disappointing that VVD takes a kind of a holiday from responsibility, Wilders said of the VVDs refusal to serve in his cabinet.

A small positive is that she wants to support us from the outside, and we have to see and find out if that is for real, Wilders said in response to the VVD announcement. On Friday the far-right lawmaker said he had chosen Gom van Strien, a Freedom Party senator, to act as lead negotiator in coalition talks.

Wilders delivered a shock election victory on Wednesday, picking up 37 seats  more than any pre-election polls had predicted. The VVD came third with 24 seats, having been the largest party in the last government, when it was led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Wilders needs to forge alliances with rivals to achieve the 76-seat majority necessary to forming a government. After the exit polls, he had suggested he would be open to center-right coalition including the VVD, as well as newly launched center-right group NSC, and the Farmer Citizens Movement.

Left alliance leader Frans Timmermans, who after the election now leads the second-largest bloc in the parliament, ruled out a coalition with Wilders as soon as exit-poll results became clear.

--With assistance from Celeste Perri.

(Updates with new details throughout)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren expressed her concern on Nov. 24 in comments to reporters about the future of the Netherlands' support for Ukraine in light of the victory of Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Dutch elections two days before.

"The PVV is now the largest party and they have never been enthusiastic about support to Ukraine. They have even been pro-Russia at times. So that has me worried," she said.

Wilders, whose PVV party won 37 of 150 seats in the Dutch Parliament, has long been vocally anti-immigration but has also made a number of statements in favor of Russia and against the Netherlands continuing to provide support to Ukraine.

The far-right leader has close relations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and has been accused of having ties with Russia. Wilders has condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and referred to Russia as the aggressor.

Nonetheless, Wilders would need to build a coalition in order to actually govern the Netherlands, and his ability to become prime minister is not guaranteed.

Polls have suggested that an overwhelming majority of Dutch citizens are in favor of continued support for Ukraine.

Read also: From F-16s to frozen assets - how Dutch far-rights win could impact Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
US actor Kim Rhodes has shared how Dylan and Cole Sprouse were fiercely loyal to her and defended her while filming TheSuite Life of Zack & Cody.

Rhodes, 54, starred as Carey Martin  the on-screen mum to the Sprouse brothers titular twins  on the popular Noughties Disney Channel sitcom.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Back to the Best podcast, Rhodes recalled working alongside the two pre-teens. She remembered one particular moment when Dylan came to her defence, refusing to tell a disrespectful fat joke at her expense.

They defended me all the way through. I got pregnant when I was on the show, and of course the show dealt with it by making fat jokes, she recounted.

One of my favourite memories is Dylan had a line that was a fat joke, and he just kept skipping over it, she shared. It was, like, in the middle of a chunk of dialogue, so he kept skipping this laugh line And finally we get in front of the studio audience and he skips it, and the executive producer screams, Cut! Dylan, say the line! And he goes, I would not disrespect any woman that way, let alone this woman. You write something funny and Ill say it.

Calling them my little men, Rhodes added: They both were very protective of everyone on set. It wasnt just me The fact that they, at such a young age, understood that it was their job to make sure everybody else was able to do their job, was really impressive.

The Independent has contacted Disney Channel for comment.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse (Getty Images)

In an interview with The New York Times last year, Cole discussed the toll of childhood fame and admitted that he could not compare his experience to young female stars.

The young women on the channel we were on [Disney Channel] were so heavily sexualised from such an earlier age than my brother and I that theres absolutely no way that we could compare our experiences, he said.

So Im violently defensive against people who mock some of the young women who were on the channel when I was younger because I dont feel like it adequately comprehends the humanity of that experience and what it takes to recover.

Dylan and Cole, 31, are best known for their respective portrayals of Cody and Zack Martin on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and its subsequent spin-offs, including The Suite Life on Deck.

Both have continued acting since their time on the hit Disney series, with Cole going on to star in the CWs recently completed seven-series drama, Riverdale. He also starred opposite Haley Lu Richardson in the 2019 romance drama Five Feet Apart, and Lana Condor in 2022s romance sci-fi, Moonshot.

Meanwhile, Dylan recently featured in the 2023 rom-com Beautiful Disaster. Earlier this summer, he married Hungarian model Barbara Palvin.
Chicagos aldermen certainly are entitled to their opinions on the battle between Israel and Hamas. But the resolution sponsored by Rossanna Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, and supported by some of her progressive colleagues, and also some staffers in the Brandon Johnson administration at City Hall, insults the federal government and all therein who have worked for years on this most complicated part of the world.

Be it resolved that we, the City of Chicago, it reads, do hereby call upon President Joseph R. Biden to call for and facilitate a lasting peace in the Middle East, starting with a de-escalation to end the ongoing violence and to promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into the impacted region.

Middle East peace, just like that.

Come on, President Biden, get with the program. Start facilitating. The Chicago aldermen have spoken.

Biden is 81 years old. He has been calling for, and fervently working on, a lasting peace in the Middle East for decades. To not know, or recognize, that insults Biden and all who have worked with him.

Does anyone on City Council remember the words of former President Bill Clinton?

I killed myself to give the Palestinians a state. I had a deal they turned down that would have given them all of Gaza, Clinton famously said, in 2016. His wife Hillary later continued his efforts as secretary of state; she remains articulately well aware of all the complexities of this region.

Bill Clinton also said: Theres nobody whos blameless in the Middle East, but we cannot really ever make a fundamental difference in the Middle East unless the Israelis think we care whether they live or die. If they do, we have a chance to keep pushing for peace.

Precisely. We could go on.

Right now, the Israelis are still in shock at the most barbaric terrorist attack imaginable having taken place within their borders, and they are still in the process of trying to recover scores of civilians abducted by Hamas. Weve heard, face to face, from their anguished relatives, sitting across the table. We hope that by the time you read this, some have been reunited with their loved ones.

Even aside from that pressing humanitarian issue, the Israelis face what they see as an existential crisis, and there was ample evidence on Oct. 7 that this is in fact the case. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been doing a stellar job so far of negotiating with both sides, but Israel is an independent country and it is unlikely to desist in its own defense on the urging of Chicago aldermen. Or even Biden.

Do Rodriguez Sanchez and her colleagues even believe in Israels right to exist? Are they appalled by what happened to innocent civilians on Oct. 7, attacks that reflected raw hatred and went far, far beyond the usual acts of war? All worth noting, if so.

Many infuriated constituents of the supporters of this resolution have shot back on social media that these aldermen should confine themselves to issues in their own wards, especially when it comes to working on a lasting peace, a problem at home as well as abroad.

We understand that point of view but dont agree because we dislike parochialism and think Chicagoans should freely express their views, including making resolutions as elected bodies.

This one, though, is beyond naive.

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.
How to fund the new post-16 campus at Les Ozouets is still undecided

The Education, Sport and Culture (ESC) Committee should consider stepping down for "continually barking up the wrong tree" over how to fund post-16 education in Guernsey, a deputy has said.

On Thursday, the ESC president said members should be "ashamed" for leaving plans for the future of post-16 education undecided.

Funding has still not been agreed to pay for a new post-16 campus at Les Ozouets.

Deputy David De Lisle said those who voted to block borrowing to pay for the project did not feel responsible for a lack of certainty around its future.

He said: "I'm not responsible for that, ESC is totally out of kilter in terms of trying to do something that the States obviously didn't want to do.

"I think they should have looked at their position, because they've been continually barking up the wrong tree."

Former Guernsey teacher Caroline McManus said ESC should not be surprised by the States decision not to fund their plans, and that they should reconsider what they are asking for.

She said: "The ESC want to build a very, very fancy institute with everything on one site - perhaps they could have gone to the States, instead of taking the same request back again, and trying to persuade people that they made the wrong decision, perhaps they should have changed what they were asking for."

Ella Roussel, vice-chair of the Youth Commission, said failures to determine the future of secondary state education in Guernsey was pushing teachers into the private system.

She said they were struggling with uncertainty and a lack of organisation.

Miss Roussel said: "Teachers are finding it very difficult in these kinds of environments, there's lots of stress with this, huge change.

"I've seen them with my own eyes migrating to private schools because that is a more organised and a much safer environment for teachers."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Eight more Ukrainians were successfully evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Nov. 23, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko told NV, adding that 26 citizens left Egypt for Moldova the same day.

"We are grateful to Egypt, Israel, Qatar and other partners for their assistance."

Read also: Ukraine evacuates nearly 90 citizens from Gaza  Zelenskyy

A total of 259 Ukrainians were evacuated from Gaza during the first rescue phase, which is under the "special control" of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Ukraine has evacuated more than 200 of its citizens from the Gaza Strip, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Nov. 14.

The evacuation of foreigners from the Gaza Strip through the border crossing with Egypt began on Nov. 1 and is proceeding in alphabetical order by nationality. The exact number of Ukrainians remaining in the enclave is unknown, but is estimated at about 500 people, with 370 seeking evacuation assistance from the embassy.

Read also: Twenty-five Ukrainians confirmed dead after Hamas attack against Israel

The first group of 43 Ukrainians was evacuated from Gaza on Nov. 8. Ukraine also facilitated the evacuation of 36 Moldovan nationals from the conflict zone as part of the operation. On November 9, 160 Ukrainians and nine Moldovans were evacuated.

Eleven more Ukrainians evacuated, Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk reported on Nov.11.

A record number of foreigners - about 800 people - left Gaza, CNN reported on Nov. 12.

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
Eighteen members of a drug gang that used a motorhome to target seaside towns in Devon and Cornwall have been handed a range of jail sentences of up to 12 years.

Exeter Crown Court heard the gang supplied Class A drugs with an estimated street value of 1.38m.

There were more than 30 drug county lines runs from Liverpool to the south west over 15 months to September 2022.

Judge Anna Richardson said drugs had a "devastating impact" on society.

She said the gang had exploited addicts in Devon and Cornwall, recruiting them through offering free drugs or pressure to pay off debts.

The dealers used the motorhome to tour the south west as they built up networks in Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torbay, Ilfracombe, Penzance, Camborne and Hayle, the trial heard.

The conspiracy was based in Liverpool, and recruited couriers who made almost weekly trips to the west country.

The trial heard they set up the first network in Exmouth in 2021, before moving on to Torbay and Cornwall.

The operation was so successful its leaders were spending half their time in Ibiza by the time police closed it down in the autumn of 2022, the court heard.

The 20-month plot involved 21 men and women and 33 courier trips, which brought an estimated 8.8kg of heroin and 6.6kg of cocaine with a total value of 1.38m.

Dealers stayed at Airbnbs, leisure parks and holiday camp sites, including one on the Lizard, the court was told.

The leader of the conspiracy was 25-year-old Benjamin Burns, who made 15 trips to the south west, including several with his girlfriend.

He bought a specially-adapted phone, which hid its true number and was intended to stop police identifying him.

The next three most important gang members, the court heard, were Thomas Keating, his son Christy Keating and his cousin Georgie Keating, who all made frequent trips to Devon and Cornwall.

Police involved in the sting, codenamed Operation Harbinger Two, traced more than 20,000 messages sent to users in which drugs were offered, the court heard.

Lawyers representing all the defendants said they were drawn into dealing by their youth, naivety, drug addiction, debt, or difficult personal circumstances.

Over the course of the two-day sentencing hearing, 13 people were handed sentences who had previously admitted or were convicted by jurors of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.

They were:

Benjamin Burns, 25, of Prescot - 10 years and six months.

Georgie Keating, 24, of Liverpool - 11 years and five months.

Christy Keating, 24, of Cheshire - 10 years and five months.

Thomas Keating, 43, of Liverpool - 10 years.

Kevin Mallen, 41, of Liverpool - six years and four months.

Christopher Mallen, 65, of Liverpool - six years.

Jamie Marshall, 22, of London - six years.

Jake Myers, 23, of Liverpool - three years and six months.

James Casey, 45, of Colchester - two years suspended for 24 months. Also 350 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation days - including thinking skills courses and 12 mental health treatment sessions.

Taylor Burns, 31, of Lancashire - five years and two months.

Adrian Mulcahy, 36, of Exmouth - two years suspended for 24 months. Residence requirement at rehabilitation centre for 14 months, or as directed by probation.

Dillon Ballard, 28, of Exmouth - two years suspended for 24 months. 300 hours unpaid work, a thinking skills programme, and 15 rehabilitation days

Richard Morsley, 43, of Torrington - four years and six months.

Also sentenced was Lee Paton, 34, of Liverpool, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply amphetamine and heroin. He was sentenced to three years and 10 months.

Maggie Burns, 21, of Prescot, and Dannielle Marshall, 27, of Orpington, both pleaded guilty to money laundering and assisting an organised criminal gang.

Burns was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years, with 20 rehabilitation days and 12 mental health treatment sessions.

Marshall was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 24 months, with a curfew for four months between 19:00 and 07:00, and 20 rehabilitation days - including help with mental health.

Joanna Buchanan, 49, of Shaldon, pleaded guilty to production of cannabis and assisting an OCG. Buchanan was sentenced to one year, suspended for 24 months, 100 hours of unpaid work at rate of one day a week, and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Benjamin Hopkins, 46, of Shaldon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, production and possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to two years, suspended for 24 months, 300 hours of unpaid work, and a two-month curfew between 19:00 and 07:00.

The final three members of the gang are set to be sentenced on Monday.

Follow BBC News South West on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Elsa from Frozen made a trip to Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge this week to visit hospitalized patients and their families.

The visit was made possible thanks to Holiday Heroes, which is an organization that is devoted to brightening the day of children across Chicagoland.

During her visit, Elsa gave the kids activity bags and spread cheer and smiles throughout the hospital.
U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter is best known for presiding over cases that originate in northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly the city of Erie.

The fraud case against the Erie-based Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and the racketeering case against the Erie gang 4-Nation are among the most high-profile matters on Baxter's docket at the federal courthouse on Perry Square in downtown Erie.

But Baxter also sometimes deals with cases with broader implications.

In one of the most wide-reaching cases she has handled in her five years as a federal district judge, Baxter on Tuesday released a precedent-setting ruling that affects voters throughout Pennsylvania.

Baxter ruled that, in Pennsylvania, mail-in ballots without accurate dates handwritten on their exterior envelopes must still be counted if they are received in time. Excluding those ballots would violate federal civil rights law, Baxter ruled.

U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, based in Erie, ruled on Tuesday that, in Pennsylvania, mail-in ballots without accurate dates handwritten on their exterior envelopes must still be counted if they are received in time.

Her decision, if upheld on appeal, means that fewer mail-in ballots would be invalidated in Pennsylvania, a swing state considered pivotal in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Advocates of voting rights praised the decision.

"This is a tremendous victory for mail-in voters in Pennsylvania," Philip Hensley-Robin, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement. "We are relieved that minor clerical errors will no longer prevent Pennsylvanians from having their votes counted. We look forward to seeing the impact that this ruling will have on future elections, particularly for communities of color and elderly Pennsylvanians."

Baxter's ruling concerned Civil Rights Act of 1964

In a 77-page opinion that garnered extensive national media coverage, Baxter found that throwing out mail-in ballots due to dating issue violates the Materiality Provision of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"The provision protects a citizen's right to vote by forbidding a state actor from disqualifying a voter because of their failure to provide or error in providing some unnecessary information on a voting application or ballot," Baxter wrote.

She found that elections officials do not use the date on the outer envelope to determine whether the vote should be counted. Among other things, Baxter noted that county election officials know when a mail-in ballot is returned by scanning a barcode on the return envelope.

The important date for casting the ballot is the date the ballot is received," Baxter wrote. "Here, the date on the outside envelope was not used by any of the county boards to determine when a voter's mail ballot was received in the November 2022 election."

U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter is seated at the federal courthouse in Erie.

In that election, more than 7,600 mail ballots in 12 counties were tossed because the outer envelope lacked a date or had an incorrect date, according to the decision. Those 12 counties ended up being defendants in the case.

Erie County was not listed among the 12 counties, but Erie County election officials in November 2022 set aside at least 240 mail-in and absentee ballots that were enclosed in undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of State has said the state court decision to bar mail-in ballots without accurate handwritten dates resulted in otherwise valid votes being thrown out. The agency said more than 16,000 mail-in ballots in the 2022 midterm election were disqualified by county officials because they lacked secrecy envelopes or proper signatures or dates.

Democratic voters made up more than two-thirds of the total canceled ballots.

ACLU represented the plaintiffs as RNC opposed them

In the case before Baxter, the plaintiffs, in addition to Common Cause, included the Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. Lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union represented the plaintiffs.

"Every eligible person who casts a ballot should have their vote counted," Witold Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said in a statement on Baxter's ruling. "The handwritten-date requirement is completely irrelevant and unnecessary because elections officials know whether the ballot was received on time. And the whole point of this provision in the Civil Rights Act was to stop states from disqualifying votes for frivolous reasons, like this date requirement. Were grateful that the court understood that.

The Republican National Committee intervened in the case and argued that the ballots were legally tossed. The RNC said Pennsylvania's date requirement for the mail-in ballots does not violate the Materiality Provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to Baxter's decision.

The RNC's lead lawyer in the case did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling spurred suit

The plaintiffs sued on Nov. 4, 2022. They named as defendants Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of State Leigh M. Chapman and the board of elections in all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties.

The plaintiffs asked Baxter to issue an injunction that would bar the counties from rejecting mail-in ballots "based solely on a missing or incorrect date on the return envelope," according to the suit.

The request for the injunction came in response to decisions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Nov. 1, 2022. The justices unanimously ruled that Pennsylvania counties must segregate and not count mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect dates.

But the court  then down one seat due to the death of Chief Justice Max Baer in September 2022  deadlocked 3-3 on whether envelope dates, mandatory under state law, would violate the Materiality Provision of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The state Supreme Court's inability to decide the issue concerning the Materiality Provision opened up the possibility that a federal judge would end up deciding the dispute. Baxter ended up being that judge, though her ruling could be be appealed to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia, or to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Baxter had guidance as she considered the lawsuit. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in May 2022 that the dates in question aren't mandatory, but the U.S. Supreme Court in October 2022 deemed that decision moot, leading to the litigation in U.S. District Court in Erie.

How did a federal judge in Erie get the case?

The NAACP and other plaintiffs said Baxter had jurisdiction because seven of the boards of elections named in the suit were in counties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Erie Division of U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, based in Pittsburgh. The seven counties in the Erie Division are Erie, Crawford, Elk, Forest, McKean, Venango and Warren.

Baxter, 67, was confirmed as a U.S. District judge in 2018 with support from Republicans and Democrats. She had served as a federal magistrate judge  the position below district judge  for more than 23 years.

Susan Paradise Baxter was sworn in as a U.S. District Judge in a brief ceremony at the federal courthouse in Erie on Sept. 14, 2018. She had previously served as a federal magistrate judge.

President Barack Obama first nominated Baxter to the post of district judge in July 2015, but that nomination languished without a vote by the Senate and expired in January 2017 with the adjournment of the 114th Congress.

President Donald Trump in December 2017 renominated Baxter to the post of U.S. district judge in the Western District of Pennsylvania, to be seated in Erie. The Senate confirmed her in August 2018.

Baxter assigned the case: Federal judge in Erie to decide whether Pa. undated mail-in ballots can be counted

The Associated Press and Spotlight PA contributed to this report.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie federal judge's ruling could influence 2024 election. Here's how
Authorities were searching a Jamestown, New York residence for a federal fugitive in July 2019 when they said they encountered an Erie man who ran from them.

When local and federal officials caught up with Jarrod Adams, who was not the fugitive authorities were looking for, he was seen attempting to throw a large amount of crystal methamphetamine out of a second-floor window, according to information in court documents.

Adams, 43, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Buffalo on Wednesday to serve nine years in prison on his guilty plea in May to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of New York.

The charge carried a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Wednesday's sentencing was the second for Adams in federal court. He was sentenced in 2004 in U.S. District Court in Erie to serve three years of probation and four months of home detention after pleading guilty to selling counterfeit money.

Authorities accused Adams in the drug case of possessing 223 grams of methamphetamine that authorities found in a black satchel they said Adams attempted to throw inside a Bishop Street residence in Jamestown on July 16, 2019. Authorities wrote in case documents that Adams admitted to living at the residence and possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to others.

Investigators wrote that they then served a search warrant on the residence, seized the black satchel and found more methamphetamine in other bedrooms.

According to a memorandum Adams' defense attorney filed prior to sentencing, Adams, who was born in Erie, grew up in a dysfunctional home and had a history of drug use, including methamphetamine. Adams had overdosed several times, and his wife died of a fentanyl overdose, according to the memorandum.

Adams' lawyer additionally wrote that Adams suffered a traumatic brain injury after being shot in the head in 2012.

Also charged in the drug investigation was Michael Murphy, 31, of Jamestown, and Rocco Beardsley, whose age and address were not listed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Murphy, who was the fugitive authorities were looking for in July 2019, was sentenced on Wednesday to 16 years in prison on his conviction for narcotics conspiracy. Beardsley is scheduled for trial in March, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie man sentenced to 9 years in federal methamphetamine probe in NY
Erin Mendenhall is headed for a second term as Salt Lake City's mayor.

Her office confirmed that former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, her primary challenger, called shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday to concede. The conversation took place not long after Salt Lake County officials released new election results, which didn't change the direction of the race by much.

Mendenhall still leads the race with 58% of the vote to Anderson's 34%. Community activist Michael Valentine is in third place with 7% of the vote.

"It's an honor to be trusted to lead Salt Lake City for another four years," Mendenhall said in a statement to KSL.com Wednesday evening. "I'm grateful to the county clerk's office for working so hard to finish counting ballots before the holiday."

Mendenhall all but declared victory when she spoke to a rambunctious crowd of supporters Tuesday night, The room roared earlier in the evening when the first batch of preliminary results showed she jumped out to a 59% to 34% lead over former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson with a significant number of votes already counted.

Salt Lake City is using ranked-choice voting again this year, a first in its mayoral race. That means a candidate needs at least 50% of the vote to win outright; otherwise, there will be one elimination before a candidate reaches at least half of the vote.

Her campaign ultimately chose not to declare victory until more results came in. Conversely, Anderson told KSL.com Tuesday night that it was "pretty clear" that he lost the race, though he did not initially throw in the towel.

"Mayor Mendenhall has prevailed," he said, as his campaign party began to thin out. "I think the spread right now is such that the writing's on the wall. I'll hold out just in case something unexpected happens."

Anderson, who served as Salt Lake City's mayor from 2000 to 2008, jumped into the race late last year, blasting the current administration over how it's handled issues like homelessness and crime in Utah's capital and most populated city. He later said the city is "headed in the wrong direction for a long time" in one of the debates ahead of the election.

Mendenhall focused her campaign more on what she said the city has accomplished over her first four years in office, including leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a major earthquake and windstorm in 2020. She shot back at Anderson's campaign attacks in her near-acceptance speech Tuesday night.

"Salt Lakers are not afraid of our incredible future, we're excited about it. This election was a repudiation of cynicism and it was a rejection of the politics of fear," she said. "Anger might be satisfying sometimes but ... it's not a strategy for getting results."

The mayor's campaign scheduled an event for Monday to speak more about the election results.

Anderson said Tuesday that he wishes Mendenhall "the best the luck" in her second term, which will begin in January. He also said that he has no plans to run for office again, but he will "always be active in Salt Lake City in one way or another."

Prior to the results being released, Valentine wrote on social media that he would also "fight like hell even harder for the people and community of Salt Lake City" if he lost.

Salt Lake City Council races

There are also four Salt Lake City Council seats up for grabs this year, though one race was decided well before ballots were mailed out on Oct. 31. Salt Lake City Councilman Alejandro Puy, representing District 2, is running unopposed and will represent the city's west side for the next four years.

Incumbents Dan Dugan and Sarah Young maintained leads in their respective races. Meanwhile, Eva Lopez Chavez extended her lead over incumbent Ana Valdemoros in another race.

 District 4 (Downtown, Central City, East Central): Eva Lopez Chavez, 39%; Ana Valdemoros, 35%; Clayton Scrivner, 27%. Lopez Chavez leads Valdemoros 53% to 47% in Round 2 of the runoff.

 District 6 (Bonneville Hills, East Bench, Sunnyside East, Wasatch Hollow, Yalecrest): Dan Dugan, 45%; Taymour Semnani, 35%; James Alfandre, 20%. Dugan leads Semnani 56% to 44% in Round 2 of the runoff.

 District 7 (Sugar House): Sarah Young, 52%; Molly Jones, 48%

All results are unofficial until the election is certified.

Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman told KSL NewsRadio that the county hoped to count as many ballots as possible by Wednesday afternoon, but election workers will resume counting on Friday after taking a break for Thanksgiving on Thursday.

The county's board of canvassers has until Dec. 6 to certify the election. The Salt Lake City election winners will be sworn into office on Jan. 2.